bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enriching identity in the “fan nation”
Authors: MacIntosh Eric , Abeza Gashaw , Lee Jennifer
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the National Hockey League (NHL) Ottawa Senators’ Twitter activity influences (if at all) their followers’ activity online, examine whether followers’ Twitter activity level consequently influences their perception of and perceived inclusion within the online central fan group that surrounds the Senators, assess whether membership can potentially influence followers’ enrichment of social identity, and investigate if fans’ identity – and thereby commitment to the team – is impacted by their level of Twitter activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a case study method focusing on the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, and collected data through a two-phase approach. In the first phase, a focus group was conducted to obtain breadth and depth, as well as to inform and refine the development of questions to be used in the second phase: survey method. In the second phase, a survey was employed to enrich the explanations and attain deeper and broader understanding regarding the research questions.

Findings

The results showed that time spent in reading and engaging in tweets are predictive of commitment. This study also showed that it is not strictly an individual’s Twitter activity in relation to the Senators (i.e. replying and retweeting) which dictates their membership within the fan group. Rather, it is a person’s activity level with other Senators community members which determines their membership in the team’s fan nation. Findings also suggest that both the evaluative and emotional components of forming a group are lacking within the Twitter communication. This only furthers the argument as to why the Senators need to engage in dialogue with their followers.

Research limitations/implications

This was a study of one team over several months of only one season and, therefore, does not take into account a more long-term-oriented strategy to help formulate social identity and team commitment.

Originality/value

The findings of the study informed us that the only predictor that reflected a significant impact on the construction of a Senators fans’ social identity was the number of minutes an individual spent reading the team’s tweets per day. However, the study also showed that the expansion of the network with other fans is a critical feature of increasing the fan group identity; thus, sport organization’s should play a role in helping to foster further engagement with others.
The world’s highest-paid athletes, product endorsement, and Twitter
Authors: Abeza Gashaw , O’Reilly Norm , Séguin Benoit , Nzindukiyimana Ornella
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the practice of celebrity athletes’ product endorsement in the context of social media, guided by meaning transfer model.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a content analysis method based on data gathered from the official Twitter account of 17 of the highest-paid athletes over a period of five months.

Findings

Results outline the state, involvement level, roles, modes, preferred content types, discernible differences, shared features, and best practices employed in endorsement tweets. A framework of athletes’ product endorsement on Twitter is presented.

Research limitations/implications

The study presented theoretical and practical implications, and limitations and impetus for future research.

Originality/value

The study investigated professional athletes’ use of their own media channel for the purpose of endorsement, presented a framework that illustrates the practice of celebrity athletes’ product endorsement on social media, and identified a best practice and an exemplary reference.
Revision of the Competency Standards for Occupational Therapy Driver Assessors: An overview of the evidence for the inclusion of cognitive and perceptual assessments within fitness‐to‐drive evaluations
Authors: Fields Sally M. , Unsworth Carolyn A.
Published: May 2017

Background/aim

Determination of fitness‐to‐drive after illness or injury is a complex process typically requiring a comprehensive driving assessment, including off‐road and on‐road assessment components. The competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors (Victoria, Australia) define the requirements for performance of a comprehensive driving assessment, and we are currently revising these. Assessment of cognitive and perceptual skills forms an important part of the off‐road assessment. The aim of this systematic review of systematic reviews (known as an overview) is to identify what evidence exists for including assessment of cognitive and perceptual skills within fitness‐to‐drive evaluations to inform revision of the competency standards.

Methods

Five electronic databases (MEDLINE,CINAHL, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library,OTSeeker) were systematically searched. Systematic review articles were appraised by two authors for eligibility. Methodological quality was independently assessed using theAMSTARtool. Narrative analysis was conducted to summarise the content of eligible reviews.

Results

A total of 1228 results were retrieved. Fourteen reviews met the inclusion criteria. Reviews indicated that the components of cognition and perception most frequently identified as being predictive of fitness‐to‐drive were executive function (n = 13), processing speed (n = 12), visuospatial skills, attention, memory and mental flexibility (n = 11). Components less indicative were perception, concentration (n = 10), praxis (n = 9), language (n = 7) and neglect (n = 6).

