bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual and auditory cues facilitate cache pilferage of Siberian chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus) under indoor conditions
Authors: NIU Hongyu , CHU Wei , YI Xianfeng , ZHANG Hongmao
Published: December 2018

In the struggle for survival, scatter‐hoarding rodents are known to cache food and pilfer the caches of others. The extent to which rodents utilize auditory/visual cues from conspecifics to improve cache‐pilfering is unknown. Here, Siberian chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus) were allowed to search for caches of Corylus heterophylla seeds (man‐made caches and animal‐made caches) after experiencing cues from a conspecific's cache‐searching events. For each type of cache, 3 experimental scenarios were presented: (1) alone (control); (2) auditory/visual (hearing and seeing conspecific's cache‐searching events); and (3) auditory only (hearing conspecific's cache‐searching events only) with random orders. The subjects located man‐made caches faster, harvested more caches, and hoarded more seeds both in the auditory/visual and the auditory only treatments compared to the control, while scatter‐hoarding more seeds in the auditory/visual treatment but larder‐hoarding more seeds in the auditory only treatment. Compared to the control, the animals spent less time locating animal‐made caches, harvested more caches, ate fewer seeds, larder‐hoarded more seeds and hoarded more seeds in total both in the auditory/visual and the auditory only treatments, while eating more seeds and hoarded fewer seeds in total in the auditory only treatment than in the auditory/visual treatment. The results also show that females spent less time locating the animal‐made caches, but they scatter‐hoarded fewer seeds than males in the auditory/visual treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that visual and/or auditory cues of conspecifics improve cache‐pilfering and hoarding in rodents.
Importance of bird traits for seed dispersal patterns of co‐fruiting trees in a patchy forest
Authors: LI Ning , WANG Zheng , ZHANG Shuai , YAN Chuan , LI Xinhai , LU Changhu
Published: December 2018

Habitat fragmentation is globally one of the most important drivers of change in biodiversity. Seed dispersal by birds is crucial for tree regeneration in remnant patchy forests, yet how bird traits affect seed dispersal pattern is still poorly understood. We studied the extent to which bird traits affect seed‐removal networks and whether these traits affect seed deposition and seedling recruitment for 3 co‐fruiting tree species (Taxus chinensis, Cinnamomum bodinieri and Machilus thunbergii) in a patchy forest. A total of 17, 18 and 10 bird species were recorded foraging for seeds of T. chinensis, M. thunbergii and C. bodinieri, respectively. Frequency of bird visitation increased with tail length, wing length and body length. Furthermore, bird body length, bill length, body weight and wing length were important in the strength of the seed removal network. During foraging, 6 bird species exhibited different patterns of microhabitat utilization and their perching frequency increased with bird weight and tarsus length. As a consequence, frequency of habitat use, bird length and tarsus length were important in determining the number of deposited seeds. For seedling recruitment, seedling number increased with bird tarsus length and weight, but decreased with wing length. Overall, our results showed that various bird traits not only affected seed removal, but also influenced the subsequent processes of seed deposition and seedling distribution in a patchy forest. These results thus highlight the importance of large‐bodied birds for plant recruitment and point out the need to prioritize the protection and conservation of these birds in remnant patchy forests.
A focus on the European hamster to illustrate how to monitor endangered species
Authors: KLETTY Florian , TISSIER Mathilde , KOURKGY Charlotte , CAPBER Fabrice , ZAHARIEV Alexandre , CHATELAIN Nicolas , COURTECUISSE Julien , LE MAHO Yvon , HABOLD Caroline
Published: December 2018

Agriculture intensification, marked by the generalization of crop monoculture, by the increase in plot size and by the reduction of plant diversity, has led to huge decline in wildlife in European farmlands. In such habitat, research has long been biased towards birds and invertebrates, while very few studies have investigated the effect on small mammals. Considering the European hamster, Cricetus cricetus, we therefore review the different techniques that can be used to investigate the impact of environmental changes and conservation measures in small and endangered wild mammals. We suggest that only a multidisciplinary approach will allow exploration of these effects, combining experimental laboratory work on captive‐bred animals with the monitoring of wild individuals. In particular, individual energy balance has to be investigated and measured as accurately as possible, through either biochemical or bio‐logging techniques. It is, indeed, the most affected physiological trait in a changing environment, as it determines both the reproductive output and the survival of the individual. We also discuss the inconvenience of capture–release approaches for such an endangered species and emphasize the disturbance that experimental protocols could impose on the hamster.
Efficacy of nebulized acetylcysteine for relieving symptoms and reducing usage of expectorants in patients with radiation pneumonitis
Authors: Han Dong‐Woo , Ji Wonjun , Lee Jae Cheol , Song Si Yeol , Choi Chang‐Min
Published: December 2018

Background

Radiation pneumonitis is one of the most harmful and clinically significant complications of radiotherapy. This study investigated the benefits of nebulized acetylcysteine for lung cancer patients diagnosed with radiation pneumonitis after radiotherapy.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled and followed 25 patients with radiation pneumonitis who used nebulized acetylcysteine three times a day for 12 weeks. We also reviewed the medical records of 106 control patients who had undergone radiotherapy for lung cancer but had not used acetylcysteine. We evaluated the effects of nebulized acetylcysteine by comparing visits 1 and 4 among nebulizer users and by comparing the acetylcysteine group with the control group.

