bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytomorphological changes induced by intraperitoneal chemotherapy present important diagnostic pitfalls in peritoneal fluid cytology
Authors: Mok Y. , Nga M. E.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IP ChT) is an emerging modality in the treatment of advanced gastric adenocarcinoma with peritoneal disease. Cytological evaluation of peritoneal fluid specimens from patients undergoing IP ChT is important in clinical management. However, direct intraperitoneal exposure to chemotherapeutic agents induces cytomorphological changes in benign constituents of peritoneal fluid, presenting particular challenges to accurate cytological interpretation. These morphological changes have not been well characterised in the literature. We systematically reviewed the cytomorphological features in immunocytochemically‐confirmed positive and negative IP ChT peritoneal fluid samples to elucidate the degree of morphological overlap between malignant and reactive cells.

Methods

We reviewed 39 peritoneal fluid samples of patients treated with IP ChT, and scored specific cytomorphological parameters of both benign and malignant cells with the aid of relevant immunocytochemical interrogation.

Results

The present findings show a significant degree of morphological overlap between reactive and malignant cells. Abnormal, “exploding” mitotic figures, nuclear membrane irregularities, multi‐nucleation and cytoplasmic vacuolation were commonly observed in negative fluid specimens. The most helpful feature that favoured malignant cells was the increased nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratio. A background inflammatory milieu of eosinophils and/or neutrophils was seen in 45–58% of post IP ChT peritoneal fluid specimens. The presence of pseudoparakeratotic cells, a novel observation in post IP ChT fluid specimens is also described.

Conclusions

The extent of reactive cytomorphological anomalies arising from treatment with IP ChT poses unique diagnostic challenges and may prompt a malignant or 'atypical' diagnosis in benign reactive samples.
Assessment of soil degradation through soil aggregation and particulate organic matter following conversion of riparian buffer to continuous cultivation
Authors: Márquez C. O. , García V. J. , Schultz R. C. , Isenhart T. M.
Published: April 2017

Agriculture in the temperate zone of the Midwestern USA has removed most riparian buffer zones from the landscape, which impairs the soil functioning of the soil in these ecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess soil degradation in a non‐buffered riparian zone with an annual row crop (ARC) and in a longer established (more than 85 years) riparian cool season grass (CSG) buffer in central Iowa, USA. To achieve our objective, we compared the functioning of the target system, ARC, with a system that has been undisturbed since 1990, CSG. We measured the aggregate size distribution and stability of macroaggregrates, aggregate‐associated soil organic carbon and particulate organic matter (POM). The categorization of aggregates by size and water stability (slaking resistance) showed a significantly larger (P < 0.05) proportion of water‐stable macroaggregates (> 250 µm) under CSG (53%) than under ARC (26.3%). On the other hand, soil under ARC had the larger proportion of large and small water‐unstable macroaggregates. The results indicate that the concentration of organic C associated with the total water‐stable aggregates is 1.9 times greater under CSG (23.9 mg C g−1) than for the ARC (12.4 mg C g−1). The concentration of carbon in light particulate organic matter (LPOM‐C) under CSG accounted for 12% of total soil organic carbon (TSOC), but only 6% under ARC management. The chemical composition of LPOM in the ARC soil had a large alkyl‐C/O‐alkyl C ratio, which suggests more organic matter decomposition than with the CSG. Electronic micrographs showed evidence that under CSG roots and fungal hyphae form an extensive network around the large macroaggregates (> 2000 µm), and thus maintain the stability of the macroaggregates. Preserving the CSG buffer reduces soil erosion and the processes associated with nonpoint source pollutants, which improves water quality in an intensively managed agricultural system.

Highlights

How do soil aggregation and POM change after conversion of CSG buffer to continuous cultivation?

Improved understanding of soil degradation through water‐stable and ‐unstable aggregates and SOC.

Lack of disturbance of CSG buffer favours formation of macroaggregates and SOC stabilization.

Preserving CSG buffer improves water quality in an intensively managed agricultural system.
There Is More to Educational Measurement Than Measuring: The Importance of Embracing Purpose Pluralism
Authors: Newton Paul E.
Published: April 2017

The dominant narrative for assessment design seems to reflect a strong, albeit largely implicit undercurrent of purpose purism, which idealizes the principle that assessment design should be driven by a single assessment purpose. With a particular focus on achievement assessments, the present article questions the tenability of purpose purism, explaining how critical decisions—concerning whether to assess, how to specify an assessment construct, and many other design characteristics—require the coordination of multiple perspectives on assessment purposes. It argues the case for purpose pluralism—which idealizes the principle that assessment design should be driven by a multiplicity of assessment purposes simultaneously—not as an occasional, unavoidable concession, but as an organizing principle. The point of explicitly distinguishing between perspectives is to help assessment designers to establish a full complement of design requirements, representing a full range of stakeholder voices; as well as to manage more effectively the trade‐offs and compromises that inevitably arise.
Extratemporal disconnective procedures for the treatment of epilepsy in children
Authors: Santos Marcelo Volpon , Machado Hélio Rubens
Published: April 2017

