bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the current practice of therapists in the measurement of somatosensation in children with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders?
Authors: Walmsley Corrin , Taylor Susan , Parkins Timothy , Carey Leeanne , Girdler Sonya , Elliott Catherine
Published: December 2017

Background/aim

Somatosensation is the ability to detect and recognise body sensations such as touch, vibration, pressure, pain, temperature and proprioception. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that is often accompanied by impairments in somatosensation. Current somatosensory assessments have limited psychometrics established for use with these children. The aim of this study was to identify therapists’ current practice and perspectives related to the assessment of somatosensation in children with neurological disorders.

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire was used to identify the somatosensory assessments currently used in clinical practice, time allocated to assessment, and therapists’ satisfaction and confidence using the available assessments of somatosensation. The questionnaire was adapted from a previously utilised questionnaire that identified therapists’ use of somatosensory assessments with adults post‐stroke.

Results

A total of 135 therapists responded to the questionnaire. Seventy‐nine (92%) occupational therapists and 44 (89.7%) physiotherapists indicated that they currently assessed or treated children with somatosensory deficits. Sixty‐four (82.1%) occupational therapists and 38 (86.3%) physiotherapists regarded assessment of somatosensation in children with neurological disorders as important to very important. However, only seven (8.8%) occupational therapists and seven (15.9%) physiotherapists reported confidence in their ability to do so. The methods with which therapists detect and measure somatosensory impairment in children with neurological disorders are variable, with non‐standardised and/or informal assessments most frequently used.

Conclusion

Despite there being recommendations of best practice for the assessment of specific domains of somatosensation in children with cerebral palsy, current practice does not yet mirror these recommendations. Additionally, therapists have low satisfaction and confidence with what they are currently using, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and standardised assessment of somatosensation for use in children with neurological disorders.
Evolution within the fungal genus Verticillium is characterized by chromosomal rearrangement and gene loss
Authors: Shi‐Kunne Xiaoqian , Faino Luigi , van den Berg Grardy C. M. , Thomma Bart P. H. J. , Seidl Michael F.
Published: December 2017

The fungal genus Verticillium contains ten species, some of which are notorious plant pathogens causing vascular wilt diseases in host plants, while others are known as saprophytes and opportunistic plant pathogens. Whereas the genome of V. dahliae, the most notorious plant pathogen of the genus, has been well characterized, evolution and speciation of other members of the genus received little attention thus far. Here, we sequenced the genomes of the nine haploid Verticillium spp. to study evolutionary trajectories of their divergence from a last common ancestor. Frequent occurrence of chromosomal rearrangement and gene family loss was identified. In addition to ∼11 000 genes that are shared at least between two species, only 200–600 species‐specific genes occur. Intriguingly, these species‐specific genes show different features than the shared genes.
Comparison of Electronic Health Record–Based and Claims‐Based Diabetes Care Quality Measures: Causes of Discrepancies
Authors: Laws Michael Barton , Michaud Joanne , Shield Renee , McQuade William , Wilson Ira B.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To investigate magnitude and sources of discrepancy in quality metrics using claims versus electronic health record (EHR) data.

Study Design

Assessment of proportions of HbA1c and LDL testing for people ascertained as diabetic from the respective sources. Qualitative interviews and review of EHRs of discrepant cases.

Data Collection/Extraction

Claims submitted to Rhode Island Medicaid by three practice sites in 2013; program‐coded EHR extraction; manual review of selected EHRs.

Principal Findings

Of 21,030 adult Medicaid beneficiaries attributed to a primary care patient at a site by claims or EHR data, concordance on assignment ranged from 0.30 to 0.41. Of patients with concordant assignment, the ratio of patients ascertained as diabetic by EHR versus claims ranged from 1.06 to 1.14. For patients with concordant assignment and diagnosis, the ratio based on EHR versus claims ranged from 1.08 to 18.34 for HbA1c testing, and from 1.29 to 14.18 for lipid testing. Manual record review of 264 patients discrepant on diagnosis or testing identified problems such as misuse of ICD‐9 codes, failure to submit claims, and others.

Conclusions

Claims data underestimate performance on these metrics compared to EHR documentation, by varying amounts. Use of claims data for these metrics is problematic.
State Medicaid Expansions for Parents Led to Increased Coverage and Prenatal Care Utilization among Pregnant Mothers
Authors: Wherry Laura R.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To evaluate impacts of state Medicaid expansions for low‐income parents on the health insurance coverage, pregnancy intention, and use of prenatal care among mothers who became pregnant.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Person‐level data for women with a live birth from the 1997–2012 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The sample was restricted to women who were already parents using information on previous live births and combined with information on state Medicaid policies for low‐income parents.

Study Design

I used a measure of expanded generosity of state Medicaid eligibility for low‐income parents to estimate changes in health insurance, pregnancy intention, and prenatal care for pregnant mothers associated with Medicaid expansion.

Principal Findings

I found an increase in prepregnancy health insurance coverage and coverage during pregnancy among pregnant mothers, as well as earlier initiation of prenatal care, associated with the expansions. Among pregnant mothers with less education, I found an increase in the adequacy of prenatal care utilization.

