bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The primary case is not enough: Variation among individuals, groups and social networks modify bacterial transmission dynamics
Authors: Keiser Carl N. , Pinter‐Wollman Noa , Ziemba Michael J. , Kothamasu Krishna S. , Pruitt Jonathan N.
Published: July 2017

The traits of the primary case of an infectious disease outbreak, and the circumstances for their aetiology, potentially influence the trajectory of transmission dynamics. However, these dynamics likely also depend on the traits of the individuals with whom the primary case interacts.

We used the social spider Stegodyphus dumicola to test how the traits of the primary case, group phenotypic composition and group size interact to facilitate the transmission of a GFP‐labelled cuticular bacterium. We also compared bacterial transmission across experimentally generated “daisy‐chain” vs. “star” networks of social interactions. Finally, we compared social network structure across groups of different sizes.

Groups of 10 spiders experienced more bacterial transmission events compared to groups of 30 spiders, regardless of groups’ behavioural composition. Groups containing only one bold spider experienced the lowest levels of bacterial transmission regardless of group size. We found no evidence for the traits of the primary case influencing any transmission dynamics. In a second experiment, bacteria were transmitted to more individuals in experimentally induced star networks than in daisy‐chains, on which transmission never exceeded three steps. In both experimental network types, transmission success depended jointly on the behavioural traits of the interacting individuals; however, the behavioural traits of the primary case were only important for transmission on star networks.

Larger social groups exhibited lower interaction density (i.e. had a low ratio of observed to possible connections) and were more modular, i.e. they had more connections between nodes within a subgroup and fewer connections across subgroups. Thus, larger groups may restrict transmission by forming fewer interactions and by isolating subgroups that interacted with the primary case.

These findings suggest that accounting for the traits of single exposed hosts has less power in predicting transmission dynamics compared to the larger scale factors of the social groups in which they reside. Factors like group size and phenotypic composition appear to alter social interaction patterns, which leads to differential transmission of microbes.
The changing environment of conservation conflict: Geese and farming in Scotland
Authors: Mason Tom H. E. , Keane Aidan , Redpath Stephen M. , Bunnefeld Nils
Published: July 2017

Conflict between conservation objectives and human livelihoods is ubiquitous and can be highly damaging, but the processes generating it are poorly understood. Ecological elements are central to conservation conflict, and changes in their dynamics — for instance due to anthropogenic environmental change — are likely to influence the emergence of serious human–wildlife impacts and, consequently, social conflict.

We used mixed‐effects models to examine the drivers of historic spatio‐temporal dynamics in numbers of Greenland barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) on the Scottish island of Islay to identify the ecological processes that have shaped the environment in which conflict between goose conservation and agriculture has been triggered.

Barnacle goose numbers on Islay increased from 20,000 to 43,000 between 1987 and 2016. Over the same period, the area of improved grassland increased, the number of sheep decreased and the climate warmed.

Goose population growth was strongly linked to the increasing area of improved grassland, which provided geese with more high quality forage. Changing climatic conditions, particularly warming temperatures on Islay and breeding grounds in Greenland, have also boosted goose numbers.

As the goose population has grown, farms have supported geese more frequently and in larger numbers, with subsequent damaging effects on grassland. The creation of high‐quality grassland appears to have largely driven the problem of serious economic damage by geese. Our analysis also reveals the drivers of spatial variation in goose impacts: geese were more likely to occur on farms closer to roosts and those with more improved grassland. However, as geese numbers have increased they have spread to previously less favoured farms.

Synthesis and applications. Our study demonstrates the primary role of habitat modification in the emergence of conflict between goose conservation and agriculture, alongside a secondary role of climate change. Our research illustrates the value of exploring socio‐ecological history to understand the processes leading to conservation conflict. In doing so, we identify those elements that are more controllable, such as local habitat management, and less controllable, such as climate change, but which both need to be taken into account when managing conservation conflict.
The effect of humidity controlled environment on Stilton cheese
Authors: Hay Christopher J
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of different relative humidity levels on the maturation and eventual quality of blue Stilton cheese. Cheese samples from the same vat were subjected to different humidity conditions in order to assess effects on the moisture and weight of the cheeses. Analysis showed that exposure to a higher level of humidity during the maturation period had an effect on the moisture levels of the cheese throughout this stage and also had an effect on the overall weight loss of the cheese. It was concluded that increasing the relative humidity of the maturation environment from 70% to 85% would reduce the variation in moisture and weight of the cheese as well as increasing the yield by reducing the weight lost from moisture evaporation (termed ‘the angels share').
Bite Mark Analysis in Foodstuffs and Inanimate Objects and the Underlying Proofs for Validity and Judicial Acceptance
Authors: Rivera‐Mendoza Fernando , Martín‐de‐las‐Heras Stella , Navarro‐Cáceres Pablo , Fonseca Gabriel M.
Published: July 2017

