bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: association between vedolizumab trough concentration and clinical outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Singh Siddharth , Dulai Parambir S. , Vande Casteele Niels , Battat Robert , Fumery Mathurin , Boland Brigid S. , Sandborn William J.
Published: September 2019

Background

There has been limited evaluation of the association between vedolizumab trough concentration and clinical outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Aim

To perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the potential role of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for vedolizumab.

Methods

Through a systematic literature search through 28 February 2019, we identified five cohort studies (558 patients, 42% with ulcerative colitis) reporting the association between vedolizumab trough concentration and clinical outcomes in patients with IBD. We calculated mean difference (MD) in vedolizumab trough concentration in patients achieving vs not achieving clinical outcomes, and qualitatively synthesized thresholds associated with favourable outcomes.

Results

In patients with UC, median vedolizumab trough concentrations were consistently higher in patients achieving clinical remission (median, 14.3 μg/mL vs 10.5 μg/mL; MD, 5.1 μg/mL, 95% CI, 2.8‐7.4) or endoscopic remission (median, 13.0 μg/mL vs 9.7; MD, 5.1 μg/mL, 95% CI, 2.2‐7.9). In patients with CD, there was no significant difference in median vedolizumab trough concentrations in patients achieving vs not achieving clinical remission (MD, 2.0 μg/mL; 95% CI, −0.5 to 4.5) or endoscopic remission (MD, 3.6 μg/mL; 95% CI, −1.4 to 8.6). In patients with UC, week 6 vedolizumab trough concentrations ≥18.5‐20.8 μg/mL, and maintenance trough concentrations ≥9.0‐12.6 μg/mL were associated with favourable clinical outcomes. Antibodies to vedolizumab were reported in 1.7%‐3.0% patients on maintenance therapy.

Conclusion

Based on meta‐analysis, patients with UC who achieve endoscopic and clinical remission have significantly higher vedolizumab trough concentration during maintenance therapy. Vedolizumab trough concentration >20 μg/mL at week 6, and >12 μg/mL during maintenance may be associated with better outcomes, though cause‐effect relationship remains unclear. Prospective studies on reactive and proactive therapeutic drug monitoring of vedolizumab (vs empiric dose escalation) are warranted.
Clinical value of analytical testing in patients presenting with new psychoactive substances intoxication
Authors: Grafinger Katharina Elisabeth , Liechti Matthias E. , Liakoni Evangelia
Published: September 2019

New psychoactive substances (NPS) have emerged worldwide in recent years, posing a threat to public health and a challenge to drug policy. NPS are usually derivatives or analogues of classical recreational drugs designed to imitate their effects while circumventing regulations. This article provides an overview of benefits and limitations of analytical screening in managing patients presenting with acute NPS toxicity. NPS typically cannot be analytically identified with the usual immunoassay tests. To detect NPS using an immunoassay, antibodies specifically binding to the new structures would have to be developed, which is complicated by the rapid change of the NPS market. Activity‐based assays could circumvent this problem since no prior knowledge on the substance structure is necessary. However, classical recreational drugs activating the same receptors could lead to false positive results. Liquid or gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry is a valuable NPS analysis tool, but its costs (e.g. equipment), run time (results usually within hours vs minutes in case of immunoasssays) and the need for specialized personnel hinder its use in clinical setting, while factors such as lack of reference standards can pose further limitations. Although supportive measures are sufficient in most cases for adequate patient management, the detection and identification of NPS can contribute significantly to public health and safety in cases of e.g. cluster intoxications and outbreaks, and to the investigation of these novel compounds' properties. However, this requires not only availability of the necessary equipment and personnel, but also collaboration between clinicians, authorities and laboratories.
Heterogeneity in male and female farmers’ preference for a profit‐enhancing and labor‐saving technology: The case of Direct‐Seeded Rice (DSR) in India
Authors: Joshi Pramod K. , Khan Md Tajuddin , Kishore Avinash
Published: September 2019

Labor‐saving and income‐increasing technologies may affect women farmers differently from men. However, very few studies explicitly account for women's preferences for new technologies. We carried out a discrete choice experiment with 337 female and 329 male farmers in Maharashtra, India, to measure their willingness to pay (WTP) for direct‐seeded rice (DSR) with drum seeder and to understand the gender differences in marginal valuations of key attributes. We used the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) to collect self‐reported data on the role and say of women in different domains of decision making. The respective gender roles of women and men in the family and on the farm are aligned with their preferences. Men have a greater say over how the family spends the cash. Accordingly, men tend to have a higher WTP for attributes that increase income (increase in yield) or reduce cash costs (reduction in seed rate). Women contribute a large share of the labor for transplanting rice, much of which is unpaid work on family farms. Women, therefore, seem to value labor saving more. Women in our sample were more interested in the new technology and had a higher WTP for it.
Linear IgA dermatosis in association with angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma infiltrating the skin: A case report with literature review
Authors: Colmant Caroline , Camboni Alessandra , Dekeuleneer Valérie , Marot Liliane , Dachelet Claire , Baeck Marie
Published: September 2019

Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) is an aggressive form of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, characterized by systemic symptoms, diffuse lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly and immunodysregulation. Half of AITL is associated with cutaneous symptoms, but only few cases with bullous eruption have been described. Association with a linear IgA dermatosis is extremely rare. Linear IgA dermatosis can be idiopathic, or linked with drug intake or neoplastic disorders. Some cases of linear IgA dermatosis presenting as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been described, most of them being drug induced. We here present the case of a 72‐year‐old man recently diagnosed with AITL who developed a bullous eruption, presenting as TEN. Histopathology showed deep cutaneous involvement of the lymphoma with a sub‐epidermal blistering and direct immunofluorescence revealed a heavy IgA linear deposit on the dermal‐epidermal junction. A diagnosis of linear IgA dermatosis associated with cutaneous involvement of an angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma was made. Chemotherapy and corticosteroids allowed cutaneous improvement but the patient died of his lymphoma shortly after.
Temporal dynamics of taxonomic homogenization in the fish communities of the Laurentian Great Lakes
Authors: Campbell Sara E. , Mandrak Nicholas E.
Published: September 2019

Aim

As a result of the loss of native species and the spread of non‐native species, fish communities are becoming increasingly homogenous globally. In the Laurentian Great Lakes, 21 native fish species have been extirpated from one or more lakes as a result of habitat alteration and destruction, overexploitation and invasive species since the 1800s. Over the same time period, 30 non‐native species became established in at least one lake as a result of authorized and unauthorized introductions. This study examines temporal changes in taxonomic dissimilarity over 15 time periods spanning the last 150 years.

Location

Laurentian Great Lakes, North America.

Methods

Changes to the Great Lakes fish fauna were summarized in species lists by decade from 1870 to 2010. Taxonomic dissimilarity between and within communities was calculated using Jaccard's dissimilarity coefficient; the relative contribution of turnover (species replacement) and nestedness (species loss) to total taxonomic dissimilarity was also calculated. To test whether the Great Lakes have homogenized, we conducted a regression on multiple‐site dissimilarity values over time.

Results

Native species richness in the Great Lakes exhibits a latitudinal gradient that reflects post‐glacial history and current climate. We demonstrate that the establishment of non‐native species and extirpation of native species has changed fish communities in each of the Great Lakes, with communities in Lake Superior differentiating the most (~23%) and in Lake Ontario the least (~12%) since 1870. Multiple‐site dissimilarity ranges between ~50% and 53% per decade, and communities have become ~5.9% more similar over time since 1870.

Main Conclusions

Species introductions and extirpations have changed community composition, resulting in the fish communities becoming significantly more similar to one another over time and, thus, homogenized. As a result, ongoing management should prevent range expansion of native and non‐native species to preserve the current distinctiveness of the Great Lakes fish communities.
Doing a transversal method: developing an ethics of care in a collaborative research project
Authors: SCHEEL STEPHAN , GROMMÉ FRANCISCA , RUPPERT EVELYN , USTEK‐SPILDA FUNDA , CAKICI BAKI , TAKALA VILLE
Published: September 2019

Beck and Sznaider call on ‘methodological cosmopolitanism’ to transcend methodological nationalism and account for an increasingly cosmopolitanized reality. We take up their challenge by drawing on our experiences of conducting a collaborative ethnography of methodological changes in the production of population statistics within and between European national and international statistical institutes. Drawing on debates in science and technology studies, we depart from some conceptual presuppositions of methodological cosmopolitanism to define a ‘transversal method’. Referring to this method as performative and ontopolitical, we reflect on how it requires collaboration and, in our ethnography, gave rise to three practical challenges – (1) going beyond the individual project; (2) using each other's field notes; (3) and working against the national order of things. To meet these challenges, we reflect on how this method required us to practise three modes of care – thinking with others, tinkering with field notes, and dissenting within.
Doing Public Criminology with the Criminal Justice Voluntary Sector: Methodological Reflections and Considerations
Authors: McALEESE SAMANTHA
Published: September 2019

Criminological literature outlines various roles for public criminologists and reflects on both the form and purpose of public criminology. This article reviews this literature and considers institutional and political activist ethnography as methods through which criminologists can address critique, and better combine social justice research and advocacy work. Such methodological considerations demonstrate that, for some, ‘doing’ public criminology means actively engaging in advocacy work alongside research participants and other activists. Examples and reflections from the author's own work with the criminal justice voluntary sector (CJVS) in Canada demonstrate that a public criminology informed by institutional and political activist ethnography is especially important if we want to: (i) better understand the role of the sector in supporting people with criminal records; and (ii) strengthen the relationship between academics, policymakers, advocates, practitioners, and people with lived experience of criminalisation and punishment.
From an assessment of multiple chelators, clodronate has potential for use in continuous chelation
Authors: Wright P. P. , Cooper C. , Kahler B. , Walsh L. J.
Published: September 2019

Aim

To identify chelators which when mixed with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) are stable, exhibiting minimal loss of free available chlorine (FAC) over 80 min and to further investigate potential mixtures by assessing FAC over 18 h and the capacity to remove smear layer.