Results

Twenty‐five acetylcysteine group patients and 101 control group patients were included in the analyses. The mean patient‐rated severity score associated with sputum production decreased in the acetylcysteine group between visits 1 and 4 (from 1.10 to 0.95; P = 0.08). None of the patients used additional expectorant agents after using nebulized acetylcysteine and critical adverse events were not reported. The acetylcysteine group had a shorter mean duration of expectorant use among patients whose radiation pneumonitis required steroid therapy and covered > 10% of a single lung field on computed tomography (37.2 vs. 78.1 days, respectively; P = 0.07).

Conclusions

The beneficial effects of nebulized acetylcysteine for patients with radiation pneumonitis included relieving sputum severity and minimizing expectorant use, especially in severe cases. Further investigation is required to clarify and expand on the benefits of nebulized acetylcysteine for patients with radiation pneumonitis.
Hypothalamic gene transfer of BDNF promotes healthy aging in mice
Authors: McMurphy Travis , Huang Wei , Liu Xianglan , Siu Jason J. , Queen Nicholas J. , Xiao Run , Cao Lei
Published: December 2018

The aging process and age‐related diseases all involve perturbed energy adaption and impaired ability to cope with adversity. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hypothalamus plays important role in regulation of energy balance. Our previous studies show that recombinant adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐mediated hypothalamic BDNF gene transfer alleviates obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndromes in both diet‐induced and genetic models. Here we examined the efficacy and safety of a built‐in autoregulatory system to control transgene BDNF expression mimicking the body's natural feedback systems in middle‐aged mice. Twelve‐month‐old mice were treated with either autoregulatory BDNF vector or yellow fluorescence protein (YFP) control, maintained on normal diet, and monitored for 28 weeks. BDNF gene transfer prevented the development of aging‐associated metabolic declines characterized by: preventing aging‐associated weight gain, reducing adiposity, reversing the decline of brown fat activity, increasing adiponectin while reducing leptin and insulin in circulation, improving glucose tolerance, increasing energy expenditure, alleviating hepatic steatosis, and suppressing inflammatory genes in the hypothalamus and adipose tissues. Moreover, BDNF treatment reduced anxiety‐like and depression‐like behaviors. These safety and efficacy data provide evidence that hypothalamic BDNF is a target for promoting healthy aging.
Earnings volatility, ambiguity, and crisis‐period stock returns
Authors: Ahmed Anwer S. , McMartin Andrew S. , Safdar Irfan
Published: December 2018

Financial crises are marked by substantial increases in ambiguity where prices appear to decouple from fundamentals. Consistent with ambiguity‐based asset pricing theories, we find that ambiguity concerns are more severe for firms with higher earnings volatility, causing investors to demand a higher ambiguity premium for such firms. While there is no relation between earnings volatility and stock returns under normal conditions, there is a significant negative relation between crisis‐period stock returns and prior earnings volatility. The effect is stronger in firms with low institutional ownership and low analyst following, consistent with ambiguity concerns being greatest amongst firms with unsophisticated investors.
Dermatoscopic findings of penile intraepithelial neoplasia: Bowenoid papulosis, Bowen disease and erythroplasia of Queyrat
Authors: Chan Su‐Lin , Watchorn Richard Edward , Panagou Evangelia , Panou Evdoxia , Ong Eugene LH , Heelan Kara , Haider Aiman , Freeman Alex , Bunker Christopher Barry
Published: December 2018

Background/Objectives

The clinical diagnosis of penile intraepithelial neoplasia is challenging. No specific dermoscopic criteria for penile intraepithelial neoplasia have been described in the literature. This study aimed to describe and evaluate the dermoscopic features of penile intraepithelial neoplasia.

Methods

Clinical and dermoscopic images of 11 patients with histopathologically confirmed penile intraepithelial neoplasia were recorded and evaluated.

Results

The most frequent dermoscopic features were the presence of structureless areas (100%, structureless pink 72.7%) and vascular structures (81.8%), particularly dotted vessels (72.7%). Other findings included the absence of a pigment network (100%); scale (45.5%); scar‐like areas (45.5%); erosions (27.3%); and pigmentation consisting of brown‐grey dots and globules (27.3%).

