bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Titanium as a modifier of the peri‐implant microbiome structure
Authors: Daubert Diane , Pozhitkov Alexander , McLean Jeffrey , Kotsakis Georgios
Published: September 2018

Background

Recent data support the implication of accelerated titanium dissolution products in peri‐implantitis. It is unknown whether these dissolution products have an effect on the peri‐implant microbiome, the target of existing peri‐implantitis therapies.

Purpose

This study assessed the relationship between the peri‐implant microbiome, dissolved titanium levels, and peri‐implantitis.

Materials and Methods

Clinical, microbiome, and titanium data were collected from a periodontal population having implants in function for 10 years. Clinical examinations were performed, and submucosal plaque samples were collected from the deepest site per implant. An aliquot of the sample was used for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with the remainder analyzed for titanium quantity using mass spectrometry. Sequences were clustered into taxonomic units at 97% minimum sequence similarity using the QIIME pipeline approach.

Results

Fifteen implants were assessed. According to established case definitions, six had a diagnosis of peri‐implantitis; nine were healthy. The genera Streptococcus, Prevotella and Haemophilus characterized peri‐implant health. Peri‐implantitis was associated with a marked increase in Veillonella. Quantities of dissolved titanium were identified in 40% of sites. Titanium presence was associated with peri‐implant disease status (P = .02) and correlated to the first principal component of the microbiome (rho = 0.552) and its alpha‐diversity (rho = −0.496). Canonical correlation analyses found that titanium levels, but not health or disease status of the implant, were significantly associated with the microbiota composition (P = .045).

Conclusions

These findings suggest an association between titanium dissolution products and peri‐implantitis and support a role for these products in modifying the peri‐implant microbiome structure and diversity.
Association of mechanical bowel preparation with oral antibiotics and anastomotic leak following left sided colorectal resection: an international, multi‐centre, prospective audit
Authors:   The 2017 European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) collaborating group
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The optimal bowel preparation strategy to minimise the risk of anastomotic leak is yet to be determined. This study aimed to determine whether oral antibiotics combined with mechanical bowel preparation (MBP+Abx) was associated with a reduced risk of anastomotic leak when compared to mechanical bowel preparation alone (MBP) or no bowel preparation (NBP).

Methods

A pre‐planned analysis of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) 2017 Left Sided Colorectal Resection audit was performed. Patients undergoing elective left sided colonic or rectal resection with primary anastomosis between 1 January 2017 and 15 March 2017 by any operative approach were included. The primary outcome measure was anastomotic leak.

Results

Of 3676 patients across 343 centres in 47 countries, 618 (16.8%) received MBP+ABx, 1945 MBP (52.9%) and 1099 patients NBP (29.9%). Patients undergoing MBP+ABx had the lowest overall rate of anastomotic leak (6.1%, 9.2%, 8.7% respectively) in unadjusted analysis. After case‐mix adjustment using a mixed‐effects multivariable regression model, MBP+Abx was associated with a lower risk of anastomotic leak (OR 0.52, 0.30–0.92, P = 0.02) but MBP was not (OR 0.92, 0.63–1.36, P = 0.69) compared to NBP.

Conclusion

This non‐randomised study adds ‘real‐world’, contemporaneous, and prospective evidence of the beneficial effects of combined mechanical bowel preparation and oral antibiotics in the prevention of anastomotic leak following left sided colorectal resection across diverse settings. We have also demonstrated limited uptake of this strategy in current international colorectal practice.
The impact of conversion on the risk of major complication following laparoscopic colonic surgery: an international, multicentre prospective audit
Authors:   The 2017 and 2015 European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) collaborating groups
Published: September 2018

Background

Laparoscopy has now been implemented as a standard of care for elective colonic resection around the world. During the adoption period, studies showed that conversion may be detrimental to patients, with poorer outcomes than both laparoscopic completed or planned open surgery. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether laparoscopic conversion was associated with a higher major complication rate than planned open surgery in contemporary, international practice.

Methods

Combined analysis of the European Society of Coloproctology 2017 and 2015 audits. Patients were included if they underwent elective resection of a colonic segment from the caecum to the rectosigmoid junction with primary anastomosis. The primary outcome measure was the 30‐day major complication rate, defined as Clavien‐Dindo grade III‐V.

Results

Of 3980 patients, 64% (2561/3980) underwent laparoscopic surgery and a laparoscopic conversion rate of 14% (359/2561). The major complication rate was highest after open surgery (laparoscopic 7.4%, converted 9.7%, open 11.6%, P < 0.001). After case mix adjustment in a multilevel model, only planned open (and not laparoscopic converted) surgery was associated with increased major complications in comparison to laparoscopic surgery (OR 1.64, 1.27–2.11, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Appropriate laparoscopic conversion should not be considered a treatment failure in modern practice. Conversion does not appear to place patients at increased risk of complications vs planned open surgery, supporting broadening of selection criteria for attempted laparoscopy in elective colonic resection.
The 2017 European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) international snapshot audit of left colon, sigmoid and rectal resections – study protocol
Authors:   ESCP Cohort Studies and Audits Committee
Published: September 2018

Background

Left hemicolectomy, sigmoid, and rectal resections are commonly performed colorectal operations. There is significant variability in the techniques utilised to undertake these operationsat patient, surgeon and unit level.

