bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene mutations in paediatric epilepsies cause NMDA‐pathy, and phasic and tonic GABA‐pathy
Authors: Gataullina Svetlana , Bienvenu Thierry , Nabbout Rima , Huberfeld Gilles , Dulac Olivier
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to disentangle mechanisms of epileptogenesis in monogenic epilepsies in children. We reviewed paediatric monogenic epilepsies excluding brain malformation or an inborn error of metabolism, but including the gene function whether there is loss‐of‐function or gain‐of‐function, age at gene expression when available, and associated epilepsy syndrome. Genes for which at least five patients with similar epilepsy phenotype had been reported were selected. Three mechanisms are shared by most monogenic epilepsies: (1) excess of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) transmission activation (NMDA‐pathies); (2) abnormal gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission with reduced inhibition (phasic GABA‐pathies); and (3) tonic activation of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors by extracellular GABA (tonic GABA‐pathies). NMDA‐pathies comprise early epileptic encephalopathy with suppression‐burst, neonatal/infantile benign seizures, West and Lennox–Gastaut syndromes, and encephalopathy with continuous spike waves in slow sleep, thus brief seizures with major interictal spiking. Phasic GABA‐pathies comprise mostly generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus and Dravet syndrome, thus long‐lasting seizures with mild interictal spiking. Tonic GABA‐pathies cause epilepsy with myoclonic–atonic seizures and Angelman syndrome, thus major high‐amplitude slow‐wave activity. This pathophysiological approach to monogenic epilepsies provides diagnostic clues and helps to guide treatment strategy.

What this paper adds

In paediatric monogenic epilepsies, electroclinical patterns point to three main mechanisms: NMDA‐pathies, and phasic and tonic GABA‐pathies.

Antiepileptic treatment choice could be guided by each of these mechanisms.
Speech and language in bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria: a systematic review
Authors: Braden Ruth O , Leventer Richard J , Jansen Anna , Scheffer Ingrid E , Morgan Angela T
Published: January 2019

Aim

We aimed to systematically review the speech production, language, and oral function phenotype of bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (BPP), and examine the correlation between the topography of polymicrogyria and the severity of speech, language, and oral functional impairment.

Method

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed databases was completed on 26th October 2017 using Medical Subject Heading terms synonymous with BPP and speech, language, or oral motor impairment. In total, 2411 papers were identified and 48 met inclusion criteria.

Results

Expressive and receptive language impairment and oral structural and functional deficits are frequent in BPP. Expressive deficits are frequently more severe than receptive. Only one study used formal assessments to demonstrate the presence of speech disorder, namely dysarthria. Seven studies reported an association between diffuse BPP and more severe language impairment.

Interpretation

Findings confirmed that language deficits are common in BPP, though assessment of the specific speech phenotype is limited. The paucity of high quality studies detailing the specific communication phenotype of BPP highlights the need for further investigation. Improving understanding of this phenotype will inform the development of targeted therapies and lead to better long‐term outcomes.

What this paper adds

Speech, language, and oral functional impairments are common in individuals with bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria.

Posterior polymicrogyria is associated with a less severe language impairment than anterior polymicrogyria.

Deeper investigation of speech is needed to understand implicated networks in this malformation.
Using parthenogenesis‐inducing Wolbachia for the selection of optimal lines of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum for use in biocontrol
Authors: Ebrahimi Valeh , Ashouri Ahmad , Rugman‐Jones Paul F. , Lindsey Amelia R. I. , Javan‐Nikkhah Mohammad , Stouthamer Richard
Published: January 2019

Trichogramma wasps (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) are egg parasitoids commonly employed in augmentative biological control releases against a variety of mainly lepidopteran pests. By exploiting the mechanism by which the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia induces parthenogenesis in this genus, we created a set of completely homozygous Wolbachia‐infected recombinant isofemale lines (RILs), each consisting of a different combination of the genome of two well‐characterized lines of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley. We subsequently use 16 of these RILs to investigate the effect of genetic variation on various measures associated with offspring production under laboratory conditions. Unsurprisingly, substantial differences were found between the RILs in their propensity to parasitize hosts, the number of hosts they parasitize, and the levels of mortality in their offspring. Such measures can be used to choose an optimal line for biological control purposes. A method was also developed to characterize the 16 RILs using their allelic state at five loci. Essentially, this binary system uses high‐resolution melt analysis to resolve identity at each locus, with alleles originating from either the grandmaternal or grandpaternal line, and is such that each RIL can be distinguished from each other RIL by their allelic state at one or more loci. The method facilitates the easy diagnosis of line origin when two or more lines are competing with each other in competition assays, allowing for the design of more complicated tests of parasitoid quality. Future field experiments will determine which genetic line performs best under more realistic biological control conditions. The fact that these lines are infected with parthenogenesis‐inducing Wolbachia will allow for prolonged rearing without appreciable change in their genetic makeup, which should lead to a predictable biological control performance.
Effects of diet on female fecundity and larval development in the carrion beetle Necrophila japonica
Authors: Watahiki Yôhei , Sasakawa Kôji
Published: January 2019

