bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust range of auditory periphery development, eye opening, and brain gene expression in Wistar rat pups that experience variation in maternal backgrounds
Authors: Qiu Jingyun , Singh Preethi , Pan Geng , de Paolis Annalisa , Champagne Frances A. , Liu Jia , Cardoso Luis , Rodríguez-Contreras Adrián
Published: February 2020

The experience of variation in maternal licking and grooming (LG) is considered a critical influence in neurodevelopment related to stress and cognition, but little is known about its relationship to early sensory development. In this study, we used a maternal selection approach to test the hypothesis that differences in LG during the first week of life influence the timing of hearing onset in Wistar rat pups. We performed a range of tests, including auditory brainstem responses (ABR), tracking of eye opening (EO), micro-CT X-ray tomography, and qRT-PCR to monitor neurodevelopmental changes in the female and male progeny of low-LG and high-LG dams. Our results show that variation in maternal LG is not overtly associated with different timing of ABR onset and EO in the progeny. However, the data provide insight on the delay between hearing onset and EO, on key functional and structural properties that define hearing onset at the auditory periphery, and on changes in brain gene expression that include the first evidence that: a) the hypoxia-sensitive pathway is regulated in subcortical and cortical auditory brain regions before hearing onset, and b) implicates maternal LG in regulation of Bdnf signaling in auditory cortex after hearing onset. Altogether, these findings provide a baseline to evaluate how factors that severely disrupt the early maternal environment may affect the expression of robust developmental sensory programs.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Early life experience during sensitive developmental periods can induce long-term effects on the neurobiological development of the offspring. In the present work we tested the hypothesis that variation in maternal licking and grooming (LG) affects the timing of hearing onset in Wistar rat pups. To our surprise the results did not support the hypothesis. Instead, we found a robust range of early and late auditory development that was independent of maternal LG. Nevertheless, the study provides new findings on the delay between hearing onset and eye opening, on key functional and structural properties that define hearing onset at the auditory periphery, and the first evidence that a) the hypoxia-sensitive pathway is regulated in the central auditory system during the sensitive period before hearing onset, and b) maternal LG is implicated in regulation of Bdnf signaling during the sensitive period after hearing onset. These findings provide a baseline to evaluate how factors that severely disrupt the early maternal environment may affect the expression of robust developmental sensory programs.
Sphingolipids regulate the tethering stage of vacuole fusion by affecting membrane fluidity
Authors: Zhang Chi , Hurst Logan R. , Gokbayrak Zeynep D. , Calderin Jorge D. , Hrabak Michael R. , Balutowski Adam , Rivera-Kohr David A. , Kazmirchuk Thomas D.D. , Brett Christopher L. , Fratti Rutilio A.
Published: February 2020

Sphingolipids are essential in membrane trafficking and cellular homeostasis. Here, we show that sphingolipids containing very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) promote robust homotypic vacuolar fusion inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. The elongase Elo3 adds two carbons to 24-carbon (C24) acyl chains to make C26 VLCFAs that are incorporated into sphingolipids. Vacuoles isolated fromelo3Δ cells had increased fluidity relative to the wild-type and were attenuated for fusion. Upon further testing we found that vesicle the tethering stage was affected aselo3Δ vacuole clusters contained fewer vesicles versus the WT. Vacuole tethering requires the interactions of late endosomal Rab GTPase Ypt7 and the HOPS tethering complex. Pulldown assays using GST-Ypt7 showed that HOPS fromelo3Δ vacuole extracts failed to bind Ypt7 while HOPS from WT extracts interacted with GST-Ypt7. Furthermore GFP-Ypt7 failed to localize at vertex microdomains ofelo3Δ vacuoles relative to the WT, whereas HOPS and regulatory lipids did accumulate at vertices. Finally, we found thatelo3Δ vacuoles had reduced V-ATPase. Together these data show that C26-VLCFA containing sphingolipids are important for Ytp7 function and vacuole homeostasis.
Long-read genome sequencing and assembly ofLeptopilina boulardi: a specialistDrosophilaparasitoid
Authors: Khan Shagufta , Sowpati Divya Tej , Srinivasan Arumugam , Soujanya Mamilla , Mishra Rakesh K
Published: February 2020

