bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distracting stimuli evoke ventral tegmental area responses in rats during ongoing saccharin consumption
Authors: Peters Kate Z , Young Andrew M J , McCutcheon James E
Published: January 2021

Disruptions in attention, salience and increased distractibility are implicated in multiple psychiatric conditions. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a potential site for converging information about external stimuli and internal states to be integrated and guide adaptive behaviours. Given the dual role of dopamine signals in both driving ongoing behaviours (e.g., feeding) and monitoring salient environmental stimuli, understanding the interaction between these functions is crucial. Here, we investigate VTA neuronal activity during distraction from ongoing feeding. We developed a task to assess distraction exploiting self‐paced licking in rats. Rats trained to lick for saccharin were given a distraction test, in which three consecutive licks within 1 s triggered a random distractor (e.g. light and tone stimulus). On each trial they were quantified as distracted or not based on the length of their pauses in licking behaviour. We expressed GCaMP6s in VTA neurons and used fibre photometry to record calcium fluctuations during this task as a proxy for neuronal activity. Distractor stimuli caused rats to interrupt their consumption of saccharin, a behavioural effect which quickly habituated with repeat testing. VTA neural activity showed consistent increases to distractor presentations and, furthermore, these responses were greater on distracted trials compared to non‐distracted trials. Interestingly, neural responses show a slower habituation than behaviour with consistent VTA responses seen to distractors even after they are no longer distracting. These data highlight the complex role of the VTA in maintaining ongoing appetitive and consummatory behaviours while also monitoring the environment for salient stimuli.
Transsylvian amygdalohippocampectomy for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Comparison of three different approaches
Authors: de Souza João P. S. A. S. , Pimentel‐Silva Luciana R. , Ayub Gabriel , Nogueira Mateus H. , Zanao Tamires , Yasuda Clarissa L. , Campos Brunno M. , Rogerio Fabio , Tedeschi Helder , Cendes Fernando , Ghizoni Enrico
Published: January 2021

Objective

This study's objective was to compare the transinsular (TI‐AH), transuncus (TU‐AH), and temporopolar (TP‐AH) amygdalohippocampectomy approaches regarding seizure control, temporal stem (TS) damage, and neurocognitive decline.

Methods

We included 114 consecutive patients with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS) who underwent TI‐AH, TU‐AH, or TP‐AH between 2002 and 2017. We evaluated seizure control using Engel classification. We used diffusion tensor imaging and postoperative Humphrey perimetry to assess the damage of the TS. We also performed pre‐ and postoperative memory performance and intelligence quotient (IQ).

Results

There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients free of disabling seizures (Engel IA+IB) among the three surgical approaches in the survival analysis. However, more patients were free of disabling seizures (Engel IA+IB) at 2 years of postsurgical follow‐up with TP‐AH (69.5%) and TI‐AH (76.7%) as compared to the TU‐AH (43.5%) approach (p = .03). The number of fibers of the inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus postoperatively was reduced in the TI‐AH group compared with the TU‐AH and TP‐AH groups (p = .001). The rate of visual field defects was significantly higher with TI‐AH (14/19, 74%) in comparison to the TU‐AH (5/15, 33%) and TP‐AH (13/40, 32.5%) approaches (p = .008). Finally, there was a significant postoperative decline in verbal memory in left‐sided surgeries (p = .019) and delayed recall for both sides (p < .001) regardless of the surgical approach. However, TP‐AH was the only group that showed a significant improvement in visual memory (p < .001) and IQ (p < .001) for both right‐ and left‐sided surgeries.

Significance

The TP‐AH group had better short‐term seizure control than TU‐AH, a lower rate of visual field defects than TI‐AH, and improved visual memory and IQ compared to the other groups. Our findings suggest that TP‐AH is a better surgical approach for temporal lobe epilepsy with HS than TI‐AH and TU‐AH.
The δ13C–δ18O variations in marble in the Hida Belt, Japan
Authors: Harada Hironobu , Tsujimori Tatsuki , Kunugiza Keitaro , Yamashita Katsuyuki , Aoki Shogo , Aoki Kazumasa , Takayanagi Hideko , Iryu Yasufumi
Published: January 2021

