bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between attitudes toward aging and health‐promoting behaviours in older adults
Authors: Korkmaz Aslan Gülbahar , Kartal Asiye , Özen Çınar İlgün , Koştu Nazan
Published: October 2017

Background

Identifying the factors that are associated with health‐promoting behaviours in older adults is necessary to increase their willingness and motivation to participate in health‐promotion activities. Understanding context‐specific attitudes in relation to their influence on health‐promoting behaviours is crucial in designing efficient interventions that foster health‐promoting behaviours among older adults.

Aim

This study aimed to examine the relationships between attitudes towards aging and health‐promoting behaviours in older adults in Turkey.

Methods

The study used a descriptive‐correlational design. A convenience sample of 448 community‐dwelling older adults who were 65 years and older and cognitively intact were selected from 6 family health centres in the city of Denizli in Turkey. The data were collected between March and June of 2014 using the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire and the Health‐Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore the predictors of health‐promoting behaviours.

Findings

Attitudes toward aging, the psychosocial loss subscale, and education were statistically significant predictors of health‐promoting behaviours. Attitudes toward aging were the strongest predictor of health‐promoting behaviours in older adults.

Conclusion

Attitude towards aging is a factor that affects health‐promoting behaviours, and it should be considered during interventions for improving health promoting behaviours.
So close but yet so far? Labour Migration Governance in Italy and Spain
Authors: Finotelli Claudia , Echeverría Gabriel
Published: October 2017

Southern European countries have traditionally been perceived as weak immigration countries with inefficient legal entry avenues for foreign workers, high irregular migration rates and poor integration policies. In recent years, however, the adoption of more efficient control policies, new recruitment strategies and embryonic integration plans throughout the region has led to a change of paradigm in the governance of migration. And yet policy reforms do not seem to have produced the same results everywhere. The aim of this article is to enquire into possible explanations for the divergent paths of labour migration governance in Southern Europe, using Italy and Spain as comparative cases. As it will emerge, policy efficacy in the field of labour migration relates not only to the quality and consistency of policy design and implementation but also to factors that escape direct political control.
Sense of Belonging and Life Satisfaction among Post‐1990 Immigrants in Israel
Authors: Raijman Rebeca , Geffen Rona
Published: October 2017

In this paper we contribute to the study of immigrants’ integration into the host society by focusing on two subjective indicators of integration: life satisfaction and sense of belonging. The analysis is performed on post‐1990 immigrants in Israel with data obtained from the ‘Immigrant Survey’ conducted by the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. The findings show that while life satisfaction is affected by all forms of incorporation (structural, acculturation, identificational), immigrants’ sense of belonging to Israeli society seems mainly related to processes of identity re‐definition in the host society, and mostly determined by strength of Jewish identity, ideological motives for going to Israel, and the ways by which immigrants perceive they are defined by Israelis (as a member of the majority group or as a member of an ethnic group). The results also reveal that when utilizing SEM procedure for estimating simultaneous effects of both subjective measures of assimilation, sense of belonging to the new society strongly affects immigrants’ life satisfaction but not the other way around. We discuss the findings and their meaning in light of theory and within the context of Israeli society.
Abscopal, immunological effects of radiotherapy: Narrowing the gap between clinical and preclinical experiences
Authors: Brix Nikko , Tiefenthaller Anna , Anders Heike , Belka Claus , Lauber Kirsten
Published: October 2017

Radiotherapy—despite being a local therapy that meanwhile is characterized by an impressively high degree of spatial accuracy—can stimulate systemic phenomena which occasionally lead to regression and rejection of non‐irradiated, distant tumor lesions. These abscopal effects of local irradiation have been observed in sporadic clinical case reports since the beginning of the 20th century, and extensive preclinical work has contributed to identify systemic anti‐tumor immune responses as the underlying driving forces. Although abscopal tumor regression still remains a rare event in the radiotherapeutic routine, increasing numbers of cases are being reported, particularly since the clinical implementation of immune checkpoint inhibiting agents. Accordingly, interests to systematically exploit the therapeutic potential of radiotherapy‐stimulated systemic responses are constantly growing. The present review briefly delineates the history of radiotherapy‐induced abscopal effects and the activation of systemic anti‐tumor immune responses by local irradiation. We discuss preclinical and clinical reports with specific focus on the corresponding controversies, and we propose issues that should be addressed in the future in order to narrow the gap between preclinical knowledge and clinical experiences.
Alarmins and immunity
Authors: Yang De , Han Zhen , Oppenheim Joost J.
Published: October 2017