Even though one of the first bite mark cases was Doyle v. State in 1954 (a bitten cheese case), the research has focused on bite marks inflicted in human skin. As published Papers, Case Reports, or Technical Notes can constitute precedents which are relied upon in making the legal arguments and a considerable amount of case law exists in this area, we present a systematic review on bite mark analysis in foodstuffs and inanimate objects and their underlying proofs for validity and judicial acceptance according to Daubert rulings. Results showed that there is vulnerability in these procedures, and it is essential to demand for focus scrutiny on the known error rates when such evidence is presented in trials. These kinds of bite marks are well documented; however, there has been little research in this field knowing that the protocols of analysis and comparison are the responsibility of the forensic odontologists.
Shock of Anaphylactoid Type Induced by Protamine: A Continuous Cardiorespiratory Record
Authors: NORDSTRÖM L. , FLETCHER R. , PAVEK K.
Published: July 2017

The intravenous administration of protamine to a patient after cardiac bypass caused a sudden increase in airway resistance and lung stiffness, and a severe drop in arterial blood pressure. The ventilatory obstruction reached its maximum after 30 s and had returned almost to normal in 3 min. Arterial hypotension with low pulse amplitude, decreased heart rate and ST depression in the ECG tracing developed 1.5 min after the respiratory symptoms. In spite of rapid blood transfusion, arterial pressure reached a low level after 5 min, but rose after isoprenaline administration. It is suggested that changes in the vascular and respiratory compartments occur in parallel with, but independently of, myocardial injury and depressed cardiac contractility.
Cooperation between p21 and Akt is required for p53‐dependent cellular senescence
Authors: Kim Young Yeon , Jee Hye Jin , Um Jee‐Hyun , Kim Young Mi , Bae Sun Sik , Yun Jeanho
Published: July 2017

Cellular senescence has been implicated in normal aging, tissue homeostasis, and tumor suppression. Although p53 has been shown to be a central mediator of cellular senescence, the signaling pathway by which it induces senescence remains incompletely understood. In this study, we have shown that both Akt and p21 are required to induce cellular senescence in response to p53 expression. In a p53‐induced senescence model, we found that Akt activation was essential for inducing a cellular senescence phenotype. Surprisingly, Akt inhibition did not abolish p53‐induced cell cycle arrest, but it suppressed the increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The results of the cell cycle and morphological analysis suggest that p53 induced quiescence, not senescence, following Akt inhibition. Conversely, the inhibition of p21 induction abolished cell cycle arrest but did not affect the p53‐induced increase in ROS levels. Additionally, p21 and Akt separately controlled cell cycle arrest and ROS levels, respectively, during H‐Ras‐induced senescence in human normal fibroblasts. The mechanistic analysis revealed that Akt increased ROS levels through NOX4 induction, and increased Akt‐dependent NF‐κB binding to the NOX4 promoter is responsible for NOX4 induction upon p53 expression. We further showed that Akt activation upon p53 expression is mediated by mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2. In addition, p53‐mediated IL6 and IL8 induction was abrogated by Akt inhibition, suggesting that Akt activation is also required for the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype. Collectively, these results suggest that p53 simultaneously controls multiple pathways to induce cellular senescence through p21 and Akt.
A Soft Total Artificial Heart—First Concept Evaluation on a Hybrid Mock Circulation
Authors: Cohrs Nicholas H. , Petrou Anastasios , Loepfe Michael , Yliruka Maria , Schumacher Christoph M. , Kohll A. Xavier , Starck Christoph T. , Schmid Daners Marianne , Meboldt Mirko , Falk Volkmar , Stark Wendelin J.
Published: July 2017

The technology of 3D‐printing has allowed the production of entirely soft pumps with complex chamber geometries. We used this technique to develop a completely soft pneumatically driven total artificial heart from silicone elastomers and evaluated its performance on a hybrid mock circulation. The goal of this study is to present an innovative concept of a soft total artificial heart (sTAH). Using the form of a human heart, we designed a sTAH, which consists of only two ventricles and produced it using a 3D‐printing, lost‐wax casting technique. The diastolic properties of the sTAH were defined and the performance of the sTAH was evaluated on a hybrid mock circulation under various physiological conditions. The sTAH achieved a blood flow of 2.2 L/min against a systemic vascular resistance of 1.11 mm Hg s/mL (afterload), when operated at 80 bpm. At the same time, the mean pulmonary venous pressure (preload) was fixed at 10 mm Hg. Furthermore, an aortic pulse pressure of 35 mm Hg was measured, with a mean aortic pressure of 48 mm Hg. The sTAH generated physiologically shaped signals of blood flow and pressures by mimicking the movement of a real heart. The preliminary results of this study show a promising potential of the soft pumps in heart replacements. Further work, focused on increasing blood flow and in turn aortic pressure is required.
Glaucoma Australia educational impact study: a randomized short‐term clinical trial evaluating the association between glaucoma education and patient knowledge, anxiety and treatment satisfaction
Authors: Skalicky Simon E , D'Mellow Guy , House Philip , Fenwick Eva ,   the Glaucoma Australia Educational Impact Study Contributors
Published: July 2017

Importance

Targeted education may impact glaucoma patients' clinical experience.

