bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors for visual acuity in patients with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy after rAAV2‐ND4 gene therapy
Authors: Zhang Yong , Li Xin , Yuan Jiajia , Tian Zhen , Liu Hongli , Wang Dan , Li Bin
Published: April 2019

Importance

Factors affecting visual acuity prognosis after gene therapy in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) patients with mutation at site 11 778 are unknown.

Background

To analyse correlations between visual acuity prognosis and baseline characteristics of LHON after rAAV2‐ND4 gene therapy.

Design

Retrospective study.

Participants

Fifty‐three LHON patients with a mutation at site 11 778.

Methods

Single‐eye intravitreal injection of rAAV2‐ND4.

Main Outcome Measures

Sex, onset age, duration of disease, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field index (VFI) and mean deviation (MD) were recorded for all patients at baseline. BCVA was recorded at 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐up visits after gene therapy. Correlations between BCVA prognosis and baseline characteristics were analysed by univariate analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed on independent factors affecting BCVA prognosis.

Results

Univariate analysis showed significant differences in the VFI and MD of the injected eye between BCVA improvement and non‐improvement groups after 3 months of treatment, with greater VFI and smaller absolute MD in the BCVA improvement group. Logistic regression showed that VFI and baseline BCVA were independent prognostic factors for visual acuity. The correlation between VFI and MD was statistically significant.

Conclusions and Relevance

VFI and baseline BCVA were correlated with the visual acuity prognosis of LHON patients receiving gene therapy, with greater baseline VFI and better baseline BCVA predicting better visual acuity prognosis. MD was strongly correlated with VFI and might be correlated with gene therapy prognosis. This finding may form a basis for predicting the efficacy of gene therapy in these patients and guiding subsequent treatment.
Spatially restricted long‐term transgene expression in the developing skin used for studying the interaction of epidermal development and sensory innervation
Authors: Chan Carmen , Kamiguchi Hiroyuki , Shimogori Tomomi
Published: April 2019

Skin development is tightly temporally coordinated with its sensory innervation, which consists of the peripheral branches of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) axons. Various studies suggest that the skin produces a long‐range attractant for the sensory axons. However, the exact identity of the guidance cue(s) remains unclear. To reveal the detailed molecular mechanism that controls DRG axon guidance and targeting, manipulation of specific skin layers at specific time points are required. To test a variety of attractants that can be expressed in specific skin layers at specific timepoints, we combined in utero electroporation with the Tol2 transposon system to induce long‐term transgene expression in the developing mouse skin, including in the highly proliferative epidermal stem cells (basal layer) and their descendants (spinous and granular layer cells). The plasmid solution was injected as close to the hindpaw plantar surface as possible. Immediately, electric pulses were passed through the embryo to transduce the plasmid DNA into hindpaw skin cells. Balancing outcome measurements including: embryo survival, transfection efficiency, and the efficiency of transgene integration into host cells, we found that IUE was best performed on E13.5, and using an electroporation voltage of 34V. After immunostaining embryonic and early postnatal skin tissue sections for keratinocyte and sensory axon markers, we observe the growth of axons into skin epidermal layers including areas expressing EGFP. Therefore, this method is useful for studying the interaction between axon growth and epidermal cell division/differentiation.
Sleep–behaviour relationship in children with autism spectrum disorder: methodological pitfalls and insights from cognition and sensory processing
Authors: Deliens Gaétane , Peigneux Philippe
Published: April 2019

Sleep disturbances are frequent and varied in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Growing evidence suggests that sleep problems in children withASDare driven by their clinical characteristics and psychiatric comorbidities. Therefore, the wide range of reported sleep disturbances reflects the marked heterogeneity of clinical pictures inASD. Whether sleep disturbances and their various forms may, in turn, account for at least part of the phenotypical variability ofASDis a crucial question discussed in this review. We first outline studies both validating and challenging a bidirectional theoretical framework for sleep disorders in children withASD. We then propose to extend this model by including cognition and sensory processing as key factors in the vicious circle linking sleep disorders and autistic symptoms.

What this paper adds

There is a bidirectional interplay between autism symptoms and sleep disturbances.

Sleep influence on daytime cognitive and sensory skills should be further investigated.
Evaluation of left atrial volume and functions by real time three‐dimensional echocardiography in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism before and after levothyroxine therapy
Authors: Dereli Seçkin , Bayramoğlu Adil , Özer Nurtaç , Kaya Ahmet , Özbilen Muhammet
Published: April 2019

Background/Aims

The cardiovascular system is one of the major targets of thyroid hormones. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common disease that can represent “early” thyroid failure. Our aim was to evaluate left atrial (LA) volume and functions in patients with SCH using real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) and also to investigate changes in LA parameters after the levothyroxine treatment.

Methods

In total, 44 patients with SCH and 40 age‐ and gender‐matched controls were studied. Assessments included history, physical examination and echocardiography. All patients with SCH were followed up with replacement therapy until the euthyroid status was achieved.

