bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between worsening cognitive function and deteriorating functional status on depressive symptoms among Chinese community‐dwelling elders
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhu Wei‐Heng , Li You‐Fu , Zhu Wei‐Wen
Published: February 2020

Aim

Cognitive impairment and functional deterioration are common in later life and often co‐occur with depressive symptoms (DS). This study aims to examine the individual effects and possible interaction between worsening cognitive function (CF) and deteriorating functional status (FS) on DS using large sample, longitudinal data.

Methods

Elderly people who completed the baseline survey of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011) and the third wave survey (2015) were included. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the individual effects. The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) and synergy index (SI) were calculated to evaluate the additive interaction.

Results

Worsening CF and deteriorating FS were associated with the increase in DS, while unchanged or improved CF and FS were associated with the decrease in DS. In addition, decreased (increased) FS led to more severe (improved) DS than decreased (increased) CF. The additive interaction between worsening CF and deteriorating FS on the increase in DS was significant. The estimates and 95% CI of the RERI, AP and SI were 0.626 (0.061, 1.190), 0.222 (0.042, 0.402) and 1.526 (1.016, 2.291) respectively.

Conclusions

Both worsening CF and deteriorating FS have positive interactions with the increase in DS. It is vital to focus on DS of elderly people with worsening CF and/or FS and to adopt interventions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 343–347.
Randomized trial results of alerting primary clinicians to severe weight loss among older adults in the Low Indexes of Metabolism Intervention Trial part A
Authors: Tsabar Nir , Press Yan , Rotman Johanna , Klein Bracha , Grossman Yonatan , Vainshtein‐Tal Maya , Eilat‐Tsanani Sophia
Published: February 2020

Aim

To test whether alerting clinicians to severe weight loss in older patients leads to higher dietitian visit rates, to higher body mass index (BMI) levels and, mainly, to lower annual death risk.

Methods

The randomized controlled trial included patients aged ≥75 years, with BMI ≤23 kg/m2 that decreased ≥2 kg/m2 during the previous 2 years. All participants received usual care. Additionally, an email alert was sent only to clinicians of participants assigned to the email alert group. The follow‐up period was 12 months.

Results

Among 706 participants (mean age 83 ± 6 years; mean baseline BMI 20.5 kg/m2), the BMI record was updated in 541 (77%) participants, and 123 participants died. Dietitian visits were reported for 22 patients (6%) in the email group (n = 362) and 14 patients (4%) in the control group (n = 344; OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.8–2.9; P = 0.24). Measured BMI were raised by a mean of 0.69 (95% CI 0.43–0.95) kg/m2 versus 0.79 (95% CI 0.48–1.1) kg/m2 (P = 0.63). A total of 77 patients (21%) died in the intervention group versus 47 (14%) in the control group (P = 0.008; number needed to harm = 13; 95% CI 7–43).

Conclusions

In this trial, alerting clinical staff to severe weight loss in patients aged ≥75 years was not associated with higher visit rates to a dietitian or change in BMI, but was associated with a significantly higher death rate than usual clinical care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 329–335.
Switching tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide in a real life setting: what are the implications?
Authors: Schwarze‐Zander C , Piduhn H , Boesecke C , Schlabe S , Stoffel‐Wagner B , Wasmuth JC , Strassburg CP , Rockstroh JK
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Development of novel antiretrovirals aims at reducing long‐term toxicities. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has been associated with potential nephrotoxicity. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of switching from TDF to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) on functional nephropathy and lipid parameters in a real‐life setting.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed data from 347 HIV‐infected patients switching from a TDF‐ to a TAF‐containing regimen between April and December 2016. Sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected at TDF‐to‐TAF switch, and at 3 and 6 months thereafter. Proteinuria and albuminuria were classified according to Kidney Diseases Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines.

Results

At time of switch, moderately and severely increased proteinuria was detected in 32% and 8% of patients, respectively; however, urine dipstick analysis was negative in 84% and 42%, respectively. Moderately and severely increased albuminuria was found in 17% and 3% of patients, respectively. In patients with a urinary protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UPCR) ≥ 150 mg/g, the mean value declined from 416 mg/g at baseline to 272 mg/g (P < 0.001) and 242 mg/g (P < 0.001) after 3 and 6 months, respectively. Patients with an albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 30 mg/g showed no significant decrease of albuminuria. Mean total cholesterol increased from 187 mg/dL at baseline to 202 (P < 0.001) and 208 mg/dL (P < 0.001) at 3 and 6 months, respectively, and mean low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol increased from 114 mg/dL at baseline to 124 (P < 0.001) and 128 mg/dL (P < 0.001), respectively. As mean high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased from 50 mg/dL at baseline to 54 (P < 0.001) and 57 mg/dL (P < 0.001) at 3 and 6 months, respectively, the LDL:HDL ratio remained stable.

