bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sketch and Speak: An Expository Intervention Using Note-Taking and Oral Practice for Children With Language-Related Learning Disabilities
Authors: Ukrainetz Teresa A.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This preliminary study investigated an intervention procedure employing 2 types of note-taking and oral practice to improve expository reporting skills.

Procedure

Forty-four 4th to 6th graders with language-related learning disabilities from 9 schools were assigned to treatment or control conditions that were balanced for grade, oral language, and other features. The treatment condition received 6 30-min individual or pair sessions from the school of speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Treatment involved reducing statements from grade-level science articles into concise ideas, recording the ideas as pictographic and conventional notes, and expanding from the notes into full oral sentences that are then combined into oral reports. Participants were pretested and posttested on taking notes from grade-level history articles and using the notes to give oral reports. Posttesting also included written reports 1 to 3 days following the oral reports.

Results

The treatment group showed significantly greater improvement than the control group on multiple quality features of the notes and oral reports. Quantity, holistic oral quality, and delayed written reports were not significantly better. The SLPs reported high levels of student engagement and learning of skills and content within treatment. They attributed the perceived benefits to the elements of simplicity, visuals, oral practice, repeated opportunities, and visible progress.

Conclusion

This study indicates potential for Sketch and Speak to improve student performance in expository reporting and gives direction for strengthening and further investigating this novel SLP treatment.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7268651
Late-Stage Sulfoximidation of Electron-Rich Arenes by Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Hog Daniel , Meier Robin , Lämmermann Henriette , Sudau Alexander , Rackl Daniel , Weinmann Hilmar , Collins Karl , Wortmann Lars , Candish Lisa
Published: November 2018

The sulfoximine group has been reported as a versatile and beneficial functionality for pharmaceutical or agrochemical entities. Herein, we report the Csp2–H sulfoximidation of electron-rich arenes ­under the irradiation of blue light using an organic acridinium photocatalyst and molecular oxygen or peroxodisulfates as terminal oxidants. The method allows for the late-stage introduction of various sulfoximines onto complex bioactive compounds showing high functional group compatibility without the need for prefunctionalization.
Thiolate-Protected Au25(SC2H4Ph)18 Nanoclusters as a Catalyst for Intermolecular Hydroamination of Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Obora Yasushi , Nagata Tatsuki , Adachi Yurina
Published: November 2018

Au25(SC2H4Ph)18 nanoclusters have high catalytic activity for hydroamination of terminal alkynes. This reaction proceeds under O2 or air. The presence of molecular oxygen has a profound effect on the Au25(SC2H4Ph)18 reactivity. The catalysts can be separated from the mixture after the reaction and reused.
Mixing End Groups in Thiol-Ene/Yne Reactions as a Simple Approach toward Multienzyme-Responsive Polymeric Amphiphiles
Authors: Amir Roey , Harnoy Assaf , Papo Nitsan , Slor Gadi
Published: November 2018

Taking advantage of the high fidelity of thiol-ene and thiol-yne chemistries, we used mixtures of thiols to prepare degradable PEG-dendron amphiphiles functionalized with two different types of enzymatically cleavable end groups. By tuning the feed ratios of the two thiols, we achieved mixtures of hybrids with statistically different ratios of end groups. Studies of the disassembly of statistically mixed hybrids showed that these amphiphiles have higher degrees of response when incubated with each of the activating enzymes, whereas a greater degree of selectivity was observed for a control mixture of two distinct amphiphiles, which required the presence of both types of enzyme to undergo complete disassembly. The potential to introduce different end groups by using a mixture of thiols in an efficient single thiol-ene or thiol-yne step opens the way for simple modification of various ene- or yne-containing polymers and tailoring of their structural and functional properties.
Comparison of Clinical and Neuroimaging Characteristics of Congenital and Possible Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infected Infants: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bulut Cahide , Çaksen Hüseyin , Örs Rahmi , Tarakcı Nuriye
Published: November 2018

Background To evaluate clinical and neurodevelopmental outcomes and neuroimaging results of patients diagnosed with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection and those diagnosed with possible congenital CMV (possible cCMV) infection.

Methods From January 2014 to January 2016, 24 patients were diagnosed with congenital CMV infection. Clinical and neuroimaging results of these patients were examined from their medical records.

