bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hot air drying kinetics of novel functional carrot snack: Impregnated using polyphenolic rich osmotic solution with ultrasound pretreatment
Authors: Maleki Mohammad , Shahidi Fakhri , Varidi Mohammad J. , Azarpazhooh Elham
Published: December 2019

In this study, osmotic impregnation technique combined with ultrasonic pretreatment was applied to carrot slices followed by hot air drying in order to production of functional and healthy snack enriched with polyphenolic compounds derived from roselle extract (at least 400 ppm). The purposes of osmotic impregnation‐dehydration process were the maximum amount of dehydration and phenolic compounds diffusion along with the minimum sugar gain. Results revealed that increasing osmotic solution concentration and process time over optimal points, resulted in reduction of phenolic compounds saturation inside the samples. Also, it was found that prolonged ultrasound pretreatment had a damaging effect on fruit tissue microchannels and led to a decrease in the mass transfer rate. The optimal conditions of this stage were osmotic solution concentration of 60% and the process time of 60 min without ultrasonic pretreatment. In the second stage, the results of hot air drying showed that the highest amount in the total phenolic content was achieved at 70°C. Furthermore, among the several models evaluated, Jena & Das model with a determination coefficient of 0.99 and minimum error indexes, was the best fitted to drying experimental data and activation energy for effective diffusivity coefficient was calculated as 35.987 kJ/mol.

Practical applications

Due to elevation in consumer's awareness in recent decades about the importance of food composition for healthier life and diseases prevention, demand for functional foods has been increasing. Food enrichment with bioactive compounds like polyphenol compounds from different plant sources is an applicable method for this purpose. In this study, carrot, which is a valuable vegetable itself, was further extended to a more functional food by enrichment with rosella plant extract and then hot air dried to produce a snack which has more nutritional quality than conventional ones. Also, osmotic dehydration results in lower moisture content of carrot slices which helps reduced hot air drying time and lower energy consumption. Overall, results from this research is usable to develop a functional snack based on carrot and rosella extract.
Results From a Survey of American Geriatrics Society Members' Views on Physician‐Assisted Suicide
Authors: Rosenberg Lisa J. , Butler Jorie M. , Caprio Anthony J. , Rhodes Ramona L. , Braun Ursula K. , Vitale Caroline A. , Telonidis Jacqueline , Periyakoil Vyjeyanthi S. , Farrell Timothy W.
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Physician‐assisted suicide (PAS) is a controversial practice, currently legal in nine states and the District of Columbia. No prior study explores the views of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) membership on PAS.

DESIGN

We surveyed 1488 randomly selected AGS members via email.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 369 AGS members completed the survey (24.8% response rate).

ANALYSIS

We conducted bivariate correlation analyses of beliefs related to support for PAS. We also conducted qualitative analysis of open‐ended responses.

RESULTS

There was no consensus regarding the acceptability of PAS, with 47% supporting and 52% opposing this practice. PAS being legal in the respondent's state, belief that respect for autonomy alone is sufficient to justify PAS, and intent to prescribe or support requests for PAS if legal in state of practice all correlated with support for PAS. There was no consensus on whether the AGS should oppose, support, or adopt a neutral stance on PAS. Most respondents believed that PAS is more complex among patients with low health literacy, low English proficiency, disability, dependency, or frailty. Most respondents supported mandatory palliative care consultation and independent assessments from two physicians. Themes identified from qualitative analysis include role of the medical profession, uncertainty of the role of professional organizations, potential unintended consequences, autonomy, and ethical and moral considerations.

CONCLUSION

There was no consensus among respondents regarding the acceptability of PAS. Respondents expressed concern about vulnerable older populations and the need for safeguards when responding to requests for PAS. Ethical, legal, and policy discussions regarding PAS should consider vulnerable populations. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:23–30, 2019
Reply to: MoCA Test Mandatory Training and Certification: What Is the Purpose?
Authors: Borson Soo , Sehgal Mandi , Chodosh Joshua
Published: December 2019

This letter comments on the letter by Ziad Nasreddine.
The impact of home enteral feeding on the daily lives of people with head and neck cancer: a metasynthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Thomas A. , Sowerbutts A. M. , Burden S. T.
Published: December 2019

Background

Home enteral feeding (HEF) may have a wider impact on peoples' daily lives beyond influencing their nutritional and clinical status. This metasynthesis aimed to determine the impact of HEF on peoples' daily lives.

Methods

Qualitative studies were included with adults, who had been diagnosed with head and neck cancer and had finished their cancer treatment, with a feeding tube in place. Medline, PubMed and Cinahl were searched (August 2009 to August 2019). Thematic synthesis was conducted to interpret findings from the included studies. The ‘Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research’ (GRADE‐CERQual) approach was used to assess the level of confidence associated with each review finding.