More than a decade has passed since the conceptualization of the “alarmin” hypothesis. The alarmin family has been expanding in terms of both number and the concept. It has recently become clear that alarmins play important roles as initiators and participants in a diverse range of physiological and pathophysiological processes such as host defense, regulation of gene expression, cellular homeostasis, wound healing, inflammation, allergy, autoimmunity, and oncogenesis. Here, we provide a general view on the participation of alarmins in the induction of innate and adaptive immune responses, as well as their contribution to tumor immunity.
Immunogenic stress and death of cancer cells: Contribution of antigenicity vs adjuvanticity to immunosurveillance
Authors: Bloy Norma , Garcia Pauline , Laumont Céline M. , Pitt Jonathan M. , Sistigu Antonella , Stoll Gautier , Yamazaki Takahiro , Bonneil Eric , Buqué Aitziber , Humeau Juliette , Drijfhout Jan W. , Meurice Guillaume , Walter Steffen , Fritsche Jens , Weinschenk Toni , Rammensee Hans‐Georg , Melief Cornelis , Thibault Pierre , Perreault Claude , Pol Jonathan , Zitvogel Laurence , Senovilla Laura , Kroemer Guido
Published: October 2017

Cancer cells are subjected to constant selection by the immune system, meaning that tumors that become clinically manifest have managed to subvert or hide from immunosurveillance. Immune control can be facilitated by induction of autophagy, as well as by polyploidization of cancer cells. While autophagy causes the release of ATP, a chemotactic signal for myeloid cells, polyploidization can trigger endoplasmic reticulum stress with consequent exposure of the “eat‐me” signal calreticulin on the cell surface, thereby facilitating the transfer of tumor antigens into dendritic cells. Hence, both autophagy and polyploidization cause the emission of adjuvant signals that ultimately elicit immune control by CD8+ T lymphocytes. We investigated the possibility that autophagy and polyploidization might also affect the antigenicity of cancer cells by altering the immunopeptidome. Mass spectrometry led to the identification of peptides that were presented on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules in an autophagy‐dependent fashion or that were specifically exposed on the surface of polyploid cells, yet lost upon passage of such cells through immunocompetent (but not immunodeficient) mice. However, the preferential recognition of autophagy‐competent and polyploid cells by the innate and cellular immune systems did not correlate with the preferential recognition of such peptides in vivo. Moreover, vaccination with such peptides was unable to elicit tumor growth‐inhibitory responses in vivo. We conclude that autophagy and polyploidy increase the immunogenicity of cancer cells mostly by affecting their adjuvanticity rather than their antigenicity.
From Sketch to Screen, from Scratch to Competence
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Kyung
Published: October 2017

This article is about nature artists, design researchers and scientists collaborating in a research lab with scarce resources, where communication is doubled by an art installation of drawings. It aims to identify how drawings can be used in academically different environments in order to improve co‐work processes. Data was collected in a South Korea college for two years in 2015–2016. The research question is: how do drawings influence the communication between colleagues, beyond their different backgrounds? This question seeks to examine how drawings can be used to enhance communication. Based on participants’ experiences, the case study is described according to five categories: concept and architecture communication with drawing, toilet design drawing, kindergarten students’ feedback by drawing, agar art drawings with algae and computer drawings with media art drawings. The premise here is that drawing makes you think more, learn from each other and more easily understand difficult information. This article offers a glimpse into how the evidence was generated, interpreted and disseminated in order to illuminate the benefits of drawing, using some cases as examples. It identifies the current challenges experienced by schools and argues for a fresh impetus behind drawing within interdisciplinary team projects.
Optimal dose and duration of amoxicillin‐plus‐metronidazole as an adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized, placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: McGowan Kelly , McGowan Troy , Ivanovski Saso
Published: October 2017

Aim

This systematic review aimed to determine the optimum dose and duration of amoxicillin‐plus‐metronidazole prescribed as an adjunct to non‐surgical treatment of periodontitis.

Methods

Electronic searching identified 376 records, of which 18 were eligible blinded, randomized placebo‐controlled trials. The primary outcomes assessed were periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment level at 3 months, and secondary outcomes were adverse events and compliance. Subgroup analyses were conducted to compare lower and higher doses, and 7‐ and 14‐day courses.

Results

Meta‐analysis showed a small beneficial effect of adjunctive amoxicillin‐plus‐metronidazole for each primary outcome, but there was <0.1 mm variation with antibiotic dose or duration. Risk differences for adverse events in the higher dose and longer duration groups were minimally greater (0.04 and 0.05, respectively), and there was one report of anaphylaxis; 1.3% of patients were not fully compliant.

Conclusion

There was no clinically meaningful difference between different doses or duration of amoxicillin‐plus‐metronidazole at 3 months post‐treatment. Without compelling evidence to suggest that any one regimen performed superiorly, principles of responsible antibiotic use generally recommend the highest dose for the shortest duration of time to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, a 7‐day regimen of 500/500 mg or 500/400 mg of amoxicillin and metronidazole would be most appropriate.
Potential of thermophilic amylolytic bacteria for growth in unconventional media: Potato peels
Authors: Awan Khadija , Jabeen Faiza , Manzoor Maleeha , Qazi Javed Iqbal
Published: October 2017

Extremozymes have gained high level of popularity for their industrial relevance. In this regard four thermophilic bacterial isolates were isolated from hot spring Chakwal in Pakistan. All the strains were screened for amylolytic activity by producing zone of clearance on starch agar plates. The bacterial isolates were cultivated employing potato peels as major energy source. All the four bacterial strains were Gram positive, motile, endospore formers and were positive for catalase and oxidase tests. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequences confirmed that all the strains were belonged to the Bacillus licheniformis with 98–99% similarity under Accession numbers KF424263, KF424264, KF424265, and KF424266 for KA2, KA5, KA6, and KA9, respectively. The pH, temperature, oxygen requirement, and inocula size of the medium were optimized, which could yield amylase up to 0.61 U while growing in potato peels based media. Besides being thermostable, the enzymes have a working pH range of 5–9. The isolate KA2 showed maximum threefold purification, and percentage yield was estimated to be 93.06% as compared to crude enzyme. They yielded enough protein suggesting their potential in industrial applications in unconventional and economical substrate.

