bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic and functional diversity of butterflies along an altitudinal gradient in two NATURA 2000 sites in Greece
Authors: Kaltsas Dimitris , Dede Konstantinia , Giannaka Jamie , Nasopoulou Themis , Kechagioglou Stavros , Grigoriadou Elpida , Raptis Dimitrios , Damos Petros , Vasiliadis Ioakim , Christopoulos Vasilios , Loukaki Elena , Franses Rolanda , Vlachaki Despoina , Avtzis Dimitrios N.
Published: February 2018

We investigated the patterns of taxonomic and functional diversity of butterflies within the limits of the NATURA 2000 sites at two national parks, on the mountains Olympus and Rhodopes, in Greece. The study was conducted along an elevation gradient in 24 sampling sites on each mountain using the line transect technique.

Species richness and abundance followed a monotonic decline on Olympus which is much higher, steeper and has a smaller area size, whereas there was no significant pattern on Rhodopes where average richness and abundance were highest at the extended mid‐elevations with flatter landscape. The altitudinal zonation of butterfly communities on both mountains was primarily due to the specificity of some red‐listed species to high elevations, as well as to the preference of common butterfly species for low or intermediate altitudes.

Additive partitioning and null model analyses suggest an ecological redundancy on both mountains, as the environment is filtering species in terms of their environmental requirements rather than their functional position per se. Butterfly communities at high altitudes were not nested subsets of lowland communities. Environmental filtering led to the dominance of generalist species of which many were taxonomically close and had also similar life‐history traits.

The application of complementary networks showed that butterfly SPecies of European conservation Concern (SPEC) are good surrogates of the overall butterfly fauna on both mountains. Thus, our study highlights the importance of the conservation targeting of SPEC's especially at high elevations, where red‐listed butterflies are more frequent and potentially threatened by climate change.
Effectiveness of mobile cooperation intervention on students’ clinical learning outcomes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Strandell‐Laine Camilla , Saarikoski Mikko , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Meretoja Riitta , Salminen Leena , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: February 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the mobile cooperation intervention in improving the competence and self‐efficacy of students and the quality of the clinical learning environment.

Background

For students, the clinical practicum is challenging as such and moreover the student — teacher cooperation, which supports the clinical learning of the students, has become complicated. Mobile applications have potential but their role in facilitating this cooperation remains unknown.

Design

A parallel‐group randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Data were collected between January–March 2015 in Finland. The nursing students were randomly allocated to an intervention group (N = 52) or control group (N = 50). The intervention group used a mobile application to cooperate with the teacher during the clinical practicum. The control group engaged in standard cooperation. The primary outcome was competence. The secondary outcomes comprised self‐efficacy and the quality of the clinical learning environment. Nurse Competence Scale, Self‐efficacy in Clinical Performance instrument and the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale were used for student self‐assessments. For the main analysis, hierarchical linear mixed models were used with the intention‐to‐treat principle.

Results

Competence and self‐efficacy showed no significant between‐group differences in mean improvements, but significant improvements in both groups were detected over the 5 weeks. Satisfaction with the clinical learning environment showed no significant between‐group differences, however, the role of the nurse teacher subscale, especially regarding cooperation, showed significant group differences.

Conclusion

The mobile cooperation intervention was not significantly effective in improving individual outcomes, but did seem to improve significantly some aspects of the contextual outcomes.

Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02635295.
Construct validity of the Heart Failure Screening Tool (Heart‐FaST) to identify heart failure patients at risk of poor self‐care: Rasch analysis
Authors: Reynolds Nicholas A. , Ski Chantal F. , McEvedy Samantha M. , Thompson David R. , Cameron Jan
Published: February 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to psychometrically evaluate the Heart Failure Screening Tool (Heart‐FaST) via: (1) examination of internal construct validity; (2) testing of scale function in accordance with design; and (3) recommendation for change/s, if items are not well adjusted, to improve psychometric credential.

Background

Self‐care is vital to the management of heart failure. The Heart‐FaST may provide a prospective assessment of risk, regarding the likelihood that patients with heart failure will engage in self‐care.

Design

Psychometric validation of the Heart‐FaST using Rasch analysis.

Method

The Heart‐FaST was administered to 135 patients (median age = 68, IQR = 59–78 years; 105 males) enrolled in a multidisciplinary heart failure management program. The Heart‐FaST is a nurse‐administered tool for screening patients with HF at risk of poor self‐care. A Rasch analysis of responses was conducted which tested data against Rasch model expectations, including whether items serve as unbiased, non‐redundant indicators of risk and measure a single construct and that rating scales operate as intended.

Results

The results showed that data met Rasch model expectations after rescoring or deleting items due to poor discrimination, disordered thresholds, differential item functioning, or response dependence. There was no evidence of multidimensionality which supports the use of total scores from Heart‐FaST as indicators of risk.

