bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐throughput detection and screening of plants modified by gene editing using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Peng Cheng , Wang Hua , Xu Xiaoli , Wang Xiaofu , Chen Xiaoyun , Wei Wei , Lai Yongmin , Liu Guoquan , Godwin Ian Douglas , Li Jieqin , Zhang Ling , Xu Junfeng
Published: May 2018

Gene editing techniques are becoming powerful tools for modifying target genes in organisms. Although several methods have been developed to detect gene‐edited organisms, these techniques are time and labour intensive. Meanwhile, few studies have investigated high‐throughput detection and screening strategies for plants modified by gene editing. In this study, we developed a simple, sensitive and high‐throughput quantitative real‐time (qPCR)‐based method. The qPCR‐based method exploits two differently labelled probes that are placed within one amplicon at the gene editing target site to simultaneously detect the wild‐type and a gene‐edited mutant. We showed that the qPCR‐based method can accurately distinguish CRISPR/Cas9‐induced mutants from the wild‐type in several different plant species, such as Oryza sativa, Arabidopsis thaliana, Sorghum bicolor, and Zea mays. Moreover, the method can subsequently determine the mutation type by direct sequencing of the qPCR products of mutations due to gene editing. The qPCR‐based method is also sufficiently sensitive to distinguish between heterozygous and homozygous mutations in T0 transgenic plants. In a 384‐well plate format, the method enabled the simultaneous analysis of up to 128 samples in three replicates without handling the post‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Thus, we propose that our method is an ideal choice for screening plants modified by gene editing from many candidates in T0 transgenic plants, which will be widely used in the area of plant gene editing.
Acute radiotherapy toxicity in 57 dogs with gross and microscopic mast cell tumours
Authors: Blackwood L. , Tanis J. B. , Harper A. , Amores‐Fuster I. , Killick D. R. , Finotello R.
Published: May 2018

Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are commonly treated with radiation therapy, most often in a microscopic disease setting. Poorer outcomes are expected in patients with gross disease, and irradiation of gross disease may be associated with greater toxicity. The aim of this study was to compare acute radiation adverse events (AE) in dogs with gross and microscopic MCTs receiving radiotherapy. Fifty‐seven dogs were included, 28 with gross disease and 29 with microscopic. In order to assess mucosal and skin toxicity, patients were assigned to 2 groups: head (29 patients, 14 patients with gross and 15 microscopic) and other sites (28 patients, 14 each). All were treated with external beam radiotherapy, and toxicity assessed at the end of treatment and 10 to 14 days later (first recheck). All patients developed some acute radiation toxicity by the end of the course. However, there was no difference in the severity of toxicity between gross and microscopic disease in either site group at either time point. The only variable associated with an increased frequency of grade 2 or 3 toxicity at the first recheck was the use of prednisolone prior to radiotherapy (P = .05). No other factors were identified which were associated with increased toxicity. For the head group, the site of highest grade toxicity was mucosa or, if included in the field, nasal planum, which was often more severely affected than the mucosa. No significant late toxicity was identified. Two dogs developed acute haematemesis during the radiotherapy course, but both completed the course without further events.
Endothelial cell density and characterization of corneal endothelial cells in the Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) using specular microscopy
Authors: Coyo Natàlia , Leiva Marta , Costa Daniel , Molina Rafael , Nicolás Olga , Ríos Jose , Peña Maria Teresa
Published: May 2018

Objective

To determine endothelial cell density (ECD) and morphology and morphometry of corneal endothelial cells in the tawny owl (Strix aluco), as well as to report the effects of aging on these parameters.

Animal study and procedures

Twenty tawny owls were included in the study and classified into 2 groups according to their age: fledglings (<1 year old) and adults (>1 year old). Central corneal endothelium was studied by means of noncontact specular microscopy (Specular Microscope SP‐2000P; Topcon, Tokyo, Japan), and results for ECD (cells/mm2), mean cell area ((MCA (μm2)), polymegathism (CV), and pleomorphism (% hexagonal cells) were obtained. Results are described by median, interquartile range (25th, 75th percentiles), and absolute range for ECD, MCA, pleomorphism, and polymegathism. In addition, inferential analyses by Mann‐Whitney U test were also performed. A two‐tailed Type I error of 5% was established.

Results

Results in fledglings were as follows: ECD = 2864 cells/mm2, MCA = 348 μm2, % hexagonal cells = 72.75%, and CV = 21. Results in adults were as follows: ECD = 2602 cells/mm2, MCA = 384 μm2, % hexagonal cells = 78.83%, and CV = 16. No significant differences in ECD and MCA were seen between the groups (P > .05), although there were significant differences in % hexagonal cells and CV (P < .05).

Conclusions

Tawny owls present a uniform endothelium in cell size and shape, although ECD and MCA differ greatly from other bird species. Differences in ECD and MCA could not be found between fledglings and adults probably because of the youth of adult specimens, although there were differences in pleomorphism and polymegathism.
Effects of plasma transfusions on antithrombin levels after paediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Arni D. , Wildhaber B. E. , McLin V. , Rimensberger P. C. , Ansari M. , Fontana P. , Karam O.
Published: May 2018

Background and Objectives

Thrombotic complications affect 3–10% of patients after liver transplantation (LT), leading to potentially life‐threatening complications. In the days following LT, antithrombin (AT) is decreased longer than pro‐coagulant factors, thus favouring a pro‐thrombotic profile. Plasma transfusions are given empirically in some centres to correct AT levels following LT. We assessed the effect of plasma transfusion on AT levels after paediatric LT.

