bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public knowledge and expectations about dispatcher assistance in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Mathiesen Wenche T. , Birkenes Tonje S. , Lund Helene , Ushakova Anastasia , Søreide Eldar , Bjørshol Conrad A.
Published: October 2018

Aim

To assess the factors associated with the knowledge and expectations among the general public about dispatcher assistance in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest incidents.

Background

In medical dispatch centres, emergency calls are frequently operated by specially trained nurses as dispatchers. In cardiac arrest incidents, efficient communication between the dispatcher and the caller is vital for prompt recognition and treatment of the cardiac arrest.

Design

A cross‐sectional observational survey containing six questions and seven demographic items.

Method

From January–June 2017 we conducted standardized interviews among 500 members of the general public in Norway. In addition to explorative statistical methods, we used multivariate logistic analysis.

Results

Most participants expected cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructions, while few expected “help in deciding what to do.” More than half regarded the bystanders present to be responsible for the decision to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Most participants were able to give the correct emergency medical telephone number. The majority knew that the emergency call would not be terminated until the ambulance arrived at the scene. However, only one‐third knew that the emergency telephone number operator was a trained nurse.

Conclusion

The public expect cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructions from the emergency medical dispatcher. However, the majority assume it is the responsibility of the bystanders to make the decision to initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation or not. Based on these findings, cardiopulmonary resuscitation training initiatives and public campaigns should focus more on the role of the emergency medical dispatcher as the team leader of the first resuscitation team in cardiac arrest incidents.
Harnessing the power of clinician judgement. Identifying risk of deteriorating and dying in people with a haematological malignancy: A Delphi study
Authors: Button Elise , Gavin Nicole C. , Chan Raymond J. , Connell Shirley , Butler Jason , Yates Patsy
Published: October 2018

Aim

To provide expert consensus on the clinical indicators that signal a person with a haematological malignancy is at high risk of deteriorating and dying.

Background

Identification of people who are at risk of deteriorating and dying is essential to facilitate patient autonomy, appropriate treatment decisions, and effective end‐of‐life care.

Design

A three‐step modified Delphi approach.

Methods

The study was conducted over 6 months (September 2015–March 2016) to gather opinion from an international panel of experts (N = 27) on the clinical indicators that signal a person with a haematological malignancy is at high risk of deteriorating and dying. The first round was informed by a systematic review of prognostic factors present in the final months of life for people with a haematological malignancy. Consensus was achieved if 70% of responses fell within two points on a seven‐point Likert‐type scale.

Findings

Consensus was achieved on the following 11 clinical indicators: (a) advancing age; (b) declining performances status; (c) presence of co‐morbidities; (d) disease status; (e) persistent infections (bacterial and viral); (f) fungal infections; (g) severe graft versus host disease; (h) requiring high care; (i) signs of frailty; (j) treatment limitations; and (k) anorexia and/or weight loss. Consensus was also achieved on associated themes and statements for each indicator.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that subjective clinician‐assessed indicators that are contextually relevant to the nature of haematological malignancies are markers of risk. This study has provided valuable preliminary findings on the topic and will inform future research.
Emergence of informal clinical leadership as a catalyst for improving patient care quality and job satisfaction
Authors: Boamah Sheila A.
Published: October 2018

Aims

To analyse the critical attributes of clinical leadership and test a model linking clinical leadership behaviours of staff nurses to patient care quality and job satisfaction.

Background

Research has historically proclaimed the beneficial effects of clinical leadership for optimizing care and improving patient outcomes. Few studies, however, have assessed the influence of clinical leadership at the staff nurse level and empirically tested the concept.

Design

A predictive cross‐sectional design was used in this study.

Methods

Data were collected during January 2016 using a survey questionnaire. A random sample of Registered nurses working in direct care positions in acute care hospitals was surveyed. The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling in the analysis of a moment structures software.

Results

Nurses reported higher levels of clinical leadership skills in their practice. Staff nurses’ use of clinical leadership behaviours directly and positively influenced the quality of care they given to patients and their satisfaction in the workplace.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that informal leadership at the clinical level may be an underused asset in health care and if identified and developed, staff nurse clinical leaders have potential to improve the delivery of patient care and may offer a tangible solution to the patient safety conundrum.
Real‐time PCR assays for rapid detection of Zeugodacus cucumis and Bactrocera jarvisi (Diptera: Tephritidae) for quarantine application
Authors: Li Dongmei , Nair Sreelakshmi , Anderson Diane , Doddala Prasad , Gunawardana Disna N. , George Sherly
Published: October 2018

