bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographical disparity in breast reconstruction following mastectomy has reduced over time
Authors: Dasgupta Paramita , Youl Philippa H. , Pyke Christopher , Aitken Joanne F. , Baade Peter D.
Published: August 2016

Background

Breast reconstruction (BR) following mastectomy for breast cancer has been shown to improve quality of life and body image; however, there is significant geographic variation in BR rates. We explored factors associated with BR following mastectomy.

Methods

This is a population‐based data linkage study consisting of cancer registry records linked to hospital inpatient episodes for 4104 women aged 20 years and over‐diagnosed with a first primary invasive localized stage breast cancer between 1997 and 2012 in Queensland, Australia, who underwent a mastectomy. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model predictors of BR.

Results

Overall, 481 women (11.7%) underwent reconstruction. Proportions increased over time and were higher for younger women. Younger age, more recent diagnosis, living in high or very high accessibility areas or less disadvantaged areas, smaller tumours and attending a private or high‐volume hospital independently increased the odds of reconstruction. The geographical disparity reduced significantly over time.

Conclusion

Geographical barriers to accessing BR have reduced; however, continued monitoring and further research to inform strategies to further reduce subgroup disparities remain a priority.
Curvature of iris profile in spectral domain optical coherence tomography and dependency to refraction, age and pupil size – the MIPH Eye&Health Study
Authors: Schuster Alexander K. , Fischer Joachim E. , Vossmerbaeumer Urs
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the anterior segment allows quantitative analysis of the geometry of the iris. We performed spectral domain OCT examinations in healthy emmetropic, hyperopic and myopic subjects to investigate iris curvature and its associations.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, out of 4617 eyes (2309 subjects) those with refractive errors of <−4 or >+3 dioptres were identified by objective refraction. The iris was examined using the anterior segment mode of a spectral domain 3D OCT‐2000 (Topcon Inc., Japan) in the temporal meridian, and OCT scans were investigated with respect to presence and amount of convex and concave iris configuration. Ninety‐three eyes of 50 subjects served as emmetropic group (−0.5 ≤ x ≤+0.5 dioptres). Previous ocular surgery was exclusion criterion.

Results

Six hundred and sixty‐eight eyes of 398 persons [292 male (76%); age range; 18–66 years] were included in the study. In the myopic group, 105 eyes had a concave iris configuration (26%), while in the hyperopic group, no eye had this configuration (0%) and in the emmetropic group five eyes (5%). Convex iris configuration was found in 96% of hyperopic, in 85% of the emmetropic and in 67% of the myopic eyes. There was an association between concave iris configuration and myopia, younger age and male gender, and with anterior chamber angle width.

Conclusion

Spectral domain OCT images can be used for analysis of the iris structure and geometry. Our results are limited to the properties of the study population having an age range from 18 to 66 years and consisting mainly of men.
THE GOSPEL AND ECONOMIC BEHAVIOUR: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FROM A TRUST GAME
Authors: MIGHELI Matteo
Published: August 2016

This paper studies how individual religiosity affects people's behaviour. In particular here I study the behaviour of the second players in a standard trust game. While the extant literature has looked for religiosity to increase the stakes passed by the subjects, the results presented here show that more religious people tend to choose an even allocation of these resources, whilst the less religious participants are either opportunistic or generous.
ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGE IN THE EU: A CROSS‐COUNTRY EMPIRICAL STUDY ON THE CONTEXTUAL DETERMINANTS OF NPM REFORM RHETORIC
Authors: ESPOSITO Giovanni , GAETA Giuseppe Lucio , TRASCIANI Giorgia
Published: August 2016

Framed within the paradigm of New Public Management (NPM), structural reforms in the EU aimed at modernizing the public administrations of Member States (MSs) have long since been a priority area of the EU's economic policy. Since the 1990s, these reforms have been sharply intensified across European countries with the declared purpose of enhancing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in their national public sectors’ organizations. In line with the European Commission's recent research initiatives in search for novel quantitative data on NPM in the EU, this paper studies European parties’ NPM reform rhetoric. More specifically, it investigates the MSs’ institutional, economic and political context within which parties have declared their intention of reforming national administrative systems. Thus, it sheds light on the MSs’ domestic factors that are associated with the diffusion of the NPM values across the political discourse of EU's national parties.
How do students and lecturers experience the interactive use of handheld technology in large enrolment courses?
Authors: Van Daele Tom , Frijns Carolien , Lievens Jeroen
Published: August 2016