Conclusions

The dermoscopic features that characterise penile intraepithelial neoplasia are structureless pink areas and a prominent vascular pattern (mainly clustered dotted vessels). Dermoscopy is a useful tool that can aid in the diagnosis and surveillance of penile intraepithelial neoplasia.
A quantified description of the interactions between the native cardiovascular system and femoro‐femoral versus femoro‐axillary extracorporeal life support using descending thoracic aorta velocity time integral
Authors: Andrei Stefan , Tran‐Dinh Alexy , Provenchere Sophie , Lortat‐Jacob Brice , Ghodbane Walid , Montravers Philippe , Longrois Dan
Published: December 2018

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is an important tool in managing severe cardio‐circulatory and respiratory failures. The axillary and the femoral sites are the most frequently used for arterial cannulation. There is no current evidence favoring one site over the other. We tested the hypothesis that the axillary and femoral arterial cannulation site may have different effects on left ventricular (LV) outflow. Seven patients with femoro‐axillary ECLS and 4 patients with femoro‐femoral ECLS were prospectively studied using the Pulse‐wave Doppler (PWD) velocity time integral (VTI) in the descending thoracic aorta (DTA VTI) at different short‐time variations of ECLS flow rates during the ECLS weaning process. The measurements were safe and feasible in all patients. We found a directly proportional correlation between DTA VTI and ECLS flow rate for femoro‐axillary cannulation (P < 0.05) and an inversely proportional correlation in the case of femoro‐femoral cannulation (P < 0.05). This is the first reported utilization of DTA VTI during ECLS that could improve our understanding of the LV‐aorta interactions in patients with ECLS. DTA VTI could be used as a tool, guiding weaning from ECLS.
Effects of one‐legged high‐intensity interval training on insulin‐mediated skeletal muscle glucose homeostasis in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dela Flemming , Ingersen Arthur , Andersen Nynne B. , Nielsen Maria B. , Petersen Helga H. H. , Hansen Christina N. , Larsen Steen , Wojtaszewski Jørgen , Helge Jørn Wulff
Published: December 2018

Aim

To examine the effect of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) on glucose clearance rates in skeletal muscle and explore the mechanism within the muscle.

Methods

Ten males with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and ten matched healthy subjects performed 2 weeks of one‐legged HIIT (total of eight sessions, each comprised of 10 × 1 minute ergometer bicycle exercise at >80% of maximal heart rate, interspersed with one min of rest). Insulin sensitivity was assessed by an isoglycaemic, hyperinsulinaemic clamp combined with arteriovenous leg balance technique of the trained (T) and the untrained (UT) leg and muscle biopsies of both legs.

Results

Insulin‐stimulated glucose clearance in T legs was ~30% higher compared with UT legs in both groups due to increased blood flow in T vs UT legs and maintained glucose extraction. With each training session, muscle glycogen content decreased only in the training leg, and after the training, glycogen synthase and citrate synthase activities were higher in T vs UT legs. No major changes occurred in the expression of proteins in the insulin signalling cascade. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity was similar in T2DM and healthy subjects, and unchanged by HIIT.

Conclusion

HIIT improves skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. With HIIT, the skeletal muscle of patients with T2DM becomes just as insulin sensitive as untrained muscle in healthy subjects. The mechanism includes oscillations in muscle glycogen stores and a maintained ability to extract glucose from the blood in the face of increased blood flow in the trained leg.
Randomised clinical trial: Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 probiotic vs placebo, and impact on gut transit time, symptoms, and gut microbiology in chronic constipation
Authors: Dimidi Eirini , Zdanaviciene Ausra , Christodoulides Stephanos , Taheri Shiva , Louis Petra , Duncan Peter I. , Emami Nashmil , Crabbé Rafael , De Castro C. Antonio , McLean Peter , Bergonzelli Gabriela E. , Whelan Kevin , Mark Scott S.
Published: December 2018

Background

Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder. Patient dissatisfaction with prescribed medications is common, and there is need for alternative management strategies. Evidence shows that Bifidobacterium species may be beneficial in constipation.

Aim

To investigate changes in physiological and clinical measures of gut function in patients with chronic constipation following the consumption of Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818, compared to placebo.

Methods

Participants were randomised to a 4‐week supplementation with B. lactis NCC2818 (1.5 x 1010 CFU/d) or placebo. Gut transit time was measured using a radio‐opaque marker, while symptoms and quality of life were assessed using validated questionnaires. Gut microbiota composition was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Analysis of covariance was used for normally distributed variables, and Mann‐Whitney test for non‐normally distributed variables.

Results

Seventy‐five participants were randomised. There was no significant difference between the probiotic and placebo groups in gut transit time change from baseline to week 2 (−11.7 hours, SD 33.0 hours vs −12.9 hours, SD 33.6 hours; P = 0.863) or to week 4 (−20.4 hours, SD 32.5 h vs −8.7 hours, SD 33.8 hours; P = 0.103). There were also no improvements in stool output, symptoms, or quality of life. No differences were found in Bifidobacterium concentrations between the probiotic and placebo groups at week 4 (9.5 log10/g dry faeces, SD 0.3 vs 9.4 log10/g, SD 1.0; P = 0.509).

Conclusions

Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 was not effective in the management of mild chronic constipation. This study highlights the importance of further studies and their publication to better understand the strain‐specific effects of probiotics.
Quality of life measures predict mortality in patients with cirrhosis and severe ascites
Authors: Macdonald Stewart , Jepsen Peter , Alrubaiy Laith , Watson Hugh , Vilstrup Hendrik , Jalan Rajiv
Published: December 2018

Background

Severe ascites is associated with both a poor health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and a mortality in excess of that captured by current prognostic clinical scores.