Materials and Methods

Prospective single‐centre observational study in 20 consecutive paediatric LT recipients over a 24‐month period. Plasma was administered twice daily (10 ml/kg/dose) according to an existing protocol. AT levels were measured once daily, immediately prior to and one hour after the morning plasma transfusion. Sample size was calculated based on a non‐inferiority hypothesis.

Results

The median age and weight were 11.6 years (IQR 2.8; 14.7) and 40 kg (IQR 12.75; 44.8), respectively. We collected 85‐paired blood samples. The median AT level prior to plasma transfusion was 58%. The median difference in AT levels before and after plasma transfusion was 4.2% (P = 0.001). Changes in AT levels after plasma transfusion were not correlated with baseline AT levels (R = 0.19) or patient weight (R = 0.18).

Conclusion

Plasma transfusions only marginally increase AT levels in children after LT. Therefore, prophylactic plasma transfusions probably do not seem to confer an advantage in the routine management of paediatric LT patients. Randomized controlled trials are needed to identify the optimal anticoagulation strategy in this specific population.
Media, Technology Use, and Attitudes: Associations With Physical and Mental Well‐Being in Youth With Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Zeeni Nadine , Doumit Rita , Abi Kharma Joelle , Sanchez‐Ruiz Maria‐Jose
Published: May 2018

Background

Previous research has shown that the use of technology and media, in their different available forms, may have detrimental effects on the physical and mental well‐being of adolescents and young adults.

Aims

The present study aimed to investigate the use of different types of technology and media, attitudes toward them, and how they relate to physical and mental well‐being in Lebanese university students.

Methods

A descriptive, correlational, cross‐sectional design was used. A sample of 244 undergraduates completed a self‐report measuring media and technology use and attitudes, eating‐related variables (e.g., healthy eating, body image dissatisfaction [BID], and eating disorders [EDs] risk), trait emotional intelligence (TEI), and psychopathology indicators (stress, anxiety, and depression).

Results

The use of mobile phone multimedia (music, pictures, and videos) correlated with unhealthy eating and stress. Social media use was associated with BID, EDs risk, and the self‐control construct of TEI. Anxiety of separation from technological devices and dependence on them was associated with increased BID, EDs risk, depression, and anxiety.

Linking Evidence to Action

Practical implications are discussed in terms of setting limits and boundaries on technology use during childhood and adolescence, and encouraging healthy eating and physical activity at home and on college campuses. Moreover, social media could be used as a platform for intervention and prevention programs to decrease BID, EDs, depression, and anxiety.
The Acute Effects of Different Warm-up Protocols on Change of Direction and Reactive Speed Performance
Authors: Adıgüzel Büşra , Gelen Ertuğrul , Mirzeoğlu Dilşad , Yıldız Suat , Sert Volkan
Published: May 2018

The purpose of the study was to examine the acute effects of open and closed skill warmings on change of direction and reactive speed performance.113 high school students participated in the study voluntarily. The students were divided into three groups as general warming (GW), open skill warming (OSW) and closed skill warming (CSW). Reactive speed and change of direction test was performed after the general warming (GW), open skill warming (OSW), and closed skill warming (CSW) protocols were applied in our study. In this study, general warming protocol was designed as control application and other warming protocols were designed as experimental application.In terms of the change of direction performance, with general warming the difference between OSW (p> 0.01) and CSW (p> 0.01) was found significant. However, the difference between closed skill warming and open skill warming was not significant. The difference between general warming and open skill warming (p <0.01) was found to be significant in terms of the reactive speed. However, the difference between closed skill warming (p> 0,097) and open skill warming (p> 0.0212) was not significant.In our study, in which we examined the acute effects of on and off skill warmings on different speeds and reactive speeds of different warm-up protocols, it is thought that if warming includes open and closed skills, both change of direction performance and reactive speed performance can be increased.
Effectiveness of mitigation interventions on occupational violence against emergency service workers: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Drew Peter , Tippett Vivienne , Devenish Scott
Published: May 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to develop an aggregated synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data on occupational violence (OV) mitigation interventions for Emergency Service Workers (ESW), to cultivate useful conclusions and recommendations for paramedic occupational safety and policy development. Emergency Service Worker is a broad term encompassing all elements of community-based emergency support and includes paramedics, firefighters, and police.

The objective of the quantitative component of this review is to quantify the effectiveness of OV mitigation interventions for ESW.

The objective of the qualitative component of this review is to explore the perceptions and experiences of ESW on the effectiveness of OV mitigation interventions.

