bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic performance and peer relations among rural‐to‐urban migrant children in Beijing: Do social identity and self‐efficacy matter?
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Pei Fei , Zhai Fuhua , Gao Qin
Published: July 2019

Due to the household registration system, millions of rural‐to‐urban migrant children in China are ineligible to receive urban social welfare benefits. These children potentially suffer from the evolving awareness of their perceived inferior social identity and experiences of inequalities at an early stage of life. This study examined whether self‐perceived social identity is related to academic performance and peer relations among rural‐to‐urban migrant children in Beijing. Data were collected from 136 children during 2013 and 2014 in three schools for migrant children in Beijing. Path analysis showed that children who identified as a Beijinger, compared with those who self‐identified with their rural hometown, had better self‐efficacy, which in turn was associated with better academic performance and better peer relations. Enlightened by Western theories, these findings suggest that migrant children’s performance in school could be enhanced by cultivating positive perceptions of their social identity through teachers’ practice and community‐ and policy‐level social support.
Rituximab‐PECC induction followed by 90Y‐ibritumomab tiuxetan consolidation in relapsed or refractory DLBCL patients who are ineligible for or have failed ASCT: results from a phase II HOVON study
Authors: Lugtenburg Pieternella J. , Zijlstra Josee M. , Doorduijn Jeanette K. , Böhmer Lara H. , Hoogendoorn Mels , Berenschot Henriette W. , Beeker Aart , van der Burg‐de Graauw Nicole C. , Schouten Harry C. , Bilgin Yavuz M. , Kersten Marie‐Jose , Koene Harry R. , Herbers Alexandra H. E. , de Jong Daphne , Hijmering Nathalie , Lam King H. , Chiţu Dana , Brouwer Rolf E. , van Imhoff Gustaaf W. ,   the Dutch HOVON group
Published: July 2019

Patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after, or ineligible for, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) have a dismal prognosis. This phase II study evaluated treatment with R‐PECC (rituximab, prednisolone, etoposide, chlorambucil, lomustine), every 28 days for 4 cycles in 62 patients, followed by radio‐immunotherapy consolidation with 90Y‐ibritumomab tiuxetan in responsive patients. Primary endpoints were failure‐free survival (FFS) and incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events from start of 90Y‐ibritumomab tiuxetan. The overall response rate after R‐PECC was 50%. Twenty‐nine of 31 responsive patients proceeded to 90Y‐ibritumomab tiuxetan. Five out of 15 partial remission patients converted to complete remission after 90Y‐ibritumomab tiuxetan. One‐year FFS and overall survival (OS) from start of 90Y‐ibritumomab tiuxetan was 52% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33–68%) and 62% (95% CI, 42–77%), respectively. One‐year FFS and OS from start of R‐PECC was 28% (95% CI, 17–39%) and 49% (95% CI, 36–61%), respectively. Toxicities of R‐PECC and 90Y‐ibritumomab tiuxetan were mainly haematological. In conclusion, for relapsed DLBCL patients the largely oral R‐PECC regimen achieves promising response rates, combined with an acceptable safety profile. Consolidation with 90Y‐ibritumomab tiuxetan resulted in long‐term response durations in approximately one third of the patients that received it.
Use of repeat house sales to measure changes since the early‐ or mid‐1980s in two inner‐city neighbourhoods in Windsor, Ontario
Authors: Phipps Alan G.
Published: July 2019

Changes in the prices of homes and the reasons for those changes may be more accurately predicted from repeat sales of the same homes after controlling for their changed attributes and differences in time between their sales and resales. This paper analyzes 346 of 583 sold houses in the Glengarry neighbourhood in Windsor, Ontario, that were sold more than once between 1981 and mid‐2017, and a corresponding 414 of 737 sold houses in the city's Wellington‐Crawford neighbourhood, sold more than once between 1986 and mid‐2017. After comparing types of resold homes with once‐sold ones, a repeat sales model predicts a first period of increasing annual percentage changes in resale prices compared to sale prices during the 1980s, followed by a second period of stagnation and possible decreases until 2011, and then increases during a third period after that. In addition, changes in resold homes’ attributes of the dwelling unit and neighbourhood are a second type of neighbourhood change in two inner‐city neighbourhoods during the past 30 or more years.
Leydig cell failure with testicular radiation doses <20Gy: The clinical effects of total body irradiation conditioned haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for childhood leukaemia during long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Taneja Surina , Rao Anupama , Nussey Stephen , Leiper Alison
Published: July 2019

Objective

Testosterone replacement is generally considered likely to be required only at testicular radiation doses in excess of 20Gy. Long‐term data are not available for patients receiving 9‐14.4Gy as part of Total Body Irradiation in childhood.

Design

Retrospective cohort study. Data collection: notes review, laboratory results, prescription of testosterone.

Patients

Forty‐two of 96 boys who received Total Body Irradiation (9‐14.4Gy) and Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for childhood leukaemia at Great Ormond Street Hospital between 1981‐2011 and survived >5 years.

Measurements

The serum concentrations of testosterone and gonadotrophins and the prescription of testosterone were recorded.

Results

Of the 42 boys included, 37 (88%) entered puberty spontaneously and 5 required induction. Median length of follow‐up was 19.4 years (range 5‐33.1). At last follow‐up, 23 of the 37 (62%) with spontaneous puberty were receiving testosterone replacement and 4 of the 5 (80%) with induced puberty.

