bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO‐OP) approach in a group format with children living with motor coordination difficulties
Authors: Anderson Leanne , Wilson Jessie , Carmichael Kaity
Published: May 2018

Background/aim

Children with developmental coordination disorder demonstrate limited participation in daily occupations which negatively impacts on their physical and psycho‐social wellbeing. Literature is emerging supporting the use of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO‐OP) within a group format. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of theCO‐OPapproach in a group format for children with motor coordination difficulties.

Methods

A single group mixed‐method approach was employed. Four children with motor coordination difficulties between seven‐to‐nine years of age and their mothers, participated in aCO‐OPgroup intervention once a week over 10 weeks. The study examined performance (perceived and actual) and satisfaction of family‐chosen goals, gross and fine motor functioning and parental experience of participating in the intervention.

Results

Improvements in performance (perceived) and satisfaction ratings of family‐chosen goals bordered on achieving statistical significance. Fine and gross motor functioning and performance (actual) improved, however, the change in performance was variable between participants and among the overarching goals. Semi‐structured interviews were thematically analysed. Themes included: formation of the group, moving from disenabling to enabling, belonging and the importance of small successes.

Conclusions

CO‐OPoffers a feasible intervention approach when delivered in a group format. Parental perceptions are valuable in shaping the delivery of theCO‐OPin future studies. More research is needed to support these findings and contribute to evidence‐based practice.
A nuclease‐toxin and immunity system for kin discrimination in Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Gong Ya , Zhang Zheng , Liu Ya , Zhou Xiu‐Wen , Anwar Mian Nabeel , Li Ze‐Shuo , Hu Wei , Li Yue‐Zhong
Published: May 2018

The use of toxin to attack neighbours and immunity proteins to protect against toxin has been observed in bacterial conflicts, including kin discrimination. Here, we report a novel nuclease‐toxin and its immunity protein function in the colony‐merger incompatibility, a kind of bacterial kin discrimination, in Myxococcus xanthus DK1622. The MXAN_0049 gene was determined to be a genetic determinant for colony‐merger incompatibility, and the incompatibility could be eliminated by deletion of the upstream co‐transcribed MXAN_0050 gene. We demonstrated that the MXAN_0050 protein was a nuclease, and MXAN_0049 protein was able to bind to MXAN_0050 to block nuclease activity in vitro. Expression of MXAN_0050 in Escherichia coli inhibited cellular growth, and the inhibition effect could be recovered by co‐expression of MXAN_0049. We found that deletion of the PAAR‐encoding gene (MXAN_0044) or the type VI secretion system led to the colony‐merger and co‐existence with the ΔMXAN_0049 mutant, suggesting that they were associated with colony‐merger incompatibility. Homologues of the nuclease‐toxin and cognate immunity pair are widely distributed in bacteria. We propose a simplified model to explain the kin discrimination mechanism mediated by the nuclease‐toxin and immunity protein.© 2018 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
United in diversity? The convergence of cultural values among EU member states and candidates
Authors: AKALIYSKI PLAMEN
Published: May 2018

The European Union (EU) is considered to be a unique economic and political union that integrates most European countries. This article focuses on the cultural aspect of European integration, which has been increasingly debated over the course of deepening and widening integration and in the context of the legitimation crisis of the EU. Among the main goals of the EU is to promote certain values, which raises the question of whether it has been efficient in (or enabled) reducing cultural value gaps among the participating countries. World polity and institutional isomorphism theories suggest that cultural values may trickle down in a vertical manner from the institutions of the EU to its member states and candidates. Furthermore, hybridisation theory postulates that values diffuse horizontally through intensified interactions enabled by the EU. These two perspectives imply the possibility of cultural convergence among countries associated with the EU. By contrast, the culture clash thesis assumes that differences in cultural identity prevent value convergence across countries; growing awareness of such differences may even increase the pre‐existing cultural value distances. To test these different scenarios, distances in emancipative and secular values are compared across pairs of countries using combined repeated cross‐sectional data from the European Values Study and the World Values Survey gathered between 1992 and 2011. This study finds that the longer a country has been part of the EU, the more closely its values approximate those of the EU founding countries, which in turn are the most homogenous. Initial cultural distance to the founders’ average values appears irrelevant to acquiring membership or candidacy status. However, new member states experienced substantial cultural convergence with old member states after 1992, as did current candidates between 2001 and 2008. Since 1992, nations not participating in the integration process have diverged substantially from EU members, essentially leading to cultural polarisation in Europe. The findings are independent of (changes in) economic disparities and suggest the importance of cultural diffusion as one of the fundamental mechanisms of cultural change. This empirical study contributes to the literature on European integration, political and sociological theories of globalisation, and cross‐cultural theories of societal value change.
Does State Medicaid Coverage of Smoking Cessation Treatments Affect Quitting?
Authors: Kostova Deliana , Xu Xin , Babb Stephen , McMenamin Sara B. , King Brian A.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Cigarette smoking and smoking‐related diseases disproportionately affect low‐income populations. Health insurance coverage of smoking cessation treatments is increasingly used to encourage quitting. We assess the relationship between state Medicaid coverage of smoking cessation treatments and past‐year quitting in adult Medicaid beneficiaries.

