bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of oral repeated reading with and without corrective feedback on middle school struggling readers
Authors: Sukhram Diana , Ellen Monda‐Amaya Lisa
Published: March 2017

This study examines the effects of oral repeated reading, with and without corrective feedback, on the fluency and comprehension skills of 60 struggling readers in 7th Grade. Comparisons were made by group on narrative and expository reading ability and by comprehension question type. Students were randomly assigned to one of two reading groups (oral repeated reading with corrective feedback and oral repeated reading without corrective feedback). Participants in each group were required to repeatedly read a narrative and an expository passage. Statistical analyses (namely, repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA) were used to determine the overall effects on fluency and comprehension and differential effects demonstrated by groups on text type and comprehension question type. Results indicated that both forms of intervention improved fluency and comprehension. Limitations and implications for research and practice are discussed.
A Longitudinal Assessment of the Effect of Resident‐Centered Care on Quality in Veterans Health Administration Community Living Centers
Authors: Sullivan Jennifer L. , Shwartz Michael , Stolzmann Kelly , Afable Melissa K. , Burgess James F.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To examine whether changes in resident‐centered care (RCC) over time were associated with changes in quality.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Data sources were the Minimum Dataset quality indicators (which consist of measures of both prevalence and incidence of adverse events) and the Artifacts of Culture Change Tool (which measures RCC; FYs 2009–2012) from 130 Veterans Health Administration community living centers.

Study Design

A retrospective longitudinal study.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Data were from VA secondary data sources.

Principal Findings

The overall relationship between RCC and quality was not statistically significant (p = .22), although there was a weakly significant negative relationship (i.e., increased RCC was associated with poorer quality) in the seven quarters after implementation of an automated version of the Artifacts Tool (p = .08). In facility‐specific analyses, there were 15 facilities with a weakly significant (p < .10) positive relationship between RCC and quality and 21 with a weakly significant negative relationship. Adjusted cost per patient day was over 50 percent higher in the 21 facilities with a negative relationship than in the 15 facilities with a positive relationship (p < .05).

Conclusions

The Artifacts score is a formal performance metric in the VA, and thus, facilities were explicitly incentivized to increase RCC. Using qualitative methods to identify characteristics that distinguished those facilities able to increase both RCC and quality from those that suffered declines in quality as RCC was improved is an important follow‐up to this study.
Conservation agriculture and sustainable development in Africa: insights from Tanzania
Authors: Scheba Andreas
Published: March 2017

In recent years, conservation agriculture (CA) has been increasingly promoted as the best solution to sustainable agricultural development in Africa. Proponents argue that it offers increased yields, reduced labour requirements, improved soil fertility and climate mitigation benefits. At the same time, a growing number of scholars have questioned its promises, impacts and applicability to small, resource‐poor African farmers. To add to the debate, this paper draws on fieldwork from two case study villages in the Lindi region of Tanzania. It scrutinizes CA farmer field schools’ performances, the impact on villagers’ perceptions of core principles and socio‐economic/institutional constraints related to its adoption. It demonstrates how farmer field schools failed to meet initial expectations because of challenges associated with economic benefits, labour demand, availability and accessibility of inputs, infrastructure, governance, and stakeholder relations. It argues that the applicability to and adoption of CA depends on the transformation of individual perceptions as well as structural constraints, including credit facilities, markets for inputs, infrastructure and availability of labour, which has long been a limitation of donor‐initiated programmes. Under constraining socio‐economic and institutional conditions, questions continue to loom large over the long‐term applicability of CA to African smallholder farmers.
Systematic review and meta‐analyses of foodservice interventions and their effect on nutritional outcomes and satisfaction of adult oncology patients
Authors: Doyle Elizabeth , Simmance Natalie , Wilding Helen , Porter Judi
Published: March 2017

Aim

An understanding of effective foodservice interventions on nutrition outcomes in adult patients with cancer is required to support clinical decision making. This systematic review aimed to determine the effect of foodservice interventions across a range of nutritional outcomes and satisfaction of hospitalised and ambulatory adult oncology patients.

Methods

The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016045772). Six databases were searched using search terms associated with the intervention and population. No date or language restrictions were applied. Authors applied the inclusion criteria to titles and abstracts and then full‐text papers. The final library was assessed for risk of bias. Outcome data were combined narratively and, where possible, by meta‐analysis.

Results

From the title and abstract review of 4414 studies, 12 studies testing the effect of foodservice interventions were included in this review. Meta‐analyses demonstrated significantly greater energy (mean difference 1.54 MJ/day; 95% CI 0.85–2.23 MJ/day) and protein (mean difference 18.98 g/day; 95% CI 11.58–26.39 g/day) intake through the addition of oral nutrition supplements. Other positive effects on anthropometric outcomes were also recorded. Patient satisfaction was enhanced through other foodservice interventions.