Conclusions

Expanded Medicaid coverage for low‐income adults has the potential to increase a woman's health insurance coverage prior to pregnancy, as well as her insurance coverage and medical care receipt during pregnancy.
The Trace Element Distribution Patterns of Ediacaran‐Early Cambrian Black Shales and the Origin of Selenium in the Guangning Area, Western Guangdong Province, South China
Authors: TIAN Xinglei , LUO Kunli , ZUZA Andrew V.
Published: December 2017

The Ediacaran and early Cambrian black shales are widespread across the South China Craton (Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks). However, the trace element distribution patterns of the Ediacaran and early Cambrian black shales in the Cathaysia Block are still unclear. In this study, thirty‐four black shale samples in the Lechangxia Group (Ediacaran) and thirteen black shale samples in the lower Bacun Group (early Cambrian) from Guangning area, western Guangdong Province, South China, were analyzed for major and trace elements concentrations. Compared to the upper continental crust, the Ediacaran black shales exhibit strongly enriched Se, Ga, and As with enrichment factor values (EF) higher than 10, significantly enriched Bi and Rb (10>EF>5), weakly enriched Mo, Ba, Cs, V, In, Be, Tl, and Th (5>EF>2), normal U, Cr, Cd, Sc, Pb, Cu, and Li (2>EF>0.5), and depleted Ni, Zn, Sr, and Co. Early Cambrian black shales display strongly enriched Se, Ga, and As, significantly enriched Ba, Bi, and Rb, weakly enriched Mo, Cs, Cd, V, U, Be, In, and Tl, normal Sc, Th, Cr, Li, Cu, Ni, and Pb and depleted Co, Zn, and Sr. Moreover, Se is the most enriched trace element in the Ediacaran and early Cambrian black shales: concentrations vary from 0.25 to 30.09 ppm and 0.54 to 5.01 ppm, and averaging 4.84 and 1.72 ppm, with average EF values of 96.87 and 34.32, for the Ediacaran and early Cambrian shales respectively. The average concentration of Se in the Ediacaran black shales is 2.8 times higher than that of early Cambrian black shales. Se contents in the Ediacaran and early Cambrian black shales exhibit significant variation (P= 0.03). Provenance analysis showed that Se contents of both the Ediacaran and early Cambrian black shales were without detrital provenance and volcanoclastic sources, but of hydrothermal origin. The deep sources of Se and the presence of pyrite may explain the higher Se contents in the Ediacaran black shales. Similar with the Se‐rich characteristics of the contemporaneous black shales in the south Qingling Mountain and Yangtze block, the Ediacaran and early Cambrian black shales in Guangning area, Cathaysia, are also enriched in Se, which may provide a clue for looking for the selenium‐rich resources in western Guangdong Province.
Indo–Chinese Magmatic Activity in the Duobaoshan District of Heilongjiang Province and Its Geological Significance
Authors: LI Yun , HOU Xiaoyu , YANG Bo , ZHAO Yuanyi , CHEN Long
Published: December 2017

The Duobaoshan ore concentration area, located in Nenjiang County of Heilongjiang Province, is an important porphyry Cu‐Mo ore concentration area in China, which is characterized by complex magmatic activities and multi‐phase overprinting metallogenesis. On the basis of field geological observation, systematic sampling, in‐lab analysis and the metallogenic regularity in the Xiang'an‐Mongolian metallogenic belt, this work carried out high‐precision dating and geochemical analysis on the Yuejin, 173‐kilometer and Wolihedingzi rock bodies. These rock bodies are renamed monzonitic granite and their consistent age (238 Ma) show that they were formed not in Variscan but in Indosinian. Therefore, it is inferred that the ore spots formed in the potassium silicate and sericite alteration zones of the rock mass also belong to Indosinian. In addition, we collected granodiorite from the Tongshan mining pit, and its zircon age is 223.1±2.8 Ma and the Cu content of the sample is high. The Tongshan mineralization is inferred to undergo the superimposition of Indosinian diagenetic mineralization. The age of the granodiorite porphyry related to copper‐molybdenum mineralization in the Xiaoduobaoshan area is 222.1±5.5 Ma, and the earlier age of granodiorite is 471.8±7.4 Ma, indicating that the initial magmatic activities belong to the Duobaoshan porphyry system in the Caledonian period. The geochemical characteristics of the Indosinian rock samples show continental arc features, with reference to tectonic‐magmatic activities of the whole Daxing'anling area. We consider that the magmatic activities and mineralization of the Indosinian period are affected by the southward subduction of Okhotsk Ocean since Late Permian. By combining the mineralization rules of Daxinganling area and the structural systems of Duobaoshan ore concentration area, we divide two rock‐mineralization belts in this area including the Yuejin‐Duobaoshan‐Tongshan belt and 173‐kilometer‐Xiaoduobaoshan‐Wolihedingzi belt, which are distributed nearly parallel along the NW‐trending fractures and show similar geotectonic settings and the timing of the magmatic activities. It is favorable for discovering porphyry Cu‐Mo deposits in these two metallogenic belts, especially in the Yuejin, 173‐kilometer and Wolihedingzi areas where less research work has been made.
Genesis and Uranium Sources of Leucogranite‐hosted Uranium Deposits in the Gaudeanmus Area, Central Damara Belt, Namibia: Study of Element and Nd Isotope Geochemistry
Authors: FAN Honghai , CHEN Jinyong , WANG Shengyun , ZHAO Jingyang , GU Dazhao , MENG Yanning
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a systematic study of major and trace elements and Sm‐Nd isotopes in leucogranites closely related to uranium mineralization in the Gaudeanmus area, Namibia. The results illustrate that the uraniferous leucogranites possess high SiO2 (68.8wt%–76.0wt%, average 73.1wt%) and K (4.05wt%–7.78wt%, average 5.94wt%) contents, and are sub‐alkaline and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous, as reflected by A/CNK values of 0.96–1.07 with an average of 1.01. The leucogranites are rich in light rare earth elements (LREE/HREE = 2.53–7.71; (La/Yb)N = 2.14–10.40), have moderate Eu depletion and high Rb/Sr ratios (2.03–5.50 with an average of 4.36); meanwhile, they are enriched in Rb, K, Th, U and Pb, and depleted in Ba, Nb, Ta, and Sr. The ∊Nd(t) values of uraninites range from –14.8 to –16.5, and the two‐stage Nd model ages are 2.43–2.56 Ga. Detailed elemental and Sm‐Nd isotopic geochemical characteristics suggest that the leucogranites were formed in a postorogenic extensional environment. The U‐rich pre‐Damara basement was the main source of uranium during the primary mineralization event, which is disseminated in leucogranites, whereas the uranium mineralization in veins possibly resulted from remobilization of the primary uranium minerals.
Multistage Enrichment of the Sawafuqi Uranium Deposit: New Insights into Sandstone‐hosted Uranium Deposits in the Intramontane Basins of Tian Shan, China
Authors: LIU Zhangyue , PENG Suping , QIN Mingkuan , LIU Hongxun , HUANG Shaohua , HE Zhongbo , GUO Qiang , XU Qiang , SONG Jiye
Published: December 2017