Conclusion

Aggregate scores from this modified screening tool rank heart failure patients according to their “risk of poor self‐care” demonstrating that the Heart‐FaST items constitute a meaningful scale to identify heart failure patients at risk of poor engagement in heart failure self‐care.
Nurses' beliefs about nursing diagnosis: A study with cluster analysis
Authors: D'Agostino Fabio , Pancani Luca , Romero‐Sánchez José Manuel , Lumillo‐Gutierrez Iris , Paloma‐Castro Olga , Vellone Ercole , Alvaro Rosaria
Published: February 2018

Aims

To identify clusters of nurses in relation to their beliefs about nursing diagnosis among two populations (Italian and Spanish);

to investigate differences among clusters of nurses in each population considering the nurses' socio‐demographic data, attitudes towards nursing diagnosis, intentions to make nursing diagnosis and actual behaviours in making nursing diagnosis.

Background

Nurses' beliefs concerning nursing diagnosis can influence its use in practice but this is still unclear.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A convenience sample of nurses in Italy and Spain was enrolled. Data were collected between 2014‐2015 using tools, that is, a socio‐demographic questionnaire and behavioural, normative and control beliefs, attitudes, intentions and behaviours scales.

Results

The sample included 499 nurses (272 Italians & 227 Spanish). Of these, 66.5% of the Italian and 90.7% of the Spanish sample were female. The mean age was 36.5 and 45.2 years old in the Italian and Spanish sample respectively. Six clusters of nurses were identified in Spain and four in Italy. Three clusters were similar among the two populations. Similar significant associations between age, years of work, attitudes towards nursing diagnosis, intentions to make nursing diagnosis and behaviours in making nursing diagnosis and cluster membership in each population were identified.

Conclusion

Belief profiles identified unique subsets of nurses that have distinct characteristics. Categorizing nurses by belief patterns may help administrators and educators to tailor interventions aimed at improving nursing diagnosis use in practice.
Loneliness in people with intellectual and developmental disorders across the lifespan: A systematic review of prevalence and interventions
Authors: Alexandra Petroutsou , Angela Hassiotis , Ali Afia
Published: February 2018

Background

The aim of the study was to conduct the first systematic review investigating the prevalence of loneliness in people with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) and the interventions targeting loneliness.

Method

A search across five databases was conducted (May 2016–June 2016). One reviewer (A. P.) selected the articles for inclusion and assessed their risk of bias using a standardized tool. The second reviewer (A. H.) examined the list of included/excluded articles and the ratings of the studies.

Results

Five prevalence studies met the inclusion criteria and provided an average loneliness prevalence of 44.74%. Only one intervention study was included, and it demonstrated that there was not any significant group difference for loneliness outcomes (p = .21). The majority of the studies had a weak quality rating.

Conclusion

The systematic review evidenced that loneliness is a common experience in people with IDD and there is a need to extend current research.
A novel susceptibility locus in MST1 and gene‐gene interaction network for Crohn's disease in the Chinese population
Authors: Wu William K.K. , Sun Rui , Zuo Tao , Tian Yuanyuan , Zeng Zhirong , Ho Jeffery , Wu Justin C.Y. , Chan Francis K.L. , Chan Matthew T.V. , Yu Jun , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Wong Sunny H. , Wang Maggie H. , Ng Siew C.
Published: February 2018

The incidence of Crohn's disease is increasing in many Asian countries, but considerable differences in genetic susceptibility have been reported between Western and Asian populations. This study aimed to fine‐map 23 previously reported Crohn's disease genes and identify their interactions in the Chinese population by Illumina‐based targeted capture sequencing. Our results showed that the genetic polymorphism A>G at rs144982232 in MST1 showed the most significant association (P = 1.78 × 10−5; odds ratio = 4.87). JAK2 rs1159782 (T>C) was also strongly associated with Crohn's disease (P = 2.34 × 10−4; odds ratio = 3.72). Gene‐gene interaction analysis revealed significant interactions between MST1 and other susceptibility genes, including NOD2, MUC19 and ATG16L1 in contributing to Crohn's disease risk. Main genetic associations and gene‐gene interactions were verified using ImmunoChip data set. In conclusion, a novel susceptibility locus in MST1 was identified. Our analysis suggests that MST1 might interact with key susceptibility genes involved in autophagy and bacterial recognition. These findings provide insight into the genetic architecture of Crohn's disease in Chinese and may partially explain the disparity of genetic signals in Crohn's disease susceptibility across different ethnic populations by highlighting the contribution of gene‐gene interactions.
Cross‐sectional serum metabolomic study of multiple forms of muscular dystrophy
Authors: Spitali Pietro , Hettne Kristina , Tsonaka Roula , Sabir Ekrem , Seyer Alexandre , Hemerik Jesse B.A. , Goeman Jelle J. , Picillo Esther , Ergoli Manuela , Politano Luisa , Aartsma‐Rus Annemieke
Published: February 2018

