bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative performance of the Kalon and HerpeSelect enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays to determine the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Ryan Claire E. , Simbiken Cassey S. , Agius Paul A. , Allen Joyce , Sauk Joyce , Kaima Petronia , Kombati Zure , Siba Peter , Kaldor John M. , Vallely Andrew
Published: December 2014

Background Infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is common worldwide and an important risk factor for HIV infection. Aetiological diagnosis of HSV-2 is typically determined with the use of commercially available type-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HSV-2 among people attending sexual health clinics in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. The study also aimed to compare the performance of two type-specific ELISA assays, the Kalon and HerpeSelect glycoprotein G2 assays, in this context. Methods: Participants were recruited as part of a longitudinal sexual health study. Participants attended four appointments over a 12-month period and had blood taken for HSV-2 serology at each time point. Both the Kalon and HerpeSelect assays were performed as per manufacturer’s instructions. Results: A total of 132 participants were tested for HSV-2 using the Kalon and HerpeSelect ELISAs. HSV-2 prevalence was 52% (95% CI, 43–60) and 61% (95% CI, 52–69) with Kalon and HerpeSelect assays respectively. There was high concordance (87%, к = 0.75, P < 0.001, n = 115) between the two assays at the manufacturer recommended index value cut-offs. For participants with discordant results at baseline, (n = 16), three sero-conversions were observed over the 12-month period when sequential sera was tested. Conclusions: A high HSV-2 prevalence was observed in this clinic-based population. Our longitudinal data indicate the higher prevalence of HSV-2 detected with the HerpeSelect ELISA was likely due to false positives rather than a higher sensitivity in the early stages of infection.
C-reactive protein as a predictor of cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected individuals
Authors: Westhorpe Clare L. V. , Schneider Hans G. , Dunne Mandy , Middleton Tracey , Sundararajan Vijaya , Spelman Tim , Carter Vanessa , Crowe Suzanne M. , Dart Anthony , Mijch Anne , Kotsanas Despina , Woolley Ian
Published: December 2014

Background
In some studies HIV infection confers approximately two-fold higher risk of cardiac events compared with the general population. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-characterised biomarker of cardiac events in the general population and is also elevated in patients with HIV infection. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of CRP for cardiac events in HIV-infected individuals. Methods: We retrospectively analysed CRP levels in stored plasma samples from HIV-infected patients who did or did not experience a coronary event in a case-controlled manner. All CRP measurements were performed using a high-sensitivity assay (hs-CRP). Results: Of the study participants with samples available, we found slightly elevated hs-CRP levels in the cardiac cases (median 3.5, IQR 1.6–14.4, n=23) compared with controls (median 2.6, IQR1.2–8.3, n=49) which were shown to not be statistically significant P=0.20. Analysis of CRP as a binary variable (≥5 mg L–1) was also not statistically significant (OR: 1.32, 95% CI 0.48–3.63). Conclusions: CRP levels may indicate elevated risk of future cardiac events, however this must be interpreted with caution due to the generalised elevation of CRP during HIV infection. CRP has no predictive value for atherosclerosis, and further research is required to improve early prediction of cardiovascular disease in HIV infection.
The Goldilocks Problem of the specificity of visual phenomenal content
Authors: Schroer Robert
Published: December 2014

Existentialist accounts maintain that visual phenomenal content takes the logical form of an existentially quantified sentence. These accounts do not make phenomenal content specific enough. Singularist accounts posit a singular content in which the seen object is a constituent. These accounts make phenomenal content too specific. My account gets the specificity of visual phenomenal content just right. My account begins with John Searle’s suggestion that visual experience represents an objectas seen, moves this relation outside the scope of the existential quantifier and then replaces it with the relation of objects being ‘present as accessible’, as described by Alva Noë.
Bet-hedging, seasons and the evolution of behavioral diversity in Drosophila
Authors: Kain Jamey , Zhang Sarah , Klein Mason , Samuel Aravinthan , de Bivort Benjamin
Published: December 2014

Organisms use various strategies to cope with fluctuating environmental conditions. In diversified bet-hedging, a single genotype exhibits phenotypic heterogeneity with the expectation that some individuals will survive transient selective pressures. To date, empirical evidence for bet-hedging is scarce. Here, we observe that individual Drosophila melanogaster flies exhibit striking variation in light- and temperature-preference behaviors. With a modeling approach that combines real world weather and climate data to simulate temperature preference-dependent survival and reproduction, we find that a bet-hedging strategy may underlie the observed inter-individual behavioral diversity. Specifically, bet-hedging outcompetes strategies in which individual thermal preferences are heritable. Animals employing bet-hedging refrain from adapting to the coolness of spring with increased warm-seeking that inevitably becomes counterproductive in the hot summer. This strategy is particularly valuable when mean seasonal temperatures are typical, or when there is considerable fluctuation in temperature within the season. The model predicts, and we experimentally verify, that the behaviors of individual flies are not heritable. Finally, we model the effects of historical weather data, climate change, and geographic seasonal variation on the optimal strategies underlying behavioral variation between individuals, characterizing the regimes in which bet-hedging is advantageous.
Large-acceptance diamond planar refractive lenses manufactured by laser cutting
Authors: Polikarpov Maxim , Snigireva Irina , Morse John , Yunkin Vyacheslav , Kuznetsov Sergey , Snigirev Anatoly
Published: December 2014

