bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental conditions and neutral processes shape the skin microbiome of European catfish (Silurus glanis) populations of Southwestern France
Authors: Chiarello Marlène , Paz‐Vinas Ivan , Veyssière Charlotte , Santoul Frédéric , Loot Géraldine , Ferriol Jessica , Boulêtreau Stéphanie
Published: June 2019

Teleost fishes interact with diverse microbial communities, playing crucial functions for host fitness. While gut microbiome has been extensively studied, skin microbiome has been overlooked. Specifically, there is no assessment of the relative impact of host and environmental factors on microbiome variability as well as neutral processes shaping fish skin microbiome. Here, we assessed the skin microbiome of a Siluriforme, the European catfish (Silurus glanis) sampled in four sites located in Southwestern France. We assessed the relative roles of individual features (body size and genetic background), local environment and neutral processes in shaping skin microbiome. Catfish skin microbiome composition was distinct to that of other freshwater fish species previously studied with high abundances of Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. We found no effect of catfish individual genotype and body size on the structure of its associated skin microbiome. Geographical location was the best catfish skin microbiome structure predictor, together with neutral models of microbiome assembly.
Comparison of Endostar continuous versus intermittent intravenous infusion in combination with first‐line chemotherapy in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Nie Ligong , Liu Ying , Jin Zhe , Wang Xi , Hu Zhanwei
Published: June 2019

Background

Intravenous infusion of Endostar for three to four hours per day for 14 days reduces patient compliance and affects quality of life. Continuous intravenous infusion (CI) represents a novel method of administration; however, it is unclear whether it is effective and safe when compared to the traditional method.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) administered CI (20 patients) or intermittent intravenous infusion (II, 49 patients) of Endostar combined with first‐line chemotherapy. Three patients in the II group discontinued therapy because of adverse effects.

Results

Median progression‐free survival was 6.0 months in the CI group and 3.8 months in the II group, with no significant difference (P = 0.1). The objective response and disease control rates were also similar in the CI and II groups (40.0 vs. 32.6%, P = 0.562; 65 vs. 69.6%, P = 0.714, respectively).

Conclusion

CI of Endostar combined with first‐line chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC had similar progression‐free survival, objective response, and overall response rates as II, with tolerable adverse effects.
Chalcone Derivative L6H21 Reduces EtOH + LPS‐Induced Liver Injury Through Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Kong Xiaoxia , Wu Guicheng , Chen Sha , Zhang Lihua , Li Fengyuan , Shao Tuo , Ren Li , Chen Shao-Yu , Zhang Hongyu , McClain Craig J. , Feng Wenke
Published: June 2019

Background

Chronic alcohol intake increases circulating endotoxin levels causing excessive inflammation that aggravates the liver injury. (E)‐2,3‐dimethoxy‐4′‐methoxychalcone (L6H21), a derivative of chalcone, has been found to inhibit inflammation in cardiac diseases and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the use of L6H21 in alcoholic liver disease to inhibit exotoxin‐associated inflammation has not been explored. In this study, we examined the effects of L6H21 on EtOH + LPS‐induced hepatic inflammation, steatosis, and liver injury and investigated the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

C57BL6 mice were treated with 5% EtOH for 10 days, and LPS was given to the mice 6 hours before sacrificing. One group of mice was supplemented with L6H21 with EtOH and LPS. RAW264.7 cells were used to analyze the effects of L6H21 on macrophage activation.

Results

EtOH + LPS treatment significantly increased hepatic steatosis and serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), which were reduced by L6H21 treatment. EtOH + LPS treatment increased hepatic inflammation, as shown by the increased hepatic protein levels of Toll‐like receptor‐4, p65, and p‐IκB, and increased oxidative stress, as shown by protein carbonyl levels and reactive oxygen species formation, which were reduced by L6H21 treatment. In addition, L6H21 treatment markedly inhibited EtOH + LPS‐elevated hepatic protein levels of NLRP3, cleaved caspase‐1, cleaved IL‐1β, and caspase‐1‐associated apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that L6H21 treatment inhibits EtOH + LPS‐induced liver steatosis and injury through suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. L6H21 may be used as an alternative strategy for ALD prevention/treatment.
Human settlement drives African elephant (Loxodonta africana) movement in the Sebungwe Region, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mpakairi Kudzai S. , Ndaimani Henry , Kuvawoga Phillip T. , Madiri Hilary T.
Published: June 2019

Understanding the key drivers that influence the potential distribution of herbivore species in changing landscapes has been at the centre of enquiry in wildlife science for many decades. This knowledge is particularly important for keystone species like the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) whose population is declining even in conservation areas. The Sebungwe Region is part of the Kavango‐Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area and supports ~4,000 elephants. The Sebungwe Region has lost an estimated 76% of its elephant population over the years. This study aimed to determine how the elephant distribution in the Sebungwe Region was affected by human settlement and whether the patches for elephant distribution were large enough for elephant habitation. The prediction of the potential distribution of the elephant was based on presence‐only data modelled through an ensemble algorithm that combined several candidate models to enhance predictive ability. We observed that human settlement drives the potential distribution of elephants in the Sebungwe Region (test AUC = 0.95), and patches from the model were on average <1.5 km2. Our results provide initial insights into the key habitat factors that drive distribution of elephants in the Sebungwe landscape. Future conservation of the elephant could benefit from our study through systematic planning of settlements, which might help minimise human interaction with wildlife.
Review of childhood pain highlights the role of negative stress
Authors: Alfven G , Grillner S , Andersson E
Published: June 2019

Aim

Recurrent pain of unknown origin is a major problem in children. The aim of the present review was to examine the hypothesis of negative stress as an aetiology of recurrent pain from different aspects.

