bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The origins and early history of neurochemistry and its societies
Authors: Boullerne Anne I. , Foley Paul , Turner Anthony J. , Johnston Graham A.R. , Beart Philip M.
Published: July 2019

At the 2017 joint meeting of the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) and the European Society for Neurochemistry, 150 years of neurochemistry – the 50th anniversary of ISN, 40 years of European Society for Neurochemistry, and 60 years of theJournal of Neurochemistry(JNC) – was celebrated with a historical symposium that explored the foundations of neurochemical societies, key international figures in the discipline of neurochemistry, and the pre‐eminent role of the JNC. The foundations of neurochemistry were laid in Europe, notably France and Germany, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Neurochemists in the United Kingdom made globally relevant contributions before and after the Second World War, and Swedish contributions were especially prominent in the 1950s and 1960s. As neurochemistry is a truly international branch of neuroscience, the important contributions of neurochemists in the Americas and the Asia‐Pacific were also recognized, as were the seminal roles of the American, Asia‐Pacific, and Japanese Societies of Neurochemistry. Although ISN was only formed in 1967, earlier international meetings in Europe and the Americas reflected the growing recognition of the importance of chemistry and biochemistry for understanding and responding to the pathophysiology of clinical conditions and diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems. JNC was first published in 1956, but the ISN only assumed complete ownership of the journal under tempestuous circumstances in 1970. The ISN‐JNC interface and the sterling work of the JNC Editors has meant that the income generated by the journal has allowed the ISN Council to implement diverse programs for supporting neurochemistry internationally, including sustaining regional neurochemical societies, and supporting neurochemists in the developing world and schools of neurochemistry.

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FIRM SIZE AND STOCK RETURNS: A QUANTITATIVE SURVEY
Authors: Astakhov Anton , Havranek Tomas , Novak Jiri
Published: July 2019

Firm size is commonly used in numerous empirical asset pricing models as a determinant of expected stock returns. Yet there is little consensus over the magnitude and stability of the size premium. In fact, some researchers even question whether firm size should be used as a pricing factor. We collect 1746 estimates of the slope coefficients capturing the association between firm size and stock returns reported in 102 published studies and conduct the first meta‐analysis on the size premium. We find evidence of a strong bias toward publishing statistically significant negative slope coefficients. After correcting for the bias, we find that the literature implies a difference in annual stock returns on the smallest and the largest New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) market capitalization quintiles of 1.72%. For the time periods covered in the sampled articles, we find that the size premium was larger in earlier years and that the intensity of publication bias has been decreasing over time.
Analysis of TP53 gene in uterine myomas: No mutations but P72R polymorphism is associated with myoma development
Authors: Altinkaya S. Ozlem , Avcioglu Sumeyra N. , Sezer Selda D. , Ceylaner Serdar
Published: July 2019

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the familial and somatic mutations as well as polymorphisms of TP53 gene in patients with uterine leiomyoma.

Methods

The study included 35 women with histologically diagnosed as uterine leiomyomas at the Gynecology Department of Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine. Tissue and blood samples were analyzed for mutations and polymorphisms of TP53 gene by next generation sequencing (Miseq—Illumina). Acquired data was compared with the normal data in Ensembl database. Data from 1000 genome project and data from exome sequencing analyses in Intergen Genetic Diagnosis Center (Ankara) were used as controls for polymorphism analyses.

Results

There were no mutations in tissue and blood samples. However, when the polymorphisms were evaluated, a significant difference was found in NM_000546.5(TP53):c.215C > G (p.Pro72Arg) polymorphism between the study and control groups. The results indicated that P72R/P72R genotype increased the risk of leiomyoma development by 6.3 fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.880–13.793). There was a negative correlation between P72R/WT genotype and leiomyoma development (OR = 0.261, 95% CI: 0.114–0.596). P72R/P72R genotype was statistically higher in the patients with leiomyoma compared with the controls and 1000 genomes from Asian, European and World populations.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggested that P72R/P72R genotype may be associated with development of uterine leiomyoma in the Turkish population in the Western part of the country.
Peak aerobic capacity from incremental shuttle walk test in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Xenophontos Soteris , Wilkinson Thomas J. , Gould Douglas W. , Watson Emma L. , Viana João L. , Smith Alice C.
Published: July 2019

Background

Assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness is an important outcome in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to develop a predictive equation to estimate peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and power output (WPeak), as measured during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), from the distance walked (DW) during the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT).

Methods

Thirty‐six non‐dialysing patients with CKD [17 male, age: 61 ± 12 years, eGFR: 25±7 ml/min/1.73 m2, body mass index (BMI): 31 ± 6 kg/m2] carried out laboratory‐based CPET on a cycle ergometer and ISWT on two separate occasions.

