bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What's in a giant cell? A case of metastatic sarcomatoid pleomorphic carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cells involving the thyroid
Authors: Song S. J. , Baloch Z. W. , Kobaly K. , Yu G. H.
Published: February 2018

We present a case of sarcomatoid pleomorphic carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cells metastatic to the thyroid, followed by a discussion of the different pathologic entities to consider when encountering giant cells, a common component of many thyroid FNA specimens.
Ripply3 is required for the maintenance of epithelial sheets in the morphogenesis of pharyngeal pouches
Authors: Tsuchiya Yoshihiro , Mii Yusuke , Okada Kazunori , Furuse Mikio , Okubo Tadashi , Takada Shinji
Published: February 2018

During tissue development, the morphogenesis of epithelial sheets is regulated by many factors, including mechanical force, although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the pharyngeal region of the vertebrate embryo, endodermal epithelium is reiteratively folded outward to form pharyngeal pouches, making partitions between the pharyngeal arches. Ripply3, encoding a member of the Ripply family of adaptor proteins, is required for the pouch formation posterior to the 2nd pharyngeal pouch. In this study, we found that the expression of mouse Ripply3 was specifically activated in accordance with the bending of the endodermal epithelium during the pouch formation. In Ripply3‐deficient embryos, a continuous monolayer of the endodermal epithelium was not maintained posterior to the 2nd pharyngeal pouch. Corresponding to the endodermal region of the deformed epithelium, the activated form of Integrin β1, which was localized at the basal side of the epithelial cells in the wild‐type embryos, was not persistently observed in the mutants. On the other hand, cell proliferation and apoptotic cell death in the endoderm were not obviously affected by the Ripply3 deficiency. Significantly, Ripply3 expressed in cultured cells was found to be preferentially accumulated in the focal adhesions, which are Integrin‐mediated adhesive contact sites transmitting mechanical force between the extracellular matrix and attached cells. Furthermore, Ripply3 promoted the maturation of focal adhesions in these cells. Thus, Ripply3 appears to have been activated to enhance the connection between the extracellular matrix and endodermal epithelial cells, as a mechanism to resist the mechanical stress generated during the bending of the epithelial sheets.
Chronic pain prevalence and associated factors in adolescents with and without physical disabilities
Authors: de la Vega Rocío , Groenewald Cornelius , Bromberg Maggie H , Beals‐Erickson Sarah E , Palermo Tonya M
Published: February 2018

Aim

Adolescents with physical disabilities may have co‐occurring chronic pain, but the prevalence and specific associated factors are unknown. The aims of this study were to determine (1) the prevalence of chronic pain in adolescents with physical disabilities and (2) whether known correlates of chronic pain in the general population are also present in young people both with physical disability and with chronic pain relative to peers.

Method

We conducted a secondary analysis of cross‐sectional nationally representative data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify demographic and psychosocial factors associated with chronic pain.

Results

A total of 989 (4.3%) adolescents reported physical disabilities. They had a significantly higher rate of pain (27.2%) compared with able‐bodied peers (15.6%, χ2=86.3550, p<0.001). There was no significant interaction between physical disability status and chronic pain in relation to depressive symptoms, anxiety, or insomnia.

Interpretation

Adolescents with physical disabilities experience chronic pain at a significantly higher rate than able‐bodied peers, but the comorbidity of physical disability and chronic pain is not related to depression, anxiety, or insomnia. Evaluation of chronic pain and tailored pain interventions need to be developed for this population.

What this paper adds

Chronic pain and its correlates are important problems for adolescents with physical disabilities.

These adolescents present with higher rates of chronic pain than other young people.

Chronic pain is associated with increased levels of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and insomnia regardless of disability status.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Leptomelanconium allescheri associated with necrotic lesions on Pinus mugo needles in the Polish Tatra Mountains
Authors: Kowalski T. , Boroń P. , Bartnik C. , Rossa R.
Published: February 2018

Leptomelanconium allescheri was identified for the first time in Poland in 2016 in the Tatra Mts. on Pinus mugo needles. It produced numerous conidiomata on necrotic lesions on live needles. In our study, we provide detailed characteristics of disease symptoms and describe morphology of the structures of the fungus. The shape and size of macroconidia are proven to be more variable in vitro than in situ. The malt extract agar colonies of the fungus obtained from germinating macroconidia are described for the first time. Our observations prove also that, apart from macroconidia, L. allescheri produces in vitro unicellular, hyaline microconidia, 3.5–10 × 1.8–5.0 μm in size, the previously unknown aspect in the development cycle of this species. The BLAST search with ITS and LSU sequences of L. allescheri resulted in the closest match with Cenangium acuum accessions (94%–95% and 99%, respectively). Two gene based, LSU plus ITS, phylogenetic positioning of L. allescheri proves that it belongs to Pezizomycotina, Helotiales. Further, on family level, placement of L. allescheri, as well as its two closest species C. acuum and Piceomphale bulgarioides, remains undefined. The L. allescheri barcode sequences (accession numbers: ITS—MF573935, LSU—MF573936, IGS—MF573937) and cultures were submitted to NCBI GenBank and CBS Utrecht, The Netherlands culture collection.
How do phenology, plasticity, and evolution determine the fitness consequences of climate change for montane butterflies?
Authors: Kingsolver Joel G. , Buckley Lauren B.
Published: February 2018

