bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase 2 study of inotuzumab ozogamicin in patients with indolent B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma refractory to rituximab alone, rituximab and chemotherapy, or radioimmunotherapy
Authors: Goy Andre , Forero Andres , Wagner‐Johnston Nina , Christopher Ehmann W. , Tsai Michaela , Hatake Kiyohiko , Ananthakrishnan Revathi , Volkert Angela , Vandendries Erik , Ogura Michinori
Published: April 2016

This phase 2 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of inotuzumab ozogamicin (InO) in patients with indolent B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) refractory to rituximab alone, rituximab plus chemotherapy or anti‐CD20 radioimmunotherapy. Patients received InO 1·8 mg/m2 intravenously on a 28‐d cycle for a planned 4–8 cycles. The initial InO dose and schedule could be adjusted for tolerability and patients were allowed to receive 2 additional cycles (up to 8 total) after achieving a complete response (CR). The primary endpoint was overall response. Eighty‐one patients were enrolled, among whom 48 (59%) received ≥3 InO cycles and 13 (16%) completed the treatment phase. The overall response rate was 67% (CR, 31%). Median (95% confidence interval) progression‐free survival was 12·7 (8·9–26·9) months; median overall survival was not reached. Haematological adverse events (AEs) were common, particularly thrombocytopenia (74%) and neutropenia (56%). These were also the most common AEs leading to treatment discontinuation (37% and 11%, respectively); 58% of patients reported AEs leading to treatment discontinuation. InO demonstrated robust activity in these heavily pretreated patients, although treatment duration was limited by haematological toxicities. Additional studies may determine dosing regimens that allow for reduced toxicity.
Outcomes of high‐complexity renal tumours with a Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA) score of ≥10 after robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy with a median 46.5‐month follow‐up: a tertiary centre experience
Authors: Abdel Raheem Ali , Alatawi Atalla , Kim Dae K. , Sheikh Abulhasan , Alabdulaali Ibrahim , Han Woong K. , Choi Young D. , Rha Koon H.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To compare perioperative trifecta achievement and long‐term oncological and functional outcomes between patients with renal tumours of low [Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA) score 6–7], intermediate (PADUA score 8–9) and high (PADUA score ≥10) complexity undergoing robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), and to determine predictors for trifecta achievement.

Patients and Methods

Data were retrospectively analysed from 295 patients, who underwent RAPN, between 2006 and 2015, at a high‐volume tertiary centre. Trifecta achievement was the primary outcome measurement. The perioperative parameters and long‐term oncological and functional outcomes were the secondary outcome measures. Groups were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis H test or chi‐square test. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the most important determinant variables associated with trifecta accomplishment. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate overall survival (OS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and cancer‐free survival (CFS).

Results

Of the 295 patients, 121 (41%) had a PADUA score of ≥10. Patients in the high‐complexity PADUA group had larger tumours (P ≤ 0.001), higher clinical stages ≥T1b (P < 0.001), an increased risk of malignancy (P = 0.02), longer warm ischaemia time (P = 0.0030), and higher estimated blood loss (P = 0.001) compared with those in the intermediate‐ and low‐complexity groups. Seven of eight patients who were converted to radical nephrectomy had high‐complexity tumours (P = 0.02). Trifecta achievement was less in the high‐complexity PADUA group (P < 0.001). Renal functional outcomes did not differ among the groups at follow‐up (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups for OS (P = 0.314), CSS (P = 0.228) and CFS (P = 0.532). In multivariable analysis, the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, operative time and tumour size were independent predictors of trifecta achievement (P = 0.001, P = 0.03, and P = 0.006, respectively).

Conclusion

High‐complexity PADUA tumours are associated with a lower rate of trifecta achievement; however, long‐term oncological and functional outcomes seem to be equivalent among high‐, intermediate‐, and low‐complexity tumours. Despite the perioperative outcomes; high‐complexity tumours can be handled successfully via the robotic approach and the improved long‐term oncological and functional outcomes might be considered useful for patients counselling.
Robot‐assisted technique for Boari flap ureteric reimplantation: replicating the techniques of open surgery in robotics
Authors: Stolzenburg Jens‐Uwe , Rai Bhavan P , Do Minh , Dietel Anja , Liatsikos Evangelos , Ganzer Roman , Qazi Hasan , Meneses Aurus Dourado , Kallidonis Panagiotis
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe our robot‐assisted Boari flap ureteric reimplantation (RA‐BFUR) technique, Please see Video S1.

Methods

The RA‐BFUR technique is based on the open surgical technique of Übelhör, and the experience includes 11 cases.

Results

Excellent results were achieved after a mean follow‐up period of >12 months.

Conclusion

The RA‐BFUR technique could be considered a safe and effective method of ureteric reimplantation for long distal ureteric strictures.
Detecting positive surgical margins: utilisation of light‐reflectance spectroscopy on ex vivo prostate specimens
Authors: Lay Aaron H. , Wang Xinlong , Morgan Monica S. C. , Kapur Payal , Liu Hanli , Roehrborn Claus G. , Cadeddu Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To assess the efficacy of light‐reflectance spectroscopy (LRS) to detect positive surgical margins (PSMs) on ex vivo radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens.