Zeugodacus cucumis and Bactrocera jarvisi are pests of fruit and vegetable crops and cause damage to horticulture industries. Immature stages of these two fruit fly species have been intercepted in New Zealand a number of times. Identification to species was not possible using morphological characters; thus, it is important to develop an assay for their species‐level identification. Here, the real‐time PCR assays for rapid identification of Z. cucumis and B. jarvisi were developed and validated. The PCR protocols demonstrated their specificity by amplifying the two target species successfully, with no cross‐reactions observed in the tested tephritid species. The in silico test of the primer and probe binding sites of the two assays also demonstrated the assays’ specificity by no mismatches present in the binding regions of the target species, but 1–4 mismatches in the binding regions of the non‐target fruit fly species. The thresholds of detection for the two assays are as low as 10 copies/µl of the target DNA, indicating that the assays have a very high sensitivity. The application of the real‐time PCR assays has greatly assisted in routine pest identifications at the New Zealand border and surveillance programme. Therefore, the assays have the potential to be used by diagnostic agencies and research organizations worldwide.
Risk of bias and the reporting of surgeons' experience in randomized controlled trials of total hip and total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review
Authors: Carroll Christopher , Mahmood Faizan
Published: October 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The potential bias introduced by surgeons' lack of comparable, relevant experience when performing the procedures in different arms of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is arguably not well‐managed or reported. The aim of this work was to review the frequency and nature with which surgeons' relevant experience is reported in RCTs of total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to relate this to other risk of bias domains for this study design.

Methods

A systematic review of RCTs comparing different minimally invasive procedures for TKA and comparisons of THA and hemiarthroplasty (HA). We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, The Cochrane Library, Conference Proceedings Citation Index‐Science (CPCI‐S), Current Controlled Trials, and Clinical Trials.gov.

Results

Seventy‐five relevant RCTs were identified, 65 RCTs comparing minimally invasive with standard or other minimally invasive approaches to TKA, and 10 for THA compared with HA. Risk of bias based on the reported details of surgeons' relevant experience was categorized as low, high, or unclear. There was a clear distinction before and after 2009, with a substantial decrease in trials at high or unclear risk of bias after this date. There were no strong associations between this domain and other, standard risk of bias domains for RCTs.

Conclusion

The surgeons' relevant experience in an evaluated procedure is often poorly reported but has improved since 2009. The variable is not adequately captured by any other risk of bias domain. Future work should concentrate on conducting research on a much larger sample of studies and in procedures other than knee and hip arthroplasty.
Fluorescence of natural teeth and restorative materials, methods for analysis and quantification: A literature review
Authors: Volpato Claudia Angela Maziero , Pereira Mario Rui Cunha , Silva Filipe Samuel
Published: October 2018

Objective

This review integrates published scientific information about the fluorescence of natural teeth, dental resins and ceramics, and the main methods of analysis and quantification presented in the literature.

Overview

Fluorescence is an emission of light (photons) by a substance that has absorbed light of higher energy. In natural teeth, it is more intense in the dentin than in the enamel and presents a bluish‐white color. In dental resins and ceramics, fluorescence is obtained by the incorporation of materials that contain rare‐earth luminescence centers (more precisely lanthanide luminescence centers), which allows these artificial materials to simulate natural teeth in a more beautiful and vital‐looking way. However, the lack of knowledge about this optical phenomenon on the part of professionals indicates the need for more scientific studies and dissemination on this topic.

Conclusions

Aesthetic materials have variable spectral compositions and fluorescence intensities, which are not always compatible with natural teeth. The fluorescence of teeth and restorative materials can be influenced by several factors, such as aging, temperature, and bleaching. Several devices for fluorescence evaluation and quantification are used in studies under different methodologies, but the small number of studies on the subject make it difficult to compare their results.

Clinical Significance

Fluorescence is a fundamental optical property for aesthetic rehabilitations since its presence and intensity in the restorative materials allows achieving an aesthetic result much closer to reality. However, the fluorescent behavior of natural teeth and aesthetic restorative materials is not yet fully understood by researchers and clinicians. Greater understanding of this phenomenon will contribute to the selection, indication, and clinical use of these materials.
Two case reports of unusual phimosis in rhesus monkeys (Macaca Mulatta)
Authors: Hajinasrollah Mostafa , Mohitmafi Soroush , Asadian Asma
Published: October 2018

Phimosis is the inability of the penis to protrude from the prepuce. In the present report, we present two cases of phimosis in two rhesus monkeys. Surgical enlargement of preputial orifice was performed for unrestricted movement of penis. The exact cause of this condition is unknown to us.
Patient Expectation and Satisfaction with Different Prosthetic Treatment Modalities
Authors: Colvin Joshua , Dawson Deborah V. , Gu Hongjie , Marchini Leonardo
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To investigate the relationships between gender, age, patients’ perceptions about the dentists’ conduct, number of adjustments, treatment type, and expectation prior to prosthetic treatment and patient satisfaction with their treatments.

Materials and Methods

Data were integrated from four studies that measured patient expectations before treatment and satisfaction after treatment using a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 to 10. These scores were given for each of four aspects of the therapeutic outcomes: chewing, esthetics, phonetics, and comfort. Patients’ perceptions about the dentists’ conduct was also assessed using a Likert‐scale questionnaire. The total sample size, after combining the data from all four studies, was 223 subjects. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. The covariates entertained were gender, age, treatment type, patients’ perceptions about the dentists’ conduct, number of adjustments, and expectation prior to denture fabrication.

