bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of early vs. late tracheostomy on clinical outcomes in critically ill pediatric patients
Authors: Lee J.‐H. , Koo C.‐H. , Lee S.‐Y. , Kim E.‐H. , Song I.‐K. , Kim H.‐S. , Kim C.‐S. , Kim J.‐T.
Published: July 2016

Background

Few studies investigated the optimal timing for tracheostomy and its influence on the clinical outcomes in critically ill pediatric patients. This study evaluated the differences in clinical outcomes between early and late tracheostomy in pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods

We assessed 111 pediatric patients. Patients who underwent a tracheostomy within 14 days of mechanical ventilation (MV) were assigned to the early tracheostomy group, whereas those who underwent tracheostomy after 14 days of MV were included in the late tracheostomy group. Clinical outcomes, including mortality, duration of MV, length of ICU and hospital stays, and incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) were compared between the groups.

Results

Of the 111 pediatric patients, 61 and 50 were included in the early and late tracheostomy groups, respectively. Total MV duration and the length of ICU and hospital stay were significantly longer in the late tracheostomy group than in the early tracheostomy group (all P < 0.01). The VAP rate per 1000 ventilator days before tracheostomy was 2.6 and 3.8 in the early and late tracheostomy groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in mortality rate between the groups. No severe complications were associated with tracheostomy itself.

Conclusions

Tracheostomy performed within 14 days after the initiation of MV was associated with reduced duration of MV and length of ICU and hospital stay. Although there was no effect on mortality rate, children may benefit from early tracheostomy without severe complications.
Determination of a Testing Threshold for Lumbar Puncture in the Diagnosis of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage after a Negative Head Computed Tomography: A Decision Analysis
Authors: Taylor Richard Andrew , Singh Gill Harman , Marcolini Evie G. , Meyers H. Pendell , Faust Jeremy Samuel , Newman David H.
Published: July 2016

Objective

The objective was to determine the testing threshold for lumbar puncture (LP) in the evaluation of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after a negative head computed tomography (CT). As a secondary aim we sought to identify clinical variables that have the greatest impact on this threshold.

Methods

A decision analytic model was developed to estimate the testing threshold for patients with normal neurologic findings, being evaluated forSAH, after a negativeCTof the head. The testing threshold was calculated as the pretest probability of disease where the two strategies (LPor noLP) are balanced in terms of quality‐adjusted life‐years. Two‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSAs) were performed.

Results

For the base‐case scenario the testing threshold for performing anLPafter negative headCTwas 4.3%. Results for the two‐way sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the test threshold ranged from 1.9% to 15.6%, dominated by the uncertainty in the probability of death from initial missedSAH. In thePSAthe mean testing threshold was 4.3% (95% confidence interval = 1.4% to 9.3%). Other significant variables in the model included probability of aneurysmal versus nonaneurysmalSAHafter negative headCT, probability of long‐term morbidity from initial missedSAH, and probability of renal failure from contrast‐induced nephropathy.

Conclusions

Our decision analysis results suggest a testing threshold forLPafter negativeCTto be approximately 4.3%, with a range of 1.4% to 9.3% on robustPSA. In light of these data, and considering the low probability of aneurysmalSAHafter a negativeCT, classical teaching and current guidelines addressing testing forSAHshould be revisited.
Utilization of public oral health services by New South Wales teenagers, 2004–05 to 2014–15
Authors: Skinner J , Byun R , Blinkhorn A
Published: July 2016

Background

The aims of this study were to examine variations in levels of access to public oral health services in New South Wales by teenagers from 2004–05 to 2014–15 and to determine whether more teenagers have been treated with preventive dental items in keeping with the strategic shift statewide towards prevention and early intervention.

Methods

This study involved an analysis of a subset of the New South Wales Oral Health Data Collection for teenagers treated in the New South Wales Public Oral Health Service in the financial years 2004–05 to 2014–15. Relevant Australian Dental Association dental service item groups are reported for teenagers by year as a percentage of total visits delivered in that year.

Results

The utilization of the New South Wales Public Oral Health Service by teenagers has remained relatively stable over the 11 years at approximately 6%, while the provision of some preventive items increased over the time period.

Conclusions

There were important differences found in access by teenagers to preventive items by socio‐economic status and rurality, and these differences will be targeted over the coming years by New South Wales Public Oral Health Services and better monitored by a new electronic oral health record being implemented statewide from 2016.
Farm share of the food dollar: an IO approach for the United States and Canada
Authors: Canning Patrick , Weersink Alfons , Kelly Jessica
Published: July 2016

This article develops a method for using input–output data to calculate a farm share estimate for all food rather than the typical approach of estimating a price spread for an individual product. The farm share of the food dollar is approximately 14% in the United States and 17% in Canada. The farm share increased somewhat during the commodity price boom but has generally fallen steadily by approximately 20% since 1997. While the farm share of expenditures on food for home consumption is approximately 22% across both countries, it is 4% in the United States and 7% in Canada for meals consumed away from home. The empirical framework can be extended to other countries given the extensive use of System of National Account data making international and temporal comparisons possible across farm and food marketing systems.
First‐in‐human study assessing safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of BI 409306, a selective phosphodiesterase 9A inhibitor, in healthy males
Authors: Moschetti Viktoria , Boland Katja , Feifel Ulrich , Hoch Anja , Zimdahl‐Gelling Heike , Sand Michael
Published: July 2016