Marble has a great potential to understand a history of various geological events occurring during tectonic processes. In order to decode metamorphic–metasomatic records on C–O isotope compositions of marble at mid‐crustal conditions, we conducted a C–O–Sr isotope study on upper amphibolite‐facies marbles and a carbonate–silicate rock from the Hida Belt, which was once a part of the crustal basement of the East Asian continental margin. Carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of calcite from marbles (Kamioka area) and a carbonate–silicate rock (Wadagawa area) show a large variation of δ13C [VPDB] and δ18O [VSMOW] values (from −4.4 to +4.2 ‰ and +1.6 to +20.8 ‰, respectively). The low δ13C values of calcites from the carbonate–silicate rock (from −4.4 to −2.9 ‰) can be explained by decarbonation (CO2 releasing) reactions; carbon–oxygen isotope modeling suggests that a decrease of δ13C strongly depends on the amount of silicate reacting with carbonates. The occurrence of metamorphic clinopyroxene in marbles indicates that all samples have been affected by decarbonation reactions. All δ18O values of calcites are remarkably lower than the marine‐carbonate values. The large δ18O variation can be explained by the isotope exchange via interactions between marble, external fluids, and/or silicates. Remarkably low δ18O values of marbles that are lower than mantle value (~+5 ‰) suggest the interaction with meteoric water at a later stage. Sr isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr = 0.707255–0.708220) might be close to their protolith values. One zircon associated with wollastonite in a marble thin‐section yields a U–Pb age of 222 ± 3 Ma, which represents the timing of the recrystallization of marble, triggered by H2O‐rich fluid infiltration at a relatively high‐temperature condition. Our isotope study implies that the upper amphibolite‐facies condition, like the Hida Belt, might be appropriate to cause decarbonation reactions which can modify original isotope compositions of marble if carbonates react with silicates.
Phase composition, microstructure, and properties of ceramic tile prepared using ceramic polishing waste as raw material
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Shaohua , Li Xiaonv , Liu Yewei , Zhang Xiaozhen , Chang Qibing , Wang Yongqing
Published: January 2021

Polished ceramic products are currently the most popular in architectural decoration, but a significant amount of ceramic polishing waste (CPW) is produced during the preparation process. Determining how to handle the CPW is a pressing task for enterprises. This work investigated the feasibility of recycling CPW in porcelain tile, and its influence on the phase composition, microstructure, and properties of the ceramic body. The CPW was found to have a similar composition to the traditional ceramics and worked as a flux. The SiC within CPW began to decompose into SiO2 with CO2 generation at about 1100°C, resulting in a porous structure. Microstructure observation indicated that a high CPW sample produced sufficient liquid phase when fired at temperatures ≤1100°C, which was not only beneficial for mullite growth but also for matrix densification by the viscous flow mechanism. But a high‐content CPW caused the body to foam or even expand at temperatures >1100°C, thus significantly reducing mechanical properties. Finally, a series of porcelain tiles were successfully prepared with a CPW content of ≤30 wt% at a firing temperature of 1125‐1200°C. The results of this study are considered to be valuable for the utilization of CPW.
Taxes and unemployment
Authors: Biswas Rajit , Thandassery Ramakrishnan Vandana
Published: January 2021

The present model revisits the issue of unit and ad valorem taxes in a model of monopolistic competition. It is shown that if the assumption of full employment is relaxed, then taxation can increase employment conditionally when the elasticity of substitution among varieties is low. Moreover, with the same level of initial unemployment, ad valorem tax is better than unit tax in terms of employment, when the targeted tax revenue is relatively high and scale economies are strong.
Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match: Opportunities and challenges in optimizing compatibility of HLA eplets in transplantation
Authors: Lemieux William , Mohammadhassanzadeh Hossein , Klement William , Daniel Claude , Sapir‐Pichhadze Ruth
Published: January 2021

The development of donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) is a major complication in transplantation, which is associated with inferior graft survival, impaired quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. DSA develop upon recognition of nonself HLA by the recipient's immune system. HLA molecules contain epitopes, which are the surface regions of HLA molecules recognized by antibodies. HLAMatchmaker is an algorithm for assessing donor:recipient HLA compatibility at the level of structurally defined HLA targets called eplets. The consideration of eplets, rather than the whole HLA molecule, could offer some advantages when classifying the immune risk associated with particular donor:recipient pairs. Assessing compatibility at the level of HLA eplets could decrease misclassification of post‐transplant immune risk by improving specificity, when antibodies are confirmed to be directed against donor eplets missing from the recipient's repertoire of eplets. Consideration of eplets may also increase the sensitivity of immune risk assessment, when identifying mismatched eplets that could give rise to new, not previously detected, donor‐specific antibodies post‐transplant. Eplet matching can serve as a rational strategy for immune risk mitigation. Herein, we review the evolution of HLA (in) compatibility assessment for organ allocation. We outline challenges in the implementation of eplet‐based donor:recipient matching, including unavailability of allele‐level donor genotypes for 11 HLA loci at the time of organ allocation and difficulty in assessing the hierarchy of immune risk associated with particular HLA eplet mismatches. Opportunities to address some of the current shortcomings of donor genotyping and HLAMatchmaker are also discussed. While there is a demonstrated benefit in the application of HLAMatchmaker for donor: recipient HLA (in)compatibility assessment, evolving long‐read genotyping methods, compilation of large data sets with allele‐level genotypes, and standardization of methods to verify eplets as determinants of immune‐mediated injuries are required before HLA eplet matching is implemented in organ allocation to improve upon transplant outcomes.
Financial transaction tax and market quality: Evidence from France†
Authors: Parwada Jerry , Rui Yixuan , Shen Jianfeng
Published: January 2021