Species have responded to climate change via seasonal (phenological) shifts, morphological plasticity, and evolutionary adaptation, but how these responses contribute to changes and variation in population fitness are poorly understood. We assess the interactions and relative importance of these responses for fitness in a montane butterfly, Colias eriphyle, along an elevational gradient. Because environmental temperatures affect developmental rates of each life stage, populations along the gradients differ in phenological timing and the number of generations each year. Our focal phenotype, wing solar absorptivity of adult butterflies, exhibits local adaptation across elevation and responds plastically to developmental temperatures. We integrate climatic data for the past half‐century with microclimate, developmental, biophysical, demographic, and evolutionary models for this system to predict how phenology, plasticity, and evolution contribute to phenotypic and fitness variation along the gradient. We predict that phenological advancements incompletely compensate for climate warming, and also influence morphological plasticity. Climate change is predicted to increase mean population fitness in the first seasonal generation at high elevation, but decrease mean fitness in the summer generations at low elevation. Phenological shifts reduce the interannual variation in directional selection and morphology, but do not have consistent effects on variation in mean fitness. Morphological plasticity and its evolution can substantially increase population fitness and adaptation to climate change at low elevations, but environmental unpredictability limits adaptive plastic and evolutionary responses at high elevations. Phenological shifts also decrease the relative fitness advantages of morphological plasticity and evolution. Our results illustrate how the potential contributions of phenological and morphological plasticity and of evolution to climate change adaptation can vary along environmental gradients and how environmental variability will limit adaptive responses to climate change in montane regions.
Extracellular bone morphogenetic protein modulator BMPER and twisted gastrulation homolog 1 preserve arterial‐venous specification in zebrafish blood vessel development and regulate Notch signaling in endothelial cells
Authors: Esser Jennifer Susanne , Steiner Rahel Elisabeth , Deckler Meike , Schmitt Hannah , Engert Bianca , Link Sandra , Charlet Anne , Patterson Cam , Bode Christoph , Zhou Qian , Moser Martin
Published: February 2018

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway plays a central role during vasculature development. Mutations or dysregulation of the BMP pathway members have been linked to arteriovenous malformations. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the BMP modulators bone morphogenetic protein endothelial precursor‐derived regulator (BMPER) and twisted gastrulation protein homolog 1 (TWSG1) on arteriovenous specification during zebrafish development and analyzed downstream Notch signaling pathway in human endothelial cells. Silencing of bmper and twsg1b in zebrafish embryos by morpholinos resulted in a pronounced enhancement of venous ephrinB4a marker expression and concomitant dysregulated arterial ephrinb2a marker expression detected by in situ hybridization. As arteriovenous specification was disturbed, we assessed the impact of BMPER and TWSG1 protein stimulation on the Notch signaling pathway on endothelial cells from different origin. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot analysis showed increased expression of Notch target gene hairy and enhancer of split, HEY1/2 and EPHRINB2. Consistently, silencing of BMPER in endothelial cells by siRNAs decreased Notch signaling and downstream effectors. BMP receptor antagonist DMH1 abolished BMPER and BMP4 induced Notch signaling pathway activation. In conclusion, we found that in endothelial cells, BMPER and TWSG1 are necessary for regular Notch signaling activity and in zebrafish embryos BMPER and TWSG1 preserve arteriovenous specification to prevent malformations.
MicroRNA‐134 inhibits osteosarcoma angiogenesis and proliferation by targeting the VEGFA/VEGFR1 pathway
Authors: Zhang Long , Lv Zhi , Xu Jing , Chen Chenglong , Ge Qiaofeng , Li Pengcui , Wei Dinglu , Wu Zhuangzhuang , Sun Xiaojuan
Published: February 2018

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) signaling is crucial for angiogenesis and progression of osteosarcoma (OS). However, the regulation of the VEGF/VEGFR1 expression is still unclear in OS. Here, we show lower levels of miRNA‐134 (miR‐134) in OS tissues and cells. Induction of miR‐134 overexpression significantly reduced the proliferation of Saos‐2 cells and their secretion of pro‐angiogenic factors, but increased the frequency of apoptotic Saos‐2 cells. Treatment with conditioned medium from the cells transfected with miR‐134 reduced the tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, which was abrogated by a combination of VEGF and conditioned medium. Furthermore, miR‐134 significantly inhibited the growth of implanted OS tumors in vivo and attenuated the VEGFA and VEGFR1 expression and angiogenesis in the tumors. In addition, higher levels of VEGFA and VEGFR1 were detected and miR‐134 inhibited the expression of VEGFA and VEGFR1 in Saos‐2 cells and OS tumors. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the 3′‐UTR of VEGFA and VEGFR1 contained the motif for miR‐134 binding. Co‐transfection with the luciferase reporter containing the wild‐type, but not the mutant, of the 3′‐UTR of VEGFA or VEGFR1 together with miR‐134 decreased the luciferase activity in Saos‐2 cells. Finally, miR‐134 dramatically inhibited AKT activation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in Saos‐2 cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that miR‐134 is a potential tumor suppressor by targeting VEGFA/VEGFR1 signaling to attenuate the progression and angiogenesis in OS. Therefore, miR‐134 may be a novel biomarker for the prognosis of OS and a target for the design of new therapies for OS.
Rethinking relational ideas of place in more‐than‐human cities
Authors: Robertson Sarah A.
Published: February 2018

