bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training staff to promote self‐management in people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Sandjojo Janice , Zedlitz Aglaia M. E. E. , Gebhardt Winifred A. , Hoekman Joop , Dusseldorp Elise , den Haan Jeanet A. , Evers Andrea W. M.
Published: February 2018

Background

People with intellectual disabilities have increasing difficulties managing their daily affairs. This study examined the effectiveness of a staff training, which teaches staff to promote self‐management in people with intellectual disabilities.

Method

Effectiveness was assessed with questionnaires addressing clients’ (n = 26) independence and self‐reliance, support needs and challenging behaviour, using a pre–posttest control group design. Additionally, focus groups were conducted with trained staff members 6 months after the training.

Results

In the long term, the intervention group showed a significant increase in independence and self‐reliance, in contrast to the comparison group. No effect was found on support needs and challenging behaviour. Trained staff members reported limited benefits of the training, but had noticed changes in their attitude and method of working afterwards.

Conclusions

Further self‐management research is required to investigate how independence and self‐reliance can be promoted more effectively in this population. Future trainings should carefully consider their content, format, and implementation.
Managers’ views of skilled support
Authors: Bradshaw Jill , Beadle‐Brown Julie , Richardson Lisa , Whelton Beckie , Leigh Jennifer
Published: February 2018

Background

Quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has been found to primarily depend on whether staff are providing facilitative and enabling support that helps to compensate for severity of disability. Managers have a key role in facilitating staff to provide such support.

Method

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 35 managers of supported accommodation services to explore service aims and the nature of, and challenges in providing, skilled support. Key themes were identified using a Thematic Networks Analysis.

Results

Service aims were rarely formalised, were related to the individuals supported and not to the organisation. Managers found it difficult to define skilled support, other than by reference to individuals. Practice leadership roles were challenged as a result of austerity measures.

Conclusions

Front‐line managers need more information and training in skilled support, with stronger leadership from senior management to provide the motivation and resources needed.
IFRS adoption, reporting incentives and financial reporting quality in private firms
Authors: Bassemir Moritz , Novotny‐Farkas Zoltán
Published: February 2018

This study examines financial reporting quality (FRQ) effects around voluntary International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoptions by German private firms across two important dimensions, earnings quality and disclosure practices. To capture differences in the motivations for IFRS adoptions, we identify four different types of IFRS adopting firms based on a comprehensive set of firm characteristics. We observe earnings quality improvements around IFRS adoptions primarily for one type of firm, which is young, fast growing and seeking access to public equity markets. Using a matched sample of private German GAAP and IFRS reporting firms, we find some evidence suggesting that IFRS also contribute to higher earnings quality. Recognizing that our earnings quality metrics are only incomplete measures of FRQ, we also compare the disclosure practices of IFRS and German GAAP firms. We find that all IFRS firm types disclose significantly more information in their financial reports and show a higher propensity to publish their financial reports voluntarily on the corporate website. Our findings indicate that failure to identify earnings quality changes around IFRS adoption cannot be automatically interpreted as IFRS adoption having no effect on the FRQ of (private) firms. Collectively, our results suggest that both incentives and accounting standards shape private firms’ FRQ.
Successful stories and conflicts: A literature review on the effectiveness of flipped learning in higher education
Authors: Brewer R. , Movahedazarhouligh S.
Published: February 2018

As technological advancements continue to revolutionize teaching, the use of technology in both college/university and K‐12 classrooms is making flipped learning a trending instructional model. “Flipping” the classroom reverses a traditional model of in‐class lecture followed by practice and homework. The roles and responsibilities of instructors and students often require a new or enhanced skill set where the instructor designs intentional learning experiences to engage students outside of the classroom. The learner is accountable for exploring materials outside of class in a self‐directed manner, attempting to gain foundational knowledge before class, and then actively applying it in the classroom. This review analyses the research on flipped learning and flipped classrooms in higher education from a variety of aspects including implementation, efficacy, and quality.
Manipulation of the energetic state of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar juveniles and the effect on migration speed
Authors: Persson L. , Leonardsson K. , Alanärä A.
Published: February 2018

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts were produced with similar energetic states as wild S. salar and the effect of low energetic state on smolt migration was tested. The total energetic state of the fish (body lipids and proteins) in the spring was correlated with Fulton's condition factor (K). Fish at a low energetic state swam slower but migrated further than fish at a higher energetic state when tested in two experimental streams. During a period of starvation throughout the winter and spring, fish conserved their body‐lipid reserves at 1·5% by using more protein as an energy source and the metabolic shift occurred between 3·5 and 1·5% body lipids. An energetic state of approximately 3·5 kJ g−1 (K ≈ 0·65) appeared to be the critical limit for survival.
Comparative genetic isolation patterns for multiple headwater fishes in three geographic regions
Authors: Schmidt B. V. , Schaefer J. F.
Published: February 2018

