bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence in Rehabilitation Medicine
Authors: Negrini Stefano
Published: August 2018

The relationship between evidence-based medicine and rehabilitation medicine is somewhat controversial. The motto “there is no evidence in rehabilitation medicine” is at times a real burden on the shoulders of rehabilitation medicine. There are many ideas around evidence in rehabilitation medicine; some are correct, whereas others are probably prejudices only. In this article, it is first discussed what evidence is, its origin and meaning, giving some notes about Cochrane—arguably, the criterion standard of evidence medicine. The relationship between rehabilitation medicine and evidence is then faced, to try to understand why these difficulties exist; it is considered what rehabilitation medicine is, comparing rehabilitation medicine with the other “classical” medical specialties; the problems with evidence generation and the actual state of research in rehabilitation medicine. The implementation of evidence in rehabilitation medicine is also introduced, including a brief discussion of knowledge translation, what it is, and why it is important, paying particular attention to Cochrane Rehabilitation—the new global rehabilitation medicine body that is facing these issues. Finally, some solutions for evidence in rehabilitation medicine are proposed.
Pure Skin Perforator Flaps: The Anatomical Vascularity of the Superthin Flap
Authors: Narushima Mitsunaga , Yamasoba Tatsuya , Iida Takuya , Matsumoto Yu , Yamamoto Takumi , Yoshimatsu Hidehiko , Timothy Shim , Pafitanis Georgios , Yamashita Shuji , Koshima Isao
Published: August 2018

Background:

Recently, a superthin “pure skin perforator” flap without any subcutaneous tissue was proposed, but the vascularity is still unclear. The authors therefore investigated the vascularity of the proposed superficial circumflex iliac artery–pure skin perforator along with its clinical applications and findings on indocyanine green imaging.

Methods:

The locations and dimension of 70 pure skin perforators on 40 flaps were investigated and classified into central-peripheral and mediolateral parts. Indocyanine green angiography was used to analyze the patterns of the vascular anatomy.

Results:

Twenty-seven of 29 cases (93.1 percent) presented with pure skin perforator vessels within the area 5 cm above and 1 cm below the inguinal ligament and 4 cm medial and 2 cm lateral from the anterior superior iliac spine. The total flap size averaged 39 ± 22 cm2 (range, 3 to 90 cm2). A subanalysis of the relationship between the flap size and location of pure skin perforators within the single, double, and triple pure skin perforator flap subgroups did not reveal any significance. Indocyanine green angiography revealed three interesting perfusion patterns of pure skin perforator flap: a radial diffusion pattern, direct linking vessels in the intradermal layer, and intradermal arteriovenous shunts.

Conclusions:

The location number of the pure skin perforators within the flap was not considered to be a crucial factor in the flap design and size in this study. This new knowledge regarding the pure skin perforator concept will allow surgeons to elevate a full-thickness skin flap safely.
Subclinical Changes in Deceased Donor Kidney Proteomes Are Associated With 12-month Allograft Function Posttransplantation—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kaisar Maria , van Dullemen Leon , Charles Philip , Akhtar Zeeshan M. , Thézénas Marie L. , Huang Honglei , Klooster Astrid , Watkins Nicholas A. , Kessler Benedikt , Ploeg Rutger J.
Published: August 2018

Background

Cerebral injury during donation after brain death may induce systemic damage affecting long-term kidney function posttransplantation. Conventional evaluation of donor organ quality as a triage for transplantation is of limited utility.

Methods

We compared donor kidneys yielding opposing extremes of the continuum of posttransplantation outcomes by several common kidney biopsy evaluation techniques, including Kidney Donor Profile Index and Remuzzi scoring, and analyzed tissue from a minimal sample cohort using label-free quantitation mass spectrometry. Further assessment of the proteomic results was performed by orthogonal quantitative comparisons of selected key proteins by immunoblotting.

Results

We show that common evaluation techniques of kidney biopsies were not predictive for posttransplantation outcomes. In contrast, despite the limited cohort size, the proteomic analysis was able to clearly differentiate between kidneys yielding extreme posttransplantation outcome differences. Pathway analysis of the proteomic data suggested that outcome-related variance in protein abundance associated with profibrotic, apoptosis, and antioxidant proteins. Immunoblotting confirmation further supported this observation.

