bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographics, healthcare utilization and drug use in children and adults with atopic dermatitis in Denmark: a population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Andersen Y.M.F. , Egeberg A. , Skov L. , Thyssen J.P.
Published: January 2019

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition. While previous publications have examined healthcare expenses, large data regarding patient demographics, healthcare use and drug prescriptions are limited.

Objective

To examine demographics, healthcare use and drug prescriptions in children and adults with hospital‐diagnosed AD.

Methods

Danish nationwide registries were cross‐linked to access demographic, healthcare and drug prescription data on children and adults with hospital‐diagnosed AD (ICD‐10 code L20). The diagnostic code for AD used in this study was validated by reviewing medical charts.

Results

We identified 9704 children (time period 1997–2012) and 5558 adults (time period 1997–2007) with hospital‐diagnosed AD. The diagnostic code L20 had a positive predictive value of 95%. Among children with AD, a larger proportion came from less resourceful families and had immigrant parents from non‐European countries. In adults, we observed an opposite tendency. Topical and systemic antibiotics were used relatively frequent in both children and adults with AD. The use of prednisolone and other systemic anti‐inflammatory therapy was substantially higher in adults with AD than in children.

Limitations

We were unable to identify and describe patients treated by general and private practitioners.

Conclusion

There exist significant differences in social predictors for AD and the use of AD medication between children and adults with hospital‐diagnosed AD in Denmark. The diagnostic code for AD appears to be valid in Danish registries.
Platform economics and antitrust enforcement: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing
Authors: Katz Michael L.
Published: January 2019

Although the economics of multisided platforms has developed important insights for antitrust policy, there are critical respects in which the body of academic knowledge falls short of providing useful advice to enforcement agencies and the courts. Indeed, there is a substantial risk that recent scholarship will be misapplied to the detriment of sound antitrust policy, as evidenced by the US Supreme Court's recent decision in American Express. In this note, I identify several areas in which economics research could potentially make significant contributions to the practical antitrust treatment of platforms.
The time has come: Embedded implementation research for health care improvement
Authors: Churruca Kate , Ludlow Kristiana , Taylor Natalie , Long Janet C. , Best Stephanie , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: January 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The field of implementation science has developed in response to slow and inconsistent translation of evidence into practice. Despite utilizing increasingly sophisticated approaches to implementation, including applying a complexity science lens and conducting realist evaluations, challenges remain to getting the kinds of outcomes hoped for by implementation efforts. These include gaining access and buy‐in from those implementing the change and accounting for the influence of local context. One emerging approach to address these challenges is embedded implementation research—a collaborative, adaptive approach to improvement. It involves researchers and implementers working together in situ from the outset of, and throughout, an implementation project. Both groups can benefit from the collaboration: it increases the rigor of evaluation, provides opportunities to improve the intervention through direct feedback, and promotes better on‐the‐ground understanding of the change process. We aimed to examine the potential benefits, and some of the challenges, of increased embeddedness.

Method

We performed a multi‐case analysis of implementation research projects that varied by degree of embeddedness.

Results

Embedded implementation research may offer a range of advantages over dichotomized research‐practice designs, including better understanding of local context and direct feedback to improve the implementation along the way. We present a model that spans four approaches: dichotomized research‐practice, collaborative linking‐up, partially‐embedded, and deep immersion.

Conclusion

Embedded implementation research approaches hold promise in comparison to traditional dichotomized‐research practice designs, where the research is external to the implementation and conducts a summative evaluation. We are only beginning to understand how such partnerships operate in practice and what makes them successful. Our analysis suggests the time has come to consider such approaches.
Nitric oxide acutely modulates hypothalamic and neurohypophyseal carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide production to control vasopressin, oxytocin and atrial natriuretic peptide release in rats
Authors: Coletti Ricardo , de Lima Juliana Bezerra Medeiros , Vechiato Fernanda Maria Veanholi , de Oliveira Fabiana Lucio , Debarba Lucas Kniess , Almeida‐Pereira Gislaine , Elias Lucila Leico Kagohara , Antunes‐Rodrigues José
Published: January 2019

Nitric oxide (NO) negatively modulates the secretion of vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OT) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) induced by the increase in extracellular osmolality, whereas carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) act to potentiate it; however, little information is available for the osmotic challenge model about whether and how such gaseous systems modulate each other. Therefore, using an acute ex vivo model of hypothalamic and neurohypophyseal explants (obtained from male 6/7‐week‐old Wistar rats) under conditions of extracellular iso‐ and hypertonicity, we determined the effects of NO (600 μmol L‐1 sodium nitroprusside), CO (100 μmol L‐1 tricarbonylchloro[glycinato]ruthenium [II]) and H2S (10 mmol L‐1 sodium sulphide) donors and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) (300 μmol L‐1 Nω‐methyl‐l‐arginine [LNMMA]), haeme oxygenase (HO) (200 μmol L‐1 Zn(II) deuteroporphyrin IX 2,4‐bis‐ethylene glycol [ZnDPBG]) and cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS) (100 μmol L‐1 aminooxyacetate [AOA]) inhibitors on the release of hypothalamic ANP and hypothalamic and neurohypophyseal AVP and OT, as well as on the activities of NOS, HO and CBS. LNMMA reversed hyperosmolality‐induced NOS activity, and enhanced hormonal release by the hypothalamus and neurohypophysis, in addition to increasing CBS and hypothalamic HO activity. AOA decreased hypothalamic and neurohypophyseal CBS activity and hormonal release, whereas ZnDPBG inhibited HO activity and hypothalamic hormone release; however, in both cases, AOA did not modulate NOS and HO activity and ZnDPBG did not affect NOS and CBS activity. Thus, our data indicate that, although endogenous CO and H2S positively modulate AVP, OT and ANP release, only NO plays a concomitant role of modulator of hormonal release and CBS activity in the hypothalamus and neurohypophysis and that of HO activity in the hypothalamus during an acute osmotic stimulus, which suggests that NO is a key gaseous controller of the neuroendocrine system.
Serum HBcrAg is better than HBV RNA and HBsAg in reflecting intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA
Authors: Chen En‐Qiang , Wang Meng‐Lan , Tao Ya‐Chao , Wu Dong‐Bo , Liao Juan , He Min , Tang Hong
Published: January 2019