Results

In patients with SCH, LA total emptying volume, passive emptying volume, and passive ejection fraction were significantly reduced while LA minimal volume, active emptying volume, and active emptying fraction were significantly increased than in control group. Following the levothyroxine treatment, LA volume and function parameters were observed to be significantly improved. A negative correlation between the change of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and change of LA active emptying volume and a positive correlation between the change of TSH level and change of LA passive emptying volume were found.

Conclusion

It was shown that volume and functions of LA were impaired in patients with SCH. However, impaired parameters were improved after the levothyroxine treatment. These findings may be indicative of subclinical heart involvement that could lead to functional and structural changes in patients with SCH.
Beyond drug‐induced alteration of glutamate homeostasis, astrocytes may contribute to dopamine‐dependent intrastriatal functional shifts that underlie the development of drug addiction: A working hypothesis
Authors: Fouyssac Maxime , Belin David
Published: April 2019

The transition from recreational drug use to compulsive drug‐seeking habits, the hallmark of addiction, has been shown to depend on a shift in the locus of control over behaviour from the ventral to the dorsolateral striatum. This process has hitherto been considered to depend on the aberrant engagement of dopamine‐dependent plasticity processes within neuronal networks. However, exposure to drugs of abuse also triggers cellular and molecular adaptations in astrocytes within the striatum which could potentially contribute to the intrastriatal transitions observed during the development of drug addiction. Pharmacological interventions aiming to restore the astrocytic mechanisms responsible for maintaining homeostatic glutamate concentrations in the nucleus accumbens, that are altered by chronic exposure to addictive drugs, abolish the propensity to relapse in both preclinical and, to a lesser extent, clinical studies. Exposure to drugs of abuse also alters the function of astrocytes in the dorsolateral striatum, wherein dopaminergic mechanisms control drug‐seeking habits, associated compulsivity and relapse. This suggests that drug‐induced alterations in the glutamatergic homeostasis maintained by astrocytes throughout the entire striatum may interact with dopaminergic mechanisms to promote aberrant plasticity processes that contribute to the maintenance of maladaptive drug‐seeking habits. Capitalising on growing evidence that astrocytes play a fundamental regulatory role in glutamate and dopamine transmission in the striatum, we present an innovative model of a quadripartite synaptic microenvironment within which astrocytes channel functional interactions between the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems that may represent the primary striatal functional unit that undergoes drug‐induced adaptations eventually leading to addiction.
The spectrum of intermediate SCN8A‐related epilepsy
Authors: Johannesen Katrine M. , Gardella Elena , Encinas Alejandra C. , Lehesjoki Anna‐Elina , Linnankivi Tarja , Petersen Michael B. , Lund Ida Charlotte Bay , Blichfeldt Susanne , Miranda Maria J. , Pal Deb K. , Lascelles Karine , Procopis Peter , Orsini Alessandro , Bonuccelli Alice , Giacomini Thea , Helbig Ingo , Fenger Christina D. , Sisodiya Sanjay M. , Hernandez‐Hernandez Laura , Krithika Sundararaman , Rumple Melissa , Masnada Silvia , Valente Marialuisa , Cereda Cristina , Giordano Lucio , Accorsi Patrizia , Bürki Sarah E. , Mancardi Margherita , Korff Christian , Guerrini Renzo , von Spiczak Sarah , Hoffman‐Zacharska Dorota , Mazurczak Tomasz , Coppola Antonietta , Buono Salvatore , Vecchi Marilena , Hammer Michael F. , Varesio Costanza , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Lal Dennis , Brünger Tobias , Zara Federico , Striano Pasquale , Rubboli Guido , Møller Rikke S.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Pathogenic variants in SCN8A have been associated with a wide spectrum of epilepsy phenotypes, ranging from benign familial infantile seizures (BFIS) to epileptic encephalopathies with variable severity. Furthermore, a few patients with intellectual disability (ID) or movement disorders without epilepsy have been reported. The vast majority of the published SCN8A patients suffer from severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). In this study, we aimed to provide further insight on the spectrum of milder SCN8A‐related epilepsies.

Methods

A cohort of 1095 patients were screened using a next generation sequencing panel. Further patients were ascertained from a network of epilepsy genetics clinics. Patients with severe DEE and BFIS were excluded from the study.

Results

We found 36 probands who presented with an SCN8A‐related epilepsy and normal intellect (33%) or mild (61%) to moderate ID (6%). All patients presented with epilepsy between age 1.5 months and 7 years (mean = 13.6 months), and 58% of these became seizure‐free, two‐thirds on monotherapy. Neurological disturbances included ataxia (28%) and hypotonia (19%) as the most prominent features. Interictal electroencephalogram was normal in 41%. Several recurrent variants were observed, including Ile763Val, Val891Met, Gly1475Arg, Gly1483Lys, Phe1588Leu, Arg1617Gln, Ala1650Val/Thr, Arg1872Gln, and Asn1877Ser.

