bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating cropland in the Canadian prairies as an ecological trap for the endangered Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia
Authors: Scobie Corey A. , Bayne Erin M. , Wellicome Troy I.
Published: February 2019

Anthropogenic development may influence the choices animals make and their resulting reproductive success and survival. If such choices are maladaptive, the impact of anthropogenic change can be catastrophic to small or declining populations. Over the past century, Canada's prairie landscapes have been altered dramatically, with over two‐thirds of its native grasslands now having been converted to cropland. The decline of the endangered Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia population is assumed to have resulted from this landscape change, yet no causal link has been demonstrated. One hypothesis to explain this population decline is that owls get caught in an ecological trap, whereby they prefer to establish nests at the start of each breeding season in landscapes that later confer lower reproductive success. Agricultural landscapes represent a plausible potential ecological trap because the short and sparse vegetation in annual crops (seeded each spring) is predicted to be attractive nesting/foraging habitat for Burrowing Owls when they arrive from northward migration, yet crops become substantially taller and denser over the growing season so prey are predicted to become less accessible by the time broods have hatched. We tested this ecological trap hypothesis in a 3‐year study, involving 379 Burrowing Owl pairs, across the agricultural landscapes of southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. In support of the hypothesis, Burrowing Owls did prefer to settle in breeding home‐ranges that contained a higher proportion of cropland, and their prey‐delivery rates during brood‐rearing were lower at nests with a higher proportion of cropland growing in the surrounding landscape. However, in contradiction to a key prediction, the number of fledglings produced (range = 0–9) was higher, not lower, for pairs with more actively growing cropland in their landscapes. Therefore, the decline of the Burrowing Owl in Canada does not appear to result from cropland forming an ecological trap during the breeding season. We also found a significant positive relationship between the amount of summer fallow within Burrowing Owl home‐ranges and the quantity of vertebrate prey delivered to the nest and the number of juveniles fledged, highlighting the importance of this declining land use in raptor conservation.
Efficacy of regular professional brushing by a dental nurse for 3 months in nursing home residents—A randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Barbe Anna Greta , Kottmann Hannah E. , Derman Sonja H. M. , Noack Michael J.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The oral health of nursing home residents is poor for various reasons. Many require help for oral hygiene. Regular professional brushing by a dental nurse should improve oral hygiene. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of regular tooth brushing by a dental nurse on the oral health of nursing home residents.

Methods

This controlled trial randomized participants (n = 50; mean age 83 ± 8 years) to brushing by a dental nurse every 2 weeks for 3 months (n = 25; test group) or oral hygiene procedures performed/controlled by nursing home staff (n = 25; control group). Personal, general and oral health, as well as various oral hygiene parameters—plaque index (PI), gingivitis index (GI), papilla bleeding index (PBI), oral hygiene index (OHI) and Volpe‐Manhold Index (VMI)—were evaluated at baseline, after initial professional dental cleaning and before last brushing.

Results

At baseline, oral health was impaired according to investigated indices in both groups. After professional brushing for 3 months, there were improvements in PI, GI and PBI, with significant increases compared with the control group in OHI and VMI (P = 0.017 and P < 0.001, respectively). Among the control group, the number of teeth decreased while the root caries index increased (P = 0.002 between groups).

Conclusions

Regular professional brushing every 2 weeks by a dental nurse can be recommended for nursing homes residents to improve oral health parameters and to help reduce root caries incidence as a basis to preserve the number of teeth. Such oral hygiene procedures will maintain and improve the oral health of nursing home residents.
Immunotherapy for genitourinary tumors
Authors: Nakayama Takayuki , Kitano Shigehisa
Published: February 2019

The present review provides an update about the major achievements and recent advances of immunotherapy in renal cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and prostate cancer. Although the treatment strategy for renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma includes traditional cancer immunotherapies, such as interleukin‐2 and interferon‐alfa, the clinical outcomes of these therapies are unsatisfactory. In recent years, the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors has drastically changed the treatment strategy for various cancers, including genitourinary cancer. The present review summarizes the approved cancer immunotherapies for renal cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma and prostate cancer. Furthermore, we review the response evaluation and biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors with a distinctive mode of action that is different from cytotoxic agents. Finally, future perspectives for cancer immunotherapy are discussed.
Complications and reoperations after laparoscopic radical cystectomy in a Japanese multicenter cohort
Authors: Kanno Toru , Ito Katsuhiro , Sawada Atsuro , Saito Ryoich , Kobayashi Takashi , Yamada Hitoshi , Inoue Takahiro , Ogawa Osamu
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To describe the complications and their surgical management after laparoscopic radical cystectomy in a Japanese multicenter cohort.

Methods

The participants were drawn from a retrospective multicenter study at 10 institutions. We identified 436 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy with no robot assistance. Early and late complications were graded according to their Clavien–Dindo classification. The records of all patients who underwent surgical interventions for laparoscopic radical cystectomy‐specific complications were also reviewed. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to describe the time to surgical intervention.