Aims

The aim of the present study was to investigate the safety, tolerability, dose proportionality and relative bioavailability of tablet and oral solution formulations of BI 409306 in healthy male subjects, and to compare the safety and pharmacokinetics in subjects who were extensive metabolizers (EMs) or poor metabolizers (PMs) of cytochrome P450 (CYP)‐2C19.

Methods

The present randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐centre study evaluated single rising doses of BI 409306 (0.5–500 mg) administered as a tablet or oral solution to EMs or PMs.

Results

Of 80 enrolled subjects (mean age 36.7 years), 79 (CYP2C19 EMs, 71; CYP2C19 PMs, eight) received treatment and completed the study. Adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate in intensity. Overall, 17/71 (23.9%) EMs and 6/8 (75.0%) PMs experienced 28 and eight AEs, respectively, of which, 25 and seven AEs, respectively, were considered to be drug related. The most frequently reported AEs were nervous system and eye disorders; all occurred shortly (20–30 min) after administration and mostly resolved within 1–2 h. No serious AEs occurred. BI 409306 systemic absorption and elimination were rapid; peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was reached <1 h after drug administration, and the half‐life ranged from 0.99 h to 2.71 h. Both the tablet and oral solution resulted in similar exposures. In PMs, at dose levels of 10 mg and 100 mg, Cmax was 2.2–2.3‐fold higher, and the area under the plasma concentration–time curve over the time interval 0 extrapolated to infinity was 4.1–5.0‐fold higher compared with EMs.

Conclusions

In healthy male subjects, BI 409306 was generally safe and well tolerated, with rapid absorption and elimination. Systemic exposure was higher in CYP2C19 PMs than EMs at the same dose level.
Diagnosing Misspecification of the Random-Effects Distribution in Mixed Models
Authors: Drikvandi Reza , Verbeke Geert , Molenberghs Geert
Published: July 2016

It is traditionally assumed that the random effects in mixed models follow a multivariate normal distribution, making likelihood-based inferences more feasible theoretically and computationally. However, this assumption does not necessarily hold in practice which may lead to biased and unreliable results. We introduce a novel diagnostic test based on the so-called gradient function proposed by Verbeke and Molenberghs (2013) to assess the random-effects distribution. We establish asymptotic properties of our test and show that, under a correctly specified model, the proposed test statistic converges to a weighted sum of independent chi-squared random variables each with one degree of freedom. The weights, which are eigenvalues of a square matrix, can be easily calculated. We also develop a parametric bootstrap algorithm for small samples. Our strategy can be used to check the adequacy of any distribution for random effects in a wide class of mixed models, including linear mixed models, generalized linear mixed models, and non-linear mixed models, with univariate as well as multivariate random effects. Both asymptotic and bootstrap proposals are evaluated via simulations and a real data analysis of a randomized multicenter study on toenail dermatophyte onychomycosis.
What Explains the Union Membership Gap between Migrants and Natives?
Authors: Kranendonk Maria , de Beer Paul
Published: July 2016

This article explores the differences in unionization rates between migrant and native‐born workers in 23 European countries. It explores whether individual characteristics or contextual factors explain the variation across countries in the degree of trade unions’ inclusion of migrant workers. The analyses show that individual characteristics cannot explain the variation in the difference between migrant and native unionization rates. Characteristics of the industrial relations regime in the country of destination, in particular the institutional embeddedness of trade unions, affect the likelihood that migrants join trade unions as compared to native workers.
A Meta‐Analysis of the Union–Job Satisfaction Relationship
Authors: Laroche Patrice
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic and quantitative review of the existing empirical evidence on the effects of unionization on overall job satisfaction. We conducted a meta‐regression analysis (MRA) with results from a pool of 235 estimates from 59 studies published between 1978 and 2015. The accumulated evidence indicates that unionization is negatively related to job satisfaction but is far from being conclusive. When primary studies control for endogeneity of union membership, the results of the MRA indicate that the difference in job satisfaction between unionized and non‐unionized workers disappears. These results suggest that reverse causation (i.e. dissatisfied workers are more likely to join a union) and time‐varying endogenous effects play a key role in explaining the relationship between unionization and job satisfaction.
Tau pathology in Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease revisited
Authors: Kovacs Gabor G. , Rahimi Jasmin , Ströbel Thomas , Lutz Mirjam I. , Regelsberger Günther , Streichenberger Nathalie , Perret‐Liaudet Armand , Höftberger Romana , Liberski Pawel P. , Budka Herbert , Sikorska Beata
Published: July 2016

Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) is a human prion disease with different etiologies. To determine the spectrum of tau pathologies in CJD, we assessed phospho‐Tau (pTau) immunoreactivities in 75 sporadic CJD cases including an evaluation of the entorhinal cortex and six hippocampal subregions. Twelve cases (16%) showed only small tau‐immunoreactive neuritic profiles. Fifty‐two (69.3%) showed additional tau pathology in the medial temporal lobe compatible with primary age related tauopathy (PART). In 22/52 cases the lower pTau immunoreactivity load in the entorhinal cortex as compared to subiculum, dentate gyrus or CA4 region of the hippocampus was significantly different from the typical distribution of the Braak staging. A further 11 cases (14.7%) showed widespread tau pathologies compatible with features of primary tauopathies or the gray matter type of ageing‐related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG). Prominent gray matter ARTAG was also observed in two out of three additionally examined V203I genetic CJD cases. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid revealed prominent increase of total tau protein in cases with widespread tau pathology, while pTau (T181) level was increased only in four. This correlated with immunohistochemical observations showing less pathology with anti‐pTau T181 antibody when compared to anti‐pTau S202/T205, T212/S214 and T231. The frequency of tau pathologies is not unusually high in sporadic CJD and does not precisely relate to PrP deposition. However, the pattern of hippocampal tau pathology often deviates from the stages of Braak. Currently applied examination of cerebrospinal fluid pTau (T181) level does not reliably reflect primary tauopathies, PART and ARTAG seen in CJD brains.
Real‐life effectiveness of omalizumab in severe allergic asthma above the recommended dosing range criteria
Authors: Hew M. , Gillman A. , Sutherland M. , Wark P. , Bowden J. , Guo M. , Reddel H. K. , Jenkins C. , Marks G. B. , Thien F. , Rimmer J. , Katsoulotos G. P. , Cook M. , Yang I. , Katelaris C. , Bowler S. , Langton D. , Wright C. , Bint M. , Yozghatlian V. , Burgess S. , Sivakumaran P. , Yan K. Y. , Kritikos V. , Peters M. , Baraket M. , Aminazad A. , Robinson P. , Jaffe A. , Powell H. , Upham J. W. , McDonald V. M. , Gibson P. G.
Published: July 2016

Background

Omalizumab (Xolair) dosing in severe allergic asthma is based on serum IgE and bodyweight. In Australia, patients eligible for omalizumab but exceeding recommended ranges for IgE (30–1500 IU/mL) and bodyweight (30–150 kg) may still receive a ceiling dose of 750 mg/4 weeks. About 62% of patients receiving government‐subsidized omalizumab are enrolled in the Australian Xolair Registry (AXR).

Objectives

To determine whether AXR participants above the recommended dosing ranges benefit from omalizumab and to compare their response to within‐range participants.

Methods

Data were stratified according to dose range status (above‐range or within‐range). Further sub‐analyses were conducted according to the reason for being above the dosing range (IgE only vs. IgE and weight).

Results

Data for 179 participants were analysed. About 55 (31%) were above recommended dosing criteria; other characteristics were similar to within‐range participants. Above‐range participants had higher baseline IgE [812 (IQR 632, 1747) IU/mL vs. 209 (IQR 134, 306) IU/mL] and received higher doses of omalizumab [750 (IQR 650, 750) mg] compared to within‐range participants [450 (IQR, 300, 600) mg]. At 6 months, improvements in Juniper 5‐item Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ‐5, 3.61 down to 2.01 for above‐range, 3.47 down to 1.93 for within‐range, P < 0.0001 for both) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ mean score (3.22 up to 4.41 for above‐range, 3.71 up to 4.88 for within‐range, P < 0.0001) were observed in both groups. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) improved among above‐range participants. There was no difference in response between above‐range and within‐range participants. Above‐range participants due to either IgE alone or IgE and weight had similar improvements in ACQ‐5, AQLQ and FEV1.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Patients with severe allergic asthma above recommended dosing criteria for omalizumab have significantly improved symptom control, quality of life and lung function to a similar degree to within‐range participants, achieved without dose escalation above 750 mg.
A qualitative exploration of the work of embodiment in adolescent girls with obesity
Authors: Liné C. , Moro M. R. , Lefèvre H. , Thievenaz J. , Lachal J.
Published: July 2016

Social representations generally associate obesity, especially in adolescent girls, with sedentariness, lack of self‐control and laziness. These girls thus have substantial problems of self‐esteem. Dietary, lifestyle and behavioural approaches alone cannot address this issue, for they do not apprehend all of the complexity of obesity. This qualitative study is based on a dual observation: that the work performed by adolescents is unrecognized and that the body is not considered as a subject of analysis. It raises the question of the corporality of these teens through an original perspective: that of the perspective of their organization of actions on, to and by the body, in specific situations. The objective is to have access to the corporal experience of young girls with obesity, so that we can understand and support them better. The data come from semi‐directive interviews with 10 adolescent girls with obesity. The content was analysed in terms of concepts of professional didactics (a branch of educational psychology) and enaction. Five situations were identified from these interviews: the first, shopping with friends, concerns actions by the subjects towards their bodies; the other four are enacted actions: conduct towards a normal‐weight person, conduct in public transportation, performing physical activity, and eating. The results show the work of these young women with obesity, the means they mobilize to live in their bodies and their considerable efforts of embodiment. Recognition of this work should help to enhance their self‐esteem. Treatment and support may take this dimension of work into account and help them to become aware of the efforts they make every day.
Effect of temperature on GaRV6 accumulation and its fungal host, the conifer pathogen Gremmeniella abietina
Authors: Botella L. , Dvořák M. , Capretti P. , Luchi N.
Published: July 2016