Materials and Methods

A prospective evaluation of ex vivo RP specimens using LRS was performed at a single institution from June 2013 to September 2014. LRS measurements were performed on selected sites on the prostate capsule, marked with ink, and correlated with pathological analysis. Significant features on LRS curves differentiating malignant tissue from benign tissue were determined using a forward sequential selection algorithm. A logistic regression model was built and randomised cross‐validation was performed. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for LRS predicting PSM were calculated.

Results

In all, 50 RP specimens were evaluated using LRS. The LRS sensitivity for Gleason score ≥7 PSMs was 91.3%, specificity 92.8%, accuracy 92.5%, PPV 73.2%, NPV 99.4%, and the AUC was 0.960. The LRS sensitivity for Gleason score ≥6 PSMs was 65.5%, specificity 88.1%, accuracy 83.3%, PPV 66.2%, NPV 90.7%, and the AUC was 0.858.

Conclusions

LRS can reliably detect PSMs for Gleason score ≥7 prostate cancer in ex vivo RP specimens.
Toxicity and efficacy of salvage carbon 11‐choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography‐guided radiation therapy in patients with lymph node recurrence of prostate cancer
Authors: Fodor Andrei , Berardi Genoveffa , Fiorino Claudio , Picchio Maria , Busnardo Elena , Kirienko Margarita , Incerti Elena , Dell'Oca Italo , Cozzarini Cesare , Mangili Paola , Pasetti Marcella , Calandrino Riccardo , Gianolli Luigi , Di Muzio Nadia G
Published: April 2016

Objective

To report the 3‐year toxicity and outcomes of carbon 11 (11C)‐choline‐positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)‐guided radiotherapy (RT), delivered via helical tomotherapy (HTT; Tomotherapy® Hi‐Art II® Treatment System, Accuray Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) after lymph node (LN) relapses in patients with prostate cancer.

Patients and Methods

From January 2005 to March 2013, 81 patients with biochemical recurrence after surgery, with or without adjuvant/salvage RT or radical RT, and with evidence of LN 11C‐choline‐PET/CT pathological uptake, underwent HTT (median [range] prostate‐specific antigen level 2.59 [0.61–187] ng/mL). Of the 81 patients, 72 were treated at the pelvic and/or lumbar‐aortic LN chain with HTT at 51.8 Gy/28 fr and with simultaneous integrated boost to a median dose of 65.5 Gy on the pathological uptake sites detected by 11C‐choline‐PET/CT. Nine patients were treated without simultaneous integrated boost (50–65.5 Gy, 25–30 fr).

Results

With a median (range) follow‐up of 36 (9–116) months, 91.4% of the patients had a PSA reduction 3 months after HTT. The 3‐year overall, local relapse‐free and clinical relapse‐free survival rates were 80.0, 89.8 and 61.8%, respectively. The 3‐year actuarial incidences of ≥grade 2 rectal and ≥grade 2 genitourinary toxicity were 6.6% (±2.9%) and 26.3% (±5.5%), respectively. A PSA nadir of ≥0.26 ng/mL (hazard ratio [HR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–7.7; P = 0.001), extrapelvic 11C‐choline‐PET/CT‐positive LN location (HR 2.4, 95% CI 0.9–6.4; P = 0.07), RT previous to HTT (HR 2.7; 95% CI 1.07–6.9, P = 0.04) and number of positive LNs (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04–1.22; P = 0.003) were the main predictors of clinical relapse after HTT.

Conclusions

11C‐choline‐PET/CT‐guided HTT is safe and effective in the treatment of LN relapses of prostate cancer in previously treated patients.
CORRUPTION AND MICROCREDIT INTEREST RATES: DOES REGULATION HELP?
Authors: Al‐Azzam Moh'd
Published: April 2016

Misunderstandings about the structure of microcredit interest rates continue to generate rich criticism of the industry's high interest rates. Research has focused attention on the cost structure of interest rates and, more recently, on macroeconomic and macro‐institutional factors. While the cost structure is probably the most important determinant of interest rates, other factors also matter. In addition to other important results that usually validate the empirical literature, this paper finds that microcredit interest rates respond positively to corruption. The analysis shows that there is asymmetry between the effects of corruption, depending on whether or not the MFIs are regulated. While corruption has a positive and significant impact on interest rates of unregulated MFIs, it has a negligible impact on interest rates of regulated MFIs.
Hypertension in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Maccabee‐Ryaboy Nadia , Thomas William , Kyllo Jennifer , Lteif Aida , Petryk Anna , Gonzalez‐Bolanos Maria Teresa , Hindmarsh Peter C , Sarafoglou Kyriakie
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Estimates of high blood pressure (BP) incidence in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) vary widely; risk factors are poorly understood. We estimated incidence of hypertension by CAH subtype and sex, and assessed its association with body mass index, hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone.

Design

Longitudinal.

Patients

Chart review of 180 paediatric CAH patients (120 salt wasting; 60 simple virilizing; 93 females) seen from 1970 to 2013.