Methodology

0.25 mol L−1 EDTA (10%), 0.25 mol L−1 EGTA (egtazic acid), 0.25 mol L−1 CDTA (cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid), 0.25 mol L−1 DTPA (pentetic acid), 0.5 mol L−1 ATMP (aminotri(methylene phosphonic acid)) and 1 mol L−1 HPAA, (hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid), all at alkaline pH, were mixed equally with 5% NaOCl. 0.5 mol L−1 alkaline clodronate and 0.5 mol L−1 Na4etidronate (15%) were mixed equally with 10% NaOCl. For all mixtures, the pH and temperature were measured over 80 min and additionally for the clodronate mixture over 18 h. Iodometric titration was used to measure the FAC of all mixtures except for HPAA. The following were compared with respect to their ability to remove smear layer: 1 mol L−1 clodronate + 10% NaOCl, 0.5 mol L−1 clodronate + 10% NaOCl, 1 mol L−1 etidronate + 10% NaOCl, 0.5 mol L−1 clodronate + 10% NaOCl and the sequences 5% NaOCl/17% EDTA/5% NaOCl and 5% NaOCl/17% EDTA. The area fraction occupied by open dentinal tubules as a percentage of the total area (% AF) from scanning electron microscopy micrographs was calculated using Image J. The results were statistically analysed with alpha set at 0.05.

Results

Compared to its control, the mixture 0.5 mol L−1 clodronate + 10% NaOCl lost no FAC over 18 h (P > 0.05). The FAC of 0.25 mol L−1 CDTA mixed with 5% NaOCl fell to 96%, 92%, 75% and 4.9% at 20, 40, 60 and 80 min, respectively. Temperature rises were observed in all cases except in the etidronate and clodronate mixtures. Only in the clodronate mixture did the pH remain above pH 12 for the whole experiment. Although smear layer was removed, the % AF in 1 mol L−1 clodronate + 10% NaOCl, 0.5 mol L−1 clodronate + 10% NaOCl, 1 mol L−1 etidronate + 10% NaOCl was less than for 0.5 mol L−1 etidronate + 10% NaOCl and 5% NaOCl/17% EDTA/5% NaOCl and 5% NaOCl/17% EDTA.

Conclusion

Alkaline 0.5 mol L−1 clodronate mixed equally with 10% NaOCl has potential for use in continuous chelation, based on this assessment of stability and smear layer removal. Further research is needed to establish its efficacy and safety.
Monogenic leptin deficiency in early childhood obesity
Authors: ElSaeed Gehan , Mousa Noha , El‐Mougy Fatma , Hafez Mona , Khodeera Seham , Alhelbawy Mohamed , Fouda Engy , Elsheikh Suzan , ElKaffas Rasha , Eldeeb Sara , Elsharkawy Marwa
Published: September 2019

Background

Early childhood obesity is a public health problem worldwide. It affects different aspects of physical and mental child's health. Identifying the etiologies, especially treatable and preventable causes, can direct health professionals toward proper management. Analysis of serum leptin levels and leptin gene mutations is a rapid and easy step toward the diagnosis of congenital leptin deficiency that is considered an important cause in early childhood obesity.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to diagnose monogenic leptin deficiency in Egyptian children presenting with early onset obesity (EOO).

Methods

The current cross‐sectional study included 80 children who developed obesity during the first year of life with BMI > 2 SD (for age and sex). The studied population was subjected to history taking, auxological assessment, serum leptin assay, and leptin gene sequencing.

Results

Ten cases had leptin deficiency (12.5%), while 18 cases showed elevated leptin levels (22.5%). Leptin gene variants in the coding region were identified in 30% of the leptin‐deficient group: two novel homozygous disease‐causing variants (c.104 T > G and c.34 delC) and another previously reported homozygous pathogenic variant (c.313C > T).

Conclusion

Leptin deficiency is considered a significant cause of monogenic obesity in Egyptian children with early‐onset obesity as the diagnosis of these patients would be a perfect target for recombinant leptin therapy.
Impact of negative‐pressure wound therapy on bacterial behaviour and bioburden in a contaminated full‐thickness wound
Authors: Li Zhirui , Yu Qingwen , Wang Song , Wang Guoqi , Li Tongtong , Tang Pei‐fu , Liu Daohong
Published: September 2019

The use of negative‐pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has displayed significant clinical benefits in the healing of infected wounds. However, the effects of NPWT on bacterial colonisation and infection of traumatic wounds has been controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of NPWT treatment in rabbits with a contaminated full‐thickness wound on bacterial behaviour, including colony morphology, spatial distribution, fissional proliferation, and bacterial bioburden. Full‐thickness wounds were created on the back of rabbits, and were inoculated with bioluminescent Staphylococcus aureus. The wounds were treated with sterile gauze dressings and NPWT with continuous negative pressure (−125 mm Hg). Wound samples were harvested on days 0 (6 hours after bacterial inoculation), 2, 4, 6, and 8 at the centre of wound beds before irrigation. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses were performed to determine the characteristic bacteriology. Laser scanning confocal microscopy was performed to obtain bioluminescent images, which were used to observe spatial distribution of the GFP‐labelled S. aureus within the tissue and quantify the bacterial bioburden. NPWT resulted in sparse amounts of scattered bacteria on the wound surface or as sparsely spaced single colonies within the tissue. Wound bioburden on day 8 in the NPWT and gauze groups was 34.6 ± 5.5% and 141.9 ± 15.4% of the baseline values (N = 6), respectively (P < .0001). TEM showed a lack of S. aureus active fission within NPWT‐treated tissue. NPWT can impact S. aureus colony morphology and spatial distribution both on the surface and within wound tissue, and reduce S. aureus as early as 48 hours after therapy initiation. Additionally, NPWT inhibits bacterial fissional proliferation in microcolonies.
Host genotype and amoxicillin administration affect the incidence of diarrhoea and faecal microbiota of weaned piglets during a natural multiresistant ETEC infection
Authors: Massacci Francesca Romana , Tofani Silvia , Forte Claudio , Bertocchi Micol , Lovito Carmela , Orsini Serenella , Tentellini Michele , Marchi Lucia , Lemonnier Gaetan , Luise Diana , Blanc Fany , Castinel Adrien , Bevilacqua Claudia , Rogel‐Gaillard Claire , Pezzotti Giovanni , Estellé Jordi , Trevisi Paolo , Magistrali Chiara Francesca
Published: September 2019