The effectiveness of Financial Transaction Taxes (FTTs) for deterring speculative trading and improving market quality remains controversial. Studying the FTT imposed in 2012 on large‐cap stocks traded on the Euronext Paris, we find that stocks subject to the FTT subsequently experience significantly decreased turnover and increased spreads relative to the untaxed peers. Further tests suggest that the FTT imposition induces investors to migrate their trades and results in less informativeness in the taxed stocks. Collectively our findings support the view that FTTs deter informed trades and reduce market quality.
Quantitative estimation of water status in field‐grown wheat using beta mixed regression modelling based on fast chlorophyll fluorescence transients: A method for drought tolerance estimation
Authors: Spyroglou Ioannis , Rybka Krystyna , Maldonado Rodriguez Ronald , Stefański Piotr , Valasevich Natallia M.
Published: January 2021

Maintaining a steady increase of yields requires knowledge of plant stress physiology and modern techniques of quantitative data collection and analysis. Here, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters are used for modelling of relative water content (RWC) in field‐grown wheat cultivars. RWC is commonly used for the detection of plant tolerance to temporary droughts, but its determination is laborious and does not meet the requirements of a mass test like fluorescence detection. The paper presents a beta generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) fitted for RWC prediction based on chlorophyll fluorescence data repeatedly measured over time. The nature of fluorescence parameters with the strong correlations between them leads to the use of a multilevel principal component analysis to overcome this issue prior to the fitting of the model. Furthermore, a beta generalized estimating equation (GEE) model is fitted for identifying population‐average effects of the parameters used. Finally, highly significant results in terms of prediction with the use of 10‐fold cross‐validation (RPearson‐CV = 0.86, MAECV = 0.0365, RMSECV = 0.048) were obtained. Moreover, the population‐average effects provide important information for the parameters used in RWC prediction. The beta GLMM can provide good predictions combined with important cultivar‐specific information. Conclusively, these implementations can be a useful tool for drought tolerance improvement.
Peer Support for Post Intensive Care Syndrome Self‐Management (PS‐PICS): Study protocol for peer mentor training
Authors: Danesh Valerie , Hecht Jacki , Hao Richard , Boehm Leanne , Jimenez Edgar J. , Arroliga Alejandro C. , Sanghi Sandhya , Stevens Alan
Published: January 2021

Aims

The primary aim of the Peer Support for Post Intensive Care Syndrome Self‐Management (PS‐PICS) peer mentor training trial is to determine the feasibility for peer mentor training to connect new ICU survivors with survivors who have made successful recoveries. Secondary aims are to also examine peer mentor eligibility, recruitment and retention rates and assess changes in participant knowledge of Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), reported symptoms and health‐related quality of life.

Design

Prospective clinical feasibility trial.

Methods

This study received funding from the National Institutes of Health funded P30 Center for Excellence (2014–2020). Up to 20 adult patients who have had an ICU stay of 3 days or longer more than 3 months ago will be enrolled into the study. Participants will undergo a 6‐week peer mentor training program to learn how to promote healthy self‐management behaviours, social connections, and well‐being using motivational interviewing (MI). Participants will complete surveys about their recovery at 3 points during the study: prior to training, 6 weeks post‐training and 3 months post‐training. Survey questions will be used to assess trends in participant social isolation, depression, functional status, and self‐management behaviours.

Discussion

Enrollment closes by December 2020. As a feasibility trial, power sufficient for hypothesis testing will not be available. However, study operations and intervention fidelity contribute to future research knowledge and participant characteristics and longitudinal outcomes will yield data on intervention feasibility. This study is the first use of embedding peer‐led motivational interviewing training into a peer support intervention for ICU survivors.

Impact

Current self‐management interventions are limited for ICU survivors and do not sufficiently address barriers to promoting self‐management behaviours or improving their health status, well‐being and cost of health. This study will provide data to develop and implement interventions for the self‐management of PICS‐related symptoms and sequelae.
Pre‐existing mental health disorders in patients admitted to the intensive care unit: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of prevalence
Authors: Pilowsky Julia K. , Elliott Rosalind , Roche Michael A.
Published: January 2021

Aims

To determine the reported prevalence rate of pre‐existing mental health disorders in patients admitted to adult ICUs and identify the most commonly occurring types of these disorders.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data sources

Five electronic databases were searched from 1 January 2000 ‐15 April 2020. Google Scholar was used to perform forwards citation searching.

Methods

This review was conducted in line with the PRISMA guidelines and protocol registered with PROSPERO CRD42020181818. Meta‐analyses were performed using the quality effects model to calculate weighted pooled prevalence estimates and heterogeneity was tested using the I2 statistic.

Results

Seven articles were included in the final review and meta‐analysis (143,179 participants). Identified prevalence rates varied considerably, ranging from 6.2–28.0%, reflecting variation in each study's clinical context, as well as different patient selection and identification methodologies. The pooled prevalence rate of all pre‐existing mental health disorders was 19.4% (95% CI 8.9–32.6%). Depression was the most common subtype, accounting for an estimated 60.5% (95% CI 54.4–66.5%) of identified mental health disorders. All analyses showed significant heterogeneity with I2 > 95%.

