bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of the effect of PO administered acid suppressants on gastric pH in healthy cats
Authors: Ryan Phillip , Odunayo Adesola , Price Josh , Hecht Silke , Hillsman Shanna , Galyon Gina , Steiner Joerg , Tolbert M. Katherine
Published: September 2020

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly prescribed medications for esophagitis and upper gastrointestinal erosion and ulceration in cats. Newer PPIs such as lansoprazole and esomeprazole are believed to be effective in cats, but the effect of many of these PPIs on gastric pH in cats has not been explored.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of PO esomeprazole, dexlansoprazole, and lansoprazole on intragastric pH in healthy cats. We hypothesized that esomeprazole and lansoprazole would provide superior acid suppression compared to dexlansoprazole and reach pH goals extrapolated from people for the treatment of esophagitis and duodenal ulceration.

Animals

Twelve healthy research cats.

Methods

Randomized, 3‐way crossover study. Cats were given esomeprazole and lansoprazole at a dosage of 1 mg/kg PO q12h or dexlansoprazole at 6 mg/kg PO q12h. Intragastric pH was recorded at baseline and for 4 days of treatment. Mean pH and the mean percentage time (MPT) intragastric pH was ≥3 or ≥4 were compared among and within treatment groups.

Results

Cats treated with lansoprazole had a lower MPT ± SD of intragastric pH ≥3 (8.8 ± 6.8%) and mean ± SD pH (1.6 ± 0.5) than did cats treated with dexlansoprazole (41.2 ± 34.6% and 3.11 ± 1.6, respectively) or esomeprazole (54 ± 33.8% and 4.1 ± 3.9, respectively;P ≤ .04). Esomeprazole was the only treatment that achieved the goals defined for people for the treatment of duodenal ulceration by Day 4 of treatment (MPT ± SD of intragastric pH ≥4 of 77.1 ± 29.2%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Orally administered esomeprazole might be a superior acid suppressant in cats compared to PO lansoprazole or dexlansoprazole.
Effect of low levels of fumonisin contamination on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Gonçalves Rui A. , Dias Jorge , Schatzmayr Dian
Published: September 2020

Use of plant‐based ingredients in aquafeeds, especially for carnivorous species, is likely to increase in view of concerns regaridng the sustainability, price, and availability of fishmeal. As mycotoxins are a common problem associated with the use of plant ingredients, this study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of two levels of fumonisins (168 μg/kg feed and 333 μg/kg) and compared with 0μg/kg (the Control diet) for total growth, whole‐body nutrient retention, liver enzyme activity, and several plasma humoral parameters in juvenile gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata. Results suggest that diets contaminated with fumonisins can be detrimental to the growth performance of seabream. Fumonisin levels as low as 168 μg/kg feed had a significant impact on final body weight, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio. Fumonisins also reduced fat and energy retention and disrupted the respiratory burst in circulating leukocytes. Fumonisin levels at 333 μg/kg feed increased these detrimental effects, clearly demonstrating a dose–response relationship. These results highlight the possible need to re‐evaluate the European Commission guidance value for fumonisins (FB1 + FB2) in complementary and complete feedstuffs for fish of 10,000 μg/kg, which might be too high for certain species, such as seabream.
Three decades post‐reforestation has not led to the reassembly of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with remnant primary forests
Authors: Wall Christopher B. , Egan Cameron P. , Swift Sean I. O. , Hynson Nicole A.
Published: September 2020

The negative effects of deforestation can potentially be ameliorated through ecological restoration. However, reforestation alone may not reassemble the same ecological communities or functions as primary forests. In part, this failure may be owed to forest ecosystems inherently involving complex interactions among guilds of organisms. Plants, which structure forest food webs, rely on intimate associations with symbiotic microbes such as root‐inhabiting mycorrhizal fungi. Here, we leverage a large‐scale reforestation project on Hawai‘i Island underway for over three decades to assess whether arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities have concurrently been restored. The reference ecosystem for this restoration project is a remnant montane native Hawaiian forest that provides critical habitat for endangered birds. We sampled soils from 12 plots within remnant and restored forest patches and characterized AM fungal communities using high‐throughput amplicon sequencing. While some AM fungal community metrics were comparable between remnant and restored forest (e.g. species richness), other key characteristics were not. Specifically, community membership and the identity of AM fungal keystone species differed between the two habitat types, as well as the primary environmental factors influencing community composition. Remnant forest AM fungal communities were strongly associated with soil chemical properties, especially pH, while restored forest communities were influenced by the spatial proximity to remnant forests. We posit that combined, these differences in soil AM fungal communities could be negatively affecting the recruitment of native plant hosts and that future restoration efforts should consider plant–microbe interactions as an important facet of forest health.
Evaluation of two lateral flow assays in BAL fluids for the detection of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: A retrospective two‐centre study
Authors: Scharmann Ulrike , Verhasselt Hedda Luise , Kirchhoff Lisa , Buer Jan , Rath Peter‐Michael , Steinmann Joerg , Ziegler Katharina
Published: September 2020

Background

Commonly, the application of radiological and clinical criteria and the determination of galactomannan (GM) in respiratory samples are used as a diagnostic tool for the detection of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA).

