bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State Agency Support of Weight‐Related School Policy Implementation
Authors: Grannon Katherine Y. , Larson Nicole , Pelletier Jennifer , O'Connell Michael J. , Nanney Marilyn S.
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

In this study, we describe state agency strategies to support weight‐related policy implementation in schools, and examine the association among state support, obesity prevalence, and strength of state policies governing school nutrition and physical education.

METHODS

The 2012 School Health Policies and Practices Study describes prevalence of implementation support state agencies provided to schools/districts. Implementation support items were analyzed by weight‐related policy area (eg, advertising, wellness policy) and by type of support (eg, technical assistance). Results were summed to create a total weight‐related policy support score. Linear regression was used to examine associations between policy support and state youth obesity prevalence (2011‐2012 National Survey for Children's Health), overall and stratified by state policy strength (2012 Classification of Laws Associated with School Students).

RESULTS

States provided support most commonly for school meals and wellness policies (89% and 81%, respectively) and least often for after‐school PE (26%). Most states (80%) provided technical assistance. The total weight‐related policy support score had a significant positive association with state‐level youth overweight/obesity prevalence (p = .03).

CONCLUSION

State agencies appear to be responding to their youth obesity prevalence with technical support. Schools and state agencies should work in collaboration to provide a healthy school environment for all students.
In vitro rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis and composition of microbial community of total mixed rations replacing maize silage with red clover silage
Authors: Castro‐Montoya Joaquín , Witzig Maren , Rahman Mizanur , Westreicher‐Kristen Edwin , Dickhoefer Uta
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to evaluate in vitro fermentation characteristics, microbial protein synthesis and microbial community composition when replacing maize silage (MS) with red clover silage (RCS) in total mixed rations (TMR) of dairy cows. Treatments included TMR containing forage (MS and RCS) and concentrates (0.75:0.25) with targeted proportions (dry matter (DM) basis) of RCS in TMR of 0.15 (RCS15), 0.30 (RCS30), 0.45 (RCS45), and 0.60 (RCS60), in substitution of MS. Samples of the TMR were incubated using the in vitro Ankom RF technique with a mixture of rumen fluid and buffer solution (1:2 v/v) for 8 and 24 hr. Gas production and total short‐chain fatty acids concentration did not differ between diets, whereas ammonia‐nitrogen concentration increased with increasing level of RCS. Acetate proportion was not affected by RCS level, but propionate showed a linear increase with increasing level of RCS at the expenses of butyrate. Branched fatty acids proportions linearly declined, reflecting a reduced deamination of true protein. Gene copy numbers of protozoa linearly decreased with increasing RCS levels, while total numbers of bacteria and methanogens were not affected by diet. The amylolytic bacteria Ruminobacter amylophillus and Prevotella bryantii showed evidence to increase with higher RCS levels after 8 hr and 24 hr, respectively, whereas no effects of diet where observed for the fibrolytic bacteria Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes. Concentrations of purine bases, and total N production in liquid‐associated microbes declined with increasing RCS levels, suggesting a negative impact of this feed on microbial growth. The findings of this study suggest that in general, microbial protein synthesis might be impaired by the substitution of MS by RCS, therefore caution should be taken when formulating diets for dairy cows using high levels of RCS as ingredient.
Under pressure: biomechanical limitations of developing pneumatocysts in the bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Liggan Lauran M. , Martone Patrick T.
Published: August 2018

Maintaining buoyancy with gas‐filled floats (pneumatocysts) is essential for some subtidal kelps to achieve an upright stature and compete for light . However, as these kelps grow up through the water column, pneumatocysts are exposed to substantial changes in hydrostatic pressure, which could cause complications as internal gases may expand or contract, potentially causing them to rupture, flood, and lose buoyancy. In this study, we investigate how pneumatocysts ofNereocystis luetkeanaresist biomechanical stress and maintain buoyancy as they develop across a hydrostatic gradient. We measured internal pressure, material properties, and pneumatocyst geometry across a range of thallus sizes and collection depths to identify strategies used to resist pressure‐induced mechanical failure. Contrary to expectations, all pneumatocysts had internal pressures less than atmospheric pressure, ensuring that thalli are always exposed to a positive pressure gradient and compressional loads, indicating that they are more likely to buckle than rupture at all depths. Small pneumatocysts collected from depths between 1 and 9 m (inner radius = 0.4–1.0 cm) were demonstrated to have elevated wall stresses under high compressive loads and are at greatest risk of buckling. Although small kelps do not adjust pneumatocyst material properties or geometry to reduce wall stress as they grow, they are ~3.4 times stronger than they need to be to resist hydrostatic buckling. When tested, pneumatocysts buckled around 35 m depth, which agrees with previous measures of lower limits due to light attenuation, suggesting that hydrostatic pressure may also define the lower limit ofNereocystisin the field.
Japanese public opinion about suspect interviewing techniques
Authors: Wachi Taeko , Lamb Michael E.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The new citizen judge system in Japan was implemented in 2009. Further, a revision to the Code of Criminal Procedures, announced in 2016, stipulated that, from 2019, police interviews of suspects tried by citizen judges had to be recorded. Anticipating these changes to the criminal justice system in Japan, this study investigated public perceptions of the various suspect interviewing techniques in use.

