bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations in glucose concentrations affect DNA methylation at Lrg1 in an ex vivo rat cortical slice model of preterm brain injury
Authors: Cartier Jessy , Piyasena Chinthika , Sparrow Sarah A. , Boardman James P. , Drake Amanda J.
Published: January 2018

Preterm birth affects 5–18% of all babies and is associated with neurodevelopmental impairment and increased neuropsychiatric disease risk. Although preterm birth associates with differential DNA methylation at neurodevelopmental genes in buccal DNA, including leucine‐rich alpha‐2‐glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), it is not known whether these differences also occur in the brain, or whether they persist. Thus, there is a need for animal models or in vitro systems in which to undertake longitudinal and mechanistic studies. We used a combination of in vivo rat studies and ex vivo experiments in rat cortical slices to explore their utility in modelling the human preterm brain. We identified temporal changes in DNA methylation at LRG1 in human buccal DNA over the first year of life and found persistent differences in LRG1 methylation between preterm and term infants at 1 year. These developmental changes also occurred in rat brains in vivo, alongside changes in global DNA hydroxymethylation and expression of the ten‐eleven translocation (Tet1) enzyme, and were reproducible in ex vivo rat cortical slices. On the basis of the observation that neonatal glucose homeostasis can modify neurodevelopmental outcome, we studied whether glucose concentration affects Lrg1 methylation using cortical slices. Culture of slices in lower glucose concentration was associated with lower Lrg1 methylation, lower global 5hmC and Tet1 expression. Our results suggest that ex vivo organotypic cultures may be useful in the study of biological and environmental influences on the epigenome and that perturbations during early life including glucose concentration can affect methylation at specific genes implicated in neurodevelopment.
Adaptation to stimulus orientation in mouse primary visual cortex
Authors: King Jillian L. , Crowder Nathan A.
Published: January 2018

Information processing in the visual system is shaped by recent stimulus history, such that prolonged viewing of an adapting stimulus can alter the perception of subsequently presented test stimuli. In the tilt‐after‐effect, the perceived orientation of a grating is often repelled away from the orientation of a previously viewed adapting grating. A possible neural correlate for the tilt‐after‐effect has been described in cat and macaque primary visual cortex (V1), where adaptation produces repulsive shifts in the orientation tuning curves of V1 neurons. We investigated adaptation to stimulus orientation in mouse V1 to determine whether known species differences in orientation processing, notably V1 functional architecture and proportion of tightly tuned cells, are important for these repulsive shifts. Unlike the consistent repulsion reported in other species, we found that repulsion was only about twice as common as attraction in our mouse data. Furthermore, adapted responses were attenuated across all orientations. A simple model that captured key physiological findings reported in cats and mice indicated that the greater proportion of broadly tuned neurons in mice may explain the observed species differences in adaptation.
Catharsis and vicarious fear
Authors: Nanay Bence
Published: January 2018

The aim of this paper is to give a new interpretation of Aristotle's account of the emotions evoked in the course of engaging with tragic narratives that would give rise to a coherent account of catharsis. Very briefly, the proposal is that tragedy triggers vicarious (or other‐centered) emotions and catharsis is the purgation of such emotions. I argue that this interpretation of “fear and pity” as vicarious emotions is consistent with both Aristotle's account of emotions and his account of catharsis and also with his choice of examples for tragedies that trigger catharsis.
Behavioural responses of male ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus, L.) to playbacks of drumming displays
Authors: O'Neil Nicholas P. , Charrier Isabelle , Iwaniuk Andrew N.
Published: January 2018

Birds use a variety of sounds in their courtship displays, but the majority of behavioural studies have focused on vocalizations. In contrast, little is known about how non‐vocal sounds, or sonations, are used, even though many avian species produce them. The ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is a useful species to examine non‐vocal sounds because they lack vocal components in their courtship and rely on a non‐vocal sound to attract mates and defend their territory. Their courtship display, known as “drumming,” is created by the wings, and the number of pulses and speed (pulse rate) varies significantly among males. Anecdotal evidence suggested that males can affect the drumming behaviour of neighbouring males in drumming “duels” in an analogous way to song contests. Here, we test whether males do respond to the playback of drumming sounds of an unfamiliar male. Using a portable speaker system, we played recordings of drumming displays to males that were actively drumming themselves. Throughout each playback, we recorded the drumming behaviour of target males so that we could assess whether drumming activity changes following a playback as well as whether males change the speed of their display. Overall, male grouse were equally likely to approach the speaker or continue drumming following a playback. For those males that continued drumming, their drumming pulse rate was significantly faster following playbacks, but they drummed less often. These results indicate that male ruffed grouse do respond to drumming sounds, but the specific response differs among males. Because the differential response was not related to colour phase or whether a male was drumming in proximity to other males, we suggest that the response of individuals likely varies with other traits, such as hormone levels or behavioural syndrome.
Analysis of the skin mycobiome in adult patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Han Song Hee , Cheon Hye In , Hur Min Seok , Kim Min Jung , Jung Won Hee , Lee Yang Won , Choe Yong Beom , Ahn Kyu Joong
Published: January 2018

