bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A proposed maturity assessment framework of the Greek local government Web Electronic Services
Authors: Panayiotou Nikolaos , Stavrou Vasileios
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to construct an assessment framework to establish a maturity model for Web Electronic Services offered at a local government level and investigate the maturity of Greek municipalities in the E-Government field, trying to correlate how this is affected by demographic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

An original assessment framework regarding municipal Electronic Services was created based on the literature review. The assessment framework was included in a methodological approach supported by the PROMETHEE II method, as well as by selected statistical methods. The framework and the methodological approach were applied in the case of Greek municipalities.

Findings

The analysis revealed the low maturity level of Greek municipalities in Electronic Services sector. The Greek case study indicated that the proposed framework and methodological approach could provide useful insights to municipalities for the improvement of its E-Government Web services based on their strategic preferences.

Research limitations/implications

The assessment took place only in Greece, assessing all the country's municipalities and conducting research only in the municipalities’ websites. The proposed methodology suggests that the PROMETHEE II multi-criteria decision analysis method can support the assessment of the maturity level of local government entities. Moreover, the combination of the PROMETHEE II–empowered assessment framework with demographic statistical analysis can assist orthological decision-making concerning future investments in Web Electronic Services. The methodology could be a good option for future research efforts (assessments) in municipalities, in Greece and worldwide.

Practical implications

The framework is both easy to use and fairly complete. The fact that the assessment was conducted in all the Greek municipalities makes it much more reliable, as it provides the whole picture. The suggested methodology which includes the proposed framework could be used in the cases of municipalities in other countries to assist future actions concerning the investment in Web Electronic Services.

Originality/value

This study provided a medium-size framework, being both complete and easy to use during the evaluation process of all the municipalities in Greece. In addition, the statistical analysis received data from a decision-making tool to execute the clustering (Cluster analysis is usually performed based on the raw data).
Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) and Farmers’ Fertilizer Use in Rural Nigeria
Authors: Uduji Joseph I. , Okolo‐Obasi Elda N. , Asongu Simplice A.
Published: October 2019

Fertilizer use in Nigeria is estimated at 13 kg/ha, which is far below the 200 kg/ha recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). The objective of this investigation was to identify the determinant factors of farmers’ participation in Nigeria's Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS). In addition, we determined the impact of the GESS on fertilizer use in rural areas. A total of 1,200 rural farmers were sampled across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Results from the use of a recursive bivariate probit model indicated that GESS significantly impacted on the access and usage of fertilizer among the rural farmers; and that contact with extension agents, ownership of mobile phones, power for charging phone batteries, value output, mobile network coverage, ability to read and write were positive determinants of rural farmers’ participation in the GESS; whereas increased distance to registration and collection centers, and cultural constraints to married women reduced farmers’ tendency to participate in the GESS. The findings suggest that farmers’ participation in the GESS is a critical factor for raising fertilizer use in Nigeria. This implies that food security in sub‐Saharan Africa can be achieved by increasing the participation of rural farmers in the GESS.
Terrorism and its Determinants in the Sub‐Saharan Africa Region: Some New Insights
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Ibne Afzal Munshi Naser , Afridi Muhammad Asim , Naseem Imran , Bin Saeed Bilal
Published: October 2019

Terrorism is undesirable as it adversely affects the economic development of countries. This study explores the determinants of terrorism in 29 countries of sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). The data is extracted from reliable sources spanning over 2005 to 2016. Econometric techniques relevant for panel data that control for unobserved heterogeneity (fixed effects) and endogeneity (generalized method of moment) are employed to estimate the specified models. The results indicated that low growth in per capita incomes along with political instability are the main driving forces responsible for terrorism. Similarly, military expenditures are influencing terrorism positively whereas corruption has impacted terrorism negatively in the SSA region. Further, the growth of both physical as well as human capital reduces terrorism. The paper suggests that the region should take appropriate steps for increasing income of the population, education and capital stock, along with ensuring political stability to eradicate terrorism from the region.
Antimicrobial Coatings for Food Contact Surfaces: Legal Framework, Mechanical Properties, and Potential Applications
Authors: Torres Dominguez Eduardo , Nguyen Phong H. , Hunt Heather K. , Mustapha Azlin
Published: October 2019

