bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of a complex workplace dietary intervention on Irish employees’ off-duty dietary intakes
Authors: Fitzgerald Sarah , Buckley Lynn , Perry Ivan J , Geaney Fiona
Published: May 2019

A paucity of evidence exists regarding the impact of workplace dietary interventions on employees’ off-duty dietary intakes. This study assessed the impact of workplace dietary interventions that included nutrition education and environmental dietary modification both alone and in combination on employees’ dietary intakes inside (on-duty) and outside (off-duty) of work. A pre–post study on employees’ on and off-duty dietary intakes was undertaken. Data were obtained from a complex workplace dietary intervention study (Food Choice at Work Trial). Four manufacturing workplaces were allocated to: Control (n = 111), nutrition education (n = 226), environmental dietary modification (n = 113) and nutrition education and environmental dietary modification combined (n = 400) (2013–14). Seven- to nine-month follow-up data were obtained for 517 employees (61% response) [Control (n = 67), Education (n = 107), Environment (n = 71) and Combined (n = 272)]. Dietary intakes were measured using 24-h dietary recalls. Differences between on and off-duty mean dietary intakes were compared and regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders. Significant reductions in on-duty intakes of total fat (−14.2 g/day, p = 0.000), saturated fat (−7 g/day, p = 0.000), salt (−1.4 g/day, p = 0.000) and total sugars (−8.9 g/day, p = 0.003) were observed in the Combined and in the Environment [total fat (−11.4 g/d, p = 0.017) and saturated fat (−8.8 g/day, p = 0.000)]. In the Combined, significant changes were also observed in off-duty intakes of total fat (−10.0 g/day, p = 0.001), saturated fat (−4.2 g/day, p = 0.001), salt (−0.7 g/day, p = 0.020) and total sugars (−8.1 g/day, p = 0.020). Food service can have a positive impact in our everyday environments, including inside and outside of work. Dietary interventions combining nutrition education and environmental dietary modification can improve employees’ on and off-duty dietary intakes.
To fight another day: France between the fight against terrorism and future warfare
Authors: Pannier Alice , Schmitt Olivier
Published: May 2019

This article examines the ways in which recent military experiences have affected France's approach to the use of military power, the role of allies and its vision of future warfare. In its management of strategic challenges, we identify the persistence of many traits of France's historical habits and practices. France remains a distinct, outward looking, and militarily willing and able European power. However, the threats that France has sought to address and the operational and financial constraints it has faced in the past decade in particular, have led to significant changes in its approach to and conduct of warfare. In particular, the threat of Islamist terrorism has led to a reframing of French governments' priorities around more narrowly-defined national interests. It has translated into a ‘pragmatic’, or ‘realist’ turn in foreign policy, and a move from ‘wars of choice’ to ‘wars of necessity’. In this context, France's military alliances are being rethought around a core number of functional partnerships to compensate for capability gaps and military overstretch. Meanwhile, French armed forces are getting prepared to face the challenges posed by emerging technologies and the future of Great-Power competition. Overall, the multiple security challenges faced by successive French governments have confirmed, yet redefined, the contours of France's traditional dilemma between a desire for an autonomous defense policy and the reality of a necessary reliance on allies.
Compliant Substrates Disrupt Elastic Energy Storage in Jumping Tree Frogs
Authors: Reynaga Crystal M , Eaton Caitrin E , Strong Galatea A , Azizi Emanuel
Published: May 2019

Arboreal frogs navigate complex environments and face diverse mechanical properties within their physical environment. Such frogs may encounter substrates that are damped and absorb energy or are elastic and can store and release energy as the animal pushes off during take-off. When dealing with a compliant substrate, a well-coordinated jump would allow for the recovery of elastic energy stored in the substrate to amplify mechanical power, effectively adding an in-series spring to the hindlimbs. We tested the hypothesis that effective use of compliant substrates requires active changes to muscle activation and limb kinematics to recover energy from the substrate. We designed an actuated force platform, modulated with a real-time feedback controller to vary the stiffness of the substrate. We quantified the kinetics and kinematics of Cuban tree frogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) jumping off platforms at four different stiffness conditions. In addition, we used electromyography to examine the relationship between muscle activation patterns and substrate compliance during take-off in a knee extensor (m. cruralis) and an ankle extensor (m. plantaris). We find O. septentrionalis do not modulate motor patterns in response to substrate compliance. Although not actively modulated, changes in the rate of limb extension suggest a trade-off between power amplification and energy recovery from the substrate. Our results suggest that compliant substrates disrupt the inertial catch mechanism that allows tree frogs to store elastic energy in the tendon, thereby slowing the rate of limb extension and increasing the duration of take-off. However, the slower rate of limb extension does provide additional time to recover more energy from the substrate. This work serves to broaden our understanding of how the intrinsic mechanical properties of a system may broaden an organism’s capacity to maintain performance when facing environmental perturbations.
Subsampled inexact Newton methods for minimizing large sums of convex functions
Authors: Bellavia Stefania , Krejić Nataša , Krklec Jerinkić Nataša
Published: May 2019