Results Of the 24 patients, 6 were diagnosed with cCMV, whereas 18 patients were diagnosed with possible cCMV. Petechia was the most common symptom observed in patients with cCMV infection, whereas microcephaly was more common in patients with possible cCMV. Of the 24 patients, 5 (20.8%) showed normal neuroimaging characteristics. The most commonly encountered abnormal findings in brain magnetic resonance imaging were hypoplasia of corpus callosum (16.7%) and hydrocephalous (16.7%). All of the patients had poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Conclusions Early diagnosis of asymptomatic cCMV infection is difficult. This study suggests that possible cCMV infections are more prevalent compared with cCMV infections, and delays in diagnosis occur due to not keeping suspicion of CMV infection in early phase. Clinicians should consider long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae of cCMV and possible cCMV infections and remember to screen congenital CMV infection in suspected individuals.
Correlation of Meniscal Tear with Timing of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Patients without Initially Concurrent Meniscal Tear
Authors: Chen Kun-Hui , Chiang En-Rung , Wang Hsin-Yi , Ma Hsiao-Li
Published: November 2018

The incidence of meniscal tear was reported to increase with the delay of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The tear may occur concurrently with the ACL injury or after the ACL injury. Few studies had focused on the patients whose meniscus is intact during ACL injury. We determined the correlation between timing of surgery and incidence of meniscal tears in ACL-deficient knees with initially intact meniscus. We retrospectively reviewed 387 patients who had undergone primary ACLR. Time of initial ACL injury, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination, and surgery was recorded. The MRI was reviewed by experienced radiologic and orthopaedic doctors. Intraoperative arthroscopic images were also obtained and reviewed. The type of tear noted during surgery was classified according to the modification of International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine classification of meniscal tears. Patients were divided into early (surgery within 12 months from injury) and late surgery group (surgery at more than 12 months from injury). There were 216 patients with intact medial meniscus and 257 patients with intact lateral meniscus on the postinjury MRI study. The incidence of medial meniscus tear (MMT) was significantly higher than lateral meniscus tear (LMT) during the ACLR (33.8 vs. 19.8%, p < 0.001). The incidence of MMT is higher in late group than in early group (53.7 vs. 29.1%, p = 0.004, odds ratio= 2.815). The incidence of LMT is mildly higher in late group but without statistics significance (23.8 vs. 18.6%, p = 0.364). In both MMT and LMT, the most common injury pattern observed was a longitudinal tear. The incidence of each type is not different between early and late group. For patients without concurrent meniscal injuries with the ACL tear, the incidence of MMT significantly increased if ACLR was performed more than 12 months after injury. The medial meniscus was more prone to injury than the lateral meniscus in chronic ACL-deficient knee. ACLR should be performed earlier to reduce the risk of meniscal tears for patients without initially concurrent meniscal tear.
Management of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures: A Survey of Hand Surgeons
Authors: Salibian Ara A. , Bruckman Karl C. , Bekisz Jonathan M. , Mirrer Joshua , Thanik Vishal D. , Hacquebord Jacques H.
Published: November 2018

Background Length of immobilization after operative fixation of unstable distal radius fractures and management in elderly patients is an area of debate.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to delineate common practices of fellowship-trained hand surgeons and how they compare with current evidence-based protocols.

Methods Surveys were distributed to American Society for Surgery of the Hand members on preferred methods of fixation, postoperative immobilization, and variations in treatment of elderly patients with unstable distal radius fractures. Responses were analyzed in comparison to a literature review. Subgroups were compared with regard to training, practice type, and years in practice.

Results Four-hundred eighty-five surveys were analyzed. Volar fixed-angle plating was the most common choice of fixation (84.7%). Patients are most often immobilized for 1 to 2 weeks (40.0%) with range of motion (ROM) therapy begun most commonly between 1 and 4 weeks (47.2%). The majority of surgeons do not treat fractures differently in patients more than 65 years old. Physicians with more than 20 years of experience were significantly more likely to begin wrist ROM sooner with volar plating versus other fixation techniques compared with physicians with less than 20 years of experience (40.7% vs. 34.2%, respectively). Also, physicians in academic-only practices were more likely to immobilize patients for a shorter time after volar plating compared with those in privademics.

Conclusion Volar fixed-angle plating is the dominant fixation method for unstable distal radius fractures among fellowship-trained hand surgeons. Elderly patients are not treated more conservatively and rigid immobilization after operative fixation remains the treatment of choice despite current evidence-based protocols.
Posteromedial versus Anteromedial Hamstring Tendon Harvest for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Retrospective Comparison of Accidental Gracilis Harvests, Outcomes, and Operative Times
Authors: Shu Henry T. , Bodendorfer Blake M. , Michaelson Evan M. , Argintar Evan H.
Published: November 2018

Hamstring autografts are frequently harvested for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), traditionally through the anteromedial (AM) approach. Recently, a posteromedial (PM) approach has been described. The primary purpose of this study was to compare rates of unintentional gracilis (Gr) harvest or premature tendon amputation with these approaches. We also sought to compare operative times and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between both groups and between those with only semitendinosus (ST) grafts or with combined ST and Gr grafts. Patients who underwent ACLR with hamstring autograft by a single surgeon from 2014 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. An accidental harvest was identified as an unintentional Gr harvest or premature graft amputation. PROMs included the Knee Osteoarthritis and Outcomes Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and International Knee Documentation Committee score. Two out of 22 (9.1%) patients in the AM group had unintentional Gr tendon harvests, while none (out of 29) were identified in the PM group (p = 0.101). Group mean PROMs were not significantly different between patients in either group or patients with either ST-only grafts and those with combined ST + Gr. Average operative times and tourniquet times were significantly shorter with the PM approach versus the AM approach (101 ± 18.2 vs 129 ± 25.6 minutes, p = 0.002; 68 ± 14.8 vs 90 ± 28.9 minutes, p = 0.005). The PM approach was associated with a trend toward decreased risk of unintentional harvest of the Gr tendon and significantly decreased operative and tourniquet times without affecting knee outcomes compared with the traditional AM approach. Accidental Gr harvest was not associated with worse outcomes.
A Turkish Female Twin Sister Patient with Fibular Aplasia, Congenital Tibia Pseudoarthrosis, Oligosyndactyly, and Negative WNT7A Gene Mutation
Authors: Önder Yılmaz Hale , Topak Duran , Yılmaz Orkun , Çakmaklı Seda
Published: November 2018