Food contact surfaces (FCS) in food processing facilities may become contaminated with a number of unwanted microorganisms, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Staphylococcus aureus. To reduce contamination and the spread of disease, these surfaces may be treated with sanitizers or have active antimicrobial components adhered to them. Although significant efforts have been devoted to the development of coatings that improve the antimicrobial effectiveness of FCS, other important coating considerations, such as hardness, adhesion to a substrate, and migration of the antimicrobial substance into the food matrix, have largely been disregarded to the detriment of their translation into practical application. To address this gap, this review examines the mechanical properties of antimicrobial coatings (AMC) applied to FCS and their interplay with their antimicrobial properties within the framework of relevant regulatory constraints that would apply if these were used in real‐world applications. This review also explores the various assessment techniques for examining these properties, the effects of the deposition methods on coating properties, and the potential applications of such coatings for FCS. Overall, this review attempts to provide a holistic perspective. Evaluation of the current literature urges a compromise between antimicrobial effectiveness and mechanical stability in order to adhere to various regulatory frameworks as the next step toward improving the industrial feasibility of AMC for FCS applications.
Exceptionally rapid response to pembrolizumab in a SMARCA4‐deficient thoracic sarcoma overexpressing PD‐L1: A case report
Authors: Takada Kohichi , Sugita Shintaro , Murase Kazuyuki , Kikuchi Tomoki , Oomori Ginji , Ito Ryo , Hayasaka Naotaka , Miyanishi Koji , Iyama Satoshi , Ikeda Hiroshi , Kobune Masayoshi , Emori Makoto , Kato Junji , Hasegawa Tadashi
Published: October 2019

SMARCA4‐deficient thoracic sarcoma (SMARCA4‐DTS) is a new clinical entity characterized by SMARCA4 inactivation and has a dismal prognosis because of rapid growth. Effective treatments for SMARCA4‐DTS have not yet been developed. Most recently, anti‐programmed cell death 1 receptor (PD‐1) blockade has been effective for SMARCA4‐deficient lung cancer and malignant rhabdoid tumor‐like tumors. Here, we describe a patient with SMARCA4‐DTC who experienced a marked response to the administration of pembrolizumab. A 70‐year‐old female was referred to our department for treatment of SMARCA4‐DTC. Positron emission tomography‐computed tomography had revealed a left mediastinal tumor, peritoneal dissemination and multiple cutaneous metastases at diagnosis. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed 60% of tumor cells expressed programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1). The patient was given pembrolizumab as first‐line treatment. Pembrolizumab suppressed tumor growth dramatically, with only one dose leading to a partial response. Our case suggests the immunohistochemical analysis of PD‐L1 expression be undertaken for patients with SMARCA4‐DTS and that pembrolizumab treatment may be a promising strategy for PD‐L1‐positive SMARCA4‐DTS.
Phenological growth stages in mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) according to the extended BBCH scale
Authors: Awachare Chandrakant M. , Upreti Kaushal K.
Published: October 2019

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is an important fruit grown throughout South‐East Asia and is often considered as one of the best‐flavoured fruits in the world, owing to its juicy and delicate flesh and appealing taste and flavour. In spite of high nutraceutical and ethno botanical value, phenology is an often‐overlooked aspect of mangosteen ecology. In the present study, the codes and descriptions of the phenological stages of mangosteen as given in the extended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie scale (the BBCH scale) were elaborated using a three‐digit system of notation. A total of seven primary growth stages, namely bud development (Stage 1), leaf development (Stage 3), shoot development (Stage 5), reproductive development (Stage 6), flowering (Stage 7), fruit development (Stage 8) and fruit maturation (Stage 9), are described and illustrated. In addition, 36 secondary growth stages have also been defined and described. The duration of each principal and secondary growth stage was measured in days and quantified in thermal accumulation/growing degree‐days. The significance of the primary growth stages for orchard management and crop improvement, in monitoring plant growth and development (especially in the light of the impacts of climate change), and in assessing fruit yield and quality is explained. Moreover, the extended BBCH scale will be a useful tool for characterisation of germplasm as well as to standardise the phenophases observed under different environmental conditions.
A response surface analysis of critical values for the lead‐lag ratio with application to high frequency and non‐synchronous financial data
Authors: O'Neill Michael , Rajaguru Gulasekaran
Published: October 2019

Granger causality tests are being supplanted by new methods such as the Lead‐Lag Ratio, particularly in finance where data arrives at random times and systematic sampling often produces spurious results. Existing approaches are insufficient; outside of block‐sampling using a bootstrap, the lead‐lag ratio has generally been assessed against a benchmark of 1 without regard for statistical significance. We use simulations to generate a response surface for the Lead‐Lag Ratio. Our modelled critical values are applied to reassess the findings of three previous studies of lead/lag relations between financial return series with high frequency data. Our response surface method proves to be a convenient and efficient alternative to using a bootstrap.
Successful management of a case of true radicular dens invaginatus using platelet‐rich fibrin and guided tissue regeneration
Authors: Mohan Aparna , Krishnan Unni , Akber Mohammed , Nair Mali G. , Balan Anita
Published: October 2019

