bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sample Size Determination for Multilevel Hierarchical Designs Using Generalized Linear Mixed Models
Authors: Amatya Anup , Bhaumik Dulal K.
Published: September 2017

A unified statistical methodology of sample size determination is developed for hierarchical designs that are frequently used in many areas, particularly in medical and health research studies. The solid foundation of the proposed methodology opens a new horizon for power analysis in presence of various conditions. Important features such as joint significance testing, unequal allocations of clusters across intervention groups, and differential attrition rates over follow up time points are integrated to address some useful questions that investigators often encounter while conducting such studies. Proposed methodology is shown to perform well in terms of maintaining type I error rates and achieving the target power under various conditions. Proposed method is also shown to be robust with respect to violation of distributional assumptions of random-effects.
Tetrandrine antagonizes acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia growth by forcing autophagy‐mediated differentiation
Authors: Liu Ting , Zhang Zhenxing , Yu Chunjie , Zeng Chang , Xu Xiaoqing , Wu Guixian , Huang Zan , Li Wenhua
Published: September 2017

Background and Purpose

The poor prognosis of acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMKL) means there is a need to develop novel therapeutic methods to treat this condition. It was recently shown that inducing megakaryoblasts to undergo terminal differentiation is effective as a treatment for AMKL. This encouraged us to identify a compound that induces megakaryocyte differentiation, which could then act as a potent anti‐leukaemia agent.

Experimental Approach

The effects of tetrandrine on the expression of CD41 and cell morphology were investigated in AMKL cells. We used CRISPR/Cas9 knockout system to knock out ATG7 and verify the role of autophagy in tetrandrine‐induced megakaryocyte differentiation. shNotch1 and CA‐Akt were transfected into K562 cells to examine the downstream pathways of ROS signalling and the mechanistic basis of the tetrandrine‐induced megakaryocyte differentiation. The anti‐leukaemia effects of tetrandrine were analysed both in vitro and in vivo.

Key Results

A low dose of tetrandrine induced cell cycle arrest and megakaryocyte differentiation in AMKL cells via activation of autophagy. Molecularly, we demonstrated that this effect is mediated by activation of Notch1 and Akt and subsequent accumulation of ROS. In contrast, in normal mouse fetal liver cells, although tetrandrine induced autophagy, it did not affect cell proliferation or promote megakaryocyte differentiation, suggesting a specific effect of tetrandrine in malignant megakaryoblasts. Finally, tetrandrine also showed in vivo efficacy in an AMKL xenograft mouse model.

Conclusions and Implications

Modulating autophagy‐mediated differentiation may be a novel strategy for treating AMKL, and tetrandrine has the potential to be developed as a differentiation‐inducing agent for AMKL chemotherapy.
Pharmacophore‐based virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and biological evaluation for the discovery of novel BRD4 inhibitors
Authors: Yan Guoyi , Hou Manzhou , Luo Jiang , Pu Chunlan , Hou Xueyan , Lan Suke , Li Rui
Published: September 2017

Bromodomain is a recognition module in the signal transduction of acetylated histone. BRD4, one of the bromodomain members, is emerging as an attractive therapeutic target for several types of cancer. Therefore, in this study, an attempt has been made to screen compounds from an integrated database containing 5.5 million compounds for BRD4 inhibitors using pharmacophore‐based virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. As a result, two molecules of twelve hits were found to be active in bioactivity tests. Among the molecules, compound 5 exhibited potent anticancer activity, and the IC50 values against human cancer cell lines MV4‐11, A375, and HeLa were 4.2, 7.1, and 11.6 μm, respectively. After that, colony formation assay, cell cycle, apoptosis analysis, wound‐healing migration assay, and Western blotting were carried out to learn the bioactivity of compound 5.
Fine Motor Control Underlies the Association Between Response Inhibition and Drawing Skill in Early Development
Authors: Simpson Andrew , Al Ruwaili Reshaa , Jolley Richard , Leonard Hayley , Geeraert Nicolas , Riggs Kevin J.
Published: September 2017

Previous research shows that the development of response inhibition and drawing skill are linked. The current research investigated whether this association reflects a more fundamental link between response inhibition and motor control. In Experiment 1, 3‐ and 4‐year‐olds (n = 100) were tested on measures of inhibition, fine motor control, and drawing skill. Data revealed an association between inhibition and fine motor control, which was responsible for most of the association observed with drawing skill. Experiment 2 (n = 100) provided evidence that, unlike fine motor control, gross motor control and inhibition were not associated (after controlling for IQ). Alternative explanations for the link between inhibition and fine motor control are outlined, including a consideration of how these cognitive processes may interact during development.
Leading protective factors for children living out of home: A literature review
Authors: Zabern Anne , Bouteyre Evelyne
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The aim of the present review is to identify the protective factors that have been highlighted in the literature as key factors for the resilience of children in care.

Method

A systematic review of publications has been conducted in 7 scientific databases, using 8 keyword combinations. After all of the factors described in the studies have been identified, the frequency with which each one occurred has been calculated.