This review seeks to address the following questions:
Parents’ and guardians’ experiences of barriers and facilitators in accessing autism spectrum disorder diagnostic services for their children: a systematic review protocol of qualitative evidence
Authors: Smith-Young Joanne , Murray Cynthia , Swab Michelle
Published: May 2018

Review question:

What are parents’ and guardians’ experiences of barriers and facilitators in accessing autism spectrum disorder diagnostic services for their children?
Nursing students’ experiences with clinical placement in residential aged care facilities: a systematic review protocol of qualitative evidence
Authors: Keeping-Burke Lisa , McCloskey Rose , Donovan Cindy , Yetman Linda , Hansen Linda
Published: May 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to analyze and synthesize the best available evidence on nursing students’ experiences with clinical placement in residential aged care facilities.

The specific review questions are:
Smallest microhouse in the world, assembled on the facet of an optical fiber by origami and welded in the μRobotex nanofactory
Authors: Rauch Jean-Yves , Lehmann Olivier , Rougeot Patrick , Abadie Joel , Agnus Joel , Suarez Miguel. Angel
Published: May 2018

In this study, the authors have demonstrated that it is possible to realize several three-dimensional (3D) micro- and nanostructures, by the fabrication of the smallest microhouse using a dual beam scanning electron microscope (SEM)/focused ion beam (FIB) Auriga 60 from Zeiss together with a six degree of freedom robot built with SmarAct components. In this new type of nanolab, cutting, etching, folding, assembling, and then welding thin membranes of silica on top of a cleaved optical fiber SMF28, or production of micro- and nanostructures, like the microhouse, are possible. The authors have experimentally shown that FIB can be used, in this new generation of micro/nanofactory, in combination with SEM, and gas injection system, in order to fabricate three-dimensional microstructures: a microhouse in this study, with ultrahigh accuracy assembly down to 10 nm. By using the theory of sputtering, the authors are able to propose a model of folding thin membranes of numerous materials such as metals, polymers, or crystals, i.e., silica, silicon, potassium tantalite, or lithium niobate. This method is usually described as origami in the literature [W. J. Aroa, H. I. Smith, and G. Barbastathis, Microelectron. Eng. 84, 1454 (2007); W. J. Aroa et al., J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B 25, 2184 (2007); and K. Chalapat et al., Adv. Mater. 25, 91 (2013)]. The experimental results indicate that the introduction of a microrobot inside the SEM vacuum chamber will provide the means to enlarge the scope of clean room facilities to build complex and smart 3D microsystems with heterogeneous materials, especially on the facet of an optical fiber in the lab on fiber new field. The authors propose a new way to easily manufacture many kinds of optical functions for light trapping based on nanoantennas, nanophotonic crystal, axicon or lattice, 3D biosensor with origami, and nanopatterning surfaces or carbon nanotubes, etc.
Community response to a step change in the aircraft noise exposure around Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport
Authors: Nguyen Thao Linh , Nguyen Thu Lan , Morinaga Makoto , Yokoshima Shigenori , Yano Takashi , Sato Tetsumi , Yamada Ichiro
Published: May 2018

In December 2014, a new terminal building was opened at the Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HNBIA) with two runways, causing a 20%–30% increase in the number of flights. Three socio-acoustic surveys were conducted in August–September 2014, February–March 2015, and August–September 2015, to contribute not only to the environmental impact assessments and aircraft noise policies in Vietnam but also to more global intervention studies. Because of the change of runway use, in addition to the increased number of flights, noise exposure at each site changed considerably among the surveys. Changes in the noise exposure from the first to the second or third survey (ΔLden and ΔLnight) were used as a measure of exposure change. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ΔLden has a significant positive effect on annoyance regardless of ΔLden ranges, but the effect of ΔLnight on insomnia was significant only for ΔLnight > 0. Annoyance increase in the overall ΔLden range may be caused by the respondents' recognition of increase in emission in addition to practical increase in exposure. More severe attitudes to airplanes around HNBIA might increase annoyance even if noise exposure decreases. Thus, the change effect clearly occurs in annoyance but partially in insomnia.
In Vitro
Activity of Imipenem-Relebactam and Ceftolozane-Tazobactam against Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli
Authors: Schmidt-Malan Suzannah M. , Mishra Avisya J. , Mushtaq Ammara , Brinkman Cassandra L. , Patel Robin
Published: May 2018

Understanding which antimicrobial agents are likely to be active against Gram-negative bacilli can guide selection of antimicrobials for empirical therapy as mechanistic rapid diagnostics are adopted. In this study, we determined the MICs of a novel β-lactam–β-lactamase inhibitor combination, imipenem-relebactam, along with ceftolozane-tazobactam, imipenem, ertapenem, meropenem, ceftriaxone, and cefepime, against 282 drug-resistant isolates of Gram-negative bacilli.
Environmental Adaptability and Quorum Sensing: Iron Uptake Regulation during Biofilm Formation by Paracoccus denitrificans
Authors: Zhang Yang , Gao Jie , Wang Lushan , Liu Shuangjiang , Bai Zhihui , Zhuang Xuliang , Zhuang Guoqiang
Published: May 2018

