bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal safety across the albiglutide development programme
Authors: Leiter L. A. , Mallory J. M. , Wilson T. H. , Reinhardt R. R.
Published: April 2016

Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) are the most frequently reported treatment‐related AEs associated with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The GI safety of albiglutide, a once‐weekly GLP‐1RA, was assessed using data from five phase III studies. In a pooled analysis of four placebo‐controlled trials, the most common GI AEs were diarrhoea (albiglutide, 14.5% vs. placebo, 11.5%) and nausea (albiglutide, 11.9% vs. placebo, 10.3%), with most patients experiencing 1–2 events. The majority were mild or moderate in intensity and their median duration was 3–4 days. Vomiting occurred in 4.9% of patients in the albiglutide vs. 2.6% in the placebo group. For both albiglutide and placebo, serious GI AEs (2.0% vs. 1.5%) and withdrawals attributable to GI AEs (1.7% vs. 1.5%) were low. In a 32‐week trial of albiglutide 50 mg weekly versus liraglutide 1.8 mg daily, nausea occurred in 9.9% of patients in the albiglutide group vs. 29.2% in the liraglutide group. Vomiting occurred in 5.0% in the albiglutide vs. 9.3% in the liraglutide group. In conclusion, albiglutide has an acceptable GI tolerability profile, with nausea and vomiting rates slightly higher than those for placebo but lower than those for liraglutide.
Genomics in equine veterinary medicine
Authors: Adam E. N.
Published: April 2016

Veterinary medicine is marching forward with genomics grasped firmly in one fist. Genomics has been part of our veterinary tool bag for some time in various guises, but the breadth and depth of its ramifications can be daunting. This article is designed to provide toe‐holds for veterinarians to enjoy a better understanding of genomics – a truly fascinating area of science.
Adapting the Unique Minds Program: Exploring the Feasibility of a Multiple Family Intervention for Children with Learning Disabilities in the Context of Spain
Authors: López‐Larrosa Silvia , González‐Seijas Rosa M. , Carpenter John S. W.
Published: April 2016

The Unique Minds Program (Stern, Unique Minds Program, 1999) addresses the socio‐emotional needs of children with learning disabilities (LD) and their families. Children and their parents work together in a multiple family group to learn more about LD and themselves as people with the capacity to solve problems in a collaborative way, including problems in family school relationships. This article reports the cultural adaptation of the program for use in Spain and findings from a feasibility study involving three multiple family groups and a total of 15 children and 15 mothers, using a pre‐post design. This Spanish adaptation of the program is called “Mentes Únicas”. Standardized outcome measures indicated an overall statistically significant decrease in children's self‐rated maladjustment and relationship difficulties by the end of the program. Improvements were endorsed by most mothers, although they were not always recognized by the children's teachers. The program had a high level of acceptability: Mothers and children felt safe, understood, and helped throughout the sessions. The efficacy of the adapted intervention for the context of Spain remains to be tested in a more rigorous study.
The State of the Art of Child Hearings in Germany. Results of a Nationwide Representative Study in German Courts
Authors: Karle Michael , Gathmann Sandra
Published: April 2016

According to German family law, in family court proceedings that deal with custody or access rights, family judges are obligated to personally hear the child if the feelings, ties, or will of the child are significant for the decision. In a research study commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Justice, a nationwide representative survey of all judges compiled their personal information and their attitudes and expectations as well as various parameters regarding the concrete practice of hearing children. Also, with a very complex methodological design, over 50 children and their parents were studied one week in advance of the hearing, directly before and after the hearing, and four weeks following the hearing. The results of the study are presented, particularly those pertaining to the burden and relief for the children and the expectations of judges. The practical experiences of family judges in personally hearing children are included as well.
The Transitioning Families Therapeutic Reunification Model in Nonfamilial Abductions
Authors: Judge Abigail M. , Bailey Rebecca , Behrman‐Lippert JoAnn , Bailey Elizabeth , Psaila Cynthia , Dickel Jane
Published: April 2016

The existing literature on abduction reunification is limited and evolving. Although guidelines for model service approaches exist, few programs address the unique challenges of reunifying children and families following abduction. This article delineates a family‐based reunification model that has assisted families affected by abduction since 2006. Model components include a team‐centered approach, a stage‐oriented reunification process, and pitfalls and strategies related to intersystem collaboration. We present the value of a family‐systems, solution‐focused, trauma‐informed, and case‐specific approach to therapeutic reunification following child abduction. Evidence that is contrary to the popular notion of Stockholm's syndrome is also marked. Research on the efficacy of therapeutic reunification is essential for the growth of systems equipped to address the dynamic needs of these families. Accordingly, suggestions for evaluation research are proposed.
Exploring a Process‐Oriented Forensic Family Observation Protocol
Authors: Garber Benjamin D.
Published: April 2016

This article recommends a modification of the child interview and observational components of the conventional child custody evaluation. By scheduling these events in back‐to‐back sequence, the evaluator adds critical process‐oriented data to familiar content‐oriented data. These additional data include at least eight landmark separation, reunion, and transition events valuable to understanding the dynamic family system. The benefits of this protocol are discussed in terms of the ecological validity of available data, reduced evaluation time and costs, and research. Limitations are discussed relevant to questions of sampling bias, fatigue and sequence effects, and practical dilemmas that arise when evaluating families with many children.
Reunification in Intrafamilial Child Abuse Cases: A Model for Intervention
Authors: Lindahl Mary W. , Hunt Lisa A.
Published: April 2016