Results

Linear regression revealed that DW/BMI was a significant predictor of VO2Peak (r = 0.78) (VO2Peak (ml/min/kg) = [0.5688 × (DW/BMI) (m)] + 11.50). No difference (p = 0.66) between CPET VO2Peak (19.9 ± 5.5 ml/min/kg) and predicted VO2Peak (19.9 ± 4.3 ml/min/kg) was observed. DW multiplied by body mass (BM) was a significant predictor of WPeak (r = 0.80) [WPeak (W) = (0.0018 × (DW × BM)) + 50.47]. No difference (p = 0.97) between CPET WPeak (116.2 ± 38.9 W) and estimated WPeak (113.9 ± 30.1 W) was seen.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that VO2Peak and WPeak can be accurately estimated using the DW during an ISWT in CKD populations.
Intersectionality and Health Behaviors Among US High School Students: Examining Race/Ethnicity, Sexual Identity, and Sex
Authors: Gattamorta Karina A. , Salerno John P. , Castro Amanda J.
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Little research exists examining the impact of multiple minority identities, particularly sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and sex on health‐risk behaviors like mental health, substance use, violence, and sexual risk among high school students in the United States. In this study, we use a nationally representative dataset to examine differences between non‐Hispanic white heterosexuals (HSs) and non‐Hispanic white sexual minority, black HS, black sexual minority, Hispanic HS, and Hispanic sexual minority students.

METHODS

Data from the 2015 wave of the Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System were used in this study. Chi‐square and hierarchical logistic regression models examined differences between the groups on outcomes including: (1) mental health and suicide, (2) alcohol, tobacco, and illicit substances, (3) sexual risk and protective factors, and (4) school and physical and/or sexual violence.

RESULTS

Whereas sexual minority youth (SMY) generally demonstrate poorer health outcomes compared to HSs, SMY who are also racial/ethnic minorities often have even poorer health outcomes, particularly relating to substance use, sexual risk behaviors, physical/sexual violence, and suicide.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for culturally tailored education and school‐based interventions that consider intersections between race/ethnicity, sexual identity, and biological sex are warranted to address health disparities related to mental health and suicide, substance use, sexual risk, and violence.
Hands‐Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training in Schools: Impact of Legislation on the Future of School Nurses
Authors: Nordheim Shawn 
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) initiated before medical help arrives saves lives. Hands‐Only CPR keeps the blood flowing to the brain and other organs, increasing a person's chance of survival.

METHODS

A literature review identified Hands‐Only CPR as the preferred method of CPR performed in the community setting. Many states have passed legislation making CPR education a high school graduation requirement.

RESULTS

School nurses can play a pivotal role as school districts address these new CPR requirements. The school nurse involvement in these newly mandated CPR training requirements can support student success and improve the health of communities.

CONCLUSIONS

School nurses need to use these newly mandated CPR training requirements as an opportunity to showcase the profession of nursing to ensure the school nurse remains present in our schools.
Community‐acquired invasive Staphylococcus aureus: Uncovering disparities and the burden of disease in Auckland children
Authors: Vogel Alison M , Borland Annie , van der Werf Bert , Morales Adrienne , Freeman Joshua , Taylor Susan , Anderson Phillipa , Horsfall Maraekura , Drinkovic Dragana , Lennon Diana R
Published: July 2019

Aim

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) causes serious invasive disease in children. Large studies have measured the incidence of SA bacteraemia, but there is less information on the total burden of community‐acquired invasive SA (iSA) in children.

Methods

A retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis of Auckland resident children aged 0–14 years who were hospitalised with iSA between 2011 and 2015 was performed. Laboratory databases and SA‐related international classification of diseases 10 discharge codes were searched to identify community‐onset cases with SA isolated from a normally sterile site. Clinical records and coroner's reports were reviewed to determine clinical syndromes and exclude nosocomial infections.

Results

A total of 295 children with iSA were identified. The average annual incidence of iSA was 18.6 per 100 000 – for Pacific populations 44.3 per 100 000, Māori 24.3 per 100 000 and New Zealand European and other 8.8 per 100 000; 68% had bacteraemia. The incidence of iSA for Pacific infants was 10 times greater than non‐Māori/non‐Pacific (113.4/100 000 population vs. 11.8/100 000). Multivariate analysis found a higher risk of admission in Pacific children, males and those living in areas of high deprivation. Thirty‐two patients (10.8%) were admitted to the intensive care unit; risk was higher in infants, Pacific children and those with respiratory infection (Relative Risk (RR) 12.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.7–26.4) and multifocal (RR 6.9, 95% CI 3.4–13.8) and endovascular disease (RR 8.9, 95% CI 3.9–20.6). All deaths (n = 7) had respiratory infections, and four were patients <1 year of age.

Conclusions

Studies investigating SA bacteraemia alone significantly underestimate the total burden of iSA disease. There are marked ethnic and socio‐economic disparities in iSA disease among Auckland children. Pacific infants are at the highest risk.
Depression and intimate partner violence among urban Kenyan caregivers of children with disabilities
Authors: Mugoya George C. T. , Mumba Mercy N. , Hooper Lisa M. , Witte Tricia , Youngblood Madelyn
Published: July 2019

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Caregivers of children with disabilities are at increased risk of experiencing interpersonal violence and its consequences; however, there is limited research targeting this population.

This problem is understudied in Sub‐Saharan Africa.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Study examines intimate partner violence and depression among men and women caregivers of children with disabilities.

