bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children in immediate danger: Emergency removals in Finnish and Irish child protection
Authors: Lamponen Tuuli , Pösö Tarja , Burns Kenneth
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a qualitative analysis of front‐line practices regarding emergency removals in Finnish and Irish child protection. It examines how the responses to children's immediate danger are framed by legislation and how front‐line practitioners assess the child's situation and make emergency placement decisions. The data consist of interviews with 16 Irish and 33 Finnish social workers. These child welfare protection systems respond differently to a task that appears to be similar. The Irish team‐based practice rests on the social workers' shared assessment of the child's needs, and the formal decision is made by the courts (or police officers at night‐time); and the Finnish practice involves only one single social worker who makes both the assessment and the removal decision. The Irish system is tightly time regulated, whereas the Finnish system provides a more flexible time frame. Both approaches put a lot of stress on social workers' practice, which also includes creative workarounds (e.g., “planned emergency removals” in Finland). Future research will need to explore these features from the point of view of a child's right to protection.
Neuroanatomical correlates of sensory deficits in children with neonatal arterial ischemic stroke
Authors: Giudice Catharina , Rogers Elizabeth E , Johnson Bridget C , Glass Hannah C , Shapiro Kevin A
Published: December 2018

Aim

Our aim was to characterize the sensory processing outcome following neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS) and identify neuroanatomical correlates of abnormal sensory processing.

Method

We evaluated children with NAIS longitudinally at 12 months, 18 months, and/or 30 months in areas of cognitive, motor, and language development. We gathered sensory processing data using the Sensory Profile‐2 Caregiver Questionnaire. These data were analyzed against early magnetic resonance imaging using a voxel‐based approach.

Results

Eighteen children (10 males, 8 females) with NAIS were evaluated longitudinally, of which six exhibited atypical sensory processing. Children with sensory processing deficits had lower overall developmental scores in motor, cognitive, and language domains. Neuroanatomical correlates were identified in the posterior periventricular white matter extending superiorly into the supramarginal gyrus, and inferiorly into the fusiform and inferior temporal gyri.

Interpretation

Our results provide new evidence that children with NAIS may experience difficulty processing sensory information, which is most likely associated with injuries in the posterior periventricular white matter, supramarginal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, and posterior thalamic radiation.

What this paper adds

Atypical sensory processing is common in children with neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS).

NAIS territories in sensory areas were correlated with atypical sensory processing behaviors.

Children with NAIS may benefit from early interventions targeted toward sensory processing.

Future research mapping NAIS injuries using early magnetic resonance imaging may predict long‐term outcomes.
Immunotherapy in selected patients with Down syndrome disintegrative disorder
Authors: Cardinale Kathleen M , Bocharnikov Alexandra , Hart Sarah J , Baker Jane Ann , Eckstein Christopher , Jasien Joan M , Gallentine William , Worley Gordon , Kishnani Priya S , Van Mater Heather
Published: December 2018

Down syndrome disintegrative disorder (DSDD) is an increasingly identified condition characterized by cognitive decline, autistic characteristics, insomnia, catatonia, and psychosis in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome. Previously we reported a higher rate of autoimmune thyroid disease in these patients compared with unaffected individuals with Down syndrome. We therefore hypothesized DSDD may in some cases be immune‐mediated. Here we report four cases of DSDD treated with immunotherapy. Families were interviewed retrospectively for symptoms of cognitive decline, autism, catatonia, psychosis, and insomnia before and after treatment, using established scales where possible. Medical records were reviewed for evaluations and treatment. All four patients received intravenous immunoglobulin with or without additional immunotherapy. Significant improvements were seen in catatonia, insomnia, autistic features, cognition, and psychosis. In this small case series of patients with autoimmunity, core symptoms of DSDD improved significantly after immunotherapy. This supports the hypothesis that, in some patients, DSDD is immune‐mediated. Immunotherapy should be considered in the treatment of DSDD, particularly in patients with a history of autoimmunity.

What this paper adds

Immunotherapy may improve symptoms of catatonia, insomnia, autism severity, cognitive decline, and psychosis in Down syndrome disintegrative disorder.
Regional Trade Agreements in East Asia: Past and Future
Authors: Park Innwon
Published: December 2018

Motivation

Proliferating regional trade agreements (RTAs) in East Asia since the region’s financial crisis in 1997 have been hotly debated. To date, however, no research has comprehensively examined the desirability of East Asian RTAs based on such factors as membership and evolutionary paths.

Purpose

We assess, retrospectively and prospectively, East Asian countries’ efforts to liberalize the regional market through co‐operation. We investigate (i) why RTAs have proliferated in East Asia; (ii) the main characteristics of East Asian RTAs; (iii) whether East Asian countries are desirable trading partners for one another; and (iv) the prospects of East Asian RTAs.

Approach and methods

We conduct a qualitative analysis on the desirability of East Asian partnership and examine quantitative studies of the likely impacts of East Asian RTAs on members, non‐members, and the global economy.

Findings

We verify that East Asian neighbours are appropriate trading partners for the formation of RTAs.

