bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemodialysis‐associated soft tissue amyloidomas of the chest and abdominal wall
Authors: Nasir Junaid , Der Mesropian Paul J. , Foulke Llewellyn , Salman Loay , Haqqie Syed , Shaikh Gulvahid
Published: November 2019

Amyloidoma is a highly unusual presentation of amyloidosis in tumoral or nodular form. Isolated soft tissue amyloidomas in individuals with end‐stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis is exceedingly rare, particularly in the era of advanced dialysis technologies. We report the case of a 55‐year‐old male with end‐stage renal disease due to autosomal‐dominant polycystic kidney disease, on HD for over 30 years, who was found to have soft‐tissue, dialysis‐related (β2‐microglobulin) amyloidomas (DRA). He presented with painful, palpable masses within the thoracic and abdominal walls. Serum β2‐microglobulin level was only mildly elevated at 24.9 mg/L. Biopsy confirmed amyloidosis with positivity for Congo Red staining and apple‐green birefringence under polarized light. Amyloid subtyping with immunohistochemistry showed positive β2‐microglobulin staining within the deposits. Conservative therapy involving pain management and close monitoring resulted in eventual improvement in symptoms and thus proved to be a viable option for treatment.
Cognitive Biases & Errors in Headache Medicine
Authors: Gottschalk Christopher H.
Published: November 2019

Premise

In recent years, the importance and prevalence of cognitive biases has gained scholarly attention in medicine as well as management science regarding a wide range of human activities.

Problem

The purpose of this review is to illustrate some of the many areas of Headache Medicine that exemplify some of these areas and to highlight the fact that our discipline is, in some cases, apparently more prone to some of these biases than other areas of clinical medicine.

Potential Solution

The lack of prospective studies to identify and address unconscious cognitive processes that skew the process of clinical headache management indicates that this is a field of investigation that is ripe for attention.
Art Education for the Development of Complex Thinking Metacompetence: A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Silva Pacheco Cristián
Published: November 2019

This article proposes to explore the relationships between art education and the development of complex thinking (proposed as metacompetence in this study) from a theoretical perspective. This is an approach that arises from contemporary conceptions about art, which is an intrinsic relationship between the artwork and the creative and critical character towards representation systems. Emphasising the definition of complex thinking proposed by Mathew Lipman serves as a guiding axis to try to establish the cognitive processes that compose it. Among the main findings is that the development of complex thinking and cognition occurs through action and interaction with the environment, thus linking to the notions of ‘situated competence’ and the ‘complex approach to competences’. By including cognitive and metacognitive processes, it allows us to postulate complex thinking as metacompetence. In addition, it is proposed that the use of learning methodologies (under a competence‐based approach) could contribute to an art education where students produce artistic works that involve critical, creative processes or divergent results. It is also necessary that both the curriculum and the teachers encourage an expanded and interdisciplinary vision, understanding that art is not circumscribed to a specific discipline.
Dexmedetomidine post‐treatment attenuates cardiac ischaemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting apoptosis through HIF‐1α signalling
Authors: Peng Ke , Chen Wei‐rong , Xia Fan , Liu Hong , Meng Xiao‐wen , Zhang Juan , Liu Hua‐yue , Xia Zheng‐yuan , Ji Fu‐hai
Published: November 2019

Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) plays a critical role in the apoptotic process during cardiac ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study aimed to investigate whether post‐treatment with dexmedetomidine (DEX) could protect against I/R‐induced cardiac apoptosis in vivo and in vitro via regulating HIF‐1α signalling pathway. Rat myocardial I/R was induced by occluding the left anterior descending artery for 30 minutes followed by 6‐hours reperfusion, and cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) was induced by oxygen‐glucose deprivation for 6 hours followed by 3‐hours reoxygenation. Dexmedetomidine administration at the beginning of reperfusion or reoxygenation attenuated I/R‐induced myocardial injury or H/R‐induced cell death, alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes, inhibited the activation of HIF‐1α and modulated the expressions of apoptosis‐related proteins including BCL‐2, BAX, BNIP3, cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved PARP. Conversely, the HIF‐1α prolyl hydroxylase‐2 inhibitor IOX2 partly blocked DEX‐mediated cardioprotection both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, DEX down‐regulated HIF‐1α expression at the post‐transcriptional level and inhibited the transcriptional activation of the target gene BNIP3. Post‐treatment with DEX protects against cardiac I/R injury in vivo and H/R injury in vitro. These effects are, at least in part, mediated via the inhibition of cell apoptosis by targeting HIF‐1α signalling.
Severity of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Distress in Dementia among Older People in Central Africa (EPIDEMCA Study)
Authors: Yoro‐Zohoun Inès , Houinato Dismand , Nubukpo Philippe , Mbelesso Pascal , Ndamba‐Bandzouzi Bébène , Clément Jean‐Pierre , Dartigues Jean‐François , Preux Pierre‐Marie , Guerchet Maëlenn ,   for the EPIDEMCA Group
Published: November 2019

OBJECTIVES

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in dementia. Limited data are available concerning their association with dementia in developing countries. Our aim was to describe the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms among older people, evaluate the distress experienced by caregivers, and assess which neuropsychiatric symptoms were specifically associated with dementia among older adults in Central Africa.

