bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRAF6 regulates tumour metastasis through EMT and CSC phenotypes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Lei , Li Yi‐Cun , Wu Lei , Yu Guang‐Tao , Zhang Wen‐Feng , Huang Cong‐Fa , Sun Zhi‐Jun
Published: November 2017

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with metastasis formation, generation and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, the regulatory mechanisms of CSCs have not been clarified. This study aims to investigate the role of TNF receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) on EMT and CSC regulation in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN). We found TRAF6 was overexpressed in human SCCHN tissues, and high TRAF6 expression was associated with lymphatic metastasis and resulted in poor prognosis in patients with SCCHN. In addition, elevated TRAF6 expression was observed in several HNSCC cell lines, and wound healing and transwell assay results showed that TRAF6 knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion ability of the SCCHN cells. Moreover, the expression of Vimentin, Slug and N‐cadherin was down‐regulated and that of E‐cadherin was elevated after TRAF6 knockdown but decreased by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) and CAL27 similar to mesenchymal cells formed after TGF‐β1 induction. In addition, the expression levels of CD44, ALDH1, KLF4 and SOX2 were inhibited after TRAF6 knockdown, and the anchor‐dependent colony formation number and sphere number were remarkably reduced. Flow cytometry showed TRAF6 knockdown reduced ALDH1‐positive cancer stem cells. We also demonstrated that TRAF6 is closely associated with EMT process and cancer stem cells using a Tgfbr1/Pten 2cKO mice SCCHN model and human SCCHN tissue microarray. Our findings indicate that TRAF6 plays a role in EMT phenotypes, the generation and maintenance of CSCs in SCCHN, suggesting that TRAF6 is a potential therapeutic target for SCCHN.
Negative HBcAg in immunohistochemistry assay of liver biopsy is a predictive factor for the treatment of patients with nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy
Authors: Huang Mingxing , Liu Jian , Chow Monica , Zhou Xuan , Han Zongping , He Zhenjian , Xue Jinfang , Zhu Zhe , Li Xinhua , Xia Jinyu
Published: November 2017

The hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) is an important target for antiviral response in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, the correlation between HBcAg in the hepatocyte nucleus and nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapeutic response is unclear. We sought to evaluate the role of HBcAg by analysing liver biopsies for viral response in NA‐naïve hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive (+) CHB patients via immunohistochemistry (IHC). A total of 48 HBcAg‐negative (−) patients and 48 HBcAg (+) patients with matching baseline characteristics were retrospectively analysed for up to 288 weeks. Virological response (VR) rates of patients in the HBcAg (−) group were significantly higher at week 48 and 96 than the HBcAg (+) group (77.1% versus 45.8% at week 48, respectively, P = 0.002 and 95.3% versus 83.3% at week 96, respectively, P = 0.045). The serological negative conversion rate of HBeAg was significantly higher in the HBcAg (−) than in the HBcAg (+) group from week 96 to 288 (35.4 % versus 14.6% at week 96, respectively, P = 0.018; 60.4% versus 14.6%, respectively, P < 0.001 at week 144; 72.9% versus 35.4%, respectively, P < 0.001 at week 288). The cumulative frequencies of VR and lack of HBeAg were higher in the HBcAg (−) group (both P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that HBcAg (−) was the predictor for the lack of HBeAg (OR 4.482, 95% CI: 1.58–12.68). In summary, the absence of HBcAg in the hepatocyte nucleus could be an independent predictor for HBeAg seroconversion rates during NA‐naïve treatment in HBeAg (+) CHB patients.
From Market Integration to Core State Powers: The Eurozone Crisis, the Refugee Crisis and Integration Theory
Authors: Genschel Philipp , Jachtenfuchs Markus
Published: November 2017

The Eurozone crisis and the refugee crisis are showcases of the problems associated with the EU's shift from market integration to the integration of core state powers. The integration of core state powers responds to similar demand factors as market integration (interdependence, externalities and spillover) but its supply is more tightly constrained by a high propensity for zero‐sum conflict, a functional requirement for centralized fiscal, coercive and administrative capacities, and high political salience. We show how these constraints structured the initial design of Economic and Monetary Union and of Schengen, made them vulnerable to crisis, and shaped policy options during the crises: they made horizontal differentiation unattractive, re‐regulation ineffective, centralized risk and burden‐sharing unfeasible, and the externalization of adjustment burdens to non‐EU actors necessary by default. In conclusion, we explore possible escape routes from the trap.
Multi‐gene phylogeny of jacks and pompanos (Carangidae), including placement of monotypic vadigo Campogramma glaycos
Authors: Damerau M. , Freese M. , Hanel R.
Published: November 2017