Paracoccus denitrificans
is a valuable model organism due to its versatile respiration capability and bioenergetic flexibility, both of which are critical to its survival in different environments. Quorum sensing (QS) plays a crucial role in the regulation of many cell functions; however, whether QS systems play a role in
P. denitrificans
is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that iron uptake systems in
P. denitrificans
were directly regulated by a newly identified QS system. Genes coding for TonB-dependent systems, which transport chelated iron, were transcribed at higher levels in the QS-defective mutants. In contrast, genes coding for the Fbp system, which is TonB independent and transports unchelated ferric iron, were downregulated in the mutants. In brief, QS in
P. denitrificans
triggers a switch in iron uptake from TonB-dependent to TonB-independent transport during biofilm formation as higher concentrations of iron accumulate in the exopolysaccharide (EPS). Switching from TonB-dependent iron uptake systems to TonB-independent systems not only prevents cells from absorbing excess iron but also conserves energy. Our data suggest that iron uptake strategies are directly regulated by QS in
Paracoccus denitrificans
to support their survival in available ecological niches.

IMPORTANCE
As iron is an important trace metal for most organisms, its absorption is highly regulated. Fur has been reported as a prevalent regulator of iron acquisition. In addition, there is a relationship between QS and iron acquisition in pathogenic microbes. However, there have been few studies on the iron uptake strategies of nonpathogenic bacteria. In this study, we demonstrated that iron uptake systems in
Paracoccus denitrificans
PD1222 were regulated by a newly identified PdeR/PdeI QS system during biofilm formation, and we put forward a hypothesis that QS-dependent iron uptake systems benefit the stability of biofilms. This report elaborates the correlation among QS, iron uptake, and biofilm formation and thus contributes to an understanding of the ecological behavior of environmental bacteria.
Unravelling the Reduction Pathway as an Alternative Metabolic Route to Hydroxycinnamate Decarboxylation in Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Santamaría Laura , Reverón Inés , López de Felipe Félix , de las Rivas Blanca , Muñoz Rosario
Published: May 2018

Lactobacillus plantarum
is a bacterial species frequently found in the fermentation of vegetables where hydroxycinnamic acids are present. The bacterial metabolism on these compounds during fermentation plays a fundamental role in the biological activity of hydroxycinnamates.
L. plantarum
strains exhibit an as yet unknown reducing activity, transforming hydroxycinnamates to substituted phenylpropionic acids, which possess higher antioxidant activity than their precursors. The protein machinery involved in hydroxycinnamate reduction, HcrAB, was genetically identified and characterized. The heterodimeric NADH-dependent coumarate reductase HcrAB described in this work provides new insights on the
L. plantarum
metabolic response to counteract the stressful conditions generated by food phenolics.
Temporal Manipulation of Mitochondrial Function by Virulent Francisella tularensis To Limit Inflammation and Control Cell Death
Authors: Jessop Forrest , Schwarz Benjamin , Heitmann Emily , Buntyn Robert , Wehrly Tara , Bosio Catharine M.
Published: May 2018

Francisella tularensis
subsp.
tularensis
is a highly pathogenic intracellular bacterium that suppresses host inflammation by impairing the metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis.
Point-Counterpoint: Active Surveillance for Carriers of Toxigenic Clostridium difficile Should Be Performed To Guide Prevention Efforts
Authors: McDonald L. Clifford , Diekema Daniel J.
Published: May 2018

In 2017, the
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
published a Point-Counterpoint on the laboratory diagnosis of
Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI). At that time, Ferric C.
The PERK Arm of the Unfolded Protein Response Negatively Regulates Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus Replication by Suppressing Protein Translation and Promoting Type I Interferon Production
Authors: Xue Mei , Fu Fang , Ma Yanlong , Zhang Xin , Li Liang , Feng Li , Liu Pinghuang
Published: May 2018

The induction of ER stress is a common outcome in cells infected with coronaviruses. The UPR initiated by ER stress is actively involved in viral replication and modulates the host innate responses to the invading viruses, but these underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We show here that infection with the alphacoronavirus TGEV elicited ER stress
in vitro
and
in vivo
, and the UPR PERK-eIF2α branch was predominantly responsible for the suppression of TGEV replication by ER stress. Furthermore, the PERK-eIF2α axis inhibited TGEV replication through direct inhibition of viral proteins due to global translation inhibition and type I IFN induction. These findings highlight a critical role of the UPR PERK-eIF2α pathway in modulating host innate immunity and coronavirus replication.
Bag2 Is a Component of a Cytosolic Extraction Machinery That Promotes Membrane Penetration of a Nonenveloped Virus
Authors: Dupzyk Allison , Tsai Billy
Published: May 2018

During entry, the nonenveloped polyomavirus (PyV) simian virus 40 (SV40) traffics from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where it penetrates the ER membrane to reach the cytosol; the virus is then transported into the nucleus to cause infection. Although a coherent understanding of SV40's host entry is emerging, how the virus is ejected from the ER into the cytosol remains mysterious. Our previous analyses revealed that the cytosolic Hsc70-SGTA-Hsp105 complex binds to SV40 and extracts it from the ER into the cytosol. We now report that the nucleotide exchange factor (NEF) Bag2 stimulates SV40 release from Hsc70, thereby enabling successful virus arrival at the cytosol, which leads to infection. Hsp105, another NEF of Hsc70, displays a function overlapping that of Bag2, underscoring the importance of this release reaction. Our findings identify a new component of an extraction machinery essential during membrane penetration of a nonenveloped virus and provide further mechanistic insights into this process.

