bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Systematic Elemental Changes in Decomposing Bone
Authors: Walden Steven J. , Mulville Jacqui , Rowlands Jeffrey P. , Evans Sam L.
Published: March 2017

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate compositional changes in bone during decomposition. Elemental concentrations of barium, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus in porcine bone (as an experimental analog for human bone) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). The samples were taken from porcine bone subjected to shallow burial and surface depositions at 28‐day intervals for a period of 140 days. Results indicated that ICP‐OES elemental profiling has potential to be developed as a forensic test for determining whether a bone sample originates from the early stages of soft tissue putrefaction. Significant changes in iron, sodium and potassium concentrations were found over 140 days. These elements are known to be primarily associated with proteins and/or tissue fluids within the bone. Changes in their respective concentrations may therefore be linked to dehydration over time and in turn may be indicative of time since deposition.
Perception of emotional prosody in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Kis B. , Guberina N. , Kraemer M. , Niklewski F. , Dziobek I. , Wiltfang J. , Abdel‐Hamid M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with social conflicts. The purpose of this study was to explore domains of social cognition in adult patients with ADHD.

Methods

The assessment of social cognition was based on established neuropsychological tests: the Tübinger Affect Battery (TAB) for prosody and the Cambridge Behaviour Scale (CBS) for empathy. The performance of adults with ADHD (N = 28) was compared with the performance of a control group (N = 29) matched according to basic demographic variables.

Results

Treatment‐naïve adults with ADHD showed deficits in emotional prosody (P = 0.02) and in the ability to empathize (P < 0.02) independent of executive functioning. In particular, their ability to perceive angry feelings was found to be compromised (P = 0.04). When emotional prosody was considered in relation to facial expressions, patients and controls showed no impairments (P > 0.2). No gender differences concerning social cognitive skills were detected.

Conclusions

ADHD is associated with social cognition impairments involving both emotional prosody and empathy.
Provocative ideas on human placental biology: A prerequisite for prevention and treatment of neonatal health challenges
Authors: Sehgal Shilpi , Bhatnagar Shinjini , Pallavi S. K.
Published: March 2017

A 2‐day invite‐only meeting on generating “Provocative Ideas on human placental research” was organized on 1‐2 December 2015 at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad. This meeting was sponsored by Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. The objectives of this meeting were the critical evaluation of placental physiology and its development. Special emphasis was placed on understanding the consequences and implications of placental development in sustenance of pregnancy and in pregnancy‐associated complications such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth. This meeting brought together experienced as well as novice clinicians and biologists who have a keen interest in the field of placental biology, including development of new technologies and methods for evaluating the role of placenta in predicting pregnancy outcomes. The meeting primarily focused on (i) high‐throughput “‐omics” approaches, (ii) maternal nutrition and placental function, (iii) placental infection and inflammation, (iv) real‐time evaluation of placental development: tools for placental research, and (v) epidemiologic relevance of placental‐based research. Unanimous consensus emerged among the participants to carry out additional work focused on these areas. In this article, we summarize the talks and review the published literature on the above‐mentioned niches. As a direct outcome of this meeting, a request for applications has been announced by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, for pursuing research in this vital but understudied domain.
Glucose homeostasis, beta cell function, and insulin resistance in relation to vitamin D status after gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shaat Nael , Ignell Claes , Katsarou Anastasia , Berntorp Kerstin
Published: March 2017

Introduction

We wanted to determine vitamin D status after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to evaluate whether levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) are associated with beta cell function, insulin resistance or a diagnosis of diabetes after GDM.

Material and methods

Glucose homeostasis was assessed during a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test one to two years after delivery in 376 women with previous GDM (287 European and 78 non‐European, including 33 Arab and 35 Asian women). Insulin resistance was estimated using homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). The insulinogenic index (I/G30) and the disposition index [(I/G30)/HOMA‐IR] were used to calculate insulin secretion. Concentrations of serum 25OHD3 were determined.

Results

Mean (±SD) 25OHD3 concentration was 50.0 ± 22.3 nmol/L and differed significantly among subgroups of body mass index, ethnicity, and glucose tolerance status; 53% had 25OHD3 levels <50 nmol/L and 87% had 25OHD3 levels <75 nmol/L. There was a negative correlation between 25OHD3 concentration and HOMA‐IR (p < 0.001) and a positive correlation between 25OHD3 and disposition index (p = 0.002) in univariable regression analysis. Correlations attenuated after adjustment for body mass index. In univariable regression analysis, 25OHD3 concentrations were significantly associated with diabetes after GDM (p = 0.004). However, in a multivariable model, non‐European origin, HOMA‐IR and insulinogenic index were significantly associated with postpartum diabetes, whereas 25OHD3 concentrations were not.