Data Sources

2009–2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS); 2008–2013 indicators of state Medicaid coverage of smoking cessation treatments.

Study Design

A triple‐differencing specification based on differences in Medicaid cessation coverage policies across states as well as within‐state differences between Medicaid beneficiaries and a counterfactual group of low‐income adults not covered by Medicaid.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Individual‐level NHIS data with restricted geographical identifiers were merged with state‐year Medicaid coverage indicators.

Principal Findings

Combined coverage of both cessation counseling and medications in state Medicaid programs was associated with increased quitting, with an estimated mean increase in past‐year quitting of 3.0 percentage points in covered Medicaid beneficiaries relative to persons without coverage.

Conclusions

Combined coverage of both smoking cessation counseling and medication by state Medicaid programs could help reduce cigarette smoking among Medicaid beneficiaries.
Male lifespan extension with 17‐α estradiol is linked to a sex‐specific metabolomic response modulated by gonadal hormones in mice
Authors: Garratt Michael , Lagerborg Kim A. , Tsai Yi‐Miau , Galecki Andrzej , Jain Mohit , Miller Richard A.
Published: May 2018

Longevity in mammals is influenced by sex, and lifespan extension in response to anti‐aging interventions is often sex‐specific, although the mechanisms underlying these sexual dimorphisms are largely unknown. Treatment of mice with 17‐α estradiol (17aE2) results in sex‐specific lifespan extension, with an increase in median survival in males of 19% and no survival effect in females. Given the links between lifespan extension and metabolism, we performed untargeted metabolomics analysis of liver, skeletal muscle and plasma from male and female mice treated with 17aE2 for eight months. We find that 17aE2 generates distinct sex‐specific changes in the metabolomic profile of liver and plasma. In males, 17aE2 treatment raised the abundance of several amino acids in the liver, and this was further associated with elevations in metabolites involved in urea cycling, suggesting altered amino acid metabolism. In females, amino acids and urea cycling metabolites were unaffected by 17aE2. 17aE2 also results in male‐specific elevations in a second estrogenic steroid—estriol‐3‐sulfate—suggesting different metabolism of this drug in males and females. To understand the underlying endocrine causes for these sexual dimorphisms, we castrated males and ovariectomized females prior to 17aE2 treatment, and found that virtually all the male‐specific metabolite responses to 17aE2 are inhibited or reduced by male castration. These results suggest novel metabolic pathways linked to male‐specific lifespan extension and show that the male‐specific metabolomic response to 17aE2 depends on the production of testicular hormones in adult life.
Prevalence of youth gambling and potential influence of substance use and other risk factors throughout 33 European countries: first results from the 2015 ESPAD study
Authors: Molinaro Sabrina , Benedetti Elisa , Scalese Marco , Bastiani Luca , Fortunato Loredana , Cerrai Sonia , Canale Natale , Chomynova Pavla , Elekes Zsuzsanna , Feijão Fernanda , Fotiou Anastasios , Kokkevi Anna , Kraus Ludwig , Rupšienė Liudmila , Monshouwer Karin , Nociar Alojz , Strizek Julian , Urdih Lazar Tanja
Published: May 2018

Background and aims

Although generally prohibited by national regulations, underage gambling has become popular in Europe, with relevant cross‐country prevalence variability. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of underage gambling in Europe stratified by type of game and on‐/off‐line mode and to examine the association with individual and family characteristics and substance use.

Design

Our study used data from the 2015 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) cross‐sectional study, a survey using self‐administered anonymous questionnaires.

Setting

Thirty‐three European countries.

Participants

Sixteen‐year‐old‐year‐old students (n = 93 875; F = 50.8%).

Measurements

The primary outcome measure was prevalence of past‐year gambling activity. Key predictors comprised individual behaviours, substance use and parenting (regulation, monitoring and caring).

Findings

A total of 22.6% of 16‐year‐old students in Europe gambled in the past year: 16.2% on‐line, 18.5% off‐line. High prevalence variability was observed throughout countries both for mode and types of game. With the exception of cannabis, substance use shows a higher association with gambling, particularly binge drinking [odds ratio (OR) = 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39–1.53), life‐time use of inhalants (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.47–1.68) and other substances (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.65–1.92)]. Among life habits, the following showed a positive association: truancy at school (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.18–1.35), going out at night (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.26–1.38), participating in sports (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.24–1.37). A negative association was found with reading books for leisure (OR = 0.82%, 95% CI = 0.79–0.86), parents’ monitoring of Saturday night activities (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.77–0.86) and restrictions on money provided by parents as a gift (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.84–0.94).

