bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel homozygous LRRK1 stop gain mutation in a patient suspected with osteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia
Authors: Miryounesi Mohammad , Nikfar Ali , Changi‐Ashtiani Majid , Shahrooei Mohammad , Dinmohammadi Hossein , Shahani Tina , Zarvandi Samira , Bahrami Tahereh , Momenilandi Mana , Rokni‐Zadeh Hassan
Published: October 2019

Osteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia (OSMD) is a very rare autosomal‐recessive disorder and a distinctive type of osteopetrosis, characterized mainly by skeletal fractures and deformity, osteosclerosis, and sometimes hypotonia, developmental delay, and seizures. Sequence variants in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 1 (LRRK1) gene underlying OSMD have been reported previously. In the present study, we investigated a 14‐year‐old girl suspected with OSMD in a consanguineous family of Iranian origin segregating the disease in an autosomal‐recessive manner. The patient had severe short stature, multiple sclerotic lesions, sandwich vertebrae, Erlenmeyer flask deformity, and looser zones. The multifocal active bony pathology suggested multifocal bony inflammation or multiple looser fractures. Whole‐exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing confirmation revealed a novel homozygous stop gain mutation (c.G2785T, p.E929X) in the LRRK1 gene. This is the first mutation in the LRRK1 gene, underlying OSMD, in the Iranian population and the third case worldwide. The mutation is located in the C terminal of the Roc domain, distinct from domains affected in the previous two LRRK1 mutations. Additionally, a new group of clinical indications different from the two previous cases is discussed.
Pope Francis on Overcoming Exclusion: A Theological Vision with Economic and Social Implications
Authors: Massaro Thomas J.
Published: October 2019

The ethical imperative to overcome exclusion is a key component of the social teachings and advocacy efforts of Pope Francis. At the very core of the pastoral and social vision he proposes is a drive to resist the global trend toward growing inequality and to encourage greater solidarity, which includes extending economic opportunities much more broadly. Even more vehemently than his papal predecessors, Francis insists on prioritizing the concrete well‐being of people facing hardship and oppression, so that nobody is relegated to the category of “the throwaway.” While the theme of mercy (a “soft” virtue, inasmuch as it involves voluntary action to overcome indifference and suffering) is prominent in many of his ethical appeals, Francis notably displays a distinctive structural analysis (a “hard” diagnostic tool) when addressing injustices in the global economy. The plights of victims of human trafficking, of global climate change, of restricted work opportunities due to globalization, and other causes of human suffering are best analyzed with ample attention to structures that require transformation. While economists and sociologists may be less interested in the underlying moral anthropology and spirituality that grounds the social teachings of Francis, it is undeniable that a coherent social vision undergirds the insistence of the Jesuit pope on greater social inclusion—a vision that applies to the full range of economic, environmental, and social issues. These concerns are on especially full display in two major teaching documents of Francis: his 2013 exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel” and his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’. In each, the pope employs an astute structural lens that reveals injustices and allows him to propose strategies to overcome inequality and exclusion.
It Takes a Village: Peer Effects and Externalities in Technology Adoption
Authors: Ferrali Romain , Grossman Guy , Platas Melina R. , Rodden Jonathan
Published: October 2019

Do social networks matter for the adoption of new forms of political participation? We develop a formal model showing that the quality of communication that takes place in social networks is central to understanding whether a community will adopt forms of political participation where benefits are uncertain and where there are positive externalities associated with participation. Early adopters may exaggerate benefits, leading others to discount information about the technology's value. Thus, peer effects are likely to emerge only when informal institutions support truthful communication. We collect social network data for 16 Ugandan villages where an innovative mobile‐based reporting platform was introduced. Consistent with our model, we find variation across villages in the extent of peer effects on technology adoption, as well as evidence supporting additional observable implications. Impediments to social diffusion may help explain the varied uptake of new and increasingly common political communication technologies around the world.
Policymaking with Multiple Agencies
Authors: Bils Peter
Published: October 2019

Authority over related policy issues is often dispersed among multiple government agencies. In this article, I study when Congress should delegate to multiple agencies, and how shared regulatory space complicates agency decision making. To do so, I develop a formal model of decentralized policymaking with two agencies that incorporates information acquisition and information sharing, delineating situations where legislators should and should not prefer multiple agencies. Greater divergence between the agencies' ideal points distorts information sharing and policy choices, but it may increase the amount of information acquisition. Congress achieves better policy outcomes by delegating authority to both agencies if the agencies have strong policy disagreements. If the agencies have similar policy preferences, however, then Congress may want to consolidate authority within one agency because this approach mitigates free‐riding and takes advantage of returns to scale.
Recent developments and highlights in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Meng Yifan , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo
Published: October 2019

