bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Through‐the‐scope esophageal stent for the relief of malignant dysphagia: Results of a multicentric study (with video)
Authors: Mangiavillano Benedetto , Auriemma Francesco , Bianchetti Mario , Mantovani Nicola , Pilati Stefano , Reggio Dario , Barletti Claudio , Forcignanò Edoardo , Pentassuglia Giuseppe , Arezzo Alberto , Cavargini Elena , Fabbri Carlo , Mezzanzanica Miriam , De Luca Luca , Conigliaro Rita , Repici Alessandro
Published: April 2020

Background and aim

In presence of malignant dysphagia, in patients unfit for surgery, the placement of a self‐expandable metal stent (SEMS) represents a safe and effective palliative treatment. Esophageal stents (ES) present an over‐the‐wire mechanism where the stent is deployed under X‐ray control. Recently a through‐the‐scope (TTS) ES was launched. The aim of our retrospective study is to assess the technical and clinical success of the new TTS‐ES.

Materials and methods

Patients with malignant dysphagia caused by esophageal cancer or ab‐extrinsic compression, who underwent TTS esophageal stent in six Italian endoscopic referral centers, were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

A total of 40 patients were enrolled. TTS stent placement was successful in 39/40 patients (97.5%). 31 patients had an Ogilvie score of 4, nine an Ogilvie 3. After 2 weeks from stent placement 29 reported Ogilvie score of 0, eight a score of 1. None of the patients developed retrosternal pain requiring drugs. No patient experienced perforation, bleeding or migration. A total of seven patients (18%) developed dysphagia as late adverse event (AE).

Conclusion

Through‐the‐scope ES presented less AEs, in terms of bleeding and perforation, if compared to the previous published data. An anti‐migration system could be helpful, especially when the stent is placed for “ab‐extrinseco” malignant dysphagia.
How chimpanzees and children perceive other species’ bodies: Comparing the expert effect
Authors: Gao Jie , Tomonaga Masaki
Published: April 2020

Human adults are better at recognizing upright bodies than inverted bodies. This inversion effect is also found for objects with which they have expertise, which is called the expert effect. This study aims to investigate its evolutionary and developmental aspects by testing humans’ closest relatives, chimpanzees, and preschool children. Chimpanzees show the inversion effect to chimpanzee bodies, but it is not clear how they perceive other species’ bodies. We tested seven chimpanzees in matching‐to‐sample tasks on touch screens using upright and inverted stimuli, and examined their accuracy and response time. In a previous study, they did not show the inversion effect for bipedal humans in unfamiliar postures, but here in this study they showed it to bipedal humans with familiar postures or crawling postures. This suggests the existence of the expert effect in non‐human primates, and that visual or embodied experience is needed to invoke it. It is also supported by the inversion effect they exhibit for horses who share quadrupedal postures, but which they have never seen. Additionally, for conspecifics, the inversion effect was shown regardless of the postures. We tested 33 preschool children using a similar method. They showed the inversion effect to human bodies, but not houses, suggesting the configural processing for bodies, which is found to be stable at the preschool stage. They also showed the inversion effect for chimpanzees and horses, indicating the important role of experience in shaping the ways of object processing.
Temporal representation impairment in developmental dyslexia for unisensory and multisensory stimuli
Authors: Gori Monica , Ober Kinga M. , Tinelli Francesca , Coubard Olivier A.
Published: April 2020

Dyslexia has been associated with a problem in visual–audio integration mechanisms. Here, we investigate for the first time the contribution of unisensory cues on multisensory audio and visual integration in 32 dyslexic children by modelling results using the Bayesian approach. Non‐linguistic stimuli were used. Children performed a temporal task: they had to report whether the middle of three stimuli was closer in time to the first one or to the last one presented. Children with dyslexia, compared with typical children, exhibited poorer unimodal thresholds, requiring greater temporal distance between items for correct judgements, while multisensory thresholds were well predicted by the Bayesian model. This result suggests that the multisensory deficit in dyslexia is due to impaired audio and visual inputs rather than impaired multisensory processing per se. We also observed that poorer temporal skills correlated with lower reading skills in dyslexic children, suggesting that this temporal capability can be linked to reading abilities.
The Samagra anti‐poverty programme in Madhya Pradesh: Integrating household data, overcoming silo‐problems and leaving nobody behind
Authors: Sharma Aruna , Copestake James , James Michelle
Published: April 2020

Motivation

To “leave nobody behind” a state must maintain a comprehensive database of individuals and households within its jurisdiction. Such a database can also assist in overcoming silo‐based fragmentation in government anti‐poverty programmes and services. We explore the process of establishing such a database through a case study of the Samagra programme in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

Research questions

How was Samagra conceived and implemented, given the political, administrative and technical challenges confronting large data and programme consolidation in the public sector? What are the benefits and potential risks to rationalizing social protection programmes of this kind?

Approach

The article is an extended case study based on the main author’s experience and reflection as a leading participant in Samagra. It also draws on official evaluations of Samagra.

