bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysing censored data in agricultural research: A review with examples and software tips
Authors: Onofri Andrea , Piepho Hans‐Peter , Kozak Marcin
Published: December 2018

Metric data are usually assessed on a continuous scale with good precision, but sometimes agricultural researchers cannot obtain precise measurements of a variable. Values of such a variable cannot then be expressed as real numbers (e.g., 1.51 or 2.56), but often can be represented by intervals into which the values fall (e.g., from 1 to 2 or from 2 to 3). In this situation, statisticians talk about censoring and censored data, as opposed to missing data, where no information is available at all. Traditionally, in agriculture and biology, three methods have been used to analyse such data: (a) when intervals are narrow, some form of imputation (e.g., mid‐point imputation) is used to replace the interval and traditional methods for continuous data are employed (such as analyses of variance [ANOVA] and regression); (b) for time‐to‐event data, the cumulative proportions of individuals that experienced the event of interest are analysed, instead of the individual observed times‐to‐event; (c) when intervals are wide and many individuals are collected, non‐parametric methods of data analysis are favoured, where counts are considered instead of the individual observed value for each sample element. In this paper, we show that these methods may be suboptimal: The first one does not respect the process of data collection, the second leads to unreliable standard errors (SEs), while the third does not make full use of all the available information. As an alternative, methods of survival analysis for censored data can be useful, leading to reliable inferences and sound hypotheses testing. These methods are illustrated using three examples from plant and crop sciences.
Predicting vaping uptake, vaping frequency and ongoing vaping among daily smokers using longitudinal data from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Surveys
Authors: Chan Gary , Morphett Kylie , Gartner Coral , Leung Janni , Yong Hua‐Hie , Hall Wayne , Borland Ron
Published: December 2018

Aim

To assess (1) how far smoking patterns, depression and smoking‐related beliefs and intentions predict vaping uptake, current vaping and vaping frequency among daily smokers; and (2) how far the aforementioned predictors and baseline vaping frequency predict current vaping among those who reported ever vaped.

Design

Analysis of data from six waves of a longitudinal survey over 8 years. Longitudinal associations between predictors and outcomes were examined using multi‐level models.

Setting

United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia.

Participants

A total of 6296 daily smokers (53% females) who contributed data to at least two consecutive survey waves.

Measurements

The outcome variables were vaping uptake, vaping frequency and current vaping at follow‐up. The key predictor variables, measured in previous waves, were time to first cigarette, cigarettes smoked per day, depressive symptoms, intention to quit smoking, quitting self‐efficacy and worry about adverse health effects of smoking.

Findings

Number of cigarettes smoked daily was associated with (1) subsequent vaping uptake [odds ratio (OR) = 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19, 2.39 for 30+ cigarette per day; reference category: 0–10 cigarettes] and (2) a higher frequency of current vaping (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.36, 2.85 for 30+ cigarettes). Intention to quit was associated with a higher frequency of current vaping (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.21, 1.82). Among those who reported ever vaped, higher baseline vaping frequency (OR = 11.98, 95% CI = 6.00, 23.93 for daily vaping at baseline; reference category: vaped less than monthly) predicted current vaping.

Conclusion

Among daily smokers, amount smoked and intention to quit smoking appear to predict subsequent vaping uptake. Vaping frequency at baseline appears to predict current vaping at follow‐up.
The Mapuche Undead Never Forget: Traumatic Memory and Cosmopolitics in Post‐Pinochet Chile
Authors: Mariella Bacigalupo Ana
Published: December 2018

The Mapuche undead, killed by the Chilean state but lacking funerals to finish them as persons, remain trapped in the places of their deaths. They are both symbols of Mapuche rage against state‐sponsored genocide and social agents who play central roles in Mapuche cosmopolitics and multitemporal memory making. While memory studies focus on pastness and national commemorations the celebration of individual martyrs, the undead foreground the collective trauma of all Mapuche killed in a place at different times and realize this trauma in Mapuche everyday lives. These morally complex undead call for justice through revenge and express trauma and cosmopolitics through two different modalities: first, through vengeful spirits in the river who sow illness at two different massacre sites, accidents, and death indiscriminately among the bodies and spirits of locals to force remembering and call for revenge or reparations, even as they make Mapuche healing impossible; second, through the strategic use of revenge in the ritual field to reinforce ethnic cosmopolitics. Here, the undead act as ancestors who grant health to those who follow stringent social and moral norms and perpetuate violence among those who transgress their ethnic, ritual, and moral project. These undead combine spiritual, ecological, social, and political factors with realpolitik to subvert state and non‐Mapuche development projects, demand justice, and create avenues for interethnic dialogue.
Gabapentin and pregabalin to treat aggressivity in dementia: a systematic review and illustrative case report
Authors: Supasitthumrong Thitiporn , Bolea‐Alamanac Blanca M. , Asmer Selim , Woo Vincent L. , Abdool Petal S. , Davies Simon J.C.
Published: December 2018

Aims

The prevalence of dementia is rising as life expectancy increases globally. Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), including agitation and aggression, are common, presenting a challenge to clinicians and caregivers.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed evidence for gabapentin and pregabalin against BPSD symptoms of agitation or aggression in any dementia, using six databases (Pubmed, CINHL, PsychINFO, HealthStar, Embase, and Web of Science). Complementing this formal systematic review, an illustrative case of a patient with BPSD in mixed Alzheimer's/vascular dementia, who appeared to derive benefits in terms of symptom control and functioning from the introduction of gabapentin titrated up to 3600 mg day−1 alongside other interventions, is presented.