The correlation between serum HBcrAg and HBV RNA is unclear, and correlations of intrahepatic cccDNA with HBcrAg, HBV RNA and HBsAg are rarely reported in the same cohort. This study aimed to assess the correlation of HBcrAg with HBV RNA and HBsAg, and investigate whether serum HBcrAg is superior to serum HBV RNA and HBsAg in reflecting intrahepatic HBV cccDNA in HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative CHB patients. In this study, 85 HBeAg‐positive and 25 HBeAg‐negative patients who have never received antiviral therapy were included. Among HBeAg‐positive patients, HBcrAg was correlated positively with HBsAg (r = 0.564, P < 0.001) and HBV RNA (r = 0.445, P < 0.001), and HBV RNA was also correlated positively with HBsAg (r = 0.323, P = 0.003). Among HBeAg‐negative patients, no significant correlation was observed between HBcrAg, HBsAg and HBV RNA. By multivariable linear regression, HBcrAg (β = −0.563, P < 0.001), HBsAg (β = −0.328, P < 0.001) and HBV RNA (β = 0.180, P = 0.003) were all associated with cccDNA levels among HBeAg‐positive patients, but only serum HBcrAg was associated with cccDNA level (β = 0.774, P = 0.000) among HBeAg‐negative patients. HBcrAg was better correlated with cccDNA as compared to HBsAg and HBV RNA, irrespective of HBeAg status. Among HBeAg‐positive patients, though HBcrAg level was influenced by hepatic inflammatory activity and HBV DNA levels, the good correlations of HBcrAg with cccDNA persisted after stratification by inflammatory activity and HBV DNA levels. In conclusion, correlations of serum HBcrAg, HBV RNA and HBsAg levels differ significantly between HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients, but serum HbcrAg correlates with cccDNA levels better than HBV RNA and HBsAg, irrespective of HBeAg status.
Assessment of symmetric dimethylarginine as a biomarker of renal function in hyperthyroid cats treated with radioiodine
Authors: Buresova Eva , Stock Emmelie , Paepe Dominique , Stammeleer Lisa , Vandermeulen Eva , Smets Pascale , Duchateau Luc , Lefebvre Herve P. , Daminet Sylvie
Published: January 2019

Background

Measurement of serum creatinine (sCr) and urea nitrogen fail to detect decreased renal function in many hyperthyroid cats because of low muscle mass and glomerular hyperfiltration of affected cats. Serum symmetric dimethylarginine (sSDMA) is an earlier and more sensitive renal biomarker than sCr.

Objective

Evaluate sSDMA as a biomarker of renal function in hyperthyroid cats before (T0) and 1 month after (T1) radioiodine (131I) treatment.

Animals

Forty‐seven client‐owned hyperthyroid nonazotemic cats were evaluated at T0 and T1.

Methods

A prospective study in which sCr and sSDMA concentrations were determined in 47 hyperthyroid cats at T0 and at T1. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated at T0 and T1 in 10 of these 47 cats using plasma exogenous creatinine clearance test.

Results

Serum SDMA was elevated (>14 μg/dL) in 6 of 47 cats at T0 and normalized after treatment in 4 of those cats. All cats remained nonazotemic after treatment. In 10 cats in which GFR was measured, correlation between GFR and sSDMA was low and not significant (τb = −0.35,P = .17 at T0 and τb = −.22,P = .41 at T1), whereas correlation between GFR and sCr was moderate and significant (τb = −0.52,P < .05 at T0 and τb = −.53,P = <.05 at T1).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Careful interpretation of mildly increased sSDMA with normal sCr in hyperthyroid cats is warranted as sSDMA values might normalize after resolution of hyperthyroidism in some cats. In this population of hyperthyroid cats, sSDMA was poorly correlated with GFR.
Improving low‐temperature stress tolerance of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: A functional analysis of Astragalus membranaceus
Authors: Wu Fan , Yang Changgeng , Wen Hua , Zhang Chen , Jiang Ming , Liu Wei , Tian Juan , Yu Lijuan , Lu Xing
Published: January 2019