We report a rare limb defect named as fibular aplasia, tibial campomelia, and oligosyndactyly (FATCO) syndrome in a female monozygotic twin with a normal twin sister, presented with anterior tibia pseudarthrosis, oligosyndactyly, and pes equinovarus. Radiographic examination displayed the absence of left fibulae, anterolateral pseudarthrosis of left tibia, and the absence of some metatarsus and phalangeal bones. Our case report is the first to report that only one of the identical twins was affected by FATCO syndrome, which is a significant finding because the pathogenicity of FATCO syndrome is yet to be identified, and this clinical case may provide a new insight for discovering the etiology of FATCO syndrome.
Global and national guidance for the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis during peri-conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding
Authors: Davies Natasha , Heffron Renee
Published: November 2018

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a well-established biomedical HIV prevention strategy and recommended to reduce HIV risk during peri-conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Efforts are needed to translate global recommendations into national guidelines and implementation strategies. This article presents the current status of policy guidance for the use of PrEP during peri-conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding, with a particular focus on high prevalence countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa. PrEP clinical guidelines released by ministries of health or other national-level health bodies, with a particular focus on recommendations for PrEP use during peri-conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding, were reviewed and summarised. Among countries with PrEP guidelines and/or policy, pregnancy is recognised as a period with increased HIV vulnerability, and some recommend PrEP use specifically during pregnancy. Only one country notes that PrEP is contraindicated during pregnancy, recognising a gap in complete safety data from women using PrEP throughout pregnancy. PrEP is not contraindicated as a peri-conception HIV prevention strategy in any country, but only three countries have specific guidance for peri-conception HIV prevention. Multiple barriers to the implementation of PrEP during pregnancy and breastfeeding are discussed, including barriers at the policy, health systems, social and personal levels. Although pregnancy is a period of heightened risk and fertility rates are high in many settings with high HIV burden, few PrEP policies have included guidance for PrEP use specific to peri-conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding periods. This gap can be overcome by the development or adoption of national clinical guidelines and implementation strategies from exemplary countries.
Reclamation of two saline-sodic soils by the combined use of vinegar residue and silicon-potash fertiliser
Authors: Fan Yuan , Shen Wuyan , Cheng Fangqin
Published: November 2018

Amelioration of saline-sodic soil is essential to increase crop production and preserve the ecological environment in arid and semiarid regions. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of combined use of vinegar residue and silicon-potash (Si-K) fertiliser on the physical and chemical properties of two calcareous saline-sodic soils (saline soil (H-soil) and saline-sodic soil (S-soil)) and the growth of oat plants. The results showed that soil electrical conductivity was significantly decreased when vinegar residue was applied in two soils, which could be attributed to that vinegar residue could release H+, and react with HCO3−. When the combination of vinegar residue and Si-K fertiliser were used, equilibrium condition between monovalent cations and divalent cations could be altered. The divalent cations (e.g. Ca2+, Mg2+) were adsorbed at the cost of monovalent cations (Na+), resulting in the reduction of sodium adsorption ratio in the two soils. The decrease in soil pH was mainly due to the decrease in the activity of CO32− and HCO3−, which would react with H+ while vinegar residue was applied. As a saline-sodic soil, S-soil exhibited larger decrease in the pH compared with H-soil, a saline soil. The increase in the relative weight of wet stable macro-aggregate could be attributed to the release of Ca2+ and H+ and the flocculation of the dispersed clay by the application of Si-K fertiliser and vinegar residue. The application of Si-K fertiliser and vinegar residue contributed to a significant increase in survival rate and plant height of oat plants. It also led to increased relative water content and reduced electrolyte leakage for oat plants. This could be ascribed to the improvement of soil aggregate structure and nutrient supply, which promoted selective absorption and transportation of K+ over Na+ and decreased leaf damage. Therefore, the combined use of vinegar residue and Si-K fertiliser was considered to be a wise method for ameliorating two calcareous saline-sodic soils in Shanxi Province, Northern China.
Pentecostalism in Africa
Authors: Wariboko Nimi
Published: November 2018

The literature on African Pentecostalism is relatively vast and growing rapidly, but it is, unfortunately, caught in the circle of trying to define what African Pentecostalism is, and how it is what it is. How does African Pentecostalism constitute itself in relation to its sensibilities? How does it bear witness to its form of religiosity as a spirituality that is continually affected by African traditional religions, by economic exigencies and political developments in Africa, and by traditions, doctrines, and the gospel message of Christianity? What does it mean for Africans to express or modify Pentecostalism? How does one capture the style by which African Pentecostals leave their marks on Pentecostalism? The question of how African Pentecostalism defines itself is ultimately a question about Africa bearing witness to itself in African Pentecostalism, and about Pentecostalism expressing itself in an African context.