Results

A large number of individual and environmental protective factors have been found. Seven main factors have been highlighted (positive self‐esteem; regular contact maintained with biological parents; participation in after‐school activities; investment in schooling; access to social support; warm, stable, and predictable environment; and less exposure to child abuse and trauma).

Conclusion

Although evidence of overriding protective factors has been found, there is clearly still a lack of research on this issue. The studies surveyed had many limitations, and more are therefore needed to confirm findings and answer the questions raised by this review.
Genetic and epigenetic insights into uveal melanoma
Authors: Sharma A. , Stei M.M. , Fröhlich H. , Holz F.G. , Loeffler K.U. , Herwig‐Carl M.C.
Published: September 2017

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most frequent primary intraocular tumor in Caucasian adults and is potentially fatal if metastases develop. While several prognostic genetic changes have been identified in UM, epigenetic influences are now getting closer attention. Recent technological advances have allowed to exam the human genome to a greater extent and have improved our understanding of several diseases including malignant tumors. In this context, there has been tremendous progress in the field of UM pathogenesis. Herein, we review the literature with emphasis on genetic alterations, epigenetic modifications and signaling pathways as well as possible biomarkers in UM. In addition, different research models for UM are discussed. New insights and major challenges are outlined in order to evaluate the current status for this potentially devastating disease.
Expanding the clinical and molecular spectrum of PRMT7 mutations: 3 additional patients and review
Authors: Agolini E. , Dentici M.L. , Bellacchio E. , Alesi V. , Radio F.C. , Torella A. , Musacchia F. , Tartaglia M. , Dallapiccola B. , Nigro V. , Digilio M.C. , Novelli A.
Published: September 2017

Protein arginine methyltransferase 7 (PRMT7) is a member of a family of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of methyl groups from S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine to nitrogen atoms on arginine residues. Arginine methylation is involved in multiple biological processes, such as signal transduction, mRNA splicing, transcriptional control, DNA repair, and protein translocation. Currently, 7 patients have been described harboring compound heterozygous or homozygous variants in the PRMT7 gene, causing a novel intellectual disability syndrome, known as SBIDDS syndrome (Short Stature, Brachydactyly, Intellectual Developmental Disability, and Seizures).

We report on 3 additional patients from 2 consanguineous families with severe/moderate intellectual disability, short stature, brachydactyly and dysmorphisms. Exome sequencing revealed 2 novel homozygous mutations in PRMT7. Our findings expand the clinical and molecular spectrum of homozygous PRMT7 mutations, associated to the SBIDDS syndrome, showing a possible correlation between the type of mutation and the severity of the phenotype.
Statistical consistency and phylogenetic inference: a brief review
Authors: Brower Andrew V. Z.
Published: September 2017

The claim that parsimony can be statistically inconsistent remains the chief criticism of the cladistic approach, and also the main justification for alternative model‐based approaches such as maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Despite its refutation in the 1980s, this persistent myth of parsimony's Achilles’ heel is entrenched in the primary literature, and has metastasized into textbooks, as well. Here, I review historical controversies, and offer three short arguments as to why statistical consistency is not only irrelevant to systematics, but to empirical science in general.
Bond length alternation in unsymmetrical cyanine dyes and its influence on the vibrational structure of their electronic absorption spectra
Authors: Mustroph Heinz , Reiner Knut , Senns Bianca
Published: September 2017

Based on the assumption that the unsymmetrical cyanine dyes can be regarded as a hybrid of the two corresponding symmetrical dyes it was expected that λmax of the unsymmetrical dye would be the arithmetic mean of λmax of the two symmetrical dyes. There is, however, often a remarkable difference between the arithmetic mean and the observed λmax of the unsymmetrical dye – the Brooker deviation. To date, this effect is explained in terms of increasing electronic energy differences. With increasing difference of the electronic structure between the ground and excited state, the difference between equilibrium geometry of ground and excited state increases and the relative intensity of the higher vibronic transitions 0–v increases and that of the 0–0 transition decreases. λmax represents the intensity maximum of an absorption band and could be related to the 0–0, 0–1 or another vibronic transition. We discuss the origin of the Brooker deviation on the vibrational structure of the spectra.
Conservation of interacting species in network‐constrained environments
Authors: Lois Sabela , Cowley David E.
Published: September 2017

Aim

We apply a novel approach in a spatial network context to identify factors influencing a parasite–host system and to distinguish focal areas for conservation of interacting species.

Location

Twenty river networks in southern Europe (Spain)

Methods

Spatial stream network (SSN) models were applied to analyse and predict density and biomass of interacting species in river networks. Density of an endangered freshwater mussel (parasite) and biomass data of its host fish were response variables for models with fixed‐effect biotic and abiotic predictors and three random effect models for spatial covariance. Universal kriging with the SSN models was used to obtain predictions for parasite density and host biomass for the entire study region.

