bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative and collaborative care models between pediatric oral health and primary care providers: a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Gauger Tylor L. , Prosser Lisa A. , Fontana Margherita , Polverini Peter J.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Collaborative and/or integrative care between oral health and primary care providers can increase access to care to a more expansive population, helping to mitigate oral health related disease. The objective of this review was to present and evaluate different types of care models that exist between oral health and primary care providers in pediatric settings.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using five databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, Cochrane Database, and EMBASE, to identify literature from January 1990 to January 2016. Combinations of controlled terms were utilized. Eligible sources targeted pediatric populations ages 1‐17 and provided descriptions of existing collaborative and/or integrative models.

Results

Data related to the practice model, oral care provided, level of integration/collaboration and workflow were extracted. Sixteen articles were included that discussed 24 models of collaboration. These models provided ranges of services, but each offered a minimum of oral health risk assessment, oral health instruction, topical fluoride application and assessment for further treatment. These models included different levels of collaboration based off a ranking system created by the authors with 16.6 percent (4) classified as low, 54.2 percent (13) as medium and 29.2 percent (7) as high.

Conclusions

Existing care models offered varying services and levels of integration and/or collaboration, but each offered a baseline of oral care. Most of these collaborations were based within Federally Qualified Health Centers and aimed to ease access to care issues.
Immunomodulatory effect of Artemisia argyi polysaccharide on peripheral blood leucocyte of broiler chickens
Authors: Zhang P. , Shi B. , Li T. , Xu Y. , Jin X. , Guo X. , Yan S.
Published: March 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of a water‐soluble polysaccharide extracted from Artemisia argyi (AAP) in vitro. The effect was assessed in peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) of broilers, which were incubated with different AAP concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml) for 24 hr at 37°C in a 5% CO2 incubator. The results showed that, compared with the control group, immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentration was increased in the supernatant of the 100 μg/ml AAP‐treated group (p < .05), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was increased in the supernatant of the 200 μg/ml of AAP group (p < .05). In terms of cytokine production, production of interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) in the supernatant was enhanced in the AAP group in a dose‐dependent function, as well as enhanced mRNA expressions were showed in the cells (p < .05). The highest concentration of these three cytokines was observed in different AAP groups (IL‐1β for 25 μg/ml of AAP, IL‐6 for 100, and 200 μg/ml of AAP, and TNF‐α for 100 μg/ml of AAP respectively). The concentration of nitric oxide (NO) was increased when using AAP at the concentration of 100 μg/ml (p < .05) as compared to the control group. No significant effects on inducible nitric oxide synthase, Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 and nuclear factor Kappa B (NF‐κB) mRNA level were observed at each concentration of AAP. In conclusion, we found that AAP can specifically promote the production of immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG), cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α), as well as the NO concentration in vitro, but not through the activation of the TLR4/NF‐κB signalling pathway.
ACVIM small animal consensus statement on safe use of cytotoxic chemotherapeutics in veterinary practice
Authors: Smith Annette N. , Klahn Shawna , Phillips Brenda , Parshley Lisa , Bennett Peter , Flory Andi , Calderon Rosemary
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this report is to offer a consensus opinion of ACVIM oncology diplomates and technicians on the safe use of cytotoxic chemotherapeutics in veterinary practice. The focus is on minimizing harm to the personnel exposed to the drugs: veterinary practitioners, veterinary technicians, veterinary staff, and pet owners. The safety of the patient receiving these drugs is also of paramount importance, but is not addressed in this statement. Much of the information presented is based on national recommendations by Occupational Safety and Health Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, United States Pharmacopeia, and other published regulations. These directives reflect an abundance of caution to minimize exposure to medical personnel, but large‐scale studies about the consequences of long‐term occupational exposure are not available in veterinary medicine. Challenges in the delivery of optimal treatment safely and economically to veterinary patients in general practice without access to a veterinary oncologist or other specialist, because of costs or proximity, remain.
The importance of facilitative interactions on the performance of Colobanthus quitensis in an Antarctic tundra
Authors: Cavieres Lohengrin A. , Vivas Mercedes , Mihoc Maritza A. K. , Osses Diana A. , Ortiz‐Gutiérrez José M. , Saéz Patricia L. , Bravo León A.
Published: March 2018

Aims

The sign of interactions among plants in very harsh environments is under debate. The Antarctic tundra is one of the harshest environments on Earth and only two vascular plants (Deschampsia antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis) have successfully established natural populations. D. antarctica mostly establishes facilitative interactions with other species (mosses), but there is no information about the inter‐specific interactions established by C. quitensis. We assessed whether C. quitensis grows frequently associated with D. antarctica, and if D. antarctica neighbours have a positive effect on the survival, growth and photochemical efficiency of C. quitensis individuals.

Location

King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula.

