bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in non‐physiological shear stress‐induced platelet activation
Authors: Chen Zengsheng , Li Tieluo , Kareem Kafayat , Tran Douglas , Griffith Bartley P. , Wu Zhongjun J.
Published: April 2019

The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway has been implicated in playing an important role in platelet activation during hemostasis and thrombosis involving platelet‐matrix interaction and platelet aggregation. Its role in non‐physiological shear stress (NPSS)‐induced platelet activation relevant to high‐shear blood contacting medical devices (BCMDs) is unclear. In the context of blood cells flowing in BCMDs, platelets are subjected to NPSS (>100 Pa) with very short exposure time (<1 s). In this study, we investigated whether NPSS with short exposure time induces platelet activation through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Healthy donor blood treated with or without PI3K inhibitor was subjected to NPSS (150 Pa) with short exposure time (0.5 s). Platelet activation indicated by the surface P‐selectin expression and activated glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa was quantified using flow cytometry. The phosphorylation of Akt, activation of the PI3K signaling, was characterized by western blotting. Changes in adhesion behavior of NPSS‐sheared platelets on fibrinogen, collagen, and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were quantified with fluorescent microscopy by perfusing the NPSS‐sheared and PI3K inhibitor‐treated blood through fibrinogen, collagen, and vWF‐coated microcapillary tubes. The results showed that the PI3K/Akt signaling was involved with both NPSS‐induced platelet activation and platelet‐matrix interaction. NPSS‐sheared platelets exhibited exacerbated platelet adhesion on fibrinogen, but had diminished platelet adhesion on collagen and vWF. The inhibition of PI3K signaling reduced P‐selectin expression and GPIIb/IIIa activation with suppressed Akt phosphorylation and abolished NPSS‐enhanced platelet adhesion on fibrinogen in NPSS‐sheared blood. The inhibition of PI3K signaling can attenuate the adhesion of unsheared platelets (baseline) on collagen and vWF, while had no impact on adhesion of NPSS‐sheared platelets on collagen and vWF. This study confirmed the important role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in NPSS‐induced platelet activation. The finding of this study suggests that blocking PI3K/Akt signaling pathway could be a potential method to treat thrombosis in patients implanted with BCMDs.
Editorial: post‐operative elevation of liver enzymes and modern volatile anaesthetics—guilty as charged?
Authors: Laschtowitz Alena , Sebode Marcial
Published: April 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Bishop et al and Nicoll et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15168 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15237.
Letter: HCV complication and type 2 diabetes management—the directional link is not yet defined
Authors: Mahla Ranjeet Singh
Published: April 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Li et al and Mahla papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15102 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15247.
Letter: meta‐analysis of prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and antibiotics in IBS
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Zhang Weina , Miao Yuanxin , Chen Zhenyu
Published: April 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Ford et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15001 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15234.
Early and late mortality following unscheduled admissions for severe liver disease across England and Wales
Authors: Roberts Stephen E. , John Ann , Brown Jonathan , Napier Duncan J. , Lyons Ronan A. , Williams John G.
Published: April 2019

Background

There is a known shortfall in hepatology service resources across England and Wales.

Aim

To investigate early and late mortality following unscheduled admissions for severe liver disease, overall and by cause of death, and to determine how mortality is related to admissions to transplant centres, transplant surgery, hospital size, consultant specialty, patient socio‐demographics, seasonal and geographical factors.

Methods

Cohorts of people with a first unscheduled admission for severe liver disease across England and Wales from 2004, based on record linkage of national inpatient and mortality data.

Findings

Mortality for alcoholic liver disease and hepatic failure was 23.4% and 35.4% respectively at 60 days and 61.8% and 57.1% at 5 years. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were extremely high at 60 days (184 and 117 respectively) and remained highly increased at 5 years (16.7 and 6.3). Mortality at 5 years was most elevated from liver disease, viral hepatitis and varices. The 60‐day mortality was significantly lower for patients seen by consultant hepatologists and gastroenterologists. Both early and late mortality were significantly reduced for patients admitted to transplant centres or larger hospitals, who received a liver transplant, or were resident in London. Early mortality was significantly higher for patients admitted in winter and autumn, while elevated mortality among the most vs least deprived quintile increased with longer follow‐up.