In theory and practice, there remains much hope that through greater human–place connections, more ecologically sustainable cities can be achieved. Yet ideas about place remain fluid, at once appealing and ambivalent. Since the 1970s, emphasis has shifted from bounded views of place to relational and progressive conceptualisations. More recently, geographers and other scholars have emphasised that humans are engaged in complex human–nonhuman entanglements. In the context of arguments and empirical moves to make more sustainable and resilient cities, these shifts have implications for the ethics and politics of place, sense of place, and place‐based practices. Continuing empirical work by geographers (and other urban scholars) to explore how place is understood, made, and experienced in more‐than‐human worlds therefore remains important. However, we also need to consider reframing existing conceptualisations of “place.” This paper reviews shifting ideas of place and reiterates the continuing importance of rethinking place and place experience in urban theory, urban dwelling, and design. The paper draws together insights from post‐phenomenology, more‐than‐human thinking, non‐representational theory, urban political ecology, and environmental justice to form a loose theoretical framework that can inform place scholarship. In particular, this framework focuses attention on the ethics and politics of the material, temporal, and discursive particularities of the socioecological entanglements that are understood to make place experience.
Effect of pearl millet silage ammoniated with urea on lamb production and metabolic performance
Authors: Carvalho G. G. P. , Freitas P. M. D. , Santos E. M. , Araújo G. G. L. , Oliveira J. S. , Pires A. J. V. , Maranhão C. M. A. , Rodrigues T. C. G. C. , Freitas Júnior J. E. , Rufino L. M. A. , Rodrigues C. S. , Leite L. C. , Araujo M. L. G. M. L.
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of diets containing pearl millet silage ammoniated with urea on the intake, digestibility, production performance, and nitrogen metabolism of lambs. Thirty‐two uncastrated mixed‐breed lambs at 4 to 5 months of age, with an average initial body weight of 17.39 ± 2.16 kg, were distributed into four treatments in a randomized block experimental design with eight replicates. Experimental diets consisted of pearl millet silage ammoniated with urea during ensiling at the levels of 0, 20, 40, and 60 g/kg dry matter (DM). Increasing urea levels in the pearl millet silage led to a linear decrease (p < .05) in the intakes of DM, organic matter, and total digestible nutrients by the lambs. Total and average daily weight gains decreased linearly (p < .05) with the addition of urea to the silage. Intake and digestibility of crude protein, nitrogen intake, urine urea nitrogen, plasma urea nitrogen, microbial synthesis, and microbial efficiency had a quadratic response (p < .05) to the urea levels in the silage. Pearl millet silage ammoniated with urea reduces dry‐matter intake and daily weight gain in lambs. Urea is not recommended for use in the ensiling of pearl millet.
Entering Aladdin's cave: Developing an app for children with Down syndrome
Authors: Porter J.
Published: February 2018

Tablets have much to offer children with learning difficulties, but evidence of their effectiveness to teach academic skills is limited and cannot be easily separated from the quality of the software. This paper analyses data from 3 iterative cycles of designing an app for children with Down syndrome to support their awareness of quantity through an inclusive game. Research with neurotypical children suggests that representation of quantity (or magnitude) is an area with considerable potential in supporting the foundations for children's mathematical learning. It has received little attention as an aspect for intervention for children with Down syndrome. Data collected in this study illustrate the need to carefully align the game mechanic to the target skills, strengthen levels of access, and introduce gradations of attentional demand. They also signal the interrelationship between children's cognitive and affective responses to the game, making it essential to find the optimal level of challenge. Children's strategies in response to mistakes indicate the importance of creating an agile responsive system. The data also suggest that developers routinely extend the number of features that are optional, enabling a greater level of personalization and a more inclusive game.
Targeted Geriatric Assessment for Fast‐Paced Healthcare Settings: Development, Validity, and Reliability
Authors: Aliberti Márlon J. R. , Apolinario Daniel , Suemoto Claudia K. , Melo Juliana A. , Fortes‐Filho Sileno Q. , Saraiva Marcos D. , Trindade Carolina B. , Covinsky Kenneth E. , Jacob‐Filho Wilson
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To develop and examine the validity and reliability of a targeted geriatric assessment (TaGA) for busy healthcare settings.

Design

The TaGA was developed through the consensus of experts (Delphi technique), and we investigated its construct validity and reliability in a cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Geriatric day hospital specializing in acute care in Brazil.

Participants

Older adults (N = 534) aged 79.5 ± 8.4, 63% female, consecutively admitted to the geriatric day hospital.