Materials/methods

In this study, two lateral flow assays, OLM Aspergillus lateral flow device (LFD) and IMMY sōna Aspergillus Galactomannan lateral flow assay (LFA), were evaluated at two tertiary hospitals in Germany. A total of 200 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from patients with suspicion of IPA were analysed retrospectively. LFD and LFA were evaluated against four different criteria: Blot, EORTC/MSG, Schauwvlieghe and extended Blot criteria and additionally against GM.

Results

The evaluation of four algorithms for the diagnosis of IPA showed that there exist good diagnostic tools to rule out an IPA even before results of Aspergillus culture are available. Sensitivities and negative predictive values are generally higher for the LFA than for the LFD in all four criteria. Specificity and positive predictive values varied depending on the classification criteria.

The total agreement between the GM and the LFA cube reader (cut‐off = 1) was 84%. The correlation between the GM and LFA was calculated with r = 0.8.

Conclusion

The here presented data indicate that a negative LFA result in BAL fluid can reliable rule out an IPA in a heterogeneous group of ICU patients based on the original Blot criteria. LFA seems to be a promising immunochromatographic test exhibiting a good agreement with positive GM values.
Environmental pollution in Asian economies: Does the industrialisation matter?
Authors: Zafar Ayaz , Ullah Sana , Majeed Muhammad Tariq , Yasmeen Rizwana
Published: September 2020

Industrialisation is a significant part of any country's economic development. This study discusses the relationship between industrialisation and carbon dioxide emissions for Asian economies. The industrialisation has a major impact on carbon emissions, but its relationship with the environment differs in various regions of Asia. The empirical results are obtained by models of panel regression, which divide a balanced panel dataset of 46 countries into five groups depending on their subregions over the period 1991–2017. The tests of panel cointegration estimation found a majority of the cointegrated variables and verified the long‐run relationship between the variables. The long‐run coefficients are estimated using a fully modified ordinary least‐squares (FMOLS) method, and results conclude that industrialisation has a positive impact on the carbon dioxide emissions in the long run. These findings reveal that various industrialisation development strategies should be pursued in a bid to reduce emissions, depending on the levels of economic growth. Based on the findings, some policy suggestions are proposed for Asian economies.
Reading with central vision loss: binocular summation and inhibition
Authors: Silvestri Valeria , Sasso Paola , Piscopo Paola , Amore Filippo , Rizzo Stanislao , Devenyi Robert G , Tarita‐Nistor Luminita
Published: September 2020

Purpose

There are conflicting reports as to whether there is a binocular advantage or disadvantage when reading with central vision loss. This study examined binocular reading summation in patients with macular degeneration.

Methods

Seventy‐one patients with bilateral central vision loss [mean age: 63 (S.D. = 21) years] participated. Reading performances during binocular and monocular viewing with the better eye (i.e., the eye with the best monocular visual acuity) were evaluated using different versions of the Italian MNREAD reading chart (www.precision‐vision.com). Fixation stability and preferred retinal loci (PRLs) were recorded monocularly for each eye. The overall sample was split into inhibition, equality, and summation groups based on the binocular ratio (i.e., binocular/monocular) of the maximum reading speed.

Results

41% of patients experienced binocular inhibition, 42% summation, and 17% equality. Binocular reading speed of the inhibition group was approximately 30 words per minute slower than those of the equality and summation groups, although the inhibition group had the best visual acuity. These patients generally had monocular PRLs in non‐corresponding locations temporal or nasal to the scotoma, had the largest interocular acuity difference and lacked residual stereopsis. The three groups did not differ in fixational control, contrast sensitivity or critical print size.

Conclusions

Equal proportions of patients with central vision loss show binocular reading summation and inhibition. Patients with binocular reading inhibition have poorer reading performance and different clinical characteristics than those with binocular reading summation and equality.
Innovative transcriptome‐based genotyping highlights environmentally responsive genes for phenology, growth and yield in a non‐model grain legume
Authors: Plewiński Piotr , Ćwiek‐Kupczyńska Hanna , Rudy Elżbieta , Bielski Wojciech , Rychel‐Bielska Sandra , Stawiński Stanisław , Barzyk Paweł , Krajewski Paweł , Naganowska Barbara , Wolko Bogdan , Książkiewicz Michał
Published: September 2020

