bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of large instrument use on shaping ability and debris extrusion of rotary and reciprocating systems
Authors: Costa Elielton L. , Sponchiado‐Júnior Emílio C. , Garcia Lucas F. R. , Marques André A. F.
Published: August 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of large instrument use on the shaping ability and apical debris extrusion of rotary and reciprocating systems in oval‐shaped root canals.

Methods

Forty‐five mandibular premolars, with an 18‐mm long, oval‐shaped single canal, and apical diameter ranging from 300 to 350 μm, were separated into three groups (n=15), according to the system used: ProTaper Universal group, F5 (0.50/0.05); ProTaper Next (PTN group), X5 (0.50/0.06); and Reciproc (RC group), R50 (0.50/0.05). Cone‐beam computed tomography was performed before and after preparation to analyze apical transportation (AT), centering ability (CA), and change in root canal diameter (CRCD). For evaluating apical debris extrusion, the roots were coupled to pre‐weighed glass receptacles to collect the extruded debris during preparation.

Results

All systems promoted AT and apical debris extrusion; the latter was higher for the PTN group (P<.05). No system presented perfect CA. The RC group demonstrated the largest CRCD (P<.05).

Conclusions

As consequences of their use, the large instruments promoted undesirable AT and debris extrusion, irrespective of the system used to perform root canal preparation. Moreover, no system was able to remain perfectly centralized within the root canal.
Autologous platelet‐rich plasma versus conventional therapy for the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers: A comparative study
Authors: Moneib Hoda A , Youssef Sahar S , Aly Dalia G , Rizk Mohamed A , Abdelhakeem Yomna I
Published: August 2017

Background

Chronic venous leg ulcers drastically reduce the quality of life of affected patients. There is heightened interest in autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) as one of the promising therapies for leg ulcers.

Aim

Our aim was to compare the clinical efficacy of PRP in the management of chronic venous leg ulcers vs conventional treatment.

Patients/Methods

In total, 40 patients with chronic venous leg ulcers were included in the study. Twenty patients were treated with autologous PRP weekly for 6 weeks (Group A), and 20 patients were treated with conventional treatment (compression and dressing) for 6 weeks (Group B). Treatment results were calculated by percentage of improvement in area of the ulcer.

Results

Compared to conventional therapy, a highly significant improvement in the ulcer size was observed post‐PRP therapy (P‐value = .0001). The mean change in the area of the ulcer post‐PRP and conventional therapy was 4.92 ± 11.94 cm and 0.13 ± 0.27 cm, respectively, while the mean percentage improvement in the area of the ulcer post‐PRP and conventional therapy was 67.6% ± 36.6% and 13.67% ± 28.06%, respectively. Subjective improvement in pain associated with the ulcer was noted by all patients.

Conclusions

Platelet‐rich plasma is a safe nonsurgical procedure for treating chronic venous leg ulcers. Additional studies with larger sample size and longer follow‐up periods are required to confirm or refute our findings.
Separating Spheres? Diverging Trends in Youth's Gender Attitudes About Work and Family
Authors: Pepin Joanna R. , Cotter David A.
Published: August 2017

The authors investigated whether trends in attitudes about gender were consistent with the gender stall primarily occurring in the family domain and examined potential mechanisms associated with changing gender norms. Using data from Monitoring the Future surveys (1976–2015), the authors assessed three components of trends in youth's beliefs about gender: the marketplace, the family, and mothers' employment. Findings showed continued increases in egalitarianism from 1976 through the mid‐1990s across all three dimensions. Thereafter, support for egalitarianism in the public sphere plateaued at high levels, rising support for mothers' employment persisted at a slower pace, and conventional ideology about gender in families returned. The changing demographic composition of American high school students did not account for the gender attitude trends. Youth's mothers' employment and increased education were related to increased egalitarianism. Changes in population averages of mothers' employment and educational attainment were only weakly associated with increases in egalitarian attitudes.
How empathic concern helps leaders in providing negative feedback: A two‐study examination
Authors: Young Stephen F. , Richard Erin M. , Moukarzel Rana G. , Steelman Lisa A. , Gentry William A.
Published: August 2017

The role of leader empathic concern is examined in the context of negative feedback delivery. We argue that leader displays of empathic concern decrease negative affect and increase positive affect following negative feedback, resulting in more positive evaluations of the leader's feedback‐giving effectiveness and improving the leader's promotability. In a video‐based online experiment (Study 1) using a US sample (n = 177), both conditions experienced a decline in negative affect over the course of the feedback episode; however, participants exposed to leader empathic concern experienced a significantly greater increase in positive affect and evaluated the leader's behaviour as more effective than those in the control condition. In a field‐study (Study 2) using archived multisource data on a sample of organizational leaders (n = 306), the positive relationship between leader negative feedback quality (subordinate‐rated) and (boss‐rated) promotability was strengthened by subordinate perceptions of leader empathic concern.

Practitioner points

Leaders should show empathic concern when delivering feedback to subordinates.

Leaders should be trained in how to recognize subordinates’ emotional reactions and to communicate their understanding and concern for subordinates’ well‐being during the provision of performance feedback.

Organizations should reward leaders who demonstrate empathic concern for their subordinates when providing feedback.

