bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of paternal lymphocyte immunotherapy and potential biomarker mixed lymphocyte reaction‐blocking factor in an Argentinian cohort of women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion and unexplained infertility
Authors: Fainboim Leonardo , Belén Santiago , González Verónica , Fernández Pablo
Published: March 2021

Problem

Analyze the effect of paternal immunotherapy treatment (PIT) in primary and secondary unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) and unexplained infertility (UI).

Methods of Study

A retrospective study analyzed a two‐year follow‐up between the generation of MLR‐Bfs after PIT treatment (or controls first consultation) and a live birth. Recruited patients included primary URSA with two or more miscarriages at <12 weeks gestation, secondary URSA with previous live birth before two or more miscarriages, and UI with inability to conceive after 2 years of regular unprotected intercourse or in vitro fertilizations (IVF). PIT treated were compared with untreated controls.

Results

Primary URSA: live birth was 241/416 (58%) versus 64/282 (23%) controls (p < .0001). Up to age 35, success was 158/217 (73%) and 37/144 (26%) controls (p < .0001). With 3 or more previous URSA, success was 90/135 (67%) versus 17/79 (22%) controls (p < .0001). Between ages 36 and 40, success was 69/147(47%) versus 22/98 (22%) controls (p < .0003), with 3 or more previous URSA live birth was 45/95 (47%) versus 6/46 (13%) controls (p < .0001). In UI, live birth was 99/298 (33%) versus 54/263 (21%) in controls (p < .0009) that increased under age 35 to 53/116 (46%) in treated versus 26/101 (26%) controls (p < .0056). In PIT treated, IVF success required a median of 1 (1.37 ± 0.67) versus a median of 3 IVF procedures (2.75 ± 0.84) in controls.

Conclusion

PIT is a successful treatment for primary and secondary URSA, and UI. PIT reduced the number of IVF required for achieving pregnancy.
Influence of immunosuppression in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome on veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy
Authors: Rilinger Jonathan , Zotzmann Viviane , Bemtgen Xavier , Rieg Siegbert , Biever Paul M. , Duerschmied Daniel , Pottgiesser Torben , Kaier Klaus , Bode Christoph , Staudacher Dawid L. , Wengenmayer Tobias
Published: March 2021

Prognosis of patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is poor. This is especially true for immunosuppressed patients. It is controverisal whether these patients should receive veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) while evidence on this topic is sparse. We report retrospective data of a single‐center registry of patients with severe ARDS requiring ECMO support between October 2010 and June 2019. Patients were analyzed by their status of immunosuppression. ECMO weaning success and hospital survival were analyzed before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Moreover, ventilator free days (VFD) were compared. A total of 288 patients were analyzed (age 55 years, 67% male), 88 (31%) presented with immunosuppression. Survival rates were lower in immunosuppressed patients (27% vs. 53%, P < .001 and 27% vs. 48% after PSM, P = .006). VFD (60 days) were lower for patients with immunosuppression (11.9 vs. 22.4, P < .001), and immunosuppression was an independent predictor for mortality in multivariate analysis. Hospital survival was 20%, 14%, 35%, and 46% for patients with oncological malignancies, solid organ transplantation, autoimmune diseases, and HIV, respectively. In this analysis immunosuppression was an independent predictor for mortality. However, there were major differences in the weaning and survival rates between the etiologies of immunosuppression which should be considered in decision making.
The inversion of married women's labour supply and wage: Evidence from Thailand
Authors: Liao Lusi , Paweenawat Sasiwimon Warunsiri
Published: March 2021

This study investigates the labour supply behaviour of married Thai women with reference to their own and their spouse's wages. Controlling for spousal education and number of children, the main findings indicate an inverse relationship between married women's labour supply and wages, contrary to the evidence from developed countries. The estimated own wage elasticity ranges from −1.70 to −2.40 and the cross elasticity ranges from −0.16 to −0.17, indicating that the impact of own wage on labour supplied is much larger than spouse's wage. The results from disaggregation classified according to different socioeconomic backgrounds also show negative elasticities between own and spouses' wage across all subgroups, except for those with university degrees and higher income.
Recognition of vermilion preparation methods in Safavid illustrated manuscripts through colorimetric analysis
Authors: Modarresi P. , Jafari R. , Noghani S.
Published: March 2021

The colour red has been widely used in miniatures as one of Persian art's most well‐known aspects, remarkable for its stability. This research investigates the preparation of vermilion as one of the most suitable colorants that produces red. Eight vermilion samples were reproduced based on three recipes from the Safavid era (1501–1736ce) and colorimetrically compared with those vermilion targets selected from six Safavid illustrated manuscripts using the ΔE*abcolour difference formula. Results showed that the reproduced vermilions colorimetrically match the targets, while adding some ochre improves their tonality for colour‐matching purposes.
The socio‐material practices of the transformation of urban food markets
Authors: Everts Jonathan , Jackson Peter , Juraschek Kim Anna
Published: March 2021