The carrion beetle subfamily Silphinae (Coleoptera: Silphidae) contains dominant macroinvertebrates of soil ecosystems in temperate zones. However, their feeding habits, which determine the role of each species in the ecosystem, have not been sufficiently studied. Moreover, although a diet shift from necrophagy on vertebrate carcasses to predatory feeding on invertebrates is known to occur in this subfamily, the processes and mechanisms of this shift have also been inadequately addressed. We examined female fecundity and larval development on various diets in a Silphinae species, Necrophila (Eusilpha) japonica (Motschulsky). The experimental diets included a meat diet and various invertebrate diets, which reflect the ‘ancestral’ feeding habit in Silphinae, necrophagy, and the ‘derivative’ feeding habit, predatory feeding. Female fecundity was significantly higher on the meat diet (minced beef) than on an insect larvae diet (mealworms and dipteran larvae) but did not significantly differ from that on an earthworm diet. Larval developmental performance was significantly higher on the earthworm diet than on the meat and insect larvae diets. Our results for larval development were consistent with those of previous stable isotope analyses of the same species, in which isotopic values of larval samples agree with those of hypothetical consumers that utilize earthworms. The consistency of results among different methods indicates that N. japonica larvae are most likely earthworm feeders. In contrast, our results for the female fecundity experiment differed from those of previous stable isotope analyses, in which vertebrate carcasses unlikely serve as the staple diet of adults in the field; thus, the feeding habits of N. japonica adults remain unresolved. Our observations that females and larvae performed best on the meat and earthworm diets, respectively, may indicate that, in Silphinae, the diet shift from necrophagy to predatory habits occurs earlier in larvae than in adults.
Clinical photography: Attitudes among dental students in two dental institutions
Authors: Czerninski Rakefet , Zaidman Brooke , Keshet Naama , Hamburger John , Zini Avraham
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Clinical photography is an important tool in teaching, clinical practice and academia especially for mucosal pathologies. Our aim was to examine differences in attitude towards clinical photography for mucosal pathologies among students.

Methods

Questionnaires about clinical photography were completed by students in dental teaching hospitals in Birmingham (UK) and in Israel (ISR). The questionnaires focussed on the perceived value of clinical photography for a number of purposes and also explored perceived barriers to clinical photography and technology in general. The two departments have different access to clinical photography; in the United Kingdom a separate dedicated photography unit takes all the photographs, whereas in ISR the clinicians take their own photographs. Pearson Chi‐squared tests determined statistical significance between categorical variables (P < 0.05).

Results

Among the 163 respondents, there were no significant differences in the value of photography between countries or genders. The participants felt that the aims of photography included: teaching (99.4%), monitoring premalignancy (97.6%) and clinician communication (95.8%). More than 90% thought photography should be used for dysplasia and erosive lichen planus cases. Respondents from ISR were more in favour of photographing pathologies including simple leukoplakia, reticular lichen planus, vesiculobullous or pigmented lesions (P < 0.001 compared to the UK). Overall, the main reasons for not using photography were time constraints (25.5%) and access (21.8%).

Conclusions

This study highlights a favourable attitude towards clinical photography for various teaching and clinical indications thereby demonstrating its importance. In order to maximise the benefits of clinical photography, access should be simplified.
A function‐valued trait approach to estimating the genetic basis of size at age and its potential role in fisheries‐induced evolution
Authors: Gao Jin , Munch Stephan B.
Published: January 2019

Natural selection is inherently a multivariate phenomenon. The selection pressure on size (natural and artificial) and the age at which selection occurs is likely to induce evolutionary changes in growth rates across the entire life history. However, the covariance structure that will determine the path of evolution for size at age has been studied in only a few fish species. We therefore estimated the genetic covariance function for size throughout ontogeny using Atlantic silversides (Menidia menidia) as the model system. Over a 3‐year period, a total of 542 families were used to estimate the genetic covariance in length at age from hatch through maturity. The function‐valued trait approach was employed to estimate the genetic covariance functions. A Bayesian hierarchical model was used to account for the unbalanced design, unequal measurement intervals, unequal sample sizes, and family‐aggregated data. To improve mixing, we developed a two‐stage sampler using a Gibbs sampler to generate the posterior of a well‐mixing approximate model followed by an importance sampler to draw samples from posterior of the completely specified model. We found that heritability of length is age‐specific and there are strong genetic correlations in length across ages that last 30 days or more. We used these estimates in a hypothetical model predicting the evolutionary response to harvesting following a single generation of selection under both sigmoidal and unimodal patterns of gear selectivity to illustrate the potential outcomes of ignoring the genetic correlations. In these scenarios, genetic correlations were found to have a strong effect on both the direction and magnitude of the response to harvest selection.
Ice‐binding proteins and the ‘domain of unknown function’ 3494 family
Authors: Vance Tyler D. R. , Bayer‐Giraldi Maddalena , Davies Peter L. , Mangiagalli Marco
Published: January 2019