Conclusions

The study shows a very poor prognosis for people with unscheduled hospitalisation for severe liver disease. The findings suggest that access to specialist expertise and services improves survival, both in the short and long term.
Relationship among ovarian follicular status, developmental competence of oocytes, and anti‐Müllerian hormone levels: A comparative study in Japanese wild boar crossbred gilts and Large White gilts
Authors: Tanihara Fuminori , Hirata Maki , Iizuka Satoru , Sairiki Shinya , Nii Masahiro , Nguyen Nhien Thi , Le Quynh Anh , Hirano Takayuki , Otoi Takeshige
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the ovarian follicular development, developmental competence of oocytes, and plasma anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels of Japanese wild boar crossbred (wild hybrid) gilts, whose litter size is inferior to that of European breeds. Ovary and plasma samples were collected from two different breeds of gilts (wild hybrid and Large White breeds). The ovaries from the wild hybrid gilts had a lower average numbers of secondary follicles and vesicular follicles in ovarian cross‐sections and of good quality oocytes collected from ovarian follicles as compared with those from Large White gilts (p < 0.05). The development rate to the blastocyst stage of good quality oocytes after in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture was also lower (p < 0.05) in wild hybrid gilts than in Large White gilts. Plasma AMH levels with >0.16 ng/ml were detected in 8.3% of the examined wild hybrid gilts and 33% of the Large White gilts. These results indicate that the low reproductive performance of wild hybrid breed may result in part from low numbers of vesicular follicles and good quality oocytes, and low developmental competence of oocytes. Moreover, plasma AMH levels may support low number of vesicular follicles in ovaries of wild hybrid gilts.
Gender and age differences in pre‐schoolers’ weight bias beliefs and behavioural intentions
Authors: Harriger Jennifer , Trammell Janet , Wick Madeline , Luedke Madeline
Published: April 2019

Weight bias is present in children as young as 3 years old; however, research regarding gender differences is mixed. This study examined gender and age differences in weight bias attitudes in a sample of 3‐ to 5‐year‐old pre‐schoolers. Children assigned positive or negative adjectives to thin, average, or large targets and selected one of these targets as their best friend. Girls showed a larger weight bias than boys in both tasks, and weight bias increased with age in the adjective attribution task. Findings clarify previously mixed gender results and demonstrate that while weight bias beliefs strengthen during the pre‐school years, weight bias behavioural intentions do not. The results highlight the importance of continued efforts to address weight bias in young children.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Weight bias is linked to negative consequences in young children.

Children as young as 3 years old demonstrate weight bias.

Findings regarding gender differences in weight bias in pre‐schoolers are mixed.

What does this study add?

Girls demonstrated higher weight bias than boys in an adjective attribution and best friend selection task.

Weight bias increased with age in the adjective attribution task but not in the friend selection task.

Weight bias beliefs strengthen during the pre‐school years; however, weight bias behavioural intentions do not.
Vaccines for emerging pathogens: prospects for licensure
Authors: Williamson E D , Westlake G E
Published: April 2019

Globally, there are a number of emerging pathogens. For most, there are no licensed vaccines available for human use, although there is ongoing research and development. However, given the extensive and increasing list of emerging pathogens and the investment required to bring vaccines into clinical use, the task is huge. Overlaid on this task is the risk of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) acquisition by micro-organisms which can endow a relatively harmless organism with pathogenic potential. Furthermore, climate change also introduces a challenge by causing some of the insect vectors and environmental conditions prevalent in tropical regions to begin to spread out from these traditional areas, thus increasing the risk of migration of zoonotic disease.

Vaccination provides a defence against these emerging pathogens. However, vaccines for pathogens which cause severe, but occasional, disease outbreaks in endemic pockets have suffered from a lack of commercial incentive for development to a clinical standard, encompassing Phase III clinical trials for efficacy. An alternative is to develop such vaccines to request US Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), or equivalent status in the United States, Canada and the European Union, making use of a considerable number of regulatory mechanisms that are available prior to licensing. This review covers the status of vaccine development for some of the emerging pathogens, the hurdles that need to be overcome to achieve EUA or an equivalent regional or national status and how these considerations may impact vaccine development for the future, such that a more comprehensive stockpile of promising vaccines can be achieved.
Introduction pathways and socio‐economic variables drive the distribution of alien amphibians and reptiles in a megadiverse country
Authors: Fonseca Érica , Both Camila , Cechin Sonia Zanini
Published: April 2019

Aims

We identify alien reptiles and amphibians, invaders or not, in Brazil and evaluate the following: (a) which alien species are found in the country; (b) where they originate from; (c) how they are distributed; (d) why and how they were introduced; and (e) which factors affect the record incidences and local richness of these species.

Location

Brazil.

Methods

We conduct a comprehensive survey of different data sources to collect records of alien amphibians and reptiles. We then use a causal model approach to evaluate the influence of space, climate, anthropogenic predictors, and introduction pathways on alien richness and number of records.

Results

We find a total of 2,292 records of 136 species of alien reptiles and amphibians. Although species from many regions of the world can be found, most are snakes, lizards and anurans originating in the Americas. Although records of alien amphibians and reptiles are found throughout Brazil, they are concentrated in more economically developed areas. Socio‐economic measures have both a direct and indirect causal relationship over the distribution of alien species and affect all introduction pathways, which are key factors explaining the alien species’ distribution. Pet trade was directly related to alien diversity, while all the three introduction pathways contributed to explain the number of records.