A 54‐day experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Astragalus membranaceus extract powder (AMEP) on the low temperature tolerance of genetically improved farmed tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. The base diet was supplemented with 0.0% (NC), 0.1% (NP0.1), 0.2% (NP0.2), and 0.4% (NP0.4) AMEP. Tilapia with an initial body weight of 21.35 ± 0.17 g were fed three times a day for 14 days at 30°C and then fed for 40 days while the water temperature decreased at a rate of 0.5°C/day. The results showed that survival, final weight, and the rate of weight gain in fish in the NP0.1, NP0.2, and NP0.4 groups were higher than those of fish in the NC group. The contents of glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and nitric oxide in the serum of fish fed diets supplemented with AMEP were all significantly lower than those of fish in the NC group. In contrast, fish fed with AMEP‐supplemented diets had higher liver superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, and lower malonaldehyde content than those of fish in the NC group at 10°C. The expression of the growth‐arrest‐specific 2 gene in the liver was significantly lower in the NP0.2 and NP0.4 groups than in the NC group. The results of this study demonstrated that the optimal level of AMEP supplementation was 0.2% under the conditions used in the current study. Optimum dietary AMEP can promote growth performance and facilitate the survival of tilapia under low‐temperature stress.
Mirabegron induces relaxant effects via cAMP signaling‐dependent and ‐independent pathways in detrusor smooth muscle
Authors: Maki Tomoko , Kajioka Shunichi , Itsumi Momoe , Kareman Eljamal , Lee Ken , Shiota Masaki , Eto Masatoshi
Published: January 2019

Objective

We previously found that mirabegron exerts a relaxant effect in the presence of the β3‐adrenoceptor antagonist SR58894A during carbachol‐induced contraction in human and pig detrusor. The aim of this study was to explore the possible mechanism underlying the relaxant effects of mirabegron using detrusor smooth muscle.

Methods

Human tissue was obtained from urinary bladders of patients undergoing radical cystectomy at Kyushu University and Harasanshin Hospital. Pig tissue was obtained from an abattoir. Tension force (organ bath experiments) was measured in intact or permeabilised (α‐toxin or β‐escin) detrusor smooth muscle strips. The contribution of cAMP‐dependent signaling and the inhibition of Ca2+ sensitization to the relaxant effects of mirabegron were characterized using 1 μM SR58894A, 100 μM SQ22536 (an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor), 10 μM H‐89 (a protein kinase [PK] A inhibitor), 10 μM Y‐27632 (a selective Rho kinase inhibitor), and 10 μM GF‐109203X (a selective PKC inhibitor).

Results

30 μM Mirabegron impaired carbachol (0.03‐1 μM)‐induced contraction in human detrusor smooth muscle. SR58894A only partially attenuated the relaxant effects of mirabegron in human and pig detrusor strips precontracted with 1 μM carbachol. In α‐toxin‐permeabilized detrusor strips, tension force at 1 μM [Ca2+]i was decreased by mirabegron in a concentration‐dependent manner. The relaxant effect of mirabegron was only slightly attenuated by H‐89 and not significantly affected by SQ22536. Y‐27632 potentiated the relaxation response to mirabegron, but attenuated responses to cAMP; GF‐109203X had little effect. Mirabegron but not cAMP had a notable relaxant effect in the pig detrusor smooth muscle permeabilized with β‐escin.

Conclusions

Mirabegron‐induced relaxation of pig and human detrusor smooth muscle occurs via both a β3‐adrenoceptor/cAMP‐dependent and ‐independent pathway.
Incremental and twice weekly haemodialysis in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Wolley Martin J , Hawley Carmel M , Johnson David W , Marshall Mark R , Roberts Matthew A
Published: January 2019

Background

Haemodialysis is usually started at a frequency of three times a week, with occasional patients starting twice weekly (‘incremental dialysis’). Incremental haemodialysis (HD) may preserve residual kidney function and has been associated with reduced mortality. In the present study, we report prevalence and outcomes of incremental dialysis in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

The cohort was all adults starting renal replacement therapy with HD in Australia and New Zealand 2004–2015. We used cox proportional hazards modelling with a primary exposure of dialysis frequency at first survey date (≥ or <3 times per week). The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality (primary), cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular mortality (secondary).

Results

Eight‐hundred fifty of 27 513 subjects were started on twice weekly HD (prevalence 3%). Compared to conventional patients, incremental dialysis patients were older (67 vs 62 years, P < 0.001), had a lower body mass index (26.1 vs 27.7 kg/m2, P < 0.001), had a higher starting estimated glomerular filtration rate (7.59 vs 6.66 mL/min P < 0.001) and had less diabetes (39.2% vs 50.2%, P < 0.001). In a multivariate model, incremental start dialysis was not associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.92–1.16) or cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.71–1.07), but was associated with an increased risk of non‐cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.11–1.42).

Conclusion

Incremental dialysis was used infrequently, and there was evidence of patient level differences. All‐cause mortality was similar, but there were differences in cause specific mortality. Incremental dialysis needs to be tested in prospective trials to define the safety and efficacy of this approach.
Analysis of the relationship between the morphology of the palate and facial skeletal patterns in Class III malocclusion using structural equation modelling
Authors: Ahn Mi So , Shin Sang Min , Choi Yong‐Seok , Wu Te‐Ju , Ko Ching‐Chang , Yamaguchi Tetsutaro , Maki Koutaro , Kim Yong‐Il
Published: January 2019

Structured Abstract

Introduction

The present study investigated the relationship between facial skeletal patterns and morphology of the palate in adult patients with Class III malocclusion using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Setting and sample population

One hundred cone beam computed tomography images of Class III adults were evaluated for skeletal measurements.