IMPORTANCE
How a nonenveloped virus penetrates a biological membrane to cause infection is a mystery. For the nonenveloped polyomavirus SV40, transport across the ER membrane to reach the cytosol is an essential virus infection step. Here, we identify a novel component of a cytosolic Hsc70-dependent chaperone complex called Bag2 that extracts SV40 from the ER into the cytosol. Bag2 does this by triggering SV40 release from Hsc70, thus ensuring that the virus reaches the cytosol
en route
for productive infection.
Values and preferences of women living with HIV who are pregnant, postpartum or considering pregnancy on choice of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy
Authors: Lytvyn Lyubov , Siemieniuk Reed A , Dilmitis Sophie , Ion Allyson , Chang Yaping , Bala Malgorzata M , Manja Veena , Mirza Reza , Rodriguez-Gutierrez Rene , Mir Hassan , Banfield Laura , Vandvik Per Olav , Bewley Susan
Published: May 2018

Objective

To investigate women’s values and preferences regarding antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy to inform aBMJRapid Recommendation.

Setting

Primary studies reporting patient-reported outcomes relevant to decision-making regarding ART in any clinical and geographical setting.

Participants

Women living with HIV who are pregnant, postpartum or considering pregnancy.

Outcome measures

Quantitative measurements and qualitative descriptions of values and preferences in relation to ART during pregnancy. We also included studies on women’s reported barriers and facilitators to adherence. We excluded studies correlating objective measures (eg, CD4 count) with adherence, or reporting only outcomes which are not expected to differ between ART alternatives (eg, access to services, knowledge about ART).

Results

We included 15 qualitative studies reporting values and preferences about ART in the peripartum period; no study directly studied choice of ART therapy during pregnancy. Six themes emerged: a desire to reduce vertical transmission (nine studies), desire for child to be healthy (five studies), concern about side effects to the child (eight studies), desire for oneself to be healthy (five studies), distress about side effect to oneself (10 studies) and pill burden (two studies). None of the studies weighed the relative importance of these outcomes directly, but pill burden/medication complexity appears to be a lower priority for most women compared with other factors. Overall, the body of evidence was at low risk of bias, with minor limitations.

Conclusions

Women who are or may become pregnant and who are considering ART appear to place a high value on both their own and their children’s health. Evidence on the relative importance between these values when choosing between ART regimens is uncertain. There is variability in individual values and preferences among women. This highlights the importance of an individualised women-centred approach, such as shared decision-making when choosing between ART alternatives.

Trial registration number

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews:CRD42017057157.
Integrated versus nOn-integrated Peripheral inTravenous catheter. Which Is the most effective systeM for peripheral intravenoUs catheter Management? (The OPTIMUM study): a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Castillo Maria Isabel , Larsen Emily , Cooke Marie , Marsh Nicole M , Wallis Marianne C , Finucane Julie , Brown Peter , Mihala Gabor , Carr Peter J , Byrnes Joshua , Walker Rachel , Cable Prudence , Zhang Li , Sear Candi , Jackson Gavin , Rowsome Anna , Ryan Alison , Humphries Julie C , Sivyer Susan , Flanigan Kathy , Rickard Claire M
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are frequently used in hospitals. However, PIVC complications are common, with failures leading to treatment delays, additional procedures, patient pain and discomfort, increased clinician workload and substantially increased healthcare costs. Recent evidence suggests integrated PIVC systems may be more effective than traditional non-integrated PIVC systems in reducing phlebitis, infiltration and costs and increasing functional dwell time. The study aim is to determine the efficacy, cost–utility and acceptability to patients and professionals of an integrated PIVC system compared with a non-integrated PIVC system.

Methods and analysis

Two-arm, multicentre, randomised controlled superiority trial of integrated versus non-integrated PIVC systems to compare effectiveness on clinical and economic outcomes. Recruitment of 1560 patients over 2 years, with randomisation by a centralised service ensuring allocation concealment. Primary outcomes: catheter failure (composite endpoint) for reasons of: occlusion, infiltration/extravasation, phlebitis/thrombophlebitis, dislodgement, localised or catheter-associated bloodstream infections. Secondary outcomes: first time insertion success, types of PIVC failure, device colonisation, insertion pain, functional dwell time, adverse events, mortality, cost–utility and consumer acceptability. One PIVC per patient will be included, with intention-to-treat analysis. Baseline group comparisons will be made for potentially clinically important confounders. The proportional hazards assumption will be checked, and Cox regression will test the effect of group, patient, device and clinical variables on failure. An as-treated analysis will assess the effect of protocol violations. Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log-rank tests will compare failure by group over time. Secondary endpoints will be compared between groups using parametric/non-parametric techniques.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/16/QRBW/527), Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref No. 2017/002) and the South Metropolitan Health Services Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref No. 2016–239). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617000089336.
Mitochondrial PITRM1 peptidase loss-of-function in childhood cerebellar atrophy
Authors: Langer Yeshaya , Aran Adi , Gulsuner Suleyman , Abu Libdeh Bassam , Renbaum Paul , Brunetti Dario , Teixeira Pedro-Filipe , Walsh Tom , Zeligson Sharon , Ruotolo Roberta , Beeri Rachel , Dweikat Imad , Shahrour Maher , Weinberg-Shukron Ariella , Zahdeh Fouad , Baruffini Enrico , Glaser Elzbieta , King Mary-Claire , Levy-Lahad Ephrat , Zeviani Massimo , Segel Reeval
Published: May 2018

Objective

To identify the genetic basis of a childhood-onset syndrome of variable severity characterised by progressive spinocerebellar ataxia, mental retardation, psychotic episodes and cerebellar atrophy.

