bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freshwater megafauna diversity: Patterns, status and threats
Authors: He Fengzhi , Bremerich Vanessa , Zarfl Christiane , Geldmann Jonas , Langhans Simone D. , David Jonathan N. W. , Darwall William , Tockner Klement , Jähnig Sonja C.
Published: June 2018

Aim

Freshwater megafauna remain underrepresented in research and conservation, despite a disproportionately high risk of extinction due to multiple human threats. Therefore, our aims are threefold; (i) identify global patterns of freshwater megafauna richness and endemism, (ii) assess the conservation status of freshwater megafauna and (iii) demonstrate spatial and temporal patterns of human pressure throughout their distribution ranges.

Location

Global.

Methods

We identified 207 extant freshwater megafauna species, based on a 30 kg weight threshold, and mapped their distributions using HydroBASINS subcatchments (level 8). Information on conservation status and population trends for each species was extracted from the IUCN Red List website. We investigated human impacts on freshwater megafauna in space and time by examining spatial congruence between their distributions and human pressures, described by the Incident Biodiversity Threat Index and Temporal Human Pressure Index.

Results

Freshwater megafauna occur in 76% of the world’s main river basins (level 3 HydroBASINS), with species richness peaking in the Amazon, Congo, Orinoco, Mekong and Ganges‐Brahmaputra basins. Freshwater megafauna are more threatened than their smaller counterparts within the specific taxonomic groups (i.e., fishes, mammals, reptiles and amphibians). Out of the 93 freshwater megafauna species with known population trends, 71% are in decline. Meanwhile, IUCN Red List assessments reported insufficient or outdated data for 43% of all freshwater megafauna species. Since the early 1990s, human pressure has increased throughout 63% of their distribution ranges, with particularly intense impacts occurring in the Mekong and Ganges‐Brahmaputra basins.

Main conclusions

Freshwater megafauna species are threatened globally, with intense and increasing human pressures occurring in many of their biodiversity hotspots. We call for research and conservation actions for freshwater megafauna, as they are highly sensitive to present and future pressures including a massive boom in hydropower dam construction in their biodiversity hotspots.
The efficacy and safety of pomalidomide in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in a “real‐world” study: Polish Myeloma Group experience
Authors: Charlinski Grzegorz , Grzasko Norbert , Jurczyszyn Artur , Janczarski Mariusz , Szeremet Agnieszka , Waszczuk‐Gajda Anna , Bernatowicz Paweł , Swiderska Alina , Guzicka‐Kazimierczak Renata , Lech‐Maranda Ewa , Szczepaniak Andrzej , Wichary Ryszard , Dmoszynska Anna
Published: June 2018

Background

Patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) have poor prognosis. Pomalidomide is an immunomodulatory compound that has demonstrated activity in MM patients with disease refractory to lenalidomide and bortezomib.

Objectives

Participants of clinical trials are highly selected populations; therefore, the aim of this study was to present observations from real practice that might provide important information for practitioners.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed retrospectively 50 patients treated with pomalidomide in 12 Polish sites between 2014 and 2017. Median age was 63 years, median time since diagnosis 4.5 years and median number of prior regimens 4.

Results

The overall response rate was 39.1%. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 10.0 and 14.0 months, respectively. Previous treatment with immunomodulatory drugs, bortezomib or stem cell transplant had no impact on PFS and OS. Most frequent grade 3/4 treatment‐emergent adverse events were hematologic (neutropenia 24.0%, thrombocytopenia 10.0%, anemia 8.0%). Most common grade 3/4 non‐hematologic toxicities were respiratory tract infection (14.0%) and neuropathy (4.0%).

Conclusions

This real‐world data have confirmed that pomalidomide is an active drug in RRMM and support results of published clinical trials and other real‐world studies.
Cortical thickness and volume abnormalities in Internet gaming disorder: Evidence from comparison of recreational Internet game users
Authors: Wang Ziliang , Wu Lingdan , Yuan Kai , Hu Yanbo , Zheng Hui , Du Xiaoxia , Dong Guangheng
Published: June 2018

Although online gaming may lead to Internet gaming disorder (IGD), most players are recreational game users (RGUs) who do not develop IGD. Thus far, little is known about brain structural abnormalities in IGD subjects relative to RGUs. The inclusion of RGUs as a control group could minimize the potential effects of gaming experience and gaming‐related cue familiarity on the neural mechanism of IGD subjects. In this study, structural magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired from 38 IGD subjects and 66 RGUs with comparable age, gender, and educational level. Group differences in cortical thickness and volume were analyzed using the FreeSurfer software. Correlations between cortical changes and addiction severity were calculated for both groups. Compared with the RGU group, the IGD group showed significantly decreased cortical thickness in the left lateral orbitofrontal cortex, inferior parietal lobule, bilateral cuneus, precentral gyrus, and right middle temporal gyrus. Moreover, significantly reduced cortical volume was observed in the left superior temporal gyrus and right supramarginal gyrus in the IGD group. Whole‐brain correlational analysis indicated different correlations between the two groups. The brain regions that showed group differences were considered to be involved in cognitive control, decision making, and reward/loss processing. These functions may serve as potential mechanisms that explain why IGD individuals experience negative outcomes in frequent game playing.
Nuclear localization signal targeting to macronucleus and micronucleus in binucleated ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Iwamoto Masaaki , Mori Chie , Osakada Hiroko , Koujin Takako , Hiraoka Yasushi , Haraguchi Tokuko
Published: June 2018