Conclusions

In an aging HIV‐infected cohort, proteinuria and albuminuria were common findings and were underdiagnosed via urine dipstick. Our real‐life data suggest that laboratory markers of moderately/severely increased proteinuria improved after TDF‐to‐TAF‐switch. Lipid profiles were not aggravated. Long‐term follow‐up is needed to determine the clinical benefit of the TDF‐to‐TAF switch.
Association between interferon lambda 3 rs12979860 polymorphism and clinical outcome in dengue virus‐infected children
Authors: da Silva Cezar Renata Duarte , da Silva Castanha Priscila Mayrelle , Matos Freire Naishe , Mola Carla , Feliciano do Carmo Rodrigo , Tenório Cordeiro Marli , Baptista Paulo , Silva Vasconcelos Luydson Richardson , Moura Patrícia , da Silva Teixeira Vanessa Gabryelle
Published: February 2020

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune‐related genes have been shown to play a role in driving the development of the severe phenotypes of dengue virus (DENV) infection. We assessed the association between IFNL3 gene SNP (rs12979860) and dengue clinical outcomes in children. Patients with dengue‐related symptoms (aged 1–15 years) admitted at a public hospital in Northeast Brazil were invited to participate. The association between rs12979860 polymorphism and dengue classification and clinical signs and symptoms were analysed. A total of 206 DENV‐infected children were included: 53.4% of the infections were classified as severe dengue. The T allele carriers had higher risk of developing severe dengue when compared to CC genotype carriers (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 0.98–3.32 p = .054). The T allele carriers also showed longer fever episodes when compared to patients with the CC genotype (OR: 1.90; 95%CI: 1.07–3.38; p = .027). On the other hand, the ones carrying the CT/TT genotype had 70% lower chance of developing thrombocytopenia when compared to those with the CC genotype (OR: 0.30; 95%CI: 0.08–0.88; p = .042). Our findings demonstrated that the T allele carriers of the IFNL3 gene had higher risk of developing severe dengue, suggesting a link between IFN‐λ expression and DENV immunopathogenesis.
A 6‐month randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of weekly exenatide in adolescents with obesity
Authors: Weghuber D. , Forslund A. , Ahlström H. , Alderborn A. , Bergström K. , Brunner S. , Cadamuro J. , Ciba I. , Dahlbom M. , Heu V. , Hofmann J. , Kristinsson H. , Kullberg J. , Ladinger A. , Lagler F. B. , Lidström M. , Manell H. , Meirik M. , Mörwald K. , Roomp K. , Schneider R. , Vilén H. , Widhalm K. , Zsoldos F. , Bergsten P.
Published: February 2020

Background

Pharmacological treatment options for adolescents with obesity are very limited. Glucagon‐like‐peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist could be a treatment option for adolescent obesity.

Objective

To investigate the effect of exenatide extended release on body mass index (BMI)‐SDS as primary outcome, and glucose metabolism, cardiometabolic risk factors, liver steatosis, and other BMI metrics as secondary outcomes, and its safety and tolerability in adolescents with obesity.

Methods

Six‐month, randomized, double‐blinded, parallel, placebo‐controlled clinical trial in patients (n = 44, 10‐18 years, females n = 22) with BMI‐SDS > 2.0 or age‐adapted‐BMI > 30 kg/m2 according to WHO were included. Patients received lifestyle intervention and were randomized to exenatide extended release 2 mg (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) subcutaneous injections given once weekly. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were conducted at the beginning and end of the intervention.

Results

Exenatide reduced (P < .05) BMI‐SDS (−0.09; −0.18, 0.00), % BMI 95th percentile (−2.9%; −5.4, −0.3), weight (−3 kg; −5.8, −0.1), waist circumference (−3.2 cm; −5.8, −0.7), subcutaneous adipose tissue (−552 cm3; −989, −114), 2‐hour‐glucose during OGTT (−15.3 mg/dL; −27.5, −3.1), total cholesterol (11.6 mg/dL; −21.7, −1.5), and BMI (−0.83 kg/m2; −1.68, 0.01) without significant change in liver fat content (−1.36; −3.12, 0.4; P = .06) in comparison to placebo. Safety and tolerability profiles were comparable to placebo with the exception of mild adverse events being more frequent in exenatide‐treated patients.

Conclusions

Treatment of adolescents with severe obesity with extended‐release exenatide is generally well tolerated and leads to a modest reduction in BMI metrics and improvement in glucose tolerance and cholesterol. The study indicates that the treatment provides additional beneficial effects beyond BMI reduction for the patient group.
Rapid detection of an I38T amino acid substitution in influenza polymerase acidic subunit associated with reduced susceptibility to baloxavir marboxil
Authors: Nakauchi Mina , Takashita Emi , Fujisaki Seiichiro , Shirakura Masayuki , Ogawa Rie , Morita Hiroko , Miura Hideka , Saito Shinji , Watanabe Shinji , Odagiri Takato , Kageyama Tsutomu
Published: February 2020

Background

The novel cap‐dependent endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir marboxil was approved in February 2018 for the treatment of influenza virus infection in Japan. In vitro studies have revealed that an I38T substitution in the polymerase acidic subunit (PA) is associated with reduced susceptibility of influenza viruses to baloxavir.

Objectives

Development of a rapid and simple method for monitoring influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), and B viruses possessing the I38T substitution in PA.

Methods

Three assays were developed based on RNase H2‐dependent PCR (rhPCR) and named A/H1pdm PA_I38T rhPCR, A/H3 PA_I38T rhPCR, and B PA_I38T rhPCR. The assays were evaluated using cDNAs synthesized from in vitro‐transcribed PA gene RNA controls, RNAs purified from viruses isolated in the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 influenza seasons, and RNAs purified from clinical specimens collected in the 2018/2019 influenza season.