Results

Twenty‐four relevant articles were identified in the systematic review. There were no randomized trials. Fifteen papers were original case series/case reports of patients treated with these compounds, encompassing 87 patients given gabapentin and six given pregabalin. In 12 of 15 papers, drug treatment was effective in the majority of cases. The remaining nine papers were solely reviews, of which two were described as systematic but predated PRISMA guidelines. Preliminary low‐grade evidence based on case series and case reviews suggests possible benefit of gabapentin and pregabalin in patients with BPSD in Alzheimer's disease. These benefits cannot be confirmed until well‐powered randomized controlled trials are undertaken. Evidence in frontotemporal dementia is lacking.

Conclusion

Gabapentin and pregabalin could be considered for BPSD when medications having stronger evidence bases (risperidone, other antipsychotics, carbamazepine and citalopram) have been ineffective or present unacceptable risks of adverse outcomes.
Using child‐ and family‐centred goal setting as an outcome measure in residential rehabilitation for children and youth with acquired brain injuries: The challenge of predicting expected levels of achievement
Authors: Kelly Gemma , Dunford Carolyn , Forsyth Rob , Kavčič Alja
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Collaborative, child‐ and family‐centred goal setting is essential in paediatric, acquired brain injury (ABI) rehabilitation. This study aims to understand which goals children and families prioritize and how accurately therapists predict expected levels of achievement for these goals.

Methods

Routinely collected Goal Attainment Scale‐Light data from 122 children with severe ABI receiving residential rehabilitation were retrospectively analysed. Goals were mapped onto the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Descriptive analysis of accuracy of therapists' prediction of goal achievement was conducted.

Results

Eight‐hundred sixty goals were set: 82% in activities and participation domains, most commonly mobility, self‐care, and communication chapters. Forty‐six per cent of therapist‐set expected levels of achievement for these goals were met at the expected level, and 24% were exceeded. Chapters with the highest prediction accuracy included two environmental chapters and one body structure and function. Accurate prediction of activity and participation goals varied (35% in general tasks and demands to 58.8% in major life areas).

Conclusions

Children and families prioritize mobility, self‐care, and communication during ABI residential rehabilitation. Setting expected outcomes for these goals is challenging, as demonstrated by the variety in accurate prediction rates between and within chapters. Families need to be aware of this uncertainty during goal‐setting discussions.
Surgical options for glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Yeung K. T. D. , Reddy M. , Purkayastha S.
Published: December 2018

In recent years, bariatric surgery, also referred to as metabolic surgery, has become the most successful treatment option in those with Type 2 diabetes and obesity. There are some similarities in the pathological pathways in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but the use of surgery in Type 1 diabetes remains unestablished and controversial. The treatment and management of Type 1 diabetes can be very challenging but recent advances in surgical interventions and technology has the potential to expand and optimize treatment options. This review discusses the current status of some surgical options available to people with Type 1 diabetes. These include implantable continuous glucose monitoring systems, continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion pumps, closed‐loop insulin delivery systems (also known as the artificial pancreas system) utilizing the latter two modalities of glucose monitoring and insulin delivery, and bariatric or metabolic surgery. Whole pancreas and islet transplantation are beyond the scope of this review but are briefly discussed.
Latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood (LADA) is associated with small fibre neuropathy
Authors: Alam U. , Jeziorska M. , Petropoulos I. N. , Pritchard N. , Edwards K. , Dehghani C. , Srinivasan S. , Asghar O. , Ferdousi M. , Ponirakis G. , Marshall A. , Boulton A. J. M. , Efron N. , Malik R. A.
Published: December 2018

Aim

To assess if latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood (LADA) is associated with small fibre neuropathy.

Methods

Participants with LADA (n=31), Type 2 diabetes (n=31) and healthy control participants without diabetes (n=31) underwent a detailed assessment of neurologic deficits, quantitative sensory testing, electrophysiology, skin biopsy and corneal confocal microscopy.

