bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variability in 13q33 and 9q34 is linked to aggressiveness patterns and a higher risk of progression of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer at the time of diagnosis
Authors: Lenfant Louis , Cancel‐Tassin Geraldine , Gazut Stéphane , Compérat Eva , Rouprêt Morgan , Cussenot Olivier
Published: October 2020

Objective

To identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with patterns of aggressiveness of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Patients and Methods

From January 2011 to December 2018, 476 patients with NMIBC were prospectively included. The first step aimed to identify SNPs associated with aggressiveness patterns (e.g. ≥pT1or high‐grade/Grade 3 or presence of carcinoma in situ) by analysing the data of a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on 165 patients with BC. The second step aimed to validate the SNPs previously identified, by genotyping the germline DNA of 311 patients with NMIBC.

Results

Overall, the median (interquartile range) age was 66 (58–75) years and the rate of patients with aggressive NMIBC was comparable between both groups (46% vs 46%, P = 1). GWAS data analysis identified four SNPs associated with an aggressive NMIBC (rs12615669, rs4976845, rs2989734, and rs2802288). In the validation cohort, the genotype CC of rs12615669, as well as age >70 years at the time of diagnosis were associated with aggressive NMIBC (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively). Genotyping of the entire cohort showed an association between aggressive NMIBC and the T allele of rs12615669 (P = 0.0007), the A allele of rs4976845 (P = 0.012), and the A allele of rs2989734 (P = 0.007). A significant association was also found for the entire cohort between the risk of progression and the A allele of rs4976845 (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

This two‐phase study identified three SNPs (rs12615669, rs4976845, and rs2989734) associated with aggressive NMIBC and one SNP (rs4976845) associated with a higher risk of progression.
Autophagy involvement in oncogenesis
Authors: Torii Satoru , Honda Shinya , Murohashi Michiko , Yamaguchi Hirofumi , Shimizu Shigeomi
Published: October 2020

Various clinical and experimental findings have revealed the causal relationship between autophagy failure and oncogenesis, and several mechanisms have been suggested to explain this relationship. We recently proposed two additional mechanisms: centrosome number dysregulation and the failure of autophagic cell death. Here, we detail the mechanical relationship between autophagy failure and oncogenesis.
Motivational interviewing for preventing early childhood caries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Colvara Beatriz Carriconde , Faustino‐Silva Daniel Demétrio , Meyer Elisabeth , Hugo Fernando Neves , Celeste Roger Keller , Hilgert Juliana Balbinot
Published: October 2020

Objectives

This systematic review with meta‐analysis was performed to assess whether motivational interviewing (MI) is effective in the prevention of early childhood caries (ECC) and to examine potential sources of heterogeneity.

Methods

Interventions based on motivational interviewing were considered eligible. The main outcome was new caries lesions (some studies included white‐spot lesions in total count), and secondary outcomes included caregivers’ oral health knowledge, home‐care behaviours, plaque index, gingival index and fluoride varnish applications. Controls were any type of oral health education or negative controls without any specific intervention.

Results

From a total of 1498 studies identified in the databases search, 1078 were assessed for eligibility by reading titles and abstracts, after removal of duplicates. Full‐text screening was performed in 61 articles, with 18 reporting on 14 different studies included in the qualitative synthesis and 8 in the quantitative synthesis (four studies included new white‐spot lesions in total count). Subgroup analysis was performed by the control group dmft/dmfs and the test for subgroup differences suggests that there is a subgroup effect (P = .06), so population caries experience modifies the effect of MI‐based intervention. In populations with high caries experience, the MI‐based approach proved preventing an average of 3.15 (95% CI: −6.14, −0.17) dmfs in young children. In samples with low caries experience, differences were smaller, since the caries levels were already lower (−0.31; 95% CI: −0.63, 0.00).

Conclusion

Motivational interviewing has the potential to modify knowledge and behaviours and reduce ECC with a more significant impact on children with high caries experience.
The progression of salt‐wasting and the body weight change during the first 2 weeks of life in classical 21‐hydroxylase deficiency patients
Authors: Gau Maki , Konishi Kaoru , Takasawa Kei , Nakagawa Ryuichi , Tsuji‐Hosokawa Atsumi , Hashimoto Atsuko , Sutani Akito , Tajima Toshihiro , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Morio Tomohiro , Kashimada Kenichi
Published: October 2020

Background

One of the major purposes of newborn screening for 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is preventing life‐threatening adrenal crisis. However, the details of adrenal crisis in newborns are not precisely documented.

Aim

We aimed to clarify the clinical details of salt‐wasting in newborn 21OHD patients.

Methods

Based on the follow‐up survey of the screening in Tokyo from 1989 to 2017, we retrospectively analysed the conditions of classical 21OHD neonates before the initiation of therapy.

Results

One hundred classical 21OHD patients (55 male, 45 female) were analysed. The age at the first hospital visit was 0–20 days with sex difference (male: 9.0 ± 3.5 days; female: 6.2 ± 3.9 days). Thirty‐seven (37.4%) patients exhibited severe salt‐wasting (SSW), that is, Na < 130 mEq/L, K > 7 mEq/L or Na/K ratio < 20; except for one case, SSW developed in or after the second week of life. The serum concentrations of Na, K and Na/K were linearly correlated with age in days (R2 = .38, .25, and .34 respectively), suggesting that the risk of SSW increases linearly without a threshold. The age at which the regression lines reached Na < 130 mEq/L, K > 7 mEq/L and Na/K < 20 was approximately coincided, 11.1, 12.3 and 11.2 days, respectively. All SSW patients exhibited decreased body weight from birth in their second week of life.