Materials and methods

The skeletal measurements were classified into the vertical, anteroposterior and transverse group based on factor analysis. 3D scanning model of the maxilla was analysed by Generalized procrustes analysis (GPA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Structural equation modelling was used to analyse relationship among the skeletal and morphometric factors.

Results

According to the factor analysis, latent variables were extracted by each skeletal variable. First principal component (PC1) and PC2 of palatal morphology were used to analyse relationship with skeletal variables. As results of the structural equation model, the transverse latent variable had the most influence on PC1, followed by vertical and anteroposterior variables. This result means that as the facial width increases, the palate becomes narrower, deeper and longer.

Conclusions

The relationship between the skeletal pattern with Class III malocclusion and palatal morphology was analysed through SEM. The transverse facial skeletal pattern showed the highest correlation with PC1 of palatal morphology.
Synergistic effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy with PTH [1–34] on calvarial bone graft in irradiated rat
Authors: Park Kyeong‐Mee , Hu Kyung‐Seok , Choi Hyunmin , Oh Seo‐Eun , Kim Hyeong‐Il , Park Wonse , Kim Sungtae
Published: January 2019

Objective

To determine the synergistic effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) [1–34] in combination with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on bone graft in a rat calvarial bone defect model under impaired osteogenic conditions.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four rats were divided into three groups. Localized radiation with a single 12 Gy dose was administered to the calvaria. Four weeks after radiation, calvarial circular defects were created in the parietal bones. All defects were filled with biphasic calcium phosphate. After the bone graft, PTH [1–34] was injected subcutaneously, and HBO was administered. At 6 weeks after the bone graft, the rats were sacrificed, and specimens were harvested.

Results

Histomorphometric evaluation showed that the percentage of new bone area was higher in the PTH and PTH/HBO groups than in the control group. The percent residual material area was decreased in the PTH/HBO group compared with the control group. The percentage blood vessel number was highest in the PTH group. Micro‐CT evaluation showed that the new bone volume was highest in the PTH/HBO group. The residual material volume was lowest in the PTH/HBO group.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, our data indicate that PTH combined with HBO may reverse radiation‐induced impairment of bone healing.
The roles of NADPH oxidase in modulating neutrophil effector responses
Authors: Zeng Melody Y. , Miralda Irina , Armstrong Cortney L. , Uriarte Silvia M. , Bagaitkar Juhi
Published: January 2019

Neutrophils are phagocytic innate immune cells essential for killing bacteria via activation of a wide variety of effector responses and generation of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Majority of the ROS in neutrophils is generated by activation of the superoxide‐generating enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. Independent of their anti‐microbial function, NADPH oxidase‐derived ROS have emerged as key regulators of host immune responses and neutrophilic inflammation. Data from patients with inherited defects in the NADPH oxidase subunit alleles that ablate its enzyme function as well as mouse models demonstrate profound dysregulation of host inflammatory responses, neutrophil hyper‐activation and tissue damage in response to microbial ligands or tissue trauma. A large body of literature now demonstrates how oxidants function as essential signaling molecules that are essential for the regulation of neutrophil responses during priming, degranulation, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and apoptosis, independent of their role in microbial killing. In this review we summarize how NADPH oxidase‐derived oxidants modulate neutrophil function in a cell intrinsic manner and regulate host inflammatory responses. In addition, we summarize studies that have elucidated possible roles of oxidants in neutrophilic responses within the oral mucosa and periodontal disease.
Developmental and comparative transcriptomic identification of iridophore contribution to white barring in clownfish
Authors: Salis Pauline , Lorin Thibault , Lewis Victor , Rey Carine , Marcionetti Anna , Escande Marie‐Line , Roux Natacha , Besseau Laurence , Salamin Nicolas , Sémon Marie , Parichy David , Volff Jean‐Nicolas , Laudet Vincent
Published: January 2019

Actinopterygian fishes harbor at least eight distinct pigment cell types, leading to a fascinating diversity of colors. Among this diversity, the cellular origin of the white color appears to be linked to several pigment cell types such as iridophores or leucophores. We used the clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris, which has a color pattern consisting of white bars over a darker body, to characterize the pigment cells that underlie the white hue. We observe by electron microscopy that cells in white bars are similar to iridophores. In addition, the transcriptomic signature of clownfish white bars exhibits similarities with that of zebrafish iridophores. We further show by pharmacological treatments that these cells are necessary for the white color. Among the top differentially expressed genes in white skin, we identified several genes (fhl2a, fhl2b, saiyan, gpnmb, and apoD1a) and show that three of them are expressed in iridophores. Finally, we show by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis that these genes are critical for iridophore development in zebrafish. Our analyses provide clues to the genomic underpinning of color diversity and allow identification of new iridophore genes in fish.
Pathology of Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome: A special reference of pulmonary manifestations in a Japanese population with a comprehensive analysis and review
Authors: Furuya Mitsuko , Nakatani Yukio
Published: January 2019