Results

In the entire sample, 115 (51.57%) patients were females and 108 (48.43%) were males. They ranged in age from 28 to 81 years old; the mean age was 53.2 years (SD = 11.5). Combining four treatments together, there was no significant difference between patients’ expectation and satisfaction scores for all four items. There were no significant differences between expectation and satisfaction for different genders. Multivariable analysis showed that patient expectation, satisfaction and the difference (satisfaction score–expectation score) scores for all four aspects were associated with treatment type (implant treatments were favored), and expectation prior to prosthetic treatment (the higher the expectation, the higher the satisfaction) was associated with satisfaction and difference scores. Satisfaction and difference scores for chewing were associated with number of adjustments and satisfaction, and satisfaction and difference scores for phonetics and comfort were associated with how well the dentist explained the intended treatment before performing it.

Conclusions

Patient satisfaction was associated with treatment type (implant treatments were favored), expectations prior to prosthetic treatment (the higher the expectation, the higher the satisfaction), and how well the dentist explained the intended treatment before performing it.
Viewpoints of adolescents with overweight and obesity attending lifestyle obesity treatment interventions: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Jones H. M. , Al‐Khudairy L. , Melendez‐Torres G. J. , Oyebode O.
Published: October 2018

Background

Current UK guidance recommends that adolescents with obesity attend a family‐based multi‐component obesity intervention. However, these programmes suffer from low recruitment and high rates of attrition. Understanding the views of adolescents is necessary for developing future interventions. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize and explore the views of adolescents who have attended an obesity intervention.

Methods

Published literature was identified by searching six databases. Studies of adolescents (12–17 years) who attended an obesity intervention were examined. Only studies that collected and analysed data qualitatively were included. Full texts were analysed using thematic synthesis.

Results

Twenty‐eight studies were included. Thirty‐five analytical themes were developed that were broadly divided into seven domains. Key themes included ensuring adolescents receive a ‘tailored intervention’ that involves ‘active engagement’. Support from professionals, family and peers were valued highly. Adolescents expressed ‘prior fears of attending interventions’ and wanted ‘longer term support’. ‘Enjoyment of sport and physical activity’ was evident, and adolescents were strongly motivated by improving body image and social desirability.

Discussion

Considering the views of adolescents attending obesity interventions may help to inform policy makers in the development of future interventions. This may lead to an improvement in recruitment and attrition rates.
Frequency of medication error in pediatric anesthesia: A systematic review and meta‐analytic estimate
Authors: Feinstein Max M. , Pannunzio Anthony E. , Castro Pilar
Published: October 2018

Background

Clinical evidence shows that pediatric anesthesia patients are subject to a higher rate of life‐threatening medical errors than their adult counterparts. Medication error in adult anesthesia is estimated to occur to 1 in 133 anesthetic administrations, but such a figure has not been determined for pediatric anesthesia patients. Individual studies of medication error in pediatric anesthesia have ranged from rates of 0.01% to 1.92% of anesthetic uses. The present study is a systematic review that employs a meta‐analytic estimate to determine the rate of medication error in pediatric anesthesia.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature on pediatric anesthesia medication error was conducted using Medline, Cochrane Database, PROSPERO, and Clinicaltrials.gov. A meta‐analytic estimate was used to determine the medication error rate for all of the included studies. Subgroup sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate possible sources of heterogeneity in included studies.

Results

Of the 433 initially screened records, 13 studies met inclusion criteria. Meta‐analytic estimate of medication error rate across all studies was 0.08% (95% CI 0.05%‐0.10%), or 1 out of 1250 anesthetics. Ten different countries were represented in the studies. Sample size of anesthetics reported on ranged from 296 to 2 316 635. Data collecting periods ranged from 3 months to 15 years. Six included studies individually reported higher rates of medication error in patients under 1 year of age.

Conclusion

The present systematic review revealed a medication error rate of 1 per 1250 anesthetic administrations in pediatric anesthesia. This result is significantly lower than would be expected given reported rates of medication error in adult anesthesia, which raises questions regarding the validity of research methods and reporting of medication error in pediatric anesthesia. Future investigations of medication error should employ methodologies other than self‐reporting of error, such as retrospective chart review.
Enrollment challenges in multicenter, international studies: The example of the GAS trial
Authors: Gentry Katherine R. , Arnup Sarah J. , Disma Nicola , Dorris Liam , de Graaff Jurgen C. , Hunyady Agnes , Morton Neil S. , Withington Davinia E. , McCann Mary Ellen , Davidson Andrew J. , Lynn Anne M. ,   The GAS Trial Consortium
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Randomized trials are important for generating high‐quality evidence, but are perceived as difficult to perform in the pediatric population. Thus far there has been poor characterization of the barriers to conducting trials involving children, and the variation in these barriers between countries remains undescribed. The General Anesthesia compared to Spinal anesthesia (GAS) trial, conducted in seven countries between 2007 and 2013, provides an opportunity to explore these issues.