Conclusions

Limited original research was found exploring the effect of foodservice interventions in oncology patients. Significant findings were found in favour of the intervention across a range of nutritional outcomes, suggesting that foodservice interventions may improve clinical outcomes and satisfaction in this population. Effective foodservice interventions for oncology patients remain under‐researched, so we encourage dietitians and foodservice staff to implement rigorous study designs to evaluate and publish interventions in this clinical group.
Effect of Extrusion on Physicochemical Properties, Digestibility, and Phenolic Profiles of Grit Fractions Obtained from Dry Milling of Normal and Waxy Corn
Authors: Thakur Sheetal , Singh Narpinder , Kaur Amritpal , Singh Baljit
Published: March 2017

Extrusion behavior of grits obtained from 3 successive reductions of dry milling of 2 normal corn types and 1 waxy corn was studied at different extrusion temperatures (ET). The grit from each reduction stage (RS) showed the presence of base‐hydrolyzed bound protocatechuic acid, p‐coumaric acid, sinapic acid, ferulic acid, and quercetin, and the concentrations of these decreased after acid hydrolysis and that of gallic acid increased. African tall grit from all RSs showed the highest average specific mechanical energy (SME) and torque, while waxy corn grit had the lowest. Corn extrudates showed an increase in water solubility index (WSI) and a decrease in water absorption index (WAI), as well as in expansion ratio (ER) with an increase in ET. Extrudates from each corn type showed an increase in rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and a decrease in slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch with an increase in ET. Most of the phenolics were present in bound form in extrudates, and quercetin, and catechin observed in grit were not present in extrudates. Frying of extrudates showed lower L* and higher a* and b* when compared to color parameters of raw extrudates. Lower expansion of fried extrudates from waxy corn than those from other corn types may be related to its higher protein and fat contents and to lower amylose content.
Population Exposure to Phthalate‐containing Drugs
Authors: Broe Anne , Ennis Zandra Nymand , Pottegård Anton , Hallas Jesper , Ahern Thomas , Damkier Per
Published: March 2017

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. Not commonly recognized, phthalates are used as excipients in a number of drug formulations. We aimed to describe the sale of phthalate‐containing drugs in Denmark from 2004 to 2015. National data on annual sale of medications (tablets only) were accessed from medstat.dk. Data from the Danish Medicines Agency on phthalate content per tablet were merged with data on total sale for each active substance and drug formulation. We used the ‘defined daily dose’ (DDD) as the unit of sale and calculated the total amount of phthalate (mg) dispensed per 1000 inhabitants. Specific tablet content was compared with the maximum daily exposure limits defined by regulatory agencies for diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) of 4.0 and 0.01 mg/kg/day, respectively. Use of phthalate‐containing drugs in Denmark was common. We found 154 drug products containing five different phthalates. Two low‐molecular‐weight phthalates and three high‐molecular‐weight phthalates were identified, with a total sale of 59.4 and 112 DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day during the study period, respectively. The highest amount of DBP was found in multi‐enzymes (24.6–32.8 mg per DDD) and mesalazine (12.5–26.4 mg per DDD). Budesonide, lithium and bisacodyl also exceeded the DBP exposure limit of 0.01 mg/kg/day. Other drugs had high levels of DEP, although not exceeding the exposure limit. Sales of phthalate‐containing drugs in Denmark from 2004 to 2015 were substantial, and phthalate exposure from several products exceeded the regulatory exposure limit introduced in 2014.
Volumetric changes and peri‐implant health at implant sites with or without soft tissue grafting in the esthetic zone, a retrospective case–control study with a 5‐year follow‐up
Authors: Bienz Stefan P. , Jung Ronald E. , Sapata Vitor M. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Hüsler Jürg , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the volumetric changes and peri‐implant health at implant sites with and without previous soft tissue grafting over a 5‐year observation period.

Material and methods

In 18 partially edentulous patients, dental implants were placed in the esthetic zone (15–25) with simultaneous guided bone regeneration, followed by submerged healing. During the healing phase, eight patients (test) received a subepithelial connective tissue graft, whereas 10 patients (control) did not receive any soft tissue augmentation. Subsequently, abutment connection was performed and final reconstructions were inserted. Impressions were taken 1 week after crown insertion and at 5 years. Obtained casts were scanned and superimposed for volumetric and linear measurements. The mean distance (MD) in the mid‐buccal area between the two surfaces and the differences in buccal marginal mucosal level (bMMLchange) and in ridge width (RWchange) were evaluated. Peri‐implant health was assessed using probing pocket depth (PPD) values, plaque index (PlI) and bleeding on probing (BOP).

Results

At a median follow‐up time of 60.5 months a median MD of −0.38 mm (Min: −0.94; Max: −0.03) (test) and of −0.51 mm (Min: −0.76; Max: 0.05) (control) was calculated. The level of the margo mucosae (bMMLchange) demonstrated a median loss of −0.42 mm (Min: −1.1; Max: −0.01) (test) and of −0.33 mm (Min: −1.02; Max: 0.00) (control). The median RWchange ranged between −0.44 mm and −0.73 mm (test) and between −0.49 mm and −0.54 mm (control). Mean PPD values slightly increased, whereas PlI and BOP remained stable over time in both groups. None of the comparisons between the groups revealed statistically significant differences (P > 0.35). A small sample size must be considered, however.

