bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐site study exploring the experiences of security staff responding to mental health, drug health and behavioural challenges in the emergency department
Authors: Wand Timothy , Bell Nerida , Stack Amanda , Collett Gemma , Cutten Alexa , Murphy Margaret , White Kathryn
Published: May 2020

Objective

This multi‐site study aimed to give voice to the views and experiences of security staff in assisting with the response to the growing number of people with mental health, drug health and behavioural problems attending EDs.

Methods

Explorative qualitative research design, using semi‐structured interviews were conducted with security staff (n = 26) working in three different emergency settings across New South Wales, Australia. The data were analysed thematically.

Results

Participants recognised that long waiting times in the ED ‘guarding’ patients frequently accounted for escalating behaviour and increased the likelihood of restrictive interventions. Security staff expressed concerns about safety and were uncomfortable with a sense of uncertainty regarding their legal position. They voiced frustration over limited communication and lack of information provided by clinical staff on patient background, and the coordination of incidents and ongoing patient care. There was a perception that security staff are not treated with respect and their input was not valued.

Conclusion

Expecting non‐clinicians to undertake a clinical role (often under stressful circumstances involving close patient contact) places security staff and patients in a precarious position. Greater clarity regarding the role of security staff and information that allows them to adequately and safely undertake their work is required. If security staff are expected to participate in patient care then access to relevant information and the ability to document their activities and patient interactions should be provided. The vital support role that security staff perform needs to be valued and respected.
Super high‐flux hemodialysis provides comparable effectiveness with high‐volume postdilution online hemodiafiltration in removing protein‐bound and middle‐molecule uremic toxins: A prospective cross‐over randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thammathiwat Theerachai , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Limjariyakul Maneerut , Chariyavilaskul Pajaree , Takkavatakarn Kullaya , Susantitaphong Paweena , Meesangnin Srichan , Wittayalertpanya Supeecha , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Eiam‐Ong Somchai
Published: May 2020

Although high‐volume postdilution online hemodiafiltration (ol‐HDF) is superior to high‐flux HD in removing all kinds of uremic toxins and improving survival, this treatment is not available in most HD centers. The present study was conducted to compare the effectiveness in removals of protein‐bound (indoxyl sulfate [IS]), middle‐molecule [beta‐2 microglobulin (B2M) and alpha‐1 microglobulin (A1MG)], and small‐molecule uremic toxins between super high‐flux HD (SHF‐HD), HD with a novel SHF dialyzer and high‐volume postdilution ol‐HDF in a noninferiority fashion. Fifteen prevalent HD patients were randomly allocated into two sequences of 12‐week treatment periods of SHF‐HD treatment and later high‐volume postdilution ol‐HDF period or vice versa. Each treatment period was divided by a wash‐out phase of 4‐week high‐flux HD. Twelve of 15 patients could complete the study. When compared with high‐volume postdilution ol‐HDF (convective volume of 24.4 ± 3.52 L), SHF‐HD provided comparable reduction ratio values of IS, B2M, and A1MG with mean difference of 5.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] ‐1.63, 13.37), 1.98 (95% CI,‐0.21, 4.18), and 22.96 (95% CI, ‐1.91, 47.83), respectively. The spKt/Vurea was not different. The predialysis levels of all uremic toxins at baseline and after 12‐week treatment did not differ between both groups. Although albumin loss in dialysate in SHF‐HD was greater than high‐volume postdilution ol‐HDF, the serum albumin levels after 12‐week SHF‐HD treatment were significantly higher than baseline. In conclusion, SHF‐HD provides noninferior effectiveness to high‐volume postdilution ol‐HDF in removing various uremic toxins with significantly increased serum albumin levels despite higher albumin loss. SHF‐HD might be an effectively alternative treatment when high‐volume postdilution ol‐HDF is not available.
Management of lower limb fractures in patients with spinal cord injuries
Authors: Koong Denis P. , Symes Michael J. , Sefton Andrew K. , Sivakumar Brahman S. , Ellis Andrew
Published: May 2020

Background

Low‐energy fractures of the lower limb in patients post spinal cord injury (SCI) present significant management challenges. This is the first Australian study to review the experience from a tertiary referral SCI centre and aims to identify trends and suggest therapeutic options.

Methods

Retrospective review over a 5‐year period in patients with SCI treated for a lower limb fragility fracture. Patient demographics, spinal injury severity scores, fracture characteristics and treatment were assessed. Time to union, length of stay and treatment‐related complications were also examined.

Results

A total of 38 SCI patients with 42 lower extremity fractures met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 55.7 years and mean duration post‐SCI at fracture was 22.5 ± 12.7 years. The femur (73.8%) was more commonly fractured than the lower leg (26.2%), with extra‐articular distal femoral fractures most prevalent (35.7%). A total of 25 (60%) fractures were managed operatively, and 17 (40%) non‐operatively. The majority of femoral fractures were managed with intramedullary nailing. Tibial fractures were more commonly managed non‐operatively. Eight cases (19.1%) experienced complications, with a significant difference between frequency of complications in non‐operative (35.3%) and operative (8.0%) groups; P = 0.045. All fractures united except one; time to union was shorter in patients treated surgically (13.6 ± 6.4 weeks) compared to those managed non‐operatively (19.1 ± 8.1 weeks).

