bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of an Intervention to Support Hearing and Vision in Dementia: The SENSE‐Cog Field Trial
Authors: Hooper Emma , Simkin Zoe , Abrams Harvey , Camacho Elizabeth , Charalambous Anna Pavlina , Collin Fideline , Constantinidou Fofi , Dawes Piers , Elliott Rachel , Falkingham Sue , Frison Eric , Hann Mark , Helmer Catherine , Himmelsbach Ines , Hussain Hannah , Marié Sarah , Montecelo Susana , Reeves David , Regan Jemma , Thodi Chryssoula , Wolski Lucas , Leroi Iracema
Published: May 2019

Objectives

People with dementia (PwD) frequently experience hearing and vision impairment that is underrecognized and undertreated, resulting in reduced quality of life. Managing these impairments may be an important strategy to improve outcomes in PwD. Our objective was to field‐trial a multifaceted sensory intervention (SI) to enhance hearing and vision in PwD.

Design

An international single‐arm open‐label feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability study.

Setting

Home‐based setting in the United Kingdom, France, and Cyprus.

Participants

Adults aged 60 years and older with mild‐to‐moderate dementia and uncorrected or suboptimally corrected hearing and/or vision impairment, and their study partners (n = 19 dyads).

Intervention

A sensory intervention (SI), comprising assessment of hearing and vision, fitting of corrective devices (glasses, hearing aids), and home‐based support from a sensory support therapist for device adherence and maintenance, communication training, referral to support services, environmental sensory modification, and optimization of social inclusion.

Measurements

Ratings of study procedure feasibility, and intervention acceptability/tolerability, ascertained through questionnaires, participant diaries, therapist logbooks, and semistructured interviews.

Results

We successfully delivered all intervention components, and these were received and enacted as intended in all those who completed the intervention. No serious adverse events were reported. Acceptability (ie, understanding, motivation, sense of achievement) and tolerability (ie, effort, fatigue) ratings of the intervention were within a priori target ranges. We met recruitment and retention (93.8%) targets in two of the three sites. Participants completed more than 95% of diary entries, representing minimal missing data. Delays in the logistics circuit for the assessment and delivery of hearing aids and glasses were identified, requiring modification. The need for minor modifications to some outcome measures and the inclusion criteria were identified.

Conclusion

This is the first study combining home‐based hearing and vision remediation in PwD. The positive feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability findings suggest that a full‐scale efficacy trial, with certain modifications, is achievable.
Calcium intake improvement after nutritional intervention in paediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Zambrano M. B. , Félix T. M. , Mello E. D.
Published: May 2019

Background

In several bone disorders, adequate calcium intake is a coadjuvant intervention to regular treatment. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a collagen disorder with a range of symptoms, ranging from fractures to minimum trauma, and it is typically treated with bisphosphonates. In the present study, we evaluate the impact of a nutritional intervention (NI) on dietary calcium intake and bone mineral density (BMD) in paediatric patients with OI.

Methods

A nonrandomised clinical trial was designed with a NI. Dietary calcium intake, anthropometry and clinical features were assessed at baseline, including anthropometry, basal metabolic rate (BMR), BMD. In addition, a food guidance form was developed and sent to patients by mail. After 12 months, clinical features of patients were reassessed and compared with the baseline data.

Results

Fifty‐two children and adolescents were enrolled. Significant increases in total calcium intake (mg day−1), percentage of adequate calcium intake (%) and number of cups of milk ingested were observed after NI. We detected a positive correlation between the variation of BMD and milk consumption in patients treated with bisphosphonate.

Conclusions

We observed an increase in calcium intake in patients with OI. This finding demonstrates the importance of nutrition therapy as part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach for bone health.
X‐ray microfocus computed tomography: a powerful tool for structural and functional characterisation of 3D printed dosage forms
Authors: GIOUMOUXOUZIS C.I. , KATSAMENIS O.L. , FATOUROS D.G.
Published: May 2019

One of the most promising advances in modern pharmaceutical technology is the introduction of three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology for the fabrication of drug products. 3D printed dosage forms have the potential to revolutionise pharmacotherapy as streamlined production of structurally complex formulations with optimal drug releasing properties is now made possible. 3D printed formulations are derived as part of a process where a ‘print‐head’ deposits, or sinters material under computer control to produce a drug carrier. However, this manufacturing route inherently generates objects that deviate from the ideal designed template for reasons specific to the 3D printing method used. This short opinion article discusses the potential of high‐resolution nondestructive 3D (volume) imaging by means of X‐ray microfocus Computed Tomography (μCT) as a Process Analytical Technology for the structural and functional characterisation of 3D printed dosage forms.
The Cost‐Effectiveness of Professional Doula Care for a Woman's First Two Births: A Decision Analysis Model
Authors: Greiner Karen S. , Hersh Alyssa R. , Hersh Sally R. , Remer Jesse M. , Gallagher Alexandra C. , Caughey Aaron B. , Tilden Ellen L.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefits of intrapartum doula care, including lower risk for cesarean birth and shortened labor time for nulliparous women. However, analyses investigating the cost‐effectiveness of doula care are limited. This study evaluated the potential cost‐effectiveness of professional doula support during a woman's first birth in a theoretical population of US women, with all women having a second birth without doula care.

