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Objective: To investigate the association between oral health status and all‐cause mortality in older adults using prospective cohort study design. Setting and participants: In total, 12 809 adults aged ≥70 years (54.3% females) were participants of the ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons (ALSOP). Methods: Participants self‐reported the presence of natural teeth and oral health status. The association of self‐reported oral health, edentulism and the integrative measure of the two with all‐cause mortality were explored using the Cox‐regression models adjusted for age, gender, socio‐economic status, health‐related behaviours, weight status, aspirin and polypharmacy. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results: In total, 22.2% of participants reported edentulism and 13.8% had fair/poor oral health. After adjustment for confounders, risk of all‐cause mortality was higher among those with edentulism (vs. no edentulism) HR (95% CI) 1.43 (1.18, 1.73); and those with edentulism and reporting poor/fair oral health HR (95% CI) 1.69 (1.02, 2.82), or with no edentulism but reporting poor/fair oral health HR (95% CI) 1.46 (1.19–1.80) vs. no edentulism and reporting good/very good/excellent oral health. No association was observed between self‐reported oral health alone and all‐cause mortality. Conclusions: The risk of all‐cause mortality was 69% higher among older adults reporting both edentulism and poor/fair oral health compared with those with teeth and more favourable self‐reported oral health. © 2023 Australian Dental Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kangerlussuaq Glacier (KG) is a major contributor to central‐eastern Greenland mass loss, but existing estimates of its mass balance over the last century are inconsistent, and specific drivers of change remain poorly understood. We present a novel approach that combines numerical modeling and a 1933–2021 climate forcing to reconstruct its mass balance over the past century. The model's final state aligns remarkably well with present‐day observations. The model reveals a total ice mass loss of 285 Gt over the past century, equivalent to 0.68 mm global sea level rise, 51% of which occurred since 2003 alone. Dynamic thinning from ice front retreat is responsible for 88% of mass change since 1933, with short‐term ice front variations having minimal impact on centennial mass loss. Compared to earlier studies, our findings suggest that KG lost 59% (or 301 Gt) less mass over the century than previously thought. Plain Language Summary: Kangerlussuaq Glacier (KG) is a primary source of mass loss from the central‐eastern sector of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Despite various efforts, there is still disagreement on how much mass KG has lost over the past century and the reason for the mass loss. We used computer models and climate data to determine that the glacier has lost 285 billion metric tons of ice over the last 100 years. That is enough to raise global sea levels by about two‐thirds of a millimeter. Over half of this ice loss has happened in the last 20 years, and the rates of mass loss in the past two decades were significantly higher than for most of the last century. While the ice front of the glacier can retreat without losing mass, if the snowfall is significant enough, we found that most ice loss was related to the glacier retreating. This new estimate of ice loss is 59% lower than previous studies suggested, showing that the glacier's decline is less severe than we thought. Key Points: Dynamic thinning due to the retreat of the ice front explains 88% of the mass loss since 1933Short‐term variability in the ice front has a lesser impact on the mass balance on centennial time scalesKangerlussuaq Glacier lost 59% (or 301 Gt) less mass over the century than previously thought [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wolves use howls to maintain large territories, intra-pack communication and social bonding. Besides their physical presence, howls are also instrumental in creating fear and impacting foraging behaviour among the lower cascade. Anthropocene-led behavioural alteration in vocalization has been observed in a wide range of species, but the effect on wolf howl is unknown. In this context, we have studied the howling behaviour of the Indian wolf through playback surveys (n = 264) across the anthropogenic gradient. We found a disparity in their howl response – based on the distance to villages. In the low disturbed East-Maharashtra (EM), wolves mostly avoided responding to howling surveys (HS) if done within 1200 m of villages [response rate (RR) = 0.03 ± 0.021], but they did respond once it was done far from villages (>1200 m) (RR = 0.226 ± 0.075). In high human-density West-Maharashtra (WM), wolves showed high RR within 1200 m from the villages (RR = 0.148 ± 0.031). But the RR within 500 m from villages was less as howling near villages might lead to easy detection. The collared wolf data showed significantly high RR (0.635 ± 0.067) in their home-range core, but low RR if the core area was close to a village. Therefore, howling too close to a village is disadvantageous, although their tolerance for responding to HS has increased in the human-dominated landscape. The extent of the village may increase further with development, which will leave fewer areas for the wolf to defend territory with a long-range howl. The wolves might behaviourally adapt to a human-modified landscape by reducing their howling intensity. Adaptation to a fragmented habitat may save the wolves from extinction, but the repercussions of the fundamental behavioural alteration might adversely impact wolf behaviour and the ecological cascade. Whereas ecologists are mainly concerned with the extinction of species, this study highlights the vulnerability of fundamental behaviour of a keystone species attributed to human-induced contemporary evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenland's bedrock responds to ongoing ice loss with an elastic vertical land motion (VLM) that is measured by Greenland's Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Network (GNET). The measured VLM also contains other contributions, including the long‐term viscoelastic response of the Earth to the deglaciation of the last glacial period. Greenland's ice sheet (GrIS) produces the most significant contribution to the total VLM. The contribution of peripheral glaciers (PGs) from both Greenland (GrPGs) and Arctic Canada (CanPGs) has not carefully been accounted for in previous GNSS analyses. This is a significant concern, since GNET stations are often closer to PGs than to the ice sheet. We find that, PGs produce significant elastic rebound, especially in North and East Greenland. Across these regions, the PGs produce up to 32% of the elastic rebound. For a few stations in the North, the VLM from PGs is larger than that due to the GrIS. Plain Language Summary: The solid Earth has long been compressed by the weight of overlying ice caps and ice sheets. As climate change causes ice to melt, and these loads diminish, the solid Earth relaxes, producing instantaneous elastic rebound and delayed viscoelastic rebound of the bedrock. Such displacements are recorded by the 58 permanent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations that comprise the Greenland GNSS Network (GNET). So far, only the ice mass changes from the ice sheet have been considered in the analyses of deformation recorded by GNET. Here, we evaluate the contribution from the peripheral glaciers, which are often much closer to the stations than the ice sheet. We find that at many stations, the signal produced by the peripheral glaciers is non‐negligible, especially in North and East Greenland. This allows us to better understand the residual rebound signal produced by the end of the last ice age. Key Points: Elastic rebound due to ice loss from peripheral glaciers can exceed that due to ice sheet lossThis effect is most significant at Global Navigation Satellite System Network (GNET) sites in North and East GreenlandPeripheral glacier loss should be acknowledged when isolating glacial isostatic adjustment from GNET [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a regional ocean surface waves dataset from Sentinel‐1 A and B Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites has been described. The ocean wave data have been extracted from the Sentinel‐1 level‐2 OCN (ocean) product as provided by the European Space Agency and downloadable for this region from the Copernicus Australasia regional data hub. The source OCN data have been produced by evolving versions of Sentinel‐1 Instrument Processing Facility (IPF). The structure of the source OCN NetCDF files changes over time and presents a challenge in performing long duration, time series analyses, including the examination of potential inconsistencies in OCN wave data, due to employment of different IPF