bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exchange rate volatility and Japan–U.S. commodity trade: An asymmetry analysis
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Karamelikli Huseyin
Published: August 2019

Exchange rate volatility is said to affect trade flows in either direction. When increased volatility is separated from decreased volatility, asymmetric analysis reveals even more support for the fact that both increased volatility and decreased volatility affect trade flows in either direction. We add to this new literature by considering 57 industries that trade between Japan and the US. In addition to providing evidence of asymmetric response of their trade flows to a measure of exchange rate volatility, our approach identifies industries that could benefit from increased exchange rate volatility and those that could be hurt. Similarly, we identify industries that could benefit from decreased volatility and those that could be hurt. The overall conclusion is the adverse effects of dollar–yen volatility on the trade between the two countries.
Seeking river restoration appraisal best practice: supporting wider national and international environmental goals
Authors: England Judy , Naura Marc , Mant Jenny , Skinner Kevin
Published: August 2019

With growing investment in river restoration, we increasingly need to justify costs by demonstrating success and wider benefits of measures. To aid practitioners, the UK River Restoration Centre has worked with experts to develop a practical monitoring guidance that links objectives to specific monitoring to demonstrate achievable outcomes. Feedback, however, via an online questionnaire highlighted the need to rationalise the guidance contents for a new growing audience, taking advantage of new developments and incorporating the evaluation of social and economic aspects of river restoration. With these potential improvements, it is hoped that practitioners will follow this guidance, improve the quality of monitoring undertaken and share evidence of success and lessons learnt. This paper outlines how this guidance has been adopted as best practice. We discuss why we need to embed this guidance into wider monitoring protocols that can feed into national and international environmental policy and targets.
Agricultural water and carbon footprint driving mechanisms at the household scale in North China Plain
Authors: Wang Pengxiang , Chen Xiuzhi , Shi Ze , Kasmu Xiaokaitijiang , Li Yunkai
Published: August 2019

The North China Plain (NCP) is dominated by intensive household agriculture, and household plays a decisive role in agricultural development. Studying the factors of agricultural water consumption and carbon emissions at the household scale can help solve the problems of agricultural water scarcity and greenhouse gases excessive emissions. This study investigates the agricultural production scenarios of 590 households in the NCP and calculates the household's agricultural water footprint (WF) and carbon footprint (CF). The driving mechanisms of the WF and CF are analysed by a two‐layer, multilevel linear statistical model. The results show that agricultural production conditions will affect a household's WF and CF; family labour and the economy will affect a user's willingness to adopt agricultural water‐saving technology. The results of this study can serve as a reference for the sustainable management of groundwater resources and emissions reductions.
Multiple resistance of Papaver rhoeas L. to 2,4‐D and acetolactate synthase inhibitors in four European countries
Authors: Kati V , Scarabel L , Thiery‐Lanfranchi D , Kioleoglou V , Liberopoulou S , Délye C
Published: August 2019

The issue of cross‐ or multiple resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors and the auxinic herbicide 2,4‐D was investigated in Papaver rhoeas L., a common and troublesome weed in winter cereals, in a broad‐scale study across four European countries. A combination of herbicide sensitivity bioassays and molecular assays targeting mutations involved in resistance was conducted on 27 populations of P. rhoeas originating from Greece (9), Italy (5), France (10) and Spain (3). Plants resistant to the field rate of 2,4‐D were observed in 25 of the 27 populations assayed, in frequencies ranging from 5% to 85%. Plants resistant to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides (sulfonylureas) were present in 24 of the 27 populations, in frequencies ranging from 4% to 100%. Plants resistant to 2,4‐D co‐occurred with plants resistant to sulfonylureas in 23 populations. In four of these, the probability of presence of plants with cross‐ or multiple resistance to 2,4‐D and sulfonylureas was higher than 0.5. ALS genotyping of plants from the field populations or of their progenies, identified ALS alleles carrying a mutation at codon Pro197 or Trp574 in 2,4‐D‐sensitive and in 2,4‐D‐resistant plants. The latter case confirmed multiple resistance to 2,4‐D and ALS inhibitors at the level of individual plants in all four countries investigated. This study is the first to identify individual plants with multiple resistance in P. rhoeas, an attribute rarely assessed in other weed species, but one with significant implications in designing chemical control strategies.
On the loudness of low-frequency sounds with fluctuating amplitudes
Authors: Jurado Carlos , Gordillo Darío , Moore Brian C. J.
Published: August 2019

Some environmental sounds have strong amplitude fluctuations that may affect their perceived loudness and annoyance. This study assessed the effect of beat rate (fb) and center frequency (fc) on the loudness of low-frequency beating tones. The loudness of two-tone complexes (TTCs) with fc = 40, 63, 80, and 1000 Hz was matched with that of unmodulated tones (UTs). Frequency differences between the TTC components, corresponding to fb = 1, 2, 5, and 12 Hz, were used. To compensate for the steep decline in hearing sensitivity below 100 Hz, prior to the loudness match, subjects adjusted the relative levels (ΔL) of the TTC components to give maximum beat perception. Twenty-four normal-hearing subjects were tested. The values of ΔL giving best beats were well predicted from the transfer function of the middle ear and the estimated shapes of the auditory filters, assuming that the auditory filter whose output dominated the beat percept was centered somewhat above fc. At the same root-mean-square level and independent of fc, TTCs were perceived as louder than UTs for fb ≤ 2 Hz, had roughly equal loudness to UTs for fb = 5 Hz, and were less loud than UTs for fb = 12 Hz.
Are Movement Behaviors and Fundamental Motor Skills Associated With Fitness and Fatness in Early Childhood? Findings From the 2012 NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxia , Gu Xiangli , Zhang Tao , Caçola Priscila , Wang Jing
Published: August 2019

