bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot evaluation of Enterococcus faecium SF68 as adjunctive therapy for oclacitinib‐responsive adult atopic dermatitis in dogs
Authors: Yamazaki C. , Rosenkrantz W. , Griffin C.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To evaluate the adjunctive effect of supplementation with Enterococcus faecium SF68 (FortiFlora; Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets) on oclacitinib (Apoquel, Zoetis) dose reduction, while maintaining or reducing the Pruritus Visual Analog Score and Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index values in client‐owned adult dogs with environmental atopic dermatitis.

Materials and Methods

Enrolled dogs had exhibited control of atopic dermatitis on oclacitinib for at least 6 months before, and continuing throughout, the study. Dogs with non‐seasonal pruritus were blindly randomised to receive either SF68 (1×108 colony forming units/g orally twice daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. After 8 weeks of supplementation, oclacitinib dose was decreased by approximately 25%, aiming to maintain and reduce the clinical disease scores.

Results

Supplementation with SF68 was associated with no difference in oclacitinib dose reduction versus placebo in 21 client‐owned dogs with atopic dermatitis. Clinical disease scores were not different between groups at study completion.

Clinical Significance

Further larger‐scale studies are warranted to investigate optimal strain(s), dosing and duration of probiotic supplementation as an adjunctive strategy in management of canine atopic dermatitis.
The significance of enamel thickness in the teeth of Alligator mississippiensis and its diversity among crocodyliforms
Authors: Sellers K. C. , Schmiegelow A. B. , Holliday C. M.
Published: July 2019

Enamel is the hardest tissue in the vertebrate body. Although variation in enamel microstructure is often linked with diet, the gross proportions of the tissues that compose vertebrate teeth remain relatively unexplored in reptiles. To investigate the patterns of enamel thickness in crocodyliforms, we used micro‐computed tomography scanning to evaluate enamel thickness in teeth of Alligator mississippiensis from rostral, intermediate and caudal locations in the tooth row from an ontogenetic range of animals. We also evaluated enamel thickness in the derived teeth of several extinct crocodyliforms with disparate craniodental morphologies. Our data show that enamel thickness scales isometrically with skull length. We also show that enamel is relatively thicker in caudal teeth than teeth in more rostral positions, concordant with the higher bite forces they experience during feeding. We compared our data with existing enamel thickness data reported from dinosaurs and mammalian taxa to find that archosaurs have markedly thinner enamel than most mammals. These findings serve as a basis for future investigations into the diversity and function of the proportions of dental tissues.
Some aspects of reproduction and feeding habits of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in three dams in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Authors: Gichuru Nicholas N. , Manyala Julius O. , Raburu Philip O.
Published: July 2019

Knowledge of the fisheries status of dams within Uasin Gishu County was needed prior to the government's plan to introduce fish and fisheries in the area. The dams were constructed in the 1950s and stocked with tilapia for local consumption, recreation and control of macrophytes. The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was selected for the present study due to its establishment success and popularity in the Kenyan market. Water samples were collected at subsurface levels for phytoplankton analysis and compared with the phytoplankton found in the stomachs of O. niloticus, revealing the food preference of the fish in a natural environment. Fish samples were collected with gillnets and beach seines. The results of the present study identified the most important food items for the fish were Chlorophyceae (green algae), Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) and Cyanophyceae (blue‐green algae). The fish exhibited a relative condition factor of about 1.00, indicating their robustness or well‐being in the dams. The LM50was reached at 18–20 cm class interval, which coincides with the most critical breeding biomass needing some kind of protection for sustainable management of the fishery.
Ejby—A new H5/6 ordinary chondrite fall in Copenhagen, Denmark
Authors: Haack H. , Sørensen A. N. , Bischoff A. , Patzek M. , Barrat J.‐A. , Midtskogen S. , Stempels E. , Laubenstein M. , Greenwood R. , Schmitt‐Kopplin P. , Busemann H. , Maden C. , Bauer K. , Morino P. , Schönbächler M. , Voss P. , Dahl‐Jensen T.
Published: July 2019

On February 6, 2016 at 21:07:19 UT, a very bright fireball was seen over the eastern part of Denmark. The weather was cloudy over eastern Denmark, but many people saw the sky light up—even in the heavily illuminated Copenhagen. Two hundred and thirty three reports of the associated sound and light phenomena were received by the Danish fireball network. We have formed a consortium to describe the meteorite and the circumstances of the fall and the results are presented in this paper. The first fragment of the meteorite was found the day after the fall, and in the following weeks, a total of 11 fragments with a total weight of 8982 g were found. The meteorite is an unbrecciated, weakly shocked (S2), ordinary H chondrite of petrologic type 5/6 (Bouvier et al. 2017). The concentration of the cosmogenic radionuclides suggests that the preatmospheric radius was rather small ~20 cm. The cosmic ray exposure age of Ejby (83 ± 11 Ma) is the highest of an H chondrite and the second highest age for an ordinary chondrite. Using the preatmospheric orbit of the Ejby meteoroid (Spurny et al. 2017) locations of the recovered fragments, and wind data from the date of the fall, we have modeled the dark flight (below 18 km) of the fragments. The recovery location of the largest fragment can only be explained if aerodynamic effects during the dark flight phase are included. The recovery location of all other fragments are consistent with the dark flight modeling.
Simulated asteroid materials based on carbonaceous chondrite mineralogies
Authors: Britt Daniel T. , Cannon Kevin M. , Donaldson Hanna Kerri , Hogancamp Joanna , Poch Olivier , Beck Pierre , Martin Dayl , Escrig Jolantha , Bonal Lydie , Metzger Philip T.
Published: July 2019