Methods

A total of 761 jury‐eligible Japanese participants completed an online survey that included items about five suspect interviewing techniques (Presentation of Evidence, Confrontation, Active Listening, Rapport Building, and Discussion of the Crime). The participants were asked to rate the fairness of these techniques and the likelihood that they would elicit true and false confessions from guilty and innocent suspects.

Results

Participants believed that Active Listening was the fairest of the five interviewing techniques, most and least likely to elicit true and false confessions, respectively. Contrastingly, they viewed Confrontation as the most unfair interviewing technique, least and most likely to elicit true and false confessions, respectively. The fairer the participants perceived the interviewing techniques, the more likely they were to believe these techniques would elicit true confessions.

Conclusions

These findings could have important implications for decisions regarding the interviewing techniques used to elicit confessions admitted as evidence in Japanese courts.
Visceral adiposity index as a predictor of NAFLD: A prospective study with 4‐year follow‐up
Authors: Xu Chaonan , Ma Zhimin , Wang Yunfeng , Liu Xiangtong , Tao Lixin , Zheng Deqiang , Guo Xiuhua , Yang Xinghua
Published: August 2018

Background & Aims

Although evidence indicates that visceral adipose tissue is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it is unclear whether the visceral adiposity index (VAI) can predict the onset of NAFLD. This study aimed to determine whether the VAI is an independent risk factor of NAFLD and whether there is a dose‐response relationship.

Methods

We explored the relationship between VAI levels and NAFLD in a health check‐up cohort established in 2012. There were 4809 subjects with baseline data and results from 4 follow‐up examinations. The diagnosis of NAFLD was established by demonstration of increased hepatic echogenicity with ultrasound and exclusion of alcohol overconsumption with questionnaires. We divided the subjects into 4 groups according to baseline VAI levels and used the Cox hazard regression model to estimate NAFLD risk by VAI quartile at baseline by adjusting for potential confounding factors. A Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was used to compare the risk of NAFLD incidence among individuals in each VAI quartile.

Results

The 4‐year cumulative incidence of NAFLD in this cohort was 13.9%. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals, 95% CI) for NAFLD in the second, third and fourth VAI quartiles compared with the first quartile were 1.42 (95% CI: 1.24‐1.64), 1.73 (95% CI: 1.51‐1.99) and 2.13(95% CI: 1.86‐2.45) respectively. The Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis suggested that higher VAI levels predict higher incidences of NAFLD in a dose‐dependent relationship.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the VAI level is an independent risk factor of NAFLD and there is a dose‐response relationship between VAI level and NAFLD risk.
Descriptive epidemiology of salivary gland neoplasms in Nigeria: An AOPRC multicenter tertiary hospital study
Authors: Omitola Olufemi Gbenga , Soyele Olujide Oladele , Butali Azeez , Akinshipo Abdulwarith Olaitan , Okoh Dickson , Sigbeku Opeyemi , Effiom Olajumoke Ajibola , Adebiyi Kehinde Emmanuel , Ladeji Adeola Mofoluwake , Adisa Akinyele Olumuyiwa , Lawal Ahmed Oluwatoyin , Osayande Osareniye , Braimah Ramat Oyebunmi , Adeola Henry Ademola
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Accurate diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms (SGN) in many centers in Africa is limited by poor diagnostic resources and ancillary services. Hence, we have carried out a multicenter epidemiological study to understand the true burden of SGN in Nigeria.

Method

In this descriptive cross‐sectional study, we have deployed resources available to members of the African Oral Pathology Consortium (AOPRC) to examine the burden of salivary gland lesions in Nigeria, using a multicenter approach. Data from seven major tertiary health institutions in northern, western, and southern Nigeria were generated using a standardized data extraction format and analyzed using the Epi‐info software (Version 7.0, Atlanta, USA).

Result

Of the 497 cases examined across the seven centers, we observed that SGN occurred more in females than males. Overall, pleomorphic salivary adenoma (PA) was found to be the most common. PA was found to be the commonest benign SGN while adenocystic carcinoma (ADCC) was the commonest malignant SGN. Regional variations were observed for age group, diagnosis, and gender distribution. Significant statistical differences were found between males and females for malignant SGNs (p‐value=0.037).

Conclusion

We found regional variation in the pattern of distribution of SGN in Nigeria. This is the largest multicenter study of SGN in Nigeria, and our findings are robust and representative of the epidemiology of this neoplasm in Nigeria.
From environmental policy concepts to practicable tools: Knowledge creation and delegation in multilevel systems
Authors: Tosun Jale , De Francesco Fabrizio , Peters B. Guy
Published: August 2018

