bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GABA quantification in human anterior cingulate cortex
Authors: Weis Jan , Persson Jonas , Frick Andreas , Åhs Fredrik , Versluis Maarten , Alamidi Daniel
Published: October 2020

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human brain. It has been shown that altered GABA concentration plays an important role in a variety of psychiatric and neurological disorders. The main purpose of this study was to propose a combination of PRESS and MEGA-PRESS acquisitions for absolute GABA quantification and to compare GABA estimations obtained using total choline (tCho), total creatine (tCr), and total N-acetyl aspartate (tNAA) as the internal concentration references with water referenced quantification. The second aim was to demonstrate the fitting approach of MEGA-PRESS spectra with QuasarX algorithm using a basis set of GABA, glutamate, glutamine, and NAA in vitro spectra. Thirteen volunteers were scanned with the MEGA-PRESS sequence at 3T. Interleaved water referencing was used for quantification, B0drift correction and to update the carrier frequency of RF pulses in real time. Reference metabolite concentrations were acquired using a PRESS sequence with short TE (30 ms) and long TR (5000 ms). Absolute concentration were corrected for cerebrospinal fluid, gray and white matter water fractions and relaxation effects. Water referenced GABA estimations were significantly higher compared to the values obtained by metabolite references. We conclude that QuasarX algorithm together with the basis set of in vitro spectra improves reliability of GABA+ fitting. The proposed GABA quantification method with PRESS and MEGA-PRESS acquisitions enables the utilization of tCho, tCr, and tNAA as internal concentration references. The use of different concentration references have a good potential to improve the reliability of GABA estimation.
Control of synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability in the parabrachial nucleus
Authors: Cramer Nathan , Silva-Cardoso Gleice Kelli , Keller Asaf
Published: October 2020

The parabrachial nucleus (PB) is a hub for aversive behaviors, including those related to pain. We have shown that the expression of chronic pain is causally related to amplified activity of PB neurons, and to changes in synaptic inhibition of these neurons. These findings indicate that regulation of synaptic activity in PB may modulate pain perception and be involved in the pathophysiology of chronic pain. Here, we identify the roles in PB of signaling pathways that modulate synaptic functions. In pharmacologically isolated lateral PB neurons in acute mouse slices, we find that baclofen, a GABABreceptor agonist, suppresses the frequency of miniature inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs and mEPSC). Activation of µ-opioid peptide receptors with DAMGO had similar effects, while the k-opioid peptide receptor agonist U-69593 suppressed mIPSC release but had no consistent effects on mEPSCs. Activation of cannabinoid type 1 receptors with WIN 55,212-2 reduced the frequency of both inhibitory and excitatory synaptic events, while the CB1 antagonist AM251 had opposite effects on mIPSC and mEPSC frequencies. AM251 increased the frequency of inhibitory events but led to a reduction in excitatory events through a GABABmediated mechanism. Although none of the treatments produced a consistent effect on mIPSC or mEPSC amplitudes, baclofen and DAMGO both reliably activated a postsynaptic conductance. Together, these results demonstrate that signaling pathways known to modulate nociception, alter synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability in the lateral parabrachial nucleus and provide a basis for investigating the contributions of these systems to the development and maintenance of chronic pain.

Highlights

The parabrachial nucleus (PB) is a hub for processing interoceptive and exteroceptive noxious stimuli, including pain.

Synaptic activity in PB is abnormal in chronic pain.

Synaptic activity in PB is regulated by presynaptic and postsynapticGABAB,opioid µ and k, and cannabinoid CB1 receptors.

GABAergic presynaptic terminals are most potently regulated by these receptors.

Changes in the strength of these modulatory pathways may contribute to increased PB excitability and, consequently, chronic pain.
Inducible mechanisms of disease tolerance provide an alternative strategy of acquired immunity to malaria
Authors: Nahrendorf Wiebke , Ivens Alasdair , Spence Philip J.
Published: October 2020

Immunity to malaria is often considered slow to develop but this only applies to defense mechanisms that function to eliminate parasites (resistance). In contrast, immunity to severe disease can be acquired quickly and without the need for improved pathogen control (tolerance). We show that a single malaria episode is sufficient to induce host adaptations that can minimise inflammation, prevent tissue damage and avert endothelium activation, a hallmark of severe disease. Furthermore, monocytes are functionally reprogrammed in tolerised hosts to prevent their differentiation into inflammatory macrophages and instead promote mechanisms of stress tolerance to protect their niche. This alternative fate is not underpinned by epigenetic reprogramming of bone marrow progenitors but is imprinted within the remodelled spleen. Crucially, all of these adaptations operate independently of pathogen load and limit the damage caused by malaria parasites in subsequent infections. Inducible mechanisms of disease tolerance therefore provide an alternative strategy of acquired immunity.
Arabidopsis ACINUS is O-glycosylated and regulates transcription and alternative splicing of regulators of reproductive transitions
Authors: Bi Yang , Deng Zhiping , Ni Weimin , Shretha Ruben , Savage Dasha , Hartwig Thomas , Patil Sunita , Hong Su Hyun , Oses-Prieto Juan A. , Li Kathy H. , Quail Peter H , Burlingame Alma L , Xu Shou-Ling , Wang Zhi-Yong
Published: October 2020

