bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women's experiences of continuous fetal monitoring – a mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Crawford Alexandra , Hayes Dexter , Johnstone Edward D , Heazell Alexander E.P.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Antepartum stillbirth is often preceded by detectable signs of fetal compromise, including changes in fetal heart rate and movement. It is hypothesized that continuous fetal monitoring could detect these signs more accurately and objectively than current forms of fetal monitoring and allow for timely intervention. This systematic review aimed to explore available evidence on women's experiences of continuous fetal monitoring to investigate its acceptability before clinical implementation and to inform clinical studies.

Material and methods

Systematic searching of four electronic databases (Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and CINAHL), using key terms defined by initial scoping searches, identified a total of 35 studies. Following title and abstract screening by two independent researchers, five studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were not excluded based on language, methodology or quality assessment. An integrative methodology was used to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data together.

Results

Forms of continuous fetal monitoring used included Monica AN24 monitors (n = 4) and phonocardiography (n = 1). Four main themes were identified: practical limitations of the device, negative emotions, positive perceptions, and device implementation. Continuous fetal monitoring was reported to have high levels of participant satisfaction and was preferred by women to intermittent cardiotocography.

Conclusion

This review suggests that continuous fetal monitoring is accepted by women. However, it has also highlighted both the paucity and heterogeneity of current studies and suggests that further research should be conducted into women's experiences of continuous fetal monitoring before such devices can be used clinically.
Review article: next‐generation transformative advances in the pathogenesis and management of autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Czaja A. J.
Published: September 2017

Background

Advances in autoimmune hepatitis that transform current concepts of pathogenesis and management can be anticipated as products of ongoing investigations driven by unmet clinical needs and an evolving biotechnology.

Aim

To describe the advances that are likely to become transformative in autoimmune hepatitis, based on the direction of current investigations.

Methods

Pertinent abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full‐length articles were selected for review, and a secondary bibliography was developed. The discovery process was repeated, and a tertiary bibliography was identified. The number of abstracts reviewed was 2830, and the number of full‐length articles reviewed exceeded 150.

Results

Risk‐laden allelic variants outside the major histocompatibility complex (rs3184504, r36000782) are being identified by genome‐wide association studies, and their gene products are potential therapeutic targets. Epigenetic changes associated with environmental cues can enhance the transcriptional activity of genes, and chromatin re‐structuring and antagonists of noncoding molecules of ribonucleic acid are feasible interventions. The intestinal microbiome is a discovery field for microbial products and activated immune cells that may translocate to the periphery and respond to manipulation. Epidemiological studies and controlled interview‐based surveys may implicate environmental and xenobiotic factors that warrant evidence‐based changes in lifestyle, and site‐directed molecular and cellular interventions promise to change the paradigm of treatment from one of blanket immunosuppression.

Conclusions

Advances in genetics, epigenetics, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and site‐directed molecular and cellular interventions constitute the next generation of transformative advances in autoimmune hepatitis.
Systemic challenges in bipolar disorder management: A patient‐centered approach
Authors: Nestsiarovich Anastasiya , Hurwitz Nathaniel G , Nelson Stuart J , Crisanti Annette S , Kerner Berit , Kuntz Matt J , Smith Alicia N , Volesky Emma , Schroeter Quentin L , DeShaw Jason L , Young S Stanley , Obenchain Robert L , Krall Ronald L , Jordan Kimmie , Fawcett Jan , Tohen Mauricio , Perkins Douglas J , Lambert Christophe G
Published: September 2017

Objectives

As part of a series of Patient‐Centered Outcomes Research Institute‐funded large‐scale retrospective observational studies on bipolar disorder (BD) treatments and outcomes, we sought the input of patients with BD and their family members to develop research questions. We aimed to identify systemic root causes of patient‐reported challenges with BD management in order to guide subsequent studies and initiatives.

Methods

Three focus groups were conducted where patients and their family members (total n = 34) formulated questions around the central theme, “What do you wish you had known in advance or over the course of treatment for BD?” In an affinity mapping exercise, participants clustered their questions and ranked the resulting categories by importance. The research team and members of our patient partner advisory council further rated the questions by expected impact on patients. Using a Theory of Constraints systems thinking approach, several causal models of BD management challenges and their potential solution were developed with patients using the focus group data.

Results

A total of 369 research questions were mapped to 33 categories revealing 10 broad themes. The top priorities for patient stakeholders involved pharmacotherapy and treatment alternatives. Analysis of causal relationships underlying 47 patient concerns revealed two core conflicts: for patients, whether or not to take pharmacotherapy, and for mental health services, the dilemma of care quality vs quantity.

