bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uneven Development and Scale Politics in Southern Africa: What We Learn from Neil Smith
Authors: Bond Patrick , Ruiters Greg
Published: June 2016

Southern Africa is probably the most unevenly developed region on earth, combining the most modern technologies and an advanced working class with the world's extremes of inequality and social militancy. The two most extreme countries, both with settler–colonial populations and accumulation processes that created durable class/race/gender distortions and extreme environmental degradation, are South Africa and Zimbabwe—both of which Neil Smith visited in 1995. His contribution to our understanding of political economy, before and after, was exemplary. We consider in this article how Smith's theory assisted in the understanding of crisis‐ridden financial markets within the framework of capital overaccumulation and intensified spatial unevenness; the politics of scale, difference and community; and the ways that class apartheid and durable racism in the two countries together fit within contemporary geopolitical economy.
Dual tumor‐suppressors miR‐139‐5p and miR‐139‐3p targeting matrix metalloprotease 11 in bladder cancer
Authors: Yonemori Masaya , Seki Naohiko , Yoshino Hirofumi , Matsushita Ryosuke , Miyamoto Kazutaka , Nakagawa Masayuki , Enokida Hideki
Published: June 2016

Our recent study of the microRNA (miRNA) expression signature of bladder cancer (BC) by deep‐sequencing revealed that two miRNA, microRNA‐139‐5p/microRNA‐139‐3p were significantly downregulated in BC tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional roles of these miRNA and their modulation of cancer networks in BC cells. Functional assays of BC cells were performed using transfection of mature miRNA or small interfering RNA (siRNA). Genome‐wide gene expression analysis, in silico analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assays were applied to identify miRNA targets. The associations between the expression of miRNA and its targets and overall survival were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Gain‐of‐function studies showed that miR‐139‐5p and miR‐139‐3p significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion by BC cells. The matrix metalloprotease 11 gene (MMP11) was identified as a direct target of miR‐139‐5p and miR‐139‐3p. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that higher expression of MMP11 predicted shorter survival of BC patients (P = 0.029). Downregulated miR‐139‐5p or miR‐139‐3p enhanced BC cell migration and invasion in BC cells. MMP11 was directly regulated by these miRNA and might be a good prognostic marker for survival of BC patients.
Visualizing Group Structures in Graphs: A Survey
Authors: Vehlow Corinna , Beck Fabian , Weiskopf Daniel
Published: June 2016

Graph visualizations encode relationships between objects. Abstracting the objects into group structures provides an overview of the data. Groups can be disjoint or overlapping, and might be organized hierarchically. However, the underlying graph still needs to be represented for analyzing the data in more depth. This work surveys research in visualizing group structures as part of graph diagrams. A particular focus is the explicit visual encoding of groups, rather than only using graph layout to indicate groups implicitly. We introduce a taxonomy of visualization techniques structuring the field into four main categories: visual node attributes vary properties of the node representation to encode the grouping, juxtaposed approaches use two separate visualizations, superimposed techniques work with two aligned visual layers, and embedded visualizations tightly integrate group and graph representation. The derived taxonomies for group structure and visualization types are also applied to group visualizations of edges. We survey group‐only, group–node, group–edge and group–network tasks that are described in the literature as use cases of group visualizations. We discuss results from evaluations of existing visualization techniques as well as main areas of application. Finally, we report future challenges based on interviews we conducted with leading researchers of the field.
The effect of rigid and non‐rigid connections between implants and teeth on biological and technical complications: a systematic review and a meta‐analysis
Authors: Tsaousoglou Phoebus , Michalakis Konstantinos , Kang Kiho , Weber Hans‐Peter , Sculean Anton
Published: June 2016

Objective

To assess survival, as well as technical and biological complication rates of partial fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) supported by implants and teeth.

Method

An electronic Medline search was conducted to identify articles, published in dental journals from January 1980 to August 2015, reporting on partial FDPs supported by implants and teeth. The search terms were categorized into four groups comprising the PICO question. Manual searches of published full‐text articles and related reviews were also performed.

Results

The initial database search produced 3587 relevant titles. Three hundred and eighty‐six articles were retrieved for abstract review, while 39 articles were selected for full‐text review. A total of 10 studies were selected for inclusion. Overall survival rate for implants ranged between 90% and 100%, after follow‐up periods with a mean range of 18–120 months. The survival of the abutment teeth was 94.1–100%, while the prostheses survival was 85–100% for the same time period. The most frequent complications were “periapical lesions” (11.53%). The most frequent technical complication was “porcelain occlusal fracture” (16.6%), followed by “screw loosening” (15%). According to the meta‐analysis, no intrusion was noted on the rigid connection group, while five teeth (8.19%) were intruded in the non‐rigid connection group [95% CI (0.013–0.151)].