Leptopilina boulardi(Hymenoptera: Figitidae) is a specialist parasitoid ofDrosophila. TheDrosophila-Leptopilinasystem has emerged as a suitable model for understanding several aspects of host-parasitoid biology. However, a good quality genome of the wasp counterpart was lacking. Here, we report a whole-genome assembly ofL. boulardito bring it in the scope of the applied and fundamental research onDrosophilaparasitoids with access to epigenomics and genome editing tools. The 375Mb draft genome has an N50 of 275Kb with 6315 scaffolds >500bp and encompasses >95% complete BUSCOs. Using a combination ofab-initioand RNA-Seq based methods, 25259 protein-coding genes were predicted and 90% (22729) of them could be annotated with at least one function. We demonstrate the quality of the assembled genome by recapitulating the phylogenetic relationship ofL. boulardiwith other Hymenopterans. The key developmental regulators like Hox genes and sex determination genes are well conserved inL. boulardi, and so is the basic toolkit for epigenetic regulation. The search for epigenetic regulators has also revealed thatL. boulardigenome possesses DNMT1 (maintenance DNA methyltransferase), DNMT2 (tRNA methyltransferase) but lacks thede novoDNA methyltransferase (DNMT3). Also, the heterochromatin protein 1 family appears to have expanded as compared to other hymenopterans. The draft genome ofL. boulardi(Lb17) will expedite the research onDrosophilaparasitoids. This genome resource and early indication of epigenetic aspects in its specialization make it an interesting system to address a variety of questions on host-parasitoid biology.
The impacts of acquisition and extinction cues on ABC renewal of voluntary behaviors
Authors: Nieto Javier , Mason Tere A. , Bernal-Gamboa Rodolfo , Uengoer Metin
Published: February 2020

In two instrumental conditioning experiments with rats, we examined the impacts of acquisition and extinction cues on ABC renewal of instrumental behavior. Animals were reinforced with food for lever pressing in one context, followed by extinction of the response in a second one. Presentations of a brief tone accompanied extinction in Experiment 1 (extinction cue), and acquisition in Experiment 2 (acquisition cue). A final test in a third context revealed that instrumental responding was decreased in the presence of the extinction cue, whereas it was increased in the presence of the acquisition cue. We discuss theoretical and clinical implications of our results.
Visualization of texture components usingMTEX
Authors: Rafailov Gennady , Caspi El'ad N. , Hielscher Ralf , Tiferet Eitan , Schneck Roni , Vogel Sven C.
Published: February 2020

Knowledge of the appearance of texture components and fibres in pole figures, in inverse pole figures and in Euler space is fundamental for texture analysis. For cubic crystal systems, such as steels, an extensive literature exists and, for example, the book by Matthies, Vinel & Helming [Standard Distributions in Texture Analysis: Maps for the Case of Cubic Orthorhomic Symmetry, (1987), Akademie-Verlag Berlin] provides an atlas to identify texture components. For lower crystal symmetries, however, equivalent comprehensive overviews that can serve as guidance for the interpretation of experimental textures do not exist. This paper closes this gap by providing a set of scripts for theMTEXpackage [Bachmann, Hielscher & Schaeben (2010).Solid State Phenom.160, 63–68] that allow the texture practitioner to compile such an atlas for a given material system, thus aiding orientation distribution function analysis also for non-cubic systems.
Simulation of small-angle X-ray scattering data of biological macromolecules in solution
Authors: Franke Daniel , Hajizadeh Nelly R. , Svergun Dmitri I.
Published: February 2020

This article presents IMSIM, an application to simulate two-dimensional small-angle X-ray scattering patterns and, further, one-dimensional profiles from biological macromolecules in solution. IMSIM implements a statistical approach yielding two-dimensional images in TIFF, CBF or EDF format, which may be readily processed by existing data-analysis pipelines. Intensities and error estimates of one-dimensional patterns obtained from the radial average of the two-dimensional images exhibit the same statistical properties as observed with actual experimental data. With initial input on an absolute scale, [cm−1]/c[mg ml−1], the simulated data frames may also be scaled to absolute scale such that the forward scattering after subtraction of the background is proportional to the molecular weight of the solute. The effects of changes of concentration, exposure time, flux, wavelength, sample–detector distance, detector dimensions, pixel size, and the mask as well as incident beam position can be considered for the simulation. The simulated data may be used in method development, for educational purposes, and also to determine the most suitable beamline setup for a project prior to the application and use of the actual beamtime. IMSIM is available as part of the ATSAS software package (3.0.0) and is freely available for academic use (http://www.embl-hamburg.de/biosaxs/download.html).
Classifying and analyzing small-angle scattering data using weightedknearest neighbors machine learning techniques
Authors: Archibald Richard K. , Doucet Mathieu , Johnston Travis , Young Steven R. , Yang Erika , Heller William T.
Published: February 2020

A consistent challenge for both new and expert practitioners of small-angle scattering (SAS) lies in determining how to analyze the data, given the limited information content of said data and the large number of models that can be employed. Machine learning (ML) methods are powerful tools for classifying data that have found diverse applications in many fields of science. Here, ML methods are applied to the problem of classifying SAS data for the most appropriate model to use for data analysis. The approach employed is built around the method of weightedknearest neighbors (wKNN), and utilizes a subset of the models implemented in theSasViewpackage (https://www.sasview.org/) for generating a well defined set of training and testing data. The prediction rate of the wKNN method implemented here using a subset ofSasViewmodels is reasonably good for many of the models, but has difficulty with others, notably those based on spherical structures. A novel expansion of the wKNN method was also developed, which uses Gaussian processes to produce local surrogate models for the classification, and this significantly improves the classification accuracy. Further, by integrating a stochastic gradient descent method during post-processing, it is possible to leverage the local surrogate model both to classify the SAS data with high accuracy and to predict the structural parameters that best describe the data. The linking of data classification and model fitting has the potential to facilitate the translation of measured data into results for both novice and expert practitioners of SAS.
Foucault's toolbox: use of Foucault's writings in LIS journal literature, 1990–2016
Authors: Dewey Scott Hamilton
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To provide a close, detailed analysis of the frequency, nature, and depth of visible use of Michel Foucault's works by library and information science/studies (LIS) scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted extensive full-text searches in a large number of electronically available LIS journal databases to find citations of Foucault's works, then examined each cited article to evaluate the nature and depth of use.