Results

The groups were matched for age (healthy control without diabetes: 53.5±9.1 vs. Type 2 diabetes: 58.0±6.5 vs. LADA: 53.2±11.6 years), duration of diabetes (Type 2 diabetes: 10.0±8.3 vs. LADA: 11.0±9.1 years) and blood pressure. However, BMI (P=0.01) and triglycerides (P=0.0008) were lower and HbA1c (P=0.0005), total cholesterol (P=0.01) and HDL (P=0.002) were higher in participants with LADA compared with Type 2 diabetes. Peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity (P=0.04) and sural sensory nerve conduction velocity (P=0.008) were lower in participants with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults compared with Type 2 diabetes. Intra‐epidermal nerve fibre density (P=0.008), corneal nerve fibre density (P=0.003) and corneal nerve branch density (P=0.006) were significantly lower in participants with LADA compared with Type 2 diabetes. There were no significant differences in the other neuropathy parameters.

Conclusions

Despite comparable age and duration of diabetes, participants with LADA demonstrate more severe neuropathy and particularly small fibre neuropathy, compared with participants with Type 2 diabetes.
Effects of intravenous romifidine, detomidine, detomidine combined with butorphanol, and xylazine on tear production in horses
Authors: Leonardi F. , Costa G.L. , Dubau M. , Sabbioni A. , Simonazzi B. , Angelone M.
Published: December 2018

Sedation facilitates the ocular examination in horses. Alpha2‐adrenoceptor agonists are commonly used in equine practice. If the eye is painful, the combination of an α2‐adrenoceptor agonist and butorphanol provides a greater analgesic effect. Unfortunately, little is known about the effects of α2‐adrenoceptor agonists on equine Schirmer tear test I (STT I) values. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of intravenous romifidine, detomidine, detomidine combined with butorphanol, and xylazine on the STT I values in horses. Forty healthy client‐owned Italian saddle horses were enrolled. Horses received 0.04 mg/kg bwt of romifidine or 15 μg/kg bwt of detomidine or 10 μg/kg bwt of detomidine combined with 10 μg/kg bwt of butorphanol or 0.7 mg/kg bwt of xylazine intravenously. The Schirmer tear test strip was inserted into the lateral third side of the inferior conjunctival fornix for 1 min in each eye. The STT I measurements were performed before sedation and at 5, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min after the administration of sedation. The data were analysed by ANOVA. Romifidine did not affect the STT I values. Detomidine significantly reduced the STT I values at 15 min (18.17 ± 0.97 mm/min). The combination of detomidine and butorphanol significantly reduced the STT I values at 30 and 60 min (17.44 ± 0.99, 15.81 ± 0.99 mm/min). Xylazine significantly increased the STT I values at 5, 15 and 30 min (25.17 ± 0.99, 26.72 ± 0.99, 28.07 ± 0.99 mm/min). The STT I values at 180 min were similar to those before sedation. These results suggest that the administration of xylazine or detomidine alone or combined with butorphanol is associated with significant changes in aqueous tear production, whereas romifidine does not affect the STT I values. Romifidine is therefore suitable for chemical restraint to measure tear production in horses.
Rhabdomyolysis risk from the use of two‐drug combination of antidyslipidemic drugs with antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications: a signal detection analysis
Authors: Gosho Masahiko
Published: December 2018

Rhabdomyolysis is one of the most concerning complications of antidyslipidemic drugs. Most patients with dyslipidemia take multiple medications. Our objective was to explore which two‐drug combinations lead to a higher risk of rhabdomyolysis. We analyzed data from the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database between April 2004 and September 2017. The primary outcome was the report of rhabdomyolysis. We assessed the risk of rhabdomyolysis for the two‐drug concomitant use of antidyslipidemic drugs (statin, fibrate, and ezetimibe) with antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications. The Norén and Gosho methods were used for detecting two‐drug interactions. The JADER contained 468 292 records for patient characteristics, 2 973 172 drug information records, and 741 016 adverse reactions records. Rhabdomyolysis was reported in 5 017 patients. Concomitant use of pravastatin/fenofibrate, simvastatin/mefruside, fluvastatin/temocapril, bezafibrate/temocapril, bezafibrate/spironolactone, bezafibrate/metoprolol, bezafibrate/losartan, fluvastatin/mitiglinide, or fenofibrate/glibenclamide was detected as the signal of rhabdomyolysis in this analysis. Combination therapy with the drugs listed above has the potential of drug–drug interactions that could result in rhabdomyolysis in patients with dyslipidemia.
Role of the clock gene Period3 in the human cell‐autonomous circadian clock
Authors: Matsumura Ritsuko , Akashi Makoto
Published: December 2018

Previous studies have shown that mouse Period3 (mPer3) is dispensable for the generation of autonomous oscillations in the circadian clock. However, human studies have suggested that human Period3 (hPer3) may have more important roles in the core clock machinery than mPer3. To investigate the role of hPer3 protein in the cell‐autonomous circadian oscillator, we conducted gene knockout of the hPer3 gene in human bone osteosarcoma epithelial cells using genome‐editing technology. We examined the circadian transcription of endogenous clock genes in hPer3‐deficient cell clones and found that hPer3‐deficient cells showed a phase advance in circadian transcription compared to wild‐type cells. We subsequently transfected wild‐type and mutant cells with an adenovirus carrying a luciferase gene whose expression was driven by a clock gene promotor, and monitored bioluminescence in real time. Cosinor analysis showed that the circadian period length in all hPer3‐deficient cells was significantly shorter than that in wild‐type cells, demonstrating that the phase advance in endogenous clock gene expression in hPer3‐deficient cell clones was attributable to a shortened circadian period length rather than a phase shift. Together these findings are consistent with previous studies in mice lacking functional mPer3, indicating that the Per3 protein functions similarly in both mice and humans.
The threshold model revisited
Authors: Djulbegovic Benjamin , Hozo Iztok , Mayrhofer Thomas , van den Ende Jef , Guyatt Gordon
Published: December 2018

