bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transglutaminase 2 strongly binds to an extracellular matrix component other than fibronectin via its second C‐terminal beta‐barrel domain
Authors: Stamnaes Jorunn , Cardoso Inês , Iversen Rasmus , Sollid Ludvig M.
Published: September 2016

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a ubiquitous crosslinking enzyme present in both intra‐ and extracellular in many cell types and tissues. TG2 is upregulated upon cellular stress or injury, and extracellular TG2 is implicated in several human diseases, including celiac disease. However, incomplete knowledge about extracellular TG2 biology limits our understanding of how TG2 is involved in disease. Here, we demonstrate that binding of TG2 to the ECM of small intestinal tissue sections is the sum of binding to fibronectin (FN) via its N‐terminal domain and binding to an abundant, novel extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction partner via its second C‐terminal beta‐barrel domain. The latter interaction dominates and gives rise to the characteristic reticular staining pattern of extracellular TG2. Of relevance for celiac disease, we show that self‐multimerized TG2 does not efficiently deposit in the intestinal ECM, and TG2 complexes may thus become free‐floating antigens in tissues in contrast to monomeric TG2 that would readily become sequestered by the ECM. Upon injection of monoclonal antibody targeting the FN‐binding site, we observe antibody deposition on extracellular TG2 in cryosections, suggesting that the FN‐binding site of TG2 is exposed in vivo. This would explain how and why celiac autoantibodies recognizing the FN‐binding site of TG2 can bind TG2 in vitro, in situ as well as in vivo.
High‐resolution tide projections reveal extinction threshold in response to sea‐level rise
Authors: Field Christopher R. , Bayard Trina S. , Gjerdrum Carina , Hill Jason M. , Meiman Susan , Elphick Chris S.
Published: September 2016

Sea‐level rise will affect coastal species worldwide, but models that aim to predict these effects are typically based on simple measures of sea level that do not capture its inherent complexity, especially variation over timescales shorter than 1 year. Coastal species might be most affected, however, by floods that exceed a critical threshold. The frequency and duration of such floods may be more important to population dynamics than mean measures of sea level. In particular, the potential for changes in the frequency and duration of flooding events to result in nonlinear population responses or biological thresholds merits further research, but may require that models incorporate greater resolution in sea level than is typically used. We created population simulations for a threatened songbird, the saltmarsh sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus), in a region where sea level is predictable with high accuracy and precision. We show that incorporating the timing of semidiurnal high tide events throughout the breeding season, including how this timing is affected by mean sea‐level rise, predicts a reproductive threshold that is likely to cause a rapid demographic shift. This shift is likely to threaten the persistence of saltmarsh sparrows beyond 2060 and could cause extinction as soon as 2035. Neither extinction date nor the population trajectory was sensitive to the emissions scenarios underlying sea‐level projections, as most of the population decline occurred before scenarios diverge. Our results suggest that the variation and complexity of climate‐driven variables could be important for understanding the potential responses of coastal species to sea‐level rise, especially for species that rely on coastal areas for reproduction.
Mobility, balance and frailty in community‐dwelling older adults: What is the best 1‐year predictor of falls?
Authors: Mulasso Anna , Roppolo Mattia , Gobbens Robbert J , Rabaglietti Emanuela
Published: September 2016

Aim

The present study aimed, first, to compare the ability to predict falls over 12 months for three measures – mobility, balance and frailty. Second, among the three domains of frailty – physical, psychological and social – we investigated what is the strongest predictor of falls.

Methods

A total of 192 community‐dwelling older adults (age 73.0 ± 6.2 years; 62% women) were involved in this longitudinal study. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, One Leg Standing (OLS) test and the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) were respectively used to measure mobility, balance and frailty. The TFI is a questionnaire based on a multidimensional conceptualization of frailty consisting of 15 items in three domains (physical, psychological and social). Falls were self‐reported during the 12‐month follow up. Logistic regression models, adjusted for interesting variables, were carried out to predict the risk of falls.

Results

History of falls and chronic conditions were the indicators more strongly related with falls over 12 months. The TFI resulted as a stronger predictor of falls when compared with the TUG and OLS tests. The explained variance of the three models was 31.2%, 22.4% and 22.2%, respectively. The TFI was significantly associated with falls (P < 0.001), whereas the TUG and the OLS were not (P > 0.05). Among the three frailty domains, physical (P < 0.001) and psychological (P = 0.041) domains were significant predictors of falls.

Conclusions

The findings showed that the TFI might be an effective tool for predicting falls at 12 months in aged populations, probably because it is able to capture the multifactorial facets that can lead to falls. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1463–1469.
Long sleep duration, independent of frailty and chronic Inflammation, was associated with higher mortality: A national population‐based study
Authors: Lee Wei‐Ju , Peng Li‐Ning , Liang Chih‐Kuang , Chiou Shu‐Ti , Chen Liang‐Kung
Published: September 2016

Aim

There is a complex interrelationship between long sleep duration, frailty, chronic inflammation and mortality among the community‐dwelling middle‐aged and elderly population, which remains unclear and deserves to be investigated. The current study intended to explore these associations by using a prospective population‐based cohort study.

