bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delirium, functional decline and quality of life after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: An explorative study
Authors: Beishuizen Sara J , Festen Suzanne , Loonstra Yvette E , van der Werf Hindrik W , de Rooij Sophia E , van Munster Barbara C
Published: October 2020

Aim

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an important treatment option for older patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, not all patients benefit from this procedure in terms of functional outcome and quality of life. This complicates patient selection and shared decision‐making. Postoperative delirium might negatively affect patient outcomes after TAVI. We therefore studied the potential relationship between postoperative delirium and functional outcome, and how this impacts quality of life after TAVI.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 91 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI between 2015 and 2017 at an academic medical center. All patients underwent a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment before TAVI. Delirium symptoms were assessed daily during hospitalization. Follow up was carried out between 6 and 12 months postprocedure. The primary outcome was functional decline or death at follow up. Secondarily, we measured quality of life at follow up.

Results

The incidence of postoperative delirium was 15.4%. In total, 38.5% of patients experienced functional decline, and 11.0% died during a median follow‐up period of 7 months. Delirium resulted in a fourfold increased odds of the combined outcome of functional decline or death. Quality of life was lower in patients that experienced this outcome.

Conclusion

In a cohort of TAVI patients, functional decline or death was a frequent outcome in the first year postprocedure. Postoperative delirium increased the odds for this outcome substantially. This suggests that delirium risk should be an important factor to consider in shared decision‐making for TAVI patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1202–1207.
RNF43 mutation analysis in serrated polyposis, sporadic serrated polyps and Lynch syndrome polyps
Authors: van Herwaarden Yasmijn J , Koggel Lieke M , Simmer Femke , Vink‐Börger Elisa M. , Dura Polat , Meijer Gerrit A , Nagengast Fokko M , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , Bisseling Tanya M , Nagtegaal Iris D
Published: October 2020

Aims

RNF43 is suggested to be involved in the serrated pathway towards colorectal cancer and encodes a transmembrane Ring‐type E3 ubiquitin ligase that negatively regulates the Wnt pathway. This study aimed to elucidate the role of RNF43 gene variants in serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) and serrated polyps.

Methods and results

Three cohorts were tested. The first cohort included germline DNA of 26 SPS patients tested for pathogenic variants in RNF43 by Sanger sequencing all exons. In the second cohort we tested somatic DNA for RNF43 mutations from sporadic serrated lesions: 25 hyperplastic polyps, 35 sessile serrated lesions and 38 traditional serrated adenomas (TSA). In the third cohort we investigated RNF43 mutations in 49 serrated polyps and 60 conventional adenomas from 40 patients with Lynch syndrome. No germline RNF43 pathogenic variants were detected in our SPS cohort. In sporadic colorectal lesions we detected RNF43 deleterious frameshift mutations in three TSA and one SSL. The RNF43 mutations in previously described homopolymeric hot‐spots were detected in microsatellite‐instable (MSI) polyps and the other RNF43 mutations in microsatellite‐stable (MSS) serrated polyps. RNF43 hot‐spot mutations were discovered in seven serrated polyps and 12 conventional adenomas from Lynch patients.

Conclusion

Truncating germline RNF43 mutations are uncommon in SPS patients. Somatic mutations in RNF43 were found in sporadic TSA and SSL and both serrated polyps and adenomas from Lynch syndrome patients, suggesting that they do not develop early in the pathway to CRC and are not specific for serrated polyp subtypes.
Tempol improves redox status in mdx dystrophic diaphragm muscle
Authors: Hermes Túlio de Almeida , Mizobuti Daniela Sayuri , da Rocha Guilherme Luiz , da Silva Heloina Nathalliê Mariano , Covatti Caroline , Pereira Elaine Cristina Leite , Ferretti Renato , Minatel Elaine
Published: October 2020

Oxidative stress is a critical element in relationship to the pathophysiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In the mice the diaphragm (DIA) is most resembles the dystrophic human pathology. In this study we have evaluated the consequences of a synthetic antioxidant (tempol) on oxidative stress parameters in the DIA muscle of mdx mice. The mdx mice were separated into two groups: mdx, the control group receiving intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of saline solution (100 µL), and mdxT, the treated group receiving i.p. injections of tempol (100 mg/kg). The tempol‐treated group showed reduced oxidative stress markers, decreasing the dihydroethidium reaction (DHE) area; autofluorescent lipofuscin granules; and 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE)‐protein adduct levels. DIA muscle of mdx mice. At the same time, the manganese‐superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) levels were increased in the tempol‐treated group. In addition, the tempol‐treated group showed reduced levels of glutathione‐disulphide reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and catalase (CAT) in immunoblots. The tempol‐treated group has also shown lower relative gene expression of SOD1, CAT and GPx than the non‐treated group. Our data demonstrated that tempol treatment reduced oxidant parameters and increased anti‐oxidant SOD2 levels in the DIA muscle of mdx mice, which may contribute to the normalization of the redox homeostasis of dystrophic muscles.
Effects of calcination temperature on morphological and crystallographic properties of oyster shell as biocidal agent
Authors: Park Kitae , Sadeghi Kambiz , Thanakkasaranee Sarinthip , Park Ye‐In , Park Junsoo , Nam Ki‐Ho , Han Haksoo , Seo Jongchul
Published: October 2020