Main Conclusions

We reveal a high diversity of alien amphibians and reptiles widespread in an already megadiverse country. The finding that alien richness occurs in highly populated and wealthy areas and that it is linked to the pet trade helps to direct efforts towards the surveillance and prevention of the spread of alien species in Brazil. A higher record incidence is associated with species introduced accidentally or for human consumption, mainly represented by a few already invasive widespread species, impairing management measures.
From Getting the Development Question Wrong to Bringing Emancipation Back In: Re‐reading Alice Amsden
Authors: Song Hae‐Yung
Published: April 2019

This article appraises Alice Amsden's theory of development. In particular, it focuses on Amsden's juxtaposing of the concrete and the universal, and the national and the global, as antithetical, and her prioritizing of the former over the latter. The author argues that this key feature of Amsden's work reduces the concept of development to a nationally determined process and empties capitalist development of its class content. It is argued that Amsden's primary focus on why and how development occurs in the Third World bypasses the question of what development is, thereby reinforcing ‘Third World developmentalism’, and removes the emancipatory content from the concept of development. Given the continued legacy of Amsden's theory, as evidenced in recent debates, and the inadequacy of extant Marxist critiques in addressing its conceptual and political problems, this article proposes an alternative conceptualization of concrete–general and national–global relations based on Marx's critique of political economy, and calls for the resuscitation of the emancipatory content of the concept of development.
Nurturing care framework for inclusive early childhood development: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Wertlieb Donald
Published: April 2019

The nurturing care framework (NCF) for early childhood development (ECD) launched at the 2018 World Health Assembly opens a range of opportunities and challenges for child neurodisability professionals. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities frame these pathways for collaboration and progress. This overview of the NCF and its contexts in inclusive ECD identifies avenues for innovation and collaboration in harmony with the field's clinical, scientific, and advocacy agendas. One avenue involves enhancing the alignment between health systems and human rights. A second avenue involves neurodisability professionals engaging with nurturing care as leaders, partners, and implementers.

What this paper adds

Participation and leadership by neurodisability professionals can enhance quality and impact.

A rights‐based framework that includes young children with disabilities and their families is widely encouraged.
Neurofilament light chain levels in pregnant multiple sclerosis patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cuello J. P. , Martínez Ginés M. L. , Kuhle J. , García Domínguez J. M. , Lozano Ros A. , Romero Delgado F. , Higueras Y. , Meldaña Rivera A. , Goicochea Briceño H. , García‐Tizon Larroca S. , De León-Luis J. , Michalak Z. , Barro C. , Álvarez Lafuente R. , Medina Heras S. , Fernández Velasco J. I. , Tejeda‐Velarde A. , Domínguez‐Mozo M. I. , Muriel A. , de Andrés C. , Villar L. M.
Published: April 2019

Background and purpose

Neurofilament light chain is a cytoskeletal protein of neurons. Its levels are increasingly recognized as measures of neuroaxonal damage. The aim of this study was to explore serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy controls during pregnancy and puerperium.

Methods

This was a prospective, longitudinal, single‐center study. sNfL concentration was assessed using a highly sensitive single‐molecule array during pregnancy and in puerperium, in a cohort of 39 pregnant patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (P‐MS). Twenty‐one healthy pregnant women (HPW) served as a control group. Eight P‐MS suffered relapses during pregnancy (P‐MS‐R) in the first or second trimesters.

Results

No differences in pregnancy and delivery data were observed between P‐MS and HPW. P‐MS showed higher sNfL values than HPW in the first trimester, independently of the presence (P = 0.002) or not (P = 0.02) of relapses during pregnancy. However, in the third trimester, only P‐MS‐R showed higher sNfL values than HPW (P = 0.001). These differences extended to the puerperium, where P‐MS‐R showed higher sNfL values than those with no relapses during gestation (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

These data strongly suggest that sNfL levels reflect MS activity during pregnancy. Additionally, the absence of relapses during pregnancy may have a beneficial effect on neurodegeneration during puerperium.
Macrophytes in tropical shallow lakes: An important food item to benthic entomofauna or an underused resource?
Authors: Shimabukuro Erika M. , Henry Raoul
Published: April 2019

Although macrophytes are known to increase benthic diversity in lakes, the importance of this resource as food for the insects living at the bottom of these ecosystems are still poorly understood. This study assessed the diets of benthic Chironomidae and Campsurus (Ephemeroptera) in two environments: a lake with macrophytes (M+) and another without macrophytes (M−). We expected a differential use of food resources in M+, where plant tissue is particularly important for the aquatic insects’ diet. The diet of 734 individuals from 16 taxa were analyzed. Contrary to expectations, benthic insects consumed low amounts of plant tissue. This finding led us to investigate whether the presence of macrophytes in lakes would indirectly contribute to the benthic insects’ feeding, as more food resources were explored in M+ and a spatial variation of resources intake was observed in this lake, in contrast to the homogeneous feeding in M−. We highlight that macrophytes were responsible for the organic matter build‐up in the sediment, especially at the lake region dominated by these plants, and contributed to increase the deposition of high‐quality amorphous organic matter, which favored taxa in M+ that fed exclusively on this item. The lower diversity of food items exploited in M−, and the Tanypus alga‐based diet in this lake, indicates the low quality of organic resources in its sediment. Although macrophytes were indirectly beneficial for benthic insects’ feeding, we found that this is not an attractive resource for prompt ingestion by most benthic taxa.
Epilepsy and seizures in young people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: Prevalence and links with other neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Eaton Christopher B. , Thomas Rhys H. , Hamandi Khalid , Payne Gareth C. , Kerr Michael P. , Linden David E. J. , Owen Michael J. , Cunningham Adam C. , Bartsch Ullrich , Struik Siske S. , van den Bree Marianne B. M.
Published: April 2019

