bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postmortem magnetic resonance imaging vs autopsy of second trimester fetuses terminated due to anomalies
Authors: Hellkvist Anna , Wikström Johan , Mulic‐Lutvica Ajlana , Ericson Katharina , Eriksson‐Falkerby Christopher , Lindgren Peter , Penno Eva , Axelsson Ove
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Our aim was to investigate the accuracy of postmortem fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with fetal autopsy in second trimester pregnancies terminated due to fetal anomalies. A secondary aim was to compare the MRI evaluations of two senior radiologists.

Material and methods

This was a prospective study including 34 fetuses from pregnancies terminated in the second trimester due to fetal anomalies. All women accepted a postmortem MRI and an autopsy of the fetus. Two senior radiologists performed independent evaluations of the MRI images. A senior pathologist performed the fetal autopsies. The degree of concordance between the MRI evaluations and the autopsy reports was estimated as well as the consensus between the radiologists.

Results

Thirty‐four fetuses were evaluated. Sixteen cases were associated with the central nervous system (CNS), five were musculoskeletal, one cardiovascular, one was associated with the urinary tract, and 11 cases had miscellaneous anomalies such as chromosomal aberrations, infections and syndromes. In the 16 cases related to the CNS, both radiologists reported all or some, including the most clinically significant anomalies in 15 (94%; CI 70%‐100%) cases. In the 18 non‐CNS cases, both radiologists reported all or some, including the most clinically significant anomalies in six (33%; CI 5%‐85%) cases. In 21 cases (62%; CI 44%‐78%), both radiologists held opinions that were consistent with the autopsy reports. The degree of agreement between the radiologists was high, with a Cohen's Kappa of 0.87.

Conclusions

Postmortem fetal MRI can replace autopsy for second trimester fetuses with CNS anomalies. For non‐CNS anomalies, the concordance is lower but postmortem MRI can still be of value when autopsy is not an option.
Efficacy of meloxicam in a pain model in sheep
Authors: Colditz IG , Paull DR , Lloyd JB , Johnston L , Small AH
Published: January 2019

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, meloxicam, in alleviating pain and inflammation and on production‐related variables in a model of sterile acute inflammation in sheep.

Methods

Groups of 12 mature Merino ewes received 0, 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mg/kg meloxicam subcutaneously 90 min before injection of 0.1 mL turpentine subcutaneously on the anterior aspect of the proximal phalanx of a forelimb. Pain‐ and inflammation‐related variables were assessed at −18, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h relative to meloxicam administration. Daily feed intake and body weight change 7 days later were also assessed. Pain‐related variables measured were weight borne on each forelimb, lameness score, time each forelimb was raised in a 20‐s interval and tolerance to a noxious mechanical stimulus. Inflammation‐related variables measured were skin temperature, limb circumference, body temperature, plasma haptoglobin concentration and peripheral blood leucocyte parameters.

Results

Meloxicam was effective in improving all pain‐related variables. A dose‐dependent response was seen between 0 and 1.0 mg/kg, with no additional benefit provided by 1.5 mg/kg. At a dose rate of 1.0 mg/kg, meloxicam improved weight borne on the turpentine‐treated limb by 14%, reduced the time the treated limb was held in a non‐weight‐bearing posture by 46%, reduced the lameness score by 58% and improved tolerance to pressure by 52%. No significant effects of meloxicam on inflammatory variables or appetite were observed.

Conclusions

Using a validated pain model, the data suggested that 1.0 mg/kg meloxicam provided significant analgesic benefits to sheep.
Mixed‐methods approach to exploring patients’ perspectives on the acceptability of a urinary biomarker test in replacing cystoscopy for bladder cancer surveillance
Authors: Tan Wei Shen , Teo Chin Hai , Chan Delcos , Heinrich Malgorzata , Feber Andrew , Sarpong Rachael , Allan Jennifer , Williams Norman , Brew‐Graves Chris , Ng Chirk Jenn , Kelly John D. ,   DETECT II trial collaborators
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To determine the minimal accepted sensitivity (MAS) of a urine biomarker that patients are willing to accept to replace cystoscopy and to assess qualitatively their views and reasons.

Patients and Methods

Patients were part of a prospective multicentre observational study recruiting people with bladder cancer for a urine biomarker study (DETECT II; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02781428). A mixed‐methods approach comprising (1) a questionnaire to assess patients’ experience with cystoscopy and patients’ preference for cystoscopy vs urinary biomarker, and (2) semi‐structured interviews to understand patient views, choice and reasons for their preference.

Results

A urine biomarker with an MAS of 90% would be accepted by 75.8% of patients. This was despite a high self‐reported prevalence of haematuria (51.0%), dysuria/lower urinary tract symptoms (69.1%) and urinary tract infection requiring antibiotics (25.8%). There was no association between MAS with patient demographics, adverse events experienced, cancer characteristics or distance of patients’ home to hospital. The qualitative analysis suggested that patients acknowledge that cystoscopy is invasive, embarrassing and associated with adverse events but are willing to tolerate the procedure because of its high sensitivity. Patients have confidence in cystoscopy and appreciate the visual diagnosis of cancer. Both low‐ and high‐risk patients would consider a biomarker with a reported sensitivity similar to that of cystoscopy.