Methods and Results

Epidemiological studies, clinical experience and hormonal data give support for such a hypothesis. Negative stress as a tentative aetiology for recurrent pain is reviewed. Stress, muscular tension, the startle reaction and its tentative relation to pain is illuminated. Deviations of hormonal secretion supporting a stress aetiology are mentioned. The role of central sensitisation for recurrent pain is discussed. Possible aetiological implications of recurrent pain as a local symptom or a general disorder are presented. Brain changes due to stress are shortly reviewed. Stress and pain in the clinic are highlighted. The importance of biological, psychological and social factors, as well as genetic elements, is discussed.

Conclusion

Stress elicits neurobiological mechanisms. They may lead to many neurophysiological deviances. Increase of muscle tension and neuromuscular excitability and enhanced startle reaction may be of importance for recurring pain. The identification of stress as a primary cause of recurrent pain can have huge implications for understanding signs and treatment in clinical practice.
miR‐29a promotes pathological cardiac hypertrophy by targeting the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway and suppressing autophagy
Authors: Shi Jia‐yu , Chen Chu , Xu Xuan , Lu Qi
Published: June 2019

Aim

Although miR‐29 has emerged as a crucial non‐coding RNA in the regulation of pathological cardiac hypertrophy, further exploration of its specific mechanisms is necessary to resolve controversy about its major role in this condition. This study therefore evaluated the role of miR‐29a and whether it acts through the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Methods

In this study, a rat model of pressure‐induced cardiac hypertrophy was established by transverse aortic constriction and verified by echocardiography, histological analysis and quantitative RT‐PCR. At the cellular level, we explored the role of miR‐29a in angiotensin II‐stimulated hypertrophic H9c2 cardiomyoblasts by transfecting the cells with miR‐29a inhibitor and mimic. The relationship between miR‐29a and the signalling pathway was investigated with dual luciferase reporter assays, immunofluorescence analysis and Western blotting. We also examined whether autophagy is involved in the regulatory mechanism of miR‐29a through transmission electron microscopy and detection of autophagy‐associated proteins.

Results

The results showed that miR‐29a was upregulated both in rats 4 weeks after surgery and in 10−6 M angiotensin II‐stimulated cells. In contrast, inhibition of miR‐29a partially attenuated angiotensin II‐induced hypertrophy. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis revealed that PTEN was one of the target genes of miR‐29a, which was also verified by luciferase assay. The results of immunofluorescence and Western blotting indicated that overexpression of miR‐29a inhibited the expression of PTEN, activated the AKT/mTOR pathway and suppressed autophagy, which ultimately led to cardiac hypertrophy.

Conclusion

In pathological cardiac hypertrophy, miR‐29a was overexpressed and promoted cardiac hypertrophy by regulating the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway and suppressing autophagy.
AKAP12 deficiency impairs VEGF‐induced endothelial cell migration and sprouting
Authors: Benz Peter M. , Ding Yindi , Stingl Heike , Loot Annemarieke E. , Zink Joana , Wittig Ilka , Popp Rüdiger , Fleming Ingrid
Published: June 2019

Aim

Protein kinase (PK) A anchoring protein (AKAP) 12 is a scaffolding protein that anchors PKA to compartmentalize cyclic AMP signalling. This study assessed the consequences of the downregulation or deletion of AKAP12 on endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis.

Methods

The consequences of siRNA‐mediated downregulation AKAP12 were studied in primary cultures of human endothelial cells as well as in endothelial cells and retinas from wild‐type versus AKAP12−/− mice. Molecular interactions were investigated using a combination of immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry.

Results

AKAP12 was expressed at low levels in confluent endothelial cells but its expression was increased in actively migrating cells, where it localized to lamellipodia. In the postnatal retina, AKAP12 was expressed by actively migrating tip cells at the angiogenic front, and its deletion resulted in defective extension of the vascular plexus. In migrating endothelial cells, AKAP12 was co‐localized with the PKA type II‐α regulatory subunit as well as multiple key regulators of actin dynamics and actin filament‐based movement; including components of the Arp2/3 complex and the vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). Fitting with the evidence of a physical VASP/AKAP12/PKA complex, it was possible to demonstrate that the VEGF‐stimulated and PKA‐dependent phosphorylation of VASP was dependent on AKAP12. Indeed, AKAP12 colocalized with phospho‐Ser157 VASP at the leading edge of migrating endothelial cells.

