bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Electronic Physician Order-Set on Antibiotic Ordering Time in Septic Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Fargo Emily , D'Amico Frank , Pickering Aaron , Fowler Kathleen , Campbell Ronald , Baumgartner Megan
Published: December 2018

Background Sepsis is a serious medical condition that can lead to organ dysfunction and death. Research shows that each hour delay in antibiotic administration increases mortality. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign Bundles created standards to assist in the timely treatment of patients with suspected sepsis to improve outcomes and reduce mortality.

Objective This article determines if the use of an electronic physician order-set decreases time to antibiotic ordering for patients with sepsis in the emergency department (ED).

Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on adult patients who presented to the ED of four community hospitals from May to July 2016. Patients with severe sepsis and/or septic shock were included. Primary outcome was the difference in time to antibiotic ordering in patients whose physicians utilized the order-set versus those whose physicians did not. Secondary outcomes included differences in time to antibiotic administration, time to lactate test, hospital length of stay, and posthospitalization disposition. The institution's Quality Improvement Committee approved the project.

Results Forty-five of 123 patients (36.6%) with sepsis had physicians who used the order-set. Order-set utilization reduced the mean time to ordering antibiotics by 20 minutes (99 minutes, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 69–128 vs. 119 minutes, 95% CI: 91–147), but this finding was not statistically significant. Mean time to antibiotic administration (145 minutes, 95% CI: 108–181 vs. 182 minutes, 95% CI: 125–239) and median time to lactate tests (12 minutes, 95% CI: 0–20 vs. 19 minutes, 95% CI: 8–34), although in the direction of the hypotheses, were not significantly different.

Conclusion Utilization of the order-set was associated with a potentially clinically significant, but not statistically significant, reduced time to antibiotic ordering in patients with sepsis. Electronic order-sets are a promising tool to assist hospitals with meeting the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services core measure.
Complexity in financial asset returns: Evidence from the compass rose
Authors: Batten Jonathan A. , Lucey Brian M. , Peat Maurice
Published: December 2018

The compass rose pattern in financial data may indicate the presence of a nonlinear, possibly chaotic, data generating mechanism. The analysis of three key financial asset and denoised returns, gold, the Great British Pound/US dollar spot exchange rate, and the Standard & Poor's 500 stock index, reveals that over four equivalent subperiods, from 1996 to 2015, the compass rose pattern changes. This finding provides an opportunity to establish how noise affects financial time series. We conclude that the compass rose pattern is unlikely the product of an underlying nonlinear structure, since there is evidence of nonlinearity in all time periods, even those where the compass rose pattern is not evident. Therefore, the compass rose patterns, seen in the denoised data, suggest that the presence of noise masks the underlying dynamics of the asset returns.
Magnetosonic/whistler mode turbulence influences on ion dynamics
Authors: Saito S. , Nariyuki Y. , Umeda T.
Published: December 2018

The development of decaying magnetosonic/whistler mode turbulence is investigated, employing a two-dimensional, fully kinetic, particle-in-cell simulation that covers scales at the end of the inertial range. The anisotropic wavenumber spectrum of magnetic fluctuations reaches electron kinetic scales through the forward cascade of the turbulence. The magnetic fluctuations have intermittency at scales shorter than the ion inertial length. The intermittent nature leads to a localized steepening of magnetic fluctuations which accelerates ions nonlinearly in the direction perpendicular to the background magnetic field. The non-thermal ions have the speed of several times faster than the ion thermal speed. The fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulation shows important implications for a fundamental understanding of the non-thermal ion production in magnetosonic/whistler mode turbulence.
First-principles study of structural phase transformation and dynamical stability of cubic AlN semiconductors
Authors: Yaddanapudi Krishna
Published: December 2018

Phase transformation and stability of cubic aluminium nitride (AlN) phases such as zinc-blende and rock-salt have been investigated using first-principles calculations based on density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) within quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA). The phonon dispersion relations of both the cubic phases have been calculated at various high-symmetry points of the Brillouin Zone. The pressure and volume dependence of phonon frequencies have been investigated. The application of pressure results in opposite trend of transverse acoustic (TA) phonon frequencies for rock-salt and zinc-blende AlN phases. The TA frequencies found to increase for the former one and decrease for the latter one with the increase in pressure. The dynamical instability results in a volume expansion of rock-salt AlN close to the equilibrium volume of zinc-blende AlN. Phase transformation of these cubic phases is further investigated by computing an equilibrium pressure-temperature phase diagram within QHA. The cubic rock-salt AlN is found to form at high pressures and temperatures than zinc-blende AlN. The temperature dependence of lattice constant and the corresponding volume thermal expansion coefficient of both the cubic phases have been investigated.
Real-time switching dynamics of ferroelectric tunnel junctions under single-shot voltage pulses
Authors: Boyn S. , Chanthbouala A. , Girod S. , Carrétéro C. , Barthélémy A. , Bibes M. , Grollier J. , Fusil S. , Garcia V.
Published: December 2018

