bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Im Krankenhaus: Effizienz im Spital – Selbstverständlichkeit, Realität und Herausforderung
Authors: Kübler Werner F.
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Die neue Spitalfinanzierung mit SwissDRG-Fallpauschalen hat seit 2012 zu Preistransparenz und stabilen oder sinkenden Spitalpreisen bei steigendem Marktvolumen geführt. Die meisten Spitäler sind in dieser Zeit kosteneffizienter geworden. Verschlechterungen der Qualität und Sparen auf Kosten des Personals sind bislang in der Schweiz nicht nachgewiesen. Die Anstrengungen zur weiteren Effizienzsteigerung beinhalten Verbesserungsprogramme, die medizinische Qualitätsverbesserung, optimierte Patientenprozesse und Kosteneffizienz gleichzeitig adressieren. Eine bekannte Methodik dafür liefert Lean Hospital Management. Die Optimierung der hochkomplexen Spitalabläufe braucht harte Arbeit, Ausdauer und das Engagement der Führung und aller Berufsgruppen. Die Spitäler arbeiten sorgfältig und kontinuierlich. Erfolge stellen sich langsam aber nachhaltig ein. Zukünftige Fortschritte werden entscheidend durch die Digitalisierung der Medizin und der Gesundheitsversorgung ermöglicht. Prozesse und bessere Messsysteme für die medizinische Qualität und die Ergebnisse werden durch Digitalisierung und Vernetzung gestaltet. Um die Potenziale freizusetzen, müssen bestehende finanzielle und tarifliche Fehlanreize und Grenzen zwischen den Versorgungsstrukturen abgebaut werden. Innovative Entgeltsysteme müssen entwickelt werden, um vermehrt den Nutzen der Behandlungen abzugelten und die Akteure darauf auszurichten. Effizienz im Spital wird sich in den nächsten Jahren von einem ressourcenbezogenen Produktivitätsansatz beim einzelnen Leistungserbringer zu einem balancierten Ansatz im Sinne von Qualität und optimalen Behandlungsabläufen und weiter zu einer umfassenden Betrachtung von Patientennutzen und medizinischem Outcome über die ganze Behandlungskette wandeln.
Die Ausrichtung der Pflege auf neue Anforderungen
Authors: Hahn Sabine
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Im Berufsfeld der Pflege hat ein Wandel stattgefunden. Neben neuen Ausbildungsmöglichkeiten und den dadurch veränderten Kompetenzen sowie neuer Möglichkeiten der Arbeitsteilung beschäftigt der zunehmende Mangel an Pflegefachfrauen und Pflegefachmänner (Höhere Fachschule / Fachhochschule) sowie Fachfrauen und Fachmänner Gesundheit (Berufslehre) das Management von Spitälern, Alters- und Pflegeheimen sowie der spitalexterne Pflege. Hohe Anforderungen an die Pflegenden stellen zudem die zunehmend auf den ambulanten Bereich ausgerichtete Gesundheitsversorgung und das damit verbundene Schnittstellenmanagement, die anspruchsvolle interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit, eine selbstbewusstes Klientel, die rasant fortschreitende Technologisierung und Digitalisierung sowie die zunehmende Diversität und Alterung der Gesellschaft. Es ist daher notwendig, dass Pflegefachpersonen nicht nur über fundiertes und aktuelles Fachwissen verfügen sondern auch die Rollen und Verantwortungsbereiche passend zu den neuen Kompetenzen umgesetzt werden. Nur so scheint eine qualitativ gute Gesundheitsversorgung auch in Zukunft möglich. Die Gesundheitsbranche und insbesondere die Arbeitgeber sind gefordert sich mit der Attraktivität der Stellen sowie dem sinnvollen Einsatz der wertvollen Ressource Fachpersonen im Pflegebereich intensiv auseinanderzusetzen.
Innovatives Leistungsmanagement führt zu mehr Professionalität, Effizienz und Kundennutzen
Authors: Schäfer Olaf , Camenisch Denise A.
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung. Innovatives Leistungsmanagement im Bereich der Kranken-, Krankentaggeld- und Unfallversicherung braucht evidenzbasierte, systemunterstützte Instrumente im Abwicklungsprozess. Helsana investiert in Methoden und Modelle zur evidenzbasierten Früherkennung von gesundheitlichen Beeinträchtigungen mit dem Risiko zur Chronifizierung. Parallel dazu werden fortlaufend Lösungsmassnahmen erarbeitet. Ein Beispiel für eine solche Lösung ist die Reintegration-Toolbox (RE Toolbox), die Helsana gemeinsam mit dem Schweizerischen Versicherungsverband SVV und IT-Partnern entwickelt hat. Die Lösung gleicht einzelne Krankheitsbilder oder Unfälle mit einer jeweiligen Kohorte ab. Dabei wird bestimmt, ob sich die einzelne Person zu ihrer Vergleichsgruppe im Normbereich der Arbeitsunfähigkeit verhält oder ob es Auffälligkeiten gibt und Massnahmen eingeleitet werden müssen. Die Gesundheitskosten und die Arbeitsunfähigkeit je Krankheits- oder Unfalldiagnose sind statistisch erhoben und hinterlegt. Sie dienen der Grobeinschätzung eines Falles bzw. zur Früherkennung von chronischen Entwicklungen. Eine weitere Lösung ist das Befragungsinstrument «StayWell». Für die Stabilisierung eines Menschen nach einem schweren Unfall, bei langandauernder Krankheit oder in der (Re-) Integrationsphase braucht es für den Erfolg die aktive Einbindung aller involvierten Parteien. In Zusammenarbeit mit Branchenpartnern, vor allem Arbeitgebern, hat Helsana das standardisierte, wissenschaftlich fundierte und systemunterstützte Befragungsinstrument «StayWell» entwickelt. Dieses erhebt die Potenziale und Handlungsdefizite der jeweiligen Person im persönlichen Kontext und in ihrer Arbeitssituation. Der Arbeitgeber oder Case Manager erhebt mittels eines Fragebogens die Ist-Situation. Dadurch werden individuell geeigneten Koordinations- und Stabilisierungsmassnahmen schneller erkannt und effizienter umgesetzt. Das Instrument ermöglicht eine schnellere Stabilisierung und damit einen höheren Gesundheitsnutzen für die Betroffenen und deren Arbeitgeber, sowie Kosteneinsparungen für alle Beteiligten.
Abnormal Growth and Feeding Behavior Persist After Removal of Upper Airway Obstruction in Juvenile Rats
Authors: Assadi Mohammad H. , Shknevsky Elena , Segev Yael , Tarasiuk Ariel
Published: May 2017

