bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indirect terrestrial transmission of amphibian chytrid fungus from reservoir to susceptible host species leads to fatal chytridiomycosis
Authors: Burns Thomas J. , Scheele Ben C. , Brannelly Laura A. , Clemann Nick , Gilbert Deon , Driscoll Don A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe amphibian chytrid fungal pathogen (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, henceforth Bd) has had a devastating impact on biodiversity, causing the decline or extinction of over 500 amphibian species. Yet, our understanding of Bd transmission pathways remains incomplete, in particular for host species with weak aquatic associations, and between reservoir and susceptible host species. We examined Bd transmission from a potential reservoir host to a potentially susceptible critically endangered host; directly assessing the capacity of the former to transmit Bd, and the susceptibility of the latter as a Bd host. Using cohousing versus sequential use of the same enclosure by the two species, we distinguished the effects of direct versus indirect (environmental) transmission. Our study provides clear evidence that both direct and indirect terrestrial transmission from a reservoir to susceptible host species results in fatal chytridiomycosis. Transmission mode had no effect on overall morbidity or disease progression in the susceptible species. Our results demonstrate that reservoir and susceptible hosts do not need to be in the same place at the same time, or within an aquatic environment for transmission to occur. Our demonstration of indirect terrestrial transmission from a reservoir to susceptible host identifies mechanisms by which Bd may drive ongoing declines in populations where the pathogen is now endemic. Identifying these transmission pathways is important for understanding long‐term extinction vulnerability of remnant populations of declining species challenged by disease.
The Efficacy of Combined Electroacupuncture and Auricular Pressure on Sleep Quality in Patients Receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Yu Kai‐Chiang , Wei Han‐Ting , Chang Shang‐Chih , Huang Kuei‐Yu , Hsu Chung‐Hua 
Published: December 2020

Background and ObjectivesPrevious studies have revealed that the electroacupuncture or auricular‐point pressure as a single treatment approach is beneficial for relieving insomniac symptoms among patients under methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). This study is designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of combining two treatments.MethodsThis study was a randomized, controlled, crossover trial. A total of 50 participants were recruited from the Linsen Chinese Medicine and Kunming Branches of Taipei City Hospital and randomly assigned to Groups A (25 participants) and B (25 participants). In Group A (electroacupuncture at the Hegu point (LI4) and Zusanli point (ST36) and auricular‐point pressure on the Shenmen point) and Group B (only auricular‐point), the interventions were implemented biweekly for 4 weeks. After a 1‐week washout period, a crossover of the groups was performed. Sleep quality, according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and daily attendance rate of MMT were evaluated.ResultsCombined therapy significantly improved sleep quality, especially in the PSQI subscales of subjective sleep quality (60.91% vs 20.93%, P < 0.05) and sleep latency (42.59% vs 11.28%, P < 0.05). A significantly higher daily attendance rate was noted in combined therapy than single therapy (87% ± 2% vs 82% ± 2%, P < 0.001).Discussion and ConclusionsThe combination of the electroacupuncture with auricular‐point pressure demonstrated high efficacy for improving sleep quality and increasing MMT adherence compared with single therapy of auricular‐point pressure.Scientific SignificanceCombined therapy of the electroacupuncture and auricular‐point pressing should be introduced as a routine, facilitating treatment for patients under methadone maintenance. (Am J Addict 2020;00:00–00)
Levosimendan in veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator supported patients: Impact on the success of weaning and survival
Authors: Alonso‐Fernandez‐Gatta Marta , Merchan‐Gomez Soraya , Gonzalez‐Cebrian Miryam , Diego‐Nieto Alejandro , Alzola Elisabete , Toranzo‐Nieto Ines , Barrio Alfredo , Martin‐Herrero Francisco , Sanchez Pedro L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWeaning failure and mortality rates in veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) supported patients are significant. Small studies suggest the possible usefulness of levosimendan in this environment, especially in postcardiotomy shock. We performed a retrospective analysis of VA‐ECMO implants in a referral hospital comparing weaning failure and survival of patients treated with levosimendan with a control group. From 2013 to May 2020, 123 VA‐ECMO for several indications were implanted. Levosimendan was administered in 23 patients (18.7%) with good tolerance. Levosimendan was used more frequently in cardiogenic shock due to acute coronary syndrome indication, and in patients with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at the implant. No significant differences were found in success of ECMO weaning (60.9% levosimendan group vs. 44% non‐levosimendan group, P = .169) despite worse LVEF in levosimendan group. Survival at follow‐up (20.6 [58] months) was higher in the group that received levosimendan, although without finding statistically significant differences (47.8% vs. 32.0%, log rank P = .124). Levosimendan can be safely administered during VA‐ECMO support. Patients receiving levosimendan were weaned similarly from circulatory support despite worse LVEF. Its use did not influence in short‐ and medium‐term survival. Randomized studies are needed to evaluate the levosimendan impact in this indication.
