bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cathelicidins enhance protection of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, and channel catfish ♀ × blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus ♂ hybrid catfish against Edwarsiella ictaluri infection
Authors: Simora Rhoda Mae C. , Li Shangjia , Abass Nermeen Y. , Terhune Jeffery S. , Dunham Rex A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCathelicidins are a class of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) known to possess rapid and direct antimicrobial activities against a variety of microorganisms. Recently identified cathelicidins derived from alligator and sea snake were found to be more effective in inhibiting microbial growth than other AMPs previously characterized. The ability of these two cathelicidins along with the peptides, cecropin and pleurocidin, to protect channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus, Rafinesque) and hybrid catfish (I. punctatus ♀ × blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, Valenciennes ♂) against Edwardsiella ictaluri, one of the most prevalent pathogens affecting commercial catfish industry, was investigated. Cathelicidin‐injected fish (50 µg ml−1 fish−1) that were simultaneously challenged with E. ictaluri through bath immersion at a concentration of ~1 × 106 CFU/ml had increased survival rates compared with other peptide treatments and the infected control. Bacterial numbers were also reduced in the liver and kidney of channel catfish and hybrid catfish in the cathelicidin treatments 24 hr post‐infection. After 8 days of challenge, serum was collected to determine immune‐related parameters such as bactericidal activity, lysozyme, serum protein, albumin and globulin. These immune‐related parameters were significantly elevated in fish injected with the two cathelicidins as compared to other peptide treatments. These results indicate that cathelicidins derived from alligator and sea snake can stimulate immunity and enhance the resistance to E. ictaluri infection in channel catfish and hybrid catfish.
Irsogladine maleate alters expression of a tight junction protein in portal hypertensive gastropathy
Authors: Yokoyama Keiji , Irie Makoto , Tsuchiya Naoaki , Yamauchi Eri , Kawashima Motoko , Miyayama Takashi , Fukuda Hiromi , Yamauchi Ryo , Umeda Kaoru , Takata Kazuhide , Tanaka Takashi , Inomata Shinjiro , Morihara Daisuke , Takeyama Yasuaki , Shakado Satoshi , Sakisaka Shotaro , Hirai Fumihito 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and AimPortal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) is characterized by noninflammatory edema and vasodilatation of the lamina propria of the mucosal epithelium. In addition, the alterations of intercellular junction proteins and dilatation of the endothelial gaps have been reported. In this study, we examined whether irsogladine maleate (IM), a gastric mucosal protective agent, has the potential to improve PHG by restoration of tight junctions (TJs).MethodsTwenty‐four patients with PHG were registered and randomly assigned into two groups: 12 patients in the IM‐administration group and 12 patients in the non‐administration group. In the administration group, IM (4 mg/day) was administered orally for 12 weeks. Gastric mucosa with a red color in patients with PHG were obtained endoscopically on the registration day and 12 weeks later. The endoscopic findings were evaluated, an immunohistochemical analysis of claudin‐3 (a TJ protein) expression in gastric mucosal tissues by a laser microscope was performed, and claudin‐3 expression was quantified by western blot analysis.ResultsIrsogladine maleate improved the degree of PHG in 2/12 patients endoscopically, in contrast to none of the 12 patients in the non‐administration group. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that expression of claudin‐3 increased in 8/12 patients in the IM‐administration group and 2/12 patients in the non‐administration group (P = 0.036). Western blot analysis revealed that the increase in claudin‐3 after 12 weeks was significantly higher in the IM‐administration group than in the non‐administration group (P = 0.010).ConclusionsThe present pilot study suggested that IM might improve the gastric mucosa in PHG through restoration of TJ‐protein claudin‐3.
