bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate Differ From Normal Individuals in Skeletal Maturity?
Authors: Jahanbin Arezoo , Eslami Neda , Torkamanzadeh Nima
Published: July 2019

Orthopedic treatment to improve deficient maxillary growth of cleft lip and palate patients is an important part of treatment. The success of this treatment is strongly dependent on the time of initiation of therapy. There has been a large controversy in the available literature regarding the skeletal age of these patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the skeletal age of cleft lip and palate patients with normal individuals.37 unilateral and 14 bilateral cleft lip and palate patients and 47 healthy individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. The patients were classified into 8 to 10 and 11 to 14-year-old individuals. Cervical vertebral maturational stage of participants was evaluated in the lateral cephalometry. The skeletal age of cleft lip and palate patients was compared with normal controls. Chi-square was used for statistical analysis. There was not a significant difference in the skeletal developmental stage of unilateral and bilateral cleft compared to their normal peers according to their age and sex. Also, significant difference in skeletal maturational stage of cleft lip and palate patients was not found between boys and girls (P = 0.8). Similarly, no significant difference was found in the skeletal age of the 3 studied groups without considering the age and sex of participants (P = 0.5). Regarding the similar skeletal maturational stage of cleft lip and palate patients with normal controls in our study, their maxillofacial orthopedic treatment can be initiated at similar time to normal peers.
Zygomatic Rotation-Advancement: A New Concept for the Correction of Exorbitism in Patients With Syndromic Craniosynostosis
Authors: Diaz-Siso J. Rodrigo , Gibson Travis L. , Plana Natalie M. , Yue Olivia Y. , Flores Roberto L.
Published: July 2019

Background:

The exophthalmos and class III malocclusion seen in Crouzon syndrome can be treated by Le Fort III advancement/distraction. However, reconstructive options for zygomatic retrusion are limited. The authors describe the repair of isolated exorbitism in a patient with Crouzon syndrome, via bilateral zygomatic rotation-advancement.

Methods:

A 34-year-old woman with Crouzon syndrome complained of exorbitism and malar hypoplasia. Four years prior, she declined Le Fort III advancement and underwent orthodontic/orthognathic correction of malocclusion. Radiographs were used to develop a computerized surgical plan. Bilateral periorbital osteotomy with advancement/rotation of the zygomatic process was performed using custom osteotomy guides and plates. Images obtained immediately postoperative and 3- and 19-month postoperative were compared to assess surgical stability, accuracy, and soft tissue changes.

Results:

Decreased globe exposure and increased malar prominence have improved facial balance. Superimposed pre- and postoperative radiographs demonstrate bilateral advancement of the zygomatic body and inferior orbital rim. Superimposition of immediate postoperative and 19-month radiographs showed no relapse. Soft tissue histogram showed increased prominence of the malar eminence, lateral orbital rim, and cheek.

Conclusions:

Zygomatic rotation-advancement proved a safe, effective, stable, and predictable treatment for isolated malar hypoplasia in a patient with Crouzon syndrome. Virtual planning can enhance novel complex craniofacial procedures.
Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia: Is Reactivation After a Long Latency Period of Inactivity Plausible?
Authors: Depeyre Arnaud , Constant Marion , Bauer Cynthia , Barthélémy Isabelle
Published: July 2019

Unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) is characterized by an overgrowth of the mandibular condyle responsible for a facial and dental asymmetry associated with temporomandibular joint function and maxillary growth consequences. The diagnosis is based on a body of clinical, radiological and histological arguments. A 38 years old woman with a reactivation of UCH after a latency period of 16 years following an orthognathic surgery performed for facial asymmetry normalization is presented. She was addressed to our department for a facial progressive asymmetry relapse and dental prosthetic consequences.

The radiological images and the planar scintigraphy combined with single-photon emission computed tomography scans showed an active left unilateral condylar hyperplasia. A left proportional condylectomy was performed.

The case presented highlights the possibility for the UCH to be reactivated after a long period of latency, leading to a relapse of the occlusal and facial disorders and so advocates the need for first condylectomy or at least a long-term follow-up if condylectomy is not performed as a first-line treatment.
Topical Vancomycin for Surgical Prophylaxis in Pediatric Craniofacial Surgeries
Authors: Mohole Jyodi , Ho Allen L. , Cannon John G.D. , Pendharkar Arjun V. , Sussman Eric S. , Hong David S. , Cheshier Samuel H. , Grant Gerald A.
Published: July 2019