Conclusion

Our data revealed that the risk of developing SSW increases during the second week of life without a threshold, and for preventing SSW, early intervention, ideally during first week of life, is desirable. An increased body weight in the second week of life indicates the absence of SSW.
Anisotropic Spectral Manifold Wavelet Descriptor
Authors: Li Qinsong , Hu Ling , Liu Shengjun , Yang Dangfu , Liu Xinru
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we present a powerful spectral shape descriptor for shape analysis, named Anisotropic Spectral Manifold Wavelet Descriptor (ASMWD). We proposed a novel manifold harmonic signal processing tool termed Anisotropic Spectral Manifold Wavelet Transform (ASMWT) first. ASMWT allows to comprehensively analyse signals from multiple wavelet diffusion directions on local manifold regions of the shape with a series of low‐pass and band‐pass frequency filters in each direction. Based on the ASMWT coefficients of a very simple signal, the ASMWD is efficiently constructed as a localizable and discriminative multi‐scale point descriptor. Since the wavelets used in our descriptor are direction‐sensitive and able to robustly reconstruct the signals with a finite number of scales, it makes our descriptor compact, efficient, and unambiguous under intrinsic symmetry. The extensive experiments demonstrate that our descriptor achieves significantly better performance than the state‐of‐the‐art descriptors and can greatly improve the performance of shape matching methods including both handcrafted and learning‐based methods.
Gillnet illumination as an effective measure to reduce sea turtle bycatch
Authors: Allman Phil , Agyekumhene Andrews , Stemle Leyna
Published: October 2020

The growing demand for fish around the world is an immediate threat to marine megafauna that are unintentionally captured in commercial and artisanal fishery operations. Bycatch mitigation strategies, such as turtle excluder devices, circle hooks, and net illumination, have successfully reduced this risk in some fisheries. We explored the effectiveness of gillnet illumination to reduce sea turtle captures in 2 artisanal fisheries (Mankoadze and Winneba, Ghana) under normal fishing conditions. We first quantified sea turtle bycatch in Ghana's artisanal gillnet fishery from 15 boats for 12 months. We then quantified catch of targeted species and sea turtle bycatch from 20 boats for 15 months (7427 net sets). For 10 of these boats, we placed a Centro Economy green light (1 LED) at each 10‐m interval on the net. We also quantified target catch and sea turtle bycatch from 30 boats for 8 months (2250 net sets). In 15 of these boats, a Centro Deluxe green light (3 LEDs) was installed at 15‐m intervals. Boats with economy lights and those with deluxe lights both exhibited an 81% decrease in sea turtle captures (W = 1, p < 0.001, n = 20; W = 215, p < 0.001, n = 30, respectively) compared with control boats without lights. Illuminated nets resulted in fewer turtle catches for leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) (p < 0.05 for all species). Target catch (mass) (W = 53, p = 0.853 n = 20; W = 76, p = 0.449, n = 23) and value (W = 50, p = 1, n = 20; W = 69, p = 0.728, = 23) were not different across treatments. Our study affirms net illumination can reduce capture rates of 3 species of sea turtles, including the imperiled leatherback. Gear modification methods can successfully reduce bycatch if they are affordable and have broad applications for multiple species in different fisheries.
Increased arterial stiffness in males with abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Åström Malm Ida , De Basso Rachel , Blomstrand Peter , Bjarnegård Niclas
Published: October 2020

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a localized dilatation of the abdominal aorta, has a prevalence of about 1.5%–3% among 65‐ to 70‐year‐old males in Europe. AAA confers an increased risk of developing major cardiovascular events in addition to the risk of aneurysm rupture. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the arterial wall distensibility is altered in subjects with AAA.

Methods

Two hundred and eighty‐four male subjects (182 with AAA and 102 controls) were enrolled in the study. Arterial wall distensibility was evaluated using non‐invasive applanation tonometry to measure regional pulse wave velocity between the carotid and femoral arteries and the carotid and radial arteries. In addition, blood pressure was measured, and the pulse pressure waveform was analysed.

Results

Higher aortic augmentation index (25.1% versus 20.6%; p < .001) and higher aortic pulse wave velocity (12.3 m/s versus 10.9 m/s; p < .001) were demonstrated in the AAA cohort. The slightly higher arm pulse wave velocity in the AAA group (9.4 m/s versus 9.1 m/s; p < .05) was abolished after adjusting for mean arterial blood pressure.