Ice‐binding proteins (IBPs) control the growth and shape of ice crystals to cope with subzero temperatures in psychrophilic and freeze‐tolerant organisms. Recently, numerous proteins containing the domain of unknown function (DUF) 3494 were found to bind ice crystals and, hence, are classified as IBPs. DUF3494 IBPs constitute today the most widespread of the known IBP families. They can be found in different organisms including bacteria, yeasts and microalgae, supporting the hypothesis of horizontal transfer of its gene. Although the 3D structure is always a discontinuous β‐solenoid with a triangular cross‐section and an adjacent alpha‐helix, DUF3494 IBPs present very diverse activities in terms of the magnitude of their thermal hysteresis and inhibition of ice recrystallization. The proteins are secreted into the environments around the host cells or are anchored on their cell membranes. This review covers several aspects of this new class of IBPs, which promise to leave their mark on several research fields including structural biology, protein biochemistry and cryobiology.
Egg development and hatching success in alpine chironomids
Authors: Schütz Stefan Andreas , Füreder Leopold
Published: January 2019

Climate change affects both alpine freshwater ecosystems and their benthic communities, dominated by Chironomidae (Diptera). Previous studies assigned each chironomid species a narrow thermal niche and a correspondingly high sensitivity towards global warming. Nevertheless, to date no study has examined egg development although the potential effect of changing temperatures on this initial phase of life might be crucial to existence and/or survival in harsh environments.

Adaption towards low temperatures might result in the most efficient egg development (lowest degree‐day demand) at the species’ temperature optimum close to the freezing point, theoretically allowing for bivoltinism. Similar to the eggs of other benthic insects, chironomid eggs could be the most temperature resistant life stage, not limiting the species distribution and persistence with regard to climate change effects.

Here, we show the effect of water temperature on the egg development in five Diamesa (Diptera, Chironomidae) and five Orthocladiinae (Diptera, Chironomidae) species from a spring‐fed and a glacier‐fed alpine stream in the Stubai Alps (Austria). Laboratory breeding experiments were carried out at four different temperatures (2, 4, 8, and 12°C).

Hatching success of all tested species proved to be consistently high throughout all experimental treatments, suggesting a high plasticity against a wide range of rearing temperatures. With increasing temperatures, the development rates increased. The degree‐day demands, however, also increased, indicating a special physiological adaption of cold‐stenotherm chironomids towards low temperatures.

The knowledge presented herein regarding the temperature dependency of chironomid egg development was used to predict the potential date of hatching for each tested species in their natural environment, taking into account thermal profiles of their habitat and theoretically allowing for bivoltinism in cold‐streams. As this is only a first contribution towards the modelling of alpine chironomid life cycle dynamics under climate change scenarios, further experiments of this kind are urgently needed to determine the threshold temperatures for successful egg development, to include other abiotic parameters (e.g. photoperiod), and to expand the number of species.
Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis aggravates nitric oxide synthase inhibition‐induced arteriosclerosis in SHRSP5/Dmcr rat model
Authors: Watanabe Shogo , Kumazaki Shota , Yamamoto Shusei , Sato Ikumi , Kitamori Kazuya , Mori Mari , Yamori Yukio , Hirohata Satoshi
Published: January 2019

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is linked to increased cardiovascular risk, independent of the broad spectrum of metabolic syndrome risk factors. Stroke‐prone (SP) spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP5/Dmcr) fed a high‐fat and high‐cholesterol (HFC) diet developed hepatic lesions similar to those in human NASH pathology. These rats simultaneously developed lipid deposits in the mesenteric arteries, cardiac fibrosis, endothelial dysfunction and left ventricle (LV) diastolic dysfunction. However, the intermediary factors between NASH and cardiovascular disease are still unknown. We investigated whether NASH aggravates nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition‐induced arteriosclerosis in SHRSP5/Dmcr rats. Wistar Kyoto and SHRSP5/Dmcr rats were divided into 4 groups of 5 and fed the stroke‐prone (SP) or HFC diets for 8 weeks. To induce NO synthase inhibition, Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L‐NAME) mixed with drinking water was administered in the final 2 weeks. The NASH+L‐NAME group demonstrated the following characteristics related to arteriosclerosis and myocardial ischaemia: (a) LV systolic dysfunction with asynergy, (b) replacement fibrosis caused by the shedding of cardiomyocytes and (c) arterial lipid deposition and coronary occlusion secondary to endothelial dysfunction. These characteristics were not observed in the NASH or non‐NASH+L‐NAME groups. The SHRSP5/Dmcr rat model demonstrates that NASH significantly aggravates cardiovascular risk.
Valorisation of grape pomace: an approach that is increasingly reaching its maturity – a review
Authors: Bordiga Matteo , Travaglia Fabiano , Locatelli Monica
Published: January 2019