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in previous GDM cases appears to be associated with beta cell dysfunction and insulin resistance, but not with postpartum diabetes when factors well known to influence type‐2 diabetes were adjusted for.
MICROFINANCE REGULATION AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS: THE CASE OF NIGERIA AND ZAMBIA
Authors: SIWALE Juliana , OKOYE Ngozi
Published: March 2017

This study examines the effect of regulations on microfinance institutions in Nigeria and Zambia by focusing on the post‐regulation experiences and reflections of the microfinance institutions (MFIs) and their regulators. Based on in‐depth interviews with the Central Banks as regulators, MFI managers, practitioners and apex microfinance associations, the study finds that regulations in both countries have managed to professionalize the sector, but their effectiveness in augmenting the centrality of social goals to microfinance and MFIs remains doubtful. The poorly designed regulations are not only undermining social goals but also sending wrong signals to would be social investors, with implications for the social image of the industry. The study further finds that regulations have neither speeded the emergence of sustainable MFIs (especially in Zambia) nor accelerated the sectors’ outreach to the poor and the financially excluded. Additionally, considerable levels of political interference and poor regulation have led to unintended consequences to the sector, further frustrating the ultimate goal of extending financial services to the poor. These findings have policy and practical implications for how microfinance engages with the regulatory logic and continues to serve those at the bottom of the pyramid.
Parametric Functional Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Sang Peijun , Wang Liangliang , Cao Jiguo
Published: March 2017

Functional principal component analysis (FPCA) is a popular approach in functional data analysis to explore major sources of variation in a sample of random curves. These major sources of variation are represented by functional principal components (FPCs). Most existing FPCA approaches use a set of flexible basis functions such as B-spline basis to represent the FPCs, and control the smoothness of the FPCs by adding roughness penalties. However, the flexible representations pose difficulties for users to understand and interpret the FPCs. In this article, we consider a variety of applications of FPCA and find that, in many situations, the shapes of top FPCs are simple enough to be approximated using simple parametric functions. We propose a parametric approach to estimate the top FPCs to enhance their interpretability for users. Our parametric approach can also circumvent the smoothing parameter selecting process in conventional nonparametric FPCA methods. In addition, our simulation study shows that the proposed parametric FPCA is more robust when outlier curves exist. The parametric FPCA method is demonstrated by analyzing several datasets from a variety of applications.
Prenatal antibiotics and atopic dermatitis among 18‐month‐old children in the Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Timm S. , Schlünssen V. , Olsen J. , Ramlau‐Hansen C. H.
Published: March 2017

Background

Despite extensive research, the aetiology of atopic dermatitis remains largely unknown, but reduced intestinal microbiota diversity in neonates has been linked to subsequent atopic dermatitis. Consequently, postnatal antibiotics have been proposed as a risk factor, but a potential association between prenatal antibiotics and atopic dermatitis is not well studied. Overall, the current evidence suggests a positive association between exposure to prenatal antibiotics and atopic dermatitis.

Objective

To investigate the association between prenatal antibiotics and atopic dermatitis among 18‐month‐old children.

Methods

This study conducted within the Danish National Birth Cohort included 62 560 mother‐child pairs. Data on maternal prenatal antibiotics were collected in the 30th gestation week and 6 months post‐partum, and offspring atopic dermatitis 18 months post‐partum through telephone interviews. Antibiotic use was categorized by the timing of exposure as 1st‐2nd trimester (gestation week 0‐29), 3rd trimester (gestation week 30‐birth), all three trimesters or none. Data were analysed by logistic regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Exposure to antibiotics prenatally was associated with increased odds of atopic dermatitis among children born by atopic mothers but only when used in both 1st‐2nd and 3rd trimester (ORadj 1.45, 95% CI: 1.19‐1.76). The findings were consistent using different definitions of atopic dermatitis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Prenatal exposure to antibiotics throughout pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis but only within the first 18 months of life among children born by atopic mothers. The clinical usefulness of this finding must rest on corroboration in independent data sources.
Assessing vulnerability of two Mediterranean conifers to support genetic conservation management in the face of climate change
Authors: Serra‐Varela María Jesús , Alía Ricardo , Daniels Rose Ruiz , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Gonzalo‐Jiménez Julián , Grivet Delphine
Published: March 2017

Aim

To integrate two major components of vulnerability to climate change: adaptive capacity (approached by genetic groups) and exposure (approached by risk of habitat loss) illustrated with the maritime (Pinus pinaster Ait.) and Aleppo (Pinus halepensis Mill.) pines. To integrate such information in the selection of conservation strategies (ex situ vs. in situ) and to evaluate current European efforts in the conservation of forest genetic resources.

Location

Mediterranean Basin and European Atlantic coast.

Methods

With the objective of preserving the overall genetic diversity of our two target species, we individually assess each of their genetic groups. We fit a species distribution model and project it to current climate and 42 different future climatic predictions. We create future suitability maps to assess risk of habitat loss based on the number of future climate projections that predict suitability. According to this assessment on the risk of habitat loss, we propose suitable conservation strategies.