Conclusion

The tooth–implant FDP seems to be a possible alternative to an implant‐supported FDP. There is limited evidence that rigid connection between teeth and implants presents better results when compared with the non‐rigid one. The major drawback of non‐rigidly connected FDPs is tooth intrusion.
Use of PEGylated Immunoliposomes to Deliver Dopamine Across the Blood–Brain Barrier in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Kang Young‐Sook , Jung Hyun‐Joo , Oh Ji‐Suk , Song Dae‐Yong
Published: June 2016

Aim

To treat neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), drugs must be able to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Patients with PD are deficient in dopamine (DA), a neurotransmitter that cannot pass through the BBB. Liposomes modified by adding polyethylene glycol (PEGylated liposomes (PLs)) can be conjugated with antibody to form DA–PEGylated immunoliposomes (DA‐PILs), and we tested their use as carriers of DA for treating PD.

Methods

PEGylated liposomes (PLs) were prepared by evaporation method, and [3H]dopamine was encapsulated within the dried lipid film using a freeze/thaw cycle to form DA‐PL. Thiolated OX26 MAb, an antitransferrin receptor monoclonal antibody, was then conjugated to 46‐nm PEGylated liposomes. Particle size, zeta potential, and stability were assessed, and in vivo effects were determined after the intravenous injection of DA, DA‐PL, and DA‐PIL by examining brain tissue in normal rats and rats that underwent transection of the medial forebrain bundle to induce PD.

Results

The uptake of DA‐PIL in the brains of this PD rat model increased about 8‐fold compared with that of DA alone and about 3‐fold compared with that of encapsulated DA–PEGylated liposomes (DA‐PL). The volume of distribution of DA‐PIL in the brain by the perfusion method was 4‐fold higher than that of DA‐PL, indicating that conjugation of OX26 MAb to the transferrin receptor of brain capillary endothelium mediated the effective delivery of DA to brain tissue.

Conclusions

Dopamine can be effectively delivered to the brain by means of a PIL‐based drug delivery system in PD rats.
Prevalence of delayed‐type and immediate‐type hypersensitivity in healthcare workers with hand eczema
Authors: Ibler Kristina S. , Jemec Gregor B. E. , Garvey Lene H. , Agner Tove
Published: June 2016

Background

Occupational contact dermatitis is common in healthcare workers. Although irritant contact dermatitis resulting from wet work is the most frequently reported cause, healthcare workers also constitute high‐risk group for the development of allergic contact dermatitis and contact urticaria.

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of delayed‐type and immediate‐type hypersensitivity in 120 healthcare workers with hand eczema.

Methods

One hundred and twenty healthcare workers from three major hospitals in Denmark with self‐reported hand eczema within the last year participated in the study. Patch tests included baseline series plus selected allergens, and prick tests included standard inhalational allergens plus natural rubber latex and chlorhexidine. Levels of IgE specific for latex, chlorhexidine and ethylene oxide were measured.

Results

Of the participants, 53% had positive patch test reactions. The most frequent positive patch test reactions were to nickel, thiomersal, fragrances, rubber chemicals, and colophonium. The prevalence of natural rubber latex allergy as diagnosed by prick testing was 2.5%, and chlorhexidine allergy (both contact allergy and IgE‐mediated allergy) was found in <1%. Ethylene oxide allergy was not identified in any of the participants.

Conclusions

Our results confirm previous reports on contact allergy patterns in healthcare workers. Testing for natural rubber latex allergy is still important, but increased risks of chlorhexidine and ethylene oxide allergy could not be confirmed.
Correlates of psychological outcomes in people with diabetes: results from the second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2™) study
Authors: Nicolucci A. , Kovacs Burns K. , Holt R. I. G. , Lucisano G. , Skovlund S. E. , Kokoszka A. , Massi Benedetti M. , Peyrot M.
Published: June 2016

Aims

To assess country‐ and individual‐level correlates of psychological outcomes, and differences among countries in the associations of individual characteristics with psychological outcomes among adults with diabetes.

Methods

The second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2™) study assessed self‐reported characteristics of people with diabetes in 17 countries, including 1368 adults with Type 1 diabetes and 7228 with Type 2 diabetes. In each country, a sample of 500 adults, stratified by diabetes type and treatment, completed a questionnaire incorporating the validated WHO‐5 wellbeing index, the WHOQOL‐BREF, and the five‐item Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale, as well as the newly developed Diabetes Impact on Life Dimensions that assessed impact ranging from very positive to very negative, with no impact as the midpoint. Multilevel regression analyses identified significant (P < 0.05) independent correlates of psychological outcomes.

Results

There were significant variations in all outcomes across countries before adjustment for individual‐level factors; adjustment reduced between‐country disparities. Worse psychological outcomes were associated with more complications, incidence of hypoglycaemia, hypoglycaemic medication, perceived burden of diabetes, family conflict and experience of discrimination. Better psychological outcomes were associated with higher self‐rated health, greater access to diabetes education and healthcare, and more psychosocial support from others. The associations of many factors with the outcomes were mediated by modifiable factors. The association of all factors with the outcomes varied across (interacted with) countries, highlighting the need for country‐specific analyses.