Meso‐Cenozoic intracontinental orogenic processes in the Tian Shan orogenic belt have significant effect on the sandstone‐hosted uranium deposits in the intramontane basins and those adjacent to the orogen. The Sawafuqi uranium deposit, which is located in the South Tian Shan orogenic belt, is investigated to reveal the relationships between uranium mineralization and orogenies. Recent exploration results show that the Sawafuqi uranium deposit has tabular, stratiform, quasi‐stratiform, and lens‐like orebodies and various geological characteristics different from typical interlayer oxidation zone sandstone‐hosted uranium deposits. Systematic studies of ore samples from the Sawafuqi uranium deposit using a variety of techniques, including thin section observation, α‐track radiograph, electron microprobe and scanning electron microscope, suggest that uranium mineralization is closely related to pyrite and organic matter. Mineralization‐related alterations in the host rocks are mainly silicification and argillation including kaolinite, illite (and illite‐smectite mixed layer) and chlorite. Tree stages of mineralization were identified in the Sawafuqi uranium deposit: (i) uranium‐bearing detritus and synsedimentary initial pre‐enrichment; (ii) interlayer oxidization zone uranium mineralization; and (iii) vein‐type uranium mineralization. The synsedimentary uranium pre‐enrichment represents an early uranium enrichment in the Sawafuqi uranium deposit, and interlayer oxidation zone uranium mineralization formed the main orebodies, which are superimposed by the vein‐type uranium mineralization. Combining the results of this study with previous studies on the Meso‐Cenozoic orogenies of South Tian Shan, it is proposed that the synsedimentary uranium pre‐enrichment of the Sawafuqi uranium deposit was caused by Triassic Tian Shan uplift, and the interlayer oxidation zone uranium mineralization occurred during the Eocence‐Oligocene period, when tectonism was relatively quiet, whereas the vein‐type uranium mineralization took place in relation to the strong orogeny of South Tian Shan since Miocene.
Re–Os Dating of Bitumen from Paleo–Oil Reservoir in the Qinglong Antimony Deposit, Guizhou Province, China and Its Geological Significance
Authors: WANG Pengpeng , HU Yuzhao , LIU Lu , JIANG Xiaojun , LI Chao , Bartholomew Chad Joseph , ZHANG Guiquan
Published: December 2017

Abundant organic inclusions are present in the Qinglong antimony deposit. However, the source rocks of these organic matters have not been reliably identified. Recently, a paleo‐oil reservoir was found in the Qinglong antimony deposit. In view of similar components of gaseous hydrocarbon, we propose that the organic matters observed in inclusions in Qinglong antimony deposit would come from this paleo‐oil reservoir. We used the Re‐Os dating method to determine the age of the bitumen from this paleo‐oil reservoir, and obtained an isochron age of 254.3±2.8 Ma. The age indicates that the oil‐generation from source rock occurred in the early Late Permian, earlier than the Sb mineralization age (∼148±8.5 Ma) in the Qinglong antimony deposit area. After oil generation from Devonian source rock, first and secondary migration, the crude oil have probably entered into the fractures and pores of volcanic rocks and limestone and formed a paleo‐oil reservoir in the western wing of Dachang anticline. As burial process deepened, the crude oil has turned into natural gas, migrates into the core of Dachang anticline and formed a paleo‐gas reservoir. The hydrocarbons (including CH4) in the reservoirs can serve as reducing agent to provide the sulfur required for Sb mineralization through thermal chemical reduction of sulfates. Therefore, the formation of oil‐gas in the area is a prerequisite for the Sb mineralization in the Qinglong antimony deposit.
Geochemistry of Pyrite from the Gangcha Gold Deposit, West Qinling Orogen, China: Implications for Ore Genesis
Authors: NIE Xiao , SHEN Junfeng , LIU Haiming , DU Baisong , WANG Shuhao , LI Jie , XU Liwei , WANG Ran
Published: December 2017

