bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health help‐seeking by men in Brunei Darussalam: masculinities and ‘doing’ male identities across the life course
Authors: Idris Deeni R. , Forrest Simon , Brown Sally
Published: March 2019

Using data collected through semi‐structured interviews and focus group discussions with 37 adult men living in Brunei Darussalam, this paper explores how masculinities and expectations about male roles across the life course influence men's perceptions, of and attitudes towards health and health help‐seeking behaviour. Bruneian men gave accounts that consistently spoke of a series of masculine roles and associated attributes and behaviours, which mapped across the life course. Men described health and the steps that they had taken to protect their health in terms of responsibilities associated with being a breadwinner, provider of support for parents, role model and leader of the family. Whilst adherence to Bruneian norms about masculinity could obstruct men's engagement with health help‐seeking, we also found that men mobilised their understanding of Bruneian masculinity such that it provided culturally legitimate way of engaging in health help‐seeking. We conclude by considering implications for further development of conceptualisations of masculinities, particularly responding to the call to consider Connell's theory of ‘hegemonic masculinity’ in the context of the Global South. We also consider the implications of the findings of this research for policy and practice in provision of health promotion and services in Brunei.
Experiences of educational transition: young women with ASD, and the staff supporting them, speak
Authors: Essex Jane , Melham Pauline
Published: March 2019

The article describes research into the factors that facilitate a smooth transition for young women with High Functioning Autism (HFA) as they move between secondary school and Sixth form or Further Education (FE) College. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with four young women with HFA and, additionally, with four members of education staff responsible for supporting young women with HFA, across a variety of school and FE settings. This research revealed that transition planning focuses almost exclusively on academic progression and is likely to be an ad hoc collection of arrangements, which places an undue burden of organisation upon parents and carers. The data suggests that, in order for transition to be successful, it needs to be systematically planned over an extended time period and to take into account the social, organisational, employment and residential elements which affect an individual's educational experience. The evidence also points to the importance of ‘taster’ experiences to inform decisions and prepare students for impending change. The final recommendation arising is that support for these students should continue to be sustained after transition points, being reduced only as the students settle into their new environment.
Inclusive education in Saudi Arabia and Finland: pre‐service teachers’ attitudes
Authors: Alnahdi Ghaleb H. , Saloviita Timo , Elhadi Ayman
Published: March 2019

This study compared two samples of pre‐service teachers from Saudi Arabia (n = 306) and Finland (n = 186) regarding their attitudes towards inclusive education. The Teachers' Attitudes towards Inclusive Education Scale (TAIS) was used to measure the participants’ attitudes. The results were analysed using five different statistical analysis. Differences in pre‐service teachers’ attitudes were found between samples. The mean for the Finnish sample on the TAIS was near the neutral midpoint, while that for the Saudi sample was below the midpoint. The attitudes towards inclusion as a value were similar between the Saudi and Finnish samples. Significant differences were found by gender and educational background for the Saudi sample but not for the Finnish sample. In conclusion, several differences were found between the attitudes of the Saudi and Finnish pre‐service teachers towards inclusive education. These cross‐national differences present challenges to the development of culturally neutral instruments to measure attitudes towards inclusion.
Influence of race/ethnicity on prevalence and presentation of endometriosis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bougie O , Yap Ma.I , Sikora L , Flaxman T , Singh S
Published: March 2019

Background

Understanding the impact of race/ethnicity on the prevalence and presentation of endometriosis may help improve patient care.

Objective

To review systematically the evidence for the influence of race/ethnicity on the prevalence of endometriosis.

Search strategy

CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, LILACS, SCIELO, and CINAHL databases, as well as the grey literature, were searched from date of inception until September 2017.

Selection criteria

Randomised control trials and observational studies reporting on prevalence and/or clinical presentation of endometriosis.

Data collection and analysis

Twenty studies were included in the review and 18 studies were used to calculate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) through a random effects model. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa risk of bias scale (NOS).

Main results

Compared with White women, Black woman were less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29–0.83), whereas Asian women were more likely to have this diagnosis (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.03–2.58). Compared with White women, there was a statistically significant difference in likelihood of endometriosis diagnosis in Hispanic women (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.14–1.50). Significant heterogeneity (I2 > 50%) was present in the analysis for all racial/ethnic groups but was partially reduced in subgroup analysis by clinical presentation, particularly when endometriosis was diagnosed as self‐reported,

Conclusions

Prevalence of endometriosis appears to be influenced by race/ethnicity. Most notably, Black women appear less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis compared with White women. There is scarce literature exploring the influence of race/ethnicity on symptomatology, as well as treatment access, preference, and response.