Conclusions

Improvements in modifiable risk factors (reductions in burden and increases in support) may lead to better psychological outcomes in adults with diabetes.
Systematic Echocardiographic Evaluation of Mitral Valve Regurgitation for Transcatheter Edge‐to‐Edge Repair
Authors: Wallenborn Julia , Herrmann Sebastian , Hansen Marc , Hu Kai , Voelker Wolfram , Störk Stefan , Ertl Georg , Weidemann Frank
Published: June 2016

In patients with relevant mitral regurgitation (MR), transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (also called MitraClip) provides an alternative treatment option especially for inoperable or high‐risk patients. In preparation for the procedure, echocardiography is the method of choice for assessment of mitral valve (MV) morphology and function and thus provides important information if successful treatment of MR can be accomplished by MitraClip. This review article provides structured and detailed guidance how to systematically assess functional and degenerative MR and MV pathology by echocardiography in order to select eligible patients for this procedure. Furthermore, it highlights state‐of‐the‐art echocardiographic methods and potential pitfalls in patient selection.
A unique case of “double‐orifice aortic valve”—comprehensive assessment by 2‐, 3‐dimensional, and color Doppler echocardiography
Authors: Stirrup James E. , Cowburn Peter J. , Pousios Dimitrios , Ohri Sunil K. , Shah Benoy N.
Published: June 2016

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a powerful imaging tool for the comprehensive assessment of valvular structure and function. TEE may be of added benefit when anatomy is difficult to delineate accurately by transthoracic echocardiography. In this article, we present 2‐, 3‐dimensional, and color Doppler TEE images from a male patient with aortic stenosis. A highly unusual and complex pattern of valvular calcification created a functionally “double‐orifice” valve. Such an abnormality may have implications for the accuracy of continuous‐wave Doppler echocardiography, which assumes a single orifice valve in native aortic valves.
Introductions do not compensate for functional and phylogenetic losses following extinctions in insular bird assemblages
Authors: Sobral Fernando L. , Lees Alexander C. , Cianciaruso Marcus V.
Published: June 2016

The ratio of species extinctions to introductions has been comparable for many insular assemblages, suggesting that introductions could have ‘compensated’ for extinctions. However, the capacity for introduced species to replace ecological roles and evolutionary history lost following extinction is unclear. We investigated changes in bird functional and phylogenetic diversity in the wake of extinctions and introductions across a sample of 32 islands worldwide. We found that extinct and introduced species have comparable functional and phylogenetic alpha diversity. However, this was distributed at different positions in functional space and in the phylogeny, indicating a ‘false compensation’. Introduced and extinct species did not have equivalent functional roles nor belong to similar lineages. This makes it unlikely that novel island biotas composed of introduced taxa will be able to maintain ecological roles and represent the evolutionary histories of pre‐disturbance assemblages and highlights the importance of evaluating changes in alpha and beta diversity concurrently.
Replication fork progression is paused in two large chromosomal zones flanking the DNA replication origin in Escherichia coli
Authors: Akiyama Masahiro Tatsumi , Oshima Taku , Chumsakul Onuma , Ishikawa Shu , Maki Hisaji
Published: June 2016

Although the speed of nascent DNA synthesis at individual replication forks is relatively uniform in bacterial cells, the dynamics of replication fork progression on the chromosome are hampered by a variety of natural impediments. Genome replication dynamics can be directly measured from an exponentially growing cell population by sequencing newly synthesized DNA strands that were specifically pulse‐labeled with the thymidine analogue 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU). However, a short pulse labeling with BrdU is impracticable for bacteria because of poor incorporation of BrdU into the cells, and thus, the genomewide dynamics of bacterial DNA replication remain undetermined. Using a new thymidine‐requiring Escherichia coli strain, eCOMB, and high‐throughput sequencing, we succeeded in determining the genomewide replication profile in bacterial cells. We also found that fork progression is paused in two ~200‐kb chromosomal zones that flank the replication origin in the growing cells. This origin‐proximal obstruction to fork progression was overcome by an increased thymidine concentration in the culture medium and enhanced by inhibition of transcription. These indicate that DNA replication near the origin is sensitive to the impediments to fork progression, namely a scarcity of the DNA precursor deoxythymidine triphosphate and probable conflicts between replication and transcription machineries.
Storage and Drainage Characteristics of a Highly Heterogeneous Karst Aquifer in Houzhai Basin
Authors: Zhang Rongrong , Shu Longcang , Zhu Jianting , Yu Zhongbo , Jiang Peng
Published: June 2016