The narrow‐leafed lupin, Lupinus angustifolius L., is a grain legume crop, cultivated both as a green manure and as a source of protein for animal feed and human food production. During its domestication process, numerous agronomic traits were improved, however, only two trait‐related genes were identified hitherto, both by linkage mapping. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), exploiting genomic sequencing, did not select any novel candidate gene. In the present study, an innovative method of 3′‐end reduced representation transcriptomic profiling, a massive analysis of cDNA ends, has been used for genotyping of 126 L. angustifolius lines surveyed by field phenotyping. Significant genotype × environment interactions were identified for all phenology and yield traits analysed. Principal component analysis of population structure evidenced European domestication bottlenecks, visualized by clustering of breeding materials and cultivars. GWAS provided contribution towards deciphering vernalization pathway in legumes, and, apart from highlighting known domestication loci (Ku/Julius and mol), designated novel candidate genes for L. angustifolius traits. Early phenology was associated with genes from vernalization, cold‐responsiveness and phosphatidylinositol signalling pathways whereas high yield with genes controlling photosynthesis performance and abiotic stress (drought or heat) tolerance. PCR‐based toolbox was developed and validated to enable tracking desired alleles in marker‐assisted selection. Narrow‐leafed lupin was genotyped with an innovative method of transcriptome profiling and phenotyped for phenology, growth and yield traits in field. Early phenology was found associated with genes from cold‐response, vernalization and phosphatidylinositol signalling pathways, whereas high yield with genes running photosystem II and drought or heat stress response. Key loci were supplied with PCR‐based toolbox for marker‐assisted selection.
Shining with the Stars? Unearthing how group star proportion shapes non‐star performance
Authors: Call Matthew L. , Campbell Elizabeth M. , Dunford Benjamin B. , Boswell Wendy R. , Boss R. Wayne
Published: September 2020

Organizations grapple with how to position and manage star employees within and across workgroups. One critical question not yet well understood is how to optimize the influence of stars on non‐stars and specifically whether to concentrate together or spread out stars across workgroups. Furthermore, we lack knowledge of who is more likely to benefit from stars. To that end, we develop a theoretical model that introduces a new unit‐level concept—group star proportion (GSP)—to progress understanding of how the staffing of stars, within and across workgroups, influences non‐star performance. Invoking theories of vicarious learning, we explicate why GSP has a curvilinear relationship with non‐star performance. Specifically, GSP positively relates to non‐star performance up to a point at which there are diminishing returns. In Study 1, we tested these predictions in a field dataset in a healthcare system. In Study 2, we replicated these findings in a commercial real estate firm and expanded understanding of how GSP may serve as a cross‐level moderator of non‐star performance and two critical individual differences germane to learning: non‐star tenure and trait negative affect. Findings offer theoretical and practical insights into how stars might be of most benefit to their non‐star peers.
Efficacy of intraoperative cine‐portogram for complicated portal vein reconstruction in pediatric living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Uchida Hajime , Sakamoto Seisuke , Shimizu Seiichi , Takeda Masahiro , Yanagi Yusuke , Fukuda Akinari , Abdelwahed Mohamed Sami , Miyazaki Osamu , Nosaka Shunsuke , Kasahara Mureo
Published: September 2020

Sufficient PV flow is necessary to achieve successful PV reconstruction in pediatric LDLT. IOCP can be used to assess the severity of PV stenosis and to identify potential portosystemic collateral pathways. The present study reviewed the utility of IOCP and the outcomes of patients who underwent assessment with an IOCP. Consecutive primary LDLTs were performed in 488 pediatric recipients between November 2005 and October 2019. IOCP was used in patients who were unable to achieve sufficient PV flow after the ligation of collaterals. In total, 11 patients underwent IOCP to assess potential portosystemic collateral pathways. The median age and body weight was 8 months (IQR, 6‐11 months) and 6.6 kg (IQR, 5.7‐8.9 kg), respectively. The reasons for using the IOCP were recurrent PV thrombus in seven patients and insufficient PV flow in four patients. IOCP revealed remaining collaterals in six patients and residual hypoplastic PV in eight patients. Two patients required additional interruption of the potential collaterals under IOCP, which were unable to be recognized as a dominant portosystemic collateral pathway on preoperative imaging. All eight patients with residual hypoplastic PV required vein graft interposition for the complete removal of the hypoplastic PV. All the patients are currently doing well with a median follow‐up period of 4.9 years (IQR, 2.2‐5.6 years). IOCP can be an effective tool for precisely detecting occult portosystemic collateral pathways and for assessing the patency of the PV anastomosis in pediatric LDLT.
Alterations in biochemical profiles and reproduction performance in postpartum dairy cows with metritis
Authors: Paiano Renan Braga , Birgel Daniela Becker , Bonilla Jeannine , Birgel Junior Eduardo Harry
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biochemical profile and reproductive performance in postpartum dairy cows with clinical metritis. The research was carried out using performed on 213 pluriparous lactating cows from two dairy herds in southeast Brazil. Dairy cows were assigned into a group of healthy cows (n = 147) and cows with metritis (n = 66). Blood samples to assess serum albumin, cholesterol, fibrinogen, calcium, gamma‐glutammyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations were performed on day 8 ± 2 postpartum. Metritic cows had lower (p < .05) serum albumin, cholesterol and calcium concentration, and higher (p < .05) GGT and AST activity, and BHBA and fibrinogen concentrations when compared to the healthy group. The calving‐to‐conception interval and services per pregnancy were higher in metritic cows (p < .01) than in healthy cows and the conception rate at first service was lower in metric group (p < .01). Variable importance in projection plots demonstrated that cholesterol was the main discriminator between metritic and healthy cows. Our results indicated alterations in the biochemical profile and impaired reproduction performance in metritic cows.
Trade‐Induced Job Loss and Support for Free Trade
Authors: Lukinovich Hannah , Nurullayev Dmitriy , Garand James C.
Published: September 2020

Objective

In this paper we consider the possible effects of contextual economic conditions (i.e., job losses attributed to trade, general unemployment) and subjective economic evaluations on how Americans think about international trade.