Birt–Hogg–Dubé (BHD) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by cutaneous fibrofolliculomas, pulmonary cysts and renal cell carcinomas. Affected individuals inherit germline mutations in the folliculin gene (FLCN). Approximately 150 pathogenic FLCN variants have been identified worldwide. Many Japanese probands of BHD syndrome were first identified by pulmonologists and/or radiologists during treatment of pneumothoraces. Lung specimens obtained through video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) have characteristic features unique to BHD syndrome; however, pathologists often miss key findings and diagnose patients with “bullae/blebs”. The pleural and subpleural cysts of BHD syndrome‐associated lung diseases are often modified by tissue remodeling and can be difficult to distinguish from emphysematous bullae/blebs. Intraparenchymal unruptured cysts tend to retain distinctive features that are different from other cystic lung diseases. Here, we review the clinicopathological findings of BHD syndrome in a Japanese population based on data from 200 probands diagnosed by genetic testing and a total of 520 symptomatic family members identified through BHD‐NET Japan (http://www.bhd-net.jp/). Detailed morphology of pulmonary cysts obtained from VATS and autopsied lung specimens are described, and pathological clues for differentiating miscellaneous cystic lung disorders are discussed.
Neighbourhood assets and early pregnancy cardiometabolic risk factors
Authors: Assibey‐Mensah Vanessa , Fabio Anthony , Mendez Dara D. , Lee Pei‐Chen , Roberts James M. , Catov Janet M.
Published: January 2019

Background

Prepregnancy cardiometabolic risk factors are associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Neighbourhood features may reflect prepregnancy exposures that contribute to poor cardiometabolic health before pregnancy and may contribute to racial disparities in pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

Early pregnancy measurements from 1504 women enrolled in the Prenatal Exposures and Preeclampsia Prevention study were linked to a 2000 Census‐based measure of neighbourhood socio‐economic status and commercial data (food, alcohol, and retail density) during 1997‐2001. Multilevel random‐intercept linear regression was used to separately estimate the association between levels of neighbourhood assets (low, mid‐low, mid‐high, high) and C‐reactive protein (CRP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and body mass index (BMI) in cross‐sectional analyses. Low neighbourhood assets have high‐poverty/low‐retail, whereas high neighbourhood assets have low‐poverty/high‐retail. Models were adjusted for individual‐level factors (age and race), and we assessed effect modification by race.

Results

Low compared with high neighbourhood assets were associated with higher BMI (β 1.95 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.89, 3.00), after adjusting for individual‐level covariates. After adjusting for BMI and other covariates, low compared with high assets were associated with higher CRP concentrations (β 0.20 ng/mL, 95% CI 0.01, 0.39). Neighbourhood assets were not associated with SBP. Race did not modify the association between neighbourhood assets and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Conclusions

Early pregnancy adiposity is related to neighbourhood features independent of individual factors. Further, inflammation beyond accounting for adiposity is related to neighbourhood features. Strategies that address neighbourhood assets during preconception and interconception may be promising approaches to improve prepregnancy health.
Molecular systematics of the arctiine tribe Syntomini (Lepidoptera, Erebidae)
Authors: Przybyłowicz Łukasz , Lees David C. , Zenker Mauricio M. , Wahlberg Niklas
Published: January 2019

The Old World tribe Syntomini is the most neglected of the three major groups of the subfamily Arctiinae – the most megadiverse lineage (c. 11 000 species) of the superfamily Noctuoidea, comprising about a quarter of its entire species diversity. In none of the previous morphogenetic studies was Syntomini (which are often conspicuously spotted, aposematic moths) sampled adequately enough to provide information about the tribe's systematic diversity and relationships above species level. As such data are of crucial importance for a comprehensive understanding of arctiine diversity and evolution, we have investigated the relationships of the major lineages of Syntomini based on up to eight mitochondrial and nuclear genes and 91 species, representing 39 genera. We cover most of the known genera and major geographic regions, including, for the first time, Madagascar, where there is a significant syntomine radiation. We find that the thyretines, in particular, which are restricted to the Afrotropical region, are paraphyletic. As a result we propose to treat Thyretinasyn.n.(Thyretini sensu Przybyłowicz, 2009) as an artificial assemblage and synonymize it under Syntomini.ThyretesBoisduval andPseudothyretesDufrane stand on their own close to the Madagascan radiation, whereas all but one of the Madagascan syntomines comprise a monophylum, with the genusFletcheriniaGriveaud instead being related to at least one species ofCeryxWallengren in Africa. Also surprising from a biogeographical point of view is that the genusDysauxesHübner, which includes the European Handmaiden moth, is nested within the Madagascan radiation. Our study also makes it clear that much more detailed studies are needed to revise not onlyCeryxfrom Asia and Africa but the Afrotropical syntomine genera, many of which do not form clades in our phylogenetic reconstruction, and to further inventory the diversity that is present in the Afrotropics. Based on our results, we considerThyretarctiaStrandstat. rev.,DaphaeniscaKiriakoffstat.n.andCallobalacraKiriakoffstat.n.as valid genera. We also moveAnapisaKiriakoff and returnMeganacliaAurivillius andNacliodesStrand to Syntomini.
Phytotoxic activity of Chinese violet (Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anderson) and two phytotoxic substances
Authors: Suzuki Masahiko , Chozin M. A. , Iwasaki Arihiro , Suenaga Kiyotake , Kato‐Noguchi Hisashi
Published: January 2019

