bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Closed‐incision negative pressure therapy to reduce groin wound infections in vascular surgery: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Engelhardt Michael , Rashad Norah A , Willy Christian , Müller Christian , Bauer Christian , Debus Sebastian , Beck Tino
Published: March 2018

Groin wound infections pose a major problem in vascular surgery. Closed‐incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) was especially designed for the management of incisions at risk of surgical site infections. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ciNPT is able to reduce the incidence of wound infections after vascular surgery.

Data on 132 consecutive patients, scheduled for vascular surgery with a longitudinal femoral cutdown, were collected prospectively. All patients were randomised either to the ciNPT group (n = 64) or the control group (n = 68) with conventional dressing. In the ciNPT group, the foam dressing was applied intraoperatively and removed after 5 days. The control group received an absorbent dressing. All wounds were evaluated after 5 and 42 days. Infections were graded according the Szilagyi classification (I–III°).

There were no significant differences between both groups considering patient characteristics. Indications for surgery were peripheral arterial disease in 95% (125/132) and aneurysm in 5% (7/132). The overall infection rates were 14% (9/64) in the ciNPT group and 28% (19/68) in the control group (P = 0·055). Early infections were observed in 6% (4/64) of the ciNPT group and 15% (10/68) of the control group (P = 0·125). ciNPT did not reduce infection rates associated with different risk factors for infection.

While the experiences with the ciNPT device were encouraging, the study fails to provide evidence of the efficacy of the device to reduce groin wound infections after vascular surgery. It illustrates far more that larger multicentre studies are required and appear promising to provide further evidence for the use of ciNPT.
Effects of group size on school structure and behaviour in yellow‐eyed mulletAldrichetta forsteri
Authors: Middlemiss K. L. , Cook D. G. , Jerrett A. R. , Davison W.
Published: March 2018

Schooling behaviour in yellow‐eyed mulletAldrichetta forsteri, a common fish species in New Zealand estuarine habitats, was investigated to identify interaction rules associated with group formation. Tank‐based three‐dimensional studies of three group sizes (15, 75 and 150 individuals) were carried out to measure the effects of these different group sizes on school structure during control, predation risk and foraging behavioural states. Increased group size positively correlated with nearest‐neighbour distance in control and foraging states. Swimming speed was the lowest in all three behavioural states in groups of 15 fish compared with 75 or 150. Immediate behavioural response following visual exposure to a simulated avian predator differed between groups resulting in loss of structure in larger groups. School shape was an oblong–oblate spheroid with a length, breadth and height ratio of 5:2:1 and the area of free space surrounding individual fish was spherical in shape with a high degree of spatial isotropy present in all size groups. These findings challenge traditional theories based on either local or global properties as key drivers of group structure. Instead, our results suggest that a more collaborative approach involving both group size and rules pertaining to nearest‐neighbour interactions affects collective behaviours in this species.
Local variation in embryo development rate in annual fish
Authors: Polačik M. , Reichard M. , Vrtílek M.
Published: March 2018

Extreme asynchrony in embryo development, a typical feature of annual killifish living in temporary pools, represents a bet‐hedging strategy to cope with unpredictable rainfall. African annual killifish are distributed across a large precipitation gradient, raising the potential for local adaptation in the degree of developmental asynchrony (e.g. higher in arid areas, lower in humid areas). Eight populations of two sister species, Nothobranchius furzeri and Nothobranchius kadleci, from sites along the rainfall gradient were tested and compared for asynchrony and duration of embryo development. Degree of asynchrony and mean duration of embryo development did not differ across the examined range. Despite generally high developmental variability, fish from more arid regions (where rain is more erratic) produced a significantly higher proportion of short‐developing embryos. Comparable developmental asynchrony, regardless of precipitation level, suggests that all populations tested need to cope with some level of rainfall stochasticity. By producing more short‐developing embryos, however, fish in more arid areas with relatively more erratic rains are better adapted to very short pool durations and are more likely to produce multiple offspring generations within a single rainy season.
LABOR LAWS AND FIRM PERFORMANCE
Authors: Marciukaityte Dalia
Published: March 2018

U.S. labor laws impose higher costs on unionized firms in states without right‐to‐work (RTW) laws. I find that these firms experience poor stock performance. The difference‐in‐differences analysis comparing the effect of RTW laws on unionized and nonunionized firms shows that unionized firms in states without RTW laws underperform by about 7 percentage points per year. I find further evidence of underperformance using alternative methods to estimate abnormal stock performance, examining a natural experiment, showing expected cross‐sectional patterns, and assessing profitability and the market reaction to earnings announcements.
Expanding Home‐Based Primary Care to American Indian Reservations and Other Rural Communities: An Observational Study
Authors: Kramer B. Josea , Creekmur Beth , Mitchell Michael N. , Saliba Debra
Published: March 2018

Background/Objectives

Home‐based primary care (HBPC) is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program to meet the medical needs of community‐dwelling populations needing long‐term care (LTC). The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expanded its HBPC program to underserved rural communities, including American Indian reservations, providing a “natural laboratory” to study change in access to VA LTC benefits and utilization outcomes for rural populations that typically face challenges in accessing LTC medical support.