DESIGN

This study is part of the EPIDEMCA program, a cross‐sectional multicenter population‐based study.

SETTING

The EPIDEMCA program was conducted from November 2011 to December 2012 in urban and rural areas of the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were older people (≥65 y) included in the EPIDEMCA program who underwent a neuropsychiatric evaluation. The sample included overall 532 participants, of whom 130 participants had dementia.

MEASUREMENTS

Neuropsychiatric symptoms were assessed with the brief version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory including the evaluation of severity and associated distress. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., Text Revision, criteria were followed to diagnose dementia. A logistic regression model was used to identify associated neuropsychiatric symptoms.

RESULTS

The prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms was 89.9% (95% confidence interval = 84.6‐95.1) among people living with dementia. The overall median severity score for neuropsychiatric symptoms was 9 [interquartile range [IQR] = 6‐12], and the overall median distress score was 7 [IQR = 4‐10]. Overall median scores of both severity and distress were significantly increased with the number of neuropsychiatric symptoms, the presence of dementia, and dementia severity. Depression, delusions, apathy, disinhibition, and aberrant motor behavior were associated with dementia after multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

This report is one of the few population‐based studies on neuropsychiatric symptoms among older people with dementia in Sub‐Saharan Africa and the first one evaluating the severity of those symptoms and distress experienced by caregivers. Individual neuropsychiatric symptoms were strongly associated with dementia in older people and require great attention considering their burden on populations. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:180–185, 2019
Assessment of changes in biophysical parameters by dermocosmetic emulgel loaded with Cinnamomum tamala extract: A split‐faced and placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Arshad Wajeeha , Khan Haji Muhammad Shoaib , Akhtar Naveed , Nawaz Mehwish
Published: November 2019

Background

Phenolic and flavonoid compounds found in plants alleviate the photo‐damaging skin conditions by playing a major role in skin rejuvenation.

Aims

The aim of the study was to explore the cosmeceutical effects of Cinnamomum tamala extract.

Objective

Recent research was aimed to quantify phenols and flavonoids in the natural extract of C tamala leaves, to develop its phyto‐cosmetic emulgel and to assess effects of emulgel on healthy human skin.

Method

Phenols and flavonoids in C tamala (CT) extract were quantified by using ELISA assay. Emulgel formulation loaded with 4% C tamala (CT emulgel) was developed, and its cosmetic effects were evaluated on the cheeks of 13 healthy female test volunteers by comparing with placebo (base). Facial parameters including melanin, erythema, sebum, and visible facial pores (size and area) were studied by using Mexameter®, Sebumeter®, and VisioFace® at regular interval for 90 days.

Results

Total phenolic content and total flavonoids content of C tamala leaves extract were found to be 73.08 ± 0.0078 mg GAE/g and 52.63 ± 0.0060 mg QE/g CT extract respectively. As compared to placebo (base), CT emulgel was found to be significantly (P ≤ .05) effective in minimizing skin photo‐damaging effects by reducing the levels of melanin, erythema, and sebum and size and count of both fine and large facial pores.

Conclusion

Cinnamomum tamala leaves extract, being a rich source of phenols and flavonoids minimized the photo‐damaging effects by reducing skin melanin, erythema, and excess sebum; improving the skin imperfections by reducing facial pore count and area as assessed by advanced imaging and bioengineering techniques.
Continued Cohabitation After the Decision to Separate: “Living Together Apart” in France
Authors: Rault Wilfried , Régnier‐Loilier Arnaud
Published: November 2019

Objective

This article examines situations where couples continue to live together under the same roof after deciding to separate.

Background

Separation is most often approached by researchers as a one‐off, clearly identifiable event. However, qualitative studies have shown that it is also a process and may include a period when the former partners continue to cohabit. This phenomenon is known as “Living Together Apart” (LTA).

Method

For the first time, data from the French survey of individual and conjugal trajectories (Etude des parcours individuels et conjugaux) conducted in 2013 and 2014 by the French Institute for Demographic Studies and the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies provide an opportunity to study LTA in quantitative terms. The survey was administered on a random representative sample drawn from the census and included a question module on separation arrangements. The authors' analysis is based mainly on logistic regressions to estimate the probability of having continued to live together and if so for how long.

Results

The article shows that LTA is frequent and correlated with various sociodemographic factors such as the presence of children, shared ownership of goods, type of union, and age at separation. The duration of LTA is not associated with these factors, however, except the presence of children, which increases it.

Conclusion

The main reasons for this living arrangement are linked to material constraints that oblige the expartners to share the same home and a desire to preserve the parental couple despite the breakdown of the conjugal couple.
Systematic Fluid Assessment in Haemodialysis: Development and Validation of A Decision Aid
Authors: Stenberg Jenny , Keane David , Lindberg Magnus , Furuland Hans
Published: November 2019

Background

About a third of patients undergoing haemodialysis have poorly controlled fluid status, which may affect survival. Clinical assessment is subjective and imprecise, which has led to the increasing use of devices based on bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS). However, BIS cannot provide a simple target applicable to all patients. Our aim was to develop and validate a decision aid combining clinical assessment of fluid status with information from BIS in target weight determination.