This paper deals with the minimization of a large sum of convex functions by inexact Newton (IN) methods employing subsampled functions, gradients and Hessian approximations. The conjugate gradient method is used to compute the IN step and global convergence is enforced by a nonmonotone line-search procedure. The aim is to obtain methods with affordable costs and fast convergence. Assuming strongly convex functions, R-linear convergence and worst-case iteration complexity of the procedure are investigated when functions and gradients are approximated with increasing accuracy. A set of rules for the forcing parameters and subsample Hessian sizes are derived that ensure local q-linear/q-superlinear convergence of the proposed method. The random choice of the Hessian subsample is also considered and convergence in the mean square, both for finite and infinite sums of functions, is proved. Finally, the analysis of global convergence with asymptotic R-linear rate is extended to the case of the sum of convex functions and strongly convex objective function. Numerical results on well-known binary classification problems are also given. Adaptive strategies for selecting forcing terms and Hessian subsample size, streaming out of the theoretical analysis, are employed and the numerical results show that they yield effective IN methods.
Adipose tissue proteomic analysis in ketotic or healthy Holstein cows in early lactation1
Authors: Xu Qiushi , Li Xiaobing , Ma Li , Loor Juan J , Coleman Danielle N , Jia Hongdou , Liu Guowen , Xu Chuang , Wang Yazhe , Li Xinwei
Published: May 2019

Ketosis is a major metabolic disorder of high-yielding dairy cows during the transition period. Although metabolic adaptations of the adipose tissue are critical for a successful transition, beyond lipolysis, alterations within adipose tissue during ketosis are not well known. The objective of this study was to investigate the adipose tissue proteome of healthy or ketotic postpartum cows to gain insights into biological adaptations that may contribute to disease outcomes. Adipose tissue biopsy was collected on 5 healthy and 5 ketotic cows at 17 (±4) d postpartum and ketosis was defined according to the clinical symptoms and serum β-hydroxybutyrate concentration. Morphology micrographs stained by hematoxylin–eosin showed that adipocytes were smaller in ketotic cows than in healthy cows. The isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification was applied to quantitatively identify differentially expressed proteins (DEP) in the adipose tissue. We identified a total of 924 proteins, 81 of which were differentially expressed between ketotic and healthy cows (P < 0.05 and fold changes >1.5 or <0.67). These DEP included enzymes and proteins associated with various carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism processes. The top pathways differing between ketosis and control cows were glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, glucagon signaling pathway, cysteine and methionine metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, and the cGMP–PKG signaling pathway. The identified DEP were further validated by western blot and co-immunoprecipitation assay. Key enzymes associated with carbohydrate metabolism such as pyruvate kinase 2, pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 component subunit α), lactate dehydrogenase A , phosphoglucomutase 1, and 6-phosphofructokinase 1 were upregulated in ketotic cows. The expression and phosphorylation state of critical regulators of lipolysis such as perilipin-1 and hormone-sensitive lipase were also upregulated in ketotic cows. Furthermore, key proteins involved in maintaining innate immune response such as lipopolysaccharide binding protein and regakine-1 were downregulated in ketotic cows. Overall, data indicate that ketotic cows during the transition period have altered carbohydrate, lipid metabolism, and impaired immune function in the adipose tissue. This proteomics analysis in adipose tissue of ketotic cows identified several pathways and proteins that are components of the adaptation to ketosis.
Dynamic modeling of nutrient use and individual requirements of lactating sows1
Authors: Gauthier Raphaël , Largouët Christine , Gaillard Charlotte , Cloutier Laetitia , Guay Frédéric , Dourmad Jean-Yves
Published: May 2019

