bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is an FEV1 of 80% predicted a normal spirometry in cystic fibrosis children and adults?
Authors: König Peter , Ner Zarah , Acton James D. , Ge Bin , Hewett John
Published: June 2018

Introduction

FEV1 is considered the gold standard spirometric measure for the assessment and management of cystic fibrosis lung disease. Recent evidence suggests that tests at lower lung volumes may be more sensitive.

Objectives

To assess how many other spirometric tests are abnormal in the presence of a normal FEV1 (≥80%) and which spirometric tests are most sensitive in detecting airway obstruction.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 3169 spirometry tests on 184 patients with cystic fibrosis aged 6‐57 years. Tests were acceptable if they met ATS criteria.

Results

Tests with normal FEV1, FEF75 showed obstruction in 58% of tests, FEF25‐75 in 31% and FEV1/FVC ratio in 72%. Overall 75% of tests had an abnormality. FEF75, FEF25‐75, FEF50 and FEV1/FVC ratio were all significantly more sensitive in identifying obstruction than FEV1. The FEV1/FVC ratio was the most sensitive of all tests in identifying obstruction except in adults (> 20 years), in whom FEF75 at 90%, was more sensitive than the ratio at 85%. FEF25‐75 was also at 85% sensitive. Even though the FEV1/FVC ratio was the most sensitive of all tests, in the presence of a normal ratio, 35% other tests were abnormal.

Conclusions

Normal FEV1, is not indicative of normal spirometry. FEV1/FVC is the most sensitive measure of early or mild airway obstruction in children with cystic fibrosis. If only the FEV1/FVC ratio was considered, many cases of obstruction would be missed, therefore all spirometric measures should be considered in the clinical evaluation of airway obstruction.
Disequilibrium in Development Finance: The Contested Politics of Institutional Accountability and Transparency at the World Bank Inspection Panel
Authors: Sovacool Benjamin K. , Naudé Fourie Andria , Tan‐Mullins May
Published: June 2018

This article examines the dynamic nature with which independent accountability mechanisms operate. Focusing on the World Bank, the authors argue that its Inspection Panel evolves according to internal and external pressures. In seeking to achieve equilibrium, and protect its authority and independence, the Panel has gone through several distinct phases: negotiation, emergence, protracted resistance, assertion of independence and authority, renewed tension, and contestation. The core novelty of the article is its application of concepts from outside the field of development studies — notably institutional accountability from the governance literature, and judicialization from the legal studies literature — to the topic of the Inspection Panel. Examining the Panel in this way demonstrates that accountability mechanisms represent a hybrid of transnational governance influenced by a range of actors including project‐affected peoples, national governments, managers and development donors. Accountability in development finance is about competing interests as well as competing conceptions and expectations of accountability. In such a complex and multi‐scalar system, the Panel is not only concerned with delivering well‐researched investigation reports; it is also an entity seeking to ensure its own survival, as well as an arbiter of its own brand of legitimacy and accountability.
Neural signatures of co‐occurring reading and mathematical difficulties
Authors: Skeide Michael A. , Evans Tanya M. , Mei Edward Z. , Abrams Daniel A. , Menon Vinod
Published: June 2018

Impaired abilities in multiple domains is common in children with learning difficulties. Co‐occurrence of low reading and mathematical abilities (LRLM) appears in almost every second child with learning difficulties. However, little is known regarding the neural bases of this combination. Leveraging a unique and tightly controlled sample including children with LRLM, isolated low reading ability (LR), and isolated low mathematical ability (LM), we uncover a distinct neural signature in children with co‐occurring low reading and mathematical abilities differentiable from LR and LM. Specifically, we show that LRLM is neuroanatomically distinct from both LR and LM based on reduced cortical folding of the right parahippocampal gyrus, a medial temporal lobe region implicated in visual associative learning. LRLM children were further distinguished from LR and LM by patterns of intrinsic functional connectivity between parahippocampal gyrus and brain circuitry underlying reading and numerical quantity processing. Our results critically inform cognitive and neural models of LRLM by implicating aberrations in both domain‐specific and domain‐general brain regions involved in reading and mathematics. More generally, our results provide the first evidence for distinct multimodal neural signatures associated with LRLM, and suggest that this population displays an independent phenotype of learning difficulty that cannot be explained simply as a combination of isolated low reading and mathematical abilities.
Prospective organization of neonatal arm movements: A motor foundation of embodied agency, disrupted in premature birth
Authors: Delafield‐Butt Jonathan T. , Freer Yvonne , Perkins Jon , Skulina David , Schögler Ben , Lee David N.
Published: June 2018

Prospective motor control moves the body into the future, from where one is to where one wants to be. It is a hallmark of intentionality. But its origin in development is uncertain. In this study, we tested whether or not the arm movements of newborn infants were prospectively controlled. We measured the spatiotemporal organization of 480 full‐term neonatal arm movements and 384 arm movements of prematurely born infants at‐risk for neurodevelopmental disorder. We found 75% of healthy term‐birth neonatal movements and 68% of prematurely born infant movements conformed to the τG‐coupling model of prospective sensorimotor control. Prospective coupling values were significantly reduced in the latter (p = .010, r = .087). In both cases prospectively controlled movements were tightly organized by fixed‐duration units with a base duration of 218 ms and additional temporal units of 145 ms. Yet distances remained constant. Thus, we demonstrate for the first time a precise prospective spatiotemporal organization of neonatal arm movements and demonstrate that at‐risk infants exhibit reduced sensorimotor control. Prospective motor control is a hallmark of primary sensorimotor intentionality and gives a strong embodied foundation to conscious motor agency.
Ultrahigh risk for developing psychosis and psychotic personality organization
Authors: van der Gaag Mark , Eurelings‐Bontekoe Liesbeth , Ising Helga , van den Berg David
Published: June 2018

