bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bureaucratic control and information processing: An institutional comparison
Authors: Chan Kwan Nok , Lam Wai Fung
Published: December 2017

Standard models of bureaucratic control argue that politicians vulnerable to asymmetric information rely on third‐party monitoring to expand information supply. This solution to information asymmetry assumes that politicians can process all information that comes their way. However, advocates strategically oversupply information to crowd out rivals, making such a solution counterproductive. Using data on administrative reorganization in Hong Kong, we examine the alternative proposition that bureaucratic control is contingent not only on how information is obtained but also on how it is processed under two different institutional arrangements: one that splits attention across domain‐specific streams and one that concentrates attention in a single sequence. In both cases, bureaucrats refrain from major changes when politicians break from these arrangements. Moreover, bureaucratic action is significantly more likely to respond to changes in attention allocation when politicians process information in multiple streams.
Negotiating for entitlement: Accessing parental leave in Hungarian firms
Authors: Fodor Éva , Glass Christy
Published: December 2017

There is a great deal of literature on the patterns and consequences of parental leave policies and on how and why certain countries adopted specific family policy clusters. Much less is known about the employment context that shapes workers' use of these policies. The current study focuses on the negotiation process that workers must undergo with employers regarding the length of leave and workers' ability to return to their jobs following leave. Given workers' increasing vulnerability in a global neoliberal labour market and the lack of efficient state protection, companies are able to reinforce the ideal of the unencumbered worker norm and thus shape workplace gender inequality regimes. Drawing on qualitative data gained from 33 highly skilled professional women in Hungary, we find that parental leave provisions have become conditional on company needs, and as a result have become increasingly informal, individualized and subject to negotiation. Despite broad leave entitlements and job protections in Hungary, many of our respondents were required to scale back on their career aspirations, drop out or change jobs following leave. By exploring the ways in which highly skilled professional mothers negotiate their rights at work, this study identifies employers as critical gatekeepers who translate public entitlements into the lived experience of workplace gender inequality.
Rendering sexism invisible in workplace narratives. A narrative analysis of female entrepreneurs’ stories of not being talked to by men
Authors: Jones Karen , Clifton Jonathan
Published: December 2017

Entrepreneurism is widely regarded as being one way in which women can sidestep the sexism of male‐dominated institutionalized work environments and enter into a world in which men and women operate on a level playing field. Yet, in a corpus of stories of female entrepreneurs’ experiences, we noted that being ignored by men was a constant theme. Taking a social constructionist and narrative approach to identity, we analyse the gendered identity work that female entrepreneurs do in these stories and we seek to explicate the process through which female entrepreneurs do not evaluate being ignored by men as sexism‐in‐action. Using positioning theory as an analytical tool, we analyse these stories at three different levels: the here‐and‐now interaction between interviewer and storyteller; the there‐and‐then identity work of the characters in the storyworld; and the wider societal Discourses that the storytellers enact, and which are enacted by such identity work. Findings indicate that despite making gendered difference, inferiority and lack of agency relevant, the stories are not evaluated as sexism‐in‐action because the female entrepreneurs enact a postfeminist and neoliberal Discourse of freedom, autonomy and choice, rather than a feminist Discourse of discrimination and sexism.
Use of telehealth in the delivery of comprehensive care for patients with haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: Kulkarni R.
Published: December 2017

Advances in technology such as telemedicine (TM) have made access to cost‐effective, quality health care feasible for remote patients. TM is especially well suited for patients with chronic disorders such as haemophilia and related haemostatic disorders that benefit not only from more frequent interaction with care providers at a specialized haemophilia treatment center but also from consultations with other specialists. Telehealth refers to a broader application of TM and includes non‐clinical services such as education, provider training, administrative meetings etc. Collaboration with the local primary care provider for management and implementation is key for successful and sustainable TM. This review article provides an overview of types of telemedicine, technical aspects, its benefits and challenges and focuses on the applicability of this technology to persons with bleeding and other blood disorders. Examples of TM strategies, process flow of TM clinic and experiences at the authors haemophilia treatment center (HTC) setting are shared. In addition, mobile health (mHealth) and electronic health (eHealth), both a part of telehealth, and their applications are briefly described. Clearly, widespread adoption of this technology will not only enhance care of patients but will enable more people, especially in underserved areas, to receive specialty care.
Genetic variants in NTCP exon gene are associated with HBV infection status in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Wu Wennan , Zeng Yongbin , Lin Jinpiao , Wu Yingying , Chen Tianbin , Xun Zhen , Ou Qishui
Published: December 2017

Aim

Sodium taurocholate co‐transporting polypeptide (NTCP) plays an important role in the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. Recently, NTCP was identified as a hepatitis B virus (HBV) receptor. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of NTCP polymorphisms with HBV clinical outcomes and investigate the relationship between NTCP polymorphisms and the serum bile acid level in a Chinese Han population.

Methods

The single nucleotide polymorphisms rs2296651 and rs4646285 were genotyped in 1619 Chinese Han individuals. Improved multiple ligase detection reaction was utilized to genotype. The level of bile acids was measured by the enzymatic cycling method. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was carried out to analyze the potential function.