Methods

We use data from the 2016 Voter Study Group survey and from the 2016 American National Election Study, and we supplement these survey data with data on state contextual variables from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and from the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Results

We find that state job losses linked to trade have discernible effects on Americans' attitudes toward trade, as do subjective economic evaluations tied to confidence and anxiety about the economy.

Conclusion

Simply, (trade‐related) economic context has a strong effect on how Americans think about expanded and free trade.
Sex differences in soleus muscle H‐reflex and V‐wave excitability
Authors: Mendonca Goncalo V. , Pezarat‐Correia Pedro , Gonçalves André D. , Gomes Miguel , Correia Joana M. , Vila‐Chã Carolina
Published: September 2020

New Findings

 What is the central question of this study?

How do H‐reflex and V‐wave excitability compare between men and women engaging in similar levels of physical activity?

 What is the main finding and its importance?

H‐reflex excitability is lower in women than in men because of their greater level of antagonist co‐activation during sustained plantar flexion isometric exercise. In addition, supraspinal drive is similar between men and women independently of their differences in H‐reflex excitability and antagonist muscle co‐activation.

We compared H‐reflex and V‐wave excitability between men and women engaging in similar levels of physical activity. We also explored whether differences in antagonist muscle co‐activation between sexes might partially explain sexual dimorphism in the excitability of the H‐reflex and V‐wave. Fifty‐seven young participants were included (29 men: 21.7 ± 2.3 years; 28 women: 22.4 ± 3.3 years). Soleus M‐ and H‐recruitment curves were constructed on a tonic background muscle activation. V‐waves were elicited during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Besides being stronger than women, men achieved greater Hmax/Mmax values and presented a steeper slope of the ascending limb of the H‐reflex recruitment curve (P < 0.05). The current intensity required to elicit Hmax was lower for men (P < 0.05). The co‐activation of the tibialis anterior muscle during the sustained plantar flexions was greater in women (ratio between tibialis and soleus normalized EMG: 20.5 vs. 8.3%, P < 0.05). Covariance analysis showed that sexual dimorphism in H‐reflex excitability was dissipated when controlling for antagonist co‐activation. V‐wave normalized amplitude was similar between sexes even after controlling for the effects of Hmax/Mmax and antagonist co‐activation as covariates. Thus, women exhibit lower H‐reflex excitability than men and this is dependent on their higher level of antagonist muscle co‐activation. While sex differences in antagonist co‐activation persist during MVCs, this is not the case for V‐wave normalized amplitude. Thus, although the efficacy of the transmission between Ia afferent fibres to α‐motoneurons is lower in women because of a greater level of antagonist co‐activation, our findings are consistent with similar supraspinal drive between sexes.
Abnormal placental CD8+ T‐cell infiltration is a feature of fetal growth restriction and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Lager Susanne , Sovio Ulla , Eddershaw Elizabeth , van der Linden Margaretha W. , Yazar Cansu , Cook Emma , Happerfield Lisa , Jessop Flora A. , Sebire Neil J. , Charnock‐Jones D. Stephen , Smith Gordon C. S.
Published: September 2020

Key points

Placental pathological abnormalities are more frequently observed in complicated pregnancies than in healthy pregnancies.

Infiltration of CD8+ T‐cells into the placental villous tissue occurred in both fetal growth restriction and pre‐eclampsia, whereas CD79α+ B‐cell infiltration was only apparent with reduced fetal growth.

Vascularization, fibrin depositions, macrophage and neutrophil infiltration in the placenta did not differ between healthy and complicated pregnancies.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) and pre‐eclampsia are severe, adverse pregnancy outcomes. Alterations in placental histology are frequently reported in these pregnancy complications and are often based upon scoring by pathologists. However, many alterations are also observed in placenta from uncomplicated pregnancies. Moreover, knowledge of disease state may bias assessment. We sought to perform an objective comparison of placental microscopic appearance in normal and complicated pregnancies. Placental villous tissue (n = 823) and edge biopsies (n = 488) from 871 individual, singleton pregnancies were collected after delivery. Cases of small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) or pre‐eclampsia were matched with healthy controls. A subset of the SGA cases displayed signs of FGR. Cases of preterm delivery were also included. Tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin or antibodies for CD8, CD14, CD31, CD79α and elastase. Images were scored by two experienced pathologists for pathological features or analysed by image analysis and stereology. Analyses were performed blind to case–control status and gestational age. Volume fraction of T‐cells increased in placentas from pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.46, 95% CI: 1.12–1.90) and FGR (aOR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.11–2.43), whereas B‐cells only increased in FGR (aOR 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05–2.60). Pathological abnormalities in villous tissue were reported in 21.4% (88/411) of complicated pregnancies and 14.3% (52/363) of controls (OR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.12–2.37). There were no differences in the fractions of endothelial cells, fibrin deposition, macrophages and neutrophils when comparing normal and complicated pregnancies. In conclusion, FGR and pre‐eclampsia are associated with T‐cell infiltration of the placenta and placental pathological abnormalities.
Rayleigh-Taylor Instability: A Status Review of Experimental Designs and Measurement Diagnostics
Authors: Banerjee Arindam
Published: September 2020