Conclusions

We present preliminary data indicating that there is scope for existing evaluation approaches to be supplemented by the analysis of proteomic differences. Furthermore, the observed outcome-related variance in a limited cohort was supported by immunoblotting and is consistent with mechanisms previously implicated in the development of injury and cytoprotection in kidney transplantation.
International Liver Transplantation Consensus Statement on End-stage Liver Disease Due to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Liver Transplantation
Authors: Tsochatzis Emmanuel , Coilly Audrey , Nadalin Silvio , Levistky Josh , Tokat Yaman , Ghobrial Mark , Klinck John , Berenguer Marina
Published: August 2018

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related cirrhosis has become one of the most common indications for liver transplantation (LT), particularly in candidates older than 65 years. Typically, NASH candidates have concurrent obesity, metabolic, and cardiovascular risks, which directly impact patient evaluation and selection, waitlist morbidity and mortality, and eventually posttransplant outcomes. The purpose of these guidelines is to highlight specific features commonly observed in NASH candidates and strategies to optimize pretransplant evaluation and waitlist survival. More specifically, the working group addressed the following clinically relevant questions providing recommendations based on the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system supported by rigorous systematic reviews and consensus: (1) Is the outcome after LT similar to that of other etiologies of liver disease? (2) Is the natural history of NASH-related cirrhosis different from other etiologies of end-stage liver disease? (3) How should cardiovascular risk be assessed in the candidate for LT? Should the assessment differ from that done in other etiologies? (4) How should comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, renal dysfunction, etc.) be treated in the candidate for LT? Should treatment and monitoring of these comorbidities differ from that applied in other etiologies? (5) What are the therapeutic strategies recommended to improve the cardiovascular and nutritional status of a NASH patient in the waiting list for LT? (6) Is there any circumstance where obesity should contraindicate LT? (7) What is the optimal time for bariatric surgery: before, during, or after LT? (8) How relevant is donor steatosis for LT in NASH patients?
Unusual Bilateral Renal Parenchymal Urine Leak After Pediatric En Bloc Kidney Transplantation: First Case Study Report
Authors: Sharma Amit , Nayak Rahul U. , Gupta Gaurav , Cotterell Adrian
Published: August 2018

Kidney transplantation is usually the best course of treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. En bloc kidney transplantation (EBKT) is a surgical treatment option that increases available donor organs with excellent graft survival for patients with end-stage renal disease. Herein, we report a case of an unusual bilateral renal parenchymal urine leak after EBKT leading to removal of both moieties of the EBKT. This unfortunate complication after EBKT, to our knowledge, is the only reported of its kind. We explore the possible causes of the bilateral parenchymal urine leaks and suggest preventive strategies to avoid urological complications after EBKT.
Knowledge sharing in technology-intensive manufacturing organizations
Authors: AlShamsi Omran Mohamed , Ajmal Mian M.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to identify and prioritize the critical factors impacting knowledge sharing (KS) in technology-intensive manufacturing organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to propose a decision-making framework for KS.

Design/methodology/approach

Analytical Hierarchical Process method is used to identify these critical factors impacting KS in technology-intensive manufacturing organizations in the UAE.

Findings

Results show that organizational leadership and culture are the most critical factors impacting KS in the technology-intensive manufacturing organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The data are collected from technology-intensive manufacturing organizations in the UAE; therefore, these cannot be generalized to other locations. Future research in different countries is required.

Practical implications

To implement successful KS practices in technology-intensive manufacturing organizations, it is essential that all impacting factors and sub-factors are well understood within the organizations.

Originality/value

This study is among the first studies in the region that presents a comprehensive framework for KS in manufacturing sector.
Evaluation of Google question-answering quality
Authors: Zhao Yiming , Zhang Jin , Xia Xue , Le Taowen
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate Google question-answering (QA) quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the large variety and complexity of Google answer boxes in search result pages, existing evaluation criteria for both search engines and QA systems seemed unsuitable. This study developed an evaluation criteria system for the evaluation of Google QA quality by coding and analyzing search results of questions from a representative question set. The study then evaluated Google’s overall QA quality as well as QA quality across four target types and across six question types, using the newly developed criteria system. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to compare QA quality among different target types and question types.

Findings

It was found that Google provided significantly higher-quality answers to person-related questions than to thing-related, event-related and organization-related questions. Google also provided significantly higher-quality answers to where- questions than to who-, what- and how-questions. The more specific a question is, the higher the QA quality would be.

Research limitations/implications

Suggestions for both search engine users and designers are presented to help enhance user experience and QA quality.

Originality/value

Particularly suitable for search engine QA quality analysis, the newly developed evaluation criteria system expanded and enriched assessment metrics of both search engines and QA systems.
Timely assessment of disaster and emergency response networks in the aftermath of superstorm Sandy, 2012
Authors: Yeo Jungwon , Comfort Louise , Jung Kyujin
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate pros and cons of two coding methods: the rapid network assessment (RNA) and the manual content analysis (MCA). In particular, it focuses on the applicability of a new rapid data extraction and utilization method, which can contribute to the timely coordination of disaster and emergency response operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing the data set of textual information on the Superstorm Sandy response in 2012, retrieved from the LexisNexis Academic news archive, the two coding methods, MCA and RNA, are subjected to social network analysis.

Findings

The analysis results indicate a significant level of similarity between the data collected using these two methods. The findings indicate that the RNA method could be effectively used to extract megabytes of electronic data, characterize the emerging disaster response network and suggest timely policy implications for managers and practitioners during actual emergency response operations and coordination processes.

