bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of USL261, a midazolam formulation optimized for intranasal delivery, in a randomized study with healthy volunteers
Authors: Bancke Lindy L. , Dworak Heather A. , Rodvold Keith A. , Halvorsen Mark B. , Gidal Barry E.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To compare the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and tolerability of USL261, a midazolam formulation optimized for intranasal delivery, versus midazolam intravenous (IV) solution administered intranasally (MDZ‐inj IN) or intravenously (MDZ‐inj IV) in healthy adults.

Methods

In this phase 1, five‐way crossover, open‐label study, 25 healthy adults (aged 18–42 years) were randomly assigned to receive 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mg USL261; 2.5 mg MDZ‐inj IV; and 5.0 mg MDZ‐inj IN. Blood samples were collected for 12 h post dose to determine pharmacokinetic profiles. Pharmacodynamic assessments of sedation and psychomotor impairment also were conducted. Adverse events, oxygen saturation, and vital signs were recorded.

Results

Increasing USL261 dose corresponded with increases in midazolam area under the concentration time curve (AUC) and maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax), with all doses demonstrating rapid median time to Cmax (Tmax; 10–12 min). USL261 also demonstrated increased absorption, with a 134% relative bioavailability, compared with the same MDZ‐inj IN dose. USL261 was associated with dose‐dependent increases in sedation and psychomotor impairment (p < 0.05); however, these effects lasted <4 h and generally did not differ from MDZ‐inj IN or MDZ‐inj IV at comparable doses. No serious adverse events (SAEs) or deaths were reported, and no treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) led to study discontinuation.

Significance

Compared with intranasal delivery of a midazolam formulation intended for IV delivery, USL261, optimized for intranasal administration demonstrated improved bioavailability with similar pharmacodynamic effects. Therefore, USL261 may be a preferable alternative to the currently approved rectal diazepam treatment for intermittent bouts of increased seizure activity.
Essay on Practice: Advising Family Enterprise in the Fourth Decade
Authors: Gersick Kelin E.
Published: September 2015

Researchers and advisors in the field of family business have focused on a sequence of topics over the 30 years since the first dedicated conferences and the emergence of Family Firm Institute, Inc. (FFI) and family business review. This essay reviews the issues that have received the most attention from family business advisors across this time period (succession, governance, and intergenerational family dynamics). Then the author proposes a particular focus for intervention in the coming decade—family human capital utilization—and discusses four areas of consultation that may be increasingly valuable to client families.
Mothers and not genes determine inherited differences in cadmium sensitivities within unexposed populations of the freshwater crustacean Gammarus fossarum
Authors: Vigneron Amandine , Geffard Olivier , Quéau Hervé , Chaumot Arnaud
Published: September 2015

Deciphering evolutionary processes occurring within contaminated populations is important for the ecological risk assessment of toxic chemicals. Whereas increased tolerance to contaminants is well documented in aquatic animal populations, whether such phenotypic changes occur through genetic adaptation is still debated. In that sense, several studies with the freshwater crustacean Gammarus concluded in a weak potential for genetic adaptation to cadmium (Cd), while others reported inheritable increased tolerance in Cd‐contaminated populations. Using quantitative genetics and selection experiments, this study sought to further assess the potential of Gammarus populations to genetically adapt to Cd. By combining the control of the reproductive cycle of this species in the laboratory and protocols of individual Cd exposure, we conducted half‐sib analyses to establish the genetic and environmental sources of variance in Cd sensitivity of neonates. Prior to experiments, computations allowed optimizing the experimental design in order to increase the power to detect additive genetic variance. The main findings are the existence of strong between‐brood variability along with weak heritability of Cd sensitivity within Gammarus populations. This study also revealed a significant maternal effect on individual Cd sensitivity. This sheds new light on the importance of maternal influence in microevolutionary processes occurring in contaminated environments.
Integrating Parents' Views on Sibling Relationships to Tailor an Evidence‐based Parenting Intervention for Sibling Conflict
Authors: Pickering John A. , Sanders Matthew R.
Published: September 2015

Parents play a crucial role in the development of their children's relationships with their siblings. Despite this, relatively few evidence‐based parenting programs exist that specifically offer parents the strategies and techniques they desire and require for managing their children's sibling relationships. One way of bridging this gap is to design a tailored parenting intervention for sibling relationships that incorporates the parent voice in various aspects of program design. The current study recruited a convenience sample of 409 Australian parents to complete an online survey relating to their views on difficult sibling behaviors and what, if any, help they desire in dealing with the issue. The majority of respondents were Caucasian, middle‐ to upper‐class mothers. Respondents predominantly attributed the causes of sibling conflict to their child's internal traits, but expressed strong desire for assistance with managing behavioral problems, especially when sibling relationships were marked by physical aggression. Respondents reported high levels of acceptability for positive, rather than punitive, parenting strategies and showed a clear preference for parenting interventions delivered in easy‐to‐access formats. The findings are interpreted in the context of guiding the development of a tailored parenting intervention for enhancing sibling relationships and reducing conflict.
Modeling forage production by using climatic factors and drought indices in humid and arid regions of Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Moghaddam Samaneh , Mosaedi Abolfazl , Mesdaghi Mansour , Jankju Mohammad
Published: September 2015