Conclusions

To alleviate the core conflicts identified, BD management requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach including: improved access to mental health services, objective diagnostics, sufficient provider visit time, evidence‐based individualized treatment, and psychosocial support.
Family interests and medical decisions for children
Authors: Baines Paul
Published: September 2017

Medical decisions for children are usually justified by the claim that they are in a child's best interests. More recently, following criticisms of the best interests standard, some advocate that the family's interests should influence medical decisions for children, although what is meant by family interests is often not made clear. I argue that at least two senses of family interests may be discerned. There is a ‘weak’ sense (as the amalgamated interests of family members) of family interests and a ‘strong’ sense (that the family itself has interests over and above the interests of individuals). I contend that there are problems with both approaches in making medical decisions for children but that the weak sense is more plausible. Despite this, I argue that claims for family interests are not helpful in making medical decisions for children.
Continuous-time Capture–Recapture in Closed Populations
Authors: Schofield Matthew R. , Barker Richard J. , Gelling Nicholas
Published: September 2017

The standard approach to fitting capture–recapture data collected in continuous time involves arbitrarily forcing the data into a series of distinct discrete capture sessions. We show how continuous-time models can be fitted as easily as discrete-time alternatives. The likelihood is factored so that efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms can be implemented for Bayesian estimation, available online in the R package ctime. We consider goodness-of-fit tests for behavior and heterogeneity effects as well as implementing models that allow for such effects.
Efficiency of Two Sample Tests via the Restricted Mean Survival Time for Analyzing Event Time Observations
Authors: Tian Lu , Fu Haoda , Ruberg Stephen J. , Uno Hajime , Wei Lee-Jen
Published: September 2017

In comparing two treatments with the event time observations, the hazard ratio (HR) estimate is routinely used to quantify the treatment difference. However, this model dependent estimate may be difficult to interpret clinically especially when the proportional hazards (PH) assumption is violated. An alternative estimation procedure for treatment efficacy based on the restricted means survival time or t-year mean survival time (t-MST) has been discussed extensively in the statistical and clinical literature. On the other hand, a statistical test via the HR or its asymptotically equivalent counterpart, the logrank test, is asymptotically distribution-free. In this article, we assess the relative efficiency of the hazard ratio and t-MST tests with respect to the statistical power under various PH and non-PH models theoretically and empirically. When the PH assumption is valid, the t-MST test performs almost as well as the HR test. For non-PH models, the t-MST test can substantially outperform its HR counterpart. On the other hand, the HR test can be powerful when the true difference of two survival functions is quite large at end but not the beginning of the study. Unfortunately, for this case, the HR estimate may not have a simple clinical interpretation for the treatment effect due to the violation of the PH assumption.
Beyond symptomatic effects: potential of donepezil as a neuroprotective agent and disease modifier in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kim Seung Hyun , Kandiah Nagaendran , Hsu Jung‐Lung , Suthisisang Chuthamanee , Udommongkol Chesda , Dash Amitabh
Published: September 2017

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with neurodegenerative changes resulting clinically in progressive cognitive and functional deficits. The only therapies are the cholinesterase inhibitors donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine and the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate‐receptor antagonist memantine. Donepezil acts primarily on the cholinergic system as a symptomatic treatment, but it also has potential for disease modification and may reduce the rate of progression of AD. This review explores the potential for disease modifying effects of donepezil. Several neuroprotective mechanisms that are independent of cholinesterase inhibition, are suggested. Donepezil has demonstrated a range of effects, including protecting against amyloid β, ischaemia and glutamate toxicity; slowing of progression of hippocampal atrophy; and up‐regulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Clinically, early and continuous treatment with donepezil is considered to preserve cognitive function more effectively than delayed treatment. The possible neuroprotective effects of donepezil and the potential for disease pathway modification highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment initiation in AD.
D40/KNL1/CASC5 and autosomal recessive primary microcephaly
Authors: Takimoto Masato
Published: September 2017

Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a very rare neuro‐developmental disease with brain size reduction. More than a dozen loci encoding proteins of diverse function have been shown to be responsible for MCPH1‐13. Mutations in the D40/KNL1/CASC5 gene, which was initially characterized as a gene involved in chromosomal translocation in leukemia and as a member of the cancer/testis gene family, was later found to encode a kinetochore protein essential for mitotic cell division and to cause MCPH4. Although our previous studies showed that this gene is required for cell growth and division in vitro and in animal experiments, the revelation that mutations in this gene caused microcephaly provides in vivo evidence of a critical role in brain growth. In this review, we describe mutated gene targets responsible for MCPH1‐13 and summarize clinical studies of, and molecular and biological aspects of the gene and encoded protein responsible for MCPH4.
Two‐step endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided antegrade treatment of a difficult bile duct stone in a surgically altered anatomy patient
Authors: Nakai Yousuke , Isayama Hiroyuki , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: September 2017

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Principles of plasticity in the developing brain
Authors: Kolb Bryan , Harker Allonna , Gibb Robbin
Published: September 2017

The developing brain is especially sensitive to a wide range of experiences, showing a remarkable capacity for plastic changes that influence behavioural outcomes throughout the lifetime. We review the principles that regulate this plasticity in development and consider the factors that modulate the developing brain. These include early sensory, motor, and language experience, early stress, caregiver interactions, peer interactions, psychoactive drugs, diet, microbiome, and the immune system. Emphasis is given to changes in behaviour, epigenetics, and neuronal morphology.