Originality/value

Considering the growing needs for the timely assessment of real-time disaster response systems and the emerging doubts regarding the effectiveness of the RNA method, this study contributes to uncovering the potential of the RNA method to extract relevant data from the megabytes of digitally available information. Also this research illustrates the applicability of MCA for assessing real-time disaster response networks by comparing network analysis results from data sets built by both the RNA and the MCA.
Self-leadership strategies and career success: insight on sports organizations
Authors: Megheirkouni Majd
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the direct and indirect relationship between self-leadership strategies and career success, using self-efficacy as a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methods approach was used to gather the data, using a sample of 418 registered individuals in sports organizations.

Findings

The results revealed that there is a significant relationship between self-leadership strategies and self-efficacy, and between self-efficacy and career success. Further, self-efficacy was found to fully mediate the relationship between the self-leadership and career success.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides an insight into the direct and indirect relationships between self-leadership and career success. In addition, this paper suggests future directions that researchers can undertake to advance self-leadership in the field of leadership research and the area of sport leadership.

Originality/value

Self-leadership has become an essential need today for most leadership roles in sport settings. The present study also advances self-leadership research in sport settings.
Trait correlation network analysis identifies biomass allocation traits and stem specific length as hub traits in herbaceous perennial plants
Authors: Kleyer Michael , Trinogga Juliane , Cebrián‐Piqueras Miguel A. , Trenkamp Anastasia , Fløjgaard Camilla , Ejrnæs Rasmus , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Minden Vanessa , Maier Martin , Mantilla‐Contreras Jasmin , Albach Dirk C. , Blasius Bernd
Published: August 2018

Correlations among plant traits often reflect important trade‐offs or allometric relationships in biological functions like carbon gain, support, water uptake, and reproduction that are associated with different plant organs. Whether trait correlations can be aggregated to “spectra” or “leading dimensions,” whether these dimensions are consistent across plant organs, spatial scale, and growth forms are still open questions.

To illustrate the current state of knowledge, we constructed a network of published trait correlations associated with the “leaf economics spectrum,” “biomass allocation dimension,” “seed dimension,” and carbon and nitrogen concentrations. This literature‐based network was compared to a network based on a dataset of 23 traits from 2,530 individuals of 126 plant species from 381 plots in Northwest Europe.

The observed network comprised more significant correlations than the literature‐based network. Network centrality measures showed that size traits such as the mass of leaf, stem, below‐ground, and reproductive tissues and plant height were the most central traits in the network, confirming the importance of allometric relationships in herbaceous plants. Stem mass and stem‐specific length were “hub” traits correlated with most traits. Environmental selection of hub traits may affect the whole phenotype. In contrast to the literature‐based network, SLA and leaf N were of minor importance. Based on cluster analysis and subsequent PCAs of the resulting trait clusters, we found a “size” module, a “seed” module, two modules representing C and N concentrations in plant organs, and a “partitioning” module representing organ mass fractions. A module representing the plant economics spectrum did not emerge.

Synthesis. Although we found support for several trait dimensions, the observed trait network deviated significantly from current knowledge, suggesting that previous studies have overlooked trait coordination at the whole‐plant level. Furthermore, network analysis suggests that stem traits have a stronger regulatory role in herbaceous plants than leaf traits.
Electoral Rules, Labor Market Coordination and Macroeconomic Performance
Authors: Henrik Knutsen Carl , Bergli Rasmussen Magnus
Published: August 2018

Two distinct literatures have studied the macroeconomic effects of electoral systems and of labor market structures, respectively. Results include a positive association between proportional representation (PR) electoral systems and growth, but also between PR and inflation, as well as negative or hump‐shaped relationships between labor market coordination and the ‘misery variables’, unemployment and inflation. However, these results could be biased; particular electoral system and labor market features co‐vary systematically, and extant studies have typically not taken this into account. Effects attributed to PR systems could really stem from labor market coordination, and vice versa. In this article the relationships with macroeconomic outcomes for both electoral systems and labor market structures are re‐evaluated by modelling them jointly. Employing data from more than 30 democracies, with time‐series from the period 1960–2010, some robust and some non‐robust associations are identified. First, PR systems are, indeed, associated with higher growth rates, but not with higher inflation. Regarding labor market coordination, robust curvilinear relationships with unemployment and inflation are identified; intermediate levels of coordination correspond with worse macroeconomic performance – albeit not lower growth – even when accounting for electoral system features.
Altruism, solidarity and affect in live kidney donation and breastmilk sharing
Authors: Shaw Rhonda M.
Published: August 2018