Methods

A cost‐effectiveness model was designed to compare outcomes in women with a professional doula versus no doula labor support. A theoretical cohort of 1.6 million women, the approximate number of annual low‐risk, nulliparous, term, singleton births in the United States, was used. Outcomes included mode of birth, maternal death, uterine rupture, cesarean hysterectomy, costs, and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Probability estimates used in the model were derived from the literature, and a cost‐effectiveness threshold was set at $100,000 per QALY. Sensitivity analyses were used to investigate the robustness of the results.

Results

In this theoretical model, professional doula care during the first birth resulted in fewer cesarean births and improved QALYs. Additionally, doula support resulted in 202,538 fewer cesarean births, 46 fewer maternal deaths secondary to fewer cesarean births, 99 fewer uterine ruptures, and 26 fewer hysterectomies, with an additional cost of $185 million and 7617 increased QALYs for the first and subsequent births. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated a professional doula was potentially cost‐saving up to $884 and cost‐effective up to $1360 per doula.

Discussion

Professional doula care during a woman's first birth may lead to improved outcomes and increased QALYs during her first and second births. Given the limitations of this analysis, the cost‐effectiveness estimate is likely conservative, further supporting broader integration of professional doulas into the US maternity care system and highlighting the need for higher doula care reimbursement.
Autophagic degradation of stromal interaction molecule 2 mediates disruption of neuronal dendrites by endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Zhou Jing , Song Juan , Wu Shengzhou
Published: May 2019

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been highlighted as one of the factors involved in axon/dendrite degeneration, which is an early event in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's diseases as well as in acute disorders such as ischemia and axotomy‐induced retinal ganglion cell degeneration. These lines of evidence suggest critical roles of ER stress at the early stage of neurodegeneration, but the relevant mechanism is rarely exploited. In this study, we report that treatment with sublethal level of ER stressors, tunicamycin or brefeldin A, in primary rat neuronal cultures, significantly reduced dendrite arbor. Under the same treatment, either stressor reduced store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) and cytosolic calcium, [Ca2+]i, which were associated with autophagic degradation of stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2). Knockdown of ATG7 or activating transcription factor 4 completely reversed the reduction of STIM2 and significantly reversed the inhibition of SOCE under ER stress. Overexpression of STIM2 in neurons significantly prevented the ER stress‐induced disruption of dendrite arbor. Altogether, our data reveal an unprecedented mechanism by which ER stress induces dendrite degeneration, that is, ER stress induces autophagic degradation of STIM2, leading to ensued SOCE inhibition and reduced [Ca2+]i, resulting in trimming effect on dendrites.

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Association of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy risk and factor V Leiden mutation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Yuan , Ruan Yan
Published: May 2019

Aim

To date, the conclusions of studies on a possible association between factor V Leiden (FVL, FV G1691A, rs6025) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are conflicting. Here, we aimed to estimate the relationship between the risk of HDP and FVL.

Methods

Eligible studies focused on FVL and HDP were searched from the PubMed and the Web of Science databases up to March 31, 2018. We used random effects model for the meta‐analysis, and I2 statistic to assess the degree of heterogeneity between all included studies. To evaluate the association between FVL and the risk of HDP, we calculated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing cases and controls of all samples and each subgroup based on different regions.

Results

Fifty citations on FVL and HDP were identified through the literature search, and a meta‐analysis on the GA + AA genotype between 6041 cases and 8364 controls was conducted. The holistic analysis found that pregnant women with GA or AA genotype of FVL have a 1.97‐fold (95% CI: 1.64–2.35, P < 0.00001) increased risk of HDP compared with GG carriers. While the OR are 2.23 (95% CI: 1.76–2.84, P < 0.00001) and 1.90 (95% CI: 1.12–3.23, P = 0.02) in Europe and the Middle East subgroups, respectively.

Conclusion

Factor V Leiden mutation is associated with an increased risk of HDP, and is particularly associated with preeclampsia and eclampsia in European women. However, further high‐quality studies are warranted to confirm the possible effectiveness of FVL in HDP patients.
A Multi‐Atlas Label Fusion Tool for Neonatal Brain MRI Parcellation and Quantification
Authors: Otsuka Yoshihisa , Chang Linda , Kawasaki Yukako , Wu Dan , Ceritoglu Can , Oishi Kumiko , Ernst Thomas , Miller Michael , Mori Susumu , Oishi Kenichi
Published: May 2019