Conclusions

Lower limb fragility fractures in patients with SCI can be managed successfully via either operative or non‐operative measures. In this series, fewer complications and shorter time to union were found in patients managed operatively.
Interaction between tacrolimus, MELD score and acute kidney injury after liver transplantation. Analysis on a large contemporary bicenter meld‐era series
Authors: Ciria Rubén , Gómez‐Luque Irene , Cortés Miriam , Khorsandi Shirin E. , Ayllón Maria D. , Rodríguez‐Perálvarez Manuel , López‐Cillero Pedro , De La Mata Manuel , O'Grady John , Heaton Nigel , Briceño Javier
Published: May 2020

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after liver transplantation (LT) is a common problem with complex management. The aims were to analyze the profile of AKI‐RIFLE categories in the post‐transplant setting of a wide multicentre cohort of patients in the MELD era and to specifically determine the effect of tacrolimus‐based (TACRO) immunosuppressive regimes on the development of AKI.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 550 (2007‐2012) consecutive patients transplanted at Reina Sofia, Cordoba, and King's College Hospital, London, was performed. Inclusion criterion was to have CNI as part of initial immunosuppression immediately after LT.

Results

After exclusion criteria, a total of 477 patients were analyzed. Incidence of AKI within the first 2 weeks after LT was 65.8% (AKI‐Risk), 41.3% (AKI‐Injury), and 12.3% (AKI‐Failure). The development of any type of AKI had no impact on short‐ and/or long‐term survival up to 3 years after the transplant. Moreover, AKI was almost universal in the early post‐transplant period and TACRO trough concentrations during the first 2 weeks after the transplant were not predictors of AKI in none of its categories in the multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

Low‐TACRO‐based regimes were not as useful as expected in the prevention of AKI when analyzed in the context of a large contemporary LT series.
Islet autotransplantation improves glycemic control in patients undergoing elective distal pancreatectomy for benign inflammatory disease
Authors: Siegel Matthew , Barlowe Trevor , Smith Kerrington D. , Chaidarun Sushela S. , LaBarre Nicolas , Joseph Elmunzer Badih , Morgan Katherine A. , Gardner Timothy B.
Published: May 2020

Islet autotransplantation (IAT) is increasingly being performed to mitigate against the diabetic complications of pancreatic resection in patients with benign inflammatory pancreatic disorders; however, the glycemic benefit of IAT in patients undergoing partial pancreatic resection is not known. We aimed to determine whether IAT improved glycemic outcomes in patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy for benign inflammatory disease. We performed a multicenter, retrospective case‐control study of patients who underwent distal pancreatic resection with IAT at two U S tertiary care centers. The primary outcome was the mean change in pre‐ vs post‐operative HgA1c following transplant as well as the development of new post‐operative diabetes. Nine patients requiring distal pancreatectomy for benign disease underwent IAT and were compared to 13 historical controls without IAT. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. With a median follow‐up of 22 months, those who received an IAT had a smaller increase in their pre‐ vs post‐operative HgA1c (0.42 vs 2.83, P = .004), and one case patient (14.3%) vs three control patients (23.1%) developed new post‐operative diabetes (P = .581). We conclude that patients undergoing distal pancreatic resection for benign inflammatory disease should be considered for IAT, as long‐term glycemic outcomes appear to be improved in those undergoing transplant.
Rare parotid tumour presenting with facial nerve palsy diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Gochhait Debasis , Kekade Shailesh , Siddaraju Neelaiah , Badhe Bhawana , Alexender Arun
Published: May 2020

Rarely Lymphoma of the parotid gland can result in facial nerve palsy however these patients can be easily correctly diagnosed accurately categorized with the help of FNAC and cell block. This can help to avoid the unnecessary sacrifice of the facial nerve and surgical management.
Silibinin induces metabolic crisis in triple‐negative breast cancer cells by modulating EGFR‐MYC‐TXNIP axis: potential therapeutic implications
Authors: Iqbal Mohammad Askandar , Chattopadhyay Shilpi , Siddiqui Farid Ahmad , Ur Rehman Asad , Siddiqui Shumaila , Prakasam Gopinath , Khan Asifa , Sultana Sarwat , Bamezai Rameshwar NK
Published: May 2020

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer with limited treatment modalities and poor prognosis. Metabolic reprogramming in cancer is considered a hallmark of therapeutic relevance. Here, we report disruption of metabolic reprogramming in TNBC cells by silibinin via modulation of EGFR‐MYC‐TXNIP signaling. Metabolic assays combined with LC‐MS‐based metabolomics revealed inhibition of glycolysis and other key biosynthetic pathways by silibinin, to induce metabolic catastrophe in TNBC cells. Silibinin‐induced metabolic suppression resulted in decreased cell biomass, proliferation, and stem cell properties. Mechanistically, we identify EGFR‐MYC‐TXNIP as an important regulator of TNBC metabolism and mediator of inhibitory effects of silibinin. Highlighting the clinical relevance of our observations, the analysis of METABRIC dataset revealed deregulation of EGFR‐MYC‐TXNIP axis in TNBC and association of EGFRhigh‐MYChigh‐TXNIPlow signature with aggressive glycolytic metabolism and poor disease‐specific and metastasis‐free survival. Importantly, combination treatment of silibinin or 2‐deoxyglucose (glycolysis inhibitor) with paclitaxel synergistically inhibited proliferation of TNBC cells. Together, our results highlight the importance of EGFR‐MYC‐TXNIP axis in regulating TNBC metabolism, demonstrate the anti‐TNBC activity of silibinin, and argue in favor of targeting metabolic vulnerabilities of TNBC, at least in combination with mainstay chemotherapeutic drugs, to effectively treat TNBC patients.
Requirements to participate in haemophilia clinical trials
Authors: Mahlangu Johnny N.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Clinical trials in haemophilia product development are expanding rapidly however, the number of sites and expertise in the clinical trial conduct is limited. Guidance on the requirement for conducting clinical trials is required

