bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Super-resolution microscopy reveals the three-dimensional organization of meiotic chromosome axes in intactC. eleganstissue
Authors: Köhler Simone , Wojcik Michal , Xu Ke , Dernburg Abby F.
Published: March 2017

When cells enter meiosis, their chromosomes reorganize as linear arrays of chromatin loops anchored to a central axis. Meiotic chromosome axes form a platform for the assembly of the synaptonemal complex (SC), and play central roles in other meiotic processes, including homologous pairing, recombination, and chromosome segregation. However, little is known about the three-dimensional organization of components within the axes, which consist of cohesin complexes and additional meiosis-specific proteins. Here we investigate the molecular organization of meiotic chromosome axes inC. elegansthrough STORM and PALM superresolution imaging of intact germline tissue. By tagging one axis protein (HIM-3) with a photoconvertible fluorescent protein, we established a spatial reference for other components, which were localized using antibodies against epitope tags inserted by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Using three-dimensional averaging, we determined the 3D-organization of all known components within synapsed chromosome axes to a precision of 2-5 nanometers. We find that meiosis-specific HORMA-domain proteins span a gap between cohesin complexes and the central region of the SC, consistent with their essential roles in SC assembly. Our data further suggest that the two different meiotic cohesin complexes are distinctly arranged within the axes: Cohesin complexes containing COH-3 or -4 kleisins form a central core in the central plane of the axes, whereas complexes containing REC-8 kleisin protrude above and below the plane defined by the SC. This splayed organization may help to explain the role of the chromosome axes in promoting inter-homolog repair of meiotic double strand breaks by inhibiting inter-sister repair.
Whole-Genome Sequencing: Automated, Nonindexed Library Preparation
Authors: Mardis Elaine , McCombie W. Richard
Published: March 2017

This protocol describes an automated procedure for constructing a nonindexed Illumina DNA library and relies on the use of a CyBi-SELMA automated pipetting machine, the Covaris E210 shearing instrument, and the epMotion 5075. With this method, genomic DNA fragments are produced by sonication, using high-frequency acoustic energy to shear DNA. Here, double-stranded DNA is fragmented when exposed to the energy of adaptive focused acoustic shearing (AFA). The resulting DNA fragments are ligated to adaptors, amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and subjected to size selection using magnetic beads. The product is suitable for use as template in whole-genome sequencing.
Automated Library Preparation for DNA Sequencing
Authors: Mardis Elaine , McCombie W. Richard
Published: March 2017

This protocol describes a generalized automated procedure for constructing indexed and nonindexed Illumina DNA libraries.
Auditing for privacy in threshold PKE e-voting
Authors: Kiayias Aggelos , Zacharias Thomas , Zhang Bingsheng
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the importance of auditing for election privacy via issues that appear in the state-of-the-art implementations of e-voting systems that apply threshold public key encryption (TPKE) in the client such as Helios and use a bulletin board (BB).

Design/methodology/approach

Argumentation builds upon a formal description of a typical TPKE-based e-voting system where the election authority (EA) is the central node in a star network topology. The paper points out the weaknesses of the said topology with respect to privacy and analyzes how these weaknesses affect the security of several instances of TPKE-based e-voting systems. Overall, it studies the importance of auditing from a privacy aspect.

Findings

The paper shows that without public key infrastructure (PKI) support or – more generally – authenticated BB “append” operations, TPKE-based e-voting systems are vulnerable to attacks where the malicious EA can act as a man-in-the-middle between the election trustees and the voters; hence, it can learn how the voters have voted. As a countermeasure for such attacks, this work suggests compulsory trustee auditing. Furthermore, it analyzes how lack of cryptographic proof verification affects the level of privacy that can be provably guaranteed in a typical TPKE e-voting system.

Originality/value

As opposed to the extensively studied importance of auditing to ensure election integrity, the necessity of auditing to protect privacy in an e-voting system has been mostly overlooked. This paper reveals design weaknesses present in noticeable TPKE-based e-voting systems that can lead to a total breach of voters’ privacy and shows how auditing can be applied for providing strong provable privacy guarantees.
Emerging diversity in management accounting research
Authors: Kihn Lili-Anne , Näsi Salme
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Several scholars have recently highlighted the narrowness of accounting research regarding it as a threat to scholarly developments in the field. The aim of this study was to chart progress in management accounting research using a sample of doctoral dissertations published in Finland. In particular, the study examines the range and diversity of research strategic choices in Finnish dissertations over time, including the topics and methodological and theoretical approaches chosen. The authors also briefly compare findings over time and with other progress studies.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal historical investigation was selected. All of the 80 management accounting doctoral dissertations published in Finnish business schools and departments during 1945-2015 were analysed.

Findings

The findings reveal that an expansion of doctoral education has led to an increasing diversity of research strategic choices in Finland. Different issues have been of interest at different times; so, it has been possible to cover a wide range of cost, management accounting and other topics and to use different methodological and theoretical approaches over time. Consequently, management accounting has become a rich and multifaceted field of scientific research.