Structure‐by‐structure analysis, in which the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is parcellated based on its anatomical units, is widely used to investigate chronological changes in morphology or signal intensity during normal development, as well as to identify the alterations seen in various diseases or conditions. The multi‐atlas label fusion (MALF) method is considered a highly accurate parcellation approach, and anticipated for clinical application to quantitatively evaluate early developmental processes. However, the current MALF methods, which are designed for neonatal brain segmentations, are not widely available. In this study, we developed a T1‐weighted, neonatal, multi‐atlas repository and integrated it into the MALF‐based brain segmentation tools in the cloud‐based platform, MRICloud. The cloud platform ensures users instant access to the advanced MALF tool for neonatal brains, with no software or installation requirements for the client. The Web platform by braingps.mricloud.org will eliminate the dependence on a particular operating system (eg, Windows, Macintosh, or Linux) and the requirement for high computational performance of the user's computers. The MALF‐based, fully automated, image parcellation could achieve excellent agreement with manual parcellation, and the whole and regional brain volumes quantified through this method demonstrated developmental trajectories comparable to those from a previous publication. This solution will make the latest MALF tools readily available to users, with minimum barriers, and will expedite and accelerate advancements in developmental neuroscience research, neonatology, and pediatric neuroradiology.
Equilibrium audit strategies against tax treaty shopping
Authors: Hong Sunghoon
Published: May 2019

This paper examines game‐theoretic models of tax treaty shopping. An investor can choose a direct or indirect investment route across countries to minimize tax. A tax agency can audit the investor. The audit is costly but it can give additional revenue to the tax agency. In simultaneous‐move games, regardless of whether incomplete information exists and whether a home country allows foreign tax credits, there are mixed‐strategy equilibria where the investor may choose tax‐minimizing indirect routes and the tax agency may audit the investor. This equilibrium random audit strategy helps the tax agency raise revenue and reduce treaty shopping. Comparative statics yields an implication consistent with empirical evidence. However, if the home country has a foreign tax credit system with a high tax rate, or if the tax agency observes the investor's action in a sequential‐move game, the investor always chooses the direct route, and no treaty shopping occurs in equilibrium.
Spaying and urinary incontinence in bitches under UK primary veterinary care: a case–control study
Authors: Pegram C. , O'Neill D. G. , Church D. B. , Hall J. , Owen L. , Brodbelt D. C.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To evaluate associations between spaying and urinary incontinence in bitches under primary veterinary care in the UK.

Materials and Methods

A case–control study was nested within the study population of 333,910 bitches, which included all bitches within the VetCompass database with an electronic patient record in 2016 or in both 2015 and 2017. The electronic records were searched automatically for urinary incontinence cases, which were manually reviewed for inclusion. All non‐cases were included as controls. Additional demographic and clinical information was extracted on cases and controls.

Results

The study included 427 incident cases and 1708 controls that were presented between November 1, 2014 and October 31, 2017. Prior spaying was associated with increased odds of urinary incontinence (odds ratio: 3.01; 95% CIs: 2.23 to 4.05). Increased odds of urinary incontinence were additionally associated with increasing age and increasing bodyweight. Age at spay was not associated with urinary incontinence.

Clinical Significance

The findings support spaying as a major risk factor associated with urinary incontinence, but age at spay appears to be of less clinical importance. These results will help assist clinicians in making evidence‐based recommendations on spaying while taking other considerations for urinary incontinence into account.
In‐depth assessment of snacking behaviour in unmarried adolescent girls 16–19 years of age living in urban centres of Java, Indonesia
Authors: Blum Lauren S. , Mellisa Ayu , Kurnia Sari Eny , Novitasari Yusadiredja Isma , van Liere Marti , Shulman Susan , Izwardy Doddy , Menon Ravi , Tumilowicz Alison
Published: May 2019

Adolescence is a critical period characterized by physical, social, and developmental changes that impact on health and eating behaviour. Indonesia is experiencing dramatic economic and infrastructural changes, causing greater access to the global food industry and media. This transition is influencing food intake trends, leading to new nutritional challenges in adolescent girls. Qualitative research was conducted between November 2016 and January 2017 in five urban sites in Java, Indonesia, to examine individual, social, environmental, and macrosystem factors affecting snacking behaviours in unmarried adolescent girls 16–19 years of age. Methods entailed 30 freelisting exercises, nine key informant interviews, and 16 in‐depth interviews. Freelisting results identified over 200 snack foods, with the most salient processed convenience foods such as chips and cookies. Respondents typically snacked multiple times daily. Widespread availability of affordable and “tasty” snacks makes snack foods appealing meal substitutes. Snacks provide a distraction to boredom and loneliness and an enhancement to social gatherings. Girls exhibited limited understanding or concern about potential negative effects of snacking. Parents facilitate acquisition of nutrient‐poor snacks, whereas friends exert pressure for routine consumption of snack foods. Social media infiltrated with promotions of eateries and snack foods is likely contributing to the preponderance of snack food consumption. Routine consumption of snack foods high in sugar, salt, and fat and skipping meals will likely have long‐term consequences on the nutritional status and health of Indonesian adolescent girls. Findings underline the urgent need to develop contextually relevant, targeted behavioural change strategies to modify the potentially harmful eating and activity patterns of adolescent girls identified in this study and to curb the trajectory of overweight in urban Indonesia.
The association of early linear growth and haemoglobin concentration with later cognitive, motor, and social–emotional development at preschool age in Ghana
Authors: Ocansey Maku E. , Adu‐Afarwuah Seth , Kumordzie Sika M. , Okronipa Harriet , Young Rebecca R. , Tamakloe Solace M. , Oaks Brietta M. , Arimond Mary , Dewey Kathryn G. , Prado Elizabeth L.
Published: May 2019