Muscular dystrophies are characterized by a progressive loss of muscle tissue and/or muscle function. While metabolic alterations have been described in patients’‐derived muscle biopsies, non‐invasive readouts able to describe these alterations are needed in order to objectively monitor muscle condition and response to treatment targeting metabolic abnormalities. We used a metabolomic approach to study metabolites concentration in serum of patients affected by multiple forms of muscular dystrophy such as Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies, limb‐girdle muscular dystrophies type 2A and 2B, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. We show that 15 metabolites involved in energy production, amino acid metabolism, testosterone metabolism and response to treatment with glucocorticoids were differentially expressed between healthy controls and Duchenne patients. Five metabolites were also able to discriminate other forms of muscular dystrophy. In particular, creatinine and the creatine/creatinine ratio were significantly associated with Duchenne patients performance as assessed by the 6‐minute walk test and north star ambulatory assessment. The obtained results provide evidence that metabolomics analysis of serum samples can provide useful information regarding muscle condition and response to treatment, such as to glucocorticoids treatment.
AZD1208, a pan‐Pim kinase inhibitor, inhibits adipogenesis and induces lipolysis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Park Yu‐Kyoung , Obiang‐Obounou Brice Wilfried , Lee Kyung‐Bok , Choi Jong‐Soon , Jang Byeong‐Churl
Published: February 2018

The proviral integration moloney murine leukaemia virus (Pim) kinases, consisting of Pim‐1, Pim‐2 and Pim‐3, are involved in the control of cell growth, metabolism and differentiation. Pim kinases are emerging as important mediators of adipocyte differentiation. AZD1208 is a pan‐Pim kinase inhibitor and is known for its anti‐cancer activity. In this study, we investigated the effect of AZD1208 on adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3‐L1 cells, a murine preadipocyte cell line. AZD1208 markedly suppressed lipid accumulation and reduced triglyceride contents in differentiating 3T3‐L1 cells, suggesting the drug's anti‐adipogenic effect. On mechanistic levels, AZD1208 reduced not only the expressions of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein‐α (C/EBP‐α), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) and perilipin A but also the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT‐3) in differentiating 3T3‐L1 cells. Remarkably, AZD1208 increased cAMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and LKB‐1 phosphorylation while decreased intracellular ATP contents in differentiating 3T3‐L1 cells. Furthermore, in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, AZD1208 also partially promoted lipolysis and enhanced the phosphorylation of hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL), a key lipolytic enzyme, indicating the drug's HSL‐dependent lipolysis. In summary, the findings show that AZD1208 has anti‐adipogenic and lipolytic effects on 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. These effects are mediated by the expression and/or phosphorylation levels of C/EBP‐α, PPAR‐γ, FAS, ACC, perilipin A, STAT‐3, AMPK and HSL.
Transcriptome analysis reveals TMPRSS6 isoforms with distinct functionalities
Authors: Dion Sébastien P. , Béliveau François , Désilets Antoine , Ghinet Mariana Gabriela , Leduc Richard
Published: February 2018

TMPRSS6 (matriptase‐2) is a type II transmembrane serine protease involved in iron homoeostasis. At the cell surface of hepatocytes, TMPRSS6 cleaves haemojuvelin (HJV) and regulates the BMP/SMAD signalling pathway leading to production of hepcidin, a key regulator of iron absorption. Although four TMPRSS6 human isoforms and three mice Tmprss6 isoforms are annotated in databases (Ensembl and RefSeq), their relative expression or activity has not been studied. Analyses of RNA‐seq data and RT‐PCR from human tissues reveal that TMPRSS6 isoform 1 (TMPRSS6‐1) and 3 are mostly expressed in human testis while TMPRSS6‐2 and TMPRSS6‐4 are the main transcripts expressed in human liver, testis and pituitary. Furthermore, we confirm the existence and analyse the relative expression of three annotated mice Tmprss6 isoforms. Using heterologous expression in HEK293 and Hep3B cells, we show that all human TMPRSS6 isoforms reach the cell surface but only TMPRSS6‐1 undergoes internalization. Moreover, truncated TMPRSS6‐3 or catalytically altered TMPRSS6‐4 interact with HJV and prevent its cleavage by TMPRSS6‐2, suggesting their potential role as dominant negative isoforms. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of understanding the precise function of each TMPRSS6 isoforms both in human and in mouse.
Whole‐exome sequencing for diagnosis of hereditary ichthyosis
Authors: Sitek J.C. , Kulseth M.A. , Rypdal K.B. , Skodje T. , Sheng Y. , Retterstøl L.
Published: February 2018

Background

Hereditary ichthyosis constitutes a diverse group of cornification disorders. Identification of the molecular cause facilitates optimal patient care.

Objective

We wanted to estimate the diagnostic yield of applying whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in the routine genetic workup of inherited ichthyosis.

Methods

During a 3‐year‐period, all ichthyosis patients, except X‐linked and mild vulgar ichthyosis, consecutively admitted to a university hospital clinic were offered WES with subsequent analysis of ichthyosis‐related genes as a first‐line genetic investigation. Clinical and molecular data have been collected retrospectively.