Results

Seven qualitative studies met the eligibility criteria. Four overarching themes were identified. ‘Loss of life as they once knew it’ encompassed loss of normality. ‘Developing personal coping strategies works towards restoring a sense of normality’ encapsulated active adjustment and acceptance of the feeding tube. ‘Navigating the hurdles when transitioning back to eating’ comprised the trials and tribulations of returning to oral intake. Overall, participants recognised that they could not have managed without the feeding tube and this is encapsulated in ‘Feeding tube valued’.

Conclusions

In many cases, initial feelings of change and loss as a result of HEF were replaced with empowerment, adaptation and acceptance following a period of adjustment. Despite the challenges associated with HEF, participants acknowledged its purpose as being functional, as well as reassuring. Future research should explore barriers and facilitators to self‐management and patient empowerment amongst those receiving HEF.
The constitutive activity of melanocortin‐4 receptors in cAMP pathway is allosterically modulated by zinc and copper ions
Authors: Link Reet , Veiksina Santa , Tahk Maris‐Johanna , Laasfeld Tõnis , Paiste Päärn , Kopanchuk Sergei , Rinken Ago
Published: December 2019

Melanocortin‐4 receptors (MC4R) are unique among G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) as they have endogenous ligands that can exhibit inverse agonistic properties in the case of elevated basal activity. It is known that the constitutive activity of GPCRs strongly affects the ligand‐dependent physiological responses, but little is known about these regulatory mechanisms. Since several metal ions have been shown to be important modulators of the signal transduction of GPCRs, we hypothesized that metal ions regulate the basal activity of MC4Rs. Implementation of a fluorescence anisotropy assay and novel redshifted fluorescent peptides enabled kinetic characterization of ligand binding to MC4R expressed on budded baculoviruses. We show that Ca2+ is required for high‐affinity ligand binding, but Zn2+ and Cu2+ in the presence of Ca2+ behave as negative allosteric modulators of ligand binding to MC4R. FRET‐based cAMP biosensor was used to measure the activation of MC4R stably expressed in CHO‐K1 cells. At low micromolar concentrations, Zn2+ caused MC4R‐dependent activation of the cAMP pathway, whereas Cu2+ reduced the activity of MC4R even below the basal level. These findings indicate that at physiologically relevant concentrations can Zn2+ and Cu2+ function as MC4R agonists or inverse agonists, respectively. This means that depending on the level of constitutive activity induced by Zn2+ ions, the pharmacological effect of orthosteric ligands of MC4R can be switched from a partial to an inverse agonist.

Open Science Badges

This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. More information about the Open Science badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

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Level of function mobility scale for nurse‐driven early mobilisation in people with acute cardiovascular disease
Authors: Dima Diana , Valiquette Julie , Berube‐Dufour Joelle , Goldfarb Michael
Published: December 2019

Background

There are currently no validated tools that are reliable and easy to use for nurses to assess mobility in people with acute cardiovascular disease in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CICU).

Methods

A multidisciplinary team at an academic tertiary care centre developed the Level of Function (LOF) Mobility Scale for use in a nurse‐driven early progressive mobilisation in the CICU. To determine inter‐rater reliability, the prehospital and admission LOF were assessed independently by two CICU nurses. Pairwise comparisons between raters were evaluated using Cohen's kappa statistic. To determine convergence validity, the LOF and Activity Measure for Post‐Acute Care 6‐Clicks score upon admission were compared with Spearman's correlation. To determine feasibility, a 9‐item mobility scale questionnaire was distributed to CICU nurses with and without experience using the LOF Mobility Scale. The STROBE reporting guidelines were used.

Results

The LOF Mobility Scale had good inter‐rater reliability for assessment of LOF prior to hospitalisation (N = 131, kappa = 0.66,p < .001) and at the time of CICU admission (N = 131, kappa = 0.71,p < .001). There was a moderate correlation (N = 79 observations; correlation coefficient = 0.525;p < .01) between the bedside nurses LOF and the 6‐Clicks score. All nurses surveyed (N = 54; 100%) thought that the LOF Mobility Scale was clear and unambiguous, the LOFs were well‐defined and the scale was an appropriate length. Nearly all of the nurses with experience using the scale (N = 22/24; 92%) felt that the scale took less than one minute to complete, compared with about half (N = 14/30; 47%) in the group of nurses without experience using the scale.

Conclusion

The LOF Mobility Scale is reliable and feasible for mobility assessment in a nurse‐driven early progressive mobilisation programme in patients with acute cardiovascular disease in the CICU.

Relevance to clinical practice

A nurse‐driven EM programme can be implemented in the CICU.
Clarity, confidence and complexity: Learning from mental health nurses' experiences of events involving physiological deterioration of consumers in acute inpatient mental health settings
Authors: Brunero Scott , Everett Bronwyn , Ramjan Lucie M. , Salamonson Yenna , Steel Kelly , Johnson Alisha Maree , Stokes Malcolm , Langdon Rachel , Dickens Geoffrey L.
Published: December 2019

Aims and objective

To capture the experiences of nurses in relation to the acutely physiologically deteriorating consumer.