Results

The assays developed in this study accurately discriminated PA I38 and PA T38 with high sensitivity.

Conclusions

Our assays should be considered a powerful tool for monitoring the emergence of baloxavir‐resistant influenza viruses.
Measurement properties and factor analysis of the Diabetic Foot Ulcer Scale‐short form (DFS‐SF)
Authors: de Oliveira Kaizer Uiara A. , Alexandre Neusa M. C. , Rodrigues Roberta C. M. , Cornélio Marilia E. , de Melo Lima Maria H. , São‐João Thaís M.
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this paper is to provide measurement properties evaluation and factor analysis of the Brazilian version of the diabetic foot ulcer scale‐short form (DFS‐SF). This methodological study evaluated the measurement properties of the DFS‐SF by ceiling and floor effect reliability, responsiveness, and structural construct validity. The study included 290 people with diabetic foot under regular follow‐up in a specialised outpatient clinic in inland São Paulo. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability. Ceiling and floor effects were assessed by the percentage of participants who scored the 15% worst (floor) and 15% best (ceiling) possible scale results. Validity was tested by correlating the instrument values with the domains of the Brazilian version of the Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36). Responsiveness (n = 34) was accessed through the wound area obtained by photography and evaluated by the Image J Features program and the DFS‐SF score at two moments, with a 4‐week interval between them. The instrument had good evidence of reliability, shown by adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha in domains >0.70) and compound reliability (0.84 > CC > 0.92); and of convergent validity, by significant positive correlations of moderate to strong magnitude with SF‐36. Structural construct validity was examined by applying the DFS‐SF confirmatory factor analysis, which indicated that the Brazilian version of the instrument is properly fitted to the original dimensional structure. The ceiling and floor effect analysis showed no ceiling or floor effects. Responsiveness was observed in the wound area, but not in the DFS‐SF scores in the times. The Brazilian version of the DFS‐SF presented evidence of validity and reliability, suggesting that this instrument is a valid tool for assessing the quality of life of people with diabetic foot in the Brazilian population.
Adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment in Argentina: A multicenter study
Authors: Espeche Walter , Salazar Martin R. , Sabio Rodrigo , Diaz Alejandro , Leiva Sisnieguez Carlos , Olano Daniel , Balbin Eduardo , Renna Nicolas , Grosse Pedro , Flores Roberto A. , Lagos Ana C. , Ferrer Pablo , Poppe Silvia , Risso Patron Facundo , Sotnieczuk Stasiuk Victor D. , Valentini Elina , Cardozo Jose R. , Romano Jose R. , Parodi Roberto , Carbajal Horacio
Published: February 2020

Adherence to antihypertensive medication is an important challenge that doctors often face in the treatment of hypertension. Good adherence is crucial to prevent cardiovascular complications. In consequence, the present study aimed at determining the prevalence of adherence to antihypertensive treatment and identifying associated clinical variables. A multicenter cross‐sectional study was conducted in 12 cities of Argentina. A systematic sampling was performed in order to select patients with hypertension and under pharmacological treatment for at least 6 months. Physicians took three BP measurements, and the level of adherence was assessed using the self‐administered Morisky questionnaire (MMAS‐8). Participants were classified into three levels of adherence: high adherence—MMAS score of 8; medium adherence—MMAS scores of 6 to <8; and low adherence—MMAS scores of <6. A total of 1111 individuals (62 ± 12 years old, women 49.4%) were included in the present analysis; 159 (14.3%), 329 (29.6%) and 623 (56.1%) patients had low, medium, and high adherence, respectively. The prevalence of controlled hypertension increased only in high adherent patients: 42.8%, 42.2%, and 64.5% for low, medium, and high adherence groups, respectively. Similarly, systolic BP was lower only in the high adherence group. High educational level (OR 3.47, 95% CI 2.68‐4.49) and diuretic treatment (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47‐0.88) were independent predictors of high adherence. In conclusion, more than a half of treated hypertensive patients had a high level of adherence. These patients had lower BP values and higher control levels. A high educational level predicts high adherence.
A critical role of the KCa3.1 channel in mechanical stretch‐induced proliferation of rat bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Jia Xiaoling , Su Hao , Chen Xinlan , Huang Yangbi , Zheng Yufan , Ji Pei , Gao Chao , Gong Xianghui , Huang Yan , Jiang Lin‐Hua , Fan Yubo
Published: February 2020

Mechanical stimulation is an important factor regulating mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) functions such as proliferation. The Ca2+‐activated K+ channel, KCa3.1, is critically engaged in MSC proliferation but its role in mechanical regulation of MSC proliferation remains unknown. Here, we examined the KCa3.1 channel expression and its role in rat bone marrow‐derived MSC (BMSC) proliferation in response to mechanical stretch. Application of mechanical stretch stimulated BMSC proliferation via promoting cell cycle progression. Such mechanical stimulation up‐regulated the KCa3.1 channel expression and pharmacological or genetic inhibition of the KCa3.1 channel strongly suppressed stretch‐induced increase in cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. These results support that the KCa3.1 channel plays an important role in transducing mechanical forces to MSC proliferation. Our finding provides new mechanistic insights into how mechanical stimuli regulate MSC proliferation and also a viable bioengineering approach to improve MSC proliferation.
Histamine deficiency facilitates coronary microthrombosis after myocardial infarction by increasing neutrophil‐platelet interactions
Authors: Li Hui , Tang Chao , Zhu Xiaowei , Zhang Weiwei , Abudupataer Mieradilijiang , Ding Suling , Duan Caiwen , Yang Xiangdong , Ge Junbo
Published: February 2020