Conclusion

This study with the benefit of long follow‐up indicates that Leydig cell failure occurs with radiation doses <20Gy. It may occur many years after irradiation and mandates long‐term screening for hypogonadism.
An Ontological Framework for Supporting the Design and Evaluation of Visual Analytics Systems
Authors: Chen Min , Ebert David S.
Published: July 2019

Designing, evaluating, and improving visual analytics (VA) systems is a primary area of activities in our discipline. In this paper, we present an ontological framework for recording and categorizing technical shortcomings to be addressed in a VA workflow, reasoning about the causes of such problems, identifying technical solutions, and anticipating secondary effects of the solutions. The methodology is built on the theoretical premise that designing a VA workflow is an optimization of the cost‐benefit ratio of the processes in the workflow. It makes uses three fundamental measures to group and connect “symptoms”, “causes”, “remedies”, and “side‐effects”, and guide the search for potential solutions to the problems. In terms of requirement analysis and system design, the proposed methodology can enable system designers to explore the decision space in a structured manner. In terms of evaluation, the proposed methodology is time‐efficient and complementary to various forms of empirical studies, such as user surveys, controlled experiments, observational studies, focus group discussions, and so on. In general, it reduces the amount of trial‐and‐error in the lifecycle of VA system development.
netflower: Dynamic Network Visualization for Data Journalists
Authors: Stoiber C. , Rind A. , Grassinger F. , Gutounig R. , Goldgruber E. , Sedlmair M. , Emrich Š. , Aigner W.
Published: July 2019

Journalists need visual interfaces that cater to the exploratory nature of their investigative activities. In this paper, we report on a four‐year design study with data journalists. The main result is netflower, a visual exploration tool that supports journalists in investigating quantitative flows in dynamic network data for story‐finding. The visual metaphor is based on Sankey diagrams and has been extended to make it capable of processing large amounts of input data as well as network change over time. We followed a structured, iterative design process including requirement analysis and multiple design and prototyping iterations in close cooperation with journalists. To validate our concept and prototype, a workshop series and two diary studies were conducted with journalists. Our findings indicate that the prototype can be picked up quickly by journalists and valuable insights can be achieved in a few hours. The prototype can be accessed at: http://netflower.fhstp.ac.at/
Aetiology and disease severity are among the determinants of quality of life in bronchiectasis
Authors: Terpstra Lotte C. , Biesenbeek Sonja , Altenburg Josje , Boersma Wim G.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Quality of life (QoL) is known to be impaired in patients with bronchiectasis, which is generally attributed to exacerbations and chronic pulmonary symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine if aetiology and disease severity are associated with QoL in bronchiectasis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical stable patients with bronchiectasis. Diagnostic workup into the aetiology of bronchiectasis was conducted according to the current guidelines. QoL was measured by QoL‐B questionnaire (QoL‐B), data on sputum microbiology, pulmonary function tests and the disease severity were obtained.

Results

The aetiology of bronchiectasis was investigated in the total of 200 patients. The most commonly identified aetiologies were post‐infective (39.5%) and idiopathic (12.5%). Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)‐related bronchiectasis showed a significant lower QoL (P < .05) as compared to the other aetiologies. In the total population, an increasing disease severity as measured by FACED, E‐FACED and the bronchiectasis severity index was correlated with a lower QoL.

Conclusions

Our results showed that QoL in bronchiectasis is related both to aetiology, with worse QoL in COPD‐related bronchiectasis, and to disease severity, which suggests more attention in advance for these specific patient groups with bronchiectasis.
Analysis of PROC and PROS1 single nucleotide polymorphisms in a thrombophilia family
Authors: Wu Dawen , Zhong Zhanghua , Chen Yunfei , Ding Haibo , Yang Minxia , Lian Ningfang , Huang Zhigui , Zhang Qiaoxian , Zhao Jianming , Deng Chaosheng
Published: July 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in protein C (PROC) and protein S (PROS1) genes with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in a thrombophilia family.

Methods

DNA were extracted from blood of participants. Five PROC SNPs and 11 PROS1 SNPs were selected from the Hapmap and 1000 Genomes databases. The minor allele frequencies (MAFs) of SNPs in the thrombophilia family (Group I) and healthy controls (Group II) were detected. SNPs were analysed by Chi‐square, logistic regression and linkage disequilibrium patterns.

Results

MAFs for all 16 SNPs were greater than 0.05. Chi‐square analysis showed significant differences between Group I and Group II in the frequency of mutant alleles of rs1799808, rs5936, rs6123, rs12634349, rs6441600 and rs13062355 SNPs (P < .05). Logistic regression analysis found that mutant alleles of rs1799808, rs6441600 and rs13062355 SNPs may contribute to DVT in this family (OR > 1, L95 > 1). Linkage disequilibrium was found among 15 of the PROC and PROS SNPs.