In response to a growing number of requests to help reunify parents and children separated by allegations of child abuse, we developed a model for intervention informed by clinical experience, feedback from clients and professionals, and insights from a growing body of interdisciplinary literature. This article presents a retrospective analysis of 29 intrafamilial cases describing the intervention, outcomes, and problems presented by these challenging situations. The safety and protection of the child was the paramount consideration in determining success, whether or not reunification was achieved. Using informal follow‐up data, 24 of the 29 cases were categorized as successful, 21 resulted in full or partial reunification, and 3 cases resulted in the voluntary or court‐ordered withdrawal of an accused father believed to pose a risk to the child. In 5 cases, the nonaccused parent thwarted efforts at reunification, and the case returned to the court of relevant jurisdiction.
The Nepalese Himalayas in Prehistoric Context: A Review of their role in Eurasian Exchange Networks and Domestication
Authors: Saul Hayley
Published: April 2016

This article explores the evidence for settlement and mobility within and across the Nepalese Himalayas, focusing on the period from 30 kya to the emergence of early states in the 1st millennium BC. Although trade routes around the Himalayas, such as those of the silk roads, have shaped a sense of the mountains as a marginal and inaccessible landscape, I argue that the high‐altitude/high‐relief landscape is by no means a barrier to exchange and mobility. Though relatively little archaeological fieldwork has been undertaken in the Himalayas of Nepal, this article presents the tentative evidence for: (1) the movement of prehistoric exchange items and (2) settlement activity and exchange infrastructure. In order to achieve this wider contextual evidence is drawn from East and South Asian exchange networks from the 14th to 1st millennia BC, particularly with respect to plant dispersals, and domestication episodes for which there is increasingly compelling biomolecular evidence. This evidence is collated in order to steer archaeological research questions for the Himalayan region, asking: what evidence is there for the development of settlement, mobility and exchange in the Nepalese Himalayas during prehistory?
School beverage environment and children's energy expenditure associated with physical education class: an agent‐based model simulation
Authors: Chen H.‐J. , Xue H. , Kumanyika S. , Wang Y.
Published: April 2016

Background

Physical activity contributes to children's energy expenditure and prevents excess weight gain, but fluid replacement with sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) may diminish this benefit.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the net energy expenditure (EE) after physical education (PE) class given the competition between water and SSB consumption for rehydration and explore environmental factors that may influence the net EE, e.g. PE duration, affordability of SSB and students' SSB preference.

Methods

We built an agent‐based model that simulates the behaviour of 13‐year‐old children in a PE class with nearby water fountains and SSB vending machines available.

Results

A longer PE class contributed to greater prevalence of dehydration and required more time for rehydration. The energy cost of a PE class with activity intensity equivalent to 45 min of jogging is about 300 kcal on average, i.e. 10–15% of average 13‐year‐old children's total daily EE. Adding an SSB vending machine could offset PE energy expenditure by as much as 90 kcal per child, which was associated with PE duration, students' pocket money and SSB preference.

Conclusions

Sugar‐sweetened beverage vending machines in school may offset some of the EE in PE classes. This could be avoided if water is the only readily available source for children's fluid replacement after class.
A novel local search algorithm with configuration checking and scoring mechanism for the set k‐covering problem
Authors: Wang Yiyuan , Yin Minghao , Ouyang Dantong , Zhang Liming
Published: April 2016

The set k‐covering problem, an extension of the classical set covering problem, is an important NP‐hard combinatorial optimization problem with extensive applications, including computational biology and wireless network. The aim of this paper is to design a new local search algorithm to solve this problem. First, to overcome the cycling problem in local search, the set k‐covering configuration checking (SKCC) strategy is proposed. Second, we use the cost scheme of elements to define the scoring mechanism so that our algorithm can find different possible good‐quality solutions. Having combined the SKCC strategy with the scoring mechanism, a subset selection strategy is designed to decide which subset should be selected as a candidate solution component. After that, a novel local search framework, as we call DLLccsm (diversion local search based on configuration checking and scoring mechanism), is proposed. DLLccsm is evaluated against two state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. The experimental results show that DLLccsm performs better than its competitors in terms of solution quality in most classical instances.
Computational and structural analysis of the contour of graphs
Authors: Artigas Danilo , Dantas Simone , Oliveira Alonso L. S. , Silva Thiago M. D.
Published: April 2016