Aim

The aim of this paper is to outline generic requirements to participate in clinical trials in haemophilia

Materials

This paper describes three elements which are the requirements for success conduct of haemophilia clinical trials. These are the study product, study participant, and the global regulatory and ethics framework

Results and conclusion

In haemophilia clinical trials, requirements for participate in studies are many and include considerations of study product, study participant and ethical and regulatory framework. When these elements are in place, it is possible to conduct haemophilia clinical trials anywhere in the world.
Heavy menstrual bleeding in women with inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: Djambas Khayat Claudia , Gouider Emna , von Mackensen Sylvia , Abdul Kadir Rezan
Published: May 2020

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is the commonest bleeding symptom among women with inherited bleeding disorders (IBD). Since HMB starts at the very onset of menarche and continues throughout the reproductive life, the health related quality of life of these women is affected and they are at an increased risk of developing iron‐deficiency anemia. Because of the entrenched stigma and taboos, women and girls are often reluctant to discuss the problem of HMB within their families and do not seek medical advice. Increased awareness and multidisciplinary management approach for the management of these women are essential in ensuring an optimal outcome. It is important to take a careful history and undertake a thorough gynecological assessment to exclude other underlying/concomitant causes of HMB. Iron supplementation is essential. Strategies for decreasing menstrual blood flow are similar to those used for HMB in general with the addition of desmopressin and replacement therapy and the exclusion of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Tranexamic acid and/or hormonal intervention are usually recommended as first‐line therapy. Treatment choice should be individualized taking into account whether the woman wishes to preserve her fertility, if she requires contraception, the type of IBD, the severity of bleeding, and her social and religious background as well as acceptability and availability of the treatment options.
Publishing in the Haemophilia Journal: Opportunities and challenges for developing countries
Authors: Hermans Cedric
Published: May 2020

Better access to haemophilia treatment and care is currently changing the life of a great many patients with haemophilia or other inherited bleeding diseases in numerous developing countries. These changes are encouraging while stimulating local research initiatives and projects that deserve to be communicated through scientific publications. This paper addresses several opportunities and challenges, providing guidance to scientists, clinicians, researchers and health professionals from developing countries who are actively involved in multidisciplinary haemophilia care, while wishing to publish their reports in Haemophilia, the official, global, multidisciplinary journal of the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH), the European Haemophilia and Allied Disorders (EAHAD) organization and the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society (HTRS) of North America, focusing on inherited bleeding diseases. Several strategies and pathways designed to encourage, help and support successful publications from developing countries are herein discussed.
Scheduling of network tasks to minimize the consumed energy
Authors: Belter Bartosz , Mika Marek , Węglarz Jan
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we consider the problem of scheduling network tasks that have to be performed in a given computer network. Each network task consists of the transmission of data files between two nodes of the network and has to be performed in an a priori known time window in such a way that the energy consumed by the network equipment during the transmission of all the considered tasks is minimized. The entire mathematical model of this scheduling problem is proposed. Some results of computational experiments are also presented to show energy savings achieved through implementation of the proposed model in the interdata center network.
Masked and white coat hypertension, the double trouble of large arteries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Antza Christina , Vazakidis Polychronis , Doundoulakis Ioannis , Bouras Emmanouil , Haidich Anna‐Bettina , Stabouli Stella , Kotsis Vasilios
Published: May 2020

Arterial damage of large arteries, addressed as c‐f PWV, is recognized as independent predictor for future cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the association of the four hypertension phenotypes with carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (c‐f PWV), in untreated patients. PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies comparing c‐f PWV levels between normotensives, sustained hypertensives, white‐coat hypertensives (WCH), and masked hypertensives (MH). Meta‐analysis was performed to compare the difference c‐f PWV levels between these groups. Newcastle‐Ottawa quality assessment scale for cross‐sectional studies was used to assess study quality. MH and WCH patients had significantly increased c‐f PWV values compared to the normotensive groups (d = 0.96 m/s, 95% CI: 0.49‐1.42; I2 = 85%, P < .01 for MH and d = 0.85 m/s, 95% CI: 0.48‐1.22; I2 = 89%, for WCH). Moreover, the sustained hypertensive population was found to have significantly increased values of c‐f PWV compared to MH (d = −0.70 m/s, 95% CI: −0.87 to −0.54; I2 = 12%, P = .33) but not compared to WCH population (d = −0.75 m/s, 95% CI: −1.52‐0.02; I2 = 96%,). Finally, there was no significant difference between MH and WCH population (d = 0.06 m/s, 95% CI: −1.04 to 1.15; I2 = 96%,). MH and WCH population may have increased values of c‐f PWV compared to the normotensive group. These results demonstrate that these phenotypes are not clinically innocent, in the untreated population.
Safflower yellow improves insulin sensitivity in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice by promoting peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ2 expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue
Authors: Yan Kemin , Wang Xiangqing , Zhu Huijuan , Pan Hui , Wang Linjie , Yang Hongbo , Liu Meijuan , Jin Ming , Zang Baoxia , Gong Fengying
Published: May 2020

Aims/Introduction

Safflower yellow (SY) and its main component, hydroxysafflor yellow A, have been demonstrated to show anti‐obesity effects. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ2 (PPARγ2) is a critical transcription factor in adipose tissue metabolism. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of SY in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice, and further investigate the mechanism involving PPARγ2.