Aim

To explore differences in patients, techniques and outcomes across an international cohort to identify areas of practice variability resulting in apparent differences in outcome warranting further study.

Endpoints

A three‐stage data collection strategy collecting patient demographics, operative details and outcome markers. Several outcomes measures will be used including mortality, surgical morbidity (including anastomotic leak) and length of hospital stay.

Methods

A two‐month prospective audit to be performed across Europe in early 2017, co‐ordinated by the European Society of Coloproctology. The main audit will be preceded by a one‐week, five centre pilot. Sites will be asked to pre‐register for the audit and obtain appropriate regional or national approvals. During the study period all eligible operations will be recorded contemporaneously and followed‐up through to 30 days. The audit will be performed using a standardised pre‐determined protocol and a secure online database. In the first ESCP conducted audit in 2015, 38 countries registered 3208 patients undergoing right hemi‐colectomy, while in the second audit 2441 patients undergoing stoma closure were recruited from 48 countries. It is expected that equivalent numbers will be obtained in this audit. The report of this audit will be prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the STROBE (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology) statement for observational studies.

Discussion

This multicentre, pan‐European audit will be delivered by colorectal surgeons and trainees in an organised and homogenous manner. The data obtained about areas of variability in provision or practice, and how this may impact upon outcomes, will serve to improve overall patient care as well as being hypothesis generating and inform areas needing future prospective study.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mortality, a competing risk analysis
Authors: Abukhalaf Jawad , Davidson Ross , Villalobos Nicolas , Meek Paula , Petersen Hans , Sood Akshay , Tesfaigzi Yohannes , Vazquez Guillamet Rodrigo
Published: September 2018

Background

Current risk factors for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease mortality focus only on overall and respiratory death. We investigated whether risk factors for each specific cause of mortality are different depending on the outcome under consideration.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients with a clinical diagnosis of COPD, older than 40, greater than 20 pack‐years smoking history, and obstructive pattern on spirometry. Collected data included baseline spirometry, comorbidities, medication use, tobacco exposure, severe exacerbations, and cause‐specific mortality.

Results

This 512 patient cohort of heavy smokers included 277 (54.1%) males, was on average 66.4 ± 9.4 years of age and primarily non‐Hispanic white, 395 (83.2%). The average FEV1% was 52.1% (SD = 16.9%) and the median COTE score was 2 (IQR: 0‐6). A total of 67 deaths were of respiratory causes in 26 patients (38.8%), malignancies in 21 (31.1%), cardiovascular causes in 6 (9%), and from other etiologies in 14 patients (20.1%). COTE index,low predicted FEV1%, and lower body mass index were significant predictors of overall mortality. Predictors of respiratory deaths were significantly impacted by lower FEV1%, history of COPD exacerbations, lower BMI, and higher number of pack‐years smoked. Risk factors for all other cause‐specific mortality combined included history of malignancy or cardiovascular disease and smoking status.

Conclusion

Cause‐specific mortality risk factors differ in patients with COPD.
A simple test to assess the emotional status of smokers
Authors: Monteschi Mariane , Ignacio de Padua Adriana , Riva Perez Carla , Vera Castellano Maria , Cedano Simone , Luiz Rodrigues‐Júnior Antonio , Baddini‐Martinez José
Published: September 2018

Background and aims

Smokers exhibit a high prevalence of psychological abnormalities, and these factors may contribute to smoking initiation, its maintenance, and quitting difficulties. This study reports the development of a scale aiming at evaluating the emotional status of smokers in face of tobacco.

Methods

Levels of Anxiety, Depression, Perceived Stress, Self‐esteem, and Loneliness of 120 smokers (age: 54.6 years; 74 women) were compared with those of 76 nonsmokers (age: 45.5 years; 47 women). Correlations between psychological scores, plus the feature Attachment to Cigarettes, and Fagerström test of nicotine dependence (FTND) counts were explored. Features showing the best correlations with FTND were selected to be part of a 6‐item scale called Smoker’s Emotional Test (SET). SET scores of this group and of an additional sample of smokers (n = 102; age = 52.6; women = 63) were submitted to psychometric analyses and validation tests.

Results

SET showed a structure of two factors, Anxiety/Depression and Attachment to Cigarettes. SET showed significant correlations with FTND (r = 0.418), number of smoked cigarettes (r = 0.299), time to urge for a new cigarette (r = −0.441), and pleasure of smoking (r = 0.346). The internal consistency of SET was higher than that of FTND scores (Cronbach’s alpha: respectively .712 and .542). The test‐retest reliability of SET was excellent (ICC = 0.944). SET scores higher than four distinguished smokers from nonsmokers with sensitivity of 87.3% and specificity of 92.7%.