Measurements

High BP was diagnosed by diastolic or systolic blood pressure measurement ≥95th percentile for age, sex and height; hypertension was diagnosed with high BP on at least three clinic visits.

Results

Children with classic CAH who received fludrocortisone had a significantly higher rate of hypertension (55% vs 31%) than those who did not. Hypertension incidence was higher in salt‐wasting CAH (58%) than in simple‐virilizing CAH (35%). Hypertension first occurred before age 5 years in 91% of salt‐wasting males and 50% of cases in salt‐wasting females; most simple‐virilizing cases occurred during ages 10–18 years. Rates of hypertension were higher in children who had three or more measurements with 17‐OHP < 400 ng/dl (12·12 nmol/l), and this difference was significant in salt‐wasting males. Children on fludrocortisone who had three or more readings of 17‐OHP < 400 ng/dl (12·12 nmol/l) had a significantly higher rate of hypertension than those who did not. Hydrocortisone dose was not associated with hypertension.

Conclusion

Children with CAH are at higher risk for hypertension than the general paediatric population, and incidence differs by sex and CAH subtype. Hypertension was higher in children on fludrocortisone and who were oversuppressed.
Autosomal recessive mutations in THOC6 cause intellectual disability: syndrome delineation requiring forward and reverse phenotyping
Authors: Amos J.S. , Huang L. , Thevenon J. , Kariminedjad A. , Beaulieu C.L. , Masurel‐Paulet A. , Najmabadi H. , Fattahi Z. , Beheshtian M. , Tonekaboni S.H. , Tang S. , Helbig K.L. , Alcaraz W. , Rivière J.‐B. , Faivre L. , Innes A.M. , Lebel R.R. , Boycott K.M. ,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium
Published: April 2016

THOC6 is a part of the THO complex, which is involved in coordinating mRNA processing with export. The THO complex interacts with additional components to form the larger TREX complex (transcription export complex). Previously, a homozygous missense mutation in THOC6 in the Hutterite population was reported in association with syndromic intellectual disability. Using exome sequencing, we identified three unrelated patients with bi‐allelic mutations in THOC6 associated with intellectual disability and additional clinical features. Two of the patients were compound heterozygous for a stop and a missense mutation, and the third was homozygous for a missense mutation; the missense mutations were predicted to be pathogenic by in silico analysis and modeling. Clinical features of the three newly identified patients and those previously reported are reviewed; intellectual disability is moderate to severe, and malformations are variable including renal and heart defects, cleft palate, microcephaly, and corpus callosum dysgenesis. Facial features are variable and include tall forehead, short upslanting palpebral fissures +/− deep set eyes, and a long nose with overhanging columella. These subtle facial features render the diagnosis difficult to make in isolation with certainty. Our results expand the mutational and clinical spectrum of this rare disease, confirm that THOC6 is an intellectual disability causing gene, while providing insight into the importance of the THO complex in neurodevelopment.
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis in a 2‐year follow‐up study: how well does the patient remember the result of patch testing?
Authors: Brok Line , Clemmensen Kim K. B. , Carøe Tanja K. , Ebbehøj Niels E. , Agner Tove
Published: April 2016

Background

Patch testing is mandatory for diagnosing contact dermatitis. It is, however, crucial that patients understand and remember the result of the test.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of patch testing with respect to patients' ability to remember patch test results and the results of natural rubber latex protein allergy after 2 years.

Methods

One hundred and ninety‐nine patients diagnosed with relevant occupational epoxy or rubber chemical contact allergy, or allergy to natural rubber latex protein, were invited to participate in a questionnaire study about their knowledge of contact allergies after 2 years.

Results

The response rate was 75%. Of the respondents, 13% did not remember their occupational contact allergy to rubber chemicals or epoxy. Ability to remember was not significantly influenced by sex or Dermatology Life Quality Index, but was decreased by age >60 years (p < 0.01). Of patients with an additional contact allergy, <36% remembered this correctly. Of patients allergic to natural rubber latex proteins, 50% remembered this correctly.

Conclusions

The impact of patch testing depends on the patients' ability to understand and remember the results of the test. Attention should be drawn to the importance of this, and patients with increased need for information should be identified.
Total inflammation in early protocol kidney graft biopsies does not predict progression of fibrosis at one year post‐transplant
Authors: Dörje Christina , Reisæter Anna Varberg , Dahle Dag Olav , Mjøen Geir , Midtvedt Karsten , Holdaas Hallvard , Flaa‐Johnsen Linda , Syversveen Trygve , Hartmann Anders , Jenssen Trond , Scott Helge , Reinholt Finn P.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

There is an uncertainty whether total inflammation in early protocol kidney graft biopsies is associated with fibrosis progression. We investigated whether total inflammation, both in fibrotic and non‐fibrotic areas, at week 6 would predict fibrosis progression at one yr post‐transplant.

Methods

We included 156 single adult ABO compatible kidney recipients with adequate week 6 and one yr transplant protocol biopsies (312 biopsies). Biopsies were scored according to the current Banff criteria. In addition, fibrosis and inflammation in fibrotic and non‐fibrotic areas were scored in a 10‐grade semi‐quantitative eyeballing system from 0% to 100%.

