bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
False-Positive Heat-Damaged RBC Scan for Splenosis
Authors: Donald Joseph S. , Chen Delphine L. , Peterson Jessica , Perry Mark
Published: December 2017

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a well-known compensatory response to severe anemia, most commonly due to a chronic hemolytic anemia such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease. We present a case of a 72-year-old man with autoimmune hemolytic anemia refractory to steroids and splenectomy. An incidental retroperitoneal mass on CT was suggestive of ectopic splenic tissue. However, an alternative diagnosis of EMH was considered, given an atypical appearance on heat-damaged 99mTc-RBC scan, and was confirmed with biopsy. The case report illustrates the imaging characteristics of EMH, widely known to have increased activity on 99mTc-sulfur colloid scans.
18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI in Necrotizing Autoimmune Myopathy
Authors: Pelissou Coralie , Lerolle Nathalie , Labeyrie Céline , Durand Emmanuel , Besson Florent L.
Published: December 2017

Necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (NAM) is a relatively newly recognized subgroup of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. The common histopathologic features are myocyte necrosis without significant inflammation. Necrotizing autoimmune myopathy can be associated with connective tissue disorders but can also be triggered by viral infections such as human immunodeficiency virus or malignancy, be statin-induced NAM, or be idiopathic. Here, the authors present the case of a 58-year-old man who was referred to our PET unit for a suspected paraneoplastic syndrome in a context of NAM. Complementary contrast-enhanced CT and 3-dimensional T1-weighted MRI were carried out subsequently in order to resolve the PET/CT abnormalities.
Cleaning clinical genomic data: Simple identification and removal of recurrently miscalled variants in single genomes
Authors: Field Matthew A. , Burgio Gaetan , Shekaili Jalila Al , Foote Simon J. , Cook Matthew C. , Andrews T. Daniel
Published: December 2017

Identification of sequence variation from short-read sequence data is subject to common-yet-intermittent miscalling that occurs in a sequence intrinsic manner. We identify that recurrent false positive single nucleotide variants are strongly present in databases of human sequence variation and demonstrate how each individual sample generates a unique set of recurrent false positive variants. These recurrent miscalls result from known difficulties aligning short-read sequence data between redundant genomic regions. We could replicate, catalogue and remove three quarters of these recurrent miscalls for any given exome with as little as ten rounds of read resampling, realignment and recalling. The removal of such misleading variants reduces the search space for identification of disease causing variants.

List of Abbreviations

SNV

single nucleotide variant

RFP

recurrent false positive

ENU

N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea
Impact of chromosome fusions on 3D genome organization and gene expression in budding yeast
Authors: Stefano Marco Di , Giovanni Francesca Di , Baù Davide , Carey Lucas B. , Marti-Renom Marc A. , Mendoza Manuel
Published: December 2017

The three-dimensional organization of chromosomes can influence transcription. However, the frequency and magnitude of these effects remains debated. To determine how changes in chromosome positioning affect transcription across thousands of genes with minimal perturbation, we characterized nuclear organization and global gene expression in budding yeast containing chromosome fusions. We used computational modelling and single cell imaging to determine chromosome position and integrated these data with genome-wide transcriptional profiles from RNA sequencing. We find that chromosome fusions dramatically alter 3D nuclear organization without leading to strong genome-wide changes in transcription. However, we observe a mild but significant and reproducible increase in expression of genes near fusion sites. Modeling suggests that this is due to both disruption of telomere-associated silencing and the displacement of genes relative to the nuclear periphery. A 10% decrease in the predicted time a gene spends near the nuclear periphery is associated with a 10% increase in expression. These data suggest that basal transcriptional activity is sensitive to radial changes on gene position, and provide insight into the functional relevance of budding yeast chromosome-level three-dimensional organization in gene expression.
A new mixed repetitive group sampling plan based on the process capability index for product acceptance
Authors: Saminathan Balamurali , Mahalingam Usha
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new mixed repetitive group sampling (RGS) plan based on the process capability index,Cpk, where the quality characteristics of interest follow the normal distribution with unknown mean and unknown variance. Tables are constructed to determine the optimal parameters for practical applications for both symmetric and asymmetric fraction non-conforming cases. The advantages of this proposed mixed sampling plan are also discussed. The proposed sampling plan is also compared with other existing sampling plans.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to determine the optimal parameters of the proposed mixed RGS plan based onCpk, the authors constructed tables for various combinations of acceptable and limiting quality levels (LQLs). For constructing tables, the authors followed the approach of two points on the operating characteristic (OC) curve. The optimal problem is formulated as a non-linear programming where the objective function to be minimized is the average sample number (ASN) and the constraints are related to lot acceptance probabilities at acceptable quality level and LQL under the OC curve.