Tweetable abstract

Prevalence of endometriosis may be influenced by race/ethnicity, but there is limited quality literature exploring this topic.
A Preliminary Study on Vacuum Metal Deposition as a Standalone Method for Enhancement of Fingermarks on Ballistic Brass Materials
Authors: Christofidis George , Morrissey Joanne , Birkett Jason W.
Published: March 2019

In order to assess the efficacy of vacuum metal deposition (VMD) as a technique to develop fingermarks on ballistic metallic surfaces, a preliminary study using six donors (three male & three female) was conducted. Using a sequential metal deposition process, two metal combinations were studied—gold/zinc and silver/zinc. Results indicate the potential of this technique, by developing identifiable fingermarks on brass metal disks aged from a few days up to more than a month old. As the development of fingermarks on fired (brass) cartridge cases is an area of interest, a further study was conducted where a total of 20 fingermarks were deposited on cases. After firing, second level fingermark characteristics were successfully observed on cartridge cases highlighting its potential as a fingermark enhancement method for ballistic brass materials. Further work is required to fully evaluate the VMD process and its reliability as a fingermark enhancing method on ballistic surfaces.
More cops, fewer prisoners?
Authors: Kaplan Jacob , Chalfin Aaron
Published: March 2019

Research Summary

The results reported in a large amount of the criminology literature reveal that hiring police officers leads to reductions in crime and that investments in police are an efficient means of crime control compared with investments in prisons. One concern, however, is that because police officers make arrests in the course of their duties, police hiring, albeit efficient, is an inevitable driver of “mass incarceration.” In this article, we consider the dynamics through which police hiring affects downstream incarceration rates.

Policy Implications

Using state‐level panel data as well county‐level data from California, we uncover novel evidence in favor of a potentially unexpected and yet entirely intuitive result: that investments in law enforcement are unlikely to increase state prison populations markedly and may even lead to a modest decrease in the number of state prisoners. As such, investments in police may, in fact, yield a “double dividend” to society by reducing incarceration rates as well as crime rates.
Sevoflurane EC50 for intravenous cannulation attempt and movement in children
Authors: Goel Nitika , Jain Divya , Ghai Babita
Published: March 2019

Background

Intravenous cannulation at lighter planes of anaesthesia can lead to adverse respiratory and haemodynamic events. So far, there is no consensus on optimum end tidal sevoflurane concentration required for intravenous cannulation in children. We aimed to evaluate the optimum end tidal concentration at which an intravenous cannulation can be successfully attempted without movements in paediatric patients after inhalational induction of general anaesthesia.

Material and Methods

In this clinical trial, paediatric subjects of either sex aged 1‐3 years, weighing 7‐15 kg having American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I/II of undergoing elective cataract surgery were included. After inhalational induction of general anaesthesia with 8% sevoflurane and 100% oxygen, end tidal sevoflurane concentration was maintained at 2% for 4 minutes for the first child. This was followed by intravenous cannulation attempted by an experienced anesthesiologist. The intravenous cannulation was considered to be unsuccessful if there was “movement” and successful if there was “no movement” in response to the stimuli of cannulation. End‐tidal concentration was increased/decreased (step‐size 0.2% for sevoflurane) using Dixon and Massey up and down method in the next patient depending upon previous patient's response.

Results

The sevoflurane EC50 for successful intravenous cannulation is 1.32% ± 1.0%. Pearson correlation (r) between weight of the child and response to intravenous cannulation was found to be 0.40 with P value of 0.008.

Conclusion

Intravenous cannulation can be accomplished without movements at end tidal sevoflurane of 1.3% in children aged 1‐3 years in 50% of children.
Prolonged Exposure to Alcohol Vapor Causes Change in Cardiovascular Function in Female but not in Male Rats
Authors: Bianchi Paula Cristina , Costa Ferreira Willian , Antonagi Engi Sheila , Palombo Paola , Carneiro de Oliveira Paulo Eduardo , Gomes de Souza Lucas , Crestani Carlos César , da Costa José Luiz , da Silva Planeta Cleopatra , Molini Leão Rodrigo , Cardoso Cruz Fabio
Published: March 2019

Background

Alcohol abuse is a health concern worldwide. Studies have associated alcohol abuse with cardiovascular impairments. In this study, we investigated differences in the effects of chronic alcohol vapor exposure on cardiovascular function between male and female rats by using the alcohol vapor chamber method to induce alcohol addiction‐like behaviors in rats.

Methods

We exposed male and female Long‐Evans rats to alcohol vapor for 14 hours, followed by ethanol withdrawal for 10 hours, for 30 consecutive days or room air (control groups). The animals underwent preparation for the surgical implantation of cannulas into femoral vessels, for allowing the assessment of the basal arterial pressure and heart rate values, baroreflex function, and autonomic activity.