Findings

Samagra demonstrates that it is feasible to rationalize siloed social protection programmes. It also demonstrates the scope for shifting welfare provision from being demand‐led to entitlement‐based. The successful establishment of Samagra arose from a shared narrative of improvement at state, national and global levels, strong political and administrative leadership at the state level, and the potential for relatively quick and substantial budgetary pay‐offs. The efficiency gains achieved must be balanced against risks arising from the state’s centralization of data.

Policy implications

The Samagra model is already being emulated in other states across India, and there is also scope for other countries to learn from it, particularly those with fragmented social protection systems. While holding out the promise of leaving fewer citizens behind in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the approach also accentuates the need to strengthen the governance and public accountability of consolidated data, particularly when linked to public entitlements.
The distributive impact of terms of trade shocks: The case of the oil price changes in Russia
Authors: Bussolo Maurizio , Luongo Patrizia
Published: April 2020

The halving of oil prices, during a short period between 2014 and 2015, has generated major terms of trade losses for oil exporting countries. This terms of trade shock has economy‐wide effects and significant distributive impacts. This paper, using a macro‐micro simulation model, describes and quantifies the channels of transmission from the drop of oil prices, to changes in welfare distribution at the household level for the case of the Russian Federation. The oil price reduction generates a reverse Dutch disease impacting sectoral employment, factor returns and consumption prices. It causes a contraction of employment and wages in more skill‐intensive (non‐tradable) sectors, and a reduction in consumption prices that is more pronounced for non‐food than for food goods. When these shifts are mapped to changes in incomes at the micro level, all households are affected. Poverty rates increase by 1 to 4 percentage points, depending on the poverty line used. At the US$ 10 a day threshold, 4.1 million additional people fall into poverty. Along the consumption distribution, richer people are affected more than those in the bottom 40%. However, this minor progressive impact may be reversed due to increases in unemployment and cuts in social programmes.
Behavioural effects of extracellular matrix protein Fras1 depletion in the mouse
Authors: Kalpachidou Theodora , Makrygiannis Apostolos K. , Pavlakis Evangelos , Stylianopoulou Fotini , Chalepakis Georges , Stamatakis Antonios
Published: April 2020

Fras1 is an extracellular protein of the basement membranes that surround embryonic epithelia, choroid plexuses and meninges in foetal mouse brain. Depletion of Fras1 in knockout mice results in sub‐epidermal blistering and fusion of eyelids and digits as well as malformation of lungs and kidneys. Mutations in the human counterpart FRAS1 are responsible for the Fraser Syndrome with clinical manifestations similar to the murine phenotype. In addition, brain deformities or mental impairments have occasionally been reported in patients with Fraser Syndrome. In the present study, we explored the possible involvement of Fras1 in brain function, analysing its expression pattern in mouse brain and investigating aspects of Fras1−/− mice behaviour, related to the function of brain regions expressing Fras1. Transcripts were detected in choroid plexuses and in certain brain regions including cortical, hippocampal and amygdalar areas in juvenile mice. Behavioural tests revealed that Fras1−/− mice exhibit impaired egocentric spatial memory, aberrant olfactory learning and memory, markedly reduced fear memory in an auditory fear conditioning task, as well as reduced anxiety expression in open field and elevated plus maze tests. Moreover, the extracellular matrix organization has been severely affected in cortical and subcortical areas as demonstrated by Wisteria floribunda agglutinin immunolabelling. The widespread detection of Fras1 transcripts in the brain of both pre‐ and postnatal mice, as well as the behavioural and cellular disturbances exhibited by Fras1−/− adult mice provide evidence for the involvement of Fras1 in brain organization and function.
Does SARS‐Cov‐2 invade the brain? Translational lessons from animal models
Authors: Natoli S. , Oliveira V. , Calabresi P. , Maia L. F. , Pisani A.
Published: April 2020

The current coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) outbreak, caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has raised the possibility of potential neurotropic properties of this virus. Indeed, neurological sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection have already been reported and highlight the relevance of considering the neurological impact of coronavirus (CoV) from a translational perspective. Animal models of SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome, caused by structurally similar CoVs during the 2002 and 2012 epidemics, have provided valuable data on nervous system involvement by CoVs and the potential for central nervous system spread of SARS‐CoV‐2. One key finding that may unify these pathogens is that all require angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 as a cell entry receptor. The CoV spike glycoprotein, by which SARS‐CoV‐2 binds to cell membranes, binds angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 with a higher affinity compared with SARS‐CoV. The expression of this receptor in neurons and endothelial cells hints that SARS‐CoV‐2 may have higher neuroinvasive potential compared with previous CoVs. However, it remains to be determined how such invasiveness might contribute to respiratory failure or cause direct neurological damage. Both direct and indirect mechanisms may be of relevance. Clinical heterogeneity potentially driven by differential host immune‐mediated responses will require extensive investigation. Development of disease models to anticipate emerging neurological complications and to explore mechanisms of direct or immune‐mediated pathogenicity in the short and medium term is therefore of great importance. In this brief review, we describe the current knowledge from models of previous CoV infections and discuss their potential relevance to COVID‐19.
Fatal intracranial haemorrhage occurring after oral anticoagulant treatment initiation for secondary stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Tsivgoulis G. , Katsanos A. H. , Seiffge D. J. , Paciaroni M. , Wilson D. , Koga M. , Macha K. , Cappellari M. , Kallmünzer B. , Polymeris A. A. , Toyoda K. , Caso V. , Werring D. J. , Engelter S. T , De Marchis G. M. ,   RAF, RAF‐DOAC, CROMIS‐2, SAMURAI, NOACISP, Erlangen, Verona registry collaborators
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