The problem‐solving capacity and problem‐generating potential of multilevel systems entail the need for the delegation of authority. When the problem concerned is about how to put an abstract policy concept into a practicable policy tool, the choice of the respective delegation trajectory depends on the policy models or the policy‐relevant knowledge that the respective political levels can supply. When regarding the European Union (EU) level as the starting point of knowledge creation and delegation trajectories, and concentrating on transaction costs, policy knowledge and models generated at the international level provide the most cost‐effective solution. Only when the international level is not able to provide further policy knowledge and innovation does the EU delegate its definitional authority, first downward to the member states and then sideways to EU agencies. We illustrate the plausibility of our dynamic understanding of multilevel governance by using Environmental Policy Integration as an example.
Risk factors for reduced bone mineral density measurements in milk‐allergic patients
Authors: Goldberg Michael R. , Nachshon Liat , Sinai Tali , Epstein‐Rigbi Naama , Oren Yael , Eisenberg Eli , Katz Yitzhak , Elizur Arnon
Published: August 2018

Background

Earlier studies noted that young adults with IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy (IgE‐CMA) have significantly lower bone mineral density (BMD) than age‐ and gender‐matched controls. We sought to identify additional risk factors contributing to the low BMD in IgE‐CMA patients.

Methods

Postpubertal (defined by Tanner stage V) IgE‐CMA patients (n = 78; 16‐ to 30‐year‐old females and 17.5‐ to 30‐year‐old males) were evaluated prospectively for BMD using a DXA scan, serum values of bone turnover factor, and dietary and lifestyle questionnaires. Patients receiving > 2 short courses of systemic steroid treatments were excluded.

Results

Abnormal BMD measurements (T‐ or Z‐scores < −1.0) of the lumbar vertebrae, femoral neck, or hip were noted in 60 patients, while normal BMD values were present in 18 patients, despite similarly decreased calcium intakes between the groups (P = 0.92). Patients with abnormal BMD were more likely to be asthmatic (P = 0.014), have a lower weight z‐score (P = 0.007), have a decreased percent caloric intake derived from fat (P = 0.01), and have an increased carbohydrate intake (P = 0.03), in comparison with the normal‐BMD group. Serum values of bone turnover were similar between the groups. On multivariate regression analysis, only asthma significantly (P = 0.006) increased the risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis (OR 38.5, 95% CI 2.8‐500). Fitting continuous z‐scores into a regression model, both asthma and weight z‐score were significant (adjusted r2 = 0.272). Asthma was significantly overrepresented in osteopenic and osteoporotic subpopulations while decreased weight only in patients with osteoporosis.

Conclusions

In the context of a low calcium intake, asthma and weight are independent risk factors for decreased BMD in IgE‐CMA patients.
Is mentalization‐based therapy effective in treating the symptoms of borderline personality disorder? A systematic review
Authors: Vogt Katharina Sophie , Norman Paul
Published: August 2018

Objective

This review sought to systematically review evidence on the efficacy of mentalization‐based therapy (MBT) for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), in particular, in decreasing psychiatric symptoms associated with BPD and its comorbid disorders.

Method

Fourteen papers were included in the review which examined the effectiveness of MBT in the context of BPD; these included 11 original studies and three follow‐up papers.

Results

Mentalization‐based therapy was found to achieve either superior or equal reductions in psychiatric symptoms when compared with other treatments (supportive group therapy, treatment as usual/standard psychiatric care, structured clinical management, and specialized clinical management).

Discussion

Mentalization‐based therapy can achieve significant reductions in BPD symptom severity and the severity of comorbid disorders as well as increase quality of life. However, caution is required, as the need for better quality research such as randomized controlled trials is pressing. Research is also needed on the proposed mediators of MBT.

Practitioner points

Mentalization‐based therapy (MBT) is increasingly being considered as a treatment for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD), and a systematic review was required to investigate its effectiveness.

MBT was found to be equally as effective or superior to well‐established comparison treatments of BPD, however, the majority of studies was of unsatisfying quality.

Little is known about the mechanisms of MBT.

Further, better quality trials are needed to investigate its efficacy in treating BPD.
The Arabidopsis THADA homologue modulates TOR activity and cold acclimation
Authors: Dong Y. , Teleman A. A. , Jedmowski C. , Wirtz M. , Hell R.
Published: August 2018

Low temperature is one of the most important environmental factors that affect global survival of humans and animals and equally importantly the distribution of plants and crop productivity. Survival of metazoan cells under cold stress requires regulation of the sensor‐kinase Target Of Rapamycin (TOR). TOR controls growth of eukaryotic cells by adjusting anabolic and catabolic metabolism. Previous studies identified the Thyroid Adenoma Associated (THADA) gene as the major effect locus by positive selection in the evolution of modern human adapted to cold. Here we investigate the role of THADA in TOR signaling and cold acclimation of plants.

We applied BLAST searches and homology modeling to identify the AtTHADA (AT3G55160) in Arabidopsis thaliana as the highly probable orthologue protein. Reverse genetics approaches were combined with immunological detection of TOR activity and metabolite profiling to address the role of the TOR and THADA for growth regulation and cold acclimation.

Depletion of the AtTHADA gene caused complete or partial loss of full‐length mRNA, respectively, and significant retardation of growth under non‐stressed conditions. Furthermore, depletion of AtTHADA caused hypersensitivity towards low‐temperatures. Atthada displayed a lowered energy charge. This went along with decreased TOR activity, which offers a molecular explanation for the slow growth phenotype of Atthada. Finally, we used TOR RNAi lines to identify the de‐regulation of TOR activity as one determinant for sensitivity towards low‐temperatures.