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the aetiological agent of postweaning diarrhoea (PWD) in piglets. The SNPs located on the Mucine 4 (MUC4) and Fucosyltransferase 1 (FUT1) genes have been associated with the susceptibility to ETEC F4 and ETEC F18, respectively. The interplay between the MUC4 and FUT1 genotypes to ETEC infection and the use of amoxicillin in modifying the intestinal microbiota during a natural infection by multiresistant ETEC strains have never been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the MUC4 and FUT1 genotypes and the administration of amoxicillin through different routes on the presence of diarrhoea and the faecal microbiota composition in piglets naturally infected with ETEC. Seventy‐one piglets were divided into three groups: two groups differing by amoxicillin administration routes—parenteral (P) or oral (O) and a control group without antibiotics (C). Faecal scores, body weight, presence of ETEC F4 and F18 were investigated 4 days after the arrival in the facility (T0), at the end of the amoxicillin administration (T1) and after the withdrawal period (T2). The faecal bacteria composition was assessed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. We described that MUC4 and FUT1 genotypes were associated with the presence of ETEC F4 and ETEC F18. The faecal microbiota was influenced by the MUC4 genotypes at T0. We found the oral administration to be associated with the presence of diarrhoea at T1 and T2. Furthermore, the exposure to amoxicillin resulted in significant alterations of the faecal microbiota. Overall, MUC4 and FUT1 were confirmed as genetic markers for the susceptibility to ETEC infections in pigs. Moreover, our data highlight that group amoxicillin treatment may produce adverse outcomes on pig health in course of multiresistant ETEC infection. Therefore, alternative control measures able to maintain a healthy faecal microbiota in weaners are recommended.
Bayesian Extension of Biweight and Huber Weight for Robust Ability Estimation
Authors: Maeda Hotaka , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2019

When a response pattern does not fit a selected measurement model, one may resort to robust ability estimation. Two popular robust methods are biweight and Huber weight. So far, research on these methods has been quite limited. This article proposes the maximum a posteriori biweight (BMAP) and Huber weight (HMAP) estimation methods. These methods use the Bayesian prior distribution to compensate for information lost due to aberrant responses. They may also be more resistant to the detrimental effects of downweighting the nonaberrant responses. The effectiveness of BMAP and HMAP was evaluated through a Monte Carlo simulation. Results show that both methods, especially BMAP, are more effective than the original biweight and Huber weight in correcting mild forms of aberrant behavior.
The potential of runoff attenuation features as a Natural Flood Management approach
Authors: Nicholson Alexander R. , O'Donnell Greg M. , Wilkinson Mark E. , Quinn Paul F.
Published: September 2019

Natural Flood Management (NFM) is receiving much attention in the United Kingdom and across Europe and is now widely seen as a valid solution to help sustainably manage flood risk whilst offering significant multiple benefits. However, there is little empirical evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of NFM interventions in reducing flood hazard at the catchment scale. The Belford Burn catchment (~6km2) in Northern England provides a focus for this article, and utilises observed data collected throughout the NFM project's monitoring period (2007–2012). This study discusses the introduction of catchment‐wide water storage through the implementation of runoff attenuation features (RAFs), in‐particular offline storage areas, as a means of mitigating peak flow magnitudes in flood‐causing events. A novel experimental monitoring setup is introduced alongside an analytical approach to quantify the impact of individual offline storage areas, which has demonstrated local reductions in peak flow for low magnitude storm events. Finally, a physically based model has been created to demonstrate the impact of a network of offline storage areas to enable assessment of storage thresholds required to mitigate design storm events, thus enabling design of an NFM scheme. The modelling results have shown that peak flow can be reduced by more than 30% at downstream receptors.
Disaster waste management after flood events
Authors: Amato Alessia , Gabrielli Francesco , Spinozzi Francesco , Magi Galluzzi Lorenzo , Balducci Susanna , Beolchini Francesca
Published: September 2019