Social scientists have recently diverged from mainstream bioethical discussion on the topic of the medical use of human biological materials for therapeutic, reproductive and research purposes. Rather than justifying the donation and provision of biological materials solely in terms of alleviating physical, psychological and social suffering, saving or enhancing life, and advancing biomedical knowledge, this work looks beyond humanist bioethics to take a social justice approach to questions of the life sciences. In this article, I draw insight from these accounts to propose an approach to the sociology of live kidney and breastmilk donation that is situated at the interface of the new sociology of morality and affect studies. To do so, I examine the moral economy of tissue provision with respect to its organisation around the discourse of altruism and the gift. I then turn to recent work on tissue economies, which are in the business of creating and producing biovalue, to discuss the manipulation of affect and the entanglement of new forms of bio‐intimacy in the production and reproduction of somatic life. The aim of the article was to contribute to the study of the sociology of donation as a substantive field of specialisation within sociology.
Welfare Entry and Exit after Marital Separation among Australian Mothers
Authors: Bradbury Bruce , Zhu Anna
Published: August 2018

Australian administrative data is used to examine patterns of welfare receipt for up to 5 and a half years after marital separation. We examine relationship status, income support and other incomes both before and after separation with a particular focus on the routes into and out of welfare receipt. Exits associated with new partnering are compared with those likely to be due to earnings increases. We find substantial volatility in relationships, with around a third of separations being only temporary (re‐partnering with the original partner). Focusing on the permanent separations, we find a convergence in the welfare receipt rates of initially well‐off and poor mothers, which is then slowly unwound as more advantaged mothers leave welfare at a faster rate. The channels of welfare exit (finding a new partner versus exiting welfare while remaining single) are associated with different characteristics. Family size is an equally important predictor of exit rates as the age of the youngest child.
Child Maltreatment, Delayed Reward Discounting, and Alcohol and Other Drug Use Problems: The Moderating Role of Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Oshri Assaf , Liu Sihong , Duprey Erinn Bernstein , MacKillop James
Published: August 2018

Background

Child maltreatment (CM) is robustly associated with youth risk for addictive behaviors, and recent findings suggest that this may be mediated through impulsive discounting of future rewards. However, research indicates that youth self‐regulation (emotional and cognitive), particularly in peer contexts, is critical to consider in the study of decision making. This study aimed to examine the indirect link between CM and alcohol and other drug use problems, through delayed reward discounting (DRD), among a community sample of emerging adults. Further, this investigation aimed to examine whether this indirect link was moderated by heart rate variability (HRV), a physiological proxy for regulation of stress reactivity.

Methods

A sample of emerging adults (N = 225; Mage = 21.56; SDage = 2.24; 52.9% female) was assessed at 2 time points, with 1 year between assessments. The sample was comprised of rural emerging adults from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. DRD was examined using a monetary choice task, and HRV reactivity was derived during a social stress task.

Results

Increased CM experiences were significantly linked to riskier DRD. HRV reactivity amplified the indirect effect between CM and alcohol use problems via riskier DRD.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that the connection between CM and alcohol use problems via impulsive decision making is modulated by acute stress response reactivity, as indexed by HRV.
Indexing the ‘dark side of addiction’: substance‐induced affective symptoms and alcohol use disorders
Authors: Ehlers Cindy L. , Gilder David A. , Gizer Ian R. , Wilhelmsen Kirk C.
Published: August 2018

Background and aims

The emergence of negative affective symptoms during the course of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) (e.g. ‘dark side’ symptoms) has been suggested theoretically; however, the description of their occurrence is limited. This study operationalized two negative affect symptoms and tested the strength of association between these phenotypes and (1) indicators of the clinical course of the severity of AUD, (2) comorbid Axis I psychiatric disorders, suicidal behaviors and trait neuroticism and (3) whether participants reported drinking to relieve the negative affective symptoms.

Design

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was used to evaluate associations, using logistic regression, between the two negative affective symptoms and clinical measures of AUD severity and progression as well as comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders and conditions, adjusted for demographic characteristics.

Setting

US community‐based studies.

Participants

A total of 2568 individuals with AUDs obtained from larger population studies that targeted individuals of European American (n = 1663), Mexican American and American Indian (n = 905) ancestry.

Measurements

Semi‐Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism was used to ascertain the two ‘dark side’ phenotypes, clinical diagnoses, the clinical course of AUD and associated symptoms. The two phenotypes were: (1) being anxious or depressed when trying to cut down or stop drinking and (2) experiencing disabling depression for more than 24 hours while drinking.

Findings

Both phenotypes were found to be rare in mild and moderate use disorder and highly prevalent in severe AUDs. Having an independent anxiety or affective disorder and elevated scores on trait neuroticism were also associated significantly with the occurrence of both symptoms, as was alcohol ‘craving’, elevated treatment‐seeking, suicidal behaviors and drinking to relieve the symptoms.