Conclusion

Approximately 19% of adult ICU patients have a history of a mental health disorder, most commonly depression. Further research is needed to improve the accuracy of this estimate as well as determine the best identification method.

Impact

This study has demonstrated that patients with pre‐existing mental health disorders, particularly depression, constitute a significant subgroup in ICU. Given that the presence of a pre‐existing mental health disorder appears to confer an increased mortality risk following ICU discharge, clinicians need to be made aware of this group of patients to provide additional support. Further research is needed to more accurately quantify this vulnerable group and establish methods to enable clinicians to readily identify and refer these patients for appropriate follow‐up treatment.
‘It's a good thing we're doing, we just need to be better at it’. Forensic intellectual disability nursing experiences of Transforming Care: A multi‐perspectival interpretive phenomenological analysis
Authors: Hudson Nicholas , House Richard , Robson Neil , Rayner‐Smith Kelly
Published: January 2021

Background

Concerns have been expressed regarding the impact of Transforming Care (TC) an English deinstitutionalisation mandate, on forensic services. With nursing staff positioned as significant in delivering TC; this research explored nursing experiences.

Method

Nine face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews were completed with nursing staff working in either inpatient or community forensic teams. Multi‐perspectival interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to explore participants' experiences. Interviews were analysed independently, prior to a mini meta‐synthesis.

Results

Participants from the inpatient group experienced TC as a threat, which resulted in consistency of perspective and practice. Participants from the community group viewed TC as a worthwhile challenge, which presented opportunity. The community infrastructure was experienced as inadequate by both groups, with the needs of people in forensic services needing more consideration, leading to widespread frustration.

Conclusions

The blanket approach of TC may not be suitable for this population, with those leading TC perceived as naïve.
Genetic analysis of the CITED2 gene promoter in isolated and sporadic congenital ventricular septal defects
Authors: Zheng Si‐Qiang , Chen Huan‐Xin , Liu Xiao‐Cheng , Yang Qin , He Guo‐Wei
Published: January 2021

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart defect. Previous studies have reported genetic variations in the encoding region of CITED2 highly associated with cardiac malformation but the role of CITED2 gene promoter variations in VSD patients has not yet been explored. We investigated the variation of CITED2 gene promoter and its impacts on gene promoter activity in the DNA of paediatric VSD patients. A total of seven variations were identified by Sanger sequencing in the CITED2 gene promoter region in 400 subjects, including 200 isolated and sporadic VSD patients and 200 healthy controls. Using dual‐luciferase reporter assay, we found four of the 7 variations identified significantly decreased the transcriptional activity of the CITED2 gene promoter in HEK‐293 cells (P < .05). Further, a bioinformatic analysis with the JASPAR databases was performed and a cluster of putative binding sites for transcription factors was created or disrupted by these variations, leading to low expression of CITED2 protein and development of VSD. Our study for the first time demonstrates genetic variations in the CITED2 gene promoter in the Han Chinese population and the role of these variations in the development of VSD, providing new insights into the aetiology of CHD.
Melanocytic lesions with peripheral globules: results of an observational prospective study in 154 high‐risk melanoma patients under digital dermoscopy follow‐up evaluated with reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Pampín‐Franco A. , Gamo‐Villegas R. , Floristán‐Muruzábal U. , Pinedo‐Moraleda F.J. , Pérez‐Fernández E. , López‐Estebaranz J.L.
Published: January 2021

Background

The management of melanocytic lesions with peripheral globules (MLPGs) is usually age‐dependent and can be challenging in high‐risk melanoma patients.

Objectives

To evaluate clinical, dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features of MLPG in patients under digital dermoscopic surveillance. To know whether dermoscopic or RCM findings correlate with histologic diagnosis and the accuracy of the dermoscopy–RCM compared with histopathology.

Methods

During 24 months, we prospectively enrolled MLPG in patients under digital dermoscopy follow‐up. All were evaluated by dermoscopy and RCM and excised for histologic examination.

Results

We enrolled 154 patients, mean age 42.45 years (18.78–73.19). Three melanomas and 19 dysplastic naevi (DNs) were diagnosed. There were no significant differences in the age of the patients (P = 0.662). MLPGs with diameter of 6 mm or more and asymmetry in two axes were associated with melanoma (P = 0.01, P = 0.003). Patients with more than one MLPG were less likely to have melanoma. Blue‐grey and red colours were more frequent in melanoma (P = 0.013 and P = 0.000). Different sizes and shapes of PG were associated with DN and melanoma (P = 0.000 and P = 0.001). In a new lesion, PG in <25% of the circumference was related to malignancy (P = 0.010). RCM signs of malignancy were related to melanoma: pagetoid cells (P = 0.000), non‐edged papillae (P = 0.001), atypical junctional thickenings (P = 0.000) and atypical cells at the dermal‐epidermal junction (P = 0.000). Dense irregular nests were associated to melanoma (P = 0.019). Dermoscopy and confocal evaluation were able to diagnose 100% of melanomas and 84.21% of DNs. The kappa coefficient between dermoscopy–RCM vs. histology was 0.76.