Findings

Most uses of Foucault are brief or in passing. In-depth explorations of Foucault's works are comparatively rare and relatively little-used by other LIS scholars. Yet the relatively brief uses of Foucault encompass a wide array of different topics spread across a wide spectrum of LIS journal literature.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to articles from particular relatively prominent LIS journals. Results might vary if different journals or non-journal literature were studied. More sophisticated bibliometric techniques might reveal different relative performance among journals and might better test, confirm, or reject various patterns and relationships found here. Other research approaches, such as discourse analysis, social network analysis, or scholar interviews, might reveal patterns of use and influence not visible in this literature sample.

Originality/value

This intensive study of both quality and quantity of citations may challenge some existing assumptions regarding citation analysis, plus illuminating Foucault scholarship. It also indicates possible problems for future application of artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to similar depth-of-use studies.
Exploring the consequences of knowledge hiding: an agency theory perspective
Authors: Khoreva Violetta , Wechtler Heidi
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore empirically the consequences of knowledge hiding at the individual level and from the knowledge hiding committers' perspective. Hence, in line with agency theory and prior literature on knowledge hiding, the study investigates the associations between different facets of knowledge hiding and individual-level job performance, as well as the mediating role of employee well-being in the associations.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was used to analyze multisource survey data from a sample of 214 employees and 34 immediate supervisors, in a professional services company in Finland.

Findings

Evasive hiding was found to be negatively associated with in-role job performance and positively associated with innovative job performance. Playing dumb was found to be positively associated with in-role job performance. Finally, even though the association between rationalized hiding and innovative job performance was found to be positive, it was found to be of a smaller magnitude when employee well-being was taken into account.

Practical implications

Forceful unhealthy competition and exploitative and workaholic cultures are discussed to reduce knowledge hiding behavior among employees and their negative consequences.

Originality/value

The study highlights the paradox of managing organizational knowledge. In line with agency theory, we advocate that while knowledge sharing is one of the major assets of organizational welfare from the organizational perspective, it may resonate with the employee's perspective. Consequently, unless employees' self-interest and organizational interests are aligned, the paradox of managing organizational knowledge arises, and the classic agency problem occurs.
Dynamic evolution and coordination mechanism of RSSC under the steady-state quality constraints
Authors: Li Jianfei , Sun Mengxia , Ren Li , Li Bei
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The advent of the new retail era witnessed the consumers’ demand shift from on the traditional product quality to on the full supply chain service quality, and product service and service manufacturing is gradually taking shape. The purpose of this paper is to propose whether there is a “quality bridge” in the dynamic evolution process of retail service supply chain (RSSC) and discuss the system role, steady-state characteristics and dynamic evolution mechanism of service quality in this dynamic evolution process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes the dissipation system structure of the RSSC under the steady-state quality constraint, constructs a Markov chain model (MCM) for the evolution of the service quality of RSSC, and tests the objective existence of the steady-state distribution of the service quality by taking Chinese HJ retail enterprises as samples.

Findings

The research value of this study is summarized as follows. The research finds that the evolution of service quality of RSSC is a dynamic and non-linear growth process, which has significant characteristics of complex adaptability and steady-state convergence. The study finds that the quality evolution process of the RSSC is a steady-state convergence process, and there is a steady-state distribution of quality in its co-evolution, in which different process input levels have a significant positive impact on the stable level of quality state. The study finds that the steady state of quality plays a crucial role in the collaborative evolution of the RSSC, that is, when the service quality reaches a certain steady state distribution, the operating efficiency and profit level of the whole chain will show an “explosive” growth trend.

Originality/value

Quality bridge, an original concept in this paper, represents the role of quality steady-state in the operation of RSSC. Based on Markov chain and system simulation tools, this paper verifies the existence of steady-state service quality and its positive effect on the co-evolution and sustainable development of RSSC. When the service quality reaches a certain steady distribution, the operating efficiency and income level of the whole chain will show n trend of explosive growth.
Systematic research to overcome newly emerged multidrug‐resistant bacteria
Authors: Arakawa Yoshichika
Published: February 2020