Large amounts of waste debris occur in urbanised areas when heavy rain on local geology generates flooding and landslides. Improved understanding of disaster waste management helps to support future strategies. This study aims to find management solutions that are environmentally and economically sustainable, hypothesizing three different options. There are many variables which influence the environmental impact and the operational cost. The distances between the areas of interest and the management site, the extent of a first manual sorting carried out by citizens, the economic load of each involved step. Overall, both the environmental and the economic analysis confirmed the usefulness of the non‐advanced option, which includes a temporary debris storage site for a preliminary shredding. On the other hand, the impact due to a possible biological treatment is not balanced by the advantage of the further volume decrease. The article shows a simple analysis schema, easily adaptable to different geographical context, is useful as supporting tool for the decision makers in flood emergency scenarios.
Effect of fermented blood cells on growth performance and intestinal characteristics of weaned piglets
Authors: Zhang Boru , Yang Wei , Zhang Hongyun , Meng Qingwei , Bi Chongpeng , Shan Anshan
Published: September 2019

The increase in feed costs has led feeder to replace protein source. Blood meal can be used in piglet diets instead of fish meal (FM). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of fermented blood cells (FBCs) on the growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets. One hundred eighty 28‐day‐old piglets were assigned and were divided into 4 groups (9 L per groups and 5 pigs per litters) randomly. The piglets were fed one of four experimental diets, fish meal, blood cells (BCs), liquid‐state fermented blood cells (LFBCs) or solid‐state fermented blood cells (SFBCs) respectively. The dietary with LFBCs and SFBCs increased the average daily gain and feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) (p < .05). In duodenum, LFBC group increased the villous height (p < .05). The SFBC and LFBC group significantly increased the villous height (p < .05) in the jejunum. Fermented blood cells exhibit a positive regulatory function on the intestinal tract and modulate intestinal microflora. Compared with the fish meal group, the CAT, GSH‐PX and SOD activity, and MDA level was no significant differences in jejunum and plasma of weaned piglets (p > .05). LFBCs and SFBCs significantly increased the bifidobacteria and lactobacillus number in the caecum (p < .05). Dietary LFBCs increased the expression of ZO‐1 mRNA in the jejunal of weaned piglets (p < .05). In conclusion, dietary with fermented blood cells in weaned piglets had improved growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets.
Comparative study of stress response, growth and development of uteri in post‐weaning gilts challenged with zearalenone and estradiol benzoate
Authors: Zhou Min , Yang Lijie , Chen Yanhong , Sun Tong , Wang Nuan , Chen Xing , Yang Zaibin , Ge Jinshan , Jiang Shuzhen
Published: September 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of zearalenone (ZEA) and estradiol benzoate (EB) on stress injury and uterine development in post‐weaning gilts. Thirty healthy post‐weaning female gilts (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) aged 28–32 days were randomly allocated to three treatments as follows: (a) basal diet (Control), (b) basal diet plus 1.0 mg/kg purified ZEA (ZEA) and (c) basal diet plus 0.75 ml (1.5 mg) EB per pig at 3‐days intervals by intramuscular injection (EB). The serum estradiol (E2), the final and the increased vulvar area, uterine index, thickness of the myometrium and endometrium, and protein expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in ZEA group were higher than those in the control group (p < .05), but lower than those in the EB group (p < .05). The serum luteinizing hormone in ZEA group was lower than that of the control group (p < .05), but higher than that in the EB group (p < .05). Higher serum follicle‐stimulating hormone and progesterone were observed in the ZEA and control groups than those in the EB group (p < .05). The serum glutathione peroxidase activity in the ZEA group was lower than that in the control and EB groups (p < .001), and the malondialdehyde in the ZEA group was higher than that in the control and EB groups (p < .001). Moreover, the relative mRNA and protein expression of growth hormone receptor (GHR) and relative mRNA expression of HSP70 in the ZEA and EB groups were higher than those in the control group (p < .05). In conclusion, both ZEA (1.0 mg/kg) and EB (1.5 mg at 3 days intervals by intramuscular injection) stimulated vulvar swelling and uterine hypertrophy by disordering serum hormones and up‐regulating GHR expression, and induced stress by different mechanisms in this study. Furthermore, the observed up‐regulating HSP70 expression challenged by ZEA or EB may be part of the mechanism to resist stress injury.
Multifaceted aspects of synchrony between freshwater prokaryotes and protists
Authors: Obertegger Ulrike , Pindo Massimo , Flaim Giovanna
Published: September 2019

Community composition of freshwater prokaryotes and protists varies through time. Few studies contemporarily investigate temporal variation of these freshwater communities for more than 1 year. We compared the temporal patterns of prokaryotes and protists in three distinct habitats for 4 years (2014–2017) in Lake Tovel, a cold‐water lake. This lake showed a marked temperature increase in 2017 linked to altered precipitation patterns. We investigated whether microbial communities reflected this change across habitats and whether changes occurred at the same time and to the same extent. Furthermore, we tested the concept of hydrological year emphasizing the ecological effect of water renewal on communities for its explanatory power of community changes. Microbe diversity was assessed by Illumina sequencing of the V3–V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene and 18S rRNA gene, and we applied co‐inertia analysis and asymmetric eigenvector maps modelling to infer synchrony and temporal patterns of prokaryotes and protists. When considering community composition, microbes were invariable in synchrony across habitats and indicated a temporal gradient linked to decreasing precipitation; however, when looking at temporal patterns, the extent of synchrony was reduced. Small‐scale patterns were similar across habitats and microbes and linked to seasonally varying environmental variables, while large‐scale patterns were different and partially linked to an ecosystem change as indicated by increasing water transparency and temperature and decreasing dissolved oxygen. Our advanced statistical approach outlined the multifaceted aspect of synchrony when linked to community composition and temporal patterns.
Serratus Plane Block Is Effective for Pain Control in Patients With Blunt Chest Trauma: A Case Series
Authors: Martinez Thibault , Belveyre Thibaut , Lopez Alexandre , Dunyach Chloe , Bouzit Zina , Dubreuil Guillaume , Zetlaoui Paul , Duranteau Jacques
Published: September 2019