What this paper adds

A discussion of the surprising range of factors influencing brain development

Life experiences interact resulting in a phenomenon called metaplasticity
Cognitive functioning in children after haemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Greenham Mardee
Published: September 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Murphy et al. on pages 1146–1151 of this issue.
Appropriate fabrication method for pressure‐formed mouthguards using ethylene vinyl acetate sheets
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims

Fabrication of mouthguards should be performed properly. However, the appropriate heating temperature for fabricating a pressure‐formed mouthguard has not been determined. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the heating temperature on the fabrication of a pressure‐formed mouthguard.

Materials and methods

Mouthguard sheets of 3.8 mm ethylene vinyl acetate were pressure‐formed on a working model at three heating temperatures: 80, 100, and 120°C. The thickness of the mouthguard was measured at the labial surface of the central incisor, and the buccal and occlusal surfaces of the first molar. The fit of the mouthguard was examined at the central incisor and first molar by measuring the distance between the mouthguard and the cervical margin of the working model. Differences in the thickness of the mouthguards according to the heating temperatures were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance, and differences in the fit were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

Mouthguard thickness varied among the measured regions of the central incisors and first molars (P < .01). The greatest thickness was found at the labial surface of the central incisor and the buccal surface of the first molar in mouthguards fabricated at the heating temperature of 120°C (P < .01). Mouthguard fit varied among the heating temperatures of the central incisors, and the greatest fit was obtained in mouthguards fabricated at the heating temperatures of 100 and 120°C (P < .01).

Conclusions

Heating the ethylene vinyl acetate sheet until the temperature reached 120°C was the best fabrication method to maintain the pressure‐formed mouthguard thickness with proper fit.
Trophic ecology of adult male Odonata. I. Dietary niche metrics by foraging guild, species, body size, and location
Authors: CHARI LENIN D. , MOYO SYDNEY , RICHOUX NICOLE B.
Published: September 2017

1. Information on the dietary niches of adult odonates is sparse, as they are highly mobile and evasive animals, which makes them difficult to observe in their natural habitat. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge on how varying behavioural traits of odonates relate to phenomena like niche partitioning.

2. This study investigated niche partitioning amongst odonate species, foraging guilds and size classes in a riverine system in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A combination of stable isotope and fatty acid‐based niches was used to infer odonate feeding.

3. Both fatty acid and stable isotope‐based niches showed that there was niche separation amongst odonates that forage in flight (fliers) and those that forage from a perch (perchers), amongst odonates of different size classes (damselflies, medium‐ and large‐sized dragonflies), and amongst species, although varying levels of niche overlap were observed in each case.

4. Niche sizes of odonates varied between an upstream and a downstream site. Generally greater niche overlap was recorded at the narrow upstream site (associated with low insect emergence rates) than the wider downstream site (associated with high insect emergence rates), indicating that a greater degree of resource sharing occurred at the upstream site where aquatic food was less abundant.

5. The findings of this study suggest that dietary niches of odonates can be influenced by foraging guild, body size, and/or environmental conditions, and additional study in a variety of regions is recommended to determine the greater applicability of these findings.
No consistent pollinator‐mediated impacts of alien plants on natives
Authors: Charlebois Julia A. , Sargent Risa D.
Published: September 2017

The introduction of an alien plant is widely assumed to have negative consequences for the pollinator‐mediated fitness of nearby natives. Indeed, a number of studies, including a highly cited meta‐analysis, have concluded that the trend for such interactions is competitive. Here we provide evidence that publication bias and study design have obscured our ability to assess the pollinator‐mediated impacts of alien plants. In a meta‐analysis of 76 studies, we demonstrate that alien/native status does not predict the outcome of pollinator‐mediated interactions among plants. Moreover, we found no evidence that similarity in floral traits or phylogenetic distance between species pairs influences the outcome of pollinator‐mediated interactions. Instead, we report that aspects of study design, such as distance between the control and nearest neighbour, and/or the arrangement of study plants better predict the impact of a neighbour than does alien/native status. Our study sheds new light on the role that publication bias and experimental design play in the evaluation of key patterns in ecology. We conclude that, due to the absence of clear, generalisable pollinator‐mediated impacts of alien species, management schemes should base decisions on community‐wide assessments of the impacts of individual alien plant species, and not solely on alien/native status itself.
Combined effects of agrochemicals and ecosystem services on crop yield across Europe
Authors: Gagic Vesna , Kleijn David , Báldi András , Boros Gergely , Jørgensen Helene Bracht , Elek Zoltán , Garratt Michael P. D. , de Groot G. Arjen , Hedlund Katarina , Kovács‐Hostyánszki Anikó , Marini Lorenzo , Martin Emily , Pevere Ines , Potts Simon G. , Redlich Sarah , Senapathi Deepa , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Świtek Stanislaw , Smith Henrik G. , Takács Viktória , Tryjanowski Piotr , van der Putten Wim H. , van Gils Stijn , Bommarco Riccardo
Published: September 2017