In this study, the phylogenetic trees of jacks and pompanos (Carangidae), an ecologically and morphologically diverse, globally distributed fish family, are inferred from a complete, concatenated data set of two mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase I, cytochrome b) loci and one nuclear (myosin heavy chain 6) locus. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences are largely congruent and show a clear separation of Carangidae into the four subfamilies: Scomberoidinae, Trachinotinae, Naucratinae and Caranginae. The inclusion of the carangid sister lineages Coryphaenidae (dolphinfishes) and Rachycentridae (cobia), however, render Carangidae paraphyletic. The phylogenetic trees also show with high statistical support that the monotypic vadigo Campogramma glaycos is the sister to all other species within the Naucratinae.
The role of S‐nitrosylation of kainate‐type of ionotropic glutamate receptor 2 in epilepsy induced by kainic acid
Authors: Wang Linxiao , Liu Yanyan , Lu Rulan , Dong Guoying , Chen Xia , Yun Wenwei , Zhou Xianju
Published: November 2017

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease affecting millions of individuals. Kainate receptors, especially kainate‐type of ionotropic glutamate receptor 2 (GluK2), play an important role in epileptogenesis. Recent data showed that GluK2 could undergo post‐translational modifications in terms of S‐nitrosylation (SNO), and affect the signaling pathway of cell death in cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion. However, it is unclear whether S‐nitrosylation of GluK2 (SNO‐GluK2) contributes to cell death induced by epilepsy. Here, we report that kainic acid‐induced SNO‐GluK2 is mediated by GluK2 itself, regulated by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and the level of cytoplasmic calcium in vivo and in vitro hippocampus neurons. The whole‐cell patch clamp recordings showed the influence of SNO‐GluK2 on ion channel characterization of GluK2‐Kainate receptors. Moreover, immunohistochemistry staining results showed that inhibition of SNO‐GluK2 by blocking nNOS or GluK2 or by reducing the level of cytoplasmic calcium‐protected hippocampal neurons from kainic acid‐induced injury. Finally, immunoprecipitation and western blotting data revealed the involvement of assembly of a GluK2‐PSD95‐nNOS signaling complex in epilepsy. Taken together, our results showed that the SNO‐GluK2 plays an important role in neuronal injury of epileptic rats by forming GluK2‐PSD95‐nNOS signaling module in a cytoplasmic calcium‐dependent way, suggesting a potential therapeutic target site for epilepsy.

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Depression, Perceived Health, and Right‐of‐Return Hopefulness of Palestinian Refugees
Authors: Alduraidi Hamza , Waters Catherine M.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Displacement is traumatic and often an unwanted social change that can lead to a loss of identity and socioeconomic, physical, and psychological livelihood. The purpose of the study was to describe the association of perceived health and right‐of‐return hopefulness to depressive symptom severity in Palestinian refugees, taking into consideration gender and poverty.

Design

The descriptive, correlational study was framed within a socioecological lens. Data collection occurred between October 2015 and November 2015 in Amman, Jordan, which hosts the most Palestinian refugees in the world. The participants in the sample (N = 177) had a mean age of 36.9 years.

Methods

Participants responded to the Patient Health Questionnaire for depressive symptom severity, the RAND‐36 perceived health item, and a statement about hopefulness to return to Palestine. Descriptive, correlation, and logistic and linear regression analyses were computed.

Findings

Results showed that 43% of participants had moderate to severe depressive symptoms, 42% lived in poverty, and 20% had fair or poor health; yet, 60% were hopeful about returning to Palestine. Participants who had better perceived health and right‐of‐return hopefulness were less likely to have symptoms of major depression. Perceived health was the only factor—not gender, poverty, or right‐of‐return hopefulness—that explained the variance in depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Palestinian adult refugees in Jordan exhibited symptoms of major depression that were associated with poorer perceived health and less hopefulness about repatriation to Palestine.

Clinical Relevance

Nurses with community or mental health specialization can play a major role by systematically screening refugees for depression using worldwide, evidence‐based tools and by advocating for policies that can improve the health and living conditions of refugees.
Amalgamation of Marginal Gains (AMG) as a potential system to deliver high‐quality fundamental nursing care: A qualitative analysis of interviews from high‐performance AMG sports and healthcare practitioners
Authors: Pentecost Claire , Richards David A. , Frost Julia
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To investigate the components of the Amalgamation of Marginal Gains (AMG) performance system to identify a set of principles that can be built into an innovative fundamental nursing care protocol.

Background

Nursing is urged to refocus on its fundamental care activities, but little evidence exists to guide practising nurses. Fundamental care is a combination of many small behaviours aimed at meeting a person's care needs. AMG is a successful system of performance management that focusses on small (or marginal) gains, and might provide a new delivery framework for fundamental nursing care.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Methods

We undertook in‐depth interviews with healthcare and sports professionals experienced in AMG. We analysed data using open coding in a framework analysis, and then interrogated the data using Normalisation Process Theory (NPT). We triangulated findings with AMG literature to develop an intervention logic model.

Results

We interviewed 20 AMG practitioners. AMG processes were as follows: focusing on many details to optimise performance, identification of marginal gains using different sources, understanding current versus optimum performance, monitoring at micro and macro level and strong leadership. Elements of normalisation were as follows: whole team belief in AMG to improve performance, a collective desire for excellence using evidence‐based actions, whole team engagement to identify choose and implement changes, and individual and group responsibility for monitoring performance.

