bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of marked sepsis-induced immunosuppression in pediatric septic shock: a pilot study
Authors: Remy Solenn , Kolev-Descamps Karine , Gossez Morgane , Venet Fabienne , Demaret Julie , Javouhey Etienne , Monneret Guillaume
Published: March 2018

Background

While the process of sepsis-induced immunosuppression is now well described in adults, very little information is available on immune functions in pediatric sepsis. The current study investigated this in children with septic shock by performing immunomonitoring, including both innate (monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR, mHLA-DR, expression) and adaptive immunity (lymphocyte subsets count), as well as cytokine concentrations (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1Ra, TNF-α, IFN-γ). Subsequent objectives were to assess the associations between inflammatory response, potential immunosuppression and secondary acquired infection occurrence.

Methods

Single-center prospective observational study, including children aged between 1 month and 18 years admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for septic shock. Age-matched controls were children hospitalized for elective surgery without any infectious criteria. Blood was sampled at day 1–2, 3–5, and 7–9 after sepsis onset. mHLA-DR and lymphocyte subsets count were measured by flow cytometry and cytokine concentrations by Luminex technology.

Results

A total of 26 children and 30 controls were included. Patients had lymphopenia, and mHLA-DR levels were significantly lower than controls at each time point (p < 0.0001). All cytokines peaked at day 1–2. Children with secondary acquired infection had lower day 3–5 mHLA-DR and higher pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) at day 1–2 compared to children without secondary acquired infection.

Conclusions

The higher initial inflammatory cytokine production was, the more innate immunity was altered, while evaluated by low mHLA-DR expression. Children with decreased mHLA-DR expression developed more secondary acquired infections. Upon confirmation in multicenter cohorts, these results pave the way for immunostimulation for the most immunosuppressed children in order to prevent nosocomial infections in PICU.

Trial registration PedIRIS study NCT02848144. Retrospectively registered 28 July 2016
A fast algorithm for regularized focused 3D inversion of gravity data using randomized singular-value decomposition
Authors: Vatankhah Saeed , Anne Renaut Rosemary , Ardestani Vahid Ebrahimzadeh
Published: March 2018

We develop a fast algorithm for solving the under-determined 3D linear gravity inverse problem based on randomized singular-value decomposition (RSVD). The algorithm combines an iteratively reweighted approach for [Formula: see text]-norm regularization with the RSVD methodology in which the large-scale linear system at each iteration is replaced with a much smaller linear system. Although the optimal choice for the low-rank approximation of the system matrix with [Formula: see text] rows is [Formula: see text], acceptable results are achievable with [Formula: see text]. In contrast to the use of the iterative LSQR algorithm for the solution of linear systems at each iteration, the singular values generated using RSVD yield a good approximation of the dominant singular values of the large-scale system matrix. Thus, the regularization parameter found for the small system at each iteration is dependent on the dominant singular values of the large-scale system matrix and appropriately regularizes the dominant singular space of the large-scale problem. The results achieved are comparable with those obtained using the LSQR algorithm for solving each linear system, but they are obtained at a reduced computational cost. The method has been tested on synthetic models along with real gravity data from the Morro do Engenho complex in central Brazil.
Palliative Care Program Development in a Low- to Middle-Income Country: Delivery of Care by a Nongovernmental Organization in India
Authors: Krishnan Anjali , Rajagopal M.R. , Karim Safiya , Sullivan Richard , Booth Christopher M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Limited data describe the delivery of palliative care services in low- and middle-income countries. We describe delivery of care by the Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences (TIPS) in Trivandrum, India.

Methods

Administrative records were used to describe case volumes, setting of care, and organizational expenditures. An estimate of cost per clinical encounter was derived by dividing 2016 monthly clinical expenditures by the number of patient visits. Costs are reported in US dollars and are corrected for Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development purchasing power parity (PPP).

Results

A total of 11,620 new patients were seen at TIPS during 2007 to 2016; 59% had cancer. The average annual growth rate in case volumes was 18% (480 new patients in 2007 and 1,882 in 2016). The proportion of patients with cancer increased over time from 56% in 2014 to 66% in 2016 ( P < .001). During 2014 to 2016, outpatient visits increased 26% (from 8,524 to 10,732), inpatient days increased 49% (from 1,763 to 2,625), inpatient visits at other hospitals increased 41% (from 248 to 417), and home visits increased 57% (from 3,951 to 6,186). Total clinical expenditures in 2016 were $288,489 (PPP corrected, $5.1 million). Between 2014 and 2016, the cost of delivering care increased by 74%. The mean cost per clinical encounter in 2016 was $15 (PPP corrected, $263).