Simultaneously enhancing ecosystem services provided by biodiversity below and above ground is recommended to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and mineral fertilisers in agriculture. However, consequences for crop yield have been poorly evaluated. Above ground, increased landscape complexity is assumed to enhance biological pest control, whereas below ground, soil organic carbon is a proxy for several yield‐supporting services. In a field experiment replicated in 114 fields across Europe, we found that fertilisation had the strongest positive effect on yield, but hindered simultaneous harnessing of below‐ and above‐ground ecosystem services. We furthermore show that enhancing natural enemies and pest control through increasing landscape complexity can prove disappointing in fields with low soil services or in intensively cropped regions. Thus, understanding ecological interdependences between land use, ecosystem services and yield is necessary to promote more environmentally friendly farming by identifying situations where ecosystem services are maximised and agrochemical inputs can be reduced.
Correlation clustering methodologies and their fundamental results
Authors: Pandove Divya , Goel Shivani , Rani Rinkle
Published: September 2017

Correlation clustering possibly represents the most intuitive form of clustering construction. It gives solutions that can be approximated while automatically selecting the number of clusters. This approach handles scenarios where the focus is on relationships between the objects instead of on actual representations of the objects. The suitability of this method extends to the structured objects, for which feature vectors are not easy to obtain. Given the increasing scale of data these days, correlation clustering has become a powerful addition to the fields of data mining and agnostic learning. Correlation clustering considers a weighted graph G=(V,E), where the edge weight indicates whether two nodes are similar (positive edge weight) or different (negative edge weight). The task is to find a clustering that either maximizes agreements or minimizes disagreements. Unlike other clustering algorithms, this does not require choosing the number of clusters (k) in advance. The objective to minimize the sum of weights of the cut edges is independent of the number of clusters. Methodologies, such as approximations and linear programming formulations, have been used to approach this problem. This paper focuses on the problem of correlation clustering and lists the solutions proposed by various researchers. These solutions approach the problem using different computational techniques. Correlation clustering‐based applications such as entity de‐duplication, signed social networks, and problem of aggregating multiples have also been discussed.
Reconstructing overfishing: Moving beyond Malthus for effective and equitable solutions
Authors: Finkbeiner Elena M , Bennett Nathan J , Frawley Timothy H , Mason Julia G , Briscoe Dana K , Brooks Cassandra M , Ng Crystal A , Ourens Rosana , Seto Katherine , Switzer Swanson Shannon , Urteaga Jose , Crowder Larry B
Published: September 2017

Inaccurate or incomplete diagnosis of the root causes of overfishing can lead to misguided and ineffective fisheries policies and programmes. The “Malthusian overfishing narrative” suggests that overfishing is driven by too many fishers chasing too few fish and that fishing effort grows proportionately to human population growth, requiring policy interventions that reduce fisher access, the number of fishers, or the human population. By neglecting other drivers of overfishing that may be more directly related to fishing pressure and provide more tangible policy levers for achieving fisheries sustainability, Malthusian overfishing relegates blame to regions of the world with high population growth rates, while consumers, corporations and political systems responsible for these other mediating drivers remain unexamined. While social–ecological systems literature has provided alternatives to the Malthusian paradigm, its focus on institutions and organized social units often fails to address fundamental issues of power and politics that have inhibited the design and implementation of effective fisheries policy. Here, we apply a political ecology lens to unpack Malthusian overfishing and, relying upon insights derived from the social sciences, reconstruct the narrative incorporating four exemplar mediating drivers: technology and innovation, resource demand and distribution, marginalization and equity, and governance and management. We argue that a more nuanced understanding of such factors will lead to effective and equitable fisheries policies and programmes, by identifying a suite of policy levers designed to address the root causes of overfishing in diverse contexts.
Precipitation during anthesis reduces seed set in perennial ryegrass
Authors: Abel S. , Boelt B.
Published: September 2017

In perennial ryegrass seed production, the establishment of seed yield potential occurs until the point of anthesis. However, utilizing potential seed yield is predominately focused on processes after anthesis, namely seed set (%) and seed filling. In practice, seed yield is the product of the number of harvested seeds remaining after cleaning and average seed weight. For this study, the anthesis patterns and seed set were recorded in a diploid variety grown in seed production fields in three different Danish regions with contrasting weather conditions and investigated in 2013 and 2014. Increases in the total precipitation during anthesis reduced the anthesis synchrony and the seed set, which ranged from 50% to 66%. Under semi‐controlled environmental conditions in which the influence of precipitation was excluded, the seed set was found to be influenced by the floret position in the spikelet and ranged from 73% in the florets in basal positions to 25% in the distal florets. It is suggested that a lower number of florets per spikelet will reduce the anthesis period. These results may provide insights for breeding programmes focused on increasing seed yield.
Prospective evaluation on the effect of interobserver variability of digital rectal examination on the performance of the Rotterdam Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator
Authors: Pereira‐Azevedo Nuno , Braga Isaac , Verbeek Jan FM , Osório Luís , Cavadas Vítor , Fraga Avelino , Carrasquinho Eduardo , Cardoso de Oliveira Eduardo , Nieboer Daan , Roobol Monique J
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To assess the level of agreement between digital rectal examination findings of two urologists and its effect on risk prediction using the digital rectal examination‐based Rotterdam Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator.