Taken together our results provide evidence for a conserved function of THADA in cold acclimation of eukaryotes and suggest that cold acclimation in plants requires regulation of TOR.
Inhibition of adventitious root development in apple rootstocks by cytokinin is based on its suppression of adventitious root primordia formation
Authors: Mao Jiangping , Zhang Dong , Meng Yuan , Li Ke , Wang Hui , Han Mingyu
Published: August 2018

Cytokinin (CK) inhibits adventitious root (AR) formation in stem cuttings. Little is known, however, about the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect. In this study, 2 mg l−1 of exogenous 6‐benzyl adenine (6‐BA) was administered to 3 and 7‐day‐old apple rootstocks ‘M.26’ cuttings (3 and 7 days 6‐BA) by transferring them from a rooting medium containing indole‐3‐butanoic acid to the medium containing 6‐BA. Anatomical and morphological observations revealed that the exogenous application of 6‐BA inhibited primordia formation in the 3 days 6‐BA but not the 7 days 6‐BA group. The concentration of auxin (IAA), the ratios of IAA/CK and IAA/abscisic acid were lower in 3 days 6‐BA than in 7 days 6‐BA. Expression analysis of genes known to be associated with AR formation was also analyzed. In the 3 days 6‐BA group, high level of CK inhibited the synthesis and transport of auxin, as a result, low endogenous auxin level suppressed the auxin signaling pathway genes, as were other AR development and cell cycle related genes; all of which had an inhibitory impact on AR primordium formation. On the contrary, low CK level in the 7 days 6‐BA, reduced the inhibitory impact on auxin levels, leading to an upregulated expression of genes known to promote AR primordia formation. Collectively, our data indicated that 3–7 days is the time period in which AR primordia formation occurs in cuttings of ‘M.26’ and that the inhibition of AR development by CK is due to the suppression of AR primordia development over 3–7 days period after culturing in rooting medium.
Disorders of sex development in cats with different complements of sex chromosomes
Authors: Szczerbal Izabela , Krzeminska Paulina , Dzimira Stanislaw , Tamminen Tuire Maria , Saari Seppo , Nizanski Wojciech , Gogulski Maciej , Nowacka‐Woszuk Joanna , Switonski Marek
Published: August 2018

Contents

The genetic background of disorders of sex development (DSDs) in cats is poorly understood, due to a relatively low number of such studies in this species. Here we present three new DSD cases with different complements of sex chromosomes. The first, an Oriental Shorthair cat with a rudimentary penis, abdominal atrophic testicles and lack of uterus appeared to be a freemartin, since leucocyte chimerism XX/XY and a lack of Y‐linked genes (SRY and ZFY) were observed in DNA isolated from hair follicles. XXY trisomy was identified in the second case, a tortoiseshell Devon Rex male cat with atrophic scrotal testicles and a normal penis. Finally, a European Shorthair cat with atrophic testicles in a bifid scrotum, rudimentary penis and a lack of uterus had XY complement, including Y chromosome of normal size and morphology. Also presence of eight Y‐linked genes, detected by PCR, was confirmed. Due to the low testosterone level in this last patient, we searched for a causative mutation in two candidate genes (HSD3B2 and HSD17B3) involved in the metabolism of this steroid hormone. Altogether, five polymorphic sites in HSD3B2 and two in HSD17B3 were found, but none of them showed associations with DSD phenotype. We thus excluded a possibility that the causative mutation is present in these genes. In conclusion, we confirmed that analysis of the sex chromosome complement is a crucial step in diagnosis of DSDs. However, extensive molecular studies of the genes involved in sex development are needed to elucidate the causes of DSDs in cats with normal complements of sex chromosomes.
Determination of the gestational age through ultrasound measurements of some uterine and foetal parameters in Bulgarian local goats
Authors: Karadaev Manol , Fasulkov Ivan , Yotov Stanimir , Atanasova Stefka , Vasilev Nasko
Published: August 2018

Contents

The aim of the current study was to determine the gestational age in goats through the measurement of some foetal and uterine structures. Twenty‐four pregnant Bulgarian local goats were submitted to ultrasound foetometry by transrectal and transabdominal approaches. Ultrasound measurement of studied parameters was done at 7‐day intervals during the first trimester of gestation (days 21–49) and at 14‐day intervals between gestation days 49 and 133. Associations of foetometry data with foetal age were investigated by linear (y = a + bx), quadratic (y = ax2 + bx + c) and exponential (y = axn) equations. According to the results, some biometric parameters (uterine lumen diameter, crown‐rump length, trunk diameter, biparietal diameter, foetal aortic diameter) exhibited a stronger correlation to gestational age (R2 ≥ 0.90) and lower standard error of the estimate (SEE ≤ 8) as compared to foetal eye orbit diameter, and outer and inner placentome diameters (R2 ≤ 0.90; SEE ≥ 8). Each of these biometric parameters could be measured in different periods of gestation, thus allowing for monitoring and determination of foetal age at almost all stages of pregnancy.
Cervical transposition test using Hegar dilator at oestrus as a tool to select ewes for transcervical embryo collection
Authors: Santos Juliana Dantas Rodrigues , Arashiro Eduardo Kenji Nunes , Balaro Mário Felipe Alvarez , Souza‐Fabjan Joanna Maria Gonçalves , Pinto Pedro Henrique Nicolau , de Souza Clara Vieira , Leite Ceci Ribeiro , Fonseca Jeferson Ferreira da , Brandão Felipe Zandonadi
Published: August 2018