Results

Genetic variants causative for the ichthyosis were identified in 27 of 34 investigated patients (79.4%). In all, 31 causative mutations across 13 genes were disclosed, including 12 novel variants. TGM1 was the most frequently mutated gene, accounting for 43.7% of patients suffering from autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI).

Conclusion

Whole‐exome sequencing appears an effective tool in disclosing the molecular cause of patients with hereditary ichthyosis seen in clinical practice and should be considered a first‐tier genetic test in these patients.
Is atopic dermatitis associated with obesity? A systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Ali Z. , Suppli Ulrik C. , Agner T. , Thomsen S.F.
Published: February 2018

Obesity has been associated with atopic dermatitis (AD); however, the results have been conflicting. Our aim was to provide an update on current knowledge from observational studies addressing the possible association between obesity and AD. Systematic literature review was performed by identifying studies addressing a possible link between AD and overweight/obesity from PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. A total of 45 studies (comprising more than 90 000 individuals with AD) fulfilled the criteria and were included in the present review. The available studies revealed inconsistencies, but the majority indicated that obesity is associated with AD. Studies addressing obesity in infancy or early childhood (age < 2 years) and AD reported a positive association. From childhood into adulthood, there is a discrepancy in the observations, as the more recent prospective studies found a positive association, whereas this was not observed in older cross‐sectional studies. The inconsistency might be explained by the difference in study design, the diagnostic criteria of AD, regional differences, and by the varied definitions of overweight and obesity used in the studies. In Conclusion, overweight/obesity is associated with an increased risk of AD. Large prospective cohort studies are required to confirm the association between AD and obesity and the possibility that weight control in childhood may help to mitigate or reverse AD symptoms.
Are Court Orders Sticky? Evidence on Distributional Impacts from School Finance Litigation
Authors: Liscow Zachary
Published: February 2018

Whether welfare analysis of legal rule changes should evaluate distributional outcomes as well as efficiency depends crucially on how much their distributional impacts stick. That is, do court mandates ultimately affect the distribution of taxes and spending or do legislatures offset the distributional consequences of those court orders with other changes? Little is known about this question. To offer insight into it, I use an event study methodology to show how state revenues and expenditures respond to court orders to increase funding for schools. I find that the court orders' distributional impacts do stick. The education spending is financed by tax increases that do not target the largest beneficiaries of the increased education spending, the poor and those with children. Thus, since the main beneficiaries of the school spending do not pay a disproportionate share of the costs, advocates for school finance reform are effective at transferring resources to poor families. The results suggest that welfare analysis of these legal rules should take into account not only efficiency but also distribution, in a departure from traditional economic analysis of legal rules.
Lycra splinting garments for adults with intellectual disabilities who fall due to gait or balance issues: a feasibility study
Authors: Finlayson J. , Crockett J. , Shanmugam S. , Stansfield B.
Published: February 2018

Background

Adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) experience high rates of falls and have high rates of gait or balance issues which contribute to falls. Lycra splinting garments (LSGs) have potential to improve gait or balance, but they have never before been tested with adults with IDs who fall due to gait or balance issues. The aim of this study was to test in adults with IDs, the feasibility of using LSGs to improve movement and function and reduce falls, whilst also exploring usability and likely compliance.

Method

A convenience sample of nine adults with IDs wore tailored LSGs over a 6‐week assessment period. Laboratory‐based foot clearance, balance, and gait measures were collected pre‐ and post‐LSG‐wear. Falls charts and questionnaires on usability and likely compliance were also completed.

Results

Seven participants experienced a reduction in falls during their six weeks of LSG wear; most notably in the group of five participants who wore lycra splinting socks, compared with only two in the group of four who wore lycra splinting shorts or leggings only.

Conclusion

Lycra splinting socks are likely to bring about positive outcomes for adults with IDs who fall due to gait/balance issues on an individual case by case basis over time, but further research is required to test this hypothesis under randomised controlled trial conditions. Potential benefits of more intrusive LSGs are outweighed by reported problems with usability and compliance.
Brain anatomy of the 4‐day‐old European rabbit
Authors: Schneider Nanette Y. , Datiche Frédérique , Coureaud Gérard
Published: February 2018