Research limitations/implications

While this analysis is limited to doctoral research in Finland, the results should be relevant in advancing the understanding of the development of management accounting research.

Practical implications

Overall, the findings support the view that there have been, and continue to be, many ways to conduct innovative research in the field of management accounting.

Social implications

Dissertation research in this field has been extensive and vital enough to educate new generations of academics, guarantee continuity of the subject as an academic discipline and make management accounting a significant academic field of research.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to current research on management accounting change by an analysis of a sample of doctoral dissertations.
The association of a probiotic with a prebiotic (Flortec, Bracco) to improve the quality/quantity of spermatozoa in infertile patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia: a pilot study
Authors: Maretti C. , Cavallini G.
Published: March 2017

The hypothesis that the assumption of a probiotic associated with a prebiotic (Flortec, Bracco; one sachet contains: Lactobacillus paracasei B21060 5 × 109 cells + arabinogalctan 1243 mg + oligo‐fructosaccharides 700 mg + l‐glutamine 500 mg) could improve the quality and quantity of spermatozoa in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia (iAOT) patients to a larger extent than a control substance (starch) was tested. Forty‐one patients with no chromosomal aberrations were randomized into two groups: 20 received Flortec, one sachet per day for 6 months, whereas 21 received the control substance. The following data were collected: clinical history, scrotal Doppler scans, Y microdeletion, karyotype and cystic fibrosis screens, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and prolactin (PRL) levels, and two semen analyses. Both the Flortec and the starch groups underwent two semen analyses and one FSH, LH, T, E2, and PRL measurement in the blood, at the beginning of the study, and after 6 months. The comparisons were carried out using a non‐parametric (Wilcoxon signed rank) test. The side effects were assessed and compared using the chi‐squared test. Group 1 (Flortec) had their sperm count improved: volume of the ejaculate (median from 2.4 to 3.1 mL; p < 0.01), sperm concentration (median: from 15.2 × 106/mL to 28.3 × 106/39 mL; p < 0.01), progressive motility (median: from 16.2 to 42.0%; p < 0.01), and the percentage of typical forms (median: from 7 to 16.3%; p < 0.01); in addition, their FSH, LH, and T levels improved (p < 0.01), while those of E2 and PRL did not. Group 2 (control substance) had no modification in 42 of the parameters studied. There were no side effects in either group. These data showed that Flortec constitutes a safe therapy for improving the volume of the ejaculate and the quality/quantity of spermatozoa in iOAT patients.
Prediction of infarct size using two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Doğan Cem , Bayram Zübeyde , Candan Özkan , Omaygenç Onur , Yılmaz Fatih , Acar Rezzan Deniz , Akbal Özgür Yaşar , Kaymaz Cihangir , Özdemir Nihal
Published: March 2017

Background

This study aimed to determine the myocardial damage (infarct size provided by cardiac single‐photon emission tomography) in early stages of the infarction using longitudinal strain and rotational parameters of the left ventricle.

Methods

The study included 66 patients with anterior myocardial infarction (AMI) and 62 patients with inferior myocardial infarction (IMI) who underwent primary percutaneous intervention as well as a control group consisting of 50 healthy subjects. LV rotational parameters based on parasternal short‐axis views in basal and apical planes and global longitudinal strain were measured with apical four‐chamber, apical two‐chamber, and apical long‐axis views.

Results

There was a significant positive correlation between infarct size and GLPSavg (r=−.55 <.001), GTOR angle (r=−.52, P<.001), apical rotation angle (r=−.40 <.001, and EF (r=−.43, <.001). While cutoff values were GLPSavg: 11.9 (AUC=0.78), GTOR angle: 11.4° (AUC=0.77), apical rotation angle: 7.1° (AUC=0.76) for patients with an infarct size greater than 20%, the cutoff values were GLPSavg: 10.7 (AUC=0.75), GTOR angle: 8.7° (AUC=0.86), apical rotation angle: 4.35° (AUC=0.87) for those with an infarct size greater than 40%.

Conclusion

GLPSavg, GTOR angle, and apical rotation angle values may be used to determine the extent of infarction in early post‐MI period, thereby allowing precautions to be taken for remodeling in early stages.
Predictors and prognostic significance of atrial fibrillation developed during dobutamine stress echocardiography: A propensity score‐matched comparison
Authors: Acharya Yuba , Agrawal Sahil , Bhattarai Junu , Cotarlan Vlad , Shirani Jamshid
Published: March 2017

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) uncommonly occurs during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). We aimed to characterize the predictors and long‐term prognostic significance of AF during DSE.

Methods

The clinical, echocardiographic, and outcome data of patients in sinus rhythm who developed AF during DSE were reviewed and compared to a propensity score‐matched group of controls.

