bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing herpetofauna abundance and diversity in a tropical agricultural landscape mosaic
Authors: Ghosh Deyatima , Basu Parthiba
Published: June 2020

Agricultural intensification and the associated factors, including land transformation, are among the major global threats affecting biodiversity especially herpetofauna. However, little information is available about how different factors shape herpetofauna species assemblages in agricultural landscape at different spatial scales from patch (125 – 250m) to the landscape (500 – 1000m). We assessed the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in areas under low and high degrees of agricultural intensification and explored different factors regulating diversity at different spatial scales using four sampling methods. Diversity and abundance of amphibians varied significantly between the two zones, but not for reptiles. Agricultural intensification index (AII), calculated based on agrochemical use and area under agriculture at 250m scale, seemed to affect amphibians both at patch as well as at 500m and 1000m landscape scales. The AII influenced reptilian diversity only at patch and 500m scales. Vicinity of natural forest had a stronger influence on reptilian abundance. Seminatural vegetation impacted herpetofauna diversities at larger spatial scales. The extent of water bodies influenced the reptilian abundance at 250m patch scale and amphibian abundance both at 250m and 1000m scale. Fallow lands affected only reptilian diversity at all spatial scales. Plantation affected amphibian at all scales but reptiles only at the landscape scale. Habitat heterogeneity regulated only amphibian diversity. These results highlight the fact that different patch and landscape‐scale factors regulate the diversity of reptiles and amphibians differentially. Such scale‐specific information will crucially inform future conservation action for the herpetofauna in the agricultural landscape.
Diagnostic accuracy and safety of inhalation challenge tests for bird fancier’s lung—Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shiroshita Akihiro , Jin Zhuan , Tanaka Yu , Kataoka Yuki
Published: June 2020

Objective

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of inhalation challenge tests for bird fancier's lung and related adverse reactions.

Design

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis for the diagnostic test accuracy of inhalation challenge tests and a systematic review for adverse events of the tests. We evaluated the risk of bias and applicability of the included articles for diagnostic test accuracy with the modified Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool. We used hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curve analysis to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of challenge tests and assessed subjective adverse reactions and steroid treatment use. Sensitivity was calculated by fixing specificity at 99% from the HSROC curve.

Data sources

We searched for articles evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of inhalation challenge tests or describing adverse reactions in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Web of Science.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included randomized control trials, prospective or retrospective cohort studies, or case‐control studies assessing the diagnostic test accuracy of inhalation challenge tests for bird fancier's lung. For adverse effects review, we included the same articles, and case series or case reports reporting adverse reactions of inhalation challenge tests.

Results

In our review of 12 articles, the diagnostic accuracy of inhalation challenge tests was substantially high. Point estimate of sensitivity when calculated with a fixed specificity of 99% was 99%. Among 873 patients, 6 needed steroid treatment for adverse reactions; however, no death occurred due to acute exacerbation following a challenge test.

Conclusions

Inhalation challenges for bird fancier's lung could be accurate and safe diagnostic procedures and may be considered both as rule‐in and rule‐out tests in tertiary care centres. However, caution is required regarding overestimation of diagnostic yield due to risk of bias.

Systematic review registration: University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000038799).
Worldwide effects of non‐native species on species–area relationships
Authors: Guo Qinfeng , Cen Xiaoyu , Song Ruiyan , McKinney Michael L. , Wang Deli
Published: June 2020

Non‐native species have invaded most parts of the world, and the invasion process is expected to continue and accelerate. Because many invading non‐native species are likely to become permanent inhabitants, future consideration of species‐area relationships (SARs) should account for non‐native species, either separately or jointly with native species. If non‐native species occupy unused niches and space in invaded areas and extinction rate of native species remains low (especially for plants), the resultant SARs (with both native and non‐native species) will likely be stronger. We used published and newly compiled data (35 data sets worldwide) to examine how species invasions affect SARs across selected taxonomic groups and diverse ecosystems around the world. We first examined the SARs for native, non‐native, and all species. We then investigated with linear regression analyses and paired or unpaired t tests how degree of invasion (proportion of non‐native species) affected postinvasion SARs. Postinvasion SARs for all species (native plus non‐native) became significantly stronger as degree of invasion increased (r2 = 0.31, p = 0.0006), thus, reshaping SARs worldwide. Overall, native species still showed stronger and less variable SARs. Also, slopes for native species were steeper than for non‐native species (0.298 vs. 0.153). There were some differences among non‐native taxonomic groups in filling new niches (especially for birds) and between islands and mainland ecosystems. We also found evidence that invasions may increase equilibrial diversity. Study of such changing species–area curves may help determine the probability of future invasions and have practical implications for conservation.
Surgical repair of parastomal bulging: a retrospective register‐based study on prospectively collected data
Authors: Krogsgaard M. , Gögenur I. , Helgstrand F. , Andersen R. M. , Danielsen A. K. , Vinther A. , Klausen T. W. , Hillingsø J. , Christensen B. M. , Thomsen T.
Published: June 2020

Aim

The aim of this work was to examine (1) the incidence of primary repair, (2) the incidence of recurrent repair and (3) the types of repair performed in patients with parastomal bulging.

