bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary contact and genomic admixture between rhesus and long‐tailed macaques in the Indochina Peninsula
Authors: Ito Tsuyoshi , Kanthaswamy Sreetharan , Bunlungsup Srichan , Oldt Robert F. , Houghton Paul , Hamada Yuzuru , Malaivijitnond Suchinda
Published: July 2020

Understanding the process and consequences of hybridization is one of the major challenges in evolutionary biology. A growing body of literature has reported evidence of ancient hybridization events or natural hybrid zones in primates, including humans; however, we still have relatively limited knowledge about the pattern and history of admixture because there have been little studies that simultaneously achieved genome‐scale analysis and a geographically wide sampling of wild populations. Our study applied double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing to samples from the six localities in and around the provisional hybrid zone of rhesus and long‐tailed macaques and evaluated population structure, phylogenetic relationships, demographic history, and geographic clines of morphology and allele frequencies. A latitudinal gradient of genetic components was observed, highlighting the transition from rhesus (north) to long‐tailed macaque distribution (south) as well as the presence of one northern population of long‐tailed macaques exhibiting unique genetic structure. Interspecific gene flow was estimated to have recently occurred after an isolation period, and the migration rate from rhesus to long‐tailed macaques was slightly greater than in the opposite direction. Although some rhesus macaque‐biased alleles have widely introgressed into long‐tailed macaque populations, the inflection points of allele frequencies have been observed as concentrated around the traditionally recognized interspecific boundary where morphology discontinuously changed; this pattern was more pronounced in the X chromosome than in autosomes. Thus, due to geographic separation before secondary contact, reproductive isolation could have evolved, contributing to the maintenance of an interspecific boundary and species‐specific morphological characteristics.
Intrinsic competition between two European egg parasitoids of the brown marmorated stink bug
Authors: Stahl Judith M. , Babendreier Dirk , Foti Maria Cristina , Colazza Stefano , Haye Tim
Published: July 2020

Following the accidental introduction and spread of the invasive polyphagous agricultural pest Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), the two European egg parasitoids Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) and Ooencyrtus telenomicida (Vassiliev) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) have been investigated for inundative biological control. Since the competititve outcome between the two generalist parasitoids is difficult to predict, intrinsic competition was investigated with a time‐course development study. Both species readily oviposited in H. halys eggs containing eggs and early instar larvae of the competitor, but oviposition decreased when eggs contained late instar larvae and pupae. Ooencyrtus telenomicida offspring emergence from multiparasitized eggs was significantly lower than that from rearing controls, independent of the order of parasitization. Anastatus bifasciatus offspring emergence was not influenced by the presence of O. telenomicida when it parasitized as the first species, but emergence was decreased after oviposition in eggs containing O. telenomicida larvae and pupae. There was no indication that O. telenomicida can act as a facultative hyperparasitoid of A. bifasciatus. These results suggest that A. bifasciatus is the superior intrinsic competitor and no or minor negative implications for A. bifasciatus are expected if released in combination with O. telenomicida.
Improved qualitative properties of pear pekmez by natural zeolite treatment during production process
Authors: Şen Levent , Altiok Duygu , Apaydin Elif
Published: July 2020

The effect of zeolite treatment on color change, 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), total phenolic compounds (TPCs), ionic composition and texture of sweet pear pekmez was investigated for two different zeolite concentrations during pekmez production. HMF was not detected in clarified pear juice and pekmez samples subjected to 5 g/L (5ZP) and 10 g/L (10ZP) zeolite adsorption. HMF content of pekmez sample without zeolite treatment (PP) was measured as 2.76 ± 0.07 mg/kg. The addition of zeolite just after the clarification results in the reduction of the HMF content of pekmez samples. The highest TPC was determined as 4,958.1 ± 167 mg GAE/kg dry weight in PP sample. Application of zeolite together with conventional clarification resulted in 31.4% and 33.2% reduction in TPC of 5ZP and 10ZP, respectively, compared to PP samples. Zeolite application improved the color quality of pekmez samples. While the amount of fluoride, chloride, bromide, and potassium decreased with the zeolite treatment, the amount of calcium, sodium and magnesium in pekmez samples increased significantly. Zeolite treatment did not significantly affect the texture of the samples.

Practical applications

Pekmez is concentrated fruit juice with long shelf life and high nutritional value. HMF formation is a very important problem that must be prevented or eliminated in the pekmez production process. This study provides the pear pekmez production process and determination of some important quality features such as color change and amount of HMF and metal ions. Besides, zeolite treatment is applied for the first time during pekmez processing. The results reveal that zeolite treatment is useful means to reduce undesirable metal ions and HMF formation during pekmez production while improving the color quality. Consequently, the use of zeolite in pekmez production has great potential to produce the high quality and safe pear pekmez.
Remimazolam tosilate in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: A multicenter, randomized, non‐inferiority, phase III trial
Authors: Chen Shao‐Hui , Yuan Tang‐Mi , Zhang Jiao , Bai Hua , Tian Ming , Pan Chu‐Xiong , Bao Hong‐Guang , Jin Xiao‐Ju , Ji Fu‐Hai , Zhong Tai‐Di , Wang Qiang , Lv Jian‐Rui , Wang Sheng , Li Yu‐Juan , Yu Yong‐Hao , Luo Ai‐Lin , Li Xiang‐Kui , Min Su , Li Lin , Zou Xiao‐Hua , Huang Yu‐Guang
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim

Remimazolam tosilate (RT) is a new short‐acting GABA(A) receptor agonist, having potential to be an effective option for procedural sedation. Here, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of RT with propofol in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Methods

This positive‐controlled, non‐inferiority, phase III trial recruited patients at 17 centers, between September 2017 and November 2017. A total of 384 patients scheduled to undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were randomly assigned to receive RT or propofol. Primary endpoint was the success rate of sedation. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded to evaluate safety.