Surgical treatment of epilepsy in children often involves brain areas outside the temporal lobe and, therefore, techniques for extratemporal surgery must be included in the armamentarium of epilepsy surgery centers. Nowadays, disconnective procedures are preferable to traditional resective operations because they reduce the rate of complications related to extensive resections while achieving equivalent seizure outcomes. This article describes the practical anatomy and surgical techniques used for temporoparietooccipital (TPO), parietooccipital, and frontal disconnections, as well as the possibility of extending previous lobar disconnections to the whole hemisphere (hemispherotomy).
A design for a common‐sense knowledge‐enhanced decision‐support system: Integration of high‐frequency market data and real‐time news
Authors: Chen Kun , Yin Jian , Pang Sulin
Published: April 2017

According to efficient markets theory, information is an important factor that affects market performance and serves as a source of first‐hand evidence in decision making, in particular with the rapid rise of Internet technologies in recent years. However, a lack of knowledge and inference ability prevents current decision support systems from processing the wide range of available information. In this paper, we propose a common‐sense knowledge‐supported news model. Compared with previous work, our model is the first to incorporate broad common‐sense knowledge into a decision support system, thereby improving the news analysis process through the application of a graphic random‐walk framework. Prototype and experiments based on Hong Kong stock market data have demonstrated that common‐sense knowledge is an important factor in building financial decision models that incorporate news information.
Global climate change will increase the abundance of symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing trees in much of North America
Authors: Liao Wenying , Menge Duncan N. L. , Lichstein Jeremy W. , Ángeles‐Pérez Gregorio
Published: April 2017

Symbiotic nitrogen (N)‐fixing trees can drive N and carbon cycling and thus are critical components of future climate projections. Despite detailed understanding of how climate influences N‐fixation enzyme activity and physiology, comparatively little is known about how climate influences N‐fixing tree abundance. Here, we used forest inventory data from the USA and Mexico (>125,000 plots) along with climate data to address two questions: (1) How does the abundance distribution of N‐fixing trees (rhizobial, actinorhizal, and both types together) vary with mean annual temperature (MAT) and precipitation (MAP)? (2) How will changing climate shift the abundance distribution of N‐fixing trees? We found that rhizobial N‐fixing trees were nearly absent below 15°C MAT, but above 15°C MAT, they increased in abundance as temperature rose. We found no evidence for a hump‐shaped response to temperature throughout the range of our data. Rhizobial trees were more abundant in dry than in wet ecosystems. By contrast, actinorhizal trees peaked in abundance at 5–10°C MAT and were least abundant in areas with intermediate precipitation. Next, we used a climate‐envelope approach to project how N‐fixing tree relative abundance might change in the future. The climate‐envelope projection showed that rhizobial N‐fixing trees will likely become more abundant in many areas by 2080, particularly in the southern USA and western Mexico, due primarily to rising temperatures. Projections for actinorhizal N‐fixing trees were more nuanced due to their nonmonotonic dependence on temperature and precipitation. Overall, the dominant trend is that warming will increase N‐fixing tree abundance in much of the USA and Mexico, with large increases up to 40° North latitude. The quantitative link we provide between climate and N‐fixing tree abundance can help improve the representation of symbiotic N fixation in Earth System Models.
Nonlinear Multivariate Spatial Modeling Using NLPCA and Pair‐Copulas
Authors: Musafer Gnai Nishani , Thompson Mery Helen , Wolff Rodney C. , Kozan Erhan
Published: April 2017

A novel geostatistical modeling approach is developed to model nonlinear multivariate spatial dependence using nonlinear principal component analysis (NLPCA) and pair‐copulas. In spatial studies, multivariate measurements are frequently collected at each location. The dependence between such measurements can be complex. In this article, a multivariate geostatistical model is developed that can capture both nonlinear spatial dependence across locations and nonlinear dependence between measurements at a particular location. Nonlinear multivariate dependence between spatial variables is removed using NLPCA. Subsequently, a pair‐copula based model is fitted to each transformed variable to model the univariate nonlinear spatial dependencies. NLPCA and pair‐copulas, within the proposed model, are compared with stepwise conditional transformation (SCT) and conventional kriging. The results show that, for the two case studies presented, the proposed model that utilizes NLPCA and pair‐copulas reproduces nonlinear multivariate structures and univariate distributions better than existing methods based on SCT and kriging.
Estimating leaf area of warm‐season perennial legumes
Authors: Homem B. G. C. , Ferreira I. M. , Gionbelli M. P. , Bernardes T. F. , Casagrande D. R. , Lara M. A. S.
Published: April 2017