O-GlcNAc modification plays important roles in metabolic regulation of cellular status. Two homologs of O-GlcNAc transferase, SECRET AGENT (SEC) and SPINDLY (SPY), which have O-GlcNAc and O-fucosyl transferase activities, respectively, are essential inArabidopsisbut have largely unknown cellular targets. Here we show that AtACINUS is O-GlcNAcylated and O-fucosylated and mediates regulation of transcription, alternative splicing (AS), and developmental transitions. Knocking-out both AtACINUS and its distant paralog AtPININ causes severe growth defects including dwarfism, delayed seed germination and flowering, and abscisic acid (ABA) hypersensitivity. Transcriptomic and protein-DNA/RNA interaction analyses demonstrate that AtACINUS represses transcription of the flowering repressorFLCand mediates AS ofABH1andHAB1, two negative regulators of ABA signaling. Proteomic analyses show AtACINUS’s O-GlcNAcylation, O-fucosylation, and association with splicing factors, chromatin remodelers, and transcriptional regulators. Some AtACINUS/AtPININ-dependent AS events are altered in thesecandspymutants, demonstrating a function of O-glycosylation in regulating alternative RNA splicing.
NT-mini, a recombinant tool for the study of Neurotrypsin functionality
Authors: Canciani Anselmo , Capitanio Cristina , Stanga Serena , Faravelli Silvia , Kienlen-Campard Pascal , Forneris Federico
Published: October 2020

Neurotrypsin (NT) is a highly specific nervous system multi-domain serine-protease best known for its selective processing of the potent synaptic organiser agrin. Its enzymatic activity is thought to influence processes of synaptic plasticity, with its deregulation causing accelerated neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration or contributing to forms of mental retardation. Something which, based on the available literature, likely stems from NT-based regulation of agrin signalling. However, dissecting the exact biological implications of NT-agrin interplay is difficult, owing to the scarce molecular detail regarding NT activity and NT-agrin interactions. The difficult recombinant production of NT in its catalytically competent form is at the base of these limitations, and is currently constraining a more detailed molecular, biochemical and structural characterisation of the NT-agrin system. We have developed a novel strategy to reliably produce and purify a truncated but catalytically competent variant of NT called NT-mini. The characterisation of our construct highlighted almost wild type-like behaviour with comparable specificity, and conservation of modulation by calcium and heparin despite the lack of several accessory domains. With the data obtained from NT-mini it was then possible to identify NT’s heparin-binding domain, and discover a novel putative Zinc-based modulation of NT. Additionally, NT-mini allowed us to investigate the effect of NT activity on myotube formation in controlled cell-based experiments, evidencing a negative impact on myoblast fusion dependant on enzymatic activity. Collectively, this shows the viability of NT-mini as a model to study NT functionality, allowing to expand bothin-vitroand “in-cellulo” investigations and providing a foundation to unravel the molecular underpinnings and biological significance of NT-agrin interactions.
Novel taxa of Acidobacteriota involved in seafloor sulfur cycling
Authors: Flieder Mathias , Buongiorno Joy , Herbold Craig W. , Hausmann Bela , Rattei Thomas , Lloyd Karen G. , Loy Alexander , Wasmund Kenneth
Published: October 2020

Acidobacteriota are widespread and often abundant in marine sediments, yet their metabolic and ecological properties are poorly understood. Here, we examined metabolisms and distributions of Acidobacteriota in marine sediments of Svalbard by functional predictions from metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA and dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrB) genes and transcripts, and gene expression analyses of tetrathionate-amended microcosms. Acidobacteriota were the second most abundantdsrB-harboring (averaging 13%) phylum after Desulfobacterota in Svalbard sediments, and represented 4% ofdsrBtranscripts on average. We propose two new Acidobacteriota genera,CandidatusSulfomarinibacter (class Thermoanaerobaculia, ‘sub-division 23’) andCa. Polarisedimenticola (‘sub-division 22’), with distinct genetic properties that may explain their distributions in biogeochemically distinct fjord sediments.Ca. Sulfomarinibacter encodes flexible respiratory routes, with potential for oxygen, nitrous oxide, metal-oxide, tetrathionate, sulfur and sulfite/sulfate respiration, and possibly sulfur disproportionation. Potential nutrients and energy include cellulose, proteins, cyanophycin, hydrogen and acetate. ACa. Polarisedimenticola MAG encodes enzymes to degrade proteins, and to reduce oxygen, nitrate, sulfur/polysulfide and metal-oxides. 16S rRNA gene and transcript profiling showedCa. Sulfomarinibacter members were relatively abundant and transcriptionally active in sulfidic fjord sediments, whileCa. Polarisedimenticola members were more relatively abundant in metal-rich fjord sediments. Overall, we reveal various physiological features of uncultured marine Acidobacteriota that indicate fundamental roles in seafloor biogeochemical cycling.
The replicative amplification of MITEs and their impact on rice trait variability
Authors: Castanera Raul , Vendrell-Mir Pol , Bardil Amélie , Carpentier Marie-Christine , Panaud Olivier , Casacuberta Josep M.
Published: October 2020