Background

The threshold model represents one of the most significant advances in the field of medical decision‐making, yet it often does not apply to the most common class of clinical problems, which include health outcomes as a part of definition of disease. In addition, the original threshold model did not take a decision‐maker's values and preferences explicitly into account.

Methods

We reformulated the threshold model by (1) applying it to those clinical scenarios, which define disease according to outcomes that treatment is designed to affect, (2) taking into account a decision‐maker's values.

Results

We showed that when outcomes (eg, morbidity) are integral part of definition of disease, the classic threshold model does not apply (as this leads to double counting of outcomes in the probabilities and utilities branches of the model). To avoid double counting, the model can be appropriately analysed by assuming diagnosis is certain (P = 1). This results in deriving a different threshold—the threshold for outcome of disease (Mt) instead of threshold for probability of disease (Pt) above which benefits of treatment outweigh its harms.

We found that Mt ≤ Pt, which may explain differences between normative models and actual behaviour in practice. When a decision‐maker values outcomes related to benefit and harms differently, the new threshold model generates decision thresholds that could be descriptively more accurate.

Conclusions

Calculation of the threshold depends on careful disease versus utility definitions and a decision‐maker's values and preferences.
Antitumor activity in colorectal cancer induced by hinokiflavone
Authors: Zhou Jing , Zhao Rongce , Ye Tinghong , Yang Shuping , Li Yali , Yang Fangfang , Wang Gang , Xie Yongmei , Li Qiu
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant disease worldwide with highly metastatic potential. Identification of effective therapeutic treatment overcoming such disease is an urgent need. Our study focuses on hinokiflavone as an antitumor agent against colorectal cancer.

Methods

MTT assay, cell colony formation assay, Hoechst staining, flow cytometry, Western blot analysis, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and migration and invasion assay were performed to identify the effects of hinokiflavone on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. CT26 tumor‐bearing mice model was conducted to explore the antitumor activity of hinokiflavone in vivo. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the protein expression of Ki‐67, cleaved caspase‐3, and MMP9 in treated tumors. Acute toxicity was evaluated by serological and hematological analyses, and drug side effect on organs was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results

Hinokiflavone reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted the apoptosis in colorectal tumor cells in vitro. Treatment of hinokiflavone at a tolerable and safe dose (50 mg/kg) significantly suppressed tumor growth in mice bearing CT26 tumors by reducing tumor proliferation and metastasis and inducing apoptosis. Mechanically, treatment of hinokiflavone induced apoptosis by loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and increased reactive oxygen species generation.

Conclusions

Hinokiflavone suppressed colorectal tumor cell proliferation, induced apoptosis via the reactive oxygen species–mitochondria‐mediated apoptotic pathway, and inhibited tumor cell migration and invasion. Antitumor activity of hinokiflavone was also validated in mice model without observed toxicity. Our findings suggested that the plant‐derived hinokiflavone could be used as an antitumor agent against colorectal cancer.
Macroeconomic effects of aggregate accounting conservatism: A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Do Chuong , Nabar Sandeep
Published: December 2018

This paper examines whether aggregate conditional and unconditional conservatism are associated with economic growth. Prior studies find that conditional conservatism improves contracting efficiency, but that unconditional conservatism has either a neutral or detrimental impact on contracting. We therefore conjecture that country‐level conditional conservatism increases the efficiency of resource allocation in an economy, whereas country‐level unconditional conservatism is not similarly beneficial. Using a cross‐country sample, we construct country‐level estimates of conditional and unconditional conservatism. We find that conditional conservatism is associated with higher level of growth in Gross Domestic Product and Gross Domestic Product per Capita. By contrast, unconditional conservatism shows no or negative association. Our study contributes to the ongoing debate on the desirability of accounting conservatism and also extends the literature on the macroeconomic effects of aggregate financial reporting attributes.
A schedule of gross motor development for children with Down syndrome
Authors: Winders P. , Wolter‐Warmerdam K. , Hickey F.
Published: December 2018

Background

Gross motor milestones for children who develop typically have been well established; however, norms for children with Down syndrome (DS) are uncertain. Without a developmental schedule for the gross motor development of children with DS, medical professionals are limited in their ability to identify if the development of a particular child with DS is delayed in comparison with his or her peers (i.e. other children with DS), assess when intervention is needed and answer the questions of parents regarding when their child can be expected to achieve developmental milestones. The objectives of this study are to: (1) provide health care professionals and early intervention providers with longitudinal data on the gross motor development of children with DS gathered prospectively; (2) contribute to the development of a definitive schedule of gross motor development for children with DS; (3) enable the identification of gross motor development that is delayed in comparison with other children with DS; and (4) help medical professionals address the questions of concerned parents who are anxious to know when their child will achieve gross motor skills such as sitting, crawling or walking.