As the utilization of rangelands in Iran has exceeded 2.2 times its carrying capacity, increasing numbers of livestock, especially in drought years, have dramatic effects on rangelands. In this regard, the prediction of forage production is an important management strategy to mitigate the consequences of drought. In Plour and Saveh Range Experimental Sites, climatic factors such as precipitation, temperature (mean, maximum and minimum), evapotranspiration, standardized precipitation index, reconnaissance drought index, and/or a combination of these factors were used to construct a predictive model of forage production. For each climatic variable and/or index, 33 time periods of 1–4, 6 and 9‐months were specified. We used principal components analysis, stepwise regression and best subset regression, to reduce the number of variables and then the appropriate time periods selected. To select a model, assessment statistics of correlation coefficient, mean of bias error, root mean of square error, mean of absolute relative error and ideal point error were used. Finally models derived from combined climatic factors and drought indices were selected for the prediction of forage production at both study areas. In the arid region of Saveh, production is more effected by precipitation, while in the humid and colder region of Plour, minimum temperature had more effects on plant growth. In Saveh, due to a lack of rainfall in February and minimum temperatures in March, production has direct and indirect relationships with drought and with maximum temperatures, respectively. In the Plour, production has a direct relationship with the maximum temperatures of March–June and drought of February–March and has an indirect relationship with the maximum temperatures of May–June.
A concept mapping study evaluating the UK's first NHS generic fatigue clinic
Authors: Hackett Katie L. , Lambson Rebecca L. , Strassheim Victoria , Gotts Zoe , Deary Vincent , Newton Julia L
Published: September 2015

Importance

Fatigue is a significant and debilitating symptom affecting 25% of the population. It occurs in those with a range of chronic diseases, can be idiopathic and in 0.2–0.4% of the UK population occurs in combination with other symptoms that together constitute chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Until recently, NHS clinical services only focussed upon CFS and excluded the majority of fatigued patients who did not meet the CFS diagnostic criteria. The CRESTA Fatigue interdisciplinary clinic was established in 2013 in response to this unmet need.

Objective

To identify the service needs of the heterogeneous group of patients accessing the CRESTA Fatigue Clinic, to prioritize these needs, to determine whether each is being met and to plan targeted service enhancements.

Design

Using a group concept mapping approach, we objectively identified the shared understanding of service users accessing this novel clinic.

Setting

NHS Clinics for Research & Service in Themed Assessment (CRESTA) Fatigue Clinic, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.

Participants

Patients (n = 30) and referrers (n = 10) to the CRESTA Fatigue Clinic contributed towards a statement generation exercise to identify ways the clinic could support service users to improve their quality of life. Patients (n = 46) participated in the sorting and rating task where resulting statements were sorted into groups similar in meaning and rated for ‘importance’ and ‘current success’.

Main outcome and measure

We mapped the needs of patients attending the CRESTA Fatigue Clinic and identified which high‐priority needs were being successfully met and which were not.

Results

Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis depicted the following eight themed clusters from the data which related to various service‐user requirements: ‘clinic ethos’, ‘communication’, ‘support to self‐manage’, ‘peer support’, ‘allied health services’, ‘telemedicine’, ‘written information’ and ‘service operation’. Service improvement targets were identified within value bivariate plots of the statements.

Conclusion and Relevance

Service development concepts were grouped into thematic clusters and prioritized for both importance and current success. The resulting concept maps depict where the CRESTA Fatigue Clinic successfully addresses issues which matter to patients and highlights areas for service enhancement. Unmet needs of patients have been identified in a rigorous service evaluation, and these are currently being addressed in collaboration with a service‐user group.
IgG4‐positive extranodal marginal zone lymphoma arising in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: clinicopathological and cytogenetic features of a hitherto undescribed condition
Authors: Tan Char‐Loo , Ong Yew‐Kwang , Tan Soo‐Yong , Ng Siok‐Bian
Published: September 2015

Aims

Hashimoto's thyroiditis was recently divided into IgG4‐plasma cell‐rich and IgG4‐plasma cell‐poor subtypes. The former, also known as IgG4 thyroiditis, is associated with clinical, serological, sonographic and morphological features that are distinctive from those of the non‐IgG4 subgroup. We describe an interesting case of IgG4‐positive mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma arising in a background of IgG4 thyroiditis.

Methods and results

The thyroid gland showed typical features of IgG4 thyroiditis, including characteristic patterns of fibrosis. A dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate diffusely involved the entire gland without formation of a destructive tumour mass. Lymphoepithelial lesions were prominent. There were abundant IgG4‐positive plasma cells, with the IgG4/IgG ratio exceeding 40%. The IgG4‐positive plasma cells were monotypic for kappa light chain, and there was monoclonal IGH rearrangement. Fluorescence in‐situ hybridization revealed IGH translocation without translocation of MALT1, bcl‐10, or FOXP1.

