bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
European dermatology forum: Updated guidelines on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis 2020 – Part 2
Authors: Knobler R. , Arenberger P. , Arun A. , Assaf C. , Bagot M. , Berlin G. , Bohbot A. , Calzavara‐Pinton P. , Child F. , Cho A. , French L.E. , Gennery A.R. , Gniadecki R. , Gollnick H.P.M. , Guenova E. , Jaksch P. , Jantschitsch C. , Klemke C. , Ludvigsson J. , Papadavid E. , Scarisbrick J. , Schwarz T. , Stadler R. , Wolf P. , Zic J. , Zouboulis C. , Zuckermann A. , Greinix H.
Published: September 2020

Background

Following the first investigational study on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma published in 1983, this technology has received continued use and further recognition for additional earlier as well as refractory forms. After the publication of the first guidelines for this technology in the JEADV in 2014, this technology has maintained additional promise in the treatment of other severe and refractory conditions in a multidisciplinary setting. It has confirmed recognition in well‐known documented conditions such as graft‐vs.‐host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, systemic sclerosis, solid organ transplant rejection including lung, heart and liver and to a lesser extent inflammatory bowel disease.

Materials and methods

In order to further provide recognized expert practical guidelines for the use of this technology for all indications, the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) again proceeded to address these questions in the hands of the recognized experts within and outside the field of dermatology. This was done using the recognized and approved guidelines of EDF for this task. All authors had the opportunity to review each contribution as it was added.

Results and conclusion

These updated 2020 guidelines provide at present the most comprehensive available expert recommendations for the use of extracorporeal photopheresis based on the available published literature and expert consensus opinion. The guidelines were divided into two parts: PART I covers Cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, chronic graft‐vs.‐host disease and acute graft‐vs.‐host disease, while PART II will cover scleroderma, solid organ transplantation, Crohn’s disease, use of ECP in paediatric patients, atopic dermatitis, type 1 diabetes, pemphigus, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and erosive oral lichen planus.
Classification of first quality fancy cashew kernels using four deep convolutional neural network models
Authors: Vidyarthi Sriram K. , Singh Samrendra K. , Tiwari Rakhee , Xiao Hong‐Wei , Rai Rewa
Published: September 2020

In this study, we proposed deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) combined with image processing to classify cashew kernels in five categories based on the adulteration of first‐class fancy whole cashew kernels with butts and pieces. Four DCNN models, including Inception‐V3, ResNet50, VGG‐16, and a custom model were implemented, and their performances were compared using model evaluators, such as sensitivity, specificity, precision, accuracy, and F1‐score. Overall, all the models showed a high performance with a minimum accuracy of 95.1% and the training and validation data curves demonstrated a good fitting of the models. Although all the models demonstrated promising potential for cashew classification, Inception‐V3 and ResNet50 neural networks delivered the most promising outcome with the highest accuracies (each 98.4%) and F1‐scores (each 96%). Custom‐built model showed the least accuracy (95.1%) and F1‐score (87.9%). The findings of current work indicate that the developed DCNN models are capable of achieving automatic, fast, and accurate cashew classification.

Practical application

Currently, the sorting and grading of cashew kernel are mostly manual and time‐consuming process and the deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) or Deep Learning implemented in this study can facilitate a speedy and automated cashew classification in cashew industry worldwide.
Do Caregiving Factors Affect Hospitalization Risk Among Disabled Older Adults?
Authors: Amjad Halima , Mulcahy John , Kasper Judith D. , Burgdorf Julia , Roth David L. , Covinsky Ken , Wolff Jennifer L.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Hospitalization is common among older adults with disability, many of whom receive help from a caregiver and have dementia. Our objective was to evaluate the association between caregiver factors and risk of hospitalization and whether associations differ by dementia status.

DESIGN

Longitudinal observational study.

SETTING

The 1999 and 2004 National Long‐Term Care Survey and the 2011 and 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study, linked caregiver surveys, and Medicare claims.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2,589 community‐living Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries, aged 65 years or older (mean age = 79 years; 63% women; 31% with dementia), with self‐care or mobility disability and their primary family or unpaid caregiver.

MEASUREMENTS

Self‐reported characteristics of older adults and their caregivers were assessed from older adult and caregiver survey interviews. Older adult hospitalization over the subsequent 12 months was identified in Medicare claims. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for older adult characteristics and were stratified by dementia status.

RESULTS

In this nationally representative cohort, 38% of older adults with disabilities were hospitalized over 12 months following interview. Increased hospitalization risk was associated with having a primary caregiver who helped with healthcare tasks (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.40), reported physical strain (aHR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.04–1.42), and provided more than 40 hours of care weekly (aHR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.04–1.54 vs ≤20 hours). Having a caregiver who had helped for 4 years or longer (vs <1 year) was associated with 38% lower risk of hospitalization (aHR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.49–0.79). Older adults with and without dementia had similar rates of hospitalization (39.5% vs 37.3%; P = .4), and caregiving factors were similarly associated with hospitalization regardless of older adults' dementia status.