A set of high‐fidelity simulated asteroid materials, or simulants, was developed based on the mineralogy of carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. Three varieties of simulant were developed based on CI1 chondrites (typified by Orgueil), CM2 chondrites (typified by Murchison), and CR2/3 chondrites (multiple samples). The simulants were designed to replicate the mineralogy and physical properties of the corresponding meteorites and anticipated asteroid surface materials as closely as is reasonably possible for bulk amounts. The simulants can be made in different physical forms ranging from larger cobbles to fine‐grained regolith. We analyzed simulant prototypes using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray fluorescence, reflectance spectroscopy at ambient conditions and in vacuum, thermal emission spectroscopy in a simulated asteroid environment chamber, and combined thermogravimetry and evolved gas analysis. Most measured properties compare favorably to the reference meteorites and therefore to predicted volatile‐rich asteroid surface materials, including boulders, cobbles, and fine‐grained soils. However, there were also discrepancies, and mistakes were made in the original mineral formulations that will be updated in the future. The asteroid simulants are available to the community from the nonprofit Exolith Lab at UCF, and the mineral recipes are freely published for other groups to reproduce and modify as they see fit.
Genome‐Wide Association Study of Latent Cognitive Measures in Adolescence: Genetic Overlap With Intelligence and Education
Authors: Donati Georgina , Dumontheil Iroise , Meaburn Emma L.
Published: July 2019

Individual differences in executive functions (EF) are heritable and predictive of academic attainment (AA). However, little is known about genetic contributions to EFs or their genetic relationship with AA and intelligence. We conducted genome‐wide association analyses for processing speed (PS) and the latent EF measures of working memory (WM) and inhibitory control (IC) in 4,611 adolescents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. While no loci reached genome‐wide significance, common genetic variants explained 30% of the variance in WM and 19% in PS. In contrast, we failed to find common genetic contributions to IC. Finally, we examined shared genetic effects between EFs and general intelligence, AA and ADHD. We identified significant genetic correlations between WM, intelligence, and AA. A more specific pattern was observed for PS, with modest genetic overlap with intelligence. Together these findings highlight diversity in the genetic contributions to specific cognitive functions and their genetic relationship with educational and psychiatric outcomes.
Current practice in dialysis central venous catheter management: Multi‐disciplinary renal team perspectives
Authors: Craswell Alison , Massey Debbie , Wallis Marianne , Sriram Deepa , Gray Nicholas A , Kotwal Sradha ,   the REDUCCTION Investigators
Published: July 2019

Aim

To explore the current practices related to the insertion, management and removal of dialysis central venous catheters (CVCs) used in patients with chronic kidney disease requiring haemodialysis.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study involved semi‐structured interviews with surgeons, interventional radiologists, renal physicians, dialysis nurses, renal access nurses and renal researchers involved in the care of patients with chronic kidney disease requiring haemodialysis. Data were collected from staff at eight hospitals in six states and territories of Australia. Thirty‐eight face‐to‐face interviews were conducted. A modified five‐step qualitative content analysis approach was used to analyse the data.

Results

Improved visualization technology and its use by interventional radiologists has steered insertions to specialist teams in specialist locations. This is thought to have decreased risk and improved patient outcomes. Nurses were identified as the professional group responsible for maintaining catheter access integrity, preventing access failure and reducing access‐related complications. While best practice was considered important, justifications for variations in practice related to local patient and environment challenges were identified.

Conclusion

The interdisciplinary team is central in the insertion, maintenance, removal and education of patients regarding dialysis CVCs. Clinicians temper research‐based decision‐making about central dialysis access catheter management with knowledge of individual, environmental and patient factors. Strategies to ensure guidelines are appropriately translated for use in a wide variety of settings are necessary for patient safety.
Effects of early detection of peritoneal catheter migration on clinical outcomes: 15‐years experiences from a single centre
Authors: Ko Young‐Kyung , Kim Young‐Baek , Shin Won‐Jae , Lim Chae‐Ho , Cheon Woong , Park Jung‐Hwan , Lee Jong‐Ho , Jo Young‐Il
Published: July 2019

Aim

Catheter migration is an important cause of catheter malfunction in peritoneal dialysis (PD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of early detection of catheter migration on clinical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review of 135 consecutive patients initiating PD immediately following catheter insertion from 2002 to 2017 was undertaken. In order to detect catheter migration without malfunction early, serial abdominal‐pelvic radiographic examinations were performed according to a predefined protocol. Conservative management with rigorous catharsis was undertaken to correct catheter migration. A Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate survival rate.