Conclusions

This represents the first case of IgG4‐producing MALT lymphoma associated with IgG4 thyroiditis. IGH translocation with an unknown partner gene was identified. We suggest the performance of serum and immunohistochemical investigations for IgG and IgG4 in all cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis to diagnose IgG4 thyroiditis. In addition, clonality assays and light chain studies are useful to exclude a low‐grade lymphoma arising in this context.
Genetic diversity of the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) populations in the Seychelles archipelago
Authors: Techer Maéva A. , Clémencet Johanna , Simiand Christophe , Portlouis Gilbert , Reynaud Bernard , Delatte Hélène
Published: September 2015

In the South‐West Indian Ocean, the honeybee Apis mellifera is found on several islands including the Seychelles archipelago. This archipelago is located 1120 km North of Madagascar, where the endemic African subspecies A. m. unicolor occurs. The genetic diversity of the honeybee populations in the Seychelles islands has never been studied, yet this species interacts with highly endemic and indigenous flora.

A total of 186 honeybee colonies from the three main islands: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue were collected. In addition, 107 individuals from Madagascar (A. m. unicolor) and 49 from Italy (A. m. ligustica) were analysed as reference populations. The maternal lineages were assessed using PCR‐RFLP (n = 342) and sequencing (n = 121) of the mtDNA COI–COII intergenic region. Intra‐Seychelles nuclear genetic diversity and structure were analysed using 15 microsatellites while comparison with reference populations was done using 14 loci.

All Seychellian colonies had mtDNA sequences characteristic of the African evolutionary lineage. Two sub‐lineages were detected: AI sub‐lineage (A1) was dominant (96.7%) on all islands and mostly represented by the subspecies A. m. unicolor, while Z sub‐lineage was observed in six colonies from two islands. No mtDNA characteristic of imported European lineages was detected.

Nuclear genetic diversity was high and structured, suggesting restricted gene flow between islands of the archipelago. High nuclear similarities were found among the Seychellian and A. m. unicolor populations, yet significant genetic differentiation was observed. The A. m. ligustica reference population was highly differentiated from the Seychellian honeybee populations.
The influence of methodological variables on the push‐out resistance to dislodgement of root filling materials: a meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Collares F. M. , Portella F. F. , Rodrigues S. B. , Celeste R. K. , Leitune V. C. B. , Samuel S. M. W.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the influence of several methodological variables on the push‐out resistance to dislodgment of root filling materials by a meta‐regression analysis of the literature. A systematic review was performed by searching the PubMed database using the terms ‘push‐out’ and ‘pushout’. Laboratory studies published before March 2015 were included. Two reviewers extracted data regarding country of origin, year of publication, tooth type, smear layer removal, root canal sealer, core material, obturation technique, sample storage, tooth portion, test machine load velocity and slice thickness. Pooled mean resistance to dislodgement of all groups from the included studies was used in a linear meta‐regression of random effects (α = 0.05). Of the 850 identified studies, 53 met the inclusion criteria. A meta‐regression of the 341 groups extracted from these articles was performed to analyse the influence of each variable on resistance to dislodgement (in MPa). The sealer, core material, obturation technique, slice thickness, storage time, load velocity and tooth portion significantly influence the results (P < 0.05). Irrigant solution and smear layer removal did not influence the resistance to dislodgement of the root filling materials (P > 0.05). Methodological variables such as sealer, core material, root filling technique, tooth type, tooth portion, slice thickness, storage time and load velocity influenced the resistance to dislodgment. The inclusion and standardization of all related variables could lead to a more comparable and reproducible analysis of the resistance to dislodgment of the root canal sealers.
A content analysis of television food advertising to children: comparing low and general‐nutrition food
Authors: Kim Hyuksoo , Lee Doohwang , Hong Yangsun , Ahn Jungsun , Lee Ki‐Young
Published: September 2015

Television food advertisements targeted at children were content analysed. Data were collected on four major children's cable television channels in the United States aired during the hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. over the period of 23 August to 5 September 2012. Based on the Elaboration Likelihood Model of persuasion, the study identified a variety of persuasive appeals with central and peripheral cues in the child‐targeted food commercials. Further, it investigated how the central and peripheral cues in the appeals were differently associated with low‐nutrition and general‐nutrition food commercials. Overall, the findings showed that general‐nutrition food commercials used persuasive appeals with central cues more frequently than low‐nutrition food commercials. Theoretical, practical and regulatory implications are discussed.
The Priesthood of No Believer: On the Priesthood of Christ and his Church
Authors: Greggs Tom
Published: September 2015