Leaders should be educated about the career‐related benefits associated with demonstrating high‐quality negative feedback and empathic concern.
Profiling cancer risk in oral potentially malignant disorders—A patient cohort study
Authors: Thomson P. J. , Goodson M. L. , Smith D. R.
Published: August 2017

Background

Oral potentially malignant disorders harbour variable and unpredictable risk for squamous carcinoma development. Whilst current management strategies utilise histopathological diagnoses, dysplasia grading and targeted intervention for “high‐risk” lesions, clinicians are unable to predict malignant potential.

Methods

Detailed, retrospective clinico‐pathological analysis of potentially malignant lesions undergoing malignant transformation, from a 590 patient cohort treated by interventional laser surgery and followed for a mean of 7.3 years, was undertaken. Clinical outcome was documented at study census date (31 December 2014).

Results

A total of 99 patients (16.8%) developed cancer: 71 (12%) seen “unexpectedly” upon excision and 28 (4.8%) progressing to malignancy at a median of 87.3 months post‐surgery. Thirty “unexpected” excisions were micro‐invasive (42.3%) arising primarily in severely dysplastic precursors (75%) at ventro‐lateral tongue and floor of mouth sites (54.5%); 1 patient (1.4%) had a cancer‐related death, whilst 58 (81.7%) were disease free. A total of 19 of 28 “progressive” cancers (67.9%) arose at new sites, with erythroleukoplakia a significant predictor of malignancy (P = .0019). Nine (32.1%) developed at the same precursor site, with 6 (77.7%) on the ventro‐lateral tongue and floor of mouth. Three (10.7%) were micro‐invasive, 9 patients (32.1%) died from metastatic disease and 12 (42.9%) were disease free (P < .001).

Conclusion

Squamous carcinoma may arise at the site of a precursor lesion as transformation or new‐site development via field cancerisation. Whilst interventional surgery facilitates early diagnosis and treatment of occult disease, thus reducing risk from same‐site transformation, new‐site cancer is a significant long‐term risk for patients with potentially malignant disorder.
Governing Collaborative New Product Development: Toward a Configurational Perspective on the Role of Contracts
Authors: Hofman Erwin , Faems Dries , Schleimer Stephanie C.
Published: August 2017

This study inductively explores the interplay among different contractual functions and their impact on project performance in collaborative new product development (NPD) projects. Applying a configurational perspective, contracts are conceptualized as bundles of different functions. In line with the notion of discriminating alignment, an explicit distinction is made between different contextual settings in terms of innovation objectives (i.e., incremental versus radical) and relational embeddedness (i.e., presence versus absence of prior collaboration) in the exploration of the project performance implications of different contractual configurations. Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analyses on a sample of 125 collaborative NPD projects helped to generate propositions on the interplay between different contractual functions across different contextual settings. The results indicate that the contractual coordination function is an important function in achieving high project performance in collaborative NPD projects. However, the research findings demonstrate that it is not a sufficient condition and needs to be complemented with discrete safeguarding functions depending on the particular context. Together, these findings provide new insights into how particular combinations of contractual functions can help address the core governance challenges of collaborative NPD. They also point to the relevance of applying a configurational perspective to the study of the role of contracts in management research. Finally, they provide practitioners with specific recommendations concerning the design of contracts for collaborative NPD projects.
Efficacy and safety results of patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection treated with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin (QUARTZ II‐III)
Authors: Shafran S. D. , Shaw D. , Charafeddine M. , Agarwal K. , Foster G. R. , Abunimeh M. , Pilot‐Matias T. , Pothacamury R. K. , Fu B. , Cohen E. , Cohen D. E. , Gane E.
Published: August 2017

The efficacy and safety of an investigational combination of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBV/PTV/r) plus sofosbuvir (SOF) ± ribavirin (RBV) in patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection with or without cirrhosis was evaluated. Patients with HCV genotype 3 infection without cirrhosis were randomized to receive OBV/PTV/r + SOF ± RBV for 12 weeks; OBV/PTV/r + SOF + RBV was administered to genotype 3‐infected patients with cirrhosis for 12 weeks and to genotype 2‐infected patients without cirrhosis for either 6 or 8 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by sustained virologic response [HCV RNA <25 IU/mL] 12 weeks post‐treatment (SVR12). Safety was assessed in all treated patients. In patients with genotype 3 infection with or without cirrhosis treated with 12 weeks of OBV/PTV/r + SOF ± RBV, the overall SVR12 rate was 98% (50/51), with no virologic failures. Patients with genotype 2 infection treated with OBV/PTV/r + SOF + RBV had SVR12 rates of 90% (9/10) and 44% (4/9) following 8‐ and 6‐week treatment durations, respectively; failure to achieve SVR12 for these patients was due to relapse without baseline or treatment‐emergent resistance‐associated substitutions. Thus, the investigational combination of OBV/PTV/r with SOF ± RBV was well tolerated and achieved high SVR rates with no virologic failures in patients with genotype 3 infection. Combining direct‐acting antivirals with complementary mechanisms of action and different viral targets may be an effective treatment strategy that may allow for shorter durations of therapy.
Clinicopathologic Features and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in 24 Cats With Histopathologically Confirmed Neurologic Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Authors: Crawford A.H. , Stoll A.L. , Sanchez‐Masian D. , Shea A. , Michaels J. , Fraser A.R. , Beltran E.
Published: August 2017

Background

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is the most common infectious central nervous system (CNS) disease in the cat and is invariably fatal. Improved means of antemortem diagnosis is required to facilitate clinical decision making. Information regarding the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of neurologic FIP currently is limited, resulting in the need for better descriptions to optimize its use as a diagnostic tool.