Methods

The study sample consisted of a prospective cohort of asymptomatic unscreened men with prostate‐specific antigen ≤50.0 ng/mL and transrectal ultrasound volume ≤110 mL who underwent transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy. Both urologists’ digital rectal examination findings were graded normal or abnormal (nodularity and/or induration), and volume classified as 25, 40 or 60 mL, according to the risk calculator algorithm. Interrater agreement analysis using Cohen's kappa (κ) statistic was carried out to determine consistency of digital rectal examination outcome and volume assessment. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and calibration plots were constructed to determine the effect of interrater differences. Decision curve analysis was applied to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the model.

Results

Of the 241 men included in the study, 41% (n = 98) had prostate cancer (81 were clinically significant, i.e. Gleason ≥3 + 4). There was substantial agreement in the digital rectal examination (abnormal/normal; κ = 0.78; P < 0.001) and volume estimation (κ = 0.79; P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed good discrimination (0.75–0.78) and were comparable for both urologists. In the high‐risk cohort, at a probability threshold of 25%, the risk calculator reduced the prostate biopsy rate by 9%, without missing cancers.

Conclusions

Slight differences in digital rectal examination findings seem to have very limited impact on the performance of the Rotterdam Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator. Therefore, this can be considered a useful prostate biopsy outcome prediction tool.
Records of ocean sunfish Mola mola along the Norwegian coast spanning two centuries, 1801–2015
Authors: Frafjord K. , Bakken T. , Kubicek L. , Rønning A.‐H. , Syvertsen P. O.
Published: September 2017

Records of the ocean sunfish Mola mola along the Norwegian coast were compiled from all possible sources: literature, media, databases and museums. A total of 216 records were found between 1801 and 2015. They were distributed along the whole coast, except for the most north‐eastern part. Nearly all years with more than five records were after 2000, with 1985 as the only exception and with a maximum of 23 records in 2014. Most, 92·4%, were from July to December. Records from before 1979 were more incidental and random and no sunfish were recorded in 54 separate years between 1879 and 2015. The northernmost record was from 70° 44′ N in December 1881. No relationship between year and latitude was found. Forty‐four per cent of the records were of sunfish caught in fishing gear, 27% were found stranded and 30% were observed alive at sea. A trend of a decrease in numbers of observations of living individuals and an increase in numbers of strandings as dead individuals as autumn progressed was found. Geographical differences in the three categories of observation were also found. Among the specimens whose size was recorded, most were small, <30 kg and 70 cm in total length. Only 10 were heavier than 100 kg, all these were from before 1960. Annual numbers correlated weakly with sea temperatures. This was supported by a weak negative correlation with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index, because the majority of years since 2000 had a negative NAO.
Physical properties and effective thermal diffusivity of soybean grains as a function of moisture content and broken kernels
Authors: Pohndorf Ricardo Scherer , Rocha Jeferson Cunha da , Lindemann Igor , Peres Wilner Brod , Oliveira Maurício de , Elias Moacir Cardoso
Published: September 2017

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the amount of broken kernels in relation to the whole grains (0, 15, and 30%) and moisture content (5, 10, and 15% wet basis) on some physical properties of soybeans (bulk density, porosity, and angle of repose) using response surface methodology. In addition, the effective thermal diffusivity (αef) was determined and empirical models were proposed to improve equipment design and drying and storage operations of soybeans. The results indicated that the moisture content changes and the addition of broken kernels in the whole soybeans caused increases in bulk density (from 673 ± 2 to 693 ± 3 kg/m3) and angle of repose (from 26.6 ± 0.3 to 31.2 ± 0.3 °) and decrease in porosity (from 45.1 ± 0.1 to 41.3 ± 0.4%). The effective thermal diffusivity values increased with increasing moisture content and the addition of broken kernels, in the range of 5.7 × 10−8 to 9.5 × 10−8 m2/s. The proposed empirical model for determination of effective thermal diffusivity was predictive and significant (p < .05).