For the first time, single-crystal diamond planar refractive lenses have been fabricated by laser micromachining in 300 µm-thick diamond plates which were grown by chemical vapour deposition. Linear lenses with apertures up to 1 mm and parabola apex radii up to 500 µm were manufactured and tested at the ESRF ID06 beamline. The large acceptance of these lenses allows them to be used as beam-conditioning elements. Owing to the unsurpassed thermal properties of single-crystal diamond, these lenses should be suitable to withstand the extreme flux densities expected at the planned fourth-generation X-ray sources.
Refinement of cronstedtite-1M
Authors: Hybler Jiří
Published: December 2014

The structure of cronstedtite-1Mwas refined using a crystal from Eisleben (Saxony-Anhalt, Germany). The space group isCm,a= 5.5033 (3),b= 9.5289 (6),c= 7.3328 (5) Å, β = 104.493 (7)°, composition (Fe2+2.461Fe3+0.539)(Si1.461Fe3+0.539)O5(OH)4,Z= 2. Despite diffusely streaked characteristic polytype reflections, the refinement converged toRobs= 0.0242 for 1117 independent reflections. SeparateRobsvalues of 0.0183 and 0.0553 were obtained for 415 subfamily and 702 characteristic reflections, respectively. The structure is built of one edge-sharing octahedral (Oc) and one corner-sharing tetrahedral (Tet) sheet forming the 1:1 layer by sharing apical corners of theTetsheet. Consecutive layers are shifted bya/3 of the hexagonal cell, the polytype belongs to the subfamily (Bailey's group) A. There are two octahedral sitesM1 (atm),M2 (in a general position) both fully occupied by Fe. Since theM2 octahedron is larger thanM1, theOcsheet ismeso-octahedral. TheTetsheet contains one tetrahedral position,T1, occupied by Si and Fe in the ratio 0.731:0.269 (9). The ring of tetrahedra is strongly ditrigonalized, α = +12.7°; Franzini type A. Of three H atoms localized, two are involved in hydrogen bonds, linking OH groups of theOcsheet with basal O atoms of theTetsheet. The basal O atoms (acceptors) of theTetsheet are rotated close to OH groups (donors) of theOcsheet of an adjacent layer in order to achieve reasonable lengths and geometries of hydrogen bonds. The structure is interpreted as an example of the order–disorder (OD) structure of more than one kind of layer with a very low degree of desymmetrization.
Reassessment of the electron density in Cu2O using γ-ray diffraction
Authors: Jauch Wolfgang , Reehuis Manfred
Published: December 2014

The electron-density distribution in Cu2O has been critically reexamined to test controversial conclusions from earlier experimental and theoretical studies. The electron density is derivedviamultipole refinement of high-quality single-crystal diffraction data, collected at room temperature with 316.5 keV gamma radiation. Four γ-lines in the energy range 200–600 keV have been used to extrapolate extinction-free low-order structure factors. The remaining extinction corrections refine to a crystal mosaicity identical to the observed one. There is no support for anharmonic contributions to the thermal parameters. Important features of the derived electron density are (i) a partially filled d_{z^2} orbital, (ii) an incomplete ionization of Cu and O, and (iii) no interstitial Cu–Cu charge pileup, thereby refuting the covalent bonding hypothesis.
Accounting for shifts in the frequency of suitable environments when testing for niche overlap
Authors: Godsoe William , Case Bradley S.
Published: December 2014

Organismal biologists need to detect and anticipate the effects of niche evolution. An increasing number of studies use information on changes in species’ distribution to test for niche evolution. Typically, these studies will test to see whether the range of environments occupied by a species is similar in each biogeographic region.

Niche evolution can change the occurrence probability (the frequency with which we observe a species) rather than the range of environments occupied. Using simulation, we test whether 13 previously implemented methods, and a novel approach (Expected Shared Presences), can identify shifts in occurrence probability.

We show that even the best previously implemented methods detect shifts in the range of environments occupied, but provide poor inferences for shifts in occurrence probability. The expected shared presences approach provides a strong estimate of niche evolution due to shifts in niche overlap and shifts in occurrence probability.

This work indicates that previous studies may have missed a substantial source of niche evolution. We argue that rigorous tests of niche overlap must account for shifts in both the range of environments occupied and the frequency of suitable environments.
Surgery in patients with inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: Mensah P. K. , Gooding R.
Published: December 2014