Aims

Childhood adversities combined with unsafe parenting may disturb personality development. This study investigated whether psychotic personality organization as defined by Kernberg and assessed with de Dutch Short Form of the MMPI (DSFM) is more prevalent in ultrahigh risk (UHR) for psychosis compared with non‐psychotic psychiatric control patients (NPPC).

Methods

A total of 73 UHR and 119 NPPC patients were assessed with the DSFM and the Comprehensive Assessment of at Risk Mental States (CAARMS).

Results

The results showed that the psychotic personality organization (PPO) was not associated to UHR status. The UHR group showed more severe symptoms, particularly higher scores on DSFM subscales negativism (negative affect) and somatization (vague somatic complaints) and severe psychopathology (psychotic symptoms and dissociation).

Conclusion

The PPO profile is not associated to the risk of developing psychosis.
Contrasting patterns of molecular diversity and Wolbachia infection in bisexual and parthenogenetic Strophosoma weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Kotásková Nela , Kolasa Michał , Kajtoch Łukasz
Published: June 2018

It has been postulated that parthenogenesis in weevil species is of hybrid origin, but some have speculated that Wolbachia infection plays a role through the modification of host breeding systems. Here we focus on Strophosoma weevils, which are known to be pests in young forest stands. Using molecular data, we investigated the diversity of the two most common Strophosoma species in Europe: S. capitatum, which reproduces bisexually, and S. melanogrammum, which is parthenogenetic. Also researched were their associations with the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia. These species of weevil were found to be clearly distinguishable based on their mitochondrial DNA, with the bisexual taxa being more diverse. However, the nuclear DNA divergence of the two species was very low, and the parthenogenetic taxon was found to be heterozygous. Wolbachia infection was detected in all individuals of the S. melanogrammum populations and less than half of the S. capitatum populations. Moreover, multiple Wolbachia strains were found in both taxa (two in the former and three in the latter). The results of this research suggest that parthenogenesis in this genus is of hybrid origin and that Wolbachia could have played a role in speciation of these weevils.
Health care expenditures among elderly patients with epilepsy in the United States
Authors: Lekoubou Alain , Bishu Kinfe G. , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: June 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate health care expenditures among elderly patients with epilepsy in the United States.

Methods

We performed an analysis of weighted 37 738 607 US participants aged 65 years to estimate health care expenditures in the elderly with and without epilepsy using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component, with 2003‐2014 data. Unadjusted health care expenditures were estimated. Independent health care expenditures were estimated, using a 2‐part model.

Results

We identified 416 496 (1.1%) older individuals with epilepsy. Comorbidities were more prevalent among older individuals with epilepsy versus younger individuals. Mean unadjusted yearly medical cost of epilepsy in elderly patients with epilepsy was $18 712 (95% confidence interval [CI] = $15 947‐$21 476) during the pooled period 2003‐2014, which was nearly double the equivalent cost in elderly subjects without epilepsy at $10 168 (95% CI = $9925‐$10 410). Mean unadjusted annual medical cost of epilepsy in the elderly increased by $2135 from $15 850 (95% CI = $10 668‐$21 032) in 2003‐2006 to $17 985 (95% CI = $13 710‐$22 260) in 2011‐2014. Adjusted mean total health care expenditures per person per year for elderly patients with epilepsy were $12 526 in 2003‐2006, $13 423 in 2007‐2010, and $10 569 in 2011‐2014. Adjusted incremental health care costs associated with epilepsy in the elderly accrued by $4595 (95% CI = $2399‐$6791) when compared to elderly subjects without epilepsy. We estimated the mean annual aggregate cost of epilepsy at $7.8 billion to the US population.

Significance

Epilepsy is common among elderly individuals, and health care expenditures among this growing group are 2 times higher than in those without epilepsy.
PAX7 immunohistochemical evaluation of Ewing sarcoma and other small round cell tumours
Authors: Toki Shunichi , Wakai Susumu , Sekimizu Masaya , Mori Taisuke , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Kawai Akira , Yoshida Akihiko
Published: June 2018

Aims

Ewing sarcoma is a small round cell tumour that affects bone and soft tissues. Although the detection of the specific fusion gene is a robust method of its diagnosis, immunohistochemistry may serve as a practical surrogate. Recent tissue microarray studies suggested that PAX7 is a novel marker, because it was expressed consistently in Ewing sarcoma, in addition to rhabdomyosarcoma and synovial sarcoma. Here, we evaluated the utility of PAX7 immunohistochemistry in whole‐tissue sections of an expanded array of round cell malignancies with adequate molecular characterisation.

