bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐ and longer‐term impacts of Child Friendly Space Interventions in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, Uganda
Authors: Metzler Janna , Diaconu Karin , Hermosilla Sabrina , Kaijuka Robert , Ebulu George , Savage Kevin , Ager Alastair
Published: May 2019

Background

The establishment of Child Friendly Spaces (CFSs) has become a widespread intervention targeting protection and support for displaced children in humanitarian contexts. There is a lack of evidence of impact of these interventions with respect to both short‐term outcomes and longer‐term developmental trajectories.

Methods

We collected data from caregivers of Congolese refugee children residing in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement at three timepoints. To assess short‐term impact of CFSs, we compared indicators assessed shortly after refugees’ arrival (baseline, T1) and endline (T2, three to six months after CFS implementation) amongst 430 CFS attenders and 161 nonattenders. Follow‐up assessments after the end of CFS programming were conducted 18 months post‐baseline (T3) with caregivers of 249 previous CFS attenders and 77 CFS nonattenders.

Results

In the short‐term, attendance at CFSs was associated with better maintenance of psychosocial well‐being (PSWB; β = 2.093, p < .001, Cohen's d = .347) and greater increases in developmental assets (β = 2.517, p < .001, Cohen's d = .231), with significantly stronger impacts for girls. CFS interventions meeting higher programing quality criteria were associated with greater impact on both PSWB and development assets (β = 2.603 vs. β = 1.793 and β = 2.942 vs. β = 2.337 for attenders at higher and lower‐quality CFSs c.f. nonattenders, respectively). Amongst boys, benefits of program attendance were only indicated for those attending higher‐quality CFS (β = 2.084, p = .006 for PSWB). At follow‐up, however, there were no discernable impacts of prior CFS attendance on any measures. Age and school attendance were the only characteristics that predicted an outcome – developmental assets – at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Attendance at CFSs – particularly involving higher‐quality programming – supported children's well‐being and development. However, sustained impact beyond active CFS programming was not demonstrated. Intervention goals and strategies in humanitarian contexts need to address the challenge of connecting children to other resources to facilitate developmental progress in conditions of protracted displacement.
Reply to the comment from Naranget al. on recalcitrant dermatophytosis
Authors: Saunte D.M.L , Hay R.J.
Published: May 2019

Linked article:T. Narang et al.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol2019;33: e391–e393.https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15686
Potential for industrial ecology to support healthcare sustainability: Scoping review of a fragmented literature and conceptual framework for future research
Authors: Cimprich Alexander , Santillán‐Saldivar Jair , Thiel Cassandra L. , Sonnemann Guido , Young Steven B.
Published: May 2019

Healthcare is a critical service sector with a sizable environmental footprint from both direct activities and the indirect emissions of related products and infrastructure. As in all other sectors, the “inside‐out” environmental impacts of healthcare (e.g., from greenhouse gas emissions, smog‐forming emissions, and acidifying emissions) are harmful to public health. The environmental footprint of healthcare is subject to upward pressure from several factors, including the expansion of healthcare services in developing economies, global population growth, and aging demographics. These factors are compounded by the deployment of increasingly sophisticated medical procedures, equipment, and technologies that are energy‐ and resource‐intensive. From an “outside‐in” perspective, on the other hand, healthcare systems are increasingly susceptible to the effects of climate change, limited resource access, and other external influences. We conducted a comprehensive scoping review of the existing literature on environmental issues and other sustainability aspects in healthcare, based on a representative sample from over 1,700 articles published between 1987 and 2017. To guide our review of this fragmented literature, and to build a conceptual foundation for future research, we developed an industrial ecology framework for healthcare sustainability. Our framework conceptualizes the healthcare sector as comprising “foreground systems” of healthcare service delivery that are dependent on “background product systems.” By mapping the existing literature onto our framework, we highlight largely untapped opportunities for the industrial ecology community to use “top‐down” and “bottom‐up” approaches to build an evidence base for healthcare sustainability.
The Condensed MFT Core Competencies: A Streamlined Approach for Measuring Student and Supervisee Learning Using the MFT Core Competencies
Authors: Northey William F. , Gehart Diane R.
Published: May 2019

In this article, the authors present a condensed version of the Marriage and Family Therapy Core Competencies (MFT‐CC), collapsing the original 128 MFT‐CC to 16 using a qualitative research method. Educators, supervisors, and researchers can more easily and efficiently use the condensed MFT‐CC to measure student and supervisee learning for accreditation and training. The 16 Condensed MFT‐CC are mapped to the original MFT‐CC, COAMFTE's Version 12 Foundational Curriculum Areas and the Association for Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards 6 domains upon which the national exam is predicated.
Questionnaire survey on association between preeclampsia and incontinentia pigmenti
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Huang Yu , Si Dayong , Gao Shichao , Wang Peichang
Published: May 2019

Aim

In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted to find the relationship between preeclampsia (PE) and incontinentia pigmenti (IP).

Methods

Using a questionnaire survey of 147 women whose children were diagnosed with IP, this study first investigated their clinical manifestations and complications during pregnancy. The manifestations included high blood pressure, proteinuria and edema after 20 weeks of gestation. Women with and without IP were separated into two groups, then analyzed accordingly.