Conclusion

Patients value the high sensitivity of cystoscopy despite the reported discomfort and adverse events experienced after it. The sensitivity of a urinary biomarker must be close to cystoscopy to gain patients’ acceptance.
Late Weichselian to Holocene history of the Baltic Sea as reflected in ostracod assemblages
Authors: Stepanova Anna , Obrochta Stephen , Quintana Krupinski Nadine B. , Hyttinen Outi , Kotilainen Aarno , Andrén Thomas
Published: January 2019

The study presents the first description and analysis of ostracod records from three sites cored in different parts of the Baltic Sea during the IODP Expedition 347, Baltic Sea Paleoenvironment. Our data present the first high‐resolution ostracod records from the Late Weichselian and Holocene sediments collected across the Baltic Sea Basin. Using published data on modern ostracod species ecology of the Baltic Sea, we were able to provide ostracod‐based palaeoreconstructions of the history of the region. The stratigraphical framework for the sites is based on radiocarbon‐based age models. The three studied sites reveal different ostracod assemblage successions that reflect environmental changes in the study area. Site M0060, located in the Kattegat area, contains the oldest ostracod assemblages that document a marine environment with very high sedimentation rates during the most recent deglaciation. Between ~13 000 and 7500 cal. a BP a modern‐like near‐shore environment developed. Site M0059 in the southwestern Baltic Sea, Little Belt area, contains assemblages reflecting the transition from a freshwater lake to the brackish Littorina Sea between ~7500 and 7300 cal. a BP. Site M0063 is the deepest location in the central Baltic, Landsort Deep, and yielded very limited ostracod data, but comparison with our organic carbon data allowed us to distinguish the Yoldia Sea, Ancylus Lake and Littorina Sea intervals. The ostracod record correlates well with the organic carbon record with alternation between periods of hypoxia and periods of low oxygen that still supported ostracods.
The insect‐focused classification of fruit syndromes in tropical rain forests: An inter‐continental comparison
Authors: Dahl Chris , Ctvrtecka Richard , Gripenberg Sofia , Lewis Owen T. , Segar Simon T. , Klimes Petr , Sam Katerina , Rinan Dominic , Filip Jonah , Lilip Roll , Kongnoo Pitoon , Panmeng Montarika , Putnaul Sutipun , Reungaew Manat , Rivera Marleny , Barrios Hector , Davies Stuart J. , Bunyavejchewin Sarayudh , Wright Joseph S. , Weiblen George D. , Novotny Vojtech , Basset Yves
Published: January 2019

We propose a new classification of rain forest plants into eight fruit syndromes, based on fruit morphology and other traits relevant to fruit‐feeding insects. This classification is compared with other systems based on plant morphology or traits relevant to vertebrate fruit dispersers. Our syndromes are based on fruits sampled from 1,192 plant species at three Forest Global Earth Observatory plots: Barro Colorado Island (Panama), Khao Chong (Thailand), and Wanang (Papua New Guinea). The three plots differed widely in fruit syndrome composition. Plant species with fleshy, indehiscent fruits containing multiple seeds were important at all three sites. However, in Panama, a high proportion of species had dry fruits, while in New Guinea and Thailand, species with fleshy drupes and thin mesocarps were dominant. Species with dry, winged seeds that do not develop as capsules were important in Thailand, reflecting the local importance of Dipterocarpaceae. These differences can also determine differences among frugivorous insect communities. Fruit syndromes and colors were phylogenetically flexible traits at the scale studied, as only three of the eight seed syndromes, and one of the 10 colors, showed significant phylogenetic clustering at either genus or family levels. Plant phylogeny was, however, the most important factor explaining differences in overall fruit syndrome composition among individual plant families or genera across the three study sites.

Abstract in Melanesian is available with online material.
Doing complexity leadership theory: How agile coaches at Spotify practise enabling leadership
Authors: Bäcklander Gisela
Published: January 2019

Complexity leadership theory (CLT) is about balancing formal and informal organization to leverage dynamics of Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) and produce learning, creativity, and adaptation in organizations. Based on interviews with sixteen agile coaches (AC) at Spotify, this study examines how AC practice enabling leadership, a key balancing force in complexity leadership. Coaches practice enabling leadership by increasing the context‐sensitivity of others, supporting other leaders, establishing and reinforcing simple principles, observing group dynamics, surfacing conflict and facilitating and encouraging constructive dialogue. The AC as complexity leader values being present, observing and reacting in the moment. Findings suggest flexible structure provided by an attentive coach may prove a fruitful way to navigate and balance autonomy and alignment in organizations.
Remembering in the Context of Internal States: The Role of Sleep for Infant Memory
Authors: Seehagen Sabine , Zmyj Norbert , Herbert Jane S.
Published: January 2019

