bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results from a pilot study of a computer‐based role‐playing game for young people with psychosis
Authors: Olivet Jeffrey , Haselden Morgan , Piscitelli Sarah , Kenney Rachael , Shulman Alexander , Medoff Deborah , Dixon Lisa
Published: March 2018

Aim

Recent research on first episode psychosis (FEP) has demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated specialty care (CSC) models to support young adults and their families, yet few tools exist to promote engagement in care. This study aimed to develop a prototype computer‐based role‐playing game (RPG) designed for young people who have experienced FEP, and conduct a pilot study to determine feasibility and test whether the game improves consumers' attitudes toward treatment and recovery.

Methods

Twenty young people with FEP who were receiving services at a CSC program enrolled in the study and played the game for 1 hour. Pre‐ and post‐quantitative assessments measured change in hope, recovery, stigma, empowerment and engagement in treatment. Qualitative interviews explored participants' experience with the game and ideas for further product development.

Results

Participants showed significant increase in positive attitudes toward recovery. The qualitative findings further demonstrated the game's positive impact across these domains. Of all game features, participants most highly valued video testimonials of other young adults with FEP telling their stories of hope and recovery.

Conclusions

These findings provide modest support for the potential benefits of this type of computer‐based RPG, if further developed for individuals experiencing psychosis.
Cotransplantation of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cells and allogeneic bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells as a first‐line treatment in very severe aplastic anemia patients with refractory infections
Authors: Yue Chunyan , Ding Yingying , Gao Yang , Li Li , Pang Yan , Liu Zenghui , Zhang Hang , Xiao Yang , Jiang Zujun , Xiao Haowen
Published: March 2018

Objectives

In patients with very severe aplastic anemia (VSAA), neutropenia is prolonged and persistent, resulting in refractory overwhelming infections. Hematopoiesis recovery is urgently needed.

Methods

Six patients with de novo VSAA lacking HLA‐identical sibling donors and those who experienced refractory infections underwent haploidentical related donor (HRD) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as a first‐line therapy. The conditioning regimen consisted of busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and rabbit antithymocyte globulin. Culture‐expanded allogeneic bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells were infused on day 0 and day +14.

Results

From diagnosis to HSCT, 6 patients experienced a total of 28 episodes of persistent fever, and the median number was 4 (range, 3‐7). All cases developed major bacterial infections and invasive pulmonary fungal infection pre‐HSCT. The median time from diagnosis to HSCT was 2 months (range, 1‐3.5 months). All patients achieved sustained, full donor chimerism, and the median time of myeloid recovery and platelet engraftment was 13 days (range, 9‐19 days) and 15.5 days (range, 10‐23 days), respectively. One patient died of aGVHD, and 5 patients are alive after a median follow‐up of 21 months (range 17‐40.5).

Conclusions

Upfront HRD‐HSCT may be a safe and promising choice for patients with VSAA in critical situations without suitably matched donors.
Corticothalamic axon morphologies and network architecture
Authors: Rockland Kathleen S.
Published: March 2018

Recent commentaries on the role of the thalamus consider a wide sphere of influence beyond sensory‐motor transformation, to include task‐relevant cognitive processes. In this short review, I reconsider known anatomic features of corticothalamic connectivity, primarily for macaque monkey, and discuss these as part of an intricate network architecture consistent with multiple connectional recombinations and a diversity of functional tasks. Drawing mainly on results from single axon analysis for the two broad classes of corticothalamic (CT) connections, I review the strikingly complementary spatial parameters of their extrinsic CT arbors in relation to intrinsic cortical collaterals. That is, CT neurons in layer 5 (class II) have spatially compact (low divergent) thalamic fields, but highly spatially divergent cortical collaterals. In contrast, CT neurons in layer 6 (class I) have highly divergent thalamic fields, but delimited, low divergent cortical collaterals. CT convergence in the thalamus is technically more difficult to analyze, but one can infer a low convergence of terminations from layer 5, in contrast with CT terminations from layer 6, which are highly convergent. Reciprocating thalamocortical (TC) axons have multiple clustered and divergent arbors. What to conclude from these relationships requires further investigation of activity patterns and networks under different conditions. Specific parameters are suggestive of selective recruitment of distributed postsynaptic networks and ordered activity sequences; but are these separable systems, operating cooperatively or in parallel (L.5 low divergent/low convergent vs. L. 6 high divergent/high convergent)?
Neurocardiovascular pathology in pre‐manifest and early‐stage Huntington's disease
Authors: Bellosta Diago E. , Pérez‐Pérez J. , Santos Lasaosa S. , Viloria Alebesque A. , Martínez‐Horta S. , Kulisevsky J. , López del Val J.
Published: March 2018