Headwater‐resident fishes may be prone to a high rate of isolation and a pronounced hierarchical genetic structure due to a combination of niche preference and dendritic effects of river networks. Genetic isolation patterns were compared using microsatellites in six headwater fishes, Fundulus olivaceus, Semotilus atromaculatus, Erimyzon claviformis, Etheostoma artesiae, Etheostoma whipplei and Etheostoma parvipinne, in three geographic regions that included drainages of small, medium and large sizes in the southern United States. All species showed hierarchical nesting of genetic populations and there were clear and mostly consistent differences between species and regions that were identified through summary statistics derived from two independent analyses. For species comparisons, a high isolation grouping (increased number of isolated genetic clusters or sites within regions) and a low‐isolation grouping (decreased number of clusters or sites) were identified. Species group placement was related to niche breadth along the river continuum and presumed abundance and variability of preferred microhabitats, with increased headwater specialization among species being associated with placement in the high‐isolation grouping. There was a weakly significant positive effect of drainage size on the number of isolated clusters or sites across all species. Regional patterns were shared in two species, with the region containing the smallest drainages having lower rates of isolation in both datasets. This study shows the effects of regional and species characteristics on genetic isolation for headwater species, which are especially prone to isolation due to spatial, dendritic effects of river networks.
Ontogeny of turbiditaxis in hatchery‐reared Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus
Authors: Ohata R. , Masuda R. , Yamashita Y.
Published: February 2018

The ontogenetic change in turbiditaxis (i.e. attraction to turbid waters) was examined in the larvae and juveniles of Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus by testing three levels of turbidity (0, 20 and 100 ppm of kaolin). Larvae of 12, 20 and 30 mm standard length (LS) exhibited turbiditaxis to both 20 and 100 ppm of kaolin, whereas 6 mm LS larvae and 45 mm LS juveniles did not exhibit any turbiditaxis. Turbiditaxis might explain the ontogenetic habitat shift from coastal to offshore waters reported for this species.
Linked Lives and Cumulative Inequality: A Multigenerational Family Life Course Framework
Authors: Gilligan Megan , Karraker Amelia , Jasper Angelica
Published: February 2018

Growing social and economic inequalities in the United States have been accompanied by shifts in family structure. Social and demographic changes may make multigenerational family ties (e.g., between grandparents, parents, and children) an even more important contributor than ever in perpetuating inequality. The family life course framework, which considers how dimensions of individual (age), sociohistorical (period, cohort), and processual (generation) time intersect, provides a useful structure for thinking about how multigenerational families matter for inequality today. We integrate these dimensions of time with the ideas of linked lives and cumulative inequality to propose ways in which advantage and disadvantage are transmitted and grow across multiple generations. In particular, we propose an integrative model of linked lives and cumulative inequality that extends the family life course framework into a multigenerational perspective. We conclude by identifying data sources and methodologies useful for family scholars interested in pursuing a multigenerational family approach to inequality.
Theoretical Extensions of Minority Stress Theory for Sexual Minority Individuals in the Workplace: A Cross‐Contextual Understanding of Minority Stress Processes
Authors: Holman Elizabeth Grace
Published: February 2018

Minority stress theory posits that stress processes specific to a sexual minority orientation can affect the psychological health and well‐being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer‐identified (LGBQ) individuals. In the workplace, LGBQ employees experiencing minority stress report poor mental health outcomes and decreased job satisfaction and commitment. However, few scholars have examined the cross‐contextual effects minority stressors that individuals experience in the workplace may have on couples. That is, given the literature highlighting the work‐family interface, how do minority stressors at work affect the sexual minority employee within the family dynamics of same‐sex couples at home? The purpose of this article is to propose a multi‐theoretical approach which includes elements of minority stress theory and work–family border theory to guide future research in examining the cross‐contextual effects of minority stress for couple‐ and family‐level outcomes.
Sole Mothers in the Workforce: A Systematic Review and Agenda for Future Work–Family Research
Authors: Robinson Laura D. , Magee Christopher A. , Caputi Peter
Published: February 2018

Sole mothers potentially experience greater difficulties in meeting the challenges of combining employment and family than do partnered mothers, although there is remarkably little research on the work–family interface of sole mothers. A systematic review of quantitative literature on employed mothers is presented in this article to provide a case for further research on sole employed mothers, in particular for more comparative studies with partnered mothers. Conservation‐of‐resources theory is proposed as a theoretical framework for exploring these differences, research propositions are offered, and the implications of future research are discussed.
Living with family: perceptions of health and subjective well‐being of adults with an intellectual disability
Authors: Grey J. M. , Totsika V. , Hastings R. P.
Published: February 2018

Background

Little is known about the role of living circumstances to the perception of subjective well‐being (SWB) and health of adults with intellectual disability (ID). The aim of the present study was to examine whether living circumstances impact differently on the perception of health and SWB and whether potential differences persist after accounting for other variables (e.g. level of support needs and reporting method).