Methods

To assess the spatial association among the two Antarctic vascular plants fifty 50 m × 50 cm quadrats were sampled on each of four different substrates: moss carpet areas; dead moss carpet areas dominated by D. antarctica; a transition zone between dead moss carpets and fellfields; and fellfields characterized by very poor vegetation cover. Infrared thermal images were taken to estimate whether growth associated with D. antarctica affected the foliar temperature of C. quitensis. The importance of D. antarctica neighbours on the growth, survival and photochemical efficiency of C. quitensis was evaluated with a neighbour removal experiment.

Results

The number of C. quitensis individuals associated with D. antarctica was significantly higher than when growing alone in the moss carpet and the dead moss carpet, while in the transition zone there was a trend in that direction. C. quitensis individuals growing associated with D. antarctica were bigger than those growing alone in these three substrate types. In the fellfield site there were no significant differences, neither in the number nor the size of individuals when growing alone or associated with D. antarctica. Foliar temperature of C. quitensis individuals associated with D. antarctica was slightly (1.1°C) but significantly higher than in those growing alone. The growth, survival and photochemical efficiency of C. quitensis individuals with neighbours were higher than in individuals with neighbours removed.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that D. antarctica has a facilitative effect on the growth, survival and photochemical efficiency of C. quitensis. Thus, facilitative interactions are present and are important in one of the harshest environments on Earth, although results from the fellfield site indicate that further research is needed.
Quantifying variation in killer whale (Orcinus orca) morphology using elliptical Fourier analysis
Authors: Emmons Candice K. , Hard Jeffrey J. , Dahlheim Marilyn E. , Waite Janice M.
Published: March 2018

In the northeastern Pacific Ocean, there are three “ecotypes” of killer whales that differ in diet, ecology, behavior, acoustics, genetics, and morphology. Previous attempts to describe the morphological differences among populations of killer whales (Orcinus orca) have been limited to descriptive accounts or categorical studies. We used elliptical Fourier analysis (EFA) to quantify shape differences of dorsal fins and pigmentation patterns among the ecotypes from photo‐identification data of more than 500 individuals. Variation in shapes of the dorsal fin, saddle patch, and eye patch were successfully quantified using EFA, and there were highly significant (P < 0.01) differences among the ecotypes in all three morphological traits. The ability of EFA to discriminate ecotypes based on dorsal fin and eye patch shapes was substantial, while it did not perform as well for saddle patches. Visualization of the shape variation along principal component axes mirrored previous descriptions of the differences among ecotypes. Although the degree of inheritance of morphology in killer whales has not been determined, these results are consistent with previous inference of reduced gene flow between the ecotypes, and introduces elliptical Fourier analysis to the study of cetacean morphometrics.
The pepper Bs4C proteins are localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and confer disease resistance to bacterial blight in transgenic rice
Authors: Wang Jun , Zeng Xuan , Tian Dongsheng , Yang Xiaobei , Wang Lanlan , Yin Zhongchao
Published: March 2018

Transcription activator‐like effector (TALE)‐dependent dominant disease resistance (R) genes in plants, also referred to as executor R genes, are induced on infection by phytopathogenic bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas harbouring the corresponding TALE genes. Unlike the traditional R proteins, the executor R proteins do not determine the resistance specificity and may function broadly in different plant species. The executor R gene Bs4C‐R in the resistant genotype PI 235047 of the pepper species Capsicum pubescens (CpBs4C‐R) confers disease resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) harbouring the TALE genes avrBsP/avrBs4. In this study, the synthetic genes of CpBs4C‐R and two other Bs4C‐like genes, the susceptible allele in the genotype PI585270 of C. pubescens (CpBs4C‐S) and the CaBs4C‐R homologue gene in the cultivar ‘CM334’ of Capsicum annum (CaBs4C), were characterized in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) and rice (Oryza sativa). The Bs4C genes induced cell death in N. benthamiana. The functional Bs4C‐eCFP fusion proteins were localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane in the leaf epidermal cells of N. benthamiana. The Xa10 promoter‐Bs4C fusion genes in transgenic rice conferred strain‐specific disease resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), the causal agent of bacterial blight in rice, and were specifically induced by the Xa10‐incompatible Xoo strain PXO99A(pHM1avrXa10). The results indicate that the Bs4C proteins from pepper species function broadly in rice and the Bs4C protein‐mediated cell death from the ER is conserved between dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants, which can be utilized to engineer novel and enhanced disease resistance in heterologous plants.
Land‐centred nationalism and the state: a re‐evaluation of Jewish national revival
Authors: Chowers Eyal
Published: March 2018

This paper examines the concept of ‘land‐centred’ nationalism and suggests that it is important for distinguishing among different types of nationalism and for better understanding the role of land and place in this ideology. In order to demonstrate what land‐centred nationalism actually means, the article examines Zionism as a case study, arguing that some of the leading, early intellectual schools of this national movement (cultural, socialist, and religious Zionism) tended to underscore the role of the Land of Israel in collective identity rather than the role of the political community. Despite many differences in their general outlook, these schools all celebrated the land's spiritual role while neglecting or even opposing the idea of a Jewish state. This devaluation of the bond among citizens in favour of the bond of a people with their ancient land contributed to Zionism's contemporary difficulties and manifests the dangers of land‐centred nationalism more generally.
RNA‐based analyses reveal fungal communities structured by a senescence gradient in the moss Dicranum scoparium and the presence of putative multi‐trophic fungi
Authors: Chen Ko‐Hsuan , Liao Hui‐Ling , Arnold A. Elizabeth , Bonito Gregory , Lutzoni François
Published: March 2018

Diverse plant‐associated fungi are thought to have symbiotrophic and saprotrophic states because they can be isolated from both dead and living plant tissues. However, such tissues often are separated in time and space, and fungal activity at various stages of plant senescence is rarely assessed directly in fungal community studies.