Ciliated protozoa possess two morphologically and functionally distinct nuclei: a macronucleus (MAC) and a micronucleus (MIC). The MAC is transcriptionally active and functions in all cellular events. The MIC is transcriptionally inactive during cell growth, but functions in meiotic events to produce progeny nuclei. Thus, these two nuclei must be distinguished by the nuclear proteins required for their distinct functions during cellular events such as cell proliferation and meiosis. To understand the mechanism of the nuclear transport specific to either MAC or MIC, we identified specific nuclear localization signals (NLSs) in two MAC‐ and MIC‐specific nuclear proteins, macronuclear histone H1 and micronuclear linker histone‐like protein (Mlh1), respectively. By expressing GFP‐fused fragments of these proteins in Tetrahymena thermophila cells, two distinct regions in macronuclear histone H1 protein were assigned as independent MAC‐specific NLSs and two distinct regions in Mlh1 protein were assigned as independent MIC‐specific NLSs. These NLSs contain several essential lysine residues responsible for the MAC‐ and MIC‐specific nuclear transport, but neither contains any consensus sequence with known monopartite or bipartite NLSs in other model organisms. Our findings contribute to understanding how specific nuclear targeting is achieved to perform distinct nuclear functions in binucleated ciliates.
The many ways to mend your liver: A critical appraisal
Authors: Alison Malcolm R.
Published: June 2018

In the latter half of the 20th century, our understanding of mammalian liver regeneration was shaped by the manner of compensatory hyperplasia occurring after a partial rat liver resection. This response involves almost all hepatocytes and thus is unlikely to be the outcome of the multiple cycling of a small stem cell population. It was most intense in the outer third of lobule, the location closest to the afferent arterial blood supply. With the advent of heritable genetic labelling techniques, usually applied to mice, hitherto unrecognized hepatocytes with clonogenic potential have been discovered, contributing to homoeostatic renewal and/or regenerative responses after tissue loss. This review combines observations from cell lineage tracing studies with other data to summarize the Four proposed anatomical locations for hepatocyte stem cells: the periportal zone, the pericentral zone, a randomized distribution and finally within the intrahepatic biliary tree. As in other endodermal‐derived tissues, it appears that there are both homoeostatic stem cells and regenerative stem cells, while some normally homoeostatic stem cells can become more active to boost regeneration.
Part 4: Improving the Financial Health of Rural Hospitals
Authors: Riley Katherine K. , Elder William G.
Published: June 2018

Sound financial management has been identified as a critical component of effective hospital administration. Inadequate financial practices are a leading factor in the failure of hospitals. As part of the Rural Hospital Project (RHP), which operated in six rural Northwest communities from 1985 to 1988, detailed and extensive analyses of financial practices were conducted to identify strengths and weaknesses of the hospitals’ financial management. In addition, 15 hours of formal education covering a variety of financial topics were presented to project participants.

Results of the evaluation demonstrated that the greatest degree of change occurred in the financial management leadership capacity of the hospitals. All five hospitals, which either had no chief financial officer initially or subsequently experienced a turnover in the position, recruited individuals with strong qualifications. Vacancies in the administrator position in three of the four hospitals were filled by individuals with stronger financial management qualifications than their predecessors. Hospital board finance committees were formed in three of the four communities which previously did not have them. The biggest changes in financial practices occurred in the budgeting processes, which by 1989 better reflected the goals and strategies of the hospital's strategic plans.

The financial performance of the six hospitals varied considerably over the study period. As a group, the RHP hospitals continued to require substantial nonoperating subsidies to remain solvent, despite improved financial practices. Despite the methodological limitations of this evaluation, we conclude that the intervention improved the capacity of the hospital administrations’ financial leadership, as well as that of the governing boards, and led to substantial improvement in selected financial practices at all sites. Rural hospitals continue to operate in a hostile and precarious financial environment that limits their ability to sustain themselves on the basis of operating revenue alone.
The WAMI Rural Hospital Project Part 6: Overview and Conclusions
Authors: Amundson Bruce A. , Rosenblatt Roger A.
Published: June 2018

The Rural Hospital Project (RHP) appeared to make a meaningful difference in the six Northwest rural communities that participated in this integrated community development and strategic planning effort. Although the methodological approach used in the evaluation precludes us from attributing observed changes in outcomes solely to the project interventions themselves, several elements of the process appear to be useful in stabilizing or expanding local health care systems. These include: (1) the involvement of outside organizations in fostering community change, (2) a high degree of community commitment and investment in all stages of the process, (3) comprehensive identification of problems in the health care system by outside consultants, (4) the use of periodic meetings of communities confronting similar issues, (5) identification and development of local leadership, (6) enhancing teamwork among local health care providers, and (7) the development of conflict‐ resolution mechanisms within health care organizations.