Nutrient requirements of sows during lactation are related mainly to their milk yield and feed intake, and vary greatly among individuals. In practice, nutrient requirements are generally determined at the population level based on average performance. The objective of the present modeling approach was to explore the variability in nutrient requirements among sows by combining current knowledge about nutrient use with on-farm data available on sows at farrowing [parity, BW, backfat thickness (BT)] and their individual performance (litter size, litter average daily gain, daily sow feed intake) to estimate nutrient requirements. The approach was tested on a database of 1,450 lactations from 2 farms. The effects of farm (A, B), week of lactation (W1: week 1, W2: week 2, W3+: week 3 and beyond), and parity (P1: 1, P2: 2, P3+: 3 and beyond) on sow performance and their nutrient requirements were evaluated. The mean daily ME requirement was strongly correlated with litter growth (R2 = 0.95; P < 0.001) and varied slightly according to sow BW, which influenced the maintenance cost. The mean daily standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine requirement was influenced by farm, week of lactation, and parity. Variability in SID lysine requirement per kg feed was related mainly to feed intake (R2 = 0.51; P < 0.001) and, to a smaller extent, litter growth (R2 = 0.27; P < 0.001). It was lowest in W1 (7.0 g/kg), greatest in W2 (7.9 g/kg), and intermediate in W3+ (7.5 g/kg; P < 0.001) because milk production increased faster than feed intake capacity did. It was lower for P3+ (6.7 g/kg) and P2 sows (7.3 g/kg) than P1 sows (8.3 g/kg) due to the greater feed intake of multiparous sows. The SID lysine requirement per kg of feed was met for 80% of sows when supplies were 112 and 120% of the mean population requirement on farm A and B, respectively, indicating higher variability in requirements on farm B. Other amino acid and mineral requirements were influenced in the same way as SID lysine. The present modeling approach allows to capture individual variability in the performance of sows and litters according to farm, stage of lactation, and parity. It is an initial step in the development of new types of models able to process historical farm data (e.g., for ex post assessment of nutrient requirements) and real-time data (e.g., to control precision feeding).
Sublethal Effects of Insect Growth Regulators on Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Rolim Guilherme G , Barros Eduardo M , Barbosa Paulo R R , Arruda Lucas S , Torres Jorge B
Published: May 2019

Immature stages of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boh. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), develop protected inside cotton fruiting structures. Therefore, the adult beetles have become the main target of insecticide applications. The use of insect growth regulators (IGRs) is recommended against immatures, even though they may also affect the survival and reproductive traits of adult insects. The present study evaluated the impact of a juvenile hormone analog (pyriproxyfen), an ecdysteroid agonist (methoxyfenozide), and a chitin biosynthesis inhibitor (lufenuron) on adult cotton boll weevils, a key cotton pest. Mated and virgin beetles were treated by feeding them contaminated squares and cotton leaf discs that were previously immersed into pyriproxyfen, methoxyfenozide, and lufenuron solutions at field-rate concentrations. After exposure, treated couples were caged onto cotton plants, and survival, fecundity, and egg viability were evaluated. The IGRs neither affected the survival nor fecundity of adult boll weevils. On the other hand, egg viability was significantly reduced by lufenuron, regardless of whether the females were treated premating or postmating or whether their pairs were either treated or untreated. However, egg viability increased as the females aged since the initial exposure date to lufenuron, indicating a potential transovarial effect of this insecticide. Our results indicate that pyriproxyfen and methoxyfenozide do not affect adult boll weevils, whereas lufenuron temporarily reduces the egg viability of this key cotton pest.
Phytoglobin overexpression promotes barley growth in the presence of enhanced level of atmospheric nitric oxide
Authors: Zhang Jiangli , Buegger Franz , Albert Andreas , Ghirardo Andrea , Winkler Barbro , Schnitzler Jörg-Peter , Hebelstrup Kim Henrik , Durner Jörg , Lindermayr Christian
Published: May 2019

To investigate the effect of high atmospheric NO concentrations on crop plants and the role of phytoglobins under these conditions, we performed a long-term study on barley ‘Golden Promise’ wild type (WT), class 1 phytoglobin knockdown (HvPgb1.1−) and class 1 phytoglobin overexpression (HvPgb1.1+) lines. Plants were cultivated with nitrogen-free nutrient solution during the entire growth period and were fumigated with different NO concentration (ambient, 800, 1500, and 3000 ppb). Analysis of fresh weight, stem number, chlorophyll content, and effective quantum yield of PSII showed that NO fumigation promoted plant growth and tillering significantly in the HvPgb1.1+ line. After 80 d of NO fumigation, dry matter weight, spikes number, kernel number, and plant kernel weight were significantly increased in HvPgb1.1+ plants with increasing NO concentration. In contrast, yield decreased in WT and HvPgb1.1− plants the higher the NO level. Application of atmospheric 15NO and 15NO2 demonstrated NO specificity of phytoglobins. 15N from 15NO could be detected in RNA, DNA, and proteins of barley leaves and the 15N levels were significantly higher in HvPgb1.1+ plants in comparison with HvPgb1.1− and WT plants. Our results demonstrate that overexpression of phytoglobins allows plants to more efficiently use atmospheric NO as N source.
Enzyme-free optical DNA mapping of the human genome using competitive binding
Authors: Müller Vilhelm , Dvirnas Albertas , Andersson John , Singh Vandana , KK Sriram , Johansson Pegah , Ebenstein Yuval , Ambjörnsson Tobias , Westerlund Fredrik
Published: May 2019