Refining mathematical models may decrease labour and generate accurate estimates of leaf area in warm‐season perennial legumes. The aim of this study was to assess the use of mathematical models to determine the leaf area of four tropical forage legumes. Perennial legumes (Arachis pintoi, Stylosanthes spp., Calopogonium mucunoides and Neonotonia wightii) were collected, and an elliptical model and a corrected elliptical model were used to estimate leaf area. For comparison, linear models were also generated based on the leaflet area. The elliptical model was suitable for the initial forage peanut leaflets, while the corrected elliptical model proved suitable for estimating the area of the initial leaflets of all species as well as the terminal leaflets of forage peanut and stylo. The elliptical model could be used to estimate the area of both the initial and terminal leaflets only in stylo. Models were generated to estimate leaf area of all legumes requiring only the measurement of length and width from a single initial leaflet. In all of the studied legumes, the leaflet pairs were symmetrical, meaning the corrected elliptical model allows for the estimation of the leaflet area of each plant.
Bio‐economic efficiency of creep supplementation of forage legumes or concentrate in pasture‐based lamb production system
Authors: Ates S. , Keles G. , Yigezu Y. A. , Demirci U. , Dogan S. , Isik S. , Sahin M.
Published: April 2017

A 2‐year study in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey compared the performance of pasture‐fed suckling lambs and their dams, set‐stocked on grass‐legume pastures supplemented either with forage legumes or concentrate through a creep grazing/feeding system in a randomized block design. The treatments included continuous pasture grazing + creep grazing alfalfa; continuous pasture grazing + creep grazing birdsfoot trefoil; continuous pasture grazing + creep feeding concentrate (170 g kg−1 CP; 11.3 ME MJ kg−1 DM); and continuous grazing without creep feeding (control). In both years, creep feeding/grazing commenced in early June following a 42‐day pasture grazing period (period 1) and continued until mid‐summer for two separate periods of 21 days each (periods 2 and 3). Creep‐supplemented lambs grew faster (p < .001) than those that grazed pasture alone, with no significant difference across all creep supplementation treatments. Across the years, the lambs grew at 223 and 161 g per head day−1 for creep‐supplemented and control groups respectively. None of the lamb feeding strategies affected the ewe liveweight gains (p > .05). Results from a bio‐economic optimization model, however, showed that supplementing the pasture with birdsfoot trefoil and alfalfa in periods 2 and 3, respectively, maximized economic returns with an extra profit of US$88.83 per lamb above those that grazed the pasture alone.
Insights into the Functional Anatomy Behind the PREEMPT Injection Paradigm: Guidance on Achieving Optimal Outcomes
Authors: Blumenfeld Andrew M. , Silberstein Stephen D. , Dodick David W. , Aurora Sheena K. , Brin Mitchell F. , Binder William J.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To provide clinically relevant insights on the identification of the muscles and techniques involved in the safe and effective use of onabotulinumtoxinA for chronic migraine prophylaxis.

Background

Although guidance on the use of onabotulinumtoxinA for chronic migraine is available, based on the Phase III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy (PREEMPT) clinical program, clinical experience has shown that insufficient understanding of the anatomy and function of the head and neck muscles may lead to undesirable outcomes and suboptimal efficacy.

Design/Methods

Each muscle involved in the standardized PREEMPT injection paradigm is reviewed with a thorough description of each muscle's anatomy (ie, muscle description and location, innervation, vascular supply) and function. Key insights based on clinical experience are also provided to help improve outcomes.

Results

The identification of the muscles in the PREEMPT injection paradigm should be based on each patient's unique anatomy and injections should be administered using the advised techniques. A thorough examination of the patient prior to treatment is also critical to determine if any preexisting conditions may increase the risk for unwanted outcomes and appropriate expectations should be communicated.

Conclusions

Thorough knowledge of the functional anatomy of the muscles involved in the standardized PREEMPT injection paradigm is critical to achieve the efficacy and safety observed in clinical trials. In addition, it is important to assess a patient's baseline condition to anticipate the risk for unwanted outcomes that may result from treatment.
Social organization, demography and genetic mating system of a Tibetan cooperative breeder
Authors: Tang Shiyi , Ke Dianhua , Yu Tonglei , Wang Changcao , Zhao Qingtian , Fan Haiying , Zhang Guoyue , Wang Chen , Lu Xin
Published: April 2017

Knowledge of cooperative breeding in birds from longitudinal studies is available only for a small proportion of species. This paper reports data from a 12‐year study on the Tibetan Ground Tit Pseudopodoces humilis. On average, 27.2% (range: 13.0–36.1%) of monogamous pairs in each year contained one (85.4%) or more (14.6%) male helpers, 83.7% of which were yearlings staying on natal territories. Most helpers (89.6%) helped once and then bred independently. Adults had male‐biased sex ratios, low annual survival rates (averaging 0.50) and shorter longevities (averaging 1.8 years) compared with low‐altitude avian cooperative breeders, suggesting that mate shortage promotes helping behaviour in this species. Incest occurred rarely (2.1% of pairs), probably because kin recognition occurs through year‐around living in family groups. There was a low level (3.1% of broods) of extra‐pair parentage, which could facilitate the maintenance of cooperative breeding.
The role of music in ethnic identity formation in diaspora: a research review
Authors: Lidskog Rolf
Published: April 2017