Results

The success rate of sedation in the RT group was non‐inferior to that in the propofol group (97.34% vs 100.00%; difference in rate −2.66%, 95% CI −4.96 to −0.36, meeting criteria for non‐inferiority). Patients in the RT group had longer time to adequate sedation (P < 0.0001) but shorter time to fully alert (P < 0.0001) than that in the propofol group. The incidences of hypotension (13.04% vs 42.86%, P < 0.0001), treatment‐related hypotension (0.54% vs 5.82%, P < 0.0001), and respiratory depression (1.09% vs 6.88%, P = 0.0064) were significantly lower in the RT group. AEs were reported in 74 (39.15%) patients in the RT group and 114 (60.32%) patients in the propofol group, with significant difference (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This trial established non‐inferior sedation success rate of RT compared with propofol. RT allows faster recovery from sedation compared with propofol. The safety profile is favorable and appears to be superior to propofol, indicating that it was feasible and well tolerated for patients.
Performance of different scales in the hedonic threshold methodology
Authors: Gamba Mila Marques , Lima Filho Tarcísio , Della Lucia Suzana Maria , Vidigal Márcia Cristina Teixeira Ribeiro , Simiqueli Andréa Alves , Minim Valéria Paula Rodrigues
Published: July 2020

The hedonic threshold methodology (HTM) allows for the determination of the compromised acceptance threshold and the hedonic rejection threshold, using the unipolar nine‐point numbered structured hedonic scale. However, there are other scales that can be used. The aim of this study was to investigate if hedonic thresholds are influenced by the use of different types of hedonic scales. The HTM was applied to grape nectar, varying the sucrose concentration, and to cookies, varying the butter concentration. Four hedonic scales were used: unipolar (“1 to 9”) and bipolar (“−4 to +4”) numbered structured scales and unstructured line (“ULSOC”) and hybrid line scales (“ULSWC”). The “−4 to +4” and “ULSOC” scales were not suitable for use in the HTM, because they do not meet the prerequisite that there is no significant difference between acceptance of the control samples and the first stimulus sample. However, they indicated no significant difference in the second session. This indicates that consumers may have had difficulty understanding and properly using these scales. The “1 to 9” met the prerequisite and presented high discriminant potential. The “ULSWC,” in addition to meeting the prerequisite, showed accuracy and is considered an alternative for the HTM.

Practical applications

The importance of determining hedonic thresholds covers areas such as food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic. Industries often need to modify their products, changing as much as possible of a certain characteristic without changing the sensorial acceptance of the product. This occurs when a product is intended to be reformulated by increasing the concentration of desirable substances such as health‐beneficial compounds (e.g., ferrous sulfate and omega‐3) and reducing the concentration of undesirable substances, such as sucrose, sodium, and fat, to promote better health. Quality sensory measurements are increasingly required, given that unreliable data may lead to dreadful decisions as well as long‐lasting financial losses. The hedonic threshold methodology is a recently proposed methodology; therefore, given the differences in the way consumers use scales and the type of response obtained, it is necessary to investigate whether hedonic thresholds are influenced by the use of different scales.
Effects of Orthographic Forms on Second Language Speech Production and Phonological Awareness, With Consideration of Speaker‐Level Predictors
Authors: Bassetti Bene , Mairano Paolo , Masterson Jackie , Cerni Tania
Published: July 2020

Orthographic forms (spellings) can affect pronunciation in a second language (L2); however, it is not known whether the same orthographic form can affect both L2 pronunciation and metalinguistic awareness. To test this, we asked 260 speakers of English—first‐language (L1) English speakers, L1 Italian and L2 English sequential bilinguals, and L1 Italian learners of L2 English—to perform word repetition tasks and rhyme judgment tasks for word pairs containing the same consonant or vowel spelled with a letter or a digraph. L1 Italian speakers established a long–short contrast and used consonant and vowel length contrastively in their L2 English, both in production and in an awareness task. This provides evidence for a direct link between the effects of the same orthographic phenomenon on speech production and on metalinguistic awareness. Results were strengthened by combining experimental and qualitative data in the study of orthographic effects. Finally, the results show that proficiency predicts orthographic effects, and that orthographic effect predictors vary in naturalistic and instructed contexts.
Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) social structure and distribution changes following the 2008 Unusual Mortality Event in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida
Authors: Brightwell Kristin , Titcomb Elizabeth Murdoch , Mazzoil Marilyn , Gibson Quincy
Published: July 2020