Let be a finite, simple, and connected graph. The closed interval of a set is the set of all vertices lying on a shortest path between any pair of vertices of S. The set S is geodetic if . The eccentricity of a vertex v is the number of edges in the greatest shortest path between v and any vertex w of G. A vertex v is a contour vertex if no neighbor of v has eccentricity greater than v. The contour of G is the set formed by the contour vertices of G. We consider two problems: the problem of determining whether the contour of a graph class is geodetic; the problem of determining if there exists a graph such that is not geodetic. We obtain a sufficient condition that is useful for both problems; we prove a realization theorem related to problem and show two infinite families such that is not geodetic. Using computational tools, we establish the minimum graphs for which is not geodetic; and show that all graphs with , and all bipartite graphs with , are such that is geodetic.
Crystallization Mechanism of CVD Si3N4–SiCN Composite Ceramics Annealed in N2 Atmosphere and Their Excellent EMW Absorption Properties
Authors: Xue Jimei , Yin Xiaowei , Pan Hongxing , Liu Xiaofei , Zhang Litong , Cheng Laifei
Published: April 2016

To tailor a new electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing material with lower reflection coefficient (RC) and larger operating frequency band, the CVD Si3N4–SiCN composite ceramics were prepared from SiCl4–NH3–C3H6–H2–Ar system and then annealed at the temperatures of 1400–1700°C in N2 atmosphere. Effect of the annealing temperatures on the microstructure, phase composition, permittivity, and microwave‐absorbing properties of the ceramic were investigated. Results showed that the CVD Si3N4–SiCN ceramics gradually crystallized into nanosized SiC grains, Si3N4 grains and graphite (T ≤ 1600°C), and then the grains grew up at T = 1700°C. The permittivity, dielectric loss, and electrical conductivity of as‐annealed CVD Si3N4–SiCN ceramics (T ≤ 1600°C) increased firstly due to the formation of conductivity and polarity network and the increase in nanograin boundary, and then decreased at 1700°C because of the growth of nanograins and the disappearance of nanograin boundary. The minimal RC and effective absorption bandwidth of the as‐annealed CVD Si3N4–SiCN ceramic at 1600°C was −41.67 dB at the thickness of 2.55 mm and 3.95 GHz at the thickness of 3.05 mm, respectively, demonstrating that the totally crystallized CVD Si3N4–SiCN ceramic (T = 1600°C) had the superior microwave‐absorbing ability.
Intra‐pocket anaesthesia and pain during probing, scaling and root planing: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wambier Letícia M. , de Geus Juliana L. , Chibinski Ana C. R. , Wambier Denise S. , Rego Rodrigo O. , Loguercio Alessandro D. , Reis Alessandra
Published: April 2016

Aim

A systematic review/meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate pain during probing, scaling and root planing using intra‐pocket anaesthesia versus placebo in adult patients.

Methods

A search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database, Brazilian Library in Dentistry, Cochrane Library and Grey literature. IADR abstracts, unpublished trials registries, dissertations and theses were also searched for randomized clinical trials comparing the clinical effectiveness of intra‐pocket anaesthesia and placebo. Risk/intensity of pain was the primary outcome. The risk of bias tool from the Cochrane Collaboration was used for quality assessment. Meta‐analysis was performed on studies considered at low risk of bias.

Results

A total of 1740 articles were identified. Eleven remained in the qualitative synthesis, and nine studies were considered at “low” risk of bias for meta‐analysis. Standardized Hedge's g mean difference for pain intensity using visual analogue scale and Heft–Parker pain scales was −0.576 (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.94 to −0.22; p = 0.002) and for verbal rating scale pain scale it was −1.814 (95% CI −3.38 to −0.245; p = 0.023). The odds ratio for the risk of pain was 0.025 (95% CI 0.003 to 0.25; p = 0.002) and the odds ratio for the need for rescue anaesthesia it was 0.358 (95% CI 0.174 to 0.736; p = 0.005).

Conclusions

The anaesthetic gel decreases the risk and intensity of pain during probing/SRP.
Low Self‐Reported Function Predicts Adverse Postoperative Course in Veterans Affairs Beneficiaries Undergoing Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Kapoor Alok , Chew Priscilla W. , Reisman Joel I. , Berlowitz Dan R.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To measure association between self‐reported function and an adverse postoperative course and improvement in performance on the American College of Surgeons Universal Risk Calculator (ACS calculator) with inclusion of self‐reported function available through the Veteran Rand‐12 based Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores.

Design

Cohort analysis.

Setting

Veteran Affairs health system.

Participants

Surgeries (n = 3,503) for older male veterans undergoing hip and knee replacement from 2002 to 2009.

Measurements

Serious complication (per ACS definition), discharge to facility, readmission, and death within 30 days after surgery as a function of PCS and MCS; comparison of prediction of net reclassification index (NRI) for serious complication using a modified version of the ACS calculator with prediction using the ACS calculator with MCS and PCS added.

Results

Being in the lowest PCS quartile (vs highest quartile) predicted more than twice the risk of a serious complication (odds ratio (OR) = 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.44–3.58), twice the risk of discharge to facility (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.39–2.79), and almost twice the risk of readmission (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.37–2.36). The lowest quartile of MCS predicted each outcome, although to a lesser extent than PCS. The enhanced model had a NRI of 29.4% (95% CI = 15.4–43.3%), reflecting that 20.8% of events were appropriately upgraded and 8.6% of nonevents appropriately downgraded.

