bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic and preliminary employment data of the first two graduate cohorts from a rural veterinary school
Authors: Hyams JH , Raidal SL , Hayes LM , Heller J
Published: March 2017

Objective

To report initial career experiences and graduate employment destinations 1 and 5 years following graduation of the 67 graduates from the first two graduating classes of the veterinary science program at Charles Sturt University.

Design

Online survey of graduates from the 2010 and 2011 cohorts undertaken 12 months following course completion and descriptive data on graduate practice locations 5 years post‐graduation.

Procedure

Questions covered general demographic information, issues relating to work–life balance and factors influencing vocational choices. Descriptive statistics and qualitative responses are reported, with comparisons between continuous variables by two‐sample t‐test and between categories by Chi‐square analyses. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Graduates' locations 5 years after graduation were obtained from veterinary registration details and staff contact with graduates.

Results

Complete survey responses were received from 39 graduates of whom 34 were employed in regional areas, 1 in a very remote area, 3 in major cities and 1 overseas. Hours worked and salary received were consistent with other survey data, with new graduates working in regional practices earning slightly more than those working in metropolitan practices. At 5 years following graduation, the majority (56/61, 92%) remained in rural or regional Australian veterinary practices, with a further five graduates overseas and one lost to follow‐up.

Conclusion

This study supported the selection criteria and educational approaches at CSU in establishing most of the new graduates in rural and regional mixed veterinary practice.
Pharmacogenomics of off‐target adverse drug reactions
Authors: Garon Sarah L. , Pavlos Rebecca K. , White Katie D. , Brown Nancy J. , Stone Cosby A. , Phillips Elizabeth J.
Published: March 2017

Off‐target adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are associated with significant morbidity and costs to the healthcare system, and their occurrence is not predictable based on the known pharmacological action of the drug's therapeutic effect. Off‐target ADRs may or may not be associated with immunological memory, although they can manifest with a variety of shared clinical features, including maculopapular exanthema, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), angioedema, pruritus and bronchospasm. Discovery of specific genes associated with a particular ADR phenotype is a foundational component of clinical translation into screening programmes for their prevention. In this review, genetic associations of off‐target drug‐induced ADRs that have a clinical phenotype suggestive of an immunologically mediated process and their mechanisms are highlighted. A significant proportion of these reactions lack immunological memory and current data are informative for these ADRs with regard to disease pathophysiology, therapeutic targets and biomarkers which may identify patients at greatest risk. Although many serious delayed immune‐mediated (IM)‐ADRs show strong human leukocyte antigen associations, only a small subset have successfully been implemented in screening programmes. More recently, other factors, such as drug metabolism, have been shown to contribute to the risk of the IM‐ADR. In the future, pharmacogenomic targets and an understanding of how they interact with drugs to cause ADRs will be applied to drug design and preclinical testing, and this will allow selection of optimal therapy to improve patient safety.
Locus of control and frequency of physician visits: Results of a population‐based longitudinal study in Germany
Authors: Hajek André , König Hans‐Helmut
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To examine the role of internal and external locus of control (LOC) in the frequency of physician visits longitudinally.

Design

A nationally representative, longitudinal cohort study of German households. Data were used from the years 2005 and 2010.

Methods

Data were gathered from the German Socio‐Economic Panel (GSOEP). The ten internal and external LOC items in the SOEP are based on a scale by Krampen. The number of physician visits in the last 3 months was used as outcome variable. According to Andersen's behavioural model, predisposing characteristics, enabling resources, and need factors were included as control variables.

Results

Fixed‐effects Poisson regressions showed that physician visits increased with increasing external LOC, whereas changes in internal LOC were not associated with changes in physician visits. Furthermore, physician visits increased with need factors (decreased self‐rated health; onset of disability), whereas predisposing characteristics and the enabling resources were not associated with physician visits.

Conclusions

Our findings emphasize the meaning of changes in external LOC for physician visits. As there is evidence that interventions can change the LOC, efforts to modify external LOC might be beneficial for the health care system.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

A few cross‐sectional studies have investigated the association between locus of control (LOC) and health care use.

Longitudinal studies are needed to get a deeper understanding of the causal relationship between these factors.

What does this study add?

Our longitudinal study provides insights into the impact of general internal and external LOC on physician visits.

This is the first study examining the long‐term relation in Germany using a population‐based sample.
A core outcome set for localised prostate cancer effectiveness trials
Authors: MacLennan Steven , Williamson Paula R. , Bekema Hanneke , Campbell Marion , Ramsay Craig , N'Dow James , MacLennan Sara , Vale Luke , Dahm Philipp , Mottet Nicolas , Lam Thomas ,   the COMPACTERS Study Group
Published: March 2017

Objective

To develop a core outcome set (COS) applicable for effectiveness trials of all interventions for localised prostate cancer. Many treatments exist for localised prostate cancer, although it is unclear which offers the optimal therapeutic ratio; which is confounded by inconsistencies in the selection, definition, measurement and reporting of outcomes in clinical trials.