Results

There were 45 mothers with IP in the case group and 102 mothers without IP in the control group. IP mothers who were pregnant with an IP fetus were at higher risk for hypertension, proteinuria, and edema during pregnancy as compared with non‐IP mothers that carried an IP fetus. Out of these 147 mothers, 8 mothers with IP and 6 mothers without IP presented with new‐onset hypertension during pregnancy (P = 0.024)，7 mothers with IP and 4 mothers without IP presented with new‐onset proteinuria during pregnancy (P = 0.013)，and 21 IP mothers and 27 non‐IP mothers presented with edema during pregnancy (P = 0.016). Although no statistical difference was observed, mothers in the case group were more likely to develop the above three symptoms concurrently (6.7% vs 2.0%; P = 0.168), and were more likely to be diagnosed with PE (8.9% vs 3.9%; P = 0.249).

Conclusion

Our study revealed that the simultaneous occurrence of IP in the mother and fetus increased the likelihood of clinical manifestations associated with PE during pregnancy.
Pulse granuloma presenting as a complex pelvic cyst
Authors: Maeda Yuto , Uematsu Kazuhiko , Matsubayashi Aya , Yoshioka Shinya
Published: May 2019

Pulse granuloma, a benign granulomatous lesion, develops due to foreign body reactions to food particles. This rare entity occurs occasionally in the abdominal cavity. However, it has never been reported as a pelvic mass or a recurrent case. A 37‐year‐old woman with a medical history of pelvic granulomatous lesions treated in Thailand, was admitted for abdominal pain. Imaging study revealed a pelvic complex cyst and disseminated nodules. Ovarian cancer or tuberculous peritonitis was suspected. The appearance at laparotomy was an inflammatory mass encased in adhesions; therefore, only biopsy was performed. The pathology diagnosis was pulse granuloma. The pathology report from Thailand was obtained only after her discharge, suggesting that the previous granulomatous lesion contained vegetable matter. This report demonstrates that pulse granuloma can present as a pelvic mass and may relapse. For complex cystic lesions with solid components in the pelvis, pulse granuloma should be considered as a differential diagnosis.
Effects of a blend of thyme, peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils on growth performance, serum lipid and hepatic enzyme indices, immune response and ileal morphology and microflora in broilers
Authors: Hesabi Nameghi Alireza , Edalatian Ommolbanin , Bakhshalinejad Reza
Published: May 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a blend of essential oils (EOB) derived from thyme (Thymus vulgaris), peppermint (Mentha piperita) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globules) as a natural growth promoter. Five dosages (0 (CON), 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) of EOB were added daily to the drinking water to determine its effect on growth performance, carcass quality, blood biochemistry, immune response and ileal morphology in Ross 308 broiler chicks. A total of 500, 10‐day‐old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated into five treatments with four replicates each. Inclusion of EOB at 150 ppm improved (p < 0.05) body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and production index by 11.73, 10.81 and 24.13% compared to CON respectively. The inclusion of EOB at 100, 150 and 200 ppm increased (p < 0.05) carcass yield and thigh muscle compared to CON. Serum concentration of hepatic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) was decreased while the ileal villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth were improved (p < 0.05) in response to inclusion of 150 and 200 ppm of EOB compared to CON. The ileal Escherichia coli count was lower and Lactobacillus count was higher in EOB‐200 and EOB‐150, respectively, compared to CON at 21 and 42 days of age (p < 0.05). Antibody titre of Newcastle, bronchitis and infectious bursal disease was linearly increased (p < 0.05) by increasing supplemental level of EOB at day 4 post‐inoculation. Our results suggested that supplementation of EOB at the 150 ppm into drinking water during day 11–42 could improve growth performance, humoral immunity and ileal morphology and microflora in broilers, and thus, EOB has merit to be used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.
Male and female cats have different regional body compositions and energy requirements for weight loss and weight maintenance
Authors: Vasconcellos Ricardo Souza , Gonçalves Karina Nogueira Venturelli , Borges Naida Cristina , de Paula Francisco José Albuquerque , Canola Júlio Carlos , de Oliveira Sampaio Gomes Márcia , Miltenburg Tânia Zóia , Carciofi Aulus Cavalieri
Published: May 2019

Body composition and energy requirements are different between males and females in several species, and both interfere with weight loss. The aim of this study was to compare the total and regional body composition and energy requirements in obese male (n = 8) and female (n = 8) cats, during weight loss and weight maintenance over 17 subsequent weeks after regimen. The total and regional (thoracic and pelvic limbs, and trunk) body composition was assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Females exhibited a higher fat mass (FM) than males (p < 0.05), and the trunk was the site with greater fat accumulation regardless of gender. A 23.0 ± 2.8% reduction in body weight was followed by a 50.3 ± 9.4% and a 37.0 ± 8.9% reduction in fat in the trunk region in males and females respectively. Lean mass (LM) mobilization was also increased in the trunk (p < 0.05), and the loss of LM was associated with a reduction in bone mass. The energy intake to achieve the same rate of weight loss was 12.9 ± 3.4% higher in males (p < 0.05). The cats exhibited a gradual increase in energy requirements to maintain their body weight after weight loss (p < 0.05). It was concluded that obese cats mainly accumulate fat in the trunk. The reduction in lean mass after the regimen also occurred in the trunk, with no modifications in the skeletal muscle mass of the limbs. Neutered male cats have higher energy requirements than neutered females, and gender should be considered during obesity management in cats.
Connecting the morphological and molecular species concepts to facilitate species identification within the genus Fragilaria (Bacillariophyta)
Authors: Kahlert Maria , Kelly Martyn G. , Mann David G. , Rimet Frédéric , Sato Shinya , Bouchez Agnès , Keck François
Published: May 2019