Results

The 90‐day rates for overall complications, high‐grade complications (Clavien–Dindo classification III–V) and mortality were 53%, 17% and 1.4%, respectively. Gastrointestinal (25%), infectious (22%) and abdominal wall‐related (9%) complications were the most common. The late complication rate was 18%, and a total of 81 patients (19%) underwent surgical intervention during the median follow‐up period of 22 months. The reoperation rate was 25% at 5 years. Gastrointestinal complications in the early postoperative period and abdominal wall‐related complications in the late postoperative period were the main reasons for reoperation. Seven (7%) out of 100 female patients underwent emergent surgical reoperation for transvaginal bowel evisceration as a result of vaginal dehiscence.

Conclusions

Early and late postoperative complications and surgical reoperations are notable after laparoscopic radical cystectomy. Abdominal wall‐related complications including vaginal dehiscence are common, and they represent the main indication for reoperation during long‐term follow up.
Neutrophil–macrophage cooperation and its impact on tissue repair
Authors: Bouchery Tiffany , Harris Nicola
Published: February 2019

Immune cells are rapidly recruited to a site of injury or infection. Although the importance of phagocytic immune cells in clearing bacteria has long been appreciated, the advent of technologies allowing more in‐depth analysis of cellular function, such as intravital microscopy and the use of genetically modified animal models, has allowed much deeper insight into the complex roles of these cells play during tissue repair. Many immune cells contribute to the repair process; however, this review will concentrate on the involvement of the phagocytes, namely macrophages and neutrophils, with a particular focus on our more recent understanding of how interactions between these two cell types impact on the final outcome of tissue repair.
Rewriting stories of trauma through peer‐to‐peer mentoring for and by at‐risk young people
Authors: Douglas Lesley J. , Jackson Debra , Woods Cindy , Usher Kim
Published: February 2019

Adverse childhood experiences are strongly associated with the development of mental health disorders during the life span. When mental health issues are not effectively dealt with during the adolescent period, young people can become long‐term consumers in the mental health system. A widely accepted method of intervention is the provision of mentoring. More recently, young people have been fulfilling the role of mentor to their peers and mentoring has played a large role in supporting young people who are considered at‐risk of not achieving the expected psychosocial, educational, and/or developmental goals. What is not known is why young people, previously identified as being at‐risk, are motivated to mentor their at‐risk peers. The study aim was to examine what motivates previously recognized at‐risk young people to provide mentoring to their at‐risk peers. Participants were twelve previously recognized at‐risk young people recruited through a formal peer‐to‐peer mentoring programme. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, and the data analysed through narrative inquiry and reported in accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines (COREQ). Results indicate that young people are motivated by their own lived experiences of trauma(s) to provide at‐risk peer mentoring. The experience of mentoring afforded opportunities to rewrite individual personal journeys of trauma through mentoring their at‐risk peers, thus constructing a more positive self‐identity. Outcomes of developing positive peer relationships and prosocial behaviours could significantly assist mental health clinicians in providing more acceptable care to clients in an age group known to be reluctant to accept traditional mental health intervention.
Fabrication of core‐shell structured TiC–Fe composite powders by fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Liu Cheng , Yang Yafeng , Lv Pengpeng , Guo Junjie , Xiang Maoqiao , Zhu Qingshan
Published: February 2019

Fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (FBCVD) was an effective way of preparing the core‐shell structured TiC–Fe composite powders by employing FeCl3 as a precursor. Fully covered TiC–Fe composite powders with the controllable Fe contents were readily achievable. An excellent interfacial bonding was formed between the TiC and the deposited Fe coating. The defluidization caused by the directional growth and self‐nucleation‐aggregation of the deposited Fe particles was the major barrier to depositing high‐Fe‐content composite powders. But it could be prevented by controlling the gas partial pressure of precursor and further eliminating the directional growth mode and self‐nucleation behavior of Fe atoms. The optimal deposition temperature was 600°C and the partial pressure was about 20 kPa, corresponding to the gasification temperature of 275°C.
MiR‐139‐5p, miR‐940 and miR‐193a‐5p inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting SPOCK1
Authors: Li Peng , Xiao Zhiwei , Luo Jiajun , Zhang Yaojun , Lin Lizhu
Published: February 2019

The study was aimed to screen out miRNAs with differential expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to explore the influence of the expressions of these miRNAs and their target gene on HCC cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis. MiRNAs with differential expression in HCC were screened out by microarray analysis. The common target gene of these miRNAs (miR‐139‐5p, miR‐940 and miR‐193a‐5p) was screened out by analysing the target genes profile (acquired from Targetscan) of the three miRNAs. Expression levels of miRNAs and SPOCK1 were determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The target relationships were verified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull‐down assay. Through 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide,thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and transwell assays and flow cytometry, HCC cell viability, invasion and apoptosis were determined. In vivo experiment was conducted in nude mice to investigate the influence of three miRNAs on tumour growth. Down‐regulation of miR‐139‐5p, miR‐940 and miR‐193a‐5p was found in HCC. Overexpression of these miRNAs suppressed HCC cell viability and invasion, promoted apoptosis and inhibited tumour growth. SPOCK1, the common target gene of miR‐139‐5p, miR‐940 and miR‐193a‐5p, was overexpressed in HCC. SPOCK1 overexpression promoted proliferation and invasion, and restrained apoptosis of HCC cells. MiR‐139‐5p, miR‐940 and miR‐193a‐5p inhibited HCC development through targeting SPOCK1.
Genetically elevated circulating homocysteine concentrations increase the risk of diabetic kidney disease in Chinese diabetic patients
Authors: Ma Liang , Liu Qian , Jiang Yongwei , Zhao Hailing , Zhao Tingting , Cao Yongtong , Li Ping , Niu Wenquan
Published: February 2019