The focus of experiments and the sophistication of diagnostics employed in Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) induced mixing studies have evolved considerably over the past seven decades. The first theoretical analysis by Taylor and the two-dimensional experimental results by Lewis on RTI in 1950 examined single-mode RTI using conventional imaging techniques. Over the next 70 years, several experimental designs have been used to creating an RTI unstable interface between two materials of different densities. These early experiments though innovative, were arduous to diagnose and provided little information on the internal, turbulent structure and initial conditions of the RT mixing layer. Coupled with the availability of high-fidelity diagnostics, the experiments designed and developed in the last three decades allow detailed measurements of various turbulence statistics that have allowed broadly to validate and verify late-time nonlinear models and mix-models for buoyancy-driven flows. Besides, they have provided valuable insights to solve several long-standing disagreements in the field. This review serves as an opportunity to discuss the understanding of the RTI problem and highlight valuable insights gained into the RTI driven mixing process with a focus on low to high Atwood number (>0.1) experiments.
Bandgap characteristics of phononic crystals in steady and unsteady flows
Authors: Oh Tae Seok , Jeon Wonju
Published: September 2020

Over the past 30 years, most phononic crystal research has been done for a stationary medium. As reported in a recent experimental study, phononic crystals cannot preserve their bandgaps in the presence of flow. In this study, the bandgap characteristics of a two-dimensional phononic crystal in steady and unsteady flows are investigated theoretically. To identify the effect of the flow on sound insulation in the bandgap frequency ranges, the acoustic reflectance spectra of phononic crystals for different types of background flows, including a uniform flow, a compressible potential flow, and a turbulent flow were calculated. For the steady flows, which include uniform and compressible potential flows, the reflectance spectra are shifted to a lower frequency by the factor 1−M2 due to convection when the flow is in the same direction as the incident wave. Moreover, the reflectance spectra of a phononic crystal in a turbulent flow were evaluated for various combinations of inflow speeds and geometric parameters, such as the filling ratio and the number of layers. Due to the aerodynamic noise and fluid convection, a phononic crystal cannot work as an acoustic barrier, rather it becomes an aeroacoustic source in a turbulent flow.
Does visual speech provide release from perceptual masking in children?
Authors: Halverson Destinee M. , Lalonde Kaylah
Published: September 2020

Adults benefit more from visual speech in speech maskers than in noise maskers because visual speech helps perceptually isolate target talkers from competing talkers. To investigate whether children use visual speech to perceptually isolate target talkers, this study compared children's speech recognition thresholds in auditory and audiovisual condition across two maskers: two-talker speech and noise. Children demonstrated similar audiovisual benefit in both maskers. Individual differences in speechreading accuracy predicted audiovisual benefit in each masker to a similar degree. Results suggest that although visual speech improves children's masked speech recognition thresholds, children may use visual speech in different ways than adults.
A “Global Safety Net” to reverse biodiversity loss and stabilize Earth’s climate
Authors: Dinerstein E. , Joshi A. R. , Vynne C. , Lee A. T. L. , Pharand-Deschênes F. , França M. , Fernando S. , Birch T. , Burkart K. , Asner G. P. , Olson D.
Published: September 2020

The “Global Safety Net” shows where nature could be conserved and connected to reverse biodiversity loss and stabilize climate.
Predicting delayed instabilities in viscoelastic solids
Authors: Urbach Erez Y. , Efrati Efi
Published: September 2020

Describing creep using instantaneous rest lengths explains instabilities in viscoelastic solids and predicts future stability.
Venus tesserae feature layered, folded, and eroded rocks
Authors: Byrne Paul K. , Ghail Richard C. , Gilmore Martha S. , Şengör A.M. Celâl , Klimczak Christian , Senske David A. , Whitten Jennifer L. , Khawja Sara , Ernst Richard E. , Solomon Sean C.
Published: September 2020

Tesserae on Venus are locally the stratigraphically oldest units preserved on the planet. These regions are characterized by pervasive tectonic deformation including normal faults, grabens, thrust faults, and folds. In multiple tesserae, sets of (often highly) curved, parallel linear features are also present. These features strongly resemble terracing in layered volcanic or sedimentary sequences on Earth having arcuate or sinuous outcrop patterns that follow undulating topography. Should this analogy hold for Venus, then these outcrop patterns imply some erosion of the tessera units in which these strata occur; radar-dark materials filling proximal lows might be deposits of that eroded material. This outcrop pattern is seen in geographically dispersed tessera units, so the preservation of layering could be common for this terrain type. If so, then tesserae record the culmination of volcanic and/or sedimentary deposition, folding, and erosion—complex geological histories that should be considered in future studies of this enigmatic terrain.
Supplemental Material: Redefining East African Rift System kinematics
Authors: Stamps D. Sarah , al. et
Published: September 2020