Conclusion

Demand for palliative care services has increased substantially, with an increasing proportion related to cancer. The organization of clinical services by TIPS may serve as a model for the development of other palliative care programs in low- and middle-income countries.
Generation of Mouse for Conditional Expression of Forkhead Box A2
Authors: Wang Peng , Wu San-Pin , Brooks Kelsey E , Kelleher Andrew M , Milano-Foster Jessica J , DeMayo Francesco J , Spencer Thomas E
Published: March 2018

Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) is a pioneer transcription factor involved in organ development, function, and cancer. In the uterus, FOXA2 is essential for pregnancy and expressed specifically in the glands of the endometrium. Loss of FOXA2 function occurs during development of endometrial cancer in humans. The current study describes the development of a mouse model for conditional expression of mouse FOXA2. Using a system consisting of a minigene located at the Rosa26 locus, we generated a CAG-S-mFOXA2 allele in embryonic stem cells and subsequently in mice; before activation, the minigene is silent because of a floxed stop cassette inserted between the promoter and the transgene. To validate functionality, mice with the CAG-S-mFOXA2 allele were crossed with progesterone receptor (Pgr)–Cre mice and lactotransferrin (Ltf)-iCre mice that express Cre in the immature and adult uterus, respectively. In immature Pgr-Cre-CAG-S-mFoxa2 mice, FOXA2 protein was expressed in the luminal epithelium (LE), glandular epithelium (GE), stroma, and inner layer of the myometrium. Interestingly, FOXA2 protein was not observed in most of the LE of uteri from adult Pgr-Cre-CAG-S-mFoxa2 mice, although FOXA2 was maintained in the stroma, GE, and myometrium. The adult Pgr-Cre-CAG-S-mFoxa2 females were completely infertile. In contrast, Ltf-iCre-CAG-S-mFoxa2 mice were fertile with no detectable histological differences in the uterus. The adult uterus of Pgr-Cre-CAG-S-mFoxa2 mice was smaller, contained few endometrial glands, and displayed areas of partially stratified LE and GE. This transgenic mouse line is a valuable resource to elucidating and exploring FOXA2 function.
Metabolomics Identifies Distinctive Metabolite Signatures for Measures of Glucose Homeostasis: The Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study (IRAS-FS)
Authors: Palmer Nicholette D , Okut Hayrettin , Hsu Fang-Chi , Ng Maggie C Y , Chen Yii-Der Ida , Goodarzi Mark O , Taylor Kent D , Norris Jill M , Lorenzo Carlos , Rotter Jerome I , Bergman Richard N , Langefeld Carl D , Wagenknecht Lynne E , Bowden Donald W
Published: March 2018

Context

Metabolomics provides a biochemical fingerprint that, when coupled with clinical phenotypes, can provide insight into physiological processes.

Objective

Survey metabolites associated with dynamic and basal measures of glucose homeostasis.

Design

Analysis of 733 plasma metabolites from the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study.

Setting

Community based.

Participants

One thousand one hundred eleven Mexican Americans.

Main Outcome

Dynamic measures were obtained from the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test and included insulin sensitivity and acute insulin response to glucose. Basal measures included homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and β-cell function.

Results

Insulin sensitivity was associated with 99 metabolites (P < 6.82 × 10−5) explaining 28% of the variance (R2adj) beyond 28% by body mass index. Beyond branched chain amino acids (BCAAs; P = 1.85 × 10−18 to 1.70 × 10−5, R2adj = 8.1%) and phospholipids (P = 3.51 × 10−17 to 3.00 × 10−5, R2adj = 14%), novel signatures of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs; P = 4.49 × 10−23 to 4.14 × 10−7, R2adj = 11%) were observed. Conditional analysis suggested that BCAA and LCFA signatures were independent. LCFAs were not associated with homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P > 0.024). Acute insulin response to glucose was associated with six metabolites; glucose had the strongest association (P = 5.68 × 10−16). Homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function had significant signatures from the urea cycle (P = 9.64 × 10−14 to 7.27 × 10−6, R2adj = 11%). Novel associations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (P = 2.58 × 10−13 to 6.70 × 10−5, R2adj = 10%) and LCFAs (P = 9.06 × 10−15 to 3.93 × 10−7, R2adj = 10%) were observed with glucose effectiveness. Assessment of the hyperbolic relationship between insulin sensitivity and secretion through the disposition index revealed a distinctive signature of polyunsaturated fatty acids (P = 1.55 × 10−12 to 5.81 × 10−6; R2adj = 3.8%) beyond that of its component measures.

Conclusions

Metabolomics reveals distinct signatures that differentiate dynamic and basal measures of glucose homeostasis and further identifies new metabolite classes associated with dynamic measures, providing expanded insight into the metabolic basis of insulin resistance.
Patients at High Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Are at Increased Risk for Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery: A Cohort Analysis
Authors: Karimi Nika , Kelava Marta , Kothari Perin , Zimmerman Nicole M. , Gillinov A. Marc , Duncan Andra E.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experience intermittent hypoxia, hypercarbia, and sympathetic activation during sleep, which increases risk for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias. Whether patients with OSA experience increased episodes of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery is unclear. We examined whether patients at increased risk for OSA, assessed by the STOP-BANG (snoring, tired during the day, observed stop breathing during sleep, high blood pressure, body mass index more than 35 kg/m2, age more than 50 years, neck circumference more than 40 cm, and male gender) questionnaire, had a higher incidence of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. Because both postoperative atrial fibrillation and OSA increase resource utilization, we secondarily examined whether patients at increased OSA risk had longer duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay.