Background and purpose

Cardiovascular events are a major cause of early death in the Huntington's disease (HD) population. Dysautonomia as well as deterioration of circadian rhythms can be detected early in the disease progression and can have profound effects on cardiac health. The aim of the present study was to determine if patients with HD and pre‐manifest mutation carriers present a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than non‐mutation‐carrying controls.

Methods

This was a prospective, cross‐sectional, multicentre study of 38 HD mutation carriers (23 pre‐manifest and 15 early‐stage patients) compared with 38 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. Clinical and epidemiological variables, including the main haematological vascular risk factors, were recorded. Ambulatory blood‐pressure monitoring and carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) measurement were performed to assess autonomic function and as target‐organ damage markers.

Results

Most (63.2%) patients with HD (86.7% and 47.8%, respectively, of the early‐stage and pre‐manifest patients) were non‐dippers compared with 23.7% of controls (P = 0.001). CIMT values were in the 75th percentile in 46.7% and 43.5%, respectively, of the early‐stage and pre‐manifest patients, whereas none of the controls presented pathological values (P = 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Nocturnal non‐dipping was significantly associated with CIMT values in patients (P = 0.002) but not in controls.

Conclusions

These results suggest that higher cardiovascular risks and target‐organ damage are present even in pre‐manifest patients. Although larger studies are needed to confirm these findings, clinicians should consider these results in the cardiovascular management of patients with HD.
Quantifying functional connectivity: The role of breeding habitat, abundance, and landscape features on range‐wide gene flow in sage‐grouse
Authors: Row Jeffrey R. , Doherty Kevin E. , Cross Todd B. , Schwartz Michael K. , Oyler‐McCance Sara J. , Naugle Dave E. , Knick Steven T. , Fedy Bradley C.
Published: March 2018

Functional connectivity, quantified using landscape genetics, can inform conservation through the identification of factors linking genetic structure to landscape mechanisms. We used breeding habitat metrics, landscape attributes, and indices of grouse abundance, to compare fit between structural connectivity and genetic differentiation within five long‐established Sage‐Grouse Management Zones (MZ) I‐V using microsatellite genotypes from 6,844 greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) collected across their 10.7 million‐km2 range. We estimated structural connectivity using a circuit theory‐based approach where we built resistance surfaces using thresholds dividing the landscape into “habitat” and “nonhabitat” and nodes were clusters of sage‐grouse leks (where feather samples were collected using noninvasive techniques). As hypothesized, MZ‐specific habitat metrics were the best predictors of differentiation. To our surprise, inclusion of grouse abundance‐corrected indices did not greatly improve model fit in most MZs. Functional connectivity of breeding habitat was reduced when probability of lek occurrence dropped below 0.25 (MZs I, IV) and 0.5 (II), thresholds lower than those previously identified as required for the formation of breeding leks, which suggests that individuals are willing to travel through undesirable habitat. The individual MZ landscape results suggested terrain roughness and steepness shaped functional connectivity across all MZs. Across respective MZs, sagebrush availability (<10%–30%; II, IV, V), tree canopy cover (>10%; I, II, IV), and cultivation (>25%; I, II, IV, V) each reduced movement beyond their respective thresholds. Model validations confirmed variation in predictive ability across MZs with top resistance surfaces better predicting gene flow than geographic distance alone, especially in cases of low and high differentiation among lek groups. The resultant resistance maps we produced spatially depict the strength and redundancy of range‐wide gene flow and can help direct conservation actions to maintain and restore functional connectivity for sage‐grouse.
Body size evolution and habitat colonization across 100 million years (Late Jurassic–Paleocene) of the actinopterygian evolutionary history
Authors: Guinot Guillaume , Cavin Lionel
Published: March 2018