To develop biocompatible antimicrobial agent, oyster shell wastes were thermally calcined at different temperatures ranging from 300 to 1000 °C. The chemical compositions and properties of oyster shells were characterized. As such, crystallographic analysis presented that oyster shells had a hexagonal crystalline shape, and calcination process reduced their crystalline size, volume (grain dimension), and bond length, which strongly affected antimicrobial efficacy. Results showed that the main components of uncalcined and calcined oyster shells were CaCO3and CaO, by which CaO was found to be the main antimicrobial component. Notably, calcined oyster shells showed antimicrobial potency against both Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli)and Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus). Furthermore, cytotoxicity analysis proved that calcined oyster shells had good cell viability and low cytotoxicity. Results highlighted that calcined oyster shells, particularly those treated at 750°C, could be a biocompatible alternative to synthetic biocidal and antimicrobial agents using in food packaging, biomedical, and cosmetic industries.
Low temperature synthesis of green submicro Cr‐ZrSiO4 ceramic pigments by solid‐state method
Authors: Yang Qiuhong , Li Peng , Zhang Shaobo
Published: October 2020

A green submicro Cr‐ZrSiO4 pigment was successfully synthesized with Li2CO3 used as mineralizer by a simple solid‐state method at low temperature. The formations of the samples with and without mineralizer were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis, respectively. The reflectance spectrum and color properties of the Cr‐ZrSiO4 pigments were characterized and analyzed. The XRD results show that Li2CO3 as a mineralizer can significantly promote the formation of ZrSiO4 and decrease the synthesis temperature to 900°C, which is 500°C lower than without mineralizer. The SEM revealed that the Li2CO3 containing ceramic powders are more homogeneous than undoped samples and have uniform particle size between 100 and 500 nm. It is indicated that Li2CO3 as a mineralizer can effectively destroy the Si‐O bond of random network structure, reduce the viscosity and accelerate the formation of ZrSiO4 at low temperature. The results from CIE L*a*b* characterization indicate that the samples exhibit high doping limitation (x = 0.06) and green hue (a* = −10.13) at 900°C. In addition, the method used in this work has the advantages of simple process, low cost, and large‐scale production, and is expected to synthesize other types of high‐temperature ceramic pigments.
Effect of transition metal doping on the sintering and electrochemical properties of GDC buffer layer in SOFCs
Authors: Rehman Saeed Ur , Shaur Ahmad , Kim Hye‐Sung , Joh Dong Woo , Song Rak‐Hyun , Lim Tak‐Hyoung , Hong Jong‐Eun , Park Seok‐Joo , Lee Seung‐Bok
Published: October 2020

A dense Ce0.9Gd0.1O2−d (GDC) interlayer is an essential component of the SOFCs to inhibit interfacial elemental diffusion between zirconia‐based electrolytes (eg YSZ) and cathodes. However, the characteristic high sintering temperature of GDC (>1400°C) makes it challenging to fabricate an effective highly dense interlayer owing to the formation of more resistive (Zr,Ce)O2 interfacial solid solutions with YSZ at those temperatures. To fabricate a useful GDC interlayer, we studied the influence of transition metal (TM) (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, & Zn) doping on the sintering and electrochemical properties of GDC. Dilatometry data showed dramatic drops in the necking and final sintering temperatures for the TM‐doped GDCs, improving the densification of the GDC in the order of Fe > Co > Mn > Cu > Zn. However, the electrochemical impedance data showed that among various transition metal dopants, Mn doping resulted in the best electrochemical properties. Anode supported SOFCs with Mn‐doped, nano, and commercial‐micron GDC interlayers were compared with regard to their performance and stability levels. Although all of the SOFCs showed stable performance, the SOFC with the Mn‐doped GDC interlayer showed the highest power density of 1.14 W cm−2 at 750°C. Hence, Mn‐doped GDC is suggested for application as an effective diffusion barrier layer in SOFCs.
Bioactive components, physicochemical and starch characteristics of different parts of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) plant: a review
Authors: Showkat Qazi A. , Rather Jahangir A. , Abida Jabeen  , Dar B. N. , Makroo H. A. , Majid Darakshan
Published: October 2020

Lotus plant parts such as flower, seed, root, leaf and stem or rhizome have a great potential for food and non‐food applications. This review recognises the nutritional and therapeutic benefits, functional behaviour, post‐harvest processing and applications of the lotus plant. Its unique bioactive constituents, such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids and essential oils, have proven efficacy in improvement of health. The good amount of dietary fibre, starch, vitamins and minerals suggest that it has potentially an appropriate opportunity for future valorisation and application as functional additive and ingredient in the food industry. As a functional ingredient for use in the food industry like flour in bakery industry, as an antioxidant, for incorporation in baby foods, extruded products, beverages etc. there is a need to study the characteristics of lotus plant especially the rhizome part.
Gelatinised and hydrolysed corn starch is a cost‐effective carbon source with higher production of L‐lactic acid by Bacillus coagulans compared with glucose
Authors: Yao Kun , Liu Dong‐Mei , Brennan Charles S.
Published: October 2020