Objective

The true prevalence of epileptic seizures and epilepsy in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is unknown, because previous studies have relied on historical medical record review. Associations of epilepsy with other neurodevelopmental manifestations (eg, specific psychiatric diagnoses) remain unexplored.

Methods

The primary caregivers of 108 deletion carriers (mean age 13.6 years) and 60 control siblings (mean age 13.1 years) completed a validated epilepsy screening questionnaire. A subsample (n = 44) underwent a second assessment with interview, prolonged electroencephalography (EEG), and medical record and epileptologist review. Intelligence quotient (IQ), psychopathology, and other neurodevelopmental problems were examined using neurocognitive assessment and questionnaire/interview.

Results

Eleven percent (12/108) of deletion carriers had an epilepsy diagnosis (controls 0%, P = 0.004). Fifty‐seven of the remaining 96 deletion carriers (59.4%) had seizures or seizurelike symptoms (controls 13.3%, 8/60, P < 0.001). A febrile seizure was reported for 24.1% (26/107) of cases (controls 0%, P < 0.001). One deletion carrier with a clinical history of epilepsy was diagnosed with an additional type of unprovoked seizure during the second assessment. One deletion carrier was newly diagnosed with epilepsy, and two more with possible nonmotor absence seizures. A positive screen on the epilepsy questionnaire was more likely in deletion carriers with lower performance IQ (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, P = 0.018), attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (OR 3.28, P = 0.021), autism symptoms (OR 3.86, P = 0.004), and indicative motor coordination disorder (OR 4.56, P = 0.021).

Significance

Even when accounting for deletion carriers diagnosed with epilepsy, reports of seizures and seizurelike symptoms are common. These may be “true” epileptic seizures in some cases, which are not recognized during routine clinical care. Febrile seizures were far more common in deletion carriers compared to known population risk. A propensity for seizures in 22q11.2DS was associated with cognitive impairment, psychopathology, and motor coordination problems. Future research is required to determine whether this reflects common neurobiologic risk pathways or is a consequence of recurrent seizures.
Marine heatwaves reveal coral reef zones susceptible to bleaching in the Red Sea
Authors: Genevier Lily G. C. , Jamil Tahira , Raitsos Dionysios E. , Krokos George , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: April 2019

As the Earth's temperature continues to rise, coral bleaching events become more frequent. Some of the most affected reef ecosystems are located in poorly monitored waters, and thus, the extent of the damage is unknown. We propose the use of marine heatwaves (MHWs) as a new approach for detecting coral reef zones susceptible to bleaching, using the Red Sea as a model system. Red Sea corals are exceptionally heat‐resistant, yet bleaching events have increased in frequency. By applying a strict definition of MHWs on >30 year satellite‐derived sea surface temperature observations (1985–2015), we provide an atlas of MHW hotspots over the Red Sea coral reef zones, which includes all MHWs that caused major coral bleaching. We found that: (a) if tuned to a specific set of conditions, MHWs identify all areas where coral bleaching has previously been reported; (b) those conditions extended farther and occurred more often than bleaching was reported; and (c) an emergent pattern of extreme warming events is evident in the northern Red Sea (since 1998), a region until now thought to be a thermal refuge for corals. We argue that bleaching in the Red Sea may be vastly underrepresented. Additionally, although northern Red Sea corals exhibit remarkably high thermal resistance, the rapidly rising incidence of MHWs of high intensity indicates this region may not remain a thermal refuge much longer. As our regionally tuned MHW algorithm was capable of isolating all extreme warming events that have led to documented coral bleaching in the Red Sea, we propose that this approach could be used to reveal bleaching‐prone regions in other data‐limited tropical regions. It may thus prove a highly valuable tool for policymakers to optimize the sustainable management of coastal economic zones.
Grass silage for biorefinery—A meta‐analysis of silage factors affecting liquid–solid separation
Authors: Franco Marcia , Hurme Timo , Winquist Erika , Rinne Marketta
Published: April 2019