Neutrophil‐platelet interactions are responsible for thrombosis as well as inflammatory responses following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). While histamine has been shown to play a crucial role in many physiological and pathological processes, its effects on neutrophil‐platelet interactions in thromboinflammatory complications of AMI remain elusive. In this study, we show a previously unknown mechanism by which neutrophil‐derived histamine protects the infarcted heart from excessive neutrophil‐platelet interactions and redundant arterial thrombosis. Using histamine‐deficient (histidine decarboxylase knockout, HDC−/−) and wild‐type murine AMI models, we demonstrate that histamine deficiency increases the number of microthrombosis after AMI, in accordance with depressed cardiac function. Histamine‐producing myeloid cells, mainly Ly6G+ neutrophils, directly participate in arteriole thrombosis. Histamine deficiency elevates platelet activation and aggregation by enhancing Akt phosphorylation and leads to dysfunctional characteristics in neutrophils which was confirmed by high levels of reactive oxygen species production and CD11b expression. Furthermore, HDC−/− platelets were shown to elicit neutrophil extracellular nucleosomes release, provoke neutrophil‐platelet interactions and promote HDC‐expressing neutrophils recruitment in arteriole thrombosis in vivo. In conclusion, we provide evidence that histamine deficiency promotes coronary microthrombosis and deteriorates cardiac function post‐AMI, which is associated with the enhanced platelets/neutrophils function and neutrophil‐platelet interactions.
Cardiac calcium dysregulation in mice with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ke Hung‐Yen , Chin Li‐Han , Tsai Chien‐Sung , Lin Feng‐Zhi , Chen Yen‐Hui , Chang Yung‐Lung , Huang Shih‐Ming , Chen Yao‐Chang , Lin Chih‐Yuan
Published: February 2020

Cardiovascular complications are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD significantly affects cardiac calcium (Ca2+) regulation, but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. The present study investigated the modulation of Ca2+ homeostasis in CKD mice. Echocardiography revealed impaired fractional shortening (FS) and stroke volume (SV) in CKD mice. Electrocardiography showed that CKD mice exhibited longer QT interval, corrected QT (QTc) prolongation, faster spontaneous activities, shorter action potential duration (APD) and increased ventricle arrhythmogenesis, and ranolazine (10 µmol/L) blocked these effects. Conventional microelectrodes and the Fluo‐3 fluorometric ratio techniques indicated that CKD ventricular cardiomyocytes exhibited higher Ca2+ decay time, Ca2+ sparks, and Ca2+ leakage but lower [Ca2+]i transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ contents. The CaMKII inhibitor KN93 and ranolazine (RAN; late sodium current inhibitor) reversed the deterioration in Ca2+ handling. Western blots revealed that CKD ventricles exhibited higher phosphorylated RyR2 and CaMKII and reduced phosphorylated SERCA2 and SERCA2 and the ratio of PLB‐Thr17 to PLB. In conclusions, the modulation of CaMKII, PLB and late Na+ current in CKD significantly altered cardiac Ca2+ regulation and electrophysiological characteristics. These findings may apply on future clinical therapies.
A polysaccharide from the dried rhizome of Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm. prevents ovariectomized (OVX)‐induced osteoporosis in rats
Authors: Sun Xin , Wei Bo , Peng Zhiheng , Chen Xiaru , Fu Qinglong , Wang Chaojun , Zhen Jinchang , Sun Jiecong
Published: February 2020

In the present study, a homogenous polysaccharide (DFPW) was isolated and purified from the dried rhizome of Drynaria fortunei, and its protective effect against osteoporosis was investigated in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Histological analysis indicated that oral administration of DFPW (100 and 400 mg/kg) for 12 weeks significantly improved trabecular bone mass, as demonstrated by the increase in trabecular area, trabecular thickness and its number in OVX rats. Furthermore, the decline of bone mineral density and bone mineral content including Ca, P and Mg induced by OVX was reversed by the DFPW administration. This function was achieved by the decreased levels of the bone turnover markers, such as serum ALP, urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD), Ca and P excretions. Besides, DFPW improved biomechanical parameters (maximum load, energy, Young's, modulus and maximum stress) to strengthen the hardness and strength femoral diaphysis in OVX rats. These results strongly suggested that DFPW might be a hopeful alternative therapeutics to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Commentary: An updated agenda for the study of digital media use and adolescent development – future directions following Odgers & Jensen (2020)
Authors: Prinstein Mitchell J. , Nesi Jacqueline , Telzer Eva H.
Published: February 2020