Conclusions

Males with AAA have decreased aortic wall distensibility and enhanced reflection waves in central aorta during systole. These results imply that increased arterial wall stiffness may be a contributing factor to the overall higher cardiovascular risk seen in patients with AAA.
Modified combined stent‐by‐stent and stent‐in‐stent method for tri‐sectoral metal stenting in patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction
Authors: Inoue Tadahisa , Kitano Rena , Yoneda Masashi
Published: October 2020

Watch a video of this article
Africa, Britain, and beyond: diversity and equality in the British Paediatric Neurology Association
Authors: Mohamed Khalid
Published: October 2020

This commentary is on the invited editorial by Smith on page 5 of this issue.
Resource supply governs the apparent temperature dependence of animal production in stream ecosystems
Authors: Junker James R. , Cross Wyatt F. , Benstead Jonathan P. , Huryn Alexander D. , Hood James M. , Nelson Daniel , Gíslason Gísli M. , Ólafsson Jón S.
Published: October 2020

Rising global temperatures are changing how energy and materials move through ecosystems, with potential consequences for the role of animals in these processes. We tested a central prediction of the metabolic scaling framework—the temperature independence of animal community production—using a series of geothermally heated streams and a comprehensive empirical analysis. We show that the apparent temperature sensitivity of animal production was consistent with theory for individuals (Epind = 0.64 vs. 0.65 eV), but strongly amplified relative to theoretical expectations for communities, both among (Epamong = 0.67 vs. 0 eV) and within (Epwithin = 1.52 vs. 0 eV) streams. After accounting for spatial and temporal variation in resources, we show that the apparent positive effect of temperature was driven by resource supply, providing strong empirical support for the temperatureindependenceof invertebrate production and the necessary inclusion of resources in metabolic scaling efforts.
Projecting the continental accumulation of alien species through to 2050
Authors: Seebens Hanno , Bacher Sven , Blackburn Tim M. , Capinha César , Dawson Wayne , Dullinger Stefan , Genovesi Piero , Hulme Philip E. , van Kleunen Mark , Kühn Ingolf , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Lenzner Bernd , Liebhold Andrew M. , Pattison Zarah , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , Winter Marten , Essl Franz
Published: October 2020

Biological invasions have steadily increased over recent centuries. However, we still lack a clear expectation about future trends in alien species numbers. In particular, we do not know whether alien species will continue to accumulate in regional floras and faunas, or whether the pace of accumulation will decrease due to the depletion of native source pools. Here, we apply a new model to simulate future numbers of alien species based on estimated sizes of source pools and dynamics of historical invasions, assuming a continuation of processes in the future as observed in the past (a business‐as‐usual scenario). We first validated performance of different model versions by conducting a back‐casting approach, therefore fitting the model to alien species numbers until 1950 and validating predictions on trends from 1950 to 2005. In a second step, we selected the best performing model that provided the most robust predictions to project trajectories of alien species numbers until 2050. Altogether, this resulted in 3,790 stochastic simulation runs for 38 taxon–continent combinations. We provide the first quantitative projections of future trajectories of alien species numbers for seven major taxonomic groups in eight continents, accounting for variation in sampling intensity and uncertainty in projections. Overall, established alien species numbers per continent were predicted to increase from 2005 to 2050 by 36%. Particularly, strong increases were projected for Europe in absolute (+2,543 ± 237 alien species) and relative terms, followed by Temperate Asia (+1,597 ± 197), Northern America (1,484 ± 74) and Southern America (1,391 ± 258). Among individual taxonomic groups, especially strong increases were projected for invertebrates globally. Declining (but still positive) rates were projected only for Australasia. Our projections provide a first baseline for the assessment of future developments of biological invasions, which will help to inform policies to contain the spread of alien species.
Film and Video
Authors: Ghazali Marwa
Published: October 2020

Film reviewed in this issue.

Legacies.
Antimicrobial activity of effervescent denture tablets on multispecies biofilms
Authors: Coimbra Flávia C. T. , Rocha Millena M. , Oliveira Viviane C. , Macedo Ana Paula , Pagnano Valéria O. , Silva‐Lovato Cláudia H. , Paranhos Helena de F. O.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To investigate the impact of peroxide‐based solutions in reducing viability and metabolic activity of multispecies biofilms on denture base acrylic resin surfaces and for removing them from these surfaces.

Background

Denture cleansers are effective in reducing monospecies biofilm; however, studies evaluating their action on multispecies biofilms are scarce.

Materials and methods

Sixty‐nine denture base acrylic resin specimens (Ø 15 × 3 mm) were sterilised then contaminated with Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to form multispecies biofilms. Biofilms were grown for 24 hours; subsequently, specimens were immersed in three different cleansing solutions (n = 9): nitradine (NI), fixodent (FX) and phosphate‐buffered saline (Control), according to the respective manufacturer's instructions. After applying the hygiene protocols, viability of microorganisms was evaluated by counting colony‐forming units and assessing metabolic activity. Moreover, biofilm removal capacity was estimated based on extension of cell‐covered areas visualised in fluorescent microscopy micrographics.

Results

Microbial counts were solution‐dependent; NI was effective against all microorganisms (P < .05). FX exhibited moderate antimicrobial action, reducing P aeruginosa (P < .05) and S aureus (P < .05) viability by approximately 2 logs. Both peroxide‐based solutions reduced metabolic activity (P < .001) and biofilm‐covered areas on specimen surfaces (P < .001).

Conclusion

Under the experimental conditions tested, these results demonstrated that peroxide‐based solutions had favourable antimicrobial activity but promoted no broad elimination of aggregated multispecies biofilm. NI might be more suitable as complementary chemical agent for controlling multispecies denture biofilm.
The relation between Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin G seropositivity and leukocyte telomere length in US adults from NHANES 1999‐2000
Authors: Huang Jin‐Wen , Xie Chuanbo , Niu Zhongzheng , He Long‐Jun , Li Jian‐Jun
Published: October 2020

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) immunoglobulin G (IgG) seropositivity is prevalent but its relation with leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a cellular aging biomarker, is unclear.