Methods

Secondary data analysis was undertaken of a large national survey of adults with an ID in England, aged 16 years and over. Participants were identified as living with family (N = 1528) or living out of home (N = 874).

Results

The results of t‐test and chi‐square revealed that levels of health and SWB were perceived as being higher for people living with family than those living in out‐of‐home settings. Multiple linear regression analyses fitted to explore factors associated with these reported differences revealed that, when controlling for other variables, living with family was highly associated with reports of better SWB. Multiple logistic regression revealed that whilst the health status of people living with families were perceived as better, this was only true when their support needs were low. Poorest health outcomes were found for people with highest support needs who lived with family.

Conclusions

On the whole, the health and well‐being of adults living with family were perceived more positively than those living out of home. However, potential health disparities exist for those with high support needs who live with family. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore causes and potential solution to these inequalities.
Transcriptional control of O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase expression and temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma
Authors: Happold Caroline , Stojcheva Nina , Silginer Manuela , Weiss Tobias , Roth Patrick , Reifenberger Guido , Weller Michael
Published: February 2018

O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation is a predictive biomarker for benefit from alkylating chemotherapy, specifically temozolomide (TMZ), in glioblastoma, the most common malignant intrinsic brain tumor. Glioma‐initiating cells (GIC) with stem‐like properties have been associated with resistance to therapy and progression. We assessed the levels of MGMT mRNA and MGMT protein by real‐time PCR and immunoblot and evaluated the impact of MGMT on TMZ sensitivity in clonogenicity assays in GIC sphere cultures (S) or differentiated adherent monolayer cultures (M). Nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling was assessed by reporter assay and immunoblot. Compared to M cells, S cells expressed higher levels of MGMT. Differentiation of GIC induced by S‐to‐M transition resulted in a gradual loss of MGMT expression and increased TMZ sensitivity. This transcriptional regulation of MGMT was restricted to cell lines without MGMT promoter methylation and was not coupled to any specific neurobasal (NB) stem cell medium supplement or loss of cell adhesion. Expression levels of p50/p65 subunits of NF‐κB, a transcriptional regulator of MGMT, were increased in S cells. Inhibition of NF‐κB by the small molecule inhibitor, BAY 11‐7082, or siRNA‐mediated gene silencing, reduced MGMT levels. In summary, alkylator resistance of S cells is mainly promoted by over‐expression of MGMT which results from increased activity of the NF‐κB pathway in this cell culture model of glioma stem‐like cells.

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Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 688.
A systematic review and quantitative meta‐analysis of the effects of oxytocin on feeding
Authors: Leslie Monica , Silva Paulo , Paloyelis Yannis , Blevins James , Treasure Janet
Published: February 2018

The anorexigenic effects of oxytocin have been widely documented and accepted; however, no study has yet used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to compile previous findings in a single systematic review and quantitative meta‐analysis. The present review aimed to identify published and unpublished studies examining the effects of oxytocin on energy intake in animals and humans, as well as the factors that moderate this effect. Web of Science, Pub Med and Ovid were searched for published and unpublished studies reporting the effects of oxytocin on energy intake in wild‐type animals and in humans when administered in the absence of other active drugs or surgery. Two thousand and forty‐nine articles were identified through the original systematic literature search, from which 54 articles were identified as being relevant for inclusion in the present review. An additional 3 relevant articles were identified in a later update of the literature search. Overall, a single dose of oxytocin was found to reduce feeding in animals. Despite several individual studies reporting that this effect persists to the end of the third week of chronic administration in rodent models, overall, this anorexigenic effect did not hold in the meta‐analyses testing the effects of chronic administration. There was no overall effect of oxytocin on energy intake in humans, although a trend was identified for oxytocin to reduce the consumption of solid foods. The anorexigenic effect of oxytocin is moderated by pregnant status, dose, method of administration and diet composition.
Socio‐economic transitions and everyday life changes in the rural world: Pyrenean households and their contemporary economic history
Authors: del Mármol Camila , Celigueta Gemma , Vaccaro Ismael
Published: February 2018

This article focuses on understanding rural life and how agrarian everyday life changes as a consequence of the radical socio‐economic transformations that, across the world, have accompanied rural communities in their transition from economies of subsistence to industrial production, and, in some areas, from there to providers of service to the tourism‐oriented leisure economy. In the last century in the Alt Urgell District (Spanish Pyrenees), many communities went from a production model based on subsistence farming and livestock breeding first to a specialization in milk production and later to tourism. The industrialization of milk production, the radical transformation of the scale of their operations, and the monetization of life transformed the identity and structure of these communities. The subsequent transformation of many of these farms to accommodate the leisure industry changed the shape of these households again. This paper reflects on how science, governance, commodification, and technology played a role on the transformation of the rural mountain areas, their people, and their everyday life.
Building a Dam, Constructing a Nation: The ‘drowning’ of Capel Celyn
Authors: Atkins Ed
Published: February 2018

