bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2‐Deoxy‐D‐glucose has distinct and cell line‐specific effects on the survival of different cancer cells upon antitumor drug treatment
Authors: Maximchik Polina , Abdrakhmanov Alibek , Inozemtseva Evgeniya , Tyurin‐Kuzmin Pyotr A. , Zhivotovsky Boris , Gogvadze Vladimir
Published: October 2018

The dependence of tumors on glycolysis for ATP generation offers a rationale for therapeutic strategies aimed at selective inhibition of the glycolytic pathway. Analysis of tumor cell responses to anticancer drugs revealed that inhibition of glycolysis by 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (2‐DG) generally augmented the apoptotic response; however, in HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells, apoptosis was suppressed. A comparison of neuroblastoma SK‐N‐BE(2) and HCT116 cells revealed, that in contrast to HCT116, in SK‐N‐BE(2) cells 2‐DG alone was able to induce cell death. In SK‐N‐BE(2) cells the decrease in ATP levels upon treatment with 2‐DG was more prominent because in HCT116 cells mitochondria compensated for the loss of ATP caused by glycolysis suppression. In both cells lines 2‐DG triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, assessed by the accumulation of the marker protein GRP78/BiP. Suppression of ER stress by mannose attenuated the 2‐DG‐induced apoptotic response in SK‐N‐BE(2) cells, implying that apoptosis in these cells is a consequence of ER stress induction. In HCT116 cells, ER stress stimulated autophagy, assessed by the accumulation of the lipidated form of LC3. The inhibitor of ER stress mannose attenuated autophagy and reversed 2‐DG‐mediated suppression of cisplatin‐induced apoptosis. When autophagy in HCT116 cells was suppressed by bafilomycin, cisplatin‐induced apoptosis was decreased. At the same time, stimulation of autophagy in SK‐N‐BE(2) cells suppressed cell death. Thus, successful treatment of tumors with conventionally used anticancer drugs should be combined with targeting metabolic pathways involved in the regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, and cellular bioenergetics.
Insights from social transmission of information in rodents
Authors: Monfils Marie H. , Agee Laura A.
Published: October 2018

Direct exposure to stimuli in their environment is not the only way that animals learn about important information. Individuals can infer fear from a social context through observation. Like humans, rats are very social animals, and may learn to infer information about their environment through their interactions with conspecifics. Here, we first review different models for social transmission of information in rodents. Second, we examine different modes of communication that are important to social learning. Then, we cover the different proximate factors that are thought to modulate the social transmission of information. Next, we identify social and environmental conditions that impact social learning, and finally, we conclude by revisiting social transmission through the lens of the Tinbergen framework.
A 5‐week randomized clinical evaluation of a novel electric toothbrush head with regular and tapered bristles versus a manual toothbrush for reduction of gingivitis and plaque
Authors: Ccahuana‐Vasquez Renzo Alberto , Adam Ralf , Conde Erinn , Grender Julie M. , Cunningham Pamela , Goyal C. Ram , Qaqish Jimmy
Published: October 2018

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of an oscillating‐rotating (O‐R) electric rechargeable toothbrush with a novel round brush head comprised of regular and tapered bristles in reducing plaque and gingivitis versus a manual toothbrush.

Methods

This was a randomized, examiner‐blind, parallel group, five‐week study. Participants with mild‐to‐moderate plaque and gingivitis received an oral examination and were evaluated for baseline plaque (Rustogi Modified Navy Index), gingivitis (Modified Gingival Index) and gingival bleeding (Gingival Bleeding Index). Qualifying participants were randomly assigned to the novel Oral‐B sensitive brush head (EB60) on an Oral‐B Vitality O‐R handle (D12) or an ADA manual toothbrush. Participants brushed twice daily with the assigned brush and a standard fluoride dentifrice for 5 weeks before returning for an oral examination and plaque and gingivitis evaluations.

Results

A total of 150 participants were randomized to treatment and completed the study (mean age = 45.7 years). Both brushes demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in number of bleeding sites versus baseline (P < 0.001). At Week 5, the number of bleeding sites was reduced from baseline by 11.15 (52.2%) for the O‐R brush and 5.04 (23.6%) for the manual brush. The treatment difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Significant reductions versus baseline (P < 0.001) were also seen for both brushes for MGI, GBI and Rustogi plaque measures (whole mouth, gingival margin and proximal), but the O‐R brush produced significantly greater reductions versus the manual brush (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The O‐R handle and round brush head with tapered and regular bristles produced greater plaque and gingivitis reductions than the manual brush.
Energy storage properties in Ba5LaTi3Ta7O30 tungsten bronze ceramics
Authors: Zhu Xiao Li , Zhuang Ke Yang , Wu Shu Ya , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: October 2018