Methods

Among 3,472 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycle 1999‐2000, LTL was measured with the quantitative polymerase chain reaction. H pylori IgG was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and defined as seropositivity with an immune status ratio score > 0.9. We used linear regression models to examine the relation of H pylori IgG seropositivity with continuous LTL and logistic regression for the relation with short LTL (<10th percentile of the population distribution) adjusting for potential confounders. We stratified the analyses by a priori selected variables.

Results

Population prevalence of H pylori IgG seropositivity was 31.5% in the overall population with higher prevalence found in those with older age, other races than non‐Hispanic whites, lower education, and being born out of the United States. Continuous LTL was non‐significantly shorter in those with H Pylori IgG seropositivity versus seronegativity (mean difference = −40.3 bp, 95% CI: −112.4, 31.9). This difference was not significant after adjusting for potential confounders nor stratifying by potential effect modifiers. H Pylori IgG seropositivity was significantly associated with short LTL among the elderly (55‐75 years, adjusted OR: 3.06, 95% CI: 1.17, 7.99), but not in the overall population (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.81‐2.02).

Conclusion

H Pylori IgG seropositivity was not associated with continuous LTL in the general population but may be associated with an excessively short LTL in the elderly.
Enamel opacities in all other than Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation index teeth of adolescents
Authors: Kevrekidou Aikaterini , Kosma Ismini , Kotsanos Ioannis , Arapostathis Konstantinos Nikolaos , Kotsanos Nikolaos
Published: October 2020

Background

There are scarce data on the hypomineralisation of other permanent teeth (HOPT) than the index teeth of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH).

Aim

To report on the prevalence and surface pattern of HOPT and seek associations with MIH.

Design

Representative samples of urban Greek 14‐year‐olds were examined in classroom with a dental mirror. Their enamel defects were recorded using EAPD criteria for MIH. Descriptive statistics and correlation tests for HOPT vs previously reported MIH findings in the same samples were applied.

Results

HOPT prevalence in 1156 consented adolescents was 22.9%. 148 (16.2%) of 912 no‐MIH children had HOPT; 117 (48.1%) of the 244 MIH children had HOPT too (OR 3.0, 95% CI 2.4‐3.6). There were more HOPT teeth per child in the MIH vs no‐MIH children (P < .001). HOPT tooth frequency was as follows: second molar 33.7%, canine 25.7%, first premolar 23.6%, and second premolar 17.0%. Enamel breakdown was seen in 5.3% HOPT children. Vestibular to intraoral surface defect ratio differed between jaws (maxilla 187/88, mandible 149/17, P < .05).

Conclusions

Hypomineralisation defects in the MIH non‐index teeth collectively had comparable prevalence and tooth surface patterns to MIH, but much lower severity. MIH was predictor for HOPT.
Small molecule inhibitors provide insights into the relevance of LAT1 and LAT2 in materno‐foetal amino acid transport
Authors: Zaugg Jonas , Huang Xiao , Ziegler Fabian , Rubin Matthias , Graff Julien , Müller Jennifer , Moser‐Hässig Ruedi , Powell Theresa , Gertsch Jürg , Altmann Karl‐Heinz , Albrecht Christiane
Published: October 2020

The placenta supplies the foetus with critical nutrients such as essential amino acids (AA, eg leucine) for development and growth. It also represents a cellular barrier which is formed by a polarized, differentiated syncytiotrophoblast (STB) monolayer. Active Na+‐independent leucine transport across the placenta is mainly attributed to the System L transporters LAT1/SLC7A5 and LAT2/SLC7A8. This study explored the influence of trophoblast differentiation on the activity of LAT1/LAT2 and the relevance of LAT1/LAT2 in leucine uptake and transfer in trophoblasts by applying specific small molecule inhibitors (JPH203/JG336/JX009). L‐leucine uptake (total dose = 167 μmol/L) was sensitive to LAT1‐specific inhibition by JPH203 (EC50 = 2.55 µmol/L). The inhibition efficiency of JPH203 was increased by an additional methoxy group in the JPH203‐derivate JG336 (EC50 = 1.99 µmol/L). Interestingly, JX009 showed efficient System L inhibition (EC50 = 2.35 µmol/L) and was the most potent inhibitor of leucine uptake in trophoblasts. The application of JPH203 and JX009 in Transwell®‐based leucine transfer revealed LAT1 as the major accumulative transporter at the apical membrane, but other System L transporters such as LAT2 as rate‐limiting for leucine efflux across the basal membrane. Therefore, differential specificity of the applied inhibitors allowed for estimation of the contribution of LAT1 and LAT2 in materno‐foetal AA transfer and their potential impact in pregnancy diseases associated with impaired foetal growth.
Inherited genetic variants associated with glucocorticoid sensitivity in leukaemia cells
Authors: Shinohara Tamao , Urayama Kevin Y. , Watanabe Atsushi , Akahane Koshi , Goi Kumiko , Huang Meixian , Kagami Keiko , Abe Masako , Sugita Kanji , Okada Yukinori , Goto Hiroaki , Minegishi Masayoshi , Iwamoto Shotaro , Inukai Takeshi
Published: October 2020