Conclusions

We recommend to excise a MLPG when it presents asymmetry in two axes, 6 or more mm, new lesion with PG in less than the 25% of the circumference, irregular size and shape PGs and irregular dense nests on RCM, regardless of the patient's age.
The diversity and function of intestinal microorganisms in four geographic Cephalcia chuxiongica (a pine defoliator) populations
Authors: Yu Hong , Du Cui‐Min , Shi Min‐Rui , Feng Lu , Fu Da‐Ying , Xu Jin , Li Yong‐He
Published: January 2021

Symbiotic microbiomes play important roles in hosts’ adaptation and evolution. Here, the gut bacterial communities in Cephalcia chuxiongica, a key pest of pines in China, were studied for the first time by using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The composition of gut bacterial communities differed in different C. chuxiongica geographic populations but interestingly, the phylogeny and diversity of gut microbiota correlated with host geographic/genetic distance, that is the microbiota was more similar as the geographic/genetic distance decreased, and vice versa. The various microbes performed similar functions and showed functional complementation, in which most of identified KEGG pathways were shared by different populations with metabolism being the most dominant functional pathway and the function of major microbes associated with host dietary specialization (pine needles), such as cellulose degradation. In addition, some microbes also associated with host biological characteristics, such as Wolbachia with parthenogenesis and Serratia with the long‐term larval diapause in C. chuxiongica. Therefore, the synergy of environmental and host factors shapes the structure of gut microbiota and gut microbiota play essential roles in host physiology and adaptation, suggesting some kind of symbiosis and coevolution. These results demonstrate the important contribution of gut microbiota and provide a sound foundation for developing control strategies for this pest.
Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoonbieneusi, and Giardiaduodenalis in Captive Pet Birds in Henan Province, Central China
Authors: Dong Haiju , Cheng Ru , Li Xinmiao , Li Junqiang , Chen Yuancai , Ban Chaoping , Zhang Xiangqian , Liu Fang , Zhang Longxian
Published: January 2021

Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis are common enteric pathogens that are capable of infecting humans and animals. Total of 1,005 fecal samples from captive pet birds were collected from seven locations in Henan Province, China. The results demonstrated that 9.9% (99/1,005) of the captive birds were infected with one of these three pathogens. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was the most prevalent species among the birds (45/1,005, 4.5%) followed by G. duodenalis (33/1,005, 3.3%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (21/1,005, 2.1%). Five Cryptosporidium species were identified, namely, C. baileyi (10), C. galli (5), C. meleagridis (4), C. andersoni (1), and C. parvum (1). Two known E. bieneusi genotypes were identified: Peru 6 (44) was identified in pigeons (34) and European turtle doves (10); whereas, the genotype PtEb I (1) was only identified in a pigeon. Only G. duodenalis assemblage E (33) was identified in some pet birds. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to undertake the molecular identification of G. duodenalis in birds in China. The identification of potentially zoonotic species/genotypes of the pathogens suggests that exposure to the excreta of these birds, either directly or via food and water, may pose a threat to human health.
Combination prevention of post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in patients undergoing double‐guidewire assisted biliary cannulation: A case–control study with propensity score matching
Authors: Wang Xu , Luo Hui , Luo Bing , Ren Gui , Liang Shuhui , Wang Xiangping , Tao Qin , Zhang Linhui , Kang Xiaoyu , Guo Xuegang , Pan Yanglin
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim

Rectal indomethacin and pancreatic duct stenting (PDS) are recommended for the prevention of post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP). However, the effects of the combination of the two methods on preventing PEP are controversial. We hypothesized that some group of difficult patients might benefit from the combination of indomethacin plus PDS (IP) compared with indomethacin alone (IN).

Methods

Patients with native papilla who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in eight tertiary hospitals were screened. They were enrolled if the cannulation proved difficult and post‐procedure indomethacin was administered. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the baseline characteristics between IP and IN groups. The primary outcome was PEP.

Results

Among 4456 patients with available cannulation‐related data, 1889 (42.4%) patients had difficult cannulation and received indomethacin. After PSM, both IP and IN groups included 332 patients. PEP was comparable between the two groups (12.7% vs 10.2%, P = 0.329). By subgroup analysis, the PEP rate was found to be lower in the IP group than in the IN group (7.3% vs 18.2%, P = 0.026) in patients undergoing double‐guidewire technique (DGT). The results of an additional analysis using PSM in DGT patients were consistent with the subgroup analysis results (7.8% vs 19.4%, P = 0.036).