Objective

To describe the clinicopathologic features and MRI findings in cases of confirmed neurologic FIP.

Animals

Twenty‐four client‐owned cats with histopathologic confirmation of neurologic FIP.

Methods

Archived records from 5 institutions were retrospectively reviewed to identify cases with confirmed neurologic FIP that had undergone antemortem MRI of the CNS. Signalment, clinicopathologic, MRI, and histopathologic findings were evaluated.

Results

Three distinct clinical syndromes were identified: T3‐L3 myelopathy (3), central vestibular syndrome (7), and multifocal CNS disease (14). Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities were detected in all cases, including meningeal contrast enhancement (22), ependymal contrast enhancement (20), ventriculomegaly (20), syringomyelia (17), and foramen magnum herniation (14). Cerebrospinal fluid was analysed in 11 cases; all demonstrated a marked increase in total protein concentration and total nucleated cell count. All 24 cats were euthanized with a median survival time of 14 days (range, 2–115) from onset of clinical signs. Histopathologic analysis identified perivascular pyogranulomatous infiltrates, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, or both affecting the leptomeninges (16), choroid plexuses (16), and periventricular parenchyma (13).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Magnetic resonance imaging is a sensitive means of detecting neurologic FIP, particularly in combination with a compatible signalment, clinical presentation, and CSF analysis.
Pharmacokinetics of tigecycline in turkeys following different routes of administration
Authors: Jasiecka‐Mikołajczyk A. , Ziółkowski H. , Jaroszewski J. J.
Published: August 2017

The aim of this research had been to determine the pharmacokinetics of tigecycline (TIG) in turkey after intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), subcutaneous (s.c.), and oral (p.o.) administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg. TIG concentrations in plasma were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Mean concentrations of TIG in turkey plasma in the i.v. group were significantly higher than concentrations of this drug obtained after using the other administration routes. No significant differences were demonstrated in respect to the concentrations achieved after i.m. and s.c. administration. The bioavailability of TIG after i.m., s.c., and p.o. administration was 32.59 ± 5.99%, 34.91 ± 9.62%, and 0.97 ± 0.57%, respectively. Values of half‐life in the elimination phase were 23.49 ± 6.51 hr, 25.42 ± 4.42 hr, and 26.62 ± 5.19 hr in i.v., i.m., and s.c. groups, respectively, values of mean residence time were 7.92 ± 1.41 hr, 19.62 ± 2.82 hr, and 17.55 ± 2.59 hr in i.v., i.m., and s.c. groups, respectively, whereas the volume of distribution was 14.85 ± 5.71 L/kg, 14.68 ± 2.56 L/kg, and 15.37 ± 3.00 L/kg in i.v., i.m., and s.c. groups, respectively. Because TIG is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in turkeys to a clinically significant degree, this drug given p.o. could find application in commercial turkey farms only to treat gastrointestinal tract infections.
Pharmacokinetics of cefquinome in red‐eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) after single intravenous and intramuscular injections
Authors: Uney K. , Altan F. , Cetin G. , Aboubakr M. , Dik B. , Sayın Z. , Er A. , Elmas M.
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of cefquinome (CFQ) following single intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injections of 2 mg/kg body weight in red‐eared slider turtles. Plasma concentrations of CFQ were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography and analyzed using noncompartmental methods. The pharmacokinetic parameters following IV injection were as follows: elimination half‐life (t1/2λz) 21.73 ± 4.95 hr, volume of distribution at steady‐state (Vdss) 0.37 ± 0.11 L/kg, area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0–∞) 163 ± 32 μg hr−1 ml−1, and total body clearance (ClT) 12.66 ± 2.51 ml hr−1 kg−1. The pharmacokinetic parameters after IM injection were as follows: peak plasma concentration (Cmax) 3.94 ± 0.84 μg/ml, time to peak concentration (Tmax) 3 hr, t1/2λz 26.90 ± 4.33 hr, and AUC0–∞ 145 ± 48 μg hr−1 ml−1. The bioavailability after IM injection was 88%. Data suggest that CFQ has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with a long half‐life and a high bioavailability in red‐eared slider turtles. Further studies are needed to establish a multiple dosage regimen and evaluate clinical efficacy.
Fine‐scale root community structure and below‐ground responses to grazing show independence from above‐ground patterns
Authors: Oñatibia Gastón R. , Reyes María Fernanda , Aguiar Martín R.
Published: August 2017

Question

Root biomass distribution and below‐ground processes are the main drivers of plant community structure and dynamics in arid rangelands. However, despite their relevance, below‐ground plant responses to disturbance regimes remain poorly understood. This knowledge is a pressing issue since most of our ideas derive from extrapolating above‐ground ecological theory and data. Here, we asked how domestic grazing management changes (intensification and abandonment) impact on both below‐ground species co‐occurrence at microsite level (point‐richness) in relation to above‐ground patterns and below‐ground biomass distribution of dominant graminoid species across different soil layers.