In animal societies with fission‐fusion dynamics, demographic disturbances can influence the social and spatial structure of the population. Within the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have experienced recurrent unusual mortality events (UMEs) providing an opportunity to examine postdisturbance population and social cluster restructuring. This study investigates the impact of the potentially nonepizootic 2008 UME on the IRL dolphin population. Photo‐identification surveys conducted from August 2006 to May 2010 were stratified into pre‐ (August 2006–April 2008) and post‐UME (September 2008–May 2010) time periods. Social network and spatial (univariate kernel density) analyses were limited to individuals sighted 5+ times per period (pre‐UME = 183, post‐UME = 134), and indicated a change from 11 to ten social clusters, although individuals did not always reassociate with pre‐UME cluster associates. Despite the social and spatial disconnect between IRL proper and Mosquito Lagoon clusters, both network density and core area spatial overlap increased post‐UME allowing for increased intercluster interactions. However, intracluster associations increased as well, allowing the population to maintain multiple social clusters within a loosely connected network. This study shows the important role sociality may play in the adaptability of cetaceans to environmental and demographic changes.
Determinants of nursing students' intention to migrate overseas to work and implications for sustainability: The case of Indonesian students
Authors: Efendi Ferry , Oda Hisaya , Kurniati Anna , Hadjo Samuel S. , Nadatien Ima , Ritonga Imelda L.
Published: July 2020

High graduation of nurses and limited job opportunities in Indonesia may lead to the emigration of nurses particularly through facilitated migration. This study aimed at identifying the prevalence of Indonesian nursing students with intention to work in Japan and predictors of their intention to migrate as well as having a definite plan to work in Japan. The study adopted cross‐sectional design with a sample of 1,407 Indonesian nursing students. Factors associated with having migration intention, as well as a definite plan to work in Japan, were age, residence, and overseas experience. Other factors related to a definite plan to work abroad were family income, mastering a foreign language, knowledge about the nurse migration related to Indonesia‐Japan cooperation, and their motivations to migrate to Japan. Sustainability of this international recruitment of nurses is possible by understanding the context of both source and destination countries. Maximizing benefits of migration of nurses for Indonesia and Japan requires structured policies targeting the educational sector and addressing the sustainability issues.
Dung mimicry: the function of volatile emissions and corolla patterning in fly‐pollinated Wurmbea flowers
Authors: Johnson Steven D. , Sivechurran Jadine , Doarsamy Sachin , Shuttleworth Adam
Published: July 2020

It has been suggested that flowers of some angiosperms mimic vertebrate faeces (dung) in order to exploit insect pollinators that utilize faeces as a source of food and/or oviposition sites.

We investigated a potential case of mimicry in Wurmbea elatior (Colchicaceae), a lily that exhibits a faecal odour and pattern of dark spots on the corolla.

We found that W. elatior is pollinated by a broad assemblage of coprophagous flies and is dependent on pollinator visits for seed production. The flowers emit volatiles that are characteristic of vertebrate faeces, and three of these compounds – skatole, indole, and an unidentified compound – elicited electrophysiological antennal responses from flies. Artificial flowers laced with indole and skatole or skatole alone attracted the same assemblage of flies as was recorded on flowers of W. elatior. Spotted artificial flowers attracted twice as many flies as did those lacking spots. Experimental addition of indole and skatole to flowers of Wurmbea kraussii, a congener with unscented flowers pollinated by hoverflies, induced a shift to an insect visitor assemblage dominated by coprophagous flies.

This study clarifies the roles of volatile emissions (particularly skatole) and visual signals in floral dung mimicry.
Clinical, immunological and genetic findings in patients with UNC13D deficiency (FHL3): A systematic review
Authors: Amirifar Parisa , Ranjouri Mohammad Reza , Abolhassani Hassan , Moeini Shad Tannaz , Almasi‐Hashiani Amir , Azizi Gholamreza , Moamer Soraya , Aghamohammadi Asghar , Yazdani Reza
Published: July 2020

Background

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is a rare autosomal recessive immune disorder that is caused by mutations in 6 different genes related to the formation and function of secretory lysosomes within cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. Thus, defect in these genes is associated with the accumulation of antigens due to defective cytotoxic function. FHL type 3 (FHL3) accounts for nearly 30‐40% of FHL, and its underlying reason is mutation in UNC13D gene which encodes Munc13‐4 protein.

Methods

For the first time, we aimed to systematically review clinical features, immunologic data, and genetic findings of patients with FHL3. We conducted electronic searches for English‐language articles in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus databases to collect comprehensive records related to patients with UNC13D mutations.

Results

A total of 279 abstracts were initially reviewed for inclusion. Among them, 57 articles corresponding to 322 individual FHL3 patients fulfilled our selection criteria. Finally, 73 and 249 patients were considered as severe and mild feature groups, respectively. Our results confirmed that fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and hemophagocytosis are common clinical features in the disease. Moreover, reduced fibrinogen and NK cell activity, as well as increased ferritin and triglycerides, are important markers for early diagnosis of the FHL3 disease. Investigation of genotype showed that the most prevalent type and zygosity of UNC13D are splice‐site errors and compound heterozygous, respectively.