Topical vancomycin has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) following spine surgery in both adults and children, however, there are no studies of its efficacy in reducing SSIs in craniofacial surgery. The SSIs are one of the most common complications following craniofacial surgery. The complexity of craniofacial procedures, use of grafts and implants, long operative durations and larger surgical wounds all contribute to the heightened risk of SSIs in pediatric craniofacial cases. A retrospective review of all open and endoscopic pediatric craniofacial procedures performed between May 2014 and December 2017 at a single children's hospital was conducted to examine SSI rates between patients receiving topical vancomycin and a historical control group. The treatment group received topical vancomycin irrigation before wound closure. An ad-hoc cost analysis was performed to determine the cost-savings associated with topical vancomycin use. A total of 132 craniofacial procedures were performed during the study period, with 50 cases in the control group and 82 cases in the vancomycin group. Overall, SSI rate was 3.03%. Use of topical vancomycin irrigation led to a significant reduction in SSIs (4/50 SSI or 8.0% in control group vs 0/82 or 0% in vancomycin group, P = 0.04). No adverse events were observed with topical vancomycin use. The potential cost-savings associated with the use of topical vancomycin as SSI prophylaxis in this study was $102,152. Addition of topical vancomycin irrigation as routine surgical infection prophylaxis can be an effective and low-cost method for reducing SSI in pediatric craniofacial surgery.
Anatomical Location of the Infraorbital Foramen in Infant Dry Skulls: Implications for Cleft Surgery
Authors: Tuncer Fatma Betul , Jacob DeAsia , Papay Francis
Published: July 2019

Background:

Infraorbital foramen (IOF) is an important anatomical landmark in cleft lip surgery. The location of IOF within the maxilla of infants is different from adults. However, little information about anatomy of IOF in infants exists in the literature. This study aims to determine the location of IOF in infant dry skulls based on key surgical landmarks.

Methods:

All dry skulls under age 2 years old were selected from the Hamann-Todd Human Osteological Collection at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (Cleveland, OH). Specimens without cranial bones or complete maxilla were excluded. Seven anatomical measurements were taken on each side of the face for each individual skull (14 measurements for each skull). Anatomical landmarks used for the measurements included infraorbital rim, aperture piriformis, alveolar ridge, zygomaticomaxillary buttress, anterior nasal spine (ANS), and inferolateral corner of the aperture piriformis.

Results:

Twenty-seven halves of 14 dry skulls were included in the final analysis. The mean age of specimens was 0.57 years. Mean distances from infraorbital foramen to infraorbital rim, aperture piriformis, alveolar ridge, zygomaticomaxillary, and ANS buttress were 4.11 ± 0.82, 9.4 ± 1.62, 12.7 ± 2.71, 11.7 ± 1.54, and 18.4 ± 2.11 mm, respectively.

Conclusion:

This study also shows that the infraorbital foramen in infants is located at the level of the ANS or within 2 mm higher and that the distance between the infraorbital rim and foramen is only 3 to 4 mm. These findings should be applied to the cleft population with discretion.
The Surgical Treatment of a Large Cortical Atherosclerotic Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Presenting With Parietal Lobe Infarction
Authors: Otluoglu Gulden Demirci , Akakin Akin , Demir Mustafa Kemal , Kilic Turker
Published: July 2019

Distal MCA aneurysms are rarely seen in daily neurosurgical practice and they are, more commonly associated with infectious processes. Here, the authors present a 65-year-old, patient who had an atherosclerotic M4 segment located aneurysm. It was confirmed, that the aneurysm was not related with any infectious process. The patient had, presented clinically by a parietal infarction and she had been successfully operated. The neuronavigation system for this particular case aided us for a precise localization of the aneurysm and gave a chance for a smaller craniotomy.
Patient-Specific Reconstruction Utilizing Computer Assisted Three-Dimensional Modelling for Partial Bone Flap Defect in Hybrid Cranioplasty
Authors: Low Peh Hueh , Abdullah Johari Yap , Abdullah Abdul Manaf , Yahya Suzana , Idris Zamzuri , Mohamad Dasmawati
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving procedure in the setting of malignant brain swelling. Patients who survive require cranioplasty for anatomical reconstruction and cerebral protection. Autologous cranioplasty remains the commonest practice nowadays, but partial bone flap defects are frequently encountered. The authors, therefore, seek to develop a new technique of reconstruction for cranioplasty candidate with partial bone flap defect utilizing computer-assisted 3D modeling and printing.

Methods:

A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcome of a new reconstruction technique that produces patient-specific hybrid polymethyl methacrylate-autologous cranial implant. Computer-assisted 3D modeling and printing was utilized to produce patient-specific molds, which allowed real-time reconstruction of bone flap with partial defect intra-operatively.

Results:

Outcome assessment for 11 patients at 6 weeks and 3 months post-operatively revealed satisfactory implant alignment with favorable cosmesis. The mean visual analog scale for cosmesis was 91. Mean implant size was 50cm2, and the mean duration of intra-operative reconstruction was 30 minutes. All of them revealed improvement in quality of life following surgery as measured by the SF-36 score. Cost analysis revealed that this technique is more cost-effective compared to customized cranial prosthesis.