Results

In logistic regression analysis, the frequency of rs2296651 (S267F) CT genotype was higher in HBV immune recovery and healthy control groups than in the chronic HBV infection group (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Patients who carried allele T showed a higher bile acid level than patients who did not carry allele T (P = 0.009). The rs4646285 AA genotype was more common in the immune recovery group than in the chronic HBV infection group (P = 0.011). No difference in serum bile acid was detected between the rs4646285 wild‐type patients and mutant‐type patients. Quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction showed the NTCP mRNA levels were lower in rs4646285 variants than wild types.

Conclusion

NTCP gene polymorphisms may be associated with the natural course of HBV infection in a Chinese Han population. The S267F variant may be a protective factor to resist chronic hepatitis B progression which showed a higher bile acid level in Chinese Han chronic HBV infection patients. The rs4646285 variants could influence the expression of NTCP at the level of transcription, and ultimately may be associated with HBV infection immune recovery.
Giant cell tumours of bone treated with denosumab: histological, immunohistochemical and H3F3A mutation analyses
Authors: Kato Ikuma , Furuya Mitsuko , Matsuo Kosuke , Kawabata Yusuke , Tanaka Reiko , Ohashi Kenichi
Published: December 2017

Aims

Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody directed against the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), is a therapeutic agent for giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB). Although some studies have reported that denosumab shrinks tumours and induces bone formation, the actual effects of RANKL suppression on GCTB remain unclear. A mutation in the H3 histone family member 3A gene (H3F3A) was recently identified as a genetic signature for GCTB. The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological features and H3F3A mutation status of GCTBs treated with denosumab.

Methods and results

Nine biopsy‐diagnosed patients with GCTB, who underwent curettage after neoadjuvant denosumab therapy, were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry for NFATc1 (an osteoclast marker), RUNX2 (an osteoblast marker) and histone H3.3 G34W (G34W, a GCTB marker) was performed; furthermore, H3F3A mutation status was examined with direct sequencing. Before therapy, GCTBs comprised NFATc1+ and RUNX2+ cells. All cases were G34W+ and contained H3F3A mutations. After therapy, the osteoclast‐like giant cells disappeared. Areas of slender spindle cell proliferation and reticular woven bone that were NFATc1− and RUNX2+ replaced the lesions in various proportions. However, all post‐therapy lesions still contained many G34W+ cells and harboured H3F3A mutations. Immunofluorescence double staining revealed that RUNX2+ mononuclear cells coexpressed G34W in pre‐therapy and post‐therapy lesions. Two patients experienced radiologically detected local recurrence within 2 years.

Conclusions

Denosumab therapy effectively decreases the number of osteoclastic cells in GCTBs. However, the neoplastic cells with H3F3A mutation survive denosumab treatment and undergo dramatic histological changes in response to this agent.
The tectonic boundary between the Okcheon and Taebaeksan basins, South Korea: A restraining bend of a continental transform fault between the South and North China Cratons
Authors: Kim Hyeong Soo , Ree Jin‐Han , Yi Keewook
Published: December 2017

The geological relationship between the Okcheon and Taebaeksan basins of the Okcheon belt on the Korean peninsula is a key issue in reconstructing the tectonic evolution of the peninsula. The boundary between the two basin sequences has been variously interpreted as a conformable, unconformable, or thrust contact, without clear evidence being provided for any of these hypotheses. Detailed examination of structures and microfabrics of deformed rocks adjacent to the contact in the Bonghwajae area suggests that the boundary between the two basin sequences is a thrust. Based on the U–Pb ages of detrital zircons from metasedimentary rocks and pre‐existing geologic data from the Okcheon belt, the thrust is a relay structure between two segments of a continental transform fault along which the Okcheon Basin was juxtaposed against the Taebaeksan Basin during the Permian–Triassic suturing of the North and South China Cratons.
Does it pay to concentrate conservation efforts for dead‐wood dependent insects close to existing reserves: a test on conservation planning in Sweden
Authors: Hallinger Martin , Kärvemo Simon , Ranius Thomas
Published: December 2017

Forestry has significantly changed many boreal forest landscapes with negative effects on biodiversity. Main reasons are habitat loss and deterioration, due to a simplified forest composition, including a reduction in old trees and dead wood. In Sweden, measures to counter the loss of biodiversity are taken at forest harvesting, and include forest harvest retention.

Areas of high conservation values (AHCV) have been identified in Sweden to prioritise conservation efforts, but so far these areas have not been used when making decisions about forest harvest retention.

In this study, we tested if dead wood from forest harvest retention is used by more dead wood‐dependent insect species (24 beetles and four other insects, redlisted or indicating high biodiversity) on clearcuts within than outside of AHCVs and whether the composition of the surrounding landscape influences species occurrence.

There were not more dead wood‐dependent insect species per clearcut within AHCVs than outside. The surrounding landscape had an influence on the species richness on clearcuts, but in several cases the pattern was the opposite of our hypotheses. Increased standing volume of relevant tree species, however, tended to increase the occurrence or number of associated species.