Conclusions

SET is a simple instrument that gives an estimative of smoking‐related emotional status and may define a new valuable construct of tobacco addiction.
Can we generate robust species distribution models at the scale of the Southern Ocean?
Authors: Fabri‐Ruiz Salomé , Danis Bruno , David Bruno , Saucède Thomas
Published: September 2018

Aim

Species distribution modelling (SDM) represents a valuable alternative to predict species distribution over vast and remote areas of the ocean. We tested whether reliableSDMs can be generated for benthic marine organisms at the scale of the Southern Ocean. We aimed at identifying the main large‐scale factors that determine the distribution of the selected species. The robustness ofSDMs was tested with regards to sampling effort, species niche width and biogeography.

Location

Southern Ocean.

Methods

The impact of sampling effort was tested using two sets of data: one set with all presence‐only data available until 2005, and a second set using all data available until 2015 including recent records from campaigns carried out during the Census of Antarctic Marine Life (CAML) and the International Polar Year (IPY) period (2005–2010). The accuracy ofSDMs was tested using a ground‐truthing approach by comparing recent presence/absence data collected during theCAMLandIPYperiod to pre‐CAMLmodel predictions.

Results

Our results show the significance of theSDMapproach and the role of abiotic factors as important drivers of species distribution at broad spatial scale. The addition of recent data to the models significantly improved the prediction ofSDMand changed the respective contributions of environmental predictors. However, the intensity of change varied between models depending on sampling tools, species ecological niche width and biogeographic barriers to dispersal.

Main conclusions

We highlight the need for new data and the significance of the ground‐truthing approach to test the accuracy ofSDMs. We show the importance of data collected through international initiatives, su ch as theCAMLandIPYto the improvement of species distribution modelling at broad spatial scales. Finally, we discussed the relevance ofSDMas a relevant marine conservation tool particularly in the context of climate change and the definition of Marine Protected Areas.
A global assessment of the direct and indirect benefits of marine protected areas for coral reef conservation
Authors: Strain Elisabeth M. A. , Edgar Graham J. , Ceccarelli Daniela , Stuart‐Smith Rick D. , Hosack Geoffrey R. , Thomson Russell J.
Published: September 2018

Aim

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly implemented to conserve or restore coral reef biodiversity, yet evidence of their benefits for enhancing coral cover is limited and variable.

Location

30 MPAs worldwide and nearby sites (within 10 km).

Taxa

Cover of key functional groups for coral (total, branching, massive and tabular), and algae (total, filamentous, foliose) and total biomass of reef fish trophic groups (excavator, scraper, browser, higher carnivore).

Methods

We used a global dataset obtained using standardized survey methods at 465 sites associated with 30 MPAs in 28 ecoregions to test the effects of five key MPA attributes (>10 years old, well‐enforced, no‐take, large and isolated) on coral cover, algal cover and reef fish biomass. We also tested the direct (reducing disturbance by human activities) versus indirect pathways (increasing grazing potential through recovering populations of herbivorous fishes) by which MPAs can influence coral and algal cover.

Results

Only well‐enforced, no‐take and old (>10 years) MPAs had higher total coral cover (response ratio 1.08–1.19×) than fished sites, mostly due to the increased cover of massive coral growth forms (1.34–2.06×). This effect arose through both the direct influence of protection and indirect benefits of depressed algal cover by recovering herbivorous fish biomass. Neither the direct (standardized coefficient = 0.06) nor indirect effects (standardized coefficient = 0.04) of no‐take protection on coral cover were particularly strong, likely reflecting regional differences in fishing gear, targeted species and trophic webs.

Conclusions

MPAs promote the persistence of some functional groups of corals, and thus represent an important management tool, globally.
Assessing niche overlap between domestic and threatened wild sheep to identify conservation priority areas
Authors: Bleyhl Benjamin , Arakelyan Marine , Askerov Elshad , Bluhm Hendrik , Gavashelishvili Alexander , Ghasabian Mamikon , Ghoddousi Arash , Heidelberg Aurel , Khorozyan Igor , Malkhasyan Alexander , Manvelyan Karen , Masoud Mohammadreza , Moqanaki Ehsan M. , Radeloff Volker C. , Soofi Mahmood , Weinberg Paul , Zazanashvili Nugzar , Kuemmerle Tobias
Published: September 2018

Aim

Populations of large ungulates are dwindling worldwide. This is especially so for wild sheep, which compete with livestock for forage, are disturbed by shepherds and their dogs, and are exposed to disease transmissions from livestock. Our aim was to assess spatial patterns in realized niche overlap between wild and domestic sheep to better understand where potential competition might arise, and thus to identify priority areas for wild sheep recovery.

Location

Southern Caucasus (220,000 km2).

Methods

We studied Gmelin's mouflon (Ovis orientalis gmelinii), an ancestor of domestic sheep, to investigate seasonal habitat use and niche overlap with domestic sheep. To map habitat, we analysed mouflon occurrences collected during 2006–2016, and domestic sheep occurrences from shepherd camp locations digitized on high‐resolution satellite imagery. We mapped areas of potential competition between mouflon and domestic sheep and assessed potential habitat displacement.

