bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Maternal Age on Selected Obstetric Parameters
Authors: Schildberger Barbara , Linzner Doris , Hehenberger Luise , Leitner Hermann , Pfeifer Christian
Published: May 2019

Introduction In recent decades, there has been a continuous rise in the average age at which women give birth. A maternal age of 35 years and above is considered an independent risk factor in pregnancy and birth, due to higher rates of intervention. This study investigates the influence of maternal age on birth procedure, gestational age, and rate of interventions during delivery. The influence of maternal parity is also analyzed.

Material and Methods Data from the Austrian Register of Births was retrospectively collected and evaluated. The collected data was the data of all singleton live births in Austria between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2016 (n = 686 272). Multiple births and stillbirths were excluded from the study. Maternal age and parity were analyzed in relation to predefined variables (birth procedure, gestational age, episiotomy in cases of vaginal delivery, epidural anesthesia in both vaginal and cesarean deliveries, and intrapartum micro-blood gas analysis). Statistical data was evaluated using (1) descriptive univariate analysis, (2) bivariate analysis, and (3) multinomial regression models.

Results The cesarean section rate and the rate of surgically-assisted vaginal deliveries increased with advancing maternal age, especially in primiparous women, while the rate of spontaneous deliveries decreased with increasing maternal age. A parity of ≥ 2 had a protective effect on the cesarean section rate. The rate of premature births also increased with increasing maternal age, particularly among primiparous women.

Discussion Although higher maternal age has a negative effect on various obstetric parameters, it was nevertheless not possible to identify a causal connection. Maternal age should not be assessed as an independent risk factor; other factors such as lifestyle or prior chronic disease and parity must be taken into consideration.
Perioperative/postoperative antientzündliche Therapie bei/nach Hornhautchirurgie/Hornhauttransplantation
Authors: Bachmann Björn O. , Pleyer Uwe , Maier Philip Christian , Reinhard Thomas , Seitz Berthold , Cursiefen Claus
Published: May 2019

Nach Hornhautchirurgie kommt es durch das mechanische Trauma, durch Fremdkörper wie z. B. Nähte oder Implantate oder durch Antigene bei Gewebetransplantation zu entzündlichen Reaktionen. Nach chirurgischen Eingriffen mit Abstand zum vaskularisierten Limbus verlaufen diese aufgrund des Immunprivilegs und des angiogenen Privilegs der Hornhaut in aller Regel sehr gedämpft. Hauptpfeiler in der Therapie und Prophylaxe von Entzündungen nach Hornhautchirurgie sind topische Glukokortikoide. Bei der Anwendung müssen die kataraktogene Wirkung bei Langzeitnutzung, die Möglichkeit einer steroidbedingten Augeninnendruckerhöhung als sogenannte Steroidresponse, die Erhöhung der Infektanfälligkeit und die Hemmung einer Epithelialisierung berücksichtigt werden. Die verfügbaren Glukokortikoide unterscheiden sich in ihrer Fähigkeit zur Penetration in das Auge (Prednisolon am besten), ihrer immunsuppressiven Wirkung (Dexamethason am besten) und im Risiko der Induktion einer Steroidresponse (Loteprednoletabonat und Fluorometholon am geringsten). Die unterschiedlichen Eigenschaften müssen bei der Wahl des „richtigen“ Glukokortikoids berücksichtigt werden: Bei Gefahr einer Epithelialisierungsstörung sollten topische Steroide möglichst vermieden bzw., falls zwingend erforderlich, konservierungsmittelfreies und phosphatfreies Dexamethason (Dexapos COMOD®) verwendet werden. Bei Bedarf einer Tiefenwirksamkeit, z. B. nach perforierender Keratoplastik, sollte Prednisolonacetat verwendet werden. Bei bekannter Steroidresponse sollten Loteprednoletabonat oder Fluorometholon verwendet werden. Wenn allogenes Gewebe transplantiert wird, ist eine langfristige topische Anwendung von Glukokortikoiden über 24 Monate und länger notwendig. Nach Hochrisikokeratoplastik mit allogenem Spendergewebe ist meist eine ergänzende systemische immunsuppressive Therapie mit Calcineurininhibitoren oder Mycophenolatmofetil über 6 – 12 Monate sinnvoll.
Thermal Injuries during Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Mechanisms and Prevention
Authors: Manohar Nitin , Palan Astha , Deora Harsh , Rajesh Boyina J. , Balasubramanium Anand , Pradeep Kambaduru
Published: May 2019

Background Thermal injuries in a patient undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are rare; more so, when the patient in question is being operated upon. We attempt to elucidate the various factors that may predispose to such an unfortunate circumstance, through a series of four cases.

Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective review of our experience with intraoperative MRI and found four cases of burns attributed to MRI. Factors leading to possible injury were examined after other causes were ruled out.

Results Collection of moisture between the leads and the patient's skin was the most common factor for the burns. There were no instances of closed loop formation or injury due to direct contact of cables to the skin.