Transposable elements (TEs) are a rich source of genetic variability. Among TEs, Miniature Inverted- repeat Transposable Elements (MITEs) are of particular interest as they are present in high copy numbers in plant genomes and are closely associated with genes. MITEs are deletion derivatives of class II transposons, and can be mobilized by the transposases encoded by the latters through a typical cut-and-paste mechanism. However, this mechanism cannot account for the high copy number MITEs attain in plant genomes, and the mechanism by which MITEs amplify remains elusive.

We present here an analysis of 103,109 Transposon Insertion Polymorphisms (TIPs) in 1,059O. sativagenomes representing the main rice population groups. We show that an important fraction of MITE insertions has been fixed in rice concomitantly with rice domestication. However, another fraction of MITE insertions is present at low frequencies. We performed MITE TIP-GWAS to study the impact of these elements on agronomically important traits and found that these elements uncover more trait associations than SNPs on important phenotypes such as grain width. Finally, using SNP-GWAS and TIP-GWAS we provide evidences of the replicative amplification of MITEs, suggesting a mechanism of amplification uncoupled from the typical cut-and-paste mechanism of class II transposons.
Performance of a rapid SARS-COV-2 serology test in whole blood and separated plasma
Authors: Vemulapati S.
Published: October 2020

Rapid SARS-COV-2 related serology testing can help identify and manage the spread of infection in decentralized testing environments but the limitation in performance of existing tests in blood has restricted implementation of testing at the point-of-care. Optimization of existing rapid tests in whole blood will require significant effort in the short-term and there is a need for solutions to help bridge the gap in performance between plasma and whole blood. We demonstrate here the implementation of the H.E.R.M.E.S platform, a portable plasma separation system that can enhance the performance of blood-based diagnostic testing, with a commercially available SARS-COV-2 IgG/IgM serology rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in a blinded study with 61 human samples. We compare the performance of the RDT in whole blood and separated plasma and highlight that plasma yields a 39% increase in positivity agreement with PCR in samples collected from patients with early infections. We further legitimize the increase in positivity agreement rate with the help of an independent evaluation by 10 previously untrained users. The H.E.R.M.E.S plasma separation system circumvents the need for assay optimization in whole blood and furthers the legitimacy of incorporating SARS-COV-2 serology RDTs at the point-of-care. The data highlighted in this work makes a compelling case for the incorporation of the H.E.R.M.E.S system in large scale efforts to perform SARS-COV-2 serology testing in decentralized testing environments.
Multiscale communication in cortico-cortical networks
Authors: Bazinet Vincent , Vos de Wael Reinder , Hagmann Patric , Bernhardt Boris C. , Misic Bratislav
Published: October 2020

Signaling in brain networks unfolds over multiple topological scales. Areas may exchange information over local circuits, encompassing direct neighbours and areas with similar functions, or over global circuits, encompassing distant neighbours with dissimilar functions. Here we study how the organization of cortico-cortical networks mediate localized and global communication by parametrically tuning the range at which signals are transmitted on the white matter connectome. By investigating the propensity for brain areas to communicate with their neighbors across multiple scales, we naturally reveal their functional diversity. We find that unimodal regions show preference for local communication and multimodal regions show preferences for global communication. We show that these preferences manifest as region- and scale-specific structure-function coupling. Namely, the functional connectivity of unimodal regions emerges from monosynaptic communication in small-scale circuits, while the functional connectivity of transmodal regions emerges from polysynaptic communication in large-scale circuits. Altogether, the present findings reveal how functional hierarchies emerge from hidden but highly structured multiscale connection patterns.
Predicting thrust of aircraft using artificial neural networks
Authors: Yildirim Dalkiran Fatma , Toraman Mustafa
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to make artificial neural network (ANN)-based prediction about thrust using the flight control parameters of aircrafts.

Design/methodology/approach

In today’s transportation, airplanes have an important place because of their safety, quality and speed. One of the most important parameters affecting the secure flying of aircrafts is the thrust value of aircraft engines. Determining the optimum thrust value should be investigated. If thrust value is less than optimum level, the flight safety runs a risk. Otherwise, fuel consumption goes high and some unwanted vibrations occur that cause uncomfortable flight. In this study, multi-layer perceptron ANNs, which are one of the intelligent optimization methods and frequently used in the literature, are preferred to predict the optimum thrust value during take-off, cruise and landing. The actual flight data, which is taken from the black box of an Airbus A319 aircraft, is used to train ANN models using back propagation algorithms. Velocity, altitude and ambient temperature values of the aircraft are selected as inputs and the thrust value is selected as output. During the training process of ANN, eight different training algorithms with different structures are used to figure out optimum ANN model with minimum error.

