bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rodent burrow network dynamics under human‐induced landscape transformation from desert to steppe in Kalmykian rangelands
Authors: SURKOVA Elena , POPOV Sergey , TCHABOVSKY Andrey
Published: April 2019

Rodents play an important role in rangelands through the engineering of extensive burrow systems, which provides key habitats for many animal and plant species. We have analyzed the long‐term variation in the abundance and distribution of rodent burrows in grazing ecosystems of southern Russia (Kalmykia) under the landscape change from desert to steppe caused by the drastic reduction of livestock after the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s. We conducted burrow surveys in the “desert” (1980) and “steppe” (2017) periods on 19 3‐km transects. We found considerable changes in burrow abundance and distribution, as well as evidence of desert habitat fragmentation and isolation caused by the expansion of tall‐grass communities. Burrows of the open‐dwelling diurnal ground squirrel (Spermophilus pygmaeus), the dominant and the keystone species during the “desert” period, almost completely disappeared from the rodent burrow network by 2017, indicating significant habitat loss. In contrast, the burrows of the folivorous social vole (Microtus socialis) which was rare in the 1980s, became abundant and ubiquitously distributed. The burrow density of the desert‐dwelling psammophilous midday gerbil (Meriones meridianus) decreased, while the distances between occupied patches increased, indicating desert habitat fragmentation and loss of population connectivity. Burrows of the folivorous tamarisk gerbils (M. tamariscinus) were recorded only sporadically in both 1980 and 2017. The observed changes in the rodent burrow network, the key component of grazing ecosystems, correlate with rodent species ecology and can have long‐term and important consequences for ecosystem functioning.
Population dynamics of three lizard species from the genus Sceloporus: short‐term changes in demographic parameters
Authors: VARGAS‐GARCÍA Selene , ARGAEZ Víctor , SOLANO‐ZAVALETA Israel , ZÚÑIGA‐VEGA J. Jaime
Published: April 2019

Most demographic studies focus on numerical changes that occur within populations across years. However, typically studies at an interannual scale do not provide information on the particular times of the year (particular months or seasons) when rates of survival, recruitment, or migration increase or decrease due to physiological, behavioral or ecological processes. These monthly or seasonal changes in demographic parameters may lead to substantial variations in population abundance. In this study, we collected capture–mark–recapture data on 3 species of lizards of the genus Sceloporus (Sceloporus torquatus, Sceloporus grammicus and Sceloporus megalepidurus) found in ecologically similar habitats to examine potential changes in demographic rates among 3 different climatic seasons: rainy, cold‐dry and warm‐dry seasons. We tested different hypotheses about the effect of these seasons on survival, recruitment of new adults, and temporary emigration. We found that during the season with severe thermal constraints, the cold‐dry season, survival of S. torquatus decreased markedly. We also detected a considerable increase in the recruitment rate of S. grammicus during the rainy season, when these lizards are establishing territories and finding mates. In contrast, we found no evidence of intra‐annual changes in the rate of temporary emigration. In addition, we calculated abundance and population growth rates for each species and for each season. Our study represents a significant contribution to the understanding of intra‐annual demographic variation in lizards.
Candidatus Syntrophosphaera thermopropionivorans: a novel player in syntrophic propionate oxidation during anaerobic digestion
Authors: Dyksma Stefan , Gallert Claudia
Published: April 2019

Propionate is an important intermediate in the anaerobic mineralization of organic matter. In methanogenic environments, its degradation relies on syntrophic associations between syntrophic propionate‐oxidizing bacteria (SPOB) and Archaea. However, only 10 isolated species have been identified as SPOB so far. We report syntrophic propionate oxidation in thermophilic enrichments of Candidatus Syntrophosphaera thermopropionivorans, a novel representative of the candidate phylum Cloacimonetes. In enrichment culture, methane was produced from propionate, while Ca. S. thermopropionivorans contributed 63% to total bacterial cells. The draft genome of Ca. S. thermopropionivorans encodes genes for propionate oxidation via methymalonyl‐CoA. Phylogenetically, Ca. S. thermopropionivorans affiliates with the uncultured Cloacimonadaceae W5 and is more distantly related (86.4% 16S rRNA gene identity) to Ca. Cloacimonas acidaminovorans. Although Ca. S. thermopropionivorans was enriched from a thermophilic biogas reactor, Ca. Syntrophosphaera was in particular associated with mesophilic anaerobic digestion systems. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencng and a novel genus‐specific quantitative PCR assay consistently identified Ca. Syntrophosphaera/Cloacimonadaceae W5 in 9 of 12 tested full‐scale biogas reactors thereby outnumbering other SPOB such as Pelotomaculum, Smithella and Syntrophobacter. Taken together the ubiquity and abundance of Ca. Syntrophosphaera, those SPOB might be key players for syntrophic propionate metabolism that have been overlooked before.
Determination of the 90% effective dose of intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation during electroencephalography in children
Authors: Liu Hui , Sun Mang , Zhang Jing , Tian Qin , Yu Qing , Liu Yang , Yang Fei , Li Shangyingying , Tu Shengfen
Published: April 2019

Background

The intranasal route of dexmedetomidine (DEX) administration is becoming increasingly popular for providing adequate sedation during short examinations in infants and children. However, data on the 90% effective dose (ED90) of intranasal DEX are rare in children under 3 years old.