Conclusion

The results suggest that compartmentalized AKAP12/PKA signalling mediates VASP phosphorylation at the leading edge of migrating endothelial cells to translate angiogenic stimuli into altered actin dynamics and cell movement.
Misunderstandings and omissions in textbook accounts of effect sizes
Authors: Morris Paul H.
Published: June 2019

There have been frequent attempts in psychology to reduce the reliance on null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) as the criterion for establishing the importance of results. Many authorities now recommend the reporting of effect sizes (ESs) as a supplement or alternative to NHST. However, there is extensive specialist literature highlighting problems associated with the use and interpretation of ESs. A review of the coverage of ESs in over 100 textbooks on statistical analysis in behavioural science revealed widespread neglect of ESs and the relevant critical issues that have widespread coverage in the more specialist literature. For example, many textbooks claim that ESs should be interpreted as a simple measure of the practical real‐world importance of a result despite the fact that ESs are profoundly influenced by features of design and analysis strategy. We seek to highlight areas of misunderstanding about ESs found in the pedagogical literature in the light of the more specialist literature and make recommendations to researchers for the appropriate use and interpretation of ESs. This is critical as statistics textbooks have a crucial role in the education of researchers.
Induced miR‐31 by 5‐fluorouracil exposure contributes to the resistance in colorectal tumors
Authors: Nakagawa Yoshihito , Kuranaga Yuki , Tahara Tomomitsu , Yamashita Hiromi , Shibata Tomoyuki , Nagasaka Mitsuo , Funasaka Kohei , Ohmiya Naoki , Akao Yukihiro
Published: June 2019

Drug resistance makes treatment difficult in cancers. The present study identifies and analyzes drug resistance‐related miRNA in colorectal cancer. We established 4 types of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐resistant colon cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo. We then analyzed the miRNA expression profile by miRNA array in these 4 cell lines, and identified the drug resistance‐related miRNAs. We examined the expression levels of the identified miRNA in 112 colorectal tumor samples from the patients. We identified 12 possible miRNAs involved in 5‐FU resistance by miRNA arrays. We then examined the relationship between miR‐31, which was the most promising among them, and drug resistance. The ectopic expression of mimic miR‐31 showed significant 5‐FU resistance in the parental DLD‐1 cells, while anti–miR‐31 caused significant growth inhibition in DLD/F cells; that is, 5‐FU‐resistant colon cancer cell line DLD‐1 under exposure to 5‐FU. When we exposed high doses of 5‐FU to parent or 5‐FU‐resistant cells, the expression levels of miR‐31 were raised higher than those of controls. Notably, the expression levels of miR‐31 were positively correlated with the grade of clinical stages of colorectal tumors. The protein expression levels of factors inhibiting hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 were downregulated by transfection of mimic miR‐31 into DLD‐1 cells. This study provides evidence supporting the association of miR‐31 with 5‐FU drug resistance and clinical stages of colorectal tumors.
The information needs of children having clinical procedures in hospital: Will it hurt? Will I feel scared? What can I do to stay calm?
Authors: Bray Lucy , Appleton Victoria , Sharpe Ashley
Published: June 2019

Background

Children often have unmet information needs when attending hospital, and this can cause them anxiety and uncertainty. If children are prepared and informed about what will happen during a procedure, they tend to have a better experience. Finding out what children want to know before they attend hospital for procedures could provide significant benefits for children, their families, and healthcare professionals. This study set out to investigate children's perspectives of what information is important and valuable to know before attending hospital for a planned procedure.

Methods

A “write and tell” activity sheet underpinned a semistructured qualitative interview with children attending hospital for a planned procedure. The interview focussed on the information children thought was important to know before a procedure. Data were analysed using content analysis techniques.

Results

One hundred six children aged between 8 and 12 years old participated in the interviews. The children identified 616 pieces of information they thought would be of value to children attending hospital for procedures. These were inductively coded into three types of information: procedural, sensory, and self‐regulation. Children want to know detailed procedural and sensory information to actively construct a script of a procedure and then build on this with information about specific strategies to help them cope with and self‐regulate the situation.

Conclusion

This study has identified three types of information children recognize as important in preprocedural preparation. Children construct an understanding of a planned procedure through actively scaffolding procedural, sensory, and self‐regulation information.
Acquired immune responses to the seasonal trivalent influenza vaccination in COPD
Authors: Staples K J , Williams N P , Bonduelle O , Hutton A J , Cellura D , Marriott A C , Combadière B , Wilkinson T M A
Published: June 2019