Results

Atrial fibrillation developed in 73 (1% of 7026) patients (age 70±10 years, 58% men). Compared to 144 propensity score‐matched controls without AF during DSE, those with AF were more likely to have had history of prior AF (23% vs 8%, P=.002), known coronary artery disease (CAD; 22% vs 10%, P=.037), enlarged left ventricle (LV; 27% vs 9%, P=.002), LV wall‐motion abnormality (33% vs 12%, P<.0001), enlarged aortic root (22% vs 8%, P=.009), or dilated left atrium (52% vs 30%, P=.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified prior history of AF (OR=3.7, 95% CI 1.5–9.0, P=.005), larger LV size (OR=3.1, 95% CI 1.3–7.3, P=.009), and lower LV ejection fraction (OR=−0.95, 95% CI −0.92 to −0.99, P=.02) as independent predictors of AF during DSE. At a mean follow‐up period of 3.4 (0.5‐7.3) years, those with AF during DSE were more likely to develop new coronary events (22% vs 10%, P=.0372), new‐onset heart failure (19% vs 4%, P=.0003), or die from any cause (27% vs 6%, P<.0001). Kaplan‐Meier curves demonstrated significantly lower event‐free survival in patients compared to controls (P by log‐rank test=.001) over the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Dobutamine‐induced AF occurs more commonly in those with prior history of AF and remodeled LV and is associated with unfavorable outcomes.
THE EFFECT OF INSURANCE COVERAGE ON PREVENTIVE CARE
Authors: Cabral Marika , Cullen Mark R.
Published: March 2017

Despite the growth in health insurance products that differentially cover preventive care and nonpreventive care, little is known about how preventive care utilization responds to targeted changes in coverage. Using administrative data from a large company, this paper examines the implementation of an insurance benefit design which differentially increased the price of nonpreventive care while decreasing the price of prevention. Leveraging a difference‐in‐differences research strategy, we find that preventive care utilization did not increase and even declined due to the differential price change. This evidence indicates a meaningful negative cross‐price effect, suggesting that nonpreventive care and preventive care are complements. (JEL I13, I11)
VAP score as a novel non‐invasive liver fibrosis model in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Ahmed Hassan Elham , Sharaf El‐Din Abd El‐Rehim Abeer , Ahmed Sayed Zain El‐Abdeen , Farah Mohamed Kholef Emad , Sabry Abeer , Abd El‐Rehim Abo Elhagag Noha
Published: March 2017

Aim

Assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients is necessary before antiviral treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of eight non‐invasive models (aspartate aminotransferase [AST]/alanine transaminase ratio [AAR], AST/platelet ratio index [APRI], fibrosis–cirrhosis index [FCI], fibrosis index [FI], fibrosis‐4 [FIB‐4] score, fibrosis quotient [FibroQ], King, and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF‐Ag)/thrombocyte ratio [VITRO] scores) for predicting fibrosis compared with liver biopsy and to create a new score for predicting different fibrosis stages with increased accuracy.

Methods

We prospectively studied 127 treatment‐naive CHC patients who underwent liver biopsy. The AAR, APRI, FCI, FI, FIB‐4, FibroQ, King and VITRO scores were calculated and correlated with fibrosis stages. A new score (VAP) was derived from vWF‐Ag, AST, and platelets: [VAP = (AST (U/L) × vWF‐Ag)/platelets (109/L)].

Results

Apart from AAR, readily available scores were correlated with liver fibrosis stages. VITRO (r = 0.62) and APRI (r = 0.46) showed the closest correlation. Our new (VAP) score significantly correlated with fibrosis stages (r = 0.702, P < 0.001). Compared to other scores, VAP had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, with 0.854, 0.921, 0.849, and 0.861 for mild (F1), significant (≥F2), advanced (≥F3) fibrosis, and cirrhosis (F4) respectively. At a cut‐off value >1, VAP had 75.2% sensitivity and 100% positive predictive value for predicting mild fibrosis. At a cut‐off value >2.3 for predicting cirrhosis, VAP had 73% sensitivity and 81.7% positive predictive value.

Conclusions

The VAP score is a novel model that had higher diagnostic performance to predict different fibrosis stages and subclinical cirrhosis among CHC patients compared to the other studied scores and hence may offer a useful strategy to stratify patients who would benefit from direct‐acting antivirals.
Dermatophytes from the Soil of West Bengal [India]
Authors: Shome S.K. , Shome Usha
Published: March 2017

The authors report the results of screening for dermatophytes soil samples from diverse localities of West Bengal (India). Seventy per cent of these soil samples proved positive; samples obtained from all the diverse localities, except from a pond bank, gave positive results. Nineteen strains of dermatophytes, comprising 11 strains of M. gypseum and eight of T. mentagrophytes, were isolated. Both dermatophytes were present in five samples.
Clinical Evaluation of a New Antiseborrheic Shampoo
Authors: Christianson H. B.
Published: March 2017