Patients, Subjects and Methods

A list of 79 outcomes was derived from a systematic review of published localised prostate cancer effectiveness studies and semi‐structured interviews with 15 patients with prostate cancer patients. A two‐stage consensus process involving 118 patients and 56 international healthcare professionals (HCPs; cancer specialist nurses, urological surgeons and oncologists) was undertaken, consisting of a three‐round Delphi survey followed by a face‐to‐face consensus panel meeting of 13 HCPs and eight patients.

Results

The final COS included 19 outcomes. In all, 12 apply to all interventions: death from prostate cancer, death from any cause, local disease recurrence, distant disease recurrence/metastases, disease progression, need for salvage therapy, overall quality of life, stress urinary incontinence, urinary function, bowel function, faecal incontinence, and sexual function. Seven were intervention‐specific: perioperative deaths (surgery), positive surgical margin (surgery), thromboembolic disease (surgery), bothersome or symptomatic urethral or anastomotic stricture (surgery), need for curative treatment (active surveillance), treatment failure (ablative therapy), and side‐effects of hormonal therapy (hormone therapy). The UK‐centric participants may limit the generalisability to other countries, but trialists should reason why the COS would not be applicable. The default position should not be that a COS developed in one country will automatically not be applicable elsewhere.

Conclusion

We have established a COS for trials of effectiveness in localised prostate cancer, applicable across all interventions that should be measured in all localised prostate cancer effectiveness trials.
NUBPL, a novel metastasis‐related gene, promotes colorectal carcinoma cell motility by inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Wang Yuhui , Wu Nan , Sun Donglin , Sun Haiming , Tong Dandan , Liu Duo , Pang Bo , Li Su , Wei Jia , Dai Jialin , Liu Yang , Bai Jing , Geng Jingshu , Fu Songbin , Jin Yan
Published: March 2017

Nucleotide binding protein‐like, NUBPL, is an assembly factor for human mitochondrial complex I, which is the biggest member of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. However, the relationship between NUBPL and carcinoma progression remains unknown. In this study, NUBPL was characterized for its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Data (n = 197) from the Oncomine database revealed that mRNA levels of NUBPL were remarkably overexpressed in CRC tissues compared with normal tissues. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis of 75 pairs of CRC and non‐tumor tissues showed that the expression level of NUBPL was significantly higher in CRC tissues, and its expression level was positively associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.028) and advanced staging (P = 0.030). Expression of NUBPL in metastatic lymph nodes of CRC patients was also detected by immunohistochemical staining and high expression levels of NUBPL were observed. Overexpression of NUBPL significantly promoted the migration and invasion ability of CRC cell lines SW480 and SW620, whereas knockdown of NUBPL lead to an opposite effect. Our further study found that NUBPL could induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), characterized by downregulation of epithelial markers (E‐cadherin) and upregulation of mesenchymal markers (N‐cadherin and vimentin). Moreover, NUBPL was able to activate ERK, which is believed to promote EMT and tumor metastasis. Inhibition of ERK suppressed the NUBPL‐induced changes in EMT and cell motility. These data showed that NUBPL plays a vital role in CRC migration and invasion by inducing EMT and activating ERK. It might be a novel therapeutic target for CRC.
Maternal thyroid parameters in pregnant women with different ethnic backgrounds: Do ethnicity‐specific reference ranges improve the diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism?
Authors: Veltri Flora , Belhomme Julie , Kleynen Pierre , Grabczan Lidia , Rozenberg Serge , Pepersack Thierry , Poppe Kris
Published: March 2017

Objective

Guidelines on the management of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy have recently been updated and, for the diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), a thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) upper reference limit (cut‐off) of 4.0 mIU/L has been proposed when no institutional values are available. It is also suggested that serum TSH and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) may be different according to the ethnic background of the women. We therefore determined the prevalence of TAI and SCH in pregnant women with different ethnic backgrounds and, to define SCH, we used different first trimester TSH upper reference cut‐offs (institutional, ethnicity‐specific, 2.5 mIU/L [Endocrine Society] and 4.0 mIU/L [American Thyroid Association]).

Design

Cross‐sectional data analysis of 1683 pregnant women nested within an ongoing prospective database of pregnant women.

Method

The study was performed in a single centre in Brussels, Belgium. During the first antenatal visit, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO‐abs), TSH and free T4 (FT4) were measured and baseline characteristics recorded. Data from 481 women with sub‐Saharan (SaBg; 28.6%), 754 North African (NaBg; 44.8%) and 448 Caucasian (CaBg; 26.6%) backgrounds were analysed. For the calculation of TSH reference ranges, women with TAI, outliers, twin and assisted pregnancies were excluded.