Conclusions

Underage gambling in Europe appears to be associated positively with alcohol, tobacco and other substance use (but not cannabis), as well as with other individual behaviours such as truancy, going out at night and active participation in sports, and is associated negatively with reading for pleasure, parental monitoring of evening activities and parental restriction of money.
Effectiveness, safety and feasibility of extended‐release naltrexone for opioid dependence: a 9‐month follow‐up to a 3‐month randomized trial
Authors: Solli Kristin Klemmetsby , Latif Zill‐e‐Huma , Opheim Arild , Krajci Peter , Sharma‐Haase Kamni , Benth Jūratė Šaltytė , Tanum Lars , Kunoe Nikolaj
Published: May 2018

Background and aim

This is a follow‐up study of a previously published randomized clinical trial conducted in Norway that compared extended‐release naltrexone (XR‐NTX) to buprenorphine–naloxone (BP‐NLX) over 3 months. At the conclusion of the trial, participants were offered their choice of study medication for an additional 9 months. While BP‐NLX was available at no cost through opioid maintenance treatment programmes, XR‐NTX was available only through study participation, accounting for why almost all participants chose XR‐NTX in the follow‐up. The aim of this follow‐up study was to compare differences in outcome between adults with opioid dependence continuing XR‐NTX and those inducted on XR‐NTX for a 9‐month period, on measures of effectiveness, safety and feasibility.

Design

In this prospective cohort study, participants were either continuing XR‐NTX, changed from BP‐NLX to XR‐NTX or re‐included into the study and inducted on XR‐NTX treatment.

Setting

Five urban, out‐patient addiction clinics in Norway.

Participants

Opioid‐dependent adults continuing (n = 54) or inducted on (n = 63) XR‐NTX.

Intervention

XR‐NTX administrated as intramuscular injections (380 mg) every fourth week.

Measurements

Data on retention, use of heroin and other illicit substances, opioid craving, treatment satisfaction, addiction‐related problems and adverse events were reported every fourth week.

Findings

Nine‐month follow‐up completion rates were 51.9% among participants continuing XR‐NTX in the follow‐up and 47.6% among those inducted on XR‐NTX. Opioid abstinence rates were, respectively, 53.7 and 44.4%. No significant group differences were found in use of heroin and other opioids.

Conclusions

Opioid‐dependent individuals who elect to switch from buprenorphine–naltrexone treatment after 3 months to extended‐release naltrexone treatment for 9 months appear to experience similar treatment completion and abstinence rates and similar adverse event profiles to individuals who had been on extended‐release naltrexone from the start of treatment.
FISH analysis of selected soft tissue tumors: Diagnostic experience in a tertiary center
Authors: Vargas Ana Cristina , Selinger Christina , Satgunaseelan Laveniya , Cooper Wendy A. , Gupta Ruta , Stalley Paul , Brown Wendy , Soper Judy , Schatz Julie , Boyle Richard , Thomas David M. , Tattersall Martin H.N. , Bhadri Vivek , Maclean Fiona , Bonar Sally Fiona , Scolyer Richard A. , Karim Rooshdiya Z. , McCarthy Stanley W. , Mahar Annabelle , O'Toole Sandra A.
Published: May 2018

Aim

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is an important ancillary tool for the classification of bone/soft tissue (BST) tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of FISH to the final classification of common BST entities in the molecular pathology department of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), which is one of the most important referral centers for the management of sarcomas in Australia.

Methods

All routine diagnostic FISH tests performed on BST formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens at the RPAH in a 5‐year period (February, 2010–November, 2015) were reviewed. FISH analyses presented in this study include commercial break‐apart probes (SS18, FUS, DDIT3, FUS, USP6, PDGFB, TFE3 and ALK) and a single enumeration (MDM2) probe.

Results

There were 434 interpretable FISH assays on BST samples including MDM2 (n=180), SS18 (n=97), FUS (n=64), DDIT3 (n=37), USP6 (n=30), PDGFB (n=13), TFE3 (n=8) and ALK (n=5). Discrepancies between the histopathological diagnosis and the FISH results were seen in 12% of the cases. In this subset of discordant cases, FISH contributed to the re‐classification of 7% of cases originally diagnosed as synovial sarcoma (SS18) and 6% of adipocytic neoplasms (MDM2) based on the presence or absence of the expected gene alteration.

Conclusion

Our study confirms that paraffin FISH is a sensitive and specific ancillary tool in the diagnosis of BST neoplasms when used in the appropriate clinicopathological context. These findings highlight the need for further ancillary molecular tools in the diagnosis and characterization of challenging cases.
The early in‐vivo effects of a single anti‐emetic dose of dexamethasone on innate immune cell gene expression and activation in healthy volunteers
Authors: Bain C. R. , Draxler D. F. , Taylor R. , Wallace S. , Gouldthorpe O. , Corcoran T. B. , Myles P. S. , L. Medcalf R. , Bozaoglu K.
Published: May 2018