Practical applications

Amylases produced in this study could be utilized in starch hydrolysis for the production bioethanol and can be employed in different industries like food, paper, and detergent for various purposes. In addition, production of efficient amylases resolves the waste management problem of agro‐industrial waste of potato peels.
Alteration of sphingolipid metabolism as a putative mechanism underlying LPS‐induced BBB disruption
Authors: Vutukuri Rajkumar , Brunkhorst Robert , Kestner Roxane‐Isabelle , Hansen Lena , Bouzas Nerea Ferreiros , Pfeilschifter Josef , Devraj Kavi , Pfeilschifter Waltraud
Published: October 2017

Septic encephalopathy with confusion and agitation occurs early during sepsis and contributes to the severity of the disease. A decrease in the sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) blood levels has been shown in patients and in animal models of sepsis. The lipid mediator S1P is known to be involved in endothelial barrier function in a context‐dependent manner. We utilized lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐injected mice as a model for septic encephalopathy and first performed tracer permeability assays to assess the blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown in vivo. At time points corresponding to the BBB breakdown post LPS injection, we aimed to characterize the regulation of the sphingolipid signaling pathway at the BBB during sepsis. We measured sphingolipid concentrations in blood, in mouse brain microvessels (MBMVs), and brain tissue. We also analyzed the expression of S1P receptors, transporters, and metabolizing enzymes in MBMVs and brain tissue. Primary mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (MBMECs) were isolated to evaluate the effects of LPS on transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) as a measure of permeability in vitro. We observed a relevant decrease in S1P levels after LPS injection in all three compartments (blood, MBMVs, brain tissue) that was accompanied by an increased expression of the S1P receptor type 1 and of sphingosine kinase 1 on one hand and of the S1P degrading enzymes lipid phosphate phosphatase 1 (LPP1) and S1P phosphatase 1 on the other hand, as well as a down‐regulation of sphingosine kinase 2. Application of LPS to a monolayer of primary MBMECs did not alter TEER, but serum from LPS‐treated mice lead to a breakdown of the barrier compared to serum from vehicle‐treated mice. We observed profound alterations of the sphingolipid metabolism at the BBB after LPS injection that point toward a therapeutic potential of drugs interfering with this pathway as novel approach for the detrimental overwhelming immune response in sepsis.

image

Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 115.

Cover Image for this Issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.14161.
Adaptive self‐organization in the embryo: its importance to adult anatomy and to tissue engineering
Authors: Davies Jamie A.
Published: October 2017

The anatomy of healthy humans shows much minor variation, and twin‐studies reveal at least some of this variation cannot be explained genetically. A plausible explanation is that fine‐scale anatomy is not specified directly in a genetic programme, but emerges from self‐organizing behaviours of cells that, for example, place a new capillary where it happens to be needed to prevent local hypoxia. Self‐organizing behaviour can be identified by manipulating growing tissues (e.g. putting them under a spatial constraint) and observing an adaptive change that conserves the character of the normal tissue while altering its precise anatomy. Self‐organization can be practically useful in tissue engineering but it is limited; generally, it is good for producing realistic small‐scale anatomy but large‐scale features will be missing. This is because self‐organizing organoids miss critical symmetry‐breaking influences present in the embryo: simulating these artificially, for example, with local signal sources, makes anatomy realistic even at large scales. A growing understanding of the mechanisms of self‐organization is now allowing synthetic biologists to take their first tentative steps towards constructing artificial multicellular systems that spontaneously organize themselves into patterns, which may soon be extended into three‐dimensional shapes.
Virtual Mobility and the Lonely Cloud: Theorizing the Mobility‐Isolation Paradox for Self‐Employed Knowledge‐Workers in the Online Home‐Based Business Context
Authors: Daniel Elizabeth , Di Domenico MariaLaura , Nunan Daniel
Published: October 2017