In many countries, multicultural citizenship has run into difficulties. The relation between immigrant groups and the larger society has come to the fore, and different strategies have been proposed for how to better integrate immigrants in their new surroundings. This paper focuses on how ethnic identities and cultures are maintained and transformed in diasporic situations, namely though music. Through a systematic review of academic articles published in the last 20 years, this paper investigates the role of music in cultural identity formation among ethnic groups. The review finds that the literature stresses four particular areas: context (the diasporic situation); space for recognition and resistance; time and memory to allow identity maintenance and transformation; and politics (social subordination or resistance). The paper concludes by stressing the importance of further studies on identity formation in diaspora, not least about diasporic consciousness as a resource and restriction in the social positioning and orientation of groups. A world characterised by migration, transnational networks and global flows, as well as by a reorientation of migration and integration policies, implies new conditions for identity‐formation, and music will continue to be an important way for immigrants and refugees to negotiate and develop their identities in their new setting.
Grain yield and root characteristics of summer maize (Zea maysL.) under shade stress conditions
Authors: Gao J. , Shi J. , Dong S. , Liu P. , Zhao B. , Zhang J.
Published: April 2017

Low light is a major adversity affecting yield and quality of summer maize in the Huang‐Huai‐Hai region of China. We conducted a field experiment to explore the effects of shading on root development and yield formation in two summer maize hybrids (Zea maysL.), Denghai605 (DH605) and Zhengdan958 (ZD958). The experiment consisted of four treatments (CK: ambient sunlight, S1: shading from tasselling to physiological maturity stage, S2: shading from six‐leaf to tasselling stage, S3: shading from seeding to physiological maturity stage). Shading had a strong impact on the development of roots in the upper soil layer. Shading significantly decreased the root dry weight, root/shoot ratio, root length density, root absorption area and active absorption area. The results showed that treatments in a diminishing sequence of effects on root from S3, S1, S2 toCK. Overall, shading decreased the root morphologic and activity indices, and decreased yield in summer maize. During an average of 2 years, yields ofZD958 in S3, S2 and S1 decreased by 85%, 24% and 55%, yields ofDH605 in S3, S2 and S1 decreased by 87%, 26% and 67%, in compare toCK. The results will be useful for hybrid selection and improving cultural practices for enhancing the maize shading resistance in Huang‐Huai‐Hai region.
Arrhythmogenic effects of energy drinks
Authors: Enriquez Andres , Frankel David S.
Published: April 2017

Energy drinks (ED) are increasingly popular, especially among adolescents and young adults. They are marketed as enhancers of energy, alertness, and physical performance. ED contain high doses of caffeine and other active ingredients. Their safety has come under question due to reports temporally linking ED consumption with serious cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. In this article, we report 2 cases of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias in young patients after consuming ED. We also review the ingredients of ED, the physiologic effects on the cardiovascular system, and the available evidence suggesting arrhythmogenecity.
Adult dietary protein has age‐ and context‐dependent effects on male post‐copulatory performance
Authors: Macartney E. L. , Crean A. J. , Bonduriansky R.
Published: April 2017

The highly conserved effect of dietary protein restriction on lifespan and ageing is observed in both sexes and across a vast range of taxa. This extension of lifespan is frequently accompanied by a reduction in female fecundity, and it has been hypothesized that individuals may reallocate resources away from reproduction and into somatic maintenance. However, effects of dietary protein restriction on male reproduction are less consistent, suggesting that these effects may depend on other environmental parameters. Using the neriid fly, Telostylinus angusticollis, we examined age‐specific effects of adult dietary protein restriction on male post‐copulatory reproductive performance (fecundity and offspring viability). To explore the context dependence of these effects, we simultaneously manipulated male larval diet and adult mating history. We found that protein‐restricted males sired less viable offspring at young ages, but offspring viability increased with paternal age and eventually exceeded that of fully fed males. The number of eggs laid by females was not affected by male dietary protein, whereas egg hatching success was subject to a complex interaction of male adult diet, age, larval diet and mating history. These findings suggest that effects of protein restriction on male reproduction are highly context dependent and cannot be explained by a simple reallocation of resources from reproduction to somatic maintenance. Rather, these effects appear to involve changes in the scheduling of male reproductive investment with age.
Predictors of oral health‐related quality of life in Iranian adolescents: A prospective study
Authors: Pakpour Amir H. , Lin Chung‐Ying , Kumar Santhosh , Fridlund Bengt , Jansson Henrik
Published: April 2017

Aim

In the present study, we evaluated the direct and mediating (indirect) effects of clinical oral conditions, dental anxiety, sense of coherence (SOC), and socioeconomic variables on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and general health‐related quality of life (GHRQoL) in Iranian adolescents.

Methods

A longitudinal design was used with a sample of 1052 (694 males, mean age=15.05 years) schoolchildren from Qazvin, Iran. Each participant completed a background information sheet and the following scales at baseline: Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, SOC, PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scale, and PedsQL Oral Health Scale. The PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core and Oral Health scales were recompleted at the 18‐mo follow up.

Results

Father's education, monthly family income, dental anxiety, Community Periodontal Index (CPI), decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), and SOC significantly and directly predicted OHRQoL at 18 mo. Father's education had indirect effects on OHRQoL through CPI and DMFT, family income had indirect effects through DMFT, and dental anxiety had indirect effects through CPI. OHRQoL at 18 mo (β=0.499) and SOC (β=0.084) had significant and direct and mediating effects through OHRQoL on GHRQoL, while father's education, monthly family income, dental anxiety, CPI, and DMFT only showed mediating effects.