It is important to identify the periods during childhood when exposure to environmental risk factors results in long‐term neurodevelopmental deficits. Stunting and anaemia may be sensitive indicators of exposure to such risks. In a prospective cohort enrolled before birth, we investigated the association of developmental scores at 4–6 years with (a) birth length and linear growth during three postnatal periods and (2) haemoglobin (Hb) concentration at three time points. Children were participants in a follow‐up study of a randomized controlled trial of nutritional supplementation in Ghana. At 4–6 years, cognitive, motor, and social–emotional developments were assessed using standard tests adapted for this population. We estimated the associations of length‐for‐age z‐score (LAZ) at birth and postnatal linear growth (n = 710) and Hb (n = 617) with developmental scores in regression models, using multistage least squares analysis to calculate uncorrelated residuals for postnatal growth. Cognitive development at 4–6 years was significantly associated with LAZ at birth (β = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.19), ΔLAZ from 6 to 18 months (β = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.28), and Hb at 18 months (β = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.20), but not with ΔLAZ during 0–6 months, ΔLAZ from 18 months to 4–6 years, Hb at 6 months, or Hb at 4–6 years. No evidence of associations with motor or social–emotional development were found. These results suggest that in similar contexts, the earlier periods prior to birth and up to 18 months are more sensitive to risk factors for long‐term cognitive development associated with LAZ and Hb compared with later childhood. This may inform the optimal timing of interventions targeting improved cognitive development.
Phenotypic sexual dimorphism is associated with genomic signatures of resolved sexual conflict
Authors: Wright Alison E. , Rogers Thea F. , Fumagalli Matteo , Cooney Christopher R. , Mank Judith E.
Published: May 2019

Intralocus sexual conflict, where an allele benefits one sex at the expense of the other, has an important role in shaping genetic diversity of populations through balancing selection. However, the potential for mating systems to exert balancing selection through sexual conflict on the genome remains unclear. Furthermore, the nature and potential for resolution of sexual conflict across the genome has been hotly debated. To address this, we analysed de novo transcriptomes from six avian species, chosen to reflect the full range of sexual dimorphism and mating systems. Our analyses combine expression and population genomic statistics across reproductive and somatic tissue, with measures of sperm competition and promiscuity. Our results reveal that balancing selection is weakest in the gonad, consistent with the resolution of sexual conflict and evolutionary theory that phenotypic sex differences are associated with lower levels of ongoing conflict. We also demonstrate a clear link between variation in sexual conflict and levels of genetic variation across phylogenetic space in a comparative framework. Our observations suggest that this conflict is short‐lived, and is resolved via the decoupling of male and female gene expression patterns, with important implications for the role of sexual selection in adaptive potential and role of dimorphism in facilitating sex‐specific fitness optima.
How long do dolphins live? Survival rates and life expectancies for bottlenose dolphins in zoological facilities vs. wild populations
Authors: Jaakkola Kelly , Willis Kevin
Published: May 2019

Survival rates and life expectancies are commonly agreed upon indicators of well‐being for animals in zoological facilities, but even the most recent survival statistics for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in marine mammal parks and aquariums use data that are now more than 25 yr old. The current study provides a comprehensive assessment of life expectancy and survival rates for bottlenose dolphins in U.S. zoological facilities from 1974 to 2012, utilizing three different analyses (annual survival rate, age‐at‐death, and Kaplan‐Meier), examining historical trends, and comparing to comparable data from wild populations. Both survival rate and life expectancy for dolphins in zoological facilities increased significantly over the past few decades, with a modern ASR of 0.972, and mean and median life expectancies calculated via Kaplan‐Meier of 28.2 and 29.2 yr, respectively. Survival rates and life expectancies for dolphins in U.S. zoological facilities today are at least as high as those for the wild dolphin populations for which there are comparable data.
What can cetacean stranding records tell us? A study of UK and Irish cetacean diversity over the past 100 years
Authors: Coombs Ellen J. , Deaville Rob , Sabin Richard C. , Allan Louise , O'Connell Mick , Berrow Simon , Smith Brian , Brownlow Andrew , Doeschate Mariel Ten , Penrose Rod , Williams Ruth , Perkins Matthew W. , Jepson Paul D. , Cooper Natalie
Published: May 2019

There are many factors that may explain why cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) strand. Around the UK and Ireland, over 20,000 stranding records have been collected since 1913, resulting in one of the longest, continuous, systematic stranding data sets in the world. We use this data set to investigate temporal and spatial trends in cetacean strandings and use generalized additive models (GAMs) to investigate correlates of strandings. We find a dramatic increase in strandings since the 1980s, most likely due to increases in recording effort, and the formation of formal strandings networks. We found no correlation between the numbers of cetaceans stranding each year and several potential environmental and anthropogenic predictors: storms, geomagnetic activity, North Atlantic Oscillations, sea‐surface temperature, and fishing catch. We suggest that this is because the scale of change in the variables is too coarse to detect any potential correlations. It may also highlight the idiosyncratic nature of species’ responses to external pressures, and further the need to investigate other potential correlates of strandings, such as bycatch and military sonar. Long‐term cetacean stranding data provide vital information on past and present diversity for common, rare, and inconspicuous species. This study underlines the importance of continued support for stranding networks.
Reading Contra Julianum in Light of the City of God
Authors: Jones Kevin E.
Published: May 2019