Chinese violet (Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anderson) is a perennial invasive weed belonging to Acanthaceae. Leaves of this weed have been suggested to possess phytotoxic activity. However, phytotoxic substances in this weed have not yet been reported. Therefore, the present study investigated phytotoxic activity of Chinese violet extracts and phytotoxic substances. The extracts of Chinese violet leaves inhibited the root and shoot growth of cress, lettuce, alfalfa, barnyard grass, ryegrass, and timothy, where the level of inhibition increased with increasing extract concentrations. Bioassay‐guided separations of the extracts led to isolation of two phytotoxic substances, indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde and (6R,9S)‐3‐oxo‐α‐ionol. Indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde significantly inhibited the root and shoot growth of cress at concentrations ≥100 and 30 μmol L−1, respectively, and concentrations of the substance required for 50% growth inhibition were 210 and 127 μmol L−1 for cress roots and shoots, respectively. The other substance, (6R,9S)‐3‐oxo‐α‐ionol, was reported to have strongly inhibited cress roots and shoots. The present results suggest that Chinese violet contains two phytotoxic substances indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde and (6R,9S)‐3‐oxo‐α‐ionol, and those substances may play an important role in the phytotoxic activity of Chinese violet.
Variation and change in English /r/ among Tamil Indian Singaporeans
Authors: Starr Rebecca Lurie , Balasubramaniam Brinda
Published: January 2019

Singapore's multiethnic population has historically been found to differ in their use of a range of English features. As English continues to eclipse the country's other languages, it gains potential as a site for the performance of ethnic identity. At the same time, English‐dominant Singaporeans may be less likely to use features perceived as resulting from non‐native transfer. Integration policies and transnational migration have also arguably reduced the salience of ethnicity in the local sociolinguistic landscape. This study investigates a feature linked to Indian identity, tapped and trilled prevocalic /r/, in the speech of 30 Tamil Singaporeans. A significant change in apparent time is observed, with younger speakers using almost entirely approximant /r/. Variation in /r/ also correlates with home language, cultural context, and phonological environment. We argue that, while non‐approximant /r/ is becoming rarer among Tamil Singaporeans, it continues to serve as a means of indexing Indianness.
Cerebral and skeletal muscle feed artery vasoconstrictor responses in a mouse model with greater large elastic artery stiffness
Authors: Walker Ashley E. , Kronquist Elise K. , Chinen Kerrick T. , Reihl Kelly D. , Li Dean Y. , Lesniewski Lisa A. , Donato Anthony J.
Published: January 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Greater large artery stiffness is associated with dysfunctional resistance artery vasodilatory responses, impaired memory and greater risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, it is unknown whether stiffer large arteries affect cerebral and skeletal muscle feed artery responses to vasoconstrictors.

What is the main finding and its importance?

In a mouse model with greater large artery stiffness (Eln+/−), we find an exacerbated vasoconstrictor response to angiotensin II in cerebral arteries, but not skeletal muscle feed arteries, thus implicating altered cerebral artery angiotensin II responsiveness in the poor brain outcomes associated with greater large artery stiffness.

Greater stiffness of the large elastic arteries is associated with end‐organ damage and dysfunction. At the same time, resistance artery vasoconstrictor responsiveness influences vascular tone and organ blood flow. However, it is unknown whether large elastic artery stiffness modulates the responsiveness to vasoconstrictors in resistance arteries of the cerebral or skeletal muscle circulations. We previously described the elastin haploinsufficient (Eln+/−) mouse as a model with greater aortic stiffness, but with similar cerebral and skeletal muscle feed artery stiffness to wild‐type (Eln+/+) mice. Here, we used this model to examine the relationship between large elastic artery stiffness and resistance artery vasoconstrictor responses. In middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), vasoconstriction in response to angiotensin II (Ang II) was ∼40% greater in Eln+/− compared with Eln+/+ mice (P = 0.02), and this group difference was ameliorated by losartan, indicating a role for Ang II type 1 receptors (AT1Rs). In gastrocnemius feed arteries, Eln+/− and Eln+/+ mice did not differ in the response to Ang II. In addition, the vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline, endothelin‐1 and potassium chloride were not different between Eln+/− and Eln+/+ mice for either MCAs or gastrocnemius feed arteries. The MCA AT1R gene expression did not differ between groups, whereas Ang II type 2 receptor gene expression was ∼50% lower in MCAs from Eln+/− versus Eln+/+ mice (P = 0.01). In conclusion, greater large elastic artery stiffness is associated with an exacerbated vasoconstriction response to Ang II in cerebral arteries, but is not associated with the responses to other vasoconstrictors in either cerebral or skeletal muscle feed arteries.
Comparison of four different Shear Wave Elastography platforms according to abdominal wall thickness in liver fibrosis evaluation: a phantom study
Authors: Lee San Min , Chang Won , Kang Hyo-Jin , Ahn Su Joa , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Lee Jeong Min
Published: January 2019