Results

Mouflon and domestic sheep niches overlapped substantially (overlap index I = 0.89, where 1 means perfect overlap) but were not identical. Mouflon habitat was less widespread than domestic sheep habitat (14,000 vs. 40,270 km2) and tended to be located in more rugged areas with less vegetation cover. We identified 51 priority patches as reintroduction candidates if grazing pressure and poaching were reduced.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that competition with domestic sheep might have pushed mouflon into marginal habitat. Thus, conservation efforts focusing on current mouflon habitat might miss suitable reintroduction sites. We demonstrate that a combined habitat model for wild and domestic sheep can identify general sheep habitat, which might be more useful for conservation planning than understanding current mouflon habitat selection. Our results highlight that considering competition with livestock is important for large ungulate conservation, both in terms of reactive (e.g., lessening livestock pressure in prime habitat) and proactive strategies (e.g., reintroduction in areas with low contemporary overlap).
Supracondylar femoral rotation osteotomy affects frontal hip kinetics in children with bilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: Thielen Mirjam , Wolf Sebastian I , Klotz Matthias C M , Geisbüsch Andreas , Putz Cornelia , Krautwurst Britta , Dreher Thomas
Published: September 2018

Aim

To evaluate the influence of supracondylar femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) on hip abduction muscle force and frontal hip moments in children with bilateral cerebral palsy.

Method

For this retrospective cohort study 79 children (36 females, 43 males; mean age at surgery 11y [SD 3y]; range 4–17y) with bilateral cerebral palsy and preoperatively and 1‐year postoperatively documented frontal hip moments who received supracondylar FDO in 134 limbs were included. The control group consisted of eight children (two females, six males; mean age 11y [SD 4y]; range 5–17y) who received single‐event multi‐level surgery without FDO.

Results

Hip joint impulse (p<0.001) and the first peak of frontal hip moments (p=0.003) increased, whereas the second peak decreased (p<0.001) from preoperatively to postoperatively. Hip abductor strength improved (p=0.001) from preoperatively to postoperatively.

Interpretation

Despite the compensatory mechanism, frontal hip moments are decreased preoperatively. Supracondylar FDO results in increased frontal hip moments. Changes in anteversion directly influence hip kinetics, although no direct change of the proximal bony geometry is performed.

What this paper adds

Internal rotation gait cannot fully restore the frontal hip moment.

Supracondylar femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) influences frontal hip kinetics in children with bilateral cerebral palsy.

Supracondylar FDO changes the curve progression of frontal hip moments.

Supracondylar FDO restores the hip abductor moment arm.

Supracondylar FDO leads to an increase in hip abductor muscle force.
Can two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography be useful for left ventricular assessment in the early stages of hereditary haemochromatosis?
Authors: Rozwadowska Katarzyna , Daniłowicz‐Szymanowicz Ludmiła , Fijałkowski Marcin , Sikorska Katarzyna , Gałąska Rafał , Kozłowski Dariusz , Gruchała Marcin , Raczak Grzegorz
Published: September 2018

Background

Hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) is a common inherited disease. Abnormally increased intestinal iron absorption and accelerated recycling of iron by macrophages lead to progressive body iron accumulation and the generation of oxidative stress. In the late stages, iron overload can lead to dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV). It is believed that two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) can evaluate LV dysfunction more accurately than conventional echocardiography. This accurate evaluation seems to be clinically important in the early stages of HH before substantial damage of the LV. Evaluation of this assessment was the purpose of this paper.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 24 patients with early diagnosed HH and without any history of cardiovascular diseases; 23 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched volunteers constituted the control group. Standard echocardiographic parameters and LV rotation and strain parameters were assessed and compared between the groups.

Results

All echocardiographic parameters were within normal ranges, and there were no differences between the groups. 2D STE revealed significantly worse basal and apical rotation, twist and torsion values in HH patients. The peak systolic longitudinal strain was decreased in HH patients, even though the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was normal. There were weak correlations between the iron turnover and 2D STE parameters.

Conclusions

2D STE seems to be more sensitive than traditional echocardiography for detecting LV abnormalities in HH patients who are diagnosed early. The results of this study may be clinically useful, but their relevance and therapeutic implications remain to be confirmed by further studies.
Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography‐derived strain values acquired by a novel analysis program
Authors: Zhang Xijun , Zhu Haohui , Tian Xinqiao , Zhu Limin , Luo Shuaiwei , Yuan Jianjun
Published: September 2018

Objective

This in vitro study calculated longitudinal strain (LS) from different ultrasound systems (GE Vivid E9 and Philips IE 33) before and after myocardial infarct (MI) using a vendor‐independent analysis software package (TomTec's 4D LV Analysis) to validate the variation of two ultrasound systems.

Methods

Ten freshly harvested porcine hearts were passively driven by a pulsatile pump apparatus at stroke volumes (SV) 30–70 mL. Full‐volume three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) data were acquired before and after MI using two different ultrasound systems. LS was derived from TomTec and validated against sonomicrometry data.