CONCLUSION

Select caregiving characteristics are associated with hospitalization risk among older adults with disability. Hospitalization risk reduction strategies may benefit from understanding and addressing caregiving circumstances.
Video‐Enhanced Care Management for Medically Complex Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Hastings Susan N. , Mahanna Elizabeth P. , Berkowitz Theodore S. Z. , Smith Valerie A. , Choate Ashley L. , Hughes Jaime M. , Pavon Juliessa , Robinson Katina , Hendrix Cristina , Van Houtven Courtney , Gentry Pamela , Rose Cynthia , Plassman Brenda L. , Potter Guy , Oddone Eugene
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study assessed feasibility of video‐enhanced care management for complex older veterans with suspected mild cognitive impairment (CI) and their care partners, compared with telephone delivery.

DESIGN

Pilot randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were enrolled as dyads, consisting of veterans aged 65 years or older with complex medical conditions (Care Assessment Need score ≥90) and suspected mild CI (education‐adjusted Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status score 20–31) and their care partners.

INTERVENTION

The 12‐week care management intervention consisted of monthly calls from a study nurse covering medication management, cardiovascular disease risk reduction, physical activity, and sleep behaviors, delivered via video compared with telephone.

MEASUREMENTS

Dyads completed baseline and follow‐up assessments to assess feasibility, acceptability, and usability.

RESULTS

Forty veterans (mean (standard deviation (SD)) age = 72.4 (6.1) years; 100% male; 37.5% Black) and their care partners (mean (SD) age = 64.7 (10.8) years) were enrolled and randomized to telephone or video‐enhanced care management. About a third of veteran participants indicated familiarity with relevant technology (regular tablet use and/or experience with videoconferencing); 53.6% of internet users were comfortable or very comfortable using the internet. Overall, 43 (71.7%) care management calls were completed in the video arm and 52 (86.7%) were completed in the telephone arm. Usability of the video telehealth platform was rated higher for participants already familiar with technology used to deliver the intervention (mean (SD) System Usability Scale scores: 65.0 (17.0) vs 55.6 (19.6)). Veterans, care partners, and study nurses reported greater engagement, communication, and interaction in the video arm.

CONCLUSION

Video‐delivered care management calls were feasible and preferred over telephone for some complex older adults with mild CI and their care partners. Future research should focus on understanding how to assess and incorporate patient and family preferences related to uptake and maintenance of video telehealth interventions.
Regional consumption, material flows, and their driving forces: A case study of China's Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (Jing–Jin–Ji) urban agglomeration
Authors: Li Yanxian , Wang Jiawen , Xian Dan , Zhang Yan , Yu Xiangyi
Published: September 2020

Continuous urbanization and a coordinated regional development strategy have gradually shaped urban agglomerations as new and massive centers of resource consumption in China. Therefore, understanding the material consumption status and the underlying mechanisms for typical Chinese urban agglomerations will support efforts to promote regional resource‐utilization sustainability. In this study, we analyzed material consumption and its structure in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (Jing–Jin–Ji) urban agglomeration from 2000 to 2015 and traced the sources of material consumption and underlying processes from a metabolic perspective. We also identified the main contributors and key drivers behind the changes of consumption during this period. The urban agglomeration's total consumption increased 2.2 times compared to the 2,000 level during the study period, with metallic minerals accounting for the largest proportion. Highly developed cities, including Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, and Handan, consumed the largest amounts of materials and generated the most wastes. These cities also relied heavily on both internal and external resources and exchanged materials frequently among their metabolic compartments. Economic activity was the strongest contributor to the increased material consumption, followed by the population increase, whereas decreasing material‐consumption intensity (increased efficiency) restrained the growth of material consumption somewhat. Our application of the material‐flow accounting framework at the scale of an urban agglomeration provides support for future research on material consumption in other typical urban agglomerations, where it can provide support for policy development to alleviate regional resource shortages.
Developing a new model system for potato genetics by androgenesis
Authors: Du Miru , Wang Ting , Lian Qun , Zhang Xiaojie , Xin Guohui , Pu Yuanyuan , Bryan Glenn J. , Qi Jianjian
Published: September 2020

High heterozygosity and tetrasomic inheritance complicate studies of asexually propagated polyploids, such as potato. Reverse genetics approaches, especially mutant library construction, can be an ideal choice if a proper mutagenesis genotype is available. Here, we aimed to generate a model system for potato research using anther cultures of Solanum verrucosum, a self‐compatible diploid potato with strong late blight resistance. Six of the 23 regenerants obtained (SVA4, SVA7, SVA22, SVA23, SVA32, and SVA33) were diploids, and their homozygosity was estimated to be >99.99% with 22 polymorphic InDel makers. Two lines—SVA4 and SVA32—had reduced stature (plant height ≤80 cm), high seed yield (>1,000 seeds/plant), and good tuber set (>30 tubers/plant). We further confirmed the full homozygosity of SVA4 and SVA32 using whole‐genome resequencing. These two regenerants possess all the characteristics of a model plant: diploidy, 100% homozygosity, self‐compatibility, and amenability to transgenesis. Thus, we have successfully generated two lines, SVA4 and SVA32, which can potentially be used for mutagenesis and as model plants to rejuvenate current methods of conducting potato research.
Silencing integrated SIV proviral DNA with TAR‐specific CRISPR tools
Authors: Smith Lisa M. , Hodara Vida L. , Parodi Laura M. , Callery Jessica E. , Giavedoni Luis D.
Published: September 2020

Background

One approach for a functional HIV cure is to prevent transcription from integrated proviral DNA. A critical step in HIV transcription is the Tat protein interaction with the TAR element viral RNA. We tested the strategy of blocking this Tat‐TAR interaction in the SIVmac model.