Background

Rib fractures occur frequently following blunt chest trauma and induce morbidity and mortality. Analgesia is a cornerstone for their management, and regional analgesia is one of the tools available to reach this objective. Epidural and paravertebral blocks are the classical techniques used, but the serratus plane block (SPB) has recently been described as an effective technique for thoracic analgesia.

Methods

This case series reported and analyzed 10 consecutive cases of SPB for blunt chest trauma analgesia in a level 1 trauma center from May to October 2018. SPB was performed with either a single shot of local anesthetic or a catheter infusion.

Results

Ten patients were treated with 3 single shots and 7 catheter infusions (median length 3 days [interquartile range (IQR) 2.5 to 3.5]). The Median Injury Severity Score was 16 (IQR 16 to 23), and the number of broken ribs ranged from 3 to 22. Daily equivalent oral morphine consumption was significantly decreased after SPB from 108 mg (IQR 67 to 120) to 19 mg (IQR 0 to 58) (P = 0.015). The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score during cough was significantly decreased from 7.3 (IQR 5.3 to 8.8) to 4 (IQR 3.6 to 4.6) (P = 0.03). The NPRS score at rest remained unchanged. One complication occurred, due to a catheter section.

Conclusions

The SPB technique (with or without catheter insertion) in 10 patients who had blunt chest trauma with rib fractures is effective for cough pain control, with a significant decrease in morphine consumption.
Is Utena's Brief Objective Measures (UBOM) useful in real‐world behavioral assessment of functioning? Validity and utility testing in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Sawada Kingo , Sakakibara Eisuke , Kanehara Akiko , Koike Haruna , Suga Motomu , Fujieda Yumiko , Miyamoto Yuki , Fukuda Masato , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: September 2019

Aim

Utena's Brief Objective Measures (UBOM) was developed to assess psychophysiological functions proximal to real‐world functioning in individuals with psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia (SCZ), to facilitate shared decision‐making. However, the validity of UBOM has not been fully examined.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional observational study to evaluate the validity of each of the three tests in UBOM: UBOM‐Pulse, UBOM‐Ruler, and UBOM‐Random. We investigated associations: (i) between UBOM and existing cognitive‐ and autonomic‐function tests; and (ii) between UBOM and daily social functioning. The participants included SCZ individuals and healthy controls. We evaluated the cognitive and autonomic function using UBOM, the heart rate variability test, the simple reaction time test, and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, Japanese version. We also assessed the daily social functioning using the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 and the modified Global Assessment of Functioning, Japanese version.

Results

Thirty‐one SCZ individuals and 35 healthy control individuals participated in this study. In the SCZ group, UBOM‐Ruler was significantly associated with the Cognition and Getting Along domains of WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. UBOM‐Random was significantly associated with the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia's Working Memory, Verbal Fluency and Attention domains, and the modified Global Assessment of Functioning in the SCZ group.

Conclusion

The validity of the current version of UBOM is imperfect and further improvements will be necessary to attain the originally intended goal of developing a brief assessment tool for real‐world functioning in SCZ.
Inhospital exercise benefits in childhood cancer: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Morales Javier S. , Santana‐Sosa Elena , Santos‐Lozano Alejandro , Baño‐Rodrigo Antonio , Valenzuela Pedro L. , Rincón‐Castanedo Cecilia , Fernández‐Moreno David , González Vicent Marta , Pérez‐Somarriba Marta , Madero Luis , Lassaletta Alvaro , Fiuza‐Luces Carmen , Lucia Alejandro
Published: September 2019

Childhood cancer patients are at risk of developing important adverse effects, mortality and disease relapse after treatments, which has a substantial economic impact on healthcare systems. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supervised inhospital exercise on clinical endpoints during childhood cancer treatment. 169 children with a new diagnosis of cancer were divided into an exercise intervention (n = 68, 11 ± 4 years) or a control group (n = 101, 11 ± 3 years). The cohort was followed up from the start of treatment for up to five years. Supervised inhospital exercise intervention was performed during the neoadjuvant (for solid tumors) or intensive chemotherapy treatment period (for leukemias). The median duration of the intervention was 22 (interquartile range, 14‐28) weeks. We assessed survival, risk of disease relapse or metastasis, and days of hospitalization (primary outcomes), and cardiovascular function, anthropometry and blood variables (secondary outcomes). No exercise‐related adverse events were noted. The exercise group had significantly less days of hospitalization than the control group (P = .031), resulting in a lower (~−17%) mean total economic cost of hospitalization in the former. Moreover, echocardiography‐determined left ventricular function (ejection fraction and fractional shortening) was significantly impaired in the control group after treatment compared with baseline, whereas it was maintained in the exercise group (P = .024 and .021 for the between‐group differences, respectively). In conclusion, supervised inhospital exercise intervention is safe and plays a cardioprotective role, at least in the short term, in children with cancer, also reducing hospitalization time, and therefore alleviating the economic burden.
High level rhythmic gymnasts and urinary incontinence: Prevalence, risk factors, and influence on performance
Authors: Gram Marte Charlotte Dobbertin , Bø Kari
Published: September 2019