Conclusions

Clinical oral indicators had direct effects on OHRQoL, but mediated the effects of dental anxiety and socioeconomic status on both OHRQoL and GHRQoL.
Genetic basis of dentigerous cysts associated with supernumerary teeth: A narrative review
Authors: Anthonappa Robert P. , Ekambaram Manikandan , Neboda Chaturi N. G. , King Nigel M. , Rabie Abu‐Bakr M.
Published: April 2017

In the present study, we sought to: (a) analyze the p53 gene status in dentigerous cysts (DC) associated with supernumerary teeth (ST) in a pair of siblings with ST, of whom one developed a DC; and (b) conduct a narrative review of the literature on ST associated with DC. Blood samples were obtained, and the isolated DNA was used to amplify exons 4‐8 of the p53 gene using specific primers, and subsequently sequenced. No mutations were identified in the coding regions of the p53 gene. A review of the literature revealed a prevalence of DC associated with ST to be as high as 13.6%, and that 83% of the case reports performed enucleation of DC and removal of ST. Dentigerous cysts associated with ST in one sibling demonstrated that variations in phenotypes exist, and the absence of mutations cannot eliminate the potential influence of genetic risk factors.
A randomised controlled trial on evaluation of the clinical efficacy of massage therapy in a multisensory environment for residents with severe and profound intellectual disabilities: a pilot study
Authors: Chan J. S. L. , Chien W. T.
Published: April 2017

Background

Recent literature has suggested that relaxation activities can reduce the challenging behaviours of people with intellectual disabilities, particularly in severe and profound grades, due to the counteractive effect of muscle relaxation on emotional frustration or psychological distress. Despite having inconclusive evidence, multisensory environment (MSE) and massage therapy (MT) are the commonly used approaches to relaxation among these people. However, these two approaches have not yet practised or tested in combination for reducing these people's challenging behaviours.

Methods

A preliminary clinical efficacy trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of MT, MSE and their combined use for residents with intellectual disabilities in a long‐term care facility on reducing their challenging behaviours. Eligible residents were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the four study groups (n = 11–12 per group), that is, MT in MSE, MSE alone, MT alone or usual care, for a 10‐week intervention after a 1‐month washout period. Outcome measures, including the Behaviour Problem Inventory, pulse and respiration rates, Behaviour Checklist and Alertness Observation Checklist, were assessed at recruitment and immediately following the interventions.

Results

A total of 42 participants (17 men and 25 women) completed the study. There were no significant differences in frequency and severity of challenging behaviours and most of the outcome measures between the four groups at post‐test. Nevertheless, there were statistical significant differences on the active and inactive state (Alertness Observation Checklist) between the three treatment and control groups. Many participants in the three treatment groups changed from an active to inactive state (i.e. reduced activity levels) throughout the interventions, especially the MT in MSE. Such inactivity might suggest the participants' brief exhaustion followed by a period of alertness during the treatment activities. But their attention span and social contact to the immediate environment could still be maintained.

Conclusions

Participants of MT in multisensory environment acquired more inactive state than the other study groups. This inactive state indicates a state of ‘passive alertness’, which is more likely in a relaxing manner.
Clinical and genetic aspects of the 15q11.2 BP1–BP2 microdeletion disorder
Authors: Butler M. G.
Published: April 2017

Background

The 15q11.2 BP1–BP2 microdeletion (Burnside–Butler susceptibility locus) is an emerging condition with over 200 individuals reported in the literature. TUBGCP5, CFYIP1, NIPA1 and NIPA2 genes are located in this chromosome 15 region and when disturbed individually are known to cause neurological, cognitive or behavioural problems as well as playing a role in both Prader–Willi and Angelman syndromes. These syndromes were the first examples in humans of genomic imprinting and typically caused by a deletion but involving the distal chromosome 15q11–q13 breakpoint BP3 and proximally placed breakpoints BP1 or BP2 of different parental origin. The typical 15q11–q13 deletion involves BP1 and BP3 and the typical type II deletion at BP2 and BP3. Several studies have shown that individuals with the larger type I deletion found in both Prader–Willi and Angelman syndromes are reported with more severe neurodevelopmental symptoms compared to those individuals with the smaller type II deletion.

Methods

The literature was reviewed and clinical and cytogenetic findings summarised in 200 individuals with this microdeletion along with the role of deleted genes in diagnosis, medical care and counseling of those affected and their family members.

Results

Reported findings in this condition include developmental delays (73% of cases) and language impairment (67%) followed by motor delay (42%), attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (35%) and autism spectrum disorder (27%). The de novo deletion frequency has been estimated at 5 to 22% with low penetrance possibly related to subclinical manifestation or incomplete clinical information on family members. A prevalence of 0.6 to 1.3% has been identified in one study for patients with neurological or behavioural problems presenting for genetic services and chromosomal microarray analysis.