Results

Mean follow‐up period was 42.8 ± 34.9 months. Catheter migration occurred in 62.4%. Among them, 85.9% occurred within the first 2 weeks after catheter insertion. There were no significant associations between catheter migration and variables such as gender, obesity, DM and type of catheter. Success rate of conservative management with rigorous catharsis was 91.1%. Catheter survival at 1 and 5 years were 91.5% and 64.6% in the migration group and 81.2% and 69.9% in the non‐migration group, respectively (Log–rank test, P = 0.915). Patient survival at 1 and 5 years were 96.8% and 85.8% in the migration group and 91.9% and 82.3% in the non‐migration group, respectively (P = 0.792).

Conclusion

Early detection of PD catheter migration allowed the migrated tip to be easily corrected with conservative management. Once the migrated catheter tip was restored, catheter migration itself did not affect catheter survival. These findings suggest that early detection and correction of catheter migration is important for improving clinical outcomes.
Flowers and climate change: a metabolic perspective
Authors: Borghi Monica , Perez de Souza Leonardo , Yoshida Takuya , Fernie Alisdair R.
Published: July 2019

Adverse climatic conditions at the time of flowering severely hinder crop yields and threaten the interactions between plants and their pollinators. These features depend on a common trait: the metabolism of flowers. In this Viewpoint article, we aim to provide insight into the metabolic changes that occur in flowers in response to changes in climate and emphasize that these changes severely impact the fitness of autogamous and allogamous species, plant–pollinator interactions, and overall ecosystem health. We review the biochemical processes that lead to failure of gamete development and to alterations of color, scent and nectar secretion. Then, making use of open access expression data, we examine the expression of genes that may drive these changes in response to heat and drought. Finally, we present measurements of metabolites from flowers exposed to a heat wave and discuss how the results of this short‐term experiment may give rise to misleading conclusions regarding the positive effect of heat on flower fitness. We hope this article draws attention to this often‐neglected dynamic and its important consequences.
Oral Candida colonization in xerostomic postradiotherapy head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Tarapan Supanat , Matangkasombut Oranart , Trachootham Dunyaporn , Sattabanasuk Vanthana , Talungchit Sineepat , Paemuang Wannaporn , Phonyiam Tawaree , Chokchaitam Orapin , Mungkung On‐ong , Lam‐ubol Aroonwan
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To evaluate (a) oral colonization of Candida species, especially for non‐albicans Candida species (NACS), in xerostomic postradiotherapy head and neck cancer patients and (b) risk factors affecting their colonization.

Materials and methods

Subjective and objective dry mouth scores, stimulated salivary flow rates, pH and buffering capacity were measured in 72 xerostomic postradiotherapy head and neck cancer patients. Candida counts and species identification were performed using oral rinse samples cultured in Candida Chromagar, followed by polymerase chain reaction and API 20C AUX system.

Results

Candida colonization was observed in 87.5% of subjects, with 80.6% and 48.6% of study population colonized by C. albicans and NACS, respectively. NACS was associated with high objective dry mouth scores, denture use, and females (p = .006, .009, and .036, respectively). In addition, Candida glabrata was detected more in females (p = .018) and denture wearers (p = .026), while Candida tropicalis was associated with high objective dry mouth scores (p = .022) and females (p = .027). Quantity of Candida colonization correlated positively with objective dry mouth scores (r = 0.599, p < .001) and negatively with salivary flow rates (r = −0.258, p = .041) and pH (r = −0.290, p = .022).

Conclusion

NACS colonization was common in xerostomic head and neck cancer patients. Increased signs of dry mouth, female and dental prostheses may promote NACS colonization.
Forest biomass, soil and biodiversity relationships originate from biogeographic affinity and direct ecological effects
Authors: Noreika Norbertas , Helm Aveliina , Öpik Maarja , Jairus Teele , Vasar Martti , Reier Ülle , Kook Ene , Riibak Kersti , Kasari Liis , Tullus Hardi , Tullus Tea , Lutter Reimo , Oja Ede , Saag Andres , Randlane Tiina , Pärtel Meelis
Published: July 2019

Ecosystem biomass, soil conditions and the diversity of different taxa are often interrelated. These relationships could originate from biogeographic affinity (varying species pools) or from direct ecological effects within local communities. Disentangling regional and local causes is challenging as the former might mask the latter in natural ecosystems with varying habitat conditions. However, when the species pool contribution is considered in statistics, local ecological effects might be detected.

In this study we disentangle the indirect effects of the species pool and direct ecological effects on the complex relationships among wood volume, soil conditions and diversities of different plant and fungal groups in 100 old‐growth forest sites (10 × 10 m) at the border of boreal and nemoral zones in northern Europe.