Results

Spatial stream network (SSN) models fitted separately for parasite density and host biomass explained 75% and 77% of the variance, respectively. Predictors explained 5% of the variance for the parasite and 14% for the host. Host biomass was the most important predictor of parasite density. The tail‐up and tail‐down spatial covariances fitted to the residual variance explained more than a half of the total variance in both models. Significant biotic and abiotic predictors differed between the parasite and host models. Combining model predictions for parasite density and host biomass identified areas where different strategies might be employed to conserve biotic interactions.

Main conclusions

Conservation of biotic interactions requires consideration of respective ecologies of the interacting species. In a network environment, connectivity of habitats can be an important determinant for occurrence of biotic interactions. Spatially explicit analyses, such as the SSN, can identify focal areas for conservation of biotic interactions. Conservation focused on biotic interactions, as opposed to a single species, could yield benefits to the focal species, the biotic community with which they occur and the ecosystem that supports them.
Species co‐occurrence networks show reptile community reorganization under agricultural transformation
Authors: Kay Geoffrey M. , Tulloch Ayesha , Barton Philip S. , Cunningham Saul A. , Driscoll Don A. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: September 2017

Agricultural transformation represents one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, causing degradation and loss of habitat, leading to changes in the richness and composition of communities. These changes in richness and composition may, in turn, lead to altered species co‐occurrence, but our knowledge of this remains limited. We used a novel co‐occurrence network approach to examine the impact of agricultural transformation on reptile community structure within two large (> 172 000 km2; 224 sites) agricultural regions in southeastern Australia. We contrasted assemblages from sites surrounded by intact and modified landscapes and tested four key hypotheses that agricultural transformation leads to (H1) declines in species richness, (H2) altered assemblages, (H3) declines in overall co‐occurrence, and (H4) complex restructuring of pairwise associations. We found that modified landscapes differed in composition but not richness compared with intact sites. Modified landscapes were also characterized by differences in co‐occurrence network structure; with species sharing fewer sites with each other (reduced co‐occurrence connectance), fewer highly‐connected species (truncation of the frequency distribution of co‐occurrence degree) and increased modularity of co‐occurrence networks. Critically, overall loss of co‐occurrence was underpinned by complex changes to the number and distribution of pair‐wise co‐occurrence links, with 41–44% of species also gaining associations with other species. Change in co‐occurrence was not correlated with changes in occupancy, nor by functional trait membership, allowing a novel classification of species susceptibility to agricultural transformation. Our study reveals the value of using co‐occurrence analysis to uncover impacts of agricultural transformation that may be masked in conventional studies of species richness and community composition.
Trophic ecology of adult male Odonata. II. Dietary contributions of aquatic food sources
Authors: CHARI LENIN D. , MOYO SYDNEY , RICHOUX NICOLE B.
Published: September 2017

1. Insects that emerge from rivers provide nutritional subsidies to local riparian predators. Adult damselflies and dragonflies often benefit from aquatic resources, but their high mobility and evasiveness have made it difficult to monitor their diets.

2. A dual fatty acid and stable isotope analysis approach was used to investigate the links between Odonata size and behaviour with proportions of their aquatically derived nutritional sources. Additionally, the study investigated the variation in dietary contributions of aquatic food sources to Odonata between two sections of a river, each with different aquatic productivity rates.

3. Variations in body size and foraging method of Odonata in the Kowie River (South Africa) contributed to differences in the contributions of aquatic food sources to their diets. Large Odonata that consumed prey in flight had smaller proportions of aquatic indicator fatty acids and stable isotope‐generated proportions of aquatic food sources than did the smaller Odonata that consumed prey from perches.

4. There was a considerable amount of interspecific variation in indicators of aquatic feeding, but Odonata at an upstream site had smaller proportions of aquatic indicators than those at a downstream site which had higher insect emergence rates.

5. The findings of this study contribute information on the dynamics of feeding ecology among adult Odonata, and the substantial contributions of aquatic prey (>80% of total diet in some cases) indicated that cross‐boundary trophic linkages via odonates are strong in the Kowie River.
Rediscovery and conservation status of six short‐range endemic Pseudanophthalmus cave beetles (Carabidae: Trechini)
Authors: Niemiller Matthew L. , Zigler Kirk S. , Ober Karen A. , Carter Evin T. , Engel Annette S. , Moni Gerald , Philips T. Keith , Stephen Charles D. R.
Published: September 2017

The North American endemic cave beetle genus Pseudanophthalmus is exceptionally diverse, with >150 described taxa in karst regions of the eastern United States. Eighty‐seven per cent of taxa, however, are at risk of extinction due to small, restricted distributions, low abundance, and several potential anthropogenic threats to their habitats.

Six species in Tennessee are exceedingly rare and are candidates for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act: Coleman Cave Beetle (P. colemanensis), Fowler's Cave Beetle (P. fowlerae), Inquirer Cave Beetle (P. inquisitor), Bakers Station Cave Beetle (P. insularis), Noblett's Cave Beetle (P. paulus), and Soothsayer Cave Beetle (P. tiresias). Each species is an extreme short‐range endemic. Four species have not been observed in several decades, and two species (P. insularis and P. paulus) are considered possibly extinct.