Policy implications

We recommend that East Asian RTAs should follow an expansionary path such as the five ASEAN+1 RTAs to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to the Free Trade Area of the Asia‐Pacific (FTAAP). Moreover, the region must co‐operate with major external trading partners by forming cross‐regional RTAs with the European Union (EU) and United States (US). Two priority changes must also be implemented: the harmonization or simplification of the rules of origin and cumulation of value contents among East Asian RTA members.
Quantification of rheumatic mitral stenosis severity with three‐dimensional vena contracta area
Authors: Gök Gülay , Çınar Tufan , Sayar Nurten
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) is an important health issue in developing countries. Assessment of the correct mitral valve area (MVA) is essential for the timing of intervention. Most of the parameters for the assessment of rheumatic MS are derived from Two‐dimensional (2D) echocardiography. Three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography is commonly used in our daily practice at the present time. The aim of this study was to assess the value of 3D echocardiography mitral valve vena contracta area (VCA) in predicting the severity of Rheumatic MS by comparing 3D planimetry.

Methods

The patients, who had been diagnosed as mild, moderate, and severe rheumatic MS with conventional methods (pressure half time, planimetry) by 2D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)/ transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), underwent 3D TEE evaluation. Also, the patients who had an atrial fibrillation and more than moderate aortic regurgitation were included in the study. 3D TEE full volume mitral valve VCA was measured in end‐diastole during its largest dimensions. 3D TEE full volume and 3D zoom MVA planimetry were measured at the end‐diastole during the mitral valve`s largest opening.

Results

We studied 40 patients (the mean age: 51.1 ± 11.6 years, 31 females) with rheumatic MS. 3D TEE VCA was found to be highly correlated with the 3D TEE MVA (r = 0.82, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study findings provide evidence that 3D TEE mitral valve VCA can be additionally used in detecting the severity of rheumatic MS.
ACCOUNTING FOR URBAN CHINA'S RISING INCOME INEQUALITY: THE ROLES OF LABOR MARKET, HUMAN CAPITAL, AND MARRIAGE MARKET FACTORS
Authors: Feng Shuaizhang , Tang Gaojie
Published: December 2018

This paper analyzes China's rising family income inequality since the early 1990s when the urban labor market started its transformation from a centrally controlled to a market‐driven one. We document the trends in income inequality over the period of 1992–2009 using the Urban Household Survey data, and adopt the approach recently proposed by Eika et al. (2014) to decompose changes in income inequality. We find that labor market factors accounted for about three‐quarters of the overall increases in income inequality while falling marriage rate contributed the other quarter. Changes in human capital levels and marital assortativeness have not contributed to the rising inequality. (JEL D31, I26, J12)
THE EFFECT OF NONCONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS ON SAVING IN MEXICO
Authors: Amuedo‐Dorantes Catalina , Juarez Laura , Alonso Jorge
Published: December 2018

This paper examines the effects of noncontributory pension programs at the federal and state levels on Mexican households' saving patterns using micro data from the Mexican Income and Expenditure Survey. We find that the federal program curtails saving among households whose oldest member is either 18–54 or 65–69 years old, possibly through anticipation effects, a decrease in the longevity risk faced by households, and a redistribution of income between households of different generations. Specifically, these households appear to be reallocating income away from saving into human capital investments, like education and health. Generally, state programs have neither significant effects on household saving, nor does the combination of federal and state programs. Finally, with a few exceptions, noncontributory pensions have no significant impact on the saving of households with members 70 years of age or older—individuals eligible for those pensions, plausibly because of their dissaving stage in the lifecycle. (JEL D14, J26, O12, H55)
β‐diversity scaling patterns are consistent across metrics and taxa
Authors: Antão Laura H. , McGill Brian , Magurran Anne E. , Soares Amadeu M. V. M. , Dornelas Maria
Published: December 2018

β‐diversity (variation in community composition) is a fundamental component of biodiversity, with implications for macroecology, community ecology and conservation. However, its scaling properties are poorly understood. Here, we systematically assessed the spatial scaling of β‐diversity using 12 empirical large‐scale datasets including different taxonomic groups, by examining two conceptual types of β‐diversity and explicitly considering the turnover and nestedness components. We found highly consistent patterns across datasets. Multiple‐site β‐diversity (i.e. variation across multiple sites) scaling curves were remarkably consistent, with β‐diversity decreasing with sampled area according to a power law. For pairwise dissimilarities, the rates of increase of dissimilarity with geographic distance remained largely constant across scales, while grain size (or scale level) had a stronger effect on overall dissimilarity. In both analyses, turnover was the main contributor to β‐diversity, following total β‐diversity patterns closely, while the nestedness component was largely insensitive to scale changes. Our results highlight the importance of integrating both inter‐ and intraspecific aggregation patterns across spatial scales, which underpin substantial differences in community structure from local to regional scales.
Aeroecology meets aviation safety: early warning systems in Europe and the Middle East prevent collisions between birds and aircraft
Authors: van Gasteren Hans , Krijgsveld Karen L. , Klauke Nadine , Leshem Yossi , Metz Isabel C. , Skakuj Michal , Sorbi Serge , Schekler Inbal , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy
Published: December 2018