Background

The aim of this study was to measure the impact of patient‐centred glaucoma‐related education on knowledge, anxiety and treatment satisfaction.

Design

This was a multicentre Australia‐wide randomized clinical trial.

Participants

One hundred one newly diagnosed glaucoma patients were randomized 1:1 to intervention or control groups.

Methods

Those randomized to the Glaucoma Australia educational intervention received telephone‐based counselling about glaucoma followed by mail‐out information, in addition to usual care and information from their treating ophthalmologist. The control group received only usual care and information from their treating ophthalmologist. Surveys were administered at baseline and 4 weeks following intervention.

Main Outcome Measures

The Auckland Glaucoma Knowledge Questionnaire measured glaucoma‐related knowledge. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Eye‐Drop Satisfaction Questionnaire measured anxiety and patient treatment satisfaction, respectively.

Results

Mean age was 64.7 ± 11.1 years, and 52 (51.5%) were male. There was no noticeable increase in knowledge levels in the control group (mean difference: 0.04 logits, P = 0.7), compared with a 0.49‐logit (P = 0.02) increase in knowledge levels in the intervention group. Between‐group comparison showed a non‐significant increase in knowledge (0.45 logits, P = 0.07) comparing intervention participants with controls. Intervention participants experienced a statistically significant decrease in anxiety compared to controls (−0.60 logits, P = 0.02). No between‐group difference was found in Eye‐Drop Satisfaction Questionnaire scores.

Conclusions and Relevance

Patient‐centred glaucoma‐related education and support services may improve knowledge and can reduce anxiety for newly diagnosed glaucoma patients. All glaucoma patients should be adequately counselled about the nature of the disease and its management.
Peroral endoscopic myotomy as salvation technique post‐Heller: International experience
Authors: Tyberg Amy , Sharaiha Reem Z. , Familiari Pietro , Costamagna Guido , Casas Fernando , Kumta Nikhil A. , Barret Maximilien , Desai Amit P. , Schnoll‐Sussman Felice , Saxena Payal , Martínez Guadalupe , Zamarripa Felipe , Gaidhane Monica , Bertani Helga , Draganov Peter V. , Balassone Valerio , Sharata Ahmed , Reavis Kevin , Swanstrom Lee , Invernizzi Martina , Seewald Stefan , Minami Hitomi , Inoue Haruhiro , Kahaleh Michel
Published: July 2017

Background

Treatment for achalasia has traditionally been Heller myotomy (HM). Despite its excellent efficacy rate, a number of patients remain symptomatic post‐procedure. Limited data exist as to the best management for recurrence of symptoms post‐HM. We present an international, multicenter experience evaluating the efficacy and safety of post‐HM peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

Methods

Patients who underwent POEM post‐HM from 13 centers from January 2012 to January 2017 were included as part of a prospective registry. Technical success was defined as successful completion of the myotomy. Clinical success was defined as an Eckardt score of ≤3 on 12‐month follow up. Adverse events (AE) including anesthesia‐related, operative, and postoperative complications were recorded.

Results

Fifty‐one patients were included in the study (mean age 54.2, 47% male). Technical success was achieved in 100% of patients. Clinical success on long‐term follow up was achieved in 48 patients (94%), with a mean change in Eckardt score of 6.25. Seven patients (13%) had AE: six experienced periprocedural mucosal defect treated endoscopically and two patients developed mediastinitis treated conservatively.

Conclusion

For patients with persistent symptoms after HM, POEM is a safe salvation technique with good short‐term efficacy. As a result of the challenge associated with repeat HM, POEM might become the preferred technique in this patient population. Further studies with longer follow up are needed.
Can collective memories shape fish distributions? A test, linking space‐time occurrence models and population demographics
Authors: Macdonald Jed I. , Logemann Kai , Krainski Elias T. , Sigurðsson Þorsteinn , Beale Colin M. , Huse Geir , Hjøllo Solfrid S. , Marteinsdóttir Guðrún
Published: July 2017

Social learning can be fundamental to cohesive group living, and schooling fishes have proven ideal test subjects for recent work in this field. For many species, both demographic factors, and inter‐ (and intra‐) generational information exchange are considered vital ingredients in how movement decisions are reached. Yet key information is often missing on the spatial outcomes of such decisions, and questions concerning how migratory traditions are influenced by collective memory, density‐dependent and density‐independent processes remain open. To explore these issues, we focused on Atlantic herringClupea harengus, a long‐lived, dense‐schooling species of high commercial importance, noted for its unpredictable shifts in winter distribution, and developed a series of Bayesian space‐time occurrence models to investigate wintering dynamics over 23 yr, using point‐referenced fishery and survey records from Icelandic waters. We included covariates reflecting local‐scale environmental factors, temporally‐lagged prey biomass and recent fishing activity, and through an index capturing distributional persistence over time, derived two proxies for spatial memory of past wintering sites. The previous winter's occurrence pattern was a strong predictor of the present pattern, its influence increasing with adult population size. Although the mechanistic underpinnings of this result remain uncertain, we suggest that a ‘wisdom of the crowd’ dynamic may be at play, by which navigational accuracy towards traditional wintering sites improves in larger and/or denser, better synchronized schools. Wintering herring also preferred warmer, fresher, moderately stratified waters of lower velocity, close to hotspots of summer zooplankton biomass, our results indicative of heightened environmental sensitivity in younger cohorts. Incorporating spatiotemporal correlation structure and time‐varying regression coefficients improved model performance, and validation tests on independent observations one‐year ahead illustrate the potential of uniting demographic information and non‐stationary models to quantify both the strength of collective memory in animal groups and its relevance for the spatial management of populations.
Opportunistic data reveal widespread species turnover in Enallagma damselflies at biogeographical scales
Authors: Bried Jason T. , Siepielski Adam M.
Published: July 2017