Methods

A total of 937 community‐dwelling middle‐aged and elderly people were enrolled. Sleep patterns of the study participants were categorized as short (<6 h), average or long (≥8 h). Sleep disturbance was defined by daytime dysfunction defined by the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. Frailty was defined as three or more phenotypes of Fried's Frailty.

Results

During an average of 4.7 years follow up, 72 (7.7%) study participants died. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for death of long sleepers was 2.42 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38–4.27), HR of long sleepers plus frailty was 2.37 (95% CI 1.35–4.19) and HR of long sleepers plus log interleukin‐6 was 2.11 (95% CI 1.19–3.76). Adjusted HR of daytime dysfunction was 1.79 (95% CI 1.09–2.94). The association between daytime dysfunction and mortality became statistical insignificant after further adjustment for frailty.

Conclusions

Long sleep duration, independent of frailty and interleukin‐6, was associated with 5‐year mortality in older adults. The relationship between daytime dysfunction and death diminished after adjusting for frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1481–1487.
Geochemical characteristics of deposits from the 2011 Tohoku‐oki tsunami at Hasunuma, Kujukuri coastal plain, Japan
Authors: Shinozaki Tetsuya , Sawai Yuki , Hara Junko , Ikehara Minoru , Matsumoto Dan , Tanigawa Koichiro
Published: September 2016

We examined the geochemical characteristics and temporal changes of deposits associated with the 2011 Tohoku‐oki tsunami. Stable carbon isotope ratios, biomarkers, and water‐leachable ions were measured in a sandy tsunami deposit and associated soils sampled at Hasunuma, Kujukuri coastal plain, Japan, in 2011 and 2014. At this site, the 2011 tsunami formed a 10–30 cm ‐thick layer of very fine to medium sand. The tsunami deposit was organic‐poor, and no samples contained any detectable biomarkers of either terrigenous or marine origin. In the underlying soil, we identified hydrocarbons and sterols derived from terrestrial plants, but detected no biomarkers of marine origin. In the samples collected in 2011, concentrations of tsunami‐derived water‐leachable ions were highest in the soil immediately beneath the tsunami deposit and then decreased gradually with depth. Because of its finer texture and higher organic content, the soil has a higher water‐holding capacity than the sandy tsunami deposit. This distribution suggests that ions derived from the tsunami quickly penetrated the sand layer and became concentrated in the underlying soil. In the samples collected in 2014, concentrations of water‐leachable ions were very low in both soil and sand. We attribute the decrease in ion concentrations to post‐tsunami rainfall, seepage, and seasonal changes in groundwater level. Although water‐leachable ions derived from seawater were concentrated in the soil beneath the tsunami deposit following the tsunami inundation, they were not retained for more than a few years. To elucidate the behavior of geochemical characteristics associated with tsunamis, further research on organic‐rich muddy deposits (muddy tsunami deposits and soils beneath sandy tsunami deposits) as well as sandy tsunami deposits is required.
Large‐scale erosion and overbank deposition caused by the July 2013 flood of the Abu River, Yamaguchi City, Japan
Authors: Yamada Masaki , Fujino Shigehiro , Goff James , Chagué‐Goff Catherine
Published: September 2016

This paper reports on the erosion, transport, and deposition processes associated with an overbank deposit formed by the flooding of the Abu River on July 28, 2013, in Yamaguchi City, Japan. At the study site, river flows overtopped the levee revetment upstream of a meander bend cutting it off and flowing back into the main channel downstream. In this sequential process, it deposited large amounts of sediments, ranging from mud to cobbles, on the floodplain. The surface of paddy fields adjacent to a railway line, located at the center of the affected floodplain, was severely eroded by the flood flows. Overbank deposits composed of both upstream finer sediments and eroded coarser terrestrial sediments are laid down in the affected area. Large amounts of pebbles and cobbles originating from the eroded terrestrial area formed a gravelly pile on top of the sand and gravel sediments derived from the river. This finding indicates that sands and gravels were deposited prior to the formation of the gravelly pile, probably before and during peak flood flows. An inverse grading structure is evident in the lower to middle part of these comparatively thick deposits, most likely due to differences in transport pattern between entrained terrestrial gravels and upstream finer sediments.
Screening sunscreens: protecting the biomechanical barrier function of skin from solar ultraviolet radiation damage
Authors: Berkey C. , Biniek K. , Dauskardt R. H.
Published: September 2016

Objective

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is ubiquitous in human life and well known to cause skin damage that can lead to harmful conditions such as erythema. Although sunscreen is a popular form of protection for some of these conditions, it is unclear whether sunscreen can maintain the mechanical barrier properties of skin. The objective of this study was to determine whether in vitro thin‐film mechanical analysis techniques adapted for biological tissue are able to characterize the efficacy of commonly used UV inhibitors and commercial sunscreens to protect the biomechanical barrier properties of stratum corneum (SC) from UV exposure.

