bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty, hope, and coping efficacy among mothers of children with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy
Authors: Bell Megan , Biesecker Barbara B. , Bodurtha Joann , Peay Holly L.
Published: March 2019

Uncertainty is a challenging aspect of caring for children with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophies (DBMD). Although uncertainty is often perceived as a state to be avoided, hope may influence caregivers' perceptions of uncertainty as opportunity. The goal of this cross‐sectional quantitative study was to pilot a novel measure of state‐based hope, and test relationships among uncertainty, hope, spirituality, and coping efficacy in mothers of children with DBMD. Mothers (n = 202) were recruited through DuchenneConnect, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, and Cincinnati's Children Hospital. A one‐component solution for the novel Parent Hope Scale explained 44.3% of the variance, and the measure showed high internal consistency. Higher hope (P < 0.001), further disease progression (P = 0.042), and older mother's age (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with lower perceptions of uncertainty. Mothers reporting less hope (P < 0.001), higher perceptions of uncertainty (P < 0.001), and less spirituality (P = 0.001) reported lower coping efficacy. As such, hope appears to be a key variable in shaping uncertainty appraisals and facilitating coping efficacy. While further research is needed, counseling aimed at bolstering hope, particularly among less‐hopeful mothers, and interventions to reappraise uncertainty, may be helpful in promoting coping efficacy.
Public views about editing genes in wildlife for conservation
Authors: Kohl P.A. , Brossard D. , Scheufele D.A. , Xenos M.A.
Published: March 2019

Developments in CRISPR‐based gene‐editing technologies have generated a growing number of proposals to edit genes in wildlife to meet conservation goals. As these proposals have attracted greater attention, controversies have emerged among scientists and stakeholder groups over potential consequences and ethical implications of gene editing. Responsible governance cannot occur without consulting broader publics, yet little effort has been made to systematically assess public understandings and beliefs in relation to this new area of applied genetic engineering. We analyzed data from a survey of U.S. adults (n = 1600), collected by YouGov, and that examined respondents’ concerns about gene editing in animal and plant wildlife and how those concerns are shaped by cultural dispositions toward science and beliefs about the appropriateness of intervening in nature at the genetic level. On average, respondents perceived more risk than benefit in using these tools. Over 70% agreed that gene editing in wildlife could be “easily used for the wrong purposes.” When evaluating the moral acceptability of gene editing in wildlife, respondents evaluated applications to improve survival in endangered wildlife as more morally acceptable than applications to decrease abundance in a population or eliminate a population. Belief in the authority of scientific knowledge was positively related to favorable views of the benefits, risks, and moral acceptability of editing genes in wildlife. The belief that editing genes in wildlife inappropriately intervenes in nature predicted relatively more concern about risks and moral acceptability and skepticism about benefits. Given high levels of concern and skepticism about gene editing in wildlife for conservation among the U.S. public, a take‐it‐slow approach to making decisions about when or whether to use these tools is advisable. Early opinions, including those uncovered in this study, are likely to be provisional. Thus, consulting the public should be an ongoing process.
A novel hybrid credit scoring model based on ensemble feature selection and multilayer ensemble classification
Authors: Tripathi Diwakar , Edla Damodar Reddy , Cheruku Ramalingaswamy , Kuppili Venkatanareshbabu
Published: March 2019

Credit scoring focuses on the development of empirical models to support the financial decision‐making processes of financial institutions and credit industries. It makes use of applicants' historical data and statistical or machine learning techniques to assess the risk associated with an applicant. However, the historical data may consist of redundant and noisy features that affect the performance of credit scoring models. The main focus of this paper is to develop a hybrid model, combining feature selection and a multilayer ensemble classifier framework, to improve the predictive performance of credit scoring. The proposed hybrid credit scoring model is modeled in three phases. The initial phase constitutes preprocessing and assigns ranks and weights to classifiers. In the next phase, the ensemble feature selection approach is applied to the preprocessed dataset. Finally, in the last phase, the dataset with the selected features is used in a multilayer ensemble classifier framework. In addition, a classifier placement algorithm based on the Choquet integral value is designed, as the classifier placement affects the predictive performance of the ensemble framework. The proposed hybrid credit scoring model is validated on real‐world credit scoring datasets, namely, Australian, Japanese, German‐categorical, and German‐numerical datasets.
Infections after kidney transplantation. Does age matter?
Authors: Hemmersbach‐Miller Marion , Alexander Barbara D. , Sudan Debra L. , Pieper Carl , Schmader Kenneth E.
Published: March 2019

Infections threaten successful outcomes after kidney transplantation. Our aim was to determine if the number, types of infections and the risk factors for common infections differed between older compared to younger kidney transplant (KT) recipients in the first year after surgery. We performed a single‐center retrospective cohort study. Between 2011 and 2015, 91 KTs were performed in patients ≥65 years of age; these were matched 1:1 (by year of transplantation, sex and race) to controls aged 40‐60 years. Over 90% of both groups had an infectious complication. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia were significantly more frequent in older recipients. Older adults had more late onset UTIs, including after stent removal. CMV viremia was more frequent in older adults in the 1‐6 months post‐transplant period. Due to our center‐specific protocol utilizing pre‐emptive monitoring in the CMV recipient‐seropositive population, the higher CMV incidence in the aged recipient was driven by this subpopulation of older adults. No difference in pneumonias or bloodstream infections were found, nor in surgical complications, rejection or graft loss. Mortality was higher at 1‐year post‐transplant in the older recipients (9.9% vs 1.1%; P = 0.018). Prophylactic and immunosuppressive strategies may need to be altered for older KT recipients.
Nebulisation of dexamethasone sodium phosphate for the treatment of severe asthmatic horses
Authors: Mainguy‐Seers S. , Bessonnat A. , Picotte K. , Lavoie J.‐P.
Published: March 2019