Methods

High‐fat diet‐induced obese mice were given 120 mg/kg/day SY for 8 weeks. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were carried out. Fat mass and serum levels of glucose and insulin were measured. The expression of insulin signaling pathway‐related genes and PPARγ2 in the adipose tissue was measured. In vitro, the effects of SY (0–500 mg/L) and hydroxysafflor yellow A (0–100 mg/L) on PPARγ2 promoter activities and PPARγ2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes or adipocytes were also detected.

Results

Safflower yellow reduced fat mass, decreased glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity in obese mice. SY also increased the mRNA levels of insulin signaling pathway‐related genes, and increased PPARγ2 mRNA levels by 39.1% in subcutaneous adipose tissue (P < 0.05). In vitro, SY and hydroxysafflor yellow A significantly enhanced PPARγ2 promoter activities by 1.3–2.1‐fold, and increased PPARγ2 mRNA levels by 1.2–1.6‐fold in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes or adipocytes (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

SY could reduce fat mass, decrease glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice. The probable mechanism is to increase PPARγ2 expression by stimulating PPARγ2 promoter activities, further increasing the expression of insulin signaling pathway‐related genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue.
Firearms, Dementia, and the Clinician: Development of a Safety Counseling Protocol
Authors: Doucette Mitchell L. , Dayton Harrison , Lapidus Garry , Borrup Kevin T. , Campbell Brendan T.
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVES

Using available literature, our aim was to design a firearm safety counseling protocol tool for dementia patients.

DESIGN

We conducted a literature review on firearm safety counseling by healthcare providers using several databases to inform the creation of our evidence‐based protocol.

SETTING

Roughly 5.7 million Americans currently live with some form of dementia with approximately 60% of persons with dementia (PWD) owning a firearm. The mental deterioration associated with dementia creates an opportunity for firearm abuse, misuse, and injury. Patient and family safety counseling from a healthcare provider is one potential opportunity for reducing the level of danger. This literature review identifies the available clinical guidelines for firearm safety for PWD and creates a firearm safety counseling protocol based on existing literature.

PARTICIPANTS:

Persons with dementia and their families or care takers.

MEASUREMENTS

Databases were searched using variations of the terms “Firearms,” “Dementia,” and “Alzheimer's disease.” Studies were included for review if they provided either recommendations or guidelines for healthcare provider's counseling around firearm safety for PWD or their families.

RESULTS

Search terms yielded 456 articles, of which 12 met inclusion criteria. Using the available literature, we developed a firearm safety counseling protocol that provides measurable means to assess risk and offer harm mitigation strategies for patients and their families. Mitigation strategies are based on Clinical Dementia Rating scale assessment at time of patient interaction and results of risk assessment.

CONCLUSION

Providing standardized and effective clinical guidelines to healthcare providers who interact with firearm‐owning PWD can act as a means to reduce firearm injury and violence. The protocol proposed in this article needs further testing and validation to determine if it will help reduce firearm‐related events in PWD.
Lung Cancer Surgical Regionalization Disproportionately Worsens Travel Distance for Rural Patients
Authors: Herb Joshua N. , Dunham Lisette N. , Mody Gita , Long Jason M. , Stitzenberg Karyn B.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Major cancer surgeries have regionalized to fewer and higher‐volume hospitals, with the goal of improving the quality of surgical care. However, regionalization may have negative effects on geographic access to care. We hypothesize that lung cancer patients have been traveling further for surgery over time as regionalization has occurred, and this increased travel has primarily impacted rural patients.

Methods

A North Carolina all‐payer state discharge database was used to capture discharges from 2005 to 2015 for patients undergoing lung cancer resection. Changes in patterns of care over time in high‐volume centers (HVC) were examined. Adjusted patient straight‐line travel distance was estimated over time and stratified by rural‐urban location.

Findings

The number of hospitals performing lung cancer resections decreased from 49 to 31 over the study period (P = .0006), and the proportion of patients receiving care at HVC increased from 23% to 44% (P < .0001). Rural patient travel distance increased over time by 8.5 miles (95% CI: 0.56‐17.10, P = .048), from 45.1 to 53.6 miles. There was no change in urban patient travel distance. The difference in adjusted travel distance between rural and urban patients nearly doubled from 2005 to 2015 (9.6 to 17.9 miles,P < .0001).

Conclusion

In North Carolina, lung cancer surgical regionalization occurred over the study period and was accompanied by increases in travel distance for rural patients only. Further work is needed to determine the effects of greater travel distance on patterns of cancer care for rural patients.
Clinical efficacy and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients aged ≥80 years
Authors: Zhou Genqing , Cai Lidong , Wu Xiaoyu , Zhang Liangfeng , Chen Songwen , Lu Xiaofeng , Xu Juan , Ding Yu , Peng Shi , Wei Yong , Liu Shaowen
Published: May 2020

Aim

To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients aged ≥80 years.