Findings

Different ANN models were trained using eight different training algorithms. The ANN model with minimum error has multi-layer perceptron structure, which is trained using Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm.

Research limitations/implications

To obtain the ANN structure with minimum error training, process takes more than a day depending on the capacity of a computer for LM training algorithm. But after training process, the trained ANN model produces sufficient output in a few milliseconds.

Practical implications

Totally 15,670 input-output data sets are obtained from an Airbus A319 aircraft. 12,889 of them are used as training data and the rest of the data sets, selected randomly are used as test data. Test data sets are never used in training phase, and the obtained results show that the ANN model successfully predicts thrust value using unseen input data.

Social implications

The ANN could be used as an alternative method to predict other flight control parameters of aircrafts.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is the first example in literature to predict the thrust value of the aircraft using ANN.
Data centers as the backbone of smart cities: principal considerations for the study of facility costs and benefits
Authors: Lam Patrick T.I. , Lai Daniel , Leung Chi-Kin , Yang Wenjing
Published: October 2020

Purpose

As smart cities flourish amidst rapid urbanization and information and communication technology development, the demand for building more and more data centers is rising. This paper aims to examine the principal issues and considerations of data center facilities from the cost and benefit dimensions, with an aim to illustrate the approaches for maximizing the net benefits and remain “green.”

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review informs the costs and benefits of data center facilities, and through a case study of a developer in Hong Kong, the significance of real estate costs is demonstrated.

Findings

Major corporations, establishments and governments need data centers as a mission critical facility to enable countless electronic transactions to take place any minute of the day. Their functional importance ranges from health, transport, payment, etc., all the way to entertainment activities. Some enterprises own them, whilst others use data center services on a co-location basis, in which case data centers are regarded as an investment asset. Real estate costs affect their success to a great extent, as in the case of a metropolitan where land cost forms a substantial part of the overall development cost for data centers.

Research limitations/implications

As the financial information of data center projects are highly sensitive due to the competitive status of the industry, a full set of numerical data is not available. Instead, the principles for a typical framework are established.

Originality/value

Data centers are very energy intensive, and their construction is usually fast tracked costing much to build, not to mention the high-value equipment contents housed therein. Their site locations need careful selection due to stability and security concerns. As an essential business continuity tool, the return on investment is a complex consideration, but certainly the potential loss caused by any disruption would be a huge amount. The life cycle cost and benefit considerations are revealed for this type of mission-critical facilities. Externalities are expounded, with emphasis on sustainable issues. The impact of land shortage for data center development is also demonstrated through the case of Hong Kong.
Optimal design of the slip–texture on a journal-bearing surface
Authors: Jin Jian , Chen Xiaochao , Fu Yiyang , Chang Yinhui
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This work aims to explore the combined effects of boundary slip and texturing on hydrodynamic journal bearings and identifies optimized slip and texture patterns to improve the performance of journal bearings.

Design/methodology/approach

The quadratic programming technique is used to study the influence of boundary slip on the lubrication performance of a two-dimensional journal bearing. A numerical model is used to analyze the effect of the cylindrical texture shape on the characteristics of journal bearings. It is concluded that the combination of slip and texture can be an effective approach to improve the performance of hydrodynamic journal bearings.

Findings

The results show that there is an interfacial shear stress (perfect slip surface) and that the role of the slip regime is to reduce friction. Numerical analyses indicate that the location and size of the slip and texture zone have a large effect on journal bearings. A comparison of the distribution forms of various texture–slip combinations indicates that the full texture–slip combination can prominently reduce the load-carrying capacity and that the “forward-slip backward-texture” configuration can considerably improve the performance of journal bearings.

Originality/value

The combined effects of boundary slip and texture on hydrodynamic journal bearings are meticulously examined. The patterns of the slip and texture are optimized, which can substantially improve the journal bearing performance.
Impact of flexibility stigma on outcomes: role of flexible work practices usage
Authors: Ferdous Tahrima , Ali Muhammad , French Erica
Published: October 2020

Little is known of the effects of flexibility stigma on employee outcomes. Flexibility stigma refers to the negative sanctions received by those who seek flexible work practices to manage work and family requirements. Using stigma theory, this study investigates the effect of flexibility stigma on employee well‐being and turnover intentions. Drawing on ecological systems theory, it also investigates the effect of flexibility stigma on flexible work practices usage. Further, integrating the above‐mentioned two theories, this study predicts the mediating role of flexible work practices usage in the flexibility stigma–employee outcomes relationship. Using survey data from 293 employees of an Australian organisation, we found that stigma has a negative effect on employee well‐being, a positive effect on turnover intentions, and a negative effect on flexible work practices usage. We also found pioneering evidence for the proposed partial mediation effect. Theoretical, research and practical contributions are discussed.
Outcomes of a nutrition service provided by dietitians at a major multi‐cultural competition event: An observational study
Authors: Pelly Fiona E. , Wright Hattie H.
Published: October 2020

Aim

The nutrition service available for athletes competing at major events varies significantly and is dependent on advocacy for dietetic inclusion. The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of a nutrition service designed and led by dietitians at a major international competition: the 2017 Taipei Universiade.