Background

Inhaled corticosteroids are effective in the treatment of equine asthma. A recent study reported that nebulisation of injectable dexamethasone had low systemic bioavailability in healthy horses and could represent a cost‐effective therapy for equine inflammatory lung diseases.

Objectives

To determine the effects of dexamethasone nebulisation on lung function in severe asthmatic horses. It was hypothesised that dexamethasone administered by nebulisation would be more effective than the same dose administered orally.

Study design

Randomised blinded experimental study in severe asthmatic horses.

Methods

Twelve severe asthmatic horses in clinical exacerbation were randomly assigned to treatment with 5 mg of dexamethasone sodium phosphate by nebulisation (n = 6) or by oral administration (n = 6), once daily for 7 days. Lung function was evaluated at baseline, after four treatment days (D4) and 24 h after the last dose (D8). The presence of residual bronchospasm was assessed on D8 with N‐butylscopolammonium bromide administration (0.3 mg/kg i.v.). A respiratory clinical score was performed daily. Serum cortisol concentration was measured at baseline, D4 and D8.

Results

The pulmonary elastance was unchanged in both groups while pulmonary resistance was significantly improved in the oral group on D8 (mean reduction in 1 cm H2O/L/s [CI: 0.34–1.65, P = 0.003]). All horses had residual bronchospasm at the end of the study. There was a group difference in the respiratory clinical score as it was significantly reduced in the oral group, from D5 to D8. Serum cortisol concentration decreased in all subjects.

Main limitations

Low number of horses and lack of placebo group.

Conclusions

Considering the lack of improvement of lung function and the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis suppression, the results of this study do not support aerosolisation of an injectable form of dexamethasone for the treatment of severe equine asthma at the dose and with the nebuliser evaluated.
Retracted: The prevalence of elevated gamma‐glutamyltransferase and sorbitol dehydrogenase activity in racing Thoroughbreds and their associations with viral infection
Authors: Ramsay J. D. , Evanoff R. , Mealey R. H. , Simpson E. L.
Published: March 2019

Background

In racehorses, serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity is positively correlated with cumulative days in training and, when ≥100 IU/L, has been associated with poor performance. The prevalence of increased GGT activity in North American Thoroughbreds and its aetiopathogenesis are unknown. Four emerging viruses, pegivirus E (PgV E; equine pegivirus), hepacivirus A (HcV A; equine hepacivirus), pegivirus D (PgV D; Theiler's disease virus), and equine parvovirus‐hepatitis (EqPV‐H) have been identified in horses with clinical and subclinical hepatopathy. Available prevalence data indicate these viruses may commonly infect racehorses and contribute to increased liver enzyme activity in this population.

Objectives

To investigate the association between viral infection and increased liver enzyme activity in racing Thoroughbreds.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Prerace blood samples were collected from 802 Thoroughbreds and tested for GGT and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, and the presence of PgV E, HcV A, PgV D and EqPV‐H nucleic acid.

Results

Increased SDH and/or GGT were detected in 56.2% of the 802 serum samples. The infection prevalence and relative risk (RR) of having concurrently increased liver enzyme activity were: PgV E = 18.2% (RR = 0.820, 95% CI = 0.662–0.978, P = 0.03), HcV A = 2.5% (RR = 1.132, 95% CI = 0.719–1.466, P = 0.6), PgV D = 0.5% (RR = 0.875, 95% CI = 0.165–1.598, P>0.9), EqPV‐H = 2.9% (RR = 0.916, 95% CI = 0.564–1.266, P = 0.7).

Main limitations

Longitudinal samples were not tested.

Conclusions

While viral infection was common among Thoroughbreds in this study, infection did not explain the high prevalence of increased liver enzyme activity. In fact, PgV E infection was associated with a reduced risk of having increased liver enzyme activity, indicating PgV E is unlikely to be a cause of hepatitis in horses. Importantly, like GGT, increased SDH activity was highly prevalent in this study, and provides additional evidence that hepatocellular injury was occurring in these horses.
Competing for Good Immigrants
Authors: Sahakyan Zaruhi
Published: March 2019

I analyze the competition among different countries for ‘desirable’ and ‘undesirable’ potential immigrants, using both an immigration quota and a level of (imperfect) ‘scrutiny’ that would-be immigrants face. Scrutiny imposes costs on immigrants and therefore makes it less attractive to immigrate. The number of applying undesirable immigrants increases in immigration quota and decreases in the level of scrutiny. In contrast, the number of desirable applicants can go in either direction as scrutiny increases and is independent of the immigration quota, because an increase in the immigration quota is completely crowded out by more applications by undesirable immigrants.
Twice daily short‐message‐based re‐education could improve Helicobacter pylori eradication rate in young population: A prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Wang Tongyu , Yang Xiaoxiao , Li Yueyue , Li Lixiang , Liu Jing , Ji Chaoran , Sun Yiyuan , Li Yanqing , Zuo Xiuli
Published: March 2019

Background

To investigate the effects of twice daily short‐message‐based re‐education (SMRE) before taking medicine for Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) eradication.