Conclusion

This overview of systematic reviews supports the inclusion of assessment of a range of cognitive and perceptual skills as key elements in a comprehensive driver assessment and therefore should be included in the revised competency standards for occupational therapy driver assessors.
A distinct and genetically diverse lineage of the hybrid fungal pathogen Verticillium longisporum population causes stem striping in British oilseed rape
Authors: Depotter Jasper R. L. , Seidl Michael F. , van den Berg Grardy C. M. , Thomma Bart P. H. J. , Wood Thomas A.
Published: May 2017

Population genetic structures illustrate evolutionary trajectories of organisms adapting to differential environmental conditions. Verticillium stem striping disease on oilseed rape was mainly observed in continental Europe, but has recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The disease is caused by the hybrid fungal species Verticillium longisporum that originates from at least three separate hybridization events, yet hybrids between Verticillium progenitor species A1 and D1 are mainly responsible for Verticillium stem striping. We reveal a hitherto un‐described dichotomy within V. longisporum lineage A1/D1 that correlates with the geographic distribution of the isolates with an ‘A1/D1 West’ and an ‘A1/D1 East’ cluster. Genome comparison between representatives of the A1/D1 West and East clusters excluded population distinctiveness through separate hybridization events. Remarkably, the A1/D1 West population that is genetically more diverse than the entire A1/D1 East cluster caused the sudden emergence of Verticillium stem striping in the UK, whereas in continental Europe Verticillium stem striping is predominantly caused by the more genetically uniform A1/D1 East population. The observed genetic diversity of the A1/D1 West population argues against a recent introduction of the pathogen into the UK, but rather suggests that the pathogen previously established in the UK and remained latent or unnoticed as oilseed rape pathogen until recently.
Balancing medical accuracy and diagnostic consequences: diagnosing medically unexplained symptoms in primary care
Authors: Rasmussen Erik B.
Published: May 2017

Focusing on the case of medically unexplained symptoms (MUS), this article explores diagnostic classification in the absence of biomedical evidence or other strong medical warrants for diagnosis. The data are from three focus group interviews with Norwegian general practitioners (GPs) conducted in 2015, that centred on the issue of what diagnoses to use (or not) for MUS. The qualitative analysis reconstructs the logic underlying GPs’ diagnostic accounts, which centred on the meaning of diagnostic categories and on anticipating how ‘generalised others’ would respond to those meanings (called ‘diagnosing by anticipation’). The analysis suggests that GPs confer diagnoses by balancing unwarranted medical accuracy and anticipated harmful diagnostic consequences; the goal of diagnosis was finding categories in the International Classification of Primary Care that would yield acceptable results, without making a liar of the GP in the process. Drawing on the distinction between diagnosis as colligation and classification, the findings and their relevance for medical sociology are discussed. Counter to frequent descriptions as ‘illness that cannot be diagnosed’, the analysis shows how GPs can diagnose MUS in the bureaucratic sense of diagnosis as classification – a sense that has been missing from sociological view.
Evaluation of a Freezer Mill for Bone Pulverization prior to DNA Extraction: An Improved Workflow for STR Analysis
Authors: Morales Colón Emely , Hernández Mireya , Candelario Mariel , Meléndez María , Dawson Cruz Tracey
Published: May 2017

Traditional methods for bone pulverization typically generate heat, risking stability of DNA sample. SPEX™ has developed cryogenic grinders which introduce liquid nitrogen to cool the sample and aid in the grinding process. In this study, the Freezer Mill 6970 EFM was used with two DNA extraction methods and routine downstream STR analysis procedures. DNA from as little as 0.1 g of bone powder was used to develop full STR profiles after freezer mill pulverization, and the method was reproducible. Further, no contamination was detected upon cleaning/reuse of the sample vials. There were no significant differences in DNA yield, STR alleles detected, or peak heights using the freezer mill as compared to traditional grinding, and successful DNA profiles were achieved from as low as 0.1 g of bone powder with this method. Overall, this work indicates that this cryogenic mill method may be used as a viable alternative to traditional tissue grinders.
Unaffected reaction level in tuberculin skin test by long‐term therapy with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yamamoto Shotaro , Nagatani Katsuya , Sato Takeo , Iwamoto Masahiro , Takatori Shino , Minota Seiji
Published: May 2017

Aim

The tuberculin skin test (TST) is used to diagnose tuberculosis; however, the influence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors on the test is unclear. This study investigated whether therapy with TNF inhibitors suppresses the TST reaction due to immunosuppression or whether the TST reaction increases due to reactivation of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Method

Ninety‐one patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving TNF inhibitors (40 using infliximab and 51 using etanercept) were studied. The TST was performed before starting TNF inhibitors (T1) and more than 1 year after starting them (T2).

Results

At T1, the reaction was negative in 45 patients, weakly positive in 21 patients, moderately positive in 18 patients and strongly positive in seven patients, while the numbers at T2 were 44, 20, 16 and 11, respectively. There were no significant differences of the TST reaction between T1 and T2 in all patients (P = 0.657), patients using infliximab (P = 0.462) or patients using etanercept (P = 1.00). No patients with a strongly positive TST reaction at T1 became negative at T2. However, two patients who were negative at T1 became strongly positive at T2. Although they had no signs of M. tuberculosis infection, isoniazid prophylaxis was given.