Purpose: Using 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) National Youth Fitness Survey data, the authors conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis to examine the associations of movement behaviors (ie, physical activity [PA] and screen-based sedentary behaviors) and fundamental motor skills (FMS) with fitness (ie, muscular fitness) and fatness (ie, body mass index and waist circumference) in 3- to 5-year-old children. The effect of ethnicity (Hispanic vs non-Hispanic) on these associations was also examined. Methods: A total of 352 children (173 girls; mean age = 4.02 y) from the 2012 NHANES data set were included. Parents reported their child’s PA and screen-based sedentary behaviors. FMS (ie, locomotor and object control) were assessed with the Test of Gross Motor Development, 2nd edition. Other variables used were body mass index, waist circumference, and plank. Results: Hispanic children demonstrated lower levels of PA than non-Hispanic children (P < .05). Children’s FMS emerged as significant predictors of muscular fitness and waist circumference, but not for body mass index in the Hispanic group. In the non-Hispanic group, FMS (ie, object control skills) and PA accounted for significant variances of muscular fitness and waist circumference, respectively. Conclusion: The associations of movement behaviors and FMS with fitness and fatness are different between Hispanic and non-Hispanic young children. Changes in policy or early childhood curriculum may be tailed to promote FMS for an impact on fitness and fatness in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic children.
Validating the AMRFinder Tool and Resistance Gene Database by Using Antimicrobial Resistance Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in a Collection of Isolates
Authors: Feldgarden Michael , Brover Vyacheslav , Haft Daniel H. , Prasad Arjun B. , Slotta Douglas J. , Tolstoy Igor , Tyson Gregory H. , Zhao Shaohua , Hsu Chih-Hao , McDermott Patrick F. , Tadesse Daniel A. , Morales Cesar , Simmons Mustafa , Tillman Glenn , Wasilenko Jamie , Folster Jason P. , Klimke William
Published: August 2019

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health problem that requires publicly available tools for rapid analysis. To identify AMR genes in whole-genome sequences, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has produced AMRFinder, a tool that identifies AMR genes using a high-quality curated AMR gene reference database.
Revisiting the β-Lactams for Tuberculosis Therapy with a Compound-Compound Synthetic Lethality Approach
Authors: Xiao Shiqi , Guo Haidan , Weiner Warren S. , Maddox Clinton , Mao Chunhong , Gunosewoyo Hendra , Pelly Shaaretha , White E. Lucile , Rasmussen Lynn , Schoenen Frank J. , Aubé Jeffrey , Bishai William R. , Lun Shichun
Published: August 2019

The suboptimal effectiveness of β-lactam antibiotics against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
has hindered the utility of this compound class for tuberculosis treatment. However, the results of treatment with a second-line regimen containing meropenem plus a β-lactamase inhibitor were found to be encouraging in a case study of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M. C. Payen, S. De Wit, C. Martin, R.
Eosinophils Affect Antibody Isotype Switching and May Partially Contribute to Early Vaccine-Induced Immunity against Coxiella burnetii
Authors: Ledbetter Lindsey , Cherla Rama , Chambers Catherine , Zhang Yan , Zhang Guoquan
Published: August 2019

Coxiella burnetiiis an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium which causes human Q fever. An acidified citrate cysteine medium (ACCM-2) has been developed which mimics the intracellular replicative niche ofC. burnetiiand allows axenic growth of the bacteria.
Performance of Five Commercial Identification Platforms for Identification of Staphylococcus delphini
Authors: Canver Matthew C. , Tekle Tsigereda , Compton Samantha T. , Callan Katrina , Burd Eileen M. , Zimmer Barbara L. , Bemis David A. , Carroll Karen C. , Westblade Lars F.
Published: August 2019

The
Staphylococcus intermedius
group (SIG) is a collection of coagulase-positive staphylococci consisting of four distinct species, namely,
Staphylococcus cornubiensis
,
Staphylococcus delphini
,
Staphylococcus intermedius
, and
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
. SIG members are animal pathogens and rare causes of human infection. Accurate identification of
S. pseudintermedius
has important implications for interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing data and may be important for other members of the group.
Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Induces Interleukin-17 Production via Activation of the IRAK1-PI3K-p38MAPK-C/EBPβ/CREB Pathways
Authors: Wang Honglei , Du Li , Liu Fang , Wei Zeyu , Gao Li , Feng Wen-hai
Published: August 2019

Highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) associated with severe pneumonia has been one of the most important viral pathogens in pigs. IL-17 is a proinflammatory cytokine that might be associated with the strong inflammation caused by PRRSV. Therefore, we sought to determine whether PRRSV infection affects IL-17 expression, and if so, determine this might partially explain the underlying mechanisms for the strong inflammation in HP-PRRSV-infected pigs, especially in lungs. Here, we show that PRRSV significantly induced IL-17 expression, and we subsequently dissected the molecular mechanisms about how PRRSV regulated IL-17 production. Furthermore, we show that Ser74 and Phe76 in nsp11 were indispensable for IL-17 production and viral replication. Importantly, we demonstrated that PI3K inhibitor impaired IL-17 production and alleviated lung inflammation caused by HP-PRRSV infection. Our findings will help us for a better understanding of PRRSV pathogenesis.
Zebrafish RPZ5 Degrades Phosphorylated IRF7 To Repress Interferon Production
Authors: Lu Long-Feng , Zhou Xiao-Yu , Zhang Can , Li Zhuo-Cong , Chen Dan-Dan , Liu Shu-Bo , Li Shun
Published: August 2019

The phosphorylation of IRF7 is helpful for host IFN production to defend against viral infection; thus, it is a potential target for viruses to mitigate the antiviral response. We report that the fish RPZ5 is an IFN negative regulator induced by fish viruses and degrades the phosphorylated IRF7 activated by TBK1, leading to IFN suppression and promotion of viral proliferation. These findings reveal a novel mechanism for interactions between the host cell and viruses in the lower vertebrate.
gndDb, a Database of Partial
gnd
Sequences To Assist with Analysis of Escherichia coli Communities Using High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Cookson Adrian L. , Lacher David W. , Scheutz Flemming , Wilkinson David A. , Biggs Patrick J. , Marshall Jonathan C. , Brightwell Gale
Published: August 2019

The use of culture methods to detect
Escherichia coli
diversity does not provide sufficient resolution to identify strains present at low levels. Here, we target the hypervariable
gnd
gene and describe a database containing 534 distinct partial
gnd
sequences and associated O groups for use with culture-independent
E. coli
community analysis.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Mycoplasma gallisepticum F-Strain Variants
Authors: Leigh Spencer A. , Evans Jeff D. , Branton Scott L.
Published: August 2019

Mycoplasma gallisepticum
pathology in poultry is preventable by vaccination with live
M. gallisepticum
vaccines. Research has suggested possible differences in host response between F-strain-based vaccines. The genomes of the AviPro vaccine and F99 parent strains were sequenced for comparison with the already sequenced F-strain vaccine.
Complete Genome Sequence of Dehalococcoides mccartyi Strain FL2, a Trichloroethene-Respiring Anaerobe Isolated from Pristine Freshwater Sediment
Authors: Yan Jun , Yang Yi , Li Xiuying , Löffler Frank E.
Published: August 2019

Dehalococcoides mccartyi
strain FL2 couples growth to hydrogen oxidation and reductive dechlorination of trichloroethene and
cis
- and
trans
-1,2-dichloroethenes. Strain FL2 has a 1.42-Mb genome with a G+C content of 47.0% and carries 1,465 protein-coding sequences, including 24 reductive dehalogenase genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes Strains, 23051, 23053, 23055, and 23056, Isolated from Senegalese Sole (
Solea senegalensis
)
Authors: Vincent Antony T. , Le Breton Alain , Bernatchez Alex , Gagné-Thivierge Cynthia , Paquet Valérie E. , Thibault Eric , Charette Steve J. , Gantelet Hubert
Published: August 2019

The bacterial species
Aeromonas salmonicida
officially has five subspecies. A large majority of the currently available sequences come from
Aeromonas salmonicida
subsp.
salmonicida
, which causes furunculosis in salmonids. We present the genomic sequences of four
Aeromonas salmonicida
subsp.
achromogenes
strains. This will help increase the robustness of genomic analyses for this subspecies.
Genome Sequence of a Salmonella enterica Serotype Senftenberg Strain Lacking
Salmonella
Pathogenicity Island-1 and Isolated in Japan
Authors: Morita Masatomo , Shimada Keiji , Baba Hiroshi , Morofuji Kei , Oda Shunichi , Izumiya Hidemasa , Ohnishi Makoto
Published: August 2019

We report here the genome sequence of a
Salmonella enterica
serotype Senftenberg strain, isolated from feather meal, in which the
Salmonella
pathogenicity island-1 was deleted.
Draft Genome Sequence of Avian Chlamydia abortus Genotype G1 Strain 15-70d24, Isolated from Eurasian Teal in Poland
Authors: Zaręba-Marchewka Kinga , Szymańska-Czerwińska Monika , Mitura Agata , Niemczuk Krzysztof
Published: August 2019

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of avian
Chlamydia abortus
genotype G1 strain 15-70d24, isolated from Eurasian teal in Poland. The total genome assembly length is 1,149,382 bp.
Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of the Land Snail
Oreohelix idahoensis
Authors: Linscott T. Mason , Parent Christine E.
Published: August 2019

We announce the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of
Oreohelix idahoensis
, a threatened land snail endemic to the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The circular genome is 14.2 kb and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 21 tRNA genes.
Starting school: educational development as a function of age of entry and prematurity
Authors: Pettinger Katherine J , Kelly Brian , Sheldon Trevor A , Mon-Williams Mark , Wright John , Hill Liam J B
Published: August 2019

Objective

To estimate the impact on early development of prematurity and summer birth and the potential ‘double disadvantage’ created by starting school a year earlier than anticipated during pregnancy, due to being born preterm.