Although constructivist theories have shown learning is accelerated by involvement and meaningful lecturer–student and student–student interaction, these ingredients are mostly absent from large attendance lectures. A number of studies have already focused on more active ways of learning in large lecture classrooms, most often by using student response systems or “clickers”. This field study wishes to extend the current knowledge base by providing an overview of how students and lecturers experience technology in large enrolment courses. An intervention introducing meaningful use of mobile technology in large attendance lectures was therefore set‐up and different aspects were evaluated: interaction and involvement, pleasantness and need for future implementation of an intervention. Participants were 185 bachelor students of Applied Psychology and three lecturers. A mixed method design was used, combining an online questionnaire consisting of multiple choice questions using a 5‐point Likert response scale and open ended questions, with focus group interviews. Focus groups with both students and lecturers provided additional data. Results showed that students experience increased involvement and interaction, that they found the didactical use pleasant and that they were convinced of the need for future use of mobile technology in daily education practice. Focus group interviews with students confirmed these findings under the condition that the used technology was integrated functionally in the lecture. The involved lecturers reported on positive effects and showed themselves to be favorable toward using handheld, mobile technology in large attendance lectures to boost interaction and involvement, even though they admitted to feeling unease about surrendering a level of control over the pedagogic setting.
Retrospective cognitive feedback for progress monitoring in serious games
Authors: Nadolski Rob J. , Hummel Hans G. K.
Published: August 2016

Although the importance of cognitive feedback in digital serious games (DSG) is undisputed, we are facing some major design challenges. First of all, we do not know to which extend existing research guidelines apply when we stand the risk of cognitive feedback distorting the delicate balance between learning and playing. Unobtrusive cognitive feedback has to be interspersed with gameplay. Second, many effective solutions for providing cognitive feedback we do know might simply be too costly. To face both challenges, this study offers an efficient approach for providing unobtrusive and retrospective cognitive feedback (RCF) in DSG. This approach was applied onto a game where feedback messages were triggered via simple rules about learners' questioning behavior on four dimensions. We found the experimental condition including such RCF to yield better learning outcomes while maintaining similar motivation.
Surgical quality of minimally invasive adrenalectomy for adrenocortical carcinoma: a contemporary analysis using the National Cancer Database
Authors: Maurice Matthew J. , Bream Matthew J. , Kim Simon P. , Abouassaly Robert
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To compare quality outcomes between open (OA) and minimally invasive (MIA) adrenalectomy for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC).

Patients and Methods

In the National Cancer Database, we identified 481 patients with non‐metastatic ACC who underwent adrenalectomy from 2010 to 2013. OA and MIA were compared on positive surgical margin (PSM) and lymph node dissection (LND) rates (primary outcomes), and lymph node yield, length of stay (LOS), readmission, and overall survival (secondary outcomes). Using the intention‐to‐treat principle, minimally‐invasive‐converted‐to‐open cases were considered MIA. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of PSMs and LND. Associations between approach and the outcomes were further assessed by stage and tumour size.

Results

Overall, 161 patients (33.5%) underwent MIA. MIA was used more commonly in older, comorbid patients; for smaller, localised tumours; and at lower‐volume centres. In the intention‐to‐treat analysis, MIA independently predicted PSMs [odds ratio (OR) 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–3.6; P = 0.03) and no LND (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.03–0.6; P = 0.01). On subgroup analysis, the association between MIA and PSMs only held true for pT3 disease (48.7% vs 26.7%, P = 0.01). A higher PSM rate was seen for tumours of ≥10 cm managed with MIA vs OA, but this difference was not significant (28.2% vs 18.5%, P = 0.16). Likewise, the association between MIA and no LND was only observed for male patients, tumours ≥10 cm, and cN0 disease. After excluding minimally‐invasive‐converted‐to‐open cases, the difference in PSM was less pronounced and non‐significant (OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.9–3.4; P = 0.08). MIA was associated with significantly shorter median LOS (3 vs 6 days, P < 0.01) and non‐significantly decreased readmissions (4.4% vs 8.8%, P = 0.08) compared to OA without any difference in lymph node yield or overall survival.

Conclusion

For organ‐confined disease, MIA offers comparable surgical quality to OA, while expediting inpatient recovery. OA is associated with superior outcomes for locally advanced disease.
The influence of prostate‐specific antigen density on positive and negative predictive values of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to detect Gleason score 7–10 prostate cancer in a repeat biopsy setting
Authors: Hansen Nienke L. , Barrett Tristan , Koo Brendan , Doble Andrew , Gnanapragasam Vincent , Warren Anne , Kastner Christof , Bratt Ola
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of prostate‐specific antigen density (PSAD) on positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to detect Gleason score ≥7 cancer in a repeat biopsy setting.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective study of 514 men with previous prostate biopsy showing no or Gleason score 6 cancer. All had mpMRI, graded 1–5 on a Likert scale for cancer suspicion, and subsequent targeted and 24‐core systematic image‐fusion guided transperineal biopsy in 2013–2015. The NPVs and PPVs of mpMRIs for detecting Gleason score ≥7 cancer were calculated (±95% confidence intervals) for PSAD ≤0.1, 0.1–0.2, ≤0.2 and >0.2 ng/mL/mL, and compared by chi‐square test for linear trend.