We advance both mobility and paradox theorizing by advocating the new concepts of ‘mobility‐isolation paradox’ and ‘paradoxical imagination’. These emerged from examining the nuanced, multifaceted conceptualizations of the mobility‐isolation tensions facing home‐based, self‐employed, online knowledge‐workers. We thereby enhance current conceptual understandings of mobility, isolation and paradox by analyzing knowledge‐workers’ interrelated, multidimensional experiences within restrictive home‐based working contexts. We compare the dearth of research and theorizing about these autonomous online knowledge‐workers with that available about other types of knowledge‐workers, such as online home‐based employees, and the more physically/corporeally mobile self‐employed. This research into an increasingly prevalent knowledge‐worker genre addresses these knowledge gaps by analyzing home‐based knowledge‐workers’ views, and tensions from paradoxical pressures to be corporeally mobile and less isolated. Despite enjoying career, mental and virtual mobility through internet‐connectedness, they were found to seek face‐to‐face social and/or professional interactions, their isolation engendering loneliness, despite their solitude paradoxically often fostering creativity and innovation.
Did Late Pleistocene climate change result in parallel genetic structure and demographic bottlenecks in sympatric Central African crocodiles, Mecistops and Osteolaemus?
Authors: Shirley Matthew H. , Austin James D.
Published: October 2017

The mid‐Holocene has had profound demographic impacts on wildlife on the African continent, although there is little known about the impacts on species from Central Africa. Understanding the impacts of climate change on codistributed species can enhance our understanding of ecosystem dynamics and for formulating restoration objectives. We took a multigenome comparative approach to examine the phylogeographic structure of two poorly known Central African crocodile species—Mecistops sp. aff. cataphractus and Osteolaemus tetraspis. In addition, we conducted coalescent‐based demographic reconstructions to test the hypothesis that population decline was driven by climate change since the Last Glacial Maximum, vs. more recent anthropogenic pressures. Using a hierarchical Bayesian model to reconstruct demographic history, we show that both species had dramatic declines (>97%) in effective population size in the 'period following the Last Glacial Maximum 1,500–18,000 YBP. Identification of genetic structuring showed both species have similar regional structure corresponding to major geological features (i.e., hydrologic basin) and that small observed differences between them are best explained by the differences in their ecology and the likely impact that climate change had on their habitat needs. Our results support our hypothesis that climatic effects, presumably on forest and wetland habitat, had a congruent negative impact on both species.
Modal Identification for High‐Rise Building Structures Using Orthogonality of Filtered Response Vectors
Authors: Kim Doyoung , Oh Byung Kwan , Park Hyo Seon , Shim Hak Bo , Kim Jiyoung
Published: October 2017

The modal parameters of civil structures (natural frequency, mode shape, and mode damping ratio) are used for structural health monitoring (SHM), damage detection, and updating the finite element model. Long‐term measurement has been necessary to conduct operational modal analysis (OMA) under various loading conditions, requiring hundreds of thousands of discrete data points for estimating the modal parameters. This article proposes an efficient output‐only OMA technique in the form of filtered response vector (frv)‐based modal identification, which does not need complex signal processing and matrix operations such as singular value decomposition (SVD) and lower upper (LU) factorization, thus overcoming the main drawback of the existing OMA technique. The developed OMA technique also simplifies parameters such as window or averaging, which should be designed for signal processing by the OMA operator, under well‐separated frequencies and loading conditions excited by white noise. Using a simulation model and a 4‐story steel frame specimen, the accuracy and applicability were verified by comparing the dynamic properties obtained by the proposed technique and traditional frequency‐domain decomposition (FDD). In addition, the applicability and efficiency of the method were verified by applying the developed OMA to measured data, obtained through a field test on a 55‐story, 214‐m‐tall high‐rise building.
Effect of haemodialysis and residual renal function on serum levels of galectin‐3, B‐type natriuretic peptides and cardiac troponin T
Authors: Roberts Matthew A , Srivastava Piyush M , Hare David L , Ierino Francesco L
Published: October 2017

Aim

Levels of plasma markers of myocardial fibrosis (galectin‐3), stretch (B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP)) and injury (high‐sensitivity troponin T (hs‐TnT)) are affected by haemodialysis, residual renal function (RRF) and cardiac pathology. We aimed to determine the association of RRF, urine output and haemodialysis itself on cardiac biomarkers in haemodialysis patients.

Methods

Adult haemodialysis patients underwent venesection pre‐ and post‐haemodialysis then echocardiography and inter‐dialytic urine collection to calculate RRF (mL/min per 1.73m2) and urine output (mL/day). Galectin‐3, BNP‐32, NT‐ProBNP and hs‐TnT levels were compared across tertiles of echocardiographic parameters, RRF and urine output using the non‐parametric test for trend across ordered groups.

Results

Twenty‐three patients (17 male) with mean age 67.7±13.8 years and median (interquartile range) dialysis duration 13.6 (9.8–19.1) months participated. Galectin‐3 was substantially lower following haemodialysis: 55 ng/mL (47–70) versus 23 ng/mL (19–27, P < 0.001), but other biomarkers changed little. By increasing RRF tertile, post‐dialysis galectin‐3 was 32.6 ng/mL (23.7–36.6), 21.9 ng/mL (19.0–23.2) and 19.0 ng/mL (16.9–21.0, P = 0.001); NT‐ProBNP was 10 192 ng/L (2303–21 504), 2037 ng/L (1224–10 795) and 1481 ng/L (172–2890, P = 0.016). Results were similar for daily urine volume, but measured echocardiographic parameters were not associated with biomarker concentrations.