Background

Improving the physical health care of consumers with mental illness has been widely adopted as a priority for mental health nursing. Much of the effort thus far has focused on routine screening, prevention and treatment of common comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and cancer. There has been less focus on the acutely physiologically deteriorating consumer in the mental health setting. Further study is warranted since this issue poses a set of highly complex challenges for nurses within the inpatient setting.

Method

An exploratory, descriptive study was employed using focus groups to gather narrative data, which was then subject to qualitative analysis. Eleven mental health inpatient wards within a local health district in Sydney, Australia, were studied, comprising ward‐based nurses (n = 64) and nurse unit managers (n = 8). This paper follows the COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative health research.

Results

Qualitative data analysis revealed three themes central to the nurses' experience: (a) lack of clarity (subthemes: procedures and leadership accountability); (b) confidence in the workforce (subthemes: knowledge and skills, training needs, relevant experience, collaboration with emergency and medical teams, stigmatising attitudes); and (c) complexity (subthemes: complexity as the new norm and suitability of the mental health environment).

Conclusion

The themes found in this study can be used to guide and inform healthcare policy, protocols, education and processes around building a more confident nurse workforce for the acutely physiologically deteriorating consumer.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings provide a rich data set for the generation of measurement tools and protocols to guide physical health care and evaluate performance.
Distraction‐based relief of pain associated with peripheral intravenous catheterisation in adults: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Basak Tulay , Duman Senem , Demirtas Ayla
Published: December 2019

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to determine the effect of methods of distraction to relieve pain associated with the peripheral intravenous catheter (PIC) insertion procedure, thus improving patient satisfaction. Specifically, we examined such effect by playing 3D videos with virtual reality goggles and showing pictures to the patient containing distractive optical illusions.

Background

In the literature, although the efficacy of various pharmacological methods for reducing pain associated with the insertion of PIC has been evaluated in adults, studies on nonpharmacological methods are limited.

Methods

The research was conducted with a randomised controlled single‐blind experimental study. The sample consisted of 120 patients. While nothing is applied to the control group, cards containing distractive optical illusion pictures and playing 3D videos with VR goggles during PIC insertion is applied for distraction groups. The data collection form consisted of items that measured the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and a visual analog scale. The CONSORT checklist was followed in reporting this study. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. No. NCT03945929.

Results

The mean pain level was 4.72 ± 3.15 in the control group and 3.41 ± 2.81 in the distraction groups and the difference was found to be statistically significant (p = .02). When the mean satisfaction level between the groups was compared, it was found to be 5.12 ± 3.41 in the control group and 8.07 ± 2.67 in the groups undergoing distraction methods. The difference between them was statistically significant (p = .01).

Conclusions

This study found that the use of cards containing distractive optical illusion pictures and playing 3D videos with VR goggles during PIC insertion in adult patients were both effective.

Relevance to clinical practice

These distraction methods may be used to reduce pain due to PIC insertion in nonurgent and less urgent adult patients in the emergency department.
Language Ideologies in Early History of Modern Mandarin: A Study of Shen Congwen's Minor Literature
Authors: Peng Lijing
Published: December 2019

Modern Mandarin replaced classical Chinese as a literary language in a very short period due to institutional efforts. This article is one of the first attempts to use linguistic anthropology methods to study the relationship between literature and nationalism in early twentieth‐century China. Writing genres and styles are examined to uncover the linguistic ideologies that arose in response to the complex language institutions in the modernization of the Chinese language. Shen Congwen presents a unique voice in a time of literary revolution and emergence of modern Chinese language and literature. In his literary works, collisions of different linguistic ideologies and poetic traditions in Chinese history can be readily observed. Using his works as case studies, the complex power relations of literati, rural people, languages and registers, and ethnicity embedded in this era's literature are examined through the concept of “minor literature.”
Connectivity within the default mode network mediates the association between chronotype and sleep quality
Authors: Tian Yun , Chen Xinyuan , Xu Dan , Yu Jing , Lei Xu
Published: December 2019

A late chronotype is associated with poor sleep quality, but the fundamental neural mechanism underlying this association remains unclear. Eyes‐open resting‐state functional MRI scans were obtained from 87 participants after extended wakefulness, and four subregions of the default mode network were extracted and analysed. Partial correlation analysis revealed that the functional connectivity between the precuneus and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was significantly correlated both with sleep quality and circadian preference of the participants. Mediation analysis found that the precuneus–mPFC link fully mediated the correlation between chronotype and sleep quality. We concluded that increased neural communication in the midline cores of the default mode network (DMN) may be responsible for the poor sleep quality of late chronotypes. As late chronotypes exhibit vulnerability to many mental disorders, our results can be used to refine pathophysiological models and provide therapy for such psychological disorders.
Reduced dynamic functional connectivity between salience and executive brain networks in insomnia disorder
Authors: Wei Yishul , Leerssen Jeanne , Wassing Rick , Stoffers Diederick , Perrier Joy , Van Someren Eus J. W.
Published: December 2019