Conclusions

The summarised results indicate that chromosome 15q11.2 BP1–BP2 microdeletion is emerging as one of the most common cytogenetic abnormalities seen in individuals with intellectual impairment, autism spectrum disorder and other related behavioural or clinical findings, but more research is needed.
Relationships Between Nurse Staffing and Patients’ Experiences, and the Mediating Effects of Missed Nursing Care
Authors: Cho Sung‐Hyun , Mark Barbara A. , Knafl George , Chang Hyoung Eun , Yoon Hyo‐Jeong
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The aims of this study were to examine the relationships between nurse staffing and patients’ experiences, and to determine the mediating effects of patient‐reported missed care on the relationship between nurse staffing and patients’ experiences.

Design

The study included 362 nurses and 208 patients from 23 nursing units of six hospitals in South Korea.

Methods

Nurse staffing was measured by patient‐to‐nurse ratios and by nurse‐ and patient‐perceived staffing adequacy. Patients’ experiences included adverse events, communication with nurses, and overall hospital rating. Patient‐reported missed care was measured using the MISSCARE Survey–Patient with three domains: communication, basic care, and timely response.

Findings

Lower nurse‐perceived staffing adequacy was associated with more patient‐reported missed communication. Lower patient‐perceived staffing adequacy was associated with more missed care and adverse events, and a lower likelihood of experiencing good communication with nurses and of giving a high overall rating to the hospital. Patient‐reported missed care mediated the relationship between nurse staffing and patients’ experiences.

Conclusions

Nurse staffing adequacy, particularly as perceived by patients, was significantly associated with patient‐reported missed communication and basic care, as well as patients’ experiences.

Clinical Relevance

Appropriate nurse staffing is required to reduce missed care and to improve patients’ experiences.
Seeds of accumulation: Molecular breeding and the seed corn industry in Hawai‘i
Authors: Schrager Benjamin , Suryanata Krisnawati
Published: April 2017

This paper examines how the application of advances in molecular biology change the relationships between nature and capital through a case study of Hawaiˋi's seed corn industry. Hawaiˋi's relatively minor role as a winter nursery changed in the late 1990s after the seed corn industry was reshaped by a series of techno‐scientific innovations and organizational restructuring. We draw attention to a molecular breeding technique called marker‐assisted selection (MAS) that accelerates crop improvement cycles by making parent lines selection more efficient and by taking advantage of extra growing seasons in tropical locations such as Hawaiˋi. Additionally, we argue that a wider application of MAS enhances seed firms’ geographical flexibility, allowing them to capitalize on the institutional rents of Hawaiˋi's agrarian politics and overcome challenges that might emerge in the future.
Locator Versus Bar Attachment Effect on the Retention and Stability of Implant‐Retained Maxillary Overdenture: An In Vitro Study
Authors: ELsyad Moustafa Abdou , Dayekh Mahmoud Abdehamid , Khalifa Ahmed Khalifa
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To compare retention and stability of Locator and bar attachments for implant‐retained maxillary overdentures.

Materials and Methods

Four implants were inserted into a maxillary acrylic resin model in canines and second premolar areas. Experimental overdentures were connected to the implants with bar (group I) or Locator (group II) attachments. Locators were divided into 3 subgroups according the degree of retention of the patrix nylon insert: Locator blue (group IIa), Locator pink (group IIb), and Locator transparent (group IIc). Retention (vertical dislodging) and stability (lateral, anterior, posterior dislodging) forces (N) were measured at the start of the experiment (initial retention) and after 540 cycles of denture insertion and removal (final retention).

Results

The highest initial and final stability was recorded with group IIc, followed by group IIb and group IIa, and the lowest retention and stability was noted with group I. For all groups, the highest final retention and stability forces were noted with vertical dislodging, followed by posterior dislodging, anterior dislodging, and lateral dislodging. The highest loss of retention and stability was recorded with group I, followed by group IIc, group IIb, and group IIa.

Conclusion

Locator attachments are recommended to retain maxillary overdentures over Dolder bar attachments, as Locator attachments were associated with high retention and stability after wear simulation with minimal retention loss.
Putty Index for Tripoding
Authors: Afsal A. S. , Aravindakshan Shyammohan , Thomas Sebastian , Musthafa Najma , Ismail Shahin
Published: April 2017

Precise orientation and transfer of the selected path of insertion and removal is a critical step in cast removable partial denture prosthesis design. An easy technique for registering the same is described using addition silicon putty and a used diamond disk.
Amlodipine: The double edged sword
Authors: Rabah Fatma , El‐Naggari Mohamed , Al‐Nabhani Dana
Published: April 2017

Aim

Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker became one of the most popular antihypertensive medications used in the paediatric population. This is mainly due to its long half‐life making it easy to use as a single daily dose. Amlodipine is associated with common side effects like flushing, headache and dizziness. The incidence of amlodipine‐related oedema was noted to be lower in the paediatric population compared to adults. We emphasise the importance of monitoring the development of oedema in patients treated with amlodipine.

Methods

Hereby, we report four paediatric cases with amlodipine‐related generalised oedema.