Ba5LaTi3Ta7O30 tungsten bronze ceramics is a typical linear dielectric with high dielectric constant and low loss, which is expected as a promising candidate for energy‐storage application. In the present work, energy‐storage properties of Ba5LaTi3Ta7O30 tungsten bronze ceramics were investigated, and the dielectric breakdown mechanism was also discussed based on the morphology of the fracture surface. Dense ceramics were obtained by sintering at temperatures from 1500 to 1575°C. Both the dielectric constant and dielectric strength show strong dependences on the sample density. Optimal dielectric constant of 159, dielectric strength of 639 kV/cm, and energy storage density of 2.9 J/cm3 were obtained for ceramics sintered at 1550°C, that have the highest density and fine grains. The dielectric strength and energy storage density were also highly dependent on the sample thickness. For ceramics sintered at 1525°C, the dielectric strength increases from 283 to 585 kV/cm while the energy storage density increases from 0.5 to 2.3 J/cm3 when the thickness changes from 0.5 to 0.2 mm. A thermal breakdown mechanism was adopted to understand the breakdown process in the present ceramics.
Oxidation effects on spark plasma sintering of molybdenum nanopowders
Authors: Lee Geuntak , Manière Charles , McKittrick Joanna , Gattuso Anthony , Back Christina , Olevsky Eugene A.
Published: October 2018

Surface‐oxidized molybdenum nanopowders are compacted by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The oxide impurity behavior is analyzed under various sintering temperatures. The densification mechanism of the nanopowders with a melted oxide phase is identified in situ by regression analysis of the experimental data on the temperature‐dependent porosity change and on the SPS multistep pressure dilatometry. To increase the density of the compacted pellets, the nanopowders with the oxide phase are consolidated by SPS using the two in situ oxide removal methods: carbothermic reduction and particle surface cleaning by the electric current flow through the powders. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods in terms of the density, grain size, and mechanical properties of the final products are discussed.
Consolidation of mine tailings through geopolymerization at ambient temperature
Authors: Wan Qian , Rao Feng , Song Shaoxian , Leon‐Patino Carlos A. , Ma Yingqiang , Yin Wanzhong
Published: October 2018

Mine tailings‐based geopolymers were prepared at ambient temperature. The evolution of their microstructure and the immobilization of lead were studied. Characterizations include measurements in compressive strength, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) tests. With increasing the ratio of metakaolin from 0% to 50%, geopolymer gel in the mine tailings‐based geopolymers increased from 33.92% to 79.45%, leading to the compressive strength that increased from 2 to 15.5 MPa. With addition of Pb(NO3)2, a three‐stepped changes in the compressive strength and microstructure of the geopolymers were observed. As increasing Pb(NO3)2 dosage from 0% to 6%, geopolymer gel was kept constant, while lead silicate glass increased from 0% to 10.51%, and Si sites in calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel decreased from 20.55% to 11.3%. Pb2+ was effectively immobilized in the geopolymers. This study first presents the evolution of geopolymer gel, belite, lead silicate glass, and CSH gel in mine tailings‐based geopolymers as the functions of metakaolin and Pb(NO3)2 additions.
Randomized controlled trial on effectiveness of mHealth (mobile/smartphone) based Preterm Home Care Program on developmental outcomes of preterms: Study protocol
Authors: Nayak Baby S. , Lewis Leslie Edward , Margaret Binu , Bhat Y Ramesh , D'Almeida Joslin , Phagdol Tenzin
Published: October 2018

Aim

To describe a randomized controlled trial protocol designed to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile health based Preterm Home Care Program (mHealthPHCP) known as “NeoRaksha” mobile health application in improving parent‐infant‐interaction, growth and development of preterms.

Design

A prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. The protocol is approved and funded by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India on 2 August 2016.

Methods

A total of 300 preterm‐mother dyads admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital will be recruited and randomized to intervention and control group. The intervention group would receive mobile health based Preterm Home Care Program and the control group would receive standard preterm care. Intervention group will be followed up at home by community health workers known as Accredited Social Health Activist who will be trained in using the NeoRaksha mobile health application. Preterms outcomes will be assessed during follow‐up at hospital.

Discussion

Supporting continuity of preterm care is vital as parents and preterms experience transition from Neonatal Intensive Care unit to their home. Empowering mothers and community health workers by integrating mobile technology into health care can help promote healthy preterms, enhance development outcomes and follow‐up, which in turn can reduce the mortalities, morbidities, and disabilities associated with prematurity.

Impact

The results of this study could open up new horizons in integrating hospital and home based preterm care through technology, which paves way to scale up the model across the countries.
Efficacy of acupressure to prevent adverse reactions to anti‐tuberculosis drugs: Randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hsieh Chia‐Ju , Su Wei‐Juin , Wu Shiao‐Chi , Chiu Jen‐Hwey , Lin Li‐Chan
Published: October 2018

Aim

To determine whether acupressure can prevent or relieve the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of anti‐tuberculosis drugs.

Background

People receiving drug treatment for TB often experience ADRs that may cause them to stop taking their medication. Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that can be applied to alleviate or prevent disease symptoms.

Design

A double‐blinded, repeated‐measures clinical trial in hospitals in Taiwan was carried out from April 2015 – May 2017.

Methods

Convenience sampling was used to select 32 people (15 for the experimental group and 17 for the control group) aged >20 years who were taking anti‐tuberculosis drugs. The people were randomized to receive 4‐week of true acupressure and 4‐weeks of sham acupressure. Acupressure therapy was given by a researcher in all cases. Both groups received treatment once per day on weekdays, with 15 min for each acupressure session. Outcomes (gastrointestinal irritation and adverse skin reactions) were assessed according to the people feedback and the physicians’ recordings during the treatment course, and during monthly follow‐up visits for 6 months thereafter.