Aim

To determine the association between HRQL and mortality in patients with severe ascites.

Methods

The HRQL data from previously published randomised controlled trials examining the efficacy of satavaptan in ascites were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Of the 496 patients randomised who completed the SF‐36, 405 patients had complete datasets and were included in the analysis (difficult‐to‐treat ascites, n = 164 or refractory ascites, n = 241). Overall, patients reported poor HRQL, in particular the physical component score (PCS) of SF‐36. The physical component score (PCS) correlated with the mental component score (MCS) of SF‐36 (Spearman rank correlation = 0.68) but not with markers of severity of liver disease. The PCS, but not the MCS, was significantly lower in patients who died (P = 0.01 and P = 0.84, respectively). After confounder‐adjustment, the hazard ratio for a 10‐point increase in the physical component score was 0.83 (95% CI; 0.72‐0.97) for all‐cause mortality and 0.84 (95% CI; 0.71‐0.99) for cirrhosis‐related deaths only, indicating that patients with better physical HRQL live longer on average.

Conclusions

Poor physical component score (PCS) of SF‐36 is an independent predictor of 12‐month mortality in patients with severe ascites independent of current prognostic clinical scores. It holds promise not only in prognostic modelling but also as an endpoint in the evaluation of therapies targeting ascites.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the prevalence of bile acid malabsorption and response to colestyramine in patients with chronic watery diarrhoea and previous cholecystectomy
Authors: Ruiz‐Campos Laura , Gisbert Javier P. , Ysamat Montserrat , Arau Beatriz , Loras Carme , Esteve Maria , Fernández‐Bañares Fernando
Published: December 2018

Background

A limited number of small‐sized studies suggest that bile acid diarrhoea is frequent in patients with chronic watery diarrhoea and previous cholecystectomy.

Aim

To perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the prevalence of bile acid diarrhoea in patients with chronic watery diarrhoea and previous cholecystectomy, and their response to colestyramine, including a new consecutive series of patients.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched up to January 2018. Selected studies included patients with previous cholecystectomy and chronic watery diarrhoea assessed by the 23‐seleno‐25‐homotaurocholic acid (SeHCAT) test. We calculated the pooled rate of bile acid diarrhoea using the inverse double arcsine square root method. Additionally, the medical records of 291 consecutive patients with chronic watery diarrhoea in whom a SeHCAT test was performed were retrospectively reviewed and 74 with previous cholecystectomy were included in the meta‐analysis.

Results

The search strategy identified eight relevant studies, which, together with the data of the present series, comprise 361 individuals. The pooled bile acid diarrhoea rate was 70% (95% CI 56%‐82%), and was similar when using cut‐offs of 10% or 15%. There was substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 84%). Five studies comprising 166 patients evaluated the effect of colestyramine in patients with bile acid diarrhoea. The pooled colestyramine response rate was 79% (95% CI 63%‐91%) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 73%).

Conclusions

Two‐thirds of patients with chronic watery diarrhoea and previous cholecystectomy have bile acid diarrhoea. Response to colestyramine in these patients is good.
Estimation of the economic value of herd‐life length based on simulated changes in survival rate
Authors: Sasaki Osamu , Takeda Hisato , Nishiura Akiko
Published: December 2018

Functional traits are an important aspect of long‐term breeding strategies for dairy cattle. In this regard, it is necessary to develop simple methods for estimating the economic value of herd life. In this study, the economic daily value of herd life was estimated when survival rate varied between −0.05 and 0.05 from the basal survival rate. The extension days per survival rate were 26.5 days in Hokkaido and 20.3 days in other regions. The increases in values of annual income per day of herd life were 95.18 yen in Hokkaido and 101.80 yen in other regions. The relative economic weights of milk yield to herd life per genetic standard deviation were 0.668 in Hokkaido and 1.03 in other regions. Estimated increments in yearly profits based on young sire selection for herd life were 963 yen in Hokkaido and 1,030 yen in other regions. The estimated increments in annual profits based on young sire selection for milk yield were 1,268 yen in Hokkaido and 2,097 yen in other regions. Given that economic value was linearly correlated with herd‐life length, the linear regression coefficients between these factors could be used to estimate the economic value of herd‐life length.
Using an observation tool (Parent–Infant Interaction Observation Scale) to assess parent–infant interaction in the first 2 weeks of life: A feasibility study
Authors: Naughton Aideen , Perkins Lucinda , McMinn Bethan , Kemp Alison
Published: December 2018

Background

Emotional maltreatment (EM) has profound effects on the developing brain but is hardest to identify in infancy. Early observations of parent–infant interactions may provide opportunities to identify babies at risk of neglect and EM. This prospective study tests, in the first fortnight of life, the feasibility of using an observation tool previously validated for use at 2 to 7 months of age.

Methods

Women awaiting induction of labour were recruited in South Wales in July 2016. Women consented to being contacted postnatally and video recordings of mother‐infant interaction at two home visits between 7 and 10 days (T1) and 8–12 weeks old (T2). Demographic details, information on the pregnancy, delivery, and infant condition were obtained at T1. A questionnaire was completed at T2 to capture any significant events affecting the parent–infant relationship. The Parent‐Infant Interaction Observation Scale (PIIOS) was used to score the videos. Exclusion criteria included admission to neonatal unit.