Methods

The decision aid was based on empirical experience and a literature review identifying physiological parameters already used in the clinical assessment of fluid status. Content validity was established by patient representatives, interdisciplinary stakeholders and external experts, who assessed item relevance and comprehensiveness. Reliability was assessed by inter‐rater agreement analysis between nurses assessing typical patient cases.

Results

The decision aid for Recognition and Correction of Volume Alterations (RECOVA) consists of three parts (1) a scoring system; (2) thresholds and triggers; (3) a decision aid algorithm. Agreement between raters in the assessment of symptoms was almost perfect, with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient > 0.90. Agreement in clinical response was only fair, but increased to moderate, with training and self‐reported confidence.

Conclusion

RECOVA may enable systematic clinical assessment of fluid status, facilitating early recognition of fluid alterations, and incorporation of bioimpedance into target weight management. However, implementation into clinical practice will require training of staff. Clinical intervention studies are required to evaluate if RECOVA facilitates response to and correction of recognised fluid alterations.
A two‐enzyme constituted mixture to improve the degradation of Arthrospira platensis microalga cell wall for monogastric diets
Authors: Coelho Diogo , Lopes Paula A. , Cardoso Vânia , Ponte Patrícia , Brás Joana , Madeira Marta S. , Alfaia Cristina M. , Bandarra Narcisa M. , Fontes Carlos M. G. A. , Prates José A. M.
Published: November 2019

The main goal of this study was to test a rational combination of pre‐selected carbohydrate‐active enzymes (CAZymes) and sulphatases, individually or in combination, in order to evaluate its capacity to disrupt Arthrospira platensis cell wall, allowing the release of its valuable nutritional bioactive compounds. By the end, a two‐enzyme constituted mixture (Mix), composed by a lysozyme and a α‐amylase, was incubated with A. platensis suspension. The microalga cell wall disruption was evaluated through the amount of reducing sugars released from the cell wall complemented with the oligosaccharide profile by HPLC. An increase of the amount of reducing sugars up to 2.42 g/L in microalgae treated with the Mix relative to no treatment (p < .05), as well as a 7‐fold increase of oligosaccharides amount (p < .001), were obtained. With resort of fluorescence microscopy, a 36% reduction of fluorescence intensity (p < .001) was observed using Calcofluor White staining. In the supernatant, the Mix caused a 1.34‐fold increase in protein content (p = .018) relative to the control. Similarly, n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p = .007), in particular 18:2n‐6 (p = .016), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p = .049) and chlorophyll a (p = .025) contents were higher in the supernatant of microalgae treated with the enzyme mixture in relation to the control. Taken together, these results point towards the disclosure of a novel two‐enzyme mixture able to partial degrade A. platensis cell wall, improving its nutrients bioavailability for monogastric diets with the cost‐effective advantage use of microalgae in animal feed industry.
Investigating Supported Decision‐Making for Persons With Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disability Using Institutional Ethnography
Authors: Devi Nandini , Prodinger Birgit , Pennycott Andrew , Sooben Roja , Bickenbach Jerome
Published: November 2019

Making one's own choices is an important part of leading a fulfilling life within society. However, people with IDs often face significant obstacles when making their own decisions. Article 12 (Equal recognition before the law) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) aims to ensure firstly that people with IDs and others with compromised capacity are nonetheless recognized as legal individuals, and secondly that assistance is provided in the form of supported decision‐making in order to exercise this resulting legal capacity. It is unclear whether current national legislation in any country satisfies these requirements in practice. This study utilizes institutional ethnography to reveal how decision‐making is coordinated in practice for people with mild to moderate IDs living in supported residential environments in England, and to determine whether these processes are compliant with Article 12 of the CRPD. Data collection was based on observations, semi‐structured interviews, and documentary analysis, involving 29 participants including people with mild to moderate IDs. The results point to the complexity of supported decision‐making and identify three main categories of decision‐making: spontaneous decisions, mid‐term decisions, and strategic decisions. The data also show that people with mild to moderate IDs are able to exercise their legal capacity through support decision‐making in their everyday life. Immediate and informal supported decision‐making exists in daily practice for people with mild to moderate IDs living in supported residential environments. Although there are structures in place for implementing supported decision‐making, various barriers persist that limit the overall efficacy and consistency of the realization of supported decision‐making, for example, multiple use of mental capacity assessments. Such practices move away from the supported decision‐making model toward substituted decision‐making.
Validity, potential clinical utility and comparison of a consumer activity tracker and a research‐grade activity tracker in insomnia disorder II: Outside the laboratory
Authors: Hamill Kellie , Jumabhoy Ria , Kahawage Piyumi , de Zambotti Massimiliano , Walters Elizabeth M , Drummond Sean P. A.
Published: November 2019