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a widely used model in fundamental, medical and veterinary neurosciences. Besides investigations in adults, rabbit pups are relevant to study perinatal neurodevelopment and early behaviour. To date, the rabbit is also the only species in which a pheromone – the mammary pheromone (MP) – emitted by lactating females and active on neonatal adaptation has been described. TheMPis crucial since it contributes directly to nipple localisation and oral seizing in neonates, i.e. to their sucking success. It may also be one of the non‐photic cues arising from the mother, which stimulates synchronisation of the circadian system during pre‐visual developmental stages. Finally, theMPpromotes neonatal odour associative and appetitive conditioning in a remarkably rapid and efficient way. For these different reasons, the rabbit offers a currently unique opportunity to determine pheromonal‐induced brain processing supporting adaptation early in life. Therefore, it is of interest to create a reference work of the newborn rabbit pup brain, which may constitute a tool for future multi‐disciplinary and multi‐approach research in this model, and allow comparisons related to the neuroethological basis of social and feeding behaviour among newborns of various species. Here, in line with existing experimental studies, and based on original observations, we propose a functional anatomical description of brain sections in 4‐day‐old rabbits with a particular focus on seven brain regions which appear important for neonatal perception of sensory signals emitted by the mother, circadian adaptation to the short and single daily nursing of the mother in the nest, and expression of specific motor actions involved in nipple localisation and milk intake. These brain regions involve olfactory circuits, limbic‐related areas important in reward, motivation, learning and memory formation, homeostatic areas engaged in food anticipation, and regions implicated in circadian rhythm and arousal, as well as in motricity.
Effect of chewing gum on gastrointestinal function after gynecological surgery: A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Chao , Peng Jie , Liu Su , Qi Dun‐Yi
Published: February 2018

Aim

Recently, several randomized controlled trials (RCT) reported the effect of chewing gum on gastrointestinal function after gynecological surgery; however, these results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the effect of chewing gum on postoperative gastrointestinal function and complications in women undergoing gynecological surgery.

Methods

Pumbed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Wanfang databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and http://clinicaltrials.gov were searched from inceptions to April 30, 2017. Studies including chewing gum's impact on postoperative gastrointestinal function or complications were evaluated. Two authors individually performed data extraction from 10 RCT. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR) were used.

Results

Contrasting the group of standard postoperative care, the gum chewing group had a lower duration from the end of operation to first aerofluxus (WMD −7.55, 95%CI: −10.99 to −4.12); first intestinal sounds (WMD −6.20, 95%CI: −8.14 to −4.27); first defecation (WMD −12.24, 95%CI: −18.47 to −6.01); hospitalization duration (WMD −0.72. 95%CI −1.19 to −0.25); and lower incidence of nausea (OR 0.45, 95%CI: 0.29 to 0.69), vomiting (OR 0.38, 95%CI: 0.22 to 0.68) and postoperative ileus (OR 0.25, 95%CI: 0.14 to 0.44).

Conclusion

Chewing gum is an effective measure to ameliorate gastrointestinal function and decrease complications after gynecological surgery.
Cesarean section and diabetes during pregnancy: An NSW population study using the Robson classification
Authors: Zeki Reem , Oats Jeremy J.N. , Wang Alex Y. , Li Zhuoyang , Homer Caroline S.E. , Sullivan Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the main contributors to cesarean section (CS) among women with and without diabetes during pregnancy using the Robson classification and to compare CS rates within Robson groups.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study was conducted of all women who gave birth in New South Wales, Australia, between 2002 and 2012. Women with pregestational diabetes (types 1 and 2) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were grouped using the Robson classification. Adjusted odd ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The total CS rate was 53.6% for women with pregestational diabetes, 36.8% for women with GDM and 28.5% for women without diabetes. Previous CS contributed the most to the total number of CS in all populations. For preterm birth, the contribution to the total was 20.5% for women with pregestational diabetes and 5.7% for women without diabetes. Compared to women without diabetes, for nulliparous with pregestational diabetes, the odds of CS was 1.4 (95% CI, 1.1–1.8) for spontaneous labor and 2.0 (95% CI, 1.7–2.3) for induction of labor.

Conclusion

A history of CS was the main contributor to the total CS. Reducing primary CS is the first step to lowering the high rate of CS among women with diabetes. Nulliparous women were more likely to have CS if they had pregestational diabetes. This increase was also evident in all multiparous women giving birth. The high rate of preterm births and CS reflects the clinical issues for women with diabetes during pregnancy.
Scabies is strongly associated with acute rheumatic fever in a cohort study of Auckland children
Authors: Thornley Simon , Marshall Roger , Jarrett Paul , Sundborn Gerhard , Reynolds Edwin , Schofield Grant
Published: February 2018

Aim

This study sought to determine whether scabies infection is associated with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) or chronic rheumatic heart disease (CRHD).

Methods

A cohort study was undertaken using health records of children aged 3–12 years attending an oral health service for the first time. Subjects were then linked to hospital diagnoses of scabies and ARF or CRHD.

Results

A total of 213 957 children free of rheumatic heart disease at baseline were available for analysis. During a mean follow‐up time of 5.1 years, 440 children were diagnosed with ARF or CRHD in hospital records. Children diagnosed with scabies during follow‐up were 23 times more likely to develop ARF or CRHD, compared with children who had no scabies diagnosis. After adjustment for confounders in a Cox model, the association reduced but remained strong (adjusted hazard ratio: 8.98; 95% confidence interval: 6.33–20.2). In an analysis restricted to children hospitalised at least once during follow‐up, the adjusted hazard ratio for the same comparison was 3.43 (95% confidence interval: 1.85–6.37).