Conclusion Awareness of the causative factor can lead to prevention. Proper education of all concerned personnel involved in the conduction of the intraoperative MRI is paramount to prevention of the same.
Anesthetic Management of a Patient with Pacemaker Undergoing Clipping of Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Bloria Summit , Soni Shiv , Kataria Ketan , Bloria Pallavi
Published: May 2019

Pacemaker devices have revolutionized the lives of patients with cardiac arrhythmias and have become increasingly common. Anesthetic management of patients with cardiac pacemakers provides special challenges. We describe our experience of a patient having implanted permanent pacemaker posted for clipping of ruptured intracranial aneurysm.
Novel Homogeneous and Mesoporous MnOx-Doped Ceria Nanosheets as Catalysts for Low-Temperature Selective Catalytic Reduction
Authors: Yue Yan , Wang Yanhua , Ling Jun , Sun Weilin , Shen Zhiquan
Published: May 2019

The development of a catalyst for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx is essential for purifying air and the denitration of coal-burning exhaust. Herein, we prepare novel MnOx-CeO2 nanosheets with porous structures by a homogeneous coordination precipitation (HCP) method which exhibit a high NO removal efficiency above 90% in the SCR reaction at low temperature (150–240°C). The MnOx-CeO2(HCP) catalysts have a higher Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and more homogeneous distribution of Mnx+ in the CeO2 lattice than those prepared by co-precipitation and precursor mixture combustion methods according to BET, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterizations. Together with a higher ratio of Mn4+, Ce3+, and Oα, the above properties are responsible for the high catalytic performances of MnOx-CeO2(HCP) in the SCR of NOx.
A human organoid system that self-organizes to recapitulate growth and differentiation of a benign mammary tumor
Authors: Florian Stefan , Iwamoto Yoshiko , Coughlin Margaret , Weissleder Ralph , Mitchison Timothy J.
Published: May 2019

Significance

Organoid culture allows the study of tissue function and development in vitro. Here, we show that mammary cells can autonomously reassemble in vitro to form a common benign mammary lesion [usual ductal hyperplasia (UDH)]. Currently, very little is known about how UDH develops. In vitro, we observe a coordinated process reminiscent of embryonic development of the mammary gland that recapitulates typical morphological hallmarks of UDH at all stages, suggesting that, in vivo, such lesions also form through the same sequence of events. Thus, we speculate that UDH lesions form through activation of embryonic-like developmental programs in adult mammary cells. The culture protocols introduced here will be useful to study supracellular coordination of mammary cell behavior.
Ultrafast optical clearing method for three-dimensional imaging with cellular resolution
Authors: Zhu Xinpei , Huang Limeng , Zheng Yao , Song Yanchun , Xu Qiaoqi , Wang Jiahao , Si Ke , Duan Shumin , Gong Wei
Published: May 2019

Significance

Most biological tissue is opaque, and the inside fine structures are invisible even with a microscope. Optical clearing methods can reduce the scattering and enable us to “look” inside the biological samples. Current optical clearing methods suffer from large time consumption, tissue distortion, and fluorescence quenching, which greatly limit their applications. Here, we describe a nontoxic ultrafast optical clearing method (FOCM), which could clarify 300-µm-thick brain slices within 2 min without morphology distortion. The fluorescence can be preserved up to 86% even after 11 d. Besides, the cheap reagents and easy operation makes our method have great potential to be widely used. Besides the brain slices, our method can also be applied to other biological tissues.
A mathematical theory of semantic development in deep neural networks
Authors: Saxe Andrew M. , McClelland James L. , Ganguli Surya
Published: May 2019

Significance

Over the course of development, humans learn myriad facts about items in the world, and naturally group these items into useful categories and structures. This semantic knowledge is essential for diverse behaviors and inferences in adulthood. How is this richly structured semantic knowledge acquired, organized, deployed, and represented by neuronal networks in the brain? We address this question by studying how the nonlinear learning dynamics of deep linear networks acquires information about complex environmental structures. Our results show that this deep learning dynamics can self-organize emergent hidden representations in a manner that recapitulates many empirical phenomena in human semantic development. Such deep networks thus provide a mathematically tractable window into the development of internal neural representations through experience.
Alternative outlets for sustaining photosynthetic electron transport during dark-to-light transitions
Authors: Saroussi Shai , Karns Devin A. J. , Thomas Dylan C. , Bloszies Clayton , Fiehn Oliver , Posewitz Matthew C. , Grossman Arthur R.
Published: May 2019

Significance

Most forms of life on Earth cannot exist without photosynthesis. Our food and atmosphere depend on it. To obtain high photosynthetic yields, light energy must be efficiently coupled to the fixation of CO
2
into organic molecules. Suboptimal environmental conditions can severely impact the conversion of light energy to biomass and lead to reactive oxygen production, which in turn can cause cellular damage and loss of productivity. Hence, plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria have evolved a network of alternative outlets to sustain the flow of photosynthetically derived electrons. Our work is focused on the nature and integration of these outlets, which will inform a rational engineering of crop plants and algae to optimize photosynthesis and meet the increased global demand for food.
Gender-related hearing, balance and speech disorders
Authors: Zanon Alessia , Sorrentino Flavia , Franz Leonardo , Brotto Davide
Published: May 2019