Methods

We undertook a descriptive analysis to evaluate the reasons for variation in enrollment between countries in the GAS trial, looking specifically at the number of potential subjects screened, and the subsequent application of four exclusion criteria that were applied in a hierarchical order.

Results

A total of 4023 patients were screened by 28 centers in seven countries. Australia and the USA screened the most subjects, accounting for 84% of all potential trial participants. The percentage of subjects eliminated from the screened pool by each exclusion criterion varied between countries. Exclusion due to a predefined condition (H1) eliminated only 5% of potential subjects in Italy and the UK, but 37% in Canada. Exclusions due to a contraindication or a physician's refusal most impacted enrollment in Australia and the USA. The patient being “too large for spinal anesthesia” was the most commonly cited by anesthetists who refused to enroll a patient (64% of anesthetist refusals). The majority of surgeon refusals came from the USA, where surgeons preferred the patient to receive a general anesthetic. The percentage of approached parents refusing to consent ranged from a low of 3% in Italy to a high of 70% in the USA and Netherlands. The most frequently cited reason for parent refusal in all countries was a preference for general anesthesia (median: 43%, range: 32%‐67%). However, a sizeable proportion of parents in all countries had a contrasting preference for spinal anesthesia (median: 25%, range: 13%‐31%), and 23% of U.S. parents expressed concern about randomization.

Conclusion

The GAS trial highlights enrollment challenges that can occur when conducting multicenter, international, pediatric studies. Investigators planning future trials should be aware of potential differences in screening processes across countries, and that exclusions by anesthetists and surgeons may vary in reason, in frequency, and by country. Furthermore, investigators should be aware that the U.S. centers encountered particularly high surgeon and parental refusal rates and that U.S. parents were uniquely concerned about randomization. Planning trials that address these difficulties should increase the likelihood of successfully recruiting subjects in pediatric trials.
The Agential Point of View
Authors: Sorgiovanni Ben
Published: October 2018

Agentialist accounts of self‐knowledge seek to do justice to the connection between our identities as rational agents and our capacity to know our own minds. There are two strategies that agentialists have employed in developing their position: substantive and non‐substantive. My aim is to explicate and defend one particular example of the non‐substantive strategy, namely, that proposed by Tyler Burge. In particular, my concern is to defend Burge's claim that critical reasoning requires a relation of normative directness between reviewing and reviewed perspectives. My defence will involve supplementing Burge's view with a substantive agentialist account of self‐knowledge.
Overexpression of particular MADS‐box transcription factors in heat‐stressed plants induces chloroplast biogenesis in petals
Authors: Wang Zhen , Shen Yuxiao , Yang Xiao , Pan Qi , Ma Guangying , Bao Manzhu , Zheng Bo , Duanmu Deqiang , Lin Rongcheng , Larkin Robert M. , Ning Guogui
Published: October 2018

Chloroplasts convert solar energy into biologically useful forms of energy by performing photosynthesis. Although light and particular genes are known to promote chloroplast development, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the tissue‐specificity and cell‐specificity of chloroplast biogenesis. Thus, the mechanisms that determine whether non‐photosynthetic plastids rather than chloroplasts develop in petals remain largely unexplored. Although heat stress is known to inhibit photosynthesis, we do not know whether heat stress affects chloroplast biogenesis. Here, we report that heat stress up‐regulates the expression of chlorophyll biosynthesis‐related genes and promotes chloroplasts biogenesis in petals overexpressing SOC1 (suppressor of overexpression of CO) and novel SOC1‐like genes. We also found that these specific MADS‐box transcription factors are present in most photosynthetic eukaryotes and that the expression of more than one homolog is observed in chloroplast‐containing tissues. These findings not only provide novel insights into the tissue specificity of chloroplast biogenesis and a method for producing green petals but also are consistent with heat stress influencing chloroplast biogenesis in higher plants.
Tracing the origin of Southwest Japan using the Hf isotopic composition of detrital zircons from the Akiyoshi Belt
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Takeuchi Makoto , Lee Hao‐Yang
Published: October 2018

The Permian Akiyoshi Belt, which is the oldest unmetamorphosed accretionary complex in Southwest Japan, plays an important role in understanding the origin of the Japanese Islands; however, its tectonic affinity is still not well constrained. Herein, we present the first Hf isotopic data for U–Pb dated detrital zircons of the Late Permian sandstones in the Akiyoshi Belt. Almost all the late Palaeozoic detrital zircons yielded highly positive ɛHf (t) values compatible with a juvenile source, suggesting that the major provenance of the trench sediments was from the South China block and not from the Bureya‐Jiamusi‐Khanka massif. We propose that in the late Palaeozoic, a block of juvenile lower crust existed outboard of the South China block, and it was being melted during the westward subduction of the Palaeo‐Pacific oceanic plate to produce voluminous volcanic and plutonic rocks with positive ɛHf (t) values.
Using Experimental Research Designs to Explore the Scope of Cumulative Culture in Humans and Other Animals
Authors: Caldwell Christine A.
Published: October 2018