The Gangcha gold deposit was discovered in 2011 in the Xiahe‐Hezuo region, West Qinling Orogen, China. Five types of pyrite have been identified in the ore according to the detailed mineral paragenetic studies. Geochemical data are presented for type I pyrite (py1) rim‐core zonation and for the different types of pyrite based on in‐situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The results show that pyrites are characterized with heterogeneous Au concentrations, which indicate that Au occurs mainly as micro‐ or nano‐particle native inclusions. Time‐resolved depth profiles demonstrate that As, Co and Ni occur as solid solutions in pyrite, whereas Cu, Pb, Zn and Ag occur mainly as inclusions. Trace element concentrations differ between rims and cores in py1, and the differences also exist within different pyrite types. These differences indicate complex chemical evolution of the ore‐forming fluids, and the overall geology, geochronology, and stable isotope and pyrite data suggest that the ore‐forming fluids were closely linked to magmatic activity during the Triassic Period in West Qinling orogenic belt.
Sedimentary Patterns and Stratigraphic Trap Models of Deeply Buried Intervals in the Baxian Depression, North China
Authors: LI Shengli , YU Xinghe , ZHANG Feng , LIANG Xingru , LI Shunli , HUANG Jie , CAO Nanzhu
Published: December 2017

The Baxian depression is a typical half‐graben located in the Jizhong sub‐basin, north China. Commercial petroleum traps have been discovered in the Jizhong sub‐basin. However, the 3rd and 4th members of the Shahejie Formation in this sub‐basin have been poorly explored. These two members, belonging to the Lower Paleogene age, are buried deeply in the depression. Favorable petroleum reservoir conditions exist in such deep intervals of the half‐graben due to the presence of different types and extent of deltas and turbidity fans in various areas. In fact, three types of turbidite fans are developed in the sag below the transitional belt on the eastern gentle slope. This work summarized three stratigraphic trap belts, i.e., the steep slope, gentle slope, and sag. On the steep slope, structural‐stratigraphic traps with small‐scale delta fronts and turbidite sandbodies are well developed. On the gentle slope, hydrocarbons generally accumulate in the large‐scale delta front, onlapping beds and those sandbodies adjacent to unconformities. In the sag, petroleum trap models are typically characterized by pinched‐out turbidite sandbodies. Stratigraphic traps were easily formed in turbidite fans below the eastern transitional belt. The petroleum traps that have already been discovered or predicted in the study area indicate that stratigraphic traps have favorable petroleum exploration potential in deeply buried areas (depth >5000 m) in a half‐graben basin or depression.
Factors associated with non‐response at health‐related quality of life follow‐up in a septic shock trial
Authors: Kjær M. N. , Mortensen C. B. , Hjortrup P. B. , Rygård S. L. , Andersen I. , Perner A.
Published: December 2017

Background

Follow‐up of intensive care unit (ICU) patients often includes health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) surveying, but non‐responders hamper the interpretation. Our aim was to assess factors for non‐response to HRQoL survey in ICU patients with septic shock at follow‐up in a clinical trial.

Methods

In a post hoc follow‐up registry study, we assessed all the Danish survivors in the Transfusion‐Requirements in Septic Shock trial patients, who were mailed the Short Form 36‐item Survey (SF‐36) 1‐year after randomization. We used covariates from the trial database merged with covariates from nation‐wide registries using the unique national identification number to explore possible factors for not responding. Five covariates were pre‐specified to be included in the primary multivariate analysis: age, number of days in hospital from randomization to follow‐up, level of education, cohabitation and employment status at follow‐up. We compared the mortality from 1‐year survival (2012–2014) till end of final follow‐up (January 2016) between non‐responders and responders.

Results

We assessed 308 survivors of whom 108 (35%) were non‐responders. In the primary analysis lower age (odds ratio 1.03, 95% CI [1.01–1.05]), more admission days in hospital (1.006 [1.001–1.011]) and living alone (4.33 [2.46–7.63]) were associated with non‐responding, whereas the level of education and employment status were not. Non‐responders had a hazard ratio of 1.63 [0.97–2.72] for mortality from 1‐year follow‐up to final follow‐up as compared to the responders.