Gremmeniella abietina RNA virus 6 (GaRV6) was studied within the European race of G. abietina. We examined 97 isolates originating from Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States. According to direct specific quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) screening based on the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) sequence, the virus was mostly present in Spain, but it was also found at a very low concentration in three isolates from Canada, Italy and Finland. To gain insight into the three‐way interaction among temperature, GaRV6 and G. abietina, we performed an in vitro experiment with eight Spanish isolates (four infected and four uninfected) with four repetitions each. We assessed the virus expression (accumulation) based on the quantity of RdRp‐encoding RNA by qRT‐PCR and the G. abietina growth rate at 5, 15 and 20°C. The presence of the virus had a significant negative effect on the G. abietina growth rate, which was also significantly influenced by the temperature. However, the temperature appeared not to clearly determine the virus accumulation, and the virus accumulation did not have any influence on the growth rate of the infected G. abietina isolates. Taken together, these results suggest that the role of this virus as a relevant factor with respect to the more thermophilic nature of the Spanish population of G. abietina may be ruled out.
Recent decline of the critically endangered Plains‐wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus), and the application of a simple method for assessing its cause: major changes in grassland structure
Authors: Baker‐Gabb David , Antos Mark , Brown Geoff
Published: July 2016

A monitored population of the critically endangered Plains‐wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) on Victoria's Northern Plains declined by over 90% between 2010 and 2012 following an unusually wet year which led to flooding, excess grass growth and a major change in the structure of native grasslands. The Plains‐wanderer population remained very low on private land during 2013 and 2014 when dry conditions prevailed and domestic stock overgrazed most of its favoured grasslands on red soil. Numbers also remained very low on public reserves despite grassland structure gradually improving there by 2014. In 2015, the population partially recovered in some grasslands protected from overgrazing. Grassland structure is critically important for Plains‐wanderer conservation. The ‘golf ball technique’ proved to be a quick and effective method for measuring grassland structure; it offers a means of accelerating responses to habitat change because it can be easily used by land managers.
Experimental and numerical study on dynamic fracture behaviour of AISI 1045 steel for compressor crankshaft
Authors: Wu Q. G. , Chen X. D. , Fan Z. C. , Nie D. F.
Published: July 2016

Dynamic fracture behaviour of AISI 1045 steel for compressor crankshaft was studied by experimental and numerical methods. True stress–strain relations of the material under different strain rates were measured, and dynamic constitutive model with consideration to strain‐hardening and strain‐rate hardening was proposed. Dynamic fracture tests loaded by Hopkinson pressure bar were carried out, and fracture toughness was determined using a finite element method with the combination of ABAQUS and Zencrack software. Loading states of the specimen and determination methods of the dynamic fracture toughness were discussed. By comparing the fracture behaviours under quasi‐static and dynamic conditions, it was found that the fracture modes exhibited a transition from ductile to brittle fracture with the increasing loading rate, and the dynamic fracture toughness value was less than the quasi‐static one.
Soil water dynamics and dry‐matter production of old man saltbush‐, native grass‐ and lucerne‐based pastures in a variable summer‐dominant rainfall environment, Australia
Authors: Murphy S. R. , Boschma S. P. , Harden S.
Published: July 2016

In a summer‐dominant high‐rainfall, yet seasonally dry environment, soil water dynamics and dry‐matter (DM) production were monitored during 2006–12, for three perennial pasture types: old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia ssp. nummularia with native grass), native grass (Bothriochloa macra and Rytidosperma bipartita dominant) and lucerne (Medicago sativa cv. Venus). Plant root depth of the old man saltbush pasture (1·5 m) was greater than that of native grass (1·2 m), but equal to that of lucerne (1·5 m), resulting in equivalent levels of maximum extractable water (MEW; mm, 0–1·7 m) for saltbush and lucerne in five of the six seasons. Lucerne (MEW 242 mm) extracted more soil water than native grass (144 mm), but was similar to old man saltbush (205 mm). In the second year of growth, both the lucerne and old man saltbush pastures achieved their maximum yields of 16·8 and 7·9 t DM ha−1 respectively, but thereafter declined. The decline in yield of lucerne in later years was associated with a significantly lower plant frequency and increase in proportion of weeds. The decline in yield of old man saltbush appeared to be associated with an increasingly dry soil profile, despite receiving rainfall that was above average. The yield of the native grass pasture increased during the study as the proportion of weeds declined, and the presence of saltbush plants did not compromise the yield of perennial grasses in the inter‐row spaces. The implications of these findings for livestock production systems in this environment are discussed.
Maternal fatty acid intake during pregnancy and the development of childhood overweight: a birth cohort study
Authors: Hakola L. , Takkinen H‐M. , Niinistö S. , Ahonen S. , Erlund I. , Rautanen J. , Veijola R. , Ilonen J. , Toppari J. , Knip M. , Virtanen S. M. , Lehtinen‐Jacks S.
Published: July 2016

Background

Maternal diet during pregnancy may contribute to the risk of offspring adiposity.