Identification of genetic variants associated with glucocorticoids (GC) sensitivity of leukaemia cells may provide insight into potential drug targets and tailored therapy. In the present study, within 72 leukaemic cell lines derived from Japanese patients with B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), we conducted genome‐wide genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and attempted to identify genetic variants associated with GC sensitivity and NR3C1 (GC receptor) gene expression. IC50 measures for prednisolone (Pred) and dexamethasone (Dex) were available using an alamarBlue cell viability assay. IC50 values of Pred showed the strongest association with rs904419 (P = 4.34 × 10−8), located between the FRMD4B and MITF genes. The median IC50 values of prednisolone for cell lines with rs904419 AA (n = 13), AG (n = 31) and GG (n = 28) genotypes were 0.089, 0.139 and 297 µmol/L, respectively. For dexamethasone sensitivity, suggestive association was observed for SNP rs2306888 (P = 1.43 × 10−6), a synonymous SNP of the TGFBR3 gene. For NR3C1 gene expression, suggestive association was observed for SNP rs11982167 (P = 6.44 × 10−8), located in the PLEKHA8 gene. These genetic variants may affect GC sensitivity of ALL cells and may give rise to opportunities in personalized medicine for effective and safe chemotherapy in ALL patients.
Irisin plays an important role in the outcomes of newly diagnosed prediabetes in adults in Guiyang, China
Authors: He Xi , Zhang Qiao , Peng Nianchun , Hu Ying , Li Hong , Chen Zhengyi , Liu Ruoyi , Xu Shujing , Zhang Miao , He Juan , Shi Lixin
Published: October 2020

Aims/Introduction

To explore the potential role of irisin in the outcomes of newly diagnosed prediabetes.

Materials and Methods

Data were obtained from the Guiyang subcenter of the Risk Evaluation of cAncers in Chinese diabeTic Individuals: a lONgitudinal (REACTION) study. A total of 2,530 participants had newly diagnosed prediabetes at baseline and completed follow up. The nested 1:1 case–control study included 161 participants who developed diabetes mellitus at follow up, and 161 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. The follow‐up study included 86 matched case–control pairs. Fasting serum irisin levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Baseline serum irisin levels were higher in the cases than in the controls (P = 0.002); high baseline serum irisin levels were an independent risk factor for the development of diabetes (odds ratio 1.235, 95% confidence interval 1.025–1.488). After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), smoking, exercise, and family history of diabetes, subjects in the highest quartile of irisin levels had a higher risk of diabetes than those in the lowest quartile (odds ratio 3.065, 95% confidence interval 1.511–6.218). The extent of decrease in irisin levels during follow‐up was greater in the cases than in the controls (P < 0.001). Baseline serum irisin levels were positively correlated with the extent of decrease in irisin during follow‐up (r = 0.773, P < 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, subjects with a decrease of irisin above the median had much higher risk for diabetes (odds ratio 5.077, 95% confidence interval 2.112–12.206).

Conclusions

Irisin might play an important role in the outcomes of newly diagnosed prediabetes in adults in Guiyang, and can predict the risk for developing diabetes in these individuals.
Asymptomatic postprandial hypotension in patients with diabetes: The KAMOGAWA‐HBP study
Authors: Kitae Aya , Ushigome Emi , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Majima Saori , Senmaru Takafumi , Osaka Takafumi , Okada Hiroshi , Hamaguchi Masahide , Asano Mai , Yamazaki Masahiro , Fukui Michiaki
Published: October 2020

Aims/Introduction

Postprandial hypotension (PPH) refers to a decrease in systolic blood pressure by ≥20 or to <90 mmHg from baseline ≥100 mmHg within 2 h of a meal. Previous studies have reported an association between diabetes and PPH; however, the characteristics of PPH in patients with diabetes remain unclear.

Materials and Methods

We recruited patients with diabetes who regularly attended the diabetes outpatient clinic. Participants were instructed to carry out three sets of blood pressure measurements at six time points: just before and right after, and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after their main meal of the day. Data on PPH symptoms were collected during an interview. To investigate the relationships between explanatory variables, PPH and associated symptoms, we carried out multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

We analyzed data from 300 participants. There were 150 (50.0%) participants with PPH. Systolic blood pressure before a meal was significantly associated with PPH (odds ratio [OR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–1.86, P < 0.001), after adjusting for covariates. Furthermore, age (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.16, P = 0.027), hemoglobin A1c level (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.01–5.64, P = 0.030) and coefficients of variation of R‐R intervals (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65–0.97, P = 0.032) were significantly associated with asymptomatic PPH.