Conclusions

We have elicited the processes described by AMG innovators in health care and sport and have mapped the normalisation potential and work required to embed such a system into nursing practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

The development of our logic model based on AMG and NPT may provide a practical framework for improving fundamental nursing care and is ripe for further development and testing in clinical trials.
An integrative review of rural and remote nursing graduate programmes and experiences of nursing graduates
Authors: Fowler Amanda C , Twigg Diane , Jacob Elisabeth , Nattabi Barbara
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To examine international studies that specifically focus on transition to practice for graduate registered nurses in rural and remote areas.

Background

Supportive graduate nursing programmes are essential for enabling nursing graduates’ transition to practice and reducing attrition rates. Literature examining support measures for nursing graduates within metropolitan areas is abundant. However, there is a paucity of evidence on effective graduate programmes for rural and remote‐based nursing graduates.

Design

A systematic approach was used to identify robust research within appropriate electronic databases.

Method

Eligible articles were critically reviewed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool critical appraisal tool. Eligible articles were thematically analysed using the Braun and Clark approach.

Results

Eight articles met the selection criteria for inclusion. Findings revealed that while most graduate nurses survived the transition process, they often felt overwhelmed and abandoned with intense feelings of frustration. Many suffered transition shock and did not feel ready for the role. Socialisation of graduates to the clinical environment was lacking. Support offered in many graduate programmes was ad hoc and unstructured. Senior staff were inadequately supported in their roles as preceptors to assist with the transition. Critical support measures recommended included both debrief sessions and regular one‐on‐one support.

Conclusions

Graduate programmes need to be structured yet flexible to accommodate the needs of rural and remote nurse graduates. Graduates need to be transitioned into practice with decremental support processes for both workloads and education. Preceptors require education on how to mentor before they can provide the appropriate support for graduates. Without these measures in place, a decrease in transition shock may not be possible.

Relevance to clinical practice

Graduate programmes need to be structured yet flexible, including assistance with both clinical skills and socialisation. Senior staff require education before they can adequately support new graduates.
The novel echo‐guided ProGlide technique during percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Honda Yohsuke , Araki Motoharu , Yamawaki Masahiro , Tokuda Takahiro , Tsutumi Masakazu , Mori Shinsuke , Sakamoto Yasunari , Kobayashi Norihiro , Hirano Keisuke , Ito Yoshiaki
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess clinical benefit of the Echo‐guided ProGlide technique in patients undergoing percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF‐TAVI).

Background

The efficacy of the Echo‐guided ProGlide technique during percutaneous TF‐TAVI was not previously clarified.

Methods

A total of 121 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous TF‐TAVI at our institution between February 2014 and July 2017 were enrolled in this study. According to the introduction of this novel technique in March 2016, patients were divided into two groups (echo‐guided group who underwent TAVI from March 2016 to July 2017, n = 63; not echo‐guided group who underwent TAVI from February 2014 to February 2016, n = 58). The incidence of major vascular complications, defined per the Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 criteria, and ProGlide complications including acute femoral artery stenosis or occlusion and bleeding requiring any intervention.

Results

The incidence of major vascular complication and ProGlide complication were significantly lower in the echo‐guided group than in not echo‐guided group (1.6% vs 17.2%, P < 0.002; 1.6% vs 15.5%, P = 0.003; respectively). Use of the Echo‐guided ProGlide technique was independently associated with prevention of ProGlide complications (odds ratio, 0.11; 95% confidential interval, 0.01‐0.76; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

This novel Echo‐guided ProGlide technique was associated with a lower rate of major vascular complications, particularly ProGlide complications during percutaneous TF‐TAVI.
Tibiotarsus bone characteristics and tibial dyschondroplasia incidence of broilers fed diets supplemented with leucine and valine
Authors: Ospina‐Rojas I. C. , Murakami A. E. , Duarte C. R. A. , Sakamoto M. I. , Aguihe P. C. , Pozza P. C. , Santos T. C.
Published: November 2017

Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of standardized ileal digestible (SID) leucine and valine levels on tibiotarsus bone characteristics and the incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia of broilers from day 1 to 21 (Experiment I) and day 21 to 42 post‐hatch (Experiment II). Each experimental phase was evaluated independently. In both experiments, a total of 1,500 one‐day‐old Cobb 500 male broiler chickens were distributed in a completely randomized design 5 × 5 factorial arrangement for a total of 25 treatments. The SID leucine and valine levels were ranged from 10.0 to 19.6 g/kg, and 6.0 to 12.0 g/kg from day 1 to 21 post‐hatch, respectively, while day 21 to 42 post‐hatch ranged from 10.0 to 18.0 g leucine/kg, and 5.2 to 11.2 g valine/kg. Serum calcium and phosphorus, bone concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and ash, diameter and Seedor index of the tibiotarsus were not affected (p > .05) by the treatments at 21 or 42 days of age. There was an interaction (p ≤.06) between the SID levels of leucine and valine on tibiotarsus breaking strength at 21 days, but not at 42 days of age (p > .05). Tibiotarsus breaking strength was maximized in broilers from day 1 to 21 with the dietary levels of leucine and valine at 14.2 and 9.0 g/kg respectively. Dietary leucine levels reduced linearly (p < .05) the hypertrophic zone of tibiotarsus cartilage at 21 days of age. Therefore, leucine and valine supplementation interact positively on bone strength of broilers from day 1 to 21 post‐hatch. Leucine can be a useful amino acid for reducing the hypertrophic cartilage zone in broilers from day 1 to 21, but not from day 21 to 42 post‐hatch.
The Power of Population Health Data on Aging and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Reactions of Knowledge Users
Authors: Martin Lynn , Ouellette‐Kuntz Hélène , McKenzie Katherine
Published: November 2017

Recent work in Ontario (Canada) revealed that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience higher rates of frailty and use of aging care services at earlier ages than the general population, and that the subset aged 65+ years is increasing. This paper describes the reaction of knowledge users to study findings and implications for policy and practice. A knowledge transfer webinar was held with nearly 200 people representing different regions of the province, participant types (family members, service providers, decision makers, researchers), and sectors (health and developmental services). Most participants viewed health and developmental services systems as not ready for the aging population with intellectual and developmental disabilities for two main reasons: insufficient cross‐sector expertise and inadequate funding. The need for healthcare, challenged informal supports, lack of services, and the desire for independence were thought to drive higher use of home care among younger adults, while inadequacies within the developmental services sector, challenged informal supports, medical and care needs, lack of community supports, and the need for coordinated cross‐sector services were noted as contributing to admissions to long‐term care. There is a lack of evidence‐based information on aging and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ongoing access to quality, population‐level data on the number and needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities is needed to improve policies and practices to support aging in the community. Persons working in health and developmental services had a shared understanding of the need for system reform, better collaboration, and integration of resources. Both sectors also viewed admission to long‐term care as particularly problematic. The province‐wide webinar brought together persons with various levels of responsibility from different sectors. Future exchanges should focus on identifying and promoting best practices.
A preliminary investigation of the effect of sample collection technique on the cell and RNA content of fine‐needle aspirates of five canine tumours
Authors: Bowlt Blacklock K. L. , Ireland J. , Stewart J. , Murphy S. , Blackwood L. , Starkey M.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of syringe size, needle size, number of needle passes and operator experience on cell yield from tumour fine‐needle aspirates, and the quantity and quality of extractable RNA.

Materials and Methods

Fine‐needle aspirates were collected from canine lymphoma, cutaneous mast cell tumour, anal gland adenocarcinoma, fibrosarcoma and oral malignant melanoma using nine different techniques.

Results

There was a significant difference in cell yield between fine‐needle aspirate techniques for melanoma, lymphoma and anal gland adenocarcinoma. The application of suction yielded the largest number of cells. Cell numbers in lymphoma and fibrosarcoma aspirates collected by different veterinary surgeons were not significantly different. Use of a smaller gauge needle and suction increased the quantity of RNA isolated from fibrosarcoma and anal gland adenocarcinoma aspirates, but did not influence RNA integrity.

Clinical Significance

Suction during fine‐needle aspiration increases cell numbers obtained from five common canine tumours. Suction increases the quantity of RNA isolated from anal gland adenocarcinoma and fibrosarcoma aspirates without affecting RNA quality. Junior veterinary surgeons gain comparable cell numbers to senior staff.
Surgical treatment of pulmonic stenosis in dogs under cardiopulmonary bypass: outcome in nine dogs
Authors: Bristow P. , Sargent J. , Luis Fuentes V. , Brockman D.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To describe the outcome for nine dogs with pulmonic stenosis treated by open patch grafting using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Materials and Methods

Data were collected from the hospital records of all dogs that had undergone right ventricular outflow tract grafting with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch under cardiopulmonary bypass between 2006 and 2012 for the treatment of pulmonic stenosis. Echocardiographic images were reviewed and the pressure gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract re‐measured. Owners of dogs still alive at the time of writing were invited to return to the hospital for reassessment.

Results

Nine dogs met the inclusion criteria. Median pressure gradient preoperatively was 118 mmHg, (range 102 to 259 mmHg) reducing to a median of 20 mmHg (range 7 to 53 mmHg) at 48 hours postoperatively and 14 mmHg (range 10 to 70 mmHg), with a median percentage reduction of 89% (range 41 to 94%) at long‐term follow‐up. Eight of nine dogs survived surgery, with six of nine surviving to hospital discharge. Two dogs were still alive over 6 and 8 years postoperatively. No long‐term deaths were believed to be attributable to pulmonic stenosis.

