bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treating hoarding disorder with compassion‐focused therapy: A pilot study examining treatment feasibility, acceptability, and exploring treatment effects
Authors: Chou Chia‐Ying , Tsoh Janice Y. , Shumway Martha , Smith Lauren C. , Chan Joanne , Delucchi Kevin , Tirch Dennis , Gilbert Paul , Mathews Carol A.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Hoarding disorder (HD) was recognized as a psychiatric disorder in 2013. Existing literature suggests room for improvement in its treatment. The current pilot study aimed to provide an initial evaluation on the potential of compassion‐focused therapy (CFT) as an intervention for HD, with the primary aim being assessing its feasibility and acceptability, and the secondary being evaluating its effects.

Design

Both CFT and a second round of the current standard of treatment and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) were investigated in the current study as follow‐up treatment options for individuals who had completed CBT but were still significantly symptomatic.

Methods

Forty eligible individuals were enrolled (20 in each treatment). Treatment feasibility and acceptability were assessed by quantitative and qualitative measures. To explore treatment effects, HD symptom severity, HD‐related dysfunctions, and their underlying mechanisms were assessed pre‐treatment and post‐treatment.

Results

Retention rates were 72% for CFT and 37% for CBT. All participants and 79% of the participants rated CFT and CBT, respectively, as good or excellent. After receiving CFT as a follow‐up treatment, HD symptom severity dropped below the cut‐off point for clinically significant HD for 77% of the treatment completers, and 62% achieved clinically significant reduction in symptom severity. In contrast, after completing a second course of CBT, 23% had HD symptom severity dropped below the cut‐off threshold, and 29% achieved clinically significant symptom reduction.

Conclusions

The current study showed satisfactory feasibility and acceptability of CFT. Moreover, it also found promising effects of CFT in addressing hoarding‐related mechanisms that may not have been sufficiently addressed by CBT. The results suggest promising potential of CFT as a treatment for HD. Further investigation on this intervention is needed.

Practitioner points

CFT may be a promising treatment option, particularly for those who do not respond well to CBT.

Improving emotion regulation and negative self‐perception by applying CFT interventions may help relieve hoarding symptoms.

Generalization of the findings should be applied with caution given the small convenience sample of the current study.

Statistical comparison on treatment effect measures between CFT and CBT as follow‐up treatments was not available due to small sample size. Therefore, the comparative conclusions based on this pilot study should be made with caution.
Make‐or‐Break: Chasing Risky Goals or Settling for Safe Rewards?
Authors: Analytis Pantelis P. , Wu Charley M. , Gelastopoulos Alexandros
Published: July 2019

Humans regularly pursue activities characterized by dramatic success or failure outcomes where, critically, the chances of success depend on the time invested working toward it. How should people allocate time between suchmake‐or‐breakchallenges and safe alternatives, where rewards are more predictable (e.g., linear) functions of performance? We present a formal framework for studying time allocation between these two types of activities, and we explore optimal behavior in both one‐shot and dynamic versions of the problem. In the one‐shot version, we illustrate striking discontinuities in the optimal time allocation policy as we gradually change the parameters of the decision‐making problem. In the dynamic version, we formulate the optimal strategy—defined by agiving‐upthreshold—which adaptively dictates when people should stop pursuing the make‐or‐break goal. We then show that this strategy is computationally inaccessible for humans, and we explore boundedly rational alternatives. We compare the performance of the optimal model against (a) a myopic giving‐up threshold that is easier to compute, and even simpler heuristic strategies that either (b) only decide whether or not to start pursuing the goal and never give up or (c) consider giving up at a fixed number of control points. Comparing strategies across environments, we investigate the cost and behavioral implications of sidestepping the computational burden of full rationality.
Self‐Priming in Production: Evidence for a Hybrid Model of Syntactic Priming
Authors: Jacobs Cassandra L. , Cho Sun‐Joo , Watson Duane G.
Published: July 2019

Syntactic priming in language production is the increased likelihood of using a recently encountered syntactic structure. In this paper, we examine two theories of why speakers can be primed: error‐driven learning accounts (Bock, Dell, Chang, & Onishi, 2007; Chang, Dell, & Bock, 2006) and activation‐based accounts (Pickering & Branigan, 1999; Reitter, Keller, & Moore, 2011). Both theories predict that speakers should be primed by the syntactic choices of others, but only activation‐based accounts predict that speakers should be able to prime themselves. Here we test whether speakers can be primed by their own productions in three behavioral experiments and find evidence of structural persistence following both comprehension and speakers’ own productions. We also find that comprehension‐based priming effects are larger for rarer syntactic structures than for more common ones, which is most consistent with error‐driven accounts. Because neither error‐driven accounts nor activation‐based accounts fully explain the data, we propose a hybrid model.
High‐Stakes Decision‐Making Within Complex Social Environments: A Computational Model of Belief Systems in the Arab Spring
Authors: Dornschneider Stephanie
Published: July 2019