Conclusions

Half of the present study outpatients with diabetes had PPH. High systolic blood pressure before a meal was significantly associated with the risk of PPH. Older adults and patients with higher levels of hemoglobin A1c or an autonomic dysfunction might have difficulties recognizing symptoms of PPH.
Transition of blood glucose level in a patient with pregnancy‐associated fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ichikawa Takahiro , Kitae Aya , Takeda Sorou , Sueyoshi Atsushi , Hamaguchi Masahide , Fukui Michiaki
Published: October 2020

We report on the transition in blood glucose levels before and after the onset of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus in a perinatal woman. In week 38 of pregnancy, before which the patient had normal glucose tolerance, idiopathic acute pancreatitis was diagnosed. Five days thereafter, she became hypoglycemic, so we closely monitored her blood glucose levels. A total of 13 days later, she was hyperglycemic with a blood glucose level >16.0 mmol/L and glycated hemoglobin of 6.4%. Her fasting serum C‐peptide reactivity level was 3.6 ng/mL on the 5th day, and 0.2 ng/mL on the 18th day. Multiple insulin injection therapy was administered since the 18th day; after that, ketoacidosis did not occur. The patient was diagnosed with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus based on hyperglycemia without high glycated hemoglobin levels and sudden onset insulin‐dependent diabetes. Monitoring glucose levels in the case of idiopathic acute pancreatitis during pregnancy and prompt initiation of insulin therapy are important.
Investigation of performance and drying kinetics of the closed, partially open, and open heat pump drying systems
Authors: Tunçkal Cüneyt
Published: October 2020

In this study, the slices of “starking delicious” apple were dried at 40°C and an air velocity of 1 m/s in the heat pump drying system which was operated in three modes, that is, closed, open, and partially open. The model developed by Midilli and Kucuk was found to be the best model to explain the experimental data of apple slices drying. The effective moisture diffusivity values ranged from 2.33 × 10−8 to 3.06 × 10−8 m2/s. The evaporator and condenser side for open, partially open, and closed circuits are designed to operate with 100% fresh air or partial fresh air, which is controlled using dampers. Moisture content reduction of the apple slices from 4.631 to 0.126 g‐water/g‐dry matter moisture content took 404 min in the system operation with the condenser side partially open. Open heat pump drying system evaporator and condenser sides were completed in 27.4% less time than the open system application. The average performance coefficient (COPsys) of the entire system was found to be the highest in the closed system operation with 2.505. The SMERsys average was 80.80 g/kWh and the minimum total energy consumption was 5.580 kWh in the open heat pump drying system with the condenser side open.

Practical Applications

In this study, a heat pump dryer has been developed that can be operated in both closed, partially open and as well as open loop modes to achieve the best drying performance with the help of dampers placed on the heat pump drying system. The innovation of this study is that the system works more efficiently and the drying time is completed in a shorter time by utilizing the external condenser heat. Drying was performed in five different applications depending on the position of the dampers. Another purpose of this study was to fit the experimental data to the eight thin‐layer models and calculate the effective moisture diffusivity and activation energy. In addition, the color of the dried fruits was examined in terms of quality.
A new approach to the traditional drying models for the thin‐layer drying kinetics of chickpeas
Authors: Cavalcanti‐Mata Mário Eduardo Rangel Moreira , Duarte Maria Elita Martins , Lira Valnyr Vasconcelos , de Oliveira Rafael Farias , Costa Nancy Lima , Oliveira Hugo Miguel Lisboa
Published: October 2020

The drying process is an essential step in the postharvest of grains. The objective of this research was to study the drying kinetics of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.), by introducing a new approach to simplify the Fick equation. Drying temperatures of 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80°C were used in a hot air convective dryer to dry thin‐layers of chickpeas. The mathematical models (Fick, modified Henderson & Pabis, modified Page, and Cavalcanti‐Mata) were fitted to the experimental data. Using the effective diffusivity calculated from each model, the activation energy was determined, as well as the thermodynamic properties of the process. Drying times ranged from 72,000 to 39,600 s and correlated negatively with temperature. The semiempirical models presented a better fit to the experimental data than the Fick theoretical model with six terms. Effective diffusivity varies according to each model with values ranging from 54.0 × 10−11 to 78.0 × 10−11 m2/s depending on the drying temperature. Enthalpy (4.99 kJ/mol) and entropy (−0.27 kJ mol−1 K−1) values decrease with increasing temperature revealing that increasing drying temperature the less overall energy is expended and more heterogeneity is found. Gibb's free energy (102.8 kJ/mol) is directly proportional to temperature. Thus, the drying process is not spontaneous.

Practical applications

Drying models allow prediction of drying times and thus process and equipment design. Therefore, optimal drying models are required to improve these industrial tasks. Our work can be used to improve the process and equipment design by the improved drying models. Additionally, estimation of the process thermodynamic properties provides insights to use the drying energy better.
Screening value for gastrointestinal lesions of magnetic‐controlled capsule endoscopy in asymptomatic individuals
Authors: Li Jing , Ren Mudan , Yang Jiahui , Zhao Yan , Li Yarui , Zhang Dan , Wu Fangli , Zhang Zhiyong , Lu Xinlan , Ren Li , He Shuixiang , Lu Guifang
Published: October 2020

Background and Aim

Most patients with gastric tumors and precancerous lesions are asymptomatic, which often results in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Compared with conventional gastroscopy and capsule endoscopy, magnetic‐controlled capsule endoscopy is a non‐invasive, effective, and cost‐efficient diagnostic modality for gastric examination. We retrospectively investigated magnetic‐controlled capsule endoscopy as a screening tool for gastrointestinal lesions (particularly gastric tumors and precancerous lesions) in asymptomatic individuals.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 1757 patients who voluntarily underwent magnetic‐controlled capsule endoscopy between January and December 2019 at nine medical centers across Shaanxi province based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. The primary outcomes were gastric tumor and precancerous lesion detection rates and procedural safety.