versions over the duration of the satellite missions. Here, the input OCN wave data have been homogenized to a single, easily usable standard format after applying a quality assurance and control procedure that removes various inconsistencies in variables, coordinates, dimensions and land flag, and through the addition of new auxiliary variables. The new format has the desirable properties of being compact in size, consistent in structure, and scalable in temporal and spatial coverage. It is also convenient to use and offers opportunities to perform fast, multi‐year regional processing and analysis for calibration and validation studies and scientific applications. No re‐processing of Sentinel‐1 level‐1 data has been carried out in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper investigated the associations between oral health with behavioural, demographic, periodontitis risk, financial and access to dental care barriers and compared the results in three Australian regional areas.Methods: Data were obtained from the Australian National Study of Adult Oral Health (2017-18). Oral health status was measured using DMFT-score, and mean numbers of decayed, missing or filled teeth and periodontitis prevalence using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Periodontal Classification. The analysis included these dependent variables by three regional areas, seven socio-demographic variables, two periodontal disease risk factors, two preventive dental behaviours, two barriers to dental care and three access to dental care variables.Results: Of the 15,731 people interviewed, 5,022 were examined. There was no significant difference in periodontitis prevalence between the regions. All the socio-demographic characteristics, periodontal disease risk factors and preventive dental behaviours were significantly associated with at least one of the dental caries indicators. In multivariable analysis, there was no significant association between regional location with any of the four clinical dental caries variables.Conclusion: Poorer oral health outside major cities was associated with household income, education level, higher smoking, usual reason for and frequency of dental visiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst multi‐planar imaging has allowed advances in diagnosis and treatment of canine spinal cord disorders, it is sometimes inaccessible to pet owners leading to a reliance on imaging modalities and ancillary tests that are more readily available. For this reason, this essay considers how Bayesian clinical reasoning may aid in deciding which tests, if any, are most useful for the diagnosis of spinal disease in clinical practice and choosing reasonable empiric therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is one of the most profound causes of cancer‐related deaths in the world. Early detection is known to significantly improve the chances of survival. Several detection and diagnostic methods are used for this purpose. CT is one of the most widely used non‐invasive medical imaging modalities in this domain. The biggest challenge faced by radiologists in this case is detection and diagnosis of cancerous lung nodules. The growth of ground glass opacity (GGO) lesions is an indication of malignancy. However, GGO is difficult to capture for physicians as it manifests in the form of tiny, faint shadows. This research paper proposes an approach for aiding GGO identification in CT lung images for improved lung cancer prognosis. In the proposed approach, morphological reconstruction is used for segmentation. Once the region of interest (ROI) is extracted, statistical analysis using mean, standard deviation, variance, entropy, skewness, kurtosis, minimum grey scale value, maximum grey scale value and range is performed. The same statistical measures are determined for normal lung and distribution plot is drawn for comparison. It is observed that maximum grey‐scale value demonstrates minimum overlap of approximately 7.4%. To reduce this, a joint feature by summing values of feature mean, skewness, and maximum grey‐scale value was used. This approach reduced the overlap to approximately 1.32%. Lastly, ANN was used for classification of GGO and non‐GGO lung tissue with an achieved accuracy of 99.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Haematoma after thyroid surgery can lead to airway obstruction and death. We therefore developed guidelines to improve the safety of peri‐operative care of patients undergoing thyroid surgery. We conducted a systematic review to inform recommendations, with expert consensus used in the absence of high‐quality evidence, and a Delphi study was used to ratify recommendations. We highlight the importance of multidisciplinary team management and make recommendations in key areas including: monitoring; recognition; post‐thyroid surgery emergency box; management of suspected haematoma following thyroid surgery; cognitive aids; post‐haematoma evacuation care; day‐case thyroid surgery; training; consent and pre‐operative communication; postoperative communication; and institutional policies. The guidelines support a multidisciplinary approach to the management of suspected haematoma following thyroid surgery through oxygenation and evaluation; haematoma evacuation; and tracheal intubation. They have been produced with materials to support implementation. While these guidelines are specific to thyroid surgery, the principles may apply to other forms of neck surgery. These guidelines and recommendations provided are the first in this area and it is hoped they will support multidisciplinary team working, improving care and outcomes for patients having thyroid surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The observed crustal uplift rates in Greenland are caused by the combined response of the solid Earth to both ongoing and past surface mass changes. Existing elastic Earth models and Maxwell linear viscoelastic GIA (glacial isostatic adjustment) models together underpredict the observed uplift rates. These models do not capture the ongoing mantle deformation induced by significant ice melting since the Little Ice Age. Using a simple Earth model within a Bayesian framework, we show that this recent mass loss can explain the data‐model misfits but only when a reduced mantle strength is considered. The inferred viscosity for sub‐centennial timescale mantle deformation is roughly one order of magnitude smaller than the upper mantle viscosity inferred from GIA analysis of geological data. Reconciliation of geological sea‐level and modern crustal motion data may require that the model effective viscosity be treated with greater sophistication than in the simple Maxwell rheological paradigm. Plain Language Summary: There are 57 permanent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations on bedrock in Greenland. These stations provide point‐measurements of three‐dimensional crustal motion. We can model a large portion of the observed crustal uplift rates as elastic Earth response to ongoing rates of ice‐mass loss. We model the remaining part of the uplift rates as the ongoing viscous response of the solid Earth to past ice‐ocean mass exchange—a process termed glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). Earth structure and deglaciation history in GIA models are usually constrained by geological data that record paleo sea level and past ice margins. To fully explain the GNSS‐measured uplift rates, we propose that these geologically constrained GIA models should additionally resolve: (a) ice‐mass changes during and after the Little Ice Age; and (b) broadband mantle relaxation processes. While such features are challenging to implement, they offer a more granular model paradigm appropriate to the improved temporal sampling that the collective geological and geodetic data sets now provide. Key Points: GIA models constrained by geological data underpredict the modern crustal uplift rates corrected for the elastic loading effectsMass loss since the Little Ice Age explains the residual uplift rates provided a reduced mantle viscosity on sub‐centennial timescalesReconciling geological and modern geodetic data requires a more sophisticated mantle rheology model than generally used in loading studies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Kidney transplant (KT) directors are general surgeons or urologists. All KT centers must meet established performance standards. However, it has not been established if general surgery and urology led programs have disparate outcomes. Methods: Transplant outcomes and donor‐recipient characteristics by director training were investigated. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) directory, program websites were analyzed for surgical director demographics. Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) 1‐year kidney survival and deceased donor (DD) wait‐time rankings were evaluated. A retrospective analysis of 142 157 KT recipients from 2010 to 2019 was performed using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. Results: One hunderd and seventy three (90.6%) KT programs were led by general surgeons. There were no significant differences in gender, ethnicity, region, credentials, or fellowship completion. Recipients undergoing KT with urology led programs were older (P =.002) and had longer wait‐times (P <.001). These centers used higher KDPI (.47 vs..45, P <.001) and higher HLA mismatch (3.92 vs. 3.89, P =.02) kidneys. Urology led centers utilized living donors less frequently (32.1% vs. 35.8%, P <.001) and had longer CIT (15.44 vs. 12.21, P <.001). Both had similar SRTR ranking of 1‐year survival and DD wait‐time. Conclusion: Most directors were general surgeon. Patient outcomes did not differ by transplant director training. Urologists represent a viable option for KT leadership and recruitment should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the diamagnetic flow in a non-uniform partially ionized plasma with non-Maxwellian electron population to explain the dynamics of ion velocity shear-induced low-frequency drift mode and associated instabilities. The dispersion relations are found, and instability threshold conditions are pointed out along with ion-parallel momentum transport due to drift motion with relative phase shift of fluctuating quantities in a non-conservative system. The real frequencies and instability growth rates are studied numerically and illustrated for typical space and laboratory plasmas. This study should be useful in understanding some aspects of low-frequency time-delayed perturbations with sheared flow leading to drift instabilities and cross-field parallel ion momentum transport in nonuniform magnetoplasmas containing a non-Maxwellian electron population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of mineral nutrients with metals/metalloids and signalling molecules is well known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of phosphorus (P) in mitigation of arsenic (As) stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.).The study was conducted to investigate potential of 30 mg P·kg−1 soil P supplement (diammonium phosphate) to cope up with the adverse effects of As stress (24 mg As·kg−1 soil) in mustard plantsSupplementation of P influenced nitric oxide (NO) generation, which up‐regulated proline metabolism, ascorbate–glutathione system and glyoxalase system and alleviated the effects of on photosynthesis and growth. Arsenic stress generated ROS and methylglyoxal content was scavenged through P‐mediated NO, and reduced As translocation from roots to leaves. The involvement of NO under P‐mediated alleviation of As stress was substantiated with the use of cPTIO (NO biosynthesis inhibitor) and SNP (NO inducer). The reversal of P effects on photosynthesis under As stress with the use of cPTIO emphasized the role of P‐mediated NO in mitigation of As stress and protection of photosynthesisThe results suggested that P reversed As‐induced oxidative stress by modulation of NO formation, which regulated antioxidant machinery. Thus, P‐induced regulatory interaction between NO and reversal of As‐induced oxidative stress for the protection of photosynthesis may be suggested for sustainable crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal impairment is common in patients who are critically ill with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). We examined the association between acute and chronic kidney disease with clinical outcomes in 372 patients with coronavirus disease-19 admitted to four regional intensive care units between 10 March 2020 and 31 July 2020. A total of 216 (58%) patients presented with COVID-19 and renal impairment. Acute kidney injury and/or chronic kidney disease was associated with greater in-hospital mortality compared with patients with preserved renal function (107/216 patients (50%) (95%CI 44-57) vs. 32/156 (21%) (95%CI 15-28), respectively; p < 0.001, relative risk 2.4 (95%CI 1.7-3.4)). Mortality was greatest in patients with renal transplants (6/7 patients (86%) (95%CI 47-100)). Mortality rates increased in patients with worsening renal injury according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes classification: stage 0 mortality 33/157 patients (21%) (95%CI 15-28) vs. stages 1-3 mortality 91/186 patients (49%) (95%CI 42-56); p < 0.001, relative risk 2.3 (95%CI 1.7-3.3). Survivors were less likely to require renal replacement therapy compared with non-survivors (57/233 patients (24%) vs. 64/139 patients (46%), respectively; p < 0.001, relative risk 1.9 (95%CI 1.4-2.5)). One-fifth of survivors who required renal replacement therapy acutely in intensive care continued to require renal support following discharge. Our data demonstrate that renal impairment in patients admitted to intensive care with COVID-19 is common and is associated with a high mortality and requirement for on-going renal support after discharge from critical care. Our findings have important implications for future pandemic planning in this patient cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intercomparison between directional wave spectra derived from Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites and a WAVEWATCH III model hindcast in the wider Australian region is presented. The coastal buoy network around Australia is considerably sparse, and only a handful of buoy measurements exist in deeper oceans. National and regional scale wave models require validation and verification through intercomparisons with available observations to be confidently adopted and improved. In the absence of dense in-situ measurements, satellite-derived surface wave data provide an invaluable and independent source of observations. Satellite altimeters provide well-calibrated significant wave height data, but do not resolve wave directions, and are also not the platform of choice for resolving wave periods. SAR satellites that routinely map ocean surface waves fill this gap as they are able to measure directional wind-wave spectra of long period waves. This constitutes an important satellite data stream for better understanding the propagation of swell waves across ocean basins, and for comparisons with national and down-scaled wave models. However, both SAR wave measurements as well as wave models do not represent the truth and need qualification before regarding them as reliable data sets. The aim of this article is to perform an intercomparison of a wave model hindcast with SAR-derived wave information in the wider Australian region. The comparisons are done in the context of mean wave climate and its seasonal variability, and demonstrate good agreement for wave heights and periods. Valuable insights into possible sources of disagreement are given. Plain Language Summary Australia has one of the longest coastlines and largest marine estates in the world. Surrounded by the Pacific, Indian, and Southern Oceans, it is heavily influenced by the impingent wave climate. Ocean waves affect marine safety and navigation, public beach safety and recreation, design of coastal infrastructure, offshore platforms and ships, and are a potential source of renewable energy. It is therefore important that ocean wave conditions are understood, and can be accurately predicted. Wave buoys are sparse in Australian waters, due to challenges in deploying them in harsh ocean conditions throughout the year, and the cost of covering such a large area. Wave models fill this gap by providing continuous wave information over vast regions, while satellite radars can also measure global ocean surface waves repeatedly. This research explores how ocean waves measured by Synthetic Aperture Radars compare with a global wave model in the context of mean wave climate and its seasonal variability around Australia, knowing that both these sources of wave data can contain errors. The comparisons demonstrate good agreement between wave heights and periods, providing encouragement on the efficacy of these instruments, as well as offering valuable insight into model deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Universal test and treat (UTT) is recommended for people living with HIV (PLHIV) to reduce morbidity/mortality and minimize transmission. However, concerns exist that this strategy may lead to more crowded hospitals, longer wait times and poorer service, adversely impacting health outcomes for clients with severe disease. We assessed how UTT was related to markers of disease progression in PLHIV overall and specifically among clients with low CD4 count/high World Health Organization (WHO) stage. Methods: The analysis was conducted using data from a stepped‐wedge trial of UTT in 14 government‐managed health facilities in Eswatini from 2014 to 2017. Disease progression was defined as CD4 count falling below 200 cells/µL or baseline value, > 10% weight loss, body mass index (BMI) dropping below 18.5, incident tuberculosis (TB) or HIV‐related death; these outcomes also were assessed