Summary and Conclusions

The shampoo studied appears to be valuable in the adjunctive treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, atopic dermatitis and acne miliaris necrotica. It is of limited value in partial diffuse idiopathic alopecia if associated with seborrhea.
Pathophysiology of Scleroderma—A Review
Authors: Landau Joseph W. , Newcomer Victor D.
Published: March 2017

The biochemical and immunologic abnormalities which are currently considered to be of some pathophysiologic significance in scleroderma have been summarized. To date, no specific defect has been identified but several promising findings await additional clarification.
Patologia Cutanea “Mediterranea”
Authors: Cottini G.B. , Musumeci V.
Published: March 2017

Summary and Conclusions

Tropical and subtropical as well as continental skin pathology blend into one another in the Mediterranean area, which encompasses the North African shores, the Middle East and the southern coast of the European continent. Geographic location, climatic conditions, local economy and customs, and medical and social structure all affect the morbidity in a given area. The study of these aspects as they relate to morbidity would certainly appear to be of great interest.

Such a study would include the development of investigational designs of skin physiology and physiopathology as they affect the ecology of a certain area. From the point of view of pathology, that resulting from existing epidemiologic characteristics and the non‐infective pathology strictly associated with environmental factors are of equal importance.

The study of the morbid characteristics most closely related to this pathology not only clarifies contributory or primary local factors but also proves useful in determining various aspects of the over‐all pathology.
Effectiveness of a 12‐week school‐based educational preventive programme on weight and fasting blood glucose in “at‐risk” adolescents of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bani Salameh Ayman , Al‐sheyab Nihaya , El‐hneiti Mamdouh , Shaheen Abeer , Williams Leonie M. , Gallagher Robyn
Published: March 2017

To assess the effectiveness of a 12‐week school‐based educational preventive programme for type 2 diabetes by change in weight and fasting blood glucose level in Jordanian adolescents. Sixteen percent of Jordanian adults have obesity‐related type 2 diabetes and 5.6% of obese adolescents examined, however one‐third unexamined. Rates in Arabic countries will double in 20 years, but this can be prevented and reversed by controlling obesity. A single‐blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2 unisex high schools in Irbid, Jordan, in 2012. Intervention and control participants, aged 12 to 18 years, were visibly overweight/obese. They were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 205) or control (n = 196) groups. At‐risk students were assessed before and after the 12‐week intervention, for change in weight and fasting blood glucose level following preventive instruction and parent‐supported changes. Mean age of participants was 15.3 years with equal percentages of both males (49.4%) and females. Post intervention, the intervention group, demonstrated statistically significant reductions: mean difference of 3.3 kg in weight (P < .000) and 1.36 mg/dL (0.075 mmol/L) in fasting blood glucose (P < .000). School‐based early prevention intervention effectively reduced weight and fasting blood glucose in Jordanian at‐risk adolescents.
Sensitivity analysis of the setup knapsack problem to perturbation of arbitrary profits or weights
Authors: Al‐Maliky Ferhan , Hifi Mhand , Mhalla Hedi
Published: March 2017

The setup knapsack problem can be viewed as a more complex version of the well‐known classical knapsack problem. An instance of such a problem may be defined by a set of n items that is divided into m different classes For each class, only one item is considered as a setup item. The aim of the problem is to pack a subset of items in a knapsack of a predefined capacity that maximizes an objective function. In this paper, we analyze the sensitivity of an optimal solution depending on the variation of the profits or weights of arbitrary items. The optimality of the solution at hand is guaranteed by establishing the sensitivity interval that is characterized by both lower and upper values (called limits). First, two cases are distinguished when varying the profits: perturbation of the profit of an item (either ordinary or setup item) and, variation of the profits of a couple of items containing both setup and ordinary items belonging to the same class. Second, two cases are studied, where the perturbation concerns the weights: the variation is relied on the weight of an item and, the case of the variation of the weights of a subset of items. The established results are first illustrated throughout a didactic example, where both approximate and exact methods are used for analyzing the quality of the proposed results. Finally, an extended experimental part is proposed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed limits.
Relationship between parental hypertension and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents
Authors: Yoo Jung Eun , Park Hye Soon
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental hypertension and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents. The authors analyzed data of 554 adolescents aged 13 to 19 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013. The associations between parental hypertension and cardiometabolic abnormalities in adolescents were evaluated through multivariate logistic regression. Parental hypertension was noted in 16.2% of participants. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overweight (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.01–4.28) and obesity (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.09–4.07) were significantly higher in participants with parental hypertension. The adjusted ORs for abdominal obesity (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.01–5.56), high blood pressure (OR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.19–7.78), and elevated alanine transaminase defined as >35 IU/L (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.03–7.95) were significantly higher in participants with parental hypertension. Prevention of cardiometabolic risk factors should be reinforced in the offspring of hypertensive parents.
Melatonin regulates PARP1 to control the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in human fetal lung fibroblast cells
Authors: Yu Songtao , Wang Xiaojiao , Geng Peiliang , Tang Xudong , Xiang Lisha , Lu Xin , Li Jianjun , Ruan Zhihua , Chen Jianfang , Xie Ganfeng , Wang Zhe , Ou Juanjuan , Peng Yuan , Luo Xi , Zhang Xuan , Dong Yan , Pang Xueli , Miao Hongming , Chen Hongshan , Liang Houjie
Published: March 2017