This meta‐analysis based on 19 studies from Finland comprising 43 grass silages was undertaken to evaluate the effect of silage quality on liquid yield, liquid composition and retained compounds in liquid using four different liquid–solid separation methods. Silages were classified according to species (grass, clover or a mixture of them), additive treatment (no, biological or formic acid‐based additive) and harvest (primary growth or regrowth). A mixed model regression analysis with random study effect was used to evaluate the impact of silage characteristics on biorefinery efficiency. There was a large variation in silage quality in the data set. Silage dry‐matter concentration was the characteristic most highly correlated with liquid yield for all separation methods, and when used as an independent variable in the model, it resulted in the best predictions. The liquid–solid separation methods presented a great variation in the liquid yield, ranging from 0.26 to 0.56 when silage dry‐matter concentration was standardized to 250 g/kg. There was no effect of additive treatment and harvest in the estimation of the biorefinery potential, but species was a significant variable in predicting liquid yield for the laboratory‐scale presses with higher liquid yield for mixed grass and legume. The high correlation between silage quality and liquid yield and liquid composition provides potential to predict the biorefinery potential based on equations developed for each separation method. This information can be used to modify the silage production systems so that they best meet the requirements of a green biorefinery process.
Branched chain amino acids are associated with the heterogeneity of the area of lipid droplets in hepatocytes of patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kakazu Eiji , Sano Akitoshi , Morosawa Tatsuki , Inoue Jun , Ninomiya Masashi , Iwata Tomoaki , Nakamura Takuya , Takai Satoshi , Sawada Shojiro , Katagiri Hideki , Shimosegawa Tooru , Masamune Atsushi
Published: April 2019

Aim

Macrovesicular steatosis around the central vein (zone 3) is one of the pathological features of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease or steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH). The aim of this study is to elucidate precisely the association between the area of lipid droplets (LDs) and the plasma metabolic parameters in patients with NAFLD/NASH.

Methods

Eighty patients with NAFLD/NASH diagnosed by needle biopsy were enrolled. The LDs around zone 3 were counted automatically by image processing software, the total area of LDs (TLDs), the maximum area of LDs (MAXLDs), the average area of LDs (AVELDs) and the heterogeneity by the coefficient of variation (CV [%]) were quantified. The correlations between these values and plasma metabolic parameters were analyzed. We evaluated the association between branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and the heterogeneity of LDs in hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The MAXLDs was significantly correlated with more metabolic parameters than AVELDs and TLDs. The level of BCAAs was independently associated with the CV among the metabolic parameters. In early stage NAFLD, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase were significantly higher in the high CV group than in the low CV group. The high concentration of BCAAs increased the CV of LDs in hepatocytes accompanied by the expression of phosphor‐p70 S6 kinase and sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1 in vitro. A high BCAA diet induced high heterogeneity of LDs around zone 3 in ob/ob mice.

Conclusions

The levels of BCAAs were associated with the LD heterogeneity of hepatocytes around zone 3 in patients with NAFLD/NASH.
Regulation of global CD8+ T‐cell positioning by the actomyosin cytoskeleton
Authors: Stein Jens V. , Ruef Nora
Published: April 2019

CD8+ T cells have evolved as one of the most motile mammalian cell types, designed to continuously scan peptide–major histocompatibility complexes class I on the surfaces of other cells. Chemoattractants and adhesion molecules direct CD8+ T‐cell homing to and migration within secondary lymphoid organs, where these cells colocalize with antigen‐presenting dendritic cells in confined tissue volumes. CD8+ T‐cell activation induces a switch to infiltration of non‐lymphoid tissue (NLT), which differ in their topology and biophysical properties from lymphoid tissue. Here, we provide a short overview on regulation of organism‐wide trafficking patterns during naive T‐cell recirculation and their switch to non‐lymphoid tissue homing during activation. The migratory lifestyle of CD8+ T cells is regulated by their actomyosin cytoskeleton, which translates chemical signals from surface receptors into mechanical work. We explore how properties of the actomyosin cytoskeleton and its regulators affect CD8+ T cell function in lymphoid and non‐lymphoid tissue, combining recent findings in the field of cell migration and actin network regulation with tissue anatomy. Finally, we hypothesize that under certain conditions, intrinsic regulation of actomyosin dynamics may render NLT CD8+ T‐cell populations less dependent on input from extrinsic signals during tissue scanning.
Resolving the (Apparent) Talker Recognition Paradox in Developmental Speech Perception
Authors: Fecher Natalie , Paquette‐Smith Melissa , Johnson Elizabeth K.
Published: April 2019

The infant literature suggests that humans enter the world with impressive built‐in talker processing abilities. For example, newborns prefer the sound of their mother's voice over the sound of another woman's voice, and well before their first birthday, infants tune in to language‐specific speech cues for distinguishing between unfamiliar talkers. The early childhood literature, however, suggests that preschoolers are unable to learn to identify the voices of two unfamiliar talkers unless these voices are highly distinct from one another, and that adult‐level talker recognition does not emerge until children near adolescence. How can we reconcile these apparently paradoxical messages conveyed by the infant and early childhood literatures? Here, we address this question by testing 16.5‐month‐old infants (N = 80) in three talker recognition experiments. Our results demonstrate that infants at this age have difficulty recognizing unfamiliar talkers, suggesting that talker recognition (associating voices with people) is mastered later in life than talker discrimination (telling voices apart). We conclude that methodological differences across the infant and early childhood literatures—rather than a true developmental discontinuity—account for the performance differences in talker processing between these two age groups. Related findings in other areas of developmental psychology are discussed.
Epidemiology and outcomes of hospitalized adults with respiratory syncytial virus: A 6‐year retrospective study
Authors: Schmidt Henry , Das Arighno , Nam Hannah , Yang Amy , Ison Michael G.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in adults. Existing studies are limited by the number of seasons studied and most have focused on the immunocompromised.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all adults (≥18 years) with a positive RSV molecular test admitted from 2009 to 2015 to one hospital in Chicago, IL. Epidemiologic and outcomes data were collected after IRB approval.