Contents

This study evaluated the cervical transposition method as a tool to select ewes for embryo collection by transcervical route. Adult Santa Inês ewes (n = 50) received Day 0 protocol for superovulation treatments. The cervix transposition test was performed both at oestrus and at the embryo collection time. The latter was preceded by hormonal cervical dilation. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 85.7%, 66.6%, 85.7%, 66.6% and 80.0%, respectively. The kappa index yielded a moderate score (κ = 0.52). In conclusion, the high sensitivity and accuracy indicate that the cervical transposition test is a screening option to select ewes for embryo collection by transcervical route.
Homogenization‐resistant spermatids in testicular tissue stored under suboptimal conditions—Effect of time and temperature
Authors: Persson Sara , Stålheim Caroline
Published: August 2018

Contents

Reproductive assessments on wild animals are often hampered due to practical problems during sample collection. For example, the time between death and tissue collection as well as sample storage conditions will affect the quality of the tissue. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of less optimal, field‐like conditions, that is different temperatures and variable storage time, on the quantification of homogenization‐resistant spermatids in testicular tissue, using the bull as a model. One bull testis was kept in +5°C for 216 hr, from which (n = 68) samples were taken at different time points for storage in −20°C or +21°C. Some samples were frozen, thawed and then refrozen. The tissue was homogenized, and the number of spermatids was quantified manually with a counter chamber. Compared to the samples taken at 0 hr, the number of spermatids was unchanged until 120 hr storage in +5°C and in frozen samples from the same time‐point. After 72‐hr storage in room temperature, there was a marked drop in the number of spermatids. Refreezing of samples resulted in a markedly lower number of spermatids. Frozen samples did not have significantly decreased numbers of spermatids compared to refrigerated samples. In conclusion, different storage conditions do not seem to affect the spermatids resistance to homogenization until day 3, but if kept in cool conditions it is possible to use samples up until 5 days of storage. The method is a good choice for suboptimal sampling conditions.
Investigation of Eph‐ephrin A1 in the regulation of embryo implantation in sows
Authors: Fu Yanfeng , Li Lan , Fang Xiaomin , Li Bixia , Zhao Weimin , Zhou Lisheng , Ren Shouwen
Published: August 2018

Eph A1 and ephrin A1 (Eph‐ephrin A1) is a key receptor–ligand pair of Eph‐ephrin system, which plays important roles in the migration and adhesion of cells, tissue morphogenesis and vasculogenesis in mammals. In order to investigate the regulation of Eph‐ephrin A1 during porcine embryo implantation, the expressions of mRNA and protein of Eph‐ephrin A1 were detected in different reproductive tissues from twelve sows during embryo implantation period on pregnancy day 13, 18 and 24, respectively. Functions of Eph‐ephrin A1 on the migration and adhesion of porcine endometrial epithelial cells were analysed by RNA interference (RNAi), transwell migration assays and MTT assays. Results showed that mRNA levels of Eph‐ephrin A1 were highly expressed in endometrial attachment site when compared to other reproductive tissues (p < 0.05) and were peaked on pregnancy day 18 during embryo implantation (p < 0.05). Protein levels of Eph‐ephrin A1 were highly expressed in endometrial attachment site and were peaked on pregnancy day 18 (p < 0.05). Eph‐ephrin A1 proteins were located in endometrial luminal epithelium, stroma of attachment site and inter‐attachment site during embryo implantation, and the protein levels were higher during implantation compared to pre‐implantation or post‐implantation. Furthermore, silencing ephrin A1 gene significantly reduced the migration and adhesion capacity of porcine endometrial epithelial cells. These findings suggest that the Eph‐ephrin A1 protein likely targets endometrial attachment site to enhance the migration and adhesion of porcine endometrial epithelial cells around pregnancy day 18 during pregnancy in sows.
Relationship of cysteine‐rich secretory protein‐3 gene and protein with semen quality in stallions
Authors: Restrepo Giovanni , Rojano Benjamín , Usuga Alexandra
Published: August 2018