Aims: To compare the applicability, reliability and stiffness values of four different shear wave elastography (SWE) platforms and to determine the influence of abdominal wall thickness on those of four SWE platforms evaluating liver fibrosis. Material and methods: We used four different SWE platforms: transient elastography (TE), pSWE (S-shear wave), 2D SWE/ SSI (SuperSonic Imagine) and 2D SWE/GE (GE Health care). To identify the effect of abdominal wall thickness, five commercially available liver fibrosis phantoms were covered in 1.3 cm and 2.3 cm thick porcine abdominal walls, respectively. All measurements were performed by three observers. Absolute repeatability of each measurement was evaluated using coefficients of variation (CVs). Applicability rate, CVs and mean stiffness values were compared according to platforms and abdominal wall thickness.Results: Applicability rates were significantly different among the four SWE platforms (p<0.001): 2DSWE/SSI showed the lowest applicability rate (68.9%) compared with the other three platforms (TE, 95.6%, pSWE, 93.3%, 2D SWE/GE, 97.8%) due to higher technical failure rates in phantoms with thick wall. Repeatability was significantly different according to the platform and abdominal wall thickness. Stiffness values did not significantly differ according to abdominal wall thickness, even though the values were significantly different among four platforms in all phantoms.Conclusions: The applicability, repeatability, and stiffness value were different depending on SWE platforms. Further, the applicability and repeatability would be more affected by abdominal wall thickness. Thus, careful consideration should be given to an appropriate SWE platform, when evaluating liver fibrosis in patients with thick abdominal wall.
Preoperative difficult airway prediction using suprahyoid and infrahyoid ultrasonography derived measurements in anesthesiology
Authors: Petrisor Cristina , Dîrzu Dan , Trancă Sebastian , Hagău Natalia , Bodolea Constantin
Published: January 2019

Airway management is one of the most important skills in everyday practice of anesthesia. Improper airway management might contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. In some patients, clinical parameters do not anticipate all difficulties related to airway management. Ultrasonography (US) might confer a potential screening tool for difficult airway. Suprahyoid and infrahyoid US measurements have been investigated for difficult airway prediction in anesthesiology. The most extensively investigated parameter was the anterior neck soft tissue thickness measured at different levels: anterior to the hyoid bone, epiglottis and vocal cords commissure. Hyomental distances measured with the head placed in neutral, sniffing or maximal hyperextended position and the derived hyomental distance ratios have also been evaluated for difficult airway prediction. For the evaluation of the tongue, measurements such as thickness, cross-sectional area, width, volume and tongue-to-oral cavityratio can be used. Thus, anesthesiologists have many available potential US measurements, which could provide information regarding airway anatomy during the preoperative airway assessment and could serve as potential screening parameters for difficult airway. Still, we do not yet know which of these provides optimal predictive accuracy and larger sample size studiesare required to validate their use in the preoperative evaluation of the airway.
Understanding the role of echocardiography in remodeling after acute myocardial infarction and development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Tomoaia Raluca , Beyer Ruxandra Stefana , Simu Gelu , Serban Adela Mihaela , Pop Dana
Published: January 2019

Despite the use of reperfusion therapies in the last decades, acute myocardial infarction further remains one of the most frequent causes of mortality. This is mainly caused by changes in the ventricular architecture leading to ventricular remodeling, followed by progressive development of heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography is a non-invasive instrument which can provide information about the extent of the ischemic process and its consequences but can also predict the outcomes after myocardial infarction. Although standard echocardiographic parameters are currently used for risk stratification of these patients, they might not truly reflect left ventricular systolic dysfunction in acute myocardial infarct patients, since the detection of subtle changes in the myocardial function is beyond their limits. The aim of this review is to underline the use of advanced echocardiographic parameters in identifying patients at risk for developing post-acute myocardial infarction heart failure and subsequent adverse events. Advanced echocardiographic parameters derived from speckle tracking echocardiography provide a detailed assessment on the global and regional left ventricular deformation. Therefore, speckle tracking echocardiography has a major role in predicting the prognosis of acute myocardial infarction patients and particularly in the development ofsubsequent heart failure, which might be prevented with early initiation of adequate therapy.
Effect of plasma and heat treatment on silicon dioxide films by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition
Authors: Shin Donghyuk , Song Heungseop , Jeong Ji-eun , Park Heungsoo , Ko Dae-Hong
Published: January 2019

Silicon dioxide films were deposited using di-isopropylaminosilane and Ar/O2 plasma by the plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) system. Film depositions were carried out at a temperature range of 50–200 °C, while the plasma exposure time within the PE-ALD cycle varied from a very short time of 0.3 s to a sufficiently long time of 4.0 s. The growth per cycle, wet etch rate (WER), dielectric constant, and leakage current of as-deposited samples were significantly decreased with increasing in-cycle Ar/O2 plasma time. At the same time, the hydrogen content in the film, of which the presence was found in the form of Si–OH from Fourier transform infrared analysis, was shown to be decreased according to the elastic recoil detection measurements. The increase in the growth temperature also affected the decrease of the aforementioned film properties; however, the influences were insignificant compared to the in-cycle plasma time. In addition, the effect of the postplasma treatment after the whole process was limited merely on the upper layer of the film. Meanwhile, the postannealing process of the films resulted in different thickness shrinkages depending on the densified degree of the as-deposited film. Moreover, the film properties including WER, hydrogen content, dielectric constant, and leakage current were decreased to levels comparable to or more improved against thermal oxide.
Energy Availability in Athletics: Health, Performance, and Physique
Authors: Melin Anna K. , Heikura Ida A. , Tenforde Adam , Mountjoy Margo
Published: January 2019