In ferroelectric memory devices, information is stored within the polarization direction whose reversal usually occurs by the nucleation and propagation of domains. In ultrathin ferroelectrics, ultrafast dynamics may be achieved by nucleation-limited switching, avoiding the inherently speed-limited propagation of domain walls. Here, we investigate polarization reversal dynamics in ultrathin ferroelectric films by transient current measurements. Thanks to the tunnel electroresistance, the start of polarization reversal induces sharp variations of the transmitted current under voltage pulses. These single-shot measurements show extremely fast switching with durations down to 3 ns that is only limited by the current device geometry. While the OFF-to-ON switching shows finite nucleation times that scale with the pulse amplitude, the ON-to-OFF switching speed cannot be detected under such rectangular pulses. Resorting to triangular pulse excitations allows us to detect the dynamics of this switching direction. Both cases can be interpreted by nucleation switching models following Merz's law.
Towards the development of analytical tornado-like models
Authors: Elsaesser D. , Fedorowicz K. , Utyuzhnikov S.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we analyze and develop modifications to two well-known analytical tornado-like models. First, the vortex sink with axial flow (VSAF) model is compared with results obtained from the vortex generator. It is shown that in a cylindrical coordinate system a secondary circulation at the tornado corner region can be responsible for structural discrepancies and vorticity distribution. A tangential velocity field is implemented in the VSAF model to predict an experimental distribution. A novel model is proposed to capture the secondary circulation. A modified model of the VSAF is introduced with piecewise-constant coefficients that enables to predict a shape of a tornado vortex. Further scaling analysis confirms dimensional similarity of tornadoes. The VSAF model is also modified using a Boussinesq-like approximation to take into account the effect of a buoyancy force within a tornado. Finally, the two-fluid model by Yih is used to show the influence of the atmospheric stratification on the radius of tornado.
Importance of genotype by environment interaction on genetic analysis of milk yield in Iranian Holstein cows using a random regression model
Authors: Fazel Y. , Esmailizadeh A. , Momen M. , Fozi M. Asadi
Published: December 2018

Changes in the relative performance of genotypes (sires) across different environments, which are referred to as genotype–environment interactions, play an important role in dairy production systems, especially in countries that rely on imported genetic material. Importance of genotype by environment interaction on genetic analysis of milk yield was investigated in Holstein cows by using random regression model. In total, 68945 milk test-day records of first, second and third lactations of 8515 animals that originated from 100 sires and 7743 dams in 34 herds, collected by the Iranian animal breeding centre during 2007–2009, were used. The different sires were considered as different genotypes, while factors such as herd size, herd milk average (HMA), herd protein average and herd fat average were used as criteria to define the different environments. The inclusion of the environmental descriptor improved not only the log-likelihood of the model, but also the Bayesian information criterion. The results showed that defining the environment on the basis of HMA affected genetic parameter estimations more than did the other environmental descriptors. The heritability of milk yield during lactating days reduced when sire × HMA was fitted to the model as an additional random effect, while the genetic and phenotypic correlations between lactating months increased. Therefore, ignoring this interaction term can lead to the biased genetic-parameter estimates, reduced selection accuracy and, thus, different ranking of the bulls in different environments.
Simultaneous adsorption of trace sulfamethoxazole and hexavalent chromium by biochar/MgAl layered double hydroxide composites
Authors: Li Guowan , Huang Zhujian , Chen Chengyu , Cui Hongcan , Su Yijuan , Yang Yang , Cui Lihua
Published: December 2018

Environmental contextWater contamination by antibiotics and heavy metals entails potential risks to both the environment and human health. Composite materials based on MgAl-layered double hydroxides and biochar simultaneously adsorbed the toxic sulfamethoxazole and CrVI metal species. These findings indicate that biochar/metal hydroxide composites could be valuable adsorbents for the simultaneous removal of trace antibiotics and metals from water.
AbstractWater contamination by antibiotics and heavy metals has drawn wide attention because of the potential risks it poses to both the environment and human health. In this study, a series of adsorbents was successfully synthesised based on MgAl-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and biochar (BC) derived from Pennisetum sinese Roxb. The batch adsorption experiment results showed that the obtained composites could effectively adsorb trace sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and CrVIsimultaneously. The simultaneous adsorption of trace SMX and CrVI are well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm models. Characterisation of the composites after adsorption showed that the composites adsorbed SMX mainly by π-π bonds, hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. Electrostatic interaction, anion exchange, intraparticle diffusion and hydrogen bonding are the main mechanisms for CrVI adsorption onto the composites. This study indicates that the biochar/MgAl layered double hydroxide composites are promising adsorbents for the simultaneous removal of trace antibiotics and CrVI.
George Szekeres 1911–2005
Authors: Cowling M. G. , Hunt D. C. , Steele J. D.
Published: December 2018