Focusing on the recent transformation of urban food markets in the UK, this paper applies a practice theory perspective to analyse the social practices involved in the making and doing of urban food markets. Based on fieldwork in Barnsley and Sheffield, we identify three sets of interrelated practices that are involved in the transformation of urban markets: economic diversification, traditionalisation, and technological innovation. We describe these practices as socio‐material in the sense that they involve the practices of buying and selling, and other forms of social interaction, combined with the foodstuffs, infrastructure, and other material things that together constitute the contemporary marketplace. The evidence presented in this paper challenges prevalent dichotomised ways of thinking about market transformation in terms of inclusion and exclusion or modernity and tradition.
Toll‐like receptor signaling is changed in ovine lymph node during early pregnancy
Authors: Wu Jiaxuan , Zhang Qiongao , Zhang Leying , Feng Pengfei , Gao Meihong , Zhao Zhenyang , Yang Ling
Published: March 2021

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) participate in regulation of adaptive immune responses, and lymph nodes play key roles in the initiation of immune responses. There is a tolerance to the allogenic fetus during pregnancy, but it is unclear that expression of TLR signaling is in ovine lymph node during early pregnancy. In this study, lymph nodes were sampled from day 16 of nonpregnant ewes and days 13, 16, and 25 of pregnant ewes, and the expressions of TLR family (TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5 and TLR9), adaptor proteins, including myeloid differentiation primary‐response protein 88 (MyD88), tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and interleukin‐1‐receptor‐associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), were analyzed through real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry analysis. The results showed that mRNA and protein levels of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TRAF6, and MyD88 were upregulated in the maternal lymph node, but TLR5, TLR9, and IRAK1 were downregulated during early pregnancy. In addition, MyD88 protein was located in the subcapsular sinus and lymph sinuses. Therefore, it is suggested that early pregnancy induces changes in TLR signaling in maternal lymph node, which may be involved in regulation of maternal immune responses in sheep.
Transfer of triptans into human breast milk and estimation of infant drug exposure through breastfeeding
Authors: Amundsen Siri , Nordeng Hedvig , Fuskevåg Ole‐Martin , Nordmo Elisabet , Sager Georg , Spigset Olav
Published: March 2021

Clinical data on the transfer of triptans into human breast milk remain scarce. In a lactation study including 19 breastfeeding women with migraine, we examined the excretion of six different triptans into milk. Following intake of a single dose, each participant collected seven breast milk samples at predefined intervals up to 24 hours after dose. Triptan concentrations in milk were measured using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Infant drug exposure was estimated by calculating the relative infant dose (RID). Twenty‐two breast milk sample sets were obtained for sumatriptan (n = 8), rizatriptan (n = 5), zolmitriptan (n = 4), eletriptan (n = 3), almotriptan (n = 1) and naratriptan (n = 1). Based on the average concentration in milk throughout the day, estimated mean RIDs (with range in parenthesis) were as follows: eletriptan 0.6% (0.3%‐0.8%), sumatriptan 0.7% (0.2%‐1.8%), rizatriptan 0.9% (0.3%‐1.4%), almotriptan 1.8% (‐), zolmitriptan 2.1% (0.7%‐5.3%) and naratriptan 5.0% (‐). Infant drug exposure through breastfeeding appears to be low and indicates that use of the triptans in this study is compatible with breastfeeding. Naratriptan may not be first choice in breastfeeding mothers initiating triptans during the neonatal period.
Retrieval effort or intention: Which is more important for participants’ classification of involuntary and voluntary memories?
Authors: Barzykowski Krystian , Staugaard Søren Risløv , Mazzoni Giuliana
Published: March 2021

Theories of autobiographical memory distinguish between involuntary and voluntary memories. While involuntary memories are retrieved with no conscious intention and are therefore unexpected, voluntary memories are both intended and expected. Recent research has shown that participants sometimes classify their memories as either involuntary or voluntary based on retrieval effort instead of intention. These findings question whether intention really is the defining difference between these two types of retrieval or whether retrieval effort is also an important determinant. In two experimental studies, we investigated the extent to which participants rely on retrieval effort while classifying their memories as involuntary or voluntary. We created experimental conditions that maximize the probability of one type of retrieval while minimizing the probability of another type. Participants reported autobiographical memories in each condition while the programme registered their retrieval time. They then classified their memories as either voluntary or involuntary and rated all memories on perceived retrieval effort. This gave us four categories of memories: experimentally defined voluntary and involuntary memories with an objective measure of effort (retrieval time) and subjectively classified involuntary and voluntary memories with a subjective measure of effort. This allowed us to investigate the relative contribution of intention and effort to involuntary and voluntary memories. We replicated and extended previous findings by showing that the majority of memories were classified as involuntary independently of whether they were retrieved in the experimentally defined voluntary or involuntary condition. This could indicate that subjective effort is more important than intention for the involuntary–voluntary distinction in contrast with existing theories. We discuss theoretical and methodological implications of this finding.
Supervision from a Lacanian Perspective Considered Closely: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Dulsster Dries , Vanheule Stijn , Hermans Goedele , Hennissen Vicky
Published: March 2021