Results

Both groups typically experienced gastrointestinal irritation and adverse skin reactions within 2 months of beginning anti‐tuberculosis drug treatment. The 4‐weeks intervention involving relevant acupressure points successfully relieved both types of side effects in both immediate and delayed manner.

Conclusions

When correctly implemented, acupressure can prevent and relieve the ADRs of anti‐tuberculosis drugs, and motivate people to complete their treatment course.
How graduate nurses adapt to individual ward culture: A grounded theory study
Authors: Feltrin Caterina , Newton Jennifer M , Willetts Georgina
Published: October 2018

Aim

To increase understanding of strategies graduate nurses use on a day‐to‐day basis to integrate themselves into pre‐existing social frameworks.

Background

Being a graduate nurse and transitioning from a novice to beginner in the first year of clinical practice is stressful, challenging and overwhelming due to steep learning curves and adjusting to working in professional environments. How graduate nurses socially adapt and fit into ward cultures is a hurdle to successful transition and can be difficult.

Design

A qualitative constructivist grounded theory methodology was used.

Methods

Seven adult, Registered Nurses were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Participants were undertaking a graduate nurse transition programme, in one of two acute care, adult public hospitals in South Australia. Data collection conducted in 2016 used individual interviews consisting of open‐ended questions in an unstructured format. Transcripts were transcribed verbatim. Data analysis processes included initial and focused coding, theory building, memo‐writing and theoretical sampling.

Results

Three main categories: self‐embodiment and self‐consciousness, navigating the social constructs and raising consciousness, supported by subcategories describe the main strategies graduate nurses use to facilitate adaptation into complex clinical environments and ward cultures. Subsequent concept and theory development explains how graduate nurses find the social and professional balance to fit in.

Conclusions

Understanding the graduates’ adaptation strategies can inform improvements in graduate nurse transition programmes. Facilitating and enhancing graduate nurse adaptation is the precursor in creating more resilient nurses ready to face the challenges that exist in today's work environments.
Associations between job satisfaction, person‐centredness, and ethically difficult situations in nursing homes—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vassbø Tove K. , Kirkevold Marit , Edvardsson David , Sjögren Karin , Lood Qarin , Sandman Per Olof , Bergland Ådel
Published: October 2018

Aim

To explore the associations between job satisfaction and perceived person‐centredness and ethically difficult situations among staff in nursing homes (NHs).

Background

Previous studies have indicated that person‐centredness and few ethically difficult situations can contribute positively to NH staff's job satisfaction. However, empirical evidence of these associations is lacking.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey design.

Method

Nursing home staff (N = 341) in six NHs in Australia, Norway, and Sweden completed the questionnaire measuring job satisfaction, person‐centredness, and ethically difficult situations. Data were collected between April – June 2016. Univariate analysis was used to describe the sample, one‐way analysis of variance examined differences between variables. Bivariate correlation tested the relationships between variables and hierarchical multiple regression explored the extent to which person‐centredness and ethically difficult situations could explain job satisfaction among staff.

Results

After controlling for socio‐demographic variables in a regression model, three variables of person‐centredness and “ethically difficult situations” were significantly associated with job satisfaction. A “climate of community” contributed the most, followed by the “amount of organizational and environmental support,” “a climate of everydayness,” and few “ethically difficult situations.”

Conclusion

The results support the theoretical foundation and previous findings suggesting that establishing NHs organizations based on person‐centredness will increase staff job satisfaction. However, this is a cross‐sectional study and the causality may go in both directions and should be further explored.
Effectiveness of a case management model for the comprehensive provision of health services to multi‐pathological people
Authors: Hernández‐Zambrano Sandra Milena , Mesa‐Melgarejo Lorena , Carrillo‐Algarra Ana Julia , Castiblanco‐Montañez Ruth Alexandra , Chaparro‐Diaz Lorena , Carreño‐Moreno Sonia Patricia , Rico‐Salas Rafael Gabriel , Marles‐Salazar Maira Alexandra , Diaztagle‐Fernández Juan José , Ardila‐Rodriguez Helena Mercedes
Published: October 2018

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of a case management model for approaching multi‐pathological people in a health promoting entity of the contributory healthcare scheme in Bogotá, Colombia between 2018 ‐
.

Design

Mixed methods research.

Method

The study contemplates two components: a quantitative component using a quasi‐experimental analytical design before and after longitudinal intervention to determine the effectiveness of the case management model and a qualitative descriptive design to understand the experience of the participants about the model.

The Administrative Department of Science, Technology and Innovation of Colombia (Colciencias) funded this project by means of call 777—November 2017, under the financing agreement No. 848—December 2017.

Discussion

Addressing problems deriving from the structure of the Colombian healthcare system is crucial for implementing case management models. Furthermore, the effectiveness of such models may be affected by power relations and market failures, but the proved potential of a model may represent a generalized benefit for the Colombian health system.