Model files and GPS velocity solution.
Online cognitive–behavioural therapy for traumatically bereaved people: study protocol for a randomised waitlist-controlled trial
Authors: Lenferink Lonneke , de Keijser Jos , Eisma Maarten , Smid Geert , Boelen Paul
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The traumatic death of a loved one, such as death due to a traffic accident, can precipitate persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD) and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Waitlist-controlled trials have shown that grief-specific cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for such mental health problems. This is the first study that will examine the effectiveness of online CBT (vs waitlist controls) in a sample exclusively comprised of people bereaved by a traumatic death. Our primary hypothesis is that people allocated to the online CBT condition will show larger reductions in PCBD, PTSD and depression symptom levels at post-treatment than people allocated to a waitlist. We further expect that reductions in symptom levels during treatment are associated with reductions of negative cognitions and avoidance behaviours and the experience of fewer accident-related stressors. Moreover, the effect of the quality of the therapeutic alliance on treatment effects and drop-out rates will be explored.

Methods and analysis

A two-arm (online CBT vs waiting list) open-label parallel randomised controlled trial will be conducted. Participants will complete questionnaires at pretreatment and 12 and 20 weeks after study enrolment. Eligible for participation are Dutch adults who lost a loved one at least 1 year earlier due to a traffic accident and report clinically relevant levels of PCBD, PTSD and/or depression. Multilevel modelling will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been received by the Medical Ethics Review Board of the University Medical Center Groningen (METc UMCG: M20.252121). This study will provide new insights in the effectiveness of online CBT for traumatically bereaved people. If the treatment is demonstrated to be effective, it will be made publicly accessible. Findings will be disseminated among lay people (eg, through newsletters and media performances), our collaborators (eg, through presentations at support organisations), and clinicians and researchers (eg, through conference presentations and scientific journal articles).

Trial registration number

NL7497.
How and why a multifaceted intervention to improve adherence post-MI worked for some (and could work better for others): an outcome-driven qualitative process evaluation
Authors: Desveaux Laura , Saragosa Marianne , Russell Kirstie , McCleary Nicola , Presseau Justin , Witteman Holly O , Schwalm J-D , Ivers Noah Michael
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To explore (1) the extent to which a multicomponent intervention addressed determinants of the desired behaviours (ie, adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and cardiovascular medications), (2) the associated mechanism(s) of action and (3) how future interventions might be better designed to meet the needs of this patient population.

Design

A qualitative evaluation embedded within a multicentre randomised trial, involving purposive semistructured interviews.

Setting

Nine cardiac centres in Ontario, Canada.

Participants

Potential participants were stratified according to the trial’s primary outcomes of engagement and adherence, resulting in three groups: (1) engaged, adherence outcome positive, (2) engaged, adherence outcome negative and (3) did not engage, adherence outcome negative. Participants who did not engage but had positive adherence outcomes were excluded. Individual domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework were applied as deductive codes and findings were analysed using a framework approach.

Results

Thirty-one participants were interviewed. Participants who were engaged with positive adherence outcomes attributed their success to the intervention’s ability to activate determinants including behavioural regulation and knowledge, which encouraged an increase in self-monitoring behaviour and awareness of available supports, as well as reinforcement and social influences. The behaviour of those with negative adherence outcomes was driven by beliefs about consequences, emotions and identity. As currently designed, the intervention failed to target these determinants for this subset of participants, resulting in partial engagement and poor adherence outcomes.

Conclusion

The intervention facilitated CR adherence through reinforcement, behavioural regulation, the provision of knowledge and social influence. To reach a broader and more diverse population, future iterations of the intervention should target aberrant beliefs about consequences, memory and decision-making and emotion.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov registry; NCT02382731
Cohort profile: Oxford Pain, Activity and Lifestyle (OPAL) Study, a prospective cohort study of older adults in England
Authors: Sanchez Santos Maria T , Williamson Esther , Bruce Julie , Ward Lesley , Mallen Christian D , Garrett Angela , Morris Alana , Lamb Sarah E
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The ‘Oxford Pain, Activity and Lifestyle’ (OPAL) Cohort is a longitudinal, prospective cohort study of adults, aged 65 years and older, living in the community which is investigating the determinants of health in later life. Our focus was on musculoskeletal pain and mobility, but the cohort is designed with flexibility to include new elements over time. This paper describes the study design, data collection and baseline characteristics of participants. We also compared the OPAL baseline characteristics with nationally representative data sources.

Participants

We randomly selected eligible participants from two stratified age bands (65–74 and 75 and over years). In total, 5409 individuals (42.1% of eligible participants) from 35 general practices in England agreed to participate between 2016 and 2018. The majority of participants (n=5367) also consented for research team to access their UK National Health Service (NHS) Digital and primary healthcare records.