We searched 57 caves in 15 counties in Tennessee, including eight of the nine historical localities of the six Pseudanophthalmus species between July 2013 and March 2016 to determine if populations were still extant, to search for new populations, and to estimate relative abundance.

We confirmed the continued existence of all six species, including P. fowlerae, P. insularis, P. paulus, and P. tiresias, which had not been observed in 52, 60, 50, and 42 years, respectively. We also discovered five new populations in total, one for each species except for P. paulus.

Although U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ruled that all six species do not warrant federal listing, all species continue to have restricted ranges and remain at an elevated risk of extinction.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of oral isotretinoin versus topical isotretinoin in the treatment of plane warts: a randomized open trial
Authors: Kaur Gagan J. , Brar Balvinder K. , Kumar Sumir , Brar Sukhmani K. , Singh Baltej
Published: September 2017

Background

Plane warts are a common therapeutic problem. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of oral versus topical isotretinoin in the treatment of plane warts.

Methods

Forty patients with multiple plane warts were randomized into two groups. Group A was treated with oral isotretinoin capsules in the dose of 0.5 mg/kg/d and Group B with topical isotretinoin 0.05% in gel formulation once daily at night. Treatment was given to the patients for 3 months or until the complete clearance of lesions, whichever was earlier. Patients with complete response were followed up monthly for 4 months to record the relapse rate.

Results

Results were analyzed in 16 patients of Group A and 13 patients of Group B. At the end of 3 months of therapy, 11 (69%) patients in Group A had complete remission whereas five (31%) had partial remission. In Group B, at the end of study, five (38%) patients had complete remission and six (46%) had partial remission, whereas two patients had no remission. The difference was statistically significant between two groups;P <0.0001. The most common side effect in Group A was cheilitis. In Group B, five patients had to be dropped because they developed severe erythema and scaling.

Conclusion

Oral isotretinoin showed better and earlier response than topical isotretinoin. Oral isotretinoin should definitely be given a trial particularly in cases of multiple facial warts before trying various destructive procedures.
Preliminary result with incisional negative pressure wound therapy and pectoralis major muscle flap for median sternotomy wound infection in a high‐risk patient population
Authors: Lo Torto Federico , Monfrecola Ambra , Kaciulyte Juste , Ciudad Pedro , Casella Donato , Ribuffo Diego , Carlesimo Bruno
Published: September 2017

Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) represents a dangerous complication that can follow open‐heart surgery with median sternotomy access. Muscle flaps, such as monolateral pectoralis major muscle flap (MPMF), represent the main choices for sternal wound coverage and infection control. Negative pressure incision management system has proven to be able to reduce the incidence of these wounds' complications. Prevena™ represents one of these incision management systems and we aimed to evaluate its benefits. A total of 78 patients with major risk factors that presented post‐sternotomy DSWI following cardiac surgery was selected. Thrity patients were treated with MPMF and Prevena™ (study group). Control group consisted of 48 patients treated with MPMF and conventional wound dressings. During the follow‐up period, 4 (13%) adverse events occurred in the study group, whereas 18 complications occurred (37·5%) in the control group. Surgical revision necessity and mean postoperative time spent in the intensive care unit were both higher in the control group. Our results evidenced Prevena™ system's ability in improving the outcome of DSWI surgical treatment with MPMF in a high‐risk patient population.
Surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis: Prognostic indicators of short‐term results
Authors: Koldsland Odd Carsten , Wohlfahrt Johan C. , Aass Anne M.
Published: September 2017

Aim

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic short‐term (6 months) effect of surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis, and to identify prognostic indicators affecting the outcome using a multilevel statistical model.

Materials & Methods

A total of 143 implants (45 patients) with a diagnosis of progressive peri‐implantitis (progressive bone loss (PBL) ≥2.0 mm and bleeding on probing (BoP)/suppuration) received surgical treatment. Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed 6 months postoperatively. Potential prognostic indicators on subject, implant and site level prior to surgery were analysed to evaluate the effect on individual and composite outcomes using multilevel logistic regression analysis.

Results

At the 6‐month evaluation, none of the implants demonstrated PBL and 14% of the implants were registered with the absence of bleeding and no pocket probing depth ≥6 mm. Multilevel regression analysis identified, among others, suppuration, pocket probing depth >8 mm, bone loss >7 mm and the presence of plaque as criteria associated with the outcome.