METHODS:

With institutional review board approval, this retrospective observational study evaluated adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass between 2014 and 2015 with preoperative assessment of OSA risk using the STOP-BANG questionnaire. Patients with a history of atrial fibrillation were excluded. The association between the STOP-BANG score and postoperative atrial fibrillation was examined using a multivariable logistic regression model. Secondarily, we estimated the association between the STOP-BANG score and duration of initial intubation using multivariable linear regression and ICU length of stay using Cox proportional hazards regression. We also descriptively summarized the percentage of patients requiring tracheal reintubation for mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS:

Of 4228 cardiac surgery patients, 1593 met inclusion and exclusion criteria. An increased STOP-BANG score was associated with higher odds of postoperative atrial fibrillation (odds ratio [95% confidence interval {CI}], 1.16 [1.09–1.23] per-point increase in the STOP-BANG score;P< .001). The STOP-BANG score was not associated with ICU length of stay (estimated hazard ratio [97.5% CI], 0.99 [0.96–1.03] per-point increase in the STOP-BANG score;P= .99) or duration of initial intubation (ratio of geometric means [97.5% CI], 1.01 [1.00–1.04];P= .03; significance criterion [Bonferroni correction] < 0.025). One percent of patients required reintubation.

DISCUSSION:

Increasing risk for OSA, assessed by STOP-BANG, was associated with higher odds of postoperative atrial fibrillation, but not prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation or ICU length of stay.
Use of Survey and Delphi Process to Understand Trauma Anesthesia Care Practices
Authors: Kuza Catherine M. , Vavilala Monica S. , Speck Rebecca M. , Dutton Richard P. , McCunn Maureen
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

Few trauma guidelines evaluate and recommend anesthesiology practices and there are no trauma anesthesia-specific guidelines. There is no information on how anesthesiologists perceive clinical practice patterns. Our objective was to understand the perceptions of anesthesiologists regarding trauma anesthesia practices.

METHODS:

A survey assessing anesthesia management of trauma patients was distributed to 21,491 anesthesiologists. A subset of 10 of these questions was subsequently reviewed by a trauma anesthesiology focus group through a 3-round web-based Delphi process. A question was deemed to have respondent consensus if the response with the highest percentage of agreement was unchanged between rounds 1 and 2.

RESULTS:

A total of 2360 anesthesiologists (11% response rate) responded to the survey. Results demonstrated that the practitioners’ answers conflicted with existing surgical trauma society recommendations (ie, when to transfuse component therapy), and several areas that lacked any guidelines, resulted in response variability among anesthesiologists where not 1 answer achieved >75% agreement (ie, intubation technique of choice for patients with uncleared cervical spine). Thirteen trauma anesthesiologists participated in round 1 (response rate 100%), and 12 responded in rounds 2 and 3 (response rate 92%) of the Delphi process. None of the questions received 100% agreement. Consensus was achieved on 9 of 10 statements pertaining to trauma anesthesia care. Consensus was not reached on the intubating technique in a hemodynamically unstable patient with an uncleared cervical spine with deficits. Delphi participant opinion conflicted with existing guidelines on 2 statements: the use of cricoid pressure, and when to begin blood component therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

There are several important areas of trauma anesthesia practice where guidelines do not exist and several where existing guidelines are not endorsed by the majority of practitioners who completed our survey. The lack of consensus on trauma anesthesia management and the variation in survey responses demonstrate a need to develop evidence-based trauma anesthesia guidelines.
Regulation of RUNX1 dosage is crucial for efficient blood formation from hemogenic endothelium
Authors: Lie-A-Ling Michael , Marinopoulou Elli , Lilly Andrew J. , Challinor Mairi , Patel Rahima , Lancrin Christophe , Kouskoff Valerie , Lacaud Georges
Published: March 2018

During ontogeny, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells arise from hemogenic endothelium through an endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition that is strictly dependent on the transcription factor RUNX1. Although it is well established that RUNX1 is essential for the onset of hematopoiesis, little is known about the role of RUNX1 dosage specifically in hemogenic endothelium and during the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition. Here, we used the mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation system to determine if and how RUNX1 dosage affects hemogenic endothelium differentiation. The use of inducible Runx1 expression combined with alterations in the expression of the RUNX1 co-factor CBFβ allowed us to evaluate a wide range of RUNX1 levels. We demonstrate that low RUNX1 levels are sufficient and necessary to initiate an effective endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition. Subsequently, RUNX1 is also required to complete the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition and to generate functional hematopoietic precursors. In contrast, elevated levels of RUNX1 are able to drive an accelerated endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition, but the resulting cells are unable to generate mature hematopoietic cells. Together, our results suggest that RUNX1 dosage plays a pivotal role in hemogenic endothelium maturation and the establishment of the hematopoietic system.
Polycystin 1 loss of function is directly linked to an imbalance in G-protein signaling in the kidney
Authors: Zhang Bo , Tran Uyen , Wessely Oliver
Published: March 2018

