bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sperm head abnormalities are more frequent in songbirds with more helical sperm: A possible trade‐off in sperm evolution
Authors: Støstad Hanna N. , Rowe Melissah , Johnsen Arild , Lifjeld Jan T. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSperm morphology varies enormously across the animal kingdom. Whilst knowledge of the factors that drive the evolution of interspecific variation in sperm morphology is accumulating, we currently have little understanding of factors that may constrain evolutionary change in sperm traits. We investigated whether susceptibility to sperm abnormalities could represent such a constraint in songbirds, a group characterized by a distinctive helical sperm head shape. Specifically, using 36 songbird species and data from light and scanning electron microscopy, we examined among‐species correlations between the occurrence of sperm head abnormalities and sperm morphology, as well as the correlation between sperm head abnormalities and two indicators of sperm competition. We found that species with more helically shaped sperm heads (i.e., a wider helical membrane and more pronounced cell waveform) had a higher percentage of abnormal sperm heads than species with less helical sperm (i.e., relatively straight sperm) and that sperm head traits were better predictors of head abnormalities than total sperm length. In contrast, there was no correlation between sperm abnormalities and the level of sperm competition. Given that songbird species with more pronounced helical sperm have higher average sperm swimming speed, our results suggest an evolutionary trade‐off between sperm performance and the structural integrity of the sperm head. As such, susceptibility to morphological abnormalities may constrain the evolution of helical sperm morphology in songbirds.
Impact of high‐voltage electric discharge treatment on cocoa shell phenolic components and methylxanthines
Authors: Barišić Veronika , Flanjak Ivana , Križić Ivana , Jozinović Antun , Šubarić Drago , Babić Jurislav , Miličević Borislav , Ačkar Đurđica 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCocoa shell is one of the by‐products obtained in chocolate industry which was considered as waste for a very long time. Recently, the presence of high‐valuable bioactive components in cocoa shell was recognized, and research on the pallet of food products enriched with cocoa shell is increasing. The most abundant bioactive components of untreated cocoa shell (UCS) are theobromine (3.906 ± 0.070 mg/g), caffeine (0.646 ± 0.055 mg/g), and (+)‐catechin (0.290 ± 0.005 mg/g), followed by gallic acid (0.147 ± 0.041 mg/g) and (−)‐epicatechin (0.165 ± 0.099 mg/g). Furthermore, the impact of concentration (1.5 and 3% of cocoa shell in water), high‐voltage electric discharge (HVED) treatment (40 and 80 Hz), and treatment time (15, 30, and 45 min, respectively) on bioactive compounds content was evaluated. Statistically significant differences between treatment conditions were obtained. Generally, water‐HVED treatment at 40 Hz has lower impact on bioactive components than water, and water‐HVED at 80 Hz, therefore, can have a significant effect on future treatments of materials rich in bioactive compounds.Practical applicationsHVED is an innovative nonthermal processing technique that has mechanical and electrical effect on the product resulting with lower costs and increase of functional properties. This study has shown that HVED causes lower decrease of phenolics and methylxanthines in cocoa shell which can have a significant effect on future treatments of materials rich in bioactive compounds. Because it is not recorded in scientific literature that HVED treatment was used on cocoa shell so far, it will help in future research and applications of cocoa shell in the food industry.