Results

The prevalence of TAI was significantly lower in the SaBg group than in NaBg and CaBg groups (3.3% vs 8.6% and 11.1%; P<.001, respectively). Median TSH was significantly lower in SaBg and NaBg groups as compared with the CaBg group (1.3 and 1.4 vs 1.5 mIU/L; P=.006 and .014, respectively). The prevalence of women with SCH was comparable between all groups when 2.5 mIU/L was used as cut‐off, but when 4.0 mIU/L or the institutional cut‐off (3.74 mIU/L) was used, it was significantly higher in the CaBg group vs the NaBg group (5.4% vs 2.1% and 7.1% vs 3.3%, P=.008 and .013, respectively). The use of ethnicity‐specific cut‐offs did not change the prevalence of SCH as compared to the use of institutional cut‐offs. However, when these cut‐offs were used, the prevalence of SCH reduced by >70% (4.5% instead of 16.7%; P<.001) relative to the 2.5 mIU/L cut‐off.

Conclusions

Pregnant women with a sub‐Saharan African background had a lower prevalence of TAI and TSH levels as compared with women from other backgrounds. The use of ethnicity‐specific TSH cut‐offs in early pregnancy was not more specific for the diagnosis of SCH as compared to the use of the institutional cut‐off.
Decision‐Making in Paediatric Rehabilitation: Exploring Professionals' and Children's Views on Decision‐Making Involvement
Authors: Bekken Wenche
Published: March 2017

The article explores the distinction that professionals make between difficult and less difficult decisions in paediatric rehabilitation interventions. This distinction is explored by looking at the involvement of two children in decisions regarding paediatric rehabilitation interventions. The article argues for a clinical practice where children's experiences are extensively used to improve practice and to accommodate the child's right to participate in medical decisions concerning their own body and life. The different ways the children and the professional describe their experiences provide an avenue for a discussion on how medical reasoning can curtail children's involvement in decisions.
Is the Lateralized Categorical Perception of Color a Situational Effect of Language on Color Perception?
Authors: Zhong Weifang , Li You , Huang Yulan , Li He , Mo Lei
Published: March 2017

This study investigated whether and how a person's varied series of lexical categories corresponding to different discriminatory characteristics of the same colors affect his or her perception of colors. In three experiments, Chinese participants were primed to categorize four graduated colors—specifically dark green, light green, light blue, and dark blue—into green and blue; light color and dark color; and dark green, light green, light blue, and dark blue. The participants were then required to complete a visual search task. Reaction times in the visual search task indicated that different lateralized categorical perceptions (CPs) of color corresponded to the various priming situations. These results suggest that all of the lexical categories corresponding to different discriminatory characteristics of the same colors can influence people's perceptions of colors and that color perceptions can be influenced differently by distinct types of lexical categories depending on the context.
Immunosuppression with mTOR inhibitors prevents the development of donor‐specific antibodies after liver transplant
Authors: Willuweit Katharina , Heinold Andreas , Rashidi‐Alavijeh Jassin , Heinemann Falko M. , Horn Peter A. , Paul Andreas , Gerken Guido , Herzer Kerstin
Published: March 2017

Background

Donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) are an important cause of complications after solid organ transplant. Risk factors and, thus, strategies for preventing DSA development are not well defined.

Methods

The DSA status of 400 patients who underwent liver transplant (LT) at the outpatient clinic of the University Hospital Essen was determined. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies were detected by single‐antigen bead technology. The strength of DSAs was reported as mean fluorescence intensity.

Results

Detectable DSAs were found in 74 (18.5%) patients and significantly more often in patients who underwent LT for autoimmune liver disease than for all other indications (29.3%; P=.022), but significantly less often found in patients who underwent LT for hepatocellular carcinoma (7.6%, P=.005). The incidence of DSAs increased with time after LT, and the risk was generally higher for female patients. The frequency of DSA detection was significantly lower (10.6%) for patients receiving immunosuppressive treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors than for those receiving other regimens (20.5%; P=.025).

Conclusion

Autoimmune liver diseases, female sex, and time of more than 8 years since LT predispose patients to the development of DSAs. Immunosuppression with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus protects against DSA development after liver transplant.
On the Share of Inheritance in Aggregate Wealth: Europe and the USA, 1900–2010
Authors: Alvaredo Facundo , Garbinti Bertrand , Piketty Thomas
Published: March 2017

This paper provides historical series on the evolution of the share of inherited wealth in aggregate private wealth in Europe (France, the UK, Germany, Sweden) and the USA over the 1900–2010 period. Until 1910, the inheritance share was very high in Europe (70–80%). It then fell abruptly following the 1914–45 shocks, down to about 30–40% during the 1950–80 period, and is back to 50–60% (and rising) since around 2010. The US pattern also appears to be U‐shaped, albeit less marked, and with significant uncertainty regarding recent trends, due to data limitations. We discuss possible interpretations for these long‐run patterns.
Evolving new concepts in the assessment of aortic stenosis
Authors: Deeprasertkul Peerawut , Ahmad Masood
Published: March 2017