Urinary incontinence (UI) is common among exercising women, but no studies have been found in rhythmic gymnasts. The aims of the present study were to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for UI in rhythmic gymnasts and the impact of UI on performance. This was a cross‐sectional study including all rhythmic gymnasts competing at the highest national and international level in Norway. One hundred and thirty‐three gymnasts from 22 sports clubs were invited to participate. Background data and possible risk factors were collected via electronic questionnaires. UI was assessed by Urinary Incontinence short form (ICIQ‐UI SF). The "Triad‐specific self‐report questionnaire" was applied to assess the female athlete triad. Joint mobility was assessed by Beighton score. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess possible risk factors. One hundred and seven nulliparous rhythmic gymnasts (80.5% response rate) from 21 sports clubs, with mean age of 14.5 (SD 1.6) years, participated in the study. Thirty‐four (31.8%) reported UI with 21 (61.8%), 3 (8.8%), 6 (17.6%), and 4 (11.8%) reporting stress, urgency, mixed urinary incontinence, and leakage for no obvious reason, respectively. BMI, hypermobility, menarche, disordered eating, and hours of training were not found to be risk factors for stress urinary incontinence. Twenty‐four gymnasts with UI (70.6%) reported incontinence to influence sports performance; 10 (29.4%) reported to be afraid of visible leakage and 5 (14.7%) that the leakage would happen again. Seventy‐four (69.1%) had never heard about the pelvic floor. In conclusion, UI is common in rhythmic gymnasts and may influence sports performance.
Analyses of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate in the context of transfusion: how much is in stored blood products and in patient blood?
Authors: Poppe Annika , Moritz Eileen , Geffken Maria , Schreiber Joerg , Greiwe Gillis , Amschler Katharina , Wruck Marie‐Louise , Schwedhelm Edzard , Daum Günter , Kluge Stefan , Peine Sven , Winkler Martin Sebastian
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a bloodborne lipid that regulates vascular tone and endothelial permeability. S1P concentrations are reduced in critically ill patients. As hematopoietic cells produce S1P, this study intends to investigate S1P concentrations in blood products during storage and in patient plasma after blood transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

S1P concentrations were measured in 83 red blood cell (RBC) units and 73 platelet concentrates (PCs) before and after storage. In addition, 26 critically ill patients who received one or two RBC units were recruited to measure S1P plasma levels before and three times within 24 hours after transfusion.

RESULTS

The highest S1P concentrations were found in fresh PCs. S1P concentrations in PCs are reduced by 60% when stored at room temperature for 4 days, whereas in RBCs S1P concentrations remained stable when stored at 4°C within 35 days. S1P concentrations in PCs and RBCc were 2.5 to 6 times higher compared to patient plasma. Plasma S1P levels in critically ill patients, however, transiently decreased after transfusion of RBCs and recover to pretransfusion values within the following 24 hours.

CONCLUSION

S1P concentrations in blood products are significantly higher compared to human plasma S1P levels, even though plasma S1P levels decreased after RBC transfusion in critically ill patients and reached pretransfusion values within 24 hours.
Contributions of Aníbal Quijano and Enrique Dussel for an Anti-Management Perspective in Defence of Life
Authors: Misoczky Maria Ceci Araujo
Published: September 2019

This text belongs to the field of Latin American studies and, more specifically, affirm the Philosophy of Liberation as its ethical fundament. It affirms the adoption of an anti-management attitude because the distinction between Northern/Southern management is irrelevant for the victims. Quijano’s coloniality of power and Dussel’s transmodernity  are introduced because they open possibilities for a politicized discussion that goes beyond culturalism and indicate the need of transcending the globalized power of capitalist power as an indispensable condition for the liberation of the victims of this system of power. Follows a critical appraisal of postcolonial studies and a brief overview of its presence in the field of MOS. Finally, the argument for the need of an anti-management perspective is presented.
Application of Savonius Rotor for Hydrokinetic Power Generation
Authors: Doso Oying , Gao Sarsing
Published: September 2019

Technological advancement is specifically identified by the usage of energy. The energy requirement is increasing because of the exponential population rise, increased industrial activities, and subsequent accelerated economic activities in both urban and suburban areas. The traditional power sources are becoming unsustainable as energy demand and induction of new sources for augmenting the energy need are lopsided. Additionally, traditional energy sources cause pollution, natural hazards, and more importantly, it is uneconomical. Due to these reasons, it becomes compelling to look for alternative sources of energy. Hydropower generation is reliable, non-polluting to a large extent, and a cheaper source of electrical energy. However, the conventional large hydropower projects, especially with reservoir components, are being opposed worldwide for social, environmental, economic, and safety reasons. Therefore, electricity production from free-flowing water may present a viable choice. Here, the free-flowing river water current is used to drive vertical-axis turbines preferably, Savonius rotors which are ideally built for wind energy conversion systems (WECS). The rotor is directly coupled to electric generators, and the scheme presents a typical variable voltage and variable frequency system similar to that of WECS except that the working force is due to water rather than wind. The use of the Savonius rotor for hydrokinetic power generation is uncommon; however, increased exploitation of this methodology may help in augmenting future energy need. This paper reviews the Savonius rotor and its possible application for hydrokinetic power generation; the merits and demerits of such schemes are clearly outlined.
Rapid ablation zone expansion amplifies north Greenland mass loss
Authors: Noël Brice , van de Berg Willem Jan , Lhermitte Stef , van den Broeke Michiel R.
Published: September 2019