Impact

In Colombia, considering complications and management of chronic non‐communicable diseases as isolated cases is considered as the highest cost events in healthcare provision, since an average of 12.8 million pesos is invested in each patient. This has led to rethink the management in these patients by means of a comprehensive model that guarantees the effectiveness of healthcare delivery, in the framework of a healthcare system heavily affected by payment capacity, where the market has a strong predominance, such as the case of Colombia.

Trial registration number: RPCEC00000293
Can the Health Belief Model and moral responsibility explain influenza vaccination uptake among nurses?
Authors: Mo Phoenix K. H. , Wong Candice H. W. , Lam Eliz H. K.
Published: October 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and the factors associated with influenza vaccination among nurses in Hong Kong based on the Health Belief Model. The role of moral responsibility was also examined.

Background

Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza infection. Nurses are recommended to receive influenza vaccination annually. However, the rate of vaccination among nurses in Hong Kong is low.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Method

A survey was conducted among 214 nurses between January ‐ March 2017.

Result

The prevalence of having ever received influenza vaccination, having received influenza vaccination in the last influenza season and having intention to receive influenza vaccination in the coming influenza season were 64.5%, 29.0% and 23.3% respectively. Results from multiple stepwise logistic regressions showed that perceived benefits of influenza vaccination and having received recommendations from colleagues were associated with higher chances of having ever received influenza vaccination. Perceived susceptibility of influenza, perceived benefits of influenza vaccination and perceived moral responsibility were associated with higher chances of having received influenza vaccination in the last influenza season, whereas perceived barriers of influenza vaccination were associated with lower chances. Furthermore, perceived susceptibility of influenza and perceived benefits of influenza vaccination were associated with higher chances of having the intention to receive influenza vaccination in the coming influenza season, whereas perceived barriers were associated with lower chances. The moderating effect of perceived moral responsibility was not significant.

Conclusion

Health promotion should make use of the Health Belief Model and increase moral responsibility to increase influenza vaccination rate among nurses.
Characterization of edema after cryo and radiofrequency ablations based on serial magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Yamashita Kennosuke , Kholmovski Eugene , Ghafoori Elyar , Kamali Roya , Kwan Eugene , Lichter Justin , MacLeod Robert , Dosdall Derek J. , Ranjan Ravi
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Radiofrequency (RF) and cryoablation are routinely used to treat arrhythmias, but the extent and time course of edema associated with the two different modalities is unknown. Our goal was to follow the lesion maturation and edema formation after RF and cryoablation using serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods and Results

Ventricular ablation was performed in a canine model (n = 11) using a cryo or an irrigated RF catheter. T2‐weighted (T2w) edema imaging and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)‐MRI were done immediately (0 day: acute), 1 to 2 weeks (subacute), and 8 to 12 weeks (chronic) after ablation. After the final MRI, excised hearts underwent pathological evaluation. As a result, 45 ventricular lesions (cryo group: 20; RF group: 25) were evaluated. Acute LGE volume was not significantly different but acute edema volume in cryo group was significantly smaller (1225.0 ± 263.5 vs 1855.2 ± 520.5 mm3; P = 0.01). One week after ablation, edema still existed in both group but was similar in size. Two weeks after ablation there was no edema in either of the groups. In the chronic phase, the lesion volume for cryo and RF in LGE‐MRI (296.7 ± 156.4 vs 281.6 ± 140.8 mm3; P = 0.73); and pathology (243.3 ± 125.9 vs 214.5 ± 148.6 mm3; P = 0.49), as well as depth, was comparable.

Conclusions

When comparing cryo and RF lesions of similar chronic size, acute edema is larger for RF lesions. Edema resolves in both cryo and RF lesions in 1 to 2 weeks.
Genetic characterization, pathogenicity and benomyl susceptibility of Lecanicillium fungal isolates from Argentina
Authors: G. Manfrino Romina , Schuster Christina , Saar Katharina , C. López Lastra Claudia , Leclerque Andreas
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate biological and molecular characteristics of Lecanicillium strains isolated from Hemipteran hosts in Argentina. Morphology‐based taxonomic characterization together with molecular taxonomy based on rRNA operon internal transcribed spacer (ITS), mitochondrial nad1 gene, and nuclear ef1a gene sequences resulted in the assignment of nine out of ten isolates to the Lecanicillium lecanii sensu lato complex. However, whereas several isolates were thus unequivocally characterized as Lecanicillium muscarium or Lecanicillium longisporum, species assignment was not possible for three isolates that might represent a new species within the L. lecanii s.l. complex. We found two group‐I introns on 18S and 28S rRNA gene on only one isolate. Pathogenicity tests were conducted against the peach aphid using conidial suspensions (1 × 107 conidia/ml), and the Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to evaluate the survival of Myzus persicae. Lecanicillium longisporum CEP 155 and L. muscarium CEP 182 were significantly more pathogenic to M. persicae than all the Lecanicillium isolates causing aphid mortalities >85%. Determination of susceptibility to the benzimidazole fungicide benomyl revealed important differences between Lecanicillium strains. The inhibitory effect of benomyl appeared less pronounced for the L. muscarium fungal isolates than for those belonging to a different taxon. Based in our results, the best candidate strain as microbial biological control agent against M. persicae is L. muscarium CEP 182. However, further research under field conditions in greenhouses should be done in order to confirm the compatibility of entomopathogenic fungi and fungicides within an IPM strategy.
Virulence regulation of cel‐EIIB protein mediated PTS system in Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia
Authors: Xu Jun , Xie Yun‐Dan , Liu Ling , Guo Song , Su You‐Lu , Li An‐Xing
Published: October 2018