Conclusions

The current study indicated that the combined prevention of PEP with indomethacin plus PDS was useful in PEP prevention in patients undergoing DGT. Other groups of patients with difficult cannulation may not benefit from the combination strategy.
Adaptive Learning and Labor Market Dynamics
Authors: DI PACE F. , MITRA K. , ZHANG S.
Published: January 2021

The standard search and matching model with rational expectations is well known to be unable to generate amplification in unemployment and vacancies. We document a new feature that cannot be replicated: properties of wage forecasts published by institutions in the near term. A parsimonious model with adaptive learning can provide a solution to both of these problems. Firms choose vacancies by forecasting wages using simple autoregressive models; they have greater incentive to post vacancies at the time of a positive productivity shock because of overoptimism about the discounted value of expected profits.
Late post‐natal neurometabolic development in healthy male rats using 1H and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Račkayová Veronika , Simicic Dunja , Donati Guillaume , Braissant Olivier , Gruetter Rolf , McLin Valérie A. , Cudalbu Cristina
Published: January 2021

Brain metabolism evolves rapidly during early post‐natal development in the rat. While changes in amino acids, energy metabolites, antioxidants or metabolites involved in phospholipid metabolism have been reported in the early stages, neurometabolic changes during the later post‐natal period are less well characterized. Therefore, we aimed to assess the neurometabolic changes in male Wistar rats between post‐natal days 29 and 77 (p29‐p77) using longitudinal magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in vivo at 9.4 Tesla. 1H MRS was performed in the hippocampus between p29 and p77 at 1‐week intervals (n = 7) and in the cerebellum between p35 and p77 at 2‐week intervals (n = 7) using the SPECIAL sequence at ultra‐short echo‐time. NOE enhanced and 1H decoupled 31P MR spectra were acquired at p35, p48 and p63 (n = 7) in a larger voxel covering cortex, hippocampus and part of the striatum. The hippocampus showed a decrease in taurine concentration and an increase in glutamate (with more pronounced changes until p49), seemingly a continuation of their well‐described changes in the early post‐natal period. A constant increase in myo‐inositol and choline‐containing compounds in the hippocampus (in particular glycero‐phosphocholine as shown by 31P MRS) was measured throughout the observation period, probably related to membrane metabolism and myelination. The cerebellum showed only a significant increase in myo‐inositol between p35 and p77. In conclusion, this study showed important changes in brain metabolites in both the hippocampus and cerebellum in the later post‐natal period (p29/p35‐p77) of male rats, something previously unreported. Based on these novel data, changes in some neurometabolites beyond p28‐35, conventionally accepted as the cut off for adulthood, should be taken into account in both experimental design and data interpretation in this animal model.

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Proteomics and metabolomics of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Williams Monray E. , Naudé Petrus J. W. , van der Westhuizen Francois H.
Published: January 2021

HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are common features of the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 within the central nervous system (CNS). The underlying neuropathophysiology of HAND is incompletely known. Furthermore, there are no markers to effectively predict or stratify the risk of HAND. Recent advancements in the fields of proteomics and metabolomics have shown promise in addressing these concerns, however, it is not clear if these approaches may provide new insight into pathways and markers related to HAND. We therefore conducted a systematic review of studies using proteomic and/or metabolomic approaches in the aim of identifying pathways or markers associated with neurocognitive impairment in people living with HIV (PLWH). Thirteen studies were eligible, including 11 proteomic and 2 metabolomic investigations of HIV‐positive clinical samples (cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), brain tissue, and serum). Across varying profiling techniques and sample types, the majority of studies found an association of markers with neurocognitive function in PLWH. These included metabolic marker myo‐inositol and proteomic markers superoxide dismutase, gelsolin, afamin, sphingomyelin, and ceramide. Certain markers were found to be dysregulated across various sample types. Afamin and gelsolin overlapped in studies of blood and CSF and sphingomyelin and ceramide overlapped in studies of CSF and brain tissue. The association of these markers with neurocognitive functioning may indicate the activity of certain pathways, potentially those related to the underlying neuropathophysiology of HAND.

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Nutritional and developmental programming effects of insulin
Authors: Dearden Laura , Bouret Sebastien G. , Ozanne Susan E.
Published: January 2021

The discovery of insulin in 1921 was a major breakthrough in medicine and for therapy in patients with diabetes. The dramatic rise in the prevalence of overweight and obesity has been tightly linked to an increased prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which poses major health concerns. Babies born to GDM mothers are more likely to develop obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. Evidence accumulated during the past two decades has revealed that high levels insulin, such as those observed during GDM, can have a widespread effect on the development and function of a variety of organs. This review summarises our current knowledge on the role of insulin in the placenta, cardiovascular system and brain during critical periods of development, as well as how it can contribute to lifelong metabolic regulation. We also discuss possible intervention strategies to ameliorate and hopefully reverse the developmental defects associated with obesity and GDM.
Evaluation of adding platelet‐rich plasma to combined medical therapy in androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Ramadan Wafaa Mohammad , Hassan Arwa Mohammad , Ismail Mayada A. , El Attar Yasmina Ahmed
Published: January 2021

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair loss disorder.

Objectives

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in androgenetic alopecia.

Methods

This study was done on 126 AGA patients, 42 patients survived as control group who received medical treatment, only other 84 patients were subdivided into two groups, and they received PRP sessions as co‐adjuvant therapy using different methods administration. Patients were evaluated clinically, by dermoscopy and by digital dermoscopy to measure hair density and diameters before and after treatment.