Pediatric obstructive sleep-disordered breathing is associated with growth retardation, but also with obesity that has a tendency to persist following treatment. We investigated the effect of upper airways obstruction (AO) and of obstruction removal (OR) in juvenile rats on gut-derived ghrelin and related hypothalamic factors, feeding, and growth hormone (GH) homeostasis. Here, we show that after seven weeks of AO, animals gained less weight compared to controls, despite an increase in food intake due to elevated ghrelin and hypothalamic feeding factors. OR rats who had complete restoration of tracheal diameter, consumed more food due to increased ghrelin and exhibited growth retardation due to deregulation of GH homeostasis. This study is the first to show dysregulation of the hormonal axes controlling feeding behavior and growth that are not fully restored following OR. Thus, surgical treatment by itself may not be sufficient to prevent post-surgical increased food intake and growth retardation.
Role of electrochemically in-house synthesized and functionalized graphene nanofillers in the structural performance of epoxy matrix composites
Authors: Sahoo Sumanta Kumar , Ray Bankim Chandra , Mallik Archana
Published: May 2017

Electrochemical synthesis of functionalized graphene nanosheets and their use as nanofillers for mechanical enhancement of epoxy-based nanocomposites.
Tailoring lanthanide doping in perovskite CaTiO3 for luminescence applications
Authors: Yang Pei , Tai Bo , Wu Weikang , Zhang Jian-Min , Wang Feng , Guan Shan , Guo Wei , Lu Yunhao , Yang Shengyuan A.
Published: May 2017

Perovskite oxide materials have been attracting significant attention due to their rich physical and chemical properties. Lanthanide-doped perovskite CaTiO3 can be a promising material for biological luminescence applications.
A turn-off fluorescence sensor for insensitive munition using anthraquinone-appended oxacalix[4]arene and its computational studies
Authors: Mehta Viren , Athar Mohd. , Jha P. C. , Kongor Anita , Panchal Manthan , Jain V. K.
Published: May 2017

Herein, a fluorescent oxacalix[4]arene-based receptor, DAQTNOC(5,17-di(N-(9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-1-yl)acetamide) tetranitrooxacalix[4]arene), was described for the specific recognition of N-methyl-p-nitroaniline (MNA).
Influence of blended learning on outcomes of students attending a general chemistry course: summary of a five-year-long study
Authors: Bernard P. , Broś P. , Migdał-Mikuli A.
Published: May 2017

The development of the Internet, communication technologies and teaching methods creates new opportunities for the modernisation of academic classes. Many studies on the application of new educational models indicate that they are both more effective and preferred by students over classical approaches. Additionally, combining various education methods and didactic tools is a common approach, ensuring a high degree of flexibility in the courses and the ability to satisfy the expectations and needs of students with various inclinations, learning styles and intelligence types. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the effects of blended learning on the outcomes of biophysics students attending a general chemistry course. The blended learning model applied covered a combination of classically organised classes, flipped classes, and elements of distance learning supplemented with various multimedia resources. The study had a quantitative character and involved analysis of variance for comparison of student cohorts taking the course in classical and in modernised forms. The study was run for five consecutive years and covered 98 students. The obtained results indicated a statistically significant increase in the students' outcomes after the classes were modernised.
The influence of psychological empowerment on the enhancement of chemistry laboratory demonstrators' perceived teaching self-image and behaviours as graduate teaching assistants
Authors: Flaherty A. , O'Dwyer A. , Mannix-McNamara P. , Leahy J. J.
Published: May 2017