Objectives

The objective of the study is to explore the associations between maternal antenatal dietary fatty acid intake and the risk of offspring overweight and obesity at the ages of 2 to 7 years.

Methods

In a prospective Finnish birth cohort with 3807 mother–child pairs, maternal diet in late pregnancy was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Intakes of total fatty acids and individual saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were calculated. Generalized estimating equation models were used to study the associations of maternal dietary variables with repeatedly measured offspring overweight and obesity.

Results

In girls, maternal intake ratio of n‐6:n‐3 PUFAs had a U‐shaped association with obesity (adjusted OR for the lowest 2.0 [95% CI 1.27–3.20] and the highest 1.7 [1.03–2.73] vs. the two middle quartiles of n‐6:n‐3 PUFAs, p = 0.01). In boys, arachidonic acid (20:4n‐6): docosahexaenoic acid + eicosapentaenoic acid ratio was associated with obesity (adjusted OR for the lowest 1.0 [0.60–1.57] and the highest 0.5 [0.26–0.88] vs. the two middle quartiles, p = 0.02). Saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids were not associated with overweight or obesity in either sex.

Conclusions

Maternal intakes of PUFAs in late pregnancy were associated with risk of later obesity differently in girls and boys.
Improved Blood Pressure Control to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Morbidity and Mortality: The Standardized Hypertension Treatment and Prevention Project
Authors: Patel Pragna , Ordunez Pedro , DiPette Donald , Escobar Maria Cristina , Hassell Trevor , Wyss Fernando , Hennis Anselm , Asma Samira , Angell Sonia ,   the Standardized Hypertension Treatment and Prevention Network
Published: July 2016

Hypertension is the leading remediable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide, and is responsible for more than 10 million preventable deaths globally each year. While hypertension can be successfully diagnosed and treated, only one in seven persons with hypertension have controlled blood pressure. To meet the challenge of improving the control of hypertension, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries, the authors developed the Standardized Hypertension Treatment and Prevention Project, which involves a health systems–strengthening approach that advocates for standardized hypertension management using evidence‐based interventions. These interventions include the use of standardized treatment protocols, a core set of medications along with improved procurement mechanisms to increase the availability and affordability of these medications, registries for cohort monitoring and evaluation, patient empowerment, team‐based care (task shifting), and community engagement. With political will and strong partnerships, this approach provides the groundwork to reduce high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease‐related morbidity and mortality.
Patterns of expressed emotion in adolescent eating disorders
Authors: Rienecke Renee D. , Sim Leslie , Lock James , Le Grange Daniel
Published: July 2016

Background

This goal of this study was to understand the patterns of expressed emotions (EEs) in adolescent eating disorders. As such, this study compared EE among families of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and a psychiatric control group, major depressive disorder (MDD). This study also examined the influence of family status (intact vs. nonintact) and the presence of siblings on EE.

Methods

Two‐hundred and fifteen adolescents (ages 12–19) and their families were recruited for this study including 121 adolescents with AN, 54 adolescents with BN, and 40 adolescents with MDD. Adolescents with at least one parent completed the Standardized Clinical Family Interview. Adolescents completed structured diagnostic interviews to assess eligibility for the study, as well as a standardized questionnaire to assess depression.

Results

Analyses revealed that fathers showed higher levels of critical comments to adolescents with BN or MDD than those with AN, whereas mothers made more critical comments toward patients with BN. Mothers made the least number of positive remarks toward patients with MDD. In terms of the influence of family status, fathers from intact families showed more expressions of warmth and were less critical than fathers from nonintact families, whereas mothers from intact families were less critical but also made fewer positive remarks than mothers from nonintact families. The presence of siblings appeared to reduce mothers’ expression of warmth and emotional overinvolvement.

Conclusions

Unique patterns of EE were found to characterize AN, BN, and MDD. Family status and the presence of siblings exert an influence on EE that should be taken into consideration in future research.
Sound Body Sound Mind? Physical Performance and the Risk of Dementia in the Oldest‐Old: The 90+ Study
Authors: Bullain Szofia S. , Corrada Maria M. , Perry Shawna M. , Kawas Claudia H.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To examine the longitudinal association between physical performance and risk of dementia in individuals aged 90 and older without dementia.

Design

Population‐based longitudinal study.