This study aims at mapping and interpreting what is at stake in Lacanian psychoanalytic supervision. Using interview data of participants’ personal accounts of supervision, the authors applied a thematic analysis to gain insight into what they believe are crucial components in these accounts of supervision. We interpret the data within the context of Lacan’s text, ‘Direction of the Treatment and the Principles of its Power’, in which he articulates his conceptualization of psychoanalytic treatment. His views on interpretation (tactics), transference (strategy), and lack‐of‐being (politics) as the three elements that structure the actions of the analyst, guided our data‐analysis. Participants indicate how their supervisor focuses on the symbolic dimension of speech, helping them avoid getting deceived by the dimension of the imaginary. During the supervision process, the supervisor does not respond from a master position, nor coach the supervisees. Supervisees develop their own style and framework for clinical work. Through discussing cases, supervisees learn to construct cases and focus on the singularity of the case, beyond structural diagnosis. Lastly, Lacanian supervisors only focus on the cases discussed, not on the person of the supervisee.
Loop‐tail stents fail in reducing stent‐related symptoms: results of a prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bosio Andrea , Alessandria Eugenio , Agosti Simone Carlo , Vitiello Federico , Vercelli Eugenia , Bisconti Alessandro , Fop Fabrizio , Gontero Paolo
Published: March 2021

Objective

To compare stent‐related symptoms (SRS) of loop‐tail (LT) and conventional double J (DJ) stents after uncomplicated flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS), in a prospective randomised controlled single‐blind parallel‐group study.

Patients and Methods

Patients undergoing fURS were randomised into two groups: the LT Group received LT stents (Polaris™ Loop) and the DJ Group received conventional DJ stents (Vortek®). The stent was removed after 4 weeks. The Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) was administered at 2 days, 4 and 8 weeks (baseline evaluation) after stent insertion. The primary endpoint was to compare the Urinary Symptom Index Score of the LT vs DJ groups at 4 weeks after stent insertion. The secondary endpoints were to compare the USSQ domains’ subscores at 2 days and 4 weeks after stent insertion, USSQ single answers at 4 weeks, and the 4‐week USSQ domains’ subscores adjusted for baseline.

Results

A total of 68 patients were randomised (34 LT and 34 DJ). The answers given at 4 weeks were not significantly different between the two groups for the Urinary Symptom Index Score (P = 0.982), Pain Index Score (P = 0.169), visual analogue scale (P = 0.276), and all the other domains of the USSQ. At 4 weeks, the single‐answer analysis did not find any differences between the groups; the urinary symptoms were all comparable, as was the requirement for pain painkillers (P = 0.684) and pain during sex (P = 0.496). There were also no significant differences for every single domain score for the responses given at 2 days. The same applied to USSQ subscores at 4 weeks adjusted for the 8‐week baseline results, which were also comparable.

Conclusions

The study found no differences in terms of SRS between the LT and DJ groups, either at 2 days or 4 weeks after stent insertion, with or without baseline correction.
miRNAs derived from circulating small extracellular vesicles as diagnostic biomarkers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Li , Zhang Yong , Li Bo , Kang Min , Yang Zhendong , Lin Chunyu , Hu Kai , Wei Zhuxin , Xu Meng , Mi Jinglin , Wang Rensheng , Wu Fang
Published: March 2021

The microRNAs (miRNAs) in circulating small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been suggested as potential biomarkers in cancer diagnosis. This study was designed to evaluate the circulating sEV‐derived miRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We compared the miRNA profiles in plasma‐derived sEVs between 16 patients with NPC and 5 healthy controls (HCs). A distinct set of miRNAs that were differentially expressed between patients with NPC and HCs was determined by means of integrative bioinformatics approaches. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment pathway analysis revealed that the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were mainly involved in cancer‐associated signaling pathways. Seven representative DEMs were selected and further validated in an additional 60 patients with NPC and 40 HCs using quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR analysis (qRT‐PCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the accuracy of the sEV‐miRNA‐based model for diagnosis. The 3 miRNA‐based model, comprising miR‐134‐5p, miR‐205‐5p, and miR‐409‐3p, showed good discriminating power with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.88 in the training set and 0.91 in the validation set. Furthermore, the diagnostic model had an excellent classification ability to distinguish patients with NPC at different clinical stages or Epstein‐Barr virus infection status from HCs. In conclusion, our findings indicated that sEV‐derived miRNA levels were altered in the plasma of patients with NPC in comparison with those in HCs. The model based on the 3 sEV‐derived miRNAs could potentially act as an alternative or complementary approach for diagnosing NPC.
Safety and antitumor activity of acalabrutinib for relapsed/refractory B‐cell malignancies: A Japanese phase I study
Authors: Izutsu Koji , Ando Kiyoshi , Ennishi Daisuke , Shibayama Hirohiko , Suzumiya Junji , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Ichikawa Satoshi , Kato Koji , Kumagai Kyoya , Patel Priti , Iizumi Sakura , Hayashi Nobuya , Kawasumi Hisashi , Murayama Kosho , Nagai Hirokazu
Published: March 2021