The reported prevalence of low energy availability (LEA) in female and male track and field athletes is between 18% and 58% with the highest prevalence among athletes in endurance and jump events. In male athletes, LEA may result in reduced testosterone levels and libido along with impaired training capacity. In female track and field athletes, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea as consequence of LEA has been reported among 60% of elite middle- and long-distance athletes and 23% among elite sprinters. Health concerns with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea include impaired bone health, elevated risk for bone stress injury, and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, LEA negatively affects recovery, muscle mass, neuromuscular function, and increases the risk of injuries and illness that may affect performance negatively. LEA in track and field athletes may occur due to intentional alterations in body mass or body composition, appetite changes, time constraints, or disordered eating behavior. Long-term LEA causes metabolic and physiological adaptations to prevent further weight loss, and athletes may therefore be weight stable yet have impaired physiological function secondary to LEA. Achieving or maintaining a lower body mass or fat levels through long-term LEA may therefore result in impaired health and performance as proposed in the Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport model. Preventive educational programs and screening to identify athletes with LEA are important for early intervention to prevent long-term secondary health consequences. Treatment for athletes is primarily to increase energy availability and often requires a team approach including a sport physician, sports dietitian, physiologist, and psychologist.
Cell-autonomous clock of astrocytes drives circadian behavior in mammals
Authors: Brancaccio Marco , Edwards Mathew D. , Patton Andrew P. , Smyllie Nicola J. , Chesham Johanna E. , Maywood Elizabeth S. , Hastings Michael H.
Published: January 2019

Astrocytes can drive the master clock in the brain

The neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus function as a central circadian clock, coordinating mammalian physiology with the 24-hour light-dark cycle. Brancaccio
et al.
found that these neurons have help from neighboring astrocytes (see the Perspective by Green). In mice lacking the
Cry
gene, which encodes a critical clock component, restoration of
Cry
expression and molecular clock function in the astrocytes, but not the neighboring neurons, restored rhythmic transcriptional oscillations in the SCN and reestablished circadian behaviors in the mice.

Science
, this issue p.
187
; see also p.
124
How fast are the oceans warming?
Authors: Cheng Lijing , Abraham John , Hausfather Zeke , Trenberth Kevin E.
Published: January 2019

Observational records of ocean heat content show that ocean warming is accelerating
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Murepavadin in Neutropenic Mouse Models
Authors: Melchers M. J. , Teague J. , Warn P. , Hansen J. , Bernardini F. , Wach A. , Obrecht D. , Dale G. E. , Mouton J. W.
Published: January 2019

Murepavadin (POL7080) represents the first member of a novel class of outer membrane protein-targeting antibiotics. It specifically interacts with LptD and inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS) transport.
Use of Letermovir as Salvage Therapy for Drug-Resistant Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
Authors: Turner Nicholas , Strand Andrew , Grewal Dilraj S. , Cox Gary , Arif Sana , Baker Arthur W. , Maziarz Eileen K. , Saullo Jennifer H. , Wolfe Cameron R.
Published: January 2019

Treatment options for drug-resistant cytomegalovirus (CMV) are limited. Letermovir is a novel antiviral recently approved for CMV prophylaxis following hematopoietic cell transplantation, but its efficacy in other settings is unknown.
Capsular Polysaccharide of Group AStreptococcus
Authors: Wessels Michael R.
Published: January 2019

Most clinical isolates ofStreptococcus pyogeneselaborate a capsular polysaccharide, which is composed of hyaluronic acid, a high-molecular-mass polymer of alternating residues ofN-acetyl glucosamine and glucuronic acid. Certain strains, particularly those of the M18 serotype, produce abundant amounts of capsule, resulting in formation of large, wet-appearing, translucent or “mucoid” colonies on solid media, whereas strains of M-types 4 and 22 produce none. Studies of acapsular mutant strains have provided evidence that the capsule enhances virulence in animal models of infection, an effect attributable, at least in part, to resistance to complement-mediated opsonophagocytic killing by leukocytes. The presence of the hyaluronic acid capsule may mask adhesins on the bacterial cell wall. However, the capsule itself can mediate bacterial attachment to host cells by binding to the hyaluronic-acid binding protein, CD44. Furthermore, binding of theS. pyogenescapsule to CD44 on host epithelial cells can trigger signaling events that disrupt cell-cell junctions and facilitate bacterial invasion into deep tissues. This article summarizes the biochemistry, genetics, regulation, and role in pathogenesis of this important virulence determinant.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Emergency management of tracheostomy problems in children
Authors: Ross Elizabeth , Stephenson Kate
Published: January 2019

It is vital for healthcare professionals to have a basic understanding of tracheostomy tubes, including their routine and emergency care. Children with tracheostomies can be encountered in all areas of paediatrics from the community to tertiary units; they can be more prone to respiratory infections and may have comorbidities that increase hospital attendance. Tracheostomy-related emergencies are associated with significant morbidity and potential mortality; however, the majority of tracheostomy-related complications are preventable.