Future attempts to use this strategy to strengthen rural health care systems can be enhanced by broadening the range of participation in health services planning, enlisting involvement of medical staff throughout the strategic planning cycle, addressing the issue of physician recruitment, and clarifying responsibility for implementation of community plans. Rural communities will predictably need to identify and resolve a set of core issues. To the extent that external organizations such as medical schools can strengthen the ability of rural health professionals and community leaders to identify and address these issues, the quality and viability of rural health care systems will be enhanced.
Establishing a Rural Hospital Cooperative: A Case Study
Authors: Rosenthal Thomas C. , Bissonette Raymond P. , Parisella J. Scott
Published: June 2018

Rural hospitals have traditionally been the providers of health services in rural areas. In recent years, however, rural hospitals have come under increasing economic and regulatory stress. Rural hospital cooperatives represent a new level of shared management that addresses mutual problems using a horizontal organizational model. In 1987, the Western New York Rural Health Care Cooperative was established by building on fragments of associations that had existed previously. Triggered by an opportunity for grant funding, a major regional cooperative evolved which has demonstrated effective responses to a variety of problems inherent in providing rural health care. Particularly successful programs have such features as a quality assurance plan that uses cooperative‐wide peer review, nursing and allied health education, physician recruitment, and the active involvement of a university medical school. This paper is a case study of the development and success of the Western New York Rural Health Care Cooperative.
Implementing EACHs and RPCHs on a Statewide Basis: A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Hilsenrath Peter E. , Chien Richard C. , Rohrer James E.
Published: June 2018

Declining hospital utilization has created excess hospital capacity in rural areas, has depressed occupancy rates, and threatens the financial viability of rural hospitals. Access to hospital care could be reduced and rural economies damaged if rural hospitals close. The federal Essential Access Community Hospital (EACH) demonstration program is an attempt to address these issues by establishing regional hospital networks. A preliminary analysis of the impact of state‐wide implementation of the EACH program in Iowa suggests that about 60% of rural hospital beds and about 28% of all hospital beds would be eliminated. The EACH program could well prove difficult to implement because of the need to select hospitals for reduced services.
The impact of truncating data on the predictive ability for single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction
Authors: Howard Jeremy T. , Rathje Tom A. , Bruns Caitlyn E. , Wilson‐Wells Danielle F. , Kachman Stephen D. , Spangler Matthew L.
Published: June 2018

Simulated and swine industry data sets were utilized to assess the impact of removing older data on the predictive ability of selection candidate estimated breeding values (EBV) when using single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP). Simulated data included thirty replicates designed to mimic the structure of swine data sets. For the simulated data, varying amounts of data were truncated based on the number of ancestral generations back from the selection candidates. The swine data sets consisted of phenotypic and genotypic records for three traits across two breeds on animals born from 2003 to 2017. Phenotypes and genotypes were iteratively removed 1 year at a time based on the year an animal was born. For the swine data sets, correlations between corrected phenotypes (Cp) and EBV were used to evaluate the predictive ability on young animals born in 2016–2017. In the simulated data set, keeping data two generations back or greater resulted in no statistical difference (p‐value > 0.05) in the reduction in the true breeding value at generation 15 compared to utilizing all available data. Across swine data sets, removing phenotypes from animals born prior to 2011 resulted in a negligible or a slight numerical increase in the correlation between Cp and EBV. Truncating data is a method to alleviate computational issues without negatively impacting the predictive ability of selection candidate EBV.
Past vegetation dynamics in the Yellowstone region highlight the vulnerability of mountain systems to climate change
Authors: Iglesias Virginia , Whitlock Cathy , Krause Teresa R. , Baker Richard G.
Published: June 2018

Aim

Reconstruct the long‐term ecosystem dynamics of the region across an elevational gradient as they relate to climate and local controls. In particular, we (1) describe the dominant conifers' history; (2) assess changes in vegetation composition and distribution; and (3) note periods of abrupt change versus stability as means of better understanding vegetation responses to environmental variability.

Location

Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE; USA).

Time period

16.5 ka bp‐present.

Major taxa studied

Juniperus, Picea, Abies, Pinus, Pseudotsuga.

Methods

The vegetation reconstruction was developed from 15 pollen records. Results were interpreted based on modern pollen–vegetation relationships estimated from a suite of regression‐based approaches.