Methods

A total of 333 AF patients aged ≥60 years were enrolled, who underwent contact force‐guided radiofrequency catheter ablation with uninterrupted anticoagulation. All patients were followed‐up for at least 12 months. Success was defined by the absence of episodes of AF/atrial tachycardia lasting more than 30 seconds after a 3‐month blanking period, without antiarrhythmic drugs.

Results

Compared to patients aged 60‐79 years (Group 2, n = 244), patients aged ≥80 years (Group 1, n = 89) were presented with higher rate of diabetes (36.0% vs 22.1%, P = .011), lower body mass index (23.4 ± 3.1 vs 24.9 ± 3.4 kg/m2, P = .001), lower creatinine clearance (56.9 ± 16.5 vs 83.3 ± 24.5 mL/min, P < .001), higher CHA2DS2‐VASc score (4.3 ± 1.3 vs 3.3 ± 1.4, P < .001), and HAS‐BLED score (2.2 ± 0.8 vs 1.8 ± 0.8, P < .001). Wide antral pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all patients, and there was no significant difference in procedure time, ablation time, fluoroscopy time, and complications rate between two age groups (P > .05). After a mean follow‐up of 24.4 ± 9.6 months, the overall success rate was 78.2% in Group 1 and 78.9% in Group 2 (P = .622).

Conclusions

Radiofrequency ablation with contact force sensing catheters for AF is safe and effective in selected patients aged ≥80 years.
Loss of TaIRX9b gene function in wheat decreases chain length and amount of arabinoxylan in grain but increases cross‐linking
Authors: Pellny Till K. , Patil Archana , Wood Abigail J. , Freeman Jackie , Halsey Kirstie , Plummer Amy , Kosik Ondrej , Temple Henry , Collins Joel D. , Dupree Paul , Berry Simon , Shewry Peter R. , Lovegrove Alison , Phillips Andrew L. , Mitchell Rowan A.C.
Published: May 2020

Wheat contains abundant xylan in cell walls of all tissues, but in endosperm, there is an unusual form of xylan substituted only by arabinose (arabinoxylan; AX) that has long chains and low levels of feruloylation, a fraction of which is extractable in water (WE‐AX). WE‐AX acts as soluble dietary fibre but also gives rise to viscous extracts from grain, a detrimental trait for some non‐food uses of wheat. Here, we show that a glycosyl transferase family 43 wheat gene abundantly expressed in endosperm complements the Arabidopsis irx9 mutant and so name the three homoeologous genes TaIRX9b. We generated wheat lines with a constitutive knockout of TaIRX9b by stacking loss‐of‐function alleles for these homeologues from a mutagenized hexaploid wheat population resulting in decreases in grain extract viscosity of 50%–80%. The amount and chain length of WE‐AX molecules from grain of these triple‐stack lines was decreased accounting for the changes in extract viscosity. Imaging of immature wheat grain sections of triple‐stacks showed abolition of immunolabelling in endosperm with LM11 antibody that recognizes epitopes in AX, but also showed apparently normal cell size and shape in all cell types, including endosperm. We identified differentially expressed genes from endosperm of triple‐stacks suggesting that compensatory changes occur to maintain this endosperm cell wall integrity. Consistent with this, we observed increased ferulate dimerization and increased cross‐linking of WE‐AX molecules in triple‐stacks. These novel wheat lines lacking functional TaIRX9b therefore provide insight into control of wheat endosperm cell walls.
Usefulness of urinary glycosaminoglycans assay for a mucopolysaccharidosis‐specific screening
Authors: Sabir Es‐Said , Lafhal Karima , Ezoubeiri Aicha , Harkati Imane , Sbyea Safia , Aldámiz‐Echevarría Luis , Andrade Fernando , Ait Babram Mohammed , Maoulainine Fadl Mrabih Rabou , Draiss Ghizlane , Rada Noureddine , Bouskraoui Mohammed , Karim Abdallah , Fdil Naima
Published: May 2020

Background

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of inherited metabolic disorders characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans, can be diagnosed early through newborn screening programs. Establishing newborn screening in Morocco is a challenging task for multiple economic and social reasons. Screening in a Moroccan population using 1,9‐dimethylmethylene blue urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) assays may allow for an earlier diagnosis of MPS. We studied the feasibility of implementing screening in Moroccan children as an alternative to national newborn screening. We determined the reference ranges for GAGs in the Moroccan population, their stability during transport, the effectiveness of this test as a screening procedure for MPS in patients, and its use as a screening test for MPS in the Imssouane region, where the rate of consanguineous marriage is 38%.

Methods

Using dimethylmethylene blue assays, urine samples of 47 MPS patients were analyzed, together with urine samples from healthy controls (n = 368, age ranging from 1 month to 25 years), and from Imssouane region children (n = 350, age ranging from 6 months to 24 month). Precision, linearity, recovery, limits, and stability were tested.