This multicenter, open‐label, phase I study assessed the safety and antitumor activity of acalabrutinib in Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) B‐cell malignancies. Parts 1 (dose confirmation) and 2 (dose expansion) of this three‐part study are reported. Treatment was a single dose of 100 mg acalabrutinib (day 1), followed by a washout period and then twice daily 100 mg acalabrutinib in part 1, or twice daily 100 mg acalabrutinib in part 2. Patients from parts 1 and 2 with r/r chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), and r/r mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) were assessed as r/r CLL/SLL and r/r MCL cohorts, respectively. Twenty‐five patients received treatment (part 1, n = 6). Median age was 71.0 years. Nine (one patient from part 1) and 13 (two patients from part 1) patients were included in the r/r CLL/SLL and r/r MCL cohorts, respectively. Treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) occurred in 88% of patients (grade ≥3, 36%); the most common were headache (28%) and purpura (24%), both grade 1/2. No AEs resulted in treatment discontinuation or death. Median duration of treatment was 31, 20, and 7 months for part 1, r/r CLL/SLL cohort, and r/r MCL cohort, respectively. Overall response rate (ORR) was 89% and 62% for the r/r CLL/SLL and r/r MCL cohorts, respectively. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was not reached for the r/r CLL/SLL cohort and was 7 months for the r/r MCL cohort. Acalabrutinib (100 mg twice daily) was generally safe and well‐tolerated in adult Japanese patients with B‐cell malignancies.
Development of a novel three‐dimensional printing technology for the application of “raised” surface features
Authors: Lewis David M. , Broadbent Peter J. , Rigout Muriel L. , Carr Chris M. , Johnson Fearne
Published: March 2021

A simple procedure to ink‐jet print raised images using two water‐soluble inorganic inks is reported and it has the potential to be utilised in domestic and commercial environments. The advantages of such a procedure lies in the ability to print moulded objects, Braille type and to engineer special gonio‐specific effects that may have value in the security printing area. The study focuses on printing gypsum through the ready precipitation of calcium sulphate dihydrate by co‐jetting calcium chloride and ammonium sulphate solutions. The results in this preliminary study are encouraging and offer a potential method for durable surface structuring of material surfaces with haptic and visual effects for both the blind and the sighted.
Optimal portfolio choices to split orders during supply disruptions: An application of sport's principle for routine sourcing
Authors: Padhi Sidhartha S. , Mukherjee Soumyatanu
Published: March 2021

Sourcing in the face of supply chain disruptions has been one of the most challenging tasks in supply chain management, particularly when such disruptions occur due to natural calamities, such as flood, fire, and earthquake, affecting both the primary and the backup suppliers. Invariably, such disruptions lead to reduced supply from the primary supplier, encouraging the supplier to place fresh orders with the backup suppliers. In order to mitigate the adverse effect of supply disruption, in this article we use the concepts underlying the well‐known Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method, used in cricket, to revise the supply target of the primary supplier and to decide a target for the backup supplier. We simulated the supply disruption scenarios in an experimental setting by conducting a two‐round questionnaire survey among 300 purchase managers. The means and variances of the participants’ estimates of probabilities of meeting the revised targets within the scheduled time for various model‐generated supply scenarios were used to find the participants’ risk preferences. In the second‐round survey, the participants, clustered in groups of 10, ranked their own risk preferences. These ranks were used to find the optimal portfolio choices. Finally, we validated the theoretical predictions for the risk options using two approaches—one, at the group level by estimating the within‐ and the between‐group risk preferences of buyers, and, two, at the aggregate level, by considering all the participants, fitting quantile regression model to the experimental results, and estimating the risk preference structures for different quantiles of the relative risk–return trade‐off distributions.
Dapagliflozin reduces systolic blood pressure and modulates vasoactive factors
Authors: Ghanim Husam , Batra Manav , Green Kelly , Hejna Jeanne , Abuaysheh Sanaa , Makdissi Antione , Chaudhuri Ajay , Dandona Paresh
Published: March 2021

Aim

To investigate the mechanisms underlying improvements in blood pressure (BP) and congestive heart failure outcomes following treatment with dapagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor.

Research Design and Methods

A total of 52 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with an HbA1c of less than 8% participated in this prospective, double‐blind and placebo‐controlled study. Patients were randomized (1:1) to either dapagliflozin 10 mg daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Half the patients were also monitored for 6 h following their first dose for acute effects on BP. Blood and urine samples were collected and levels of angiotensinogen, angiotensin II, renin, aldosterone, endothelin‐1, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and neprilysin were measured. The expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme, guanylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) was measured in circulating mononuclear cells (MNC).