We used fungal ribosomal RNA metatranscriptomics to detect active fungal communities across a natural senescence gradient within wild‐collected gametophytes of Dicranum scoparium (Bryophyta) to understand the distribution of active fungal communities in adjacent living, senescing and dead tissues.

Ascomycota were active in all tissues across the senescence gradient. By contrast, Basidiomycota were prevalent and active in senescing and dead tissues. Several fungi were detected as active in living and dead tissues, suggesting their capacity for multi‐trophy. Differences in community assembly detected by metatranscriptomics were echoed by amplicon sequencing of cDNA and compared to culture‐based inferences and observation of fungal fruit bodies in the field.

The combination of amplicon sequencing of cDNA and metatranscriptomics is promising for studying symbiotic systems with complex microbial diversity, allowing for the simultaneous detection of their presence and activity.
The gymnosperm ortholog of the angiosperm central cell‐specification gene CKI1 provides an essential clue to endosperm origin
Authors: Yuan Li , Liu Zhenning , Song Xiaoya , Jernstedt Judy , Sundaresan Venkatesan
Published: March 2018

A defining feature of angiosperms is double fertilization involving the female gametophyte central cell and formation of a nutrient‐storing tissue called endosperm. The route for the evolutionary origin of endosperm from a gymnosperm ancestor, particularly the molecular steps involved, has remained elusive.

Recently, the histidine kinase gene Cytokinin‐Independent 1 (CKI1), an activator of cytokinin signaling, was described as a key to specification of the endosperm precursor central cell in Arabidopsis. Here, we have investigated the function and expression of a putative ortholog of CKI1 in the gymnosperm Ginkgo biloba.

We demonstrate that Ginkgo CKI1 can partially rescue an Arabidopsis cki1 mutant and promote weak activation of the cytokinin signaling pathway in the Arabidopsis embryo sac, but does not confer central cell specification. Ginkgo CKI1 is expressed in both male and female gametophytes of Ginkgo. In the latter, it is expressed in the ventral canal cell, which is sister to the egg cell in the archegonium. As in Arabidopsis, Ginkgo CKI1 is not expressed in the egg cell.

The similarities in expression patterns of CKI1 in Ginkgo and Arabidopsis female gametophytes suggest that extant gymnosperms possess an essential component of the molecular machinery required for angiosperm endosperm development, and provide new insights into endosperm origin from a gymnospermous ancestor.
Genomic epidemiology of multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative organisms
Authors: Hawken Shawn E. , Snitkin Evan S.
Published: March 2018

The emergence and spread of antibiotic‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria (rGNB) across global healthcare networks presents a significant threat to public health. As the number of effective antibiotics available to treat these resistant organisms dwindles, it is essential that we devise more effective strategies for controlling their proliferation. Recently, whole‐genome sequencing has emerged as a disruptive technology that has transformed our understanding of the evolution and epidemiology of diverse rGNB species, and it has the potential to guide strategies for controlling the evolution and spread of resistance. Here, we review specific areas in which genomics has already made a significant impact, including outbreak investigations, regional epidemiology, clinical diagnostics, resistance evolution, and the study of epidemic lineages. While highlighting early successes, we also point to the next steps needed to translate this technology into strategies to improve public health and clinical medicine.
Becoming a guest in your own home: Home care in Sweden from the perspective of older people with multimorbidities
Authors: Jarling Aleksandra , Rydström Ingela , Ernsth‐Bravell Marie , Nyström Maria , Dalheim‐Englund Ann‐Charlotte
Published: March 2018

Aim and objective

To describe the meaning of the phenomenon home care from the perspective of older persons who live alone with multimorbidity.

Background

In line with worldwide changing demographics, conditions for older people in need of home care are changing. In Sweden there is a stay‐in‐place policy and older people are expected to live and be cared for in their own home as long as possible. Home care, instituted by different laws, is a challenge affecting the older person when the private home becomes a workplace.

Design

This study uses a qualitative design with a lifeworld approach.

Methods

The study having been conducted in Sweden in 2016, the researchers interviewed 12 older persons that live alone and receive home care. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The findings illustrate four sub‐themes: adapting to a caring culture, feeling exposed, unable to influence care and forced relations. The overall theme reveals that older people experience a life‐changing situation when receiving home care and they become a guest in their own home.