Conclusion:

This new technique and approach produce hybrid autologous-alloplastic bone flap that resulted in satisfactory implant alignment and favorable cosmetic outcome with relatively low costs.
Immunotherapy: breaching the barriers for cancer treatment
Authors: Martinez Victor G. , Park Danielle , Acton Sophie E.
Published: July 2019

The great ambition to treat cancer through harnessing a patient's own immune responses has started to become reality. Clinical trials have shown impressive results and some patients reaching the end of existing treatment options have achieved full remission. Yet the response rate even within the most promising trials remain at just 30–40% of patients. To date, the focus of immunotherapy research has been to identify tumour antigens, and to enhance activation of effector lymphocytes. Yet this is only the first step to effective immunotherapy for a broader range of patients. Activated cytotoxic T cells can only act on their tumour cell targets if they have free and easy access to all tumour regions. Solid tumours are complex, heterogeneous environments which vary greatly in their physical properties. We must now focus our efforts on understanding how factors such as the composition, density and geometry of tumour extracellular matrix acts to impede or promote immune cell infiltration and activation, and work to design novel pharmacological interventions which restore and enhance leucocyte trafficking within solid tumours.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Forces in cancer: interdisciplinary approaches in tumour mechanobiology'.
Tissue mechanics, an important regulator of development and disease
Authors: Ayad Nadia M. E. , Kaushik Shelly , Weaver Valerie M.
Published: July 2019

A growing body of work describes how physical forces in and around cells affect their growth, proliferation, migration, function and differentiation into specialized types. How cells receive and respond biochemically to mechanical signals is a process termed mechanotransduction. Disease may arise if a disruption occurs within this mechanism of sensing and interpreting mechanics. Cancer, cardiovascular diseases and developmental defects, such as during the process of neural tube formation, are linked to changes in cell and tissue mechanics. A breakdown in normal tissue and cellular forces activates mechanosignalling pathways that affect their function and can promote disease progression. The recent advent of high-resolution techniques enables quantitative measurements of mechanical properties of the cell and its extracellular matrix, providing insight into how mechanotransduction is regulated. In this review, we will address the standard methods and new technologies available to properly measure mechanical properties, highlighting the challenges and limitations of probing different length-scales. We will focus on the unique environment present throughout the development and maintenance of the central nervous system and discuss cases where disease, such as brain cancer, arises in response to changes in the mechanical properties of the microenvironment that disrupt homeostasis.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Forces in cancer: interdisciplinary approaches in tumour mechanobiology’.
Indirect Aminoallyl-dUTP Labeling of RNA for Microarrays
Authors: Rando Oliver
Published: July 2019

The labeling procedure described here is called indirect because the fluorescent moiety is not incorporated during the reverse transcription reaction. Instead, a reactive nucleotide analog (aminoallyl-dUTP) is incorporated during reverse transcription, the cDNA is isolated, and then the cyanine dyes are incorporated by binding with the aminoallyl group to produce the desired fluorescent cDNA.
Freezing Cell Pellets for Large-Scale Immunoprecipitation
Authors: Litovchick Larisa
Published: July 2019

The advance, large-scale preparation of 108–109 adherent or suspension cells before the performance of immunoprecipitation can be advantageous given the time commitment required. The freezing of cells before lysis can preserve protein–protein interactions and posttranslational modifications that may otherwise become denatured and/or degraded upon initiation of cell lysis. This method can also be applied to the preparation of adherent or suspension cells on a smaller scale and is especially useful when multiple time points are being investigated over the course of several days or weeks. Cells are grown under optimal culturing conditions to promote a high degree of viability before being rinsed twice in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), scraped into a polypropylene tube, and pelleted by centrifugation. The resulting cell pellet is frozen and can be stored for several months at −80°C.
Using Dounce Homogenization to Lyse Cells for Immunoprecipitation
Authors: DeCaprio James , Kohl Thomas O.
Published: July 2019

Dounce homogenization in combination with hypotonic buffers facilitates the lysis of adherent and suspension cells. Addition of hypotonic buffers results in the swelling of the cell's cytoplasm, allowing for the gentle rupture of cell membranes by mechanical force. Dounce homogenization releases cytoplasmic proteins that can be processed separately from the remaining intact nuclei, which can undergo high-salt extraction for detergent-free extraction of nuclear proteins. In this protocol, cells are initially swollen by incubation in hypotonic buffer, making them susceptible to dounce lysis. Douncing is continued until most cells are lysed, leaving free intact nuclei behind from which nuclear proteins can be extracted. This method does not facilitate the extraction of histones; however, it is effective in extracting transcription factors and other chromatin-bound proteins. It is important to keep buffer volumes to a minimum to maintain high protein concentrations. Upon completion of hypotonic and high-salt extraction, respective cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions undergo dialysis to achieve physiological salt conditions before further use.
Analysis of Chromatin Binding of Ectopically Expressed Proteins in Early Xenopus Embryos
Authors: Hardwick Laura J.A. , Philpott Anna
Published: July 2019

Xenopus embryos have long been used to show phenotypic effects following overexpression of proteins of interest such as transcription factors. Posttranslational modification of these proteins can dramatically alter the extent of the observed phenotype by inhibiting or enhancing protein activity. To determine the mechanisms controlling transcription factor activity, it is useful to compare relative levels of chromatin-bound protein, as this can reveal altered chromatin association in addition to changes in overall protein accumulation seen in the cytoplasm. Assaying protein binding to the bulk DNA described here compliments alternative assays such as electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) that measure site-specific DNA binding. This protocol describes a method to prepare and analyze chromatin and cytoplasmic extracts from embryos overexpressing proteins of interest, and it uses a robust fractionation procedure that results in clear separation of cytoplasmic tubulin from histone-H3 enriched chromatin. This assay for relative chromatin-bound protein is most suitable for comparing modified forms of a single protein (e.g., to investigate the effects of point mutations on chromatin association). Optimization is required for the specific protein of interest but guide ranges are provided.
Women's and healthcare providers’ perceptions of long‐term complications associated with hypertension and diabetes in pregnancy: a qualitative study
Authors: Nagraj S , Hinton L , Praveen D , Kennedy S , Norton R , Hirst J
Published: July 2019