An information tradeoff exists between systematic presence/absence surveys and purely opportunistic (presence‐only) records for investigating the geography of community structure. Opportunistic species occurrence data may be of relatively limited quality, but typically involves numerous observations and species. Given the quality–quantity tradeoff, what can opportunistic data reveal about spatial patterns in community structure? Here we explore opportunistic data in describing geographic patterns of species composition, using over 4600 occurrence records of Enallagma damselflies in the United States. We tested phylogenetic scale (genus level, Enallagma major clades, Enallagma subclades) and spatial extent (U.S. vs watershed regions), hypothesizing that nonrandom structure is more likely at larger spatial extents. We also used three sets of systematic presence/absence surveys as a benchmark for validating opportunistic presence‐only records. Null model analysis of matrix coherence and species replacements showed many cases of nonrandom structure and widespread species turnover. This outcome was repeated across spatial and environmental gradients and community composition scenarios. Turnover dominated across the U.S. and two watersheds spanning biogeographic boundaries, but random assemblages were prevalent in a third watershed with limited longitudinal extent. Turnover also pervaded each level of phylogeny. Opportunistic presence‐only datasets showed identical patterns as systematic presence/absence datasets. These results indicate that extensive opportunistic data can be used to detect species turnover, especially at geographic scales where range margins are crossed.
Persisting hyperbilirubinemia in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) chronically treated with eculizumab: The role of hepatocanalicular transporter variants
Authors: Alashkar Ferras , Weber Susanne N. , Vance Colin , Herich‐Terhürne Dörte , Dührsen Ulrich , Lammert Frank , Röth Alexander
Published: July 2017

Background

Eculizumab‐treated paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patients (pts) show a dramatic decrease in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and bilirubin concentrations. However, some pts remain hyperbilirubinemic, possibly indicating an inadequate response due to extravascular hemolysis.

Methods

Mutation analyses of hepatocanalicular transporter/nuclear receptor variants (ABCB4, ABCB11, ATP8B1, NR1H4) were performed in eight (five of eight males; mean age 38 years [range 26‐68 years]) out of the 174 pts with PNH/‐clone at our department due to a persistent increase in total bilirubin concentrations (median 3.4 mg/dL; range 2.1‐8.1 mg/dL) during chronic eculizumab treatment and normal/or slightly increased serum aminotransferase activities. Median observation time was 70.1 months (range 10.6‐135.2 months). All pts were treated according to German PNH guidelines.

Results

Homozygous and heterozygous procholestatic variants in the ABCB4, ABCB11, and ATP8B1 genes were identified in all eight pts. All carried the common ABCB4 c.787A>T polymorphism. The A(TA)7TAA variant in the UGT1A1 promoter causing Gilbert syndrome was detected in three pts (5/8).

Conclusions

Hyperbilirubinemia in PNH pts treated with eculizumab might not only be due to an insufficient response but rather a combination of mutations in hepatocanalicular transporter variants, Gilbert syndrome, and extravascular hemolysis. Our findings warrant further studies concerning transporter and enzyme variants in PNH to determine their clinical significance.
Hwaetberht, Sicgfrith and the reforming of Wearmouth and Jarrow
Authors: O'Brien Conor
Published: July 2017

This paper builds upon recent scholarship, exploring how Wearmouth‐Jarrow, founded as a ‘family monastery’ in the mainstream of early medieval Northumbrian monasticism, reformed itself to become the proto‐Benedictine bastion of correct behaviour described in Bede's Lives of the Abbots and the anonymous Life of Ceolfrith. The understudied abbots Hwaetberht and Sicgfrith appear to be at the heart of this process. Their careers and actions suggest the existence of a party at Wearmouth‐Jarrow opposed to the dominance of the founder's kin group and wishing to reform the monastery on Benedictine lines. This party triumphed only in 716, when Hwaetberht became abbot.
In the words of the apostle: Pauline apostolic discourse in the letters of Boniface and his circle
Authors: Godlove Shannon
Published: July 2017