Conclusion

Being younger, spending more days in hospital and living alone were all associated with non‐response at 1‐year HRQoL follow‐up among ICU patients with septic shock.
Methamphetamine binge administration dose‐dependently enhanced negative affect and voluntary drug consumption in rats following prolonged withdrawal: role of hippocampal FADD
Authors: García‐Cabrerizo Rubén , García‐Fuster M. Julia
Published: December 2017

While prior studies have established various interacting mechanisms and neural consequences (i.e. monoaminergic nerve terminal damage) that might contribute to the adverse effects caused by methamphetamine administration, the precise mechanisms that mediate relapse during withdrawal remain unknown. This study evaluated the long‐term consequences of binge methamphetamine administration (three pulses/day, every 3 hours, 4 days, i.p.; dose–response: 2.5, 5 and 7.5 mg/kg) in adult Sprague–Dawley rats at two behavioral levels following 25 days of withdrawal: (1) negative affect (behavioral despair—forced‐swim test, and anhedonia—1% sucrose consumption, two‐bottle choice test) and (2) voluntary methamphetamine consumption (20 mg/l, two‐bottle choice test). Striatal and hippocampal brain samples were dissected to quantify monoamines content by high‐performance liquid chromatography and to evaluate neurotoxicity (dopaminergic and serotonergic markers) and neuroplasticity markers [i.e. cell fate regulator (Fas‐associated protein with death domain) FADD] by Western blot. The results showed that methamphetamine administration induced dose‐dependent negative effects during prolonged withdrawal in adult rats. In particular, rats treated repeatedly with methamphetamine (7.5 mg/kg) showed (1) enhanced negative affect—increased anhedonia associated with behavioral despair, (2) increased voluntary methamphetamine consumption, (3) enhanced neurotoxicity—decreased dopamine and metabolites in striatum and decreased serotonin in hippocampus, (4) altered neuroplasticity markers—decreased FADD protein and increased p‐FADD/FADD balance selectively in hippocampus and (5) higher consumption rates of methamphetamine that were associated with lower FADD content in hippocampus. These results confirm that methamphetamine withdrawal dose‐dependently induced negative affect and decreased monoamines content, while also increased voluntary methamphetamine consumption and suggested a role for hippocampal FADD neuroplasticity in these drug‐withdrawal adaptations.
Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous azacitidine in Chinese patients with higher risk myelodysplastic syndromes: Results from a multicenter, single‐arm, open‐label phase 2 study
Authors: Du Xin , Lai Yue‐Yun , Xiao Zhijian , Liu Ting , Hu Yu , Sun Aining , Li Xiao , Shen Zhi‐Xiang , Jin Jie , Yu Li , Laille Eric , Dong Qian , Songer Stephen , Beach C.L.
Published: December 2017

Background

Azacitidine safety and efficacy were established in studies of mainly Caucasian patients. Differences in drug metabolism enzymes between Caucasian and East Asian populations prevent extrapolation of drug effects between these groups. This phase 2 study evaluated azacitidine safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics in patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR‐MDS) in mainland China.

Methods

Patients aged ≥18 years with HR‐MDS were to receive subcutaneous azacitidine 75 mg/m2/day for 7 days per 28‐day cycle, for ≥6 cycles. Pharmacokinetic blood samples were collected in cycle 1 predose on days 5–7, and postdose on day 7. Pharmacokinetic outcomes are descriptively compared with those of a historical North American cohort.

Results

Of 72 participants, 46 (64%) completed ≥6 cycles. Response rate was 96%, driven primarily by stable disease (94%); one patient achieved complete remission. Hematologic improvement was attained by 53% of patients. Azacitidine mean plasma concentration versus time profiles were similar in shape for Chinese (n = 12) and North American (n = 45) patients. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was higher in Chinese patients; however, mean azacitidine exposure (1190 ng·h/mL) was similar to the North American cohort (1021 ng·h/mL). Most common grade 3–4 treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were thrombocytopenia (69%) and neutropenia (67%).

Conclusions

Azacitidine was safe and effective in Chinese patients with HR‐MDS. Clinical outcomes were comparable to those for primarily Caucasian patients in the phase 3 AZA‐001 study. Cmax differences between Chinese and North American patients were not associated with differences in TEAE frequency or severity. No initial azacitidine dose adjustment is required for Chinese patients with HR‐MDS.
Study of top ballet school students revealed large deficiencies in their body weight and body fat
Authors: Grochowska‐Niedworok Elżbieta , Kardas Marek , Fatyga Edyta , Piórkowska‐Staniek Karolina , Muc‐Wierzgoń Małgorzata , Kokot Teresa
Published: December 2017

Aim

This study assessed the nutritional status and physical activity levels of 150 female students aged 10–18 from three top Polish ballet schools, where the most promising dancers go on to pursue professional ballet careers.

Methods

We analysed the girls’ body composition, physical activity level (PAL) and PAL coefficient. The ballet students also completed a questionnaire.

Results

The results revealed large deficiencies in the body weight and body fat of the young ballerinas. The mean body mass index (BMI) for the group was 16.8 kg/m2. Polish centile charts showed that 18% of the girls had BMIs below the norm and 54% had a lower than average body fat content, with a mean of 15.6%. The body fat content was lowest (13.8%) in the 13‐ to 15‐year age group. On average, girls aged 10–12 had 15.7% body fat, while girls aged 16–18 had 18.4%. The mean values for the anthropometric measurements were higher in older girls. The majority (72%) of the respondents reported high physical activity levels, defined as more than 15 hours of exercise per week.