In the 1980s, I found that the chromosomal β‐lactamase of Klebsiella pneumoniae LEN‐1 showed a very high similarity to the R‐plasmid‐mediated penicillinase TEM‐1 on the amino acid sequence level, and this strongly suggested the origination of TEM‐1 from the chromosomal penicillinases of K. pneumoniae or related bacteria. Moreover, the chromosomal K1 β‐lactamase (KOXY) of Klebsiella oxytoca was found to belong to the class A β‐lactamases that include LEN‐1 and TEM‐1, although KOXY can hydrolyze cefoperazone (CPZ) like the chromosomal AmpC‐type cephalosporinases of various Enterobacteriaceae that can hydrolyze several cephalosporins including CPZ. Furthermore, my collaborators and I found plural novel serine‐type β‐lactamases, such as MOX‐1, SHV‐24, TEM‐91, CTX‐M‐64, CMY‐9, CMY‐19, GES‐3, GES‐4, and TLA‐3, mediated by plasmids. Besides these serine‐type β‐lactamases, we also first identified exogenously acquired metallo‐β‐lactamases (MBLs), IMP‐1 and SMB‐1, in imipenem‐resistant Serratia marcescens, and the IMP‐1‐producing S. marcescens TN9106 became the index case for carbapenemase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae. I developed the sodium mercaptoacetic acid (SMA)‐disk test for the simple identification of MBL‐producing bacteria. We were also the first to identify a variety of plasmid‐mediated 16S ribosomal RNA methyltransferases, RmtA, RmtB, RmtC, and NpmA, from various Gram‐negative bacteria that showed very high levels of resistance to a wide range of aminoglycosides. Furthermore, we first found plasmid‐mediated quinolone efflux pump (QepA) and fosfomycin‐inactivating enzymes (FosA3 and FosK). We also first characterized penicillin reduced susceptible Streptococcus agalactiae, macrolide‐resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae, as well as Campylobacter jejuni, and Helicobacter pylori, together with carbapenem‐resistant Haemophilus influenzae. We constructed a PCR‐based open reading frame typing method for rapid identification of Acinetobacter baumannii international clones.
Have R&D Spillovers Declined in the 21st Century?
Authors: Lucking Brian , Bloom Nicholas , Van Reenen John
Published: February 2020

Slow growth over the last decade has prompted policy attention towards increasing R&D spending, often via the tax system. We examine the impact of R&D on firm performance, both by the firm's own investments and through positive (and negative) spillovers from other firms. We analyse panel data on US firms over the last three decades, and allow for time‐varying spillovers in both technology space (knowledge spillover) and product market space (product market rivalry). We show that the magnitude of R&D spillovers remains as large in the second decade of the 21st century as it was in the mid 1980s. Since the ratio of the social return to the private return to R&D is about four to one, this implies that there remains a strong case for public support of R&D. Positive spillovers appeared to temporarily increase in the 1995–2004 digital technology boom. We also show how these micro estimates relate to estimates from the endogenous growth literature and give some suggestions for future work.
Medical Labour Supply and the Production of Healthcare
Authors: Lee Tom , Propper Carol , Stoye George
Published: February 2020

Medical labour markets are important because of their size and the importance of medical labour in the production of healthcare and in subsequent patient outcomes. We present a summary of important trends in the UK medical labour market, and we review the latest research on factors that determine medical labour supply and the impact of labour on patient outcomes. The topics examined include: the responsiveness of labour supply to changes in wages, regulation and other incentives; factors that determine the wide variation in physician practice and style; and the effect of teams and management quality on patient outcomes. This literature reveals that while labour supply is relatively unresponsive to changes in wages, medical personnel do react strongly to other incentives, even in the short run. This is likely to have consequences for the quality of care provided to patients. We set out a series of unanswered questions in the UK setting, including: the importance of non‐financial incentives in recruiting and retaining medical staff; how individuals can be incentivised to work in particular specialties and regions; and how medical teams can be best organised to improve care.
Fatal Aspiration of Barium Sulfate in a Case of Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Khartade Harshwardhan K. , Meshram Vikas P. , Tumram Nilesh K. , Parchake Manoj B. , Pathak Harish M.
Published: February 2020

Barium contrast radiography is a usual procedure performed for detecting lesions of the digestive tract using barium sulfate on X‐ray irradiation. The aspiration of barium contrast is an uncommon but well‐documented complication occurring accidentally during examinations of the upper gastrointestinal system using contrast media. Certain conditions that affect the anatomical and functional integrity of the oropharynx and esophagus can be predisposing factors. Barium is an inert material that can cause symptoms varying from an asymptomatic mechanical obstruction to severe respiratory distress that can result in death when aspirated. Sudden death due to aspiration of barium is rarely reported in the literature. We report a case of a 50‐year‐old female who suddenly developed difficulty in breathing, followed by loss of consciousness during barium swallow procedure due to aspiration of barium contrast. She could not be revived and died within a few minutes of the episode. The predisposing factor was the weakness of the muscles of deglutition due to myasthenia gravis. We also reviewed the literature available on cases resulting from the aspiration of barium sulfate during the barium study procedures. We considered the factors like the age, indications, the distribution of barium in the lungs, clinical presentation, the period of survival, and cause of death. We came across only four cases of death within 24 h following the aspiration of barium. This case report and review of literature emphasize the importance of consideration of predisposing factors before conducting barium contrast radiography and also the possibility of sudden death.
Forecasting daily counts of patient presentations in Australian emergency departments using statistical models with time‐varying predictors
Authors: Duwalage Kalpani I , Burkett Ellen , White Gentry , Wong Andy , Thompson Mery H
Published: February 2020

Objective

This research aimed to (i) assess the effects of time‐varying predictors (day of the week, month, year, holiday, temperature) on daily ED presentations and (ii) compare the accuracy of five methods for forecasting ED presentations, including four statistical methods and a machine learning approach.