It is estimated that up to 1% of the general population has a congenital bleeding disorder. With this level of disease burden, it is more likely than not that any practising surgeon or anaesthetist will, at one time or another, have occasion to manage one such patient. Congenital haemophilia, both A and B, von Willebrand's disease, and inherited qualitative platelet defects, constitute the bulk of these disorders, with the rest distributed between much rarer conditions. Although looking after such patients will continue to pose a challenge to anaesthetists, recent and continuing advances in haemostatic products, coupled with increasing awareness of haemostatic care, means that surgery in this challenging group of patients is safer now than ever before, and can now be undertaken with a degree of confidence not possible even two decades ago. Central to these recent successes has been the continuing evolution of specialised healthcare services; in particular, Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centres. Of equal importance, at least in developed countries, has been the ease of access to highly purified, safe and effective haemostatic products. The key to successful surgical management of the patient with a bleeding disorder is a multidisciplinary approach involving not only surgeons, anaesthetists and haematologists, but also laboratory scientists, specialist physiotherapists and haemophilia nurses. With careful planning, most surgical and invasive procedures can be carried out safely in persons with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
Laboratory monitoring of haemostasis
Authors: Fowler A. , Perry D. J.
Published: December 2014

Peri‐operative coagulation monitoring should begin with the assessment of individual bleeding risk using a standardised bleeding history before the surgical procedure. Laboratory testing should be performed if this history is abnormal or peri‐operative bleeding is anticipated. This process sensitively identifies those at risk of peri‐operative bleeding and therefore minimises their peri‐operative risk, without costly and time‐consuming population testing. There are multiple potential causes of haemostatic derangement within the peri‐operative period, and an understanding of both normal haemostasis and the coagulation tests available to detect coagulopathy is required to optimise patient management. In bleeding patients, routine coagulation tests should be requested, but one should be aware of the major limitations that exist. Delay whilst waiting for these laboratory results, which, in turn, aggravates coagulopathy, bleeding, blood product requirements, length of surgery and overall morbidity and mortality.
Digestible and metabolizable energy in corn grains from different origins for growing pigs
Authors: Park Chan S. , Son Ah R. , Kil Dong Y. , Kim Beob G.
Published: December 2014

An experiment was conducted to determine the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) concentrations in nine sources of corn grains fed to growing pigs and to compare the energy values among their countries of origin. A total of nine sources of corn grains including five sources of yellow corn from the United States (USY), two sources of yellow corn from South Africa (SAY), and two sources of white corn from South Africa (SAW) were used. Nine barrows with an initial body weight of 37.1 ± 8.6 kg were allotted to a 9 × 9 Latin square design with nine diets and nine periods. The DE concentration in SAY (3347 kcal/kg) was greater (P < 0.001) than in USY (3269 kcal/kg), but was less (P < 0.001) than in SAW (3436 kcal/kg) on an as‐fed basis. Similarly, the ME concentration in SAY (3291 kcal/kg) was greater (P < 0.001) than in USY (3209 kcal/kg), but was less (P < 0.001) than in SAW (3386 kcal/kg). In conclusion, the DE and ME concentrations in nine sources of corn grains are different among their countries of origin.
C‐Aryl Glucosides with Substituents at the Distal Aryl Ring as Sodium‐Dependent Glucose Cotransporter Inhibitors for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Xuekun , Li Ying , Yang Baowei , Li Zheng , Huang Wenlong , Qian Hai
Published: December 2014

A series of novel C‐aryl glucosides with various substituents at the distal aryl ring have been synthesized and evaluated for hypoglycemic effect in normal and diabetic mice and in type 2 diabetic rats. The results indicated that introduction of electron‐donating group at the distal aryl ring could improve glucose tolerance in normal mice, whereas introduction of electron‐withdrawing group at this position could deteriorate. The urinary glucose excretion was significantly increased after glucose (3 g/kg) administration in normal mice with the treatment of 13c. Moreover, compound 13c could reduce fed blood glucose levels in a dose‐dependent manner in type 2 diabetic rats, showed a remarkable antihyperglycemic effect with 2 weeks of treatment in diabetic mice, and might be a promising drug candidate for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Geriatric dentistry content in the curriculum of the dental schools in Chile
Authors: León Soraya , Araya‐Bustos Francisca , Ettinger Ronald L. , Giacaman Rodrigo A.
Published: December 2014

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify the status of pre‐doctoral geriatric dentistry education among all Chilean dental schools.

Background

Chile is one of the most rapidly ageing countries in Latin America. Consequently, specific knowledge and training on the needs of elderly populations need to be emphasised in dental schools. The current extent and methods of teaching geriatric dentistry among the dental schools in Chile are unknown.

Materials and methods

A web‐based questionnaire was developed and sent to all 19 Chilean dental schools to identify which schools had a formal programme on geriatric dentistry and ask about their format, content and type of training of the faculty who taught in the programmes. Data were analysed, and a comparison was made among the schools.

Results

Sixteen (84%) of the participant schools reported teaching at least some aspects of geriatric dentistry, using various methodologies, but only 7 (37%) had specific courses. Of those schools reporting a didactic content on geriatric dentistry, 71% included clinical training, either in the school's dental clinics or in an extramural service. Contents mostly included demographics of ageing, theories of ageing and medical conditions. More than half of the faculty (57%) stated that they had formal training in geriatric dentistry, 43% were trained in prosthodontics, public health or other areas.