Conclusions

Limited by a retrospective case–control study design, implant sites with and without soft tissue grafting on the buccal side revealed only minimal volumetric and linear changes and stability of peri‐implant parameters over 5 years.
Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for rectal prolapse and rectal intussusception using a biological mesh
Authors: Albayati S. , Morgan M. J. , Turner C. E.
Published: March 2017

Aim

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) is a nerve‐sparing technique for the treatment of rectal prolapse. Concerns about the use of synthetic meshes in the pelvis and the associated risk of erosion have led to the recent use of biological meshes in some colorectal units. This retrospective study aims to assess the outcomes of patients undergoing LVR using a noncross‐linked nondermal biological mesh.

Method

The medical notes of all patients who underwent LVR between 1 December 2011 and 31 May 2014 were reviewed. The rate of obstructed defaecation before surgery was retrospectively determined from medical records using the Rome III criteria. The rates of obstructed defaecation and faecal incontinence following surgery were determined using a self‐reported questionnaire.

Results

A total of 51 patients had LVR between 1 December 2011 and 31 May 2014. Their mean age was 57.3 ± 2.5 years and the mean follow‐up was 23 ± 1 months. There were seven (13.7%) postoperative complications. In total, 45 (88%) patients completed the functional outcome questionnaires. Before surgery, 33 (73.3%) patients complained of symptoms of obstructed defaecation. At the end of follow‐up, 22 (48.8%, P = 0.001) patients continued to have some symptoms of obstructed defaecation. Before surgery, 12 (26.7%) patients complained of faecal incontinence. At the end of follow‐up, only three (6.7%, P = 0.004) patients reported faecal incontinence. At the end of follow‐up, recurrence of symptoms had occurred in six (13.3%) patients.

Conclusion

LVR using a biological mesh is safe and results in significant reduction in symptoms associated with external rectal prolapse and rectal intussusception.
Apoptosis and cell cycle regulatory effects of adenosine by modulation of GLI‐1 and ERK1/2 pathways in CD44+ and CD24− breast cancer stem cells
Authors: Jafari S.M. , Joshaghani H.R. , Panjehpour M. , Aghaei M. , Zargar Balajam N.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of tumour cells with the ability of self‐renewal and resistance to chemotherapy. Targeting CSCs is a promising strategy for treatment of cancer. A recent study demonstrated that adenosine receptor agonists inhibit glioblastoma CSCs proliferation. At present, the effect of adenosine on breast CSCs has not been reported. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of adenosine and its signalling pathways in breast CSCs.

Materials and methods

Anti‐proliferative effect of adenosine on breast CSCs was evaluated by mammosphere formation and MTS assay. The effect of adenosine on cell cycle progression was examined using flow cytometry. Detection of apoptosis was conducted by Annexin V‐FITC. The expression levels of cell cycle and apoptosis regulatory proteins as well as ERK1/2, and GLI‐1 were measured by Western blot.

Results

Adenosine reduced CSCs population and mammosphere formation in breast CSCs. Adenosine induced G1 cell cycle arrest in breast CSCs in conjunction with a marked down‐regulation of cyclin D1 and CDK4. Adenosine also induced apoptosis by regulation of Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, mitochondrial membrane potential depletion and activation of caspase‐6. Moreover, adenosine inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation and GLI‐1 protein expression.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that adenosine induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through inhibition of GLI‐1 and ERK1/2 pathways in breast CSCs.
Angioimmunoblastic T Cell lymphoma mimics reactive lymphoid tissue on cytomorphology: A multimodality approach utilising cytology, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry to resolve this diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Miller T. E. A. , Shelton D. , Rana D. N. , Narine N.
Published: March 2017

Angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma is a common form of peripheral T cell lymphoma with a generally poor prognosis. Cytological diagnosis is challenging due to the differential diagnoses including benign and malignant entities. A multimodality approach involving conventional cytology, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry is critical in making the diagnosis.
Cooperating in time of crisis: war, commons, and inequality in Renaissance Lombardy
Authors: Di Tullio Matteo
Published: March 2017

This article addresses the question of how exogenous shocks led to economic redistribution at a local rural community level in the pre‐industrial period, and how inequality can be limited (or not) by institutions and endogenous social structures within the community itself. This article presents a micro‐analytical study conducted mainly on unpublished sources, focusing on a boundary area (the Geradadda) disputed by Milan and Venice during the long period of the Italian Wars (1494–1559) in a broad European perspective. To understand the impact of wars, the management of local commons and communal assets is analysed in the more general context of the management of local finances. This research shows how local communities organized cooperative behaviours for the defence of local resources, developing innovative credit systems and encouraging a process of redistribution. Before other important factors—such as the distribution of wealth or of local political and social power—cooperation between social groups and the role played by elites were the keystones to limiting the increase in inequality.
A fabrication history based strain‐fatigue model for prediction of crack initiation in a radial loading wheel
Authors: Zhao Y. , Ma M. , Qin R. , Ling Y. , Wang G. , Wan X. , Gu H. , Liu Y.
Published: March 2017