Results

Calibrated pollen data suggest that late‐glacial vegetation, dominated by shrubs and Juniperus, lacks a modern counterpart in the area. Picea, Abies and Pinus expanded at 16 ka bp in association with postglacial warming and co‐occurred in mixed‐conifer parkland/forest after 12 ka bp. This association along with Pinus contorta forest, which was present after 9 ka bp, has persisted with little change at middle and high elevations to the present day. This stability contrasts with the dynamic history of plant communities at low elevations, where shifts between parkland, steppe and forest over the last 8,000 years were likely driven by variations in effective moisture and fire.

Main conclusions

The postglacial vegetation history of the GYE highlights the dynamic nature of mountain ecosystems and informs on their vulnerability to future climate change: (1) most of the conifers have been present in the area for >12,000 years and survived climate change by adjusting their elevational ranges; (2) some plant associations have exhibited stability over millennia as a result of nonclimatic controls; and (3) present‐day forest cover is elevationally more compressed than at any time in history, probably due to the legacy of the Medieval Climate Anomaly and the Little Ice Age.
Overcoming among‐lineage rate heterogeneity to infer the divergence times and biogeography of the clubmoss family Lycopodiaceae
Authors: Testo Weston , Field Ashley , Barrington David
Published: June 2018

Aim

To infer divergence times and historical biogeography of the cosmopolitan lycophyte family Lycopodiaceae.

Location

Worldwide.

Methods

We generated time‐calibrated phylogenies of the Lycopodiaceae based on six regions of chloroplast DNA using a node‐dating approach implemented in beast with eight fossil calibrations. To investigate effects of among‐lineage substitution rate heterogeneity on divergence time estimation, we compared the performance of two relaxed clock models: an uncorrelated lognormal clock model and a random local clock (RLC) model. The historical biogeography of the family was inferred using two Bayesian models implemented in BioGeoBEARS.

Results

Divergence time estimates for major groups of the Lycopodiaceae obtained using the two substitution clock models differed substantially, and the RLC model was a better fit. The Lycopodiaceae crown group age is estimated to be late Devonian, and most deep divergence events date to the Carboniferous, with most extant species diversity accumulating during the Cenozoic. The timing of divergences of major clades in the Lycopodiaceae corresponds to the breakup of the Pangaean and Gondwanan supercontinents. Long‐distance dispersal events are relatively common, but generally do not appear to be followed by subsequent radiations.

Main conclusions

Accounting for among‐lineage substitution rate heterogeneity improves divergence time estimates for the Lycopodiaceae. The family has a deep evolutionary history, and continent‐scale vicariance events in the Mesozoic appear to have been associated with major cladogenesis events, with long‐distance dispersal playing a relatively minor role.
Alexithymia and autistic traits as possible predictors for traits related to depression, anxiety, and stress: A multivariate statistical approach
Authors: Fietz Julia , Valencia Noel , Silani Giorgia
Published: June 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Our study focused on the general population and explored the relationships between autistic traits and alexithymia, on the one hand, and traits related to depression, anxiety, and stress, on the other, using a multivariate statistical approach. In previous research, autistic traits and alexithymia have been linked to these traits both in clinical populations and in the general population. We also investigated a possible multiplicative effect of autistic traits and alexithymia and attempted to determine which of these two variables is the better predictor for health outcomes.

Methods

An online survey was conducted, and 302 participants were included in the statistical analysis. A structural equation modelling approach was chosen, and a model based on prior findings was designed and tested by using IBM SPSS AMOS 21.

Results

The results showed significant, medium‐sized effects of alexithymia on depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, a medium‐sized significant effect of autistic traits on depression, a small significant effect on stress, and a small nonsignificant effect on anxiety were found. The interaction term of alexithymia and autistic traits had no significant effects on any of the endogenous variables.

Conclusions

Alexithymia can be considered the better predictor for anxiety in this sample, and it is unlikely that a multiplicative effect of alexithymia and autistic traits exists. The use of multivariate statistical methods provided additional information for understanding the investigated constructs and their interdependence.
Specific item patterns in comparison to generalized sum score—the Care Dependency Scale (CDS) as a screening tool for specific care problems
Authors: Kuntz Simone , Dassen Theo , Lahmann Nils A.
Published: June 2018

Aims

The aim of this study is to identify items of the Care Dependency Scale (CDS) with overriding importance for the specific nursing care problems of pressure ulcers, falls, and malnutrition.

Method

Secondary data analysis of 5 multicentre consecutive annual cross‐sectional surveys from 2008 to 2012. For the study, data were analysed from 19 787 individuals in 262 long‐term care facilities throughout Germany. Based on a standardized study protocol and international definitions, data regarding care dependency and care problems were gathered by direct examination. To identify the most relevant items of the CDS regarding pressure ulcers, falls, and malnutrition, classification trees (Classification and Regression Trees) were calculated. The validity of the identified items was then confirmed by applying “area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)” statistics.