Method

Prospectively collected data on parastomal bulging from the Danish Stoma Database were linked to surgical data on repair of parastomal bulging from the Danish National Patient Register. Survival statistics provided cumulative incidences and time until primary and recurrent repair.

Results

In the study sample of 1016 patients with a permanent stoma and a parastomal bulge, 180 (18%) underwent surgical repair. The cumulative incidence of a primary repair was 9% [95% CI (8%; 11%)] within 1 year and 19% [95% CI (17%; 22%)] within 5 years after the occurrence of a parastomal bulge. We found a similar probability of undergoing primary repair in patients with ileostomy and colostomy. For recurrent repair, the 5‐year cumulative incidence was 5% [95% CI (3%; 7%)]. In patients undergoing repair, the probability was 33% [95% CI (21%; 46%)] of having a recurrence requiring repair within 5 years. The main primary repair was open or laparoscopic repair with mesh (43%) followed by stoma revision (39%). Stoma revision and repair with mesh could precede or follow one another as primary and recurrent repair. Stoma reversal was performed in 17% of patients.

Conclusion

Five years after the occurrence of a parastomal bulge the estimated probability of undergoing a repair was 19%. Having undergone a primary repair, the probability of recurrent repair was high. Stoma reversal was more common than expected.
Tales of Landings and Legacies: African Americans in Georgia's Coastal Fisheries
Authors: Hoskins‐Brown Dionne L.
Published: June 2020

Post‐civil war, African Americans developed communities in Georgia where traditional fishing practices created family fleets, processing plants, and other self‐sustaining fisheries work. The decline in African American fishermen since that period has been attributed to increased fishing costs, little access to capital, and a reluctance to have children work in labor‐intensive fisheries professions (Blount,MAST (Maritime Studies), 5, 2007, 5). Additionally, fluctuations in commercial landings may have had a negative influence. This study tested these hypotheses by comparing first‐hand accounts from current and former African American fishermen and their families with trends in Georgia fisheries data (1950–2015). Analyses of the histories and landings data indicated that African Americans fished the most abundant species during the years described by the participants (1950–1985) and that reasons for fishing or not fishing could be classified into 8 major themes related to work experience, Gullah Geechee values, and generational shifts.
Antennal sensory organs and glands of the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Sevarika Milos , Rondoni Gabriele , Conti Eric , Romani Roberto
Published: June 2020

Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a sub‐cosmopolitan species. Native to Asia, it has been released during the 20th century for classical and augmentative biological control of several herbivorous insects, mostly aphids and coccids. Despite its recognized positive impact on biological control, H. axyridis is now considered among the most dangerous invasive species in Europe and in most places where it has established. This is mostly due to its ability to reduce the populations of native predatory species of the same trophic guild. When exploring a new area, H. axyridis adults use semiochemical cues to acquire information about the habitat. Presumably, these cues are perceived by the sensilla located on the antennae. Surprisingly, in spite of the huge literature existing on H. axyridis, the antennal sensory organs have been poorly characterized. Here, we used scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) techniques to study H. axyridis antennae, with focus on the various types of sensilla and their distribution in male and female individuals. The presence of various classes of antennal sensilla belonging to the main types described in insects (chemoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, and thermo‐hygroreceptors) was highlighted, as well as the widespread presence of antennal glands. The investigations showed some peculiar characteristics not known in Coccinellidae, such as the concentration of sensory structures at the level of the distal part of the apical antennomere and the discovery of antennal glands associated with it. No sexual dimorphism was revealed, neither for the general structure of the antenna (similar number of antennomeres and presence of modifications), nor for the total length and width of the antenna, the relative size of the antennomeres, the types of antennal sensilla, of their distribution and abundance. The potential relevance of these sensory structures and antennal glands, reported for the first time in Coccinellidae, is discussed in the context of intra‐ and interspecific communication.
Effectiveness and safety of apixaban and rivaroxaban for acute venous thromboembolism therapy in patients with extremes in bodyweight
Authors: Wysokinski Waldemar E. , Froehling David A. , Houghton Damon E. , McBane Robert D. , Vlazny Danielle T. , Bott‐Kitslaar Dalene M. , Kuczmik Wiktoria , Sutkowska Karolina , Bator Kaja , Hodge David O. , Peterson Lisa G. , Casanegra Ana I.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To investigate the association of extremes in bodyweight (EBW) and outcomes in patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). Recurrent VTE, major bleeding, and clinically relevant non‐major bleeding were compared between patients with bodyweight <60 kg, 60‐120 kg, and >120 kg.

Methods

Consecutive patients enrolled in the Mayo Clinic VTE Registry (03/28/2013‐8/31/2019) with acute VTE were followed prospectively. Patient status was assessed in person, by mailing a written questionnaire, or by a scripted phone interview.

Results

Among 2577 patients with weight ranging from 27.0 kg to 263.2 kg, 2123 (82%) had a bodyweight between 60 and 120 kg, 223 (8.7%) had bodyweight < 60 kg, and 230 (8.9%) had bodyweight >120 kg. Patients with bodyweight <60 kg treated with DOACs had higher 3‐ and 6‐month incidence of major bleeding compared to the bodyweight 60‐120kg group (4.4% vs 1.1%, P = .03, and 4.4% vs 1.4%, P = .05, respectively). Patients with bodyweight >120 kg and cancer on rivaroxaban had higher VTE recurrence compared to bodyweight 60‐120kg group (P = .01).