A radicular variant of dens invaginatus (DI) is a rare form of dens invaginatus which develops in the root of the tooth after the crown development is completed. This report involves successful management of a case with guided tissue regeneration and describes the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) characteristics of true radicularDI. A 20‐year‐old woman reported with recurrent swelling and pus discharge associated with her maxillary left central incisor (#21). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the region revealed #21 had an invagination in the mesial aspect of the coronal third of the root with a para radicular low‐density region perforating both the cortices. A diagnosis of true radicular variant ofDIwas made by exclusion. The case was managed with Biodentine®, platelet‐rich fibrin and freeze‐dried demineralised bone graft. A 2‐year review showed that the tooth was functional with normal periodontal parameters and normal response to electric pulp sensibility test.
E12 technique: Conventional epoxy resin sheet plastination
Authors: Latorre Rafael , de Jong Kees , Sora Mircea‐Constantin , López‐Albors Octavio , Baptista Carlos
Published: October 2019

Epoxy plastination techniques were developed to obtain thin transparent body slices with high anatomical detail. This is facilitated because the plastinated tissue is transparent and the topography of the anatomical structures well preserved. For this reason, thin epoxy slices are currently used for research purposes in both macroscopic and microscopic studies. The protocol for the conventional epoxy technique (E12) follows the main steps of plastination—specimen preparation, dehydration, impregnation and curing/casting. Preparation begins with selection of the specimen, followed by freezing and slicing. Either fresh or fixed (embalmed) tissue is suitable for epoxy plastination, while slice thickness is kept between 1.5 and 3 mm. Impregnation mixture is made of epoxy E12 resin plus E1 hardener (100 ppw; 28 ppw). This mixture is reactive and temperature sensitive, and for this reason, total impregnation time under vacuum at room laboratory temperature should not last for more than 20–24 hr. Casting of impregnated slices is done in either flat chambers or by the so‐called sandwich method in either fresh mixture or the one used for impregnation. Curing is completed at 40°C to allow a complete polymerization of the epoxy‐mixture. After curing, slices can be photographed, scanned or used for anatomical study under screen negatoscope, magnification glass or fluorescent microscope. Based on epoxy sheet plastination, many anatomical papers have recent observations of and/or clarification of anatomical concepts in different areas of medical expertice.
Current knowledge and practice of Australian and New Zealand health‐care professionals in sarcopenia diagnosis and treatment: Time to move forward!
Authors: Yeung Suey S. Y. , Reijnierse Esmee M. , Trappenburg Marijke C. , Meskers Carel G. M. , Maier Andrea B.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To describe the current knowledge and practice of sarcopenia diagnosis and treatment among health‐care professionals before, directly after and 6 months after a professional development event on sarcopenia.

Methods

This longitudinal study included Australian and New Zealand health‐care professionals who completed questionnaires on knowledge, practice and barriers regarding sarcopenia before, directly after and 6 months after attending a professional development event on sarcopenia.

Results

A total of 250 professionals participated; 84 completed the 6‐month questionnaires. Before, directly after and at 6 months, respectively, 14.7%, 93.4% and 59.5% identified sarcopenia as a disease; 2.0%, 79.6% and 38.1% correctly answered the sex‐specific cut‐offs for low handgrip strength. Respectively, 12.0% and 14.3% reported to make sarcopenia diagnoses as part of their practice before and at 6 months.

Conclusions

Knowledge about sarcopenia is limited among health‐care professionals who attended a professional development event. Retention of knowledge remains a challenge to be addressed.
Anatomic resection and wide resection margin play an important role in hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma with peritumoural micrometastasis
Authors: Shi Changying , Zhao Qian , Liao Boyi , Dong Zhitao , Wang Can , Yang Jiamei , Shen Weifeng
Published: October 2019

Background

Anatomic hepatectomy and wide resection margin may improve surgical outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but not everyone gain survival benefit. It remains unclear what kind of patients would benefit from those surgical methods. We investigated the factors affecting survival of patients with HCC, with special attention paid to the surgical methods and pathological factors.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 231 patients with hepatitis B‐related HCC who underwent surgery from August 2011 to November 2013 in authors' institute. The survival analysis included the following variables: gender, age, viral load, alpha‐fetoprotein, des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin, tumour size, cirrhosis, blood transfusion, complications, resection method, resection margin, microvascular invasion (mVI), peritumoural satellite nodule, recurrence time and recurrent burden.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 59 months. A total of 196 patients (84.9%) recurred and 151 patients (65.4%) deceased due to the disease. Multivariate analysis showed that cirrhosis, mVI and periturmoral satellite nodules were independent risk factors affecting overall survival after operation. The comparison between anatomic resection and local resection, and wide resection margin and narrow resection margin showed no significant differences for recurrence‐free survival and overall survival, respectively (P = 0.089 and 0.068, 0.108 and 0.122). Stratified analysis revealed that anatomic resection and wide resection margin surgery improved survival when mVI or peritumoural satellite existed.