Objectives

A diagnosis of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (HDPs) or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is highly predictive of women at increased risk of developing chronic hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This study investigates perceptions of women and healthcare providers in rural India regarding these long‐term risks.

Design

Qualitative study using modified grounded theory.

Setting

Two states in rural India: Haryana and Andhra Pradesh.

Population

Pregnant and postpartum women, community health workers (CHWs), primary care physicians, obstetricians, laboratory technicians, and healthcare officials.

Methods

In‐depth interviews and focus group discussions explored: (1) priorities for high‐risk pregnant women; (2) detection and management of HDPs and GDM; (3) postpartum management, and (4) knowledge of long‐term sequelae of high‐risk conditions. A thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results

Seven focus group discussions and 11 in‐depth interviews (n = 71 participants) were performed. The key priority area for high‐risk pregnant women was anaemia. Blood pressure measurement was routinely embedded in antenatal care; however, postpartum follow up and knowledge of the long‐term complications were limited. GDM was not considered a common problem, although significant variations and challenges to GDM screening were identified. Knowledge of the long‐term sequelae of GDM with regard to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease among doctors was minimal.

Conclusions

There is a need for improved education, standardisation of testing and postpartum follow up of HDPs and GDM in rural Indian settings.

Funding

SN is supported by an MRC Clinical Research Training Fellowship (MR/R017182/1). The George Institute for Global Health Global Women's Health programme provided financial support for the research assistant and fieldwork costs in India.

Tweetable abstract

Improved education and postpartum care of women with hypertension and diabetes in pregnancy in rural India are needed to prevent long‐term risks.
Prevalence and characteristics of energy intake under‐reporting among Australian adults in 1995 and 2011 to 2012
Authors: Tam King W. , Veerman Jacob L.
Published: July 2019

Aim

Misreporting of energy intake is a common source of measurement error found in dietary surveys, resulting in biased estimates and a reduction in statistical power. The present study aims to refine the conventional cut‐off methods and to examine the extent to which Australian adults misreport their energy intake, and the characteristics of under‐reporters between two time points.

Methods

A revised Goldberg cut‐off approach was used to identify those who reported implausible intake amounts in a secondary analysis of two large cross‐sectional surveys. Identified low energy reporters were then used as the outcome variable in Poisson regressions to examine association with sex, age, body mass index (BMI), weight perceptions, education, relative household income, geographic remoteness and relative socioeconomic disadvantage.

Results

The prevalence of under‐reporting increased from 32% in 1995 to 41% in 2012, most of which can be attributed to an increase in men. Under‐reporting has a positive association with BMI and relative socioeconomic disadvantage, but an inverse association with age, education, relative household income and residence in inner regional areas.

Conclusions

Under‐reporting of energy intake is high in Australian adults, and appears have worsened over time in men, which could be partly explained by the upward trend in obesity. The use of conventional Goldberg method to identify under‐reporters can greatly underestimate the prevalence of under‐reporting, future studies should consider selecting a lower critical value to improve accuracy.
Untangling direct species associations from indirect mediator species effects with graphical models
Authors: Popovic Gordana C. , Warton David I. , Thomson Fiona J. , Hui Francis K. C. , Moles Angela T.
Published: July 2019

Ecologists often investigate co‐occurrence patterns in multi‐species data in order to gain insight into the ecological causes of observed co‐occurrences. Apart from direct associations between the two species of interest, they may co‐occur because of indirect effects, where both species respond to another variable, whether environmental or biotic (e.g. a mediator species).

A wide variety of methods are now available for modelling how environmental filtering drives species distributions. In contrast, methods for studying other causes of co‐occurence are much more limited. “Graphical” methods, which can be used to study how mediator species impact co‐occurrence patterns, have recently been proposed for use in ecology. However, available methods are limited to presence/absence data or methods assuming multivariate normality, which is problematic when analysing abundances.

We propose Gaussian copula graphical models (GCGMs) for studying the effect of mediator species on co‐occurence patterns. GCGMs are a flexible type of graphical model which naturally accommodates all data types,for example binary (presence/absence), counts, as well as ordinal data and biomass, in a unified framework. Simulations demonstrate that GCGMs can be applied to a much broader range of data types than the methods currently used in ecology, and perform as well as or better than existing methods in many settings.