Design, setting and patients

We investigated the impact of gestational and school-entry age on the likelihood of failing to achieve a ‘Good Level of Development’ (GLD) on the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile in 5-year-old children born moderate-to-late preterm using data from the Born in Bradford longitudinal birth cohort. We used hierarchical logistic regression to control for chronological maturity, and perinatal and socioeconomic factors.

Results

Gestational age and school-entry age were significant predictors of attaining a GLD in the 10 337 children who entered school in the correct academic year given their estimated date of delivery. The odds of not attaining a GLD increased by 1.09 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.11) for each successive week born early and by 1.17 for each month younger within the year group (95% CI 1.16 to 1.18). There was no interaction between these two effects. Children starting school a year earlier than anticipated during pregnancy were less likely to achieve a GLD compared with (1) other children born preterm (fully adjusted OR 5.51 (2.85–14.25)); (2) term summer births (3.02 (1.49–6.79)); and (3) preterm summer births who remained within their anticipated school-entry year (3.64 (1.27–11.48)).

Conclusions

These results confirm the developmental risks faced by children born moderate-to-late preterm, and—for the first time—illustrate the increased risk associated with ‘double disadvantage’.
A man with polycythemia vera, myelodysplastic syndrome and acquired microcytosis
Authors: Mann Michael , Kreuzbauer Tania , Sykes David B
Published: August 2019

A 59-year-old white man with known myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) presented with worsening leucocytosis and thrombocytosis in the setting of a presumed infection. The patient had been diagnosed 2 years earlier with an MPN/MDS overlap syndrome, based on characteristic mutations in JAK2, IDH1 and SRSF2. During his current evaluation, he was noted to have new microcytosis, with a mean corpuscular volume of ~70 fL down from his baseline of ~90 fL. His laboratory workup showed normal iron studies, normal haemoglobin electrophoresis, and no evidence of haemoglobin H or mutations in his ATRX coding region. Without any identifiable cause of his new microcytosis, he was given a presumptive diagnosis of acquired thalassemia in the setting of his unusual MPN/MDS overlap syndrome.
Respiratory arrest requiring resuscitation as a rare presentation of obstructive sleep apnoea and hypothyroidism
Authors: Chiang Ka Yan , Ma Tammy Sin Kwan , Ip Mary Sau Man , Lui Macy Mei Sze
Published: August 2019

A 79-year-old man, who had significant cardiovascular morbidities, presented with out-of-hospital respiratory arrest. He regained breathing after brief cardiopulmonary resuscitation by his paramedic son. After meticulous investigations, acute cardiovascular events and metabolic causes were ruled out while features of obstructive sleep apnoea were elicited. The findings on in-laboratory polysomnography were compatible with severe obstructive sleep apnoea, with unusually prolonged apnoea duration of up to 2.7 min which most likely accounts for the presentation as ‘respiratory arrest’. Thyroid function test for investigation of his weight gain confirmed hypothyroidism. His symptoms improved gradually after positive airway pressure therapy with bi-level support and thyroxine replacement. On further evaluation, his hypothyroidism is believed to be a complication of long-term amiodarone exposure. The case highlights that the combination of obstructive sleep apnoea and hypothyroidism can lead to catastrophic manifestation and the unusually long apnoea could be a feature prompting further workup for possible hypothyroidism.
Metaphyseal dysplasia, Spahr type: a mimicker of rickets
Authors: Balasubramaniyan Muthuvel , Kaur Anupriya , Sinha Anindita , Gopinathan Nirmal Raj
Published: August 2019

Metaphyseal dysplasias are a heterogeneous group of skeletal dysplasias characterised by metaphyseal irregularities. Due to the presence of metaphyseal changes accompanied with bowing deformity of lower limb, they are likely to be mistaken for rickets. We present a case of a 7-year-old boy, finally diagnosed with metaphyseal dysplasia, Spahr type (MDST) (OMIM#250400) after his exome sequencing revealed novel variations in theMMP13gene (OMIM*600108). This is a rare skeletal dysplasia with only a few cases reported in literature. A compilation of the presentation of the reported cases is given to help the reader understand this rare disorder. To the best of our knowledge, this case of MDST is the first to be reported from India.
Aggressive type of central giant cell granuloma in a woman on hormone replacement therapy: a histopathological insight
Authors: Gautam Swati , Grewal Meetkamal , Saini Nitin , Arora Karandeep Singh
Published: August 2019

Quite a few lesions of the oral cavity specifically of the gingiva have a greater inclination towards women and mostly occur during the first four decades of life, the cause of which may be credited to the changing levels of sex hormones. Out of all such lesions, one lesion whose aetiology is still unclear and which originats from the periosteum or periodontal ligament is central giant cell granuloma. Repeatedly, it is has been described as a reactive lesion, the cause of which may be secondary to local irritants or trauma, specifically plaque or calculus, which is not considered to be a true neoplasm. Here we present a case of a 51-year-old female patient with aggressive gingival growth within 10–13 months of hormonal replacement therapy. The aetiology, histological features and appropriate treatment are discussed in the light of current literature.
High-grade B-cell lymphoma masquerading as peritoneal lymphomatosis
Authors: Kareff Samuel , Yin Chao , Feigert John
Published: August 2019