Cellular senescence is an important tumor‐suppressive mechanism. However, acquisition of a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in senescent cells has deleterious effects on the tissue microenvironment and, paradoxically, promotes tumor progression. In a drug screen, we identified melatonin as a novel SASP suppressor in human cells. Strikingly, melatonin blunts global SASP gene expression upon oncogene‐induced senescence (OIS). Moreover, poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1), a sensor of DNA damage, was identified as a new melatonin‐dependent regulator of SASP gene induction upon OIS. Here, we report two different but potentially coherent epigenetic strategies for melatonin regulation of SASP. The interaction between the telomeric repeat‐containing RNA (TERRA) and PARP‐1 stimulates the SASP, which was attenuated by 67.9% (illustrated by the case of IL8) by treatment with melatonin. Through binding to macroH2A1.1, PARP‐1 recruits CREB‐binding protein (CBP) to mediate acetylation of H2BK120, which positively regulates the expression of target SASP genes, and this process is interrupted by melatonin. Consequently, the findings provide novel insight into melatonin's epigenetic role via modulating PARP‐1 in suppression of SASP gene expression in OIS‐induced senescent cells. Our studies identify melatonin as a novel anti‐SASP molecule, define PARP‐1 as a new target by which melatonin regulates SASP, and establish a new epigenetic paradigm for a pharmacological mechanism by which melatonin interrupts PARP‐1 interaction with the telomeric long noncoding RNA(lncRNA) or chromatin.
A retrospective study of dogs with atypical hypoadrenocorticism: a diagnostic cut‐off or continuum?
Authors: Wakayama J. A. , Furrow E. , Merkel L. K. , Armstrong P. J.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To describe the clinicopathologic findings and outcome in dogs with atypical hypoadrenocorticism (Group 1) and dogs with suspected atypical hypoadrenocorticism whose post‐adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation cortisol concentrations were greater than 55 nmol/L but below the laboratory reference interval (Group 2).

Methods

Medical records were searched to identify dogs diagnosed with hypoadrenocorticism between January 2004 and June 2014. Dogs were excluded if their Na:K ratio was less than 27 or if they had received prior therapy that could interfere with adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing.

Results

Forty dogs were included in Group 1 and nine dogs in Group 2. In Group 1, the most common biochemical abnormalities were hypoalbuminaemia (87%) and hypocholesterolaemia (76%). Of 35 dogs in Group 1 with follow‐up biochemistry results, five (14%) developed electrolyte abnormalities at 2 to 51 months post diagnosis. Of seven dogs in Group 2 with follow‐up, glucocorticoid therapy was discontinued in two dogs without return of clinical signs, four dogs were subsequently diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and one dog continued to have clinical signs despite glucocorticoid treatment.

Clinical Significance

Dogs with gastrointestinal signs and hypoalbuminaemia and, or, hypocholesterolaemia should be evaluated for atypical hypoadrenocorticism. Follow‐up electrolyte monitoring is recommended because some will develop electrolyte abnormalities. Although dogs in Group 2 had a clinical presentation compatible with atypical hypoadrenocorticism, the diagnosis appears unlikely based on review of follow‐up data. Dogs with equivocal adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation results should be evaluated for other underlying diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. The use of endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone measurements in these dogs warrants investigation.
Tibial tuberosity advancement in small‐breed dogs usingTTARapid implants: complications and outcome
Authors: Dyall B. , Schmökel H.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To assess the perioperative complications and the outcome when treating small‐breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency with tibial tuberosity advancement using theTTARapid implant.

Materials and Methods

40 dogs (48 stifles) with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency and body weight of 15 kg or less. Diagnosis was confirmed by arthroscopy or arthrotomy, followed by tibial tuberosity advancement surgery. Six weeks after surgery, the dogs were re‐evaluated with clinical examination and radiography. Mid‐ to long‐term outcome was assessed using client questionnaire.

Results

Intraoperative complications consisted of four osteotomy‐related fissures through the cranial cortex; two complete fissures were stabilised with a screw, the others healed without intervention. After surgery there were two tibial fractures and two incisional complications. Six weeks postoperatively, limb function was good to excellent in 43 dogs (94%). Two late meniscal injuries occurred. The overall major complication rate was 7/48 14·6%). Mid‐ to long‐term follow‐up information was available for 43 stifles: 34 stifles (79%) were free of lameness at a median of 72 weeks postoperatively. The outcome was rated excellent by 88% of the clients and good by 7%.