L‐lactic acid is an important organic acid widely used in pharmaceutical, food and textile industries. Bacillus coagulans BCS13002 can efficiently produce L‐lactic acid with two kinds of carbon sources. BCS13002 produced L‐lactic acid at a content of 10.23 ± 0.16 g/L and 11.67 ± 0.22 g/L, when glucose and gelatinised and hydrolysed corn starch （GHCS） were used, respectively. GHCS exhibits several advantages, including high yield of L‐lactic acid and low cost. Proteomics analyses identified several key enzymes, which contributed to the higher production of L‐lactic acid when GHCS was used as the carbon source. Those key enzymes were involved in the two‐component system (SpoOF), pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis (pantothenate synthetase, 1.584‐fold; dihydroxy‐acid dehydratase, 1.517‐fold), beta‐alanine metabolism (1.605‐fold) and valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis (1.517‐fold) pathways. This study provides a biological basis for using GHCS as a substitute of glucose in the production of L‐lactic acid.
Undergraduate nursing students’ experience of mental health simulation post‐clinical placement: A Qualitative study
Authors: Garvey Loretta , Willetts Georgina , Sadoughi Navideh , Olasoji Michael
Published: October 2020

In nursing, it is vital that educational techniques are developed to improve students’ capabilities to communicate with and assess mental health consumers while on placement. Simulation is a valid learning technique used to prepare students to encounter consumers with mental illness before exposure in the clinical environment. The aim of this study was to explore undergraduate nursing students’ experience mental health simulation following their mental health clinical placement. An explorative descriptive qualitative study. Participants were recruited from a metropolitan Melbourne university using purposive convenience sampling. The participants were interviewed after their mental health clinical placement using semi‐structured interview format. A total of n = 14 participants were interviewed. Overall, the participants expressed the fact that the mental health simulation enhanced their clinical placement experience. Two themes were identified: ‘The things I might see’ and ‘Felt better prepared’. There was a total of five subthemes: ‘The link between…’, ‘Having the know how’, ‘Like an 8‐hour shift’, ‘Took away the fear factor’ and ‘Feeling more confident’. It is important that nursing students entering mental health settings receive adequate preparation prior to the commencement of their placements. Students need to be prepared in the areas of building therapeutic relationships, communication, assessment and how to work within a mental health clinical setting. The mental health simulation enhanced students’ confidence and better prepared them to undertake their clinical placement which can ultimately affect the care provided to consumers.
Large electrostrictive coefficient with high electro‐strain dominated by modified ergodic state in BNT‐based solid solutions
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Han Jihui , Huang Yanli , Yin Jie , Wu Jiagang
Published: October 2020

For ferroelectric electrostrictors, shifting their Curie temperature TC to the ambient temperature is an effective way to enhance their electrostrictive effect. However, the enhanced electrostrictive coefficient Q33 in this way is often accompanied with an inferior electro‐strain. In this work, by introducing CaZrO3/BaZrO3 as the special kind of solid solution, with an effective regulation on the ergodic state, we simultaneously realize a larger room‐temperature electrostrictive coefficient Q33 (~0.04337 m4/C2) with a superior electro‐strain (~0.41%) in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics. The ions substitution with larger radius in either A‐site or B‐site of perovskite structure tends to facilitate the evolution from ferroelectric tetragonal phase P4mm to relaxor tetragonal phase P4bm along with the decrease in polarity in crystal, thereby shifting the transition temperature TF‐R below room temperature. As a result of the effective regulation on the ergodic state, a large electro‐strain with low hysteresis, just like electrostrictors, is successfully realized in BNT‐based ferroelectric ceramics. Our investigation provides an effective way to simultaneously enhance the electrostrictive coefficient Q33 and electro‐strain for practical applications in precisely controlled displacement.
Kinetic analysis of crystallization of zeolite beta synthesized by direct heating
Authors: Honda Sawao , Nakashima Kento , Yoshida Taketo , Daiko Yusuke , Hashimoto Shinobu , Iwamoto Yuji
Published: October 2020

To quantitatively investigate the initial crystallization of zeolite beta synthesized by direct heating, the extent of the reaction was precisely evaluated by X‐ray diffraction measurements and Rietveld structural refinement, and a kinetic analysis of crystallization was performed using the Avrami‐Erofe'ev equation. The activation energy for crystallization was lower than that for hydrothermal synthesis. Reaction and synthesis time curves revealed that the initial zeolite beta crystallization consisted of three stages. The first was an induction period with nucleation by the generation of building units and the formation of an initial coordinated structure. The second stage was crystal growth by a diffusion‐controlled reaction, and the third stage involved slowing down of crystallization by the limitation of dehydrocondensation. These stages could be analyzed by calculation of the rate constant and Avrami exponent for each stage.
A mixed methods analysis of access barriers to dermatology care in a rural state
Authors: Cyr Melissa E. , Boucher Daryl , Korona Shayna A. , Guthrie Barbara J. , Benneyan James C.
Published: October 2020

Aims

To identify significant patient and system access barriers and facilitators to dermatology care in one rural health system with limited dermatology appointment availability.

Design

Mixed methods study using data from electronic medical records, patient surveys, stakeholder semi‐structured interviews, and service area dermatologist demographics. Retrospective data were collected between 1 January 2017–1 March 2018, and interviews and surveys were conducted between June 1–August 31, 2018. Participants were recruited from two primary care practices in one rural Maine regional health system.

Methods

Findings from thematic analyses, descriptive statistics, and statistical modelling were integrated using Chi‐square tests for homogeneity to develop a unified understanding. Statistical modelling using odd‐ratio logistic and linear regression were performed for each outcome variable of interest.