Gender medicine is not a separated branch of medicine, but a novel approach towards classical clinical disciplines. It consists of considering gender-related differences in terms of pathology, clinical manifestations, therapy and prognosis. Interesting data are available nowadays in the fields of cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and pharmacology, where differences between men and women cannot be ignored for a correct treatment of the patients. In otolaryngology (ENT, Ear, Nose and Throat), gender differences are poorly studied, even if some evidences are currently emerging, especially in cancer (i.e. HPV-related oropharyngeal neoplasms), high airways infections and sleep obstructive apnoea. Most of literature often observes purely epidemiological diversities without analysing their causes. In audiological medicine, sex differences are substantially an unexplored field. In this review, we considered hearing, balance, speech disorders and otologic malformations by a gender filter. Differences between genders exist and do not seem a purely epidemiologic evidence, even if reasons behind are not fully investigated yet. With this paper, we would like to make physicians in audiological medicine more aware of the existence of gender variability, also in their clinical discipline. This could improve both further studies and have therapeutic consequences for population who suffer from hearing, balance, speech diseases or craniofacial abnormalities.
Short-Term Forecasts of Insect Phenology Inform Pest Management
Authors: Crimmins Theresa M , Gerst Katharine L , Huerta Diego G , Marsh R Lee , Posthumus Erin E , Rosemartin Alyssa H , Switzer Jeff , Weltzin Jake F , Coop Len , Dietschler Nicholas , Herms Daniel A , Limbu Samita , Trotter R Talbot , Whitmore Mark
Published: May 2019

Insect pests cost billions of dollars per year globally, negatively impacting food crops and infrastructure, and contributing to the spread of disease. Timely information regarding developmental stages of pests can facilitate early detection and control, increasing efficiency and effectiveness. In 2018, the U.S. National Phenology Network (USA-NPN) released a suite of ‘Pheno Forecast’ map products relevant to science and management. The Pheno Forecasts include real-time maps and short-term forecasts of insect pest activity at management-relevant spatial and temporal resolutions and are based on accumulated temperature thresholds associated with critical life-cycle stages of economically important pests. Pheno Forecasts indicate, for a specified day, the status of the insect’s target life-cycle stage in real time across the contiguous United States. The maps are available for 12 pest species including the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire [Coleoptera: Buprestidae]), hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand), and gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar Linnaeus [Lepidoptera: Erebidae]). Preliminary validation based on in-situ observations for hemlock woolly adelgid egg and nymph stages in 2018 indicated the maps to be ≥93% accurate depending on phenophase. Since their release in early 2018, these maps have been adopted by tree care specialists and foresters across the United States. Using a consultative mode of engagement, USA-NPN staff have continuously sought input and critique of the maps and delivery from end users. Based on feedback received, maps have been expanded and modified to include additional species, improved descriptions of the phenophase event of interest, and e-mail-based notifications to support management decisions.
Lack of Association between Opioid-Receptor Genotypes and Smoking Cessation Outcomes in a Randomized, Controlled Naltrexone Trial
Authors: Roche Daniel J O , Trela Constantine J , Argos Maria , Jasmine Farzana , Kibriya Muhammad G , Ahsan Habibul , King Andrea C
Published: May 2019

Aims

The present study examined how variation in mu- (OPRM1), kappa- (OPRK), and delta- (OPRD) opioid receptor genes may influence the efficacy of naltrexone in the context of a smoking cessation trial.

Methods

The study’s primary objective was to examine the association of the Asn40Asp OPRM1 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with naltrexone’s effects on smoking quit rate, weight gain, and heavy drinking behavior during a double-blind, randomized clinical trial in 280 adult DSM-IV nicotine-dependent participants. The secondary goal of the study was to examine the relationship of 20 additional SNPs of OPRM1, OPRK, and OPRD with the aforementioned outcomes.

Results

Results indicated a null association between any opioid-receptor gene SNP and naltrexone’s effects on smoking quit rate, weight gain, and heavy drinking behavior in this sample of nicotine dependent participants.

Conclusions

In sum, these results do not suggest that genetic variation in opioid-receptors is related to treatment responses to naltrexone in a smoking cessation trial.
Macro Fat Embolism After Gluteal Augmentation With Fat: First Survival Case Report
Authors: Peña William , Cárdenas-Camarena Lázaro , Bayter-Marin Jorge Enrique , McCormick Mauricio , Durán Héctor , Ramos-Gallardo Guillermo , Robles-Cervantes José Antonio , Macias Alvaro Andres
Published: May 2019

Gluteal augmentation with fat has become one of the most common cosmetic procedures worldwide. Gluteal augmentation is designed to increase the volume and contour of the gluteal region. Intramuscular lipoinjection has been linked to multiple reports of severe complications, including death due to macro fat embolism (MAFE). The authors present the first reported case of survival and successful recovery after MAFE secondary to gluteal augmentation with fat. A 41-year-old woman, ASA II, was scheduled for augmentation mammaplasty, liposuction, and gluteal augmentation with fat. The patient was operated under general anesthesia with a total intravenous anesthesia technique. A total of 3.5 liters of fat was liposuctioned with no complications. The patient was then positioned in a lateral decubitus position for gluteal augmentation with fat. Right after the last injection, the anesthesiologist noticed a sudden change in capnography followed by hypotension, bradycardia, and hypoxemia. The first reaction in the operating room was to consider that the patient was experiencing a severe episode of fat embolism. She was then resuscitated and transferred to a tertiary facility for intensive care management. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of successful resuscitation in a patient experiencing severe MAFE after gluteal augmentation with fat. We believe that this patient survived the event due to early detection, aggressive management, and proper transfer to an intensive care unit.