Methods and results

We stained 30 molecularly confirmed Ewing sarcomas, one EWSR1–NFATC2 sarcoma and 141 non‐Ewing round cell tumours by a monoclonal antibody against PAX7. Staining was considered positive if at least 5% of tumour cells were stained. PAX7 was expressed in 27 of 30 Ewing sarcomas (90%), mainly in a diffuse and strong manner. Although NKX2‐2 showed similar sensitivity, PAX7 showed more extensive and strong reactivity. One EWSR1–NFATC2 sarcoma co‐expressed PAX7 and NKX2‐2. PAX7 was also expressed in 24 of 141 non‐Ewing tumours, including alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas (seven of 10), poorly differentiated synovial sarcomas (seven of 10), BCOR–CCNB3 sarcomas (eight of 10), small‐cell osteosarcoma (one of five) and desmoplastic small round cell tumour (one of 10), one‐third of which showed diffuse strong reactivity.

Conclusions

Although we confirmed that PAX7 is a sensitive marker for Ewing sarcoma, anti‐PAX7 antibody also stained several Ewing sarcoma mimics, whose spectrum was distinct from NKX2‐2‐positive non‐Ewing entities. Further studies are required to determine how PAX7 could be integrated into practice to classify small round cell tumours efficiently.
Trade and jobs in Europe: The role of mode 5 service exports
Authors: RUEDA‐CANTUCHE José M. , CERNAT Lucian , SOUSA Nuno
Published: June 2018

Over the past two decades, EU employment supported by extra‐EU exports of goods and services has increased markedly, with a shift towards jobs supported by services exported as part of manufactured goods. The authors seek further insight into this trend through the full decomposition of trade flows using a multi‐regional input–output model and the World Input–Output Database for 40 countries and 35 industries over the period 1995–2011. Their findings call for reflection by policy‐makers regarding the four traditional modes of service supply under the General Agreement on Trade in Services with a view to adequately capturing this new reality in global trade.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of an interactive avatar‐based education application for improving heart failure patients’ knowledge and self‐care behaviours: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Wonggom Parichat , Du Huiyun , Clark Robyn A.
Published: June 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an avatar‐based education application for improving knowledge and self‐care behaviour in patients with heart failure (HF).

Background

Avatar‐based technologies for supporting education are an innovative approach for patients with low literacy, low health literacy and English as a second language. The use of avatar technologies for patient education has shown benefits in improving knowledge, self‐care behaviours and quality of life in chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and depression. Research has demonstrated positive outcomes in clinical practice. However, the effectiveness of this technology has not been evaluated among patients with HF.

Design

A multi‐centred, non‐blinded randomized, two‐armed parallel pragmatic, controlled trial.

Method

Eighty‐eight participants will be recruited from the HF clinics at three public hospitals and randomized into either control or intervention groups. The intervention group will receive the avatar‐based education plus usual care. The control group will receive usual care. The primary outcome is HF knowledge, secondary outcomes include; improved self‐care behaviours, readmission and satisfaction. Data will be collected at the baseline and at 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐ups.

Discussion

This study will measure the effectiveness of avatar‐based education on patients’ knowledge and self‐care behaviours following HF. The evidence will be evaluated in terms of the reduction in patients’ readmission.
Hydrogen gas inhalation protects against cutaneous ischaemia/reperfusion injury in a mouse model of pressure ulcer
Authors: Fang Wei , Wang Guizhen , Tang Luyan , Su Huilin , Chen Huyan , Liao Wanqing , Xu Jinhua
Published: June 2018

Pressure ulcer formation depends on various factors among which repetitive ischaemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury plays a vital role. Molecular hydrogen (H2) was reported to have protective effects on I/R injuries of various internal organs. In this study, we investigated the effects of H2 inhalation on pressure ulcer and the underlying mechanisms. H2 inhalation significantly reduced wound area, 8‐oxo‐dG level (oxidative DNA damage) and cell apoptosis rates in skin lesions. H2 remarkably decreased ROS accumulation and enhanced antioxidant enzymes activities by up‐regulating expression of Nrf2 and its downstream components in wound tissue and/or H2O2‐treated endothelia. Meanwhile, H2 inhibited the overexpression of MCP‐1, E‐selectin, P‐selectin and ICAM‐1 in oxidant‐induced endothelia and reduced inflammatory cells infiltration and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1, IL‐6 and IL‐8) production in the wound. Furthermore, H2 promoted the expression of pro‐healing factors (IL‐22, TGF‐β, VEGF and IGF1) and inhibited the production of MMP9 in wound tissue in parallel with acceleration of cutaneous collagen synthesis. Taken together, these data indicated that H2 inhalation suppressed the formation of pressure ulcer in a mouse model. Molecular hydrogen has potentials as a novel and alternative therapy for severe pressure ulcer. The therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogen might be related to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, pro‐healing actions.
Allergic contact reaction to antiseptics in very young children
Authors: Darrigade A.S. , Léauté‐Labrèze C. , Boralevi F. , Taïeb A. , Milpied B.
Published: June 2018

Background

Contact dermatitis from topical antiseptic use has been reported mostly in adults, but rare cases of chlorhexidine contact dermatitis have also been described in young children.

Objective

To evaluate contact allergic dermatitis to antiseptics in young children.

Methods

The children mostly referred for a misdiagnose (cellulitis) were patch tested with a selection of the European baseline series, an antiseptics series and the personal topical products used.