Study findings showed that while a higher proportion of women caregivers of children with disabilities than men reported experiencing intimate partner violence and were at increased risk depression, the differences were not statistically significant.

Participants reporting any form of violence (i.e. psychological aggression or physical assault) were at increased risk for depression, with those experiencing a combination of physical assault and psychological aggression having the highest risk for depression.

What are the implications for practice?

Professionals working families of individuals with disabilities should be cognizant of the added stress and comorbid factors associated with caring for a child with a disability.

Future research should examine whether there is a causal relationship between intimate partner violence and depression among caregivers of children with disabilities and compare this relationship with the general population.

Introduction

Mental health correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization are well documented. However, caregivers of children with disabilities (CCWDs) are underrepresented in empirical investigations and may have an increased risk of experiencing IPV and its consequences. This is particularly important in Sub‐Saharan Africa where this problem is understudied.

Method

The present study estimated the prevalence of IPV victimization and examined the association between IPV and depression in a sample of CCWDs living in Nairobi, Kenya.

Results

Nearly half (49.8%) of the participants experienced some form of IPV and more than half (51.8%) were at risk of depression. Participants reporting psychological and physical violence were 1.76 and 4.81 times more likely to be at risk for depression, respectively. Those experiencing a combination of physical and psychological violence were 4.85 times more likely to be at risk for depression.

Discussion

Both men and women CCWDs are at an increased risk for IPV and depression. Social–cultural factors are also important in the prediction of depression risk and should be taken into account when working with CCWDs.

Implications

Mental health professionals should be cognizant of the added stress of being a CCWD, and the link between CCWDs and comorbid mental health outcomes.
Bta‐miR‐152 affects intracellular triglyceride content by targeting the UCP3 gene
Authors: Shen Binglei , Han Shuo , Wang Yuxuan , Yang Zhuonina , Zou Ziwen , Liu Juan , Zhao Zhihui , Wu Rui , Wang Changyuan
Published: July 2019

According to our previous studies, bta‐miR‐152, PRKAA1 and UCP3 are differentially expressed in mammary gland tissues of high milk fat and low milk fat cows, and the trend in bta‐miR‐152 expression is opposite from those of PRKAA1 and UCP3. To further identify the function and regulatory mechanism of bta‐miR‐152 in milk fat metabolism, we investigated the effect of bta‐miR‐152 on cellular triglyceride content in bovine mammary epithelial cells cultured in vitro, on the basis of bta‐miR‐152 overexpression and inhibition assays. The target genes of bta‐miR‐152 were identified through qPCR, Western blotting and dual luciferase reporter gene detection. Compared with that in the control group, the expression of UCP3 was significantly lower in the bta‐miR‐152 mimic group, the expression of PRKAA1 was decreased, and the intracellular TAG content was significantly increased. After transfection with bta‐miR‐152 inhibitor, the expression of UCP3 increased significantly, and the expression of PRKAA1 decreased, but the difference was not significant; in addition, the intracellular TAG content decreased significantly. Therefore, we concluded that bta‐miR‐152 affects the intracellular TAG content by targeting UCP3.
Unifying facilitation and recruitment networks
Authors: Alcántara Julio M. , Garrido José L. , Montesinos‐Navarro Alicia , Rey Pedro J. , Valiente‐Banuet Alfonso , Verdú Miguel
Published: July 2019

Ecological network studies are providing important advances about the organization, stability and dynamics of ecological systems. However, the ecological networks approach is being integrated very slowly in plant community ecology, even though the first studies on plant facilitation networks (FNs) were published more than a decade ago. The study of interaction networks between established plants and plants recruiting beneath them, which we call Recruitment Networks (RNs), can provide new insights on mechanisms driving plant community structure and dynamics. RNs basically describe which plants recruit under which others, so they can be seen as a generalisation of the classic FNs since they do not imply any particular effect (positive, negative or neutral) of the established plants on recruiting ones. RNs summarise information on the structure of sapling banks. More importantly, the information included in RNs can be incorporated into models of replacement dynamics to evaluate how different aspects of network structure, or different mechanisms of network assembly, may affect plant community stability and species coexistence. To allow an efficient development of the study of FNs and RNs, here we unify concepts, synthesise current knowledge, clarify some conceptual issues, and propose basic methodological guidelines to standardise sampling methods that could make future studies of these networks directly comparable.
Efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in difficult‐to‐manage hydrothorax in cirrhosis
Authors: Jindal Ankur , Mukund Amar , Kumar Guresh , Sarin Shiv K.
Published: July 2019

Background

Pleural effusions (PE) complicate cirrhosis in ~5% of patients. Identification of cause and related complications is imperative. Unlike refractory ascites, large‐scale studies on interventions for refractory PE are limited.

Methods

Consecutive hospitalized cirrhotics having PE were retrospectively analysed. None had liver transplantation (LT) within 6‐month follow‐up. We determined safety, efficacy and mortality predictors for PE managed with standard medical treatment (SMT), thoracentesis, catheter drainage and TIPS.