In this pooled analysis of seven multicentre cohorts potential differences were investigated in the incidence, characteristics and outcomes between intracranial haemorrhages (ICHs) associated with the use of non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC‐ICH) or with vitamin K antagonists (VKA‐ICH) in ischaemic stroke patients after oral anticoagulant treatment initiation for atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Data from 4912 eligible AF patients who were admitted in a stroke unit with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack and who were treated with either VKAs or NOACs within 3 months post‐stroke were included. Fatal ICH was defined as death occurring during the first 30 days after ICH onset. A meta‐analysis of available observational studies reporting 30‐day mortality rates from NOAC‐ICH or VKA‐ICH onset was additionally performed.

Results

During 5970 patient‐years of follow‐up 71 participants had an ICH, of whom 20 were NOAC‐ICH and 51 VKA‐ICH. Patients in the two groups had comparable baseline characteristics, except for the higher prevalence of kidney disease in VKA‐ICH patients. There was a non‐significant higher number of fatal ICH in patients with VKAs (11 events per 3385 patient‐years) than in those with NOACs (three events per 2623 patient‐years; hazard ratio 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.09–1.14). Three‐month functional outcomes were similar (P > 0.2) in the two groups. The meta‐analysis showed a lower 30‐day mortality risk for patients with NOAC‐ICH compared to VKA‐ICH (relative risk 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.51–0.95).

Conclusions

Non‐vitamin K oral anticoagulants for intracranial haemorrhages and VKA‐ICH occurring during secondary stroke prevention of AF patients have comparable baseline characteristics and outcomes except for the risk of fatal ICH within 30 days, which might be greater in VKA‐ICH.
Cognition Beyond the Human: Cognitive Psychology and the New Animism
Authors: ojalehto mays bethany , Seligman Rebecca , Medin Douglas L.
Published: April 2020

We present a new account of the cognitive commitments at stake in animist epistemologies. We use field‐based cognitive experiments to contribute to anthropological theories of the new animism, focusing on concepts of nonhuman agency afforded on one animist framework, that of the Ngöbe of Panama. Results from multiple studies using converging methods indicate that Ngöbe individuals have access to an ecocentric conceptual framework within which agency is inferred on the basis of interactions and relationships (what we term “folkcommunication”). This account represents an alternative to what has often been assumed (by both psychologists and anthropologists) to be a universal conceptual framework of anthropocentric folkpsychology where agency is inferred on the basis of mental states. Further experiments show that the Ngöbe framework supports sophisticated inferences about ecological behavior and that conceptual models exhibit important within‐culture variability. Intervening in debates about the nature of animism, we contend that a satisfying theory must account for the productive dimension of animist frameworks and be equipped to discriminate between anthropomorphic and ecocentric conceptual reasoning. Folkcommunication does so by accounting for the cognitive foundations of animism in terms of an ecologically centered perspective—offering a fresh point of departure for understanding Indigenous animisms.
Banks’ equity performance and the term structure of interest rates
Authors: Elyasiani Elyas , Hasan Iftekhar , Kalotychou Elena , Pouliasis Panos K. , Staikouras Sotiris K.
Published: April 2020

Using an extensive global sample, this paper investigates the impact of the term structure of interest rates on bank equity returns. Decomposing the yield curve to its three constituents (level, slope and curvature), the paper evaluates the time‐varying sensitivity of the bank's equity returns to these constituents by using a diagonal dynamic conditional correlation multivariate GARCH framework. Evidence reveals that the empirical proxies for the three factors explain the variations in equity returns above and beyond the market‐wide effect. More specifically, shocks to the long‐term (level) and short‐term (slope) factors have a statistically significant impact on equity returns, while those on the medium‐term (curvature) factor are less clear‐cut. Bank size plays an important role in the sense that exposures are higher for SIFIs and large banks compared to medium and small banks. Moreover, banks exhibit greater sensitivities to all risk factors during the crisis and post‐crisis periods compared to the pre‐crisis period; though these sensitivities do not differ for market‐oriented and bank‐oriented financial systems.
Somatic tumour testing establishes that bilateral DICER1‐associated ovarian Sertoli–Leydig cell tumours represent independent primary neoplasms
Authors: McCluggage W Glenn , Chong Anne‐Laure , de Kock Leanne , Foulkes William D
Published: April 2020

Aims

Sertoli–Leydig cell tumours (SLCTs) are rare ovarian neoplasms that are commonly associated with somatic or germline DICER1 mutations, especially when of the moderately or poorly differentiated type. A large majority are unilateral, but bilateral neoplasms have been reported, sometimes in the context of germline DICER1 mutations (DICER1 syndrome). It is currently unknown whether these represent independent neoplasms or metastasis from one ovary to the other and we aimed to elucidate this.