Methods

We designed five CRISPR short guiding RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting the SIVmac TAR element, along with inactive versions of Cas9 (dCas9). These sgRNA constructs were delivered as ribonucleoproteins or plasmid DNA, along with SIV DNA. The constructs were also tested in integrated viral DNA in a cell line chronically infected by SIV.

Results

The sgRNAs targeting the coding strand of the TAR element inhibited SIV RNA transcription in association with dCas9‐KRAB, but not with dCas9.

Conclusions

Induction of epigenetic modifications may be more effective in inactivating provirus than transcriptional interference and thus may be a better strategy to achieve a functional cure in vivo.
Activation of neuronal Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) improves post‐stroke recovery and axonal plasticity in mice
Authors: Bu Fan , Munshi Yashasvee , Furr J Weldon , Min Jia‐wei , Qi Li , Patrizz Anthony , Spahr Zachary R. , Urayama Akihiko , Kofler Julia K. , McCullough Louise D. , Li Jun
Published: September 2020

Long‐term disability after stroke is common but the mechanisms of post‐stroke recovery remain unclear. Cerebral Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate (Rac) 1 contributes to functional recovery after ischemic stroke in mice. As Rac1 plays divergent roles in individual cell types after central neural system injury, we herein examined the specific role of neuronal Rac1 in post‐stroke recovery and axonal regeneration. Young male mice were subjected to 60‐min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Inducible deletion of neuronal Rac1 by daily intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (2 mg/40 g) into Thy1‐creER/Rac1‐floxed mice day 7–11 after MCAO worsened cognitive (assayed by novel object recognition test) and sensorimotor (assayed by adhesive removal and pellet reaching tests) recovery day 14–28 accompanied with the reduction of neurofilament‐L (NFL) and myelin basic protein (MBP) and the elevation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the peri‐infarct zone assessed by immunostaining. Whereas the brain tissue loss was not altered assayed by cresyl violet staining. In another approach, delayed overexpression of neuronal Rac1 by injection of lentivirus encoding Rac1 with neuronal promotor into both the cortex and striatum (total 4 μl at 1 × 109 transducing units/mL) of stroke side in C57BL/6J mice day 7 promoted stroke outcome, NFL and MBP regrowth and alleviated GFAP invasion. Furthermore, neuronal Rac1 over‐expression led to the activation of p21 activating kinases (PAK) 1, mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1/2 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and the elevation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) day 14 after stroke. Finally, we observed higher counts of neuronal Rac1 in the peri‐infarct zone of subacute/old ischemic stroke subjects. This work identified a neuronal Rac1 signaling in improving functional recovery and axonal regeneration after stroke, suggesting a potential therapeutic target in the recovery stage of stroke.

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Mealtime challenges in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Who is responsible?
Authors: Sørensen Dorthe , Wieghorst Anna Rottensten , Elbek Johanne Andersen , Mousing Camilla Askov
Published: September 2020

Aims

To explore experiences of, and practices related to, mealtime challenges in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background

Nutritional status is a significant indicator of prognosis and outcome in patients with COPD. Preventing unintended weight loss and helping patients regain weight are important nursing tasks. Dietary supplements have been effective in treating underweight in cases of stable COPD. However, compliance with long‐term interventions is quite low. Improving nutritional intake through knowledge of meal‐related challenges is the key to making further progress in preventing unintended weight loss.

Design

This study employed an ethnographic design using the go‐along method.

Methods

From September 2018–June 2019, 34 hr of meal‐related observations and informal conversations with purposefully selected patients (n = 15) were completed at a Danish respiratory medicine ward and in patients’ homes. We analysed the empirical data using a Ricoeur‐inspired method. Reporting adheres to the COREQ Checklist.

Findings

In this study, we identified the absence of professional responsibility as a main challenge. Mealtimes appeared to be relegated to a matter of nutrition, and common practices surrounding mealtimes were no longer observed. Patients became dependent individuals who had to settle for the food available. In addition, physiological challenges often resulted in patients re‐evaluating the benefits of eating, concluding that it was not worth the effort and therefore not eating. Furthermore, patients were hesitant to communicate their needs, which left a number of nonverbalised challenges unattended.

Conclusions

Overall, meal‐related challenges pose a risk of unintended weight loss, and the health professionals’ work with mealtimes lacks a coordinated, systematic approach. Further research is needed to develop or implement interventions that can accommodate mealtimes.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study contributes valuable knowledge that can be used to improve the quality of nursing care and prevent unintended weight loss in patients with COPD.
Umbilical cord management strategies at cesarean section
Authors: Consonni Sara , Vaglio Tessitore Isadora , Conti Claudia , Plevani Cristina , Condo’ Manuela , Torcasio Ferruccio , Pintucci Armando , Locatelli Anna
Published: September 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effect of different strategies to improve placental transfusion in cesarean section (CS).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all singleton term pregnancies that underwent CS over 6 months. Delayed umbilical cord clamping (dUCC) was defined as one done at least 60 s after birth. Umbilical cord milking (UCM) was an option when waiting 60 s was deemed unsafe. The two strategies were compared against early (<60 s) umbilical cord clamping (eUCC) without milking. Neonatal hematocrit (Hct) at 48 h was the main outcome variable.