Methods

The biomechanical properties of SC samples were assayed through measurements of the SC's drying stress profile and delamination energy. The drying stresses within SC were characterized from the curvature of a borosilicate glass substrate onto which SC had been adhered. Delamination energies were characterized using a double‐cantilever beam (DCB) cohesion testing method. Successive DCB specimens were prepared from previously separated specimens by adhering new substrates onto each side of the already tested specimen to probe delamination energies deeper into the SC. These properties of the SC were measured before and after UV exposure, both with and without sunscreens applied, to determine the role of sunscreen in preserving the barrier function of SC.

Results

The drying stress in SC starts increasing sooner and rises to a higher plateau stress value after UVA exposure as compared to non‐UV‐exposed control specimens. For specimens that had sunscreen applied, the UVA‐exposed and non‐UV‐exposed SC had similar drying stress profiles. Additionally, specimens exposed to UVB without protection from sunscreen exhibited significantly lower delamination energies than non‐UV‐exposed controls. With commercial sunscreen applied, the delamination energy for UV‐exposed and non‐UV‐exposed tissue was consistent, even up to large doses of UVB.

Conclusion

In vitro thin‐film mechanical analysis techniques can readily characterize the effects of SC's exposure to UV radiation. The methods used in this study demonstrated commercial sunscreens were able to preserve the biomechanical properties of SC during UV exposure, thus indicating the barrier function of SC was also maintained.
Martin Luther's Theology of Creation
Authors: Schwanke Johannes
Published: September 2016

This article considers Luther's theology of creation with a view to the contemporary relevance of its fundamental standpoint. For some, the writers of past generations who do not share our scientific and cultural standpoint ought to be excluded from discussions of the theology of creation, but I argue that consideration of the individual, contemporary, corporeal and dialogical character of Luther's theology of creation shows that it contains a great deal from which we can learn today.
Cultural perceptions and clinical experiences of nursing students in Eastern Turkey
Authors: Karatay G. , Bowers B. , Karadağ E.B. , Demir M.C.
Published: September 2016

Aim

This study explored Turkish nursing students’ perceptions of providing care to patients culturally different from themselves.

Background

Increasing migration will increase the need for nurses to provide care across cultural groups.

Methods

Twenty one students in the second year of a 4‐year nursing programme participated in 3 focus groups. Data were analysed using directed content analysis. Research questions were based on Campinha‐Bacote's model.

Results

Three themes were identified: perceived cultural barriers, perceived cultural facilitators and identifying culturally sensitive actions. Generally, students were able to define culture but were unable to say how culture would affect nursing practice.

Discussion

Students were unprepared to practice in a multicultural setting. Cultural awareness is insufficient for determining how to respond to cultural differences.

Limitations

The study is limited by its restriction to a single school of nursing and a single curriculum.

Conclusions

The multiple, ongoing political, religious and ethnic conflicts will require nurses to provide care to patients from other cultural groups, in some instances to people identified as adversaries to the group the nurse may represent. Understanding cultural differences is insufficient to do this effectively.

Implications for nursing education

Learning culturally competent care requires opportunities to provide, be guided through and reflect on care to individuals from different cultural groups.

Implications for organizational and public policies

Standards for culturally competent care should be adopted by all care delivery settings. Public and organizational policies openly declaring healthcare settings as cultural safe zones, and explicit organizational commitment to culturally safe care, would set clear expectations for providers and help ensure a positive patient experience.
Reproductive traits of the acanthocephalanNeoechinorhynchus brentnickoliin the definitive host
Authors: Violante‐González Juan , Villalba‐Vásquez Princessa J. , Monks Scott , García‐Ibáñez Sergio , Rojas‐Herrera Agustín A. , Flores‐Garza Rafael
Published: September 2016

The Acanthocephala constitute a group of helminth parasites that, as adults, infect all classes of vertebrates. Adults ofNeoechinorhynchus brentnickoliare parasites ofDormitator latifrons, a commercially important fish species in Tres Palos Lagoon, Guerrero, Mexico. The aim of this study was to describe features of the reproductive biology of this acanthocephalan. Fish were collected from Laguna de Tres Palos during February 2012 to February 2013. The number of fish that were examined (n=688) ranged from 35 (June) to 70 (August) in each collection. The prevalence of infection was more than 90% during this period and mean abundance varied significantly from 32.3 worms per fish (July 2012) to 89.3 worms per fish (March 2012). Acanthocephalans were reproductively active during the whole year. The stomach was the region of the digestive tract with the smallest percentage of helminths, and females were more abundant than males in all sections of the intestine. Larger male and female worms were always located in the more posterior sections of the digestive tract. The mean length at which 50% of individuals reached sexual maturity was 2.9 mm for females and 2.3 mm for males. Relative fecundity increased with length in females.
Deconstructing negative pressure wound therapy
Authors: Lalezari Shadi , Lee Christine J , Borovikova Anna A , Banyard Derek A , Paydar Keyianoosh Z , Wirth Garrett A , Widgerow Alan D
Published: September 2016