Conclusion

Anatomic resection and wide resection margin are effective methods to improve the surgical outcome of HCC with periturmoral micrometastasis, although tumour characteristics affect patients' survival more than surgical techniques.
Prostate‐specific membrane antigen for the surgical oncologist: interpreting expression beyond the prostate
Authors: Farag Matthew , Bolton Damien , Lawrentschuk Nathan
Published: October 2019

The use of prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radiotracer in positron emission tomography (PET) has been successfully incorporated into the clinical management of prostate cancer. However, PSMA tracer uptake is not limited to prostate cancer tissue. We reviewed studies exploring PSMA expression beyond the prostate gland using techniques of 68Ga‐PSMA PET imaging and immunohistochemistry. PSMA expression has been associated with a variety of solid tumours, and the vasculature associated with neoplastic disease, suggesting that this trans‐membrane glycoprotein may be involved in the neovascularisation process in malignancy. These studies demonstrate the need for more research into the potential utility for 68Ga‐PSMA PET imaging in patients with non‐prostatic cancers.
Cognitive functioning in a representative cohort of preschool children with febrile seizures
Authors: Billstedt Eva , Nilsson Gill , Leffler Lotta , Carlsson Lisa , Olsson Ingrid , Fernell Elisabeth , Gillberg Christopher
Published: October 2019

Aim

To analyse cognitive functioning in 4‐5‐year‐old children who had experienced febrile seizures (FS) and to assess the importance of complex, recurrent and early vs late onset FS.

Methods

The sample consisted of 73 children, screen positive for FS, drawn from the general child population of 4‐year‐old children attending their health check‐up at child healthcare centres in Gothenburg, Sweden. They were assessed as regards general cognitive ability, visual memory and attention and were contrasted with age norms and with results obtained in 20 children without FS from the same healthcare centres.

Results

Of the 73 children, two had a previously diagnosed intellectual disability (ID) (one mild, one moderate) and two further children tested within the study had results corresponding to mild ID. Children with early onset of FS (before age 12 months)—who often had recurrent FS—had lower full‐scale, verbal and processing speed IQ than those who had later onset of FS.

Conclusion

Children with early onset of FS and particularly those with recurrent FS may be at increased risk for poorer verbal and processing speed functioning and therefore at risk of developing cognitive, executive dysfunctions. They would probably benefit from neuropaediatric and neuropsychological follow‐up.
Human labour is associated with altered regulatory T cell function and maternal immune activation
Authors: Shah N M , Edey L F , Imami N , Johnson M R
Published: October 2019

During human pregnancy, regulatory T cell (Treg) function is enhanced and immune activation is repressed allowing the growth and development of the feto–placental unit. Here, we have investigated whether human labour is associated with a reversal of the pregnancy-induced changes in the maternal immune system. We tested the hypothesis that human labour is associated with a decline in Treg function, specifically their ability to modulate Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced immune responses. We studied the changes in cell number, activation status and functional behaviour of peripheral blood, myometrial (myoMC) and cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) with the onset of labour. We found that Treg function declines and that Treg cellular targets change with labour onset. The changes in Treg function were associated with increased activation of myoMC, assessed by their expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and CBMC inflammatory cells. The innate immune system showed increased activation, as shown by altered monocyte and neutrophil cell phenotypes, possibly to be ready to respond to microbial invasion after birth or to contribute to tissue remodelling. Our results highlight changes in the function of the adaptive and innate immune systems that may have important roles in the onset of human labour.
Serum immunoglobulin free light chain levels in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Authors: Gulli F , Napodano C , Marino M , Ciasca G , Pocino K , Basile V , Visentini M , Stefanile A , Todi L , De Spirito M , Rapaccini G L , Basile U
Published: October 2019

Several reports have highlighted the abnormal increments of serum immunoglobulin free light chains (FLCs) in the course of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD), but a comparative analysis among different conditions is still lacking. A strong association between elevated FLC and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related mixed cryoglobulinaemia (HCVMC) has been well established. Here, we aimed to analyse serum FLC levels in patients with four different SARD in comparison with HCVMC. Using a turbidimetric assay, free κ and λ chains were quantified in sera from 198 SARD patients (37 rheumatoid arthritis, RA; 47 systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE; 52 anti-phospholipid syndrome, APS; 62 primary Sjogren's syndrome, pSS), 62 HCVMC and 50 healthy blood donors (HD). All patient groups showed increased κ levels when compared to HD: 33·5 ± 2·6 mg/l in HCVMC, 26·7 ± 2·3 mg/l in RA, 29·7 ± 1·9 mg/l in SLE, 23·8 ± 1·1 mg/l in APS, 24·2 ± 1·1 mg/l in pSS; 10·1 ± 0·6 mg/l in HD. Free λ levels displayed a significant increase only for HCVMC (20·4 ± 1·4 mg/l) and SLE (18·4 ± 1·0 mg/l) compared to HD (13·6 ± 0·9 mg/l). The increase of κ compared to λ takes into account a κ /λ ratio of 1·6 for all groups. Our results substantially analyse and strengthen the association between FLC and SARD focusing the questions regarding their role in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of human diseases. Unfortunately, the biochemical differences distinguishing normal from pathological FLC have not been identified. Production of different isotypes is probably connected to still-unknown pathways.
Children learn words easier when they are interested in the category to which the word belongs
Authors: Ackermann Lena , Hepach Robert , Mani Nivedita
Published: October 2019