Optical DNA mapping (ODM) allows visualization of long-range sequence information along single DNA molecules. The data can for example be used for detecting long range structural variations, for aiding DNA sequence assembly of complex genomes and for mapping epigenetic marks and DNA damage across the genome. ODM traditionally utilizes sequence specific marks based on nicking enzymes, combined with a DNA stain, YOYO-1, for detection of the DNA contour. Here we use a competitive binding approach, based on YOYO-1 and netropsin, which highlights the contour of the DNA molecules, while simultaneously creating a continuous sequence specific pattern, based on the AT/GC variation along the detected molecule. We demonstrate and validate competitive-binding-based ODM using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) derived from the human genome and then turn to DNA extracted from white blood cells. We generalize our findings with in-silico simulations that show that we can map a vast majority of the human genome. Finally, we demonstrate the possibility of combining competitive binding with enzymatic labeling by mapping DNA damage sites induced by the cytotoxic drug etoposide to the human genome. Overall, we demonstrate that competitive-binding-based ODM has the potential to be used both as a standalone assay for studies of the human genome, as well as in combination with enzymatic approaches, some of which are already commercialized.
Differential trajectories of neurocognitive functioning in females versus males following treatment for pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Bledsoe Jesse C , Breiger David , Breiger Micah , Shonka Sophia , Ermoian Ralph P , Ojemann Jeffrey G , Werny David M , Leary Sarah E S , Geyer J Russell
Published: May 2019

Background

Female and male trajectories of cerebellar and lobar brain structures are sexually dimorphic, making sex a potential candidate moderator of neurocognitive late effects from radiation treatment. We sought to evaluate longitudinal neurocognitive functioning in male versus female children treated for posterior fossa brain tumors.

Methods

Fifty-one female and 63 male survivors of posterior fossa tumors completed neuropsychological testing at 2 timepoints. We included patients treated with surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Multilevel mixed modeling was used to predict IQ score as a function of patient sex following treatment (~2 or ~4 years post treatment). Effect sizes were used as a measure of clinical significance.

Results

Multilevel models resulted in a significant sex by time interaction (F = 6.69, P = 0.011). Females’ cognitive scores were considerably higher compared with males at 4 years posttreatment. Females demonstrated an average improvement of 7.61 standard score IQ points compared with a decline of 2.97 points for males at 4 years follow-up. Effect sizes for female IQ compared with male IQ at 4 years posttreatment were between 0.8 and 0.9.

Conclusion

Trajectories of neurocognitive functioning following posterior fossa tumor treatment differed between female and male children. Sexual dimorphism in radiation late effects may alter treatment decisions in children. Research into sex-specific neuroprotective mechanisms underlying neurocognitive development following pediatric brain tumor treatments is warranted.
How Is Exposure to Tobacco Outlets Within Activity Spaces Associated With Daily Tobacco Use Among Youth? A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Kowitt Sarah D , Lipperman-Kreda Sharon
Published: May 2019

Introduction

We investigated associations between exposure to tobacco outlets within activity spaces and daily tobacco use, and whether exposure to adults or peers using tobacco mediate these relationships.

Methods

We used Geographic Ecological Momentary Assessment data over 14 days from 85 youth aged 16–20 years in eight mid-sized California city areas. Tobacco outlet addresses and global positioning systems locations were geocoded and activity spaces were constructed by joining sequential points. We assessed daily number of tobacco outlets within 50 or 100 m of activity space polylines and number of minutes participants were within 50 or 100 m of tobacco outlets each day; daily use of tobacco; and whether participants saw (1) adults and (2) people their age (peers) using tobacco each day.

Results

Controlling for demographics, results of multilevel structural equation models showed no association between number of tobacco outlets within 50 m of polylines and tobacco use (probit regression coefficient: 0.01, p = .82). However, we found evidence of an indirect effect (p = .001) through daily exposure to peers using tobacco. Specifically, greater number of tobacco outlets within 50 m of polylines was positively associated with seeing peers use tobacco (probit regression coefficient: 0.10, p < .001). In turn, seeing peers use tobacco was positively associated with tobacco use on that day (probit regression coefficient: 2.23, p < .001). Similar results were found for number of tobacco outlets within 100 m of polylines.

Conclusions

Exposure to tobacco outlets within activity spaces affects youth tobacco use through daily exposure to peers who use tobacco.

Implications

Using real-time-ordered data, this article examines whether exposure to adults and peers using tobacco mediate associations between exposure to tobacco outlets within activity spaces and daily tobacco use among youth. Results suggest that exposure to tobacco outlets within activity spaces affects daily tobacco use through exposure to peers who use tobacco. These findings provide additional significant support for policy makers who are considering regulating the number and density of tobacco retailers and point to the importance of interventions focused on peer tobacco use and youths’ daily environments to reduce tobacco use.
Rice DNA-Binding One Zinc Finger 24 (OsDOF24) Delays Leaf Senescence in a Jasmonate-Mediated Pathway
Authors: Shim Yejin , Kang Kiyoon , An Gynheung , Paek Nam-Chon
Published: May 2019