Results

Of the 489 eligible patients, 227 had RSV A and 262 had RSV B. Patients had a median age of 61 years and comorbidity (eg, chronic lung disease [40.6%], obesity [37.8%], and cardiac disease [34.3%]). On presentation, most had cough (86.5%), fever (42.4%), and shortness of breath (38.2%). Severe disease was present in 27.6% of patients. Antibiotic was used in 76.3% inpatients and 45.8% at discharged despite few patients (4.7%) having documented bacterial infections. Supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation were utilized in 44.6% and 12.3%, respectively, while ICU level care was required in 26.9%. Most patients were discharged home (82.7%). Most deaths (68.4%, 13/19) were attributed to pneumonia or hypoxemia likely from RSV. Most fatal cases were seen in those with recent cancer treatment and older adults.

Conclusions

Respiratory syncytial virus in hospitalized adults is associated with significant morbidity and mortality with 26.9% requiring ICU level care. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to patients with documented RSV, and antibiotics are frequently continued after diagnosis. Novel antiviral therapies are needed for RSV to improve outcomes and potentially improve antibiotic stewardship in patients without a bacterial infection.
Social and emotional competence as key element to improve healthy lifestyles in children: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bermejo‐Martins Elena , Mujika Agurtzane , Iriarte Andrea , Pumar-Méndez Maria Jesus , Belintxon Maider , Ruiz‐Zaldibar Cayetana , Lopez‐Dicastillo Olga
Published: April 2019

Aim

To show the results of an exploratory trial based on social and emotional learning to promote healthy lifestyles in 5–6 aged children.

Design

A randomized controlled trial.

Method

The study was conducted from 2015–2016. Thirty‐seven children were allocated to the intervention group (N = 19) and control group (N = 18). A multi‐method and multi‐component evaluation approach was used to capture the preliminary efficacy, acceptability, and feasibility of the programme. Repeat measures ANOVA followed by an ANCOVA tests were applied for the inferential analysis and for qualitative data, a content analysis was used.

Results

Positive effects on emotional perception and resilience were found in children's intervention group. Children and families showed high programme's acceptability and a wide range of barriers and facilitators were identified during the implementation process.

Conclusion

Predicted mechanisms to improve healthy lifestyles in children throughout social and emotional competence seem to be supported by some of the study's results. However more research is needed to replicate such results and confirm these mechanisms. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02975544.
Electronic Logging Device Compliance of Small and Medium Size Motor Carriers Prior to the December 18, 2017, Mandate
Authors: Miller Jason W. , Bolumole Yemisi , Schwieterman Matthew A.
Published: April 2019

With few exceptions, motor carriers operating in the United States were required to install electronic logging devices (ELDs) as of December 18, 2017. Noncompliance exposed carriers to risk of fines from enforcement agencies. This research examines compliance behaviors of small and medium size carriers in the four months leading up to the ELD mandate, focusing on the effects of carriers’ size and geographic range of operation (e.g., regional vs. national). Drawing on sociological agency theory, new institutional theory, and theory regarding regulatory compliance, we explain why (1) carriers’ size displays a nonlinear relationship with ELD compliance, (2) the positive effect of carrier size on ELD compliance diminishes as the enforcement deadline approached, (3) carriers with operations covering wider geographic areas have higher rates of compliance, and (4) the effect of wider geographic range of operations on compliance will become more pronounced as the enforcement deadline approached. We test our theory using ELD compliance data collected by an industry data vendor, CarrierLists, from September 2017 through December 2017 from 3,910 motor carriers. Results from a series of discrete choice logistic regression models corroborate our predictions. These results have important implications for carriers, shippers, and regulators.
Down‐regulation of miRNA‐27b‐3p suppresses keratinocytes apoptosis in oral lichen planus
Authors: Chen Junjun , Wang Yufeng , Du Guanhuan , Zhang Wenyi , Cao Tianyi , Shi Linjun , Wang Yanni , Mi Jun , Tang Guoyao
Published: April 2019