Research with adults has shown that a person's internal context, or state, influences how memory functions. This factor is rarely considered in research on infant memory, in part because of the practical and ethical difficulties of manipulating these variables in infants. In this article, we argue that models of infant memory will remain limited in scope and accuracy if the internal context of participants is not considered. As a case in point, we present emerging literature on sleep‐dependent memory. Our review shows that for infants, timely sleep after a learning experience helps them retain and further process new memories. Studies need to explore the role of prior sleep for encoding, and to tease apart the contributions to infant memory of different types, features, and stages of sleep. We conclude that considering internal states, such as sleep, is necessary for developing a deeper understanding of early human memory.
Difference in the net value of ecological services between natural and artificial forests in China
Authors: Cao Shixiong , Zhang Junze , Su Wei
Published: January 2019

Land degradation is a global problem that seriously threatens human society. However, in China and elsewhere, ecological restoration still largely relies on a traditional approach that focuses only on ecological factors and ignores socioeconomic factors. To improve the effectiveness of ecological restoration and maximize its economic and ecological benefits, a more efficient approach is needed that provides support for policy development and land management and thereby promotes environmental conservation. We devised a framework for assessing the value of ecosystem services that remain after subtracting costs, such as the opportunity costs, costs of forest protection, and costs for the people who are affected by the program; that is, the net value of ecosystem services (NVES). To understand the difference between the value of a resource and the net value of the ecosystem service it provides, we used data on VES, timber sales, and afforestation costs from China's massive national afforestation programs to calculate the net value of forest ecosystem services in China. Accounting for the abovementioned costs revealed an NVES of ¥6.1 × 1012 for forests in 2014, which was 35.9% less than the value calculated without accounting for costs. As a result, the NVES associated with afforestation was 55.9% less than the NVES of natural forests. In some regions, NVES was negative because of the huge costs of human‐made plantations, high evapotranspiration rates (thus, high water opportunity costs), and low forest survival rates. To maximize the ecological benefits of conservation, it is necessary to account for as many costs as possible so that management decisions can be based on NVES, thereby helping managers choose projects that maximize both economic and ecological benefits.
Pharmacokinetic and Drug–Drug Interaction Profiles of the Combination of Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor
Authors: Garg Varun , Shen Jinshan , Li Chonghua , Agarwal Sagar , Gebre Asfiha , Robertson Sarah , Huang Jiayin , Han Linda , Jiang Licong , Stephan Kristin , Wang Linda T. , Lekstrom‐Himes Julie
Published: January 2019

Drug–drug interaction (DDI) studies are described for tezacaftor/ivacaftor, a new cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulator therapy for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Three phase I DDI studies were conducted in healthy subjects to characterize the DDI profile of tezacaftor/ivacaftor with cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A substrates, CYP3A inhibitors, and a permeability glycoprotein (P‐gp) substrate. The effects of steady‐state tezacaftor/ivacaftor on the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of digoxin (a P‐gp substrate), midazolam, and ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (CYP3A substrates) were evaluated. Effects of strong (itraconazole) and moderate (ciprofloxacin) CYP3A inhibitors on tezacaftor/ivacaftor PKs were also determined. Tezacaftor/ivacaftor increased digoxin area under the curve (AUC) by 30% but did not affect midazolam, ethinyl estradiol, or norethindrone exposures. Itraconazole increased the AUC of tezacaftor 4‐fold and ivacaftor 15.6‐fold. Ciprofloxacin had no significant effect on tezacaftor or ivacaftor exposure. Coadministration of tezacaftor/ivacaftor may increase exposure of sensitive P‐gp substrates. Tezacaftor/ivacaftor is unlikely to impact exposure of drugs metabolized by CYP3A, including hormonal contraceptives. Strong CYP3A inhibitors significantly increase the exposures of tezacaftor and ivacaftor.
Treatment outcomes and associations in an adolescent‐specific early intervention for psychosis service
Authors: Thomson Alice , Griffiths Helen , Fisher Rebecca , McCabe Robert , Abbott‐Smith Sue , Schwannauer Matthias
Published: January 2019

Aim

Compared with adult onset psychosis, adolescent psychosis has been associated with poorer outcomes in terms of social and cognitive functioning and negative symptoms. Young people experiencing first episode psychosis have developmental needs that frequently pre‐date and are compounded by psychosis onset (a previous study). There is a lack of published studies of adolescent onset psychosis and further information is needed so that developmentally appropriate interventions can be developed. We report an observational naturalistic cohort study of an adolescent specific service, the Early Psychosis Support service (EPSS).

Method

We examined baseline demographic and clinical variables, treatments outcomes and predictors of outcome for this population.

Results

The mean age of our sample was 16.3 years. Median duration of untreated illness (DUI) was 88 weeks, and median duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) was 16 weeks. We found significant improvements in positive symptoms, negative symptoms, disorganization, excitement, emotional distress and depression from 0 to 12 months. We found that baseline positive symptoms and DUI significantly predicted positive symptoms at 12 months and only negative symptoms at baseline predicted 12‐month negative symptoms.