Conclusions

Treatment of acute VTE is associated with a higher incidence of bleeding in patients with bodyweight <60 kg. A higher VTE recurrence rate occurred only in cancer patients with bodyweight >120 kg on rivaroxaban.
Assessment of tumour proliferation by use of the mitotic activity index, and Ki67 and phosphohistone H3 expression, in early‐stage luminal breast cancer
Authors: van Steenhoven Julia E C , Kuijer Anne , Kornegoor Robert , van Leeuwen Gijs , van Gorp Joost , van Dalen Thijs , van Diest Paul J
Published: June 2020

Aims

Phosphohistone H3 (PhH3) has been proposed as a novel proliferation marker in breast cancer. This study compares the interobserver agreement for assessment of the mitotic activity index (MAI), Ki67 expression, and PhH3 in a cohort of oestrogen receptor (ER)‐positive breast cancer patients.

Methods and results

Tumour samples of 159 luminal breast cancer patients were collected. MAI and PhH3 scores were assessed by three breast cancer pathologists. Ki67 scores were assessed separately by two of the three pathologists. PhH3‐positive cells were counted in an area of 2 mm2, with a threshold of ≥13 positive cells being used to discriminate between low‐proliferative and high‐proliferative tumours. Ki67 expression was assessed with the global scoring method. Ki67 percentages of <20% were considered to be low. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen's κ statistics were used to evaluate interobserver agreement. The impact on histological grading of replacing the MAI with PhH3 was assessed. Counting PhH3‐positive cells was highly reproducible among all three observers (ICC of 0.86). The κ scores for the categorical PhH3 count (κ = 0.78, κ = 0.68, and κ = 0.80) reflected substantial agreement among all observers, whereas agreement for the MAI (κ = 0.38, κ = 0.52, and κ = 0.26) and Ki67 (κ = 0.55) was fair to moderate. When PhH3 was used to determine the histological grade, agreement in grading increased (PhH3, κ = 0.52, κ = 0.48, and κ = 0.52; MAI, κ = 0.43, κ = 0.35, and κ = 0.32), and the proportion of grade III tumours increased (14%, 18%, and 27%).

Conclusion

PhH3 seems to outperform Ki67 and the MAI as a reproducible means to measure tumour proliferation in luminal‐type breast cancer. Variation in the assessment of histological grade might be reduced by using PhH3, but would result in an increase in the proportion of high‐grade cancers.
PCNP promotes ovarian cancer progression by accelerating β‐catenin nuclear accumulation and triggering EMT transition
Authors: Dong Pengzhen , Fu Hao , Chen Lin , Zhang Shihui , Zhang Xin , Li Huimin , Wu Dongdong , Ji Xinying
Published: June 2020

Ever reports showed that PCNP is associated with human cancers including neuroblastoma and lung cancer. However, the role and underlying molecular mechanism of PCNP in ovarian cancer have not been plenty elucidated. Herein, we first investigated the expression of PCNP in ovarian cancer tissues and cells, the effects of PCNP in ovarian cancer proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, and determined the molecular mechanism of PCNP in ovarian cancer progression. The results indicated that PCNP was significantly overexpressed in human ovarian cancer tissues and cells, and related to poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. In addition, we also detected that PCNP promoted ovarian cancer cells growth, migration and invasion, as well as inhibited ovarian cancer cells apoptosis. Mechanistically, PCNP binding to β‐catenin promoted β‐catenin nuclear translocation and further activated Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Moreover, PCNP regulated the expression of genes involved in EMT and further triggered EMT occurrence. Conclusionally, PCNP may promote ovarian cancer progression through activating Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway and EMT, acting as a novel and promising target for treating ovarian cancer.
Systemic therapies for Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: a SCORTEN‐based systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Torres‐Navarro I. , Briz‐Redón Á. , Botella‐Estrada R.
Published: June 2020

Background

The SCORTEN score is a specific predictor of mortality for patients with Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). There is little evidence in support of the common immunomodulating therapies for SJS/TEN.

Objectives

To systematically assess the effectiveness of several therapies for SJS/TEN through the SCORTEN score.

Methods

Databases were searched for original studies on the use of SCORTEN. Six meta‐analyses were carried out on patients with SJS/TEN who received supportive care only or in combination with immunomodulating drugs: corticosteroids, cyclosporine, etanercept, immunoglobulins or a combination of corticosteroids with immunoglobulins. A multivariate meta‐regression and a network meta‐analysis were also performed.