The study of this religious movement, then, is not only about African Pentecostalism, but also about Africans bearing witness to their particular mode of being Pentecostal. It tells the story of the multi-directional openness of African Pentecostal social life without applying a constrictive universalizing framework to the fragmentary nature of African Pentecostalism. The movement is an assemblage of practices, ideas and theologies, and interpretations of reality, whose tangled roots burrow deep into the past, present, and future segments of African temporality. African Pentecostalism, like any other human endeavor, is full of fragments, and to understand it scholars must think in parts rather than in unified cultural wholes.
Modified Upper Blepharoplasty Using Combination of Incision and Nonincision Surgical Approaches
Authors: Jung Gyu Sik
Published: November 2018

Upper blepharoplasty can be divided into incision and nonincision technique. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The author innovated a method of modified upper blepharoplasty by taking advantage of both procedures’ strengths. This method involves redundant skin excision followed by double fold formation using the buried suture method. Orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) excision or orbital fat excision may be performed if necessary, and ptosis can be corrected using Muller tucking. Lateral double fold reinforcement may be performed in older patients, where the OOM is sutured and fixed on to the levator aponeurosis in the lateral canthal area to prevent the lateral double fold from fading. This procedure was performed in 30 patients from March 2017 to February 2018, with satisfactory outcomes in most patients. Modified upper blepharoplasty is simple to perform, has fast recovery time as swelling rapidly disappears, and creates a dynamic fold.
Overcorrected Midface Advancement to Improve Airway Problems in Severe Pfeiffer Syndrome Types II and III
Authors: Kobayashi Shinji , Fukawa Toshihiko , Yasumura Kazunori , Yabuki Yuichiro , Satake Toshihiko , Maegawa Jiro
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Treatment of patients with severe Pfeiffer syndrome types II and III is difficult. The purpose of this article is to present our method of overcorrecting midface advancement to improve airway problems in such patients.

Materials and Methods:

One boy and two girls with types II and III Pfeiffer syndrome and who underwent Le Fort III midface advancement using our previously described corrected cephalometric analysis and distraction system were included in the study.

Results:

The authors overcorrected by advancing the midface to make it look as similar as possible to an adult face. While the overcorrected midface advancement widened the upper airway spaces in the 3 patients, the tracheostomy that had already been placed during infancy could not be closed, probably because of an underlying tracheal abnormality or tracheomalacia.

Discussion:

Overcorrected midface advancement cannot enable tracheostomy closure, probably because of severe tracheal anomalies, such as tracheomalacia, below the tracheostomy. However, with the possibility of gradual improvement of the tracheomalacia with age, closure of the tracheostomy can eventually be expected. Therefore, efforts to close a tracheostomy should be pursued even if the probability of its removal is low.

Conclusion:

Overcorrected midface advancement did not enable tracheostomy closure, probably because of severe tracheal anomalies such as tracheomalacia. However, the severe exophthalmos and angle III malocclusion were improved, and with the possibility of gradual improvement of the tracheomalacia with age, closure of the tracheostomy can eventually be expected. Therefore, efforts to close a tracheostomy should be pursued even if the probability of its removal is low.
Donor Urinary C5a Levels Independently Correlate With Posttransplant Delayed Graft Function
Authors: Schröppel Bernd , Heeger Peter S. , Thiessen-Philbrook Heather , Hall Isaac E. , Doshi Mona D. , Weng Francis L. , Reese Peter P. , Parikh Chirag R.
Published: November 2018

Background

Accumulating evidence implicates the complement cascade as pathogenically contributing to ischemia-reperfusion injury and delayed graft function (DGF) in human kidney transplant recipients. Building on observations that kidney injury can initiate in the donor before nephrectomy, we tested the hypothesis that anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a in donor urine before transplantation associate with risk of posttransplant injury.

Methods

We evaluated the effects of C3a and C5a in donor urine on outcomes of 469 deceased donors and their corresponding 902 kidney recipients in a subset of a prospective cohort study.

Results

We found a threefold increase of urinary C5a concentrations in donors with stage 2 and 3 acute kidney injury (AKI) compared donors without AKI (P < 0.001). Donor C5a was higher for the recipients with DGF (defined as dialysis in the first week posttransplant) compared with non-DGF (P = 0.002). In adjusted analyses, C5a remained independently associated with recipient DGF for donors without AKI (relative risk, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.54). For donors with AKI, however, urinary C5a was not associated with DGF. We observed a trend toward better 12-month allograft function for kidneys from donors with C5a concentrations in the lowest tertile (P = 0.09). Urinary C3a was not associated with donor AKI, recipient DGF, or 12-month allograft function.