Methods

Identification of the underlying mutations by whole exome and whole genome sequencing. Consequences were examined in patients’ cells and in yeast.

Results

Two brothers from a consanguineous Palestinian family presented with progressive spinocerebellar ataxia, mental retardation and psychotic episodes. Serial brain imaging showed severe progressive cerebellar atrophy. Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel mutation: pitrilysin metallopeptidase 1 (PITRM1) c.2795C>T, p.T931M, homozygous in the affected children and resulting in 95% reduction in PITRM1 protein. Whole genome sequencing revealed a chromosome X structural rearrangement that also segregated with the disease. Independently, two siblings from a second Palestinian family presented with similar, somewhat milder symptoms and the same PITRM1 mutation on a shared haplotype. PITRM1T931M carrier frequency was 0.027 (3/110) in the village of the first family evaluated, and 0/300 among Palestinians from other locales. PITRM1 is a mitochondrial matrix enzyme that degrades 10–65 amino acid oligopeptides, including the mitochondrial fraction of amyloid-beta peptide. Analysis of peptide cleavage activity by the PITRM1T931M protein revealed a significant decrease in the degradation capacity specifically of peptides ≥40 amino acids.

Conclusion

PITRM1T931M results in childhood-onset recessive cerebellar pathology. Severity of PITRM1-related disease may be affected by the degree of impairment in cleavage of mitochondrial long peptides. Disruption and deletion of X linked regulatory segments may also contribute to severity.
Associations between occupational exposure to benzene, toluene and xylene and risk of lung cancer in Montréal
Authors: Warden Hunter , Richardson Harriet , Richardson Lesley , Siemiatycki Jack , Ho Vikki
Published: May 2018

Background

Benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) are aromatic hydrocarbons with inconclusive evidence of lung carcinogenicity. The aim of this research was to assess the associations between occupational exposures to BTX agents and lung cancer.

Methods

In a population-based case-control study of lung cancer, occupational histories were obtained and exposures were assessed by experts. Unconditional multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs, among men, between various metrics of occupational exposure to BTX and lung cancer, while adjusting for established and possible risk factors.

Results

Considerable overlap was found between occupational exposure to BTX, where the majority of exposed participants were exposed to all three chemicals. Lung cancer was associated with exposure to benzene (OR=1.35; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.84), toluene (OR=1.31; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.74) and xylene (OR=1.44; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.01). While these results were adjusted for smoking and other recognised and possible lung cancer risk factors, they were not mutually adjusted among the three BTX agents.

Conclusions

Our study provides suggestive evidence that occupational exposure to one or more of the BTX agents may be associated with lung cancer.
Effects of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D on growing mink (Mustela vison)
Authors: Li Guangyu , Wang Jing , Zhang Haihua , Zhang Xuelei , Xu Yinan , Li Rende
Published: May 2018

The present study investigated the effects of dietary calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and vitamin D (VD) supplements on growth performance, Ca:P digestion and metabolism, and serum biochemical indexes of growing male mink (Mustela vison) under conditions of a fixed 2:1 ratio of Ca to P. About 135 dark male mink were randomly assigned to nine groups. The experiment was conducted with a 3 × 3 (Ca:P × VD) factorial design using a corn–fish meal-based diet that contained 2.3% Ca, 1.15% P, and 2100 IU kg−1VD. The supplementary Ca and P levels were 0%:0%, 0.4%:0.2%, and 0.8%:0.4% of the diets, respectively, whereas supplementary VD levels were 0, 2000, and 4000 IU kg−1. The Ca and P dosage had a significant effect on growth performance of the mink (P < 0.05). The appropriate VD level, which was 4100 IU kg−1, significantly improved protein utilization and Ca and P digestibility of growing mink (P < 0.05). In addition, excreta pollution to the environment was also significantly reduced (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Ca:P (3.1%:1.55%) and VD (4100 IU kg−1) had an important effect on growth performance and protein utilization in growing mink and could reduce environmental pollution by improving protein and P utilization.
The effect of an outbreak of the leaf miner Micrurapteryx salicifoliella on the performance of multiple Salix species in interior Alaska
Authors: Wagner Diane , Doak Patricia
Published: May 2018