Conclusion

Our finding that specialist early intervention for adolescents experiencing psychosis is effective suggests that such treatment should be routinely offered in line with existing clinical guidelines. Our finding that DUI is predictive of poorer outcome at 12 months suggests that even earlier intervention from a specialist team may further improve treatment outcomes.
‘Not one of the family’: Gender and precarious work in the neoliberal university
Authors: O'Keefe Theresa , Courtois Aline
Published: January 2019

Gender inequality within the university is well documented but proposals to tackle it tend to focus on the higher ranks, ignoring how it manifests within precarious work. Based on data collected as part of a broader participatory action research project on casual academic labour in Irish higher education, the article focuses on the intersection of precarious work and gender in academia. We argue that precarious female academics are non‐citizens of the academy, a status that is reproduced through exploitative gendered practices and evident in formal/legal recognition (staff status, rights and entitlements, pay and valuing of work) as well as in informal dimensions (social and decision‐making power). We, therefore, conclude that any attempts to challenge gender inequality in academia must look downward, not upward, to the ranks of the precarious academics.
Splicing analysis of 26 F8 nucleotide variations using a minigene assay
Authors: Jourdy Yohann , Fretigny Mathilde , Nougier Christophe , Négrier Claude , Bozon Dominique , Vinciguerra Christine
Published: January 2019

Background

Classically, the study of splicing impact of variation located near the splice site is performed by both in silico and mRNA analysis. However, RNA sample was rarely available.

Objective

To characterize a panel of putative haemophilia A splicing variations.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐six F8 variations identified from a cohort of 2075 haemophilia A families were studied using both bioinformatic tools and in vitro minigene assays in HeLa and Huh7 cells.

Results

An aberrant splicing was demonstrated for 21/26 tested sequence variations. A good correlation between in silico and in vitro analysis was obtained for variations affecting donor splice site (12/14) and for the synonymous variations located inside an exon (6/6). Conversely, no concordant results were observed for the six variations affecting acceptor splice sites. The variations resulted more frequently in exon skipping (n = 13) than in activation of nearby cryptic splice sites (n = 5), in use of a de novo splice site (n = 2) or in insertion of large intronic sequences (n = 1). This study allowed to reclassify 5 synonymous substitutions c.1167A>G (p.Gln389Gln), c.1569G>T (p.Leu523Leu), c.1752G>A (p.Gln584Gln), c.5586G>A (p.Leu1862Leu) and c.6066C>T (p.Gly2022Gly) as splicing variations. The pathological significance of five variations remained unclear (c.222G>A [p.Thr74Thr], c.237C>T [p.Asn79Asn], c.240C>T [p.Ile80Ile], c.2113+5_2113+8del and c.2113+5G>A).

Discussion

The minigene assay herein gave additional evidences for the clinical significance of 21/26 F8 putative splice site mutations. Such investigation should be performed for each F8 putative splice site variation for which no mRNA sample is available, notably to greatly improve the genetic counselling given to female carriers.
CD4+ T cells from patients with primary biliary cholangitis show T cell activation and differentially expressed T‐cell receptor repertoires
Authors: Nakagawa Ryo , Muroyama Ryosuke , Saeki Chisato , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Kaise Yoshimi , Koike Kazuhiko , Arai Jun , Nakano Masanori , Matsubara Yasuo , Takano Keiko , Hirata Yoshihiro , Saruta Masayuki , Zeniya Mikio , Kato Naoya
Published: January 2019

Aim

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease with unknown pathogenesis. In PBC, activation of T‐cell receptor (TCR) signaling is associated with inflammatory cytokine production through N‐Ras upregulation. Although the CD4+ T cell TCR repertoire could be associated with PBC pathogenesis, it has not been evaluated. Thus, we analyzed the PBC‐CD4+ T cell TCR repertoire using next generation sequencing (NGS).

Methods

Four PBC patients (one treatment‐naïve and three receiving ursodeoxycholic acid) and three healthy individuals were enrolled. NRAS expression in CD4+ T cells was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). N‐Ras dynamics in CD4+ T cells were assessed by qRT‐PCR and GTP‐N‐Ras activation assay. The TCR α‐ (TRA) and β‐chain (TRB) repertoires on CD4+ T cells were analyzed by NGS and profiled using hierarchical analysis. Motif analysis was undertaken to elucidate the structure of PBC‐specific TCRs.

Results

NRAS was upregulated in PBC relative to control CD4+ T cells (P < 0.05), and N‐Ras enhanced T cell activation in CD4+ T cells. Among 2668 TRAs and 841 TRBs, 20 and 11, respectively, were differentially expressed in PBC compared to that in controls (P < 0.05, fold‐change >2). Among them, TRAV29/J22, TRBV6–5/J2–6, and TRBV10–1/J2–1 were expressed in PBC but the expression was negligible in the controls, with more mature and longer forms observed in PBC‐CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions

N‐Ras was upregulated in PBC‐CD4+ T cells, and it enhanced TCR activation, indicating that PBC‐CD4+ T cells were activated by N‐Ras upregulation with differentially expressed TCR repertoires on their surfaces.
The species richness‐elevation relationship: global patterns of variation in chironomid richness in mountain lakes
Authors: Motta Luciana , Ruggiero Adriana , de Mendoza Guillermo , Massaferro Julieta
Published: January 2019

The species richness‐elevation relationship (SRE) is predominantly hump‐shaped along terrestrial gradients, but has been less explored in aquatic environments. Chironomids were used to evaluate the generality of the SRE in mountain lakes, and the role of methodological and biological factors in determining its shape.