The characteristics of karst aquifers are difficult to be determined due to their heterogeneous physical properties and lack of hydrogeological information. In this case study, we applied two methods for a comparative analysis of storage and drainage characteristics in upstream, midstream, and downstream of Houzhai cave stream basin. In the first method, Minimum Smoothed Method (MSM) is used to determine the proportion of baseflow to the total flow (Baseflow Index, BFI). In the second method, a bicarbonate‐base two‐end member mixing model is used to quantify the slow flow component and fast flow component. For both methods, slow flow and quick flow are quantified at three sampling sites, which provide useful information for the analysis of storage and drainage characteristics. The results from flow separation method and hydrogeochemical analysis show a consistently increasing trend of the proportion of slow flow to total flow from the upstream to downstream which indicates that the voids of highly conductive conduits and well‐connected fissures decrease along the flow paths in the Houzhai cave stream basin in southwest China. The upstream areas have a low proportion of baseflow which indicates a high drainage capacity due to high permeable conduits and well‐connected fissures. The downstream areas, on the contrary, have a high proportion of baseflow which indicates a high storage capacity and slow infiltration due to the predominant presence of matrix and poorly‐connected fissures. These numerical methods provide alternative ways to investigate the storage and drainage characteristics of karst aquifers where direct measurement are not available.
Bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase and bone turnover in African American hemodialysis patients
Authors: Yessayan Lenar , Moore Carol , Lu Mei , Yee Jerry
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Noninvasive measures of bone activity include intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP). Whether BSAP measurement alone or in combination with other biochemical data provides more reliable information about bone turnover than iPTH alone in African Americans on hemodialysis is unknown. Methods: This cross‐sectional study aimed to determine the optimal predictor and cutoff points for BSAP, iPTH, calcium and phosphorus in classifying bone biopsy findings. Forty‐three African American hemodialysis patients were available for analysis. Biochemical data on the day of biopsy across a spectrum of qualitative histologic bone features were compared. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to determine both the optimal predictor and cutoff points for BSAP, iPTH, calcium and phosphorus in identifying bone turnover status. Findings: Seven subjects had adynamic disease, 31 had mild/moderate hyperparathyroid bone features, and five had severe hyperparathyroid bone disease. BSAP was the optimal predictor of bone biopsy with a cutoff point of 22 ng/mL. Calcium and phosphorus had no predictive value. At BSAP ≤ 22 ng/mL, subjects had either adynamic bone disease or mild/moderate hyperparathyroid bone disease but iPTH was not useful in further classifying biopsy findings. When BSAP was >22 ng/mL, subjects had either mild/moderate or severe hyperparathyroid bone disease, and iPTH was useful in further classifying biopsy findings. With BSAP > 22 ng/mL and iPTH < 726 pg/mL, all subjects had mild/moderate bone turnover features. Discussion: Compared to iPTH, BSAP was shown to be the optimal predictor of biopsy findings with an optimal cutoff at 22 ng/mL.
How do levels of nursing home adjustment differ by length of stay?
Authors: Yu Zhiyuan , Yoon Ju Young , Grau Bruce
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to explore how residents' adjustment is different depending on the length of stay in nursing homes. A total of 161 cognitively intact residents completed a survey questionnaire of the Nursing Home Adjustment Scale (NHAS) and demographic information. Controlling for activities of daily living function, a generalized linear model demonstrated that the levels of nursing home adjustment are different depending on the length of stay for nursing home residents. Residents who stayed 12 months or more (Groups 4 or 5) showed the highest NHAS scores, followed by the group who stayed under 3 months (Groups 1 or 2), and those who stayed 3 months or more but under 12 months (Group 3) had the lowest NHAS scores. Knowing that residents' life adjustment might vary based on the length of stay, nursing home staff can identify residents' level of adjustment, predict their needs and implement interventions in a timely manner.
Weight gain in pregnancy and child weight status from birth to adulthood in the United States
Authors: Leonard S. A. , Petito L. C. , Rehkopf D. H. , Ritchie L. D. , Abrams B.
Published: June 2016

Background

High weight gain in pregnancy has been associated with child adiposity, but few studies have assessed the relationship across childhood or in racially/ethnically diverse populations.

Objectives

The objectives of the study are to test if weight gain in pregnancy is associated with high birthweight and overweight/obesity in early, middle and late childhood and whether these associations differ by maternal race/ethnicity.

Methods

Mother‐child dyads (n = 7539) were included from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, a nationally representative cohort study in the USA (1979–2012). Log‐binomial regression models were used to analyse associations between weight gain and the outcomes: high birthweight (>4000 g) and overweight/obesity at ages 2–5, 6–11 and 12–19 years.

Results

Excessive weight gain was positively associated, and inadequate weight gain was negatively associated with high birthweight after confounder adjustment (P < 0.05). Only excessive weight gain was associated with overweight in early, middle and late childhood. These associations were not significant in Hispanics or Blacks although racial/ethnic interaction was only significant ages 12–19 years (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Helping pregnant women gain weight within national recommendations may aid in preventing overweight and obesity across childhood, particularly for non‐Hispanic White mothers.
Protein kinase A inhibition of macrophage maturation is accompanied by an increase in DNA methylation of the colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor gene
Authors: Zasłona Zbigniew , Scruggs Anne M. , Peters‐Golden Marc , Huang Steven K.
Published: June 2016