Findings

The proposed mixed RGS plan will be a new addition to the literature of acceptance sampling. It is shown that the proposed mixed plan involves minimum ASN with desired protection to both producers and consumers compared to other existing sampling plans. The practical application of the proposed mixed sampling plan is also explained with an illustrative real-time example.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors propose a new mixed RGS plan based on the process capability indexCpk, where the quality characteristic of interest follows the normal distribution with unknown mean and unknown variance. Tables are constructed to determine the optimal parameters for practical applications. The proposed mixed sampling plan can be used in all production industries. This kind of mixed RGS plan is not available in the literature.
Comparing reputation vs h-index rankings of doctoral programs
Authors: Smith Thomas E. , Carter Tyler Edison , Osteen Philip J. , Panisch Lisa S.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This study builds on previous investigations on the scholarship of social work faculty using h-index scores. The purpose of this paper is to compare two methods of determining the excellence of social work doctoral programs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study compared rankings in 75 social work doctoral programs using h-index vs the US News and World Report (USNWR) list. The accuracy of predicting scholarly productivity from USNWR rankings was determined by joint membership in the same quantile block. Information on USNWR rankings, h-index, years of experience, academic rank, and faculty gender were collected. Regression analysis was used in creating a predictive model.

Findings

Only 39 percent of USNWR rankings accurately predicted which programs had their reputation and scholarly productivity in the same rating block. Conversely, 41 percent of programs had reputations in a higher block than their scholarly productivity would suggest. The regression model showed that while h-index was a strong predictor of USNWR rank (b=0.07, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.08), additional variance was explained by the unique contributions of faculty size (b=0.01, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.02), college age (b=0.002, 95% CI: <0.001, 0.003), and location in the southeast (b=−0.22, 95% CI: −0.39, −0.06).

Originality/value

For many programs, reputation and scholarly productivity coincide. Other programs have markedly different results between the two ranking systems. Although mean program h-indices are the best predictor of USNWR rankings, caution should be used in making statements about inclusion in the “top 10” or “top 20” programs.
Organic carbon availability limiting microbial denitrification in the deep vadose zone
Authors: Chen Shuaimin , Wang Fenghua , Zhang Yuming , Qin Shuping , Wei Shoucai , Wang Shiqin , Hu Chunsheng , Liu Binbin
Published: December 2017

Microbes in the deep vadose zone play an essential role in the mitigation of nitrate leaching; however, limited information is available on the mechanisms of microbial denitrification due to sampling difficulties. We experimentally studied the factors that affect denitrification in soils collected down to 10.5 meters deep along the soil profile. After an anoxic pre‐incubation, denitrification rates moderately increased and the N2O/(N2O + N2) ratios declined while the microbial abundance and diversity did not change significantly in most of the layers. Denitrification rate was significantly enhanced and the abundance of the denitrification genes was simultaneously elevated by the increased availability of organic carbon in all studied layers, to a greater extent in the subsurface layers than in the surface layers, suggesting the severe scarcity of carbon in the deep vadose zone. The genera Pseudomonas and Bacillus, which are made up of a number of species that have been previously identified as denitrifiers in soil, were the major taxa that respond to carbon addition. Overall, our results suggested that the limited denitrification in the deep vadose zone is not because of the lack of denitrifiers, but due to the low abundance of denitrifiers which is caused by low carbon availability.
Field study reveals core plant microbiota and relative importance of their drivers
Authors: Hamonts Kelly , Trivedi Pankaj , Garg Anshu , Janitz Caroline , Grinyer Jasmine , Holford Paul , Botha Frederik C. , Anderson Ian C. , Singh Brajesh K.
Published: December 2017

Harnessing plant microbiota can assist in sustainably increasing primary productivity to meet growing global demands for food and biofuel. However, development of rational microbiome‐based approaches for improving crop yield and productivity is currently hindered by a lack of understanding of the major biotic and abiotic factors shaping the crop microbiome under relevant field conditions. We examined bacterial and fungal communities associated with both aerial (leaves, stalks) and belowground (roots, soil) compartments of four commercial sugarcane varieties (Saccharumspp.) grown in several growing regions in Australia. We identified drivers of the sugarcane microbiome under field conditions and evaluated whether the plants shared a core microbiome. Sugarcane‐associated microbial assemblages were primarily determined by plant compartment, followed by growing region, crop age, variety and Yellow Canopy Syndrome (YCS). We detected a core set of microbiota and identified members of the core microbiome that were influenced by YCS incidence. Our study revealed key hub microorganisms in the core microbiome networks of sugarcane leaves, stalks, roots and rhizosphere soil despite location and time‐associated shifts in the community assemblages. Elucidating their functional roles and identification of the keystone core microbiota that sustain plant health could provide a technological breakthrough for a sustainable increase in crop productivity.
The sol–gel transition temperature of skim milk concentrated by microfiltration as affected by pH and protein content
Authors: Schäfer Johannes , Läufle Ingrid , Schmidt Christian , Atamer Zeynep , Nöbel Stefan , Sonne Alina , Kohlus Reinhard , Hinrichs Jörg
Published: December 2017