Streptococcus agalactiae is a major pathogen of tilapia causing significant economic losses for the global aquatic industry yearly. To elucidate the role of cel‐EIIB protein‐mediated phosphotransferase systems (PTS) in the virulence regulation of S. agalactiae, cel‐EIIB gene deletion in a virulent strain THN0901 was achieved by homologous recombination. The cellobiose utilization of △cel‐EIIB strain was significantly decreased relative to S.a.THN0901 strain incubating in LB with 10 mg/ml cellobiose (p < 0.05). The biofilm formation ability of △cel‐EIIB strain was also significantly decreased when cultured in BHI medium (p < 0.05). Under a lower infection dose, the accumulative mortality of tilapia caused by △cel‐EIIB strain was dramatically decreased (20%), of which S.a.THN0901 strain and △cel‐EIIB::i strain were 53.33% and 50%, respectively. The competition experience using tilapia model indicated the invasion and colonization ability of △cel‐EIIB strain was significantly weaker than that of S.a.THN0901 strain (p < 0.05). Compared to △cel‐EIIB::i strain, the mRNA expression of csrS, csrR, rgfA, rgfC, bgrR and bgrS was significantly downregulated in △cel‐EIIB strain (p < 0.05). In conclusion, cel‐EIIB protein‐mediated cel‐PTS not only contributes to biofilm formation and virulence regulation, but also plays an important role in the invasion and colonization of S. agalactiae.
BANK CAPITAL, THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE'S TERM AUCTION FACILITY, AND BANK BORROWING DURING THE FINANCIAL CRISIS OF 2007–2008
Authors: Zia Mujtaba , Karafiath Imre , Tripathy Niranjan
Published: October 2018

During the financial crisis of 2007–2008, the Federal Reserve System created emergency lending facilities to address the liquidity problem in financial markets and alleviate the stigma attached to borrowing from its traditional lending facility, the discount window. The most important and commonly used facility was the Term Auction Facility (TAF) announced December 12, 2007. Using event‐study methodology, we find that stock prices of TAF participating banks experienced a significant −2.84% average cumulative abnormal return around the announcement date. The negative abnormal returns correlated with the peak loan balances reached on average 416 days after the announcement.
Differential expression of periostin, sclerostin, receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB, and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand genes in severe chronic periodontitis
Authors: Sankardas Pooja A. , Lavu Vamsi , Lakakula Bhaskar V. K. S. , Rao Suresh R.
Published: October 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the expression profile of periostin (POSTN), sclerostin (SOST), receptor activator nuclear factor‐κB (RANK), and RANK ligand (RANKL) genes in gingival tissue samples collected from healthy gingiva (control) and severe chronic periodontitis sites.

Methods

Fifty systemically‐healthy individuals was enrolled in the present case‐control study. Gingival tissue samples were obtained from healthy gingiva (N = 25) and sites with severe chronic periodontitis (N = 25). Total RNA was isolated from all the tissues. cDNA conversion was then performed using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) program. Real‐time PCR and SYBR green method were used to determine the expression levels of SOST, POSTN, RANK, and RANKL genes.

Results

An elevated expression (3.5‐4‐fold) of SOST, RANK, and RANKL genes, with a concomitant reduced expression of the POSTN gene, was identified in severe chronic periodontitis. The intergroup difference between the mean delta cyclic threshold values showed statistical significance at P<.001.

Conclusions

The expression profile of SOST, RANK, RANKL, and POSTN genes observed in gingival tissue samples from sites with severe chronic periodontitis and healthy gingiva suggests that the differential level of the gene expression could serve as an indicator of periodontitis progression/severity.
Technology Adoption and Critical Mass: The Case of the U.S. Electric Vehicle Market
Authors: Zhou Yiyi , Li Shanjun
Published: October 2018

The interdependence between electric vehicle (EV) adoption and charging station deployment could lead to multiple equilibria. Under certain market conditions, the issue of critical mass arises and a market failing to overcome this hurdle would revert to a no‐adoption outcome. Using panel data of EV sales and charging stations across U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA's), we find that more than half of the MSA's face critical mass constraints and that a subsidy policy targeting these critical‐mass constrained MSA's could be much more effective in promoting EV adoption than the current uniform policy.
Peer review of rural and tertiary Queensland paediatric diabetes services: A pilot project from the National Health Service
Authors: Wales Jerry , Yates Jason
Published: October 2018

Aim

Peer review is one component of the improvement of diabetes care delivered by the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales. Queensland has a decentralised model of service provision with an established state diabetes network.

Methods

The NHS scheme was adapted for use in Australia, and seven trained reviewers were recruited to visit 14 ‘hub’ centres, which in turn covered 29 ‘spoke’ units delivering care to over 95% of all public patients <16 years old in the state. Details of control as measured by glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), the rate of presentation of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the use of state guidance and staffing levels were recorded. Thirteen minimum standards of care were used as a basis for assessment. A report for the use of each inspected unit was produced at the end of the process.