The designation of ACHVs in Sweden is not related with occurrence of dead wood or dead wood‐dependent organisms. We also found that landscape context can have effects on species richness. The result urges for better planning so that ACHV areas are designated in landscapes where their potential for conservation of dead wood‐dependent organisms is highest.
Ficoll‐hypaque separation vs whole blood lysis: Comparison of efficiency and impact on minimal residual disease analysis
Authors: Genuardi E. , Barbero D. , Dogliotti I. , Mantoan B. , Drandi D. , Gambella M. , Zaccaria G. M. , Monitillo L. , Della Starza I. , Cavalli M. , De Novi L. A. , Ciabatti E. , Grassi S. , Gazzola A. , Mannu C. , Del Giudice I. , Galimberti S. , Agostinelli C. , Piccaluga P. P. , Ladetto M. , Ferrero S. ,   Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) MRD Network
Published: December 2017

Introduction

The high‐throughput era remarkably changed molecular laboratory practice. Actually, the increasing number of processed samples requires to reduce the risk of operator biases, by automating or simplifying as much as possible both the analytical and the pre‐analytical phases. Minimal residual disease (MRD) studies in hematology often require a simultaneous processing of many bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from patients enrolled in prospective, multicenter, clinical trials, monitored at several planned time points.

Methods

In this study, we demonstrate that red blood cell lysis (RBL) pre‐analytical procedure can replace the time‐consuming Ficoll stratification as cell recovering step. Here, we show a MRD comparison study using both total white blood cells and mononuclear cells recovered by the 2 procedures from 46 follicular lymphoma (FL), 15 multiple myeloma (MM), and 11 mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients enrolled in prospective clinical trials.

Results

The experiments were performed in the 4 laboratories of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) MRD Network and showed superimposable results, in terms of good correlation (R = 0.87) of the MRD data obtained by recovering blood cells by the 2 approaches.

Conclusion

Based on these results, the FIL MRD Network suggests to optimize the pre‐analytical phases introducing RBL approach for cell recovery in the clinical trials including MRD analysis.
Estimated incidence of influenza‐associated severe acute respiratory infections in Indonesia, 2013‐2016
Authors: Susilarini Ni K. , Haryanto Edy , Praptiningsih Catharina Y. , Mangiri Amalya , Kipuw Natalie , Tarya Irmawati , Rusli Roselinda , Sumardi Gestafiana , Widuri Endang , Sembiring Masri M. , Noviyanti Widya , Widaningrum Christina , Lafond Kathryn E. , Samaan Gina , Setiawaty Vivi
Published: December 2017

Background

Indonesia's hospital‐based Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) surveillance system, Surveilans Infeksi Saluran Pernafasan Akut Berat Indonesia (SIBI), was established in 2013. While respiratory illnesses such as SARI pose a significant problem, there are limited incidence‐based data on influenza disease burden in Indonesia. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of influenza‐associated SARI in Indonesia during 2013‐2016 at three existing SIBI surveillance sites.

Methods

From May 2013 to April 2016, inpatients from sentinel hospitals in three districts of Indonesia (Gunung Kidul, Balikpapan, Deli Serdang) were screened for SARI. Respiratory specimens were collected from eligible inpatients and screened for influenza viruses. Annual incidence rates were calculated using these SIBI‐enrolled influenza‐positive SARI cases as a numerator, with a denominator catchment population defined through hospital admission survey (HAS) to identify respiratory‐coded admissions by age to hospitals in the sentinel site districts.

Results

From May 2013 to April 2016, there were 1527 SARI cases enrolled, of whom 1392 (91%) had specimens tested and 199 (14%) were influenza‐positive. The overall estimated annual incidence of influenza‐associated SARI ranged from 13 to 19 per 100 000 population. Incidence was highest in children aged 0‐4 years (82‐114 per 100 000 population), followed by children 5‐14 years (22‐36 per 100 000 population).

Conclusions

Incidence rates of influenza‐associated SARI in these districts indicate a substantial burden of influenza hospitalizations in young children in Indonesia. Further studies are needed to examine the influenza burden in other potential risk groups such as pregnant women and the elderly.
Chemical marking of European glass eels Anguilla anguilla with alizarin red S and in combination with strontium: in situ evaluation of short‐term salinity effects on survival and efficient mass‐marking
Authors: Kullmann B. , Hempel M. , Thiel R.
Published: December 2017

This study presents a new chemical double‐marking technique for European glass eels Anguilla anguilla by combing alizarin red S (ARS) and strontium chloride hexahydrate (Sr). Marked eels (double marked with ARS and Sr, but also single marked with ARS) were exposed in situ to brackish water (15 g l−1 artificial sea salt) for 14 days and did not exhibit increased mortalities compared with unmarked eels. Indeed, no mortality occurred in a marked group during the experiments. Moreover, an efficient mass‐marking approach with low handling effort for both single ARS and double ARS‐Sr techniques is described and was proven to be practicable for large‐scale stocking programmes.
The Future of Health
Authors: Olshansky S. Jay
Published: December 2017