Macrophage colony‐stimulating factor 1 (CSF‐1) plays a critical role in the differentiation of mononuclear phagocytes from bone marrow precursors, and maturing monocytes and macrophages exhibit increased expression of the CSF‐1 receptor, CSF1R. The expression of CSF1R is tightly regulated by transcription factors and epigenetic mechanisms. We previously showed that prostaglandin E2 and subsequent activation of protein kinase A (PKA) inhibited CSF1R expression and macrophage maturation. Here, we examine the DNA methylation changes that occur at the Csf1r locus during macrophage maturation in the presence or absence of activated PKA. Murine bone marrow cells were matured to macrophages by incubating cells with CSF‐1‐containing conditioned medium for up to 6 days in the presence or absence of the PKA agonist 6‐bnz‐cAMP. DNA methylation of Csf1r promoter and enhancer regions was assayed by bisulphite pyrosequencing. DNA methylation of Csf1r decreased during normal macrophage maturation in concert with an increase in Csf1r mRNA expression. Treatment with the PKA agonist inhibited Csf1r mRNA and protein expression, and increased DNA methylation at the Csf1r promoter. This was associated with decreased binding of the transcription factor PU.1 to the Csf1r promoter. Treatment with the PKA agonist inhibited the responsiveness of macrophages to CSF‐1. Levels of endogenous PKA activity decreased during normal macrophage maturation, suggesting that attenuation of this signalling pathway contributes to the increase in CSF1R expression during macrophage maturation. Together, these results demonstrate that macrophage maturation is accompanied by Csf1r hypomethylation, and illustrates for the first time the ability of PKA to increase Csf1r DNA methylation.
Kinetic Analysis of Crystallization in Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 Glass Ceramics
Authors: Davis Calvin , Pertuit Andre L. , Nino Juan C.
Published: June 2016

The crystallization mechanisms for Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) glass ceramics were studied using thermophysical property characterization techniques. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed two separate exothermic events that were ascribed to the initial growth and growth to coherency of a dendritic phase. It was found that the commonly used Johnson‐Mehl‐Avrami is not a suitable kinetic model for this material. Rather, the Sestak‐Berggren (SB) autocatalytic kinetic model was used to analyze the DSC data and the activation energy for initial growth (259 kJ/mol) and coherency (272 kJ/mol) was calculated using isoconversional methods. The calculated parameters for the SB model were used to compare experimental and calculated values for heat flow during the crystallization of LATP and good fits were found for both exothermic events.
Europium(III)‐Doped MgAl2O4 Spinel Nanophosphor Prepared by CO2 Laser Co‐Vaporization
Authors: Wenisch Christoph , Kurland Heinz‐Dieter , Grabow Janet , Müller Frank A.
Published: June 2016

Photoluminescent nanoparticles (NPs) are of specific interest for biomedical applications, bioimaging, and cell tracking. Here, we report on the synthesis of europium(III)‐doped MgAl2O4 spinel NPs by the CO2 laser co‐vaporization of a homogeneous raw powder mixture consisting of micrometer‐sized MgAl2O4 and Eu2O3 (2 and 4 mol%, respectively). The resulting NPs are spherically shaped, show a narrow size distribution (mean diameter: ~30 nm), and are well dispersed. The as‐prepared NPs are highly crystalline and consist of MgAl2O4 with small amounts of the secondary phases MgO (~10 mass%) and Eu2O3 (<0.5 mass%). The photoluminescence spectra of the doped spinel nanopowders show an intense red emission (λem = 615 nm) resulting from the 5D0→7F2 transition with a maximum intensity at an excitation wavelength of 470 nm.
Technology Innovation and New Business Models: Can Logistics and Supply Chain Research Accelerate the Evolution?
Authors: Goldsby Thomas J. , Zinn Walter
Published: June 2016

Businesses today are facing an unprecedented rate of change by virtue of disruptive technologies – many of which are focused on achieving “reach” efficiently in the marketplace. Organizations must evolve their business models to leverage the opportunities presented with the advent of these technologies, yet the pathways to success and failure remain unclear. Researchers of logistics and supply chain management find themselves on the front lines for these exciting developments. As editors, we encourage the research community to “get ahead” of business actions, inform strategy, and shape the next generation of competition.
Efficacy of biorational insecticides against chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), infesting roses under nursery conditions
Authors: Aristizábal L. F. , Chen Y. , Cherry R. H. , Cave R. D. , Arthurs S. P.
Published: June 2016

We evaluated biopesticides based on entomopathogenic fungi, azadirachtin and horticultural oils for the management of the chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, an economically significant invasive pest in the United States. Insecticides were applied four times at 7‐ to 10‐day intervals against established S. dorsalis infestations on shrub roses KnockOut®, Rosa x ‘Radrazz’ under simulated nursery conditions. When applied as stand‐alone treatments, Beauveria bassiana GHA (BotaniGard® ES), Metarhizium brunneum F52 (Met‐52 EC), a horticultural oil (SuffOil‐X®) and azadirachtin (Molt‐X®) at label rates provided significant control, reducing populations of S. dorsalis by 48–71% compared with control over 4–6 weeks. Similar results were observed when the biopesticides were applied in rotation with each other. A conventional standard, spinosad (Conserve® SC), was consistently the most effective treatment in these studies, reducing thrips populations by >95% overall. In another study, more effective control (87%–92%) was achieved in biopesticide rotation programmes that included spinosad, when compared with those that did not. Results also showed that these biopesticides can be tank‐mixed. However, there was no evidence that B. bassiana or M. brunneum combined with azadirachtin resulted in additive or synergistic control, as neither tank‐mix treatment improved control compared with azadirachtin alone. These findings highlight the potential use of biopesticides in rotation programmes with conventional insecticides to manage S. dorsalis on roses. Biopesticides evaluated in this study can be incorporated into an IPM programme for roses.
Maternal risk during pregnancy: a concept analysis
Authors: Van Otterloo Lucy R , Connelly Cynthia D
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

To report an analysis of the concept of maternal risk and explore implications for practice usingWalker andAvant's eight step method analysis.