Conclusions

Although most dental schools taught geriatric dentistry, only some had a specific course. Most schools with formal courses followed the international curriculum guidelines for geriatric dentistry.
Mandatory notification of impaired doctors
Authors: Beran R. G.
Published: December 2014

Mandatory reporting of impaired doctors is compulsory in Australasia. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency guidelines for notification claim high benchmark though the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians suggest they still obstruct doctors seeking help. Western Australia excludes mandatory reporting of practitioner‐patients. This study examines reporting, consequences and international experiences with notification. Depressed doctors avoid diagnosis and treatment, fearing consequences, yet are more prone to marital problems, substance dependence and needing psychotherapy. South African research confirms isolation of impaired doctors and delayed seeking help with definable characteristics of those at risk. New Zealand data acknowledge: errors occur; questionable contribution from mandatory reporting; issues concerning competence assessment; favouring reporting to senior colleagues or self‐intervention to compliance with mandatory reporting. UK found an anaesthetist guilty of professional misconduct for not reporting and sanctioned doctors regarding Harold Shipman. Australians are reluctant to report, fearing legalistic intrusion into care. Australian research confirmed definable characteristics for doctors with psychiatric illness or alcohol abuse. Exposure to legal medicine evokes personal disenchantment for doctors involved. Medicine poses barriers for impaired doctors. Spanish and UK doctors do not use general practitioners and may have suboptimal care. US and European doctors self‐medicate using samples. US drug‐dependent doctors also prescribe for spouses. Junior doctors are losing empathy with the profession. UK doctors favour private care, avoiding public scrutiny. NZ and Brazil created specific services for doctors, which appear effective. Mandatory reporting may be counterproductive requiring reappraisal.
Prevalence of prediabetes in patients with acute coronary syndrome: impact on in‐hospital outcomes
Authors: AbuShady M. M. , Mohamady Y. , Enany B. , Nammas W.
Published: December 2014

Background

Prediabetes is a serious condition that is associated with an increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Aims

We sought to explore the prevalence of prediabetes in patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who were not known to have diabetes and to determine the impact of prediabetes on in‐hospital clinical outcomes versus non‐diabetic patients.

Methods

Prospectively, we enrolled 200 patients not known to have diabetes or prediabetes, admitted with ACS. Laboratory tests included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2‐h plasma glucose (2hPG) after 75 g glucose, HbA1c and lipid profile. Electrocardiogram and echocardiography were done. The primary end‐point was in‐hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

Mean age was 50.9 ± 6.8 years (70.5% males). The prevalence of patients with diabetes and patients with prediabetes was 24.5% and 20% respectively. Newly discovered diabetic patients were excluded. Compared with patients without diabetes, prediabetic patients had a higher body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.002) and a longer hospital stay (P = 0.09). In‐hospital MACE occurred in 10 (25%) patients with prediabetes versus six (5.4%) in patients without diabetes (P = 0.001). In‐hospital MACE correlated with prediabetes (r = 0.28, P < 0.001), BMI (r = 0.14, P = 0.093), FPG (r = 0.19, P = 0.014), 2hPG (r = 0.19, P = 0.017) and HbA1c (r = 0.19, P = 0.019). Multivariate regression analysis identified prediabetes as the only independent predictor of in‐hospital MACE.

Conclusions

Prediabetes is common in patients presenting with ACS who are not previously known to have diabetes. Prediabetic patients had worse in‐hospital clinical outcomes compared with patients without diabetes.
Cutting Through the Numbers
Authors: Swires-Hennessy Ed , Reese Allan
Published: December 2014

Statisticians need to prioritise clear communication over numerical detail, says Ed Swires-Hennessy as he discusses his new book, Presenting Data, with Allan Reese
The World's Most Isolated Statistician
Authors: McLeod Paula
Published: December 2014

Two years ago, Paula McLeod left the UK Office for National Statistics to become official statistician for the remote island of St Helena. In this dispatch, she explains why
The Future of Statistical Thinking
Authors: Marriott Nigel
Published: December 2014

Nigel Marriott looks to data science, infographics and cognitive psychology to expand our definition of what it means to think like a statistician
Annual Research Review: Growth connectomics – the organization and reorganization of brain networks during normal and abnormal development
Authors: Vértes Petra E. , Bullmore Edward T.
Published: December 2014

Background

We first give a brief introduction to graph theoretical analysis and its application to the study of brain network topology or connectomics. Within this framework, we review the existing empirical data on developmental changes in brain network organization across a range of experimental modalities (including structural and functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography in humans).

Synthesis

We discuss preliminary evidence and current hypotheses for how the emergence of network properties correlates with concomitant cognitive and behavioural changes associated with development. We highlight some of the technical and conceptual challenges to be addressed by future developments in this rapidly moving field. Given the parallels previously discovered between neural systems across species and over a range of spatial scales, we also review some recent advances in developmental network studies at the cellular scale. We highlight the opportunities presented by such studies and how they may complement neuroimaging in advancing our understanding of brain development. Finally, we note that many brain and mind disorders are thought to be neurodevelopmental in origin and that charting the trajectory of brain network changes associated with healthy development also sets the stage for understanding abnormal network development.