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is considered a precancerous lesion with no known cure. Recent studies reported that abnormal regulation of apoptosis was involved in the pathogenesis of OLP. Next generation sequencing was used to screen the candidate microRNAs and genes in biopsies from patients with OLP and healthy mucosa. Human oral keratinocytes were transfected into the related oligonucleotides of miR‐27b‐3p/cyclophilin D and their control groups. Apoptosis was detected by TdT‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling and flow cytometry. The levels of mRNA and protein were detected by quantitative PCR, Western blots, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Luciferase assays were performed to detect the luciferase activities of miR‐27b‐3p and cyclophilin D. Here, we showed that basal epithelium apoptosis was reduced and the miR‐27b‐3p levels were decreased in clinical OLP samples. We also found that down‐regulation of miR‐27b‐3p inhibited epithelial keratinocyte apoptosis by up‐regulating cyclophilin D expression. Moreover, cyclophilin D increased the protein stability of Bcl2 through direct binding, and Bcl2 suppressed caspase9/3 activation and cytochrome C release. Taken together, these data showed that miR‐27b‐3p regulated keratinocyte apoptosis through cyclophilin D/Bcl2 signalling, suggesting the miR‐27b‐3p regulated the pathogenesis of OLP.
Five‐year stability of clinical attachment after regenerative treatment of infrabony defects compared to controls
Authors: Abdul Rahman Natalie , Nickles Katrin , Gallenbach Kerstin , Dannewitz Bettina , Ramich Tatjana , Scharf Susanne , Röllke Lasse , Schacher Beate , Eickholz Peter
Published: April 2019

Aim

To evaluate the stability of attachment achieved in infrabony defects by regenerative treatment over 60 ± 12 months compared to control teeth.

Methods

Patients treated regeneratively in at least one infrabony defect between 2004 and 2010 were screened for this retrospective cohort study. Complete examinations available for baseline, 12 and 60 ± 12 months after surgery, and a respective control tooth without treatment, provided eligibility for analysis.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients (age 58 ± 11.7 years; 12 females, five smokers) were included, each contributing one infrabony defect and one control tooth. Regenerative therapy resulted in significant attachment gain (2.7 ± 1.6 mm; p < 0.001) after 1 and (3.0 ± 2.2 mm; p < 0.001) 5 years. Control teeth were stable (vertical probing attachment level [PAL‐V] change: 1 year: 0 ± 0.8 mm; 5 years: −0.2 ± 1.2 mm). The study did not detect any significant change of PAL‐V from 1 to 5 years after surgery for regenerative (−0.3 ± 2.4 mm) and control teeth (−0.2 ± 1.4 mm). Multivariate analysis associated smoking and generalized recurrence of periodontitis (amount of sites with PPD > 5 mm) with attachment loss.

Conclusions

PAL‐V achieved by regenerative therapy in infrabony defects is as stable over 5 years as periodontally reduced but gingivally healthy or gingivitis sites. Smoking and periodontitis recurrence are associated with attachment loss.
Evidence‐based medicine: A cornerstone for clinical care but not for quality improvement
Authors: Mondoux Shawn , Shojania Kaveh G
Published: April 2019

Quality improvement (QI) as a clinical improvement science has been criticized for failing to deliver broad patient outcome improvement and for being a top‐down regulatory and compliance construct. These critics have argued that the focus of QI should be on increasing adherence to clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and, as a result, should be consolidated into research structures with the science of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) at the helm. We argue that EBM often overestimates the role of knowledge as the root cause of quality problems and focuses almost exclusively on the effectiveness of care while often neglecting the domains of safety, efficiency, patient‐centredness, and equity. Successfully addressing quality problems requires a much broader, systems‐based view of health‐care delivery. Although essential to clinical decision‐making and practice, EBM cannot act as the cornerstone of health system improvement.
Design and development of rapid and environment friendly conditioner for cashew nut processing
Authors: Banerjee Soumitra , Shrivastava Shanker Lal
Published: April 2019

Conventional hot air conditioning of cashew kernels before peeling is a time‐consuming operation causing environmental pollution. The aim of this research study was to design and develop a rapid and environment‐friendly cashew kernel conditioner and study the quality of the conditioned cashew kernels. Infrared heating was found suitable for rapid conditioning of cashew kernels, based on which a rapid conditioning machine was designed and developed. Drying kinetics study revealed that developed conditioner was suitable for rapid cashew kernel conditioning. Diffusivity values for conventional hot air and developed conditioning were found as 1.80 × 10−10 and 1.96 × 10−9 m2/s, respectively. Sensory evaluation study revealed no significant differences (p < .05) among differently conditioned cashew kernel samples. The well‐insulated conditioner was energy efficient (77.78%) and its operation had no harmful impact on the environment.