individually. We assessed multivariate Cox proportional hazard models overall and specifically among clients with CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or WHO stage 3–4 at enrolment. Results: Eight hundred and seven of 3176 clients demonstrated at least one marker of disease progression over 2339 person‐years of follow‐up. Overall, 62.4% of clients were female; 57.2% were < 35 years old. Compared to clients not exposed to UTT, those exposed to UTT had a lower rate of disease progression overall [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46–0.78] and a lower rate of CD4 decline (aHR 0.40; 95% CI 0.27–0.58). When the analysis was limited to clients with CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or WHO stage 3–4, UTT was not associated with disease progression (aHR 0.92; 95% CI 0.66–1.29). Conclusions: UTT reduced HIV disease progression overall and was not detrimental for clients with more severe disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Current WHO guidelines recommend the treatment of all HIV‐infected individuals with antiretroviral therapy (ART) to improve survival and quality of life, and decrease infection of others. MaxART is the first implementation trial of this strategy embedded within a government‐managed health system, and assesses mortality as a secondary outcome. Because primary findings strongly supported scale‐up of the 'treat all' strategy (hereafter Treat All), this analysis examines mortality as an additional indicator of its impact. Methods: MaxART was conducted in 14 Eswatinian health clinics through a clinic‐based stepped‐wedge design, by transitioning clinics from then‐national standard of care (SoC) to the Treat All intervention. All‐cause, disease‐related, and HIV‐related mortality were analysed using the Cox proportional hazards model, censoring SoC participants at clinic transition. Median follow‐up time among study participants was 292 days. There were 36/2034 deaths in SoC (1.77%) and 49/1371 deaths in Treat All (3.57%). Results: Between September 2014 and August 2017, 3405 participants were enrolled. In SoC and Treat All interventions, respectively, the multivariable‐adjusted 12‐month all‐cause mortality rates were 1.42% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–2.17] and 1.60% (95% CI: 0.78–2.40), disease‐related mortality rates were 1.02% (95% CI: 0.40–1.64) and 1.10% (95% CI: 0.46–1.73), and HIV‐related mortality rates were 1.03% (95% CI: 0.40–1.65) and 0.99% (95% CI: 0.40–1.58). Treat All had no impact on all‐cause [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.58–2.18, P = 0.73], disease‐related (HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.52–2.11, P = 0.90), or HIV‐related mortality (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.46–1.87, P = 0.83). Conclusion: There was no immediate benefit of the Treat All strategy on mortality, nor evidence of harm. Longer follow‐up of participants is needed to establish long‐term consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CLE (CLAVATA3/ESR) gene family, encoding a group of small secretory peptides, plays important roles in cell‐to‐cell communication, thereby controlling a broad spectrum of development processes. The CLE family has been systematically characterized in some plants, but not in Brassica napus.In the present study, 116 BnCLE genes were identified in the B. napus genome, including seven unannotated, six incorrectly predicted and five multi‐CLE domain‐encoding genes. These BnCLE members were separated into seven distinct groups based on phylogenetic analysis, which might facilitate the functional characterization of the peptides.Further characterization of CLE pre‐propeptides revealed 31 unique CLE peptides from 45 BnCLE genes, which may give rise to distinct roles of BnCLE and expansion of the gene family. The biological activity of these unique CLE dodecamer peptides was tested further through in vitro peptide assays. Variations in several important residues were identified as key contributors to the functional differentiation of BnCLE and expansion of the gene family in B. napus. Expression profile analysis helped to characterize possible functional redundancy and sub‐functionalization among the BnCLE members.This study presents a comprehensive overview of the CLE gene family in B. napus and provides a foundation for future evolutionary and functional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes in a cohort of women with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: Ten specialist centres managing pregnant women with liver disease.Population: Women with a diagnosis of PBC and PSC and a pregnancy of ≥20 completed weeks of gestation.Methods: Retrospective case notes review.Main Outcome Measures: Adverse outcomes were defined as: maternal - development of ascites, variceal bleeding, encephalopathy and jaundice; obstetric events - gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and postpartum haemorrhage; and neonatal - stillbirth, preterm delivery and admission to neonatal unit. The relationship of alanine transferase (ALT) and bile acid levels with gestation at delivery was studied.Results: The first recorded pregnancies of 34 women with PSC and 27 women with PBC were analysed. There were 60 live births and one intrapartum stillbirth that did not occur in the context of maternal cholestasis. The overall median gestation of delivery was 38 weeks but the rate of preterm birth was 28% (17/61 deliveries), 76% (13/17) of which were spontaneous. Gestation at birth negatively correlated with maternal serum ALT concentration at booking (P = 0.017) and serum bile acid concentration during pregnancy (P = 0.016). There were no other significant correlations and maternal and neonatal outcomes were good.Conclusions: Pregnancy in PBC and PSC is well tolerated, but women should be counselled regarding the increased risk of preterm birth. Measurement of maternal ALT and bile acids may help identify women at risk of preterm delivery.Tweetable Abstract: Pregnancy in women with PBC and PSC is well tolerated; however, rates of preterm birth are high and are related to maternal bile acid levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: We hypothesised that there was inappropriate group AB plasma used in our hospital, identifiable by a novel key quality indicator (KQI) and mitigable through massive transfusion protocol (MTP) modification. Background: Group AB plasma is a scarce resource strained by increasing usage worldwide when used as universal donor plasma in non‐group AB patients. To reduce inappropriate use and to promote benchmarking to the best practice, we developed the AB plasma appropriateness index (ABAI). ABAI is the ratio of AB plasma transfused to group AB or unknown blood group patients to all AB plasma utilised, where values closer to 1 are better. Methods: Data collected included AB plasma disposition by blood group, indications for transfusion, total blood utilisation, patient clinical characteristics and outcomes. ABAI during a 12‐month period was retrospectively assessed, which led to implementation of pre‐thawed group A plasma instead of group AB plasma for trauma patients starting in July 2017. Results: The ABAI retrospectively showed inappropriate use in non‐group AB patients in our hospital, the majority used to avoid expiry after thaw. When comparing 1‐year pre‐ and post‐implementation periods, ABAI improved from 0·464 to 0·900 (P < 0·0001). After exclusion of therapeutic plasma exchange, ABAI still improved (0·486–0·720, P < 0·0001). No differences in the length of stay or mortality associated in 32 patients receiving group A plasma for emergency release were observed. Conclusion: The ABAI is a novel KQI to indicate inappropriate AB plasma usage for quality improvement. This led to thawed A plasma use for MTPs, reducing inappropriate AB plasma usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We undertook a randomised control led trial to evaluate the effect of a prototype device which attaches to the intravenous drug administration port, and allows injection of intravenous drugs only after the user scans the barcode on the syringe label. This requires two steps: first, that the correct drug label is generated; and second, that the syringe-with-label is scanned before administration. Ten anaesthetists, who were unaware of the primary outcome being measured, administered general anaesthesia for two simulated standardised cases each without and with our prototype (control and intervention, respectively). The primary outcome measured was compliance with a safe drug administration procedure (defined as a two-step procedure where, step one is scanning a drug ampoule to print a label for a syringe and step two is scanning of the labelled syringe before administering it intravenously). A total of 182 intravenous drug administrations occurred in the study (91 in each group). We found that the use of our prototype increased safe drug administration behaviour in experienced