Methods

Athletes (university students aged 17‐25 years) and officials that used the service were invited to participate. Occasions of service were recorded using standard pro formas and dietary analysis of consultations was conducted using Foodworks.

Results

The scope of the service included 242 enquiries, 884 weight checks, 25 skinfold measures and 37 consultations. A significantly higher proportion of females asked about food allergy/intolerance (26.2% vs 12.5%, P = .039) than males. Most athletes who sought a nutrition consultation had not received previous nutrition support (86.5%) and wanted performance‐related meal plans and advice (81.1%). On average, their diets were adequate in micronutrients with the exception of calcium, and low in serves of vegetables and dairy products. The majority of athletes (72.9%) seeking a consultation reported that they did not follow a specific diet for their sport. Sports supplements, performance enhancers and vitamin‐mineral supplements use was 45.9% (n = 17), 13.5% (n = 5) and 13.5% (n = 5), respectively. Most athletes were of a high international calibre, however, reported low confidence in their nutrition knowledge and did not consistently apply knowledge to practice.

Conclusion

This demonstrates a need for nutrition services by dietitians at this and similar events to improve the dietary intake of young adult athletes.
Vole activity surveys predict damage to cover‐cropped soybean plants
Authors: Prieur Abby‐Gayle A. , Swihart Robert K.
Published: October 2020

Across the Midwestern United States, farmers have increasingly used winter cover crops in corn–soybean rotations to improve soil health. Although this practice has many benefits, it also can provide habitat for potential pest species, such as voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus and M. ochrogaster). Voles have been reported by farmers to damage soybean plants in fields which had recently been cover cropped, but little has been done to quantify levels of damage related to their abundance. We evaluated the relationship between vole sign and soybean plant damage to help farmers manage this unintended consequence of using cover crops. We counted the frequency of vole sign along transects in cover‐cropped fields. In addition to vole sign, we considered influence of cover‐crop density, distance to field edge, and presence of artificial raptor perches when fitting negative binomial generalised linear mixed models to predict amount of soybean plant damage. An additive model including all explanatory variables and factors best explained variation in vole damage. Number of burrow entrances, presence of raptor perches, and cover‐crop density were positively associated with soybean plant damage. Burrow entrances were most strongly associated with damage. Farmers can use frequency of burrow entrances to predict relative amounts of damage likely to be incurred; conditions in a field should be considered when deciding to manage for reduced vole populations before planting soybeans.
Reducing preventable harm to residents in aged care: A systems approach
Authors: Hibbert Peter D. , Clay‐Williams Robyn , Westbrook Johanna , Reed Richard L. , Georgiou Andrew , Wiles Louise K. , Molloy Charlotte J. , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: October 2020

Residents in Australian aged care facilities can suffer serious preventable harm from incidents (‘adverse events’ (AEs)). An inadequate response to AEs by aged care facilities can compound distress to residents and their families/carers. Facilities have an obligation to respond to and investigate AEs involving residents, learn from them, and take action to reduce the chance of them reoccurring . Residential aged care facilities have a duty to create a culture where staff, residents and families/carers feel comfortable reporting AEs or complaints; there is adequate time and resources to manage AEs and complaints; and feedback is provided to staff, residents and their families/carers on the results of investigations into AEs/complaints. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission's role should encompass additional governance functions such as sharing results and lessons learnt from AEs, complaints and investigations across Australia, assuring the quality of investigations conducted by facilities, and undertaking national system‐wide investigations.
Parents' perspectives, information needs and healthcare preferences when consulting for their children with bronchiolitis: A qualitative study
Authors: Piché‐Renaud Pierre‐Philippe , Thibault Louis‐Philippe , Essouri Sandrine , Chainey Annik , Thériault Corinne , Bernier Gabrielle , Gaucher Nathalie
Published: October 2020

Aim

Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalisation in infants, but parental experiences have not been well described. This study explored parents’ experiences and asked them how they wanted to receive information.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Québec, Canada. It consisted of semi‐structured interviews with 15 parents of 13 children with bronchiolitis. The interview guide was constructed by a multidisciplinary team that included a parent. The interviews, which were transcribed verbatim, were conducted until no new themes emerged.

Results

We interviewed eight mothers, three fathers and two couples for 22‐70 minutes: six were carried out in person during the bronchiolitis episode, and seven were phone interviews after a median interval time of 107 days. Parents were very worried about their child’s health and their lack of knowledge about bronchiolitis contributed to their anxiety. They found education resources informative, but expressed a strong need for support and reassurance from healthcare teams. The two groups provided similar feedback, regardless of when they were interviewed or whether their child was admitted.