This article seeks to begin to rebalance the relative neglect over the past fifty years of the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, a doctrine which is central to non‐episcopal forms of Protestantism. However, in so doing, the article seeks to offer a corrective to traditional accounts of the doctrine. Critiquing the tendency for the priesthood of all believers to enter discussion in relation to ecclesial polity rather than more fundamental theological concerns, the article advocates that the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers needs to be considered theologically in terms of what it says about the nature of the church, not the polity of the patterns of its ministry. The article traces the evolution of the idea of priesthood through the Levitical priesthood and New Testament to the early church. It then considers the recovery of the idea of priesthood belonging to the whole church at the Reformation; but argues that even here the magisterial Reformers' ecclesial‐political setting determines that they largely treat the priesthood of all believers as a negative doctrine about church order, and, indeed, that the relation of the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers to issues of ecclesial polity and governance continues in contemporary ecclesiological discussion. This is to the detriment of the positive theological content that identifying the church as a priesthood might offer. Thus, the concluding section of this article sketches what positive theological content might be provided in speaking of the church as a priesthood.
Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma manifesting as massive malignant chylothorax: successful management with chemotherapy and ambulatory drainages using indwelling pleural catheter
Authors: Mohamed M. , Tan J. , Kalpurath K. K
Published: September 2015

Recurrent cancer‐related chylothorax is generally managed by talc pleurodesis or indwelling pleural catheter in the palliative care setting to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. In chylothorax associated with curable/treatable malignancies like lymphoma, there are scarce data regarding the efficacy and safety of indwelling pleural catheters. We report a case of recurrent massive chylothorax associated with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma who demonstrated long‐term remission of lymphoma and complete regression of chylothorax after treatment with combination chemotherapy and ambulatory drainages using indwelling pleural catheter.
Use Your Imagination: College Women's Responses to a Social‐Evaluative Body Image Threat
Authors: Lamarche Larkin , Bailey K. Alysse , Gammage Kimberley L.
Published: September 2015

This study examined psychological and heart rate responses to an imagined social‐evaluative body image threat in women (N = 97). Participants were randomly assigned to picture themselves trying on swimsuits in a store with a group of friends (social‐evaluative threat) or alone (non‐social‐evaluative threat). Measures of state body image and heart rate recordings were completed prior to and following the scenario. A significant group‐by‐time interaction was found for state body image, F(2, 93) = 3.69, p = .03, with the highest body shame and social physique anxiety reported in the social‐evaluative group. No differences were found for heart rate. The findings highlight the usefulness of imagined scenarios when examining psychological responses and the challenges of capturing changes in physiological outcomes.
Tuning the Interfacial Reaction Between Bismuth‐Containing Sealing Glasses and Cr‐Containing Interconnect: Effect of ZnO
Authors: Zhang Qi , Fang Lihua , Shen Jie , Pascual Maria J. , Zhang Teng
Published: September 2015

The interfacial reaction between sealing glasses and Cr‐containing interconnect presents a challenge for the development of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). In this work, we report that the interfacial reaction between bismuth‐containing sealing glasses and Cr‐containing interconnect can be tailored by ZnO dopant. The addition of ZnO contributes to a more open glass structure, resulting in the facilitated diffusion of ions in glass and thus the increase in the interfacial reaction. On the other hand, the further increase in ZnO content enhances the Bi3+→Bi5+ transition in glasses and reduces the redox interfacial reaction by consuming the oxygen available at the glass/metal interface. In addition, good joining can be observed at the sealing interface between ZnO‐containing glass‐ceramics and Crofer 22 APU, held in air at 700°C for 1400 h. Moreover, the glass‐ceramics show considerable electrical stability in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres. The reported results support the suitability of prepared glass‐ceramics as sealing materials for SOFC applications.
Dielectric Properties of Pure and Gd‐Doped HfO2 Ceramics
Authors: Wang Chunchang , Zhang Da , Wang Hong , Yu Yi , Li Yide , Li Qiuju
Published: September 2015

The pure, 2 at.%, and 20 at.% Gd‐doped HfO2 ceramics were prepared by the standard solid‐state reaction technique. Dielectric properties of these ceramics were investigated in the temperature range 300–1050 K and frequency range 20–5 × 106 Hz. Our results revealed an intrinsic dielectric constant around 20 in the temperature below 450 K for all tested ceramics. Two oxygen‐vacancy‐related relaxations R1 and R2 were observed at temperatures higher than 450 K, which were identified to be a dipolar relaxation due to grain response and a Maxwell–Wagner relaxation due to grain‐boundary response, respectively. The dielectric properties of the pure and slightly doped (2 at.%,) samples are dominated by the grain‐boundary response, which results in a colossal dielectric behavior similar to that found in CaCu3Ti4O12. The doping level of 20 at.% leads to the structural transformation from monoclinic phase to cubic phase. The dielectric properties of the heavily doped HfO2 are dominated by the grain response without any colossal dielectric behavior.
Enhanced Electrical Resistivity of Al2O3 Addition Modified Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2O9 High‐Temperature Piezoceramics
Authors: Zhou Zhiyong , Liang Ruihong , Li Yuchen , Dong Xianlin
Published: September 2015