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease with high prevalence all over the world and therefore needs to be thoroughly investigated and treated accordingly. The mechanisms underlying the pathology and treatment of AR have been widely studied, but many aspects remain unclear and warrant further investigations. This review presents an overview of recently published papers highlighting the risk factors, mechanisms, and treatment of AR. Additionally, recent studies discussing the role of single nucleotide polymorphism, DNA methylation, regulatory B cells, group 2 innate lymphoid cells, immunotherapy, and biologics in AR are also covered.
Lateral neck metastases in the ipsilateral and contralateral compartments of papillary thyroid carcinoma located in one lobe
Authors: Kim Soo Young , Kim Seok‐Mo , Chang Hojin , Kim Bup‐Woo , Lee Yong Sang , Chang Hang‐Seok , Park Cheong Soo
Published: October 2019

Background

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) frequently involves lymph nodes in the lateral compartment, but PTC located in one lobe rarely metastasizes to bilateral lateral nodes. This study was designed to evaluate the clinicopathological features of patients with PTC limited to one lobe but with bilateral lateral neck metastasis (LNM).

Methods

Between January 2009 and December 2013, 698 patients with unilateral PTC with LNM were analysed. Of these patients, 651 had unilateral LNM (ULNM) and 47 had bilateral LNM (BLNM). The clinicopathological characteristics of the two groups were analysed.

Results

There were no significant between‐group differences in age, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality in one lobe, thyroiditis or psammomatous calcification. Male sex (51.1% versus 29.8%; P = 0.002), central compartment metastasis (91.5% versus 78.6%, P = 0.035), aggressive subtype of PTC (23.4% versus 8.8%; P = 0.001) and Delphian node metastasis (36.2% versus 18.1% versus 36.2%, P = 0.002) were significantly more frequent, and mean primary tumour size (1.79 ± 1.12 cm versus 1.34 ± 0.83 cm, P = 0.010) significantly larger in the BLNM than in the ULNM group.

Conclusions

Although few patients with PTC located in one lobe have BLNM, the contralateral lateral compartment should be carefully evaluated for BLNM in males and in patients with a primary tumour size >2 cm, aggressive subtype of PTC, central node metastasis and Delphian node metastasis.
Incidence and baseline risk factors for pseudoexfoliation in Sweden: a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Ekström Curt , Winblad von Walter Lovisa
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To estimate the incidence of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) and its associated risk factors in a defined population in Sweden.

Methods

The development of PEX was studied in a cohort of 489 residents aged 65–74 years, examined in a population survey in the municipality of Tierp 1984–1986. To expand the sample size, 576 people were recruited by means of glaucoma case records established at the Eye Department in Tierp in 1978–2007. In this way, the cohort comprised 1065 subjects, representing nearly 10 500 person‐years at risk. Incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Survival analyses were performed to identify predictors for PEX. Those with a follow‐up time shorter than 1 year were excluded.

Results

By the end of the study in November 2018, 179 new cases of PEX had been found. Of these, 78 had participated in the population survey, equal to an incidence rate of 14.8 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI 11.5–18.1). The development of PEX was associated with higher age (hazard ratio 1.08 per year; 95% CI 1.03–1.13) and female gender (hazard ratio 1.59; 95% CI 1.16–2.18).

Conclusion

In this study on a Swedish population, the incidence of PEX was high. Increasing age and female gender were the only predictors for PEX identified.
School‐based study showed a correlation between physical activity and smartphone and tablet use by students aged eight, 11 and 14
Authors: Raustorp Anders , Spenner Nellie , Wilkenson Agnes , Fröberg Andreas
Published: October 2019

Aim

This study investigated correlations between objectively measured physical activity (PA) and smartphone and tablet usage by sex and age in subjects aged eight, 11 and 14.

Methods

We recruited 549 children and adolescents (264 boys) from six schools in three middle‐class communities in south‐eastern Sweden. Steps per day were objectively measured using sealed pedometers and a brief daily questionnaire about smartphone and tablet usage. Correlations between mean steps per day and mean daily minutes of smartphone and tablet usage, and differences between low and high users, were investigated.

Results

There was a moderately inverse correlation between steps per day and smartphone and tablet usage in the total sample (r = −.329, P < .001), but it was lower in boys (r = −.340, P < .001) than girls (r = −.401, P < .001). When stratified further by both sex and age, this correlation was only found among 14‐year‐old girls (r = −.385, P < .001) and this group only, differences between low and high users (P = .005) were seen.