Location

Patagonian steppe, Argentina.

Methods

We sampled and compared ungrazed, moderately grazed and intensively grazed steppes. We evaluated below‐ and above‐ground point‐richness (microsite level: 6‐cm diameter), as well as total and specific root biomass in the top 20 cm of soil along 50‐m transects in commercial paddocks.

Results

We found independence between fine‐scale below‐ and above‐ground responses. Below‐ground point‐richness was at least three times higher than above‐ground point‐richness. Besides, below‐ground point‐richness decreased from 4.2 species in ungrazed sites to 3.4 species in intensively grazed ones. Neither grazing intensification nor abandonment changed total root biomass, although intensification changed the root biomass composition, reducing preferred and increasing non‐preferred grass species. Strikingly, below‐ground point‐richness and total root biomass did not differ between microsites covered and not covered by vegetation. This pattern was not affected by grazing.

Conclusions

Our findings showed a higher degree of fine‐scale below‐ground species co‐occurrence than above‐ground in this Patagonian steppe. The intensification of grazing slightly decreased below‐ground species co‐occurrence and changed root composition (species abundance), although grazing management did not modify the high degree of independence between below‐ and above‐ground structure. Even though intensive grazing markedly decreases above‐ground biomass, total below‐ground biomass does not vary along a wide range of grazing conditions. In general, most of our knowledge about vegetation responses to grazing is based on above‐ground information, assuming that below‐ground patterns and processes are analogous to those above‐ground. This study suggests that below‐ and above‐ground community structure at fine‐scale are not strongly correlated and they can be differentially affected by grazing.
Tourism impacts on benthic communities of sandy beaches
Authors: Machado Phillipe Mota , Suciu Marjorie Cremonez , Costa Leonardo Lopes , Tavares Davi Castro , Zalmon Ilana Rosental
Published: August 2017

This study evaluated the effect of human trampling on the benthic macrofauna of two beaches in Southeast Brazil with different levels of intensity of tourism, Grussaí (more impacted) and Manguinhos (less impacted), during periods of high and low tourism activity. The macrofauna of urbanized (U) and non‐urbanized (NU) sectors of the inter‐tidal zone was sampled and the number of visitors was recorded. General linear models revealed a decreasing in abundance of macrofauna species in the urbanized sectors of analyzed beaches, which are exposed to higher trampling impact than in non‐urbanized areas. At Manguinhos Beach, trampling did not affect the macrofauna (<1 visitors ∙ m−²), except for the polychaete Scolelepis sp., which was less abundant in the U sector. Considering the benthic community, Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis, Hemipodia californiensis and Scolelepis sp. were more sensitive to human trampling pressure and may be used as potential bioindicators of tourism impact. Management plans should consider mitigation of the effects of tourism, such as the control of the visitor number and their decentralization.
Glaucoma progression detection with frequency doubling technology (FDT) compared to standard automated perimetry (SAP) in the Groningen Longitudinal Glaucoma Study
Authors: Wesselink Christiaan , Jansonius Nomdo M.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To determine the usefulness of frequency doubling perimetry (FDT) for progression detection in glaucoma, compared to standard automated perimetry (SAP).

Methods

Data were used from 150 eyes of 150 glaucoma patients from the Groningen Longitudinal Glaucoma Study. After baseline, SAP was performed approximately yearly; FDT every other year. First and last visit had to contain both tests. Using linear regression, progression velocities were calculated for SAP (Humphrey Field Analyzer) mean deviation (MD) and FDT MD and the number of test locations with a total deviation probability below p < 0.01 (TD). Progression velocity tertiles were determined and eyes were classified as slowly, intermediately, or fast progressing for both techniques. Comparison between SAP and FDT classifications were made using a Mantel Haenszel chi‐square test. Longitudinal signal‐to‐noise ratios (LSNRs) were calculated, per patient and per technique, defined as progression velocity divided by the standard deviation of the residuals.

Results

Mean (SD) follow‐up was 6.4 (1.7) years; median (interquartile range [IQR]) baseline SAP MD −6.6 (−14.2 to −3.6) dB. On average 8.2 and 4.5 tests were performed for SAP and FDT, respectively. Median (IQR) MD slope was −0.16 (−0.46 to +0.02) dB/year for SAP and −0.05 (−0.39 to +0.17) dB/year for FDT. Mantel Haenszel chi‐squares of SAP MD vs FDT MD and TD were 12.5 (p < 0.001) and 15.8 (p < 0.001), respectively. LSNRs for SAP MD (median −0.17 yr−1) were better than those for FDT MD (−0.04 yr−1; p = 0.010).