See the response from Clarfield.
Response to Dr. Olshansky
Authors: Clarfield A. Mark
Published: December 2017

This is a response to the article by Olshansky.
Response to Dr. Clarfield
Authors: Olshansky S. Jay
Published: December 2017

This is a response to the article by Clarfield.
Recognition of Delirium Features in Clinical Practice: Data from the “Delirium Day 2015” National Survey
Authors: Mossello Enrico , Tesi Francesca , Di Santo Simona G. , Mazzone Andrea , Torrini Monica , Cherubini Antonio , Bo Mario , Musicco Massimo , Bianchetti Angelo , Ferrari Alberto , Ferrara Nicola , Trabucchi Marco , Morandi Alessandro , Bellelli Giuseppe ,   the Italian Study Group on Delirium
Published: December 2017

Background/Objectives

Delirium is underrecognized in clinical practice. The primary aim of the present multicenter study was to compare the ability of nurses to identify delirium features with a standardized assessment. The secondary aim was to identify predictors of missed or incorrect identifications of delirium by nurses.

Design

Point prevalence study in 120 wards across Italy.

Setting

“Delirium Day 2015.”

Participants

Inpatients aged 65 and older (N = 1,867).

Measurements

Participants and nurses were asked specific questions to investigate their perceptions of the presence of delirium features (acute cognitive change, inattention, cognitive fluctuations, impaired arousal). Delirium was identified according to the results of the Assessment Test for Delirium and Cognitive Impairment (4AT), completed by a physician. Comorbidities including dementia, disability, drug treatments, and delirium motor subtype according to the Delirium Motor Subtype Scale were recorded.

Results

Delirium was present in 429 subjects (23%) according to the 4AT. Cognitive fluctuations was the delirium feature that the nurses most often recognized. Nurses’ perceptions of acute cognitive change, cognitive fluctuations, or impaired arousal had 84% sensitivity and 81% specificity for delirium. The nonmotor subtype of delirium was less likely to be recognized (80%) than the hyperactive (97%), mixed (92%), and hypoactive (90%) subtypes. Incorrect perception of delirium was more frequent in subjects with dementia (specificity 64%).

Conclusions

The delirium feature that nurses were best able to recognize was cognitive fluctuations. The nonmotor subtype was associated with a lower recognition rate. Routine observation and registration of delirium features by nurses in clinical practice might be helpful to increase formal diagnosis of delirium.
Adenosine A2A receptors are required for glutamate mGluR5‐ and dopamine D1 receptor‐evoked ERK1/2 phosphorylation in rat hippocampus: involvement of NMDA receptor
Authors: Krania Paraskevi , Dimou Eleni , Bantouna Maria , Kouvaros Stylianos , Tsiamaki Eirini , Papatheodoropoulos Costas , Sarantis Konstantinos , Angelatou Fevronia
Published: December 2017

Interaction between mGluR5 and NMDA receptors (NMDAR) is vital for synaptic plasticity and cognition. We recently demonstrated that stimulation of mGluR5 enhances NMDAR responses in hippocampus by phosphorylating NR2B(Tyr1472) subunit, and this reaction was enabled by adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) (J Neurochem, 135, 2015, 714). In this study, by using in vitro phosphorylation and western blot analysis in hippocampal slices of male Wistar rats, we show that mGluR5 stimulation or mGluR5/NMDARs co‐stimulation synergistically activate ERK1/2 signaling leading to c‐Fos expression. Interestingly, both reactions are under the permissive control of endogenous adenosine acting through A2ARs. Moreover, mGluR5‐mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation depends on NMDAR, which however exhibits a metabotropic way of function, since no ion influx through its ion channel is required. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that mGluR5 and mGluR5/NMDAR‐evoked ERK1/2 activation correlates well with the mGluR5/NMDAR‐evoked NR2B(Tyr1472) phosphorylation, since both phenomena coincide temporally, are Src dependent, and are both enabled by A2ARs. This indicates a functional involvement of NR2B(Tyr1472) phosphorylation in the ERK1/2 activation. Our biochemical results are supported by electrophysiological data showing that in CA1 region of hippocampus, the theta burst stimulation (TBS)‐induced long‐term potentiation coincides temporally with an increase in ERK1/2 activation and both phenomena are dependent on the tripartite A2A, mGlu5, and NMDARs. Furthermore, we show that the dopamine D1 receptors evoked ERK1/2 activation as well as the NR2B(Tyr1472) phosphorylation are also regulated by endogenous adenosine and A2ARs. In conclusion, our results highlight the A2ARs as a crucial regulator not only for NMDAR responses, but also for regulating ERK1/2 signaling and its downstream pathways, leading to gene expression, synaptic plasticity, and memory consolidation.

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9‐month results of polymer‐free sirolimus eluting stents in young patients compared to a septuagenarian and octogenarian all‐comer population
Authors: Kherad Behrouz , Waliszewski Matthias , Leschke Matthias , Kader Muhammad Ali , Bang Liew Houng , Ruiz‐Poveda Fernando Lozano , Pieske Burkert , Krackhardt Florian
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the 9‐month safety and efficacy of polymer‐free sirolimus eluting drug eluting stents in septuagenarians and octogenarians.