Conclusion

Plasma concentration of galectin‐3 is reduced by the haemodialysis procedure. Lower RRF and urine volume are strongly associated with higher levels of galectin‐3 and NT‐Pro‐BNP. These associations are important to the clinical interpretation of these biomarker levels in haemodialysis patients.
Severity of ineffective esophageal motility is associated with utilization of skeletal muscle relaxant medications
Authors: Rangan V. , George N. S. , Khan F. , Geng Z. , Gabbard S. , Kichler A. , Gittleman H. , Fass R.
Published: October 2017

Background

Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is the most common finding on high‐resolution esophageal manometry (HREM). The underlying mechanisms for IEM remain to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine if utilization of skeletal muscle relaxants is associated with IEM, and with more severe subtypes of the disorder.

Methods

Patients with diagnosis of IEM were gender and age matched to patients with normal HREM. Demographic information, symptoms, endoscopic findings, medication usage and medical comorbidities were recorded. Patients with a diagnosis of IEM were divided into subgroups based on mean distal contractile integral (DCI) and percentage of ineffective swallows, and assessed for clinically significant differences among patients with varying severity of underlying IEM.

Key Results

A total of 118 patients were included in each group. There were no significant clinical differences between the group of patients with IEM and the group of patients with normal manometry. Within the group of IEM patients, those with mean DCI < 250 mm Hg/s/cm were more likely to be prescribed skeletal muscle relaxants (27.8% vs 11.0%, P = .044), and those using skeletal muscle relaxants had a larger mean percentage of ineffective swallows (81.1% vs 71.5%, P = .029). There were no significant differences across mean DCI subgroups in usage of any other medication, or in any of the demographic variables or disease comorbidities examined in this study.

Conclusions & Inferences

Use of skeletal muscle relaxants is associated with more severe IEM, which may suggest a causal association between this class of medications and weaker esophageal peristalsis.
Obesity as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease: weighing the evidence
Authors: Alford S. , Patel D. , Perakakis N. , Mantzoros C. S.
Published: October 2017

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the sixth leading cause of death in the USA today; therefore, it is imperative that public health initiatives and clinical strategies are developed to prevent and effectively treat AD. Despite the enormous impact that AD has on individuals, families, society, and the health care system, there are no biomarkers to clearly identify those at risk for AD, public health prevention strategies in place, or treatments to address the underlying pathology or stop the progression of AD. There is ample scientific as well as empirical evidence that obesity and its metabolic and vascular comorbidities are related to AD and likely in the causative pathway. Obesity prevention and treatment could prove to be an efficacious and safe approach to preventing AD, a serious and daunting epidemic disease. In this review, we present the current pathophysiological and clinical evidence linking obesity and obesity‐related comorbidities (eg, insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, and type 2 diabetes) with AD. Additionally, we discuss which population to target and when to consider treatment for AD. Finally, we summarize the current evidence regarding the efficacy of anti‐obesity and anti‐diabetic pharmacotherapeutic agents for the treatment of AD.
Permanent tooth agenesis in individuals with non‐syndromic Robin sequence: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Antonarakis G. S. , Palaska P. K. , Suri S.
Published: October 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate prevalence rates and patterns of permanent tooth agenesis in individuals with non‐syndromic Robin sequence (ns‐RS).

Material and Methods

Two investigators independently carried out a literature search, using PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, identifying articles relating to permanent tooth agenesis, diagnosed using panoramic radiographs, in individuals with ns‐RS. The outcomes desired were prevalence rates and patterns of permanent tooth agenesis. The final search was carried out in January 2017.

Results

Six articles were selected for inclusion, with a total of 448 individuals with ns‐RS. Data available in each study varied which allowed conducting further specific meta‐analyses only on sample sizes of 339 or 378 individuals from three or four of the six included articles. The overall estimated prevalence rate of permanent tooth agenesis was 42% (95% CI: 35%‐48%), excluding third molars, with no sex predilection. In individuals with tooth agenesis, approximately 30% had one missing tooth while 40% had two missing teeth. Tooth agenesis was more commonly bilateral (Relative Risk 2) and found in the mandible (Relative Risk 1.6). The highest prevalence of permanent tooth agenesis was found for mandibular second premolars (26%) followed by maxillary second premolars (14%). The most common tooth agenesis patterns were the agenesis of both mandibular second premolars, followed by the agenesis of all second premolars.

Conclusion

Individuals with ns‐RS have high prevalence rates of permanent tooth agenesis. The most prevalent tooth agenesis patterns are bilateral symmetric tooth agenesis, most commonly agenesis of both mandibular second premolars.
A radiographic analysis of anatomical variation at the mandibular sites of intraoral bone harvesting
Authors: Adams RJ. , Hamid L. , Binney A. , Claydon N. , Farnell D. , Griffiths B. , Thomas DW.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Intraoral bone grafting is an important component of implant treatment, but also a source of intra‐ and post‐operative complications. This study sought to determine the relationship of bone surface to underlying nerves and vasculature, at the two most commonly employed intraoral sites for bone harvesting.