Conclusions

A recent diagnosis of scabies from hospital records is strongly associated with a subsequent diagnosis of ARF. Further investigation of the role that scabies infestation may play in the aetiology of ARF is warranted.
Children detained in French police cells
Authors: Fablet Dorothée , Chariot Patrick
Published: February 2018

Aim

Police custody is detention in response to a suspicion of crime. In France, until the age of 13, pre‐trial detention and police custody are not allowed. We aimed to evaluate the practical implementation of police detention of children aged between 10 and 12 years and describe the medical characteristics and history, perceived health status and opinion on custody of the potentially affected children.

Methods

A descriptive study was conducted in a French reference regional department of forensic medicine at the time of medical examination in police cells among arrestees younger than 13 years old examined over a 5‐year period (1 January 2011–31 December 2015).

Results

Children aged 10–12 years (n = 60; males, 48, 80%), accounting for 60 of 57 687 examined arrestees (0.1%), were examined over the study period. Six individuals (10%) were arrested twice or more times during the study period (for a total of 76 detentions analysed). The most common suspected crimes were theft or robbery (42/76, 55%) and physical assault (22/76, 29%). Arrestees had a favourable opinion of custody in 33 of 76 cases (43%). Children reported physical assault by the police in 6 of 76 cases (8%), and the physicians observed recent traumatic injuries in 7 of 76 cases (9%). Daily tobacco consumption was reported by 4 of 60 children (7%). No child was considered unfit for detention by the physician.

Conclusions

Children aged 10–12 years suspected of serious crimes accounted for 0.1% of detained individuals in police cells. Although infrequent, such situations are a matter of concern.
Tuberculin skin test versus interferon‐gamma release assay in refugee children: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Elliot Chris , Marais Ben , Williams Phoebe , Joshua Paul , Towle Sherri , Hart Graham , Zwi Karen
Published: February 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to assist clinicians evaluating refugee children for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) by comparing paired tuberculin skin test (TST) and Quantiferon Gold In‐Tube (QGIT) test results with clinical management decisions and follow‐up data in a large cohort of newly arrived refugee children.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of all refugee children (<15 years of age) evaluated for LTBI with both TST and interferon‐γ release assay between 2007 and 2010 in the Illawarra‐Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, Australia. Demographics, country of origin, bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccination status, chest X‐ray results, TST and QGIT test results, clinical management and outcome on long‐term follow‐up were assessed.

Results

Of 272 children evaluated, complete results were available for 212 (78%). The vast majority (207; 98%) were from Africa or Southeast Asia. Overall, 33 (16%) children were treated for LTBI; 13 (39%) had concordant TST and QGIT results and 20 (61%) discordant results. Of 63 (30%) TST‐positive (≥10 mm) children, 46 (73%) were QGIT assay‐negative, 44 (70%) had a BCG scar, 3 (5%) were younger than 2 years and 6 (10%) were treated for LTBI. Of 32 QGIT assay‐positive children, 15 (47%) were TST negative, 31 (97%) had a BCG scar, all were older than 2 years and 14 (44%) were treated for LTBI.

Conclusions

Discordant TST and QGIT results were found in a high percentage of refugee children. QGIT is convenient and more specific than TST to diagnose LTBI in BCG‐vaccinated children, although a careful tuberculosis exposure history and clinical assessment to rule out active disease remain important.
Relationships between external sexually dimorphic characteristics and internal gonadal morphology in a sex‐changing fish
Authors: Scarsella G. E. , Gresham J. D. , Earley R. L.
Published: February 2018

The mangrove rivulus fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus) is an emerging model for research in the biological sciences. The species is androdioecious, with populations consisting predominantly of self‐fertilizing hermaphrodites and a low abundance of males, but no females. Males arise either through environmental sex determination at the embryonic stage or environmentally driven sex change from hermaphrodite at the adult stage. Marked sexual dimorphisms in external morphological characters accompany gonadal transitions, including the loss of a caudal ocellus (‘eyespot’) and the development of orange color in males. How well external morphological features predict internal gonadal morphology, however, has not been systematically examined across the geographical range of this species. Our goal was to identify reliable external morphological predictors of animals possessing an ovotestis (hermaphrodite) or a testis (male) and to see if the strength of prediction is consistent throughout rivulus’ geographical range. We demonstrate that the state of the ocellus and, to a greater extent, orange coloration are key predictors of internal gonadal state. However, the degree to which these characteristics are predictive of internal gonadal state was region‐specific, with the ocellus and orange status of animals from Bahamas and Belize, respectively, having a lower probability of forecasting internal gonadal state than those from other regions. These results will help to streamline laboratory studies by allowing unambiguous assignment of sex, and will assist field studies by providing greater opportunity to determine sex ratios in wild populations.
“She was a brave and a busy woman”: Rediscovering Florence Marryat, Victorian novelist, spiritualist, and performer
Authors: Lennox Sarah
Published: February 2018