Conclusion

FHL3 patients have a wide range of clinical manifestations, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Therefore, it seems that the sequencing of the entire UNC13D gene (coding and non‐coding regions) is the most appropriate way to accurate diagnosis of FHL3 patients.
Meta‐analysis of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in major histocompatibility complex class II deficiency
Authors: Castano‐Jaramillo Lina Maria , Bareño‐Silva Jose , Tobon Santiago , Escobar‐Gonzalez Andres Felipe
Published: July 2020

Major histocompatibility complex class II deficiency is a rare case of PID. Specific recommendations for hematopoietic stem cell transplant, the only curative treatment option, are still lacking. This meta‐analysis aims to identify the factors associated with better prognosis in these patients. Thirteen articles reporting 63 patients with major histocompatibility complex class II deficiency that underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant were included. The median age for hematopoietic stem cell transplant was 18 months. The most common source of transplant was bone marrow, with alternative sources as umbilical cord blood emerging during recent years. The highest proportion of engraftment was seen with umbilical cord. Engraftment was higher in patients with matched donors, with better overall survival in patients with reduced‐intensity conditioning. Graft‐vs‐host disease developed in 65% of the patients, with grades I‐II being the most frequently encountered. There was a higher mortality in patients with myeloablative conditioning and no engraftment. There was an inverse correlation between survival and stage of graft‐vs‐host disease. The main cause of mortality was infectious disease, mostly secondary to viral infections. Ideally, matched grafts should be used, and reduced‐intensity conditioning should be considered to reduce early post‐transplant complications. GVHD and viral prophylaxis are fundamental.
Water vapor permeation through topical films on a moisture‐releasing skin Model
Authors: Keshavarzi Fatemeh , Zajforoushan Moghaddam Saeed , Barré Pedersen Malene , Østergaard Knudsen Nina , Jafarzadeh Shadi , Thormann Esben
Published: July 2020

Background

Covering the skin by topical films affects the skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In vivo studies to investigate the water vapor permeation through topical films are complicated, expensive, ethically not preferred, and time‐ and labor‐consuming. The objective of this study was to introduce an in vitro and subject‐independent alternative evaluation method to predict the breathability of topical formulations.

Methods

In this study, we developed an in vitro setup to simulate the TEWL values of human skin and investigated the breathability of five polymeric film formers used in topical formulations. Furthermore, a comparative in vivo TEWL study was performed on ten human volunteers with defined areas of skin covered with films of two selected polymers possessing different barrier properties.

Results

By employing the in vitro setup, a vinylpyrrolidone/acrylates/lauryl methacrylate copolymer was determined to form the most breathable film, whereas acrylates/octylacrylamide copolymer and shellac films showed the highest barrier properties. The in vivo TEWL study demonstrated the same relative barrier properties for the acrylates/octylacrylamide and polyurethane‐64 films, despite a more complex driving force for water vapor permeation due to moisture accumulation on the covered skin surfaces.

Conclusion

We obtained a good correlation between the in vitro and in vivo results, demonstrating that our model can categorize different polymeric film formers based on their breathability when applied to human skin. This information can aid in selecting suitable film‐forming polymers for topical formulations with either breathable or occluding functionalities.
Accuracy of diagnostic tests for American tegumentary leishmaniasis: a systematic literature review with meta‐analyses
Authors: Pena Heber Paulino , Belo Vinícius Silva , Xavier‐Junior José Cândido Caldeira , Teixeira‐Neto Rafael Gonçalves , Melo Saulo Nascimento , Pereira Diego Andrade , Fontes Igor de Campos , Santos Ingrid Morselli , Lopes Valeriana Valadares , Tafuri Wagner Luiz , Romero Gustavo Adolfo Sierra , da Silva Eduardo Sérgio
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To analyse the accuracy of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) diagnostic methods and evaluate the quality of the existing publications by means of a systematic review.

Methods

Diagnostic tests evaluated in at least two studies with common reference standards were included in the sensitivity and/or specificity meta‐analyses. Quality and susceptibility to bias were analysed using the QUADAS‐2 and STARD tools.

Results

The title and abstract of 3387 publications were evaluated after deduplication resulting from database searches. Thirty‐eight studies were included in the review, and 26 of them had results inserted in meta‐analyses. The diagnostic methods with the highest pooled sensitivity values were ELISA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), indirect immunofluorescence reaction and Montenegro’s intradermal reaction. Cytometry was assessed in only two studies and presented 100% sensitivity in both. Smear slide microscopy and histopathology showed low pooled values of sensitivity. For specificity, the highest pooled values were identified for PCR. High values were also identified for ELISA, except for studies in which the reference standard for defining negative participants included individuals with Chagas’ disease or paracoccidioidomycosis, which also occurred for cytometry. IFR had lower specificities than ELISA. There was a predominance of case–control designs of phase 1 or 2 and only four studies were strongly recommended as evidence generators. Several reference standards were adopted, and different methods were assessed in a small number of studies.

