bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the qualitative literature on older individuals’ experiences of care and well‐being during physical rehabilitation for acquired brain injury
Authors: Lafiatoglou Panagiota , Ellis‐Hill Caroline , Gouva Mary , Ploumis Avraam , Mantzoukas Stefanos
Published: August 2021

Aims

To acquire an in‐depth understanding of how older individuals diagnosed with acquired brain injury (ABI) experience their well‐being and care when undergoing physical rehabilitation.

Design

Systematic literature review.

Data sources

The electronic databases of PubMed, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, ASSIA and SCOPUS were searched from 2005 to 2020. Extensive reference checking was also conducted.

Review methods

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, including predominantly qualitative studies. Studies’ quality was appraised using the critical apraisal skills programme (CASP) tool.

Results

Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Following methods of thematic synthesis, four overarching interpretive themes were identified: (a) Rehabilitation processes and their impact on older individuals’ well‐being; (b) Identity and embodiment concerns of older individuals during rehabilitation; (c) Institutional factors affecting older individuals’ care and well‐being experiences; and (d) Older individuals’ participation in creative activities as part of rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Organizational and structural care deficiencies as well as health disparities can adversely impact older individuals’ autonomous decision‐making and goal‐setting potentials. The discrepancy between older individuals’ expectations and the reality of returning home along with the illusionary wish to return to a perceived normality, can further negatively affect older individuals’ sense of well‐being. Constructive communication, emotional support, family involvement in rehabilitation and creating a stimulating, enriching social environment can humanize and facilitate older individuals’ adjustment to their new reality following ABI.

Impact

There is a lack of qualitative research on older individuals’ ABI rehabilitation experiences, especially traumatic brain injury incidents. Further study should consider patients’ concerns over their involvement in decision‐making and goal setting about their care. Overall, this review reveals the need to examine further the significance of humanizing care and the factors that affect older individuals’ sense of well‐being.
Human landscape modification and expansion of tropical woodland in southern Arabia during the mid‐Holocene from rock hyrax middens
Authors: Ivory Sarah J. , Cole Kenneth L. , Anderson R. Scott , Anderson Andrew , McCorriston Joy
Published: August 2021

Aim

Dryland ecosystems, such as those in southern Arabia, are particularly vulnerable to climate and land‐use change. Aridification and human subsistence changes at the end of the Holocene Humid Period at 6–4 ka have been used as an iconic example for evaluating such impacts to resilience of arid systems. Although records of ancient environments can provide critical insight into the biotic and abiotic mechanisms that alter ecosystems, traditional archives, such as lake deposits, are not common in southern Arabia after 6 ka; thus, we must use alternative archives.

Location

Yemen.

Taxon

Plants; Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis).

Methods

We use fossil pollen and stable isotopes (δ15N; δ13C) of rock hyrax (P. capensis) middens from Wadi Sana, Yemen, to look at changes in ecosystem structure and function across this key transition from 6 ka to the present. A total of 17 middens were radiocarbon‐dated and stable isotopes were measured. Of these, pollen was extracted from hyraceum of 14 middens and identified using a light microscope. Fossil pollen assemblages were then compared to existing modern pollen samples from throughout Arabia.

Results

During the mid‐Holocene from at least 6 to 4.7 ka, the pollen flora reflects a landscape with abundant tropical trees. These included foundational woody taxa, such as Terminalia and Boswellia sacra (frankincense), which had a strong positive influence on local hydrology and the economy, respectively. Increased charcoal abundances also suggest that wildfire occurred periodically.

Main conclusions

Connections with archaeological evidence suggest a strong link between human management and the presence of Terminalia woodland during the mid‐Holocene. These may have promoted increased groundwater storage and ponding as regional rainfall was decreasing. The mid‐Holocene expansion of Boswellia sacra (frankincense) may have helped support resin trade that became a critical export from the region. Fires were more common than today, suggesting semi‐arid but continuous vegetation cover across what is now bare ground. Finally, after 1 ka, increased sedge abundances at the expense of grasses and trees suggest the development of desert conditions.
Exploring age and gender differences of computational thinkers in primary school: A developmental perspective
Authors: Jiang Shan , Wong Gary K. W.
Published: August 2021

Over the past decade, the call to foster computational thinking (CT) in every child has received considerable attention. However, there is little understanding of whether children are developmentally ready to think computationally and what specific CT concepts and skills can be developed at various ages. This study explored the developmental and gender differences in CT skills of 197 Grade 4–6 students (aged 9–13) before being exposed to instruction and investigated the age–gender interaction effects on their CT acquisition in an intervention combining both programming and non‐programming (unplugged) activities. Results show that students' CT skills followed a developmental progression before instruction. Gender difference across ages was insignificant in conditionals, logical operators, pattern recognition and generalization skills. Additionally, students of different ages developed CT differently during the intervention, and their CT acquisition was unaffected by gender. Implications for practice and research in CT education were discussed.
A new brain‐penetrant glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor as potential Therapeutics for Gaucher disease
Authors: Fujii Takahiro , Tanaka Yuta , Oki Hideyuki , Sato Sho , Shibata Sachio , Maru Takamitsu , Tanaka Yuta , Tanaka Maiko , Onishi Tomohiro
Published: August 2021