People experiencing similar conditions may make different decisions, and their belief systems provide insight about these differences. An example of high‐stakes decision‐making within a complex social context is the Arab Spring, in which large numbers of people decided to protest and even larger numbers decided to stay at home. This study uses qualitative analyses of interview narratives and social media addressing individual decisions to develop a computational model tracing the cognitive decision‐making process. The model builds on work by Abelson and Carroll (1965), Schank and Abelson (1977), and Axelrod (1976) to systematically trace the inferences connecting beliefs to decisions. The findings show that protest decisions were often based on positive emotions such as pride, hope, courage, and solidarity, triggered by beliefs about successful protest and self‐sacrifice. By contrast, decisions to stay at home were triggered by beliefs about safety, state approval, and living conditions. As one participant said, “When I heard about the revolution in Tunisia, my heart was filled with solidarity for the people.” In the words of a non‐participant: “When people are killed, we must be careful. There are more important things than protest: safety and stability.” This study of individual explanations about events identifies the role of emotions in high‐stakes decision‐making within complex social environments.
Human‐driven habitat conversion is a more immediate threat to Amboseli elephants than climate change
Authors: Boult Victoria L. , Fishlock Vicki , Quaife Tristan , Hawkins Ed , Moss Cynthia , Lee Phyllis C. , Sibly Richard M.
Published: July 2019

Global ecosystem change presents a major challenge to biodiversity conservation, which must identify and prioritize the most critical threats to species persistence given limited available funding. Mechanistic models enable robust predictions under future conditions and can consider multiple stressors in combination. Here we use an individual‐based model (IBM) to predict elephant population size in Amboseli, southern Kenya, under environmental scenarios incorporating climate change and anthropogenic habitat loss. The IBM uses projected food availability as a key driver of elephant population dynamics and relates variation in food availability to changes in vital demographic rates through an energy budget. Habitat loss, rather than climate change, represents the most significant threat to the persistence of the Amboseli elephant population in the 21st century and highlights the importance of collaborations and agreements that preserve space for Amboseli elephants to ensure the population remains resilient to environmental stochasticity.
Autism spectrum disorder in children with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Bethin K. E. , Kanapka L. G. , Laffel L. M. , Majidi S. , Chaytor N. S. , MacLeish S. , Adams R. , Foster N. C. ,   the T1D Exchange Clinic Network
Published: July 2019

Aim

Links between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 diabetes have been proposed. This study assessed the frequency of ASD in children with Type 1 diabetes in the T1D Exchange (T1DX) registry and the impact of ASD on characteristics of children with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Analysis included 10 032 participants aged < 18 years (median Type 1 diabetes duration 6.5 years, 48% female, 77% non‐Hispanic White). Diagnosis of ASD was defined as autism, Asperger's or pervasive developmental disorder.

Results

A diagnosis of ASD was recorded for 159 (1.58%) participants. Those with ASD were predominantly male (88% vs. 51% of those without ASD, P < 0.001) and slightly older (median 14 vs. 13 years, P = 0.022). Occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis at Type 1 diabetes diagnosis was similar (35% vs. 41%, P = 0.161). Pump use was lower in those with ASD (51% vs. 63%, P = 0.005) but continuous glucose monitor use was similar (24% vs. 27%, P = 0.351). Median HbA1c was slightly lower in those with ASD [68 vs. 69 mmol/mol (8.4% vs. 8.5%), P = 0.006]. This difference was more pronounced after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions

The frequency of ASD in the T1DX registry was similar to that in the general population. These data show that despite deficits in communication, occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis was similar in youth with and without ASD. Pump use was less frequent in those with ASD, possibly due to sensory issues, although CGM use did not differ. The lower HbA1c may be due to a more regimented routine with ASD. Because comorbidities such as ASD complicate care of patients with Type 1 diabetes, further research is needed to support these children.
Darwin's finches: a model of landscape effects on metacommunity dynamics in the Galápagos Archipelago
Authors: Lawson Lucinda P. , Niedzwiecki John , Petren Kenneth
Published: July 2019

Darwin's finches represent a dynamic radiation of birds within the Galápagos Archipelago. Unlike classic island radiations dominated by island endemics and intuitive ‘conveyer belt’ colonization with little subsequent dispersal, species of Darwin's finches have populations distributed across many islands and each island contains complex metacommunities of closely related birds. Understanding the role of metacommunity and structured population dynamics in speciation within this heterogeneous island system would provide insights into the roles of fragmentation and dispersal in evolution. In this study, a large multi‐species dataset and a comparative ground finch dataset (two co‐distributed lineages) were used to show how landscape features influence patterns of gene flow across the archipelago. Factors expected to regulate migration including distance and movement from large, central islands to small, peripheral islands were rejected in the multi‐species dataset. Instead, the harsh northeast islands contributed individuals to the larger central islands. Successful immigration relies on three factors: arriving, surviving and reproducing, thus the dispersal towards the central islands may be either be due to more migrants orienting towards these land masses due to their large size and high elevation, or may reflect a higher likelihood of survival and successful reproduction due to the larger diversity of habitats and more environmentally stable ecosystems that these islands possess. Further, the overall directionality of migration was south‐southwest against the dominant winds and currents. In comparing dispersal between the common cactus finch and medium ground finch, both species had similar migration rates but the cactus finch had approximately half the numbers of migrants due to lower effective populations sizes. Significant population structure in the cactus finch indicates potential for further speciation, while the medium ground finch maintains cohesive gene flow across islands. These patterns shed light on the macroevolutionary patterns that drive diversification and speciation within a radiation of highly‐volant taxa.
Snowmelt and early to mid‐growing season water availability augment tree growth during rapid warming in southern Asian boreal forests
Authors: Zhang Xianliang , Manzanedo Rubén D. , D'Orangeville Loïc , Rademacher Tim T. , Li Junxia , Bai Xueping , Hou Meiting , Chen Zhenju , Zou Fenghua , Song Fangbo , Pederson Neil
Published: July 2019