Accurate assessment of sleep can be fundamental for monitoring, managing and evaluating treatment outcomes within diseases. A proliferation of consumer activity trackers gives easy access to objective sleep. We evaluated the performance of a commercial device (Fitbit Alta HR) relative to a research‐grade actigraph (Actiwatch Spectrum Pro) in measuring sleep before and after a cognitive behavioural intervention in insomnia disorder. Twenty‐five individuals with DSM‐5 insomnia disorder (M = 50.6 ± 15.9 years) wore Fitbit and Actiwatch and completed a sleep diary during an in‐laboratory polysomnogram, and for 1 week preceding and following seven weekly sessions of cognitive‐behavioural intervention for insomnia. Device performance was compared for sleep outcomes (total sleep time, sleep latency, sleep efficiency and wake after sleep onset). The analyses assessed (a) agreement between devices across days and pre‐ to post‐treatment, and (b) whether pre‐ to post‐treatment changes in sleep assessed by devices correlated with clinical measures of change. Devices generally did not significantly differ from each other on sleep variable estimates, either night to night, in response to sleep manipulation (pre‐ to post‐treatment) or in response to changes in environment (in the laboratory versus at home). Change in sleep measures across time from each device showed some correlation with common clinical measures of change in insomnia, but not insomnia diagnosis as a categorical variable. Overall, the Fitbit provides similar estimates of sleep outside the laboratory to a research grade actigraph. Despite the similarity between Fitbit and Actiwatch performance, the use of consumer technology is still in its infancy and caution should be taken in its interpretation.
Beyond the Brain: Intercorporeality and Co‐Operative Action for SLA Studies
Authors: ATKINSON DWIGHT
Published: November 2019

It is widely assumed that the cognitivist era is over in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) studies. This critical review essay (a) questions this assumption, (b) presents alternative views from beyond the field to help it move in a noncognitivist direction, and (c) discusses prospects for a noncognitivist future in SLA studies. I begin by briefly reviewing the history of cognitivism, by which I mean a mind/brain‐centric view of human existence and behavior. I then argue that SLA studies remain under cognitivist influence. Next, I review 2 recent books that offer strong theoretical and empirical bases for studying the embodied, affective, social, and ecological nature of human action, including learning and teaching. The first book, Meyer, Streeck, and Jordan's (2017) co‐edited Intercorporeality, explores the consequences of being a body in a world of other such bodies, versus the cognitivist vision of disembodied mind/brain. The second book, Goodwin's (2018a) Co‐operative Action, develops and empirically illustrates a theory of social action wherein heterogeneous, multimodal cultural tools and practices including language combine, accumulate, and transform in moment‐to‐moment use. Both books view human existence and action as fundamentally “ecosocial”—embodied, affective, and adaptive to human and nonhuman environments—yet they differ markedly in content and implications. Goodwin's painstaking empirical analyses, for instance, including of teaching and learning, show co‐operative action unfolding in real time. I conclude by discussing current developments in SLA studies that point toward a noncognitive future for the field.
Two cases of medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw with extension to the cranial base
Authors: Yoshizawa Y. , Tomita R. , Kitamura N. , Yamamoto T.
Published: November 2019

There is no established treatment for medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Advanced MRONJ of the maxilla dose not cure with conservative treatment, and progression may cause neurological symptoms. We herein report two cases in which MRONJ of the maxilla spread to the skull base despite conservative treatment, causing abducens paralysis in one case and hydrocephalus in the second. Case 1: A 50‐year‐old woman who received denosumab for 2 years for multiple bone metastases of breast cancer developed MRONJ in the left maxilla after tooth extraction. MRONJ of the maxillae can progress to the skull and may cause neurological symptoms. Abducens paralysis developed for MRONJ. Magnetic resonance images revealed narrowing of the internal carotid artery and necrosis of the sphenoid bone and clivus. Sequestrectomy was performed. Two weeks after surgery, abducens paralysis resolved. Magnetic resonance imaging 3 months after surgery showed improvement of internal carotid artery narrowing. Case 2: A 73‐year‐old woman who received zoledronic acid for 2 years for multiple bone metastases of breast cancer developed MRONJ in the left maxilla that spread broadly despite conservative treatment. Sequestrectomy was planned, but the patient developed altered consciousness and a stiff neck; ventricular enlargement was observed on magnetic resonance images of the brain. We diagnosed hydrocephalus resulting from bacterial meningitis caused by MRONJ; ventricular drainage was performed. After drainage followed by 2 weeks of antibiotics, the sequestrum was removed. These cases suggest that some patients with maxillary MRONJ might not respond to conservative therapy and the need for early surgical intervention should be considered in order to reduce the risk of necrosis progressing and the associated infection spreading to the base of skull.
Morphological disparity in theropod jaws: comparing discrete characters and geometric morphometrics
Authors: Schaeffer Joep , Benton Michael J. , Rayfield Emily J. , Stubbs Thomas L.
Published: November 2019