Graduate students who fulfill teaching roles in the undergraduate laboratory play an important role in establishing a positive learning environment. A host of various graduate teacher training programmes have been developed, implemented and evaluated accordingly in order to enhance their teaching capability. In addition research has also documented the varied or sometimes complex factors that influence graduate students' teaching capability. This present study set out to explore graduate students' sense of psychological empowerment as an influencing factor on their perceived teaching self-image and behaviours. The Teaching as a Chemistry Laboratory Graduate Teaching Assistant (TCL-GTA) programme was developed to enhance the sense of psychological empowerment experienced by seven chemistry graduate students at an Irish University as a means of enhancing their perceived teaching self-image and behaviours. The data collected throughout this study involved both qualitative and quantitative forms through conducting interviews and administering questionnaires. The findings of this research suggest that the level of psychological empowerment experienced by graduate students lends considerable and positive contributions to their perceived teaching self-image and behaviours which are influenced by a number of contextual, training and personal factors. This research should interest those involved in teaching chemistry in higher education as well as those interested in empowerment of either teachers or postgraduate students undertaking teaching duties.
Magnetic properties of diluted magnetic semiconductors Pb1–yFeyTe
Authors: Skipetrov E. P. , Solovev A. A. , Knotko A. V. , Slynko V. E.
Published: May 2017

The phase and elemental composition and magnetic properties (B ≤ 7.5 T, 2.0 K ≤ T ≤ 70 K) of Pb1–yFeyTe alloys were studied under varied impurity concentration along the Bridgman-grown single-crystal ingot. The distribution of iron impurity along the length of the ingot in the main phase and the composition of microscopic inclusions of the second phase were determined. It was established that the magnetization of the samples contains several contributions: the paramagnetic contribution of impurity ions, crystal lattice diamagnetism, as well as the contributions of free charge carriers, charge carriers in the impurity band, clusters of iron ions, and the oscillating contribution of the de Haas–van Alphen effect. These contributions were systematically separated. Using an approximation for the magnetic field and temperature dependences of the impurity-ion contribution by a sum of two terms based on the modified Brillouin functions, we determined the variation of the concentration of iron ions in two different charge states along the ingot. It was shown that the charge carrier concentrations obtained from the de Haas–van Alphen oscillations are in satisfactory agreement with the Hall concentrations, indicating a weak effect of the inclusions of the second phase and magnetic clusters on homogeneity and physical properties of the main phase in Pb1–yFeyTe alloys.
Antisymmetric contribution to the magnetoresistance of heterostructures in a parallel magnetic field
Authors: Bogolubskiy A. S. , Gudina S. V. , Neverov V. N. , Novokshonov S. G. , Yakunin M. V.
Published: May 2017

An anisotropy of the magnetoresistance with respect to the direction of the current is observed experimentally when the magnetic field lies in the plane of a two-dimensional system and is perpendicular to the direction of the current. This effect is related to the combined action of the Lorentz force, which causes a shift in the peak of the electron density from the center to different walls of a quantum well for opposite directions of the current, and to a difference in the contributions of scatterers from different sides of the quantum well to the resistance. It is shown that the difference between the resistances for different directions of the current is an effect with odd parity with respect to the direction of the magnetic field and that the magnitude of this effect increases as the current is raised. The behavior of the differences in the resistance for different directions of the current is observed as a function of the magnetic field strength and current. It is shown that the sign of this effect provides information on the ratio of the scattering intensities from the substrate side and the surface.
Improving forage nutritive value and botanical composition in a natural grassland using different grazing methods and herbage allowances
Authors: Jochims F. , Poli C. H. E. C. , Soares E. M. , Carvalho P. C. F.
Published: May 2017

The present study aimed to define the most appropriate management for a natural grassland during winter so as to improve its botanical composition and forage nutritive value during the subsequent spring. The experiment was conducted in an 8.4-ha Pampa biome natural-grassland area and divided into 12 0.7-ha paddocks for 196 days. During the first 84 days (winter), two grazing methods (GM), namely continuous (CS) and rotational grazing (RS), and two herbage allowances (HA), namely 12 and 18 kg DM/100 kg bodyweight, were imposed on the ewes in early pregnancy, which resulted in the following four treatments: C18, C12, R18 and R12. From Day 85 onward (final third of pregnancy), all paddocks were managed with C18 so as to avoid intake restrictions. The sward was characterised by herbage mass (HM), green leaf mass (GLM), stem mass, senescent material, legume mass, forage growth (FG), canopy height, canopy density and weeds mass (other than grass and not preferred species). The qualitative characteristics were shown as neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin, crude protein (CP) content and ingested crude protein. Although GLM was higher when RS was applied, HM did not differ between GM and HA when management factors were applied during winter. In spring, increased HM was observed in paddocks managed with 18% HA. Weeds mass presented GM × HA interaction, with the lowest participation in Treatment C12. The NDF and ADF levels differed between HA, in addition to being higher in 12% HA and during winter periods. In spring, the lowest NDF levels were found in paddocks under 12% HA and ADF changed only along the periods. The GM and HA applied during winter did not change the lignin content. The CP in winter differed only over the periods. Treatment C12 was applied in the winter and resulted in 8.1% more CP than did C18, R12 and R18 in the spring. There was a GM × HA × Period interaction in ingested CP, revealing that the treatments during winter influenced the quality of the ingested herbage during spring. Ewes in C12 ingested herbage with more CP than did the animals in the other treatments. Variations in grazing methods combined with HA during winter influenced the chemical and structural characteristics of the sward. High stocking rate with continuous stocking presented better chemical characteristics than did the other treatments and the use of high stocking rate in continuous grazing may have an important effect on spring pasture quality due to changes in sward structural characteristics.
High post-fire mortality of resprouting woody plants in Tasmanian Mediterranean-type vegetation
Authors: Nicholson Áine , Prior Lynda D. , Perry George L. W. , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: May 2017