Results

Of the 223 CS in the cohort, 100 were performed in labor and 123 were elective. dUCC was performed in 137, eUCC without milking in 53 and UCM in 33 cases. Neonatal Hct was higher in CS carried out in labor versus in elective CS (59.76% ± 6.17 vs 56.91% ± 5.95, P = 0.001). At multivariate analysis, CS performed in labor (coefficient [coeff.] 3.44, confidence interval [CI] 1.75–5.13, P < 0.001), UCM (coeff. 3.88, CI 1.61–6.14, P = 0.001) and birth weight (coeff. −0.003, CI −0.005 to −0.001, P = 0.001) were the only variables independently associated with neonatal Hct. In elective CS, UCM led to higher neonatal Hct (61.5% ± 5.5) compared to eUCC without milking (55.1% ± 5.5) and dUCC (56.4% ± 5.7, P = 0.001), while in CS performed in labor there were no significant differences among the placental transfusion strategies.

Conclusion

In term CS, neonatal Hct is significantly higher when the CS is performed in labor or with UCM. In elective CS, UCM could be a valid option to favor placental transfusion.
Comparison of smartphone‐camera and conventional flatbed scanner images for analytical evaluation of chewing function
Authors: Fankhauser Nicolas , Kalberer Nicole , Müller Frauke , Leles Claudio R. , Schimmel Martin , Srinivasan Murali
Published: September 2020

Background

The two‐colour mixing test is a quick method to assess chewing function (CF). The use of smartphone cameras for acquiring images may help in further simplifying the process.

Objective

This study evaluated the reliability of smartphone‐camera images of chewing gums to assess CF.

Methods

Five test samples of a bicoloured chewing gum were produced by a single fully dentate adult volunteer. The specimens were flattened to 1‐mm thick wafers. The two sides of the wafers were digitised with a conventional flatbed scanner (control) and were photographed 20 times using 8 different smartphones. The images were assessed optoelectronically to obtain the variance of hue (VoH) and subjectively by visual assessment (SA) using a categorical scale (SA1‐SA5). Spearman's correlation and regression models were used for statistical analyses.

Results

The intra‐group variability for SA1‐SA3 was <1% for all smartphones, but significantly higher than controls for SA4 and SA5 (smartphone: SA4 = 5.57%; SA5 = 8.76%; control: SA4 = 2.5%; SA5 = 0.79%). VoH was progressively lower from SA1 to SA5 for all imaging devices (r > −.97; P < .001). VoH comparisons between control and smartphone images revealed significant differences for the individual SA categories, and however, the magnitude of differences was small and non‐significant when the full range of SA levels were considered. The linear mixed model regression showed significant effects for all the smartphones (P < .001) and SA levels (P < .001) in relation to the flatbed scanner values.

Conclusions

Smartphone cameras may be used to evaluate colour mixture for a bolus‐kneading test, however, the precision is lower with higher degrees of colour mixing.
Masticatory function in nursing home residents: Correlation with the nutritional status and oral health–related quality of life
Authors: de Medeiros Mariana Marinho Davino , Pinheiro Mayara Abreu , de Figueredo Olívia Maria Costa , de Oliveira Luiz Fabrício Santos , Wanderley Rayssa Lucena , Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley , Rodrigues Garcia Renata Cunha Matheus
Published: September 2020

Background

Masticatory function of institutionalised elders and its relationship with nutrition and oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) are unknown.

Objectives

This multicentre cross‐sectional study evaluated the influence of the presence of teeth and dentures on masticatory function (masticatory performance and swallowing threshold) in institutionalised elders. Correlation of masticatory function with nutrition and OHRQoL was also verified.

Methods

Older adults (n = 344; mean age (SD) = 77.70 (9.10)), selected from nursing homes in two Brazilian cities, were classified as edentulous with or without complete dentures (CDs), and partially dentate with or without prosthesis. Masticatory performance was assessed using a two‐colour chewing gum. Swallowing threshold was set by the number of chewing cycles performed until swallowing 3.7 g of peanuts. Nutrition was screened by Mini‐Nutritional Assessment—Short Form and body composition. OHRQoL was evaluated through Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14). The Kruskal‐Wallis test and Spearman's correlation were used (α = 0.05). Results: Edentulous elders without CDs had lower masticatory performance than those with CDs and partially dentate with or without prosthesis (P < .05). Swallowing threshold of edentulous elders with CDs and partially dentate with prosthesis was greater than edentulous elders without CDs and partially dentate without prosthesis (P < .05). Masticatory function was not correlated with nutrition. Masticatory performance was correlated (P < .05) with GOHAI (r2 = −.154) and swallowing threshold with GOHAI (r2 = .162) and OHIP‐14 (r2 = −.146).