Disparity, the diversity of form and function of organisms, can be assessed from cladistic or phenetic characters, and from discrete characters or continuous characters such as landmarks, outlines, or ratios. But do these different methods of assessing disparity provide comparable results? Here we provide evidence that all metrics correlate significantly with each other and capture similar patterns of morphological variation. We compare three methods of capturing morphological disparity (discrete characters, geometric morphometric outlines and geometric morphometric landmarks) in coelurosaurian dinosaurs. We standardize our study by focusing all our metrics on the mandible, so avoiding the risk of confounding disparity methods with anatomical coverage of the taxa. The correlation is strongest between the two geometric morphometric methods, and weaker between the morphometric methods and the discrete characters. By using phylogenetic simulations of discrete character and geometric morphometric data sets, we show that the strength of these correlations is significantly greater than expected from the evolution of random data under Brownian motion. All disparity metrics confirm that Maniraptoriformes had the highest disparity of all coelurosaurians, and omnivores and herbivores had higher disparity than carnivores.
Quantitative trait loci mapping for yield‐related traits under low and high planting densities in maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Yi Qiang , Liu Yinghong , Hou Xianbin , Zhang Xiangge , Zhang Junjie , Liu Hanmei , Hu Yufeng , Yu Guowu , Li Yangping , Wang Yongbin , Huang Yubi
Published: November 2019

Average maize yield per hectare has increased significantly because of the improvement in high‐density tolerance, but little attention has been paid to the genetic mechanism of grain yield response to high planting density. Here, we used a population of 301 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross YE478 × 08–641 to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for 16 yield‐related traits under two planting densities (57,000 and 114,000 plants per ha) across four environments. These yield‐related traits responded differently to high‐density stress. A total of 110 QTLs were observed for these traits: 33 QTLs only under low planting density, 50 QTLs under high planting density and 27 QTLs across both densities. Only two major QTLs, qCD6 and qWKEL2‐2, were identified across low‐ and high‐density treatments. Seven environmentally stable QTLs were also observed containing qED6, qWKEL3, qRN3‐3, qRN7‐2, qRN9‐2 and qRN10 across both densities, as well as qRN9‐1 under low density. In addition, 16 and eight pairs of loci with epistasis interaction (EPI) were detected under low and high planting densities, respectively. Additionally, nine and 17 loci showed QTL × environment interaction (QEI) under low‐ and high‐density conditions, respectively. These interactions are of lesser importance than the main QTL effects. We also observed 26 pleiotropic QTL clusters, and the hotspot region 3.08 concentrated nine QTLs, suggesting its great importance for maize yield. These findings suggested that multiple minor QTLs, loci with EPI and QEI, pleiotropy and the complex network of “crosstalk” among them for yield‐related traits were greatly influenced by plant density, which increases our understanding of the genetic mechanism of yield‐related traits for high‐density tolerance.
Feeling activated and acting unethically: The influence of activated mood on unethical behavior to benefit a teammate
Authors: Umphress Elizabeth E. , Gardner Richard G. , Stoverink Adam C. , Leavitt Keith
Published: November 2019

Research on the effects of mood in organizations tends to focus on the valence dimension of mood (positive vs. negative), overlooking the activation dimension (activated vs. deactivated). We suggest that activation level prompts unethical behavior. Based on the affective infusion model (AIM; Forgas, 1995), we predict that positive activated and negative activated moods facilitate unethical behavior to benefit a teammate, via the mediating mechanism of a creative mindset. We test our full model using an experience sampling method over 2 weeks, in which mood and creative mindset were assessed in the morning and unethical behavior conducted that day was assessed in the evening. We found that activated moods (both positive and negative) were positively related to unethical behavior to benefit a teammate. Further, creative mindset mediated the relationship between positive activated mood and unethical behavior to benefit a teammate. Consistent with AIM's claim that mood should influence decisions more when they are not personally relevant, we found that moral disengagement propensity moderated this indirect effect. In addition, we conducted two experiments to examine further the mood‐creative mindset and creative mindset‐unethical behavior to benefit a teammate relationship. Our findings affirm that activated versus deactivated moods facilitate a creative mindset, and that a creative mindset encourages unethical behavior to benefit a teammate. Our findings suggest that activation level of mood plays a critical role in unethical behavior.
Society of pediatric liver transplantation: Current registry status 2011‐2018
Authors: Elisofon Scott A. , Magee John C. , Ng Vicky L. , Horslen Simon P. , Fioravanti Vicki , Economides Julie , Erinjeri Jinson , Anand Ravinder , Mazariegos George V. ,   the Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation Research Group
Published: November 2019

Background

SPLIT was founded in 1995 in order to collect comprehensive prospective data on pediatric liver transplantation, including waiting list data, transplant, and early and late outcomes. Since 2011, data collection of the current registry has been refined to focus on prospective data and outcomes only after transplant to serve as a foundation for the future development of targeted clinical studies.

Objective

To report the outcomes of the SPLIT registry from 2011 to 2018.

Methods

This is a multicenter, cross‐sectional analysis characterizing patients transplanted and enrolled in the SPLIT registry between 2011 and 2018. All patients, <18 years of age, received a first liver‐only, a combined liver‐kidney, or a combined liver‐pancreas transplant during this study period.