With the recent availability of culture‐independent sequencing methods, studies have been conducted to analyse skin micro‐organisms present in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the database on the skin fungal communities, “mycobiome,” has been relatively restrictive compared with the bacterial world. We aimed to comparatively analyse the overall skin mycobiome between patients with AD and healthy individuals in the Korean population. We analysed skin swab samples obtained from the antecubital fossae of 8 patients with AD and 8 healthy controls. Using sequencing method followed by direct DNA extraction and molecular PCR, taxonomic compositions of fungi at stepwise level ranks were analysed. The phylogenic marker used was internal transcribed spacer 2 regions of DNA. We observed the tendency of higher intra‐ and interpersonal taxonomic diversity at genus and species levels in AD samples. Non‐Malassezia fungal diversity was also noticeable in the patient group compared with healthy controls. Malassezia globosa and Malassezia restricta were prevalent in all samples across both study groups, and some Malassezia species, including Malassezia sloofiae and Malassezia dermatis, characterized AD. Our data might provide a new insight into the mycobiome of adult AD, which contributes to building a systemic mycobiome database in AD.
Assessment of environmental flow scenarios using state‐and‐transition models
Authors: Bond Nick R. , Grigg Nicola , Roberts Jane , McGinness Heather , Nielsen Daryl , O'Brien Matthew , Overton Ian , Pollino Carmel , Reid Julian R. W. , Stratford Danial
Published: January 2018

Numerous methods have been developed to support the assessment of environmental flow requirements for rivers. Most methods are based around models of hydrologic time series rather than models of the ecological endpoints of interest. Important limitations that arise from this include (1) an inability to represent the state dependency of response to future conditions (i.e. the effects of current ecosystem condition on future condition), (2) the inability to predict ecological states through time under alternative flow regimes and (3) limited sensitivity to compare the differences between flow regimes with similar return intervals of ecologically important events, but different sequencing of those events.

Here we outline a simple state‐and‐transition modelling approach to assess differences in ecological responses to alternative sequences of floodplain inundation events in a lowland river system. Our approach explicitly incorporates the state dependency of biotic response to flooding, thereby representing the influences of both antecedent conditions and current condition (in this case population state; good > medium > poor > critical).

Our approach thus captures the influence of the entire historical sequence of flow events via a first‐order Markov chain process. We use prior data and expert opinion to determine state transitions for a broad suite of ecological indicators. Despite being implemented with deterministic transitions, and drawing heavily on expert opinion, this approach greatly improves on existing methods used in environmental flows planning, particularly when comparing scenarios with the different sequencing of ecologically relevant flow events.

The outputs from these models are testable, and the approach is readily extensible to incorporate probabilistic state transitions and uncertainty, mechanistic links (via increased model complexity) and quantitative measures of population state (e.g. measures of abundance or tree condition). Most importantly, the adoption of such a framework represents a fundamental shift to modelling ecological endpoints rather than relying on just quantifying hydrologic surrogates to compare environmental flow scenarios.
Current protein and amino acid intakes among Japanese people: Analysis of the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Ishikawa‐Takata Kazuko , Takimoto Hidemi
Published: January 2018

Aim

To evaluate protein and amino acid intakes and distribution among Japanese people in terms of prevention of sarcopenia or frailty.

Methods

We carried out a cross‐sectional study using data from Japan’s 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey. From the original dataset, we selected individuals aged ≥30 years, who were not pregnant or lactating, and for whom dietary intake, bodyweight and body height data were available. Protein intake was calculated using exclusive software developed for the survey. Amino acid intake was calculated using the database created by the National Institute for Longevity Sciences.

Results

More than 95% of the participants met recommended levels of protein suggested by the Dietary Reference Intake in Japan. However, nearly half of the participants did not meet recommended levels in terms of prevention of sarcopenia. Leucine intake was not sufficient for each sex and age group, probably because of decreased intake of animal protein, especially protein from milk and dairy products. Distribution of protein and leucine in each meal tended toward dinner.

Conclusions

The Japanese population might have insufficient quality, quantity and distribution of protein intake required to prevent sarcopenia or frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 723–731.
Caregiver active participation in psychoeducational intervention improved caregiving skills and competency
Authors: Tang Sai‐Hung , Chio Oi‐I , Chang Ling‐Hui , Mao Hui‐Fen , Chen Li‐Hua , Yip Ping‐Keung , Hwang Jen‐Ping
Published: January 2018

Aim

To determine whether giving dementia caregivers active psychoeducational intervention is more efficacious than passive intervention for improving their caregiving skills and reducing their caregiving burden.

Methods

This study was a prospective, single‐blinded, controlled trial with 43 caregiver/person‐with‐dementia dyads. The dyads were randomly assigned to the active psychoeducational intervention (AP) group, which used role‐play, discussion, and development of problem‐solving capacity to build up their caregiving skills and competence, or the passive psychoeducational intervention (PP) group, which gave caregivers educational materials on common caregiving strategies. Primary outcomes were the levels of caregiver competence (Care Skill Inventory [CSI]), burden (Chinese Zarit Burden Inventory [CZBI]), and distress caused by the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Questionnaire [NPI‐Q]). Outcomes were assessed pre‐test, post‐test and after 3 months. Repeated measures one‐way analysis of variance was used to compare mean‐change scores between time‐points, and generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to compare groups.