Results

Urgent referrals by primary care increased the likelihood of dermatology care overall (OR: 6.771;p = .007) and at nearby sites with limited availability (OR: 4.024;p = .024), but not at geographically further sites with higher capacities (p = .844). Referral under‐diagnosis occurred in 20.8% of those biopsied. Older (p = .041) or non‐working (p = .021) patients were more likely to remain unevaluated than seek more available but geographically further care.

Conclusions

In rural areas with scarce appointment availability, primary care provider diagnostic accuracy may be an important barrier of dermatology care receipt and health outcomes, especially among at‐risk populations.

Impact

Although melanoma mortality rates are decreasing throughout the US, little is known about why rates in Maine continue to rise. This study applied a comprehensive approach to identify several patient and system access barriers to dermatology care in one underserved rural regional health system. While specific to this population and large service area, these findings will inform improvement efforts here and support broader future research efforts aimed at understanding and improving health outcomes in this rural state.
Immersive virtual reality vs. non‐immersive distraction for pain management of children during bone pins and sutures removal: A randomized clinical trial protocol
Authors: Le May Sylvie , Tsimicalis Argerie , Noel Melanie , Rainville Pierre , Khadra Christelle , Ballard Ariane , Guingo Estelle , Cotes‐Turpin Casey , Addab Sofia , Chougui Khadidja , Francoeur Maxime , Hung Nicole , Bernstein Mitchell , Bouchard Stéphane , Parent Stefan , Hupin Debeurme Mathilde
Published: October 2020

Aims

To examine the efficacy of an immersive virtual reality distraction compared with an active non‐immersive distraction, such as video games on a tablet, for pain and anxiety management and memory of pain and anxiety in children requiring percutaneous bone pins and/or suture removal procedures.

Design

Three‐centre randomized clinical trial using a parallel design with two groups: experimental and control.

Methods

Study to take place in the orthopaedic department of three children hospital of the Montreal region starting in 2019. Children, from 7–17 years old, requiring bone pins and/or suture removal procedures will be recruited. The intervention group (N = 94) will receive a virtual reality game (Dreamland), whereas the control group (N = 94) will receive a tablet with video games. The primary outcomes will be both the mean self‐reported pain score measured by the Numerical Rating Scale and mean anxiety score, measured by the Child Fear Scale. Recalls of pain and anxiety will be measured 1 week after the procedure using the same scales. We aim to recruit 188 children to achieve a power of 80% with a significance level (alpha) of 5%.

Discussion

While multiple pharmacological methods have previously been tested for children, no studies have evaluated the impact of immersive virtual reality distraction for pain and anxiety management in the orthopaedic setting.

Impact

Improved pain management can be achieved using virtual reality during medical procedures for children. This method is innovative, non‐pharmacological, adapted to the hospital setting, and user‐friendly.

Trial Registration

NCT03680625, registered on clinicaltrials.gov.
Comparative evaluation of growth performance, carcass characteristics and timed series gene expression profile of GH and IGF‐1 in two Egyptian indigenous chicken breeds versus Rhode Island Red
Authors: El‐Attrouny Mahmoud M. , Iraqi Mahmoud M. , Sabike Islam I. , Abdelatty Alzahraa M. , Moustafa Mahmoud M. , Badr Omnia A.
Published: October 2020

Indigenous chicken breeds in developing countries have diverse benefits to rural economy as a source of high‐quality animal protein. However, there are few reports on the evaluation of economic traits in Egyptian indigenous breeds. Hence, this study aimed to investigate growth performance, carcass characteristics, body measurements and meat quality traits in two indigenous breeds of chickens (Benha line and Golden Montazah) versus Rhode Island Red as a reference worldwide breed. Besides, a time series expression profile of somatotropic axis genes including GH and IGF‐1 and their plasma level concentrations were investigated. Benha line chickens (BL) revealed the highest improved estimates of growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality traits. In the same manner, it displayed the highest levels of hepatic GH and IGF‐1 and muscle IGF‐1 gene expression compared to Rhode Island Red (RIR) and Golden Montazah (GM) chickens. Accordingly, BL exhibited the highest levels of plasma IGF‐1 and the lowest levels of plasma GH. This result suggests the direct association between growth performance, carcass characteristics and levels of IGF‐1 gene expression in the selected chicken breeds. BL is a superior Egyptian genotype with candidate productive traits and competing characteristics, it could be used widely as a proven ancestor of commercial hybrid breeds.
Novel mutations of TCTN3/LTBP2 with cellular function changes in congenital heart disease associated with polydactyly
Authors: Chen Huan‐Xin , Yang Zi‐Yue , Hou Hai‐Tao , Wang Jun , Wang Xiu‐Li , Yang Qin , Liu Lin , He Guo‐Wei
Published: October 2020