Results

Most units had not previously collected outcome data; 45% of new cases presented with DKA. The centre mean HbA1c was 9.1%, and only 21% of patients achieved the Australian recommended level of <7.5%. Only three centres met some of the internationally recommended staffing levels. Only two centres provided transitional care to adult services. Of 13 NHS minimum standards of care, a mean of 5 were achieved (range 1–8), a mean of 4.6 partially achieved (range 3–6) and a mean of 3.9 not achieved (range 0–9). The care for 68 patients with type 2 diabetes was particularly poor.

Conclusions

Paediatric diabetes care in Queensland is suboptimal. Recommended remedial actions are suggested that may be applicable to other states.
Money Growth and Inflation: New Evidence from a Nonlinear and Asymmetric Analysis
Authors: Cooray Arusha , Khraief Naceur
Published: October 2018

The relationship between money growth and inflation is a topic of debate among macroeconomists. This paper contributes to the empirical literature on the money‐inflation pass‐through using a Nonlinear Auto‐Regressive Distributed Lag model (NARDL) for three countries (the U.S., U.K. and Japan) over an estimation period spanning 1950Q1 to 2014Q4. This methodology allows for empirical tests of short‐ and long‐run asymmetric responses of inflation to both positive and negative shocks affecting money growth of three monetary aggregates (M1, M2, M0). The results reveal that inflation responds asymmetrically to monetary shocks in the long‐run for all three countries. Robustness tests are also undertaken by carrying out the Hatemi‐J (Empirical Economics, Vol. 43 (2012), pp. 447–456) causality test and splitting the sample period into two, before and after the financial crisis. The findings indicate the existence of a relation between money growth and inflation in the post‐crisis period only in the case of the U.K. When we use different break points, we find that the symmetric relationship more likely occurs in the post‐crisis period.
Body size determines soil community assembly in a tropical forest
Authors: Zinger Lucie , Taberlet Pierre , Schimann Heidy , Bonin Aurélie , Boyer Frédéric , De Barba Marta , Gaucher Philippe , Gielly Ludovic , Giguet‐Covex Charline , Iribar Amaia , Réjou‐Méchain Maxime , Rayé Gilles , Rioux Delphine , Schilling Vincent , Tymen Blaise , Viers Jérôme , Zouiten Cyril , Thuiller Wilfried , Coissac Eric , Chave Jérôme
Published: October 2018

Tropical forests shelter an unparalleled biological diversity. The relative influence of environmental selection (i.e., abiotic conditions, biotic interactions) and stochastic–distance‐dependent neutral processes (i.e., demography, dispersal) in shaping communities has been extensively studied for various organisms, but has rarely been explored across a large range of body sizes, in particular in soil environments. We built a detailed census of the whole soil biota in a 12‐ha tropical forest plot using soil DNA metabarcoding. We show that the distribution of 19 taxonomic groups (ranging from microbes to mesofauna) is primarily stochastic, suggesting that neutral processes are prominent drivers of the assembly of these communities at this scale. We also identify aluminium, topography and plant species identity as weak, yet significant drivers of soil richness and community composition of bacteria, protists and to a lesser extent fungi. Finally, we show that body size, which determines the scale at which an organism perceives its environment, predicted the community assembly across taxonomic groups, with soil mesofauna assemblages being more stochastic than microbial ones. These results suggest that the relative contribution of neutral processes and environmental selection to community assembly directly depends on body size. Body size is hence an important determinant of community assembly rules at the scale of the ecological community in tropical soils and should be accounted for in spatial models of tropical soil food webs.
The Trouble with Harrod: The fundamental instability of the warranted rate in the light of the Sraffian Supermultiplier
Authors: Serrano Franklin , Freitas Fabio , Bhering Gustavo
Published: October 2018

The paper argues that Harrodian instability is an instance of what Hicks in his book Capital and Growth (1965) called static instability, related to the direction (and not to the intensity) of the disequilibrium adjustment process. We show why such instability obtains in demand‐led growth models in which the ratio of capacity creating private investment to output ratio is given exogenously by the aggregate marginal propensity to save. We also show that Sraffian Supermultiplier model overcomes the Harrodian instability and that its demand‐led equilibrium is statically stable. It is explained that the latter results do not follow from the presence of autonomous non‐capacity creating expenditure component as such but from its presence within a model in which investment is driven by the capital stock adjustment principle (i.e., the flexible accelerator). Finally, we argue that, although being statically stable, the equilibrium growth path of the Sraffian Supermultiplier model can be dynamically stable or unstable depending on the intensity of the reaction of investment to demand. We then provide a discrete time sufficient condition for the dynamic stability of such equilibrium that implies that the marginal propensity to invest remains lower than the marginal propensity to save during the adjustment process, a modified Keynesian stability condition.
Performance of blow‐by methods in delivering oxygen to pediatric patients during transport: A laboratory study
Authors: Barends Clemens R. M. , Yavuz Pembegul , Molenbuur Bouwe , Absalom Anthony R.
Published: October 2018

Background

Providing supplemental oxygen with a blow‐by method is used to provide additional oxygen to patients who will not tolerate an oxygen delivery device in direct contact with their face. Blow‐by methods are often improvised from parts of standard equipment. The performance is very dependent on the distance to the face and the direction of the gas flow. Blow‐by methods are used by anesthetists during transport but their performance in delivering supplemental oxygen has only been tested in static situations. The aim of this nonclinical study was to determine the performance of different blow‐by methods in the delivery of additional oxygen to pediatric patients during transport.