Results

The Classification and Regression Tree analysis showed a total of 6 nodes for pressure ulcer prevalence on 2 levels. Both levels provided the CDS item mobility as the most important predictor for the prevalence of pressure ulcers with a prevalence of 9.0% for these being completely dependent. The most important CDS item to determine malnutrition is completely dependent on eat and drink with a malnutrition prevalence of 25.2%. Of all CDS items that have been entered into the model, the item mobility showed the strongest association with falls. For pressure ulcers, the CDS items mobility (0.72) and body posture (0.71) provided a higher AUC than the total CDS sum score. Furthermore, for malnutrition, we measured an AUC of 0.63 for item eat and drink while the total CDS provided an AUC of 0.62.

Conclusions

The results of our study suggest that the CDS may be a useful tool for screening patients regarding the risk of pressure ulcers and/or malnutrition. According to our study, the CDS can be used as an assessment for many different care problems.
Multilocus sequence analysis of Vibrionaceae isolated from farmed amberjack and the development of a multiplex PCR assay for the detection of pathogenic species
Authors: Nishiki Issei , Minami Takayuki , Murakami Ayana , Hoai Truong Dinh , Fujiwara Atushi
Published: June 2018

Since 2011, high mortality rates and symptoms consistent with vibriosis have been observed in farmed amberjack (Seriola dumerili) in Japan. To identify 41 strains isolated from diseased amberjack, a multilocus sequence analysis using nine concatenated genes (ftsZ, gapA, gyrB, mreB, pyrH, recA, rpoA, topA and 16S rRNA) was conducted. Twenty‐seven strains were identified as Vibrio harveyi, suggesting an epidemic of V. harveyi infection in amberjack farms. Other strains were identified as Vibrio anguillarum, Vibrio owensii and Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae. To develop an efficient diagnostic method for vibriosis in amberjack, a multiplex PCR system was developed to identify V. anguillarum, V. harveyi and P. damselae subsp. damselae. The method successfully discriminated between these three bacterial species, with amplification products of 350 bp for V. anguillarum, 545 bp for V. harveyi and 887 bp for P. damselae subsp. damselae and can be used for diagnosis in aquaculture farms.
Nutritional status and interventions in hospice: physician assessment of cancer patients
Authors: Flynn B. , Barrett M. , Sui J. , Halpin C. , Paz G. , Walsh D.
Published: June 2018

Background

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterised by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass. It adversely influences quality of life, treatment response and survival. Early identification and multimodal interventions can potentially treat cancer cachexia. However, healthcare professionals demonstrate a lack of understanding and the ability to identify cancer cachexia early. The present study aimed to evaluate the assessment by physicians of nutritional status in cancer patients admitted to hospice.

Methods

A retrospective medical record review was conducted on all cancer admissions to a specialist in‐patient palliative care unit over a 4‐month period between October 2016 and January 2017. Charts were reviewed for evidence of documented nutritional assessment by physicians. Data were collected from the referral letter, admission notes, drug kardex and discharge letter. The information extracted included: (i) patient demographics and characteristics; (ii) terms used by physicians to describe nutritional status; (iii) any record of nutritional impact symptoms (NIS) experienced by the patient; and (iv) nutritional interventions prescribed.

Results

One hundred and forty admissions were evaluated. Nutritional terminology and NIS were most commonly documented on the admission notes. Only 41% of documents recorded any nutritional term used by physicians to assess nutritional status. Furthermore, 71% of documents recorded at least one NIS experienced by the patient. Fatigue was the most frequent NIS.

Conclusions

We identified an inadequate nutritional assessment of cancer patients admitted to hospice. Implementation of a nutritional symptom checklist and nutrition screening tools, along with enhanced physician education and multidisciplinary nutrition care, could improve the identification and management of cancer cachexia in the palliative care setting.
An overview of state‐of‐the‐art image restoration in electron microscopy
Authors: ROELS J. , AELTERMAN J. , LUONG H.Q. , LIPPENS S. , PIŽURICA A. , SAEYS Y. , PHILIPS W.
Published: June 2018

In Life Science research, electron microscopy (EM) is an essential tool for morphological analysis at the subcellular level as it allows for visualization at nanometer resolution. However, electron micrographs contain image degradations such as noise and blur caused by electromagnetic interference, electron counting errors, magnetic lens imperfections, electron diffraction, etc. These imperfections in raw image quality are inevitable and hamper subsequent image analysis and visualization. In an effort to mitigate these artefacts, many electron microscopy image restoration algorithms have been proposed in the last years. Most of these methods rely on generic assumptions on the image or degradations and are therefore outperformed by advanced methods that are based on more accurate models. Ideally, a method will accurately model the specific degradations that fit the physical acquisition settings. In this overview paper, we discuss different electron microscopy image degradation solutions and demonstrate that dedicated artefact regularisation results in higher quality restoration and is applicable through recently developed probabilistic methods.
Formulating and Answering High‐Impact Causal Questions in Physiologic Childbirth Science: Concepts and Assumptions
Authors: Snowden Jonathan M. , Tilden Ellen L. , Odden Michelle C.
Published: June 2018