Results

Gleason score ≥7 cancer was detected in 31% of the men. The NPV of Likert 1–2 mpMRI was 0.91 (±0.04) with a PSAD of ≤0.2 ng/mL/mL and 0.71 (±0.16) with a PSAD of >0.2 ng/mL/mL (P = 0.003). For Likert 3 mpMRI, PPV was 0.09 (±0.06) with a PSAD of ≤0.2 ng/mL/mL and 0.44 (±0.19) with a PSAD of >0.2 ng/mL/mL (P = 0.002). PSAD also significantly affected the PPV of Likert 4–5 mpMRI lesions: the PPV was 0.47 (±0.08) with a PSAD of ≤0.2 ng/mL/mL and 0.66 (±0.10) with a PSAD of >0.2 ng/mL/mL (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In a repeat biopsy setting, a PSAD of ≤0.2 ng/mL/mL is associated with low detection of Gleason score ≥7 prostate cancer, not only in men with negative mpMRI, but also in men with equivocal imaging. Surveillance, rather than repeat biopsy, may be appropriate for these men. Conversely, biopsies are indicated in men with a high PSAD, even if an mpMRI shows no suspicious lesion, and in men with an mpMRI suspicious for cancer, even if the PSAD is low.
Prostate cancer outcomes for men who present with symptoms at diagnosis
Authors: Beckmann Kerri R. , O'Callaghan Michael E. , Ruseckaite Rasa , Kinnear Ned , Miller Caroline , Evans Sue , Roder David M. , Moretti Kim ,   the South Australian Prostate Cancer Clinical Outcomes Collaborative
Published: August 2016

Objective

To compare clinical features, treatments and outcomes in men with non‐metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) according to whether they were referred for symptoms or elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level.

Patients and Methods

This study used data from the South Australia Prostate Cancer Clinical Outcomes Collaborative database; a multi‐institutional clinical registry covering both the public and private sectors. We included all non‐metastatic cases from 1998 to 2013 referred for urinary/prostatic symptoms or elevated PSA level. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to identify characteristics associated with symptomatic presentation and compare treatments according to reason for referral. Outcomes (i.e. overall survival, PCa‐specific survival, metastasis‐free survival and disease‐free survival) were compared using multivariate Cox proportional hazards and competing risk regression.

Results

Our analytical cohort consisted of 4 841 men with localized PCa. Symptomatic men had lower‐risk disease (incidence ratio [IR] 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61–0.81 for high vs low risk), fewer radical prostatectomies (IR 0.64, CI: 0.56–0.75) and less radiotherapy (IR 0.86, CI: 0.77–0.96) than men presenting with elevated PSA level. All‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.31, CI: 1.16–1.47), disease‐specific mortality (HR 1.42, CI: 1.13–1.77) and risk of metastases (HR 1.36, CI: 1.13–1.64) were higher for men presenting with symptoms, after adjustment for other clinical characteristics; however, risk of disease progression did not differ (HR 0.90, CI: 0.74–1.07) amongst those treated curatively. Subgroup analyses indicated poorer PCa survival for symptomatic referral among men undergoing radical prostatectomy (HR 3.4, CI: 1.3–8.8), those aged >70 years (HR 1.4, CI: 1.0–1.8), men receiving private treatment (HR 2.1, CI: 1.3–3.3), those diagnosed via biopsy (HR 1.3, CI: 1.0–1.7) and those diagnosed before 2006 (HR 1.6, CI: 1.2–2.7).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that symptomatic presentation may be an independent negative prognostic indicator for PCa survival. More complete assessment of disease grade and extent, more definitive treatment and increased post‐treatment monitoring among symptomatic cases may improve outcomes. Further research to determine any pathophysiological basis for poor outcomes in symptomatic men is warranted.
What happens in child and family social work supervision?
Authors: Wilkins David , Forrester Donald , Grant Louise
Published: August 2016

Supervision is fundamental to the social work profession. However, increasing concern has been expressed over the managerial capture of local authority social work and the use of supervision as a way of enabling management oversight (or surveillance) of practice. Despite the importance of supervision, we have little evidence about what happens when managers and child and family social workers meet to discuss casework and less about how supervision influences practice. In this study, 34 supervision case discussions were recorded. Detailed descriptions are given of what happens in supervision. Overall, case discussions operated primarily as a mechanism for management oversight and provided limited opportunity for reflection, emotional support or critical thinking. With reference to organizational context, it is suggested that these deficits result from a system that focuses too much on ‘what and when’ things happen and not enough on ‘how and why’.
The Return of Czernowitz: Urban Affect, Nostalgia, and the Politics of Place‐making in a European Borderland City
Authors: WANNER CATHERINE
Published: August 2016

In a borderland city in Ukraine emerging from Soviet socialism on the edge of Europe, a cultivated urban affect of Hapsburg‐era Europeanness fosters political orientations and attachments to place that are based on particular visions of the past. Affective emotions of an agentive nature situate individuals in a specific place and potentially create feelings of belonging, making urban space a site of politicized place‐making and self‐making. Affective experiences of space mediate the twin processes of producing material urban space and constructing the meanings of that space, revealing the extent to which political formations generate affect and how affect is a political form itself. Affectivity and the urban landscape interactively shape politicized subjectivities and considering them together reveals how affect can be transmitted in the course of everyday life. [Affect; Urban; Nostalgia; Cosmopolitanism; Place; Europe; Eurasia]
A Crouching Village: Ebola and the Empty Gestures of Quarantine in Monrovia
Authors: HOFFMAN DANNY
Published: August 2016