Conclusion

There was a moderately inverse correlation between steps per day and smartphone and tablet usage. When stratified by both sex and age groups, this correlation was only observed in 14‐year‐old girls. The results may have implications for future PA interventions that target adolescent girls.
Class Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Immigration and Race Among Working‐Class Whites1
Authors: McDermott Monica , Knowles Eric D. , Richeson Jennifer A.
Published: October 2019

As neighborhoods that were predominantly White become more racially and ethnically diverse, many Whites in those communities respond with feelings of threat and political shifts to the right. Trump's election in 2016 has often been attributed, at least in part, to such responses among members of the White working class. Building on this work, in the summer of 2017 (and thus after the election) we interviewed 77 working‐class White residents of three majority‐White cities from the Midwestern United States that had recently become more diverse due to an influx of Latino immigrants and/or an increase in native‐born racial minorities. Respondents were asked about their class identity, perceptions of change in their communities, and their attitudes about immigration and racial minorities. Contrary to prevailing narratives regarding the White working class, we found considerable variation in respondents’ reactions to these demographic changes. Notably, these differential reactions are organized by, and potentially rooted in, variation in class identity. Despite all being members of the working class, our respondents conceptualized their class identity according to three types—Class Conflict Aware, Working‐class Connected, and Working‐class Patriots—that were associated with more favorable or more antagonistic attitudes toward Latino immigrants and domestic racial minorities. This work, therefore, offers a more nuanced picture of how members of the White working class are responding to ethnoracial demographic changes in the nation.
Inhibition and cognitive load in fractions and decimals
Authors: Avgerinou Vana A. , Tolmie Andrew
Published: October 2019

Background

Prior research with adults and children suggests that inhibitory control may have a role to play in learning counterintuitive fractions and decimals that are inconsistent with whole number knowledge. However, there is little research to date with primary school‐aged children at the early stages of fraction and decimal instruction that addresses this relationship. Understanding this association has the potential to inform instructional practices concerning the learning of counterintuitive maths concepts.

Aim

This study examined the relationship between inhibitory control and counterintuitive fractions and decimals in the presence of varying cognitive load in 8‐ to 10‐year‐old children.

Methods

Children aged 8–10 years (N = 95) completed a fraction and decimal magnitude comparison task with pairs that were either consistent (controls) or inconsistent (counterintuitive) with whole number magnitudes. Cognitive load was manipulated by presenting trials with simple integrated text (no additional load), with integrated text accompanied by supportive illustrations (low load), or with illustrations containing information that needed to be integrated to arrive at an answer (high load). Participants also completed measures of response and semantic inhibition.

Results

Inhibitory control uniquely contributed to performance in counterintuitive fractions and decimals only under conditions of high cognitive load, where low semantic inhibition predicted longer response times.

Conclusion

Our results indicate a more nuanced relation between inhibitory control and counterintuitive fractions and decimals than presumed by previous research. They suggest that the role of inhibitory control when reasoning about counterintuitive fractions and decimals is not constant, and it is only drawn on at high levels of cognitive load.
Targeted therapy paves the way for the cure of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Rafei Hind , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Jabbour Elias J.
Published: October 2019

The past decade has witnessed tremendous progress in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), primarily due to the development of targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting BCR‐ABL1 tyrosine kinase, monoclonal antibodies targeting cell surface antigens (CD19, CD20 and CD22), bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T‐ cell therapy. A number of new therapies have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in the past 5 years, including blinatumomab in 2014, inotuzumab ozagamicin in 2017 and tisagenlecleucel in 2017 for relapsed/refractory ALL. This has led to tremendous improvement in long‐term survival, of more than 50% in patients with precursor B‐ALL [50–70% in patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐positive ALL)], 50–60% in T‐ALL and 80% in mature B‐ALL. Research is ongoing to optimize the benefit of targeted therapeutics with the goal of decreasing the use of cytotoxic therapies.
Multi‐dimensional analysis identifies an immune signature predicting response to decitabine treatment in elderly patients with AML
Authors: Zhao Chenchen , Jia Bei , Wang Ming , Schell Todd D. , Claxton David F. , Ehmann W Christopher , Rybka Witold B. , Mineishi Shin , Naik Seema , Songdej Natthapol , Sivik Jeff M. , Hohl Raymond J. , Zeng Hui , Zheng Hong
Published: October 2019

Decitabine is a DNA‐hypomethylating agent that has been widely applied for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients who are elderly or unfit for intensive therapy. Although effective, the complete response rate to decitabine is only around 30% and the overall survival remains poor. Emerging data support that regulation of DNA methylation is critical to control immune cell development, differentiation and activation. We hypothesize that defining how decitabine influences the immune responses in AML will facilitate the development of novel immune‐based leukaemia therapeutics. Here, we performed phenotypic and functional immune analysis on clinical samples from AML patients receiving decitabine treatment and demonstrated a significant impact of decitabine on the immune system. T‐cell expression of inhibitory molecules was upregulated and the ability of CD8 T cells to produce cytokines was decreased upon decitabine treatment. Importantly, in an unbiased comprehensive analysis, we identified a unique immune signature containing a cluster of key immune markers that clearly separate patients who achieved complete remission after decitabine from those who failed to do so. Therefore, this immune signature has a strong predictive value for clinical response. Collectively, our study suggests that immune‐based analyses may predict clinical response to decitabine and provide a therapeutic strategy to improve the treatment of AML.
Vegetarian diet and its possible influence on dental health: A systematic literature review
Authors: Smits Kirsten P. J. , Listl Stefan , Jevdjevic Milica
Published: October 2019

Objectives

People following a vegetarian diet could be more prone to oral health problems than people following a nonvegetarian diet. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the possible impacts of following a vegetarian diet on dental hard tissues, focusing on caries development, dental erosion and number of natural teeth.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched systematically up until 17 April 2019. Original studies comparing dental health (exclusively focusing on dental hard tissues) in vegetarians and nonvegetarians were selected. Study characteristics and outcome data were extracted, and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. When a dental health characteristic was reported in three or more papers in a comparable way, a meta‐analysis was performed.