The development of the kidney relies on the establishment and maintenance of a precise tubular diameter of its functional units, the nephrons. This process is disrupted in polycystic kidney disease (PKD), resulting in dilations of the nephron and renal cyst formation. In the course of exploring G-protein-coupled signaling in the Xenopus pronephric kidney, we discovered that loss of the G-protein α subunit, Gnas, results in a PKD phenotype. Polycystin 1, one of the genes mutated in human PKD, encodes a protein resembling a G-protein-coupled receptor. Furthermore, deletion of the G-protein-binding domain present in the intracellular C terminus of polycystin 1 impacts functionality. A comprehensive analysis of all the G-protein α subunits expressed in the Xenopus pronephric kidney demonstrates that polycystin 1 recruits a select subset of G-protein α subunits and that their knockdown – as in the case of Gnas – results in a PKD phenotype. Mechanistically, the phenotype is caused by increased endogenous G-protein β/γ signaling and can be reversed by pharmacological inhibitors as well as knocking down Gnb1. Together, our data support the hypothesis that G proteins are recruited to the intracellular domain of PKD1 and that this interaction is crucial for its function in the kidney.
Imprinted gene dysregulation in a Tet1 null mouse model is stochastic and variable in the germline and offspring
Authors: SanMiguel Jennifer M. , Abramowitz Lara K. , Bartolomei Marisa S.
Published: March 2018

Imprinted genes are expressed from one parental allele and regulated by differential DNA methylation at imprinting control regions (ICRs). ICRs are reprogrammed in the germline through erasure and re-establishment of DNA methylation. Although much is known about DNA methylation establishment, DNA demethylation is less well understood. Recently, the Ten-Eleven Translocation proteins (TET1-3) have been shown to initiate DNA demethylation, with Tet1−/− mice exhibiting aberrant levels of imprinted gene expression and ICR methylation. Nevertheless, the role of TET1 in demethylating ICRs in the female germline and in controlling allele-specific expression remains unknown. Here, we examined ICR-specific DNA methylation in Tet1−/− germ cells and ascertained whether abnormal ICR methylation impacted imprinted gene expression in F1 hybrid somatic tissues derived from Tet1−/− eggs or sperm. We show that Tet1 deficiency is associated with hypermethylation of a subset of ICRs in germ cells. Moreover, ICRs with defective germline reprogramming exhibit aberrant DNA methylation and biallelic expression of linked imprinted genes in somatic tissues. Thus, we define a discrete set of genomic regions that require TET1 for germline reprogramming and discuss mechanisms for stochastic imprinting defects.
Evolutionarily conserved anterior expansion of the central nervous system promoted by a common PcG-Hox program
Authors: Yaghmaeian Salmani Behzad , Monedero Cobeta Ignacio , Rakar Jonathan , Bauer Susanne , Curt Jesús Rodriguez , Starkenberg Annika , Thor Stefan
Published: March 2018

A conserved feature of the central nervous system (CNS) is the prominent expansion of anterior regions (brain) compared with posterior (nerve cord). The cellular and regulatory processes driving anterior CNS expansion are not well understood in any bilaterian species. Here, we address this expansion in Drosophila and mouse. We find that, compared with the nerve cord, the brain displays extended progenitor proliferation, more elaborate daughter cell proliferation and more rapid cell cycle speed in both Drosophila and mouse. These features contribute to anterior CNS expansion in both species. With respect to genetic control, enhanced brain proliferation is severely reduced by ectopic Hox gene expression, by either Hox misexpression or by loss of Polycomb group (PcG) function. Strikingly, in PcG mutants, early CNS proliferation appears to be unaffected, whereas subsequent brain proliferation is severely reduced. Hence, a conserved PcG-Hox program promotes the anterior expansion of the CNS. The profound differences in proliferation and in the underlying genetic mechanisms between brain and nerve cord lend support to the emerging concept of separate evolutionary origins of these two CNS regions.
Neutrophil-specific knockout demonstrates a role for mitochondria in regulating neutrophil motility in zebrafish
Authors: Zhou Wenqing , Cao Lingyan , Jeffries Jacob , Zhu Xiaoguang , Staiger Christopher J. , Deng Qing
Published: March 2018