In its scale, its virulence, and, most significantly, its urbanity, the 2014‐2015 outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD or simply Ebola) in the Mano River region of West Africa seemed to challenge the basic tools of modern public health. As a result, the government of Liberia took the extraordinary step of implementing a cordon sanitaire around one of the poorest neighborhoods in the capital city, Monrovia. Observers labeled both the quarantine and the ensuing riots as barbaric acts not seen since the plagues of the Middle Ages. This characterization masked the real history of racial separation that defines many African cities, and cast Monrovia's poorest residents as morally bankrupt, primitive savages. In this article I instead explore the quarantine as an instance of the repetition of a familiar urban form, and read the ensuing violence in Monrovia's West Point neighborhood not as an ethical problem but as an “empty” political gesture. [Liberia; Ebola; Quarantine; Urban Planning; Urban Violence; Monrovia]
Assumption‐versus data‐based approaches to summarizing species’ ranges
Authors: Peterson A. Townsend , Navarro‐Sigüenza Adolfo G. , Gordillo Alejandro
Published: August 2016

For conservation decision making, species’ geographic distributions are mapped using various approaches. Some such efforts have downscaled versions of coarse‐resolution extent‐of‐occurrence maps to fine resolutions for conservation planning. We examined the quality of the extent‐of‐occurrence maps as range summaries and the utility of refining those maps into fine‐resolution distributional hypotheses. Extent‐of‐occurrence maps tend to be overly simple, omit many known and well‐documented populations, and likely frequently include many areas not holding populations. Refinement steps involve typological assumptions about habitat preferences and elevational ranges of species, which can introduce substantial error in estimates of species’ true areas of distribution. However, no model‐evaluation steps are taken to assess the predictive ability of these models, so model inaccuracies are not noticed. Whereas range summaries derived by these methods may be useful in coarse‐grained, global‐extent studies, their continued use in on‐the‐ground conservation applications at fine spatial resolutions is not advisable in light of reliance on assumptions, lack of real spatial resolution, and lack of testing. In contrast, data‐driven techniques that integrate primary data on biodiversity occurrence with remotely sensed data that summarize environmental dimensions (i.e., ecological niche modeling or species distribution modeling) offer data‐driven solutions based on a minimum of assumptions that can be evaluated and validated quantitatively to offer a well‐founded, widely accepted method for summarizing species’ distributional patterns for conservation applications.
Does asymptomatic recurrent diffuse capillary C4d complement deposition impair cardiac allograft function?
Authors: Frea Simone , Iacovino Cristina , Botta Michela , De Filippi Ilaria , Mazzucco Gianna , Pidello Stefano , Biolè CarloAlberto , Bergerone Serena , Boffini Massimo , Praticò Barbato Loredana , Morello Mara , Rinaldi Mauro , Gaita Fiorenzo
Published: August 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether asymptomatic recurrent (≥2) antibody‐mediated rejection (pAMR 1+), defined as diffuse capillary C4d immunostaining (rAMR) on endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs), during the first year after heart transplantation impairs left ventricular (LV) function.

Methods

Fifty‐four consecutive heart transplant patients who survived well (New York Heart Association ≤2 and EF≥55%) the first month after transplantation were enrolled and prospectively underwent 490 echocardiographies and EMB. Asymptomatic rAMR without histopathologic findings was evaluated as a risk factor for deterioration of graft function. Primary endpoint, assessed 1 year after transplantation, was development of LV dysfunction and/or adverse remodeling according to pre‐specified echo parameters.

Results

During the first year from transplantation, rAMR occurred in five patients. Recurrent AMR was associated with a significant higher risk to develop LV concentric hypertrophy (OR 3.6, 95% CI: 1.8–7.0, P=.02) or reduced lateral S′ peak velocity (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5–3.6, P=.03). Patients with rAMR showed significative adverse graft remodeling (ΔLV end‐diastolic volume: +16±12.3 vs −0.2±14.4 mL; P=.02) and deterioration of graft function (Δlateral S′ peak velocity: −3.3±3 vs −0.4±2.9 cm/s; P=.03).

Conclusions

Recurrent asymptomatic diffuse capillary C4d immunostaining may play a role in the early development of cardiac allograft adverse remodeling and dysfunction.
Sequential kidney–liver transplantation from the same living donor for lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase deficiency
Authors: Ahmad Sarwat B. , Miller Michael , Hanish Steven , Bartlett Stephen T. , Hutson William , Barth Rolf N. , LaMattina John C.
Published: August 2016

Background

Lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of lipoprotein metabolism that results in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) necessitating transplantation. As LCAT is produced in the liver, combined kidney and liver transplantation was proposed to cure the clinical syndrome of LCAT deficiency.

Methods

A 29‐year‐old male with ESRD secondary to LCAT deficiency underwent a sequential kidney–liver transplantation from the same living donor (LD). One year following the kidney transplant, auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplant (APOLT) of a left lateral segment from the same donor was performed.