Clinical Significance

The use ofTTARapid implants is an alternative for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency in small‐breed dogs, with complication rates comparable to those recorded in larger breeds and to other techniques, and with a high degree of owner satisfaction.
A role for virtue in unifying the ‘knowledge’ and ‘caring’ discourses in nursing theory
Authors: Bliss Suzanne , Baltzly Dirk , Bull Rosalind , Dalton Lisa , Jones Jo
Published: March 2017

A critical examination of contemporary nursing theory suggests that two distinct discourses coexist within this field. On the one hand, proponents of the ‘knowledge discourse’ argue that nurses should drop the ‘virtue script’ and focus on the scientific and technical aspects of their work. On the other hand, proponents of the ‘caring discourse’ promote a view of nursing that embodies humanistic qualities such as compassion, empathy and mutuality. In view of this, we suggest a way to reconcile both discourses despite the fact that they appear to be at odds theoretically and practically. To that end, we argue that nursing theory must give a prominent role to the Aristotelian conception of virtue, and we offer an account that includes both character and intellectual virtues. This account allows for a focus on moral competence but also accommodates the demands for discipline‐specific knowledge. Our account incorporates the caring discourse by suggesting a way for individuals to cultivate the conditions within themselves that make ‘caring in nursing’ possible, while the knowledge discourse is accommodated via the acquisition of the intellectual virtues. The process for achieving both these ends is the same: an intention to consistently develop, hone and exercise certain character traits over time.
Understanding the Adoption Process of National Security Technology: An Integration of Diffusion of Innovations and Volitional Behavior Theories
Authors: Iles Irina A. , Egnoto Michael J. , Fisher Liu Brooke , Ackerman Gary , Roberts Holly , Smith Daniel
Published: March 2017

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. government initiated several national security technology adoption programs. The American public, however, has been skeptical about these initiatives and adoption of national security technologies has been mandated, rather than voluntary. We propose and test a voluntary behavioral intention formation model for the adoption of one type of new security technology: portable radiation detectors. Portable radiation detectors are an efficient way of detecting radiological and nuclear threats and could potentially prevent loss of life and damage to individuals’ health. However, their functioning requires that a critical mass of individuals use them on a daily basis. We combine the explanatory advantages of diffusion of innovation with the predictive power of two volitional behavior frameworks: the theory of reasoned action and the health belief model. A large sample survey (N = 1,482) investigated the influence of factors identified in previous diffusion of innovation research on portable radiation detector adoption intention. Results indicated that nonfinancial incentives, as opposed to financial incentives, should be emphasized in persuasive communications aimed at fostering adoption. The research provides a new integration of diffusion of innovation elements with determinants of volitional behavior from persuasion literature, and offers recommendations on effective communication about new security technologies to motivate public adoption and enhance national safety.
Detection of DNA from undeclared animal species in commercial elimination diets for dogs using PCR
Authors: Horvath‐Ungerboeck Christa , Widmann Karoline , Handl Stefanie
Published: March 2017

Background

Elimination diets are the gold standard for the diagnosis of adverse food reactions (AFR). A broad variety of commercial diets are available containing either hydrolysed protein or novel ingredients which claim to be suitable for elimination diets. Contamination may be one factor accounting for the failure of commercial elimination diet trials.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To test commercial diets labelled as suitable for elimination diets for dogs, for DNA of animal origin other than that declared on the label.

Methods

Twelve commercial dry and tinned dog food products were investigated for DNA of animal origin (chicken, turkey, beef, mutton and pork) using PCR testing.

Results

In nine of 10 over‐the‐counter diets, DNA of one or more animal species other than declared on the label was identified. The DNA most frequently detected was derived from beef (n = 8) and pork (n = 6). Two hydrolysed diets only contained DNA of the declared animal source.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Over‐the‐counter “single protein diets” or canned meat products cannot be recommended for the diagnosis of dogs with AFR because contamination may cause the elimination diet to fail.
Cine y video experimental chileno: abriendo fronteras, problematizando historias
Authors: PINTO VEAS IVAN PABLO , Aravena Abughosh Claudia
Published: March 2017

El artículo tiene por objetivo establecer un panorama de tendencias recientes del audiovisual experimental chileno considerando recorridos más vinculados a la instalación artística, al documental ensayo y el llamado video-arte, moviéndose entre zonas y espacios institucionales. Junto con ello el texto busca pensar críticamente la dificultad histórica por asentar estas exploraciones en el universo audiovisual chileno, buscando antecedentes y situando contextualmente el objeto.