Results

Post‐test or 3‐month (or both) Care Skill Inventory, Chinese Zarit Burden Inventory and Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Questionnaire distress levels were significantly (p < 0.05) better in the AP but not in the PP group. The generalized estimating equation intergroup comparison, adjusted for potential confounders, showed that Care Skill Inventory in the AP group was more significantly improved than in the PP group, and that Chinese Zarit Burden Inventory nearly reached significance.

Conclusions

Active rather than passive psychoeducation, even in a short (3 months) intervention of six visits, was more efficacious for improving caregiving competence. Future studies will require larger samples. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 750–757.
Overweight or underweight and the risk of decline in activities of daily living in a 22‐year cohort study of a Japanese sample
Authors: Okamoto Shohei , Okamura Tomonori , Sugiyama Daisuke , Hayakawa Takehito , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Miyagawa Naoko , Kurita Shuji , Takashima Naoyuki , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Kadota Aya , Fujiyoshi Akira , Miura Katsuyuki , Okayama Akira , Ueshima Hirotsugu
Published: January 2018

Aim

The present study aimed to clarify the association between body mass index (BMI) and the activities of daily living (ADL). Although BMI is likely to be concerned regarding the relationship with specific diseases or mortality, few studies have focused on the relationship of BMI and ADL.

Methods

A total of 3353 Japanese participants of a 22‐year cohort study from 1990 to 2012 aged 45–74 years at baseline were divided into four groups according to their BMI levels: ≤18.5, 18.5–21.9 (reference), 22.0–24.9 and ≥25.0 kg/m2. Outcomes were becoming dependent in ADL (including death after ADL decline) and death without observation of ADL decline as a competing risk. Sex‐specific multinomial logistic regression analysis was carried out in 2017 to estimate the odds ratios (OR) after adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol drinking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and serum albumin.

Results

After multivariable adjustment, though the relationship between BMI and risk of ADL decline was U‐shaped among women, only those with BMI ≥25.0 showed a higher risk for ADL decline (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.01–1.92) compared with the reference. The OR for death without observation of ADL decline was significantly lower for men with BMI ≥25.0 (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50–0.98).

Conclusions

This study suggests being overweight is a good predictor of future decline in ADL for women, whereas men with BMI 22.0–24.9 had lower risks of ADL decline. Appropriate management of weight in older women could prevent disabilities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 799–805
Preferable in vitro condition for maintaining faithful DNA methylation imprinting in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Matsuzawa Ayumi , Shiura Hirosuke , Sutani Akito , Ishino Fumitoshi
Published: January 2018

Epigenetic properties of cultured embryonic stem cells (ESCs), including DNA methylation imprinting, are important because they affect the developmental potential. Here, we tested a variety of culture media, including knockout serum replacement (KSR) and fetal bovine serum (FBS) with or without inhibitors of Gsk3β and Mek1/2 (2i) at various time points. In addition to the previously known passage‐dependent global changes, unexpected dynamic DNA methylation changes occurred in both maternal and paternal differentially methylated regions: under the widely used condition of KSR with 2i, a highly hypomethylated state occurred at early passages (P1–7) as well as P10, but DNA methylation increased over further passages in most conditions, except under KSR with 2i at P25. Dramatic DNA demethylation under KSR+2i until P25 was associated with upregulated Tet1 and Parp1, and their related genes, whereas 2i regulated the expressions of DNA methyltransferase‐related genes for the change in DNA methylation during the cumulative number of passages. Although DNA methylation imprinting is more labile under KSR with and without 2i, it can be more faithfully maintained under condition of cooperative FBS and 2i. Thus, our study will provide the useful information for improved epigenetic control of ESCs and iPSCs in applications in regenerative medicine.
Impact of nitrogen supply on leaf water relations and physiological traits in a set of potato (Solanum tuberosumL.) cultivars under drought stress
Authors: Meise P. , Seddig S. , Uptmoor R. , Ordon F. , Schum A.
Published: January 2018

Improved adaptation of potato to limited water availability is needed for stable yields under drought. The maintenance of the cell water status and protection of cellular components against dehydration are important for drought tolerance, and the N status of plants affects the regulation of various respective metabolic processes. A 2‐year pot trial with 17 potato cultivars was conducted under a rain‐out shelter including two water regimes and two N‐levels to investigate genotypic differences concerning osmotic adjustment (OA) and relevant biochemical traits in relation to nitrogen (N) supply. Drought stress resulted in a rapid decrease in the leaf osmotic potential. The N, protein and proline contents increased under drought, while the N protein/NKjeldahlratio decreased. Initially, total soluble sugars increased at both N‐levels but dropped back to the control level at high N‐availability under prolonged drought while remaining high in N‐deficient plants. Results indicate that potatoes have only a limited capacity of activeOAand that increasing sugar and proline concentrations are rather associated with the protection of cellular components. High N supply promoted the N protein/NKjeldahlratio at short‐term drought and enhanced proline accumulation. Significant genotypic differences were observed for all investigated traits.
Mexiletine or catheter ablation after amiodarone failure in the VANISH trial
Authors: Deyell Marc W. , Steinberg Christian , Doucette Steve , Parkash Ratika , Nault Isabelle , Gray Chris , Essebag Vidal , Gardner Martin , Sterns Laurence D. , Healey Jeff S. , Hruczkowski Tomasz , Rivard Lena , Leong‐Sit Peter , Nery Pablo B. , Sapp John L.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