This study aimed at determining sol–gel transition temperatures of microfiltered skim milk retentates for different protein levels (6, 8 and 10% (w/w)) and a wide pH range (native pH to 4.6) by means of small‐amplitude oscillatory shear rheology. For a pH of 5.4 to 5.0, the sol–gel transition temperatures decreased significantly with increasing protein content, which did not differ for pH 4.8 and 4.6. The sol–gel transition temperatures of retentates with 10% (w/w) protein at pH 5.4 and 4.6 were 58.4 °C and 10.9 °C, respectively.
Benchmarking Local Commercial Real Estate Returns: Statistics Meets Economics
Authors: Peng Liang
Published: December 2017

It is challenging to estimate granular‐level indices of infrequently traded assets because data can be extremely scarce—the degree of freedom can be near zero if the estimation only uses local properties. This article applies a parameter‐reduction approach to U.S. commercial real estate data, and estimates metro‐level total return indices by property types from 1997 to 2014. This article further evaluates the economic merits of the indices. Test results suggest that the estimated metro indices have significant explanatory power, both in‐ and out‐of‐sample, for local property returns.
The effect of perineural dexamethasone on duration of sciatic nerve blockade: a randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Hauritz R. W. , Hannig K. E. , Henriksen C. W. , Børglum J. , Bjørn S. , Bendtsen T. F.
Published: December 2017

Background

Major hindfoot and ankle surgery is associated with severe postoperative pain, which is effectively alleviated by combined sciatic and saphenous nerve blockade. Local anaesthetics with added dexamethasone consistently prolongs the duration of pain relief compared to local anaesthetics alone. However, whether the extended duration of pain relief is due to an effect on duration of sensorimotor block per se vs. systemic absorption of the dexamethasone is still not fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the postoperative duration of sensorimotor blockade with either dexamethasone or saline added to bupivacaine‐epinephrine.

Methods

Fifty six patients scheduled for surgery were randomly assigned to a popliteal sciatic nerve block of 18 ml 0.5% bupivacaine‐epinephrine with either 2 ml of 0.4% dexamethasone or 2 ml 0.9% normal saline added. Sensory and motor functions were tested every 30 min until normalized nerve functions. Primary outcome was time until complete return of sensorimotor functions.

Results

Mean (SD) time until return of normal sensory and motor functions was 26 (6) vs. 16 (4) hours, P < 0.001, postponing block remission by 10 (95% CI: 8–13) hours. Mean (SD) time until first opioid request was 34 (11) vs. 15 (7) hours, P < 0.001, extending first opioid request by 19 (95% CI: 13–25) hours. Total oral morphine equivalents administered 0–48 h differed significantly between the two groups by 39 (95% CI: 23–55) mg.

Conclusions

Addition of 8 mg dexamethasone to 0.5% bupivacaine‐epinephrine significantly prolongs the duration of sensorimotor popliteal sciatic nerve blockade, and reduces pain and opioid consumption in patients after major hind foot and ankle surgery.
Grafts for Peyronie's disease: a comprehensive review
Authors: Garcia‐Gomez B. , Ralph D. , Levine L. , Moncada‐Iribarren I. , Djinovic R. , Albersen M. , Garcia‐Cruz E. , Romero‐Otero J.
Published: December 2017

The difficulty implicit in combining all the characteristics that an ideal patch to treat Peyronie's disease with a lengthening procedure should have, together with the challenges of comparing results from different series, means that the ideal patch has yet to be determined. Our objective with this review was to determine whether any given patch type is preferable to the others based on the evaluation of the results of published studies. A systematic search of the literature was conducted from PubMed until December 2016. Articles reporting basic research, animal research, reviews or meta‐analyses and studies in children were eliminated. Series with patients undergoing some kind of other surgical intervention were only included if results were reported separately. Case reports and series of five patients were excluded. Five variables were selected to evaluate the results: number of patients, follow‐up period, straightening rate, shortening rate and post‐operative ED rate. For this purpose, 69 papers were included for review, and the outcomes of the use of autologous dermis, tunica vaginalis, dura mater, fascia, saphenous vein, tunica albuginea, buccal mucosa, porcine intestinal submucosa, pericardium, TachoSil® and synthetic materials were presented and analysed separately. The different series published are extremely variable and heterogeneous in terms of the number of patients included, patient selection, follow‐up periods, and in the measurement and interpretation of the outcomes analysed. Given these facts, it is not possible to draw any definitive conclusion, homogeneous, prospective studies using validated tools are required to determine which the ideal graft is.
Safety and efficacy of parenteral iron in children with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Papadopoulos Michael , Patel Deepa , Korologou‐Linden Roxanna , Goto Eunice , Soondrum Krishna , Fell John M. E. , Epstein Jenny
Published: December 2017

Aims

Iron deficiency anaemia frequently complicates inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children and adults. Oral iron may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms and absorption may be insufficient in intestinal inflammation. Even where oral iron is successful, repletion of iron stores can be unacceptably slow. Intravenous iron compounds were in the past associated with serious adverse reactions and historically were considered a last resort in children. New generation preparations have a safer profile in adults, although reluctance to use them in children may persist, where safety data are lacking. We investigate the safety and efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose in children.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all children with IBD who received parenteral iron over a 38‐month period in a single regional referral centre. Safety, tolerability and adverse events were established by case note review. Efficacy was assessed by change in haematinic indices pre‐ and post‐treatment.