Design and Pilot data of the high myopia registration study: Shanghai Child and Adolescent Large‐scale Eye Study (SCALE‐HM)
Authors: He Xiangui , Deng Junjie , Xu Xian , Wang Jingjing , Cheng Tianyu , Zhang Bo , Zhao Huijuan , Luan Mengli , Fan Ying , Xiong Shuyu , Zhu Jianfeng , Zou Haidong , Xu Xun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeTo describe the methodology and pilot data of the Shanghai Child and Adolescent Large‐scale Eye Study (SCALE‐HM).MethodsThis is a population‐based, prospective, examiner‐masked study with annual follow‐up. Patients are 4‐ to 18‐year‐olds with high myopia. The participants will fill out questionnaires and then undergo visual acuity, axial length (AL), intraocular pressure, ophthalmologist assessment, microperimetry, cycloplegic refraction, Pentacam, wavefront aberration, fundus, blood and saliva examinations. To describe the pilot data, intergroup differences were assessed witht‐tests or analysis of variance and a logistic regression model was used to determine the independent factors associated with peripapillary atrophy (PPA).ResultsOverall, 134 eyes of 79 participants met the pilot study recruitment criteria. The mean AL and spherical equivalent were 26.91 ± 1.07 mm and −9.40 ± 1.77 D, respectively. Peripapillary atrophy (PPA) (N = 112) and tessellated fundus (N = 67) were the most common fundus changes. The mean AL was significantly longer in PPA (27.08 ± 0.93 mm) than in non‐PPA eyes (26.06 ± 1.31 mm; p < 0.001). Axial length (AL) (p = 0.041) was the only independent factor associated with PPA. Axial length (AL) was significantly longer in eyes with diffuse chorioretinal atrophy (N = 11; 28.02 ± 1.31 mm) than without myopic retinal lesions (N = 56; 26.48 ± 0.91 mm, p < 0.001) or with tessellated fundus (N = 67; 27.09 ± 0.97 mm, p = 0.012). The myopic degree was higher in eyes with diffuse chorioretinal atrophy than without myopic retinal lesions (−10.51 ± 2.76 D versus −9.06 ± 1.58 D, p = 0.039).ConclusionPeripapillary atrophy and tessellated fundus were common in children and adolescents with high myopia. Results from this prospective study will help to understand the mechanisms, development and prognosis of these changes and can guide early myopia screening.
Tomographic and aberrometric assessment of first‐time diagnosed paediatric keratoconus based on age ranges: a multicentre study
Authors: Rocha‐de‐Lossada Carlos , Prieto‐Godoy Mario , Sánchez‐González José‐María , Romano Vito , Borroni Davide , Rachwani‐Anil Rahul , Alba‐Linero Carmen , Peraza‐Nieves Jorge , Kaye Stephen B. , Rodríguez‐Calvo‐de‐Mora Marina 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeTo describe paediatric keratoconus (KC) patients by tomographic and aberrometric characteristics at first diagnosis, in a multicentre study.MethodsWe included 278 eyes from 139 paediatric patients, with a first tomographic diagnosis (Pentacam®) of KC prior to 18 years old. KC classification was based on the KC Index (≥ 1.07) and Topographic Keratoconus Classification (TKC ≥ 1). Patients were divided based on age ranges (14 and under and over 14 years) and gender. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS statistics 25.0. ANOVA factor was carried out comparing to compare groups.Results278 eyes were screened, and 230 eyes were diagnosed with paediatric KC. Mean age was 15.48 ± 2.33 (6 to 18) years. We found differences in terms of TKC (2.08 ± 0.89 and 2.38 ± 0.82, p < 0.05) and spherical aberration (−0.71 ± 0.97 and −1.07 ± 1.36, p < 0.05) among the 14 years old or under and above 14 years old groups, respectively. Overall, female paediatric KC patients presented a more severe TKC, Belin Ambrosio Display, maximum keratometry, asphericity and primary and secondary coma aberrations compared to male KC patients. We observed a correlation between CDVA and asphericity (r = 0.71, p < 0.01), as well as between CDVA and spherical aberration (r = 0.69, p < 0.01).ConclusionOur findings revealed that the debut of KC is usually in a moderate to advanced stage in the paediatric population at first diagnosis, particularly in female patients. Corneal tomography should be systematically performed in children with recent onset of corneal astigmatism.