Methods

This is a double‐blind trial using a biased coin design up‐and‐down sequential method (BCD‐UDM). Fifty‐three children aged under 3 years old requiring DEX for EEG were included in our study. The first patient received 2.5 μg kg−1DEX, and the dose of DEX administered to the subsequent patient was determined by the response of the previous patient. The patient responses were recorded and analysed to calculate the ED90 by isotonic regression. The 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using a bootstrapping method.

Results

Fifty‐three patients were included in our study, of which 45 patients were successfully sedated, and the 8 instances of failed sedation were rescued using sevoflurane inhalation, allowing the completion of the procedure. The 90% effective dose of DEX was calculated to be 3.28 µg kg−1, and the 95% CI was 2.74 ~ 3.39 µg kg−1. No significant adverse events occurred in any of the patients.

Conclusion

The 90% effective dose of intranasal DEX sedation for EEG was 3.28 μg kg−1in children under 3 years old.
Pharmacokinetics of N‐ethylpentylone and its effect on increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin in the nucleus accumbens of conscious rats
Authors: Lin Zebin , Chen Yuancheng , Li Jiaolun , Xu Zhiru , Wang Hao , Lin Junyi , Ye Xing , Zhao Ziqin , Shen Yiwen , Zhang Yurong , Zheng Shuiqing , Rao Yulan
Published: April 2019

N‐Ethylpentylone (NEP) is one of the most confiscated synthetic cathinones in the world. However, its pharmacology and pharmacokinetics remain largely unknown. In this study, the pharmacokentics of NEP in rat nucleus accumbens (NAc) was assessed via brain microdialysis after the intraperitoneal (ip) administration of NEP (20 or 50 mg/kg). The concentrations of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5‐HT) and their metabolites, including 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 3‐methoxytyramine (3‐MT), and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA), were simultaneously monitored to elucidate the pharmacological effect of NEP. In addition, the plasma levels of NEP were also assessed. The pharmacokinetics of NEP showed a dose‐related pattern, with NEP rapidly passing through the blood‐brain barrier and reaching a maximum concentration (Cmax) at approximately 40‐minutes postdose. Approximately 4% of plasma NEP was distributed to the NAc, and considering a homogeneous brain distribution, over 90% of plasma NEP was potentially distributed to the brain. High values of area under curve (AUC) and mean residence time (MRT) of NEP were observed in both the NAc and plasma, indicating large and long‐lasting effects. NEP elicited dose‐related increases in microdialysate DA and 5‐HT and increased the concentration of 3‐MT in a dose‐related manner. However, the rate of DA converted into 3‐MT was unaffected. NEP had a negative effect on the rates of which DA and 5‐HT were transformed into DOPAC and 5‐HIAA, respectively. In summary, NEP rapidly entered the NAc and showed a long‐lasting effect. In addition, DA increased more significantly than 5‐HT, indicating a large potential for NEP abuse.
Putative local adaptations modulate the interactions of the carnivorous plant Drosera uniflora Willd (1809) (Droseraceae) with cushion and shrub nurse plants
Authors: Orellana José I. , Valdivia Carlos E.
Published: April 2019

Cushion and shrub plants are typical high mountain nurse plants. In Magellanic tundras of the Cordillera del Sarao on the coast of Chile, the carnivorous plant Drosera uniflora grows in association with cushions of Donatia fascicularis and the shrubs Chusquea montana var. nigricans and Lepidothamnus fonkii. The different microhabitats for recruitment, in addition to the limited gene flow of D. uniflora, enable us to hypothesise that this plant manifests putative local adaptations, expressed in seed germination and population abundance. Our aim was to evaluate the local adaptation of D. uniflora to cushion and shrub microhabitats by estimating germination and abundance. Local adaptation of seed germination was determined by means of reciprocal transplant experiments. Abundance was determined in small plots located inside, on the edge and outside the nurse plants. Seed origin and growth substrate play a decisive role in D. uniflora germination. Seeds that originate from cushions plant habitat and germinate in the same substrate do so in greater numbers than when those which originate from shrubby habitats. Conversely, seeds that originate from shrubby habitat and germinate in the same substrate do not exhibit significant differences. Abundance was always greater inside than outside of the nurse plants. We concluded that availability and quality of different microhabitats for seed germination and recruitment, together with a limited gene flow, would trigger putative local adaptations in D. uniflora, modulating a long history of interactions with the plants that act as nurse plants.
Genome‐wide association studies for milk production traits in Valle del Belice sheep using repeated measures
Authors: Sutera A. M. , Riggio V. , Mastrangelo S. , Di Gerlando R. , Sardina M. T. , Pong‐Wong R. , Tolone M. , Portolano B.
Published: April 2019