Throughout history, the planning and construction of a dam has become symbolic of wider political events and processes. This paper investigates how the Tryweryn scheme in north‐west Wales in the 1950s and 1960s became a central signifier within the emergent Welsh nationalism of the period. The project, providing water to the city of Liverpool, flooded the village of Capel Celyn and displaced its 48 residents. However, the opposition to the project extended beyond this rural community, with the scheme becoming a focal point for Welsh nationalism. This paper explores this significance, arguing that the Tryweryn scheme was articulated in a number of ways that elevated the project from a local issue to a national outcry, resulting in the term ‘Tryweryn’ having a resonance that continues to this day.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Late‐Onset Krabbe Disease: No Evidence of Worsening Demyelination and Axonal Loss 4 Years Post‐allograft
Authors: Laule Cornelia , Vavasour Irene M. , Shahinfard Elham , Mädler Burkhard , Zhang Jing , Li David K. B. , MacKay Alex L. , Sirrs Sandra M.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Late‐onset adult Krabbe disease is a very rare demyelinating leukodystrophy, affecting less than 1 in a million people. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) strategies can stop the accumulation of toxic metabolites that damage myelin‐producing cells. We used quantitative advanced imaging metrics to longitudinally assess the impact of HSCT on brain abnormalities in adult‐onset Krabbe disease.

METHODS

A 42‐year‐old female with late‐onset Krabbe disease and an age/sex‐matched healthy control underwent annual 3T MRI (baseline was immediately prior to HSCT for the Krabbe subject). Imaging included conventional scans, myelin water imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Brain abnormalities far beyond those visible on conventional imaging were detected, suggesting a global pathological process occurs in Krabbe disease with adult‐onset etiology, with myelin being more affected than axons, and evidence of wide‐spread gliosis. After HSCT, our patient showed clinical stability in all measures, as well as improvement in gait, dysarthria, and pseudobulbar affect at 7.5 years post‐transplant. No MRI evidence of worsening demyelination and axonal loss was observed up to 4 years post‐allograft.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical evidence and stability of advanced MR measures related to myelin and axons supports HSCT as an effective treatment strategy for stopping progression associated with late‐onset Krabbe disease.
From self‐defeating to other defeating: Examining the effects of leader procrastination on follower work outcomes
Authors: Legood Alison , Lee Allan , Schwarz Gary , Newman Alexander
Published: February 2018

This research examines the influence of leader procrastination on employee attitudes and behaviours. While previous studies have typically viewed procrastination as a form of self‐defeating behaviour, this research explores its effects on others in the workplace. In Study 1, using data collected from 290 employees, we demonstrate the discriminant and relative predictive validity of leader procrastination on leadership effectiveness compared with laissez‐faire leadership and directive leadership. In Study 2, based on dyadic data collected in three phases from 250 employees and their 23 supervisors, we found that leader procrastination was associated with follower discretionary behaviour (organizational citizenship behaviour and deviant behaviour). Additionally, job frustration was found to mediate the relationship between leader procrastination and follower outcomes. The quality of the leader–follower relationship, as a boundary condition, was shown to mitigate the detrimental effects of leader procrastination. Together, the findings suggest that leader procrastination is a distinct form of negative leadership behaviour that represents an important source of follower job frustration.

Practitioner points

Leader procrastination is different from laissez‐faire and directive leadership and can be detrimental to followers.

Job frustration mediates the relationship between leader procrastination and follower discretionary behaviour.

Organizations should facilitate high‐quality LMX relationships as a method for mitigating the negative effects of leader procrastination.
Role of melatonin receptor 1A and pituitary homeobox‐1 coexpression in protecting tubular epithelial cells in membranous nephropathy
Authors: Huang Yen‐Sung , Lu Kuo‐Cheng , Chao Tai‐Kuang , Chen Jin‐Shuen , Chen Ann , Guo Cheng‐Yi , Hsieh Hsin‐Yi , Shih Hsiu‐Ming , Sytwu Huey‐Kang , Wu Chia‐Chao
Published: February 2018