A Problem‐Solving Intervention for Hospice Family Caregivers: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Demiris George , Oliver Debra Parker , Washington Karla , Pike Kenneth 
Published: April 2019

OBJECTIVESFamily caregivers of hospice patients have multiple needs as they try to cope during a stressful time. Translatable interventions effective in improving caregiver outcomes are greatly needed. Our objective was to assess the impact of a problem‐solving intervention (called Problem‐Solving Intervention to Support Caregivers in End‐of‐Life Care Settings [PISCES]) to support hospice caregivers on caregiver quality of life and anxiety, and compare its effectiveness delivered face to face and via videoconferencing.DESIGNIn this 4‐year randomized clinical trial, caregivers were randomly assigned to a group receiving standard care with added “friendly calls” (attention control [AC] group), a group receiving standard care and PISCES delivered face to face (F2F), or a group receiving standard care and PISCES delivered via videoconferencing (VC).SETTINGHome hospice.PARTICIPANTSA total of 514 caregivers participated (172 in AC, 171 in F2F, and 171 in VC). Caregivers were predominantly female (75%); mean age was 60.3 years.INTERVENTIONPISCES includes a structured curriculum delivered in three sessions and motivates caregivers to adopt a positive attitude, define problems by obtaining facts, set goals, and generate and evaluate solutions.MEASUREMENTSQuality of life was measured by the Caregiver Quality of Life Index‐Revised; anxiety was measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐Item. Other measures included the Caregiver Reaction Assessment scale, demographic data, and an exit interview.RESULTSCompared with AC, caregivers in the F2F condition had postintervention reduced anxiety (−1.31 [95% confidence interval [CI] = −2.11 to .50];p = .004) and improved social (.57 [95% CI = .19‐.95];p = .01), financial (.57 [95% CI = .21‐.93];p = .004), and physical quality of life (.53 [95% CI = .19‐.87];p = .01). There were no differences in caregivers in the VC condition compared with the AC condition.CONCLUSIONThe PISCES intervention improves caregiver outcomes and is effective when delivered in person. How to integrate technology to reduce the intervention delivery cost warrants further investigation.
Adverse event following live attenuated chikungunya vaccine in a cynomolgus macaque with pre‐existing chronic hydrocephalus
Authors: Peterson Tiffany A. , MacLean Andrew G. , Russell‐Lodrigue Kasi E. , Didier Peter J. , Weaver Scott C. , Roy Chad J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) with a pre‐existing, undiagnosed, subclinical but severe cerebral hydrocephalus was enrolled in a study of long‐term immunogenicity of the IRES/CHIK vaccine. The animal began showing signs of neurological dysfunction post‐vaccination, which progressed and ultimately resulted in euthanasia. The underlying brain abnormality was revealed at necropsy and was subsequently investigated with gross and microscopic examination. This becomes the first reported case of an adverse event following administration of a live attenuated vaccine and suggests the possibility of an increased susceptibility risk of unwanted adverse outcome associated with vaccination in populations with pre‐existing conditions such as hydrocephalus.
Cell‐specific effects of nitric oxide on the efficiency and frequency of long distance contractions in murine colon
Authors: Beck Katharina , Voussen Barbara , Reigl Amelie , Vincent Alexander D. , Parsons Sean P. , Huizinga Jan D. , Friebe Andreas 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundNitric oxide (NO) mediates inhibitory neurotransmission and is a critical component of neuronal programs that generate propulsive contractions. NO acts via its receptor NO‐sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO‐GC) which is expressed in smooth muscle cells (SMC) and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Organ bath studies with colonic rings from NO‐GC knockout mice (GCKO) have indicated NO‐GC to modulate spontaneous contractions. The cell‐specific effects of NO‐GC on the dominant pan‐colonic propulsive contraction, the long distance contractions (LDCs), of whole colon preparations have not yet been described.MethodsContractions of whole colon preparations from wild type (WT), global, and cell‐specific GCKO were recorded. After transformation into spatiotemporal maps, motility patterns were analyzed. Simultaneous perfusion of the colon enabled the correlation of outflow with LDCs to analyze contraction efficiency.Key ResultsDeletion of NO‐GC in both ICC and SMC (ie, in GCKO and SMC/ICC‐GCKO) caused loss of typical LDC activity and instead generated high‐frequency LDC‐like contractions with inefficient propulsive activity. Frequency was also increased in WT, SMC‐GCKO, and ICC‐GCKO colon in the presence of L‐NAME to block neuronal NO synthase. LDC efficiency was dependent on NO‐GC in SMC as it was reduced in GCKO, SMC‐GCKO, and ICC/SMC‐GCKO colon; LDC efficiency was decreased in all genotypes in the presence of L‐NAME.Conclusions and InferencesNO/cGMP signaling is critical for normal peristaltic movements; as NO‐GC in both SMC and ICC is essential, both cell types appear to work in synchrony. The efficiency of contractions to expel fluid is particularly influenced by NO‐GC in SMC.