Design

Pretest‐Posttest quasi‐experimental approach with interrupted time‐series design using linked VA, Medicare, and Indian Health Service (IHS) records.

Setting

American Indian reservations and non‐Indian communities in rural HBPC catchment areas.

Participants

376 veterans (88 IHS beneficiaries, 288 non‐IHS beneficiaries) with a HBPC length of stay of 12 months or longer.

Measurements

Baseline demographic and health characteristics, activities of daily living (ADL), previous VA enrollment, and hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) visits as a function of time, accounting for IHS beneficiary and functional statuses.

Results

For HBPC users, VA enrollment increased by 22%. At baseline, 30% of IHS and non‐IHS beneficiaries had 2 or more ADLs impairments; IHS populations were younger (P < .001) and had more diagnosed chronic diseases (P = .007). Overall, hospital admissions decreased by 0.10 (95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.14 to −0.05) and ED visits decreased by 0.13 (95% CI = −0.19 to −0.07) in the 90 days after HBPC admission (Ps < .001) and these decreases were maintained over 1 year follow‐up. Before HBPC, probability of hospital admission was 12% lower for IHS than non‐IHS beneficiaries (P = .02).

Conclusion

Introducing HBPC to rural areas increased access to LTC and enrollment for healthcare benefits, with equitable outcomes in IHS and non‐IHS populations.
Can you score with balloons to enhance outcomes after drug coated balloon angioplasty? Insights from the Paris DCB Registry for in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Merat Benoît , Waliszewski Matthias , Dillinger Guillaume , Henry Patrick , Sideris Georgios
Published: March 2018

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the 12‐month clinical outcomes in patients with drug‐eluting stent in‐stent restenosis (DES‐ISR) who were either pre‐dilated with non‐compliant balloons (NCBA) and with additional scoring balloons (NCBA + SBA) prior to drug coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty.

Methods

This monocentric, retrospective study included patients with DES‐ISR who were routinely treated over a 2‐year time span. Patients with stable angina and documented ischemia or selected forms of unstable angina due to a culprit DES‐ISR lesion were analyzed. The primary endpoint was the clinically driven target‐lesion revascularization (TLR) rate at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included post‐interventional lumen gain and late lumen loss (LLL) at 6 months.

Results

The 12‐month TLR rates in 124 patients who underwent either NCBA + SBA or NCBA only group were not different (17.3%, 9/52 vs 11.6%, 8/69, P = 0.371) and low as compared to other comparable studies. The use of SBA led to equally high post minimal lumen diameters (MLD) in both treatment arms (NCBA 2.21 ± 0.33 vs NCBA + SBA 2.18 ± 0.41, P = 0.868). We did not find a significant difference in late lumen loss (LLL) between both groups (0.50 ± 0.62 mm vs 0.40 ± 0.46 mm, P = 0.468).

Conclusions

Scoring Balloon Angioplasty can safely and effectively prepare DES‐ISR lesions to render them suitable for DCB angioplasty with acceptable TLR and MACE rates.
Status or Access? The Impact of Marriage on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Community Change
Authors: Ocobock Abigail
Published: March 2018

Drawing on interview and survey research with 116 married and unmarried lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) individuals, this study offers the first systematic data on the relationship between legal marriage and LGBQ community life. The author distinguishes between marital status—being married—and marital access—gaining access to the institution of marriage—as distinct drivers of community change. In contrast to research with heterosexuals, the findings suggest that marital access plays a primary role in LGBQ community change. The different life course trajectories of LGBQ people and their prior experiences of social exclusion alter the relationship between marriage and community. The findings push family scholarship beyond a one‐model‐fits‐all approach to understanding the impact of marriage on community engagement. Taken together, they expand literature on marriage as greedy, the deinstitutionalization of marriage, and marriage and social inclusion as well as offer insights into how LGBQ people understand and enact marriage.
Use of autobilevel ventilation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: An observational study
Authors: Baiamonte Pierpaolo , Mazzuca Emilia , Gruttad'Auria Claudia I. , Castrogiovanni Alessandra , Marino Claudia , Lo Nardo Davide , Basile Marco , Algeri Margherita , Battaglia Salvatore , Marrone Oreste , Gagliardo Andrea , Bonsignore Maria R.
Published: March 2018