Long‐term results of rescue photodynamic therapy for type 1 neovascularization refractory to anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Park Un Chul , Kim Bo Hee , Choe Hye Rim , Yeon Dong Yun , Yu Hyeong Gon 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate long‐term results of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a rescue treatment in patients with type 1 neovascularization refractory to intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).MethodsPatients who underwent reduced‐fluence PDT for refractory type 1 neovascularization, which showed persistent subretinal and/or intraretinal fluid after three or more consecutive anti‐VEGF treatments, and were followed up for ≥24 months were reviewed.ResultsSeventy‐eight eyes of 78 patients were included, and 37 (47%) were classified as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). The mean number of anti‐VEGF injections before rescue PDT was 8.5 ± 5.4, and the mean follow‐up period after rescue PDT was 74.0 ± 29.4 months. At 3 months after rescue PDT, exudation completely resolved in 55 (71%) patients and vision significantly improved (p = 0.021). Resolution of exudation was associated with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability [odds ratio (OR), 3.82; p = 0.031] and lower maximal height of pigment epithelial detachment (OR, 0.69; p = 0.018). In these patients, exudation recurred in 49 (89%) after mean period of 13.5 months. Vision significantly worsened at 24 months after rescue PDT, and thereafter, and the vision decrease was more prominent in patients with PCV. Rescue PDT could be repeated for recurrent or persistent exudation without increasing the risk of complications.ConclusionIn patients with type 1 neovascularization refractory to anti‐VEGF, reduced‐fluence PDT is an effective and safe rescue treatment. Therapeutic efficacy wore off during long‐term follow‐up, but rescue PDT may be repeated safely.
COVID‐19 and social work practice for older adults in China
Authors: Lin Wenyi , Yin Wanxia 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAfter the spread of COVID‐19, the Chinese central government has issued a series of policies and regulations to guide the prevention and control of the epidemic in the elderly care industry. Social workers provided a series of services for older adults in nursing homes and in the community. All efforts made by government agencies and social workers have helped older adults go through the difficult time.
Using in silico viral kinetic models to guide therapeutic strategies during a pandemic: An example in SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Patel Kashyap , Dodds Michael , Gonçalves Antonio , Kamal Mohamed A. , Rayner Craig R. , Kirkpatrick Carl M. , Smith Patrick F. 
Published: December 2020

AimsWe propose the use of in silico mathematical models to provide insights that optimize therapeutic interventions designed to effectively treat respiratory infection during a pandemic. A modelling and simulation framework is provided using SARS‐CoV‐2 as an example, considering applications for both treatment and prophylaxis.MethodsA target cell‐limited model was used to quantify the viral infection dynamics of SARS‐CoV‐2 in a pooled population of 105 infected patients. Parameter estimates from the resulting model were used to simulate and compare the impact of various interventions against meaningful viral load endpoints.ResultsRobust parameter estimates were obtained for the basic reproduction number, viral release rate and infected‐cell mortality from the infection model. These estimates were informed by the largest dataset currently available for SARS‐CoV‐2 viral time course. The utility of this model was demonstrated using simulations, which hypothetically introduced inhibitory or stimulatory drug mechanisms at various target sites within the viral life‐cycle. We show that early intervention is crucial to achieving therapeutic benefit when monotherapy is administered. In contrast, combination regimens of two or three drugs may provide improved outcomes if treatment is initiated late. The latter is relevant to SARS‐CoV‐2, where the period between infection and symptom onset is relatively long.ConclusionsThe use of in silico models can provide viral load predictions that can rationalize therapeutic strategies against an emerging viral pathogen.