Research into insomnia disorder has pointed to large‐scale brain network dysfunctions. Dynamic functional connectivity is instrumental to cognitive functions but has not been investigated in insomnia disorder. This study assessed between‐network functional connectivity strength and variability in patients with insomnia disorder as compared with matched controls without sleep complaints. Twelve‐minute resting‐state functional magnetic resonance images and T1‐weighed images were acquired in 65 people diagnosed with insomnia disorder (21–69 years, 48 female) and 65 matched controls without sleep complaints (22–70 years, 42 female). Pairwise correlations between the activity time series of 14 resting‐state networks and temporal variability of the correlations were compared between cases and controls. After false discovery rate correction for multiple comparisons, people with insomnia disorder and controls did not differ significantly in terms of mean between‐network functional connectivity strength; people with insomnia disorder did, however, show less functional connectivity variability between the anterior salience network and the left executive‐control network. The finding suggests less flexible interactions between the networks during the resting state in people with insomnia disorder.
Genomic prediction and variance component estimation for carcass fat content in rainbow trout using SNP markers
Authors: Hu Guo , Gu Wei , Cheng Lei , Wang Bingqian
Published: December 2019

Specific locus amplified fragment sequencing‐based genotyping was performed in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss with 385 individuals from a freshwater breeding program in China to develop genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism markers. Genomic prediction and variance component estimation were carried out for carcass fat content using genomic‐relatedness‐based best linear unbiased predictor (GBLUP) and genomic‐relatedness‐based restricted maximum likelihood methods. The 10‐fold cross‐validation analysis results showed that the genetic model including both additive and dominance effects had the best accuracy, and the observed predictive ability of the GBLUP estimates was 0.455 ± 0.050. Using this model to analyze the full data set of 385 individuals, the additive genomic heritability of carcass fat content was = 0.623 ± 0.175 with a negligible dominance effect. Our results suggested that the carcass fat content was mainly controlled by additive alleles. Thus, selective breeding could be performed based on the additive GBLUP values, and the methodology of genomic selection provides a reliable and feasible approach for optimizing carcass fat content of rainbow trout.
Impact of HSD17B13 rs72613567 genotype on hepatic decompensation and mortality in patients with portal hypertension
Authors: Scheiner Bernhard , Stättermayer Albert F. , Schwabl Philipp , Bucsics Theresa , Paternostro Rafael , Bauer David , Simbrunner Benedikt , Schmidt Ralf , Marculescu Rodrig , Ferlitsch Arnulf , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Pinter Mathias , Trauner Michael , Reiberger Thomas , Ferenci Peter , Mandorfer Mattias
Published: December 2019

Background & Aims

The loss‐of‐function rs72613567 T > TA‐variant in the 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13) gene might protect from alcoholic and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (ALD/NAFLD) and associated fibrosis/cirrhosis. We investigated the impact of the T > TA‐variant on hepatic decompensation and mortality and investigated its implications on retinol and sex steroid metabolism in patients who had already developed advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD).

Methods

Retrospective analysis in prospectively characterized patients with viral hepatitis‐ and ALD/NAFLD‐induced portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥ 6 mmHg) diagnosed at the Medical University of Vienna.

Results

Among 487 patients who were followed longitudinally, 166 (34%) were heterozygous and 24 (5%) were homozygous for the ‘protective’ TA‐allele. Patients harbouring at least one TA‐allele had a lower MELD (9 (8‐12) vs 10 (8‐13) points; P = .003) and showed a trend towards lower HVPG (16 ± 6 vs 17 ± 7 mmHg; P = .067). Interestingly, in competing risk analyses adjusted for age, HVPG and MELD, harbouring the TA‐allele was associated with numerically increased risks for mortality (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio (aSHR): 1.3 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.888‐1.91); P = .18), liver‐related death (aSHR: 1.34 (95% CI: 0.9‐1.98); P = .15) and hepatic decompensation (aSHR: 1.29 (95% CI: 0.945‐1.77); P = .11). This might be explained by trends towards worse outcomes (eg liver‐related death: aSHR: 1.64 (95% CI: 0.95‐2.84); P = .076) in patients with viral hepatitis‐induced ACLD. In a cross‐sectional analysis of 211 additional patients, serum retinol levels were comparable between HSD17B13 genotypes, but in males, serum testosterone levels numerically decreased with an increasing number of TA‐alleles.