Results

Recruitment of suitable participants and full research data completion were feasible. Of 60 women who consented to be contacted post‐delivery, 30 women (31 infants) participated at T1 and T2. Three babies were excluded. Women accepted being observed in their homes with their babies, with no attrition between T1 and T2. Using the PIIOS 10 of the 13 items could be scored with an awake infant under 2 weeks.

Conclusion

These encouraging findings can inform exploration of an observation tool to identify high‐risk dyads for targeted support. A trial and test of a modified scoring system (based on the PIIOS) should be developed for a future study using a larger sample size. Further research should assess if this approach reliably produces a consistent valid screening tool to assess parental sensitive responsiveness and resilience promoting behaviours at this early stage of life.
Sleep disturbances in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome in an Australian National Cohort
Authors: Mo Lin , Mansfield Darren R. , Joham Anju , Cain Sean W. , Bennett Christie , Blumfield Michelle , Teede Helena , Moran Lisa J.
Published: December 2018

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in reproductive‐aged women. Sleep disturbances may be more prevalent in PCOS. It is not known if this relationship is independent of other factors.

Aim

To examine the prevalence of sleep disturbances in a large community‐based cohort study in women with and without PCOS and its relationship to clinical, demographic and comorbid factors.

Methods

We examined data from survey 5 (2009) of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (n = 6578, n = 484 PCOS and n = 6094 non‐PCOS). Sleep duration and disturbances were self‐reported. Three classes of sleep pattern were derived during latent class analysis (normal sleep duration with average sleep, normal sleep duration with sleep symptoms and short sleep duration with sleep symptoms) and compared between women with and without PCOS using multivariate regression, adjusting for body mass index (BMI), depressive symptoms, demographic and comorbid factors.

Results

Women with PCOS had similar sleep duration but were more likely to experience difficulty sleeping often (RRR 1.67, 1.20‐2.33, P = 0.003) and sometimes (RRR 1.39, 1.07‐1.80, P = 0.015), with restless sleep reported occasionally (RRR, 1.35 1.00‐1.83, P = 0.049). They reported severe tiredness often (RRR 1.48, 95% CI 1.08‐2.04, P = 0.016) and described more sleep difficulties within the last 12 months (OR 1.29, 1.04‐1.60, P = 0.018) on adjusted analyses. Compared to the class of average sleep duration with no sleep disturbances, PCOS was associated with increased relative risk of having average sleep duration with sleep symptoms (RRR 1.40, 95%CI 1.11‐1.77, P = 0.004) and short sleep duration with sleep symptoms (RRR 1.46, 95%CI 1.07‐1.99, P = 0.016) on adjusted analyses.

Conclusion

Sleep disturbances are more prevalent amongst women with PCOS after adjusting for BMI, depressive symptoms, demographic and comorbid factors. Targeted screening and management of sleep disturbances is warranted in PCOS.
A simulation study assessing the accuracy and reliability of orchidometer estimation of testicular volume
Authors: Elder Charlotte J. , Langley Joe , Stanton Andrew , De Silva Shamani , Akbarian‐Tefaghi Ladan , Wales Jerry K. H. , Wright Neil P.
Published: December 2018

Context

Measuring testicular volume (TV) by orchidometer is the standard method of male pubertal staging. A paucity of evidence exists as to its inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability and the impact of clinicians’ gender, training and experience on accuracy.

Objective

Prosthetic testicular models were engineered to investigate accuracy and reliability of TV estimation.

Design

Simulation study.

Setting

Conducted over three‐day 2015 British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) meeting.

Participants

Two hundred fifteen meeting delegates (161F, 54M): 50% consultants, 30% trainees, 9% clinical nurse specialists, 11% other professionals.

Intervention

Three child‐sized mannequins displayed latex scrotum containing prosthetic testicles of 3, 4, 5, 10 and 20 mL. Demographic data, paediatric endocrinology experience, TV examination training, examination technique and TV estimations were collected. Delegates were asked to repeat their measurements later during the meeting. Scrotum order was changed daily.

Main outcome measures

Accuracy by variance from the simulated TV. Inter‐ and intra‐observer variability.

Results

One thousand two hundred eighty four individual estimations were obtained. Eighty‐five participants repeated measurements. Delegates measured TV accurately on 33.4% (±2.6) of occasions: overestimations 37% (±2.3), underestimations 28% (±1.8) (Fleiss’ Kappa score 0.04). The accuracy of assessing a 4 mL testis was 36%‐39%. Observers underestimated the volume when paired with a 3 mL testis and overestimated when paired with a 5 mL testis demonstrating a tendency impose biological symmetry. Intra‐observer reliability was lacking; individuals giving different estimations for the same size testicle on 61% (±4.2) of occasions, 20% (±3.5) of estimations were more than 1 size outside the previous measurement. On only 39% (±4.2) of occasions did individuals agree with their previous estimation (irrespective of whether or not it was initially accurate). Training did not impact on results but experience did improve accuracy.