Fishes are characterized by their capacity to occupy all aquatic environments and by their amazing range of size and morphology. While it is known that habitat influenced the diversity dynamics of fish clades, studies on environmental colonization events through the evolutionary history of ray‐finned fishes have yielded conflicting results as to the origin of modern clades and preferential directions of shifts. The effects of habitat over morphological evolution such as body size remain poorly known in vertebrates. However, body size evolution is more frequently addressed in terms of variation through time and numerous studies have demonstrated that successive taxa within a clade tend to increase in size through time (Cope's or Depéret's rule). We use phylogenetic comparative methods on a genus‐level actinopterygian super‐tree based on extant and fossil data covering the Late Jurassic‐Paleogene interval. Results indicate marine ancestry for freshwater lineages and a dominance of colonizations from marine clades towards other habitats. Similar trends in environment occupancy among different ray‐finned clades are explored. Three main trends affecting non‐closely‐related clades are recognized: (i) the freshwater invaders, (ii) the predominantly marine dwellers and (iii) the environmentally labile fishes. Habitat effects on body size evolution are not statistically supported, but most actinopterygian subclades originate from small‐sized ancestors and tend to increase in size in the course of their evolutionary history. This trend is clear for lineages restricted for long periods of time in the same environments, either marine or freshwater, but it is not observed in environmentally labile fish lineages.
Structure of a bacterial ice binding protein with two faces of interaction with ice
Authors: Mangiagalli Marco , Sarusi Guy , Kaleda Aleksei , Bar Dolev Maya , Nardone Valentina , Vena Vittoria Federica , Braslavsky Ido , Lotti Marina , Nardini Marco
Published: March 2018

Ice‐binding proteins (IBPs) contribute to the survival of many living beings at subzero temperature by controlling the formation and growth of ice crystals. This work investigates the structural basis of the ice‐binding properties of EfcIBP, obtained from Antarctic bacteria. EfcIBP is endowed with a unique combination of thermal hysteresis and ice recrystallization inhibition activity. The three‐dimensional structure, solved at 0.84 Å resolution, shows that EfcIBP belongs to the IBP‐1 fold family, and is organized in a right‐handed β‐solenoid with a triangular cross‐section that forms three protein surfaces, named A, B, and C faces. However, EfcIBP diverges from other IBP‐1 fold proteins in relevant structural features including the lack of a ‘capping’ region on top of the β‐solenoid, and in the sequence and organization of the regions exposed to ice that, in EfcIBP, reveal the presence of threonine‐rich ice‐binding motifs. Docking experiments and site‐directed mutagenesis pinpoint that EfcIBP binds ice crystals not only via its B face, as common to other IBPs, but also via ice‐binding sites on the C face.

Database

Coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession number 6EIO.
Effects of external operating environments on fatigue of heat‐exchanger copper tubes
Authors: Han C. , Lee J.‐H. , Choi Y.S. , Park S.‐H. , Park S.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of surface defects (eg, notches) and external environment conditions (eg, operating temperature, the number of re‐weldings) on the static strength and fatigue of C1220T‐O copper tubes used in the heat exchangers of air conditioners. Instead of using standardized specimens, as is done in general rotary bending fatigue tests, special specimens were fabricated in this study by inserting metal plugs on both ends of the copper tubes to perform fatigue tests on the actual tube product, and then the fatigue characteristics were evaluated using stress‐life (S‐N) curves. Regarding the welding conditions (maximum 1000°C and 10 seconds), the grain size grew (grain size number decreased), and the hardness decreased as the number of re‐weldings increased. The effects of the operating temperatures on the fatigue life were examined at a room temperature of 25°C and a heat exchanger operating temperature of 125°C, resulting in the same fatigue limit (70.21 MPa) at both room and operating temperatures. However, the fatigue limit of 37.46 MPa measured in the notched specimens (radius of 3 mm, depth of 0.2 mm) was lower than that obtained from those without notches. The material constant (1.07) used in the Peterson equation was then computed from the fatigue notch factor (1.87 = 70.21/37.46), and the stress concentration factor (2.18) of the notched tube specimens was obtained from the structural analysis. This material constant can be used to predict a decrease in the fatigue limit over varying notch sizes in copper tubes (C1220T‐O).
Digital games and language teaching and learning
Authors: Sykes Julie M.
Published: March 2018