A strain‐based fatigue model concerning fabrication history is applied to predict the fatigue life of a commercial car wheel under radial loads. As the prior conditions, the strain fatigue testing is performed on standard specimen of DP590 and FB540 steels at various fabrication states, including raw materials, pre‐strain and pre‐strain + bake. Furthermore, the strain distribution of car wheel during its rotation under radial loads is simulated via ANSYS. The fatigue properties mainly determined by crack initiation of car wheels at various fabrication states are predicted via local stress–strain method, in which the scale and surface factors are also taken into account. The radial fatigue testing is carried out, and the results are used to validate the present model. The fracture mechanism is analysed using FEI Nova 400 field emission gun scanning electron microscope.
The effect of graphene oxide nano‐platelets on fracture behavior of adhesively bonded joints
Authors: Khoramishad H. , Ebrahimijamal M. , Fasihi M.
Published: March 2017

This paper studied the effect of graphene oxide nano‐platelets (GOPs) on the fracture behaviour of epoxy adhesive‐bonded joints, experimentally and numerically. The double cantilever beam specimens were tested and the fracture energies and resistance curves were determined for the unreinforced and reinforced adhesives. A maximum improvement of 69% in the fracture energy was achieved with the addition of 0.3 wt% of GOPs into the adhesive layer. Moreover, the fracture surfaces were examined using the scanning electron microscopy technique to find out the toughening mechanisms involved in this improvement and mechanisms of GOP debonding and crack deflection were observed. Furthermore, a cohesive zone model was utilised to numerically study the effect of GOPs on the fracture behaviour of the adhesive. The numerical analyses showed that the damage process zone length was also influenced by GOPs. The longest damage process zone was obtained for the toughened adhesive with 0.3 wt% of GOPs.
Multi‐scale fatigue crack propagation in 304 stainless steel: experiments and modelling
Authors: Ye S. , Zhang X.‐C. , Gong J.‐G. , Tu S.‐T. , Zhang C.‐C.
Published: March 2017

The stages of fatigue crack initiation and small crack propagation usually occupy most part of fatigue life. The multi‐scale fatigue crack propagation mechanism of 304 stainless steel using in situ optical microscopy was investigated in this paper. An analytical model was also proposed to predict the multi‐scale crack growth rate. Results indicated that grain boundaries inhibit the small crack propagation and lead to the fluctuation of crack growth rate when the applied stress is relatively low. The prediction results using the proposed model agree well with the experimental result. The effect of grain size distribution on crack growth rate can be identified by the present model. Moreover, the prediction capacity of the proposed model is further verified by using another two materials, for example 7075‐T6 and U720Li.
Slow Philosophy
Authors: Trakakis N. N.
Published: March 2017

Metaphilosophy is typically concerned with such questions as the goals of philosophy, the relations between philosophy and the arts and sciences, the methods of argumentation and tools of analysis employed by philosophers, major trends and schools of thought, the prospects for progress and future directions. But one topic that has been consistently overlooked in these discussions is that ofthe temporality, or pace and tempo, of philosophy. Initially this may seem a relatively insignificant topic and therefore one that has been justifiably passed over. The tempo of philosophy, however, relates in quite direct ways to the nature of philosophical practice and how this has been shaped by wider social currents and changes – matters that are of crucial concern to metaphilosophy. Most of us, for example, are keenly aware that modern life is fast and frenzied, and its busy‐ness appears only to be accelerating. How has this impacted upon the ways in which philosophy is understood and produced? Does the fast pace of contemporary life compel us to reevaluate not only our ways of living but also our ways of thinking as philosophers? In response to such questions, I propose that philosophy is in urgent need ofslowing down, and to this end I develop what might be called a ‘Slow Philosophy’.
Evidence for a role of oestrogen receptor‐related receptor in the regulation of male sexual behaviour in the moth Agrotis ipsilon
Authors: Bozzolan F. , Durand N. , Demondion E. , Bourgeois T. , Gassias E. , Debernard S.
Published: March 2017

The oestrogen receptor‐related receptors (ERRs) are orphan nuclear receptors that were originally identified on the basis of their close homology to the oestrogen receptors. The three mammalian ERR genes participate in the regulation of vital physiological processes including reproduction, development and metabolic homeostasis. Although unique ERRs have been found in insects, data on the function and regulation of these receptors remain sparse. In the present study, a 2095‐bp full‐length cDNA encoding an ERR, termed AiERR, was isolated from males of the moth Agrotis ipsilon and deposited in the GenBank database under the accession number KT944662. The predicted AiERR protein shared an overall identity of 47–82% with other known insect and mammalian ERR homologues. AiERR exhibited a broad tissue expression pattern with the detection of one transcript of approximately 2 kb in the primary olfactory centres, the antennal lobes (AL). In adult males, the amount of AiERR mRNA in the AL increased concomitantly with age and responses to the female‐emitted sex pheromone. Moreover, AiERR knockdown induced an inhibition in the sex pheromone‐orientated flight of male. Using A. ipsilon as a model, our study demonstrates that the insect ERR is critical for the performance of male sexual behaviour, probably by acting on central pheromone processing.
The potential benefits and harms of early feeding post‐surgery: a literature review
Authors: Abela Genevieve
Published: March 2017