Results

A total of 24 and 23 patients receiving dapagliflozin and placebo, respectively, completed the 12‐week study. Systolic BP decreased significantly, compared with placebo, both after single‐dose (by 7 ± 3 mmHg) and 12‐week (by 7 ± 2 mmHg) treatment with dapagliflozin. Dapagliflozin suppressed angiotensin II and angiotensinogen (by 10.5 ± 2.1 and 1.45 ± 0.42 μg/mL, respectively) and increased ANP and cGMP (by 34 ± 11 and 29 ± 11 pmol/mL, respectively) compared with the placebo group. cGMP levels also increased acutely following a single dose of dapagliflozin. Dapagliflozin also suppressed PDE5 expression by 26% ± 11% in MNC. There were no changes observed in the other vasoactive mediators investigated.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin administration in T2D resulted in both acute and chronic reduction in systolic BP, a reduction in vasoconstrictors and an increase in vasodilators. These changes may potentially contribute to its antihypertensive effects and its benefits in congestive cardiac failure.
Intracardiac flow visualization using high‐frame rate blood speckle tracking echocardiography: Illustrations from infants with congenital heart disease
Authors: Cantinotti Massimiliano , Marchese Pietro , Koestenberger Martin , Giordano Raffaele , Santoro Giuseppe , Assanta Nadia , Kutty Shelby
Published: March 2021

We report applications of novel high‐frame rate blood speckle tracking (BST) echocardiography in a series of infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). BST echocardiography was highly feasible, reproducible, and fast. High‐frame rate BST provided complimentary information to conventional color‐Doppler data enhancing the visualization and understanding of anomalous blood trajectories (eg, shunt direction, regurgitant volumes, and stenotic jets) and vortex formation. High‐frame rate BST echocardiography is a new, promising imaging tool that may be helpful for deeper understanding of complex CHD physiology.
Improving adherence to echocardiogram reporting guidelines in patients with repaired tetralogy of fallot: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Srnka Charlotte M. , Strohacker Courtney M. , Balasubramanian Sowmya , Yu Sunkyung , Lowery Ray , Lu Jimmy C.
Published: March 2021

Background

In patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), key echocardiogram report elements have been identified, but poor adherence has been demonstrated, particularly for quantitative assessment. We report a quality improvement effort to improve adherence at our institution, with a focus on increasing quantitative assessment of right ventricular (RV) function.

Methods

Baseline compliance was established by a 3‐month retrospective review of outpatient echocardiogram reports. Intervention 1 included presenting baseline data and reviewing the guidelines with echocardiogram laboratory staff (physicians and sonographers). Intervention 2, chosen to focus on quantitative assessment of RV function, involved recommending measurement of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) for all echocardiograms. Reporting rates were prospectively analyzed for 1 month after each intervention. To evaluate sonographer versus physician compliance, both study images (acquisition of TAPSE images) and reports were reviewed.

Results

At baseline, adherence was poor (median 65% of elements reported), with lower rates for measurements versus descriptive elements (median 40% vs 78%, p<.0001). Following intervention 1, total reported elements improved (median 71% vs 65%, p=0.02) due to increase in measurements (median 50% vs 40%, p=0.02). Reports of quantitative RV function did not significantly change after either intervention, but sonographer compliance improved after intervention 1 (33% vs 14%, p=0.03), with further improvement after intervention 2 (53% vs 14%, p=0.001).

Conclusion

While education on lesion‐specific guidelines may modestly improve adherence, standardization has a greater effect. However, interventions may have differential impact on sonographers versus attendings, and iterative interventions may be required to change practice patterns.
Temporal changes in volatile profiles of Varroa destructor‐infested brood may trigger hygienic behavior in Apis mellifera
Authors: Liendo María Clara , Muntaabski Irina , Russo Romina María , Lanzavecchia Silvia Beatriz , Segura Diego Fernando , Palacio María Alejandra , Cladera Jorge Luis , Fernández Patricia Carina , Scannapieco Alejandra Carla
Published: March 2021

Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Acari: Varroidae) is one of the major contributors to the significant losses of western honey bee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), colonies worldwide. Hygienic behavior, in which individual workers detect, uncap, and remove unhealthy brood, is a type of social immunity that reduces pathogen and parasite loads in the colony. Previous evidence suggests that hygienic worker bees identify diseased brood through olfactory cues. The aims of the present work were (1) to study the hygienic behavior of worker bees toward V. destructor‐infested cells at different stages of brood development, (2) to explore changes in brood volatile profiles associated with the progression of mite infestation, and (3) to analyze the role of specific volatile compounds in triggering the hygienic behavior. Results showed that the removal rate of infested brood changed along its development and the progression of mite reproduction. Two compounds, ethyl hexanoate and α‐pinene, were present in volatile collections from mite‐infested pupae but absent from uninfested pupae. Field bioassays showed that these volatiles are relevant to elicit the hygienic behavior. A third compound, β‐ocimene, was present in infested and uninfested brood but its abundance pattern varied according to the infestation status throughout brood development. Specifically, for uninfested brood, the abundance of β‐ocimene showed a reduction in black‐eyed pupae, whereas for infested brood, its abundance decreased drastically in light‐pink‐eyed pupae and remained constant in black‐eyed pupae. Our results revealed that olfactory signals associated with V. destructor infestation change as the reproductive cycle of V. destructor progresses inside the cell. These changes can be mimicked to some extent by adding specific volatile compounds to the cell to induce hygienic removal. These findings shed light on the chemical basis of hygienic behavior against V. destructor and could facilitate the development of improved hygienic selection tools to breed mite‐resistant honey bee colonies.
A retrospective investigation of the prodromal stages of eating disorders and use of health services in young patients the year prior to the diagnosis
Authors: Gómez Del Barrio Andrés , Ruiz Guerrero Francisco , Benito Gonzalez Pilar , Perez Fernandez Marta , Sanchez Blanco Lucía , Losa Mugica Edurne , Calcedo Giraldo Gabriel , González Gómez Jana
Published: March 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics and the frequency of medical consultations in the year prior to the diagnosis and the intervention onset of the Eating Disorder, as well as the different prodromal symptoms. The final aim was to understand the origin of all referrals and their possible influence on the duration of untreated illness.