Echocardiography has been pivotal in evaluating aortic stenosis (AS) over the past several decades. Recent experience has shown a wide spectrum in the clinical presentation of AS. A better understanding of the underlying hemodynamic principles has resulted in emergence of new subtypes of AS. New treatment modalities have also been introduced, requiring precise evaluation of aortic valve (AV) pathology for implementation of these therapies. This review will discuss new concepts and indices in the use of echocardiography in patients with AS. Specifically, we will address the hemodynamic characteristics, clinical presentation, and management of normal‐flow, high‐gradient; paradoxical low‐flow, low‐gradient; and classical low‐flow, low‐gradient aortic stenoses.
Dehiscence of a pulmonary bioprosthesis with a focal dissection of the pulmonary artery in a patient with congenital pulmonic stenosis
Authors: Yucel Evin , Bhatt Ami , Mihos Christos G. , Ghoshhajra Brian B. , DeFaria Yeh Doreen
Published: March 2017

Pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) is the most common adult congenital cardiac operation performed. Valve degeneration leading to prosthetic stenosis and/or regurgitation is a long‐term risk in this population and may be associated with paravalvular leak (PVL). Complications involving the proximal pulmonary artery, including dissection, are less clearly defined. Herein, we report the case of a 30‐year‐old patient with a history of multiple pulmonary valve interventions secondary to congenital pulmonic stenosis, who developed dehiscence of a bioprosthetic PVR associated with significant paravalvular leak (PVL) and further complicated by a focal dissection of the proximal pulmonary artery.
Complication of hybrid treatment in type B aortic dissection diagnosed by echocardiography
Authors: Weber Thaís Rossoni , Hotta Viviane Tiemi , Rochitte Carlos Eduardo , Staszko Kamila Fernanda , Dias Ricardo Ribeiro , Mady Charles
Published: March 2017

This case illustrates an unusual and fatal complication after endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection and highlights the role of echocardiography in the early diagnosis of complications. In this case, a patient with previous diagnosis of chronic type B aortic dissection and moderate aortic regurgitation underwent endovascular repair of the proximal descending aorta and conservative surgical correction of the aortic valve. On early postoperative, a transesophageal echocardiogram and aortic angiotomography demonstrated proximal endoleak by contrast extravasation around the proximal graft attachment site, causing compression of the stent in its middle portion, resulting in narrowing with reduced cross‐sectional area.
Exploring the Utility of Sequential Analysis in Studying Informal Formative Assessment Practices
Authors: Furtak Erin Marie , Ruiz‐Primo Maria Araceli , Bakeman Roger
Published: March 2017

Formative assessment is a classroom practice that has received much attention in recent years for its established potential at increasing student learning. A frequent analytic approach for determining the quality of formative assessment practices is to develop a coding scheme and determine frequencies with which the codes are observed; however, these frequencies do not necessarily reflect the temporal and sequential nature of teacher–student interactions. In this article, we explore the utility of sequential analysis as an alternative strategy to capture the nature of informal formative assessment interactions that take place in whole‐classroom conversations as compared to frequencies alone. We coded transcriptions of video recordings of four middle school science teachers' whole‐class discussions about density for different types of teacher statements associated with effective approaches to formative assessment, as well as the quality of the ideas students shared. Using sequential analysis, we then calculated transitional probabilities and odds ratios for those sequences. Results indicate that sequential analysis revealed differences across the four classrooms analyzed, particularly with respect to the way teachers responded to different kinds of student ideas. Recommendations are framed for the future use of sequential analysis in studying formative assessment classroom practice.
The Accuracy of Aggregate Student Growth Percentiles as Indicators of Educator Performance
Authors: Castellano Katherine E. , McCaffrey Daniel F.
Published: March 2017

Mean or median student growth percentiles (MGPs) are a popular measure of educator performance, but they lack rigorous evaluation. This study investigates the error in MGP due to test score measurement error (ME). Using analytic derivations, we find that errors in the commonly used MGP are correlated with average prior latent achievement: Teachers with low prior achieving students have MGPs that underestimate true teacher performance and vice versa for teachers with high achieving students. We evaluate alternative MGP estimators, showing that aggregates of SGP that correct for ME only contain errors independent of prior achievement. The alternatives are thus more fair because they are not biased by prior mean achievement and have smaller overall variance and larger marginal reliability than the Standard MGP approach. In addition, the mean estimators always outperform their median counterparts.
Hidden Entrepreneurs: Informal Practices within the Formal Economy
Authors: Al‐Mataani Rashid , Wainwright Thomas , Demirel Pelin
Published: March 2017

The focus of this study is ‘hidden entrepreneurs’ who bridge formal and informal economies. While their business activities are legal, the governance and ownership structures of their organizations are illegal. This qualitative study draws upon institutional theory to illuminate the emergence of international hidden entrepreneurs in Oman as an unintended response to institutional configurations, and to examine its perceived effects on the domestic entrepreneurial ecosystem. Hidden practices, shaped by the dynamics of institutional environments, are perceived negatively by policy makers and domestic entrepreneurs, but offer potential contributions for entrepreneurial development. In‐depth interviews with entrepreneurs and stakeholders reveal how hidden practices are shaped by the dynamics of regulatory and social institutions. Loopholes, or flawed institutional configurations, and prevailing sociocultural factors drive the emergence of hidden practices. The study contributes to informal entrepreneurship literature and policy making through highlighting the relevance of international entrepreneurs in enabling entrepreneurial ecosystem development.
Impact of Organisational Culture on New Product Success: an Empirical Study of Spanish Firms
Authors: Naranjo‐Valencia Julia C. , Jimenez‐Jimenez Daniel , Sanz‐Valle Raquel
Published: March 2017