Conclusions

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PROC and PROS1 may be closely associated with DVT in this thrombophilia family. Mutant alleles of rs1799808, rs6441600 and rs13062355 SNPs may contribute to DVT, whereas mutant alleles of rs1799810, rs6123 and rs12634349 may protect individuals from DVT. With the exception of rs9681204, there was linkage disequilibrium between PROC and PROS1 SNPs. We found that 12 haplotypes were in linkage disequilibrium, but linkage disequilibrium was strong in only eight of these (frequency >5%).
Beyond isolation by distance: What best explains functional connectivity among populations of three sympatric plant species in an ancient terrestrial island system?
Authors: Nevill Paul Gerard , Robinson Todd P. , Di Virgilio Giovanni , Wardell‐Johnson Grant
Published: July 2019

Aim

Understanding how landscape features affect gene flow is critical to connectivity conservation and restoration management. Here, we examined the relationship between functional connectivity (gene flow) and structural connectivity (area and spatial configuration of habitats) in three co‐occurring short‐range plant taxa in an ancient terrestrial island system.

Location

Low‐altitude mountain range south‐western Australia.

Methods

We analysed spatial patterns of genetic differentiation at nuclear microsatellite loci using Bayesian clustering. Circuit theory modelling was used to generate all possible pathways that connect populations as resistance distance matrices based on two surfaces for each taxon. The first surface assumes a flat terrain and tests whether genetic similarity declines only with distance—isolation by distance (IBD). The second surface is habitat suitability based on species distribution modelling (SDM), which tests whether genetic similarity is a function of connected and suitable habitat. Multiple matrix regression with randomization was used to test the significance of the resistance distance matrices at predicting two metrics of genetic differentiation (FST and DEST). Variance explained was partitioned using redundancy analysis.

Results

Genetic structure for the insect‐pollinated taxa—Acacia adinophylla—and Tetratheca aphylla subsp. aphylla was at similar spatial scales. Unexpectedly, a higher level of genetic structure was found in the wind‐pollinated Lepidosperma bungalbin. IBD best explained the gene flow of A. adinophylla (R2 = 0.41–0.43) with partial support provided by habitat suitability (R2 = 0.04–0.07). In contrast, connectivity by habitat suitability was highest for T. aphylla subsp. aphylla (R2 = 0.56–0.59). Drivers of L. bungalbin connectivity were inconsistent between the two measures of genetic differentiation.

Main conclusions

Gene flow is facilitated by different factors for the three taxa. Habitat fragmentation would most strongly impede gene flow for T. aphylla subsp. aphylla. Geographical distance cannot be assumed as the sole or best determinant of gene flow among populations, nor can findings be generalized to coexisting taxa.
Clinical outcomes according to the modified endoscopic criteria for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kadota Tomohiro , Abe Seiichiro , Yoda Yusuke , Yoshinaga Shigetaka , Oda Ichiro , Kojima Takashi , Kato Ken , Daiko Hiroyuki , Yano Tomonori
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) followed by surgery is one of the standard treatments for resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). According to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, endoscopic evaluation of a primary lesion is not recommended during nCT because of reduced objectivity. This study aimed to develop and validate endoscopic evaluation criteria for nCT.

Methods

This study retrospectively investigated patients with T2/3 ESCC who underwent nCT followed by radical esophagectomy across two institutions (test and validation sets). We retrospectively estimated the therapeutic effect by classifying patients according to degree of tumor shrinkage (evaluated with endoscopy) as follows: marked reduction (MR), half reduction (HR), insufficient reduction (IR), and progressive disease (PD). Three endoscopists evaluated patients in the test set. Another three endoscopists evaluated patients in the validation set. We analyzed recurrence‐free survival (RFS) 3 years after surgery.

Results

Of 129 patients in the test set, 44 had MR, 35 had HR, 44 had IR, and six had PD. The 3‐year RFS rates were 55% (overall), 79% (MR), 54% (HR), 35% (IR), and 33% (PD). Of 91 patients in the validation set, 22 had MR, 49 had HR, 18 had IR, and two had PD. The 3‐year RFS rates were 54% (overall), 77% (MR), 55% (HR), 22% (IR), and 50% (PD).

Conclusions

Our endoscopic criteria for nCT predicted prognosis; however, future studies are needed to further investigate our criteria before general application in the clinical setting.
Parent and adolescent communication with healthcare professionals about Type 1 diabetes management at adolescents’ outpatient clinic appointments
Authors: Rawdon C. , Gallagher P. , Glacken M. , Swallow V. , Lambert V.
Published: July 2019

Aim

This study aimed to identify the ways in which adolescents living with Type 1 diabetes and their parents communicate about Type 1 diabetes management with healthcare professionals in a clinical setting.

Methods

Twenty‐nine adolescents (aged 11–17 years) and their parents were purposively recruited from two outpatient clinics for non‐participant observations. Outpatient clinic appointments, which consisted of multiple consultations with healthcare professionals, were observed and audio‐recorded. Outpatient clinic appointments were categorized based on the nature and extent of communication by the adolescent and their parent(s) in relation to Type 1 diabetes management activities.

Results

Data from 29 outpatient clinic appointments, consisting of a total of 68 observed consultations, were analysed and a continuum consisting of three patterns of communication was identified (parent‐led, collaborative and adolescent‐led). Healthcare professionals should attend to the nature and extent of communication by adolescents and their parents in relation to Type 1 diabetes management activities because parent and adolescent engagement in communication during clinic appointments may also reflect their degree of involvement in daily Type 1 diabetes management.