Methods

An all‐comer, worldwide single armed trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02629575) was conducted to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of an ultra‐thin strut, polymer‐free sirolimus eluting stent (PF‐SES). The primary endpoint was the 9‐month target revascularization rate (TLR). Secondary endpoints included the rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), stent thrombosis (ST) and bleeding (BARC) in septuagenarians (≥70 years, <80 years), and in octogenarians (≥80 years) to be compared to the younger patient group (<70 years).

Results

A total of 1607 patients were treated with PF‐SES in the sub‐70‐year‐old age group, 694 in septuagenarians, and 371 in the octogenarian patient group. At 9 months, the MACE rates were 7.2% in octogenarians, 5.3% in septuagenarians, and 3.0% in the younger patient group (P = 0.001). These were mostly driven by all‐cause mortality (4.4% vs 1.9% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001) while the TLR rates were only numerically lower in the younger age group (P = 0.080). BARC 1‐5 bleeding events were more frequent in the older age group (1.9% vs 2.7% vs 4.6%, P = 0.012) whereas the rates for ST were not different (0.7% vs 0.6% vs 0.6%, P = 0.970).

Conclusions

In octogenarians treated with PF‐SES, the rates for MACE, overall mortality, and bleeding are higher as compared to the younger age groups. However, the rates for TLR and ST were not significantly different across the investigated age groups. PF‐SES are safe and effective in octogenarians.
Transglutaminase type 2 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Palucci I. , Matic I. , Falasca L. , Minerva M. , Maulucci G. , De Spirito M. , Petruccioli E. , Goletti D. , Rossin F. , Piacentini M. , Delogu G.
Published: December 2017

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the aetiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), is capable of interfering with the phagosome maturation pathway, by inhibiting phagosome–lysosome fusion and the autophagic process to ensure survival and replication in macrophages. Thus, it has been proposed that the modulation of autophagy may represent a therapeutic approach to reduce MTB viability by enhancing its clearance.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) is involved in the pathogenesis of MTB.

Results

We have shown that either genetic or pharmacological inhibition of TG2 leads to a marked reduction in MTB replicative capacity. Infection of TG2 knockout mice demonstrated that TG2 is required for MTB intracellular survival in macrophages and host tissues. The same inhibitory effect can be reproduced in vitro using Z‐DON, a specific inhibitor of the transamidating activity of TG2. Massive cell death observed in macrophages that properly express TG2 is hampered by the absence of the enzyme and can be largely reduced by the treatment of wild‐type macrophages with the TG2 inhibitor. Our data suggest that reduced MTB replication in cells lacking TG2 is due to the impairment of LC3/autophagy homeostasis. Finally, we have shown that treatment of MTB‐infected murine and human primary macrophages with cystamine, a TG2 inhibitor already tested in clinical studies, causes a reduction in intracellular colony‐forming units in human macrophages similar to that achieved by the anti‐TB drug capreomycin.

Conclusion

These results suggest that inhibition of TG2 activity is a potential novel approach for the treatment of TB.
Clinical and Arterial Spin Labeling Brain MRI Features of Transitional Venous Anomalies
Authors: Zhang Michael , Telischak Nicholas A. , Fischbein Nancy J. , Steinberg Gary K. , Marks Michael , Zaharchuk Greg , Heit Jeremy J. , Iv Michael
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Transitional venous anomalies (TVAs) are rare cerebrovascular lesions that resemble developmental venous anomalies (DVAs), but demonstrate early arteriovenous shunting on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) without the parenchymal nidus of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We investigate whether arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can distinguish brain TVAs from DVAs and guide their clinical management.

METHODS

We conducted a single‐center retrospective review of patients with brain parenchymal DVA‐like lesions with increased ASL signal on MRI. Clinical histories and follow‐up information were obtained. Two readers assessed ASL signal location relative to the vascular lesion on MRI and, if available, the presence of arteriovenous shunting on DSA.

RESULTS

Thirty patients with DVA‐like lesions with increased ASL signal were identified. Clinical symptoms prompted MRI evaluation in 83%. Symptoms did not localize to the venous anomaly in 90%. Ten percent presented with acute symptoms, only one of whom presented with hemorrhage. ASL signal in relation to the venous anomaly was identified in: 50% in the adjacent parenchyma, 33% in the lesion, 7% in a distal draining vein/sinus, and 10% in at least two of these sites. Follow‐up DSA confirmed arteriovenous shunting in 71% of ASL‐positive venous anomalies. Interrater agreement was very good (κ = .81‐1.0, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

A DVA‐like lesion with increased ASL signal likely represents a TVA with arteriovenous shunting. Our study indicates that these lesions are usually incidentally detected and have a lower risk of hemorrhage than AVMs. ASL‐MRI may be a useful tool to identify TVAs and guide further management of patients with TVAs.
Validation of the Pain Resilience Scale in Chinese‐speaking patients with temporomandibular disorders pain
Authors: He S. L. , Wang J. H. , Ji P.
Published: December 2017