Since its introduction 20 years ago for the treatment of chronic wounds, negative pressure wound therapy use has expanded to a variety of other wound types. Various mechanisms of action for its efficacy in wound healing have been postulated, but no unifying theory exists. Proposed mechanisms include induction of perfusion changes, microdeformation, macrodeformation, exudate control and decreasing the bacterial load in the wound. We surmise that these different mechanisms have varying levels of dominance in each wound type. Specifically, negative pressure wound therapy is beneficial to acute open wounds because it induces perfusion changes and formation of granulation tissue. Post‐surgical incisional wounds are positively affected by perfusion changes and exudate control. In the context of chronic wounds, negative pressure wound therapy removes harmful and corrosive substances within the wounds to affect healing. When skin grafts and dermal substitutes are used to close a wound, negative pressure wound therapy is effective in promoting granulation tissue formation, controlling exudate and decreasing the bacterial load in the wound. In this review, we elucidate some of the mechanisms behind the positive wound healing effects of negative pressure wound therapy, providing possible explanations for these effects in different wound types.
Gender and socio‐economic inequalities in health and living conditions among co‐resident informal caregivers: a nationwide survey in Spain
Authors: Abajo María , Rodríguez‐Sanz Maica , Malmusi Davide , Salvador María , Borrell Carme
Published: September 2016

Aims

To explore the associations between social determinants, caregiver's network support, burden of care and their consequences in health and living conditions of informal caregivers.

Background

The socio‐demographic trends regarding population ageing and changes in family models trigger an increased demand for care.

Design

Cross‐sectional study based on the 2008 edition of the National Disability, Independence and Dependency Situations Survey (DIDSS‐2008) conducted by the National Statistics Institute in Spain.

Methods

Analyses focused on persons identified as primary caregivers who co‐reside with the dependent person. The associations between social determinants of caregivers, burden of care, support network and problems attributed to informal care (impaired health, depression, professional, economic and personal issues) were estimated by fitting robust Poisson regression models. Analyses were conducted separately for women and men.

Results

The study sample included 6923 caregivers, 73% of women and 27% of men. Gender and socio‐economic inequalities were found in assumption of responsibilities and burden of caring for dependents, which tend to fall more on women and persons of lower socio‐economic level, who in turn have less access to formal support. These aspects translate into a higher prevalence of health, professional, economic and personal problems.

Conclusions

The study highlights gender and socio‐economic inequalities in informal caregiving and its negative consequences. These findings may be useful in the design of policies and support programmes targeting the most affected groups of informal caregivers.
The possible roles of B‐cell novel protein‐1 (BCNP1) in cellular signalling pathways and in cancer
Authors: Patel Sapan J. , Trivedi Gaurang L. , Darie Costel C. , Clarkson Bayard D.
Published: September 2016

B‐cell novel protein‐1 (BCNP1) or Family member of 129C (FAM129C) was identified as a B‐cell‐specific plasma‐membrane protein. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that BCNP1 might be heavily phosphorylated. The BCNP1 protein contains a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, two proline‐rich (PR) regions and a Leucine Zipper (LZ) domain suggesting that it may be involved in protein‐protein interactions. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets, we investigated the correlation of alteration of the BCNP1 copy‐number changes and mutations in several cancer types. We also investigated the function of BCNP1 in cellular signalling pathways. We found that BCNP1 is highly altered in some types of cancers and that BCNP1 copy‐number changes and mutations co‐occur with other molecular alteration events for TP53 (tumour protein P53), PIK3CA (Phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐Bisphosphate 3‐Kinase, Catalytic Subunit Alpha), MAPK1 (mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐1; ERK: extracellular signal regulated kinase), KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) and AKT2 (V‐Akt Murine Thymoma Viral Oncogene Homolog 2). We also found that PI3K (Phoshoinositide 3‐kinase) inhibition and p38 MAPK (p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase) activation leads to reduction in phosphorylation of BCNP1 at serine residues, suggesting that BCNP1 phosphorylation is PI3K and p38MAPK dependent and that it might be involved in cancer. Its degradation depends on a proteasome‐mediated pathway.
MicroRNA‐21 protects against cardiac hypoxia/reoxygenation injury by inhibiting excessive autophagy in H9c2 cells via the Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Huang Zhouqing , Wu Shengjie , Kong Fanqi , Cai Xueli , Ye Bozhi , Shan Peiren , Huang Weijian
Published: September 2016