Significance

With this study, we explore the electroclinical features of an intermediate SCN8A‐related epilepsy with mild cognitive impairment, which is for the majority a treatable epilepsy.
Determinants of IQ outcome after focal epilepsy surgery in childhood: A longitudinal case‐control neuroimaging study
Authors: Skirrow Caroline , Cross J. Helen , Owens Rosie , Weiss‐Croft Louise , Martin‐Sanfilippo Patricia , Banks Tina , Shah Emily , Harkness William , Vargha‐Khadem Faraneh , Baldeweg Torsten
Published: April 2019

Objective

Intelligence quotient (IQ) outcomes after pediatric epilepsy surgery show significant individual variation. Clinical factors such as seizure cessation or antiepileptic medication discontinuation have been implicated, but do not fully account for the heterogeneity seen. Less is known about the impact of neurobiological factors, such as brain development and resection location. This study examines clinical and neuroimaging factors associated with cognitive outcome after epilepsy surgery in childhood.

Methods

Fifty‐two children (28 boys, 24 girls) were evaluated for epilepsy surgery and reassessed on average 7.7 years later. In the intervening time, 13 were treated pharmacologically and 39 underwent focal surgery (17 temporal, 16 extratemporal, six multilobar; mean age at surgery = 14.0 years). Pre‐ and postsurgical assessments included IQ tests and T1‐weighted brain images. Predictors of IQ change were investigated, including voxel‐based analyses of resection location, and gray and white matter volume change.

Results

Overall modest IQ improvement was seen in children treated surgically, but not in those treated pharmacologically only. Applying a ≥10‐point change threshold, 39% of the surgically treated children improved, whereas 10% declined. Clinical factors associated with IQ increases were lower preoperative IQ and longer follow‐up duration, whereas seizure and antiepileptic medication cessation were not predictive. Among neuroimaging factors, we observed that left anterior temporal resections impacted negatively on verbal reasoning, linked to full‐scale IQ decline. In contrast, gray matter volume change in ipsi‐ and contralesional hemispheres was positively correlated with IQ change. Voxel‐based morphometry identified the gray matter volume change in the contralesional dorsolateral frontal cortex as most strongly associated with IQ improvement.

Significance

We show that a variety of factors are likely to contribute to patterns of postsurgical change in IQ. Neuroimaging results indicate that left anterior temporal resections constrain development of verbal cognition, whereas simultaneously cortical growth after surgical treatment can support improvements in IQ.
Creating sentiment lexicon for sentiment analysis in Urdu: The case of a resource‐poor language
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Zubair , Sattar Anum , Khan Aurangzeb , Ali Amjad , Masud Kundi Fazal , Ahmad Shakeel
Published: April 2019

The sentiment analysis (SA) applications are becoming popular among the individuals and organizations for gathering and analysing user's sentiments about products, services, policies, and current affairs. Due to the availability of a wide range of English lexical resources, such as part‐of‐speech taggers, parsers, and polarity lexicons, development of sophisticated SA applications for the English language has attracted many researchers. Although there have been efforts for creating polarity lexicons in non‐English languages such as Urdu, they suffer from many deficiencies, such as lack of publically available sentiment lexicons with a proper scoring mechanism of opinion words and modifiers. In this work, we present a word‐level translation scheme for creating a first comprehensive Urdu polarity resource: “Urdu Lexicon” using a merger of existing resources: list of English opinion words, SentiWordNet, English–Urdu bilingual dictionary, and a collection of Urdu modifiers. We assign two polarity scores, positive and negative, to each Urdu opinion word. Moreover, modifiers are collected, classified, and tagged with proper polarity scores. We also perform an extrinsic evaluation in terms of subjectivity detection and sentiment classification, and the evaluation results show that the polarity scores assigned by this technique are more accurate than the baseline methods.
A knowledge construction methodology to automate case‐based learning using clinical documents
Authors: Ali Maqbool , Hussain Jamil , Lee Sungyoung , Kang Byeong Ho , Sattar Kashif
Published: April 2019