Conclusions

Overall TV estimation accuracy was poor. Considerable variation exists between and within subjects. Seniority slightly improved measurement estimation.
Families with infants born very preterm: how can we improve services uptake?
Authors: O'Kane Kerry
Published: December 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Seppänen et al. on pages 832–839 of this issue.
The impact of confidence on clinical dental practice
Authors: Fine Peter , Leung Albert , Bentall Clare , Louca Chris
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Increasing confidence through learning has the potential to change General Dental Practitioners’ (GDPs) perceptions of clinical practice. By examining how changes in confidence influence the clinical practice of two cohorts of GDPs, during and following an extended period of postgraduate training, we show the importance of confidence to GDPs and that a lack of confidence is a primary reason why GDPs attend postgraduate training courses.

Methods

A mixed‐method approach was adopted for this study. Quantitative data were collected via a series of linked questionnaires; qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions, interviews and contemporaneous field notes. Analysis was undertaken using SPSS software and a phenomenological approach, respectively.

Findings

Participants indicated an increase in confidence in their ability to undertake dental procedures, which led to an increase in confidence in communication skills, and their ability to undertake complex restorative procedures. This led to greater treatment acceptance by patients resulting in better “job satisfaction.”

Discussion

A sense of confidence is central to personal development and ongoing study, leading to first, an improved capability to perform tasks (competence); second, confidence is a product of the relationship and trust of those people associated with the individual/professional and third, the correct level of challenge is important to confidence.

Conclusions

The issue of confidence has not been looked at in postgraduate dentistry, but it is well recognised in medical education fields.
Polymorphisms in dopaminergic genes predict proactive processes of response inhibition
Authors: Beu Nathan D. , Burns Nicholas R. , Baetu Irina
Published: December 2018

The ability to inhibit a prepared emotional or motor action is difficult but critical to everyday functioning. It is well‐established that response inhibition relies on the dopaminergic system in the basal ganglia. However, response inhibition is often measured imprecisely due to a process which slows our responses and increases subsequent inhibition success known as proactive inhibition. As the role of the dopamine system in proactive inhibition is unclear, we investigated the contribution of dopaminergic genes to proactive inhibition. We operationalised proactive inhibition as slower responses after failures to inhibit a response in a Go/No‐Go paradigm and investigated its relationship to rs686/A at DRD1 (associated with increased gene expression) and rs1800497/T at DRD2 (associated with reduced D2 receptor availability). Even though our sample (N = 264) was relatively young (18–40 years), we found that proactive inhibition improves the ability to withhold erroneous responses in older participants (p = 0.002) and those with lower fluid intelligence scores (p < 0.001), indicating that proactive inhibition is likely a naturally occurring compensatory mechanism. Critically, we found that a polygenic risk score consisting of the number of rs686 A and rs1800497 T alleles predicts higher engagement of proactive inhibition (p = 0.040), even after controlling for age (p = 0.011). Furthermore, age seemed to magnify these genetic effects (p < 0.001). This suggests that the extent to which proactive inhibition is engaged depends on increased dopamine D1 and decreased D2 neurotransmission. These results provide important considerations for future work investigating disorders of the dopaminergic system.
Early‐morning OFF and levodopa dose failures in patients with Parkinson's disease attending a routine clinical appointment using Time‐to‐ON Questionnaire
Authors: Stocchi F. , Coletti C. , Bonassi S. , Radicati F. G. , Vacca L.
Published: December 2018

Background and purpose

In patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with motor fluctuations, total daily OFF time is comprised of both end‐of‐dose time and the time taken to turn ON with medication. However, little is known about the impact of delays in ON time.

Methods

This was a single‐visit pilot study of fluctuating patients with PD attending a routine appointment. During a single visit, adult patients with idiopathic PD who were treated with levodopa for at least 1 year completed a questionnaire evaluating the time waiting for ON and the symptoms experienced while waiting to turn ON. Patients then completed a 5‐day home time‐to‐ON diary, where they documented how long it took to turn ON following their first morning dose of levodopa in 5‐min increments.

Results

A total of 151 consecutive patients completed the study survey, of whom 97 (64.2%) experienced motor fluctuations. Of the patients experiencing motor fluctuations, 54 (56%) reported delays in ON time (latency >30 min) following their first morning dose of levodopa. Half (51%) reported that they had experienced delayed ON at least once in the previous week and 21% reported having delayed ON during all seven mornings of the previous week. In addition, 10% of patients reported having dose failures on four or more mornings during the previous week. The most common symptoms experienced while waiting for ON were slowness (94.8%), fatigue (87.6%), reduced dexterity (82.5%), problems in walking (66.0%) and problems with balance (59.8%).

Conclusion

Early‐morning OFF problems such as delays in time to ON and dose failures are common in levodopa‐treated patients with PD.
Illness severity scoring in status epilepticus—When STESS meets APACHE II, SAPS II, and SOFA
Authors: Semmlack Saskia , Kaplan Peter W. , Spiegel Rainer , De Marchis Gian Marco , Hunziker Sabina , Tisljar Kai , Rüegg Stephan , Marsch Stephan , Sutter Raoul
Published: December 2018

Objective

To characterize a critically ill cohort with status epilepticus (SE) by the illness severity scoring systems SAPS II (Simplified Acute Physiology Score II), APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II), and SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment), and to compare their performance with the STESS (Status Epilepticus Severity Score) for outcome prediction.