Level of Evidence: 5
simuG: a general-purpose genome simulator
Authors: Yue Jia-Xing , Liti Gianni
Published: May 2019

Simulated genomes with pre-defined and random genomic variants can be very useful for benchmarking genomic and bioinformatics analyses. Here we introduce simuG, a lightweight tool for simulating the full-spectrum of genomic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms, Insertions/Deletions, copy number variants, inversions and translocations) for any organisms (including human). The simplicity and versatility of simuG make it a unique general-purpose genome simulator for a wide-range of simulation-based applications.

Availability and implementation

Code in Perl along with user manual and testing data is available at https://github.com/yjx1217/simuG. This software is free for use under the MIT license.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Burden of disease in children with respiratory tract infections in primary care: diary-based cohort study
Authors: Schot M J C , Dekker A R J , van Werkhoven C H , van der Velden A W , Cals J W L , Broekhuizen B D L , Hopstaken R M , de Wit N J , Verheij T J M
Published: May 2019

Background

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a common reason for children to consult in general practice. Antibiotics are often prescribed, in part due to miscommunication between parents and GPs. The duration of specific respiratory symptoms has been widely studied. Less is known about illness-related symptoms and the impact of these symptoms on family life, including parental production loss. Better understanding of the natural course of illness-related symptoms in RTI in children and impact on family life may improve GP–parent communication during RTI consultations.

Objective

To describe the general impact of RTI on children and parents regarding illness-related symptoms, absenteeism from childcare, school and work, use of health care facilities, and the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medication.

Methods

Prospectively collected diary data from two randomized clinical trials in children with RTI in primary care (n = 149). Duration of symptoms was analysed using survival analysis.

Results

Disturbed sleep, decreased intake of food and/or fluid, feeling ill and/or disturbance at play or other daily activities are very common during RTI episodes, with disturbed sleep lasting longest. Fifty-two percent of the children were absent for one or more days from childcare or school, and 28% of mothers and 20% of fathers reported absence from work the first week after GP consultation. Re-consultation occurred in 48% of the children. OTC medication was given frequently, particularly paracetamol and nasal sprays.

Conclusion

Appreciation of, and communication about the general burden of disease on children and their parents, may improve understanding between GPs and parents consulting with their child.
Ambient noise multimode Rayleigh and Love wave tomography to determine the shear velocity structure above the Groningen gas field
Authors: Chmiel M , Mordret A , Boué P , Brenguier F , Lecocq T , Courbis R , Hollis D , Campman X , Romijn R , Van der Veen W
Published: May 2019

The Groningen gas field is one of the largest gas fields in Europe. The continuous gas extraction led to an induced seismic activity in the area. In order to monitor the seismic activity and study the gas field many permanent and temporary seismic arrays were deployed. In particular, the extraction of the shear wave velocity model is crucial in seismic hazard assessment. Local S-wave velocity-depth profiles allow us the estimation of a potential amplification due to soft sediments.

Ambient seismic noise tomography is an interesting alternative to traditional methods that were used in modelling the S-wave velocity. The ambient noise field consists mostly of surface waves, which are sensitive to the Swave and if inverted, they reveal the corresponding S-wave structures.

In this study, we present results of a depth inversion of surface waves obtained from the cross-correlation of 1 month of ambient noise data from four flexible networks located in the Groningen area. Each block consisted of about 400 3-C stations. We compute group velocity maps of Rayleigh and Love waves using a straight-ray surface wave tomography. We also extract clear higher modes of Love and Rayleigh waves.

The S-wave velocity model is obtained with a joint inversion of Love and Rayleigh waves using the Neighbourhood Algorithm. In order to improve the depth inversion, we use the mean phase velocity curves and the higher modes of Rayleigh and Love waves. Moreover, we use the depth of the base of the North Sea formation as a hard constraint. This information provides an additional constraint for depth inversion, which reduces the S-wave velocity uncertainties.