Conclusion

PCR showed the highest accuracy for the diagnosis of ATL, and its use should be encouraged in clinical practice. ELISA is recommended for the screening of suspected individuals, but the possibility of cross‐reactions should be considered. New validation studies for the tests evaluated in few publications and studies of phase 3 with appropriate methods are needed.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Social Media for Professional Development and Learning in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy
Authors: Harvey Stephen , Carpenter Jeffrey P. , Hyndman Brendon P.
Published: July 2020

Social media sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Voxer, Instagram, etc.) have become platforms for self-directed professional development and learning (PDL) for many educators, including physical educators and sports coaches. The aim of this chapter is to provide an introduction to this current monograph on physical educators’ and sports coaches’ social media use for PDL by presenting key issues and relevant literature, and previewing the chapters to follow. The chapter begins with a background discussion of social media, followed by brief literature reviews of PDL research in education and physical education and sport pedagogy, and research on social media use for PDL. Next, an overview of key theories and concepts used within the monograph is provided. The chapter concludes with individual summaries of the six empirical chapters of the monograph.
Preserved visual memory and relational cognition performance in monkeys with selective hippocampal lesions
Authors: Basile Benjamin M. , Templer Victoria L. , Gazes Regina Paxton , Hampton Robert R.
Published: July 2020

On a wide battery of cognitive tasks predicted to be hippocampally dependent, monkeys with hippocampal damage performed normally.
Reconfigurable Floquet elastodynamic topological insulator based on synthetic angular momentum bias
Authors: Darabi Amir , Ni Xiang , Leamy Michael , Alù Andrea
Published: July 2020

Spatiotemporally modulated array of piezoelectric patches implements a Floquet topological insulator for elastic waves.
Compact nanoscale textures reduce contact time of bouncing droplets
Authors: Wang Lin , Wang Ruoxi , Wang Jing , Wong Tak-Sing
Published: July 2020

Compact nanoscale textures reduce contact time of bouncing droplets with implications in insect survival and miniature drones.
Molding free-space light with guided wave–driven metasurfaces
Authors: Guo Xuexue , Ding Yimin , Chen Xi , Duan Yao , Ni Xingjie
Published: July 2020

A guided wave–driven metasurface directly extracts and molds light from a waveguide into arbitrarily complex free-space modes.
Dynamic allosteric communication pathway directing differential activation of the glucocorticoid receptor
Authors: Köhler C. , Carlström G. , Gunnarsson A. , Weininger U. , Tångefjord S. , Ullah V. , Lepistö M. , Karlsson U. , Papavoine T. , Edman K. , Akke M.
Published: July 2020

Allosteric communication pathways in the glucocorticoid receptor ligand-binding domain respond to ligand structure.
High-frequency hearing in a hummingbird
Authors: Duque F. G. , Rodriguez-Saltos C. A. , Uma S. , Nasir I. , Monteros M. F. , Wilczynski W. , Carruth L. L.
Published: July 2020

A hummingbird can hear high-pitched sounds that most birds cannot perceive.
Modeling the Inactivation of Viruses from the
Coronaviridae
Family in Response to Temperature and Relative Humidity in Suspensions or on Surfaces
Authors: Guillier Laurent , Martin-Latil Sandra , Chaix Estelle , Thébault Anne , Pavio Nicole , Le Poder Sophie , Batéjat Christophe , Biot Fabrice , Koch Lionel , Schaffner Donald W. , Sanaa Moez
Published: July 2020

The prediction of the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on fomites is essential in investigating the importance of contact transmission. This study collects available information on inactivation kinetics of coronaviruses in both solid and liquid fomites and creates a mathematical model for the impact of temperature and relative humidity on virus persistence. The predictions of the model can support more robust decision‐making and could be useful in various public health contexts. A calculator for the natural clearance of SARS-CoV-2 depending on temperature and relative humidity could be a valuable operational tool for public authorities.
Rare case of focal mass like perirenal extramedullary haematopoiesis in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Lal Hira , Yadav Priyank , Dey Mousam , Jain Manoj
Published: July 2020

Extramedullary haematopoiesis (EMH) is a physiological process of formation of blood cells outside the bone marrow in response to insufficient production or excessive destruction of blood cells. Most common sites of EMH are liver, spleen, lymph nodes, kidney and paraspinal regions. In this report, we have described a rare case of focal EMH which presented as a mass adjacent to the renal allograft. Imaging characteristics favoured a benign aetiology with MRI signals suggesting the presence of blood and fatty components. The final diagnosis of EMH was made by aspiration cytology and an unnecessary surgery was thus avoided.
Acute promyelocytic leukaemia long-term survivors: higher fatigue and greater overall symptom burden
Authors: Sommer Kathrin , Vignetti Marco , Cottone Francesco , Breccia Massimo , Annibali Ombretta , Luppi Mario , Intermesoli Tamara , Borlenghi Erika , Carluccio Paola , Rodeghiero Francesco , Fabbiano Francesco , Romani Claudio , Sborgia Marco , Martino Bruno , Crugnola Monica , Efficace Fabio
Published: July 2020

Objective

We aimed to investigate the association of fatigue with severity of other key cancer symptoms, as well as symptom interference with daily activities and outlook on life, in long-term survivors of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL).

Methods

The study sample consisted of APL survivors (n=244), with a median time from diagnosis of 14.3 years (IQR=11.1–16.9 years), previously enrolled in a long-term follow-up study. Symptom severity and symptom interference were assessed using the well-validated MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI). Fatigue was evaluated with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue questionnaire.