Membranous nephropathy (MN), a type of glomerular nephritis, is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Although it is known that melatonin plays a protective role in MN, the role of melatonin receptors in the pathophysiology of MN is unclear. Using an experimental MN model and clinical MN specimens, we studied melatonin receptor expression and found that melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) expression was significantly downregulated in renal tubular epithelial cells. Molecular studies showed that the transcription factor pituitary homeobox‐1 (PITX1) promoted MTNR1A expression via direct binding to its promoter. Treatment of a human tubular cell line with albumin to induce injury resulted in the stable reduction in MTNR1A and PITX1 expression. PITX1 levels were significantly downregulated in tubular epithelial cells from mice MN kidneys and MN renal specimens. Knockdown of MTNR1A, PITX1, or cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐responsive element‐binding protein (CREB) decreased E‐cadherin (CDH1) expression, but upregulated Per2 and α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression. Blockade of the MTNR1A receptor with luzindole in MN mice further impaired renal function; this was accompanied by CDH1 downregulation and Per2 and αSMA upregulation. Together, our results suggest that in injured tissue, decreased PITX1 expression at the MTNR1A promoter regions leads to decreased levels of MTNR1A in renal tubular epithelial cells, which increases the future risk of MN.
Melatonin activates FIS1, DYN1, and DYN2 Plasmodium falciparum related‐genes for mitochondria fission: Mitoemerald‐GFP as a tool to visualize mitochondria structure
Authors: Scarpelli Pedro H. , Tessarin‐Almeida Giulliana , Viçoso Kênia Lopes , Lima Wania Rezende , Borges‐Pereira Lucas , Meissner Kamila Anna , Wrenger Carsten , Raffaello Anna , Rizzuto Rosario , Pozzan Tullio , Garcia Celia R. S.
Published: February 2018

Malaria causes millions of deaths worldwide and is considered a huge burden to underdeveloped countries. The number of cases with resistance to all antimalarials is continuously increasing, making the identification of novel drugs a very urgent necessity. A potentially very interesting target for novel therapeutic intervention is the parasite mitochondrion. In this work, we studied in Plasmodium falciparum 3 genes coding for proteins homologues of the mammalian FIS1 (Mitochondrial Fission Protein 1) and DRP1 (Dynamin Related Protein 1) involved in mitochondrial fission. We studied the expression of P. falciparum genes that show ample sequence and structural homologies with the mammalian counterparts, namely FIS1, DYN1, and DYN2. The encoded proteins are characterized by a distinct pattern of expression throughout the erythrocytic cycle of P. falciparum, and their mRNAs are modulated by treating the parasite with the host hormone melatonin. We have previously reported that the knockout of the Plasmodium gene that codes for protein kinase 7 is essential for melatonin sensing. We here show that PfPk7 knockout results in major alterations of mitochondrial fission genes expression when compared to wild‐type parasites, and no change in fission proteins expression upon treatment with the host hormone. Finally, we have compared the morphological characteristics (using MitoTracker Red CMX Ros) and oxygen consumption properties of P. falciparum mitochondria in wild‐type parasites and PfPk7 Knockout strains. A novel GFP construct targeted to the mitochondrial matrix to wild‐type parasites was also developed to visualize P. falciparum mitochondria. We here show that, the functional characteristics of P. falciparum are profoundly altered in cells lacking protein kinase 7, suggesting that this enzyme plays a major role in the control of mitochondrial morphogenesis and maturation during the intra‐erythrocyte cell cycle progression.
Capacity to report on mortality attributable to chronic hepatitis B and C infections by Member States: An exercise to monitor progress towards viral hepatitis elimination
Authors: Duarte G. , Williams C. J. , Vasconcelos P. , Nogueira P.
Published: February 2018

Viral hepatitis is globally leading causes of death, and 96% of these are due to hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV) late outcomes. The first Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) aims to reduce by 65% the mortality associated with HBV/HCV, and an indicator (C10) is proposed to monitor progress. Data on viral hepatitis and liver‐related mortality are required, and different methods of estimation can be used, depending on availability and quality of sources. We aimed to understand the current situation and practicality of calculating C10, accessing available sources to estimate initial figure for Europe. We listed and compiled regional and national data sources reporting deaths from HCC, cirrhosis and chronic liver disease (CLD) and available estimates of attributable fraction. We critically appraised quality of data, highlighting gaps in current data and estimated mortality attributable to HBV and HCV, for 31 EU/EEA countries from 2010 to 2015. Mortality data are available for 30/31 countries. Quality varies but 60% of national sources report with specificity as required by WHO indicator. Attributable fraction is only available through the literature search. We estimated C10 for 87.6% country‐years. Deaths attributable to HBV/HCV for this period and region were 292 600, while HCV deaths were three times higher. Incomplete data for 2015 prevented calculation of time trends. Regional sources are outdated for monitoring C10, but national sources are capable of reporting mortality data. Sources for attributable fraction are sparse, outdated and much needed. We recommend improvement of death registration allowing measuring this indicator. Studies measuring attributable fraction on national and subnational levels are crucial.
Response Errors in Females’ and Males’ Sentence Lipreading Necessitate Structurally Different Models for Predicting Lipreading Accuracy
Authors: Bernstein Lynne E.
Published: February 2018