In this article, we conclude our 3‐part series by focusing on several concepts that have proven useful for formulating causal questions and inferring causal effects. The process of causal inference is of key importance for physiologic childbirth science, so each concept is grounded in content related to women at low risk for perinatal complications. A prerequisite to causal inference is determining that the question of interest is causal rather than descriptive or predictive. Another critical step in defining a high‐impact causal question is assessing the state of existing research for evidence of causality. We introduce 2 causal frameworks that are useful for this undertaking, Hill's causal considerations and the sufficient‐component cause model. We then provide 3 steps to aid perinatal researchers in inferring causal effects in a given study. First, the researcher should formulate a rigorous and clear causal question. We introduce an example of epidural analgesia and labor progression to demonstrate this process, including the central role of temporality. Next, the researcher should assess the suitability of the given data set to answer this causal question. In randomized controlled trials, data are collected with the express purpose of answering the causal question. Investigators using observational data should also ensure that their chosen causal question is answerable with the available data. Finally, investigators should design an analysis plan that targets the causal question of interest. Some data structures (eg, time‐dependent confounding by labor progress when estimating the effect of epidural analgesia on postpartum hemorrhage) require specific analytical tools to control for bias and estimate causal effects. The assumptions of consistency, exchangeability, and positivity may be especially useful in carrying out these steps. Drawing on appropriate causal concepts and considering relevant assumptions strengthens our confidence that research has reduced the likelihood of alternative explanations (eg bias, chance) and estimated a causal effect.
The Effects of Financial Education on Short‐Term and Long‐Term Financial Behaviors
Authors: Wagner Jamie , Walstad William B.
Published: June 2018

This study investigates how financial education in high school, college, or in the workplace affects the short‐ and long‐term financial behaviors of adults using the 2015 National Financial Capability Study (NFCS) data. Financial education appears to have generally insignificant effects on short‐term behaviors for which there is regular feedback and penalties, and thus greater opportunity for learning by doing. If consumers do not pay off their credit card bill, they get a monthly statement showing interest charges and penalties. Financial education appears to have more positive and stronger effects on long‐term behaviors with less timely feedback, and for which the adverse consequences are not fully realized until later in life, so learning by doing may not work. Not saving enough money for retirement cannot be easily or quickly corrected, if at all. The benefits to financial education may differ based on the time horizon for the financial behaviors.
The Effect of Food‐Simulating Agents on the Bond Strength of Hard Chairside Reline Materials to Denture Base Resin
Authors: Fatemi Farzaneh Sadat , Vojdani Mahroo , Khaledi Amir Ali Reza
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To investigate the influence of food‐simulating agents on the shear bond strength between direct hard liners and denture base acrylic resin. In addition, mode of failure was evaluated.

Materials and Methods

One hundred fifty cylindrical columns of denture base resin were fabricated and bonded to three types of hard reline materials (Hard GC Reline, Tokuyama Rebase II Fast, TDV Cold Liner Rebase). Specimens of each reline material were divided into five groups (n = 10) to undergo 12‐day immersion in distilled water, 0.02 N citric acid aqueous solution, heptane, and 40% ethanol/water solution at 37°C. The control group was not immersed in any solution. The shear bond strength test was performed, and the failure mode was determined. Statistics were analyzed with two‐way ANOVA and chi‐square test (α = 0.05).

Results

Significant interaction was found between the hard liners and food simulating agents (p < 0.001). The shear bond strength of Tokuyama in 40% ethanol and TDV in heptane decreased significantly (p = 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively); however, none of the solutions could significantly affect the shear bond strength of Hard GC Reline (p = 0.208). The mixed failure mode occurred more frequently in Hard GC Reline compared with the other liners (p < 0.001) and was predominant in specimens with higher bond strength values (p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Food simulating agents did not adversely affect the shear bond strength of Hard GC Reline; however, ethanol and heptane decreased the bond strength of Tokuyama and TDV, respectively. These findings may provide support to dentists to recommend restricted consumption of some foods and beverages for patients who have to use dentures relined with certain hard liners.
Minimally Invasive Treatment of an Adult with Severe Pseudo Class III Malocclusion
Authors: Vahidi Farhad
Published: June 2018

Pseudo class III malocclusion is reverse anterior occlusion or anterior cross‐bite with first molars and canines in a class I relationship. It is very important to diagnose the pseudo class III from true skeletal class III. The combination of anterior displacement of the mandible, tooth wear, and loss of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) in adults may result anterior cross‐bite. The key factor in diagnosis of this malocclusion is an interdisciplinary approach with an orthodontist. Cephalometric images are essential for diagnosis of pseudo class III mal‐occlusion. Most relevant publications on correcting this condition have recommended either full‐coverage restorations or extraction and placement of implants to correct this malocclusion. Advances of material and technology may help dental practitioners to restore tooth wear and OVD with a conservative approach without removing more tooth structures. This clinical report shows the treatment of pseudo class III with minimally invasive treatment using partial coverage restorations fabricated with lithium disilicate.
The effectiveness of an online training programme to prepare teachers to provide asthma first aid
Authors: Luckie Kate , Saini Bandana , Galstaun Vilma , Kritikos Vicky , Collins Jack C , Moles Rebekah J
Published: June 2018

Aim

Asthma is prevalent in our primary (elementary) school population. Training in asthma management for school staff should be relevant and focused on the recognition and management of an acute severe exacerbation of asthma. Evidence suggests that online training can be as effective as face‐to‐face training for medical education; however, there is little information regarding the effectiveness of online asthma education.