Enhanced electrical resistivity about over two orders of magnitude for Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2O9 (NBNO) high‐temperature piezoceramics potentially used in piezoelectric sensors is achieved by the introduction of highly insulating Al2O3 addition. Possible pyrochlore secondary phases of two types of grains: irregular polyhedral and platelike, forming at the grain boundaries, have significant blocking effect on the electric current paths and thus lead to improved electrical resistivity. Al2O3‐modified NBNO ceramics show higher d33 values up to 16.5 pC/N than that of pure NBNO ceramics (12.4 pC/N) because higher electric field is applied during poling process owing to enhanced electrical resistivity, whereas the Tc values keep almost constant. A compromise between high Tc, good polarizability and enhanced electrical resistivity has been achieved by suitable addition of Al2O3, which would shed light on how to obtain novel Aurivillius phase ferroelectrics for practical applications at high temperature.
Criterion‐Related Validity: Assessing the Value of Subscores
Authors: Davison Mark L. , Davenport Ernest C. , Chang Yu‐Feng , Vue Kory , Su Shiyang
Published: September 2015

Criterion‐related profile analysis (CPA) can be used to assess whether subscores of a test or test battery account for more criterion variance than does a single total score. Application of CPA to subscore evaluation is described, compared to alternative procedures, and illustrated using SAT data. Considerations other than validity and reliability are discussed, including broad societal goals (e.g., affirmative action), fairness, and ties in expected criterion predictions. In simulation data, CPA results were sensitive to subscore correlations, sample size, and the proportion of criterion‐related variance accounted for by the subscores. CPA can be a useful component in a thorough subscore evaluation encompassing subscore reliability, validity, distinctiveness, fairness, and broader societal goals.
“Green Fluff”? The Role of Corporate Sustainability Initiatives in Effective Climate Policy: Comment on “Science‐Based Carbon Targets for the Corporate World: The Ultimate Sustainability Commitment, or a Costly Distraction?”
Authors: Marland Gregg , Kowalczyk Tammy , Cherry Todd L.
Published: September 2015

The commentary by Schendler and Trexler (2015) strikes us as an intriguing paradox. Schendler and Trexler see responses to the threat of global climate change beginning to move forward in the corporate world, but they fear these corporate initiatives will be a distraction from what is ultimately required. They emphasize the need for “greater government intervention.” An earlier text by Schendler and Toffel (2013) notes, and we agree, that “we're failing to deal with the problem at anywhere near sufficient scale.” But we feel that the article by Schendler and Trexler does not adequately acknowledge the importance of these corporate efforts as elements of initiation and leadership. Schendler and Trexler express the impatience that many of us feel regarding the continued failure of political progress at the national and international levels. But they do not embrace the thoughts attributed to the sixth century B.C. Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” They fail to acknowledge that, in democratic governments, there is the need for grass‐roots support in order to develop and implement effective policy. Rather than distractions, individual and corporate efforts are generally necessary prerequisites for implementation of and receptiveness to government action.

We agree that society is not dealing with climate change at anything approaching the needed scale and that, ultimately, a meaningful government and international response to climate change is required. The challenge is finding the way forward to achieve this outcome. In a first‐best scenario, the global community would simply negotiate an effective international climate agreement. For more than 35 years, individual countries have collaborated to pursue this first‐best scenario, starting with the first World Climate Conference in 1979 and continuing with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol. But this “top‐down” approach has yielded little success and even less hope, with global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increasing by more than 50% since adoption of the UNFCCC in 1992. While countries agree on the need for an international agreement, “there is disagreement on almost every aspect of the climate change problem. Countries approach the problem in different stages of development and from different development paths, and thus with different perspectives” (Cherry et al. 2014, 23).
Satisfaction and Repurchase Intentions for Health Insurance Marketplaces: Evidence from a Partnership State
Authors: Fitzgerald M. Paula , Bias Thomas K.
Published: September 2015

The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires Health Insurance Marketplaces that offer consumers a variety of health insurance plans and provide federally funded subsidies for those who qualify. We use customer satisfaction literature to identify factors that may impact satisfaction and repurchase behavior with one Health Insurance Marketplace. Using data from an exit survey of consumers who purchased their insurance via one state's Marketplace, we find that the usefulness of personal assistance, website quality, and disconfirmation impact satisfaction. Repurchase intentions are a function of satisfaction and subsidies, and are also directly affected by positive disconfirmation and website quality.
The role of personality traits in self‐rated oral health and preferences for different types of flawed smiles
Authors: Montero J. , Gómez Polo C. , Rosel E. , Barrios R. , Albaladejo A. , López‐Valverde A.
Published: September 2015