Results

Forty‐one children (18 male; median age 14 years, range 3–17) received a total of 104 iron infusions. Of these, 44% (18) had Crohn's disease; 56% (23) ulcerative colitis. Thirty‐five received ferric carboxymaltose, seven iron sucrose and one both. Three children developed mild rash post infusion which resolved quickly with chlorphenamine. Mean increase in haemoglobin was 2.5 g dl–1 (0.3–5.8). Iron levels increased by a mean of 8.4 g dl–1 (1–25), transferrin saturation by 16.2% (2–47). Transferrin decreased by 0.84 g dl–1 (0.3–3.4).

Conclusions

New generation parenteral iron preparations are safe, well tolerated and efficacious in children with iron deficiency anaemia and IBD.
Clinical features and autoimmune associations in patients presenting with Idiopathic Isolated ACTH deficiency
Authors: Hannon Anne Marie , Hunter Steven , Smith Diarmuid , Sherlock Mark , O'Halloran Domhnall , Thompson Christopher J. ,   the Irish Pituitary Database Group
Published: December 2017

Objective

Idiopathic Isolated ATCH deficiency (IIAD) is a rare cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency. As the condition is rare, and the diagnostic criteria ill‐defined, there are few good clinical descriptions in the literature. We have described presenting features, autoimmune associations, natural history and responses to CRF, in a large case series of patients presenting with IIAD.

Design

This is a retrospective case note analysis with data derived from the recently commenced National Pituitary Database of Ireland.

Patients

Twenty‐three patients with isolated ACTH deficiency were identified. A thorough chart and biochemistry review was performed.

Results

Twenty‐three patients were examined (18 women and 5 men). Age at presentation ranged from 17 to 88 years, (median 48 years). Most patients complained of fatigue; 9 patients presented with hyponatraemia, 13 had autoimmune illnesses (primary hypothyroidism, n = 9). CRF stimulation testing was available in 12 of the 23 patients, 5 of whom demonstrated a rise in plasma ACTH concentrations, indicating hypothalamic, rather than pituitary aetiology. Two patients recovered ACTH secretion, and 2 patients progressed to have other pituitary hormone deficiencies.

Conclusions

IIAD typically presents with insidious symptoms. Euvolaemic hyponatraemia is common at diagnosis. It is associated with autoimmune diseases, particularly primary hypothyroidism. As two patients recovered ACTH secretion, and two progressed to other pituitary hormone deficits, repeat pituitary testing should be considered, to identify recovery of function, or progression to other hormone deficits.
Quantifying progress toward a conservation assessment for all plants
Authors: Bachman Steven P. , Nic Lughadha Eimear M. , Rivers Malin C.
Published: December 2017

The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) set an ambitious target to achieve a conservation assessment for all known plant species by 2020. We consolidated digitally available plant conservation assessments and reconciled their scientific names and assessment status to predefined standards to provide a quantitative measure of progress toward this target. The 241,919 plant conservation assessments generated represent 111,824 accepted land plant species (vascular plants and bryophytes, not algae). At least 73,081 and up to 90,321 species have been assessed at the global scale, representing 21–26% of known plant species. Of these plant species, at least 27,148 and up to 32,542 are threatened. Eighty plant families, including some of the largest, such as Asteraceae, Orchidaceae, and Rubiaceae, are underassessed and should be the focus of assessment effort if the GSPC target is to be met by 2020. Our data set is accessible online (ThreatSearch) and is a baseline that can be used to directly support other GSPC targets and plant conservation action. Although around one‐quarter of a million plant assessments have been compiled, the majority of plants are still unassessed. The challenge now is to build on this progress and redouble efforts to document conservation status of unassessed plants to better inform conservation decisions and conserve the most threatened species.
A Matrix Exponential Spatial Panel Model with Heterogeneous Coefficients
Authors: LeSage James , Chih Yao‐Yu
Published: December 2017

We extend the heterogeneous coefficients spatial autoregressive panel model (HSAR) from Aquaro, Bailey, and Pesaran (2015) to the case of a heterogeneous coefficients matrix exponential spatial specification (HMESS). The HSAR is capable of producing parameter estimates for each region in the sample, that follow a spatial autoregressive process. Spatial autoregressive processes apply geometric decay of influence to higher‐order neighboring regions. The HMESS takes a similar approach as the HSAR to produce estimates for each region in the sample, but relies on a matrix exponential function to apply exponential decay to higher‐order neighbors. The MESS introduced by LeSage and Pace (2007) for the case of cross‐sectional spatial data samples has some potential computational advantages over the spatial autoregressive specification. In addition, the spatial dependence parameter in the MESS ranges from minus to plus infinity, which allows for use of normal priors assigned to this parameter in a Bayesian setting. We extend the cross‐sectional MESS to the case of a heterogeneous coefficients model, and describe Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo estimation. We illustrate the HMESS model with a panel wage curve relationship using quarterly unemployment and wage rates from 261 counties centered on the Bakken shale oil region in North Dakota and Montana.
Investigating biogeographical patterns using point‐based cartograms
Authors: Keddy Alexander , Beiko Robert G.
Published: December 2017

Aim

Visualization is an important tool in the investigation of phylogenetic distributions of species. Several tools have been developed that allow a researcher to overlay species distributions and phylogenetic trees on a map. However, when samples span a large range but also have high density in some regions, it can be difficult to appreciate both the global and the local context of biodiversity in a single view.