Results

Of 1149 cirrhotics with PE (mean Child‐Pugh 10.6 ± 1.8 and MELD 21.2 ± 7.4), 82.6% had hepatic hydrothorax (HH) and 12.3% were suspected tubercular PE (TBPE). Despite comparable HVPG and MELD scores, patients with HH developed more AKI, encephalopathy and septic shock (all P < .01) on follow‐up. Among HH, 73.5% were symptomatic, 53.2% isolated right‐sided PE and 21.3% had SBE. Presence of SBP [Odd's ratio, OR: 4.5] and catheter drainage [OR: 2.1] were independent predictors for SBE. In 70.3% of admissions, HH responded to SMT alone, 12.9% required thoracentesis and 11.5% underwent catheter drainage. Fifty‐one patients were selected for TIPS [lower mean CTP 9.9 ± 1.6 and MELD score 18.7 ± 5.4]. Despite reduction in pressure gradient from 23.1 ± 3.8 mm Hg to 7.2 ± 2.5 mm Hg, 25 patients had partial response, 10 had complete HH resolution. Major post‐TIPS complications were portosystemic encephalopathy (eight patients, six resolved) and ischaemic hepatitis (four patients, two resolved). Overall, 35.9% patients with HH had 6‐month mortality and independent predictors were MELD > 25, SBP and septic shock.

Conclusion

Refractory PE in cirrhosis requiring interventions including TIPS has poor outcome. The role of haemodynamics in predicting post‐TIPS response and complications is limited. Early referral for LT is imperative.
Efficacy and safety of combination antifungal therapy in Korean haematological patients with invasive aspergillosis
Authors: Lee Dong‐Gun , Lee Hye‐Jung , Yan Jean Li , Lin Stephen Sheng‐Fong , Aram Jalal A.
Published: July 2019

This randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial assessed the efficacy, safety and tolerability of voriconazole+anidulafungin (combination) or voriconazole+placebo (monotherapy) for invasive aspergillosis (IA; NCT00531479). We present a post hoc analysis of Korean and non‐Korean patients with IA (including baseline positive serum galactomannan [GM]). Immunocompromised patients ≥ 16 years with IA were randomised 1:1, combination or monotherapy, for ≥ 2 weeks’ treatment. The primary endpoint was 6‐ and 12‐week all‐cause mortality (Korean modified intent‐to‐treat [mITT] population). Overall, 454 patients enrolled (Koreans: 56 [combination: 28, monotherapy: 28], non‐Koreans: 398 [combination: 200, monotherapy: 198]). The mITT population comprised 40 Koreans (combination: 23; monotherapy: 17) and 237 non‐Koreans (combination: 112; monotherapy: 125). Week 6 treatment difference in mortality rate between combination and monotherapy was −6.4% in non‐Koreans. This reduction was more marked in Koreans (−22.4%). Week 12 difference in all‐cause mortality between combination and monotherapy was −17.7% (Koreans) and −20.2% at Week 6 (Koreans; positive baseline GM). Week 6 mortality (Koreans [mITT]; baseline GM >0.5‐2.0) was 0/13 (combination) and 2/6 (monotherapy). Serious adverse events were numerically higher for combination than monotherapy (Koreans: 57.1%, 46.4%; non‐Koreans: 49.5%, 46.0%). In Koreans, combination therapy was associated with marginally better outcomes than monotherapy and more so than in non‐Koreans.
The association between dietetic consultation and time to dialysis for patients attending a pre‐dialysis clinic: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Notaras Stephanie , Galea Leanne , Lee Paul , Mak May , Lambert Kelly , Makris Angela
Published: July 2019

Aim

A multidisciplinary approach, including dietetics, is considered the optimal model of care for dialysis preparation. Dietetic consultation (DC) focuses on symptom management and dietary changes to delay time to dialysis. Evidence of the effectiveness of DC on time to dialysis is limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of DC on time to dialysis for patients attending a pre‐dialysis clinic.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was designed to include all patients attending outpatient pre‐dialysis clinics at a large metropolitan renal service between January 2014 and March 2018. Time to dialysis (days) was compared between patients that received DC and those who did not. Cox proportional hazards analysis allowing for adjustment of differences and confounders was undertaken.

Results

A cohort of 246 patients was identified. Median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 16mL/min per 1.73 m2 (interquartile range = 13–20) at initial pre‐dialysis clinic visit and 63% commenced dialysis during the study period. Only 41% of patients received dietetic consultation. Significantly fewer patients needed to commence dialysis in the DC group compared to the no‐DC group (hazards ratio 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45–0.89; P = 0.008 Cox proportion hazard). The DC group commenced dialysis significantly later than the no‐DC group; 933 days (95% CI 832–1034) versus 710 days (95% CI 630–790) respectively, after the initial pre‐dialysis clinic visit; log–rank 0.005.