Dexamethasone is often administered to surgical patients for anti‐emetic prophylaxis. This study examined the early (up to 24 h) in‐vivo effects of dexamethasone (8 mg) to demonstrate the magnitude and temporal nature of changes on circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cell gene expression and activation in 10 healthy male volunteers. Blood samples were drawn at baseline, 2 h, 4 h and 24 h. Gene expression was measured using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cytokine expression was measured using multiplex immuno‐assays. Innate immune cell phenotypes were examined with flow cytometry. Dexamethasone resulted in rapid transient changes in immunophilin (p = 0.0247), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (p = 0.0004), forkhead box P3 (p = 0.0068) and dual specific phosphatase‐1 (p = 0.0157) gene expression at 4 h compared with pre‐dexamethasone. Plasma interleukin‐10 levels increased within 2 h (p = 0.0071) and returned to baseline at 24 h. Reductions in classical (p = 0.0009) and intermediate monocytes (p = 0.0178) and dendritic cells (p = 0.0012) were followed by increases in the level of these populations at 24 h compared with pre‐dexamethasone (classical monocytes p = 0.0073, intermediate monocytes p = 0.0271, dendritic cells p = 0.0142). There was a profound reduction in the mean fluorescence intensity of the maturation marker, human histocompatibility leucocyte antigen, at 24 h in all monocyte subsets (p = 0.0002 for classical and non‐classical monocytes, p = 0.0001 for intermediate monocytes) and dendritic cells (p = 0.0001). This study confirms rapid transient effects of 8 mg dexamethasone on innate immune cells with the potential to alter the inflammatory response to surgery and provides support for the hypothesis that intra‐operative administration may be both immunosuppressive and immune‐activating in the immediate peri‐operative period.
Increased cardiovascular disease risk in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Wagner Marise M. , Beshay Mary M. , Rooijakkers Sophie , Hermes Wietske , Jukema J. Wouter , Le Cessie Saskia , De Groot Christianne J. M. , Ballieux Bart E. P. B. , Van Lith Jan M. M. , Bloemenkamp Kitty W. M.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. Observational studies suggest that women with a history of recurrent miscarriage have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Material and methods

Women who visited the recurrent miscarriage clinic at Leiden University Medical Center between 2000 and 2010 and who had their third consecutive miscarriage before the age of 31 years, were invited to participate in this follow‐up study (between 2012 and 2014). The reference group consisted of women with at least one uncomplicated pregnancy and no miscarriage, matched by zip code, age, and date of pregnancy. All women were invited for risk factor screening, including physical examination and blood collection. Main outcome measures were the (extrapolated) 10‐ and 30‐year cardiovascular risk scores using the Framingham risk score. A subanalysis was performed for women with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage.

Results

Thirty‐six women were included in both groups. Mean follow up was 7.5 years. Women with recurrent miscarriage had a significantly higher extrapolated 10‐year cardiovascular risk score (mean 6.24%, SD 5.44) compared with women with no miscarriage (mean 3.56%, SD 1.82, P = .007) and a significantly higher 30‐year cardiovascular risk score (mean 9.86%, SD 9.10) compared with women with no miscarriage (mean 6.39%, SD 4.20, P = .04). Similar results were found in women with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage (n = 28).

Conclusions

Women with a history of recurrent miscarriage differ in cardiovascular risk profile at a young age compared with women with no miscarriage. The findings support an opportunity to identify women at risk of cardiovascular disease later in life and a possible moment for intervention.
Breaking Down the Language of Online Racism: A Comparison of the Psychological Dimensions of Communication in Racist, Anti‐Racist, and Non‐Activist Groups
Authors: Faulkner Nicholas , Bliuc Ana‐Maria
Published: May 2018

The Internet represents a powerful tool for racist groups to build a sense of group consciousness and promote their cause. In the current study, we examined the language used by racist (n = 87), anti‐racist (n = 50), and nonactivist (n = 1379) groups when describing their self‐defining beliefs online. We used computerized linguistic analysis software to measure psychological indicators and antecedents of group consciousness and to examine the persuasive techniques used in online group communication. Racist and anti‐racist groups were similar on some linguistic indicators of group consciousness (e.g., use of words reflecting perceived injustice), but differed on others (e.g., use of words reflecting group identification). Linguistic indicators of antecedents of group consciousness (moral foundations and focus on religion) differed across groups, with racist groups focused more on purity, respect for authority, and religion, and less on fairness than anti‐racist groups. Racist groups also used less cognitively complex language than nonactivist groups (but similar levels to anti‐racist groups). Our results contribute to understanding how racist groups promote their self‐defining beliefs online, and identify several key factors that should be considered when designing policies to reduce racist groups’ growth and impact.
Structural differences between myofibrillar protein, paratropomyosin, and tropomyosin as revealed by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Nishio Yuriko , Ushimura Yuichi , Ueda Shuji , Maeda Naoyuki , Hattori Akihito , Yamanoue Minoru
Published: May 2018

Paratropomyosin (PTM) composes myofibril functions to weaken the rigor linkages formed between actin and myosin during postmortem aging of muscles. PTM has the similar physico‐chemical properties as tropomyosin (TM) that is a regulatory protein of myofibrils. So far, it is unclear whether PTM is definitely different from TM, because the primary structure of PTM has not been determined yet. The aim of this study was to clarify structural difference of PTM from TM. PTM was prepared by column chromatography immediately after slaughter from broiler breast muscle, and purified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Purified PTM was successfully separated from TM, and the recovered PTM molecule was reduced with dithiothreitol to separate again by HPLC. Two subunits were obtained and peptides from each digested subunit by V8 protease were recovered by HPLC, and then amino acid sequences of the peptides were analyzed by protein sequencing. As a result, some amino acid residues were replaced from that of TMα1 isoform which is the major isoform of TM, and also was different between the two subunits. Therefore, it is concluded that PTM clearly differs from TM and it is suggested that functional difference in PTM from TM is attributed to amino acid replacements in subunits composing PTM.
Effects of supplemental β‐carotene on colostral immunoglobulin and plasma β‐carotene and immunoglobulin in Japanese Black cows
Authors: Ishida Maho , Nishijima Yoshitaka , Ikeda Shuntaro , Yoshitani Kenichi , Obata Atsutoshi , Sugie Yuji , Aoki Yoshikazu , Yamaji Taisuke , Fujita Masahiko , Nakatsuji Yoshinobu , Kume Shinichi
Published: May 2018