Clinical Significance

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch grafting of the right ventricular outflow tract for treatment of severe pulmonic stenosis in dogs is feasible and can be an effective method to reduce the severity of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
Microbiological analysis of conjunctival secretion in anophthalmic cavity, contralateral eye and ocular prosthesis of patients with maxillofacial abnormalities
Authors: Guiotti A.M. , da Silva E.V.F. , Catanoze I.A. , de Carvalho K.H.T. , Malavazi E.M. , Goiato M.C. , dos Santos D.M. , de Almeida M.T.G.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse the micro-organisms present in the conjunctival secretion in anophthalmic cavities of wearers of ocular prostheses, as well as on the prostheses used by them, correlating them with the microbiota of the contralateral eye. Nine patients with maxillofacial abnormalities, wearers of an acrylic resin ocular prosthesis participated in the study. Collections of conjunctival secretions and biofilm were performed on the prosthesis, anophthalmic cavity and contralateral eye for the mycological and bacterial analyses. The data were submitted to statistical analysis, performing a Kendall correlation test to identify the correlation between the collection site and the identified micro-organism (P <0·05). It was verified that the most prevalent micro-organisms were the Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, independent of the collection site, and that negative cultures for fungi were encountered in 85·2% of collections, independent of the region. It was not possible to establish a correlation among the types of micro-organisms and the collection sites.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Some evidence suggests that the surface roughness of ocular prostheses can influence interactions with micro-organisms, with greater prejudicial consequences, such as the establishment of biofilms, which could lead to infections. Thus, it becomes extremely important to identify the micro-organisms present on the acrylic surfaces of ocular prostheses, as well as the microbiota of the anophthalmic cavity and contralateral eye of wearers of the same, so that subsequent control measures promote the homeostatic maintenance of the ocular region.
Jackhammer esophagus: Assessing the balance between prepeak and postpeak contractile integral
Authors: Xiao Y. , Carlson D. A. , Lin Z. , Alhalel N. , Pandolfino J. E.
Published: November 2017

Background

We hypothesized that symptoms in Jackhammer esophagus (JH) are associated with an imbalance between the prepeak and postpeak phases of contraction. Thus, we developed a method to distinguish the contractile integral components of prepeak and postpeak phase contractile activity to determine the contribution of each phase and their association with dysphagia.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with JH were enrolled and compared to controls. The first five intact swallows during manometry were analyzed. A single swallow was divided into a prepeak and postpeak phase. The contractile integral of each phase and its corresponding time‐controlled integral were computed. All metrics were compared between controls and JH patients subcategorized by the impaction dysphagia question (IDQ) score with cut‐off of 6.

Key Results

Thirty eight JH patients and 71 controls were included. Twelve JH patients had IDQ ≤ 6 and 26 with IDQ > 6. JH patients had higher contractile integral in both phases, and a higher ratio between postpeak to prepeak contractile integral independent of duration. Similarly, JH patients with an IDQ > 6 had higher contractile metrics than those with IDQ ≤ 6. There was a correlation between the IDQ score and the ratio within the postpeak to prepeak contractile integral (r = .375).

Conclusions

Abnormalities in contractile integral of the postpeak phase are more significant in JH with higher dysphagia scores Although the total postpeak contractile integral was higher in symptomatic patients, this was associated with longer duration of postpeak activity suggesting that dysphagia patients with JH have a defect in the postpeak phase of peristalsis.
What are the position and power of supermarkets in the Australian food system, and the implications for public health? A systematic scoping review
Authors: Pulker C. E. , Trapp G. S. A. , Scott J. A. , Pollard C. M.
Published: November 2017

Supermarkets have been described as having unprecedented and disproportionate power in the food system. This scoping review synthesized the literature that describes the position and power of supermarkets in the Australian food system, and the implications for public health. A systematic search of peer‐reviewed and grey literature identified 68 documents that described supermarket power. Implications for public health were also recorded. Data revealed that supermarkets hold a powerful position in the Australian food system, acting as the primary gatekeepers. Supermarkets have obtained instrumental, structural and discursive power from many sources that overlap and reinforce each other. Few positive public health impacts of supermarket power were identified, providing many opportunities for improvement in the domains of food governance, the food system and public health nutrition. There is very little public health research examining the impact of supermarket power in Australia. More research is needed, and examination of supermarket own brands is of particular importance owing to their pivotal role as a source of power and their potential to improve public health outcomes, such as obesity.
Online education improves pediatric residents’ understanding of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Craddock Megan F. , Blondin Heather M. , Youssef Molly J. , Tollefson Megha M. , Hill Lauren F. , Hanson Janice L. , Bruckner Anna L.
Published: November 2017

Background/Objectives

Pediatricians manage skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (AD) but report that their dermatologic training is inadequate. Online modules may enhance medical education when sufficient didactic or clinical teaching experiences are lacking. We assessed whether an online module about AD improved pediatric residents’ knowledge and changed their clinical management of AD.