Conclusions

Becoming older with increased needs means to disrupt one's life when one's private home becomes a public arena. The gap between an older person's rights by law and the older person's experiences of receiving home care needs to be highlighted to meet the oncoming challenges in providing a home care that includes participation of the older themselves. Only then can care be offered that enables older people to have a sense of control and experience their home as their own.

Implications for practice

The findings emphasise the need to view older people as being self‐determinant and independent. Older people receiving home care need to be seen as individuals, and their entire life situation should be considered by also acknowledging the important role played by relatives and caregivers.
Evaluating glaucomatous abnormality in peripapillary optical coherence tomography enface visualisation of the retinal nerve fibre layer reflectance
Authors: Ashimatey Bright S. , King Brett J. , Burns Stephen A. , Swanson William H.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) enface visualisation of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) reflectance has been found to have some advantages over retinal thickness measures. However, it is not yet clear how abnormalities on enface images relate to findings of abnormalities from other clinical measures such as the circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (cRNFLT). We developed a technique to analyse the RNFL reflectance on the OCT enface images, and to investigate its relation with the cRNFLT.

Methods

Spectralis (www.heidelbergengineering.com) OCT scans of the central retinal ±24° were analysed in the study eye of 31 controls and 33 patients, ages 61 (±9) and 69 (±8) years respectively. Enface slab‐images were extracted at 16–24, 24–36, and 24–52 μm from the inner limiting membrane in the temporal raphe, perifoveal and disc regions respectively. Reflectance probability maps were generated for the patients based on the control data. Glaucomatous abnormality was defined on the slab‐images when the slab‐area with reflectance abnormality was greater than the 95th percentile, and on the cRNFLT when the thickness measure was less than the fifth percentile, of that found in controls. The fraction of slab‐image showing reflectance abnormality was compared to cRNFLT in the patient group, using Spearman's rho. Agreement between the findings of abnormality based on cRNFLT and slab‐image reflectance was assessed using Cohen's kappa.

Results

Slab‐image and cRNFLT findings were in agreement for 26/33 eyes; four subjects showed cRNFLT abnormality but not slab‐image abnormality, and three subjects showed slab‐image abnormality but not cRNFLT abnormality. Spearman's rho found rs(31) = −0.82. The reflectance findings and cRNFLT findings were consistent in 27/33 for both the superior temporal (ST) and inferior temporal (IT) sectors, and Cohen's kappa found 0.53 and 0.61 respectively.

Conclusion

The surface area of enface slab‐images showing RNFL reflectance were strongly related to the cRNFLT measures, and the classification of a subject with glaucoma based on enface reflectance findings and cRNFLT findings had a generally good agreement. The larger retinal area assessed by the enface method preserves the spatial location of the RNFL abnormalities, and makes the technique a useful approach for identifying regions of potential RNFL abnormality for targeted perimetry.
Surgical therapy for peri‐implantitis management: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al‐Kadhim K.A.H. , Pritchard M.F. , Farnell D.J.J. , Thomas D.W. , Adams R. , Claydon N.
Published: March 2018

Aim

Peri‐implantitis is a common cause of late implant failure. Studies have investigated different treatment strategies. The effectiveness of these modalities, however, remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the success of surgical peri‐implantitis treatment using clinical and radiographic parameters.

Material and methods

A systematic review of published literature was employed. Key words were selected to conduct an electronic search using four databases for literature on human clinical studies. Meta‐analyses were carried out for clinical probing, pocket depth and radiographic bone level.

Results

A total of 16 papers met the inclusion criteria. Four treatment modalities to supplement mechanical debridement were identified: (i) apically repositioned flap, (ii) chemical surface decontamination, (iii) implantoplasty, and (iv) bone augmentation. Inconsistent results were evident which were dependent on several treatment‐independent factors. No clinical benefits were identified for the additional use of surface decontamination, while limited evidence demonstrated improvement of clinical and radiographic outcomes after implantoplasty. The effect of bone augmentation appeared limited to ‘filling’ radiographic defects.

Conclusions

The outcomes of the currently available surgical interventions for peri‐implantitis remain unpredictable. There is no reliable evidence to suggest which methods are the most effective. Further randomised‐controlled studies are needed to identify the best treatment methods.
“Crosstalk” technique: A comparison between two generations of cryoballoon catheter
Authors: Yang Jian‐du , Sun Qi , Guo Xiao‐gang , Zhou Gong‐bu , Liu Xu , Luo Bin , Wei Hui‐qiang , Liang Jackson J. , Ma Jian
Published: March 2018

Introduction

The “Crosstalk” technique: if pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) of the superior one is not achieved due to a gap in the inferior part, it could be done during inferior vein cryoablation. This maneuver minimizes the total energy delivery time and number of lesions. We aimed to correlate the likelihood of crosstalk phenomenon with certain anatomic characteristics.