Methods

Predictors of ED presentations were assessed using generalised additive models (GAMs), generalised linear models, multiple linear regression models, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models and random forest. The accuracy of short‐term (14 days), mid‐term (30 days) and long‐term (365 days) forecasts were compared using two measures of forecasting error.

Results

The data are the numbers of presentations to public hospital EDs in South‐East Queensland, Australia, from 2009 to 2015. ED presentations are largely affected by year of presentation, and to a lesser extent by month, day of the week and holidays. Maximum daily temperature is also a significant predictor of ED presentations. Of the four statistical models considered, the GAM had the greatest forecasting accuracy, and produced consistent and coherent forecasts, likely due to its flexibility in modelling complex time‐varying effects. The random forest machine learning approach had the lowest forecasting accuracy, likely due to overfitting the data.

Conclusions

Calendar and temperature variables, not previously considered in the Australian literature, were found to significantly impact ED presentations. This study also demonstrates the potential of GAMs as a dual explanatory and forecasting method for the modelling, and more accurate prediction, of ED presentations.
Reconnecting with nature: an ecofeminist view of environmental management
Authors: Phillips Mary E.
Published: February 2020

Key insights

Current conceptions of environmental management are limited and will not halt, let alone reverse, the disastrous impacts of capitalism on the planet. Ecofeminist philosophy offers a set of principles to challenge those conceptions and to build a different relationship with nature: first, by developing ecocentric connections where humanity is seen as part of the web of life; second, by revaluing epistemological frameworks to include what is currently denied by hyper‐rationalism; and, finally, by focusing on an ethic of care as a moral imperative and call for action.
“I was a homo thug, now I'm just homo”: Gay gang members’ desistance and persistence
Authors: Panfil Vanessa R.
Published: February 2020

In a growing body of research, the methods of and motivations for gang desistance are being investigated, spurred in part by concerns about the long‐term negative effects of gang membership. Despite recent calls for scholarship that is more inclusive of LGBTQ populations and attentive to issues of sexual identity, however, most gang research remains overwhelmingly heteronormative. In this study, I use in‐depth interviews with 48 self‐identified gay male gang members to explore how and why they have desisted from or persisted in their gangs, as well as explore how desistance or persistence has affected their self‐perceptions, lives, and activities. Because not all have left their gangs, I examine the markers in young men's narratives that signal shifts away from—but sometimes also toward—their gangs, as well as their zigzagging paths out of gang involvement. As gang structure and composition hold importance for their members’ experiences, I use a comparative approach by contrasting men in predominantly straight gangs with those in gay gangs. Set within a heterosexist cultural context, the structure of the gang combines with individual shifts in identity to encourage pathways out of straight gangs and pathways into continued involvement with gay gangs.
Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting: The Last 40 Years and a Path to Sharing Future Insights
Authors: Andrew Jane , Baker Max
Published: February 2020

The volume of work published by accounting scholars on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting is impressive. As a community we have explored ongoing developments in the field, including the accuracy of the accounts and their economic impact for various actors. We have also asked broader questions about the effect of CSR reporting on corporate accountability and responsibility. However, as it currently stands, our interests are separated because of specific epistemological approaches, and these have divided our efforts. Drawing inspiration from Donaldson and Preston (1995), we identify three streams of CSR reporting research, that is, descriptive, instrumental, and normative. Descriptive research asks: what is CSR reporting? It explores the content of reports and the effect of various contexts on the practice and quality of reporting. Instrumental research asks whether CSR pays, and explores the commercial and economic benefits of CSR for firms and the information value of disclosures for investors. Normative research examines the significance of CSR reporting at a societal level, asking whether these practices have improved organizations’ accountability to their stakeholders. While the main purpose of our paper is to review the CSR reporting literature (245 articles), we also map some of the positive impacts that may result from greater epistemological engagement between streams. We identify specific aspects of each stream that might benefit a cross‐pollination of ideas, findings, and insights. We argue that future CSR reporting will be enriched by conversations that extend beyond epistemological divides, which are more likely to mirror the complex reality of CSR in practice.
A retrospective cohort study of the impact of In Time obstetric simulation training on management of vaginal breech deliveries
Authors: Hardy Liesel , Garratt Jayna‐Lee , Crossley Brendan , Copson Sean , Nathan Elizabeth , Calvert Katrina , Epee‐Bekima Mathias
Published: February 2020

Background

Following the Term Breech Trial, vaginal breech deliveries are rarely undertaken in Australia. Some women choose to have a breech delivery following counselling, while others will present in labour with an undiagnosed breech. Clinicians need to be skilled in vaginal breech delivery despite this being a rare clinical situation. Simulation training provides a means by which uncommon clinical situations can be practised.