Results

We found areas suitable for in situ conservation for most of the genetic groups, the exception being the central–eastern–southern Iberian genetic groups of maritime pine and the Moroccan genetic group of Aleppo pine which required ex situ conservation. In the current European conservation network, three genetic groups for maritime pine and two for Aleppo pine remain unrepresented, and the representation of the rest is unbalanced.

Main conclusions

We provide a tool to support conservation management of forest trees, an increasingly important task given the negative impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. We also provide a framework to increase the efficiency of the European conservation network: (i) exposure assessment should be considered as a requirement for a population to become a dynamic conservation unit (DCU); and (ii) as illustrated with our two target species, the selection of DCUs should represent all existing genetic groups.
Domestic institutions and foreign assistance in Haiti: Requisites for economic development
Authors: Barrett Beverly
Published: March 2017

Considering institutional and geographic explanations for economic development, the institutional thesis is relevant to explain the historically weak governance structure, even as there have been robust foreign assistance efforts for development in recent years. Taken together, the weak role of the state and low levels of human development are evidence of the challenges. Reviewing the post‐colonial legacy of Haiti, and its impact on economic development, this article discusses the lack of an integral state resulting in weak institutions. Especially since the earthquake in early 2010, the international development community has been an essential partner for reform initiatives, which will require accountable and inclusive domestic institutions to be effective.
Adherence to confidentiality principles from the viewpoint of Iranian dental students: A multicenter study
Authors: Ghodousi A. , Abedzadeh M. , Ketabi M. , Zarean Parichehr , Zarean Paridokht
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Confidentiality is a basic ethical principle appreciating human autonomy, relationships, and dignity and in medical research has a long history. In dental practice, it has the same importance as medical field. Therefore, providing patients with information about the confidentiality will promote their confidence in dental professionals and prevent legal conflicts. The present study sought to evaluate the knowledge and viewpoints of dental students about patient confidentiality.

Methods and Materials

In this multicenter applied research, the participants were recruited from schools of dentistry of Isfahan, Tehran, Tabriz, Shiraz, and Mashhad Universities of Medical Sciences and Isfahan Islamic Azad University during 2013. Ultimately, data were collected randomly with a researcher‐made questionnaire from 180 dental students of fifth‐sixth‐year. The collected data were entered into SPSS 20.0. Independent t‐tests and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to analyze the data.

Result

Overall, 60.3% of the participating students were concerned about acquiring adequate knowledge on the concept of patient confidentiality and 59.0% felt obliged to participate in related educational courses. Most students (66.5%) were careful not to share patient information with their friends. According to one‐way ANOVA, students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences scored significantly higher than other participants. However, no significant differences were detected between the students of other schools.

Conclusion

The confidentiality laws imposed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education seem to adequate details, but needs more education for dentists. Also it should be accentuated, due to state of confidentiality in patients’ rights guidline and courses on ethics should be tailored based on the specific subjects raised in each field of dentistry.
Instruction manual for the ILAE 2017 operational classification of seizure types
Authors: Fisher Robert S. , Cross J. Helen , D'Souza Carol , French Jacqueline A. , Haut Sheryl R. , Higurashi Norimichi , Hirsch Edouard , Jansen Floor E. , Lagae Lieven , Moshé Solomon L. , Peltola Jukka , Roulet Perez Eliane , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Somerville Ernest , Sperling Michael , Yacubian Elza Márcia , Zuberi Sameer M.
Published: March 2017

This companion paper to the introduction of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) 2017 classification of seizure types provides guidance on how to employ the classification. Illustration of the classification is enacted by tables, a glossary of relevant terms, mapping of old to new terms, suggested abbreviations, and examples. Basic and extended versions of the classification are available, depending on the desired degree of detail. Key signs and symptoms of seizures (semiology) are used as a basis for categories of seizures that are focal or generalized from onset or with unknown onset. Any focal seizure can further be optionally characterized by whether awareness is retained or impaired. Impaired awareness during any segment of the seizure renders it a focal impaired awareness seizure. Focal seizures are further optionally characterized by motor onset signs and symptoms: atonic, automatisms, clonic, epileptic spasms, or hyperkinetic, myoclonic, or tonic activity. Nonmotor‐onset seizures can manifest as autonomic, behavior arrest, cognitive, emotional, or sensory dysfunction. The earliest prominent manifestation defines the seizure type, which might then progress to other signs and symptoms. Focal seizures can become bilateral tonic–clonic. Generalized seizures engage bilateral networks from onset. Generalized motor seizure characteristics comprise atonic, clonic, epileptic spasms, myoclonic, myoclonic–atonic, myoclonic–tonic–clonic, tonic, or tonic–clonic. Nonmotor (absence) seizures are typical or atypical, or seizures that present prominent myoclonic activity or eyelid myoclonia. Seizures of unknown onset may have features that can still be classified as motor, nonmotor, tonic–clonic, epileptic spasms, or behavior arrest. This “users’ manual” for the ILAE 2017 seizure classification will assist the adoption of the new system.
Human management and hybridization shape treegourd fruits in the Brazilian Amazon Basin
Authors: Ambrósio Moreira Priscila , Mariac Cédric , Zekraoui Leila , Couderc Marie , Rodrigues Doriane Picanço , Clement Charles R. , Vigouroux Yves
Published: March 2017