Conclusions

This continuum provides a framework for healthcare professionals to use to identify communication patterns in consultations which in turn may allow healthcare professionals to encourage more effective communication about Type 1 diabetes management from adolescents and their parents in clinic consultations. This may have a positive impact on the sharing of Type 1 diabetes management responsibilities and adolescents’ developing self‐management skills as roles change during this developmental period.
Working with Insulin, Carbohydrates, Ketones and Exercise to Manage Diabetes (WICKED): evaluation of a self‐management course for young people with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Johnson B. , Norman P. , Sanders T. , Elliott J. , Whitehead V. , Campbell F. , Hammond P. , Ajjan R. , Heller S.
Published: July 2019

Aims

To evaluate a 5‐day self‐management education course for young people with Type 1 diabetes and assess its effects on knowledge, self‐efficacy, beliefs, distress, self‐management behaviours and HbA1c.

Methods

This is an evaluation of a structured education course. Young people (aged 16–24 years) with Type 1 diabetes were recruited from three diabetes centres. In the first centre, participants completed self‐report measures of knowledge, self‐efficacy, positive and negative outcome expectancies, and hypoglycaemic worries at baseline (n=47) and the end of the course (n=42). In two additional centres, participants completed these and other measures assessing self‐management behaviours, cognitive adaptation to diabetes and diabetes distress at baseline (n=32), the end of the course (n=27) and 3‐month follow‐up (n = 27). HbA1c levels were recorded at baseline (n=79), 6 months (n=77) and 12 months (n=65).

Results

There were statistically significant increases in self‐report knowledge, self‐efficacy, positive outcome expectancies and self‐management behaviours, and a statistically significant decrease in negative outcome expectances, between baseline and the end of the course. There were also statistically significant increases in self‐report knowledge, self‐efficacy, self‐management behaviours and cognitive adaptation to diabetes between baseline and 3‐month follow‐up. Compared with baseline, HbA1c levels decreased by a mean (sd) of 5.44 (19.93) mmol/mol (0.48%) at 6 months (P=0.019), and by 5.98 (23.32) mmol/mol (0.54%) at 12 months (P =0.043).

Discussion

The results indicate the potential benefits of a self‐management course designed to address the developmental needs and challenges faced by young people with Type 1 diabetes. Further studies with larger numbers and appropriate controls are required to confirm these initial findings.
Allopatric populations of the invasive larch casebearer differ in cold tolerance and phenology
Authors: Ward Samuel F. , Eidson Erika L. , Kees Aubree M. , Venette Robert C. , Aukema Brian H.
Published: July 2019

1. Traits of non‐native insect herbivores may vary spatially due to local genetic differences, rapid post‐introduction evolution, and/or novel host plant associations.

2. Populations of larch casebearer,Coleophora laricellaHübner, originally from Europe have likely been isolated for > 60 years in North America on eastern larch,Larix laricina(Du Roi) K. Koch, and western larch,Larix occidentalisNutt.

3. This study investigated cold tolerance and phenology of larvae collected from eastern larch in Minnesota, and western larch in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, U.S.A.

4. Mean supercooling points of larvae from Minnesota were up to 10 °C lower than supercooling points of larvae from Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.

5. At ambient environmental conditions in spring, overwintering larvae from Minnesota required a mean (± SE) of 172 ± 19 degree‐days above 5 °C to break winter quiescence and actively wander, significantly more than required by larvae from Oregon (66 ± 4), Idaho (64 ± 1), and Montana (60 ± 2).

6. Across all assays and despite substantial latitudinal and elevational variation among western larch sites, no significant differences in any traits were detected among larvae collected from western larch.

7. Spatial variation in cold tolerance and phenological traits of larch casebearer may be attributable to insect genetic differences and/or host plant effects, but exact mechanisms remain unknown. Differences in thermal biology between regions may result in disparate effects of climate change on insect populations and should be accounted for when forecasting insect dynamics across large spatial scales.
Teacher competence frameworks in Hungary: A case study on the continuum of teacher learning
Authors: Symeonidis Vasileios
Published: July 2019

The aim of this article is to examine the development and implementation of teacher competence frameworks in Hungary. Supported by European structural funds, Hungary introduced a teacher competence framework for initial teacher education in 2006 and another for the career promotion and appraisal of teachers in 2013. Employing the process tracing method, the article follows the evolution of teacher competence frameworks over time, based on a document analysis and expert interviews with policy officials and teacher educators. Findings show that the Hungarian teacher competence frameworks evolved as an outcome of a broader Europeanisation process in teacher education, on the one hand, and of internal political priorities, on the other. Strong political commitment was often linked to weak implementation capacities, so that dissatisfaction was created on the side of teachers. Depending on the way local actors use these frameworks, some perceive it as a way of limiting teacher autonomy, whilst others feel it promotes teacher professionalism.
Stress‐induced and ATF7‐dependent epigenetic change influences cellular senescence
Authors: Maekawa Toshio , Liu Binbin , Liu Yang , Yoshida Keisuke , Muratani Masafumi , Chatton Bruno , Ishii Shunsuke
Published: July 2019