Aim

This study aims to determine if the introduction of a simulation‐based training course is associated with an improvement in the management of vaginal breech delivery and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

Cases of term vaginal breech delivery five years prior to introduction of In Time training (2001–2005) and five years after In Time training (2007–2011) were identified in a tertiary obstetric hospital (King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth). There were 136 women identified in the pre‐training (2001–2005, n = 56) and post‐training (2007–2011, n = 80) groups. Case note review was undertaken to gather information.

Results

Apgar scores of <7 at five minutes were higher in the post‐training cohort (8.8% vs 0%, P = 0.041). Arterial and venous pH readings were similar between cohorts, with a non‐significant trend toward improvement in the post‐training cohort. Special care nursery admissions and length of hospital stay were unchanged. The primary accoucheur was more likely to be a consultant (35.0% vs 16.4%) in the post‐training cohort. Appropriate manoeuvres were more likely to be used in the post‐training cohort (52.5% vs 44.6%).

Conclusions

Obstetric In Time simulation training improved seniority of accoucheur and documented appropriate manoeuvres in the management of term vaginal breech delivery.
Relationship between morphological and vascular alterations in geographic atrophy using a multimodal imaging approach
Authors: Hecht Alexander , Pollreisz Andreas , Sayegh Ramzi , Told Reinhard , Baratsits Magdalena , Baumann Bernhard , Pircher Michael , Hitzenberger Christoph K. , Sacu Stefan , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To assess geographic atrophy (GA) using a multimodal imaging approach, focusing on alterations at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the choriocapillaris (CC) layers, by lesion demarcation, and assessment of morphological alterations within the atrophic area and in the transition zone.

Methods

Fifty‐seven eyes of 34 patients with atrophic age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) were included in this prospective, observational, cross‐sectional study. Multimodal imaging using wide‐field polarization‐sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS‐OCT), optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) was performed. The images were overlaid and used to analyse and compare alterations in the retina and the CC.

Results

Mean atrophic lesion size was 8.15 mm2 (range: 2.23–17.23 mm2). In 52 of 57 eyes (91%), OCT‐A displayed focal hypodense areas at the CC level in the transition zone of GA, as well as increased focal depolarizing material (e.g. melanin‐containing structures) showed in PS‐OCT en face depolarizing material maps. These regions of increased depolarizing material at the transition zone corresponded to the hypodense areas on OCT‐A scans. All 57 eyes presented with abnormal FAF patterns at the transition zone. All 57 eyes showed distinct alterations of CC flow pattern architecture. Six eyes (11%) demonstrated reduced and three eyes (5%) a complete loss of CC flow pattern architecture across the entire area of GA, while 48 of 57 eyes (84%) presented with irregular mixed patterns of different focal alterations of CC flow architecture within the area of GA. Reduced CC patterns exceeding GA lesion margins into the transitional zone were found in all eyes.

Conclusions

Optical coherence tomography angiography images revealed different degrees of flow impairment within the atrophic lesion area and its transition zone. Alterations in RPE morphology and tissue integrity resulting in accumulation of depolarizing material, such as melanin, could result in misinterpretation of OCT‐A imaging in areas in the shadow of depolarizing material. These changes seem to be partially independent from autofluorescence altering processes.
Prevalence and causes of infantile nystagmus in a large population‐based Danish cohort
Authors: Hvid Karen , Nissen Kamilla Rothe , Bayat Allan , Roos Laura , Grønskov Karen , Kessel Line
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to provide a population‐based estimate on the prevalence of infantile nystagmus and to describe the causes in the Capital Region of Denmark.

Methods

Review of medical records of children with infantile nystagmus born in the period 1 January 2010 through 31 December 2017 and living in the Capital Region of Denmark. We used birth registry data from Statistics Denmark and the National Danish Birth Registry to calculate the prevalence of nystagmus in children born at term and prematurely.

Results

A total of 103 patients (52 males/51 females) with infantile nystagmus were included. The overall prevalence of infantile nystagmus was 6.1 per 10 000 live births. It was higher in premature children (28.4/10 000 live births) than children born at term (4.4/10 000), p < 0.0001, and highest in children born extremely preterm, (97.3/10 000). The most common cause of infantile nystagmus was ocular disease (44%) followed by idiopathic nystagmus (32%), neurological disorders and genetic syndromes (20%) and prematurity without retinopathy of prematurity as the only cause (4%).