To validate the Pain Resilience Scale (PRS) for use in Chinese patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) pain. According to international guidelines, the original PRS was first translated and cross‐culturally adapted to formulate the Chinese version of PRS (PRS‐C). A total of 152 patients with TMD pain were recruited to complete series of questionnaires. Reliability of the PRS‐C was investigated using internal consistency and test‐retest reliability. Validity of the PRS‐C was calculated using cross‐cultural validity and convergent validity. Cross‐cultural validity was evaluated by examining the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). And convergent validity was examined through correlating the PRS‐C scores with scores of 2 commonly used pain‐related measures (the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale [CD‐RISC] and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia for Temporomandibular Disorders [TSK‐TMD]). The PRS‐C had a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) and good test‐retest reliability (intra‐class correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.81). The CFA supported a 2‐factor model for the PRS‐C with acceptable fit to the data. The fit indices were chi‐square/DF = 2.21, GFI = 0.91, TLI = 0.97, CFI = 0.98 and RMSEA = 0.08. As regards convergent validity, the PRS‐C evidenced moderate‐to‐good relationships with the CD‐RISC and the TSK‐TMD. The PRS‐C shows good psychometric properties and could be considered as a reliable and valid measure to evaluate pain‐related resilience in patients with TMD pain.
Influence of removable prostheses on mastication in elderly subjects with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Andrade K. M. , Alfenas B. F. M. , Rodrigues Garcia R. C. M.
Published: December 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent disease in the elderly population, and it may affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the stomatognathic system. This study evaluated masticatory function in elderly patients with RA before and after oral rehabilitation with removable prostheses. Forty‐five elders with partial or total edentulism who were using unsatisfactory removable prostheses were selected and assigned to 3 groups: RA with TMJ involvement, RA without TMJ involvement and healthy controls. Masticatory function was assessed in terms of masticatory performance (MP) and maximum bite force (MBF). The former was determined by the sieving method, and the latter was measured by pressure sensors placed in the bilateral molar regions. The variables were first evaluated in elderly subjects wearing unsatisfactory prostheses and re‐assessed after participants had received new removable prostheses. Comparisons between groups and among time points were performed with analysis of variance for repeated measures and the Tukey‐Kramer test (P < .05). Comparison among groups showed decreased MP in elders with RA before new prosthesis insertion (P < .05). Irrespective of TMJ involvement, MP improved after treatment in subjects with RA. Rheumatoid arthritis groups also showed decreased MBF (P < .05), which improved after new prosthesis insertion. Rheumatoid arthritis might impair masticatory function, and well‐fitted removable prosthesis insertion might be very beneficial in elders with RA.
Digitised evaluation of speech intelligibility using vowels in maxillectomy patients
Authors: Sumita Y. I. , Hattori M. , Murase M. , Elbashti M. E. , Taniguchi H.
Published: December 2017

Among the functional disabilities that patients face following maxillectomy, speech impairment is a major factor influencing quality of life. Proper rehabilitation of speech, which may include prosthodontic and surgical treatments and speech therapy, requires accurate evaluation of speech intelligibility (SI). A simple, less time‐consuming yet accurate evaluation is desirable both for maxillectomy patients and the various clinicians providing maxillofacial treatment. This study sought to determine the utility of digital acoustic analysis of vowels for the prediction of SI in maxillectomy patients, based on a comprehensive understanding of speech production in the vocal tract of maxillectomy patients and its perception. Speech samples were collected from 33 male maxillectomy patients (mean age 57.4 years) in two conditions, without and with a maxillofacial prosthesis, and formant data for the vowels /a/,/e/,/i/,/o/, and /u/ were calculated based on linear predictive coding. The frequency range of formant 2 (F2) was determined by differences between the minimum and maximum frequency. An SI test was also conducted to reveal the relationship between SI score and F2 range. Statistical analyses were applied. F2 range and SI score were significantly different between the two conditions without and with a prosthesis (both P < .0001). F2 range was significantly correlated with SI score in both the conditions (Spearman's r = .843, P < .0001; r = .832, P < .0001, respectively). These findings indicate that calculating the F2 range from 5 vowels has clinical utility for the prediction of SI after maxillectomy.
The relationship between jaw‐opening force and the cross‐sectional area of the suprahyoid muscles in healthy elderly
Authors: Kajisa E. , Tohara H. , Nakane A. , Wakasugi Y. , Hara K. , Yamaguchi K. , Yoshimi K. , Minakuchi S.
Published: December 2017