VT arising from sub‐aortic muscular outflow tract structures: In two patients with ventricular septal defects
Authors: Chang Shu , Marzec Lucas , Kay Joseph , Khanna Amber , Sauer William H. , Nguyen Duy T. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundOutflow tract ventricular tachycardias (OTVT) most commonly occur in the absence of structural abnormalities. We present two cases in which a structural variant in the outflow tract was critical to the OTVT.CasesSubaortic muscular bands were identified using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in each of our cases with history of VSD and VT. Mapping demonstrating their critical involvement to the tachycardia and ablation along the muscular bands rendered the ventricular tachycardias non‐inducible.ConclusionIn rare instances, a structural variant may be involved in OTVTs. The use of ICE along with electroanatomic mapping can assist in successful ablation of these ventricular tachycardias.
Societal value of newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency in Arkansas: An economic analysis
Authors: Hays Laura H. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNewborn screening (NBS) is a public health program that detects genetic conditions in neonates enabling treatment before clinical symptoms manifest. Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) is a primary immune deficiency found in the absence of functioning T and B lymphocytes. Hematopoietic cell transplantation is a potentially curative treatment if received within the first 42 months of life; without treatment, this condition is fatal in the first 2 years of life due to severe opportunistic infections. SCID was added to the recommended uniform panel of conditions for inclusion in state NBS programs in 2010. This manuscript examines the societal costs and benefits of NBS for SCID in Arkansas and implications to health services and social welfare. Total cost per year of all NBS for SCID and resulting early treatment for one patient with SCID in Arkansas is estimated at $1,078,714. Cost of late treatment of one patient with SCID is estimated at $1.43 million. Based on an expected diagnosis of one patient per year in Arkansas, this results in an estimated net cost savings for NBS for SCID in Arkansas of $351,286 per year. Based on cost‐effectiveness analysis, NBS for SCID in Arkansas is cost‐effective, with higher societal benefit than cost.
Does size really matter? A comparative study on floral traits in orchids with two different pollination strategies
Authors: Lussu M. , De Agostini A. , Cogoni A. , Marignani M. , Cortis P. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

The lock and key hypothesis assumes that male and female genitalia match in a unique system to prevent interspecific crosses. This hypothesis is largely investigated in animals, while there is a distinct lack of studies on plants. Nevertheless, we expect the lock and key hypothesis could apply to plants with complex floral morphologies, such as orchids.

Here we apply a comparative approach to examine the variation of floral functional traits in food‐ and sex‐deceptive orchids. To understand if a specific deception strategy is related to a specific variation in floral traits evaluated the variation in sterile and fertile traits among species and subsequently examined the correlations between male and female reproductive organs of the same species with the aim of investigating the role of the lock and key hypothesis in deceptive orchids.

Our results show that the functional morphology of fertile traits plays a pivotal role in limiting gene flow in species that grow in sympatry. In particular, it was observed that the Reproductive Standardisation Index (RSI) is significantly different in the two pollination strategies and that the correlation between pollinarium length and stigmatic cavity length is stronger in food‐deceptive species when compared to the sex‐deceptive species.

These results reveal that the lock and key hypothesis contributes to maintain boundaries in plants with very complex floral morphology.
Elevated [CO2] effects on crops: Advances in understanding acclimation, nitrogen dynamics and interactions with drought and other organisms
Authors: Tausz‐Posch S. , Tausz M. , Bourgault M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFuture rapid increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration [CO2] are expected, with values likely to reach ~550 ppm by mid‐century. This implies that every terrestrial plant will be exposed to nearly 40% more of one of the key resources determining plant growth. In this review we highlight selected areas of plant interactions with elevated [CO2] (e[CO2]), where recently published experiments challenge long‐held, simplified views. Focusing on crops, especially in more extreme and variable growing conditions, we highlight uncertainties associated with four specific areas. (1) While it is long known that photosynthesis can acclimate to e[CO2], such acclimation is not consistently observed in field experiments. The influence of sink–source relations and nitrogen (N) limitation on acclimation is investigated and current knowledge about whether stomatal function or mesophyll conductance (gm) acclimate independently is summarised. (2) We show how the response of N uptake to e[CO2] is highly variable, even for one cultivar grown within the same field site, and how decreases in N concentrations ([N]) are observed consistently. Potential mechanisms contributing to [N] decreases under e[CO2] are discussed and proposed solutions are addressed. (3) Based on recent results from crop field experiments in highly variable, non‐irrigated, water‐limited environments, we challenge the previous opinion that the relative CO2 effect is larger under drier environmental conditions. (4) Finally, we summarise how changes in growth and nutrient concentrations due to e[CO2] will influence relationships between crops and weeds, herbivores and pathogens in agricultural systems.