Results

Fourteen children (8 boys, 6 girls) received a diagnosis of contact dermatitis to antiseptics between May 2010 and December 2017. The mean age at diagnosis was 38 months (8 months to 8 years); three children only had a personal history of atopy. Chlorhexidine gluconate was positive in seven cases, and benzalkonium chloride in eight cases, and in four cases, both allergens were positive.

Conclusion

These small case series confirm that both chlorhexidine and benzalkonium chloride are implicated in contact dermatitis from antiseptic use in the paediatric population. We emphasize the initial misdiagnose of these patients, the very young age of the children and the allergenic potential of common antiseptics in non‐atopic children. We hypothesize that the systematic use of antiseptics for umbilical cord care could be responsible for the sensitization in newborns.
Evaluation of large clinically atypical vulvar pigmentation with RCM: atypical melanosis or early melanoma?
Authors: Theillac C. , Cinotti E. , Malvehy J. , Ronger Savle S. , Balme B. , Robinson P. , Perrot J.L. , Douchet C. , Biron Schneider A.C. , Alos L. , Garcia A. , Barreiro A. , Labeille B. , Duru G. , Dalle S. , Thomas L. , Debarbieux S.
Published: June 2018

Background

Vulvar melanosis can occasionally be clinically challenging by mimicking an early melanoma.

Objective

To report our experience of initial evaluation and follow‐up in this peculiar subset of vulvar melanosis using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 18 consecutive cases referred for atypical vulvar pigmentation or for which melanoma was considered and that underwent both RCM examination and histopathological assessment. In 13 cases with available dermoscopic pictures, RCM classification was compared to dermoscopic diagnosis, and in all cases, the density of melanocytes was evaluated on biopsies using MelanA immunostaining.

Results

Among the 18 atypical pigmented lesions, 17 vulvar melanosis and one melanoma were histologically determined. RCM concluded a benign vulvar melanosis in 10 of 17 cases, whereas dermoscopy did so in three of 12 cases. RCM identified the only early malignant lentiginous melanoma. In several cases of vulvar melanosis, RCM could identify foci of melanocytic hyperplasia in an otherwise benign pattern.

Conclusions

In this clinically and dermoscopically challenging subset of vulvar pigmentations, RCM appears relevant for initial extensive evaluation, especially to target initial biopsy sampling, and to perform non‐invasive monitoring of foci of melanocytic hyperplasia.
Physician–patient communication and patient‐reported outcomes in the actinic keratosis treatment adherence initiative (AK‐TRAIN): a multicenter, prospective, real‐life study of treatment satisfaction, quality of life and adherence to topical field‐directed therapy for the treatment of actinic keratosis in Italy
Authors: Neri L. , Peris K. , Longo C. , Calvieri S. , Frascione P. , Parodi A. , Eibenschuz L. , Bottoni U. , Pellacani G. ,   the Actinic Keratosis – TReatment Adherence INitiative (AK‐TRAIN) study group
Published: June 2018

Background

Patients with multiple actinic keratoses (AKs) should be treated with field‐directed therapy. Such treatments challenge patients’ adherence due to out‐of‐pocket costs, length of treatment and severity of local skin reactions (LSRs). Effective physician–patient communication (PPC) may buffer therapy‐related distress, thus improving quality of life, treatment satisfaction and adherence.

Objectives

We evaluated the interplay between PPC, LSR intensity (safety) and lesion clearance rates (effectiveness) on treatment satisfaction, quality of life and treatment adherence among patients with multiple AKs receiving topical field‐directed therapies.

Methods

In this observational, multicentre, longitudinal, cohort study, we included 1136 adult patients with discrete, clinically detectable, visible, multiple (three or more lesions in a 25 cm2 area), Grade I/II AKs, for whom the attending dermatologist has prescribed treatment with a topical field‐directed therapy. We matched self‐reported data and medical information recorded by dermatologists in standard clinical forms. Patients were followed up at two time points (T1: 8 days; T2: 25–30 days)

Results

Most patients were elderly, married, men with poor socio‐economic status and multiple lesions of the scalp or face. The majority (n = 961) had a prescription of ingenol mebutate (IMB) and 175 received either diclofenac 3% in hyaluronic acid (DHA) or imiquimod 5% (IMQ). Clearance rate at 1 month was 84%. Most patients felt very supported (n = 819, 73%) and rated dermatologist's explanations very clear (n = 608, 54%). Treatment satisfaction (effectiveness and convenience scales) increased along the follow‐up, especially for those on IMB (Δpre‐post = −4.00; other: Δpre‐post = −0.25; interaction P < 0.001). Communication clarity was associated with higher treatment satisfaction scores (β = 0.4–0.6, P < 0.01) and lower risk of non‐adherence among IMB patients (risk difference: 16%, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Communication clarity was associated with patient‐reported outcomes and adherence beyond AK‐related clinical parameters. Our study questions the current episodic approach to AK management and provides the rationale to develop chronic care models fostering patients’ engagement and treatment alliance.
Optical properties of contemporary monolithic CAD‐CAM restorative materials at different thicknesses
Authors: Gunal Burcu , Ulusoy M. Mutahhar
Published: June 2018

Objective

This study evaluated the optical properties of contemporary monolithic CAD‐CAM materials with different chemical compositions.

