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Ammonia is a promising candidate in the quest for sustainable, clean energy. With its capacity to serve as an energy carrier, the oxidation of ammonia opens avenues for carbon‐neutral approaches to address worldwide growing energy needs. We report the catalytic chemical oxidation of ammonia by an Earth‐abundant transition metal complex, trans‐[LFeII(MeCN)2][PF6]2, where L is a macrocyclic ligand bearing four N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) donors. Using triarylaminium radical cations in MeCN, up to 182 turnovers of N2 per Fe were obtained from chemical catalysis with an extremely low loading of the Fe catalyst (0.043 mM, 0.004 mol % catalyst). This chemical catalysis was successfully transitioned to mediated electrocatalysis for the oxidation of ammonia. Molecular electrocatalysis by the Fe catalyst and the mediator (p‐MeOC6H4)3N exhibited a catalytic half‐wave potential (Ecat/2) of 0.18 V vs [Cp2Fe]+/0 in MeCN, and achieved 9.3 turnovers of N2 at an applied potential of 0.20 V vs [Cp2Fe]+/0 at −20 °C in controlled‐potential electrolysis, with a Faradaic efficiency of 75 %. Based on computational results, the catalyst undergoes sequential oxidation and deprotonation steps to form [LFeIV(NH2)2]2+, and thereafter bimetallic coupling to form an N−N bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm birth (before 37 completed weeks of gestation) is associated with an increased risk of adverse health and developmental outcomes relative to birth at term. Existing guidelines for data collection in cohort studies of individuals born preterm are either limited in scope, have not been developed using formal consensus methodology, or did not involve a range of stakeholders in their development. Recommendations meeting these criteria would facilitate data pooling and harmonisation across studies. Objectives: To develop a Core Dataset for use in longitudinal cohort studies of individuals born preterm. Methods: This work was carried out as part of the RECAP Preterm project. A systematic review of variables included in existing core outcome sets was combined with a scoping exercise conducted with experts on preterm birth. The results were used to generate a draft core dataset. A modified Delphi process was implemented using two stages with three rounds each. Three stakeholder groups participated: RECAP Preterm project partners; external experts in the field; people with lived experience of preterm birth. The Delphi used a 9‐point Likert scale. Higher values indicated greater importance for inclusion. Participants also suggested additional variables they considered important for inclusion which were voted on in later rounds. Results: An initial list of 140 data items was generated. Ninety‐six participants across 22 countries participated in the Delphi, of which 29% were individuals with lived experience of preterm birth. Consensus was reached on 160 data items covering Antenatal and Birth Information, Neonatal Care, Mortality, Administrative Information, Organisational Level Information, Socio‐economic and Demographic information, Physical Health, Education and Learning, Neurodevelopmental Outcomes, Social, Lifestyle and Leisure, Healthcare Utilisation and Quality of Life. Conclusions: This core dataset includes 160 data items covering antenatal care through outcomes in adulthood. Its use will guide data collection in new studies and facilitate pooling and harmonisation of existing data internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Retrospective harmonisation of data obtained through different instruments creates measurement error, even if the underlying concepts are assumed the same. We tested a novel method for item‐level data harmonisation of two widely used instruments that measure emotional and behavioural problems: the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Methods: Item content of the CBCL and SDQ was mapped onto four dimensions: emotional problems, peer relationship problems, hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems. A diverse test sample was drawn from four prospective longitudinal birth cohort studies in Australia and Europe who used one or both instruments. The pooled sample included 5188 data points assessing children and adolescents aged 6–13 years (N = 257–704 participants per cohort). Measurement invariance was assessed using latent variable multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis. Results: Fifteen items from the CBCL and SDQ were mapped onto four dimensions allowing for measurement invariance testing as part of a stepwise process. Partial strict invariance between CBCL and SDQ assessments was established for all four dimensions. Conclusions: The harmonised dimensions of emotional, peer relationship, hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problems are invariant across the CBCL and SDQ suggesting that these dimensions can be reliably compared with limited measurement error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Adults born preterm have increased risk of mental health problems and other neurodevelopmental conditions. We aimed to investigate associations of mental health with pain and tiredness in adults born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks) or very low birthweight (VLBW; <1500 g) and at term, and whether these associations are influenced by physical activity. Methods: As part of an EU Horizon 2020 project, individual participant data from six prospective cohort studies were harmonised for 617 VP/VLBW and 1122 term‐born participants. Mental health was assessed by the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment Adult Self‐Report. Pain and tiredness were harmonised based on specific items from self‐reported questionnaires. Associations between mental health and pain or tiredness were explored by linear regression. Results: An increase in the mental health scales internalising, externalising and total problems was associated with increased pain and tiredness in the preterm and term group alike. Results were maintained when adjusting for physical activity. Conclusion: The findings indicate that associations between mental health, pain and tiredness in adults are independent of gestation or birthweight. Future research should explore other potential mechanisms that may underlie the increased risk of mental health problems in the preterm population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To measure the association between cerebral palsy (CP) and non‐CP‐related movement difficulties and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among 5‐year‐old children born extremely preterm (<28 weeks gestational age). Method: We included 5‐year‐old children from a multi‐country, population‐based cohort of children