Results

Urinary GAGs reference values are age and ethnicity dependent. The validation parameters established displayed great precision and accuracy leading to recoveries according to internationally accepted values for bioanalytical methods. Urinary GAGs were stable for a maximum of 7 weeks at 40 °C. Screening of Imssouane children resulted in the detection of a 6‐month‐old child, diagnosed with MPS I.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the usefulness of quantifying glycosaminoglycans for early screening of MPS.
Decreased sink/source ratio enhances hexose transport in the fruits of greenhouse tomatoes: integration of gene expression and biochemical analyses
Authors: Aslani Leila , Gholami Mahdiyeh , Mobli Mostafa , Ehsanzadeh Parviz , Bertin Nadia
Published: May 2020

To examine the physiological role of hexose transporters in determining the sink strength of individual fruits, the regulation of hexose transporters gene expression was studied when the sink/source ratio was artificially altered under the greenhouse condition; this was done in two cultivars of tomato, i.e. Grandella and Isabella. The sink/source ratio treatments included: saving one fruit per truss (1F), two fruits per truss (2F), three fruits per truss (3F) and no fruit pruning (control). The results showed that fruit thinning could increase starch, sucrose, and hexose contents in the fruits; it could also modulate the activity of the key enzymes and the expression of tomato hexose transporter genes (LeHTs). Based on the relative transcript levels, all examined LeHTs were unregulated at the end of cell division and the cell expansion stage of fruit development, but the strongest expression level observed at the onset of ripening was related to LeHT1 and LeHT2. Given the concomitancy of cell wall invertase (EC 3.2.1.26) activity and the LeHTs relative expression cell wall, invertase activity seemed to be involved in the expression level of LeHTs. The increased trends of the LeHTs expression with the decrease of the sink/source ratio confirmed the role of hexose transporters in determining the sink strength of the tomato fruits.
Towards adopting inflation targeting: The credibility and limitations of monetary policy under the fixed exchange system—the case of Jordan
Authors: Abu Asab Nora , Cuestas Juan Carlos
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the interest rate pass‐through is examined within its intermediate lag of action to shed light on the credibility of monetary policy in Jordan, where the reputation of low inflation is imported through a fixed exchange rate system to the US dollar. We use time series methods which allow us to test for asymmetric adjustment. The results are compared to that of two inflation targeting countries at time proceeding building the credibility of price stability domestically: New Zealand and the UK. The empirical findings suggest that the interest rate pass‐through in Jordan is weak and slow. In addition, our results indicate the existence of non‐competitive pricing behaviour in the market. Comparing the results to the two inflation targeters, the study suggests that Jordan needs to move to a more resilient exchange rate arrangement.
Interactive Association Between Mechanical and Sensorimotor Aspects of Cervical Extensor Muscles: Implications for Chronic Neck Pain
Authors: Ghamkhar Leila , Amiri Arimi Somayeh , Kahlaee Amir H.
Published: May 2020

While proprioceptive functioning of the cervical extensor muscles has been proposed to be associated with chronic neck pain (NP), the mechanism by which such impairment might contribute to NP is not clear. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relevance of proprioception, extensor muscles size, and endurance to chronic NP. A total of 60 participants with (n = 30) or without (n = 30) chronic NP participated in this cross-sectional study. Joint repositioning error (JRE), ultrasonographic parameters of the cervical extensors, and clinical extensor endurance were assessed. Multivariate analysis of variance and logistic regression tests were used to compare the groups and test the predictive value of the dependent variables for chronic NP, respectively. Patients showed comparable JRE scores but smaller multifidus size and lower extensor endurance (Cohen d = 0.66 for both). JRE in the transverse plane (β = 1.20), multifidus muscle size (β = 0.02), and endurance (β = 0.99) were significant predictors for chronic NP odds ratio. The results found multifidus size as the most relevant factor to NP by showing both between-groups difference and considerable odds ratio. As JRE in transverse plane was not different between the groups and extensor endurance demonstrated minimal odds ratio, these 2 factors may be considered as less relevant to NP comparing multifidus muscle size.
Augmentation of brain tumor interstitial flow via focused ultrasound promotes brain-penetrating nanoparticle dispersion and transfection
Authors: Curley Colleen T. , Mead Brian P. , Negron Karina , Kim Namho , Garrison William J. , Miller G. Wilson , Kingsmore Kathryn M. , Thim E. Andrew , Song Ji , Munson Jennifer M. , Klibanov Alexander L. , Suk Jung Soo , Hanes Justin , Price Richard J.
Published: May 2020

Focused ultrasound is leveraged to markedly augment the delivery of tissue-penetrating gene nanocarriers to brain tumors.
Macrophages of diverse phenotypes drive vascularization of engineered tissues
Authors: Graney P. L. , Ben-Shaul S. , Landau S. , Bajpai A. , Singh B. , Eager J. , Cohen A. , Levenberg S. , Spiller K. L.
Published: May 2020

Macrophages enhance tissue vascularization in different ways depending on their phenotypes.
Robust, high-performance n-type organic semiconductors
Authors: Okamoto Toshihiro , Kumagai Shohei , Fukuzaki Eiji , Ishii Hiroyuki , Watanabe Go , Niitsu Naoyuki , Annaka Tatsuro , Yamagishi Masakazu , Tani Yukio , Sugiura Hiroki , Watanabe Tetsuya , Watanabe Shun , Takeya Jun
Published: May 2020