We recorded all species for different vegetation groups: woody and herbaceous vascular plants, terricolous and epiphytic bryophytes and lichens. Fungal communities were detected by DNA‐based analyses from soil samples. Above‐ground wood volume was used as a proxy of biomass. We measured soil pH and nutrient content and obtained modelled climate parameters for each site. Species pool effect was considered by dividing sites into boreal and nemoral groups based on community composition. In order to disentangle direct and indirect effects, we applied variation partitioning, and raw and partial correlations.

We found many significant positive relationships among studied variables. Many of these relationships were associated to boreal and nemoral species pools, thus indicating that biogeographic affinity of interacting plants and fungi largely defines forest diversity and functioning. At the same time, several relationships were significant also after considering biogeography: woody plant and ectomycorrhizal fungi diversities with wood volume, many plant and fungal groups with each other, or with soil conditions. These direct ecological interactions could be considered in forestry practices to achieve both economic gain and maintenance of biodiversity.
Comparison of two types of rotational mechanical dilatator sheath: Evolution® and TightRail™
Authors: Cay Serkan , Ozeke Ozcan , Ozcan Firat , Topaloglu Serkan , Aras Dursun
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Powered extraction tools are usually needed in chronically implanted leads. Comparative data are essential among different rotating dilator sheaths. The aim of the study was to compare procedural/clinical outcomes and adverse events in patients underwent lead extraction utilizing two different rotating dilator sheaths.

Methods and results

The current study was a retrospective review of consecutive patients at a single center. From December 2009 to August 2017, 163 lead extractions from 98 consecutive patients (median, 65 years; 71% male) utilizing a rotating mechanical sheath were analyzed for both efficacy (procedural and clinical success rates) and safety (adverse events). According to the type of the sheath used, the Evolution group (58 patients with 94 leads) and the TightRail group (40 patients with 69 leads) were determined. Extracted device was an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) in two‐thirds of patients. The majority of leads (87.7%) had passive‐fixation mechanism. All ICD leads had dual‐coil design. The median lead implant duration was 4 years, and no difference was found between the two groups. Infectious etiology was the main indication for extraction in 56.1% of patients. There were no statistically significant differences regarding the procedural success rate (96.6% vs 95.0%), clinical success rate (98.3% vs 97.5%), and total adverse event rate (5.2% vs 10.0%) between the Evolution and TightRail groups, respectively. Procedural success decreased with older leads and higher lead number.

Conclusions

Procedural and clinical success rates utilizing both the Evolution and TightRail rotational extraction sheaths were high with low complication rate in chronically implanted leads.
Clinical manifestations of respiratory syncytial virus‐associated encephalopathy in Fukushima, Japan
Authors: Kawasaki Yukihiko , Suyama Kazuhide , Go Hayato , Hosoya Mitsuaki
Published: July 2019

Background

We investigated the epidemiology and clinical course of children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)‐associated encephalopathy.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data for 280 patients from a questionnaire survey of acute encephalitis/encephalopathy (AE/E) in Fukushima Prefecture. We enrolled six patients diagnosed with RSV‐associated encephalopathy from these 280 patients, and retrospectively investigated the clinical features and prognosis.

Results

Six (2.1%) of the 280 patients with AE/E were found to have RSV‐associated encephalopathy. The age at onset and male‐to‐female ratio were 1.3 ± 0.5 years and 2:4, respectively. The mean duration of fever and the duration of loss of consciousness were 3.7 ± 1.5 days (range, 2–6 days), and 3.3 ± 2.3 days (range, 2–8 days), respectively. Four patients had leukocytosis and two patients had high serum C‐reactive protein. On admission, one child presented with normal renal and hepatic function, but, high serum ferritin, renal and hepatic dysfunction, and disseminated intravascular coagulation were observed along with progressive multiple organ failure, with the patient dying on the second day of hospitalization. On computed tomography of the brain, five patients had brain edema and one patient had a low‐density area. Two of the six children had sequelae while three children had no sequelae.

Conclusions

The incidence of RSV‐associated encephalopathy in all AE/E patients was 2.1% Given that half of the children with RSV‐associated encephalopathy had sequelae or death, the prognosis for RSV‐associated encephalopathy is not particularly good and it is necessary to pay careful attention to patients with RSV‐associated encephalopathy.
Cardiometabolic correlates of sleep‐disordered breathing in renal transplant children
Authors: Lendvai Zsófia , Pásti Krisztina , Szeifert Lilla , Molnár László D. , Rusai Krisztina , Balassa Katalin , Reusz George , Szabó Attila J.
Published: July 2019