The case‐based learning (CBL) approach has gained attention in medical education as an alternative to traditional learning methodology. However, current CBL systems do not facilitate and provide computer‐based domain knowledge to medical students for solving real‐world clinical cases during CBL practice. To automate CBL, clinical documents are beneficial for constructing domain knowledge. In the literature, most systems and methodologies require a knowledge engineer to construct machine‐readable knowledge. Keeping in view these facts, we present a knowledge construction methodology (KCM‐CD) to construct domain knowledge ontology (i.e., structured declarative knowledge) from unstructured text in a systematic way using artificial intelligence techniques, with minimum intervention from a knowledge engineer. To utilize the strength of humans and computers, and to realize the KCM‐CD methodology, an interactive case‐based learning system(iCBLS) was developed. Finally, the developed ontological model was evaluated to evaluate the quality of domain knowledge in terms of coherence measure. The results showed that the overall domain model has positive coherence values, indicating that all words in each branch of the domain ontology are correlated with each other and the quality of the developed model is acceptable.
Beyond Brick and Mortar: The Experiences of U.S. Female Mobile Fashion Truck Entrepreneurs
Authors: Matthews Delisia , Blanchflower Tiffany , Childs Michelle
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the mobile fashion truck phenomenon from a female entrepreneur's perspective. This study provides insight into the unique strategies of this business format, while highlighting the motivations and challenges. Data collection took place through in‐depth interviews with eight female fashion truck entrepreneurs. Five key themes were developed from the data. The themes revealed that female fashion truck entrepreneurs viewed their mobile businesses as a means to deliver unique products and experiences, as well as being a flexible business model. A conceptual model is proposed to further illustrate the key motivations and challenges of the entrepreneurs.
Population recovery, seasonal site fidelity, and daily activity of pirarucu (Arapaima spp.) in an Amazonian floodplain mosaic
Authors: Campos‐Silva João Vitor , Hawes Joseph E. , Peres Carlos A.
Published: April 2019

Pirarucu (Arapaima spp.) are the world's largest scaled freshwater fish, reaching 3 m in length and >200 kg in weight. Historical overfishing has devastated populations of this remarkable fish across Amazonian floodplains, but community‐based management programmes are now stimulating the recovery of wild populations.

Pirarucu have evolved a unique set of life history traits, some of which have important implications for population management. Individuals exhibit lateral annual migration patterns during the prolonged annual flood pulse, entering flooded forests to reproduce and forage. During this period, although managed fish stocks become less monopolisable by local communities responsible for managing protected lakes, pirarucu can occupy and reproduce in new environments and thus potentially contribute to population recovery.

Here, we show a strong pattern of pirarucu (Arapaima cf. gigas) population recovery under community‐based management in an area along the Juruá River, in western Brazilian Amazonia. We show evidence of population recovery even outside formal protected areas, reinforcing the suitability of pirarucu community‐based management as a powerful tool for both biodiversity conservation and the improvement of local livelihoods. We also show pirarucu movements across a floodplain mosaic—including lakes, the main river channel, tributary streams, and flooded forests—during the wet season.

Our results support evidence of site fidelity among migrating pirarucu, justifying the high effort invested by local communities in seasonally protecting lakes from poachers and illegal fishers. Finally, restricted daily movement patterns by pirarucu support the suitability of population estimates based on day‐time counts because the chance of double counting is substantially reduced during the day when these counts are conducted. We highlight the strong suitability of this species for community‐based management, since they can: (1) replenish new environments during the wet season through migration and possibly also reproduction; and (2) be efficiently harvested during the dry season, delivering social and ecological benefits at large spatial scales.

Positive examples of fisheries management, which align biodiversity conservation and social development, are important for building optimism, and influencing local and international stakeholders. Our study shows how engaging and empowering local communities to help monitor the movement ecology of target species can be an effective strategy to support the sustainable management of aquatic resources in tropical environments.
Association of olfactory impairment with indexes of sarcopenia and frailty in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Harita Masayuki , Miwa Takaki , Shiga Hideaki , Yamada Kentaro , Sugiyama Eriko , Okabe Yuki , Miyake Yuko , Okuno Tazuo , Iritani Osamu , Morimoto Shigeto
Published: April 2019

Aim

Individuals with olfactory or gustatory impairment often have associated difficulties with food‐related activities. As both functions decline in older adults, we investigated the association of these impairments with sarcopenia/frailty indexes in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

A total of 141 participants (69 men and 72 women, mean age 73.0 years) were enrolled. Odor identification was examined using the Open Essence test. Salty and sweet tastes were assessed using a whole‐mouth gustatory test. Participants underwent evaluation of the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) by InBody720 and grip strength, and determination of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures frailty index.

Results

Participants with olfactory impairment (Open Essence ≤7), but not with gustatory impairment, showed a significantly higher prevalence of ASMI and grip strength less than the cut‐off values recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, and Study of Osteoporotic Fractures frailty and/or pre‐frailty status, compared with those without impairment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of olfactory impairment with ASMI less than the cut‐off value, grip strength less than the cut‐off value, Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia sarcopenia and pre‐frailty/frailty in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures index in the whole population, and with ASMI less than the cut‐off value and Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia sarcopenia in women, after adjustment. Three (Japanese cypress, wood and roasted garlic) and four (Japanese orange, India ink, menthol and curry) Open Essence odorants were elucidated as the “sarcopenia subset” and “frailty subset,” respectively, and showed higher ability to identify sarcopenia and frailty status, compared with the remaining five odorants.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that olfactory impairment is closely associated with sarcopenia and/or frailty in community‐dwelling older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 384–391.
Wide local excision prior to sentinel lymph node biopsy for primary melanoma of the head and neck
Authors: May Matthew M. , Lohse Christine M. , Moore Eric J. , Price Daniel L. , Van Abel Kathryn M. , Brewer Jerry D. , Janus Jeffrey R.
Published: April 2019

Background

Previous wide local excision prior to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) may have the potential to disrupt lymphatic channels, thus incorrectly identifying the sentinel node. The purpose of this study was to investigate: (1) regional recurrence rates of prior wide local excision compared to other biopsy techniques and (2) survival outcomes in patients with melanoma of the head and neck.