Methods

A manikin of a child with a facemask of appropriate size was transported along a 60 m corridor from the operating theater to the PACU. Oxygen delivery to the face of the manikin was measured during transport. Six blow‐by methods were tested with oxygen flows of 3, 6, and 10 L/min and with the facemask at 0 cm from the face and at 5 cm from the face. The outcome parameter was: blow‐by method reaching and maintaining an FiO2 >50% during transport from the pediatric operating theater to the PACU.

Results

At 0 cm from the face, five out of six blow‐by methods maintained a FiO2 >50% with all three flow rates. At 5 cm only two of the blow‐by methods were able to maintain an FiO2 >50% and this only at flow rates of 10 L/min. All other blow‐by methods provided lower FiO2s; in three, the FiO2 decreased to values only marginally above 21%. The decrease in FiO2 typically started within 6‐12 m from the start of the transport.

Conclusion

It is concluded that the ability of blow‐by methods to deliver a FiO2 >50% depends on the method used and distance from the face.
A retrospective observational study of acquired subglottic stenosis using low‐pressure, high‐volume cuffed endotracheal tubes
Authors: Greaney David , Russell John , Dawkins Ian , Healy Martina
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The safety of cuffed endotracheal tubes in the neonatal and critically ill pediatric population continues to be questioned due to the theoretical risk of acquired subglottic stenosis. The incidence of acquired subglottic stenosis in the high‐risk mixed surgical and medical critically ill pediatric cohort using high‐volume, low‐pressure cuffed endotracheal tube policy has not yet been described. The aim of our study was to describe and evaluate the use and complication rate of cuffed ETT's in our unit over a 5‐year period.

Methods

We defined clinically significant subglottic stenosis as a positive stenotic finding of endotracheal tube‐related pathology on a microlaryngoscopy within 6 months of invasive ventilation. All patients admitted through our pediatric critical care unit from January 10, 2012 to January 25, 2017 were matched against our theater management system database for the same period. We reviewed all matching patients’ baseline demographics, comorbidities, intubation/endotracheal tube history, and subsequent surgical management.

Results

Of 5309 pediatric critical care unit admissions (61% ventilated) and 1251 microlaryngoscopies, 23 children had endoscopic findings of clinically significant endotracheal tube‐related pathology, reflecting 0.68% of all intubated patients. Eight patients developed acquired subglottic stenosis. All those requiring major surgical correction were ex‐premature neonates initially intubated with uncuffed tubes in an external neonatal intensive care. No patient initially intubated with a cuffed endotracheal tube developed subglottic stenosis requiring surgical correction.

Conclusion

We report no single case of acquired subglottic stenosis in our cohort that required major surgical correction from a cuffed endotracheal tube during a 5‐year period. The introduction of a policy of appropriate placement and maintenance of low‐pressure, high‐volume cuffed endotracheal tubes in the pediatric critical care unit was not associated with an increased rate of endotracheal tube‐related subglottic trauma.
The light‐induced transcription factor FtMYB116 promotes accumulation of rutin in Fagopyrum tataricum
Authors: Zhang Dong , Jiang Chunli , Huang Chenhao , Wen Dong , Lu Jiangnan , Chen Sha , Zhang Tianyuan , Shi Yuhua , Xue Jianping , Ma Wei , Xiang Li , Sun Wei , Chen Shilin
Published: October 2018

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) not only provides a supplement to primary grain crops in China but also has high medicinal value, by virtue of its rich content of flavonoids possessing antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Light is an important environmental factor that can regulate the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites. In this study, we treated tartary buckwheat seedlings with different wavelengths of light and found that red and blue light could increase the content of flavonoids and the expression of genes involved in flavonoid synthesis pathways. Through coexpression analysis, we identified a new MYB transcription factor (FtMYB116) that can be induced by red and blue light. Yeast one‐hybrid assays and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that FtMYB116 binds directly to the promoter region of flavonoid‐3′‐hydroxylase (F3'H), and a transient luciferase activity assay indicated that FtMYB116 can induce F3'H expression. After transforming FtMYB116 into the hairy roots of tartary buckwheat, we observed significant increases in the content of rutin and quercetin. Collectively, our results indicate that red and blue light promote an increase in flavonoid content in tartary buckwheat seedlings; we also identified a new MYB transcription factor, FtMYB116, that promotes the accumulation of rutin via direct activation of F3′H expression.
BSD2 is a Rubisco‐specific assembly chaperone, forms intermediary hetero‐oligomeric complexes, and is nonlimiting to growth in tobacco
Authors: Conlan Brendon , Birch Rosemary , Kelso Celine , Holland Sophie , De Souza Amanda P. , Long Stephen P. , Beck Jennifer L. , Whitney Spencer M.
Published: October 2018