In humans, cultural evolutionary processes are capable of shaping our cognition, because the conceptual tools we learn from others enable mental feats which otherwise would be beyond our capabilities. This is possible because human culture supports the intergenerational accumulation of skills and knowledge, such that later generations can benefit from the experience and exploration efforts of their predecessors. However, it remains unclear how exactly human social transmission supports the accumulation of advantageous traits, and why we see little evidence of this in the natural behavior of other species. Thus, it is difficult to know whether the cognitive abilities of other animals might be similarly scaffolded by processes of cultural evolution. In this article, I discuss how experimental studies of cultural evolution have contributed to our understanding of human cumulative culture, as well as some of the limitations of these approaches. I also discuss how similar research designs can be used to evaluate the potential for cumulative culture in other species. Such research may be able to clarify what distinguishes human cumulative culture from related phenomena in nonhumans, shedding light on the issue of whether other species also have the potential to develop cognitive capacities that are outcomes of cultural evolution.
Co‐expression analysis aids in the identification of genes in the cuticular wax pathway in maize
Authors: Zheng Jun , He Cheng , Qin Yang , Lin Guifang , Park Woojun D. , Sun Minghao , Li Jian , Lu Xiaoduo , Zhang Chunyi , Yeh Cheng‐Ting , Gunasekara Chathura J. , Zeng Erliang , Wei Hairong , Schnable Patrick S. , Wang Guoying , Liu Sanzhen
Published: October 2018

Epicuticular waxes provide a hydrophobic barrier that protects land plants from environmental stresses. To elucidate the molecular functions of maize glossy mutants that reduce the accumulation of epicuticular waxes, eight non‐allelic glossy mutants were subjected to transcriptomic comparisons with their respective wild‐type siblings. Transcriptomic comparisons identified 2279 differentially expressed (DE) genes. Other glossy genes tended to be down‐regulated in glossy mutants; by contrast stress‐responsive pathways were induced in mutants. Gene co‐expression network (GCN) analysis found that glossy genes were clustered, suggestive of co‐regulation. Genes that potentially regulate the accumulation of glossy gene transcripts were identified via a pathway level co‐expression analysis. Expression data from diverse organs showed that maize glossy genes are generally active in young leaves, silks, and tassels, while largely inactive in seeds and roots. Through reverse genetics, a DE gene homologous to Arabidopsis CER8 and co‐expressed with known glossy genes was confirmed to participate in epicuticular wax accumulation. GCN data‐informed forward genetics approach enabled cloning of the gl14 gene, which encodes a putative membrane‐associated protein. Our results deepen understanding of the transcriptional regulation of the genes involved in the accumulation of epicuticular wax, and provide two maize glossy genes and a number of candidate genes for further characterization.
Reduced risk of pneumonia after changes in anesthetic procedures for dogs receiving repeated anesthesia for radiation treatment
Authors: Baetge Courtney , Cummings Kevin J. , Deveau Michael
Published: October 2018

Radiation therapy requires repeated anesthetic administration to patients who often have multiple comorbidities contributing to an increased rate of anesthetic complications such as pneumonia. This is a retrospective observational study in which data were collected from 146 medical records of dogs receiving repeat anesthesia for radiation treatment from prior to management changes and compared to data from 149 cases treated after completion of management changes. The objective was to determine if changes in case management protocol that were put in place decreased the risk of pneumonia development among these patients. Management changes that were made included the following: decrease in anticholinergic and pure‐mu opioid use, change in positioning during intubation and recovery, prophylactic treatment of nausea, timing of cuff inflation and deflation, and aseptic handling of intubation equipment. There was a significant association between diagnosis of pneumonia and the following: pre‐ vs. post‐changes to protocol, presence of a neurologic tumor, presence of respiratory disease, presence of megaesophagus, and number of radiation fractions completed. Diagnosis of pneumonia did not vary significantly by age group, body weight category, or sex. In a multivariable logistic regression model that controlled for the effects of the three concurrent diseases and fractions completed, the odds of being diagnosed with pneumonia were approximately 10 times greater among dogs anesthetized prior to management changes (odds ratio = 9.9, 95% CI = 2.0–48.7,P = 0.005).
Long‐term outcome of the transobturator vaginal tape inside out for the treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in female dogs
Authors: Hamon Martin , Hamaide Annick J. , Noël Stéphanie M. , Claeys Stéphanie
Published: October 2018

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term efficacy of the transobturator vaginal tape inside out (TVT‐O) in female dogs with urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI).

Study design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Incontinent spayed female dogs (n = 12).