Population pharmacokinetics of ganciclovir and valganciclovir in paediatric solid organ and stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Franck Bénédicte , Woillard Jean‐Baptiste , Théorêt Yves , Bittencourt Henrique , Demers Emile , Briand Annabelle , Marquet Pierre , Lapeyraque Anne‐Laure , Ovetchkine Philippe , Autmizguine Julie 
Published: December 2020

AimsGanciclovir (GCV) and its prodrug valganciclovir (VGCV) are first‐line agents to prevent and treat cytomegalovirus in transplant recipients. There is high pharmacokinetic (PK) interindividual variability and PK data are scarce, especially in paediatric stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients. We sought to determine the optimal GCV and VGCV dosing in transplanted children.MethodsWe conducted a single‐centre retrospective population PK (POPPK) study of IV GCV and enteral VGCV in paediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) and SCT recipients. We included children who were transplanted and had available plasma GCV concentrations, done per standard of care. POPPK analysis was performed using a nonlinear mixed effects modelling approach with NONMEM. Optimal dosing was determined based on the achievement of the surrogate efficacy target: GCV 24 h area under the concentration–time curve (AUC0‐24h) of 40–60 mg.h.L−1.ResultsFifty children with a median [range] age of 7.5 years [0.5–17.4] contributed 580 PK samples. A two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption with a lag time and first‐order elimination fit the data well. Creatinine clearance and body weight (WT) were significant covariates for GCV clearance (CL); and WT for the volumes of distribution. IV GCV 15–20 mg.kg−1.day−1 divided every 12 hours achieved the highest probability of target achievement (PTA) (33.0–33.8%). Enteral VGCV 30 and 40 mg.kg−1.day−1 divided every 12 hours in children 0–<6 years, and 6–18 years, respectively, achieved the highest PTA (29.1–33.0%).ConclusionThis is the first POPPK model developed in children with either SOT or SCT. Concentration target achievement was low, suggesting a potential benefit for therapeutic drug monitoring to ensure optimal exposure.
Validating a blended teaching readiness instrument for primary/secondary preservice teachers
Authors: Archibald Douglas E. , Graham Charles R. , Larsen Ross 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBlended learning is the fastest growing teaching modality in North America and much of the world. However, research and training in blended learning are far outpaced by its usage. To remedy this gap, we developed a competency framework and Blended Teaching Readiness Instrument (BTRI) to help teachers and researchers evaluate teacher readiness for blended environments. The purpose of this research is to show that the blended teaching readiness model and accompanying BTRI are reliable for use with teacher candidates both before and after going through a blended teaching course. This knowledge would allow researchers and practitioners to have greater confidence in using the BTRI for future growth curve modeling for the identified blended teaching competencies. To accomplish this, we collected pre‐ and post‐data from teacher candidates across multiple semesters who were studying in a blended teaching course. Using confirmatory factor analysis, we determined the pre‐class survey results fell within the range of the four fit statistics cutoffs (RMSEA = 0.045, CFI = 0.933, TLI = 0.929 and SRMR = 0.043). And, the post‐class survey results had good fit as well (RMSEA = 0.044, CFI = 0.911, TLI = 0.905 and SRMR = 0.051). We also showed that the factor loadings and communalities were statistically significant. By testing the factors in this way, we make a case for the survey to be a valid and reliable instrument in assessing blended teacher competency. Additionally, we tested the model for measurement invariance and found that we could reliably use the BTRI for pre‐post growth modeling.
Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic?

Blended learning is the fastest growing teaching modality in Canada and the United States, and is expanding rapidly throughout the rest of the world.
Teaching in blended learning settings requires distinct skills and dispositions specific to the modality.
A blended‐teaching‐focused competency framework is a necessary element in any blended teacher preparation program. Though there have been attempts to make a blended teaching framework before, none of these exclusively focus on the distinct skills of blended teaching nor have they been validated.
What this paper adds?