Conclusions

FDT may be a useful technique for monitoring glaucoma progression in patients who cannot perform SAP reliably.
Successful venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for prolonged hepatopulmonary syndrome following pediatric liver transplantation: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Khan Hamza Hassan , Schroeder Laura , Fitzpatrick Megha S. , Kaufman Stuart S. , Yazigi Nada A. , Yurasek Gregory K. , Steinhorn David M. , Fishbein Thomas M. , Khan Khalid M.
Published: August 2017

HPS is a major complicating feature of end‐stage liver disease. Diagnosis is clinical, and LT is the only definitive treatment. While the general impression is that HPS improves quickly after transplantation, it may not always be the case. We describe the smallest reported child with HPS prior to LT and requiring prolonged venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after LT; especially as it is a rare occurrence, physician managing such cases should be aware of the circumstances under which HPS may require specific treatment.
Fatal graft‐versus‐host disease after living‐donor liver transplantation from an HLA‐DR‐mismatched donor
Authors: Shimata Keita , Sakamoto Rieko , Anan Tadashi , Uchida Koushi , Honda Masaki , Kouroki Masahiko , Urabe Tomonari , Hayashida Shintaro , Yamamoto Hidekazu , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Inomata Yukihiro
Published: August 2017

Acute GVHD is a rare complication after liver transplantation that has a high mortality rate. We experienced an infant case complicated with acute GVHD. An 8‐month‐old infant with biliary atresia underwent LDLT with a graft obtained from his mother. Their HLAs showed a donor‐dominant one‐way match, not at HLA‐DR but at HLA‐A, HLA‐B, and HLA‐C (recipient; A 31/33, B 51/54, C 1/14, DR 9/11, donor; A 31/‐, B 51/‐, C 14/‐, DR 8/11). The patient exhibited a high fever, skin rash, and diarrhea, and was diagnosed with acute GVHD based on the blood chimerism test. Despite immunosuppression treatment with prednisolone and tacrolimus, plasma exchange, blood transfusion including cord blood transplantation, and antibiotics, the child died on postoperative day 126. Donor‐dominant one‐way matching at HLA class 1 can be a high‐risk factor for acute GVHD despite HLA class 2 mismatching.
Lipoteichoic acid upregulates plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 expression in parapneumonic effusions
Authors: Lee Kai‐Ling , Chen Wei‐Lin , Chen Ray‐Jade , Lai Kevin S. , Chung Chi‐Li
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Parapneumonic effusion (PPE) is commonly caused by Gram‐positive bacteria (GPB) and often presents with pleural loculation, which is characterized by overproduction of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)‐1. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a surface adhesion molecule of GPB, binds to the pleural mesothelium and triggers inflammation. However, the effects of LTA on PAI‐1 expression in PPE and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

Thirty consecutive patients with PPE were enrolled, including uncomplicated culture negative (CN, n = 11), Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB, n = 7) and GPB (n = 12) groups stratified by pleural fluid characteristics and bacteriology, and the effusion PAI‐1 levels were measured. In addition, human pleural mesothelial cells (PMC) were treated with LTA and the expression of PAI‐1 and activation of signalling pathways were assayed.

Results

The median levels of PAI‐1 were significantly higher in GPB (160.5 ng/mL) and GNB (117.0 ng/mL) groups than in the uncomplicated CN (58.0 ng/mL) group. In human PMC, LTA markedly upregulated PAI‐1 mRNA and protein expression and enhanced elaboration of Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2). Furthermore, LTA increased c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, induced activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2)/c‐Jun nuclear translocation and activated PAI‐1 promoter activity. Pretreatment with TLR2 siRNA significantly inhibited LTA‐induced JNK phosphorylation and PAI‐1 protein expression.

Conclusion

Culture‐positive PPE, especially that caused by GPB, has a significantly higher level of PAI‐1 than uncomplicated CN PPE. LTA upregulates PAI‐1 expression through activation of TLR2/JNK/activator protein 1 (AP‐1) pathway in human PMC. Better understanding of the modulation of PAI‐1 synthesis by LTA in PPE may provide potential therapies for infected pleural effusions.
A Block Model for Node Popularity in Networks with Community Structure
Authors: Sengupta Srijan , Chen Yuguo
Published: August 2017

The community structure that is observed in empirical networks has been of particular interest in the statistics literature, with a strong emphasis on the study of block models. We study an important network feature called node popularity, which is closely associated with community structure. Neither the classical stochastic block model nor its degree-corrected extension can satisfactorily capture the dynamics of node popularity as observed in empirical networks. We propose a popularity-adjusted block model for flexible and realistic modelling of node popularity. We establish consistency of likelihood modularity for community detection as well as estimation of node popularities and model parameters, and demonstrate the advantages of the new modularity over the degree-corrected block model modularity in simulations. By analysing the political blogs network, the British Members of Parliament network and the ‘Digital bibliography and library project’ bibliographical network, we illustrate that improved empirical insights can be gained through this methodology.
Prior joint disease is associated with increased risk of periarticular histiocytic sarcoma in dogs
Authors: Manor E. K. , Craig L. E. , Sun X. , Cannon C. M.
Published: August 2017