This article analyses the correspondence of Boniface and his associates, arguing that Boniface deliberately but subtly communicates a Pauline apostolic identity in his letters, expressing his personal and professional successes, struggles, and feelings through a pervasive language of biblical allusions drawn primarily from the Pauline Epistles. The effectiveness of this hermeneutic becomes apparent when we see the complicity of Boniface's fellow correspondents and their ability and willingness to respond to his Pauline allusions in kind. They express their support of Boniface's missionary and reform projects through their participation in these discursive practices; their ability to recognize, interpret and engage with this biblical language supplies the meaning to his words and, in doing so, systematically constitutes Boniface as an apostolic figure.
The Political Theology of Commemoration: Global South Perspectives on 500 Years of Reformation
Authors: Mtata Kenneth
Published: July 2017

The 2017 commemoration of the Reformation is an opportunity to reflect on the dynamic of the Reformation as a phenomenon of change, change that seems to be needed in many aspects of our globalized world. This article looks at elements of the Reformation for their potential to energize social transformation today through a particular combination of the “old” and the “new” catalyzed by the Holy Spirit, focusing on law (addressing power asymmetries), the gospel (embracing emerging life), and the scriptures.
The Historic Peace Churches and the Reformations
Authors: Pan Paulus Chiou‐Lang , Riggs Ann K. , Mambula Musa A.
Published: July 2017

This contribution considers the broad historical and theological category of Reformation and Reformations in relation to the Historic Peace Churches before turning to a more detailed consideration of recent and contemporary meaning of Reformation(s) in selected settings and needs: Mennonites in Taiwan; Friends in East Africa, especially Tanzania; and the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria. Reformation insights of the 16th, 17th, and early 18th centuries continue to inform, inspire, and sustain Mennonite, Quaker, and Brethren communities in contexts quite different from those in which our communities arose and from one another.
Dyadic Coping in Couple Therapy Process: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Margola Davide , Donato Silvia , Accordini Monica , Emery Robert E. , Snyder Douglas K.
Published: July 2017

This study aimed at moving beyond previous research on couple therapy efficacy by examining moment‐by‐moment proximal couple and therapist interactions as well as final treatment outcomes and their reciprocal association. Seven hundred four episodes of dyadic coping within 56 early therapy sessions, taken from 28 married couples in treatment, were intensively analyzed and processed using a mixed‐methods software (T‐LAB). Results showed that negative dyadic coping was self‐perpetuating, and therapists tended to passively observe the negative couple interaction; on the contrary, positive dyadic coping appeared to require a therapist's intervention to be maintained, and successful interventions mainly included information gathering as well as interpreting. Couples who dropped out of treatment were not actively engaged from the outset of therapy, and they used more negative dyadic coping, whereas couples who successfully completed treatment showed more positive dyadic coping very early in therapy. Results highlight the role of therapist action and control as critical to establishing rapport and credibility in couple therapy and suggest that dyadic coping patterns early in therapy may contribute to variable treatment response.
Conservation of hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) requires complementary resources at the landscape and local scales
Authors: Moquet Laura , Laurent Estelle , Bacchetta Rossana , Jacquemart Anne‐Laure
Published: July 2017

Accumulating evidence shows that landscape fragmentation drives the observed worldwide decline in populations of pollinators, particularly in species of Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. However, Little is known about the effects of landscape fragmentation on hoverfly (Diptera, Syrphidae) communities. Hoverflies provide varied ecosystem services: larvae contribute to waste decomposition (saprophagous species) and pest control (aphidophagous species), and adults pollinate a wide range of flowers.

To determine how the diversity and quantity of resources for larvae and adults affect hoverfly abundance and species richness at three spatial scales, we recorded insect visitors of five target plant species in Belgian heathlands, habitats that have decreased considerably due to human activities.

Hoverflies represented the most abundant visitors on two plant species, and the second most abundant visitors (after bumblebees) on the other target plant species. A large proportion of hoverflies observed were aphidophagous species associated with coniferous and deciduous forests. Resources for the larvae and floral resources for the adults influenced interactions among hoverflies and plants, but acted at different scales: larval habitat availability (distance to larval habitat) was relevant at the landscape scale, whereas adult resource availability (floral density) was relevant at the plot scale.

Hoverfly abundance and species richness decreased with distance to larval habitat but increased with floral density. Moreover, landscape structure and composition had different effects according to hoverfly ecological traits. Landscape composition influenced aphidophagous but not saprophagous hoverflies, in that their abundance and species richness decreased with distance to forests. Maintenance of the interactions between plants and their hoverfly visitors requires complementary resources at both landscape and local scales.
Outcomes of the conventional and biological treatment approaches for the management of caries in the primary dentition
Authors: BaniHani Alaa , Duggal Monty , Toumba Jack , Deery Chris
Published: July 2017

Background

In the last few years, conventional restorations including complete removal of carious tissue (CT) with or without pulp therapy for the treatment of carious lesions (CL) in primary teeth have been challenged and a more biological approach has been suggested. This approach involves the use of less invasive techniques which alter the environment of the CL isolating it from the cariogenic biofilm and substrate. Two of these treatment approaches that are becoming increasingly widely accepted and used in paediatric dentistry are the Hall Technique and indirect pulp capping (IPC).

Aim

To investigate the outcome of the conventional versus the biological approaches for the treatment of deep CL in the primary teeth in children, delivered in a specialist paediatric dentistry training environment.