Methods

Target and control cohorts of pediatric residents from two institutions were recruited. Target subjects took a 30‐question test about AD early in their residency, reviewed the online module, and repeated the test 6 months and 1 year later. The control subjects, who had 1 year of clinical experience but had not reviewed the online module, also took the test. The mean percentage of correct answers was calculated and compared using two‐sided, two‐sample independent t tests and repeated‐measures analysis of variance. For a subset of participants, clinical documentation from AD encounters was reviewed and 13 practice behaviors were compared using the Fisher exact test.

Results

Twenty‐five subjects in the target cohort and 29 subjects in the control cohort completed the study. The target cohort improved from 18.0 ± 3.2 to 23.4 ± 3.4 correctly answered questions over 1 year (P < .001). This final value was greater than that of the control cohort (20.7 ± 4.5; P = .01). Meaningful differences in practice behaviors were not seen.

Conclusion

Pediatric residents who reviewed an online module about AD demonstrated statistically significant improvement in disease‐specific knowledge over time and had statistically significantly higher scores than controls. Online dermatology education may effectively supplement traditional clinical teaching.
Exploring the intervention effect moderators of a cardiovascular health promotion study among rural African‐Americans
Authors: Abbott Laurie , Gordon Schluck Glenna , Graven Lucinda , Martorella Geraldine
Published: November 2017

Objective

The purpose of this analysis was to examine the participant characteristics that served as intervention effect moderators of a cardiovascular health promotion intervention study.

Design and Sample

This exploratory study was a secondary analysis of data collected during a cluster randomized controlled trial. The participants (n = 229) of the study were African‐American adults recruited from 12 rural churches that were randomized to intervention (n = 6) and control (n = 6) groups. There were 115 individual participants in the intervention group, and 114 in the control group.

Measures

Cardiovascular health intentions, attitudes, norms, and self‐efficacy for produce consumption, dietary fat intake, and exercise were measured to test the effect of the intervention. Linear mixed model was used to detect intervention effect moderators.

Results

Personal heart disease status was a moderator of intervention effects for intentions, norms, and self‐efficacy regarding dietary fat intake and attitudes about produce consumption. Lacking a family heart disease history was a moderator for dietary fat intake self‐efficacy, and age was a dietary fat norms moderator.

Conclusions

Knowledge about the moderators that influenced intervention outcomes can assist public health nurses in tailoring health promotion programs for underserved populations that can be implemented in community settings.
History and Persons
Authors: Kahane Guy
Published: November 2017

The non‐identity problem is usually considered in the forward‐looking direction but a version of it also applies to the past, due to the fact that even minor historical changes would have affected the whole subsequent sequence of births, dramatically changing who comes to exist next. This simple point is routinely overlooked by familiar attitudes and evaluative judgments about the past, even those of sophisticated historians. I shall argue, however, that it means that when we feel sadness about some historical tragedy, or think of one possible course of history as better than another, these judgments and attitudes can be understood in terms of two opposing perspectives on the past: an impersonal standpoint concerned only with how much value each course of history contains, and a person‐centred standpoint concerned with harms and benefits to the people who had actually existed. In this paper, I will set out these radically different visions of what matters in history and point out some of their surprising implications.
When Does A Supply Chain Member Benefit from Vendor‐Managed Inventory?
Authors: Ru Jun , Shi Ruixia , Zhang Jun
Published: November 2017

Enabled by the advances in information technology (IT), many supply chain partners have adopted the practice of vendor‐managed inventory (VMI) to improve operations efficiency. While the IT investment for VMI implementation can be significant, the benefits of VMI to different supply chain members are not obvious based on anecdotal evidences and empirical studies. This paper studies the effects of VMI on a supply chain consisting of one manufacturer and one retailer to shed light on when an IT investment for VMI adoption can be justified. We show that whether the two supply chain members benefit from VMI depends on how the holding or shortage cost increment from the manufacturer to retailer compares with two corresponding critical values. We then develop comparative statics results on how these critical values change with respect to different parameters. Interestingly, the retailer is more likely to benefit from the adoption of VMI when its inventory holding cost is low, and the manufacturer is more likely to benefit from VMI adoption when its inventory holding cost is high, contradicting what our intuitions would suggest and what has been prescribed in the literature.
Gender and Policy Agendas in the Post‐War House
Authors: Atkinson Mary Layton
Published: November 2017

For decades, critical mass theory shaped expectations about the ways female politicians would behave in office. Newer studies, however, have challenged the theory's premise that “token” women will avoid championing women's interests while women serving in more gender‐diverse bodies will work together to advance them. In fact, many in the discipline now believe it is time to leave the idea of critical mass behind. These new studies have significantly advanced our knowledge of the link between women's descriptive and substantive representation. But the move away from critical mass leaves unresolved the question of how female legislators will adapt their policy priorities based on changes in the size of the female delegation. I seek to answer this question and hypothesize that the more women who serve in Congress, the less attention each female member of Congress will give to women's issues, and the more diverse the female agenda will become. This diversification should not, however, result in lower overall levels of attention to women's issues. Because responsibility for substantive representation is shared, with each woman continuing to contribute as the delegation grows, the women's agenda can diversify while attention to women's issues actually increases. An analysis of bill sponsorship data spanning 60 years provides support for my theory. I show that when the size of the female delegation grows, women increase both the breadth and depth of their collective legislative agenda—simultaneously offering increased substantive representation and representation across a wider range of topics.
Concurrent isotope‐assisted metabolic flux analysis and transcriptome profiling reveal responses of poplar cells to altered nitrogen and carbon supply
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Misra Ashish , Nargund Shilpa , Coleman Gary D. , Sriram Ganesh
Published: November 2017