Genome‐wide association studies (GWASes) have become a powerful tool for identifying genomic regions associated with important traits in livestock. Milk production traits in dairy sheep are measured at different time points during their life span. Using phenotypic data generated from longitudinal traits could improve the power of association studies but until now have received less attention in GWASes as a methodology and has not been implemented. The aim of this study was to carry out a GWAS for milk production traits in Valle del Belice sheep using repeated measures. After quality control, 469 ewes and 37 228 SNPs were retained for the analysis, and phenotypic data included 5586 test‐day records for five milk production traits (milk yield, MY; fat yield and percentage, FY and F%; protein yield and percentage, PY and P%). Nine SNPs located within or close to known genes were found to be associated with milk production traits. In particular, rs398340969, associated with both milk yield and protein yield, is located within the DCPS gene. In addition, rs425417915 and rs417079368, both associated with both fat percentage and protein percentage, are located within the TTC7B gene and at 0.37 Mb within the SUCNR1 gene respectively. In summary, the use of repeated records was beneficial for mapping genomic regions affecting milk production traits in the Valle del Belice sheep.
Does Confucianism Reduce Corporate Over‐Investment? Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Shihua , Ye Yan , Jebran Khalil
Published: April 2019

In this study, we argue that Confucianism, as an informal institution, mitigates agency problems and thus curbs managerial over‐investment behavior. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms over the period 2000 to 2015, we find strong evidence that Confucianism is negatively associated with over‐investment. Furthermore, we document that the negative association between Confucianism and over‐investment is weaker for state‐owned enterprises than for non‐state‐owned enterprises. Overall, the findings enrich our understanding that informal institutions can play a significant role in influencing corporate behavior.
Catastrophic drug errors involving tranexamic acid administered during spinal anaesthesia
Authors: Patel S. , Robertson B. , McConachie I.
Published: April 2019

We have reviewed accidental spinal administration of tranexamic acid. We performed a MEDLINE search of cases of administration of tranexamic acid during epidural or spinal anaesthesia between 1960 and 2018. No reports of epidural administration were identified. We identified 21 cases of spinal tranexamic acid administration. Life‐threatening neurological and/or cardiac complications, requiring resuscitation and/or intensive care, occurred in 20 patients; 10 patients died. We used a Human Factors Analysis Classification System model to analyse any contributing factors, and the reports were also assessed using four published recommendations for the reduction in neuraxial drug error. In 20 cases, ampoule error was the cause; in the last case a spinal catheter was mistaken for an intravenous catheter. All were classified as skill‐based errors. Several human factors related to organisational policy; dispensing and storage of drugs and preparation for spinal anaesthesia tasks were present. All errors could have been prevented by implementing the four published recommendations.
“Our Journey, Our Choice, Our Future”: Huu‐ay‐aht First Nations’ Self‐Government enacted through the Maa‐nulth Treaty with British Columbia and Canada
Authors: Sloan Morgan Vanessa , Castleden Heather ,   Huu‐ay‐aht First Nations
Published: April 2019

In 2011, Huu‐ay‐aht First Nations became one of five Nuu‐chah‐nulth Nations on the west coast of Vancouver Island in Canada to implement the Maa‐nulth Treaty with the Province of British Columbia and Canada. Modern treaties are dense and lengthy legal documents that exhaustively set out the obligations of each signatory party. They are heavily criticised for being unjust extensions of colonialism that limit Indigenous self‐determination and transform homelands under settler colonial property regimes. Yet, some First Nations accept these agreements as their chosen path for self‐government in state structures. We document Huu‐ay‐aht First Nations’ decision‐making that resulted when the Maa‐nulth Treaty was implemented and replaced the Indian Act by analysing the Maa‐nulth Treaty and interviews conducted with Huu‐ay‐aht First Nations leadership. We demonstrate how ʔiisaak (respect) and ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of) guided Huu‐ay‐aht First Nations’ self‐government, while nesting this discussion in the complexities and critiques of modern treaties.
Health‐related quality of life during pregnancy: A repeated measures study of changes from the first trimester to birth
Authors: Morin Mathieu , Claris Olivier , Dussart Claude , Frelat Alais , de Place Alice , Molinier Laurent , Matillon Yves , Elhinger Virginie , Vayssiere Christophe
Published: April 2019

Introduction

The objective was to evaluate the quality of life of pregnant women with a full‐term birth from the first trimester to the 9th month using the EQ5D‐3L questionnaire, comparing physiological, simple pathological, or complex pathological pregnancies.

Material and methods

A prospective cohort of 500 pregnant women over the age of 18 was monitored between 2015 and 2017 at the Toulouse University Hospital (France). The data were collected monthly with an online report. Given that the decrease in quality of life was not linear during pregnancy, unadjusted and adjusted piecewise linear regression models were performed, considering 3 periods of time during pregnancy: 3‐4, 4‐8, and 8‐9 months. The 5 dimensions of the EQ5D‐Index and perceived health status were also analyzed.

Results

In total, 1847 questionnaires were collected. Between the 4th and 8th months, the quality of life was lower for pathological pregnancies (P < 0.001) than for physiological ones and decreased over time for each type of pregnancy (physiological: −0.08 points per month, P < 0.001; simple pathological: −0.12 points per month, P < 0.001; complex pathological: −0.11 points per month, P < 0.001). Interestingly, the perceived health status was lower at the 9th month than at the 3rd month of pregnancy, for physiological pregnancies (mean difference = −10.5 points, P < 0.001), pathological pregnancies (mean difference = −10.0 points, P < 0.002), and for complex pathological pregnancies (mean difference = −7.8 points, P = 0.058).