Conclusion

The absence of teeth and dentures negatively affected the masticatory function. Although the masticatory function was not correlated with institutionalised elders’ nutrition, their OHRQoL was negatively impacted.
Transnational work, translingual practices, and interactional sociolinguistics
Authors: Canagarajah Suresh
Published: September 2020

This introductory article explains the need for interactional analyses of workplace communication, which is increasingly multilingual and multimodal in expansive spatiotemporal contexts and layered frames. It provides an overview of how neoliberal economic conditions have impacted workplace communication, generating new task structures and communicative practices. Arguing that there is a need to situate localized workplace interactions in changing frames and task structures, the article demonstrates how interactional sociolinguistics might serve this purpose. It goes on to review theoretical developments on the materiality of language to revisit traditional concerns about social structure and communicative interactions, develop a more expansive orientation to repertoires, and demonstrate how interactional analysis might adopt suitable units and categories of analysis. It then describes how this framework explains the different outcomes for language diversity in the contributing articles—ranging from inequality to solidarity, marginalization to inclusivity, and misunderstandings to intelligibility—in workplace interactions.
Protocol for a single patient therapy plan: A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled N‐of‐1 trial to assess the efficacy of cannabidiol in patients with intractable epilepsy
Authors: Ong Katherine S , Carlin John B , Fahey Michael , Freeman Jeremy L , Scheffer Ingrid E , Gillam Lynn , Anderson Monique , Huque Md Hamidul , Legge Donna , Dirnbauer Nicole , Lilley Brian , Slota‐Kan Simon , Cranswick Noel
Published: September 2020

Aim

This paper describes the use of the single patient therapy plan (SPTP). The SPTP has been designed to assess the efficacy at an individual level of a commercially available cannabinoid product, cannabidiol, in reducing seizure frequency in paediatric patients with intractable epilepsy.

Methods

The SPTP is a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled N‐of‐1 trial designed to assess the efficacy of treatment in a neurology outpatient setting. The primary objective of the SPTP is to assess the efficacy of cannabidiol in reducing seizure frequency in each patient with intractable epilepsy, with change in seizure frequency being the primary outcome of interest.

The analysis adopts a Bayesian approach, which provides results in the form of posterior probabilities that various levels of benefit (based on the primary outcome measure, seizure frequency) have been achieved under active treatment compared to placebo, accompanied by decision rules that provide thresholds for deciding whether treatment has been successful in the individual patient.

The SPTP arrangement is most accurately considered part of clinical practice rather than research, since it is aimed at making clinical treatment decisions for individual patients and is not testing a hypothesis or collecting aggregate data. Therefore, Human Research Ethics Committee approval was considered not to be required, although it is recommended that hospital Clinical Ethics Committees provide ethical oversight.

Conclusion: These SPTP resources are made available so that they may inform clinical practice in the treatment of severe epilepsy or adapted for use in other conditions.
SOURCE ROCK POTENTIAL AND DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF MIDDLE – UPPER JURASSIC SEDIMENTARY ROCKS, BLUE NILE BASIN, ETHIOPIA
Authors: Mohammedyasin M. S. , Littke R. , Wudie G. , Zieger L.
Published: September 2020

This study investigates the hydrocarbon generation potential, kerogen quality, thermal maturity and depositional environment of Middle – Upper Jurassic sedimentary rocks in the Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia, using organic petrography, Rock‐Eval pyrolysis and molecular organic geochemistry. Thirty‐seven outcrop samples were analysed for their total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic carbon (TIC) contents. The samples came from a Toarcian – Bathonian transitional glauconitic shale‐mudstone unit, the overlying Upper Bathonian Gohatsion Formation, and the Lower Callovian – Upper Tithonian Antalo Limestone Formation. Thirteen samples with sufficient TOC contents for further analysis of the organic matter, eight from the Antalo Limestone Formation and five from the glauconitic shale‐mudstone unit, were selected and analysed using Rock‐Eval pyrolysis. Vitrinite reflectance (VRr) was measured on random particles, and qualitative maceral analysis was performed under normal incident and UV light. Nine samples were selected for molecular organic‐geochemical analyses. All the samples originating from the Gohatsion Formation showed TOC values which were too low for further analyses of the organic matter.

The TOC contents of shales and limestones from the Antalo Limestone Formation and and of shales from the glauconitic shale‐mudstone unit were 3.43‐6.43% (average 4.85%) and 0.76‐3.15% (average 1.72%), respectively, and two coaly shale samples from the latter unit have average TOC values of 18.48%. HI values are very high for shales in the Antalo Limestone Formation (average 575 mg HC/g TOC) but lower for the shales in the glauconitic shale‐mudstone unit. The vitrinite reflectance of shales from the Antalo Limestone Formation ranged between 0.21% and 0.47%; coaly shales from the glauconitic shale‐mudstone unit have VRr% of between 0.29% and 0.35%. Pr/Ph ratios for samples of the Antalo Limestone Formation shales ranged from 0.8 to 1.1, indicating anoxic to suboxic depositional conditions; while shales in the glauconitic shale‐mudstone unit show higher values of up to 4.9.