Conclusion

Low PCS and MCS predicted an adverse postoperative course and enhanced the ACS calculator. Clinicians evaluating older adults undergoing orthopedic surgery could enhance the accuracy of their assessments by including self‐reported functional status.
Exploring metameric variation in human molars: a morphological study using morphometric mapping
Authors: Morita Wataru , Morimoto Naoki , Ohshima Hayato
Published: April 2016

Human molars exhibit a type of metameric variation, which is the difference in serially repeated morphology within an organism. Various theories have been proposed to explain how this variation is brought about in the molars. Actualistic data that support the theories, however, are still relatively scarce because of methodological limitations. Here we propose new methods to analyse detailed tooth crown morphologies. We applied morphometric mapping to the enamel–dentine junction of human maxillary molars and examined whether odontogenetic models were adaptable to human maxillary molars. Our results showed that the upper first molar is phenotypically distinct among the maxillary molars. The average shape of the upper first molar is characterized by four well‐defined cusps and precipitous surface relief of the occlusal table. On the other hand, upper third molar is characterized by smooth surface relief of the occlusal table and shows greater shape variation and distinct distribution patterns in morphospace. The upper second molar represents an intermediate state between first and third molar. Size‐related shape variation was investigated by the allometric vector analysis, and it appeared that human maxillary molars tend to converge toward the shape of the upper first molar as the size increases. Differences between the upper first molar and the upper second and third molar can thus be largely explained as an effect of allometry. Collectively, these results indicate that the observed pattern of metameric variation in human molars is consistent with odontogenetic models of molar row structure (inhibitory cascade model) and molar crown morphology (patterning cascade model). This study shows that morphometric mapping is a useful tool to visualize and quantify the morphological features of teeth, which can provide the basis for a better understanding of tooth evolution linking morphology and development.
Effects of anti‐β2‐GPI antibodies on cytokine production in normal first‐trimester trophoblast cells
Authors: Azuma Hiromitsu , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Chishima Fumihisa
Published: April 2016

Aim

The anti‐β2‐GPI antibody (aβ2‐GPIAb) has been detected in recurrent fetal loss with strong pathogenic activity. The effects of aβ2‐GPIAb on cytokine production and aβ2‐GPIAb binding sites in first‐trimester trophoblast cells were evaluated.

Methods

First‐trimester trophoblast cells were cultured in 24‐well tissue culture plates with immunoglobulin G (IgG) obtained from aβ2‐GPIAb‐positive and aβ2‐GPIAb‐negative serum. Cytokines in the cultured supernatant were measured using the suspension array system and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. To identify potential binding sites for aβ2‐GPIAb, such as toll‐like receptors (TLR) 2 or TLR4, we used mouse monoclonal anti‐TLR2 and/or anti‐TLR4 antibodies to inhibit TLR and then measured cytokine production.

Results

The production of cytokines, such as interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8, increased more in response to aβ2‐GPIAb‐positive IgG than to aβ2‐GPIAb‐negative IgG in trophoblast cells. The secretion of cytokines from trophoblast cells decreased when the TLR were blocked with mouse monoclonal anti‐TLR2 and anti‐TLR4 antibodies.

Conclusion

We suspect that aβ2‐GPIAb might increase cytokine production by binding to TLR2 or TLR4. The increased cytokine production in response to aβ2‐GPIAb might play a role in the increased inflammatory response in the placenta.
Urinary protein‐to‐creatinine ratio indicative of significant proteinuria in normotensive pregnant women
Authors: Baba Yosuke , Ohkuchi Akihide , Usui Rie , Takahashi Hironori , Matsubara Shigeki
Published: April 2016

Aim

In hypertensive pregnant women, the protein‐to‐creatinine (P/C) ratio is well correlated with 24‐h proteinuria and a P/C ratio of 0.27 (g/gCr) is used to reflect significant proteinuria (>0.3 g/day). The aim of this study was to obtain data on normotensive pregnant women, which have so far been lacking.

Methods

The study population consisted of 74 pregnant women who met the following criteria: (i) ≥22 gestational weeks; (ii) a positive result (≥1+) on dipstick test; (iii) a positive result (>0.27) for P/C ratio; and (iv) 24‐h urine test performed within 2 days of the P/C ratio. The correlation between the P/C ratio and 24‐h proteinuria, the incidence rates of significant proteinuria according to P/C ratios, and appropriate threshold of the P/C ratio to rule in significant proteinuria were determined using the appropriate statistical methods.

Results

The P/C ratio was moderately correlated with the 24‐h proteinuria, with a correlation coefficient of 0.64 (95% confidence interval, 0.487–0.76). The area under the receiver–operator curve was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.87); however, no clear shoulder was identifiable. The incidence rates of significant proteinuria according to P/C ratios of 0.27–0.49, 0.50–0.74, 0.75–0.99, and >1 were 41, 66, 100, and 100%, respectively, indicating that all normotensive pregnant women with a P/C ratio > 0.75 had significant proteinuria.