Boreal forests are facing profound changes in their growth environment, including warming‐induced water deficits, extended growing seasons, accelerated snowmelt, and permafrost thaw. The influence of warming on trees varies regionally, but in most boreal forests studied to date, tree growth has been found to be negatively affected by increasing temperatures. Here, we used a network of Pinus sylvestris tree‐ring collections spanning a wide climate gradient the southern end of the boreal forest in Asia to assess their response to climate change for the period 1958–2014. Contrary to findings in other boreal regions, we found that previously negative effects of temperature on tree growth turned positive in the northern portion of the study network after the onset of rapid warming. Trees in the drier portion did not show this reversal in their climatic response during the period of rapid warming. Abundant water availability during the growing season, particularly in the early to mid‐growing season (May–July), is key to the reversal of tree sensitivity to climate. Advancement in the onset of growth appears to allow trees to take advantage of snowmelt water, such that tree growth increases with increasing temperatures during the rapidly warming period. The region's monsoonal climate delivers limited precipitation during the early growing season, and thus snowmelt likely covers the water deficit so trees are less stressed from the onset of earlier growth. Our results indicate that the growth response of P. sylvestris to increasing temperatures strongly related to increased early season water availability. Hence, boreal forests with sufficient water available during crucial parts of the growing season might be more able to withstand or even increase growth during periods of rising temperatures. We suspect that other regions of the boreal forest may be affected by similar dynamics.
The interaction of phylogeny and community structure: Linking the community composition and trait evolution of clades
Authors: Pearse William D. , Legendre Pierre , Peres‐Neto Pedro R. , Davies T. Jonathan
Published: July 2019

Aim

Community phylogenetic studies use information about the evolutionary relationships of species to understand the ecological processes of community assembly. A central premise of the field is that the evolution of species maps onto ecological patterns, and phylogeny reveals something more than species traits alone about the ecological mechanisms structuring communities, such as environmental filtering, competition, and facilitation. We argue, therefore, that there is a need for better understanding and modelling of the interaction of phylogeny with species traits and community composition.

Innovation

We outline a new approach that identifies clades that are ecophylogenetically clustered or overdispersed and assesses whether those clades have different rates of trait evolution. Ecophylogenetic theory would predict that the traits of clustered or overdispersed clades might have evolved differently, in terms of either tempo (fast or slow) or mode (e.g., under constraint or neutrally). We suggest that modelling the evolution of independent trait data in these clades represents a strong test of whether there is an association between the ecological co‐occurrence patterns of a species and its evolutionary history.

Main conclusions

Using an empirical dataset of mammals from around the world, we identify two clades of rodents whose species tend not to co‐occur in the same local assemblages (are phylogenetically overdispersed) and find independent evidence of slower rates of body mass evolution in these clades. Our approach, which assumes nothing about the mode of species trait evolution but instead seeks to explain it using ecological information, presents a new way to examine ecophylogenetic structure.
Changes in host ant communities of Alcon Blue butterflies in abandoned mountain hay meadows
Authors: Tartally András , Nash David R. , Varga Zoltán , Lengyel Szabolcs
Published: July 2019

Land use intensification is a general threat to biodiversity, but many species depend on low‐intensity agricultural ecosystems. One example is European mountain meadow ecosystems, traditionally managed by hay harvesting or livestock grazing. Abandoning management often causes population declines, local extinctions and biotic homogenisation in these meadows.

We studied changes in the Myrmica host ant communities of the xerophilic form of the ant‐parasitic Alcon Blue butterfly (Maculinea alcon) in four hay meadows in the Bükk mountains of Hungary between 2000–2007 and 2018. Abandonment started in this region in the 1970s, accelerated in the 1980s, and culminated in the 1990s.

We found that the Myrmica ant community has changed substantially in less than two decades. Diversity of the ant community always decreased, and species composition became more homogeneous at two sites. Habitat suitability for Maculinea butterflies decreased at three sites and increased at only one site, where management was restarted 20 years after abandonment.