Materials and methods

Totally, 210 rectangular‐shaped, A2 shade specimens (12 × 14 mm) were fabricated from VITA Suprinity T, VITA Enamic T, VITA Mark II, GC Cerasmart LT, Lava Ultimate LT, IPS e.max CAD LT and Prettau Anterior blocks and polished to thicknesses of 0.5 ± 0.01 and 1.0 ± 0.01 mm (n = 15 each material). A dental spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade Compact) was used to calculate the translucency parameter (TP) and opalescence parameter (OP) values of all tested materials. Statistical analysis was performed using one‐way analysis of variance, multiple comparison Tukey's test and independent samples t‐test (P = .05).

Results

In the 0.5‐mm thickness group, GC Cerasmart and Prettau Anterior had the highest and lowest translucency values, respectively. VITA Suprinity had the highest OP value, whereas VITA Mark II and Prettau Anterior had the lowest OP values. In the 1.0‐mm thickness group, GC Cerasmart and Lava Ultimate had the highest translucency, whereas Prettau Anterior had the lowest translucency. VITA Suprinity and Prettau Anterior had the highest and lowest OP values, respectively.

Conclusions

The optical properties of monolithic restorative materials were influenced by the type and thickness of the material used.

Clinical Significance

According to the results of this study, monolithic materials with different chemical compositions have revealed different optical properties. To obtain esthetic restorations and provide shade matching with natural dentition especially for anterior teeth, monolithic materials should be carefully chosen.
The levee effect revisited: Processes and policies enabling development in Yuba County, California
Authors: Hutton N.S. , Tobin G.A. , Montz B.E.
Published: June 2018

Prolonged, heavy rain in Northern California led to the evacuation of over 180,000 residents on February 12, 2017 after the capacity of the Oroville Dam, which spills into the Feather River, came into question. This paper examines the development of the floodplain along the Yuba and Feather rivers and identifies changes in risk distribution resulting from increased urbanisation. The levee system in this area was extended, and additional embankments were erected between 2004 and 2011. Olivehurst has particularly experienced high population growth and increased housing values despite a history of flooding, partly due to failed mitigation structures. Increased development stemming from a false sense of security associated with mitigation projects, termed the levee effect, has been well documented. Analyses of census data, land cover change, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zone designations, and county development plans indicate that several factors other than available land have precipitated expansion: (a) population pressure, (b) recertification of the levees that now confine the official floodplain, and (c) the fact that flood insurance is no longer a requirement for homeowners. Development trends from 1980 to 2015 put communities built in anticipation of the upgraded levee system that are completely reliant upon it for flood protection at risk.
Effects of a warm hand bath on the blood flow in the shoulder, skin and deep body temperature, autonomic nervous activity, and subjective comfort in healthy women: An experimental cross‐over trial
Authors: Kudo Yukiko , Sasaki Makiko , Kikuchi Yukiko , Sugiyama Reiko , Hasebe Makiko , Ishii Noriko
Published: June 2018

Aim

The present study was conducted in order to clarify the effects of a warm hand bath at 40°C for 10 min on the blood flow in the shoulder, skin and deep body temperature, autonomic nervous activity, and subjective comfort in healthy women.

Methods

The study's participants were 40 healthy adult women who were randomly assigned to either a structured hand bath first and no hand bath second (Group A) or to no hand bath first and a hand bath second (Group B). The blood flow in the shoulder, skin and deep body temperature, autonomic nervous activity, and subjective comfort then were recorded in all the participants.

Results

A repeated‐measures ANOVA revealed no significant difference in the blood flow in the right shoulder or deep body temperature between groups. The skin temperature of the hands, forearms, and arms was significantly increased, but not of the face and upper back. The skin temperature of the forearms was maintained at 0.5°C–1°C higher for 30 min in the hand bath group, compared with the no hand bath group. The hand bath group had a significantly higher heart rate while bathing and a significantly lower parasympathetic nerve activity level during bathing. No significant difference was seen in the sympathetic activity level between groups. The hand bath group had a significantly higher subjective comfort level.

Conclusion

Hand baths can improve the level of subjective comfort and increase the heart rate and might affect autonomic nervous activity. The skin temperature of the forearms was maintained for 30 min in the hand bath group.
Dual functional bioactive‐peptide,AIMP1‐derived peptide (AdP), for anti‐aging
Authors: Kim Jina , Kang Sujin , Kwon HanJin , Moon HoSang , Park Min Chul
Published: June 2018

Background

Human skin aging is caused by several factors, such asUVirradiation, stress, hormone, and pollution. Wrinkle formation and skin pigmentation are representative features of skin aging. AlthoughEGFand arbutin are used as anti‐wrinkle and skin whitening agents, respectively, they have adverse effects on skin. When more cosmeceutical ingredients are added to cosmetic product, adverse effects are also accumulated. For these reasons, multifunctional and safe cosmetic ingredients are in demand. The aim of the present study is to investigate the novel anti‐aging agents,AIMP1‐derived peptide (AdP,INCIname: sh‐oligopeptide‐5/sh‐oligopeptideSP) for cosmetic products.

Methods

To assess the anti‐wrinkle effect of AdP, collagen type I synthesis and fibroblast proliferation were determined on human fibroblasts. The anti‐wrinkle effect of AdP was examined byELISAand cell titer glo assay. To assess the whitening, melanin content and tyrosinase activity were determined on melanocytes. The whitening effect of AdP was examined by melanin measurement and enzyme activity assay. The safety of AdP was determined by cytotoxicity and immunogenicity,CCK‐8 andTNF‐αELISAassay, respectively.