Congenital heart disease (CHD) associated with polydactyly involves various genes. We aimed to identify variations from genes related to complex CHD with polydactyly and to investigate the cellular functions related to the mutations. Blood was collected from a complex CHD case with polydactyly, and whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to generate human pluripotent stem cell with mutations (hPSCs‐Mut) that were differentiated into cardiomyocytes (hPSC‐CMs‐Mut) and analysed by transcriptomics on day 0, 9 and 13. Two heterozygous mutations, LTBP2 (c.2206G>A, p.Asp736Asn, RefSeq NM_000428.2) and TCTN3 (c.1268G>A, p.Gly423Glu, RefSeq NM_015631.5), were identified via WES but no TBX5 mutations were found. The stable cell lines of hPSCs‐LTBP2mu/TCTN3mu were constructed and differentiated into hPSC‐CMs‐LTBP2mu/TCTN3mu. Compared to the wild type, LTBP2 mutation delayed the development of CMs. The TCTN3 mutation consistently presented lower rate and weaker force of the contraction of CMs. For gene expression pattern of persistent up‐regulation, pathways in cardiac development and congenital heart disease were enriched in hPSCs‐CM‐LTBP2mu, compared with hPSCs‐CM‐WT. Thus, the heterozygous mutations in TCTN3 and LTBP2 affect contractility (rate and force) of cardiac myocytes and may affect the development of the heart. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of complex CHD with polydactyly.
METTL3 promotes IL‐1β–induced degeneration of endplate chondrocytes by driving m6A‐dependent maturation of miR‐126‐5p
Authors: Xiao Liang , Zhao Quanlai , Hu Bo , Wang Jing , Liu Chen , Xu Hongguang
Published: October 2020

METTL3 is an important regulatory molecule in the process of RNA biosynthesis. It mainly regulates mRNA translation, alternative splicing and microRNA maturation by mediating m6A‐dependent methylation. Interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) is an important inducer of cartilage degeneration that can induce an inflammatory cascade reaction in chondrocytes and inhibit the normal biological function of cells. However, it is unclear whether IL‐1β is related to METTL3 expression or plays a regulatory role in endplate cartilage degeneration. In this study, we found that the expression level of METTL3 and methylation level of m6A in human endplate cartilage with different degrees of degeneration were significantly different, indicating that the methylation modification of m6A mediated by METTL3 was closely related to the degeneration of human endplate cartilage. Next, through a series of functional experiments, we found that miR‐126‐5p can play a significant role in IL‐1β–induced degeneration of endplate chondrocytes. Moreover, we found that miR‐126‐5p can inhibit the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway by targeting PIK3R2 gene, leading to the disorder of cell vitality and functional metabolism. To further determine whether METTL3 could regulate miR‐126‐5p maturation, we first confirmed that METTL3 can bind the key protein underlying pri‐miRNA processing, DGCR8. Additionally, when METTL3 expression was inhibited, the miR‐126‐5p maturation process was blocked. Therefore, we hypothesized that METTL3 can promote cleavage of pri‐miR‐126‐5p and form mature miR‐126‐5p by combining with DGCR8.
Retrospective analysis of the long‐term effect of subgingival air polishing in supportive periodontal therapy
Authors: Petersilka Gregor , Koch Raphael , Vomhof Anna , Joda Tim , Harks Inga , Arweiler Nicole , Ehmke Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Aim

Glycine powder air polishing (GPAP) procedure has become popular. Aim of the analysis was to compare the clinical outcomes during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) of subgingival application of GPAP with those using sole conventional mechanical debridement (SC).

Material and Methods

Over a median SPT period of 5.3 years (re‐evaluation through last observation), the GPAP cohort (n = 263) received supra‐ and subgingival biofilm removal with GPAP. Supragingival calculus was removed using curets and sonic scalers here. Patients in the SC cohort (n = 264) were treated with sonic scalers, curets and rubber cup polishing only. Changes in, that is pocket probing depth (PPD) and furcation involvement were assessed retrospectively. A bootstrapping equivalence testing method in line with the principle of the two one‐sided tests (TOST) procedure was used to compare clinical outcomes.

Results

The GPAP procedure was statistically equivalent to SC regarding the number of sites with stable PPDs (83.3%; IQR 68.8%, 91.0% vs. 84.0%; IQR 77.8%, 90.0%). However, in the GPAP cohort, a trend towards deterioration in furcation status (no equivalence) was noted.

Conclusions

In periodontal maintenance, the use of GPAP instead of mechanical plaque removal does not improve the clinical outcome. It seems to be contraindicated to treat furcation defects with GPAP only.
Corn rootworm survey in North Dakota and a comparison of two sticky traps
Authors: Calles‐Torrez Veronica , Boetel Mark A. , Knodel Janet J.
Published: October 2020

Northern, Diabrotica barberi Smith & Lawrence, and western, D. virgifera virgifera LeConte, corn rootworms are major economic pests of corn, Zea mays L., in the United States. This research was conducted to determine the geographic distribution, abundance, and species composition of Diabrotica species in North Dakota, and to compare effectiveness of unbaited green Scentry™ Multigard and unbaited yellow Pherocon® AM/NB sticky traps for monitoring. Fifty‐one corn fields were monitored using traps from July through October of the 2013, 2014, and 2015 growing seasons for rootworm beetle activity. The overall species composition was 61% D. barberi and 39% D. v. virgifera. Both species were frequently captured, and the highest densities (i.e. >10 beetles per trap per week) were found in southeastern North Dakota. Low densities (i.e. <0.1 beetles per trap per week) of D. barberi were found in areas further north, but no D. v. virgifera were captured in those fields. The two different coloured sticky traps were not significantly different across 38 sites for D. barberi and across 21 sites for D. v. virgifera. However, green Scentry™ Multigard traps captured more D. barberi beetles than yellow Pherocon® AM/NB traps at 68% of the 38 fields. In contrast, the yellow Pherocon® AM/NB traps captured more D. v. virgifera beetles at 57% of the 21 fields. Findings also indicated that, although D. barberi was the predominant species in surveyed fields, populations rarely reached the economic threshold. Our study observed that economic populations of corn rootworms were infrequent among the field sites trapped in North Dakota. As a result, producers should scout fields regularly for corn rootworm populations levels to make sound pest management decisions. This knowledge can enable producers to effectively protect their crop when control is economically justified, and the information can also provide input cost savings when populations do not warrant control efforts.
Genetic correlations between challenge tested susceptibility to bacillary necrosis, caused by Edwardsiella ictaluri, and growth performance tested survival and harvest body weight in Mekong striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)
Authors: Pham Khoi Dinh , Ødegård Jørgen , Nguyen Sang Van , Gjøen Hans Magnus , Klemetsdal Gunnar
Published: October 2020