Innovation

We have developed an algorithm for cartogram construction that extends the Gastner–Newman approach to point‐based rather than region‐based data. Cartogram construction is controlled by parameters that impact the magnitude and extent of the distortion. We also introduce the geographically coupled phylogenetic distance (GCPD), a quantitative measure that combines phylogenetic diversity with geographical distance, as a criterion for distorting a map.

Main conclusions

We used our cartogram approach to develop enhanced geographical visualizations of datasets, including an outbreak of Vibrio cholerae in Haiti and the distribution of the salamander Aneides lugubris in California, U.S.A. In both examples, our cartogram approach allowed the concurrent visualization of local distributional patterns while preserving the broader context of the survey. Our implementation in the GenGIS software package allows joint visualization of cartogram, phylogenetic and other types of data.
Are the radiations of temperate lineages in tropical alpine ecosystems pre‐adapted?
Authors: Nürk Nicolai M. , Michling Florian , Linder H. Peter
Published: December 2017

Aim

Tropical mountains around the world harbour an extraordinarily rich pool of plant species and are hotspots of biodiversity. Climatically, they can be zoned into montane climates at mid‐altitudes and tropical alpine climates above the tree line. Around half of the tropical alpine species belong to plant lineages with a temperate ancestry, although these regions are often geographically distant. We test the hypothesis that these temperate lineages are pre‐adapted to the tropical alpine climate.

Location

New World, with a focus on tropical alpine Andes.

Time period

Miocene to present.

Major taxa studied

Flowering plants.

Methods

We build multidimensional environmental models representing the full space of New World climates. We quantify the environmental similarity between the tropical alpine ecosystem and those of potential source areas, while correcting for regional differences by kernel density smoothers. Based on spatial observations of the genus Hypericum (St John's Wort), we quantify niche overlap and test for niche conservatism following intercontinental dispersal using density‐weighted nonparametric tests. A dated species tree, biogeographical estimation, multi‐optima Ornstein–Uhlenbeck models and model selection approaches are used to test for niche shifts during establishment in the tropical alpine Andes.

Results

The tropical alpine ecosystem is isolated by its climate from adjacent regions and is climatically similar to temperate lowland biomes of both hemispheres. Niche conservatism is evident in the study group, except in the tropical alpine lineage that is characterized by niche expansion and shifts in temperature optima.

Main conclusions

Our results reject the pre‐adaptation hypothesis and instead suggest pronounced niche evolution during colonization of tropical alpine ecosystems. Establishment involved substantial niche shifts, mainly in temperature‐related variables, and resulted in a tremendous proliferation of species in the newly invaded tropical alpine ecosystem.
Identifying perception behaviours in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Authors: Roemer Miriam , Verheul Ellen , Velthausz Frank
Published: December 2017

Background

To support people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), it is essential to understand how they experience their environment. Insight into perception behaviour may provide an entry point for improved understanding.

Materials and Methods

A random sample of a 30‐min video registration of five participants with PIMD was used to code behaviours per second based on an ethogram containing 157 different perception behaviours in nine categories.

Results

Eighty‐nine different perception behaviours were observed, of which movements with eyes, head and arms were most common. The senses used most were seeing, hearing and touching. Finally, the function of five perception patterns was established in relation to their function:awareness, focusing attention and tension regulation.

Conclusions

Close observation using an observation ethogram provides insight into how people with PIMD perceive their environment.
Shift in the subgingival microbiome following scaling and root planing in generalized aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Liu Guojing , Luan Qingxian , Chen Feng , Chen Zhibin , Zhang Qian , Yu Xiaoqian
Published: December 2017

Aim

To investigate the shift in the subgingival microbiota under scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).

Materials and Methods

After undergoing supragingival scaling, 12 individuals with GAgP were enrolled in this longitudinal study. Full‐mouth SRP was accomplished in 3 weeks and re‐evaluated 6 weeks later. Pooled subgingival samples (posterior‐mesial, posterior‐buccal, anterior‐mesial, and anterior‐buccal) were obtained from each patient before SRP (pre‐treatment group) and at the time of re‐evaluation (post‐treatment group). 16S rRNA PCR products were generated and sequenced after DNA isolation.