Methods

Between the years 2000 and 2016, 391 cases were reviewed with a median follow‐up time of 30 months in a large tertiary care center. Biopsy practices included shave, punch, wide local excision, and narrow margin excisional/Mohs, and associations with time to local or regional relapse and death from melanoma were evaluated. Main outcomes included identification of sentinel lymph nodes, overall survival, and melanoma‐specific survival.

Results

Of the 391 patients, biopsy patterns were as follows: 77 (19%) unknown biopsy, 30 (8%) prior wide local excision (WLE), 105 (27%) narrow margin excisional biopsy, 69 (18%) punch biopsy, and 110 (28%) shave biopsy. SLNB was successfully identified in all 30 patients whom had a prior WLE. There were 50 regional recurrences in the neck and 27 local recurrences with the median (IQR) at 1.2 years and 1.0 years, respectively. Multivariable associations of type of prior biopsy, depth of invasion, and nodal status with time to regional recurrence, local recurrence, overall survival, and melanoma‐specific survival were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma of the head and neck can be successfully performed in patients after previous wide local excision.
Importance of prognostic stratification via gene mutation analysis in elderly patients with acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Fujiwara Yusuke , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Yui Shunsuke , Tokura Taichiro , Inai Kazuki , Onai Daishi , Omori Ikuko , Marumo Atsushi , Yamanaka Satoshi , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Terada Kazuki , Nakagome Shun , Arai Kunihito , Kitano Tomoaki , Okabe Masahiro , Okamoto Muneo , Tamai Hayato , Nakayama Kazutaka , Tajika Kenji , Wakita Satoshi , Inokuchi Koiti
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in elderly patients is associated with an increased incidence of complications and treatment‐related toxicity because of the frequency of comorbid disease and age‐related deterioration in organ function. Despite advances in AML treatment in recent years, elderly patients have experienced limited benefit, and their outcomes remain poor. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive gene mutation analysis in elderly AML patients and identify gene mutations that could serve as prognostic factors.

Methods

An analysis of gene mutations was performed for 281 AML patients, including 98 elderly patients aged 65 years or above.

Results

Compared to younger AML patients, elderly patients showed a higher frequency of the following gene mutations: TP53 (P = 0.026), PTPN11 (P = 0.006), RUNX1 (P = 0.024), TET2 (P = 0.002), and ASXL1 (P = 0.023). The complete remission rate was significantly lower in DNMT3A mutation‐positive cases (4.26%, P = 0.011) and TP53 mutation‐positive cases (2.13%, P = 0.031) than in negative cases. The overall survival rate was significantly poorer in cases with FLT3‐ITD (P = 0.003), DNMT3A (P = 0.033), or TP53 mutation (P < 0.001). Conversely, cases with PTPN11 mutation (P = 0.014) had a significantly more favorable prognosis. In multivariate analysis, FLT3‐ITD (P = 0.011) and TP53 mutation positivity (P = 0.002) were independent poor prognostic factors, as were a performance status of 3 or above (P < 0.001) and poor cytogenetic prognosis (P = 0.001). In contrast, PTPN11 mutation positivity (P = 0.023) was an independent favorable prognosis factor.

Conclusion

Analysis of gene mutations in elderly AML patients is very important, not only for establishing prognosis, but also for introducing appropriate molecular‐targeted treatments.
EU Children in Brexit Britain: Re‐Negotiating Belonging in Nationalist Times
Authors: Zontini Elisabetta , Però Davide
Published: April 2019

This article contributes to debates on identification, home and belonging by focusing on EU children in Brexit times.1 The article combines attention to the emotional and affective side of integration with a focus on the effects of the discursive practices of the state on these processes. The article explores how Italian children and their parents navigate the increasingly neo‐assimilationist pressures in Britain. Specifically, it looks at children's ways of accommodating their parents’ values of mobility, multilingualism and transnationalism with the revived nationalist logic now dominant. The article argues for renewed scrutiny into the role of public discourses on migrants’ experiences, which illuminate the redrawing of the boundaries between inclusion and exclusion at moments of crisis.
Ferroelectricity driven by soft phonon and spin order in multiferroic BiMn3Cr4O12
Authors: Dai Jian‐Qing , Zhang Chang‐Chang
Published: April 2019