Materials and Methods

Treatment‐naive patients with H pylori infection were prescribed 14‐day quadruple regimen consisting of lansoprazole 30 mg, colloidal bismuth pectin 200 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily. Patients were randomly allocated to SMRE group or control group. Patients in control group received oral and written instructions at outpatient clinic. In contrast, patients in the SMRE group received extra short messages including dosage and time of administration twice daily. Successful H pylori eradication was assessed using the 13C‐urea breath test 6 weeks after treatment. The compliance, adverse events, and patient satisfaction were also analyzed.

Results

A total of 310 patients were enrolled in the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and 283 in the per‐protocol (PP) analysis. For young patients, the eradication rates were significantly higher in SMRE group than those in control group in PP analysis (88.6% vs 71.2%, P = 0.036), while for patients of all age groups, the eradication rate improvements were not statistically significant. The eradication rates in SMRE group and control group were 74.2% and 67.7% (P = 0.211) in ITT analysis and 82.1% and 73.4% (P = 0.078) in PP analysis, respectively. The compliance in SMRE group was significantly better than that in control group (84.8% vs 72.8%, P = 0.011).

Conclusions

Twice daily SMRE could improve the eradication rate in young population, as well as the compliance with treatment during H pylori eradication.
Glecaprevir and pibrentasvir for Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 or 2 infection: Results from a multicenter, real‐world cohort study
Authors: Ogawa Eiichi , Furusyo Norihiro , Nakamuta Makoto , Nomura Hideyuki , Satoh Takeaki , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Koyanagi Toshimasa , Kajiwara Eiji , Dohmen Kazufumi , Kawano Akira , Ooho Aritsune , Azuma Koichi , Kato Masaki , Shimoda Shinji , Hayashi Jun ,   The Kyushu University Liver Disease Study (KULDS) Group
Published: March 2019

Aim

Glecaprevir (GLE) and pibrentasvir (PIB) are new direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) with pangenotypic inhibitors that respectively target the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4 protease and NS5A. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combining GLE and PIB for patients with HCV genotype (GT) 1 or 2 infection in the clinical setting, including patients DAA‐experienced or on hemodialysis.

Methods

This multicenter, real‐world, retrospective, cohort study consisted of 314 Japanese patients who were treated with GLE (300 mg) and PIB (120 mg) for a fixed 8‐ or 12‐week duration. We evaluated the sustained virologic response rate 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12) and adverse events.

Results

Among the treated patients, 122 had GT1 and 192 GT2 infection. The overall SVR12 rates in the per‐protocol populations were 99.2% (119/120) for GT1 and 98.9% (183/185) for GT2. High SVR12 rates were observed in almost all subgroups, including cirrhosis, receiving hemodialysis, or previous all‐oral DAA groups treated with asunaprevir and daclatasvir (GT1b), ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (GT1), or sofosbuvir and ribavirin (GT2). Virological relapse occurred in only 1.0% (3/305) of the patients who completed treatment. The most common adverse events were pruritus and fatigue (>5% of patients). Serious adverse events were rare and discontinuation due to an adverse event was required for 1.6% of the patients.

Conclusions

In this real‐world cohort study, treatment with GLE/PIB achieved high SVR12 rates with a low rate of serious adverse events among patients with HCV GT1 or 2 infection.
Different domains of deprivation and their relationship with obesity in New Zealand 4‐year‐old children
Authors: Exeter Daniel J. , Shackleton Nichola , Browne Michael , Zhao Jinfeng , Lee Arier , Crengle Sue
Published: March 2019

Background

There is a relationship between childhood obesity and area‐level deprivation. While the New Zealand Index of Deprivation (NZDep) has been used widely in research for the past 20 years, the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) was released in 2017.

This study aims to investigate the association between deprivation and childhood obesity in New Zealand and compare measures of deprivation.

Methods

Data from 316 794 4‐year‐olds in New Zealand undertaking the B4 School Check in 2010 to 2016, a national health and development screen, were analysed. Multilevel logistic regression models assessed the relationship between area‐level deprivation and individual‐level child obesity. Models were adjusted for age, sex, immigration status, ethnicity, and year. Deprivation was measured using the census‐based NZDep2013 (deciles) and the administrative data‐based IMD (deciles). The seven domains of the IMD were also considered.

Results

The relationship between deprivation and obesity was very similar for the IMD and NZDep2013, point estimates were near identical, and confidence intervals overlapped substantially. Higher levels of deprivation were associated with a higher prevalence of child obesity. The relationship between deprivation and child obesity varied considerably across IMD domains. The education domain had the strongest association with child obesity and had an association with child obesity independent of the other domains of deprivation.