Results

At 5 years follow‐up, there have been no major complications, readmissions, or rejection episodes. Serum lipid abnormalities recurred within the first year, but liver and kidney allograft function remains intact.

Conclusion

Few cases of sequential transplantation from the same LD have been performed in adults. This is the first APOLT and multi‐organ transplant performed for LCAT deficiency. Sequential organ transplant from the same LD for ESRD secondary to a metabolic disorder of the liver is feasible in adults and should be further investigated.
Sulphur speciation and availability in long‐term fertilized soil: evidence from chemical fractionation and SK‐edge XANES spectroscopy
Authors: Xu C. , Wang S. , Chen Z. , Lv J. , Luo L. , Li J. , Ma Y.
Published: August 2016

Knowledge of sulphur (S) speciation in soil following applications of chemical and organic fertilizers is important for understanding the availability and fate of S in agricultural ecosystems. Sulphur speciation of the soil in three fields, which are part of the National Long‐term Monitoring Network of Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Effects of China, was investigated with a combination of a wet‐chemical fractionation scheme and S K‐edge X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Treatments of the soil included no fertilizers (control), regular applications of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (NPK), or of NPK plus organic manures (MNPK) since 1990. Soil samples were taken from the topsoil (0–20 cm) and subsoil (20–40 cm) horizons in 2011. Chemical fractionation showed that available sulphate was the predominant inorganic S species in the Eutric Cambisol, whereas HCl‐extractable sulphate was the main inorganic S species in the Haplic Phaeozem and Calcaric Cambisol. Organic S accounted for up to 77% of total S in all soil samples. Results from the fractionation (inorganic S plus ester‐S) and XANES analysis (oxidized S) were correlated (r = 0.585, P < 0.01), which confirmed the presence of HCl‐extractable sulphate and the speciation of residual S in soil. Long‐term application of organic manures facilitated significantly the accumulation of intermediate and reduced S species and increased total and organic S in the soil (P < 0.01). In contrast, the application of chemical fertilizers (NPK) had little effect on the distribution of organic S species compared with the control. Atmospheric deposition was identified as an important source of S. The combination of chemical fractionation and XANES spectroscopy provided complementary information on the availability and speciation of S in soil.

Highlights

Availability and species of S are characterized with chemical fractionation and XANES spectroscopy.

Insoluble sulphate is identified as an important form of S in the soil regardless of soil pH.

Organic manure facilitates the accumulation of organic S in long‐term fertilized soil.

Atmospheric deposition contributes importantly to the input and cycling of S in soil.
Prediction of soil solid thermal conductivity from soil separates and organic matter content: computational micromechanics approach
Authors: Różański Adrian , Stefaniuk Damian
Published: August 2016

Evaluation of soil thermal conductivity at a given saturation usually requires the value of conductivity in the saturated state, which is commonly estimated by the geometric mean from the conductivities of water and soil solids (λs). Therefore, an accurate estimate of λs has a marked effect on soil conductivity within the full range of saturation. In this research, we modelled the soil solid as a multi‐phase medium comprising individual isotropic phases with conductivities drawn randomly from an assumed probability density function. The variation in the thermal conductivity of minerals is associated with the corresponding soil separates: clay, silt and sand. A computational micromechanics approach was used to evaluate the homogenized thermal conductivity of the soil solids with different fractions of soil separates and organic matter contents. A new formula to predict λs is proposed by fitting a four parameter, non‐linear function to the numerical results. Thirty experimental results of soil conductivities at saturation (our investigations and literature data) were used to validate the proposed model. We show that the new approach improves analytical predictions in terms of the root mean square error and bias. The proposed model to estimate λs is suitable for practical purposes because it requires information on the fraction of sand and organic matter contents only.

Highlights

Can we predict conductivity of solids from soil separates and organic matter only?

Soil skeleton is modelled at the mineralogical scale as a multiphase material.

Conductivity of soil solids has considerable effect on assessment of conductivity in the saturated state.

Proposed model makes possible the efficient evaluation of thermal conductivity of soil solids.
Measuring Cultural Socialization Attitudes and Behaviors of Mexican‐Origin Mothers with Young Children: A Longitudinal Investigation
Authors: Derlan Chelsea L. , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J. , Toomey Russell B. , Jahromi Laudan B. , Updegraff Kimberly A.
Published: August 2016

We describe the development and psychometric testing of the Cultural Socialization Behaviors Measure (CSBM) and the Cultural Socialization Attitudes Measure (CSAM). The CSBM assesses cultural socialization behaviors that parents use with young children, and the CSAM assesses the attitudes that parents have regarding the importance of socializing their young children about their culture. Both measures demonstrated strong reliability, validity, and cross‐language equivalence (i.e., Spanish and English) among a sample of 204 Mexican‐origin young mothers (Mage = 20.94 years, SD = 1.01) with 4‐year‐old children. In addition, the measures demonstrated longitudinal equivalence when children were 4 and 5 years of age.
Resonant fatigue test bench for shaft testing
Authors: Huertas J I , Navarrete N , Giraldo M , Uribe J D , Gasca J J
Published: August 2016

Shaft fatigue testing involves long test times (~3 months), high energy consumption and high test equipment maintenance costs owing to the high bending and twisting moments required (~1600 Nm), high number of cycles (~107) and large sample sizes (~30).