Conclusion

Special attention should be paid to low BMIs and body fat in young ballet school dancers aged 10–15 years.
Exploring Different Forms of Job (Dis)Satisfaction and Their Relationship with Well‐Being, Motivation and Performance
Authors: Kovacs Carrie , Stiglbauer Barbara , Batinic Bernad , Gnambs Timo
Published: December 2017

Job satisfaction is often treated as a one‐dimensional construct. In contrast, Bruggemann () postulated six distinct forms of (dis)satisfaction: four types of satisfaction (progressive, stabilised, resigned, pseudo) and two types of dissatisfaction (constructive, fixated). Despite her theory's practical relevance, few researchers have explored its assumptions or applications. The current study aimed to characterise a German‐speaking employee sample (n = 892) according to Bruggemann's theory using mixture modelling. We investigated stability of the (dis)satisfaction forms over a five‐month period, as well as their relationship with well‐being, motivation and (self‐reported) performance. We found latent clusters corresponding to most Bruggemann types, though no distinction between progressive and stabilised satisfaction was possible. While cluster membership varied over time, some clusters (e.g. resigned satisfaction) were more stable than others (e.g. constructive dissatisfaction). Overall satisfaction level explained 25–51 per cent variance in well‐being and motivation, and 13–16 per cent variance in performance. Including forms of satisfaction improved cross‐sectional prediction by 2–6 per cent explained variance. Results suggest that unfavourable consequences of job dissatisfaction may be limited to fixated—not constructive—dissatisfaction, though no consistent longitudinal effects emerged. We argue that exploring qualitative differences in job satisfaction promotes a more nuanced and potentially useful understanding of the relationship between satisfaction and work outcomes.
Effects of different gestation housing types on reproductive performance of sows
Authors: Choe Jeehwan , Kim Sheena , Cho Jin Ho , Lee Jeong Jae , Park Sangwoo , Kim Byeonghyeon , Kim Junsu , Baidoo Samuel K. , Oh Sangnam , Kim Hyeun Bum , Song Minho
Published: December 2017

This study evaluated the effects of different gestation housing types on reproductive performance of sows. A total of 60 sows (218 ± 24 kg body weight) with mixed parity were used. During gestation, 28 sows were housed in groups with electronic sow feeders (space allowance = 1.26 m2/sow) and 32 sows were housed in individual stalls (space allowance = 1.20 m2/sow). Sows from both housing types were moved to farrowing crates on day 109 of gestation and stayed until weaning (18 days post‐farrowing). Typical corn‐soybean meal diets were provided to sows during gestation and lactation. Measurements were reproductive performance of sows at farrowing as well as performance of sows and their litter during lactation. Similar total numbers of piglets born at farrowing were observed for sows gestated in both housing types. However, group‐housed gestation sows had more mummies (0.321 vs. 0.064; P < 0.05) and stillbirths (0.893 vs. 0.469; P = 0.073) at farrowing than individual‐housed gestation sows. Consequently, individual‐housing type had higher percentage of piglets born alive (95.5 vs. 90.4%; P < 0.05) than the group‐housing type. Therefore, improved reproductive performance of sows from individual gestating housing was confirmed in this study.
Inclusion of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain TOA5001 in the diet of broilers suppresses the symptoms of coccidiosis by modulating intestinal microbiota
Authors: Tsukahara Takamitsu , Inoue Ryo , Nakayama Keizo , Inatomi Takio
Published: December 2017

Coccidiosis is an intestinal parasitic infection and one of the most prevalent and economically damaging diseases of chickens. Furthermore, coccidia‐induced mucogenesis promotes secondary colonization by Clostridium perfringens, a major pathogen of chickens that causes necrotic enteritis. Our previous work found that supernatant of a culture of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain TOA5001 (BA) inhibited the growth of C. perfringens on Gifu anaerobic broth medium. Accordingly, we evaluated the effectiveness of dietary BA administration in inhibiting C. perfringens colonization of the intestine in broilers that were experimentally infected with coccidia. Ten healthy broilers from a BA‐supplemented (2 × 105 colony‐forming units/g of feed) broiler group and 10 from a non‐treated group were challenged with Eimeria tenella and E. maxima (5000 oocysts of each species/chick) at 28 days old. At 36 days old, five chicks from each group were slaughtered, whereas the remaining five in each group were killed at 49 days old. Dietary BA administration into Eimeria‐challenged birds reduced coccidial symptoms such as intestinal lesions. It also modified the cecal microbiota through suppressing C. perfringens and E. coli colonization, and inducing domination of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, the Lactobacillus group and unknown Lachnospiraceae genera by bacterial DNA‐based metagenome analyses. B. amyloliquefaciens TOA5001 supplementation suppressed the symptoms of coccidiosis by modulating cecal microbiota in Eimeria‐challenged broilers.
The stapes of Edops craigi and ear evolution in the lissamphibian stem group
Authors: Schoch Rainer R.
Published: December 2017

The Lower Permian temnospondyl Edops craigi exemplifies an early and plesiomorphic condition of the single ear ossicle or stapes among the temnospondyls, the probable stem group of lissamphibians. In Edops, the 11‐cm‐long bone is more massive than in other temnospondyls, has a distinct neck, a dorsal crest and incompletely subdivided footplate and ventral process. Despite a range of invariances, temnospondyl stapes were much more diverse than previously conceived. A survey of described stapes gives insight into character evolution of the ear ossicle in the lissamphibian stem group. These include alternative patterns of paedomorphosis, proportional size change, morphology of tympanic region and reorientation of the auditory apparatus.
Manipulation, salience, and nudges
Authors: Noggle Robert
Published: December 2017