Methods

University students in the final year of their primary education degree completed the asthma first aid (AFA) knowledge questionnaire before undertaking a 1‐h online training course in asthma management. After 3 weeks, participants underwent a second AFA knowledge questionnaire followed by an AFA scenario‐based skills assessment. This skills assessment required the student to describe and demonstrate how they would manage a child having a severe exacerbation of asthma using the AFA equipment provided. Skills scores were further analysed to establish AFA competency.

Results

AFA knowledge scores improved significantly after the asthma online training (64–79%), z = −6.11 (P < 0.001). The mean AFA skills score after the training was 20.5 (79%); however, the proportion of students who achieved a level of competency sufficient to save the life of a child having a severe exacerbation of asthma was only 29%.

Conclusion

This research has revealed that online asthma management training was effective in increasing the knowledge needed for AFA. This knowledge did not translate into effective AFA skills, with only 29% of participants deemed competent to save the life of a child in an asthma emergency.
The potential of salivary biomarkers for predicting the sensitivity and monitoring the response to nonsurgical periodontal therapy: A preliminary assessment
Authors: Lee C.‐H. , Chen Y.‐W. , Tu Y.‐K. , Wu Y.‐C. , Chang P.‐C.
Published: June 2018

Background and Objective

The response to nonsurgical periodontal treatment varied among patients. This study assessed the potential of salivary biomarkers for predicting the sensitivity and monitoring the response to nonsurgical periodontal therapy.

Material and Methods

This study recruited 34 participants with severe chronic periodontitis (the test group) and 20 participants without periodontal destruction in any teeth (the control group) from September 6, 2013 to August 25, 2017. Participants in the test group received nonsurgical periodontal therapy and were further divided into 2 subgroups of 17 low responders and 17 high responders, based on probing depth reduction. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded, and saliva samples were harvested before and after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Salivary biomarkers, including interleukin (IL)‐1beta (IL‐1β), IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra), IL‐6, IL‐8, platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB, vascular endothelial growth factor, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, C‐reactive protein, and lactoferrin were analyzed.

Results

Compared with participants in the control group, participants in the test group had significantly greater periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and salivary IL‐1β and MMP‐8 levels, and all of these parameters were significantly reduced after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. The pretreatment levels of IL‐1β, MMP‐8, and lactoferrin were significantly higher in participants of the high‐responder subgroup than participants of the low‐responder subgroup.Based on the analysis from a dichotomous table, MMP‐8 and lactoferrin showed odds ratios of 5.76, with 71% sensitivity and 71% specificity, and statistical significance (P = .02) for discriminating between the high‐ and low‐responder subgroups.

Conclusion

Salivary IL‐1β and MMP‐8 might be useful for diagnosing periodontitis and monitoring the recovery of periodontitis following nonsurgical periodontal therapy. MMP‐8 and lactoferrin showed potential for predicting the sensitivity to the treatment.
Epidemiology and risk factors of peri‐implantitis: A systematic review
Authors: Dreyer H. , Grischke J. , Tiede C. , Eberhard J. , Schweitzer A. , Toikkanen S. E. , Glöckner S. , Krause G. , Stiesch M.
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the prevalence, incidence and risk factors of peri‐implantitis in the current literature. An electronic search was performed to identify publications from January 1980 until March 2016 on 9 databases. The prevalence and incidence of peri‐implantitis were assessed in different subgroups of patients and the prevalences were adjusted for sample size (SSA) of studies. For 12 of 111 identified putative risk factors and risk indicators, forest plots were created. Heterogeneity analysis and random effect meta‐analysis were performed for selected potential risk factors of peri‐implantitis. The search retrieved 8357 potentially relevant studies. Fifty‐seven studies were included in the systematic review. Overall, the prevalence of peri‐implantitis on implant level ranged from 1.1% to 85.0% and the incidence from 0.4% within 3 years, to 43.9% within 5 years, respectively. The median prevalence of peri‐implantitis was 9.0% (SSA10.9%) for regular participants of a prophylaxis program, 18.8% (SSA8.8%) for patients without regular preventive maintenance, 11.0% (SSA7.4%) for non‐smokers, 7.0% (SSA7.0%) among patients representing the general population, 9.6% (SSA9.6%) for patients provided with fixed partial dentures, 14.3% (SSA9.8%) for subjects with a history of periodontitis, 26.0% (SSA28.8%) for patients with implant function time ≥5 years and 21.2% (SSA38.4%) for ≥10 years. On a medium and medium‐high level of evidence, smoking (effect summaryOR1.7, 95%CI1.25‐2.3), diabetes mellitus (effect summaryOR2.5; 95%CI1.4‐4.5), lack of prophylaxis and history or presence of periodontitis were identified as risk factors of peri‐implantitis. There is medium‐high evidence that patient’s age (effect summaryOR1.0, 95%CI0.87‐1.16), gender and maxillary implants are not related to peri‐implantitis. Currently, there is no convincing or low evidence available that identifies osteoporosis, absence of keratinized mucosa, implant surface characteristics or edentulism as risk factors for peri‐implantitis. Based on the data analyzed in this systematic review, insufficient high‐quality evidence is available to the research question. Future studies of prospective, randomized and controlled type including sufficient sample sizes are needed. The application of consistent diagnostic criteria (eg, according to the latest definition by the European Workshop on Periodontology) is particularly important. Very few studies evaluated the incidence of peri‐implantitis; however, this study design may contribute to examine further the potential risk factors.
Gait characteristics of vertical climbing in mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Authors: Neufuss J. , Robbins M. M. , Baeumer J. , Humle T. , Kivell T. L.
Published: June 2018