Conclusion

Resolution of the oedema with stoppage of amlodipine confirms its culprit as a cause of the oedema. To our knowledge, this is the largest case series of amlodipine‐related generalised oedema in the paediatric population.
Appetizer or Main Course: Early Market vs. Majority Market Go‐to‐Market Strategies for Radical Innovations
Authors: Schuhmacher Monika C. , Kuester Sabine , Hultink Erik Jan
Published: April 2017

Different views exist in the literature regarding which adopter group to target with a go‐to‐market strategy: early market consumers or consumers in the majority market. Particularly when radical innovations are launched, the approach to the market becomes a critical success factor for firms seeking to recoup their significant investments in these innovation endeavors. Four experimental studies investigate whether and how to differentiate the design of go‐to‐market strategies, represented as bundles of marketing mix elements consisting of brand name, launch price, message content, and distribution intensity, for different consumer groups. Using the concept of consumer innovativeness, this study distinguishes between the early market of innovative consumers and the majority market populated by consumers low in innovativeness. Applying a signaling framework, the results indicate that the early market can be targeted with a go‐to‐market strategy signaling exclusive innovativeness; the majority market should be approached with a strategy signaling security. Further, at a signal vehicle level using specific marketing mix elements, the study demonstrates the relevance of adapting the go‐to‐market strategy for a radical innovation with regard to message content, distribution intensity, and launch price in line with consumer innovativeness. The results also indicate that the adaptation of the two signals and their signal vehicles to the targeted consumer markets is generally not necessary for incremental innovations. The authors discuss the implications of their study for future research and provide managers with recipes of go‐to‐market strategies for radical innovations when targeting consumers in the early versus majority market.
Plasma N‐Terminal Probrain Natriuretic Peptide, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, and Cardiac Troponin I as Novel Biomarkers of Hypertensive Disease and Target Organ Damage in Cats
Authors: Bijsmans E.S. , Jepson R.E. , Wheeler C. , Syme H.M. , Elliott J.
Published: April 2017

Background

In the absence of ocular target organ damage (ocular‐TOD), diagnosis of hypertension is challenging in cats. Biomarkers would provide additional support for the diagnosis of hypertension.

Hypothesis

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UPC) are predictors of systemic hypertension, will be increased in cats with hypertension with or without ocular‐TOD, and will decrease with antihypertensive treatment.

Methods

Plasma VEGF, NT‐proBNP, and cTnI concentrations and UPC were determined in healthy geriatric cats, normotensive cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertensive cats with evidence of hypertensive retinopathy (HT‐ocular‐TOD), and hypertensive cats without hypertensive ocular‐TOD (HT‐noTOD). Comparisons among groups were performed. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were built to identify independent biomarkers of hypertension and ocular‐TOD. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to assess clinical use.

Results

Cats with HT‐ocular‐TOD had significantly higher VEGF than all other groups (P < .05) and significantly higher NT‐proBNP than healthy cats (P < .001). Healthy cats had significantly lower cTnI than all other groups (P < .05). No differences were found among groups for UPC (P = .08). Cardiac troponin I and VEGF were independent predictors of hypertension (P < .05), but none of the biomarkers were independent predictors of ocular‐TOD. N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide concentrations decreased with antihypertensive treatment (P < .001). The ROC curves indicated that none of the biomarkers met the criteria to function as diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of hypertension or associated ocular‐TOD.

Conclusions and Clinical Significance

Despite statistical significance and changes with ocular‐TOD, antihypertensive treatment, or both, VEGF, NT‐proBNP, and cTnI did not function as useful diagnostic tests for hypertension. Persistently increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements in combination with fundoscopy remains the preferred method for diagnosis of feline hypertension.
Establishment of reference ranges and evaluation of in vitro concentration‐dependent platelet inhibition by acetylsalicylic acid for multiple electrode impedance aggregometry in healthy dogs
Authors: Haines J. M. , Lee P. M. , Hegedus R. M. , Hwang J. K. , Court M. H.
Published: April 2017

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin) is an antiplatelet medication used for prevention of thromboembolism. Effects of ASA appear to vary widely between dogs, but the underlying mechanisms are not understood. The Multiplate analyzer is a newer form of whole‐blood impedance aggregometry recently validated for use in healthy dogs. A method utilizing this instrument to measure ASA effects on platelet function has not been established. The goals of this study were to establish reference ranges for the Multiplate in healthy dogs and secondly, to develop a technique to determine the in vitro concentration of ASA needed to cause 50% inhibition of platelet aggregation (IC50). Reference ranges established from 40 dogs at multiple test times for three agonists were consistent with previously published values. In vitro IC50 values were calculated using the sigmoid Emax model in 20 healthy dogs on two occasions to determine individual repeatability. Calculated in vitro IC50 demonstrated four ASA response groups: responder (n = 16), poor responder (n = 1), variable responder (n = 2), and nonresponder (n = 1). Multiplate within‐assay variability was  <10% for area under the curve (AUC), and between‐assay baseline AUC variability was  <15%. The described technique allowed for determination of an in vitro IC50 for ASA in dogs using a multiple electrode impedance aggregometer.
How The Lusiad Got English'd: Manuel Faria y Sousa, Richard Fanshawe and the First English Translation of Os Lusíadas
Authors: Sousa Garcia Tiago
Published: April 2017

Richard Fanshawe's translation of the Portuguese national epic Os Lusíadas (1655) has long been seen as a breakthrough in Anglo‐Portuguese literary exchanges. The English Ambassador was the first to undertake such work outside of the Iberian Peninsula, and, for a number of readers, his translation remains one of the best, if not the best, rendition of Camões' masterpiece into English. One would expect a translator of such an intricate work of literary art to be deeply knowledgeable of Portuguese language, history and culture – as his appointment as ambassador to Portugal in 1663 seems to corroborate. Yet evidence that Fanshawe read, wrote or spoke Portuguese, other than the translation itself, is scarce, and concrete evidence of his actual proficiency in the language has only recently been discovered.