Gaucher disease (GD), the most common lysosomal storage disorders, is caused by GBA gene mutations resulting in glycosphingolipids accumulations in various tissues, such as the brain. While suppressing glycosphingolipid accumulation is the central strategy for treating peripheral symptoms of GD, there is no effective treatment for the central nervous system symptoms. As glycosphingolipid biosynthesis starts from ceramide glycosylation by glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), inhibiting GCS in the brain is a promising strategy for neurological GD. Herein, we discovered T‐036, a potent and brain‐penetrant GCS inhibitor with a unique chemical structure and binding property. T‐036 does not harbor an aliphatic amine moiety and has a noncompetitive inhibition mode to the substrates, unlike other known inhibitors. T‐036 exhibited sufficient exposure and a significant reduction of glucosylsphingolipids in the plasma and brain of the GD mouse model. Therefore, T‐036 could be a promising lead molecule for treating central nervous system symptoms of GD.

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The effect of nurse‐led care on fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled studies
Authors: Sezgin Merve Gozde , Bektas Hicran
Published: August 2021

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effect of nurse‐led care on fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Background

Evaluating the effect of nurse‐led care on fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis will be useful in planning appropriate nursing interventions to increase the functional status and quality of life of patients.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted on the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCOhost/CINAHL Complete, Springer Link, ProQuest, Science Direct and Ovid databases. The selected articles were examined by two independent ratters with the PICOS criteria, and the methodological quality of the studies included in the study was evaluated with the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. The Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis 3 software was used in the analysis of the data. The study was conducted using the checklist for PRISMA.

Results

This meta‐analysis study included six of 1,445 randomised controlled trials. These six studies consisted of a total of 994 patients and provided education and psychosocial support through 30‐minute to 2‐hour consultations, visits and briefings. No significant publication bias was found in the main outcomes. According to the results of the meta‐analysis, the fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis decreased significantly in nurse‐led care groups compared with control groups (Hedge's g = −0.18; 95% CI = −0.3 to −0.06).

Conclusions

The findings in this systematic review and meta‐analysis indicated that nurse‐led care played an important role in reducing fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurse‐led care is an effective and appropriate method in reducing fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The awareness of all health professionals about the importance of nurse‐led care will increase. We recommend the implementation of nurse‐led education and psychosocial support interventions to reduce the fatigue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Enacting person‐centred care in home care services for people with dementia
Authors: Hedman Ragnhild , Sandman Per‐Olof , Edvardsson David
Published: August 2021

Aims and objectives

To develop the theoretical understanding of the process of providing person‐centred home care for people with dementia.

Background

People with dementia are increasingly cared for at home by family members and home care staff. Care of people with dementia should be person‐centred; however, little is known about how home care staff understand and enact person‐centred care in their daily work.

Design

Grounded theory.

Methods

Home care staff (n = 29) were recruited from home care services specialised in providing care for people with dementia. Group interviews were conducted, and a tentative theoretical model for providing person‐centred home care to people with dementia was outlined. Nine of the participants were then individually interviewed to further develop the model. The analysis was conducted parallel to the data collection, and hypotheses concerning the evolving theoretical model were continuously tested in the following interviews. The COREQ checklist for qualitative studies was used in reporting the study.

Results

Person‐centred home care of people with dementia was conceptualised as a series of processes: Getting ready, getting in, giving care, getting out and finalising the story, each with subprocesses. Theatre metaphors were used to describe how the care was provided. A core process, Enacting and re‐enacting familiarity, was at centre in all processes.

Conclusions

In the person‐centred care of people with dementia, familiarity had to be established and continuously fostered. When familiarity was in place, the care recipient and the home care staff acted as a team to perform the care. The theoretical works of Goffman were used to interpret the results.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study provides a model for person‐centred care of people with dementia at home that deepens the understanding of its processes, prerequisites and outcomes. The model can inform education and administration of home care for people with dementia.
Research progress in teratoma‐associated anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis: The gynecological perspective
Authors: Gu Jiaxin , Chen Qian , Gu Handong , Duan Ruiqi
Published: August 2021

Aim

Anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is one of the autoimmune encephalitis, which often occurs in children and young adults, especially in young women. In addition to viral infection, teratoma is an important causative factor. Anti‐NMDAR encephalitis is well known to neurologist. However, this is less well known to gynecologists, who may have a decisive role in etiological management. Therefore, from the perspective of gynecologists, we provide an overview of the relationship between the encephalitis and ovarian teratoma, the clinical features and treatment of this disease, and prognosis of pregnant women with this encephalitis.

Methods

We searched the PubMed database using the search terms in various combinations “teratoma,” “dermoid cyst,” “ovary,” “ovarian,” “anti‐NMDAR encephalitis,” and “N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor.”