Conclusion

The TST reaction was not suppressed after more than 1 year of therapy with TNF inhibitors. Patients in whom the TST reaction changes from negative to strongly positive may need appropriate prophylaxis.
The Use of the Nursing Process in Spain as Compared to the United States and Canada
Authors: Huitzi‐Egilegor Joseba Xabier , Elorza‐Puyadena Maria Isabel , Asurabarrena‐Iraola Carmen
Published: May 2017

PURPOSE

To analyze the development of the nursing method process in Spain, and compare it with the development in the United States and Canada.

METHODS

This is a narrative review.

FINDINGS

The teaching of the nursing process in nursing schools started in Spain as from 1977 and that it started being used in professional practice in the 1990's. The development, the difficulties, the nursing models used and its application form are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The
development of the nursing process in the United States and Canada started to happen in Spain about 15–20 years later and, today, is a reality.

IMPLICATIONS

Cross‐sectional studies are needed to determine the changes in the development of the nursing process in Spain.
Environmental and biological drivers of flight initiation in a sporadic pest, Rutherglen bug, Nysius vinitor Bergroth (Hemiptera: Orsillidae)
Authors: Moradi‐Vajargah Mona , Parry Hazel Ruth
Published: May 2017

Flight initiation is fundamental to insect dispersal. Insights into the meteorological and environmental drivers of flight initiation, and their relative importance, can therefore help determine the conditions under which mass dispersal events may occur. In relation to insect pest management, the ability to anticipate such events would allow us to predict mass colonisation of crops and better manage outbreaks of an insect pest. This study insects aims to better predict flight initiation of Rutherglen bug, Nysius vinitor, and thus crop outbreaks originating from over‐winter weed hosts. We examined the influence of temperature in combination with sex and the availability of food and water, under controlled environment conditions inside a flight chamber. Most of the variation in flight initiation was explained by temperature. We found that warm temperatures are required for flight initiation: the lower flight threshold was determined as 21 °C, the optimum temperature for flight as 25 °C and the upper flight threshold as 28 °C, fitting a quadratic distribution. However, additional data shows that such thresholds are not limiting: when N. vinitor is under extreme heat stress (35–40 °C) for a short period, they have a very high propensity to take‐off. The rate of flight initiation was fastest within the first 5 h in both males and females for all tested temperatures. A lack of food and water resulted in a faster take‐off rate of males, but had no effect on female flight initiation. Application of our analysis to temperature data in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (Qld), Australia, indicates that flight initiation in N. vinitor is likely to be highly seasonal, with very little flight activity expected in winter in eastern Australia. We found a longer suitable flight period and a greater number of suitable flight days per month in Qld compared to NSW. Such estimates could be used to inform regional pest arrival forecasts, integrated pest management decisions and the development of dispersal simulation models for this pest.
Tropical shift in decomposers’ relative contribution to leaf litter breakdown in two Guinean streams
Authors: Sia Doumbou Tenkiano Nathalie , Chauvet Eric
Published: May 2017

The hypothesis that leaf litter breakdown in Guinean streams is governed by microorganisms was confirmed, supporting the reported latitudinal shift in decomposers’ contribution to this process. The large body size of dominant macroinvertebrate decomposers (shrimps) only partially compensated for their very low densities. In contrast with other tropical regions mostly dominated by insect larvae, the functional consequences of global warming on these stream ecosystems may be less severe due to the lower sensitivity of crustaceans to temperature increase.
Efficacy of an oral health literacy intervention among Indigenous Australian adults
Authors: Ju Xiangqun , Brennan David , Parker Eleanor , Mills Helen , Kapellas Kostas , Jamieson Lisa
Published: May 2017

Objective

To determine the effect of an oral health literacy intervention on oral health literacy‐related outcomes among rural‐dwelling Indigenous Australian adults.

Methods

A total of 400 Indigenous adults (203 intervention and 197 control participants) were recruited into a randomized controlled trial; a functional, context‐specific oral health literacy interventions were developed and implemented by Indigenous staff. The intervention comprised five sessions, each lasting 1.5 hours, across a 1‐year period. The primary outcome was oral health literacy as assessed by the HeLD‐14 instrument, with secondary outcomes including the social impact of oral disease, and psychosocial and knowledge‐related factors. Three scenarios were used in data analysis: (I) intention to treat; (II) as treated and; (III) adherence only. Multiple imputation (MI) was used to replace missing data.

Results

The proportion reporting that “water with fluoride” was good increased in the intervention group within both crude and MI data analyses under the three scenarios. Other crude data analysis yielded no significant differences for either primary or secondary outcomes between intervention and control groups under the three scenarios. After MI, oral health literacy improved when assessed under scenario II (mean change=1.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.6). Improvements under three scenarios were also observed for the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14; mean change ranged from −0.7 to −3.8), sense of control (mean change ranged from 0.4 to 1.1), oral health‐related fatalism (mean change ranged from −0.7 to −0.4) and perceived stress (mean change ranged from −2.1 to −1.1). The proportion reporting that “cordial was good” decreased in the intervention group from MI analysis under scenarios II and III.