born extremely preterm in 2011 to 2012 in 11 European countries (n = 1021). Children without CP were classified using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition as having significant movement difficulties (≤5th centile of standardized norms) or being at risk of movement difficulties (6th–15th centile). Parents reported on a clinical CP diagnosis and HRQoL using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Associations were assessed using linear and quantile regressions. Results: Compared to children without movement difficulties, children at risk of movement difficulties, with significant movement difficulties, and CP had lower adjusted HRQoL total scores (β [95% confidence interval] = −5.0 [−7.7 to −2.3], −9.1 [−12.0 to −6.1], and − 26.1 [−31.0 to −21.2]). Quantile regression analyses showed similar decreases in HRQoL for all children with CP, whereas for children with non‐CP‐related movement difficulties, reductions in HRQoL were more pronounced at lower centiles. Interpretation: CP and non‐CP‐related movement difficulties were associated with lower HRQoL, even for children with less severe difficulties. Heterogeneous associations for non‐CP‐related movement difficulties raise questions for research about mitigating and protective factors. This original article is commented on by Evensen on pages 1546–1547 of this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the predictive validity of parent‐reported gross motor impairment (GMI) at age 2 years to detect significant movement difficulties at age 5 years in children born extremely preterm. Method: Data were from 556 children (270 males, 286 females) born at less than 28 weeks' gestation in 2011 to 2012 in 10 European countries. Parent report of moderate/severe GMI was defined as walking unsteadily or unable to walk unassisted at 2 years corrected age. Examiners assessed significant movement difficulties (score ≤ 5th centile on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition) and diagnoses of cerebral palsy (CP) were collected by parent report at 5 years chronological age. Results: At 2 years, 66 (11.9%) children had moderate/severe GMI. At 5 years, 212 (38.1%) had significant movement difficulties. Parent reports of GMI at age 2 years accurately classified CP at age 5 years in 91.0% to 93.2% of children. Classification of moderate/severe GMI at age 2 years had high specificity (96.2%; 95% confidence interval 93.6–98.0) and positive predictive value (80.3%; 68.7–89.1) for significant movement difficulties at age 5 years. However, 74.5% of children with significant movement difficulties at 5 years were not identified with moderate/severe GMI at age 2 years, resulting in low sensitivity (25.1%; 19.4–31.5). Interpretation: This questionnaire may be used to identify children born extremely preterm who at age 2 years have a diagnosis of CP or movement difficulties that are likely to have a significant impact on their functional outcomes at age 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meta‐analyses of the voluminous scientific literature on the impact of very preterm (VPT, <32 weeks' gestation) birth on cognition find a marked deficit in intelligence quotient (IQ) among children born VPT relative to term‐born peers, but with unexplained between‐study heterogeneity in effect size. Objectives: To conduct an umbrella review to describe the design and methodology of primary studies and to assess whether methodological heterogeneity affects the results of meta‐analyses. Data Sources: Primary studies from five systematic reviews with meta‐analysis on VPT birth and childhood IQ. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Information on study design, sample characteristics and results was extracted from studies. Study features covered study type, sample size, follow‐up rates, adjustment for social context, management of severe impairments and test type. Synthesis: We used random‐effects subgroup meta‐analyses and meta‐regressions to investigate the contribution of study features to between‐study variance in standardised mean differences (SMD) in IQ between groups. Results: In 58 cohorts (56%), children with severe impairments were excluded, while 23 (22%) cohorts accounted for social factors. The least reported feature was the follow‐up rate (missing in 38 cohorts). The largest difference in SMDs was between studies using full scale IQ tests (61 cohorts, SMD −0.89, 95% CI −0.96, −0.82) versus short‐form tests (27 cohorts, SMD −0.68, 95% CI −0.79, −0.57). The proportion of between‐study variance explained by the type of test was 14%; the other features explained less than 1% of the variance. Conclusions: Study design and methodology varied across studies, but most of them did not affect the variance in effect size, except the type of cognitive test. Key features, such as the follow‐up rate, were not consistently reported limiting the evaluation of their potential contribution. Incomplete reporting limited the evaluation of the full impact of this methodological diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To test whether poor childhood pulmonary function explains the relationship between extremely preterm (EP) birth and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in young adulthood. Methods: EPICure birth cohort participants include children born <26 weeks' gestation in the United Kingdom and Ireland in 1995 and their term‐born classmates. Predictor was EP birth. Outcomes were inattention/hyperactivity subscale z‐scores at 19 years. Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) z‐scores in childhood and young adulthood were mediators. We used recursive path analysis to determine the direct effect of EP birth on inattention/hyperactivity and its indirect effect through pulmonary function. Results: Ninety EP and 47 term‐born participants had pulmonary function testing at 11 and 19 years. Inattention z‐scores were higher in the EP group (mean difference 0.55 [95% CI 0.11, 0.99]) but not hyperactivity. Compared to term‐born peers, EP participants had lower FEV1 z‐scores at 11 (mean difference−1.35 [95% CI −1.72, −0.98]) and 19 (mean difference−1.29 [95% CI −1.65, −0.92]). Path models revealed that childhood pulmonary function explained the relationship between EP birth and inattention. Conclusions: Extremely preterm young adults have increased risk for inattention compared to term‐born peers. Poor pulmonary function appears to underlie this risk. The mechanisms responsible remain unclear and warrant further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm birth is associated with adverse health and developmental sequelae that impose a burden on finite resources and significant challenges for individuals, families and societies.Objectives: To estimate economic outcomes at age 11 associated with