BiMn3Cr4O12 shows an unusual joint multiferroicity, which facilitates the coexistence of considerable ferroelectric polarization and remarkable magnetoelectric coupling in a single‐phase multiferroic material. Based on first‐principles calculations, we investigate the two different types of ferroelectric phase transitions in the BiMn3Cr4O12 material. Our results show that the first ferroelectric phase transition is driven by soft mode and leads BiMn3Cr4O12 into the Cm space group. The predicted ferroelectric polarization in single crystal is about ~9.8 μC/cm2. With the emergence of spin order on both Mn and Cr sublattices, it is the polar Cm structure that triggers the exchange striction mechanism and therefore results in a large type‐II multiferroicity (~1.1 μC/cm2). In addition, the intrinsic direction of the spin‐driven ferroelectric polarization is always opposite to that of the existing Cm phase structure. Our results imply a feasible strategy in searching/designing novel type‐II multiferroics with large ferroelectric polarization.
Tabula rasa in the Patagonian Channels II: The cushion peat bog species Astelia pumila (Asteliaceae) and Donatia fascicularis (Stylidiaceae) survived the last glacial in south‐central Chile
Authors: Pfanzelt Simon , Šarhanová Petra , Albach Dirk C. , von Hagen K. Bernhard
Published: April 2019

Aim

Plant phylogeographic data from the Patagonian Channels are scant and it is largely unknown how the extensive Quaternary glaciations affected the population dynamics of the region's major vegetation component, that is cushion peat bogs (Magellanic moorland). Whether ice‐age glaciers wiped out all terrestrial plant life or whether some populations persisted in situ remains unclear. We reconstructed the phylogeography of two dominant Patagonian cushion peat bog species, Astelia pumila (G.Forst.) Gaudich. (Asteliaceae) and Donatia fascicularis J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (Stylidiaceae), to test (a) the hypothesis of a glacial refugium for moorland plants in south‐central Chile and (b) the tabula rasa scenario for the Patagonian Channels. The retrieved phylogeographic patterns were compared with those reported previously for a further cushion peat bog species (Pfanzelt et al., Molecular Ecology 26, 4027–4044), with the objective to provide a broader picture of how West Patagonian moorland plants responded to the Quaternary ice‐ages.

Location

West and Fuegian Patagonia, and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), southern South America.

Methods

DNA sequence data from seven and fourteen, respectively, nuclear loci containing Simple Sequence Repeats of 371 and 328 individuals of the two study species were analysed using population genetic summary statistics, phylogenetic networks and Bayesian and multivariate methods to determine genetic structure. Ecological niche modelling was used to reconstruct the spatial distribution of suitable habitat at the Last Glacial Maximum.

Results

All A. pumila populations belong to a single population genetic cluster. In the case of D. fascicularis, only the northernmost sampled population from Nahuelbuta (Chile) is genetically distinct, whereas the remainder forms a cluster without much further substructure. According to palaeodistribution models, south‐central Chile offered suitable habitat during the last glacial.

Main conclusion

Both ecological niche modelling and the very low genetic subdifferentiation are congruent with a tabula rasa scenario for the Patagonian Channels. Populations survived the last glacial in south‐central Chile, in an area to the northwest of the ice sheet. From there, southern regions were recolonized through highly bottlenecked source populations. Other, non‐mutually exclusive factors may have further shaped the population genetic patterns, among them high gene flow mediated by the strong westerly winds.
Concerns most important to parents after their child's suicide attempt: A pilot study and collaboration with a rural mental health facility
Authors: Hickey Kari , Rossetti Jeanette , Musker Kathy
Published: April 2019

Problem

Little is known of the needs of parents after their child has made a suicide attempt. The goal of this research was to create and pilot an acceptable and effective survey for parents whose child has made a suicide attempt so that their needs and concerns are known.

Method

The Social‐Ecological Model was used as a framework to better understand the problem of adolescent suicide from the parent perspective. Collaboration with interdisciplinary staff at a rural mental health facility in the United States occurred to create and pilot the survey tool with content and practice experts validating the survey questions.

Findings

Five parents completed the pilot survey. Results showed that parents have unmet needs after their child's suicide attempt; reporting the need to ensure safety for their child and the need for understanding how to help their child. Parents stated interest in attending a focus group to discuss their needs and noted transportation and childcare being primary barriers to attending a focus group.

Conclusion

Results from this research will inform the planning focus groups of parents whose child has made suicide attempt.
Analysing Crisis Parliamentary Discourse in Greece: Whom Should We Blame?
Authors: Ladi Stella , Tsagkroni Vasiliki
Published: April 2019

This article analyses differences in the varieties of political rhetoric on structuring and legitimizing argumentation and strategies during periods of economic and political crisis. Driven by developments in theory about blame‐shifting and the exogenization of the causes of crisis as well as employing advanced techniques of analysis, it focuses on the parliamentary bailout debates in Greece during the crisis period (2009–2015). By means of computer‐assisted content analysis it analyses the content of arguments on blame‐shifting. It shows that blame‐shifting is much more complex that just blaming the external enemy and often takes the form of historical blame‐shifting, turning the blame onto previous governments. It reveals that party leaders often use a much more polemic discourse than members of parliament. Finally, it shows that blame‐shifting diminishes once a party comes to power, following arguments on representative versus responsible government.
Barriers to managing medications appropriately when patients have restrictions on oral intake
Authors: To The‐Phung , Brien Jo‐Anne , Story David A.
Published: April 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Investigation of several serious adverse events in our organization highlighted that medications were managed inappropriately when patients have oral intake restrictions. The aim of this work was to identify the barriers to optimal medication management when patients have restrictions on their oral intake.