Methods and results

We report three cases of bilateral ovarian SLCT (all in patients with DICER1 syndrome) and review all reported cases of bilateral neoplasms. In the three cases (all moderately or poorly differentiated neoplasms), the time interval between the discovery of the tumours in each ovary ranged from 2.7 years to 6 years. In all cases, different DICER1 somatic hotspot mutations within the two tumours provided definitive proof that they represent independent neoplasms; this may be important clinically. Our literature review revealed that, when this information was available, all patients with bilateral SLCT had a germline DICER1 mutation.

Conclusions

Bilateral ovarian SLCTs represent independent rather than metastatic neoplasms, and essentially always occur in the context of DICER1 syndrome.
Abstracts of published randomized controlled trials in Endodontics: reporting quality and spin
Authors: Fang X. , Hua F. , Riley P. , Chen F. , Zhang L. , Walsh T. , Chen Z.
Published: April 2020

Aims

To assess the reporting quality of recently published randomized controlled trial (RCT) abstracts in Endodontics, to investigate factors associated with reporting quality, and to evaluate the existence and characteristics of spin, that is using reporting strategies that distort study results and misguide readers.

Methodology

The PubMed database was searched to identify abstracts of RCTs in the field of Endodontics published during 2017 to 2018. Two authors assessed the reporting quality of each included abstract using the original 16‐item CONSORT for Abstracts checklist, with the overall quality score (OQS, range: 0–16) being the primary outcome measure. For each individual item, a score of ‘1’ was given if it was described adequately, and ‘0’ if the description was inadequate. Linear regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with reporting quality. For the evaluation of spin, two authors selected parallel‐group RCTs with a nonsignificant primary outcome from the included abstracts and evaluated independently the existence and characteristics of spin amongst these abstracts.

Results

A total of 162 abstracts were included for assessment of reporting, for which the mean OQS was 3.97 (SD, 1.30; 95 % CI, 3.77–4.17). According to multivariable analysis, origin from Europe (P = 0.001) and reporting of the exact P value (P = 0.020) were significantly associated with better reporting. Forty abstracts with statistically nonsignificant results for their primary outcome were included for spin evaluation, amongst which 34 (85.0%) had at least one type of spin. Thirty‐two abstracts (94.1%) had spin in their conclusions section, and six abstracts (17.6%) had spin in the results section.

Conclusions

The reporting quality of randomized controlled trials abstracts in Endodontics needs to be improved. The occurrence rate of spin in the sample of abstracts of RCTs in the field of Endodontics was high. Relevant stakeholders are recommended to be familiar with the CONSORT for Abstracts guideline and develop active strategies to ensure its implementation.
General method for highly controlled preparation of ceramic hollow spheres from core‐shell structures
Authors: Zhang Feng , Yang Xu , Wang Peng , Zhong Yajuan , Guo Manshan , Lin Jun , Zhu Zhiyong , You Yan , Lu Junqiang , Zhu Libing
Published: April 2020

The spouted bed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique have been successfully applied to prepare hollow spheres from core‐shell structures. The prepared SiC hollow spheres (SiC‐HS) showed the desired characteristic, such as pure phase (β‐SiC), uniform and concentrated distribution of diameter and sphericity. The flexibility of this method allows for independent control of the diameter, shell thickness and microstructures of the SiC hollow spheres. In particular, it is demonstrated that the precursor of SiC was carried by different carrier gas (hydrogen or argon), SiC‐HS with porous or dense shells can be obtained. The porous SiC‐HS have high density of stacking faults, which indicates that it can be used as photocatalytic materials. The dense SiC‐HS with high density (99%TD) exhibits excellent mechanical properties (average Young's modulus of 410 GPa and hardness of 42 GPa), and it can be used as fusion ignition target and encapsulation vessels as well. Through using different precursor, the spouted bed CVD technique used here could be generally adopted to synthesize other types (eg other carbides or complex oxides) of hollow spheres.
Colour effects in green advertising
Authors: Lim Dongjae , Baek Tae Hyun , Yoon Sukki , Kim Yeonshin
Published: April 2020

Marketers often use green in marketing communications to signal sustainability, despite the lack of supportive data. This article is a report of two experiments to observe consumer reactions to advertisements that use colour to indicate the environmental friendliness. The pretest and Study 1 confirm that consumers associate green with environmental friendliness and grey with environmental unfriendliness. Thus green (grey) is more (less) effective for producing positive ad attitudes and purchase intentions. Consumer perceptions regarding colour appropriateness mediate the effects. Study 2 shows that persuasion knowledge moderates the effects: when consumers have high persuasive knowledge, green has a less positive effect; grey has a less negative effect; blue remains neutral. The study concludes that green functions as a peripheral cue signalling an eco‐friendly brand image, but the use of green may backfire when consumers are aware that green is used to bias responses.
Association of GSDMC polymorphisms with lumbar disc herniation among Chinese Han population
Authors: Wu Jiamin , Sun Yao , Xiong Zichao , Liu Jianfeng , Li Haiyue , Liu Yuanwei , Li Bin , Jin Tianbo
Published: April 2020