The number of M. alcon caterpillars and pupae, the rate of infestation of ant nests and the mean number of caterpillars and pupae per ant nest decreased between the two periods, whereas host ant specificity did not differ from random in either period.

We conclude that the unfavourable changes in the host ant community due to abandonment have negative consequences for the persistence of Maculinea populations. Our study highlights the need for detailed monitoring, and the maintenance of low‐intensity management by mowing or grazing to avoid the decline of biodiversity dependent on low‐intensity agriculture.
Subcutaneous emphysema in patients undergoing root canal treatment: a systematic review of the factors affecting its development and management
Authors: Fasoulas A. , Boutsioukis C. , Lambrianidis T.
Published: July 2019

Background

Subcutaneous emphysema is an infrequent mishap during root canal treatment which, in rare cases, can lead to severe complications.

Aim

To systematically review the literature on the factors affecting the development of subcutaneous emphysema during root canal treatment, and on its management.

Data sources

An electronic search was conducted in EMBASE (1947–2018), LILACS (1982–2018), PubMed (1950–2018), SciELO (1997–2018), Scopus (1970–2018), Web of Science (1900–2018) and two grey literature databases. Moreover, all issues of nine journals and four endodontic textbooks were hand‐searched.

Study eligibility criteria, participants, interventions

The retrieved studies were screened by two reviewers to select clinical studies, case reports or case series describing subcutaneous emphysema that developed during or immediately after root canal treatment in adult patients.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

Included studies were critically appraised according to a custom list of quality requirements. The extracted data were arranged in tables, and combined through a narrative synthesis.

Results

The search retrieved 99 unique articles. Thirty six case reports and 15 case series describing a total of 65 cases of subcutaneous emphysema were included in this review. The methodological quality was medium. Reported cases of emphysema more often involved females and maxillary teeth. Drying of the root canal system with air under pressure, inadvertent extrusion of hydrogen peroxide through the apical foramen, the air‐water spray produced by handpieces or laser devices, and the use of ozone gas were the most commonly suspected causes. Its management involved prescription of antibiotics and NSAIDs/analgesics, local application of ice packs or compresses and hospitalization. The signs and symptoms resolved completely within 1‐17 days.

Limitations

Case reports and case series are a low level of evidence.

Conclusions and implications of key findings

Subcutaneous emphysema can develop during both nonsurgical and surgical root canal treatment. Pressurized air streams or air‐water sprays should not be directed towards the root canals or areas with mucosal discontinuity. None of the management approaches were clearly related to expedited recovery. Guidelines should be developed in order to avoid unnecessary or potentially harmful interventions.
Oat hydration kinetics at different temperatures: Evaluation, model, and validation
Authors: Oladele Samouel O. , Agbetoye Leo A. S. , Osundahunsi Oluwatooyin F. , Augusto Pedro E. D.
Published: July 2019

The hydration characterization of food materials is necessary for effective and efficient evaluation, design, and optimization of processes, thus ensuring high quality products. This work evaluated the hydration kinetics and modeled the behavior of oat (Avena sativa) grains as a function of temperature (25–55°C). The behavior of the grains during hydration showed a downward concave shape, with a high initial water absorption rate. Although Peleg's model could describe the data adequately, it showed some inability in specific parts of the hydration process. Therefore, the Miano–Ibarz–Augusto's model was also evaluated, with better description. Possible mechanisms were discussed. The parameters of both models were evaluated as functions of temperature. The obtained generalized models were then validated at both isothermal and nonisothermal conditions. The obtained results are potentially useful for future studies on product development, food properties, and process design.

Practical Applications

Hydration process of grains is a crucial process utilized in the industries before several other procedures such as germination, cooking, components extraction, and fermentation. Oat grains have gained much attention from the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. However, its hydration behavior has not yet been described. This work presents for the first time the isothermal and nonisothermal hydration kinetics of oat. The results were discussed in relation to possible mechanisms, presenting two models to suit well both academic and industrial description. Consequently, the results provide an in‐depth knowledge to the process, aiding the industries and the academics interested in increasing the efficiency of grain processing and optimization.
Real‐time loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assays combined with ethidium monoazide bromide and bentonite coated activated carbon for rapid and sensitive detection of viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 from milk without enrichment
Authors: Zhang Tian T. , Zhong Chan , Shu Mei , Wu Xin , Chen Hu , Lin Li P. , Wu Guo P.
Published: July 2019

A real‐time loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (Rti‐LAMP) DNA assay was developed for rapid and sensitive detection of viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 in milk by combining with ethidium monoazide bromide (EMA) and bentonite coated activated carbon (BCAC) treatment without enrichment. The assay involved inoculating 25 mL portions of milk with various numbers of E. coli O157:H7. Then each of milk sample was adsorbed with 4 g BCAC to remove DNA amplification inhibitor. The recovered purified bacteria sample was further treated with EMA for discrimination viable from dead cells in Rti‐LAMP assay. The detection limit of viable E. coli O157:H7 was 10 CFU/mL in milk by the BCAC‐EMA‐Rti‐LAMP, and the entire assay could be completed in 5 hr. Twenty‐five raw milk samples were detected by the BCAC‐EMA‐Rti‐LAMP assay, using three methods as controls including E. coli O157:H7 plate culture, BCAC‐Rti‐LAMP, and Rti‐LAMP combined with enrichment at 37°C (E‐Rti‐LAMP). The results showed that the BCAC‐EMA‐Rti‐LAMP had similar accuracy and sensitivity as that of plate culture, as they both detected one sample of viable E. coli O157:H7 positive from 25 fresh raw milk samples. These data strongly suggested that the BCAC‐EMA‐Rti‐LAMP could rapidly and sensitively detect viable E. coli O157:H7 in milk without enrichment.