Measurements

The Frailty Index (FI), Physical Frailty Phenotype, and Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) were used to explore the TaGA's validity. External scales were used to investigate the validity of each matched TaGA domain. The interrater reliability and time to complete the instrument were tested in a 53‐person subsample.

Results

In 3 rounds of opinion, experts achieved consensus that the TaGA should include 10 domains (social support, recent hospital admissions, falls, number of medications, basic activities of daily living, cognitive performance, self‐rated health, depressive symptoms, nutritional status, gait speed). They arrived at sufficient agreement on specific tools to assess each domain. A single numerical score from 0 to 1 expressed the cumulative deficits across the 10 domains. The TaGA score was highly correlated with the FI (Spearman coefficient = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.76–0.82) and discriminated between frail and nonfrail individuals better than the ISAR (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.84 vs 0.72; P < .001). The TaGA score also had excellent interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92, 95% CI=0.87–0.95). Mean TaGA administration time was 9.5 ± 2.2 minutes.

Conclusion

The study presents evidence supporting the TaGA's validity and reliability. This instrument may be a practical and efficient approach to screening geriatric syndromes in fast‐paced healthcare settings. Future research should investigate its predictive value and effect on care.
Home‐Based Primary Care: Beyond Extension of the Independence at Home Demonstration
Authors: Rotenberg James , Kinosian Bruce , Boling Peter , Taler George ,   for the Independence at Home Learning Collaborative Writing Group
Published: February 2018

The Independence at Home (IAH) Demonstration Year 2 results confirmed that the first‐year savings were 10 times as great as those of the pioneer accountable care organizations during their initial 2 years. We update projected savings from nationwide conversion of the IAH demonstration, incorporating Year 2 results and improving attribution of IAH‐qualified (IAH‐Q) Medicare beneficiaries to home‐based primary care (HBPC) practices. Applying IAH qualifying criteria to beneficiaries in the Medicare 5% claims file, the effect of expanding HBPC to the 2.4 million IAH‐Q beneficiaries is projected using various growth rates. Total 10‐year system‐wide savings (accounting for IAH implementation but before excluding shared savings) range from $2.6 billion to $27.8 billion, depending on how many beneficiaries receive HBPC on conversion to a Medicare benefit, mix of clinical practice success, and growth rate of IAH practices. Net projected savings to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) after routine billing for IAH services and distribution of shared savings ranges from $1.8 billion to $10.9 billion. If aligning IAH with other advanced alternative payment models achieved at least 35% penetration of the eligible population in 10 years, CMS savings would exceed savings with the current IAH design and HBPC growth rate. If the demonstration were simply extended 2 years with a beneficiary cap of 50,000 instead of 15,000 (as currently proposed), CMS would save an additional $46 million. The recent extension of IAH, a promising person‐centered CMS program for managing medically complex and frail elderly adults, offers the chance to evaluate modifications to promote more rapid HBPC growth.
Effect of platelets‐rich plasma on scalp hair diameter
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To measure the effects of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on hair diameter in Pakistani population.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted in a private setup in the adult patients undergoing PRP treatment. Baseline platelets count was noted for each patient. PRP was prepared using a commercial kit. Three PRP injections were administered in the scalp at 0, 1, and 3 months of interval. The hair caliber was measured in the mid‐scalp area using a separate stencil for each patient. The diameter of 10 hair (1 cm sq) was measured randomly using the caliper (2 hair on each side of the square and 4 in the center). After 6 months of 3rd injection, the hair caliber was measured and the results were analyzed statistically using Mann‐Whitney's test.

Results

Seven men and 3 women were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 24.2 years (26.3 years in males and 19.3 in females). The average platelets count was found to be 283,580/μL. The mean hair caliber was 37.3 μm (39.1 μm in men and 33.0 μm in women). At the end of the study, the mean hair caliber was found to be 52.3 μm (P < .01). The mean hair caliber was 53.9 μm in men and 48.7 μm in women (P < .01). The increase in the hair caliber was noted to be 27.5% more in men and 31.3% more in women (P < .01).

Conclusion

The PRP injections can increase the hair diameter.
The role of pregnancy, perinatal factors and hormones in maternal cancer risk: a review of the evidence
Authors: Troisi R. , Bjørge T. , Gissler M. , Grotmol T. , Kitahara C. M. , Myrtveit Sæther S. M. , Ording A. G. , Sköld C. , Sørensen H. T. , Trabert B. , Glimelius I.
Published: February 2018