We apply GCGMs to counts of hunting spiders, in order to visualise associations between species. We also analyse abundance data of New Zealand native forest cover (on an ordinal scale) to show how GCGMs can be used analyse large and complex datasets. In these data, we were able to reproduce known species relationships as well as generate new ecological hypotheses about species associations.
StoX: An open source software for marine survey analyses
Authors: Johnsen Espen , Totland Atle , Skålevik Åsmund , Holmin Arne Johannes , Dingsør Gjert Endre , Fuglebakk Edvin , Handegard Nils Olav
Published: July 2019

Scientists across the globe conduct survey programs to monitor and characterize abundance, population structure, biodiversity and geographical distributions. To assess the state of marine fish and zooplankton, population surveys are often repeated annually using standardized sampling protocols and analysis techniques to establish trustworthy stock status. However, although transparency and repeatability are recognised as important principles of this process, it is often difficult to obtain comprehensive documentation of metadata and data processing steps. This is particularly challenging for workflows that include manual processing steps.

StoX was principally built to process research‐vessel survey data, and we have included several standard survey estimation models. The software was developed to be robust and versatile and aimed at the open source community, such that users could easily build their own models. StoX is fully integrated with R to utilize the large number of R‐packages and enable any StoX function and stock estimation model to be controlled using R.

There has been a large need for a freely available software for research–vessel survey estimation, and StoX is tested in surveys carried out in four continents and is the official tool for many important fish stock surveys. The basic workflow and transparency principles of StoX, together with a customizable GUI, makes StoX applicable for any geographically coded surveys.

Future versions of StoX will include statistical models to estimate the catch composition in commercial fisheries. In fields such as conservation management, there is also a need to document the estimation methods, and additional estimation and analyses models, including biodiversity indices are currently implemented. In parallel, we envision a closer web service integration with existing international and national data centres.
Epigenetic signatures of Werner syndrome occur early in life and are distinct from normal epigenetic aging processes
Authors: Maierhofer Anna , Flunkert Julia , Oshima Junko , Martin George M. , Poot Martin , Nanda Indrajit , Dittrich Marcus , Müller Tobias , Haaf Thomas
Published: July 2019

Werner Syndrome (WS) is an adult‐onset segmental progeroid syndrome. Bisulfite pyrosequencing of repetitive DNA families revealed comparable blood DNA methylation levels between classical (18 WRN‐mutant) or atypical WS (3 LMNA‐mutant and 3 POLD1‐mutant) patients and age‐ and sex‐matched controls. WS was not associated with either age‐related accelerated global losses of ALU, LINE1, and α‐satellite DNA methylations or gains of rDNA methylation. Single CpG methylation was analyzed with Infinium MethylationEPIC arrays. In a correspondence analysis, atypical WS samples clustered together with the controls and were clearly separated from classical WS, consistent with distinct epigenetic pathologies. In classical WS, we identified 659 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) comprising 3,656 CpG sites and 613 RefSeq genes. The top DMR was located in the HOXA4 promoter. Additional DMR genes included LMNA, POLD1, and 132 genes which have been reported to be differentially expressed in WRN‐mutant/depleted cells. DMRs were enriched in genes with molecular functions linked to transcription factor activity and sequence‐specific DNA binding to promoters transcribed by RNA polymerase II. We propose that transcriptional misregulation of downstream genes by the absence of WRN protein contributes to the variable premature aging phenotypes of WS. There were no CpG sites showing significant differences in DNA methylation changes with age between WS patients and controls. Genes with both WS‐ and age‐related methylation changes exhibited a constant offset of methylation between WRN‐mutant patients and controls across the entire analyzed age range. WS‐specific epigenetic signatures occur early in life and do not simply reflect an acceleration of normal epigenetic aging processes.
Temporal patterns in natality and mortality of three threatened antelope species in North Africa: Oryx dammah, Addax nasomaculatus and Nanger dama
Authors: Hizem Mohamed Wassim , Riordan Philip , El‐Farhati Haithem , Hamdi Lazhar , Nouira Saïd
Published: July 2019

Long‐term population studies on large mammals are rare. Here, we have examined the threatened scimitar‐horned oryx, addax and dama gazelle's populations over the last 20 years in Bou Hedma National Park. Using monthly count data of the three studied species collected since 1995, we examined their population trends. Using autocorrelation analyses, we discovered endogenous natural cyclical fluctuations in the numbers of each species, with a periodicity of approximately 3 years. For all three studied species which seem to be opportunistic breeders, births and deaths occurred throughout the year, although with notable seasonality. By means of cross‐correlation, we discovered that during the first 7 years for which data were available, addax numbers were positively correlated with those of dama and inversely correlated with numbers of oryx. This pattern reversed during the following 4‐year period. The number of oryx was negatively correlated with dama during the first 4 years and then became positively correlated during the subsequent 7‐year period. Thus, we draw attention to difference in response to environmental and anthropogenic factors. Incorporating fundamental long‐term population data into developing management approaches, especially for potentially competitive species, is vital for their future long‐term survival and the success of conservation actions.
Antiproliferative activity of ester derivatives of monensin A at the C‐1 and C‐26 positions
Authors: Klejborowska Greta , Jędrzejczyk Marta , Stępczyńska Natalia , Maj Ewa , Wietrzyk Joanna , Huczyński Adam
Published: July 2019