Sleep‐disordered breathing, a prevalent condition among adult renal transplant (RTx) recipients, has become an established independent risk factor of MetS, and furthermore, it might contribute to increased CV risk. Despite the proven correlations in adults, there is a lack of evidence for its significance in the pediatric RTx population. In this study, we aimed at assessing the prevalence and the clinical correlates of SDB in RTx children. Data of 13 patients (age [mean ± SD]: 14.2 ± 2.7 years) were analyzed. SDB was evaluated by PSG, as severity score OAHI was applied. Carbohydrate metabolism was characterized by OGTT, whereas CV status was studied by ABPM. Three composite end‐points were calculated as sum of z‐scores: daytime systolic and diastolic BP; nighttime systolic and diastolic BP; and glucose and insulin levels at 120 minutes. Eight patients (61.5%) were diagnosed with SDB of whom five patients (38.5%) had moderate or severe SDB. In linear regression analysis, OAHI during REM was associated with the CV variables (daytime BP P = 0.032, ß = 0.748; nighttime BP P = 0.041, ß = 0.715), and the correlations remained significant after adjustments for BMI. However, we did not confirm a significant association with the metabolic variables. The prevalence of SDB was high, and its severity during REM was a predictor of the BP suggesting that RTx children with SDB might be at risk of developing CV complications, especially HTN similarly to adults.
Two infants with bilateral renal agenesis who were bridged by chronic peritoneal dialysis to kidney transplantation
Authors: Sheldon Candice R. , Kim Erin D. , Chandra Priya , Concepcion Waldo , Gallo Amy , Su Sharon , Grimm Paul C. , Alexander Steven R. , Wong Cynthia J.
Published: July 2019

Bilateral renal agenesis is associated with severe oligohydramnios and was considered incompatible with postnatal life due to severe pulmonary hypoplasia. The use of renal replacement therapy was limited by significant morbidity and mortality associated with dialysis in very young infants with major pulmonary pathology. In the United States, there is a tremendous controversy about whether or not the use of prenatal amniotic fluid infusions provides a benefit to fetuses with bilateral renal agenesis. One of the critical issues identified is that there are, as yet, no children reported who had achieved long‐term survival. Previous reports all indicated these children died shortly after birth or after unsuccessful peritoneal dialysis. We present two infants with a prenatal diagnosis of bilateral renal agenesis whose mothers elected to undergo prenatal amnioinfusions. One was born at 28 weeks with a birthweight of 1230 g and the other born at 34 weeks with a birthweight of 1940 g. We present the details of both cases, with initial management on chronic peritoneal dialysis, which started shortly after birth, as a bridge to living related kidney transplants.
Growth environment and seedling age affect constitutive and inducible defence in radiata pine
Authors: Reglinski T. , Taylor J. T. , Northcott G. L. , Ah Chee A. , Spiers M. , Wohlers M.
Published: July 2019

There is increasing interest in induced resistance for crop protection. This study investigated effects of growth environment on inducible defences in developing radiata pine (Pinus radiata) seedlings. Seedlings were grown in the presence or absence ofTrichodermain either a temperature‐controlled growth room or in a greenhouse. After 3, 5 or 7 months, seedlings were sprayed with 2.25 mmmethyl jasmonate (MJ), 1 week before quantification of monoterpenes and total phenolics. The magnitude of induction of monoterpenes and total phenolics by MJ was inversely proportional to constitutive content, was greater in the greenhouse than the growth room and was greater at 3 months than at 7 months. This may indicate a cost‐saving strategy to limit defence induction once constitutive defence reaches a certain threshold. Growth room seedlings expressed greater constitutive resistance to terminal crook (Colletotrichum acutatum) and to diplodia dieback (Diplodia sapinea) than greenhouse plants, consistent with the relative differences in constitutive defence chemistry. Indeed, while MJ induced resistance to diplodia dieback in both environments, there was no difference in terminal crook incidence (4.1%) between MJ‐treated and untreated seedlings in the growth room. By the end of the study, growth room seedlings hadc. 70% more β‐pinene in stems and 140% more total phenolics in needles than greenhouse plants but were 40% smaller, indicating a defence–growth trade‐off.Trichodermadid not have a significant effect on defence chemistry or on pathogen resistance. These results demonstrate the potential to manipulate defence in radiata pine by modification of the growth environment.
Anything But Grand: A Response to Hart’s “Assessing Campaign Quality: Was the 2016 Election a Travesty?”
Authors: Kenski Kate
Published: July 2019

This essay responds to arguments made by Roderick P. Hart about how campaigns should be evaluated and argues that the 2016 election was not a fine campaign. It discusses the merits of “republican” criteria for evaluating campaign quality and contends that some of the new criteria proposed by Hart are useful insofar as they serve these republican ideals. The essay ends by arguing that even if scholars were to adopt Hart’s proposed standards for evaluating campaign quality, the 2016 campaign fell short of being grand.
Subgroup Analysis of Treatment Effects for Misclassified Biomarkers with Time-to-Event Data
Authors: Wan Fang , Titman Andrew C. , Jaki Thomas F.
Published: July 2019

Analysing subgroups defined by biomarkers is of increasing importance in clinical research. In many situations the biomarker is subject to misclassification error, meaning that the subgroups are identified with imperfect sensitivity and specificity. In these cases, it is improper to assume the Cox proportional hazards model for the subgroup-specific treatment effects for time-to-event data with respect to the true subgroups, since the survival distributions with respect to the diagnosed subgroups will not adhere to the proportional hazards assumption. This precludes the possibility of using simple adjustment procedures. Two approaches to modelling are considered; the corrected score approach and a method based on formally modelling the data as a mixture of Cox models using an expectation–maximization algorithm for estimation. The methods are comparable for moderate-to-large sample sizes, but the expectation–maximization algorithm performs better when there are 100 patients per group. An estimate of the overall population treatment effect is obtained through the interpretation of the hazard ratio as a concordance odds. The methods are illustrated on data from a renal cell cancer trial.
Consociationalism in the Low Countries: Comparing the Dutch and Belgian Experience
Authors: Andeweg Rudy B.
Published: July 2019