Results

Of 3893 studies identified, fifty‐two involving 2466 patients with SJS/TEN were preselected. Data from thirty‐eight of these studies (1827 patients) were finally pooled, and results [log(SMR)] from meta‐analyses were as follows: −0.13 (95% CI, −0.42,0.16) for corticosteroids, −0.39 (95% CI, −0.87,0.09) for immunoglobulins, 0.13 (95% CI, −0.15,0.40) for supportive treatment, −0.88 (95% CI, −1.47, −0.29) for cyclosporine, −0.95 (95% CI, −1.82, −0.07) for etanercept and − 0.56 (95% CI, −0.94, −0.19) for immunoglobulins plus corticosteroids. The meta‐regression analysis confirmed that cyclosporine and immunoglobulins plus corticosteroids were associated with less deaths than predicted by SCORTEN. In the network meta‐analysis, no treatment achieved a significant reduction in the SMR.

Limitations

Heterogeneity and quality of the included studies.

Conclusions

Some treatments for SJS/TEN show a better performance, but there is not sufficient evidence to recommend its widespread use in all patients.
Botox rechallenge—An additional tool in the management of an incompletely emptying bladder and inadequate overactive symptom control following sacral neuromodulation
Authors: Timm Brennan , Jayarajan Jyotsna , Chan Garson , Bolton Damien
Published: June 2020

Two female patients aged 70 and 72 with video‐urodynamics‐confirmed detrusor overactivity and detrusor underactivity (DO‐DU) were treated. Patients were refractory to medical therapies and had previously failed intravesical botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) at other centers secondary to urinary retention and difficulty with self‐catheterization. Placement of an Interstim II device (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) for sacral neuromodulation (SNM) as alternative third‐line treatment partially improved overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms while significantly improving voiding symptoms. Postvoid residual (PVR) of patients improved from a median of 118 mL (110‐125 mL) to 20 mL (18‐26 mL) and 213 mL (195‐230 mL) to 70 mL (60‐73 mL), respectively. Addition of medical therapies post SNM failed to modify OAB symptoms further and a rechallenge with dose‐reduced BoNT‐A was undertaken.OAB symptoms were significantly improved by addition of BoNT‐A, while urinary retention was avoided (median PVR post BoNT‐A 38 mL [34‐40 mL] and 185 mL [150‐205 mL], respectively). Reduction in incontinence pad use as well as resolution of nighttime incontinence in both patients and daytime incontinence in one patient was achieved. DO‐DU patients treated by SNM who have improved bladder emptying (PVR <100 mL) but incomplete resolution of OAB symptoms should be trialed on adjunct medical therapies to improve OAB symptoms. If OAB symptoms are still inadequately controlled, consideration of a rechallenge with BoNT‐A, particularly with dose reduction, appears to be efficacious and avoids symptomatic retention in this challenging cohort.
UK mothers' experiences of bottle refusal by their breastfed baby
Authors: Maxwell Clare , Fleming Kate M. , Fleming Valerie , Porcellato Lorna
Published: June 2020

Little is known about bottle refusal by breastfed babies; however, an informal review of global online forums and social media suggested large numbers of mothers experiencing the scenario. This study aimed to explore UK mothers' experiences of bottle refusal by their breastfed baby in order to provide understanding of the scenario and enhance support for mothers experiencing it. A 22‐point online questionnaire was developed and completed by 841 UK mothers. Findings suggest that mothers introduced a bottle to their breastfed baby due to physical, psychological and socio‐cultural factors. Advice and support for mothers experiencing bottle refusal was not always helpful, and 27% of mothers reported bottle refusal as having a negative impact on their breastfeeding experience. When compared with eventual bottle acceptance, bottle refusal was significantly associated with previous experience of bottle refusal (p < .001), how frequently mothers intended to feed their baby by bottle and babies being younger at the first attempt to introduce a bottle (p < .001). This study provides a unique insight into the complexities of bottle refusal by breastfed babies and the impact it can have upon mothers' breastfeeding experiences. It generates knowledge and understanding that can help to inform practice and policies. In addition, a ‘normalising’ of the scenario could enable mothers, and those supporting them, to view and manage it more positively.
Erich Przywara’s Theology of Israel: A Critical Response to “Historical Criticism”
Authors: Betz John R.
Published: June 2020

In the Anglophone world the Jesuit philosopher and theologian Erich Przywara (1889‐1972) tends to be known almost exclusively to Balthasar and Barth scholars (as an important mentor to the former and a formidable nemesis of the latter). In recent years, however, interest in Przywara has grown beyond these circles, owing in part to the English translation of his magnum opus, Analogia Entis (2014), and a handful of articles and monographs on his thought. Indeed, it is gradually being recognized that Przywara was an important philosopher and theologian in his own right – of no less stature, and arguably profounder, than the most recognized names in modern theology – even if he did not possess the same oratorical gifts. At the same time, however, a shadow has been cast over this recovery effort since an American church historian named Paul Peterson accused Przywara, along with Balthasar and even Barth, of varying degrees of anti‐Semitism and fascist sympathies – charges that, were they true, would make one reluctant to read him or find out why Edith Stein, Balthasar, Rahner, Josef Pieper et al. thought so highly of him. The point of this article, accordingly, is to set the record straight, at least as far as Przywara’s supposed “anti‐Semitism” is concerned (his view of National Socialism will be treated separately). It is understandable, of course, that Peterson is troubled that theologians could have contributed to the conditions that led to the horrors of the Shoah; and this alone justifies the zeal of his investigations. But the unfortunate way he has conducted them has also come with a cost: in this case, the misrepresentation of the intentions and the unjust impugning of the character of an eminent theologian, from whom, according to Rahner and Balthasar – indeed, according to John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis – the church still has much to learn. But, as regrettable as this may be, Peterson’s investigations have also done a service for modern theology: not only have they occasioned a closer look at Przywara’s cultural and political views, which was overdue; they have also helped to uncover, however inadvertently, a distinctly Pauline theology of Israel, aspects of which may yet prove fruitful.
A pilot study on efficacy and tolerability of diaphragm pacing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Ito Hisashi , Odake Sanae , Fukutake Shigeru , Kohriki Shunsaku , Kawachi Jun , Kamei Tetsumasa
Published: June 2020