Traditionally, wine production has been assumed as an environmentally friendly process. However, it requires a considerable amount of resources (e.g. water, fertilisers and organic amendments), and, at the same time, producing a large amount of waste and by‐products. Environmental analysis of the wine making process reports that organic solid wastes and wastewater represent the main effluents of the sector. This review aims to make an overview about the recent insights and results related to valorisation of grape pomace and how this approach, considering the number of dedicated studies, is now reaching its maturity. By‐products valorisation, a concept increasingly consolidated in the field of industrial residues management, holds immense potential for prospective production. In this regard, the valorisation of grape pomace is proving its effectiveness, obtaining remarkable results.
Truncal‐to‐leg fat ratio and cardiometabolic disease risk factors in US adolescents: NHANES 2003‐2006
Authors: Cioffi Catherine E. , Alvarez Jessica A. , Welsh Jean A. , Vos Miriam B.
Published: January 2019

Background

This study aims to describe patterns of truncal versus peripheral fat deposition measured by truncal‐to‐leg fat ratio (TLR) in adolescents and examine associations of TLR with cardiometabolic (CMD) risk factors.

Methods

Data were from 3810 adolescents (12‐19 years old) in the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003‐2006. Body fat was assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and CMD risk factors were determined by blood samples and physical examination. Linear and logistic regressions adjusted for BMI z‐score and other covariates were used to examine associations of TLR with CMD risk factors as continuous and dichotomized outcomes, respectively.

Results

Adolescents who were Mexican American, who have lower income, and with obesity had the highest mean TLR (all p < 0.05). In linear regression, increasing TLR was associated positively with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), triglycerides, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure (BP), c‐reactive protein, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and negatively with high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in both sexes (p < 0.05). TLR was also associated with diastolic BP in boys and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in girls (p < 0.05). A similar pattern of findings resulted from logistic regression. When further stratified by race/ethnicity, TLR was positively associated with high triglycerides, total cholesterol, and ALT for White and/or Mexican American (p < 0.05), but not Black adolescents, while associations with HOMA‐IR and HDL were significant for all race/ethnicities.

Conclusions

In this cohort of adolescents, TLR was associated with several risk factors independent of BMI z‐score, although some findings were sex or race/ethnicity specific. Body fat distribution may be an important determinant of future CMD.
The relations between cognitive ability and personality: Convergent results across measures
Authors: Carretta Thomas R. , Ree Malcolm James
Published: January 2019

Several studies have investigated the relations between cognitive ability and Big Five personality constructs. The present study extended previous research by (a) examining these relationships in large samples (total N = 120,014), (b) including several measures of cognitive ability and personality, (c) examining both domain and facet‐level personality scores, (d) expanding the personality domains studied to include Machiavellianism, and (e) correcting the observed correlations for range restriction and reliability to provide a better statistical estimate of the relations between the cognitive and personality scores and constructs. Results were consistent with prior research showing a positive relationship between cognitive ability and Openness and negative relationships between cognitive ability and Neuroticism and Conscientiousness. Negative relations between cognitive ability and Extraversion and Agreeableness also were observed. Machiavellianism, not part of the Big Five was found to have a positive correlation with cognitive ability. Of particular interest was the finding that the relations between cognitive ability and personality were affected by the specific content of the cognitive and personality measures. Cognitive measures with verbal content were more strongly correlated with personality than were cognitive measures with math or nonverbal content for all of the samples. Also, there was considerable variability in the cognitive‐personality correlations for the facets underlying each personality domain. The variability in correlations at the facet‐level implies that cognitive‐personality relationships at the domain‐level will vary as a function of the specific content of the cognitive and personality measures. Overall, the results provide support for cognitive‐personality association at the measurement level.
Continuous‐wave laser irradiation to form Cd1−xZnxSe shell on CdSe QDs in silicate glasses
Authors: Lee Hojeong , Park Won Ji , Heo Jong
Published: January 2019

CdSe QDs with Cd1−xZnxSe shell structures were precipitated inside silicate glasses by continuous‐wave laser irradiation (λ = 532 nm) without any heat‐treatment process. Emission from the surface defects (λ ≈ 620 nm) was quenched significantly and the lifetimes of the band‐edge emission was increased. During the laser irradiation, Zn ions were gradually incorporated into the outer region of CdSe QDs to form Cd1−xZnxSe (0.76 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) alloy shells.
The role of anchoring in judgments about expert consensus
Authors: Goldberg Matthew H. , van der Linden Sander , Ballew Matthew T. , Rosenthal Seth A. , Leiserowitz Anthony
Published: January 2019