Local people's perceptions of cultivated and wild agrobiodiversity, as well as their management of hybridization are still understudied in Amazonia. Here we analyze domesticated treegourd (Crescentia cujete), whose versatile fruits have technological, symbolic, and medicinal uses. A wild relative (C. amazonica) of the cultivated species grows spontaneously in Amazonian flooded forests. We demonstrated, using whole chloroplast sequences and nuclear microsatellites, that the two species are strongly differentiated. Nonetheless, they hybridize readily throughout Amazonia and the proportions of admixture correlate with fruit size variation of cultivated trees. New morphotypes arise from hybridization, which are recognized by people and named as local varieties. Small hybrid fruits are used to make the important symbolic rattle (maracá), suggesting that management of hybrid trees is an ancient human practice in Amazonia. Effective conservation of Amazonian agrobiodiversity needs to incorporate this interaction between wild and cultivated populations that is managed by smallholder families. Beyond treegourd, our study clearly shows that hybridization plays an important role in tree crop phenotypic diversification and that the integration of molecular analyses and farmers’ perceptions of diversity help disentangle crop domestication history.
POSTCOLONIALITY AND THE TWO SITES OF HISTORICITY
Authors: RANJAN RITWIK
Published: March 2017

This essay examines the two sites of historicity, namely history‐writing and historical agency, and their interrelationship. I borrow the idea of “sites of historicity” from historian Michel‐Rolph Trouillot's Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995). For the purpose of analyzing how the relationship between the two sites changes with time and context, using Trouillot's theoretical lens, I examine the philosophies of history of Immanuel Kant and G. W. F. Hegel. By citing instances from these two philosophers, I claim that with the rise of nineteenth‐century colonialism, the two sites of historicity became discursively related in a specific way, whereby historical agency came to be predicated on history‐writing. Hence, in contrast to Kant's work, in Hegel's philosophy of history the relationship between the two sites of historicity acquired a decidedly colonialist form. As a result of this predication of historical agency on history‐writing, the alleged lack of historiography of certain cultures began to be considered as a token of their lack of political ability. The essay ends with the suggestion that the postcolonial thinkers and commentators who deal with historiography should challenge the foregoing predication, as it continues to inform contemporary thought concerning historiography.
3. BUDDHIST TECHNOLOGIES OF STATECRAFT AND MILLENNIAL MOMENTS
Authors: BLACKBURN ANNE M.
Published: March 2017

There are striking family resemblances between models and modes of kingship in the Safavid and Mughal worlds discussed by Azfar Moin and those that characterized Buddhist kingship in the premodern Indian Ocean arena, which encompassed polities including Poḷonnāruva, Dambadeṇiya, Koṭṭē, Bagan, Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai. In courtly contexts, Buddhists—operating at the intersection of intellectual traditions in Pali and Sanskrit languages—depended upon protective technologies including astrology and interpreted threats and prospects according to millennial science. Working comparatively, across the premodern Indian Ocean and Indo‐Persian worlds, can help historians of Buddhism and Islam to understand more clearly the intellectual histories and repertoires of royal practice according to which kings and strongmen within each sphere sought to gain and retain the throne.
A prospective study assessing the effect of coronal tooth structure loss on the outcome of root canal retreatment
Authors: Al‐Nuaimi N. , Patel S. , Austin R. S. , Mannocci F.
Published: March 2017

Aim

To evaluate the outcome of secondary root canal treatment (retreatment) on posterior teeth in relation to the residual volume of coronal tooth structure, measured with an intraoral scanner, using periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methodology

A total of 137 posterior teeth in 121 patients were assessed clinically and radiographically using periapical radiographs and CBCT scans at baseline and 1 year after root canal retreatment. The increase or decrease in the size of preoperative periapical radiolucencies and development of new radiolucencies were assessed by a consensus panel consisting of two pre‐calibrated examiners. A clinical impression was obtained for each tooth after completion of root canal retreatment, before the placement of the temporary restoration and following cast restoration placement to produce two casts. All casts were scanned using an intraoral digital scanner and the three‐dimensional volume of remaining tooth structure calculated. Teeth were also classified according to the number of remaining coronal walls before core build‐up. χ2 test was used to determine the association between the outcome of root canal retreatments and the volume of remaining coronal tooth structure.

Results

At the 1‐year recall, teeth retaining less than 30% of their original tooth structure volume had a significantly higher proportion of unfavourable outcomes (χ2, P < 0.05, odds ratio [OR], 2.58; 95% CI, 1.026–6.487).