Conclusion

Resective peri‐implantitis surgery seemed to reduce the amount of peri‐implant inflammation. However, most of the sites continued to have BoP/suppuration. Thus, long‐term maintenance and evaluation is warranted. The effect of treatment was reduced by some prognostic indicators such as the presence of suppuration prior to interception and peri‐implant bone loss exceeding 7 mm.
Female fecundity and offspring survival are not increased through sexual cannibalism in the spider Larinioides sclopetarius
Authors: Deventer S. A. , Herberstein M. E. , Mayntz D. , O'Hanlon J. C. , Schneider J. M.
Published: September 2017

Many hypotheses explaining the evolution and maintenance of sexual cannibalism incorporate the nutritional aspect of the consumption of males. Most studies have focused on a fecundity advantage through consumption of a male; however, recent studies have raised the intriguing possibility that consumption of a male may also affect offspring quality. In particular, recent studies suggest prolonged survival for offspring from sexually cannibalistic females. Here, we measured the protein and lipid content of males compared to insect prey (crickets), quantified female nutrient intake of both prey types and finally assessed how sexual cannibalism affects female fecundity and spiderling quality in the orb‐web spider Larinioides sclopetarius. We found no evidence that sexual cannibalism increased fecundity when compared to a female control group fed a cricket. Contrary to previous studies, spiderlings from females fed a male showed reduced survival under food deprivation compared to spiderlings from the control group. Offspring from females fed a male also tended to begin web construction sooner. The low lipid content of males compared to crickets may have reduced offspring survival duration. Whether additional proteins obtained through consumption of a male translate to enhanced silk production in offspring requires further investigation.
Treatment of multiple maxillary adjacent class I and II gingival recessions with modified coronally advanced tunnel and a new xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix
Authors: Vincent‐Bugnas Séverine , Borie Gwenaël , Charbit Yves
Published: September 2017

Objective

To evaluate the treatment of maxillary Miller Class I and II multiple adjacent gingival recessions using the modified coronally advanced tunnel technique (MCAT) combined with a new porcine acellular dermal matrix (PADM).

Materials and Methods

Twelve patients exhibiting at least six adjacent maxillary Miller Class I and II gingival recessions were consecutively treated by means of MCAT and a PADM. Recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), probing pocket depth (PD), keratinized tissue height (KT), clinical attachment level (CAL), mean root coverage (RC), and complete root coverage (CRC) were recorded.

Results

At 12 months, CRC was obtained in 43% of the 100 gingival recessions, while the mean RC measured 84.35%. Mean RD reduction was 3.16 ± 0.75 mm (P < 0.001), mean RW reduction was 1.73 ± 0.65 mm (P < 0.001), while the gain of CAL was 3.26 ± 1.33 mm (P < 0.001). All patients were satisfied with the esthetic appearance and would undergo the same surgery again.

Conclusion

Within their limits, the present results indicate that treatment of Miller Class I and II multiple gingival recessions using PADM in conjunction with the MCAT could be successfully used as an alternative to connective tissue grafts, with the advantage of avoiding the discomfort and morbidity of connective tissue harvesting.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The modified coronally advanced tunnel technique using the new porcine acellular dermal matrix represents a clinically and esthetically satisfactory treatment of multiple Miller Class 1 and 2 recession defects.
Habitat use of the European mudminnow Umbra krameri and association with other fish species in a disconnected Danube side arm
Authors: Sehr M. , Keckeis H.
Published: September 2017

Fish assemblages along the longitudinal course of an old, disconnected and modified side arm of the Danube floodplain downstream of Vienna, Austria, as well as habitat structure, hydro‐morphological and hydro‐chemical factors, were investigated in order to analyse the key environmental determinants of the European mudminnow Umbra krameri. Generally, U. krameri was the most abundant species in the system. It occurred in disconnected ditches, ponds and pools with dense reed belts and comparatively low nutrient content, indicating its natural association with marsh habitats. At infrequently disturbed sites it was associated with a small group of stagnophilious and highly specialized species with adaptations to strong oxygen fluctuations. At frequently flooded sites, the species was absent or occurred in low abundances, indicating its adaptation to water bodies in older successional stages and its low competitive power in permanently connected floodplain habitats.
Irritable bowel syndrome in Asia: Pathogenesis, natural history, epidemiology, and management
Authors: Gwee Kok‐Ann , Ghoshal Uday Chand , Chen Minhu
Published: September 2017

Historically, the epidemiology of gastrointestinal diseases in Asia was different from that in Western countries. Early studies suggested a low prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Asia. As the diagnosis of IBS is symptom‐based and as symptom perception, expression, and interpretation are influenced by sociocultural perspectives including language, the presentation of IBS is expected to vary in different communities. Furthermore, the pathogenesis is multifactorial with psychosocial (stress, illness, behavior, and diet) and biological (infection, gut microbiota, and immune activation) variables interacting, and so, the present study can anticipate that the development of IBS will vary in different environments. In recognition of this aspect of functional gastrointestinal disorders, the recently published Rome IV documents have provided greater focus on cross‐cultural factors. In this review, the present study seeks to highlight Asian perspectives by identifying historical trends and recent publications from the region and comparing these with the observations from Western societies.
Are CNM‐Attended Births in Texas Hospitals Underreported?
Authors: Biscone Erin S. , Cranmer John , Lewitt MaryJane , Martyn Kristy K.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Accurate data on the number of births attended by certified nurse‐midwives and certified midwives (CNMs/CMs) are required to establish the public health benefits attributed to the midwifery model of care and the role of CNMs/CMs in the US health care system. However, the number of CNM/CM‐attended births may be underreported in birth certificate data. The purpose of this project was to estimate the number of births CNM practices attended in Texas hospitals in 2014 and to describe Texas CNMs' knowledge about their hospitals' policies on naming CNMs as birth attendants.