Previously, the few authors who have addressed the issue, particularly Roger Walker, have suggested that Fanshawe did not use the original Portuguese text as the basis for his work, but rather took Manuel Faria y Sousa's monumental Spanish translation and commentary (1639) as his source, even going as far as claiming that Fanshawe did not translate from the Portuguese at all, but rather rendered into English the Spanish translation of Manuel de Faria y Sousa. This article will explore the connections between the two translations – Faria y Sousa's and Fanshawe's – and tackle some of the implications that such genetic connection might give rise to. By focusing the discussion through a selective close reading of the two translations and their respective paratexts, this article will conclude that while Fanshawe's use of Faria y Sousa's translation is undeniable, the relationship between the two is far more complex than previously thought. Namely, it will be argued that Fanshawe did not use Faria y Sousa's translation as a primary source but rather as a compendium of all the information available about Camoes, his epic, Portugal and its history and culture. In doing so, it will also contribute to a broader understanding of how literature travelled within Europe in the 17th century – rather than a simple binary equation of original and target languages; its path is often a complex road map of roundabouts, off‐shoots and B‐roads.
The transformation in biomarker detection and management of drug‐induced liver injury
Authors: Church Rachel J. , Watkins Paul B.
Published: April 2017

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is a major concern for patients, care givers and the pharmaceutical industry. Interpretation of the serum biomarkers routinely used to detect and monitor DILI, which have not changed in almost 50 years, can be improved with recently proposed models employing quantitative systems pharmacology. In addition, several newer serum biomarkers are showing great promise. Studies in rodents indicate that the ratio of the caspase cleaved fragment of cytokeratin 18 to total K18 in serum (termed the “apoptotic index”) estimates the relative proportions of apoptosis vs necrosis during drug‐induced liver injury. Glutamate dehydrogenase can reliably differentiate liver from muscle injury and, when serum is properly prepared, may also detect mitochondrial toxicity as a mechanism of liver injury. MicroRNA‐122 is liver‐specific, but recent data suggests it can be actively released from hepatocytes in the absence of overt toxicity limiting enthusiasm for it as a DILI biomarker. Finally, damage associated molecular patterns, particularly high mobility group box 1 and its various modified forms, are promising biomarkers of innate immune activation, which may be useful in distinguishing benign elevations in aminotransferases from those that portend clinically important liver injury. These new biomarkers are already being measured in early clinical trials, but broad acceptance will require widespread archiving of serum from diverse clinical trials and probably pre‐competitive analysis efforts. We believe that utilization of a panel of traditional and newer biomarkers in conjunction with quantitative systems pharmacology modelling approaches will transform DILI detection and risk management.
Metabolic Syndrome Induced Bladder Cannabinoid Receptor Changes in the Fructose‐Fed Rats
Authors: CHEN I‐Hung , CHENG Juei‐Tang , TONG Yat‐Ching
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To investigate the effect of metabolic syndrome on the bladder cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1/CB2) expression and function in the fructose‐fed rats (FR).

Methods

Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups: (i) Control rats fed with normal chow; and (ii) Rats fed with high‐fructose diet (FR) for 9 weeks. The body weight, blood pressure, plasma sugar, insulin, triglyceride and cholesterol were measured. Bladder muscle strips were prepared in organ bath and pre‐contracted with 1 µM/L acetylcholine (ACh) or 50 mM/L KCl. The relaxation responses to CB1/CB2 agonist Bay59‐3047 (0.01–1 µM/L) were recorded. The effects of CB1 antagonist AM251, CB2 antagonist AM630, protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H‐89 and ATP‐sensitive potassium channel (KATP) inhibitor glibenclamide on the Bay59‐3047‐induced response were tested. Western blotting and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analyses were performed for bladder CB1/CB2 receptors.

Results

Significant increases of body weight, blood pressure, plasma glucose, insulin, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were found in the FR. Bay59‐3047 reduced ACh and KCl pre‐contracted bladder strip tension in a dose‐dependent fashion. The relaxation responses were significantly decreased in the FR. The Bay59‐3047‐induced relaxation was attenuated by AM251, glibenclamide and H‐89. Western blotting and RT‐PCR showed decreased expressions of FR bladder CB1 and CB2 receptor protein and mRNA.

Conclusion

CB1/CB2 receptors mediate rat bladder relaxation through the PKA and KATP pathway. The CB1 receptor may play a more prominent role. The response is decreased in the FR bladder due to reduced expressions of the cannabinoid receptors.