The folding and assembly of Rubisco large and small subunits into L8S8 holoenzyme in chloroplasts involves many auxiliary factors, including the chaperone BSD2. Here we identify apparent intermediary Rubisco‐BSD2 assembly complexes in the model C3 plant tobacco. We show BSD2 and Rubisco content decrease in tandem with leaf age with approximately half of the BSD2 in young leaves (~70 nmol BSD2 protomer.m2) stably integrated in putative intermediary Rubisco complexes that account for <0.2% of the L8S8 pool. RNAi‐silencing BSD2 production in transplastomic tobacco producing bacterial L2 Rubisco had no effect on leaf photosynthesis, cell ultrastructure, or plant growth. Genetic crossing the same RNAi‐bsd2 alleles into wild‐type tobacco however impaired L8S8 Rubisco production and plant growth, indicating the only critical function of BSD2 is in Rubisco biogenesis. Agrobacterium mediated transient expression of tobacco, Arabidopsis, or maize BSD2 reinstated Rubisco biogenesis in BSD2‐silenced tobacco. Overexpressing BSD2 in tobacco chloroplasts however did not alter Rubisco content, activation status, leaf photosynthesis rate, or plant growth in the field or in the glasshouse at 20°C or 35°C. Our findings indicate BSD2 functions exclusively in Rubisco biogenesis, can efficiently facilitate heterologous plant Rubisco assembly, and is produced in amounts nonlimiting to tobacco growth.
Adverse reaction reports of neuroleptic malignant syndrome induced by atypical antipsychotic agents in the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database
Authors: Anzai Tatsuhiko , Takahashi Kunihiko , Watanabe Michiko
Published: October 2018

Aim

This study evaluates reports on neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) as an adverse event associated with the use of atypical antipsychotic agents (AAA) in Japan. We examined NMS occurrence following monotherapy and combination therapy with AAA in real clinical practice using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database.

Methods

Adverse drug reaction reports associated with the use of one or more AAA or haloperidol were analyzed. The odds ratios of NMS occurrence after monotherapy and combination therapy with AAA without typical antipsychotic agents (TAA) relative to those after haloperidol monotherapy were estimated using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Associated with the use of one or more AAA without TAA were 721 events of NMS in 11 071 cases. NMS occurrence after monotherapy with most AAA and their combinations had lower odds ratios than that after haloperidol use. However, the odds ratios after blonanserin monotherapy and combination therapies with quetiapine and zotepine, and risperidone and zotepine were estimated higher than 1.

Conclusion

Monotherapy or combination therapy with most AAA without TAA was not likely to cause NMS as an adverse reaction compared to haloperidol monotherapy. However, blonanserin monotherapy and combination therapies with quetiapine and zotepine, and risperidone and zotepine, possibly increase the report of NMS. Our results may provide useful information for medications such as AAA that are clinically used to treat mental disorders, though further research with more data are needed to clarify this.
The Impact of Service Improvisation Competence on Customer Satisfaction: Evidence from the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Secchi Enrico , Roth Aleda , Verma Rohit
Published: October 2018

This study formally develops and empirically tests a new construct, termed service improvisation competence (Serv‐IC), that constitutes a novel way to improve customer experience in high‐contact service contexts. Serv‐IC is operationalized as the systemic ability of a service firm's employees to deviate from established service delivery processes and routines to respond in a timely manner to unforeseen events using available resources. Serv‐IC is a realized operational competence resulting from a deliberate set of service design choices consistent with a firm's service concept. The construct embodies a multidisciplinary perspective that explains, in part, how some firms can systemically use employee improvisation to align service processes and employee behaviors in the presence of customer‐induced uncertainty. As a first, theory‐building step we follow a rigorous, two‐stage approach to develop a reliable and valid multi‐item measurement scale for Serv‐IC, emphasizing discriminant validity with related concepts. We then introduce a set of experientially based service design choices that constitute a Serv‐IC deployment strategy. Finally, we investigate its effect on customer satisfaction. Our empirical results show that Serv‐IC can play an important role in satisfying customers within certain boundaries. Counter to conventional wisdom, Serv‐IC increases customer satisfaction in lower‐tier hotels more than in upscale ones.
Effect of culture medium on the growth of microscopic algae (Chlorophyceae) biomass showing biosorption potential: A case study Pseudopediastrum boryanum
Authors: Sutkowy Małgorzata , Lenarczyk Joanna , Kłosowski Grzegorz
Published: October 2018

The present results are the effect of bioprospecting of an appropriate medium, which could optimize the quality and quantity of the microalga Pseudopiediastrum boryanum var. longicorne Reinsch biomass cultured in a laboratory photobioreactor for biosorption purposes. Four liquid media commonly used for cultivation of green algae of the genus Pediastrum were compared, including Knop's, Waris‐H, Chu's and L‐S2T2 media, which differed with respect to the composition and concentration of nutrients. A number of the parameters characterizing biomass growth, namely dry weight, optical density, chlorophyll a concentration, as well as morphological parameters characterizing the condition of the alga and its surface area indicating the potential sorption capacity (population structure, cell number, coenobium size and marginal cell size), showed a significant impact of culture medium on the growth of the microalga. The most productive culture was found in the L‐S2T2 medium containing organic substances in the form of peat and soil extracts, which could be crucial for biomass production and the area of potential sorption capacity.