Practical applications

Developed infrared cashew kernel conditioner was found suitable for rapid cashew kernel conditioning. It is environmental friendly and energy efficient in operation. This developed conditioning machine would meet the requirement of cashew nut processing industries as suitable replacement of conventional hot air dryers. Processing time would get reduced significantly and the compact design would allow to accommodate the machine in less floor space. Developed machine is easy to operate for anyone with basic technical knowledge.
The impact of fruit softening on avocado cell microstructure changes monitored by electrical impedance and conductivity for cold‐pressed oil extraction
Authors: Yang Shuo , Hallett Ian , Oh Hyunah E. , Woolf Allan B. , Wong Marie
Published: April 2019

The impact of avocado fruit firmness on cold‐pressed oil recovery was investigated using a laboratory oil extraction unit. Intact, ground flesh and the malaxed (mixed) fruit pulp samples were collected during the extraction process to evaluate cell structure by electrical impedance spectroscopy, electrical conductivity, and light microscopy. The intact flesh of soft fruit at 105 firmometer value (Fv; over ripe) had the lowest electrical resistance compared to fruit with a firmness of 55 Fv (minimally ripe). The grinding step resulted in the greatest reduction in electrical resistance, suggesting the greatest cellular disruption in this step. Additionally, intact fruit and fruit pulp from fruit at 105 Fv had a higher conductivity and a lower electrical resistance value, which indicated more cell rupture occurred when softer, riper avocado fruit were processed. A greater number of unbroken parenchyma cells remained in samples from firmer fruit at various sampling points during the extraction process.

Practical applications

Parenchyma cells in the mesocarp of soft ripe “Hass” avocado were easier to disrupt during cold‐pressed extraction. Extraction yield of oil, using the cold‐press method, increased with riper avocados. However, the cold‐pressed oil quality decreased with avocado fruit ripeness, based on percentage of free fatty acids and peroxide value. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was found to be a useful technique for following mesocarp cellular changes during the extraction of oil.
One‐year follow‐up study of neuropathic pain in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Bjelica Bogdan , Peric Stojan , Bozovic Ivo , Kacar Aleksandra , Cobeljic Mina , Dejanovic Ivana , Stevic Zorica , Basta Ivana
Published: April 2019

We sought to gather information about frequency and features of neuropathic pain (NeP) in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) patients and to investigate course of NeP during 1‐year follow‐up. Study included 105 patients diagnosed with CIDP. Patients with diabetes (N = 26) were excluded. NeP was diagnosed by the official guidelines and painDETECT questionnaire (PD‐Q). Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRC‐SS), INCAT disability and sensory scores, and Beck Depression Inventory were also measured. PD‐Q showed presence of NeP in 16 (20%) of 79 CIDP patients and their mean pain was moderate (5.1 ± 3.0 of 10). Diagnostic delay in CIDP patients with NeP was prolonged compared to CIDP patients without NeP (21 ± 28 vs 9 ± 12 months, P < .05). Slowly progressive course of the disease was more frequent in patients with NeP (81% vs 52%, P < .05). Patients with NeP had worse INCAT sensory score (P < .01), INCAT disability score (P < .05), MRC‐SS, as well as worse disease outcome at time of testing (P < .05). Depression was more common in patients with NeP (69% vs 17%, P < .01). During 1‐year follow‐up, majority of our CIDP patients had good control of NeP with gabapentinoids or amitriptyline. NeP was common in our cohort of non‐diabetic CIDP patients. It was associated with worse functional disability, worse sensory deficit, and depression. Special attention should be paid to CIDP patients with NeP because they request additional symptomatic therapy that appeared efficacious in our cohort.
Optimal dosing of zoledronate to prevent fractures: improving risk‐benefit balance
Authors: Sugiyama T.
Published: April 2019

Click here to view the Original article by Dr. Reid et al.
Prognostic assessment using a new substaging system for Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage C hepatocellular carcinoma: A nationwide study
Authors: Lee Dong‐won , Yim Hyung Joon , Seo Yeon Seok , Na Seong Kyun , Kim Seung Young , Suh Sang Jun , Hyun Jong Jin , Jung Sung Woo , Jung Young Kul , Koo Ja Seol , Kim Ji Hoon , Yeon Jong Eun , Lee Sang Woo , Byun Kwan Soo , Um Soon Ho
Published: April 2019

Aim & Background

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Barcelona clinic liver cancer [BCLC] stage C) needs subclassification to more accurately predict survival. This study aims to establish a substaging system of BCLC stage C HCC patients for accurate prognosis.

Methods

Data from 564 patients with newly diagnosed BCLC stage C HCC from three tertiary‐care hospitals affiliated with the Korea University (training set) were assessed retrospectively. Variables affecting overall survival (OS) were analysed, and patients were substaged according to the number of prognostic factors they fulfilled. The substaging system was validated using a nationwide database from the Korean Liver Cancer Association (validation set; n = 742).

Results

In the training set, tumour factors such as tumour burden ≥10 cm, major portal vein invasion and distant metastasis, as well as underlying liver function, were independently associated with OS. BCLC stage C was classified into four substages (C1‐4) according to the number of prognostic factors. Substages C1, C2, C3 and C4 showed a median OS of 17.50 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.57‐26.43), 10.13 months (95% CI, 8.17‐12.09), 4.20 months (95% CI, 3.42‐4.98), and 2.90 months (95% CI, 2.34‐3.46) respectively (P < 0.05). This substaging system also had good discriminative ability in predicting survival in the validation set. In addition, it was considered that the BCLC substaging is better than Hong Kong liver cancer substaging in predicting the OS for patients with advanced HCC.

Conclusion

Our substaging for BCLC stage C might help predict patients' prognosis better.