Results

Higher fatigue burden was associated with increased affective symptoms, memory problems, drowsiness, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath and pain. Higher levels of fatigue were also associated with higher scores across all interference items of the MDASI. Overall, symptoms interfered most with mood, but among APL survivors with high levels of fatigue, symptoms interfered most with enjoyment of life. Multivariable regression analysis confirmed the independent association between fatigue and all symptom severity items of the MDASI.

Conclusions

The current findings show that long-term APL survivors who report higher fatigue also experience a greater overall symptom burden and a substantial impact on performance of daily activities. Further studies are needed to examine whether interventions aimed at reducing fatigue could also reduce overall symptom burden.
Family meetings in paediatric palliative care: an integrative review
Authors: Bradford Natalie , Rolfe Melanie , Ekberg Stuart , Mitchell Geoffrey , Beane Theresa , Ferranti Kahli , Herbert Anthony
Published: July 2020

Objective

Our aim was to synthesise the available evidence surrounding the structure, processes and outcomes of family meetings in the paediatric palliative care literature.

Methods

We undertook an integrative literature review informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019138938). Electronic databases were systematically search using keywords and hand searching of reference articles and grey literature was also completed.

Results

Ten empirical studies and five theoretical articles were included in the synthesis. Empirical studies provided more information about meeting structure, whereas theoretical articles more frequently described a desired process for planning and undertaking meetings. No articles identified how the success of a meeting was defined or made recommendations for doing so. Despite reports that family meetings are commonly occurring, few articles described outcomes from either the family or clinician perspectives.

Conclusions

Family meetings are essential communication strategies commonly used in paediatric palliative care, yet there is little guidance about how meetings should be organised and conducted, who should participate and when they should occur. The limited data available on the outcomes of family meetings suggest improvements are required to meet the needs of families. We present a framework that synthesises the available evidence. The framework offers an overview of the elements to consider when planning for and undertaking family meetings in paediatric palliative care and may be useful for both clinicians and researchers.
Upside down solutions: palliative care and COVID-19
Authors: Knights Daniel , Knights Felicity , Lawrie Iain
Published: July 2020

The current COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and requires innovation beyond existing approaches to contribute to global health and well-being. This is essential to support the care of people at the end of their lives or who are critically ill from COVID-19 or other life-limiting illnesses. Palliative care (PC) is centred on effective symptom control, promotion of quality of life, complex decision-making, and holistic care of physical, psychological, social and spiritual health. It is ideally placed to both provide and contribute to care for patients, families, communities and colleagues during the pandemic. Where recovery is uncertain, emphasis should be on care and relief of suffering, as well as survival. Where healthcare resources and facilities come under intense pressure, lessons can be learnt from models of care in other settings around the world. This article explores how the field can contribute by ensuring that PC principles and practices are woven into everyday healthcare practice. We explore alternative ways of providing care under such pressure and discuss three areas of learning from resource-limited settings: (1) integration of palliative medicine into everyday practice, (2) simplification of biomedical management plus multidisciplinary teamwork and (3) effective use of volunteers.
Comparison of the characteristics of work-related injuries between older workers and the workers of the conventional working-age in the Republic of Korea, 2010–2014
Authors: Lee Kyung-Eun , Kim Jinhee , Lee Jihye
Published: July 2020

Objective

With population ageing, the number of older workers is increasing and the number of work-related injuries in older people is also increasing. Occupational patterns and work-related injury patterns vary with age. This study aimed to compare the incidence and characteristics of work-related injuries in older and younger workers in Korea.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of the characteristics of workers hospitalised with work-related injuries from January 2010 to December 2014, using data from the National Hospital Discharge In-Depth Injury Survey in South Korea. The analysis was stratified by age into older (aged ≥65 years) and younger (aged 20–64 years) workers.

Results

The hospitalisation rate in older workers was double that of younger workers (2014 IRR: 2.06, 95% CI 1.53 to 2.76). Compared with workers of conventional working-age, a higher proportion of injured older workers were female (33.1% vs 13.6%, p<0.001), injured due to falls (40.8% vs 28.5%) and injured while working on a farm (46.5% vs 6.3%, p<0.001). In older workers, work-related injuries were seasonal and peaked during summer, but there was little seasonality in injuries among younger workers.

Conclusion

Older workers are more vulnerable to work-related injuries and have a different profile of work-related injuries from younger workers. Age-related differences in the injury profile need to be considered when developing workplace injury prevention policies and programmes, and the specific vulnerabilities of older workers need to be addressed.
Blebs in intracranial aneurysms: prevalence and general characteristics
Authors: Salimi Ashkezari Seyedeh Fatemeh , Detmer Felicitas J , Mut Fernando , Chung Bong Jae , Yu Alexander K , Stapleton Christopher J , See Alfred P , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh , Charbel Fady T , Rezai Jahromi Behnam , Niemelä Mika , Frösen Juhana , Zhou Ji , Maiti Spandan , Robertson Anne M , Cebral Juan R
Published: July 2020

Background

Blebs are rupture risk factors in intracranial aneurysms (IAs), but their prevalence, distribution, and associations with clinical factors as well as their causes and effects on aneurysm vulnerability remain unclear.