Odgers and Jensen’s (Annual research review: Adolescent mental health in the digital age: Facts, fears, and future directions, Wiley‐Blackwell, 2020) review compellingly suggests that a rapid increase in the number of hours adolescents now dedicate to digital media use over the past decade may not be associated with concomitant changes in the prevalence of adolescent mental health disorders. Yet, there are many unexplored questions that deserve attention to fully understand how adolescents’ use of digital media has transformed social experiences and adolescent development. In this commentary, we offer an agenda for researchers interested in examining digital media use within a broader developmental psychopathology framework. Specifically, we discuss past theories and emerging findings suggesting both deleterious and beneficial effects of digital media use, a need for greater semantic clarity in the field, and a call for greater methodological precision to fully capture concurrent and prospective associations between digital media use and adjustment. In addition, we suggest that it may be fruitful to dedicate less research attention toward the number of hours that adolescents spend using technology, and more on what specific behaviors teens engage in online. Moreover, more work is needed to understand individual vulnerability or resiliency factors that may impact online experiences. We review opportunities for future work on digital media use that may integrate findings from developmental social neuroscience and also discuss a need to investigate how adolescents’ online behavior may be affecting developmental competencies offline. Adolescents’ use of digital media is rapidly changing, and this is an important, yet challenging topic that deserves attention from investigators who study adolescent adjustment.
Effects of two seminal fluid transcripts on post‐mating behaviour in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano
Authors: Weber Michael , Patlar Bahar , Ramm Steven A.
Published: February 2020

The seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) transferred to mating partners along with sperm often play crucial roles in mediating post‐mating sexual selection. One way in which sperm donors can maximize their own reproductive success is by modifying the partner's (sperm recipient's) post‐copulatory behaviour to prevent or delay re‐mating, thereby decreasing the likelihood or intensity of sperm competition. Here, we adopted a quantitative genetic approach combining gene expression and behavioural data to identify candidates that could mediate such a response in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano. We identified two putative SFPs—Mlig‐pro46 and Mlig‐pro63—linked to both mating frequency and ‘suck’ frequency, a distinctive behaviour, in which, upon ejaculate receipt, the worm places its pharynx over its female genital opening and apparently attempts to remove the received ejaculate. We, therefore, performed a manipulative experiment using RNA interference‐induced knockdown to ask how the loss of Mlig‐pro46 and Mlig‐pro63 expression, singly and in combination, affects mating frequency, partner suck propensity and sperm competitive ability. None of the knockdown treatments impacted strongly on the mating frequency or sperm competitive ability, but knockdown of Mlig‐pro63 resulted in a significantly decreased suck propensity of mating partners. This suggests that Mlig‐pro63 may normally act as a cue in the ejaculate to trigger recipient suck behaviour and—given that other proteins in the ejaculate have the opposite effect—could be one component of an ongoing arms race between donors and recipients over the control of ejaculate fate. However, the adaptive significance of Mlig‐pro46 and Mlig‐pro63 from a donor perspective remains enigmatic.
Movie release strategy: Theory and evidence from international distribution
Authors: Cabral Luís , Natividad Gabriel
Published: February 2020

Choosing the right time to release a new movie may be the difference between success and failure. Prior research states that the “bigger” a blockbuster is, the more likely it is (and should be) released during a high‐demand week. We present a theoretical framework which is consistent with this observation but adds a rather surprising theoretical prediction: among non‐blockbuster (i.e., niche) movies, everything else constant, the greater a movie's appeal, the more likely it is released during a low‐demand week. In other words, the relation between movie appeal and high‐demand‐week release is U‐shaped: it decreases at low levels of overall appeal (niche movies) and increases at high levels of overall appeal (blockbusters). We provide intuition for this novel result and argue that it is robust to a number of changes in functional form assumptions. We then show that the theoretical results are consistent with the evidence from an extensive data set on international releases. Specifically, we run a series of movie‐country‐pair regressions with high‐demand‐week‐release as a dependent variable and exogenous shocks to the movie's appeal as an explanatory variable. As predicted by theory, the regression coefficients have opposite signs for the blockbuster and non‐blockbuster cases.
Recoverability of Listeria monocytogenes after coculture with Tetrahymena pyriformis
Authors: Meinersmann Richard J. , Berrang Mark E. , Rigsby Luanne L.
Published: February 2020

Bactivory by protozoa is a major factor that limits the number of bacteria in nature and may control the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The effectiveness of Tetrahymena pyriformis destruction of L. monocytogenes was measured. Within 1 hr, 35–40 T. pyriformis cells ingested an average of 1,219 CFU of L. monocytogenes. Gentamicin was then added to kill un‐ingested Listeria. In 24 hr, the recoverable bacteria were reduced at an exponential rate to undetectable levels (<1 per culture). A genetically diverse set of L. monocytogenes cultures all reduced Listeria recovery by the same degree. In assays without addition of gentamicin, numbers of attached L. monocytogenes cells were lessened from an average of log 6.5 CFU/2 ml culture to log 4.7 CFU/2 ml culture. T. pyriformis was capable of lowering numbers of both free‐swimming and attached L. monocytogenes. This technology may have applications to control L. monocytogenes in food processing environments.
Gaining insight into the supportive care needs of women experiencing gynaecological cancer: A qualitative study
Authors: Williams Natalie , Griffin Georgia , Farrell Victoria , Hauck Yvonne L.
Published: February 2020

Aim and objectives

To gain insight into the supportive care needs of Western Australian women experiencing gynaecological cancer.