The genus Salix L. tends to be tolerant of herbivory, but severe outbreaks of herbivorous insects may compromise growth. First documented in Alaska in 1991, the willow leaf blotch miner, Micrurapteryx salicifoliella, is now responsible for frequent and widespread foliar damage to Salix in interior Alaska. We experimentally tested the effect of leaf mining on the performance of four susceptible Salix species across two years of outbreak, and placed the results in the context of a broader survey of leaf mining damage. Across the four species, reduction of leaf mining damage increased average stem elongation, numbers of leaves per shoot, and leaf area. Leaf mining damage was negatively related to leaf water content; a consequence of the leaf miner’s habit of breaching the cuticle on the underside of leaves. Growth deficits due to leaf mining are likely caused by both the loss of leaf tissue to leaf miner feeding and subsequent leaf desiccation. The results are notable in the context of a general decline in productivity in interior Alaska over the past few decades and because the leaf miner impacts Salix species also used by vertebrate browsers of cultural and economic importance, such as moose.
Utilizing accurately positioned harvester data: modelling forest volume with airborne laser scanning
Authors: Hauglin Marius , Hansen Endre , Sørngård Erik , Næsset Erik , Gobakken Terje
Published: May 2018

Modern cut-to-length harvesters are recording information about each harvested tree, and with accurate positioning, this information can be used as field reference data, replacing manually measured reference data. In the present study, models developed from accurately positioned harvester data were compared with a reference model. A set of ∼55 000 accurately positioned trees was used as the basis for a division into 792 reference plots of 400 m2 each. A set of manually measured field plots was used for validation. Regression models were developed based on the relationship between airborne laser scanning data and the reference plot volumes. Separate models were developed for two strata: medium and high site productivity. Several modelling methods were compared, including nonparametric models; at the plot level, predictions for the validation dataset yielded RMSEs of 32%–60% for the medium productivity stratum and 19%–22% for the high productivity stratum. A reference model was fitted to the manually measured validation data in each stratum, and RMSEs of 45% and 25% were obtained for the medium and high productivity strata, respectively. The results show that the models based on the harvester data yield prediction errors at the same level as the reference model.
Thermal properties of 96,97Mo using Lipkin–Nogami model with an average value gap parameter
Authors: Benam Kh. , Dehghani V. , Forozani Gh.
Published: May 2018

Gap parameter of Lipkin–Nogami (LN) model is replaced by order parameter of the exact Ginzburg–landau (EGL) theory. Thermodynamic quantities such as energy, entropy and heat capacity for [Formula: see text]Mo nuclei are calculated using this modified form of the LN model (MLN). In the LN model, the gap parameter suddenly decreases to zero at critical temperature. This causes singular points in the graph of heat capacity. However, in the MLN method, the order parameter does not become zero at critical temperature and gradually decreases along with the temperature. This causes the singular points, which are predicted in the heat capacity of LN model to be eliminated. Therefore, the heat capacity as a function of temperature becomes continuous and S-shaped, which is qualitatively in agreement with the experimental data.
Fast and slow target proton production induced by the interactions of 22Ne and 24Mg projectiles with the heavy emulsion nuclei at Dubna energy
Authors: Kamel S. , Osman W. , Sabry N. , Fayed M.
Published: May 2018

In this work, a detailed study on the multiplicity characteristics of fast and slow target protons produced in the interactions of 3.3A[Formula: see text]GeV [Formula: see text] and 3.7A[Formula: see text]GeV [Formula: see text]Mg projectiles with the heavy emulsion nuclei (AgBr) is performed. The experimental data of the multiplicity distributions (MDs) of gray (fast protons) and black (slow protons) particles are fitted with the negative binomial and Gaussian distributions indicating a reasonable consensus with each. The validity of scaling hypothesis of MDs of gray and black particles is verified by studying two types of scaling functions, Koba–Nielson–Olsen (KNO) scaling and Hegyi scaling. The experimental data are displayed by a simplified universal function in each scaling. An examination of the relationship between the entropy and the average multiplicity is performed. The measurements of the higher-order moments (mean, variance, skewedness and kurtosis) of MDs of proton target fragments are measured. The second Muller moments are calculated as well to investigate the correlation among the fast and slow target protons.
Stochastic Dynamical Behaviors for a Time-Delayed Insect Outbreak System with a Periodic Signal Subjected to Multiplicative and Additive Noises
Authors: Wang Kang-Kang , Ju Lin , Xu Zu-Run , Li Sheng-Hong , Wu Jian-Cheng
Published: May 2018

In this paper, our aim is to investigate the steady state behaviors, the stochastic resonance (SR) phenomenon and the mean decline time for a biological insect growth system induced by the terms of time delay, the multiplicative and additive noises. Numerical results indicate that the multiplicative noise and the additive one can both weaken the stability of the biological system and accelerate the depression process of the insect population, while time delay can strengthen the stability of the insect growth system and prolong the lifetime of the insect system. With respect to the SR phenomenon caused by time delay, noise terms and the weak periodic signal, the results show that some interesting dual peak phenomena for the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) occur frequently. Specific contents are as follows: In SNR-[Formula: see text] plots, the additive noise intensity [Formula: see text] and time delay [Formula: see text] can easily induce the phenomenon of dual peaks, while in the SNR-[Formula: see text] plots, the multiplicative noise intensity [Formula: see text] and time delay [Formula: see text] can both reduce the SR effect distinctly. On the other hand, in the SNR-[Formula: see text] plots, when either of [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] takes a big value, the other plays a negative role in stimulating the SR phenomenon; while either of them takes a small value, the other can excite a significant effect of double peaks.
Financial Companies’ Failures: Early Warning Information from Systematic and Systemic Risk Measures
Authors: Cipollini Fabrizio , Giannozzi Alessandro , Menchetti Fiammetta , Roggi Oliviero
Published: May 2018