MicroRNAs and autophagy play critical roles in cardiac hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced injury. Here, we investigated the function of miR‐21 in regulating autophagy and identified the potential molecular mechanisms involved. To determine the role of miR‐21 in regulating autophagy, H9c2 cells were divided into the following six groups: control group, H/R group, (miR‐21+ H/R) group, (miR‐21‐negative control + H/R) group, (BEZ235+ H/R) group and (miR‐21+ BEZ235+ H/R) group. The cells underwent hypoxia for 1 hr and reoxygenation for 3 hrs. Cell count kit‐8 was used to evaluate cell function and apoptosis was analysed by Western blotting. Western blotting and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate autophagy. We found that miR‐21 expression was down‐regulated, and autophagy was remarkably increased in H9c2 cells during H/R injury. Overexpression of miR‐21 with a miR‐21 precursor significantly inhibited autophagic activity and decreased apoptosis, accompanied by the activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway. In addition, treatment with BEZ235, a novel dual Akt/mTOR inhibitor, resulted in a significant increase in autophagy and apoptosis. However, we found that miR‐21‐mediated inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy was partly independent of Akt/mTOR activation, as demonstrated in cells treated with both miR‐21 and BEZ235. We showed that miR‐21 could inhibit H/R‐induced autophagy and apoptosis, which may be at least partially mediated by the Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.
Dermatological emergencies: evolution from 2008 to 2014 and perspectives
Authors: Isnard C. , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro S. , Fardet L. , Matteodo E. , Duval S. , Hemery F. , Khellaf M. , Duong T.‐A. , Chosidow O. , Wolkenstein P.
Published: September 2016

Background

Our dermatological department includes a dermatological emergency unit (DEU) whose activity has grown in recent years.

Objectives

An audit to characterize the activity of our DEU and its evolution in terms of medical demographics of the area.

Methods

We collected the following data from administrative services: number of patients consulting each year in the DEU and in the general emergency unit (GEU) of our hospital between 2008 and 2014; daily and seasonal activity of the DEU; occurrence of a second event in the department and proportion of patients from the DEU who were hospitalized and why. From the medical charts of a random sample of patients consulting in the first 15 days of January and August 2014, we studied the epidemiological profile, time to consultation and diagnoses. Data related to medical demographics (number of general practitioners and dermatologists) between 2007 and 2014 and projections were obtained.

Results

The activity in the DEU increased by 67% between 2008 and 2014 but remained stable in the GEU over the same period. The activity was higher on Mondays and in the summer (+30%). More than 15% of the patients were seen a second time in outpatient consultation; 1.2% were hospitalized. Infectious dermatosis was the main reason for consultation; seasonal‐disease consultations were more frequent in the summer. Less than 40% of patients consulted in the first week after disease onset. Medical demographics continually decreased since 2007 in Paris and suburbs and will continue to decrease in the next years.

Conclusion

The increasing activity of our DEU parallels the decrease in medical demographics in Paris. The proportion of patients hospitalized was low, in part due to specific healthcare networks implemented for some life‐threatening dermatoses independent of the DEU. A better coordination between hospital and private practitioners for managing dermatologic emergencies, taking into account the decrease in medical demographics, is warranted.
Why quality of life measurement is important in dermatology clinical practice
Authors: Finlay A.Y. , Salek M.S. , Abeni D. , Tomás‐Aragonés L. , van Cranenburgh O.D. , Evers A.W.M. , Jemec G.B.E. , Linder D. , Manolache L. , Marrón S.E. , Prinsen C.A.C. , Susitaival P. , Chernyshov P.V. ,   the EADV Task Force on Quality of Life
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to describe the many ways in which quality of life (QoL) measurement may potentially be advantageous in routine clinical dermatology practice. Thirteen members of the EADV Task Force on Quality of Life, eight dermatologists, three health psychologists, one epidemiologist and one pharmacoepidemiologist, independently listed all of the ways they thought this may be advantageous. A total of 108 different ways of using QoL information in clinical practice were suggested (median per participant = 8, range = 4–15), and were classified into 20 descriptive groups. These were sorted into the following five categories: inform clinical decisions, clinician–patient communication, awareness of skin disease burden, informing the consultation and clinical service administration. The wide range of potential benefits identified may not only encourage clinicians to use these measures but also highlights many areas requiring evidence to establish the true value of routine use of QoL measures.
Periodontitis as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Dementia: A Nationwide Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Yao‐Tung , Lee Hsin‐Chien , Hu Chaur‐Jongh , Huang Li‐Kai , Chao Shu‐Ping , Lin Chia‐Pei , Su Emily Chia‐Yu , Lee Yi‐Chen , Chen Chu‐Chieh
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To determine whether periodontitis is a modifiable risk factor for dementia.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older with periodontitis (n = 3,028) and an age‐ and sex‐matched control group (n = 3,028).

Measurements

Individuals with periodontitis were compared age‐ and sex‐matched controls with for incidence density and hazard ratio (HR) of new‐onset dementia. Periodontitis was defined according to International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes 523.3–5 diagnosed by dentists. To ensure diagnostic validity, only those who had concurrently received antibiotic therapies, periodontal treatment other than scaling, or scaling more than twice per year performed by certified dentists were included. Dementia was defined according to ICD‐9‐CM codes 290.0–290.4, 294.1, 331.0–331.2.

Results

After adjustment for confounding factors, the risk of developing dementia was calculated to be higher for participants with periodontitis (HR = 1.16, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–1.32, P = .03) than for those without.