Conclusions

A context‐specific oral health literacy intervention was partially successful in improving oral health literacy and oral health literacy‐related outcomes in this vulnerable population, but only after MI.
Hyper activation of β‐catenin signalling induced by IKKε inhibition thwarts colorectal cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhao Jun , Chen Xuan , Ding Chengming , Lee Katie , Jia Zeming , Zhang Yaoting , Zhou Yuzheng , Wei Chaoying , He Jiantai , Xia Zanxian , Peng Jian
Published: May 2017

Objective

Aberrant activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling contributes significantly to the development of human colorectal cancers and β‐catenin is the key signalling molecule transducing canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling. Therefore, β‐catenin is a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. This study demonstrates that the oncogenic IKKε kinase phosphorylates β‐catenin to restrain its hyper activation, therefore promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) cell proliferation.

Materials and methods

IKKε and β‐catenin expression levels in human colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines were analysed by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. The regulation of IKKε on Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway was studied by reporter assay and real‐time PCR analysis in the context of IKKε stably knocking down. Co‐immunoprecipitation was conducted to monitor the interaction between IKKε and β‐catenin. Kinase assay was performed to measure β‐catenin post‐translational modifications induced by IKKε.

Results

Oncogenic IKKε kinase is required for the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. Mechanistically, inhibition of IKKε results in β‐catenin hyper activation and thwarts CRC cell proliferation. Furthermore, IKKε phosphorylates β‐catenin and inhibits the activation of β‐catenin signalling.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that IKKε is a potential target to combat CRC induced by aberrant Wnt/β‐catenin signalling.
The conundrum between political and sectoral decentralizations: The case of Cameroon
Authors: Ofoulhast‐Othamot Gyldas
Published: May 2017

In recent years, alongside implementation of “traditional” decentralization policies, sectoral decentralization experiments in natural resources management have taken place worldwide, mainly under the justification of improving resource conservation and rural development. In the Congo basin, for instance, the epicentre of Africa's tropical rainforests, Cameroon has been engaged in these dual processes of devolution of power to municipalities and municipal involvement in the forestry sector. Drawing on the case of the first municipal forest governance experiment in Cameroon, the article argues that the lack of co‐ordination between the political and sectoral decentralizations is undermining the foundation for effective, democratic and accountable municipal and environmental governance. The case provides useful policy recommendations for donors supporting the global emergence of municipal government capacity.
First report of Lasiodiplodia theobromae and L. venezuelensis associated with blue stain on Ficus insipida wood from the Natural Forest of Venezuela
Authors: Mohali S. R. , Castro‐Medina F. , Úrbez‐Torres J. R. , Gubler W. D.
Published: May 2017

Although several Botryosphaeriaceae species have been relatively well‐studied on economically important crops and forest plantations, little is known regarding their presence and ecology on native tree species in the natural tropical forests in South America. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the fungi associated with blue stain symptoms of the wood on Ficus insipida in lumber yards from the Imataca natural forest in Eastern Venezuela using morphological descriptions and DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) and part of the translation elongation factor 1‐α (TEF) gene. Results of this study showed the botryosphaeriaceous taxa Lasiodiplodia theobromae and L. venezuelensis to be the main fungi associated with blue stain symptoms. This study represents the first report of these fungi on F. insipida lumber in the Natural Forest of Venezuela.
“Worried about relapse”: Family members’ experiences and perspectives of relapse in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Lal Shalini , Malla Ashok , Marandola Gina , Thériault Joanie , Tibbo Phil , Manchanda Rahul , Williams Richard , Joober Ridha , Banks Nicola
Published: May 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to gain an in‐depth understanding on the subject of relapse from the perspectives of family members of young people receiving services for a first‐episode psychosis (FEP).

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach, using focus group methods, was used to elicit experiences, understandings, and knowledge of relapse in FEP. Family members were recruited from 4 specialized early intervention programmes for psychosis in Canada. A total of 24 (6 male, 18 female) family members participated in the study. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data.

Results

The core underlying theme in all focus groups was worrying about relapse, which was often accompanied by significant levels of fear and anxiety, and was influenced by: (1) impact of an episode of psychosis; (2) limited confidence in recognizing and coping with relapse; (3) unmet needs for coping skills and emotional support and (4) unmet needs regarding frequency and continuity of communication with clinicians.