Results

According to the current literature, the mechanism of anti‐NMDAR encephalitis is probably due to the ectopic expression of the NMDAR in the teratomas tissue. The disease has a high mortality rate if not treated promptly and effectively. An important way to improve patients' outcome is to remove the ovarian tumor in time. Pregnant women are also at risk of developing anti‐NMDAR encephalitis during pregnancy. The fetal outcome is usually better in patients with mid‐ to late‐pregnancy onset than in early pregnancy, and patients are often able to maintain their pregnancies into late pregnancy.

Conclusion

Young women with sudden onset of abnormal psychiatric behavior should be actively screened for ovarian tumors and, if confirmed to be teratoma‐associated anti‐NMDAR encephalitis, should undergo gynecologic surgery as early as possible, which can help improve their prognosis.
Polarization of macrophages in the trigeminal ganglion of rats with pulpitis
Authors: Gao Lu , Fan Fan , Wang Lina , Tang Bohan , Wen Zhihao , Tang Jing , Dai Ting , Jin Haiwei
Published: August 2021

Background

Dental pulp tissues are rich in pain‐related afferent nerve fibers, which originate from primary sensory neurons in the trigeminal ganglion (TG). The mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) underlying ectopic pain following peripheral inflammation have been reported that the macrophages as inflammatory and immunologic mediators in the TG play an important role in the process of pulpitis and hyperalgesia.

Objective(s)

To observe the polarization response and dynamic distribution of macrophages in the TG during the development of dental pulp inflammation.

Methods

A rat model of pulpitis was established using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Hematoxylin‐eosin (HE), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), toluidine blue (TB) staining, and RT‐qPCR were performed to observe the expression of macrophage‐related factors in the TG.

Results

The results of IHC staining showed that M2 macrophages labeled with CD206 were observed in the TG of both the control and CFA groups. The statistical analysis indicated that the number of CD206‐positive macrophages in the TG increased significantly at 24 h after CFA‐induced pulpitis, reached a peak at 2 weeks, and then returned to the normal level after 6 weeks. The ratio of M2/M1 in the CFA groups was significantly lower than that in the control group from 24 to 72 h, and this pattern was reversed at 2 weeks after CFA‐induced pulpitis; then, the ratio increased significantly and was maintained at a high level for 4 weeks. RT‐qPCR results showed that the expression of IL‐10 in the TG increased significantly from 1 to 4 weeks after CFA‐induced pulpitis.

Conclusion

The trend of M2 macrophages was opposite to that of M1 macrophages in the TG during the process of pulpitis induced by CFA, which is consistent with the expression of macrophage‐related cytokines. Macrophage polarization in the TG may participate in the neuroinflammation response induced by dental pulpitis.
Sleep‐disordered breathing in Australian children with Prader‐Willi syndrome following initiation of growth hormone therapy
Authors: Caudri Daan , Nixon Gillian M , Nielsen Aleisha , Mai Linda , Hafekost Claire R , Kapur Nitin , Seton Chris , Tai Andrew , Blecher Greg , Ambler Geoff , Bergman Philip B , Vora Komal A , Crock Patricia , Verge Charles F , Tham Elaine , Musthaffa Yassmin , Lafferty Antony R , Jacoby Peter , Wilson Andrew C , Downs Jenny , Choong Catherine S
Published: August 2021

Aim

In children with Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS), growth hormone (GH) improves height and body composition; however, may be associated with worsening sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB). Some studies have reported less SDB after GH initiation, but follow‐up with polysomnography is still advised in most clinical guidelines.

Methods

This retrospective, multicentre study, included children with PWS treated with GH at seven PWS treatment centres in Australia over the last 18 years. A paired analysis comparing polysomnographic measures of central and obstructive SDB in the same child, before and after GH initiation was performed with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. The proportion of children who developed moderate/severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) was calculated with their binomial confidence intervals.

Results

We included 112 patients with available paired data. The median age at start of GH was 1.9 years (range 0.1–13.5 years). Median obstructive apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) at baseline was 0.43/h (range 0–32.9); 35% had an obstructive AHI above 1.0/h. Follow‐up polysomnography within 2 years after the start of GH was available in 94 children who did not receive OSA treatment. After GH initiation, there was no change in central AHI. The median obstructive AHI did not increase significantly (P = 0.13), but 12 children (13%, CI95% 7–21%) developed moderate/severe OSA, with clinical management implications.

Conclusions

Our findings of a worsening of OSA severity in 13% of children with PWS support current advice to perform polysomnography after GH initiation. Early identification of worsening OSA may prevent severe sequelae in a subgroup of children.
Which effort pays off? Analyzing ideators’ behavioral patterns on corporate ideation platforms
Authors: Gamber Michael , Kruft Tobias , Kock Alexander
Published: August 2021