Methods

CNMs from Texas practices employing CNMs completed a survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondent data. These results were used to impute data for practices that did not respond to the survey so that total estimates for the state could be calculated.

Results

CNM‐attended hospital births in Texas in 2014 may be underreported by 65%. Most CNMs (90%) keep records of births attended, but only 19% of practices receive facility reports with the births CNMs in the practice attended.

Discussion

CNMs/CMs need to regularly verify that they are being named as the provider on birth certificates for births they attend and work with advocacy groups, hospital administrators, physicians, legislators, and policy makers to improve the accuracy of birth certificate data.
Control of Pratylenchus brachyurus in soybean with Trichoderma spp. and resistance inducers
Authors: Kath Juliana , Dias‐Arieira Cláudia R. , Ferreira Júlio César Antunes , Homiak Juliana Aparecida , Silva Camila Rocco da , Cardoso Carine Rezende
Published: September 2017

Trichoderma spp. is a fungus with nematode control potential; however, its potential to control the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus brachyurus remains poorly studied. Thus, the aim of this study was to select Trichoderma spp. isolates and assess their ability to control P. brachyurus in soybean crops. Different experiments were conducted aiming at selecting isolates, assessing whether they were able to reduce nematode penetration in plants or cause mortality in vitro, and whether they were able to induce resistance in soybean, as well as at studying the possibility of using the selected isolates associated with resistance inducers (acibenzolar‐S‐methyl, Ecolife™ and AgroMos™). The selection experiment found three isolates showing satisfactory results, namely GF422, GF425 and GF427; the GF362 isolate was assessed in the subsequent experiments. These four isolates reduced P. brachyurus penetration in soybean roots and promoted nematode mortality in vitro. Increased total protein and catalase activity were recorded, mainly in the 72‐hr assessments. Overall, the protein production was different between isolates. The best results were found in the combination between the GF362 isolate and the three resistance inducers, between GF427 and Ecolife™, between GF427 and AgroMos™ and between GF422 and Ecolife™.
Summonsing Criminal Desistance: Convicted Felons' Perspectives on Jury Service
Authors: Binnall James M.
Published: September 2017

This exploratory study is the first to examine how convicted felons view the jury process and their role in that process. Data derived from interviews with former and prospective felon-jurors in Maine, the only US jurisdiction that does not restrict a convicted felon's opportunity to serve as a juror, reveal that participants displayed an idealized view of jury service, stressing a commitment to serve conscientiously. Additionally, inclusion in the jury process affirmed their transitions from “offenders” to “nonoffenders.” In response, participants exhibited a sense of particularized self-worth, emphasizing that negative experiences with the criminal justice system make one a more effective juror. In sum, this study suggests that among convicted felons, inclusion in the jury process may prompt conformity with the “ideal juror” role, facilitate prosocial identity shifts by mitigating the “felon” label, and help former offenders to find personal value.
Clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of pediatric meningiomas
Authors: Battu Sudha , Kumar Anupam , Pathak Pankaj , Purkait Suvendu , Dhawan Linchi , Sharma Mehar C. , Suri Ashish , Singh Manmohan , Sarkar Chitra , Suri Vaishali
Published: September 2017

Molecular and clinical characteristics of pediatric meningiomas are poorly defined. Therefore, we analyzed clinical, morphological and molecular profiles of pediatric meningiomas. Forty pediatric meningiomas from January 2002 to June 2015 were studied. 1p36, 14q32 and 22q‐deletion were assessed by fluorescent in situ hybridization and mutations of most relevant exons of AKT, SMO, KLF4, TRAF and pTERT using sequencing. Expression of GAB1, stathmin, progesterone receptor (PR), p53 along with MIB‐1 LI was examined using immunohistochemistry. There were 36 sporadic and four NF2 associated meningiomas. Among sporadic meningiomas, the majority (72.2%) of cases harbored 22q‐deletion. Difference in frequency of combined 1p/14q deletion in Grade‐I versus Grade‐II/III tumors was not significant (13.7% vs 28.5%, P = 0.57). PR immunoreactivity was seen in 65.5% of Grade‐I and 14.2% of Grade‐II/III tumors (P = 0.03). The majority (97.2%) of meningiomas were immunonegative for p53. Stathmin and GAB co‐expression was observed in 58.3% of cases. Notably, AKT, SMO, KLF4, TRAF7 (exon 17) and pTERT mutations were seen in none of the cases analyzed. 1p/14q codeletion was frequent in skull base as compared to non‐skull base meningiomas (23% vs 11.1%, P = 0.37). All NF2 meningiomas harbored 22q‐deletion and showed GAB and stathmin co‐expression while none showed 1p/14q loss. Pediatric meningiomas share certain phenotypic and cytogenetic characteristics with adult counterparts, but GAB and stathmin co‐expression in the majority of cases and non‐significant difference in frequency of 1p/14q co‐deletion between low‐ and high‐grade meningiomas indicate an inherently aggressive nature. Characteristic AKT/SMO, KLF4/TRAF7 and pTERT genetic alterations seen in adults are distinctly absent in pediatric meningiomas.
How employers rule our lives
Authors: Lawrence Mathew
Published: September 2017