The effect of nutrition on wound healing is widely recognized, with many studies highlighting the detrimental effect poor nutrition can have on wound healing. In addition, fasting pre‐, peri‐ and postoperatively can contribute to further protein catabolism, leading to morbidity and mortality. By reviewing the current literature, this work evaluates the potential benefits and harms from early feeding (EF) during the early stages postsurgery. Current randomised control trials suggest that the early introduction of nutrients post‐surgery may be beneficial for wound healing and recovery from surgery. Additionally, this approach does not seem to impose any increased complications post‐operatively. Conversely, although there is ongoing research supporting EF and evidence showing that malnutrition can delay wound healing and recovery, healthcare professionals remain sceptical with a slow uptake in adopting EF protocols.
High‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for scleromyxoedema: a prospective open‐label clinical trial using an objective score of clinical evaluation system
Authors: Guarneri A. , Cioni M. , Rongioletti F.
Published: March 2017

Background

Scleromyxoedema is a primary fibro‐mucinosis whose therapy is still challenging.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) for the management of scleromyxoedema prospectively using an objective score.

Methods

In a prospective open‐label study, IVIg was administered to eight patients with scleromyxoedema in a dose of 2 g/kg per month. The patients were followed‐up to a minimum of 6 months, and their disease activity and response to treatment were assessed using the Physician's Global Assessment of disease severity (PGA) and a modified objective skin scoring system for patients with scleroderma (modified Rodnan score system for scleromyxoedema or mRSSS). We used a stringent statistical nonparametric test, the Mann–Whitney U‐test, to assess the changes in the mRSSS following therapy with IVIg.

Results

Eight patients were included (five males) with a mean age of 59 years. Mean duration of scleromyxoedema was 19 months (6–37 months). The mean duration of treatment was 36.5 months (range 7–74 months).The patients were followed‐up for a minimum of 15 months to a maximum of 87 months (mean 44 months). The mean baseline mRSSS of our cohort was 82.38 (37–145, SD 40.763) at the start of treatment, and this significantly decreased to 14.88 (0–37, SD 12.988) (P = 0.012) at the last clinical evaluation with a decrease in mRSSS of 81.6%. No considerable side effects were noted. Paraproteinemia remained substantially unchanged. In six cases, maintenance infusions were required to preserve disease control, while in two patients, therapy was stopped after 7 and 11 months. Relapses, however, occurred, respectively, after 6 and 25 months.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to demonstrate a statistically clinical objective improvement of clinical symptoms of scleromyxoedema with IVIg.
Performance of Dental Students in Shade Matching: Impact of Training
Authors: Samra Adriana P. Buhrer , Moro Marcella G. , Mazur Rui F. , Vieira Sergio , De Souza Evelise M. , Freire Andrea , Rached Rodrigo N.
Published: March 2017

Objective

The present study evaluated the effect of training on dental students’ ability for matching two different shade guides.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in 2012. The participants were 88 male and female undergraduate dental students from Brazil and Portugal, with or without previous color education and vision refractive errors (response rate of 73.33%). They were asked to match a pair set of the shade guides Vita Classical (VC) and Vitapan 3D Master (3DM), with a 20‐minutes’ rest between each match. The sets were assembled over a neutral gray background and under controlled light. About 7–10 days later, all participants watched a video lecture on color education and repeated the matching procedure. The percentage of matches was calculated and submitted to statistical analysis for the variables gender, geographic region, shade guide and previous color education (Mann–Whitney tests), vision refractive errors (Kruskal–Wallis), and training (Wilcoxon signed rank). All tests were performed at a confidence level of 95%.

Results

Training increased the percentage of matches for all groups, except for Portuguese and hyperopic individuals (VC and 3DM) and men (3DM). Previous color education affected VC shade matching before training. Gender, refractive errors, and geographic region did not affect shade matching ability.

Conclusions

Previous education and training in color positively affected shade‐matching ability of dental students on shade guide pairing tests.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The subjectivity of the visual method might not be a clinical concern in daily practice. The human eye can detect small differences in color and visualize the tooth with all its complex geometry, multilayered tissues, and secondary color parameters. Therefore, any color‐matching task will be judged by the patient and/or other observers with consideration to this complexity. In other words, visual assessment is paramount to the success/failure of esthetic restorative procedures. The efficiency of the visual color method may be improved by color education through the development of professional color discrimination ability. This would make the students responsible for color selection, reproduction, and evaluation and lead to increased capability over a layperson observer receiving the restorative treatment. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:E24–E32, 2017)
Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) and Impaired Physical Function: The Rancho Bernardo Study
Authors: Katzman Wendy B. , Huang Mei‐Hua , Kritz‐Silverstein Donna , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth , Kado Deborah M.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Investigate associations of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) with self‐reported and measured physical function in older adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional analyses of data collected in 1992–96 from a longitudinal cohort. Setting: Research clinic within a community.