Results

Female control rats showed higher basal heart rate compared to male control rats. Chronic alcohol vapor inhalation reduced basal heart rate in females, but not in males; this effect was followed by an increase in the parasympathetic tone of the heart. Further, female rats subjected to alcohol vapor showed an increase in the baroreflex activity.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that females are more sensitive to chronic alcohol vapor exposure than males because they had a reduction in basal heart rate and changes in the baroreflex activity.
The effect of phylogenetic uncertainty and imputation on EDGE Scores
Authors: Weedop K. B. , Mooers A. Ø. , Tucker C. M. , Pearse W. D.
Published: March 2019

Faced with the challenge of saving as much diversity as possible given financial and time constraints, conservation biologists are increasingly prioritizing species on the basis of their overall contribution to evolutionary diversity. Metrics such as EDGE (Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered) have been used to set such evolutionarily based conservation priorities for a number of taxa, such as mammals, birds, corals, amphibians, and sharks. Each application of EDGE has required some form of correction to account for species whose positions within the tree of life are unknown. Perhaps the most advanced of these corrections is phylogenetic imputation, but to date there has been no systematic assessment of both the sensitivity of EDGE scores to a phylogeny missing species, and the impact of using imputation to correct for species missing from the tree. Here, we perform such an assessment, by simulating phylogenies, removing some species to make the phylogeny incomplete, imputing the position of those species, and measuring (1) how robust ED scores are for the species that are not removed and (2) how accurate the ED scores are for those removed and then imputed. We find that the EDGE ranking for species on a tree is remarkably robust to missing species from that tree, but that phylogenetic imputation for missing species, while unbiased, does not accurately reconstruct species’ evolutionary distinctiveness. On the basis of these results, we provide clear guidance for EDGE scoring in the face of phylogenetic uncertainty.
Collagen, glycosaminoglycans and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and metalloproteinase‐9 in the cervix of the ewe during prepubertal development
Authors: Rodríguez‐Piñón Marcelo , Casuriaga Daniela , Genovese Patricia , García‐Barcelo Gonzalo , Alcaide Fernanda , Bielli Alejandro
Published: March 2019

The tortuous nature of the ovine cervix restricts the transcervical passage of the cannula, and many studies have aimed to understand the endocrine mechanism of the remodelling of cervical tissue in adult ewe. However, little is known about the remodelling of the cervical tissue during the prepubertal development of the lambs. To obtain histochemical and biochemical evidence about the nature of the prepubertal development of the cervix of the ewe, cervices of Corriedale lambs obtained at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 months of age (n = 5 to 6 in each) were processed. Neutral and acidic glycosaminoglycans (by PAS‐Alcian stain) were weakly in the cervical stroma and not shown change during the development, whereas the percentage volume of fibrillar collagen (by van Gieson stain) increases throughout the experimental period in the superficial fold stroma and deep wall stroma (p < 0.05). The relative cervical weight (g/kg of body weight) and the collagen concentration (by spectrophotometry, mg/mg wet tissue) showed an early decreasing phase from months 0 to 4 and a later increasing phase from months 4 to 8 (p < 0.05). The latent form of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) detected by gelatin zymography (ng/mg protein) decreased from months 0 to 2 and increased from months 4 to 8, whereas the activated form decreased from months 0 to 2, remained low until month 6 and then recovered on month 8 (p < 0.0001). Data suggest that the relative cervical weight biphasic pattern during the development is related to MMP‐2‐dependent changes in the collagen content.
Managing costs in primary immunodeficiency: minimal immunophenotyping and three national references
Authors: Dias Ana Luisa Abrahão , da Silva Raquel Gomes , Cunha Fernanda Gonçalves Pereira , Morcillo André Moreno , Lorand‐Metze Irene , Vilela Maria Marluce dos Santos , Riccetto Adriana Gut Lopes
Published: March 2019

Our aim was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of a minimal lymphocyte subset quantification (LSQ) by flow cytometry as the first screening in children with clinically suspected primary immunodeficiency (PID). Two hundred sixty‐eight Brazilian patients (0–21 years old) were studied. They were divided by clinical and phenotypical features into those fulfilling criteria for PID (PID phenotype) according to the 2017 International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS) classification and those not fulfilling these criteria (non‐PID phenotype). We evaluated how many patients had values below the 10th percentile for five lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood, (suggestive of PID) according to reference values for Brazil, Italy and USA. Three lymphocyte subsets (T CD3/CD4, B CD19 and NK CD16/CD56) had p‐value < 0.05 and Odds Ratio (OR) indicating a risk at least two times higher for the diagnosis of a PID phenotype. The application of Kappa coefficient (k) on Brazilian vs Italian and Brazilian vs US data sets resulted in k compatible with strong or excellent level of agreement between the three classification systems. The authors conclude that a number of CD3+/CD4+, CD19+ and CD16+/CD56+ (NK) cells in peripheral blood <10th percentile represented a significant risk for the diagnosis of PID in this cohort. Natural killer (NK) deficiency is quite rare and has a very specific clinical profile. So, the analysis of these cells could be requested only in some cases, saving even more costs. The minimal immunophenotyping, with quantification of T CD4+, CD19+ and in some cases CD16+/CD56+ cells, may be a useful tool for the first screening of PID, saving costs, especially in developing countries.
A Person‐Centred Perspective on Social Support in the Workplace
Authors: Caesens Gaëtane , Gillet Nicolas , Morin Alexandre J.S. , Houle Simon A. , Stinglhamber Florence
Published: March 2019