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first‐choice treatment for obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing. Automatic bilevel ventilation can be used to treat obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing when CPAP is ineffective, but clinical experience is still limited. To assess the outcome of titration with CPAP and automatic bilevel ventilation, the charts of 356 outpatients (obstructive sleep apnea, n = 242; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease + obstructive sleep apnea overlap, n = 80; obesity hypoventilation syndrome [OHS], n = 34; 103 females) treated for obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing from January 2014 to April 2017 were reviewed. Positive airway pressure titration was considered successful in the case of sleep‐disordered breathing resolution (apnea–hypopnea index <10/hr) with cumulative time at SaO2 < 90% (CT90%) <10% and/or improved daytime arterial blood gases at the end of titration. CPAP was effective in 268 patients (75.0%). CPAP treatment failure (n = 88) occurred in 13.6% of obstructive sleep apnea, 32.5% of overlap, and 85.3% of OHS patients. Compared with successful CPAP cases, patients undergoing the automatic bilevel ventilation trial showed higher body mass index (39.3 ± 10.5 kg/m2 versus 34.8 ± 6.9 kg/m2, p < 0.0001), worse mean nocturnal SaO2 (89.2 ± 4.0% versus 91.3 ± 4.0%, p < 0.003) and CT90% (40.6 ± 28.6% versus 24.0 ± 23.3%), but similar age (62.8 ± 11.9 years versus 60.5 ± 12.0 years, p = 0.11), apnea–hypopnea index (39.4 ± 23.2/hr versus 41.0 ± 21.2/hr, p = 0.55) and oxygen desaturation index (37.8 ± 23.5/hr versus 39.2 ± 21.1/hr, p = 0.61) at diagnosis. Automatic bilevel ventilation was successful in 79.5% of CPAP treatment failures (n = 70). Automatic bilevel ventilation failure was independently associated with baseline body mass index >40 kg/m2 (odds ratio 6.16, confidence interval 1.50–25.17, p = 0.011) and CT90% >42% (odds ratio 5.87, confidence interval 1.39–24.83, p = 0.016). During follow‐up, automatic bilevel ventilation treatment failed in seven patients (10%), and compliance was similar in CPAP (4.5 ± 2.2 hr) and automatic bilevel ventilation (5.2 ± 2.3 hr, p = 0.09) groups. Automatic bilevel ventilation was useful to treat sleep‐disordered breathing, but failed in patients with severe OHS.
Associations between self‐reported sleep measures and dietary behaviours in a large sample of Australian school students (n = 28,010)
Authors: Agostini Alex , Lushington Kurt , Kohler Mark , Dorrian Jillian
Published: March 2018

This study examined the associations between self‐reported sleep timing and quality, and the frequency of breakfast and junk food consumption in 28,010 Australian school students (mean ± SD age = 13.3 ± 1.2 years, 51% male). After controlling for age, sex and socioeconomic status, regression analyses revealed that the odds of missing breakfast were significantly higher in children who reported poor sleep or later bedtimes, while the odds of junk food consumption were significantly higher in children reporting later weeknight bedtimes (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that sleep timing and quality influence the dietary choices of adolescents.
Disturbed sleep and activity in toddlers with early signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Bundgaard Anne‐Katrine F. , Asmussen Jette , Pedersen Nadia S. , Bilenberg Niels
Published: March 2018

This study investigated whether early signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in toddlers aged 2–3 years are associated with disturbed sleep and activity levels. Participants were recruited from the Odense Child Cohort, and children scoring above the 93rd percentile on the ADHD scale of the Child Behaviour Checklist 1½–5 were categorised as cases and compared with age‐ and gender‐matched normal‐scoring controls. Daytime and nocturnal activity for 24 children with ADHD traits (cases) and 25 healthy controls was assessed through 7 days of actigraphy, and parents completed the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and the ADHD Rating Scale IV Preschool Version (ADHD‐RS). Cases differed significantly on actigraphic parameters by having fewer minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), prolonged total sleep time, fewer sleep interruptions, and increased night‐to‐night variability. A significant association was found between fewer minutes of MVPA and higher parent‐reported motor activity on the ADHD‐RS. Furthermore, increased night‐to‐night variability was significantly associated with higher total scores on both CSHQ and ADHD‐RS. The findings show that early signs of ADHD are associated with an irregular sleep pattern and lower daytime activity, as illustrated by actigraphy. Studies investigating early ADHD risk factors could lead to a preschool ADHD risk index to help guide future early intervention.
Effect of lower urinary tract symptoms on the quality of life and sexual function of males in China, Taiwan, and South Korea: Subgroup analysis of a cross‐sectional, population‐based study
Authors: Liao Limin , Chuang Yao‐Chi , Liu Shih‐Ping , Lee Kyu‐Sung , Yoo Tag Keun , Chu Romeo , Sumarsono Budiwan , Wang Jian‐Ye
Published: March 2018

Objective

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in males can reduce patients’ quality of life (QoL) and affect sexual function and satisfaction. Although this has been documented in the US, Canada, Germany, Italy, UK, and Sweden, data are limited on the effects of LUTS on QoL and sexual function in Asian men. The present subgroup analysis of an Internet‐based survey correlated the incidence of male LUTS by severity and category with self‐assessed QoL and sexual function and satisfaction measures.