Recent scholarship finds that communicating descriptive norms, such as the fact that 97% of climate scientists have concluded that human‐caused climate change is happening, is an effective gateway to changing individuals’ beliefs and attitudes about climate change and support for climate policies. Other scholars, however, have offered an alternative explanation: priming people with any “97%” figure serves as an anchoring heuristic that leads people to adjust their estimates of the scientific consensus. This study investigates this proposed anchoring effect. Results from three parallel experiments indicate that participants consistently update their perceptions of the scientific consensus when they receive a relevant statement about the scientific consensus on climate change, but not when receiving a semantically equivalent but otherwise irrelevant consensus cue that might be used as an anchor. Further, we find that perceived consensus mediates the effect of the consensus treatment on individuals’ attitudes. We also find that conservatives updated their consensus estimates significantly more than liberals. We replicate these results across three large samples from different sources (Total N = 3,132). These findings indicate that when people update their estimates of the scientific consensus, it reflects a genuine update in their beliefs and is unlikely to be a result of the anchoring and adjustment heuristic. This work contributes to a growing literature on the value of communicating expert consensus about contested scientific issues.
ASSESSING SEDIMENTATION ISSUES WITHIN AGING FLOOD CONTROL RESERVOIRS IN OKLAHOMA1
Authors: Bennett Sean J. , Cooper Charles M. , Ritchie Jerry C. , Dunbar John A. , Allen Peter M. , Caldwell Larry W. , McGee Thomas M.
Published: January 2019

Since 1948, the USDA‐NRCS has constructed nearly 11,000 flood control dams across the United States, and many of the reservoirs are rapidly filling with sediment. To rehabilitate these structures, the impounded sediment must be assessed to determine the volume of accumulated sediment and the potential hazard this sediment may pose if reintroduced to the environment. An assessment of sedimentation issues within two reservoirs, Sugar Creek No. 12, Hinton, Oklahoma, and Sergeant Major No. 4, Cheyenne, Oklahoma, is presented. Sediment cores obtained using a vibracoring system were composed of alternating layers of gravel, sand, silt, and clay. Stratigraphic analysis coupled with 137Cs dating techniques enabled the discrimination of pre‐construction sediment from post‐construction deposition. An acoustic profiling system was unencumbered by the relatively shallow water depth at Sugar Creek No. 12 and the seismic horizons agreed well with the sediment core data. Total sediment volume determined from the acoustic survey and the sediment core data for comparable areas differed by only 1.4 percent. The seismic profiling system worked well in the relatively deeper Jake of Sergeant Major No. 4 and showed good correspondence to the collected core data. Detailed chemical analyses showed that overall sediment quality was good at both locations and that chemical composition was spatially invariant. Implementation of these techniques will aid action agencies such as the USDA‐NRCS in their assessment and effective management of aging flood control reservoirs.
The relationship between the quantitative extent of late gadolinium enhancement and burden of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A delayed contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance study
Authors: Weissler‐Snir Adaya , Hindieh Waseem , Spears Danna A. , Adler Arnon , Rakowski Harry , Chan Raymond H.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To examine the relationship between late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extent and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) characteristics in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Background

NSVT has been shown to be independently associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) in HCM. Previous studies have found LGE on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to be independently associated with NSVT.

Methods

Seventy‐three patients who had 14‐day Holter monitoring for either risk stratification for SCD (n = 62) or evaluation of atrial fibrillation (n = 11) on a CMR study were included. Areas of LGE in left ventricle (LV) were visually identified and analyzed quantitatively for both high (≥6 SD above the mean signal intensity of normal myocardium) and intermediate (≥4 but <6 SD) LGE signal intensity.

Results

Patients with more extensive LGE had longer (P = 0.0028) and more frequent (P = 0.02) episodes of NSVT. In univariate analyses, frequency of NSVT was associated with LGE extent (rs = 0.43, P = 0.001), LV ejection fraction (rs = −0.38, P < 0.001), LV mass (rs = 0.32, P = 0.005), LV maximal wall thickness (rs = 0.28, P = 0.016), and left atrium diameter (rs = 0.29, P = 0.001); maximal length of NSVT was associated with LGE extent (rs = 0.52, P < 0.001), LV ejection fraction (rs = −0.44, P < 0.001), LV mass (rs = 0.37, P = 0.001), and left atrium diameter (rs = 0.3, P < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, LGE extent remained the sole variable independently associated with frequency (P = 0.001) and maximal length of episodes of NSVT (P = 0.001). No significant association was found between the rate of NSVT and LGE extent.

Conclusions

LGE extent is independently associated with a greater burden and longer episodes of NSVT in HCM. These findings support the association between myocardial fibrosis as represented by LGE and ventricular tachyarrhythmias in HCM.
Interventions for erythema multiforme: a systematic review
Authors: de Risi‐Pugliese T. , Sbidian E. , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro S. , Le Cleach L.
Published: January 2019

Treatment of erythema multiforme (EM) is not codified. We performed a systematic review of the effect of any topical or systemic treatment on time to healing and frequency of episodes with acute and chronic forms of EM in adults. Four databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE and LILACS) and other sources were searched for articles published up to 20 March 2018. Randomized control trials (RCTs), observational studies and case series (n ≥ 10) were considered. From 1558 references, we included one RCT and six case series. The RCT (n = 20) showed a significant difference in complete remission of EM with continuous acyclovir vs. placebo over 6 months. One case series found a mean reduction in flare duration with thalidomide for recurrent EM (5.1 vs. 16.2 days; n = 20). Adverse events were poorly or not reported in included studies. Quality of life was never assessed. One limitation of our study is that we excluded the cases of isolated mucosal EM in order to prevent inclusion of Stevens‐Johnson syndrome cases. In conclusion, there is low‐level evidence for continuous acyclovir treatment for recurrent EM (one RCT). Evidence for other treatments is only based on retrospective case series. Results for thalidomide, in particular, encourage further research. Data concerning safety are insufficient. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42016053175.
Effect of selective thermal denaturation and glycosylation on the textural properties and microstructure of vegetable tofu
Authors: Sun Dongxue , Li Tianqi , Ma Ling , Zhang Fengyang , Li Aili , Jiang Zhanmei
Published: January 2019