The shape of 39 chironomid SREs distributed worldwide was identified by consensus between statistical and visual methods. A ‘coefficient of methodological integrity’ (Cin) was developed to combine information on sampling effort and homogeneity, and elevational extent in order to quantify the adherence of each dataset to methodological standards known to influence the SRE. Differences in the shape of the SRE between biogeographical regions, biomes and climatic regions were tested using Fisher's exact tests. A formal meta‐analysis was conducted to quantify the overall strength of the SRE, and its association with geographical extent, sampling technique, biogeography, biomes and climate.

The SRE presented multiple forms, with considerable variation between identification methods. The most satisfactory datasets (i.e. lowest Cin values), showed predominance of non‐linear (low‐plateau and hump‐shaped) patterns. The Cin explained ~21% of pattern variation. Neither biogeography, nor biomes or climatic regions accounted for differences in the shape of the SRE.

The global predominance of non‐linear SRE suggests that chironomid richness generally remains high in lakes at mid‐elevations, decreasing sharply towards high elevations. As previously known for terrestrial environments, identification of SRE shape is influenced by analytical method. Whenever possible, tailoring the sampling design to increase methodological integrity will reduce uncertainty in the identification of SRE shape in mountain lakes.
Sialomucin CD43 regulates T helper type 17 cell intercellular adhesion molecule 1 dependent adhesion, apical migration and transendothelial migration
Authors: Velázquez Francisco E. , Anastasiou Marina , Carrillo‐Salinas Francisco J. , Ngwenyama Njabulo , Salvador Ane M. , Nevers Tania , Alcaide Pilar
Published: January 2019

T helper type 17 lymphocytes (Th17 cells) infiltrate the central nervous system (CNS), induce inflammation and demyelination and play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Sialomucin CD43 is highly expressed in Th17 cells and mediates adhesion to endothelial selectin (E‐selectin), an initiating step in Th17 cell recruitment to sites of inflammation. CD43−/− mice have impaired Th17 cell recruitment to the CNS and are protected from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the mouse model of multiple sclerosis. However, E‐selectin is dispensable for the development of EAE, in contrast to intercellular and vascular cell adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1). We report that CD43−/− mice have decreased demyelination and T‐cell infiltration, but similar up‐regulation of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 in the spinal cord, compared with wild‐type (WT) mice, at the initiation of EAE. CD43−/− Th17 cells have impaired adhesion to ICAM‐1 under flow conditions in vitro, despite having similar expression of LFA‐1, the main T‐cell ligand for ICAM‐1, as WT Th17 cells. Regardless of the route of integrin activation, CD43−/− Th17 cell firm arrest on ICAM‐1 was comparable to that of WT Th17 cells, but CD43−/− Th17 cells failed to optimally apically migrate on immobilized ICAM‐1‐coated coverslips and endothelial cells, and to transmigrate under shear flow conditions in an ICAM‐1‐dependent manner. Collectively, these findings unveil novel roles for CD43, facilitating adhesion of Th17 cells to ICAM‐1 and modulating apical and transendothelial migration, as mechanisms potentially responsible for Th17 cell recruitment to sites of inflammation such as the CNS.
Nursing students’ self‐determination: the influence on stigmatizing attitude within clinical placement settings
Authors: Perlman Dana , Taylor Ellie , Moxham Lorna , Patterson Chris
Published: January 2019

The training of future health professionals is a complex and dynamic endeavour, whereby students engage in a variety of experiences and learning activities. Skills developed through classes are applied and further developed within authentic settings, such as clinical placements. While there is a wealth of literature that has examined the influence of clinical placements, less inquiry has examined whether the personal traits and/or characteristics of students play a role in their professional learning and development. Specifically, a key trait that has been viewed as influencing the education and growth of people, yet has received little focus in the nursing literature, is self‐determination. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether students’ self‐determination influences their level of professional learning, as measured by their stigmatizing attitudes, within a clinical placement. Participants were undergraduate nursing students classified as either high or low in their self‐determination and engaged in a compulsory 80‐hour mental health clinical placement. Data were collected using a battery of surveys to assess their self‐determination towards their work and stigmatizing attitude towards people with mental illness. Using a two‐group pre test and post test design, statistical analysis revealed a significant difference whereby students with high self‐determination towards work possessed less stigmatizing attitudes after completing their clinical placement. Results from this study provide empirical evidence that personality elements such as self‐determination and motivation towards work can play a role in the education of future professionals.
Effectiveness of direct contact intervention with people with mental illness to reduce stigma in nursing students
Authors: Martínez‐Martínez Concepción , Sánchez‐Martínez Vanessa , Sales‐Orts Rafael , Dinca Andra , Richart‐Martínez Miguel , Ramos‐Pichardo Juan Diego
Published: January 2019