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a relatively common spinal disease, but its pathogenesis is still unknown. Numerous studies have shown that LDH is closely correlated with inflammation, and it has been found to be related to some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Our purpose is to explore the correlation between gene polymorphisms of GSDMC and LDH risk, which is of great significance for the study of the pathogenesis of LDH. DNA was extracted from 508 LDH patients and 508 controls. We select SNPs with minor allele frequency >5% in GSDMC gene from 1,000 genome project (http://www.internationalgenome.org/). Then, genotyping was performed using Agena MassARRAY. We used unconditional logistic regression analysis to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The haplotype construction and analysis in GSDMC were applied to detect the association. We identified that rs77681114 in the GSDMC gene was significantly associated with a decreased risk of LDH in the alleles model (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.66–0.99, p = .049) and the log‐additive model (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.65–0.99, p = .049) adjusted by age and gender. The haplotype “AG” constructed by rs77681114 and rs4285452 (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01–1.53, p = .039) was associated with increased risk of LDH. After age and gender stratification, rs77681114 protected LDH risk at age 49 or older in allelic model (p = .010), co‐dominant model (p = .006), dominant model (p = .029), recessive model (p = .011) and log‐additive model (p = .005). Rs77681114 had protective effect on female LDH risk in both co‐dominant models (p = .033) and recessive models (p = .043). These studies indicated that genetic polymorphisms of GSDMC can relatively reduce the risk of LDH.
Gene expression workflow to analyze residual leukemic cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Mora Alba , Bosch Rosa , Cuellar‐García Carolina , Blanco Laura , Sierra Jorge , Nomdedeu Josep , Moreno Carol
Published: April 2020

Background

In chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a better understanding of leukemic cell characteristics after treatment would help to design specific therapeutic approaches aimed at preventing clinical relapse. Gene arrays have become a powerful approach to perform gene expression profiling; nevertheless, to work with residual cells entails an intensive labor. The aim of this study was to set forth an effective gene expression approach to analyze residual leukemic cells.

Methods

Leukocytes from CLL patient's samples were sorted by flow cytometry using a 6‐color panel. The quality and quantity of RNA isolated from different inputs of cells were compared by two silica column protocols: RNeasy Micro and RNeasy Mini. RNA amplifications were carried out according to two manufacturer's protocols: Ovation Pico SL and Ovation Pico WTA. A total of 3.5 μg of cDNA was labeled and hybridized to Human Gene 2.0 ST arrays.

Results

RNA extracted from low number of input cells by RNeasy Micro showed similar RNA integrity number to that obtained from RNeasy Mini; however, the RNA quantity was higher using the RNeasy Micro Kit. In addition, those RNA samples obtained with RNeasy Micro and amplified with Ovation Pico WTA showed good quality to proceed for a gene array study, independently of the number of input cells (range: 1 × 104‐5 × 105 cells).

Conclusions

We observed that this workflow is a feasible approach to obtain genomic material extracted from leukemic cells as little as 1 × 104 cells and it can be useful to carry out gene expression profile experiments to characterize residual leukemic cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Vertical stratification collapses under seasonal shifts in climate
Authors: Basham Edmund W. , Scheffers Brett R.
Published: April 2020

Aim

Tropical forests are vertically complex, and offer unique niche opportunities in the form of climate, habitat and resource gradients from ground to canopy. Rainforest species organize within this vertical spatial gradient and recent macroecological research suggests that the highest levels of vertical stratification occur in structurally complex and climatically stable tropical rainforests. However, although the classical view of the tropics is that of aseasonality, particularly in temperature, there is strong seasonality in rainfall. Thus, we predict considerable variation in vertical stratification in time, characterized by a seasonal restructuring of communities across vertical space.

Location

Sierra Llorona, Colón Province, Panama.

Taxon

Amphibians.

Methods

We performed 121 ground‐to‐canopy surveys across the wet and dry seasons for amphibians. Using a bootstrap simulation method we calculated species‐specific and community‐wide vertical height and abundance shifts between seasons. Separately, we tested the importance of vertical height and season on the vertical distribution of species using a redundancy analysis, and employed linear models to explore turnover in species composition across vertical height between seasons.

Results

Our results show a clear downward shift of 5 m in height in amphibian communities from the wet season to dry season. We also observe significant changes in species composition across vertical strata in both seasons, driven primarily by nestedness in the dry season (loss of species over height) and genuine turnover in the wet season (loss and addition of species over height).

Main conclusions

The exploitation of canopy microhabitats and resources in the wet season resulted in complex patterns of stratification, whereas drying flattened the distribution and simplified the composition of arboreal communities. As such, pattern and process in the vertical dimension is not static in time but rather exists as a dichotomy with inverse patterns between wet and dry seasons. Complex, multidimensional distributions of diverse rainforest communities can be simplified by climatic constraints – an important consideration as anthropogenic climate change increases the magnitude of seasonal swings in temperature and precipitation.
Skin cancer triage and management during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Tagliaferri L. , Di Stefani A. , Schinzari G. , Fionda B. , Rossi E. , Del Regno L. , Gentileschi S. , Federico F. , Valentini V. , Tortora G. , Peris K. ,   Gemelli Skin‐Cancer Multidisciplianry Tumour Board (S‐MDTB)
Published: April 2020

Linked articles: COVID‐19 SPECIAL FORUM. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: e241–e255.
Metabolic profiles and fibrosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the elderly: A community‐based study
Authors: Chen Tsung‐Po , Lai Michelle , Lin Wen‐Yuan , Huang Kuo‐Chin , Yang Kuen‐Cheh
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

There are sparse data on the epidemiology of fatty liver in the elderly Asian population. We evaluated for predictors of fatty liver and high risk of advanced fibrosis in a community‐based elderly population.