Methods

A total of 122 blebs in 270 IAs selected for surgery were studied using patient-specific vascular reconstructions from 3D angiographic images. Bleb geometry, location on the aneurysm, and frequency of occurrence in aneurysms at different locations were analyzed. Associations between gender, age, smoking, hypertension, hormone therapy, dental infection, and presence of blebs were investigated.

Results

Of all aneurysms with blebs, 77% had a single bleb and 23% had multiple blebs. Only 6% of blebs were at the neck, while 46% were in the body and 48% in the dome. Aneurysms with blebs were larger (p<0.0001), more elongated (p=0.0002), and with wider necks than aneurysms without blebs. Bleb presence was associated with dental infection (p=0.0426) and negatively associated with hormone therapy (p=0.0426) in women. Anterior and posterior communicating arteries had larger percentages of aneurysms with blebs than internal carotid arteries. Patients with a history of hypertension tended to have a larger percentage of aneurysms with blebs. However, these trends did not reach significance in this sample.

Conclusions

Blebs are common in IAs, and most aneurysms harboring blebs have a single bleb. Blebs in the aneurysm neck are rare, but they are equally common in the body and dome. The presence of blebs in IAs was associated with dental infection, and negatively associated with hormone replacement therapy.
Hemodynamic conditions that favor bleb formation in cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Salimi Ashkezari Seyedeh Fatemeh , Mut Fernando , Chung Bong Jae , Robertson Anne M , Cebral Juan R
Published: July 2020

Background

Although it is generally believed that blebs represent weaker spots in the walls of intracranial aneurysms (IAs), it is largely unknown which aneurysm characteristics favor their development.

Objective

To investigate possible associations between aneurysm hemodynamic and geometric characteristics and the development of blebs in intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

A total of 270 IAs in 199 patients selected for surgical clipping were studied. Blebs were visually identified and interactively marked on patient-specific vascular models constructed from presurgical images. Blebs were then deleted from the vascular reconstruction to approximate the aneurysm before bleb formation. Computational fluid dynamics studies were performed in these models and in cases without blebs. Hemodynamic and geometric characteristics of aneurysms with and without blebs were compared.

Results

A total of 173 aneurysms had no blebs, while 97 aneurysms had a total of 122 blebs. Aneurysms favoring bleb formation had stronger (p<0.0001) and more concentrated inflow jets (p<0.0001), higher flow velocity (p=0.0061), more complex (p<0.0001) and unstable (p=0.0157) flow patterns, larger maximum wall shear stress (WSS; p<0.0001), more concentrated (p=0.0005) and oscillatory (p=0.0004) WSS distribution, and a more heterogeneous WSS field (p<0.0001), than aneurysms without blebs. They were also larger (p<0.0001), more elongated (p<0.0001), had wider necks (p=0.0002), and more distorted and irregular shapes (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Strong and concentrated inflow jets, high-speed, complex, and unstable flow patterns, and concentrated, oscillatory, and heterogeneous WSS patterns favor the formation of blebs in IAs. Blebs are more likely to form in large, elongated, and irregularly shaped aneurysms. These adverse characteristics could be considered signs of aneurysm instability when evaluating aneurysms for conservative observation or treatment.
Environmental sustainability in neurointerventional procedures: a waste audit
Authors: Shum Pey Ling , Kok Hong Kuan , Maingard Julian , Schembri Mark , Bañez Ramon Martin Francisco , Van Damme Vivienne , Barras Christen , Slater Lee-Anne , Chong Winston , Chandra Ronil V , Jhamb Ashu , Brooks Mark , Asadi Hamed
Published: July 2020

Background

Operating rooms contribute between 20% to 70% of hospital waste. This study aimed to evaluate the waste burden of neurointerventional procedures performed in a radiology department, identify areas for waste reduction, and motivate new greening initiatives.

Methods

We performed a waste audit of 17 neurointerventional procedures at a tertiary-referral center over a 3-month period. Waste was categorized into five streams: general waste, clinical waste, recyclable plastic, recyclable paper, and sharps. Our radiology department started recycling soft plastics from 13 December 2019. Hence, an additional recyclable soft plastic waste stream was added from this time point. The weight of each waste stream was measured using a digital weighing scale.

Results

We measured the waste from seven cerebral digital subtraction angiograms (DSA), six mechanical thrombectomies (MT), two aneurysm-coiling procedures, one coiling with tumour embolization, and one dural arteriovenous fistula embolization procedure. In total, the 17 procedures generated 135.3 kg of waste: 85.5 kg (63.2%) clinical waste, 28.0 kg (20.7%) general waste, 14.7 kg (10.9%) recyclable paper, 3.5 kg (2.6%) recyclable plastic, 2.2 kg (1.6%) recyclable soft plastic, and 1.4 kg (1.0%) of sharps. An average of 8 kg of waste was generated per case. Coiling cases produced the greatest waste burden (13.1 kg), followed by embolization (10.3 kg), MT (8.8 kg), and DSA procedures (5.1 kg).