An understanding of the origin of cancer is critical for cancer prevention and treatment. Complex biological mechanisms promote carcinogenesis, and there is increasing evidence that pregnancy‐related exposures influence foetal growth cell division and organ functioning and may have a long‐lasting impact on health and disease susceptibility in the mothers and offspring. Nulliparity is an established risk factor for breast, ovarian, endometrial and possibly pancreatic cancer, whilst the risk of kidney cancer is elevated in parous compared with nulliparous women. For breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer, each pregnancy provides an additional risk reduction. The associations of parity with thyroid and colorectal cancers are uncertain. The timing of reproductive events is also recognized to be important. Older age at first birth is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and older age at last birth is associated with a reduced risk of endometrial cancer. The risks of breast and endometrial cancers increase with younger age at menarche and older age at menopause. The mechanisms, and hormone profiles, that underlie alterations in maternal cancer risk are not fully understood and may differ by malignancy. Linking health registries and pooling of data in the Nordic countries have provided opportunities to conduct epidemiologic research of pregnancy exposures and subsequent cancer. We review the maternal risk of several malignancies, including those with a well‐known hormonal aetiology and those with less established relationships. The tendency for women to have fewer pregnancies and at later ages, together with the age‐dependent increase in the incidence of most malignancies, is expected to affect the incidence of pregnancy‐associated cancer.
Influence of CAD/CAM fabrication on denture surface properties
Authors: Steinmassl O. , Dumfahrt H. , Grunert I. , Steinmassl P.‐A.
Published: February 2018

Three main properties are responsible for the microbial attractiveness of denture surfaces: roughness, hydrophilicity and free surface energy. This study investigated whether CAD/CAM‐fabricated dentures are more favourable for these surface properties than conventionally fabricated dentures. The mucosal surface roughness of 54 standardised study dentures was measured using contact profilometry. The surface hydrophilicity and free surface energy of 70 standardised denture resin specimens were determined by contact angle measurements. Both experimental settings compared AvaDent (AD), Baltic Denture System (BDS), Vita VIONIC (VV), Whole You Nexteeth (WN) and Wieland Digital Dentures (WDD) surfaces with conventionally manufactured denture surfaces (control group). These data were analysed using ANOVA together with Tukey's test or the Games‐Howell post hoc test. All CAD/CAM dentures had lower mean surface roughness values than conventional dentures. For AD, VV, WN and WDD, the differences were statistically significant. Vita VIONIC (P < .001), coated WN (P < .001), AD (P = .023) and BDS specimens (P = .027) were significantly more hydrophilic than the control group. All measured surface energies were of similar magnitude (mean values between 31.82 and 33.68 mJ/m2), and only coated WN specimens had a significantly increased mean value (66.62 mJ/m2, P < .001). Although most CAD/CAM dentures have smoother and more hydrophilic surfaces than conventional dentures, there is no difference in their free surface energy, except for coated dentures.
Cardiac vagal flexibility and accurate personality impressions: Examining a physiological correlate of the good judge
Authors: Human Lauren J. , Mendes Wendy Berry
Published: February 2018

Objective

Research has long sought to identify which individuals are best at accurately perceiving others' personalities or are good judges, yet consistent predictors of this ability have been difficult to find. In the current studies, we revisit this question by examining a novel physiological correlate of social sensitivity, cardiac vagal flexibility, which reflects dynamic modulation of cardiac vagal control.

Method

We examined whether greater cardiac vagal flexibility was associated with forming more accurate personality impressions, defined as viewing targets more in line with their distinctive self‐reported profile of traits, in two studies, including a thin‐slice video perceptions study (N = 109) and a dyadic interaction study (N = 175).

Results

Across studies, we found that individuals higher in vagal flexibility formed significantly more accurate first impressions of others' more observable personality traits (e.g., extraversion, creativity, warmth). These associations held while including a range of relevant covariates, including cardiac vagal tone, sympathetic activation, and gender.

Conclusion

In sum, social sensitivity as indexed by cardiac vagal flexibility is linked to forming more accurate impressions of others' observable traits, shedding light on a characteristic that may help to identify the elusive good judge and providing insight into its neurobiological underpinnings.
Reporting the incidence of unplanned extubation in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Aydon Laurene , Zimmer Margo , Sharp Mary
Published: February 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to highlight the incidence of unplanned extubation (UE) and identify associated factors in our neonatal population.

Methods

This study was a prospective audit.

Results

A specifically designed audit tool was used to capture UE events; 182 neonates required mechanical ventilation for 863 days. There were 41 episodes of UE. The UE rate was 4.75 per 100 days of ventilation. At the time of UE, median gestational age of patients was 27.3 weeks (23.4–37.6), with a corrected age median of 29.2 weeks (23.4–37.6). Re‐intubation was required in two thirds of the patients for increasing apnoea and increased work of breathing. Endotracheal tubes are secured in a standardised way either using Neobar or brown tape. UE events occurred with both methods. The two most common factors associated with UE included active handling of the baby and the time of day (0700–1000 h).

Conclusions

This audit has provided our neonatal intensive care unit with a benchmark for improvement. It has also created staff awareness of the risk of UE and promoted staff engagement to reduce UE. A bundle approach to reduce UE has been introduced. Future audits are planned to monitor the impact of these initiatives.
Development and validation of an algorithm for the study of sleep using a biometric shirt in young healthy adults
Authors: Pion‐Massicotte Joëlle , Godbout Roger , Savard Pierre , Roy Jean‐François
Published: February 2018