Conclusions

In our population, the quality of life decreased between the 4th and 8th months, and decreased to a greater degree in a pathological pregnancy.
Optos wide‐field imaging versus conventional camera imaging in Danish patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Byberg Stine , Vistisen Dorte , Diaz Lars , Charles Morten H. , Hajari Javad Nouri , Valerius Marianne , Juul Ellen , Jørgensen Marit E. , Lund‐Andersen Henrik
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening methods are costly, requiring specialized personnel and patient mydriasis. The Optos apparatus can be operated by nonspecialists and provides ultra‐wide‐field imaging, with 200° views of the retina in a single image. We compared DR grading obtained from Optos imaging with DR grading from conventional Topcon imaging.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 101 persons with diabetes who participated in the Addition‐DK 10‐year follow‐up study. Retina fundus photos using both Optos and Topcon imaging were taken for both eyes. All photos were graded by specialist ophthalmologic nurses, using a modified version of the ‘Proposed International Clinical DR severity scale’. We constructed frequency tables and assessed levels of agreement between Optos and Topcon gradings using weighted Kappa statistics, separately for peripheral and macular grading. We tested if the agreements between the two cameras were significantly different using a stratified Wilcoxon test.

Results

Significantly, more lesions in the periphery were identified by Optos compared with Topcon (p < 0.01), resulting in a fair Kappa agreement of 0.21. We saw no significant differences in the grading of the macula region (p = 0.97) between the two cameras. Although only 7% of the macula image gradings differed between the cameras, the Kappa agreement of macula grading was only moderate (Kappa = 0.52).

Conclusion

The inter‐camera agreement was acceptable for macula image grading, but only fair for peripheral grading, with Optos identifying more microvascular changes in the periphery. The clinical significance and impact on screening modality and frequency remain to be explored.
Evaluation of optimal biopsy location for assessment of histological activity, transcriptomic and immunohistochemical analyses in patients with active Crohn’s disease
Authors: Novak Gregor , Stevens Toer , Van Viegen Tanja , Bossuyt Peter , Štabuc Borut , Jeyarajah Jenny , Zou Guangyong , Gaemers Ingrid C. , McKee Trevor D. , Fu Fred , Shackelton Lisa M. , Khanna Reena , van den Brink Gijs R. , Sandborn William J. , Feagan Brian G. , Pai Rish K. , Jairath Vipul , Vande Casteele Niels , D’Haens Geert
Published: April 2019

Background

The appropriate location for biopsy procurement relative to an ulcer in active Crohn's disease is unknown.

Aim

To explore the relationship between biopsy location, histological disease activity, proinflammatory gene expression and the presence of inflammatory cells.

Methods

Fifty‐one patients with Crohn's disease and ulcers >0.5 cm diameter in the colon and/or ileum were prospectively enrolled at three centres. Biopsies were obtained from 0 mm, 7 to 8 mm and 21 to 24 mm from the edge of the largest ulcer. Histological activity was blindly assessed with the Global Histological Disease Activity Score, the Robarts Histopathology and Nancy Histological indices. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels for interleukins‐6, ‐8 and ‐23 (p19 and p40 subunits), CD31 and S100A9 were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The number of CD3+, CD68+ and myeloperoxidase‐positive cells was quantified by immunohistochemistry. Data were analysed using mixed models with location and segment as fixed effects and patients as random effect to account for correlation among segments within a patient.

Results

Histological disease activity scores (P < 0.0001), proinflammatory gene expression levels (P < 0.005) and numbers of myeloperoxidase‐positive cells (P < 0.0001) were highest in biopsies from the ulcer edge in the colon and ileum, with decreasing gradients observed with distance from the edge (P < 0.05). No differences between colonic and ileal samples were detected for the parameters measured at any location.

Conclusions

Biopsies from the ulcer edge in patients with Crohn's disease yielded the greatest histological disease activity and mRNA levels and had similar readouts in the colon and ileum. Research is needed to confirm this conclusion for other measures.
MiR‐222 inhibits apoptosis in porcine follicular granulosa cells by targeting the THBS1 gene
Authors: Zhu Weihua , Yang Min , Shang Jinnan , Xu Yiliang , Wang Yuanlang , Tao Qiangqiang , Zhang Liang , Ding Yueyun , Chen Yige , Zhao Dongdong , Wang Chonglong , Chu Mingxing , Yin Zongjun , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: April 2019