This paper explores the diversity and taxonomy of species within Fragilaria sensu stricto, an abundant and ecologically important diatom genus, taking advantage of cultured and DNA‐barcoded material. The goal is to facilitate the identification of European taxa within this complex, providing a unified view on morphological and molecular diversity. There is a general agreement that the separation of species within the group of Fragilaria is difficult because morphological descriptions of species are not consistent between authorities, ongoing taxonomic revisions have resulted in species described with standards of the late 20th and 21st centuries alongside descriptions based on 19th century (light microscopical) criteria, and because not all diagnostic characters can be seen in all specimens encountered in routine analyses. Consequent confusion could blur potentially important ecological distinctions between species. Our study demonstrated that some species defined on morphological criteria could be confirmed using the rbcL chloroplast gene as a genetic marker, for example, Fragilaria gracilis, Fragilaria tenera, Fragilaria perminuta, and Fragilaria subconstricta. However, even for those species, preliminary identifications based on morphology often differed from identifications based on phylogenetic clustering combined with detailed morphological study. Clades were well‐defined by rbcL, but based on morphology, the terminal taxa of these clades did not match the currently described Fragilaria species. To clarify recognition of these taxa, we describe three new species: Fragilaria agnesiae, Fragilaria heatherae, and Fragilaria joachimii.
Efficacy and safety of a two‐drug direct‐acting antiviral agent regimen ruzasvir 180 mg and uprifosbuvir 450 mg for 12 weeks in adults with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6
Authors: Lawitz Eric , Gane Edward , Feld Jordan J. , Buti Maria , Foster Graham R. , Rabinovitz Mordechai , Burnevich Eduard , Katchman Helena , Tomasiewicz Krzysztof , Lahser Fred , Jackson Beth , Shaughnessy Melissa , Klopfer Stephanie , Yeh Wendy W. , Robertson Michael N. , Hanna George J. , Barr Eliav , Platt Heather L. ,   the C‐BREEZE‐2 Study Investigators
Published: May 2019

Ruzasvir (MK‐8408, an NS5A inhibitor) and uprifosbuvir (MK‐3682, a nonstructural protein 5B nucleotide inhibitor) are highly potent direct‐acting antiviral agents for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A phase III clinical trial evaluating the two‐drug combination of ruzasvir 60 mg plus  uprifosbuvir 450 mg suggested suboptimal efficacy in certain HCV genotypes (C‐BREEZE 1; NCT02759315). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ruzasvir in combination with uprifosbuvir administered at a higher dose than that assessed in the earlier study (C‐BREEZE 2: NCT02956629/Merck protocol PN041). Treatment‐naïve or interferon (with or without ribavirin)‐experienced participants with or without compensated cirrhosis were enrolled. All participants received ruzasvir 180 mg plus uprifosbuvir 450 mg once daily for 12 weeks. The primary objectives were the proportion of participants with HCV RNA <15 lU/mL at 12 weeks after the end of study therapy (SVR12), and safety and tolerability of the study drug. Overall, 282 participants were enrolled. SVR12 (n/N) was 91.3% (42/46) in participants infected with HCV genotype (GT) 1a; GT1b, 96.7% (29/30); GT2, 91.5% (43/47); GT3, 73.8% (45/61); GT4, 98.2% (55/56); GT5, 100.0% (18/18); and GT6, 90.9% (20/22). Adverse events (AEs) were reported by 61.3% of participants; drug‐related AEs were reported by 33.3%. The most frequent (≥5% of participants) drug‐related AEs in all participants were fatigue (7.8%) and headache (7.4%). In conclusion, the two‐drug combination of ruzasvir 180 mg plus uprifosbuvir 450 mg for 12 weeks was highly effective and well tolerated in participants infected with HCV GT1, GT2, GT4, GT5 and GT6, with a lower efficacy in GT3‐infected persons.
Haematobia irritans parasitism of F1 yak × beef cattle (Bos grunniens × Bos taurus) hybrids
Authors: Calkins C. M. , Scasta J. D. , Smith T. , Stayton M. M. , Lake S. L.
Published: May 2019