Reduced nitrogen is indispensable to plants. However, its limited availability in soil combined with the energetic and environmental impacts of nitrogen fertilizers motivates research into molecular mechanisms toward improving plant nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). We performed a systems‐level investigation of this problem by employing multiple ‘omics methodologies on cell suspensions of hybrid poplar (Populus tremula × Populus alba). Acclimation and growth of the cell suspensions in four nutrient regimes ranging from abundant to deficient supplies of carbon and nitrogen revealed that cell growth under low‐nitrogen levels was associated with substantially higher NUE. To investigate the underlying metabolic and molecular mechanisms, we concurrently performed steady‐state 13C metabolic flux analysis with multiple isotope labels and transcriptomic profiling with cDNA microarrays. The 13C flux analysis revealed that the absolute flux through the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (oxPPP) was substantially lower (~threefold) under low‐nitrogen conditions. Additionally, the flux partitioning ratio between the tricarboxylic acid cycle and anaplerotic pathways varied from 84%:16% under abundant carbon and nitrogen to 55%:45% under deficient carbon and nitrogen. Gene expression data, together with the flux results, suggested a plastidic localization of the oxPPP as well as transcriptional regulation of certain metabolic branchpoints, including those between glycolysis and the oxPPP. The transcriptome data also indicated that NUE‐improving mechanisms may involve a redirection of excess carbon to aromatic metabolic pathways and extensive downregulation of potentially redundant genes (in these heterotrophic cells) that encode photosynthetic and light‐harvesting proteins, suggesting the recruitment of these proteins as nitrogen sinks in nitrogen‐abundant conditions.
Clinical input of anti‐D quantitation by continuous‐flow analysis on autoanalyzer in the management of high‐titer anti‐D maternal alloimmunization
Authors: Toly‐Ndour Cécile , Mourtada Haifa , Huguet‐Jacquot Stéphanie , Maisonneuve Emeline , Friszer Stéphanie , Pernot Françoise , Thomas Pauline , Jouannic Jean‐Marie , Carbonne Bruno , Cortey Anne , Mailloux Agnès
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

In addition to titration by indirect antiglobulin test most widely used, anti‐D quantitation by continuous‐flow analysis (CFA) may be performed to assess severity of maternal immunization. Only five studies have reported its added value in the management of pregnancies complicated by anti‐D immunization.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective study of 74 severe anti‐D–immunized pregnancies was conducted from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014, in the Trousseau Hospital in Paris (France). Concentration of maternal anti‐D was measured by titration and by CFA two‐stages method (2SM; total amount of anti‐D) and one‐stage method (1SM; high‐affinity IgG1 anti‐D). These biologic data were analyzed according to the severity of the hemolytic disease of the fetus and the newborn.

RESULTS

The value of 5 IU anti‐D/mL in maternal serum is validated as a threshold to trigger ultrasonographic and Doppler fetal close follow‐up. A high 1SM/2SM ratio was associated with a higher risk of intrauterine transfusion (IUT). For pregnancies requiring IUT and without increasing titer, maternal 1SM anti‐D concentration tends to correlate with the precocity of fetal anemia. In the “without‐IUT” group 1SM and 2SM anti‐D concentrations correlate significantly with cord bilirubin levels of the newborn at birth.

CONCLUSION

Altogether our results underline the importance of anti‐D quantitation by CFA to optimize the management of anti‐D–alloimmunized pregnancies.
Evaluation of the applicability and effectiveness of a molecular strategy for identifying weak D and DEL phenotype among D– blood donors of mixed origin exhibiting high frequency of RHD*Ψ
Authors: Dezan Marcia Regina , Guardalini Luis Giovani O. , Pessoa Elaine , Ribeiro Ingrid Helena , Oliveira Valeria Brito , Luz Fabio , Novac Denise Rossite , Gallucci António , Bonifácio Silvia , Gomes Francisco , Levi José E. , Pereira Alexandre C. , Krieger Jose E. , Mendrone‐Junior Alfredo , Rocha Vanderson , Dinardo Carla Luana
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Molecular tests designed to detect the presence of active RHD gene among D– donors have been successfully applied in people of European ancestry, but not in admixed populations with a considerable frequency of RHD*Ψ. Our goal was to evaluate the performance of a molecular screening tool for identifying active RHD alleles among Brazilian blood donors classified as D– C+ and/or E+.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Pools of five DNA samples of serologically D– C+ and/or E+ donors were checked by a RHD polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay specific for RHD Intron 4 and Exon 7. When a pool result was positive, samples were genotyped individually for RHD Intron 4 and Exon 7, RHD*Ψ, RHCE*Cc, and RHD zygosity. Donors suspected of active RHD gene were further evaluated by whole‐coding region and flanking intron direct sequencing.