Biomechanical analyses of arboreal locomotion in great apes in their natural environment are scarce and thus attempts to correlate behavioral and habitat differences with variations in morphology are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the gait characteristics of vertical climbing in mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in a natural environment to assess differences in the climbing styles that may relate to variation in body size. We investigated temporal variables (i.e., cycle duration, duty factors, and stride frequency) and footfall sequences (i.e., diagonal vs. lateral sequence gaits) during vertical climbing (both ascent and descent) in 11 wild mountain gorillas and compared these data to those of eight semi‐free‐ranging chimpanzees, using video records ad libitum. Comparisons of temporal gait parameters revealed that large‐bodied mountain gorillas exhibited a longer cycle duration, lower stride frequency and generally a higher duty factor than small‐bodied chimpanzees. While both apes were similarly versatile in their vertical climbing performance in the natural environment, mountain gorillas most often engaged in diagonal sequence/diagonal couplet gaits and chimpanzees most often used lateral sequence/diagonal couplet gaits. This study revealed that mountain gorillas adapt their climbing strategy to accommodate their large body mass in a similar manner previously found in captive western lowland gorillas, and that chimpanzees are less variable in their climbing strategy than has been documented in captive bonobos.
The Substitutional Analysis of Logical Consequence
Authors: Halbach Volker
Published: June 2018

A substitutional account of logical validity for formal first‐order languages is developed and defended against competing accounts such as the model‐theoretic definition of validity. Roughly, a substitution instance of a sentence is defined as the result of uniformly substituting nonlogical expressions in the sentence with expressions of the same grammatical category and possibly relativizing quantifiers. In particular, predicate symbols can be replaced with formulae possibly containing additional free variables. A sentence is defined to be logically true iff all its substitution instances are satisfied by all variable assignments. Logical consequence is defined analogously. Satisfaction is taken to be a primitive notion and axiomatized.

For every set‐theoretic model in the sense of model theory there exists a corresponding substitutional interpretation in a sense to be specified. Conversely, however, there are substitutional interpretations – in particular the ‘intended’ interpretation – that lack a model‐theoretic counterpart. The substitutional definition of logical validity overcomes the weaknesses of more restrictive accounts of substitutional validity; unlike model‐theoretic logical consequence, the substitutional notion is trivially and provably truth preserving. In Kreisel's squeezing argument the formal notion of substitutional validity naturally slots into the place of intuitive validity.
Genomic variations in the 3′‐termini of Rice stripe virus in the rotation between vector insect and host plant
Authors: Zhao Wan , Xu Zhongtian , Zhang Xiaoming , Yang Meiling , Kang Le , Liu Renyi , Cui Feng
Published: June 2018

A large number of plant RNA viruses circulate between plants and insects. For RNA viruses, host alternations may impose a differential selective pressure on viral populations and induce variations in viral genomes. Here, we report the variations in the 3′‐terminal regions of the multiple‐segment RNA virus Rice stripe virus (RSV) that were discovered through de novo assembly of the genome using RNA sequencing data from infected host plants and vector insects.

The newly assembled RSV genome contained 16‐ and 15‐nt extensions at the 3′‐termini of two genome segments compared with the published reference RSV genome. Our study demonstrated that these extensional sequences were consistently observed in two RSV isolates belonging to distinct genetic subtypes in RSV‐infected rice, wheat and tobacco. Moreover, the de novo assembled genome of Southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus also contained 3′‐terminal extensions in five RNA segments compared with the reference genome.

Time course experiments confirmed that the 3′‐terminal extensions of RSV were enriched in the vector insects, were gradually eliminated in the host plant and potentially affected viral replication.

These findings indicate that variations in the 3′‐termini of viral genomes may be different adaptive strategies for plant RNA viruses in insects and plants.