Results

Fibrosis increased significantly from week 6 to one yr both by the 10‐grade scoring system from 0.69 ± 1.07 to 1.45 ± 1.86, (mean ± SD), p < 0.001 and by Banff interstitial fibrosis (ci) scoring 0.81 ± 0.65 to 1.13 ± 0.87, p < 0.001. The 10‐grade scoring system detected a larger proportion of fibrosis progressors than the Banff scoring 40.4% vs. 35.5%, p < 0.001. No significant positive association was found between inflammation at week 6 and progression of fibrosis in either of the scoring systems.

Conclusions

Total inflammation in kidney transplant biopsies at week 6 did not predict progression of fibrosis at one yr post‐transplant.
825. CORYLUS FARGESII
Authors: Aiello Anthony S.
Published: April 2016

Corylus fargesii (Franch.) C.K. Schneid. from western China is illustrated with a hand‐coloured engraving; its introduction, horticultural merits and cultivation are discussed.
The Paramount Importance of Experience and Situations in Dewey's Democracy and Education
Authors: Hildebrand David L.
Published: April 2016

In this essay, David Hildebrand connects Democracy and Education to Dewey's wider corpus. Hildebrand argues that Democracy and Education's central objective is to offer a practical and philosophical answer to the question, What is needed to live a meaningful life, and how can education contribute? He argues, further, that this work is still plausible as “summing up” Dewey's overall philosophy due to its focus upon “experience” and “situation,” crucial concepts connecting Dewey's philosophical ideas to one another, to education, and to democracy. He opens the essay with a brief synoptic analysis of Democracy and Education's major philosophical ideas, moves on to sections devoted to experience and situation, and then offers a brief conclusion. Some mention is made throughout about the surprisingly significant role art and aesthetics can play in education.
Beyond the Search for Truth: Dewey's Humble and Humanistic Vision of Science Education
Authors: Waddington David I. , Weeth Feinstein Noah
Published: April 2016

In this essay, David Waddington and Noah Weeth Feinstein explore how Dewey's conception of science can help us rethink the way science is done in schools. The authors begin by contrasting a view of science that is implicitly accepted by many scientists and science educators — science as a search for truth — with Dewey's instrumentalist, technological, and nonrealist conception of science. After demonstrating that the search‐for‐truth conception is closely linked to some ongoing difficulties with science curricula that students find particularly alienating, they then analyze some of the educational opportunities that Dewey's vision opens up. Ultimately, Waddington and Weeth Feinstein argue that Dewey offers a humble and humanistic vision of science and science education practice that captures the power of science by connecting it clearly to everyday human activities and challenges.
Growth and Resistance: How Deweyan Pragmatism Reconstructs Social Justice Education
Authors: Nelsen Peter J.
Published: April 2016

While Democracy and Education is often cited within the scholarship on and teaching of social justice education, it and Dewey's work generally remain underutilized. Peter Nelsen argues in this essay that Deweyan pragmatism offers rich resources for social justice education by exploring how Dewey's three‐part conception of growth has both analytical and normative force. Nelsen makes this case by examining student resistance to engagement with social justice issues, and concludes from this analysis that resistance is an opportunity for growth. Furthermore, rather than being a precursor to critical engagement with ideas, Nelsen contends that creating collaborative environments that foster interdependence across group memberships might be as important as the critical engagement itself.
Sex Differences in Discrimination of Shoal Size in the Guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Lucon‐Xiccato Tyrone , Dadda Marco , Bisazza Angelo
Published: April 2016

For a diversity of species, differences in sexual and parental roles, along with differences in body morphology, often result in males and females having different diets, distinct predators and even different patterns of habitat use. As a consequence, the two sexes often face different environmental challenges and selection may favour the evolution of sex differences in cognition. We tested this prediction in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Under perceived hazard, individual guppies join the larger available social group, a behaviour that is thought to minimise predation risk. In this species, females are more frequently exposed to predation and more averse to predation risk; we therefore expected greater accuracy in shoal size discrimination in females. We compared the accuracy of male and female guppies in discriminating shoals of 4 and 6 conspecifics, which represents the upper limit of discrimination for this species. Overall, we found no sex differences in the accuracy of discriminating the two shoals. However, while females showed this ability at the beginning of the test, males began to select the larger group only after several minutes. In three control experiments, we found indications that this sex difference cannot be accounted for by differences in motivation or antipredator strategies between the two sexes, suggesting female guppies are more efficient at rapidly estimating shoal size.
Carbohydrate‐binding module 74 is a novel starch‐binding domain associated with large and multidomain α‐amylase enzymes
Authors: Valk Vincent , Lammerts van Bueren Alicia , van der Kaaij Rachel M. , Dijkhuizen Lubbert
Published: April 2016