Apoptosis of granulosa cells affects follicular atresia and reproduction and is regulated by miRNAs and the expression of certain genes. For the present study, we investigated the regulatory relationship between microRNA‐222 (miR‐222) and THBS1 in porcine follicular granulosa cells (pGCs) and its effects on apoptosis to provide empirical data for developing methods to improve pig fecundity. Results revealed that miR‐222 promotes the proliferation of pGCs. MiRNA mimics and luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR‐222 functions as an anti‐apoptotic factor in pGCs. MiR‐222 mimics in pGCs result in the upregulation of the anti‐apoptotic BCL‐2 gene, down‐regulation of the proapoptotic caspase‐3 gene, and inhibition of apoptosis. MiR‐222 inhibitors reduced BCL‐2 and had no significant effect on caspase‐3. MiR‐222 mimics promoted estrogen levels. Inhibition of THBS1 inhibited pGC apoptosis. Transfection of THBS1‐siRNA reduced the proapoptotic BAX gene. MiR‐222 can directly target the 3′‐untranslated region of the THBS1 gene. MiR‐222 mimics suppressed THBS1 mRNA and proteins, but these were upregulated by the miR‐222 inhibitor. Transfection of THBS1‐siRNA resulted in the inhibition of the miR‐222 inhibitor, which suggests that miR‐222 inhibits pGC apoptosis by targeting THBS1. These findings suggest that miR‐222 and THBS1 play important roles in follicular atresia, ovarian development, and female reproduction.
Pay and Job Rank among Academic Economists in the UK: Is Gender Relevant?
Authors: Mumford Karen , Sechel Cristina
Published: April 2019

This article presents and explores a rich new data source to analyse the determinants of pay and job rank among academic economists in the UK. Characteristics associated with individual productivity and workplace features are found to be important determinants of the relative wage and promotion structure in this sector. However, there is also a substantial unexplained gender pay gap. Men are considerably more likely to work in higher paid job ranks where there are also substantial within‐rank gender pay gaps. We show that the nature of the gender pay gap has changed over the last two decades; but its size has not, suggesting a role for suitable policy intervention.
Evaluating change: Using the Measure of Processes of Care‐Service Provider as an outcome measure for performance and confidence in family‐centred care
Authors: Gafni Lachter Liat R. , Josman Naomi , Ben‐Sasson Ayelet
Published: April 2019

Background

Family‐centred care (FCC) is considered the best practice in paediatric care but it is not always implemented sufficiently. Effective training programmes that enhance health care providers' knowledge and self‐efficacy have the potential to improve FCC implementation in their daily practice. The goal of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the measure of processes of care (MPOC)‐service provider (MPOC‐SP) version and MPOC confidence (MPOC‐Con) in detecting changes following an FCC training.

Methods

The MPOC‐Con was developed for this study as a sequel to MPOC‐SP to measure self‐efficacy related to specific FCC practices. Twenty‐four health care providers (occupational and physical therapists, speech pathologist, and special education teacher) participated in a 6‐month FCC provider training. The training included 30 contact hours on FCC principles and techniques through experiential learning, reflective exercises, peer mentoring, and case‐study analyses. The MPOC‐SP and MPOC‐Con were administered preparticipation and postparticipation.

Results

Repeated multivariate analysis of variance and reliable change index (RCI) analyses indicated a significant group increase in performance and confidence following the training in two of the four MPOC‐SP factors and in all MPOC‐Con factors, F(1, 7) = 5.17, P = .003, η2 = .68; RCI > 1.96. Individual change patterns in FCC performance indicated patterns of increased, decreased, or stable performance, with the highest increased performances reported for treating people respectfully (79%) and communicating specific information (71%), mostly stable performance in providing general information (75%) and similar levels of increase and stability (41% and 39%, respectively) for interpersonal sensitivity. The Pearson's correlation between MPOC‐SP and MPOC‐Con were significant, moderate‐strong, and positive (r = .42–.69, P < .05).

Conclusions

The MPOC‐SP and the MPOC‐Con are sensitive measures suitable for evaluating individual and group changes following training. When designing professional development programmes, managers and educators should consider the interrelation between self‐efficacy and implementing acquired knowledge and skills in FCC.
Validity of a streamlined version of the Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six: Process and outcome
Authors: Oddson Bruce , Thomas‐Stonell Nancy , Robertson Bernadette , Rosenbaum Peter
Published: April 2019

Background

The Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS) is a 50‐item outcome measure based on the framework and concepts of World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning. The FOCUS has been shown to capture participation‐level changes associated with speech and language therapy in children 18 to 72 months old and has established validity and reliability. However, there were reasons to try to reduce the measure without losing any of its proven value as a change‐detecting instrument.

Methods

Using data from 18,931 preschool children, we used item response models and a test of redundancy to reduce the original 50‐item FOCUS to 34 items. We then assessed the correlations between FOCUS‐50 and FOCUS‐34 scores on these children.

Results

Findings show that a shortened (34‐item) version of FOCUS can be treated as equivalent to the full 50‐item version.

Conclusion

The correlation between change scores on the two versions is .98. We suggest that in situations where only a total score is of interest, the FOCUS‐34 can be used in place of the full FOCUS.
Use of bioengineered human commensal gut bacteria-derived microvesicles for mucosal plague vaccine delivery and immunization
Authors: Carvalho A L , Miquel-Clopés A , Wegmann U , Jones E , Stentz R , Telatin A , Walker N J , Butcher W A , Brown P J , Holmes S , Dennis M J , Williamson E D , Funnell S G P , Stock M , Carding S R
Published: April 2019