Portable polysomnography is often too complex and encumbering for recording sleep at home. We recorded sleep using a biometric shirt (electrocardiogram sensors, respiratory inductance plethysmography bands and an accelerometer) in 21 healthy young adults recorded in a sleep laboratory for two consecutive nights, together with standard polysomnography. Polysomnographic recordings were scored using standard methods. An algorithm was developed to classify the biometric shirt recordings into rapid eye movement sleep, non‐rapid eye movement sleep and wake. The algorithm was based on breathing rate and heart rate variability, body movement, and included a correction for sleep onset and offset. The overall mean percentage of agreement between the two sets of recordings was 77.4%; when non‐rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep epochs were grouped together, it increased to 90.8%. The overall kappa coefficient was 0.53. Five of the seven sleep variables were significantly correlated. The findings of this pilot study indicate that this simple portable system could be used to estimate the general sleep pattern of young healthy adults.
Persistently altered liver test results in hepatitis C patients after sustained virological response with direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Olveira A. , Domínguez L. , Troya J. , Arias A. , Pulido F. , Ryan P. , Benítez L. M. , González‐García J. , Montes M. L. ,   the PALT‐M‐Study Group Investigators
Published: February 2018

Guidelines recommend evaluating persistent alteration of liver tests in HCV‐infected patients after sustained virological response (SVR) and its influence on liver disease progression. We studied the prevalence, etiology, associated factors and evolutionary implications of persistent alteration of liver tests in HCV patients after direct‐acting antivirals (DAA)‐induced SVR. This was a prospective study of HCV‐infected patients and SVR after DAA. Those with another previously diagnosed liver disease were excluded. Persistent alteration of liver tests was defined as any increase in ALT, AST or GGT at SVR12 and SVR24. Causes were determined according to standard clinical practice, including liver biopsy and follow‐up transient elastography. A total of 1112 patients were included (70.8% males, median age 53 years, 38.8% cirrhosis, 34.9% interferon‐experienced, 56.8% HIV‐coinfected). Persistent alteration of liver tests was detected in 130/1112 patients (11.7% [95%CI: 9.7‐13.6]). Its frequency differed between HCV‐monoinfected (45/480: 9.4% [95%CI: 6.7‐12.1]) and HIV‐coinfected (85/632: 13.5% [95%CI: 10.7‐16.2]) (P = .046). In multivariable analysis, cirrhosis (OR 2.12; 95%CI: 1.28‐3.53; P = .004) and baseline transient elastography values (OR 1.03; 95%CI: 1.01‐1.04; P = .000) were associated with persistent alteration of liver tests. The main etiologies were clinical diagnosis suggestive of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in 47 (36.2%), alcohol in 30 (23.1%) and drug consumption in 19 (14.6%). Baseline and follow‐up transient elastography was performed in 594 patients and showed a significantly different decrease in patients who did or did not have a persistent alteration of liver tests (−21.1% vs −30%, respectively; P = .003), independently of sex, HIV status or baseline TE value. In conclusion, persistent alteration of liver tests is not infrequent after SVR. It is associated with cirrhosis and baseline transient elastography, and the main cause is fatty liver. According to transient elastography changes, persistent alteration of liver tests seems to affect the course of liver disease.
The semantic map model: State of the art and future avenues for linguistic research
Authors: Georgakopoulos Thanasis , Polis Stéphane
Published: February 2018

The semantic map model is relatively new in linguistic research, but it has been intensively used during the past three decades for studying both cross‐linguistic and language‐specific questions. The goal of the present contribution is to give a comprehensive overview of the model. After introducing the different types of semantic maps, we present the steps involved for building the maps and discuss in more detail the different types of maps and their respective advantages and disadvantages, focusing on the kinds of linguistic generalizations captured. Finally, we provide a thorough survey of the literature on the topic, and we sketch future avenues for research in the field.
Association patterns of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Bahía San Antonio, Argentina
Authors: Vermeulen Els
Published: February 2018

This study aims to investigate the association patterns of a small and resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Bahía San Antonio (Argentina), and assess any seasonal variation in view of the reported seasonal variation in the population's grouping behavior. The estimation of social differentiation (S) was 0.29 (SE = 0.08), suggesting a homogenous society. The half‐weight index (HWI) averaged 0.23 (± 0.06), with evidence of long‐term preferred associations. However, data showed seasonal variation in the association patterns. In winter, when large groups were reported in this population, HWI values averaged 0.30 (± 0.09) with no indication of preferred or avoided associations. However, during summer, when group size was generally small, HWI values averaged 0.14 (± 0.07), with an indication of preferred/avoided associations. This study indicates that the social structure of the bottlenose dolphins in Bahía San Antonio seems relatively homogenous and flexible over time, with the formation of a random social network at times when large aggregations are formed, and a more disconnected network made up of strongly connected components when the cost of grouping is high.
ADVANCES IN THE ASSESSMENT OF YOUNG BILINGUALS: COMMENTS ON FLOCCIA ET AL
Authors: Hoff Erika , Core Cynthia
Published: February 2018