Epidemiological data suggest that influenza vaccination protects against all-cause mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, recent work has suggested there is a defect in the ability of some COPD patients to mount an adequate humoral response to influenza vaccination. The aim of our study was to investigate humoral and cell-mediated vaccine responses to the seasonal trivalent influenza vaccination (TIV) in COPD subjects and healthy controls. Forty-seven subjects were enrolled into the study; 23 COPD patients, 13 age-matched healthy controls (HC ≥ 50) and 11 young healthy control subjects (YC ≤ 40). Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated pre-TIV vaccination and at days 7 and 28 and 6 months post-vaccine for haemagglutinin inhibition (HAI) titre, antigen-specific T cell and antibody-secreting cell analysis. The kinetics of the vaccine response were similar between YC, HC and COPD patients and there was no significant difference in antibody titres between these groups at 28 days post-vaccine. As we observed no disease-dependent differences in either humoral or cellular responses, we investigated if there was any association of these measures with age. H1N1 (r = −0·4253, P = 0·0036) and influenza B (r = −0·344, P = 0·0192) antibody titre at 28 days negatively correlated with age, as did H1N1-specific CD4+ T helper cells (r = −0·4276, P = 0·0034). These results suggest that age is the primary determinant of response to trivalent vaccine and that COPD is not a driver of deficient responses per se. These data support the continued use of the yearly trivalent vaccine as an adjunct to COPD disease management.
Scale dependency of conservation outcomes in a forest‐offsetting scheme
Authors: Giannichi Marta Lisli , Gavish Yoni , Baker Timothy R. , Dallimer Martin , Ziv Guy
Published: June 2019

Offset schemes help avoid or revert habitat loss through protection of existing habitat (avoided deforestation), through the restoration of degraded areas (natural regrowth), or both. The spatial scale of an offset scheme may influence which of these 2 outcomes is favored and is an important aspect of the scheme's design. However, how spatial scale influences the trade‐offs between the preservation of existing habitat and restoration of degraded areas is poorly understood. We used the largest forest offset scheme in the world, which is part of the Brazilian Forest Code, to explore how implementation at different spatial scales may affect the outcome in terms of the area of avoided deforestation and area of regrowth. We employed a numerical simulation of trade between buyers (i.e., those who need to offset past deforestation) and sellers (i.e., landowners with exceeding native vegetation) in the Brazilian Amazon to estimate potential avoided deforestation and regrowth at different spatial scales of implementation. Allowing offsets over large spatial scales led to an area of avoided deforestation 12 times greater than regrowth, whereas restricting offsets to small spatial scales led to an area of regrowth twice as large as avoided deforestation. The greatest total area (avoided deforestation and regrowth combined) was conserved when the spatial scale of the scheme was small, especially in locations that were highly deforested. To maximize conservation gains from avoided deforestation and regrowth, the design of the Brazilian forest‐offset scheme should focus on restricting the spatial scale in which offsets occur. Such a strategy could help ensure conservation benefits are localized and promote the recovery of degraded areas in the most threatened forest landscapes.
Modified frailty index predicts early outcomes after colorectal surgery: an ACS‐NSQIP study
Authors: AL‐Khamis A. , Warner C. , Park J. , Marecik S. , Davis N. , Mellgren A. , Nordenstam J. , Kochar K.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Frailty is defined as a decrease in physiological reserve with increased risk of morbidity following significant physiological stressors. This study examines the predictive power of the five‐item modified frailty index (5‐mFI) in predicting outcomes in colorectal surgery patients.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database was queried from 2011 to 2016 to determine the predictive power of 5‐mFI in patients who had colorectal surgery.

Results

Of 295 490 patients, 45.8% had a score of 0, 36.2% had a score of 1 and 18% had a score of ≥ 2. On univariate analysis, frailer patients had significantly greater incidences for overall morbidity, serious morbidity, mortality, prolonged length of hospital stay, discharge to a facility other than home, reoperation and unplanned readmission. These findings were consistent on multivariate analysis where the frailest patients had greater odds of postoperative overall morbidity (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.35–1.43), serious morbidity (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.33–1.45), mortality (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.87–2.14), prolonged length of hospital stay (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.20–1.27), discharge destination to a facility other than home (OR 2.80; 95% CI 2.70–2.90), reoperation (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.11–1.23) and unplanned readmission (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.26–1.36). Weighted kappa statistics showed strong agreement between the 5‐mFI and 11‐mFI (kappa = 0.987, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The 5‐mFI is a valid and easy to use predictor of 30‐day postoperative outcomes after colorectal surgery. This tool may guide the surgeon to proactively recognize frail patients to instigate interventions to optimize them preoperatively.
Affordance Compatibility Effect for Word Learning in Virtual Reality
Authors: Gordon Chelsea L. , Shea Timothy M. , Noelle David C. , Balasubramaniam Ramesh
Published: June 2019

Rich sensorimotor interaction facilitates language learning and is presumed to ground conceptual representations. Yet empirical support for early stages of embodied word learning is currently lacking. Finding evidence that sensorimotor interaction shapes learned linguistic representations would provide crucial support for embodied language theories. We developed a gamified word learning experiment in virtual reality in which participants learned the names of six novel objects by grasping and manipulating objects with either their left or right hand. Participants then completed a word–color match task in which they were tested on the same six words and objects. Participants were faster to respond to stimuli in the match task when the response hand was compatible with the hand used to interact with the named object, an effect we refer to as affordance compatibility. In two follow up experiments, we found that merely observing virtual hands interact with the objects was sufficient to acquire a smaller affordance compatibility effect, and we found that the compatibility effect was driven primarily by responses with a compatible hand and not by responses in a compatible spatial location. Our results support theoretical views of language which ground word representations in sensorimotor experiences, and they suggest promising future routes to explore the sensorimotor foundations of higher cognition through immersive virtual experiments.
The Labyrinth of Product Development and Regulatory Approvals in Liquid Biopsy Diagnostics
Authors: Goodsaid Federico M.
Published: June 2019