Lipreaders recognize words with phonetically impoverished stimuli, an ability that varies widely in normal‐hearing adults. Lipreading accuracy for sentence stimuli was modeled with data from 339 normal‐hearing adults. Models used measures of phonemic perceptual errors, insertion of text that was not in the stimulus, gender, and auditory speech perception in noise thresholds to predict lipreading accuracy of 10,170 responses. Interactions of the lipreading predictors with gender necessitated different models for males’ versus females’ lipreading. Females’ lipreading accuracy was significantly predicted by their auditory speech in noise thresholds and an interaction between the magnitude of their perceptual errors and the number of nonstimulus phonemes in their responses. Males’ lipreading accuracy was a function of their auditory speech in noise thresholds in interaction with the magnitude of their perceptual errors. The predictor coefficients of the two models suggest the possibility of different mechanisms influencing lipreading accuracy in males versus females.
Endogenous Free Trade Agreements and International R&D Networks
Authors: Tran Tat Thanh , Zikos Vasileios
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we develop a network formation game in order to study how free trade agreements among countries and R&D networks among firms emerge in equilibrium. Prior research showed that free trade agreements discourage the formation of international R&D networks under the assumption that trade tariffs are exogenous. In contrast, we allow for endogenous trade tariffs, and show that free trade agreements promote R&D collaboration between firms. In terms of efficiency, we find that although countries can achieve an outcome that is socially desirable, the number of R&D collaborations between firms is likely to be excessive from a social viewpoint.
Discovery of Pantoea stewartii ssp. stewartii genes important for survival in corn xylem through a Tn‐Seq analysis
Authors: Duong Duy An , Jensen Roderick V. , Stevens Ann M.
Published: February 2018

The bacterium Pantoea stewartii ssp. stewartii causes Stewart's wilt disease in corn. Pantoea stewartii is transmitted to plants via corn flea beetles, where it first colonizes the apoplast causing water‐soaked lesions, and then migrates to the xylem and forms a biofilm that blocks water transport. Bacterial quorum sensing ensures that the exopolysaccharide production necessary for biofilm formation occurs only at high cell density. A genomic‐level transposon sequencing (Tn‐Seq) analysis was performed to identify additional bacterial genes essential for survival in planta and to provide insights into the plant–microbe interactions occurring during wilt disease. A mariner transposon library of approximately 40 000 mutants was constructed and used to inoculate corn seedlings through a xylem infection model. Cultures of the library grown in Luria–Bertani (LB) broth served as the in vitro pre‐inoculation control. Tn‐Seq analysis showed that the number of transposon mutations was reduced by more than 10‐fold for 486 genes in planta compared with the library that grew in LB, suggesting that they are important for xylem survival. Interestingly, a small set of genes had a higher abundance of mutants in planta versus in vitro conditions, indicating enhanced strain fitness with loss of these genes inside the host. In planta competition assays retested the trends of the Tn‐Seq data for several genes, including two outer membrane proteins, Lon protease and two quorum sensing‐associated transcription factors, RcsA and LrhA. Virulence assays were performed to check for correlation between growth/colonization and pathogenicity. This study demonstrates the capacity of a Tn‐Seq approach to advance our understanding of P. stewartii–corn interactions.
Influence of pH and phosphate concentration on the phosphate binding capacity of five contemporary binders. An in vitro study
Authors: Schumacher Stefan P , Schurgers Leon J , Vervloet Marc G , Neradova Aegida
Published: February 2018

Aim

Hyperphosphataemia is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in end stage renal disease. Despite phosphate binder therapy, a large proportion of patients do not reach the treatment target. In five contemporary binders we explored the influence of pH and phosphate concentration on phosphate binding. This interaction could be of relevance in clinical practice.

Methods

Phosphate binding was quantified in vitro in 25 mL of purified water containing phosphate concentrations of 10, 15 and 20 mM and baseline pH values of 3.0 or 6.0, with a binder over 6 h. Lanthanum carbonate, calcium acetate/magnesium carbonate, sevelamer carbonate, calcium carbonate and sucroferric oxyhydroxide, 67 mg of each, were used. The experiments were performed in duplicate. The primary outcome was the difference in the amount of bound phosphate for each binder after 6 h in solutions at two different pH values. Secondary outcomes were the influence of phosphate concentration on phosphate binding, next to binding patterns and phosphate binder saturation.

Results and Conclusion

In this specific in vitro setting, lanthanum carbonate, sevelamer carbonate, calcium carbonate and sucroferric oxyhydroxide bound more phosphate in the solution with baseline pH of 3.0. Differences however were small except for lanthanum carbonate. Calcium acetate/magnesium carbonate was most effective in a solution with baseline pH of 6.0. All phosphate binders bound more phosphate in solutions with higher concentrations of phosphate. Sevelamer carbonate, calcium acetate/magnesium carbonate and sucroferric oxyhydroxide bound most phosphate in the first hour and reached maximum binding capacity in less than 6 h.
Probiotics as a tool for disease mitigation in wildlife: insights from food production and medicine
Authors: McKenzie Valerie J. , Kueneman Jordan G. , Harris Reid N.
Published: February 2018