A state-of-the-art organic semiconductor that has high effective electron mobility and outstanding robustness was developed.
Lightweight, tough, and sustainable cellulose nanofiber-derived bulk structural materials with low thermal expansion coefficient
Authors: Guan Qing-Fang , Yang Huai-Bin , Han Zi-Meng , Zhou Li-Chuan , Zhu Yin-Bo , Ling Zhang-Chi , Jiang He-Bin , Wang Peng-Fei , Ma Tao , Wu Heng-An , Yu Shu-Hong
Published: May 2020

A sustainable bulk structural material is fabricated with great dimensional stability and mechanical properties.
Optically pumped spin polarization as a probe of many-body thermalization
Authors: Pagliero Daniela , Zangara Pablo R. , Henshaw Jacob , Ajoy Ashok , Acosta Rodolfo H. , Reimer Jeffrey A. , Pines Alexander , Meriles Carlos A.
Published: May 2020

Select nuclear spins in a solid isolated from the rest due to local fields reach equilibrium via multielectron spin interactions.
RasGRP1 is a causal factor in the development of
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-DOPA–induced dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Eshraghi Mehdi , Ramírez-Jarquín Uri Nimrod , Shahani Neelam , Nuzzo Tommaso , De Rosa Arianna , Swarnkar Supriya , Galli Nicole , Rivera Oscar , Tsaprailis George , Scharager-Tapia Catherina , Crynen Gogce , Li Qin , Thiolat Marie-Laure , Bezard Erwan , Usiello Alessandro , Subramaniam Srinivasa
Published: May 2020

A novel molecular target that signals abnormal involuntary movement in Parkinson’s disease treatment is discovered.
Chemomechanical origin of directed locomotion driven by internal chemical signals
Authors: Ren Lin , Yuan Ling , Gao Qingyu , Teng Rui , Wang Jing , Epstein Irving R.
Published: May 2020

Motion of a bio-inspired photosensitive gel is governed by its internal dynamics and the level of homogeneous illumination.
Regulatory T cells in skin injury: At the crossroads of tolerance and tissue repair
Authors: Boothby Ian C. , Cohen Jarish N. , Rosenblum Michael D.
Published: May 2020

This Review summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of the roles of regulatory T cells in skin injury and tissue repair.
Supporting the intoxicated patient: toxicants affecting the haematological and renal systems
Authors: Humm Karen , Tinson Erica
Published: May 2020

Background: Many potentially toxic substances are carried by the circulatory system and excreted through the kidneys; therefore, the haematological and renal systems are particularly at risk of damage by a variety of toxicants. Treating affected patients requires a combination of supportive care and specific therapy.

Aim of the article: This article is the third in a series of four. It discusses specific toxicants that affect the haematological and renal systems and outlines principles for managing patients presenting with the consequences of intoxication.
Preanaesthetic screening in dogs and cats
Authors: Ferreira Jacques
Published: May 2020

Background: Preparation before performing general anaesthesia is essential. In order to comprehensively plan and execute safe anaesthesia, it is vital to quantify anaesthetic risk. However, currently there is limited veterinary literature that collates anaesthetic‐related, patient‐related and procedural‐related risks.

Aim of the article: This article highlights previously reported perioperative factors contributing to morbidity and mortality in small animals, as well as important considerations to factor in based on the patient history and findings on clinical examination. It also discusses the current opinions on blood screening and diagnostic imaging.
Clostridial diseases in farm animals: 1. Enterotoxaemias and other alimentary tract infections
Authors: Otter Arthur , Uzal Francisco A.
Published: May 2020

Background: Clostridium species produce toxins that go on to produce a range of diseases in farm animals. Most of the animal diseases caused by clostridia are economically significant and there are vaccines available to protect animals against those that are most prevalent.

Aim of the article: This article, the first in a two‐part series on clostridial diseases in farm animals, reviews clostridial enterotoxaemias caused by Clostridium perfringens, and other alimentary tract infections. The second part, which will be published in a subsequent issue of In Practice, will discuss the range of histotoxic and neurotoxic clostridial diseases that are recognised in farm animals.
A guide to the coronavirus job retention scheme
Authors: Fisher Elaine , Harwood Mark
Published: May 2020

The government, in light of the pressures being placed on businesses across the country, has put together a package of assistance for employers and employees, in an effort to keep as many people in employment as possible during the current Covid‐19 emergency.
Effects of tributary size on the resource supply and physical habitat at tributary junctions along two mainstem rivers
Authors: Tavernini David A. , Richardson John S.
Published: May 2020

Tributary junctions are regarded as ecologically important due to unique habitat present; however, there is limited understanding of the drivers of habitat attributes at these locations. Using six sites across two mainstem rivers, we tested whether tributary size relative to main stem governs the strength and direction of response of substrate size, stream temperature, and nutrient and coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) concentration. We found that only phosphorus and CPOM concentration showed a significant relationship with relative tributary size. Small tributaries contributed high concentrations, whereas concentrations in larger tributaries resembled the main stem. Often, tributary exports were enough to increase the resource concentration in the main stem by 40%. Substrate coarsened by ∼60% downstream of tributaries. Temperature asynchrony was observed, where tributaries contributed water between 2.8 °C cooler to 1.9 °C warmer than the main stem within one diel period. Our results highlight the importance of small tributaries for whole network functioning. However, large spatiotemporal variability revealed how habitat attributes are highly context-dependent in these locations and may be difficult to predict in both scientific and management settings.
(Invited) Current and Voltage Control of Intermediate States in Bipolar Rram Devices for Neuristor Applications
Authors: García Héctor , Ossorio Óscar G. , Dueñas Salvador , Castán Helena
Published: May 2020