Cass Sunstein and Richard Thaler recommend helping people make better decisions by employing ‘nudges’, which they define as noncoercive methods of influencing choice for the better. Not surprisingly, healthcare practitioners and public policy professionals have become interested in whether nudges might be a promising method of improving health‐related behaviors without resorting to heavy‐handed methods such as coercion, deception, or government regulation. Many nudges seem unobjectionable as they merely improve the quality and quantity available for the decision‐maker. However, other nudges influence decision‐making in ways that do not involve providing more and better information. Nudges of this sort raise concerns about manipulation. This paper will focus on noninformational nudges that operate by changing the salience of various options. It will survey two approaches to understanding manipulation, one which sees manipulation as a kind of pressure, and one that sees it as a kind of trickery. On the pressure view, salience nudges do not appear to be manipulative. However, on the trickery view (which the author favors), salience nudges will be manipulative if they increase the salience so that it is disproportionate to that fact's true relevance and importance for the decision at hand. By contrast, salience nudges will not be manipulative if they merely highlight some fact that is true and important for the decision at hand. The paper concludes by providing examples of both manipulative and nonmanipulative salience nudges.
Do reef corals age?
Authors: Bythell John C. , Brown Barbara E. , Kirkwood Thomas B. L.
Published: December 2017

Hydra is emerging as a model organism for studies of ageing in early metazoan animals, but reef corals offer an equally ancient evolutionary perspective as well as several advantages, not least being the hard exoskeleton which provides a rich fossil record as well as a record of growth and means of ageing of individual coral polyps. Reef corals are also widely regarded as potentially immortal at the level of the asexual lineage and are assumed not to undergo an intrinsic ageing process. However, putative molecular indicators of ageing have recently been detected in reef corals. While many of the large massive coral species attain considerable ages (>600 years) there are other much shorter‐lived species where older members of some populations show catastrophic mortality, compared to juveniles, under environmental stress. Other studies suggestive of ageing include those demonstrating decreased reproduction, increased susceptibility to oxidative stress and disease, reduced regeneration potential and declining growth rate in mature colonies. This review aims to promote interest and research in reef coral ageing, both as a useful model for the early evolution of ageing and as a factor in studies of ecological impacts on reef systems in light of the enhanced effects of environmental stress on ageing in other organisms.
The inositol pyrophosphate pathway in health and diseases
Authors: Chakraborty Anutosh
Published: December 2017

Inositol pyrophosphates (IPPs) are present in organisms ranging from plants, slime moulds and fungi to mammals. Distinct classes of kinases generate different forms of energetic diphosphate‐containing IPPs from inositol phosphates (IPs). Conversely, polyphosphate phosphohydrolase enzymes dephosphorylate IPPs to regenerate the respective IPs. IPPs and/or their metabolizing enzymes regulate various cell biological processes by modulating many proteins via diverse mechanisms. In the last decade, extensive research has been conducted in mammalian systems, particularly in knockout mouse models of relevant enzymes. Results obtained from these studies suggest impacts of the IPP pathway on organ development, especially of brain and testis. Conversely, deletion of specific enzymes in the pathway protects mice from various diseases such as diet‐induced obesity (DIO), type‐2 diabetes (T2D), fatty liver, bacterial infection, thromboembolism, cancer metastasis and aging. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of the same class of enzymes in mice validates the therapeutic importance of this pathway in cardio‐metabolic diseases. This review critically analyses these findings and summarizes the significance of the IPP pathway in mammalian health and diseases. It also evaluates benefits and risks of targeting this pathway in disease therapies. Finally, future directions of mammalian IPP research are discussed.
Has it become warmer in Alberta? Mapping temperature changes for the period 1950–2010 across Alberta, Canada
Authors: Kienzle Stefan W.
Published: December 2017

Key Messages

Between 1950 and 2010, winter temperatures in Alberta rose by 3.5°C to 5°C in the south and up to 7°C in the north, while summer temperatures increased by less than 1°C in most of the province.

The number of days with minimum temperatures below −20°C has generally about halved across Alberta, while the number of heat waves has roughly doubled.

Highest confidence levels were evident for rising trends in mean annual and winter temperatures, and declining trends in the number of days below −20°C and heating degree days.
Randomized controlled trial evaluating a novel community eye care programme for elderly individuals with visual impairment
Authors: Tan Anna CS , Man Ryan , Wong Chee Wai , Lee Shu Yen , Lamoureux Ecosse L , Ang Marcus
Published: December 2017

Importance

The novel intervention was effective at improving compliance to appropriate tertiary eye care after community eye screening.

Background

Elderly individuals from low socio‐economic background with visual impairment (VI) often do not attend tertiary care, even if significant eye diseases are detected while in the community. We evaluate a novel incentive care scheme (ICS) to improve compliance to appropriate follow‐up after community eye screening.

Design

Randomized controlled trial in a population‐based setting was conducted.

Participants

A total of 140 elderly individuals with VI (visual acuity <6/12, mean age ± SD = 66.6 ± 8.9 years, 46.4% female) were included.

Methods

Participants were randomized to either ICS (N = 72) or usual care (UC; N = 68). ICS incorporated patient education, social support and financial assistance to assist individuals in attending tertiary eye care. UC comprised of a standard referral letter and advice.

Main outcome measure

Primary outcome included compliance to eye care referral. Secondary outcomes included best‐corrected visual acuity and vision‐related quality of life assessed at baseline and 3 months.