The aerosphere is utilized by billions of birds, moving for different reasons and from short to great distances spanning tens of thousands of kilometres. The aerosphere, however, is also utilized by aviation which leads to increasing conflicts in and around airfields as well as en‐route. Collisions between birds and aircraft cost billions of euros annually and, in some cases, result in the loss of human lives. Simultaneously, aviation has diverse negative impacts on wildlife. During avian migration, due to the sheer numbers of birds in the air, the risk of bird strikes becomes particularly acute for low‐flying aircraft, especially during military training flights. Over the last few decades, air forces across Europe and the Middle East have been developing solutions that integrate ecological research and aviation policy to reduce mutual negative interactions between birds and aircraft. In this paper we 1) provide a brief overview of the systems currently used in military aviation to monitor bird migration movements in the aerosphere, 2) provide a brief overview of the impact of bird strikes on military low‐level operations, and 3) estimate the effectiveness of migration monitoring systems in bird strike avoidance. We compare systems from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland and Israel, which are all areas that Palearctic migrants cross twice a year in huge numbers. We show that the en‐route bird strikes have decreased considerably in countries where avoidance systems have been implemented, and that consequently bird strikes are on average 45% less frequent in countries with implemented avoidance systems in place. We conclude by showing the roles of operational weather radar networks, forecast models and international and interdisciplinary collaboration to create safer skies for aviation and birds.
Fitter frogs from polluted ponds: The complex impacts of human‐altered environments
Authors: Brady Steven P. , Zamora‐Camacho Francisco J. , Eriksson Fredrik A. A. , Goedert Debora , Comas Mar , Calsbeek Ryan
Published: December 2018

Human‐modified habitats rarely yield outcomes that are aligned with conservation ideals. Landscapes that are subdivided by roads are no exception, precipitating negative impacts on populations due to fragmentation, pollution, and road kill. Although many populations in human‐modified habitats show evidence for local adaptation, rarely does environmental change yield outright benefits for populations of conservation interest. Contrary to expectations, we report surprising benefits experienced by amphibian populations breeding and dwelling in proximity to roads. We show that roadside populations of the wood frog, Rana sylvatica, exhibit better locomotor performance and higher measures of traits related to fitness compared with frogs from less disturbed environments located further away from roads. These results contrast previous evidence for maladaptation in roadside populations of wood frogs studied elsewhere. Our results indicate that altered habitats might not be unequivocally detrimental and at times might contribute to metapopulation success. While the frequency of such beneficial outcomes remains unknown, their occurrence underscores the complexity of inferring consequences of environmental change.
Experiencing the outdoors: Embodied encounters in the Outward Bound Trust
Authors: Hickman Dunne Jo
Published: December 2018

This paper explores young people's experiences of outdoor education through bodily encounters with nature and place, and interactions with material objects. Much academic engagement with outdoor education has taken the form of outcome orientated studies, and geographers have yet to truly explore the social and physical spaces of outdoor education. I draw on literature from recent outdoor education research which questions: first, the apparent lack of attention to place‐based and embodied ways of knowing in outdoor education; and second an uncritical adoption of technology and materiality in outdoor education practices. The article then engages with geographical work on the body and space, and, using original research conducted with the Outward Bound Trust, considers how embodied experiences in place are foregrounded in young people's accounts of outdoor education. I show how, through their corporeal interactions with place and technology, they enact individual agency through their bodies. Finally the discussion draws attention to some of the structural constraints and power relations that restrict young peoples’ bodies in outdoor educational spaces.
Patient and public involvement in medical performance processes: A systematic review
Authors: Lalani Mirza , Baines Rebecca , Bryce Marie , Marshall Martin , Mead Sol , Barasi Stephen , Archer Julian , Regan de Bere Samantha
Published: December 2018

Background

Patient and public involvement (PPI) continues to develop as a central policy agenda in health care. The patient voice is seen as relevant, informative and can drive service improvement. However, critical exploration ofPPI's role within monitoring and informing medical performance processes remains limited.

Objective

To explore and evaluate the contribution ofPPIin medical performance processes to understand its extent, purpose and process.

Search strategy

The electronic databases PubMed, PsycINFOand Google Scholar were systematically searched for studies published between 2004 and 2018.

Inclusion criteria

Studies involving doctors and patients and all forms of patient input (eg, patient feedback) associated with medical performance were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Using an inductive approach to analysis and synthesis, a coding framework was developed which was structured around three key themes: issues that shapePPIin medical performance processes; mechanisms forPPI; and the potential impacts ofPPIon medical performance processes.

Main results

From 4772 studies, 48 articles (from 10 countries) met the inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that the extent ofPPIin medical performance processes globally is highly variable and is primarily achieved through providing patient feedback or complaints. The emerging evidence suggests thatPPIcan encourage improvements in the quality of patient care, enable professional development and promote professionalism.