Background

The efficacy and safety of diaphragm pacing (DP) for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients has not been elucidated.

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety of DP for ALS in Japan.

Materials and Methods

We implanted the NeuRx RA/4 Diaphragm Pacing SystemR (NeuRx) in 5 ALS patients without tracheostomy mechanical ventilation and conditioned subsequently. Participants could combine NeuRx with non‐invasive ventilation such as biphasic positive airway pressure (BIPAP). The primary endpoint was overall survival, defined as the period from implantation to the administration of mechanical ventilation with tracheostomy or death.

Results

Three men and 2 women (59.6 ± 9.6 years old, 44 to 70 years old) underwent laparoscopic implantation of NeuRx. The survival differed considerably among individuals (20.7 ± 18.6 months, 5.0‐48.7 months). However, 2 patients with BIPAP showed longer survival. Breakage of the external cord connector occurred in 3 patients and focal epidermal infection occurred in two patients: however, these complications did not lead to serious conditions. An autopsy of one patient revealed no severe damage to the adjacent diaphragm tissue.

Conclusion

The efficacy of NeuRx varied between individuals. The combination use of NeuRx with BIPAP might lead to longer survival than NeuRx alone. No serious safety issues were observed.
Child health care nurses’ use of teaching practices and forms of knowledge episteme, techne and phronesis when leading parent education groups
Authors: Forslund Frykedal Karin , Rosander Michael , Barimani Mia , Berlin Anita
Published: June 2020

This study explores child health care nurses’ pedagogical knowledge when supporting parents in their parenthood using various teaching practices, that is how to organise and process the content during parent education groups in primary health care. The aim is to identify teaching practices used by child health care nurses and to analyse such practices with regard to Aristotle's three forms of knowledge to comprehensively examine child health care nurses’ use of knowledge in practice. A qualitative methodological design alongside the analysis of video‐recordings was used. The results showed that child health care nurses used four teaching practices: lecturing, demonstration, conversation and supervision. Their use of episteme was prominent, but they also seemed to master techne in combination with episteme during the first three teaching practices. During the conversation teaching practice, the child health nurses rarely succeeded. Consequently, they missed opportunities to identify mothers’ expressed concerns and to act in the best interests of both the mothers and their infants by the use of phronesis. In health care, however, theoretical episteme is superordinate to productive knowledge or phronesis, which also became evident in this study. Nevertheless, more interactive pedagogical practices are needed if more use of phronesis is to become a reality in parent education groups.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in small infants unable to swallow safely
Authors: Durakbasa Cigdem Ulukaya , Ozumut Sibel Hatice , Orhon Zeynep Nur , Caglar Oskayli Meltem , Aksu Burhan
Published: June 2020

Background

Data about percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertions in small infants are limited, and most studies include older children. We aimed to evaluate the safety of PEG placement in infants weighing ≤5 kg together with their follow‐up results.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation was made of records between January 2005 and December 2019.

Results

A total of 43 infants were ≤5 kg at the time of PEG insertion. The mean age was 5 ± 3 (19 days–16 months) months and the mean weight was 4.3 ± 0.6 (2.7–5.0) kg. The primary diagnoses were neurological disorders in 25, metabolic disorders in nine, cleft palates in four, muscular disorders in four, and a cardiac disorder in one. All procedures were completed successfully. A self‐resolving pneumoperitoneum developed in one (2.3%). The tube was extruded in six (14%) patients postoperatively which required suture‐approximation of the skin and subcuticular tissues. The tube was removed in four (9%) patients with achievement of oral feeds on the long‐term. Eighteen (42%) died of primary diseases. The tubes were in situ for a median of 12.4 (17 days–73 months) months in these patients. A total of 20 (46.5%) patients are currently being followed up and their tubes are in situ for a median of 50.3 (4.7 month‐9.8 years) months.

Conclusions

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement is safe in small infants with associated morbidities. Complications related to the procedure are within acceptable limits. The accidental extrusion of the tube was a special consideration in this patient group. The overall mortality was high because of underlying primary diseases.
Proposing a new approach to measuring birth size asymmetry
Authors: Betts Kim S. , Kisely Steve , Alati Rosa
Published: June 2020

Background

Existing methods of measuring birth size asymmetry based on ratios of growth parameters are clinically useful but simplistic, and as such may have limited usefulness in studies of aetiology.