The challenge of developing high‐quality ideas as the basis of new goods and services is an important topic that coincides with companies’ rapid development of these products. In response, firms increasingly rely on online ideation platforms for ideation contests to optimize their employees’ creative power. This optimization requires a profound understanding of online ideation contests’ underlying mechanisms, specifically the participants’ innovative behavior that contributes to generating, elaborating, and championing ideas based on each ideator's effort distribution, namely their behavioral patterns. Our analysis of the ideators’ behavioral patterns and their relationship to idea success consists of two steps. First, we combine contest theory with innovative behavior literature to derive eight types of innovative behavior in online contests—clustered into the three categories idea generation, elaboration, and championing—that represent the ideators’ required efforts to compete in an ideation contest successfully. Second, we use a unique empirical sample, which combines platform and evaluation data of a corporate R&D ideation contest with participants’ survey data, received a few days before the contest's closure, to analyze the relationship between the effort invested in these dimensions and idea success. The results show that more effort does not necessarily lead to better results. The effort invested in idea generation, such as more extensive submission (“spamming”) and creative inspiration (“copying”), could be wasted and even has adverse effects on idea success. However, especially effort invested into idea championing provides strong possibilities to increase idea success.
The origin and evolution of Stanford University’s design thinking: From product design to design thinking in innovation management
Authors: Auernhammer Jan , Roth Bernard
Published: August 2021

This article outlines the origin and evolution of one of the most influential design thinking perspectives in the Innovation Management discourse. This study addresses two significant criticisms of design thinking, namely, theoretical grounding and construct clarity. It also illustrates how this humanistic and creative design practice transcended into a comprehensive Innovation Management approach, facilitating entrepreneurship and innovation. Our research analyzes the evolution of the design philosophy and practices developed at Stanford University from 1957 to 2005 through document analysis. We identified design qualities that have been consistent over the decades, providing further construct clarity and insights on managing Design‐driven Innovation. These design qualities elucidate design thinking as a cognitive process, creative practice, organizational routine, and design culture. They emphasize finding profound needs and problems and translate them into tangible designs, creating value for people. This design philosophy is deeply rooted in humanistic psychology theories, particularly on creativity and human values. Collaborations between psychologists, industrial researchers, and designers created this creative and human‐centered design approach, known today as design thinking. This value‐driven innovation offers a humanistic perspective on innovation theory and practice. It also offers an Innovation Management schema of design qualities essential for developing Design‐driven Innovation capabilities in organizations and educational institutions. We emphasize that developing a creative design culture in which people have the human values, abilities, and confidence to collaboratively identify continuous emerging problems and needs and contribute through tangible designs generates an era of innovation and is essentially innovation management.
Liver involvement in neuroblastoma amplified sequence gene deficiency is not limited to acute injury: Fibrosis silently continues
Authors: Nazmi Farinaz , Ozdogan Elif , Mungan Neslihan O. , Arikan Cigdem
Published: August 2021

Biallelic mutations in neuroblastoma amplified sequence gene (NBAS) is a rare disease which is characterized by recurrent liver failure (RALF). We reported the novel mutations, clinical characteristics and long‐term outcomes of 5 patients with novel biallelic NBAS variants. Four patients (80%) had acute, episodic liver crises (LC) triggered by fever, with a median age of onset of 8.5 months. The median age in the last episode was 34 months. Median number of liver episodes was 4. The course of ALF was complicated by hepatic encephalopathy and hypoglycaemia in all patients with ALF. Two patients recovered with conservative treatment, 2 required liver transplantation (LT) and 1 died during the fourth episode. Long‐term post‐transplant follow‐up showed normal liver function and histology. There is no hepatic or extrahepatic recurrence after LT. Non‐transplanted patients exhibited fibrosis in either biopsy or elastography. Despite a reduction in the frequency of clinically significant episodes, patients may exhibit ongoing liver injury and fibrosis. An acute on chronic liver failure with predominant cholestasis can be an alternative presentation.
Ancient divergence of Indian and Tibetan wolves revealed by recombination‐aware phylogenomics
Authors: Hennelly Lauren M. , Habib Bilal , Modi Shrushti , Rueness Eli K. , Gaubert Philippe , Sacks Benjamin N.
Published: August 2021

The grey wolf (Canis lupus) expanded its range across Holarctic regions during the late Pleistocene. Consequently, most grey wolves share recent (<100,000 years ago) maternal origins corresponding to a widespread Holarctic clade. However, two deeply divergent (200,000–700,000 years ago) mitochondrial clades are restricted, respectively, to the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau, where remaining wolves are endangered. No genome‐wide analysis had previously included wolves corresponding to the mitochondrial Indian clade or attempted to parse gene flow and phylogeny. We sequenced four Indian and two Tibetan wolves and included 31 additional canid genomes to resolve the phylogenomic history of grey wolves. Genomic analyses revealed Indian and Tibetan wolves to be distinct from each other and from broadly distributed wolf populations corresponding to the mitochondrial Holarctic clade. Despite gene flow, which was reflected disproportionately in high‐recombination regions of the genome, analyses revealed Indian and Tibetan wolves to be basal to Holarctic grey wolves, in agreement with the mitochondrial phylogeny. In contrast to mitochondrial DNA, however, genomic findings suggest the possibility that the Indian wolf could be basal to the Tibetan wolf, a discordance potentially reflecting selection on the mitochondrial genome. Together, these findings imply that southern regions of Asia have been important centers for grey wolf evolution and that Indian and Tibetan wolves represent evolutionary significant units (ESUs). Further study is needed to assess whether these ESUs warrant recognition as distinct species. This question is especially urgent regarding the Indian wolf, which represents one of the world's most endangered wolf populations.
Landscape distribution and abundance of animal‐associated adult filth flies on commercial swine facilities in North Carolina, US
Authors: Machtinger E. T. , Brown J. E. , Burgess E. R.
Published: August 2021