RESULTS

A total of 405 donors were included. Two percent exhibited active RHD gene, codifying D‐weak (38 and 45) or DEL phenotype. The most prevalent DEL allele was RHD*DEL1 (c.1227G>A), which is proven to be immunogenic. A high frequency of RHD*Ψ was detected in the donors with nondeleted RHD alleles (31%), far superior to the frequency of RHD variant alleles (15.5%). The proposed approach presented sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 85.7% for identifying active RHD gene.

CONCLUSION

The strategy of checking D– donors with RHD PCR followed by exclusion of RHD*Ψ allele has proved efficient in identifying weak‐D and DEL phenotype in the Brazilian population.
Characterization of barley straw biochar produced in various temperatures and its effect on lead and cadmium removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Jazini Rasoul , Soleimani Mohsen , Mirghaffari Nourollah
Published: November 2017

Conversion of agricultural wastes into a carbon rich material (i.e. biochar) using pyrolysis process could be an appropriate approach for their management. This study was carried out to convert barley straw to biochar in different temperatures (300, 400 and 500°C) and to investigate the potential of the produced biochar as a sorbent of heavy metals (Pb and Cd). Considering the pretest results of Pb and Cd sorption, the biochar produced at 500°C (BS500) was selected to find effect of pH, the sorbent dose, the initial concentration of Pb and Cd and the contact time on metal removal efficiency. The results showed that the optimum conditions of adsorption were pH = 6, the sorbent dose 1 g/L and the contact time of 45 min. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms had the best fit to the pseudo‐second order and Langmuir models, respectively.
Research of parameters affecting sludge digestion process
Authors: Dauknys R. , Mažeikienė A.
Published: November 2017

The parameters characterizing and affecting anaerobic sludge digestion process in three Lithuanian cities are investigated. Results showed that digestion process was effective in all three objects: specific biogas production varied between 0.77 and 0.86 m3/kg volatile solids destroyed, methane content in the biogas varied between 64 and 67% and they complied with the values presented in the scientific references. The increase of VS loading (up to 2.6 kg VS/m3/day) led to the higher level of VS destruction which was up to 59%. The sludge retention time (hydraulic retention time) values must be in ranges of 20–25 days for the digestion process in order to get the design VS destruction, as well the biogas production. In a case of lack of raw materials, the application of wastes from food industry can help to reach the design parameters. The application of wastes from milk industry showed positive results in the digestion process.
Learning by Teaching: Can It Be Utilized to Develop Inquiry Skills?
Authors: Aslan Safiye
Published: November 2017

This study aims to investigate the effect of learning by teaching on inquiry skills. With its explanatory sequential design, this particular study focuses on interrogating whether learning by teaching has an effect on prospective science teachers’ inquiry skills and to unveil how it does so, only if it had an effect. The current research is conducted upon 47 prospective science teachers who study in a public university in Turkey and take a course termed as Special Topics in Chemistry during the Fall term of 2016-2017 academic year. The quantitative data is gathered with an inquiry skills scale whereas the qualitative data is collected via a structured interview form. While the t-Test is used in the analysis of the quantitative data, the method of content analysis is applied in the analysis of the qualitative data. The quantitative data displays that learning by teaching has a positive effect on the prospective science teachers’ inquiry skills. The qualitative data indicates that a great majority of the prospective science teachers are of the opinion that learning by teaching has an impact on inquiry skills. They think that this effect occurs under three thematic dimensions; information, thinking and affective. The findings of this particular research suggest that learning by teaching can also be a method to develop inquiry skills of prospective science teachers.
Non-fresh formaldehyde-embalmed cadaver: not an eligible model for Ultrasound Guided Sacroiliac Joint Injection studies
Authors: Mezian Kamal , Naňka Ondřej
Published: November 2017

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Subterahertz sensor in microfluidic devices for on-line determination and control of ethanol concentration
Authors: da Silva Junior Salomao Moraes , Stiens Johan , Moshkalev Stanislav , Swart Jacobus Willibrordus , Matvejev Vladimir , Zhang Yuchen , De Tandt Cathleen
Published: November 2017

This paper reports on the performance of a subterahertz (THz) liquid sensor tool coupled to a microfluidic platform. Contactless and on-line measurements are demonstrated for the determination of ethanol concentration and controlling by a micromixer device. The authors have developed a label-free chemical sensing methodology coupling a subterahertz sensor technology to microfluidic devices fabricated on glass and polydimethylsiloxane. They demonstrated on-line sensing and control of ethanol concentration on demand. The THz-microfluidic sensing strategy represents a versatile tool for fast and easy integration in microfluidic devices, for concentration detection and linear control of binary mixture concentration in a contactless mode using microreactors in laminar flow and fast mixing mechanism by convection.