The horn fly Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae) is a blood obligate ectoparasite of bovids that causes annual losses to the U.S. beef cattle industry of over US$1.75 billion. Climate warming, the anthropogenic dispersion of bovids and the cross‐breeding of beef cattle with other bovid species may facilitate novel horn fly–host interactions. In particular, hybridizing yaks [Bos grunniens (Artiodactyla: Bovidae)] with beef cows (Bos taurus) for heterosis and carcass improvements may increase the exposure of yak × beef hybrids to horn flies. The present paper reports on the collection of digital images of commingled beef heifers (n = 12) and F1 yak × beef hybrid bovids (heifers, n = 7; steers, n = 5) near Laramie, Wyoming (∼ 2200 m a.s.l.) in 2018. The total numbers of horn flies on beef heifers and F1 yak × beef heifers [mean ± standard error (SE): 88 ± 13 and 70 ± 17, respectively] did not differ significantly; however, F1 yak × beef steers had greater total horn fly abundance (mean ± SE: 159 ± 39) than female bovids. The present report of this experiment is the first such report in the literature and suggests that F1 yak × beef bovids are as susceptible as cattle to horn fly parasitism. Therefore, similar monitoring and treatment practices should be adopted by veterinarians, entomologists and producers.
Comparative pathogenicity of opportunistic black yeasts in Aureobasidium
Authors: Wang Meizhu , Danesi Patrizia , James Timothy Y. , Al‐Hatmi Abdullah M. S. , Najafzadeh Mohammad Javad , Dolatabadi Somayeh , Ming Chunyan , Liou Guey‐Yuh , Kang Yingqian , de Hoog Sybren
Published: May 2019

Aureobasidium pullulans and A. melanogenum are black‐yeast‐like surface colonisers and are commonly encountered as contaminants in the hospital. The species are able to produce melanin which play a role in protection against environmental stress and irradiation. Aureobasidium melanogenum shows higher frequency in opportunistic infections compared to A. pullulans. Comparative pathogenicity of opportunistic black yeasts between Aureobasidium pullulans and A. melanogenum to explain the observed differences in frequency in infection. Degrees of melanisation and thermotolerance were measured, and virulence of strains from different sources was examined in Galleria mellonela and murine infection models. Aureobasidium melanogenum responds with increased melanisation to temperature stress and generally survives at 37°C, A. pullulans on average scored less on these parameters. In the murine model, differences between species were not significant, but the melanised A. melanogenum group showed the highest virulence. This result was not reproducible in Galleria mellonella larvae at 25°C. The A. melanogenum black group showed higher pathogenicity in murine model, indicating that the combination of melanisation and thermotolerance rather than species affiliation is instrumental. Galleria larvae did not survive very well at 37°C, and hence, this model is judged insufficient to detect the small virulence differences observed in Aureobasidium.
The safety and efficacy of electroanatomical mapping (EAM)‐guided device implantation
Authors: Patel Hardik , Hiner Evan , Naqvi Amir , Wrobel Jessica , Machado Christian
Published: May 2019

Background

The conventional method of device implantation requires fluoroscopic guidance. With the guidance of three‐dimensional (3‐D) navigation systems, devices can be implanted with minimal use of fluoroscopy. To date, this technique has been reported in several case reports in young, pregnant patients. However, this technique has not been widely utilized by electrophysiologists, despite offering several benefits, including reduced radiation exposure for the patient and the operator.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated 18 patients who successfully underwent device implantation with limited use of fluoroscopy under the guidance of the EnSite Precision 3‐D mapping navigation system (Abbott, St. Paul, MN, USA). In most of the patients, the total fluoroscopy time was 1 s, accounted by a single postprocedural frame to insure appropriate lead placement.

Results

A total of 19 leads were implanted in 18 patients (14 male, four female) using the electroanatomical mapping (EAM)‐guided technique. A total of 19 leads were implanted in 15 patients (10 male, five female) using the conventional method. The average length of stay was 1.20 days in the EAM group compared to 1.47 days in the conventional group (P = .10). Majority of the devices implanted in both groups were single‐chamber implantable cardiac defibrillators (VVI ICD, Abbott) implanted for cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction persistently below 35%, including 88% (16/18) in the EAM group compared to 73% (11/15) in the conventional group. No periprocedural or immediate postprocedure complications were reported in either group. Device parameters, including impedance, capture time, and capture voltage, showed no significant difference in either group. Total radiation time and radiation dose were markedly lower in the EAM‐guided implantation group.

Conclusions

In patients who meet appropriate criteria for device implantation, the use of EAM system offers a safe, practical, efficacious alternative method to device implantation, with significant reduction in radiation time and dose.
Ultrasound‐guided combined pectoral nerve block and axillary venipuncture for the implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices
Authors: Bozyel Serdar , Yalnız Ahmet , Aksu Tolga , Guler Tumer Erdem , Genez Samet
Published: May 2019

Background

Combined ultrasound (US)‐guided pectoral nerves (PECS) block and axillary vein (AV) puncture for cardiac implantable electronic devices can be effective to achieve optimal perioperative pain management and prevent access‐related complications.

Methods

A total of 36 patients who underwent combined US‐guided PECS block and AV puncture were included. All routinely recorded parameters, including clinical and demographic characteristics, periprocedural medical administrations, the time taken for both PECS block and AV puncture, procedure time, postprocedural pain score, and procedure‐related complications, were collected and analyzed.

Results

In total, 54 leads were placed in 36 patients. The combined US‐guided PECS block and AV puncture was performed successfully in 35 (97.2%) patients without the need for fluoroscopy or venography. AV access for each lead was achieved in a single attempt in 80.6% of cases. The time for both PECS block and AV puncture was 223.6 ± 52.1 s, including the time to apply incision site anesthesia. Additional sedatives and/or local anesthetics were required in two patients during procedure. Visual analog scale average of the patients in the 1st, 6th, and 24th h was 3.7 ± 1.14. 1.61 ± 1.29, and 0.08 ± 0.28, respectively. After the procedure, four patients (three of them woman) needed analgesics. There were no venous access‐related complications.