Conclusion

Although bronchiolitis is common in infancy, parental knowledge was low. Standardised educational tools were useful, but insufficient to meet all their needs.
Application of the Health Action Process Approach to Social Distancing Behavior During COVID‐19
Authors: Hamilton Kyra , Smith Stephanie R. , Keech Jacob J. , Moyers Susette A. , Hagger Martin S.
Published: October 2020

Background

This study examined the social cognition determinants of social distancing behavior during the COVID‐19 pandemic in samples from Australia and the US guided by the health action process approach (HAPA).

Methods

Participants (Australia: N = 495, 50.1% women; US: N = 701, 48.9% women) completed HAPA social cognition constructs at an initial time‐point (T1), and one week later (T2) self‐reported their social distancing behavior.

Results

Single‐indicator structural equation models that excluded and included past behavior exhibited adequate fit with the data. Intention and action control were significant predictors of social distancing behavior in both samples, and intention predicted action and coping planning in the US sample. Self‐efficacy and action control were significant predictors of intention in both samples, with attitudes predicting intention in the Australia sample and risk perceptions predicting intention in the US sample. Significant indirect effects of social cognition constructs through intentions were observed. Inclusion of past behavior attenuated model effects. Multigroup analysis revealed no differences in model fit across samples, suggesting that observed variations in the parameter estimates were relatively trivial.

Conclusion

Results indicate that social distancing is a function of motivational and volitional processes. This knowledge can be used to inform messaging regarding social distancing during COVID‐19 and in future pandemics.
Comprehensive genomic profiling for patients with chemotherapy‐naïve advanced cancer
Authors: Kondo Tomohiro , Matsubara Junichi , Quy Pham Nguyen , Fukuyama Keita , Nomura Motoo , Funakoshi Taro , Doi Keitaro , Sakamori Yuichi , Yoshioka Masahiro , Yokoyama Akira , Tamaoki Masashi , Kou Tadayuki , Hirohashi Kenshiro , Yamada Atsushi , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Nishigaki Masakazu , Yamada Takahiro , Kanai Masashi , Matsumoto Shigemi , Muto Manabu
Published: October 2020

Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) testing by next‐generation sequencing has been introduced into clinical practice as part of precision cancer medicine to select effective targeted therapies. However, whether CGP testing at the time of first‐line chemotherapy could be clinically useful is not clear. We conducted this single‐center, prospective, observational study to investigate the feasibility of CGP testing for chemotherapy‐naïve patients with stage III/IV gastrointestinal cancer, rare cancer, and cancer of unknown primary, using the FoundationOne®companion diagnostic (F1CDx) assay. The primary outcome was the detection rate of at least one actionable/druggable cancer genomic alteration. Actionable/druggable cancer genomic alterations were determined by the F1CDx report. An institutional molecular tumor board determined the molecular‐based recommended therapies. A total of 197 patients were enrolled from October 2018 to June 2019. CGP success rate was 76.6% (151 of 197 patients), and median turnaround time was 19 days (range: 10‐329 days). Actionable and druggable cancer genomic alterations were reported in 145 (73.6%) and 124 (62.9%) patients, respectively. The highest detection rate of druggable genomic alterations in gastrointestinal cancers was 80% in colorectal cancer (48 of 60 patients). Molecular‐based recommended therapies were determined in 46 patients (23.4%). CGP testing would be a useful tool for the identification of a potentially effective first‐line chemotherapy.
A mixed‐methods analysis of younger adults' perceptions of asthma, self‐management, and preventive care: "This isn't helping me none"
Authors: Mammen Jennifer R. , Turgeon Kelsey , Philibert Ashley , Schoonmaker Judith D. , Java James , Halterman Jill , Berliant Marc N. , Crowley Amber , Reznik Marina , Feldman Jonathan M. , Fortuna Robert J. , Arcoleo Kimberly
Published: October 2020

Background

Young adults (ages 18‐44) have increased emergency department use for asthma and poor adherence to medications. The objective of this mixed‐methods study was to understand experiences with and approaches to managing asthma, of which little is known in this age group.

Methods

Surveys (Asthma Control Questionnaire, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire) and 1:1 semi‐structured interviews were used to explore experiences with asthma, symptoms, self‐management behaviours, and relationship to asthma control and quality of life. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis techniques. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were used to examine distributive characteristics and associations between variables.