Peritoneal lymphomatosis represents a rare presentation of any type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with relatively few cases reported in the literature. We present here the case of a 61-year-old man who originally presented with increased abdominal distention associated with shortness of breath and diaphoresis who was found to have evidence of peritoneal carcinomatosis on CT scan. Biopsy confirmed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and the working diagnosis was subsequently modified to peritoneal lymphomatosis. The patient was treated with dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and rituximab (DA-EPOCH-R) therapy with initially good response. His course was complicated by tumour lysis syndrome. We review the limited literature discussing peritoneal lymphomatosis and discuss the importance of facilitating rapid and efficacious treatment.
Onychocryptosis and asymptomatic external urethritis as complications of oral isotretinoin therapy
Authors: Sivaraj Krishan , Friedman Jessica , Morrell Dean
Published: August 2019

This case report presents a patient who, while undergoing oral isotretinoin therapy for acne vulgaris, developed onychocryptosis and asymptomatic external urethritis. These uncommon adverse events are not well-documented in medical literature. While his urethritis spontaneously resolved, his onychocryptosis symptoms necessitated surgical intervention. This report illustrates both cosmetic and functional adverse effects of isotretinoin and provides insight into the progression of these reactions over time.
Anaesthesia use in catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Li Ka Hou Christien , Sang Tian , Chan Cheng , Gong Mengqi , Liu Yingzhi , Jesuthasan Aaron , Li Guangping , Liu Tong , Lam Michael H S , Wu William KK , Chan Matthew T V , Liu Fang-zhou , Chen Cheng , Ho Jeffery , Xia Yunlong , Tse Gary
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This meta-analysis and systematic review seeks to compare both characteristic parameters and procedural outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation in patients under general anaesthesia (GA)/deep sedation and mild/moderate sedation.

Background

Catheter ablation has become a widely applied intervention for treating symptomatic AF and arrhythmias that are refractory to medical therapy. It can be conducted through from mild sedation to GA.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched up to July 2018 for randomised controlled trials, cohort and observational studies that assessed the outcomes of catheter ablation under GA/deep sedation or mild/moderate sedation. Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis after screening with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Heterogeneity between studies and publication bias was evaluated by I2 index and Egger’s regression, respectively.

Results

Our meta-analysis found catheter AF ablation with GA/deep sedation to be associated with reduced risk of recurrence (RR: 0.79, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.13, p=0.20) and complications (RR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.42, p=0.82), though statistically insignificant. In terms of procedural parameters, there was no significant difference between the two groups for both procedural time (SMD: −0.13, 95% CI −0.90 to 0.63, p=0.74) and fluoroscopy time (SMD: −0.41, 95% CI −1.40 to 0.58, p=0.41). Univariate meta-regression did not reveal any covariates as a moderating factor for complication and recurrence risk.

Conclusion

Apart from an increased likelihood of procedural success, ablation by GA/deep sedation was found to be non-significantly different from the mild/moderate sedation approach in both procedural parameters and outcome measures.
‘Metaphyseal dysplasia without hypotrichosis’ can present with late-onset extraskeletal manifestations
Authors: Vakkilainen Svetlana , Costantini Alice , Taskinen Mervi , Wartiovaara-Kautto Ulla , Mäkitie Outi
Published: August 2019

Background

Metaphyseal dysplasia without hypotrichosis (MDWH) is a rare form of chondrodysplasia with no extraskeletal manifestations. MDWH is caused byRMRPmutations, but it is differentiated from the allelic condition cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH), which in addition to chondrodysplasia is characterised by thin hair, immunodeficiency and increased risk of malignancy. The long-term outcome of MDWH remains unknown.

Objective

We diagnosed severe agranulocytosis in a subject withRMRPmutations and normal hair. Based on this observation, we hypothesised that MDWH may, similar to CHH, associate with immune deficiency and malignancy.

Methods

We collected clinical and laboratory data for a cohort of 80 patients withRMRPmutations followed for over 30 years and analysed outcome data for those with features consistent with MDWH.

Results

In our cohort, we identified 10 patients with skeletal but no extraskeletal features during preschool age. Eight of these patients developed malignancy or clinically significant immunodeficiency during follow-up. Two of them died during chemotherapy for malignancy. At the time of the first extraskeletal manifestation, patients were school aged, 20, 43 and 50 years old. Laboratory signs of immunodeficiency (impaired lymphocyte proliferative responses) were demonstrated in four patients before the onset of symptoms. The patient outside this cohort, who hadRMRPmutations, skeletal dysplasia, normal hair and severe agranulocytosis at 18 years of age, underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Conclusions

MDWH can present with severe late-onset extraskeletal manifestations and thus should be reclassified and managed as CHH.
Feasibility of an ethics and professionalism curriculum for faculty in obstetrics and gynecology: a pilot study
Authors: Hollins Lori-Linell , Wolf Marilena , Mercer Brian , Arora Kavita Shah
Published: August 2019

Objective

There have been increased efforts to implement medical ethics curricula at the student and resident levels; however, practising physicians are often left unconsidered. Therefore, we sought to pilot an ethics and professionalism curriculum for faculty in obstetrics and gynaecology to remedy gaps in the formal, informal and hidden curriculum in medical education.