Discussion and conclusions

Developing more innovative methods ofPPIbeyond patient feedback and complaints may help revolutionize the practice ofPPIinto a collaborative partnership, facilitating the development of proactive relationships between the medical profession, patients and the public.
Photodynamic therapy in endodontics
Authors: Plotino G. , Grande N. M. , Mercade M.
Published: December 2018

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality that was initiated in 1900; however, it was not until the last decade that PDT regained attention for its several favourable features during the treatment of microbial infections in endodontics. Recently, several papers advocated its use for root canal treatment. The concept of photodynamic inactivation requires microbial exposure to either exogenous or endogenous photosensitizer molecules, followed by visible light energy, typically wavelengths in the red/near‐infrared region that cause the excitation of the photosensitizers resulting in the production of singlet oxygen and other reactive oxygen species that react with intracellular components and consequently produce cell inactivation and death. Recently, PDT has been suggested as a promising effective adjunct to standard antimicrobial intracanal cleaning and shaping for the treatment of periapical lesions. Current publications tested PDT in terms of bacterial load reduction in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo, showing promising results. The purpose of this article was to review the existing literature on PDT in the endodontic field regarding its mechanism of action, photosensitizers and light sources, limitations and clinical procedures. Although positive results have been demonstrated in vitro, there are considerably fewer in vivo investigations. In conclusion, more in vivo studies are needed on the use of antimicrobial PDT in root canal treatment.
Repetitive firing and wing stiffness in the locomotory musculature of the pteropod Clione limacina
Authors: Satterlie Richard A.
Published: December 2018

The locomotory musculature of the pteropod Clione limacina includes slow‐twitch, fatigue‐resistant muscle fibers and fast‐twitch fatigable fibers. Dorsal musculature produces a dorsal bend of the wing, while ventral musculature produces a ventral bend. During the change to fast swimming, ~10% of the slow‐twitch fibers, including both dorsal and ventral fibers, exhibit fast repetitive firing that greatly exceeds the in‐phase excitation of the appropriate wing musculature. The normal wing‐beat frequency for fast swimming is 2–4 Hz, while repetitive firing occurs at 11 Hz. A component of fast‐swimming control is excitation of Pd‐SW neurons of the pedal ganglion. These cells are serotonin immunoreactive, and they innervate the slow‐twitch musculature of the wing. Induced excitation of a Pd‐SW neuron was capable of triggering repetitive firing in some slow‐twitch muscle cells. Repetitive firing in a subset of muscle fibers of the swim musculature could represent a contribution to wing stiffening, which has been documented to occur during the change to fast swimming.
Kinetics of ion‐exchange‐induced vitrification of glass‐ceramics
Authors: Lipovskii Andrey A. , Redkov Alexey V. , Rtischeva Alexandra A. , Tagantsev Dmitry K. , Zhurikhina Valentina V.
Published: December 2018

Micro‐Raman spectroscopy was applied to characterize the ion‐exchange‐induced vitrification of silicate glass‐ceramics with lithium metasilicate crystalline phase. In parallel, the glass‐ceramics vitrification was simulated on the base of the theory developed. Comparison of the data obtained with micro‐Raman spectroscopy with the results of the simulation allowed revealing the kinetic parameters of vitrification process and evaluating the corresponding activation energies. These experimental approach and theory can be applied to other types of glass‐ceramics.
High school students' perceptions of affect and collaboration during virtual science inquiry learning
Authors: Pietarinen Tarja , Vauras Marja , Laakkonen Eero , Kinnunen Riitta , Volet Simone
Published: December 2018

This study examined affect during high school students' face‐to‐face collaborative inquiry learning in science, supported by the web‐based software Virtual Baltic Sea Explorer. Self‐reported affective states during the inquiry process in peer groups were related to evaluations of a group's collaboration and performance in three phases of interdisciplinary science inquiry (biology and chemistry). Results indicate that despite high cognitive demands, positive affect prevailed whereas negative affect was infrequent. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the significance of affect on collaboration and group performance. The relationship between affect, collaboration, and the groups' productive outcome revealed that self‐assurance had a significant effect on collaboration and support, intertwined with scientific understanding and group performance. Furthermore, a cross‐lagged analysis showed a reciprocal relation between positive affect, scientific understanding, collaboration, and support. These outcomes contribute to the scarce literature on the nature and importance of affect in the process of face‐to‐face computer‐supported collaborative inquiry and learning in science.
Reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the Chinese Short‐Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF‐36v2) in women with breast cancer
Authors: Zhou Kaina , Li Minjie , Wang Wen , An Jinghua , Huo Lanting , He Xiaole , Li Jin , Zhuang Guihua , Li Xiaomei
Published: December 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The psychometrics of the Short‐Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF‐36v2) in female breast cancer patients remains unknown. This study aimed to test the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the Chinese SF‐36v2 in women with breast cancer.