The evolution of chemistries and instrument platforms for next‐generation sequencing has led to sequencing of genomic variants in both tumor biopsies as well as in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell‐free DNA liquid biopsies. The transition of these analytical platforms into clinical ones has led to challenges in product development as well as regulatory strategies for the approval of diagnostic products with these platforms. Regulatory strategies for liquid biopsy diagnostics depend on a framework that has been developed over the past few years by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This framework includes both guidances that cover enrichment biomarkers and companion diagnostics, as well as regulatory approval precedents, which can be used to design regulatory strategies for new liquid biopsy diagnostic products. However, the regulatory paths for these liquid biopsy diagnostics can also be tortuous, as is the example of CTC—platform liquid biopsies. The ultimate success of regulatory pathways of liquid biopsy diagnostics has been driven by the incremental value of FDA approval for Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA)‐developed tests and by the inherent complexity of these diagnostics, which are practical barriers for the widespread replication of these tests throughout CLIA laboratories. The framework for FDA approval of sequence information from these liquid biopsies has been focused on single‐site approvals of diagnostics where sequencing information is considered at different diagnostic risk levels, ranging from novel or follow‐on companion diagnostics to variant calls in genomic targets considered independently valuable for therapeutic decision making.
Modelling potential cost savings from use of real‐time continuous glucose monitoring in pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Murphy H. R. , Feig D. S. , Sanchez J. J. , de Portu S. , Sale A. ,   the CONCEPTT Collaborative Group
Published: June 2019

Aim

To investigate potential cost savings associated with the use of real‐time continuous glucose monitoring (RT‐CGM) throughout pregnancy in women with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

A budget impact model was developed to estimate, from the perspective of National Health Service England, the total costs of managing pregnancy and delivery in women with Type 1 diabetes using self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) with and without RT‐CGM. It was assumed that the entire modelled cohort (n = 1441) would use RT‐CGM from 10 to 38 weeks’ gestation (7 months). Data on pregnancy and neonatal complication rates and related costs were derived from published literature, national tariffs, and device manufacturers.

Results

The cost of glucose monitoring was £588 with SMBG alone and £1820 with RT‐CGM. The total annual costs of managing pregnancy and delivery in women with Type 1 diabetes were £23 725 648 with SMBG alone, and £14 165 187 with SMBG and RT‐CGM; indicating potential cost savings of approximately £9 560 461 from using RT‐CGM. The principal drivers of cost savings were the daily cost of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions (£3743) and the shorter duration of NICU stay (mean 6.6 vs. 9.1 days respectively). Sensitivity analyses showed that RT‐CGM remained cost saving, albeit to lesser extents, across a range of NICU costs and durations of hospital stay, and with varying numbers of daily SMBG measurements.

Conclusions

Routine use of RT‐CGM by pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes, would result in substantial cost savings, mainly through reductions in NICU admissions and shorter duration of NICU care.
Safety and effectiveness of intramuscular ketamine sedation in the management of children with oro‐dental trauma in a paediatric emergency department
Authors: Yee Ruixiang , Chay Pui Ling , Tham Lai Peng
Published: June 2019

Background/Aims

Ketamine sedation has not been reported to be widely used as a pharmacological behavioural management strategy to facilitate the treatment of acute paediatric oro‐dental trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of intramuscular ketamine sedation for managing paediatric oro‐dental trauma in a paediatric Emergency Department (ED).

Methods

The database of all paediatric procedural sedations performed in the hospital ED from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2016 was reviewed to identify cases where intramuscular ketamine sedation was administered for dentists’ treatment of oro‐dental trauma. Patient demographics and epidemiological data, the type and number of sedation‐related adverse events, and interventions performed were extracted from the database. Clinical notes were reviewed to verify the dental diagnoses and dental treatment performed. Adverse events were further risk stratified using the World SIVA adverse event reporting tool.

Results

In the study period, 167 intramuscular ketamine sedations were administered by ED doctors for dental treatment of oro‐dental trauma. The patients’ median age was 3.6 years (range 1.1 to 12 years). All dental procedures were successfully completed. Nineteen adverse events were reported (11.4%, n = 19) with the most common being emesis (9.0%) followed by transient desaturation (1.8%) and hypersalivation (0.6%). The lowest oxygen saturation level was 90%. None of the patients aspirated, and none required assisted ventilation or chest compression. The most common dental diagnosis was primary tooth luxation (49.1%). The most common dental treatment was primary teeth extraction (70.7%). When adverse events were stratified using the World SIVA tool, there were only 17 (10.2%) minor risk outcomes.