In terms of organic petrography, the Antalo Limestone Formation samples are dominated by finely dispersed liptinite particles and alginite; the organic material in the glauconitic shale‐mudstone unit is of higher land plant origin, with abundant vitrinite and inertinite. Sterane and hopane biomarker ratios suggest an anoxic/suboxic depositional environment for the Antalo Limestone Formation shales and limestones. These values together with Rock‐Eval Tmax (average 414 °C), the high ratio of pristane and phytane over the n‐alkanes C17 and C18, and hopane biomarker ratios indicate that the Middle – Upper Jurassic succession is of low thermal maturity in the central parts of the Blue Nile Basin. The Antalo Limestone Formation shales have a high petroleum generation potential, making them a viable target for future exploration activities.
HIGHER LANDPLANT –DERIVED BIOMARKERS IN LIGHT OILS AND CONDENSATES FROM THE COAL‐BEARING EOCENE PINGHU FORMATION, XIHU SAG, EAST CHINA SEA SHELF BASIN
Authors: Cheng X. , Hou D. J. , Zhao Z. , Jiang Y. H. , Zhou X. H. , Diao H.
Published: September 2020

The Cenozoic Xihu Sag in the East China Sea Shelf Basin contains large reserves of coals together with liquid petroleum derived from coal‐associated sediments. However, the origin of the petroleum is not well understood. In this study, biomarker assemblages in a suite of recently discovered light oils and condensates from the Paleogene succession in the western margin of in the Xihu Sag were investigated using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. The objectives were to investigate the samples' thermal maturity and the depositional environment of the precursor source rocks which generated the oils. The light oils are believed to have been derived from coaly source rocks in the Eocene Pinghu Formation.

Assessment of thermal maturity based on CPI, pristane/n‐C17 ratio and isomerisation ratios of C29 steranes and C31 homohopanes suggest that the hydrocarbons have a relatively low maturity in the early to mid oil generation window. The distribution of isoprenoids relative to n‐alkanes, the high pristane/phytane ratios (5.1–10.7), the almost complete absence of gammacerane and C33+ homohopanes, and the low dibenzothiophene/phenanthrene ratios indicate that the source rocks of the hydrocarbons were deposited in a relatively oxic and sulphate‐poor fluvio‐deltaic environment which was favourable for coal measure development.

Abnormally abundant gymnosperm‐derived diterpanes including labdane, 19‐norisopimarane, fichtelite, rimuane, pimarane, isopimarane, 17‐nortetracyclic diterpene, phyllocladanes and abietane were detected in the samples analysed. 16a(H)‐Phyllocladane was identified unambiguously and kauranes were confirmed to be absent. In addition, three 19‐norisopimarane isomers, 13β(H)‐atisane, and 20‐normethylatisane were tentatively identified in the studied samples. The distributions of n‐alkanes, isoprenoids and regular steranes, the presence of 4β(H)‐eudesmane and oleanane, high Pr/Ph ratios and the abundant diterpanes together suggest that the hydrocarbons were derived from a coaly source rock. Gymnosperms of the conifer families Cupressaceae (especially the former Taxodiaceae) and Pinaceae are interpreted to be the major source of the diterpanes and to have made a significant contribution to the coaly source rock. However, the low abundance of oleanane relative to diterpanes may underestimate the contribution from angiosperms relative to gymnosperms. This could be due to differential preservation and alteration of the di‐ and triterpenoid precursors during diagenesis and the occurrence of non‐specific precursors in higher land plants.
It's the way you treat me that makes me angry, it's not a question of madness: Good and bad practice in dealing with violence in the mental health services
Authors: Faccio Elena , Author Anonymous , Rocelli Michele
Published: September 2020

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject

The first access to a mental health service is sometimes marked by aggressive behaviours and anger. Forced hospitalization is frequently an occasion for resistance and hostility to the service, which should not be mistaken for psychotic symptoms.

If this situation is not dealt with effectively, it can jeopardize the quality of the relationship with staff and compliance with the treatment programme.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge

The narrator presents his experience in undergoing voluntary psychiatric treatment, casting light on nurses’ good and bad practices: those that increased resistance, and those that helped de‐escalate the uncontrolled reaction at the time of access, as well as during the recovery period.

What are the implications for mental health nursing

Practitioners should be able to put in place listening techniques and ways of personalizing the relationship with the patient.

When such measures become part of the patient's meaning system, the vicious circle of misunderstood anger that creates more anger may be interrupted and the patient can invest in relationships of trust.

Aggression is often a reason for psychiatric hospitalization and may lead to prolonged hospital stays, and at worst to compulsory treatments. The relationship between mental illness and aggressive behaviour is a source for debate in the literature, while research data suggest that violent behaviour is impacted not only by the mental state of the patient, but also by environmental and relational conditions, hence the importance of an increased awareness of operating methods on the part of psychiatric staff. Alex's story is an effective mirror for rethinking staff conduct and offers many practical suggestions for understanding a patient’s point of view in critical episodes and for deescalating relational tension.
Evidence for Mixed Processes in Normal/Mirror Discrimination of Rotated Letters: A Bayesian Model Comparison Between Single‐ and Mixed‐Distribution Models1
Authors: Muto Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