Conclusions

Urinary C5a correlates with the degree of donor AKI. In the absence of clinical donor AKI, donor urinary C5a concentrations associate with recipient DGF, providing a foundation for testing interventions aimed at preventing DGF within this high-risk patient subgroup.
Identification of multi-targeting and synergistic neuromodulators of epilepsy associated protein-targets in Ayurvedic herbs using network pharmacological approach
Authors: Choudhary Neha , Singh Vikram
Published: November 2018

Epilepsy comprises a wide spectrum of neuronal disorders and accounts for about one percent of global disease burden affecting people of all age groups. In the traditional medicinal system of Indian antiquity, commonly known as Ayurveda, epilepsy is recognised asapasmaraand a plenty of information is documented regarding the effectiveness of various herbs against it. Towards exploring the complex regulatory mechanisms of Ayurvedic herbs at molecular levels, in this study, a network pharmacological framework is developed for thoroughly examining the anti-epileptic potential of 349 drug-like phytochemicals (DPCs) found in 63Ayurvedic herbs. Interaction networks of phytochemicals in anti-epileptic herbs, their protein targets and associated human pathways are designed at various scales and DPCs are mapped on these networks to uncover complex interrelationships. Neuromodulatory prospects of anti-epileptic herbs are probed and, as a special case study, DPCs that can regulate metabotrophic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are inspected. An account of novel regulatory phytochemicals against epilepsy is reported by systematically analysing the screened DPCs against DrugBank compounds. A repertoire of DPCs having poly-pharmacological similarity with anti-epileptic drugs available in DrugBank and those under clinical trials is also reported. Further, a high-confidence PPI network specific to the protein targets of epilepsy was developed and the potential of DPCs to regulate its functional modules was investigated. The study concludes by highlighting a couple of herbs as potential sources of epileptogenic regulators. We believe that the presented schema can open-up the exhaustive explorations of indigenous herbs towards meticulous identification of DPCs against various diseases and disorders.
Behavioural plasticity modulates temperature‐related constraints on foraging time for a montane mammal
Authors: Hall L. Embere , Chalfoun Anna D.
Published: November 2018

Contemporary climate change is altering temperature profiles across the globe. Increasing temperatures can reduce the amount of time during which conditions are suitable for animals to engage in essential activities, such as securing food. Behavioural plasticity, the ability to alter behaviour in response to the environment, may provide animals with a tool to adjust to changes in the availability of suitable thermal conditions. The extent to which individuals can alter fitness‐enhancing behaviours, such as food collection, to proximately buffer variation in temperature, however, remains unclear. Even less well understood are the potential performance advantages of flexible strategies among endotherms.

We examined the degree to which individuals altered rates of food collection in response to temperature, and two potential benefits, using the American pika (Ochotona princeps), a temperature‐sensitive, food‐hoarding mammal, as a model.

From July–September 2013–2015, we used motion‐activated cameras and in situ temperature loggers to examine pika food‐caching activity for 72 individuals across 10 sites in the central Rocky Mountains, USA. We quantified % nitrogen by cache volume as a metric of cache quality, and the number of events during which pikas were active in temperatures ≥25°C as a measure of potential thermoregulatory stress.

We found a strong negative effect of temperature on the rate at which pikas cached food. Individual responses to temperature varied substantially in both the level of food‐collecting activity and in the degree to which individuals shifted activity with warming temperature. After accounting for available foraging time, individuals that exhibited greater plasticity collected a comparable amount of nitrogen, while simultaneously experiencing fewer occasions in which temperatures eclipsed estimated thermal tolerances.

By varying food‐collection norms of reaction, individuals were able to plastically respond to temperature‐driven reductions in foraging time. Through this increased flexibility, individuals amassed food caches of comparable quality, while minimizing exposure to potentially stressful thermal conditions. Our results suggest that, given sufficient resource quality and availability, plasticity in foraging activity may help temperature‐limited endotherms adjust to climate‐related constraints on foraging time.
Migratory plasticity is not ubiquitous among large herbivores
Authors: Sawyer Hall , Merkle Jerod A. , Middleton Arthur D. , Dwinnell Samantha P. H. , Monteith Kevin L.
Published: November 2018

The migratory movements of wild animals can promote abundance and support ecosystem functioning. For large herbivores, mounting evidence suggests that migratory behaviour is an individually variable trait, where individuals can easily switch between migrant and resident tactics. The degree of migratory plasticity, including whether and where to migrate, has important implications for the ecology and conservation of large herbivores in a changing world.

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are an iconic species of western North America, but are notably absent from the body of literature that suggests large herbivore migrations are highly plastic. We evaluated plasticity of migration in female mule deer using longitudinal GPS data collected from 312 individuals across nine populations in the western United States, including 882 animal‐years (801 migrants and 81 residents).