Objectives

We aimed to develop a novel method of measuring asymmetric fetal growth at birth and demonstrate its utility in characterising the perturbed growth associated with a number of prenatal exposures and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Queensland (QLD) Perinatal Data Collection, which included all livebirths in the Australian state of QLD between July 2010 and December 2015, with analyses restricted to babies born between 32 and 42 weeks of gestation (n = 280 084). Novel measures of asymmetric birthweight, length, and head circumference were developed using a weighted average, representing “how far” an individual's given birth size measure deviated from the sample average and their other birth size measures. Associations among prenatal exposures and neonatal outcomes with the new asymmetry measures and traditional ratio measures (ie ponderal index, brain‐to‐body weight ratio, and birth length divided by head circumference) were then compared using log‐binomial and multinomial regressions.

Results

The new asymmetry measures clearly indicated that prenatal smoking was linked to a disproportionate decrease in all birth size measures and that low birthweight asymmetry and low birth head circumference asymmetry were specifically associated with neonatal respiratory distress and chromosomal abnormalities, respectively. When these same associations were tested using the traditional ratios, the estimates were weak, imprecise, and non‐specific.

Conclusions

We developed a new approach to measuring fetal growth asymmetry which provides complimentary insights against the existing ratios approach. Associations with the new asymmetry measures were more precise and easier to interpret than the associations obtained using the ratios, and may better reflect the underlying pathological processes, providing an advantage when investigating the aetiologies of perturbed fetal growth.
Population‐based study of serum ferritin in early pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes
Authors: Ray Joel G. , Berger Howard , Park Alison L.
Published: June 2020

Background

Chronic placental inflammation is associated with preterm birth (PTB) and perinatal mortality. Ferritin is often elevated in chronic inflammatory conditions, but prior studies of its relation to PTB were restricted to ferritin measurement within pregnancy, were underpowered to detect rarer outcomes, and did not account for pre‐existing maternal inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel or rheumatological disease.

Objectives

To evaluate whether an elevated ferritin level prior to pregnancy is associated with major adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study was completed using Ontario, Canada. Included were all Ontarian women with a hospital livebirth or stillbirth at ≥20 weeks’ gestation, 2007‐2018, and serum haemoglobin and ferritin measured as an outpatient within 120 days before conception. Excluded were women with a diagnosed iron overload disorder or a ferritin concentration <15 µg/L. The main exposure was a pre‐pregnancy serum ferritin ≥95th percentile. Study outcomes included PTB < 37 weeks’ gestation, including clinician‐initiated and spontaneous PTB; PTB < 32 weeks; chorioamnionitis; and perinatal death. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each study outcome, comparing a serum ferritin concentration ≥95th vs <5th percentile (the referent), while adjusting maternal age, residence, haemoglobin concentration, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease, illicit drug/tobacco use, chronic kidney disease, chronic hypertension, sickle‐cell disease or thalassaemia, and rheumatological conditions.

Results

Among 89 847 births, a preconceptional maternal serum ferritin ≥95th (112.0 μg/L) vs <5th (16.9 μg/L) percentile was associated with an adjusted relative risk (aRR) of 1.34 (95% CI 1.15, 1.57) for PTB, including spontaneous and clinician‐initiated PTB. Results were equivocal for chorioamnionitis (aRR 1.23, 95% CI 0.81, 1.86), and there was no association with perinatal mortality (aRR 0.94, 95% CI 0.55, 1.61).

Conclusion

A high preconceptional ferritin concentration is associated with some adverse perinatal outcomes.
The effects of putrescine pre‐treatment on osmotic stress responses in drought‐tolerant and drought‐sensitive wheat seedlings
Authors: Doneva Dilyana , Pál Magda , Brankova Liliana , Szalai Gabriella , Tajti Judit , Khalil Radwan , Ivanovska Beti , Velikova Violeta , Misheva Svetlana , Janda Tibor , Peeva Violeta
Published: June 2020

Recent studies have demonstrated that exogenous polyamines have protective effects under various stress condition. A broader understanding of the role of the polyamine pool fine regulation and the alterations of polyamine‐related physiological processes could be obtained by comparing the stress effects in different genotypes. In this study, the impact of pre‐treatment with putrescine in response to osmotic stress was investigated in the drought‐tolerant Katya and drought‐sensitive Zora wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars. Photosynthetic performance, in vivo thermoluminescence emission from leaves, leaf temperature, polyamine and salicylic acid levels, contents of osmoprotectants, and activities of antioxidant enzymes in the leaves were investigated not only to reveal differences in the physiological processes associated to drought tolerance, but to highlight the modulating strategies of polyamine metabolism between a drought‐tolerant and a drought‐sensitive wheat genotype. Results showed that the tolerance of Katya under osmotic stress conditions was characterized by higher photosynthetic ability, stable charge separation across the thylakoid membrane in photosystem II, higher proline accumulation and antioxidant activity. Thermoluminescence also revealed differences between the two varieties − a downshift of the B band and an increase of the afterglow band under osmotic stress in Zora, providing original complementary information to leaf photosynthesis. Katya variety exhibited higher constitutive levels of the signaling molecules putrescine and salicylic acid compared to the sensitive Zora. However, responses to exogenous putrescine were more advantageous for the sensitive variety under PEG treatment, which may be in relation with the decreased catabolism of polyamines, suggesting the increased need for polyamine under stress conditions.
Industry‐Dominated Science Advisory Boards Are Perceived To Be Legitimate…But Only When They Recommend More Stringent Risk Management Policies
Authors: Árvai Joseph , Gray Sara Goto , Raimi Kaitlin T. , Wilson Robyn , Drummond Caitlin
Published: June 2020