Conclusions

This new combined technique maintains both surgical and postoperative analgesia and prevents vascular access‐related complications without significant increase on procedure time.
Risk of severe maternal morbidity in relation to prepregnancy body mass index: Roles of maternal co‐morbidities and caesarean birth
Authors: Leonard Stephanie A. , Carmichael Suzan L. , Main Elliott K. , Lyell Deirdre J. , Abrams Barbara
Published: May 2019

Background

An association between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) has been reported, but evidence has been mixed and potential explanations have not been examined.

Objective

To evaluate the association between prepregnancy BMI and SMM in a large, diverse birth cohort and assess potential mediation by obesity‐related co‐morbidities and caesarean birth.

Methods

This cohort study used linked birth certificate and hospitalisation discharge records from Californian births during 2007‐2012. We assessed associations between prepregnancy BMI and SMM, and used inverse probability weighting for multiple mediators to estimate relative and absolute natural direct and indirect effects accounting for mediation by co‐morbidities (hypertensive conditions, diabetes, asthma) and caesarean birth.

Results

Among 2 650 182 births, the prevalence of SMM was 1.42%. Adjusted risk ratios for the total association between prepregnancy BMI category and SMM were 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07, 1.18) for underweight, 1.02 (95% CI 0.99, 1.04) for overweight, 1.04 (95% CI 1.00, 1.07) for obesity class 1, 1.14 (95% CI 1.09, 1.20) for obesity class 2, and 1.28 (95% CI 1.22, 1.36) for obesity class 3 compared to women with normal weight. After accounting for mediation by co‐morbidity and caesarean birth, the risk ratios were 1.19 (95% CI 1.14, 1.26) for underweight, 0.91 (95% CI 0.89, 0.94) for overweight, 0.86 (95% CI 0.84, 0.89) for obesity class 1, 0.88 (95% CI 0.84, 0.92) for obesity class 2, and 0.89 (95% CI 0.83, 0.95) for obesity class 3.

Conclusions

Co‐morbidities and caesarean birth explained an association between high prepregnancy BMI and SMM. These findings suggest that promotion of healthy prepregnancy weight, along with management of co‐morbidities and support of vaginal birth in pregnant women with high BMI, could reduce the risk of SMM. However, these mediators did not reduce the elevated risk of SMM observed in women with low BMI.
Distorted Input Ratios in Vertical Relationships*
Authors: Peitz Martin , Shin Dongsoo
Published: May 2019

A project leader sources an input from a supporter and combines it with an input produced in‐house. The leader has private information about the project's cost environment. We show that if the leader can commit to the in‐house input level, the input ratio is distorted upward when the in‐house input is not too costly – the in‐house input is produced in excess and thus partly wasted. By contrast, without the leader's commitment to the in‐house input level, the input ratio is distorted downward when the in‐house input is sufficiently costly – the outsourced input is produced in excess and thus partly wasted.
Bioimaging of multiple elements by high‐resolution LA‐ICP‐MS reveals altered distribution of mineral elements in the nodes of rice mutants
Authors: Yamaji Naoki , Ma Jian Feng
Published: May 2019

Inter‐vascular transfer in rice (Oryza sativa) nodes is required for delivering mineral elements to developing tissues, which is mediated by various transporters in the nodes. However, the effect of these transporters on distribution of mineral elements in the nodes at a cellular level is still unknown. Here, we established a protocol for bioimaging of multiple elements at a cellular level in rice node by laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS), and compared the mineral distribution profile between wild‐type (WT) rice and mutants. Both relative comparison of mineral distribution normalized by endogenous 13C and quantitative analysis using spiked standards combined with soft ablation gave valid results. Overall, macro‐nutrients such as K and Mg were accumulated more in the phloem region, while micro‐nutrients such as Fe and Zn were highly accumulated at the inter‐vascular tissues of the node. In mutants of nodal Zn transporter OsHMA2, Zn localization pattern in the node tissues did not differ from that of WT; however, Zn accumulation in the inter‐vascular tissues was lower in uppermost node I but higher in the third upper node III compared with the WT. In contrast, Si deposition in the mutants of three nodal Si transporters Lsi2, Lsi3 and Lsi6 showed different patterns, which are consistent with the localization of these transporters. This improved LA‐ICP‐MS analysis combined with functional characterization of transporters will provide further insight into mineral element distribution mechanisms in rice and other plant species.
Exome sequences and multi‐environment field trials elucidate the genetic basis of adaptation in barley
Authors: Bustos‐Korts Daniela , Dawson Ian K. , Russell Joanne , Tondelli Alessandro , Guerra Davide , Ferrandi Chiara , Strozzi Francesco , Nicolazzi Ezequiel L. , Molnar‐Lang Marta , Ozkan Hakan , Megyeri Maria , Miko Peter , Çakır Esra , Yakışır Enes , Trabanco Noemi , Delbono Stefano , Kyriakidis Stylianos , Booth Allan , Cammarano Davide , Mascher Martin , Werner Peter , Cattivelli Luigi , Rossini Laura , Stein Nils , Kilian Benjamin , Waugh Robbie , van Eeuwijk Fred A.
Published: May 2019