Plant regeneration strategies are commonly dichotomised as ‘resprouter’ v. ‘non-resprouter’, but this fails to recognise that the extent and type of resprouting following fire disturbance vary within species. Here, we report a case of widespread mortality of resprouters following a fire that burnt 98% of an 80-km2 island in Bass Strait, Australia. A field survey, which assessed woody vegetation in 197 plots across the island, showed fire severity ranged from low to high, with crown defoliation occurring across 85% of the island. In total, 1826 of the 1831 woody stems in the burnt plots were top-killed. Only 7.5% resprouted, despite 89% of the stems belonging to species that have the capacity to resprout. Even in species with at least 5% resprouting, only 22% of top-killed stems resprouted. Resprouting rates were maximal (30%) at intermediate fire severity, and only 5 and 8% at the lowest and highest severity classes respectively. Our findings demonstrate the need to understand factors influencing resprouting, and to incorporate these when modelling vegetation recovery after wildfire.
Collaboration in Early Childhood Intervention Services in Gauteng
Authors: Kyarkanaye Thilendree , Dada Shakila , Samuels Alecia E.
Published: May 2017

A central tenant of early childhood intervention (ECI) is collaboration between professionals and the caregivers of children receiving these services. There are limited studies on caregiver perceptions of collaboration in ECI teams particularly in resource-limited countries. Sixty-four caregivers participated in this study by completing a questionnaire on their perceptions of collaboration in ECI services in South Africa. The questionnaire survey was administered in a group setting by a trained research assistant who was proficient in the Setswana language. The results revealed that caregivers have a good understanding of collaboration in ECI services. However, collaboration, in relation to family-centered practices, appeared to be undervalued by caregivers. These results are discussed and the limitations of the study as well as future recommendations are outlined.
Effects of Foot Orthoses Extrinsic Rearfoot and Forefoot Posts on Muscle Activity During Walking: A Case Study
Authors: Moisan Gabriel , Cantin Vincent
Published: May 2017

Introduction

In clinical practice, different types of rearfoot and forefoot extrinsic posts are regularly added to foot orthoses (FOs) to make the treatment more specific. However, to this day, their effects on muscle activity during walking are still unclear and few studies have quantified them. The purpose of this case study was to quantify the effects of FOs with different extrinsic rearfoot and forefoot posts on muscle activity during walking to generate hypotheses with the goal to develop a more complex experimental design for further studies.

Materials and Methods

A 26-year-old man with hyperpronated feet was recruited to walk on a 5-meter walkway with seven pairs of FOs with different extrinsic rearfoot and forefoot posts (no post, external oblique rearfoot post, internal oblique rearfoot post, straight rearfoot post, rearfoot and forefoot posts, rearfoot and forefoot posts at 2° varus, and rearfoot and forefoot posts at 5° varus). Mean activity of eight lower-limb muscles (gluteus medius, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, fibularis longus, and tibialis anterior) was analyzed during the three phases of the walking cycle (contact, midstance, and propulsion). Peak root mean square (RMS) amplitude was also measured.

Results

Significant differences were observed between the control and the experimental conditions for mean muscle activity and peak RMS amplitude during the gait cycle. Results were variable between conditions. However, in general, more muscle activity was observed when increasing the frontal plane inclination of the extrinsic rearfoot and forefoot posts.

Conclusions

The addition of extrinsic rearfoot and forefoot posts to the FOs can modulate muscle function during walking. However, to this day, not enough data are available to build a clinical guideline, and it is still unknown if they can have positive effects on musculoskeletal pathologies of the lower limb.
P40 Immunostain Does Not Outperform p63 as a Myoepithelial Cell Marker in the Daily Practice of Breast Pathology
Authors: Khazai Laila , Agosto-Arroyo Emmanuel , Rosa Marilin
Published: May 2017

P40 antibody has been shown to be a more specific squamous and basal cell marker compared with p63. As detection of myoepithelial cells (MECs) plays a critical role in breast pathology, and the fact that p40 targets an isoform of p63, this study was designed to compare these antibodies in a variety of lesions, especially those with an sclerotic stroma and carcinoma in situ. All studied lesions were selected from the daily cases of the 3 authors and stained with p63, p40, and calponin immunohistochemical stains. Thirty-four cases (and 19 internal controls) were included. Seventy percent constituted sclerotic lesions (12 cases) and ductal carcinoma in situ (12 cases). P40 and p63 stained all lesions and showed a similar patchy staining pattern in 50% of ductal carcinoma in situ and sclerotic lesions. Compared with internal controls, p40 and p63 demonstrated decreased staining intensity in up to 70% and 8% of all cases, respectively, with no cross-reactivity with mesenchymal cells and minor cross-reactivity with epithelial cells. In our study, p40 did not outperform p63 as a MEC marker. p40 showed a decreased intensity in a higher number of cases (P<0.0001). In our opinion, p63 continues to be the best nuclear marker for the detection of MECs in the daily practice of breast pathology.
Expression of Ki-67 and Estrogen Receptor Beta in Primary Cutaneous Melanoma as a Potential Indicator of Regional Lymph Node Positivity
Authors: Udovicic-Gagula Dalma , Ahmovic Amina , Bilalovic Nurija , Doric Mirsad
Published: May 2017