Results

Under SRP, the diversity of the subgingival community was consistent, whereas genus‐level biomarkers transformed from Porphyromonas, Treponema, and Fretibacterium to Actinomyces, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus. In a network analysis, pathogen‐related and non‐pathogen‐related components were identified in both the pre‐ and post‐treatment groups; the pathogen component was dramatically augmented, while the non‐pathogen component shrank after treatment. Hubs were also distributed in both components pre‐treatment and were confined to the pathogen component post‐treatment.

Conclusions

Scaling and root planing decreased periodontal pathogens in the subgingival microbiota of patients with GAgP. However, the shift in the microbiota composition was characterized by the expansion of pathogen‐related components and the contraction of non‐pathogen‐related components 6 weeks after SRP. Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT03090282.
Software and package applicating for network meta‐analysis: A usage‐based comparative study
Authors: Xu Chang , Niu Yuming , Wu Junyi , Gu Huiyun , Zhang Chao
Published: December 2017

Objective

To compare and analyze the characteristics and functions of software applications for network meta‐analysis (NMA).

Methods

PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, the official websites of Bayesian inference Using Gibbs Sampling (BUGS), Stata and R, and Google were searched to collect the software and packages for performing NMA; software and packages published up to March 2016 were included. After collecting the software, packages, and their user guides, we used the software and packages to calculate a typical example. All characteristics, functions, and computed results were compared and analyzed.

Results

Ten types of software were included, including programming and non‐programming software. They were developed mainly based on Bayesian or frequentist theory. Most types of software have the characteristics of easy operation, easy mastery, exact calculation, or excellent graphing. However, there was no single software that performed accurate calculations with superior graphing; this could only be achieved through the combination of two or more types of software.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the user should choose the appropriate software according to personal programming basis, operational habits, and financial ability. Then, the choice of the combination of BUGS and R (or Stata) software to perform the NMA is considered.
Skin colour assessment of replanted fingers in digital images and its reliability for the incorporation of images in nursing progress notes
Authors: Terashima Taiko , Yoshimura Sadako
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To determine whether nurses can accurately assess the skin colour of replanted fingers displayed as digital images on a computer screen.

Background

Colour measurement and clinical diagnostic methods for medical digital images have been studied, but reproducing skin colour on a computer screen remains difficult.

Design

The inter‐rater reliability of skin colour assessment scores was evaluated. In May 2014, 21 nurses who worked on a trauma ward in Japan participated in testing.

Methods

Six digital images with different skin colours were used. Colours were scored from both digital images and direct patient's observation. The score from a digital image was defined as the test score, and its difference from the direct assessment score as the difference score. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated. Nurses’ opinions were classified and summarised.

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficients for the test scores were fair. Although the intraclass correlation coefficients for the difference scores were poor, they improved to good when three images that might have contributed to poor reliability were excluded. Most nurses stated that it is difficult to assess skin colour in digital images; they did not think it could be a substitute for direct visual assessment. However, most nurses were in favour of including images in nursing progress notes.

Discussion

Although the inter‐rater reliability was fairly high, the reliability of colour reproduction in digital images as indicated by the difference scores was poor. Nevertheless, nurses expect the incorporation of digital images in nursing progress notes to be useful. This gap between the reliability of digital colour reproduction and nurses’ expectations towards it must be addressed.

Conclusions

High inter‐rater reliability for digital images in nursing progress notes was not observed. Assessments of future improvements in colour reproduction technologies are required.

Relevance to clinical practice

Further digitisation and visualisation of nursing records might pose challenges.
Changes in the dysphagia and nutritional status of patients with brain injury
Authors: Kim Hyeyeoung , Suh Yeonok
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the degree of improvement in the dysphagia and nutritional status of patients with brain injuries after removal of the nasogastric tube.

Background

The nurse should assess patients’ dysphagia, after removal of the nasogastric tube, and immediately reflect the changes in patient care. Accordingly, the critical roles of nurses in caring for patients with dysphagia involve providing appropriate nutritional therapy as well as preventing aspiration pneumonia and nutritional imbalance. Assessment of the patient's dysphagia on a regular basis and analysis of nutritional status according to the degree of dysphagia are necessary to determine the appropriate timing for providing nursing interventions and to develop protocols for the provision of a therapeutic diet.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

This study was conducted on 56 patients with dysphagia after a brain injury. Data were collected using the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) test and Swallowing Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ). Descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests, t tests, and MANOVA were analysed using SPSS 22.0.

Results

Patient's dysphagia was observed over the course of 2 weeks. After 14 days, the severity of dysphagia decreased from 91.1%–35.7%, while the number of participants with normal swallowing increased from 1.8%–58.9%. Dysphagia in patients with brain injury improved gradually over time. A significant difference was observed in the serum albumin level of patients with dysphagia (F = 9.51, p = .003, Wilk's λ = .034).