Data from 26 Japanese Black cows were collected to clarify the effects of supplemental β‐carotene on colostral immunoglobulin (Ig) and plasma β‐carotene and Ig in the cows. Cows were assigned to control or β‐carotene groups from 21 days before the expected calving date to 60 days after parturition. Supplemental β‐carotene was provided at 500 mg/day in the β‐carotene group. Supplemental β‐carotene drastically increased plasma β‐carotene concentrations in the cows from parturition to 60 days after parturition, and plasma β‐carotene concentrations in the control and β‐carotene groups at parturition were 202 and 452 μg/dl, respectively. Supplemental β‐carotene had no effects on plasma IgG1, IgA or IgM concentrations at parturition. Supplemental β‐carotene increased colostral IgG1 concentrations in the cows, but colostral β‐carotene, IgA and IgM concentrations were not affected by supplemental β‐carotene. These results indicate that supplemental β‐carotene is effective to enhance colostral IgG1 concentrations and plasma β‐carotene concentrations in Japanese Black cows.
Chemical composition and nutritive values of cassava pulp for cattle
Authors: Keaokliang Ornvimol , Kawashima Tomoyuki , Angthong Wanna , Suzuki Tomoyuki , Narmseelee Ramphrai
Published: May 2018

We evaluated the chemical compositions of cassava pulp samples produced by four cassava starch factories at different locations in northeast Thailand and the metabolizable energy (ME) of the cassava pulp for cattle. There were significant differences in the P (0.03% ± 0.02%) and K (0.36% ± 0.2%) contents of the samples from different factories (p < .05). Moreover, we found interactions between factory and season in the neutral detergent fiber (36.02% ± 8.8%) and nonfibrous carbohydrate contents (59.33% ± 9.1%) (p < .05). For the evaluation of ME, a crossover‐design experiment with four cattle maintained in each of two groups was conducted. There were two dietary treatments at a maintenance level of 1.27% body weight: (1) a control diet, and (2) a cassava pulp diet, containing the control diet at 70.2% and cassava pulp at 29.8% (dry matter [DM] basis). Feeding cassava pulp did not affect energy intake, energy loss, heat production, energy utilization efficiency (except for the urine‐to‐gross energy ratio), methane production, fecal N, or nutrient digestibility (except for crude protein digestibility). The total digestible nutrients, digestible energy, and ME contents of cassava pulp were 74.4%, 12.9 MJ/kg DM, and 11.3 MJ/kg DM, respectively.
Conception rate of Holstein and Japanese Black cattle following embryo transfer in southwestern Japan
Authors: Nabenishi Hisashi , Sugino Fumiaki , Konaka Rui , Yamazaki Atusi
Published: May 2018

This study aimed to quantify and compare conception rates to embryo transfer (ET) of Holstein and Japanese Black cattle in southwestern Japan. A 10‐year retrospective epidemiological survey was conducted. The recipient numbers for Holstein and Japanese Black cattle was 621 and 527, respectively. Conception rates of Holstein and Japanese Black cattle during the study period were 45.4% and 42.3%, respectively. There was no significant difference between both breeds. However, a different trend of conception rate to ET in Holstein and Japanese Black cattle was observed. In Holstein cattle, conception rate in August to October was lower than in the other months and was significantly lower (p < .05) than in April. Particularly, conception rate in October of Holstein cattle was the lowest (31.0%). In Japanese Black cattle, conception rates in December (24.2%) and January (31.3%) were lower than in the other months. Conception rate of Japanese Black cattle declined as the temperature–humidity index (THI) decreased, exhibiting significantly lower levels in the ≤45 THI class than in any other THI class (p < .05). By contrast, in Holstein cattle, no relationship was observed between conception rate and THI on the day of ET. These observations suggest the importance of appropriate management that considers seasonal reactivity in each breed.
The role of Pdcd4 in tumour suppression and protein translation
Authors: Wang Qing , Yang Hsin‐Sheng
Published: May 2018

Programmed cell death 4 (Pdcd4), a tumour suppressor, is frequently down‐regulated in various types of cancer. Pdcd4 has been demonstrated to efficiently suppress tumour promotion, progression and proliferation. The biochemical function of Pdcd4 is a protein translation inhibitor. Although the fact that Pdcd4 inhibits protein translation has been known for more than a decade, the mechanism by which Pdcd4 controls tumorigenesis through translational regulation of its target genes is still not fully understood. Recent studies show that Pdcd4 inhibits translation of stress‐activated‐protein kinase interacting protein 1 to suppress tumour invasion, depicting a picture of how Pdcd4 inhibits tumorigenesis through translational inhibition. Thus, understanding the mechanism of how Pdcd4 attenuates tumorigenesis by translational control should provide a new strategy for combating cancer.
Evaluation of implant esthetics using eight objective indices—Comparative analysis of reliability and validity
Authors: Hof Markus , Umar Nabeel , Budas Nikolaus , Seemann Rudolf , Pommer Bernhard , Zechner Werner
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to give a detailed analysis on eight proposed implant esthetic indices including a total of 48 parameters with respect to validity and reproducibility as well as its correlation to patients’ perception of esthetics.