Methods

A total of 1091 participants (mean age was 74.6 ± 6.3 years) were enrolled from 2017 to 2018. Subjects with age younger than 65 years, alcoholism, and history of hepatitis B and hepatitis C were excluded. Fatty liver was diagnosed with abdominal ultrasound by using ultrasonographic fatty liver indicator, a semi‐quantitative measurement grading the severity (normal, mild, and moderate‐to‐severe). Fibrosis‐4 score was used for the prediction of the high risk of advanced fibrosis. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, we identified predictors of fatty liver and high risk of advanced fibrosis.

Results

In this ambulatory elderly Asian population, the prevalence of fatty liver is 41.9% and of high risk of advanced fibrosis is 12.3%. The prevalence of fatty liver decreases (44.5% to 31.8%), and the high risk of advanced fibrosis increases (3.9% to 27.0%) with aging significantly (both P < 0.05). Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for fatty liver (odds ratio [OR], 3.19; 95% CI, 2.41–4.22) but not for high risk of advanced fibrosis (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.41–1.08). Hypertriglyceridemia decreases the risk for high risk of advanced fibrosis (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.33–0.87).

Conclusion

Fatty liver is prevalent in the ambulatory elderly Asian population, affecting over 40% of this population. Age is a risk factor for high risk of advanced fibrosis, with the disease likely progressing from a steatotic to a fibrotic picture with age.
“Tailoring homely meals”: Family members’ motivations underlying nursing home visits during residents’ meals
Authors: Tsai Meng‐Rung , Tsai Hsiu‐Hsin , Tsai Yun‐Fang , Liao Fang‐Yu
Published: April 2020

Aim

Elderly nursing home residents are often malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Family members often visit residents during mealtimes, which might be an ideal opportunity for interventions targeted at improving the nutritional status of older residents. Therefore, this study aimed to explore motivations behind family member visits with nursing home residents during mealtime in Taiwan.

Methods

This phenomenological study was conducted with family members of residents from four nursing homes in Taiwan. Participants were purposively sampled. Data were collected with individual face‐to‐face interviews from 18 family members. Data from transcribed audio‐recorded interviews were analyzed using the approach of van Manen.

Results

Analysis of the interview data identified the essence of motivations underlying family members’ visits to nursing home residents during mealtimes, which we termed “tailoring homely meals.” This referred to providing food tailored to residents’ needs, providing a comforting family atmosphere, assisting residents during mealtime, and monitoring food consumption.

Conclusions

The motivations of family members to visit during mealtime could guide healthcare professionals working with East Asian populations in developing interventions to reduce the possibility of malnutrition, while also improving their quality of life. We recommend providing the following for nursing home residents: a nutritious and balanced diet, supporting their independence and ability to feed themselves, and encouraging involvement of family members during mealtimes.
Prolactin stimulates the vascularisation of the retina in newborn mice under hyperoxia conditions
Authors: Vázquez‐Membrillo Miguel , Siqueiros‐Márquez Lourdes , Núñez Francisco Freinet , Díaz‐Lezama Nundehui , Adán‐Castro Elva , Ramírez‐Hernández Gabriela , Adán Norma , Macotela Yazmín , Martínez de la Escalera Gonzalo , Clapp Carmen
Published: April 2020

The hormone prolactin (PRL) is emerging as an important regulator of ocular blood vessels. PRL is pro‐angiogenic and acquires anti‐angiogenic properties after undergoing proteolytic cleavage to the PRL fragment, vasoinhibin. The vascularisation of the rodent retina develops after birth when it rapidly expands until completion at the end of the first postnatal week. Exposure of newborn mice to high oxygen levels lowers the rate of blood vessel growth. In the present study, we investigated whether PRL treatment modifies the vascularisation of the retina in newborn mice exposed to high oxygen or to normoxia and whether the retinal conversion of PRL to vasoinhibin may be altered in the neonate. Newborn mice and their nursing mothers were subjected to 75% oxygen or to normoxia from postnatal day (P) 6 to P8 (group 1) or from P2 to P5 (group 2). PRL (2 µg g‐1, i.p., twice a day) or vehicle was injected from P5 to P8 in group 1 and from P1 to P5 in group 2. PRL treatment reduced the retinal inhibition of blood vessel growth and the increase in vascular regression induced by hyperoxia as revealed by immunofluorescence staining of blood vessels and the expression of angiogenesis and apoptosis markers. The pro‐angiogenic effect may involve a reduced conversion of PRL to vasoinhibin. Incubation of PRL with retinal extracts showed reduced activity of the PRL‐cleaving protease, cathepsin D, in the neonate vs the adult retina that was further reduced under hyperoxia. PRL and the PRL receptor mRNA were expressed at higher levels in the retina at P8 than in the adult, whereas endogenous PRL was undetectable in the circulation at P8. We conclude that PRL has a pro‐angiogenic effect in the neonate retina as a result of its reduced conversion to vasoinhibin and that PRL produced by the retina may help promote physiological vascularisation after birth.
Fractional carbon dioxide laser combined with intradermal injection of autologous platelet‐rich plasma versus noncross‐linked hyaluronic acid in the treatment of atrophic postacne scars: A split face study
Authors: Mahamoud Wafaa A. , El Barbary Rasha A. , Ibrahim Noha F. , Akmal Eman M. , Ibrahim Shady Mahmoud
Published: April 2020

Background

Atrophic acne scarring is a common cosmetic problem that may affect 95% of patients with acne.