The digital gaming industry has captured the public's attention worldwide and in the United States alone, the video game industry is predicted to increase by 30% from 2010 to 2019, reaching $19.6 billion in revenue (Takahashi, 2015, n.p.). Not surprisingly, digital gameplay is also rapidly expanding in educational domains. Although researchers have often cautioned that digital games are not a panacea or magic bullet, for the past decade educators have been exploring the inherent complexities and benefits of digital gaming and the significant opportunities they provide for effective, meaningful learning across disciplines (Caillois, 1961; Gee, 2007; McGonigal, 2013; Squire, 2009). World language learning and teaching have followed suit. This piece provides a brief exploration of the use of digital games in the language learning context and offers three ideas for future work in this area: (1) increased access to community‐based games, (2) meaningful incorporation of virtual reality, and (3) increased access to commercial games.
Heritage language education: A proposal for the next 50 years
Authors: Carreira Maria , Kagan Olga
Published: March 2018

This article discusses ideas that will likely figure prominently in the development of the field of heritage language (HL) studies over the next five decades. Drawing on the ideals that prompted the launch of the Heritage Language Initiative 20 years ago and building on the accomplishments of the field since then, we make several proposals for advancing research and instruction to better serve the needs of HL‐speaking youth and communities, as well as the nation at large. With this overarching goal, we focus in particular on the ways to institutionalize HL education in foreign language departments and mainstream it in the larger U.S. educational system
Biogeography of pelagic food webs in the North Pacific
Authors: Piatt John F. , Arimitsu Mayumi L. , Sydeman William J. , Thompson Sarah Ann , Renner Heather , Zador Stephani , Douglas David , Hatch Scott , Kettle Arthur , Williams Jeff
Published: March 2018

The tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) is a generalist seabird that breeds throughout the North Pacific and eats more than 75 different prey species. Using puffins as samplers, we characterized the geographic variability in pelagic food webs across the subarctic North Pacific from the composition of ~10,000 tufted puffin meals (~56,000 prey items) collected at 35 colonies in the Gulf of Alaska (GoA) and Aleutian Archipelago. Cluster analysis of diet species composition suggested three distinct forage fish communities: (i) in the northern GoA, multiple age‐classes of coastal and shelf residents such as capelin, sand lance and herring dominated the food web, (ii) in the western GoA to eastern Aleutians, the shelf community was dominated by transient age‐0 walleye pollock, and (iii) in the western Aleutians, shelf‐edge and mesopelagic forage species such as squid, lanternfish, and Atka mackerel were prevalent. Geographic patterns of abundance of capelin and sand lance in tufted puffin diets were corroborated by independent research fisheries and diets of piscivorous fish, indicating that puffin diets reflect the local abundance of forage species, not just selection of favored species. Generalized additive models showed that habitat characteristics predict, in a non‐linear fashion, forage species distribution and abundance across two large marine ecosystems. We conclude that major biogeographic patterns in forage fish distribution follow gradients in key habitat features, and puffin diets reflect those patterns.
Multi‐decadal variations in spawning ground use in Northeast Arctic haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)
Authors: Langangen Øystein , Stige Leif Christian , Kvile Kristina Ø. , Yaragina Natalia A. , Skjæraasen Jon Egil , Vikebø Frode B. , Ottersen Geir
Published: March 2018