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a devastating and frequent complication of diabetes mellitus. Here, we first adopted methylenetetrahytrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphism as an instrument to infer the possible causal relevance between circulating homocysteine and DKD risk in a Chinese population and next attempted to build a risk prediction model for DKD. This is a hospital‐based case‐control association study. Total 1107 study participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, including 547 patients with newly diagnosed and histologically confirmed DKD. MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism was determined using the TaqMan method. Carriers of 677TT genotype (14.55 μmol/L) had significantly higher homocysteine concentrations than carriers of 677CT genotype (12.88 μmol/L) (P < 0.001). Carriers of 677TT genotype had a 1.57‐fold increased risk of DKD (odds ratio: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.21‐2.05, P = 0.001) relative to carriers of 677CT genotype after adjusting for confounders. Mendelian randomization analysis revealed that the odds ratio for DKD relative to diabetes mellitus per 5 μmol/L increment of circulating homocysteine concentrations was 3.86 (95% confidence interval: 1.21‐2.05, P < 0.001). In the Logistic regression analysis, hypertension, homocysteine and triglyceride were significantly associated with an increased risk of DKD and they constituted a risk prediction model with good test performance and discriminatory capacity. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that elevated circulating homocysteine concentrations were causally associated with an increased risk of DKD in Chinese diabetic patients.
Metformin and tenovin‐6 synergistically induces apoptosis through LKB1‐independent SIRT1 down‐regulation in non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Lee Bo Bin , Kim Yujin , Kim Dongho , Cho Eun Yoon , Han Joungho , Kim Hong Kwan , Shim Young Mog , Kim Duk‐Hwan
Published: February 2019

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is known to play a role in a variety of tumorigenesis processes by deacetylating histone and non‐histone proteins; however, antitumour effects by suppressing SIRT1 activity in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unclear. This study was designed to scrutinize clinicopathological significance of SIRT1 in NSCLC and investigate effects of metformin on SIRT1 inhibition. This study also evaluated new possibilities of drug combination using a SIRT1 inhibitor, tenovin‐6, in NSCLC cell lines. It was found that SIRT1 was overexpressed in 300 (62%) of 485 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded NSCLC tissues. Its overexpression was significantly associated with reduced overall survival and poor recurrence‐free survival after adjusted for histology and pathologic stage. Thus, suppression of SIRT1 expression may be a reasonable therapeutic strategy for NSCLC. Metformin in combination with tenovin‐6 was found to be more effective in inhibiting cell growth than either agent alone in NSCLC cell lines with different liver kinase B1 (LKB1) status. In addition, metformin and tenovin‐6 synergistically suppressed SIRT1 expression in NSCLC cells regardless of LKB1 status. The marked reduction in SIRT1 expression by combination of metformin and tenovin‐6 increased acetylation of p53 at lysine 382 and enhanced p53 stability in LKB1‐deficient A549 cells. The combination suppressed SIRT1 promoter activity more effectively than either agent alone by up‐regulating hypermethylation in cancer 1 (HIC1) binding at SIRT1 promoter. Also, suppressed SIRT1 expression by the combination synergistically induced caspase‐3‐dependent apoptosis. The study concluded that metformin with tenovin‐6 may enhance antitumour effects through LKB1‐independent SIRT1 down‐regulation in NSCLC cells.
Development of a risk scoring system for patients with papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Pak Kyoungjune , Kim Yun Hak , Suh Sunghwan , Goh Tae Sik , Jeong Dae Cheon , Kim Seong Jang , Kim In Joo , Han Myoung‐Eun , Oh Sae‐Ock
Published: February 2019

As the importance of personalized therapeutics in aggressive papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) increases, accurate risk stratification is required. To develop a novel prognostic scoring system for patients with PTC (n = 455), we used mRNA expression and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We performed variable selection using Network‐Regularized high‐dimensional Cox‐regression with gene network from pathway databases. The risk score was calculated using a linear combination of regression coefficients and mRNA expressions. The risk score and clinical variables were assessed by several survival analyses. The risk score showed high discriminatory power for the prediction of event‐free survival as well as the presence of metastasis. In multivariate analysis, the risk score and presence of metastasis were significant risk factors among the clinical variables that were examined together. In the current study, we developed a risk scoring system that will help to identify suitable therapeutic options for PTC.
Effect of soothing techniques on infants’ self‐regulation behaviors (sleeping, crying, feeding): A randomized controlled study
Authors: Öztürk Dönmez Renginar , Bayik Temel Ayla
Published: February 2019

Aim

To determine the effect of teaching 4S soothing techniques (swaddling, holding at side or stomach position, shushing‐white noise, swinging) on parent‐reported infants’ self‐regulation behaviors with respect to sleeping, crying, and feeding.