Aims

The objective is to evaluate the efficacy of the fractional CO2 laser combined with intradermal injection of PRP versus intradermal injection of noncross‐linked hyaluronic acid in the treatment of different types of atrophic postacne scars.

Methods

The study included 30 patients with postacne scars. All the patients received 3 treatments of fractional CO2 laser combined with intradermal injection of PRP at one side of the face compared with intradermal injection of noncross‐linked hyaluronic acid at the other side of the face. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed by the physician's clinical assessment using Goodman and Baron's qualitative and quantitative grading systems and histopathological evaluation from six participants.

Results

The study included 30 patients ages ranging from 25 to 44 years old. There was a statistically significant reduction in the severity of acne scars on both sides after treatment using qualitative and quantitative Goodman and Baron. Histopathological evaluation showed an increase in the collagen and elastic fiber content in both modalities with a more favorable outcome in the PRP‐treated side.

Conclusion

Both treatment modalities resulted in a significant clinical and histopathological improvement in atrophic postacne scar with insignificant difference between them.
Correlation analysis between advanced glycation end products detected noninvasively and skin aging factors
Authors: Xin Cong , Wang Yaochi , Liu Mengting , Zhang Bo , Yang Sen
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate the correlation between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and skin elasticity or blood perfusion values in healthy people of different age groups and to evaluate the relationship between noninvasive detection of AGEs and age or skin aging.

Methods

One hundred and two healthy people were enrolled and grouped into groups of 20 years old. Group I: 19‐40 years old; Group II: 41‐60 years old; Group III: 61‐80 years old. Noninvasive techniques such as fluorescence spectroscopy and laser speckle flowmetry were used to detect AGEs levels, local skin perfusion value, and skin elasticity in skin tissue at all age groups.

Result

The AGEs in the skin increased with age, and the difference between the three age groups was statistically significant (P < .05).There was no significant difference in gender between AGEs (P > .05).There was no significant relationship between AGEs and skin elasticity or blood perfusion value in the Group I; there was a low correlation between AGEs and skin elasticity in the 41‐60 years age group (r < .4,P < .05). The level of AGEs in the elderly over 60 years was significantly positively correlated with skin elasticity and blooding perfusion value (r > .4,P < .05).

Conclusion

There is a significant correlation between AGEs and age or skin aging indicators. As the age increasing, the level of AGEs increases obviously, which can be used as a potential noninvasive tool for detecting skin aging.
The effect of Instagram and photograph editing on seeking dermatologic care
Authors: Martel Julianna , Powell Emily , Murina Andrea
Published: April 2020

Background

Photograph editing has become popular for individuals using social media like Instagram. However, it is unknown if the use of social media and photograph editing applications by young adults has an association with seeking dermatologic care.

Aims

To assess the frequency of photograph editing among a cohort of young adults using Instagram and the association with seeking dermatologic care.

Methods

A population‐based survey was administered to undergraduate students from April 2019 to May 2019 through an online platform.

Results

Of the 257 responses, 228 (88.7%) reported that they edited a photograph prior to posting on Instagram. Of those who reported editing a photograph, 145 (63.6%) edited a skin lesion, 104 (45.6%) whitened teeth, and 70 (30.7%) altered the size of their body. Of those who edited skin lesions, 128 (88.3%) edited acne/acne scars. Those who felt the editing made them more aware of their skin lesions were significantly more likely to feel they needed to see a dermatologist (P = .02, 95% CI).

Conclusion

Photograph editing is common among young adults using Instagram, especially in individuals with acne/acne scars. The effect of this behavior may be a motivating factor for individuals seeking dermatologic care.
Effect of Ultraviolet Radiation on Candida albicans Biofilm on Poly(methylmethacrylate) Resin
Authors: Binns Randold , Li Wei , Wu Christine D. , Campbell Stephen , Knoernschild Kent , Yang Bin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To investigate the effect of 254‐nm ultraviolet light on the viability of Candida albicans biofilm on poly(methylmethacrylate).

Methods

Poly(methylmethacrylate) specimens (1 cm × 1 cm × 1 mm) were placed in 6‐well culture plates. Each well contained 8 ml of 104 colony forming units/milliliter of C. albicans ATCC90028 and Sabouraud dextrose broth. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Specimens were then divided into 11 groups (n = 4): no treatment control groups, 3.8% sodium perborate immersion for 5 minutes (PP5m) and for 12 hours (PO12h), and 6 groups exposed to ultraviolet light for 5, 15, 30, 60, 120 or 300 seconds separately using UVP XX‐15S series lamps. After sonication, cell suspensions were plated, and colony‐forming units were counted. The relationship between survival of C. albicans and ultraviolet light irradiation energy exposure was analyzed and compared to the survival of sodium perborate groups. The effect of disinfection treatments and ultraviolet light energy exposure on C. albicans survival was analyzed with ANOVA (alpha = 0.05).