Background

Meeting the supportive care needs of people living with cancer is becoming increasingly important as advances in cancer treatment contribute to growing numbers of survivors. International evidence suggests between 24%–56% of women with gynaecological cancer have unmet supportive care needs and that psychological challenges, information provision and holistic care are priorities. No qualitative investigation has previously explored women's journey of gynaecological cancer within the Australian setting.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was used.

Methods

Women treated for gynaecological cancer were recruited from a tertiary public women's hospital in Western Australia. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative data collected from 190 women over 12 months through written open‐ended survey responses and telephone interviews. The COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) guided presentation of results.

Results

Analysis yielded five themes and four subthemes: (a) Communication style directs the experience (subthemes: feeling supported; absence of empathy); (b) It's not just about the disease (subthemes: life has changed; holistic care); (c) A desire for information; (d) Drawing upon resilience; and (e) Navigating the system.

Discussion

Exploration of the women's needs leads to the discussion of three concepts. Communication styles, harnessing women's resilience and alternative models of care are evaluated for their capacity to improve care and women's quality of life into survivorship. Recommendations are made for further research and possible interventions that can be translated into the clinical setting.

Conclusion

Women with gynaecological cancer described complex often unmet supportive care needs and interactions with the healthcare system. Insight gained directs suggestions for improved service provision.

Relevance to clinical practice

Improved patient‐centred communication, harnessing resilience as a resource and alternative models of care for follow‐up are encouraged as areas of improvement for clinicians and care services.
Understanding the role of an advanced practice nurse through the perspectives of patients with cardiovascular disease: A qualitative study
Authors: Woo Brigitte , Koh Karen , Zhou Wentao , Wei Lim Toon , Lopez Violeta , Tam Wilson
Published: February 2020

Aims and objectives

To explore patients’ understanding of the role of an advanced practice nurse (APN).

Background

The increasing prevalence of multimorbidities among people living with cardiovascular disease (CVD) has increased the complexity of their clinical care. Implementing the role of APNs in new models of care has been shown to improve outcomes in the CVD population. However, the CVD population's understanding of and experiences with the APN role have not been examined in Singapore.

Methods

An exploratory descriptive qualitative design using semi‐structured face‐to‐face individual interviews was undertaken (November 2017–March 2018). Fourteen participants were purposively sampled from an outpatient clinic in one of Singapore's national heart centres. Thematic analysis was undertaken. The COREQ guidelines were adhered to.

Findings

The multi‐ethnic sample included ten males and four females. Two main themes were identified: (1) APNs play a complementary role to doctors and (2) the acceptance of the APN role takes time. Each theme was supported by three subthemes to further elucidate the role and acceptance of APNs.

Conclusion

A lack of understanding of the role of APNs is present, thereby causing the less than optimal patient acceptance of APNs. As patients with CVD experience improvements to their health through APN‐led services, they may gain confidence in APNs’ skills and knowledge.

Relevance to clinical practice

When introducing new roles, fully explaining these roles to the target population is pertinent as it will be facilitative to patient engagement and optimisations of care. The findings support the call for APNs to explain the value and essence of advanced practice nursing more effectively. There should be a greater emphasis on teaching APNs to introduce and explain the role of APNs through APN preparatory education and incorporating this practice in APN practice standards, especially in contexts where APN development is premature.
THE ECONOMIC AND BEHAVIORAL CONSEQUENCES OF ONLINE USER REVIEWS
Authors: Magnani Marco
Published: February 2020

Online user reviews have become an increasingly relevant informational tool during product search and adoption. Recent surveys have shown that consumers trust and rely on online reviews more than they do on website recommendations and experts opinions. As a new way of driving consumer purchasing intentions, online user reviews have therefore come under scrutiny by researchers. The objective of this paper is to offer an overview of the literature regarding the impact of online user reviews on economic indicators (e.g., sales, marketing strategies) and on consumer behavior. Furthermore, following the growing interest of academics and professionals alike on the topic, the present work provides an exploratory analysis of the consequences of online reviews on individual rating behavior – empirical regularities showed that online rating distributions tend to be concentrated on extreme values, possibly because of rating biases. As consumers and firms incorporate the heuristic cues from such distributions into their decision‐making processes, biased ratings might lead to suboptimal choices. This overview presents established results (e.g., the impact of volume on product sales) and insights as issues for future research.
Brain Myelin Water Fraction and Diffusion Tensor Imaging Atlases for 9‐10 Year‐Old Children
Authors: Morris Sarah R. , Holmes Richard Davis , Dvorak Adam V. , Liu Hanwen , Yoo Youngjin , Vavasour Irene M. , Mazabel Silvia , Mädler Burkhard , Kolind Shannon H. , Li David K. B. , Siegel Linda , Beaulieu Christian , MacKay Alex L. , Laule Cornelia
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Myelin water imaging (MWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provide information about myelin and axon‐related brain microstructure, which can be useful for investigating normal brain development and many childhood brain disorders. While pediatric DTI atlases exist, there are no pediatric MWI atlases available for the 9‐10 years old age group. As myelination and structural development occurs throughout childhood and adolescence, studies of pediatric brain pathologies must use age‐specific MWI and DTI healthy control data. We created atlases of myelin water fraction (MWF) and DTI metrics for healthy children aged 9‐10 years for use as normative data in pediatric neuroimaging studies.