Conclusions

Most of the patients with brain injury developed moderate dysphagia immediately after removal of the nasogastric tube. However, after 14 days had elapsed, the percentage of patients recovering from dysphagia increased to 58.9%. Proper dietary patterns were not adequately provided depending on the degree of patient's dysphagia after removal of the nasogastric tube. Assessing the degree of dysphagia using the GUSS test and providing appropriate diet prevent malnutrition in patients with dysphagia.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study was conducted in patients who developed complications of dysphagia after a brain injury. Using the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) test, the changes in the degree of dysphagia were repeatedly measured at different times: 4, 7 and 14 days after the removal of the nasogastric tube. Provision of appropriate diet and changes in the nutritional status were analysed to determine the proper timing for nursing intervention in patients with dysphagia. The data obtained from this study could serve as a basis for developing diet provision protocols for patients with dysphagia.
Living with relapsed myeloma: Symptoms and self‐care strategies
Authors: Cormican Orlaith , Dowling Maura
Published: December 2017

Aims and Objectives

To explore which symptoms relapsed myeloma patients experience and what self‐care strategies are used.

Methods

This was a qualitative study utilising focus group interviews (n = 4) with relapsed myeloma patients (n = 15) and carers (n = 9). The focus groups were analysed and guided by thematic analysis.

Results

Three major themes with subthemes were identified following analysis of the interview data: “difficult symptoms; “self‐care” and “feeling vulnerable.” These findings indicate the challenges relapsed myeloma patients experience with ongoing symptoms and highlight the importance of continuity of care.

Conclusions

Symptom management for myeloma patients remains complex due to the array of treatments given. These patients require holistic care and thorough regular assessments to help them cope with the adverse effects on their physical and psychological health. For patients with a long‐term diagnosis of myeloma, self‐management workshops and regular education sessions may be of benefit.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study highlights the key role of healthcare professionals in going beyond assessment of symptoms to offering advice and support to assist relapsed myeloma patients in managing their symptoms.
Experiences of Chinese immigrant women following “Zuo Yue Zi” in British Columbia
Authors: Chang Sylvia Hsi‐Ching , Hall Wendy A , Campbell Suzanne , Lee Lily
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To describe Chinese women's experiences with “zuo yue zi” in British Columbia, Canada.

Background

Women born in China and Taiwan are increasingly immigrating to westernised countries. Many women choose to follow traditional Chinese postpartum practices, also called “zuo yue zi.” Few studies have examined women's use of traditional practices in western countries.

Design

The study used a qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

We recruited 13 mothers who were: aged 19 or older, immigrants from mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan in the last 5 years, and caring for infants born in the previous 6 weeks. Semistructured interviews were conducted in Mandarin, translated into English, transcribed and analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results

The core theme was Chinese women's novel encounters with “zuo yue zi.” The women's expectations of “zuo yue zi” were acquired through birth experiences or interactions with family and friends. The participants struggled with implementing traditional practices because social support and formal institutional structures were lacking. They modified their expectations about “zuo yue zi.” Factors affecting their practices were catalysts and deterrents. Catalysts included help from Chinese family members, friends and informed healthcare providers. Deterrents included unregulated paid helpers, uninformed care providers, financial constraints and structural limitations in their new environments.

Conclusions

Chinese immigrant women struggled to modify and implement traditional practices in their adopted country when they encountered financial constraints, unregulated paid helpers and varying support from health care providers.

Relevance to clinical practice

Some postpartum women following “zuo yue zi” believed that the practice would prevent chronic illness and strengthen their intrafamily relationships. Immigrant mothers require nursing support to follow traditional postpartum practices. Nurses can advocate on patients’ behalf to increase care providers’ knowledge about “zuo yue zi” and public awareness for necessary regulated institutional structures.
Analisis Faktor-Faktor Yang Menyumbang Kepada Penglibatan Politik Dalam Kalangan Penduduk Pulau Pinang
Authors: Mohd Nor Noor Atirah Eliya , Mustafa Hasrina
Published: December 2017

Political participation is one of the fundamental principles of democracy, without which any nation with such system will cease to exist. There are many factors influencing political participation of an individual in a country. Hence this research aims to understand the influence of the level of media usage (i.e. television, radio, newspaper and internet), interest, attitude, general knowledge towards politics and age on political participation through the mediating role of interpersonal discussion, utilizing the Differential Gains Model. A survey involving 386 registered voters in Penang, Malaysia was conducted. The survey discovered that interest in and general knowledge on politics significantly influenced the level of the respondents’ political participation. None of any media factors, attitudes toward politics and age was found to affect political participation. Consistent with the Model of Differential Gains, interpersonal discussion on politics significantly mediated the relationships between level of media usage (namely radio and newspaper) and general knowledge on politics; and political participation. The study summarised that interpersonal discussion on political issues with friends and family members is more vital to increase people’s involvement in local politics as compared to mass media.
30 Years Trend of Competitive Balance in Turkish Football Super League
Authors: Inan Tuğbay
Published: December 2017