Conclusions

Affective symptoms are common in severe alcohol use disorders are associated with a history of independent affective/anxiety disorders, neuroticism and suicidal behaviors; and may promote further heavy drinking.
Location of long‐term communal burrows of a threatened arid‐zone lizard in relation to soil and vegetation
Authors: Ridley Jenna C. H. , Schlesinger Christine A. , Bull C. Michael
Published: August 2018

The great desert skink (Liopholis kintorei) of the Egerniinae subfamily (Reptilia: Scincidae) is a communal burrowing lizard that inhabits arid spinifex grasslands in central Australia. Great desert skink activity is centred in and around the burrows which are inhabited for many years. However, it is not known whether skinks select burrow sites with specific attributes or how continuing occupancy of burrows is influenced by the surrounding habitat; especially post‐fire, when plant cover is reduced. Here, we test whether great desert skink burrows in areas burnt 2 years previously and in longer unburnt areas are associated with particular habitat attributes, and whether there are differences between occupied and recently abandoned burrow sites. Vegetation composition, cover and soil surface characteristics at 56 established great desert skink burrows, including occupied and recently unoccupied burrows, were compared with 56 random nearby non‐burrow control sites. Burrow sites had higher plant cover compared with the surrounding landscape in both recently burnt and longer unburnt areas and were more likely to be associated with the presence of shrubs. Soil stability and infiltration were also higher at burrow sites. However, we found no evidence that burrows with lower cover were more likely to be abandoned. Our results suggest that great desert skinks may actively select high cover areas for burrow construction, although differences between burrow and control sites may also partly reflect local changes to plant cover and composition and soil properties resulting from burrow construction and long‐term habitation of a site. Further research should determine if burrows with shrubs or higher plant cover provide greater protection from predators, more structural stability for burrow construction, increased prey abundance or other benefits. We recommend that maintenance of areas with relatively higher plant cover be prioritized when managing great desert skink habitat.
Anal squamous cell carcinoma: are we improving outcomes?
Authors: Mackowski Alicia , Levitt Michael , Makin Gregory , Salama Paul , Tan Patrick , Penter Cheryl , Platell Cameron
Published: August 2018

Background

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare malignancy. The purpose of this study was to review a single institution's experience.

Methods

All patients with anal SCC from St John of God Subiaco Hospital database were identified over a 10‐year period (2006–2016). Patients with stage 1 anal verge tumours underwent wide local excision, all remaining patients were offered chemoradiation (CRT) as an initial treatment modality (a fluorouracil‐based regimen in conjunction with mitomycin). Outcomes included recurrence, overall survival and survival following salvage surgery.

Results

Forty‐seven patients were identified. Median age was 60 years and median follow‐up was 2.73 years. Five‐year rates of recurrence and overall survival were 35.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 23.2–52.4%) and 65.4% (95% CI 47.0–78.7%), respectively. Locoregional failure occurred most commonly at the primary site. Eight patients underwent salvage abdominoperineal resection for persistent or recurrent disease, and four of these patients died within 5 years.

Conclusion

CRT is a proven and reasonable effective approach in managing anal cancer. Observed recurrence and overall survival rates in this study resemble the published data. Despite newer methods of treatment being investigated, the treatment for anal SCC has not significantly changed in the past four decades and novel approaches are needed to further improve outcomes.
Repeatability of the macular pigment spatial profile: A comparison of objective versus subjective classification
Authors: Ctori Irene , Mahroo Omar A. , Williams Katie M. , Hammond Christopher J. , Huntjens Byki
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Classification of macular pigment (MP) spatial profile phenotypes varies and is often based on subjective visualisation. We investigated repeatability of MP optical density (MPOD) comparing an objective versus subjective profiling system.

Methods

The coefficient of repeatability (CoR) was calculated for point MPOD values (0–3.8°) obtained by dual‐wavelength fundus autofluorescence (FAF) from two scans obtained in a single visit of 40 healthy individuals (39 ± 9 years). For each individual's dataset, the MP profile was classified as exponential, ring‐like or central dip using an objective method (based on deviations away from an exponential fit), as well as by subjective visual profiling. Existing FAF images of 88 monozygotic (MZ) and 69 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs were reanalysed using the objective profiling method and concordance and heritability of ring‐like profiles determined.

Results

The CoR was 0.23 at 0° and 0.06 at 0.8°. Agreement of objective profiling between scans was excellent (κ = 0.85, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.00; p < 0.0005). Subjective profiling showed moderate agreement between scans (κ = 0.48, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.73; p < 0.0005). Agreement between objective and subjective classification was low (κ = 0.23, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.42; p = 0.02). Concordance for the ring‐like profile using objective profiling was 0.74 for MZ compared to 0.36 for DZ twins. Heritability was calculated as 81.5% (95% confidence interval 61.1–93.1%).

Conclusion

Compared to visual assessment, objective MP profiling is a more reliable method and should be considered in future observational and interventional studies. In addition, MP profile phenotypes showed high heritability.
Nurses’ experiences of screening for communication difficulties at 18 months of age
Authors: Fäldt A , Nordlund H , Holmqvist U , Lucas S , Fabian H
Published: August 2018

Aim

Early identification of communication disorders is important and may be possible through screening in the child health services. The aim of the study was to investigate nurses’ experiences and sense of competence when using the Infant‐Toddler Checklist (ITC) communication screening at the 18‐month health visit.