Methods

Longitudinal data on 44 defined gross motor skills were collected on a large cohort of children with DS (n = 509) who received care at two referral centres that specialise in DS. Mastery was awarded when skills were observed directly by the physical therapist. Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed from a prospective patient clinic database and analysed.

Results

Specific age of mastery of gross motor skills was assessed. The mean, standard deviation and median age in months of gross motor skill achievement for children with DS, along with the 5th, 25th, 75th and 95th percentiles, are provided for birth to walking skills and post walking skills. No statistically significant gender‐by‐age group difference was observed in the 44 skills.

Conclusions

This study provides a schedule of gross motor development for children with DS derived from data collected prospectively from a large population. The gross motor development of the child with DS can be assessed based on his or her performance relative to other children with DS enabling early identification of advanced, age appropriate or delayed development, allowing for appropriate referrals for targeted intervention.
Olfactory description for refined linseed oils for paints: Characterization for reconstructing material and craft knowledge in paintmaking
Authors: Källbom Arja , Nilsen Asgeir , Örström Åsa
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study is to formulate an olfactory description for refined linseed oils, for paintmaking purposes, in order to redevelop and articulate material and craft knowledge relevant to cultural heritage. By using the repertory grid method, common in food and beverage sensory consumer analysis, different types of refined linseed oils available on professional market are examined regarding odor qualities by traditional Swedish architectural painting professionals (32 working or studying painters and paintmakers). With semantic analysis, statistical processing, and principal component analysis, an olfactory description is defined. The analysis reveal that the odor qualities of the linseed oils can be correlated to the types of linseed oils and hence their heating temperatures. Raw, heated, high‐temperature boiled, and vacuum‐boiled linseed oils can be verbally distinguished by typical odor qualities ranging from for instance mild and grassy to pungent and decaying. The olfactory description will be used in further work for sensory examinations, combined with natural sciences and craft sciences to verbalize experiences of linseed oil with different film‐forming characteristics in order to regain lost knowledge concerning linseed oil (anticorrosive) paints for maintenance and conservation of historic buildings and constructions.

Practical applications

An olfactory description enables traditional architectural painting professionals to judge and discuss linseed oil qualities in traditional architectural painting and paintmaking, for redeveloping tangible and intangible craft skills. Sensory analysis methods access new tools for cultural heritage studies and enables craft persons to train their attention to odors as rapid quality indicators for different types of oils for various outdoor building or iron/steel construction painting purposes.
Fungi in respiratory samples of horses with inflammatory airway disease
Authors: Dauvillier Julie , ter Woort Fe , van Erck‐Westergren Emmanuelle
Published: December 2018

Background

Fungi contribute to the inflammatory response of lungs in horses with recurrent airway obstruction and in some forms of asthma in humans. The role of fungi in inflammatory airway disease (IAD) has not been assessed.

Objectives

Evaluate the prevalence of fungi in the respiratory samples of horses diagnosed with IAD, describe clinical signs associated with the presence of fungi in respiratory samples, and assess the risk factors associated with IAD and with the presence of fungi in the airways.

Animals

Seven‐hundred thirty‐one active horses referred to a specialized ambulatory practice for signs of respiratory disease or poor performance.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed, collecting clinical data, environmental conditions, and results of a tracheal wash (TW; cytology, fungal culture, and bacterial culture), and bronchoalveolar lavage (cytology).

Results

A positive fungal culture was obtained in 55% (402/731) of horses. Horses with fungal elements observed on the TW cytology had 2 times greater chance of having IAD than horses without fungi (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1; 95% CI 1.08‐3.33; P = .0003). Risks of being diagnosed with IAD and likelihood of fungi in TW were higher when horses were bedded on straw (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.2‐3.2 and OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.3‐2.6, respectively) or fed dry hay (OR = 2.7; 95% CI 1.7‐4.4 and OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.6‐3.4, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Horses inhaling aerosolized fungal particles are at a significantly higher risk of developing IAD. The type of bedding and forage represent significant risk factors for IAD and fungal contamination of equine airways.
Feedbacks of plant identity and diversity on the diversity and community composition of rhizosphere microbiomes from a long‐term biodiversity experiment
Authors: Schmid Marc W. , Hahl Terhi , van Moorsel Sofia J. , Wagg Cameron , De Deyn Gerlinde B. , Schmid Bernhard
Published: December 2018