In patients with ischemic heart disease and ventricular tachycardia (VT) refractory to high dose amiodarone, the two most common therapeutic options are adjunctive mexiletine therapy or catheter ablation. There are little existing data on the efficacy of these strategies. We examined the relative efficacy of adjunctive mexiletine and catheter ablation among patients enrolled in the VANISH trial.

Methods

All subjects enrolled in the VANISH trial who had VT refractory to high dose (≥ 300 mg daily) amiodarone at baseline were included. Per protocol, subjects randomized to escalated drug therapy received adjunctive mexiletine.

Results

Nineteen of the 259 patients were receiving high‐dose amiodarone at baseline and 11 were randomized to escalated therapy with mexiletine and 8 to ablation. The adjunctive mexiletine group had a higher rate of the primary composite outcome (death, VT storm, or appropriate shock) in comparison to catheter ablation (HR 6.87 [2.08–22.8]). Over 90% of the patients in the adjunctive mexiletine/group experienced a primary endpoint during a median 9.2 months’ follow‐up. There was no difference in the rate of adverse events between the two groups.

Conclusions

Mexiletine has limited efficacy in the treatment of recurrent VT despite high‐dose amiodarone therapy, in patients with ischemic heart disease. Catheter ablation is a superior strategy in this population.
Development of an online, universal, Utstein registry‐based, care practice report card to improve out‐of‐hospital resuscitation practices
Authors: Baert Valentine , Escutnaire Joséphine , Nehme Ziad , Mols Pierre , Lagadec Steven , Vilhelm Christian , Jacob Line , Wiel Eric , Adnet Frédéric , Hubert Hervé ,   on behalf GR‐RéAC
Published: January 2018

Rationale, aims and objectives

Care quality is a primary concern in health field. In France, the care practice report card (CPRC) is compulsory for practitioners. It is the first step towards the culture of excellence. In this context, practitioners have to assess and improve their practices. Competent authorities define registries as reliable sources for CPRC. The first aim of this work is to describe how we designed and built a universally transposable CPRC model based on an Utstein‐style cardiac arrest registry. The second aim is to measure the adherence of practitioners to this approach and to show how such a tool can be used in real situation.

Methods

Our report card is adapted from in‐hospital CA care quality and safety indicators. We built a 2‐section grid. The first part described the quality and completeness of the analysed data. The second part distinguished medical and traumatic CA and assesses care practices. We analysed the practitioners' adherence thanks to a satisfaction survey. Finally, we presented a CPRC case study.

Results

This tool was tested in 92 centres gathering 8433 patients. The satisfaction survey showed that this CPRC was well accepted by emergency professionals. We presented an implementation example of this tool in a centre in real‐life situation.

Conclusions

We designed and implemented a fully automated CPRC tool routinely usable for Utstein‐style CA registries. This CPRC is easily transferable in all other Utstein CA registries. The debriefing report source codes are freely distributed upon request. This tool enables the care assessment and improvement.
Where Are Antipsychotics Prescribed in Nursing Homes Initiated?
Authors: Zhang Yan , Letuchy Elena M. , Carnahan Ryan M.
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVES

To describe the settings of care in which antipsychotics that nursing home (NH) residents received were likely to have been initiated.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional.

SETTING

Iowa NHs.

PARTICIPANTS

Fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries who had NH stays between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2014, and had new use of antipsychotics during their NH stays, defined as no antipsychotic use in NHs in the last 6 months.

MEASUREMENTS

A linked dataset of Chronic Condition Data Warehouse Medicare claims and Long‐Term Care Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 was used to determine care settings of antipsychotic initiations.

RESULTS

Of 7,496 residents with new antipsychotic use in NHs, 4,794 (64.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 62.9–65.0%) initiated them in NHs, 1,392 (18.6%, 95% CI 17.7–19.5%) appeared to have had them initiated in hospitals, and 1,310 (17.5%, 95% CI = 16.6–18.3%) had antipsychotics first dispensed as outpatients. Antipsychotics were commonly prescribed during the early NH stays, and 3,026 (40.4%, 95% CI = 39.3–41.5%) of the entire sample received antipsychotic therapy within the first 7 days after NH admissions. Fifty‐eight percent (n = 4,348) of the study residents initiating antipsychotics had potentially appropriate antipsychotic indications according toMDS records.