In the early stages of cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM), it is extremely difficult to predict adequately the risk from hematogenic and lymphatic metastasis. We investigate whether the immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67 and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in cells of MM could predict the status of regional lymph nodes. A total of 55 tissue samples of primary cutaneous melanomas with known status of regional lymph nodes were retrospectively evaluated for Ki-67 and ERβ expression by quantitative immunohistochemistry and then correlated with the status of regional lymph nodes and relevant clinicopathologic parameters. The ERβ-positive expression was detected in 38 of 55 tumors (69.09%). The Clark level showed a strong correlation with ERβ expression, as well as pT stage. All cases of MM showed Ki-67-positive expression and an elevated Ki-67 expression was strongly associated with increased Breslow thickness, Clark level, ulceration, lymphovascular invasion, number of mitosis, and pT stage. Logistic regression analysis showed that when ERβ levels increase by 1%, the risk of positive lymph nodes decreases by 7% (odds ratio=0.930; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.99; P=0.036), and, when the Ki-67 expression increases by 1%, the risk of lymph nodes’ positivity increases by 10% (odds ratio=1.108; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.19; P=0.009). Correlation between expression of Ki-67 and ERβ and the status of lymph nodes has better prognostic significance than the relationship between melanoma thickness and the status of lymph nodes. Our study showed a significant prognostic value of Ki-67 expression in predicting the behavior of MM and the potential prognostic significance of ERβ.
The Role of Molecular Techniques for the Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex in Paraffin-embedded Biopsies
Authors: Moure Zaira , Castellví Josep , Sánchez-Montalvá Adrián , Pumarola Tomás , Tórtola M. Teresa
Published: May 2017

Introduction:

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is increasingly frequent in developed countries. When it is not clinically suspected, samples are not collected for culture and the only material available is a tissue paraffin block.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate FluoroType MTB (FT-MTB) and GenoType MTBDRplus methods for the detection of Mycobaterium tuberculosis complex in paraffin-embedded biopsies comparing the results to tuberculosis diagnosis.

Methodology:

A total of 17 paraffin-embedded tissues from different locations revealing granulomas were referred to the Mycobacteriology Laboratory and FT-MTB and GenoType MTBDRplus methods were performed. EPTB diagnosis was reached based on histologically compatible lesions, response to treatment and absence of alternative diagnosis. This case definition was considered gold standard for the assessment of the 2 molecular techniques performance.

Results:

Of the 17 individuals included in the study, 10 were clinically classified as EPTB and in 7 cases tuberculosis was ruled out. Of the 10 patients classified as EPTB, 6 (60%) obtained both FT-MTB and MTBDRplus positive results. Sensitivity and specificity were 60% and 71.4%, and 60% and 85.7% for FT-MTB and MTBDRplus, respectively.

Conclusion:

Molecular techniques might be useful tools for detection of Mycobaterium tuberculosis complex in paraffin-embedded biopsies especially when there is no sample available for culture.
Breakdown of modularity in complex networks
Authors: Valverde Sergi
Published: May 2017

The presence of modular organisation is a common property of a wide range of complex systems, from cellular or brain networks to technological graphs. Modularity allows some degree of segregation between different parts of the network and has been suggested to be a prerequisite for the evolvability of biological systems. In technology, modularity defines a clear division of tasks and it is an explicit design target. However, many natural and artificial systems experience a breakdown in their modular pattern of connections, which has been associated to failures in hub nodes or the activation of global stress responses. In spite of its importance, no general theory of the breakdown of modularity and its implications has been advanced yet. Here we propose a new, simple model of network landscape where it is possible to exhaustively characterise the breakdown of modularity in a well-defined way. We found that evolution cannot reach maximally modular networks under the presence of functional and cost constraints, implying the breakdown of modularity is an adaptive feature.
Impact of barium enema on acute diverticulitis recurrence: A retrospective cohort study of 349 patients
Authors: Medina‐Fernández Francisco J , Rodríguez‐Ortiz Lidia , Garcilazo‐Arismendi Dimas J , Navarro‐Rodríguez Elena , Torres‐Tordera Eva M , Díaz‐López César A , Briceño Javier
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE

Acute diverticulitis (AD) is becoming a health concern with its increasing incidence. One of the accepted theories of the possible causes of diverticular perforation is the impaction of fecal residuals into some diverticula. We aimed to evaluate whether barium impaction had a negative effect by promoting diverticular inflammation or rupture and thereby AD recurrence.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study (January 2005–December 2015) was conducted at the Reina Sofia University Hospital of Cordoba, Spain with follow‐up for patients received barium enema or not after their first episode of AD. Factors related to disease recurrence and its severity were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 349 patients were included and subdivided into the barium enema group (n = 141) and control group (n = 208), respectively. In the studied cohort, 72 (20.6%) patients suffered recurrence of AD, which was almost twice as frequent in the barium enema group than in the control group (27.7% vs 15.9%, P = 0.008). Patients who had undergone barium enema were more likely to present a higher Hinchey grade at recurrence than that observed in the index presentation (30.8% vs 9.1%, P = 0.024). Age <50 years, female sex, absence of treatment with rifaximin and especially barium enema, showed a trend to a higher probability of AD recurrence over time. However, no statistically significant differences were found.