Design

This was a retrospective cohort study of 246 children aged 4–9 years, treated with either approach, conventional and biological, in two UK specialist hospital settings. Data were extracted from clinical dental records and post‐operative radiographs of patients treated during the period 2006–2012. The outcome of the treatment in this study was categorised into three main categories: clinical, radiographic, and final outcome. Clinical and final outcomes were further described as success, minor, and major failure.

Results

In total, 836 primary teeth were included. In the conventional approach, 324 teeth had complete CT removal and 104 teeth had a pulpotomy. In the biological approach, 388 teeth had Hall Technique preformed metal crowns (PMC) placed and 20 teeth received indirect pulp capping. PMC were the restoration of choice for most of the cases where a pulpotomy had been carried out, and resin composite was most frequently used restorative material for the complete CT removal group. The majority of the primary teeth treated with either approach remained asymptomatic after a follow‐up period of up to 77 months, 95.3% in the conventional and 95.8% in the biological. No significant association was found between the final outcome and the approach used for treatment, age of the patient, gender and number of carious surfaces or tooth type.

Conclusion

Both the conventional and biological treatment approaches had similar final outcomes and were equally successful for management of CL in the primary dentition.
Knowledge translation interventions to sustain direct care provider behaviour change in long‐term care: A process evaluation
Authors: Slaughter Susan E. , Bampton Erin , Erin Daniel F. , Ickert Carla , Wagg Adrian S. , Allyson Jones C. , Schalm Corinne , Estabrooks Carole A.
Published: July 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Process evaluation can be used to understand the factors influencing the impact of knowledge translation (KT) interventions. The aim of this mixed methods process evaluation was to evaluate the processes and perceived outcomes of eight KT interventions that were used with healthcare aides (HCAs) to introduce a mobility innovation into their daily care practices. The study examined the perceived effectiveness of various KT interventions in sustaining daily performance of the sit‐to‐stand mobility innovation by HCAs with residents in long‐term care.

Method

In‐person interviews were conducted with four leaders across three long‐term care facilities. Seven focus groups with 27 HCAs were conducted across the three facilities. All participants were asked to rank the eight interventions involved in the trial according to their perceived effectiveness and, for the leaders, their perceived ease of implementation. Focus group and interview questions asked participants to discuss the relative merits of each KT intervention. Two research assistants coded all of the transcripts independently using content analysis.

Results

Both HCAs and their leaders perceived reminders, followed by discussion groups, to be the most effective KT interventions to sustain practice change. Healthcare aide champions were deemed least effective by both leaders and HCAs. Leaders identified both the focus group discussion and audit and feedback posters in the study as the most difficult to implement. Participants valued interventions that were strategically visible, helped to clarify misconceptions about the new care innovation, supported teamwork, and made visible the resident benefits of the care innovation. Logistical issues, such as staff scheduling and workload, influenced the perceived feasibility of the various KT interventions.

Conclusions

Understanding how care staff in long‐term care settings perceive KT interventions can inform the choice of future use of these interventions to move research evidence into practice.
Vaginectomy and vaginoplasty for isolated vaginal recurrence 8 years after cervical cancer radical hysterectomy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Lin Yanying , Zhou Jingyi , Dai Lin , Cheng Yuan , Wang Jianliu
Published: July 2017

A subgroup of early‐stage cervical cancer patients suffer from vaginal cuff recurrence following a primary surgery; however, recurrence after a disease‐free interval of 5 years is rare. Treatments for isolated vaginal relapse remain controversial. Here we report a case of a 50‐year‐old woman with isolated vaginal cuff recurrence 8 years after primary radical surgery for cervical cancer. We conducted a vaginectomy and vaginoplasty using a type of tissue‐engineered biomaterial graft. Three chemotherapy cycles of paclitaxel and cisplatin were administered after surgery. The patient has no evidence of disease to date (18 months after surgery) and had regained a satisfactory sexual life by 8 months postoperatively. To our knowledge, this case represents the first report regarding the use of vaginoplasty with biomaterial graft following vaginectomy for late isolated vaginal recurrence of cervical cancer in a patient who had undergone a primary radical hysterectomy.
Basal‐bolus insulin therapy reduces maternal triglycerides in gestational diabetes without modifying cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity
Authors: Olmos Pablo R. , Borzone Gisella R.
Published: July 2017

Aim

Macrosomia in the offspring of overweight/obese mothers with glucose‐controlled gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is due to excessive rise of maternal triglycerides (TG). We aimed to ascertain whether basal‐bolus insulin therapy (BBIT), or other components of the treatment, could reduce TG in GDM.

Methods

We studied the records of 131 singleton pregnancies with GDM, using stepwise multiple linear regression, Mann–Whitney, χ2, and Jonckheere–Terpstra tests. As maternal TG increased steadily during normal pregnancy, these were transformed as z‐scores. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was calculated as a measure of cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity.