George Szekeres was a distinguished Hungarian-Australian mathematician, who worked in many different areas of mathematics, and with many collaborators. He was born in Budapest in 1911. His youth between the two World Wars was spent in Hungary, a country that, as a result of historical events, went through a golden age and produced a great number of exceptional intellects; his early mathematical explorations were in the company of several of these. However, for family reasons, he trained as a chemist rather than a mathematician. From 1938 to 1948, he lived in Shanghai, China, another remarkable city, where he experienced the horrors of persecution and war but nevertheless managed to prove some notable mathematical results. In 1948, he moved to Australia, as a lecturer, then senior lecturer, and finally reader, at the University of Adelaide, and then in 1964 he took up the Foundation Chair of Pure Mathematics at the University of New South Wales; in Australia he was able to bring his mathematical talents to fruition. After many years in Sydney, he returned to Adelaide, where he died in 2005. We discuss his early life in Hungary, his sojourn in Shanghai, and his mature period in Australia. We also discuss some aspects of his mathematical work, which is extraordinarily broad.
Wet-chemical extractions to characterise pedogenic Al and Fe species – a critical review
Authors: Rennert Thilo
Published: December 2018

Wet-chemical extraction of soil is a standard procedure to characterise pedogenic aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) species, especially oxides, allophanic minerals and metal–organic associations. This article critically reviews the suitability of commonly used extractants (e.g. dithionite, oxalate and pyrophosphate) and the potentials and restrictions in their use for species identification and in soil classification. None of the commonly used extractants is completely selective and quantitative. The degree of completeness differs between the extractants and depends on soil composition. Dithionite-based methods provide a ‘pseudo-total’ content of pedogenic Fe oxides, as they are not always completely dissolved. Oxalate may attack further non-target species, releasing additional Al and Fe. Therefore, the extraction of Al and Fe exclusively from poorly crystalline species is not always guaranteed. As a consequence of dispersion of aggregates, pyrophosphate solubilises both mineral particles and metals from organic associations. Thus, quantification of species based on these extractions and their implementation in pedogenic thresholds may be questionable. Alternative extractants such as citrate–ascorbate and dithionite–citrate–oxalate could be used in addition, as applicable and reliable wet-chemical extractions will be still demanded for research and practical applications. The examination of the effectiveness and selectivity of wet-chemical extraction methods by spectroscopic techniques is recommended.
Proanthocyanidin and anthocyanins from the hulls and beards of red-kerneled rice and their antiglycation properties
Authors: Ganeko Natsuki , Kato Nana , Watanabe Saki , Bastian Februadi , Miyake Masateru , Ito Hideyuki
Published: December 2018

In the current study, we isolated a proanthocyanidin oligomer from the hulls of red-kerneled rice. The structure of the oligomer was characterized based on spectral data and chemical reaction. Furthermore, two anthocyanins were isolated from the beards of the same source. The proanthocyanidins and beard extract showed more potent inhibitory and cleaving activities than those of positive controls, respectively.
Fer1l6 is essential for the development of vertebrate muscle tissue in zebrafish
Authors: Bonventre Josephine A. , Holman Chelsea , Manchanda Aayushi , Codding Sara J. , Chau Trisha , Huegel Jacob , Barton Carrie , Tanguay Robert , Johnson Colin P.
Published: December 2018

The precise spatial and temporal expression of genes is essential for proper organismal development. Despite their importance, however, many developmental genes have yet to be identified. We have determined that Fer1l6, a member of the ferlin family of genes, is a novel factor in zebrafish development. We find that Fer1l6 is expressed broadly in the trunk and head of zebrafish larvae and is more restricted to gills and female gonads in adult zebrafish. Using both genetic mutant and morpholino knockdown models, we found that loss of Fer1l6 led to deformation of striated muscle tissues, delayed development of the heart, and high morbidity. Further, expression of genes associated with muscle cell proliferation and differentiation were affected. Fer1l6 was also detected in the C2C12 cell line, and unlike other ferlin homologues, we found Fer1l6 expression was independent of the myoblast-to-myotube transition. Finally, analysis of cell and recombinant protein–based assays indicate that Fer1l6 colocalizes with syntaxin 4 and vinculin, and that the putative C2 domains interact with lipid membranes. We conclude that Fer1l6 has diverged from other vertebrate ferlins to play an essential role in zebrafish skeletal and cardiac muscle development.
Cyclin C directly stimulates Drp1 GTP affinity to mediate stress-induced mitochondrial hyperfission
Authors: Ganesan Vidyaramanan , Willis Stephen D. , Chang Kai-Ti , Beluch Samuel , Cooper Katrina F. , Strich Randy
Published: December 2018

Mitochondria exist in an equilibrium between fragmented and fused states that shifts heavily toward fission in response to cellular damage. Nuclear-to-cytoplasmic cyclin C relocalization is essential for dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)–dependent mitochondrial fission in response to oxidative stress. This study finds that cyclin C directly interacts with the Drp1 GTPase domain, increases its affinity to GTP, and stimulates GTPase activity in vitro. In addition, the cyclin C domain that binds Drp1 is contained within the non–Cdk binding second cyclin box domain common to all cyclin family members. This interaction is important, as this domain is sufficient to induce mitochondrial fission when expressed in mouse embryonic fibroblasts in the absence of additional stress signals. Using gel filtration chromatography and negative stain electron microscopy, we found that cyclin C interaction changes the geometry of Drp1 oligomers in vitro. High–molecular weight low–GTPase activity oligomers in the form of short filaments and rings were diminished, while dimers and elongated filaments were observed. Our results support a model in which cyclin C binding stimulates the reduction of low–GTPase activity Drp1 oligomers into dimers capable of producing high–GTPase activity filaments.
Inverse Relationship Between Coarse Food Grain Intake and Blood Pressure Among Young Chinese Adults
Authors: Liu Xin , Liao Xia , Gan Wei , Ding Xinyun , Gao Bei , Wang Hao , Zhao Xu , Liu Yingxue , Feng Leilei , Abdulkadil Wurrguli , Li Yanqin
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Coarse food grains are rich in dietary fiber and contain a wide range of nutrients with potential health benefits, such as blood pressure control. Coarse food grains are very popular in China, where hypertension is a major challenge. We evaluated the associations between coarse food grain consumption and blood pressure among young Chinese adults.