CONCLUSIONS

We failed to conclude that barium enema increased AD recurrence. Patients undergo barium enema are more likely to show a higher Hinchey grade at recurrence than that observed in their index presentation.
TNFSF9 exerts an inhibitory effect on hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shen Yu Ling , Gan Yu , Gao Hai Feng , Fan Ying Chao , Wang Qing , Yuan Hui , Song Yan Fang , Wang Jia Dong , Tu Hong
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE

Tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 9 (TNFSF9), also known as 4‐1BBL and CD137L, has been implicated in cancer immunotherapy due to its function as a T‐cell co‐stimulator. We aimed to investigate the role of TNFSF9 in the cancer pathogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

TNFSF9 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in 106 pairs of HCC and adjacent non‐tumorous tissues, and by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in HCC cell lines. The impact of TNFSF9 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells was determined using the 3‐(4,5‐diethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium, inner salt (MTS) and transwell assays in vitro. We also assessed the influence of TNFSF9 on the growth and metastasis of HCC tumors in an orthotopic mouse model of human HCC.

RESULTS

TNFSF9 expression was downregulated in approximately 70% of HCC tissues. A decreased expression of TNFSF9 was also consistently observed in all the four HCC cell lines. Either the overexpression of TNFSF9 or treatment with recombinant TNFSF9 protein could significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of Huh7 and SMMC‐7721 HCC cells in vitro. The inhibitory effect of TNFSF9 on HCC was further confirmed in vivo. Mice orthotopically transplanted with TNFSF9‐overexpressing Huh7 cells developed significantly smaller tumors with less intrahepatic metastasis and distant metastasis compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

TNFSF9 may be a tumor suppressor in HCC. Based on its immune stimulatory aspect and the tumor inhibition property, TNFSF9 may be a promising therapeutic target for HCC.
High serum total cholesterol is associated with suicide mortality in Japanese women
Authors: Svensson T. , Inoue M. , Sawada N. , Charvat H. , Mimura M. , Tsugane S. ,   the JPHC Study Group
Published: May 2017

Objective

To investigate the association between serum total cholesterol (TC) and suicide using a large general population cohort with long follow‐up times.

Method

Analyses included 16 341 men and 28 905 women aged 40–69 from the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study followed from 1990 to 2012. TC levels were defined per clinical guidelines: low (<4.66 mmol/l [180 mg/dl]), normal (4.66–5.70 mmol/l [180–220 mg/dl]), and high (≥5.70 mmol/l [220 mg/dl]). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals (CI) for suicide according to TC level. Mean follow‐up time was 19 years for men and 20 years for women.

Results

There were 185 suicides (men: 107; women: 78) during follow‐up. Compared to women with normal TC, women with high TC had a significantly increased risk of suicide (HR = 1.90, 95% CI, 1.13–3.19). Incremental increases (0.26 mmol/l [10 mg/dl]) of low‐density lipoprotein (HR = 1.11, 95% CI, 1.02–1.21) and non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HR = 1.09, 95% CI, 1.01–1.18) were also associated with increased risk of suicide in women.

There was no association between TC levels, or lipid fractions, and suicide in men.

Conclusion

High TC levels may be associated with an increased risk of suicide in women.
Fragment‐based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases
Authors: Mello Juliana da Fonseca Rezende e , Gomes Renan Augusto , Vital‐Fujii Drielli Gomes , Ferreira Glaucio Monteiro , Trossini Gustavo Henrique Goulart
Published: May 2017

Neglected diseases (NDs) affect large populations and almost whole continents, representing 12% of the global health burden. In contrast, the treatment available today is limited and sometimes ineffective. Under this scenery, the Fragment‐Based Drug Discovery emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to the traditional methods of drug development. This method allows achieving new lead compounds with smaller size of fragment libraries. Even with the wide Fragment‐Based Drug Discovery success resulting in new effective therapeutic agents against different diseases, until this moment few studies have been applied this approach for NDs area. In this article, we discuss the basic Fragment‐Based Drug Discovery process, brief successful ideas of general applications and show a landscape of its use in NDs, encouraging the implementation of this strategy as an interesting way to optimize the development of new drugs to NDs.
Funding Conservation Locally: Insights from Behavioral Experiments in Indonesia
Authors: Nelson Katherine M. , Schlüter Achim , Vance Colin
Published: May 2017

Proximate stressors such as destructive fishing are key drivers of coral reef degradation. Conservation strategies that marshal local action and are tailored to the preferences of the target group are thus needed to sustain coral resources. We experimentally analyze the behavior of marine resource users in a coastal village in Indonesia to gain insight into whether people prefer to donate time or money to environmental or other charitable causes. Each person is subject to one of four treatments: monetary donation, monetary donation match, volunteer time donation, and volunteer time donation match. Contrasting with the existing literature, we find that participants give significantly more when donating money compared to time. We also find that matching donations increases the percent of people giving but does not increase the amount donated. This research furthers our understanding of what motivates resource users in a developing country to contribute to the provision of public goods.
Neonatal hypoxia‐ischemia in rat increases doublecortin concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Brégère Catherine , Fisch Urs , Sailer Martin H. , Lieb Wolfgang S. , Chicha Laurie , Goepfert Fabienne , Kremer Thomas , Guzman Raphael
Published: May 2017