Plague caused by the Gram-negative bacterium, Yersinia pestis, is still endemic in parts of the world today. Protection against pneumonic plague is essential to prevent the development and spread of epidemics. Despite this, there are currently no licensed plague vaccines in the western world. Here we describe the means of delivering biologically active plague vaccine antigens directly to mucosal sites of plague infection using highly stable microvesicles (outer membrane vesicles; OMVs) that are naturally produced by the abundant and harmless human commensal gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (Bt). Bt was engineered to express major plague protective antigens in its OMVs, specifically Fraction 1 (F1) in the outer membrane and LcrV (V antigen) in the lumen, for targeted delivery to the gastrointestinal (GI) and respiratory tracts in a non-human primate (NHP) host. Our key findings were that Bt OMVs stably expresses F1 and V plague antigens, particularly the V antigen, in the correct, immunogenic form. When delivered intranasally V-OMVs elicited substantive and specific immune and antibody responses, both in the serum [immunoglobulin (Ig)G] and in the upper and lower respiratory tract (IgA); this included the generation of serum antibodies able to kill plague bacteria. Our results also showed that Bt OMV-based vaccines had many desirable characteristics, including: biosafety and an absence of any adverse effects, pathology or gross alteration of resident microbial communities (microbiotas); high stability and thermo-tolerance; needle-free delivery; intrinsic adjuvanticity; the ability to stimulate both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses; and targeting of primary sites of plague infection.
Two to six‐year disease resolution and marginal bone stability rates of a modified resective‐implantoplasty therapy in 32 peri‐implantitis cases
Authors: Bianchini Marco A. , Galarraga‐Vinueza Maria E. , Apaza‐Bedoya Karin , De Souza Jose M. , Magini Ricardo , Schwarz Frank
Published: April 2019

Background

Different nonsurgical, antibacterial, surgical, and regenerative approaches to treat peri‐implantitis have been proposed, but there is no an actual “gold” standard treatment showing the most favorable results to counteract peri‐implantitis effects.

Purpose

To evaluate radiographically and clinically the disease resolution and peri‐implant marginal bone stability rates of peri‐implantitis cases treated through a combined resective‐implantoplasty therapy in a moderate to long‐term period.

Materials and Methods

Records of patients diagnosed with peri‐implantitis and treated through the same protocol applying a combined resective‐implantoplasty therapy with minimum 2‐year follow‐up were screened. Eligible patients were contacted and asked to undergo clinical and radiologic examination. Progressive marginal bone loss, bleeding on probing, suppuration, implant mobility, and implant fracture were considered to establish the disease resolution rate and peri‐implant bone stability of the treated implants.

Results

Twenty‐three patients with 32 treated implants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Over the 2 to 6‐year follow‐up, (mean time: 3.4 ± 1.5 years), the disease resolution rate was 83% (patient level) and 87% (implant level). Four implants (13%) were lost or removed due to continuous MBL and osseointegration failure. At follow‐up, peri‐implant marginal bone remained stable with no further bone loss in 87% of the treated implants. BOP was absent in 89.3% (implant level), suppuration was resolved in all cases, and no pain or implant fracture was reported.

Conclusion

Implantoplasty treated cases showed high disease resolution rate and peri‐implant marginal bone stability. This surgical antibiofilm strategy can counteract peri‐implantitis progression providing an adequate environment for implant function and longevity over a moderate to long‐term period.
Development and application of a novel real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay to detect illegal trade of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Authors: Cardeñosa Diego , Gollock Matthew J. , Chapman Demian D.
Published: April 2019

In 2007, the critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla) was listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, due to declines in abundance across its range and significant international demand. Illegal trade in live European eel and its products is still occurring to satisfy the high demand around the world. Law enforcement officers face the challenge of identifying both live and processed European eel in a timely fashion to detain shipments and prosecute smugglers. Here, we describe the development of a reliable, field‐based, fast, and cost‐effective real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay to detect European eels in trade. This novel assay was applied in a real law enforcement scenario, where positive results provided enough evidence to detain the shipment for more robust forensic analysis, leading to the first prosecution of eel smuggling in Hong Kong. Our approach could serve as a model for the development of other rapid and cost‐effective tools to detect illegal wildlife trade where visual identification fails to provide enough evidence for prosecution. It could also enhance monitoring and enforcement of laws intended to protect highly traded and threatened species.
The accuracy of diagnosing Burkitt lymphoma in serous effusion specimen: A cytological‐histological correlation with ancillary studies
Authors: Li Jinnan , Zhang Wenyan , Zhao Sha , Jiang Yong , Liu Weiping , Zhu Xianglan , Su Xueying
Published: April 2019

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of diagnosing Burkitt lymphoma (BL) in serous effusion (SE) specimen and summarise the characteristics of BL in SE. We also assess the utility of a germinal centre–associated marker, LMO2, in the differential diagnosis of BL in SE specimens.

Methods

Eleven cases of malignant SE caused by BL were reviewed. SE cytology and histological biopsy diagnoses were compared to determine the concordance rates.