Broadening the genetic base of crops is crucial for developing varieties to respond to global agricultural challenges such as climate change. Here, we analysed a diverse panel of 371 domesticated lines of the model crop barley to explore the genetics of crop adaptation. We first collected exome sequence data and phenotypes of key life history traits from contrasting multi‐environment common garden trials. Then we applied refined statistical methods, including some based on exomic haplotype states, for genotype‐by‐environment (G×E) modelling. Sub‐populations defined from exomic profiles were coincident with barley's biology, geography and history, and explained a high proportion of trial phenotypic variance. Clear G×E interactions indicated adaptation profiles that varied for landraces and cultivars. Exploration of circadian clock‐related genes, associated with the environmentally adaptive days to heading trait (crucial for the crop's spread from the Fertile Crescent), illustrated complexities in G×E effect directions, and the importance of latitudinally based genic context in the expression of large‐effect alleles. Our analysis supports a gene‐level scientific understanding of crop adaption and leads to practical opportunities for crop improvement, allowing the prioritisation of genomic regions and particular sets of lines for breeding efforts seeking to cope with climate change and other stresses.
New insights into ion channel‐dependent signalling during left‐right patterning
Authors: Tajhya Rajeev , Delling Markus
Published: May 2019

The left‐right organizer (LRO) in the mouse consists of pit cells within the depression, located at the end of the developing notochord, also known as the embryonic node and crown cells lining the outer periphery of the node. Cilia on pit cells are posteriorly tilted, rotate clockwise and generate leftward fluid flow. Primary cilia on crown cells are required to interpret the directionality of fluid movement and initiate flow‐dependent gene transcription. Crown cells express PC1‐L1 and PC2, which may form a heteromeric polycystin channel complex on primary cilia. It is still only poorly understood how fluid flow activates the ciliary polycystin complex. Besides polycystin channels voltage gated channels like HCN4 and KCNQ1 have been implicated in establishing asymmetry. How this electrical network of ion channels initiates left‐sided signalling cascades and differential gene expression is currently only poorly defined.

image
Vibrations of an Incompressible Linearly Elastic Plate Using Discontinuous Finite Element Basis Functions for Pressure
Authors: Yuan Lisha , Batra Romesh C.
Published: May 2019

We numerically analyze, with the finite element method, free vibrations of incompressible rectangular plates under different boundary conditions with a third-order shear and normal deformable theory (TSNDT) derived by Batra. The displacements are taken as unknowns at the nodes of a 9-node quadrilateral element and the hydrostatic pressure at four interior nodes. The plate theory satisfies the incompressibility condition, and the basis functions satisfy the Babuska-Brezzi condition. Because of the singular mass matrix, Moler's QZ algorithm (also known as the generalized Schur decomposition) is used to solve the resulting eigenvalue problem. Computed results for simply supported, clamped, and clamped-free rectangular isotropic plates agree well with the corresponding analytical frequencies of simply supported plates and with those found using the commercial software, abaqus, for other edge conditions. In-plane modes of vibrations are clearly discerned from mode shapes of square plates of aspect ratio 1/8 for all three boundary conditions. The magnitude of the transverse normal strain at a point is found to equal the sum of the two axial strains implying that higher-order plate theories that assume null transverse normal strain will very likely not provide good solutions for plates made of rubberlike materials that are generally taken to be incompressible. We have also compared the presently computed through-the-thickness distributions of stresses and the hydrostatic pressure with those found using abaqus.
Suppression of Rubbing in Rotating Machines by Lemon-Type Bearing
Authors: Ovy Enaiyat Ghani
Published: May 2019

Rotor-to-stator or rotor-to-guide rubbing in rotating machines is a serious problem. The contact (rub and impact) between the rotor and the guide creates an excessive vibration which may lead to permanent damage of the mechanical system. In the present work, the rubbing phenomenon between the rotor and the guide is investigated by simulation and experiment. Two different types of clearance bearings are implemented, which are based on circular and lemon-type guides. Rigorous mathematical models for the lemon-type guide as well as for the traditional circular clearance bearing are derived. Then, a Jeffcott rotor model is simulated for the investigation of the rubbing behavior for the two types of bearings. The numerical model is developed in matlab simulink. For different clearances and friction levels between rotor and guide, and several initial conditions, the rubbing phenomena are studied and evaluated. Finally, a comparison between experimental and simulation work is carried out to validate the overall scenarios in this research work. Results indicate that the lemon-type bearing can reduce the likelihood of sustained rubbing, compared with the circular clearance bearing, for the considered test cases.
Displacement of a bubble located at a fluid-viscoelastic medium interface
Authors: Koruk Hasan , Choi James J.
Published: May 2019

A model for estimating the displacement of a bubble located at a fluid-viscoelastic medium interface in response to acoustic radiation force is presented by extending the model for a spherical object embedded in a bulk material. The effects of the stiffness and viscosity of the viscoelastic medium and the amplitude and duration of the excitation force on bubble displacement were investigated using the proposed model. The results show that bubble displacement has a nonlinear relationship with excitation duration and viscosity. The time at which the steady state is reached increases with increasing medium viscosity and decreasing medium stiffness.
Epidemiological Transition in Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Children
Authors: Barreira Tiago V. , Broyles Stephanie T. , Tudor-Locke Catrine , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Fogelholm Mikael , Hu Gang , Kuriyan Rebecca , Lambert Estelle V. , Maher Carol A. , Maia José A. , Olds Timothy , Onywera Vincent , Sarmiento Olga L. , Standage Martyn , Tremblay Mark S. , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , _ _
Published: May 2019