Results

Multiple regression showed that only BBIT (but neither limitation of weight gain nor metformin) reduced maternal TG z‐scores (P = 0.011). When the 131 pregnancies were split into two groups – without BBIT (n = 58; HbA1c = 5.3 ± 0.3%) and with BBIT (n = 73; HbA1c = 5.4 ± 0.6; P = 0.2005) – we observed that BBIT (n = 73) reduced maternal TG z‐scores in a dose‐related fashion (Jonckheere–Terpstra P = 0.03817). The atherogenic index of plasma remained within normal range in both groups.

Conclusion

BBIT (but not weight gain control nor metformin) reduced maternal TG in mothers with glucose‐controlled GDM. This beneficial effect of BBIT was not related to changes in the cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity.
Divergent Pathways to Assimilation? Local Marriage Markets and Intermarriage Among U.S. Hispanics
Authors: Qian Zhenchao , Lichter Daniel T. , Tumin Dmitry
Published: July 2017

The growing diversity of the U.S. population raises questions about integration among America's fastest growing minority population—Hispanics. The canonical view is that intermarriage with the native‐born White population represents a pathway to assimilation that varies over geographic space in response to uneven marital opportunities. Using data on past‐year marriage from the 2009–2014 American Community Survey, the authors demonstrate high rates of intermarriage among Hispanics. The analyses identify whether Hispanics marry coethnics, non‐co‐ethnic Hispanics, non‐Hispanic Whites, non‐Hispanic Blacks, or other minorities. The authors highlight variation by race, nativity, and socioeconomic status and reveal that Hispanics living in new immigrant destinations are more likely to intermarry than those living in traditional Hispanic gateways. Indeed, the higher out‐marriage in new destinations disappears when the demographic context of reception is taken into account. The analysis underscores that patterns of marital assimilation among Hispanics are neither monolithic nor expressed uniformly across geographic space.
Bovine colostrum enriched with lyophilized bovine colostrum stimulates intestinal epithelium renewal of Holstein calves in the first days of life
Authors: Kindlein L. , Moretti D. B. , Pauletti P. , Bagaldo A. R. , Rodrigues A. P. O. , Machado‐Neto R.
Published: July 2017

Consumption of a second meal of colostrum with high quality could contribute to the intestinal epithelium development, especially if there is poor supply of colostrum just after birth. The effect of a second colostrum meal was evaluated on histomorphometry of the intestinal mucosa of newborn Holstein calves fed with high‐ and low‐quality first colostrum. Seventy‐two calves were fed with a first colostrum meal with high (HFM, close to 100 mg/ml) or low (LFM, close to 30 mg/ml) IgG concentration. At 12 hr of life, three treatments of second colostrum feeding were applied to the calves either fed high or low first colostrum: calves fed with low (LOW—close to 30 mg/ml) or high (HIGH—close to 100 mg/ml) IgG concentration; and colostrum enriched with lyophilized bovine colostrum with high IgG concentration (ENRICHED—higher than 120 mg/ml), resulting in six groups. Intestinal samples were collected after 24 and 72 hr of life. In the distal jejunum and ileum, LOW showed higher villus height than ENRICHED (p < .05). In the distal jejunum, greater villus perimeter was observed in the LOW compared to ENRICHED at 24 hr (p < .05). In ileum, LFM showed higher villus perimeter compared to HFM (p < .05). LOW showed the highest villus height‐to‐crypt depth ratio in the medium and distal jejunum and ileum, p < .05. ENRICHED and HFM showed decreased muscle layer thickness in the proximal and distal jejunum respectively (p < .05). The results reveal that the high concentration of total solids, crude protein, IgG and IGF‐I of colostrum with high quality worsened the absorptive area, but may have stimulated the activity of cell division in intestinal crypts. Considering the present results, bovine colostrum enriched with lyophilized bovine colostrum stimulates intestinal epithelium renewal of Holstein calves in the first days of life.
Host range and distribution of small mammal fleas in South Africa, with a focus on species of medical and veterinary importance
Authors: VAN DER MESCHT L. , MATTHEE S.
Published: July 2017

The host range and distribution of flea species on rodents and insectivores across multiple vegetation types in South Africa were investigated. Habitat suitability for flea species considered as important vectors of disease in humans and domestic animals was modelled. Data originated from fleas that were recovered from small mammals captured at 29 localities during 2009–2013 and published literature searched for flea records. Climate‐based predictor variables, widely used in arthropod vector distribution, were selected and habitat suitability modelled for 10 flea vector species. A total of 2469 flea individuals representing 33 species and subspecies were collected from 1185 small mammals. Ten of each of the flea and rodent species are plague vectors and reservoirs, respectively. Multiple novel flea–host associations and locality records were noted. Three vector species were recorded from insectivores. Geographic distributions of flea species ranged from broad, across‐biome distributions to narrower distributions within one or two biomes. Habitat suitability models performed excellently for the majority of flea vectors and identified regions of summer and all‐year rainfall as representing suitable habitats for most vector species. Current knowledge of vector and disease ecology can benefit from similar sampling approaches that will be important not only for South Africa, but also for the sub‐region.
The CYCLOIDEA–RADIALIS module regulates petal shape and pigmentation, leading to bilateral corolla symmetry in Torenia fournieri (Linderniaceae)
Authors: Su Shihao , Xiao Wei , Guo Wuxiu , Yao Xinran , Xiao Junqing , Ye Ziqing , Wang Na , Jiao Keyuan , Lei Mengqi , Peng Qincheng , Hu Xiaohe , Huang Xia , Luo Da
Published: July 2017

The diverse pigmentation patterns of flower corollas probably result from pollinator‐mediated selection. Previous studies demonstrated that R2R3‐MYB factors may have been recruited in the regulation of corolla pigmentation. However, how R2R3‐MYBs became so diverse in their regulation of different pigmentation patterns remains unclear.