Microbacterium aurum B8.A is a bacterium that originates from a potato starch‐processing plant and employs a GH13 α‐amylase (MaAmyA) enzyme that forms pores in potato starch granules. MaAmyA is a large and multi‐modular protein that contains a novel domain at its C terminus (Domain 2). Deletion of Domain 2 from MaAmyA did not affect its ability to degrade starch granules but resulted in a strong reduction in granular pore size. Here, we separately expressed and purified this Domain 2 in Escherichia coli and determined its likely function in starch pore formation. Domain 2 independently binds amylose, amylopectin, and granular starch but does not have any detectable catalytic (hydrolytic or oxidizing) activity on α‐glucan substrates. Therefore, we propose that this novel starch‐binding domain is a new carbohydrate‐binding module (CBM), the first representative of family CBM74 that assists MaAmyA in efficient pore formation in starch granules. Protein sequence‐based BLAST searches revealed that CBM74 occurs widespread, but in bacteria only, and is often associated with large and multi‐domain α‐amylases containing family CBM25 or CBM26 domains. CBM74 may specifically function in binding to granular starches to enhance the capability of α‐amylase enzymes to degrade resistant starches (RSs). Interestingly, the majority of family CBM74 representatives are found in α‐amylases originating from human gut‐associated Bifidobacteria, where they may assist in resistant starch degradation. The CBM74 domain thus may have a strong impact on the efficiency of RS digestion in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract.
Assessment of crack tip plastic zone size and shape and its influence on crack tip shielding
Authors: Vasco‐Olmo J. M. , James M. N. , Christopher C. J. , Patterson E. A. , Díaz F. A.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a novel methodology for the experimental quantification of the crack tip plastic zone during fatigue crack growth. It is based on the application of yielding criteria to estimate the area and shape of the crack tip plastic zone using both the von Mises and Tresca yield criteria. The technique employs strain maps calculated from displacement fields obtained by digital image correlation. Stress maps were subsequently found by applying these yield criteria. Fatigue cracks were grown in compact tension specimens made from commercially pure titanium at R ratios of 0.1 and 0.6, and the ability was explored of three different analytical elastic crack tip displacement models [Westergaard, Williams and Christopher–James–Patterson (CJP)], to predict shape and size of the crack tip plastic zone. This analysis indicated that the CJP model provided the most accurate prediction of the experimentally obtained plastic zone size and shape.
Strong impacts of daily minimum temperature on the green‐up date and summer greenness of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Shen Miaogen , Piao Shilong , Chen Xiaoqiu , An Shuai , Fu Yongshuo H. , Wang Shiping , Cong Nan , Janssens Ivan A.
Published: April 2016

Understanding vegetation responses to climate change on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) helps in elucidating the land–atmosphere energy exchange, which affects air mass movement over and around the TP. Although the TP is one of the world's most sensitive regions in terms of climatic warming, little is known about how the vegetation responds. Here, we focus on how spring phenology and summertime greenness respond to the asymmetric warming, that is, stronger warming during nighttime than during daytime. Using both in situ and satellite observations, we found that vegetation green‐up date showed a stronger negative partial correlation with daily minimum temperature (Tmin) than with maximum temperature (Tmax) before the growing season (‘preseason’ henceforth). Summer vegetation greenness was strongly positively correlated with summer Tmin, but negatively with Tmax. A 1‐K increase in preseason Tmin advanced green‐up date by 4 days (P < 0.05) and in summer enhanced greenness by 3.6% relative to the mean greenness during 2000–2004 (P < 0.01). In contrast, increases in preseason Tmax did not advance green‐up date (P > 0.10) and higher summer Tmax even reduced greenness by 2.6% K−1 (P < 0.05). The stimulating effects of increasing Tmin were likely caused by reduced low temperature constraints, and the apparent negative effects of higher Tmax on greenness were probably due to the accompanying decline in water availability. The dominant enhancing effect of nighttime warming indicates that climatic warming will probably have stronger impact on TP ecosystems than on apparently similar Arctic ecosystems where vegetation is controlled mainly by Tmax. Our results are crucial for future improvements of dynamic vegetation models embedded in the Earth System Models which are being used to describe the behavior of the Asian monsoon. The results are significant because the state of the vegetation on the TP plays an important role in steering the monsoon.
Drawdown “Triggers”: A Misguided Strategy for Protecting Groundwater‐Fed Streams and Springs
Authors: Currell Matthew J.
Published: April 2016

Article impact statement: Protecting groundwater‐dependent ecosystems near mining developments requires more than setting drawdown “trigger levels.”
The possible role of the tumour necrosis factor polymorphisms and human leucocyte antigens in the development of prostate cancer
Authors: Stingl Jankovic K. , Hudolin T. , Kastelan Z. , Zunec R. , Grubic Z.
Published: April 2016