Methods

This research is a pretest–post‐test, single‐blind randomized experimental study with 6 month follow‐ups. An intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG) were formed, each consisting of 21 mother–infant dyads. A 90 min training program was applied to the mothers in the IG during the home visit in the fourth week after birth. For both groups, the dependent variables of the study are the parent‐reported self‐regulation behaviors of the infants in weeks 3, 7, 11, and 23.

Results

No significant difference was found between the two groups before the intervention in the pretest in terms of the mean sleep duration, mean crying duration, frequency of feeding, and frequency of waking at night. After the teaching of the 4S soothing techniques had been conducted, it was determined that the mean frequency of waking at night, the mean frequency of daily feeding, and the mean daily crying duration of the infants in the IG was statistically significantly lower in all follow‐ups, compared to the infants in the CG. In weeks 7 and 11 after the intervention, the mean daily sleep duration of the infants in the IG was found to be statistically significantly higher, compared to the infants in the CG.

Conclusion

Health professionals can use the 4S soothing techniques to develop self‐regulation behaviors of infants during the first 12 weeks of the infancy period.
A Comparison of the Surface Properties of CAD/CAM and Conventional Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Authors: Al‐Dwairi Ziad N. , Tahboub Kawkab Y. , Baba Nadim Z. , Goodacre Charles J. , Özcan Mutlu
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To compare surface properties of 2 brands of pre‐polymerized resin blocks for complete dentures (CAD/CAM PMMA) to conventional heat‐polymerized PMMA.

Materials and Methods

A total of 45 rectangular specimens (25 × 25 × 3 mm) were fabricated from 3 brands of PMMA (n = 15/group): AvaDent CAD/CAM PMMA, Tizian‐Schütz CAD/CAM PMMA, Meliodent conventional PMMA. Specimens were examined for wettability using the sessile drop method, surface roughness using a digital contact profilometer, and microhardness using Vickers hardness number. Statistical analysis was performed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey pairwise multiple comparisons. p‐Values of ≤0.05 were considered significant.

Results

AvaDent specimens demonstrated the highest mean contact angle (72.87 ± 48°) and the highest mean Vickers hardness number (20.62 ± 0.33). The conventional heat‐polymerized specimens showed the highest mean surface roughness (0.22 ± 0.071 μm). Tizian‐Schütz specimens showed the lowest mean surface roughness (0.12 ± 0.02 μm).

Conclusions

As CAD/CAM PMMA groups exhibited significantly more favorable surface properties in comparison to the conventional heat‐polymerized groups, CAD/CAM dentures are expected to be more durable. Different brands of CAD/CAM PMMA may have inherent variations in surface properties.
Rewarding idleness
Authors: Canidio Andrea , Gall Thomas
Published: February 2019

Market wages reflect expected productivity conditional on signals of past performance and past experience. These signals are generated at least partially on the job and create incentives for agents to choose high‐profile and highly visible tasks. When engaging in visible tasks can lead to losses for which the agent is not liable, a principal may profitably distort corporate investments and reward schemes to increase the opportunity cost of these tasks. This distortion may decrease welfare as it prevents the efficient discovery of workers’ talent. Heterogeneity in employee types induces substantial diversity in organizational and contractual choices, particularly regarding the extent to which conspicuous activities are tolerated or encouraged, the composition of corporate infrastructure, and contingent wages.
A reevaluation of the Andean Genus Petroravenia (Brassicaceae: Thelypodieae) based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: Salariato Diego L. , Zuloaga Fernando O. , Al‐Shehbaz Ihsan A.
Published: February 2019

Petroravenia was until recently considered as a genus of three species (P. eseptata, P. friesii, and P. werdermannii) distributed along the Central Andes of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. This genus was included in the tribe Thelypodieae and was morphologically characterized by being tiny rhizomatous perennial herbs with rosulate leaves, dendritic trichomes, capsular silicles, and incumbent cotyledons. However, the phylogeny of Petroravenia, and its tribal placement, was never analyzed using molecular data. The lack of such studies, as well as the paucity of herbarium collections, suggesting that Petroravenia species are vulnerable and/or endangered, prompted us to address the molecular phylogeny of this genus. For this purpose, we generated comprehensive molecular phylogenies using nuclear (ITS) and plastid (trnL‐F and trnH‐psbA) data, and conducted morphological comparisons between these species and their closest related taxa. Results from the phylogenetic analyses showed that Petroravenia represents a polyphyletic group, with P. eseptata included in tribe Halimolobeae, and P. friesii and P. werdermannii placed within tribe Eudemeae and related to the genus Alshehbazia. Based on the results obtained from morphological and molecular data, we decided herein to retain the original circumscription of Petroravenia as monospecific within the tribe Halimolobeae and to transfer P. friesii and P. werdermannii to the genus Alshehbazia within the tribe Eudemeae. Systematic implications of these results are also discussed.
GRIMP: A machine‐learning method for improving groups of discriminating species in expert systems for vegetation classification
Authors: Tichý Lubomír , Chytrý Milan , Landucci Flavia
Published: February 2019

Aims

Expert systems are increasingly popular tools for supervised classification of large datasets of vegetation‐plot records, but their classification accuracy depends on the selection of proper species and species groups that can effectively discriminate vegetation types. Here, we present a new semi‐automatic machine‐learning method called GRIMP (GRoup IMProvement) to optimize groups of species used for discriminating among vegetation types in expert systems. We test its performance using a large set of vegetation‐plot records.