Conclusion

In patients with viral hepatitis‐ and ALD‐induced portal hypertension, the T > TA‐variant was not protective of hepatic decompensation and mortality. Further studies should investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the effects of HSD17B13 genotype at different stages of liver disease.
The stationary phase regulator CpcR activates cry gene expression in non‐sporulating cells of Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Zhang Ruibin , Slamti Leyla , Tong Lei , Verplaetse Emilie , Ma Lixia , Lemy Christelle , Peng Qi , Guo Shuyuan , Zhang Jie , Song Fuping , Lereclus Didier
Published: December 2019

Cell differentiation within an isogenic population allows the specialisation of subpopulations and a division of labour. Bacillus thuringiensis is a spore‐forming bacterium that produces insecticidal crystal proteins (Cry proteins) in sporulating cells. We recently reported that strain B. thuringiensis LM1212 presents the unique ability to differentiate into two subpopulations during the stationary phase: spore‐formers and crystal‐producers. Here, we characterised the transcriptional regulator CpcR responsible for this differentiation and the expression of the cry genes. cpcR is located on a plasmid that also harbours cry genes. The alignment of LM1212 cry gene promoters revealed the presence of a conserved DNA sequence upstream from the −35 region. This presumed CpcR box was also found in the promoter of cpcR and we showed that cpcR transcription is positively autoregulated. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays suggested that CpcR directly controls the transcription of its target genes by binding to the CpcR box. We showed that CpcR was able to direct the production of a crystal consisting of a heterologous insecticidal Cry protein in non‐sporulating cells of a typical B. thuringiensis kurstaki strain. Moreover, the expression of cpcR induced a reduction in the sporulation of this B. thuringiensis strain, suggesting an interaction between CpcR and the sporulation regulatory networks.
Selective neuronal vulnerability is involved in cerebellar lesions of Guinea pigs infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) prions: Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic investigations
Authors: Sakaguchi Shoichi , Shintani Sayo , Kamio Kyohei , Sekiya Akio , Kato Satomi , Muroi Yoshikage , Horiuchi Motohiro , Furuoka Hidefumi
Published: December 2019

The cerebellar lesions of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)‐infected guinea pigs were characterized as severe atrophy of the cerebellar cortex associated with the loss of granule cells, decrease in the width of the molecular layer, and intense protease‐resistant prion protein (PrPSc) accumulations that are similar to cerebellar lesions in kuru and the VV2 type of sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease. The aim of this study is to assess the relationships between the distribution and localization of PrPScand synapses expressing neurotransmitter transporters in order to reveal the pathogenesis of the disease. We used cell‐type‐specific immunohistochemical makers recognizing glutamatergic and γ‐aminobutylic acid (GABA)ergic terminals to identify terminals impaired with PrPScaccumulations. The distribution of PrPScaccumulations and immunoreactivity of synaptic vesicles were studied throughout the neuroanatomical pathways in cerebellar lesions. Time course study demonstrated that PrPScaccumulation showed a tendency to spread from granular layer to molecular layer. The immunoreactivity of vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGluT1) was localized in axon terminals of cerebellar granule cells, and decreased in association with the severity of PrPScaccumulations and loss of granule cells. Immunoreactivities of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGluT2) and vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) that exist in axon terminals of inferior olivary neurons and GABAergic synapses of Purkinje cells, respectively, were preserved well in these lesions. In brainstem, VGluT1 immunoreactivity decreased selectively in pontine nuclei that are a component of the pontocerebellar pathway, although other neurotransmitter immunoreactivities were preserved well. Our findings suggest that the selective loss of VGluT1‐immunoreactive synapses subsequent to PrPScaccumulations can contribute to the pathogenesis of cerebellar lesions of BSE‐infected guinea pigs.
Calcification and ossification in conventional schwannoma: A clinicopathologic study of 32 cases
Authors: Din Nasir U. , Fritchie Karen , Tariq Muhammad U. , Ahmed Arsalan , Ahmad Zubair
Published: December 2019

Calcification and ossification are uncommon in schwannomas; however, when present these findings may cause diagnostic confusion with other mesenchymal tumors which more frequently harbor these features. We sought to better characterize the type and rate of calcification and ossification in schwannomas. Cases of schwannoma diagnosed at our institution from 2005 to 2019 were reviewed to determine the type and amount of calcification and ossification present. Of 2116 total cases of schwannoma reported during the study period, 38 cases harbored calcification or ossification per the pathology report. Thirty‐two of the 38 cases had slides available for review, of which 27 (84.3%) showed calcification, nine showed ossification (28.1%), and four (12.5%) cases demonstrated both. Foci of ossification typically occurred adjacent to large vessels. Of the 27 cases showing calcification, coarse dystrophic calcification was seen in 22 cases, psammomatous calcification in nine cases, and combined dystrophic and psammomatous calcification was seen in four cases. Cases with psammomatous calcification predominantly occurred in spinal roots and cerebellopontine angle of a younger age group with almost equal gender distribution. All four cases tested for protein kinase cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐dependent type I regulatory subunit alpha immunohistochemical stain demonstrated retained expression. We confirm that calcification and ossification are rare findings in schwannoma. Awareness that these features may be present in these tumors will prevent misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate clinical management.
Comparing the learning effects of debriefing modalities for the care of premature infants
Authors: Lee Myung‐Nam , Kim Shin‐Jeong , Kang Kyung‐Ah , Kim Sunghee
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to compare the learning effects of debriefing methods used in the simulation of prematurity care by measuring: (i) academic self‐efficacy; (ii) confidence in performance; (iii) self‐assessed communication skills; and (iv) satisfaction. We employed a quasi‐experimental design with three experimental groups that experienced instructor‐directed, self‐directed, and video‐assisted, self‐directed debriefing, respectively. Participants were 146 senior nursing students from three nursing schools. To compare learning effects, the same developed scenario for prematurity care was applied to all three groups. Significant differences were observed in the mean scores for the study variables among the three groups. The post‐hoc analysis showed that the video‐assisted, self‐directed debriefing group obtained the highest mean score difference for confidence in performance, self‐assessed communication skills, and satisfaction with the debriefing method. Thus, video‐assisted, self‐directed debriefing could be the most effective debriefing method for students.
Chronic ingestion of deoxynivalenol‐contaminated diet dose‐dependently decreases the area of myenteric neurons and gliocytes of rats
Authors: Rissato Débora Furlan , de Santi Rampazzo Ana Paula , Borges Stephanie Carvalho , Sousa Fernando Carlos , Busso Cleverson , Buttow Nilza Cristina , Natali Maria Raquel Marçal
Published: December 2019