Methods

A total of 676 patients undergoing a first ablation procedure for paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (470 first‐generation cryoballoon [CB] and 206 second‐generation CB) between June 2014 and December 2016 were included.

Results

“Crosstalk” phenomenon occurred in 32 patients (18 first‐generation CB, 14 second‐generation CB). Compared to 54 control patients without crosstalk, the angle between left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) and left atrial (LA) roof‐plane, left pulmonary common ostia were significant parameters associated with crosstalk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, ±95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.31, P < 0.001; OR = 5.67, ±95% CI: 1.08–28.69, P = 0.04). As for angle between LSPV and LA roof‐plane, the cut‐off value was 28.68° with a sensitivity of 72.22%, a specificity of 81.25%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87 to predict the possibility of crosstalk technique application to get isolated in LSPV. Among the crosstalk group, there was no statistical difference between first‐generation CB and second‐generation CB in pulmonary anatomic characteristics.

Conclusion

Crosstalk technique can be effective in patients with AF undergoing CB ablation using with both first and second‐generation CBs. Anatomic characteristics predictive of crosstalk include a left common ostia and smaller angle between the LSPV and LA roof‐plane.
What does lung function tell us about respiratory multimorbidity in childhood and early adulthood? Results from the MAS birth cohort study
Authors: Schramm Dirk , Reuter Marvin , Grabenhenrich Linus B. , Schuster Antje , Lex Christiane , Bauer Carl‐Peter , Hoffmann Ute , Forster Johannes , Zepp Fred , Bergmann Renate L. , Bergmann Karl E. , Wahn Ulrich , Keil Thomas , Lau Susanne
Published: March 2018

Background

Interaction between respiratory multimorbidity and lung function has not been examined in longitudinal population studies. We aimed to assess the association of multimorbidity of asthma and rhinitis with lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in comparison with single and no allergies from early school age to young adulthood.

Methods

In 1990, the Multicenter Allergy Study birth cohort recruited 1314 newborns from 5 German cities. At 7, 13, and 20 years, we performed lung function and bronchial challenge tests. We assessed symptoms, medications, and doctor's diagnoses for asthma and rhinitis for 3 outcomes: current multimorbidity (both coexisting), asthma only, and rhinitis only.

Results

From 7 to 20 years, multimorbidity prevalence more than doubled from 3.5% to 7.7%, current asthma only (without rhinitis co‐occurring) decreased by half from 2.8% to 1.3%, and current rhinitis only (without asthma co‐occurring) increased from 14.3% to 41.6%. Resting lung function parameters differed between allergic and asymptomatic participants but showed no considerable differences between the allergic phenotypes. Frequency and severity of bronchial hyperresponsiveness were particularly associated with multimorbidity. At the age of 20 years, participants with multimorbidity showed a clearly higher severity in hyperresponsiveness compared to participants who suffered only asthma (P = .049) or rhinitis (P = .008) or were asymptomatic (P < .001).

Conclusion

Single lung function measurements from childhood ongoing do not seem to discriminate between subjects with multimorbidity, single allergies, and no allergy. Our results show that multimorbidity is associated with more severe symptoms compared to those suffering only a single allergic disease.
Evolutionary changes in pubic orientation in dinosaurs are more strongly correlated with the ventilation system than with herbivory
Authors: Macaluso Loredana , Tschopp Emanuel
Published: March 2018

Among dinosaurs, the pubis has convergently retroverted four times in Maniraptora (Theropoda) and once in Ornithischia. Although a clear correlation has not been demonstrated, it has been previously proposed that two traits were related to pubic retroversion: the reduced importance of cuirassal ventilation, and a herbivorous diet. Here, we analyse the possible influence of these traits on pubis orientation. Cuirassal ventilation was plesiomorphically present as an accessory ventilation mechanism in Dinosauria and was powered by the M. ischiotruncus, which was probably connected to a propubic pelvis. Cuirassal ventilation was reduced in both Ornithischia and Maniraptora, some of which also evolved herbivory. According to our results, cuirassal ventilation is more strongly correlated with pubic orientation than herbivory. The retroversion of the pubis during the evolution of birds resulted in major changes in the musculature of the tail. These changes increased the efficiency of the pubocaudalis muscles, which enhanced the birds’ capability for take‐off from the ground. The release of the evolutionary constraint on pubic orientation through changes in the ventilatory system can therefore be considered to be an important step in bird evolution.
Inclusion of non‐English‐speaking patients in research: A single institution experience
Authors: Bernier Rachel , Halpin Erin , Staffa Steven J. , Benson Lindsey , DiNardo James A. , Nasr Viviane G.
Published: March 2018

Background

Considering the recent increase in medical care provided to patients from foreign countries and the diversity of languages spoken by families living within the United States, it is important to determine whether non‐English‐speaking patients have access to participate in clinical research from which they may benefit.