People with mental illnesses are at a higher risk than the general population of suffering from somatic diseases. However, they receive less attention from healthcare services. Some studies have indicated that this situation can be partially explained by the stigmatizing attitudes of health professionals, including nurses. With the objective to improve future nursing professionals’ attitudes towards people with mental illnesses, an intervention involving direct contact with people who had lived experience with mental illnesses was designed and its effectiveness was measured. It consisted of a single 90‐min session involving a mental health professional, a person with a mental illness, and a family member of someone with a mental illness. The intervention was based on a structured script where they described their experiences with the illness and their history of recovery, and then, they had a discussion with the attendees. The effectiveness of this approach was measured through a quasi‐experimental study with a pretest–post‐test design. The differences in the scores obtained in the AQ‐27‐E questionnaire before and after the intervention indicated that there was a decrease in fear, feelings of danger, avoidance, segregation, and coercive attitudes, while positive feelings increased, including a tendency to help and compassion. These results are important for clinical practice because this intervention could improve the quality of care provided to people with mental illnesses.
Effect of hydrogen sulphide on inflammatory factors of the mitochondria after limb ischaemia‐reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Fu Jun , Cheng Xin‐Hua , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2019

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrogen sulphide on inflammatory factors and the energy metabolism of mitochondria after limb reperfusion injury in rats. Sixty Wistar rats were divided into three groups: the sham operated group, the control group (the ischaemia‐reperfusion injury [IRI] + normal saline group), and the experimental group (the IRI + H2S group). An experimental rat model of limb IRI was established. Skeletal muscle samples were collected to observe the content of necrotic products (including myoglobin (MB), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and lipid peroxidation (LPO)); blood samples were collected to observe changes in the contents of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α); and the mitochondria of skeletal muscle cells were extracted for mitochondrial transmembrane potential measurement and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content determination. The results underwent further statistical analysis. The contents of MB, LPC, and LPO in the limb skeletal muscle, liver, lung, and kidney tissues of rats in the control group were significantly increased (P < 0.05) after IRI, which was markedly attenuated by treatment with hydrogen sulphide (P < 0.05). Ischaemia/reperfusion of the lower extremities in rats triggered a significant increase in serum levels of IL‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, which was significantly inhibited by treatment with H2S during ischaemia/reperfusion. In addition, the inhibitory effect tended to be time‐dependent. After limb ischaemia/reperfusion, the mitochondrial transmembrane potential of skeletal muscle cells in the control group decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while the potential energy of the mitochondrial membrane in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The content of ATP in mitochondria of skeletal muscle cells of ischaemia‐reperfusion rats in the control group was significantly lower than that in the sham operated group (P < 0.05), while the content of ATP of mitochondria in the experimental group after H2S treatment was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). Hydrogen sulphide can alleviate the injury of skeletal muscle and distal organs after limb ischaemia‐reperfusion and reduce local inflammatory reaction, which is essential in alleviating mitochondrial transmembrane potential and energy metabolism disorder during reperfusion injury. The purpose of the study is to summarise the available information and provide theoretical support for the application of hydrogen sulphide in the treatment of limb IRI in skeletal muscle and distal organs.
Genotyping strategies of selection candidates in livestock breeding programmes
Authors: Granleese Tom , Clark Samuel A. , van der Werf Julius H. J.
Published: January 2019

Benefits of genomic selection (GS) in livestock breeding operations are well known particularly where traits are sex‐limited, hard to measure, have a low heritability and/or measured later in life. Sheep and beef breeders have a higher cost:benefit ratio for GS compared to dairy. Therefore, strategies for genotyping selection candidates should be explored to maximize the economic benefit of GS. The aim of the paper was to investigate, via simulation, the additional genetic gain achieved by selecting proportions of male selection candidates to be genotyped via truncation selection. A two‐trait selection index was used that contained an easy and early‐in‐life measurement (such as post‐weaning weight) as well as a hard‐to‐measure trait (such as intra‐muscular fat). We also evaluated the optimal proportion of female selection candidates to be genotyped in breeding programmes using natural mating and/or artificial insemination (NatAI), multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) or juvenile in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (JIVET). The final aim of the project was to investigate the total dollars spent to increase the genetic merit by one genetic standard deviation (SD) using GS and/or reproductive technologies. For NatAI and MOET breeding programmes, females were selected to have progeny by 2 years of age, while 1‐month‐old females were required for JIVET. Genomic testing the top 20% of male selection candidates achieved 80% of the maximum benefit from GS when selection of male candidates prior to genomic testing had an accuracy of 0.36, while 54% needed to be tested to get the same benefit when the prior selection accuracy was 0.11. To achieve 80% of the maximum benefit in female, selection required 66%, 47% and 56% of female selection candidates to be genotyped in NatAI, MOET and JIVET breeding programmes, respectively. While JIVET and MOET breeding programmes achieved the highest annual genetic gain, genotyping male selection candidates provides the most economical way to increase rates of genetic gain facilitated by genomic testing.
Spatial contraction of demersal fish populations in a large marine ecosystem
Authors: Orio Alessandro , Bergström Ulf , Florin Ann‐Britt , Lehmann Andreas , Šics Ivo , Casini Michele
Published: January 2019

Aim

The interdependencies between trophic interactions, environmental factors and anthropogenic forcing determine how species distributions change over time. Large changes in species distributions have occurred as a result of climate change. The objective of this study was to analyse how the spatial distribution of cod and flounder has changed in the Baltic Sea during the past four decades characterized by large hydrological changes.