Results

AdP treatment induced the collagen type I synthesis and fibroblast proliferation. Also, AdP treatment inhibited melanin synthesis by regulating tyrosinase activity. The anti‐aging effect of AdP is more potent thanEGFand albutin. AdP did not show adverse effects.

Conclusion

These results show that AdP can be dual functional and safe cosmeceutical agent to prevent skin aging.
The art of balance: Preceptors’ experiences of caring for deteriorating patients
Authors: Della Ratta Carol
Published: June 2018

Aim

To explore nurse preceptors’ experiences of caring for deteriorating patients while providing guidance and supervision to a new graduate nurse.

Background

Fostering novice nurse development during high‐stakes encounters may be challenging for preceptors. Despite myriad preceptor literature, there is limited published research on experience of caring for deteriorating patients while serving as preceptor to a novice nurse.

Design

Qualitative interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Method

Data were collected through one‐on‐one, semistructured interviews between August 2016–September 2017 until data saturation occurred. Diekelmann's method was used to analyse the narratives of the purposive sample of 11 nurse preceptors.

Results

The findings reveal the experience of preceptors as they balanced their role as nurse with preceptor role to ensure patient safety and novice nurse development. Supporting the novice to care portrays the ways preceptors facilitated novice nurse development in caring for deteriorating patients. Impacting the preceptor role was remembering their own novice experience. Knowing when to step in was influenced by the preceptor's clinical expertise as they came to know (or not) when it was necessary for them to assume care of the patient. Debriefing: an essential preceptor tool emerged as a critical aspect of the experience to review technical aspects of care, vent emotions and provide evaluative feedback and reassurance to the novice.

Conclusion

Preceptors’ experiences of caring for deteriorating patients while precepting novice nurses require a balancing of roles to ensure patient safety and novice nurse development. Preceptors’ clinical expertise was critical in knowing when to step in and assume care of the patient.

Relevance to clinical practice

Caring for deteriorating patients while serving as preceptor to novice nurses requires clinical expertise to ensure patient safety and novice nurse development. Clinical leaders may use the findings from this study to improve preceptor development and support.
Political Representation and Governance: Evidence from the Investment Decisions of Public Pension Funds
Authors: ANDONOV ALEKSANDAR , HOCHBERG YAEL V. , RAUH JOSHUA D.
Published: June 2018

Representation on pension fund boards by state officials—often determined by statute decades past—is negatively related to the performance of private equity investments made by the pension fund, despite state officials’ relatively strong financial education and experience. Their underperformance appears to be partly driven by poor investment decisions consistent with political expediency, and is also positively related to political contributions from the finance industry. Boards dominated by elected rank‐and‐file plan participants also underperform, but to a smaller extent and due to these trustees’ lesser financial experience.
Clinicopathological analysis of oral plasmablastic lymphoma: A systematic review
Authors: Rodrigues‐Fernandes Carla Isabelly , de Souza Lucas Lacerda , Santos‐Costa Sara Ferreira dos , Silva André Myller Barbosa , Pontes Hélder Antônio Rebelo , Lopes Márcio Ajudarte , de Almeida Oslei Paes , Brennan Peter A. , Fonseca Felipe Paiva
Published: June 2018

Background

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a high‐grade lymphoma that often affects the oral cavity of HIV‐positive patients; however, its prognostic determinants remain unknown.

Purpose

To integrate the available data on oral PBL to determine its clinicopathological features and to identify potential prognostic factors.

Methods

An electronic systematic review was performed using multiple databases with a specific search strategy in February 2018. Inclusion criteria comprised cases diagnosed as PBL affecting the oral cavity and gnathic bones with sufficient data to confirm the diagnoses.

Results

A total of 70 publications were included, representing 153 cases. Oral PBL predominantly affected HIV‐positive males (76.4%). EBV was observed in 63.4% of the cases. The gingiva was the most involved site and the lesion usually presented as an asymptomatic swelling. Most cases were classified as stage I (21.6%), and chemotherapy alone was applied in 28.8% of the cases. There was a significant association between HIV and EBV infections, and cases affecting HIV‐negative patients were more common in older individuals. Cumulative survival of the patients achieved 42.4% and 33.5% after 2 and 5 years, respectively. Although there were no statistically significant clinicopathological parameters in the univariate analysis, the multivariate Cox regression model demonstrated that EBV‐positive status, presence of B‐symptoms, and chemotherapy alone were independent prognostic determinants of a poor prognosis.

Conclusion

Oral PBL is an aggressive neoplasm with low survival rates, which is influenced by the presence of EBV, presence of B‐symptoms, and with the use of chemotherapy only.
Amenities, affordability, and housing vouchers
Authors: Bieri David S. , Dawkins Casey J.
Published: June 2018

Against the background of an emerging rental affordability crisis, we examine how the standard rule that households should not spend more than 30% of their income on housing expenditures leads to inefficiencies in the context of federal low‐income housing policy. We quantify how the current practice of locally indexing individual rent subsidies in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program regardless of quality‐of‐life conditions implicitly incentivizes recipients to live in high‐amenity areas. We also assess a novel scenario for housing policy reform that adjusts subsidies by the amenity expenditures of low‐income households, permitting national HCV program coverage to increase.
Flagella and Pili of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines are associated with motility, biofilm formation and virulence on soybean
Authors: Athinuwat Dusit , Brooks Siraprapa , Burr Thomas J. , Prathuangwong Sutruedee
Published: June 2018