Filth flies associated with animal production transmit pathogens to humans and animals, propagate antimicrobial resistance in microbial communities and provoke nuisance litigation. Although dispersal of flies from facilities is often responsible for these negative effects, filth fly research on swine facilities has been limited to within the barns. Filth fly adaptations in space and time, as well as influences of abiotic and biotic factors impact distribution and abundance of animal‐associated filth flies on swine production facilities. In this study, fly surveillance was conducted around four swine facilities in Bladen County, North Carolina, U.S.A. from January 2019 to October 2019. Traps were replaced weekly and animal‐associated filth flies were identified. Flies were grouped for comparison based on biology and differences in pest management strategies. There were distinct differences in abundance and spatial distribution of different filth fly groups on the swine facilities, which are likely linked to environmental factors like spatial relation to crop production and species phenology. The impact of the observed temporal and spatial distribution and abundance is discussed in the context of filth fly management.
Evolution not revolution – what might the future hold for front‐of‐pack nutrition labelling in the UK?: A British Nutrition Foundation roundtable
Authors: Gibson‐Moore Helena , Spiro Ayela
Published: August 2021

Obesity and diet‐related chronic diseases remain a serious public health concern across the globe. As part of an integrated package of policies to tackle obesity, many countries use front‐of‐pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL), which can provide at‐a‐glance information to help consumers make healthier food choices. The UK government has recently run a consultation (July 2020–October 2020) on FOPNL to gather views and evidence on the current ‘multiple traffic lights’ (MTL) label scheme, and to compare other FOPNL schemes (such as the Chilean Warning and Nutri‐Score labels) in respect of their impact on consumer and industry behaviour. To identify and explore the strengths and limitations of different FOPNL systems, the British Nutrition Foundation hosted a virtual roundtable event with a wide range of stakeholders in October 2020. The ensuing discussions considered the effectiveness of FOPNL in guiding food purchases and healthier eating choices and in driving product reformulation; as well as the potential advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and challenges of different systems including MTL and Nutri‐Score. This report describes some of the key points emerging from the discussions.
The oral microbiome of treated and untreated chronic HCV infection: A preliminary study
Authors: Gamal‐AbdelNaser Ayat , Mohammed Waleed S. , ElHefnawi Mahmoud , AbdAllah Mohamed , Elsharkawy Aisha , Zahran Fat'heya M.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a debilitating disease that is lately treated using direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). Changes in the oral microbiome were detected in other liver diseases; however, oral microbiome was never investigated in patients having chronic HCV infection, whether pre‐ or post‐treatment.

Materials and Methods

This case–control preliminary study enrolled three equal groups: Group (I): untreated HCV patients; group (II): HCV patients who achieved viral clearance after DAA administration; and group (III): healthy controls. For each participant, a buccal swab was harvested and its 16S rRNA was sequenced.

Results

The oral microbiome of chronic HCV patients had a significantly distinct bacterial community compared to healthy controls, characterized by high diversity and abundance of certain pathogenic species. These changes resemble that of oral lichen planus patients. After treatment by DAAs, the oral microbiome shifted to a community with partial similarity to both the diseased and the healthy ones.

Conclusions

Chronic HCV is associated with dysbiotic oral microbiome having abundant pathogenic bacteria. With HCV clearance by DAAs, the oral microbiome shifts to approach the healthy composition.
Clinical implication of intraoperative ventricular‐arterial coupling in pediatric patients undergoing ventricular septal defects repair: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Oh Jimi , Lee Byungdoo Andrew , Shin Won‐Jung , Jeong DaUn , Yun Tae‐Jin , Park Chun Soo , Choi Eun Seok , Song In‐Kyung
Published: August 2021

Background

Ventricular‐arterial coupling is the ratio of arterial elastance to ventricular end‐systolic elastance.

Aims

The objective of this study was to determine the clinical implication of intraoperative ventricular‐arterial coupling derived from the pressure‐area relationship using transesophageal echocardiography.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 72 pediatric patients with ventricular septal defects who underwent corrective surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The single‐beat modified method was used to assess ventricular‐arterial coupling. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the correlation between ventricular‐arterial coupling and early postoperative outcomes, including the maximum vasoactive‐inotropic score, length of mechanical ventilation, and length of hospital stay.