Monensin A (MON) is a polyether ionophore antibiotic, which shows a wide spectrum of biological activity, including anticancer activity. A series of structurally diverse monensin esters including its C‐1 esters (1–9), C‐26‐O‐acetylated derivatives (10–15), and lactone (16) was synthesized and for the first time evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against four human cancer cell lines with different drug‐sensitivity level. All of the MON derivatives exhibited in vitro antiproliferative activity against cancer cells at micromolar concentrations. The majority of the compounds was able to overcome the drug resistance of LoVo/DX and MES‐SA/DX5 cell lines. The most active compounds proved to be MON C‐26‐O‐acetylated derivatives (10–15) which exhibited very good resistance index and high selectivity index.
The Psychology of Puberty: What Aren’t We Studying That We Should?
Authors: Mendle Jane , Koch Mary Kate
Published: July 2019

In the past half‐century, developmentalists have produced a rich, diverse, and substantial literature on the psychology of puberty, establishing the transition from childhood to adolescence as one of the most pivotal phases of life. In this article, we identify three domains of research on puberty that are prime for new scientific inquiry: (a) hormones, (b) cohort trends, and (c) alternative measures and methods. Although these areas differ from each other in concept, scientific implementation, and ramifications for research, they are alike in their potential to advance developmental science and to strengthen theories, concepts, and understanding of this period of psychological change.
Applying science to pressing conservation needs for penguins
Authors: Boersma P.D. , Borboroglu P. García , Gownaris N.J. , Bost C.A. , Chiaradia A. , Ellis S. , Schneider T. , Seddon P.J. , Simeone A. , Trathan P.N. , Waller L.J. , Wienecke B.
Published: July 2019

More than half of the world's 18 penguin species are declining. We, the Steering Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission Penguin Specialist Group, determined that the penguin species in most critical need of conservation action are African penguin (Spheniscus demersus), Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus), and Yellow‐eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes). Due to small or rapidly declining populations, these species require immediate scientific collaboration and policy intervention. We also used a pairwise‐ranking approach to prioritize research and conservation needs for all penguins. Among the 12 cross‐taxa research areas we identified, we ranked quantifying population trends, estimating demographic rates, forecasting environmental patterns of change, and improving the knowledge of fisheries interactions as the highest priorities. The highest ranked conservation needs were to enhance marine spatial planning, improve stakeholder engagement, and develop disaster‐management and species‐specific action plans. We concurred that, to improve the translation of science into effective conservation for penguins, the scientific community and funding bodies must recognize the importance of and support long‐term research; research on and conservation of penguins must expand its focus to include the nonbreeding season and juvenile stage; marine reserves must be designed at ecologically appropriate spatial and temporal scales; and communication between scientists and decision makers must be improved with the help of individual scientists and interdisciplinary working groups.
Optimal cut‐points of visceral adipose tissue areas for cardiometabolic risk factors in a Chinese population: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Huo L. , Li K. , Deng W. , Wang L. , Xu L. , Shaw J. E. , Jia P. , Zhou D. , Cheng X. G.
Published: July 2019

Aim

To determine the optimal cut‐points of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) areas at different anatomic levels to discriminate participants with cardiometabolic risk factors in a Chinese middle‐aged population.

Methods

A total of 1744 individuals who underwent regular health checks in NanjingBENQMedical Center from January 2013 to December 2016 were included in this cross‐sectional study.VATareas were measured by abdominal quantitative computed tomography at the L2/3 intervertebral disk and umbilicus levels. Cardiometabolic risk factors including serum triglycerides,HDLcholesterol levels, plasma glucose and blood pressure were defined usingIDF2005 criteria for metabolic syndrome.

Results

The cut‐points forVATarea at the umbilicus level were 111 cm2for men and 96 cm2for women to identify people with one or more cardiometabolic risk factors. ForVATarea at the L2/3 level, the optimal cut‐points were 142 cm2for men and 115 cm2for women. AVATarea at the L2/3 level of ≥ 142 cm2for men or 115 cm2for women significantly increased the prevalence of hyperglycaemia [odds ratio (OR) 3.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.45–4.13], hypertension (OR2.81, 95%CI2.27–3.49) and dyslipidaemia (OR4.37, 95%CI3.50–5.45) after adjusting age.

Conclusions

The optimal cut‐points forVATarea at the umbilicus level and L2/3 level were 111 cm2and 142 cm2for men and 96 cm2and 115 cm2for women to identify participants with one or more cardiometabolic risk factors.
Comparison of sampling with a spade and gouge auger for topsoil monitoring at the continental scale
Authors: Fernández‐Ugalde Oihane , Jones Arwyn , Meuli Reto G.
Published: July 2019

The sampling method is a key aspect when designing a soil monitoring network. The determination of any physical and chemical property can be subject to uncertainties because of the sampling method. In this study, we compared the efficiency of sampling with a spade and a gouge auger for the physicochemical characterization of topsoil samples from 150 mineral soils under various land cover (LC) classes in Switzerland taken within the LUCAS 2015 Survey. The sampling methods differed in their scheme, accuracy of litter removal and control of sampling depth, which were more rigorous with the gouge auger than the spade method. Values of root mean square error of properties ranged between 1/2 and 1/30 of their mean values. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient showed that the spade and gouge auger methods produced similar results for all properties (LCCC ≥0.73), with a better relation for arable land than other LC classes. A poor relation was observed for potassium (LCCC = 0.35) in coniferous forest because of its shallow distribution in depth. We concluded that the simpler and cheaper spade method is an accurate method for topsoil sampling at the continental scale. From this study, it is clear that some improvements in the control of sampling depth and the accuracy of litter removal are needed, especially when monitoring forest soils and properties that change rapidly with depth. Spade sampling can help to expand the implementation of soil monitoring surveys at the continental scale at relatively low sampling cost.