Methods

The sample included 326 eligible participants. The reliability and the item convergent and discriminant validity were estimated using Cronbach α (≥0.70) and the multi‐trait multi‐item matrix analysis, respectively. The structural validity was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Sensitivity was determined via an analysis of variance and the relative efficiency for initially diagnosed cases (yes vs no) as well as the time since diagnosis (years) before and after stratifying by initially diagnosed cases.

Results

The overall Cronbach α was 0.91 (eight scales range: 0.72‐0.92). All hypothesized item‐scale correlations were greater than the alternatives (r ≥ 0.40). With acceptable model fit indices, the physical functioning, role‐physical, bodily pain, and general health subscales had stronger contributions to the physical component summary (goodness‐of‐fit index [GFI]: 0.92, parsimony goodness‐of‐fit index [PGFI]: 0.60, comparative fit index [CFI]: 0.91, Tucker‐Lewis index [TLI]: 0.93, adjusted goodness‐of‐fit index [AGFI]: 0.91, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]: 0.06, normed chi‐squared [NC]: 2.65), while the vitality, social functioning, role‐emotional, and mental health subscales contributed more to the mental component summary (GFI: 0.91, PGFI: 0.62, CFI: 0.91, TLI: 0.92, AGFI: 0.91, RMSEA: 0.07, NC: 2.76). The relative efficiencies with significant F‐statistics were found for mental health (relative efficiency: 34.28; initially diagnosed cases), physical functioning (12.88; time since diagnosis), and physical functioning (5.80), role‐physical (5.15), bodily pain (7.70), social functioning (4.62), role‐emotional (4.72), mental health (4.75), and physical component summary (6.96; initially diagnosed cases with time since diagnosis; P < 0.05 for all variables).

Conclusions

Chinese SF‐36v2 has acceptable psychometric properties and is suitable for women with breast cancer.
Investigation of radiation‐protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices of North Queensland dentists
Authors: Ihle Isabella R. , Neibling Emma , Albrecht Katia , Treston Hannah , Sholapurkar Amar
Published: December 2018

Aim

Queensland has current radiation‐protection guidelines; however, with the absence of data exploring compliance and implementation, the efficacy is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes on radiation protection among private North Queensland (NQ) dentists.

Methods

A quantitative methodology was employed in an observational and descriptive study using questionnaires for data collection.

Results

Of the 154 questionnaires distributed, 63 were completed and returned. The respondents’ knowledge concerning the technical details of their equipment was limited, with 31.5% and 47% not knowing the tube voltage and current utilized for their machines, respectively. In total, 23.8% of dentists had limited knowledge about the speed of the conventional film they used, 90.5% of respondents agreed that the role of imaging in dentistry is important, and 75.8% dentists reported the thyroid as the most important organ to protect during dental radiography. Their knowledge regarding position‐distance rule was reasonably adequate; 80.3% of the dental practices appeared to follow the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency guidelines, 95.2% preferred taking radiographs if it was only urgent, and 69.8% identified a need for spreading awareness regarding radiation protection.

Conclusions

An opportunity and need for further continuing education was identified among NQ dentists to ensure safety of patients.
Genetics of barley tiller and leaf development
Authors: Shaaf Salar , Bretani Gianluca , Biswas Abhisek , Fontana Irene Maria , Rossini Laura
Published: December 2018

In cereals, tillering and leaf development are key factors in the concept of crop ideotype, introduced in the 1960s to enhance crop yield, via manipulation of plant architecture. In the present review, we discuss advances in genetic analysis of barley shoot architecture, focusing on tillering, leaf size and angle. We also discuss novel phenotyping techniques, such as 2D and 3D imaging, that have been introduced in the era of phenomics, facilitating reliable trait measurement. We discuss the identification of genes and pathways that are involved in barley tillering and leaf development, highlighting key hormones involved in the control of plant architecture in barley and rice. Knowledge on genetic control of traits related to plant architecture provides useful resources for designing ideotypes for enhanced barley yield and performance.
Atypical actinobacillosis affecting hind limbs and lungs in a single beef cattle herd
Authors: Relun Anne , Cesbron Nora , Bourdeau Patrick , Dorso Laëtitia , Brement Thomas , Assié Sébastien , Christensen Henrik , Guatteo Raphaël
Published: December 2018

Actinobacillosis usually is a sporadic infection that affects the tongue in cattle (“wooden tongue”) with possible spread to the digestive tract. Two 4‐year‐old Rouge‐des‐Prés cows from a single French beef herd were referred for chronic (2‐6 months) swelling and cutaneous nodules in the distal hind limbs. In addition to cutaneous signs, physical examination disclosed cachexia, lameness, lymphadenitis of the hind limbs, and pneumonia in both cows. Cytologic examination of direct skin smears was inconclusive, and no parasites were observed in examination of multiple skin scrapings. Histopathological examination of skin and lung biopsy specimens identified chronic, diffuse, severe pyogranulomatous dermatitis, associated with Splendore‐Hoeppli phenomenon and intralesional Gram‐negative bacteria. Cultures from skin, lymph nodes, and lungs (both cows were euthanized for welfare reasons) identified a Pasteurellaceae organism, confirmed as Actinobacillus lignieresii by partial sequencing of the rpoB gene. This report emphasizes that actinobacillosis can appear as a small outbreak in cattle with cutaneous and respiratory signs.
Predictive clinical factors for penetration and aspiration in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Nienstedt Julie Cläre , Bihler Moritz , Niessen Almut , Plaetke Rosemarie , Pötter‐Nerger Monika , Gerloff Christian , Buhmann Carsten , Pflug Christina
Published: December 2018

Background

Do the current swallow‐specific subquestions of neurological diagnostic tools reflect the objective swallowing function in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients or are clinical factors superior to predict critical aspiration?