Developing and commercialising successful products is crucial if a firm is to gain a lasting competitive edge. It is widely held that organisational culture is a key determinant of new products success. Some studies suggest that culture has a positive effect on the proficiency with which firms develop new product process, and that is what explains its influence on new product success. However, empirical research on the mediating role of new product process proficiency in the relationship between organisational culture and new product success is very scarce. This paper examines this mediating role, and tests it using a sample of 253 Spanish firms and applying Structural equations modelling. Findings provide support to that hypothesis in the case of adhocracy and market cultures, and show that adhocracy, in addition, has a direct effect on new product process proficiency. However, contrary to our expectations no significant results were obtained for clan and hierarchy cultures.
Acclimation of bloom‐forming and perennial seaweeds to elevated pCO2 conserved across levels of environmental complexity
Authors: Xu Dong , Schaum Charlotte‐Elisa , Lin Fan , Sun Ke , Munroe James R. , Zhang Xiao W. , Fan Xiao , Teng Lin H. , Wang Yi T. , Zhuang Zhi M. , Ye Naihao
Published: March 2017

Macroalgae contribute approximately 15% of the primary productivity in coastal marine ecosystems, fix up to 27.4 Tg of carbon per year, and provide important structural components for life in coastal waters. Despite this ecological and commercial importance, direct measurements and comparisons of the short‐term responses to elevated pCO2 in seaweeds with different life‐history strategies are scarce. Here, we cultured several seaweed species (bloom forming/nonbloom forming/perennial/annual) in the laboratory, in tanks in an indoor mesocosm facility, and in coastal mesocosms under pCO2 levels ranging from 400 to 2,000 μatm. We find that, across all scales of the experimental setup, ephemeral species of the genus Ulva increase their photosynthesis and growth rates in response to elevated pCO2 the most, whereas longer‐lived perennial species show a smaller increase or a decrease. These differences in short‐term growth and photosynthesis rates are likely to give bloom‐forming green seaweeds a competitive advantage in mixed communities, and our results thus suggest that coastal seaweed assemblages in eutrophic waters may undergo an initial shift toward communities dominated by bloom‐forming, short‐lived seaweeds.
Major electrocardiographic abnormality predicts support/care‐need certification and/or death in community‐dwelling older adults with no history of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Okuno Tazuo , Watanabe Keisuke , Nakajima Kumie , Iritani Osamu , Yano Hiroshi , Morita Takuro , Himeno Taroh , Igarashi Yuta , Okuro Masashi , Morimoto Shigeto
Published: March 2017

Aim

Not only cardiovascular disease (CVD) itself, but also subclinical major electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are related to frailty in older adults. We investigated whether major ECG abnormality was associated with first support/care‐need certification in Long‐Term Care Insurance or death in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

We analyzed 1078 community‐dwelling older adults with no history of certification aged 65–94 years. Relationships between baseline major ECG abnormality and risk of first certification or death were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

During 5 years, 135 first certifications and 53 deaths occurred. Among participants with no prior history of CVD (n = 875), those with major ECG abnormality (n = 282) showed significantly higher adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for certification (HR 2.42, 95% CI 1.58–3.69, P < 0.001) and for death (HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.27–4.69, P = 0.008) compared with control participants without major ECG abnormality (n = 593). The impact of major ECG abnormality on certification in this group was more evident in older adults with age ≥75 years, female sex or hyperuricemia. Participants with either arrhythmia or ST/T abnormality on ECG examination tended to have higher HR for certification as a result of dementia. In participants with a prior history of CVD (n = 203), the impact of major ECG abnormality (n = 126) on certification was not significant.

Conclusions

These observations show that subclinical major ECG abnormality predicts higher risk for later support/care‐need certification in community‐dwelling older adults with no prior history of CVD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1967–1976.
Relationships among sense of coherence, oral health status, nutritional status and care need level of older adults according to path analysis
Authors: Dewake Nanae , Hamasaki Tomoko , Sakai Rie , Yamada Shima , Nima Yuko , Tomoe Miki , Kakuta Satoko , Iwasaki Masanori , Soh Inho , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Ansai Toshihiro
Published: March 2017

Aim

Sense of coherence (SOC) is a measurement of ability of an individual to cope with psychological stress and remain in good health. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships among SOC score, oral health status, nutritional status and care need level of older adults using path analysis.

Methods

We enrolled 53 older adults (17 men and 36 women) who were attending a day care service (mean age 80.4 ± 6.5 years). SOC was assessed using a 13‐item, seven‐scale instrument. Oral health status (number of present teeth, denture use) and nutritional status (assessed with Mini‐Nutritional Assessment Short‐Form) were also evaluated. Path analysis was used to examine the relationship of SOC with other related factors, including care need level.