Materials and Methods

Data were collected by direct measurement of 103 potential graft sites (50 retromolar sites: 53 symphyseal sites) of patients undergoing CT scanning for implant surgery assessment.

Results

Symphyseal analysis included 26 female and 27 male patients. Data recorded were as follows: maximal width of the mandible between lower central incisor root tips (mean: 13.7 mm; range: 11.3–16.4 mm), maximal width of the mandible below the canine tip (mean: 11.5 mm; range: 7.7–14.9 mm), tip of canine to mandibular incisive nerve (mean: 4.3 mm; range: 1.2–8.9 mm), canine root tip to outer labial cortex (mean: 4.0 mm; range: 1.9–7.3 mm) and midline distance from the incisive nerve to outer labial cortex (mean: 3.0 mm; range: 1.0–6.9 mm). Retromolar analysis comprised of 33 female and 17 male patients. Data recorded included distance from inferior dental canal to the outer buccal cortex (mean: 3.2 mm; range: 1.0–7.9 mm), the most buccal point of the lower second molar roots to the outer buccal cortex (mean: 3.3 mm; range: 1.0–6.5 mm) and thickness of the mandibular crest at the lower second molar (mean: 13.8; range: 10.2–18.2 mm).

Conclusions

The proximity of underlying vital structures may be easily overlooked in routine examination of implant patients and may be related to patient characteristics.
Multicultural public administration: Effects of language diversity and dissimilarity on public employees' attachment to employment
Authors: Ritz Adrian , Alfes Kerstin
Published: October 2017

A major part of research in public administration focuses on the impact of ethnic diversity on outcomes such as performance and turnover, and on the management of diversity with regard to different employee groups. Recent research, however, shows the relevance of relational demography in the context of employee inclusion in public organizations. So far, most studies have been based on ethnic differences in countries that can be described as mononational and monolinguistic. The current study advances this stream of research by investigating how diversity and dissimilarity measures affect public employees' attachment to employment in a multicultural public administration in Switzerland. Evidence from a hierarchical multilevel analysis revealed that language diversity and the support for diversity from supervisors affected individuals' attachment. However, our findings on individuals' language dissimilarity related to the inclusion of minorities did not support the assumed crowding‐out effect between diversity and dissimilarity. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.
Fruit intake reduces the onset of respiratory allergic symptoms in schoolchildren
Authors: Kusunoki Takashi , Takeuchi Jiro , Morimoto Takeshi , Sakuma Mio , Yasumi Takahiro , Nishikomori Ryuta , Higashi Akane , Heike Toshio
Published: October 2017

Background

Previous studies have shown that dietary pattern is associated with allergy prevention.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study on all primary schools in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Questionnaires regarding allergic symptoms and diet were distributed to the parents of all 759 7‐year‐old schoolchildren for 4 consecutive years, from 2011 to 2014. Specific immunoglobulin E to inhalant allergens was measured at 10 years of age. Participants were then categorized as low, medium, or high intake during the study period for four food groups (fruits, vegetables, fish, and beans). Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 520 children (68.5%) whose parents responded to the questionnaires all 4 years were included in the analysis. The prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and any allergic symptoms at age 10 was significantly decreased with increases in fruit intake. In addition, the onset of any allergic symptoms during the study period was significantly decreased with increases in fruit intake (33.3%, 28.3%, and 14.3% in children with low, medium, and high fruit intake, respectively; P for trend =.01). The sensitization rate to ragweed at age 10 was significantly decreased with increases in fruit intake (P for trend =.046). No significant effect was observed for the other three food groups, except for the association between fish intake and new‐onset asthma symptoms.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that higher intake of fruit can help prevent respiratory allergic symptoms in schoolchildren.
QTL for maize grain yield identified by QTL mapping in six environments and consensus loci for grain weight detected by meta‐analysis
Authors: Pan Limei , Yin Zengqi , Huang Yaqun , Chen Jingtang , Zhu Liying , Zhao Yongfeng , Guo Jinjie
Published: October 2017

Grain yield is the most important and complicated trait in maize. In this study, a total of 498 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from a biparental cross of two elite inbred lines, 178 and P53, were grown in six different environments. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was conducted for three grain yield component traits (100 grain weight, ear weight and kernel weight per plant). Subsequently, meta‐analysis was performed after a comprehensive review of the research on QTL mapping for grain weight (100, 300 and 1000) using BioMercator V4.2. In total, 62 QTLs were identified for 100 grain weight, ear weight and kernel weight per plant in six environments. Forty‐three meta‐QTLs (MQTLs) were detected by meta‐analysis. A total of 13 candidate genes homologous to eight functionally characterized rice genes were found, and four candidate genes were located in the two hot spot regions of MQTL1.5 and MQTL2.3. Our results suggest that the combination of literature collection, meta‐analysis and homologous blast searches can offer abundant information for further fine mapping, marker‐assisted selection (MAS) breeding and map‐based cloning for maize.
Generation and analysis of expressed sequence tag sequences from a soft‐seeded pomegranate cDNA library
Authors: Zhang Shuiming , Chen Lei , Huang Rong , Isha Abdurazak , Dong Lili
Published: October 2017