Results

Twenty‐one papers reporting on 18 studies were included in this review. In meta‐analyses, the vegetarian diet was associated with a higher risk for dental erosion (odds ratio: 2.40 [95% confidence interval: 1.24, 4.66]; P = .009) and a lower decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score (mean difference: −0.15 [95% confidence interval: −0.29, −0.02]; P = .023), although the quality of most included studies was poor and the findings for DMFT score became insignificant when only studies on adults were included in the meta‐analysis. A meta‐analysis for the other dental characteristics was not possible due to the limited number of eligible studies. There was inconsistent evidence for a link between following a vegetarian diet and dental caries or the number of natural teeth.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the present study, the findings suggest that following a vegetarian diet may be associated with a greater risk of dental erosion.
A novel homozygous CFAP65 mutation in humans causes male infertility with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella
Authors: Zhang Xueguang , Shen Ying , Wang Xiang , Yuan Guiping , Zhang Chaoliang , Yang Yihong
Published: October 2019

Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder associated with male infertility. To date, 14 genetic causative genes have been identified in MMAF, which can only explain the genetic causes of ~60% of MMAF cases. Here, we report a man with primary infertility, who had a typical MMAF phenotype. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the patient and a homozygous mutation (c. 2675 G>A [p. Trp892*]) was identified in cilia and flagella‐associated protein 65 (CFAP65) gene, which is primarily expressed in the testis. Another loss‐of‐function mutation of CFAP65 has been detected in a MMAF patient, and the orthologue of CFAP65 also plays a vital role in sperm motility in chickens. Our experimental observations on human subjects suggested that CFAP65 is involved in sperm flagellum structure and assembly and that loss‐of‐function mutations could lead to male infertility in humans by causing the MMAF phenotype.
Evaluating empowerment in genetic counseling using patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Yuen Jeanette , Lee Suat Y. , Courtney Eliza , Lim John , Soh Hazel , Li Shao T. , Chen Yanni , McAllister Marion , Fenwick Eva K. , Ngeow Joanne
Published: October 2019

Data about patient reported outcomes from cancer genetics services (CGS) are lacking but are essential to guide service evaluation and improvements. We measured improvement in empowerment, following genetic counseling in Singapore using a culturally‐adapted version of the Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale (GCOS‐24); and sought to identify factors associated with change in empowerment. The GCOS‐24 was administered to 155 patients of the CGS, at pre‐ and post‐counseling or testing timepoints. Of which, 110 patients underwent genetic testing. Individual pre‐ and post‐counseling responses were subjected to Rasch analysis; the scale was subsequently split into cognitive control (CC) and emotional control (EC) domains. Associations of baseline characteristics with changes in pre‐ and post‐CC and EC scores were assessed using multiple regression analysis. Both CC and EC scores showed significant improvement following genetic counseling and testing. While all items in the CC domain of being showed increases at follow‐up, aspects of EC related to alleviating negative emotions (P = .88) and hopelessness (P = .2) did not show significant improvement. Our study revealed significant improvement in empowerment in patients who have received cancer genetic counseling, while revealing a need to cultivate hope and facilitate the alleviation of negative emotions in patients during genetic counseling.
Relative contributions of implant hydrophilicity and nanotopography to implant anchorage in bone at Early Time Points
Authors: Liddell Robert S. , Liu Zhen‐Mei , Mendes Vanessa C. , Davies John E.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare the contributions of implant hydrophilicity and nanotopography on anchorage in bone. The effect of elevated calcium surface chemistry on bone anchorage was also investigated.

Materials and Methods

A full factorial study design was implemented to evaluate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) light and/or sodium lactate (SL) and discrete crystalline deposition of nanocrystals (DCD) treatments on the osseointegration of dual acid‐etched (AE) titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) and grit blasted and AE (BAE) commercially pure titanium (CpTi) implants. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)‐treated CpTi implants were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) to increase calcium surface chemistry. Implants were placed in the femora of Wistar rats and tested using pull‐out testing (BAE implants: 5, 9, 14 days) or tensile testing (AE implants: 9 days, NaOH implants: 28 days).

Results

Ti6Al4V‐AE implants with DCD‐ and UV‐treated surfaces significantly increased bone anchorage compared with untreated Ti6Al4V‐AE alloy implants. Pull‐out testing of BAE‐CpTi implants with the DCD treatment showed increased disruption force values compared with surfaces without the DCD treatment at 5, 9 and 14 days by 4.1N, 13.9N and 15.5N, respectively, and UV‐treated implants showed an increase at 14 days by 8.4N. No difference was found between NaOH + SBF and NaOH + H2O groups.