Augustine's rejection of pagan virtue in the City of God is often connected to his anti-Pelagian works and so exaggerated. However, Augustine's actual account of pagan virtue, both in the City of God and Contra Julianum, is much more nuanced than is commonly recognized. Augustine connects true virtue to true religio, its end in the beatific vision, and the grace without which it is impossible, and consistently highlights the connection between virtue and worship. Nevertheless, the category of the pagan virtues, habits sufficient to promote the flourishing of Rome, is an important part of Augustinian virtue theory. Attending to the presence of pagan virtue in the City of God shines light on why Augustine repeatedly claims that his theology, and not that of Julian, is most opposed to Manichean claims. The City of God provides useful context for interpreting Augustine's theology of grace in the anti-Pelagian works, and so avoiding an over exaggerated theology of the Fall.
Aquinas and Uber: The Justice of Surge Pricing
Authors: Azzi Thomas
Published: May 2019

A significant demographic event or the advent of a natural disaster sees a surge in demand for a particular good or service. Conventional liberal market economics dictates that vendors should increase their prices to restore equilibrium to the market. Such an increase in price would provide an incentive for vendors to increase output or redirect their resources to those areas where there is a peak in demand. In the case of ride-share operators such as Uber, this is reflected in their surge pricing models to encourage drivers to service those areas where demand has spiked. Is such an increase in price justified according to the ethical principles of St. Thomas Aquinas' economic philosophy?
A case of Foix–Chavany–Marie syndrome due to bilateral corona radiata infarcts
Authors: Rossi Fabiana , Oliva Mariano , Straccia Giulia , Fratta Mario , Ugga Lorenzo , Tedeschi Enrico , Melone Mariarosa Anna Beatrice
Published: May 2019

Foix–Chavany–Marie syndrome (FCMS) is a rare type of pseudobulbar palsy characterized by automatic‐voluntary dissociation of movements that depend on V, VII, IX, X, and XII cranial nerves. Most of cases are due to bilateral ischemic lesions of anterior opercula, but the syndrome has also been described after unilateral opercular damage either isolated or associated with contralateral cortico‐nuclear tract involvement. Here, we report the clinical and neuroradiological characteristics of a patient with FCMS due to sequential, bilateral, and symmetrical infarcts of corona radiata, presenting with slurred speech, severe hypophonia, and right central‐type facial palsy that rapidly progressed to inability to speak and swallow. In addition, we observed a sudden onset of neuro‐behavioral changes with psychomotor slowing, aggressive, and oppositive conducts along with emotional lability and involuntary crying. To the best of our knowledge, only one other FCMS case has been previously reported with this peculiar lesional topography.
Arabidopsis histone H3K4 demethylase JMJ17 functions in dehydration stress response
Authors: Huang Shuangzhan , Zhang Ai , Jin Jing Bo , Zhao Bo , Wang Tian‐Jing , Wu Yifan , Wang Shuang , Liu Yutong , Wang Jie , Guo Peng , Ahmad Rafiq , Liu Bao , Xu Zheng‐Yi
Published: May 2019

Under dehydration in plants, antagonistic activities of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase and histone demethylase maintain a dynamic and homeostatic state of gene expression by orientating transcriptional reprogramming toward growth or stress tolerance. However, the histone demethylase that specifically controls histone methylation homeostasis under dehydration stress remains unknown. Here, we document that a histone demethylase, JMJ17, belonging to the KDM5/JARID1 family, plays crucial roles in response to dehydration stress and abscisic acid (ABA) in Arabidopsis thaliana.

jmj17 loss‐of‐function mutants displayed dehydration stress tolerance and ABA hypersensitivity in terms of stomatal closure. JMJ17 specifically demethylated H3K4me1/2/3 via conserved iron‐binding amino acids in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, H3K4 demethylase activity of JMJ17 was required for dehydration stress response.

Systematic combination of genome‐wide chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with massively parallel DNA sequencing (ChIP‐seq) and RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) analyses revealed that a loss‐of‐function mutation in JMJ17 caused an ectopic increase in genome‐wide H3K4me3 levels and activated a plethora of dehydration stress‐responsive genes. Importantly, JMJ17 bound directly to the chromatin of OPEN STOMATA 1 (OST1) and demethylated H3K4me3 for the regulation of OST1 mRNA abundance, thereby modulating the dehydration stress response.