Conclusions

Family members’ unmet needs for relapse‐focused education, support and communication with service providers and peers, can have a negative impact on relapse prevention. Addressing family members’ education and support needs in a tailored manner (including preferences for types of peer support) can contribute positively to their confidence and ability to recognize and respond to relapse. This can help reduce fear and anxieties about relapse, and positively influence the ability to function as caregivers. Future research should focus on best approaches for providing education, sustained contact with the clinical team and family peer support.
Determinants of Management Earnings Forecasts: The Case of Global Shipping IPOs
Authors: Drobetz Wolfgang , Gounopoulos Dimitrios , Merika Anna , Merikas Andreas
Published: May 2017

Firms that go public on global stock markets are not obliged to disclose earnings forecasts in their prospectuses. We use this fact to examine the shipping industry, where most firms voluntarily issue earnings forecasts during the IPO process, thus providing unique, international‐level evidence. We find overall pessimistic forecasts of ship owners, primarily because of the industry's uncertain and volatile environment. High ship owner participation after going public is associated with less accurate earnings forecasts. Our results further indicate that financial leverage, a listing in an emerging stock market, and global market conditions are other main factors responsible for inaccurate earnings forecasts.
Huntington's disease with severe neck infection
Authors: Hino Shunsuke , Kaneko Takahiro , Horie Norio , Shimoyama Tetsuo
Published: May 2017

Objective

To present a case of Huntington's disease (HD) with severe neck infection.

Background

Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative genetic disorder and is often accompanied by dysphagia.

Materials and methods

The patient was a 64‐year‐old man with HD. The severe neck infection was considered as one of the symptoms of HD.

Conclusion

Clinicians should remember that patients with HD are apt to delay dental consultation, resulting in serious oral infections.
Contribution of Medicago sativa to the productivity and nutritive value of forage in semi‐arid grassland pastures
Authors: Klabi R. , Bell T. H. , Hamel C. , Iwaasa A. , Schellenberg M. P. , St‐Arnaud M.
Published: May 2017

The inclusion of legumes in semi‐arid native grasslands may promote the productivity and nutritive value of forage. This study was designed to assess the effect of legumes (the introduced legume Medicago sativa or the native legume Dalea purpurea) and soil P fertility (addition of 0, 50, or 200 P2O5 kg/ha at seeding) on the dry matter and nutrient content of native grasses mixtures, compared with the commonly used introduced forage grass Bromus biebersteinii grown with M. sativa. Plant harvests were performed in September 2008, July 2009 and September 2009. Plants nutrient content, δ15N value and dry matter were analysed. Results show that the M. sativa enhanced the N and P concentrations of native grass mixtures early in the summer, as well as the N concentration in Bouteloua gracilis in late summer of the driest year, 2009. The higher AM fungal diversity promoted by M. sativa was positively correlated with the dry matter and nitrogen uptake of M. sativa and with the P concentration of native grasses, in early summer. Overall, this study shows that M. sativa promoted beneficial AM fungal taxa and improved forage production in the semi‐arid prairies.
Randomized controlled study of a novel triple nitazoxanide (NTZ)‐containing therapeutic regimen versus the traditional regimen for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Shehata Mona AH , Talaat Raghda , Soliman Samah , Elmesseri Huda , Soliman Shaimaa , Abd‐Elsalam Sherief
Published: May 2017

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection has become more and more resistant to conventional first‐line treatment regimens. So, there is a considerable interest in evaluating new antibiotic combinations and regimens. Nitazoxanide is an anti‐infective drug with demonstrated activity against protozoa and anaerobic bacteria including H. pylori. This work is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a unique triple nitazoxanide‐containing regimen as a treatment regimen in Egyptian patients with H. pylori infection.

Methods

Two hundred and 24 patients with upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) dyspeptic symptoms in whom H. pylori ‐induced GIT disease was confirmed were included in the study. They have been randomized to receive either nitazoxanide 500 mg b.i.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d., and omeprazole 40 mg twice daily for 14 days or metronidazole 500 mg b.i.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d., and omeprazole 40  mg twice daily for 14 days. Laboratory evaluation for H. pylori antigen within the stool was performed 6 weeks after cessation of H. pylori treatment regimens to assess the response.

Results

The response to treatment was significantly higher in group 1 of nitazoxanide treatment regimen than group 2 of traditional treatment regimen. One hundred and six cases (94.6%) of 112 patients who completed the study in group 1 showed complete cure, while only 63 cases (60.6%) of 104 patients who completed the study in group 2 showed the same response according to per‐protocol (PP) analysis (P<.001). The regimen was well tolerated by all the patients enrolled in the study.