Despite the importance both in an ecological and management context, much uncertainty remains about the underlying factors controlling spawning ground use in marine fish. Here, we investigate how spawning ground use of Northeast Arctic (NEA) haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) has changed over time. By combining data from a Soviet‐Russian egg survey conducted over a 35 year period (1959–1993) with a biophysical drift model, we estimate annual median spawning latitudes of NEA haddock. Furthermore, we test for statistical association between the median latitude of spawning and covariates that are candidates for shaping the spawning distribution of haddock. The results indicate no association with temperature, as measured at the Kola transect, or demographic structure, as measured by the mean weight of spawners. However, we find a positive and significant association between spawning latitude and spawning stock biomass, indicating that density‐dependence may be more important in shaping spawning location than other factors such as temperature and demographic structure. A potential mechanism for the reported effect of spawning stock biomass may act through the distribution at the feeding grounds, which is reported to expand north‐ and eastwards at high population density.
Which species, how many, and from where: Integrating habitat suitability, population genomics, and abundance estimates into species reintroduction planning
Authors: Malone Eric W. , Perkin Joshuah S. , Leckie Brian M. , Kulp Matthew A. , Hurt Carla R. , Walker Donald M.
Published: March 2018

Extirpated organisms are reintroduced into their former ranges worldwide to combat species declines and biodiversity losses. The growing field of reintroduction biology provides guiding principles for reestablishing populations, though criticisms remain regarding limited integration of initial planning, modeling frameworks, interdisciplinary collaborations, and multispecies approaches. We used an interdisciplinary, multispecies, quantitative framework to plan reintroductions of three fish species into Abrams Creek, Great Smoky Mountains National Park,USA. We first assessed the appropriateness of habitat at reintroduction sites for banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae), greenside darter (Etheostoma blennioides), and mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdii) using species distribution modeling. Next, we evaluated the relative suitability of nine potential source stock sites using population genomics, abundance estimates, and multiple‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) based on known correlates of reintroduction success. Species distribution modeling identified mottled sculpin as a poor candidate, but banded sculpin and greenside darter as suitable candidates for reintroduction based on species‐habitat relationships and habitats available in Abrams Creek. Genotyping by sequencing revealed acceptable levels of genetic diversity at all candidate source stock sites, identified population clusters, and allowed for estimating the number of fish that should be included in translocations. Finally,MCDAhighlighted priorities among candidate source stock sites that were most likely to yield successful reintroductions based on differential weightings of habitat assessment, population genomics, and the number of fish available for translocation. Our integrative approach represents a unification of multiple recent advancements in the field of reintroduction biology and highlights the benefit of shifting away from simply choosing nearby populations for translocation to an information‐based science with strong a priori planning coupled with several suggestedposteriorimonitoring objectives. Our framework can be applied to optimize reintroduction successes for a multitude of organisms and advances in the science of reintroduction biology by simultaneously addressing a variety of past criticisms of the field.
Predicting the cumulative effect of multiple disturbances on seagrass connectivity
Authors: Grech Alana , Hanert Emmanuel , McKenzie Len , Rasheed Michael , Thomas Christopher , Tol Samantha , Wang Mingzhu , Waycott Michelle , Wolter Jolan , Coles Rob
Published: March 2018

The rate of exchange, or connectivity, among populations effects their ability to recover after disturbance events. However, there is limited information on the extent to which populations are connected or how multiple disturbances affect connectivity, especially in coastal and marine ecosystems. We used network analysis and the outputs of a biophysical model to measure potential functional connectivity and predict the impact of multiple disturbances on seagrasses in the central Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA), Australia. The seagrass networks were densely connected, indicating that seagrasses are resilient to the random loss of meadows. Our analysis identified discrete meadows that are important sources of seagrass propagules and that serve as stepping stones connecting various different parts of the network. Several of these meadows were close to urban areas or ports and likely to be at risk from coastal development. Deep water meadows were highly connected to coastal meadows and may function as a refuge, but only for non‐foundation species. We evaluated changes to the structure and functioning of the seagrass networks when one or more discrete meadows were removed due to multiple disturbance events. The scale of disturbance required to disconnect the seagrass networks into two or more components was on average >245 km, about half the length of the metapopulation. The densely connected seagrass meadows of the central GBRWHA are not limited by the supply of propagules; therefore, management should focus on improving environmental conditions that support natural seagrass recruitment and recovery processes. Our study provides a new framework for assessing the impact of global change on the connectivity and persistence of coastal and marine ecosystems. Without this knowledge, management actions, including coastal restoration, may prove unnecessary and be unsuccessful.
Mountain roads and non‐native species modify elevational patterns of plant diversity
Authors: Haider Sylvia , Kueffer Christoph , Bruelheide Helge , Seipel Tim , Alexander Jake M. , Rew Lisa J. , Arévalo José Ramón , Cavieres Lohengrin A. , McDougall Keith L. , Milbau Ann , Naylor Bridgett J. , Speziale Karina , Pauchard Aníbal
Published: March 2018

Aim

We investigated patterns of species richness and community dissimilarity along elevation gradients using globally replicated, standardized surveys of vascular plants. We asked how these patterns of diversity are influenced by anthropogenic pressures (road construction and non‐native species).