We followed both resident and migratory mule deer through time to determine whether individual animals switched migratory behaviours (i.e., whether to migrate) from migratory to residency or vice versa. Additionally, we examined the fidelity of individuals to their migration routes (i.e., where to migrate) to determine whether they used the same routes year after year. We also evaluated whether age and reproductive status affected propensity to migrate or fidelity to migratory routes.

Our results indicate that mule deer, unlike other large herbivores, have little or no plasticity in terms of whether or where they migrate. Resident deer remained residents, and migrant deer remained migrants, regardless of age, reproductive status or number of years monitored. Further, migratory individuals showed strong fidelity (>80%) to their migration routes year after year.

Our study clearly shows that migration plasticity is not ubiquitous among large herbivores. Because of their rigid migratory behaviour, mule deer may not adapt to changing environmental conditions as readily as large herbivores with more plastic migratory behaviour (e.g., elk). The fixed migratory behaviours of mule deer make clear that conservation efforts aimed at traditional seasonal ranges and migration routes are warranted for sustaining this iconic species that continues to decline across its range.
Towards the validation of endogenous steroid testing in wildlife hair
Authors: Koren Lee , Bryan Heather , Matas Devorah , Tinman Simon , Fahlman Åsa , Whiteside Douglas , Smits Judit , Wynne‐Edwards Katherine
Published: November 2018

Hair analysis is emerging as a popular tool to examine stress and reproduction hormone levels in wild mammals. The reliability of this approach, however, depends on an understanding of steroid hormone incorporation into hair as well as appropriate validations.

We reviewed studies that have examined steroid hormones in wildlife hair with the goal of summarizing the analytical, physiological, and biological evidence that this approach is meaningful. Accordingly, we differentiated among validations aimed at evaluating the reliability of the analytical method versus those designed to assess whether hormone levels in hair reflect physiologically meaningful processes in the target species.

Our literature survey revealed that endogenous steroids have been examined in hair from 40 species of nonhuman animals across seven mammalian classes. Although the majority (85%) of 72 studies reported analytical validations of the method, physiological validations have only been reported for five species. Moreover, results of physiological validations were inconsistent among studies. This highlights the need for further research, carefully designed to differentiate between the multiple purported models of steroid incorporation into hair in species with different types of hair and different hair growth patterns.

To complement our review of published studies, we present new data supporting a positive relationship between levels of the steroid, cortisol, in hair and blood across eight mammalian species. In addition, we present novel results from a laboratory‐based study showing variable hair growth in genetically identical laboratory mice that were kept under controlled conditions.

Synthesis and applications. Collectively, this Review reveals substantial progress towards the validation of stress hormone assays in hair from a variety of wildlife species. Further validations of reproductive steroids, combined with appropriate physiological validations, would expand the potential applications of hair analyses in wildlife research. As a key example, physiological data can provide mechanistic insights into species’ responses to change and may therefore contribute to conservation planning.
Vocal divergence between two disjunct populations of Giant Antshrike (Batara cinerea) is related to environmental conditions
Authors: Sementili‐Cardoso Guilherme , Donatelli Reginaldo José
Published: November 2018

Variation in the avian vocal signals emitted may have a significant impact on species evolution. Vocal divergence in suboscine species like Giant Antshrike (Batara cinerea) may be associated with selective adaptation, since learning has little influence on vocal development and variation in acoustic structure cannot be attributed to learning deviation. Consequently, tracheophone suboscine species are ideal subjects to explore vocal variation, since cultural evolution does not seem to influence vocal variation in this group. Environmental conditions may determine the selection of vocal features because acoustic transmission could be attenuated under certain conditions of temperature, humidity and vegetation cover. Here, we examined vocalizations of Giant Antshrike and assessed possible acoustic variations between two disjunct groups (Andean and Atlantic), correlating the differences to the environmental structure. Univariate and multivariate analysis show temporal and spectral differences between both groups. Andean individuals produce vocalizations with longer duration, faster trill rates, shorter syllable duration and higher frequencies. Environmental features are different between the two populations, and they are correlated to the acoustic structure of vocalizations. Temporal variations arise directly from climatic influence, while spectral divergence could be a secondary effect of morphological adaptation to habitat structure.
Prey stimuli trigger trophic interception across ecosystems
Authors: Breviglieri Crasso Paulo B. , Romero Gustavo Q.
Published: November 2018