Conclusion

Periodontitis is associated with greater risk of developing dementia. Periodontal infection is treatable, so it might be a modifiable risk factor for dementia. Clinicians must devote greater attention to this potential association in an effort to develop new preventive and therapeutic strategies for dementia.
Attitudes to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents seeking health care for their children in two early parenting services in Australia
Authors: Bennett Elaine , Berry Karen , Emeto Theophilus I , Burmeister Oliver K , Young Jeanine , Shields Linda
Published: September 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine the attitudes to and knowledge and beliefs about homosexuality of nurses and allied professionals in two early parenting services in Australia.

Background

Early parenting services employ nurses and allied professionals. Access and inclusion policies are important in community health and early childhood service settings. However, little is known about the perceptions of professionals who work within early parenting services in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families.

Design

This is the final in a series of studies and was undertaken in two early parenting services in two states in Australia using a cross‐sectional design with quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Methods

Validated questionnaires were completed by 51 nurses and allied professionals and tested with chi‐squared test of independence (or Fisher's exact test), Mann–WhitneyU‐test, Kruskal–Wallis one‐way analysis of variance or Spearman's rank correlation. Thematic analysis examined qualitative data collected in a box for free comments.

Results

Of the constructs measured by the questionnaires, no significant relationships were found in knowledge, attitude and gay affirmative practice scores by sociodemographic variables or professional group. However, attitude scores towards lesbians and gay men were significantly negatively affected by conservative political affiliation (p = 0·038), held religious beliefs (p = 0·011) and frequency of praying (p = 0·018). Six overall themes were found as follows: respect, parenting role, implications for the child, management, disclosure, resources and training.

Conclusions

The study provided an in‐depth analysis of the attitudes, knowledge and beliefs of professionals in two early parenting services, showing that work is needed to promote acceptance of diversity and the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families in planning, developing, evaluating and accessing early parenting services.

Relevance to clinical practice

Access and inclusion plans for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families are crucial in early parenting services in Australia and should be included in professional development programmes.
Reasons for family involvement in elective surgical decision‐making in Taiwan: a qualitative study
Authors: Lin Mei‐Ling , Huang Chuen‐Teng , Chen Ching‐Huey
Published: September 2016

Aims and objectives

To inquire into the reasons for family involvement in adult patients’ surgical decision‐making processes from the point of view of the patients’ family.

Background

Making a patient the centre of medical decision‐making is essential for respecting individual's autonomy. However, in a Chinese society, family members are often deeply involved in a patient's medical decision‐making. Although family involvement has long been viewed as an aspect of the Chinese culture, empirical evidence of the reasons for family involvement in medical decision‐making has been lacking.

Design

A qualitative study.

Method

In order to record and examine reasons for family involvement in adult patients’ surgical decision‐making, 12 different family members of 12 elective surgery patients were interviewed for collecting and analysing data.

Results

Three major reasons for family involvement emerged from the data analyses: (1) to share responsibility; (2) to ensure the correctness of medical information; and (3) to safeguard the patient's well‐being. These findings also reveal that culture is not the only reason for family involvement.

Conclusions

Making decision to undergo a surgery is a tough and stressful process for a patient. Family may provide the patient with timely psychological support to assist the patient to communicate with his or her physician(s) and other medical personnel to ensure their rights. It is also found that due to the imbalanced doctor–patient power relationship, a patient may be unable, unwilling to, or even dare not, tell the whole truth about his or her illness or feelings to the medical personnel. Thus, a patient would expect his or her family to undertake such a mission during the informed consent and decision‐making processes.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this study may provide medical professionals with relevant insights into family involvement in adult patients’ surgical decision‐making.
The family health, functioning, social support and child maltreatment risk of families expecting a baby
Authors: Lepistö Sari , Ellonen Noora , Helminen Mika , Paavilainen Eija
Published: September 2016

Aims and objectives

To describe the family health, functioning, social support and child maltreatment risk and associations between them in families expecting a baby.

Background

Finland was one of the first countries in banning corporal punishment against children over 30 years ago. Despite of this, studies have shown that parents physically abuse their children. In addition, professionals struggle in intervention of this phenomenon. Abusive parents should be recognised and helped before actual violent behaviour.

Design

A follow‐up case–control study, with a supportive intervention in the case group (families with a heightened risk) in maternity and child welfare clinics. The baseline results of families are described here.

Methods

Child maltreatment risk in families expecting a baby was measured by Child Abuse Potential Inventory. The health and functioning was measured by Family Health, Functioning and Social Support Scale. Data included 380 families.

Results

A total of 78 families had increased risk for child maltreatment. Heightened risk was associated with partners’ age, mothers’ education, partners’ father's mental health problems, mothers’ worry about partners’ drinking and mothers’ difficulties in talking about the family's problems. Risk was associated with family functioning and health. Families with risk received a less support from maternity clinics. Families with child maltreatment risk and related factors were found.