Leaf senescence is the final stage of leaf development and in cereal crops, the timing of senescence relative to grain filling has major effects on agronomic traits such as yield. Although many genetic factors are involved in the regulation of leaf senescence in cereals, the key regulators remain to be determined. Plant transcription factors with a conserved DOF (DNA-binding one zinc finger) domain play roles in multiple physiological processes. Here, we show a novel function for OsDOF24 as a repressor of leaf senescence in rice (Oryza sativa). In wild-type leaves, OsDOF24 expression rapidly decreased during natural senescence (NS) and dark-induced senescence (DIS). The gain-of-function mutant osdof24-D, which contains an enhancer-trap T-DNA in the OsDOF24 promoter, exhibited delayed leaf yellowing during NS and DIS. Transgenic plants overexpressing OsDOF24 showed the same phenotype during DIS. Reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that senescence-associated genes (Osl85, Osl57 and OsNAP) and chlorophyll degradation genes (NYC1, NYC3 and SGR) were downregulated in the osdof24-D mutant during dark incubation. Among the phytohormones, only methyl jasmonate induced OsDOF24 expression. Furthermore, the reduced expression of jasmonate biosynthesis-related genes (OsLOX2, OsLOX8, OsHI-LOX, OsAOS1 and OsAOS2) in osdof24-D decreased endogenous jasmonate levels, resulting in delayed leaf senescence under DIS conditions. Yeast one-hybrid assays showed that OsDOF24 binds to the promoter region of OsAOS1. Taken together, our results demonstrate that OsDOF24 suppresses the induction of leaf senescence during vegetative growth by deactivating jasmonate biosynthetic pathways.
Safety of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lapumnuaypol K , DiMaria C , Chiasakul T
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are effective treatment for venous thromboembolism. However, safety data in patients with cirrhosis are limited. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety of DOACs compared with warfarin or low-molecular weight heparin in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception up to June 2018. We included prospective and retrospective studies involving adults ≥18 years with cirrhosis in whom anticoagulants were indicated for any indications. Primary outcome was all-cause bleeding events. Secondary outcome was major bleeding. Pooled risk ratio, pooled odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects model.

Results

Five studies with a total of 447 patients were included in the analysis. When compared with controls, the use of DOACs in cirrhotic patients did not show a significant difference in all-cause bleeding (risk ratio 0.72; 95% CI, 0.32–1.63). There was also no significant difference in major bleeding between both groups (odd ratio 0.46; 95% CI, 0.10–2.09).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that, compared to those who were treated with traditional anticoagulants, cirrhotic patients who were treated with DOACs had no significant increase risk of all-cause bleeding and major bleeding.
Large variation in branch and branch-tip hydraulic functional traits in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) approaching lower treeline
Authors: Condo Theresa K , Reinhardt Keith
Published: May 2019

Few studies have quantified intraspecific variation of hydraulic functional traits in conifers across elevation gradients that include range boundaries. In the Intermountain West, USA, the lower elevational limit of forests (lower treeline) is generally assumed to be caused by water limitations to growth and water relations, yet few studies directly show this. To test this assumption, we measured changes in a suite of traits that characterize drought tolerance such as drought-induced hydraulic vulnerability, hydraulic transport capacity and morphological traits in branch tips and branches of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Mirb.) Franco) along a 400-m elevation gradient in southeastern Idaho that included lower treeline. As elevation decreased, vulnerability to hydraulic dysfunction and maximum conductivity both decreased in branches; some hydraulic safety–efficiency trade-offs were evident. In branch tips, the water potential at the turgor loss point decreased, while maximum conductance increased with decreasing elevation, highlighting that branch-tip-level responses to less moisture availability accompanied by warmer temperatures might not be coordinated with branch responses. As the range boundary was approached, we did not observe non-linear changes in parameters among sites or increased variance within sites, which current ecological hypotheses on range limits suggest. Our results indicate that there is substantial plasticity in hydraulic functional traits in branch tips and branches of Douglas-fir, although the direction of the trends along the elevation gradient sometimes differed between organs. Such plasticity may mitigate the negative impacts of future drought on Douglas-fir productivity, slowing shifts in its range that are expected to occur with climate change.
Seasonal gas exchange and resource-use efficiency in evergreen versus deciduous species from a tropical dry forest
Authors: Ávila-Lovera Eleinis , Urich Rosa , Coronel Ilsa , Tezara Wilmer
Published: May 2019