Location

Baltic Sea

Taxon

Cod (Gadus morhua) and flounder (Platichthys flesus).

Methods

Catch per unit of effort (CPUE) data for adult and juvenile cod and for adult flounder were modelled using Delta‐Generalized additive models including environmental and geographical variables between 1979 and 2016. From the annual CPUE predictions for each species, yearly distribution maps and depth distribution curves were obtained. Mean depth and the depth range were estimated to provide an indication on preferred depth and habitat occupancy.

Results

Adult and juvenile cod showed a contraction in their distribution in the southern areas of the Baltic Sea. Flounder, instead, showed an expansion in its distribution with an increase in abundance in the northern areas. The depth distributions showed a progressive shift of the mean depth of occurrence towards shallower waters for adult cod and flounder and towards deeper waters for juvenile cod, as well as a contraction of the species depth ranges, evident mainly from the late 1980s.

Main conclusions

Our study illustrates large changes in the spatial distribution of cod and flounder in the Baltic Sea. The changes in depth distribution occurred from the late 1980s are probably due to a combination of expanded areas of hypoxia in deep waters and an increase in predation risk in shallow waters. The net effect of these changes is an increased spatial overlap between life stages and species, which may amplify cod cannibalism and the interaction strength between cod and flounder.
The format of problem representation for in‐game learning supports
Authors: Lee Sungwoong , Ke Fengfeng
Published: January 2019

A promising method to support game‐based learning is to facilitate learners' externalization of cognitive and metacognitive processes. Externalizing Problem Representation (EPR) refers to a cognitive behaviour in which a learner constructs her own representations overtly. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether learning supports promoting EPR enhance qualitative understanding and quantitative proficiency in ratios and proportional relationships in a learning game (i.e., E‐Rebuild) context. Specifically, this study investigated the effects of representation format in problem representation on qualitative understanding and quantitative proficiency in a learning game context.

The results of this study indicate that (a) symbolic learning supports better facilitate comprehension of math concepts and their relations than iconic learning supports in video game contexts, (b) symbolic learning supports better facilitate players' reflection for implicit understanding and promote their math problem‐solving skills, (c) participants in the symbolic learning support group increased significantly in qualitative understanding but not in quantitative proficiency after gameplay, and (d) participants in the iconic learning support group experienced significant growth in quantitative proficiency but not in qualitative understanding after gameplay.
The correlates of psychological distress among parents of children with psychiatric disorders
Authors: O'leimat Abdullah Saed , Alhussami Mahmoud , Rayan Ahmad
Published: January 2019

Background

Worldwide, parents of children with psychological problems have poor psychological well‐being. However, the factors associated with psychological distress among parents living in the Arab world have yet to be established.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlates of psychological distress among parents who have children with psychological problems in Jordan.

Methods

A descriptive correlational design was utilized. A total of 228 parents recruited from seven centers serving children with psychological problems completed the study. The outcome variables were measured using the demographic questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and a psychological distress scale (Kessler 6 instrument).

Results

More than half of the parents in this study had severe levels of psychological distress. Parental psychological distress was significantly correlated with marital status, employment, and the type of childhood psychiatric disorder. Social support was significantly and negatively correlated with psychological distress among parents (r = −0.58;
p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Tailoring specific interventions to support these parents is necessary considering the specific variables identified in the current study.
The relationships between attachment quality, metacognition, and somatization in adolescents: The mediator role of metacognition
Authors: Yavuz Mesut , Aluç Nurşah , Tasa Hande , Hamamcıoğlu İrem , Bolat Nurullah
Published: January 2019

Problem

To investigate the associations between attachment quality, metacognition problems, and somatization.

Methods

One thousand and seven adolescents between the ages of 14–17 were included in the study. They completed the DSM‐V Level 2 Somatic Symptoms Scale, the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (short version), the Metacognitions Questionnaire for Children (MCQ‐C), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The Spearmen's rank‐order correlation test and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the associations between the scales.

Findings

Correlation coefficients and structural equation modeling indicated that attachment quality is significantly associated with somatic symptom severity, and MCQ‐C scores play a partial mediator role in the relationship between attachment quality and somatization.

Conclusion

Improving metacognitive skills in adolescents with low attachment quality may increase therapeutic success when addressing somatization.
Practitioner Review: Assessment and treatment of preschool children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Halperin Jeffrey M. , Marks David J.
Published: January 2019

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often emerges during the preschool years and remains impairing throughout the life span. Early identification and intervention may yield lasting benefits that alter the often‐adverse trajectory of the disorder.

Methods

This Practitioner Review provides up‐to‐date information regarding the evaluation and treatment of ADHD in preschool children. The clinical presentation of ADHD in preschool children, its persistence into later childhood, the applicability of DSM‐5 criteria for preschoolers with ADHD, and early predictors of long‐term trajectories are addressed, as well as current findings from randomized controlled trials of both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions.