Methods

Males aged ≥40 years were randomly selected from consumer survey panels in China, Taiwan, and South Korea. LUTS were defined using the International Continence Society (ICS) 2002 symptom definitions; symptom severity was assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The effect of LUTS on QoL was assessed using Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) and IPSS QoL scores. Sexual function and satisfaction were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).

Results

Men with moderate‐to‐severe LUTS and overlap of voiding, storage, and post‐micturition symptom categories reported dissatisfaction with their QoL and sexual function. LUTS severity was negatively correlated with IIEF scores. Overlap of LUTS categories had a greater effect on QoL and sexual satisfaction than the incidence of just 1 LUTS.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study suggest that LUTS is prevalent in >60% of Asian males aged ≥40 years and is associated with reduced QoL and sexual function, particularly in those with overlap of LUTS categories and greater symptom severity.
Real and financial crises in the Keynes–Kalecki structuralist model: An agent‐based approach
Authors: Gibson Bill , Setterfield Mark
Published: March 2018

Agent‐based models are inherently microstructures—with their attention to agent behavior in a field context—and only aggregate up to systems with recognizable macroeconomic characteristics. One might ask why the traditional Keynes–Kalecki or structuralist (KKS) model would bear any relationship to the multi‐agent modeling approach. This paper shows how KKS models might benefit from agent‐based microfoundations, without sacrificing traditional macroeconomic themes, such as aggregate demand, animal spirits and endogenous money. Above all, the integration of the two approaches gives rise to the possibility that a KKS system—stable over many consecutive time periods—might lurch into an uncontrollable downturn, from which a recovery would require outside intervention. As a by‐product of the integration of these two popular approaches, there emerges a cogent analysis of the network structure necessary to bind real and financial agents into an integrated whole. It is seen, contrary to much of the existing literature, that a highly connected financial system does not necessarily lead to more crashes of the integrated system.
Automated assessment of absolute nailfold capillary number on videocapillaroscopic images: Proof of principle and validation in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Cutolo Maurizio , Trombetta Amelia C. , Melsens Karin , Pizzorni Carmen , Sulli Alberto , Ruaro Barbara , Paolino Sabrina , Deschepper Ellen , Smith Vanessa
Published: March 2018

Background

Absolute nailfold capillary number should be a putative biomarker in selected rheumatic diseases but could be time‐consuming and not highly repeatable.

Objective

To validate an automated software for absolute nailfold capillary number and density evaluation, on NVC images in SSc.

Methods

An automated software to count nailfold capillary number (AUTOCAPI) had been constructed, through an exploratory image set. Subsequently, application rules have been created to define the ROI in NVC images, through a training images set. The software reliability was assessed through calculation of the ICC between automatic and manual counting, by four independent observers, on the same NVC images.

Results

The following ICC's were obtained per observer, for the patients with SSc (40 images), the healthy (20 images), and the PRP subgroups (20 images), respectively: 0.94, 0.81, and 0.62 (observer 1); 0.94, 0.91, and 0.67 (observer 2); 0.88, 0.56, and 0.64 (observer 3); and 0.88, 0.85, and 0.85 (observer 4).

Conclusions

The validation of an automated software for measuring absolute nailfold capillary number and density in SSc was achieved. The integration into the pre‐existing imaging software should make the assessment of the capillary number in NVC easier, quicker, and standardized.
Sublingual microcirculatory alterations in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Gonzalez Ballerga Esteban , Pozo Mario O. , Rubatto Birri Paolo N. , Kanoore Edul Vanina Siham , Sorda Juan A. , Daruich Jorge , Dubin Arnaldo
Published: March 2018

Objective

To assess sublingual microcirculation in cirrhotic patients and its relationship to spider angiomas, complications, and outcome.

Methods

Thirty‐one cirrhotic patients were prospectively compared to 31 matched controls. Sublingual microcirculation was evaluated by videomicroscopy. We specifically looked for capillaries with increased RBCV, which was defined as a velocity higher than the percentile 100th of controls.

Results

Compared to controls, cirrhotic patients showed decreased total and PVD (14.4 ± 2.2 vs 16.0 ± 1.3 and 14.1 ± 2.3 vs 15.9 ± 1.6 mm/mm2, respectively, P < .001 for both) and increased HFI (0.64 ± 0.39 vs 0.36 ± 0.21, P = .001). They also exhibited high RBCV in 2% of the microvessels (P < .0001). Patients with MELD score ≥10 had higher RBCV than patients with score <10 (1414 ± 290 vs 1206 ± 239 μm/s, P < .05). Patients with spider angiomas showed lower vascular densities. Microcirculation did not differ between survivors and nonsurvivors.