The overall pattern of vocabulary development is relatively similar across children learning different languages. However, there are considerable differences in the words known to individual children. Historically, this variability has been explained in terms of differences in the input. Here, we examine the alternate possibility that children's individual interest in specific natural categories shapes the words they are likely to learn – a child who is more interested in animals will learn a new animal name easier relative to a new vehicle name. Two‐year‐old German‐learning children (N = 39) were exposed to four novel word–object associations for objects from four different categories. Prior to the word learning task, we measured their interest in the categories that the objects belonged to. Our measure was pupillary change following exposure to familiar objects from these four categories, with increased pupillary change interpreted as increased interest in that category. Children showed more robust learning of word–object associations from categories they were more interested in relative to categories they were less interested in. We further found that interest in the novel objects themselves influenced learning, with distinct influences of both category interest and object interest on learning. These results suggest that children's interest in different natural categories shapes their word learning. This provides evidence for the strikingly intuitive possibility that a child who is more interested in animals will learn novel animal names easier than a child who is more interested in vehicles.
Twenty years after the launch of Bologna Process—What is the status of harmonisation of dental education?
Authors: Kirnbauer Barbara , Ali Kamran
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims

Higher education in the European Union states has undergone a major reform towards harmonisation following the “Bologna Declaration.” The aim of this paper is to evaluate the implementation of the Bologna Process in Dental Education following its 20th anniversary and identify commonalities and differences in the way dental programmes are delivered in the EU.

Methods

According to the aim of this study, an Internet search, based on the EU Manual published in 2015, was undertaken and included representative university/dental faculty websites from each EU member state. The search was focused on the type of the under‐ and postgraduate dental programmes (cycles), the awarded undergraduate degrees (bachelor, master, doctorate), duration of undergraduate study programmes, awarded ECTS credits and the necessity of mandatory postgraduate practical training. Results were collated, and descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken.

Results

The search identified 26 EU states out of a total of 28 as providers of dental education. Two of the 26 countries offer a bachelor's degrees (Bachelor of Dental Surgery); five countries offer a combined bachelor's and master's degree; and ten countries still award the doctor's degree for the undergraduate education. Finally, three countries award diploma for the graduating dentist.

Conclusions

Two decades after the launch, noticeable differences in the structure and duration of undergraduate dental programmes persist and these may be attributed to curricular structure and university regulations in individual EU countries.
Dental therapists in general dental practice. A literature review and case‐study analysis to determine what works, why, how and in what circumstances
Authors: Barnes Emma , Bullock Alison , Chestnutt Ivor G. , Cowpe Jonathan , Moons Kirstie , Warren Wendy
Published: October 2019

Introduction

In the United Kingdom, policy and guidance changes regarding the role of dental therapists (DTs) were implemented in recent years with a view to changing dental care to a more preventive‐focussed, teamwork approach. However, success in the adoption of this model of working has been varied.

Aims

Adopting a realist approach, our aim was, to examine the use of DTs in general dental practices in Wales, exploring what works, why, how and in what circumstances.

Materials and Methods

The research comprised two stages. (a) A structured literature search, dual‐coding papers for high‐level factors describing the conditions or context(s) under which the mechanisms operated to produce outcomes. From this, we derived theories about how skill‐mix operates in the general dental service. (b) Six case studies of general dental practices (three with a dental therapist/three without a dental therapist) employing a range of skill‐mix models incorporating semi‐structured interviews with all team members. We used the case studies/interviews to explore and refine the theories derived from the literature.

Results

Eighty‐four papers were coded. From this coding, we identified seven theories which reflected factors influencing general dental practices within three broad contexts: the dental practice as a business, as a healthcare provider and as a workplace. We tested these theories in interviews with 38 dental team members across the six care studies. As a result, we amended five of the theories.