extremely preterm birth using evidence from a whole population study (EPICure2 study).Methods: The study population comprised a sample of children born at ≤26 completed weeks of gestation during 2006 in England (n = 200) and a comparison group of classmates born at term (n = 143). Societal costs were estimated using parent and teacher reports of service utilisation, and valuations of work losses and additional care costs to families. Utility scores for the Health Utilities Index Mark 2 (HUI2) and Mark 3 (HUI3) were generated using UK and Canadian value sets. Generalised linear regression was used to estimate the impact of extremely preterm birth on societal costs and utility scores.Results: Unadjusted mean societal costs that excluded provision of special educational support in mainstream schools during the 11th year after birth were £6536 for the extremely preterm group and £3275 for their classmates, generating a difference of £3262 (95% confidence interval [CI] £1912, £5543). The mean adjusted cost difference was £2916 (95% CI £1609, £4224), including special educational needs provision in mainstream schools increased the adjusted cost difference to £4772 (95% CI £3166, £6378). Compared with birth at term, extremely preterm birth generated mean-adjusted utility decrements ranging from 0.13 (95% CI 0.09, 0.18) based on the UK HUI2 statistical inference tariff to 0.28 (95% CI 0.18, 0.37) based on the Canadian HUI3 tariff.Conclusions: The adverse economic impact of extremely preterm birth persists into late childhood. Further longitudinal studies conducted from multiple perspectives are needed to understand the magnitude, trajectory and underpinning mechanisms of economic outcomes following extremely preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meta-analyses of studies on very preterm (VPT) birth and childhood cognition select primary studies using gestational age inclusion criteria only, while others also include birthweight criteria. The consequences of this choice are unknown.Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the gestational age (GA) and birthweight (BW) criteria used in studies of VPT birth and cognition and to investigate whether meta-analysis results differ based on these criteria.Data Sources: Five systematic reviews on VPT birth and childhood IQ.Study Selection and Data Extraction: Country, birth years, GA-BW selection criteria and participant IQ were extracted from 156 studies representing 103 birth cohorts.Synthesis: Pooled standardised mean differences (SMD) in IQ between children born VPT and term-born controls were estimated by sub-group based on GA-BW criteria (GA, BW and GA-BW combined) and degree of preterm birth-low birthweight combinations: extremely preterm (EPT, <28 weeks) and extremely low BW (ELBW, <1000 g); VPT (<32 weeks) and very low BW (VLBW, <1500 g); and moderately MPT (<34 weeks) and moderately low BW (MLBW, <1800 g).Results: Cohorts used 27 distinct GA-BW inclusion criteria. Most common criteria were BW <1500 g (24 cohorts), BW <1000 g (12), GA <32 weeks (12) and GA <33 weeks (12); 23 studies used GA-BW combinations. BW-only criteria were more frequent in North America than Europe (63% versus 24%) and for cohorts before than after 1990 (67% vs 26%). Pooled SMD in IQ varied: SMDEPT/ELBW -0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.07, -0.82; SMDVPT/VLBW -0.78, 95% CI -0.85, -0.71; SMDMPT/MLBW -0.68, 95% CI -0.79, -0.57; however, there was no difference in SMD across cohorts using BW compared to GA criteria after adjustment on risk group.Conclusions: These findings support the inclusion of studies using GA and/or BW criteria in meta-analyses on VPT birth and cognition to increase the geographical and temporal generalisability of the results and to allow investigation of the impact of the heterogeneous inclusion criteria in this literature on outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To (1) determine the proportion of 5‐year‐old children born extremely preterm (EPT) with movement difficulties including cerebral palsy (CP) and the proportion of these children receiving motor‐related health care (MRHC), and (2) describe factors associated with receiving MRHC. Method: Children born before 28 weeks' gestation in 2011 to 2012 in 11 European countries were assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (MABC‐2) at 5 years of age. Information on family characteristics, child health including CP diagnosis, and health care use were collected using parent‐report questionnaires. MRHC was defined as visits in the previous year with health care providers (physical and occupational therapists) specialized in assessing/treating motor problems. We analysed receipt of MRHC and associated factors among children at risk of movement difficulties (MABC‐2 score 6th–15th centiles), with significant movement difficulties (SMD; ≤5th centile) or with CP. Results: Of 807 children assessed at 5 years 7 months (SD 4 months; 4 years 7 months–7 years 1 month), 412 were males (51.1%), 170 (21.1%) were at risk of movement difficulties, 201 (24.9%) had SMD, and 92 (11.4%) had CP. Those who received MRHC comprised 89.1% of children with CP, 42.8% with SMD, and 25.9% at risk of movement difficulties. MRHC for children with SMD varied from 23.3% to 66.7% between countries. Children were more likely to receive MRHC if they had other developmental problems or socioemotional, conduct, or attention difficulties. Interpretation: Efforts are needed to increase MRHC for 5‐year‐old children born EPT with movement difficulties. What this paper adds: Children born extremely preterm without cerebral palsy frequently experienced motor difficulties.Most of these children were not receiving motor‐related health care (MRHC).Large geographical differences throughout Europe were observed in receipt of MRHC.Socioemotional problems were related to MRHC use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the strength of the independent associations of mathematics performance in children born very preterm (<32wks' gestation or <1500g birthweight) with attending postsecondary education and their current employment status in young adulthood. Method: We harmonized data from six very preterm birth cohorts from five different countries and carried out one‐stage individual participant data meta‐analyses (n=954, 52% female) using mixed effects logistic regression models. Mathematics scores at 8 to 11 years of age were z‐standardized using contemporary cohort‐specific controls. Outcomes included any postsecondary education, and employment/education status in young adulthood. All models were adjusted for year of birth, gestational age, sex, maternal education, and IQ in childhood. Results: Higher mathematics performance in childhood was independently associated with having attended any