Conclusion

DC provided to patients attending a pre‐dialysis clinic was associated with a delayed time to dialysis. Standardised referral pathways to improve patient access to renal dietetic services are recommended to optimise care.
Characterization of projections of longitudinal muscle motor neurons in human colon
Authors: Humenick Adam , Chen Bao Nan , Lauder Chris I. W. , Wattchow David A. , Zagorodnyuk Vladimir P. , Dinning Phil G. , Spencer Nick J. , Costa Marcello , Brookes Simon J. H.
Published: July 2019

Background

The enteric nervous system contains inhibitory and excitatory motor neurons which modulate smooth muscle contractility. Cell bodies of longitudinal muscle motor neurons have not been identified in human intestine.

Methods

We used retrograde tracing ex vivo with DiI, with multiple labeling immunohistochemistry, to characterize motor neurons innervating tenial and inter‐tenial longitudinal muscle of human colon.

Key Results

The most abundant immunohistochemical markers in the tertiary plexus were vesicular acetylcholine transporter, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). Of retrogradely traced motor neurons innervating inter‐tenial longitudinal muscle, 95% were located within 6mm oral or anal to the DiI application site. Excitatory motor neuron cell bodies, immunoreactive for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), were clustered aborally, whereas NOS‐immunoreactive cell bodies were distributed either side of the DiI application site. Motor neurons had small cell bodies, averaging 438 + 18µm2 in cross‐sectional area, similar for ChAT‐ and NOS‐immunoreactive subtypes. Motor neurons innervating the tenia had slightly longer axial projections, with 95% located within 9mm. ChAT‐immunoreactive excitatory motor neurons to tenia were clustered aborally, whereas NOS‐immunoreactive inhibitory motor neurons had both ascending and descending projections. VIP immunoreactivity was rarely present without NOS immunoreactivity in motor neurons.

Conclusions and Inferences

Tenial and inter‐tenial motor neurons innervating the longitudinal muscle have short projections. Inhibitory motor neurons have less polarized projections than cholinergic excitatory motor neurons. Longitudinal and circular muscle layers are innervated by distinct local populations of excitatory and inhibitory motor neurons. A population of human enteric neurons that contribute significantly to colonic motility has been characterized.
Progressive deterioration of pollination service detected in a 17‐year study vanishes in a 26‐year study
Authors: Thomson James D.
Published: July 2019

Widespread reports of declining populations of pollinators have raised concerns that plant populations may be incurring increasing shortfalls in pollination, but few studies have measured pollination deficits over enough seasons to detect such changes. I have conducted pollen‐supplementation experiments in a wild population of the glacier lily (Erythronium grandiflorum, Liliaceae) from 1993 to 2018.

Pollination deficits were estimated by comparing the fruit set of hand‐pollinated, single‐flowered plants to that of open‐pollinated controls. For a subset of years, seed set data were also available.

A previous publication reported a significant deterioration of pollination in this population from 1993 to 2009, and suggested phenological dislocation as a possible cause. That deterioration is no longer evident in the longer‐term data set.

Very long time series may be necessary to detect temporal trends in pollination service. This population consistently experiences stronger pollination deficits before its flowering peak than after. This heterogeneity suggests caution in characterizing a population as pollination‐limited or not, even within a single season.
Association between the Charlson comorbidity index and outcomes after implantable cardioverter defibrillator generator replacement
Authors: Amin Mustapha M. , Witt Chance M. , Waks Jonathan W. , Mehta Ramila A. , Friedman Paul A. , Kramer Daniel B. , Buxton Alfred E. , Mulpuru Siva K. , Hodge David O. , Frey Rebecca J. , Frederick Nicolette K. , Cha Yong‐Mei , Brenes‐Salazar Jorge , Madhavan Malini
Published: July 2019

Background

Recipients of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) generator replacement with multiple medical comorbidities may be at higher risk of adverse outcomes that attenuate the benefit of ICD replacement. The aim of this investigation was to study the association between the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and outcomes after ICD generator replacement.

Methods

All patients undergoing first ICD generator replacement at Mayo Clinic, Rochester and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston between 2001 and 2011 were identified. Outcomes included: (a) all‐cause mortality, (b) appropriate ICD therapy, and (c) death prior to appropriate therapy. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess association between CCI and outcomes.

Results

We identified 1421 patients with mean age of 69.6 ± 12.1 years, 81% male and median (range) CCI of 3 (0‐18). During a mean follow‐up of 3.9 ± 3 years, 52% of patients died, 30.6% experienced an appropriate therapy, and 23.6% died without experiencing an appropriate therapy. In multivariable analysis, higher CCI score was associated with increased all‐cause mortality (Hazard ratio, HR 1.10 [1.06‐1.13] per 1 point increase in CCI, P < .001), death without prior appropriate therapy (HR 1.11 [1.07‐1.15], P < .0001), but not associated with appropriate therapy (HR 1.01 [0.97‐1.05], P = .53). Patients with CCI ≥5 had an annual risk of death of 12.2% compared to 8.7% annual rate of appropriate therapy.