When determining whether a rotated letter is normal or mirrored, an observer mentally rotates the letter to its canonical orientation. To account for patterns of response times (RTs) for the normal/mirror discrimination of rotated letters, previous research formulated a model that postulated a mixture of trials with and without mental rotation. While this model could explain the curvilinear relationship that has been found between averaged RT and letter orientations, the curved RT function is still open to alternative explanations without assuming mixed processes. To address this issue and test the mixed‐process hypothesis more directly, we analyzed trial‐by‐trial RT data instead of averaged RTs by employing a Bayesian model comparison technique. If rotation and non‐rotation trials are mixed, trial‐by‐trial RTs for letters in a particular orientation should not follow a single distribution but a mixed one formed from the superposition of two separate distributions, one for rotation and one for non‐rotation trials. In the present study, we compared single‐ and mixed‐distribution models. Bayes‐factor analysis showed decisive support for the mixed‐distribution model over the single‐distribution model. In addition, using the widely applicable information criterion (WAIC), the predictive accuracy of the mixed‐distribution model was found to be as high as that of the single‐distribution model. These results indicated the involvement of mixed processes in normal/mirror discrimination of rotated letters. The usefulness of statistical modeling in psychological study and necessary precautions to take in the interpretation of the parameters of unconfirmed models are also discussed.
Joint effect of phylogenetic relatedness and trait selection on the elevational distribution of Rhododendron species
Authors: Zou Jia‐Yun , Luo Ya‐Huang , Burgess Kevin S. , Tan Shao‐Lin , Zheng Wei , Fu Chao‐Nan , Xu Kun , Gao Lian‐Ming
Published: September 2020

Congeneric species may coexist at fine spatial scales through niche differentiation, however, the magnitude to which the effects of functional traits and phylogenetic relatedness contribute to their distribution along elevational gradients remains understudied. To test the hypothesis that trait and elevational range overlap can affect local speciesʼ coexistence, we first compared phylogenetic relatedness and trait (including morphological traits and leaf elements) divergence among closely related species of Rhododendron L. on Yulong Mountain, China. We then assessed relationships between the overlap of multiple functional traits and the degree of elevational range overlap among species pairs in a phylogenetic context. We found that phylogeny was a good predictor for most functional traits, where closely related species showed higher trait similarity and occupied different elevational niches at our study site. Species pairs of R. subgen. Hymenanthes (Blume) K. Koch showed low elevational range overlap and some species pairs of R. subgen. Rhododendron showed obvious niche differentiation. Trait divergence is greater for species in R. subgen. Rhododendron, and it plays an important role between species pairs with low elevational range overlap. Trait convergent selection takes place between co‐occurring closely related species that have high elevational range overlap, which share more functional trait space due to environmental filtering or ecological adaptation in more extreme habitats. Our results highlight the importance of evolutionary history and trait selection for species coexistence at fine ecological scales along environmental gradients.
Anxiety, depression, and symptom experience in concussed children and youth
Authors: Macartney Gail , Woodfield Michelle , Terekhov Ivan , Vassilyadi Michael , Goulet Kristian
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To describe and explore the relationship between baseline anxiety, depression and symptom experience in children and youth assessed at a concussion clinic.

Design and Methods

A retrospective chart review of concussed children and youth referred to a pediatric teaching hospital concussion clinic over a 15‐month period was completed. Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (KAD‐6), General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD‐7), and the Post‐Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) scores were extracted.

Results

A total of 155 patients were included. The most common symptoms (PCSI) at baseline were headache, fatigue, and feelings of head pressure. Symptoms were rated as mild to moderate in intensity. Overall, mean depression and anxiety scores were low. The mean anxiety scores, as measured by the GAD‐7 (n = 108), was 7.4 (range, 0–24). The mean depression score, as measured by the KAD‐6 (n = 94), was 4.7 (range, 0–18). A statistically significant, moderate positive correlation between PCSI scores with KAD‐6 scores for male (r = .64, p < .001) and female (r = .61, p < .001) participants was identified. Similarly, a statistically significant, moderate positive correlation between PCSI scores with GAD‐7 scores for male (r = .68, p < .001) and female (r = .60, p < .001) participants was identified.

Practice Implications

Concussed children may experience a wide array of symptoms, including emotional challenges such as anxiety and depression. Feelings of anxiety and depression may contribute to overall post concussive symptoms in concussed children. The electronic health record can be leveraged to provide important patient data. Clinicians should systematically assess symptoms at each visit in concussed children and youth so that appropriate interventions can be implemented and monitored.
Environmental DNA: What's behind the term? Clarifying the terminology and recommendations for its future use in biomonitoring
Authors: Pawlowski Jan , Apothéloz‐Perret‐Gentil Laure , Altermatt Florian
Published: September 2020