Settings

The 90+ Study, Laguna Woods, California.

Participants

Men n = 176 and women n = 402 without dementia from The 90+ Study (n = 578, mean age 93.3). At baseline, 54% of participants were cognitively normal, and 46% had cognitive impairment, no dementia.

Measurements

Physical performance measures (4‐m walk, 5 chair stands, handgrip, standing balance) were scored from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (best performance). The outcome was dementia, diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria. Hazard ratios (HRs) for dementia in relation to baseline physical performance were estimated using Cox regression after adjustment for potential confounders. HRs and P‐values for the overall Wald chi‐square are reported to show the magnitude of each physical performance measure and the strength of the association between each measure and incident dementia.

Results

Poor physical performance in most measures was associated with greater risk of incident dementia over a mean follow‐up of 2.6 years (range 0.6–9.0 years). After controlling for potential confounders, standing balance had the strongest association with incident dementia (HRs = 1.9–2.5, overall P = .02), followed by 4‐m walk (HRs = 1.1–1.8, overall P = .04) and handgrip (HRs = 1.0–2.0, overall P = .03). The association with five chair stands was not significant. In a subanalysis limited to cognitively normal participants, HRs were attenuated, but most remained in the same direction.

Conclusion

Poor physical performance is associated with risk of developing dementia over an average 2.6‐year follow‐up in the oldest‐old, indicating that poor physical performance may be an early sign of late‐age dementia.
Couples Therapy for Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Karakurt Gunnur , Whiting Kathleen , van Esch Chantal , Bolen Shari D. , Calabrese Joseph R.
Published: July 2016

Intimate partner violence is a serious public health problem accompanied by substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite its documented impact on health, there is no widely recognized treatment of choice. Some studies indicate that couples suffering from situational violence may benefit from couples therapy, but professionals are cautious to risk the possibility of violent retaliation between partners. After a comprehensive literature search of 1,733 citations, this systematic review and meta‐analysis compiles the results of six studies to investigate the effectiveness of couples therapy as a treatment for violence. Preliminary data suggest that couples therapy is a viable treatment in select situations.
A study on the predictors of Korean male students' intention to receive human papillomavirus vaccination
Authors: Choi Jeong Sil , Park Seungmi
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

The objective was to survey the current state of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and the predictors of vaccination intention among Korean male students of high school (ages 15–19) and university (ages 17–27).

Background

Human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infectious agent causing uterine cervical, anal, and/or penile cancer and genital warts in males and females. Infection rate of human papillomavirus increases from the age when sexual intercourse first occurs. Therefore, motivation to receive human papillomavirus vaccination is needed to protect infection.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive survey was performed only in male students. They are less aware of human papillomavirus than females, because human papillomavirus vaccination has been targeted on females for preventing cervical cancer in Korea.

Methods

Data were collected using a self‐reporting questionnaire for male high school and university students sampled from a city in Korea. Human papillomavirus vaccine‐related knowledge, health beliefs, demographic, and sexual history information variables relating to intentions to vaccinate were assessed.

Results

The human papillomavirus vaccination rate was very low and the levels of knowledge and health beliefs were low. The significant predictors that raised the intention of human papillomavirus vaccination were a university student, experience of sexual intercourse and perceiving the benefits of human papillomavirus vaccination.

Conclusions

To promote human papillomavirus vaccination, educational programming targeting males should include health beliefs and knowledge, emphasising that vaccination is important to prevent uterine cervical cancer and to role as a preventative measure against common male diseases.

Relevance to clinical practice

Male high school students should be included as a major target population for school human papillomavirus education programmes, as they are at the age of commencing sexual intercourse. In addition, public health policies including human papillomavirus vaccination in the national immunisation programme are warranted.
Explaining Gender Inequalities That Follow Couple Migration
Authors: Nisic Natascha , Melzer Silvia Maja
Published: July 2016

By exploiting the unique social and economic differences between East and West Germany, the authors investigated how macro‐level opportunities interact with couple‐level decision making to explain gender differences in the determinants and economic outcomes of household migration. By incorporating regional socioeconomic conditions into household bargaining theory, 4 hypotheses for each region were derived. The hypotheses were tested using cross‐classified multilevel regressions and the German Socio‐Economic Panel (1992–2012) combined with regional economic indicators. First, gender‐specific determinants of couples' West–West (i.e., within West Germany) and East‐to‐West migration were analyzed; second, subsequent economic consequences were investigated by comparing couples with singles. The results confirm that gender differences in macro‐conditions can impose decision logics that seemingly contradict the initial power relation within couples. Despite more traditional gender arrangements in West Germany, well‐educated partnered women earn significant absolute and relative income gains from migration; their egalitarian East German counterparts suffer significant losses compared with single women and East German men.
Tolerance to oxidative stress is required for maximal xylem colonization by the xylem‐limited bacterial phytopathogen, Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Wang Peng , Lee Yunho , Igo Michele M. , Roper M. Caroline
Published: July 2016