The cultivation of soft‐seeded pomegranate is an important direction in pomegranate breeding. To comprehensively understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of soft‐seeded pomegranate (Punica granatum. var. Hongmanaozi), we established an expressed sequence tag (EST) resource. Two thousand valid sequences were generated, from which 907 unigenes were obtained after initial assembly using the clustalx program. Among these unigenes, 51 showed no similarity to any protein in the public databases, 433 matched with proteins of unknown function, and 423 matched with proteins of known or putative functions. The 423 unigenes were further classified into 13 categories. Among these categories, protein synthesis, cell structure, protein destination and storage, secondary metabolism, signal transduction and transporters accounted for 8%, 8%, 4%, 7%, 6% and 17%, respectively. We also successfully developed 10 highly polymorphic expressed sequence tag‐simple sequence repeat (EST‐SSR) markers for pomegranate. The results provide a new tool for future activities in pomegranate breeding.
A novel cotton WRKY gene, GhWRKY6‐like, improves salt tolerance by activating the ABA signaling pathway and scavenging of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Ullah Abid , Sun Heng , Hakim  , Yang Xiyan , Zhang Xianlong
Published: October 2017

WRKY transcription factors are transcriptional regulators of signaling pathways involved in biotic and abiotic stress responses. In this study, we report that ectopic expression of the GhWRKY6‐like gene significantly improved salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana while silencing the GhWRKY6‐like increase the sensitivity to abiotic stresses in cotton. GhWRKY6‐like was localized to the nucleus. Expression of GhWRKY6‐like was remarkably induced by salt, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments. For further characterization, the GhWRKY6‐like gene was cloned and transformed into Arabidopsis. Our findings showed that the germination rate and root length were significantly improved in plants overexpressing GhWRKY6‐like vs wild type (WT) under salt, mannitol and ABA treatments. Additionally, the overexpressing lines showed greater salt tolerance than WT plants in soil. In addition, overexpressing plants accumulated less H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA), while higher proline content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities were detected under salt and osmotic stresses. In contrast, virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) of GhWRKY6‐like in cotton showed enhanced sensitivity compared to WT plants during salt and drought stresses. Additionally, expression analysis of stress‐responsive genes in GhWRKY6‐like Arabidopsis revealed that there was increased expression of genes involved in the ABA signaling pathway (AtABF4, AtABI5 and AtMYC2) and osmotic stress (AtSOS2, AtRD29a and AtRD29b). Our results revealed that GhWRKY6‐like enhanced salt tolerance in Arabidopsis by scavenging reactive oxygen species and regulating the ABA signaling pathway. We suggest that overexpression of the GhWRKY6‐like gene in cotton will enhance tolerance against salt, drought and osmotic stresses.
Reliable and sensitive physical testing of elite trapeze sailors
Authors: Bay J. , Bojsen‐Møller J. , Nordsborg N. B.
Published: October 2017

It was investigated whether a newly developed discipline‐specific test for elite‐level trapeze sailors is reliable and sensitive. Furthermore, the physical demands of trapeze sailing were examined. In part 1, 9 national team athletes were accustomed to a simulated sailing test, which subsequently was completed on 4 occasions to determine test reliability and sensitivity to manipulations in body weight. Rope‐pulling mean power output (MPO), oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate values were acquired in all trials. In part 2, 6 sailors completed on‐water racing with concurrent measurements of VO2, HR, and blood lactate. VO2max was determined during an incremental treadmill running test. Typical error, minimal difference, and ICC for average MPO in the test were 1.3%, 1.7%, and 0.99%, respectively. Adding 4 kg of external body weight caused a decrease in average MPO (270 ± 45W vs 265 ± 45W, P < .05) and an increase in VO2 (2.44 ± 0.23 L·min−1 vs 2.55 ± 0.26 L·min−1, P < .01). VO2, HR, and blood lactate during on‐water sailing were 54.5% ± 7.2% VO2max, 75.1% ± 3.1% HRmax, and 5.8 ± 2.7 mmol·L−1, respectively. However, VO2 and HR were substantially higher for periods of the race as peak values were 83.5% ± 11.4% and 89.9% ± 1.7% of max, respectively. In conclusion, the present test is reliable and sensitive, thus providing a sailing‐specific alternative to traditional physical testing of elite trapeze sailors. Additionally, on‐water racing requires moderate aerobic energy production, although oxygen consumption can approach maximal levels for short periods of time.
Who accesses surgery at district level in sub‐Saharan Africa? Evidence from Malawi and Zambia
Authors: Gajewski Jakub , Dharamshi Rachel , Strader Michael , Kachimba John , Borgstein Eric , Mwapasa Gerald , Cheelo Mweene , McCauley Tracey , Bijlmakers Leon , Brugha Ruairi
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To examine age and gender distribution for the most common types of surgery in Malawi and Zambia.

Methods

Data were collected from major operating theatres in eight district hospitals in Malawi and nine in Zambia. Raw data on surgical procedures were coded by specialist surgeons for frequency analyses.