This research seeks to identify employees’ profiles characterised by distinct perceptions of three sources of social support at work (i.e., organisation, supervisor, and colleagues), and the extent to which these profiles generalise across two samples of workers (N = 185 and 387). This research also investigates the associations between the profiles and a series of outcomes. Latent profile analysis revealed five identical profiles in both samples: (1) moderately supported; (2) isolated; (3) supervisor supported; (4) weakly supported; and (5) highly supported. The most desirable outcomes (job satisfaction, performance, and affective commitment) were associated with Profile 5 (highly supported), while the highest levels of emotional exhaustion were observed in Profile 2 (isolated).
Relevance of CYP2B6 and CYP2D6 genotypes to methadone pharmacokinetics and response in the OPAL study
Authors: Victorri‐Vigneau Caroline , Verstuyft Céline , Bouquié Régis , Laforgue Edouard‐Jules , Hardouin Jean‐Benoit , Leboucher Juliette , Le Geay Bertrand , Dano Corine , Challet‐Bouju Gaëlle , Grall‐Bronnec Marie
Published: March 2019

Aims

Our study aimed to evaluate the impacts of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6‐G516T and CYP2D6 genetic polymorphisms on pharmacokinetic and clinical parameters in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment.

Methods

Opioid PhArmacoLogy (OPAL) was a clinical survey of the sociodemographic characteristics, history and consequences of pathology associated with methadone maintenance treatment response and current addictive comorbidities. A subgroup of 72 methadone patients was genotyped.

Results

When comparing the three CYP2B6 genotype groups, the methadone (R)‐ and (S)‐methadone enantiomer concentrations/doses (concentrations relative to doses) were different (P = .029, P = .0019). The CYP2D6 phenotypes did not seem to be relevant with regard to methadone levels. On multivariate analysis, neither the CYP2B6 genotype nor the CYP2D6 phenotype explained the (R)‐methadone concentration/dose values (P = .92; P = .86); the (S)‐methadone concentration/dose values (P = .052; P = .95 [although there was a difference between the TT group and GT and GG groups {P = .019}]); or opiate cessation (P = .12; P = .90).

Conclusion

The genotyping of CYP2B6 G516T could be an interesting tool to explore methadone intervariability.
Advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of venous thrombosis
Authors: Preston Roger J. S. , O'Sullivan Jamie M. , O'Donnell James S.
Published: March 2019

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents a leading cause of global mortality, however, the determinants that contribute to thrombus development remain incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss the role of inherited abnormalities of blood coagulation in VTE pathogenesis. In addition, we also consider recent emerging data suggesting other molecular and cellular determinants may also contribute. Specifically, we describe the role played by the inflamed endothelium, and the dysregulated responses to inflammatory stimuli that create a platform for pathological clot formation. We review the accumulating evidence that blood cells, contact pathway factors and protein disulphide isomerases all play key roles in VTE development. Finally, we discuss new insights into the role of metabolites arising from commensal gut bacteria and their potential role in facilitating VTE. This overview provides an update on these state‐of‐the‐art developments and the opportunities they provide for new antithrombotic therapies with enhanced efficacy and improved safety profiles.
Innovations in Practice: Avatar‐based virtual reality in CAMHS talking therapy: two exploratory case studies
Authors: Falconer Caroline J. , Davies E. Bethan , Grist Rebecca , Stallard Paul
Published: March 2019

Background

Avatar‐based virtual reality therapy is an emerging digital technology that can be used to assist the treatment of common mental health problems. This may be particularly appealing to young people who are highly familiar with digital technologies and may provide a medium to facilitate communication within face‐to‐face therapy.

Method

We present two case summaries of young people who used ProReal, who had difficulties engaging in talking therapies. ProReal is a software package providing avatar‐based virtual reality therapy, used as part of talking psychological therapies provided within a CAMHS outpatient clinic. Young people completed pre and postuse routine outcome measures and took part in qualitative interviews assessing their experience of ProReal.

Results

Outcome measures showed a reduction over time. The two young people felt ProReal was highly accessible, with both young people positively describing how ProReal helped them externalize their inner worlds to help them to reappraise their thoughts, feelings and experiences. They also reported ProReal being a helpful tool to facilitate communication with the clinician.

Conclusion

These case summaries demonstrate how ProReal can be readily integrated into clinical practice and how it can facilitate communication and therapy with young people who find it difficult to express themselves.
Beyond model interpretability using LDA and decision trees for α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitor classification studies
Authors: Diéguez‐Santana Karel , Rivera‐Borroto Oscar M. , Puris Amilkar , Pham‐The Hai , Le‐Thi‐Thu Huong , Rasulev Bakhtiyor , Casañola‐Martin Gerardo M.
Published: March 2019