Doublecortin (DCX) is a microtubule‐associated protein widely used as an indicator of neurogenesis in immunohistochemical analyses of the postmortem adult brain. A recent study reported that DCX can be quantified in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from healthy rats between postnatal day 0 (P0) and P30. However, it is currently unclear whether the concentration of DCX in the CSF (CSF‐DCX) may represent a measure of endogenous neurogenesis. To address this question, this study examined the impact of a neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic (HI) brain injury, known to induce neurogenesis, on CSF‐DCX. HI was elicited at P7 in Sprague–Dawley rat neonates, and CSF was collected serially from the cisterna magna at P5 and P10, or at P10 and P15. A sandwich immunoassay was used to measure CSF‐DCX. Brains from P10 neonates were analyzed immunohistochemically for neurogenesis and cell death markers. Mean CSF‐DCX was significantly higher in HI‐ than in sham‐exposed animals, at both P10 and P15. In the HI group at P10, CSF‐DCX and stroke severity correlated positively. DCX immunoreactivity was increased in the ipsilateral neurogenic niches from the P10 HI brains in comparison with that of shams. The number of proliferative DCX‐positive cells was higher in the ipsilateral hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ) than in the HI contralateral or sham SGZ. Thus, neonatal HI brain injury disrupts the developmental time‐course of DCX levels in the CSF. Our data suggest that the increased concentration of DCX in the CSF after neonatal HI is the result of both cellular injury and increased neurogenesis.
Predictive models in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune epilepsy
Authors: Dubey Divyanshu , Singh Jaysingh , Britton Jeffrey W. , Pittock Sean J. , Flanagan Eoin P. , Lennon Vanda A. , Tillema Jan‐Mendelt , Wirrell Elaine , Shin Cheolsu , So Elson , Cascino Gregory D. , Wingerchuk Dean M. , Hoerth Matthew T. , Shih Jerry J. , Nickels Katherine C. , McKeon Andrew
Published: May 2017

Objective

To validate predictive models for neural antibody positivity and immunotherapy response in epilepsy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of epilepsy cases at Mayo Clinic (Rochester‐MN; Scottsdale‐AZ, and Jacksonville‐FL) in whom autoimmune encephalopathy/epilepsy/dementia autoantibody testing profiles were requested (06/30/2014‐06/30/2016). An Antibody Prevalence in Epilepsy (APE) score, based on clinical characteristics, was assigned to each patient. Among patients who received immunotherapy, a Response to Immunotherapy in Epilepsy (RITE) score was assigned. Favorable seizure outcome was defined as >50% reduction of seizure frequency at the first follow‐up.

Results

Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 1,736 patients were sent to the Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology Laboratory for neural autoantibody evaluation. Three hundred eighty‐seven of these patients met the diagnostic criteria for epilepsy. Central nervous system (CNS)–specific antibodies were detected in 44 patients. Certain clinical features such as new‐onset epilepsy, autonomic dysfunction, viral prodrome, faciobrachial dystonic seizures/oral dyskinesia, inflammatory CSF profile, and mesial temporal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities had a significant association with positive antibody results. A significantly higher proportion of antibody‐positive patients had an APE score ≥4 (97.7% vs. 21.6%, p < 0.01). Sensitivity and specificity of an APE score ≥4 to predict presence of specific neural auto‐antibody were 97.7% and 77.9%, respectively. In the subset of patients who received immunotherapy (77), autonomic dysfunction, faciobrachial dystonic seizures/oral dyskinesia, early initiation of immunotherapy, and presence of antibodies targeting plasma membrane proteins (cell‐surface antigens) were associated with favorable seizure outcome. Sensitivity and specificity of a RITE score ≥7 to predict favorable seizure outcome were 87.5% and 83.8%, respectively.

Significance

APE and RITE scores can aid diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication of autoimmune epilepsy.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Failure assessment of the first stage high‐pressure turbine blades in an aero‐engine turbine
Authors: Shi D. , Wang C. , Yang X. , Li S.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, microscopic analysis and fatigue experiment were conducted to detect the damage degree of turbine blades after a 600 h service and determine the reliable service time. First, several service blades were cut into slices on different cross sections and microscopically examined. It is found that the γ′ phase particles are slightly coarsened and the γ′ phase parameters change with temperature and stress distribution. Then, fatigue test was conducted on service blades simulating the real working condition. The test result shows that the blades after a 600 h service would serve for 3596 h more until failure during actual flight. The ultimate fracture is mainly caused by the interaction of fatigue, creep and oxidation. Besides, the γ′ phase parameters change obviously compared with service blade without fatigue test. It indicates that the γ′ phase parameters could be used to evaluate the microdamage of service blades, which has great significance for service reliability of the turbine machinery.
“Help Yourself!” What Can Toddlers' Helping Failures Tell Us About the Development of Prosocial Behavior?
Authors: Waugh Whitney E. , Brownell Celia A.
Published: May 2017