Conclusions

We therefore briefly review the clinical relevance of network metrics as potential diagnostic markers and some recent efforts in computational modelling of brain networks which might contribute to a more mechanistic understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders in future.
Emotion regulation in autism spectrum disorder: evidence from parent interviews and children's daily diaries
Authors: Samson Andrea C. , Wells Whitney M. , Phillips Jennifer M. , Hardan Antonio Y. , Gross James J.
Published: December 2014

Background

Although emotion dysregulation is not a defining feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), there is a growing consensus that emotional problems play a prominent role in this disorder.

Methods

The present study examined a wide range of emotion regulation (ER) strategies in 32 individuals with ASD compared to 31 group‐matched typically developing (TD) participants in three emotional domains (anger, anxiety, and amusement). Parents of individuals with ASD and TD individuals were interviewed about their child's emotional experience and the use and efficacy of 10 ER strategies. In addition, participants filled out daily diaries on experience and regulation in the same emotional domains.

Results

Compared to TD individuals, parents reported that individuals with ASD experienced more anger and anxiety and less amusement, made less frequent use of a variety of adaptive ER strategies (e.g. problem solving, cognitive reappraisal), and made more frequent use of maladaptive strategies (e.g. repetitive behavior). Moreover, individuals with ASD were less effective at utilizing adaptive ER strategies. Self‐reports showed differences in experience of amusement and in ER strategies for anger and anxiety, but not in experience of anger and anxiety.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that individuals with ASD less frequently use adaptive – but more frequently use maladaptive – ER strategies. Implications for ASD treatments that focus on increasing the use of adaptive strategies are discussed.
Variation in fluorosis and caries experience among Lithuanian 12 year olds exposed to more than 1 ppm F in tap water
Authors: Narbutaitė Julija , Virtanen Jorma I. , Vehkalahti Miira M.
Published: December 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to analyze caries experience in relation to the occurrence of fluorosis in 12 year olds in a natural fluoride area.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted among 12‐year‐old lifetime residents (n = 301) of Klaipeda, Lithuania, where the natural fluoride content is 1.7–2.2 ppm F. Data collection included a clinical dental examination and an inquiry about toothbrushing habits. Dental caries was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization criteria and described in terms of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT)/decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) indices and decayed, filled surfaces (DFS) on selected proximal surfaces. Dental fluorosis was diagnosed according to the Thylstrup–Fejerskov (TF) index and categorized as none (TF = 0), mild (TF = 1–2), moderate (TF = 3–7), or severe (TF = 8–9). The χ2‐, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney tests, Pearson's correlation, and linear regression served for statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 34% of the 12 year olds studied had no signs of fluorosis, while the rest had mild (42%) or moderate (24%) fluorosis. Caries experience was negatively related to the presence of fluorosis. When present (TF > 0), the mean DMFT was 1.8 (standard deviation [SD]: 1.7) versus 2.6 (SD: 2.3) in the absence of fluorosis (TF = 0, P = 0.008). The corresponding mean DMFS values were 2.6 (SD: 3.1) versus 3.8 (SD: 4.3, P = 0.014).

Conclusion

The presence of fluorosis associates with lesser caries experience in 12‐year‐old lifetime residents of an area with moderately‐elevated natural fluoride.
Playing Fair: The Contribution of High‐Functioning Recess to Overall School Climate in Low‐Income Elementary Schools
Authors: London Rebecca A. , Westrich Lisa , Stokes‐Guinan Katie , McLaughlin Milbrey
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Recess is a part of the elementary school day with strong implications for school climate. Positive school climate has been linked to a host of favorable student outcomes, from attendance to achievement. We examine 6 low‐income elementary schools' experiences implementing a recess‐based program designed to provide safe, healthy, and inclusive play to study how improving recess functioning can affect school climate.

METHODS

Data from teacher, principal, and recess coach interviews; student focus groups; recess observations; and a teacher survey are triangulated to understand the ways that recess changed during implementation. Comparing schools that achieved higher‐ and lower‐functioning recesses, we link recess functioning with school climate.

RESULTS

Recess improved in all schools, but 4 of the 6 achieved a higher‐functioning recess. In these schools, teachers and principals agreed that by the end of the year, recess offered opportunities for student engagement, conflict resolution, pro‐social skill development, and emotional and physical safety. Respondents in these four schools linked these changes to improved overall school climate.

CONCLUSIONS

Recess is an important part of the school day for contributing to school climate. Creating a positive recess climate helps students to be engaged in meaningful play and return to class ready to learn.
Effectiveness of a school‐ and community‐based academic asthma health education program on use of effective asthma self‐care behaviors in older school‐age students
Authors: Kintner Eileen K. , Cook Gwendolyn , Marti C. Nathan , Allen April , Stoddard Debbie , Harmon Phyllis , Gomes Melissa , Meeder Linda , Van Egeren Laurie A.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

The purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness ofStayingHealthy–AsthmaResponsible &Prepared, an academic asthma health education and counseling program, on fostering the use of effective asthma self‐care behaviors.

Design and Methods

This was a phaseIII, two‐group, cluster randomized, single‐blinded, longitudinal design‐guided study. Caregivers of 205 fourth‐ and fifth‐grade students completed the asthma health behaviors survey at preintervention, and 1, 12, and 24 months postintervention. Analysis involved multilevel modeling.