In this report are used two data sets involving the main antidiabetic enzyme targets α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase. The prediction of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity as antidiabetic is carried out using LDA and classification trees (CT). A large data set of 640 compounds for α‐amylase and 1546 compounds in the case of α‐glucosidase are selected to develop the tree model. In the case of CT‐J48 have the better classification model performances for both targets with values above 80%–90% for the training and prediction sets, correspondingly. The best model shows an accuracy higher than 95% for training set; the model was also validated using 10‐fold cross‐validation procedure and through a test set achieving accuracy values of 85.32% and 86.80%, correspondingly. Additionally, the obtained model is compared with other approaches previously published in the international literature showing better results. Finally, we can say that the present results provided a double‐target approach for increasing the estimation of antidiabetic chemicals identification aimed by double‐way workflow in virtual screening pipelines.
Dentists’ willingness to screen for cardiovascular disease in the dental care setting: Findings from a nationally representative survey
Authors: Singer Richard H. , Feaster Daniel J. , Stoutenberg Mark , Hlaing WayWay M. , Pereyra Margaret , Abel Stephen , Pollack Harold , Gellman Marc D. , Schneiderman Neil , Metsch Lisa R.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Dental clinics offer an untapped health care setting to expand access to screening and early identification of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study examined the correlates of dentists’ willingness to provide CVD screening in the dental care setting.

Methods

Private practice and public health general dentists in the U.S. participated in a nationally representative survey from 2010 to 2011. The survey examined dentists’ willingness to provide a finger stick test to support CVD screening and agreement that their professional role should include CVD screening.

Results

Data analysed from 1802 respondents indicated that 46.6% of dentists were willing to provide CVD screening. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of dentists’ willingness to screen for CVD was associated with currently screening for hypertension (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.01, 2.20), screening for obesity (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.17, 2.36) and agreement that their role as health care professionals includes CVD screening (AOR = 3.03, 95% CI 2.15, 4.29). Dentists’ agreement that their role includes CVD screening was associated with self‐rated knowledge of CVD (good vs none or limited) and CVD training during their professional education (5 to 8 hours of training vs none or limited), (AOR = 5.75, 95% CI 2.26, 14.62) and (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI 2.17, 6.80), respectively.

Conclusions

Our study highlights strategies that may be employed to expand future access to early detection of CVD risk. Including CVD screening instruction and clinical screening experiences in dental school curriculum may serve as catalysts to reshape the future scope of dental practice.
Presence of Candida species in the subgingival oral biofilm of patients with peri‐implantitis
Authors: Alrabiah Mohammed , Alshagroud Rana S. , Alsahhaf Abdulaziz , Almojaly Saud A. , Abduljabbar Tariq , Javed Fawad
Published: March 2019

Background

There are no studies that have investigated the presence of Candida species in the subgingival oral biofilm (OB) of patients with peri‐implantitis.

Purpose

The aim was to assess the presence of Candida species in the subgingival OB of patients with peri‐implantitis.

Materials and Methods

Individuals with (group A) and without (group B) peri‐implantitis were included. Life style related and demographic data were collected using a questionnaire. In both groups, peri‐implant plaque‐index (PI), bleeding‐on‐probing (BOP), and probing‐depth (PD) were evaluated and crestal bone loss (CBL) were measured on digital bitewing radiographs. In both groups, subgingival OB samples were collected using sterile paper points. Identification of Candida species was performed using ChromAgar medium and colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) were determined. Statistical analysis was performed, and level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

The mean age of individuals in groups A (n = 43) and B (n = 41) were 52.2 ± 4.4 and 55.1 ± 2.3 years, respectively. All participants were male. In groups A and B, implants were in function for 7.4 ± 1.3 and 6.8 ± 0.6 years, respectively. Scores of peri‐implant PI (P < 0.001), BOP (P < 0.001), PD (P < 0.001), and CBL (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in group A than group B. Subgingival Candida was isolated from the OB of 33 (76.7%) patients in group A and 5 (12.2%) individuals in group B. The most common yeast species was Candida albicans, which was isolated from 67.4% to 60% individuals in groups A and B, respectively. The number of subgingival oral yeasts CFU/mL were significantly higher in group A (3147.54 ± 1052.6 CFU/mL) compared with group B (496.68 ± 100.2 CFU/mL; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Candida species (predominantly C. albicans) are present in the subgingival OB of patients with peri‐implantitis. Community‐based efforts toward routine oral hygiene maintenance are needed to improve oral health and minimize the risks of peri‐implant diseases in populations.
Likelihood approximations of implied weights parsimony can be selected over the Mk model by the Akaike information criterion
Authors: Goloboff Pablo A. , Arias J. Salvador
Published: March 2019

A likelihood method that approximates the behaviour of implied weighting is described. This approach provides a likelihood perspective on several aspects of implied weighting, such as guidance for the choice of concavity values, a justification to use different concavities for different numbers of taxa, and a natural basis for extended implied weighting. In this approach, the number of free parameters in the estimation depends on C, the number of characters (in contrast to the standard Mk model, which estimates 2T–3 parameters for T taxa). Depending on the characteristics of the dataset, the likelihood obtained with this approach may in some cases be similar or superior to that of the Mk model, but with fewer parameters being adjusted. Because of that tradeoff, testing against the Mk model by means of the Akaike information criterion on a set of 182 morphological datasets indicated many cases (36) in which the likelihood approximation to implied weighting is the best method, from an information‐theoretic point of view. Given that it is expected to produce (almost) the same results as this maximum‐likelihood approximation, implied weighting can therefore be seen as a valid alternative to the Mk model often used for morphological datasets, on the basis of a criterion for model fit widely advocated by likelihoodists.
Are coastal habitats important nurseries? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lefcheck Jonathan S. , Hughes Brent B. , Johnson Andrew J. , Pfirrmann Bruce W. , Rasher Douglas B. , Smyth Ashley R. , Williams Bethany L. , Beck Michael W. , Orth Robert J.
Published: March 2019