anaesthetists; 33 (36.3% [95% CI 26-47%]) vs. 91 (100% [95% CI 96-100%]) in the control and intervention groups, respectively (p = 0.0001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The aim of this randomized trial was to evaluate the performance of self‐training versus didactic training in order to increase the diagnostic accuracy of diminutive/small colonic polyp histological prediction by trainees. Methods: Sixteen trainees reviewed 78 videos (48 iSCAN‐OE and 30 NBI) of diminutive/small polyps in a pretraining assessment. Trainees were randomized to receive computer‐based self‐learning (n = 8) or didactic training (n = 8) using identical teaching materials and videos. The same 78 videos, in a different randomized order, were assessed. The NICE (NBI International Colorectal Endoscopic) and SIMPLE (Simplified Identification Method for Polyp Labeling during Endoscopy) classification systems were used to classify diminutive/small polyps. Results: A higher proportion of high‐confidence predictions of polyps was made by the self‐training group versus the didactic group using both the SIMPLE classification (77.1% [95% CI 73.4–80.3] vs 69.9% [95% CI 66.1–73.5%] [P = 0.005]) and the NICE classification (77% [95% CI 73.2–80.4%] vs 69.8% [95% CI 66–73.4%] [P = 0.006]). When using NICE, sensitivity of the self‐training group compared with the didactic group was 72% versus 83% (P = 0.0005), and the accuracy was 66.1% versus 69.1%. The training improved the confidence of participants and SIMPLE was preferred over NICE. Conclusion: Self‐learning for the prediction of diminutive/small polyp histology is a method of training that can achieve results similar to didactic training. Availability of adequate self‐learning teaching modules could enable widespread implementation of optical diagnosis in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patterns diversity slot antenna loaded with a dielectric resonator is presented for on‐body communication systems in 2.45 GHz band. The diversity is achieved by launching even and odd modes on coplanar feed lines resulting in end‐fire and broadside radiation pattern respectively. Loading of dielectric resonator enhances impedance bandwidth and improves isolation between broadside and end‐fire patterns. A common impedance bandwidth of 4% is obtained along with ports isolation of 22 dB. Diversity gain is calculated for three unique on‐body channels and the maximum diversity gain of 8.5 dB is achieved for nonline‐of‐sight on body channel. Large diversity gain and planar geometry makes this antenna suitable for various on‐body communication applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the perceived sources of stress reported by dental students from fourteen different countries. Methods: A total of 3568 dental students were recruited from 14 different dental schools. The dental environmental stress (DES) questionnaire was used including 7 domains. Responses to the DES were scored in 4‐point Likert scale. Comparison between students was performed according to the study variables. The top 5 stress‐provoking questions were identified amongst dental schools. Data were analysed using SPSS software program. Mann‐Whitney and Kruskal‐Wallis tests were used as appropriate. Logistic regression analysis was also conducted to determine the effect of the studied variables on the stress domains. The level of statistical significance was set at <.05. Results: Internal consistency of the scale was excellent (0.927). Female students formed the majority of the total student population. The percentage of married students was 4.8%. Numbers of students in pre‐clinical and clinical stages were close together. The most stress‐provoking domain was "workload" with a score of 2.05 ± 0.56. Female students scored higher stress than male students did in most of the domains. Significant differences were found between participating countries in all stress‐provoking domains. Dental students from Egypt scored the highest level of stress whilst dental students from Jordan scored the lowest level of stress. Conclusion: The self‐reported stress in the dental environment is still high and the stressors seem to be comparable amongst the participating countries. Effective management programmes are needed to minimise dental environment stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We propose a novel sensitivity based approach that predicts and explains the accuracy of material parameter identification for a composite plate using the Projected Finite Element Update Method. A typical experiment using the Projected Finite Element Update Method technique involves a plate specimen held at 3 or 4 supports and bent under the application of a point load. Two‐Dimensional Digital Image Correlation is used to measure the pseudo displacements resulting from the projection of out‐of‐plane deflection of the plate onto the image plane. A cost function relating the projected numerical and experimental displacement fields is then minimised to obtain the material parameters. It is shown that the contribution of a specific material parameter in the observed displacement field influences the accuracy of its identification. The contributions from material parameters are first quantified in terms of sensitivity criterion that may be tailored by changing the elements of test configuration such as location of supports, the load application point, and the specimen geometry. Several test configurations are designed by maximising the sensitivities corresponding to individual material parameters. The relevance of proposed sensitivity criterion in these configurations is then validated through material identification in simulated experiments with added Gaussian noise. Finally, a thin CFRP plate is tested under these configurations to demonstrate the practical use of this approach. The proposed approach helps in robust estimation of the in‐plane elastic moduli from a bent composite plate with a simple Two‐Dimensional Digital Image Correlation setup without requiring measurement of the actual plate deflection or curvatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work investigates the viability of using the Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) Dual‐frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) as a reference for evaluating multisatellite precipitation products in locations where a ground‐based reference is not available. The Integrated Multi‐Satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) version V05 products (early, late, and final) and the microwave‐only (MW) and infrared‐only (IR) components are evaluated against two reference data sets, derived from the Multi‐Radar/Multi‐Sensor System suite of products (MRMS) and the level‐2 DPR (2ADPR). The analysis focuses on a 2‐year period (2014–2015), excluding winters to evaluate liquid‐phase precipitation only. Systematic and random errors are assessed between the satellite‐based products and the MRMS‐based reference. Systematic error for the IMERG early, late, and final products and the MW component are shown to be comparable to those of 2ADPR, while the IR component exhibits a larger bias. Random errors of the IR estimates are found to be 1 order of magnitude larger than the 2ADPR random error. Thus, the hypothesis of using 2ADPR as a benchmark for quantifying uncertainties associated with IMERG holds true for evaluating random errors associated with IR precipitation estimates. Errors in the IR component are then investigated as a function of climatology and seasonality across contiguous United States. The temperate, oceanic, and subtropical climates show the best performance in terms of probability of detection and success ratio, whereas arid‐desert manifests the smallest root‐mean‐square errors. This work suggests that climatic zone‐specific error characterization model is necessary to estimate uncertainties associated with the IMERG products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An eight elements, compact, ultra‐wideband multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) 3‐D antenna array is reported. The proposed antenna system consists of eight monopole radiators, four elements are designed in planar configuration and four elements are placed perpendicularly to the planar configuration. Four elements are provided with a U‐shaped slot to match the input impedance over the entire bandwidth. All the monopoles are placed strategically to exploit polarization diversity which is believed to improve isolation. Good impedance matching and isolation higher than 15 dB are observed over the 3‐11 GHz frequency range. The proposed MIMO antenna array has a total size of 50 × 50 × 25 mm3 and measurements of prototype printed on a 1.524 mm thick Rogers TMM4 laminate resulted in good agreement with full wave numerical simulations. The proposed design provides high degree of isolation without compromise on compactness and also operated over wideband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Obesity in young adults and adolescents is associated with chronic co‐morbidities. This project investigated whether being overweight or obese is a risk factor for periodontitis in adolescents (13–17 years) and young adults (18–34 years). Methods: A search of 12 databases was conducted using Medical Subject Headings/Index and Emtree terms. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses, articles published between 2003 and 2016 were screened that reported periodontal and anthropometric measures. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used to appraise the quality of studies. Results: Of 25 eligible studies from 12 countries, 17 showed an association between obesity and periodontitis (odds ratios ranged from 1.1 to 4.5). The obesity indicators of body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐hip ratio and body fat percentage were significantly associated with measures of periodontitis of bleeding on probing, plaque index, probing depths, clinical attachment loss, calculus, oral hygiene index and community periodontal index. Two prospective cohort studies in the review showed no significant association between obesity and periodontitis, but these studies had limitations of study design and used inappropriate epidemiological diagnostic measures of periodontitis. Conclusion: There was evidence to suggest that obesity is associated with periodontitis in adolescents and young adults. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42016046507 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study was conducted to evaluate the comparative effect of maggot meal, silkworm meal and mealworm as dietary protein source on the production performance and some aspects of meat quality in broilers. In this regard, maggot meal was reared on chicken offal and poultry waste. Silkworm meal was obtained from silk industry, while mealworm was developed through beetles rearing. A total of 120‐day‐old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups where soya bean meal (M0) was replaced with maggot meal (M1), silkworm meal (M2) and mealworm (M3) respectively. Each group was further divided into three replicates. The study was carried out for a period of 5 weeks. Diets containing mealworm significantly reduced overall feed consumption and resulted into higher weight gain (p < .05). Lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded for birds fed with mealworm diet (p < .05). Tenderness and juiciness of meat were higher (p < .05) in M3 compared to the control and other treatments. Mortality did not vary between the control and the treated groups. Therefore, it is concluded that insect meal is rich in essential nutrients and could be successfully used in broiler ration without compromising acceptability. In the light of this study, mealworm is the best choice in broiler ration, in comparison with maggot and silkworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: Conventional somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique of in vitro production of cloned embryos involves use of costly and complicated micromanipulators. Handmade cloning (HMC) technique has been applied as efficient and cost‐effective alternative in many livestock species. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficiency of in vitro production and in vitro development of cloned sheep embryos by the two techniques. Cloned embryos were produced by conventional SCNT using micromanipulator apparatus and by HMC technique. Enucleation efficiency and efficiency of fusion with somatic cell (nucleus donor) were compared. Cleavage percentage was observed on day 2 of in vitro culture (IVC), and morula and blastocyst percentages were calculated on day 7 of IVC. Higher enucleation efficiency (96.98 ± 1.01 vs. 93.62 ± 1.03; p > .05) as well as fusion efficiency was obtained with HMC technique than with conventional SCNT (96.26 ± 1.34 vs. 92.63 ± 0.70, p < .05); 181 cloned sheep embryos were produced in vitro by conventional SCNT and 92 by HMC. Cleavage percentage observed on day 2 of in vitro culture was higher in HMC than SCNT (66.92 ± 3.72 vs. 55.97 ± 2.5, respectively, p < .05). Morula percentage obtained was higher in SCNT than HMC (44.12 ± 2.93 vs. 30.43 ± 6.79, respectively, p < .05), whereas blastocyst percentage obtained by HMC was higher (12.46 ± 4.96) than SCNT (5.31 ± 2.25; p > .05). It was inferred that HMC technique provides a cost‐effective and efficient method of in vitro production of cloned sheep embryos with a comparatively simpler technique with a possibility of automation. Efficiency of cloned embryo production could be improved further by propagating and standardizing this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of the study was to detect the frequency of the CFTR gene variants poly‐T, TG repeats and c.1408A>G p.Met470Val (M470V) in Indian men with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). Men diagnosed with CBAVD (n = 76), their female partners (n = 76) and healthy men from general population (n = 50) were recruited. Genomic DNA was isolated and the polymorphic regions of IVS9‐ c.1210‐12T [5] and M470V were amplified using specific primers followed by Sanger's DNA sequencing. A statistically significant increase in the frequency of heterozygous IVS9‐ c.1210‐12T [5] (39.4%) was observed in CBAVD men as compared to controls (14%). The allelic distribution of c.1210‐12T [5], c.1210‐12T [7] and c.1210‐12T [9] in CBAVD men was 21%, 64.4% and 13% and that in healthy controls was 7%, 73% and 20% respectively. Longest TG repeat c.1210‐34TG [13] was found in association with c.1210‐12T [5] with an allelic frequency of 5.9% in CBAVD men. We found a significant association of c.1210‐34TG [12]/c.1210‐34TG [13] ‐ c.1210‐12[5] –V470 allele in CBAVD men. Twelve female partners harboured a heterozygous c.1210‐12T [5] allele. The study emphasises the need to screen both partners for the polymorphisms M470V, poly‐T, TG tract repeats in addition to population‐specific known CFTR gene mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A popular hypothesis known as the atopic march proposes a set of sequential allergy and respiratory disorders in early childhood contributes enormously to the burden of disease in developed countries. Although the concept of the atopic march has been refined and strengthened by many cross-sectional and longitudinal studies linking eczema as the initial manifestation with progression to hay fever and then asthma, there is yet no definitive proof that the atopic march is the primary causal factor in childhood allergic disease. This debate is mainly related to the controversy around potential confounding of these associations by genetic and environmental factors. Family studies are ideally suited to unravelling the role of these factors. While multiple reviews have synthesized evidence from studies investigating this question, no review to date has explored specific evidence generated by twin and sibling studies to understand the aetiology of atopic march diseases. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of twin and sibling studies that examine the allergic phenotypes that form the atopic march, to determine whether such analyses of data from these studies attempt to control for the effect confounding by shared factors, and to report estimates of the magnitude of associations between multiple phenotypes. Our review suggests that (1) genetics play a bigger role predisposing eczema to hay fever and eczema to asthma than environmental factors, and (2) the link between eczema and asthma and hay fever is independent of shared early-life environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This investigation explored the hypothesis that in obesity an inflammatory response in the kidney contributed to a renal nerve-dependent blunting of the baroreflex regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity. Methods Rats received a normal (12% kcal) or high-fat (45% kcal) diet for 8 weeks plus daily injections of vehicle (0.9% NaCl i.p) or tacrolimus (0.25 mg kg−1 day−1 i.p) from weeks 3-8. Following anaesthesia, left renal sympathetic nerve activity was recorded, baroreflex gain curves were generated, by infusing phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside, and cardiopulmonary baroreceptors challenged by infusing a saline load. Results The high-fat diet elevated weight gain and adiposity index by 89 and 129% (both, P < 0.001). Mean blood pressure (132 ± 4 vs 103 ± 5 mmHg), fractional noradrenaline excretion and creatinine clearance (5.64 ± 0.55 vs 3.32 ± 0.35 mL min−1 kg−1) were 28, 77 and 69% higher (all P < 0.05), but urine flow and fractional sodium excretions were 42 and 72% (both P < 0.001) lower compared to normal rats. Plasma and renal TNF- α and IL-6 concentrations were fourfold to fivefold ( P < 0.001) and 22 and 20% higher (both, P < 0.05), in obese rats but normalized following tacrolimus. In obese rats, baroreflex sensitivity was reduced by 80% ( P < 0.05) but restored by renal