Methods

The prospective cohort study was carried out at the University Hospital Basel, a Swiss tertiary academic medical care center. Consecutive adult SE patients hospitalized in the intensive care units from 2011 to 2016 were included. Illness severity scores and additional clinical data were recorded. Logistic regression models using automated variable selection were applied to identify scores associated with no return to functional and neurological baseline and death. Measures of discrimination and calibration were assessed.

Results

Among 184 patients, 33% returned to baseline. Median scores of the illness severity scores were within the lowest third of the possible scoring ranges, and all differed significantly between patients with and without return to baseline. The areas under the receiver operating curves for the prediction of no return to baseline and death ranged from 0.64 to 0.73, with the highest value for the STESS predicting no return to baseline. Measures of calibration revealed adequate model fit for all analyses. Among integral components of the scoring systems, only the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) differed significantly between patients with and without return to baseline. In multivariable analyses, decreasing GCS and increasing STESS had the strongest associations (odds ratio [OR] = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77‐0.93 and OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.05‐1.68, respectively) with no return to baseline independent of all other scoring systems, whereas the APACHE II revealed the strongest association with death (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.06‐1.25).

Significance

Although complex illness severity scoring systems in SE patients facilitate benchmarking and comparisons with other severely ill patient cohorts, they offer no advantages over the STESS and GCS regarding prediction of no return to baseline.
Mechanistic insight into the activity of a sulfone compound dapsone on Propionibacterium (Newly Reclassified as Cutibacterium) Acnes‐mediated cytokine production
Authors: Geyfman Mikhail , Debabov Dmitri , Poloso Neil , Alvandi Nancy
Published: December 2018

Acne remains as the most common skin disease in the United States even despite multiple approved topical and systemic medications available. These treatments available over the counter and by prescription can be classified based on comedolytic, antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activities and are often used in combination. Therefore, understanding of the mechanism of action is critical to achieving the best clinical outcome and synergy. One of the newer acne medications with historical data suggesting both antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory activity is dapsone. In order to gain mechanistic insight into the anti‐inflammatory activity of dapsone in Propionibacterium (a former genus name recently reclassified as “Cutibacterium”) (P. acnes)‐driven inflammation, we used two human in vitro models: primary human neonatal epidermal keratinocytes and human monocytes (THP‐1). We demonstrate that dapsone suppresses production of specific cytokine signatures interleukin (IL)1α and IL8 in human epidermal keratinocytes and IL1β, IL6, IL8 and tumor necrosis factor‐α in THP‐1 cells in response to P. acnes. Using THP‐1 cell in vitro model, we show that IL1β and CASP‐1 are regulated by dapsone independently of NFκB activity at transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels, respectively.
Insights into the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in skin function and associated diseases
Authors: Park Kyungho , Lee Sang Eun , Shin Kyong‐Oh , Uchida Yoshikazu
Published: December 2018

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a mechanism that allows the protection of normal cellular functions in response to both internal perturbations, such as accumulation of unfolded proteins, and external perturbations, for example redox stress, UVB irradiation, and infection. A hallmark of ER stress is the accumulation of misfolded and unfolded proteins. Physiological levels of ER stress trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR) that is required to restore normal ER functions. However, the UPR can also initiate a cell death program/apoptosis pathway in response to excessive or persistent ER stress. Recently, it has become evident that chronic ER stress occurs in several diseases, including skin diseases such as Darier's disease, rosacea, vitiligo and melanoma; furthermore, it is suggested that ER stress is directly involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Here, we review the role of ER stress in skin function, and discuss its significance in skin diseases.
Autofertility and self‐compatibility moderately benefit island colonization of plants
Authors: Razanajatovo Mialy , van Kleunen Mark , Kreft Holger , Dawson Wayne , Essl Franz , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , Winter Marten , Weigelt Patrick
Published: December 2018

Aim

The current geographical distribution of species largely reflects colonization success after natural long‐distance dispersal or introduction by humans. Plants with selfing ability should have an advantage when establishing on islands where mates and pollinators are limited (Baker’s law). However, high percentages of dioecious and self‐incompatible species have been reported for some islands, possibly resulting from post‐colonization evolution. Given that such evolution is less likely to apply to alien species recently introduced to islands by humans, tests of Baker’s law on islands need to consider both native and naturalized alien species.

Location

Global.

Time period

Undefined.

Major taxa studied

Angiosperms.

Methods

To test whether the colonization of islands is associated with selfing ability (self‐compatibility and autofertility), we combined three comprehensive global databases: one on breeding systems of species, one on island and mainland distributions of native species and one on global naturalization of alien plants. We assigned each of a total of 1,752 species, from 161 angiosperm families, as mainland species, island colonists and/or island endemics (i.e., species that are restricted to islands). To assess potential relationships between island occurrence and selfing ability of species, we used multinomial logistic regressions.