We must point out that the results of football games affect the competitive balance degree. In other words, the calculations we made in the score table at the end of the season give us a degree of competitive balance. The degree on which the concept of competitiveness is based is cited as competitive balance in football. Sports economics can be defined as the degree to which overall league attendances are raised by such measures as media effect, home advantage, income sharing, all of which aim to strengthen the competitive balance. The aim of this study was to gauge the competitive balance in Turkish football league. Using long term competitive balance analysis, some of the matters encountered and possible precautions to be taken were approached in a way that can discuss the mentioned subjects throughout the 1987-2017 seasons in Turkish Football Super League (TSL). The present study examined the way that competitive balance level followed in the history of super league (30 years). For this purpose, C5 Competitive Balance Index (C5CBI) and a Herfindahl index of competitive balance (HICB) were benefited. Finally, competitive balance factor was observed to have occured time to time; however, when looked in terms of total, a view apart from competitive balance can be clearly seen.
Conditions of Lift-Off and Film Thickness in Squeeze Film Levitation
Authors: Brunetière Noël , Blouin Antoinette , Kastane Guytri
Published: December 2017

An experimental test rig has been used to analyze the lift-off condition of a squeeze film thrust bearing. It is composed of a vibrating flat plate linked to a piezo-actuator, a cylindrical mass, and two displacement sensors. The frequency and magnitude of oscillation are varied as well as the mass of the solid, to identify the lift-off conditions. The experimental results are compared to numerical simulations. The model solves the transient compressible Reynolds equation coupled with Newton's law for the levitated mass. The model is then used to extend the experimental results to other operating conditions. A dimensionless analysis of the results is performed to study the lift-off conditions and the average film thickness during levitation.
Were nomads the world's first traders?
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: December 2017

Researchers spar over whether pastoralists sparked the rise of urban civilization
The runners up
Authors: Stokstad Erik , Pennisi Elizabeth , Kaiser Jocelyn , Cohen Jon , Couzin-Frankel Jennifer , Voosen Paul , Gibbons Ann , Cho Adrian
Published: December 2017

Science named nine scientific discoveries, advances, or trends as runners-up for the 2017 Breakthrough of the Year.
Breakdowns of the year
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey , Pennisi Elizabeth , Culotta Elizabeth
Published: December 2017

What went wrong in the world of science in 2017.
The rise of near-zero-index technologies
Authors: Liberal Iñigo , Engheta Nader
Published: December 2017

Materials with designed electromagnetic response have a wide range of exotic applications
iCub: The not-yet-finished story of building a robot child
Authors: Natale Lorenzo , Bartolozzi Chiara , Pucci Daniele , Wykowska Agnieszka , Metta Giorgio
Published: December 2017

The iCub humanoid robot child is an open-source initiative supporting research in embodied artificial intelligence.
A Single Mechanosensitive Channel Protects Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica from Hypoosmotic Shock and Promotes Survival in the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Williamson David R. , Dewan Kalyan K. , Patel Tanmay , Wastella Catherine M. , Ning Gang , Kirimanjeswara Girish S.
Published: December 2017

Francisella tularensis
subsp.
holarctica
is found in North America and much of Europe and causes the disease tularemia in humans and animals. An aquatic cycle has been described for this subspecies, which has caused waterborne outbreaks of tularemia in at least 10 countries. In this study, we sought to identify the mechanosensitive channel(s) required for the bacterium to survive the transition from mammalian hosts to freshwater, which is likely essential for the transmission of the bacterium between susceptible hosts. A single 165-amino-acid MscS-type mechanosensitive channel (
Ft
MscS) was found to protect
F. tularensis
subsp.
holarctica
from hypoosmotic shock, despite lacking much of the cytoplasmic vestibule domain found in well-characterized MscS proteins from other organisms. The deletion of this channel did not affect virulence within the mammalian host; however,
Ft
MscS was required to survive the transition from the host niche to freshwater. The deletion of
Ft
MscS did not alter the sensitivity of
F. tularensis
subsp.
holarctica
to detergents, H
2
O
2
, or antibiotics, suggesting that the role of
Ft
MscS is specific to protection from hypoosmotic shock. The deletion of
Ft
MscS also led to a reduced average cell size without altering gross cell morphology. The mechanosensitive channel identified and characterized in this study likely contributes to the transmission of tularemia between hosts by allowing the bacterium to survive the transition from mammalian hosts to freshwater.

IMPORTANCE
The contamination of freshwater by
Francisella tularensis
subsp.
holarctica
has resulted in a number of outbreaks of tularemia. Invariably, the contamination originates from the carcasses or excreta of infected animals and thus involves an abrupt osmotic downshock as the bacteria enter freshwater. How
F. tularensis
survives this drastic change in osmolarity has not been clear, but here we report that a single mechanosensitive channel protects the bacterium from osmotic downshock. This channel is functional despite lacking much of the cytoplasmic vestibule domain that is present in better-studied organisms such as
Escherichia coli
; this report builds on previous studies that have suggested that parts of this domain are dispensable for downshock protection. These findings extend our understanding of the aquatic cycle and ecological persistence of
F. tularensis
, with further implications for mechanosensitive channel biology.