Results

Ventricular‐arterial coupling after cardiopulmonary bypass significantly increased (from 1.0 ± 0.4 to 1.4 ± 0.8, p < .001), indicating a disproportionate increase in the arterial elastance index (from 11.5 ± 5.1 to 19.8 ± 7.5 mmHg/cm2/m2, p < .001) compared with the ventricular end‐systolic elastance index (from 13.0 ± 6.9 to 16.9 ± 9.0 mmHg/cm2/m2, p < .001). Logistic regression analyses revealed that high postoperative ventricular‐arterial coupling was independently associated with higher postoperative maximum vasoactive‐inotropic score (>10; odds ratio [OR], 8.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38–46.85, p = .020), longer postoperative mechanical ventilation (>15 h; OR: 11.00; 95% CI: 1.26–96.45, p = .030), and longer postoperative hospital stay (>7 days; OR: 2.98; 95% CI: 1.04–8.58, p = .043).

Conclusions

Ventricular‐arterial coupling can be easily obtained from the intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in pediatric patients undergoing ventricular septal defects repair. High postoperative ventricular‐arterial coupling is strongly associated with worse early postoperative outcomes. Ventricular‐arterial coupling shows promise as an intraoperative analysis tool that can provide insight into the impact of interventions on cardiovascular performance and identify potential targets for treatment in this population.
Acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis: A case series of two Caucasian patients
Authors: Reid Alexander T. , Goettsche Lainee , Willis Melissa , Powers Jennifer , Berrebi Kristen G.
Published: August 2021

Acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis (AIGA) is a rare disorder characterized by insidious or sudden onset of the inability to sweat involving >25% of body surface area in the absence of other neurologic or sweat gland abnormalities and typically affects young, healthy, Asian men. Here, we describe two Caucasian teenagers with the diagnosis. They both had variable responses to prednisone, one in the setting of an elevated ANA, suggesting an autoimmune or inflammatory pathomechanism of the disorder. It is essential the clinician recognizes this rare entity and initiates timely intervention to prevent the serious consequences of hyperpyrexia.
Frictional melanosis: A pediatric case series
Authors: Holzer David , Wanat Karolyn , Lalor Leah
Published: August 2021

We present a pair of cases detailing acquired hyperpigmented patches overlying the spinous processes of pediatric patients. These cases are consistent with a condition that has previously been documented in the adult population and is known by many names, including “Davener's dermatosis,” “towel melanosis,” and “lifa disease.” We propose unifying these terms into a single standardized name, “frictional melanosis,” when it is encountered in the pediatric setting. In presenting these findings, we hope that greater awareness and recognition of this benign condition in pediatric patients will decrease the need for biopsy and reduce family concern.
Pediatric liver transplantation activity in a high‐volume program during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Fonseca Eduardo A. , Feier Flavia , Pugliese Renata , Freitas Aline F. , Porta Gilda , Miura Irene , Baggio Vera , Kondo Mario , Benavides Marcel , Vincenzi Rodrigo , Roda Karina , Oliveira Caio V. , Chapchap Paulo , Seda‐Neto João
Published: August 2021

Background

The impact of the COVID pandemic on liver transplant (LT) programs varied among countries. Few data are available about that impact in pediatric liver transplant (PLT) programs. This study aimed at comparing the data of our program in Brazil (2019 vs. 2020).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐four PLT were performed in the period (93% living donors). Patients were divided into two groups according to the LT date: pre‐COVID‐19 period (march/2019–February/2020) and COVID‐19 period (March/2020–February 2021). In the pre‐COVID‐19 period, 97 LTs were performed, and 77 LTs were performed in the COVID‐19 period. Patients in the COVID‐19 period were younger (10.9 months vs. 16 months, p 0.009), had higher PELD scores (15 vs. 14, p 0.04), more ascites (66.2 vs. 51.5%, p 0.03), and more frequently hospitalized before LT (27.3 vs. 17.5%). However, there was no difference in post‐LT complications, retransplantation nor survival rates. Six (6.2%) patients from pre‐COVID‐19 period were COVID positive at a median of 15.5 months (14–17.5), and 6 (7.8%) patients from COVID‐19 period were COVID positive at a median of 3 months (20 days–6 months) from LT. There was neither mortality nor complications in those patients. Four (33%) were hospitalized, and one had prolonged intubation. Four (33%) were asymptomatic, 4 (33%) had upper airways symptoms, and the remaining had gastrointestinal symptoms.

Conclusion

Overall, PLT was not affected during COVID‐19 period. Even though patients from COVID‐19 period were sicker, there was no significant impact in LT outcomes. All the recipients who tested positive for COVID had a favorable outcome.
Drought and crop yield
Authors: Dietz K.‐J. , Zörb C. , Geilfus C.‐M.
Published: August 2021