The final S-wave velocity models reflect the geological structures up to 1 km depth and in perspective can be used in seismic risk modelling.
Remaining Effect of Influenza Vaccines Received in Prior Seasons
Authors: Martínez-Baz Iván , Navascués Ana , Casado Itziar , Aguinaga Aitziber , Ezpeleta Carmen , Castilla Jesús
Published: May 2019

This study evaluates the remaining effect of influenza vaccines received in the 5 prior seasons. During 7 influenza seasons, 8933 patients were enrolled and 47% were confirmed for influenza. Compared with unvaccinated individuals in the current and 5 prior seasons, vaccination was protective when the last dose had been received in the current season (40% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 32%–47%]), and 1 (42% [95% CI, 27%–54%]), 2–3 (35% [95% CI, 16%–49%]), or 4–5 seasons (31% [95% CI, 4%–51%]) prior. This effect lasted for fewer seasons in the elderly and in patients with chronic conditions. On average, several recent prior doses were as protective as current-season vaccination.
Shrinking room for hedging: system-unit dynamics and behavior of smaller powers
Authors: Korolev Alexander
Published: May 2019

This article advances the understanding of ‘hedging’ in international politics by highlighting and examining the limits to smaller powers’ hedging behavior. Building on the line of reasoning that hedging is an outcome of regional or state-level, rather than system-level, variables, the article suggests that the room for hedging available to smaller states shrinks as great powers become more competitive and attempt to balance against one another. With an empirical focus on the post-Cold War South China Sea region, particularly the evolving behavior of the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, the article demonstrates how, under the conditions of growing China–US competition, these regional states start moving from hedging to more pronounced bandwagoning vis-à-vis great powers regardless their domestic-level sociopolitical dispositions. Therefore, hedging has limits and can be envisaged as a ‘luxury’ that is inversely related to the intensity of great power balancing.
Electronic health records systems and hospital clinical performance: a study of nationwide hospital data
Authors: Yuan Neal , Dudley R Adams , Boscardin W John , Lin Grace A
Published: May 2019

Objective

Electronic health records (EHRs) were expected to yield numerous benefits. However, early studies found mixed evidence of this. We sought to determine whether widespread adoption of modern EHRs in the US has improved clinical care.

Methods

We studied hospitals reporting performance measures from 2008–2015 in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Compare database that also reported having an EHR in the American Hospital Association 2015 IT supplement. Using interrupted time-series analysis, we examined the association of EHR implementation, EHR vendor, and Meaningful Use status with 11 process measures and 30-day hospital readmission and mortality rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.

Results

A total of 1246 hospitals contributed 8222 hospital-years. Compared to hospitals without EHRs, hospitals with EHRs had significant improvements over time on 5 of 11 process measures. There were no substantial differences in readmission or mortality rates. Hospitals with CPSI EHR systems performed worse on several process and outcome measures. Otherwise, we found no substantial improvements in process measures or condition-specific outcomes by duration of EHR use, EHR vendor, or a hospital’s Meaningful Use Stage 1 or Stage 2 status.

Conclusion

In this national study of hospitals with modern EHRs, EHR use was associated with better process of care measure performance but did not improve condition-specific readmission or mortality rates regardless of duration of EHR use, vendor choice, or Meaningful Use status. Further research is required to understand why EHRs have yet to improve standard outcome measures and how to better realize the potential benefits of EHR systems.
Longitudinal Clinical Trial Recruitment and Retention Challenges in the Burn Population: Lessons Learned From a Trial Examining a Novel Intervention for Chronic Neuropathic Symptoms
Authors: Ohrtman Emily A , Zaninotto Ana Luiza , Carvalho Sandra , Shie Vivian L , Leite Jorge , Ianni Corinne Rose , Kazis Lewis E , Zafonte Ross , Ryan Colleen M , Schneider Jeffrey C , Fregni Felipe
Published: May 2019

Long-term trials are key to understanding chronic symptoms such as pain and itch. However, challenges such as high attrition rates and poor recruitment are common when conducting research. The aim of this work was to explore these issues within a long-term randomized control trial using transcranial direct current stimulation to treat pain and itch. This parallel double blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial was comprised of 15 transcranial direct current stimulation visits and 7 follow-up visits. Participants were over the age of 18, had a burn injury that occurred at least 3 weeks before enrollment, and reported having pain and/or itch that was moderate to severe in intensity. A total of 31 subjects were randomized into either an active or sham transcranial direct current stimulation groups. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, race, education, baseline depression, or anxiety. The median dropout time was at visit 19 (visit 16 [SE = 1.98] for the sham group and visit 19 [SE = 1.98] for the active group). Analysis showed no differences in the dropout rate between groups [χ2(1) = 0.003, P = .954]. The dropout rate was 46.7% for the sham group and 43.8% for the active group. Overall, 45.2% of the subjects dropped out of the trial. Long-term clinical trials are an essential part of evaluating interventions for symptoms such as chronic pain and itch. However, as seen in this trial, long-term studies in the burn population often face recruitment and adherence challenges.
Field and Laboratory Studies of Resistance to Bt Corn by Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Shrestha Ram B , Gassmann Aaron J
Published: May 2019

Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), has developed resistance to transgenic corn that produces the insecticidal toxin Cry3Bb1 derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) (Bt), with cross-resistance extending to corn with Bt toxins mCry3A and eCry3.1Ab. Additionally, some populations of western corn rootworm have evolved resistance to Cry34/35Ab1 corn. We conducted a 2-yr field and laboratory study that included three field locations: 1) Bt-susceptible population, 2) field with a recent history of Cry3Bb1 resistance, and 3) field with a long-term history of Cry3Bb1 resistance. The population with recently evolved Cry3Bb1 resistance showed resistance to Cry3Bb1 corn in both laboratory bioassays and field evaluations; by contrast, the population with a long-term history of Cry3Bb1 resistance showed resistance, in both laboratory and field experiments to Cry3Bb1 corn and corn with a pyramid of mCry3A plus eCry3.1Ab corn. Field-based evaluations also showed that the field population with a long-term history of Cry3Bb1 resistance imposed higher root injury to Cry3Bb1 corn and the pyramid of mCry3A plus eCry3.1Ab compared with the susceptible control. The results of this study are discussed in the context of developing strategies to manage western corn rootworm in areas where populations have evolved resistance to Cry3Bb1 corn.
Subsidies for Illegal Activities?—Reframing IUU Fishing from the Law Enforcement Perspective
Authors: Lee Jaemin
Published: May 2019

Fisheries subsidies norms and discussions at present are based on the subsidy framework under the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. This approach is pertinent vis-à-vis various types of governmental subsidies provided to fisheries industries. It, however, fails to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, one of the core targets of the fisheries subsidies norms, because few governments ‘subsidize’ illegal activities such as IUU. As far as IUU fishing is concerned, the real challenge is not about subsidies but about how to enforce domestic laws and regulations to punish owners, operators, and fishermen engaged in such illegal activities. Future discussion of fisheries subsidies norms regarding IUU should reflect the law enforcement aspect in addition to the present subsidy aspect.
Efficacy of Novaluron + Pyriproxyfen (Tekko Pro) Insect Growth Regulators Against Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Authors: Showler Allan T , Donahue William A , Harlien Jessica L , Donahue Michael W , Vinson Bret E , Thomas Donald B
Published: May 2019

Ixodids are globally distributed pests that transmit many disease agents. Increasing resistance to conventional acaricides raises the need for alternative tactics. Novaluron and pyriproxyfen are insect growth regulators (IGRs) that have variable potencies against acarines. We conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess novaluron + pyriproxyfen (marketed as Tekko Pro) against four ixodid species. Laboratory assays on the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), and the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), reduced metabolic activity in larvae and nymphs. Concentrations of novaluron + pyriproxyfen dried on filter paper impeded molting of larval R. sanguineus (less effective against nymphs). Molting A. americanum larvae were reduced by >95% using 4 and 8 µg/cm2 eliminated molting; nymphal molting was reduced but not halted even at 16 µg/cm2. On calves, novaluron + pyriproxyfen stopped larval A. americanum metabolic function 1 d post-treatment and larvae did not molt. When larvae were released 30 d after treatment, metabolic activity was reduced by 95% and molting was reduced by 94%. Southern cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), larvae released 1 d after treatment on calves were 99% prevented from reaching adulthood. The treatment did not interfere with larval development when larvae were released 52 d after treatment. The cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (Say) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), failed to reach adulthood when larvae were released on calves a day after treatment (residual activity was not assessed for R. annulatus). These IGRs, and possibly others, offer an alternative to conventional acaricides for ixodid control on cattle.
Indemnity for a lost chance
Authors: Stern Rafael Bassi , Kadane Joseph Born
Published: May 2019

Civil liability for a lost chance occurs when a tortious action changes the probabilities of the outcomes that can be obtained by the victim. In such situations, the most commonly referenced rule of quantification is that of proportional damages. Based on this rule, the literature has proposed several formulae for quantifying damages. However, these formulae have limited applicability. For instance, they are inappropriate when the victim’s chance has more than two possible outcomes or when the victim can make a choice which would influence her outcomes. Also, the formulae have seldom been derived from legal principles, which makes it hard to choose among them when they disagree. Instead of discussing specific formulae, we propose a principled approach to quantifying damages in lost chances. We present several qualitative legal questions regarding how to quantify damages and show that the answers lead to precise and general rules for damage quantification. These rules generalize the formulae that were previously proposed. Furthermore, our approach separates legal considerations from the quantitative issues involved in damage quantification.
Prebiotics may reduce serum concentrations of C-reactive protein and ghrelin in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: da Silva Borges Dayanne , Fernandes Ricardo , Thives Mello Arthur , da Silva Fontoura Ethiene , Soares dos Santos Adair Roberto , Santos de Moraes Trindade Erasmo Benicio
Published: May 2019

Context

Biochemical markers correlate positively with the development and severity of obesity, depression, and anxiety, and can be modulated by changes in intestinal microbiota composition.

Objective

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of prebiotics or synbiotics on blood biomarkers of obesity, depression, and anxiety (including: ACTH [adrenocorticotropic hormone], cortisol, leptin, ghrelin, TSH [thyroid-stimulating hormone], PTH [parathyroid hormone], vitamin D, BDNF [brain-derived neurotrophic factor], and PCR [polymerase chain reaction]) in individuals with overweight or obesity.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases were searched, along with the reference lists of included articles. Authors were contacted for unpublished data.