COVID‐19 Pandemic in Assisted Living Communities: Results from Seven States
Authors: Temkin‐Greener Helena , Guo Wenhan , Mao Yunjiao , Cai Xueya , Li Yue 
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVETo describe variations in COVID‐19 confirmed cases and deaths among assisted living (AL) residents and examine their associations with key AL characteristics.DESIGNObservational study employing data on confirmed COVID‐19 cases and deaths in ALs from seven states, through May 29, 2020.SETTINGInformation on COVID‐19 cases/deaths in ALs was obtained from state government websites. A national inventory of ALs was used to identify communities with and without COVID‐19 cases/deaths. Medicare Beneficiary Summary File identifying AL residents was employed to develop AL characteristics. County‐level COVID‐19 laboratory‐confirmed cases/deaths were obtained from publicly available data.PARTICIPANTSWe found 4,865 ALs (2,647 COVID‐19 cases and 777 deaths) in the seven states. After excluding missing data, the sample consisted of 3,994 ALs (82.1%) with 2,542 cases (96.0%) and 675 deaths (86.9%).MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURESOutcomes were AL‐level counts of cases and deaths. Covariates were AL characteristics and county‐level confirmed COVID‐19 cases/deaths. Multivariable two‐part models determined the associations of independent variables with the likelihood of at least one case and death in the AL, and with the count of cases (deaths).RESULTSState case fatality ranged from 3.32% in North Carolina to 9.26% in Connecticut, but for ALs in these states it was 12.89% and 31.59%, respectively. Among ALs with at least one case, midsize communities had fewer cases (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.829; P = .004) than small ALs. ALs with higher proportions of racial/ethnic minorities had more COVID‐19 cases (IRR = 1.08; P < .001), as did communities with higher proportions of residents with dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obesity.CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCEALs with a higher proportion of minorities had more COVID‐19 cases. Many of the previously identified individual risk factors are also present in this vulnerable population. The impact of COVID‐19 on ALs is as critical as that on nursing homes, and is worth equal attention from policy makers.
Efficacy and safety of intralesional injection of vitamin D3 versus tuberculin PPD in the treatment of plantar warts: A comparative controlled study
Authors: Elsayed Ghaly Nahla , El‐Ashmawy Amal Ahmad , Abou Zeid Mai , E. Shaker Engi Seif 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundSeveral destructive and immunotherapeutic methods are used in treatment of plantar warts, but an effective method with no or reduced recurrence has not been found till now.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional (IL) vitamin D3 (Vit.D3) injection vs IL tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) injection in the treatment of plantar warts.MethodsSixty patients with plantar warts were randomized into 3 equal groups: group I treated using IL tuberculin PPD every 2 weeks, group II treated using IL Vit.D3 every 4 weeks, and group III treated with IL saline every 2 weeks till complete clearance or for a maximum of 3 sessions. The follow‐up period was 6 months.ResultsThere was a statistically significant improvement in therapeutic groups than control with more significant improvement in group II than I. Regarding number of sessions required for complete response, there was a positive significant correlation in both groups, but more significant in group I. There was a negative correlation between the number of lesions and the response to treatment in both groups. Group II showed significantly better response to treatment in male patients. Both modalities were well tolerated, with no remarkable side effects and no recurrence in cured patients of both groups.ConclusionsBoth IL PPD and Vit.D3 injection are safe and effective for treatment of plantar warts even recalcitrant or multiple, with no postprocedural downtime, better results, and patient satisfaction. IL Vit.D3 injection has a superior advantage than PPD.