Results

We found that species with high selfing ability were slightly more likely to be island colonist than mainland species. However, selfing ability did not increase the likelihood of being an island endemic in contrast to mainland species. Among island colonists, selfing ability did not differ between species on oceanic and on continental islands or between species native to islands and naturalized on islands.

Main conclusions

We performed a comprehensive test of Baker’s law by considering many angiosperm families, using continuous metrics of self‐compatibility and autofertility and including both native and naturalized species. We provide global evidence that high selfing ability may foster island colonization of angiosperms.
Determination of buffer zone for negative externalities: Effect on housing prices
Authors: Chica‐Olmo Jorge , Cano‐Guervos Rafael , Tamaris‐Turizo Ivan
Published: December 2018

Numerous works have addressed the problem of the hedonic modelling of housing prices, in which structural and locational variables of dwellings are considered. Among the latter, it is common to include variables related to transport accessibility. However, few studies have considered the effects of proximity to railway lines, and even less so freight railroads. This study determines the size of the width of influence (buffer zone) of negative externalities associated with the freight train line in the city of Santa Marta, Colombia. Moreover, the effect of this width on housing prices is studied. A hedonic model was estimated using spatial econometrics and geostatistical methods. Geostatistical techniques were used to obtain an isovalues map for the price of a standard dwelling. The study is of interest to the fields of real estate, territorial planning and transport systems, among others.
Sarcopenia is associated with tongue pressure in older patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross‐sectional study of the KAMOGAWA‐DM cohort study
Authors: Kaji Ayumi , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Kobayashi Yukiko , Sakai Ryosuke , Okamura Takuro , Miki Akane , Hamaguchi Masahide , Kuwahata Masashi , Yamazaki Masahiro , Fukui Michiaki
Published: December 2018

Aim

Death as a result of pneumonia is an important issue in patients with diabetes. Tongue pressure is associated with swallowing function, which has a close association with aspiration pneumonia. However, no previous studies have shown the association between sarcopenia and tongue pressure in older patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In the present cross‐sectional study, we investigated body composition, handgrip strength and tongue pressure. Skeletal muscle mass index (kg/m2) was defined as appendicular muscle mass / the square of the height. Sarcopenia was defined when both handgrip strength <26 kg for men and <18 kg for women, and the skeletal muscle mass index <7.0 kg/m2 for men and <5.7 kg/m2 for women existed.

Results

Among 144 patients (82 men, 71.4 years [SD 6.7 years]), 11.8% had sarcopenia. Tongue pressure was associated with skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength (r = 0.361, P < 0.001 and r = 0.387, P < 0.001, respectively, in men; and r = 0.300, P = 0.018 and r = 0.538, P < 0.001, respectively, in women). Tongue pressure was associated with the prevalence of sarcopenia after adjusting for covariates (OR 3.83, 95% CI 1.06–13.9, P = 0.041). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cut‐off value of handgrip strength for the presence of low tongue pressure was 27.7 kg (AUC 0.70, 95% CI 0.53–0.83, sensitivity 0.78, specificity 0.64) in men and 18.3 kg (AUC 0.71, 95% CI 0.54–0.84, sensitivity 0.82, specificity 0.54) in women.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia, especially handgrip strength, is associated with tongue pressure in older patients with type 2 diabetes. We should consider a decrease of swallowing function when examining patients with sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 153–158.
Ultrafast, > 50 Hz LA‐ICP‐MS Spot Analysis Applied to U–Pb Dating of Zircon and other U‐Bearing Minerals
Authors: Chew David , Drost Kerstin , Petrus Joseph A.
Published: December 2018

LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb detrital zircon studies typically analyse 50–200 grains per sample, with the consequent risk that minor but geologically important age components (e.g., the youngest detrital zircon population) are not detected, and higher abundance age components are misrepresented, rendering quantitative comparisons between samples impossible. This study undertook rapid U–Pb LA‐ICP‐MS analyses (8 s per 18–47 μm diameter spot including baseline and ablation) of zircon, apatite, rutile and titanite using an aerosol rapid introduction system (ARIS). As the ARIS resolves individual single pulses at fast sampling rates, spot analyses require a high repetition rate (> 50 Hz) so the signal does not return to baseline and mass sweep times (> 80 ms) that span several laser pulses (i.e., major undersampling of the signal). All rapid U–Pb spot analyses employed 250–300 pulses, repetition rates of 53–65 Hz (total ablation times of 4.1–5.7 s) and low fluence (1.75–2.5 J cm−2), resulting in pit depths of ca. 15 μm. Zircon, apatite, rutile and titanite reference material data yield an accuracy and precision (2s) of < 1% for pre‐Cenozoic reference materials and < 2% for younger reference materials. We present a detrital zircon data set from a Neoproterozoic tillite where > 1000 grains were analysed in < 3 h with a precision and accuracy comparable to conventional LA‐ICP‐MS analytical protocols, demonstrating the rapid acquisition of huge detrital data sets.