The cause of prostate cancer (PC), one of the most common cancers found among ageing men, remains unclear, but genetic predisposition is believed to play a major role in its aetiology. The aim of the study was to examine HLA genes polymorphism and TNF polymorphisms in PC development. Patients diagnosed with PC (N = 113) and 150 healthy individuals were tested for HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 genes and for TNFa, TNFb and TNFd microsatellites. The comparison of patients and controls revealed a positive association of HLA‐DRB1*12, TNFa2 and TNFb5, and a negative association of HLA‐DRB1*13 and TNFb4 with PC. A division of patients into groups according to age, pre‐operative PSA level, Gleason score (GS) and involvement of prostatic capsule, seminal vesicles or bladder neck and perineural invasion of PC demonstrated the following: a positive correlation of HLA‐DRB1*12 and a negative correlation of HLA‐DRB1*13 with younger patients (<65 years), GS > 7 and the positive association of prostatic capsule, seminal vesicles, bladder neck and perineural invasion of PC; TNFb4 allele's negative association with older patients displaying higher PSA levels, higher GS and positive surrounding tissue involvement; positive association of TNFb5 allele for both older and younger patients. Investigation of HLA genes and TNF microsatellites demonstrated a possible role of HLA‐DRB1 and TNF regions in PC aetiology.
Strategies and Tools for Entrepreneurial Resource Access: A Cross‐disciplinary Review and Typology
Authors: Rawhouser Hans , Villanueva Jaume , Newbert Scott L.
Published: April 2016

Given that gaining access to external resources is a critical component of entrepreneurial activity, a great deal of research has been done in an attempt to predict and explain this phenomenon. Unfortunately, this literature is largely scattered across a wide variety of somewhat disconnected research streams, which makes interpreting the insights that have been hitherto gained challenging. In response, the authors identify a sample of 76 relevant articles from the leading management and entrepreneurship journals that examine entrepreneurial access to resources. Using a narrative synthesis approach, they then organize these articles based on the strategies (projective and/or interpersonal) and tools (words, actions, associations and/or intangibles) by which entrepreneurs gain access to resources. Based on this categorization, the authors discuss the major themes in the extant literature and offer suggestions for how to move research on entrepreneurial access forward in the future.
Synthesis of Silicon Carbide Nanocrystals Using Waste Poly(vinyl butyral) Sheet
Authors: Park Sung‐Woo , Kim Jae‐Chan , Kim Byung‐Kook , Kim Dong‐Wan
Published: April 2016

SiC nanocrystals were prepared using waste poly(vinyl butyral) sheet as a carbon source. SiO2/poly(vinyl butyral) mixtures are converted to SiO2/pyrolytic carbon composites via pyrolysis at low temperatures (500°C) in an Ar atmosphere. Subsequently, low‐temperature magnesiothermic reduction and purification processes result in the formation of tiny SiC nanocrystals. The size of the synthesized SiC nanocrystals ranged from 3 to 12 nm, i.e., they are smaller than the SiO2 precursor offering large specific surface area of 175.76 m2/g and are single phase as 3C–SiC. Hence, 3C–SiC nanocrystals were successfully synthesized using waste poly(vinyl butyral) through this simple, inexpensive, and scalable process, which will be a new application in the recycling industry.
Predicting falls: considerations for screening tool selection vs. screening tool development
Authors: McKechnie Duncan , Pryor Julie , Fisher Murray J.
Published: April 2016

Aims

This paper discusses considerations for falls risk screening tool selection vs. the need to develop new tools.

Background

Inpatient falls are a complex patient safety issue that represent a significant burden for the healthcare system. In the inpatient context, falls risk screening tools are most often used for predicting falls, but in some populations assessment tools are more suited, however in others, a clinician's clinical judgment may be just as effective. Limited external validity is a central issue with falls risk screening tools when used in different populations than the original study. There is clinical need for guidance regarding screening tool selection vs. the need to development new tools and how to effect change in relation to the prediction of falls.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data sources

This discussion paper is based on our own experiences and research and is supported by literature.

Implications for nursing

This paper provides clinicians with a better understanding of considerations for falls risk screening tool selection vs. the need to develop new tools. In doing so, it provides clinicians guidance on how to critique the efficacy and utility of their falls risk screening tool. This paper equips clinicians for effecting change in relation to the prediction of falls.

Conclusion

Falls risk prediction is a particularly complex patient safety issue. Clinicians need to be aware of the limitations of their tool used to predict falls.
The effects of early positive parenting and developmental delay status on child emotion dysregulation
Authors: Norona A. N. , Baker B. L.
Published: April 2016

Background

Emotion regulation has been identified as a robust predictor of adaptive functioning across a variety of domains (Aldao et al. ). Furthermore, research examining early predictors of competence and deficits in ER suggests that factors internal to the individual (e.g. neuroregulatory reactivity, behavioural traits and cognitive ability) and external to the individual (e.g. caregiving styles and explicit ER training) contribute to the development of ER (Calkins ). Many studies have focused on internal sources or external sources; however, few have studied them simultaneously within one model, especially in studies examining children with developmental delays (DD). Here, we addressed this specific research gap and examined the contributions of one internal factor and one external factor on emotion dysregulation outcomes in middle childhood. Specifically, our current study used structural equation modelling (SEM) to examine prospective, predictive relationships between DD status, positive parenting at age 4 years and child emotion dysregulation at age 7 years.

Method

Participants were 151 families in the Collaborative Family Study, a longitudinal study of young children with and without DD. A positive parenting factor was composed of sensitivity and scaffolding scores from mother–child interactions at home and in the research centre at child age 4 years. A child dysregulation factor was composed of a dysregulation code from mother–child interactions and a parent‐report measure of ER and lability/negativity at age 7 years. Finally, we tested the hypothesis that positive parenting would mediate the relationship between DD and child dysregulation.