Objectively Measured Environmental Correlates of Toddlers’ Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Hunter Stephen , Rosu Andrei , Hesketh Kylie D. , Rhodes Ryan E. , Rinaldi Christina M. , Rodgers Wendy , Spence John C. , Carson Valerie 
Published: April 2019

Purpose: Examine objectively measured environmental correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in toddlers (12–35 mo). Methods: Participants were recruited at immunization appointments in Edmonton, Canada. Physical activity and sedentary time were objectively measured via accelerometers (n = 149). The parents reported screen time and demographic characteristics via a questionnaire (n = 249). Postal codes were used to link neighborhood data via geographic information systems. Neighborhood data included 4 environmental domains: functional (ie, walkability), safety (ie, crime), esthetic (ie, tree density), and destination (ie, cul-de-sac density, wooded area percentage, green space percentage, recreation density, park density). Weather data (temperature and precipitation) were obtained via historical weather records. Multilevel multiple linear regression models were used to account for clustering of participants within neighborhoods and adjustment of demographic variables. Results: Each additional 10°C of mean temperature was significantly associated with 5.74 (95% confidence interval, 0.96–10.50) minutes per day of higher light-intensity physical activity, though the effect size was small (f2 = 0.08). No other significant associations were observed. Conclusions: The lack of significant findings for neighborhood environment factors suggests proximal factors (eg, features of the home environment) may be more important in predicting toddlers’ physical activity and sedentary behavior. More indoor physical activity opportunities may be needed on colder days for toddlers.
Pharmacological management of abnormal tone and movement in cerebral palsy
Authors: Lumsden Daniel E , Crowe Belinda , Basu Anna , Amin Sam , Devlin Anita , DeAlwis Yasmin , Kumar Ram , Lodh Rajib , Lundy Claire T , Mordekar Santosh R , Smith Martin , Cadwgan Jill 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundThe evidence base to guide the pharmacological management of tone and abnormal movements in cerebral palsy (CP) is limited, as is an understanding of routine clinical practice in the UK. We aimed to establish details of motor phenotype and current pharmacological management of a representative cohort across a network of UK tertiary centres.MethodsProspective multicentre review of specialist motor disorder clinics at nine UK centres, collecting data on clinical features and pharmacological management of children and young people (CYP) with CP over a single calendar month.ResultsData were collected from 275 CYP with CP reviewed over the calendar month of October 2017. Isolated dystonia or spasticity was infrequently seen, with a mixed picture of dystonia and spasticity ± choreoathetosis identified in 194/275 (70.5%) of CYP. A comorbid diagnosis of epilepsy was present in 103/275 (37.4%). The most commonly used medications for abnormal tone/movement were baclofen, trihexyphenidyl, gabapentin, diazepam and clonidine. Medication use appeared to be influenced separately by the presence of dystonia or spasticity. Botulinum toxin use was common (62.2%). A smaller proportion of children (12.4%) had undergone a previous neurosurgical procedure for tone/movement management.ConclusionsCYP with CP frequently present with a complex movement phenotype and comorbid epilepsy. They have multiple therapy, medical and surgical management regimens. Future trials of therapeutic, pharmacological or surgical interventions in this population must adequately encompass this complexity in order to be translatable to clinical practice.