Results

PRP‐treated patients showed statistically significant increase in hair density and diameter measurements than control group. These results increased by using microneedling as a method of PRP administration.

Conclusion

In AGA, the addition of “PRP with microneedling” to the combined medical treatment increases its efficacy and shortens the time needed for optimum improvement.

Study design

Single‐blinded randomized controlled study.
Patients recovering from COVID‐19 pneumonia in sub‐acute care exhibit severe frailty: Role of the nurse assessment
Authors: Mandora Elena , Comini Laura , Olivares Adriana , Fracassi Michela , Cadei Maria Grazia , Paneroni Mara , Marchina Lucia , Suruniuc Adrian , Luisa Alberto , Scalvini Simonetta , Corica Giacomo , Vitacca Michele
Published: January 2021

Aims and Objectives

To document the level of frailty in sub‐acute COVID‐19 patients recovering from acute respiratory failure and investigate the associations between frailty, assessed by the nurse using the Blaylock Risk Assessment Screening Score (BRASS), and clinical and functional patient characteristics during hospitalisation.

Background

Frailty is a major problem in patients discharged from acute care, but no data are available on the frailty risk in survivors of COVID‐19 infection.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional study (STROBE checklist).

Methods

At admission to sub‐acute care in 2020, 236 COVID‐19 patients (median age 77 years – interquartile range 68–83) were administered BRASS and classified into 3 levels of frailty risk. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was also administered to measure physical function and disability. Differences between BRASS levels and associations between BRASS index and clinical parameters were analysed.

Results

The median BRASS index was 14.0 (interquartile range 9.0–20.0) denoting intermediate frailty (32.2%, 41.1%, 26.7% of patients exhibited low, intermediate and high frailty, respectively). Significant differences emerged between the BRASS frailty classes regards to sex, comorbidities, history of cognitive deficits, previous mechanical ventilation support and SPPB score. Patients with no comorbidities (14%) exhibited low frailty (BRASS: median 5.5, interquartile range 3.0–12.0). Age ≥65 years, presence of comorbidities, cognitive deficit and SPPB % predicted <50% were significant predictors of high frailty.

Conclusions

Most COVID‐19 survivors exhibit substantial frailty and require continuing care after discharge from acute care.

Relevance to clinical practice

The BRASS index is a valuable tool for nurses to identify those patients most at risk of frailty, who require a programme of rehabilitation and community reintegration.
Factors associated with the occurrence of falls among older people with and without cataracts: Structural equation modelling analysis
Authors: Tavares Darlene Mara dos Santos , Oliveira Nayara Gomes Nunes , Oliveira Neilzo Nunes , Ikegami Érica Midori
Published: January 2021

Aims and objectives

To identify the frequency of falls among older people with and without cataracts and to verify the association of sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural variables with the number of falls among community‐dwelling older adults according to self‐reported cataracts.

Background

Although the literature on the topic is vast, no studies were found that described the explanatory factors for the relationship between sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural variables with the occurrence of falls in older people, with and without cataracts, through models previously tested in mediation analysis.

Design and Method

This is a cross‐sectional and quantitative study guided by the STROBE, conducted with two groups: older people with (268) and without cataracts (689). For analysing the data, the path analysis was performed.

Results

The occurrence of falls among the older people with cataracts was higher than in the group without cataracts. In both groups, frailty and depressive symptoms were directly associated with a higher occurrence of falls. Among older people with cataracts, the lowest physical performance score and the highest sedentary behaviour were directly associated with the highest number of falls. Among the older people without cataract, the youngest age, the highest number of morbidities and functional disability for instrumental activities of daily living were directly associated with the occurrence of falls.

Conclusion

The older people with cataracts have a higher frequency of falls. The factors associated with the occurrence of falls differ between the older people with and without cataracts.

Relevance to clinical practice

The expanded understanding of the factors associated with falls among community‐dwelling older adults, differentiating those with and without cataracts, guides the health professional in the development and implementation of measures to reduce the occurrence of these events.
Is the extent of lymphadenectomy a prognostic factor in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage II endometrioid endometrial cancer?
Authors: Cuylan Zeliha Firat , Akilli Huseyin , Gungorduk Kemal , Demirkiran Fuat , Oz Murat , Salman Mehmet Coskun , Sozen Hamdullah , Celik Husnu , Gokcu Mehmet , Bese Tugan , Meydanli Mehmet Mutlu , Ozgul Nejat , Topuz Samet , Kuscu Esra , Kuru Oguzhan , Gokmen Sibel , Gultekin Murat , Ayhan Ali
Published: January 2021

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of adequate lymph node dissection (LND) (≥10 pelvic lymph nodes (LNs) and ≥ 5 paraaortic LNs removed) in patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage II endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC).

Methods

A multicenter department database review was performed to identify patients who had been operated and diagnosed with stage II EEC at seven centers in Turkey retrospectively. Demographic, clinicopathological, and survival data were collected and analyzed.