Results

Mothers of children with DD exhibited fewer sensitive and scaffolding behaviours compared with mothers of typically developing children, and children with DD were more dysregulated on all measures of ER. SEM revealed that both DD status and early positive parenting predicted emotion dysregulation in middle childhood. Furthermore, findings provided support for our hypothesis that early positive parenting mediated the relationship between DD and dysregulation.

Conclusions

This work enhances our understanding of the development of ER across childhood and how endogenous child factors (DD status) and exogenous family factors (positive parenting) affect this process. Our findings provide clear implications for early intervention programmes for children with DD. Because of the predictive relationships between (a) developmental status and ER and (b) parenting and ER, the results imply that sensitive parenting behaviours should be specifically targeted in parent interventions for children with DD.
Surgical count process for prevention of retained surgical items: an integrative review
Authors: Freitas Patrícia Scotini , Silveira Renata Cristina de Campos Pereira , Clark Alexander Michael , Galvão Cristina Maria
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectives

To analyse the evidence reported in the literature concerning the surgical count process for surgical sponges, surgical instruments and sharps and to identify knowledge gaps for future research on the surgical count process.

Background

The surgical count process stands out among the practices advocated by the World Health Organization to ensure surgical safety. The literature indicates that this practice should be performed in all surgical processes. However, surgical items are still retained.

Design

Integrative review.

Methods

The literature search was conducted in the PubMed, CINAHL and LILACS databases and included studies on the surgical count process published in English, Spanish and Portuguese from January 2003–December 2013.

Results

A total of 28 primary studies were included in the sample, allowing the knowledge on the surgical count process to be summarised and grouped into three categories: risk factors for retained surgical items, how the surgical count process should be performed in the intraoperative period and the accompanying technologies that collaborate to improving the manual count process.

Conclusions

The correct implementation of the surgical count process by the perioperative nurse may contribute to preventing retained surgical items, thereby improving surgical patient safety.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses can use this review to assist in decision‐making directed towards preparing, updating and implementing a reliable system for the surgical count process based on recent evidence because the perioperative nurse plays a key role in the implementation of this practice in health services.
Subjective and objective assessment of patients’ compression therapy skills as a predicator of ulcer recurrence
Authors: Mościcka Paulina , Szewczyk Maria T. , Jawień Arkadiusz , Cierzniakowska Katarzyna , Cwajda‐Białasik Justyna
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectives

To verify whether the subjectively and objectively assessed patient's skills in applying compression therapy constitute a predicting factor of venous ulcer recurrence.

Background

Systematic implementation of compression therapy by the patient is a core of prophylaxis for recurrent ulcers. Therefore, patient education constitutes a significant element of care. However, controversies remain if all individuals benefit equally from education.

Design

A retrospective analysis.

Methods

The study included medical records of patients with venous ulcers (n = 351) treated between 2001 and 2011 at the Clinic for Chronic Wounds at Bydgoszcz Clinical Hospital. We compared two groups of patients, (1) with at least one episode of recurrent ulcer during the five‐year observation period, and (2) without recurrences throughout the analysed period in terms of their theoretical skills and knowledge on compression therapy recorded at baseline and after one month.

Results

Very good self‐assessment of a patient's compression therapy skills and weak assessment of these skills by a nurse proved significant risk factors for recurrence of the ulcers on univariate analysis. The significance of these variables as independent risk factors for recurrent ulcers has been also confirmed on multivariate analysis, which also took into account other clinical parameters.

Conclusions

Building up proper compression therapy skills among the patients should be the key element of a properly construed nurse‐based prophylactic program, as it is the most significant modifiable risk factor for recurrent ulcers. Although the development of compression skills is undeniably important, also other factors should be considered, e.g. surgical correction of superficial reflux.

Relevance to clinical practice

Instruction on compression therapy should be conducted by properly trained nursing personnel – the nurses should have received both content and psychological training. The compression therapy training should contain practical instruction with guided exercises and in‐depth objective assessment of the effects of the training.
HOUSEHOLD COOPERATION IN WASTE MANAGEMENT: INITIAL CONDITIONS AND INTERVENTION
Authors: Briguglio Marie
Published: April 2016

The need to divert municipal solid waste away from landfill is an important policy goal in many countries, and the possibility that households cooperate in this endeavor, an oft pursued solution. There is a vast body of theoretical and empirical work which provides insights on the kind of household conditions and intervention that may stimulate such cooperation. This paper reviews the relevant literature in environmental and behavioural economics and synthesizes it around two themes: (1) initial conditions conducive to cooperation (including household motives and constraints and, by association, the demographics of cooperative households) and (2) intervention that may stimulate (or suppress) cooperation. Three distinct attributes of intervention are examined in particular detail, namely convenience, charges and communication. The paper concludes by providing a succinct set of cues for policy‐makers and scheme‐operators wishing to stimulate household cooperation in waste management, and by identifying gaps in the literature which merit further research.
Serum Concentrations of Symmetric Dimethylarginine and Creatinine in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hall J.A. , Yerramilli M. , Obare E. , Yerramilli M. , Almes K. , Jewell D.E.
Published: April 2016

Background

Serum concentrations of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) detected chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats an average of 17.0 months before serum creatinine (Cr) concentrations increased above the reference interval.