In this article, we comment on the significant contributions to science and to clinical practice made by Floccia et al.'s study of over 400 bilingual 2‐year‐old children. To science, this work contributes new findings on the linguistic factors that make some pairs of languages easier to learn than others and rich data on the environmental factors that influence bilingual development. Their results provide clues to the nature of the language learning process. To clinical practice, Floccia et al. contribute a new instrument for the diagnosis of risk for language impairment in bilingual children and a new method for the development of assessment instruments more generally. The experience‐adjusted approach to norming that they illustrate here provides an example for others to follow. Their method holds promise for test development in many domains where the goal is to assess children's internal capacity but the evidence that is available in children's achievement is systematically influenced by environmental factors.
Non‐Competitive Agency and Luther's Experiential Argument Against Virtue
Authors: Zahl Simeon
Published: February 2018

This article examines a critique that has been levied against Martin Luther's account of the passivity of the human agent in salvation, and his corresponding critique of Aristotelian and Scholastic accounts of virtue. According to Reinhard Hütter and Jennifer Herdt, among others, Luther's theology of passivity is primarily the product of a philosophical failure to recognize that divine and human agency can be conceived in non‐competitive terms. This article demonstrates through close analysis of Luther's arguments that this philosophical critique does not succeed in refuting Luther's theology of passivity. This is because it fails to recognize that Luther's view of human agency and his critique of virtue are based to a significant degree on a different kind of argument: namely, empirical reflection on the experience of sin, including especially experience of the unmasterability of sinful affections through discipline, habit, or effort of will. I conclude by arguing that until Christian virtue ethicists have reckoned with this experiential argument, they have not engaged with one of the strongest theological critiques of virtue‐based paradigms of Christian moral transformation.
Water uptake can occur through woody portions of roots and facilitates localized embolism repair in grapevine
Authors: Cuneo Italo F. , Knipfer Thorsten , Mandal Pratiti , Brodersen Craig R. , McElrone Andrew J.
Published: February 2018

Water acquisition is thought to be limited to the unsuberized surface located close to root tips. However, there are recurring periods when the unsuberized surfaces are limited in woody root systems, and radial water uptake across the bark of woody roots might play an important physiological role in hydraulic functioning.

Using X‐ray microcomputed tomography (microCT) and hydraulic conductivity measurements (Lpr), we examined water uptake capacity of suberized woody roots in vivo and in excised samples.

Bark hydration in grapevine woody roots occurred quickly upon exposure to water (c. 4 h). Lpr measurements through the bark of woody roots showed that it is permeable to water and becomes more so upon wetting. After bark hydration, microCT analysis showed that absorbed water was utilized to remove embolism locally, where c. 20% of root xylem vessels refilled completely within 15 h. Embolism removal did not occur in control roots without water.

Water uptake through the bark of woody roots probably plays an important role when unsuberized tissue is scarce/absent, and would be particularly relevant following large irrigation events or in late winter when soils are saturated, re‐establishing hydraulic functionality before bud break.
Fear and hope in an age of mass automation: debating the future of work
Authors: Spencer David A.
Published: February 2018

Alternative perspectives from economics and political economy now agree that work is set to disappear through the impact of mass automation. Some worry about the negative effects on unemployment and inequality, while others see the opportunity to extend free time. This paper confronts and criticises these perspectives. It addresses previous visions of an automated (‘workless’) future presented by Marx and Keynes and shows the enduring barriers to working less in capitalist society. It then questions whether work will be reduced by technological progress; rather, it argues that work will likely persist, despite and indeed because of the wider use of new technology. The threat to workers from technology is seen to come more from the erosion in the quality of work than from the loss of work. The paper argues that a better future for work and workers ultimately depends on broader changes in ownership.
Non‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging versus renal scintigraphy in acute pyelonephritis
Authors: Aoyagi Jun , Kanai Takahiro , Odaka Jun , Ito Takane , Saito Takashi , Betsui Hiroyuki , Furukawa Rieko , Nakata Waka , Yamagata Takanori
Published: February 2018

The utility of non‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has not been examined extensively for diagnosing acute pyelonephritis (APN) in children. The aims of this study were to compare non‐enhanced MRI with technetium‐99 m dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc‐DMSA) renal scintigraphy in detecting APN. Six boys and one girl with temperature ≥38°C and positive urine culture received both non‐enhanced MRI with whole body diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and 99mTc‐DMSA scintigraphy ≤7 days from the fever onset. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI in detecting APN lesions diagnosed on 99mTc‐DMSA scintigraphy were 80% and 100%, respectively. Non‐enhanced MRI in children with suspected APN ≤7 days from fever onset might be a suitable replacement for 99mTc‐DMSA scintigraphy for the detection of APN.
The curvilinear effect of benevolent leadership on team performance: The mediating role of team action processes and the moderating role of team commitment
Authors: Li Guiquan , Rubenstein Alex L. , Lin Weipeng , Wang Mo , Chen Xingwen
Published: February 2018