Conclusions

This knowledge can be applied for supporting families both during pregnancy and after the baby is born. Professionals working with families in maternity clinics need tools to recognise families with risk and aid a discussion with them about the family life situation. The Child Abuse Potential, as a part of evaluating the family life situation, seems to prove a useful tool in identifying families at risk.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results offer a valid and useful tool for recognising families with risk and provide knowledge about high‐risk family situations.
Revisiting the relationship between job demands and job performance: The effects of job security and traditionality
Authors: Lu Chang‐qin , Du Dan‐yang , Xu Xiao‐min , Zhang Rui‐fang
Published: September 2016

The findings on the relationship between job demands and job performance have been inconsistent in previous studies. Drawing on social exchange theory, we examined the moderating effect of job security on the job demands–job performance relationship. Three studies with cross‐sectional and time‐lagged designs were conducted. The results of Studies 1 and 2 consistently demonstrated that job demands significantly improved employee performance in the context of higher job security, whereas job demands impaired performance to some extent when job security was lower. Study 3 replicated these findings and also showed that the positive moderating effect was stronger for employees with lower rather than higher levels of traditionality. The importance of job security to improving employees’ performance in stressful workplaces was affirmed. These findings contribute to theories linking job demands to job performance and have practical implications for managers in high‐stress environments, especially in developing countries.

Practitioner points

Job demands may lead to good performance when employees’ job security is high.

Appropriate human resource practices should promise employees’ perceived job security rather than only reducing job demands.

Employers should pay more attention to maintaining the social exchange relationships with employees having lower traditional values.
A field examination of the moderating role of group trust in group efficacy formation
Authors: Lee Dongseop , Stajkovic Alexander D. , Sergent Kayla
Published: September 2016

Although support for the positive effect of group efficacy on group performance is copious, our understanding of how group efficacy forms is scant. Much remains unanswered about how the four efficacy antecedents, defined by social cognitive theory as enacted mastery, vicarious learning, social persuasion, and affect, concurrently influence group efficacy. Complementing the homology assumption of social cognitive theory, the authors propose and test a differential moderation model of group trust, in which group trust interacts synergistically or compensatorily with the four antecedents of group efficacy depending on the information content they provide. The results, based on 100 work groups in a manufacturing plant in China, showed that past group performance and group social persuasion were positively related to group efficacy, but that group vicarious learning and group positive affect were not. A significant interaction with group trust was found for group vicarious learning and for group positive affect. Finally, group efficacy was positively related to subsequent group performance, even after controlling for the four efficacy antecedents and group trust. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Practitioner points

Group efficacy is a significant predictor of group performance.

Building trust in work groups is a credible and critical managerial action for group efficacy formation.
Cancer‐associated fibroblasts are an infrequent finding in the microenvironment of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia‐associated squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Akrish Sharon J. , Rachmiel Adi , Sabo Edmond , Vered Marilena , Ben‐Izhak Ofer
Published: September 2016

Background

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are generally associated with negative prognostic factors. This study compares the clinicopathologic impact of CAFs in oral squamous cell carcinoma in patients with a history of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (p‐scca) and patients with conventional squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa, gingiva, and palate (c‐scca).

Methods

A retrospective clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis of 97 tumor specimens from 78 patients (13 patients with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia‐associated squamous cell carcinoma (n = 32) and conventional squamous cell carcinoma from the buccal mucosa, gingiva, and palate (n = 65) was conducted. Immunostaining with anti‐alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) antibody was used to evaluate the presence of CAFs.

Results

α‐SMA expression was an infrequent finding in p‐scca and seen in only 6% of p‐scca compared to 40% of c‐scca (P < 0.0004). In the c‐scca subgroup, α‐SMA significantly correlated with tumor size (T) (P = 0.009), tumor thickness (P < 0.0009), perineural invasion (P = 0.009), and microscopic grade (P = 0.018).

Conclusions

The presence of CAFs was an infrequent finding in our p‐scca cohort which may contribute to its seemingly slower growing and less invasive growth pattern. In the cohort of c‐scca patients, higher levels of CAFs correlated with microscopic invasiveness, tumor size, and perineural invasion. Practically, these are important observations as targeting strategies are being developed to combat carcinoma types where CAFs significance has been validated.
Activity of cefquinome against extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in neutropenic mouse thigh model
Authors: Shan Q. , Wang J.
Published: September 2016