METHODS

A total of 104 men and women aged 18–35 years, who participated in a pilot study of the Carbohydrate Alternatives and Metabolic Phenotypes study, were included in the present analysis. Food frequency questionnaires were used to collect dietary intake data. Blood pressure was measured using a digital monitor. A multivariate general linear model was used to evaluate the putative associations.

RESULTS

Overall, 12.5% of our participants have regular habits of coarse food grain intake (at least 4 days/week). Age was positively associated with both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (all Ps for trend < 0.05). With multivariable adjustment, including for body mass index and physical activity level, the frequency of coarse food grain intake was inversely associated with both SBP and DBP (all Ps for trend < 0.05). Similar associations were observed for estimated daily coarse food grain intake with SBP (β coefficient ± SE = −0.039 ± 0.017, P = 0.024) and DBP (β coefficient ± SE = −0.033 ± 0.013, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

In our sample of young Chinese adults, higher coarse food grain intake was associated with lower SBP and DBP.
Examination of Regression-based Discrepancy Scores for the RBANS in Detecting Cognitive Impairment from an Archival Sample
Authors: Goette William F , Schmitt Andrew L
Published: December 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of regression-based formulas for the RBANS indexes in screening for cognitive impairment.

Method

A database of neuropsychological test results was created from archival records in a memory assessment clinic. The sample consisted of 83 individuals (37 males/46 females) with an average age of 70.1 (SD = 9.8) and 14.6 years of education (SD = 2.8). Diagnostic accuracy of regression-based predictions provided by Duff and Ramezani (2015) (Duff, K., & Ramezani, A. (2015). Regression-based normative formulae for the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status for older adults. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 30, 600–604.) and from regression of WTAR standard score were examined via receiver operator characteristic curves. Preliminary generalizability investigation was completed using two additional datasets.

Results

The WTAR was found to mediate the relationship between education and all RBANS index scores. The WTAR standard score was also found to contribute uniquely and significantly to the prediction of RBANS performance. Results of diagnostic accuracy analyses showed similar discriminating accuracy for all scores. There was limited support for using the WTAR over demographic variables alone in the estimation of RBANS performance; however, the WTAR was found to be more predictive than education, indicating potential clinical utility to using the word-reading score over just years of attained education.

Conclusions

Use of these derived Total Scale score variants is recommended for the screening of cognitive impairment, particularly in individuals with superior or poor educational quality. Further research is required to evaluate the utility of these variations in more diverse samples.
Neural Correlates of Enhanced Memory for Meaningful Associations with Age
Authors: Amer Tarek , Giovanello Kelly S , Nichol Daniel R , Hasher Lynn , Grady Cheryl L
Published: December 2018

Evidence suggests that age differences in associative memory are attenuated for associations that are consistent with prior knowledge. Such knowledge structures have traditionally been associated with the default network (DN), which also shows reduced modulation with age. In the present study, we investigated whether DN activity and connectivity patterns could account for this age-related effect. Younger and older adults underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging as they learned realistic and unrealistic prices of common grocery items. Both groups showed greater activity in the DN during the encoding of realistic, relative to unrealistic, prices. Moreover, DN activity at encoding and retrieval and its connectivity with an attention control network at encoding were associated with enhanced memory for realistic prices. Finally, older adults showed overactivation of control regions during retrieval of realistic prices relative to younger adults. Our findings suggest that DN activity and connectivity patterns (traditionally viewed as indicators of cognitive failure with age), and additional recruitment of control regions, might underlie older adults’ enhanced memory for meaningful associations.
Persistence of Imported Malaria Into the United Kingdom: An Epidemiological Review of Risk Factors and At-risk Groups
Authors: Moyo Qubekani M , Besser Martin , Lynn Roderick , Lever Andrew M L
Published: December 2018

Background

The United Kingdom documented a decline of >30% in imported cases of malaria annually between 1996 and 2003; however, there are still approximately 1700 cases and 5–10 deaths each year. Prophylaxis health messages focus on families returning to their country of origin.

Methods

We reviewed 225 records of patients seen in Cambridge University Hospital Foundation Trust [CUHFT], a tertiary referral center in Cambridge, England. All records of patients seen in CUHFT between 2002–2016 were analyzed in the context of national figures from Public Health England.

Results

Between 2004–2016, there was no decrease in imported cases of malaria locally or nationally. Plasmodium falciparum remains responsible for most imported infections (66.7%); Plasmodium vivax contributed 15.1%, Plasmodium malariae 4%, and Plasmodium ovale 6.7%; 7.5% (17/225) of patients had an incomplete record. Most cases were reported in people coming from West Africa. Sierra Leone and the Ivory Coast had the highest proportions of travelers being infected at 8 and 7 per 1000, respectively. Visiting family in the country of origin (27.8%) was the commonest reason for travel. However, this was exceeded by the combined numbers traveling for business and holidays (22.5% and 20.1%, respectively). Sixty percent of patients took no prophylaxis. Of those who did, none of the patients finished their chemoprophylaxis regimen.

Conclusions

Significant numbers of travelers to malarious countries still take no chemoprophylaxis. Health advice about prophylaxis before travel should be targeted not only at those visiting family in their country of origin but also to those traveling for holiday and work.
Low Admission Plasma Gelsolin Concentrations Identify Community-acquired Pneumonia Patients at High Risk for Severe Outcomes
Authors: Self Wesley H , Wunderink Richard G , DiNubile Mark J , Stossel Thomas P , Levinson Susan L , Williams Derek J , Anderson Evan J , Bramley Anna M , Jain Seema , Edwards Kathryn M , Grijalva Carlos G
Published: December 2018

Background

Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) is an abundant circulating protein that neutralizes actin exposed by damaged cells, modulates inflammatory responses, and enhances alveolar macrophage antimicrobial activity. We investigated whether adults with low pGSN at hospital admission for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) were at high risk for severe outcomes.

Methods

Admission pGSN concentrations in 455 adults hospitalized with CAP were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were grouped into the following 4 hierarchical, mutually exclusive categories based on maximum clinical severity experienced during their hospitalization: general floor care without intensive care unit (ICU) admission, invasive respiratory or vasopressor support (IRVS), or death; ICU care without IRVS or death; IRVS without death; or death. Admission pGSN concentrations were compared across these discrete outcome categories. Additionally, outcomes among patients in the lowest quartile of pGSN concentration were compared to those in the upper 3 quartiles.

Results

Overall, median (interquartile range) pGSN concentration was 38.1 (32.1, 45.7) μg/mL. Patients with more severe outcomes had lower pGSN concentrations (P = .0001); median values were 40.3 μg/mL for floor patients, 36.7 μg/mL for ICU patients, 36.5 μg/mL for patients receiving IRVS, and 25.7 μg/mL for patients who died. Compared to patients with higher pGSN concentrations, patients in the lowest quartile (pGSN ≤ 32.1 μg/mL) more often required IRVS (21.2% vs 11.7%, P = .0114) and died (8.8% vs 0.9%, P < .0001).

Conclusions

Among adults hospitalized with CAP, lower pGSN concentrations were associated with more severe clinical outcomes. Future studies are planned to investigate possible therapeutic benefits of recombinant human pGSN in this population.
Implication of interleukin-2 receptor antibody induction therapy in standard risk renal transplant in the tacrolimus era: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ali Hatem , Mohiuddin Atif , Sharma Ajay , Shaheen Ihab , Kim Jon Jin , El Kosi Mohsen , Halawa Ahmed
Published: December 2018

Background

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) antagonist has been used as an induction therapy in many centres in calcineurin inhibitor-sparing regimens. Tacrolimus has overwhelmingly replaced cyclosporine in the maintenance immunosuppressive protocols in many transplant centres. The aim of our study and meta-analysis is to explore the effect of IL-2 induction therapy on the rate of rejection and patient and graft survival in standard-risk renal transplant patients with tacrolimus-based maintenance immunotherapy. Secondary aims included assessment of the effect of IL-2 induction therapy on creatinine change and the risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review in different databases to identify studies and research work that assessed the effect of IL-2 antibody induction therapy on renal transplant outcomes. Inclusion criteria for our meta-analysis were all studies that compared IL-2 induction therapy with placebo or no induction therapy in standard-risk renal transplant recipients on tacrolimus-based maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. Data collected were the name of the first author, journal title, year of publication, country where the study was conducted, number of patients in the IL-2 induction therapy arm and in the placebo arm, number of patients who had biopsy-proven rejection and graft survival in each arm. A random effects model was used for the meta-analysis.

Results

Of the 470 articles found in different databases, 7 were included in the meta-analysis. Forest plot analysis for rate of rejection during the follow-up period post-transplant showed no significant difference between the groups. There was no evidence of heterogenicity between included studies (I2 = 21.8%, P = 0.27). The overall risk difference was −0.02 [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.05–0.01]. A random effects meta-analysis for patient and graft survival was performed using forest plot analysis and showed no significant effect of IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) antibody induction on patient or graft survival compared with placebo. The overall risk difference was −0.01 (95% CI −0.04–0.01) and 0.00 (95% CI −0.00–0.01), respectively. Three of the included studies showed no effect of basiliximab on creatinine change, two showed no effect on risk of CMV infection and two showed less risk of post-transplant diabetes in the basiliximab group.

Conclusion

IL-2R antibody induction therapy has no significant effect on the rate of rejection or patient or graft survival in standard-risk renal transplant recipients on tacrolimus-based maintenance immunotherapy. More randomized controlled studies are needed.
Dental arch effects after early and later timed cervical headgear treatment—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Julku Johanna , Hannula Matti , Pirilä-Parkkinen Kirsi , Tolvanen Mimmi , Pirttiniemi Pertti
Published: December 2018

Background

Cervical headgear (CH) is a commonly used orthodontic appliance and its dentoalveolar changes are known. However, the effects related to gender and timing have gained less attention.

Objectives

To examine dimensions of dental arches among children with Class II occlusion without posterior mandibular rotation according to timing of Kloehn-type CH treatment.

Trial design

Prospective, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial.

Methods

Sixty-seven seven-year-old children with a Class II occlusion were included in the study. The children were randomized into two equal-size groups in 1:1 ratio by sealed-envelope randomization. The early group (EG, n = 33) was treated between T0 and T1 (26 months), right after eruption of the first maxillary molars. The late group (LG, n = 34) was treated between T1 and T2 (24 months). The children were treated with CH until normal Class I occlusion on first molars was achieved. Impressions for dental casts were taken from all participants at T0, T1, and T2. Blinding was applicable for outcome assessors. Changes in dental cast measurements were compared between the groups and genders using t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

Of the children, 56 completed the study. The maxillary arch length and the transversal changes between the upper canines and upper first molars were significantly increased in EG at T0−T1 (P < 0.001). At T2, the transversal dimension between the upper first molars was larger (P < 0.05), and in the lower arch the mandibular arch length (P < 0.05) and the transversal dimension between the lower first molars (P < 0.01) were increased in EG males compared to LG males. No harms were encountered.

Conclusions

The male gender benefits most from early timing of the CH treatment, showing larger dimensions at the end of the follow-up. The results clearly indicated a wider and longer upper dental arch and spontaneous expansion of the lower dental arch after treatment.

Clinical Registration

NCT02010346.
The Duke’s Favourites: Towards a Gendered View of the Politics of Concubinage at the Early Modern Court*
Authors: Maritz Regine
Published: December 2018

Mistresses at the early modern court have only recently been discovered as subjects of political history. They are now increasingly discussed alongside male favourites, and while this essay welcomes this development, it also argues that this should not result in the degendering of the practice of concubinage. The upkeep of extramarital relationships was not a viable option for ruling women, and if they transgressed this cultural norm, they were sanctioned severely, as is illustrated by case of Sophie Dorothea of Celle. Such a clear gendering of a specific practice indicates that there was power at stake. Here it is argued that we can only fully appreciate the political dimension of concubinage if we broaden our perspective beyond the mistress-ruler relationship to include the political configuration of the ruling ‘working couple’, which was of crucial importance specifically at Protestant German-speaking courts. The comparison of a male favourite and a female favourite in the duchy of Württemberg exemplifies how both these actors could recalibrate specific configurations of power in ways that departed from the God-given order of governance and thus induce anxiety in contemporaries. Female favourite Magdalena Möringer took on functions of the local duchess and thus helped the duke concentrate power in his person by breaking up the deeply rooted assumptions about the collaborative labour of ruling couples that were influential in early modern Germany.
Patterns of body mass index milestones in early life and cardiometabolic risk in early adolescence
Authors: Aris Izzuddin M , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L , Li Ling-Jun , Kleinman Ken P , Coull Brent A , Gold Diane R , Hivert Marie-France , Kramer Michael S , Oken Emily
Published: December 2018

Background

Few studies have examined the independent and combined relationships of body mass index (BMI) peak and rebound with adiposity, insulin resistance and metabolic risk later in life. We used data from Project Viva, a well-characterized birth cohort from Boston with repeated measures of BMI, to help fill this gap.

Methods

Among 1681 children with BMI data from birth to mid childhood, we fitted individual BMI trajectories using mixed-effects models with natural cubic splines and estimated age, and magnitude of BMI, at peak (in infancy) and rebound (in early childhood). We obtained cardiometabolic measures of the children in early adolescence (median 12.9 years) and analysed their associations with the BMI parameters.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, age and magnitude at infancy BMI peak were associated with greater adolescent adiposity, and earlier adiposity rebound was strongly associated with greater adiposity, insulin resistance and metabolic risk score independently of BMI peak. Children with a normal timing of BMI peak plus early rebound had an adverse cardiometabolic profile, characterized by higher fat mass index {β 2.2 kg/m2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6, 2.9]}, trunk fat mass index [1.1 kg/m2 (0.8, 1.5)], insulin resistance [0.2 units (0.04, 0.4)] and metabolic risk score [0.4 units (0.2, 0.5)] compared with children with a normal BMI peak and a normal rebound pattern. Children without a BMI peak (no decline in BMI after the rise in infancy) also had adverse adolescent metabolic profiles.

Conclusions

Early age at BMI rebound is a strong risk factor for cardiometabolic risk, independent of BMI peak. Children with a normal peak-early rebound pattern, or without any BMI decline following infancy, are at greatest risk of adverse cardiometabolic profile in adolescence. Routine monitoring of BMI may help to identify children who are at greatest risk of developing an adverse cardiometabolic profile in later life and who may be targeted for preventive interventions.
Patterns of Cause-Specific Mortality Among 2053 Survivors of Retinoblastoma, 1914–2016
Authors: Kleinerman Ruth A , Tucker Margaret A , Sigel Byron S , Abramson David H , Seddon Johanna M , Morton Lindsay M
Published: December 2018

Background

Previous studies of hereditary retinoblastoma survivors have reported elevated mortality, particularly for sarcomas, compared with the general population. However, cause-specific mortality patterns for long-term hereditary and nonhereditary retinoblastoma survivors are poorly understood.

Methods

Among 2053 retinoblastoma patients diagnosed during 1914–2006 at two major US treatment centers and followed to 2016, we estimated cumulative mortality, standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), and absolute excess risks (AERs) compared with the US general population.

Results

Most deaths occurred in 1129 hereditary retinoblastoma patients (n = 518 deaths, cumulative mortality 70 years after retinoblastoma = 75.8%, 95% CI = 69.0% to 82.6%; SMR = 8.5, 95% CI = 7.7 to 9.2). Of these, 267 were due to subsequent cancers (SMR = 27.4, 95% CI = 24.2 to 30.9; AER = 72.3 deaths/10 000 person-years), for which SMRs were highest 15–29 years after diagnosis (n = 69, SMR = 89.9, 95% CI = 70.0 to 113.8) but remained statistically significantly elevated at 60 and more years (n = 14, SMR = 6.7, 95% CI = 3.6 to 11.2), whereas AERs increased with time (AER<15years = 38.0; AER60+years = 327.5). Increased risk of death due to cancers of pancreas, large intestines, and kidney were noted for the first time. Overall risk of subsequent cancers was greater for those treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy compared to radiotherapy alone, although patterns varied by organ site. For 924 patients with nonhereditary retinoblastoma, we noted a modestly increased risk of death for subsequent cancers (n = 27, SMR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2 to 2.6) possibly due to treatment or misclassification of hereditary status. Risks of noncancer causes of death were not elevated for hereditary or nonhereditary patients.

Conclusion

Hereditary retinoblastoma survivors died mainly from an excess risk of subsequent cancers up to six decades later, highlighting the need to develop long-term clinical management guidelines for hereditary retinoblastoma survivors treated in the past.
Operating at the very low end of the crassulacean acid metabolism spectrum: Sesuvium portulacastrum (Aizoaceae)
Authors: Winter Klaus , Garcia Milton , Virgo Aurelio , Holtum Joseph A M
Published: December 2018

Leaves and stems of the pantropical coastal herb Sesuvium portulacastrum exhibit low-level CAM that is enhanced by drought-stress, emphasizing the need for careful characterization of photosynthetic physiology when selecting species to study the evolution of photosynthetic pathways.
The influence of the dynamic state of galaxy clusters on segregation phenomena and velocity dispersion profiles
Authors: Nascimento R S , Lopes P A A , Ribeiro A L B , Costa A P , Morell D F
Published: December 2018

In this work we investigate the influence of the dynamic state of galaxy clusters on segregation effects and velocity dispersion profiles (VDPs) for a sample of 111 clusters extracted from SDSS-DR7. We find that 73 clusters have Gaussian (G) velocity distribution and 38 clusters have a complex or non-Gaussian (NG) velocity distribution. We also split the G and NG samples into ‘active’ and ‘passive’ galaxies, according to their specific star formation rates and stellar masses. Our results indicate a strong spatial segregation between active and passive galaxies both in G and NG systems, with passive galaxies being more central. We also found that the passive population in G systems is the only family with lower velocity dispersions for the brightest galaxies (Mr ≲ −22.75), thus presenting velocity segregation with luminosity. The similarity found between the VDPs of the galaxy populations in NG systems indicates that these sets probably share a similar mix of orbits. We also found a clear evolutionary trend for G systems, with brighter galaxies in massive clusters having flatter VDPs. The scenario emerging from this study suggests a direct relationship between segregation effects, VDPs, and the dynamic state of clusters.
Joint association of vitamins D and K status with long-term outcomes in stable kidney transplant recipients
Authors: van Ballegooijen Adriana J , Beulens Joline W J , Keyzer Charlotte A , Navis Gerjan J , Berger Stefan P , de Borst Martin H , Vervloet Marc G , Bakker Stephan J L
Published: December 2018

Background

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) experience substantial survival benefit compared with dialysis patients. However, their mortality and graft failure risk remain high. KTRs are often low in micronutrient status, including vitamins D and K. We investigated the association of both vitamins D and K status, and vitamin D treatment with all-cause mortality and death-censored graft failure.

Methods

We studied 461 KTRs from a single-centre study at median 6.1 years after transplantation. At baseline, vitamins D and K concentrations were measured by 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and dephosphorylated uncarboxylated matrix gla protein (dp-ucMGP) and patients were categorized into: 25(OH)D <50/≥50 nmol/L and median dp-ucMGP <1057/≥1057 pmol/L.

Results

Mean age was 52 ± 12 years, and 122 KTRs (26%) had low vitamins D and K status. During median 9.8 years follow-up, 128 patients (28%) died and 48 (10%) developed death-censored graft failure. Low vitamins D and K status was associated with 2.33 (1.26–4.30) [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval)] increased mortality risk and 3.25 (1.17–9.08) increased graft failure risk compared with KTR with 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol/L and dp-ucMGP <1057 pmol/L. Dp-ucMGP was strongly associated with mortality (per 500 pmol/L increase): 1.41 (1.08–1.41) for vitamin D treatment versus no treatment 1.07 (0.97–1.18), and graft failure 1.71 (1.17–2.49) for vitamin D treatment versus 1.19 (1.05–1.36) no treatment, P-interaction <0.07 for vitamin D treatment (n = 44).

Conclusions

Combined vitamins D and K deficiency are highly prevalent and are associated with increased mortality and graft failure risk compared with high vitamins D and K status. Low vitamin K status was strongly associated with an increased risk of premature mortality and graft failure for patients treated with vitamin D versus no vitamin D treatment.
OCCUPATIONAL EYE LENS DOSE ESTIMATED USING WHOLE-BODY DOSEMETER IN INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY AND RADIOLOGY: A MONTE CARLO STUDY
Authors: Božović Predrag , Ciraj-Bjelac Olivera , Petrović Jelena Stanković
Published: December 2018

Medical personnel performing interventional procedures in cardiology and radiology is considered to be a professional group exposed to high doses of ionizing radiation. Reduction of the eye lens dose limit made its assessment in the interventional procedures one of the most challenging topics. The objective of this work is to assess eye lens doses based on the whole-body doses using methods of computational dosimetry. Assessment included different C-arm orientations (PA, LAO and RAO), tube voltages (80 –110 kV) and efficiency of different combinations of protective equipment used in interventional procedures. Center position at the height of the thyroid gives best estimate of eye lens dose, with spreads of 11% (13%), 13% (17%) and 14% (13%) for the left (right) eye lens. The conversion factors of 1.03 (0.83), 1.28 (1.06) and 1.36 (1.06) to convert whole body to eye lens dose were derived for positions of first operator, nurse and radiographer, respectively. The eye lens dose reduction factors for different combinations of applied protective equipment are 178, 5 and 6, respectively.
Biofumigation: Opportunities and Challenges for Control of Soilborne Diseases in Nursery Production
Authors: Baysal-Gurel Fulya , Liyanapathiranage Prabha , Mullican Jill
Published: December 2018

Soilborne diseases reduce crop performance, increase costs to the nursery producers, and can cause potential ecological damage to the natural environment. In particular, soilborne diseases caused by Phytophthora nicotianae and Rhizoctonia solani are the most economically important problems of southeastern U.S. nursery producers. Methyl bromide was widely used as a standard treatment in many parts of the world until the implementation of the Montreal Protocol. Since then, many chemical and nonchemical soilborne disease management methods have been tested but are not yet providing effective and consistent results like methyl bromide. Cover crops that belong to the Brassicaceae family can be incorporated into the soil to control soilborne diseases, and this process is widely known as biofumigation. Glucosinolates that are available inside Brassicaceae plant cells can be hydrolyzed into isothiocyanates, and these compounds are proven to be highly biocidal to many microorganisms (including fungi, oomycetes, nematodes, and bacteria), insects, and germinating weed seeds. The use of biofumigant cover crops is a newer area of research in woody ornamental nursery production that has been previously explored most extensively in row crop, vegetable, fruit, and flower production. This review article compiles previous research observations in biofumigation while emphasizing the potential of biofumigation to control diseases in nursery production caused by soilborne pathogens.
The Impact of Individual Mentored Career Development (K) Awards on the Research Trajectories of Early-Career Scientists
Authors: Nikaj Silda , Lund P. Kay
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This analysis examined the role of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) individual Mentored Career Development Award (K01, K08, K23) on launching and sustaining independent research careers for early-career scientists, and investigated the effects of these awards during and after the doubling of the NIH budget.

Method

The authors used grants data from the NIH covering the period 1990 through 2016, and compared success in receipt of R01 equivalent awards (R01 Eq.) and Research Project Grants (RPGs) for K awardees and K applicants who did not receive funding. The analysis combined regression discontinuity design with coarsened exact matching, and regression.

Results

Overall, receipt of K award was associated with a 24.1% increase in likelihood of first independent NIH award (P < .01), and a larger number of R01 Eq. and RPG awards. After accounting for first major independent awards, K awards were uncorrelated with receiving second major independent research awards. Comparing different funding periods, K01 awards were predictive of subsequent R01 Eq. and RPG awards after but not during the NIH doubling, K08 awards were predictive only during the NIH doubling, and K23 awards were predictive during both periods.

Conclusions

Receipt of Mentored Career Development Awards was linked to increased likelihood that early-career scientists successfully transitioned to an independent research career. These findings indicate that extending funding to additional K award applicants with meritorious scores could significantly strengthen the pipeline of biomedical researchers. In addition, enhancing K awards may be relevant to sustaining research careers for clinician scientists.