Our results demonstrate a new function of a histone demethylase under dehydration stress in plants.
Efficacy of population‐wide diabetes and obesity prevention programs: An overview of systematic reviews on proximal, intermediate, and distal outcomes and a meta‐analysis of impact on BMI
Authors: Roberts Samantha , Pilard Louis , Chen Junqiao , Hirst Jennifer , Rutter Harry , Greenhalgh Trisha
Published: May 2019

We conducted an overview of systematic reviews and a meta‐analysis of the impact on body mass index (BMI) of primary studies of population‐wide obesity and diabetes prevention programs, in order to evaluate their efficacy. We searched eight databases for reviews of population‐level programs reporting effect on diet, physical activity, BMI, or prevalence of obesity/overweight or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Meta‐analysis of primary studies within reviews reporting effect on BMI. Interventions were categorized using ANGELO framework and quality assessment using AMSTAR. Fifty‐three systematic reviews were included. Primary studies were largely natural experiments or cross‐sectional studies of national data. Increased price of sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) and fast food, decreased price of fruit and vegetables, food labelling, and grocery store interventions were associated with positive effects on diet. Park and playground renovations and point‐of‐choice prompts to increase stair use were associated with positive effects on physical activity. Increased price of SSBs, menu labelling, grocery store interventions, and multicomponent interventions were associated with small reductions in BMI. There was insufficient evidence of impact of any interventions on the prevalence of overweight, obesity, or T2DM. We have identified a promising suite of population‐wide actions to improve diet, increase physical activity, and reduce BMI. Impact on subsequent incidence of T2DM remains speculative.
Interesting case of narrow QRS tachycardia. What is the mechanism?
Authors: Mohanan Nair Krishna Kumar , Namboodiri Narayanan , Das Debasish , Valaparambil Ajitkumar
Published: May 2019

A 67‐year‐old female presented with history of recurrent palpitations. During one of the episodes of palpitation, a narrow QRS tachycardia was recorded and it was reported to be terminated with intravenous adenosine. The 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) showed no manifest ventricular preexcitation. ECG was within normal limits. The patient underwent an electrophysiology study after informed consent. She was taking calcium channel blockers and that was stopped five half‐lives prior to the procedure. As catheters were being placed, a narrow QRS tachycardia got induced. During the study, there was development of right bundle branch block during the tachycardia. What is the mechanism of the tachycardia?
A multifaceted quality improvement project improves intraoperative redosing of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis during pediatric surgery
Authors: Colletti Ashley A. , Wang Ellen , Marquez Juan L. , Schwenk Hayden T. , Yeverino Calida , Sharek Paul J. , Caruso Thomas J.
Published: May 2019

Background

Accurate intraoperative antibiotic redosing contributes to prevention of surgical site infections in pediatric patients. Ensuring compliance with evolving national guidelines of weight‐based, intraoperative redosing of antibiotics is challenging to pediatric anesthesiologists.

Aims

Our primary aim was to increase compliance of antibiotic redoses at the appropriate time and appropriate weight‐based dose to 70%. Secondary aims included a subset analysis of time compliance and dose compliance individually, and compliance based on order entry method of the first dose (verbal or electronic).

Methods

At a freestanding, academic pediatric hospital, we reviewed surgical cases between May 1, 2014, and October 31, 2017 requiring antibiotic redoses. After an institutional change in cefazolin dosing in May 2015, phased interventions to improve compliance included electronic countermeasures to display previous and next dose timing, an alert 5 minutes prior to next dose, and weight‐based dose recommendation (September 2015). Physical countermeasures include badge cards, posting of guidelines, and updates to housestaff manual (September 2015). Statistical process control charts were used to assess overall antibiotic redose compliance, time compliance, and dose compliance. The chi‐square test was used to analyze group differences.

Results

A total of 3015 antibiotic redoses were administered during 2341 operative cases between May 1, 2014, and October 31, 2017. Mean monthly compliance with redosing was 4.3% (May 2014‐April 2015) and 73% (November 2015‐October 2017) (P < 0.001). Dose‐only compliance increased from 76% to 89% (P < 0.001), and time‐only compliance increased from 4.9% to 82% (P < 0.001). After implementation of countermeasures, electronic order entry compared with verbal order was associated with higher dose compliance, 90% vs 86% (P = 0.015).

Conclusion

This quality improvement project, utilizing electronic and physical interventions, was effective in improving overall prophylactic antibiotic redosing compliance in accordance with institutional redosing guidelines.
The impact of simulation‐based medical education on resident management of emergencies in pediatric anesthesiology
Authors: Ambardekar Aditee P. , Black Stephanie , Singh Devika , Lockman Justin L. , Simpao Allan F. , Schwartz Alan J. , Hales Roberta L. , Rodgers David L. , Gurnaney Harshad G.
Published: May 2019

Background

Resident education in pediatric anesthesiology is challenging. Traditional curricula for anesthesiology residency programs have included a combination of didactic lectures and mentored clinical service, which can be variable. Limited pediatric medical knowledge, technical inexperience, and heightened resident anxiety further challenge patient care. We developed a pediatric anesthesia simulation‐based curriculum to address crises related to hypoxemia and dysrhythmia management in the operating room as an adjunct to traditional didactic and clinical experiences.

Aims

The primary objective of this trial was to evaluate the impact of a simulation curriculum designed for anesthesiology residents on their performance during the management of crises in the pediatric operating room. A secondary objective was to compare the retention of learned knowledge by assessment at the eight‐week time point during the rotation.