Background

Although mortality during pregnancy is a relatively rare occurrence, serious maternal morbidities are increasingly present in today's pregnant population. Risk factors have been identified that increase the potential for morbidities and subsequent care modalities have been implemented to decrease this risk. However, despite the wide use of the term ‘risk’ in the medical and nursing literature, determining a common definition is difficult. Differences in the understanding of risk during pregnancy can hinder the ability to provide consistent and appropriate care.

Design

Concept analysis.

Methods

A search of the English literature was completed using the databasesCINAHL, PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar for years 2000–2014 using the keywords ‘risk’, ‘maternal’ and ‘pregnancy’.

Results

Three defining attributes of risk were identified: chance of injury/loss, cognitive recognition and the decision‐making processes. The antecedent of risk is the ability to understand the situation and cognitive ability to think about the potential consequences and adverse outcomes. Consequences of risk include the actual action taken as a result of the decision‐making process.

Conclusion

This paper contributes to the understanding of risk allowing for the development of an individualised plan of care for each pregnant woman and empowering the nurse to advocate for appropriate care. Findings in this analysis assist nurses in bridging the gap in communication between the provider's and pregnant woman's interpretation of risk.

Relevance to clinical practice

The analysis of risk resulted in the identification of differences in perceptions of risk that can potentially result in miscommunication between provider and pregnant woman and increase the risk of inadequate or incomplete care.
Predictors of early discharge after open gynecological surgery in the setting of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol
Authors: Wan King Man , Carter Jonathan , Philp Shannon
Published: June 2016

Aim

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been proven to decrease length of hospital stay without increasing readmission rates or complications. However, patient and operative characteristics that improve the chance of successful early hospital discharge are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of patients undergoing open gynecological surgery in an ERAS protocol who could be discharged home by postoperative day 3.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on patients undergoing laparotomy by a single surgeon and managed by an ERAS protocol between January 2008 and April 2013. Data collection on patient characteristics, hospitalization and post‐discharge details was performed prospectively. Patients successfully discharged home on or by day 3 (early discharge) were compared to patients who had a longer admission (late discharge).

Results

During the study period, 454 consecutive patients were identified and included in the study. No patients were excluded. A total of 335 patients (73.8%) were successfully discharged home within 3 days. After adjusting for age and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score, patients with early discharge were significantly less likely to have a malignancy (odds ratio [OR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36–0.97; P = 0.038), intensive care unit admission (OR, 0.59; 95%CI, 0.36–0.97; P = 0.046), vertical midline incision (OR, 0.28; 95%CI, 0.07–0.82), complications (OR, 0.21; 95%CI, 0.09–0.49; P = 0.0003), or FIGO Stage III or IV disease (OR, 0.39; 95%CI, 0.23–0.67; P = 0.001). Prior abdominal surgery, body mass index > 25 and lymph node dissection did not significantly influence length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Malignancy, advanced‐stage disease, intensive care unit admission, vertical midline incision and perioperative complications are significantly associated with longer hospital stay in patients managed by an ERAS protocol.
Emergence of Antagonism Against the Pathogenic Fungus Fusarium oxysporum by Interplay Among Non‐Antagonistic Bacteria in a Hydroponics Using Multiple Parallel Mineralization
Authors: Fujiwara Kazuki , Iida Yuichiro , Someya Nobutaka , Takano Masao , Ohnishi Jun , Terami Fumihiro , Shinohara Makoto
Published: June 2016

The rhizosphere microbial community in a multiple parallel mineralization (MPM) system contributes to suppression of root‐borne diseases. We hypothesized this phenomenon can be attributed to the interplay of non‐antagonistic bacteria rather than to a single antagonistic microbe. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by investigating the potential roles of bacterial interplay in a subset of MPM microbiota in the suppression of the fungal phytopathogen Fusarium oxysporum. Bacterial strains isolated from the MPM system were subjected to in vitro and in planta tests on F. oxysporum. A community of seven bacterial strains (Kaistia sp. TBD58, Sphingopyxis sp. TBD84, Bosea sp. TBD101, Ancylobacter sp. TBD132, Cupriavidus sp. TBD162, Brevibacillus sp. TBD179 and Sphingopyxis sp. TBD181) suppressed F. oxysporum growth. None of the strains alone was antagonistic against F. oxysporum, whereas several pairs of those non‐antagonistic strains inhibited its growth. Morphological observations showed the formation of swollen F. oxysporum cells in the presence of these bacterial pairs. The same bacterial pairs also suppressed Fusarium wilt disease in Arabidopsis thaliana. These results indicate that a complex bacterial interplay among non‐antagonistic bacteria can significantly contribute to the development of antagonism against F. oxysporum in the context of the MPM system.
Handwashing, sanitation and family planning practices are the strongest underlying determinants of child stunting in rural indigenous communities of Jharkhand and Odisha, Eastern India: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Saxton Jennifer , Rath Shibanand , Nair Nirmala , Gope Rajkumar , Mahapatra Rajendra , Tripathy Prasanta , Prost Audrey
Published: June 2016

The World Health Organisation has called for global action to reduce child stunting by 40% by 2025. One third of the world's stunted children live in India, and children belonging to rural indigenous communities are the worst affected. We sought to identify the strongest determinants of stunting among indigenous children in rural Jharkhand and Odisha, India, to highlight key areas for intervention.