Practical applications

The presence of split and broken soybeans has been a problem due to the lack of uniformity of stored grain mass, causing significant loss of quality and difficulty in operational handling. In this way, the knowledge of the engineering properties of soybeans is a key factor in determining the design of the drying, storage, aeration, processing, and handling systems. Bulk density is needed for the design of drying and aeration systems. Porosity can affect the rate of heat and mass transfer during aeration and drying operations and the design of hoppers for processing machinery and bulk grain storage requires angle of repose data. In addition, the thermal diffusivity elutes the heating rate of grains stored in steel silos.
TRPC6 expression in neurons is differentially regulated by NR2A‐ and NR2B‐containing NMDA receptors
Authors: Qu Zhongwei , Wang Yuqing , Li Xia , Wu Lin , Wang Yizheng
Published: September 2017

The expression of transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) in central nervous system (CNS) is important for neuronal functions and certain neural disorders. However, the regulatory mechanism of TRPC6 expression in neurons is still obscure. In this study, we show that TRPC6 expression in the primary cultured cortical neurons is bidirectionally regulated by glutamate. Activation of NR2A‐containing NMDARs induces TRPC6 transcription through a calcineurin‐dependent pathway. In contrast, activation of NR2B‐containing NMDARs causes TRPC6 degradation through calpain. Thus, TRPC6 expression in neurons is regulated by glutamate in a bidirectional manner that is dependent on NR2A and NR2B.

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Safety and effectiveness of mirabegron in patients with overactive bladder aged ≥75 years: Analysis of a Japanese post‐marketing study
Authors: Yoshida Masaki , Nozawa Yumiko , Kato Daisuke , Tabuchi Hiromi , Kuroishi Kentarou
Published: September 2017

Objectives

A 12‐week post‐marketing study was conducted to provide real‐world data on Japanese patients with overactive bladder (OAB) initiating treatment with mirabegron. This post‐hoc analysis focused on safety and effectiveness of mirabegron in patients aged ≥75 versus <75 years.

Methods

Incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADR) was assessed following 12 weeks’ mirabegron treatment. Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and International‐Prostate Symptom Score Quality of Life (I‐PSS QoL) were completed at baseline and at the end of treatment (EoT). A reduction of ≥3 points in total OABSS was defined as a minimal clinically important change (MCIC).

Results

Of 9795 patients, a greater proportion aged ≥75 versus <75 years had a lower body mass index (BMI; BMI < 18.5: 4.2% vs 3.2%), longer OAB duration (≥3 years: 24.6% vs 20.3%) and more severe OAB symptoms (severe: 17.0% vs 11.2%). A significantly greater percentage of patients aged ≥75 versus <75 years had comorbidities (77.8% vs 66.0%) and used concomitant drugs (58.3% vs 48.7%; P < 0.001). Incidence of ADR was observed in 7.00% and 5.19% of patients aged ≥75 versus <75 years, respectively. At EoT, mirabegron treatment was reported ‘effective’ in 79.3% versus 82.1% of patients aged ≥75 versus <75 years, respectively. Mean total OABSS decreased significantly from baseline, and exceeded the MCIC in 61.0% and 65.9% of patients aged ≥75 and <75 years, respectively. Similar changes were observed for I‐PSS QoL in both groups.

Conclusions

In a real‐world clinical setting, mirabegron was well‐tolerated and effective in patients aged ≥75 and <75 years.
Colony‐level behavioural variation correlates with differences in expression of theforaginggene in red imported fire ants
Authors: Bockoven Alison A. , Coates Craig J. , Eubanks Micky D.
Published: September 2017

Among social insects, colony‐level variation is likely to be widespread and has significant ecological consequences. Very few studies, however, have documented how genetic factors relate to behaviour at the colony level. Differences in expression of theforaginggene have been associated with differences in foraging and activity of a wide variety of organisms. We quantified expression of the red imported fire antforaginggene (sifor) in workers from 21 colonies collected across the natural range of Texas fire ant populations, but maintained under standardized, environmentally controlled conditions. Colonies varied significantly in their behaviour. The most active colonies had up to 10 times more active foragers than the least active colony and more than 16 times as many workers outside the nest. Expression differences among colonies correlated with this colony‐level behavioural variation. Colonies with highersiforexpression in foragers had, on average, significantly higher foraging activity, exploratory activity and recruitment to nectar than colonies with lower expression. Expression ofsiforwas also strongly correlated with worker task (foraging vs. working in the interior of the nest). These results provide insight into the genetic and physiological processes underlying collective differences in social behaviour. Quantifying variation in expression of theforaginggene may provide an important tool for understanding and predicting the ecological consequences of colony‐level behavioural variation.
Natriuretic peptides in the control of lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity
Authors: Verboven K. , Hansen D. , Jocken J. W. E. , Blaak E. E.
Published: September 2017

Natriuretic peptides have long been known for their cardiovascular function. However, a growing body of evidence emphasizes the role of natriuretic peptides in human substrate and energy metabolism, thereby connecting the heart with several insulin‐sensitive organs like adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and liver. Obesity may be associated with an impaired regulation of the natriuretic peptide system, also indicated as a natriuretic handicap. Evidence points towards a contribution of this natriuretic handicap to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiometabolic complications, although the causal relationship is not fully understood. Nevertheless, targeting the natriuretic peptide pathway may improve metabolic health in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review will focus on current literature regarding the metabolic roles of natriuretic peptides with emphasis on lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, it will be discussed how exercise and lifestyle intervention may modulate the natriuretic peptide‐related metabolic effects.
Validation of a novel CARTOSEG™ segmentation module software for contrast‐enhanced computed tomography‐guided radiofrequency ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Imanli Hasan , Bhatty Shaun , Jeudy Jean , Ghzally Yousra , Ume Kiddy , Vunnam Rama , Itah Refael , Amit Mati , Duell John , See Vincent , Shorofsky Stephen , Dickfeld Timm M.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Visualization of left atrial (LA) anatomy using image integration modules has been associated with decreased radiation exposure and improved procedural outcome when used for guidance of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We evaluated the CARTOSEG™ CT Segmentation Module (Biosense Webster, Inc.) that offers a new CT‐specific semiautomatic reconstruction of the atrial endocardium.