Methods

In a cross‐sectional, observational study a total of 119 Parkinson outpatients were examined clinically and by flexible‐endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Self‐reported dysphagia by subquestions of the MDS‐UPDRS and NMS questionnaire and history of subjective aspiration signs were collected.

Key Results

Nearly, all PD patients showed deglutition abnormalities in FEES (113/119) while only 12%‐27% of them reported swallowing problems in the swallow‐specific subquestions of neurological standard diagnostic tools (MDS‐UPDRS and NMS‐Quest), and the answers were heterogeneous and poorly reproducible. With a sensitivity of up to a maximum of 50%, self‐reported dysphagia is therefore no reliable tool for identifying dysphagia in PD. While most clinical parameters were linked to dysphagia to some extent, logistic regression analysis revealed high age (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.1 in years, 95% CI 1.03‐1.18, P < 0.01), gender (OR 0.3 for females, 95% CI 0.08‐0.97, P = 0.04), and affirmed subjective aspiration signs (OR 8.6, 95% CI 3.05‐26.52, P < 0.001) as the most significant predictors for critical dysphagia.

Conclusions and Inferences

Self‐perception of swallowing is no reliable tool for identifying dysphagia and questionnaires are insufficient for detecting previous aspiration. Consequent and specific asking for previous subjective aspiration signs is the single most important measure for identifying PD patients at risk for critical aspiration.
Large‐scale ecosystem engineering by flamingos and fiddler crabs on West‐African intertidal flats promote joint food availability
Authors: El‐Hacen El‐Hacen M. , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Oomen Puck , Piersma Theunis , Olff Han
Published: December 2018

Although the ecosystem engineering concept is well established in ecology, cases of joint engineering by multiple species at large scales remain rare. Here, we combine observational studies and exclosure experiments to investigate how co‐occurring greater flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus and fiddler crabs Uca tangeri promote their own and each other's food availability by creating a spatially complex mosaic of depressions (bowls, gullies) and hummocks (plateaus, mounds) in the intertidal zone. This results in a mosaic of microhabitats with different tidal inundation regimes. These microhabitats are spatially organized with labyrinth‐like patterns in the high intertidal zone and spotted patterns in the lower intertidal, both of which likely arise from biophysical interactions between these organisms and hydrodynamic forces. We show that the resulting spatial complexity is vital for biofilm production. The depression microhabitats were wetter and richer in organic matter and biofilms compared with hummocks. Excluding flamingos and crabs resulted in an increase in biofilm biomass over the shorter term (six months), but a decrease over the longer term (after one year). Moreover, our results strongly suggest that these biogeomorphological microhabitats in the mosaics were maintained by the feeding activities of flamingos and to a lesser extent crabs. During a period of flamingo exclusion, all the spotted patterns filled up with sediment, while the exclusion of crabs led to gradual sediment accumulation in the labyrinth‐like patterns. Collectively, these findings provide empirical evidence for large‐scale joint promotion of food availability by multiple taxa in a marine ecosystem.
Without image—Refuge of all images
Authors: Humphreys Franziska
Published: December 2018

Based on several dream narratives by Walter Benjamin, this paper questions the syntactic ramifications and motivic tensions between the theoretical conceptualization and the literary claims of this author. In attempting a constellatory reading of these texts by comparing, in particular, The Arcades Project and On the Origins of German Tragic Drama, I show that Benjamin not only conceptualized allegory in theoretical terms, but that he literally dreamed it up. I argue that a certain multilingualism inherent in the text and an alertness to mediatic leaps are decisive for the reading of any text. An allegorical reading, in the very strict sense of the word limned in what follows, breaks with the representational function of language in order to retrace and reflect its unique relief and physiognomy.
Increases in sampling support the southern Gondwanan hypothesis for the origin of dinosaurs
Authors: Marsola Júlio C. A. , Ferreira Gabriel S. , Langer Max C. , Button David J. , Butler Richard J.
Published: December 2018