Results

The upper and lower gastrointestinal lesion detection rates were 98.35% (1728/1757) and 21.61% (78/361), respectively; 2.28% of patients were diagnosed with gastric tumors including gastric cancer (4/1757) and submucosal tumors (36/1757). Three types of precancerous lesions were found in 591 patients (33.64%), including chronic atrophic gastritis (23.16%), gastric polyp (10.98%), and gastric ulcer (2.96%). For patients aged over 40 years, the detection rate of precancerous lesions was higher (14.36% vs 42.58%, P < 0.001). No patient was diagnosed with small intestinal cancer. No adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

Magnetic‐controlled capsule endoscopy could be used as a promising novel screening modality for diagnosis of gastrointestinal lesions in asymptomatic individuals, specifically gastric tumors and precancerous lesions, with the advantages of safety, non‐invasiveness, effectiveness, and cost‐efficiency.
The influence of sleep health on dietary intake: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of intervention studies
Authors: Fenton S. , Burrows T. L. , Skinner J. A. , Duncan M. J.
Published: October 2020

Background

Poor dietary intake increases disease risk, and poor sleep influences diet. This systematic review and meta‐analysis of intervention studies aimed to evaluate the effect of sleep health on dietary intake in adults.

Methods

Five online databases were used to identify studies published between 1970 and 2019. Included studies were interventions that modified sleep and reported dietary outcomes.

Results

Fifty four full texts were assessed and 24 publications were included. Following risk of bias appraisal, data were narratively summarised and a sub‐group of studies (n = 15) was meta‐analysed to determine the effect of sleep on dietary intake. One intervention modified sleep timing and 23 modified duration. Sleep duration was partially restricted (≤5.5 h night–1) (n = 16), totally restricted (n = 4), partially and totally restricted (n = 1), and extended (n = 2). Dietary outcomes were energy intake (n = 24), carbohydrate, fat, protein intake (n = 20), single nutrient intake (n = 5), diet quality (n = 1) and food types (n = 1). Meta‐analysis indicated partial sleep restriction results in higher energy intake in intervention compared with control [standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.21–0.52; P < 0.001], with a mean difference of 204 kcal (95% CI = 112–295; P < 0.001) in daily energy intake, and a higher percentage of energy from fat, protein, carbohydrate (fat: SMD = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.16–0.51; P < 0.001; protein: SMD = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.12–0.47, P = 0.001; carbohydrate: SMD = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.04–0.39, P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Partial sleep restriction with duration of ≤5.5 h day–1 increases daily energy intake, as well as fat, protein and carbohydrate intake. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between other dimensions of sleep health and dietary intake.
Achieving Health Equity Through Eradicating Structural Racism in the United States: A Call to Action for Nursing Leadership
Authors: Nardi Deena , Waite Roberta , Nowak Marian , Hatcher Barbara , Hines‐Martin Vicki , Stacciarini Jeanne‐Marie R.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To advocate for strategic actions by U.S. nursing leadership that denote the presence, customs, and implications of racism that has been institutionalized within the structures of U.S. nursing leadership and the profession.

Organizing Constructs

A racial equity framework is used to examine the barriers to quality health care and equitable health outcomes and to present evidence‐based actions to dismantle structural inequities embedded in the nursing profession.

Methods

This article was developed through a comprehensive literature review and synthesis of relevant research, data, peer‐reviewed literature, government reports, and organizational guidelines.

Findings

A commitment by U.S. nursing leadership to eradicate structural racism in nursing must be made in order to effect sustainable transformative change toward more equitable systems of health care.

Conclusions

This article presents recommendations for nursing leadership in the United States to renew its commitment to quality health care through dismantling structural racism at all levels of direct and systems nursing practice and education, at the bedside, and in the boardrooms.

Clinical Relevance

Structural racism in nursing and health care also persists globally as a key social determinant of health. Its elimination aligns with international health care and nursing’s policy priorities, yet change can only occur when senior leaders clearly understand it as a key barrier to health, and commit to transformative change in how their “systems” work. These recommendations can also be culturally adapted by global nursing for use in antiracism work.
Serum thyroxine and thyrotropin concentrations decrease with severity of nonthyroidal illness in cats and predict 30‐day survival outcome
Authors: Peterson Mark E. , Davignon Danielle L. , Shaw Nicole , Dougherty Eric , Rishniw Mark , Randolph John F.
Published: October 2020

Background

In cats, nonthyroidal illness affects serum thyroid hormone concentrations. Serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations commonly decrease, whereas free T4(fT4) concentrations vary unpredictably. Limited information exists regarding effects on serum thyrotropin (thyroid‐stimulating hormone [TSH]) concentrations in cats with nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS).

Objectives

To characterize alterations in thyroid function that develop in cats with NTIS and to correlate these alterations with severity and outcome of the nonthyroidal illness.

Animals

Two hundred and twenty‐two cats with NTIS and 380 clinically normal cats of similar age and sex.

Methods

Prospective, cross‐sectional study. All cats had serum T4, T3, free T4, and TSH concentrations measured. Cats were grouped based on illness severity and 30‐day survival.