Methods

TVT‐O tape was inserted in 12 incontinent bitches diagnosed with USMI. Follow‐up information was evaluated by a telephone questionnaire, and a continence score was attributed.

Results

One year after surgery, 7 of 12 (58%) dogs were completely continent. Two dogs were removed from the long‐term analysis (1 dead and 1 lost). At a median follow‐up time of 85 months (range, 28‐95), 4 of 10 dogs were completely continent without medical treatment. Incontinence recurred in 6 dogs at a median time of 2 months after surgery (range 1‐20). Among these 6 dogs, 4 regained continence, and 2 had sporadic episodes of incontinence with additional medical treatment. No postoperative complications were encountered.

Conclusion

TVT‐O alone was successful in maintaining long‐term continence in 40% of the dogs. Additional postoperative medical treatment was effective in restoring continence in another 40% of the dogs.

Clinical significance

TVT‐O provides an alternative treatment of USMI in female dogs that is safe and less invasive than standard surgical techniques.
Long‐term outcome of video‐assisted thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation and pericardectomy in dogs with chylothorax: A multi‐institutional study of 39 cases
Authors: Mayhew Philipp D. , Steffey Michelle A. , Fransson Boel A. , Johnson Eric G. , Singh Ameet , Culp William T. N. , Brisson Brigitte A. , Oblak Michele L. , Balsa Ingrid M. , Giuffrida Michelle A.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term outcome of video‐assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) thoracic duct ligation (TDL) and pericardectomy for treatment of chylothorax in dogs.

Study design

Multi‐institutional retrospective study.

Animals

Thirty‐nine client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Dogs were included if they had undergone a VATS TDL and pericardectomy and had at least 1‐year follow‐up or had died within 1 postoperative year. Medical records were evaluated, and recorded data included clinicopathological and diagnostic imaging results, surgical findings, complications, conversion rates, and long‐term resolution and recurrence rates.

Results

Thirty‐nine dogs met the inclusion criteria. Two dogs died intraoperatively; 1 was euthanized after severe restrictive pleuritis was diagnosed intraoperatively, and 1 underwent ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest during pericardectomy and could not be resuscitated. Conversion to an open approach was required in 1 of 39 (3%) dogs for TDL and 4 of 36 (11%) dogs for pericardectomy. Overall follow‐up time was median 38 months (range, 3‐115). Resolution of pleural effusion occurred in 35 of 37 (95%) dogs that survived the perioperative period. Late recurrence of pleural effusion was seen at 12, 12, and 19 months postoperatively in 3 of 35 (9%) dogs that survived the perioperative period and in which chylothorax had initially resolved.

Conclusion

Successful long‐term resolution of chylothorax was seen in a high proportion of dogs that underwent VATS TDL and pericardectomy, although late recurrence was sometimes seen.

Clinical significance

Video‐assisted thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation and pericardectomy are highly successful in dogs with chylothorax. Future studies should evaluate whether pericardectomy is required in dogs without evidence of pericardial disease.
A Pilot Study on Patterns of Skill Development of Neurotypical Children as Measured by the ABLLS-R: Implications for Educational Programming for Children With Autism
Authors: Partington James W. , Bailey Autumn , Partington Scott W.
Published: October 2018

Many assessments used to measure the skills of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis lack data that delineates patterns of skill development by neurotypical children. In the current pilot study, we administered the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABLLS-R) to neurotypical children (N = 53) between the ages of six and 72 months to examine typical skill development across the major skill sets and repertoires of the ABLLS-R. We found that skills from the Basic Learner skills section emerged and developed earlier (i.e., by age five) than those from the other skills sections. By age six, children mastered their motor skills and 90% of the self-help skills. Academic skills took the longest to emerge and develop with children mastering only 51% of the related skills by age six. Implications of these findings, as they relate to skill development and identifying developmentally appropriate teaching objectives for individuals with ASD, are discussed.
Investigation of the Relation between Core Muscle Strength, Durability and Reaction Performance for Swimmers
Authors: Bıyıklı Türker
Published: October 2018

Investigation of the relation between reaction time performances and core muscle strength and durability of the swimmers is aimed in the research. 21 elite male sportsmen with 21,92 ± 5,03 years of age average, 174,14± 4,27 cm of length average and 75,02 ± 6,61 kg of body weight from College swimming team participate the research. Right-left hands audio and visual reaction times and plank and side plank performance values of the sportsmen are received. The data achieved provides minimum and maximum values, average and standard deviation values. Moreover Pearson correlation test is applied to determine the relation between the variants. According to the findings of the research, medium-level positive relation is detected between right hand visual reactions and plank measurement values, and poor-level positive relation is detected between right hand audio reactions of the swimmers (r=,692, p<,021; r=,277, p<,039).In conclusion, relation is detected between core muscle strength and durability and visual and audio right hand reaction time. It may be stated that development of core muscle strength and durability may improve reaction time.
Organ blood flow and O2 transport during hypothermia (27°C) and rewarming in a pig model
Authors: Valkov Sergei , Mohyuddin Rizwan , Nilsen Jan Harald , Schanche Torstein , Kondratiev Timofei V. , Sieck Gary C. , Tveita Torkjel
Published: October 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Absence of hypothermia‐induced cardiac arrest is a strong predictor for a favourable outcome after rewarming. Nevertheless, detailed knowledge of preferences in organ blood flow during rewarming with spontaneous circulation is largely unknown.