CONCLUSION

Most residents initiated antipsychotic therapy in NHs, confirming that NH providers are appropriate primary target of interventions to reduce antipsychotic initiation in their residents. However, many antipsychotics were continued from other settings, indicating a need to evaluate the necessity of continued antipsychotic treatment after such transitions of care. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:1082–1088: 2018.
Environmental Implications of Future Demand Scenarios for Metals: Methodology and Application to the Case of Seven Major Metals
Authors: Van der Voet Ester , Van Oers Lauran , Verboon Miranda , Kuipers Koen
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we develop a method to assess the environmental impacts of metal scenarios. The method is life cycle based, but enables forward looking and upscaling. The method aims at translating metal demand scenarios into technology‐specific supply scenarios, necessary to make the translation into environmental impacts. To illustrate the different steps of the methodology, we apply it to the case of seven major metals. Demand scenarios for seven major metals are taken from literature. We translate those into technology‐specific supply scenarios, and future time series of environmental impacts are specified including recycling rates, energy system transformation, efficiency improvement, and ore grade decline. We show that the method is applicable and may lead to relevant and, despite many uncertainties, fairly robust results. The projections show that the environmental impacts related to metal production are expected to increase steeply. Iron is responsible for the majority of impacts and emissions are relatively unaffected by changes in the production and energy system. For the other metals, the energy transition may have substantial benefits. By far, the most effective option for all metals appears to be to increase the share of secondary production. This would reduce emissions, but is expected to become effective only in the second half of the twenty‐first century. The circular economy agenda for metals is therefore a long‐term agenda, similar to climate change: Action must be taken soon while benefits will become apparent only at the long term.
Raise Rates to Raise Inflation? Neo‐Fisherianism in the New Keynesian Model
Authors: GARÍN JULIO , LESTER ROBERT , SIMS ERIC
Published: January 2018

Increasing the inflation target in a New Keynesian (NK) model may require increasing, rather than decreasing, the nominal interest rate in the short run. We refer to this positive short‐run comovement between the nominal rates and inflation conditional on a nominal shock as Neo‐Fisherianism. We show that the NK model is more likely to be Neo‐Fisherian the more persistent is the change in the inflation target and the more flexible are prices. Neo‐Fisherianism is driven by the forward‐looking nature of the model. Modifications that make the framework less forward‐looking make it less likely for the model to exhibit Neo‐Fisherianism.
Retinoic acid signalling is a candidate regulator of the expression of pituitary‐specific transcription factor Prop1 in the developing rodent pituitary
Authors: Yoshida S. , Fujiwara K. , Nishihara H. , Kato T. , Yashiro T. , Kato Y.
Published: January 2018

Development of the anterior pituitary proceeds via spatiotemporal patterning of transcription factors and signalling molecules. Among them, retinoic acid (RA) functions as an important signalling molecule for vertebrate organogenesis in many tissues. However, little is known regarding the target genes in the developing pituitary. The present study aimed to clarify the relationship between endogenous RA signalling and mRNA expression of the pituitary‐specific transcription factor Prop1 in the pituitary primordium of Rathke's pouch. Gene expression analysis and in situ hybridisation demonstrated that retinaldehyde dehydrogenases (Raldhs) and all types of RA receptors (Rars) are expressed at the level of transcription in the rat Rathke's pouch. Ex vivo organ culture using Rathke's pouch and an in vitro reporter assay demonstrated that RA signalling increases the expression level of Prop1 via RARα. Moreover, a reporter assay using serial truncated constructs of the 5′‐upstream region of mouse Prop1 revealed a predicted cis‐regulatory element of RARα. This is the first report of a relationship between RA signalling and Prop1‐expression during early pituitary development.
Maternal and child health nurses work with refugee families: Perspectives from regional Victoria, Australia
Authors: Willey Suzanne M , Cant Robyn P , Williams Allison , McIntyre Meredith
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore service provision for Victorian regional refugee families from the perspective of maternal and child health nurses.

Background

Increasingly, more families from a refugee background are resettling in regional Victoria. The refugee journey has significant effect on families. Refugee families with infants and young children can be provided with support by maternal and child health services; however, many families experience barriers to ongoing engagement with this service.

Design

This descriptive study used focus group and questionnaire. A purposive sample of 26 maternal and child health nurses was drawn from six municipalities throughout regional Victoria, where higher numbers of people from a refugee background resettle. Six focus groups were held in 2014. Audio‐recorded narratives were transcribed, prior to inductive thematic analysis.

Methods

This descriptive study used focus group and questionnaire. A purposive sample of 26 Maternal and Child Health nurses was drawn from six municipalities throughout regional Victoria where higher numbers of people from a refugee background resettle. Six focus groups were held in 2014. Audio‐recorded narratives were transcribed verbatim, prior to inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Participating nurses were experienced nurses, averaging 12 years in the service. Four major themes emerged from thematic analysis: “How to identify women from a refugee background”; “The Maternal and Child Health nurse role when working with families from a refugee background”; “Interpreting issues”; and “Access to other referral agencies.” Nurses worked to develop a relationship with families, attending to a complex mix of issues which were complicated by language barriers. Nurses found their role in supporting refugee families required additional time and more home visits.