In 2017, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was criticized for two controversial directives that restricted the eligibility of academic scientists to serve on the agency's key science advisory boards (SABs). The EPA portrayed these directives as necessary to ensure the integrity of the SAB. Critics portrayed them as a tactic by the agency to advance a more industry‐friendly deregulatory agenda. With this backdrop, this research examined board composition and its effect on the perceived legitimacy of risk management recommendations by the SAB. In an experiment, we presented participants with hypothetical EPA SABs composed of different proportions of academic and industry scientists. We then asked participants to rate their satisfaction with, and the legitimacy of, these boards in light of their decisions in scenarios based on actual EPA SAB deliberations. Participants perceived higher levels of satisfaction and legitimacy when SABs made more stringent risk management recommendations. While SABs dominated by industry scientists were perceived to be more strongly motivated to protect business interests, we found no effect of board composition on perceptions of satisfaction and legitimacy. These results are consistent with prior research on decision quality that suggests people use normative outcomes as a heuristic for assessing the quality of deliberations. Moreover, these results suggest that members of the public are supportive of federal SABs regardless of their composition, but only if they take actions that are consistent with normative expectations.
Recognizing urban functional zones by a hierarchical fusion method considering landscape features and human activities
Authors: Liu Huimin , Xu Yiyuan , Tang Jianbo , Deng Min , Huang Jincai , Yang Wentao , Wu Fang
Published: June 2020

Functional zones are basic spatial units of urban management and urban planning and they provide the basic space where human activities occur. The concept of urban functional zones is closely related to two basic factors: urban landscape environment and human activities. The former provides the basic space for human activity and influences urban land use at a coarse scale, and the latter indicates the differentiation of functions in local urban areas. In previous studies, the hierarchical correspondence and interaction between urban landscape and human activities have not been given full consideration in the cognition of urban functional zones, which would influence the accuracy and interpretability of the results. Therefore, a hierarchical fusion method considering urban landscape and human activity patterns based on multi‐source data is proposed in this article. We introduce a new cognition framework. First, a land use classification based on urban landscape features from remote sensing images is extracted and used as the fundamental results of urban land uses. Then, fine‐grained functional semantics of local urban areas are recognized based on human activity patterns extracted from crowdsourced data (i.e., points of interest and taxi trajectories). Finally, the above results at different scales are fused with hierarchical constraints, which means that the information from both urban landscape and human activities can be fully utilized to obtain a refined and fine‐grained map of urban functional zones. Wuhan, China was chosen as an example to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. Results show that the overall accuracy of the proposed method is 82.51% (accuracies of the mixed functional zones and single functional zones are 77.93 and 87.96%, respectively) and compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods, the proposed method performed better for the recognition of mixed functional zones.
Perceptions of Instructional Coaches and Teachers on the Barriers of Multi-Level Instructional Coaching in Higher Performing vs. Lower Performing Elementary Schools in Tennessee
Authors: Monroe Rose L. , Marvin Stephen
Published: June 2020

Teacher effectiveness is one of the most influential factors on student achievement. Therefore, it is vitally important to appropriately coach teachers toward increased effectiveness. This qualitative research study explored and compared the types of multi-level instructional coaching utilized within higher performing and lower performing elementary schools throughout Tennessee, as identified by both instructional coaches and classroom teachers. Additionally, participants shared their perceptions of the most beneficial aspects of multi-level instructional coaching and the barriers that hinder its productivity. Lastly, participants shared where they could use additional support in relation to instructional coaching. Data were collected through a researcher-created digital questionnaire, consisting of both open-ended and closed-fixed questions. Data were analyzed through qualitative methods, including coding and thematic development. Responses revealed similarities and differences in the responses of instructional coaches and classroom teachers in higher performing and lower performing schools. Among the findings, participants in higher performance schools emphasized that instructional coaching should be targeted to those specific teachers needing help in a particular area; whereas, the participants from lower performing schools overwhelmingly expressed a desire for coaching to assist toward more clearly understanding the best practices associated with instruction. Results from this study may provide stakeholders with data that could encourage modifications to current instructional coaching methods to improve teacher effectiveness.
Introduction to quantum optimal control for quantum sensing with nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond
Authors: Rembold Phila , Oshnik Nimba , Müller Matthias M. , Montangero Simone , Calarco Tommaso , Neu Elke
Published: June 2020

Diamond based quantum technology is a fast emerging field with both scientific and technological importance. With the growing knowledge and experience concerning diamond based quantum systems comes an increased demand for performance. Quantum optimal control (QOC) provides a direct solution to a number of existing challenges as well as a basis for proposed future applications. Together with a swift review of QOC strategies, quantum sensing, and other relevant quantum technology applications of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, the authors give the necessary background to summarize recent advancements in the field of QOC assisted quantum applications with NV centers in diamond.
Fungal spore adhesion on glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane modified silica nanoparticle surfaces as revealed by single cell force spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Dan , Molino Paul J. , Knowles Brianna R. , MacLaughlin Shane , Higgins Michael J.
Published: June 2020