This essay offers a review of scholarly criticism on the popular Victorian author Florence Marryat. In the last 15 years, scholars have become increasingly interested in Marryat's spiritualist fiction and the novel The Blood of the Vampire (Marryat, ). To assist future research efforts, this essay provides an overview of 19th‐century reviews of Marryat's early novels, surveys recent scholarship on her work, and offers some direction for future research.
Best available science still supports an ancient common origin of Devils Hole and Devils Hole pupfish
Authors: Sağlam İsmail K. , Baumsteiger Jason , Smith Matt J. , Linares‐Casenave Javier , Nichols Andrew L. , O'Rourke Sean M. , Miller Michael R.
Published: February 2018

The age of DHP and how pupfish colonized Devils Hole have always been a topic of interest. Recently, two different publications (Martin, Crawford, Turner, & Simons, & Sağlam et al., ) tackled this issue using genomic data sets and demographic models but came to widely different conclusions. In their comment, Martin and Höhne () argue that our results (Sağlam et al., ) were misleading because we used inappropriate calibration information and biased a priori assumptions. They then re‐analysed our data using a “biologically informed” mutation rate prior and concluded that our data support a much younger age of DHP (12.6 kya) as opposed to 60 kya reported in our study. Below we will summarize why their arguments do not hold up and explore some of the inconsistencies between their claims and what was actually presented in our study. Furthermore, we will demonstrate their re‐analyses provide no new information compared to what was presented in our original manuscript and reinforce our estimate of a 60 kya divergence of DHP as outweighing competing hypotheses.
Sex chromosomes and speciation in birds and other ZW systems
Authors: Irwin Darren E.
Published: February 2018

Theory and empirical patterns suggest a disproportionate role for sex chromosomes in evolution and speciation. Focusing on ZW sex determination (females ZW, males ZZ; the system in birds, many snakes, and lepidopterans), I review how evolutionary dynamics are expected to differ between the Z, W and the autosomes, discuss how these differences may lead to a greater role of the sex chromosomes in speciation and use data from birds to compare relative evolutionary rates of sex chromosomes and autosomes. Neutral mutations, partially or completely recessive beneficial mutations, and deleterious mutations under many conditions are expected to accumulate faster on the Z than on autosomes. Sexually antagonistic polymorphisms are expected to arise on the Z, raising the possibility of the spread of preference alleles. The faster accumulation of many types of mutations and the potential for complex evolutionary dynamics of sexually antagonistic traits and preferences contribute to a role for the Z chromosome in speciation. A quantitative comparison among a wide variety of bird species shows that the Z tends to have less within‐population diversity and greater between‐species differentiation than the autosomes, likely due to both adaptive evolution and a greater rate of fixation of deleterious alleles. The W chromosome also shows strong potential to be involved in speciation, in part because of its co‐inheritance with the mitochondrial genome. While theory and empirical evidence suggest a disproportionate role for sex chromosomes in speciation, the importance of sex chromosomes is moderated by their small size compared to the whole genome.
The importance of cardiovascular disease in pediatric transplantation and its link to the kidneys
Authors: Johnson Jonathan N. , Filler Guido
Published: February 2018

Cardiovascular disease is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients following solid organ transplant. CKD is also common in pediatric patients after a solid organ transplant, and the link between CKD and cardiovascular morbidity is strong. In this review, we examine potential etiologies to explain the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in pediatric solid organ recipients and identify targets for improving outcomes.
Changes in apoplastic peroxidase activity and cell wall composition are associated with cold‐induced morpho‐anatomical plasticity of wheat leaves
Authors: Lorenzo M. , Pinedo M. L. , Equiza M. A. , Fernández P. V. , Ciancia M. , Ganem D. G. , Tognetti J. A.
Published: February 2018

Temperate grasses, such as wheat, become compact plants with small thick leaves after exposure to low temperature. These responses are associated with cold hardiness, but their underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we analyse the effects of low temperature on leaf morpho‐anatomical structure, cell wall composition and activity of extracellular peroxidases, which play key roles in cell elongation and cell wall thickening, in two wheat cultivars with contrasting cold‐hardening ability.

A combined microscopy and biochemical approach was applied to study actively growing leaves of winter (ProINTA‐Pincén) and spring (Buck‐Patacón) wheat developed under constant warm (25 °C) or cool (5 °C) temperature.

Cold‐grown plants had shorter leaves but longer inter‐stomatal epidermal cells than warm‐grown plants. They had thicker walls in metaxylem vessels and mestome sheath cells, paralleled with accumulation of wall components, predominantly hemicellulose. These effects were more pronounced in the winter cultivar (Pincén). Cold also induced a sharp decrease in apoplastic peroxidase activity within the leaf elongating zone of Pincén, and a three‐fold increase in the distal mature zone of the leaf. This was consistent with the enhanced cell length and thicker cell walls in this cultivar at 5 °C.