Conclusion

Neurointerventional procedures generate a substantial amount of waste, an average of 8 kg per case. Targeted initiatives such as engaging with suppliers to revise procedure packs and reduce packaging, digitizing paper instructions, opening devices only when necessary, implementing additional recycling programs, and appropriate waste segregation have the potential to reduce the environmental impact of our specialty.
Clot perviousness is associated with first pass success of aspiration thrombectomy in the COMPASS trial
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Waqas Muhammad , Fifi Johanna , De Leacy Reade , Fiorella David , Levy Elad I , Snyder Kenneth , Hanel Ricardo , Woodward Keith , Chaudry Imran , Rai Ansaar T , Frei Donald , Delgado Almandoz Josser E , Kelly Michael , Arthur Adam S , Baxter Blaise W , English Joey , Linfante Italo , Fargen Kyle M , Turk Aquilla , Siddiqui Adnan H , Mocco J
Published: July 2020

Background

Clot density (Hounsfield units, HU) and perviousness (post-contrast increase in the HU of clot) are thought to be associated with clot composition. We evaluate whether these imaging characteristics were associated with angiographic outcomes of aspiration and stent retriever thrombectomy in COMPASS: a trial of aspiration thrombectomy versus stent retriever thrombectomy as first-line approach for large vessel occlusion.

Methods

Clot density and perviousness were measured by two independent operators who were blind to all the final angiographic and clinical outcomes. The association of clot density and perviousness with the Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale after first pass was assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Among all patients enrolled in COMPASS, 165 were eligible for the post-hoc analysis (81 patients in the aspiration first and 84 in the stent retriever first groups). Overall mean perviousness of clot was significantly higher in patient with mTICI 2b-3 after first pass (28.6±22.9 vs 20.3±19.2, p=0.017). Mean perviousness among patients who achieved TICI 2c/3 versus TICI 2b versus TICI 0-2a in the aspiration first group varied significantly (32.6±26.1, 35.3±24.4, and 17.7±13.1, p=0.013). The association of perviousness with first pass success was not significant in the stent retriever group. Using multivariate analysis, high perviousness (defined as cut-off >27.6) was an independent predictor of TICI 2b-3 (OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.10 to 13.19; p=0.034).

Conclusions

Clot perviousness is associated with first pass angiographic success in patients treated with the aspiration first approach for thrombectomy.
A cautionary note for rock avalanche field investigation: recent sequential and overlapping landslides in British Columbia
Authors: Geertsema Marten , Bevington Alexandre
Published: July 2020

Large rock avalanches on glaciers are an annual occurrence in the mountains of western North America. Following an event, landslide investigators may strive to quickly arrive on site to assess the deposit. Satellite remote sensing imagery demonstrates that caution is warranted for on-site field assessments. We combine Landsat, Sentinel-1 (radar), Sentinel-2, and Planet imagery to reconstruct the events of four recent overlapping rock avalanche deposits in British Columbia. In our examples, substantial rock avalanches are closely followed (days–months) and buried by much larger landslides. We suggest that landslide investigators exercise caution when assessing fresh rock avalanche deposits in the field.
Impacts of feeding monensin sodium on production and the efficiency of milk production in dairy cows fed total mixed rations: evaluation of a confounded literature
Authors: Robinson P.H.
Published: July 2020

The amount of milk Canadian dairy farmers produce is limited to a production quota expressed in milk fat. Because milk economic value is primarily based on fat and protein, it can be advantageous to decrease the milk fat to protein ratio. Monensin sodium has been suggested to reduce milk fat proportion and outputs, but not milk protein. Publications using lactating dairy cows were utilized to assess predictability of production responses to monensin feeding based upon their base production characteristics and diet composition. Predicted animal output changes due to monensin had poor fits with low r2 (0.31–0.44) and unevenly distributed residuals. Further assessment revealed that cow characteristics, and diets, were not independent of monensin feeding level. Thus, the 43 comparisons were clustered into levels of 10–12, 14–18, or 20–24 mg kg−1 of diet dry matter (DM). Milk fat yield reductions due to monensin differed (P < 0.05; 10–12 and 14–18 mg kg−1 DM), or tended to differ (P = 0.057; 20–24 mg kg−1 DM), from zero (i.e., no change). Monensin addition to total mixed rations of lactating dairy cows negatively impacted milk fat yield to a greater extent than milk protein.
An Eventually Perfect Failure Detector for Networks of Arbitrary Topology Connected with ADD Channels Using Time-To-Live Values
Authors: Vargas Karla , Rajsbaum Sergio , Raynal Michel
Published: July 2020

We present an implementation of an eventually perfect failure detector in an arbitrarily connected, partitionable network. We assume ADD channels: for each one there exist constants [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], not known to the processes, such that for every [Formula: see text] consecutive messages sent in one direction, at least one is delivered within time [Formula: see text]. The best previous implementation used messages of bounded size, but exponential in [Formula: see text], the number of nodes. The main contribution of this paper is a novel use of time-to-live values in the design of failure detectors, obtaining a flexible implementation that uses messages of size [Formula: see text].
All Nearest Smallers Made Simple
Authors: Saxena Sanjeev
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a parallel algorithm for all nearest smallers problem without using doubly logarithmic tree is described. It is shown that using only [Formula: see text] time routines for merging and prefix minima, we can easily get an [Formula: see text] time parallel algorithm for the all Nearest Smallers problem.