Method

Data were feedback and comments obtained between 2011 and 2014 from a hospital‐wide quality assurance project. Data had not been purposefully collected and were in response to a general request for feedback regarding managing oral medications when patients have oral intake restrictions. Data came from a range of clinical staff and from various forums associated with the quality assurance project, including 37 presentations, 34 group meetings, and over 50 one‐on‐one meetings, as well as emails and other sources.

Data were analysed using the thematic analysis approach. Data were coded inductively, and the domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework were used to categorize the data. Subthemes and themes were then developed.

Results

Barriers could be broadly grouped into systems‐level issues (organizational guidance and work environment) and the individual person–level issues (staff knowledge and beliefs). These barriers highlight the complexity of the medication management task. The lack of standardized guidance and consistent terminology regarding medication administration when patients have restrictions on oral intake, particularly when fasting or nil by mouth, were important systems factors, as were workflow issues and the “culture” of the environment in which staff practiced. Lack of knowledge about medication administration, social influences, and role interpretation were important individual person factors.

Conclusion

Systems‐ and individual person–level issues were significant contributors to inappropriate medication management when patients have oral intake restrictions. Many of the barriers may be addressed with systems approaches such as hospital‐wide guidance that simplifies and standardize oral medication administration instructions, particularly regarding fasting and nil by mouth terminology.
Role of oral health‐related behaviors in education inequalities in chronic periodontitis among Sri Lankan men
Authors: Wellappuli Nimali , Ekanayake Lilani
Published: April 2019

Aims

The aims of the present study were to determine education inequalities in chronic periodontitis (CP) among Sri Lankan men and whether oral health behaviors explain education inequalities in CP.

Methods

Data from 720 males who participated in a study to determine the prevalence of CP in 30‐60‐year‐olds in Colombo district, Sri Lanka, were used for the present study. An interviewer administered a questionnaire obtained information about sociodemographics and oral health behaviors. Following the assessment of periodontal parameters, case definitions proposed by the Centers for Disease Control/American Academy of Periodontology were used to define periodontitis.

Results

Education gradients were observed in relation to CP, smoking, betel quid chewing, alcohol use, and dental utilization. Education gradients in CP remained, but attenuated after adjustments for smoking, betel quid chewing, alcohol use, and dental utilization. Current smoking and current alcohol use explained 4%‐38% and 6%‐15% of the associations between education and CP, respectively. The education gradient in CP remained following simultaneous adjustment for all behaviors, but lost significance for 11‐13 years of education.

Conclusion

Of the oral health behaviors considered, current smoking contributed the most to education inequalities in CP, explaining 4%‐38% of the education differences in CP.
Who Gives Birth in the Water? A Retrospective Cohort Study of Intended versus Completed Waterbirths
Authors: Sidebottom Abbey C. , Vacquier Marc , Simon Kathrine , Fontaine Patricia , Dahlgren‐Roemmich Dawn , Hyer Barbara , Jackson Jody , Steinbring Shannon , Wunderlich Whitney , Saul Lisa
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Most waterbirth studies have been conducted outside the United States with a primary focus on birth outcomes. Studies to date provide limited information about how often women choosing waterbirth end water immersion before the birth and about the reasons for tub exit. This study examines a cohort of women intending a hospital‐based waterbirth and documents the timing and reasons for tub exit. Demographic, clinical, and intrapartum care provider characteristics among women completing waterbirth were compared with those who exited the water prior to birth.

Methods

This is a collaborative, multisite study from 2 health systems (8 hospitals) using retrospective electronic health records from August 2014 through December 2017.

Results

Of 576 women who entered the waterbirth tub, 48% exited prior to the birth. The primary reasons for exit were maternal choice (50%), medical indication (32%), and provider decision (13%). Women exiting in the first stage did so primarily by choice (57%), whereas medical indication (42%) was the most common reason among women exiting in the second stage. Women who completed waterbirth did not differ from those who exited prior to birth with regard to age, race, ethnicity, country of origin, language, marital status, or intrapartum care provider specialty. Women completing waterbirth were more likely to have previously given birth (72% vs 47%) and to have a provider with more water immersion births during the study period (65% vs 55%).