Results

A total of 1911 recipients from 39 participating centers in North America were registered. Indications included biliary atresia (38.5%), metabolic disease (19.1%), tumors (11.7%), and fulminant liver failure (11.5%). Greater than 50% of recipients were transplanted as either Status 1A/1B or with a MELD/PELD exception score. Incompatible transplants were performed in 4.1%. Kaplan‐Meier estimates of 1‐year patient and graft survival were 97.3% and 96.6%. First 30 days of surgical complications included reoperation (31.7%), hepatic artery thrombosis (6.3%), and portal vein thrombosis (3.2%). In the first 90 days, biliary tract complications were reported in 13.6%. Acute cellular rejection during first year was 34.7%. At 1 and 2 years of follow‐up, 39.2% and 50.6% had normal liver tests on monotherapy (tacrolimus or sirolimus). Further surgical, survival, allograft function, and complications are detailed.
Where the girls are: Examining and explaining the gender gap in the nursing major
Authors: Speer Jamin D.
Published: November 2019

The nursing major, at almost 90% female, has one of the largest gender gaps of any US college major. In trying to explain this gap, I sort through candidate explanations and show that nursing is an outlier on many dimensions. Relative to other majors, it has some of the slowest earnings growth, by far the highest occupational concentration, among the lowest penalties for part‐time work, among the lowest unemployment rates, and the highest level of job tasks focused on "helping others" and "interacting with people". These factors collectively account for most of nursing's huge gender gap. While I cannot determine causal mechanisms, a major's associated job tasks (especially "helping others") account for most (55%) of the variance in majors' gender composition, while nursing's low part‐time penalty is also important. Earnings growth, earnings variance, and the share of women out of the labor force from the major are less important, and academic factors like course requirements and test scores are unrelated to major gender gaps.
Biochar effects on soil chemical properties and mobilization of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in paddy soil
Authors: Jing Feng , Chen Xiaomin , Wen Xin , Liu Wei , Hu Shimin , Yang Zhijiang , Guo Bilin , Luo Yao , Yu Qingxin , Xu Yanling
Published: November 2019

This study focused on the effects of biochar (BC) application on soil chemical properties and mobilization of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the paddy soil. BC was applied at the rate of 0, 10, 20 and 40 t ha−1, respectively. BC application caused a significant increase in soil organic carbon contents (SOC), pH, nitrate–nitrogen (‐N),and available phosphorus contents (AP) in the top and subsurface soil, while SOC contents in the subsurface soil decreased with increasing rate of BC. BC40 effectively reduced the mobility of Cd and Pb from the top layer to the subsurface soil, while concentrations of Cd and Pb in the topsoil remained unchanged. Path analysis showed that the direct path coefficient AP was highest; SOC, ‐N and AP had a negative direct effect on the Cd and Pb in subsurface soil. Soil pH and ‐N had a high negative indirect effect through AP. The decision coefficient decreased in the following order: pH, AP, SOC, ‐N and ‐N. Regression analysis showed that soil Cd and Pb had a significant linear correlation with soil AP, whereas soil Pb also had a significant linear correlation with soil pH. In conclusion, BC40 can alter soil chemical properties and reduce the mobility of Cd and Pb from the top layer to the lower subsurface of the paddy soil.
The application of a haemorrhage assessment tool in evaluating control of bleeding in a pilot trauma haemorrhage trial
Authors: Curry N. , Foley C. , Wong H. , Mora A. , Curnow E. , Zarankaite A. , Hodge R. , Hopkins V. , Deary A. , Ray J. , Moss P. , Reed M. J. , Kellett S. , Davenport R. , Stanworth S.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To determine whether it was feasible to use a haemorrhage assessment tool (HAT) within a trauma trial and whether the data obtained could differentiate patients who had achieved haemostasis.

Background

Major haemorrhage is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting 40% of trauma patients. Clinical trials evaluating haemostatic interventions often use transfusion outcomes as a primary endpoint. Transfusion is highly dependent on local practice, limiting its reliability as a robust, transferable endpoint.

Methods

A five‐point HAT questionnaire was applied to participants enrolled into the EFIT‐1 trial. This RCT evaluated the feasibility of administering a 6 g fibrinogen concentrate to patients with severe trauma haemorrhage.

Results

Of participants, 98% completed a HAT; 75% participants had ‘achieved haemostasis’ at the time of tool completion, as determined by clinical acumen alone. HAT scores were able to differentiate which participants required transfusion after 3 h. Of participants, 56% were transfused red blood cells when they scored 0–2, compared to 17% with HAT scores between 3 and 5.