Conclusion

Nitazoxanide‐containing triple therapy is a promising therapy for the first‐line eradication of H. pylori. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02422706).
Coregulation and the Quality of the Relationship in Full‐Term and Very Low‐Birthweight Preterm Infant‐Mother Dyads During Face‐To‐Face Interactions
Authors: Doiron Kelly M. , Stack Dale M.
Published: May 2017

Interactions with parents build the foundation for infants' social–emotional development. This study investigated coregulation of the interaction and quality of relationship between mothers and their 6‐month‐old full‐term (n = 43) and very low‐birthweight/preterm (VLBW/preterm; n = 44; ages corrected for prematurity) infants. The objectives were to examine (1) how coregulation changed following a perturbed interaction, (2) how coregulation differed between full‐term and VLBW/preterm infant–mother dyads, and (3) the association between coregulation and relationship quality. Coregulation was coded using the Revised Relational Coding System (Fogel et al., 2003). Quality of the relationship was measured using the Emotional Availability scales (Biringen et al., 2014; Carter et al., 1998). Dyads participated in the Still‐Face (SF) procedure (Tronick et al., 1978) consisting of two natural and one SF period where mothers assumed a neutral expression, refraining from interacting with their infants. Following the SF period, dyads engaged in more symmetrical and more disruptive patterns of coregulation. While full‐term dyads engaged in more sequential‐symmetrical, VLBW/preterm dyads engaged in more resonant‐symmetrical coregulation. These results suggest that VLBW/preterm dyads may show more emotional reactivity in their interactions than full‐term dyads; however, in both groups infant responsiveness and parenting stress influenced the types of coregulation exhibited.
Transplantation of human villous trophoblasts preserves cardiac function in mice with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Zegen , Dong Ningzheng , Niu Yayan , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhang Ce , Liu Meng , Zhou Tiantian , Wu Qingyu , Cheng Ke
Published: May 2017

Over the past decade, cell therapies have provided promising strategies for the treatment of ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Particularly, the beneficial effects of stem cells, including bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), have been demonstrated by substantial preclinical and clinical studies. Nevertheless stem cell therapy is not always safe and effective. Hence, there is an urgent need for alternative sources of cells to promote cardiac regeneration. Human villous trophoblasts (HVTs) play key roles in embryonic implantation and placentation. In this study, we show that HVTs can promote tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on Matrigel and enhance the resistance of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) to oxidative stress in vitro. Delivery of HVTs to ischaemic area of heart preserved cardiac function and reduced fibrosis in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Histological analysis revealed that transplantation of HVTs promoted angiogenesis in AMI mouse hearts. In addition, our data indicate that HVTs exert their therapeutic benefit through paracrine mechanisms. Meanwhile, injection of HVTs to mouse hearts did not elicit severe immune response. Taken together, our study demonstrates HVT may be used as a source for cell therapy or a tool to study cell‐derived soluble factors for AMI treatment.
The etiology of autistic traits in preschoolers: a population‐based twin study
Authors: de Zeeuw Eveline L. , van Beijsterveldt Catharina E.M. , Hoekstra Rosa A. , Bartels Meike , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: May 2017

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are highly heritable, but the exact etiological mechanisms underlying the condition are still unclear.

Methods

Using a multiple rater twin design in a large sample of general population preschool twins, this study aimed to (a) estimate the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to autistic traits, controlling for the possible effects of rater bias, (b) to explore possible sex differences in etiology and (c) to investigate the discordance in autistic traits in monozygotic and same‐sex dizygotic twin pairs. The Netherlands Twin Register collected maternal and paternal ratings on autistic traits from a general population of 38,798 three‐year‐old twins. Autistic traits were assessed with the DSM‐oriented Pervasive Developmental Problems scale of the Child Behavior Check List for preschoolers (1½–5 years).

Results

Mother and fathers showed high agreement in their assessment of autistic traits (r = .60–.66). Differences between children in autistic traits were largely accounted for by genetic effects (boys: 78% and girls: 83%). Environmental effects that are unique to a child also played a modest role. Environmental effects shared by children growing up in the same family were negligible, once rater bias was controlled for. While the prevalence for clinical ASD is higher in boys than in girls, this study did not find evidence for striking differences in the etiology of autistic traits across the sexes. Even though the heritability was high, 29% of MZ twin pairs were discordant for high autistic traits (clinical range vs. normal development), suggesting that despite high genetic risk, environmental factors might lead to resilience, unaffected status in the context of genetic risk, in some children.

Conclusions

It is important to focus future research on risk factors that might interplay with a genetic disposition for ASD, but also on protective factors that make a difference in the lives of children at genetic risk.
Psychometric characteristics of the mental health crisis assessment scale in youth with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kalb Luther G. , Hagopian Louis P. , Gross Alden L. , Vasa Roma A.
Published: May 2017

Background

Youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit high rates of psychopathology. These symptoms can pose a risk of injury to self or others when the child is in crisis. Despite this danger, there are no instruments available to identify those with ASD who are at risk or actively in crisis. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Scale (MCAS), a 28 item parent report measure.