Conclusions

In this study, we provide the prevalence of infantile nystagmus based on national medical records in which all residents are accounted for. Our findings show a prevalence of 6.1 per 10 000 live births but six times higher among children born preterm than born at term. Ocular disease was the leading cause of infantile nystagmus with albinism and ocular malformations as the most frequent. In 1/3 of patients, no cause could be identified.
Clinical prospects for laparoscopic stoma closure of a temporary loop ileostomy: Initial experience and report
Authors: Kita Yoshiaki , Mori Shinichiro , Tanabe Kan , Baba Kenji , Tanoue Kiyonori , Idichi Tetsuya , Wada Masumi , Arigami Takaaki , Sasaki Ken , Maemura Kosei , Natsugoe Shoji
Published: February 2020

Introduction

In closure of a stoma, the small working space and adhesions hinder a precise surgical procedure, compared with conventional approaches to digestive surgery. The aim of this prospective study was to introduce a new technique of laparoscopic stoma closure (LASC).

Materials and surgical techniques

After starting with three trocars, it is a priority to dissect around the arising ileum; a linear stapler is precisely inserted in both orifices of the loop stoma and applied two times, extracorporeally. Ultimately, both the oral and anal sides of the loop ileum are cut and closed using a linear cutter stapler in a delta‐shaped manner just under the abdominal wall, intracorporeally. Eventually, the arising stoma is removed using an intra‐abdominal and cutaneous approach.

Discussion

LASC for patients with a temporary loop ileostomy is safe and feasible. More data and experience will be required to verify the benefits of this new technique.
What is the best age to circumcise? A medical and ethical analysis
Authors: Myers Alex , Earp Brian D.
Published: February 2020

Circumcision is often claimed to be simpler, safer and more cost‐effective when performed in the neonatal period as opposed to later in life, with a greater benefit‐to‐risk ratio. In the first part of this paper, we critically examine the evidence base for these claims, and find that it is not as robust as is commonly assumed. In the second part, we demonstrate that, even if one simply grants these claims for the sake of argument, it still does not follow that neonatal circumcision is ethically permissible absent urgent medical necessity. Based on a careful consideration of the relevant evidence, arguments and counterarguments, we conclude that medically unnecessary penile circumcision—like other medically unnecessary genital procedures, such as ‘cosmetic’ labiaplasty—should not be performed on individuals who are too young (or otherwise unable) to provide meaningful consent to the procedure.
Long‐term trends in fruit production in a tropical forest at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Potts Kevin B. , Watts David P. , Langergraber Kevin E. , Mitani John C.
Published: February 2020

Fruit production in tropical forests varies considerably in space and time, with important implications for frugivorous consumers. Characterizing temporal variation in forest productivity is thus critical for understanding adaptations of tropical forest frugivores, yet long‐term phenology data from the tropics, in particular from African forests, are still scarce. Similarly, as the abiotic factors driving phenology in the tropics are predicted to change with a warming climate, studies documenting the relationship between climatic variables and fruit production are increasingly important. Here, we present data from 19 years of monitoring the phenology of 20 tree species at Ngogo in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Our aims were to characterize short‐ and long‐term trends in productivity and to understand the abiotic factors driving temporal variability in fruit production. Short‐term (month‐to‐month) variability in fruiting was relatively low at Ngogo, and overall fruit production increased significantly through the first half of the study. Among the abiotic variables, we expected to influence phenology patterns (including rainfall, solar irradiance, and average temperature), only average temperature was a significant predictor of monthly fruit production. We discuss these findings as they relate to the resource base of the frugivorous vertebrate community inhabiting Ngogo.
Achieving cost‐effective landscape‐scale forest restoration through targeted natural regeneration
Authors: Crouzeilles Renato , Beyer Hawthorne L. , Monteiro Lara M. , Feltran-Barbieri Rafael , Pessôa Ana C. M. , Barros Felipe S. M. , Lindenmayer David B. , Lino Eric D. S. M. , Grelle Carlos E. V. , Chazdon Robin L. , Matsumoto Marcelo , Rosa Marcos , Latawiec Agnieszka E. , Strassburg Bernardo B. N.
Published: February 2020

High costs of tree planting are a barrier to meeting global forest restoration targets. Natural forest regeneration is more cost‐effective than tree planting, but its potential to foster restoration at scale is poorly understood. We predict, map, and quantify natural regeneration potential within 75.5 M ha of deforested lands in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Of 34.1 M ha (26.4%) of current forest cover, 2.7 M ha (8.0%) regenerated naturally from 1996 to 2015. We estimate that another 2.8 M ha could naturally regenerate by 2035, and a further 18.8 M ha could be restored using assisted regeneration methods, thereby reducing implementation costs by US$ 90.6 billion (77%) compared to tree planting. These restored forests could sequester 2.3 GtCO2 of carbon, reduce the mean number of expected species at risk of extinction by 63.4, and reduce fragmentation by 44% compared to current levels. Natural regeneration planning is key for achieving cost‐effective large‐scale restoration.
Organ donation and transplant: The Islamic perspective
Authors: Ali Abeera , Ahmed Tibyan , Ayub Ali , Dano Sumaya , Khalid Maroof , El‐Dassouki Noor , Orchanian‐Cheff Ani , Alibhai Shabbir , Mucsi Istvan
Published: February 2020