Results

There was a significant decrease in C. albicans survival with increasing ultraviolet light energy exposure (p = 0.00001, p < 0.05) Survival vs. immersion exposure time analysis of chemical disinfection showed no survival of C. albicans in groups PP5m and PO12h. C. albicans in the UV 300s group with energy of 210 mJ/cm2 (71 CFU/ml) showed a statistical difference from that of two chemical immersion groups (PP5m, PO12h = 0 CFU/ml) (p = 0.00001, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Ultraviolet 254 nm irradiation demonstrated a significant inhibition of C. albicans survival on poly(methylmethacrylate) samples. Ultraviolet light exposure of 300 seconds inhibited the survival of C. albicans close to the level of 3.8% sodium perborate treatment.
The effects of dietary medium‐chain fatty acids on ruminal methanogenesis and fermentation in vitro and in vivo: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yanza Yulianri Rizki , Szumacher‐Strabel Małgorzata , Jayanegara Anuraga , Kasenta Andre Meiditama , Gao Min , Huang Haihao , Patra Amlan Kumar , Warzych Ewelina , Cieślak Adam
Published: April 2020

The efficacy of methane (CH4) suppression using medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFA) remains inconclusive, despite a number of studies on this topic are available. We thus carried out a meta‐analysis to integrate the published data on different concentrations and types of MCFA such as lauric acid and myristic acid, which investigated ruminal methanogenesis and fermentation in in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro MCFA sources were classified either as pure MCFA (lauric acid, myristic acid and their combinations) or as natural MCFA‐rich oils (canola oil enriched with lauric acids, coconut oil, krabok oil and palm kernel oil). The MCFA sources used in the in vivo studies were coconut oil, lauric acid, myristic acid and the combination of lauric and myristic acids. A total of 41 studies (20 in vitro and 21 in vivo studies) were compiled in our database, which included the data on CH4emission, digestibility, ruminal fermentation products and microbial populations. The results showed that the amount of CH4production per unit of digested organic matter decreased linearly under in vitro conditions (p< .01) and tended to decrease quadratically under in vivo conditions (p< .07) with increasing doses of MCFA. Populations of protozoa (p< .01) in both in vitro and in vivo responded negatively in a linear manner, whereasArchaeapopulation diminished quadratically (p= .04) only in the in vitro conditions with increasing doses of MCFA. Increasing dietary MCFA concentrations also reduced the fibre digestibility linearly (p< .05) in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. CH4production for different sources of MCFA decreased in following order: coconut oil > lauric acid > myristic acid > mixed lauric and myristic acids > palm kernel oil > canola oil enriched with lauric acids > krabok oil. It can be concluded that the effect of MCFA on ruminal methanogenesis depends on the amount and type of MCFA.
Employees' experiences of education and knowledge in intellectual disability practice
Authors: Olsson Sylvia , Gustafsson Christine
Published: April 2020

Background

The value of support, service, and care in intellectual disability (ID) practice is linked to the competence of the professional caregivers. The quality of work is affected by the level of education of healthcare employees involved.

Specific Aims

This study aimed to collect data on how employees perceive their education and training in ID practice and how educational programs prepare them for their working environment.

Methods

We used a quantitative approach to investigate how employees reflect on their knowledge about ID and other disabilities and the sources of such knowledge. A total of 262 employees engaged in ID practice completed an online survey.

Findings

The results indicated that education significantly influenced the participants' knowledge level, and highly specific education (i.e., workplace training) can substitute for work experience in ID practice. The authors conclude that all workplaces should examine their employees' skills regularly from the viewpoint of fulfilling the needs of people with ID.

Discussion

Based on the results, it can be concluded that employees in ID practice need specific knowledge through workplace training (i.e., through hands‐on practice at the workplace). Competence development in the form of workplace training is needed to upskill the staff and possibly increases employees' participation at work.
Effects of dobutamine on cardiovascular function and oxygen delivery in standing horses
Authors: Meier Merit , Bettschart‐Wolfensberger Regula , Schwarzwald Colin Claudio , Portier Karine , Gysler Annette , Ringer Simone Katja
Published: April 2020

Dobutamine is routinely used to improve cardiovascular function in anaesthetized horses. However, dobutamine in conscious horses is insufficiently investigated. Ten research horses that were already instrumented for a preceding trial were included into the study. Cardiovascular variables were recorded and blood samples taken after instrumentation (Baseline), before starting dobutamine and after 10 min of dobutamine infusion (2 µg kg−1 min−1). A significant increase in systemic blood pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure and right atrial pressure, and a decrease in heart rate were observed with dobutamine compared with baseline measurements. Arterial and mixed venous haemoglobin and oxygen content, as well as mixed venous partial pressure of oxygen increased. No significant changes in cardiac output, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance, arterial partial pressure of oxygen, or oxygen consumption, delivery and extraction ratio were detected.

Concluding, dobutamine increased systemic blood pressure without detectable changes in stroke volume, cardiac output or systemic vascular resistance in conscious horses.