Results

A uniform population of non‐cohesive medium‐sized lymphoid cells with frequent apoptosis was found on SE smears or cell block sections. Cytoplasmic and nuclear vacuoles presented in seven cases. Immunophenotyping demonstrated positivity for CD79a (three of three cases), CD10 (seven of 11 cases), BCL6 (nine of 11 cases), MUM‐1 (one of nine cases), CD20 and MYC (11 cases). LOM2 was negative in nine of nine cases. Both IGH/MYC rearrangement and MYC rearrangement were identified in four of six cases, and two of six cases carried isolated MYC rearrangement or isolated IGH/MYC rearrangement, respectively. The diagnoses of eight BLs and three B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas were established according to cytomorphology and ancillary studies. SE cytology provided initial pathological diagnoses for eight cases (six BLs and two non‐Hodgkin lymphomas). Histodiagnoses were available for eight cases. The concordance rate of cytological‐histological diagnosis was 62.5% (five of eight cases).

Conclusions

Combining cytomorphology and ancillary studies enables the accurate diagnosis of BL in SE specimens. Furthermore, LMO2 may be a useful marker in the differential diagnosis of BL.
Hidden talents in harsh conditions? A preregistered study of memory and reasoning about social dominance
Authors: Frankenhuis Willem E. , de Vries Sarah A. , Bianchi JeanMarie , Ellis Bruce J.
Published: April 2019

Although growing up in stressful conditions can undermine mental abilities, people in harsh environments may develop intact, or even enhanced, social and cognitive abilities for solving problems in high‐adversity contexts (i.e. ‘hidden talents’). We examine whether childhood and current exposure to violence are associated with memory (number of learning rounds needed to memorize relations between items) and reasoning performance (accuracy in deducing a novel relation) on transitive inference tasks involving both violence‐relevant and violence‐neutral social information (social dominance vs. chronological age). We hypothesized that individuals who had more exposure to violence would perform better than individuals with less exposure on the social dominance task. We tested this hypothesis in a preregistered study in 100 Dutch college students and 99 Dutch community participants. We found that more exposure to violence was associated with lower overall memory performance, but not with reasoning performance. However, the main effects of current (but not childhood) exposure to violence on memory were qualified by significant interaction effects. More current exposure to neighborhood violence was associated with worse memory for age relations, but not with memory for dominance relations. By contrast, more current personal involvement in violence was associated with better memory for dominance relations, but not with memory for age relations. These results suggest incomplete transfer of learning and memory abilities across contents. This pattern of results, which supports a combination of deficits and ‘hidden talents,’ is striking in relation to the broader developmental literature, which has nearly exclusively reported deficits in people from harsh conditions. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/e4ePmSzZsuc.
Trends in health research ethics in the Philippines during the American Colonial Period (1898‐1946)
Authors: Arcega Patricia Ana Vic H. , Cabantac Chiara Louise P. , Cruz Ronald Allan L.
Published: April 2019

Research involving human participants has been conducted in the Philippines since the beginning of the Spanish colonial period. Such studies are expected to adhere to internationally accepted ethical guidelines. This paper discusses trends in clinical research ethics in the Philippines during the American colonial period (1898‐1946). Specifically, studies were assessed on: 1) their observance of ethical protocols, including review; 2) identification of inclusion and exclusion criteria in the selection of participants; 3) use of vulnerable subjects; and 4) practice of the informed consent process. Only the informed consent process had a significant logistic correlation with progression of years. Recruitment of vulnerable groups was common during this period; children and prisoners were the most common participants. Trends in medical ethics in the Philippines reflected those in the United States prior to the publication of the Nuremberg Code, which served as a milestone in the protection of human welfare in clinical research.
Addressing diabetes distress in clinical care: a practical guide
Authors: Fisher L. , Polonsky W. H. , Hessler D.
Published: April 2019

Addressing the emotional side of diabetes and its management has received considerable attention in recent years. At the centre of most of these efforts is the concept of ‘diabetes distress', a generic term that captures the primary sources and intensity of emotional distress associated with diabetes and its management over time. As interest in diabetes distress has grown, however, it has been difficult to integrate and translate the various strands of clinical research in a manner that can guide diabetes distress intervention efforts in the real world of clinical care. The aim of this paper is to fill this gap by outlining practical strategies for intervention in clinical settings and to assist diabetes healthcare professionals in thinking through how diabetes distress might be addressed practically in their clinics. To address these goals, this review is divided into five sections: a definition of diabetes distress, ways diabetes distress can be assessed and monitored, information about diabetes distress for use in intervention planning, topics to be considered for inclusion in diabetes distress interventions, and alternatives for where in the care process a diabetes distress intervention might be considered. We focus on diabetes distress experienced by adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Clinical Features of Patients With Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Complicated With Bilateral Subdural Fluid Collections
Authors: Kim Jang Hun , Roh Haewon , Yoon Won‐Ki , Kwon Taek‐Hyun , Chong Kyuha , Hwang Soon‐Young , Kim Jong Hyun
Published: April 2019

Background

Subdural hygromas are often found bilaterally in spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). They frequently progress to chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs), and if the hematomas are formed, it is difficult to consider SIH as an underlying cause. Whether SIH is underlying or not among the patients presenting bilateral subdural fluid collections (hygromas or CSDHs) is clinically important because the treatment strategy should be different between them.

Objectives

We designed a retrospective case‐control study to figure out differential clinical features of the patients presenting bilateral symptomatic subdural fluid collections owing to SIH.