Targeted mutations in flgK, and pilD genes in strain KU‐P‐SW005 of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines, the cause of pustule disease on soybean, led to altered motility phenotypes. The flgK mutants lacked a monopolar flagellum and lost swimming motility, whereas the pilD mutant lacked type IV pili and was unable to move via twitching, a form of surface motility not previously reported for this pathogen. The flgK and pilD mutants were also altered in biofilm production. The flgK and pilD mutants caused reduced disease in susceptible soybean cultivars Spencer when compared to KU‐P‐SW005. Cell counts of the flgK and pilD mutants on plants remained equivalent to KU‐P‐SW005 10 days after inoculation. Complementation of flgK and pilD mutants restored all phenotypes to wild‐type levels. Therefore, flgK and pilD genes that are required for swimming and twitching motility also affected biofilm formation and virulence on soybean.
Influence of vitamin E on organic matter fermentation, ruminal protein and fatty acid metabolism, protozoa concentrations and transfer of fatty acids
Authors: Schäfers Stephanie , Meyer Ulrich , von Soosten Dirk , Krey Britta , Hüther Liane , Tröscher Arnulf , Pelletier Wolf , Kienberger Hermine , Rychlik Michael , Dänicke Sven
Published: June 2018

Vitamin E (Vit. E) is discussed to influence ruminal biohydrogenation. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of a Vit. E supplementation on rumen fermentation characteristics, ruminal microbial protein synthesis as well as ruminal organic matter fermentation. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the influence of Vit. E supplementation on short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and protozoa concentrations in the rumen and, in addition, on transfer rates of middle‐chain and long‐chain fatty acids into the duodenum in lactating dairy cows. Eight rumen and duodenum fistulated German Holstein cows were assigned to either a group receiving 2,327 IU/d Vit. E (138.6 IU/kg DM DL‐α‐tocopherylacetate; n = 4) or a control group (23.1 IU/kg DM; n = 4). Neither ruminal protein synthesis nor organic matter fermentation was influenced by treatment. Vit. E did not act on the concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids and protozoa in rumen fluid. Duodenal flow of C13:0 (1.3 versus 0.2 g/d, p = 0.014) and iso‐C14:0 (1.0 versus 0.5 g/d, p = 0.050) was higher in the Vit. E group. We observed a trend for higher duodenal flows for C12:0 (1.6 versus 0.9 g/d, p = 0.095) and anteiso‐C15:0 (12.2 versus 8.9 g/d, p = 0.084). Transfer rate of C12:0 tended to be higher in the Vit. E group (125.61 versus 73.96, p = 0.082). No other transfer rates were affected by treatment. Further studies are necessary to investigate the influence of Vit. E on rumen microbiota and their fatty acid production as well as on the impact of different doses of Vit. E supplementation on variables of protein synthesis efficiency.
A Proactive Environmental Strategy: Analyzing the Effect of SCM Experience, Age, and Female Representation in TMTs
Authors: Kumar Anupam , Paraskevas John‐Patrick
Published: June 2018

As the importance of maintaining a proactive environmental agenda gains significance, an understanding of the impact of the characteristics of the top management team (TMT) on environmental strategy is of critical importance. Given the impact of environmental initiatives on the supply chain, experience in this area can benefit decision‐making in TMTs for a proactive environmental or green strategy. Drawing on upper echelon theory (UET), the theory of generativity, and prior work leveraging the knowledge‐based view (KBV), we analyze the impact of supply chain management (SCM) experience in TMTs for a proactive environmental strategy. To further contextualize the characteristics of the TMT in the SCM context, we include age and female representation in our analysis as important factors in setting the green agenda of a firm. The theory is tested with an original panel dataset of 2,703 firm‐year records. Measure of a proactive environmental strategy is drawn from Kinder, Lydenberg, and Domini (KLD) database, while TMT characteristics are derived from executive profiles recorded in Bloomberg. Our findings support the positive impact of executives with SCM experience in TMTs, aging TMTs, and TMTs with higher female representation on a proactive environmental agenda. Furthermore, the results reveal that the desire for a proactive environmental agenda in aging and in TMTs with increasing female representation can benefit from the additional presence of SCM experience. In sum, this study highlights the significance of female representation and age, and makes a strong case for the importance of SCM experience in TMTs for a proactive environmental strategy.
Longer Fixation Times During Reading Are Correlated With Decreased Connectivity in Cognitive‐Control Brain Regions During Rest in Children
Authors: Horowitz‐Kraus Tzipi , DiCesare Christopher , Kiefer Adam W.
Published: June 2018

Dyslexia, or reading difficulty (RD), is characterized by slow, inaccurate reading and accompanied by deficit in executive functions (EF) and altered functional connectivity (FC) in the related networks (i.e., cingulo‐opercular). Individuals with RD also present with altered oculomotor gaze patterns that include longer fixation times. The researchers examined the relationship between fixation times and FC of neural circuits related to EF during rest in children with RD and typical readers. Nineteen children participated in a 10‐min resting‐state scan. FC analysis was performed with the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), related to cognitive control, chosen as a seed. Fixation time during word reading was used as a covariate of interest. Results demonstrated that FC between the ACC and the left inferior frontal cortex pars triangularis and left inferior prefrontal cortex during rest were negatively correlated with fixation times during word reading. These exploratory results support the critical role for the cingulo‐opercular network, which is related to cognitive control, in the reading process, and likely also in reading impairment.
From “Sad People on Bridges” to “Kidnap and Extortion”: Understanding the Nature and Situational Characteristics of Hostage and Crisis Negotiator Deployments
Authors: Grubb Amy Rose , Brown Sarah J. , Hall Peter , Bowen Erica
Published: June 2018