Conclusion

Normotensive pregnant women showed a significant correlation between the P/C ratio and 24‐h urine protein level. All normotensive pregnant women with a P/C ratio > 0.75 had significant proteinuria, suggesting that a P/C ratio > 0.75 may be the ‘rule‐in’ threshold of significant proteinuria in this population.
Role of Anxiety as a Trait and State in Youth With Mild Intellectual Disability: Coping With Difficult Situations
Authors: Kurtek Paweł
Published: April 2016

Although social integration of youths with intellectual disabilities improves their psychological adaptation, it nevertheless exposes them to a higher risk of stress. The author's goal was to verify the regulatory role of anxiety, respectively, as a trait and as a state in youth with mild intellectual disability who are coping with difficult situations. The study, involving a group of 120 students at the Education and Rearing Center in Kielce (Poland), used two psychological methods pertaining to a cognitive paradigm. The first was the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (ISCL—Polish version of STAI) and the other was the self‐description technique of the authorship “That's Life,” devised with the aim of revealing either task strategies or emotional and avoidant strategies adopted by the respondents. The tools are matched to specific cognitive abilities and social experiences typical of youth with mild intellectual disability. Correlative research model was applied. The results of linear regression and variance analyses showed the regulatory role of the state anxiety for youth with mild intellectual disability with reference to coping strategies. A higher intensity of anxiety stimulated their defensive activity, especially in the context of ambivalent conflicts, whereas a decrease in state anxiety led to their employing task‐focused strategies. The results should encourage the development and application of anxiety‐reducing techniques based on cognitive confrontation to activate task‐oriented coping.
Hydrocortisone in the management of acute hypoadrenocorticism in dogs: a retrospective series of 30 cases
Authors: Gunn E. , Shiel R. E. , Mooney C. T.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to describe the efficacy, outcome and adverse effects of intravenous hydrocortisone and fluid therapy for the management of acute hypoadrenocorticism in dogs.

Methods

A retrospective review of dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism receiving intravenous hydrocortisone and fluid therapy was performed.

Results

Thirty newly‐diagnosed dogs were included. There was an excellent clinical response, with all dogs surviving to discharge within a median of 2 days. In 23 cases with complete data, the mean rate of change of sodium over 24 hours was 0·48 (±0·28) mmol/L/hour, while the mean rate of change of potassium was −0·12 (±0·06) mmol/L/hour. Circulating potassium concentration normalised in 68·4% and 100% of cases of by 12 and 24 hours, respectively. Additional treatment for hyperkalaemia was not found necessary. Plasma sodium concentration increased by >12 mmol/L/24 hours on 7 of 23 (30·4%) occasions. One dog exhibited associated temporary neurological signs.

Clinical Significance

Intravenous hydrocortisone infusion and fluid therapy for the management of acute hypoadrenocorticism is associated with a rapid resolution of hyperkalaemia and is well tolerated with few adverse effects. Regular electrolyte monitoring is required to ensure that rapid increases in sodium concentration are avoided.
Assessment of wound bio‐burden and prevalence of multi‐drug resistant bacteria during open wound management
Authors: Nolff M. C. , Reese S. , Fehr M. , Dening R. , Meyer‐Lindenberg A.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe the bacterial bio‐burden of open‐treated wounds and make comparisons with bite wounds.

Design

Retrospective multicentre study.

Sample

Microbial culture between 2011 and 2013 from open‐treated wounds in dogs and cats (initiation of therapy n=88, follow‐up n=52) were compared to those from bite wounds (n=184).

Procedures

Bacteria were identified and tested for antibiotic susceptibility by two accredited laboratories.

Results

In total, 77/88 (88%) of open‐treated wounds yielded positive bacterial cultures at the beginning of treatment, decreasing to 27/52 (52%) during treatment. Upon initial evaluation, 42/88 (48 %) of open‐treated wounds were considered infected with multi‐drug‐resistant bacteria, with a drop to 22/52 (41%) during therapy. Bite wounds yielded fewer positive cultures 88/184 (48%) with only 11/182 (6%) being affected by multi‐drug‐resistant bacteria. Bacteria found most commonly in open‐treated wounds were Enterococcus subspecies, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusion

The bacterial populations of open‐treated wounds differed markedly from the bite wounds. The high incidence of multi‐drug‐resistant strains in open wounds highlights the need for alternatives to antibiotics.
Investigation of Hungarian mushrooms for antibacterial activity and synergistic effects with standard antibiotics against resistant bacterial strains
Authors: Liktor-Busa E. , Kovács B. , Urbán E. , Hohmann J. , Ványolós A.
Published: April 2016

This study aimed to screen the antibacterial activity of 160 extracts of 40 mushroom species, collected in Hungary, against 11 standard bacterial strains and 9 clinical isolates. The further objective of this work was to evaluate the capacity of active fungal extracts to potentiate the action of antibiotics against resistant pathogens. Disc-diffusion method was applied for screening of antibacterial activity of extracts. Microdilution method was used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations. The active extracts were applied to different resistant micro-organisms (multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and MRSA), combined with commercial drugs. The synergism between extracts and antibiotics was assessed by double-disc synergy assay and determination of fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) with checkerboard technique. From 40 mushrooms included in this experiment, 16 species exhibited antibacterial effects with moderate to high potential. In general the chloroform extracts proved to be most active, while the aqueous and aqueous-methanolic extracts demonstrated low or no activity. Fistulina hepatica, Tapinella atrotomentosa (syn. Paxillus atrotomentosus) and Rhodocybe popinalis were the most active species; moreover, they can potentiate the action of cefuroxime against MRSA.