Increasing prevalence of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is of clinical concern. The objective of our study was to examine the in vivo activity of cefquinome against ESBL‐producing K. pneumoniae strain using a neutropenic mouse thigh infection model. Cefquinome kinetics and protein binding in infected neutropenic mice were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Dose‐fractionation studies over a 24‐h dose range of 2.5–320 mg/kg were administered every 3, 6, 12, or 24 h. The percentage of the dosing interval that the free‐drug serum levels exceed the MIC (%fT > MIC) was the PK–PD index that best correlated with cefquinome efficacy (R2 = 86%). Using a sigmoid Emax model, the magnitudes of %fT > MIC producing net bacterial stasis, a 1‐log10 kill and a 2‐log10 kill over 24 h, were estimated to be 20.07%, 29.57%, and 55.12%, respectively. These studies suggest that optimal cefquinome PK/PD targets are not achieved in pigs, sheep, and cattle at current recommended doses (1˜2 mg/kg). Further studies with higher doses in the target species are needed to ensure therapeutic concentration, if cefquinome is used for treatment of K. pneumoniae infection.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of minocycline in foals and adult horses
Authors: Giguère S. , Burton A. J. , Berghaus L. J. , Haspel A. D.
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of minocycline in foals vs. adult horses. Minocycline was administered to six healthy 6‐ to 9‐week‐old foals and six adult horses at a dose of 4 mg/kg intragastrically (IG) and 2 mg/kg intravenously (i.v.) in a cross‐over design. Five additional oral doses were administered at 12‐h intervals in foals. A microbiologic assay was used to measure minocycline concentration in plasma, urine, synovial fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure minocycline concentrations in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) and bronchoalveolar (BAL) cells. After i.v. administration to foals, minocycline had a mean (±SD) elimination half‐life of 8.5 ± 2.1 h, a systemic clearance of 113.3 ± 26.1 mL/h/kg, and an apparent volume of distribution of 1.24 ± 0.19 L/kg. Pharmacokinetic variables determined after i.v. administration to adult horses were not significantly different from those determined in foals. Bioavailability was significantly higher in foals (57.8 ± 19.3%) than in adult horses (32.0 ± 18.0%). Minocycline concentrations inPELFwere higher than in other body fluids. Oral minocycline dosed at 4 mg/kg every 12 h might be adequate for the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections in foals.
Comparative Compliance: Digital Piracy, Deterrence, Social Norms, and Duty in China and the United States
Authors: van Rooij Benjamin , Fine Adam , Zhang Yanyan , Wu Yunmei
Published: September 2016

The study of compliance has been predominantly Western, and we do not know whether existing theories and findings also apply elsewhere. As a first venture in developing a comparative view on compliance, this study seeks to gain a comparative understanding of compliance decision making among Chinese and American students. It studies their decisions in response to two scenarios that offer an opportunity to use pirated online content. It tests how their decisions are shaped by subjective deterrence, social norms, and perceived duty to obey the law, comparing a control group with a group who received an explicit deterrence message from a strong campaign targeting the use of pirated digital content. The results indicate that, regardless of the explicit enforcement context, Chinese students' inclination to engage in digital piracy hinges chiefly on the perceived behavior and approval of others. This stands in contrast to US students. Within an explicit enforcement context, both social norms and perceived enforcement affect US students' decision making, whereas when there is no explicit enforcement context, both social norms and perceived duty to obey the law affect decision making. This study thus provides a warning that compliance theories and findings may not generalize well beyond the Western context. This necessitates the development of comparative compliance studies and more cross‐national replication.
Antibacterial effects of volatiles produced by Bacillus strain D13 against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Xie Shanshan , Zang Haoyu , Wu Huijun , Uddin Rajer Faheem , Gao Xuewen
Published: September 2016

Recent investigations have demonstrated that bacteria employ the volatile compounds they produce during interactions with other organisms, such as plants, fungi, nematodes and bacteria. However, studies focused on the antibacterial activity of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) volatiles against bacterial phytopathogens are still rare. In this study, Bacillus strain D13, which is antagonistic to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), was isolated and screened. Volatile compounds emitted from strain D13 reduced the colony diameter and cell motility of Xoo cultured in divided Petri plates. Transmission electron micrograph analysis showed concentration in cytoplasm and altered surface morphology in the majority of Xanthomonas cells after co‐cultivation with strain D13. Transcriptional expression of virulence‐associated genes in Xoo was repressed. Based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis, 12 volatile compounds specifically produced by strain D13 were identified. Among them, decyl alcohol and 3,5,5‐trimethylhexanol inhibited the growth of Xoo at minimum inhibitory amounts of 0.48 and 2.4 mg, respectively. Furthermore, transcriptional expression of virulence‐associated genes was also repressed by decyl alcohol and 3,5,5‐trimethylhexanol. These results are useful for a better understanding of the biocontrol mechanisms of Bacillus.
Between banality and effervescence?: a study of Japanese youth nationalism
Authors: Fukuoka Kazuya
Published: September 2016

The study of taken‐for‐granted nationalism has been bourgeoning in the last two decades. With Michael Billig's seminal thesis of banal nationalism, it is now more common to see those studies that focus on day‐to‐day unconscious flagging of national symbols in established (as opposed to new) nations. There are also studies that re‐emphasize Durkheimian moments of collective effervescence through ecstatic events (such as the Olympics and the Soccer World Cup) that concretize national identities. By critically engaging with these concepts, this exploratory study delves into the nature of Japanese youth nationalism. What are the sources of their national pride? How proud are they? Or, not? How do the Japanese youth perceive the national symbols such as the national flag and how is it related to the sense of nation?