Periarticular histiocytic sarcoma (PAHS) is the most common synovial tumour in dogs and is characterized by aggressive local disease with a high rate of distant metastasis. Previously, an association between PAHS and prior joint disease has been demonstrated in the Bernese Mountain Dog breed and suggested in the Rottweiler. We hypothesized that this association would be present in other breeds and investigated this via a retrospective, case‐controlled analysis. Cases were dogs diagnosed with PAHS of the stifle or elbow. Controls were age, breed and sex‐matched dogs without a diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma. Diagnosis of prior joint disease was determined based on review of medical records and direct veterinarian and owner communications. Data were evaluated using logistic regression, 2‐sampled t tests, and chi‐squared analysis. Our study population consisted of 28 cases and 46 controls, including Flat‐Coated, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, English Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Australian Shepherds, Staffordshire Terriers and mixed breed dogs. Dogs with PAHS were more likely to have prior joint disease in the tumour‐affected joint compared with the control population (odds ratio [OR] = 13.42, P < .0001, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.33‐48.63). A total of 88.2% of dogs with stifle PAHS had prior joint disease in their tumour‐affected joint, most commonly cranial cruciate ligament rupture. This study confirms that the previously noted association between prior joint disease and PAHS in Bernese Mountain Dogs also applies to other breeds. Additional studies are needed to further investigate for a causal relationship.
Optimization of hydroxyl radical production using electro‐Fenton method for chemical oxygen demand reduction in diluted palm oil mill effluent
Authors: Lim Chwen Haur , Ang Jing Jing , Lau Seng , Tay Meng Guan
Published: August 2017

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a well‐known highly polluting wastewater due to its extremely high contents of organic matter, suspended solids and nutrients. In this study, we used electro‐Fenton method to treat POME by optimizing OH• generation from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under low voltage input (1.5–6.0 V). A set of electro‐Fenton system was set up using stainless steel as the anode and graphite as the cathode. Four parameters namely retention times, concentrations of H2O2 as well as FeSO4 catalyst and applied voltages were studied. The results were reflected in the form of removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD). The optimum conditions to degrade organic matter in POME were found to be in 4 h retention time with the respective H2O2 and FeSO4 catalyst concentrations of 0.05 and 0.10 M, and the power input of 1.5 V. Under such conditions, the maximum COD removal efficiency achieved 94%. The electro‐Fenton treatment was found to have higher efficiency than the conventional Fenton treatment. Without the electrolysis, the COD removal efficiency of the conventional Fenton treatment was only 48%.
Repeated phosphate removal from recirculating aquaculture system using cyanobacterium remediation and chitosan flocculation
Authors: Rojsitthisak Pranee , Burut‐Archanai Surachet , Pothipongsa Apiradee , Powtongsook Sorawit
Published: August 2017

Unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. was used for phosphate removal in a recirculating aquaculture system. The cell harvesting was performed using chitosan solution in this study. The parameters (i.e. cell density, pH of cell suspension and chitosan concentration) affecting the flocculation efficiency of chitosan were investigated. With the optimal condition, the repeated flocculation for phosphate removal in a photobioreactor was demonstrated. The results show that the flocculation efficiency of chitosan depends on cell density, pH of cell suspension and chitosan concentration. The optimal flocculation process could be accomplished by adjusting the pH to 7.2 before adding 20 mg/L chitosan followed by pH adjustment to 7.5. With single inoculation, the sequential process of phosphate removal using cyanobacterial uptake followed by cell flocculation using chitosan with the optimal condition in the photobioreactor was successfully achieved for 12 cycles with water from a recirculating fish tank.
A highly reproducible cervical cuff technique for rat‐to‐mouse heterotopic heart xenotransplantation
Authors: Li Yaguang , Xie Baiyi , Zhu Maoshu , Li Xianguo , Du Feifei , Li Yanping , Li Minghui , Yuan Qian , Hua Jianyu , Xue Mengjiao , Wang Zhenzhen , Xia Junjie , Qi Zhongquan
Published: August 2017

Xenotransplantation is an effective way to solve the problem of donor shortage in clinical transplantation. However, clinical use of xenotransplantation is currently limited due to immunological challenges such as acute vascular rejection and cell‐mediated rejection. To finally surpass this immunological barrier, more preclinical research is needed into the molecular mechanisms of rejection and the possible effects of new immunosuppressants. Our aim was to create a refined, highly reproducible protocol to establish the most suitable rat‐to‐mouse heterotopic heart transplantation model using the cuff technique.
A qualitative exploration of the unique challenges facing older men with haemophilia and the implications for social work practice
Authors: Elliott Sarah Eleanor , Deane Kelsey L , Staniforth Barbara
Published: August 2017

INTRODUCTION: For the first time, people who have haemophilia are facing the same aging issues as the general population, adding further complexity to their care and treatment. Worldwide, there has been little research on the psychosocial effects of growing older with haemophilia. This study investigated the holistic experiences of older men with haemophilia in Aotearoa New Zealand. Support services, particularly the roles that social workers could play in facilitating wellbeing, have also been explored. METHODS: A focus group was conducted with a purposive sample of five older men living with haemophilia in Aotearoa New Zealand. Thematic analysis through Braun and Clarke’s six-phased model (2006) was used to provide insight into their experiences. FINDINGS: Substantial physical and new medical challenges existed for the participants and these had flow-on effects for their psychosocial wellbeing. Existing services were well regarded but the anticipated complexity of multi-specialists and continuing care provoked anxiety. Connection with others with similar challenges was seen as an important social resource.  CONCLUSIONS: The complexities associated with an aging population of people with haemophilia has generated a need for a wide-range of services and supports. Social workers need to take new and different approaches to fill the roles of advocating for, educating and providing support to, older men with haemophilia.
Rising wealth and income inequality in Australia and New Zealand: A radical social work critique and response
Authors: Morley Christine , Ablett Phillip
Published: August 2017