We analysed data from 1227 children aged 6–23.99 months and their mothers, collected in 2010 from 18 clusters of villages with a high proportion of people from indigenous groups in three districts. We measured height and weight of mothers and children, and captured data on various basic, underlying and immediate determinants of undernutrition. We used Generalised Estimating Equations to identify individual determinants associated with children's height‐for‐age z‐score (HAZ; p < 0.10); we included these in a multivariable model to identify the strongest HAZ determinants using backwards stepwise methods.

In the adjusted model, the strongest protective factors for linear growth included cooking outdoors rather than indoors (HAZ +0.66), birth spacing ≥24 months (HAZ +0.40), and handwashing with a cleansing agent (HAZ +0.32). The strongest risk factors were later birth order (HAZ −0.38) and repeated diarrhoeal infection (HAZ −0.23).

Our results suggest multiple risk factors for linear growth faltering in indigenous communities in Jharkhand and Odisha. Interventions that could improve children's growth include reducing exposure to indoor air pollution, increasing access to family planning, reducing diarrhoeal infections, improving handwashing practices, increasing access to income and strengthening health and sanitation infrastructure.
An atypical forkhead‐containing transcription factor SsFKH1 is involved in sclerotial formation and is essential for pathogenicity in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Fan Huidong , Yu Gang , Liu Yanzhi , Zhang Xianghui , Liu Jinliang , Zhang Yanhua , Rollins Jeffrey A. , Sun Fengjie , Pan Hongyu
Published: June 2016

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a necrotrophic plant pathogen with a worldwide distribution. The sclerotia of S. sclerotiorum are pigmented multicellular structures formed from the aggregation of vegetative hyphae. These survival structures play a central role in the life and infection cycles of this pathogen. Here, we characterized an atypical forkhead (FKH)‐box‐containing protein, SsFKH1, involved in sclerotial development and virulence. To investigate the role of SsFkh1 in S. sclerotiorum, the partial sequence of SsFkh1 was cloned and RNA interference (RNAi)‐based gene silencing was employed to alter the expression of SsFkh1. RNA‐silenced mutants with significantly reduced SsFkh1 RNA levels exhibited slow hyphal growth and sclerotial developmental defects. In addition, the expression levels of a set of putative melanin biosynthesis‐related laccase genes and a polyketide synthase‐encoding gene were significantly down‐regulated in silenced strains. Disease assays demonstrated that pathogenicity in RNAi‐silenced strains was significantly compromised with the development of a smaller infection lesion on tomato leaves. Collectively, the results suggest that SsFkh1 is involved in hyphal growth, virulence and sclerotial formation in S. sclerotiorum.
Nausea and vomiting in gastroparesis: similarities and differences in idiopathic and diabetic gastroparesis
Authors: Parkman H. P. , Hallinan E. K. , Hasler W. L. , Farrugia G. , Koch K. L. , Calles J. , Snape W. J. , Abell T. L. , Sarosiek I. , McCallum R. W. , Nguyen L. , Pasricha P. J. , Clarke J. , Miriel L. , Lee L. , Tonascia J. , Hamilton F. ,   The NIDDK Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium (GpCRC)
Published: June 2016

Background

Nausea and vomiting are classic symptoms of gastroparesis. It remains unclear if characteristics of nausea and vomiting are similar in different etiologies of gastroparesis. The aims of this article were as follows: to describe characteristics of nausea and vomiting in patients with gastroparesis and to determine if there are differences in nausea and vomiting in diabetic (DG) and idiopathic gastroparesis (IG).

Methods

Gastroparetic patients enrolling in the NIDDK Gastroparesis Registry underwent assessment with history and questionnaires assessing symptoms, quality of life, and a questionnaire characterizing nausea and vomiting.

Key Results

Of 159 gastroparesis patients (107 IG, 52 DG), 96% experienced nausea, whereas 65% experienced vomiting. Nausea was predominant symptom in 28% and vomiting was predominant in 4%. Nausea was severe or very severe in 41%. PAGI‐SYM nausea/vomiting subscore was greater with increased vomiting severity, but not nausea severity in DG than IG. Nausea was related to meals in 71%; lasting most of the day in 41%. Increasing nausea severity was related to decreased quality of life. Nausea often preceded vomiting in 82% of patients and vomiting often relieved nausea in 30%. Vomiting was more common in DG (81%) compared to IG (57%; p = 0.004). Diabetic patients more often had vomiting in the morning before eating, during the night, and when not eating.