Bacterial plant pathogens often encounter reactive oxygen species (ROS) during host invasion. In foliar bacterial pathogens, multiple regulatory proteins are involved in the sensing of oxidative stress and the activation of the expression of antioxidant genes. However, it is unclear whether xylem‐limited bacteria, such as Xylella fastidiosa, experience oxidative stress during the colonization of plants. Examination of the X. fastidiosa genome uncovered only one homologue of oxidative stress regulatory proteins, OxyR. Here, a knockout mutation in the X. fastidiosa oxyR gene was constructed; the resulting strain was significantly more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) relative to the wild‐type. In addition, during early stages of grapevine infection, the survival rate was 1000‐fold lower for the oxyR mutant than for the wild‐type. This supports the hypothesis that grapevine xylem represents an oxidative environment and that X. fastidiosa must overcome this challenge to achieve maximal xylem colonization. Finally, the oxyR mutant exhibited reduced surface attachment and cell–cell aggregation and was defective in biofilm maturation, suggesting that ROS could be a potential environmental cue stimulating biofilm development during the early stages of host colonization.
A MATHEMATICAL REVIEW OF RESILIENCE IN ECOLOGY
Authors: MEYER KATHERINE
Published: July 2016

Rising interest in the resilience of ecological systems has spawned diverse interpretations of the term's precise meaning, particularly in the context of resilience quantification. The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first aim is to use the language of dynamical systems to organize and scrutinize existing resilience definitions within a unified framework. The second aim is to provide an introduction for mathematicians to the ecological concept of resilience, a potential area for expanded quantitative research. To frame the discussion of resilience in dynamical systems terms, a model consisting of ordinary differential equations is assumed to represent the ecological system. The question “resilience of what to what?” posed by Carpenter et al. [2001] informs two broad categories of definitions, based on resilience to state variable perturbations and to parameter changes, respectively. Definitions of resilience to state variable perturbations include measures of basin size (relevant to one‐time perturbations) and basin steepness (relevant to repeated perturbations). Resilience to parameter changes has been quantified by viewing parameters as state variables but has also considered the reversibility of parameter shifts. Quantifying this reversibility and fully describing how recovery rates determine resilience to repeated state‐space perturbations emerge as two opportunities for mathematics research.
Altered resting‐state functional organization within the central executive network in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Chen Yunhui , Meng Xin , Hu Qiang , Cui Hongsheng , Ding Yongzhuo , Kang Lu , Juhás Michal , Greenshaw Andrew J. , Zhao Ameng , Wang Yuhua , Cui Guangcheng , Li Ping
Published: July 2016

Aim

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with deficits in response inhibition and planning, which are governed by the central executive network. The objective of this study was to investigate both intra‐ and inter‐regional resting‐state connectivity within the central executive network in OCD.

Methods

Thirty OCD patients and 30 matched healthy controls were scanned using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging. The independent component analysis was used on a separate sample of healthy controls to generate the central executive network mask for the subsequent OCD analyses. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and seed‐based functional connectivity analyses were used to explore the differences between intra‐ and inter‐regional synchronized activity within the central executive network in OCD patients at rest.

Results

Increased ReHo and functional connectivity in the key regions of the central executive network, such as the orbitofrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the angular gyrus, were found in OCD patients. Furthermore, changes in both the ReHo within the orbitofrontal cortex and the functional connectivity between the orbitofrontal cortex and angular gyrus were negatively correlated with OCD duration.

Conclusion

The increased resting‐state functional organization within the central executive network may be related to OCD patients’ deficits in cognitive control and symptom progression.
Early Recognition of Proteus Syndrome
Authors: Rodenbeck Dorothy L. , Greyling Laura A. , Anderson John H. , Davis Loretta S.
Published: July 2016

Proteus syndrome is an extremely rare mosaic condition characterized by progressive overgrowth of tissues due to a somatic activating mutation of the AKT1 gene. Distinct cutaneous features, including cerebriform connective tissue nevi, epidermal nevi, vascular malformations, and adipose abnormalities, can alert the dermatologist to the underlying condition before the onset of asymmetric skeletal overgrowth. We present a series of photographs documenting the skin and musculoskeletal changes in a patient with Proteus syndrome over the first 2 years of life to emphasize the key signs that a dermatologist can recognize to facilitate an earlier diagnosis in these patients.
Risk of Active Tuberculosis among Index Case of Householders—A Long‐Term Assessment after the Conventional Contacts Study
Authors: Puma Daniela V. , Pérez‐Quílez Olga , Roure Sílvia , Martínez‐Cuevas Octavio , Bocanegra Cristina , Feijoo‐Cid Maria , Valerio Lluís
Published: July 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of active tuberculosis (TB) among household contacts of TB‐index cases diagnosed during a 7‐year period in a public Primary Care Center located in a high‐incidence area.

Design and Sample

A retrospective cohort study was performed. Data collection was based on the capture‐recapture method; the two main sources crossed information from TB‐index and contact cases from the El Fondo Primary Care Center (Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain) and their reports to the National Epidemiologic Surveillance Service.