Conclusions

Bone anchorage of implants was found to be improved by UV‐treating implants or nanotopographically complex surfaces. However, implant nanotopography was found to have a greater contribution to the overall bone anchorage and is more consistent compared with the time‐dependent nature of the UV treatment.
Distinguishing bowenoid papulosis from Bowen disease in the mouth: A case report
Authors: Ferreira Jean C. B. , de Paula Henrique M. , Caixeta Gustavo N. , Mendonça Elismauro F.
Published: October 2019

Bowenoid papulosis (BPap) is an uncommon skin disorder linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and characterized clinically by the presence of scattered papules or small plaques, multiple and pigmented, that involve the stratified squamous epithelium. Bowen disease (BD) is recognized as the main differential diagnosis of BPap. An 80‐year old white woman was referred for the evaluation of multiple, brown verrucous papules measuring 3 to 4 mm in diameter on the right maxillary gingiva. Histopathological analysis revealed disturbed epithelial maturation with papillary stratified squamous epithelium, koilocytic dysplasia, parakeratosis, acanthosis, basal double‐layer, loss of cellular polarity, nuclear hyperchromatism and pleomorphism, scattered mitosoid bodies, and a high degree of cytologic atypia. An immunohistochemical investigation for p53 and Ki67 showed staining of the basal and suprabasal layer, while p16 was strongly expressed in the nuclei of epithelial cells and Bcl‐2 was positive only in mitosoid bodies and the lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate. In situ DNA hybridization was negative for HPV. Oral BPap is an uncommon lesion in which the diagnostic process includes clinical, histopathological, and molecular correlations due to the similarity to aggressive behavior lesions such as BD.
A concise review of angiofibroma of soft tissue: A rare newly described entity that can be encountered by dermatopathologists
Authors: Mindiola‐Romero Andres E. , Maloney Nolan , Bridge Julia A. , Korkolopoulou Penelope , Sakellariou Stratigoula , Linos Konstantinos
Published: October 2019

Angiofibroma of soft tissue (AFST) is a newly described, rare mesenchymal neoplasm with fibroblastic and vascular components; it can be seen in both sexes and in a broad age range. It presents as a slowly enlarging mass, most often in the deep tissues of the upper and lower extremities, but occasionally in a superficial location where it may be encountered by dermatopathologists. It has a benign clinical course with a very low probability of recurrence after complete excision. This lesion has a prominent vasculature and may have an infiltrative growth pattern. These features could lead to a misdiagnosis, such as malignant vascular tumor, by an unwary dermatopathologist. The diagnosis of AFST initially relied solely on morphology and immunohistochemistry but, more recently, molecular studies have begun to play a role. Because of the potential for misdiagnosis, we present this review to raise awareness.
China's Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia and the Middle East
Authors: Hoh Anchi
Published: October 2019

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims at connecting the continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa through a combination of infrastructure projects and soft‐power programs. All of the six land bridges and maritime routes under the BRI extend westward, mostly passing through Central Asia and the Middle East on land or by sea. Cooperation with countries in these regions will, according to China's design, meet its domestic energy needs, and grow the country's economy. China recognizes, however, that in Central Asia and the Middle East, the risks posed by what it calls the “Three Evils” — terrorism, extremism, and separatism can impact the success of the BRI. They can also impact stability in its own adjacent areas, including Xinjiang. Therefore, in concert with the BRI, China is also identifying and deploying bilateral and multilateral diplomatic mechanisms aimed at security coordination with BRI countries in these two volatile regions. This article provides an overview of BRI developments in the two regions and examines some of the diplomatic mechanisms China is using to coordinate security and reduce risks.
The Rise in Power of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Authors: Cochran Judith A.
Published: October 2019

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is moving across the international stage as the future King of Saudi Arabia. He has the support of his father, Saudi royals, and the oil income of his country. He also has 10‐year plan he agreed upon with the King called Vision 2030. The three components of the Vision are to diversify the oil‐based economy to include technology and tourism, to make the country the heart of Islam and Arab culture and to become the economic and geographic hub of Asia/Europe and Africa. His rise in power will depend upon his skill in expanding the religious tolerance of Saudi people, the current economic structure of the country, and the education of the youth. He is simultaneously addressing all these challenges in order to cement the country's future sustainability. Suggestions for enhancing his multifaceted impact on his country are provided.
Boundary line models for soil nutrient concentrations and wheat yield in national‐scale datasets
Authors: Lark Richard M. , Gillingham Vincent , Langton David , Marchant Ben P.
Published: October 2019