Results

The mean SOC score was 57.0 ± 13.9. Mini‐Nutritional Assessment Short‐Form results showed that one participant (1.8%) was malnourished, 26 (49.1%) were at risk of malnutrition and 26 (49.1%) had normal nutritional status. Participants with high SOC scores showed a strong positive attitude, had a relatively large number of teeth, were in good nutritional condition and showed low care need levels.

Conclusions

The present results showed that maintaining a high SOC level and good oral health help to reduce care need levels in older adults, and also prevent a worsening of their nutritional condition. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2083–2088.
Cross‐sectional study of equol producer status and cognitive impairment in older adults
Authors: Igase Michiya , Igase Keiji , Tabara Yasuharu , Ohyagi Yasumasa , Kohara Katsuhiko
Published: March 2017

Aim

It is well known that consumption of isoflavones reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the effectiveness of isoflavones in preventing dementia is controversial. A number of intervention studies have produced conflicting results. One possible reason is that the ability to produce equol, a metabolite of a soy isoflavone, differs greatly in individuals. In addition to existing data, we sought to confirm whether an apparent beneficial effect in cognitive function is observed after soy consumption in equol producers compared with non‐producers.

Methods

The present study was a cross‐sectional, observational study of 152 (male/female = 61/91, mean age 69.2 ± 9.2 years) individuals. Participants were divided into two groups according to equol production status, which was determined using urine samples collected after a soy challenge test. Cognitive function was assessed using two computer‐based questionnaires (touch panel‐type dementia assessment scale [TDAS] and mild cognitive impairment [MCI] screen).

Results

Overall, 60 (40%) of 152 participants were equol producers. Both TDAS and prevalence of MCI were significantly higher in the equol producer group than in the non‐producer group. In univariate analyses, TDAS significantly correlated with age, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. In multiple regression analysis using TDAS as a dependent variable, equol producer (β = 0.236, P = 0.005) was selected as an independent variable. In addition, multiple logistic regression analysis to assess the presence of MCI showed that being an equol producer was an independent risk factor for MCI (odds ratio 3.961).

Conclusions

Compared with equol non‐producers, equol producers showed an apparent beneficial effect in cognitive function after soy intake. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2103–2108.
Miscarriage in the Workplace: an Authoethnography
Authors: Porschitz Emily T. , Siler Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2017

This paper is an extension of the literature on pregnancy and work, and it introduces miscarriage as an important topic of study in management. Miscarriage starts with a pregnancy, so a woman who has miscarried deals with many of the same workplace issues as women who carry to term. The experience of miscarriage, however, often leads to physical and emotional trauma and/or grief that many women hide from their co‐workers. In this paper we also explore how secrecy is an integral part of the miscarriage experience. The combination of secrecy and grief that is layered on top of a difficult physical experience makes miscarriage a unique experience that, to date, has mostly been ignored in management literature and practice. It is well documented that contemporary corporate structures have little room for addressing procreation, health and grief, it is perhaps unsurprising then that despite miscarriage being seen as a relatively common event it remains silenced.
Caries experience of children in primary schools with long‐term tooth brushing programs: A pilot Australian study
Authors: Cakar T , Harrison‐Barry L , Pukallus ML , Kazoullis S , Seow WK
Published: March 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate a primary school‐based tooth brushing (TB) program conducted in a low socio‐economic area of Queensland, Australia, to determine its effectiveness in reducing caries.

Methods

Records kept at the central dental clinic of the district were used to analyse the caries experience (decayed, missing, filled teeth [dmft/DMFT]) and caries prevalence in children from two schools with long‐term TB programs (TB) (N=1191) and three Non‐TB schools (N=553). The schools were matched by socio‐economic indices.

Results

Historical records showed that the baseline caries experience in all TB and Non‐TB primary schools were similar at each primary school year. After a mean period of 5‐9 years of the TB program, the caries experience (mean decayed, missing, filled teeth, dmft/DMFT) and prevalence were lower for TB group than Non‐TB group. In the primary dentition, the overall mean dmft (±standard deviation) of TB group (2.53±3.00) was significantly lower than the Non‐TB group (3.06±3.30) (P<.001). Similarly, in the permanent dentition, the overall mean DMFT of TB group (0.47±1.05) was reduced significantly compared to the Non‐TB group (1.15±1.72) (P<.001). The overall caries prevalence in the TB group was 68% compared to 78% in Non‐TB (P<.001). Overall, the mean annual DMFT increments of children in the TB schools were also significantly less compared with children in the Non‐TB schools (P<.001).

Conclusion

A long‐term primary school TB program significantly reduced caries experience and caries prevalence in an optimally fluoridated (1‐ppm), very low socio‐economic district.
Second primary melanoma on a patient undergoing vemurafenib therapy. A case report
Authors: Onnis Giuliana , Palmieri Giuseppe , Montesu Maria Antonietta , Satta Rosanna
Published: March 2017

Background

Several side effects have been reported during treatment with vemurafenib, including multiple benign lesions and, less frequently, atypical melanocytic proliferations and second primary melanomas.