Specialised predators foraging in the boundaries of adjacent ecosystems can control or redirect the flow of subsidies through trophic interception. Ecologically diverse predators can capture terrestrial invertebrates that fall on the water surface and, consequently, influence the flow of energy to aquatic environments. In this study, we show that the movement of prey triggers ripples on the surface of the water, and these stimuli are detected by bulldog bats (Noctilio albiventris, Noctilionidae) during foraging. Thus, the bats located live crickets (Gryllus assimilis, Gryllidae) on average of 15 times faster when compared to the location of dead or artificial crickets (i.e. without movements or ripples on the water surface). The bats also inspected (i.e. touched with their feet) all floating objects on the water surface. During this behaviour, the characteristics of the object (i.e. texture) were critical for bats to distinguish between debris (e.g. leaves and sticks) and the resource (i.e. insect carcasses) that floated on the water surface. In addition, when we compare the efficiency of predators (i.e. bats and fishes) in capturing this resource, our findings suggest that bats are extremely effective (i.e. consumed 100% of the available prey), since the fishes consumed only 40% of the available crickets on the surface of the water over a 60‐s period. These results bring novel information about the influence of prey‐based stimuli on the behaviour of its predators and, consequently, on the flow of nutrients between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Spanish survey on follow‐up programmes for children born very preterm
Authors: Pallás‐Alonso Carmen Rosa , Loureiro Begoña , De la Cruz Bértolo Javier , García Pilar , Ginovart Gemma , Jiménez Ana , Martín Yolanda , Soriano Javier , Torres María José , Vento Máximo
Published: November 2018

Aim

To describe variations in practice between follow‐up programmes for very preterm children born at less than 32 weeks' gestation or with very low birth weight of less than 1,500 g.

Methods

A survey on follow‐up practices was electronically distributed to level II and III units among hospitals of the Spanish National Health Service in 2016. The survey included 70 questions covering issues such as follow‐up organisation and resources, routine assessments, relationships with other services and families, information management and training.

Results

The response rate was 91.5% (141/154). Among respondents, 70.9% (100/141) reported that they do provide follow‐up and 42% do so up to six years of age. Routine neurological and ophthalmological follow‐up is not performed in 60% and 37% of hospitals, respectively, and a second hearing assessment is not given in 62%. Just 38% of units have psychologist. In 41% of hospitals, training in follow‐up skills is not included in Paediatric Residency training programme.

Conclusion

Although Spain has a nationwide health system that provides universal health coverage, we found that follow‐up care for children born very preterm/very low birth weight is not equitable. Nearly half of paediatric residents receive no training in follow‐up for this high‐risk population.
Evaluation of DNA damage in spinal cord and mutagenic effect of a Phα1β recombinant toxin with analgesic properties from the Phoneutria nigriventer spider
Authors: de Souza Alessandra Hubner , da Rosa Luiza Gabriela , Uliano Michel Rossi , da Silva Prado Lismare , Ferraz Alice Gomes , Conter Lucas Umpierre , Grivicich Ivana , Dallegrave Eliane , Gomez Marcus Vinícius , Picada Jaqueline Nascimento
Published: November 2018

Phα1β peptide isolated from the venom of the Phoneutria nigriventer spider has shown higher analgesic action in pre‐clinical studies than ω‐conotoxin MVIIA peptide used to treat severe chronic pain. In view of the great potential for the development of a new Phα1β‐based drug, a Phα1β recombinant form (CTK 01512‐2) has been studied for efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of a Phα1β recombinant form and compare it with native Phα1β and ω‐conotoxin MVIIA. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) colourimetric assay in L929 mouse fibroblast cells (0.5‐10.0 μmol/L). Genotoxic and mutagenic activities were analysed using the alkaline comet assay in peripheral blood and spinal cord, and the micronucleus test in bone marrow from Wistar rats treated by intrathecal injection of CTK 01512‐2 (200, 500 and 1000 pmol/site), native Phα1β (500 pmol/site) and ω‐conotoxin MVIIA (200 pmol/site). CTK 01512‐2 decreased the cell viability of the L929, showing IC50 of 3.3 ± 0.1 µmol/L, while the Phα1β and ω‐conotoxin MVIIA did not show cytotoxicity (IC50 > 5.0 µmol/L). Native and recombinant Phα1β forms induced DNA damage in the spinal cord, but not in peripheral blood. CTK 01512‐2 at 1000 pmol/site increased the micronucleus frequency suggesting mutagenic effects. In conclusion, the recombinant form has cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects, evidenced in doses five times above the therapeutic dose.
Endoscopic‐ultrasound‐guided coil and cyanoacrylate embolization for gastric varices and the roles of endoscopic Doppler and endosonographic varicealography in vascular targeting
Authors: Robles‐Medranda Carlos , Valero Manuel , Nebel Joao Autran , de Britto Junior Sylon Ribeiro , Puga‐Tejada Miguel , Ospina Jesenia , Muñoz‐Jurado Guillermo , Pitanga‐Lukashok Hannah
Published: November 2018

Objective

To report the results of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided injection of coils with cyanoacrylate (CYA) using a less‐expensive coil with an emphasis on the roles of Doppler and endosonographic varicealography (EV) in identifying the feeder vessel in gastric varix treatment.

Methods

An observational, descriptive study with prospectively collected data. Patients with gastric varices (GV) were included and were treated by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided injection of CYA and a less‐expensive coil. Technical success, complete and immediate variceal obliteration, rebleeding, complication and survival rates were evaluated.