In boundary line analysis a biological response (e.g., crop yield) is assumed to be a function of a variable (e.g., soil nutrient concentration), which limits the response in only some subset of observations because other limiting factors also apply. The response function is therefore expressed by an upper boundary of the plot of the response against the variable. This model has been used in various branches of soil science. In this paper we apply it to the analysis of some large datasets, originating from commercial farms in England and Wales, on the recorded yield of wheat and measured concentrations of soil nutrients in within‐field soil management zones. We considered boundary line models for the effects of potassium (K), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) on yield, comparing the model with a simple bivariate normal distribution or a bivariate normal censored at a constant maximum yield. We were able to show, using likelihood‐based methods, that the boundary line model was preferable in most cases. The boundary line model suggested that the standard RB209 soil nutrient index values (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, nutrient management guide (RB209), 2017) are robust and apply at the within‐field scale. However, there was evidence that wheat yield could respond to additional Mg at concentrations above index 0, contrary to RB209 guidelines. Furthermore, there was evidence that the boundary line model for yield and P differs between soils at different pH and depth intervals, suggesting that shallow soils with larger pH require a larger target P index than others.

Highlights

Boundary line analysis is one way to examine how soil variables influence crop yield in large datasets.

We showed that boundary line models could be applied to large datasets on soil nutrients and crop yield.

The resulting models are consistent with current practice for P and K, but not for Mg.

Models suggest that more refined recommendations for P requirement could be based on soil pH and depth.
Responses of soil inorganic and organic carbon stocks of alpine meadows to the disturbance by plateau pikas
Authors: Pang Xiao Pan , Wang Qian , Zhang Jing , Xu Hai Peng , Zhang Wen Na , Wang Juan , Guo Zheng Gang
Published: October 2019

Small burrowing herbivores create extensive disturbances to grassland soil, which may change carbon cycling. We focused on the plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) to simultaneously investigate the responses of the soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil inorganic carbon (SIC) stocks of alpine meadows to the disturbance caused by this small burrowing herbivore and its disturbance intensity at the plot scale across five sites on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. The percentage of bare soil area in a disturbed plot was used as a proxy for the disturbance intensity of plateau pikas. Our study found that the disturbance by plateau pikas reduced the SIC stock and increased the SOC stock, whereas it had no effect on the soil total carbon (STC) stock. Our study also found that the SOC and STC stocks were higher at intermediate disturbance intensities of plateau pikas, whereas the SIC stock showed a decreasing trend as the disturbance intensity of plateau pikas increased. Our findings suggest that intermediate disturbance intensities of a small burrowing herbivore (plateau pika) improve soil quality by increasing the SOC stock and benefit soil carbon sequestration by increasing the STC stock.

Highlights

Explored the SIC and SOC stocks simultaneously in relation to the disturbance by a small burrowing herbivore.

Soil carbon stocks were evaluated at plot scale across five sites.

SIC and SOC stocks responded differently to the disturbance by plateau pika and its disturbance intensity.

The intermediate disturbance intensities were good for the soil quality and soil carbon sequestration.
Motoric cognitive risk syndrome and incident dementia: results from a population‐based prospective and observational cohort study
Authors: Beauchet O. , Sekhon H. , Launay C.P. , Rolland Y. , Schott A.‐M. , Allali G.
Published: October 2019

Background and purpose

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), which is the juncture of subjective cognitive complaint and slow gait speed, is a pre‐dementia stage. The aims of the study are (i) to compare characteristics between individuals who have MCR defined using slow walking speed and/or increased five‐times‐sit‐to‐stand (FTSS) time as its motor component(s); and (ii) to characterize the association of MCR and its various motor components with incident dementia including Alzheimer disease and non‐Alzheimer dementia in the participants of the Epidémiologie de l’Ostéoporose (EPIDOS) study.

Methods

This prospective and observational cohort study selected 651 participants recruited from the EPIDOS study in Toulouse (France). MCR was defined as the association of subjective cognitive complaint and slow gait speed and/or increased FTSS time in participants without either dementia and mobility disabilities at baseline. Individuals with dementia were prospectively diagnosed during the physical and neuropsychological assessments included in the 7‐year follow‐up.

Results

The prevalence of MCR was around 7% when using an exclusive motor criterion, either slow gait speed or increased FTSS time, and was 20.9% when MCR subgroups were pooled. MCR was positively associated with incident dementia regardless of its type, and with Alzheimer disease in the slow gait speed MCR subgroup [odds ratio (OR) > 2.18 with P ≤ 0.037] but not with non‐Alzheimer dementia. No significant association between incident dementia and MCR defined using increased FTSS time was shown.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that MCR is associated with incident dementia and that slow gait speed is the appropriate motor criterion for detecting dementia risk.
The complex phenotype of spinocerebellar ataxia type 48 in eight unrelated Italian families
Authors: Lieto M. , Riso V. , Galatolo D. , De Michele G. , Rossi S. , Barghigiani M. , Cocozza S. , Pontillo G. , Trovato R. , Saccà F. , Salvatore E. , Tessa A. , Filla A. , Santorelli F. M. , De Michele G. , Silvestri G.
Published: October 2019

Background and purpose

Heterozygous mutations in the STUB1 gene have recently been associated with an autosomal dominant form of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) associated with cerebellar cognitive‐affective syndrome (CCAS), named SCA48.