Episodes of water shortage occur in most agricultural regions of the world. Their durations and intensities increase, and their seasonal timing alters with changing climate. During the ontogenic cycle of crop plants, each development stage, such as seed germination, seedling establishment, vegetative root and shoot growth, flowering, pollination and seed and fruit development, is specifically sensitive to dehydration. Desiccation threatens yield and leads to specific patterns, depending on the type of crop plant and the harvested plant parts,e.g. leafy vegetables, tubers, tap roots or fruits. This review summarizes the effects of drought stress on crop plants and relates the dehydration‐dependent yield penalty to the harvested organ and tissue. The control of shoot transpiration and the reorganization of root architecture are of core importance for maintaining proper plant water relationships. Upon dehydration, the provision and partitioning of assimilates and the uptake and distribution of nutrients define remaining growth activity. Domestication of crops by selection for high yield under high input has restricted the genetic repertoire for achieving drought stress tolerance. Introgression of suitable alleles from wild relatives into commercial cultivars might improve the ability to grow with less water. Future research activities should focus more on field studies in order to generate more realistic improvements to crops. Robotic field phenotyping should be integrated into genetic mapping for the identification of relevant traits.
Treated municipal wastewater as a water source for sustainable aquaculture: A review
Authors: Zaibel Inbal , Arnon Shai , Zilberg Dina
Published: August 2021

Aquaculture has been the fastest‐growing food production sector during the last decades. The supply–demand gap for fish is constantly widening, and declining freshwater availability is becoming a major limiting factor for production. Exploring alternative water resources, such as treated wastewater (TWW), has become a growing strategy for coping with the increasing water demand in agriculture. Reuse of wastewater or TWW for agriculture and aquaculture has been practiced around the world for centuries. However, the extent of the practice and the scientific attention paid to TWW reuse for aquaculture are negligible compared to those for agricultural irrigation. The objectives of this review are to present the existing literature on treated‐wastewater‐fed aquaculture, to evaluate the prospective reuse of TWW for aquaculture and its economic appraisal, and to identify the scientific and legislative gaps and challenges towards implementation. Most of the published studies on fish culture in TWW suggest that it is feasible in terms of fish survival and growth. Research also shows that fish are safe for human consumption in terms of microbiological contamination and the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and certain organic‐micropollutants, with levels found to be in accordance with international standards for human consumption. Moreover, reuse of TWW as an alternative water source for aquaculture holds economic and environmental advantages. It appears that the sociocultural perception is a major barrier, which can be overcome by a combination of further research, legislation and public relations, which can support the implementation of TWW reuse for aquaculture.
Acquired tetracycline resistance genes by transposons and virulence factors in enterococci recovered from overland and aquatic animals: A systematic review
Authors: Mussa Ebthag Almabruk Mohamed , Alsalahi Abdulsamad , Aljaberi Musheer A. , Jasni Azmiza Syawani , Desa Mohd Nasir Mohd , Al‐Mahdi Abdullah Yahya Mohammed , Hamat Rukman Awang
Published: August 2021

Enterococci possess a high propensity to spread their resistance genes between intra‐ and inter‐species via mobile genetic elements. Potential reservoirs for acquiring antibiotic resistance genes by commensal and environmental bacteria, including enterococci, have raised significant public health concerns over recent decades. This concern is further complicated by the rampant use of tetracyclines in aquaculture and animals for therapeutic and chemoprophylactic purposes. This systematic review was conducted to elucidate the occurrence of tetracycline‐resistant enterococcal species, their resistomes and virulence determinants in faecal samples of aquatic and overland animals. The PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases were searched to retrieve relevant studies that matched the specific keywords. A total of 19 low‐bias studies were included. It was found that several tetracycline resistance genes such as tet(M), tet(L), and tet(M + L) genes encode for the ribosomal protection protein or for the efflux mechanism of tetracyclines in E. faecium, E. faecalis, E. hirae, E. durans, E. gallinarium and E. casseliflavus. Additionally, tet(M) and tet(M + L) or tet(M) genes were associated with transposons Tn916 and/or Tn5397 or Tn1545 plus Tn916, respectively. The acquisition of tet(M) and tet(M + L) genes may be assisted by transposons Tn916 and/or Tn5397 or Tn1545 plus Tn916. In conclusion, tetracycline‐resistant enterococci recovered from aquatic and overland animals could further complicate the management of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in both humans and animals. Thus, a concerted, multisectoral and transdisciplinary approach (One Health) is needed for active surveillance to be exacted and for better public health measures to be initiated in the future.
Reproductive cells and peripheral parietal cells collaboratively participate in meiotic fate acquisition in rice anthers
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Ren Lijun , Zhao Yangzi , You Hanli , Zhou Yue , Tang Ding , Du Guijie , Shen Yi , Li Yafei , Cheng Zhukuan
Published: August 2021

In flowering plants, the transition from mitosis to meiosis is the precondition for gametogenesis, which is the most crucial event during sexual reproduction. Here, we report an intriguing mechanism whereby germ cells and surrounding somatic cells cooperatively involve in the meiotic switch during anther development in rice (Oryza sativa). In double mutants with loss function of both leptotene chromosome establishment‐ and somatic cell layer differentiation‐associated genes, chromosome morphology in the reproductive cells remains the same as that in somatic cells, and sporogenous cells fail to differentiate into pollen mother cells. OsSPOROCYTELESS and MICROSPORELESS1, two pivotal genes involved in meiosis entry, are prominently downregulated in anthers of plants with mutations in both MULTIPLE SPOROCYTE1 and LEPTOTENE 1. In addition, the transcription of redox‐related genes is also affected. Therefore, germ cells and the surrounding somatic cells collaboratively participate in meiosis initiation in rice.
Differential effects of speed and volume on transfusion‐associated circulatory overload: A randomized study in rats
Authors: Klanderman Robert B. , Wijnberge Marije , Bosboom Joachim J. , Roelofs Joris J. T. H. , de Korte Dirk , van Bruggen Robin , Hollmann Markus W. , Vroom Margreeth B. , Veelo Denise P. , Juffermans Nicole P. , Geerts Bart F. , Vlaar Alexander P. J.
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives

Transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) is the primary cause of transfusion‐related mortality. Speed and volume of transfusion are major risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion speed and volume on the development of TACO.