The aim was to carry out a joint genetic analysis of survival and harvest body weight, recorded in a growth performance test in Mekong striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), and susceptibility to bacillary necrosis (caused by Edwardsiella ictaluri), recorded in challenge tests. Data were from two challenge tested year‐classes (~6,000 fish in both) that both had growth test data available for survival and body weight (~13,000 fish each year). Data were analysed with a linear tri‐variate sire‐dam model without the common environmental effect because otherwise genetic correlations were estimated with large standard errors. Susceptibility to bacillary necrosis was found weakly genetically correlated to both growth and survival in the growth test, while growth was found with moderate favourable genetic correlation to growth survival. To defend continued challenge testing of striped catfish in Vietnam, a strong genetic relationship needs to be established between bacillary necrosis and survival under a natural disease outbreak. This requires another field test (in addition to the growth test) with siblings, without antibiotic treatment and the cause of death continuously monitored. Meanwhile, the routine challenge testing with the aim to indirectly improve field survival through selection should continue.
Pre‐ and early postnatal enriched environmental experiences prevent neonatal hypoxia‐ischemia late neurodegeneration via metabolic and neuroplastic mechanisms
Authors: Durán‐Carabali Luz Elena , Odorcyk Felipe Kawa , Greggio Samuel , Venturin Gianina Teribele , Sanches Eduardo Farias , Schu Guilherme Garcia , Carvalho Andrey Soares , Pedroso Thales Avila , de Sá Couto‐Pereira Natividade , Da Costa Jaderson Costa , Dalmaz Carla , Zimmer Eduardo Rigon , Netto Carlos Alexandre
Published: October 2020

Prenatal and early postnatal periods are important for brain development and neural function. Neonatal insults such as hypoxia‐ischemia (HI) causes prolonged neural and metabolic dysregulation, affecting central nervous system maturation. There is evidence that brain hypometabolism could increase the risk of adult‐onset neurodegenerative diseases. However, the impact of non‐pharmacologic strategies to attenuate HI‐induced brain glucose dysfunction is still underexplored. This study investigated the long‐term effects of early environmental enrichment in metabolic, cell, and functional responses after neonatal HI. Thereby, male Wistar rats were divided according to surgical procedure, sham, and HI (performed at postnatal day 3), and the allocation to standard (SC) or enriched condition (EC) during gestation and lactation periods. In‐vivo cerebral metabolism was assessed by means of [18F]‐FDG micro‐positron emission tomography, and cognitive, biochemical, and histological analyses were performed in adulthood. Our findings reveal that HI causes a reduction in glucose metabolism and glucose transporter levels as well as hyposynchronicity in metabolic brain networks. However, EC during prenatal or early postnatal period attenuated these metabolic disturbances. A positive correlation was observed between [18F]‐FDG values and volume ratios in adulthood, indicating that preserved tissue by EC is metabolically active. EC promotes better cognitive scores, as well as down‐regulation of amyloid precursor protein in the parietal cortex and hippocampus of HI animals. Furthermore, growth‐associated protein 43 was up‐regulated in the cortex of EC animals. Altogether, results presented support that EC during gestation and lactation period can reduce HI‐induced impairments that may contribute to functional decline and progressive late neurodegeneration.

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Removal of vasopressin cells from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus enhances lipopolysaccharide‐induced sickness behaviour in mice
Authors: Whylings Jack , Rigney Nicole , de Vries Geert J. , Petrulis Aras
Published: October 2020

Vasopressin (AVP) cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) are activated during sickness and project to multiple nuclei responsible for the anxiety, social and motivated behaviours affected during sickness, suggesting that these cells may play a role in sickness behaviours, typically expressed as reduced mobility, increased anxiety, anhedonia and social withdrawal. In the present study, we selectively ablated AVP neurones in the PVN of male and female mice (Mus musculus) and induced sickness behaviour via injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found that PVN AVP ablation increased the effects of LPS, specifically by further decreasing sucrose preference in males and females and decreasing the social preference of males, monitored within 24 hours of LPS injection. These results suggest that PVN AVP contributes to the change in motivated behaviours during sickness and may help promote recovery from infection..
Elaeagnus L gum polysaccharides alleviate the impairment of barrier function in the dry skin model mice
Authors: Wang Bingying , Tai Meiling , Zhang Kun , Chen Huixiong , Gan Xiaoshuang , Che Biao , Abudukelimu N. , Wang Guoping , Xin Xuelei , Lin Li , Han Ping , Peng Yi , Du Zhiyun , Aker Aisa Haji
Published: October 2020

Background

Dry skin is a common skin condition caused by reduction of water‐holding capacity, which is regulated by skin barrier function. Dry skin can also be a symptom that indicates a more serious diagnosis. There are a number of moisturizers on the market, which play an important role in dermatologic and cosmetic therapies. However, the demand for these products with good and therapeutic efficiency is still growing.