Background: To determine if children’s moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time varied across levels of household income in countries at different levels of Human Development Index (HDI), consistent with the theory of epidemiological transition. Methods: Data from 6548 children (55% girls) aged 9–11 years from 12 countries at different HDI levels are used in this analysis to assess MVPA and sedentary time (measured using ActiGraph accelerometers) across levels of household income. Least-square means are estimated separately for boys and girls at the estimated 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles of HDI for the sample. Results: For boys, time in MVPA is negatively associated with income at the 10th and 50th percentiles of HDI (both P < .002). For girls, time in MVPA is negatively associated with income at the 10th and 50th percentiles of HDI (all P < .01) and positively related with income at the 90th percentile (P = .04). Sedentary time is positively associated with income at the 10th percentile of HDI for boys (P = .03), but not for girls. Conclusions: Results support the possibility of an epidemiological transition in physical activity, with lower levels of MVPA observed at opposite levels of income depending on the HDI percentile. This phenomenon was not observed for sedentary time.
A Guide to Understanding Antimicrobial Drug Dosing in Critically Ill Patients on Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Pistolesi Valentina , Morabito Santo , Di Mario Francesca , Regolisti Giuseppe , Cantarelli Chiara , Fiaccadori Enrico
Published: May 2019

A careful management of antimicrobials is essential in the critically ill with acute kidney injury, especially if renal replacement therapy is required. Acute kidney injury may lead
per se
to clinically significant modifications of drugs’ pharmacokinetic parameters, and the need for renal replacement therapy represents a further variable that should be considered to avoid inappropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Serum IgM and C-Reactive Protein Binding to Phosphorylcholine of Nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
Increases Complement-Mediated Killing
Authors: Langereis Jeroen D. , van der Pasch Eva S. , de Jonge Marien I.
Published: May 2019

Nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHi) colonizes the human upper respiratory tract without causing disease symptoms, but it is also a major cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in children and elderly, respectively. NTHi synthesizes various molecules to decorate its lipooligosaccharide (LOS), which modulates the level of virulence.
Unique Regions of the Polysaccharide Copolymerase Wzz
2
from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Are Essential for O-Specific Antigen Chain Length Control
Authors: Huszczynski Steven M. , Coumoundouros Chelsea , Pham Phi , Lam Joseph S. , Khursigara Cezar M.
Published: May 2019

O antigen is an important virulence factor presented on the cell surface of Gram-negative bacteria that is critical for bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. However, some aspects of O antigen biosynthesis, such as the mechanisms for determining polysaccharide chain length, are poorly understood. In this study, we identified unique regions in the O antigen chain length regulators (termed Wzz) of the problematic opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. We show that these regions are critical for determining O antigen chain length, which provides new insight into the model of the Wzz mechanism. Ultimately, our work adds knowledge toward understanding an important step in the biosynthesis of this virulence factor, which is applicable to a wide range of Gram-negative pathogens.
Nonrandom Distribution of Azole Resistance across the Global Population of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Sewell Thomas R. , Zhu Jianing , Rhodes Johanna , Hagen Ferry , Meis Jacques F. , Fisher Matthew C. , Jombart Thibaut
Published: May 2019

Azole drug resistance in the human-pathogenic fungus
Aspergillus fumigatus
continues to emerge, potentially leading to untreatable aspergillosis in immunosuppressed hosts. Two dominant, environmentally associated resistance mechanisms, which are thought to have evolved through selection by the agricultural application of azole fungicides, are now distributed globally. Understanding the effect that azole resistance is having on the genetic diversity and global population of
A. fumigatus
will help mitigate drug-resistant aspergillosis and maintain the azole class of fungicides for future use in both medicine and crop protection.
Bacterioferritin of Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense Is a Heterotetraeicosameric Complex Composed of Functionally Distinct Subunits but Is Not Involved in Magnetite Biomineralization
Authors: Uebe René , Ahrens Frederik , Stang Jörg , Jäger Katharina , Böttger Lars H. , Schmidt Christian , Matzanke Berthold F. , Schüler Dirk
Published: May 2019

Magnetotactic bacteria like
Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense
are able to orient along magnetic field lines due to the intracellular formation of magnetite nanoparticles. Biomineralization of magnetite has been suggested to require a yet-unknown ferritin-like ferrihydrite component. Here, we report the identification of a bacterioferritin as the source of ferrihydrite in
M. gryphiswaldense
and show that, contrary to previous reports, bacterioferritin is not involved in magnetite biomineralization but required for oxidative stress resistance. Additionally, we show that bacterioferritin of
M. gryphiswaldense
is an unusual member of the bacterioferritin subfamily as it is composed of two functionally distinct subunits. Thus, our findings extend our understanding of the bacterioferritin subfamily and also solve a longstanding question about the magnetite biomineralization pathway.
Metaproteomics: Much More than Measuring Gene Expression in Microbial Communities
Authors: Kleiner Manuel
Published: May 2019