Results

All students demonstrated improvement in episode management, risk reduction/prevention, and health promotion behaviors;StayingHealthy–AsthmaResponsible &Prepared students demonstrated increased improvement in episode management and risk reduction/prevention behaviors.

Practice Implications

Working with schoolteachers, nurses can improve the use of effective asthma self‐care behaviors.
The indole derivative NecroX‐7 improves nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in ob/ob mice through suppression of mitochondrial ROS/RNS and inflammation
Authors: Chung Hyo Kyun , Kim Yong Kyung , Park Ji‐Hoon , Ryu Min Jeong , Chang Joon Young , Hwang Jung Hwan , Lee Chul‐Ho , Kim Soon‐Ha , Kim Hyun Jin , Kweon Gi Ryang , Kim Koon Soon , Shong Minho
Published: December 2014

Background & Aims

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) play key roles in the development of the disease. However, the therapeutic target of NASH has not been fully defined and new treatments are needed. We investigated the protective effects of the antioxidant indole‐derived NecroX‐7 in a NASH mouse model using leptin‐deficient ob/ob and methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet‐fed ob/ob mice.

Methods

Six‐week‐old male mice were divided into three groups: ob/+ mice, ob/ob mice treated with vehicle and ob/ob mice treated daily with NecroX‐7 (20 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. To study the effects of NecroX‐7 in a fibrosis model, NASH was induced by feeding ob/ob mice an MCD diet. The effects of NecroX‐7 on NASH progression were evaluated using biochemical, histological and molecular markers.

Results

NecroX‐7‐treated ob/ob mice had a marked decrease in serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase compared with vehicle‐treated controls. Interestingly, hepatic steatosis and lipid peroxidation were significantly improved by NecroX‐7 treatment. NecroX‐7 inhibited tert‐butylhydroperoxide‐ and H2O2‐induced mitochondrial ROS/RNS in primary hepatocytes and attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, NecroX‐7‐treated mice exhibited fewer infiltrating macrophages and reduced hepatic tumour necrosis factor‐alpha expression. Hepatic fibrosis in MCD‐fed ob/ob mice was significantly decreased by NecroX‐7 treatment.

Conclusions

NecroX‐7 treatment improved hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in murine NASH models. These effects occurred through the suppression of whole‐cell ROS/RNS and inflammatory responses and suggest that NecroX‐7 has a potential therapeutic benefit in steatohepatitis.
Acute transient encephalomyelitis involving bilateral basal ganglia and internal capsules as manifestation of primary human immunodeficiency virus infection
Authors: Tamura Akiko , Shirano Michinori , Shimono Taro , Takeda Akitoshi , Tsutada Tsuyoshi , Shimada Hiroyuki , Itoh Yoshiaki
Published: December 2014

A 25‐year‐old homosexual man presented with influenza‐like symptoms, followed by acute transient leukoencephalomyelitis as an initial presentation of human immunodeficiency virus infection, suggestive of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintensity in the bilateral periventricular white matter and internal capsules on T2‐weighted images, as well as an obscured boundary of the basal ganglia, which have been reported for the first time in primary human immunodeficiency virus infection.
The determinants of academic spin‐off creation by Italian universities
Authors: Ramaciotti Laura , Rizzo Ugo
Published: December 2014

The aim of this work is to investigate the university level determinants of academic spin‐off (ASO) firm creation in Italy. We are interested in particular in the relationship between university funding and the university propensity to create spin‐offs, and test the effect of public and third‐party funds on this tendency. We estimate the effect of several variables for the characteristics of the university and the context. In contrast to our expectations, results indicate that third‐party funding does not exert an effect on the propensity of the university to generate ASO firms. Similarly, and in contrast to what the literature suggests, scientific productivity, context innovativeness and patenting experience also do not have a positive and significant effect on the propensity to generate spin‐offs. We find that ASO creation is influenced by the amount of public income, by past experience in creating spin‐offs and by the presence of a technology transfer office. This work contributes to our understanding of the differences between Italy and the Anglo‐Saxon countries in relation to the phenomenon of ASO creation and has some important implications for policy.
The Making and Breaking of Food Preservation Practices in a Rural Albertan Community
Authors: Braun Jennifer
Published: December 2014

Amid growing concerns over nutrition, food safety, and the relationship between health and environment, anxiety about the general deskilling around food‐related activities has garnered significant public interest and academic inquiry. Mainstream agriculture commodity and retail food chains are failing to meet the concerns citizens are expressing about their food. This has contributed to a relearning of skills of procuring, preparing, and preserving food. This qualitative study looks at the practice of home preserving in a rural Albertan community through a social practice theory framework. I test two premises set out by Shove, Pantzar and Watson (2012): First, social practices consist of three elements (materials, competencies, and meanings) that are integrated when practices are enacted; second, that practices emerge, persist, and disappear as links among these defining elements are made and broken. I demonstrate how the integration of the elements enabled canning as a practice to flourish during a certain period. I then explore how the disintegration of the elements contributed to the decline of the same practice in later years. By examining the connections and breakages in the links between materials, meanings, and competencies, I illustrate the essentiality of integration of elements in order for practices to exist.
Tourette syndrome and procedures related to dental treatment: a systematic review
Authors: Hansen Jonas Kjeldbjerg , Jacobsen Pernille Endrup , Simonsen Janne Lytoft , Hovgaard Ole , Haubek Dorte
Published: December 2014

Purpose

Dental treatment of patients with Tourette syndrome (TS) may present special challenges to the dentist. The aim was to systematically review the literature regarding perioperative procedures including sedation and general anaesthesia (GA) of patients with TS.