Methods

The MCAS was administered to the parents of 606 children and young adults (aged 3–25 years, M age = 13 years, SD = 5 years) enrolled in the Interactive Autism Network, an online registry of families raising a child with ASD. The MCAS asks parents to rate the severity of various emotional and behavioral symptoms exhibited by their child. The parent then selects the behavior they perceive as the most dangerous behavior and rates the acuity of as well as their efficacy in managing this behavior. The MCAS was tested for internal consistency, construct validity, criterion validity, and convergent validity.

Results

The MCAS demonstrated strong internal consistency (Total Scale Cronbach's α = .88). The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested that a two factor (acuity and behavioral efficacy) model fit the data well, providing evidence of construct validity. Criterion validity, which was assessed by comparing the MCAS to clinician determination of crisis, indicated high levels of agreement (ROC = .85). Strong positive relationships emerged between the MCAS and measures of family distress (r = .56), parental stress, and frustration (r = .48), and use of emergency psychiatric services (OR = 24.2, 95% CI: 8.6–68.2), indicating convergent validity of the measure (all p < .05).

Conclusions

Results of the psychometric analyses suggest the MCAS appears to be a promising tool that can measure mental health crises in youth with ASD.
Genetic assessment of the effects of streamscape succession on coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch colonization in recently deglaciated streams
Authors: Scribner K. T. , Soiseth C. , McGuire J. , Sage G. K. , Thorsteinson L. , Nielsen J. L. , Knudsen E.
Published: May 2017

Measures of genetic diversity within and among populations and historical geomorphological data on stream landscapes were used in model simulations based on approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to examine hypotheses of the relative importance of stream features (geomorphology and age) associated with colonization events and gene flow for coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch breeding in recently deglaciated streams (50–240 years b.p.) in Glacier Bay National Park (GBNP), Alaska. Population estimates of genetic diversity including heterozygosity and allelic richness declined significantly and monotonically from the oldest and largest to youngest and smallest GBNP streams. Interpopulation variance in allele frequency increased with increasing distance between streams (r = 0·435, P < 0·01) and was inversely related to stream age (r = –0·281, P < 0·01). The most supported model of colonization involved ongoing or recent (<10 generations before sampling) colonization originating from large populations outside Glacier Bay proper into all other GBNP streams sampled. Results here show that sustained gene flow from large source populations is important to recently established O. kisutch metapopulations. Studies that document how genetic and demographic characteristics of newly founded populations vary associated with successional changes in stream habitat are of particular importance to and have significant implications for, restoration of declining or repatriation of extirpated populations in other regions of the species' native range.
Radiographic evaluation of cardiac silhouette using vertebral heart size method in squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)
Authors: Coutinho LN , Brito MBS , Imbeloni AA , Lacreta ACC , Rech F , Souto MP , Ataíde IRA
Published: May 2017

Background

TheSaimiri sciureusrepresents a valuable resource for biomedical research, due to its large number on primate centers and similarity to human anatomy and physiology. The aim of this study was to apply the method proposed by Buchanan & Bücheler in healthy squirrel monkeys (S. sciureus) and determine by radiographic examination, the average value of the vertebral heart size (VHS) for the specie.

Method

Laterolateral left (LLL), laterolateral right (LLR), ventrodorsal (VD), and dorsoventral (DV) projections were used for radiographic examinations to evaluate the heart silhouette ofS. sciureus.

Results

There was no statistical difference between the projectionsLLLandLLR, orVDandDV, and between males and females, so measurements in the four radiographic projections were not performed.

Conclusion

The values obtained inVHSofS. sciureusshowed up species specific.
Prognostic Role of Conventional and Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI in Optic Pathway Gliomas
Authors: Jittapiromsak Nutchawan , Hou Ping , Liu Ho‐Ling , Sun Jia , Slopis John M. , Chi T. Linda
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The natural history of optic pathway glioma (OPG) is highly variable and unpredictable. We present a pilot study of the prognostic role of conventional and dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE MRI) in the evaluation of OPG.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 17 patients with 20 pretreatment OPG lesions who underwent conventional and DCE MRI between January 2010 and December 2016. Conventional MRI was evaluated for enhancement pattern, cystic component, optic nerve tortuosity, optic nerve dural ectasia, and optic nerve perineural thickening. The DCE MRI data were analyzed for quantitative parameters using the two‐compartment pharmacokinetic model (Ktrans, kep, and ve) and for semiquantitative parameters based on time‐signal intensity curve (AUC60, peak, and wash‐in). The results were compared with the clinically progressive or nonprogressive tumor.

RESULTS

Five progressive OPGs and 15 nonprogressive OPGs were included. Conventional MRI findings of diffuse enhancement and cystic component were significantly correlated with progressive OPGs (both P = .01). Conventional MRI yielded sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 90%. Ktrans, kep, and ve as well as AUC60, peak, and wash‐in were significantly higher in progressive OPGs (P < .05). Using DCE MRI increased diagnostic performance up to a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 93%, and accuracy of 95%.