Increased summer cloudiness triggers rapid ablation zone expansion in north Greenland, amplifying the mass loss.
Different languages, similar encoding efficiency: Comparable information rates across the human communicative niche
Authors: Coupé Christophe , Oh Yoon Mi , Dediu Dan , Pellegrino François
Published: September 2019

Human languages encode similar average information rates (~39 bits/s) despite their remarkable differences.
Population structure of modern-day Italians reveals patterns of ancient and archaic ancestries in Southern Europe
Authors: Raveane A. , Aneli S. , Montinaro F. , Athanasiadis G. , Barlera S. , Birolo G. , Boncoraglio G. , Di Blasio A. M. , Di Gaetano C. , Pagani L. , Parolo S. , Paschou P. , Piazza A. , Stamatoyannopoulos G. , Angius A. , Brucato N. , Cucca F. , Hellenthal G. , Mulas A. , Peyret-Guzzon M. , Zoledziewska M. , Baali A. , Bycroft C. , Cherkaoui M. , Chiaroni J. , Di Cristofaro J. , Dina C. , Dugoujon J. M. , Galan P. , Giemza J. , Kivisild T. , Mazieres S. , Melhaoui M. , Metspalu M. , Myers S. , Pereira L. , Ricaut F. X. , Brisighelli F. , Cardinali I. , Grugni V. , Lancioni H. , Pascali V. L. , Torroni A. , Semino O. , Matullo G. , Achilli A. , Olivieri A. , Capelli C.
Published: September 2019

A population in a natural crossroad within Europe reveals multiple ancient contributions and substantial population structure.
Disruption of cardiac thin filament assembly arising from a mutation in
LMOD2
: A novel mechanism of neonatal dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ahrens-Nicklas Rebecca C. , Pappas Christopher T. , Farman Gerrie P. , Mayfield Rachel M. , Larrinaga Tania M. , Medne Livija , Ritter Alyssa , Krantz Ian D. , Murali Chaya , Lin Kimberly Y. , Berger Justin H. , Yum Sabrina W. , Carreon Chrystalle Katte , Gregorio Carol C.
Published: September 2019

Similarities between a mouse model and human patient informed diagnosis and management of a novel cause of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Molecular imaging of bacterial infections: Overcoming the barriers to clinical translation
Authors: Ordonez Alvaro A. , Sellmyer Mark A. , Gowrishankar Gayatri , Ruiz-Bedoya Camilo A. , Tucker Elizabeth W. , Palestro Christopher J. , Hammoud Dima A. , Jain Sanjay K.
Published: September 2019

Molecular imaging could fulfill unmet clinical needs for diagnosing and monitoring bacterial infections, if translational barriers are addressed.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas songnenensis L103, a Denitrifier Isolated from a 100-Meter-Deep Aquifer in a Heavily Nitrogen-Fertilized Agricultural Area
Authors: Liu Mengshuai , Chen Shuaimin , Wang Shiqin , Hu Chunsheng , Liu Binbin
Published: September 2019

Pseudomonas songnenensis
strain L103 was isolated from a 100-m-deep aquifer in the North China Plain, a heavily nitrogen-fertilized agricultural area. The genome is 4.8 Mb and contains 4,409 protein-coding genes, including a full set of genes (
nar
,
nir
,
nor
, and
nos
) for complete denitrification.
Draft Genome Assembly of the Entomopathogenic Bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. sonorensis Caborca
Authors: Duong Duy An , Espinosa-Artiles Patricia , Orozco Rousel A. , Molnár István , Stock S. Patricia
Published: September 2019

Photorhabdus luminescens
subsp.
sonorensis
strain Caborca is an entomopathogenic bacterium with a dual lifestyle, namely, as a mutualist of the
Heterorhabditis sonorensis
nematode and a pathogen to a wide range of insect species. The genome assembly, in 231 contigs, is 5.2 Mbp long and includes 25 putative gene clusters for secondary metabolism.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Leisingera aquamixtae
R2C4, Isolated from a Self-Regenerating Biocathode Consortium
Authors: Bird Lina , Eddie Brian J. , Malanoski Anthony P. , Pinamang Princess , Glaven Sarah M.
Published: September 2019

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Leisingera aquamixtae
R2C4, isolated from the electroautotrophic microbial consortium biocathode MCL (
Marinobacter
-
Chromatiaceae
-
Labrenzia
). As an isolate of a current-producing system, the genome sequence of
L. aquamixtae
will yield insights regarding electrode-associated microorganisms and communities. A dark pigment is also observed during cultivation.