To reduce testing time, we designed, manufactured and evaluated a resonant plate test bench. Using finite element analysis and topological optimization, we redesigned the traditional resonant flat plates for higher resonant frequency and lower deflection at the plate free ends. We found that the optimal topology is an I‐beam; it doubles the frequency of flexion tests, up to 100 Hz, and exhibits 2 mm of deflection under a load of 1 kN.

To measure the moments induced on the shaft sample during testing, we measured the surface deflection of the resonant plates. Tests on a calibration axle showed that the induced shaft moment has very high linear correlation (R2 > 0.99) with the plate's surface deformation.

We used our test bench to evaluate fatigue resistance for a type of crankshaft manufactured by a local company. We found that their fatigue resistance limit was 1250 Nm at 107 cycles and that their mean useful life was 104 cycles when they are subjected to a 1400 Nm moment. These results agree with previous results on this type of crankshaft using other methods.
Medication use and adherence among multi‐ethnic community‐dwelling older adults in Malaysia
Authors: Neoh Chin Fen , Long Chiau Ming , Lim Siong Meng , Ramasamy Kalavathy , Shahar Suzana , Majeed Abu Bakar Abdul
Published: August 2016

Aim

The present study assessed adherence, barriers, belief and awareness towards the use of medications among multi‐ethnic community‐dwelling older adults in Malaysia. Medication accessibility, expenditure and perceptions towards medicine labeling among older adults were also evaluated.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out in the central region of Malaysia from January to August 2015. The older adults enrolled in an ongoing prospective community‐based geriatric cohort study and prescribed with medicines were interviewed using a 50‐item validated questionnaire.

Results

Of the 79 older adults interviewed, 39.2% had ≥4 prescribed medications. Most obtained their medications free‐of‐charge from government hospitals (66, 83.5%). Nearly half (35, 44.3%) had trouble reading labels for medicines that they had received. Chinese older adults (P = 0.001) and those with lower monthly household income (P < 0.001) expressed difficulty in reading medication labels. Most (59, 75.0%) were unable to differentiate between generic and brand names of the medications, and 49.4% of the older adults did not know that all medicines had to be registered with the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Most older adults had positive beliefs about the necessity of their medications, and 50.6% (n = 40) reported high medication adherence. The medication adherence score was negatively correlated with the concerns score (r = –0.5, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The findings from the present study provide a unique insight into the diversity of medication use among multiethnic community‐dwelling older adults. Although high adherence to medications and positive beliefs about the necessity of medications were reported by the older adults, their knowledge about medications remained insufficient and they had difficulty in reading medication labels. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1214–1220.
Bath‐related thunderclap headache: Case report of a male patient
Authors: Grangeon Lou , Ozel Gulden , Guégan‐Massardier Evelyne , Lefaucheur Romain
Published: August 2016

Bath‐related thunderclap headache (BRTH) is a rare entity, closed to reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. It is only described in middle‐aged women and mainly Asiatic ethnic origins. Role of estrogen is consequently discussed. We report here a case of a 36‐year‐old man, admitted for five episodes of thunderclap headaches, triggered by hot shower. This is the first male case of BRTH, opposing only a hormonal hypothesis. Furthermore, this African patient consolidates the non‐exclusivity of this affection to Asian ethnic origins.
Synergistic effect between Helichrysum italicum essential oil and cold nitrogen plasma against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on different food‐contact surfaces
Authors: Cui Haiying , Li Wei , Li Changzhu , Lin Lin
Published: August 2016

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen in human, and the most diseases produced by S. aureus are associated with biofilms. Helichrysum italicum essential oil (EO), as a natural and safe spice, was employed to disperse S. aureus biofilm by cold nitrogen plasma (CNP) assist. After S. aureus biofilm formation on food container surfaces, they were exposed to CNP and then treated with Helichrysum italicumEO for biofilm dispersion. The population of S. aureus biofilm was approximately reduced by 2 logs after individual treatment of 0.5 mg mL−1 Helichrysum italicumEO or 400 W CNP. Interestingly, the combined treatment of Helichrysum italicumEO (0.5 mg mL−1, 40 min) and CNP (400 W, 1 min) reduced the S. aureus viable count in biofilm below 2 logs CFU per cm2 after 1‐day storage. Therefore, the synergetic treatment holds great promise to improve the current treatment systems of bacterial contamination on different food‐contact surfaces.
A needs assessment of community pharmacists for pharmacist specialization in Canada
Authors: Jorgenson Derek , Penm Jonathan , MacKinnon Neil , Smith Jennifer
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Pharmacists are increasingly providing specialized services. However, no process exists for specialist certification in Canada. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which Canadian community pharmacists support the development of a certification system for specialization.