Objectives

To report on the utility of measuring serum SDMA concentrations in dogs for detection of CKD before diagnosis by measurement of serum Cr.

Animals

CKD dogs (n = 19) included those persistently azotemic for ≥3 months (n = 5), dogs that were azotemic at the time of death (n = 4), and nonazotemic dogs (n = 10). CKD dogs were compared with healthy control dogs (n = 20).

Methods

Retrospective study, whereby serum Cr concentrations were determined by enzymatic colorimetry and serum SDMA concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry in dogs with necropsy confirmed CKD.

Results

Serum SDMA increased before serum Cr in 17 of 19 dogs (mean, 9.8 months; range, 2.2–27.0 months). Duration of elevations in serum SDMA concentrations before the dog developed azotemia (N = 1) or before the dog died (N = 1) was not determined. Serum SDMA and Cr concentrations were linearly related (r = 0.84; P < .001). Serum SDMA (r = −0.80) and serum Cr (r = −0.89) concentrations were significantly related to glomerular filtration rate (both P < .001).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Using serum SDMA as a biomarker for CKD allows earlier detection of kidney dysfunction in dogs than does measurement of serum Cr. Earlier detection might be desirable for initiating renoprotective interventions that slow progression of kidney disease.
Corruption: Transcending Borders
Authors: Correa Esteban Alemán , Jetter Michael , Agudelo Alejandra Montoya
Published: April 2016

Is corrupt behavior transmitted internationally? Using panel data for 123 countries from 1995 to 2012, our results suggest a positive and statistically meaningful relationship between neighboring countries’ corruption levels and domestic graft. This result is robust to including two‐way fixed effects, country‐specific time trends, and the standard set of control variables. The effect becomes stronger as income increases, if capital cities are located closer to each other, and if countries share a common political union, such as the European Union. We find less evidence for common language or comparable institutional backgrounds (e.g., similar degrees of democracy), but some evidence for trade relationships as potential transmission channels. These findings allow two main conclusions. First, a country with corrupt neighbors will find it difficult to get rid of corruption. Second, on a more positive note, efforts aimed at decreasing domestic corruption levels could produce positive externalities in affecting neighboring countries. This could particularly hold true within a common institutional framework, such as the European Union.
How Do Voters React to Complex Choices in a Direct Democracy? Evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Hessami Zohal
Published: April 2016

Direct democracy may impose significant information demands on voters, especially when individual propositions are highly complex. Yet, it remains theoretically ambiguous how proposition complexity affects referendum outcomes. To explore this question, I use a novel dataset on 153 Swiss federal referendums that took place between 1978 and 2010. The dataset includes hand‐collected data on the number of subjects per proposition based on official pre‐referendum information booklets as a measure of complexity. My estimation results suggest that the relationship between proposition complexity and the share of yes‐votes follows an inverse U‐shape. Using micro‐data from representative post‐referendum surveys, I provide evidence for two opposing channels. More complex propositions are supported by a more diverse group of voters. On the other hand, voters find it more difficult to estimate the personal consequences of complex propositions and are therefore more likely to reject them.
Do Constitutions Matter? The Effects of Constitutional Environmental Rights Provisions on Environmental Outcomes
Authors: Jeffords Chris , Minkler Lanse
Published: April 2016

We use a novel data set within an instrumental variables framework to test whether the presence and language of constitutional environmental rights influence environmental outcomes. The outcome variables include Yale's Environmental Performance Index and its components. We employ two‐stage least squares to account for reverse causality, that is, the possibility that a country which takes steps to protect the environment might also be more likely to constitutionalize environmental rights. Our first stage theory combines constitution norms, opposition costs, and generation effects. Our controls include country income, which means that our study is also related to the Environmental Kuznets Curve literature. We find that constitutions do indeed matter for positive environmental outcomes, which suggests that we should not only pay attention to the incentives confronting polluters and resource users, but also to the incentives and constraints confronting those policymakers who initiate, monitor, and enforce environmental policies.
Cultural Influence on Preferences and Attitudes for Environmental Quality
Authors: Kountouris Yiannis , Remoundou Kyriaki
Published: April 2016

We investigate national culture's influence on preferences for and attitudes to environmental quality. We use the cultural diversity of immigrants in European countries to isolate the effect of culture from the confounding effect of the economic and institutional environment. Results suggest that culture is a significant determinant of migrants' individual environmental preferences and attitudes. Migrants from countries with higher levels of environmental preferences are more willing to trade off income for environmental quality when controlling for individual characteristics, country of residence, and country of origin macroeconomic and environmental conditions. Furthermore, culture significantly influences individual beliefs about limits to growth, the fragility of the balance of nature, and the likelihood of an ecological crisis. The result is robust to alternative definitions of the cultural proxy and points to the significance of accounting for cultural influences in the design of domestic and international environmental policy and the application of environmental valuation techniques.