Conclusion

Overall, there was little difference between the NZDep and IMD. However, the IMD's domains and IMD‐1 approach reveal more nuanced understandings of the deprivation‐obesity gradient, including the importance of area‐level education deprivation for predicting child obesity rates.
Percutaneous left ventricular assist device support during ablation of ventricular tachycardia: A meta‐analysis of current evidence
Authors: Luni Faraz Khan , Zungsontiporn Nath , Farid Talha , Malik Sonia Ali , Khan Sobia , Daniels James , Wu Richard , Link Mark S. , Joglar Jose A.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) can be an effective therapy to reduce VT burden, but often it is limited by the potential for hemodynamic instability. Percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (pLVADs) have been used to maintain hemodynamic support during VT ablation but the evidence regarding its clinical impact has been inconclusive.

Methods and Results

We sought to assess the clinical impact of pLVAD when used in VT ablation by conducting a meta‐analysis of the current evidence. We searched Pubmed and found nine observational studies that compared clinical outcomes of VT ablation in patients with pLVAD support to controls with no pLVAD support.

The pooled data did not show a significant difference in mortality between both groups, nor a difference in acute procedural success or in recurrence of VT. There was also no difference in the number of patients receiving a cardiac transplant or being enrolled in the transplant list. Although there was no difference in the ablation time between the groups, patients in the pLVAD group had a longer total procedural time and more procedure‐related adverse effects.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis did not show clinical benefits from using pLVAD support during VT ablation, whereas it was associated with longer procedure times and more complications. This study was, however, limited by the observational nature of the data. In view of these data, the risk and benefit of pLVAD support during VT ablation should be considered on an individual basis.
Relationship between atrial scar on cardiac magnetic resonance and pulmonary vein reconnection after catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Jefairi Nora Al , Camaioni Claudia , Sridi Soumaya , Cheniti Ghassen , Takigawa Masateru , Nivet Hubert , Denis Arnaud , Derval Nicolas , Mathilde Merle  , Laurent Francois , Montaudon Michel , Sacher Frederic , Hocini Mélèze , Haissaguerre Michel , Jais Pierre , Cochet Hubert
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection is frequent in patients showing atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after PV isolation (PVI). Its detection with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) may help predict outcome and guide redo procedures. We assessed the relationship between scar on CMR and PV reconnection after catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF.

Methods and Results

Fifty‐one patients with paroxysmal AF underwent CMR before PVI using either a conventional single‐electrode catheter (N = 28) or a circular multielectrode catheter (N = 23). At 3 months, a second CMR study was performed, followed by a systematic electrophysiological procedure to look for PV reconnection, regardless of AF recurrence. Preablation fibrosis and postablation scar were quantified and mapped from late gadolinium‐enhanced CMR. CMR results were compared to the distribution and extent of PV reconnection. CMR and electrophysiological findings were compared between catheter types.

Three months after successful PVI, scar gaps were found in 39 (76%) patients, and 78 (39%) veins. Electrical PV reconnection was detected in 45 (88%) patients, and 99 (50%) veins. The extent of PV reconnection related closely to the number of gaps (R = 0.55; P < .001), and to scar burden (R = −0.63; P < .001). However, the agreement was only fair for the localization of PV reconnection (k = 0.37; P < .001), scar gaps particularly lacking sensitivity in areas of pre‐existing fibrosis. The circular catheter was associated with shorter procedures (P < .001), more scar (P = .01), less gaps (P = .01), and less reconnected veins (P = .03).

Conclusion

PV reconnection is extremely frequent after PVI. CMR scar imaging accurately predicts its extent, but poorly predicts its location. Multielectrode circular catheters induce more complete ablation.
The burden of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Africa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Noubiap Jean Jacques , Bigna Jean Joel , Nyaga Ulrich Flore , Jingi Ahmadou M. , Kaze Arnaud D. , Nansseu Jobert Richie , Fokom Domgue Joël
Published: March 2019

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in resource‐limited settings. Little is known about the magnitude of HDP in Africa. We conducted the first systematic review and meta‐analysis to summarize available data on the prevalence of HDP in Africa. We did a comprehensive literature search to identify review paper published from January 1, 1996, to September 30, 2017, and searched the reference list of retrieved review paper. We used a random‐effects model to estimate the overall and type‐specific prevalence of HDP in Africa. We included 82 studies published between 1997 and 2017 reporting data on a pooled sample of 854 304 women during pregnancy or puerperium. Most studies were hospital‐based, conducted in urban settings across 24 countries. In this population, the overall prevalence of HDP was 100.4‰ (95% CI: 81.4‐121.2). The prevalence was 49.8‰ (95% CI: 32.3‐70.7) for gestational hypertension, 14.7‰ (95% CI: 11.6‐18.2) for chronic hypertension, 9.2‰ (95% CI: 4.2‐16.0) for superimposed preeclampsia, 44.0‰ (95% CI: 36.7‐52.0) for preeclampsia, 22.1‰ (95% CI: 14.8‐30.8) for severe preeclampsia, 14.7‰ (95% CI: 8.1‐23.2) for eclampsia and 2.2‰ (95% CI: 1.2‐3.4) for HELLP syndrome. Prevalence of HDP was significantly higher in Central and Western Africa; there was a consistent tendency of increasing HDP prevalence with income at the country level. In conclusion, the burden of HDP in Africa is high, with about one in 10 pregnancies affected. The higher rate of severe forms of HDP that are associated with significant maternal and perinatal mortality is a major concern in the region.
Maternal socio‐demographic characteristics and associated complementary feeding practices of children aged 6–18 months with moderate acute malnutrition in Arua, Uganda
Authors: Kajjura R. B. , Veldman F. J. , Kassier S. M.
Published: March 2019

Background

There is a paucity of published data regarding maternal socio‐demographic characteristics and associated complementary feeding practices of moderately malnourished infants and young children (IYC) in sub‐Saharan Africa. In the present study, this association was investigated in Arua, Uganda.