What is the main finding and its importance?

In a porcine model of accidental hypothermia, we find, despite a significantly reduced cardiac output during rewarming, normal blood flow and O2 supply in vital organs owing to patency of adequate physiological compensatory responses. In critical care medicine, active rewarming must aim at supporting the spontaneous circulation and maintaining spontaneous autonomous vascular control.

The absence of hypothermia‐induced cardiac arrest is one of the strongest predictors for a favourable outcome after rewarming from accidental hypothermia. We studied temperature‐dependent changes in organ blood flow and O2 delivery () in a porcine model with spontaneous circulation during 3 h of hypothermia at 27°C followed by rewarming. Anaesthetized pigs (n = 16, weighing 20–29 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (i) hypothermia/rewarming (n = 10), immersion cooled to 27°C and maintained for 3 h before being rewarmed by pleural lavage; and (ii) time‐matched normothermic (38°C) control animals (n = 6), immersed for 6.5 h, the last 2 h with pleural lavage. Regional blood flow was measured using a neutron‐labelled microsphere technique. Simultaneous measurements of and O2 consumption () were made. During hypothermia, there was a reduction in organ blood flow, and . After rewarming, there was a 40% reduction in stroke volume and cardiac output, causing a global reduction in ; nevertheless, blood flow to the brain, heart, stomach and small intestine returned to prehypothermic values. Blood flow in the liver and kidneys was significantly reduced. Cerebral and returned to control values. After hypothermia and rewarming there is a significant lowering of owing to heart failure. However, compensatory mechanisms preserve O2 transport, blood flow and in most organs. Nevertheless, these results indicate that hypothermia‐induced heart failure requires therapeutic intervention.
Spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) in protected natural areas of Serbia
Authors: Marić Ivana , Međo Irena , Jovanović Slobodan , Petanović Radmila , Marčić Dejan
Published: October 2018

Despite economic importance of Tetranychidae, knowledge regarding diversity of spider mites in the Balkan Peninsula and Southeast Europe is incomplete, especially in protected natural areas. This study presents diversity of spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) collected over five growing seasons at 296 locations in 38 protected natural areas of Serbia. A total of 31 spider mite species were found, 10 from Bryobiinae and 21 from Tetranychinae. The species Eotetranychus fagi Zacher was recorded as new to Serbia and this record was also the first one for Southeast Europe. Spider mites were found on host plants in five basic types as well as many subtypes of terrestrial habitats, with woodland as the most dominant one. A total of 151 plant species from 44 families were recorded as hosts for spider mites including new world records: 60 new hosts for family Tetranychidae and 41 new hosts for 21 spider mite species. Host plants from Rosaceae family harbored the highest number of spider mite species (16). A considerable number of species was found on host plants from the families Betulaceae (11), Asteraceae (10) and Sapindaceae (10). Two cosmopolitan spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch and Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov & Nikolskii, were clearly distinguished with 67 (7 new) and 43 (13 new) recorded host species, respectively; among newly recorded hosts for Tetranychidae family, these two mite species were found on 27 and 12 hosts, respectively. After the two most common species, the most striking was the presence of Bryobia praetiosa Koch with 24 (4 new) recorded host plants, followed by Amphitetranychus viennensis (Zacher), Eotetranychus carpini (Oudemans) and Bryobia rubrioculus (Scheuten), with 21 (7 new), 20 (6 new) and 16 (2 new) hosts, respectively. The remaining tetranychids were found on 1–9 host plant species. This study provided the first insight into diversity of tetranychids in Serbian protected areas. Further research in this field should focus on mites from host plants representative of specific areas and habitats, including endangered, endemic and relict species.
Field-emission scanning probe lithography tool for 150 mm wafer
Authors: Holz Mathias , Guliyev Elshad , Ahmad Ahmad , Ivanov Tzvetan , Reum Alexander , Hofmann Martin , Lenk Claudia , Kaestner Marcus , Reuter Christoph , Lenk Steve , Rangelow Ivo W. , Nikolov Nikolay
Published: October 2018