Soil microbes are known to be key drivers of several essential ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling, plant productivity and the maintenance of plant species diversity. However, how plant species diversity and identity affect soil microbial diversity and community composition in the rhizosphere is largely unknown. We tested whether, over the course of 11 years, distinct soil bacterial communities developed under plant monocultures and mixtures, and if over this time frame plants with a monoculture or mixture history changed in the bacterial communities they associated with. For eight species, we grew offspring of plants that had been grown for 11 years in the same field monocultures or mixtures (plant history in monoculture vs. mixture) in pots inoculated with microbes extracted from the field monoculture and mixture soils attached to the roots of the host plants (soil legacy). After 5 months of growth in the glasshouse, we collected rhizosphere soil from each plant and used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine the community composition and diversity of the bacterial communities. Bacterial community structure in the plant rhizosphere was primarily determined by soil legacy and by plant species identity, but not by plant history. In seven of the eight plant species the number of individual operational taxonomic units with increased abundance was larger when inoculated with microbes from mixture soil. We conclude that plant species richness can affect below‐ground community composition and diversity, feeding back to the assemblage of rhizosphere bacterial communities in newly establishing plants via the legacy in soil.
A reciprocal translocation radically reshapes sex‐linked inheritance in the common frog
Authors: Toups Melissa A. , Rodrigues Nicolas , Perrin Nicolas , Kirkpatrick Mark
Published: December 2018

X and Y chromosomes can diverge when rearrangements block recombination between them. Here we present the first genomic view of a reciprocal translocation that causes two physically unconnected pairs of chromosomes to be coinherited as sex chromosomes. In a population of the common frog (Rana temporaria), both pairs of X and Y chromosomes show extensive sequence differentiation, but not degeneration of the Y chromosomes. A new method based on gene trees shows both chromosomes are sex‐linked. Furthermore, the gene trees from the two Y chromosomes have identical topologies, showing they have been coinherited since the reciprocal translocation occurred. Reciprocal translocations can thus reshape sex linkage on a much greater scale compared with inversions, the type of rearrangement that is much better known in sex chromosome evolution, and they can greatly amplify the power of sexually antagonistic selection to drive genomic rearrangement. Two more populations show evidence of other rearrangements, suggesting that this species has unprecedented structural polymorphism in its sex chromosomes.
Confocal infrared imaging with optical coherence tomography provides superior detection of a number of common macular lesions compared to colour fundus photography
Authors: Quinn Nicola B , Chakravarthy Usha , Muldrew Katherine Alyson , Hamill Barbra , McGuinness Bernadette , Young Ian S , Kee Frank , Hogg Ruth E
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To compare diagnostic accuracy of confocal infrared reflectance (IR), with and without optical coherence tomography (OCT), to colour fundus photography (CFP) in the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA) Study.

Methods

Cross‐sectional observational study of participants in NICOLA. CFP, IR and IR/OCT of 640 eyes were graded for hard, soft and reticular pseudodrusen; geographic atrophy; choroidal neovascularisation; naevus; epiretinal membrane; and haemorrhages. Test characteristics (sensitivity and specificity) for each imaging modality with respect to each retinal feature were calculated.

Results

With CFP as the reference standard, sensitivity of IR by itself ranged from 75% for RPD to 93.5% for hard drusen and specificity was above 90% for all features except hard drusen (71.7%). For IR combined with OCT, sensitivity ranged from 80% for choroidal neovascularisation to 96.5% for hard drusen. When IR alone was the reference standard, CFP sensitivity was high for naevi (97.5%) but reduced markedly for epiretinal membrane (48.5%). When the combination of IR and OCT was the reference standard, sensitivity for CFP was least for epiretinal membrane (31.5%), low for geographic atrophy and reticular pseudodrusen (77.8% and 76.2% respectively) and high for all other lesion types.

Conclusion

Our findings support the use of confocal IR with OCT as a screening tool for a variety of features of macular disease in community optometric practice.
Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in the prevention of cardiac implantable electronic device infection
Authors: Madadi Shabnam , Kafi Mohammad , Kheirkhah Jalal , Azhari Amir , Kiarsi Mohammadreza , Mehryar Alireza , Fazelifar Amirfarjam , Alizadehdiz Abolfath , Emkanjoo Zahra , Haghjoo Majid
Published: December 2018

Background

The aim of the present study was to determine whether postprocedural antibiotic reduces the risk of infection related to the cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantations.

Methods

The present investigation is a randomized, prospective, single‐blinded controlled trial. All consecutive patients who presented for new CIED implantation, generator replacement, or upgrade were randomized into the following three groups: (A) no antibiotic, (B) intravenous (IV) antibiotic for 1 day, (C) 1 day IV plus 7 days oral antibiotic. Follow‐up was performed on 10‐12 days; 1, 3, 6 months; and then every 6 months for 2 years. The primary endpoint was any evidence of infection at the generator pocket or systemic infection related to the procedure at short‐term (6‐month) and long‐term (2‐year) follow‐ups.

Results

Of the 450 patients (72 patients with cardiac resynchronization device) included in the study, the primary endpoint of short‐term infection was reached in one patient (0.2%) in group A and no patients in groups B and C. The endpoint of long‐term infection was reached in nine patients (2%) with equal frequency between three randomized groups (three patients in each group). On multivariable analysis, the only independent predictor of infection was defibrillator implantation (odds ratio, 8.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.6‐45).