Methods

We defined discriminating species groups as the groups that are unique to each vegetation type and provide optimal discrimination of this type against other types. The group of discriminating species of each vegetation type considerably overlaps with the group of diagnostic species of this type, but these two groups are not identical because not all diagnostic species have sufficient discriminating power. We developed the GRIMP iterative algorithm, which optimizes the groups of discriminating species to provide the most accurate vegetation classification, using a training set of a priori classified plot records. We tested this method by comparing classification accuracy before and after the GRIMP optimization of species groups using vegetation‐plot records from the Czech Republic a priori classified to 39 phytosociological classes, and three initial sets of candidate discriminating species from different sources.

Results

The GRIMP algorithm improved the classification accuracy at the class level from 65% correctly classified plots in the test dataset before group optimization to 88% thereafter. The other plots were misclassified or unclassified, but misclassifications were reduced by adding further expert‐based criteria considering dominant growth forms.

Conclusions

GRIMP‐optimized groups of discriminating species are very useful for semi‐automatic construction of expert systems for vegetation classification. Such expert systems can be developed from an a priori unsupervised or expert‐based classification of at least some vegetation plots.
Horizontal and Vertical Conflict: Experimental Evidence
Authors: Galiani Sebastian , Long Cheryl , Navajas Ahumada Camila , Torrens Gustavo
Published: February 2019

We experimentally explore the connections between horizontal conflict of interests (citizens have heterogeneous preferences over collective decisions) and vertical conflict of interests (agents in charge of implementing collective decisions earn political rents). We identify two sets of models that incorporate both types of conflicts: electoral models with endogenous rents, and common‐agency models. We adapt these models to a laboratory setting and test their main theoretical predictions. In both cases we find support for the proposition that more intense horizontal conflict leads to higher rents. Our findings have important implications. At the macro level, they help explaining the persistence of corruption in very unequal societies. At the micro level, our findings suggest that anti‐corruption programs should allocate more resources (e.g., inspectors and auditors) to areas with intense horizontal conflicts.
Risk associated with anesthesia for noncardiac surgery in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Taylor Dan , Habre Walid
Published: February 2019

Database analysis has indicated that perioperative cardiac arrest occurs with increased frequency in children with congenital heart disease. Several case series and large datasets from ACS NSQIP have identified subgroups at the highest risk. Consistently, patients with single ventricle physiology (especially prior to cavopulmonary anastomosis), severe/supra‐systemic pulmonary hypertension, complex lesions, and cardiomyopathy with significantly reduced ventricular function have been shown to be at increased risk for adverse events. Based on these results, algorithms for assessing risk have been proposed. How hospitals and health care systems apply these guidelines to provide safe care for these challenging patient groups requires the application of modern quality improvement techniques. Each institution should develop a system which reflects local expertise and resources.
Retrospective audit of airway management practices in children with craniocervical pathology
Authors: Morrison Christa , Avanis Mary Claire , Ritchie‐McLean Susanna , Woo Colleen , Herod Jane , Nandi Reema , Thompson Dominic
Published: February 2019

Background

Craniocervical immobilization using halo body orthoses may be required in the management of children with craniocervical junction pathology. To date, the effect of such immobilization on perioperative anesthetic management has not been addressed in large series.

Aims

The aim of this study was to review the airway management of children requiring halo body orthoses undergoing general anesthesia.

Methods

The study was a retrospective case note review from a single institution. The neurosurgical database was interrogated to identify all patients less than 16 years of age that required a halo body orthosis from 1996 to 2015. We used the electronic patient record to identify all procedures performed under general anesthesia for these patients, either for halo application, or with the halo in situ. Details of techniques used for airway management were recorded, and paired data between individuals pre‐ and post‐halo application were compared. Demographic data, diagnosis, and perioperative complications were also recorded.

Results

We identified 90 children that underwent placement of a halo body orthosis. A total of 269 anesthetic records from these patients were analyzed and classified as pre‐halo application, or halo in situ. Facemask ventilation was achieved in all patients, though some required simple airway adjuncts and may have been more difficult in the presence of the halo. Supraglottic airways were used successfully in many patients. There was a significant increase in the number of patients classed as Cormack and Lehane grades 3 or 4 on direct laryngoscopy with the halo in situ compared with before the halo was applied. The incidence of intubation using fiberoptic or videolaryngoscopy was higher with the halo in situ. Multiple intubation attempts were required in 3.4% (1/29) of patients undergoing anesthesia for halo placement compared with 15.1% (11/73) undergoing anesthesia with a halo in situ.