Here, we studied a Lamiales species, Torenia fournieri, which has elaborate zygomorphic flowers with dorsal–ventral asymmetries in corolla pigmentation. We found recent gene duplication events in CYCLOIDEA‐like (CYC‐like) and RADIALIS‐like (RAD‐like) genes, and functionally analyzed three dorsal‐specific expression factors: TfCYC1, TfCYC2, and TfRAD1.

We found that the CYC–RAD module coordinates petal shape and corolla pigmentation, as ectopic expression of TfCYC2 or TfRAD1 disrupted the asymmetric corolla pigmentation pattern and produced strongly dorsalized flowers. Dorsal petal identity was lost when TfCYC2 was down‐regulated or when TfRAD1 was knocked out. In T. fournieri, the diversified CYC and RAD genes have evolved regulatory loops, and TfCYC2 binds directly to the regulatory regions of an R2R3‐MYB factor gene, TfMYB1, which might lead to its asymmetric expression and ultimately establish the asymmetric pigmentation pattern.

These findings support the existence of a regulatory module that integrates dorsal–ventral patterning and asymmetric corolla pigmentation in T. fournieri.
The relationship between anxiety and quality of life in children with hereditary angioedema
Authors: Kessel Aharon , Farkas Henriette , Kivity Shmuel , Veszeli Nóra , Kőhalmi Kinga V. , Engel‐Yeger Batya
Published: July 2017

Background

The severe life‐threatening characteristics of hereditary angioedema (HAE) with C1‐inhibitor deficiency (C1‐INH‐HAE) can affect anxiety levels among pediatric patients. This emotional burden together with the physical restrictions of C1‐INH‐HAE may decrease children's health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Objectives

(i) To compare anxiety state and trait between children with C1‐INH‐HAE and healthy controls; (ii) to examine the relationship between the level of anxiety of children with C1‐INH‐HAE, their disease activity/affected sites and their HRQoL; and (iii) to predict the HRQoL of children with C1‐INH‐HAE based on their anxiety level and disease activity/affected sites

Methods

Thirty‐three children with C1‐INH‐HAE (aged 5‐18 years) and 52 healthy controls were recruited from Israel and Hungary. All children completed the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Peds‐QL) demographic questionnaire and a disease activity and site questionnaire . Disease activity was defined as the number of attacks in last year.

Results

Both anxiety state and trait were significantly higher among children with C1‐INH‐HAE as compared to the controls (44.74±10.56 vs 38.76±10.67, P<.01, 29.21±5.16 vs 25.23±4.09, P<.001 in comparison). Significant differences were found between C1‐INH‐HAE patients with HAE attacks, asymptomatic C1‐INH‐HAE patients, and healthy controls in both anxiety state (F56,2=4.69, P=.001) and trait (F56,2=9.06, P<.0001). A higher anxiety trait was correlated with the number of angioedema‐affected sites (r=.52, P=.003). The presence of HAE attacks and higher anxiety trait predicted a lower HRQoL in children with C1‐INH‐HAE.

Conclusions

C1‐INH‐HAE children have higher anxiety trait and state, which correlate with reduced HRQoL domains.
Divergence is not enough: the use of ecological niche models for the validation of taxon boundaries
Authors: Dagnino D. , Minuto L. , Casazza G.
Published: July 2017

Delimiting taxon boundaries is crucial for any evolutionary research and conservation regulation. In order to avoid mistaken description of species, the approach of integrative taxonomy recommends considering multidisciplinary lines of evidence, including ecology. Unfortunately, ecological data are often difficult to quantify objectively. Here we test and discuss the potential use of ecological niche models for validating taxon boundaries, using three pairs of closely related plant taxa endemic to the south‐western Alps as a case study. We also discuss the application of ecological niche models for species delimitation and the implementation of different approaches.

Niche overlap, niche equivalency and niche similarity were assessed both in multidimensional environmental space and in geographic space to look for differences in the niche of three pairs of closely related plant taxa.

We detected a high degree of niche differentiation between taxa although this result seems not due to differences in habitat selection. The different statistical tests gave contrasting outcomes between environmental and geographic spaces.

According to our results, niche divergence does not seem to support taxon boundaries at species level, but may have had important consequences for local adaptation and in generating phenotypic diversity at intraspecific level. Environmental space analysis should be preferred to geographic space as it provides more clear results. Even if the different analyses widely disagree in their conclusions about taxon boundaries, our study suggests that ecological niche models may help taxonomists to reach a decision.