Aims

It remains necessary to investigate the effects of Elaeagnus L gum polysaccharides (EAP), which are prepared from gum of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. on the epidermal permeability barrier function and their possible underlying mechanisms.

Patients/Methods

EAP were purified, analyzed, and tested on human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and then on the skin in vivo to evaluate their antiinflammatory activities and their impacts on impaired skin barrier function.

Results

Histological analyses revealed that topical administration with EAP effectively attenuated dryness‐like skin condition, including less percutaneous water loss rate, less infiltrate inflammation cells, and less epidermal thickening. Moreover, EAP inhibited the production of various inflammatory mediators and increased AQP‐3, FLG, and LOR expression.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that EAP enhances epidermal permeability barrier function, and they can be used as a promising adjuvant agent in skin care cosmetics and in treating some skin disorders characterized by cutaneous inflammation and abnormal barrier function.
Delusional infestation: Clinical presentations, diagnosis, and management
Authors: Torales Julio , García Oscar , Barrios Iván , O’Higgins Marcelo , Castaldelli‐Maia João Mauricio , Ventriglio Antonio , Jafferany Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Background

Delusional infestation is a primary psychiatric disorder characterized by a somatic‐type delusional disorder (primary delusional infestation) that may lead to self‐induced cutaneous lesions which are often difficult to recognize and treat properly. It may be also secondary to other psychiatric disorders, medical diseases, or substance abuse.

Aims

This review will describe prevalence, common clinical features, different clinical presentations, differential diagnoses, and treatment recommendation. Special focus has been put on psychological aspects.

Methods

We conducted a literature search on PubMed from January 2001 to June 2020 with the search terms of delusional parasitosis, delusional infestation, psychological, Reference lists of identified articles were examined for further relevant studies. The search was limited to English language articles. No specified quality criteria were used for study inclusion.

Results

The clinical manifestations of delusional infestation are very important in the differential diagnosis and its psychological implications and management perspectives.

Conclusion

This article presents an update regarding the clinical aspects and treatment options of delusional infestation in order to provide an up‐to‐date review for dermatologists and general practitioners.
Efficacy of systemic minoxidil and tofacitinib combination in treatment‐resistant alopecia universalis
Authors: Dincer Didem , Tanacan Efsun , Kose Ozkan Cansel
Published: October 2020

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune nonscarring alopecic disorder, which presents with varying amounts of hair loss, ranging from focal patchy loss to entire scalp and body hair loss. Treatment of AA is a challenging issue within dermatology practice. Although many treatment options are present, response to medications remains unsatisfactory, especially in severe and recalcitrant cases. In this study, we present a case of treatment‐resistant AU, which was successfully treated by the combination of tofacitinib and oral minoxidil.
On Sea Turtle‐associated Craspedostauros (Bacillariophyta), with Description of Three Novel Species
Authors: Majewska Roksana , Ashworth Matt P. , Bosak Sunčica , Goosen William E. , Nolte Christopher , Filek Klara , Van de Vijver Bart , Taylor Jonathan C. , Manning Schonna R. , Nel Ronel
Published: October 2020

The current study focuses on four species from the primarily marine diatom genus Craspedostauros that were observed growing attached to numerous sea turtles and sea turtle‐associated barnacles from Croatia and South Africa. Three of the examined taxa, C. danayanus sp. nov., C. legouvelloanus sp. nov., and C. macewanii sp. nov., are described based on morphological and, whenever possible, molecular characteristics. The new taxa exhibit characters not previously observed in other members of the genus, such as the presence of more than two rows of cribrate areolae on the girdle bands, shallow perforated septa, and a complete reduction of the stauros. The fourth species, C. alatus, itself recently described from museum sea turtle specimens, is reported for the first time from loggerhead sea turtles rescued in Europe. A 3‐gene phylogenetic analysis including DNA sequence data for three sea turtle‐associated Craspedostauros species and other marine and epizoic diatom taxa indicated that Craspedostauros is monophyletic and sister to Achnanthes. This study, being based on a large number of samples and animal specimens analyzed and using different preservation and processing methods, provides new insights into the ecology and biogeography of the genus and sheds light on the level of intimacy and permanency in the host–epibiont interaction within the epizoic Craspedostauros species.
Systematics, distribution, and sexual compatibility of six Scytosiphon species (Scytosiphonaceae, Phaeophyceae) from Japan and the description of four new species
Authors: Hoshino Masakazu , Tanaka Atsuko , Kamiya Mitsunobu , Uwai Shinya , Hiraoka Masanori , Kogame Kazuhiro
Published: October 2020