INTRODUCTION: Wealth and income inequality is increasing in most societies, including Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, with detrimental social impacts. However, despite professional marginality, the renewal of radical social work critiques with their emphasis on structural issues highlight, the need for alternative practice responses.METHOD: We employed a critical and synthetic review of the literature to examine major trends in wealth and income inequality (both globally, and in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand) and the social work responses to increasing economic inequality.CONCLUSIONS: Resurgent wealth and income inequality has reached new crisis points in both countries but individualising analyses and programmes render most social work responses complicit with neoliberal governance. These responses do little to reduce inequality. Alternatives promoting economic equality can be found in radical social work approaches.IMPLICATIONS: At a minimum, effective radical responses to economic inequality must advocate critical social analyses in social work education and practice, including fostering practitioners' capacity for critical reflection, policy practice and political activism.
Primary health care social work in Aotearoa New Zealand: An exploratory investigation
Authors: Dobl Stefanie , Beddoe Liz , Huggard Peter
Published: August 2017

INTRODUCTION: The social work profession has a long-standing history of contributing to health care in Aotearoa New Zealand. Traditionally, hospitals have been the stronghold for the profession. However, both international and national evidence demonstrates that social workers have also been integrated in primary health care practices (PHCPs). Primary health care (PHC) provides care in the community and is recognised for its potential to achieve health equity across all population groups. This article reports on a small, qualitative research project which explored the perceptions of key stakeholders about social work integration into PHC and the experiences gained by social workers working within PHCPs regarding their contributions to the achievement of national aspirations for PHC.METHODS: Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews with 18 participants representing three groups (social workers, other PHC professionals and key informants) were undertaken in 2012. The interviews took place in various locations in Aotearoa New Zealand. A general inductive approach was used to identify key themes. FINDINGS: Three key themes were identified from the data: these are issues of context, namely social work professional factors, organisational factors in PHC and lastly, wider factors in the health care system. The integrated social workers enhanced the access of populations to coordinated care, increased engagement with communities, and strengthened the workforce, among other things. These unique contributions towards the PHC vision were well recognised by all groups, with participants calling for the establishment of integrated social work positions on a larger scale. CONCLUSION: The study evidences the successful integration of social workers into PHC practices in Aotearoa New Zealand. This viable model should be of special interest for key stakeholders regarding the design of local, holistic, PHC services which serve populations most affected by health and social inequalities. Importantly, “health for all”, as anticipated by the PHC vision needs long-term and real commitment especially by financial decision-makers.
Critical Language Awareness: A beckoning frontier in social work education?
Authors: Chihota Clement Mapfumo
Published: August 2017

INTRODUCTION: Effective social work practice is predicated on empowering, inclusive and culturally responsive communication, and yet, there appears to be very limited focus on language awareness, let alone critical language awareness, in contemporary social work education—both within and beyond the Australasia context. This gap is more worrying against a background where neoliberal and instrumental discourses (Habermas, 1969; O’Regan, 2001) have freely proliferated, and now threaten to colonise virtually all areas of private and public life (Chouliaraki & Fairclough, 1999). In response, this article advocates the inclusion of Critical Language Awareness (CLA) in contemporary social work education.APPROACH: This article initially maps the broad scope and historical emergence of CLA, before surveying its key political and theoretical influences.FINDINGS: The key outcome is that CLA—as delineated—clearly shares significant overlaps with social work co-values, particularly: justice, equality and a commitment to anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice (Dominelli, 2002; Payne, 1997). More importantly, CLA provides conceptual and analytical resources that promise to significantly sharpen students’ abilities to recognise, question and ultimately challenge, oppressive discourses (Fairclough, 2011; Manjarres, 2011; Wodak, 2006).CONCLUSION: It is recommended that CLA strands be woven into existing social work themes and topics. The final part of the article offers some practical suggestions on how this could be done.
Radical practice in a risk-averse environment: Learning from ATD Fourth World UK
Authors: Blumhardt Hannah , Fourth World UK ATD , Gupta Anna
Published: August 2017