Background

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium spp., is commonly found in cereals ingested by humans and animals. Its ingestion is correlated with hepatic, hematologic, renal, splenic, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and neural damages, according to dose, duration of exposure and species. In this work, the effects of the ingestion of DON‐contaminated diet at concentrations considered tolerable for human and animal intake were assessed.

Methods

Male Wistar rats aging 21 days were allotted to five groups that were given, for 42 days, diets contaminated with different concentrations of DON (0, 0.2, 0.75, 1.75, and 2 mg kg−1 of chow). Food ingestion, bodyweight, oxidative status and morphometric analyses of gliocytes, and neurons of jejunal myenteric ganglia were recorded.

Key Results

At these concentrations, there was no food rejection, decrease in bodyweight gain, changes in oxidative status, or loss of either neurons or gliocytes. However, DON decreased gliocyte area, general neuronal population, nitrergic, cholinergic and NADH‐diaphorase positive subpopulations and, as a result, ganglion area.

Conclusions & Inferences

It was concluded that, even in the absence of visible effect, DON exposure reduces cell body area of gliocytes and neurons of the myenteric plexus of the rat jejunum.
Keeping the shoot above water – submergence triggers antithetical growth responses in stems and petioles of watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
Authors: Müller Jana T. , van Veen Hans , Bartylla Malte M. , Akman Melis , Pedersen Ole , Sun Pulu , Schuurink Robert C. , Takeuchi Jun , Todoroki Yasushi , Weig Alfons R. , Sasidharan Rashmi , Mustroph Angelika
Published: December 2019

The molecular mechanisms controlling underwater elongation are based extensively on studies on internode elongation in the monocot rice (Oryza sativa) and petiole elongation in Rumex rosette species. Here, we characterize underwater growth in the dicot Nasturtium officinale (watercress), a wild species of the Brassicaceae family, in which submergence enhances stem elongation and suppresses petiole growth.

We used a genome‐wide transcriptome analysis to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed antithetical growth responses. Though submergence caused a substantial reconfiguration of the petiole and stem transcriptome, only little qualitative differences were observed between both tissues. A core submergence response included hormonal regulation and metabolic readjustment for energy conservation, whereas tissue‐specific responses were associated with defense, photosynthesis, and cell wall polysaccharides.

Transcriptomic and physiological characterization suggested that the established ethylene, abscisic acid (ABA), and GA growth regulatory module for underwater elongation could not fully explain underwater growth in watercress.

Petiole growth suppression is likely attributed to a cell cycle arrest. Underwater stem elongation is driven by an early decline in ABA and is not primarily mediated by ethylene or GA. An enhanced stem elongation observed in the night period was not linked to hypoxia and suggests an involvement of circadian regulation.
Complex patterns in tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases underpin the domestication of tomato
Authors: Ferrero Victoria , Baeten Lander , Blanco‐Sánchez Lidia , Planelló Rosario , Díaz‐Pendón Juan Antonio , Rodríguez‐Echeverría Susana , Haegeman Annelies , de la Peña Eduardo
Published: December 2019

A frequent hypothesis explaining the high susceptibility of many crops to pests and diseases is that, in the process of domestication, crops have lost defensive genes and traits against pests and diseases. Ecological theory predicts trade‐offs whereby resistance and tolerance go at the cost of each other. We used wild relatives, early domesticated varieties, traditional local landraces and cultivars of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) to test whether resistance and tolerance trade‐offs were phylogenetically structured or varied according to degree of domestication.

We exposed tomato genotypes to the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae, the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis, the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and two common insect‐transmitted plant viruses, and reconstructed their phylogenetic relationships using Genotyping‐by‐Sequencing.