Despite their geographical proximity, common history, and joint experience with social segmentation, there is a surprising dearth of studies systematically comparing consociationalism in Belgium and the Netherlands. This paper aims to help fill that lacuna by discussing the similarities and differences between the two countries in this respect. The similarities range from the time period of consociationalism, the original cleavage structure, to the existence of cross‐pressures at the organizational level. The most important difference is that geography always played a bigger role in Belgium. This was true even before the politicization of the language divide, but it also explains why Belgium entered a new phase of consociationalism after depillarization and the Netherlands did not. Both countries currently face challenges by anti‐establishment parties against the elite cartel, which raises questions whether this is not inherent to consociationalism once the original social segmentation has eroded.
The Clause‐Mate Condition on Resumption: Evidence from Kaqchikel
Authors: Imanishi Yusuke
Published: July 2019

The paper will argue for the existence of null resumption in Kaqchikel (Mayan) by showing new empirical facts that the language has two strategies to make a possessor interrogative: one type of the possessorwhis base‐generated in Spec‐CPand heads a resumptive chain, while the other type undergoes movement to Spec‐CP. I will present a set of paradoxical cases in which resumption in Kaqchikel displays no movement properties in a simple clause, whereas it does in a long‐distance dependency. I will suggest that the domain of locality relevant to resumptive dependencies in Kaqchikel is more constrained than in other widely discussed resumptive languages like Irish and Hebrew. Specifically, it will be proposed that a resumptive pronoun in Kaqchikel must be licensed within a clause: theClause‐Mate Condition on Resumptive Chains(CCRC). TheCCRCwill explain why resumptive dependencies in Kaqchikel display island effects, while those in Irish and Hebrew do not by suggesting that theCCRCis not operative in Irish and Hebrew.
CRD1, an Xpo1 domain protein, regulates miRNA accumulation and crown root development in rice
Authors: Zhu Jianshu , Li Yong , Lin Jian , Wu Yunrong , Guo Huaxing , Shao Yanlin , Wang Fei , Wang Xiaofei , Mo Xiaorong , Zheng Shaojian , Yu Hao , Mao Chuanzao
Published: July 2019

Crown root (CR) is the main component of the fibrous root system in cereal crops, but the molecular mechanism underlying CR development is still unclear. Here, we isolated the crown root defect 1 (crd1) mutant from ethyl methane sulfonate‐mutated mutant library, which significantly inhibited CR development. The CRD1 was identified through genome resequencing and complementation analysis, which encodes an Xpo1 domain protein: the rice ortholog of Arabidopsis HASTY (HST) and human exportin‐5 (XPO5). CRD1 is ubiquitously expressed, with the highest expression levels in the CR primordium at the stem base. CRD1 is a nucleocytoplasmic protein. The crd1 mutant contains significantly reduced miRNA levels in the cytoplasm and nucleus, suggesting that CRD1 is essential for maintaining normal miRNA levels in plant cells. The altered CR phenotype of crd1 was simulated by target mimicry of miR156, suggesting that this defect is due to the disruption of miR156 regulatory pathways. Our analysis of CRD1, the HST ortholog identified in monocots, expands our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying miRNA level and CR development.
Factors affecting seed germination and emergence of button grass (Dactyloctenium radulans) (R.Br.) P.Beauv.
Authors: Asaduzzaman Md , Koetz Eric , Rahman Azizur
Published: July 2019

Button grass (Dactyloctenium radulans) is a native, widely spread summer grass weed species in Australia. However, limited information is available on the seed germination biology of this species. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on the germination and emergence of two populations of D. radulans. The seeds of these populations were collected separately from Dalby, Queensland and Coleambally, NSW. Seeds were germinated at a range of constant and alternating temperatures (25/15, 30/20, 35/25 and 40/30°C day/night). The greatest seed germination was at a constant temperature of 30°C. Seed germination was reduced at the lowest alternating temperature (25/15°C). Germination of both populations was strongly stimulated by light, suggesting a great amount of emergence of D. radulans on bare ground, such as crop seedbeds. Germination of the D. radulans population collected from a northern cotton farming system (Dalby) was more tolerant to a greater range of salt stress than the population sourced from the south (Coleambally). Seeds of both populations germinated over a wide range of pH, between 4 and 10. However, germination was the greatest in a high pH buffer solution, indicating that the species prefers to germinate in alkaline soil. These results showed that D. radulans seeds possess a wide range of tolerance mechanisms to different environmental stresses. Information obtained in this study will help in developing more sustainable and effective integrated weed management strategies for the control of this weed and weeds with similar responses in summer cropping systems, such as cotton.
Regional Variations of HR-pQCT Morphological and Biomechanical Measurements of Bone Segments and Their Associations With Whole Distal Radius and Tibia Mechanical Properties
Authors: Zhou Bin , Zhang Zhendong , Hu Yizhong Jenny , Wang Ji , Yu Y. Eric , Nawathe Shashank , Nishiyama Kyle K. , Keaveny Tony M. , Shane Elizabeth , Guo X. Edward
Published: July 2019