postsecondary education (odds ratio [OR] per SD increase in mathematics z‐score: 1.36 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.03, 1.79]) but not with current employment/education status (OR 1.14 per SD increase [95% CI: 0.87, 1.48]). Interpretation: Among populations born very preterm, childhood mathematics performance is important for adult educational attainment, but not for employment status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adopting human resource development (HRD) activities can lead to improved organizational outcomes, such as improved performance and innovation. However, while the implementation of HRD strategies is widespread, there are concerns that they have failed to support the learning and skill acquisition required to support both individual learning and improved organizational outcomes. Having established that HRD is a systems level issue, this paper applies Meadows's (2008) system traps to suggest that adopting this lens could explain why extensive HRD interventions have failed to deliver desired system outcomes. Qualitative data is analyzed to consider why HRD interventions fail to result in increased capability development in the Australian public sector. The findings demonstrate four system traps were present in HRD interventions, which help explain the ongoing failure of HRD interventions to support required learning or improve organizational performance: (1) shifting the burden to the intervenor; (2) seeking the wrong goal; (3) policy resistance; and (4) drift to low performance. We argue that the presence of these traps suggest that HRD subsystems will need to be reconceptualized for there to be a real improvement. To this end, we apply Meadows's (2008) suggestions to overcome the traps, identifying potential strategies for HRD practitioners to act as system intervenors. Our paper contributes to knowledge through focusing on a specific aspect of systems thinking to help explain why HRD intervention failure occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We investigated the timing of survival differences and effects on morbidity for foetuses alive at maternal admission to hospital delivered at 22 to 26 weeks' gestational age (GA). Methods: Data from the EXPRESS (Sweden, 2004–07), EPICure‐2 (England, 2006) and EPIPAGE‐2 (France, 2011) cohorts were harmonised. Survival, stratified by GA, was analysed to 112 days using Kaplan‐Meier analyses and Cox regression adjusted for population and pregnancy characteristics; neonatal morbidities, survival to discharge and follow‐up and outcomes at 2–3 years of age were compared. Results: Among 769 EXPRESS, 2310 EPICure‐2 and 1359 EPIPAGE‐2 foetuses, 112‐day survival was, respectively, 28.2%, 10.8% and 0.5% at 22–23 weeks' GA; 68.5%, 40.0% and 23.6% at 24 weeks; 80.5%, 64.8% and 56.9% at 25 weeks; and 86.6%, 77.1% and 74.4% at 26 weeks. Deaths were most marked in EPIPAGE‐2 before 1 day at 22–23 and 24 weeks GA. At 25 weeks, survival varied before 28 days; differences at 26 weeks were minimal. Cox analyses were consistent with the Kaplan‐Meier analyses. Variations in morbidities were not clearly associated with survival. Conclusion: Differences in survival and morbidity outcomes for extremely preterm births are evident despite adjustment for background characteristics. No clear relationship was identified between early mortality and later patterns of morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Of all newborns, 1%‐2% are born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks) or with very low birthweight (VLBW; ≤1500 g). Advances in prenatal and neonatal care have substantially improved their survival, and the first generations who have benefited from these advances are now entering middle age. While most lead healthy lives, on average these adults are characterised by a number of adversities. These include cardiometabolic risk factors, airway obstruction, less physical activity, poorer visual function, lower cognitive performance, and a behavioural phenotype that includes inattention and internalising and socially withdrawn behaviour that may affect life chances and quality of life. Outcomes in later adulthood are largely unknown, and identifying trajectories of risk or resilience is essential in developing targeted interventions. Joint analyses of data and maintenance of follow‐up of cohorts entering adulthood are essential. Such analyses are ongoing within the Adults Born Preterm International Collaboration (APIC; www.apic-preterm.org). Joint analyses require data harmonisation, highlighting the importance of consistent assessment methodologies. Objective: To present an expert recommendation on Common Core Assessments to be used in follow‐up assessments of adults born preterm. Methods: Principles of Common Core Assessments were discussed at APIC meetings. Experts for each specific outcome domain wrote the first draft on assessments pertaining to that outcome. These drafts were combined and reviewed by all authors. Consensus was reached by discussion at APIC meetings. Results: We present a recommendation by APIC experts on consistent measures to be used in adult follow‐up assessments. Conclusions: The recommendation encompasses both "core" measures which we recommend to use in all assessments of adults born preterm that include the particular outcome. This will allow comparability between time and location. The recommendation also lists optional measures, focusing on current gaps in knowledge. It includes sections on study design, cardiometabolic and related biomarkers, biological samples, life style, respiratory, ophthalmic, cognitive, mental health, personality, quality of life, sociodemographics, social relationships, and reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the test accuracy of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal trisomy 21, 18, and 13 using cell-free (cf) DNA analysis in maternal plasma with microarray quantitation.Method: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Searches in MEDLINE, Pre-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to 09.07.2018.Results: Five studies analyzing 3074 samples, including 187 trisomy 21, 43 trisomy 18, and 19 trisomy 13 cases, were identified. Risk of bias was high in all studies, introduced particularly by exclusions from analysis and by the role of the sponsor. Sensitivity of microarray-based cfDNA testing was 99.5% (95%CI 96.3%-99.9%) for trisomy 21, 97.7% (95%CI 87.9%-99.6%) for trisomy 18, and 100% (95%CI 83.2%-100%) for trisomy 13. Specificity was 100% (95% CI 99.87%-100%) for trisomy 21, 99.97% (95%CI 99.81%-99.99%) for trisomy 18, and 99.97% (95%CI 99.81%-99.99%) for trisomy 13. Pooled test failure rate was 1.1%. A direct comparison of microarray- and sequencing-based cfDNA found equivalent test accuracy.Conclusion: Included studies suggest that NIPT using microarray-based cfDNA testing has high sensitivity and specificity for detecting fetal trisomy 21, 18, and 13. However, the evidence base is small and at high risk of bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalysts for the oxidation of NH3 are critical for the utilization of NH3 as a large‐scale energy carrier. Molecular catalysts capable of oxidizing NH3 to N2 are rare. This report describes the use of [Cp*Ru(PtBu2NPh2)(15NH3)][BArF4], (PtBu2NPh2=1,5‐di(phenylaza)‐3,7‐di(tert‐butylphospha)cyclooctane; ArF=3,5‐(CF3)2C6H3), to catalytically oxidize NH3 to dinitrogen under ambient conditions. The cleavage of six N−H bonds and the formation of an N≡N bond was achieved by coupling H+ and e− transfers as net hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) steps using the 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenoxyl radical (tBu3ArO.) as the H atom acceptor. Employing an excess of tBu3ArO. under 1 atm of NH3 gas at 23 °C resulted in up to ten turnovers. Nitrogen isotopic (15N) labeling studies provide initial mechanistic information suggesting a monometallic pathway during the N⋅⋅⋅N bond‐forming step in the catalytic cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capacity of an organization to innovate, change, and be effective depends on the skills and abilities of employees, highlighting the importance of developing individual capabilities. The 70:20:10 framework is used by practitioners to guide them when developing effective learning and development programs. Although the framework has been adopted globally in both private and public sectors, its effectiveness has not been assessed in relation to the transfer of learning. Using qualitative data from the Australian public sector, this study explores how the framework is being implemented and whether it facilitates the transfer of learning to build middle management capability. Results showed that despite middle managers' awareness of, and willingness to take part in, ongoing skill development, attempts to develop capability through learning transfer by implementing the 70:20:10 framework were not achieving the desired outcomes. The research suggests that learning transfer and managerial capability development was hindered through four misconceptions regarding the framework's implementation. These are: an overconfident assumption that unstructured experiential learning automatically results in capability development; a narrow interpretation of social learning; the expectation that managerial behavior would automatically change following formal training and development activities without the need to actively support the process; and a lack of recognition of the requirement of a planned and integrated relationship of all three aspects of the framework. We suggest future research seeks to explicate the role of social learning in supporting the efficacy of both formal and experiential learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Change efforts frequently fail to achieve their desired outcome with failure often attributed to employee resistance to change. Literature on resistance indicates it can emerge from ineffective change management. This article argues that change management could be improved through middle managers actively undertaking a change intermediary role, thereby enabling employees to make sense of, and reframe, the change. Qualitative data is used to explore the extent to which middle managers had the capacity and support necessary to effectively implement change. The article concludes by proposing that managers who are actively engaged change agents, who frame and make sense of the change with employees, can reduce resistance. However, for this to be realised, organisations need to actively support the systematic development of middle management change management capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Rapid reviews are increasingly used to replace/complement systematic reviews to support evidence-based decision-making. Little is known about how this expedited process affects results. Objectives To assess differences between rapid and systematic review approaches for a case study of test accuracy of succinylacetone for detecting tyrosinemia type 1. Methods Two reviewers conducted an 'enhanced' rapid review then a systematic review. The enhanced rapid review involved narrower searches, a single reviewer checking 20% of titles/abstracts and data extraction, and quality assessment using an unadjusted QUADAS-2. Two reviewers performed the systematic review with a tailored QUADAS-2. Post hoc analysis examined rapid reviewing with a single reviewer (basic rapid review). Results Ten papers were included. Basic rapid reviews would have missed 1 or 4 of these (dependent on which reviewer). Enhanced rapid and systematic reviews identified all 10 papers; one paper was only identified in the rapid review through reference checking. Two thousand one hundred seventy-six fewer title/abstracts and 129 fewer full texts were screened during the enhanced rapid review than the systematic review. The unadjusted QUADAS-2 generated more 'unclear' ratings than the adjusted QUADAS-2 [29/70 (41.4%) versus 16/70 (22.9%)], and fewer 'high' ratings [22/70 (31.4%) versus 42/70 (60.0%)]. Basic rapid reviews contained important inaccuracies in data extraction, which were detected by a second reviewer in the enhanced rapid and systematic reviews. Conclusions Enhanced rapid reviews with 20% checking by a second reviewer may be an appropriate tool for policymakers to expeditiously assess evidence. Basic rapid reviews (single reviewer) have higher risks of important inaccuracies and omissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbohydrate mouth rinse (CMR) is a novel method proposed to enhance endurance performance lasting ≤ 60 min. The current study examined the influence of CMR on anaerobic performance tasks in 11 collegiate female soccer players after an overnight fast. Athletes completed two experimental sessions, during which carbohydrate (CHO; 6% maltodextrin) or taste- and colour-matched placebo (PLA) mouth-rinse solutions were administered in a counterbalanced, double-blinded design. Three rounds of a 5-min scrimmage bout and series of performance tests including a single countermovement vertical jump (1VJ), a set of four consecutive vertical jumps, a 72-m shuttle run (SR72) and 18-m sprint comprised each trial. Thirst sensation (TS), session TS, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and session RPE were assessed as secondary outcomes. The first SR72 approached significance (p = 0.069), but no significant between-trials differences were observed for any of the mean performance tasks. The highest 1VJ scores did not differ for the first (CHO = 47.3 ± 3.4, PLA = 47.7 ± 3.5 cm; p = 0.43), second (CHO = 48.0 ± 4.1, PLA = 47.9 ± 3.5 cm; p = 0.82) or third bout (CHO = 47.4 ± 3.9, PLA = 48.1 ± 3.9 cm; p = 0.26). TS approached significance (p = 0.053) during the first bout. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found for any of the perceptual variables. Current results fail to support ergogenic influence of CMR on anaerobic performance tasks in collegiate female athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction through online social networks potentially results in the contestation of prevailing ideas about health and health care, and to mass protest where health is put at risk or health care provision is wanting. Through a review of the academic literature and case studies of four social networking health sites (PatientsLikeMe, Mumsnet, Treatment Action Campaign, and My Pro Ana), we establish the extent to which this phenomenon is documented, seek evidence of the prevalence and character of health-related networks, and explore their structure, function, participants, and impact, seeking to understand how they came into being and how they sustain themselves. Results indicate mass protest is not arising from these established health-related networking platforms. There is evidence of changes in policy following campaigning activity prompted by experiences shared through social networking such as improved National Health Service care for miscarriage (a Mumsnet campaign). Platform owners and managers have considerable power to shape these campaigns. Social networking is also influencing health policy indirectly through increasing awareness and so demand for health care. Transient social networking about health on platforms such as Twitter were not included as case studies but may be where the most radical or destabilizing influence on health care policy might arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Recent reports suggest that delayed school entry (DSE) may be beneficial for children with developmental delays. However, studies of the effects of DSE are inconclusive. This study investigated the effects of DSE versus age-appropriate school entry (ASE) on children's academic achievement and attention in middle childhood.Method: In total, 999 children (492 females, 507 males; 472 born preterm) were studied as part of a prospective population-based longitudinal study in Germany. Using a natural experimental design, propensity score matching was applied to create two matched groups who differed only in terms of DSE versus ASE. Teacher ratings of achievement in mathematics, reading, writing, and attention were obtained in Year 1, and standardized tests were administered at 8 years of age.Results: There was no evidence of a difference in the odds of DSE versus ASE children being rated as above average by teachers in Year 1. In contrast, the standardized mean test scores for DSE children were lower than ASE children's mean scores in all domains (mathematics: B=-0.28 [-0.51 to -0.06)], reading: B=-0.39 [-0.65 to -0.14], writing: B=-0.90 [-1.07 to -0.74], and attention: B=-0.58 [-0.79 to -0.36]).Interpretation: DSE did not affect teacher-rated academic performance. However, missing 1 year of learning opportunities was associated with poorer average performance in standardized tests at 8 years of age. Future research is needed to determine the long-term effect of DSE on academic achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The knowledge and information needs of education professionals were assessed to determine how prepared they feel to support the growing number of preterm children entering schools today. Method In a national survey, 585 teachers and 212 educational psychologists completed the Preterm Birth-Knowledge Scale ( PB- KS) to assess knowledge of outcomes following preterm birth. Total scores (range 0-33) were compared between groups and the impact of demographic characteristics on knowledge was analysed. Training and information needs were also assessed. Results Teaching staff (mean 14.7, SD 5.5) had significantly lower knowledge scores than educational psychologists (mean 17.1, SD 5.0; p<0.001); both had significantly lower scores than neonatal clinicians surveyed previously (mean 26.0, SD 3.6; p<0.001). Education professionals' poorest areas of knowledge related to the most frequent adverse outcomes following preterm birth. Only 16% of teaching staff had received training about preterm birth and more than 90% requested more information. Having a special educational needs role and being employed at least 16 years were associated with higher knowledge scores. Interpretation Education professionals have poor knowledge of the needs of children born preterm and most feel ill-equipped to support them in school. As teachers have primary responsibility for providing long-term support for children born preterm, this is of significant public health and educational concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire ( SDQ) in a population of children born extremely preterm (<26wks gestation). Method Parents and teachers of 219 extremely preterm children (118 females, 101 males; age 11y) were asked to complete the SDQ to screen for psychological problems. Multi-informant ratings were aggregated using two methods: combined (parent or teacher rated the child with problems) and pervasive (parent and teacher rated the child with problems). Psychiatric diagnoses were assigned using the Development and Well-Being Assessment. Results Pervasive ratings had the greatest diagnostic accuracy for emotional disorders (89%), conduct disorders (94%), attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD; 90%), and autism spectrum disorders ( ASDs; 94%), but were associated with low sensitivity (≤50%). For clinical use, combined ratings were best for detecting emotional disorders (sensitivity 77%, specificity 75%), conduct disorders (83%, 88%), and ADHD (85%, 72%). Parent ratings were best for ASDs (93%, 66%). Teacher ratings significantly improved prediction over parent ratings alone for conduct disorders (∆ χ2=9.3, p=0.002) and ADHD (∆ χ2=24.1, p<0.001) only. Interpretation Multi-informant data are preferable for assessing most mental health outcomes using the SDQ. As an outcome measure, pervasive ratings have the best predictive accuracy. For screening, combined ratings are best for detecting ADHD and emotional and conduct disorders. For ASDs, parent ratings were best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study explored inter-rater reliability, discriminative, construct and predictive validity of the Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant (NAPI) in a gestational-age-based cohort. Methods: The NAPI was conducted at 35 weeks post-menstrual age for 170 infants born <32 weeks. Cognitive and motor development