Conclusions

The results of this prospective study showed no benefit for the postoperative antibiotic for the prevention of CIED infection.
Behavioral training and mirroring techniques to prepare elective anesthesia in severe autistic spectrum disorder patients: An illustrative case and review
Authors: Mellado‐Cairet Pascale , Harte Caroline , Séjourné Emmanuelle , Robel Laurence
Published: December 2018

Children with autistic spectrum disorder are more likely to become distressed during induction of anesthesia. Inhalational induction is almost always the preferred route with acceptance of the face mask often presenting a considerable challenge. Tempering measures to facilitate gas induction such as forced premedication and physical restraint are no longer viable options except in extenuating circumstances. Recent research interest has focused on the need for advanced planning in collaboration with the caregiver to tailor an individualized perioperative plan. This plan may include both pharmacological and non‐pharmacological interventions. Applied behavior analysis strategies have a well‐documented efficacy in this unique population to systematically change an individual's usual behavior. These can be used, as a non‐pharmacological strategy, to ensure a smooth perioperative course. We present a successful case of preoperative desensitization of a child with severe autistic spectrum disorder using a mirror demonstration technique associated with positive reinforcement to prepare him for general anesthesia. We discuss the potential application of applied behavior analysis strategies for anesthesia in this unique population. From a practical point of view, early communication with carers is required to establish who may benefit from this behavioral training. Planned individual preparation for general anesthesia must be provided by trained multidisciplinary staff.
Abscisic acid‐mediated modifications of radial apoplastic transport pathway play a key role in cadmium uptake in hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii
Authors: Tao Qi , Jupa Radek , Liu Yuankun , Luo Jipeng , Li Jinxing , Kováč Ján , Li Bing , Li Qiquan , Wu Keren , Liang Yongchao , Lux Alexander , Wang Changquan , Li Tingqiang
Published: December 2018

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key phytohormone underlying plant resistance to toxic metals. However, regulatory effects of ABA on apoplastic transport in roots and consequences for uptake of metal ions are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate how ABA regulates development of apoplastic barriers in roots of two ecotypes of Sedum alfredii and assess effects on cadmium (Cd) uptake. Under Cd treatment, increased endogenous ABA level was detected in roots of nonhyperaccumulating ecotype (NHE) due to up‐regulated expressions of ABA biosynthesis genes (SaABA2, SaNCED), but no change was observed in hyperaccumulating ecotype (HE). Simultaneously, endodermal Casparian strips (CSs) and suberin lamellae (SL) were deposited closer to root tips of NHE compared with HE. Interestingly, the vessel‐to‐CSs overlap was identified as an ABA‐driven anatomical trait. Results of correlation analyses and exogenous applications of ABA/Abamine indicate that ABA regulates development of both types of apoplastic barriers through promoting activities of phenylalanine ammonialyase, peroxidase, and expressions of suberin‐related genes (SaCYP86A1, SaGPAT5, and SaKCS20). Using scanning ion‐selected electrode technique and PTS tracer confirmed that ABA‐promoted deposition of CSs and SL significantly reduced Cd entrance into root stele. Therefore, maintenance of low ABA levels in HE minimized deposition of apoplastic barriers and allowed maximization of Cd uptake via apoplastic pathway.
Transcriptome profiles of tomato plants after neutron irradiation and infection with TYLCV
Authors: Zhou Yujie , Cho Won Kyong , Byun Hee‐Seong , Kil Eui‐Joon , Bak Sang‐In , Moon Dal‐Ho , Chavan Vivek , Park Tae‐Sun , Lee Sukchan , Hong Seung‐Woo
Published: December 2018

Ionizing radiation is ubiquitous in the environment and can cause mutagenesis in living organisms. In this study, we examined the effects of neutron irradiation on tomato plants. Neutron irradiation decreased tomato germination rates, but most irradiated tomato plants did not show any significant phenotype. However, tomato mutants infected by Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) displayed resistance against TYLCV compared to the wild type (WT), which showed disease symptoms. RNA‐Seq data demonstrated that the expression profiles of eight tomato mutants were significantly different from that of the WT. The transcriptomes obtained from presoaked seeds were highly altered compared to those of dry seeds. Increased irradiation time resulted in severe changes in the tomato transcriptome; however, different neutron irradiation intensities affected the expressions of different sets of genes. A high number of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in tomato transcriptomes suggest that neutron irradiation strongly impacts plant transcriptomes. The transition/transversion values among mutants were almost constant and were lower than that of the non‐irradiated sample (WT), suggesting that neutron irradiation caused an effect. Taken together, this is the first report showing the effects of neutron irradiation on tomato plants by transcriptome analyses.
Effect of green microalgal extracts exhibiting antibacterial activity on viability of human malignant and non‐malignant cells
Authors: Senhorinho Gerusa N.A. , Lannér Carita , Scott John A.
Published: December 2018