Location

Global.

Time period

2008–2015.

Major taxa studied

Vascular plants.

Methods

Native and non‐native vascular plant species were recorded in 943 plots along 25 elevation gradients, in nine mountain regions, on four continents. Sampling took place in plots along and away from roads. We analysed the effects of elevation and distance from road on species richness patterns and community dissimilarity (beta‐diversity), and assessed how non‐native species modified such elevational diversity patterns.

Results

Globally, native and total species richness showed a unimodal relationship with elevation that peaked at lower‐mid elevations, but these patterns were altered along roads and due to non‐native species. Differences in elevational species richness patterns between regions disappeared along roadsides, and non‐native species changed the patterns’ character in all study regions. Community dissimilarity was reduced along roadsides and through non‐native species. We also found a significant elevational decay of beta‐diversity, which however was not affected by roads or non‐native species.

Main conclusions

Idiosyncratic native species richness patterns in plots away from roads implicate region‐specific mechanisms underlying these patterns. However, along roadsides a clearer elevational signal emerged and species richness mostly peaked at mid‐elevations. We conclude that both roads and non‐native species lead to a homogenization of species richness patterns and plant communities in mountains.
Uncoupled Aspiration Adaptation Dynamics Into the Core
Authors: Nax Heinrich H.
Published: March 2018

Dynamics for play of transferable-utility cooperative games are proposed that require information regarding own payoff experiences and other players’ past actions, but not regarding other players’ payoffs. The proposed dynamics provide an evolutionary interpretation of the proto-dynamic ‘blocking argument’ (Edgeworth, 1881) based on the behavioral principles of ‘aspiration adaptation’ (Sauermann and Selten, 1962) instead of best response. If the game has a non-empty core, the dynamics are absorbed into the core in finite time with probability one. If the core is empty, the dynamics cycle infinitely through all coalitions.
Emergency medicine in the extreme geriatric era: A retrospective analysis of patients aged in their mid 90s and older in the emergency department
Authors: Müller Martin , Ricklin Meret E , Weiler Stefan , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K , Arampatzis Spyridon
Published: March 2018

Aim

In the coming years, older individuals will comprise an increasing share of emergency department (ED) admissions, due to the unprecedented and continuing demographic changes. The primary aim of the present study was to identify causes and risk factors for ED admission and hospitalizations in the oldest old.

Methods

We analyzed data of consecutive patients aged in their mid 90s and older (aged ≥94 years) admitted to the ED department of the University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland, between 2000 and 2010. Using multivariate logistic regression, we explored relevant demographic and clinical characteristics of patients visiting the ED, in association with hospitalization and fractures.

Results

A total of 352 ED admissions occurred during the study period. The majority of patients (85%) were admitted from home, and most (63%) admissions resulted in hospitalization. Hospital admissions were frequently related to injuries from falls (42%). Risk factors for hospitalization were fractures, the number of comorbidities (measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index) and hypertension. Major risk factors for fractures were female sex, benzodiazepine use and the diagnosis of dementia.

Conclusions

Most ED visits of older adults aged in their mid 90s and older were due to falls and fractures, and resulted in hospitalization. The present findings clearly emphasize the need for further investigations of drug prescription patterns and fracture prevention in such patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 415–420.
Immune tolerance induction: What have we learned over time?
Authors: Brackmann H.‐H. , White G.C. , Berntorp E. , Andersen T. , Escuriola‐Ettingshausen C.
Published: March 2018