Tropical dry forests (TDFs) experience a long dry season in which plant species are subject to several months of water deficit. However, TDFs maintain a diverse group of plant life forms, growth forms and leaf phenology, and it is not clear how they vary in their mechanisms for coping with seasonal drought. We studied seasonal changes in leaf water potential (Ψleaf), gas exchange, photochemical activity and functional traits in evergreen and drought-deciduous species from a TDF to determine if leaf phenology mediates plant responses to drought. We found seasonal decreases in Ψleaf, stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (E), and increases in both intrinsic and instantaneous water-use efficiency. We did not find seasonal differences in photosynthetic rate (Aarea) and carbon isotope composition (δ13C); however, these traits differed between leaf phenology groups, with drought-deciduous plants having higher Aarea and δ13C than evergreen plants. We also found that plants with high leaf nitrogen concentration (Narea) also had low mass-based photosynthetic rate (Amass), photosynthetic-nitrogen-use efficiency and specific leaf area, contrary to the expected relationships given by the leaf economics spectrum. Despite higher Narea, sclerophyllous leaves maintained lower Amass, and this increased structural toughness of leaves may be imposing a stronger limitation for CO2 diffusion and hence photosynthesis. Overall, we found more water-conservative traits in deciduous than in evergreen plants, contrary to what is known about these two leaf phenology groups in other seasonal sites both at tropical and temperate latitudes.
Call Me Maybe: Experimental Evidence on Frequency and Medium Effects in Microenterprise Surveys
Authors: Garlick Robert , Orkin Kate , Quinn Simon
Published: May 2019

This study analyzes the effects of differences in survey frequency and medium on microenterprise survey data. A sample of enterprises were randomly assigned to monthly in-person, weekly in-person, or weekly phone surveys for a 12-week panel. The results show few differences across the groups in measured means, distributions, and deviations of measured data from an objective data-quality standard provided by Benford’s Law. However, phone interviews generated higher within-enterprise variation through time in several variables and may be more sensitive to social desirability bias. Higher-frequency interviews did not lead to persistent changes in reporting or increase permanent attrition from the panel but did increase the share of missed interviews. These findings show that collecting high-frequency survey data by phone does not substantially affect data quality. However, researchers who are particularly interested in within-enterprise dynamics should exercise caution when choosing survey medium.
The Effect of Leaf Wetness on Phytophthora ramorum Zoospore Infection of Rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’ and Viburnum tinus
Authors: Tooley Paul W. , Browning Marsha
Published: May 2019

We performed studies using zoospore inoculum combined from nine isolates of Phytophthora ramorum and determined the effect of leaf wetness on infection of whole plants of Rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’ and Viburnum tinus. The mean percentage of infected leaves for both host species increased gradually across a dew chamber moisture period of 1 to 6 h, reaching approximately 80% infection by 6 h. We also evaluated the effect of a postinoculation drying period on infectivity of the two host species with zoospore inoculum. With a 30-min postinoculation drying period, Rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’ sustained less than 40% infected leaves, whereas V. tinus had an infection rate of almost 75% infected leaves. Disease percentages for both host species declined sharply with drying periods longer than 30 min. Knowledge of infectivity parameters for P. ramorum will provide a better understanding of epidemic development and lead to improved recommendations for control.
Placenta Percreta is Associated With More Frequent Severe Maternal Morbidity than Placenta Accreta
Authors: Marcellin L. , Delorme P. , Bonnet M.P. , Grange G. , Kayem G. , Tsatsaris V. , Goffinet F.
Published: May 2019

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;219:193.e1–193.e9)

Abnormally invasive placentation is the leading cause of obstetric hysterectomy and can lead to poor maternal outcomes as a result of hemorrhage. Of concern is the rise in the incidence of invasive placentation affecting 0.17% to 0.34% of all deliveries. Prior studies of peripartum management and maternal morbidity have not distinguished between accreta/increta or percreta. The aim of this study was to compare maternal morbidity from placenta percreta and accreta and to compare outcomes when managed conservatively versus planned cesarean hysterectomy.
Pregnancy and Childbirth After Sexual Trauma: Patient Perspectives and Care Preferences
Authors: Sobel L. , OʼRourke-Suchoff D. , Holland E. , Remis K. , Resnick K. , Perkins R. , Bell S.
Published: May 2019

(Obstet Gynecol. 2018;132:1461–1468)

Although recommendations do exist, there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines for the care of women with a history of sexual trauma. Current literature, which consists predominantly of qualitative studies, supports the use of trauma-informed care, defined as the recognition of the prevalence of trauma, acknowledgment of the role trauma may have played, and integration of that knowledge into treatment. In order to identify effective trauma-informed care practices, the authors of the present study interviewed women with a history of sexual trauma and discussed their preferences regarding pregnancy and the childbirth experience.
Exploring metabolic reprogramming in melanoma via acquired resistance to the oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor phenformin
Authors: Pistoni Mariaelena , Tondelli Giulia , Gallo Cristina , Torricelli Federica , Maresca Alessandra , Carelli Valerio , Ciarrocchi Alessia , Dallaglio Katiuscia
Published: May 2019