Results

Forty urban adults participated (mean age 32.7 ± 6.2, 1σ). Coughing was reported nearly 46% more often than wheezing, with 42.5% (17/40) coughing until the point of vomiting most days. Most participants delayed using medication for symptoms due to misperceptions about inhalers. Higher symptom frequency and worse asthma control were associated with greater use of non‐pharmacologic symptom management strategies (r = 0.645, P < .001; r = 0.360, P = .022, respectively). Five themes were identified regarding young adults experiences with asthma: (1) having asthma means being limited and missing out on life; (2) health care for asthma is burdensome, and other things are more important; (3) there is not enough personal benefit in medical interactions to make preventive care worthwhile; (4) there are insufficient support and education about asthma for adults; and (5) people normalize chronic symptoms over time and find ways of coping that fit with their lifestyle.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Young adults may tolerate symptoms without using quick‐relief medication or seeking preventive care. Increasing engagement with preventive services will require decreasing perceived burdens and increasing the personal benefits of care. Evaluating for non‐pharmacologic approaches to managing symptoms and asthma‐related coughing may identify uncontrolled asthma. Enhanced training for clinicians in patient‐centric asthma care may be needed.
Reference value of perimeter‐derived diameter assessed by three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in left atrial appendage occluder size selection
Authors: Kong Dehong , Jiang Yingying , Zhang Xiaochun , Jin Qinchun , Dong Lili , Zhou Daxin , Shu Xianhong , Pan Cuizhen
Published: October 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of perimeter‐derived diameter (PDD) measured by three‐dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in predicting the size of left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder.

Methods and results

Left atrial appendage landing zone diameter (LZD) was measured by two‐dimensional (2D) TEE, 3DTEE, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as LZD‐2Dmax, LZD‐2Dmean, LZD‐3Dmax, LZD‐3Dmean, LZD‐PDD, LZD‐DSAmax, respectively, before and during transcatheter LAA closure with Watchman devices in 100 patients. A difference of one or more device size intervals between the predicted size and the size actually implanted was defined as mismatching. Seventy‐eight patients were followed up by TEE to obtain occluder compression ratio. The correlation between LZD and the final implanted occluder size was 0.559, 0.641, 0.754, 0.760, 0.782, and 0.848 for LZD‐2Dmax, LZD‐2Dmean, LZD‐3Dmax, LZD‐3Dmean, LZD‐PDD and LZD‐DSAmax, respectively (P < .001). Matching ratio between the size predicted by retrospective measurements of LZD and the device size actually implanted was 65%, 57%, 66%, 63%, 70%, and 83% for LZD‐2Dmax, LZD‐2Dmean, LZD‐3Dmax, LZD‐3Dmean, LZD‐PDD and LZD‐DSAmax, respectively. There was no significant difference in LZD value, matching ratio, and compression ratio between the patients with eccentric and noneccentric LAA landing zone (P > .05). Compression ratio of the mismatching subjects was higher than that in the matching subjects when evaluated by LZD‐2Dmean, LZD‐3Dmean, and LZD‐PDD (P < .05).

Conclusions

Landing zone diameter derived from LAA perimeter measured by preprocedure 3DTEE showed reference value for LAA occluder size selection, providing superior correlation and matching ratio with the final implanted size and indicating the adjustment of oversizing.
Loss of the psychiatric risk factor SLC6A15 is associated with increased metabolic functions in primary hippocampal neurons
Authors: Schraut Karla‐Gerlinde , Kalnytska Oleksandra , Lamp Daniel , Jastroch Martin , Eder Matthias , Hausch Felix , Gassen Nils C. , Moore Sarah , Nagaraj Nagarjuna , Lopez Juan P. , Chen Alon , Schmidt Mathias V.
Published: October 2020

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most severe global health problems with millions of people affected, however, the mechanisms underlying this disorder is still poorly understood. Genome‐wide association studies have highlighted a link between the neutral amino acid transporter SLC6A15 and MDD. Additionally, a number of preclinical studies support the function of this transporter in modulating levels of brain neurotransmitters, stress system regulation and behavioural phenotypes related to MDD. However, the molecular and functional mechanisms involved in this interaction are still unresolved. Therefore, to investigate the effects of the SLC6A15 transporter, we used hippocampal tissue from Slc6a15‐KO and wild‐type mice, together with several in‐vitro assays in primary hippocampal neurons. Utilizing a proteomics approach we identified differentially regulated proteins that formed a regulatory network and pathway analysis indicated significantly affected cellular domains, including metabolic, mitochondrial and structural functions. Furthermore, we observed reduced release probability at glutamatergic synapses, increased mitochondrial function, higher GSH/GSSG redox ratio and an improved neurite outgrowth in primary neurons lacking SLC6A15. In summary, we hypothesize that by controlling the intracellular concentrations of neutral amino acids, SLC6A15 affects mitochondrial activity, which could lead to alterations in neuronal structure and activity. These data provide further indication that a pharmacological or genetic reduction of SLC6A15 activity may indeed be a promising approach for antidepressant therapy.
Coordination of social behaviors by the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis
Authors: Flanigan Meghan E. , Kash Thomas L.
Published: October 2020