Conclusion

Our analysis provides theory about outcomes that DTs may facilitate and the mechanisms that may assist the work of DTs within different contexts of general dental practice.
Maximising survival by shifting the daily timing of activity
Authors: van der Vinne Vincent , Tachinardi Patricia , Riede Sjaak J. , Akkerman Jildert , Scheepe Jamey , Daan Serge , Hut Roelof A.
Published: October 2019

Maximising survival requires animals to balance the competing demands of maintaining energy balance and avoiding predation. Here, quantitative modelling shows that optimising the daily timing of activity and rest based on the encountered environmental conditions enables small mammals to maximise survival. Our model shows that nocturnality is typically beneficial when predation risk is higher during the day than during the night, but this is reversed by the energetic benefit of diurnality when food becomes scarce. Empirical testing under semi‐natural conditions revealed that the daily timing of activity and rest in mice exposed to manipulations in energy availability and perceived predation risk is in line with the model’s predictions. Low food availability and decreased perceived daytime predation risk promote diurnal activity patterns. Overall, our results identify temporal niche switching in small mammals as a strategy to maximise survival in response to environmental changes in food availability and perceived predation risk.
Failed B cell survival factor trials support the importance of memory B cells in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Baker D. , Pryce G. , James L. K. , Schmierer K. , Giovannoni G.
Published: October 2019

Clinical trials are probably the most informative experiments to help an understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) biology. Recent successes with CD20‐depleting antibodies have focused attention towards B cell subsets as important mediators in MS. The trial of tabalumab (NTC00882999), which inhibits B cell activation factor (BAFF), is reported and reviewed and this trial is contrasted with the trial on the inhibition of a proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL) and BAFF using atacicept (NCT00642902). Both tabalumab and atacicept induce depletion of mature B cells and inhibit antibody formation, but they fail to deplete memory B cells and do not inhibit relapsing MS. Atacicept is reported to augment memory B cell responses and may precipitate relapse, suggesting the importance of APRIL. However, BAFF inhibition can enhance peripheral blood memory B cell responses, which was not associated with augmented relapse. Although other interpretations are possible, these data further support the hypothesis that memory B cells may be of central importance in relapsing MS, as they are the major CD20+ B cell subset expressing APRIL receptors. They also suggest that quantitative and/or qualitative differences in B cell responses or other factors, such as an immune‐regulatory effect associated with APRIL, may be important in determining whether MS reactivates following neutralization of peripheral B cell maturation and survival factors.
Safety and efficacy of taurine as an add‐on treatment for tics in youngsters
Authors: Ding L. , Yang Z. , Liu G. , Ran N. , Yi M. , Li H. , Zhao H. , Tang L. , Cheng H. , Zhao J. , Zhang Y. , Ji X. , Liu S.
Published: October 2019

Background and purpose

The pathophysiological model of tics generally describes disruption of γ‐aminobutyric acid transmission, and taurine is found to be an agonist of γ‐aminobutyric acid receptors. The study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of taurine as an add‐on treatment for tics.

Methods

Four hundred and four youngsters with tic disorders were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of either oral taurine or placebo. The Yale Global Tic Severity Scale was used to measure tic severity. The primary outcome measure was global severity scores reduced by more than 60% compared with baseline scores.

Results

Three hundred and eighty‐two patients were successfully treated. At week 4, no significant differences were found in the treatment effect and the total occurrence of adverse drug reactions between the taurine and placebo groups. At week 12, the proportion of significant improvement in tics was significantly higher in the taurine group than the placebo group (53.4% with taurine versus 34.5% without taurine; relative risk 1.546; P < 0.001), and no group differences were found in the total occurrence of adverse drug reactions.

Conclusions

Taurine is safe and effective for tics.
Intensification of dairy production can increase the GHG mitigation potential of the land use sector in East Africa
Authors: Brandt Patric , Yesuf Gabriel , Herold Martin , Rufino Mariana C.
Published: October 2019

Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) could face food shortages in the future because of its growing population. Agricultural expansion causes forest degradation in SSA through livestock grazing, reducing forest carbon (C) sinks and increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, intensification should produce more food while reducing pressure on forests. This study assessed the potential for the dairy sector in Kenya to contribute to low‐emissions development by exploring three feeding scenarios. The analyses used empirical spatially explicit data, and a simulation model to quantify milk production, agricultural emissions and forest C loss due to grazing. The scenarios explored improvements in forage quality (Fo), feed conservation (Fe) and concentrate supplementation (Co): FoCo fed high‐quality Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), FeCo supplemented maize silage and FoFeCo a combination of Napier, silage and concentrates. Land shortages and forest C loss due to grazing were quantified with land requirements and feed availability around forests. All scenarios increased milk yields by 44%–51%, FoCo reduced GHG emission intensity from 2.4 ± 0.1 to 1.6 ± 0.1 kg CO2eq per kg milk, FeCo reduced it to 2.2 ± 0.1, whereas FoFeCo increased it to 2.7 ± 0.2 kg CO2eq per kg milk because of land use change emissions. Closing the yield gap of maize by increasing N fertilizer use reduced emission intensities by 17% due to reduced emissions from conversion of grazing land. FoCo was the only scenario that mitigated agricultural and forest emissions by reducing emission intensity by 33% and overall emissions by 2.5% showing that intensification of dairy in a low‐income country can increase milk yields without increasing emissions. There are, however, risks of C leakage if agricultural and forest policies are not aligned leading to loss of forest to produce concentrates. This approach will aid the assessment of the climate‐smartness of livestock production practices at the national level in East Africa.
Global warming and artificial shorelines reshape seashore biogeography
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Jie , Choi Francis M. P. , Ding Ping , Li Xiao‐xu , Han Guo‐dong , Ding Meng‐wen , Guo Minquan , Huang Xiong‐wei , Duan Wei‐xiang , Cheng Zhi‐yuan , Chen Zhi‐yuan , Hawkins Stephen J. , Jiang Yuwu , Helmuth Brian , Dong Yun‐wei
Published: October 2019