Methods

A 46‐year‐old man undergoing vemurafenib therapy for metastatic malignant melanoma was clinically and dermoscopically monitored using total‐body mapping.

Results

During BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) treatment, the patient developed atypical melanocytic lesions and particularly secondary primary melanoma.

Conclusions

Secondary melanomas are usually diagnosed during the early disease stage, and no case of advanced melanomas is reported in the literature, mostly due to careful surveillance in BRAFi‐treated patients.
Enhancing oral health for better mental health: Exploring the views of mental health professionals
Authors: Scrine Clair , Durey Angela , Slack‐Smith Linda
Published: March 2017

The association between oral health, self‐esteem and quality of life is well established yet there is limited research on the impact of addressing the poor oral health of people living with mental health disorders. Greater consideration is warranted on how enhancing oral health in the course of mental healthcare might reduce the burden of a person's ill health. The role of mental health professionals is important in this regard yet uncertainty persists about the role these providers can and should play in promoting oral health care for people with mental health disorders. This qualitative study explored the issue of oral health and mental health with community based mental health professionals in Perth, Western Australia. It examined their views on the oral health status and experiences of their clients, and the different and alternative ways to improve access to care, knowledge and preventative regimens. Findings indicated participants’ ambivalence, reluctance and lack of training in raising oral health issues, despite its acknowledged importance, indicating a siloed approach to care. Findings offer an opportunity to reflect on whether a more integrated approach to oral health care for people with mental health disorders would improve health outcomes.
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in a child and an adolescent with mild to borderline intellectual disability: A multiple baseline across subjects study
Authors: Mevissen Liesbeth , Didden Robert , Korzilius Hubert , de Jongh Ad
Published: March 2017

Background

This study explored the effectiveness of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in persons with mild to borderline intellectual disability (MBID) using a multiple baseline across subjects design.

Methods

One child and one adolescent with MBID, who met diagnostic criteria for PTSD according to a PTSD clinical interview (i.e., ADIS‐C PTSD section), adapted and validated for this target group, were offered four sessions of EMDR. PTSD symptoms were measured before, during and after EMDR, and at six weeks follow‐up.

Results

For both participants, number of PTSD symptoms decreased in response to treatment and both no longer met PTSD criteria at post‐treatment. This result was maintained at 6‐week follow‐up.

Conclusions

The results of this study add further support to the notion that EMDR can be an effective treatment for PTSD in children and adolescents with MBID. Replication of this study in larger samples and using a randomized controlled design is warranted.
In Search of Research Ideas? Call a Professional
Authors: Zinn Walter , Goldsby Thomas J.
Published: March 2017

The fields of Logistics and Supply Chain Management face several inflection points, significant changes in thought and practice that are laden with high‐stake risks and opportunities. This editorial highlights specific problem areas in need of focused research attention. The topics are gleaned from the inputs afforded by the JBL Practitioner Panel, a body of senior supply chain managers and executives from a diverse array of companies—shippers, logistics service providers, consultancies, and industry associations. Our intent is to direct research energy to areas the panel deems critical to current and future business practice.
Reduced expression of let‐7f activates TGF‐β/ALK5 pathway and leads to impaired ischaemia‐induced neovascularization after cigarette smoke exposure
Authors: Dhahri Wahiba , Dussault Sylvie , Haddad Paola , Turgeon Julie , Tremblay Sophie , Rolland Kevin , Desjarlais Michel , Cáceres‐Gorriti Katia Y , Mathieu Raphael , Rivard Alain
Published: March 2017

This study sought to determine the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the detrimental effects of cigarette smoke on angiogenesis and neovascularization. Using large‐scale miRNA profiling and qRT‐PCR analyses, we identified let‐7f as a pro‐angiogenic miRNA which expression is significantly reduced in HUVECs treated with cigarette smoke extracts (CSE), and in the ischemic muscles of mice that are exposed to cigarette smoke (MES). In a mouse model of hindlimb ischaemia, intramuscular injection of let‐7f mimic restored ischaemia‐induced neovascularization in MES. Doppler flow ratios and capillary density in ischemic muscles were significantly improved in MES treated with let‐7f mimic. Clinically, this was associated with reduced ambulatory impairment and hindlimb ischaemic damage. Treatment with let‐7f mimic could also rescue pro‐angiogenic cell (PAC) number and function (attachment, proliferation, migration) in MES. ALK5 (TGF‐βR1), an important modulator of angiogenesis, is a target of let‐7f. Here we show that ALK5 is increased in HUVECs exposed to CSE and in the ischaemic muscles of MES. This is associated with a downstream activation of the anti‐angiogenic factors SMAD2/3 and PAI‐1. Importantly, treatment with let‐7f mimic reduces the expression of ALK5, SMAD2/3 and PAI‐1 both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, let‐7f overexpression or ALK5 inhibition can rescue angiogenesis in HUVECs exposed to CSE. Cigarette smoke exposure is associated with reduced expression of let‐7f and activation of the anti‐angiogenic TGF‐β/ALK5 pathway. Overexpression of let‐7f using a miRNA mimic could constitute a novel therapeutic strategy to improve ischaemia‐induced neovascularization in pathological conditions.
Effect of the interaction between MiR‐200b‐3p and DNMT3A on cartilage cells of osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Wu Jian , Tao Yunjuan , Shang Anquan , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Yujie , Hu Liqing , Wang Jun , Wang Yuan , Guo Naizhou
Published: March 2017