Following the 2007–2008 financial crisis, advanced risk measures were proposed with the specific aim of quantifying systemic risk, since the existing systematic (market) risk measures seemed inadequate to signal the collapse of an entire financial system. The paper aims at comparing the systemic risk measures and the earlier market risk measures regarding their predictive ability toward the failure of financial companies. Focusing on the 2007–2008 period and considering 28 large US financial companies (among which nine defaulted in the period), four systematic and four systemic risk measures are used to rank the companies according to their risk and to estimate their relationship with the company’s failure through a survival Cox model. We found that the two groups of risk measures achieve similar scores in the ranking exercise, and that both show a significant effect on the time-to-default of the financial institutions. This last result appears even stronger when the Cox model uses, as covariates, the risk measures evaluated one, three and six months before. Considering this last case, the most predictive risk measures about the default risk of financial institutions were the Expected Shortfall, the Value-at-Risk, the [Formula: see text] and the [Formula: see text].

We contribute to the literature in two ways. We provide a way to compare risk measures based on their predictive ability toward a situation, the company’s failure, which is the most catastrophic event for a company. The survival model approach allows to map each risk measure in terms of probability of default over a given time horizon. We note, finally, that although focused on the Great Recession in US, the analysis can be applied to different periods and countries.
Crustal structure and heat-flow history in the UK Rockall Basin, derived from backstripping and gravity-inversion analysis
Authors: Roberts Alan M. , Alvey Andrew D. , Kusznir Nick J.
Published: May 2018

Seismic data made available by the UK OGA (Oil & Gas Authority) has been used to constrain a model of crustal structure and heat-flow history for the UK Rockall Basin. Top basement/base sediment has been interpreted around the full extent of the seismic dataset. This has produced a model for the thickness of the sediment fill within the basin which is thicker than previous published estimates.

The new sediment-thickness model has been incorporated into a 3D backstripping study, producing maps of subsidence and thinning factor. Analysis of backstripped subsidence shows the thinning factor reaching peak values of
c.
0.8–0.85 (β factor >5) in the south-central axial area, reducing in magnitude northwards to
c.
0.7. The new sediment-thickness model has also been incorporated into a 3D gravity-inversion study, mapping Moho depth, crustal thickness and thinning/stretching factor. The results show crustal-basement thickness reduced to
c.
6 km, thinning factor
c.
0.8, in the south-central area, while it spans the range
c.
6–10 km further north. The results are compatible with previous seismic refraction work in both the UK and Irish sectors of the Rockall Basin. We believe that the extension which created the basin was non-magmatic and that the axial region is underlain by highly-thinned continental crust.

The results from the gravity inversion have been used to make predictions about the top-basement heat-flow history. Heat flow in the basin centre is predicted to have been initially high, reducing with time, associated with cooling of the transient synrift heat-flow anomaly. On the basin flanks heat flow was less variable over time, its magnitude controlled primarily by constant radiogenic heat input from the basement, rather than by the transient geotherm anomaly.

There remain considerable uncertainties associated with our interpretation and analysis. These uncertainties have been addressed with sensitivity analyses.

A regional gravity-inversion model, using the new sediment-thickness data spliced into regional public-domain information, shows that structural and stretching continuity can be mapped at the crustal scale along the full length of the UK/Irish Rockall Basin, contrary to conclusions from some previous studies.
Lateglacial to Holocene palaeoenvironmental change in the Muck Deep, offshore western Scotland
Authors: Arosio Riccardo , Howe John A.
Published: May 2018

Shelf basins (‘glacial incisions’) can preserve a detailed record of palaeoclimatic changes due to their low-energy environment. The ‘Muck Deep’, a complex of glacially-overdeepened troughs on the Inner Hebrides shelf constitutes an example of such an environment.

Five sediment cores from the Muck Deep have been analysed and related to geomorphological evidence and subsurface seismic facies. The cores show an integrated sequence of sedimentary and faunal variations from the retreat of ice (
c.
17 ka) to the present day. Glacimarine sandy muds with ice-rafted debris are dated to about 11.9 cal ka BP, supporting glacial occupancy in western Scotland until the latest stages of GS-1. The transition from a paraglacial to a more stable landscape is indicated by an erosional boundary in one of the cores dated between 11.3 and 11.6 cal ka BP. Sandy sediments in a core from 200 m water depth show two upward-fining cycles and a mid-core erosional unconformity, interpreted as bottom-current deposits. Such structures do not occur in the western Muck Deep, indicating different bottom current velocities through time. A regional signal of increasing current energy at the end of the Holocene marine transgression is interpreted as the onset of modern oceanographic conditions.

Supplementary material
: Extra figures and table content is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4093997