Methods

A cross‐sectional baseline survey was conducted among 204 conveniently sampled mothers of IYC aged 6–18 months with moderate acute malnutrition earmarked for dietary supplementation in four randomly selected sub‐counties to determine their socio‐demographic characteristics using a validated questionnaire. A 24‐h recall was used to evaluate complementary feeding practices in terms of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD). Associations were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The majority (70.1%) of mothers had a primary school education, with 15% having no formal education. Foods especially purchased or prepared for IYC were provided by 42.6% of the mothers. The MDD and MMF of IYC were 13.2% and 41.2%, respectively. MMF and MDD for MAD were met by 6.9% of IYC. Maternal level of education and MMF was significantly associated (P = 0.003), whereas the provision of foods especially purchased or prepared for IYC was significantly associated with MMF (P = 0.003). Maternal care was significantly associated with MAD (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Optimal complementary feeding practices were not met by the majority of mothers. Maternal level of education and care of IYC were strong predictors of MMF. Nutrition education and care should be promoted among mothers of IYC with moderate acute malnutrition to improve MDD, MMF and MAD.
Peptide nutrient‐energy dense enteral feeding in critically ill infants: an observational study
Authors: Marino L. V. , Eveleens R. D. , Morton K. , Verbruggen S. C. A. T. , Joosten K. F. M.
Published: March 2019

Background

Enteral feeding is challenging in critically ill infants. Target intakes are often not achieved as a result of fluid restriction, procedural interruptions and perceived enteral feeding intolerance. In those infants perceived to have poor feeding tolerance, the use of a peptide nutrient‐energy dense enteral feed (PEF) may improve nutritional intake and minimise feeding interruptions as a result of gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of this observational study was to characterise the use of a PEF amongst critically ill infants in two paediatric intensive care units (PICUs).

Methods

Records from critically ill infants aged <12 months admitted to two PICUs were retrospectively reviewed with a PICU length of stay (LOS) ≥ 7 days. Achievement of nutritional targets for the duration of PEF was reviewed. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including gastric residual volume, constipation and vomiting, were evaluated as tolerance parameters.

Results

In total, 53 infants were included, with a median age on admission of 2.6 months. Median admission weight was 3.9 kg in PICU‐1 and 4.7 kg in PICU‐2. Median (interquatile range) energy intake in PICU‐1 and PICU‐2 was 68 (47–92) and 90 (63–124) kcal kg−1, respectively, and median (interquatile range) protein intake 1.7 (1.1–2.4) g kg−1 and 2.5 (1.6–3.2) g kg−1, respectively. Feeding was withheld because of feeding intolerance in one infant (4%) on two occasions in PICU‐1 for 2.5 h and in two infants (7%) on two occasions in PICU‐2 for 19.5 h. Gastric residual mean (SD) volumes were 3.5 (5.4) mL kg−1 in PICU‐1 and 16.9 (15.6) mL kg−1 in PICU‐2.

Conclusions

Peptide nutrient‐energy dense feeding in infants admitted to the PICU is feasible, well tolerated and nutritional targets are met. However, with this study design, it is not possible to draw any conclusions regarding the benefit of PEF over standard PE feed in critically ill children and future work is required to clarify this further.
Ability of ultrasonography to predict the presence and location of histologic lesions in the small intestine of cats
Authors: Guttin Talia , Walsh Audra , Durham Amy C. , Reetz Jennifer A. , Brown Dorothy C. , Rondeau Mark P.
Published: March 2019

Background

Diagnosis of infiltrative small intestinal (SI) disease in cats is challenging, and debate continues regarding optimal biopsy techniques. Ultrasonography may facilitate selection of biopsy type and location.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Assess ability of ultrasonography to predict histologic lesions by SI segment and tissue layer.

Animals

One‐hundred sixty‐nine cats that had abdominal ultrasonography and full‐thickness SI biopsies performed.

Methods

Ultrasonographic images and full‐thickness biopsy samples were retrospectively reviewed, and each SI wall layer evaluated for lesions according to published standards.