Neutrophils are fast moving cells essential for host immune functions. Although they primarily rely on glycolysis for ATP, isolated primary human neutrophils depend on mitochondrial membrane potential for chemotaxis. Whether mitochondria regulate neutrophil motility in vivo, however, and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure. Here, we visualized mitochondria in an interconnected network that localizes to the front and rear of migrating neutrophils using a novel transgenic zebrafish line. To disrupt mitochondrial function genetically, we established a gateway system harboring the CRISPR/Cas9 elements for tissue-specific knockout. In a transgenic line, neutrophil-specific disruption of mitochondrial DNA polymerase, polg, significantly reduced the velocity of neutrophil interstitial migration. In addition, inhibiting the mitochondrial electron transport chain or the enzymes that reduce mitochondrial reactive oxygen species also inhibited neutrophil motility. In addition, the reduced cell motility resulted from neutrophil-specific knockout of sod1 was rescued with sod1 mRNA overexpression or treating with scavengers of reactive oxygen species. Together, our work has provided the first in vivo evidence that mitochondria regulate neutrophil motility, tools for the functional characterization of mitochondria related genes in neutrophils, and insights into immune deficiency seen in patients with primary mitochondrial disorders.
Critical thermal limits of bumble bees (Bombus impatiens) are marked by stereotypical behaviors and are unchanged by acclimation, age, or feeding status
Authors: Oyen K. Jeannet , Dillon Michael E.
Published: March 2018

Critical thermal limits often determine species distributions for diverse ectotherms and have become a useful tool for understanding past and predicting future range shifts in response to changing climates. Despite recently documented population declines and range shifts of bumble bees (genus Bombus), the few measurements of thermal tolerance available for the group have relied on disparate measurement approaches. We describe a novel stereotypical behavior expressed by bumble bee individuals during entry into chill coma. This behavioral indicator of CTmin occurred at ambient temperatures of 3-5 °C (∼7-9 °C core temperatures) and was accompanied by a pronounced CO2 pulse, indicative of loss of spiracle function. CTmax was indicated by the onset of muscular spasms prior to entering an unresponsive state and occurred at ambient temperatures of ∼52-55 °C (42-44 °C core temperatures). Measurements of CTmin and CTmax were largely unaffected by acclimation, age, or feeding status, but faster ramping rates significantly increased CTmax and decreased CTmin. This high-throughput approach allows rapid measurement of critical thermal limits for large numbers of bees, facilitating large-scale comparisons among bumble bee populations and species – a key step in determining current and future effects of climate on these critical pollinators.
The effects of lateral line ablation and regeneration in schooling giant danios
Authors: Mekdara Prasong J. , Schwalbe Margot. A. B. , Coughlin Laura L. , Tytell Eric D.
Published: March 2018

Fish use multiple sensory systems, including vision and their lateral line system, to maintain position and speed within a school. Although previous studies have shown that ablating the lateral line alters schooling behavior, no one has examined how the behavior recovers as the sensory system regenerates. We studied how schooling behavior changes in giant danios Devario aequipinnatus when their lateral line system is chemically ablated and after the sensory hair cells regenerate. We found that fish could school normally immediately after chemical ablation, but that they had trouble schooling one to two weeks after the chemical treatment, when the hair cells had fully regenerated. We filmed groups of giant danios with two high-speed cameras and reconstructed the 3D positions of each fish within a group. One fish in the school was treated with gentamycin to ablate all hair cells. Both types of neuromasts, canal and superficial, were completely ablated after treatment but fully regenerated after one week. We quantified the structure of the school using nearest neighbor distance, bearing, elevation, and the cross-correlation of velocity between each pair of fish. Treated fish maintained a normal position within the school immediately after the lateral line ablation, but could not school normally one or two weeks after treatment, even though the neuromasts had fully regenerated. By four to eight weeks post-treatment, the treated fish could again school normally. These results demonstrate that the behavioral recovery after lateral line ablation is a longer process than the regeneration of the hair cells themselves.
AUTOMATED CONTRACT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Байгуисова Аклима , Bayguisova Aklima
Published: March 2018

The article is devoted to the issues concerning the building of an automated process management system of contractual activities in the enterprise. The article presents the principles of its building and describes the basic processes, structure and composition of functional modules
THE EXTENSION OF THE LIFE CYCLE OF A COMPANY AT THE MATURE STAGE IN THE MC «ASCULAP» (PENZA)
Authors: Борисова Светлана , Borisova Svetlana
Published: March 2018

According to the concept of the business life cycle, the mature stage is characterized by achievement of one of the leading positions on the market. As the range of services / products is expanded, new units are created, the structure becomes more complex and hierarchical. At the same time, there is a slowdown in economic growth rates, and their stabilization, as a rule, does not exceed the 5% level [8, p. 60]. The fall in demand and the processes of bureaucratization (and, often, excessive self-confidence of the management due to the previous successes of the company) lead to a gradual «aging» of the company and its end. The key goal of the management at this stage is to maximize the time spent at the mature stage and prevent the end of the company (with the exception of cases where there is no interest of the owners in the future operation of the company). The goal is to develop a model for extension of the life cycle of a commercial medical company at the mature stage and approbate it. The methodology: the author uses economic-mathematical methods, as well as statistical methods of analysis. The results: 1) a model for extension of the life cycle of a commercial medical company at the mature stage; 2) the results of the methodological development approbation in the management of a medical company at various stages of its life cycle confirm their effectiveness and expediency of use and, accordingly, practical significance of the study.
Ten year follow-up of a trauma case treated in general practice
Authors: Sands Peter
Published: March 2018