Metaproteomics is the large-scale identification and quantification of proteins from microbial communities and thus provides direct insight into the phenotypes of microorganisms on the molecular level. Initially, metaproteomics was mainly used to assess the “expressed” metabolism and physiology of microbial community members.
Strengthening Insights in Microbial Ecological Networks from Theory to Applications
Authors: Lv Xiaofei , Zhao Kankan , Xue Ran , Liu Yuanhui , Xu Jianming , Ma Bin
Published: May 2019

Networks encode the interactions between the components in complex systems and play an essential role in understanding complex systems. Microbial ecological networks provide a system-level insight for comprehensively understanding complex microbial interactions, which play important roles in microbial community assembly.
Exploring the Evolution of Virulence Factors through Bioinformatic Data Mining
Authors: Doxey Andrew C. , Mansfield Michael J. , Lobb Briallen
Published: May 2019

The molecular evolution of virulence factors is a central theme in our understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and host-microbe interactions. Using bioinformatics and genome data mining, recent studies have shed light on the evolution of important virulence factor families and the mechanisms by which they have adapted and diversified in function.
Missing Links: the Role of Primates in Understanding the Human Microbiome
Authors: Amato Katherine R.
Published: May 2019

The gut microbiome can influence host energy balances and metabolic programming. While this information is valuable in a disease context, it also has important implications for understanding host energetics from an ecological and evolutionary perspective.
Disappearing nodules: spontaneously regressing pulmonary amyloidosis
Authors: Glass Lisa N , Sumon Mahbubur , Goulart Hannah , Ahari Jalil
Published: May 2019

A case report of spontaneous regression of pulmonary amyloidosis, diffuse interstitial pattern, in an elderly patient.
Treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory CD19+ lymphoid disease with T lymphocytes transduced by RV-SFG.CD19.CD28.4-1BBzeta retroviral vector: a unicentre phase I/II clinical trial protocol
Authors: Schubert Maria-Luisa , Schmitt Anita , Sellner Leopold , Neuber Brigitte , Kunz Joachim , Wuchter Patrick , Kunz Alexander , Gern Ulrike , Michels Birgit , Hofmann Susanne , Hückelhoven-Krauss Angela , Kulozik Andreas , Ho Anthony D. , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Dreger Peter , Schmitt Michael
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells spark hope for patients with CD19+ B cell neoplasia, including relapsed or refractory (r/r) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) or r/r non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Published studies have mostly used second-generation CARs with 4-1BB or CD28 as costimulatory domains. Preclinical results of third-generation CARs incorporating both elements have shown superiority concerning longevity and proliferation. The University Hospital of Heidelberg is the first institution to run an investigator-initiated trial (IIT) CAR T cell trial (Heidelberg Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell Trial number 1 [HD-CAR-1]) in Germany with third-generation CD19-directed CAR T cells.

Methods and analysis

Adult patients with r/r ALL (stratum I), r/r NHL including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma or mantle cell lymphoma (stratum II) as well as paediatric patients with r/r ALL (stratum III) will be treated with autologous T-lymphocytes transduced by third-generation RV-SFG.CD19.CD28.4-1BB zeta retroviral vector (CD19.CAR T cells). The main purpose of this study is to evaluate safety and feasibility of escalating CD19.CAR T cell doses (1–20×106transduced cells/m2) after lymphodepletion with fludarabine (flu) and cyclophosphamide (cyc). Patients will be monitored for cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity, i.e. CAR-T-cell-related encephalopathy syndrome (CRES) and/or other toxicities (primary objectives). Secondary objectives include evaluation ofin vivofunction and survival of CD19.CAR T cells and assessment of CD19.CAR T cell antitumour efficacy.

HD-CAR-1 as a prospective, monocentric trial aims to make CAR T cell therapy accessible to patients in Europe. Currently, HD-CAR-1 is the first and only CAR T cell IIT in Germany. A third-generation Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) grade retroviral vector, a broad spectrum of NHL, treatment of paediatric and adult ALL patients and inclusion of patients even after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) make this trial unique.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval and approvals from the local and federal competent authorities were granted. Trial results will be reported via peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences and scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

Eudra CT 2016-004808-60;NCT03676504; Pre-results.
Pro-con debate on regionalization of emergency general surgery: controversy or common sense?
Authors: Santry Heena , Kao Lillian S , Shafi Shahid , Lottenberg Lawrence , Crandall Marie
Published: May 2019

More than three million patients every year develop emergency general surgical (EGS) conditions and this number is rising. EGS diseases range from straightforward to potentially life-threatening, and if severe or complex may require extensive resources. Given the looming surgeon shortage and concerns about access to care, regionalization of EGS care, in a manner similar to trauma care, has been proposed. We present a unique pro–con debate highlighting the salient arguments for and against regionalization of EGS care in the USA.
Environmental contamination and detection ofSalmonella entericaserovarenteritidisin laying flocks
Authors: Davies R. , Breslin M.
Published: May 2019

Faecal, dust and other environmental samples were collected from the floors, droppings belts, egg‐collection systems and other areas of 14 cage‐layer flocks, 10 barn egg production flocks and seven free‐range flocks, and cultured forSalmonellaspecies. The distribution of the organism varied with its prevalence and with the vaccination status of the birds. No one sample type was found to be suitable for identifying all contaminated houses.Salmonellawas also frequently found on egg‐packing equipment and in samples from rodents and wild birds.