Prosocial behavior emerges in the second year of life, yet it is typical for children in this period not to share, comfort, or help. We compared toddlers (18, 30 months) who helped with those who did not help on two tasks (instrumental helping; empathic helping). More than half of children failed to help on one or both tasks. Nonhelpers engaged in more hypothesis testing on the instrumental helping task, but more security‐seeking, wariness, and playing on the empathic helping task. Across tasks, children who tended to engage in nonhelping behaviors associated with negative emotional arousal also tended to seek comfort from a parent. In contrast, children who tended to play instead of helping were less likely to exhibit negative emotional arousal or hypothesis testing, suggesting a focus on their own interests. Parents of 18‐month‐old nonhelpers on the instrumental task were less engaged in socializing prosocial behavior in their toddlers than were the parents of helpers. On the empathic helping task, 18‐month‐old nonhelpers had less mature self‐other understanding than did helpers. By examining how the predominant reasons for failing to help vary with age and task, we gain a fuller perspective on the factors involved in the early development of prosocial behavior.
Sociocultural transitions and developmental impacts in the digital economy of impact sourcing
Authors: Sandeep M.S. , Ravishankar M.N.
Published: May 2017

Impact sourcing (ImS) is the practice of bringing digitally enabled outsourcing jobs to underprivileged communities. While such jobs are attractive and improve life chances, situated ImS employees face the difficult task of transitioning from their traditional communities to the relatively modern ImS workplace. These transition experiences expose them to a variety of work‐life challenges and, at the same time, serve as occasions for development. This paper draws on an inductive qualitative study of an up and coming Indian ImS company and explores how ImS employees experience sociocultural transitions and realize developmental impacts. The findings suggest that compartmentalization and integration strategies help ImS employees manage boundaries arising from the contrasting cultural expectations of the community and the workplace. Impact sourcing employees respond to sociocultural transition challenges in the workplace through a series of cognitive adjustments, which involves the creation of fictive kinships, job crafting, and experimenting with provisional selves. Furthermore, the analysis shows how intense engagement with sociocultural transitions can lead to the development of crucial individual and collective capabilities. In closing, a model of capability development of ImS employees is outlined, and the implications for ImS companies are discussed.
Cross‐reactive saliva IgA antibodies to oxidized LDL and periodontal pathogens in humans
Authors: Akhi Ramin , Wang Chunguang , Kyrklund Mikael , Kummu Outi , Turunen Sini Pauliina , Hyvärinen Kati , Kullaa Arja , Salo Tuula , Pussinen Pirkko J. , Hörkkö Sohvi
Published: May 2017

Aim

Oxidized low‐density lipoproteins (oxLDL) are formed as a result of lipid peroxidation and are highly immunogenic and proatherogenic. In this study, saliva antibodies binding to oxLDL, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) were characterized and their cross‐reactivity was evaluated.

Materials and Methods

Resting and stimulated saliva samples were collected from 36 healthy adults (mean age 26 years). Saliva IgA, IgG and IgM autoantibody levels to copper oxidized LDL (CuOx‐LDL) and malondialdehyde acetaldehyde‐modified LDL (MAA‐LDL) were determined with chemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results

Saliva IgA and IgG antibodies binding to MAA‐LDL and CuOx‐LDL were detected in all samples and they were associated with the saliva levels of IgA and IgG to P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans. Competitive immunoassay showed that saliva antibodies to MAA‐LDL cross‐reacted specifically with P. gingivalis. The autoantibody levels to oxLDL in saliva were not associated with the autoantibody levels to oxLDL in plasma or with saliva apolipoprotein B 100 levels.

Conclusions

Saliva contains IgA and IgG binding to oxLDL, which showed cross‐reactive properties with the periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g). The data suggest that secretory IgA to P.g may participate in immune reactions involved in LDL oxidation through molecular mimicry.
A haplotype block downstream of plasminogen is associated with chronic and aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Munz Matthias , Chen Hong , Jockel‐Schneider Yvonne , Adam Knut , Hoffman Per , Berger Klaus , Kocher Thomas , Meyle Jörg , Eickholz Peter , Doerfer Christof , Laudes Matthias , Uitterlinden André , Lieb Wolfgang , Franke Andre , Schreiber Stefan , Offenbacher Steven , Divaris Kimon , Bruckmann Corinna , Loos Bruno G. , Jepsen Søeren , Dommisch Henrik , Schäefer Arne S.
Published: May 2017

Aim

The intronic variant rs4252120 in the plasminogen gene (PLG) is known to be associated with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and atherosclerosis. Here, we examined the chromosomal region spanning PLG for associations with both chronic periodontitis (CP) and AgP.

Materials and Methods

The association of PLG candidate rs4252120 was tested in a German case–control sample of 1,419 CP cases using the genotyping assay hCV11225947 and 4,562 controls, genotyped with HumanOmni BeadChips. The German and Dutch sample of AgP cases (N = 851) and controls (N = 6,836) were genotyped with HumanOmni BeadChips. The North American CP sample (N = 2,681 cases, 1,823 controls) was previously genotyped on the Genome‐Wide Human SNP Array 6.0. Genotypes were imputed (software Impute v2), and association tests were performed using an additive genetic model adjusting for sex and smoking.

Results

Rs4252120 was not associated with CP. However, a haplotype block downstream of PLG and not in linkage disequilibrium with rs4252120 (r2 = .08) was associated with both AgP (rs1247559; p = .002, odds ratio [OR] = 1.33) and CP (p = .02, OR = 1.15). That locus was also significantly associated with PLG expression in osteoblasts (p = 6.9 × 10−5).

Conclusions

Our findings support a role of genetic variants in PLG in the aetiology of periodontitis.