Significance and Impact of the Study

In this study, 160 organic (n-hexane, chloroform and 50% methanol) and aqueous extracts of 40 mushroom species were submitted to antibacterial screening assay. The antibacterial capacity of 18 species has been examined for the first time. Nineteen extracts of 16 species showed antibacterial effects with moderate to high potential. The extracts of Fistulina hepatica, Tapinella atrotomentosa and Rhodocybe popinalis exhibited not only broad antibacterial spectrum, but also synergistic activity with cefuroxime against MRSA. Our screening study proved that mushroom species are promising sources of potential antimicrobial molecules. The results serve as good starting point for selection of fungal species for detailed pharmacological and chemical investigation.
Attitudes toward child rearing in female clinical nurses working in three shifts
Authors: Ha Eun‐Ho
Published: April 2016

The balance between child‐rearing and work may be one of the most challenging issues facing female clinical nurses, particularly those who work in three shifts. This study aimed to identify attitudes toward child‐rearing in this particular cohort, female clinical nurses working three shifts. Q methodology, a research method concerned with individuals' subjective points of view, was used. Thirty‐five selected Q statements from 51 participants were divided into a normal distribution using a nine‐point bipolar scale, and the collected data were analyzed using the QUANL program. Three discrete factors emerged: Factor I: child‐rearing is natural work (child‐rearing and work are separate); Factor II: child‐rearing is hard work (child‐rearing and work are in conflict); and Factor III: child‐rearing requires help from someone (child‐rearing and work are balanced). The subjective viewpoints of the three identified factors can be applied to develop diverse strategies to support child‐rearing in female clinical nurses.
Gastric emptying of solids in children: reference values for the 13C‐octanoic acid breath test
Authors: Hauser B. , Roelants M. , De Schepper J. , Veereman G. , Caveliers V. , Devreker T. , De Greef E. , Vandenplas Y.
Published: April 2016

Background

99mTechnetium scintigraphy (99mTS) is the ‘gold standard’ for measuring gastric emptying (GE), but it is associated with a radiation exposure. For this reason, the 13C‐octanoic acid breath test (13C‐OBT) was developed for measuring GE of solids. The objective of this study was to determine normal values for gastric half‐emptying time (t1/2GE) of solids in healthy children.

Methods

Gastric emptying of a standardized solid test meal consisting of a pancake evaluated with 99mTS and 13C‐OBT was compared in 22 children aged between 1 and 15 years with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Subsequently, the 13C‐OBT was used to determine normal values for GE of the same solid test meal in 120 healthy children aged between 1 and 17 years.

Key Results

The results showed a significant correlation (r = 0.748, p = 0.0001) between t1/2GE measured with both techniques in the group of children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. In the group of healthy children, mean t1/2GE was 157.7 ± 54.0 min (range 71–415 min), but t1/2GE decreased with age between 1 and 10 years and remained stable afterward. There was no influence of gender, weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area on t1/2GE.

Conclusions & Inferences

Normal values for GE of solids measured with the 13C‐OBT using a standardized methodology were determined in healthy children. We propose to use this method and corresponding reference ranges to study GE of solids in children with gastrointestinal problems.
Secondary pouchitis in a pediatric patient successfully treated by salvage surgery
Authors: Okita Yoshiki , Araki Toshimitsu , Uchida Keiichi , Matsushita Kohei , Kawamura Mikio , Koike Yuhki , Otake Kohei , Inoue Mikihiro , Toiyama Yuji , Ohi Masaki , Tanaka Koji , Inoue Yasuhiro , Mohri Yasuhiko , Kusunoki Masato
Published: April 2016

Apart from primary pouchitis, patients with secondary pouchitis caused by surgical complications require surgical management. The use of abdomino‐anal salvage surgery to treat secondary pouchitis caused by surgical complications in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) has not been reported in detail. A girl was diagnosed with UC at 8 years old. She underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) at 9 years old. She presented at 12 years old because of chronic antibiotic‐refractory pouchitis. The fistula and stricture failed to improve despite multiple local salvage surgeries and ileostomy construction. At 15 years old, she underwent redo IPAA. The patient was well at 20 years old with no signs of pouchitis. Early treatment by abdomino‐anal salvage surgery might be indicated to improve quality of life in pediatric patients with secondary pouchitis caused by surgical complication unresponsive to defunctioning and local salvage surgery.
Biomass production and fatty acid accumulation in Chlorella sp. (strain DEC1B) isolated from a petrol refinery in Huelva (Spain)
Authors: Ruiz‐Domínguez Mari Carmen , Vaquero Isabel , Rivas Mariella , Zapata Manuel , Mogedas Benito , Márquez Mayca , Gómez José , Larraz Rafael , Frontela Juana , Vega José M. , Vílchez Carlos
Published: April 2016