Conclusion

This study has confirmed the feasibility of using a HAT during the emergency care of patients suffering trauma haemorrhage, and future studies should be conducted to determine its value as an endpoint in haemostasis studies.
Vascular bundle sheath and mesophyll cells modulate leaf water balance in response to chitin
Authors: Attia Ziv , Dalal Ahan , Moshelion Menachem
Published: November 2019

Plants can detect pathogen invasion by sensing microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). This sensing process leads to the induction of defense responses. Numerous MAMP mechanisms of action have been described in and outside the guard cells. Here, we describe the effects of chitin, a MAMP found in fungal cell walls and insects, on the cellular osmotic water permeability (Pf) of the leaf vascular bundle‐sheath (BS) and mesophyll cells (MCs), and its subsequent effect on leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf). BS is a parenchymatic tissue that tightly encases the vascular system. BS cells (BSCs) have been shown to influence Kleaf through changes in their Pf, for example, after sensing the abiotic stress response‐regulating hormone abscisic acid. It was recently reported that, in Arabidopsis, the chitin receptors‐like kinases, chitin elicitor receptor kinase 1 (CERK1) and LYSINE MOTIF RECEPTOR KINASE 5 (LYK5) are highly expressed in the BS as well as the neighboring mesophyll. Therefore, we studied the possible impact of chitin on these cells. Our results revealed that BSCs and MCs exhibit a sharp decrease in Pf in response to chitin treatment. In addition, xylem‐fed chitin decreased Kleaf and led to stomatal closure. However, Atlyk5 mutant showed none of these responses. Complementing AtLYK5 in the BSCs (using the SCARECROW promoter) resulted in the response to chitin that was similar to that observed in the wild‐type. These results suggest that BS play a role in the perception of apoplastic chitin and in initiating chitin‐triggered immunity.
CD71 surface analysis of T cells: a simple alternative for extracorporeal photopheresis quality control
Authors: Schwab Laura , Michel Gabriela , Bein Gregor , Hackstein Holger
Published: November 2019

Background

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a leukapheresis‐based cellular therapy that is used with increasing frequency worldwide to treat various T‐cell‐mediated diseases. Currently, the inhibition of T‐cell proliferation after photopheresis is analysed frequently using time‐consuming assays including radioactive thymidine assays or carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) staining. We investigated whether simple surface T‐cell staining using surrogate markers of T‐cell proliferation can replace time‐consuming measurement of T‐cell proliferation in ECP quality control.

Study design and methods

T‐cell activation markers were investigated by flow cytometry after ECP. Candidates were validated by direct comparison with the classical CFSE T‐cell proliferation inhibition test and apoptosis staining. Finally, surface T‐cell staining was performed in patient samples in comparison with classical methods.

Results

CD71 expression exhibited the fastest and most robust upregulation, which was detectable as early as 6–8 h after T‐cell stimulation and almost completely abrogated by ECP. In a direct comparison with the CFSE T‐cell proliferation assay, suppression of CD71 expression after ECP was almost identical and detectable as early as 16 h after stimulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors. Furthermore, in direct comparison with classical apoptosis staining, the inhibition delta of CD71 after ECP was significantly higher. Moreover, in patients under T‐cell suppressive therapy, T‐cell‐dependent CFSE and CD71 assays exhibited decreased sensitivity to detect ECP treatment and were inferior in comparison to apoptosis staining.

Conclusion

Surface CD71 analysis represents a very simple quality control alternative to detect ECP‐mediated T‐cell proliferation inhibition in normal PBMC samples devoid of T‐cell suppressive drugs.
Terapi Mandi Bunga Dalam Perubatan Melayu Untuk Penjagaan Kesihatan Mental (Bath Flower Therapy in Malay Medicine for Mental Health)
Authors: Wan Abdullah Wan Husni , Hamdan Mohammad Naqib , Hehsan Aminudin , Haron Zulkiflee , Rosman Arieff Salleh , Ripin Mohd Nasir
Published: November 2019

Flower Bath therapy is one of the practices in Malay medicine that remains until today. According to Dr. Wan Hasmah Wan Teh, Literature Lecturer, School Of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), she explained that flower bathing is a ritual that is very well known in the Southeast Asian region, including Malaysia, where the Malays are mostly aimed at enhancing the aura, beauty and ‘seri pengantin’ (Siti Sofia, 24 March 2018). Therefore the use of flower bath therapy is often associated with beauty compared to health care. So, the community needs to be given more exposure on the benefits of flower bathing for healthcare. Flower bath therapy in Malay medicine has the potential to be applied as a prevention and for disease treatment, especially in dealing with mental disorders that have doubled over the past ten years (Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam, September 28, 2016). Flower bath therapy can help in mental health problems by lowering the cortisol hormone (stress hormone), enhance the sense of comfort, relaxation and increase endorphin levels that provide a sense of ‘feel-good’ and reduce pain. Flower bath therapy is also found to be potentially in preventing depression. This study is aimed at presenting flower bath therapy as one of the ways for mental healthcare.
Interaksi Dan Pertukaran Intelek Saintis Agronomi Dan Doktor Perubatan Di Al-Andalus (Interactions and Intellectual Exchanges of Agronomists and Physicians in al-Andalus)
Authors: Sulaiman Aidiladha
Published: November 2019