Methods

A mixed‐methods design including three focus group interviews (n = 14) and a web‐based survey (n = 22) among nurses using the ITC or the standard method. Interview data were analysed through systematic text condensation and a deductive analysis based on implementation theory. Groups were compared using Mann–Whitney tests.

Result

Three themes emerged: Using a structured evaluation of communication changes, the dynamic, ITC is a beneficial tool and Implementation of the ITC faces a few challenges. Nurses who used the ITC perceived to a greater extent that they used a structured method (p = 0.003, r = 0.9) and felt more secure in describing the child's communication and language development to parents (p = 0.006, r = 0.83) compared to the standard method group.

Conclusion

Using the ITC supported the nurses in their assessment of communication at 18 months. Nurses’ sense of competence was higher when using the ITC, both in their assessment and in communicating with parents.
Harbouring group B streptococci in a neonatal intensive care unit led to an outbreak among preterm infants
Authors: Åberg Emma , Ottosson Ann , Granlund Margareta , Saeedi Baharak , Stamm Christina , Brune Thomas , Tammelin Ann , Johansson Stefan
Published: August 2018

We report a nosocomial outbreak with group B streptococci (GBS) in a level two neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Sachs’ Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, in 2014. There were five very preterm infants with severe late‐onset septicaemia, and 10 further infants were colonised. Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing genetic characterisation showed that one GBS strain was the cause: serotype Ia, sequence type 23, clonal complex 23. The NICU environment cultures revealed GBS reservoirs on surfaces near sick and colonised patients. We identified workflows and guidelines that could increase the risks of nosocomial infections. Conclusion: This nosocomial GBS outbreak among preterm infants demonstrates that GBS can be harboured in the NICU environment.
Baselines for δ15N values of cereals retrieved from archaeological excavations
Authors: Bakels C.
Published: August 2018

This paper describes an experiment to provide baselines for the δ15N values of prehistoric cereals. Emmer wheat and barley were grown in tubs filled with two different substrates and placed in a cage to protect them from birds and cats. The experiment lasted three years. Values obtained in this way may serve in cases where no experimental farms of long standing with unmanured fields can provide them. The results are in line with the values obtained at such farms, as well as with values presented for ethnographic cases in the literature.
Transplanting turfs to facilitate recovery in a low‐alpine environment—What matters?
Authors: Mehlhoop Anne C. , Evju Marianne , Hagen Dagmar
Published: August 2018

Questions

Restoration of disturbed alpine ecosystems is difficult due to harsh environmental conditions. Transplanting of vegetation turfs into disturbed areas has been used as a restoration method in disturbed alpine sites. The aim of this study is to investigate which environmental factors influence the vegetation recovery in turf surroundings and how turf attributes contribute to vegetation recovery.

Location

Restored roads in a former military training area, Dovrefjell mountain range, central Norway.

Methods

We recorded species richness, vegetation cover and soil characteristics of transplanted turfs and turf surroundings in roads restored between 3 and 14 years ago. Linear and generalized linear mixed models were used to investigate the relative importance of turf attributes and soil factors for recovery of turf surroundings.

Results

Time was the most important factor for vegetation recovery, but soil conditions in turf surroundings were also highly important. Species richness and vegetation cover in turf surroundings were almost twice as high on silt‐dominated soil and with presence of soil organic matter compared to on coarser soils and without organic matter. Species richness in turfs and turf surroundings was almost equal after 14 years, and the similarity of the species composition was high. Neither turf size, distance to the second closest turf or species richness and vegetation cover of the turfs were important factors for vegetation recovery in the turf surroundings.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the importance of preparing the restoration sites before using turf transplants in road and infrastructure restoration. Of particular importance is ensuring soil organic content and a fine soil grain size to increase rates of vegetation recovery in short time scales. Time is the most important factor for recovery in this ecosystem, and this should be communicated to project owners and to the public to ensure realistic expectations on recovery time.
Obedience without orders: Expanding social psychology's conception of ‘obedience’
Authors: Gibson Stephen
Published: August 2018

Psychologists have typically defined obedience as a form of social influence elicited in response to direct orders from an authority figure. In the most influential set of studies of obedience, conducted by Stanley Milgram in the early 1960s, the orders at the disposal of the authority figure were a series of verbal prods. However, recent research has suggested that Milgram's experiments do not show people following orders. It has therefore been suggested that the experiments are not demonstrations of obedience. However, in the present paper, it is argued that rather than abandoning the idea that Milgram's work is a demonstration of obedience, it is in fact our conceptualization of obedience that is wrong. Obedience should not be understood as requiring direct orders from an authority figure. This argument is developed with reference to an extended case example from one of Milgram's experimental conditions in which a participant completed the experiment in the absence of direct orders. It is argued that such participants can still be understood as obedient if we consider the implicit demands of the system in which participants find themselves. The study concludes by presenting a new definition of obedience that omits the need for direct orders.
Power matters: The role of power and morality needs in competitive victimhood among advantaged and disadvantaged groups
Authors: Kahalon Rotem , Shnabel Nurit , Halabi Samer , SimanTov‐Nachlieli Ilanit
Published: August 2018