High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) is a promising imaging modality that provides an in vivo three-dimensional (3D) assessment of bone microstructure by scanning fixed regions of the distal radius and tibia. However, how microstructural parameters and mechanical analysis based on these segment scans correlate to whole distal radius and tibia mechanics are not well-characterized. On 26 sets of cadaveric radius and tibia, HR-pQCT scans were performed on the standard scan segment, a segment distal to the standard segment, and a segment proximal to the standard segment. Whole distal radius and tibia stiffness were determined through mechanical testing. Segment bone stiffness was estimated using linear finite element (FE) analysis based on segment scans. Standard morphological and individual trabecula segmentation (ITS) analyses were used to estimate microstructural properties. Significant variations in microstructural parameters were observed among segments at both sites. Correlation to whole distal radius and tibia stiffness was moderate for microstructural parameters at the standard segment, but correlation was significantly increased for FE-predicted segment bone stiffness based on standard segment scans. Similar correlation strengths were found between FE-predicted segment bone stiffness and whole distal radius and tibia stiffness. Additionally, microstructural parameters at the distal segment had higher correlation to whole distal radius and tibia stiffness than at standard or proximal segments. Our results suggest that FE-predicted segment stiffness is a better predictor of whole distal radius and tibia stiffness for clinical HR-pQCT analysis and that microstructural parameters at the distal segment are more highly correlated with whole distal radius and tibia stiffness than at the standard or proximal segments.
Health professional student attitudes towards teamwork, roles and values in interprofessional practice: The influence of an interprofessional activity
Authors: Connaughton Joanne , Edgar Susan , Waldron Heidi , Adams Chris , Courtney Jane , Katavatis Michelle , Alessandri Angela
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Logistical difficulties associated with timetabling interprofessional education (IPE) in multiple entry-level health professional programs requires adopting new and innovative models. This study evaluated whether a 2-hour IPE workshop can impact students’ perceptions of teamwork, professional roles, values and communication.Method: Medical, physiotherapy and nursing students (n = 430) reviewed a case study and discussed roles, responsibilities and communication between healthcare professionals. Students were invited to participate in research by completing pre and post surveys comprising 12 statements based on the teamwork, roles and responsibilities and interprofessional biases questions from the Interprofessional Attitude’s Scale (IPAS). Data from IPAS were entered into SPSS and analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: All student groups demonstrated a positive attitude pre activity with an overall statistically significant improvement in pre- and post-activity scores (z = -8.568, p < 0.001, medium to large effect size (r = 0.47), pre workshop Md = 45 to post workshop Md = 46.5). Students identified the activity as relevant to them for learning more about their professional roles, communication, values and teamwork.Conclusions: A 2-hour workshop can be effective in influencing students’ attitudes towards IPE. Inclusion of a team activity promotes discussion on cooperation, coordination and accountability. Using a case study of a patient whose condition deteriorates as a result of poor communication enables students to explore the value of thier own and other professions roles and responsibilities as well as interprofessional communication.A case-study-based IPE activity is effective in influencing students' attitudes towards interprofessional communication and teamwork and developing a better understanding of their own and one another's roles in patient care.
Evidencing physiotherapy students’ preparedness for practice: A validation study
Authors: Guisard Yann , Hyde Sarah , Skinner Kay , Simpson Maree Donna
Published: July 2019