Methods

In this prospective, observational trial 30 residents were randomized to receive simulation‐based education on four perioperative crises (Laryngospasm, Bronchospasm, Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), and Bradycardia) during the first week (Group A) or fifth week (Group B) of an eight‐week rotation. Assessment sessions that included two scenarios (Laryngospasm, SVT) were performed in the first week, fifth week, and the eighth week of their rotation for all residents. The residents were assessed in real time and by video review using a 7‐point checklist generated by a modified Delphi technique of senior pediatric anesthesiology faculty.

Results

Residents in Group A showed improvement between the first week and fifth week assessment as well as between first week and eighth week assessments without decrement between the fifth week and eighth week assessments for both the laryngospasm and SVT scenarios. Residents in Group B showed improvement between the first week and eighth week assessments for both scenarios and between the fifth week and eighth week assessment for the SVT scenario.

Conclusion

This adjunctive simulation‐based curriculum enhanced the learner's management of laryngospasm and SVT management and is a reasonable addition to didactic and clinical curricula for anesthesiology residents.
Intra‐operative temperature monitoring with cutaneous zero‐heat‐ flux‐thermometry in comparison with oesophageal temperature: A prospective study in the paediatric population
Authors: Carvalho Hugo , Najafi Nadia , Poelaert Jan
Published: May 2019

Background

Maintenance of thermal homeostasis is of crucial importance in the anesthetized pediatric patient. Gold‐standard methods for central core temperature measurement are however inappropriately invasive and impractical in daily practice. The SpotOn sensor uses zero‐heat‐flux thermometry technology and claims to bypass the invasiveness of classical methods and still accurately display central core temperatures. Up to date no formal analysis of this method in children has taken place.

Aims

The primary objective was to assess the accuracy in comparison with esophageal temperature; the secondary objective concerned the safety of the SpotOn sensor in the pediatric patients.

Methods

Fifty‐four children aged 1‐12 years with an American Society of Anesthesiology classification I or II scheduled to undergo elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia for a minimum of 30 minutes were included. Exclusion criteria included: fragile forehead skin, procedures impeding proper SpotOn placement, thoracoscopic or gastroesophageal procedures, coagulopathy, hemodynamic instability, or vasoactive medication use. After sevoflurane induction, an esophageal temperature probe was placed in the lower third of the esophagus, and a SpotOn sensor on the lateral forehead. Temperatures were recorded in pairs per 1 minute intervals. Temperatures were subjected to bias analysis with 0.5°C as the a priori established clinical significance cutoff.

Results

Bland‐Altman analysis revealed the two methods differed on average 0.14°C (95% limits of agreement: −0.39 to 0.66), with 89.5% of the differences being under 0.5°C. No significant differences could be found between the two methods for the established 0.5°C cutoff. Linear regression analysis determined the following linear regression equation: 0.837x + 5.86 (R2 = 0.738). Lin's concordance correlation coefficient of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.81‐0.84). No complications were observed with the use of the SpotOn sensor.

Conclusion

SpotOn revealed itself as accurate as an esophageal temperature probe when estimating central core temperatures under ideal conditions and over a narrow range of temperatures. No adverse effects were observed with the use of the SpotOn sensor.
A novel quantitative trait locus on chromosome A9 controlling oleic acid content in Brassica napus
Authors: Zhao Qing , Wu Jian , Cai Guangqin , Yang Qingyong , Shahid Muhammad , Fan Chuchuan , Zhang Chunyu , Zhou Yongming
Published: May 2019

One of the most important goals in the breeding of oilseed crops, including Brassica napus, is to improve the quality of edible vegetable oil, which is mainly determined by the seed fatty acid composition, particularly the C18:1 content. Previous studies have indicated that the C18:1 content is a polygenic trait, and no stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) except for FAD2 have been reported. By performing a GWAS using 375 low erucic acid B. napus accessions genotyped with the Brassica 60K SNP array and constructing a high‐density SNP‐based genetic map of a 150 DH population, we identified a novel QTL on the A9 chromosome. The novel locus could explain 11.25%, 5.72% and 6.29% of phenotypic variation during three consecutive seasons and increased the C18:1 content by approximately 3%–5%. By fine mapping and gene expression analysis, we found three potential candidate genes and verified the fatty acids in a homologous gene mutant of Arabidopsis. A metal ion‐binding protein was found to be the most likely candidate gene in the region. Thus, the C18:1 content can be further increased to about 80% with this novel locus together with FAD2 mutant allele without compromise of agronomic performance. A closely linked marker, BnA129, for this novel QTL (OLEA9) was developed so that we can effectively identify materials with high C18:1 content at an early growth stage by marker‐assisted selection. Our results may also provide new insight for understanding the complex genetic mechanism of fatty acid metabolism.
Comparison of the performance of the Beck Depression Inventory‐II and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression Scale in Arab adolescents
Authors: Dardas Latefa Ali , Shoqirat Noordeen , Xu Hanzhang , Al‐Khayat Amjad , Bani Ata Suhad , Shawashreh Atef , Simmons Leigh Ann
Published: May 2019

Background and Purpose

Few instruments have been established as valid and reliable to screen for depression among Arab adolescents. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the performance of two of the most widely used depression screening instruments, the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression scale (CES‐D), with Arab adolescents.