Results

Linear regression analyses showed excellent correlations between TomTec‐calculated LS values and sonomicrometry data for both normal and simulated MI groups (GE: R2 = 0.72/0.68, Philip: R2 = 0.71/0.66). Bland‐Altman analyses demonstrated overestimation of echo‐derived strain values for all groups. Both ultrasound system‐derived strain values demonstrated decreased LS after MI, and the average change in strain after infarct was roughly 30% in GE images and 25% in Philips images.

Conclusions

Both GE and Philips echocardiographic systems can be analyzed with TomTec's program, and these images correlated well with sonomicrometry with acceptable variations.
Mistaken wages: the cost of labour in the early modern English economy, a reply to Robert C. Allen
Authors: Stephenson Judy Z.
Published: September 2018

This article responds to Robert C. Allen's reply to my new wage evidence for London, 1650–1800. The day rates Allen relies upon are not ‘wages’, and the evidence clearly points to a large difference between existing estimates and actual wages earned. His use of the piece rate in understanding earnings is significant, but cannot support a ‘high wage’ thesis. International comparisons that take new evidence into account do not show English wages to be any higher than elsewhere in Europe.
Tree guards and weed mats in a dry shrubland restoration in New Zealand
Authors: Dollery Rebecca , Bowie Mike H. , Dickinson Nicholas M.
Published: September 2018

Associated with restoration of 150 ha of native plant communities within a highly exposed low rainfall landscape, we evaluated whether the benefits of tree guards and weed mats justified a doubling of planting costs. One‐year‐old nursery‐grown specimens of Kānuka (Kunzea serotina) and Pomaderris (Pomaderris amoena) were planted with and without polythene and rigid plastic tree guards, and weed mats, then monitored for 12 months. Herbivory was reduced with both types of tree guard by 10–35%, but mortality was largely caused by desiccation. Polythene tree guards provided the best protection, buffering extremes of ambient and soil temperature in summer but with no effect on soil temperature in winter. Weed mat addition reduced soil temperature fluctuation further in winter; a moss turf mat was best. Both mulch and moss weed mats reduced soil temperature in summer and raised soil moisture in winter. We showed that tree guards could save at least NZ$ 70 k/ha, but this is likely to vary with plant species traits and site conditions.
Genetic diversity in the camellia weevil, Curculio chinensis Chevrolat (Coleptera: Curculionidae) and inferences for the impact of host plant and human activity
Authors: Zhang Shouke , Shu Jinping , Xue Huaijun , Zhang Wei , Wang Yangdong , Liu Yaning , Wang Haojie
Published: September 2018

The camellia weevil, Curculio chinensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a host‐specific parasite of Camellia seeds that causes huge economic losses in China. Despite its economic impact, little is known about the species’ genetic structure and current distribution status, which are important to provide critical insights into establishing a control strategy for this pest. Here, genetic diversity and the phylogenetic structure of C. chinensis were inferred using the sequences of COI and EF1‐α among different geographical populations. Twenty‐two haplotypes for the COI gene and 26 haplotypes for EF1‐α in 215 individuals from 16 sample regions in China were found. A phylogenetic analysis revealed four distinct clades within C. chinensis. The amova analysis showed significant genetic differentiation among all the populations sampled, however, the genetic differentiation among the residual populations was not significant when JX (Jiangxi) and TC (Tengchong) populations were excluded. The M (M = Nm for haploid data, M = 2 Nm for diploid data) value analysis suggested that JX and TC populations were significantly different from other populations. Thus, these results imply that human activity and host plant could have a significant impact on C. chinensis population diversity and the current geographical population pattern.
Evolution and course of early life developmental encephalopathic epilepsies: Focus on Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome
Authors: Berg Anne T. , Levy Susan R. , Testa Francine M.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Developmental encephalopathic epilepsies (DEEs) are characterized by refractory seizures, disability, and early death. Opportunities to improve care and outcomes focus on West syndrome/infantile spasms (WS/IS). Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is almost as common but receives little attention. We examined initial presentations of DEEs and their evolution over time to identify risk and indicators of developing LGS.

Methods

Data are from the Connecticut Study of Epilepsy, a prospective, longitudinal study of 613 children with newly diagnosed epilepsy recruited in 1993‐1997. Central review of medical records permitted classification of epilepsy syndromes at diagnosis and at reclassification 2, 5, and 9 years later. DEEs were compared to other epilepsies for seizure and cognitive outcomes and mortality. Analyses examined the evolution of DEE syndromes after initial presentation, with specific comparisons made between WS/IS and LGS. Statistical analyses were performed with t tests and chi‐square tests.

Results

Fifty‐eight children (9.4%) had DEEs, median onset age = 1.1 years (interquartile range ([IQR] 0.3‐1.3) in DEEs and 6.0 years (IQR 3.0‐9.0) in other epilepsies (P < 0.001). DEEs vs other epilepsies had more pharmacoresistance (71% vs 18%), intellectual disability (84% vs 11%), and mortality (21% vs <1%; all P < 0.001). During follow‐up, the form of epilepsy evolved in 33 children. WS/IS was the most common initial diagnosis (N = 23) and in 5 children WS/IS evolved later. LGS was diagnosed initially in 4 children (1 later revised) and in 22 by the end of follow‐up, including 7 evolving from WS/IS and 12 from nonsyndromic generalized, focal, or undetermined epilepsies. Evolution to LGS took a median of 1.9 years. LGS developed in 13% of infants, including 9% of those who did not present initially with WS/IS.