Conclusions

The loss of tooth structure volume is an objective parameter that can be used to predict the probability of success of root canal retreatments. At 1‐year follow‐up, the percentage of unfavourable outcomes of root canal retreated teeth was significantly higher when less than 30% of the original tooth tissue structure was present at baseline.
Expression of factors involved in dental pulp physiopathological processes by nemotic human pulpal fibroblasts
Authors: Le Clerc J. , Tricot‐Doleux S. , Pellen‐Mussi P. , Pérard M. , Jeanne S. , Pérez F.
Published: March 2017

Aim

To investigate in human dental pulp fibroblasts (HDPF) the expression of factors involved in dental pulp physiopathological processes and in an experimental model of cell activation called nemosis, and to compare the behaviour of pulp cell activation with sound lung fibroblast MRC5, employed as a reference model for nemosis.

Methodology

Nemotic response was induced in three‐dimensional cultures of HDPF and lung fibroblasts. The expressions of molecules involved in physiological (alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen) and in inflammatory processes (IL‐6, CXCL8, CCL20, COX‐2) were studied using real‐time PCR. Concentrations of IL‐6 and CXCL8 were analysed during 4 days with ELISA. Nonparametric tests were used to determine statistical differences between groups.

Results

A significant decrease (P < 0.001) in type I collagen and alkaline phosphatase was observed in MRC5 and HDPF nemotic responses. Although the amounts of mRNA differed between these cell types, there was an increase in CCL20, CXCL8 and COX‐2 expression (P < 0.001). Unlike HDPF, MRC5 spheroids displayed significant amounts of IL‐6 concentrations and mRNA expression. Notably, increased concentrations of CXCL8 were recorded in all three‐dimensional cultures compared with monolayers as a function of time (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Although the nemotic responses observed were not identical in the pulpal and lung fibroblasts, similarities occurred in the expression of chemokines and cyclooxygenase‐2. Nemotic reactions and inflammatory processes in pulp diseases share similarities in terms of the expression of factors. Thus, this in vitro model could constitute a powerful tool to study intercellular relations within the dental pulp and to develop new local treatments to counteract the inflammatory reaction that occurs during pulpitis.
Heyde syndrome revisited: anaemia and aortic stenosis
Authors: Tjahjadi Catherina , Wee Yong , Hay Karen , Tesar Peter , Clarke Andrew , Walters Darren L. , Bett Nicholas
Published: March 2017

Background

The association of anaemia with aortic stenosis (AS) has been recognised for over 50 years; however, although there have been several sporadic reports, there are few data on the prevalence of this syndrome.

Aims

We sought to compare the prevalence of anaemia in adults with AS with that of controls who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing pre‐procedural levels of haemoglobin in 1537 adults who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) for AS with 8025 contemporaneous patients who had CABG. We hypothesised that the prevalence of anaemia in patients with AS would be significantly higher than in the control group.

Results

A total of 30.1% in the AVR group was anaemic compared to 16.2% in the CABG group. The mean haemoglobin concentration measured across the whole population was significantly lower (132 g/L) in AVR patients than in those who underwent CABG (138 g/L). In a multivariable model, haemoglobin levels varied significantly by treatment group, gender and age. The adjusted marginal mean haemoglobin value was 135.6 g/L in AVR patients compared to 137.3 g/L in CABG patients.

Conclusions

The prevalence of anaemia was significantly greater in patients with AS than in a contemporaneous cohort that underwent CABG. This may indicate that Heyde syndrome is more common than has been generally appreciated and should be considered in the evaluation of anaemia in patients with AS.
A randomized‐controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of the ‘Home‐but not Alone’ mobile‐health application educational programme on parental outcomes
Authors: Shorey Shefaly , Lau Ying/Y. , Dennis Cindy‐Lee , Chan Yah Shih , Tam Wilson W.S. , Chan Yiong Huak
Published: March 2017

Aim

To examine the effectiveness of Home‐but not Alone, a postnatal psychoeducational programme delivered via a mobile‐health application for parents during the early postpartum period to improve parenting outcomes.

Background

The early postpartum period is often a challenging but crucial period for new parents. Supportive educational programmes delivered via mobile‐health applications are needed to improve parenting outcomes.

Design

A randomized‐controlled two‐group pre‐test and post‐test design was adopted.

Methods

Data were collected over 6 months (December 2015–May 2016) from 250 participants in a tertiary teaching hospital. They were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 126) or control (n = 124) groups. Parental self‐efficacy, social support, postnatal depression and parenting satisfaction were measured using reliable and valid instruments. A linear mixed method analysis was used to compare the percentage change of all outcome variables.

Results

The intervention group had statistically significant improvements for parental self‐efficacy, social support and parenting satisfaction at 4 weeks postpartum compared with the control group. Postnatal depression scores did not show any significant improvement compared with the control group.

Conclusion

The mobile‐health application was effective in improving parental self‐efficacy, social support and parenting satisfaction. Hence, it should be introduced and carried out in routine care by nurses. Further studies should focus on evaluating the effects of this programme in reducing postnatal depression amongst parents.