We found differences in the performance and effect of pest and diseases but such differences were not related with domestication degree nor genetic relatedness, which probably underlie a complex genetic basis for resistance and indicate that resistance traits appeared at different stages and in unrelated genetic lineages. Still, wild and early domesticated accessions showed greater resistance to aphids and tolerance to caterpillars, nematodes and diseases than modern cultivars.

Our findings help to understand how domestication affects plant–pest interactions and underline the importance of tolerance in crop breeding.
The effects of cannabis use on oral health
Authors: Liu Chunyan , Qi Xia , Yang Dongru , Neely Anthony , Zhou Zheng
Published: December 2019

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is one of the most commonly used substances for medical and recreational purposes globally. With the trend of global legalization of medical use of cannabis and even the recreational use, the prevalence of recreational use of cannabis has increased markedly over the past few years. Correspondingly, the potential health concerns related to cannabis consumption have also increased. Therefore, it is necessary for oral healthcare providers to understand the effects of cannabis use on oral health. This review briefly summarizes the components of cannabis, biologic activities on tissues, and mechanisms of action in human cells and tissues. Oral tissue expression of cannabinoid receptors and the potential association of cannabis to oral diseases are also examined. The goals of this review are to (1) elaborate the basic biology and physiology of cannabis in human oral tissues, and (2) provide a better understanding the effects of its use and abuse on oral health. Due to insufficient information, more well‐designed studies should be conducted. It is urgent to include cannabis usage into dental patient health records.
Tensions in dementia care in China: An interpretative phenomenological study from Shandong province
Authors: Zhang Xiubin , Clarke Charlotte L. , Rhynas Sarah J.
Published: December 2019

Aims

The study aims to analyse the tensions and the challenges of dementia care that are experienced by people with dementia and their family caregivers in China.

Background

China has the largest dementia population in the world; however, dementia care services and related support services are still developing. Caring for a person with dementia is very challenging, as evidenced by many studies. As the majority of people with dementia are looked after by their family in their homes in China, it is very important to understand what people with dementia and their family caregivers are experiencing in the context of dementia care services that are in the process of developing.

Design

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used.

Method

Semi‐structured individual interviews with 24 participants (10 people with dementia and 14 unrelated family caregivers) recruited from a mental health centre in Shandong Province.

Findings

Three main themes emerged that highlighted unmet need: (a) Lack of support services, (b) Insufficient institutional care and (c) Social attitude and social stigma towards dementia.

Conclusions

These themes reveal the challenges that the participants face in the context of dementia care services that are in the process of development in China; and how their lived experiences have been affected by the constraints of social support, public services, healthcare access, long‐term care services and social stigma.

Implications for practice

This study highlights the tensions that are identified by people with dementia and family caregivers. The research recommends that more support services would be beneficial for this group and would also enhance family support dementia care in China. Looking after an older family member is a culturally, socially and legally embodied norm in Chinese society, so it is important to address education for dementia awareness and the sustainability of family support care services in China by providing dementia services and resources to support both people with dementia and family caregivers.
Factors affecting undergraduate nurse educators' knowledge, skills or attitudes about older persons and their care: An integrative review
Authors: Negrin Kelly A. , Slaughter Susan E. , Dahlke Sherry , Olson Joanne
Published: December 2019

Background

Nurses are increasingly expected to provide care for older persons; however, there are too few nurse educators with expertise in older person care to ensure students graduate with the requisite competencies.

Methods

An integrative review, using Whittemore and Knafl's framework, was undertaken to identify and synthesise evidence about factors affecting nurse educators' knowledge, skills or attitudes about older persons and their care.

Results

Forty‐four articles met the inclusion criteria. All but three papers originated in the USA. Content analysis yielded three central themes: external‐level factors, employer‐level factors and individual‐level factors. Findings demonstrated that external funding from philanthropic organisations and government agencies supported many of the national, regional and site‐specific initiatives, which were, in many cases, underpinned by professional regulatory frameworks. Negative attitudes of administrators and reduced budgets of educational institutions impeded the availability of such initiatives. Negative attitudes of individual educators towards older person care and the specialty of gerontology constrained their pursuit of such learning, as did their lack of awareness of current gerontology resources.

Conclusions

The lack of educators with gerontology knowledge, skills and requisite attitudes requires a focused effort from external and professional bodies, and from educational institutions to ensure the resources are available to enhance educator expertise in gerontology. Rigorous study addressing the factors influencing educators' knowledge, skills or attitudes towards older persons and their care is required.