Significance

DEEs account for disproportionate amounts of pharmacoresistance, disability, and early mortality. LGS often has a window between initial presentation and full expression. LGS should become targeted for early detection and prevention.
Climate‐induced vulnerability of fisheries in the Coral Triangle: Skipjack Tuna thermal spawning habitats
Authors: Venegas Roberto , Oliver Thomas , Brainard Russell E. , Santos Mudjekeewis , Geronimo Rollan , Widlansky Matthew
Published: September 2018

We investigated projected changes in sea surface temperature (SST) and the associated impacts on spawning habitat for skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in the Coral Triangle region (CT). A multimodel aggregate of SST CMIP5 models for the CT region, based on a comprehensive skill validation assessment, was used to identify the five best performing of 36 models tested for inclusion in a regional multimodel ensemble. Monthly 1° SST multimodel aggregate projections for the CT region under RCP8.5 show that increases in SST, as high as 2.8°C (mean value), will likely occur by the end of this century. Using these estimates of SST change, we applied three parameterizations of skipjack tuna spawning temperatures to assess the potential for change in spawning habitat within the CT region. The three spawning temperature parameterizations were as follows: (a) a square‐wave function derived from catch data with boundaries at 26 and 30°C; (b) a symmetric Gaussian function derived from the SEAPODYM models; and (c) an asymmetric Gaussian function that modifies the SEAPODYM curve in (b) to include the results of relevant physiological experiments. All three parameterizations show similar geographic patterns, with the amount of favourable spawning habitat decreasing throughout the central, equatorial CT region and increasing at higher latitudes. However, the three parameterizations show marked differences in the modelled magnitude of change, with an asymmetric Gaussian function (ASGF) showing a regionwide average of 66.1% decline in favourable spawning habitat between 2015 and 2099. These projected changes in tuna spawning habitats are likely to have important consequences on local and regional fisheries management in the CT region.
Environmental distances are more important than geographic distances when predicting spatial synchrony of zooplankton populations in a tropical reservoir
Authors: Lopes Vanessa G. , Castelo Branco Christina W. , Kozlowsky‐Suzuki Betina , Sousa‐Filho Izidro F. , e Souza Leonardo Coimbra , Bini Luis Mauricio
Published: September 2018

Several studies have shown that spatial synchrony, which is defined as the strength of the correlation between time series, is a common pattern that occurs in different regions, types of ecosystems and groups of organisms. In addition to applied research (optimisation of monitoring networks and population persistence), spatial synchrony has important implications for unravelling the processes underlying environmental and biological dynamics.

We quantified the levels of synchrony among six sites in a tropical reservoir (Lajes Reservoir, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) over 85 months (from August 2001 to December 2009) for twelve environmental variables, four broad zooplankton groups (testate amoebae, rotifers, cladocerans and copepods) and 23 abundant taxa.

We hypothesised that (a) environmental synchrony would be higher than biological synchrony; (b) high synchrony would be found; and (c) biological synchrony matrices would be positively correlated with environmental synchrony and negatively correlated with both environmental and geographic distances. A strong relationship between biological synchrony and environmental matrices, when compared to geographic distance, would be consistent with the hypothesis that similar environmental variability synchronises the dynamics of local populations (Moran effect).

In comparison to previous studies, we found high levels of synchrony. Environmental synchrony was often higher than biological synchrony, which was in line with our expectation and previous findings. The high levels of synchrony found in this study suggest that reservoir zonation was not enough to desynchronise the dynamics at the sites for both environmental and biological variables. Spatial synchrony in zooplankton populations declined more consistently with environmental distance than with geographic distance. Additionally, environmental distances were unrelated to geographic distances.

Taken together, these results indicate a preponderant role of the Moran effect. Thus, as synchrony increases extinction rates, we speculate that novel ecosystems may be highly susceptible to regional‐wide changes in environmental factors.
Habitat suitability estimated by niche models is largely unrelated to species abundance
Authors: Dallas Tad A. , Hastings Alan
Published: September 2018

Aim

Data on species occurrences are far more common than data on species abundances. However, a central goal of large‐scale ecology is to understand the spatial distribution of abundance. It has been proposed that species distribution models trained on species occurrence records may capture variation in species abundance. Here, we gauge support for relationships between species abundance and predicted climatic suitability from species distribution models, and relate the slope of this relationship to species traits, evolutionary relationships and sampling completeness.

Location

USA.

Time period

1658–2017.

Major taxa studied

Mammal and tree species.