Traumatic injuries to teeth are commonplace and can result in significant morbidity and aesthetic disfigurement. If the patient has not reached maturity at the time of the injury, efforts should be made to delay the provision of definitive indirect restorations until adulthood and the orofacial development is completed.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper describes a trauma injury and how definitive indirect treatment was delayed for almost ten years, by employing adhesive techniques and retaining the fractured crown of the patient by re-attachment.
Lingual orthodontics – clinical applications and patient information
Authors: Shelton Andrew T , Hodge Trevor , Scott Paul
Published: March 2018

The demand for adult orthodontic treatment is an ever-increasing trend that has driven the development of aesthetic orthodontic systems. Lingual orthodontic appliances provide the ultimate in aesthetics and their use has grown with the development of the appliances. The clinical application of different lingual appliances is described and evidence-based patient information is provided.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Increasing demand for aesthetic orthodontic systems means that lingual appliances are, and are likely to become, more popular in the future. A broad knowledge of their clinical application and useful evidence-based information to give to patients is invaluable for all dental practitioners.
Surgical root perforation repair with guided tissue regeneration: a case report
Authors: Joshi Rishi , Thomas Matthew B M
Published: March 2018

A 43-year-old male reported with pain and swelling in the maxillary anterior region as a result of iatrogenic perforation of his right maxillary central incisor tooth. After attempted internal repair, surgical management was required due to repair material extrusion. Removal of the extruded material preceded repair of the perforation site with biosilicate cement which had a short initial setting time. The set repair material then allowed Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) to be performed to reduce the risk of recession in a single surgical process. At 24-month recall, the patient was asymptomatic with no clinical or radiographic evidence of ongoing disease. Additionally, the patient presented with excellent aesthetics after surgical management.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Comprehensive management of endodontic perforations, especially in the anterior dentition, should stretch beyond tooth survival and include the need to maintain and improve the patient's aesthetics.
Journal Scan
Authors: Welyczko Nikki
Published: March 2018

Nikki Welyczko, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, provides a brief overview of recently published nursing and health articles
Developing advanced clinical practice skills in gastrointestinal consequences of cancer treatment
Authors: Gee Caroline , Andreyev Jervoise , Muls Ann
Published: March 2018

This article explores the transition from a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) towards developing advanced clinical practice skills within a gastrointestinal consequences of cancer clinic. It presents data on the first 50 patients assessed by the CNS from a prospective service evaluation, demonstrating how this informed the nurse's future learning. There is high demand for advanced clinical practice skills to address unmet health needs and improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of healthcare services. However, a literature review found no literature on developing advanced clinical practice skills in this setting. Emerging themes from the service evaluation focused on barriers and enablers, ongoing support, organisational commitment and working in a multidisciplinary team. Blended learning provided both structured and opportunistic learning, embedding both formal and tacit knowledge, as roles require increasing flexibility. Clinical supervision and reflective practice were key in maintaining professional and peer support.
Filling vacancies in the nursing workforce
Authors: Harrison Penny
Published: March 2018

Penny Harrison, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at De Montfort University, Leicester, discusses the new report from the Council of Deans of Health
Bacterial pneumonia in adult horses
Authors: Tallon Rose , McGovern Kate
Published: March 2018

This article aims to provide an overview of bacterial bronchopneumonia and pleuropneumonia as well as to discuss available diagnostic tests and treatment options. Bacterial pneumonia is a relatively common condition in adult horses and can be life threatening if not managed appropriately. Recognition of horses that need referral is important, as is prompt initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Treatment of pleuropneumonia is often prolonged and costly but prognosis for survival is good, and many horses return to previous athletic activity.
Is there an association between conformation and lameness?
Authors: Dyson Sue
Published: March 2018

Biomechanical loading of limbs, which may influence the risk of musculoskeletal injury, is affected both by conformation and by the position of the limbs (dynamic loading) during the stance phase of the stride. Despite many anecdotal reports of associations between conformation and lameness, there is only limited evidence-based information.
Some new binary codes with improved minimum distances
Authors: CHEN Eric Zhi
Published: March 2018

It has been well-known that the class of quasi-cyclic (QC) codes contain many good codes. In this paper, a method to conduct a computer search for binary $2$-generator QC codes is presented, and a large number of good $2$-generator QC codes have been obtained. $5$ new binary QC codes that improve the lower bounds on minimum distance are presented. Furthermore, with new $2$-generator QC codes and Construction X, $2$ new improved binary linear codes are obtained. With the standard construction techniques, another $16$ new binary linear codes that improve the lower bound on the minimum distance have also been obtained.
Contemporary Māori and Pacific artists exploring place
Authors: Vercoe Caroline
Published: March 2018