Nearshore‐structured habitats—including underwater grasses, mangroves, coral, and other biogenic reefs, marshes, and complex abiotic substrates—have long been postulated to function as important nurseries for juvenile fishes and invertebrates. Here, we review the evolution of the “nursery habitat hypothesis” and use >11,000 comparisons from 160 peer‐reviewed studies to test whether and which structured habitats increase juvenile density, growth, and survival. In general, almost all structured habitats significantly enhanced juvenile density—and in some cases growth and survival—relative to unstructured habitats. Underwater grasses and mangroves also promoted juvenile density and growth beyond what was observed in other structured habitats. These conclusions were robust to variation among studies, although there were significant differences with latitude and among some phyla. Our results confirm the basic nursery function of certain structured habitats, which lends further support to their conservation, restoration, and management at a time when our coastal environments are becoming increasingly impacted. They also reveal a dearth of evidence from many other systems (e.g., kelp forests) and for responses other than density. Although recent studies have advocated for increasingly complex approaches to evaluating nurseries, we recommend a renewed emphasis on more straightforward assessments of juvenile growth, survival, reproduction, and recruitment.
Reporting rare paediatric progressive genetic conditions: a step towards international classification
Authors: Chin Richard F
Published: March 2019

This commentary is on the original article by van Karnebeek et al. on pages 1208‐1213 of this issue.
Utility of transesophageal echocardiography for intra‐operatively assessing pulmonary artery pressure across an isolated ventricular septal defect in children
Authors: Liu Lifei , Li Shangyingying , Ye Mao , Li Yonggang , Tian Jie , Tan Yanzhe
Published: March 2019

Background

The magnitude of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is extremely important with respect to the intra‐operative management of children and infants with an isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD). This study aimed to assess the feasibility and accuracy of transesophageal echocardiography for estimating pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) across isolated VSD.

Methods

We compared the results of transesophageal echocardiography vs invasive PASP measured simultaneously. This study included 40 patients (age: 6 months to 6 years; weight: >5 kg) who were undergoing elective surgery for isolated VSDs. Flow signals across the VSDs were identified as high velocity turbulent signals in systole via continuous wave Doppler at 0–120° at the mid‐esophageal level. Peak velocities were recorded. Radial artery systolic pressures were assessed invasively, and PASPs were obtained after exposing the pulmonary artery intra‐operatively.

Results

After excluding five patients because of unusable measurements, invasive PASP measurements were obtained in 35 patients (87.5%). There were no significant biases between echocardiographic and catheterization measurements of PASP, with a tight confidence interval measuring, on average, up to 2.6 mmHg. However, the ± 2 standard deviation limits of agreement for mean PASP were −3.8 and 10.6 mmHg.

Conclusion

PASP measurements via transesophageal echocardiography in cardiac surgical patients under general anesthesia are recommended for use as a screening and monitoring tool for PH in children and infants, but cannot be used as a diagnostic tool.
Co‐designing a virtual world with young people to deliver social cognition therapy in early psychosis
Authors: Realpe Alba , Elahi Farah , Bucci Sandra , Birchwood Max , Vlaev Ivo , Taylor David , Thompson Andrew
Published: March 2019

Aims

Co‐design implies genuine partnership in the generation of knowledge between service users and researchers. Service user involvement in research has been encouraged in government policy, but it is rarely achieved, especially at trial initial stages. Co‐designed with service users, we adapted existing manualised social cognition intervention for people with a first episode of psychosis to a virtual world environment.

Methods

We invited a group of young people who have used mental health services to co‐design a virtual environment to deliver an accessible social cognition intervention to a hard to engage service user group. We used an iterative process with young service users and the design team that included developing initial ideas, creating a prototype and testing the virtual world.

Results

Twenty young service users of local mental healthcare services provided feedback on the design and delivery of the intervention. Reflecting the demographic of the sample, young people felt the virtual environment should be familiar, urban spaces, akin to therapy rooms or classrooms they have used in real‐life situations rather than non‐traditional therapy spaces that were initially proposed.