Hostage and crisis negotiation is well established as a police tool, and there is a growing body of literature that provides academic insight into the phenomenon. Academics have developed a corpus of literature to explain the way negotiators operate or how they can resolve incidents successfully. Whilst research in this area has originated from various countries and addressed negotiation from a variety of perspectives, there is limited research that has focused specifically on negotiation from an Anglo‐centric perspective. This article presents the findings from a detailed academic examination of negotiator experiences in England, whereby semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 negotiators from nine forces. Analysis using grounded theory revealed 12 deployment categories, situated within a recurring context involving subjects experiencing personal, emotional, or psychological crisis. These categories can be used to enhance our understanding of negotiator deployment in England and are discussed with reference to the implications for negotiator training and practice.
Genetic variants in microRNA biogenesis genes as novel indicators for secondary growth in Populus
Authors: Chen Beibei , Chen Jinhui , Du Qingzhang , Zhou Daling , Wang Longxin , Xie Jianbo , Li Ying , Zhang Deqiang
Published: June 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as key regulators of complex traits, but how genetic alterations in miRNA biogenesis genes (miRBGs) affect quantitative variation has not been elucidated.

We conducted transcript analyses and association genetics to investigate how miRBGs, miRNA genes (MIRNAs) and their respective targets contribute to secondary growth in a natural population of 435 Populus tomentosa individuals.

This analysis identified 29 843 common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; frequency > 0.10) within 682 genes (80 miRBGs, 152 MIRNAs, and 457 miRNA targets). Single‐SNP association analysis found SNPs in 234 candidate genes exhibited significant additive/dominant effects on phenotypes. Among these, specific candidates that associated with the same traits produced 791 miRBG–MIRNA–target combinations, suggesting possible genetic miRBG–MIRNA and MIRNA–target interactions, providing an important clue for the regulatory mechanisms of miRBGs. Multi‐SNP association found 4672 epistatic pairs involving 578 genes that showed significant associations with traits and identified 106 miRBG–MIRNA–target combinations. Two multi‐hierarchical networks were constructed based on correlations of miRBG–miRNA and miRNA–target expression to further probe the mechanisms of trait diversity underlying changes in miRBGs.

Our study opens avenues for the investigation of miRNA function in perennial plants and underscored miRBGs as potentially modulating quantitative variation in traits.
Dual function of a secreted fungalysin metalloprotease in Ustilago maydis
Authors: Ökmen Bilal , Kemmerich Bastian , Hilbig Daniel , Wemhöner Raphael , Aschenbroich Jörn , Perrar Andreas , Huesgen Pitter F. , Schipper Kerstin , Doehlemann Gunther
Published: June 2018

Fungalysins from several phytopathogenic fungi have been shown to be involved in cleavage of plant chitinases. While fungal chitinases are responsible for cell wall remodeling during growth and morphogenesis, plant chitinases are important components of immunity. This study describes a dual function of the Ustilago maydis fungalysin UmFly1 in modulation of both plant and fungal chitinases.

Genetic, biochemical and microscopic experiments were performed to elucidate the in vitro and in planta functions of U. maydis UmFly1.

U. maydis ∆umfly1 mutants show significantly reduced virulence, which coincides with reduced cleavage of the maize chitinase ZmChiA within its chitin‐binding domain. Moreover, deletion of umfly1 affected the cell separation of haploid U. maydis sporidia. This phenotype is associated with posttranslational activation of the endogenous chitinase UmCts1. Genetic complementation of the ∆umfly1 mutant with a homologous gene from closely related, but nonpathogenic, yeast fully rescued the cell separation defect in vitro, but it could not recover the ∆umfly1 defect in virulence and cleavage of the maize chitinase.

We report on the dual function of the secreted fungalysin UmFly1. We hypothesize that co‐evolution of U. maydis with its host plant extended the endogenous function of UmFly1 towards the modulation of plant chitinase activity to promote infection.
The role of ICTs in the servitisation and degradation of IT professional work
Authors: Trusson Clive , Hislop Donald , Doherty Neil F.
Published: June 2018

Recently IT work has been subjected to management approaches that apply production methods to service work. Specialised information and communication technologies (ICTs) used by IT professionals have played an important role in this ‘service turn’, but this has not been adequately explored in the literature. Via a qualitative study of IT professionals situated across the servitised IT functions of five UK‐based organisations, this article considers how these ICTs are inscribed with managerial logics that afford control benefits to managers while undermining professional autonomy and job quality. The article makes two main contributions to the literature. Firstly, it sheds light on how ICTs introduced into organisational IT functions support managerial control objectives and impact the job quality of IT professionals. Secondly, it suggests that ICTs may infect the logic of professionalism that takes pride in the quality of the work performance with a dominant managerial logic that places an emphasis on meeting management objectives.