was assessed at 2 years using the Mental Development Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) of Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II for 159 infants. Results: Only NAPI motor and irritability scores were significantly different between very (29-3 w) and extremely preterm (<28 w) infants. Results regarding construct validity were variable: there were weak correlations between NAPI motor scores and gestational age (r = −0.23; p = 0.003), days in NICU (r = −0.24; p = 0.001); NAPI alertness scores and days in NICU (r = −0.16; p = 0.037); and NAPI irritability scores and gestational age (r = 0.21; p = 0.006). There were no significant associations with other markers of adverse outcome. Only NAPI irritability scores were correlated with MDI scores (r = −0.16; p = 0.040) but accounted for little additional variance after adjustment for neonatal factors (ΔR2 = 0.035; p = 0.012). Conclusion: We found little evidence of the utility of the NAPI as a measure of short-term neurobehavioural function or for predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm infants. It may have greater predictive power when used serially to detect delayed neurobehavioural maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this article was to report the prevalence of, and risk factors for, positive autism screens using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) in children born extremely preterm in England. Method All children born at not more than 26 weeks' gestational age in England during 2006 were recruited to the EPICure-2 study. At 2 years of age, postal questionnaires incorporating the M-CHAT and additional developmental questions were sent to the parents of each survivor ( n=1031; 499 male, 532 female), of which 523 (266 male, 257 female; 51%) were returned completed. Results The prevalence of positive M-CHAT screens in this extremely preterm population was 41% (216/523; 130 male; 86 female). Severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, administration of postnatal steroids, late-onset bacteraemia, and being male were statistically significantly associated with a positive screen. Coexisting disabilities were present in 320 (62%) children. Of 200 children without disability, 16.5% screened positive. In contrast, 63 (95.5%) of those with severe motor impairment (odds ratio 42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 12.9-135) and 175 (55.9%) of those with cognitive impairment (odds ratio 5.3; CI 3.5-8) screened positive. All children with a significant vision or hearing impairment screened positive. Interpretation The prevalence of positive M-CHAT screens in extremely preterm children is high, especially in children with neurodevelopmental impairment. Positive screens should be interpreted in the light of other neurodevelopmental sequelae in clinical practice to avoid false-positive referrals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Assessing educational outcomes in high-risk populations is crucial for defining long-term outcomes. As standardized tests are costly and time-consuming, we assessed the use of the Teacher Academic Attainment Scale (TAAS) as an outcome measure. Method Three hundred and forty three children in mainstream schools aged 10 to 11 years (144 males, 199 females; 190 extremely preterm and 153 term; mean age 10y 9mo, SD 5.5mo, range 9y 8mo-12y 3mo) were assessed using the reading and mathematics scales of the criterion standard Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, 2nd (UK) edition (WIAT-II). Class teachers completed the TAAS, a seven-item questionnaire for assessing academic attainment. The TAAS was also completed at 6 years of age for 266 children. Results Cronbach's alpha 0.95 indicated excellent internal consistency, and the correlation between TAAS scores at 6 and 11 years indicated good test-retest reliability ( r=0.77, p<0.001). Significantly higher TAAS scores for term vs preterm children demonstrated discriminative validity. TAAS scores at 6 and 11 years were significantly correlated with WIAT-II reading ( r=0.69 and 0.75, p<0.001) and mathematics ( r=0.75 and 0.82, p<0.001) scores, demonstrating good predictive and concurrent validity respectively. TAAS scores of <2.5 were good predictors of learning difficulties. Interpretation The TAAS is a brief, psychometrically sound teacher-report of academic attainment that yields continuous and categorical outcomes. It provides a cost- and time-efficient outcome measure for large-scale studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive impairment often follows preterm birth but its early underlying nature is not well understood. We used a novel approach by investigating the development of colour cognition in 54 very preterm children born ⩽30 weeks gestational age without severe neurosensory impairment and 37 age-matched term-born controls, aged 2-5 years. Quantitative and qualitative differences in the development of colour cognition are well charted throughout the preschool years, enabling delayed from deviant development to be determined. Standardized domain-general and experimental colour-specific tests of language, attention, and memory were employed. Very preterm children showed significantly depressed language than term controls, with very preterm group girls significantly outperforming boys. Very preterm children also showed poorer attention and memory than term controls, but not significantly so. Importantly, colour-specific tests showed qualitatively similar performance, but for naming and executive planning quantitatively poorer performance, across groups, indicating typical but delayed development. Hence, even before school entry, compared with term-born peers, very preterm children show delayed development of cognitive processes that underpin later scholastic abilities, but the nature by which these processes operate appears to be typical of term children. If left untreated these early developmental delays may underpin later deviations from the typical developmental trajectory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of eating problems and their association with neurological and behavioural disabilities and growth among children born extremely preterm (EPC) at age 6 years. Method A standard questionnaire about eating was completed by parents of 223 children (125 males [56.1%], 98 females [43.9%]) aged 6 years who were born at 25 weeks’ gestation or earlier (mean 24.5wks, SD 0.7wks; mean birthweight 749.1g, SD 116.8g), and parents of 148 classmates born at term (66 males [44.6%], 82 females [55.4%]). All children underwent neurological, cognitive, and anthropometric assessment, and parents and teachers completed a behaviour scale. Results Eating problems were more common among the EPC than the comparison group (odds ratio [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1–6.3), including oral motor (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.8–9.9), hypersensitivity (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.6–5.6), and behavioural (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.9–7.6) problems. Group differences were reduced after adjustment for cognitive impairment, neuromotor disability, and other behaviour problems. EPC with eating problems were shorter, lighter, and had lower mid-arm circumference and lower body mass index (BMI) even after adjusting for disabilities, gestational age, birthweight, and feeding problems at 30 months. Interpretation Eating problems are still frequent in EPC at school age. They are only partly related to other disabilities but make an additional contribution to continued growth failure and may require early recognition and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental questionnaires are inexpensive alternatives to standardized testing for outcome measurement. The Parent Report of Children's Abilities has previously been revised (PARCA-R) and validated for use with very-preterm infants at 2 years of age. This study revalidated the PARCA-R for assessing cognition in a larger and more inclusive sample of preterm infants. One hundred and sixty-four children (82 males, 82 females) of <32 weeks' gestation (median 29wks, interquartile range [IQR] 28-30wks); and median birthweight 1200g (IQR 925-1463g) were evaluated using the Mental Development Index (MDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development - 2nd edition (BSID-II) at 2 years' corrected age. Parents completed the PARCA-R questionnaire. Significant correlations between PARCA-R Parent Report Composite (PRC) scores and MDI scores ( r=0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69-0.82, p<0.01) demonstrated concurrent validity. A receiver operating characteristic-determined PRC cut-off of <44 had optimal discriminatory power (area under curve 0.92) for identifying MDI <70, with 85% sensitivity (95% CI 0.58-0.96), 87% specificity (95% CI 0.81-0.92), 98% negative predictive value (95% CI 0.95-1), and 37% positive predictive value (95% CI 0.22-0.54). The PARCA-R has good concurrent validity and diagnostic utility for identifying cognitive delay in very-preterm infants at 2 years of age. It is useful for outcome measurement, developmental screening, and facilitating parental involvement at folow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental report may provide an inexpensive alternative to standardized assessments of children's development. We have adapted and validated a parental questionnaire on cognitive development for use with very preterm infants. Sixty-four 2-year-olds (28 males, 36 females) born less than 30 weeks' gestation (median 28.5 weeks, range 23 to 31 weeks), median birthweight 980g (range 500 to 1905g) were assessed using the Mental Development Index (MDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II and the parental questionnaire. Significant correlations between parent report and MDI scores (r=0.54-0.68, p<0.001) indicated good concurrent validity. Diagnostic use of the parent report for predicting an MDI score of less than 70 was assessed by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The optimal cut off produced equal sensitivity and specificity (81%), indicating good discriminatory power in diagnosing developmental delay. Test-retest reliability was demonstrated and accuracy of parent reporting was not affected by sociodemographic factors. Our questionnaire provides a valid outcome measure for use in randomized trials or large population surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusions To compare romantic and sexual relationships between adults born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks of gestation) or with very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) and at term, and to evaluate potential biological and environmental explanatory factors among VP/VLBW participants.This individual participant data (IPD) meta‐analysis included longitudinal studies assessing romantic and sexual relationships in adults (mean sample age ≥ 18 years) born VP/VLBW compared with term‐born controls. Following PRISMA‐IPD guidelines, 11 of the 13 identified cohorts provided IPD from 1606 VP/VLBW adults and 1659 term‐born controls. IPD meta‐analyses were performed using one‐stage approach.Individuals born VP/VLBW were less likely to be in a romantic relationship (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.31–0.76), to be married/cohabiting (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53–0.92), or to have had sexual intercourse (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09–0.36) than term‐born adults. If sexually active, VP/VLBW participants were more likely to experience their first sexual intercourse after the age of 18 years (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.24–3.01) than term‐born adults. Among VP/VLBW adults, males, and those with neurosensory impairment were least likely to experience romantic relationships.These findings reflect less optimal social functioning and may have implications for socioeconomic and health outcomes of adults born VP/VLBW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights from the article: Keywords: Ammoniak-Oxidation; Distickstoff; Homogene Katalyse; Radikalreaktionen; Ruthenium Die Spaltung von sechs N-H-Bindungen wurde durch die Kopplung von Protonen- und Elektronentransfers unter Verwendung des SP I t i sp Bu SB 3 sb ArO SP . sp -Radikals als H-Atomakzeptor erreicht.

This commentary is on the systematic review by Ritchie et al. on pages 899–918 of this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Two regions of Arabidopsis chromosome 4, totalling 4.7 Mb, were assayed for representation in the TAMU and IGF BAC libraries. A directed approach to BAC identification was developed. Gel-purified DNA samples of YACs selected from the YAC-based physical map of chromosome 4 were used to probe high-density colony arrays of the BAC libraries. Strategies were developed that allowed the efficient construction of restriction maps and BAC contigs. Four hundred and sixty-four BACs were mapped, assembled into two complete contigs and used to analyse genomic representation. These BACs provided a mean of 9.4-fold redundant coverage, with a range of 2- to 22-fold. The representation provided by the two libraries showed almost coincident peaks and troughs, with a periodicity of approximately 200 kb. These results demonstrate that, provided both TAMU and IGF libraries are used in their entirety, BACs should provide an excellent resource for both physical mapping and sequencing of the Arabidopsis genome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]