Materials and methods

Literature searches were performed in PubMed and Embase to identify papers concerning TS in combination with dental treatment, sedation, and/or GA in order to study outcomes regarding co‐morbidity, perioperative complications, and drug interactions.

Results

The literature search identified six publications (case reports or series) which addressed the topic. No unexpected adverse effects or drug interactions in relation to sedation or GA in TS patients and no perioperative complications were reported.

Conclusions

The literature on TS is scarce and the evidence level is low. Therefore, guidelines regarding the dental treatment of patients with TS cannot be formulated at the present time.
Renal impairment in HIV‐infected patients initiating tenofovir‐containing antiretroviral therapy regimens in a Primary Healthcare Setting in South Africa
Authors: Kamkuemah Monika , Kaplan Richard , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Little Francesca , Myer Landon
Published: December 2014

Objective

Long‐term use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is associated with declines in glomerular function and chronic kidney disease in HIV‐infected patients. We aimed to assess the prevalence and incidence of renal impairment in a primary care setting in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Methods

We analysed data from 1092 HIV‐infected patients initiating tenofovir at a primary care clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. Renal function was assessed for the first 12 months on ART by estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated using the Cockroft–Gault equation categorised into normal, mild, moderate and severe reduction in renal function based on values >90, 60–89, 30–59 and <30 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Associations were assessed using logistic regression, and average GFR trajectory over time was modelled using linear mixed‐effects models.

Results

The cohort consisted of 62% women; median age was 34 years (IQR 29; 41 years). The majority had normal renal function pre‐ART (79%), 19% had mildly reduced GFR, and 2% had moderate renal impairment. Older age, more advanced WHO stage and anaemia were independently associated with prevalent renal impairment. On average, estimated glomerular function improved over the first year on tenofovir [1.10 ml/min/1.73 m2 average increase over 12 months (95% CI: 0.80; 1.40)]. Male gender, anaemia and immunosuppression (WHO Stage III/IV and CD4 cell counts <100 cells/mm3) were associated with lower average eGFR levels over time. Overall, 3% developed eGFR <50 ml/min/1.73 m2 during this period. Serum creatinine tests conducted before 4 months on ART had low predictive value for predicting change in eGFR after a year on ART.

Conclusion

Generally, renal function improved in HIV‐infected adults initiating ART in this primary healthcare setting during the first year on ART. While monitoring of renal function is recommended in the first 4 months on ART, renal impairment appears uncommon during the first 12 months of tenofovir‐containing ART in primary care populations.
Report on the 16th international society of blood transfusion platelet immunology workshop
Authors: Fontão‐Wendel R. , Bertrand G. , Chong W. , Sachs U. J. , Kaplan C. , Tsuno N. , Santoso S.
Published: December 2014

Background

The main aims of the 16th ISBT Platelet Immunology workshop were as follows: (i) to test the ability of the laboratories in the identification of platelet alloantibodies, (ii) to compare the detection of HPA‐1a alloantibodies in serum and plasma, (iii) to quantify HPA‐1a alloantibodies, (iv) to measure platelet‐bound HPA‐1a alloantibodies in lysates, (v) to evaluate a new bead‐based assay for anti‐HPA‐1a and anti‐HPA‐1b detection, (vi) to evaluate the efficiency of a human monoclonal antibody for HPA‐5a phenotyping and (vii) to test the ability to genotype for HPA‐1, HPA‐2, HPA‐3, HPA‐4, HPA‐5, HPA‐6, HPA‐9, HPA‐12w, HPA‐13w and HPA‐15.

Materials and methods

Seven exercises were developed to encompass the aims of this workshop. All materials and procedures were distributed for 34 laboratories from 20 countries.

Results

The platelet alloantibodies identification exercise presented good results compared with previous workshops. Comparison between serum and plasma in titration study showed comparable results for HPA‐1a and HPA‐5b alloantibodies. For the quantitative determination of HPA‐1a alloantibodies, most of the laboratories could reliably assign a similar concentration. It was also possible to identify bound anti‐HPA‐1a alloantibodies in cell lysates within 2 weeks. The bead assay demonstrated good reproducibility between laboratories although some anti‐HPA‐1a samples remain an issue. Phenotyping of HPA‐5b showed high false‐negative error (6%). DNA typing presented excellent results, demonstrating that DNA tests for HPA are very well established in all laboratories.