Therapeutic failures in cancer therapy are often associated with metabolic plasticity. The use of metabolic modulators as anti-cancer agents has been effective in correcting metabolic alterations; however, molecular events behind metabolic switch are still largely unexplored. Herein, we characterize the molecular and functional events that follow prolonged oxidative phosphorylation inhibition by phenformin in order to study how melanoma cells adapt to this specific metabolic pressure. We show that melanoma cells cultured up to 3 months with high doses of phenformin (R-cells) are less viable and migrate and invade less than parental (S-) cells. Microarray analysis of R-melanoma cells reveals a switch in the energy production strategy accompanied by the modulation of several immunological-associated genes. R-cells display low oxygen consumption rate and high basal extracellular acidification rate. When treated with vemurafenib, R-cell viability, growth and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation decrease. Finally, phenformin withdrawal reverts R-cells phenotype. In summary, our study provides an in vitro model of on-off metabolic switch in melanoma and reveals interesting molecular signatures controlling metabolic reprogramming in this tumour.
Acellular Dermal Matrix Reduces Myofibroblast Presence in the Breast Capsule
Authors: Tevlin Ruth , Borrelli Mimi R. , Irizarry Dre , Nguyen Dung , Wan Derrick C. , Momeni Arash
Published: May 2019

Background:

Capsular contracture remains a common complication after implant-based breast reconstruction. Previous work has suggested that the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) reduces the rate of capsular contracture, though little is understood about the underlying mechanism. As myofibroblasts are believed to be the key cells implicated in contracture formation, we hypothesized that ADM would result in a reduction in periprosthetic myofibroblast concentration.

Methods:

Five patients who underwent immediate prepectoral tissue expander placement with anterior ADM coverage and an inferior cuff were included. At the second stage, tissue samples were obtained of both ADM and capsule from each reconstructed breast. Samples were then prepared for hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for myofibroblast identification (alpha smooth muscle actin and vimentin positive and desmin negative) and analysis. Experimental values are presented as mean ± SD unless otherwise stated. Statistical significance was determined using unpaired t test.

Results:

Successful incorporation of ADM was noted in all cases. A significant reduction in myofibroblast concentration was noted in the ADM versus the capsule (P = 0.0018). This was paralleled by significantly thicker periprosthetic capsule formation overlying the formerly raw pectoralis major muscle, that is, not covered by ADM (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

In the presence of ADM, there are significantly fewer myofibroblasts in breast capsules and thinner capsules on histology. Given the central role of myofibroblasts in the development of clinically significant capsular contracture, this study unmasks a possible mechanism for the protective effect of ADM with respect to capsular contracture development.
Organizational characteristics associated with high performance on quality measures in pediatric primary care: A positive deviance study
Authors: Goff Sarah L. , Mazor Kathleen M. , Priya Aruna , Moran Michael , Pekow Penelope S. , Lindenauer Peter K.
Published: May 2019

Background

Pediatric health care quality in the United States varies, but the reasons for variation are not fully understood. Differences in pediatric practices’ organizational characteristics, such as organizational structures, strategies employed to improve quality, and other contextual factors, may contribute to the variation observed.

Purpose

To assess the relationship between organizational characteristics and performance on clinical quality (CQ) and patient experience (PE) measures in primary care pediatric practices in Massachusetts.

Methodology

A 60-item questionnaire that assessed the presence of selected organizational characteristics was sent to 172 pediatric practice managers in Massachusetts between December 2017 and February 2018. The associations between select organizational characteristics and publicly available CQ and PE scores were analyzed using analysis of variance; open-ended survey questions were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Eighty-six practices (50.0%) responded; 80 (46.5%) were included in the primary analysis. Having a quality champion (p = .03), offering co-located specialty services (e.g., behavioral health; p = .04), being a privately owned practice (p = .04), believing that patients and families feel respected (p = .03), and having a lower percentage of patients (10%–25%) covered by public health insurance (p = .04) were associated with higher CQ scores. Higher PE scores were associated with private practice ownership (p = .0006). Qualitative analysis suggested organizational culture and external factors, such as health care finance, may affect quality.

Conclusions

Both modifiable organizational practices and factors external to a practice may affect quality of care. Addressing differences in practice performance may not be reducible to implementation of changes in single organizational characteristics.

Practice Implications

Pediatric practices seeking to improve quality of care may wish to adopt the strategies that were associated with higher performance on quality measures, but additional studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms behind these associations and how they relate to each other.
A Matter of Trust and Distrust: A Qualitative Investigation of Parents' Perceptions About the Use of Mechanical Restraint on Their Adult Children in a Forensic Psychiatric Setting
Authors: Tingleff Ellen Boldrup , Hounsgaard Lise , Bradley Stephen K. , Wilson Rhonda L. , Gildberg Frederik A.
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Increased knowledge about forensic psychiatric patients' relatives' perceptions in regard to the use of mechanical restraint (MR) is necessary, if clinical practice is to be improved and to achieve a reduction in the use and frequency of MR. However, a specific knowledge deficit about relatives' perspectives on the use of MR limits the evidence base considerably.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of MR held by relatives of forensic psychiatric patients' including factors impacting its use and duration.

Method:

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 parents of patients within a forensic psychiatry setting and thematically analyzed.