Trial Registration Number

ISRCTN99092313.
The content and meaning of administrative work: a qualitative study of nursing practices
Authors: Michel Lucie , Waelli Mathias , Allen Davina , Minvielle Etienne
Published: March 2017

Aim

To investigate the content and meaning of nurses’ administrative work.

Background

Nurses often report that administrative work keeps them away from bedside care. The content and meaning of this work remains insufficiently explored.

Design

Comparative case studies.

Method

The investigation took place in 2014. It was based on 254 hours of observations and 27 interviews with nurses and staff in two contrasting units: intensive care and long‐term care. A time and motion study was also performed over a period of 96 hours.

Results

Documentation and Organizational Activities is composed of six categories; documenting the patient record, coordination, management of patient flow, transmission of information, reporting quality indicators, ordering supplies‐ stock management Equal amounts of time were spent on these activities in each case. Nurses did not express complaints about documentation in intensive care, whereas they reported feeling frustrated by it in long‐term care. These differences reflected the extent to which these activities could be integrated into nurses’ clinical work and this is in turn was related to several factors: staff ratios, informatics, and relevance to nursing work.

Conclusion

Documentation and Organizational Activities are a main component of care. The meaning nurses attribute to them is dependent on organizational context. These activities are often perceived as competing with bedside care, but this does not have to be the case. The challenge for managers is to fully integrate them into nursing practice. Results also suggest that nurses’ Documentation and Organizational Activities should be incorporated into informatics strategies.
Former patients' experiences of recovery from self‐harm as an individual, prolonged learning process: a phenomenological hermeneutical study
Authors: Tofthagen Randi , Talseth Anne Grethe , Fagerstrøm Lisbeth Maria
Published: March 2017

Aim

To explore, describe and understand former patients' experiences of recovery from self‐harm.

Background

Previous research shows that a person's development towards a more secure self‐image, mastery of their emotions, an understanding of what triggers self‐harm and mastery of new ways to cope with problems are central to recovery. Recovery from self‐harm is still a relatively new field of research.

Design

A phenomenological hermeneutical approach.

Methods

Eight participants were interviewed in 2013. Inclusion criteria were as follows: to have committed no self‐harm during the past 2 years, to have experienced recovery and to be 18 or older. We analysed data using a phenomenological hermeneutical method.

Findings

The findings resulted in three themes with subthemes. The first theme, the turning point, occurred at the start of the recovery process. Participants learned to choose life, verbally express their inner pain and reconcile with their life histories. In the second theme, coping with everyday life, participants learned how to choose alternative actions instead of self‐harm and attend to their basic, physical needs. In the third theme, valuing close relationships and relationships with mental health nurses, participants learned to receive support from close relationships with others and mental health nurses. A tentative model illustrates the comprehensive understanding of the recovery process, described as an individual, prolonged learning process.

Conclusion

To achieve recovery, persons who self‐harm need guidance and knowledge of how to realize a personal learning process. More research is needed on how mental health nurses can support individual transition processes and thereby facilitate recovery.
3D culture increases pluripotent gene expression in mesenchymal stem cells through relaxation of cytoskeleton tension
Authors: Zhou Ying , Chen Haiyan , Li Hong , Wu Yaojiong
Published: March 2017

Three‐dimensional (3D) culture has been shown to improve pluripotent gene expression in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), but the underlining mechanisms were poorly understood. Here, we found that the relaxation of cytoskeleton tension of MSCs in 3D culture was critically associated with the expressional up‐regulation of Nanog. Cultured in spheroids, MSCs showed decreased integrin‐based cell–matrix adhesion but increased cadherin‐based cell–cell interaction. Different from that in 2D culture, where MSCs exhibited branched and multiple‐directed F‐actin stress bundles at the cell edge and strengthened stress fibres transversing the cell body, MSCs cultured in spheroids showed compact cell body, relaxed cytoskeleton tension with very thin cortical actin filament outlining the cell, and increased expression of Nanog along with reduced levels of Suv39h1 (H3K9 methyltransferase) and H3K9me3. Notably, pharmaceutical inhibition of actin polymerization with cytochalasin D or silencing Suv39h1 expression with siRNA in 2D‐cultured MSCs elevated the expression of Nanog via H3K9 demethylation. Thus, our data suggest that 3D culture increases the expression of Nanog through the relaxation of actin cytoskeleton, which mediates reduced Suv39h1 and H3K9me3 levels.
Assessment of arterial stiffness in periodontitis using a novel pulse wave imaging methodology
Authors: Sanz‐Miralles Elena C. , Li Ronny , Momen‐Heravi Fatemeh , Mendieta Carlos , Konofagou Elisa E. , Papapanou Panos N.
Published: March 2017

Aim

We investigated the cross‐sectional relationship between periodontal status and arterial stiffness, assessed through a novel Pulse Wave Imaging methodology.