Why our workplaces are private governments, why we can't see it, and what should be done. IPPR Progressive Review's Mathew Lawrence interviews the leading moral and political philosopher Elizabeth Anderson on good work, relational equality, and a fair constitution of the firm.
Where next for progressive politics? Reframing the fight against inequality
Authors: Fahnbulleh Miatta
Published: September 2017

The left has traditionally viewed the fight against inequality through the lens of the poorest in our society. But with stagnating real incomes for those in the middle, it is now time to reframe it as a majoritarian issue.
Reversing the inequality spiral: Citizens' wealth funds
Authors: Lansley Stewart
Published: September 2017

Today's dominant model of corporate capitalism is defined by its built‐in inequality escalator that creates a ‘fundamental force for divergence’. Could citizens' wealth funds offer a new counterforce for convergence?
Making work work: The Taylor Review, modern employment, and how to improve it
Authors: Bell Kate
Published: September 2017

In a world in which the scales of power have been progressively tilted in favour of employers, the Taylor Review, while containing some welcome recommendations, was a missed opportunity. More is required to rebalance the scales toward workers.
Accidental displacement of mandibular third molar root into the sublingual space and delayed removal
Authors: Yamashita Y. , Iwai T. , Oaki Y. , Omura S. , Aoki N. , Tohnai I.
Published: September 2017

Oral surgeons rarely experience accidental displacement of a mandibular impacted third molar into adjacent anatomical spaces as a complication. As any displaced third molar or its root is commonly removed at the time of displacement or within several weeks of the extraction, delayed removal several years after initial extraction is extremely rare. We report here accidental displacement of a mandibular third molar root into the sublingual space and a 5‐year delay in its removal. A 42‐year‐old woman presented to our department with pain and swelling in the lingual aspect of the left mandible. Computed tomography revealed a 15 × 11 × 9 mm lesion, with a similar density to that of the surrounding bone and involving the lingual cortex of the left mandible. A yellowish‐white hard tissue lesion was protruding from the lingual mucosa of the left mandibular ramus. The patient had undergone removal of a left impacted mandibular third molar at a private dental clinic 5 years earlier and we diagnosed the lesion as a remnant third molar root. The patient had not been informed by her dentist of accidental displacement of the tooth into the sublingual space after crown removal. After complete alleviation of inflammation, the patient underwent intraoral removal of the root under general anaesthesia. After elevating the lingual mucoperiosteal flap from the mandibular ramus to the premolar region, the root was easily removed using an elevator and forceps. Her postoperative course was uneventful and there were no complications such as lingual nerve injury.
EAACI guidelines on allergen immunotherapy: Prevention of allergy
Authors: Halken Susanne , Larenas‐Linnemann Desiree , Roberts Graham , Calderón Moises A. , Angier Elisabeth , Pfaar Oliver , Ryan Dermot , Agache Ioana , Ansotegui Ignacio J. , Arasi Stefania , Du Toit George , Fernandez‐Rivas Montserrat , Geerth van Wijk Roy , Jutel Marek , Kleine‐Tebbe Jörg , Lau Susanne , Matricardi Paolo M. , Pajno Giovanni B. , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Penagos Martin , Santos Alexandra F. , Sturm Gunter J. , Timmermans Frans , van Ree R. , Varga Eva‐Maria , Wahn Ulrich , Kristiansen Maria , Dhami Sangeeta , Sheikh Aziz , Muraro Antonella
Published: September 2017

Allergic diseases are common and frequently coexist. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a disease‐modifying treatment for IgE‐mediated allergic disease with effects beyond cessation of AIT that may include important preventive effects. The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) has developed a clinical practice guideline to provide evidence‐based recommendations for AIT for the prevention of (i) development of allergic comorbidities in those with established allergic diseases, (ii) development of first allergic condition, and (iii) allergic sensitization. This guideline has been developed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE II) framework, which involved a multidisciplinary expert working group, a systematic review of the underpinning evidence, and external peer‐review of draft recommendations. Our key recommendation is that a 3‐year course of subcutaneous or sublingual AIT can be recommended for children and adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe allergic rhinitis (AR) triggered by grass/birch pollen allergy to prevent asthma for up to 2 years post‐AIT in addition to its sustained effect on AR symptoms and medication. Some trial data even suggest a preventive effect on asthma symptoms and medication more than 2 years post‐AIT. We need more evidence concerning AIT for prevention in individuals with AR triggered by house dust mites or other allergens and for the prevention of allergic sensitization, the first allergic disease, or for the prevention of allergic comorbidities in those with other allergic conditions. Evidence for the preventive potential of AIT as disease‐modifying treatment exists but there is an urgent need for more high‐quality clinical trials.
Regeneration and invasion of cottonwood riparian forest following wildfire
Authors: Wonkka Carissa L. , Twidwell Dirac , Bielski Christine H. , Allen Craig R. , Stambaugh Michael C.
Published: September 2017