Methods

An ethics curriculum was developed for faculty within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a tertiary care, academic hospital. During the one-time, 4-hour, mandatory in-person session, the participants voluntarily completed the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, Handoff Clinical Evaluation Exercise, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and overall course evaluation. Patient satisfaction survey scores in both the hospital and ambulatory settings were compared before and after the curriculum.

Results

Twenty-eight faculty members attended the curriculum. Overall, respondents reported less burnout and performed at the same level or better in terms of patient handoff than the original studies validating the instruments. Faculty rated the professionalism behaviours as well as teaching of professionalism much lower at our institution than the validation study. There was no change in patient satisfaction after the curriculum. However, overall, the course was well received as meeting its objectives, being beneficial and providing new tools to assess professionalism.

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests that an ethics curriculum can be developed for practising physicians that is mindful of pragmatic concerns while still meeting its objectives. Further study is needed regarding long term and objective improvements in ethics knowledge, impact on the education of trainees and improvement in the care of patients as a result of a formal curriculum for faculty.
Coercion in psychiatry: is it right to involuntarily treat inpatients with capacity?
Authors: Hudson Harry
Published: August 2019

Psychiatric inpatients with capacity may be treated paternalistically under the Mental Health Act 1983. This violates bodily autonomy and causes potentially significant harm to health and moral status, both of which may be long-lasting. I suggest that such harms may extend to killing moral persons through the impact of psychotropic drugs on psychological connectedness. Unsurprisingly, existing legislation is overwhelmingly disliked by psychiatric inpatients, the majority of whom have capacity. I present four arguments for involuntary treatment: individual safety, public safety, authentic wishes and protection of autonomy. I explore these through a case study: a patient with schizophrenia admitted to a psychiatric hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983 after an episode of self-poisoning. Through its discussion of preventative detention, the public safety argument articulates the (un)ethical underpinnings of the current position in English law. Ultimately, none of the four arguments are cogent—all fail to justify the current legal discrimination faced by psychiatric inpatients. I conclude against any use of involuntary treatment in psychiatric inpatients with capacity, endorsing the fusion approach where only psychiatric patients lacking capacity may be treated involuntarily.
Overall and cause-specific mortality in a cohort of farmers and their spouses
Authors: Shrestha Srishti , Parks Christine G , Keil Alexander P , Umbach David M , Lerro Catherine C , Lynch Charles F , Chen Honglei , Blair Aaron , Koutros Stella , Hofmann Jonathan N , Beane Freeman Laura E , Sandler Dale P
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Lower mortality rates compared with the general population have been reported for Agricultural Health Study (AHS) participants (enrolled 1993–1997) followed through 2007. We extended analysis of mortality among AHS participants (51 502 private pesticide applicators, their 31 867 spouses and 4677 commercial pesticide applicators from North Carolina and Iowa) through 2015 and compared results using several analytical approaches.

Methods

We calculated standardised mortality ratios (SMRs), causal mortality ratios (CMR) and relative SMRs (rSMR) using state-specific mortality rates of the general populations as the referent.

Results

Over the average 16 years of follow-up (1999–2015), 9305 private applicators, 3384 spouses and 415 commercial applicators died. SMRs and CMRs, with expected deaths calculated using the person-time among the cohort and the general population, respectively, indicated lower overall mortality in all study subgroups (SMRs from 0.61 to 0.69 and CMRs from 0.74 to 0.89), although CMRs indicated elevated mortality in private applicators from North Carolina and in ever-smokers. In SMR analyses, there were fewer than expected deaths from many causes, but deaths from some external causes including transportation-related injuries and mechanical forces were elevated in private applicators. CMRs indicated higher than expected deaths from prostate cancer, lymphohaematopoietic cancers, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, and chronic glomerulonephritis in private applicators, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in spouses (from 1.19 to 1.53). rSMR results were generally elevated, similar to CMR findings.

Conclusions

AHS participants experienced lower overall mortality than the general population.

Mortality from a few specific causes was increased in private applicators, specifically when CMR and rSMR approaches were used.
Role of asbestos clearance in explaining long-term risk of pleural and peritoneal cancer: a pooled analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Barone-Adesi Francesco , Ferrante Daniela , Chellini Elisabetta , Merler Enzo , Pavone Venere , Silvestri Stefano , Miligi Lucia , Gorini Giuseppe , Bressan Vittoria , Girardi Paolo , Ancona Laura , Romeo Elisa , Luberto Ferdinando , Sala Orietta , Scarnato Corrado , Menegozzo Simona , Oddone Enrico , Tunesi Sara , Perticaroli Patrizia , Pettinari Aldo , Cuccaro Francesco , Curti Stefania , Baldassarre Antonio , Cena Tiziana , Angelini Alessia , Marinaccio Alessandro , Mirabelli Dario , Musti Marina , Pirastu Roberta , Ranucci Alessandra , Magnani Corrado
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Models based on the multistage theory of cancer predict that rates of malignant mesothelioma continuously increase with time since first exposure (TSFE) to asbestos, even after the end of external exposure. However, recent epidemiological studies suggest that mesothelioma rates level off many years after first exposure to asbestos. A gradual clearance of asbestos from the lungs has been suggested as a possible explanation for this phenomenon. We analysed long-term trends of pleural and peritoneal cancer mortality in subjects exposed to asbestos to evaluate whether such trends were consistent with the clearance hypothesis.