METHODS

3D‐T1, DTI, and MWI scans were acquired from 20 healthy children (mean age: 9.6 years, range: 9.2‐10.3 years, 4 females). ANTs and FSL registration were used to create quantitative MWF and DTI atlases. Region of interest (ROI) analysis in nine white matter regions was used to compare pediatric MWF with adult MWF values from a recent study and to investigate the correlation between pediatric MWF and DTI metrics.

RESULTS

Adults had significantly higher MWF than the pediatric cohort in seven of the nine white matter ROIs, but not in the genu of the corpus callosum or the cingulum. In the pediatric data, MWF correlated significantly with mean diffusivity, but not with axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, or fractional anisotropy.

CONCLUSIONS

Normative MWF and DTI metrics from a group of 9‐10 year old healthy children provide a resource for comparison to pathologies. The age‐specific atlases are ready for use in pediatric neuroimaging research and can be accessed: https://sourceforge.net/projects/pediatric-mri-myelin-diffusion/.
Enhancing Student Learning in Dental Anatomy by Using Virtual Three‐Dimensional Models
Authors: Elgreatly Amira , Mahrous Ahmed
Published: February 2020

In order to provide restorations and dental prostheses that are esthetically pleasing, functional and in harmony with a patient's occlusion, practitioners must have a thorough knowledge of dental anatomy. Recent studies have shown that virtual three‐dimensional (3D) models greatly enhance educational outcomes in dental anatomy courses. This article describes a novel educational technique and uses videos and web‐based portals to demonstrate how to create a virtual 3D tooth model from a scan of a natural tooth for use in dental anatomy courses.
Diffusion and adoption of advanced emission abatement technology induced by permit trading
Authors: Endres Alfred , Friehe Tim , Rundshagen Bianca
Published: February 2020

This paper analyzes firm incentives to diffuse and adopt advanced abatement technology for three different regimes of tradeable emission permits (auctioning, benchmarking, and grandfathering). We particularly consider technical change that decreases marginal abatement costs (MACs) only at high emission levels, whereas it increases them at low firm emissions. We establish that the desirability of the different regimes of allocating permits to firms is critically influenced by how MACs are changed by technological improvements.
Daily rhythms of phytomelatonin signaling modulate diurnal stomatal closure via regulating reactive oxygen species dynamics in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Dongxu , Wei Jian , Peng Zhongping , Ma Wenna , Yang Qian , Song Zhongbang , Sun Wei , Yang Wei , Yuan Li , Xu Xiaodong , Chang Wei , Rengel Zed , Shen Jianbo , Reiter Russel J. , Cui Xiuming , Yu Dashi , Chen Qi
Published: February 2020

Melatonin is a well‐studied neurohormone oscillating in a 24‐h cycle in vertebrates. Phytomelatonin is widespread in plant kingdom, but it remains elusive whether this newly characterized putative hormone underlies the regulation by daily rhythms. Here, we report phytomelatonin signaling, as reflected by changes in endogenous concentrations of phytomelatonin and expression of genes associated with biosynthesis of phytomelatonin (AtSNAT1, AtCOMT1, and AtASMT) and its receptor (AtPMTR1), shows 24‐h oscillations in Arabidopsis. The variation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and scavenging and expression of ROS‐related genes significantly decrease in pmtr1 and snat and increase in PMTR1‐OE seedlings, indicating the rhythmicity in phytomelatonin signaling is required for maintenance of ROS dynamics. Additionally, the ROS signaling feedback influences the expression of AtSNAT1, AtCOMT1, AtASMT, and AtPMTR1, suggesting the phytomelatonin and ROS signaling are coordinately interrelated. The pmtr1 mutant plants lose diurnal stomatal closure, with stomata remaining open during daytime as well as nighttime and mutants showing more water loss and drought sensitivity when compared with the wild‐type Col‐0 plants. Taken together, our results suggest that PMTR1‐regulated ROS signaling peaks in the afternoon and may transmit the darkness signals to trigger stomatal closure, which might be essential for high water‐use efficiency and drought tolerance.
Phylogenetics and seed morphology of AfricanNymphoides(Menyanthaceae)
Authors: Tippery Nicholas P. , Sokolik John T.
Published: February 2020

We evaluated the boundaries amongNymphoides(Menyanthaceae) species in Africa, a region where the genus has received relatively little attention. We gathered morphological data from seeds using light and scanning electron microscopy, and we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses using nuclear sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Morphological and molecular features distinguished six species and affirmed their respective geographic ranges. No African specimens were attributable toNymphoides indica, even though this paleotropical species previously had been understood to grow in Africa. We establish the new combinationNymphoides senegalensis(G. Don) Tippery, based on an established African basionym, to accommodate the specimens formerly identified asN. indica. Phylogenetic analyses resolved two distinct clades containing African species. The majority of African species are closely related to neotropical species, with which they share similar petal ornamentation. The morphologically distinctN. ezannoishares floral and phylogenetic similarity with species from North America and Asia. Results presented here support prior hypotheses that allopolyploid species in the Americas may have originated from one or more parental lineages in Africa. Seed morphological characters remain some of the most reliable features for identifying species, particularly for herbarium specimens lacking observable floral characters.
A randomized clinical trial on the acute therapeutic effect of TRPA1 and TRPM8 agonists in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia
Authors: Tomsen Noemí , Alvarez‐Berdugo Daniel , Rofes Laia , Ortega Omar , Arreola Viridiana , Nascimento Weslania , Martin Alberto , Cabib Christopher , Bolivar‐Prados Mireia , Mundet Lluís , Legrand Coline , Clavé Pere , Michlig Stephanie
Published: February 2020

Background

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) treatment is moving away from compensatory strategies toward active treatments that improve swallowing function. The aim of this study was to assess the acute therapeutic effect of TRPA1/M8 agonists in improving swallowing function in OD patients.