Conclusions

To provide best practice, maternal and child health nurses need (i) ongoing professional development; (ii) time, flexibility and creativity to build relationships with refugee families and (iii) better access to services that enhance communication, such as interpreting services and translated resources.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses require ongoing professional development to help them address the multifaceted needs of families of refugee background. With limited resources available in regional areas, accessing further education can be challenging. Distance education models and organisational support could provide nurses with educational opportunities aimed at improving service provision and clinical practice.
The Pēpi‐Pod study: Overnight video, oximetry and thermal environment while using an in‐bed sleep device for sudden unexpected death in infancy prevention
Authors: Tipene‐Leach David , Baddock Sally A , Williams Sheila M , Tangiora Angeline , Jones Raymond , McElnay Caroline , Taylor Barry J
Published: January 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the potential risks and benefits of sleeping infants in a Pēpi‐Pod distributed to families with high risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy compared to a bassinet.

Methods

Forty‐five mostly indigenous Māori mothers who were referred by local health providers to receive a Pēpi‐Pod were surveyed at recruitment, 1 and 3 months. A sleep study at 1 month included infrared video, oximetry and temperature measures.

Results

When compared with 89 historical bassinet controls, an intention‐to‐treat analysis of questionnaires showed no increase in direct bed sharing but demonstrated significantly less sharing of the maternal bedroom at both interviews, with the majority of those not sleeping in the maternal bedroom, actually sleeping in the living room. The 1 month ‘as‐used’ analysis showed poorer maternal sleep quality. The ‘as‐used’ analysis of video data (24 Pēpi‐Pod and 113 bassinet infants) also showed no increase in direct bed sharing, head covering or prone/side sleep position. Differences in oxygen saturation were not significant, but heart rate was higher in the Pēpi‐Pod infants by 8.37 bpm (95% confidence interval 4.40, 12.14). Time in the thermal comfort zone was not different between groups despite Pēpi‐Pod infants being situated in significantly warmer rooms.

Conclusions

Overall, we found that most differences in infant risk behaviours in a Pēpi‐Pod compared to a bassinet were small, with confidence intervals excluding meaningful differences. We noted poorer maternal sleep quality at 1 month. Higher infant heart rates in the Pēpi‐Pod group may be related to higher room temperatures. The Pēpi‐Pod appears physiologically safe but is associated with lower reported maternal sleep quality.
Occurrence and correlations of nematodes, Fusarium oxysporum and edaphic factors on banana plantations
Authors: Almeida Nayane Oliveira , Teixeira Renato Andrade , Carneiro Franciele Alves , de Oliveira Camilla Martins , Ribeiro Victor Alves , Lobo Júnior Murillo , Rocha Mara Rúbia da
Published: January 2018

Problems caused by nematodes and Fusarium wilt (Panama disease) on banana plantations are responsible for yield losses and are limiting to its cultivation. In the state of Goias, there is little information about the nematode occurence on this crop, and its relation with the incidence of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc). This research had the purpose to identify the occurrence of plant‐parasitic nematodes on banana plantations and to verify its correlation with the Fusarium wilt and with the soil attributes (pH, texture, nutrients). Twelve banana orchards in the state of Goias were sampled in the municipalities of Anapolis, Caiaponia, Goiatuba, Itaguaru, Itumbiara (two areas), Jatai, Morrinhos, Ouro Verde, Palestina, Taquaral and Uruana. All sampled areas, except Morrinhos, revealed contamination with Foc, and all areas had different genera of nematodes either in the soil or in the roots samples. Meloidogyne sp., Helicotylenchus sp. and Rotylenchus sp. were the main genera of plant‐parasitic nematodes found in the samples, with Meloidogyne sp. and Rotylenchus sp. being the most dominant and abundant genera. The presence of Pratylenchus sp. increases the population levels of F. oxysporum. Helicotylenchus sp. is highly correlated with high concentrations of Mn. High population density of Meloidogyne sp. was found in irrigated areas with low concentrations of P, Ca, Mg and soil pH.
Prevalence and disease associations in feline thrombocytopenia: a retrospective study of 194 cases
Authors: Ellis J. , Bell R. , Barnes D.C. , Miller R.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of thrombocytopenia in a referral population of cats in the UK, to identify disease processes associated with thrombocytopenia and to assess the proportion of thrombocytopenic cats that tested positive for feline leukaemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of medical records at a UK referral hospital. Cats were grouped by mechanism of thrombocytopenia and disease process (where known).

Results

Prevalence of thrombocytopenia was 5·9%. The most common disease processes associated with thrombocytopenia were haematological or infectious disease and neoplasia; 11% of thrombocytopenic cats tested were positive for feline leukaemia virus, which is lower than reported previously. Cats presenting with unexplained haemorrhage had significantly lower platelet counts than other thrombocytopenic cats. Primary immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia was less commonly diagnosed than in dogs and associated with the most severe platelet depletion in this study.