Conclusion

Airway management in children with cervical spine pathology should be anticipated to be more difficult than the general pediatric population. This is likely to be due to co‐existing pathology associated with cervical spine disease in children, limitation of neck movement to prevent further neurological injury, and the halo itself limiting access to the head. We recommend advanced preparation, and ensuring the immediate availability of an anesthetist with skills in managing the pediatric difficult airway to avoid complications in this patient population.
The building blocks of shared leadership: The interactive effects of diversity types, team climate, and time
Authors: Kukenberger Michael R. , D'Innocenzo Lauren
Published: February 2019

Despite the wealth of empirical studies and recent meta‐analyses demonstrating the positive performance effects of shared leadership, knowledge regarding antecedents is limited. We draw upon a collective approach to leadership identity construction theory and team diversity in order to understand the member attributes that impact leadership sharing. We suggest that both informational/functional and social categorization diversity types are important dimensions when considering shared leadership antecedents. First, we suggest functional diversity will result in higher levels of shared leadership but will only be realized when teams elicit a cooperative climate. Second, we suggest that gender diversity, a salient social category, will have a negative impact on shared leadership, particularly in a low cooperative climate. We further hypothesize these effects will change over time as the positive effects of functional diversity strengthen and the negative effects of gender differences weaken. We test our hypotheses, including the impact on team performance, in a time‐lagged sample of 267 undergraduate students in 73 teams competing in a complex business simulation and a constructive replication with 142 MBA students in 41 teams. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Little effect of delayed mating on fecundity or fertility of female fungus gnats Lycoriella ingenua
Authors: Cloonan Kevin R. , Andreadis Stefanos S. , Baker Thomas C.
Published: February 2019

The effect of delayed female mating for the mushroom fungus gnat Lycoriella ingenua is investigated. We examine the effect of delaying female mating on the fertility and egg viability of female flies that have a mating delay of 0–5 days after emergence. Male fly age is held constant. Female age does not impact male acceptance and most flies copulate within seconds of pairing. We find that female flies experiencing mating delays of 0–4 days after emergence lay a similar number of eggs onto artificial substrates. Females that experience a mating delay of 5 days lay 54% fewer eggs than those that mate on day 0 (day of emergence). There is no effect of mating delay on the percentage of larvae that emerge. The results of the present study indicate that mating delays have little effect on the fertility or fecundity of the mushroom fungus pest L. ingenua.
Termination of pupal diapause in the pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa
Authors: Salman Md Habibur R. , Giomi Folco , Laparie Mathieu , Lehmann Philipp , Pitacco Andrea , Battisti Andrea
Published: February 2019

Diapause development is a complex process involving several eco‐physiological phases. Understanding these phases, especially diapause termination, is vital for interpreting the life history of many insect species and for developing suitable predictive models of population dynamics. The pine processionary moth is a major defoliator of pine and a vertebrate health hazard in the Mediterranean region. This species can display either univoltine or semivoltine development, with a pupal diapause extending from a few months to several years, respectively. Although the ecological and applied importance of diapause is acknowledged, its physiological regulation in either case remains obscure. In the present study, we characterize pre‐termination, termination and post‐termination phases of pupae developing as univoltine or remaining in prolonged diapause. Changes in metabolic activity are monitored continuously using thermocouples, comprising a novel method based on direct calorimetry, and periodically by use of O2 respirometry. The two methods clearly detect diapause termination in both types of pupae before any visible morphological or behavioural changes can be observed. Univoltine individuals are characterized by an increase in metabolic activity from pre‐termination through to termination and post‐termination, ultimately resulting in emergence. Remarkably, a synchronous termination is observed in individuals that enter prolonged diapause instead of emerging; however, in these pupae, the increased metabolic activity is only transient. The present study represents a starting point toward understanding the eco‐physiology of diapause development processes in the pupae of the pine processionary moth.
Clinical usefulness of routine AFB culture and MTB PCR of EBUS‐TBNA needle rinse fluid
Authors: Ko Ryoung‐Eun , Jeong Byeong‐Ho , Chon Hae Ri , Huh Hee Jae , Han Joungho , Lee Hyun , Lee Kyungjong , Kim Hojoong , Kwon O. Jung , Um Sang‐Won
Published: February 2019

Background and objective

We evaluated the usefulness of acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) culture and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) needle rinse fluid for diagnosing tuberculous lymphadenitis.

Methods

EBUS‐TBNA needle rinse fluid was routinely used for AFB culture and MTB PCR. The patients were categorized according to the pre‐procedural diagnosis (Group A, suspected/histology‐confirmed lung cancer; Group B, extrapulmonary malignancy; and Group C, other benign diseases).

Results

Of the 4672 subjects, 104 (2.2%) were diagnosed with tuberculous lymphadenitis; 1.0%, 4.6% and 12.7% of Group A, B and C, respectively. Tuberculous lymphadenitis was diagnosed in 0.2%, 1.0% and 4.5% Group A, B and C patients, respectively, by histopathology. On addition of AFB culture to histopathology, tuberculous lymphadenitis was diagnosed in 1.0%, 4.4% and 10.3% of Group A, B and C patients, respectively (P < 0.001, P = 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). On addition of MTB PCR to histopathology, tuberculous lymphadenitis was diagnosed in 0.4%, 1.9% and 8.8%, respectively (Group C; P = 0.029).

Conclusion

Routine AFB culture of needle rinse fluid was useful to increase the diagnostic yield of tuberculous lymphadenitis for all subjects who underwent EBUS‐TBNA regardless of pre‐procedural diagnosis in an intermediate tuberculosis (TB)‐burden country. However, MTB PCR was only useful in subjects with pre‐procedural diagnosis of benign pulmonary diseases.
Clinical utility of leflunomide for BK polyomavirus associated nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Keller Nicolas , Duquennoy Simon , Conrad Anne , Fafi‐Kremer Samira , Morelon Emmanuel , Bouvier Nicolas , Moulin Bruno , Hurault De Ligny Bruno , Caillard Sophie
Published: February 2019

Background

BK polyomavirus associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) is a significant clinical issue in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. No specific therapy is currently available, although treatment with leflunomide may be part of the therapeutic strategy. Here, we sought to examine the impact of leflunomide on the evolution of BKPyVAN.

Methods

This was an observational retrospective study conducted in 3 French transplant centers. KT recipients who developed BKPyVAN and received leflunomide after failure of other treatment approaches were deemed eligible. Graft function, viral clearance, patient survival, rejection rates, treatment tolerability, and immunosuppression levels served as the main outcome measures.

Results

A total of 55 patients were included. Treatment with leflunomide was started after a mean of 1.4 ± 4.1months  after BKPyVAN diagnosis. Between the introduction of leflunomide and the end of follow‐up, creatinine levels increased by 31 ± 118% (P = 0.04), whereas viremia decreased by 79 ± 37% (P < 0.001). Blood viral clearance was observed in 76% of the study patients. Rejection episodes occurred in 33% of the participants. Eleven patients lost their graft (9 of which because of BKPyVAN). Ten patients developed adverse effects and 3 discontinued leflunomide.

Conclusion

We cannot conclude about the exact place of leflunomide in the therapeutic strategy of BKPyVAN. It may be a part of the therapy to promote BK polyomavirus clearance in cases of BKPyVAN who fail to improve after immunosuppression lowering alone. Unfortunately, a significant decline in renal function and high rejection rates remain major clinical challenges.
Risk factors for acquisition of meningococcal carriage in the African meningitis belt
Authors: Cooper Laura V. , Robson Anna , Trotter Caroline L. , Aseffa Abraham , Collard Jean‐Marc , Daugla Doumagoum Moto , Diallo Aldiouma , Hodgson Abraham , Jusot Jean‐François , Omotara Babatunji , Sow Samba , Hassan‐King Musa , Manigart Olivier , Nascimento Maria , Woukeu Arouna , Chandramohan Daniel , Borrow Ray , Maiden Martin C. J. , Greenwood Brian , Stuart James M. ,   the MenAfriCar Consortium
Published: February 2019

Objective

To investigate potential risk factors for acquisition in seven countries of the meningitis belt.

Methods

Households were followed up every 2 weeks for 2 months, then monthly for a further 4 months. Pharyngeal swabs were collected from all available household members at each visit and questionnaires completed. Risks of acquisition over the whole study period and for each visit were analysed by a series of logistic regressions.

Results

Over the course of the study, acquisition was higher in: (i) 5‐to 14‐year olds, as compared with those 30 years or older (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4–9.9); (ii) smokers (OR 3.6, 95% CI 0.98–13); and (iii) those exposed to wood smoke at home (OR 2.6 95% CI 1.3–5.6). The risk of acquisition from one visit to the next was higher in those reporting a sore throat during the dry season (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.0–6.7) and lower in those reporting antibiotic use (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.03–0.56).

Conclusions

Acquisition of meningococcal carriage peaked in school age children. Recent symptoms of sore throat during the dry season, but not during the rainy season, were associated with a higher risk of acquisition. Upper respiratory tract infections may be an important driver of epidemics in the meningitis belt.
Surface wax esters contribute to drought tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Patwari Payal , Salewski Veronika , Gutbrod Katharina , Kreszies Tino , Dresen‐Scholz Brigitte , Peisker Helga , Steiner Ulrike , Meyer Andreas J. , Schreiber Lukas , Dörmann Peter
Published: February 2019