Development of inhibitory antibodies to infused factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates continues to be the most serious complication of haemophilia A management. Induction of immune tolerance by administering high doses of FVIII concentrate (antigen) and prothrombin complex concentrates to control bleeding was originated in the 1970s in Bonn, Germany, by Dr Hans‐Hermann Brackmann, and became known as the Bonn protocol. ITI transformed the life of the index patient, who was 19 years of age when he began treatment, and dramatically improved the medical landscape for all patients with haemophilia and inhibitors. Over the past 40 years, variations to the Bonn protocol have been proposed. All protocols are effective although some are better suited than others for use in certain situations. The specific molecular defect in FVIII and the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) type of an individual with haemophilia are major codependent determinants to inhibitor development. Given the range of potential molecular defects and the staggering number of potential HLA types, it is likely that treatment arms of randomized studies in haemophilia represent highly diverse populations, which reduces the power of a study to demonstrate differences between treatments. Although available clinical guidelines and consensus recommendations for ITI therapy are not always in complete agreement, collectively the guidelines provide a reasonable level of guidance for administering ITI therapy under different clinical scenarios. Several studies of ITI therapy are ongoing with the aim of clarifying unresolved issues in haemophilia management including the role of von Willebrand factor in inhibitor eradication.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among Alaskans: Factors associated with infection and comparison of urea breath test and anti‐Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies
Authors: Miernyk Karen M. , Bulkow Lisa R. , Gold Benjamin D. , Bruce Michael G. , Hurlburt Debby H. , Griffin Patricia M. , Swerdlow David L. , Cook Kim , Hennessy Thomas W. , Parkinson Alan J.
Published: March 2018

Background

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common human infections in the world, and studies in Alaska Native people, as well as other Indigenous peoples, have shown a high prevalence of this gastric infection. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection by urea breath test (UBT) and anti‐ H. pylori IgG among Alaskans living in four regions of the state and to identify factors associated with infection.

Methods

A convenience sample of persons > 6 months old living in five rural and one urban Alaskan community were recruited from 1996 to 1997. Participants were asked about factors possibly associated with infection. Sera were collected and tested for anti‐ H. pylori IgG antibodies; a UBT was administered to participants > 5 years old.

Results

We recruited 710 people of whom 571 (80%) were Alaska Native and 467 (66%) were from rural communities. Rural residents were more likely to be Alaska Native compared with urban residents (P < .001). Of the 710 people, 699 (98%) had a serum sample analyzed, and 634 (97%) persons > 5 years old had a UBT performed. H. pylori prevalence was 69% by UBT and 68% by anti‐ H. pylori IgG. Among those with a result for both tests, there was 94% concordance. Factors associated with H. pylori positivity were Alaska Native racial status, age ≥ 20 years, rural region of residence, living in a crowded home, and drinking water that was not piped or delivered.

Conclusions

Helicobacter pylori prevalence is high in Alaska, especially in Alaska Native persons and rural residents. Concordance between UBT and serology was also high in this group. Two socioeconomic factors, crowding and drinking water that was not piped or delivered, were found to be associated with H. pylori positivity.
Cultural animation in health research: An innovative methodology for patient and public involvement and engagement
Authors: Kelemen Mihaela , Surman Emma , Dikomitis Lisa
Published: March 2018

Background

A significant challenge in Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in health research is to include a wide range of opinions and experiences, including from those who repeatedly find themselves at the margins of society.

Objective

To contribute to the debate around PPIE by introducing a bottom‐up methodology: cultural animation (CA). Cultural Animation is an arts‐based methodology of knowledge co‐production and community engagement which employs a variety of creative and participatory exercises to help build trusting relationships between diverse participants (expert and non‐experts) and democratize the process of research.

Design

Three CA full‐day workshops for the research project “A Picture of Health.”

Participants

Each workshop was attended by 20‐25 participants including 4 academics, 5 retired health professionals who volunteered in the local community and 15 community members. Participants ranged in age from 25 to 75 years, and 80% of the participants were women over the age of 60.

Results

The CA workshops unearthed a diversity of hidden assets, increased human connectivity, led to rethinking of and co‐creating new health indicators and enabled participants to think of community health in a positive way and to consider what can be developed.

Discussion

Cultural animation encourages participants to imagine and create ideal pictures of health by experimenting with new ways of working together.