Competitive victimhood denotes group members’ efforts to establish that their ingroup has suffered greater injustice than an adversarial outgroup. Previous research in contexts of structural inequality has stressed the role of the need to defend the ingroup's moral identity, rather than the need for power, in leading advantaged and disadvantaged group members to engage in competitive victimhood. Focusing on the structural inequality between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel (Study 1) and Israeli women and men (Study 2), we found that across all groups and contexts, power needs predicted competitive victimhood. Also, the need to protect the ingroup's moral reputation (i.e., defensive moral needs) positively predicted competitive victimhood, whereas among advantaged group members, the need to protect the ingroup's moral essence negatively predicted competitive victimhood. Finally, exploratory analyses revealed that competitive victimhood correlated, positively for advantaged and negatively for disadvantaged group members, with support for policies securing realistic and symbolic resources for the disadvantaged group. Theoretical and practical implications of these results, which are consistent with the logic of the needs‐based model of reconciliation, are discussed.
Animals and humans in the European Russian Arctic towards the end of the last Ice Age and during the mid‐Holocene time
Authors: Hufthammer Anne Karin , Svendsen John Inge , Pavlov Pavel
Published: August 2018

Here, we present and discuss results from geo‐archaeological and palaeo‐zoological investigations at the Palaeolithic site Pymva Shor, in the Russian Arctic. As many as 3324 vertebrate fauna remains were recovered during two excavations. This includes bones of mammals, birds and fish. Radiocarbon dates were obtained from 26 specimens. The results show ages in the range 30–3 cal. ka BP. Hare and reindeer are the best represented amongst the identified mammalian species, whilst ptarmigan and various wader species dominate the avian bones. The Pleistocene assemblage includes herbivorous herd animals such as horse, bison and musk ox. These species are typical of the treeless tundra‐steppe landscape that existed during the Lateglacial. Of particular interest is a cave lion specimen that has been radiocarbon dated to approximately 15.5 cal. ka BP. According to our knowledge, this is one of the latest dated examples of this species in Eurasia. The faunal composition in the Holocene assemblage is strikingly different and includes distinct forest taxa such as beaver and pine marten. The avifauna also supports a forested environment with the presence of black grouse. A few stone artefacts were found within the strata, and have been radiocarbon dated to 16–15 cal. ka BP, suggesting that there were humans in the Pymva Shore area at that time. We identified impact notches and cut marks on some radiocarbon‐dated reindeer and bison bones, showing that humans were present twice during the Younger Dryas period. A fourth occupation phase is identified during the mid‐Holocene (6–5 cal. ka BP). We also investigated river terraces and obtained a series of luminescence dates. These have been used to reconstruct the geological history and the relationship to the find‐bearing strata.
Recombinant human arginase induces apoptosis through oxidative stress and cell cycle arrest in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Shi , Lam Sze‐Kwan , Cheng Paul Ning‐Man , Ho James Chung‐Man
Published: August 2018

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 13% of all lung cancer cases. Small cell lung cancer is characterized by frequent relapse, and current treatments lack tumor specificity. Arginine is a non‐essential amino acid for human normal cells but critical to some tumor cells that cannot synthesize arginine. Therefore, arginine deprivation has become a potential therapeutic option for selected tumors. BCT‐100 is a pegylated arginase that has documented anticancer activity in arginine auxotrophic tumors, such as melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and acute myeloid leukemia. One of the resistance mechanisms to arginase treatment is overexpression of argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1) and ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), two important enzymes in the urea cycle. We selected 9 SCLC and 1 non‐small cell lung carcinoma cell lines to determine the growth inhibition effects of BCT‐100 and established that cell lines with low expression of ASS1 and OTC are relatively sensitive to BCT‐100 treatment. Knocking down OTC in a H841 cell line could potentiate its sensitivity to BCT‐100 treatment. Arginine concentration was sharply decreased, accompanied by apoptosis through oxidative stress as well as G1 cell cycle arrest. In addition, BCT‐100 showed an anticancer effect on H446 and H510A xenograft models by lowering arginine levels and inducing apoptosis.
Periodontitis and multiple markers of cardiometabolic risk in the fourth decade: A cohort study
Authors: Shearer Dara M. , Thomson W. Murray , Cameron Claire M. , Ramrakha Sandhya , Wilson Graham , Wong Tien Yin , Williams Michael J. A. , McLean Rachael , Theodore Reremoana , Poulton Richie
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To examine associations between periodontitis at ages 32 and 38 and a range of early cardiometabolic risk biomarkers at age 38.