The zenith of Islamic civilization in al-Andalus is often studied and discussed from the historical point of view, its’ intellectual contributions and scientific achievements of the civilization. Yet there are still many new aspects that to be explored on how intellectual advancement were achieved as well as the key processes involved in shaping great achievements of Islamic Spain. Hence, this paper aims to make a preliminary study on interactions and intellectual exchanges of agronomists and physicians in advancing sciences of agronomy and medicine. This study is a qualitative - historical methodology research, applying library survey methods, document analysis and field research. The study found that interactions and intellectual exchanges were flourishing through discussions, laboratory and field research, scientific group collaborations, diplomatic co-operation, meetings, presentations, lectures, seminars, mentor-mentee programs and writings in Cordoba and al-Andalus's main cities such as Seville, Toledo and Granada. Active and vibrant intellectual network and interactions among al-Andalus scholars in various scientific activities played important roles and brought significant impact towards advancement of science during glorious era of al-Andalus.
Ongoing IS Radical Ideology in Malaysia: Factors and Counter Strategies
Authors: Abu Bakar Siti Zubaidah , Aslam Mohd Mizan
Published: November 2019

Malaysia has long been recognized for its ability to manage threats from Islamic radical movements by overcoming significant obstacles and major challenges to national security. Although many movements have been banned and appropriate actions taken, Islamic radicalism nevertheless persists and appears on the rise. This study identifies factors associated with its persistence despite years of efforts to hinder or eradicate Islamic radicalism. Using qualitative historical sociology, the author used several resources for this analysis, including interviews and literature. Findings reveal four major factors that allow Salafi Jihadi ideology to prosper: a false reading of jihad, personal inclinations, political pressure, and globalization. Government actions countering this threat include declaring Malaysia an Islamic state; deradicalization and rehabilitation programs; national think tanks, prohibiting fatwas; introducing the concept of wasatiyyah; and implementation of counter narratives. Although the ideology cannot be completely eradicated, actions taken have managed to contain the contagion and also prevent major threats to national security.
Excitation, but not inhibition, of the fastigial nucleus provides powerful control over temporal lobe seizures
Authors: Streng Martha L. , Krook‐Magnuson Esther
Published: November 2019

Key points

On‐demand optogenetic inhibition of glutamatergic neurons in the fastigial nucleus of the cerebellum does not alter hippocampal seizures in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy.

In contrast, on‐demand optogenetic excitation of glutamatergic neurons in the fastigial nucleus successfully inhibits hippocampal seizures. With this approach, even a single 50 ms pulse of light is able to significantly inhibit seizures.

On‐demand optogenetic excitation of glutamatergic fastigial neurons either ipsilateral or contralateral to the seizure focus is able to inhibit seizures.

Selective excitation of glutamatergic nuclear neurons provides greater seizure inhibition than broadly exciting nuclear neurons without cell‐type specificity.

Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common form of epilepsy in adults, but current treatment options provide limited efficacy, leaving as many as one‐third of patients with uncontrolled seizures. Recently, attention has shifted towards more closed‐loop therapies for seizure control, and on‐demand optogenetic modulation of the cerebellar cortex was shown to be highly effective at attenuating hippocampal seizures. Intriguingly, both optogenetic excitation and inhibition of cerebellar cortical output neurons, Purkinje cells, attenuated seizures. The mechanisms by which the cerebellum impacts seizures, however, are unknown. In the present study, we targeted the immediate downstream projection of vermal Purkinje cells – the fastigial nucleus – in order to determine whether increases and/or decreases in fastigial output can underlie seizure cessation. Though Purkinje cell input to fastigial neurons is inhibitory, direct optogenetic inhibition of the fastigial nucleus had no effect on seizure duration. Conversely, however, fastigial excitation robustly attenuated hippocampal seizures. Seizure cessation was achieved at multiple stimulation frequencies, regardless of laterality relative to seizure focus, and even with single light pulses. Seizure inhibition was greater when selectively targeting glutamatergic fastigial neurons than when an approach that lacked cell‐type specificity was used. Together, these results suggest that stimulating excitatory neurons in the fastigial nucleus may be a promising approach for therapeutic intervention in temporal lobe epilepsy.
Toward Wideband Piezoelectric Harvesters Through Self-Powered Transitions to High-Energy Response
Authors: Pasharavesh Abdolreza , Ahmadian M. T.
Published: November 2019

Convergence to low-energy responses arising from coexistence of multiple stable nodes is the main drawback of a nonlinear energy harvester preventing it from efficient wideband operation. A switching circuit with a boost-like topology has been proposed in this paper to overcome this substantial challenge. The circuit uses the energy harvested by the device to trigger it to jump from the low- to high-energy response. The performance of the proposed harvesting system when subjected to single harmonic excitations covering a wide range of frequencies is verified through both analytical and numerical investigations. Results indicate that by proper selection of timing parameters of the circuit including ON-time period of the switches together with the phase differences between the switching signals and the mechanical excitation, the applied electrical perturbation will be able to trigger the nonlinear resonating beam to jump from a low-energy response to the basin of attraction of the high-energy one within the whole frequency band in which a multivalued solution exists. Also, a probabilistic study is performed on a system with random phases of switching signals which shows that a successful switching from low- to high-energy response is achievable with a probability more than 80% by just controlling the ON-time period of the switch within the proper ranges with respect to the excitation frequency.