Conclusions

CCI is predictive of mortality following ICD generator replacement. The benefit of ICD replacement in patients with CCI score ≥5 should be investigated in prospective studies.
Femoral extraction of transvenous leads and leadless pacemakers—A review of the data, tools, and procedural steps
Authors: El‐Chami Mikhael F. , Merchant Faisal M.
Published: July 2019

Extraction of transvenous leads via the femoral route might be needed when extraction via the implant vein fails or when retained lead fragments exist. The skill set required for this procedure is unique as it relies on the ability to snare and the use of a variety of shelf tools. In this era of leadless pacing, this skill set might be called upon more frequently. In this article, we review the data, tools, and procedural steps of femoral lead extraction and retrieval/extraction of leadless pacemakers.
The cranium of Proviverra typica (Mammalia, Hyaenodonta) and its impact on hyaenodont phylogeny and endocranial evolution
Authors: Dubied Morgane , Solé Floréal , Mennecart Bastien
Published: July 2019

We describe the first endocast reconstruction of a hyaenodont mammal based on X‐ray microtomography. The endocast belongs to the type material of the European hyaenodont Proviverra typica. We performed phylogenetic analysis to contextualize the evolution of endocranial size and complexity in Hyaenodonta. We added several European hyaenodonts and modified several codings of the most recent character–taxon matrix established to question the relationships within Hyaenodonta. Including these new species in a phylogenetic analysis reveals a new clade: Hyaenodontoidea. Comparisons with several previously described endocasts show that there was an increase in complexity in the convolutions of the encephalon within Hyaenodontidae history. Moreover, the analysis of the encephalization quotient reveals that the endocranium of the Hyaenodonta is not smaller than those of fossil Carnivora or some extant Carnivora. Therefore, the extinction of Hyaenodonta may not be linked to the relative size of hyaenodont brains.
Euconodont hard tissue: preservation patterns of the basal body
Authors: Suttner Thomas J. , Kido Erika
Published: July 2019

Conodont elements, consisting of crown and basal tissue are the well‐known fossilized hard parts of Conodonta (extinct marine chordates), but the taphonomic processes leading to decomposition or remineralization of the basal tissue are not well understood. Here we focus on the taphonomy of basal tissue, reviewing the published record and describing new material from Asia and Europe (248 occurrences globally). These include crown and basal tissue in conjunction, and isolated basal bodies showing different stages of preservation. Some isolated specimens resemble phosphate rings similar to those assigned to Phosphannulus universalis. High‐resolution biostratigraphy indicates that the lamellar type of conodont basal tissue is found in all facies and depositional environments. Other basal tissue types, described in the literature as tubular, mesodentine, spherulitic or lamellar with canalules, are limited to the early Palaeozoic and found exclusively in siliciclastic deposits (with the exception of spherulitic tissue). Although the stratigraphic record of basal tissue spans the range of Euconodonta (Cambrian–Triassic), this study shows that most of the isolated plate and ring‐like structures are derived from early Palaeozoic coniform conodonts. Basal tissue of platform‐type elements has a much more fragile shape and is therefore rarely preserved as a recognizable isolated unit.
Identification of loci and candidate genes for plant height in soybean (Glycine max) via genome‐wide association study
Authors: Jing Yan , Zhao Xue , Wang Jun , Lian Ming , Teng Weili , Qiu Lijuan , Han Yingpeng , Li Wenbin
Published: July 2019

Plant height (PH) of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an important and complex architecture trait significantly related to soybean yield. A natural population of 185 elite soybean accessions was used to identify QTN (quantitative trait nucleotide) and candidate genes of PH through genome‐wide association study (GWAS). A total of 33,149 SNPs were identified based on the Specific Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing (SLAF‐seq). Finally, 14 signals associated with PH through GWAS were detected, including seven novel SNPs and seven known ones which were overlapped or located in the linked regions of known QTL. Numbers of functional genes located in the 200‐kb genomic region of each peak SNP were found. Furthermore, a total of 103 SNPs based on 28 genes were scanned. Among them, six novel genes containing cis‐acting elements involved in gibberellin or auxin responsiveness were predicted significantly related with PH according to transcript abundance analysis. The identified loci with beneficial alleles and the candidate genes might be useful for studying the molecular mechanisms of soybean PH and further for improving the potential yield of soybean.
Genetic analysis of prolificacy in “Sikkim Primitive”—A prolific maize (Zea mays) landrace of North‐Eastern Himalaya
Authors: Prakash Nitish Ranjan , Zunjare Rajkumar Uttamrao , Muthusamy Vignesh , Chand Gulab , Kamboj Mehar Chand , Bhat Jayant Subraya , Hossain Firoz
Published: July 2019