This article explores the notion of ‘place’, extending its scope to include the ocean, history and diaspora, in relation to six contemporary Māori and Pacific artists who were involved in the Pacifique(S) Contemporain exhibitions in Normandy, France in 2015. Structured into three sections, it addresses the three curatorial thematics that provided the overarching frame for the exhibitions. ‘The ocean is a place’ focuses on Angela Tiatia and Rachael Rakena, and acknowledges the importance of Epeli Hau’ofa’s writing in relation to the ocean and Oceania as a crucial marker of identity both within its geographic location and beyond. ‘History is a place’ considers moving image installations by Michel Tuffery and Greg Semu, in particular referencing how they rework and reimagine colonial and art historical representations and conventions. ‘Diaspora is a place’ compares the photographic practices of Ane Tonga and Edith Amituanai, whose work reflects on and captures the dynamics that emerge as Pacific communities draw on and adapt cultural traditions, and negotiate relationships mediated by their migration and diaspora experiences.
Art and vegetables: ‘Ground buyers’ and the contemporary art trade in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Garnier Nicolas
Published: March 2018

The contemporary art of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been described so far as a political form of expression revealing the postcolonial aspirations of the population since the country’s independence from Australia in 1975. However, observers, critics and anthropologists have until now neglected to take into consideration the economic aspects of art production in the country. Drawing on Karl Marx and Pierre Bourdieu’s analysis of artworks as commodities and as a social field, this article describes a little-known aspect of the PNG art market. It analyses the role of cash in art production and its progression. Copied from the vegetable trade, the Papua New Guinean art market has given birth to the figure of the ‘ground buyer’. They are local intermediates who operate as usurers and have become the main interlocutors to western buyers. In comparing cash crop and art, the article underlines the versatility of PNG players in the art world and allows comparison between art production and other economic activities in urban Melanesia.
Neo-Polynesian artist Bobby Holcomb, herald of cultural renewal in French Polynesia
Authors: Deso Gaëtan
Published: March 2018

This article seeks to provide answers to questions concerning the confrontation between contemporary art and indigenous culture in French Polynesia. Observing the contemporary art world of Tahiti and its islands nowadays allows one to see how artists – whether Mā’ohi (of Polynesian descent) or those of different ancestry – insert themselves into a unified contemporary culture. The article specifically examines the place of artist Bobby Holcomb and the impact he has had on re-evaluating and redefining the local art world. Through his artistic approach, he has fostered the emergence of a new kind of relationship between contemporary art and Polynesian society. The discussion moves from the affirmation of Mā’ohi identity to the recognition of Holcomb as one of the first neo-Polynesian artists. With Holcomb, the Mā’ohi artist no longer stands alone in spreading his culture and traditions, whether past or present, but is accompanied by people who may be defined as neo-Polynesians, people who, like this foreign-born artist, contribute to define, on a daily basis, what it means to live in French Polynesia.
Ataï’s return to New Caledonia: Reconciliation politics and the embarrassing legacy of colonial anthropology
Authors: David-Ives Corinne
Published: March 2018

New Caledonia is the only French Overseas Community currently undergoing an official process of reconciliation between the French State and the indigenous minority, the Kanak people, following the mid-1980s’ unrest between the Kanaks and the Caldoches (the descendants of the French settlers). On the local level, a process of healing has unfolded between the leaders of the two estranged communities. And yet, France – namely, the successive French governments, French politicians and intellectuals – has been averse to reconciliation both as a concept and as a political process. French authorities have notably been resisting the moral pressure to present formal apologies to their former colonial subjects. This article argues that the national difficulty to come to terms with the legacy of colonization can be illustrated in New Caledonia by looking at the long amnesia over the abuses perpetrated under colonial rule and over the practices of colonial anthropology. It will focus upon the case of the remains of Kanak chief Ataï, the leader of a major rebellion against French rule in 1878. After Ataï was killed during the unrest, his severed head was shipped off to France, examined and kept in the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris. Ataï’s return to New Caledonia only took place on 29 August 2014. From the Kanak point of view, a long history of conflict and abuse could not come to a close without this symbolic gesture on the part of French authorities. This article addresses the circumstances that allowed Ataï’s return to his homeland. It examines the French reluctance to clearly condemn early curatorial practices associated with the repression of indigenous aspirations to freedom, and it analyses why apologies and reconciliation still present a difficulty in the French context.
Book Reviews
Authors: Sabin Roger , Dale Pete , Dines Mike , Hornsby Ian
Published: March 2018

No Future: Punk, Politics and British Youth Culture, 1976–1984, Matthew Worley (2017) Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 404 pp., ISBN: 9781316625606, p/bk, £17.99

C86 & All That: The Creation of Indie in Difficult Times, Neil Taylor (2017) Winchester: Ink Monkey, 525 pp., ISBN: 1909502338, p/bk, £17.99

The Year’s Work in the Punk Bookshelf, Or, Lusty Scripts, Brian James Schill (2017) Indiana: Indiana University Press, p/bk, 382 pp., ISBN: 9780253029300, p/bk, £20.00

And All Around Was Darkness, Mike Dines and Greg Bull (eds) (2017) Itchy Monkey Press, 288 pp., ISBN: 9871291740257, p/bk, £12.00
Design it yourself? Punk’s division of labour
Authors: Bestley Russ
Published: March 2018