Methods

Eighty volunteers were enrolled (39% male, age range 24–78 years) and 33 pairs were formed of periodontitis patients/periodontally healthy controls, matched by age and gender. A full‐mouth periodontal examination was performed and the degree of stiffness of the right and left carotid arteries was assessed by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the uniformity in pulse wave propagation (R2). Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests for paired observations were used to compare periodontitis patients and healthy controls. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the association between PWV and R2 and potential explanatory variables.

Results

Patients with periodontitis had a statistically significantly lower uniformity in wave propagation (R2) than controls (p = .01), but PWV did not differ between the two groups. Univariate analysis showed a significant negative association between R2 and periodontitis, body mass index and smoking; periodontitis remained statistically associated with R2 in the multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

Patients with periodontitis and no established cardiovascular disease presented with lower degree of uniformity in the transmission of the pulse wave through the carotid arteries, suggesting an association between periodontitis and arterial stiffness/functional alterations.
A New Heterolobosean Amoeboflagellate, Tetramitus dokdoensis n. sp., Isolated from a Freshwater Pond on Dokdo Island in the East Sea, Korea
Authors: Park Jong Soo
Published: March 2017

The genus Tetramitus is a representative amoeboflagellate group within the Heterolobosea, and currently contains over a dozen species. Here, a new heterolobosean amoeboflagellate was isolated from a freshwater pond on Dokdo Island, Korea. The amoebae have eruptive pseudopodia, no uroidal filament, and a nucleus with a central nucleolus. The length and width of the amoebae are 15.5–28.0 μm and 5.4–12.6 μm, respectively. The flagellates are conical, with 4 flagella of equal length (~10 μm). There is a discrete rostrum in the subapical region of the flagellate form. The cyst has thin endo‐ and ectocyst layers and no cyst pores. The amoeba shows slow movement at 37 °C, but does not move at 42 °C under a light microscope. Phylogenies of the 18S rRNA gene and the ITS1‐5.8S rRNA gene‐ITS2 sequence show that the strain belongs to a subclade of Tetramitus that includes Tetramitus rostratus, Tetramitus waccamawensis and Tetramitus entericus, amongst others. Nonetheless, the strain is distinct from other species in both molecular phylogenetic trees. Thus the strain isolated from the Dokdo Island is proposed as a novel species, Tetramitus dokdoensis n. sp.
Ethnic Differences in Advance Directive Completion and Care Preferences: What Has Changed in a Decade?
Authors: Portanova Jaclyn , Ailshire Jennifer , Perez Catherine , Rahman Anna , Enguidanos Susan
Published: March 2017

Studies have documented ethnic differences in advance directive (AD) completion, with lower rates in minority groups. Of those with ADs, blacks are more likely than whites to prefer aggressive care, but little is known about how these differences in preferences have changed over time in ethnic groups. This nationally representative study aimed to investigate whether these differences in AD development persisted after adjusting for important confounding variables. Year of death was analyzed to see how AD completion changed over time within ethnic groups, and for those with an AD, the association between these factors and opting for aggressive care was investigated. Data from the 2000 to 2012 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) exit interviews from 7,177 decedents were used. Analyses included logistic regression to determine the relationship between ethnicity and AD completion and preferences for aggressive care and how it changed over time in ethnic groups. Forty‐six percent of decedents had completed an AD (whites 51.7%, Hispanics 18.0%, blacks 15.0%). Of blacks completing an AD, 23.8% elected prolonged care, compared with 13.3% of Hispanics and 3.3% of whites. Logistic regression revealed that blacks 75% lower odds of completing an AD and Hispanics had 70% lower odds. Model covariates had a small influence on ethnic differences, although in examining the change in AD completion over time, the odds of having an AD increased with each subsequent death year for blacks and whites but not Hispanics. Additional research is needed to investigate the effect of cultural differences in AD completion rates of ethnic minority groups to ensure that preferences are honored in the clinical setting.
The effects of a nurse‐supervised home exercise programme on improving patients’ perceptions of the benefits and barriers to exercise: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tao Xingjuan , Chow Susan Ka Yee , Wong Frances KY
Published: March 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the effects of a home exercise programme on patients’ perceptions of the barriers and benefits to exercise and adherence to the programme.

Background

Great efforts have been made to encourage dialysis patients to participate in rehabilitation regimens. The promotion of exercise in this population is still limited.

Design

This was a post hoc analysis of a randomised, two‐group parallel study.

Methods

A total of 113 adult patients recruited from the haemodialysis units were randomised into two groups on a 1:1 ratio. Both groups received in‐centre group exercise training weekly for 6 weeks. The intervention group patients were provided with an additional individualised nurse‐led home exercise prescription and behavioural support for 12 weeks. The patients’ perceptions of the barriers and benefits to exercise, adherence to the home exercise prescription and their exercise level at weeks 6 and 12 were evaluated.