Clinical Significance

Thrombocytopenia in cats may be more prevalent than previously reported and severe thrombocytopenia may be associated with spontaneous haemorrhage. Severe thrombocytopenia in cats appears less commonly immune‐mediated than in dogs. Thrombocytopenia did not appear to be associated with retroviral infections.
PCR evaluation of selected vector‐borne pathogens in dogs with pericardial effusion
Authors: Tabar M.‐D. , Movilla R. , Serrano L. , Altet L. , Francino O. , Roura X.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To investigate evidence for selected vector‐borne pathogen infections in dogs with pericardial effusion living in a Mediterranean area in which several canine vector‐borne diseases are endemic.

Materials and Methods

Archived EDTA blood (n=68) and pericardial fluid samples (n=58) from dogs with pericardial effusion (n=68) were included. Dogs without pericardial effusion examined for other reasons were included as controls (n=60). Pericardial effusion was classified as neoplastic in 40 dogs, idiopathic in 23 dogs and of unknown aetiology in 5 dogs. Real‐time PCR was performed for Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma species, Hepatozoon canis, Babesia species, Rickettsia species and Bartonella species, and sequencing of PCR products from positive samples was used to confirm species specificity.

Results

Vector‐borne pathogens were found in 18 dogs: 16 of 68 dogs with pericardial effusion (23·5%) and two of 60 control dogs (3·3%). Positive dogs demonstrated DNA of Leishmania infantum (n=7), Anaplasma platys (n=2, one dog coinfected with Leishmania infantum), Babesia canis (n=5), Babesia gibsoni (n=3) and Hepatozoon canis (n=2). Vector‐borne pathogens were more commonly detected among dogs with pericardial effusion than controls (P=0·001). There was no relationship between aetiology of the pericardial effusion and evidence of vector‐borne pathogens (P=0·932).

Clinical Significance

Vector‐borne pathogens are often detected in dogs with pericardial effusion and require further investigation, especially in dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion. PCR can provide additional information about the potential role of vector‐borne pathogens in dogs with pericardial effusion living in endemic areas.
Tracking the Real‐Time Evolution of a Writing Event: Second Language Writers at Different Proficiency Levels
Authors: Gánem‐Gutiérrez Gabriela Adela , Gilmore Alexander
Published: January 2018

The current study focused on emergent processes during real‐time second language (L2) writing activity in an English as a foreign language university context, examining differences in these processes across individual capacities. Participants included 22 adult Japanese learners of L2 English and their tutor. The data were collected using digital screen capture and eye‐tracking technologies while the learners wrote a 35‐minute argumentative essay. Supplementary stimulated retrospective recalls were also conducted to document the learners’ and the tutor's reflections on the writing event. Results revealed clear differences in L2 writing activity at different periods in time as well as differences in cognitive activity that appear to be mediated by L2 proficiency. Importantly, the obtained patterns differed depending on whether duration or frequency data were considered. These findings thus demonstrate the need to broaden the study of the temporal dimension of L2 writing and to consider more nuanced mixed‐methods approaches in future work.
High number of PD‐1 positive intratumoural lymphocytes predicts survival benefit of cytokine‐induced killer cells for hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Chang Boyang , Shen Lujun , Wang Kefeng , Jin Jietian , Huang Tao , Chen Qifeng , Li Wang , Wu Peihong
Published: January 2018

Background & Aims

Adjuvant cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells treatment has shown potential in reducing the recurrence rate and prolonging the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to identify the best predictive biomarker for adjuvant CIK cells treatment in patients with HCC after curative resection.

Methods

This study retrospectively included 145 pairs of HCC patients by one‐to‐one propensity score matching. One group received CIK cells transfusion after surgery (surgery‐CIK group); the other one group underwent surgery only (surgery‐only group). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to measure PD‐1, PD‐L1, CD4, CD8 and Foxp3 expression in tumour tissues of surgery‐CIK group; IHC of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 was conducted in the surgery‐only group.

Results

The surgery‐CIK group had a significantly higher disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates compared to the surgery‐only group. Of all the intratumoural biomarkers, in the surgery‐CIK group, multivariate analysis showed that a high number of PD‐1+ tumour infiltrative lymphocytes (TILs) was the only factor that independently predicted favourable OS and DFS. By contrast, in the surgery‐only group, no significant correlations between PD‐1/PD‐L1 expression and survival of patients were identified. Further correlation analysis showed a high number of PD‐1+ TILs associated with a high number of both CD4+ and CD8+ TILs in surgery‐CIK group.