Microalgae have been investigated for their ability to produce metabolites that exhibit antibacterial activity. However, as research on antibacterial activity progresses, the effect of microalgal extracts on mammalian cells needs to be also assessed. The in vitro effect of microalgal extracts with demonstrated antibacterial activity against the human opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus was examined on the viability of non‐malignant (MCF10A and 184B5 cells) and malignant human cell lines (A2780 and MCF7). Direct cell counts indicated that the MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) proliferation assay was found to under/overestimate cell viability when specific microalgal extracts and/or concentrations were tested. From direct cell counts, the viability of non‐malignant cells was not reduced after exposure to the extracts, whereas the viability of malignant cells was affected by specific microalgal extracts and concentrations. The results suggest that green microalgae are worthy of further investigation as potential sources of antibiotics, since they did not show a negative effect on the non‐malignant cell lines, MCF10A and 184B5. Additional studies should evaluate the compounds responsible for the anti‐proliferative activity of specific microalgal extracts observed on the malignant cells A2780 and MCF7.
Second‐order analysis of marked inhomogeneous spatiotemporal point processes: Applications to earthquake data
Authors: Iftimi A. , Cronie O. , Montes F.
Published: December 2018

To analyze interactions in marked spatiotemporal point processes (MSTPPs), we introduce marked second‐order reduced moment measures andK‐functions for inhomogeneous second‐order intensity‐reweighted stationary MSTPPs. These summary statistics, which allow us to quantify dependence between different mark‐based classifications of points, depend on the specific mark space and mark reference measure chosen. Unbiased and consistent minus‐sampling estimators are derived for all statistics considered, and a test for random labeling is indicated. In addition, we treat Voronoi intensity estimators for MSTPPs. These new statistics are finally employed to analyze an Andaman Sea earthquake data set.
Religion and progressive politics in the United States
Authors: Braunstein Ruth , Fuist Todd Nicholas , Williams Rhys H.
Published: December 2018

In recent decades, scholars interested in the role of religion in American public life have largely focused on the Christian Right or the role of religion in civic life. Compared to these extensive literatures, relatively little attention has been paid to the role of religion in liberal/progressive politics. Progressive religious voices are more widespread and more racially, socioeconomically, and religiously diverse than is typically recognized. Moreover, while these actors seek influence within the most visible political realms of elections and policymaking, they also focus on shaping the cultural identities, narratives, and discourses that undergird democratic life. This article offers a framework through which to conceptualize the progressive religious field of action and reviews the growing body of research on the individuals and organizations that comprise this field. It begins by examining the prevalence of progressive religious views and activities among the general public; reviews research on three different types of progressive religious political organizations (social movements, national advocacy organizations, and faith‐based community organizations) as well as religious congregations' efforts to spur members to progressive political consciousness and mobilization; and evaluates the place of progressive religion in American political culture. Finally, it points to fruitful areas for future research.
Critical social psychology and interdisciplinary studies of personal life: Greater than the sum of its parts
Authors: Martinussen Maree
Published: December 2018

Singleness, parenting, sexual practices, sibling rivalries, through to meal times, investigating how intimacies and personal lives are organised have always been a mainstay in critical social psychology. However, in the interdisciplinary field of studies of personal life, sociologists often take the lead. In this article, I discuss three illustrative Examples—family practices, queered studies of personal life, and emerging emotional regimes in “late modernity,” and ask how critical social psychology, with its history of investigating the social processes of subjectivity‐making, could be deployed to resolve debates that have emerged within a sociology of personal life. I suggest that clarifying critical social psychology's position in relation to broader studies of personal and intimate life would showcase the distinctiveness of critical social psychological contributions in understanding relational selves, whilst simultaneously fostering interdisciplinary working.
Development and initial psychometric properties of the mathematical modeling attitude scale
Authors: Asempapa Reuben S.
Published: December 2018

This article describes the development, initial validation, and psychometric evaluation of the mathematical modeling attitude scale (MMAS). Specifically, both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used to generate relevant items. The MMAS assesses K–12 teachers’ attitude toward mathematical modeling and examines their experiences with modeling practices. The initial scale development process included the results of items generated from relevant literature, expert reviews, and cognitive interviews to create and assess content validity of MMAS Items. The pilot study phase describes the results of psychometric properties and exploratory factor analysis conducted to assess the usefulness and reliability of the MMAS items measuring teachers’ attitude toward modeling. The scale development process isolated four factors: constructivism, understanding, relevance and real life, and motivation and interest. These four factors explained about 70.2% of the variation in the 28‐item measure. The Cronbach's coefficients alpha for the four factors ranged between 0.81 and 0.95, with an overall scale coefficient of 0.96. The findings presented provide evidence to support the scale's reliability and potential utility for measuring aspects related to teachers’ attitude toward mathematical modeling. Additional results indicated that teachers had limited experience with modeling practices. Discussion, limitations, and implications for teacher education and future research are presented.