Contents

Cysteine‐rich secretory protein‐3 (CRISP‐3) and some of its nonsynonymous polymorphism have been related to the fertility and freezability of stallion semen; however, the role of the CRISP‐3 gene and its seminal plasma protein in the raw semen quality is still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of CRISP‐3 with semen quality in stallions. DNA was obtained from blood samples of 100 stallions, from which 30 stallions were randomly selected to obtain 60 ejaculates. Through PCR amplification and sequencing, the variation of four nonsynonymous SNPs from CRISP‐3 was identified and haplotypes were derived. Semen quality was assessed through the total motility (MOT), sperm vitality (SV), normal morphology (NM), functional integrity of membrane (MI) and a seminal quality index (SQi). CRISP‐3 protein content of seminal plasma (SP) was determined by ELISA. The effect of the genotype, the haplotype and the concentration of the CRISP‐3 protein on the seminal quality were evaluated through generalized linear models and linear regression analyses. Homozygous genotypes for SNP1, SNP2 and SNP3 and the heterozygous genotype for SNP4 showed a positive effect on seminal quality. Different haplotypes with positive effect on MOT, SV, NM, MI and SQi were identified. The allelic substitution analysis resulted in positive regression coefficients for MOT (SNP2) and MI (SNP2 and SNP3). A high level of CRISP‐3 resulted in a higher MOT and SQi. It is concluded that the quality of stallion semen is influenced by the genotype of CRISP‐3 and the concentration of CRISP‐3 protein in SP.
Projecting UK Mortality by Using Bayesian Generalized Additive Models
Authors: Hilton Jason , Dodd Erengul , Forster Jonathan J. , Smith Peter W. F.
Published: August 2018

Forecasts of mortality provide vital information about future populations, with implications for pension and healthcare policy as well as for decisions made by private companies about life insurance and annuity pricing. The paper presents a Bayesian approach to the forecasting of mortality that jointly estimates a generalized additive model (GAM) for mortality for the majority of the age range and a parametric model for older ages where the data are sparser. The GAM allows smooth components to be estimated for age, cohort and age-specific improvement rates, together with a non-smoothed period effect. Forecasts for the UK are produced by using data from the human mortality database spanning the period 1961–2013. A metric that approximates predictive accuracy is used to estimate weights for the ‘stacking’ of forecasts from models with different points of transition between the GAM and parametric elements. Mortality for males and females is estimated separately at first, but a joint model allows the asymptotic limit of mortality at old ages to be shared between sexes and furthermore provides for forecasts accounting for correlations in period innovations.
Excessive mortality and loss to follow‐up among HIV‐infected children in Guinea‐Bissau, West Africa: a retrospective follow‐up study
Authors: Steiniche Ditte , Jespersen Sanne , Medina Candida , Sanha Fatima Corona , Wejse Christian , Hønge Bo Langhoff ,   the Bissau HIV Cohort Study Group
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To estimate the magnitude of mortality and loss to follow‐up and describe predictors of mortality among HIV‐infected children in Guinea‐Bissau.

Methods

Retrospective follow‐up study among HIV‐infected children under 15 years of age at the largest HIV‐clinic in Guinea‐Bissau from 2006–2016. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify predictors of mortality.

Results

Of 525 children were included in the analysis: 371 (70.7%) with HIV‐1, 17 (3.2%) with HIV‐2, 25 (4.8%) with HIV‐1/2, and 112 (21.3%) with HIV of unknown type. At diagnosis, the median age was 3.5 years, 44.7% met the WHO criteria for severe immunodeficiency by age based on CD4 cell count, and 59.4% were underweight. The median follow‐up time was 6 months. Despite the availability of antiretroviral treatment, the mortality rate was 10.4 deaths per 100 person‐years of follow‐up. Within the first year of follow‐up, 11.0% died, 3.1% were transferred and 38.8% were lost to follow‐up, leaving 47.1% in follow‐up. Severe immunodeficiency (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.22–5.21) and underweight (aHR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.40–7.02) were independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusions

This study reveals a high rate of early mortality and loss to follow‐up among HIV‐infected children in Guinea‐Bissau. Initiatives to improve patient retention are urgently needed.
Losartan ointment relieves hypertrophic scars and keloid: A pilot study
Authors: Hedayatyanfard Keshvad , Ziai Seyed Ali , Niazi Feizollah , Habibi Iman , Habibi Behnam , Moravvej Hamideh
Published: August 2018

Keloid and hypertrophic scars are two types of fibrosis caused by extracellular matrix overexpression, and angiotensin II via AT1 receptor is known to play a key role in stimulation of fibrosis. A pilot placebo controlled single blind study was carried out on patients with hypertrophic scars and keloids. A total of 37 adult volunteers were randomly assigned into losartan 5% or placebo treatment groups. The treatment was performed twice a day for three months and a 6‐month follow‐up. The treatment was evaluated using Vancouver scar scale method. Totally, 30 participants were analyzed (Losartan ointment n = 20; placebo ointment n = 10; seven placebo volunteers left the study because they thought the treatment was not effective for them). In the losartan group, VSS scores dropped significantly (p < 0.01) both in keloid and hypertrophic scar patients. Vascularity and pliability were significantly reduced by losartan treatment (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that losartan potassium ointment (5%) can alleviate the keloid and hypertrophic scar.
A computational method for semi‐automatic measurement of pressure ulcers
Authors: Silva Rodolfo H. , Machado Alexei M. C.
Published: August 2018

Pressure ulcers are skin lesions caused by the excessive compression of soft tissues between bones and hard surfaces that may increase treatment risks and costs. Manual techniques to evaluate the area of the affected region include the use of adhesive labels and rulers in direct contact with the ulcer. In this article, a semi‐automatic method is proposed to estimate the lesion area through computerized techniques in different color spaces using filters and morphological operators. Experiments with a set of 110 images of pressure ulcers resulted in a statistically significant increase in effectiveness, when compared with other published results, reaching 90.8% of precision, 81.6% of sensitivity, and 81.3% of accuracy.
A scoping review on the prevalence of Shiga‐toxigenic Escherichia coli in wild animal species
Authors: Espinosa Laura , Gray Aimée , Duffy Geraldine , Fanning Séamus , McMahon Barry J.
Published: August 2018