Conclusions

A high number of PD‐1+ TILs can serve as a potent biomarker for adopting CIK cells therapy in HCC patients after curative resection.
Purpose‐built national burns center: The Israeli experience
Authors: Ofir Hagit , Shefler Hadas , Kornhaber Rachel , Cleary Michelle , Harats Moti , Haik Josef
Published: January 2018

The opening of the National Burns Center (NBC) in Sheba Medical Center (SMC) in 2014 was a keystone point in the development of specialized burns trauma services for Israel to ensure burn care and disaster planning at international standards. The NBC is a purpose‐built, level 1 burns trauma center that receives patients from Israel, Gaza, West Bank, and abroad. Hosting six intensive care and four step‐down burns beds, the center serves as a referral center for patients in other health‐care facilities with indication for hospitalization. In the present study, we describe the planning, design, and organization of the NBC at the SMC with reference to some of the key areas and considerations in its conception and development. With the improved survival rates of patients with extensive burns and the demographics and characteristics among burn‐injury patients in Israel, the NBC has the capacity to be the center of excellence in burns care, teaching, and research within the Middle East.
Modeling alternative stable states in Caribbean coral reefs
Authors: Blackwood Julie C. , Okasaki Connie , Archer Andre , Matt Eliza W. , Sherman Elizabeth , Montovan Kathryn
Published: January 2018

The resilience of Caribbean coral reefs, which are an important source of biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services, is constantly challenged by many reef stressors including ocean acidification, hurricane damage, and overharvesting of herbivorous reef fish. The presence of two alternative stable states—a desirable state with high levels of coral cover and its coral‐depleted counterpart—has been widely documented in the literature. Increasing coral resilience to prevent phase shifts to the undesirable state is a critical research priority, and mathematical models can serve as an important tool to not only better understand the underlying dynamics of observed coral communities, but also to evaluate the potential impacts of stressors and the outcome of management strategies designed to promote coral persistence. Here, we review the existing literature of mathematical models designed to understand the processes that generate alternative stable states. We focus on models that are comprised of ordinary differential equations and, at their core, capture algal–coral dynamics.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

Evidence for the existence of alternative stable states and the associated presence of hysteresis implies a need for management designed to increase the resilience of coral reef ecosystems.

In addition, holistic approaches to designing management strategies are required to both increase resilience of coral reefs and maximize the benefits of the ecosystem services they provide.

Due to the intrinsic complexity and spatial variability of coral reef ecosystems, management cannot be designed using a “one size fits all” approach. Instead, local dynamics and stressors need to be carefully considered.
Evidence of interaction between genes in the folate/homocysteine metabolic pathway in controlling risk of non‐syndromic oral cleft
Authors: Wang P , Wu T , Schwender H , Wang H , Shi B , Wang ZQ , Yuan Y , Liu DJ , Wang MY , Li J , Zhou ZB , Zhu HP , Beaty TH
Published: January 2018

Objective

Little consistent evidence is available for the association between the risk of non‐syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) and any of the individual genes in the folate/homocysteine metabolic pathway. We investigated the genes in the folate pathway to further clarify its potential influence on the risk of NSCL/P considering gene–gene (G×G) interaction.

Subjects and methods

We selected markers in 18 genes from the pathway and applied Cordell's method to test for G×G interaction using 1,908 NSCL/P case–parent trios ascertained in an international consortium where a genomewide association study (GWAS) of oral clefts was conducted.

Results

We found intriguing signals among Asian and European ancestry groups for G×G interaction between markers in betaine‐homocysteine methyltransferase gene (BHMT/BHMT2) and dimethylglycine dehydrogenase gene (DMGDH) attaining genomewide significance. In the pooled data, the top significant interaction was found between rs13158309 (BHMT) and rs10514154 (DMGDH, p = 1.45 × 10−12).

Conclusions

Our study illustrated the importance of taking into account potential G×G interaction for genetic association analysis in NSCL/P, and this study suggested both BHMT/BHMT2 and DMGDH should be considered as candidate genes for NSCL/P in future studies.
Introduced ants reduce interaction diversity in a multi‐species, ant–aphid mutualism
Authors: LeVan Katherine E. , Barney Sarah K. , Rankin Erin E. Wilson
Published: January 2018

Mutualisms contribute in fundamental ways to the origin, maintenance and organization of biological diversity. Introduced species commonly participate in mutualisms, but how this phenomenon affects patterns of interactions among native mutualists remains incompletely understood. Here we examine how networks of interactions among aphid‐tending ants, ant‐tended aphids, and aphid‐attacking parasitoid wasps differ between 12 spatially paired riparian study sites with and without the introduced Argentine ant Linepithema humile in southern California. To resolve challenges in species identification, we used DNA barcoding to identify aphids and screen for parasitoid wasps (developing inside their aphid hosts) from 170 aphid aggregations sampled on arroyo willow Salix lasiolepis. Compared to uninvaded sites, invaded sites supported significantly fewer species of aphid‐tending ants and ant‐tended aphids. At invaded sites, for example, we found only two species of ant‐tended aphids, which were exclusively tended by L. humile, whereas at uninvaded sites we found 20 unique ant–aphid interactions involving eight species of ant‐tended aphids and nine species of aphid‐tending ants. Ant–aphid linkage density was thus significantly lower at invaded sites compared to uninvaded sites. We detected aphid parasitoids in 14% (28/198) of all aphid aggregations. Although the level of parasitism did not differ between invaded and uninvaded sites, more species of wasps were detected within uninvaded sites compared to invaded sites. These results provide a striking example of how the assimilation of introduced species into multi‐species mutualisms can reduce interaction diversity with potential consequences for species persistence.