Methods

This study utilized a cross-sectional online survey of licensed Canadian pharmacists identified through the member databases of national and regional pharmacy associations. A questionnaire was developed (in French and English) and distributed via email, on behalf of the researchers, by multiple pharmacy organizations in January 2015. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to identify which sub-groups of respondents supported the creation of a certification system and which supported mandatory certification.

Key findings

A total of 770 responses were received. Many respondents were practising specialists (30.0%, 205/683) and the most commonly reported specialty areas were diabetes, smoking cessation and geriatrics. Almost 85% (n = 653/770) supported creation of a Canadian certification process and 68.5% (n = 447/653) felt certification should be mandatory. Respondents believed that the primary benefit of a certification system was greater public confidence in pharmacist specialist skills. They also felt that the most important factor in the development of the system is to create national definitions for specialty practice. The main barrier was the lack of reimbursement for specialty services in Canada.

Conclusions

The majority of Canadian community pharmacist respondents support the creation of a certification process for pharmacist specialization. Future study is required to confirm this finding in a larger sample and to determine the optimal model and the financial feasibility of a national system in Canada.
Molecular characterization and functional analysis of pheromone binding protein 1 from Cydia pomonella (L.)
Authors: Tian Z. , Zhang Y.
Published: August 2016

A full‐length cDNA encoding Cydia pomonella pheromone binding protein 1 (CpomPBP1) was cloned and characterized. CpomPBP1, possessing the typical characteristics of lepidopteran odorant binding proteins, was detected to be specifically expressed in the antennae of male and female moths at the mRNA and protein level. Soluble recombinant CpomPBP1 was subjected to in vitro binding to analyse its binding properties and to search for potentially active semiochemicals. A competitive binding assay showed that three 12‐carbon ligands, codlemone, 1‐dodecanol and E,E‐2,4‐dodecadienal, were able to bind to CpomPBP1 in decreasing order of affinity. Moreover, unlike the wild‐type CpomPBP1, the C‐terminus truncated CpomPBP1 exhibited high affinity to ligands even in an acidic environment, suggesting that the C‐terminus plays a role in preventing ligands from binding to CpomPBP1 in a lower pH environment.
ART is an alternative for restoring occlusoproximal cavities in primary teeth – evidence from an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tedesco Tamara Kerber , Calvo Ana Flavia Bissoto , Lenzi Tathiane Larissa , Hesse Daniela , Guglielmi Camila Almeida Brandão , Camargo Lucila Basto , Gimenez Thais , Braga Mariana Minatel , Raggio Daniela Prócida
Published: August 2016

Background

A previous systematic review showed that atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) can be an option to restore the occlusoproximal cavities in primary teeth; however, few studies fulfilled the criteria of inclusion to generate a high level of evidence.

Aim

To update the existing systematic review and address questions regarding survival rate of ART restorations compared to the conventional approach in occlusoproximal cavities in primary molars.

Design

The search was extended beyond the original search through the PubMed/MEDLINE database up to February 2016. Furthermore, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched. The inclusion criteria were subjects related to the scope of the systematic review. After selection by title and abstract, potentially eligible articles were read in full and included in accordance with exclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis was carried out with the outcome being the survival rate of restorations.

Results

The search strategy identified 560 potentially relevant studies, in addition to 127 from the original systematic review. A total of four articles were included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses. Meta‐analysis showed no statistically significant difference between ART and conventional approaches in survival rate of occlusoproximal cavities (OR = 0.887, 95% CI: 0.574–1.371).

Conclusion

ART restorations have similar survival rate compared to conventional treatment and can be considered an option to restore occlusoproximal cavities in primary molars.
A prospective, multicentre, open‐label, single‐arm clinical trial for treatment of chronic complex diabetic foot wounds with exposed tendon and/or bone: positive clinical outcomes of viable cryopreserved human placental membrane
Authors: Frykberg Robert G , Gibbons Gary W , Walters Jodi L , Wukich Dane K , Milstein Farrell C
Published: August 2016

Complex diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) with exposed tendon or bone remain a challenge. They are more susceptible to complications such as infection and amputation and require treatments that promote rapid development of granulation tissue and, ultimately, reepithelialisation. The clinical effectiveness of viable cryopreserved human placental membrane (vCHPM) for DFUs has been established in a level 1 trial. However, complex wounds with exposed deeper structures are typically excluded from randomised controlled clinical trials despite being common in clinical practice. We report the results of a prospective, multicentre, open‐label, single‐arm clinical trial to establish clinical outcomes when vCHPM is applied weekly to complex DFUs with exposed deep structures. Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and a complex DFU extending through the dermis with evidence of exposed muscle, tendon, fascia, bone and/or joint capsule were eligible for inclusion. Of the 31 patients enrolled, 27 completed the study. The mean wound area was 14·6 cm2, and mean duration was 7·5 months. For patients completing the protocol, the primary endpoint, 100% wound granulation by week 16, was met by 96·3% of patients in a mean of 6·8 weeks. Complete wound closure occurred in 59·3% (mean 9·1 weeks). The 4‐week percent area reduction was 54·3%. There were no product‐related adverse events. Four patients (13%) withdrew, two (6·5%) for non‐compliance and two (6·5%) for surgical intervention.
Genetic signatures of Bassian glacial refugia and contemporary connectivity in a marine foundation species
Authors: Sinclair Elizabeth A. , Anthony Janet M. , Greer Dougal , Ruiz‐Montoya Leonardo , Evans Suzanna M. , Krauss Siegfried L. , Kendrick Gary A.
Published: August 2016

Aim

To examine the population genetic structure in Posidonia australis meadows, a marine foundation species capable of long distance dispersal (LDD), and the role of historical versus contemporary processes in shaping post Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) re‐colonization.