Cellular senescence plays an important role in aging and is induced by cyclin‐dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitors that accumulate following stresses during aging. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Herein, we demonstrate that activating transcription factor 7 (ATF7), the stress‐responsive recruiter of histone H3K9 di‐ and trimethyltransferases, functions in the accumulation of Cdk inhibitors. Atf7‐deficient (Atf7‒/‒) mice have a shorter lifespan than wild‐type (WT) mice. Levels of p16Ink4a Cdk inhibitor mRNA increased with age more rapidly in Atf7‒/‒ mice than in WT animals. ATF7 binds to the p16Ink4a gene promoter and was released with age. Consistently, histone H3K9me2 levels on the p16Ink4a gene promoter were lower in Atf7‒/‒ mice than in WT animals. Similar results were obtained when Atf7‒/‒ and WT mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were cultured under 20% oxygen conditions, which induces cellular senescence via oxidative stress. Phosphorylation of ATF7 by p38 was also increased with the passage of MEFs, consistent with previous observations that ATF7 phosphorylation by p38 induces its release from chromatin. These results indicate that stress‐induced and ATF7‐dependent epigenetic changes on p16Ink4a genes play an important role in cellular senescence.
A field study evaluating the activity of N8‐GP in spiked plasma samples at clinical haemostasis laboratories
Authors: Tiefenbacher Stefan , Clausen Wan Hui Ong , Hansen Martin , Lützhøft Rasmus , Ezban Mirella
Published: July 2019

Aim

N8‐GP (turoctocog alfa pegol) is a glycoPEGylated, extended half‐life human recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) shown to be an efficacious treatment for patients with haemophilia A. Accurate monitoring of replacement therapy helps ensure proper dosing, leading to better patient care. The objective of this field study was to evaluate the accuracy and intra‐ and inter‐laboratory variabilities of N8‐GP and rAHF (Advate®) FVIII activity (FVIII:C) measurements in clinical laboratories using their routine methods and reagents.

Methods

Laboratories measured plasma samples spiked with 0.03, 0.2, 0.6 and 0.9 IU/mL N8‐GP or rAHF. Samples were blinded, and laboratories were instructed to perform evaluations using their routine FVIII activity assays and calibrators.

Results

Of the 67 participating laboratories from 25 countries, 60 used a one‐stage assay, 36 used a chromogenic assay, and 29 used both one‐stage and chromogenic assays. Participating laboratories used nine different activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) reagents, the most common being SynthASil® and Actin® FS. Most aPTT reagents recovered N8‐GP close to target. Three silica‐based aPTT reagents (APTT‐SP, TriniCLOT™ and STA® PTT‐Automate) underestimated N8‐GP, recovering 40%‐83% of target concentration. For chromogenic assays, N8‐GP and rAHF recoveries were comparable at all concentrations, with overall mean recoveries for both products close to 130%. Assay variability was similar for both assay types and both products; inter‐laboratory variability was greater than intra‐laboratory variability and highest at 0.03 IU/mL.

Conclusions

Most clinical laboratories accurately measured N8‐GP and rAHF when using their in‐house one‐stage or chromogenic FVIII:C assays. However, three silica‐based aPTT reagents underestimated N8‐GP recovery.
The Virtue of Care
Authors: Steyl Steven
Published: July 2019

There have been many attempts to define care in terms of the virtues, but meta‐analyses of these attempts are conspicuously absent from the literature. No taxonomies have been offered to situate them within the broader care ethical and virtue theoretical discourses, nor have any substantial discussions of each option's merits and shortcomings. I attempt to fill this lacuna by presenting an analysis of the claim that care is a virtue (what I call the “virtue thesis” about care). I begin by distinguishing weaker and stronger versions of the virtue thesis, arguing that the weaker version is an orthodox view among care ethicists. I then go on to develop a taxonomy of approaches available to care ethicists seeking to flesh out the virtue thesis. The three I identify are analogical approaches, according to which care is analogous to some existing virtue; supplementalist approaches, according to which care is a novel virtue; and cardinalist approaches, according to which care is a cardinal virtue. Following this, I defend the virtue thesis from some foreseeable objections and argue that its most promising version is analogical.
Evidence of a fixed polymorphism of one‐year and two‐year larval growth in the myrmecophilous butterfly Maculinea rebeli
Authors: Elmes Graham W. , Wardlaw Judith C. , Schönrogge Karsten , Thomas Jeremy A.
Published: July 2019

Maculinea (= Phengaris) species of butterfly have complex life‐styles in which the larvae feed briefly on specific foodplants before entering the final instar, after which they live as social parasites within Myrmica ant colonies and acquire 98–99% of their ultimate biomass by either preying on ant brood (predatory species) or being fed by worker ants (cuckoo species). Cuckoo species demonstrate two growth forms, whereby some individuals develop to pupate in 11 months and others remain 23 months in the nest, a strategy that in theory represents the most efficient exploitation of resources within Myrmica societies. Early studies suggested that development rates in Maculinea rebeli (referred to by other authors as the xerophilous form of Maculinea alcon) were not plastic but represented an unusual fixed polymorphism, in which eggs were genetically predetermined as 1‐ or 2‐year larvae.