The impact of selective thermal denaturation and glycosylation on the textural properties and microstructure of vegetable tofu made from carrot and seaweed was investigated. Thermal denaturation treatment (80 °C for 5 min) could significantly enhance the hardness and gumminess of carrot–seaweed tofu (p < .05) and made its network structure more homogeneous and denser. Moreover, glycosylation treatment (1% glucose, 100 °C for 10 min) could remarkably improve the textural properties and network structure of carrot–seaweed tofu. Therefore, the thermal denaturation and glycosylation treatment of soymilk could be an effective way to improve the texture and microscopic structure of carrot–seaweed tofu.

Practical applications

Tofu is a soybean protein gel with rich nutrition and can complement protein, vitamins, and minerals needed by human body. Vegetable tofu made from carrot and seaweed is a novelty tofu product with the beautiful color, rich nutrition value, and moderate taste, possessing better market application prospect. In addition, selective thermal denaturation and glycosylation can effectively improve the texture and microstructure of carrot–seaweed tofu. Accordingly, selective thermal denaturation and glycosylation can cater to consumer demand for tofu nutrition and diversity, besides producing the better quality carrot–seaweed tofu.
Realizing the Promise of Research in Policymaking: Theoretical Guidance Grounded in Policymaker Perspectives
Authors: Bogenschneider Karen , Corbett Thomas J. , Parrott Emily
Published: January 2019

This article explores growing pessimism among those scholars who wish to see rigorous research used more frequently to formulate public policy. That commonsense aspiration is threatened by the impoverished dialogue between the communities that conduct studies (researchers) and those that apply them to decisions (policymakers). To examine this disconnect, the authors advance community dissonance theory, which proposes that a better understanding in the research community of the inhabitants, institutions, and cultures of the policy community could increase communication and trust. Community dissonance theory extends earlier two‐communities theories by deconstructing the cultural impediments to optimal communication. Building on previous literature and supported with in‐depth interviews of state policymakers, this article examines professional culture and institutional culture (e.g., preferred decision‐making processes, interactional preferences, favored epistemological frameworks, dominant influence loops, salient goals, salient stakeholders). The article presents several frictions that occur when cultures clash, discussing their promise and peril for improving research use in policymaking.
Pharmacological Management of Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Pragmatic Clinical Trial
Authors: Khan Babar A. , Perkins Anthony J. , Campbell Noll L. , Gao Sujuan , Farber Mark O. , Wang Sophia , Khan Sikandar H. , Zarzaur Ben L. , Boustani Malaz A.
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Delirium in the intensive care units (ICUs) is prevalent, with both delirium duration and delirium severity associated with adverse outcomes. We designed a pragmatic trial to test the efficacy of a pharmacological management of delirium (PMD) bundle in improving delirium/coma‐free days and reducing delirium severity among ICU patients.

DESIGN

A randomized pragmatic clinical trial.

SETTING

Medical, surgical, and progressive ICUs of three tertiary care hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 351 critically ill patients.

INTERVENTION

A multicomponent PMD bundle consisting of reducing the exposure to 20 definite anticholinergic medications and benzodiazepines and prescribing low‐dose haloperidol.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcomes were delirium/coma‐free days, measured through the Richmond Agitation‐Sedation Scale and the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM‐ICU), and delirium severity, measured through Delirium Rating Scale‐Revised‐98 and the CAM‐ICU‐7. Secondary outcomes were in‐hospital and posthospital discharge 30‐day mortality, ICU and hospital lengths of stay, and delirium‐related hospital complications.

RESULTS

We randomized 351 critically ill delirious patients (mean age = 59.3 years [SD = 16.9 years]; 52% female, 42% African Americans) to receive the PMD bundle or usual care. There were no significant differences in median delirium/coma‐free days at day 8 (PMD vs usual care = 4 [interquartile range {IQR} = 2‐7] days vs 5 [IQR = 1–7] days; P = .888) or at day 30 (PMD vs usual care = 26 [IQR 19‐29] days vs 26 [IQR, 14–29] days; P = .991). There were no significant differences for decrease in delirium severity at day 8, but at hospital discharge, the intervention group showed a greater reduction in delirium severity (mean decrease in CAM‐ICU‐7 score for PMD vs usual care = 3.2 [SD = 3.3] vs 2.5 [SD = 3.2]; P = .046). No differences were observed between groups for ICU and hospital lengths of stay, mortality, and delirium‐related hospital complications. Similar results were observed when analyses were limited to patients 65 years or older and 75 years or older.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Implementing the PMD bundle in the ICU did not reduce delirium duration or severity among critically ill patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00842608. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1057–1065, 2019.
Estimating emission coefficients and mass balances using economic data: A stochastic frontier approach
Authors: Hampf Benjamin
Published: January 2019