Conclusions

Cirrhosis is associated with microcirculatory alterations that can be easily monitored in the sublingual mucosa. Alterations included decreased density and PPV and hyperdynamic microvessels. The most striking finding, however, was the microvascular heterogeneity. Patients with spider angiomas had more severe alterations. Larger studies should clarify the relationship between microcirculatory abnormalities and outcome.
SusE facilitates starch uptake independent of starch binding in B. thetaiotaomicron
Authors: Foley Matthew H. , Martens Eric C. , Koropatkin Nicole M.
Published: March 2018

The Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron starch utilization system (Sus) is a model system for nutrient acquisition by gut Bacteroidetes, a dominant phylum of gut bacteria. The Sus includes SusCDEFG, which assemble on the cell surface to capture, degrade and import starch. While SusD is an essential starch‐binding protein, the precise role(s) of the partially homologous starch‐binding proteins SusE and SusF has remained elusive. We previously reported that a non‐binding version of SusD (SusD*) supports growth on starch when other members of the multi‐protein complex are present. Here we demonstrate that SusE supports SusD* growth on maltooligosaccharides, and determine the domains of SusE essential for this function. Furthermore, we demonstrate that SusE does not need to bind starch to support growth in the presence of SusD*, suggesting that the assembly of SusCDE is most important for maltooligosaccharide uptake in this context. However, starch binding by proteins SusDEF directs the uptake of maltooligosaccharides of specific lengths, suggesting that these proteins equip the cell to scavenge a range of starch fragments. These data demonstrate that the assembly of core Sus proteins SusCDE is secondary to their glycan binding roles, but glycan binding by Sus proteins may fine tune the selection of glycans from the environment.
Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis: bacterial canker of tomato, molecular interactions and disease management
Authors: Nandi Munmun , Macdonald Jacqueline , Liu Peng , Weselowski Brian , Yuan Ze‐Chun
Published: March 2018

Bacterial canker disease is considered to be one of the most destructive diseases of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and is caused by the seed‐borne Gram‐positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis (Cmm). This vascular pathogen generally invades and proliferates in the xylem through natural openings or wounds, causing wilt and canker symptoms. The incidence of symptomless latent infections and the invasion of tomato seeds by Cmm are widespread. Pathogenicity is mediated by virulence factors and transcriptional regulators encoded by the chromosome and two natural plasmids. The virulence factors include serine proteases, cell wall‐degrading enzymes (cellulases, xylanases, pectinases) and others. Mutational analyses of these genes and gene expression profiling (via quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, transcriptomics and proteomics) have begun to shed light on their roles in colonization and virulence, whereas the expression of tomato genes in response to Cmm infection suggests plant factors involved in the defence response. These findings may aid in the generation of target‐specific bactericides or new resistant varieties of tomato. Meanwhile, various chemical and biological controls have been researched to control Cmm. This review presents a detailed investigation regarding the pathogen Cmm, bacterial canker infection, molecular interactions between Cmm and tomato, and current perspectives on improved disease management.
Confidence of the trembling hand: Bayesian learning with data‐limited stocks
Authors: Holzer Jorge , Qu Qian
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we argue that the static view of the Precautionary Principle that limits the risk of overfishing every season may be inconsistent with a dynamic perspective on precaution, where harvest control rules are adopted not only to limit fishing mortality every season, but also to infer extra information on the biological system through time. This additional information is capitalized into higher industry profits, via a reduction in the uncertainty faced by the regulator. Management of data‐poor fisheries typically relies on setting an annual catch limit (ACL) using catch‐based methods that are concerned with estimating a sustainable harvest and hinge on the logic that historic catches reflect a level of exploitation the stock can sustain. The resulting harvest control rules routinely set ACLs at the median (or mean) landings over a reference period, with or without a scalar downward adjustment according to the assumed level of depletion.

Recommendations for Resource Managers:

The prevalent use of catch‐based approaches to set ACLs in data‐limited fisheries, scalar methods, or variants that introduce dynamic updates according to estimates of depletion, may be suboptimal. It does not take into consideration the welfare benefits associated with the value of information acquired through alternative harvest control rules.

We demonstrate that perturbations in the form of small, temporary, and intermittent increases to ACLs between stock assessments (combined with a safety valve), the “trembling‐hand,” can increase the permanent value of the stock.

On the one hand, these perturbations translate into a more accurate estimation of the population model in the next assessment, which leads to ACLs closer to the true maximum sustainable yield thereafter. On the other hand, increases in ACLs imply a higher risk of overfishing.

For a wide range of perturbations, the net present value (NPV) of industry profits under the trembling‐hand first‐order stochastically dominates that without perturbation.
From annual ritual to daily routine: continuous performance management and its consequences for employment security
Authors: Williams Glynne , Beck Vanessa
Published: March 2018

Management control in the workplace ultimately rests on the power to dismiss employees who are deemed to be underperforming. This article examines a more recent trend away from annual appraisal and towards continual monitoring and review. Based on a study of specialist proprietary performance management (PM) software packages and interviews with the consultants who market them, the contention is that these developments are driven by the need to control dismissal. In the case of the UK, we argue that the adoption of PM systems needs to be understood as a means of ‘retiring’ older workers who might otherwise remain in employment. The systems studied here draw on a range of data, allowing managers considerable discretion in how this evidence is used. Specifically, by dispensing with explicit ranking methods, these systems suggest a new employer confidence in the use of subjective evidence.
The effectiveness of Clostridium botulinum toxin A (Dysport®, AbobotulinumtoxinA) in the management of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and a small number of other maxillofacial conditions; an open cohort study
Authors: White S. , Ahmed B. , Ondhia A.
Published: March 2018

Aim

To examine the effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin Type A (Dysport®) in treating TMD and a small number of other maxillofacial conditions in our department. The secondary aim was to identify any predictors of outcome.