Methods

The CARTOSEG™ CT Segmentation Module software was assessed prospectively in 80 patients undergoing AF ablation. Using preprocedural contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CE‐CT), cardiac chambers, coronary sinus (CS), and esophagus were semiautomatically segmented. Segmentation quality was assessed from 1 (poor) to 4 (excellent). The reconstructed structures were registered with the electroanatomic map (EAM). PVI was performed using the registered 3D images.

Results

Semiautomatic reconstruction of the heart chambers was successfully performed in all 80 patients with AF. CE‐CT DICOM file import, semiautomatic segmentation of cardiac chambers, esophagus, and CS was performed in 185 ± 105, 18 ± 5, 119 ± 47, and 69 ± 19 seconds, respectively. Average segmentation quality was 3.9 ± 0.2, 3.8 ± 0.3, and 3.8 ± 0.2 for LA, esophagus, and CS, respectively.

Registration accuracy between the EAM and CE‐CT‐derived segmentation was 4.2 ± 0.9 mm. Complications consisted of one perforation (1%) which required pericardiocentesis, one increased pericardial effusion treated conservatively (1%), and one early termination of ablation due to thrombus formation on the ablation sheath without TIA/stroke (1%). All targeted PVs (n  =  309) were successfully isolated.

Conclusions

The novel CT‐ CARTOSEG™ CT Segmentation Module enables a rapid and reliable semiautomatic 3D reconstruction of cardiac chambers and adjacent anatomy, which facilitates successful and safe PVI.
How active are young cardiac device patients? Objective assessment of activity in children with cardiac devices
Authors: de la Uz Caridad M. , Burch Ashley E. , Gunderson Bruce , Koehler Jodi , Sears Samuel F.
Published: September 2017

Background

The daily activity of pediatric patients with implantable cardiac devices provides behavioral evidence of functional outcomes. Modern devices provide continuous accelerometer data that are sensitive to movement, but normative values have not been published for pediatric activity rates. This study provides the first normative accelerometer data on activity rates in a large sample of pediatric cardiac device patients.

Methods

Patients were between 3 and 18 years old (N = 1,905) and implanted with a cardiac device from a single device company, and enrolled in remote monitoring.

Results

The median age at implant was 14 years (interquartile range = 12–16); 61.3% were male. Data for 4 weeks were extracted from a company database at 53 weeks postimplant and an average of daily activity was calculated. Daily average activity for all patients was 5.4 hours (standard deviation  =  2.0). In a multivariate analysis, increased level of activity was associated with: being male, having a pacemaker versus implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), epicardial device location, rate response turned off, having experienced a shock, and younger age.

Conclusions

These results provide the first baseline data of physical activity in children with implanted cardiac devices and provide a clinical guide to physical activity assessment in this population. Further, our data suggest physical activity in children with implantable cardiac devices may differ based on demographic variables, device type, device location, indication for implantation, and history of ICD shock.
Dilatation of the ductus arteriosus by diazoxide in fetal and neonatal rats
Authors: Toyoshima Katsuaki , Momma Kazuo , Ishii Tetsuko , Nakanishi Toshio
Published: September 2017

Background

Diazoxide, an ATP‐sensitive potassium channel opener, is the main therapeutic agent for treating hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. The aim of this study was to determine the in vivo ductus arteriosus (DA)‐dilating effects of diazoxide in fetal and neonatal rats.

Methods

Near‐term rat pups delivered via cesarean section were housed at 33°C. After rapid whole‐body freezing, the ductus arteriosus (DA) diameter was measured using a microscope and a micrometer. Full‐term pregnant rats (gestational day 21) were injected i.p. with diazoxide (10 and 100 mg/kg) 4 h before delivery, and the neonatal DA diameter was measured at 0, 30, or 60 min after birth. The newborn rats were also injected i.p. with diazoxide (10 and 100 mg/kg) at birth or 60 min after birth. DA was measured at 0, 30, or 60 min after injection. In the fetal investigation, the effect of diazoxide was studied via simultaneous application of indomethacin (10 mg/kg) and L‐nitroarginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) on gestational days 21 and 19.