Symmetric, aligned and luminous smiles are usually classified as ‘beautiful’ and aesthetic. However, smile perception is not strictly governed by standardised rules. Personal traits may influence the perception of non‐ideal smiles. We aimed to determine the influence of personality traits in self‐rated oral health and satisfaction and in the aesthetic preference for different strategically flawed smiles shown in photographs. Smiles with dark teeth, with uneven teeth, with lip asymmetry and dental asymmetry were ordered from 1 to 4 as a function of the degree of beauty by 548 participants, of which 50·7% were females with a mean age of 41·5 ± 17·6 years (range: 16–89 years). Self‐assessment and oral satisfaction were recorded on a Likert scale. Personality was measured by means of the Big Five Inventory (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness), and the Life Orientation Test was used to measure optimism and pessimism. Of the four photographs with imperfect smiles, dental asymmetry was the most highly assessed in 63% of the sample, and the worst was lip asymmetry, in 43·7% of the sample. Some personality traits (above all conscientiousness and openness) were significantly correlated with the position assigned to the photographs with dental and lip asymmetry or with misaligned teeth. The extraversion, agreeableness and openness traits were correlated with the self‐perceptions of oral health and aesthetics of the participants. Dental asymmetry seems to be better tolerated than lip asymmetry. Personality traits are weakly but significantly correlated with the aesthetic preference and oral health values, conscientiousness and openness being the most relevant domains in this sense.
Is Obesity Associated With School Dropout? Key Developmental and Ethnic Differences
Authors: Lanza H. Isabella , Huang David Y.C.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

We aimed to expand the literature on child obesity and school outcomes by examining associations between obesity and high school dropout, including the role of obesity onset and duration as well as ethnicity.

METHODS

Data on 5066 children obtained between 1986 and 2010 from the child cohort of the 1979 National Longitudinal Study of Youth (NLSY79) were analyzed. Group‐based trajectory analysis identified obesity trajectories from 6 to 18 years. School completion information from age 14 into young adulthood was used to calculate school dropout. Chi‐square and pairwise comparison tests were used to identify significant associations between obesity trajectories and school dropout.

RESULTS

Adolescents belonging to an increasing trajectory (adolescent‐onset obesity) had a higher likelihood of dropping out of high school compared with those belonging to chronic, decreasing (childhood‐only obesity), and nonobese trajectories. This association was particularly salient among white adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity onset during early adolescence increased risk of high school dropout. White adolescents were particularly vulnerable. Given that early adolescence is marked by significant biological and social changes, future research should seek to identify the underlying processes linking adolescent obesity and school dropout to decrease school dropout risk among this vulnerable population.
Parental Perceptions of Body Mass Index Notification: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Schwartz Misty
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

There is a worldwide epidemic of obesity in children. To address obesity in children, emphasis must be on factors within family, school, and community environments. Although most parents and school officials are aware of the problem of overweight children, there are few data available to guide decision making about the acceptability of school‐based body mass index (BMI) screening and referral programs. Parental insight is essential to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of BMI notification.

METHODS

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of parents whose school‐age children received a BMI referral letter stating their child is overweight. Purposeful convenience sampling was used to obtain 21 parents. Semistructured interviews were used to collect the data.

RESULTS

Eight themes and corresponding subthemes emerged. The themes regarding parental perceptions were feelings about receiving the letter, causes of obesity, capabilities, barriers, role modeling, primary care provider response, school's role, and health screening process.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study can serve as the foundation and provide guidance for parents, schools, healthcare professionals, and communities when attempting to implement changes and programs to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity.
Improved Body Mass Index Measures Following a Middle School‐Based Obesity Intervention—The MATCH Program
Authors: Lazorick Suzanne , Fang Xiangming , Hardison George T. , Crawford Yancey
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Motivating Adolescents with Technology to CHOOSE Health™ (MATCH) is an educational and behavioral intervention in seventh grade.

METHODS

Teachers in 2 schools delivered the MATCH curriculum, with 1 control school. Using a quasi‐experimental design, outcome measures included lessons completed, body mass index (BMI), BMI z‐score (zBMI), BMI percentile, weight category, and self‐reported lifestyle behaviors. We used multiple regression models to compare group results.

RESULTS

For the MATCH group (N = 189), teachers provided lessons over 14 weeks; the control group (N = 173) received usual curriculum. Postintervention, the MATCH group had significant decreases in BMI measures compared with the control. In combined overweight and obese participants, the mean (95% confidence interval) zBMI change was −0.05 (−0.07, −0.03) in MATCH and −0.01 (−0.04, 0.02) in control, p = .034 between groups. After 1 year, improvements are sustained: for the overweight subgroup, the mean zBMI decreased from 1.34 to 1.26 post‐MATCH, then to 1.26 after 1 year; for the obese subgroup, mean zBMI = 2.16, to 2.13 post‐MATCH to 2.08 after 1 year. Self‐reported lifestyle behaviors showed no differences.