 
DDiT4L promotes autophagy and inhibits pathological cardiac hypertrophy in response to stress
Authors: Simonson Bridget , Subramanya Vinita , Chan Mun Chun , Zhang Aifeng , Franchino Hannabeth , Ottaviano Filomena , Mishra Manoj K. , Knight Ashley C. , Hunt Danielle , Ghiran Ionita , Khurana Tejvir S. , Kontaridis Maria I. , Rosenzweig Anthony , Das Saumya
Published: March 2017

The mTORC1 inhibitor DDiT4L prevents the increase in heart size caused by stress.
Macular hole closure following spontaneous release of vitreomacular traction
Authors: Ozgonul Cem , Besirli Cagri G
Published: March 2017

We describe the temporal changes observed with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in the left eye of a 65-year-old man who developed a stage 1 macular hole secondary to vitreomacular traction (VMT). After 1 month, VMT had resolved spontaneously with a complete posterior vitreous detachment. Following VMT resolution, macular hole demonstrated progressive improvement and outer retinal disruption recovered spontaneously. This report highlights the importance of observation before any intervention for cases of stage 1 macular hole associated with VMT.
Precision orthotics: optimising ankle foot orthoses to improve gait in patients with neuromuscular diseases; protocol of the PROOF-AFO study, a prospective intervention study
Authors: Waterval Niels F J , Nollet Frans , Harlaar Jaap , Brehm Merel-Anne
Published: March 2017

Introduction

In patients with neuromuscular disorders and subsequent calf muscle weakness, metabolic walking energy cost (EC) is nearly always increased, which may restrict walking activity in daily life. To reduce walking EC, a spring-like ankle-foot-orthosis (AFO) can be prescribed. However, the reduction in EC that can be obtained from these AFOs is stiffness dependent, and it is unknown which AFO stiffness would optimally support calf muscle weakness. The PROOF-AFO study aims to determine the effectiveness of stiffness-optimised AFOs on reducing walking EC, and improving gait biomechanics and walking speed in patients with calf muscle weakness, compared to standard, non-optimised AFOs. A second aim is to build a model to predict optimal AFO stiffness.

Methods and analysis

A prospective intervention study will be conducted. In total, 37 patients with calf muscle weakness who already use an AFO will be recruited. At study entry, participants will receive a new custom-made spring-like AFO of which the stiffness can be varied. For each patient, walking EC (primary outcome), gait biomechanics and walking speed (secondary outcomes) will be assessed for five stiffness configurations and the patient's own (standard) AFO. On the basis of walking EC and gait biomechanics outcomes, the optimal AFO stiffness will be determined. After wearing this optimal AFO for 3 months, walking EC, gait biomechanics and walking speed will be assessed again and compared to the standard AFO.

Ethics and dissemination

The Medical Ethics Committee of the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam has approved the study protocol. The study is registered at the Dutch trial register (NTR 5170). The PROOF-AFO study is the first to compare stiffness-optimised AFOs with usual care AFOs in patients with calf muscle weakness. The results will also provide insight into factors that influence optimal AFO stiffness in these patients. The results are necessary for improving orthotic treatment and will be disseminated through international peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences.
Cohort profile: improving treatment of HIV-infected Ethiopian children through better detection of treatment failure in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Birkneh Tilahun , Foster Byron Alexander , Jerene Degu , Ruff Andrea
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The Ethiopian Paediatric HIV Cohort (EPHIC) was established to identify clinical and laboratory predictors of virological treatment failure to ultimately develop a clinical–immunological prediction rule with area under the curve of >0.80 for detecting first-line antiretroviral therapy failure (ARTF). It will also assess the performance of the current WHO guidelines for detection of first-line ARTF in children.

Participants

Using a prospective cohort design, HIV-infected children and adolescents below the age of 18 years are followed every 6 months with a set of clinical and laboratory parameters at 6 hospitals in southern Ethiopia. For inclusion in the cohort, children should be on or are initiating first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) and are not on second-line ART. Virological treatment failure is taken as the gold standard for the diagnosis of treatment failure.

Findings to date

From October 2015 through April 2016, 628 children have been enrolled from 6 different HIV treatment centres across southern Ethiopia. The mean age at enrolment was 11.1 years and 47.6% were girls. Many of the children (88.6%) were at WHO Clinical stage 1 at time of enrolment. At enrolment, the mean duration on first-line ART was 45 months. Substitution of ART drugs was performed to nearly half (42.6%) of the cohort. Adherence as assessed with the Visual Analogue Scale was high (mean, 94.4%; SD=11.9). The median CD4 count of the cohort at enrolment was 741 with 3.1% having a value consistent with ARTF.

Future plans

Regular data uploads from the 6 hospitals in southern Ethiopia enable this cohort to be followed prospectively. The cohort will be completed in September 2017. The successful completion of this study will allow for better targeting of viral-load testing to those at highest risk in resource-poor settings and provide clinicians and policymakers with a practical prediction rule.