Conclusions

This workshop presented high complexity exercises with very good results achieved in most of the exercises and approximately 100% consensus among the participants.
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Reece Jack
Published: December 2014

Jack Reece planned to spend six months on a volunteer experience with Help In Suffering in Jaipur. Ten years later he is still there, making a difference through the Animal Birth Control programme that helps control rabies through vaccination and neutering of street dogs. He was presented with the BVA's first Trevor Blackburn award in 2006.
From a veterinary degree to FRS
Authors: Simpson Elizabeth
Published: December 2014

Elizabeth Simpson's distinguished scientific career was recently recognised by her election as a Fellow of the Royal Society. It started with a veterinary degree, and has hinged on her curiosity to find out how things worked
Putting something back
Authors: Harris Gill
Published: December 2014

Vodafone World of Difference UK offers successful applicants the chance to make a difference in their community by receiving a two‐month paid placement with a charity of their choice. Gill Harris reports
Achieving CPD targets
Authors: Millington Claire
Published: December 2014

The range of roles and experience within the veterinary profession means that a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to continuing professional development is not feasible. Claire Millington of the RCVS's communications department suggests a variety of ways in which vets can meet their CPD obligations
Students face up to a dragons' den
Authors: Brooke Lindsay
Published: December 2014

The entrepreneurship of students at Nottingham vet school was put to the test when they entered the school's own ‘dragons’ den'. Scrutiny of students' business acumen is part of the teaching programme at Nottingham, explains Lindsay Brooke
In at the deep end
Authors: Melluish Joanne
Published: December 2014

A week after graduating, assisted by a BVA travel grant, Joanna Melluish set off to spend a month working for the Gambian Horse and Donkey Trust
Online tool helps students prepare for EMS
Authors: Bell Catriona
Published: December 2014

Veterinary students should be better prepared for their extramural studies placements through a new initiative developed by the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Veterinary College. Catriona Bell explains
Being a recognised specialist
Authors: Whitley Nat
Published: December 2014

Nat Whitley is a specialist in small animal internal medicine at Davies Veterinary Specialists (DVS). Here, he explains what took him along the route to specialisation
Evolution of the CertAVP
Authors: Maddison Jill
Published: December 2014

The RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice was launched in 2007. It differs markedly from the old certificates, as Jill Maddison explains
Final‐year diary
Authors: Hall Jen
Published: December 2014

Four months before final exams, getting a job is one of the main topics of conversation for final‐year students at Nottingham vet school, as Jennifer Hall records in her diary for Vet Record Careers
Tips for success in the CertAVP
Authors: Egan Padraig
Published: December 2014

Padraig Egan enrolled on the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in March 2009. As he approaches the end of the venture, he shares some of the lessons he has learned along the way
Hatching scientists
Authors: Taylor‐Brown Fran
Published: December 2014

The Cornell University Leadership Program for Veterinary Scholars is a 10‐week summer programme for veterinary students who wish to pursue a science‐based career. Fran Taylor‐Brown of the Royal Veterinary College was one of three UK students who was chosen to participate last year
Pursuing zoo veterinary work via the USA
Authors: Cushing Andrew
Published: December 2014

Andrew Cushing qualified from Liverpool in 2007, before spending time in mixed practice and then completing an 18‐month zoological internship in Oregon, USA. He is currently based at Birch Heath, an exotic/wildlife clinic in Cheshire and starts a zoological residency at Cornell University, New York, in the summer
Final‐year diary
Authors: Hall Jen
Published: December 2014

Jennifer Hall, a final‐year student at Nottingham vet school, has spent the past two weeks seeing practice in the West Country as part of her farm animal elective, as she records in her diary for Vet Record Careers
A rewarding career in basic medical research
Authors: Hart Ian
Published: December 2014

Professor Ian Hart's interests lie in how malignant cancers are able to metastasise. Having qualified as a vet in 1972, he gained a PhD in veterinary pathology in 1976, and since then has worked in basic medical research, where there might seem to be little or no direct reference to his veterinary background. Here, he explains how his immensely rewarding career has benefited from his veterinary background
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Richards Kate
Published: December 2014

Kate Richards is the Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Scotland and she leads the private office team supporting ministers in the UK Government. She graduated as a vet from Edinburgh in 1985 and worked as a farm animal practitioner and partner in Scotland before moving to the pharmaceutical industry. Three years later, she joined Defra as a veterinary adviser.
Entering a corporate partnership
Authors: Mayne Tracy
Published: December 2014

Veterinary nurse Tracy Mayne became a partner in a corporate practice just over four years ago. Here, she explains how things are going
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Barnett James
Published: December 2014

James Barnett works as a Veterinary Investigation Officer for the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency. He is also veterinary consultant to the charity British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR)
Studying while working
Authors: Robinson Philip
Published: December 2014

Philip Robinson, who gained a MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health while working in the government veterinary service, extols the benefits of distance learning
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Laurence Chris
Published: December 2014

Chris Laurence retires this month from his role as veterinary director of Dogs Trust. During his time with the charity, he has actively promoted the need for new legislation to replace the Dangerous Dogs Act and was instrumental in the formation of the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG).
New graduate's diary
Authors: Hall Jennifer
Published: December 2014

A month after graduating, our diarist, Jennifer Hall, has moved into her flat and started work as a large animal vet at St Davids Farm Practice, Exmouth