Conclusion

The co‐design process led to the development of a specific design, approach and protocol to be tested in a proof‐of‐concept trial. Young service users were integral to an agile and iterative design. Technological innovations should be routinely co‐designed and co‐produced if they are to realise their potential to deliver acceptable and affordable mental health interventions.
Effect of nitrogen fertilizer on rice photosynthate allocation and carbon input in paddy soil
Authors: Xiao Mouliang , Zang Huadong , Ge Tida , Chen Anlei , Zhu Zhenke , Zhou Ping , Atere Cornelius T. , Wu Jinshui , Su Yirong , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: March 2019

The photosynthate carbon (C) released in the rhizosphere plays a crucial role in C sequestration, microbial activities and nutrient availability in soil. Nitrogen (N) fertilization modifies the allocation and dynamics of photosynthates in paddy rice systems, but these effects depend on plant growth stages. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants were pulse labelled with 13CO2 at the tillering, elongation, heading and grain‐filling stages with 0 and 225 kg N ha−1 fertilizer. The plants and soil were sampled shortly after each pulse labelling and at harvest. Relative 13C (as % of assimilated C) in the roots and rhizosphere soil was largest at the early growth stage (tillering) and subsequently decreased. At harvest, 68% of the rhizodeposited C remained in bulk soil without N fertilizer, which corresponded to 6.2% of the net assimilated 13C. The absolute amount of net belowground C input (root + rhizodeposition) by rice was 268 and 468 kg C ha−1 under 0 and 225 kg N ha−1 fertilizer, of which rhizodeposition accounted for 60 and 40%, respectively. We concluded that N fertilization raised the belowground C input by rice mainly by increasing root biomass rather than by rhizodeposition.

Highlights

Rice photosynthesis‐derived carbon (C) was quantified in soil by multiple pulse labelling with 13CO2

Young rice plants allocated more assimilates into the soil compared to mature plants

Nitrogen deficiency led to greater C retention in bulk soil than in the rhizosphere

Nitrogen fertilization increased the net belowground C input mainly with larger root biomass
The extracellular matrix as a multitasking player in disease
Authors: Theocharis Achilleas D. , Manou Dimitra , Karamanos Nikos K.
Published: March 2019

Extracellular matrices (ECMs) are highly specialized and dynamic three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds into which cells reside in tissues. ECM is composed of a variety of fibrillar components, such as collagens, fibronectin, and elastin, and non‐fibrillar molecules as proteoglycans, hyaluronan, and glycoproteins including matricellular proteins. These macromolecular components are interconnected forming complex networks that actively communicate with cells through binding to cell surface receptors and/or matrix effectors. ECMs exert diverse roles, either providing tissues with structural integrity and mechanical properties essential for tissue functions or regulating cell phenotype and functions to maintain tissue homeostasis. ECM molecular composition and structure vary among tissues, and is markedly modified during normal tissue repair as well as during the progression of various diseases. Actually, abnormal ECM remodeling occurring in pathologic circumstances drives disease progression by regulating cell–matrix interactions. The importance of matrix molecules to normal tissue functions is also highlighted by mutations in matrix genes that give rise to genetic disorders with diverse clinical phenotypes. In this review, we present critical and emerging issues related to matrix assembly in tissues and the multitasking roles for ECM in diseases such as osteoarthritis, fibrosis, cancer, and genetic diseases. The mechanisms underlying the various matrix‐based diseases are also discussed. Research focused on the highly dynamic 3D ECM networks will help to discover matrix‐related causative abnormalities of diseases as well as novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets.
A review of the species, community, and ecosystem impacts of road salt salinisation in fresh waters
Authors: Hintz William D. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: March 2019

Freshwater ecosystems worldwide are threatened by salinisation caused by human activities. Scientific attention on the ecological impacts of salinisation from road deicing salts is increasing exponentially.

Spanning multiple trophic levels and ecosystem types, we review and synthesise the ecological impacts of road salt in freshwater ecosystems to understand species‐, community‐, and ecosystem‐level responses. In our review, we identify knowledge gaps that we hope will motivate future research directions.

We found that road salts negatively affect species at all trophic levels, from biofilms to fish. The concentration at which road salt triggered an effect varied considerably. Species‐level impacts were generally sub‐lethal, leading to reductions in growth and reproduction, which can be magnified by natural stressors such as predation. Community‐level impacts including reductions of biodiversity were common, leading to communities of salt‐tolerant species, which may have implications for disease transmission from enhanced recruitment of salt‐tolerant host species such as mosquitoes. At the ecosystem level, road salts alter nutrient and energy flow. Contaminated wetlands could see greater export of greenhouse gases, streams will probably export more nitrogen and carbon, and lakes will encounter altered hydrology and oxygen dynamics, leading to greater phosphorus release from sediments.

While it is necessary to keep roads safe for humans, the costs to freshwater ecosystems may be severe if actions are not taken to mitigate road salt salinisation. Cooperation among policy makers, environmental managers, transportation professionals, scientists, and the public will be crucial to prevent a loss of ecosystem services including water clarity, drinkable water, recreation venues, and fisheries.
Large‐scale distribution of tuna species in a warming ocean
Authors: Erauskin‐Extramiana Maite , Arrizabalaga Haritz , Hobday Alistair J. , Cabré Anna , Ibaibarriaga Leire , Arregui Igor , Murua Hilario , Chust Guillem
Published: March 2019