Introduction: In the health professions, self-assessment and reflective practice are required professional competencies. Student capacity to reflect on and self-assess their preparedness for practice as they transition from an undergraduate student into a graduate health professional requires scaffolding these skills in their academic programs. Drawing on medical education, we evaluated the usefulness of a previously validated tool to measure student perceptions of preparedness in a problem-based undergraduate physiotherapy degree.Methods: Rasch and factor analyses were applied to a modified version of the Preparedness for Practice Questionnaire (PHPQ) to ascertain the construct validity of the instrument and to assess the effect of teaching method on students’ perceived preparedness for practice.Results: The PHPQ should be considered as a set of subscales rather than an instrument that measures a single construct. Some subscales were found to be valid and evidenced a significant effect of the teaching pedagogy. However, the “collaboration” subscale could not be validated, and several others were only partially validated and require further refinement.Conclusions: This study has implications for the future use of the PHPQ in similar contexts in terms of student self-assessment of preparedness and suggests that students are really self-assessing a number of capabilities rather than an overall sense of preparedness. Although this reflection is still useful for practice, it lacks face validity at the moment when the current PHPQ is used. The PHPQ requires further refinement in order to be used confidently as a self-assessment tool for students to evaluate their preparedness for practice as physiotherapists.
Novel interprofessional learning for healthcare students: An escape room pilot
Authors: Moore Leigh , Campbell Narelle
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Interprofessional practice is an important contributor to improved patient outcomes, yet interprofessional learning (IPL) has proven challenging to implement. With responsibility for a cohort of students from many universities and disciplines, attending placements of various lengths and dates, the Flinders Northern Territory Remote and Rural Interprofessional Placement Learning program needed a novel way to overcome barriers to IPL.Innovation: An “escape room”, an immersive team-based activity with puzzles and problem solving, was developed specifically for this program. The room has an interprofessional healthcare theme and can be transported in a suitcase to enable use in almost any placement site.What next? The next steps will focus on refining the learning objectives, developing the post-room debrief and exploring the escape room’s use for formative assessment. In addition, we plan to replicate the room across our sites, develop an additional scenario and undertake ongoing evaluation of the room and associated student learning outcomes.Evaluation: The room was run as a pilot in three stages – briefing, solving the room and debriefing. The pilot room was evaluated in multiple ways: observation of participants before, during and after the room; participant evaluation questionnaires; free-flow discussion after participation; and through written and verbal feedback received. A shortened version was presented to ANZAHPE conference attendees, with observers asked to provide feedback. The room was evaluated for participant engagement and perceived learning value.Outcomes: The evaluation findings indicate that the escape room activity was very enjoyable, encouraged participant engagement, suited many professions, was transportable and showed promise as an interprofessional learning platform. Additionally, it provided unexpected benefits, including networking opportunities, staff engagement and peer support possibilities.What next? The next steps will focus on refining the learning objectives, developing the post-room debrief and exploring the escape room’s use for formative assessment. In addition, we plan to replicate the room across our sites, develop an additional scenario and undertake ongoing evaluation of the room and associated student learning outcomes.
Meditation Practice, Dispositional Mindfulness, Personality and Program Outcomes in Mindfulness Training for Medical Students
Authors: Bailey Neil , Opie Jen L , Hassed Craig S , Chambers Richard
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Medical students experience high levels of psychological distress and are at risk for depression, burnout and suicidal ideation. To address these issues, the mindfulness-based Health Enhancement Program (HEP) forms part of the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine) at Monash University. This pilot study investigated the relationship between amount of mindfulness practice and measures of mental health, study engagement and dispositional mindfulness. We also sought to understand how “Big Five” personality traits predicted engagement with the intervention.Methods: From an eligible cohort of 322 MBBS students, 37 (24 females, 13 males; aged 17 to 20) provided pre- and post-intervention responses. Participants completed the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP-100) pre-intervention and the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), Depression and Anxiety Scale Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the student version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-S) pre- and post-intervention.Evaluation: Results indicated that both dispositional mindfulness and study engagement increased from pre- to post-intervention. Results also indicated no increase in depression, anxiety and stress from mid-semester to exam periods. Amount of mindfulness meditation was positively related to agreeableness. Conclusions: These results suggest that individuals who score higher in agreeableness may engage most with mindfulness programs, which may be protective for mental health. However, the conclusions of the study are limited by a small sample size and lack of control group.
Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Drug Interaction Potential of SPR741, an Intravenous Potentiator, after Single and Multiple Ascending Doses and When Combined with β-Lactam Antibiotics in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Eckburg Paul B. , Lister Troy , Walpole Susannah , Keutzer Tim , Utley Luke , Tomayko John , Kopp Ellen , Farinola Nicholas , Coleman Scott
Published: July 2019

SPR741 is a novel polymyxin B derivative, with minimal intrinsic antibacterial activity and reduced nonclinical nephrotoxicity compared to levels with polymyxin B, that interacts with the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, enhancing penetration of coadministered antibiotics.
Competition between Escherichia coli Populations with and without Plasmids Carrying a Gene Encoding Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase in the Broiler Chicken Gut
Authors: Fischer Egil A. J. , Dierikx Cindy M. , van Essen-Zandbergen Alieda , Mevius Dik , Stegeman Arjan , Velkers Francisca C. , Klinkenberg Don
Published: July 2019

Bacteria that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases are resistant to an important class of antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine. Reduction in antibiotic use is expected to decrease the prevalence of resistance. However, resistance genes often lie on plasmids which can be copied and transferred to other bacteria by conjugation, so
in vitro
resistance was observed to increase in the absence of antimicrobials. We sought to determine whether this also occurs in the chicken gut and if competitive exclusion by similar
E. coli
variants without the resistance occurred. We studied the excretion of
E. coli
carrying IncI1 plasmids with the
bla
CTX-M-1
resistance gene in small groups of broiler chickens, after inoculating the chickens with
E. coli
suspensions containing different fractions of plasmid-carrying cells. Our results showed little variation between chickens within groups but large differences between groups that were independent of the ratio of variants with and without the plasmid and with persistence or extinction of the plasmid. However, there was no major plasmid increase as observed
in vitro
. We conclude that
in vivo
studies with sufficient independent replications are important for intervention studies on plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance.