bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep duration and bedtime in preschool‐age children with obesity: Relation to BMI and diet following a weight management intervention
Authors: Simon Stacey L. , Goetz Amy R. , Meier Maxene , Brinton John , Zion Cynthia , Stark Lori J.
Published: June 2019

Background

Sleep duration is associated with obesity in preschoolers. Weight‐management interventions may be an opportunity to incorporate sleep health recommendations.

Objectives

To examine changes in sleep in preschool‐age children with obesity following a family‐based weight‐management intervention (Learning about Activity and Understanding Nutrition for Child Health [LAUNCH]) compared with motivational interviewing and standard care conditions. Additionally, we examined associations between sleep with body mass index (BMI) z score (BMIz) and diet.

Methods

One hundred fifty‐one children (4.6 ± 0.93 y) completed baseline (pretreatment) and posttreatment (week 24) assessments, including anthropometrics, 24‐hour dietary recalls, and a 7‐day sleep diary. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi‐squared tests compared sleep variables between groups; linear regression models examined effects of sleep on BMIz and dietary intake at posttreatment, controlling for baseline values.

Results

Bedtime and sleep duration were not significantly different between treatment groups from baseline to posttreatment. After adjusting for baseline sleep, earlier bedtime was associated with lower BMIz (95% CI, 0.00‐0.04; .03), intake of added sugars (95% CI, 0.70‐4.32; .007), and sweet/dessert food servings (95% CI, 0.00‐0.19; .04) at posttreatment. Longer night‐time sleep duration was associated with fewer added sugars at posttreatment, adjusting for baseline sleep (95% CI, −3.79 to −0.35; .02).

Conclusions

More comprehensive sleep intervention incorporated into weight‐management intervention may be necessary to promote positive changes for preschoolers with obesity. A focus on earlier bedtime and longer sleep duration appears to be important given associations between sleep duration and bedtime with BMIz and dietary intake.
Making Space, Offering Voice
Authors: Spies Miriam
Published: June 2019

By looking closely at the biblical narrative of the man born blind (John 9:1‐41), this article raises how Jesus enables and promotes the participation and, even more so, the leadership of people with disabilities in God’s transformative mission in the church and the world. Through examining each scene in the story through a disability lens, this article aims to challenge the church on how it views leaders with disabilities in God's mission, making space for our voices and our witness as disciples of Christ.
A Nonverbal Mission
Authors: Novsima Isabella
Published: June 2019

Popularly, theology and mission are understood as the works of words and language. Starting from the perspective of women with intellectual disabilities who experience trauma, this paper proposes an apophatic approach for theology and mission that gives the primacy of nonverbal self‐expression over verbal logocentrism. Such a proposal places vulnerability at the heart of the Christian mission.
People with Disabilities – In Order to Belong, They Need to Be Missed!
Authors: Naudé John
Published: June 2019

People with disabilities are often excluded within our churches: Why is that so? This paper will explore why disabled people are not missed within our churches as a mission group and as a member of the body of Christ. It will also explore why the fact that they are not missed makes them feel like they do not belong in the church. The paper will conclude with what people with disabilities have to offer the church, and what the church can positively do to help them feel like they belong through our mission and inclusion of them into the full ministry of the church.
The benefit of native uniqueness in a local red cattle breed from Northern Germany
Authors: Schäler Jonas , Hinrichs Dirk , Thaller Georg
Published: June 2019

During last decades, native uniqueness decreased in local livestock breeds due to the introgression of high‐yielding breeds. Recovery of native uniqueness became important because of conservation aspects regarding native genetic diversity and native traits. Thereby the expectation exists, that the relation between native uniqueness and genetic gain is contradictory. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of native uniqueness on performance traits and the total merit index in a local red cattle breed from Northern Germany. Data contained a pedigree file of 178,255 Red Dual‐Purpose cattle, 809 target genotypes and 3,581 reference genotypes from introgressed breeds. Native genetic contributions were tested for correlation with performance traits of milk yield, longevity, foundation, somatic cells, fertility and maternal calving and the total merit index. The study revealed that native uniqueness is favourably related to longevity (0.16), foundation (0.23), and somatic cells (0.08), and the total merit index (0.10). Selection on native uniqueness could probably lead to an increased longevity, udder health and genetic gain of the Red Dual‐Purpose cattle. Moreover, it was shown that the Red Dual‐Purpose cattle was not upgraded through introgression of high‐yielding breeds.
Metabolic signature associated with parameters of the complete blood count in apparently healthy individuals
Authors: Masuch Annette , Budde Kathrin , Kastenmüller Gabi , Artati Anna , Adamski Jerzy , Völzke Henry , Nauck Matthias , Pietzner Maik
Published: June 2019

Metabolomics studies now approach large sample sizes and the health characterization of the study population often include complete blood count (CBC) results. Upon careful interpretation the CBC aids diagnosis and provides insight into the health status of the patient within a clinical setting. Uncovering metabolic signatures associated with parameters of the CBC in apparently healthy individuals may facilitate interpretation of metabolomics studies in general and related to diseases. For this purpose 879 subjects from the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)‐TREND were included. Using metabolomics data resulting from mass‐spectrometry based measurements in plasma samples associations of specific CBC parameters with metabolites were determined by linear regression models. In total, 118 metabolites significantly associated with at least one of the CBC parameters. Strongest associations were observed with metabolites of heme degradation and energy production/consumption. Inverse association seen with mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin comprised metabolites potentially related to kidney function. The presently identified metabolic signatures are likely derived from the general function and formation/elimination of blood cells. The wealth of associated metabolites strongly argues to consider CBC in the interpretation of metabolomics studies, in particular if mutual effects on those parameters by the disease of interest are known.
Antecedents of attachment states of mind in normative‐risk and high‐risk caregiving: cross‐race and cross‐sex generalizability in two longitudinal studies
Authors: Haltigan John D. , Roisman Glenn I. , Groh Ashley M. , Holland Ashley S. , Booth‐LaForce Cathryn , Rogosch Fred A. , Cicchetti Dante
Published: June 2019

Background

Longitudinal investigations of relatively large typical‐risk (e.g., Booth‐LaForce & Roisman, 2014) and higher‐risk samples (e.g., Raby et al., 2017; Roisman et al., 2017) have produced evidence consistent with the claim that attachment states of mind in adolescence and young adulthood, as measured by the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), are associated with the quality of caregiving experienced during childhood. None of these studies, however, has examined whether such associations are consistent across sex and/or race, as would be expected in light of the sensitivity hypothesis of attachment theory.

Methods

We examine whether sex or race moderates previously reported links between caregiving and AAI states of mind in two longitudinal studies (pooled N = 1,058) in which caregiving was measured either within (i.e., observed [in]sensitive care) or outside (i.e., childhood maltreatment) of the normative range of caregiving experiences.

Results

Hierarchical moderated regression analyses in both longitudinal cohorts provided evidence that maternal insensitivity and experiences of maltreatment were prospectively associated with dismissing and preoccupied states of mind in adolescence, as hypothesized. Moreover, these associations were generally comparable in magnitude for African American and White/non‐Hispanic participants and were not conditional on participants’ biological sex.

Conclusions

Both maternal insensitivity and the experience of maltreatment increased risk for insecure attachment states of mind in adolescence. Moreover, our analyses provided little evidence that either participant race or participant sex assigned at birth moderated these nontrivial associations between measures of the quality of experienced caregiving and insecure attachment states of mind in adolescence. These findings provide support for the sensitivity hypothesis of attachment theory and inform the cultural universality hypothesis of attachment processes.
The use of transillumination in detecting subclinical extensions of enamel opacities
Authors: Marouane Omar , Douki Nabiha
Published: June 2019

Objective

Accurate detection of enamel opacities in reflected light is limited in terms of discriminating between affected and unaffected enamel.

The aim of this study was to compare the ability of transilluminated photography in distinction between healthy and unhealthy enamel in comparison with reflected photography.

Materials and Methods

Patients presenting enamel opacities were selected during their regular dental visits and for each tooth, standardized photographs were taken in transmitted and reflected light. For each lighting condition, the ratio of the opacity surface area to the entire buccal enamel area was calculated.

The difference in the ratio of the opacity surface area to the entire buccal enamel area was compared using the Wilcoxon paired test.

Results

The results of this study showed that the ratio of the opacity surface area to the entire buccal enamel area calculated in transilluminated photography is significantly higher in comparison with its calculation in reflected photography. The means ratios (SD) of the opacity to the entire buccal enamel area are in transmitted light and reflected light respectively 18% (12) and 15% (11).

Conclusions

In comparison with reflected photography, transilluminated photography significantly increases the ratio of the opacity surface area to the entire buccal enamel area. Transilluminated photography allows better detection of enamel opacities on anterior teeth by aiding clinical discrimination between healthy an unhealthy enamel.

Clinical Significance

Being simple, noninvasive, painless and without any risk to the patient, transillumination represents a promising imaging method for detecting enamel opacities and for discriminating healthy and unhealthy enamel.
Decontamination of aflatoxin M1 in yogurt using Lactobacillus rhamnosus LC‐4
Authors: Zhang Guofang , Li Jiadong , Lv Jinmeng , Liu Lihua , Li Chun , Liu Libo
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain LC‐4 to bind aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and yogurt. Bacterial cells were subjected to heat, acid, and alkali treatments. The AFM1‐binding rate of acid‐treated bacteria was of 78.63 ± 0.52%. The binding of L. rhamnosus LC‐4 to AFM1 was partially reversible and the binding of AFM1 was more stable when treated bacteria were used. The involved components of the cell wall in AFM1 binding were determined, with peptidoglycan playing a critical role. The integrity of the bacteria was also highly important for detoxification ability, and this ability was influenced by different factors such as temperature, pH, and toxin concentration, and so on. L. rhamnosus LC‐4 retained its detoxification ability in yogurt. The pH and bacterial concentration slightly affected the binding of AFM1 to L. rhamnosus LC‐4 during storage time. These results indicate that L. rhamnosus LC‐4 may be applied to reduce the concentration of AFM1 in yogurt.

Practical Applications

In the present work, we determined the involved components of the cell wall in AFM1 binding and different factors influencing the binding process. The integrity of the cell wall is indispensable for AFM1 binding and peptidoglycans were critical components. Understanding the mechanism of AFM1 binding by probiotic bacteria is contributed to further optimizing decontamination processes. Our study provides potential future applications to reduce AFM1 bioavailability by L. rhamnosus LC‐4 in yogurt.
Online Repurchasing: The Role of Information Disclosure, Hope, and Goal Attainment
Authors: Fazal‐E‐Hasan Syed Muhammad , Ahmadi Hormoz , Mortimer Gary , Lings Ian , Kelly Louise , Kim Hyoje (Jay)
Published: June 2019

The emergence of online purchasing has changed the relationship between consumers and brands. Our research focuses on online information disclosure and consumer hope in an online shopping environment. Two studies are undertaken to test the theoretically derived hypotheses. Study 1 evaluates the causal relationship between information disclosure and hope via an experiment in an online shopping context. Study 2 involves an online survey to test the nomological network presented in this research. The models identify the moderating effect of consumer product knowledge on online information disclosure and consumer hope. For academics, this research advances knowledge of how consumers' confidence in sharing personal information develops hope, consequently enabling them to attain their goals and repeat their purchases. For practitioners, it offers a better understanding of how investments are successful in aiding consumers to attain their goals and generate repeat purchase intentions in an online shopping environment.
The Financial Services Environment and Schools' Savings Rates in the San Francisco Kindergarten to College Program
Authors: Friedline Terri , Dunham Ian M. , O'Brien Megan
Published: June 2019

Children's savings accounts (CSAs) have emerged as a promising intervention to improve educational outcomes, curtail rising student loan debt, and promote equality of opportunity. Numerous localized CSA programs have emerged in the last decade, and many are embedded within school systems. This study leverages novel data to investigate participation in one of the oldest and most well‐known CSA programs in the country: the San Francisco Kindergarten to College (K2C) Program in the San Francisco Unified School District. Spatial analysis of 21,617 accounts at 74 elementary schools reveals statistically significant differences in the rates of elementary schools' K2C account participation based on the concentrations of banks, credit unions, and alternative financial service providers—net controls for neighborhood demographics. Unless explicitly addressed, substantial variations in the financial service environment across neighborhoods could undermine participation in school‐based CSA programs for the very children these programs intend to support.
Locating “gold standard” evidence for simulation as a substitute for clinical practice in prelicensure health professional education: A systematic review
Authors: Bogossian Fiona E. , Cant Robyn P. , Ballard Emma L. , Cooper Simon J. , Levett‐Jones Tracy L. , McKenna Lisa G. , Ng Linda C. , Seaton Philippa C.
Published: June 2019

Aims and objectives

To extract, examine and report the highest available levels of evidence from healthcare disciplines in the use of simulation‐based education as substitution for clinical placement in prelicensure programmes.

Background

Simulation is widely employed across prelicensure health professional education to create safe, realistic clinical learning experiences for students. Whether simulation can be employed to substitute for actual clinical placement, and if so, in what proportion, replacement ratio and duration, is unclear.

Methods

A systematic review and quality appraisal of primary studies related to prelicensure students in all health disciplines, guided by the PRISMA checklist.

Results

Ten primary studies were included, representing 2,370 students from three health disciplines in four countries. Nine studies were experimental and quasi‐experimental and methodological quality was assessed as moderate to high with good to very good inter‐rater agreement. Direct substitution of simulation for clinical practice ranged from 5% to 50%. With one exception, replacement ratios were 1:1 and duration of replacement ranged from 21 hr–2 years. Levels of evaluation included measures of reaction, knowledge and behaviour transfer; no negative outcomes were reported. We appraised practicalities for design of substitution, design limitations and knowledge transfer to accreditation standards for prelicensure programmes.

Conclusions

This review synthesised highest levels and quality of available evidence for substitution of simulation for clinical placement in health professional education. Included studies were heterogenous in simulation interventions (proportion, ratio and duration) and in the evaluation of outcomes. Future studies should incorporate standardised simulation curricula, widen the health professions represented and strengthen experimental designs.

Relevance to clinical practice

Current evidence for clinical educational preparation does not appear to be translated into programme accreditation standards governing clinical practice experience for prelicensure programmes in relevant jurisdictions. Overall, a stronger evidence base is necessary to inform future curricula and policy development, to strengthen clinical practice in health.
How is clinical credibility defined in nursing? Protocol for a concept mapping study
Authors: Cardwell Rachel , Mckenna Lisa , Davis Jenny , Gray Richard
Published: June 2019

Aim

To develop a working definition of the concept of “clinical credibility” in nursing science.

Background

In both academic and clinical settings, the phrase “clinical credibility” is used when discussing the education of health professionals. No clear definition for the concept is evident in the academic literature. To date, there has not been a study undertaken to develop a working definition of clinical credibility in nursing science.

Methods

This protocol is stage 1 of a registered report. We will use concept mapping to compare and organise views of three stakeholder groups: nursing students (n = 20) from years 2 or 3 of a three‐year Bachelor of Nursing Programme, nurses and other health professionals (n = 20) still practising within a clinical setting, and people who have recently been inpatients in hospital (n = 20). First, participants will take part in separate stakeholder focus groups to generate statements about “What is clinical credibility?”. Second, the same participants will complete two tasks: (1) rank the importance of each statement (prioritising) and (2) put the statements that appear to go together into groups (clustering). The data will then be analysed using a specialised software program called Ariadne. A visual “concept map” will be produced showing the importance and relationship of each statement as viewed by the participants. The projected timeline for the study is one year. The paper complies with the SPIRIT 2013 guidelines for study protocols adapted for mixed methods research.

Conclusion

The findings of this study will provide a working definition of the concept of “clinical credibility” in nursing science.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings can be used to develop a measure of clinical credibility to predict student satisfaction and patient safety outcomes.
Associations of work stress and humor with health status in hospital nurses—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fang Li , Hsiao Li‐Ping , Fang Shu‐Hui , Chen Bao‐Chen
Published: June 2019

Aims and objectives

To analyse the relationship among hospital nurses’ socio‐demographic data, work stress, humor and health conditions, and to determine the predictors of nurses’ health status.

Background

Humor can decrease the feelings of helplessness, fear and anxiety, and that may result in the development of positive emotions, which might have a good impact on health.

Design

This research applied cross‐sectional designs and used structured questionnaires which included socio‐demographic data, an Effort‐Reward Imbalance questionnaire (ERI), humor and 12‐item Chinese health questionnaires (CHQ). A total of 236 nurses in a regional hospital in Taiwan were recruited. SPSS was used for the data analysis in the study. The STROBE was chosen as a checklist for this study.

Results

The results showed that the significant predictors of the participants’ health were “whether experienced significant life events during the past 3 months,” “the degree of work stress” and the level of “humor.”

Conclusions

It is recommended that administrators pay attention to the cultivation of nursing staff's humor, such as providing nurses with musical CDs or humorous books and providing stress management training courses to nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is necessary for hospital managers to determine and deal with the causes of work stress to avoid the development of health problems in the nursing personnel. Furthermore, in order to develop stress‐releasing strategies, it is necessary to provide nurses with stress management and resilience enhancement courses. Cultivating a humor competency of nurses is also recommended to alleviate the work stress.
Abnormal menstruation after radical trachelectomy and its effects on fertility
Authors: Matsuoka Mari , Taga Atsuko , Hata Saori , Yamamoto Rumiko , Ando Yukiko , Kozono Yuki , Tsuji Natsuki , Sekiyama Kentaro , Higuchi Toshihiro , Nagano Tadayoshi
Published: June 2019

Aim

To evaluate and identify the risk factors for abnormal menstruation after radical trachelectomy.

Methods

This study included 58 patients who underwent radical trachelectomy at our hospital between April 2005 and January 2018. Patients were divided into groups of those with no change in postoperative menstruation (regular [R] group; n = 46) and those with abnormal menstruation such as amenorrhea or hypomenorrhea (irregular [I] group; n = 12). The perioperative characteristics and fertility of the groups were compared retrospectively. The data were statistically analyzed using Student's t‐test, Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney U test for univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis for multivariate analysis, with the level of statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

Results

Based on Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging, 54 patients had stage IB1, 2 had stage IB2 and 2 had stage IIA1 cervical cancer. Eight patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pretreatment tumor size, residual uterine cavity length and neoadjuvant and postoperative chemotherapy use were not significantly different between the groups. Abnormal menstruation was significantly more common in patients with postoperative pelvic infection (R group, 13.0%; I group, 58.3%) and cervical stenosis (R group, 15.2%; I group, 58.3%).

Conclusion

To maintain healthy menstruation even after radical trachelectomy, it is important to prevent postoperative pelvic infection and cervical stenosis.
Malignant transformation from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary
Authors: Shimada Takako , Higashijima Ai , Fukushima Ai , Komatsu Nahoko , Noguchi Masashi , Ohashi Kazuaki , Hasegawa Yuri , Miura Kiyonori
Published: June 2019

We present a case of malignant change of an ovarian mature cystic teratoma. Our patient was a 48‐year‐old woman and she visited a primary care doctor presenting with abdominal pain. At her first visit, her pelvic tumor measured 70 × 50 mm by ultrasonography. She was diagnosed as rupture of the malignant tumor occurred secondary to mature cystic teratoma and she took the surgery (abdominal total hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy and partial omentectomy). Pathologic diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) occurred secondary to mature cystic teratoma. Treatment with paclitaxel/carboplatin (TC chemotherapy) and gemcitabine hydrochloride/carboplatin (GC chemotherapy) after operation was not effective, and the refractory ileus resulting from rapid progression of the disease continued. She was died of disease progression 7 months after the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. We discuss about the clinical characteristics of malignant transformation of mature cystic teratoma and considered about the treatment of the ovarian SCC.
The backstage work negotiators do when communicating with persons in crisis
Authors: Stokoe Elizabeth , Sikveland Rein Ove
Published: June 2019

When a person in crisis threatens suicide, police negotiators engage them in a conversation to prevent death. Working in small teams, the primary negotiator's role is to talk directly to the person in crisis. A secondary negotiator, working “behind the scenes,” supports the ongoing negotiation. Using 31 hours of audio‐recorded British negotiations, we uncover the backstage work of secondary negotiators. We use conversation analysis to identify the sequential position, linguistic form, and action of the secondary negotiator's interventions on (1) thedelivery(e.g. “sound angry”) and (2)next actions(e.g. “say please,” “try asking them to move”) of the primary negotiator, and how the primary incorporates them into the negotiation. Our analysis shows that, while some suggestions were effective, others disrupted the flow of the negotiation as well as the alignment between primary negotiator and person in crisis. The paper augments current sociolinguistic understandings of the high‐stakes language activity of crisis negotiation and highlights the importance of attending to linguistic features of interaction when training negotiators to work better as a team.
Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, TUPS, attenuates isoproterenol/angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy through mammalian target of rapamycin-mediated autophagy inhibition
Authors: Zhang Huanji , Zhang Kun , Liang Jianwen , Yan Wen , Wu Fensheng , Xu Wenmin , Wu Zhiwen , Chen Yixi , Pan Rongquan , Wu Guifu
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To investigate the potential role and mechanism of TUPS, a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, in cardiac hypertrophy.

Methods

Rat and H9C2 cell models of cardiac hypertrophy were induced by isoproterenol and angiotensin II, respectively, followed by TUPS treatment. The expression of hypertrophic markers, ANP and BNP, was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The abundance of Beclin-1, LC3, p-AMPK and phosphorylated-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) proteins was analysed by Western blot and immunohistocytology. Cell morphology and viability were evaluated by F-actin staining and MTS. H9C2 cells were transfected with GFP-LC3 to evaluate autophagy flux.

Key findings

TUPS significantly inhibited rat heart size, heart weight-to-body weight ratio, heart wall thickness, hypertrophic H9C2 cell swelling and viability suppression as well as the expression of ANP and BNP genes in hypertrophic models. In addition, autophagic markers Beclin-1 and LC3 were elevated in both cellular and animal models, which were suppressed by TUPS, with corresponding changes of autophagy flux. The abundance of p-AMPK was increased, while p-mTOR was decreased in hypertrophic cells, which were abolished by TUPS. Rapamycin decreased p-mTOR level, increased Beclin-1 and LC3 expression and induced cell size enlargement and cell viability inhibition in hypertrophic H9C2 cells treated with TUPS.

Conclusions

TUPS inhibits cardiac hypertrophy by regulating mTOR/autophagy axis.
Deferred treatment with a fixed‐dose combination of sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir for chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1, 2, 4 and 6 infection
Authors: Asselah Tarik , Shafran Stephen D. , Bourgeois Stefan , Lai Ching‐Lung , Mathurin Philippe , Willems Bernard , Nguyen Mindie H. , Davis Mitchell N. , Huang K. C. , Svarovskaia Evguenia , Osinusi Anu , McNally John , Brainard Diana M. , Shaikh Obaid S. , Tran Tram T.
Published: June 2019

Sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir is approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In this single‐arm, open‐label, phase 3, deferred treatment study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir among patients randomized to the placebo group in the ASTRAL‐1 study. Patients received sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir (400/100 mg) once daily for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of therapy (SVR12). The primary safety endpoint was any adverse events (AEs) leading to the permanent discontinuation of study drug. Overall, 108/111 (97%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 92%‐99%) achieved SVR12, and only one patient had virological failure. SVR12 was achieved by 61/63 (97%, 95%CI, 89%‐100%) genotype 1 patients, 20/20 (100%; 95%CI, 83%‐100%) with genotype 2, 19/19 (100%; 95%CI, 82%‐100%) with genotype 4 and 8/9 (89%; 95% CI, 52%‐100%) with genotype 6. All (19/19; 95%CI, 82‐100) patients with cirrhosis and all (31/31, 95%CI, 89‐100) with prior treatment experience achieved SVR12. The safety profile during treatment was similar to that observed in patients receiving placebo treatment. The most common AEs were headache, fatigue and nausea. One patient (1%) discontinued treatment due to an AE of gallbladder carcinoma, which was not considered related to treatment. Of five reported serious AEs, none were considered related to study drug. Sofosbuvir‐velpatasvir for 12 weeks was effective and well tolerated among untreated and previously treated patients with HCV genotype 1, 2, 4 or 6 infection, including those with compensated cirrhosis (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02346721).
Development of a biochemical marker to detect current breast milk intake
Authors: Addison Ruth , Hill Lauren , Bode Lars , Robertson Bianca , Choudhury Biswa , Young David , Wright Charlotte , Relton Clare , Garcia Ada L. , Tappin David M.
Published: June 2019

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, but despite interventions, breastfeeding rates remain stubbornly low. Financial voucher incentives have shown promise but require a biomarker for validation of intake. This study aimed to develop a simple biochemical assay of infant urine that would tell if an infant was receiving any breast milk to validate maternal report. Urine samples were collected and snap frozen from 34 infants attending with minor illness or feeding problems, of whom 12 infants were exclusively breastfed, nine exclusively formula fed, and 11 mixed breast/formula fed. High‐performance anion exchange chromatography was used to identify discriminating patterns of monosaccharide composition of unconjugated glycans in a sequence of three experiments. The absolute concentration of all human milk oligosaccharides measured blind could detect “any breastfeeding” only with a sensitivity of 48% and specificity of 78%. Unblinded examination of N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) measured as GlcNH2 after hydrolysis of GlcNAc improved sensitivity to 75% at the expense of a specificity of 28%. Estimation of the relative abundance of GlcNH2 (GlcNH2[%]) or the ratio of GlcNH2 to endogenous mannose (Man) improved accuracy. In a further blind experiment, the GlcNH2/Man ratio with a cut‐off of 1.5 correctly identified all those receiving “any breast milk,” while excluding exclusively formula fed infants. The GlcNH2/Man ratio in infant urine is a promising test to provide biochemical confirmation of any breastfeeding for trials of breastfeeding promotion.
Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and its impact on activities of daily living in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Win Mi Mi Thet Mon , Fukai Kiyoko , Nyunt Htwe Htwe , Hyodo Yoshimi , Linn Khaing Zaw
Published: June 2019

Myanmar has one of the highest rates of diabetes in South‐East Asia. This study aimed to determine prevalence and background characteristics of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain, their effect on the functioning of hands and feet, and the impact on activities of daily living in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 975 participants attending the outpatient clinics of four hospitals in Myanmar were interviewed using questionnaires in the local language about pain and difficulties in daily activities. The participants also underwent tests of physical functioning of both hands and feet. There was a high prevalence rate of neuropathy (33.7%) and neuropathic pain (59.5%), with an increased risk in old age, longer duration of diabetes, and history of smoking. The common difficulties in daily activities were sleeping, climbing stairs, walking, and work or chores. Participants with diabetic neuropathic pain experienced more difficulties in specific activities using upper and lower extremities than did those without. Healthcare service in Myanmar should be focused on diabetic peripheral neuropathy, as it can lead to further disabilities.
Interaction of a plant virus protein with the signature Cajal body protein coilin facilitates salicylic acid‐mediated plant defence responses
Authors: Shaw Jane , Yu Chulang , Makhotenko Antonida V. , Makarova Svetlana S. , Love Andrew J. , Kalinina Natalia O. , MacFarlane Stuart , Chen Jianping , Taliansky Michael E.
Published: June 2019

In addition to well‐known roles in RNA metabolism, the nucleolus and Cajal bodies (CBs), both located within the nucleus, are involved in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress. Previously we showed that plants in which expression of the CB protein coilin is downregulated are more susceptible to certain viruses including tobacco rattle virus (TRV), suggesting a role of coilin in antiviral defence.

Experiments with coilin‐deficient plants and the deletion mutant of the TRV 16K protein showed that both 16K and coilin are required for restriction of systemic TRV infection. The potential mechanisms of coilin‐mediated antiviral defence were elucidated via experiments involving co‐immunoprecipitation, use of NahG transgenic plants deficient in salicylic acid (SA) accumulation, measurement of endogenous SA concentrations and assessment of SA‐responsive gene expression.

Here we show that TRV 16K interacts with and relocalizes coilin to the nucleolus. In wild‐type plants these events are accompanied by activation of SA‐responsive gene expression and restriction of TRV systemic infection. By contrast, viral systemic spread was enhanced in NahG plants, implicating SA in these processes.

Our findings suggest that coilin is involved in plant defence, responding to TRV infection by recognition of the TRV‐encoded 16K protein and activating SA‐dependent defence pathways.
Diversity in genome size and GC content shows adaptive potential in orchids and is closely linked to partial endoreplication, plant life‐history traits and climatic conditions
Authors: Trávníček Pavel , Čertner Martin , Ponert Jan , Chumová Zuzana , Jersáková Jana , Suda Jan
Published: June 2019

In angiosperms, genome size and nucleobase composition (GC content) exhibit pronounced variation with possible adaptive consequences. The hyperdiverse orchid family possessing the unique phenomenon of partial endoreplication (PE) provides a great opportunity to search for interactions of both genomic traits with the evolutionary history of the family.

Using flow cytometry, we report values of both genomic traits and the type of endoreplication for 149 orchid species and compare these with a suite of life‐history traits and climatic niche data using phylogeny‐based statistics. The evolution of genomic traits was further studied using the Brownian motion (BM) and Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) models to access their adaptive potential.

Pronounced variation in genome size (341–54 878 Mb), and especially in GC content (23.9–50.5%), was detected among orchids. Diversity in both genomic traits was closely related to the type of endoreplication, plant growth form and climatic conditions. GC content was also associated with the type of dormancy. In all tested scenarios, OU models always outperformed BM models.

Unparalleled GC content variation was discovered in orchids, setting new limits for plants. Our study indicates that diversity in both genome size and GC content has adaptive consequences and is tightly linked with evolutionary transitions to PE.
The pan‐cancer mutational landscape of the PPAR pathway reveals universal patterns of dysregulated metabolism and interactions with tumor immunity and hypoxia
Authors: Chang Wai Hoong , Lai Alvina G.
Published: June 2019

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of nuclear receptors that regulate lipid metabolism and bioenergetic demands within living systems. Consequently, aberrant expression of PPAR genes could predispose individuals to diseases, including cancer. PPAR signaling exerts pleiotropic functions in cancer, yet little is known about the interactions between genetic and transcriptional events of pathway genes in a pan‐cancer context. Employing multidimensional datasets of over 18,000 patients involving 21 cancers, we performed systematic characterization on copy number alteration and differential transcript expression of 74 PPAR pathway genes. We identified 18 genes demonstrating mutually exclusive patterns of loss‐ and gain‐of‐function phenotypes. These genes successfully predicted patient survival rates in bladder, renal, glioma, liver, and stomach/esophageal cancers. Dysregulated PPAR signaling in these cancers converged on common downstream pathways associated with multiple metabolic processes. Moreover, clinically relevant relationships between PPARs and hypoxia were observed, where hypoxia further aggravates disease phenotypes in tumor subtypes with aberrant PPAR signaling. In glioma samples, including astrocytoma and oligoastrocytoma, PPAR hyperactivation is associated with immunosuppression through increased regulatory T cell expression. Our analysis reveals underappreciated levels of diversity and conservation in PPAR genes that could lay the groundwork for therapeutic strategies targeting tumor metabolism, immunity, and hypoxia.
Bias of OLS Estimators due to Exclusion of Relevant Variables and Inclusion of Irrelevant Variables
Authors: Basu Deepankar
Published: June 2019

In this paper, I discuss three issues related to bias of OLS estimators in a general multivariate setting. First, I discuss the bias that arises from omitting relevant variables. I offer a geometric interpretation of such bias and derive sufficient conditions in terms of sign restrictions that allows us to determine the direction of bias. Second, I show that inclusion of some omitted variables will not necessarily reduce the magnitude of bias as long as some others remain omitted. Third, I show that inclusion of irrelevant variables in a model with omitted variables can also have an impact on the bias of OLS estimators. I use a running example of a simple wage regression to illustrate my arguments.
Dental crown symmetry in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients: A three‐dimensional analysis on digital dental models
Authors: Dindaroğlu Furkan , Duran Gökhan Serhat , Doğan Servet
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to conduct a 3‐dimensional assessment of possible dental crown asymmetry in dental crown shape and/or size that was not clinically visible in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients on the maxilla and mandible and make a comparison to the control group without CLP.

Setting and Sample Population

The maxillary and mandibular digital models of orthodontically treated 35 individuals with non‐syndromic UCLP (mean age: 14.6 ± 2.1 years) and 35 class I individuals without CLP (mean age 14.1 ± 1.5 years).

Materials and Methods

The crowns of the anterior and posterior teeth were segmented and the teeth on the cleft side were mirrored in UCLP patients considering the arbitrary midsagittal plane as reference. The first alignment was landmark‐based and it was followed by the best‐fit method. After aligning the images, millimetric differences (deviation analysis) between aligned surfaces were analysed. Independent Samples t test and Mann‐Whitney U test were used for statistical comparisons.

Results

The highest difference between the cleft side and non‐cleft side in the UCLP group was observed in the central incisors (1.85 ± 0.79 mm). The mean difference between the groups in the central incisors was 1.20 mm (95% CI: −1.70; −0.69; P < 0.001). The mean of median values was found to be highest in the central incisors in the UCLP group as 0.72 ± 0.27 mm. It was 0.15 ± 0.05 mm in the control group.

Conclusion

The difference between the cleft and non‐cleft side may exceed 1 mm in the maxillary central incisors of unilateral CLP patients.
Propagule pressure and native community connectivity interact to influence invasion success in metacommunities
Authors: King Gabrielle E. , Howeth Jennifer G.
Published: June 2019

Mechanistic insights from invasion biology indicate that propagule pressure of exotic species and native community structure can independently influence establishment success. The role of native community connectivity via species dispersal and its potential interaction with propagule pressure on invasion success in metacommunities, however, remains unknown. Native community connectivity may increase biotic resistance to invasion by enhancing species richness and evenness, but the effects could depend upon the level of propagule pressure. In this study, a mesocosm experiment was used to evaluate the independent and combined effects of exotic propagule pressure and native community connectivity on invasion success. The effects of three levels of exotic Daphnia lumholtzi propagule pressure on establishment success, community structure and ecosystem attributes were evaluated in native zooplankton communities connected by species dispersal versus unconnected communities, and relative to a control without native species. Establishment of the exotic species exhibited a propagule dose‐dependent relationship with high levels of propagule pressure resulting in the greatest establishment success. Native community connectivity, however, effectively reduced establishment at the low level of propagule pressure and further augmented native species richness across propagule pressure treatments. Propagule pressure largely determined the negative impacts of the exotic species on native species richness, native biomass and edible producer biomass. The results highlight that native community connectivity can reduce invasion success at a low propagule dose and decrease extinction risk of native competitors, but high propagule pressure can overcome connectivity‐mediated biotic resistance to influence establishment and impact of the exotic species. Together, the results emphasize the importance of the interaction of propagule pressure and community connectivity as a regulator of invasion success, and argue for the maintenance of metacommunity connectivity to confer invasion resistance.
Adverse health outcomes associated with fetal alcohol exposure: A systematic review focused on immune‐related outcomes
Authors: Reid Natasha , Moritz Karen M. , Akison Lisa K.
Published: June 2019

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has well‐known teratogenic effects on the developing fetus, potentially resulting in neurologic impairments. However, there is increasing interest regarding other potential adverse health outcomes related to prenatal alcohol exposure. The objective of this study was to undertake a systematic review to identify all the available clinical and preclinical literature investigating immune‐related outcomes in offspring with PAE. A systematic review searching four electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase) was conducted. Potential articles were screened against strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. This review specifically focused on evaluating studies related to immune‐related outcomes following PAE. Twelve clinical studies were included in the current review. Six included allergy outcomes, four included infection outcomes, and two studies included both. Thirty‐nine preclinical studies were identified examining a wide range of immune outcomes. The current review provides some preliminary clinical evidence that PAE can influence immune function, including atopic allergy and infection outcomes. However, there was variability in results across studies, particularly in the atopy area. Preclinical studies demonstrated some changes in lymphocytes and cytokines in offspring following PAE. More research investigating the effects of PAE on immune responses is warranted.
Biliary reconstruction before clamp removal to avoid portal vein thrombosis in pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation using hyper‐reduced left lateral segment grafts: A novel technical strategy
Authors: Glinka Juan , de Santibañes Martin , Biagiola David , D´Agostino Daniel , Ardiles Victoria , Ciardullo Miguel , Mattera Juan , Pekolj Juan , de Santibañes Eduardo
Published: June 2019

LT has become the treatment of choice for children with end‐stage liver disease. The scarcity of donors and the considerable mortality on waiting lists have propelled the related living‐donor techniques, especially in small children. This population need smaller and good quality grafts and are usually candidates to receive a LLS from a related donor. Many times this grafts are still large and do not fit in the receptor's abdomen, so a further hyper‐reduction may be required. Despite all advances in LT field, vascular complications still occur in a considerable proportion remaining as a significant cause of morbidity, graft loss, and mortality. Technical issues currently play an essential role in its genesis. The widely spread technique for biliary and vascular reconstruction in living donor LT (LDLT) nowadays implies removal of the portal vein (PV) clamp after the venous anastomosis, then the arterial reconstruction is done, followed by the biliary reconstruction. However, due to the posterior location of the LLS bile duct, for its reconstruction, a rotation of the liver is required risking a potential transient PV occlusion leading to thrombosis afterward. We describe a new technique that involves performing biliary reconstruction after the PV anastomosis and before removing the vascular clamp, thus allowing to freely rotate the liver with less risk of PV occlusion and thrombosis.
The genetic program at the root of the biological stock exchange
Authors: Law Simon R.
Published: June 2019

Beneath the gardens, farmlands and forest floors that surround us, a hidden world blooms in careful cooperation and intense competition. The mutualistic symbiosis of the thread‐like hyphae of fungi and plant roots (collectively termed mycorrhizae from the Greek mýkēs – meaning ‘fungus’, and rhiza – for ‘root’) is present in the vast majority of plant species. As with most intimate relationships, this symbiosis functions on a principle of ‘give and take’. As an autotroph, the plant is able to synthesize all the sugars it requires through photosynthesis; however, its immobility hinders its capacity to forage for nutrients vital for its growth and survival. With an expansive network of hyphae, the heterotrophic fungus is able to locate and remobilize water and nutrients, such as phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), and barter them for precious sugars with the plant. An article in this issue of Physiologia Plantarum (Zhao et al. 2019) describes alterations in the genetic programming that takes place in the plant root upon the establishment of this fascinating relationship, which has profound implications for plant productivity and soil management methods.