Tuna are globally distributed species of major commercial importance and some tuna species are a major source of protein in many countries. Tuna are characterized by dynamic distribution patterns that respond to climate variability and long‐term change. Here, we investigated the effect of environmental conditions on the worldwide distribution and relative abundance of six tuna species between 1958 and 2004 and estimated the expected end‐of‐the‐century changes based on a high‐greenhouse gas concentration scenario (RCP8.5). We created species distribution models using a long‐term Japanese longline fishery dataset and two‐step generalized additive models. Over the historical period, suitable habitats shifted poleward for 20 out of 22 tuna stocks, based on their gravity centre (GC) and/or one of their distribution limits. On average, tuna habitat distribution limits have shifted poleward 6.5 km per decade in the northern hemisphere and 5.5 km per decade in the southern hemisphere. Larger tuna distribution shifts and changes in abundance are expected in the future, especially by the end‐of‐the‐century (2080–2099). Temperate tunas (albacore, Atlantic bluefin, and southern bluefin) and the tropical bigeye tuna are expected to decline in the tropics and shift poleward. In contrast, skipjack and yellowfin tunas are projected to become more abundant in tropical areas as well as in most coastal countries' exclusive economic zones (EEZ). These results provide global information on the potential effects of climate change in tuna populations and can assist countries seeking to minimize these effects via adaptive management.
RBM10–TFE3 renal cell carcinoma characterised by paracentric inversion with consistent closely split signals in break‐apart fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation: study of 10 cases and a literature review
Authors: Kato Ikuma , Furuya Mitsuko , Baba Masaya , Kameda Yoichi , Yasuda Masanori , Nishimoto Koshiro , Oyama Masafumi , Yamasaki Toshinari , Ogawa Osamu , Niino Hitoshi , Nakaigawa Noboru , Yano Yuta , Sakamoto Kazumasa , Urata Yoji , Mikami Kazuya , Yamasaki Shigetaka , Tanaka Reiko , Takagi Toshio , Kondo Tsunenori , Nagashima Yoji
Published: March 2019

Aims

Xp11 rearrangement in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) typically involves gene fusion to the gene encoding transcription factor E3 (TFE3), a member of the microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor family on chromosome Xp11.2. Dual‐colour break‐apart fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH) is recommended to confirm histological diagnoses. Recently, RNA‐binding motif protein 10 (RBM10), encoded by a gene on chromosome Xp11.3, was identified as a chimeric partner of TFE3; thus, RBM10–TFE3 fusion results from paracentric inversion. RBM10–TFE3 RCC may yield a false‐negative result in FISH analysis of TFE3 expression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinicopathological features of RBM10–TFE3 RCC.

Methods and results

Ten patients with RBM10–TFE3 RCC aged 31–71 years were investigated. Histological analysis, immunostaining, dual‐colour break‐apart FISH for TFE3, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis were performed. No patient had a history of exposure to chemotherapy. Two of these patients died of RCC, and three were alive but developed metastases. Microscopically, the tumours were composed of a mixed architecture of tubulocystic and papillary patterns with scattered psammoma bodies. The tumours showed strong nuclear immunoreactivity for TFE3. FISH showed consistent closely spaced split signals in the RCCs of four patients, and polysomic signals with occasional closely spaced split signals in the RCCs of six patients. Of the latter six patients, five had renal failure, and four developed tumours in kidneys subjected to haemodialysis.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that the carcinogenesis of RBM10–TFE3 RCC in some, but not all, patients may be associated with chronic kidney disease. The aggressive nature of RBM10–TFE3 RCC should be considered, as five patients experienced metastases.
The role of partial incubation and egg repositioning within the clutch in hatching asynchrony and subsequent effects on breeding success
Authors: Diez‐Méndez David , Rodríguez Samuel , Álvarez Elena , Barba Emilio
Published: March 2019

The main mechanism to achieve hatching asynchrony (HA) for incubating birds is to start heating the eggs before clutch completion. This might be achieved through partial incubation and/or early incubation. Even in the absence of incubation behaviour during the laying phase, clutches still experience a certain degree of asynchrony. Recent studies have shown that eggs located in the centre of the nest receive more heat than peripheral ones during incubation. As eggs receiving more heat would develop faster, we hypothesized that HA should be shorter in nests where eggs were moved homogeneously along the centre–periphery space during incubation than in those nests where eggs repeatedly remained in the same locations, either centrally or peripherally. We explored the relative roles of egg repositioning and partial incubation in determining HA in wild birds by (1) removing eggs from 20 Great Tit Parus major nests on the day of laying and replacing them with fake eggs to avoid partial incubation, and returning them when full incubation began; (2) monitoring twice a day the position of each individually marked egg relative to the clutch centre during incubation, and estimating the coefficient of variation of the distances; and (3) determining HA in each nest. Preventing partial incubation reduced HA by 51% days in experimental nests. It also caused negative effects for the incubating females (lengthening the full incubation period) and positive effects for the brood (increasing fledging success). However, our hypothesis about the role of egg repositioning on HA was not supported: all the females moved the eggs with remarkable consistency, generally attaining a coefficient of variation of the distances around 33%, and it was not related to the HA experienced. We therefore conclude that partial incubation is an important factor regulating HA, and females compensate for the potential effects of differential heating by moving the eggs homogeneously within the clutch.