Methods

A retrospective open cohort study; data abstraction from 38 case files.

Results

The effectiveness of Dysport® in treating TMD lies between 60% and 79%. Sixty‐nine per cent of patients who obtained benefit received repeat treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest Dysport® is a safe, well‐tolerated and effective treatment for TMD and Masseteric hypertrophy.
Transgene introgression from Brassica napus to different varieties of Brassica juncea
Authors: Tang Tang , Chen GuiMin , Bu CuiPing , Liu FuXia , Liu Lei , Zhao XiangXiang
Published: March 2018

Transgene introgression from transgenic rapeseed (Brassica napus) to different varieties of B. juncea was assessed in this study. Crossability between a transgenic rapeseed line Z7B10 (pollen donor) and 80 cultivars of 16 B. juncea varieties (including two wild accessions) was estimated by artificial pollination in a greenhouse. As a result, interspecific crossability between the transgenic Z7B10 line and the 80 B. juncea cultivars varied considerably, with seeds per flower from 0.00–10.67. Seed germination rates of the interspecific F1 hybrids ranged from 49.0%–89.3%. The estimated frequencies of natural gene flow from the transgenic Z7B10 line to 10 B. juncea cultivars with different uses in the experiment field varied from 0.08% to 0.93%. The natural F1 hybrids were highly sterile, with seeds per silique ranging from 0.27 to 1.03. In addition, seeds per flower of hybrid descendants varied from 0.02 to 0.22 when F1 hybrids were self‐pollinated, and those ranged from 0.03 to 0.30 when F1 hybrids were backcrossed with their corresponding B. juncea parents. Results of this study suggest a low level of transgene introgression from transgenic rapeseed to different B. juncea varieties, which provides a sound scientific basis for the safety management of coexisting transgenic B. napus and B. juncea varieties in China.
Fine mapping of Rf2, a major locus controlling pollen fertility restoration in sorghum A1 cytoplasm, encodes a PPR gene and its validation through expression analysis
Authors: Madugula Praveen , Uttam Anurag G. , Tonapi Vilas A. , Ragimasalawada Madhusudhana
Published: March 2018

Sorghum is one of the pioneering cereal crops where cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) was successfully exploited for mass production of F1 hybrid seed. Mapping genes for fertility restoration (Rf) is an important aspect of understanding the molecular basis of fertility restoration in crop plants. In this study, we fine‐mapped a fertility restoration locus, Rf2 of sorghum reported earlier (Jordan, Mace, Henzell, Klein, & Klein, ), involving two F2 populations (296A × RS29 and 296A × DSV1) and newly developed SSR markers delimited Rf2 locus to 10.32‐kb region on chromosome 2. The Rf2 locus was tightly linked with two new SSRs, MS‐SB02‐3460 (0.14 cM) and MS‐SB02‐3466 (0.75 cM) on both sides, and hosted only one gene (Sobic.002G057050) of PPR gene family. Another new SSR marker developed in the study, MS‐SB02‐37912, forms the part of PPR gene and could act as a perfect marker in marker‐assisted breeding for fertility restoration involving Rf2 in sorghum breeding. The strong involvement of Sobic.002G057050 gene in fertility restoration was supported through RNA expression analysis.
The Greek Referendum Vote of 2015 as a Paradoxical Communicative Practice: A Narrative, Future‐Making Approach
Authors: Sools Anneke , Triliva Sofia , Fragkiadaki Eva , Tzanakis Manolis , Gkinopoulos Theofilos
Published: March 2018

This article adopts a pragmatic‐communicative approach, derived from Gregory Bateson's cybernetic theory, to the Greek Referendum Vote of 2015. Applying this approach, we interpret the Referendum as a double‐bind situation. Our research question is twofold: (1) How do potential Greek voters discursively construct the Referendum? (2) How do they respond to the communicative situation posed? A total of 124 written narratives, “Letters from the Future,” written by 99 participants, were collected during the days prior to the vote. Their letters focused on a desired future situation after a YES or a NO vote outcome. Qualitative analysis showed how the letters were used to appropriate the Referendum query in a unique and deeply personalized manner. Moreover, we identified four types of responses to the ambivalent query: confirmation, rejection, disconfirmation, and meta‐communication. These responses are indicative of the psychological and emotional burden posed by the query and of ways people responded to the query. In conclusion, we reflect on the importance of recognizing the psychological dimension of the vote, the role of narratives from the future for personal and social transformation, and the wider relevance of the proposed future‐making, pragmatic approach to other Referendum situations.
Applied nucleation is a straightforward, cost‐effective forest restoration approach: reply to Ramírez‐Soto et al. (2018)
Authors: Holl Karen D. , Zahawi Rakan A.
Published: March 2018