Islam is the second most practiced religion globally, and the number of Muslims in Western countries has been increasing due to recent trends in migration. Studies have shown that Muslims in the Western world have more negative attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation compared with individuals from other religious backgrounds. Multiple barriers have been postulated that may prevent Muslims from exploring organ donation or transplantation. We conducted a literature review with the goal of summarizing the opinions of major Sunni and Shia scholars and Islamic bodies about organ donation and transplantation, including their opinions and rulings on the neurological determination of death to inform healthcare professionals, community members, and leaders. We also identified factors and attitudes that may prevent members of the Muslim community from achieving equitable access to transplantation or from consenting to donate organs during life or after death. Key factors or concerns identified included: lack of information regarding organ donation, mistrust of the healthcare system, family opinions, sacredness of the body, lack of clear understanding of religious rulings, and opinions of religious leaders. Studies have suggested that partnering with religious leaders to address these concerns may help foster positive attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation.
Characterization of the inflammatory features of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
Authors: Flamm Alexandra , Moshiri Ata S. , Roche Fritzlaine , Onyekaba Ginikanwa , Nguyen Jennifer , James Alaina J. , Taylor Susan , Seykora John T.
Published: February 2020

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a scarring alopecia that primarily affects women of African descent. Although histopathological features of CCCA have been described, the pathophysiology of this disease remains unclear. To better understand the components of CCCA pathophysiology, we evaluated the composition of the inflammatory infiltrate, the distribution of Langerhans cells (LCs), and the relationship between fibrosis and perifollicular vessel distribution. Our data indicate that CCCA is associated with a CD4‐predominant T‐cell infiltrate with increased LCs extending into the lower hair follicle. Fibroplasia associated with follicular scarring displaces blood vessels away from the outer root sheath epithelium. These data indicate that CCCA is an inflammatory scarring alopecia with unique pathophysiologic features that differentiate it from other lymphocytic scarring processes.
Realised toxicity of plant defences to an insect herbivore depends more on insect dehydration than on energy reserves
Authors: Reid Mary L. , Ahn Sangwook
Published: February 2020

1. Climate effects on plant defences, and subsequently insect herbivores, have received considerable attention. However, climate also directly affects the physiological condition of insects that may influence their ability to combat plant defences.

2. This study tested the effects of body fat and water content on the ability of mountain pine beetles, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, to tolerate monoterpenes, the primary defences of their host pine trees. To manipulate their physiological condition, we exposed beetles to one of three environmental treatments: cold (4 °C, 30% RH), humid (21 °C, 70% RH) or dry (21 °C, 30% RH). Beetles had the highest fat and water content in the cold treatment, followed by lower fat but the same water content in the humid treatment, and the lowest of both in the dry treatment. Following environmental treatments, beetles were exposed to 0, 312.5 or 625 ppm vapours of monoterpenes (−)‐α‐pinene or (R)‐(+)‐limonene.

3. Survival during both environmental and monoterpene treatments was highest for the cold treatment, less for the humid treatment, and lowest for the dry treatment. Fat and water content positively predicted survival. In response to increasing monoterpene concentration, survival, body condition and water content, but not fat, declined.

4. These results indicate that water content of insect herbivores was important for the realised toxicity of plant defences, presumably due to the process of excreting detoxified compounds. Energetic costs of detoxification were less evident. Dehydration of insects has not been widely considered in insect–plant interactions, but effects of climate change on humidity may become increasingly important for these interactions.
Horyzons USA: A moderated online social intervention for first episode psychosis
Authors: Ludwig Kelsey A. , Browne Julia W. , Nagendra Arun , Gleeson John F. , D'Alfonso Simon , Penn David L. , Alvarez‐Jimenez Mario
Published: February 2020

Aim

We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of Horyzons, an online social media platform designed to facilitate relationship development among, and introduce therapeutic content to, first‐episode psychosis (FEP) clients. We also evaluated whether participation in the platform was related to reduced loneliness, improved social integration and increased psychological well‐being.

Methods

Twenty‐six participants diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder were provided access to the moderated Horyzons platform for 12 weeks. During the intervention period, participants were encouraged to access therapeutic content and social components embedded within the site. Participants were recruited from three first‐episode coordinated specialty care clinics in North Carolina and assessed at four time points: baseline, mid‐treatment, post‐treatment and 1‐month follow‐up.

Results

Findings indicated that Horyzons was both feasible and very well tolerated, with a 92.3% retention rate and 79.2% of participants actively engaged in the platform. The most commonly identified personal strengths selected by Horyzons users were creativity (61.5%), curiosity (42.3%) and courage (38.5%). Feedback from participants indicated Horyzons could be improved by the development of a smartphone application, expanding the size of the Horyzons community and facilitating private messages between users. Preliminary results with engaged participants showed the greatest improvements in psychosis‐related symptoms, followed by self‐reported experience of negative emotions, depressive symptoms and loneliness.

Conclusions

This open trial found that Horyzons is both feasible and acceptable to FEP persons early in the course of illness living in the United States.