Methods

A nationwide school survey was conducted in Jordan. A total of 3,292 adolescents (1,766 females; 54%) aged 13–17 years completed and returned the survey that included the BDI‐II, CES‐D, sociodemographics, and health information. Comparisons were made between the BDI‐II and CES‐D on internal consistency and the reported prevalence of depression in the whole population and subgroups. Multivariate ordinary least squares and logistic regressions were used to assess factors associated with adolescent depression. Agreement regarding recommended cutoffs was also examined using Cohen's k.

Results

Depression prevalence was significantly higher with the CES‐D compared to the BDI‐II among the same set of sample subgroups. Depression scores from both instruments showed different statistical associations with established risk factors for adolescent depression. The two instruments showed a moderate agreement (kappa = 0.55), indicating that the instruments do not completely identify the same cases. Different cutoff scores of the CES‐D seemed to perform better for different age groups.

Conclusions

Our results varied systematically as a function of the measure used to identify depression prevalence. Caution in the interpretation of associations of depression scores with risk factors is required, as associations may be measurement artifacts. However, given the limited availability of mental health care resources in Arab countries, screening instruments like the BDI‐II and CES‐D may be a critical first step in preliminarily identifying cases, albeit neither can replace the clinical interview. We cautiously recommend using the CES‐D with the risk of over diagnosing, but with the benefit of finding issues which are not typically addressed when there is a lack of mental health services. With the growing social and political unrest in Arab countries, increasing depression rates over time is expected to be a major public health issue. Methodical consideration for how to invest in community‐based screening is warranted.
Pollenkitt of some monocotyledons: lipid composition and implications for pollen germination
Authors: Chichiriccò G. , Pacini E. , Lanza B.
Published: May 2019

The composition of pollenkitt and its role in the progamic phase of reproduction are poorly understood. With the aim of extending knowledge on these topics, we chose to study two monocotyledons rich in pollenkitt, with bi‐celled and long‐lived pollen and dry‐type stigma: Crocus vernus Hill subsp. vernus and Narcissus poeticus L.

Fatty acids of pollenkitt were assayed with gas chromatography. Germination tests were performed in vivo by pollinating the stigmas with a beard hair under a stereomicroscope, and in vitro in liquid culture medium using pollen, either treated or not, with carbon disulphide to remove pollenkitt. The pollen tube percentages were evaluated using fluorescence microscopy techniques. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine pollen and to follow the early post‐pollination stages.

Pollenkitt forms bridges between pollen grains but not between grains and stigma papillae. It consists of a mixture of 25 fatty acids, most with long and unsaturated chains, among which are some omega acids. The same acids with different percentages persist on the peritapetal membrane. After its removal, the pollen loses adhesiveness and dries quickly, but retains full capacity for germination on the papillae and can even trigger germination in contiguous pollen grains that do not touch the papillae.

The results, while confirming the key role of pollenkitt in protecting pollen and favouring pollination, suggest secondary roles in the progamic phase, and highlight the interactive ability of the pollen regardless of lipid shell. The predominance of fatty acids with 18:3 and 16:0, as already noted in Brassica napus pollenkitt, suggests their hierarchy independent of plant species.
Retracted: Setting the Regulatory Agenda: Statutory Deadlines and the Conditions for Compliance
Authors: Bertelli Anthony M. , Doherty Kathleen M.
Published: May 2019

Retraction: Anthony M. Bertelli, Kathleen M. Doherty, “Setting the Regulatory Agenda: Statutory Deadlines and the Conditions for Compliance, (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/puar.13057).” This article from Public Administration Review, published online on April 30, 2019 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal's Editors‐in‐chief, R. Paul Battaglio and Jeremy L. Hall, the authors, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. This action has been agreed due to an error which caused an incorrect version of the manuscript to be published. The correct version of the article is forthcoming.
Fungal endophyte infection increases tall fescue's survival, growth, and flowering in a reconstructed prairie
Authors: Moore Jonathan D. , Carlisle Anna E. , Nelson Jim A. , McCulley Rebecca L.
Published: May 2019

Grasslands in North America are increasingly threatened by land conversion and ecological degradation, prompting restoration efforts to increase native plant species diversity and improve wildlife habitat. A major challenge is the removal and management of nonnative invasive species such as tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), which has a symbiotic association with a fungal endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala) that modifies its ecological interactions. Using transplanted clumps of the cultivar Kentucky‐31, we tested the effects of endophyte infection on tall fescue's survival and performance (tiller production, flowering, and basal area) for 5 years in a central Kentucky reconstructed prairie. We predicted that endophyte infected (E+) clumps would have increased performance compared to endophyte‐free (E−) clumps. Overall, E+ clumps had greater survival, tiller production, flowering tiller production, and basal area, but not reproductive effort (proportion of tillers flowering) as compared to E− clumps. However, survival and trends in tiller number and basal area over the 5‐year period suggested experimental tall fescue populations were in decline in the reconstructed prairie, although the E− population declined more rapidly. Our study provides evidence that endophyte infection improved tall fescue's growth and survival in a postreconstruction plant community, at least in the early years following reconstruction, and may increase the invasive potential of this nonnative species in prairie restorations.