Materials and Methods

A validated model for TACO in anaemic Lewis rats with an acute myocardial infarction was used. The effect on pulmonary hydrostatic pressure of one, two or four units of packed RBCs transfused in either 30 or 60 min was evaluated (3.3–26.6 ml·kg−1·hr−1). Pulmonary capillary pressure was measured as left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Cardiac stress biomarkers atrial natriuretic‐peptide (ANP) and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were measured 1‐h post‐transfusion.

Results

Thirty animals were included (n = 5 per group). Transfusion of RBCs increased LVEDP in a volume‐dependent manner (ΔLVEDP [mmHg]: −0.95, +0.50, +6.26, p < 0.001). Fast transfusion increased overall ΔLVEDP by +3.5 mmHg and up to +11.8 mmHg in the four units' group (p = 0.016). Doubling transfusion speed increased ΔLVEDP more than doubling volume in the larger volume groups. No difference in ANP or NT‐proBNP were seen in high transfusion volume or groups.

Conclusion

Transfusion volume dose‐dependently increased LVEDP, with speed of transfusion rapidly elevating LVEDP at higher transfusion volumes. ANP and NT‐proBNP were not impacted by transfusion volume or speed in this model. TACO is seen as purely volume overload, however, this study emphasizes that limiting transfusion speed, as a modifiable risk factor, might aid in preventing TACO.
Shape Effect of Polymetallic Nodules on Suction Forces and Flow Field During Seabed Hydraulic Collection
Authors: Zhao Guocheng , Lu Haining , Xiao Longfei , Hu Jingchao
Published: August 2021

Turbulent suction pipe flow around a near-wall ellipsoid nodule, as basic research of polymetallic nodule hydraulic collection, is investigated numerically and experimentally in this paper. Seven ellipsoids with axe ratios (a/b) ranging from 1 to 2 are considered as nodule models to reveal the shape effect on the characteristics of suction forces and suction flow field. Methods of particle image velocimetry (PIV) and dye tracing were used to visualize the suction flow field. The results indicate that (1) the suction force coefficient increases with a/b and its growth rate decreases with the ratio of bottom clearance to semi-thickness of the ellipsoid (h/c); (2) the weak vortex shedding in suction flow results in small-amplitude fluctuations of time-history suction forces; and (3) the detached eddy simulation (DES) method based on shear stress transport (SST) model is validated to be accurate and feasible for predicting the suction forces and suction flow field. It is expected to provide references for the design of nodule pick-up devices and to help us further understand the mechanism of hydraulic collection.
Tilt Pad Bearing Distributed Pad Inlet Temperature With Machine Learning—Part II: Morton Effect
Authors: Yang Jongin , Palazzolo Alan
Published: August 2021

The Morton effect (ME) occurs when a bearing journal experiences asymmetric heating due to synchronous vibration, resulting in thermal bowing of the shaft and increasing vibration. An accurate prediction of the journal's asymmetric temperature distribution is critical for reliable ME simulation. This distribution is strongly influenced by the film thermal boundary condition at the pad inlets. Part I utilizes machine learning (ML) to obtain a two-dimensional radial and axial distribution of temperatures over the leading-edge film cross section. The hybrid finite volume method (FVM)—bulk flow method of Part I eliminated film temperature discontinuities and is utilized in Part II for improving accuracy and efficiency of ME simulation.
Exebacase in Addition to Daptomycin against MRSA
Authors: Kebriaei Razieh , Stamper Kyle C. , Lev Katherine L. , Morrisette Taylor , Abdul-Mutakabbir Jacinda C. , Schuch Raymond , Lehoux Dario , Rybak Michael J.
Published: August 2021

Exebacase is a lysin (cell wall hydrolase) with direct lytic activity against
Staphylococcus aureus
including methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA). Time-kill analysis experiments illustrated bactericidal activity of exebacase-daptomycin against MRSA strains MW2 and 494.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Rezafungin in Patients with Fungal Infections
Authors: Rubino Christopher M. , Flanagan Shawn
Published: August 2021

Rezafungin is a novel antifungal agent of the echinocandin class with potent activity against species ofCandidaandAspergillus, including subsets of resistant strains, andPneumocystis jirovecii. The objective of this analysis was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model to characterize the disposition of rezafungin in plasma following intravenous (IV) administration in healthy volunteers and in patients with candidemia and/or invasive candidiasis.