CONCLUSION

DCE MRI accurately distinguished progressive and nonprogressive OPGs, with high sensitivities and specificities. DCE MRI has a significant prognostic role in predicting progressive OPGs, thus making it useful for the identification of patients who need close clinical and imaging follow‐up.
Trends in Parental Monitoring and Knowledge Over Time Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Girls
Authors: Montano Gerald T. , McCauley Heather L. , Miller Elizabeth , Chisolm Deena J. , Marshal Michael P.
Published: May 2017

This study assessed whether trajectories of parental monitoring components were different for sexual minority girls (SMGs) compared to heterosexual girls. We recruited 14–19‐year‐old girls from two adolescent medicine clinics. We estimated growth curve models to compare how components of parental monitoring—adolescent disclosure, parental solicitation, and parental knowledge—changed over 2 years for SMGs and heterosexual girls. SMGs and heterosexual girls had similar trajectory slopes and quadratic forms of adolescent disclosure, but SMGs had consistently lower adolescent disclosure scores. Parental knowledge trajectories indicated differential intercepts and slopes for SMGs compared to heterosexual girls, suggesting potential higher risk for maladaptive behaviors. Results of this study suggest that parental monitoring may operate differently over time for SMGs compared to heterosexual girls.
Subtilisin‐like proteases in plant defence: the past, the present and beyond
Authors: Figueiredo Joana , Sousa Silva Marta , Figueiredo Andreia
Published: May 2017

Subtilisin‐like proteases (or subtilases) are a very diverse family of serine peptidases present in many organisms, but mostly in plants. With a broad spectrum of biological functions, ranging from protein turnover and plant development to interactions with the environment, subtilases have been gaining increasing attention with regard to their involvement in plant defence responses against the most diverse pathogens. Over the last 5 years, the number of published studies associating plant subtilases with pathogen resistance and plant immunity has increased tremendously. In addition, the observation of subtilases and serine protease inhibitors secreted by pathogens has also gained prominence. In this review, we focus on the active participation of subtilases in the interactions established by plants with the environment, highlighting their role in plant–pathogen communication.
“My Profession Chose Me:” Precarity, Pragmatism, and Professionalism in Caribbean and West African Immigrant Domestic Workers’ Narratives
Authors: Glaser Lee
Published: May 2017

Extensive literature on care work or domestic work — childcare, eldercare, and housecleaning — in the United States and internationally has highlighted how the sector's affective aspects, e.g., intimacy, personalism, and fictive kin relationships, extract “surplus emotional labor” (Hochschild 1983) from women workers, who, in turn, often justify their caregiving labor through expressions of sentiment and kin obligation. In this article, I draw on three women's narrative framings of their domestic work jobs to argue that immigrant women in New York City emphasize structural, practical, and contextual elements of their domestic/caregiving labor, challenging constructions of care sector labor as evidence of innate caring aptitudes, womanly duty, or moral service. These characterizations have direct labor policy implications for paid care work — as evidenced in recent reforms. They also provide a theoretical basis for broader redistributive politics linking paid and unpaid caregiving labor.
Survey among critical care nurses and physicians about delirium management
Authors: Nydahl Peter , Dewes Michael , Dubb Rolf , Hermes Carsten , Kaltwasser Arnold , Krotsetis Susanne , von Haken Rebecca
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Background

Delirium is a serious complication in patients in intensive care units. Previous surveys on delirium management in daily practice showed low adherence to published guidelines.

Aim

To evaluate delirium management in nurses and physicians working in intensive care units in German‐speaking countries and to identify related differences between nurses and physicians.

Design

The study used an open online survey with multiple‐choice responses.

Methods

An invitation for participation was spread via journals and electronic resources using a snowball system. Apart from recording socio‐demographical characteristics, the survey collected data on delirium assessment, delirium‐related processes, non‐pharmacological prevention and treatment and barriers for implementation. Differences between nurses and physicians were tested by Fisher's exact test with sequential Bonferroni correction.

Results

The survey was conducted in autumn 2016, and 559 clinicians participated. More nurses than physicians reported screening for delirium. The majority of clinicians reported screening for delirium when this was suspected; more than 50% used validated instruments. Half of the clinicians had delirium‐related structures implemented, such as two thirds reporting delirium‐related processes. Most cited barriers were lack of time and missing knowledge about delirium and its assessment. With significant difference, physicians recommended more than nurses early removal of catheters and daily interprofessional goals for patients.

Conclusion

In German‐speaking countries, assessment of delirium needs further improvement, leading to accurate assessment. Delirium‐related structures and processes appear to be implemented widely, with only a few differences between nurses and physicians.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses and physicians in this survey reported similar perceptions and attitudes towards management of delirium. Both professions need more knowledge and inter‐professional training on when and how to use validated assessment instruments.