Practical Applications

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is one of the foodborne pathogens in milk, which has low dose of infection and high pathogenicity. In milk, components such as Ca2+, proteinase, fats, and milk proteins may block DNA and shield it from access by polymerase. This study was targeting VT2 and Z3276 genes for rapid and sensitive detection of viable E. coli O157:H7 in milk. BCAC was used to remove DNA amplification inhibitor and improve the detection sensitivity. EMA was used to discriminate viable from dead cells. The assay will be a potential tool in the rapidity, sensitivity, and specificity for detection of E. coli O157:H7 in milk without enrichment.
Antibacterial activity of a hexahydro‐β‐acids/methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex against bacteria related to foodborne illness
Authors: Zhao Jiuyang , Zhao Guanyu , Liu Yumei
Published: July 2019

In this study, we investigated the antibacterial activity of hexahydro‐β‐acids/methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex (HBA/M‐β‐CD) and researched its antibacterial mechanism against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter sakazakii. The result showed that bacteria had different sensitivities to HBA/M‐β‐CD with diameters of inhibition zones ranging from 7.8 ± 0.5 to 14.8 ± 0.7 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values from 16.25 to 65.00 μg/mL. Among these bacteria, S. aureus (G(+)) and E. sakazakii (G(−)) were most sensitive to HBA/M‐β‐CD, and MIC value is 16.25 and 32.50 μg/mL, respectively. Also, HBA/M‐β‐CD had potential inhibition effect on the bacterial growth of S. aureus and E. sakazakii. Moreover, the treatment with HBA/M‐β‐CD led to a release of cell contents into the culture medium, indicating damage to the plasma membrane. Scanning electron microscopy revealed permeabilization of S. aureus membranes, and shrinkage and roughening of E. sakazakii cells. HBA/M‐β‐CD also reduced the activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in bacterial cultures, indicating that HBA/M‐β‐CD interfere key enzyme metabolism.

Practical Applications

In the actual food system of western‐style ham sausage, HBA/M‐β‐CD revealed a great antibacterial effect to control the total bacteria count, and could stabilize the pH value. The result provided the theoretical and practical basis for the application of HBA/M‐β‐CD in foods.
Feasibility of Delivering a Tailored Intervention for Advance Care Planning in Primary Care Practice
Authors: Paiva Andrea , Redding Colleen A. , Iannone Lynne , Zenoni Maria , O'Leary John R. , Fried Terri R.
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility of conducting a cluster randomized controlled trial providing individualized feedback reports to increase advance care planning (ACP) engagement in the primary care setting.

DESIGN

Pilot cluster randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Two primary care practices selected for geographic colocation.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 55 years and older.

INTERVENTION

Brief assessment of readiness to engage in (stage of change for) three ACP behaviors (healthcare agent assignment, communication with agent about quality vs quantity of life, and living will completion) generating an individualized feedback report, plus a stage‐matched brochure.

MEASURES

Patient recruitment and retention, intervention delivery, baseline characteristics, and stage of change movement.

RESULTS

Recruitment rates differed by practice. Several baseline sociodemographic characteristics differed between the 38 intervention and 41 control participants, including employment status, education, and communication with healthcare agent. Feedback was successfully delivered to all intervention participants, and over 90% of participants completed a 2‐month follow‐up. More intervention participants demonstrated progression in readiness than did control participants, without testing for statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot demonstrates opportunities and challenges of performing a clustered randomized controlled trial in primary care practices. Differences in the two practice populations highlight the challenges of matching sites. There was a signal for behavior change in the intervention group. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1917–1921, 2019
The Chinese National Twin Registry: a ‘gold mine’ for scientific research
Authors: Gao W. , Cao W. , Lv J. , Yu C. , Wu T. , Wang S. , Meng L. , Wang D. , Wang Z. , Pang Z. , Yu M. , Wang H. , Wu X. , Dong Z. , Wu F. , Jiang G. , Wang X. , Liu Y. , Deng J. , Lu L. , Li L.
Published: July 2019

The Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR) currently includes data from 61 566 twin pair from 11 provinces or cities in China. Of these, 31 705, 15 060 and 13 531 pairs are monozygotic, same‐sex dizygotic and opposite‐sex dizygotic pairs, respectively, determined by opposite sex or intrapair similarity. Since its establishment in 2001, the CNTR has provided an important resource for analysing genetic and environmental influences on chronic diseases especially cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the CNTR has focused on collecting biologic specimens from disease‐concordant or disease‐discordant twin pairs or from twin pairs reared apart. More than 8000 pairs of these twins have been registered, and blood samples have been collected from more than 1500 pairs. In this review, we summarize the main findings from univariate and multivariate genetic effects analyses, gene–environment interaction studies, omics studies exploring DNA methylation and metabolomic markers associated with phenotypes. There remains further scope for CNTR research and data mining. The plan for future development of the CNTR is described. The CNTR welcomes worldwide collaboration.
In preterm infants, does fluid restriction, as opposed to liberal fluid prescription, reduce the risk of important morbidities and mortality?
Authors: Abbas Safiyyah , Keir Amy K
Published: July 2019

Aim

To answer the clinical question: ‘In preterm infants, does fluid restriction, as opposed to liberal fluid prescription, reduce the risk of important morbidities (namely, intraventricular haemorrhage, necrotising enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and patent ductus arteriosus) and mortality?’

Methods

Literature searches were conducted of Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library. Results were limited to human clinical trials on infants and those published in English. The reference lists of relevant articles were screened for further articles. Studies that examined measures which inform diagnostic criteria of morbidities of interest (such as echocardiographic changes) but did not go further to confirm or exclude presence of said morbidities in study populations were excluded.

Results

A total of 110 articles were found and screened by title and abstract. The final analysis included five randomised controlled trials and five case control studies. Among the randomised controlled trials, there is some suggestion (though not unanimous) that liberal fluid regimens are associated with an increased risk of patent ductus arteriosus, necrotising enterocolitis and mortality. Case control studies focused on patent ductus arteriosus and bronchopulmonary dysplasia or chronic lung disease, with all but one study suggesting an increased risk of these complications with liberal fluid regimens.

Conclusion

Further investigation is needed to clarify the optimal fluid regimen for preterm infants to ensure adequate hydration and nutrition without contributing to serious complications.
Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin in freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) after intravenous and intramuscular administration
Authors: Poapolathep Saranya , Giorgi Mario , Chaiyabutr Narongsak , Chokejaroenrat Chanat , Klangkaew Narumol , Phaochoosak Napasorn , Wongwaipairote Tara , Poapolathep Amnart
Published: July 2019

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, pharmacokinetic information to establish suitable therapeutic plans for freshwater crocodiles is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to clarify the pharmacokinetic characteristics of enrofloxacin (ENR) in freshwater crocodiles, Crocodylus siamensis, following single intravenous and intramuscular administration at a dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Blood samples were collected at assigned times up to 168 hr. The plasma concentrations of ENR and its metabolite ciprofloxacin (CIP) were measured by liquid chromatography tandem–mass spectrometry. The concentrations of ENR and CIP in the plasma were quantified up to 144 hr after both the administrations. The half‐life was long (43–44 hr) and similar after both administrations. The absolute i.m. bioavailability was 82.65% and the binding percentage of ENR to plasma protein ranged from 9% to 18% with an average of 10.6%. Percentage of CIP (plasma concentrations) was 15.9% and 19.9% after i.v. and i.m. administration, respectively. Based on the pharmacokinetic data, susceptibility break point and PK‐PD indexes, i.m. single administration of ENR at a dosage of 5 mg/kg b.w. might be appropriate for treatment of susceptible bacteria (MIC > 1 μg/mL) in freshwater crocodiles, C. siamensis.
Neuropeptides at the crossroad of fear and hunger: a special focus on neuropeptide Y
Authors: Comeras Lucas B. , Herzog Herbert , Tasan Ramon O.
Published: July 2019

Survival in a natural environment forces an individual into constantly adapting purposive behavior. Specified interoceptive neurons monitor metabolic and physiological balance and activate dedicated brain circuits to satisfy essential needs, such as hunger, thirst, thermoregulation, fear, or anxiety. Neuropeptides are multifaceted, central components within such life‐sustaining programs. For instance, nutritional depletion results in a drop in glucose levels, release of hormones, and activation of hypothalamic and brainstem neurons. These neurons, in turn, release several neuropeptides that increase food‐seeking behavior and promote food intake. Similarly, internal and external threats activate neuronal pathways of avoidance and defensive behavior. Interestingly, specific nuclei of the hypothalamus and extended amygdala are activated by both hunger and fear. Here, we introduce the relevant neuropeptides and describe their function in feeding and emotional‐affective behaviors. We further highlight specific pathways and microcircuits, where neuropeptides may interact to identify prevailing homeostatic needs and direct respective compensatory behaviors. A specific focus will be on neuropeptide Y, since it is known for its pivotal role in metabolic and emotional pathways. We hypothesize that the orexigenic and anorexigenic properties of specific neuropeptides are related to their ability to inhibit fear and anxiety.
Anatomy of the greater occipital nerve block in infants
Authors: Prigge Lané , van Schoor Albert N. , Bosenberg Adrian T.
Published: July 2019

Background

Pain relief for posterior fossa craniotomies as well as occipital neuralgia, are indications for the use of the greater occipital nerve block in children. The greater occipital nerve originates from the C2 spinal nerve and is accompanied by the occipital artery as it supplies the posterior scalp.