CONCLUSIONS

MATCH integrates theory‐based strategies into standard curriculum delivered by teachers. No prior middle‐school intervention has shown sustained change in BMI measures. MATCH warrants further study as a strategy to address obesity.
Losartan therapy for cardiac disease in paediatric Marfan syndrome
Authors: Ewans Lisa J , Roberts Phillip , Adès Lesley
Published: September 2015

A case of severe early‐onset Marfan syndrome (MFS) led us to ask the question: ‘Should an ARB, particularly losartan [intervention], compared with beta blockade alone [comparison], be commenced in all paediatric MFS patients [patient] with aortic root dilatation [outcome]?’ The current literature was critically appraised to address this question.
Vertical and Horizontal Cross‐Ties: Benefits of Cross‐Hierarchy and Cross‐Unit Ties for Innovative Projects
Authors: Aalbers Rick (H.L.) , Dolfsma Wilfred , Leenders Roger (Th.A.J.)
Published: September 2015

Social networks are an important driver for successful innovation, both at the individual level as well as the organizational level. Recent research has also shaped that networks within teams can enhance performance. Innovative project teams are embedded in an organizational context, however, and teams typically consist of people with expertise from diverse backgrounds, and from different units. Team members may have ties to other teams, business units, and hierarchical levels. Although it seems clear that such ties can influence team performance, remarkably little research has focused on what is here referred to as vertical and horizontal cross‐ties. Previous research may have ignored the possibility that vertical and horizontal bridging ties may have different performance outcomes. Although the literature suggests that diversity of input, or horizontal cross‐unit ties will benefit team performance and innovativeness, there is reason to believe that ties to higher levels in the organization might have an effect on project team performance and innovativeness too. This article in particular studies the role of vertical cross‐hierarchy ties. In an exploratory analysis combining quantitative and qualitative results, it is distinguished between horizontal cross‐unit and vertical cross‐hierarchy ties and their contribution to new business development (NBD) project performance, thereby making a substantial contribution to both academic literature and managerial practice. Our study is based on a multiple case‐study approach of several NBD project teams in a large European financial service provider. Our results show that successful innovation project teams are characterized by a large number of cross‐unit ties in combination with a large number of cross‐hierarchical ties compared with less successful project teams. Additionally, proof is found that vertical cross‐hierarchy ties should be concentrated rather than scattered across project members.
Comparison of fractionation methods for nitrogen and starch in maize and grass silages
Authors: Ali M. , de Jonge L. H. , Cone J. W. , van Duinkerken G. , Blok M. C. , Bruinenberg M. H. , Hendriks W. H.
Published: September 2015

In in situ nylon bag technique, many feed evaluation systems use a washing machine method (WMM) to determine the washout (W) fraction and to wash the rumen incubated nylon bags. As this method has some disadvantages, an alternate modified method (MM) was recently introduced. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the W and non‐washout (D+U) fractions of nitrogen (N) and/or starch of maize and grass silages, using the WMM and the MM. Ninety‐nine maize silage and 99 grass silage samples were selected with a broad range in chemical composition. The results showed a large range in the W, soluble (S) and D+U fractions of N of maize and grass silages and the W, insoluble washout (W‐S) and D+U fractions of starch of maize silages, determined by both methods, due to variation in their chemical composition. The values for N fractions of maize and grass silages obtained with both methods were found different (p < 0.001). Large differences (p < 0.001) were found in the D+U fraction of starch of maize silages which might be due to different methodological approaches, such as different rinsing procedures (washing vs. shaking), duration of rinsing (40 min vs. 60 min) and different solvents (water vs. buffer solution). The large differences (p < 0.001) in the W‐S and D+U fractions of starch determined with both methods can led to different predicted values for the effective rumen starch degradability. In conclusion, the MM with one recommended shaking procedure, performed under identical and controlled experimental conditions, can give more reliable results compared to the WMM, using different washing programs and procedures.
Video‐otoscopy‐guided tympanostomy tube placement for treatment of middle ear effusion
Authors: Guerin V. , Hampel R. , Ter Haar G.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To describe video‐otoscopy‐guided tympanostomy tube placement in 12 cavalier King Charles spaniels with middle ear effusion and assess the clinical outcome.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records of cavalier King Charles spaniels diagnosed with middle ear effusion and treated with tympanostomy tubes placement between 2012 and 2014 was performed. Outcome was assessed based on a telephone questionnaire.

Results

Twenty‐two tympanostomy tubes were successfully placed in the tympanic membrane in 12 cavalier King Charles spaniels under video‐otoscopic guidance using a rigid endoscope and grasping forceps. Follow‐up based on an owner questionnaire was available for 11/12 dogs. Subjective improvement in hearing was observed in 9/11 dogs with three dogs achieving normal hearing, according to the owners, and six demonstrating partial improvements. Out of 11 dogs, 10 dogs were reported with improved quality of life. Pruritus of the ears resolved in 3/9 dogs. Clinical signs recurred in four dogs because of tube dislodgement.