Survey of nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding medication administration using enteral tubes
Authors: Tillott Harry , Barrett Diane , Ruan Jingjing , Li Vincent , Merrick Susan , Steed Helen , Morrissey Hana , Anthony Ball Patrick 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAim and objectivesTo identify the practice variation of the individual practitioners in medications’ formulation modification for patients using enteral feeding tubing and to support health practitioners involved in this process.BackgroundBlockage of enteral tubes is a common problem that can sometimes be resolved but may require replacement of the tube. Medications are a common culprit.DesignA survey of 73 registered nurses’ practices around medication administration via enteral feeding tubes.MethodsA questionnaire study was undertaken within a district general hospital across a broad variety of wards to explore nurses’ experiences of medication administration via enteral tubes. The study is reported in accordance with the squire 2.0 guidelines from the EQUATOR network.ResultsSeventy‐three nurses responded. Twenty‐six per cent reported never checking about drug modification for administration via a tube, 12% check every time and 61% when unsure about a new drug. The volume of fluid flushes administered after medication ranged from 7.5–150 ml. Seventy‐one per cent of participants reported stopping feed when medications are required, varying from 1–60 min. Sixty per cent had experienced a blocked tube and 52% the tube being removed for these reasons. The clinical nurse specialist was the commonest first point of call to help. Staff named 15 medications as the most problematic to administer, lactulose and omeprazole were the top two.ConclusionsPractice varies significantly amongst nurses around medication administration. Theoretically, this may contribute to blocked tubes and excessive fluid administration to some patients. Barriers to medication administration were thematically grouped into: time, difficulty modifying medication, medication interactions and knowledge. Areas identified to support staff include training, devices to crush medications, medication suitability, multidisciplinary approach to streamline care and quick reference guides.Relevance to clinical practiceHealth professionals may use these results to reduce and ultimately avoid problems with administering medications through feeding tubes. Organisations may use these results to develop their local practice pathways for prescribing, dispensing and training around administration of medications through enteral tubes. In a community setting, this paper may improve the awareness of patients, caregivers and prescribers of the possible implications of tubing blockages.
Fidelity challenges while implementing an intervention aimed at increasing eating performance among nursing home residents with cognitive decline: A multicentre, qualitative descriptive study design
Authors: Palese Alvisa , Achbani Btissam , Hayter Mark , Watson Roger 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAims and objectivesTo increase the knowledge on fidelity challenges in intervention studies promoting eating independence in residents with cognitive decline living in nursing homes (NHs).BackgroundA few studies have documented to date factors affecting fidelity in intervention studies performed in NH settings. Moreover, fidelity issues in intervention studies aimed at promoting eating independence among NH residents with cognitive decline have not been studied to date.DesignA hybrid study design was performed in 2018 and reported here according to the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research.MethodsIn a clustered multicentre before/after intervention study design, a nested, multicentre qualitative descriptive design was performed. Four researchers with a nursing background, who received appropriate training, implemented the designed intervention. This consisted in intentional rounds in the dining rooms during lunchtime and was based on supportive, prescriptive and informative prompts delivered to residents with cognitive decline aimed at stimulating eating independence. A momentary assessment method was used, based on daily diary filled in by participant researchers after every session of intervention delivery on the following five dimensions of fidelity: (a) adherence, (b) dose (or exposure), (c) intervention quality, (d) participant responsiveness and (e) programme differentiation. A direct content analysis of the narratives reported on the diaries was performed.ResultsFactors increasing or hindering intervention fidelity during its implementation emerged at the NH, staff, family caregivers, resident, researchers and at the intervention itself levels.ConclusionsSeveral factors emerged and all reported potentially both positive and negative influences on fidelity while implementing an intervention aimed at promoting eating independence among NH residents. Fidelity challenges should be considered as dynamic in NH intervention studies, where continuous adjustments of the intervention delivered are required.Relevance to clinical practiceA calm environment, with staff members showing a caring behaviour, and researchers having achieved good familiarity with the NH setting, the residents, their family carers and the staff members, can all increase intervention fidelity.