Aim

Rapid anthropogenic warming coupled with changes in land use is altering the distributions of species, with consequences for ecosystem functioning and services. It is crucial to evaluate species range shifts based on understanding of the interaction of temperature with non‐climatic factors such as habitat availability and dispersal potential. Here, we aim to investigate roles of environmental temperature, habitat availability and population connectivity on the distributions of hard‐shore intertidal animals. We further examine potential roles of extensive artificial seawall construction in enabling poleward expansion of species in China, thus reshaping coastal biogeography.

Location

Chinese coast.

Time period

2013–2017.

Major taxa studied

Intertidal invertebrates.

Methods

We took an integrative approach encompassing distributional ecology, thermal physiology, molecular genetics, heat budget modelling and larval dispersal to elucidate how interacting multiple drivers, including temperature, habitat availability and larval dispersal, determine distributions of hard‐shore invertebrates, focusing on what sets their range edges at a boundary between biogeographic provinces.

Results

Our results untangle the complex interactions of global climate change with the impacts of regional scale coastal development. Temperature, larval transport and habitat availability are the major proximate factors controlling the range limits of coastal marine species. The artificial shorelines provide suitable habitats for hard‐shore species on the Yangtze River Delta, and minimum temperature in winter is an important factor setting the new northern range limit of these hard‐shore species along the Chinese coast.

Main conclusions

In the face of global warming and global sprawl of marine hard infrastructure, species distributions, community structures and biogeographic patterns are experiencing dramatic changes. The combined influence of multiple human stressors including climate change and artificial shorelines can be evaluated by using a multidisciplinary framework, including ecological distribution, physiological sensitivity of species to these stressors, and the role of dispersal in maintaining population connectivity.
The difficulty in evidencing family estrangement to attain statutory finance in UK Higher Education
Authors: Bland Becca , Blake Lucy
Published: October 2019

Acquiring statutory funding to study in Higher Education brings complex difficulties for UK students under the age of 25 who are estranged from their family, but have not been part of the care system. This paper explores the experiences of 564 estranged students and their experiences of providing evidence of family estrangement in order to access statutory student financial support. It finds that those who disclosed their family estrangement to a professional found it easier to access statutory student finance. However, the stigma around family estrangement was a barrier to disclosure as participants felt shame and humiliation when approaching a professional to support their application. These difficulties led to substantial delays in receiving statutory finance for estranged students which subsequently had an impact on their retention and equitable student experience at the beginning of the academic year. The paper concludes with key recommendations for improvements to the process of proving family estrangement. It will question the parental means‐testing system itself, outlining key disadvantages for students experiencing family disruption.
Impact of pharmacy medicine information service advice on clinician and patient outcomes: an overview
Authors: Rutter Jill , Rutter Paul
Published: October 2019

Background

Pharmacy‐led medicine information (MI) services are available in many countries to support clinicians and patients make decisions on use of medicines.

Objectives

To establish what impact, if any, pharmacy‐led MI services have on clinician and patient outcomes.

Methods

All published works indexed in Embase or PubMed, meeting this review's inclusion and exclusion criteria, that wholly or partially attempted to measure the effects of MI advice were retrieved and assessed.

Results

Twenty studies were reviewed. Five broad themes were identified describing study findings, three were specific to clinicians: their views on the effect MI answers had; actions they took; and influence on their decision making. A fourth theme centred on patient utilisation of advice, and the fifth on ‘process measures’ attempting to determine MI worth.

Discussion

Studies report on positive patient outcomes as a direct result of MI advice. Clinicians and patients acted upon the advice provided. Clinicians also reported using MI advice as a ‘safety net’, to check, reassure or confirm what to do. MI advice also demonstrated economic worth, although these studies are old.