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop a unique, yet simple technique for blocking the greater occipital nerve in children through the evaluation of the anatomy of this nerve and the accompanying occipital artery in the occipital region.

Methods

The greater occipital nerve and occipital artery were dissected and exposed in six formalin‐fixed cadavers (five infants [average age of 51.4 days] and one 2‐year‐old) from the Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria. Measurements between the nerve and selected bony landmarks were obtained. The relationship between the greater occipital nerve and the occipital artery at the trapezius muscle hiatus was also evaluated.

Results

The greater occipital nerve is on average 22.6 ± 5.6 mm from the external occipital protuberance in infants. The average width of the medial three fingers measured at the proximal interphalangeal joint, for each respective cadaver is 20.4 ± 4.0 mm, with a strong correlation coefficient of 0.97 between the aforementioned distances. In 83.3% of the specimens, the occipital artery lies lateral to the greater occipital nerve at the trapezius muscle hiatus.

Conclusion

In infants, the greater occipital nerve can be blocked approximately 23 mm from the external occipital protuberance, medial to the occipital artery. This distance is equal to the width of the medial three fingers at the proximal interphalangeal joint of the patient.
Discoidin domain receptors: A promising target in melanoma
Authors: Reger de Moura Coralie , Battistella Maxime , Sohail Anjum , Caudron Anne , Feugeas Jean Paul , Podgorniak Marie‐Pierre , Pages Cecile , Mazouz Dorval Sarra , Marco Oren , Menashi Suzanne , Fridman Rafael , Lebbé Celeste , Mourah Samia , Jouenne Fanélie
Published: July 2019

The discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family that signals in response to collagen and that has been implicated in cancer progression. In the present study, we investigated the expression and role of DDR1 in human melanoma progression. Immunohistochemical staining of human melanoma specimens (n = 52) shows high DDR1 expression in melanoma lesions that correlates with poor prognosis. DDR1 expression was associated with the clinical characteristics of Clark level and ulceration and with BRAF mutations. Downregulation of DDR1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in vitro inhibited melanoma cells malignant properties, migration, invasion, and survival in several human melanoma cell lines. A DDR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (DDR1‐IN‐1) significantly inhibited melanoma cell proliferation in vitro, and ex vivo and in tumor xenografts, underlining the promising potential of DDR1 inhibition in melanoma.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with acute cytomegalovirus infection in a renal transplant
Authors: Wynd Elsa , Stewart Anne , Burke John
Published: July 2019

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) occurring in association with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in a renal transplant patient with no previous history of FSGS has rarely been reported. We present a case of a 16‐year‐old renal transplant recipient who developed acute hepatitis, leukopenia, nephrotic syndrome, and progressive renal dysfunction in the setting of acute infection with CMV. The cytomegalovirus infection was successfully treated with IV ganciclovir followed by oral valganciclovir but renal function deterioration and massive proteinuria continued. Features of FSGS were found on two renal allograft biopsies. Plasmapheresis and cyclophosphamide treatment was instituted with no clear effect on disease progress.
A cyanogenic glucoside of Trifolium repens deters oviposition by the common grass yellow Eurema mandarina
Authors: Ohashi Toshiki , Ohta Shinji , Ômura Hisashi
Published: July 2019

The common grass yellow Eurema mandarina (Pieridae, Coliadinae) widely inhabits Japan, feeds on various fabaceous plants such as silktree (Albizia julibrissin) and uses d‐pinitol, a cyclitol omnipresent in Fabaceae, as a primary oviposition stimulant. However, E. mandarina has a clear host preference within the Fabaceae; for example, white clover (Trifolium repens) is a nonhost despite containing d‐pinitol. The present study aims to identify plant chemicals in white clover that inhibit oviposition of E. mandarina. Females lay very few eggs on T. repens foliage and plastic plant models treated with a methanolic extract of the foliage. The foliage extract is fractionated by successive extraction with chloroform, isobutanol and water. None of these fractions induce egg‐laying responses. The aqueous fraction is further separated into four subfractions (Tr‐3‐1 to Tr‐3‐4) by column chromatography. Among these subfractions, females show high egg‐laying responses to Tr‐3‐1, which is known to contain d‐pinitol. Interestingly, Tr‐3‐2, when mixed with Tr‐3‐1, significantly decreases egg‐laying responses, indicating that it contains oviposition deterrents. Chemical analyses reveal that two cyanogenic glucosides, linamarin and lotaustralin, are the major constituents of Tr‐3‐2. Authentic linamarin does not elicit egg‐laying responses and significantly inhibits female oviposition when mixed with Tr‐3‐1 at the natural concentration. Although these cyanogenic glucosides are reported to synergistically induce oviposition of a coliadine species Colias erate on white clover, we conclude that linamarin acts as an oviposition deterrent for E. mandarina, restricts its host range and regulates their differential host acceptance.
Population dynamics ofEchinops gmeliniiTurcz. at different successional stages of biological soil crusts in a temperate desert in China
Authors: Wang Y. L. , Li X. R. , Zhao J. C. , Liu L. C. , Yang H. T. , Zhou Y. Y
Published: July 2019

The effects of biological soil crusts (BSC) on vascular plant growth can be positive, neutral or negative, and little information is available on the impacts of different BSC successional stages on vascular plant population dynamics.