Results

Participants receiving the ICS intervention had higher rates of compliance to tertiary eye care attendance compared to UC (31.9% vs. 16.2%, respectively, P = 0.027). While we observed an overall significant improvement in best‐corrected visual acuity at 3 months in both groups (P < 0.05), we found no significant differences in Rasch‐transformed vision‐related quality of life scores between groups (all P > 0.05). Identified barriers for tertiary healthcare access included patient attitudes and financial‐ and health‐related barriers.

Conclusion and Relevance

Our pilot RCT found that ICS improved adherence to appropriate tertiary eye care referrals after community eye screening in elderly people with VI.
Osseointegration and foreign body reaction: Titanium implants activate the immune system and suppress bone resorption during the first 4 weeks after implantation
Authors: Trindade Ricardo , Albrektsson Tomas , Galli Silvia , Prgomet Zdenka , Tengvall Pentti , Wennerberg Ann
Published: December 2017

Background

Osseointegration mechanisms are still not entirely understood.

Purpose

The present pilot study aims at demonstrating the involvement of the immune system in the process of osseointegration around titanium implants, comparing bone healing in the presence and absence of a titanium implant.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen New Zealand White rabbits had one osteotomy performed at each of the distal femurs; on one side, no implant was placed (sham) and on the other side a titanium implant was introduced. Subjects were sacrificed at 10 and 28 days for gene expression analysis (three subjects each time point) and for decalcified qualitative histology (six subjects each time point). At 10 days, the three subjects for gene expression analysis were part of the six subjects for histology.

Results

Gene expression analysis: at 10 days, ARG1 was significantly up‐regulated around titanium, indicating an activation of M2‐macrophages. At 28 days CD11b, ARG1, NCF‐1, and C5aR1 were significantly up‐regulated, indicating activation of the innate immune system, respectively M1‐macrophages, M2‐macrophages and group 2‐innate lymphoid cells, neutrophils, and the complement system; on the other hand, the bone resorption markers RANKL, OPG, cathepsin K, and TRAP were significantly down‐regulated around titanium. Histology: at 10 days new bone formation is seen around both sham and titanium sites, separating bone marrow from the osteotomy/implant site; at 28 days no bone trabeculae is seen on the sham site, which is healing at the original cortical level, whereas around titanium implants, bone continues into organization of more mature cortical‐like bone, forming a layer between the implant and the bone marrow.

Conclusions

The presence of a titanium implant during bone healing activates the immune system and displays type 2 inflammation, which is likely to guide the host‐biomaterial relationship. At the same time, bone resorption is suppressed around titanium sites compared to sham sites after 4 weeks of implantation, suggesting a shift to a more pronounced bone forming environment. This suggests two important steps in osseointegration: identification of the titanium foreign body by the immune system and the development of a bone forming environment, that at tissue level translates into bone build‐up on the titanium surface and can be perceived as an attempt to isolate the foreign body from the bone marrow space.
Nickel and cobalt release from earrings and piercing jewellery – analytical results of a German survey in 2014
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Wolter Jörg
Published: December 2017

Background

Nickel and cobalt are important metal allergens, and more knowledge on the levels of exposure to these from everyday contacts is needed.

Objectives

To report the results of a repeat routine surveillance scheme in the Federal Republic of Germany on the release of nickel and cobalt.

Methods

Fifteen laboratories assessed earrings and piercing jewellery items from 12 of the states in 2014, complying with EN 1811:2011 + AC:2012 and using atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for quantification. Kaplan–Meier analysis for left‐censored data was employed to account for measurements below the limit of quantification.

Results

Nickel release exceeded 0.35 µg/cm2 per week in 26 of 160 piercing posts (16.2%), and 0.88 µg/cm2 per week in 2.0–5.9% of other parts, that is, the current respective ‘pass’ thresholds, with no change from the previous 2008 survey. The level of cobalt release was lower than that of nickel release, and also significantly lower than in the previous survey.

Conclusions

The finding of the highest level of nickel release from piercing posts, with their deliberately lower threshold of acceptability, is worrying, as is the largely unchanged overall level of nickel release. A regulation on cobalt release is currently lacking; risk assessment and management based on dose‐elicitation data are needed.
Compliance to Brazil's Forest Code will not protect biodiversity and ecosystem services
Authors: Vieira Raísa Romênia S. , Ribeiro Bruno R. , Resende Fernando M. , Brum Fernanda T. , Machado Nathália , Sales Lilian Patrícia , Macedo Lara , Soares‐Filho Britaldo , Loyola Rafael
Published: December 2017

In striking contrast to heartening events in the adjacent Amazon, Brazil's Cerrado biome has seen continued deforestation over the past decade. Though approved in 2012, no study evaluated the impacts of new Brazilian Forest Code (FC) revision on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Here, we report the first assessment of the likely loss and gain in biodiversity and ecosystem services expected if the FC is properly enforced across 200 million hectares of the Cerrado. We also discuss the challenges associated to compliance with the law and present opportunities for conservation. Establishing restoration programmes in private properties with currently less native vegetation than required by the FC could create habitat for 25% more threatened species than now found in these places and could also increase water security and carbon stock in 56.6 MtC. More important, trading environmental reserve quotas coupled with the strategic expansion of protected areas on private and public land could definitely rescue the Cerrado from the brink.