We tested this idea in lab experiments using M. rebeli from the French Hautes‐Alpes, with these results: (i) the growth strategy of every individual larva is pre‐determined by the mother either genetically or, less probably, during oogenesis. (ii) Intra‐nest competition and host fitness affects survival and growth but does not influence the inherent growth strategy. (iii) The ratio of 1‐ and 2‐year developing larvae is initially about 50:50, although differential survival in crowded nests may alter the ratio of surviving individuals. (iv) All females tested laid eggs that hatched into both 1‐ or 2‐year developers. (v) Growth patterns vary between different regions. Larvae from the Spanish Pyrenees initially grow less than those from the Alps, with a smaller initial differentiation between the size classes.
Association of Nod‐like receptor protein‐1 (rs2670660) and Toll‐like receptor‐4 (rs4986790) with non‐segmental vitiligo: A case–control study in South Indian population
Authors: Rajendiran Kalai Selvi , Rajappa Medha , Chandrashekar Laxmisha , Thappa Devinder Mohan
Published: July 2019

Non‐segmental vitiligo (NSV) is an autoimmune skin disease. Genetics plays a predominant part in disease pathogenesis. Nucleotide‐binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptors and pyrin‐containing protein (NLRP) and Toll‐like receptors (TLR) are pattern recognition receptors in mediating innate immunity. They participate in presenting pathogens and mediating the immune responses. NLRP and TLRs are involved in mediating immune response in various dermatological diseases. Understanding the influence of genetic polymorphisms of NLRP and TLRs associated with immune homeostasis might help us to understand the complex etiopathogenesis of NSV. Thus, we aimed to study the association of NLRP‐1 (rs2670660) and TLR‐4 (rs4986790) and the synergistic effects on disease spectrum, disease activity of NSV in South Indian population. This research was designed as a case–control genetic study with 264 patients and 264 controls. Genotyping of NLRP‐1 (rs2670660) and TLR‐4 (rs4986790) was performed by Taqman 5’ allele discrimination assay and ARMS‐PCR. Plasma levels of proteins were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A statistically significant difference was observed with the frequency of homozygous GG genotype of NLRP‐1 (rs2670660) (17.8% in cases vs. 5.3% in controls) (p < 0.0001; OR‐3.73; 95% CI‐1.94–7.14). Allele G was significantly frequent in 38% of the cases than in controls with 30% (p = 0.004; OR‐1.46; 95% CI‐1.13–1.89). Plasma NLRP‐1 level was significantly higher in patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). Amongst cases, the plasma NLRP‐1 levels did not show any difference with respect to their genotypes (p > 0.05). In TLR‐4 (rs4986790), no significant difference in the frequency of genotypes and allele between cases and controls (p = 0.80) was observed; nevertheless, plasma TLR‐4 was analogous between cases and controls (p > 0.05). Influence of genotype on plasma TLR‐4 showed no significant difference in TLR‐4 levels between GG and ancestral genotype AA, whilst heterozygous AG genotype showed a significant increase of TLR‐4 compared to AA and GG (p = 0.02) amongst NSV cases. The obtained results suggest that NLRP‐1 (rs2670660), and not TLR‐4 ((rs4986790), is associated with increased risk of NSV in South Indian population.
Supervisión y rendición de cuentas en el sector de la auditoría social. El papel de las iniciativas de cumplimiento social
Authors: TERWINDT Carolijn , ARMSTRONG Amy
Published: July 2019

El colapso del Rana Plaza en 2013 concienció acerca de las condiciones de trabajo abusivas en la industria del vestido. Se ha prestado mucha atención a la responsabilidad de las empresas minoristas, pero no tanta a la de las empresas de auditoría social. Las autoras investigan los sistemas existentes para detectar y corregir las auditorías deficientes e ineficaces y concluyen que, en la práctica, la supervisión y las sanciones en este ámbito son limitadas. Se explora pues cómo las iniciativas de cumplimiento social pueden mejorar la verificación de la calidad de las auditorías y la rendición de cuentas.
El sesgo plutocrático en el índice de precios al consumo de la India
Authors: NACHANE Dilip M. , CHAUBAL Aditi
Published: July 2019

Es sabido que el IPC de tipo Laspeyres adolece de un sesgo plutocrático, porque asigna más peso al gasto de los hogares ricos que al de los pobres, mientras que el IPC democrático los pondera todos por igual. Los autores calculan el índice democrático y estiman el sesgo plutocrático del nuevo IPC de la India (introducido en 2012), en zonas rurales y urbanas y en tres estados, por productos y en tres segmentos de gasto, de 2012 a 2015. Los sesgos observados, desfavorables a los estados menos desarrollados y a la población más pobre, tienen importantes consecuencias para la política monetaria y la indexación de las prestaciones sociales.
Characteristics of young adults with multiple episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Gupta Akhil , Taylor Fiona , O'Sullivan Terrianne , Simmons David
Published: July 2019

Transition from paediatric to adult diabetes care can be associated with a deterioration in metabolic control and hospitalisation. This was a retrospective review (2012–2016) of medical records of all patients attending a transition diabetes clinic in a teaching hospital with paediatric and adult diabetes on the same site. Among the 91/102 (89.2%) patients with type 1 diabetes, mean age at first visit was 19 ± 2 years, last body mass index was 25.2 ± 4.7 kg/m2, diabetes duration was 11 ± 6 years and 22 (24%) used continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions. Loss to follow‐up was 15 (14.7%). Mental health issues were common (59%), as were prior pregnancies (23%) and diabetic ketoacidosis since diagnosis (39%). Those with diabetic ketoacidosis had a higher mean glycated haemoglobin (70 ± 19 vs 86 ± 25 mmol/mol or 8.6 ± 1.7 vs 10.0 ± 2.3%; P = 0.001), fewer clinic attendances (8 ± 5 vs 5 ± 4; P = 0.008) and fewer years in clinic (1.8 ± 1.7 vs 2.3 ± 1.4; P = 0.114). Our data suggest that investment in joint approaches with mental health services should be considered.
Palliative care in cirrhosis with decompensation
Authors: Plunkett Angela , Mortimore Marianne , Good Phillip
Published: July 2019