Measures

Variables were divided into demographic and health data (result of the Mantoux test, chest X‐ray, presence of risk factors, and indication for chemoprophylaxis).

Results

Community nurses identified 103 household contacts that underwent the conventional contact study. Overall, 60.19% were male; the mean age was 29.08 years. Only one case of secondary active TB was found, representing an incidence of 0.56% per TB‐index case and year.

Conclusion

The incidence of new secondary TB among household contacts with TB‐index cases was of a case. Nevertheless, a long‐term follow‐up of these householders beyond the conventional contacts study should be considered in areas with higher incidences of TB or among specific high‐risk populations.
Pseudogapping, Parallelism, and the Scope of Focus
Authors: Thoms Gary
Published: July 2016

In this paper I defend a particular analysis of pseudogapping in which the focused remnant is moved by leftward A′‐movement (Jayaseelan, Gengel). Noting the superficial similarity between pseudogapping and stripping, I show that pseudogapping is much more restricted than we would expect if it were just another version of stripping, failing to apply across clause boundaries and allowing a much narrower range of remnants. I provide an analysis of these restrictions in terms of Parallelism, arguing that the difference between pseudogapping and stripping is keyed to the different ways in which their correlates may take scope. The proposal accounts for the exceptional behavior of pseudogapping in comparatives, and it leads us to the conclusion that there exists a set of movement operations that occur only in the context of ellipsis.
Incidence, risk factors, and the impact of allograft pyelonephritis on renal allograft function
Authors: Singh R. , Geerlings S.E. , Peters‐Sengers H. , Idu M.M. , Hodiamont C.J. , ten Berge I.J.M. , Bemelman F.J.
Published: July 2016

Background

The impact of allograft pyelonephritis (AGPN) on renal allograft function is controversial. In this study, we evaluated the incidence, risk factors, and the impact of AGPN on renal allograft function.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study in adult renal allograft recipients with 1‐year follow‐up after transplantation (Tx). Renal allograft function was evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula) and 24‐h urine protein excretion.

Results

A total of 431 renal allograft recipients were analyzed; 57 (13.2%) developed AGPN within 1 year after Tx. Median time between Tx and AGPN was 50 days. Risk factors for AGPN were the presence of a urological catheter (odds ratio [OR] = 18.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.00–44.81, P < 0.001) and preceding asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.20–3.90, P = 0.009). In 72.7%, the causative microorganism of ASB was identical to that of the succeeding AGPN episode. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that experiencing AGPN did not decrease the eGFR (P = 0.61) nor did increased proteinuria (P = 0.29) 1 year after Tx. For the eGFR, an interaction was found between AGPN/bacteriuria (BU) and acute rejection (AR): the group experiencing BU preceding AR had significantly (P < 0.001) lower eGFR compared with the group that experienced only AR (21 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 48 mL/min/1.73 m2), as a result of increased prevalence of combined rejections within the BU group.

Conclusion

Indwelling urological catheters and preceding ASB are associated with developing AGPN. An incident of AGPN itself does not impair renal allograft function 1 year after Tx. However, a relevant interaction occurs between BU and AR, in which the sequence of occurrence of these 2 events synergistically impairs the eGFR.
Dimer/monomer status and in vivo function of salt‐bridge mutants of the plant UV‐B photoreceptor UVR8
Authors: Heilmann Monika , Velanis Christos N. , Cloix Catherine , Smith Brian O. , Christie John M. , Jenkins Gareth I.
Published: July 2016

UV RESISTANCE LOCUS8 (UVR8) is a photoreceptor for ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) light that initiates photomorphogenic responses in plants. UV‐B photoreception causes rapid dissociation of dimeric UVR8 into monomers that interact with CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) to initiate signal transduction. Experiments with purified UVR8 show that the dimer is maintained by salt‐bridge interactions between specific charged amino acids across the dimer interface. However, little is known about the importance of these charged amino acids in determining dimer/monomer status and UVR8 function in plants. Here we evaluate the use of different methods to examine dimer/monomer status of UVR8 and show that mutations of several salt‐bridge amino acids affect dimer/monomer status, interaction with COP1 and photoreceptor function of UVR8 in vivo. In particular, the salt‐bridges formed between arginine 286 and aspartates 96 and 107 are key to dimer formation. Mutation of arginine 286 to alanine impairs dimer formation, interaction with COP1 and function in vivo, whereas mutation to lysine gives a weakened dimer that is functional in vivo, indicating the importance of the positive charge of the arginine/lysine residue for dimer formation. Notably, a UVR8 mutant in which aspartates 96 and 107 are conservatively mutated to asparagine is strongly impaired in dimer formation but mediates UV‐B responses in vivo with a similar dose–response relationship to wild‐type. The UV‐B responsiveness of this mutant does not correlate with dimer formation and monomerisation, indicating that monomeric UVR8 has the potential for UV‐B photoreception, initiating signal transduction and responses in plants.