We agree with Ramírez‐Soto and colleagues that applied nucleation can be an effective approach for tropical forest restoration both in lowland and higher elevation tropical forests. We also contend that it is cheaper than standard plantation‐style plantings and is straightforward to train personnel to implement this approach.
Corticosteroids in acute exacerbations of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias: Time to debate
Authors: Sellarés Jacobo , Bermudo Guadalupe
Published: March 2018

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A Framework to Understand Extreme Space Weather Event Probability
Authors: Jonas Seth , Fronczyk Kassandra , Pratt Lucas M.
Published: March 2018

An extreme space weather event has the potential to disrupt or damage infrastructure systems and technologies that many societies rely on for economic and social well‐being. Space weather events occur regularly, but extreme events are less frequent, with a small number of historical examples over the last 160 years. During the past decade, published works have (1) examined the physical characteristics of the extreme historical events and (2) discussed the probability or return rate of select extreme geomagnetic disturbances, including the 1859 Carrington event. Here we present initial findings on a unified framework approach to visualize space weather event probability, using a Bayesian model average, in the context of historical extreme events. We present disturbance storm time (Dst) probability (a proxy for geomagnetic disturbance intensity) across multiple return periods and discuss parameters of interest to policymakers and planners in the context of past extreme space weather events. We discuss the current state of these analyses, their utility to policymakers and planners, the current limitations when compared to other hazards, and several gaps that need to be filled to enhance space weather risk assessments.
When is more frequent hemodialysis beneficial?
Authors: Suri Rita S. , Kliger Alan S.
Published: March 2018

The use of frequent hemodialysis (HD) is growing, with the hope of improving outcomes in end‐stage renal disease. We narratively review the three randomized trials, 15 comparative cohort studies, and several case series of frequent HD that empirically demonstrate the potential efficacy and adverse effects of these regimens. Taken together, the randomized studies suggest frequent HD may result in left ventricular mass regression. This effect is most pronounced when left ventricular mass is abnormal, but attenuated by significant residual urine output. Both frequent short and long HD consistently improved blood pressure control and reduced antihypertensive use, despite greater weekly interdialytic weight gains. Serum phosphate was lowered. Frequent short daytime HD improved health‐related quality of life, while frequent long overnight HD did not. Regarding adverse effects, frequent HD patients underwent significantly more procedures to salvage arteriovenous vascular accesses. An absolute increase in hypotensive episodes was observed with frequent short HD, while frequent long HD accelerated residual renal function loss and increased perceived caregiver burden. The effect of frequent HD on mortality is controversial, due to conflicting results and limitations of published studies. Finally, pregnancy outcomes may be substantially better with frequent long HD. On the basis of these data, we suggest frequent HD is most likely to benefit patients with left ventricular hypertrophy particularly if there is minimal urine output, those unable to attain dry weight on a thrice weekly schedule, and pregnant women. All patients receiving frequent HD should be advised of and monitored for potential risks.
Prevalence and correlates of low physical activity in the Iranian population: National survey on non‐communicable diseases in 2011
Authors: Sahebkar M. , Heidarian Miri H. , Noormohammadpour P. , Akrami R. , Mansournia N. , Tavana B. , Mansournia M. A. , Stamatakis E.
Published: March 2018

To assess the prevalence and correlates of low physical activity among Iranian population aged 15‐64 years. We used the data collected in National Surveillance of Risk Factors of Non‐Communicable Diseases in Iran, 2011. Physical activity was categorized in 3 levels of low, moderate, and high based on a Persian version of Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The multistage cluster sampling design was accounted for using complex survey analysis method. The sample included 10016 individuals; 41.7% (n = 4178) were men and 58.3% (n = 5837) were women. The mean (SD) age of participants was 38.8 (14.9) years also, and 69.8% (n = 6991) of the participants were from urban areas. The prevalence of low physical activity in the whole population was estimated to be 44.8% (95% CI: 41.7, 48.1). The odds of lower physical activity in the women were 3 times greater than men (OR = 3.14; 95% CI: 2.64, 3.57); in the wealthiest people was 25% lower than the poorest people (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.94). The odds of lower physical activity in the age groups 55‐64 years were 44% greater than the youngest age groups 15‐24 years (OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.68). The odds of lower physical activity in the obese participants were 18% greater than normal‐weight people (OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.38).). The odds of lower physical activity in diabetic patients were 30% greater than healthy people (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.57). The prevalence of low physical activity in Iran, 2011 was high. The correlates of low physical activity in Iran are different to those of Western populations. The main associated factors with low physical activity were female gender, urban area, low socioeconomic status, obesity, diabetes, and older age. Public health policies should target the groups at highest risk of low physical activity.
Silver oxysalts promote cutaneous wound healing independent of infection
Authors: Thomason Helen A. , Lovett Jodie M. , Spina Carla J. , Stephenson Christian , McBain Andrew J. , Hardman Matthew J.
Published: March 2018