Highlights

Spade and gouge auger sampling methods were compared to monitor topsoil properties in the LUCAS Survey.

The gouge auger is the method of choice for properties with patchy and shallow distribution.

The spade method is efficient if sampling depth and litter removal are carefully controlled.

Spade sampling can expand topsoil monitoring at continental scale at relatively low sampling cost.
Platinum and palladium nanoparticle‐containing mixture, PAPLAL, does not induce palladium allergy
Authors: Shibuya Shuichi , Watanabe Kenji , Tsuji Gaku , Ichihashi Masamitsu , Shimizu Takahiko
Published: July 2019

Palladium (Pd) is a common metal found in jewellery and dental appliances, but it has been shown to be likely to cause metal allergy. We previously reported that platinum (nPt) and palladium (nPd) nanoparticle‐containing mixture (PAPLAL) has both superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and that the topical application of PAPLAL improved skin atrophy induced by chronic oxidative damage in an ageing mouse model. However, the safety of PAPLAL for preventing Pd allergy remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether or not PAPLAL induces Pd allergy. We found that PAPLAL treatment caused no skin inflammation, while nPd administration caused only slight skin inflammation compared to the palladium chloride‐induced severe reaction in an experimental metal allergy model. A gene expression analysis revealed that PAPLAL treatment significantly suppressed the expression of Inf‐γ, Il‐1β and Tnfα genes. Even in human clinical trials using patches containing metal nanoparticles, nPd and PAPLAL failed to induce significant skin inflammation. These results suggest that mixing with nPt in PAPLAL suppresses the inflammation response of nPd. PAPLAL can be expected to be applied to various skin treatments as a safe topical substance.
Fishery indicators during a predictable aggregation of Atlantic sharpnose sharks Rhizoprionodon terraenovae in the southern Gulf of Mexico: An alternative to assess a heterogeneous data‐poor fishery
Authors: Bada‐Sánchez Esteban , Pérez‐Jiménez Juan Carlos , Martínez‐Cruz Luis Enrique , Méndez‐Loeza Iván , Sosa‐Cordero Eloy
Published: July 2019

Small‐scale fisheries in the southern Gulf of Mexico that catch Rhizoprionodon terraenovae (Richardson) are heterogeneous and data‐poor. Fishery‐dependent monitoring was conducted from 2010 to 2017, including a target season during an aggregation of this species to estimate data‐poor fishery indicators. During the target season, the average sizes for females and males (95.3 and 89.8 cm total length, respectively) were recorded, a global male sex bias (1:1.7), the highest percentage of mature sharks for all years (>89%), the highest values of CPUE (20.1 sharks/day) and size‐selectivity higher than the size at maturity. The spawning potential ratio was over 0.6 (reference point of 0.71) in the combined (target and non‐target) and target seasons for all years, which suggests that the fishery stock is not healthy. Annual assessment of this fishery can be carried out through monitoring during the target season, where management is more feasible to implement.
Innovative Techniques for Measuring the Oil Content of Oil‐Contaminated Porous Media
Authors: Zheng Tianyuan , Zheng Xilai , Wang Huan , Xin Jia , Zhang Bo , Walther Marc
Published: July 2019

The oil content of oil‐contaminated porous media is an important parameter for the assessment and remediation of oil pollution in soil and groundwater. However, an accurate measurement method is not available. In this study, we propose a new equation to calculate the oil content of water‐bearing media based on traditional extraction–ultraviolet spectroscopy. Further, an improved experimental method was developed. The results indicate that the pure solid weight and oil content of oil‐contaminated media can be accurately determined by introducing the oil drying loss coefficient (γ). The average relative errors of the improved method range from −0.14% to −0.96%. They are much smaller than errors of −4.49% to −10.97% of the original methods, indicating that the accuracy of measured oil content is enhanced. In addition, the accuracy of the new method does not depend on oil volatility and oil content.
Sodium Divalproate in Low Alternating Daily Doses for Migraine Prevention: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Krymchantowski Abouch V. , Krymchantowski Ana Gabriela , Jevoux Carla
Published: July 2019

Background and Objective

Sodium divalproate is an effective neuromodulator for migraine prevention. Recommended doses vary from 1,000 to 1,500 mg/day, which may provoke unpleasant side effects as weight gain, tremor, and hair loss. Some patients do respond to lower doses even used once daily in ER presentations, but alternating low daily doses was never studied so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence, the tolerability, and the efficacy of sodium divalproate (SD) in low alternating daily doses for migraine prevention in patients of a tertiary center.