Results

Thirty patients with GV with a mean age of 62 years (range: 44–76 years) were treated. Median number of coils used was 2 (range: 1–3), and median volume of CYA was 1.8 mL (1.2–2.4 mL). Technical success rate was 100%. EV technical success was observed in 26/30 patients. Complete variceal obliteration was observed in 96.6% of patients, and immediate disappearance of the varix was observed in 24 (80%) patients. The complication rate was 6.7%.

Conclusions

Endoscopic‐ultrasound guidance for gastric varix treatment with the addition of EV and the use of a less‐expensive coil is a safe and effective technique that results in the immediate disappearance of GV after targeting the feeding vessel.
Language counts: Early language mediates the relationship between parent education and children's math ability
Authors: Slusser Emily , Ribner Andrew , Shusterman Anna
Published: November 2018

Children's early math skills have been hailed as a powerful predictor of academic success. Disparities in socioeconomic context, however, also have dramatic consequences on children's learning. It is therefore critical to investigate both of these distinct contributors in order to better understand the early foundations of children's academic outcomes. This study tests an integrated model of children's developing math ability so as to (1) identify the specific skills and abilities most clearly linked to early math achievement and (2) measure the influence of children's socioeconomic context on each of these skills. We first evaluated the early vocabulary, number word knowledge (knower level), and Approximate Number System (ANS) acuity of a diverse group of preschoolers. Then, approximately 1 year later as they entered Kindergarten, we administered a test of early math achievement. We find that children's early language (general vocabulary and number word knowledge) fully mediates the relationship between parent education and math ability. Additionally, number word knowledge mediates the relationship between ANS acuity and early math. We argue that increased focus on number word knowledge, as well as general vocabulary, may help to minimize disparities in math ability as children enter kindergarten. We also highlight the role of parent education on children's learning and note that this may be an important locus for intervention.
Using readability software to enhance the health literacy of equine veterinary clients: An analysis of 17 American Association of Equine Practitioners’ newsletter and website articles
Authors: Sheats M. K. , Royal K. , Kedrowicz A.
Published: November 2018

Background

Veterinarians often provide supplemental healthcare information to horse owners via newsletters and website articles. However, articles written above the reading level of the intended audience contributes to misunderstanding. To ensure that the text in equine healthcare articles and brochures is consistent with the literacy of clients, veterinarians can adopt guidelines set forth by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Medical Association (AMA) for a target 6th grade readability level.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to evaluate the readability levels of a sample of American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) newsletter and website articles prepared expressly for veterinarians to download and share with their clients. Examples from these handouts are used to illustrate principles and techniques veterinary professionals can use to align their writing with the literacy of their intended audience.

Study design

Software‐based readability analysis of 17AAEPnewsletter and website articles.

Methods

A free online readability calculator was used to generate a consensus grade level readability score for 17 downloadableAAEPveterinary newsletter and website articles.

Results

Sixteen of 17 articles were written above the recommended 6th grade reading level.

Main limitations

We propose that a 6th grade readability level, as set forth by theAMA, is a reasonable target for the diverse population that makes up veterinary clients; however, there is currently no research that establishes this target for veterinary clients and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has yet to issue a consensus statement on the subject.

Conclusions

Awareness of the issue of client literacy and use of tools such as readability analysis software can help veterinarians provide clients with ‘easy‐to‐read’ written materials that deliver a message that clients can comprehend, thus improving their health literacy and empowering them as partners in the veterinary‐client relationship.
Limited potential of harvest index improvement to reduce methane emissions from rice paddies
Authors: Jiang Yu , Qian Haoyu , Wang Ling , Feng Jinfei , Huang Shan , Hungate Bruce A. , van Kessel Chris , Horwath William R. , Zhang Xingyue , Qin Xiaobo , Li Yue , Feng Xiaomin , Zhang Jun , Deng Aixing , Zheng Chenyan , Song Zhenwei , Hu Shuijin , van Groenigen Kees Jan , Zhang Weijian
Published: November 2018

Rice is a staple food for nearly half of the world's population, but rice paddies constitute a major source of anthropogenic CH4 emissions. Root exudates from growing rice plants are an important substrate for methane‐producing microorganisms. Therefore, breeding efforts optimizing rice plant photosynthate allocation to grains, i.e., increasing harvest index (HI), are widely expected to reduce CH4 emissions with higher yield. Here we show, by combining a series of experiments, meta‐analyses and an expert survey, that the potential of CH4 mitigation from rice paddies through HI improvement is in fact small. Whereas HI improvement reduced CH4 emissions under continuously flooded (CF) irrigation, it did not affect CH4 emissions in systems with intermittent irrigation (II). We estimate that future plant breeding efforts aimed at HI improvement to the theoretical maximum value will reduce CH4 emissions in CF systems by 4.4%. However, CF systems currently make up only a small fraction of the total rice growing area (i.e., 27% of the Chinese rice paddy area). Thus, to achieve substantial CH4 mitigation from rice agriculture, alternative plant breeding strategies may be needed, along with alternative management.