Dinosaurs were ubiquitous in terrestrial ecosystems through most of the Mesozoic and are still diversely represented in the modern fauna in the form of birds. Recent efforts to better understand the origins of the group have resulted in the discovery of many new species of early dinosaur and their closest relatives (dinosauromorphs). In addition, recent re‐examinations of early dinosaur phylogeny have highlighted uncertainties regarding the interrelationships of the main dinosaur lineages (Sauropodomorpha, Theropoda and Ornithischia), and questioned the traditional hypothesis that the group originated in South Gondwana and gradually dispersed over Pangaea. Here, we use an historical approach to examine the impact of new fossil discoveries and changing phylogenetic hypotheses on biogeographical scenarios for dinosaur origins over 20 years of research time, and analyse the results in the light of different fossil record sampling regimes. Our results consistently optimize South Gondwana as the ancestral area for Dinosauria, as well as for more inclusive clades including Dinosauromorpha, and show that this hypothesis is robust to increased taxonomic and geographic sampling and divergent phylogenetic results. Our results do not find any support for the recently proposed Laurasian origin of dinosaurs and suggest that a southern Gondwanan origin is by far the most plausible given our current knowledge of the diversity of early dinosaurs and non‐dinosaurian dinosauromorphs.
Primary cutaneous CD4+ small‐ to medium‐sized pleomorphic T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder in a pediatric patient successfully treated with low‐dose radiation
Authors: Kim Esther J. , Aria Alexander B. , Wilmas Kelly , Lewis Daniel J. , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Nunez Cesar , Dabaja Bouthaina S. , Duvic Madeleine
Published: December 2018

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small‐ to medium‐sized pleomorphic T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder (PCSM‐LPD) is a rare and low‐grade form of cutaneous T‐cell proliferation with the average age of diagnosis of 54 years. Because of its rarity, the etiology or exact clinicopathology of PCSM‐LPD remains unclear, with < 10 pediatric cases reported. A 13‐year‐old boy presented to our clinic with a raised tumor with PCSM‐LPD histology and was successfully treated with ultra‐low‐dose radiation therapy. While no standard of care has been established for pediatric PCSM‐LPD, this report represents an example of achieving remission in a pediatric tumor with minimal potential for therapy‐related long‐term toxicity.
Potential role of root membrane phosphatidic acid in superior agronomic performance of silage‐corn cultivated in cool climate cropping systems
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Pham Thu H. , Thomas Raymond , Galagedara Lakshman , Kavanagh Vanessa , Zhu Xinbiao , Ali Waqas , Cheema Mumtaz
Published: December 2018

The literature is replete with information describing the composition of the root lipidome in several plant species grown under various environmental conditions. However, it is unknown to what extent the root membrane lipidome vary between silage‐corn genotypes, and how such variation could influence agronomic performances during field cultivation in cool climate. To address this issue, the root membrane lipidome and agronomic performance were assessed for five silage‐corn genotypes (Fusion‐RR, Yukon‐R, A4177G3‐RIB, DKC23‐17RIB, DKC26‐28RIB) cultivated under cool climatic conditions. Leaf area, plant height and biomass production were used as agronomic performance indicators. Varieties DKC26‐28RIB and Yukon‐R expressed significantly higher leaf area, plant height and biomass production compared to the other genotypes. A strong positive Spearman rank‐order correlation (P = 0.001) was observed between biomass production and root phosphatidic acid (PA). The high correlation observed between PA and agronomic performance indicates PA could potentially be used as biomarker to assist in the selection of silage‐corn genotypes with superior agronomic performance ideally suited for field cultivations in cool climatic conditions.
Overexpression of transketolase gene promotes chilling tolerance by increasing the activities of photosynthetic enzymes, alleviating oxidative damage and stabilizing cell structure in Cucumis sativus L.
Authors: Bi Huangai , Li Fude , Wang Haiguang , Ai Xizhen
Published: December 2018

Despite being a key enzyme of Cavin cycle, transketolase (TK) is believed to be related to abiotic resistance in higher plants. However, how TK affects chilling tolerance still remains largely unknown. Here, we describe the effect of overexpression of the Cucumis sativa TK gene (CsTK) on growth, photosynthesis, ROS metabolism and cell ultrastructure under chilling stress. Low temperature led to a decrease of the photosynthetic rate (Pn), the stomatal conductance (Gs), the actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII) and the sucrose content, whereas there was an increase of the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and MDA content. These changes were alleviated in the CsTK plants after 5 days of chilling stress, however, inhibition of CsTK showed the opposite results. Furthermore, transgenic plants with overexpression of CsTK showed higher increase in leaf area and dry matter, higher activity of the enzymes and higher increase in the contents of metabolism substance involved in Calvin cycle and reactive oxygen scavenging system as well as lower •OH and H2O2 content, superoxide anion production rate compared with the control cucumber plants under chilling stress. At the end of the chilling stress, compared to wild‐type (WT) which exhibited dramatically destroyed cell ultrastructure, expanded chloroplast, broken cell and chloroplast membranes as well as the disappeared grana lamella, the CsTK sense plants showed a more complete cell ultrastructure, whereas, the damage of the cell ultrastructure was aggravated in CsTK antisense plants. Taken together, these results imply that CsTK promoted chilling tolerance in cucumber plants mainly through increasing the capacity to assimilate carbon, alleviating oxidative damage and stabilizing cell structure.
Family violence and mental health in a sample of Finnish health care professionals: the mediating role of perceived sleep quality
Authors: Siltala Heli P. , Holma Juha M. , Hallman Maria
Published: December 2018

Background

Family violence (FV) is a prevalent health issue around the world and health care services have an important role in both recognizing and treating the consequences of violence. However, FV experiences among health care professionals themselves have not been investigated much. We also lack specific knowledge on the associations between FV and mental health.