Study Selection

RCT in individuals with overweight or obesity, supplemented with prebiotics or synbiotics, assessing any of the outcomes of interest.

Data Extraction

Data were extracted independently by three researchers.

Results

Thirteen studies were identified up to March 7, 2018. Regarding outcomes, 1 study assessed leptin, 4 studies assessed ghrelin, and 10 studies assessed CRP (C-reactive protein). Meta-analysis showed reduction in serum concentrations of ghrelin (−37.17 pg/mL; 95%CI = −69.62, −4.73; P = 0.025) and CRP (SMD [standardized mean difference] = −0.31; 95%CI = −0.58, −0.04; P = 0.027) after supplementation of inulin-type fructans.

Conclusions

Prebiotics may help regulate blood concentrations of ghrelin and CRP in overweight or obese individuals.
Does Physician Leadership Influence Followers’ Hand Hygiene Compliance?
Authors: Shim Jeong-yun , Park Suyeon , Kim Gil Eun , Jeong Yeon Su , Kim Jin Hwa , Lee Eunyoung , Lee Eun Jung , Kim Tae Hyong , Park Se Yoon
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing the hand hygiene compliance of a physician. We found a strong correlation between a leader’s (staff member’s or fellow’s) and a follower’s (resident’s) hand hygiene compliance. Followers’ appropriate hand hygiene compliance was significantly associated with the compliance of the leader (P = .01).
Sexually differential gene expressions in poplar roots in response to nitrogen deficiency
Authors: Song Haifeng , Cai Zeyu , Liao Jun , Tang Duoteng , Zhang Sheng
Published: May 2019

Nitrogen (N) is a key nutrient impacting plant growth and physiological processes. However, the supply of N is often not sufficient to meet the requirements of trees in many terrestrial ecosystems. Because of differences in production costs, male and female plants have evolved different stress resistance strategies for N limitation. However, little is known about differential gene expression according to sex in poplars responding to N limitation. To explore sex-related constitutive defenses, Populus cathayana Rehder transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolic analyses were performed on the roots of male and female Populus cathayana. We detected 16,816 proteins and 37,286 transcripts, with 2797 overlapping proteins and mRNAs in the roots. In combination with the identification of 90 metabolites, we found that N deficiency greatly altered gene expression related to N metabolism as well as carbohydrate metabolism, secondary metabolism and stress-related processes in both sexes. Nitrogen-deficient P. cathayana females exhibited greater root biomass and less inhibition of citric acid production and glycolysis as well as higher secondary metabolic activity and abscisic acid contents than N-deficient P. cathayana males. Interestingly, males presented a better osmotic adjustment ability and higher expression of resistance genes, suggesting that P. cathayana males exhibit a better stress tolerance ability and can invest fewer resources in defense compared with females. Therefore, our study provides new molecular evidence that P. cathayana males and females adopt different resistance strategies to cope with N deficiency in their roots.
POLARIS: path of least action analysis on energy landscapes
Authors: Seitz Evan , Frank Joachim
Published: May 2019

Free-energy landscapes are a powerful tool for analyzing dynamical processes - capable of providing a complete mapping of a system’s configurations in state space while articulating its energetics topologically in the form of sprawling hills and valleys. Within this mapping, the path of least action can be derived - representing the most probable sequence of transitions taken between any two states in the landscape. In this article, POLARIS (Path of Least Action Recursive Survey) is presented as a dynamic, global approach that efficiently automates the discovery of the least action path on 2D energy landscapes. Important built-in features of this program include plotting of landscape trajectories and transition state theory diagrams, generation of text files with least action coordinates and respective energies, and bifurcation analysis tools that provide downstream versatility for comparing most probable paths and reaction rates.
Adding noise to Markov cohort models
Authors: Iskandar Rowan
Published: May 2019

Following its introduction over thirty years ago, the Markov state-transition cohort model has been used extensively to model population trajectories over time in decision modeling and cost-effectiveness studies. We recently showed that a cohort model represents the average of a continuous-time stochastic process on a multidimensional integer lattice governed by a master equation (ME), which represents the time-evolution of the probability function of a integer-valued random vector. From this theoretical connection, this study introduces an alternative modeling method, stochastic differential equation (SDE), which captures not only the mean behavior but also the variance. We first derive the continuous approximation to the master equation by relaxing integrality constraint of the state space in the form of Fokker Planck equation (FPE), which represents the time-evolution of the probability function of a real-valued random vector. Instead of working with the FPE, the SDE method constitutes time-evolution of the random vector of population counts. We derive the SDE from first principles and describe an algorithm to construct an SDE and solve the SDE via simulation for use in practice. We show the applications of SDE in two case studies. The first example demonstrates that the population trajectories, the mean and the variance, from the SDE and other commonly-used methods match. The second examples shows that users can readily apply the SDE method in their existing works without the need for additional inputs. In addition, in both examples, the SDE is superior to microsimulation in terms of computational speed. In summary, the SDE provides an alternative modeling framework and is less computationally expensive that microsimulation for a typical modeling problem in decision analyses.
Comparison of two individual-based model simulators for HIV epidemiology in a population with HSV-2 using as case study Yaoundé-Cameroon, 1980-2005
Authors: Hendrickx Diana M , Sousa João Dinis , Libin Pieter J.K. , Delva Wim , Liesenborgs Jori , Hens Niel , Müller Viktor , Vandamme Anne-Mieke
Published: May 2019