Punk’s do-it-yourself call to arms led to a widespread adoption of the rhetoric, if not always the practice, of independence from traditional means of production – although it should be acknowledged that do-it-yourself ideals go back a lot further than the punk explosion of the 1970s, from traditional folk music through to the bottleneck rural blues players of the 1930s and 1940s, the 1950s UK skiffle boom and early 1960s US garage bands. The punks may have articulated the do-it-yourself vision most clearly, turning it into a mantra, but they were inheriting a tradition that was established many years earlier. During the early period of punk’s development in the United Kingdom, a distinct division of labour can be seen in the impact of an ‘anyone can do it’ DIY ethos on a range of activities. These range from live performance to the creation and manufacture of punk artefacts (clothes, posters, flyers, fanzines, records). While some of these areas offered new opportunities for amateur producers, within more technical areas of manufacturing, including the physical production of records, do-it-yourself could only have a nominal impact. Many punk groups did not have access to sound recording technologies, and even if they did, they would have to hand over the cutting and pressing of vinyl to a professional outfit. There was certainly a widespread and outspoken desire to take artistic control away from mainstream sources, but in reality the full ownership of the means of production was at best a naive ambition. Similarly, sleeve artwork could be created by untrained designers, but print reproduction was often left to the services of a professional print studio – doing-it-yourself had obvious limitations when it came to large-scale production and distribution.
Preparation of poly methyl methacrylate thin film by solution casting method to study its ultrasonic velocity
Authors: Kale M. A. , A. Kale Rashmi
Published: March 2018

Polymers are long chain giant organic molecules are assembled from many smaller molecules called monomers. The work reflects the preparation of poly methyl methacrylate thin film by solution casting method. The XRD of PMMA/ZrO2 polymer is taken to confirm the structure and nature of material. Furthermore, it is characterized by finding the ultrasonic velocity at different concentration of ZrO2 and at different temperature keeping the frequency same.
Hermenéutica y metadidáctica en la comunicación literaria infantil: entre la sociodidáctica y el docente como mediador
Authors: Gómez Redondo Susana , R. Coca Juan
Published: March 2018

En este artículo abordamos, desde un enfoque metadidáctico y hermenéutico analógico, la literatura infantil (LI) en relación con la sociodidáctica y su tratamiento en las facultades de Educación. Con este fin, analizamos la metadidáctica y la LI, esta última en su doble condición de objeto literario y educativo. Esto nos lleva a revisar el viejo debate entre didactismo y literariedad. La investigación, basada en perspectivas transdiscisplinares y complejas, atiende al pensamiento del profesor como mediador entre la comunicación literaria infantil y el niño. Partimos de entender la LI como literatura de pleno derecho. No obstante, consideramos que su función socializadora e introductora al imaginario, unida a su pasado didáctico-moralizante, es en gran medida responsable de la instrumentalización que aún se observa en muchas aulas. Como profesores en una Facultad de Educación, percibimos también en nuestros estudiantes la anteposición del funcionalismocurricular sobre lo literario. Por ello, entendemos pertinente una interpretación metateórica, que aúne literatura, sociodidáctica y metadidáctica. Fundamentamos la reflexión en la hermenéutica analógica y la metadidáctica como epistemologías de primer y segundo orden. Nuestro objetivo es comprender mejor 1) la comunicación literaria infantil como objeto complejo; 2) su estatuto sociocultural y didáctico; 3) la percepción del docente en el proceso sociodidáctico de intermediación entre la LI y el niño; 4) el pensamiento de los futuros docentes sobre lo anterior, y 5) el aula como texto e interacción docente/discente a interpretar.
Leer y escribir en las ciencias sociales en universidades argentinas
Authors: Carlino Paula
Published: March 2018

Este trabajo explora los puntos de vista de docentes y alumnos universitarios sobre la escritura y lectura involucradas en el estudio de las ciencias sociales. Los datos fueron recogidos predominantemente a través de entrevistas, complementadas con grupos focales. Los resultados muestran que leer y escribir son requerimientos ubicuos en las materias estudiadas pero suelen pasar inadvertidos: no aparecen mencionados en los programas de cátedra, y resultan escasamente orientados por los docentes ya que se dan por sabidos. Sin embargo, los entrevistados revelan que la lectura y escritura requeridas en estas materias son prácticas novedosas y desafiantes para los alumnos porque difieren de los modos de leer y escribir ejercitados en la escuela secundaria. A pesar de que los problemas de los alumnos son reconocidos, los docentes no suelen ocuparse de cómo leen y escriben sus estudiantes por limitaciones institucionales y por considerarlo impropio de su función, en base a ciertos supuestos, cuestionados por las investigaciones. Estos resultados son relevantes para la discusión de políticas institucionales, atinentes a quienes cabe la responsabilidad de ayudar a participar en las prácticas de estudio que la universidad demanda. La respuesta debería considerar también el cómo y el porqué.