Implications for Practice

Addressing the lack of nurse educator expertise in gerontology could help to ensure new nurses have the required competencies to provide quality older person care.
Scaffold protein GhMORG1 enhances the resistance of cotton to Fusarium oxysporum by facilitating the MKK6‐MPK4 cascade
Authors: Wang Chen , Guo Hongbin , He Xiaowen , Zhang Shuxin , Wang Jiayu , Wang Lijun , Guo Dezheng , Guo Xingqi
Published: December 2019

In eukaryotes, MAPK scaffold proteins are crucial for regulating the function of MAPK cascades. However, only a few MAPK scaffold proteins have been reported in plants, and the molecular mechanism through which scaffold proteins regulate the function of the MAPK cascade remains poorly understood. Here, we identified GhMORG1, a GhMKK6‐GhMPK4 cascade scaffold protein that positively regulates the resistance of cotton to Fusarium oxysporum. GhMORG1 interacted with GhMKK6 and GhMPK4, and the overexpression of GhMORG1 in cotton protoplasts dramatically increased the activity of the GhMKK6‐GhMPK4 cascade. Quantitative phosphoproteomics was used to clarify the mechanism of GhMORG1 in regulating disease resistance, and thirty‐two proteins were considered as the putative substrates of the GhMORG1‐dependent GhMKK6‐GhMPK4 cascade. These putative substrates were involved in multiple disease resistance processes, such as cellular amino acid metabolic processes, calcium ion binding and RNA binding. The kinase assays verified that most of the putative substrates were phosphorylated by the GhMKK6‐GhMPK4 cascade. For functional analysis, nine putative substrates were silenced in cotton, respectively. The resistance of cotton to F. oxysporum was decreased in the substrate‐silenced cottons. These results suggest that GhMORG1 regulates several different disease resistance processes by facilitating the phosphorylation of GhMKK6‐GhMPK4 cascade substrates. Taken together, these findings reveal a new plant MAPK scaffold protein and provide insights into the mechanism of plant resistance to pathogens.
Rapid response to treatment with thalidomide in an adolescent with generalized discoid lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tran Benjamin , Yazdani Abyaneh Mohammad‐Ali , Wu Julia
Published: December 2019

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common variant of cutaneous chronic lupus erythematosus (CLE). Sun protection, topical corticosteroids, and antimalarials constitute the first‐line options for treatment. In refractory cases, alternative antimalarials, methotrexate, retinoids, and thalidomide have been utilized. We present a case of an adolescent patient with generalized DLE responding rapidly to thalidomide.
Preclinical Investigation of Methylene Blue‐mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on Leishmania Parasites Using Real‐Time Bioluminescence
Authors: Cabral Fernanda V. , Sabino Caetano P. , Dimmer Jesica A. , Sauter Ismael P. , Cortez Mauro J. , Ribeiro Martha S.
Published: December 2019

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected disease that promotes destructive lesions. Difficulties in treatment are related to accessibility of drugs, resistance and toxicity. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) has been emerging as a promising treatment for CL. In this work, we evaluated methylene blue (MB)‐mediated APDT (MB‐APDT) on Leishmania amazonensis in vitro and in vivo by bioluminescence technique. In vitro, MB‐APDT was performed using a red LED (λ = 660 ± 11 nm, 100 mW cm−2) and MB (100 µm) at different light doses. In vivo, mice were infected and 4 weeks later, randomly divided into three groups: control, APDT 1 (single session) and APDT 2 (two sessions of MB‐APDT). MB was used at 100 µm and energy dose was established at 150 J cm−2. Parasite burden, lesion size and pain were evaluated weekly for 4 weeks. In vitro, lethal dose for 90% parasite inactivation was achieved at 48.8 J cm−2. In vivo, although APDT 1 and APDT 2 groups have showed similar parasite burden after 4 weeks, two sessions were clinically better, especially considering the inflammatory process associated to CL. Our findings reinforce MB‐APDT as a cost‐effective treatment to combat CL.
The Past in the Present—The Role of Analogical Reasoning in Epistemic Learning About How to Tackle Complex Policy Problems
Authors: Beach Derek , Schäfer David , Smeets Sandrino
Published: December 2019

This article unpacks the role that analogical reasoning plays in epistemic learning, helping actors identify and evaluate what solutions can be used to fix complex, high‐stakes policy problems. Based on recent research in cognitive psychology, we develop a two‐stage analogical reasoning model of  learning in which core causal lessons are transferred to the current target case, but where contextual differences are also discounted. The result is the restriction of the set of solutions considered in a policy debate to those that have positive source cases associated with them, and no compelling negative source cases. In the Banking Union case study assessed in this article, we provide evidence that analogical reasoning did play an important role in setting the parameters of the debates. The article concludes with a call for policy analysts to pay more attention to how comparisons with the past structure policy debates.
Public infrastructure and trade in a dynamic two‐country model
Authors: Yanase Akihiko , Tawada Makoto
Published: December 2019

We develop a two‐country dynamic trade model with public infrastructure having an “unpaid‐factor”‐type positive externality on private sectors’ productivity. With welfare‐maximizing national governments making infrastructure investment, we show that a country with a smaller labor endowment, a lower depreciation rate of infrastructure, and/or a lower time preference rate will become an exporter of a good that is more dependent on infrastructure and will gain from trade, whereas its trading partner may lose from trade. We consider both the nonstrategic governments case and the case of strategic governments that recognize the effect on the terms of trade.