Prolificacy assumes significance for development of high‐yielding baby corn hybrids. “Sikkim Primitive” is a native landrace of North‐Eastern Himalaya, and is the highest prolific maize germplasm. So far, the genetics of prolificacy in “Sikkim Primitive” has not been deciphered. Here, a prolific inbred (MGU‐SP‐101) developed from “Sikkim Primitive” was crossed with four non‐prolific inbreds viz., LM13, BML7, HKI161 and HKI1128. Six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1P1 and BC1P2) of the crosses were evaluated at two locations during rainy season 2018. MGU‐SP‐101 possessed 2.50–3.78 ears per plant compared to 1.06–1.86 among non‐prolific inbreds. The variation for ears was the highest in F2s (1–8), followed by BC1P1 (1–7) and BC1P2 (1–5). The quantitative inheritance pattern of prolificacy with prevalence of non‐allelic interactions of duplicate epistasis type has been observed. Dominance × dominance effect was predominant over additive × additive and additive × dominance effects. Total number of major gene blocks ranged from 0.41 to 2.86, thereby suggesting the involvement of at least one major gene/QTL governing the prolificacy. This is the first report of genetic dissection of prolificacy in “Sikkim Primitive”.
Rituximab therapy in pediatric pemphigus patients: A retrospective analysis of five Turkish patients and review of the literature
Authors: Bilgic‐Temel Aslı , Özgen Züleyha , Harman Mehmet , Kapıcıoğlu Yelda , Uzun Soner
Published: July 2019

Background/Objectives

There is inadequate knowledge regarding rituximab (RTX) administration in autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs), disease prevalence, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes within pediatric populations due to the rarity of AIBDs affecting the pediatric age group. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness, safety of RTX, and treatment outcomes in Turkish pediatric patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and to review the literature.

Methods

Five patients under 18 years of age and diagnosed with PV received RTX treatment and were identified in four dermatology departments of Turkey.

Results

The mean age of the patients at the time of RTX therapy initiation was 15 years (range: 11‐17 years), and the total duration of follow‐up after RTX therapy was 42.6 months (range: 19‐60 months). All patients showed a clinical response. At the last visit, complete remission off therapy was achieved in three patients. The remaining two patients achieved partial remission off therapy. No adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

This retrospective case series of five pediatric patients showed that RTX treatment can be effective and safe for the treatment of recalcitrant PV in pediatric patients. With increasing evidence, RTX is a good treatment choice in adults and pediatric patients with pemphigus.
Towards a New Political Economy of Behavioral Public Policy
Authors: Oliver Adam
Published: July 2019

The dominant normative framework in behavioral public policy postulates paternalistic intervention to increase individual utility, epitomized by the so‐called nudge approach. In this article, an alternative political economy of behavioral public policy is proposed that sits within, or at least closely aside, the liberal economic tradition. In short, rather than impose utility maximization as the normative ideal, this framework proposes that policy makers provide an environment that is conducive to each person's own conception of a flourishing life, while at the same time regulating against behaviorally informed harms and for behaviorally induced, otherwise forgone, benefits.
Onset of oestrus and periovulatory events in sheep exposed to 5 and 14 days of CIDR treatment with and without eCG
Authors: Uriol Marta , Martinez‐Ros Paula , Rios Alejandro , Encinas Teresa , Gonzalez‐Bulnes Antonio
Published: July 2019

The present study supports that 5‐day short‐term CIDR treatments without administration of eCG are equally effective for inducing oestrus behaviour, preovulatory LH discharge and ovulation in sheep than classical protocols based on 14‐day treatments plus eCG at CIDR withdrawal. However, the implementation of a 5‐day protocol without eCG for fixed‐time artificial insemination would be adapted to a later timing of ovulation (p < .05).
Differences exist in bird communities using restored and natural wetlands in the Parkland region, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Anderson Daina L. , Rooney Rebecca C.
Published: July 2019

Wetland restoration is used to compensate for historic and ongoing wetland losses. We compared bird community composition in 24 restored wetlands and 36 natural wetlands in the Parkland region of Alberta. Natural wetlands ranged in exposure to agricultural activity and were binned into three classes (low, medium, and high disturbance). Although the abundance and average species richness of birds were similar between restored and natural wetlands (analysis of variance: p > 0.22), the avian community composition differed significantly among wetland types (multiresponse permutation procedure [MRPP]: A = 0.05, p < 0.001). The avifauna using restored wetlands was distinct from the avifauna using natural wetlands spanning a range of disturbance levels (A = 0.02–0.06; p ≤ 0.006). Notably, restored wetlands were surrounded by less shrub/forest cover and more open water than low‐disturbance, natural wetlands. The majority (58%) of species using the surveyed wetlands were not classified as wetland‐dependent. Interestingly, if only wetland‐dependent species are considered, the avifauna using restored wetlands is no longer distinctive (MRPP: A < 0.01, p = 0.187), although the abundance of wetland‐dependent birds was marginally higher in restored wetlands (n = 24) than in low‐disturbance, natural wetlands (n = 10; Tukey's honestly significant difference test: p = 0.041). Overall, restored wetlands had reduced beta diversity compared to natural wetlands, regardless of whether the avifauna were restricted to wetland‐dependent species or considered comprehensively. This draws into question the legitimacy of the assumption that restoration can fully offset continued losses of natural wetlands.
The identification and ennoblement of ‘hybridity’ during the Iberian Union 1580–1640
Authors: Roe Jeremy
Published: July 2019

The Arch of the Portuguese designed by the scholar and physician Luis Nunes is the focus of this article and it provides a case study for the analysis of the representation of hybrid Iberian identities. Drawing on recent studies on early modern hybridity, identity and composite monarchy this study develops an original reading of Nunes’s arch design, as well as other examples of Iberian visual culture, in terms of the negotiation of political status and the articulation of hybrid identities.
The United States as a Plural Society: Towards a Consociational Solution?
Authors: Howe Philip J.
Published: July 2019