Model comparisons have been widely used to guide intervention strategies to control infectious diseases. Agreement between different models is crucial for providing robust evidence for policy-makers because differences in model properties can influence their predictions. In this study, we compared models implemented by two individual-based model simulators for HIV epidemiology in a population with Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). For each model simulator, we constructed four models, starting from a simplified basic model and stepwise including more model complexity. For the resulting eight models, the predictions of the impact of behavioural interventions on the HIV epidemic in Yaoundé (Cameroon) were compared. The results show that differences in model assumptions and model complexity can influence the size of the predicted impact of the intervention, as well as the predicted qualitative behaviour of the HIV epidemic after the intervention. Moreover, two models that agree in their predictions of the HIV epidemic in the absence of intervention can have different outputs when predicting the impact of interventions. Without additional data, it is impossible to determine which of these two models is the most reliable. These findings highlight the importance of making more data available for the calibration and validation of epidemiological models.
Centromere-proximal meiotic crossovers inDrosophila melanogasterare suppressed by both highly-repetitive heterochromatin and the centromere effect
Authors: Hartmann Michaelyn , Umbanhowar James , Sekelsky Jeff
Published: May 2019

Crossovers are essential in meiosis of most organisms to ensure the proper segregation of chromosomes. The lack or improper placement of crossovers can result in nondisjunction and aneuploidy in progeny. Crossovers near the centromere can cause nondisjunction; centromere-proximal crossovers are suppressed by what is termed the centromere effect, but the mechanism is unknown. Here, we investigate contributions to centromere-proximal crossover suppression inDrosophila melanogaster. We mapped a large number of centromere-proximal crossovers and find that crossovers are essentially absent from the highly-repetitive (HR)-heterochromatin surrounding the centromere but occur at a low frequency within the less-repetitive (LR)-heterochromatic region and adjacent euchromatin. Previous research suggested that flies that lack the Bloom syndrome helicase (Blm) lose meiotic of crossover patterning, including the centromere effect. Mapping of centromere-proximal crossovers inBlmmutants reveals that the suppression within the HR-heterochromatin is intact, but the centromere effect is lost. We conclude that centromere-proximal crossovers are suppressed by two separable mechanisms: the HR-heterochromatin effect, which completely suppresses crossovers in the HR-heterochromatin, and the centromere effect, which suppresses crossovers with a dissipating effect with distance from the centromere.
Association analysis of loci implied in “buffering” epistasis
Authors: Legarra Andrés , Vitezica Zulma G. , Naval-Sánchez Marina , Henshall John , Raidan Fernanda , Li Yutao , Meyer Karin , Hudson Nicholas J. , Porto-Neto Laercio R. , Reverter Antonio
Published: May 2019

The existence of buffering mechanisms is an emerging property of biological networks, and this results in the possible existence of “buffering” loci, that would allow buildup of robustness through evolution. So far, there are no explicit methods to find loci implied in buffering mechanisms. However, buffering can be seen as interaction with genetic background. Here we develop this idea into a tractable model for quantitative genetics, in which the buffering effect of one locus with many other loci is condensed into a single (statistical) effect, multiplicative on the total (statistical) additive genetic effect. This allows easier interpretation of the results, and it also simplifies the problem of detecting epistasis from quadratic to linear in the number of loci. Armed with this formulation, we construct a linear model for genome-wide association studies that estimates, and declares significance, of multiplicative epistatic effects at single loci. The model has the form of a variance components, norm reaction model and likelihood ratio tests are used for significance. This model is a generalization and explanation of previous ones. We then test our model using bovine data: Brahman and Tropical Composite animals, phenotyped for body weight at yearling and genotyped up to ∼770,000 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP). After association analysis and based on False Discovery Rate rules, we find a number of loci with buffering action in one, the other, or both breeds; these loci do not have significant statistical additive effect. Most of these loci have been reported in previous studies, either with an additive effect, or as footprints of selection. We identify epistatic SNPs present in or near genes encoding for proteins that are functionally enriched for peptide activity and transcription factors reported in the context of signatures of selection in multi-breed cattle population studies. These include loci known to be associated with coat color, fertility and adaptation to tropical environments. In these populations we found loci that have a non-significant statistical additive effect but a significant epistatic effect. We argue that the discovery and study of loci associated with buffering effects allows attacking the difficult problems, among others, of release of maintenance variance in artificial and natural selection, of quick adaptation to the environment, and of opposite signs of marker effects in different backgrounds. We conclude that our method and our results generate promising new perspectives for research in evolutionary and quantitative genetics based on the study of loci that buffer effect of other loci.