The use of beneficial microbes to improve host attributes, referred to as probiotic therapy, has been increasingly applied to industries, including aquaculture, agriculture, and human medicine, and is emerging in the field of wildlife medicine. However, there is a general lack of shared knowledge regarding successful practices as well as ecological processes that underlie host–microbe interactions. Presently, probiotics are being developed specifically for preventing and treating particular infectious diseases as an alternative to antibiotic treatments and chemotherapy. We review research on probiotics developed for mitigation of infectious disease in the aforementioned industries to gain insight into how probiotics may be effective in reducing wildlife disease risk. We examine the trends of successful in vivo probiotic applications for disease systems and identify common objectives to reduce intestinal pathogens and sexually transmitted and respiratory diseases, inhibit skin pathogens, and serve as environmental prophylaxis to reduce pathogen loads in the environment. We conclude by highlighting the frontier of wildlife probiotics research and identifying knowledge gaps where research is needed.
Myofibroblasts in oral potentially malignant disorders: Is it related to malignant transformation?
Authors: Coletta RD , Salo T
Published: February 2018

In oral cancer, acquisition of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA)‐positive fibroblasts, known as myofibroblasts or carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts (CAF), is an important event for progression and metastasis. However, the contribution of myofibroblasts in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) remains controversial. This systematic review provides evidence that immunodetection of myofibroblasts may identify oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) with high risk of malignant transformation, but does not represent an auxiliary tool to predict the malignant potential of leukoplakia and erythroplakia, the most common OPMD.
Ameloblastoma—Clinical, radiological, and therapeutic findings
Authors: Kreppel M , Zöller J
Published: February 2018

Ameloblastoma are the most common odontogenic tumor. As they usually do not form metastasis, they are considered as benign tumors with a locally invasive growth pattern and destruction of the jaws and the surrounding tissue (Oral Diseases, 23, 2017, 199). This article focuses on clinical, radiological, and therapeutic findings, which may influence diagnosis and treatment of ameloblastoma in the future.
Oral erythroplakia—What is it?
Authors: Holmstrup P
Published: February 2018

Oral erythroplakia is a rare type of lesion, and little is known about the origin of the lesion. It has traditionally been described as the red counterpart of oral leukoplakia, which implies that it is a red lesion that cannot be characterized clinically or pathologically as any other definable lesion. A definition by exclusion is less satisfactory than a positive description to define a lesion, and as erythroplakia probably is related to lichenoid lesions, a new approach to perceive the lesion is proposed based on the clinical features of a fiery red, sharply demarcated lesion situated at a slightly lower level than the surrounding mucosa. Such a definition would probably help clinicians distinguish erythroplakia from other red lesions of the oral mucosa. Although the course of such lesions varies, a significant proportion will develop malignancy, which is why they should be followed at short intervals.
Primordial odontogenic tumor: Subepithelial expression of Syndecan‐1 and Ki‐67 suggests origin during early odontogenesis
Authors: Bologna‐Molina R , Mikami T , Pereira‐Prado V , Tapia‐Repetto G , Pires FR , Carlos R , Mosqueda‐Taylor A
Published: February 2018

Primordial odontogenic tumor (POT) is composed of variably cellular myxoid connective tissue, surrounded by cuboidal to columnar odontogenic epithelium resembling the inner epithelium of the enamel organ, which often invaginates into the underlying connective tissue. The tumor is delimited at least partially by a thin fibrous capsule. It derives from the early stages of tooth development. Syndecan‐1 is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan that has a physiological role in several cellular functions, including maintenance of the epithelial architecture, cell‐to‐cell adhesion and interaction of cells with extracellular matrix, and with diverse growth factors, stimulating cell proliferation. Ki‐67 is considered the gold standard as a cell proliferation marker. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of Syndecan‐1 and Ki‐67 proliferation index in POT and normal tooth germs to better understand the biological behavior of this tumor. Results showed that Syndecan‐1 was more intensely expressed in subepithelial mesenchymal areas of POT, in a pattern that resembles the early stages of tooth development. The cell proliferation index (4.1%) suggests that POT is a slow growing tumor. Syndecan‐1 expression in tooth germs in late cap and early bell stages was similar to POT, showing immunopositivity in subepithelial mesenchymal condensed areas. The immunohistochemical findings showed a pattern in which the population of subepithelial mesenchymal cells exhibited greater proliferative activity than the central portion of the dental papilla.
The future of oral medicine
Authors: Spielman AI
Published: February 2018

Oral Medicine has been a specialty at the cross‐roads of medicine and dentistry, not entirely recognized as a specialty by organized dentistry (at least in the US), and not embraced by medicine. This study makes a case for its place as a specialty of Medicine.
Oral mucous membrane pemphigoid: A clinical study of 100 low‐risk cases
Authors: Bagan J , Jiménez Y , Murillo J , Bagan L
Published: February 2018

Objective

To analyze the severity of the oral lesions in low‐risk oral mucous membrane pemphigoid (OMMP) measured according to the size of the bullous areas and the number of simultaneously affected oral locations.