Methods

Periodontal probing depth and bleeding on probing data collected during the age‐32 and age‐38 assessments in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study were used to quantify periodontal inflammatory load. Retinal microvascular abnormalities, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic syndrome data were collected during the age‐38 assessment. Regression models were used to examine associations between these cardiometabolic risk markers and (1) the inflammatory load at age 38 and (2) the change in inflammatory load between ages 32 and 38.

Results

Periodontal inflammatory load was recorded for 890 Study members at age 32, 891 at age 38, and 856 at both ages. Retinal vessel data were available for 922, endothelial dysfunction data for 909 and metabolic syndrome data for 905 at age 38. Neither the inflammatory load of periodontitis at 38 nor the changes in inflammatory load 32‐38 were found to be associated with any of the three cardiometabolic risk markers.

Conclusions

Periodontitis was not associated with markers of cardiometabolic risk at this relatively early stage in the life course. It is possible that any influence of periodontitis on cardiometabolic health develops later in life, or periodontitis is not involved in the putative causal chain comprising systemic inflammation, cardiometabolic risk markers, and subsequent cardiovascular risk.
IL‐33 signalling contributes to pollutant‐induced allergic airway inflammation
Authors: De Grove Katrien C. , Provoost Sharen , Braun Harald , Blomme Evy E. , Teufelberger Andrea R. , Krysko Olga , Beyaert Rudi , Brusselle Guy G. , Joos Guy F. , Maes Tania
Published: August 2018

Background

Clinical and experimental studies have identified a crucial role for IL‐33 and its receptor ST2 in allergic asthma. Inhalation of traffic‐related pollutants, such as diesel exhaust particles (DEP), facilitates the development of asthma and can cause exacerbations of asthma. However, it is unknown whether IL‐33/ST2 signalling contributes to the enhancing effects of air pollutants on allergic airway responses.

Objective

We aim to investigate the functional role of IL‐33/ST2 signalling in DEP‐enhanced allergic airway responses, using an established murine model.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice were exposed to saline, DEP alone, house dust mite (HDM) alone or combined DEP+HDM. To inhibit IL‐33 signalling, recombinant soluble ST2 (r‐sST2) was given prophylactically (ie, during the whole experimental protocol) or therapeutically (ie, at the end of the experimental protocol). Airway hyperresponsiveness and the airway inflammatory responses were assessed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung.

Results

Combined exposure to DEP+HDM increased IL‐33 and ST2 expression in lung, elevated inflammatory responses and bronchial hyperresponsiveness compared to saline, sole DEP or sole HDM exposure. Prophylactic interference with the IL‐33/ST2 signalling pathway impaired the DEP‐enhanced allergic airway inflammation in the BALF, whereas effects on lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness were minimal. Treatment with r‐sST2 at the end of the experimental protocol did not modulate the DEP‐enhanced allergic airway responses.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the IL‐33/ST2 pathway contributes to the onset of DEP‐enhanced allergic airway inflammation.
Total and high‐affinity corticosteroid‐binding globulin depletion in septic shock is associated with mortality
Authors: Meyer Emily J. , Nenke Marni A. , Rankin Wayne , Lewis John G. , Konings Elisabeth , Slager Maarten , Jansen Tim C. , Bakker Jan , Hofland Johannes , Feelders Richard A. , Torpy David J.
Published: August 2018

Context

Corticosteroid‐binding globulin (CBG) and albumin transport circulating cortisol. Cleavage of high‐affinity CBG (haCBG) by neutrophil elastase at inflammatory sites causes cortisol release into tissues, facilitating immunomodulatory effects.

Objective

To determine whether depletion of haCBG is related to mortality in septic shock.

Design

A single‐center prospective observational cohort study of patients recruited with critical illness or septic shock, using serum samples collected at 0, 8, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Serum total and haCBG, and total and free cortisol were assayed directly. Glucocorticoid treatment was an exclusion criterion. Mortality was assessed at 28 days from Intensive Care Unit admission.

Results

Thirty septic shock (SS) and 42 nonseptic critical illness (CI) patients provided 195 serum samples. SS/CI patients had lower total CBG, haCBG and low‐affinity CBG (laCBG) than controls. Total CBG and haCBG were significantly lower in septic shock patients who died than in those that survived (P < 0.009, P = 0.021, respectively). Total and free cortisol were higher in septic than nonseptic individuals. Free/total cortisol fractions were higher in those with low haCBG as observed in septic shock. However, cortisol levels were not associated with mortality. Albumin levels fell in sepsis but were not related to mortality.

Conclusions

Low circulating haCBG concentrations are associated with mortality in septic shock. These results are consistent with an important physiological role for haCBG in cortisol tissue delivery in septic shock.