Participants

Community‐dwelling men (n = 630) and women (n = 961), mean age 71.5 years (SD = 10.8), from the Rancho Bernardo Study.

Measurements

DISH assessed from lateral thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs; self‐reported difficulty bending over to the floor, walking 2–3 level blocks, or climbing 1 flight of stairs; performance‐based measures of grip strength and chair‐stand testing (ability to stand up and sit down in a chair 5 times without using chair arms).

Results

DISH was present in 25.6% of men and 5.5% of women. In age and sex‐adjusted models, those with DISH had 1.72‐fold increased odds (95% CI: 1.13, 2.62) of self‐reported difficulty bending; this remained significant after further adjustment for Cobb angle, weight, stroke, arthritis, and exercise, OR = 1.69, (95% CI: 1.07, 2.66). In fully adjusted multivariate models, those with DISH had worse grip strength, −1.08 kg, P = .01, but did not differ from those without DISH on walking or climbing stairs. In sex‐stratified, fully adjusted models, among men only, those with DISH were 2.17‐times (95% CI: 1.04, 4.52) more likely to be unable to complete 5 chair stands without using their arms.

Conclusions

DISH was less prevalent in women but affected almost one‐quarter of older white men. People with DISH are more likely to experience physical functional impairment, suggesting that DISH has clinical correlations and is not an incidental radiographic finding.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes in birth centers versus hospitals among women with low‐risk pregnancies in Japan: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kataoka Yaeko , Masuzawa Yuko , Kato Chiho , Eto Hiromi
Published: March 2017

Aim

In order for low‐risk pregnant women to base birth decisions on the risks and benefits, they need evidence of birth outcomes from birth centers. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes of low‐risk women who gave birth in birth centers and hospitals in Japan.

Methods

The participants were 9588 women who had a singleton vaginal birth at 19 birth centers and two hospitals in Tokyo. The data were collected from their medical records, including their age, parity, mode of delivery, maternal position at delivery, duration of labor, intrapartum blood loss, perineal trauma, gestational weeks at birth, birth weight, Apgar score, and stillbirths. For the comparison of birth centers with hospitals, adjusted odds ratios for the birth outcomes were estimated by using a logistic regression analysis.

Results

The number of women who had a total blood loss of >1 L was higher in the midwife‐led birth centers than in the hospitals but the incidence of perineal lacerations was lower. There were fewer infants who were born at the midwife‐led birth centers with Apgar scores of <7, compared to the hospitals.

Conclusion

This study was the first to compare important maternal and neonatal outcomes of birth centers and hospitals. Additional research, using matched baseline characteristics, could clarify the comparisons for maternal and neonatal outcomes.
The natural history of humeral intracondylar fissure: an observational study of 30 dogs
Authors: Moores A. P. , Moores A. L.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To determine the risk of condylar fracture, or of needing to have a transcondylar screw placed, and to identify risk factors in a cohort of dogs with humeral intracondylar fissure (also known as incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle) that was initially managed non‐surgically.

Methods

A retrospective owner survey of dogs diagnosed with humeral intracondylar fissure as an incidental finding and managed non‐surgically with a minimum of two years follow‐up. Body weight, age, estimated fissure size, gender and contralateral fracture at the time of diagnosis were evaluated as potential risk factors for the development of a humeral condylar fracture or for having a transcondylar screw placed.

Results

Data were available for 30 dogs (34 elbows). Six humeral condyles with a mean fissure size of 50% fractured at a mean of 14 months after diagnosis. A transcondylar screw was placed across two humeral condyles with fissure sizes of 60 and 100% at 11 and 17 months. No risk factors were identified for fracture/screw placement. For those cases that did not fracture or have a screw placed mean fissure size was 52% and mean follow‐up time was 56 months (range 29 to 79 months).

Clinical Significance

Eighteen percent of cases progressed to fracture and 24% in total required surgery. This information allows clinicians and owners to make an informed decision regarding surgery when faced with a dog with humeral intracondylar fissure identified as an incidental finding.
Assessment of Lung Ultrasound B‐Lines in Dogs with Different Stages of Chronic Valvular Heart Disease
Authors: Vezzosi T. , Mannucci T. , Pistoresi A. , Toma F. , Tognetti R. , Zini E. , Domenech O. , Auriemma E. , Citi S.
Published: March 2017

Background

In dogs with chronic valvular heart disease (CVHD), early recognition of pulmonary edema (PE) is of paramount importance. Recent studies in dogs showed that lung ultrasound examination (LUS) is a useful technique to diagnose cardiogenic PE.

Objectives

To describe LUS features in dogs with different stages of CVHD, and to determine its diagnostic accuracy in detecting PE using thoracic radiography as the reference standard.

Animals

Sixty‐three dogs with CVHD.

Methods

Prospective, multicenter, cross‐sectional study. Each dog underwent physical examination, echocardiography, thoracic radiography, and LUS. The LUS findings were classified as absent, rare, numerous, or confluent B‐lines. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of LUS B‐lines to identify PE were calculated using thoracic radiography as the reference standard.