Waxes are components of the cuticle covering the aerial organs of plants. Accumulation of waxes has previously been associated with protection against water loss, therefore contributing to drought tolerance. However, not much information is known about the function of individual wax components during water deficit. We studied the role of wax ester synthesis during drought. The wax ester load on Arabidopsis leaves and stems was increased during water deficiency. Expression of three genes, WSD1, WSD6 and WSD7 of the wax ester synthase/diacylglycerol acyltransferase (WS/DGAT or WSD) family was induced during drought, salt stress and abscisic acid treatment. WSD1 has previously been identified as the major wax ester synthase of stems. wsd1 mutants have shown reduced wax ester coverage on leaves and stems during normal or drought condition, while wax ester loads of wsd6, wsd7 and of the wsd6wsd7 double mutant were unchanged. The growth and relative water content of wsd1 plants were compromised during drought, while leaf water loss of wsd1 was increased. Enzyme assays with recombinant proteins expressed in insect cells revealed that WSD6 and WSD7 contain wax ester synthase activity, albeit with different substrate specificity compared with WSD1. WSD6 and WSD7 localize to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi. These results demonstrated that WSD1 is involved in the accumulation of wax esters during drought, while WSD6 and WSD7 might play other specific roles in wax ester metabolism during stress.
Changes in minimum hemoglobin and interdonation interval: impact on donor hemoglobin and donation frequency
Authors: Goldman Mindy , Yi Qi‐Long , Steed Tony , O'Brien Sheila F
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

To reduce donor iron deficiency in whole blood donors, we changed our hemoglobin (Hb) cutoff in males and interdonation interval in females.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A change in messaging to females in fall 2016 was followed by changing the interdonation interval from 56 to 84 days in the appointment booking system (December 2016) and actual donation criterion (March 2017). The minimum Hb for males increased from 125 g/L to 130 g/L (March 2017). We evaluated Hb levels and deferral rates, donor presentations with a Hb level below 120 g/L, donation frequency, and donor base size before and after these changes.

RESULTS

The Hb deferral rate decreased in females from 13.0% to 9.5%, increased in males from 1.2% to 2.1%, and decreased overall from 6.8% to 5.4% (all p < 0.001). Mean Hb increased from 135.0 g/L to 136.2 g/L in females and from 149.9 g/L to 150.6 g/L in males (both p < 0.0001). The percentage of presentations with Hb below 120 g/L decreased by 27% in males and females (p < 0.001). Annual donation frequency decreased by 12% in females and 4% in males; the donor base was expanded by 5.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Many positive impacts were seen for female donors, including a shift in the Hb distribution curve to the right, and a large reduction in Hb deferrals. For males, there was an increase in Hb deferrals and a small increase in mean Hb. Changes were related to both reduced donation frequency and a shift in composition of the donor base.
Decontamination of 70 foster family homes exposed to Microsporum canis infected cats: a retrospective study
Authors: Moriello Karen A.
Published: February 2019

Background

Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal skin disease of animals. A key part of treatment is cleaning and disinfection of the environment to prevent false‐positive results due to fomite carriage. Furthermore, there is a perception in the lay literature that decontamination of homes is difficult or impossible.

Clinical Summary

Data from a 10 year period identified 70 foster family homes where Microsporum canis infected cats had lived for varying periods of time. Mechanical debris was removed from the rooms housing the cats, the areas cleaned with over‐the‐counter household detergents, rinsed and hard surfaces disinfected with 1:100 concentration household bleach or accelerated hydrogen peroxide. Thirty‐eight homes were completely decontaminated after one cleaning post removal or cure of the cat. Of the remaining homes, decontaminated was achieved after one (n=28), two (n=2) or three (n=1) additional cleanings. Complete decontamination was not possible in one home; the foster family was admittedly noncompliant. There was no evidence of disease transmission to other animals or people.

Conclusions

Environmental decontamination is not difficult in homes exposed to M. canis and can be accomplished with established procedures.
Xenotransplantation in Asia
Authors: Girani Lea , Xie Xiaofang , Lei Tiantian , Wei Liang , Wang Yi , Deng Shaoping
Published: February 2019

The organ shortage crisis affects most of the world today. In Asia, rates of deceased organ donation are extremely low due to sociocultural factors. In this context, implementing new organ donation policies is not enough; xenotransplantation remains the most promising way to solve the organ crisis. Most of the early research on xenotransplantation was conducted in the US and Europe. Today, however, Asia has caught up on its Western counterparts partly due to the increasing demand for organ transplants. Given the growing influence of countries such as China, South Korea, and Japan in xenotransplantation, this article provides the reader with an essential global understanding of the scientific and ethical issues currently at stake. Furthermore, it sheds light on the beliefs and values that shape the response of the Asian public to both organ donation and xenotransplantation.
Relevance and Transferability for Parallel Mechanisms With Reconfigurable Platforms
Authors: Kang Xi , Dai Jian S.
Published: February 2019

The parallel mechanism with a reconfigurable platform retains all advantages of parallel mechanisms and provides additional functions by virtue of the reconfigurable platform, leading to kinematic coupling between limbs that restricts development of the mechanism. This paper aims at dealing with kinematic coupling between limbs by investigating the transferability of limb constraints and their degrees of relevance to the platform constraints based on the geometric model of the mechanism. The paper applies screw-system theory to verifying the degree of relevance between limb constraint wrenches and platform constraint wrenches, and reveals the transferability of limb constraints, to obtain the final resultant wrenches and twists of the end effector. The proposed method is extended to parallel mechanisms with planar n-bar reconfigurable platforms, spherical n-bar reconfigurable platforms, and other spatial reconfigurable platforms and lends itself to a way of studying a parallel mechanism with a reconfigurable platform.