Discussion

Giving birth in the tub was associated with parity and intrapartum care provider experience. Half of the women intending waterbirth in this study exited the tub, with variation in exit reason by stage and provider type. It is important for women to understand that they or their provider may change the birth plan based on labor progress and maternal experience.
The CKD‐DETECT study: An RCT aimed at improving intention to initiate a kidney health check in Australian practice nurses
Authors: Sinclair Peter M. , Kable Ashly , Levett‐Jones Tracy , Holder Carl , Oldmeadow Christopher J.
Published: April 2019

Background

The burden of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) on the Australian health system is growing. Efforts to reverse this trend have not been successful. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a targeted asynchronous web based e‐learning module on general practice nurses’ behavioural intentions in relation to opportunistic screening practices for people at risk of CKD.

Design

Double blinded pre‐post interventional randomised control design.

Methods

Participants were nurses working in general practice settings in Australia. Participants were randomised to a knowledge based active control or targeted behavioural based intervention which were delivered using asynchronous e‐learning modules. The intervention was designed to influence the behavioural constructs of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB): attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control (PBC).

Results

Of the 420 participants, we analysed the primary and secondary outcomes for 212 (50.47%) who had complete follow up data. There were no significant differences (p 0.424, [d] 0.04) in behavioural intention between the intervention and control groups at follow‐up, when controlling for baseline values. However, regression models assessing the relationship between the change in the TPB constructs and behavioural intention at follow‐up for all participants, regardless of study arm, demonstrated a significant change in intention to initiate a kidney health check. Although these changes could not be attributed to the effect of the intervention. Attitude (r2 = 0.3525, p 0.0004) and PBC (r2 = 0.3510, p 0.0005) models accounted for approximately 35% of the explained variance in behavioural intentions and social norm (r2 = 0.3297, p 0.0171) accounted for approximately 33% of the variance. When all TPB constructs were included in the model, 37% of the variance in intention was explained.

Conclusion

A targeted behavioural online intervention was no more effective than a knowledge based online program to improve primary health care nurses’ intention to initiate a kidney health check in people at risk of chronic kidney disease.

Relevance to clinical practice

Collaborative efforts are required by all staff working in general practice to develop models of care to improve screening practices for chronic kidney disease. Future research should focus on interventions that improve collaboration between health care professionals in the primary care setting and public health campaigns to increase awareness of risks of CKD and the importance of screening in the primary care setting.
The Roles of Parents in Shaping Fathering Across Generations in Cebu, Philippines
Authors: Gettler Lee T. , Kuo Patty X. , Bas Abet , Borja Judith B.
Published: April 2019

Objective: This study examined how parental caregiving and parent–child closeness are associated with future fathering among 335 Filipino men who are participants in a long‐running birth cohort study.

Background Few studies have multidecade longitudinal data to test the pathways through which parenting is transmitted across generations, with most relevant research conducted in the United States, Europe, and other similar settings. The roles of mothers and fathers in shaping their sons' future parenting is particularly understudied despite fathers having the potential to positively influence child health and development.

Method: Participants' mothers (Generation 1 [G1]) reported on caregiving during Generation 2 (G2) participants' early life, and the G2 males reported parent–child closeness during adolescence. G2 fathers reported on their own child‐care involvement and the salience of caregiving to their parenting identity. We tested whether parent–child closeness moderated the effect of early‐life care to predict later‐life fathering.

Results: G1‐G2 closeness moderated the association between G1 parents' caregiving and G2 fathers' parenting identity (for both G1 parents) and caregiving time (for G1 fathers only). When the G1‐G2 mother–son relationship was not close, there was a negative correlation between G1 maternal care and G2 fathers' caregiving identity. For G2 men who were close to their fathers, there were positive associations between G1 paternal care and G2 fathers' caregiving identity and time, respectively. Among G2 men who were not close to their fathers, the slopes relating G1 paternal care to G2 fathers' caregiving identity and time, respectively, were negative.

Conclusion: These findings reflect that developmental experiences with both mothers and fathers are predictive of men's identity as parents in adulthood and that closeness between fathers and sons moderates whether sons' paternal care tends to emulate or diverge from their fathers' caregiving patterns.
The Interplay Between Adolescents' Friendships and the Exchange of Help: A Longitudinal Multiplex Social Network Study
Authors: van Rijsewijk Loes G. M. , Snijders Tom A. B. , Dijkstra Jan Kornelis , Steglich Christian , Veenstra René
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to unravel the interrelatedness of friendship and help, and to examine the characteristics of friendship and help networks. The effects of mutual versus one‐sided help relations on friendship initiation and maintenance, and vice versa, were examined. Friendship and help networks were analyzed (N = 953 students; 41 classrooms; Mage = 12.7). The results illustrate that friendship and help networks show some similarities, but only partly overlap and have distinct characteristics. Longitudinal multiplex social network analyses showed that mutual help was important for the maintenance of friendship, but not for the initiation of friendship. Further, particularly mutual friendships provided a context in which help took place. Implications of these findings are discussed.