Populus deltoides is considered to be a weak resprouter and highly susceptible to wildfire, but few post‐wildfire studies have tracked P. deltoides response and resprouting within the Great Plains of North America. Following a wildfire in southwestern Kansas, U.S.A., we surveyed burned and unburned areas of a cottonwood riparian forest along the Cimarron River that included a major understory invader, tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb.). We tested the following hypotheses, which are consistent with the current understanding of P. deltoides response to wildfire in the Great Plains: (1) regeneration of P. deltoides will be low in areas burned by the wildfire; (2) the number of dead P. deltoides individuals will be greater in the wildfire than unburned areas; and (3) tamarisk regeneration will be higher than P. deltoides regeneration in the wildfire areas because tamarisk is considered a stronger resprouter. We found evidence contrary to two of our hypotheses 3 years following the wildfire. (1) P. deltoides regeneration was high following the wildfire, averaging 692 individuals/ha. (2) The number of dead mature cottonwood trees was greater in wildfire plots than in unburned plots. (3) There was more P. deltoides regeneration than tamarisk regeneration following wildfire. These findings, which diverge from the majority of studies examining P. deltoides regeneration in the Great Plains, suggest that differing local environmental and forest stand conditions, coupled with the timing and intensity of the fire, could be important determinants of riparian forest species' responses to wildfire.
Role of routine post‐operative laryngeal endoscopic assessment after lung cancer surgery
Authors: Liam Chong‐Kin
Published: September 2017

See related Article
Shared decision‐making in the paediatric field: a literature review and concept analysis
Authors: Park Eun Sook , Cho In Young
Published: September 2017

Aim

The concept of shared decision‐making is poorly defined and often used interchangeably with related terms. The aim of this study was to delineate and clarify the concept of shared decision‐making in the paediatric field.

Method

Rodgers and Knafl's evolutionary concept analysis was used to delineate and clarify the concept. Following a search of the CINAHL, PubMed and MEDLINE databases and online journals between 1995 and 2016, we included a total of 42 articles that referred to shared decision‐making in the paediatric field.

Results

The attributes included active participation of the three: parents, children and health professionals; collaborative partnership; reaching a compromise; and common goal for child's health. Antecedents were existing several options with different possible outcomes; substantial decisional conflict; recognising child's health situations that decision‐making is needed; and willingness to participate in decision‐making. Finally, the consequences included decreased decisional conflict; mutual empowerment; improved child health status; and improved quality of paediatric health care.

Conclusion

This study provides a theoretical understanding of the concept of shared decision‐making in the paediatric field; furthermore, by integrating this concept into paediatric practice, it may help to reduce the gap between theory and practice. The analysis could also provide nursing researchers with insight into paediatric decision‐making and establish a foundation to develop future interventions and situation‐specific theory for promoting high‐quality decision‐making in the paediatric field.
Paradoxes of Social Impact Bonds
Authors: Maier Florentine , Barbetta Gian Paolo , Godina Franka
Published: September 2017

Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) have alternatively been portrayed as a promising tool to improve the functioning of welfare systems, or as an instrument of neo‐liberalism that threatens to undermine them. Recently, a more nuanced understanding of the promises as well as pitfalls of SIBs has developed, as both practical experiences and published empirical evidence about implemented SIBs have increased in number. We aim to contribute to the development of such an understanding by analyzing practitioner reports on SIBs. We identify two key paradoxes of SIBs. These paradoxes centre on statements that cannot both hold true for the very same SIB: (1) flexible but evidence‐based services; and (2) cost‐saving risk transfer to private investors. We conclude by discussing how those paradoxes have been resolved in existing SIBs, which strategies of de‐paradoxification may turn out to be paramount in future, and how positive aspects of SIBs can be preserved while defusing their more problematic ones.
Modified push‐off test for analysing the shear behaviour of concrete cracks
Authors: Echegaray‐Oviedo Javier , Navarro‐Gregori Juan , Cuenca E. , Serna P.
Published: September 2017

A detailed methodology to perform the so‐called push‐off test in precracked concrete specimens is presented. The test is performed with the specimen confined in 2 stages (precracking and push‐off) to control crack width. Confinement is provided by a steel restraint frame, which includes a ball bearing to avoid shearing forces from being transmitted outside the shear plane. The real kinematic behaviour of a single‐open crack can be assessed. This makes the experimental validation of crack dilatancy models possible. Therefore, the intention of this methodology is to take knowledge about direct shear behaviour on concrete cracks one step forward.