The brown alga Scytosiphon lomentaria (Scytosiphonaceae, Ectocarpales) has been reported from cold and warm waters worldwide. Although previous molecular phylogenetic studies and crossing experiments have shown that it is a complex of multiple distinct species, the taxonomic position and accurate distribution of each species have remained largely unclear. For the S. lomentaria complex from Japan, our cox1 and rbcL phylogenetic analyses detected six species. In addition to five previously detected species (species Ia–Va), one species (species VI) was newly found in the subtropical area, Okinawa Island. Species VI was recovered as a sister to species Ia–Va in rbcL. Based on the morphological and phylogenetic data, we concluded that species Ia is S. lomentaria, species IIIa is S. promiscuus, and the other four species are newly described: S. shibazakiorum for species IIa, S. tosaensis for species IVa, S. arcanus for species Va, and S. subtropicus for species VI. The cox1‐based analysis also showed that S. lomentaria, S. shibazakiorum, and S. promiscuus have worldwide distributions, while the other three species were not found outside of Japan. In Japan, except for S. subtropicus, distributions of these species overlapped. Our crossing experiments showed that gametic incompatibility (pre‐zygotic barrier) was less developed between the allopatric species (i.e., S. subtropicus and others) compared with the sympatric species. It may suggest that pre‐zygotic barriers have evolved among the sympatric species due to reinforcement.
Use of critically important antimicrobial classes early in life may adversely impact bacterial resistance profiles during adult years: potential co-selection for plasmid-borne fluoroquinolone and macrolide resistance via extended-spectrum beta-lactam use in dairy cattle
Authors: Taylor E.A. , Ossa-Trujillo C. , Vinasco J. , Jordan E.R. , García Buitrago J.A. , Hagevoort R. , Norman K.N. , Lawhon S.D. , Piñeiro J.M. , Levent G. , Scott H.M.
Published: October 2020

The transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes commonly occurs via vertical and horizontal gene transfer, as such genes are often found on the same mobile genetic element. This occurrence can lead to the co-selection of resistance to antimicrobials without their application. Dairy cattle located in the south-western United States were enrolled in a matched-pair longitudinal study to evaluate the effects of a two-dose ceftiofur treatment for metritis on levels of third-generation cephalosporin resistance among faecal Escherichia coli temporally. Escherichia coli chosen for further investigation were isolated on selective media, harboured extended-spectrum beta-lactam, fluoroquinolone and macrolide resistance genes. This combination has previously been unreported; importantly, it included genes encoding for resistance to antibiotics that can only be used in dairy cattle less than 20 months of age. Fluoroquinolones, macrolides and third and higher generation cephalosporins are considered critically important and highest priority for human medicine by the World Health Organization.
Puma–livestock conflicts in the Americas: a review of the evidence
Authors: Guerisoli Maria de las Mercedes , Luengos Vidal Estela , Caruso Nicolás , Giordano Anthony J , Lucherini Mauro
Published: October 2020

Loss of livestock is one of the greatest sources of conflict between humans and large felids worldwide. The pumaPuma concoloris the most widespread apex predator in the Americas, and conflicts between this felid and humans are common throughout its geographical range. In response to predation on livestock, humans persecute and hunt pumas.

We identified the main environmental and anthropogenic variables that define puma–livestock conflict areas in the Americas as 12 conflict predictor variables, and explored the techniques proposed to mitigate conflicts between the puma and livestock producers.

We conducted a systematic search and subsequent review of the scientific literature and found 92 publications on puma–livestock conflicts. Through single‐variable analyses and generalised linear models (GLM), we identified which of the 12 conflict predictors were most predictive of the occurrence of predation.

The single‐variable analyses showed that high livestock density (goat, sheep, and cattle), low latitudes, low habitat steepness, low co‐predator richness, high distance to habitat (shrub), and high distance to roads characterised areas with conflict. The binomial GLM indicated that areas with conflicts were primarily located in the temperate southern hemisphere and characterised by densities of livestock. The most frequently cited conflict mitigation techniques were ‘improving livestock management’, ‘predator control’, and the ‘use of fencing’.

Although our knowledge about the puma and its relationships with human communities has improved, there are wide geographical gaps, and many facets of puma–livestock conflicts are still little understood. Scientists should work with local stakeholders to generate reliable information regarding the ecological and societal consequences of puma–livestock conflicts, and to develop conflict mitigation techniques that could facilitate the coexistence of pumas and humans.
Direct binding of benzoate derivatives to two chemoreceptors with Cache sensor domains in Halomonas titanicae KHS3
Authors: Gasperotti Ana F. , Herrera Seitz M. Karina , Balmaceda Rocío S. , Prosa Luciano M. , Jung Kirsten , Studdert Claudia A.
Published: October 2020

Halomonas titanicae KHS3, isolated from a hydrocarbon‐contaminated sea harbor in Argentina, is able to grow on aromatic hydrocarbons and displays chemotaxis toward those compounds. This behavior might contribute to the efficiency of its degradation capacity. Using high throughput screening, we identified two chemoreceptors (Htc1 and Htc2) that bind benzoate derivatives and other organic acids. Whereas Htc1 has a high affinity for benzoate (Kd 112 µM) and 2‐hydroxybenzoate (Kd 83 µM), Htc2 binds 2‐hydroxybenzoate with low affinity (Kd 3.25 mM), and also C3/C4 dicarboxylates. Both chemoreceptors are able to trigger a chemotactic response of E. coli cells to the specific ligands. A H. titanicae htc1 mutant has reduced chemotaxis toward benzoate, and is complemented upon expression of the corresponding receptor. Both chemoreceptors have a Cache‐type sensor domain, double (Htc1) or single (Htc2), and their ability to bind aromatic compounds is reported here for the first time.