Methods

We selected 99 young patients (15–25 years) and 61 healthy controls. Their primary and specialized care medical records were both studied retrospectively.

Results

87.6% of patients attended different consultations (primary care, specialized care and emergency department) the year prior compared to 67.2% of the controls (p = .002).

The average number of consultations was 3.59 in the case group and 1.57 in the control group (p < .001).

These consultations were related to prodromal symptoms in 57.4% compared to 16.4% for the controls (p < .001). They ranged from 29.8% of unspecific digestive symptoms, 22.8% of psychological symptoms, 19.3% of gynaecologic symptoms, 11.9% of weight variation, 8.8% of analytical changes, to 5.3% of malnutrition symptoms. Patients were mainly referred by Primary Care (42.7%). Overall, the mean of the Duration of Untreated Illness was of 7.45 months.

Conclusions

The majority of reasons for consultation were related to symptoms that could be prodromal symptoms, but the patients were not diagnosed with an eating disorder. These findings highlight the importance of professionals understanding how to identify the warning signs of an eating disorder, so they can refer patients to a specialized unit to establish an early treatment.
A video‐ and feedback‐based approach to teaching communication skills in undergraduate clinical dental education: The student perspective
Authors: Krause Felix , Ziebolz Dirk , Rockenbauch Katrin , Haak Rainer , Schmalz Gerhard
Published: March 2021

Objective

Student evaluation of a communication‐education programme that combined patient consultation videos with peer‐ or expert‐based feedback.

Methods

A self‐perception questionnaire was given to undergraduate dental students who had undertaken a curricular communication training and feedback programme, in which each participant was videoed three times during a patient interview or consultation, subsequently receiving either peer (PG) or expert feedback (EG). The questionnaire used feedback programme content to evaluate student perspectives, ascertaining whether the students experienced a gain in knowledge and professional conversational skills, whether videos or feedback helped them improve more and general questions about the structure and content of the curriculum. Differences between feedback groups were analysed (Mann‐Whitney U test).

Results

45 participants (peer group: n = 23, expert group: n = 22) took part in the study. The peer group experienced watching their video (38%) and receiving feedback (33%) as their major beneficial aspect to improve communication skills (watching fellow student´s video: 17%, providing feedback: 12%). The expert group experienced the major effect in receiving expert feedback (73%, video watching: 27%). The students said that communication skills should be a core competency in dental education learning outcomes (PG: 4.48 ± 0.67, EG: 4.41 ± 0.67; P > 0.05) and that communication curricula should include video‐based feedback (PG: 3.91 ± 0.73, EG: 4.00 ± 0.93; P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Watching videos and both receiving and providing peer group feedback were experienced as helpful in improving students’ communication skills. These findings suggest that a longitudinal communication curriculum, which includes both video‐based peer feedback and correlated self‐reflection, is a promising learning approach for dental education.
An emerging role for microglia in stress‐effects on memory
Authors: Sanguino‐Gómez Jeniffer , Buurstede Jacobus C. , Abiega Oihane , Fitzsimons Carlos P. , Lucassen Paul J. , Eggen Bart J. L. , Lesuis Sylvie L. , Meijer Onno C. , Krugers Harm J.
Published: March 2021

Stressful experiences evoke, among others, a rapid increase in brain (nor)epinephrine (NE) levels and a slower increase in glucocorticoid hormones (GCs) in the brain. Microglia are key regulators of neuronal function and contain receptors for NE and GCs. These brain cells may therefore potentially be involved in modulating stress effects on neuronal function and learning and memory. In this review, we discuss that stress induces (1) an increase in microglial numbers as well as (2) a shift toward a pro‐inflammatory profile. These microglia have (3) impaired crosstalk with neurons and (4) disrupted glutamate signaling. Moreover, microglial immune responses after stress (5) alter the kynurenine pathway through metabolites that impair glutamatergic transmission. All these effects could be involved in the impairments in memory and in synaptic plasticity caused by (prolonged) stress, implicating microglia as a potential novel target in stress‐related memory impairments.
Worldwide barriers to genetic testing for movement disorders
Authors: Gatto Emilia M. , Walker Ruth H. , Gonzalez Claudio , Cesarini Martin , Cossu Giovanni , Stephen Christopher D. , Balint Bettina , Rodríguez‐Violante Mayela , Jankovic Joseph , Morgante Francesca , Jinnah Hyder A. ,   the Rare Movement Disorders Study Group of the International Parkinson Disease, Movement Disorders Society
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

Despite enormous advances in identifying genetic variants responsible for many neurological diseases, access to genetic testing may be limited in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to assess worldwide access to genetic tests for movement disorders and factors impacting their utilization.