Results

In Malawi female surgical patients had a mean age of 25 years, with 91% aged 16–40 years. Females accounted for 85%, and obstetric cases for 75%, of all surgical patients. In Zambia, female surgical patients had a mean age of 26, with 75% aged 16–40 years. They accounted for 55% of all cases, 34% being obstetric. Male surgical patients in Malawi were on average older (33 years) than in Zambia (23 years). General surgical cases in men and women, respectively, had a median age of 42 and 32 in Malawi and 26 and 30 in Zambia. The median age of trauma patients was 12 in males and 10 in females in both countries. Children aged 0–15 years accounted for 64–65% of all trauma cases in Malawi and 57–58% in Zambia, with peak incidences in 6‐ to 10‐year‐olds.

Conclusions

Women of reproductive (16–45 years) mainly undergoing Caesarean sections and children aged 0–15 years who accounted for two‐thirds of trauma cases are the main patient populations undergoing surgery at district hospitals in Zambia and Malawi. Verification and analysis of routine hospital data, across 10–30% of districts countrywide, demonstrated the need to prioritise quality assurance in surgery and anaesthesia, and preventive interventions in children.
Determining Teachers’ Educational Needs Regarding School Education Projects within the Scope of Erasmus + Programme
Authors: Karakuş Fatma , Uyar Melis Yeşilpınar , Balbağ Nur Leman
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine teachers’ educational needs regarding school education projects within the scope of Erasmus+ programme. In the study, the case study method, one of qualitative research designs, was used. The participants were determined using the snowball sampling method, and eight secondary school teachers took part in the study. The research data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the inductive analysis method. The results of the analysis revealed that the teachers had certain knowledge about the processes of planning, implementation and evaluation of the projects and that they did not acquire the necessary related skills at all, though. It was also found that the group work process and lack of related knowledge, skills and experience were among the factors making the functioning of the process difficult and that professional development was not fully achieved. All these results demonstrate that teachers are need of an in-service training which focuses more on the steps of the application process and on the integration of the objectives of the process into the curriculum and which aims to help acquire the related skills considering the functioning of the process as a whole.
When to Act Is to Say: Appointment as Conflictogenic Discourse in the Cameroonian Administration
Authors: Obama Celestin Messanga
Published: October 2017

Promotion to high office in the Cameroonian administration, appear to be one of the main topic of political communication in Cameroun. The communitarian claims of appointment put both individuals and communities in competitive situations and are often the source of social conflicts. The problem is to understand the focus of political communication on appointment in the Administration in Cameroon and the possible link that it could have with conflictuality in the country. From a theoretical point of view, each act of appointment can be understood as a message from the President of the Republic whose power of appointment is unlimited. The president’s acts of appointment; on the one hand; and the demands from communities, on the other, appear to be a kind of communication. Data analysis will be guided by the theory of "the actor and the system". From a methodological point of view, we used documentary observation in the national and international press. We also had an in-depth interview with a former minister who, however, requested anonymity. Finally, our 26-year service as an employee gives us the advantage of experience gained through participatory observation. It appeared that appointment, through the numerous and consistent advantages that it confers on the promoted, thus appears to the citizens, as the main means of access to the fortune from which the covetousness of both the individuals and their communities of origin arises. Unfortunately, the state is unable to meet all expectations. However, individual, as well as community, strategies of access to appointments expose the nation to more division than cohesion.
Effectiveness of interstage home monitoring on healthcare outcomes in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Andries Chelsey , Palokas Michelle
Published: October 2017

Review question:

What is the effectiveness of home monitoring on interstage survival rates, weight gain, hospital admissions and cost savings in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome?
Information overload in consumers of health-related information: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Lee Kenneth , Roehrer Erin , Cummings Elizabeth
Published: October 2017

Review question/objective:

: The objective of this scoping review is to examine and map the breadth of evidence on information overload in lay adult and adolescent consumers of health-related information.
VIVIENDA Y CIUDAD COMPACTA. CONCEPTOS Y DEBATES SOBRE ECOURBANISMO EN ESPAÑA
Authors: Ballén Zamora Sergio Alfonso
Published: October 2017

El urbanismo basado en consideraciones ambientales y sociales ha tenido gran acogida debido a su importancia para la sostenibilidad urbana. Por otro lado, la vivienda no deja de ser una necesidad insatisfecha en muchas ciudades del mundo, lo que afianza un escenario de urbes compactas, consolidadas y con necesidad de expandirse mediante vivienda de alta densidad. Esta investigación identifica definiciones y algunas experiencias desarrolladas en España en las áreas mencionadas en el marco del urbanismo ecológico, con el fin de desarrollar consideraciones cualitativas para la vivienda y el modelo de ciudad que retroalimenten el discurso y proporcionen nuevas luces hacia el diseño de mejores ciudades y viviendas acordes con las necesidades actuales. Se ha escogido el caso español por la buena cantidad de investigaciones del tema, los casos prácticos, las herramientas de evaluación, la facilidad de poder realizar constataciones y el acceso a mayor documentación.