Aims

We aimed to determine the number of non‐English‐speaking patients presenting to Boston Children's Hospital for medical care between 2011 and 2016, the number of clinical research protocols active within the Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine approved to enroll non‐English‐speaking patients, as well as the number of both non‐English‐ and English‐speaking patients approached and enrolled in these studies. Furthermore, we attempted to determine barriers that may have prevented non‐English‐speaking patients from inclusion in clinical research.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of various data sources during a 5‐year period. Data included the number of non‐English‐speaking patients presenting to Boston Children's Hospital for care as well as the number of English‐ and non‐English‐speaking patients approached for studies at the Department of Anesthesiology each year. Additionally, we reviewed data from the IRB which included the justification that research teams provided when opting to exclude non‐English‐speaking participants. In addition, we attempted to determine the barriers that may have prevented these patients from inclusion in research protocols.

Results

We found that the number of non‐English‐speaking patients presenting to Boston Children's Hospital increased over time. However, the number of studies approved to enroll non‐English‐speaking patients within the Department of Anesthesiology and the rate of enrollment of these patients did not increase at the same rate.

Conclusion

In order to increase the number of non‐English‐speaking patients approached to participate in research, we must improve cultural awareness and provide investigators with resources for interpreter and translation services.
Concordance of somatic mutational profile in multiple primary melanomas
Authors: Adler Nikki R. , McLean Catriona A. , Wolfe Rory , Kelly John W. , McArthur Grant A. , Haydon Andrew , Tra Thien , Cummings Nicholas , Mar Victoria J.
Published: March 2018

This study aimed to determine the frequency and concordance of BRAF and NRAS mutation in tumours arising in patients with multiple primary melanoma (MPM). Patients with MPM managed at one of three tertiary referral centres in Melbourne, Australia, from 2010 to 2015 were included. Incident and subsequent melanomas underwent mutation testing. Cohen's kappa (κ) coefficient assessed agreement between incident and subsequent primary melanomas for both BRAF and NRAS mutation status (mutant versus wild‐type). Mutation testing of at least two primary tumours from 64 patients was conducted. There was poor agreement for both BRAF and NRAS mutation status between incident and subsequent melanomas (κ = 0.10, 95% CI −0.10 to 0.42; κ = 0.06, 95% CI −0.10 to 0.57, respectively). In view of the low concordance in BRAF mutation status between incident and subsequent melanomas, mutational analysis of metastatic tissue, rather than of a primary melanoma, in patients with MPM should be used to guide targeted therapy.
Developing drugs for treatment of atopic dermatitis in children (≥3 months to <18 years of age): Draft guidance for industry
Authors: Siegfried Elaine C. , Jaworski Jennifer C. , Eichenfield Lawrence F. , Paller Amy , Hebert Adelaide A. , Simpson Eric L. , Altman Emily , Arena Charles , Blauvelt Andrew , Block Julie , Boguniewicz Mark , Chen Suephy , Cordoro Kelly , Hanna Diane , Horii Kimberly , Hultsch Thomas , Lee James , Leung Donald Y. , Lio Peter , Milner Joshua , Omachi Theodore , Schneider Christine , Schneider Lynda , Sidbury Robert , Smith Timothy , Sugarman Jeffrey , Taha Sharif , Tofte Susan , Tollefson Megha , Tom Wynnis L. , West Dennis P. , Whitney Lucinda , Zane Lee
Published: March 2018

Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic skin disease, and it primarily affects children. Although atopic dermatitis (AD) has the highest effect on burden of skin disease, no high‐level studies have defined optimal therapy for severe disease. Corticosteroids have been used to treat AD since the 1950s and remain the only systemic medication with Food and Drug Administration approval for this indication in children, despite published guidelines of care that recommend against this option. Several clinical trials with level 1 evidence have supported the use of topical treatments for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and children, but these trials have had little consistency in protocol design. Consensus recommendations will help standardize clinical development and trial design for children. The Food and Drug Administration issues guidance documents for industry as a source for “the Agency's current thinking on a particular subject.” Although they are nonbinding, industry considers these documents to be the standard for clinical development and trial design. Our consensus group is the first to specifically address clinical trial design in this population. We developed a draft guidance document for industry, Developing Drugs for Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Children (≥3 months to <18 years of age). This draft guidance has been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration based on a provision in the Federal Register (Good Guidance Practices).
The impact of length of stay on recovery measures in faith‐based addiction treatment
Authors: Lashley Mary
Published: March 2018

Objective

To determine the impact of length of stay among homeless men in faith‐based residential addictions recovery on physical activity, depression, self‐esteem, and nicotine dependence.

Design and Sample

A time series design was utilized to measure changes in the four quality measures at program entry and at 3, 6, and 9 months following admission. The sample consisted of 175 homeless residents enrolled in a faith‐based residential recovery program.

Measures

Paired t tests were used to determine the change in average instrument response from admission to each follow‐up period. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey posthoc tests were used to assess for differences in length of stay between demographic variables.