Although the United States is not a consociational democracy, it is of considerable interest to consociational scholars. Not only is it in many respects a plural society, its political practice and thought include rudimentary elements of consociationalism’s four defining characteristics. That these institutions and practices have not developed further is unsurprising, given the generally unfavorable conditions for racial or ideological consociationalism there. Furthermore, factors such as the U.S.’s competitive political culture and its history of racial inequality present special challenges for consociational theory and practice. Meanwhile, the possibilities for addressing current ideological polarization by consociational means are limited, while ideological cleavage as such presents its own challenges. Nevertheless, several areas for reform remain possible, while changing ethno‐demographic conditions could make U.S.‐American consociationalism more likely in the next several decades. Furthermore, these considerations open up several potentially fruitful lines for further research into consociational democracy and the conditions that foster it.
An identification method of mechanical properties of materials based on the full‐field measurement method based on the fringe pattern
Authors: Zhou Mengmeng , Xie Huimin
Published: July 2019

With the development of image processing technology, optical methods based on fringe patterns, for example, the grid method, electronic speckle pattern interferometry, moiré techniques (including moiré interferometry and digital moiré), and coherent gradient sensing, have become useful techniques for measuring the full‐field deformation of materials and structures. An important application of these techniques is to offer deformation fields for extracting constitutive parameters in the inverse methods. In this paper, we proposed a novel inversion method based on fringe patterns (IMFP), which can be used to identify constitutive model parameters by comparing simulated fringe patterns obtained using the finite element method with experimentally measured fringe patterns. The feasibility and identification accuracy of IMFP were evaluated through numerical experiments, and an additional series of numerical tests were conducted to analyse the noise immunity of IMFP and its sensitivity to the number of constitutive model parameters. Finally, IMFP was applied in the identification of the mechanical parameters of selective laser melting three‐dimensional printed stainless steel.
The ER luminal C‐terminus of AtSec62 is critical for male fertility and plant growth in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mitterreiter Melanie Jasmine , Bosch Franziska Annamaria , Brylok Thomas , Schwenkert Serena
Published: July 2019

Protein translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) occurs either co‐ or post‐translationally through the Sec translocation system. The Arabidopsis Sec post‐translocon is composed of the protein‐conducting Sec61 complex, the chaperone‐docking protein AtTPR7, the J‐domain‐containing proteins AtERdj2A/B and the yet uncharacterized AtSec62. Yeast Sec62p is suggested to mainly function in post‐translational translocation, whereas mammalian Sec62 also interacts with ribosomes. In Arabidopsis, loss of AtSec62 leads to impaired growth and drastically reduced male fertility indicating the importance of AtSec62 in protein translocation and subsequent secretion in male gametophyte development. Moreover, AtSec62 seems to be divergent in function as compared with yeast Sec62p, since we were not able to complement the thermosensitive yeast mutant sec62‐ts. Interestingly, AtSec62 has an additional third transmembrane domain in contrast to its yeast and mammalian counterparts resulting in an altered topology with the C‐terminus facing the ER lumen instead of the cytosol. In addition, the AtSec62 C‐terminus has proven to be indispensable for AtSec62 function, since a construct lacking the C‐terminal region was not able to rescue the mutant phenotype in Arabidopsis. We thus propose that Sec62 acquired a unique topology and function in protein translocation into the ER in plants.
Radiography is less sensitive relative to CT for detecting thoracic radiographic changes in dogs affected by blunt trauma secondary to a motor vehicle accident
Authors: Dancer Sumari C. , Le Roux Christelle , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Kirberger Robert M.
Published: July 2019

Thoracic injuries caused by blunt trauma are commonly encountered emergencies in veterinary medicine. However, published studies are lacking that compare radiology to CT in blunt trauma caused by motor vehicle accidents in canine patients. The aim of this prospective diagnostic accuracy, methods comparison study were to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of thoracic radiology relative to CT for detecting lung contusions, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and rib fractures. The study further aimed to develop a severity scoring system for radiology and CT and to compare the findings between the two modalities. The hypothesis was that radiology would be less sensitive than CT at detecting these injuries and that radiology would underestimate the severity of lung contusions. Fifty‐nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Radiology underestimated the presence of lung contusions (Se = 69%, 95% confidence interval) and overestimated the severity of the contusions relative to CT. There was high interobserver variability in evaluating lung contusion severity (coefficient of variation = 91%). Both the three‐view thoracic and horizontal beam radiography had poor sensitivities for the detecting pneumothorax (Se = 19% and 63%, respectively) and pleural effusions (Se = 43% and 71%, respectively). Similarly, the sensitivity (56%) of radiographs for the detection of rib fractures was poor relative to CT. Findings from the current study indicated that thoracic radiography had low sensitivity for detecting lesions related to blunt thoracic trauma caused by motor vehicle accidents and supported the use of CT as an additional diagnostic imaging modality in these patients.