In this article, we propose a stochastic formulation of mass balances that impose physical constraints on production technologies. The estimation of the model involves a composed error term structure that is commonly applied in the literature on stochastic frontier analysis of productive efficiency. Moreover, we discuss how ordinary least squares and maximum likelihood methods can be used to estimate emission coefficients based on the proposed model and compare the results to estimates based on linear programming techniques from input–output analysis. In contrast to previous approaches, our model allows one to estimate the physical limitations to production possibilities in the presence of statistical noise and depends on substantially weaker data requirements. We apply our approach to estimate emission coefficients for sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide using a sample of fossil‐fueled power plants in the United States.
IMBALANCE IN CHINA'S SEX RATIO AT BIRTH: A REVIEW
Authors: Chen Ruoyu , Zhang Lingxiang
Published: January 2019

For decades, China's sex ratio at birth (SRB) has risen significantly. This trend was found in different provinces and between different parities. Three direct causes have led to the imbalanced SRB: underreporting of female births, which refers to girls who are alive but are hidden from the census count; high rates of female infanticide, which refers to the killing of female infants shortly after birth; and sex‐selective abortion, which refers to the selective abortion of female fetuses. In addition to these immediate causes, China's One‐Child Policy and the cultural preference for sons constitute underlying causes for the imbalanced SRB. Distortions in the SRB can have serious social and economic consequences, including the loss of potential population growth, a “marriage squeeze,” precipitated social instability, and an aging workforce. However, China can improve the status quo by taking appropriate measures such as relaxing fertility regulations and preventing sex‐selective abortions. Establishing a comprehensive pension system can help address the high SRB in the long run. However, a policy reversing the high SRB may have a negative effect on other demographic factors. China needs to find a way to reverse the SRB without harming other demographic indicators and has to do so soon.
Massive prolapsed submucous fibroid treated with laparoscopic surgery: A case report
Authors: Yabumoto Kazuya , Ito Fumitake , Matsushima Hiroshi , Mori Taisuke , Kusuki Izumi , Kitawaki Jo
Published: January 2019

Prolapsed uterine fibroids are pedunculated submucous fibroids that prolapse through the cervical canal. Herein, we describe the laparoscopic treatment of massive prolapsed submucous fibroids. A 47‐year‐old woman had experienced frequent urination and abnormal vaginal bleeding for 7 years. She presented with persistent lower abdominal pain. The uterine fundus was palpable at 3 cm above the umbilicus. Vaginal examination revealed a dark purple and easily bleeding mass in her vagina. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large mass prolapsing from the uterine endometrium, which occupied the cervical canal and vagina, without evidence of malignancy. Under a preoperative diagnosis of uterine fibroids with edematous degeneration, we performed laparoscopic uterine artery cutting, transvaginal removal of the fibroid by twisting, and total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Histopathological examination revealed leiomyoma with partial ischemia. Six days postoperatively, the patient was discharged without complications. This approach may be appropriate for the treatment of massive prolapsed submucous fibroids.
School Climate and Academic Achievement in Middle and High School Students
Authors: Daily Shay M. , Mann Michael J. , Kristjansson Alfgeir L. , Smith Megan L. , Zullig Keith J.
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Emergent evidence suggests a positive school climate may be a promising population‐level intervention to promote academic achievement and student well‐being. However, researchers have called for expanding the school climate evidence‐base to better describe how the construct is associated with student outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between 10 school climate domains and academic achievement among middle and high school students.

METHODS

ANOVAs were used to analyze survey data from 6–12 grade students in a Mid‐Atlantic US state (n = 2405, response rate: middle school = 82.4%, 50.5% female; high school = 62.5%, 56.1% female).

RESULTS

Significant main effects were found for all school climate domains and varied between middle and high school students apart from academic support. Effect sizes ranged from small to medium, with academic support demonstrating the strongest effects among both middle and high school students.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest school climate is associated with academic achievement for both middle and high school students. Correctly identifying the role of key aspects of school climate by grade‐level may provide improved and developmentally appropriate recommendations for the delivery of instruction and school‐based interventions that promote positive school well‐being and student performance.
Broadly sampled assessment reduces ethnicity‐related differences in clinical grades
Authors: van Andel Chantal E E , Born Marise Ph , Themmen Axel P N , Stegers‐Jager Karen M
Published: January 2019

Context

Ethnicity‐related differences in clinical grades exist. Broad sampling in assessment of clinical competencies involves multiple assessments used by multiple assessors across multiple moments. Broad sampling in assessment potentially reduces irrelevant variances and may therefore mitigate ethnic disparities in clinical grades.