The aim of this research is to explore the effect of miR‐200b‐3p targeting DNMT3A on the proliferation and apoptosis of osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage cells. Quantitative RT‐PCR was performed to analyse the expression of miR‐200b‐3p, DNMT3A, MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, MMP13 and COL II in normal and OA cartilage tissues. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay and Western blot assay were conducted to confirm the targeting relationship between miR‐200b‐3p and DNMT3A. We also constructed eukaryotic expression vector to overexpress miR‐200b‐3p and DNMT3A. We detected the expression level of MMPs and COL II in stable transfected cartilage cells using RT‐PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using the MTS, pellet culture and Hoechst 33342 staining method. Finally, we explored the effect of miR‐200b‐3p targeting DNMT3A on the proliferation and apoptosis of OA cartilage cells. The results of RT‐PCR indicated that both miR‐200b‐3p and COL II were down‐regulated in OA cartilage tissues, while the expression of DNMT3A and MMPs was up‐regulated in OA cartilage tissues. The expressions of DNMT3A, MMPs and COL II detected by Western blot showed the same trend of the results of RT‐PCR. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay and Western blot assay confirmed the targeting relationship between miR‐200b‐3p and DNMT3A. In overexpressed miR‐200b‐3p cartilage cells, DNMT3A and MMPs were significantly down‐regulated, COL II was significantly up‐regulated, cell viability was enhanced and apoptosis rate was decreased (P < 0.05). In overexpressed DNM3T cartilage cells, MMPs were significantly up‐regulated, COL II was significantly down‐regulated, cell viability was weakened and apoptosis rate was increased (P < 0.05). MiR‐200b‐3p inhibited the secretion of MMPs, promoted the synthesis of COL II and enhanced the growth and proliferation of OA cartilage cells through inhibiting the expression of DNMT3A.
Commentary: Distillation and element‐based design of psychological treatments in global mental health – a commentary on Brown et al. (2017)
Authors: Michelson Daniel , Patel Vikram
Published: March 2017

This commentary reflects on the “elements” approach in psychological treatment research, and its specific application to a systematic review of psychosocial interventions for youth in conflict‐affected areas. We discuss three key questions for the field. First, what psychological treatment elements are necessary and/or sufficient to achieve clinically significant change for a given population? Second, how should elements be sequenced to achieve optimal outcomes? Third, what might account for the large heterogeneity observed in psychological treatment trials, other than the constituent practice elements? We conclude by describing a new research programme that aims to develop a transdiagnostic intervention targeting common mental health difficulties among school‐going adolescents in India. The initial experience of this programme affirms the utility of aligning an elements approach with contextually‐sensitive formative research.
Evolution of antigenic diversity in the tick‐transmitted bacterium Borrelia afzelii: a role for host specialization?
Authors: Råberg L. , Hagström Å. , Andersson M. , Bartkova S. , Scherman K. , Strandh M. , Tschirren B.
Published: March 2017

Antigenic diversity in pathogenic microbes can be a result of at least three different processes: diversifying selection by acquired immunity, host–pathogen coevolution and/or host specialization. Here, we investigate whether host specialization drives diversity at ospC (which encodes an immunodominant surface protein) in the tick‐transmitted bacterium Borrelia afzelii. We determined prevalence and infection intensity of ospC strains in naturally infected wild mammals (rodents and shrews) by 454 amplicon sequencing in combination with qPCR. Neither prevalence nor infection intensity of specific ospC strains varied in a species‐specific manner (i.e. there were no significant ospC × host species interactions). Rankings of ospC prevalences were strongly positively correlated across host species. Rankings of ospC infection intensities were correlated more weakly, but only in one case significantly < 1. ospC prevalences in the studied mammals were similar to those in ticks sampled at the study site, indicating that we did not miss any mammal species that are important hosts for specific ospC strains. Based on this, we conclude that there is at best limited host specialization in B. afzelii and that other processes are likely the main drivers of ospC diversity.
High olfactory sensitivity to conspecific intestinal fluid in the chameleon cichlid Australoheros facetus: could faeces signal dominance?
Authors: Hubbard P. C. , Baduy F. , Saraiva J. L. , Guerreiro P. M. , Canário A. V. M.
Published: March 2017

The present study shows that the olfactory potency of intestinal and bile fluids taken from dominant male chameleon cichlids Australoheros facetus is greater than those from subordinate males. Thus, dominant status may be communicated by odorants released in the intestinal fluid and bile acids may contribute towards this.