Material and methods

Standardized intraoral photographs of 189 patients with 189 implant‐supported crowns and adjacent peri‐implant soft tissue in the esthetic zone (central and lateral incisors, canine, first premolar) served as basis for this evaluation. Eight indices (Papilla Index [PI], Pink Esthetic Score [PES], Implant Crown Aesthetic Index [ICAI], Pink and White Esthetic Score [PES/WES], Complex Esthetic Index [CEI], Implant Aesthetic Score [IAS], Subjective Esthetic Score [SES], and Rompen Index) with a total of 48 parameters were selected. Esthetic evaluation was performed twice by five examiners with an interval of 4 weeks between the evaluations.

Results

A total of 1,890 evaluations including eight esthetic indices served as basis for the statistical analysis. Among the overall main scores tested for inter‐rater reliability, the highest values were computed for CEI, PES, PI, and IAS scores. By contrast, SES and Rompen showed the worst inter‐rater reliability, respectively. The highest level of intra‐rater reproducibility was noted for PI, PES, and CEI. The lowest level of intra‐rater reproducibility showed Rompen, SES, and ICA. The Papilla Index demonstrated the highest level of inter‐rater reliability. The remainder of the single variables (n = 46) did not reach the level of 0.6. The single variables PI mesial, PI distal as well as CEI P4 showed the highest with statistical significance higher than 0.8. The lowest agreement was observed among the variables ICA3, WES5, and IASm2. In general, VAS did not show any good correlation to the esthetic indices proposed so far. The influence of esthetic parameters on subjective patient satisfaction was generally low.

Conclusion

In conclusion, significant differences regarding reliability and validity could be observed in the present comparison of eight esthetic indices. Objective evaluation of the esthetic outcome of implant therapy inherently fails to reflect subjective patient opinion, however, requires consistency of results to enable between‐study comparison and meta‐analysis.
Spectroscopic analysis of Turkey red oil samples as a basis for understanding historical dyed textiles
Authors: Wertz Julie H. , France David J. , Quye Anita
Published: May 2018

Heritage conservation science is a valuable technique for improving understanding and the preservation of historical objects. Material analysis of heritage textiles and related materials provides information about polymer and colorant degradation, and contributes to improved conservation and display practices. The re‐creation of materials following historical processes is useful for testing analytical techniques in a field where ethical constraints often limit sampling, and to also identify potential age‐related changes relative to a fresh product. Despite the broad historical interest and industrial significance of Turkey red from the late eighteenth to the nineteenth century, little about the chemical complex of these unique textiles was understood in scientific terms. This study applied modern analysis with 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to investigate the conclusions reached by nineteenth century chemists, that fatty acids were a key component of the oil treatment, a unique and vital aspect of the Turkey red dyeing process. The results show that Turkey red oil samples are composed of fatty acids which tend to polymerise over time, and that modern commercial Turkey red oil has a similar composition to historical samples and a replica sample made following a nineteenth century method. This information was used to form a hypothesis for the overall Turkey red complex on the fibre, and confirmed that the experimental work of nineteenth century chemists was theoretically accurate despite their lack of precise analytical techniques. This indicates that a re‐creation and analysis approach is effective for studying heritage materials, provided the historical practice for making the original object is taken into consideration.
Low dose posaconazole delayed release tablets for fungal prophylaxis in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Kozuch Jade M. , Feist Ashley , Yung Gordon , Awdishu Linda , Hays Steven , Singer Jonathan P. , Florez Rebecca
Published: May 2018

In November 2013, posaconazole delayed release (DR) tablets were approved by the FDA with the labeled dose of 300 mg daily for fungal prophylaxis. There are no studies demonstrating the appropriate dose in lung transplant recipients (LTR). We performed a 2‐center retrospective cohort study of LTR taking posaconazole DR tablets for prophylaxis between January 2014 and January 2017. Mean serum trough concentrations and percentage of measurements ≥0.7 mcg/mL were compared by daily dose. Forty‐nine subjects with 156 steady state serum posaconazole concentrations were included. There was a significant difference in percentage of first measured concentration ≥0.7 mcg/mL by initial daily dose (P = .04). The mean serum posaconazole concentration by dose was 0.9 (±0.42) mcg/mL for 100 mg daily, 1.66 (±0.91) mcg/mL for 200 mg daily, 2.39 (±1.49) mcg/mL for 300 mg daily, and 1.75 (±0.21) mcg/mL for 400 mg daily (P < .001). Mean concentrations were at goal in 63.3%, 96.9%, 94.9%, and 100% of subjects taking 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg daily respectively (P = .04). Our results suggest that doses less than 300 mg daily of posaconazole DR tablets may be adequate to achieve target serum concentrations in LTR. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Neurodevelopmental outcome of nutritional intervention in newborn infants at risk of neurodevelopmental impairment: the Dolphin neonatal double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Andrew Morag J , Parr Jeremy R , Montague‐Johnson Christine , Laler Karen , Holmes Jane , Baker Bonny , Sullivan Peter B
Published: May 2018

Aim

To investigate whether neonates at risk for neurodevelopmental impairment have improved neurodevelopment after docosahexaenoic acid, choline, and uridine‐5‐monophosphate supplementation versus controls.