A microalgal strain was established from Cepsa's refinery wastewater treatment plant in Huelva (southwest of Spain). Genetic analysis of the chloroplastic rbcL gene encoding for the large subunit of the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase enzyme (Rubisco) showed the strain had high homology with other known rbcL sequences of the genus Chlorella. The strain grows well autotrophically in minimum mineral medium, with a growth rate of 0.28 ± 0.012 day−1 and a biomass productivity of 138.9 ± 6.7 mg L−1 day−1. N‐starvation and/or over illumination with 650 µmol photons m−2 s−1 of PAR light on the cultures induced a significant increase in the intracellular content of lipids in this microalga. Total lipids were extracted from the strain biomass with 2:1 chloroform‐methanol, and they accounted for approximately 50% of the dry biomass. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) represented 60.4% of the total fatty acids found in the strain, thus making this biomass attractive as a high added‐value product source. The strain was able to grow efficiently in the refinery treated wastewater from which it was isolated, providing an attractive advantage for further development of more sustainable algal biomass production processes at reduced costs close to a petrol refinery area.
Research Note: Observations on a terrestrial charophyte in a temperate environment
Authors: Romanov Roman E , Bulionkova Tatiana S
Published: April 2016

This study describes the unusual growth forms of Chara (Charales) in a natural terrestrial environment in a temperate region (southern Siberia). Chara vulgaris had a moss‐like habit and grew on wet soil in small compact turfs probably germinated from oospores. The upper branchlets were curved in a hook‐liked manner and convergent above the apex of the thallus. The lowest internode and branchlets of fertile plants were ecorticate, whereas all other parts were normally corticated; the completely ecorticate plants were sterile. The terrestrial growth of charophytes had an irregular appearance but was successfully maintained in culture, providing a potential model of the first steps of land colonization by the ancestors of embryophytes.
Bridging the Divide between Evidence and Policy in Public Sector Decision Making: A Practitioner's Perspective
Authors: Arinder Max K.
Published: April 2016

While policy advocates can help bridge the divide between evidence and policy in decision making by focusing on ambiguity and uncertainty, policy makers must also play a role by promoting and preserving deliberative processes that value evidence as a core element in leveling raw constituent opinion, ultimately resulting in a better‐informed electorate. Building on existing research and analytic capability, state legislatures can increase the demand for and delivery of relevant information, giving the institution the capacity to keep abreast of research in critical public policy areas. By implementing data and time‐conscious evaluative frameworks that emphasize evidence‐based decision making and longitudinal cost–benefit analytics at critical policy‐making junctures, the institutional culture can become less unpredictable and the “rules of the game” can be more transparent. In 2015, Mississippi's legislative leaders created a system to review requests for new programs and funding using such an evidence screen.
Effects of IGF‐1 on In Vitro Culture of Bovine Preantral Follicles are Dose‐Dependent
Authors: Jimenez CR , de Azevedo JL , Silveira RG , Penitente‐Filho J , Carrascal‐Triana EL , Zolini AM , Araujo VR , Torres CAA , Gonçalves WG
Published: April 2016

Contents

This study aimed at assessing the effect of different concentrations of the growth factor similar to insulin 1 (IGF‐1) in the development, survival and ultrastructure of the bovine preantral follicles cultured in situ. Fragments of bovine ovarian cortical tissue were cultured during 1 and 7 days in 1 ml of α‐MEM+, supplemented with different concentrations of human recombinant IGF‐1 (0, 30, 70 and 100 ng/ml), in an incubator at 37°C and 5% of CO2 in 24‐well plates with total replacement of the medium every 2 days. Non‐cultured ovarian fragments (control) and ovarian fragments cultured during 1 and 7 days were processed for classic histology, mechanical isolation and electron transmission microscopy (ETM). Parameters such as normality, viability, activation, development, diameter and ultrastructure were evaluated. All statistical analyses were carried out using sas Version 9.2. The results showed that the percentage of follicles morphologically normal in the IGF‐1 30 ng/ml treatment was similar to the fresh control (p > 0.05) both on the day 1 and on the day 7 of in vitro culture. In the viability analysis, the cultured treatments maintained the percentage of viable follicles during the entire culture period (p > 0.05). After 7 days of culture, the IGF‐1 30 ng/ml treatment showed higher percentages of developing follicles (48.33%) than those of the fresh control (22.22%) and the cultured treatments (p < 0.05). Also, after 7 days of culture, IGF‐1 30 ng/ml presented a higher follicular diameter when compared to the control and other concentrations of IGF‐1 tested. Ultrastructurally, the non‐cultured control and IGF‐1 30 ng/ml, after 7 days of culture, showed conserved oocytes, nuclei and organelles. Hence, it is concluded that IGF‐1 30 ng/ml was the most efficient concentration for the development of bovine preantral follicles cultured in vitro.
Immunotherapy for lung cancer
Authors: Steven Antonius , Fisher Scott A. , Robinson Bruce W.
Published: April 2016

Treatment of lung cancer remains a challenge, and lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer‐related mortality. Immunotherapy has previously failed in lung cancer but has recently emerged as a very effective new therapy, and there is now growing worldwide enthusiasm in cancer immunotherapy. We summarize why immune checkpoint blockade therapies have generated efficacious and durable responses in clinical trials and why this has reignited interest in this field. Cancer vaccines have also been explored in the past with marginal success. Identification of optimal candidate neoantigens may improve cancer vaccine efficacy and may pave the way to personalized immunotherapy, alone or in combination with other immunotherapy such as immune checkpoint blockade. Understanding the steps in immune recognition and eradication of cancer cells is vital to understanding why previous immunotherapies failed and how current therapies can be used optimally. We hold an optimistic view for the future prospect in lung cancer immunotherapy.
Book Review: Rediscovering the Immune System as an Integrated Organ
Authors: Corthay A.
Published: April 2016