INTRODUCTION: The escalation of coercive, risk-averse policy directives in Aotearoa New Zealand’s child and family social work sphere is undermining the profession’s potential to meet its social justice, human rights based aspirations. Social workers may need to look further afield for best practice models that facilitate emancipatory practice in neoliberal social policy environments. This article posits the radical practice of anti-poverty organisation ATD Fourth World in England (where child protection is characteristically risk-averse, individualised and coercive), as an alternative for work with families experiencing poverty and social exclusion.METHODS: We drew on the voices of ATD Fourth World activists cited in previous publications, alongside Activists(a-d) interviewed specifically for this article, and Activist(e) who contributed at a roundtable discussion on a previous project. Interviews focused on ATD Fourth World’s approach to working with families in poverty; three distinctive aspects emerged: the organisation’s philosophy on poverty, and its collaborative and relational family support model. We contrasted these three aspects with state child protection policies in Aotearoa New Zealand and England.FINDINGS: The often inflexible, top-down nature of state child protection policies, coupled with an atmosphere of policing, control and disregard for the impact of poverty, constrain social workers and families alike, eroding the crucial social worker/family relationship underpinning best practice. ATD Fourth World’s approach suggests that genuine strengths-based practice relies on nuanced understandings of poverty, a commitment to advance families’ wishes, and trusting relationships grounded in human dignity and commonality.CONCLUSION: The Aotearoa New Zealand reforms may amplify coercive, risk-averse tendencies in the state’s child protection system. Child and family social workers could consider adapting aspects of ATD Fourth World’s approach to resist or mitigate these coercive aspects and steer the reforms’ implementation in more emancipatory directions.
“What’s his is his and what’s mine is his”: Financial power and economic abuse in Aotearoa
Authors: Jury Ang , Thorburn Natalie , Weatherall Ruth
Published: August 2017

AIM: This study aimed to understand the experiences and effects of economic abuse for women in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly in relation to methods of coercive control, with the intention of developing risk matrices to be used by practitioners.METHODS: We conducted a survey with 448 respondents—with 398 the focus of analysis for this article. The survey contained a combination of scaling and open-ended questions.FINDINGS: Abusers employed a range of abusive methods to restrict victims’ freedom and exercise domination. These abusive behaviours seemed to follow traditional hegemonic construction of masculinity as synonymous with “provider” in that many of these methods relied on the reproduction of gendered stereotypes which subjugate women to a subordinate position in the household. Women experienced a range of adverse emotional impacts as a result of this abuse.
The renaissance will not be televised
Authors: Papadopoulos Angelika
Published: August 2017

INTRODUCTION: Brave new social landscapes painted in the watercolours of liquid modernity challenge the possibility of a renaissance of radical social work. The consequences of modernity’s liquefaction for the project of taking a political stance challenge radical social work conceived as a retrieval of solidarities and mobilised collectives of the past. APPROACH: Principles of radical analysis are used to explore theoretical and institutional factors affecting the contemporary articulation of a radical project, and to consider the implications of liquid modernity for such an articulation. CONCLUSIONS: Radical strategy can no longer take the form of “speaking truth to power”, for power no longer feels obliged to listen. Future radical social work can succeed through the creation of new strategic responses to reconstituted fields of practice, state–global interfaces, and the injustices they create. This entails a critical reappraisal of the language of radical practice, a reorientation to the dynamics of new social landscapes and a reframing of the radical position.
Competent solidarity: the alternative for professional social work
Authors: Russell Alastair
Published: August 2017

There is very little evidence of radical politics within social work and community development in Aotearoa/New Zealand where social workers here are caught in the constricting grasp of professionalism. Community development is strictly confined through funder capture and the “no politics” embargo of the Charities Commission. These realities sit comfortably within the oppressions perpetrated by neoliberalism. Professionalism is not compatible with a fight against the neoliberal status quo. The fight against poverty and its social consequences should be the focus of social work and community development. Within the professional paradigm, social workers have become increasingly irrelevant to the people they work with. An alternative paradigm is needed to make social work relevant. The paradigm shift advocated here is to replace professionalism with competent solidarity.This extended viewpoint article provides a definition of competent solidarity and considers the implications of competent solidarity in Aotearoa/New Zealand. It will then discuss the problems that emerge within professional social work and apolitical community development. Competent solidarity case studies from within Auckland Action Against Poverty are provided and opportunities for future action are discussed.
Australia’s welfare wars: The players, the politics and the ideologies
Authors: Mendes Philip
Published: August 2017

Book reviewed by Mike O’Brien
The Alternative
Authors: Nandy Lisa , Lucas Caroline , Bowers Chris
Published: August 2017

Book reviewed Hannah Blumhardt.
Expanding the conversation: International Indigenous social workers’ insights into the use of Indigenist knowledge and theory in practice
Authors: Fejo-King Christine , Mataira Peter
Published: August 2017

Book reviewed by Tracie Mafile’o.
Practising critical reflection to develop emancipatory change
Authors: Morley Christine
Published: August 2017

Book reviewed by Shelley Crawford.
Blinded by science: The social implications of epigenetics and neuroscience
Authors: Wastell David , White Susan
Published: August 2017

Book review by Liz Beddoe.
Editorial: Is there a renaissance of radical social work?
Authors: Heather Fraser , Beddoe Liz , Ballantyne Neil
Published: August 2017

Editorial for issue 29(2).
Arginine Exposure Decreases Acidogenesis in Long-Term Oral Biofilm Microcosms
Authors: Ledder Ruth G. , Mistry Hitesh , Sreenivasan Prem K. , Humphreys Gavin , McBain Andrew J.
Published: August 2017

Arginine is used in dental health formulations to help prevent dental cavities. This study assessed the effects of the long-term dosing of laboratory dental plaques with an arginine dentifrice. Data indicate that the addition of arginine dentifrice during sucrose challenge significantly increased plaque pH, thus potentially mitigating cariogenesis. Several functional groups of bacteria associated with tooth decay were significantly decreased in the laboratory plaques during exposure to the arginine dentifrice.