Method

Recruitment was from UK neonatal units. Eligible for inclusion were infants born at less than 31 weeks’ gestation with a weight less than the ninth centile; infants born at less than 31 weeks’ gestation with a grade II or higher intraventricular haemorrhage/preterm white matter injury; infants born between 31 weeks’ and 40 weeks’ gestation plus 28 days with a grade II or higher intraventricular haemorrhage/preterm white matter injury, moderate or severe hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy, or defined neuroimaging abnormalities. Treatment/control supplementation was for 2 years (double‐blind, randomized, controlled design). Infants were stratified according to sex, gestation, and brain injury severity. Primary outcome was cognitive composite score (CCS) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Third Edition (Bayley‐III at 24mo). Secondary outcomes were language composite score (LCS) of the Bayley‐III, motor composite score (MCS) of the Bayley‐III, and Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, Second Edition (VABS‐II) score.

Results

Sixty‐two neonates were recruited, 59 were randomized (34 males, 25 females). Fifty‐three started supplementation. Most families found supplementation acceptable. The treatment group CCS‐Bayley‐III scores were non‐significantly higher than controls (mean score difference at 24mo: 9.0; 95% confidence interval −0.2 to 18.2). Language and VABS‐II scores, but not motor score, were non‐significantly higher in the treatment group.

Interpretation

Most families found supplementation feasible. Improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in the treatment group were not statistically significant. A larger multicentre trial exploration is warranted.

What this paper adds

Dietary supplementation of neonates at risk of neurodevelopmental impairment is feasible.

No statistically significant neurodevelopmental advantages were identified for the treatment group compared to controls.

Treatment group cognitive and language advantage are of a clinically meaningful magnitude.
Intrathecal baclofen in metachromatic leukodystrophy
Authors: van der Veldt Nikki , van Rappard Diane F , van de Pol Laura A , van der Knaap Marjo S , van Ouwerkerk Willem J R , Becher Jules G , Wolf Nicole I , Buizer Annemieke I
Published: May 2018

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare progressive neurological disorder, often accompanied by motor impairments that are challenging to treat. In this case series, we report the course of treatment with intrathecal baclofen (ITB), aimed at improving daily care and comfort in children and young adults with MLD. All patients with MLD in our centre on ITB treatment for a minimum of 6 months were included (n=10; 4 males, 6 females; mean age 10y 8mo [range 6–24y]). Eight patients had MLD with a predominant spastic movement disorder (sMLD) and two were mainly dyskinetic. Patients with sMLD were compared with matched patients with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Complication rates related to ITB treatment were similar in both groups. ITB treatment course in the first 6 months after pump implantation appears to show more dose increase in most patients MLD, compared to patients with spastic CP. This may be due to the progressive disease in MLD. ITB is a feasible therapy to improve daily care and comfort in patients with MLD and should therefore be considered early.

What this paper adds

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is a feasible therapy to improve comfort and daily care in children and young people with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD).

In the first 6 months of ITB treatment, MLD seems to show more dose increase compared to spastic cerebral palsy.
Gastrointestinal and nutritional issues in children with neurological disability
Authors: Romano Claudio , Dipasquale Valeria , Gottrand Frederic , Sullivan Peter B
Published: May 2018

Neurological disability is often associated with feeding and gastrointestinal disorders leading to malnutrition and growth failure. Assessment of nutritional status represents the first step in the clinical evaluation of children with neurological disability. The European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) recently issued a consensus statement on gastrointestinal and nutritional management in children with neurological disability. Here we critically review and address implications of this consensus for clinical practice, including assessment and monitoring of nutritional status, definition of nutritional requirements, diagnosis and treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, and indications for and modalities of nutritional support. There is a strong evidence base supporting the ESPGHAN guidelines; their application is expected to lead to better management of this group of children.

What this paper adds

Assessment of nutritional status in children with neurological disability should include the evaluation of body composition.

Standard polymeric formula via gastrostomy tube is an effective, long‐term nutritional intervention.