Results

There was a significant between‐group difference in the score on patient perceptions of the barriers and benefits to exercise, with the intervention group reporting a greater reduction in perceived barriers to exercise. Significant group differences were noted in exercise level upon the completion of the programme, with the intervention group reporting higher such levels. The average adherence rate to the negotiated exercise plans was 78.9%. The intervention group of patients did better at meeting or exceeding the minimum exercise goal than did the control group.

Conclusion

Home exercise prescriptions and behavioural support provided by trained nurses are effective at helping patients to remove barriers to engaging in exercise training.

Relevance to clinical practice

Physical exercise in a clinical arena should not be considered the exclusive domain of physical therapists; the team could collaborate with nurses to play a core role in making physical exercise for patients an essential practice of care in a multidisciplinary team.
Public‐Private Collaboration, Hybridity and Social Value: Towards New Theoretical Perspectives
Authors: Quélin Bertrand V. , Kivleniece Ilze , Lazzarini Sergio
Published: March 2017

Focusing on the collaboration intersecting public, non‐profit and private spheres of economic activity, we analyse the conceptual forms of hybridity embedded in these novel inter‐organizational arrangements, and link them to different mechanisms of creating social value. We first disentangle alternative notions of hybrid arrangements in existing literature by proposing a conceptual typology on two theoretically complementary yet distinct dimensions: hybridity in governance and hybridity in organizational logics. We show how both forms of hybridity can jointly occur in complex public‐private and cross‐sector collaborations, and propose the notion of value as a crucial bridging point between these perspectives. Crucially, we develop a conceptual framework on key theoretical mechanisms leading to economic and social value in these inter‐organizational collaborations. Our work deepens the understanding of how diverse, hybrid forms of collaboration can create value and builds critical links between previously disparate streams of literature on public‐private interaction, cross‐sector collaboration and social enterprises.
Association between occlusal force distribution in implant overdenture prostheses and residual ridge resorption
Authors: Khuder T. , Yunus N. , Sulaiman E. , Ibrahim N. , Khalid T. , Masood M.
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to investigate residual ridge resorption (RRR) of anterior and posterior maxillary and mandibular edentulous ridges, in patients treated with mandibular implant overdentures (IOD) and compare with conventional complete denture (CD) wearers, and to determine at each location, the association of RRR with the occlusal forces distribution and other patients’ variables. The anterior and posterior RRR of IOD (six males, 17 females) and CD (12 males, 11 females) groups were determined using baseline and follow‐up dental panaromic radiographs (DPT) (mean intervals 4 ± 1·8 years). The bone ratios were calculated using proportional area: anatomic to fixed reference areas and mean difference of ratios between the intervals determined RRR. The ridge locations included anterior and posterior maxillary and posterior mandibular arches. The T‐Scan III digital occlusal system was used to record anterior and posterior percentage occlusal force (%OF) distributions. There were significant differences in anterior and posterior %OF between treatment groups. Two‐way anova showed RRR was significant for arch locations (P = 0·005), treatment group (IOD versus CD) (P = 0·001), however, no significant interaction (P = 0·799). Multivariate regression analyses showed significant association between RRR and %OF at anterior maxilla (P = 0·000) and posterior mandible (P = 0·023) and for treatment groups at posterior maxilla (P = 0·033) and mandibular areas (P = 0·021). Resorption was observed in IOD compared to CD groups, with 8·5% chance of less resorption in former and 7·8% in the latter location. Depending on arch location, ridge resorption at various locations was associated with occlusal force distribution and/or treatment groups (implant prostheses or conventional complete dentures).
Immunohistochemical detection of Mycoplasma salivarium in oral lichen planus tissue
Authors: Mizuki Harumi , Abe Ryosuke , Kogi Shintaro , Mikami Toshinari
Published: March 2017

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a T‐cell‐mediated inflammatory disease; however, its exact etiology is unknown. Hyperkeratosis is often observed in OLP lesions. Previous studies have revealed the localization of Mycoplasma salivarium in the epithelial cells of oral leukoplakia with hyperkeratosis. Herein, we investigated the presence of M. salivarium in OLP tissue by immunohistochemistry to determine the causative factor of OLP.

Methods

Forty‐one formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded samples obtained from 31 patients with OLP were examined. Ten samples of normal‐appearing oral mucosa were used as controls. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed using anti‐M. salivarium monoclonal antibodies.

Results and Conclusions

Mycoplasma salivarium was detected in the epithelium and lymphocyte infiltrate area in 24 of 41 OLP samples (58.5%). The bacteria were intracellularly localized in epithelial cells, while it was unclear whether they were also localized in lymphocyte cells or in the extracellular spaces among the lymphocytes in the subepithelial lymphocyte infiltrate area. Little or no staining was observed in the epithelium in the normal‐appearing mucosa samples. Sawtooth rete ridge formation was observed in 21 OLP samples (51.2%), and a significant positive correlation between sawtooth rete ridge formation and IHC positivity was demonstrated. However, the role of M. salivarium in the epithelium and lamina propria of OLP tissue remains unknown.