Results

Ultrasonographic SI lesions were present in 132 cats (63 duodenum; 115 jejunum; 71 ileum). Samples were obtained at laparotomy (60) or necropsy (109). Ultrasonographic abnormalities had high positive predictive value (PPV) for histologic lesions (duodenum, 82.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 68.6‐91.4; jejunum, 91.0%; 95% CI, 81.5‐96.6; ileum, 88.1%; 95% CI, 74.4‐96.0), but poor negative predictive value (duodenum, 27.1%; 95% CI, 17.2‐39.1; jejunum, 27.3%; 95% CI, 10.7‐50.2; ileum, 40.4%; 95% CI, 26.4‐55.7). The ability of ultrasonography to predict histologic lesions in this population, which had high disease prevalence (SI histologic lesions in 78.1% of cats) was high for mucosal lesions (PPV, 72.7%‐100%) but low for submucosal or muscularis lesions (PPV, 18.9%‐57.1%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In a population with high disease prevalence, most cats with SI mucosal ultrasonographic lesions will have mucosal histologic lesions. Small intestinal submucosal and muscularis ultrasonographic lesions are not predictive of histologic disease in those layers, suggesting that full‐thickness biopsy may not be essential in these cats. Ultrasonography may help guide decisions about biopsy type in individual cats.
Testing accretion mechanisms of the H chondrite parent body utilizing nucleosynthetic anomalies
Authors: Pedersen Søren Grube , Schiller Martin , Connelly James N. , Bizzarro Martin
Published: March 2019

Planetary bodies a few hundred kilometers in radii are the precursors to larger planets but it is unclear whether these bodies themselves formed very rapidly or accreted slowly over several millions of years. Ordinary H chondrite meteorites provide an opportunity to investigate the accretion time scale of a small planetary body given that variable degrees of thermal metamorphism present in H chondrites provide a proxy for their stratigraphic depth and, therefore, relative accretion times. We exploit this feature to search for nucleosynthetic isotope variability of 54Cr, which is a sensitive tracer of spatial and temporal variations in the protoplanetary disk's solids, between 17 H chondrites covering all petrologic types to obtain clues about the parent body accretionary rate. We find no systematic variability in the mass‐biased corrected abundances of 53Cr or 54Cr outside of the analytical uncertainties, suggesting very rapid accretion of the H chondrite parent body consistent with turbulent accretion. By utilizing the μ54Cr–planetary mass relationship observed between inner solar system planetary bodies, we calculate that the H chondrite accretion occurred at 1.1 ± 0.4 or 1.8 ± 0.2 Myr after the formation of calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs), assuming either the initial 26Al/27Al abundance of inner solar system solids determined from angrite meteorites or CAIs from CV chondrites, respectively. Notably, these ages are in agreement with age estimates based on the parent bodies’ thermal evolution when correcting these calculations to the same initial 26Al/27Al abundance, reinforcing the idea of a secular evolution in the isotopic composition of inner disk solids.
Metamorphism of four desert ureilites and luminescence spectroscopy of defects in ureilitic diamonds
Authors: Lorenz C. A. , Shiryaev A. A. , Vlasov I. I. , Borisovsky S. E.
Published: March 2019

Four ureilites subjected to impact metamorphism in a pressure range of ~15–100 GPa were investigated for mineralogical and petrological features and optical luminescence of their diamonds with the aim to understand how properties of ureilitic diamonds are correlated with shock and thermal histories of the host meteorite. Petrological data show that all the investigated ureilites experienced multistage metamorphic histories. Some of them were shocked at least twice or/and underwent high‐temperature thermal metamorphism and fluid metasomatism in the parent body interior. Photoluminescence spectra of individual diamond grains reveal the presence of neutral and negatively charged nitrogen‐vacancy (NV0 and NV−, respectively) and H3 (two nitrogens and a vacancy) defects, indicating relatively high nitrogen contents of the diamonds and some degree of thermal annealing of the grains. The diamond grain size and morphology, a texture of graphite‐diamond aggregates, and spectroscopic properties of the diamond phase vary widely both within an individual meteorite and between the ureilites. Shock‐driven transformation of sp2‐C into diamond provides the most natural explanation of the observed spectroscopic diversity of the diamond grains if one takes into account strong dependence of the PT parameters and efficiency of the transformation on structure of the carbonaceous precursor.
An ignored anatomical variable: pore shape shows a nonrandom variation pattern in xylem cross sections
Authors: Zhao Xiping , Guo Pingping , Peng Haixin
Published: March 2019

Anatomical characteristics of vessels have a profound impact on the hydraulic conductivity of the xylem. However, pore shape, the cross‐section shape of a vessel, has been ignored in previous hydraulic architecture studies. In this study, we examined whether pore shape tended to be circular, and whether variation in pore shape may be affected by water flow path‐length and cambial age. The circularity of pores in Betula platyphylla Roth and Quercus mongolica (only earlywood) were analyzed from the pith to the bark along the water flow path. It was found that although there were very few pores with perfectly circular shape, solitary pores did tend to be regularly circular. The pore shape of sequentially formed vessels in the xylem was influenced by cambial age and flow path‐length. Pore shape tended to be more circular as flow path‐length increased or cambial age decreased. Circular pore shape appears to be an important morphogenetic mechanism for hydraulic architecture development, and studies of it expand our understanding of the structure–function relationships of the xylem.
Do local conspecific density and floral display size influence fruit set via pollinator visitation in Orchis militaris?
Authors: Henneresse Thomas , Kaiser Aurélien , Wesselingh Renate A. , Tyteca Daniel
Published: March 2019