Findings to date

Mean participant age was 74.9 years (range 65–100); 51.5% (n=2784/5409) were women. 94.9% of participants were white, and 28.8% lived alone. Over 83.0% reported pain in at least one body area in the previous 6 weeks. Musculoskeletal symptoms were more prevalent in women (86.4%). One-third of participants reported having one or more falls in the last year. Most participants were confident in their ability to walk outside. The characteristics of OPAL Cohort participants were broadly similar to the general population of the same age.

Future plans

Postal follow-up of the cohort is being undertaken at annual intervals, with data collection ongoing. Linkage to NHS hospital admission data is planned. This English prospective cohort offers a large and rich resource for research on the longitudinal associations between demographic, clinical, and social factors and health trajectories and outcomes in community-dwelling older people.
Realist review protocol for understanding the real-world barriers and enablers to practitioners implementing self-management support to people living with and beyond cancer
Authors: Kantilal Kumud , Hardeman Wendy , Whiteside Hattie , Karapanagiotou Eleni , Small Matthew , Bhattacharya Debi
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Self-management support can enable and empower people living with and beyond cancer to take an active role in managing long-term consequences of cancer treatment. Healthcare professionals are key to promoting patients to self-manage, however, they do not routinely engage in these discussions. This review aims to understand what works for whom and in what circumstances in relation to practitioners engaging with supporting people living with and beyond cancer to self-manage long-term consequences of systemic anticancer treatment.

Methods and analysis

We will follow five steps for undertaking the realist review: (1) define the review scope, (2) develop initial programme theories, (3) evidence search, (4) selection and appraisal and (5) data extraction and synthesis. We will combine an informal literature search with a theory-based approach, using the theoretical domains framework, and stakeholder feedback to develop initial programme theories. We will search Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, ERIC and AMED databases to September 2019, and supplement this with citation tracking, grey literature and practitioner surveys. Data selection will be based on relevance and rigour. Data will be extracted and synthesised iteratively, and causal links between contexts, mechanism and outcomes illuminated in the process. The results will be reported according to the Realist And Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards quality and publication standards.

Ethics and dissemination

We have received ethical approval through the Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia (ref 2 01 819-124). We will disseminate to the research community through conference presentations and a peer-reviewed journal article. We will work with healthcare organisations, cancer charities and patients to agree a strategy for disseminating to these groups.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019120910.
Chronic kidney disease in adults aged 18 years and older in Chile: findings from the cross-sectional Chilean National Health Surveys 2009–2010 and 2016–2017
Authors: Walbaum Magdalena , Scholes Shaun , Pizzo Elena , Paccot Melanie , Mindell Jennifer S
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study estimates the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among Chilean adults and examines its associations with sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviours and comorbidities.

Design

Analysis of cross-sectional data from the two most recent large nationally representative Chilean Health Surveys (Encuesta Nacional de Salud, ENS) 2009–2010 and 2016–2017.

Participants

Adults aged 18+ years with serum creatine data (ENS 2009–2010: n=4583; ENS 2016–2017: n=5084).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Reduced kidney function (CKD stages 3a–5) based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) was the primary outcome measure. Using the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR ≥30 mg/g), increased albuminuria was ascertained among adults aged 40+ years with diabetes and/or hypertension. Both outcomes were analysed using logistic regression with results summarised using OR. CKD prevalence (stages 1–5) among adults aged 40+ years was estimated including participants with an eGFR of >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 but with increased albuminuria (stages 1–2).

Results

Overall, 3.2% (95% CI: 2.4% to 3.8%) of adults aged 18+ in ENS 2016–2017 had reduced kidney function. After full adjustment, participants with hypertension (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.19 to 4.74) and those with diabetes (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.66) had significantly higher odds of reduced kidney function. In ENS 2016–2017, 15.5% (13.5% to 17.8%) of adults aged 40+ years with diabetes and/or hypertension had increased albuminuria. Being obese versus normal-weight (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.08 to 2.54) and having both diabetes and hypertension versus having diabetes alone (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.34 to 3.95) were significantly associated with higher odds of increased albuminuria in fully-adjusted analyses. At least 15.4% of adults aged 40+ years in ENS 2016–2017 had CKD (stages 1–5), including the 9.6% of adults at CKD stages 1–2.

Conclusions

Prevention strategies and Chilean guidelines should consider the high percentage of adults aged 40 years and older at CKD stages 1–2.
Recipient and instructor perspectives of an adapted exercise-based fall prevention programme for adults aged 50+ years with vision impairment: a qualitative study nested within a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dillon Lisa , Clemson Lindy , Nguyen Helen , Jakobsen Kirsten Bonrud , Martin Jodi , Tinsley Frances , Keay Lisa
Published: September 2020

Objective

Older adults with vision impairment currently have no access to tailored fall prevention programmes. Therefore, the purpose of this study, nested within an ongoing randomised controlled trial (RCT), is to document the adaptation of an existing fall prevention programme and investigate the perspectives of instructors involved in delivery and the older adults with vision impairment receiving the programme (recipients).