Zoonotic pathogens constitute the major source (60.3%) of emerging infectious diseases. Previous studies have investigated the prevalence of Shiga‐toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) among wild animal species, but comprehensive data are needed to assess the role that these animals have in the transmission of STEC infections to the human population via faecal contamination of the environment, agri‐food or water chain. Due to the nature of these microorganisms in which this human–animal–environment interface plays a relevant role on the disease's dynamics, a “One Health” approach is needed to prevent and control the worldwide spread. The aim of this study was to review the published research on the prevalence of STEC in wildlife. The search was performed using several online databases consisting of three blocks of specific search terms covering pathogen, type of study and population. Two reviewers applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria to screening and eligibility phases. Two hundred and twenty‐five abstracts were screened for relevance, and 72 were included for data analysis. Most studies (77.8%) investigated the prevalence of STEC in ruminants and urban birds. Their role in transmitting the pathogen to humans, other animals and the agri‐food chain is potentiated by the peculiar biological characteristics in ruminants and improved adaptation of urban birds to urban environments. The popularity of convenience and voluntary response sampling may be due to the lack of human‐made boundaries on the wild animal species’ habitat and having some samples from hunted‐harvested animals. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review on STEC prevalence in wild animal species from studies conducted across the globe. We recommend that future research includes and compares samples from varying origins (i.e., human, animal, environment and food) and applies a “One Health” approach to the emerging challenges that STEC poses to public health.
The impact of environmental noise on animal communication: pattern formation in a class of deterministic and stochastic hyperbolic models for self-organised biological aggregations
Authors: Eftimie Raluca
Published: August 2018

The collective movement of animalsoccurs as a result of communicationВ between the members of the community. However, inter-individual communication can be aected by the stochasticity of the environment, leading toВ changes in the perception of neighbours and subsequent changes inВ  individualВ behaviour, which then in uence the overall behaviour of the animal aggregations. To investigate the eect of noise on the overall behaviour of animalВ aggregations, we consider a class of nonlocal stochastic and deterministic hyperbolic models for the collective movement of animals. We show numericallyВ that strong noise does not seem to in uence the spatio-temporal pattern (i.e.,В travelling aggregations) observed when all neighbours are perceived with the same intensity (i.e., the environment is homogeneous). However, when neighbours ahead/behind are perceived dierently by a reference individual, noiseВ can lead to the destruction of the spatio-temporal pattern. Moreover, weВ show that the increase in noise can lead to dierent transitions between different spatio-temporal patterns, and these transitions are relatively similarВ to the transitions between patterns when we perturb deterministically someВ parameters.
Microbiology and biofilm of corneal sutures
Authors: Adler Eldad , Miller Darlene , Rock Oded , Spierer Oriel , Forster Richard
Published: August 2018

Aim

To investigate the relationships between corneal suture bacteriology, biofilm and the clinical setting using culture studies and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Methods

This is a prospective, observational study of patients with a history of penetrating keratoplasty presenting to a tertiary cornea clinic for routine or symptoms-related corneal suture removal. We documented for each patient the suture clinical setting (quiescent, exposed and keratitis-related), retention time, antimicrobial therapy, bacterial growth on culture studies, and bacterial presence and biofilm coverage on SEM.

Results

There were significantly different culture positivity rates between the quiescent (8%), exposed (12%) and keratitis-related (60%) suture groups (p=0.039). As expected, keratitis-related sutures had the longest retention time compared with quiescent and exposed ones (p=0.02). The biofilm coverage score was higher for sutures from the keratitis-related and exposed groups, although this trend was not statistically significant (p=0.90). Higher biofilm scores were seen in samples that also yielded a positive culture result (p=0.36) and in samples with bacterial presence on SEM images (p=0.16 and p=0.73). Both of these were important trends but not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Evidence for active bacterial and biofilm presence on corneal sutures was found. Corneal sutures should be considered for removal sooner, before becoming exposed and/or keratitis-related. Traditional culture studies and SEM imaging are helpful in investigating biofilm and its clinical importance. More studies of the spectrum of bacterial growth on embedded biomedical devices such as corneal sutures are needed.
Effect of optic disc–fovea distance on the normative classifications of macular inner retinal layers as assessed with OCT in healthy subjects
Authors: Qiu Kunliang , Chen Binyao , Yang Jianling , Zheng Ce , Chen Haoyu , Zhang Mingzhi , Jansonius Nomdo M
Published: August 2018

Purpose

To determine the influence of the optic disc–fovea distance (DFD) on the normative classifications based on thickness measurements of macular inner retinal layers with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in healthy subjects.