The immune system may seem incredibly complex. Researchers in immunology are amassing enormous amounts of detailed information without gaining proportional insights. Why might this be? So asks Peter Bretscher near the start of his book Rediscovering the Immune System as an Integrated Organ. He argues that contemporary immunology fails to provide understanding at the level of the system because it is dominated by molecular and cellular considerations. He reminds us of a famous quotation: Not everything that counts can be counted and not everything that can be counted counts, before stating the ambitious aim of his book: to make plausible an integrated and readily accessible view of how the immune system functions. By Peter Bretscher. FriesenPress, 2016. 288 pp. ISBN: 978‐1‐4602‐7406‐4.
Contesting Racialized Discourses of Homophobia
Authors: Connell Catherine
Published: April 2016

In the course of research concerning the experiences of gay and lesbian teachers in public schools, I discovered that teachers often construct racialized explanations of potential homophobia in their schools, including the expectation that black and Latino coworkers, parents, and students were more likely to be homophobic. By taking an intersectional approach to these narratives as a case study in the discursive construction of race and sexuality, this article shows how racism and homophobia are mutually sustained in everyday talk. This process of racializing homophobia not only further alienates gay and lesbian teachers of color, it also reinforces racial inequality more broadly. In addition to racializing homophobia discourse, many white research participants used racial discrimination as a comparative rhetorical strategy to make sense of the discrimination they experience as gays and lesbians. While this strategy was purportedly useful for combating discrimination, it is also troubling. First, it assumes a false dichotomy between race and sexual identity that further erases the experience of queer people of color, who must contend with both kinds of discrimination. Second, it posits a false equivalence, when in fact the unique histories and operations of each kind of marginality resist such facile comparisons.
The Political Behavior of “Unhyphenated Americans”: An Individual‐Level Analysis of Causes and Consequences*
Authors: Knoll Benjamin R.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

This analysis seeks to assess the findings of previous research that “unhyphenated Americans” have distinct voting patterns. This analysis also provides an empirical test for various hypotheses about the determinants of unhyphenated self‐identification that have previously been advanced, but not definitely tested, by scholars.

Methods

Multivariate quantitative analysis of a nationally representative public opinion survey fielded in 2015.

Results

The results of previous research are not confirmed. Unhyphenated Americans are no more or less likely to vote for either Obama in 2012 or Democratic congressional candidates in 2014 once important demographic and political control variables are accounted for. Also, contrary to most previous research, unhyphenated self‐identification is driven to a large extent by race‐related factors.

Conclusion

Unhyphenated Americans appear to have distinct political voting patterns at the aggregate level, but this pattern disappears at the individual level of analysis. Further research is called for to better understand the behavior of unhyphenated Americans.
The Mothers’ Union goes on strike: Women, tapa cloth and Christianity in a Papua New Guinea society
Authors: Barker John , Hermkens Anna‐Karina
Published: April 2016

This paper explores the story of the formation and subsequent activities of a church women's group in Maisin villages and women's experiences of Christianity more broadly, in relation to the changing production and uses of traditional bark cloth (tapa), a signature women's product which has become a marker of Maisin identity. While the influence of the local Mothers’ Union has waxed and waned over the past 60 years, tapa cloth has had a continuing influence upon its fortunes. Tapa cloth has been the chief means for church women to raise funds to support their activities and the local church. However, we argue that, more fundamentally, tapa has shaped women's gendered Christian identities, experiences and history, mediating relationships with men, between generations of women, and with various sorts of ‘missionaries’ who have often justified their intrusions in terms of improving women's lives.
Entry characteristics and performance in a Masters module in Tropical Medicine: a 5‐year analysis
Authors: Weigel R. , Robinson D. , Stewart M. , Assinder S.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Postgraduate courses can contribute to better‐qualified personnel in resource‐limited settings. We aimed to identify how entry characteristics of applicants predict performance in order to provide support measures early.

Methods

We describe demographic data and end‐of‐module examination marks of medical doctors who enrolled in a first semester module of two one‐year MSc programmes between 2010 and 2014. We used t‐tests and one‐way anova to compare, and post hoc tests to locate differences of mean marks between categories of entry characteristics in univariate analysis. After exclusion of collinear variables, multiple regression examined the effect of several characteristics in multivariable analysis.

Results

Eighty‐nine students (47% male) with a mean age of 32 (SD 6.4) years who received their medical degree in the UK (19%), other European (22%), African (35%) or other countries (24%) attended the 3‐months module. Their mean mark was 69.1% (SD 10.9). Medical graduates from UK universities achieved significantly higher mean marks than graduates from other countries. Students’ age was significantly negatively correlated with the module mark. In multiple linear regression, place of medical degree (β = −0.44, P < 0.001) and time since graduation (β = −0.28, P = 0.007) were strongest predictors of performance, explaining 32% of the variation of mean marks.

Conclusion

Students’ performance substantially differs based on their entry criteria in this 1st semester module. Non‐UK graduates and mature students might benefit from early support.