We analysed seedling emergence, survival, plant growth and reproduction in response to different BSC successional stages (i.e.habitats: bare soil, cyanobacteria, lichen and moss crusts) in natural populations ofEchinops gmeliniiTurcz. in the Tengger Desert of northwest China. The winter annualE. gmeliniiis a dominant pioneer herb after sand stabilisation.

During the early stages of BSC succession, the studied populations ofE. gmeliniiwere characterised by high density, plant growth and fecundity. As the BSC succession proceeded beyond moss crusts, the fecundity decreased sharply, which limited seedling recruitment. Differences in seedling survival among the successional stages were not evident, indicating that BSC have little effect on survival in arid desert regions. Moreover,E. gmeliniibiomass allocation exhibited low plasticity, and only reproductive allocation was sensitive to the various habitats. Our results further suggest that the negative effects of BSC succession on population dynamics are primarily driven by increasing topsoil water‐holding capacity and decreasing rain water infiltration into deeper soil.

We conclude that BSC succession drives population dynamics ofE. gmelinii, primarilyviaits effect on soil moisture. The primary cause forE. gmeliniipopulation decline during the moss‐dominated stage of BSC succession is decreased fecundity of individual plants, with declining seed mass possibly reducing the success of seedling establishment.
Content Matters: How Online Language Content Gives Rise to Digital Divides
Authors: Grace Rob , Stratton Caroline , Fonseca Fred
Published: July 2019

Objective

We examine the language content of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to consider how features of online content unequally structure access to capital‐enhancing uses of the Internet and contribute to digital divides.

Methodology

This study adopts a mixed‐methods approach using descriptive statistics to examine the distribution of language content among MOOCs, and qualitative content analysis to understand the motivations, resources, and methods behind initiatives to create MOOC language content.

Results

The availability of MOOCs varies significantly by language, with a preponderance of English‐language courses available compared to other world languages. Furthermore, a qualitative content analysis of initiatives to expand MOOC language content reveals a diverse ensemble of actors whose varied motivations, resources, and methods may widen existing inequalities structuring access to online learning despite expanding the availability of MOOCs in non‐English languages.

Conclusion

By revealing the availability of online content structuring access to capital‐enhancing uses of the Internet, studies of online content can help explain sociodemographic differences in Internet accessibility and usage, and can delineate digital divides along lines of inequality, when content is available to some people but not others, as well as inequity, when content is available but not useful in people's contexts of use.
The impact of recipient factors on the lower‐than‐expected hemoglobin increment in transfused outpatients with hematologic diseases
Authors: Karafin Matthew S. , Bruhn Roberta , Roubinian Nareg H. , Chowdhury Dhuly , Qu Lirong , Snyder Edward L. , Murphy Edward L. , Brambilla Don , Cable Ritchard G. , Hilton Joan F. , St. Lezin Elizabeth ,   for the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation (REDS)‐III Study
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer or chronic hematologic disorders frequently receive red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Based on long‐standing assumptions, each RBC unit is thought to increase recipient hemoglobin by 1 g/dL, but smaller increments can occur. A better understanding of recipient factors affecting hemoglobin increments could help providers manage these patients.

METHODS

Data were collected as a part of the observational Red Cells in Outpatients Transfusion Outcomes (RETRO) study of outpatients with hematologic or cancer‐related diagnoses. Hemoglobin was measured before transfusion and 30 minutes after transfusion. A classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was performed to identify statistically significant associations with clinical variables. A corresponding prediction equation was developed and validated using linear regression.

RESULTS

A total of 195 participants had both pre‐ and posttransfusion hemoglobin values for analysis. The median age was 66 years, and patients received one (73%) or two (27%) RBC units during the transfusion episode. The overall median change in hemoglobin was 0.6 g/dL per RBC unit. Both CART analysis and linear regression identified the following significant predictors of hemoglobin increment: number of units received (positive correlation), patient estimated circulating blood volume (negative correlation), pretransfusion hemoglobin (negative correlation), and patient age (negative correlation).

CONCLUSION

In this study of outpatients with hematologic disease, most patients had a hemoglobin increment of less than 1 g/dL/unit. Recipient‐specific factors influenced the hemoglobin increment at 30 minutes, and providers should consider circulating blood volume, pretransfusion hemoglobin, and recipient age, when developing patient‐specific RBC transfusion plans for this unique cohort.