Describes our free, publicly accessible competency framework that focuses exclusively on blended teaching
Validates a concise Blended Teaching Readiness Instrument (BTRI) to go along with the framework.
Confirms pre‐post measurement invariance for the BTRI which allows for use with pre‐post growth modeling.
Implications for practice and policy

The competency framework and validation are a theoretical contribution to the rapidly expanding field of blended learning research.
With the valid BTRI instrument and framework, teachers can get feedback on their strengths and weaknesses in blended teaching and learn how to improve and help others.
Pathological evaluation of tumor grade for salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma: A proposal of an objective grading system
Authors: Morita Naruhiko , Murase Takayuki , Ueda Kaori , Nagao Toshitaka , Kusafuka Kimihide , Nakaguro Masato , Urano Makoto , Taguchi Ken‐ichi , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Kano Satoshi , Tada Yuichiro , Tsukahara Kiyoaki , Okami Kenji , Onitsuka Tetsuro , Fujimoto Yasushi , Kawakita Daisuke , Sakurai Kazuo , Nagao Toru , Hanai Nobuhiro , Kawata Ryo , Hato Naohito , Otsuki Naoki , Nibu Ken‐ichi , Inagaki Hiroshi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThree pathological grading systems advocated by Perzin/Szanto, Spiro, and van Weert are currently used for adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC). In these systems, the amount or presence of the solid tumor component in AdCC specimens is an important index. However, the “solid tumor component” has not been well defined. Salivary AdCC cases (N = 195) were collected after a central pathology review. We introduced a novel criterion for solid tumor component, minAmax (minor axis maximum). The largest solid tumor nest in each AdCC case was histologically screened, the maximum oval fitting the solid nest was estimated, and the length of the minor axis of the oval (minAmax) was measured. The prognostic cutoff for the minAmax was determined using training and validation cohorts. All cases were evaluated for the four grading systems, and their prognostic impact and interobserver variability were examined. The cutoff value for the minAmax was set at 0.20 mm. Multivariate prognostic analyses showed the minAmax and van Weert systems to be independent prognostic tools for overall, disease‐free, and distant metastasis‐free survival while the Perzin/Szanto and Spiro systems were selected for overall survival but not for disease‐free or distant metastasis‐free survival. The highest hazard ratio for overall survival (11.9) was obtained with the minAmax system. The reproducibility of the minAmax system (kappa coefficient of 0.81) was scored as very good while those of the other three systems were scored as moderate. In conclusion, the minAmax is a simple, objective, and highly reproducible grading system useful for prognostic stratification for salivary AdCC.
Regulating the traditional kinship care practice in Ghana: Reflections from young people with kinship care experience
Authors: Abdullah Alhassan , Cudjoe Ebenezer , Young Susan , Choi Anna W.M. , Jordan Lucy P. , Chiu Marcus Y.L. , Emery Clifton R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundKinship care has become a favourable alternative care option for orphans and vulnerable children without adequate parental care in Ghana. However, kinship care practices in Ghana are considered informal cultural practices without formal regulations. The absence of formal regulations could have consequences on the health and development of children due to the lack of proper supervision and empirical assessment of children's needs. In line with recent policy discussions on mechanisms to regulate informal kinship care practices, this study aimed to identify how the State could be involved in improving kinship care experience for children.MethodsQualitative in‐depth interviews were conducted with 22 young persons (aged 18–23) who had been received into kinship care to share their experiences on how the State could be involved in improving kinship care experience for children. Narratives from the young people were analysed following the constructivist grounded theory approach.ResultsIntroduction of a welfare scheme for kinship caregivers, policy on child care, provision of start‐up capital and training for caregivers, were measures suggested by the young people to improve kinship care practice. Providing start‐up capital to kinship caregivers was identified to mitigate caregivers' unemployment challenges, which could have ripple effects on the well‐being of children by escalating caregiver stress.ConclusionThe study's findings suggest that the State has a significant role to ensure that caregivers are equipped with the needed resources to provide adequate care for children. Regulating kinship care practices should embrace a strength‐based empowerment model that builds on the capacity of the caregivers to ensure better outcomes for children. Studies that explore the views of policy makers and caregivers in a larger sample may yield promising results to complement the current findings.