Results

We identified 284 women with stage II EEC. There were 170 (59.9%) patients in the adequate lymph node dissection (LND) group and 114 (40.1%) in the inadequate LND group. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate of the inadequate LND group was significantly lower than that of the adequate LND group (84.1% vs. 89.1%, respectively; p = 0.028). In multivariate analysis, presence of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–4.63; p = 0.009), age ≥ 60 (HR: 3.30, 95% CI: 1.65–6.57; p = 0.001], and absence of adjuvant therapy (HR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.40–5.35; p = 0.003) remained as independent risk factors for decreased 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS). Inadequate LND (HR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.18–4.63; p < 0.001), age ≥ 60 (HR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.25–5.72; p = 0.011), and absence of adjuvant therapy (HR: 4.95, 95% CI: 2.28–10.73; p < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for decreased 5‐year OS in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Adequate LND and adjuvant therapy were significant for the improvement of outcomes in FIGO stage II EEC patients. Furthermore, LVSI was associated with worse 5‐year DFS rate in stage II EEC.
Drug Transaction Experiences in American High Schools 2001‐2015
Authors: Brown Brande , Ruggles Kelly V. , Le Francesca T. , Rajan Sonali
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Among adolescents, the pathway from being offered drugs to engaging in drug use has been established. The prevalence of drug transactions specifically in schools is less understood. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of adolescents who have reported drug transaction experiences (being offered, sold, or given an illegal drug) on school property and subsequently identify behavioral correlates associated with these experiences.

METHODS

This study analyzed YRBS data from 2001 to 2015 (N = 117,815). We used 95% confidence intervals to evaluate differences in prevalence across years and demographic subgroups. Odds ratios determined the likelihood of engaging in risk behaviors among those youth also experiencing drug transactions on school property.

RESULTS

Every survey year, at least 1 in 5 youth reported having drug transaction experiences at school. Boys consistently reported significantly higher rates of drug transaction experiences in comparison to girls, with Hispanic boys representing the highest rates. Youth reporting these experiences with drug transactions were also more likely to carry a weapon to school and to be bullied at school.

Conclusions

Implications for the reduction of drug transactions in high schools are discussed and recommendations for prevention efforts addressing youth engagement in multiple risk behaviors are identified.
Sensory characterization of conventional and organic extra virgin olive oil by Check‐all‐that‐apply and emotional responses methods
Authors: de Melo Bruna Guedes , de Lima Dutra Mariana Borges , Alencar Natália Manzatti Machado
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to investigate the sensory characterization of commercial and organic extra virgin olive oils by the Check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) and emotional responses methodologies. The samples were evaluated for viscosity and yellow color by 120 consumers using CATA, acceptance test, purchase intention test, emotional responses, and ideal scaling, allowing the construction of two External Preference Maps aimed to associate the results from the overall impression with the terms from CATA and the emotional responses. The samples Conventional 2 and Organic 2 presented greater proximity with positive descriptors and emotions, while the samples Conventional 4 and Organic 4 were correlated with negative descriptors and emotions, which was also observed in the acceptance and purchase intention tests, showing the consumers' preference for softer products.

Practical application

The results of this study showed that most consumers do not like the bitterness and piquancy present in olive oils. For them, the oil should be sensorially smooth. In return, they want to buy olive oils of the highest nutritional quality. This demonstrates that, most consumers are laymen and do not know that the greater the bitterness and spiciness the greater the presence of bi‐active compounds present in the products. This study makes it evident that we must inform consumers about how the sensory part is related to physical–chemical aspects of products. With the end of the study, it would be interesting for future studies, to identify the bioactive compounds present in the studied samples and to interrelate with the available sensory results.
Cost of preterm birth to Australian mothers: Assessing the financial impact of a birth outcome with an increasing prevalence
Authors: Fox Haylee , Callander Emily
Published: January 2021

Aim

To examine the differences in return to work time after childbirth; the differences in income; and the differences in out of pocket health‐care costs between mothers who had a preterm birth and mothers who delivered a full term baby in Australia.

Methods

Using administrative data, the length of time and ‘risk’ of returning to employment for mothers whose child was born premature relative to those whose child was born full term was reported. Multivariate linear regression models were constructed to assess the difference in maternal income and the differences in mean out‐of‐pocket costs between mothers who had a preterm birth and mothers who had a full term birth.

Results

The mean length of time for mothers of babies born full term to return to work was 1.9 years and for mothers of preterm babies it was 2.8 years. Mothers of preterm babies had a significantly lower median income ah at 0–1, 2–3 and 4–5 years postpartum compared to mothers of full term babies. The adjusted mean out of pocket costs for health care paid by mothers who had a preterm birth was $1298 for those whose child was aged 32–36 weeks; and $2491 for those whose child was aged <32 weeks. This is in comparison to mothers of children born 37 weeks and over, whose mean out of pocket costs were $1059.

Conclusion

Mothers who have a preterm birth have longer return to work time, a lower weekly income and also have higher out of pocket costs compared with mothers who have a full term birth.