Ethics approval

SNNPR Regional Health Bureau Institutional Review Board.
Feasibility and effect of home-based therapy programmes for children with cerebral palsy: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Beckers L W M E , Schnackers M L A P , Janssen-Potten Y J , Kleijnen J , Steenbergen B
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Given the promising advantages of upper extremity home-based programmes in children with cerebral palsy (CP), a systematic review of the available literature on this topic is warranted. The purpose of the systematic review described in this protocol is to investigate currently available home-based occupational therapy and physiotherapy programmes regarding both their feasibility and effect.

Methods and analysis

This protocol describes a systematic review, developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015. Studies will be included in which primary data are collected, participants are children aged <18 years with any type of CP and the intervention of interest is a home-based occupational therapy or physiotherapy intervention. Comparators of interest are: no therapy, care as usual, centre-based occupational therapy or physiotherapy, an alternative home-based programme and a medical intervention. Studies will be included that report either on feasibility (ie, acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, adaptation, expansion or integration) or on efficacy/effectiveness (ie, child-related upper extremity outcomes within all International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health levels or parent-related/caregiver-related outcomes on the psychological and social domain). Relevant studies will be identified by searching the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PEDro, OTSeeker and CPCI-S as well as the trial registers ICTRP and CENTRAL, the reference lists of included records and by circulating a bibliography of the included records to authors of included studies. There will be no restrictions on language or year of publication. The search strategy consists of terms related to the population and intervention. Data will be extracted in duplicate using a digital data extraction form.

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed study does not involve collection of primary data. Accordingly, no ethical approval is required. The authors will disseminate the findings of this systematic review through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and conference presentation(s).

Trial registration number

CRD42016043743; pre-results.
Association between bipolar spectrum disorder and bone health: a meta-analysis and systematic review protocol
Authors: Chandrasekaran Vinoomika , Brennan-Olsen Sharon L , Stuart Amanda L , Pasco Julie A , Berk Michael , Hodge Jason M , Williams Lana J
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Bipolar spectrum disorder is a chronic, episodic illness, associated with significant personal, social and economic burden. It is estimated to affect ∼2.4% of the population worldwide and is commonly associated with psychological and/or physiological comorbidities. Osteoporosis is one such comorbidity, a disease of bone that is asymptomatic until a fracture occurs. This systematic review attempts to capture, collate, assess and discuss the literature investigating the association between bipolar spectrum disorder and bone health.

Methods and analysis

We aim to identify articles that investigate the association between bipolar spectrum disorder and bone health in adults by systematically searching the MEDLINE, PubMed, OVID and CINAHL databases. Two independent reviewers will determine eligibility of studies according to predetermined criteria, and methodological quality will be assessed using a previously published scoring system. A meta-analysis will be conducted, and statistical methods will be used to identify and control for heterogeneity, if possible. If numerical syntheses are prevented due to statistical heterogeneity, a best evidence synthesis will be conducted to assess the level of evidence for associations between bipolar spectrum disorder and bone health.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical permission will not be required for this systematic review since only published data will be used. This protocol will be registered with PROSPERO. Findings of the review will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and will be presented to clinical and population health audiences at national and international conferences.
Population trends in the 10-year incidence and prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in the UK: a cohort study in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink 2004–2014
Authors: Mathur Rohini , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Edwards Emma , Lee Helen , Chaturvedi Nishi , Smeeth Liam , Douglas Ian
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To describe trends in the incidence and prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the UK by diabetes type, age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, region and calendar year.

Design

Cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD).

Setting

UK primary care.

Participants

7.7 million patients ≥12 contributing to the CPRD from 2004 to 2014.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Age-standardised prevalence and incidence of diabetes, DR and severe DR (requiring photocoagulation) by calendar year and population subgroup. Relative risk of developing DR and severe DR by population subgroup.

Results

The prevalence of DR was 48.4% in the population type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (14 846/30 657) and 28.3% (95 807/338 390) in the population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Prevalence of DR remained stable in people with T2DM and decreased in people with T1DM. Screening for DR increased over time for patients with T2DM and remained static for patients with T1DM Incidence of DR increased in parallel with the incidence of T2DM in both diabetic populations. Among patients with T2DM, relative risk of DR varied significantly by region, was increased for older age groups and in men compared with women, with risk of severe DR increased in South Asian groups and more deprived groups. Relative risk of DR for patients with T1DM varied by age and region, but not by gender, ethnic group or deprivation.

Conclusions

This is the largest study to date examining the burden of DR in the UK. Regional disparities in incidence may relate to differences in screening delivery and disease ascertainment. Evidence that deprivation and ethnicity are associated with a higher risk of severe DR highlights a significant potential health inequality. Findings from this study will have implications for professionals working in the diabetes and sight loss sectors, particularly to inform approaches for diagnosis of retinopathy and campaigning to better tackle the disease for at risk groups.