Results

Dogs in stage B1 had absent or rare B‐lines in 14 of 15 cases (93.3%). Dogs in stage B2 had absent or rare B‐lines in 16 of 18 cases (88.9%). All dogs in stage C, without radiographic signs of PE, had absent or rare B‐lines. Dogs in stage C, with radiographic signs of PE, had numerous or confluent B‐lines in 18 of 20 cases (90%). Lung ultrasound examination detected PE with a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 93%, and with positive and negative predictive values of 85.7 and 95.2%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Lung ultrasound examination showed good diagnostic accuracy to identify cardiogenic PE and might be helpful in staging dogs with CVHD. Lung ultrasound examination should be considered as a new, noninvasive diagnostic tool for clinicians managing CVHD in dogs.
Uncertainty and depression in people with Parkinson's disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ahn Sangwoo , Lee JuHee , Chu Sang Hui , Sohn Young H.
Published: March 2017

Adults with chronic disease may experience uncertainty and depression when coping with their illness. This study identifies degrees of uncertainty and depression, as well as factors associated with depression in people with Parkinson's disease. The 120 participants included patients who visited the neurology outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Seoul and individuals who attended public events managed by the Korean Parkinson's Disease Association. The mean age of the sample was 65.01 and 50.8% of patients were men. The mean scores of uncertainty and depression, measured using the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale and Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale were 99.03 and 6.73, respectively. Approximately 68% of participants scored above the cut‐off score for depression. Multiple regression analyses showed that uncertainty, perceived health status, and fatigue were factors significantly associated with depression. Nurses should be aware of and address these factors and their effects in order to implement interventions to prevent depression in people with Parkinson's disease.
Engineering canker‐resistant plants through CRISPR/Cas9‐targeted editing of the susceptibility gene CsLOB1 promoter in citrus
Authors: Peng Aihong , Chen Shanchun , Lei Tiangang , Xu Lanzhen , He Yongrui , Wu Liu , Yao Lixiao , Zou Xiuping
Published: March 2017

Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), is severely damaging to the global citrus industry. Targeted editing of host disease‐susceptibility genes represents an interesting and potentially durable alternative in plant breeding for resistance. Here, we report improvement of citrus canker resistance through CRISPR/Cas9‐targeted modification of the susceptibility gene CsLOB1 promoter in citrus. Wanjincheng orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) harbours at least three copies of the CsLOB1G allele and one copy of the CsLOB1− allele. The promoter of both alleles contains the effector binding element (EBEPthA4), which is recognized by the main effector PthA4 of Xcc to activate CsLOB1 expression to promote citrus canker development. Five pCas9/CsLOB1sgRNA constructs were designed to modify the EBEPthA4 of the CsLOB1 promoter in Wanjincheng orange. Among these constructs, mutation rates were 11.5%–64.7%. Homozygous mutants were generated directly from citrus explants. Sixteen lines that harboured EBEPthA4 modifications were identified from 38 mutant plants. Four mutation lines (S2‐5, S2‐6, S2‐12 and S5‐13), in which promoter editing disrupted CsLOB1 induction in response to Xcc infection, showed enhanced resistance to citrus canker compared with the wild type. No canker symptoms were observed in the S2‐6 and S5‐13 lines. Promoter editing of CsLOB1G alone was sufficient to enhance citrus canker resistance in Wanjincheng orange. Deletion of the entire EBEPthA4 sequence from both CsLOB1 alleles conferred a high degree of resistance to citrus canker. The results demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated promoter editing of CsLOB1 is an efficient strategy for generation of canker‐resistant citrus cultivars.
Pampered Bureaucracy, Political Stability and Trade Integration
Authors: Stroup Caleb , Zissimos Ben
Published: March 2017

This paper examines the effect of trade integration and comparative advantage on one of a country's institutions, which in turn influences its economic efficiency. The environment we explore is one in which a country's lower classes may revolt and appropriate wealth owned by a ruling elite. The elite can avert revolution by incentivizing a potentially productive middle class to sink their human capital into a relatively unproductive bureaucracy. Thus the bureaucracy serves as an institution through which the elite can credibly commit to make transfers to the rest of society, but in the process this reduces economic efficiency. Trade integration alters the relative value of the elite's wealth. This alters the lower classes’ incentive to revolt on the one hand and the elite's incentive to subsidize participation in the inefficient bureaucracy on the other. Therefore, the interaction between a country's comparative advantage and an inefficient economic institution determines whether trade integration increases or reduces economic efficiency. The econometric findings support the model's main prediction.
Fast Inference for Network Models of Infectious Disease Spread
Authors: Romanescu Razvan G. , Deardon Rob
Published: March 2017