denervation or tacrolimus. Volume expansion reduced renal sympathetic nerve activity by 54% ( P < 0.001) in normal and obese rats subjected to renal denervation and tacrolimus, but not in obese rats with an intact renal innervation. Conclusion Obesity induced a renal inflammation and pointed to this being both the origin of autonomic dysregulation and a potential focus for targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Palatal infiltration of local anaesthesia ( LA) for maxillary tooth extractions is painful. One of the techniques for reducing the discomfort of this injection is to avoid it altogether. Given enough time, LA administered only as buccal infiltration diffuses to reach and anaesthetise the palatal tissues. The aim of this double-blind randomised controlled trial was to test the hypothesis that buccal infiltration alone of LA by dental students should be adequate for maxillary tooth extractions. Patients and methods Fifty adult patients presenting for single-tooth maxillary extractions were randomly allocated between two groups. The control group received palatal injections of 0.1 ml 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline, whilst the experimental group received a similar amount of saline (placebo). Extractions performed without further administration of LA were categorised as successful. Results Palatal infiltration of lidocaine with adrenaline was significantly more effective than saline ( P = 0.002). Overall buccal infiltration alone was successful in 28% patients, with a 40% success rate in the posterior maxilla. Conclusion Results suggest that dental students should, as a matter of routine, extract maxillary teeth with both buccal and palatal infiltration of LA, whilst buccal infiltration alone may be considered in the posterior maxilla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine the prevalence of adverse clinical outcomes, the rates of healthcare utilization, and the incidence of post-partum Type 2 diabetes in refugees with gestational diabetes ( GDM), compared with other immigrants and non-immigrants. Methods A population-based cohort study was conducted using healthcare databases in Ontario, Canada. Over 40 000 women with GDM having singleton live births between 2002 and 2014 were identified. We identified GDM adverse outcomes such as macrosomia, pre-eclampsia and respiratory distress syndrome. Antenatal and newborn healthcare utilization were ascertained. Women were then followed for diagnosis of diabetes post-partum. Results Both refugees and other immigrants had a lower rate than non-immigrants of many adverse GDM outcomes, including pre-eclampsia [relative risk ( RR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.44-0.95 and 0.61, 95% CI 0.52-0.72, respectively], preterm birth ( RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.75-0.995 and 0.85, 95% CI 0.80-0.91, respectively), and respiratory distress syndrome ( RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70-0.97 and 0.78, 95% CI 0.72-0.84, respectively). However, refugees were less likely to attend well-baby care in time for the first routine vaccination ( RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88-0.95). Incidence of post-partum diabetes was high in all groups, but refugee women were at increased risk (hazard ratio 1.23, 95% CI 1.11-1.37). Conclusions Despite different circumstances leading to migration, refugees have a similar 'healthy immigrant effect' to other immigrants, with respect to adverse GDM outcomes. However, newborns of refugees were less likely to have well-baby care, and refugee women were also at especially high risk of developing diabetes post-partum. These are both important public health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare function, patient satisfaction and quality of life of patients with a posterior reduced mandibular arch with those who had all missing teeth replaced with removable partial dentures. Patients with at least three and not more than six posterior occluding pairs of teeth were enrolled sequentially and randomised into one of two treatment groups: a denture and no-denture group. A research assistant allocated interventions; concealment was ensured using opaque-sealed envelopes. Analysis of data was performed in stages, adding samples of 10 incrementally, and stopping when the relevant statistical tests indicated a clear conclusion as judged by the power set at 80% or above. Study outcomes included patient satisfaction, function and survival of remaining teeth at 3 and 12 months post-intervention, using a visual analogue scale and the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance). Statistical analysis was performed by the 'intention-to-treat' principle. Age range of included patients was 23-55 years (mean = 42·3; s.d. = 9·2), with 78% being females. Most patients (70%) belonged to the low- or no-income group. Nine patients left the study, for different reasons. Primary outcomes for the denture group: 10% of the patients were not satisfied and 20% were unhappy with their function; for the no-denture group: 85% of the patients (with 15% having left the study) were satisfied with both their function and their non-denture status. Patients with posterior reduced mandibular dental arches reported greater perceived satisfaction, function and quality of life compared to those who had received a cobalt-chrome clasp-retained partial removable prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the type of haemostatic testing performed, spectrum of coagulation abnormalities and haemostatic surgical outcomes in patients with Noonan syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder caused by genetic mutations. Other topics include the patients' clinical history, pathophysiology of the haemostatic abnormalities, and significance of genotyping in bleeding risk assessment.

The nonlinear properties of two dimensional low-frequency electrostatic excitations of charged dust particles (or defects) are studied in a collisionless, unmagnetized dusty plasma. A fully ionized three-component model plasma consisting of kappa distributed electrons, Maxwellian ions, and negatively charged massive dust grains is considered. In this regard, the well known reductive perturbation technique is used to the hydrodynamical equations and the Poisson equation, obtaining the cylindrical Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (CKP) equation. A parametric investigation indicates that the structural characteristics of these nonlinear excitations (width, amplitude) are significantly affected by the plasma nonthermality as well as by the relevant plasma parameters, such as dust concentration and dust temperature. (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of adequate field measurements often hampers the construction and calibration of rainfall-runoff models over many of the world's watersheds. We adopted methodologies that rely heavily on readily available remote sensing datasets as viable alternatives for assessing, managing, and modelling of such remote and inadequately gauged regions. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool was selected for continuous (1998-2005) rainfall-runoff modelling of one such area, the northeast part of the Pishin Lora basin (NEPL). Input to the model included satellite-based Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission precipitation data, and modelled runoff was calibrated against satellite-based observations, the latter included: (i) monthly estimates of the water volumes impounded by the Khushdil Khan (latitude 30°40′N, longitude 67°40′E), and the Kara Lora (latitude 30°34′N, longitude 66°52′E) reservoirs, and (ii) inferred wet versus dry conditions in streams across the NEPL. Calibrations were also conducted against observed flow reported from the Burj Aziz Khan station at the NEPL outlet (latitude 30°20′N; longitude 66°35′E). Model simulations indicate that (i) average annual precipitation (1998-2005), runoff and recharge in the NEPL are 1300 × 106 m3, 148 × 106 m3, and 361 × 106 m3, respectively; (ii) within the NEPL watershed, precipitation and runoff are high for the northeast (precipitation: 194 mm/year; runoff: 38 × 106 m3/year) and northwest (134 mm/year; 26 × 106 m3/year) basins compared to the southern basin (124 mm/year; 8 × 106 m3/year); and (3) construction of delay action dams in the northeast and northwest basins could increase recharge from 361 × 106 m3/year up to 432 × 106 m3/year and achieve sustainable extraction. The adopted methodologies are not a substitute for traditional approaches, but they could provide first-order estimates for rainfall, runoff, and recharge in the arid and semi-arid parts of the world that are inaccessible and/or lack adequate coverage with field data. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a direct relationship between numerical allocation and spatial attention has been proposed, recent research suggests that these processes are not directly coupled. In keeping with this, spatial attention shifts induced either via visual or vestibular motion can modulate numerical allocation in some circumstances but not in others. In addition to shifting spatial attention, visual or vestibular motion paradigms also (i) elicit compensatory eye movements which themselves can influence numerical processing and (ii) alter the perceptual state of 'self', inducing changes in bodily self-consciousness impacting upon cognitive mechanisms. Thus, the precise mechanism by which motion modulates numerical allocation remains unknown. We sought to investigate the influence that different perceptual experiences of motion have upon numerical magnitude allocation while controlling for both eye movements and task-related effects. We first used optokinetic visual motion stimulation ( OKS) to elicit the perceptual experience of either ' visual world' or ' self'-motion during which eye movements were identical. In a second experiment, we used a vestibular protocol examining the effects of perceived and subliminal angular rotations in darkness, which also provoked identical eye movements. We observed that during the perceptual experience of ' visual world' motion, rightward OKS-biased judgments towards smaller numbers, whereas leftward OKS-biased judgments towards larger numbers. During the perceptual experience of ' self-motion', judgments were biased towards larger numbers irrespective of the OKS direction. Contrastingly, vestibular motion perception was found not to modulate numerical magnitude allocation, nor was there any differential modulation when comparing ' perceived' vs. ' subliminal' rotations. We provide a novel demonstration that numerical magnitude allocation can be differentially modulated by the perceptual state of self during visual but not vestibular mediated motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reductions in perceptual fluency have been shown to negatively impact attitudes towards learning material, but not learning itself. The current study extends this work to spoken presentations and examines whether the presence of a foreign accent negatively affects learners' experience in an online learning environment. Results indicate that the presence of an instructor accent, consistent with prior work on perceptual fluency, does not impact learning, but does cause learners to rate the instructor as less effective. Further, for those who received accented presentations, changes in participants' attitudes towards both the content area and online instruction were not predicted by learning, but instead their attitude towards the instructor. This suggests that learners in online learning environments with accented narration are potentially miscalibrated, and these biases in judgement could be inappropriately linked to a specific instructor, rather than their success of learning in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to replace soya bean meal with maggot meal at difference percentages. A total of 120 one-day-old broiler chicks were divided into four groups. Four diets were formulated with maggot meal to replace soya bean meal at the rate of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% designated as A, B, C and D respectively. Feed and water were offered ad libitum during the study which lasted for 28 days. Feed intake decreased significantly in treated groups while body weight, Feed conversion ratio and dressing percentage increased significantly in group D. Apparent metabolizable energy increased significantly in the group fed 30% maggot meal; however, no significant difference was found in dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, ash and nitrogen free extract between the control and treated groups. The result of sensory evaluation revealed that tenderness and juiciness increased significantly in group C and B respectively. The colour and flavour were most accepted in group B and C. The results indicate that replacement of soya bean meal at the rate of 30% in broiler feed produced most favourable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bardet-Biedl syndrome ( BBS) is an autosomal recessive multisystemic human genetic disorder characterized by six major defects including obesity, mental retardation, renal anomalies, polydactyly, retinal degeneration and hypogenitalism. In several cases of BBS, few other features such as metabolic defects, cardiovascular anomalies, speech deficits, hearing loss, hypertension, hepatic defects and high incidence of diabetes mellitus have been reported as well. The BBS displays extensive genetic heterogeneity. To date, 19 genes have been mapped on different chromosomes causing BBS phenotypes having varied mutational load of each BBS gene. In this review, we have discussed clinical spectrum and genetics of BBS. This report presents a concise overview of the current knowledge on clinical data and its molecular genetics progress upto date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdery mildew disease of rubber trees affects young rubber leaves, buds, inflorescences and other immature tissues reducing rubber latex yields by up to 45%. The disease is present in all rubber-growing regions, with a high incidence rate in subtropical environments. The causal agent of powdery mildew disease of rubber trees was first described as Oidium heveae, but later research on the morphological characteristics suggests that O. heveae was in the past confused with Erysiphe quercicola. However, the most appropriate classification is still under debate between the genera Golovinomyces or Podosphaera. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses have established some relationships between rubber powdery mildew fungus and other powdery mildew species, but the generic sexual state of rubber powdery mildew fungus has not yet been established. Rubber powdery mildew conidia are wind-spread spores that are produced in great numbers when growth conditions of the disease are favourable. The optimum conditions for conidial germination are 97-100% relative humidity and temperatures between 25 and 28°C. While some newly bred rubber clones have shown resistance to the disease, it can also be controlled with a number of fungicides and biological control agents. It is clear from recent knowledge about climate-fungus relationships that changes in weather strongly influence disease incidence and severity. The aim of this review is to highlight the classification conflicts, main causes and influencing factors behind the disease spreading, as well as draw attention to the impact of weather changes on the outbreaks of the disease. The information in this review will be helpful to adopt better control measures of the powdery mildew disease of rubber, especially in higher humidity areas, thereby minimizing the loss of rubber yields due to this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the vas-based methods on trial, reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance ( RISUG®), a co-polymer of styrene and maleic anhydride is being projected as an effective alternative to No Scalpel Vasectomy. RISUG offers long-term contraception with safety, efficacy in human trials and can be delivered by no-scalpel injection. Currently, the procedure is under phase- III clinical trial. However, reversal of this vas-based drug-induced contraception needs to be established in animal models prior to clinical trials to ensure its claim as an effective alternative for vasectomy. In the present investigation, the relative suitability of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and Na HCO3 for RISUG induced long-term vas occlusion reversal was carried out in albino rats. Animals were allocated into four groups ( n = 10), viz., sham-operated control (group-I), vas occlusion with RISUG for 360 days (group- II), vas occlusion with RISUG for 360 days and reversal with DMSO (group- III) and vas occlusion with RISUG for 360 days and reversal with Na HCO3 (group- IV). A variable response in fertility was observed in different groups. Absolute sterility in group III at all mating intervals, while, zero percent fertility in groups II and IV following 90 days of occlusion was observed. Following reversal restoration of fertility with DMSO at 45 days, whereas, reversal by Na HCO3 at 30 days was noticed. Ejaculated spermatozoa of RISUG injected and initial intervals of reversed animals exhibited various degrees of abnormalities. The testes exhibited focal degeneration in vas occluded animals. The occluded lumen of the vas deferens contained an eosinated polymer with exfoliated epithelium. Following vas occlusion reversal, a complete regeneration in the vas epithelium was seen. All other parameters remained unaltered. The reversal with Na HCO3 resulted into an early resumption of fertility when compared with DMSO and the procedure found to be successful, feasible and safe up to F1 generation. Thus, RISUG provides a hope for reversible male contraceptives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]