Findings:

Two main themes were identified, namely, “care and protection” and “inclusion and involvement,” and one subtheme, “information.” These themes revealed the framework used by parents to construct a sense of “trust or distrust” about the ability of staff to provide adequate and safe care for their adult children in the forensic psychiatric setting.

Conclusion:

Some parents in this study considered that forensic psychiatric staff used MR as a necessary protection. However, most parents held strong negative perceptions regarding the use of MR and the quality and safety of care provision. It is apparent that parents in this study believed they should be included and involved in the care in situations associated with the use of MR, because they considered that this could reduce its use. Further research is required to target interventions to reduce the use and duration of MR episodes and to improve clinical practice in forensic psychiatry.
Exploration of the unmet health care needs of people who inject drugs
Authors: Dion Kimberly , Chiodo Lisa , Whynott Liz , Loftus Brita , Alvarez Pedro , Shanahan Jillian , Quaglia Gabriel , Roman Antonio , Sorbi Elizabeth , Wilkins-Carmody Donna
Published: May 2019

Background and purpose:

Access to adequate health care in the United States is often hindered by an individual's location, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle. Among those underserved are people who inject drugs (PWID), who are affected by stigma and discrimination. The purpose of this study was to describe the utilization of preventative health care services obtained by PWID.

Methods:

A survey querying participants about their utilization of preventative health care services and health education over the past year was administered to PWID at 2 syringe access programs. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Conclusion:

Of the 141 participants surveyed, 60.6% saw a provider within the past year and 62.1% indicated that their provider was aware of their drug use. Data analysis revealed that providers counseled PWID on three of nine drug-related harm reduction items. Only 30% of PWID talked with their provider about five or more items. Mean number of items discussed was significantly different between PWID whose provider was aware of their drug use and PWID whose provider was unaware of drug use (t = 10.7, p < 0.001).

Implications for practice:

Results indicated that PWID are not receiving adequate preventative services or harm reduction education from their primary care provider. A need for assessment of substance use, preventative vaccinations, counseling and testing for infectious diseases, and harm reduction education is essential during health care visits. Nurse practitioners and nurses have a role in screening for and educating PWID in a variety of health care settings.
Lactate and other biomarkers as treatment target in cardiogenic shock
Authors: Fuernau Georg
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review

Cardiogenic shock remains beside sudden cardiac death the most outcome relevant complication of acute myocardial infarction. Over the last two decades as confirmation of the benefit of early revascularization no further relevant improvement in outcome could be achieved. Biomarkers are important for diagnosis, monitoring, and management in cardiogenic shock patients.

Recent findings

A bunch of different biomarkers have been associated with prognosis in patients with cardiogenic shock. In routine use standard parameters such as serum lactate or serum creatinine are still most important in monitoring these patients. These established markers outperformed novel markers in prognostic impact in recent trials.

Biomarkers serve as important treatment targets and may help physicians in therapeutic decision-making. Furthermore, the complex pathophysiology of cardiogenic shock may be better understood by investigation of different biomarkers.
Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal domain inhibitors for lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Bertoni Francesco , Stathis Anastasios
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review

Pharmacological inhibition of Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) domain proteins is a very exciting epigenetic therapeutic modality. Due to the central role of BET proteins in transcription regulation, their inhibition heavily affects lymphoma cells and BET inhibitors show a clear preclinical antitumor activity as single agents and in combination, paired with early reports of clinical activity.

Recent findings

Relevant data have been recently presented on the mechanism of action of the BET inhibitors, on modalities to improve their activity in lymphomas, and their clinical evaluation.

There are now plenty of preclinical data sustaining BET proteins as therapeutic targets in lymphomas. Newer compounds and combinations with other agents may be pursued in the future aiming also to identify those patients that they most likely benefit from BET inhibition.
Myopia Control: Why Each Diopter Matters
Authors: Bullimore Mark A. , Brennan Noel A.
Published: May 2019

SIGNIFICANCE

Reducing the incidence or prevalence of any disease by 40% is of huge public health significance. Slowing myopia by 1 diopter may do just that for myopic maculopathy—the most common and serious sight-threatening complication of myopia. There is a growing interest in slowing the progression of myopia due to its increasing prevalence around the world, the sight-threatening consequences of higher levels of myopia, and the growing evidence-based literature supporting a variety of therapies for its control. We apply data from five large population-based studies of the prevalence of myopic maculopathy on 21,000 patients. We show that a 1-diopter increase in myopia is associated with a 67% increase in the prevalence of myopic maculopathy. Restated, slowing myopia by 1 diopter should reduce the likelihood of a patient developing myopic maculopathy by 40%. Furthermore, this treatment benefit accrues regardless of the level of myopia. Thus, while the overall risk of myopic maculopathy is higher in a –6-diopter myope than in a –3-diopter myope, slowing their myopic progression by 1 diopter during childhood should lower the risk by 40% in both.