Location

Southeastern Australia including the Bass Strait Islands.

Methods

We generated multilocus genotypes and assessed spatial patterns of genetic diversity. Relationships among meadows were assessed in terms of historical sea level changes, oceanic boundary currents and contemporary seed dispersal based on a hydrodynamic model.

Results

There was strong regional spatial genetic structuring among P. australis meadows in south‐eastern Australia, which was congruent with three recognized marine biogeographical provinces [Peronian (eastern), Flindersian (western and southern), and Maugean (south‐eastern)]. The genetic data suggest Maugean meadows persisted in isolation during the LGM, with evidence for admixture and contemporary gene flow. Simulated dispersal events identified high rates of local and regional demographic connectivity, with evidence for occasional LDD events.

Main conclusions

The strong regional differentiation is consistent with long‐term barriers to dispersal persisting in the marine environment through many sea level fluctuations. Bass Strait Island meadows all have strong signals of genetic admixture. A weak but significant isolation by distance relationship is consistent with a historical signal and contemporary seed dispersal mostly within the Bass Strait.
Distinctive microRNA expression in early stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Li Shuna , Hang Lihua , Ma Yongming , Wu Chaoyang
Published: August 2016

The goal of this study was to investigate microRNAs (miRs) expression at different stages of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). MiR expression profiling at various stages of NPC was performed by miR array and further verified using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. Pathway enrichment analysis was carried out to identify the functional pathways regulated by the miRs. The expression of a selected group of identified miRs was verified in stage I NPC by in situ hybridization (ISH). A total of 449 miRs were identified with significantly different expressions between NPC tissues and normal pharyngeal tissues. Eighty‐four miRs were dysregulated only in stage I NPC, among which 45 miRs were up‐regulated and the other 39 were down‐regulated. Pathway enrichment assay revleaed that three significantly down‐regulated and three significantly up‐regulated miRs involved in 12 pathways associating with tumour formation and progression. Quantitative RT‐PCR confirmed the miR array result. In addition, the low expression levels of hsa‐miR‐4324, hsa‐miR‐203a and hsa‐miR‐199b‐5p were further validated in stage I NPC by ISH. This present study identifed the miR signature in stage I NPC, providing the basis for early detection and treatment of NPC.
The masculinity paradox: facial masculinity and beardedness interact to determine women's ratings of men's facial attractiveness
Authors: Dixson B. J. W. , Sulikowski D. , Gouda‐Vossos A. , Rantala M. J. , Brooks R. C.
Published: August 2016

In many species, male secondary sexual traits have evolved via female choice as they confer indirect (i.e. genetic) benefits or direct benefits such as enhanced fertility or survival. In humans, the role of men's characteristically masculine androgen‐dependent facial traits in determining men's attractiveness has presented an enduring paradox in studies of human mate preferences. Male‐typical facial features such as a pronounced brow ridge and a more robust jawline may signal underlying health, whereas beards may signal men's age and masculine social dominance. However, masculine faces are judged as more attractive for short‐term relationships over less masculine faces, whereas beards are judged as more attractive than clean‐shaven faces for long‐term relationships. Why such divergent effects occur between preferences for two sexually dimorphic traits remains unresolved. In this study, we used computer graphic manipulation to morph male faces varying in facial hair from clean‐shaven, light stubble, heavy stubble and full beards to appear more (+25% and +50%) or less (−25% and −50%) masculine. Women (N = 8520) were assigned to treatments wherein they rated these stimuli for physical attractiveness in general, for a short‐term liaison or a long‐term relationship. Results showed a significant interaction between beardedness and masculinity on attractiveness ratings. Masculinized and, to an even greater extent, feminized faces were less attractive than unmanipulated faces when all were clean‐shaven, and stubble and beards dampened the polarizing effects of extreme masculinity and femininity. Relationship context also had effects on ratings, with facial hair enhancing long‐term, and not short‐term, attractiveness. Effects of facial masculinization appear to have been due to small differences in the relative attractiveness of each masculinity level under the three treatment conditions and not to any change in the order of their attractiveness. Our findings suggest that beardedness may be attractive when judging long‐term relationships as a signal of intrasexual formidability and the potential to provide direct benefits to females. More generally, our results hint at a divergence of signalling function, which may result in a subtle trade‐off in women's preferences, for two highly sexually dimorphic androgen‐dependent facial traits.