Chronic wounds often exist in a heightened state of inflammation whereby excessive inflammatory cells release high levels of proteases and reactive oxygen species (ROS). While low levels of ROS play a fundamental role in the regulation of normal wound healing, their levels need to be tightly regulated to prevent a hostile wound environment resulting from excessive levels of ROS. Infection amplifies the inflammatory response, augmenting levels of ROS which creates additional tissue damage that supports microbial growth. Antimicrobial dressings are used to combat infection; however, the effects of these dressing on the wound environment and healing independent of infection are rarely assessed. Cytotoxic or adverse effects on healing may exacerbate the hostile wound environment and prolong healing. Here we assessed the effect on healing independent of infection of silver oxysalts which produce higher oxidative states of silver (Ag2+/Ag3+). Silver oxysalts had no adverse effect on fibroblast scratch wound closure whilst significantly promoting closure of keratinocyte scratch wounds (34% increase compared with control). Furthermore, dressings containing silver oxysalts accelerated healing of full‐thickness incisional wounds in wild‐type mice, reducing wound area, promoting reepithelialization, and dampening inflammation. We explored the mechanisms by which silver oxysalts promote healing and found that unlike other silver dressings tested, silver oxysalt dressings catalyze the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. In addition, we found that silver oxysalts directly released oxygen when exposed to water. Collectively, these data provide the first indication that silver oxysalts promote healing independent of infection and may regulate oxidative stress within a wound through catalysis of hydrogen peroxide.
Multisite Studies Demonstrate Positive Relationship Between Practice Environments and Smoking Cessation Counseling Evidence‐Based Practices
Authors: Newhouse Robin , Byon Ha Do , Storkman Wolf Emily , Johantgen Meg
Published: March 2018

Problem

High‐quality smoking cessation counseling guidelines for people who use tobacco are not fully integrated in acute‐care services presenting missed opportunities to improve health outcomes. The role of the practice environment on enhancing or inhibiting guideline use is unknown.

Objective

To examine the relationship between the nurse practice environment and nurses’ use of smoking cessation counseling practices, and to evaluate the effect of the individual nurse and organization characteristics on nurse smoking cessation counseling practices.

Design

Cross‐sectional secondary analysis of survey data from two multisite studies.

Sample

The sample included responses from registered nurses (N = 844) in 45 hospitals (22 rural hospitals from the Eastern United States and 23 Magnet hospitals across the United States).

Methods

Linear mixed model was used to adjust intradependency among the responses of individual nurses nested within hospitals. Data were abstracted from survey responses including nurse characteristics, the Smoking Cessation Counseling Scale (SCCS), and the Practice Environment Scale‐Nursing Work Index (PES).

Results

Increasing positive relationships exist between PES and SCCS total and subscales scores. Also, SCCS total scores were significantly related with favorable PES total scores (SCCS score difference of 0.26 between favorable and unfavorable PES scores, SE = .08, p = .002) controlling for other covariates. Non‐White respondents (vs. White) demonstrated a positive association with SCCS total scores (difference of .18, SE = .07, p = .010), but not in advanced counseling.

Linking Evidence to Action

Nurse practice environments are positively associated with the use of evidence‐based smoking cessation practices by nurses. As practice environments become more favorable, higher level counseling practices occur more often. Healthcare leaders should focus on enhancing the practice environment using a quality improvement approach and framework for evidence translation. Quality improvement initiatives should be prioritized in which high‐quality evidence is available to support nursing processes.
The New Control of Territory and Urban Planning: the Eminent Domain in the US
Authors: Paone Sonia
Published: March 2018

The article analyses the transformations of the use of eminent domain in the United States in the context of urban redevelopment programs. In the past the private property has been expropriated for public use only. Recently it is possible to forcibly transfer property, from a private subject to private developers, on the basis of a cost-benefit analysis that demonstrates that the new use is more efficient than the previous one. This profound change has been possible thanks to a progressive modification of the concept of public use. Traditionally, public use coincided with the construction of infrastructures and public utility, such as highways and railroads. Over the time, it has come to include other aims: firstly, projects of urban renewal and economic development carried forth by private developers. Essentially, it has resulted in the use of expropriation to assemble lands which are then granted to subjects who intervene in the reconfiguration of the city for private purposes. Starting from some important examples of urban development, the main phases of this process are reconstructed, also taking into account the most important decisions of the US Supreme Court that contributed to the change of doctrine, invalidating the postulate of public use as justification for expropriation.