Plant density varies naturally, from isolated plants to clumped individuals, and this can influence pollinator foraging behaviour and plant reproductive success. In addition, the effect of conspecific density on reproduction may depend on the pollination system, and deceptive species differ from rewarding ones in this regard, a high density being often associated with low fruit set in deceptive plants. In our study, we aimed to determine how local conspecific density and floral display size (i.e. number of flowers per plant) affect fruit set in a deceptive orchid (Orchis militaris) through changes in pollinator visitation. We measured fruit set in a natural population and recorded pollinator abundance and foraging behaviour within plots of different O. militaris densities. Detailed data were recorded for the most abundant potential pollinators of O. militaris, i.e. solitary bees. Floral display size was negatively correlated to fruit set in medium‐density plots, but uncorrelated in low‐ and high‐density plots. Plot density had no effect on solitary bee abundance and visitation, which may be due to low pollinator abundance within the study site. The proportion of visited flowers per inflorescence was negatively influenced by floral display size, which is in line with previous studies. In addition, solitary bees spent decreasing time in successive flowers within an inflorescence, and the time spent per flower was negatively affected by ambient temperature. Our results suggest that pollinator behaviour during visitation is poorly linked to pollen deposition and reproductive success in O. militaris.
The roles of PDGFRα signaling in the postnatal development and functional maintenance of the SMC‐ICC‐PDGFRα+ cell (SIP) syncytium in the colon
Authors: Lin Qiang , Qin Ming , Zhao Shu‐guang , Liu Zhen‐xiong , Dou Wei‐jia , Zhang Rong , Li Yu‐long , Xi Xiao‐hou , Xu Jia‐qiao , Ma Li‐tian , Wang Jing‐jie
Published: March 2019

Background

The SIP syncytium in the gut consists of smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells of Cajal, and PDGFRα+ cells. We studied the fate of SIP cells after blocking PDGFRα receptor to explore the roles of PDGFRα signaling in the postnatal development and functional maintenance of the SIP syncytium.

Methods

Crenolanib was administered to mice from P0, P10, or P50. The morphological changes in SIP cells were examined by immunofluorescence. Protein expression in SIP cells was detected by Western blotting. Moreover, colonic transit was analyzed by testing the colonic bead expulsion time.

Key Results

A dose of 5 mg(kg•day)−1 crenolanib administered for 10 days beginning on P0 apparently hindered the development of PDGFRα+ cells in the colonic longitudinal muscularis and myenteric plexus without influencing their proliferative activity and apoptosis, but this result was not seen in the colonic circular muscularis. SMCs were also inhibited by crenolanib. A dose of 7.5 mg(kg•day)−1 crenolanib administered for 15 days beginning on P0 caused reductions in both PDGFRα+ cells and ICC in the longitudinal muscularis, myenteric plexus, and circular muscularis. However, when crenolanib was administered at a dose of 5 mg(kg•day)−1 beginning on P10 or P50, it only noticeably decreased the number of PDGFRα+ cells in the colonic longitudinal muscularis. Crenolanib also caused PDGFRα+ cells to transdifferentiate into SMC in adult mice. Colonic transit was delayed after administration of crenolanib.

Conclusions & Inferences

Therefore, PDGFRα signaling is essential for the development and functional maintenance of the SIP cells, especially PDGFRα+ cells.
Island disharmony revisited using orchids as a model group
Authors: Taylor Amanda , Weigelt Patrick , König Christian , Zotz Gerhard , Kreft Holger
Published: March 2019

One central concept in island biology is that island assemblages form subsets of the mainland species pool, being disproportionately rich or poor in certain taxonomic groups. This unbalanced composition, termed ‘disharmony’, is generally explained using a taxon‐centred approach, linking the over‐ or under‐representation of taxa to their colonisation abilities. However, islands may also harbour ‘functionally’ disharmonic flora, being disproportionately rich or poor in species with certain traits, which may offer greater insights into the processes driving island colonisation. Here, we use orchids as a model to illustrate key processes involved in the formation of functionally disharmonic island floras, including filtering effects (for example biotic interactions), and speciation. Our synthesis is based on a comprehensive orchid dataset of 27 637 species and combines both a literature review and simple exploratory analyses to show that orchids are significantly under‐represented on islands relative to mainland regions and that insular orchids display shifts in functional traits, from the shortening of nectar spurs to facilitate ornithophily to changes in colour associated with generalist insect pollinators. We highlight that taxa are simply coarse proxies and that we need to consider species traits and interactions to gain a full understanding of the processes constraining plant assembly on islands.
Nasolabial outcomes in a nationwide study of orofacial cleft in New Zealand
Authors: Thompson John M. D. , Stone Peter R. , Williams Kirk , Sanders Megan , Mason Nicki , Pope Rodney , Fowler Peter V.
Published: March 2019

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To (a) assess nasolabial outcomes across four main cleft subgroups, (b) assess agreement using a categorical and a continuous scoring measure and (c) compare outcomes to international studies.

Settings and Sample Population

Analysis of 470 images of which 218 was unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), 128 unilateral cleft lip (UCL), 90 bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and 34 bilateral cleft lip (BCL). Images were taken around five (n = 279) and eight‐ten (n = 191) years of age.

Materials & Methods

Cropped images were assessed using the Asher‐McDade (AM) and a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) by a panel of six raters. Scoring was undertaken for vermillion border and nasal form, symmetry and profile. Analysis was undertaken for each subscore, a total score with sensitivity analysis using a total score based on the subscores for each patient. AM intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability was assessed using weighted kappa and for the VAS components reliability was assessed using Pearson correlation.