The last decade brought a spectacular development of so‐called environmental (e)DNA studies. In general, “environmental DNA” is defined as DNA isolated from environmental samples, in contrast to genomic DNA that is extracted directly from specimens. However, the variety of different sources of eDNA and the range of taxonomic groups that are targeted by eDNA studies is large, which has led to some discussion about the breadth of the eDNA concept. In particular, there is a recent trend to restrict the use of the term “eDNA” to the DNA of macro‐organisms, which are not physically present in environmental samples. In this paper, we argue that such a distinction may not be ideal, because the eDNA signal can come from organisms across the whole tree of life. Consequently, we advocate that the term “eDNA” should be used in its generic sense, as originally defined, encompassing the DNA of all organisms present in environmental samples, including microbial, meiofaunal and macrobial taxa. We first suggest specifying the environmental origin of the DNA sample, such as water eDNA, sediment eDNA or soil eDNA. A second specification would then define the taxonomic group targeted through polymerase chain reaction amplification, such as fish eDNA, invertebrate eDNA and bacterial eDNA. This terminology does also not require assumptions about the specific state of the DNA sampled (intracellular or extracellular). We hope that such terminology will help better define the scope of eDNA studies, especially for environmental managers, who use them as reference in routine biomonitoring and bioassessment.
The osa‐miR164 target OsCUC1 functions redundantly with OsCUC3 in controlling rice meristem/organ boundary specification
Authors: Wang Jun , Bao Jinlin , Zhou Beibei , Li Min , Li Xizhi , Jin Jian
Published: September 2020

The specification of the meristem/organ boundary is critical for plant development. Here, we investigate two previously uncharacterized NAC transcription factors: the first, OsCUC1, which is negatively regulated by osa‐miR164c, dimerizes with the second, OsCUC3, and functions partially redundantly in meristem/organ boundary specification in rice (Oryza sativa).

We produced knockout lines for rice OsCUC1 (the homolog of Arabidopsis CUC1 and CUC2) and OsCUC3 (the homolog of Arabidopsis CUC3), as well as an overexpression line for osa‐miR164c, to study the molecular mechanism of boundary specification in rice.

A single mutation in either OsCUC1 or OsCUC3 leads to defects in the establishment of the meristem/organ boundary, resulting in reduced stamen numbers and the fusion of leaves and filaments, and the defects are greatly enhanced in the double mutant. Transgenic plants overexpressing osa‐miR164c showed a phenotype similar to that of the OsCUC1 knockout line. In addition, knockout of OsCUC1 leads to multiple defects, including dwarf plant architecture, male sterility and twisted‐rolling leaves. Further study indicated that OsCUC1 physically interacts with leaf‐rolling related protein CURLED LEAF AND DWARF 1 (CLD1) and stabilizes it in the nucleus to control leaf morphology.

This work demonstrated that the interplay of osa‐miR164c, OsCUC1 and OsCUC3 controls boundary specification in rice.
Where do leaf water leaks come from? Trade‐offs underlying the variability in minimum conductance across tropical savanna species with contrasting growth strategies
Authors: Machado Renan , Loram‐Lourenço Lucas , Farnese Fernanda Santos , Alves Rauander Douglas Ferreira Barros , de Sousa Letícia Ferreira , Silva Fabiano Guimarães , Filho Sebastião Carvalho Vasconcelos , Torres‐Ruiz José M. , Cochard Hervé , Menezes‐Silva Paulo Eduardo
Published: September 2020

Plants continue to lose water from their leaves even after complete stomatal closure. Although this minimum conductance (gleaf‐res) has substantial impacts on strategies of water use and conservation, little is known about the potential drivers underlying the variability of this trait across species.

We thus untangled the relative contribution of water leaks from the cuticle and stomata in order to investigate how the variability in leaf morphological and anatomical traits is related to the variation in gleaf‐res and carbon assimilation capacity across 30 diverse species from the Brazilian Cerrado.

In addition to cuticle permeance, water leaks from stomata had a significant impact on gleaf‐res. The differential pattern of stomata distribution in the epidermis was a key factor driving this variation, suggesting the existence of a trade‐off between carbon assimilation and water loss through gleaf‐res. For instance, higher gleaf‐res, observed in fast‐growing species, was associated with the investment in small and numerous stomata, which allowed higher carbon assimilation rates but also increased water leaks, with negative impacts on leaf survival under drought. Variation in cuticle structural properties was not linked to gleaf‐res.

Our results therefore suggest the existence of a trade‐off between carbon assimilation efficiency and dehydration tolerance at foliar level.
Severe hyperthyroidism without symptoms due to nonthyroidal illness in a child with acute hepatitis: case report and literature review
Authors: Yeliosof Olga , Marshall Ian
Published: September 2020

While liver enzyme changes are frequently reported in hyperthyroidism, liver dysfunction itself can lead to alterations in thyroid hormone metabolism. However, the exact relationship between hyperthyroidism and liver dysfunction is unclear. We report an 11‐year‐old boy presenting with acute hepatitis of unknown etiology, who was incidentally found to have asymptomatic biochemical hyperthyroidism. Despite significant total and free T4 elevation, clinical evidence of thyrotoxicosis was absent. Thyroid I‐123 uptake was also reduced. Additional testing revealed slight T3 elevation and significant rT3 elevation. Graves' and Hashimoto's thyroiditis testing was negative. We hypothesize that the biochemical hyperthyroidism was due to transient thyroiditis. Although an etiology for the boy's hepatitis was never determined, and an undiagnosed infectious etiology causing subacute thyroiditis was considered, subsequent testing showing positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies, suggesting autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis as the likely cause of the hyperthyroidism. We believe, furthermore, that the absence of symptoms was the result of concurrent nonthyroidal illness resulting in the biochemical findings of slight T3 elevation and significant rT3 increase despite significant T4 elevation.