Methods

Sixty‐two patients with bilateral symptomatic subdural fluid collections were enrolled, and their data on general demographics, clinical courses, radiological findings, treatments, and outcomes were collected. The patients were divided into “SIH” and “Non‐SIH” groups, and a simple logistic regression analysis was performed to clarify the differences between the groups. The consequent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were performed with the significant predictors.

Results

Eight patients (13%) were diagnosed with SIH. Young age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.831, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.743‐0.929, P = .0012), no underlying disease (OR = 0.062, 95% CI: 0.007‐0.544, P = .0121), radiological features of brain sagging (OR = 10.36, 95% CI: 0.912‐93.411, P = .0017), pseudo‐subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR = 15.6, 95% CI: 2.088‐116.52, P = .0074), and small amount of fluid collections (OR = 0.719, 95% CI: 0.579‐0.893, P = .0029) were significantly associated with SIH group. ROC curve analyses were performed in parameters of age and amount of fluid collection and the cut‐off values for each parameter were ≤55 years old and ≤22.08 mm, respectively. Patients diagnosed with SIH underwent epidural blood patches and showed good results, except 1 patient who underwent burr‐hole trephinations.

Conclusion

Bilateral subdural fluid collections due to underlying SIH is associated with young age (≤55 years old), no underlying diseases, smaller amount of fluid collections (≤22.08 mm of depth), and radiological findings of brain sagging or pseudo‐subarachnoid hemorrhages.
CGRP and the Trigeminal System in Migraine
Authors: Iyengar Smriti , Johnson Kirk W. , Ossipov Michael H. , Aurora Sheena K.
Published: April 2019

Objective

The goal of this narrative review is to provide an overview of migraine pathophysiology, with an emphasis on the role of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) within the context of the trigeminovascular system.

Background

Migraine is a prevalent and disabling neurological disease that is characterized in part by intense, throbbing, and unilateral headaches. Despite recent advances in understanding its pathophysiology, migraine still represents an unmet medical need, as it is often underrecognized and undertreated. Although CGRP has been known to play a pivotal role in migraine for the last 2 decades, this has now received more interest spurred by the early clinical successes of drugs that block CGRP signaling in the trigeminovascular system.

Design

This narrative review presents an update on the role of CGRP within the trigeminovascular system. PubMed searches were used to find recent (ie, 2016 to November 2018) published articles presenting new study results. Review articles are also included not as primary references but to bring these to the attention of the reader. Original research is referenced in describing the core of the narrative, and review articles are used to support ancillary points.

Results

The trigeminal ganglion neurons provide the connection between the periphery, stemming from the interface between the primary afferent fibers of the trigeminal ganglion and the meningeal vasculature and the central terminals in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. The neuropeptide CGRP is abundant in trigeminal ganglion neurons, and is released from the peripheral nerve and central nerve terminals as well as being secreted within the trigeminal ganglion. Release of CGRP from the peripheral terminals initiates a cascade of events that include increased synthesis of nitric oxide and sensitization of the trigeminal nerves. Secreted CGRP in the trigeminal ganglion interacts with adjacent neurons and satellite glial cells to perpetuate peripheral sensitization, and can drive central sensitization of the second‐order neurons. A shift in central sensitization from activity‐dependent to activity‐independent central sensitization may indicate a mechanism driving the progression of episodic migraine to chronic migraine. The pathophysiology of cluster headache is much more obscure than that of migraine, but emerging evidence suggests that it may also involve hypersensitivity of the trigeminovascular system. Ongoing clinical studies with therapies targeted at CGRP will provide additional, valuable insights into the pathophysiology of this disorder.

Conclusions

CGRP plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of migraine. Treatments that interfere with the functioning of CGRP in the peripheral trigeminal system are effective against migraine. Blocking sensitization of the trigeminal nerve by attenuating CGRP activity in the periphery may be sufficient to block a migraine attack. Additionally, the potential exists that this therapeutic strategy may also alleviate cluster headache as well.
A critical discourse analysis of how public participants and their evidence are presented in health impact assessment reports in Wales
Authors: Emmerson Chris , Wood Fiona
Published: April 2019

Background

Health impact assessment (HIA) involves assessing in advance how projects affect the health of particular populations. In many countries, HIA has become central to attempts to better integrate health and public participation into policy and decision making. In 2017, HIA gained statutory status in Wales.

This study considers how the public and their evidence are presented within HIA reports and what insights this offers into how public participation is constructed within public health.

Methods

Critical discourse analysis, as described by Fairclough (2003), to analyse seven HIA reports produced in Wales.

Results

Discourses were grouped under four headings. “Consensus and polyphony” relates to the tendency to produce consensus. “Authors and authority” is concerned with how participants and their evidence are shaped by different authorial stances. “Discussions, decisions and planes of action” brings together material on how decision makers are (or are not) brought into contact with evidence in the reports. “Evidence: fragmentation and compression” analyses strategies of abstracting.

Conclusions

This analysis suggests that participants and their evidence are presented in specific ways within HIA reports and that these are particularly shaped by genre, authorial stances and approaches to abstracting and re‐ordering texts. Acknowledging these issues may create opportunities to develop HIA in new directions. Further research to test these conclusions and contribute to a wider “sociology of public health documents” would be of value.