Longitudinal analysis of health disparities in childhood
Authors: Oosterhoff Marije , Joore Manuela A , Bartelink Nina H M , Winkens Bjorn , Schayck Onno C P , Bosma Hans 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveCombatting disparities in health outcomes among children is a major public health concern. This study focuses on two questions: (1) To what extent does socioeconomic status (SES) contribute to disparities in health outcomes? and (2) To what extent can social inequalities in health outcomes be explained by differences in children’s health behaviours?DesignThis study included 2-year follow-up data of 1259 children (4–12 years of age) who participated in the ‘Healthy Primary School of the Future’ project (ClinicalTrials.govNCT02800616). SES was measured by maternal and paternal education and household income (adjusted for family size). Health outcomes were body mass index (BMI) z-score, health resource use, school absenteeism, health-related quality of life and psychosocial health, measured over 2 years of follow-up (2015–2017). Health behaviours included physical activity, and consumption of fruits, vegetables and sweetened beverages. Associations between SES and baseline health behaviours were examined, and mixed models for repeated measures were used to assess associations between SES and health outcomes over 2 years of follow-up.ResultsA high socioeconomic background was significantly associated with better health outcomes (all outcomes). For example, children with a low SES had higher BMI z-scores (beta coefficient: 0.42, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.62) and higher consumption healthcare costs (ratio of mean costs: 2.21, 95% CI 1.57 to 3.10). Effects of SES changed very little after controlling for health behaviours.DiscussionOur findings strongly suggest that socioeconomic background has a pervasive impact on disparities in child health, but gives little support to the idea that social inequalities in child health can be tackled by means of lifestyle interventions.
Semirigid cervical spine collar and risk of missing significant soft tissue injuries
Authors: Hussain Mohammed Hassan , Corsar Kenneth 
Published: April 2019

We report the case of an initial misdiagnosis of significant scalp soft tissue hidden beneath a semirigid cervical collar. A 16-year-old unrestrained rear seat passenger was involved in an RTA sustaining a subdural haematoma, cervical spine fractures and what was initially diagnosed as a significant degloving scalp injury. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit intubated sedated, and with a cervical collar. The scalp injury was dressed with a view that potential reconstructive surgery would be needed subsequently.This case demonstrates that while cervical collars remain a fundamental aspect of initial prehospital care in trauma, they have potential drawbacks to their use, which need to be carefully noted. Some of these drawbacks have been reported extensively in the literature. This case outlines the necessity of a thorough secondary survey in the trauma patient as the cervical collar can obscure the assessment of significant head and neck soft tissue injuries.
Primary care physicians’ decision-making processes in the context of multimorbidity: protocol of a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research
Authors: Silvério Rodrigues David , Sousa Paulo Faria , Basílio Nuno , Antunes Ana , Antunes Maria da Luz , Santos Maria Isabel , Heleno Bruno 
Published: April 2019

IntroductionGood patient outcomes correlate with the physicians’ capacity for good clinical judgement. Multimorbidity is common and it increases uncertainty and complexity in the clinical encounter. However, healthcare systems and medical education are centred on individual diseases. In consequence, recognition of the patient as the centre of the decision-making process becomes even more difficult. Research in clinical reasoning and medical decision in a real-world context is needed. The aim of the present review is to identify and synthesise available qualitative evidence on primary care physicians’ perspectives, views or experiences on decision-making with patients with multimorbidity.Methods and analysisThis will be a systematic review of qualitative research where PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase and Web of Science will be searched, supplemented with manual searches of reference lists of included studies. Qualitative studies published in Portuguese, Spanish and English language will be included, with no date limit. Studies will be eligible when they evaluate family physicians’ perspectives, opinions or perceptions on decision-making for patients with multimorbidity in primary care. The methodological quality of studies selected for retrieval will be assessed by two independent reviewers before inclusion in the review using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Thematic synthesis will be used to identify key categories and themes from the qualitative data. The Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research approach will be used to assess how much confidence to place in findings from the qualitative evidence synthesis.Ethics and disseminationThis review will use published data. No ethical issues are foreseen. The findings will be disseminated to the medical community via journal publication and conference presentation(s).PROSPERO registration numberID 91978.