The control of the intermediate conductance levels in HfO2-based MIM capacitors for neuromorphic applications is presented in this work. Using voltage or current control signals shows significant differences. The potentiation levels can be controlled in a linear way using current as control signal. These levels are achieved in very short times and only depends on the current pulse amplitude magnitude. On the contrary, depression levels cannot be controlled by current but with voltage pulses. A proper control of synaptic behavior requires the combination of both types of signals.
Investigation of Indium Oxide Nanowire Transform to Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO) Via Solid State Reactions
Authors: Chang Jing-Han , Lo Hung-Yang , Tseng Yi-Tang , Huang Chih-Yang , Ding Yi-Shin , Wu Wen-Wei
Published: May 2020

Transition metal oxide nanowires have attracted considerable attention due to their physical characteristics, chemical characteristics, and versatile applications. Among them, indium oxide (In203) nanowires demonstrate promising structure and electrical properties. Simultaneously, it used to be the reactants to synthesize indium zinc oxide (IZO) by solid-state reaction. The applicability would be highly related to the microstructure and synthesis process. Hence, study of conversion kinetics of IZO is essential. However, only few studies have mentioned the formation process of IZO and the solid-state diffusion mechanism. In this work, we successfully observed the transformation of novel IZO nanowire from interesting diffusion behavior between single-crystalline In2O3 nanowires and zinc oxide (ZnO). High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), fast Fourier transform (FFT) diffraction patterns and energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were used for structural and compositional analysis. Based on the HRTEM images and the corresponding FFTs, the triclinic IZO was defined. Meanwhile, the in-situ TEM and EDS analysis provide the formation behavior and elemental distribution to elucidate the diffusion mechanism. This work exhibited the IZO nanowires with a unique structure and interesting formation behavior. Moreover, the study provides the improvement of controllability of conversion microstructure for further device applications.
Single Nanocrystals Studies of Upconverting Nanoparticles
Authors: Krajnik Bartosz , Holodnik Katarzyna , Noculak Agnieszka , Golacki Lukasz , Kostiv Uliana , Horak Daniel , Podhorodecki Artur
Published: May 2020

Single-molecule imaging and spectroscopy are well-established experimental techniques that operate at the limits of the analytical chemistry and spatial resolution of conventional optical microscopy. It allows for observation of individual, often unique properties of molecules and nanoparticles, not accessible with other techniques. Due to the sparse distribution of nanoparticles, mutual interactions are limited, which improves the reliability of the experimental techniques operating at the level of single nanoparticles. This approach also makes it possible to conduct research without disrupting the results with effects related to the distribution of the physicochemical properties of investigated objects. It enables also to separate phenomena related to mutual interactions between the investigated objects. For these and other reasons, this technique is increasingly used for nanocrystals investigations. However, very little has been still done using these techniques in the area of upconverting nanoparticles. In this work, we demonstrate the results of single nanocrystals studies of upconverting nanocrystals (UCNCs) doped with Yb3+ and Er3+ ions. In particular, we present the impact of the heterogeneity of the nanocrystals on the optical properties of UCNCs. That, in turn, limits the use of the UCNCs in the practical application f. e. in nanothermometry.
(Invited) Effect of the Plasma Etching on InAsP/InP Quantum Well Structures Measured through Low Temperature Micro-Photoluminescence and Cathodoluminescence
Authors: Landesman Jean-Pierre , Isik Goktas Nebile , LaPierre Ray R , Ghanad-Tavakoli Shahram , Pargon Erwine , Petit-Etienne Camille , Levallois Christophe , Jiménez Juan , Dadgostar Shabnam
Published: May 2020

Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence spectral imaging were performed across rectangular stripes etched in samples with InAsxP1-x quantum wells of constant thickness and variable composition grown on InP. In particular, the effects of different etching chemistries (CH4/H2/Ar and Cl2/CH4/Ar) were investigated. The results discussed deal with modifications of the luminescence line shapes (which differ with etching process) and with the intensity variation of the emissions associated with the quantum wells across the stripes. The possible origins of these effects are investigated in terms of carrier recombination on the vertical sidewalls of the stripes and lateral diffusion of species from the plasma during etching. Cathodoluminescence measurements on samples under DC-bias also show the quantum confined Stark effect which is correlated to the material modifications induced by the etching.
Influence of Different Carbon Precursors on Optical and Electrical Properties of Silicon Carbonitride Thin Films
Authors: Abdelal Aysegul , Khatami Zahra , Mascher Peter
Published: May 2020

We investigate the thin film properties of the amorphous hydrogenated silicon carbonitride (a-SiCN:H) deposited by the electron cyclotron resonance plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (ECR PECVD) technique. The elemental composition, film density, and complex refractive index of the SiCN films were analyzed as functions of hydrocarbon precursors’ (acetylene (C2H2) or methane (CH4)) flow rates. The difference in the reactivity and hydrogen content of the carbon precursors influence the thin film properties. The highest breakdown voltage obtained from our thin films was 29 V. Preliminary results of nanoindentation of the thin films are also presented in order to compare the hardness performance of the thin films obtained by different carbon sources.