Methods

Consecutive migraineurs from a tertiary center to whom SD was prescribed as monotherapy from January 2017 until September 2018 were studied retrospectively. The doses were 250 mg alternated with 500 mg and were used based on the treating physician expertise and previous experience with tolerability issues when using higher doses. Headache frequency compared to baseline, adherence expressed by returning to a visit after 2 and 4 months and side effects reported by the patients, were evaluated.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients (53 women and 15 men, aged 18‐58) were included. The average headache frequency (HF) during baseline was decreased from 8.2 to 5.1 headache days/month among the 50 out of 68 patients returning at 2 months (adherence rate 73.5%). Weight gain was reported by 15 patients (30%, mean 2.1 kg). At 4 months, HF was reduced to 4.2 days/month (adherence rate 61.8%, n = 42) and weight gain reported by 18 patients (42.8%, mean 2.3 kg).

Conclusions

Despite the retrospective open design, which cannot allow definitive conclusions, SD in low alternating daily doses seems to be effective as with higher doses, but still induce modest weight gain. Controlled studies are necessary to confirm these observations.
A culturally sensitive nurse‐led structured education programme in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu Yeling , Jiang Xinjun , Jiang Hua , Lin Keke , Li Mingzi , Ji Linong
Published: July 2019

Aim

To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a culturally sensitive nurse‐led structured education programme for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background

A nurse‐led satisfactory diabetes education programme might be feasible. The structured education programme is considered a potential model that helps patients manage diabetes.

Design

A mixed‐method design.

Methods

A convenience sample of 44 participants received the programme. Feasibility was assessed using the recruitment rate and the retention rate. Acceptability was assessed by interviews to obtain the perception and experience of participants. Also, preliminary efficacy on diabetes knowledge, self‐efficacy, self‐management behaviours, and clinical outcomes was assessed. Finally, data were collected from April to December 2015.

Results

The recruitment rate and the retention rate were acceptable. Participants thought that the programme contributed to their positive changes. They enjoyed and accepted the programme, and they wanted to gain the ongoing support. Significant improvements in diabetes knowledge, self‐efficacy, self‐management behaviours, A1C, fasting blood glucose, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were reported in 12‐week follow‐up.

Conclusions

This programme is feasible and acceptable, and its preliminary efficacy is promising. Ongoing support, a control group, and long‐term follow‐up are required in future studies to assess its effectiveness.
An analysis of hospital pharmacy practice in six countries of sub-Saharan Africa based on the International Pharmaceutical Federation Basel Statements on the future of hospital pharmacy
Authors: Law Miranda G , Marriott Jennifer , Usifoh Cyril , Acheampong Franklin , Muungo Lungwani , Adome Richard Odoi , Monera-Penduka Tsitsi G , Ndzabala Nettie , Eckel Stephen F
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The objective of this study was to update the self-assessment tool and to evaluate current hospital pharmacy practices in six sub-Saharan African countries.

Methods

Questions in the validated survey were edited if the revised Basel Statement changed intent. A total of 13 updates were made. The survey was administered via e-mail to pharmacy personnel in any hospital centre in Ghana (258 total hospitals), Nigeria (17 038 total hospitals), Malawi (499 total hospitals), Uganda (155 total hospitals), Zambia (98 total hospitals) and Zimbabwe (1389 total hospitals). Snowball sampling increased reach of the survey across each country.

Key findings

Responses were received from all six countries, with nine respondents from Ghana, 15 from Nigeria, two from Malawi, five from Uganda, nine from Zambia and four from Zimbabawe. Uganda had the highest achievement rates for tier one and tier three constructs, and Ghana had the highest achievement rate for tier two constructs. Malawi showed the lowest achievement rates in all three tiers. The six countries achieved an average of 82 per cent (SD = 24) of tier one constructs. Three tier one constructs were achieved less than 25 per cent of the time.

Conclusion

Multiple tier one (minimum standards in hospital pharmacy practice) constructs were achieved greater than 90% of the time, possibly reflecting efforts made towards hospital pharmacy practice advancement in select countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, all countries achieved a majority of tier one overarching constructs. Despite these achievements, there are still many areas for growth, including select tier one constructs with low achievement rates.
The effect of intra‐group loans on the cash flow sensitivity of cash: Evidence from Chile
Authors: Jara‐Bertín Mauricio , Pinto‐Gutiérrez Cristian , Pombo Carlos
Published: July 2019

We examine the effects of internal capital markets on the propensity of firms to save cash from cash flows. We argue that firms that are providers of funds to related parties must maintain a higher cash flow sensitivity of cash to prevent high levels of pressure on their cash holdings in contrast to receivers of intra‐holding funds. Based on a sample of Chilean firms, we confirm that firms with high levels of loans to related companies have higher cash flow sensitivities of cash. This relationship is strongest for firms affiliated with business groups and financially constrained firms. We do not find conclusive evidence of loss to the minority shareholders (tunneling) from intra‐group loans.