Methods

Molecular screening was performed in a cohort of 235 unrelated patients with adult‐onset, autosomal dominant (17) or sporadic (218) cerebellar ataxia, negative for pathological trinucleotide expansions in the common SCAs, FRDA and FXTAS loci, by using targeted multigene panels or whole‐exome sequencing. Bioinformatics analyses, detailed neurological phenotyping and family segregation studies corroborated the pathogenicity of the novel STUB1 mutations. Clinico‐diagnostic findings were reviewed to define the phenotypic spectrum.

Results

Eight heterozygous STUB1 mutations were identified, six of which were novel in 11 patients from eight index families, giving an estimated overall frequency of 3.4% (8/235) for SCA48 in our study cohort, rising to 23.5% (4/17) when considering only familial cases. All our SCA48 patients had cerebellar ataxia and dysarthria associated with cerebellar atrophy on brain magnetic resonance imaging; of note, many cases were also associated with parkinsonism, chorea and dystonia. CCAS also occurred frequently, whereas definite signs of pyramidal tract dysfunction and peripheral nervous system involvement were absent. One SCA48 patient presented with hypogonadism, associated with other autoimmune endocrine dysfunctions.

Conclusions

Our results support SCA48 as a significant cause of adult‐onset SCA. Besides CCAS, our SCA48 patients often showed movement disorders and other clinical manifestations previously described in SCAR16, linked to biallelic variants in the same gene, thus suggesting a continuous clinical spectrum and significant overlap amongst recessive and dominantly inherited mutations in STUB1.
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Einarsdottir Anna B. , Sveinsson Olafur , Olafsson Elias
Published: October 2019

Objective

The incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) varies between studies. We determined the incidence of SUDEP in the entire Icelandic population during a 20‐year period.

Methods

All individuals in Iceland with epilepsy who died unexpectedly from January 1, 1991 through December 31, 2010 were included. Case ascertainment was based on autopsies, reimbursement for antiepileptic drugs, death certificates, information from neurologists, and medical records. The incidence of SUDEP was calculated according to the total number of residents in Iceland during the study period and an estimated epilepsy population of Iceland.

Results

We identified 37 individuals (26 men, 11 women) with definite SUDEP (n = 29), definite SUDEP plus (n = 4), and probable SUDEP (n = 4). Incidence of SUDEP was 0.6 per 100 000 person‐years for the general population, and higher among men. The estimated incidence of SUDEP in the epilepsy population was 1.3 per 1000 person‐years. SUDEP accounted for 0.1% of all deaths in Iceland during the study period.

Significance

SUDEP is an important cause of death in working‐age people. This study provides the incidence of SUDEP in an unselected population of an entire country. The SUDEP incidence in the epilepsy population is comparable to that of previous studies.
Attending to spatial social–ecological sensitivities to improve trade‐off analysis in natural resource management
Authors: Okamoto Daniel K. , Poe Melissa R. , Francis Tessa B. , Punt André E. , Levin Phillip S. , Shelton Andrew O. , Armitage Derek R. , Cleary Jaclyn S. , Dressell Sherri C. , Jones Russ , Kitka Harvey , Lee Lynn C. , MacCall Alec D. , McIsaac Jim A. , Reifenstuhl Steve , Silver Jennifer J. , Schmidt Jörn O. , Thornton Thomas F. , Voss Rüdiger , Woodruff John
Published: October 2019

Balancing trade‐offs amongst social–ecological objectives is a central aim of natural resource management. However, objectives and resources often have spatial dimensions, which are usually ignored in trade‐off analyses. We examine how simultaneously integrating social–ecological benefits and their spatial complexities can improve trade‐off analysis. We use Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii, Clupeidae)—an ecologically important forage fish with social, cultural and economic value to communities and commercial fisheries—as a case study. By combining spatial management strategy evaluation with social benefits analysis, we illustrate when policies aimed at aggregate stocks versus spatially segregated substocks of fish fail to balance trade‐offs amongst social–ecological objectives. Spatial measures (e.g. area‐based closures) may achieve some objectives but produce alternative trade‐offs that are sensitive to assumptions about fish population dynamics and social complexities. Our analyses identify policies that are inefficient (e.g. yielding economic costs without producing social or ecological gains), highlight management strategies that generate trade‐offs and indicate when costs are distributed unequally for different user groups. We also point to strategies with outcomes that are robust to spatial uncertainties and reveal research priorities by identifying which performance metrics exhibit sensitivity to spatial ecological assumptions. Collectively, our analyses demonstrate how incorporating social objectives and spatial dynamics into management strategy evaluation can reveal trade‐offs and the implications of management decisions.
Historical perspective of artisanal encircling gillnet use at the Brazilian coast: Changes in fishing behaviour is mirrored by dwindling stocks
Authors: Reis‐Filho José Amorim
Published: October 2019