Conclusions

The data support the safety and effectiveness of intramuscular ketamine sedation administered by trained ED doctors to facilitate the management of paediatric oro‐dental trauma emergencies.
The Amazonas‐trap: a new method for sampling plant‐inhabiting arthropod communities in tropical forest understory
Authors: Lopes Marta C. , Lamarre Greg P.A. , Baraloto Christopher , Fine Paul V.A. , Vincentini Alberto , Baccaro Fabricio B.
Published: June 2019

Methods to quantify plant‐insect interactions in tropical forests may miss many important arthropods and can be time consuming and uneven in capture efficiency. We describe the Amazonas‐trap, a new method that rapidly envelops the target plant for sampling arthropods. We evaluated the efficiency of the Amazonas‐trap by comparing it with two commonly used sampling methods to collect arthropods from plants: the beating tray and manual collection. Samples were collected in 10 permanent plots, in the Ducke forest reserve, Manaus (Amazonas, Brazil). In each plot we sampled 18 plant individuals ofProtiumsp. (Burseraceae): six by a beating tray, six by manual collection, and six using the Amazonas‐trap. All insects were identified to the family level and those belonging to the order Hymenoptera were identified to the species and morphospecies level. The new method sampled more insect families and more Hymenoptera species than tree beating and manual collection. Of the 75 total families collected, 20 were sampled exclusively by the Amazonas‐trap, seven were only collected with a beating tray, and seven were sampled exclusively with manual collecting. A similar pattern was found for abundance: Amazonas‐trap sampled more individuals, followed by the beating tray and manual collection. Small and winged arthropods were more abundant in Amazonas‐trap, explaining the highest richness of Hymenoptera and insect families sampled with this method. The new method sampled more spiders, wood‐fungi feeders, sap suckers, omnivorous, parasitoids, and insect predators than the other methods, but was equally effective in sampling leaf‐feeders and ants. Amazonas‐trap was more time consuming in the field, but for all diversity parameters evaluated, the new method showed better performance for collecting invertebrates on plants.
Error variability affects the after effects following motor learning of lateral balance control during walking in people with spinal cord injury
Authors: Lin Jui‐Te , Hsu Chao‐Jung , Dee Weena , Chen David , Rymer William Zev , Wu Ming
Published: June 2019

People with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) usually show impairments in lateral balance control during walking. Effective interventions for improving balance control are still lacking, probably due to limited understanding of motor learning mechanisms. The objective of this study was to determine how error size and error variability impact the motor learning of lateral balance control during walking in people with iSCI. Fifteen people with iSCI were recruited. A controlled assistance force was applied to the pelvis in the medial‐lateral direction using a customized cable‐driven robotic system. Participants were tested using 3 conditions, including abrupt, gradual, and varied forces. In each condition, participants walked on a treadmill with no force for 1 min (baseline), with force for 9 min (adaptation), and then with no force for additional 2 min (post‐adaptation). The margin of stability at heel contact (MoS_HC) and minimum value moment (MoS_Min) were calculated to compare the learning effect across different conditions. Electromyogram signals from the weaker leg were also collected. Participants showed an increase in MoS_Min (after effect) following force release during the post‐adaptation period for all three conditions. Participants showed a faster adaptation and a shorter lasting of after effect in MoS_Min for the varied condition in comparison with the gradual and abrupt force conditions. Increased error variability may facilitate motor learning in lateral balance control during walking in people with iSCI, although a faster learning may induce a shorter lasting of after effect. Error size did not show an impact on the lasting of after effect.
Maintaining arm control during self‐triggered and unpredictable unloading perturbations
Authors: Reschechtko Sasha , Johansson Anders S. , Andrew Pruszynski J.
Published: June 2019

We often perform actions where we must break through some resistive force, but want to remain in control during this unpredictable transition; for example, when an object we are pushing on transitions from static to dynamic friction and begins to move. We designed a laboratory task to replicate this situation in which participants actively pushed against a robotic manipulandum until they exceeded an unpredictable threshold, at which point the manipulandum moved freely. Human participants were instructed to either stop the movement of the handle following this unloading perturbation, or to continue pushing. We found that participants were able to modulate their reflexes in response to this unpredictable and self‐triggered unloading perturbation according to the instruction they were following, and that this reflex modulation could not be explained by pre‐perturbation muscle state. However, in a second task, where participants reactively produced force during the pre‐unloading phase in response to the robotic manipulandum to maintain a set hand position, they were unable to modulate their reflexes in the same task‐dependent way. This occurred even though the forces they produced were matched to the first task and they had more time to prepare for the unloading event. We suggest this disparity occurs because of different neural circuits involved in posture and movement, meaning that participants in the first task did not require additional time to switch from postural to movement control.
CCL3, IL‐7, IL‐13 and IFNγ transcripts are increased in skin's biopsy of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Gonçalves Rafaela Silva Guimarães , Pereira Michelly Cristiny , Dantas Andréa Tavares , Almeida Anderson Rodrigues de , Rego Moacyr J. B. M. , Lima Emerson Andrade , Pitta Ivan da Rocha , Duarte Angela Luzia Branco Pinto , Pitta Maira Galdino da Rocha
Published: June 2019