Leaders are encouraged to show benevolence to followers in paternalistic cultures. Yet, there remains debate about whether the influence of increasingly benevolent leadership on follower outcomes is linearly favorable. Grounded in the too‐much‐of‐a‐good‐thing effect and resource allocation theory, we developed and tested a model considering a potential curvilinear relationship between benevolent leadership and team performance while also examining the mediating role of team action processes. We further reasoned that this curvilinear indirect effect would be moderated by team commitment, which could neutralize the diminishing performance returns resulting from excessive benevolent leadership. To test these ideas, we carried out two studies. In the first study, multisource and time‐lagged data collected from 381 employees working in 104 research and development teams showed that benevolent leadership exhibited an inverted U‐shaped relationship with team performance, but this curvilinear relationship disappeared in teams with high team commitment. In the second study, we replicated and extended our results using a sample of 417 employees from 101 hotel management teams of a large hotel chain. Specifically, we found an inverted U‐shaped relationship between benevolent leadership and team action processes, which mediated the inverted U‐shaped relationship between benevolent leadership and team performance. Moreover, this indirect curvilinear effect only held in teams with low team commitment. We discuss the implications of our findings for both theory and practice.
Physiological and biochemical effects of Olea europaea leaf extracts from four phenological growth stages on the oogenesis of female locust Locusta migratoria
Authors: Abdellaoui Khemais , Hazzoug Meriem , Boussadia Olfa , Miladi Meriam , Omri Ghofrane , Acheuk Fatma , Ben Halima‐Kamel Monia , Brahem Mohamed
Published: February 2018

The effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) are studied on several reproductive variables and the ovarian biochemical composition of Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae) adult females. The methanolic extracts are prepared from the leaves sampled during four phenological growth stages of olive tree: cluster formation (Cf), swelling inflorescence buds (Sib), full flowering (Ff) and endocarp hardening (Eh). When applied to adult females during the pre‐ovipositional phase, the treatment elicites a significant adverse effect on their reproductive potential. Indeed, OLE significantly reduces both fecundity and fertility and affects oocyte growth during the first gonadotrophic cycle, as indicated by measurements of ovarian weight, length of terminal oocytes and ovarian index. Furthermore, OLE is examined with respect to ovarian biochemical components. Biochemical analyses reveal a significant reduction of ovarian contents of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, suggesting a disruption in the incorporation of the haemolymph metabolites in the oocytes and an interference of OLE with the vitellogenesis process. The antigonadotrophic effect is confirmed by a histological study of the ovaries, which clearly shows a delay in ovarian development and in yolk accumulation in the basal oocytes of treated females. The most effect is noted with the extract prepared from the leaves collected at the swelling inflorescence buds for all measured parameters, which appears to be related to its high content of polyphenols.
How Trust Attitudes Promote Grassroots Lobbying in the American States*
Authors: Cluverius John , Banda Kevin K.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Despite declining trust in government institutions, political scientists have observed increasing political participation across activities, including grassroots lobbying. We argue that higher levels of trust in the state political system as a whole—diffuse political trust—and in state legislatures—specific political trust—should increase the likelihood that citizens contact their state legislators about policy matters because higher levels of trust tend to correlate with believing that the policy‐making process produces equitable political outcomes.

Methods

We use observational data from a nationally representative survey sample taken in 2015.

Results

We find mixed results: whereas diffuse political trust predicts participation in grassroots lobbying at the state level, specific political trust does not.

Conclusion

This finding implies that more general feelings of political trust exert greater influence on grassroots lobbying behavior than do more institution‐specific indicators of trust.
Manufacture of endothelial colony‐forming progenitor cells from steady‐state peripheral blood leukapheresis using pooled human platelet lysate
Authors: Siegel Georg , Fleck Erika , Elser Stefanie , Hermanutz‐Klein Ursula , Waidmann Marc , Northoff Hinnak , Seifried Erhard , Schäfer Richard
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Endothelial colony‐forming progenitor cells (ECFCs) are promising candidates for cell therapies. However, ECFC translation to the clinic requires optimized isolation and manufacture technologies according to good manufacturing practice (GMP).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

ECFCs were manufactured from steady‐state peripheral blood (PB) leukapheresis (11 donors), using GMP‐compliant technologies including pooled human platelet (PLT) lysate, and compared to human umbilical cord endothelial cells, human aortic endothelial cells, and human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. Specific variables assessed were growth kinetics, phenotype, trophic factors production, stimulation of tube formation, and Dil‐AcLDL uptake.

RESULTS

ECFCs could be isolated from PB leukapheresis units with mean processed volume of 5411 mL and mean white blood cell (WBC) concentration factor of 8.74. The mean frequency was 1.44 × 10−8 ECFCs per WBC, corresponding to a mean of 177.8 ECFCs per apheresis unit. Expandable for up to 12 cumulative population doublings, calculated projection showed that approximately 730 × 103 ECFCs could be manufactured from 1 apheresis unit. ECFCs produced epidermal growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A, PLT‐derived growth factor‐B, interleukin‐8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, featured high potential for capillary‐like tubes formation, and showed no telomerase activity. They were characterized by CD29, CD31, CD44, CD105, CD117, CD133, CD144, CD146, and VEGF‐R2 expression, with the most common subpopulation CD34+CD117–CD133–. Compared to controls, ECFCs featured greater Dil‐AcLDL uptake and higher expression of CD29, CD31, CD34, CD44, CD144, and VEGF‐R2.

CONCLUSIONS

Here we show that isolation of ECFCs with proangiogenic profile from steady‐state PB leukapheresis is feasible, marking a first step toward ECFC product manufacture according to GMP.