Aim

The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence and effects of FV in a sample of Finnish health care professionals. In addition to analysing direct connections between different types of FV and mental health, the mediating effect of sleep quality was also taken into account.

Methods

The study followed a cross‐sectional design. The sample comprised 1952 health care professionals from Central Finland, who participated in a survey measuring their health and well‐being. The dependent variables were perceived sleep quality and mental health as measured by depressive symptoms and the mental health continuum short form (MHC‐SF) questionnaire. Data were analysed using cross‐tabulations, anova and structural equation modelling.

Results

Thirty‐eight per cent of the participants reported experiencing FV. The most common forms of abuse were ‘psychological FV only’ and ‘psychological & physical abuse’. Participants with FV experiences scored significantly worse on depressive symptoms (p < 0.001), MHC‐SF classification (p = 0.008), sleep quality (p = 0.001) and emotional (p < 0.001), social (p < 0.001), and psychological (p = 0.008) well‐being. The mediation analyses indicated that the harmfulness of FV was at least partially explained by impaired sleep quality.

Conclusion

The results indicate that FV experiences are common among Finnish health care professionals and that they can significantly affect their mental health. FV should thus be taken to account in seeking to promote the occupational well‐being of health care professionals. The results also suggest that the harmfulness of FV might be mediated by sleep quality. This finding prompts the need for further investigation and FV‐related interventions.
A case of pan‐resistant Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteremic pneumonia, after lung transplantation treated with a targeted combination therapy
Authors: Cantón‐Bulnes María Luisa , Hurtado Martínez Ángela , López‐Cerero Lorena , Arenzana Seisdedos Ángel , Merino‐Bohorquez Vicente , Garnacho‐Montero José
Published: December 2018

We describe a case of one patient with cystic fibrosis who developed a pan‐resistant Burkholderia cepacia complex rapidly progressive bacteraemic pneunonia, following bilateral lung transplantation. The patient was treated with a targeted combination antibiotic therapy (meropenem plus ceftazidime/avibactam plus high doses of nebulized colistimethate sodium). Evolution of the disease was complicated by multiple organ system dysfunction. Finally, clinical improvement and microbiological cure was achieved.
Pulsed dye laser repurposed: Treatment of refractory molluscum contagiosum in renal transplant patient
Authors: Fisher Chris , McLawhorn Justin M. , Adotama Prince , Stasko Thomas , Collins Lindsey , Levin Jarad
Published: December 2018

We present a case of a 15‐year‐old girl with an allogenic renal transplant secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis of unknown etiology who presented with treatment refractory molluscum contagiosum of the lower extremities and perineum. Treatment of mollusca with pulsed dye laser resulted in a clinically significant and sustained response. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a successful treatment of molluscum contagiosum with pulsed dye laser in the setting of a renal transplant.
Unusual presentation of Q fever in a kidney‐pancreas transplant recipient
Authors: Poch Joe , Ince Dilek , Thomas Christie , Dhakal Reshika , Gajurel Kiran
Published: December 2018

Q fever is uncommon in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. We describe a case of granulomatous lung disease as an unusual presentation of chronic Q fever in a kidney‐pancreas transplant recipient.
Storage‐induced change in platelet transfusion response evaluated by serial transfusions from one donor to one patient
Authors: Tynngård Nahreen , Boknäs Niklas , Trinks Marie , Dreimane Arta , Berlin Gösta
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Storage of platelet concentrates (PCs) results in storage lesions with possible detrimental effects on platelet recovery after transfusion, which might affect their ability to prevent or arrest bleeding. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of PCs stored for 1 to 3 or 5 to 7 days by assessing the corrected count increment (CCI) after transfusion. To isolate the effects of storage time, we studied serial transfusions of PCs obtained from one donor and one donation, and transfused to one single recipient after storage for 1 to 3 days and 5 to 7 days.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Platelets were obtained from one donor by apheresis, divided into two units (>240 × 109 platelets/unit) and stored for 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 days, respectively, before transfusion. The PCs were transfused on normal indications to patients undergoing treatment at the hematology ward. Platelet count was measured before and after transfusion.

RESULTS

Thirty patients concluded the study according to the protocol. The mean storage time was 2.4 ± 0.7 and 5.7 ± 0.8 days for platelets transfused on Days 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, respectively. Storage for 5 to 7 days decreased the 1‐hour transfusion response as compared to platelets stored 1 to 3 days, from a CCI of 17 ± 7 to 13 ± 5. Despite this decrease, 86% of the 5 to 7 days stored PCs resulted in a CCI above the cutoff value for a successful transfusion of 7.5, which was not significantly different to PCs stored for 1 to 3 days.

CONCLUSION

Storage of PCs for 5 to 7 days only slightly altered the transfusion response.