Cirrhosis with decompensation has a poor prognosis, high symptom burden and causes carer stress. This pilot research in one tertiary hospital found that patients with cirrhosis with decompensation were infrequently referred to specialist palliative care. Despite this, they had a heavy symptom burden, high predicted mortality, frequent unplanned readmissions, long admissions and intensive care unit admissions. Few had adequate advance care planning.
The clinical utility and adverse consequences of the complete blood count in an internal medicine department
Authors: Shimoni Zvi , Amit Leeor , Rosenberg Michal , Froom Paul
Published: July 2019

The clinical utility and adverse consequences of the admission and follow‐up complete blood count (CBC) in hospitalised patients are unclear. We selected 273 patients chosen from a single internal medicine department. To determine clinical utility and adverse consequences, we interviewed attending physicians and reviewed patients’ charts. There were 12 (4.4%) patients hospitalised because of the CBC test result, six referred appropriately with a low haemoglobin concentration found in outpatient clinics and six (2.2%) patients (95% confidence interval 0.8–4.7%) inappropriately hospitalised because of incidental findings. In the hospital, according to the physicians, nearly all treatment changes made were for blood transfusions that were not indicated in 18 (6.6%) patients (95% confidence interval 4.0–10.2%). The only unexpected findings were in four patients with an indication for a blood transfusion admitted with an acute coronary syndrome and haemoglobin values 8–9.9 g/dL, and in one bedridden patient with dementia with acute myeloid leukaemia. There were 290 follow‐up CBC tests not resulting in differential treatment. We conclude that admission CBC tests commonly lead to adverse consequences, due to physician errors in judgement. Incidental findings of anaemia justify CBC testing in patients with an acute coronary event. The rare patient with an incidental finding resulting in appropriate differential treatment might justify non‐selective admission CBC counts, if physician education reduces the rate of inappropriate blood transfusions.
Ambulatory blood pressure and arterial stiffness web‐based telemonitoring in patients at cardiovascular risk. First results of the VASOTENS (Vascular health ASsessment Of The hypertENSive patients) Registry
Authors: Omboni Stefano , Posokhov Igor , Parati Gianfranco , Rogoza Anatoly , Kotovskaya Yulia , Arystan Ayana , Avolio Alberto , Barkan Vitaliy , Bulanova Natalia , Cardona Muñoz Ernesto , Grigoricheva Elena , Konradi Alexandra , Minyukhina Irina , Muiesan Maria Lorenza , Mulè Giuseppe , Orlova Iana , Pereira Telmo , Peixoto Maldonado João Manuel , Statsenko Mikhail E. , Tilea Ioan , Waisman Gabriel ,   VASOTENS Registry Study Group
Published: July 2019

The VASOTENS Registry is an international telehealth‐based repository of 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitorings (ABPM) obtained through an oscillometric upper‐arm BP monitor allowing combined estimation of some vascular biomarkers. The present paper reports the results obtained in 1200 participants according to different categories of CV risk. Individual readings were averaged for each recording and 24‐hour mean of brachial and aortic systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and augmentation index (AIx) obtained. Peripheral and central BP, PWV and AIx values were increased in older participants (SBP only) and in case of hypertension (SBP and DBP). BP was lower and PWV and AIx higher in females. PWV was increased and BP unchanged in case of metabolic syndrome. Our results suggest that ambulatory pulse wave analysis in a daily life setting may help evaluate vascular health of individuals at risk for CV disease.
Combined effects of systemic parathyroid hormone (1–34) and locally delivered neutral self‐assembling peptide hydrogel in the treatment of periodontal defects: An experimental in vivo investigation
Authors: Yoshida Wataru , Matsugami Daisuke , Murakami Tasuku , Bizenjima Takahiro , Imamura Kentaro , Seshima Fumi , Saito Atsushi
Published: July 2019

Aim

To evaluate in vivo combination therapy of systemic parathyroid hormone (PTH) and locally delivered neutral self‐assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogel for periodontal treatment.

Materials and Methods

Viability/proliferation of rat periodontal ligament cells in a neutral SAP nanofibre hydrogel (SPG‐178) was evaluated using WST‐1 assay. Periodontal defects were created mesially to the maxillary first molars in 40 Wistar rats. Defects were filled with 1.5% SPG‐178 or left unfilled. Animals received PTH (1‒34) or saline injections every 2 days. Microcomputed tomography, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations were used to evaluate healing at 2 or 4 weeks postoperative.