Material and Methods

A total of 100 cases of low‐risk OMMP were studied. The symptoms and location of OMMP in the oral cavity were analyzed. The bullous areas were measured, establishing three grades according to the greatest bullous lesion size (grade 1: < 3 cm in size; grade 2: 3–6 cm; and grade 3: > 6 cm).

Results

The mean age of the patients was 66.07 ± 13.55 years, with a clear predominance of females (84%). Desquamative gingivitis was the most common presentation (97%). A single oral location was found in 67% of the cases, two in 18% and three in 15%. The most common presentation corresponded to grade 1 (the greatest bullous lesion size < 3 cm; 51.6% of the cases).

Conclusions

Most cases of low‐risk OMMP are restricted to a single site in the oral cavity, the gingiva being the most common location—the predominant grade corresponding to the greatest bullous lesion size < 3 cm.
Narrow Band Imaging‐guided resection of oral cavity cancer decreases local recurrence and increases survival
Authors: Farah CS
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Overall local recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is estimated at 20%. Incomplete primary tumour excision contributes to localised postsurgical recurrence of OSCC. The purpose of this study was to report on patient outcomes following resection of OSCC using Narrow Band Imaging (NBI).

Materials and Methods

Patients with OSCC requiring resection were visualised under conventional white light (WL) then NBI using an Olympus NBI ENF‐VQ nasendoscope with CLV‐180 light source and processor (Olympus Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan). OSCC tissue was resected to the NBI‐defined surgical margins, and patients followed for a minimum of 5 years postsurgery to assess local recurrence rate (LRR) and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

Of the 20 patients recruited for this study, one patient (5%) declined follow‐up. At the latest follow‐up period (up to 7 years postsurgery), 14 of 19 patients (73.68%) were alive with no recurrence. Two patients (10.53%) had died from metastatic disease with no local recurrence, one patient (5.26%) had died from disease with local recurrence, and two patients (10.53%) had died disease‐free from other causes. In total, 16 of 19 patients (84.21%) who were followed for a minimum of 5 years were still alive and had not developed local recurrence. Only one patient developed local recurrence. Five‐year DFS was 84.21% and LRR was 5.26%.

Conclusion

Resection to NBI‐defined margins improves survival rates and decreases recurrence rates of OSCC compared to traditional methods and should be adopted as the new gold standard for determining mucosal surgical margins for treatment of oral cavity cancer. These promising results have set the scene for a multicentred randomised controlled trial comparing NBI to WL currently underway.
Significance of cytoplasmic cyclin D1 expression in oral oncogenesis
Authors: Ramos‐García P , Bravo M , González‐Ruiz L , González‐Moles MÁ
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To examine cytoplasmic cyclin D1 expression levels in oral carcinogenesis and evaluate their possible oncogenic significance and their clinicopathological and prognostic implications.

Materials and Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis of 69 oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) was performed, revealing 23 with cytoplasmic cyclin D1 expression. We analyzed the association of the percentage of cyclin D1‐positive cells and the intensity of expression with TNM classification, tumor stage, differentiation degree, cell morphology, and Ki‐67 expression.

Results

Cytoplasmic cyclin D1 expression was associated with advanced tumor stage, poor differentiation, elevated Ki‐67 expression, and the presence of invasive cell morphology, indicators of a poor prognosis. An association was observed between nuclear and cytoplasmic expressions of cyclin D1.

Conclusions

Cytoplasmic expression of cyclin D1 appears to possess functions related to increased cell migration and invasion in OSCC.
Methods and risk of bias in molecular marker prognosis studies in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: SHahinas J , Hysi D
Published: February 2018

Background

We investigated methods and risk of bias, focusing on research design, aim, prognostic factors, outcome, and statistical analysis in molecular marker prognosis studies of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Material and Methods

We used a database search strategy to indentify relevant articles published in English in 2016. We developed a data extraction form to assess and extract information on methods of molecular marker prognosis studies in oral squamous cell carcinoma, based on methodological recommendations for prognosis studies. We used the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool to assess the risk of bias in six domains.

Results

Thirty‐six papers were retrieved for full text review: 35 were replication prognosis factor studies and one was a model development based only on molecular markers to stratify patient's risk. Retrospective cohort was the design used in most studies (91%). Despite recommendations against dichotomizing continuous prognostic variables, this was observed in the majority of cases. A substantial number of studies (60%) conducted survival analysis, COX regression, and Kaplan–Meier. Prognostic variables included in the multivariate model were often preselected based on the results of univariable analysis. Risk of bias was assessed high for confounding, statistical analysis and reporting domains in 46% and 49% of studies, respectively.

Conclusions

The prognosis studies analyzed here can be considered phase II explanatory studies. The next step is to construct and validate models, which can be applied for use in the clinical practice, to guide patient management or build explanatory models that can help better understand the causative role in the disease process of these markers.