Tube feeding should be started early, before the development of malnutrition.
Re‐evaluation of Armillaria and Desarmillaria in South Korea based on ITS/tef1 sequences and morphological characteristics
Authors: Park Ki Hyeong , Oh Seung‐Yoon , Park Myung Soo , Kim Mee‐Sook , Klopfenstein Ned B. , Kim Nam Kyu , Park Jae Young , Kim Jae‐Jin , Han Sang‐Kuk , Lee Jong Kyu , Lim Young Woon
Published: May 2018

Fungal species in the genera Armillaria and Desarmillaria (Physalacriaceae, Agaricales) are well known for their symbiotic relationships with Gastrodia elata and Polyporus umbellatus, important components of traditional medicine in Asia. In addition, some species in these genera cause Armillaria root disease, which has had a negative economic impact by damaging and destroying urban, horticultural and forest trees. Five species within Armillaria and Desarmillaria have been previously reported in South Korea, based primarily on basidioma morphology: A. cepistipes, A. gallica, A. mellea, A. ostoyae and D. tabescens (reported as A. tabescens). This study re‐evaluated 60 specimens of Armillaria and Desarmillaria using morphological features and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the ITS and partial translation elongation factor‐1α (tef1) sequences. In addition, spatial distributions of each Armillaria and Desarmillaria species in South Korea were determined from combined data based on basidioma collections and environmental DNA (eDNA). Six species (A. cepestipes, A. gallica, A. mellea, A. nabsnona, A. ostoyae and D. tabescens) and three lineages of A. gallica (A. gallica clade 1–3) were identified in South Korea from both specimens and eDNA. Most of the basidioma specimens used in this study were previously identified as A. mellea; however, in this study, no basidioma specimens were identified as A. mellea, although this species was detected on Jeju Island from eDNA samples. The detection of A. nabsnona was a new report for South Korea. Consistent with previous phylogenetic studies, the tef1 analysis had better resolution than the ITS analysis. These distribution data of Armillaria and Desarmillaria species will contribute to better management of Armillaria root disease as well as cultivation of G. elata and P. umbellatus in South Korea.
Neural correlates of gait variability in people with multiple sclerosis with fall history
Authors: Kalron A. , Allali G. , Achiron A.
Published: May 2018

Background and purpose

The aim was to investigate the association between step time variability and related brain structures in accordance with fall status in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Methods

The study included 225 PwMS. Whole‐brain magnetic resonance imaging was performed with a high‐resolution 3.0 T magnetic resonance scanner in addition to volumetric analysis based on 3D T1‐weighted images using the FreeSurfer image analysis suite. Step time variability was measured with an electronic walkway. Participants were defined as ‘fallers’ (at least two falls during the previous year) and ‘non‐fallers’.

Results

In all, 105 PwMS were defined as fallers and had a greater step time variability compared to non‐fallers [5.6% (SD = 3.4) vs. 3.4% (SD = 1.5); P = 0.001]. MS fallers exhibited a reduced volume in the left caudate and both cerebellum hemispheres compared to non‐fallers. On using a linear regression analysis no association was found between gait variability and related brain structures in the total cohort and the non‐fallers group. However, the analysis found an association between the left hippocampus and left putamen volumes with step time variability in the faller group: P = 0.031, 0.048, respectively, controlling for total cranial volume, walking speed, disability, age and gender. Nevertheless, according to the hierarchical regression model, the contribution of these brain measures to predict gait variability was relatively small compared to walking speed.

Conclusions

An association between low left hippocampal, putamen volumes and step time variability was found in PwMS with a history of falls, suggesting that brain structural characteristics may be related to falls and increased gait variability in PwMS.
First comprehensive tool for screening pain in Parkinson's disease: the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Questionnaire
Authors: Martinez‐Martin P. , Rizos A. M. , Wetmore J. , Antonini A. , Odin P. , Pal S. , Sophia R. , Carroll C. , Martino D. , Falup‐Pecurariu C. , Kessel B. , Andrews T. , Paviour D. , Trenkwalder C. , Chaudhuri K. R. ,   EUROPAR and MDS Non‐motor PD Study Group
Published: May 2018

Background and purpose

Pain is highly prevalent in Parkinson's disease (PD), impacting patients’ ability, mood and quality of life. Detecting the presence of pain in its multiple modalities is necessary for adequate personalized management ofPD. A 14‐item,PD‐specific, patient‐based questionnaire (the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Questionnaire,KPPQ) was designed corresponding to the rater‐basedKPPScale (KPPS). The present multicentre study was aimed at testing the validity of this screening tool.

Methods

First, a comparison between theKPPQscores of patients and matched controls was performed. Next, convergent validity, reproducibility (test–retest) and diagnostic performance of the questionnaire were analysed.

Results

Data from 300 patients and 150 controls are reported. PD patients declared significantly more pain symptoms than controls (3.96 ± 2.56 vs. 2.17 ± 1.39;P < 0.0001). The KPPQ convergent validity was high withKPPStotal score (rS = 0.80) but weak or moderate with other pain assessments. Test–retest reliability was satisfactory with kappa values ≥0.65 except for item 5, Dyskinetic pains (κ = 0.44), and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for theKPPQtotal score was 0.98.

After the scores of theKPPSwere adapted for screening (0, no symptom; ≥1, symptom present), a good agreement was found between theKPPQand theKPPS(ICC = 0.88). A strong correlation (rS = 0.80) between the two instruments was found. The diagnostic parameters of theKPPQwere very satisfactory as a whole, with a global accuracy of 78.3%–98.3%.

Conclusions

These results suggest that theKPPQis a useful, reliable and valid screening instrument for pain inPDto advance patient‐related outcomes.