Conclusions & Inferences

Nausea is present in essentially all patients with gastroparesis irrespective of cause and associated with decreased quality of life. In contrast, vomiting was more prevalent, more severe, and occurred more often in DG than IG. Thus, characteristics of vomiting differ in IG vs DG.
The cbfs triple mutants reveal the essential functions of CBFs in cold acclimation and allow the definition of CBF regulons in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jia Yuxin , Ding Yanglin , Shi Yiting , Zhang Xiaoyan , Gong Zhizhong , Yang Shuhua
Published: June 2016

In Arabidopsis, the C‐repeat binding factors (CBFs) have been extensively studied as key transcription factors in the cold stress response. However, their exact functions in the cold response remains unclear due to the lack of a null cbf triple mutant.

In this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to mutate CBF1 or CBF1/CBF2 in a cbf3 T‐DNA insertion mutant to generate cbf1,3 double and cbf1 cbf2 cbf3 (cbfs) triple mutants.

The response of the cbfs triple mutants to chilling stress is impaired. Furthermore, no significant difference in freezing tolerance was observed between the wild‐type and the cbf1,3 and cbfs mutants without cold acclimation. However, the cbfs mutants were extremely sensitive to freezing stress after cold acclimation, and freezing sensitivity ranking was cbfs > cbf1,3 > cbf3. RNA‐Seq analysis showed that 134 genes were CBF regulated, of which 112 were regulated positively and 22 negatively by CBFs.

Our study reveals the essential functions of CBFs in chilling stress response and cold acclimation, as well as defines a set of genes as CBF regulon. It also provides materials for the genetic dissection of components in CBF‐dependent cold signaling.
Nurses' oral hygiene care practices with hospitalised older adults in postacute settings
Authors: Coker Esther , Ploeg Jenny , Kaasalainen Sharon , Carter Nancy
Published: June 2016

Aim and objective

The purpose of this study was to explore how nurses provide bedtime oral hygiene care, how they decide on interventions provided, and what factors influence their ability to provide oral care.

Background

Current evidence links poor oral hygiene to systemic and infectious diseases such as pneumonia. Hospitalised patients, who now retain their teeth into older adulthood, often rely on nurses to provide oral hygiene care. Nurses have the potential to impact oral health outcomes and quality of life by controlling plaque. However, oral hygiene care practices of nurses in postacute hospital settings are relatively unknown.

Design

A qualitative, exploratory multiple‐case study was conducted with 25 nurses working on five inpatient units at different hospitals.

Methods

Nurses were accompanied on their evening rounds to observe oral care practices, the physical environment and workflow. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the case study data including transcripts of guided conversations, field notes and documents. Within‐case analysis was followed by cross‐case analysis.

Results

Findings indicate that (i) nurses often convey oral hygiene care to their patients as being optional; (ii) nurses are inclined to preserve patient autonomy in oral hygiene care; (iii) oral hygiene care is often spontaneous and variable, and may not be informed by evidence; and (iv) oral hygiene care is not embedded into bedtime care routines.

Conclusions

Oral hygiene care is discretionary and often missed care.

Implications for practice

Nurses need knowledge of the health benefits of oral care, and skills related to assessment and approaches to oral care. Availability of effective products and supplies facilitates provision of oral care. The evidence for oral hygiene care practices, outcomes of nurse‐administered oral care and nursing's role in influencing the oral health literacy of patients require further study.
Is the frequency of adult strabismus surgery increasing?
Authors: Astle Andrew T. , Foulsham Tom , Foss Alexander J. , McGraw Paul V.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

In recent years there has been an increase in evidence for the functional and psychosocial benefits of correcting strabismus/heterotropia in adults. This study aimed to establish whether there has been an associated change in the frequency of strabismus surgery performed on adults in England since 2000.

Methods

Data on strabismus surgery performed in England between 2000 and 2014 were obtained from Hospital Episode Statistics, Health and Social Care Information Centre, England. The frequency of strabismus surgery was analysed for different age groups. Data were considered in the context of total population data for England, obtained from the Office for National Statistics.

Results

There was little change in the total number of strabismus operations performed in 2000–2014 (1% reduction). In the same period the number of operations performed on children aged 0–15 years decreased by 17%. In contrast, there was a 24% increase in the number of strabismus operations performed on patients aged 15 years or older.

Conclusions

Although strabismus surgery is still most commonly performed on children, the data show there has been a significant increase in the number of strabismus operations performed on adults. We speculate that this increase is connected to the growing weight of evidence detailing the functional and psychosocial consequences of strabismus and the benefits of correction. These results have potential implications for the delivery of future care.
Local Explosion Modelling by Non-Causal Process
Authors: Gouriéroux Christian , Zakoïan Jean-Michel
Published: June 2016

The non-causal auto-regressive process with heavy-tailed errors has non-linear causal dynamics, which allow for local explosion or asymmetric cycles that are often observed in economic and financial time series. It provides a new model for multiple local explosions in a strictly stationary framework. The causal predictive distribution displays surprising features, such as higher moments than for the marginal distribution, or the presence of a unit root in the Cauchy case. Aggregating such models can yield complex dynamics with local and global explosion as well as variation in the rate of explosion. The asymptotic behaviour of a vector of sample auto-correlations is studied in a semiparametric non-causal AR(1) framework with Pareto-like tails, and diagnostic tests are proposed. Empirical results based on the Nasdaq composite price index are provided.