Results

The control rats had rapid postnatal DA constriction (diameter, 0.80 and 0.08 mm at 0 and 60 min after birth, respectively). Diazoxide had a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on postnatal DA constriction. Prenatal diazoxide (10 mg/kg) inhibited postnatal DA closure (0.20 mm at 60 min after birth). The diazoxide injection (10 mg) at birth inhibited postnatal DA closure (0.14 mm at 60 min after birth). Diazoxide injection in 60‐min‐old rats dilated the constricted DA at 60 min (0.10 mm vs. 0.02 mm in the controls). In the fetal investigation, diazoxide inhibited the fetal DA constrictive effect of indomethacin and L‐NAME.

Conclusion

Diazoxide attenuates postnatal DA constriction and dilates a closing DA in fetal and neonatal rats.
Behavioural responses to dimethyl disulphide by Aleochara bilineata and Aleochara bipustulata
Authors: Du Jing , Andreassen Lars D. , Holliday Neil J.
Published: September 2017

Adult Aleochara bipustulata L. and Aleochara bilineata Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) are predatory on immature stages of cabbage root fly Delia radicum (L.) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae). Larvae of the two Aleochara are parasitoids of D. radicum pupae. Female Aleochara lay eggs near D. radicum puparia; the newly‐hatched Aleochara larvae enter puparia and consume the contents. Delia radicum‐infested roots of brassicas give off dimethyl disulphide (DMDS). In the field, DMDS attracts adult Aleochara to pitfall traps but does not enhance the biological control of D. radicum. In the present study, we investigate the behavioural responses of the Aleochara to DMDS in still air, as well as in moving air in a Y‐tube olfactometer, and also investigate the influence of DMDS on host selection. In larvae of both Aleochara species, DMDS induces a restricted‐area search in still air, resulting in elevated frequencies of attack of D. radicum puparia close to a source of DMDS. In the olfactometer, newly‐emerged virgin adults of both sexes of both Aleochara species choose alternatives to DMDS, older recently‐mated females are attracted to DMDS, and older males and older mate‐deprived females show no preference. Mating status of males determines the switch of their response to DMDS from avoidance to indifference. We conclude that DMDS is an important cue for host‐finding, although other cues are involved in mate‐finding. We discuss the implications for use of DMDS to enhance D. radicum mortality and for parasitism of nontarget species if A. bipustulata is introduced to Canada for biological control of D. radicum.
Employment gains from minimum‐wage hikes under perfect competition: A simple general‐equilibrium analysis
Authors: Brecher Richard A. , Gross Till
Published: September 2017

Contrary to conventional wisdom, higher minimum wages may lead to greater levels of employment under perfect competition. We demonstrate this possibility in a simple general‐equilibrium model of involuntary unemployment, with two goods produced by two factors and consumed by two representative households. Within our model, hiking a minimum wage redistributes income between heterogeneous consumers. This redistribution may create an excess demand for the labor‐intensive good, and hence increase total employment to restore equilibrium, despite the fact that every firm becomes less labor intensive.
Involving institutionalised people with dementia in their care‐planning meetings: lessons learnt by the staff
Authors: Villar Feliciano , Celdrán Montserrat , Vila‐Miravent Josep , Serrat Rodrigo
Published: September 2017

Background

Applying a person‐centred care (PCC) approach is an aspiration for many services attending people with dementia (PwD). However, the implementation and assessment of PCC practices represent a challenge to health professionals.

Aim

To evaluate the impact on staff of a programme aiming to involve people with dementia (PwD) in their individualised care‐planning (ICP) meetings in long‐term residential settings; specifically, to explore the lessons that staff perceived they had learned from the experience.

Methods

Twenty‐one staff members working in residential facilities for older people were interviewed after the programme. Responses to two questions (‘Do you think that your work has been affected in any way by the attendance of PwD at ICP meetings?’ and ‘Have you learnt something new as a result of these meetings?’) were submitted to thematic analysis.

Results

Eighteen of the 21 participants identified at least one lesson they had learned from the experience. The lessons could be grouped under three main headings: (i) an increase in their understanding of PwD, (ii) questioning of their own care practices, and (iii) an improvement in teamwork.

Conclusion

The involvement of PwD in ICP meetings had a positive impact on staff. They stated that the experience encouraged them to develop PCC‐compatible attitudes and modify the way they treat PwD, thus improving the quality of care they deliver. The experience also seemed to empower staff (particularly the lesser trained members) and increase the cohesion of working teams.
Theory of mind in spina bifida: Relationship with intellectual and executive functioning
Authors: Stubberud Jan
Published: September 2017

This article investigates emotion recognition ability, a central aspect of Theory of Mind (ToM), in a group of individuals with spina bifida myelomeningocele (SBM) experiencing executive function deficits, and examine associations between emotion recognition, and intellectual and executive functioning. A total of 38 adult subjects with SBM were included in this study, participating in a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of a cognitive rehabilitation intervention for executive dysfunction. Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) was used as a measure of emotion recognition, and neuropsychological tests and questionnaires were utilized as executive function measures. One third of the participants performed poorer on the emotion recognition task compared to normative data. Emotion recognition may represent an area being affected in adults with SBM, and it is related to verbal IQ. Findings also suggest that executive functions and emotion recognition ability in adults with SBM are independent.