Methods

We used data from a pool of 43 Italian asbestos cohorts (51 801 subjects). The role of asbestos clearance was explored using the traditional mesothelioma multistage model, generalised to include a term representing elimination of fibres over time.

Results

Rates of pleural cancer increased until 40 years of TSFE, but remained stable thereafter. On the other hand, we observed a monotonic increase of peritoneal cancer with TSFE. The model taking into account asbestos clearance fitted the data better than the traditional one for pleural (p=0.004) but not for peritoneal (p=0.09) cancer.

Conclusions

Rates of pleural cancer do not increase indefinitely after the exposure to asbestos, but eventually reach a plateau. This trend is well described by a model accounting for a gradual elimination of the asbestos fibres. These results are relevant for the prediction of future rates of mesothelioma and in asbestos litigations.
Residential sources of pesticide exposure during pregnancy and the risks of hypospadias and cryptorchidism: the French ELFE birth cohort
Authors: Cognez Noriane , Warembourg Charline , Zaros Cécile , Metten Marie-Astrid , Bouvier Ghislaine , Garlantézec Ronan , Charles Marie-Aline , Béranger Rémi , Chevrier Cécile
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Prenatal occupational exposure to pesticides has been associated with male reproductive tract abnormalities. Little is known about the possible impact of non-occupational pesticide exposure on fetal and child development in the general population. Using data from a nationwide birth cohort, we aimed to assess the association between residential sources of prenatal pesticide exposure and the risks of hypospadias and cryptorchidism.

Methods

Of the 9281 boys in ELFE (French Longitudinal Study of Children), the national French birth cohort, 53 were diagnosed with hypospadias and 137 with cryptorchidism. We assessed residential exposure sources from self-reported domestic use of eight types of pesticide products and French spatial land use data with acreage within a 1000 m radius around each family’s home for 21 crop types. We used logistic regression modelling, adjusted for possible confounders that included estimated dietary pesticide intake. Multiple imputations were used to handle missing data.

Results

An increased risk of hypospadias was associated with domestic pesticide use against fleas and ticks (OR=2.28, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.75); no associations were found between cryptorchidism and any domestic pesticide use. Slightly increased risks of cryptorchidism were observed in association with all crop acreages near homes during pregnancy, especially for orchards, and no association was observed for hypospadias.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a possible increased risk of hypospadias associated with prenatal use of some domestic pesticide products, likely to contain insecticides, and of cryptorchidism with nearby orchard acreage (crops repeatedly sprayed with pesticides). This work is limited by its modest number of cases.
Associations of objectively measured forward bending at work with low-back pain intensity: a 2-year follow-up of construction and healthcare workers
Authors: Lunde Lars-Kristian , Koch Markus , Merkus Suzanne Lerato , Knardahl Stein , Wærsted Morten , Veiersted Kaj Bo
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to determine possible associations between objectively measured forward bending at work (FBW) and low-back pain intensity (LBPi) among Norwegian construction and healthcare workers.

Methods

One-hundred and twenty-five workers wore two accelerometers for 3–4 consecutive days, during work and leisure to establish duration of ≥30° and ≥60° forward bending. The participating workers reported LBPi (0–3) at the time of objective measurements and after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. We investigated associations using linear mixed models with significance level p≤0.05 and presented results per 100 min.

Results

The duration of ≥30° and ≥60° FBW was not associated with average LBPi during follow-up, neither for the total sample nor stratified on work sector. Furthermore, analyses on all workers and on construction workers only found no significant association between ≥30° or ≥60° FBW and change in LBPi over the 2-year follow-up. For healthcare workers we found a consistent significant association between the duration of ≥30° FBW at baseline and the change in LBPi during follow-up, but this was not found for ≥60° FBW.

Conclusions

This study suggests that objectively measured duration of FBW in minutes is not associated with average levels of, or change in LBPi in construction workers over a 2-year period. In healthcare workers, exposure to ≥30° FBW was associated with change in LBPi, while we did not find this for ≥60° FBW. Results may indicate that the associations between FWB and LBP vary depending on type of work tasks, gender or sector-specific factors.
Damp mouldy housing and early childhood hospital admissions for acute respiratory infection: a case control study
Authors: Ingham Tristram , Keall Michael , Jones Bernadette , Aldridge Daniel R T , Dowell Anthony C , Davies Cheryl , Crane Julian , Draper Jessica Barbara , Bailey Lauren Olivia , Viggers Helen , Stanley Thorsten Villiers , Leadbitter Philip , Latimer Mereana , Howden-Chapman Philippa
Published: August 2019

Introduction

A gap exists in the literature regarding dose–response associations of objectively assessed housing quality measures, particularly dampness and mould, with hospitalisation for acute respiratory infection (ARI) among children.