Results

At 72 hr, cells in 1.5% SPG‐178 showed increased viability/proliferation compared to cells in 0.8% SPG‐178 or untreated controls. In vivo, systemic PTH resulted in significantly greater bone volume in the Unfilled group at 2 weeks (p = .01) and 4 weeks (p < .0001) than in the saline control. At 4 weeks, a significantly greater bone volume was observed in the PTH/SPG‐178 (p = .0003) and PTH/Unfilled (p = .004) groups than in Saline/SPG‐178 group. Histologically, greater bone formation was observed in PTH/SPG‐178 at 4 weeks than in other groups. In the PTH/SPG‐178 group, increased proportions of PCNA‐, VEGF‐, and Osterix‐positive cells were observed in the treated sites.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that intermittent systemic PTH and locally delivered neutral SAP hydrogel enhance periodontal healing.
A randomized controlled trial to compare aesthetic outcomes of immediately placed implants with and without immediate provisionalization
Authors: Chan Hsun‐Liang , George Furat , Wang I‐Ching , Suárez López del Amo Fernando , Kinney Janet , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: July 2019

Introduction

There are mixed results regarding the aesthetic advantage of immediate provisionalization of dental implants. Therefore, this study aimed to compare facial mucosal level of single immediately placed implants with and without immediate provisionalization.

Methods

Single implants were immediately placed to replace a hopeless maxillary anterior or premolar tooth in 40 subjects. Each implant was randomly assigned to receive a non‐occluding temporary crown or a healing abutment after implant placement. At 4 months, these implants were permanently restored and followed up for 12 months. Clinical and radiographic parameters were measured and compared.

Results

The implant survival rate at 12 months in the test and control group was 90% and 100%, respectively. Mid‐facial mucosal marginal level and papilla height changes were minimal within groups, and no significant differences were found between the two groups. The amount of marginal bone remodelling was modest, with no significant difference between the two groups. Radiographic bone changes were not statistically different between the groups, except for the vertical crestal bone resorption.

Conclusion

Immediate implant placement with or without provisionalization can achieve stable vertical soft tissue level for 12 months as compared to pre‐extraction level. However, immediate provisionalization was not able to improve the aesthetic outcome further.
Breastfeeding in Women on Opioid Maintenance Therapy: A Review of Policy and Practice
Authors: Clark Rebecca R. S.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Opioid use is epidemic in the United States. Opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnancy, as well as neonatal abstinence syndrome, has quadrupled in the last decade, and opioid maintenance therapy is recommended for pregnant women with OUD. Breastfeeding is an important means of improving outcomes for these vulnerable women and newborns. The purpose of this study was to review current policy on breastfeeding and opioid maintenance therapy, the rates of breastfeeding among women in this population, and facilitators and barriers to implementing policy recommendations.

Methods

CINAHL, PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, and Web of Science were searched. Inclusion criteria included publication between 2013 and 2018, English language, human only, and original data (except for policy statements). Studies were excluded if they did not report original data and did not examine breastfeeding for women on opioid maintenance therapy.

Results

Eight policy statements and 17 original research studies were identified that met the search criteria. All the policy statements support breastfeeding for women who are stable on opioid maintenance therapy and do not have HIV. Despite this, rates of breastfeeding among women receiving opioid maintenance therapy remain low compared with women in the general population. Results of qualitative research indicates that women on opioid maintenance therapy face numerous barriers to breastfeeding, including misinformation from health care professionals. Quantitative research has only begun to identify interventions to improve breastfeeding outcomes in this population. Research was conducted primarily with white women receiving care at urban health care centers.

Discussion

Practice lags behind policy in terms of supporting breastfeeding in women receiving opioid maintenance therapy. There is a need for more research that includes African American and rural women on opioid maintenance therapy, as well as quantitative research that uses findings from qualitative research to identify the best possible interventions for improving breastfeeding outcomes for women on opioid maintenance therapy and their newborns. One significant need is for health care provider education regarding these policies as well as best practices for providing breastfeeding education and support to this population.
Influence of intrauterine growth restriction on caesarean delivery risk among preterm pregnancies undergoing induction of labor for hypertensive disease
Authors: Wilk Christine , Arab Suha , Czuzoj‐Shulman Nicholas , Abenhaim Haim A.
Published: July 2019

Aim

To evaluate the effect of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on the success rate of labor induction of preterm pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study conducted using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Linked Birth‐Infant Death File in the United States from 2009 to 2013. Our cohort included live normal singleton cephalic pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders that underwent induction of labor and delivered between 24 and 35.6 weeks’ gestation. Study subjects were categorized by the presence or absence of IUGR. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted effect of IUGR on risk of caesarean deliveries.

Results

Of 41 640 births meeting study criteria, 39 890 had no IUGR and 1750 had IUGR infants. The overall caesarean delivery rate was 22.2%, with caesarean delivery risk being higher among pregnancies complicated by IUGR versus those not complicated by IUGR (33.2% vs 21.7%, respectively) (odds ratio 2.00, 95% confidence interval 1.78–2.25). The effect of IUGR on risk of caesarean sections was most pronounced for gestational ages between 28 and 36 weeks. The effect of IUGR was highest among obese women, with the risk of caesarean in IUGR vs non‐IUGR pregnancies being 62.8% vs 41.4%, respectively (odds ratio 2.53, 95% confidence interval 1.98–3.24).

Conclusion

Induction of labor of preterm pregnancy complicated by hypertensive disorders should be considered a reasonable option for delivery; however, in the context of IUGR, women should be informed of the considerable higher risk of caesarean delivery.