Results

Statistically significant improvements were noted in self‐esteem and depressive symptomatology at 3 and 6 months following admission and in physical activity levels at 3 months following admission. Nicotine dependence scores declined at 3 and 6 months but were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Time spent in this faith‐based spiritual recovery program had a significant impact on depression, self‐esteem, and physical activity. Recommendations for future study include conducting research to analyze the relationship between distinct program elements and quality indicators and comparing faith‐based programs to other similar programs and to publicly funded secular recovery programs.
Health‐seeking experience of North Korean women defectors in South Korea
Authors: Chung Chong‐Hee , Kang Hee‐Young , Lake Pamela K.
Published: March 2018

Objective(s)

The objective of the study was to explore and describe the health‐seeking experience of North Korean women defectors settled in South Korea.

Design and Sample

A qualitative study was conducted using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Participants were 10 North Korean women defectors.

Measures

Data were collected through in‐depth, unstructured interviews with individual participants.

Results

A total of 24 themes, eight theme clusters, and four categories emerged. The structure of the health‐seeking experience for them was identified as ‘having new opportunities to better understand my own body and protecting my own health while adapting to the health care system of the South’. The four categories were: finding out about my own body, confusion regarding the medical treatment, enjoying the health care benefits, and protecting my own health.

Conclusions

The findings of this study will help improve the understanding of the health‐seeking experience of North Korean women defectors and provide valuable resources to assist in caring for their health needs. This will contribute to preparing the groundwork to enhance the quality of their remaining life in South Korea.
Effect of four rounds of annual school‐wide mass praziquantel treatment for schistosoma mansoni control on schistosome‐specific immune responses
Authors: Ndombi E. M. , Abudho B. , Kittur N. , Carter J. M. , Korir H. , Riner D. K. , Ochanda H. , Lee Y‐M. , Secor W. E. , Karanja D. M. , Colley D. G.
Published: March 2018

This study evaluated potential changes in antischistosome immune responses in children from schools that received 4 rounds of annual mass drug administration (MDA) of praziquantel (PZQ). In a repeated cross‐sectional study design, 210 schistosome egg‐positive children were recruited at baseline from schools in western Kenya (baseline group). Another 251 children of the same age range were recruited from the same schools and diagnosed with schistosome infection by microscopy (post‐MDA group). In‐vitro schistosome‐specific cytokines and plasma antibody levels were measured by ELISA and compared between the 2 groups of children. Schistosome soluble egg antigen (SEA) and soluble worm antigen preparation (SWAP) stimulated higher IL‐5 production by egg‐negative children in the post‐MDA group compared to the baseline group. Similarly, anti‐SEA IgE levels were higher in egg‐negative children in the post‐MDA group compared to the baseline group. Anti‐SEA and anti‐SWAP IgG4 levels were lower in egg‐negative children in the post‐MDA group compared to baseline. This resulted in higher anti‐SEA IgE/IgG4 ratios for children in the post‐MDA group compared to baseline. These post‐MDA immunological changes are compatible with the current paradigm that treatment shifts immune responses to higher antischistosome IgE:IgG4 ratios in parallel with a potential increase in resistance to reinfection.
High levels of fecundity in small and isolated populations of a self‐compatible Aloe pollinated by opportunistic birds and bees
Authors: Patrick K. L. , Johnson S. D. , Duffy K. J.
Published: March 2018

Plant species that are effective colonisers of transient habitats are expected to have a capacity for uniparental reproduction and show flexibility in pollination systems. Such traits may enable populations to be established from a small number of founding individuals without these populations succumbing to reductions in fecundity arising from pollinator limitation.

We tested these predictions for Aloe thraskii (Xanthorrhoeaceae), a succulent treelet that colonises shifting coastal dunes and has both bird and bee pollinators. We performed hand‐pollination experiments, and selectively excluded bird visitors to determine differences in pollinator effectiveness. We measured pollinator visitation rates and fecundity in populations varying in their size, density and isolation distance.

Controlled hand‐pollinations revealed that unlike most other Aloe species, A. thraskii is self‐compatible and thus capable of uniparental reproduction. The species does however depend on pollinators and is visited by various bird species as well as by bees. Fruit and seed set are not affected by selective exclusion of birds, thus indicating that bees are effective pollinators. Bird visitation rates increased with increasing plant height and population size, while bee visitation rates increased with increasing population size and density. We found that seed set per flower was lower in large populations than in small populations.

These results suggest that establishment of populations of A. thraskii from a small number of individuals is unlikely to be limited by the fecundity of individual plants.
Functional anatomy reveals secretory activity in papillose anthers of a buzz‐pollinated Solanum species (Cyphomandra clade – Solanaceae)
Authors: Falcão B. F. , Stehmann J. R.
Published: March 2018

Pollination in Solanum (Solanaceae) species is commonly performed by female bees, which vibrate anthers to extract pollen. Another pollen removal type is by male euglossine bees, milking the anthers when searching for floral scents produced by secretory tissues (osmophorous) at the swollen connective of the anthers of species in the Cyphomandra clade. Some species of this clade, however, are buzz‐pollinated and present papillate anthers that should also have secretory activity, a hypothesis here tested.