Methods

The Rare Movement Disorders Study Group of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society designed an online survey electronically mailed to all 7815 members.

Results

Survey data completed by 1269 participants from 109 countries were analysed. Limited access to geneticists and genetic counsellors was reported in many world regions compared to Europe and North America. Availability of genetic testing was limited, with rates of access lower than 50%. Genetic testing for chorea was the most commonly available. For parkinsonism, dystonia, ataxia, hereditary spastic paraplegias and metabolic disorders, there was limited access to genetic testing in all countries compared to Europe and North America, with significant differences found for Africa, Central/South America, Asia. In many regions, genetic testing was supported by either private or public funding. Genetic testing was free of charge in Europe according to 63.5% of respondents. In North America, Africa, Central/South America, Asia and the Middle East access to free of charge genetic testing was by far significantly lower compared to Europe.

Conclusions

This survey highlights difficulties in accessing genetic testing and individuals with expertise in genetics at the worldwide level. In addition, major disparities in genetic testing amongst world regions are highlighted, probably due to a variety of factors including financial barriers.
A guide to the regulation of selective autophagy receptors
Authors: Gubas Andrea , Dikic Ivan
Published: March 2021

Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic process cells use to maintain their homeostasis by degrading misfolded, damaged and excessive proteins, nonfunctional organelles, foreign pathogens and other cellular components. Hence, autophagy can be nonselective, where bulky portions of the cytoplasm are degraded upon stress, or a highly selective process, where preselected cellular components are degraded. To distinguish between different cellular components, autophagy employs selective autophagy receptors, which will link the cargo to the autophagy machinery, thereby sequestering it in the autophagosome for its subsequent degradation in the lysosome. Autophagy receptors undergo post‐translational and structural modifications to fulfil their role in autophagy, or upon executing their role, for their own degradation. We highlight the four most prominent protein modifications – phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation and oligomerisation – that are essential for autophagy receptor recruitment, function and turnover. Understanding the regulation of selective autophagy receptors will provide deeper insights into the pathway and open up potential therapeutic avenues.
The manifestation of participation within a co‐design process involving patients, significant others and health‐care professionals
Authors: Lindblom Sebastian , Flink Maria , Elf Marie , Laska Ann Charlotte , von Koch Lena , Ytterberg Charlotte
Published: March 2021

Background

Despite intentions to increase user participation in the development of health services, the concept of participation and how it unfolds within studies with a participatory design has rarely been addressed.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe how user participation manifests itself within a co‐design process involving patients, significant others and health‐care professionals, including potential enablers or barriers.

Methods

This study was conducted in the context of a co‐design process of a new person‐centred transition from a hospital to continued rehabilitation in the home involving three patients with stroke, one significant other and 11 professionals. Data were collected by observations during the workshops, semi‐structured interviews and questionnaires.

Results

Four categories: ‘Composition of individuals for an adaptive climate’; ‘The balancing of roles and power’; ‘Different perspectives as common ground for a shared understanding’; and ‘Facilitating an unpredictable and ever‐adaptive process’, with all together nine subcategories, resulted from the analysis. Participation varied between individuals, groups and steps within the process, and on the topic of discussions and the motivation to contribute.

Discussion/Conclusion

Participation is not something that is realized by only applying participatory design methodology. Participation manifests itself through the interaction of the participants and their skills to handle different perspectives, roles and assignments. Participation is enabled by individual, group and facilitating aspects. Co‐design processes should allow for varying levels of participation among the participants and throughout the process.

Patient or public contribution

Patients, significant others and health‐care professionals participated as co‐designers of a care transition model between hospital and home.
Impacts of artificial lighting at night on insect conservation
Authors: Stewart Alan J. A.
Published: March 2021

The widespread adoption of artificial lighting at night (ALAN) presents a growing threat to biodiversity in general and nocturnally active insects in particular. ALAN may be contributing to widely reported declines in insect populations but supporting evidence is sparse. Recent advances in external lighting technology, particularly the increasing adoption of broad spectrum ‘white’ LEDs, suggest that impacts of ALAN on natural systems are likely to increase.

This special issue of Insect Conservation and Diversity presents some of the recent research addressing the impacts of ALAN on insects and their conservation. The papers cover (i) reviews of existing literature, (ii) results from experimental studies of impacts of ALAN on insects, from individual species to communities, (iii) priorities for future research, and (iv) best practice recommendations for designing future experimentation.

Collectively, the papers illustrate a vibrant and expanding field of enquiry. In addition to further studies of effects at the individual insect level, future research priorities will need to address how ALAN affects long‐term population dynamics, the composition of insect communities and ecosystem services.