Results

Cats with NTIS had lower serum T4and T3concentrations than did normal cats (P < .001). Serum fT4and TSH concentrations did not differ between groups. Serum T4, T3, and fT4concentrations progressively decreased with increasing disease severity (P < .001). The 56 cats that died had lower T4, T3, and TSH concentrations than did the 166 survivors, with no difference in fT4concentration. Multivariable logistic regression modeling indicated that serum T4and TSH concentrations both predicted survival (P <.02).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cats with NTIS commonly develop low serum T4, T3, and TSH concentrations, the prevalence and extent of which increases with disease severity. Clinicians should consider evaluating thyroid function in cats with severe NTIS, because doing so could help determine probability of successful treatment responses before investing considerable time, effort, and finances in addressing the underlying disease.
Cryptic lineages respond differently to coral bleaching
Authors: Gómez‐Corrales Matías , Prada Carlos
Published: October 2020

Coral cover is decreasing worldwide largely as a result of a rise in seawater temperatures that triggers coral bleaching and induces coral mortality. How coral reefs will respond to climate change will be a function of genetic variation and how it is partitioned within and among species. A critical initial step is to accurately delineate species and quantify their physiological potential to cope with heat stress. Cryptic species are morphologically similar but genetically distinct and may respond physiologically differently to climate change. A dominant Caribbean reef builder severely affected by climate change is the mountainous star coral,Orbicella faveolata. Recently in this journal, Dziedzic et al. reported quantitative genetic variation in the physiological response to thermal stress in a single population of this species, suggesting that variation within populations will allow these corals to adapt to rising ocean temperatures. We reanalysed their data and found multiple cryptic lineages rather than a single panmictic population, with one of the lineages being heat‐intolerant. While different cryptic lineages co‐occur in certain locations, there is at least one lineage that occurs only in a single location. Our finding of hidden lineages within a threatened species highlights the varying extinction risks faced by these independently evolving groups, especially when the prospects of survival under warmer oceans seem favourable for only some of them.
The environment drives microbial trait variability in aquatic habitats
Authors: Beier Sara , Andersson Anders F. , Galand Pierre E. , Hochart Corentin , Logue Jürg B. , McMahon Katherine , Bertilsson Stefan
Published: October 2020

A prerequisite to improve the predictability of microbial community dynamics is to understand the mechanisms of microbial assembly. To study factors that contribute to microbial community assembly, we examined the temporal dynamics of genes in five aquatic metagenome time‐series, originating from marine offshore or coastal sites and one lake. With this trait‐based approach we expected to find gene‐specific patterns of temporal allele variability that depended on the seasonal metacommunity size of carrier‐taxa and the variability of the milieu and the substrates to which the resulting proteins were exposed. In more detail, we hypothesized that a larger seasonal metacommunity size would result in increased temporal variability of functional units (i.e., gene alleles), as shown previously for taxonomic units. We further hypothesized that multicopy genes would feature higher temporal variability than single‐copy genes, as gene multiplication can result from high variability in substrate quality and quantity. Finally, we hypothesized that direct exposure of proteins to the extracellular environment would result in increased temporal variability of the respective gene compared to intracellular proteins that are less exposed to environmental fluctuations. The first two hypotheses were confirmed in all data sets, while significant effects of the subcellular location of gene products was only seen in three of the five time‐series. The gene with the highest allele variability throughout all data sets was an iron transporter, also representing a target for phage infection. Previous work has emphasized the role of phage–prokaryote interactions as a major driver of microbial diversity. Our finding therefore points to a potentially important role of iron transporter‐mediated phage infections for the assembly and maintenance of diversity in aquatic prokaryotes.
A young age of subspecific divergence in the desert locust inferred by ABC random forest
Authors: Chapuis Marie‐Pierre , Raynal Louis , Plantamp Christophe , Meynard Christine N. , Blondin Laurence , Marin Jean‐Michel , Estoup Arnaud
Published: October 2020

Dating population divergence within species from molecular data and relating such dating to climatic and biogeographic changes is not trivial. Yet it can help formulating evolutionary hypotheses regarding local adaptation and future responses to changing environments. Key issues include statistical selection of a demographic and historical scenario among a set of possible scenarios, and estimation of the parameter(s) of interest under the chosen scenario. Such inferences greatly benefit from (a) independent information on evolutionary rate and pattern at genetic markers; and (b) new statistical approaches, such as approximate Bayesian computation‐random forest (ABC‐RF), which provides reliable inference at a low computational cost and the possibility to measure prediction quality at the exact position of the observed data set. Here, we show full potential of the ABC‐RF approach including prior knowledge on microsatellite genetic markers to decipher the evolutionary history of the African arid‐adapted pest locust, Schistocerca gregaria, with support for a southern colonization of Africa, from a low number of founders of northern origin, dating back 2.6 Ky (90% CI: 0.9–6.6 Ky). We verify that this divergence time estimate accurately reflected true divergence time values by computing accuracy at a local posterior scale from simulated pseudo‐observed data sets. The inferred divergence history is better explained by the peculiar biology of S. gregaria, which involves a density‐dependent swarming phase with some exceptional spectacular migrations, rather than a continuous colonization resulting from the continental expansion of open vegetation habitats during more ancient Quaternary glacial climatic episodes.