The clinical findings and outcomes of symptomatic pregnant women diagnosed with or suspected of having coronavirus disease 2019 in a tertiary pandemic hospital in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Alay Ismail , Yildiz Sukru , Kaya Cihan , Yasar Kadriye Kart , Aydin Ozlem Altuntas , Karaosmanoglu Hayat Kumbasar , Aydeniz Banu , Salihoglu Ozgul , Yaşar Levent , Ekin Murat 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimTo observe the clinical course of symptomatic pregnant women diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID‐19.MethodsThis study analyzed the clinical and laboratory results of 27 patients with real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR)‐confirmed COVID‐19 and 25 patients with a suspected COVID‐19 diagnosis based on their symptoms and chest computed tomography (CT) findings. The patients' coagulation parameters and acute‐phase reactants were evaluated both before and after treatment. The maternal and neonatal outcomes were also reviewed.ResultsThe mean duration of hospitalization was 6.1 ± 3 days. The gestational age of the patients ranged from 6w2d to 40w2d. Thirty‐five patients' CT scan findings suggested viral pneumonia. Four patients delivered vaginally, and 10 patients underwent a cesarean section during the study period. Four of the cesarean deliveries were indicated due to COVID‐19 hypoxemia‐related fetal distress. Four patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after the cesarean section.ConclusionEarly hospitalization and medical treatment can alleviate symptoms, improve the clinical course and reduce the need for ICU in symptomatic pregnant patients with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19. Chest CT scans are a suitable option for suspected but unconfirmed COVID‐19 infection.
Protease inhibitors, inflammatory markers, and their association with outcome in dogs with naturally occurring acute pancreatitis
Authors: Kuzi Sharon , Mazaki‐Tovi Michal , Suchodolski Jan S. , Rimer Dar , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Steiner Joerg M. , Buono Agostino , Nivy Ran , Segev Gilad , Aroch Itamar 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundAcute pancreatitis (AP) presumably is associated with pancreatic protease activation, protease inhibitor (PI) depletion, and inflammatory mediator secretion.ObjectivesExamine PIs and inflammatory mediator concentrations in dogs with AP and their association with death.AnimalsThirty‐one dogs diagnosed with AP based on clinical signs, ultrasonographic findings, and increased canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) and 51 healthy control dogs.MethodsAntithrombin and α2‐antiplasmin activity (ATA and α2AP, respectively) and concentrations of α1‐proteinase inhibitor (α1PI), α2‐macroglobulin (α2MG), C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukins (ILs)‐2,6,8 and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were prospectively measured. Severity of AP was assessed by clinical severity scoring systems.ResultsMortality rate was 19%. Antithrombin activity was lower (P= .004) and maximal CRP, IL‐6, and TNF‐α concentrations higher (P < .04) in the AP group compared to the controls, whereas IL‐2, IL‐8, α1PI, and α2AP concentrations did not differ between groups. Serum α2MG concentration was not reliably detected. Serum cPLI, CRP, and IL‐6 concentrations were significantly and positively correlated. The ATA was lower (P= .04), and canine acute pancreatitis severity (CAPS) scores higher (P= .009) in nonsurvivors compared to survivors. Higher CAPS scores were associated (P <.05) with decreased ATA and increased cPLI, CRP, and IL‐6 concentrations.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSystemic inflammation in dogs with AP is manifested by increased inflammatory mediator concentrations, correlating with cPLI and CRP concentrations. Hypoantithrombinemia is associated with death. Serum concentrations of α2AP and α1PI are less useful prognostic markers. The CAPS score is a useful prognostic marker in dogs with AP.
Achieving clinically meaningful quality of life benefits in nocturia takes time: Results from a long‐term, multicenter phase 3 study of desmopressin in Japanese patients
Authors: Juul Kristian V. , Andersson Fredrik L. , Yamaguchi Osamu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the long‐term efficacy, quality of life (QoL), and safety of desmopressin orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) in Japanese patients with nocturia.MethodsA long‐term, multicenter phase 3 study was conducted that enrolled Japanese male and female patients with nocturia (NCT03051009). Male patients received desmopressin 25‐ or 50‐μg ODTs, and female patients received desmopressin 25‐μg ODTs for up to 1 year. The primary endpoint was safety. Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in number of nocturnal voids, time to first awakening to void, and QoL assessments (nocturia‐specific zQoL [N‐QoL], Insomnia Severity Index [ISI], and Hsu bother score).ResultsOverall, 503 patients were enrolled. Reductions from baseline in mean number of nocturnal voids were observed in all treatment groups from week 1 (−0.62 to −1.00), with improvements continuing through week 52 (−1.39 to −1.71). Changes from baseline above or approximating a clinically meaningful improvement were seen by week 52 in the disease‐specific N‐QoL total score (improved by 11.5‐22.6), ISI (improved by −3.9 to −7.1), and Hsu bother scores (improved by −1.5 to −2.0). Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 54.9% of desmopressin‐treated patients. Most AEs were mild or moderate in severity.ConclusionsDesmopressin ODTs (25 and 50 μg) demonstrated long‐term efficacy, improved QoL, and were well tolerated in Japanese male and female patients with nocturia treated for up to 1 year. Clinically meaningful improvements in patients’ QoL, assessed by N‐QoL, sleep quality, and bother, occur later than objective symptom improvements, such as voids.