Methods

A prospective, unmatched case–control study was conducted in two paediatric wards and five general practice clinics in Wellington, New Zealand, over winter/spring 2011–2013. Children aged <2 years who were hospitalised for ARI (cases), and either seen in general practice with ARI not requiring admission or for routine immunisation (controls) were included in the study. Objective housing quality was assessed by independent building assessors, with the assessors blinded to outcome status, using the Respiratory Hazard Index (RHI), a 13-item scale of household quality factors, including an 8-item damp–mould subscale. The main outcome was case–control status. Adjusted ORs (aORs) of the association of housing quality measures with case–control status were estimated, along with the population attributable risk of eliminating dampness–mould on hospitalisation for ARI among New Zealand children.

Results

188 cases and 454 controls were studied. Higher levels of RHI were associated with elevated odds of hospitalisation (OR 1.11/unit increase (95% CI 1.01 to 1.21)), which weakened after adjustment for season, housing tenure, socioeconomic status and crowding (aOR 1.04/unit increase (95% CI 0.94 to 1.15)). The damp–mould index had a significant, adjusted dose–response relationship with ARI admission (aOR 1.15/unit increase (95% CI 1.02 to 1.30)). By addressing these harmful housing exposures, the rate of admission for ARI would be reduced by 19% or 1700 fewer admissions annually.

Conclusions

A dose–response relationship exists between housing quality measures, particularly dampness–mould, and young children’s ARI hospitalisation rates. Initiatives to improve housing quality and to reduce dampness–mould would have a large impact on ARI hospitalisation.
Root and shoot phenology and root longevity of Norway spruce saplings grown at different soil temperatures
Authors: Kilpeläinen Jouni , Domisch Timo , Lehto Tarja , Finér Leena , Aphalo Pedro J. , Leinonen Ilkka , Ryyppö Aija , Repo Tapani
Published: August 2019

Tree roots comprise a huge carbon pool. Their dynamics are driven by environmental factors and thereby affected by climate change. We studied the effects of soil temperature on root and shoot phenology and their linkages in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). Saplings were grown in controlled-environment rooms for three simulated growing seasons (GS1, GS2, and GS3). Soil-temperature treatments of 9, 13, 18, and 21 °C were applied during GS2. Root growth was monitored with minirhizotrons and commenced in all treatments simultaneously. Temporal growth patterns of short and long roots were usually bimodal. Root growth was very low during the coldest treatment of GS2 but increased during GS3 as an aftereffect. During GS3, growth of short roots continued later after colder treatments than warmer treatments. Reduced sink strength of roots and increased carbohydrate accumulation into needles at 9 °C during GS2 probably enabled compensatory root growth under restored temperatures during GS3. Soil temperature did not affect shoot phenology, and root and shoot phenology varied between growing seasons; thus, the linkage of root and shoot phenology was inconsistent. In warmer soil, root longevity was shorter and turnover rate was higher than in colder soil. This can further affect soil carbon dynamics and ecosystem carbon cycling in boreal forest ecosystems.
Single hydroxo-bridged group 13 metalloporphyrin dimers: Solution studies and solid-state structures
Authors: Munro Orde Q. , Coutsolelos Athanassios G. , Cheng Beisong , Robert Scheidt W.
Published: August 2019

The syntheses of indium, gallium and aluminum porphyrin dimers with a single hydroxo-bridge, [Formula: see text][M(Porph)]2(OH)[Formula: see text], are described. Emphasis is given to indium and gallium derivatives. The X-ray structures for [Formula: see text] [Ga(OEP)]2(OH)[Formula: see text] ClO4 and [Formula: see text] [In(OEP)]2(OH)[Formula: see text] ClO4 (two forms) are presented. The dimeric molecules can be synthesized by the acid-treatment of the corresponding hydroxo-ligated monomeric complexes [M(OEP)(OH)] and [M(TPP)(OH)]. The nature of the starting material (the hydroxo-ligated monomer) was first suggested by IR spectroscopy and further proved by proton-deuterium exchange followed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The structure of a monomeric indium hydroxide complex, [In(OEP)(OH)], is also presented. The synthesis of the dimer for all metals can be monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy, which clearly demonstrates that a blue-shift of the Soret band accompanies formation of the dimer from the monomer. A strong [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]interaction between the two porphyrin rings of these [Formula: see text]-hydroxo-bridged dimers is confirmed both by solution state studies (1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy) and the X-ray structures of [Formula: see text] [M(OEP)]2(OH)[Formula: see text] ClO4 (M = In, Ga). In addition, exposure of methylene chloride solutions of these bridged complexes to white light afforded the corresponding chloro derivatives, [M(Porph)Cl]. The stereochemistry of a range of [Formula: see text]-hydroxo dimers is discussed and DFT simulations at the HSEH1PBE/SDD level of theory provide suitable structural models and further electronic structure insights on selected [Ga(Porph)(OH)] and [Formula: see text] [Ga(Porph)]2(OH)[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] derivatives.