Conclusion

MI Service advice appears to affect clinician and patient outcomes. However, study design limitations require findings be viewed cautiously.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation cystitis after pelvic radiotherapy: Systematic review of the recent literature
Authors: Villeirs Lauren , Tailly Thomas , Ost Piet , Waterloos Marjan , Decaestecker Karel , Fonteyne Valerie , Van Praet Charles , Lumen Nicolaas
Published: October 2019

The present study assessed the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in reducing symptoms of radiation cystitis, a specific type of iatrogenic injury to the bladder, by systematic review of recent literature. The MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched using combinations of the terms “radiation,” “cystitis” and “hyperbaric oxygen” to identify articles evaluating patients with radiation cystitis, treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Only recent (≤10 years) original studies were included. Data were extracted and pooled in order to calculate descriptive weighted averages. Articles were evaluated on their level of evidence. A total of 20 papers were obtained, resulting in a cohort of 815 patients who were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation cystitis. Overall and complete response rates varied from 64.8% to 100% and 20% to 100%, respectively. The weighted average overall and complete response rates were 87.3% and 65.3%, respectively. Adverse events were observed in 9.6% of the patients, but permanent side‐effects were rare. The most prominent limitations were high cost and low availability. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is effective in the treatment of radiation‐induced cystitis, with minimal adverse events, but low availability and high cost. At present, evidence is low; therefore, more prospective studies are required.
Pre‐term birth and asthma is associated with hypomineralized second primary molars in pre‐schoolers: A population‐based study
Authors: Lima Luciano Rodrigues Silva , Pereira Ananda Souza , de Moura Marcoeli Silva , Lima Cacilda Castelo Branco , Paiva Saul Martins , Moura Lúcia de Fátima Almeida de Deus , de Deus Moura de Lima Marina
Published: October 2019

Background

Hypomineralized second primary molar (HSPM) is a developmental enamel defect that represents a caries‐risk factor. There are few studies about HSPM epidemiology in representative populations.

Aim

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with HSPM in pre‐schoolers.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional population‐based study of 5‐year‐old pre‐schoolers from Teresina, Brazil. The sample was randomly selected and stratified by geographic region of the city, type of school (public and private), and sex of the pre‐schoolers (n = 811). Sociodemographic status and pre‐, peri‐, and post‐natal conditions were collected by structured questionnaires. Two calibrated examiners diagnosed HSPM using the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry for molar‐incisor hypomineralization. Severity, colour, location, and extent of lesions were also evaluated. Descriptive analysis of the data and a Poisson regression analysis were performed (P < .05).

Results

The prevalence of HSPM was 14.9. Demarcated opacities (75.6%) and white/cream colour were the most prevalent (71.4%). Pre‐term pre‐schoolers had 66% (PR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.07‐2.58), and those who reported asthma in the first year of life had 69% (PR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.01‐2.85) higher prevalence of HSPM.

Conclusions

Pre‐term birth and reported asthma in the first year of life were associated with HSPM. The prevalence of HSPM in pre‐schoolers aged 5 years old in Teresina was high.
On the corporate use of green bonds
Authors: Bagnoli Mark , Watts Susan G.
Published: October 2019

When do wholesalers issue green bonds to finance their socially responsible activities instead of charging a premium for the products they produce? We show that in less competitive retail markets when retailers can “skim” more of the premium that end consumers pay for socially responsible products, green bonds provide additional funds to help cover the cost of a wholesaler's socially responsible activities. Similar incentives arise if the wholesaler's input is a small component of the end consumers’ product, or if it is difficult for end consumers to identify the wholesaler's socially responsible activities.
Fluorescence‐aided selective removal of resin‐based composite restorative materials: An in vitro comparative study
Authors: Kiran Ramya , Chapman James , Tennant Marc , Forrest Alexander , Walsh Laurence J.
Published: October 2019

Aim

During removal of resin‐based composite (RBC) restorations, removal of adjacent sound tooth structure can easily occur. The aim of the study was to compare the fluorescence‐aided identification of restorations (FAIR) method with the conventional method (CM) using white light illumination for the selective removal of tooth‐colored RBC restorations.

Materials and Methods

Sixty extracted teeth were used to prepare 15 sets of models, each with four teeth. Cavities were prepared in each tooth and a digital three‐dimensional scan of each model was taken in STL format. The teeth were then restored with either Admira Fusion, GRADIA DIRECT X, or TPH Spectra LV (20 teeth for each). Five dentists removed the restorations from sets of 12 teeth (six each using FAIR, and six using CM). From a postoperative scan, changes in intercuspal cavity width were measured using the 3D tool CAD software.

Results

Using FAIR, changes in cavity width were not significant (P = .17), and there was no significant interoperator variance (P = .3). In contrast, when using CM, there was a significant increase in cavity width (P = .0025), and considerable interoperator variance (P = .03). FAIR allowed faster completion of the task of restoration removal (average time 100.23 seconds, vs 165.13 seconds from CM).

Conclusion

The FAIR method facilitates the selective removal of tooth‐colored RBC restorations, with reduced time and less inadvertent removal of sound tooth structure.

Clinical Significance

By enhancing the differentiation between the restorative material and adjacent tooth structure, the FAIR method facilitates removal of tooth‐colored restorations, while concurrently prevents unnecessary removal of healthy tooth structure. The same approach may have applications for removal of resin‐based materials such as resin cements under restorations, resin fissure sealants, and orthodontic brackets bonding resins.