Objectives

Research question 1 (RQ1): to assess whether the relationship between students’ ethnicity and clinical grades is weaker in a broadly sampled versus a global assessment. Research question 2 (RQ2): to assess whether larger ethnicity‐related differences in grades occur when supervisors are given the opportunity to deviate from the broadly sampled assessment score.

Methods

Students’ ethnicity was classified as Turkish/Moroccan/African, Surinamese/Antillean, Asian, Western, and native Dutch. RQ1: 1667 students (74.3% native Dutch students) were included, who entered medical school between 2002 and 2004 (global assessment, 818 students) and between 2008 and 2010 (broadly sampled assessment, 849 students). The main outcome measure was whether or not students received ≥3 times a grade of 8 or higher on a scale from 1 to 10 in five clerkships. RQ2: 849 students (72.4% native Dutch students) were included, who were assessed by broad sampling. The main outcome measure was the number of grade points by which supervisors had deviated from broadly sampled scores. Both analyses were adjusted for gender, age, (im)migration status and average bachelor grade.

Results

Research question 1: ethnicity‐related differences in clinical grades were smaller in broadly sampled than in global assessment, and this was also seen after adjustments. More specifically, native Dutch students had reduced probabilities (0.87–0.65) in broadly sampled as compared with global assessment, whereas Surinamese (0.03–0.51) and Asian students (0.21–0.30) had increased probabilities of having ≥3 times a grade of 8 or higher in five clerkships. Research question 2: when supervisors were allowed to deviate from original grades, ethnicity‐related differences in clinical grades were reintroduced.

Conclusions

Broadly sampled assessment reduces ethnicity‐related differences in grades.
Collisions at the intersections of competence, wellness and engagement
Authors: Winkel Abigail Ford , Morgan Helen K
Published: January 2019

Winkel and Morgan reflect on the importance of educators helping trainees to balance the inevitable tension between engaging with challenges and experiencing stressors that impair wellbeing. To do so, they advocate for an individualized approach to supervision.
A streak length‐based method for quantifying red blood cell flow in skeletal muscle arteriolar networks
Authors: Goldman Daniel , Farid Zahra , Jackson Dwayne N.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To develop an experimental method to quantify RBC flow throughout skeletal muscle arteriolar networks.

Methods

Data on arteriolar geometry were obtained using IVVM of the rat GM. RBC velocities and number densities were also obtained during these experiments using fluorescently labeled RBCs. Arteriolar and RBC data were combined to estimate blood volume flow rates, HT and HD values, and RBC volume flow rates. Validation of hematocrit and RBC flow results was performed at arteriolar bifurcations using both mass balance and comparisons to an established model of the PS effect.

Results

Estimated HT values were within the expected range (6%‐34%) for the arterioles considered (29‐130 μm). RBC mass balance error was 18 ± 16% (mean ± SD, n = 7 bifurcations). RBC outflow from diverging bifurcations as a function of RBC inflow was given by Y = 0.986*X + 0.331 with R2 = 0.987. Outflow HT as a function of the PS prediction was given by Y = 1.034*X + 0.004 with R2 = 0.691. RBC outflow as a function of the prediction was given by Y = 0.917*X + 0.804 with R2 = 0.891.

Conclusions

An experimental method has been developed and validated that can easily and accurately quantify RBC flow distribution in large skeletal muscle arteriolar networks and provides direct estimates of HT values.
More movement with evaluating colonic transit in humans
Authors: Bharucha Adil E. , Anderson Bradley , Bouchoucha Michel
Published: January 2019

Background

Colonic functions (ie, absorption of fluids and electrolytes, digestion of selected nutrients, harbor for microbes, and elimination of excreta) necessitate complex patterns of storage and transit. Indeed, colonic transit accounts for a major part of the mouth‐to‐anus transit time. Colonic transit assessments are useful for understanding the pathophysiology of disease, the pharmacodynamic effects of new medications and to diagnose slow transit constipation. Currently, radiopaque markers, scintigraphy, and a colonic pH‐pressure capsule are used to measure overall colonic transit. Radioopaque markers, scintigraphy, and the electromagnetic capsule, which is a newer technique, also evaluate regional colonic transit. The pH‐pressure capsule also measures colonic pressures. Magnetic resonance imaging and a radio‐frequency identification‐based device are evolving methods for assessing colonic transit.

Purpose

This mini‐review, which accompanies a study evaluating the assessment of colon transit with the electromagnetic capsule, evaluates and compares existing and evolving methods for evaluating colonic transit in humans (Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018; in press). In addition to overall and regional colonic transit, the electromagnetic capsule evaluates colonic motor patterns without radiation exposure. These patterns are summarized by analyzing the characteristics (ie, distance and velocity) of discrete antegrade and retrograde capsule movements as they travel in the colon. However, the electromagnetic capsule does not measure pressure or colonic wall movement (ie, contractions). The motor patterns identified by this capsule should be compared with motor patterns identified with manometry. The next challenge is to harness different techniques to evaluate the relationships between colonic pressures and transit or, even better, the trifecta of colonic contractions, pressure events, and transit.