The anthers of Solanum luridifuscescens were fixed at different stages of development and analysed under light microscopy, SEM and TEM. Histochemical tests for the detection of starch and lipids were done.

Epidermal cells of the abaxial surface of the anthers were visibly papillose, had large nuclei and dense cytoplasm rich in organelles such as mitochondria and plastids, typical features of secretory tissues. In this site, lipid droplets were detected, concomitantly with starch consumption, compatible with the secretory process in osmophores. No exudate or accumulation of substances was seen on the surface; in agreement with a previous pollination study performed in field conditions, where no pollinators were observed collecting floral scents, only pollen. The histochemical and structural analyses have evidenced the lipidic composition of the secretion, strongly pointing to terpenes as the secreted compounds.

Ours findings show that papillae of the anthers have secretory activities that produce lipophilic compounds. This does not result in resources for bees, but could be an evolutionary step to the development of more specialised anthers in the Cyphomandra clade.
RNA‐Seq analysis unveils gene regulation of fruit size cooperatively determined by velocity and duration of fruit swelling in peach
Authors: Gu Chao , Zhou Yu‐Hang , Shu Wei‐Sheng , Cheng Hai‐Yan , Wang Lu , Han Yue‐Peng , Zhang Yu‐Yan , Yu Ming‐Liang , Joldersma Dirk , Zhang Shao‐Ling
Published: March 2018

Fruit swelling determines fruit size and usually occurs in two distinct time periods in peach. However, little is known about the gene regulation of fruit swelling. In this study, measurements of longitudinal and transverse diameters in developing and ripening peach fruits unveiled two periods of fruit swelling: the first swelling ends at approximately 65 days after flower blooming (DAFB) and the second swelling starts at approximately 75 DAFB. Comparisons of diameters sizes and development periods among cultivars and accessions revealed a cooperative regulation of swelling velocity and swelling duration, which leads to final determination of fruit size. Furthermore, RNA‐sequencing was conducted for fruits at the initial swelling, non‐swelling interval between the two swellings (hereafter, ‘the interval’), second swelling and ripening stages. A total of 110 and 128 differentially expressed genes were screened from fruits in the first and second swelling, respectively. Besides, the nine most differentially expressed genes located within the reported quantitative trait locations (QTLs) of fruit size in peach were detected in both the first and second swelling stages. Those genes have been reported to be involved in mediating cell size, which indicates the occurrence of both cell proliferation and cell expansion in each of the two major periods of fruit swelling. In addition, a potential gene regulation network is proposed herein and could be used to elucidate the molecular mechanism of peach fruit swellings mediated by multiple key genes.
Secondary sexual traits and semen characteristic of chicken germline chimeras
Authors: Łukaszewicz E , Lasoń M , Kowalczyk A , Bednarczyk M
Published: March 2018

Contents

Birds obtained by embryo engineering are used to study embryo development and to produce transgenic birds. As this method of producing birds still generate strong emotions of the public opinion head ornaments, testes and semen characteristics of sex chimera roosters were examined to check whether they differ from chickens obtained by non‐manipulated methods. Measurements of head ornaments, testes and semen were correlated with each other. Semen quality factor (SQF) was calculated, as well as the level of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of bilateral traits (wattles and testes). Positive correlation was found for comb width and wattle length and comb thickness and sperm concentration. Semen characteristics andFAdid not exceed the level encounter in other chicken lines. Results obtained indicate that germline chimeras are similar in appearance of secondary sexual traits, and semen and testes characteristics to chickens produced in non‐manipulated way.
Interactions between different media and follicle‐stimulating hormone supplementation on in vitro culture of preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue derived from collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linneaus, 1758)
Authors: Lima GL , Luz VB , Lima LF , Rocha RMP , Castro SV , Castelo TS , Rodrigues APR , Figueiredo JR , Silva AR
Published: March 2018

Contents

The aim was to verify the effect of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) supplementation to α‐MEM+ or TCM199+ media on the in vitro development of ovarian preantral follicles (PFs) derived from collared peccaries. Ovaries (n = 5 pairs) were collected and divided into fragments destined to control group (non‐cultured) or treatments that were cultured for 7 days. The PFs morphology, growth and activation were evaluated by classical histology. The immunohistochemistry markers Ag‐NOR and PCNA were used for nuclear proliferation analysis, and the picrosirius red labelling was used for ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) evaluation. After 7‐day culture, only the TCM199+ treatment maintained the proportion of intact PFs similar to day 1 (63.2%), but no differences were found among treatments (p > .05). In addition, a significant increase in the growing follicles proportion was verified for all the treatments, indicating follicular activation (p > .05). By the Ag‐NOR analysis, only the TCM199+/FSH maintained the nuclear proliferation similar to the first day (p > .05). The picrosirius red staining revealed that the ECM remained intact in all the treatments (p > .05). We suggest the use of TCM199+ medium supplemented of FSH for the in vitro development of peccaries PFs under 7‐day culturing conditions.