The development of next nodes of nano-electronic devices requires mask-less techniques for fast prototyping and analysis of ultimately down-scaled devices or for fabrication of templates for nanoimprint based high-volume manufacturing. Moreover, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) of large surfaces with acceptable speed becomes an issue with the introduction of large-sized wafers. The authors have designed an AFM system which is capable of field-emission scanning probe lithography on 150 mm wafers providing superior stitching accuracy better than 3 nm. The system is also providing noncontact, high-resolution 3D imaging employing active probes (i.e., piezoresistive self-sensing and thermo-mechanically self-actuated probes) and capable to operate with an array of four cantilevers. A high-precision X-Y-θ stage with 10 nm positioning accuracy and with 360° rotation capability enables the highest placement precision and cost effective large scanning field imaging.
Band alignment of atomic layer deposited SiO2 on (010) (Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3
Authors: Fares Chaker , Ren F. , Lambers Eric , Hays David C. , Gila B. P. , Pearton S. J.
Published: October 2018

The (AlxGa1−x)2O3/Ga2O3 system is attracting attention for heterostructure field effect transistors. An important device design parameter is the choice of gate dielectric on the (AlxGa1−x)2O3 and its band alignment at the heterointerface. The valence band offset at the SiO2/(Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3 heterointerface was measured using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The SiO2 was deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) onto single-crystal β-(Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3 grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The bandgap of the SiO2 was determined by reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy as 8.7 eV, while high resolution XPS data of the O 1s peak and onset of elastic losses were used to establish the (Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3 bandgap as 5.0 eV. The valence band offset was determined to be 1.60 ± 0.40 eV (straddling gap, type I alignment) for ALD SiO2 on β-(Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3. The conduction band offset was 2.1 ± 0.08 eV, providing for a strong electron transport restriction.
RSK2 contributes to myogenic vasoconstriction of resistance arteries by activating smooth muscle myosin and the Na
+
/H
+
exchanger
Authors: Artamonov Mykhaylo V. , Sonkusare Swapnil K. , Good Miranda E. , Momotani Ko , Eto Masumi , Isakson Brant E. , Le Thu H. , Cope Eric L. , Derewenda Zygmunt S. , Derewenda Urszula , Somlyo Avril V.
Published: October 2018

The kinase RSK2 promotes contractility in smooth muscle cells in resistance arteries.
Activating mutations in MEK1 enhance homodimerization and promote tumorigenesis
Authors: Yuan Jimin , Ng Wan Hwa , Tian Zizi , Yap Jiajun , Baccarini Manuela , Chen Zhongzhou , Hu Jiancheng
Published: October 2018

Cancer-associated mutations in the kinase MEK1 increase its dimerization and stimulate RAF-independent signaling.
Pathogen-driven vascularization
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: October 2018

A cell wall component of mycobacteria stimulates vascularization of granulomas.
Development of a Tool to Assess Interrelated Experimental Design in Introductory Biology
Authors: Killpack Tess L. , Fulmer Sara M.
Published: October 2018

Designing experiments and applying the process of science are core competencies for many introductory courses and course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs). However, experimental design is a complex process that challenges many introductory students. We describe the development of a tool to assess interrelated experimental design (TIED) in an introductory biology lab course. We describe the interrater reliability of the tool, its effectiveness in detecting variability and growth in experimental-design skills, and its adaptability for use in various contexts. The final tool contained five components, each with multiple criteria in the form of a checklist such that a high-quality response—in which students align the different components of their experimental design—satisfies all criteria. The tool showed excellent interrater reliability and captured the full range of introductory-student skill levels, with few students hitting the assessment ceiling or floor. The scoring tool detected growth in student skills from the beginning to the end of the semester, with significant differences between pre- and post-assessment scores for the Total Score and for the Data Collection and Observations component scores. This authentic assessment task and scoring tool provide meaningful feedback to instructors about the strengths, gaps, and growth in introductory students’ experimental-design skills and can be scored reliably by multiple instructors. The TIED can also be adapted to a number of experimental-design prompts and learning objectives, and therefore can be useful for a variety of introductory courses and CUREs.
A High-Throughput Screening Approach To Repurpose FDA-Approved Drugs for Bactericidal Applications against Staphylococcus aureus Small-Colony Variants
Authors: Trombetta Ryan P. , Dunman Paul M. , Schwarz Edward M. , Kates Stephen L. , Awad Hani A.
Published: October 2018

Conventional antibiotics fail to successfully treat chronic osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and device-related and airway infections. These recurring infections are associated with the emergence of SCV, which are recalcitrant to conventional antibiotics. Studies have investigated antibiotic therapies to treat SCV-related infections but have had little success, emphasizing the need to identify novel antimicrobial drugs. However, drug discovery is a costly and time-consuming process. An alternative strategy is drug repurposing, which could identify FDA-approved and well-characterized drugs that could have off-label utility in treating SCV. In this study, we adapted a high-throughput AK-based assay to identify 4 FDA-approved drugs, daunorubicin, ketoconazole, rifapentine, and sitafloxacin, which display antimicrobial activity against
S. aureus
SCV, suggesting an avenue for drug repurposing in order to effectively treat SCV-related infections. Additionally, this screening paradigm can easily be adapted for other drug/chemical libraries to identify compounds bactericidal against SCV.