Results

The AM intra‐rater reliability was moderate/substantial, whilst inter‐rater reliability was fair. The VAS intra‐rater correlations were high, and inter‐rater correlations were moderate. Better outcomes were found with cleft lip (CL) vs cleft lip and palate (CLP). No differences were found for sex, ethnicity, age and cleft laterality (unilateral). The AM found no difference between unilateral or bilateral. The VAS found bilateral scored worse than unilateral for both CL and CLP.

Conclusions

The nasolabial outcomes differ by cleft type. The correlation was relatively high for the VAS whilst the AM had relatively poor reliability.
Bulk pollen pollination in maize for efficient construction of introgression populations with high genome coverage
Authors: Wang Pingxi , Zhang Hongwei , lyle Demar , Li Dongdong , Wang Guoying , Pan Qingchun , Wang Jianhua
Published: March 2019

Introgression populations consist of a set of introgression lines or families, constructed by continuous backcrossing to the recurrent parent, while carrying a limited number of chromosome segments from a donor parent in their genomes. Increasing the genome coverage is an important aim when constructing introgression population. In this study, we proposed bulk pollen pollination (BPP) method and used it to increase the genome coverage of a maize introgression population. The results showed that the genome coverage of the introgression population constructed using BPP method reached 100% at BC3 generation, which accorded with the simulation result. The BPP‐based BC3F1:2 population could identify most quantitative trait loci (QTL) detected using the F2:3 population, especially major QTL. Simulation analysis showed that the genome coverage of introgression population increased with the increase of population size and the number of bulked plants, and decreased with the increase of backcross generation. Our results proved the reliability of the BPP‐based introgression population in increasing genome coverage and detecting QTL, and provided references for constructing high‐coverage introgression populations.
The UNGA Resolution on a ‘Global Pact for the Environment’: A chance to put the horse before the cart
Authors: Biniaz Susan
Published: March 2019

While the ‘Global Pact for the Environment’ endorsed by France did not provide a compelling link between its approach and a particular environmental problem, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 72/277 sets out a linear methodological approach by asking a working group to consider whether there are possible ‘gaps’ in existing environmental law and policy and, if so, to discuss possible options for addressing them. This article discusses the concept of a ‘gap’, identifies several types of gaps that could be included in the UNGA work and points to possible ways in which such gaps may be filled. It illustrates how States could analyse gaps using four possible cases, including the domestic implementation of international commitments, climate change, substantive environmental rights and ocean plastics. Rather than jumping to pursue an overarching agreement including legally binding principles, the article argues that Resolution 72/277 offers States the opportunity to step back and methodically consider the most important missing pieces in international environmental law and policy, and the best manner and forum to address them.
Key legal challenges and opportunities in the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol: The case of China
Authors: Zheng Xiaoou
Published: March 2019

Since the Nagoya Protocol entered into force in 2014, the process of transposing international access and benefit‐sharing (ABS) standards into domestic contexts has been intensified in many countries. China became a party to the Nagoya Protocol in 2016. Being one of the mega‐biodiverse countries in the world, China nevertheless remains little known to international legal scholars of ABS‐related laws and regulations. This article aims to navigate this uncharted territory and examine the key legal challenges and opportunities in the process of implementing the Nagoya Protocol in China. Challenges with respect to the definition of key concepts, recognition of beneficiaries and potential approaches to benefit‐sharing are analysed in turn. Opportunities are investigated from both legal and institutional perspectives. The article proposes an integrated approach to legislate ABS under a comprehensive framework on biodiversity in order to sufficiently address the complexity and uniqueness of the Chinese national circumstances.
The National Flood Insurance Program: Is It Financially Sound?
Authors: Dinan Terry , Beider Perry , Wylie David
Published: March 2019

This article uses data provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which implements the NFIP, to estimate the difference between annual premiums and expected costs associated for the program as a whole and for inland and coastal regions. In addition, we examine the role of discounts, cross‐subsidies, and FEMA's method of setting what it considers to be full‐risk rates in explaining the outcomes that we observe.
A Surface Connectivity-Based Approach for Leakage Channel Prediction in Static Sealing Interface
Authors: Shao Yiping , Yin Yaxiang , Du Shichang , Xi Lifeng
Published: March 2019

Leakage susceptibility is significant for the functionalization of engineering products, and surface topography plays a crucial role in forming the leakage channel in static sealing interface. This paper proposes a surface connectivity-based approach to predict the leakage channel in static sealing interface. The proposed approach consists of three modules including contact surface generation, leakage parameters definition, and leakage channel prediction. A high-definition metrology (HDM) instrument is adopted to measure the three-dimensional (3D) surface. The contact surface that can be considered as the sealing interface is generated by assembling the virtual gasket surface and waviness surface. Considering the spatial connectivity, two kinds of leakage parameters including connectivity parameters and correlation parameters are proposed to describe the characteristics of the contact surface. Meantime, a novel prediction algorithm is developed to directly indicate the potential leakage channel of the surface. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is valid to be accurate and effective, which can provide valuable information for surface topography and static sealing performance.