We conducted a clinical cross‐sectional study to examine the relationship between jaw‐opening force and the cross‐sectional area of the suprahyoid muscles and whole skeletal muscle mass. Subjects were healthy 39 males and 51 females without dysphagia and sarcopenia, aged 65 years and older. Jaw‐opening force was measured three times using a jaw‐opening sthenometer; the maximum of these three was taken as the measurement value. The cross‐sectional area of the geniohyoid and anterior belly of the digastric muscles were evaluated using ultrasonography. The skeletal muscle mass index, gait speed and grip strength were evaluated according to the diagnostic criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. For each sex, a multiple regression analysis determined the factors that affect jaw‐opening force. Jaw‐opening force was associated with the cross‐sectional area of the geniohyoid muscle in males (regression coefficient [β] = 0.441, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.28‐56.09) and females (β = 0.28, 95% CI = 3.10‐54.57). Furthermore, in females only, jaw‐opening force was associated with the skeletal muscle mass index (β = 0.40, 95% CI = 3.67‐17.81). In contrast, jaw‐opening force was not associated with the cross‐sectional area of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle in either sex. In healthy elderly males and females, jaw‐opening force was positively associated with the cross‐sectional area of the geniohyoid muscle. However, the jaw‐opening force was positively associated with the skeletal muscle mass index only in females.
Comparison of two tools to assess dyad feeding interaction in infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Jameson Meredith , Fehringer Karen , Neu Madalynn
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the Mother‐Infant/Toddler Feeding Scale (MITFS) and the Nursing Child Assessment Feeding Scale (NCAFS). Specific questions were as follows: (1) Are there differences between the results of the MITFS and the NCAFS tools in terms of rating infant feeding interactions? And (2) does one tool provide a more detailed, nuanced overview of the quality of feeding interactions than the other?

Design and methods

This comparative descriptive study is a secondary analysis of a study evaluating a massage intervention for infants with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A feeding observation for each dyad was scored using both the NCAFS and MITFS. Infants were 6–18 weeks of age.

Results

There were moderate correlations (r = 0.3–0.8) between 11 of 20 possible NCAFS and MITFS mother‐related subscales, and between 3 of 10 possible NCAFS and the MITFS infant‐related subscales. A total of 19 dyads (83%) had one or more NCAFS subscale scores that were at least 1 standard deviation (SD) below normative scores, and 21 dyads (91%) had one or more MITFS subscale T‐scores that deviated 1 SD from the normative T‐scores. Agreement between the two instruments on scores deviating from the norm was 78%.

Practice implications

Both instruments discussed in this paper are standardized ways of assessing an infant feeding. Use of a standardized feeding tool is an objective way to evaluate feedings and can potentially identify specific areas of concern to guide an individualized intervention for a mother–infant dyad. Thus, nurses and other health professionals working with mothers and babies, whether in the hospital, pediatrician offices, or clinics would benefit from learning how to use a standardized feeding tool. Use of a feeding tool also provides the opportunity for nurses to understand the basis of important qualities of a feeding interaction, and a way for nurses who regularly feed infants to self‐evaluate their feeding methods. This may minimize less than optimal interactions and allow for optimal support for infants during feedings by mothers and nurses.
Criteria for gauging response to sodium oxybate for narcolepsy
Authors: Steffen Alana D. , Lai Chinglin , Weaver Terri E.
Published: December 2017

Our objective was to define responder criteria using an anchor‐based approach for frequency of cataplexy attacks and excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy undergoing sodium oxybate treatment. We used pooled data from two randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, multicentre 4‐ and 8‐week trials of sodium oxybate for narcolepsy with cataplexy and analysed using receiver operator characteristics analysis. The percentage change in frequency of weekly cataplexy attacks and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale outcomes were compared with Clinical Global Impression of Change ratings, used as the anchor to define true response. Participants (n = 336) were 39% male, 89% white, with a mean age of 41.5 (15.3) years, reporting a median of 20.5 cataplexy attacks per week and a mean Epworth Sleepiness score of 17.5 at baseline. A majority (51%) were Much Improved or Very Much Improved based on Clinical Global Impression of Change ratings, considered a true response to treatment. Area under the curve values for % reduction in cataplexy attacks (77%) and % change in sleepiness score (78%) supported response definition thresholds of 46% and 12%, respectively. Classification using either response definition agreed with the anchor for approximately 71% of participants. Cataplexy response definition was more sensitive (cataplexy = 0.77, Epworth Sleepiness Scale = 0.69), while sleepiness was more specific (cataplexy = 0.66, Epworth Sleepiness Scale = 0.75). Both responder definitions showed a dose–response relationship with sodium oxybate, demonstrating their validity using an external criterion. Weekly cataplexy attacks and Epworth Sleepiness Scale can be used to help document clinical response to narcolepsy treatment using criteria of 46% and 12% reductions, respectively.
Stationary subspace analysis of nonstationary processes
Authors: Sundararajan Raanju Ragavendar , Pourahmadi Mohsen
Published: December 2017

Stationary subspace analysis (SSA) is a recent technique for finding linear transformations of nonstationary processes that are stationary in the limited sense that the first two moments or means and lag‐0 covariances are time‐invariant. It finds a matrix that projects the nonstationary data onto a stationary subspace by minimizing a Kullback–Leibler divergence between Gaussian distributions measuring the nonconstancy of the means and covariances across several segments. We propose an SSA procedure for general multivariate, second‐order nonstationary processes. It relies on the asymptotic uncorrelatedness of the discrete Fourier transform of a stationary time series to define a measure of departure from stationarity, which is then minimized to find the stationary subspace. The dimension of the subspace is estimated using a sequential testing procedure, and its asymptotic properties are discussed. We illustrate the broader applicability and better performance of our method in comparison to existing SSA methods through simulations and discuss an application in analyzing electroencephalogram (EEG) data from brain–computer interface (BCI) experiments.
Contribution of skin and stone to texture measurements of spherical model fruits
Authors: Rosenthal Andrew J. , Lacresse Alice , Voyer Emmy
Published: December 2017