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a sexually dimorphic, neuropeptide‐rich node of the extended amygdala that has been implicated in responses to stress, drugs of abuse, and natural rewards. Its function is dysregulated in neuropsychiatric disorders that are characterized by stress‐ or drug‐induced alterations in mood, arousal, motivation, and social behavior. However, compared to the BNST’s role in mood, arousal, and motivation, its role in social behavior has remained relatively understudied. Moreover, the precise cell types and circuits underlying the BNST’s role in social behavior have only recently begun to be explored using modern neuroscience techniques. Here, we systematically review the existing literature investigating the neurobiological substrates within the BNST that contribute to the coordination of various sex‐dependent and sex‐independent social behavioral repertoires, focusing largely on pharmacological and circuit‐based behavioral studies in rodents. We suggest that the BNST coordinates social behavior by promoting appropriate assessment of social contexts to select relevant behavioral outputs and that disruption of socially relevant BNST systems by stress and drugs of abuse may be an important factor in the development of social dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Use of a gentamicin‐citrate lock leads to lower catheter‐related bloodstream infection rates and reduced cost of care in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Hussein Wael F. , Gomez Norma , Sun Sumi J. , Yu Junhua , Yang Fang , Ajuria Michael , Abra Graham E. , Schiller Brigitte
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Central venous catheters (CVC) are a major contributor to infections in hemodialysis (HD) patients, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Gentamicin‐citrate (GC) lock is used as standard of care at centers belonging to a mid‐size dialysis organization. Four outpatient HD centers acquired by the organization continued to use heparin for catheter locks for a period of time before converting to the provider's standard of using GC lock.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, we included patients receiving HD by CVC at these four centers. We report rates of CVC‐related bloodstream infections (CVC‐BSI) during the heparin lock and the GC lock periods; crude rate ratios and adjusted rate ratios using Cox survival analyses adjusting for potential confounders; microbiology patterns; safety signals (gentamicin resistance, hospitalizations and deaths); and financial impact on payer.

Findings

A total of 220 and 281 patients used tunneled CVCs, accounting for 25,245 and 44,550 catheter days in the heparin and the GC lock periods, respectively. CVC‐BSI event rates were 66% lower in the GC lock period (CVC‐BSI event rate: 0.20 per 1000 catheter‐days) than the heparin lock period (rate: 0.59 per 1000 catheter days); rate ratio 0.34 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–0.78, P = 0.01). In the fully adjusted multivariable Cox model, use of GC lock was associated with 70% reduction in CVC‐BSI events (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.12–0.72, P = 0.01). No increased risk of gentamicin resistance, hospitalizations, or death associated with use of GC lock were observed. Use of GC lock was associated with an estimated saving of $1533 (95% CI: $259–$4882) per patient per year.

Discussion

Use of GC lock led to significant reductions in CVC‐BSIs with no signal for harm, and is associated with significant cost savings in dialysis care.
Midwives' experiences of witnessing traumatic hospital birth events: A qualitative study
Authors: Cankaya Seyhan , Erkal Aksoy Yasemin , Dereli Yılmaz Sema
Published: October 2020

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate in detail the traumatic birth experiences of midwives in the delivery rooms, and their attitudes, reactions, and coping strategies.

Methods

The design of the study is descriptive and the purposive sampling method was used. This approach is ideal for a preliminary exploration of the nature of a phenomenon. Between October 2018 and January 2019, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of midwives. The research was carried out with the participation of 29 midwives, who work in labour and birth room. They were asked to describe a particular stressful situation they had experienced during the birth process, their emotions about the event, and their coping strategies and support systems. All interviews were digitally recorded, stored in a database, and transferred to MAX Qualitative Data Analysis 18.1.0 for analysis.

Findings

As a result of the content analysis, three main themes emerged: psychological impact, defensive practice, and expectations in terms of support from the hospital. It was revealed that, after the traumatic birth, midwives experienced highly emotional exhaustion in the form of sadness, flashbacks, guilt, fear, and empathy, and they performed an increasingly defensive practice. During the interviews, we observed that 19 midwives needed psychological support. Besides, midwives explicitly stated that they were not prepared enough for traumatic events and that most traumatic births were simply ignored in their workplace. Eventually, it was determined that midwives received support mostly from their colleagues in case of a traumatic birth.

Conclusion(s)

Midwives need to feel valued and be supported by their institutions in coping with emotional stress. Therefore, performing clinical inspections by experienced or specialist midwives may serve as a supporting framework for reducing defensive interventions.
Successful outcome in a rare case of live post‐term ovarian pregnancy
Authors: Agarwal Neha , Shekhar Shashank , Goyal Manu , Singh Pratibha , Yadav Taruna
Published: October 2020

Ovarian ectopic is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy and reaching up to term is an extreme rarity. It is usually diagnosed incidentally when a cesarean section is done for other obstetric causes. Being highly vascular, it may result in obstetric catastrophes. We report first live post‐term ovarian pregnancy well managed with multidisciplinary approach. A 35‐year multigravida at 44 weeks presented with a diagnosis of placenta percreta. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested abdominal pregnancy with a live fetus. On laparotomy, it was live ovarian ectopic with placenta attached to left infundibulopelvic vessels and later confirmed on histological examination. Ovarian ectopic is best diagnosed in the first trimester by ultrasound and managed by laparoscopy or laparotomy. It is usually misdiagnosed as an abdominal pregnancy at term even with the use of high‐end technology. It always poses a dilemma for clinicians. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging helps in the planning of surgery with all precautionary measures and counseling of patients.