Design

We documented programme adaptations and training requirements, and conducted semistructured, individual interviews with both the instructors and the recipients of the programme from 2017 to 2019. The content of each interview was analysed using behaviour change theory through deductive qualitative analysis.

Setting

New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, Australia.

Participants

The 11 trained instructors interviewed were employees of a vision rehabilitation organisation and had delivered at least one programme session as part of the RCT. The 154 recipients interviewed were community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years with vision impairment and no diagnosis of dementia, and had completed their participation in the programme as part of the intervention group of the RCT.

Results

Six key themes were identified relating to recipient (delivery aptitude, social norms, habit formation) and instructor (individualised adaptation, complimentary to scope of practice, challenges to delivery) perspectives. With initial training, instructors required minimal ongoing support to deliver the programme and made dynamic adaptations to suit the individual circumstances of each recipient, but cited challenges delivering the number of programme activities required. Recipient perspectives varied; however, most appreciated the delivery of the programme by instructors who understood the impact of vision impairment.

Conclusions and implications

This novel qualitative study demonstrates that the adapted programme, delivered by instructors, who already have expertise delivering individualised programmes to older people with vision impairment, may fill the gap for a fall prevention programme in this population.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12616001186448.
Sarcoidosis and silica dust exposure among men in Sweden: a case–control study
Authors: Graff Pål , Larsson Johanna , Bryngelsson Ing-Liss , Wiebert Pernilla , Vihlborg Per
Published: September 2020

Objective

To determine whether occupational exposure to silica dust is associated with an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis.

Design

Case–control study of all individuals between 20 and 65 years of age diagnosed with sarcoidosis (D86) in Sweden between 2007 and 2016. Controls were matched to cases (2:1) based on age, sex and county at the time of diagnosis. A Job Exposure Matrix was used to estimate the occupational silica exposure of all cases and controls.

Setting

Medical and occupational data from the National Outpatient Register were used to implement a case–control analysis, while the two controls used for each case were selected from the National Register of the Total Population. Information about occupation and time of employment were collected from the Swedish Occupational Register.

Participants

All men and women aged 20–65 years old who were diagnosed sarcoidosis (D86) from 2007 to 2016 were included and assigned two controls.

Main outcomes

Silica dust exposure correlates with an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis in men.

Results

The prevalence of silica exposure at work was statistically significantly higher among male cases than controls (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.43). For men of an age of 35 years or younger the correlation seems to be stronger (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.87) than in older men (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.39). For men older than 35 with exposure to silica the prevalence of sarcoidosis increased with the exposure time, with an OR of 1.44 (95% CI 1.04 to 2.00) for exposure of more than 10 years.

Conclusions

Occupational exposure to silica dust seems to increase the risk of sarcoidosis among men between 20 and 65 years of age. The risk is higher among exposed men 35 years or younger and older men with longer exposure (>6 years).
Do sex differences in the prevalence of ECG abnormalities vary across ethnic groups living in the Netherlands? A cross-sectional analysis of the population-based HELIUS study
Authors: Bolijn Renee , ter Haar C Cato , Harskamp Ralf E , Tan Hanno L , Kors Jan A , Postema Pieter G , Snijder Marieke B , Peters Ron J G , Kunst Anton E , van Valkengoed Irene G M
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Major ECG abnormalities have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden in asymptomatic populations. However, sex differences in occurrence of major ECG abnormalities have been poorly studied, particularly across ethnic groups. The objectives were to investigate (1) sex differences in the prevalence of major and, as a secondary outcome, minor ECG abnormalities, (2) whether patterns of sex differences varied across ethnic groups, by age and (3) to what extent conventional cardiovascular risk factors contributed to observed sex differences.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of population-based study.

Setting

Multi-ethnic, population-based Healthy Life in an Urban Setting cohort, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Participants

8089 men and 11 369 women of Dutch, South-Asian Surinamese, African Surinamese, Ghanaian, Turkish and Moroccan origin aged 18–70 years without CVD.

Outcome measures

Age-adjusted and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to study sex differences in prevalence of major and, as secondary outcome, minor ECG abnormalities in the overall population, across ethnic groups and by age-groups (18–35, 36–50 and >50 years).

Results

Major and minor ECG abnormalities were less prevalent in women than men (4.6% vs 6.6% and 23.8% vs 39.8%, respectively). After adjustment for conventional risk factors, sex differences in major abnormalities were smaller in ethnic minority groups (OR ranged from 0.61 in Moroccans to 1.32 in South-Asian Surinamese) than in the Dutch (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.65). Only in South-Asian Surinamese, women did not have a lower odds than men (OR 1.32; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.84). The pattern of smaller sex differences in ethnic minority groups was more pronounced in older than in younger age-groups.

Conclusions

The prevalence of major ECG abnormalities was lower in women than men. However, sex differences were less apparent in ethnic minority groups. Conventional risk factors did not contribute substantially to observed sex differences.