Managing coastal resources sometimes requires looking into the past, as this provides a baseline against which present conditions may be gauged. The present study evaluated the circumstances that led Brazilian coastal fishers to modify their use of encircling gillnets. Other stressors (i.e. water pollution and habitat degradation) acted synergistically on the fisheries dynamic between 1950 and 2016. Declining catches of several species were observed through fishers' historical perception and through fisheries landing records. Three notable trends in net handling were associated with distinct historical periods. Specifically, pressures from modern fishery practices and gear (e.g. monofilament nets), the adoption of spiral setting arrangements and the increasing use of trammel nets appear responsible for the decline of many stocks. Mullet, seabass, jack and pilchard stocks decreased over time and were associated the changes witnessed in the encircling net operations. These changes occurred in response to overexploitation of fish stocks, to exploit the dwindling fisheries resources. The study also discusses the reasons leading fishers to accept how encircling gillnets ought to be used, their interpretation of such changes and the implications these changes have for fisheries management.
Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate to Treat Acute Headaches in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review
Authors: Miller Andrew C. , K. Pfeffer Brandon , Lawson Michael R. , Sewell Kerry A. , King Alexandra R. , Zehtabchi Shahriar
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Non‐traumatic headaches comprise up to 4% of all emergency department (ED) visits. Current practice is moving toward multimodal analgesia regimens that limit narcotic use.

Objective

The objective of this systematic review is to address the following research question: In patients with non‐traumatic headaches (Population), does administration of intravenous magnesium sulfate (Intervention) compared to placebo, corticosteroids, dopamine antagonists, ergot alkaloids, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), triptans, or usual care result in better pain control, lower rate of recurrence at 24 hours, lower requirements for rescue analgesia, and less adverse medication effects (Outcomes)?

Methods

Scholarly databases and relevant bibliographies were searched, as were clinical trial registries and relevant conference proceedings to limit publication bias. Studies were not limited by date, language, or publication status. Inclusion criteria were: (1) randomized clinical trial (RCT), (2) patients age ≥18 years, (3) non‐traumatic headache, (4) patients treated in ED or an outpatient acute care treatment center, and (5) magnesium sulfate administered intravenously (IV). Eligible comparison groups included: placebo, conventional therapy, dopamine antagonist, NSAID, corticosteroid, ergot alkaloid, or triptans.

Results

Out of 4018 identified references, 7 RCTs (545 participants) that treated migraine headaches (n = 6) and benign non‐traumatic headaches (n = 1) met inclusion criteria. Pain intensity was improved with magnesium sulfate vs comparators at 60‐120 minutes, but not at earlier time points. Result for the endpoint of pain reduction by 50% were conflicting as 3 studies reported that headache was improved, unchanged, and less with magnesium sulfate. Complete pain relief was improved with magnesium sulfate in 1 study, and in the migraine with aura (MA) subgroup in another. The need for rescue analgesia at any point was improved with magnesium sulfate in 1 study, and in the MA subgroup in another. Twenty‐four‐hour headache recurrence was improved with magnesium sulfate in 1 study, but unchanged in a second. The intended meta‐analysis was not performed due to the clinical heterogeneity among studies.

Conclusion

While we cannot draw a firm conclusion on the efficacy or benefit of intravenous magnesium sulfate in the treatment of acute non‐traumatic headaches, the existing evidence indicates potential benefits in pain control beyond 1 hour, aura duration, and need for rescue analgesia.
Permian felsic magmatism in the Neoproterozoic Nagar Parkar Igneous Complex of the Malani Igneous Suite: Evidence from zircon U–Pb age
Authors: Rehman Hafiz U. , Khan Tahseenullah , Lee Hao‐Yang , Chung Sun‐Lin , Murata Mamoru , Jan M. Qasim
Published: October 2019

We report Permian (ca. 272 Ma ±5.4 Ma) felsic dykes that intrude into the Neoproterozoic (ca. 750 Ma) magmatic suite of the Nagar Parkar Igneous Complex (NPIC), the western extension of the Malani Igneous Suite (MIS). The NPIC consists of Neoproterozoic basement amphibolites and granites (riebeckite–aegirine gray granites and the biotite–hornblende pink granites), all of which are intruded by several generations of mafic and felsic dykes. Granitic magmatism occurred in the Late Neoproterozoic (ca. 750 Ma) due to the subduction‐, followed by the rift‐related tectonic regime during the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. U–Th–Pb zircon and monazite CHIME age data of 700–800 Ma from the earlier generation porphyritic felsic dykes suggest the dyke intrusion was coeval or soon after the emplacement of the host granites. Our findings of Permian age orthophyric felsic dykes provide new insights for the prevalence of active tectonics in the MIS during late Paleozoic. Textural features and geochemistry also make the orthophyric dykes distinct from the early‐formed porphyritic dykes and the host granites. Our newly obtained age data combined with geochemistry, suggest the existence of magmatism along the western margin of India (peri‐Gondwana margin) during Permian. Like elsewhere in the region, the Permian magmatism in the NPIC could be associated with the rifting of the Cimmerian micro‐continents from the Gondwana.