Mid‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy of aubrite components
Authors: Morlok Andreas , Weber Iris , Stojic Aleksandra N. , Sohn Martin , Bischoff Addi , Martin Dayl , Hiesinger Harald , Helbert Joern 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAubrites Peña Blanca Spring and Norton County were studied in the mid‐infrared reflectance as part of a database for the MERTIS (Mercury Radiometer and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer) instrument on the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission to Mercury. Spectra of bulk powder size fractions from Peña Blanca Spring show enstatite Reststrahlen bands (RB) at 9 µm, 9.3 µm, 9.9 µm, 10.4 µm, and 11.6 µm. The transparency feature (TF) is at 12.7 µm, the Christiansen feature (CF) at 8.1–8.4 µm. Micro‐FTIR of spots with enstatite composition in Norton County and Peña Blanca Spring shows four types: Types I and II are similar to the bulk powder spectra but vary in band shape and probably display axis orientation. Type III has characteristic strong RB at 9.2 µm, 10.4 µm, and 10.5 µm, and at 11.3 µm. Type IV is characterized by a strong RB at 10.8−11.1 µm. Types III and IV could show signs of incipient shock metamorphism. Bulk results of this study confirm earlier spectral studies of aubrites that indicate a high degree of homogeneity and probably make the results of this study representative for spectral studies of an aubrite parent body. Spectral types I and II occur in all mineralogical settings (mineral clasts, matrix, melt, fragments in melt vein), while spectral type III was only observed among the clasts, and type IV in the melt. Comparison with surface spectra of Mercury does not obtain a suitable fit, only type IV spectra from quenched impact glass show similarity, in particular the 11 µm feature. Results of this study will be available upon request or via the IRIS database (Münster) and the Berlin Emissivity Database (BED).
Ordinary chondrite shock stage quantification using in situ 2‐D X‐ray diffraction of olivine
Authors: Rupert Alexandra N. , McCausland Phil J.A. , Flemming Roberta L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOrdinary chondrites record shock metamorphism resulting from hypervelocity collisions on small bodies, and underpin the petrographic assessment of shock stage, a scale of progressive stages of shock metamorphism from S1 (unshocked) to S7 (shock melted). In this work, olivine grains in 11 L and LL chondrites (S1–S5) were investigated in thin section and hand sample using in situ two‐dimensional X‐ray diffraction (2‐D XRD). Olivine grains were measured under a 300 µm X‐ray beam for multiple lattice reflections, by measuring diffracted streak length along the chi (χ) dimension (Debye ring dimension), to examine their strain‐related mosaicity. Olivine strain‐related mosaicity was observed to increase with greater shock deformation, with more complex multi‐peak streaks apparent at higher shock levels. The full width at half maximum (FWHMχ) of the simple peak shapes along χ was measured to quantify petrographic shock stage for comparison with that described optically. The average FWHMχ values for simple peaks in olivine show an increase with increasing shock stage: S1 (0.44°± 0.06°), S2 (0.58°± 0.11°), S3 (0.67°± 0.15°), S4 (0.76°± 0.13°), and S5 (0.86°± 0.12°). This method complements optical petrographic methods and offers a ±1 shock stage accuracy in determining shock stage. In particular, 2‐D XRD analysis of strain‐related mosaicity allows quantitative analysis of shock stage in shock‐darkened samples that are difficult to work with petrographically, and for hand samples without need for thin section preparation.