Clinical Significance

Video‐otoscopic tympanostomy tube placement appeared to be indicated as a treatment for middle ear effusion in cavalier King Charles spaniels. It subjectively improved hearing, pruritus and quality of life in most dogs. The tympanostomy tubes dislodged in some cases, leading to recurrence of clinical signs, which were effectively eliminated by replacement of a fresh tube.
Plastid genome sequences of legumes reveal parallel inversions and multiple losses of rps16 in papilionoids
Authors: Schwarz Erika N. , Ruhlman Tracey A. , Sabir Jamal S. M. , Hajrah Nahid H. , Alharbi Njud S. , Al‐Malki Abdulrahman L. , Bailey C. Donovan , Jansen Robert K.
Published: September 2015

To date, publicly available plastid genomes of legumes have for the most part been limited to the subfamily Papilionoideae. Here we report 13 new plastid genomes of legumes spanning all three subfamilies. The genomes representing Caesalpinioideae and Mimosoideae are highly conserved in gene content and gene order, similar to the ancestral angiosperm genome organization. Genomes within the Papilionoideae, however, have reduced sizes due to deletions in nine intergenic spacers primarily in the large single copy region. Our study also indicates that rps16 has been independently lost at least five times in legumes, with additional gene and intron losses scattered among the papilionoids. Additionally, genera from two distinct lineages within the papilionoids, Lupinus and Robinia, have a parallel inversion of 36 and 39 kb, respectively. This parallel inversion is novel as it appears to be caused by a 29 bp repeat within two trnS genes. This repeat is present in all available legume plastid genomes indicating that there is the potential for this inversion to be present in more species. This case of a homoplasious inversion is also evidence that some inversion events may not be reliable phylogenetic markers.
Vitamin D Status in Different Stages of Disease Severity in Dogs with Chronic Valvular Heart Disease
Authors: Osuga T. , Nakamura K. , Morita T. , Lim S.Y. , Nisa K. , Yokoyama N. , Sasaki N. , Morishita K. , Ohta H. , Takiguchi M.
Published: September 2015

Background

In humans with heart disease, vitamin D deficiency is associated with disease progression and a poor prognosis. A recent study showed that serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration, the hallmark of vitamin D status, was lower in dogs with heart failure than in normal dogs, and a low concentration was associated with poor outcome in dogs with heart failure.

Objectives

To elucidate the vitamin D status of dogs with chronic valvular heart disease (CVHD) at different stages of disease severity.

Animals

Forty‐three client‐owned dogs with CVHD.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, dogs were divided into 3 groups (14 dogs in Stage B1, 17 dogs in Stage B2, and 12 dogs in Stage C/D) according to ACVIM guidelines. Dogs underwent clinical examination including echocardiography. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured in each dog.

Results

Serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in Stage B2 (median, 33.2 nmol/L; range, 4.9–171.7 nmol/L) and C/D (13.1 nmol/L; 4.9–58.1 nmol/L) than in Stage B1 (52.5 nmol/L; 33.5–178.0 nmol/L) and was not significantly different between Stage B2 and Stage C/D. Among clinical variables, there were significant negative correlations between 25(OH)D concentration and both left atrial‐to‐aortic root ratio and left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter normalized for body weight.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These results indicate that vitamin D status is associated with the degree of cardiac remodeling, and the serum 25(OH)D concentration begins to decrease before the onset of heart failure in dogs with CVHD.
Vegetation patterns and hydro‐geological drivers of freshwater rock pool communities in the monsoon‐tropical Kimberley region, Western Australia
Authors: Cross Adam T. , Turner Shane R. , Merritt David J. , van Niekerk Adriaan , Renton Michael , Dixon Kingsley W. , Mucina Ladislav
Published: September 2015

Question

Freshwater rock pools (FRP) are small, highly stressed wetland habitats that harbour many range‐restricted and specialized plants. We examined the phytosociological patterns of FRP in a biodiverse monsoon‐tropical region, to establish the influence of hydro‐geological drivers on vegetation patterns in rock pool plant communities.

Location

Gardner Plateau, central North Kimberley, Western Australia (centre of the study area: 14°47′46″ S, 126°31′27″ E).

Methods

A total of 1066 phytosociological relevés (microplots), as well as measurements of physical habitat characteristics, were collected from 580 rock pools. Communities were classified using clustering and table sorting. The hydrological regime of each rock pool was dynamically modelled, and the most significant predicative hydro‐geological factors were determined for each species and vegetation community using canonical correlation analysis, classification and regression trees and random forests.

Results

Variation in maximum rock pool depth, hydroperiod and the number of annual innundation events were identified as the most significant environmental predictors of community composition. All resident taxa were either regional or narrow‐range endemics, with four species representing strict FRP specialists. FRP‐specialist taxa exhibited the highest levels of hydro‐geological specialization, and these species occurred in distinct communities characterized by longer periods of inundation and fewer annual inundation events than assemblages of non‐specialist rock pool species. Eight distinct plant communities were recognized.

Conclusions

FRP in the monsoonal tropics are dynamic and hydrologically unpredictable aquatic ecosystems that harbour a number of unique plant communities. The duration and periodicity of seasonal inundation represent major ecological drivers of vegetation assemblages in these habitats, with inhabitant species exhibiting a progression of specialization to hydro‐geological factors along a gradient of hydrological stability. Although the colonization of individual rock pools by wetland plants appears to be a random process governed by the serendipity of seed arrival events, the comparative stability of FRP over long geological time frames may have facilitated the persistence of a small number of highly specialized taxa in these ecosystems.