Models of infectious disease over contact networks offer a versatile means of capturing heterogeneity in populations during an epidemic. Highly connected individuals tend to be infected at a higher rate early during an outbreak than those with fewer connections. A powerful approach based on the probability generating function of the individual degree distribution exists for modelling the mean field dynamics of outbreaks in such a population. We develop the same idea in a stochastic context, by proposing a comprehensive model for 1‐week‐ahead incidence counts. Our focus is inferring contact network (and other epidemic) parameters for some common degree distributions, in the case when the network is non‐homogeneous ‘at random’. Our model is initially set within a susceptible–infectious–removed framework, then extended to the susceptible–infectious–removed–susceptible scenario, and we apply this methodology to influenza A data.
The Cognitive Science of Sketch Worksheets
Authors: Forbus Kenneth D. , Chang Maria , McLure Matthew , Usher Madeline
Published: March 2017

Computational modeling of sketch understanding is interesting both scientifically and for creating systems that interact with people more naturally. Scientifically, understanding sketches requires modeling aspects of visual processing, spatial representations, and conceptual knowledge in an integrated way. Software that can understand sketches is starting to be used in classrooms, and it could have a potentially revolutionary impact as the models and technologies become more advanced. This paper looks at one such effort, Sketch Worksheets, which have been used in multiple classroom experiments already, with students ranging from elementary school to college. Sketch Worksheets are a software equivalent of pencil and paper worksheets commonly found in classrooms, but they provide on‐the‐spot feedback based on what students draw. They are built on the CogSketch platform, which provides qualitative visual and spatial representations and analogical processing based on computational models of human cognition. This paper explores three issues. First, we examine how research from cognitive science and artificial intelligence, combined with the constraints of creating new kinds of educational software, led to the representations and processing in CogSketch. Second, we examine how these capabilities have been used in Sketch Worksheets, drawing upon experiments with fifth‐grade students in biology and college students in engineering design and in geoscience. Finally, we examine some open issues in sketch understanding that need to be addressed to better model high‐level aspects of vision, and for sketch understanding systems to reach their full potential for supporting education.
A nonenveloped virus with a lipid envelope: hepatitis A virus as used in virus‐reduction studies
Authors: Kapsch Anna‐Maria , Farcet Maria R. , Antoine Gerhard , Kreil Thomas R.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Recently, a quasi‐lipid–enveloped (LE) form of the traditionally nonlipid‐enveloped (NLE) hepatitis A virus (HAV) was described in human serum and cell culture‐derived HAV stocks. This discovery challenges the understanding of HAV reduction in virus clearance studies of plasma products, which were performed under the premise of an NLE nature of this virus. Here, the presence of LE particles in HAV stocks used for reduction studies was verified, and the hypothesis that LE and NLE particles might contribute to the differential heat sensitivity of HAV variants during heat treatment of human serum albumin was evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Cell culture lysates and supernatants of two cytopathic HAV variants, HM175/18f and HM175/24a, were characterized for their LE and NLE particle content by isopycnic gradient centrifugation. The obtained fractions were characterized for relative infectivity and then subjected to heat treatment (58.0 ± 1.0°C for 590 ± 10 minutes) in 12.5% human serum albumin to investigate their respective heat sensitivity.

RESULTS

Preparations of the two HAV variants contained either LE particles (HM175/24a) or LE and NLE particles (HM175/18f) with equivalent specific infectivity. For HM175/18f, heat sensitivity of LE and NLE fractions did not differ significantly, and inactivation of the whole virus stock was identical to the NLE particle inactivation profile, whereas the HM175/24a variant was more heat sensitive.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that, in heat‐treatment studies, the LE or NLE HAV phenotype is less important than the choice of HAV variant, and the most heat‐resistant HM175/18f should be used.
Neoplastic pleural effusion and intrathoracic metastasis of a scapular osteosarcoma in a dog: a multidisciplinary integrated diagnostic approach
Authors: Mesquita Luis , Mortier Jeremy , Ressel Lorenzo , Finotello Riccardo , Silvestrini Paolo , Piviani Martina
Published: March 2017

A 10‐year‐old, female spayed mixed‐breed or cross‐bred dog was referred to the Small Animal Teaching Hospital of the University of Liverpool due to tachypnea, dyspnea, and pleural effusion not responding to diuretics and antibiotics. The chest was drained and cytology of the pleural fluid was consistent with a modified transudate with presence of atypical cells initially attributed to mesothelial hyperplasia and dysplasia. Computed tomography detected, in addition to the bilateral pleural effusion, diffuse pleural thickening, multiple pleural and pulmonary nodules, and a mineralized and lytic mass in the left scapula. Imaging findings were suggestive of a primary bone tumor with intrathoracic metastasis. Cytology of the left scapular and pleural masses revealed a malignant neoplasm highly suggestive of osteosarcoma. The diagnosis was confirmed by demonstration of a positive cytochemical reaction for alkaline phosphatase on prestained cytology slides. This finding prompted review of the initial interpretation of the pleural effusion cytology. The presence of neoplastic osteoblasts in the thoracic fluid was identified by a combination of cytochemistry, cell pellet immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy findings. In this report, a multidisciplinary integrated diagnostic approach was used to diagnose and confirm a neoplastic pleural effusion due to osteosarcoma metastasis in a dog.