A major challenge will be to devise novel ways to minimise the adverse effects of ALAN which can be used to inform conservation interventions. Various mitigation strategies are available, including modification of the spectral composition of lighting, dimming, shielding and controlling illumination using timers and motion sensors, but require customisation for particular species and situations.
Skin photoaging in young men: A clinical study by skin imaging techniques
Authors: Infante Victor Hugo Pacagnelli , Bagatin Ediléia , Maia Campos Patrícia M. B. G.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Differences in skin physiology and lifestyle among people can influence the skin damage caused by solar radiation. Photoprotection habits play an important role to prevent skin photoaging. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the skin changes resulting from solar exposure in young men by skin imaging techniques.

Methods

Twenty‐three male, aged 18–28 years, with and without photoprotection habits participated in the study. Instrumental measurements in terms of dermis thickness and echogenicity (20 mHz ultrasound – DermaScanC®), morphological and structural skin characterization (Reflectance Confocal Microscopy – VivaScope® 1500) and high‐resolution imaging (Visioface®) were performed in the malar region of the face.

Results

Pigmentation disorders, telangiectasia, wrinkles and lower dermis echogenicity were observed in the skin of subjects without photoprotection habits. Reflectance Confocal Microscopy images showed an irregular honeycomb pattern (35%), polycyclic papillae (40%) and coarse collagen fibres (35%), which are related to photoaging.

Conclusion

Sun exposure without photoprotection results in a loss of dermal echogenicity and changes in the epidermis structure and collagen fibres regardless of chronological age. Thus, the study adds data for a discussion about correct photoprotection habits among young people and can help to increase the use of sunscreens for male public.
Skin characteristics following repeated exposure to simulated outdoor and indoor summer temperatures in South Korea and Southeast Asia
Authors: Jang Sue Im , Lee Myeongryeol , Jung Yuchul , Jeong Min Kyung , Ryu Ja Hyun , Kim Beom Joon , Suh Byung‐Fhy , Kim Eunjoo
Published: March 2021

Background

Although changes in skin depend on the external environment, researchers have performed only a few studies on effect of the actual environment. Most studies have researched skin characterization based on changes in the humidity or temperature.

Aim/objective

This study aimed to evaluate changes in the skin based on the difference in indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity during summer in South Korea and Southeast Asia.

Methods

Twenty‐two female participants aged 25–39 years were included. Skin hydration, sebum (cheek, forehead), colour, transparency and pores of the participants were measured after a 30‐min exposure to high temperature and high humidity (HTHH) environment and a 30‐min exposure to low temperature and low humidity (LTLH) environment. Subsequently, exposure to HTHH environment for 30 min +LTLH environment for 30 min was performed after a total of 1 h and repeated.

Results

Repeated exposure to HTHH and LTLH environments increased the skin's sebum content and haemoglobin index. Additionally, skin elasticity was significantly reduced, with patients in their 30 s showing greater changes than those in their 20 s.

Conclusion

Repeated differences in temperature and humidity cause skin ageing, loosen skin vessels and reduce skin elasticity, thereby leading to skin ageing.
Effect of chronic unpredictable stress on the progression of experimental apical periodontitis in rats
Authors: Minhoto G. B. , Khoury R. D. , Orozco E. I. F. , Prado R. F. , Valera M. C.
Published: March 2021

Aim

To establish an experimental model combining chronic stress and apical periodontitis by assessing the development of periapical lesions in rats in three different time points.

Methodology

Forty‐eight male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two equal groups: Apical periodontitis (AP) and AP + Stress (AP + S). The animals of the AP group were not exposed to stressful conditions whereas the AP + S group were exposed to a variety of stressors on a daily basis until the end of the experiment. After three weeks of chronic unpredictable stress, apical periodontitis was induced in both groups by exposing the pulpal tissue of the mandibular first molar to the oral environment. Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups according to the euthanasia period: 14, 21 and 28 days after pulp exposure. The animals were weighed, and the blood was collected for corticosterone serum dosage by radioimmunoassay. The mandibles were removed and submitted to histopathological and microtomography analyses to assess the inflammatory response and the progression of periapical lesions. Comparisons between the AP and AP + S groups were performed using Student’s t‐test and Mann–Whitney U‐test for parametric and nonparametric data, respectively. The one‐way anova test followed by Tukey’s test (parametric data) and Kruskal–Wallis followed by Dunn’s test (nonparametric data) were used for comparisons between the three time points within the same group (P < 0.05).

Results

The AP + S group had a significantly lower average percentage of weight gain at 14 days and 21 days after AP induction (P < 0.05). Significantly higher levels of corticosterone were found in the AP + S group at 21 days (P < 0.05). The AP + S group had a significantly greater intensity and extension of inflammatory infiltrate with larger areas of bone loss compared to the AP groups at 21 days (P < 0.05). The volume of the periapical lesions in the AP + S group was significantly larger than that of the AP group 21 days following pulp exposure (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The chronic unpredictable stress model applied for 6 weeks exacerbated the inflammatory response and increased bone loss associated with AP, especially 21 days after its induction. This model appears to be suitable for investigating the bidirectional relationship between apical periodontitis and chronic stress.