Methods

A total of 182 eyes from 182 healthy subjects were included (mean (SD) spherical equivalent −0.8 (1.9) dioptres). We performed macula and optic disc imaging with the Topcon 3D OCT 2000. The thickness of the macular inner retinal layers (macular retinal nerve fibre layer (mRNFL), ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and both combined (ganglion cell complex; GCC)) and the corresponding classifications based on the built-in normative database were recorded. The occurrence of an abnormal normative classification (occurrence of any thickness variable below the fifth percentile) was related to the DFD and other factors (axial length/refraction, optic disc area, fovea–disc angle, age, gender, image quality, visual field mean deviation and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness), using logistic regression.

Results

The mean (SD) DFD was 4.90 (0.29) mm. A greater DFD was associated with a higher percentage of abnormal normative classification in the OCT parameters describing the thickness of the mRNFL (OR (95%CI) per 0.1 mm increase in DFD: 1.30 (1.13 to 1.50), p<0.001), GCIPL (1.18 (1.02 to 1.38), p=0.023) and GCC measurement (1.29 (1.08 to 1.55), p=0.006).

Conclusions

Eyes with a greater DFD are prone to false-positive classifications in the thickness assessment of the macular inner retinal layers. The thicknesses should always be interpreted in the context of DFD.
Ultra-wide-field angiography findings in acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease
Authors: Kim Patrick , Sun Hae Jung , Ham Don-Il
Published: August 2018

Background/aims

To investigate the prevalence of abnormal central and peripheral ultra-wide-field (UWF) angiography findings, and their association with clinical features in acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study included 26 eyes of 13 treatment-naïve patients with acute VKH disease who underwent UWF fluorescein angiography (FA). Sixteen eyes of eight patients also underwent UWF indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). A circle simulating the central 75° field was used to divide the acquired image into the central fundus area (CFA) and peripheral fundus area (PFA), in which the presence of six previously reported abnormal angiographic findings were analysed. Correlations between abnormal angiography findings in FA and clinical features were also investigated.

Results

All eyes demonstrated more than one abnormal angiographic finding in both the CFA and PFA. UWF FA revealed three abnormal findings in the CFA versus the PFA: focal leakage (92.3% vs 76.9%); pooling with a dark rim (84.6% vs 53.8%); and retinal vascular leakage (0% vs 46.2%). UWF ICGA revealed three abnormal findings in the CFA versus the PFA: hypofluorescent dark dots (100% vs 100%); diffusely leaking fuzzy choroidal vessels (93.8% vs 75.0%); and late hypofluorescent patches (81.3% vs 31.3%). Pooling with a dark rim and retinal vascular leakage in the PFA were significantly associated with low initial visual acuity (p=0.03) and subfoveal choroidal thickness change ratio (p=0.04), respectively.

Conclusion

Abnormal UWF angiography findings were frequently detected in the CFA and PFA. Such findings may be useful in evaluation and monitoring of VKH disease.
Binational cohort study comparing the management and outcomes of pregnant women with a BMI >50–59.9 kg/m2and those with a BMI ≥60 kg/m2
Authors: McCall Stephen J , Li Zhuoyang , Kurinczuk Jennifer J , Sullivan Elizabeth , Knight Marian
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To compare the management, maternal and perinatal outcomes of women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥60 kg/m2with women with a BMI >50–59.9 kg/m2.

Design

International collaborative cohort study.

Setting

Binational study in the UK and Australia.

Participants

UK: all pregnant women, and Australia: women who gave birth (birth weight ≥400 g or gestation ≥20 weeks)

Methods

Data from the Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System and UK Obstetric Surveillance System. Management, maternal and infant outcomes were compared between women with a BMI ≥60 kg/m2and women with a BMI >50–59.9 kg/m2, using unconditional logistic regression.

Results

The sociodemographic characteristics and previous medical histories were similar between the 111 women with a BMI ≥60 kg/m2and the 821 women with a BMI >50–59.9 kg/m2. Women with a BMI ≥60 kg/m2had higher odds of thromboprophylaxis usage in both the antenatal (24% vs. 12%; OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.64) and postpartum periods (78% vs. 66%; OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.70). Women with BMI ≥60 kg/m2had nearly double the odds of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (adjusted OR 1.83 (95% CI 1.01 to 3.30)). No other maternal or perinatal outcomes were statistically significantly different. Severe adverse outcomes such as perinatal death were uncommon in both groups thus limiting the power of these comparisons. The rate of perinatal deaths was 18 per 1000 births for those with BMI ≥60 kg/m2; 12 per 1000 births for those with BMI >50–59.9 kg/m2; those with BMI ≥60 kg/m2had a non-significant increased odds of perinatal death (unadjusted OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.31 to 6.74).

Conclusions

Women are managed differently on the basis of BMI even at this extreme as shown by thromboprophylaxis. The pre-eclampsia result suggests that future research should examine whether weight reduction of any amount prior to pregnancy could reduce poor outcomes even if women remain extremely obese.
The problem with composite indicators
Authors: Barclay Matthew , Dixon-Woods Mary , Lyratzopoulos Georgios
Published: August 2018

‘The Problem with…’ series covers controversial topics related to efforts to improve healthcare quality, including widely recommended but deceptively difficult strategies for improvement and pervasive problems that seem to resist solution.