Thin film coatings prepared from commercially available glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPS) modified silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) (Bindzil® CC301 and Bindzil® CC302) have previously shown excellent antifouling performance against a broad range of microbes [Molino et al., “Hydration layer structure of biofouling-resistant nanoparticles,” ACS Nano 12, 11610 (2018)]. In this work, single cell force spectroscopy (SCFS) was used to measure the biological interactions between Epicoccum nigrum fungal spores and the same silica nanoparticle-based surfaces used in the aforementioned study, including a: glass coverslip, unmodified SiNP coatings, and both low (Bindzil® CC301) and high density (CC302) GPS functionalized SiNP coatings as a function of NaCl concentration. From the SCFS curves, the spore adhesion to the surface was greatest on the glass coverslip (20–80 nN) followed by the unmodified SiNP (3–5 nN) across all salt concentrations. Upon approach to both surfaces, the spores showed a long-range attraction generally with a profile characteristic of biointeractions and likely those of the outer cell wall structures or biological constituents. The attractive force allowed the spores to initially adhere to the surface and was found to be linearly proportional to the spore adhesion. In comparison, both high and low density GPS-SINP significantly reduced the spore adhesion (0.5–0.9 nN). In addition, the spore adhesion on high density GPS-SiNP occurred in only 14%–27% of SCFS curves (40%–48% for low density GPS-SiNP) compared to 83%–97% for the unmodified SiNP, indicating that in most cases the GPS functionalization completely prevented spore adhesion. The GPS-SiNP surfaces conversely showed a long-range electrostatic repulsion at low 1mM NaCl that was replaced by short-range repulsion at the higher salt concentrations. From the findings, it is proposed that the attractive force is a critical step in initial adhesion processes of the spore. The effective antifouling properties of the GPS are attributed to the ability to negate the attractive forces, either through electrostatic repulsion in low salt conditions and primarily from short-range repulsion correlating to the previously reported combined steric-hydration effect of the GPS functionalization on SiNP coatings.
Wave and extra-wide-angle parabolic equations for sound propagation in a moving atmosphere
Authors: Ostashev Vladimir E. , Wilson D. Keith , Muhlestein Michael B.
Published: June 2020

The narrow-angle parabolic equation (NAPE) with the effective sound speed approximation (ESSA) is widely used for sound and infrasound propagation in a moving medium such as the atmosphere. However, it is valid only for angles less than 20° with respect to the nominal propagation direction. In this paper, the wave equation and extra-wide-angle parabolic equation (EWAPE) for high-frequency (short-wavelength) sound waves in a moving medium with arbitrary Mach numbers are derived without the ESSA. For relatively smooth variations in the medium velocity, the EWAPE is valid for propagation angles up to 90°. Using the Padé (n,n) series expansion and narrow-angle approximation, the EWAPE is reduced to the wide-angle parabolic equation (WAPE) and NAPE. Versions of these equations are then formulated for low Mach numbers, which is the case that is usually considered in the literature. The phase errors pertinent to the equations considered are studied. It is shown that the equations for low Mach numbers and the WAPE with the ESSA are applicable only under rather restrictive conditions on the medium velocity. An effective numerical implementation of the WAPE for arbitrary Mach numbers in the Padé (1,1) approximation is developed and applied to sound propagation in the atmosphere.
Programmable and scalable transfer printing with high reliability and efficiency for flexible inorganic electronics
Authors: Wang Chengjun , Linghu Changhong , Nie Shuang , Li Chenglong , Lei Qianjin , Tao Xiang , Zeng Yinjia , Du Yipu , Zhang Shun , Yu Kaixin , Jin Hao , Chen Weiqiu , Song Jizhou
Published: June 2020

The shape-conformal stamp with active surface microstructures was used for programmable and scalable transfer printing.
ctDNA monitoring using patient-specific sequencing and integration of variant reads
Authors: Wan Jonathan C. M. , Heider Katrin , Gale Davina , Murphy Suzanne , Fisher Eyal , Mouliere Florent , Ruiz-Valdepenas Andrea , Santonja Angela , Morris James , Chandrananda Dineika , Marshall Andrea , Gill Andrew B. , Chan Pui Ying , Barker Emily , Young Gemma , Cooper Wendy N. , Hudecova Irena , Marass Francesco , Mair Richard , Brindle Kevin M. , Stewart Grant D. , Abraham Jean E. , Caldas Carlos , Rassl Doris M. , Rintoul Robert C. , Alifrangis Constantine , Middleton Mark R. , Gallagher Ferdia A. , Parkinson Christine , Durrani Amer , McDermott Ultan , Smith Christopher G. , Massie Charles , Corrie Pippa G. , Rosenfeld Nitzan
Published: June 2020

Integration of variant reads across patient-specific mutation loci enables sensitive ctDNA quantification in plasma cell-free DNA sequencing data.