Although several cytokines and chemokines have been investigated as possible mediators of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc), specific correlation between cytokines and organ involvement have not been found yet, and a cytokine profile characteristic of SSc is far to be identified. We studied the profile of antifibrotic and profibrotic transcripts involved in skin of SSc patients. The mRNA expression was detected by fluorescence‐based quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) in skin's biopsies from 14 patients with SSc and 5 healthy controls. PDGF‐A, CTGF, CCL3, IL‐6, IL‐13, IL‐7, IFNγ, IL‐17, IL‐22 and RORc were analysed in these samples. CCL3, IL‐7, IL‐13 and IFN‐γ were more expressed in skin's biopsy of patients with SSc (P = 0.0002, P = 0.0082, P = 0.0243, P = 0.0335, respectively) when compared with healthy controls. We also found a positive correlation between CCL3 and IL‐7 transcripts (P = 0.0050 r = 0.7187). Furthermore, we observed that patients with lung involvement had lower expression of PDGF‐A (P = 0.0385). We found an increase in IL‐7, IFN‐γ, CCL3 and IL‐13 relative mRNA expressions on the skin's biopsy of patients with SSc, and a positive correlation between IL‐7 and CCL3. These molecules are involved in the pathogenesis of SSc, and how their interactions occur should be the subject of further studies.
The effects of rural–urban migration on corporate innovation: Evidence from a natural experiment in China
Authors: Chen Deqiu , Gao Huasheng , Luo Jiang , Ma Yujing
Published: June 2019

We show that the migration of low‐skilled, rural workers to urban centers has a negative causal effect on innovation of firms in such urban centers. Our tests exploit the staggered relaxation of city‐level household registration system in China, which facilitates rural residents to migrate to cities. We find a significant decrease in innovation for firms headquartered in cities that have adopted such policies relative to firms headquartered in cities that have not. Overall, our results support the view that an abundant supply of low‐skilled workers increases the benefit of using existing low‐skilled technology and thus reduces firms’ incentive to innovate.
Saccharum×Miscanthusintergeneric hybrids (miscanes) exhibit greater chilling tolerance of C4photosynthesis and postchilling recovery than sugarcane (Saccharumspp. hybrids)
Authors: Kar Suraj , Zhang Na , Nakashima Taiken , Villanueva‐Morales Antonio , Stewart J. Ryan , Sacks Erik J. , Terajima Yoshifumi , Yamada Toshihiko
Published: June 2019

Although commercial sugarcane (Saccharumspp. hybrid) produces large biomass yields, its lack of cold tolerance limits its cultivation to the tropics and subtropics. In contrast, sugarcane's close relative,Miscanthus, tolerates low temperatures. We studied 18 miscane genotypes, derived from hybridizations between two genotypes of sugarcane and two genotypes ofMiscanthus(one each ofM. sinensisandM. sacchariflorus). In an initial greenhouse experiment on long‐duration chilling stress (12–13°C day/7–9°C night), photosynthetic rates of theMiscanthusparents were significantly higher than the sugarcane parents after 7 days of chilling and were more than double by 14 days. TheMiscanthusalso retained more of their prechilling (22–25°C day/13–15°C night) photosynthetic rates (68%–72% 7 days, 64%–66% 14 days) than the sugarcanes (27% 7 days, 19%–20% 14 days). Seven of 18 miscanes exhibited higher photosynthetic rates than their sugarcane parents after 7 days of chilling, whereas after 14 days only four miscane genotypes had significantly higher photosynthetic rates than their sugarcane parents, but notably two of these did not differ from their highly tolerantMiscanthusparents. In a subsequent growth chamber experiment to evaluate short‐duration chilling stress and postchilling recovery, three miscanes representing the range of responses observed in the greenhouse experiment were compared with their parents. After 4 days of chilling (12/7°C day/night), the miscanes retained between 45% and 60% of their prechilling photosynthetic rate, with the best entry not significantly different from itsMiscanthusparent (66%), and all three miscanes performed significantly better than the sugarcane parents (32%–33% for sugarcanes). After 7 days of postchilling recovery (26/18°C day/night), theMiscanthusparents and two of the miscanes fully recovered their prechilling photosynthetic rates but the sugarcane parents only recovered 69%–73% of their prechilling rates. Thus, genes fromMiscanthuscan be used to improve chilling tolerance of sugarcane via introgression.
Range‐wide variation in local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity of fitness‐related traits in Fagus sylvatica and their implications under climate change
Authors: Gárate‐Escamilla Homero , Hampe Arndt , Vizcaíno‐Palomar Natalia , Robson T. Matthew , Benito Garzón Marta
Published: June 2019

Aim

To better understand and more realistically predict future species distribution ranges, it is critical to account for local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity in populations' responses to climate. This is challenging because local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity are trait‐dependent and traits covary along climatic gradients, with differential consequences for fitness. Our aim is to quantify local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity of vertical and radial growth, leaf flushing and survival across the range of Fagus sylvatica and to estimate the contribution of each trait to explaining the species' occurrence.

Location

Europe.