Methods, Results

To explore the generality of abundance–suitability relationships, we trained species distribution models on species occurrence and species abundance data for 246 mammal species and 158 tree species, and related model‐predicted occurrence probabilities to population abundance predictions. Further, we related the resulting abundance–suitability relationship coefficients to species traits, geographic range sizes, evolutionary relationships and the number of occurrence records to investigate a potential trait or sampling basis for abundance–suitability relationship detectability. We found little evidence for consistent abundance–suitability relationships in mammal ( = .045) or tree ( = −.005) species, finding nearly as many negative and positive relationships. These relationships had little explanatory power, and coefficients were unrelated to species traits, range size or evolutionary relationships.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest that species climatic suitability based on occurrence data may not be reflected in species abundances, suggesting a need to investigate nonclimatic sources of species abundance variation.
Effects of play activities program for nursing home residents with dementia on pain and psychological well‐being: Cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tse Mimi M.Y. , Lau Joyce L. , Kwan Rick , Cheung Daphne , Tang Angel S.K. , Ng Shamay S.M. , Lee Paul H. , Yeung Suey S.Y.
Published: September 2018

Aim

The prevalence of chronic pain among nursing home residents with dementia is high. This present study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a play activities program among nursing home residents with dementia.

Methods

Each nursing home was randomly assigned to an experimental group or control group. A 1‐h play activities program was offered weekly for 8 weeks to the experimental group, whereas participants in the control group read books and magazines for 15 min weekly for the 8 weeks. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, post‐intervention (at week 8) and 4 weeks after the intervention.

Results

A total of 53 nursing home residents from four nursing homes were recruited. There were significant treatment effects on pain, depression and happiness level when comparing the experimental group and control group. However, there were no treatment effects on activities of daily living, social engagement, behavioral symptoms and mobility between the two groups.

Conclusion

The play activities program was useful in reducing pain and improving the psychological health of nursing home residents with dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1485–1490.
Hemodialysis for treatment of levofloxacin‐induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Idrees Najia , Almeqdadi Mohammad , Balakrishnan Vaidyanathapuram S. , Jaber Bertrand L.
Published: September 2018

Levofloxacin, a third‐generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is rarely associated with neurotoxicity. Patients with advanced kidney disease are particularly vulnerable to this adverse effect. We present two elderly patients with kidney failure who developed levofloxacin‐induced neurotoxicity, which was successfully treated with frequent hemodialysis, resulting in the full resolution of their symptoms. Neurotoxicity is a well‐known side effect of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Postulated mechanisms include inhibition of the gamma‐aminobutyric acid A receptors and activation of the excitatory N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors. Risk factors include older age, kidney disease, pre‐existing neurological disorders, and drug–drug interactions. While management of levofloxacin‐induced neurotoxicity includes discontinuation of the drug and supportive care, hemodialysis is not recommended, despite available pharmacokinetic data in support of its dialyzability. The successful use of hemodialysis for the treatment of levofloxacin‐induced neurotoxicity observed in our two patients with kidney failure should be further considered for rapid resolution of this rare fluoroquinolone‐related adverse effect in patients with impaired kidney function.
Histopathological changes in androgenized ovaries are recovered by melatonin treatment
Authors: de Souza Bianca R. , de Almeida Chuffa Luiz Gustavo , Simão Vinícius Augusto , Camargo Isabel C. C.
Published: September 2018

Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is a synthetic steroid, which promotes adverse effects on the ovarian tissue, and melatonin (MLT) exhibits a number of beneficial properties in the reproductive system. This study evaluated the general features of the ovarian tissue and the immunoexpression of sex steroid receptors in ND‐treated rats that were submitted to short‐term melatonin treatment. Adult rats received mineral oil (control group) and ND at doses of 7.5 mg/kg for 15 days (ND‐treated group). The treatment with MLT (10mg/kg for 7 days) was given alone, before or in combination with ND. All ND‐treated animals showed persistent dioestrus. In the androgenized groups that received MLT, ovarian morphology and size, and the number/area of corpora lutea were recovered. The number of healthy and atretic follicles was recovered when MLT was administered prior to ND; this was similar to the ovaries of control and MLT groups. There was a decrease in estrogen receptors immunostaining in the follicles of androgenized rats that were treated with MLT, and pretreatment with MLT reduced the expression of androgen receptor in atretic follicles and corpora lutea, when compared with ND‐treated group. We conclude that MLT treatment recovered the histopathological aspects of the androgenized ovaries, and MLT pretreatment was the most effective.
Hyperactivation of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenocortical axis in streptozotocin‐diabetic gerbils (Gerbillus gerbillus)
Authors: Hammadi Soumia , Chan Owen , Abdellali Mohamed , Medjerab Maha , Agoun Hadjer , Bellahreche Zineb , Khalkhal Ali , Dahmani Yasmina
Published: September 2018