Methods

Fifty‐eight patients with OD caused by aging, stroke, or neurodegenerative disease were included in a three‐arm, quadruple‐blind, randomized clinical trial (NCT02193438). Swallowing safety and efficacy and the kinematics of the swallow response were assessed by videofluoroscopy (VFS) during the swallow of 182 ± 2 mPa·s viscosity (nectar) boluses of a xanthan gum thickener supplemented with (a) 756.6 μmol/L cinnamaldehyde and 70 μmol/L zinc (CIN‐Zn) (TRPA1 agonists), (b) 1.6 mmol/L citral (CIT) (TRPA1 agonist), or (c) 1.6 mmol/L citral and 1.3 mmol/L isopulegol (CIT‐ISO) (TRPA1 and TRPM8 agonists). The effects on pharyngeal event‐related potentials (ERP) were assessed by electroencephalography.

Key Results

TRPA1 stimulation with either CIN‐Zn or CIT reduced time to laryngeal vestibule closure (CIN‐Zn P = .002, CIT P = .023) and upper esophageal sphincter opening (CIN‐Zn P = .007, CIT P = .035). In addition, CIN‐Zn reduced the penetration‐aspiration scale score (P = .009), increased the prevalence of safe swallows (P = .041), and reduced the latency of the P2 peak of the ERP. CIT‐ISO had no positive effect on biomechanics or neurophysiology. No significant adverse events were observed.

Conclusions and Inferences

TRPA1 stimulation with CIN‐Zn or CIT improves the swallow response which, in the case of CIN‐Zn, is associated with a significant improvement in cortical activation and safety of swallow. These results provide the basis for the development of new active treatments for OD using TRPA1 agonists.
Characterisation of evolutionarily conserved key players affecting eukaryotic flagellar motility and fertility using a moss model
Authors: Meyberg Rabea , Perroud Pierre‐François , Haas Fabian B. , Schneider Lucas , Heimerl Thomas , Renzaglia Karen S. , Rensing Stefan A.
Published: February 2020

Defects in flagella/cilia are often associated with infertility and disease. Motile male gametes (sperm cells) are an ancestral eukaryotic trait that has been lost in several lineages like flowering plants. Here, we made use of a phenotypic male fertility difference between two moss (Physcomitrella patens) ecotypes to explore spermatozoid function.

We compare genetic and epigenetic variation as well as expression profiles between the Gransden and Reute ecotype to identify a set of candidate genes associated with moss male infertility. We generated a loss‐of‐function mutant of a coiled‐coil domain containing 39 (ccdc39) gene that is part of the flagellar hydin network.

Defects in mammal and algal homologues of this gene coincide with a loss of fertility, demonstrating the evolutionary conservation of flagellar function related to male fertility across kingdoms. The Ppccdc39 mutant resembles the Gransden phenotype in terms of male fertility.

Potentially, several somatic (epi‐)mutations occurred during prolonged vegetative propagation of Gransden, causing regulatory differences of for example the homeodomain transcription factor BELL1. Probably these somatic changes are causative for the observed male fertility defect. We propose that moss spermatozoids might be employed as an easily accessible system to study male infertility of humans and animals in terms of flagellar structure and movement.
A pediatric approach to management of skin growths in basal cell nevus syndrome
Authors: Fisher Jonathan , Moustafa Danna , Su Katherine A. , Bartenstein Diana W. , Lilly Evelyn , Kroshinsky Daniela , Hawryluk Elena B.
Published: February 2020

Little guidance on management of basal cell nevus syndrome in children exists. We report a case series of four patients diagnosed with BCNS in early childhood, in whom several highly suspicious lesions were biopsied, but several smaller and questionably concerning lesions were treated with therapies that are more tolerable for children, including topical imiquimod, 5‐fluorouracil, cryotherapy, or touch electrodessication following topical anesthetic cream. These therapies were well tolerated, and all residual or persistent lesions were subsequently biopsied and found to be benign. This approach is often preferable for pediatric BCNS patients, in whom concerning lesions can be identified clinically and managed compassionately. However, any lesion that exhibits growth, bleeding, or symptoms should be biopsied for definitive diagnosis.
Relationship between smartphone addiction and meaning and purpose of life in students of health sciences
Authors: Çevik Cahide , Ciğerci Yeliz , Kılıç İbrahim , Uyar Serpil
Published: February 2020

Purpose

In this study was aimed to examine the relationship between smartphone addiction (SA) and meaning and purpose of life (MPL) of university students.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional study consisted of 677 students studying in students of Health Sciences. The data were collected by a questionnaire included the smartphone addiction scale‐short form and the meaning and purpose in life scale.

Findings

A significant and negative correlation was found between SA and the MPL levels.

Practice Implacitions

Individual coping programs with SA should be handle within the scope of school health nursing. Also these programs should include activities to help students find meaning and purpose in their lives.