Fruits are composite materials often surrounded by a skin and sometimes containing rigid stones (pits). To understand the contribution of skin and stone to the overall texture of the fruit, model fruits were constructed from molded gelatin spheres, with rigid inclusions and a skin layer. Cross polarized light revealed the stress distribution during puncture testing and the mechanical measures of firmness, Poisson's ratio and breaking force were determined. Skin significantly raised the breaking force. Spherical stones raised the firmness—effectively reducing the deformable material in the sphere, resulting in inflated strains. Disc shaped stones compared with spherical ones, with the narrow edge normal to the force acted like an internal blade and significantly lowered the breaking force. Neither skin nor stone had any significant impact on Poisson's ratio. Three examples of real fruit (raspberries, grapes, and cherries) were tested to contextualize the findings.

Practical applications

Consumers gently squeeze fruit to gauge ripeness. Unwittingly, what we perceive while squeezing fruit is not wholly dependent on the texture of the internal flesh. In this work, we have attempted to model how the firmness and breaking force are influenced by the presence of a skin and stones of various size and shape. This has implications in both sensory and instrumental fruit testing.
Reproductive phenology of two co‐occurring Neotropical mountain grasslands
Authors: Le Stradic Soizig , Buisson Elise , Fernandes Geraldo W. , Morellato Leonor P. C.
Published: December 2017

Aim

Climate tends to explain phenological variations in tropical ecosystems. However, water availability and nutrient content in soil strongly affect plant communities, especially those on old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes (OCBILs), and may impact these ecosystems’ plant reproductive phenology over time. Here, we compare the reproductive phenology of sandy and stony tropical grasslands, two co‐occurring herbaceous communities of the campo rupestreOCBILs. We asked whether flowering, fruiting and dispersal are seasonal in both grasslands, and whether these phenophases differ due to variations in soil properties. We also asked whether the phenological strategies and the number of flowers and fruits differ between these two grasslands as soil conditions vary.

Location

Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Methods

The phenology of herbaceous species of sandy and stony grasslands was monitored monthly over two consecutive years.

Results

Plants on sandy and stony grasslands flowered and fruited throughout the year. We did not find a distinct seasonal pattern at the community level of either studied grassland. However, flowering, fruiting and seed dissemination occurred in stony grasslands mainly during the rainy season, while sandy grassland species flowered in both seasons and fruited and disseminated seed mainly during the dry season, as observed in other savanna vegetation types in the Cerrado. Flower and fruit production was higher in sandy grasslands than in stony grasslands, which may be linked to higher water retention in sandy grassland soils. In both communities, species of Cyperaceae, Eriocaulaceae and Xyridaceae contributed most to overall production, whereas Poaceae and Velloziaceae, two important families in campo rupestre, barely participated in the reproductive phenology during our 2‐yr survey.

Conclusions

Despite a strong seasonal climate, there was no reproductive seasonal pattern at the community level in campo rupestre. This first investigation of Neotropical grassland phenology indicates that the differences in soil content may constrain the grassland reproductive phenology and restrict reproduction of stony grassland species to the most favourable season. Further studies of grassland phenology are necessary to disentangle the relative importance of soil, climate and other triggers, especially fire.
A spatio‐temporal water quality assessment of the Beas and Sutlej Rivers at the Harike Wetland: A Ramsar site in Punjab, India
Authors: Najar Gh Nabi , Bhardwaj Akanksha , Pandey Puneeta
Published: December 2017

Lakes play a vital role in regulating water storage, flow of river water, and ultimately maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Spatial and temporal variations in physicochemical parameters of water in Harike Wetland, a Ramsar site in the northwestern state of Punjab, India, were studied. This study was conducted on a monthly basis from January to December 2015. The water quality was studied at ten locations from sites 1 to 10 upstream, central and downstream from Harike Lake for ten physicochemical parameters, including temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen concentration biological oxygen demand, nitrate and phosphate concentrations and salinity. The findings of this study revealed that, except for temperature and pH, all parameters exhibited relatively higher values for the Sutlej River, compared with the Beas River, with sampling sites 5 to site 7 exhibiting intermediate results. The mean seasonal temperature variations ranged from 16.9 to 26.6 °C, the pH from 7.7 to 8.2, electrical conductivity from 223 to 303 μS cm−1 and TDS concentration from 148.7 to 180.4 ppm. Correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relations between the variables. The electrical conductivity exhibited a high positive correlation with salinity and biological oxygen demand, whereas it correlated negatively with the dissolved oxygen concentration. Box and whisker plots were also plotted for the study results to better examine the data distribution.