Results

Symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity extend down to age 3, but several inattention symptoms, as defined by DSM‐V, less accurately differentiate preschoolers with and without ADHD. Most preschool youth with ADHD symptoms continue to manifest symptoms and impairment into school‐age and adolescence. However, few predictors of persistence beyond early severity have been identified. Behavioral interventions constitute a first‐line treatment for preschool ADHD symptoms, with telepsychiatry increasing in prominence to help to mitigate financial, geographic, and/or logistical barriers to care. Pharmacological interventions, particularly psychostimulants, also confer demonstrable benefits, yet efficacy and safety profiles are less desirable relative to findings in school‐age youth.

Conclusions

Acute treatments have demonstrable efficacy, but do not appear to fundamentally alter underlying mechanisms or long‐term trajectories.
Complete genome sequence and pathogenic analysis of a new betanodavirus isolated from shellfish
Authors: Kim Young Chul , Kwon Woo Ju , Min Joon Gyu , Kim Kwang Il , Jeong Hyun Do
Published: January 2019

We determined the complete genomic RNA sequence of a new type of betanodavirus Korea shellfish nervous necrosis virus (KSNNV) isolated from shellfish. Compared with other isolates representing four genotypes of betanodaviruses, the identity of the whole nucleotide sequence of the virus was in the range of 76%–83% with the presence of specific genetic motifs and formed a separate new branch in the phylogenetic analysis. In pathogenic analysis by immersion method, KSNNV‐KOR1 shows 100% cumulative mortality like SFRG10/2012BGGa1 (RGNNV) in newly hatched sevenband grouper and mandarin fish, which is clearly different from those found in negative control groups. There were no significant differences in increasing rates of mortality and viral intra‐tissue concentration of larval fishes infected with KSNNV‐KOR1 at both 20 and 25°C water temperature. Histopathological examination of each fish species in the moribund stage revealed the presence of clear vacuoles in both brain and retinal tissues similar to typical histopathology features of RGNNV. In the present study, we first report a new betanodavirus from shellfish as the aetiological agent of viral nervous necrosis disease in fish with complete genomic nucleotide sequence and pathogenic analysis.
Storage and thermal stability of novel heme‐based pigments prepared from porcine hemoglobin
Authors: Chhem‐Kieth Sorivan , Lametsch Rene , Hansen Erik Torngaard , Ruiz‐Carrascal Jorge
Published: January 2019

The stability of novel meat pigments derived from heme‐enriched extract obtained from porcine hemoglobin was assessed. Four different ligands (sodium nitrite, 4‐methylimidazole, methyl nicotinate, and pyrazine) were used to produce spray‐dried, microencapsulated heme‐ligand complexes. The storage and thermal stabilities of the produced pigments were assessed, over a 6‐months storage period and across a temperature range of 25–75°C. Color measurements and evaluation were made on the dissolved pigments by ultraviolet–visible absorbance spectroscopy and CIELAB color space. All heme‐ligand complexes exhibited a stable red color across the storage period, except for the heme‐methyl nicotinate adduct, which color faded to brown after 30 days of storage. For thermal stability, only the heme‐4‐methylimidazole complex did not retain its red color beyond 55°C. The redness of the heme‐pyrazine complex showed improvement upon heating, which is proposed to be due to the degradation of polymeric heme‐pyrazine structure formed during the ligation process.

Practical applications

Due to the global effort to reduce nitrite addition in food product, there is an important interest to replace it in processed meat products, wholly or in part. Additionally, the perspective of optimizing the usage of an under‐utilized blood fraction is attractive for the meat industry. The development of a heme pigment derived from porcine blood thus presents a good commercial potential. Two important aspects of such product would be its stability upon storage, or during heat treatment to levels similar to what is used in processed, cooked meat products. This study presents the behavior for those two aspects of different heme‐ligand complexes, and compares the results obtained with a heme pigment produced from the traditionally used nitrite.
Adequacy of Inclusion of Older Adults in NIH‐Funded Phase III Clinical Trials
Authors: Lockett Jaron , Sauma Samir , Radziszewska Barbara , Bernard Marie A.
Published: January 2019

In the United States, the population aged 65 and older is rapidly growing, and this group uses more healthcare resources and has unique healthcare needs that do not exist in younger populations. However, it was reported that older adults are excluded or underrepresented in clinical trials for several diseases. We examined phase III clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health found in www.clinicaltrials.gov from 1965 to 2015 that addressed top causes for hospitalization and/or disability‐adjusted life years in older adults: congestive heart failure (n = 45), cardiac dysrhythmias (n = 24), coronary atherosclerosis (n = 106), heart attack (n = 76), stroke (n = 113), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 14), pneumonia (n = 48), lung cancer (n = 117), prostate cancer (n = 65), and osteoarthritis (n = 15). We then analyzed the representation of older adults in these studies. We found that 33% of studies had arbitrary upper age limits, and 67% of studies reported mean and/or median ages that skewed younger than expected for the disease or condition of interest. Beyond explicit exclusion by age, older adults were often implicitly excluded based on various comorbid conditions such as polypharmacy/concomitant medication (37%) or cardiac issues (30%). We conclude that outcomes of these trials may not be fully generalizable to the general population of older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:218–222, 2019.