The different response to low temperature of apoplastic peroxidase activity and hemicellulose between leaf zones and cultivar types suggests they might play a central role in the development of cold‐induced compact morphology and cold hardening. New insights are presented on the potential temperature‐driven role of peroxidases and hemicellulose in cell wall dynamics of grasses.
Linking democratic anchorage and regulatory authority: The case of internet regulators
Authors: Ewert Christian , Kaufmann Céline , Maggetti Martino
Published: February 2018

Scholars and practitioners have repeatedly questioned the democraticness and the authority of transnational multi‐stakeholder organizations, especially those that regulate the internet. To contribute to this discussion, we studied the “democratic anchorages” and the regulatory authority of 23 internet regulators. In particular, we conducted a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis assessing whether and which anchorages correspond to necessary and/or sufficient conditions for exerting regulatory authority. Our results show that strong anchorage in democratic procedures is specifically relevant for this outcome. Further, we find that weak anchorage in democratically elected politicians leads to high regulatory authority, confirming the significance of non‐state actors in this policy field. More generally, our findings support but also qualify expectations about the compatibility and mutual reinforcement of democratic quality and regulatory authority at the transnational level.
Ethnic Variations of Trajectories in Suicide Ideation and Attempt: From Middle School to High School
Authors: Kim Jahun , Pike Kenneth , McCauley Elizabeth , Vander Stoep Ann
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to compare patterns of suicide ideation and suicide attempt in three ethnic groups. We analyzed data from 463 students with ethnic backgrounds of African American (AA), Asian American (ASA), and European American (EA) for 6 years. The best fit model was a three‐trajectory class model for all groups. The majority of adolescents belonged in the nonideators trajectory. The high level of ideation was found in the high ideators (4%), high‐fluctuating ideators (8%), and high‐decreasing ideators (4%) trajectory in AA, ASA, and EA, respectively. In the AA group, being a member of ideators was not a significant predictor of suicide attempt. In the ASA group, being a member of high‐fluctuating ideators was a significant predictor. In the EA group, being a member of both ideators predicted suicide attempt. The timing of onset, patterns of change, and peak time in the ideators trajectories in the three ethnic groups were markedly different. The high level of attempts found in the ASA–AA group was not explained by having suicide ideation. Findings suggest the need for in‐depth examination of suicide behaviors across ethnic groups and culturally adapted preventive efforts with distinct developmental timing for adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds.
Refugees as icons: Culture and iconic representation
Authors: Binder Werner , Jaworsky Bernadette Nadya
Published: February 2018

The September 2015 photograph of Alan Kurdi, a 3‐year‐old Syrian boy, lying facedown and dead on a Turkish beach, quickly became an iconic representation of Europe's “refugee crisis.” Even though images of distant suffering of refugees have become ubiquitous, only a few become iconic. It is this cultural process of iconization that often bedevils sociologists interested in visuality. How does an image gain the necessary currency to sway public opinion or even policy making? Why do some photographs elicit profound compassion that transcends the borders of its particular context? In this review, we explore how various authors have addressed these questions, focusing on the iconic images of Alan Kurdi. The “iconic turn” in cultural sociology and in the social sciences more broadly speaking offers theoretical and methodological insights for the analysis of images such as those depicting refugees and asylum seekers. For this reason, we situate the current work in the field of refugee photography within the framework of cultural sociology, even if many of the scholars discussed are from other disciplines.
Vascular access for red blood cell exchange
Authors: Otrock Zaher K. , Thibodeaux Suzanne R. , Jackups Ronald
Published: February 2018

Red blood cell exchange is the process of removing red blood cells from a patient and replacing them with donated blood using either automated or manual techniques. Red blood cell exchange is a well‐recognized and effective therapy for many red blood cell‐related diseases, especially sickle cell disease. However, decisions regarding the best methods for vascular access are not intuitive and must account for the patient's clinical condition, complication risks, and lifestyle, especially in the context of long‐term vascular access. In this review, we discuss the recognized indications for red blood cell exchange, considerations for the selection of exchange modality and vascular access, and recommendations for the appropriate care and prevention of risks associated with vascular access.
Implanted vascular access device options: a focused review on safety and outcomes
Authors: Blanco‐Guzman Merilda O.
Published: February 2018

Implantable vascular access devices are frequently used in patients who have poor peripheral venous access. These devices can be partially implanted as tunneled and nontunneled central catheters, or they can be fully implanted as ports. Compared with long‐term catheters, implanted ports have lower infection rates and improved perceptions of quality of life, but complications still occur in 2% to 18% of patients, frequently requiring removal of the device. Since the conception of implantable vascular access device ports, numerous advances in port design, materials, and techniques for implantation and care have been developed with the goal of overcoming frequent complications. We review the evidence related to these advances and their effect on the safety profile and complications of implantable vascular access device ports.