Time period

1995–2014; 2070.

Major taxa studied

Fagus sylvatica L.

Methods

We used vertical and radial growth, flushing phenology and mortality of F. sylvatica L. recorded in the BeechCOSTe52 database (>150,000 trees). Firstly, we performed linear mixed‐effect models that related trait variation and covariation to local adaptation (related to the planted populations' climatic origin) and phenotypic plasticity (accounting for the climate of the plantation), and we made spatial predictions under current and representative concentration pathway (RCP 8.5) climates. Secondly, we combined spatial trait predictions in a linear model to explain the occurrence of the species.

Results

The contribution of plasticity to intraspecific trait variation is always higher than that of local adaptation, suggesting that the species is less sensitive to climate change than expected; different traits constrain beech's distribution in different parts of its range: the northernmost edge is mainly delimited by flushing phenology (mostly driven by photoperiod and temperature), the southern edge by mortality (mainly driven by intolerance to drought), and the eastern edge is characterized by decreasing radial growth (mainly shaped by precipitation‐related variables in our model); considering trait covariation improved single‐trait predictions.

Main conclusions

Population responses to climate across large geographical gradients are dependent on trait × environment interactions, indicating that each trait responds differently depending on the local environment.
Towards person‐centred care for people living with HIV: what core outcomes matter, and how might we assess them? A cross‐national multi‐centre qualitative study with key stakeholders
Authors: Bristowe K , Clift P , James R , Josh J , Platt M , Whetham J , Nixon E , Post FA , McQuillan K , Ní Cheallaigh C , Murtagh FEM , Anderson J , Sullivan AK , Harding R
Published: June 2019

Objectives

People living with HIV (PLWH) have multidimensional concerns requiring person‐centred care. Routine use of patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) improves outcomes. No brief PROM currently reflects the breadth of concerns for PLWH. This study sought to identify priority outcomes for PLWH, model current practice, explore views on introducing PROMs into routine care, and devise a model for person‐centred care incorporating the PROM.

Methods

A cross‐national multi‐centre study (London, Brighton and Dublin) was carried out. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews with adult PLWH, HIV health care professionals and HIV commissioners (responsible for planning and commissioning services) were performed. Interviews were analysed using thematic and framework analysis.

Results

PLWH (n = 28), professionals (n = 21) and commissioners (n = 8) described concerns related to living with HIV across six domains: physical (e.g. pain and gastrointestinal symptoms), cognitive (e.g. memory and sleep), psychological (e.g. anxiety and depression), social (e.g. isolation and intimacy), welfare (e.g. finances and fears regarding change of immigration status), and information (e.g. long‐term outcomes) needs. Themes were highly inter‐related, impacting across domains of need (e.g. physical and cognitive problems impacting on psychological and social wellbeing). Perceived benefits of using PROMs in routine HIV care included improved person‐centredness, patient empowerment, fewer missed concerns, increased engagement with services, and informed planning of services. Potential challenges included heterogeneity of PLWH, literacy, and utility for those who struggle to engage with care.

Conclusions

This study presents a novel model of person‐centred care incorporating an HIV‐specific PROM. The model reflects priorities of key stakeholders. Explicit use of PROMs in routine HIV care could afford benefits for PLWH, clinical teams and commissioners.
Population‐based analysis of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment in the last month of life within regional Australia
Authors: Pitson Graham , Matheson Leigh , Garrard Brooke , Eastman Peter , Rogers Margaret
Published: June 2019

Background

Cancer treatment near end of life is not likely to add meaningful benefit and minimising intervention rates has been promoted as an indicator of quality of care. Population‐based analysis of treatment allows comparative analysis of treatment rates and provides insight into patterns of care.

Aims

To report a population‐based analysis of both radiotherapy and active systemic therapy (AST) delivery rates along with patterns of treatment within the last 14 and 30 days of life.

Methods

The Evaluation of Cancer Outcomes Registry records clinical information on all newly diagnosed cancer patients for the Barwon South West Region of Victoria, Australia. Diagnosis details, tumour type and stage as well as core treatment details and date of death were extracted for all patients diagnosed from 2009 to 2015 inclusive.

Results

A total of 12 760 cases cancers were recorded. The median age of all cases was 68.8, and 53% were male. AST was received by 3699 (29%) of patients and radiotherapy by 3811 (30%). Patient deaths within 14 and 30 days of treatment for AST were 4.3 and 8.7%, respectively, and deaths within 14 and 30 days of treatment for radiotherapy 3.8 and 8.0% respectively. Factors associated with death within 30 days of AST and/or radiotherapy were male gender, age greater than 70 years and higher disease stage (all P < 0.01). Treatment rates within 30 days of death were highest for lung cancer (23% of cases) and lowest for breast cancer (2% of cases).

Conclusions

This population‐based analysis of AST and radiotherapy treatment within the last 30 days of life within a region of Australia has shown overall treatment rates below 10%. Treatment rates appear influenced by both patient and tumour characteristics. Future focus on subgroups with high rates of late intervention may help minimise treatment unlikely to add benefit.