This study was designed to investigate the HPA‐axis impairment in the streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic gerbils (Gerbillus gerbillus). Twenty‐six male gerbils (body weight ~27 g) were divided into 3 groups: vehicle control (n = 10), 2 days of diabetes (n = 09) and 30 days of diabetes (n = 07). The latter 2 groups received an intraperitoneal injection of STZ (150 mg/kg of body weight). At 2 and 30 days of diabetes, streptozotocin‐diabetic gerbils underwent a retro‐orbital puncture for assessment of biochemical and hormonal parameters. Subsequently the animals were decapitated and the adrenal glands were removed, weighed and processed for light microscopy and stereology. Nondiabetic control gerbils that had been injected with citrate buffer were examined as a comparison. At 2 days of diabetes, STZ gerbils exhibited symptoms that are characteristic of human diabetes type 1. The adrenal gland showed significant increase in weight, associated with a larger cortex layer, hypertrophy of the fasciculate cells and a significant decrease in the nucleocytoplasmic index. These changes were associated with higher plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations compared to nondiabetic controls. At 30 days postdiabetes, ACTH levels remained elevated, whereas cortisol levels decreased compared to the early stage of diabetes. Histological analysis revealed the existence of a band of connective tissue (collagen) that separates the cortical and medullary zones and is not present in humans or laboratory rodents, which represents a striking change seen throughout the disease. STZ‐induced diabetes mellitus in Gerbillus gerbillus resulted in hyperactivation of the HPA axis in the early stages of diabetes mellitus which did not persist into the final stages of the disease, suggesting a possible reduction in adrenocortical sensitivity over time.
Lean body weight dosing avoids excessive systemic exposure to proton pump inhibitors for children with obesity
Authors: Shakhnovich V. , Abdel‐Rahman S. , Friesen C. A. , Weigel J. , Pearce R. E. , Gaedigk A. , Leeder J. S. , Kearns G. L.
Published: September 2018

Background

Children with obesity are more likely to suffer gastroesophageal reflux disease, requiring acid‐suppression therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and no guidelines regarding dosing.

Objective

To prospectively evaluate lean‐body‐weight‐based (LBW) dosing of the PPI pantoprazole for children with and without obesity.

Methods

Methods: Sixty‐two children (6–17 years) received a one‐time oral dose of liquid pantoprazole (1.2 mg kg−1 LBW). Plasma pantoprazole concentrations were measured at 10 time points over 8 h and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles generated using non‐compartmental techniques, in order to compare PK parameters of interest between children with and without obesity, while accounting for CYP2C19 genotype.

Results

Adjusted for milligram‐per‐kilogram total body weight (TBW) pantoprazole received, apparent drug clearance (CL/F) was reduced 50% in children with vs. without obesity (p=0.03). LBW‐based dosing compensated for this reduction in CL/F (p = 0.15).

Conclusion

To achieve comparable systemic PPI exposures for children with and without obesity, we recommend using LBW, rather than TBW‐based dosing for pantoprazole.
A randomized controlled trial to prevent obesity among Latino paediatric patients
Authors: Crespo N. C. , Talavera G. A. , Campbell N. R. , Shadron L. M. , Behar A. I. , Slymen D. , Ayala G. X. , Wilfley D. , Elder J. P.
Published: September 2018

Background

Obesity disproportionately affects Latino youth. Community clinics are an important resource, yet there is little evidence for the efficacy of clinic‐based approaches in this population.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a clinic‐based intervention to lower body mass index (BMI) and improve body composition among overweight Latino children.

Methods

A randomized trial (2 group × 3 repeated measures) was conducted among 297 randomly sampled, overweight paediatric patients (5–10 years old) and their parents. The 12‐month family‐based culturally tailored behavioural intervention (Luces de Cambio) was based on the ‘traffic light’ concepts to address behaviour change and was delivered by clinic health educators and mid‐level providers. The primary study outcome was child BMI (kg m−2) assessed at baseline, 6‐month (n = 191) and 12‐month (n = 201) post‐baseline. A subsample of the children was examined for overall and site‐specific adiposity using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (n = 79).

Results

There were no significant intervention effects on child BMI (p > 0.05); however, intervention children showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower total and trunk per cent fat compared with the usual care condition.

Conclusions

The Luces intervention did not reduce child BMI, yet small but significant reductions were observed for child per cent body fat. Further research is needed to identify and reduce barriers to recruitment and participation among Latino families.
Fat trajectory after birth in very preterm infants mimics healthy term infants
Authors: Al‐Theyab N. A. , Donovan T. J. , Eiby Y. A. , Colditz P. B. , Lingwood B. E.
Published: September 2018

Background

Infants born very preterm experience poor postnatal growth relative to intrauterine growth, but at term equivalent age, they have increased percentage body fat compared with infants born at term.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess body composition in very preterm infants born before 32 weeks postmenstrual age and to compare this with infants born at 32–36 weeks of gestation.

Methods

Percentage fat, fat mass and fat‐free mass were measured in 87 very preterm infants born <32 weeks of gestation and studied at 32–36 weeks and in 88 control infants born at 32–36 weeks of gestation and measured on days 2–5 postnatally.

Results

At 32–36 weeks, very preterm infants were lighter and shorter, had significantly greater percentage fat and absolute fat mass and had a significantly lower absolute fat‐free mass than the control group. The trajectory in percentage fat over increasing postnatal age in very preterm infants was closely aligned to that in term infants.

Conclusions

Infants born very preterm accumulate fat rapidly after birth and have a deficit in fat‐free mass. Fat accumulation may be triggered by birth or associated events. If this rapid fat accretion is not taken into account, assessment of growth based on weight alone will underestimate the deficit in fat‐free mass.