Conclusion

We conclude by highlighting the main advantages to PPIE as follows: CA provides a route to co‐produce research agendas, empowers the public to engage actively with health professionals and make a positive contribution to their community.
Investigation of the status of the enigmatic White‐chested TinkerbirdPogoniulus makawaiusing molecular analysis of the type specimen
Authors: Kirschel Alexander N. G. , Nwankwo Emmanuel C. , Gonzalez Juan Carlos T.
Published: March 2018

Following the discovery of a uniquely plumagedPogoniulustinkerbird inCryptosepalumforest in northwest Zambia in 1964 and its subsequent description in 1965 as a distinct species, White‐chested TinkerbirdPogoniulus makawai, there has long raged a debate regarding its taxonomic status. The failure to find further individuals in spite of numerous attempts has led several taxonomists to question its status as a distinct species. UsingDNAfrom theP. makawaitype specimen we performed a molecular phylogenetic analysis including samples from other tinkerbird species and, in particular, several subspecies of Yellow‐rumped TinkerbirdPogoniulus bilineatus, of which several observers considered theP. makawaispecimen an aberrant individual. Phylogenetic analyses of both mitochondrial and nuclearDNArecoveredP. makawaias being nested within a clade of Yellow‐rumped Tinkerbirds. Our results suggest that White‐chested Tinkerbird is not a distinct species but either a distinct subspecies or an aberrant form of Yellow‐rumped Tinkerbird; in either case a genetic basis for plumage differences cannot be ruled out. At present our limited nuclearDNAdata do not suggest hybridization with another tinkerbird species. Finally, we suggest that further surveys are needed to determine the extent to which loci that may underpin the ‘makawai phenotype’ may persist in the region, as well as to ascertain the extent to which theP. makawaiform itself, or the entire regional population of Yellow‐rumped Tinkerbirds, warrants subspecific status.
Explorative study on mucosal and major salivary secretion rates, caries and plaque microflora in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Almståhl A , Finizia C , Carlén A , Fagerberg‐Mohlin B , Alstad T
Published: March 2018

Objective

To analyse mucosal and major salivary secretion rates, caries and plaque microflora in connection with treatment for cancer in the head and neck region.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients were included and the number of teeth, filled surfaces and caries lesions registered. The labial and buccal gland secretion and stimulated whole salivary secretion rates were determined. Supragingival plaque microflora was analysed using cultivation technique. Data were collected pretreatment, during treatment and 6 months, 1 year and 2 years post‐treatment.

Results

Two years post‐treatment, 36% had new caries lesions, which had been restored. The labial secretion was comparable with pretreatment, while the buccal secretion was lower (P < .001). The stimulated secretion rate was lower compared with pretreatment (P < .001) and was ≤0.7 mL/minute for 50%. Growth of lactobacilli increased during treatment (P < .001) and remained increased (P < .001), while growth of mutans streptococci was decreased (P < .01) 2 years post‐treatment. Growth of Candida increased over time and was higher 2 years post‐treatment compared with pretreatment (P < .001) while growth of Prevotella was lower (P < .01).

Conclusions

Two years post‐treatment, the stimulated salivary secretion rate was substantially decreased, acid‐tolerant lactobacilli and Candida increased, acid‐sensitive microorganisms decreased, and the caries prevalence was low.
Effects of ultrasonic instrumentation on enamel surfaces with various defects
Authors: Kim S‐Y , Kang M‐K , Kang S‐M , Kim H‐E
Published: March 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyse the enamel damage caused by ultrasonic scaling of teeth with various enamel conditions that are difficult to identify by visual inspection, such as enamel cracks, early caries and resin restorations.

Methods

In total, 120 tooth surfaces were divided into 4 experimental groups using a quantitative light‐induced fluorescence‐digital system: sound enamel group, enamel cracks group, early caries group and resin restoration group. A skilled dental hygienist performed ultrasonic scaling under a standardized set of conditions: a ≤ 15° angle between the scaler tip and tooth surface and 40‐80 g of lateral pressure at the rate of 12 times/10 s. Following scaling, the depth of enamel damage was measured using a surface profilometer and observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

The damage depth was the greatest in the enamel cracks group (37.63 ± 34.42 μm), followed by the early caries group (26.81 ± 8.67 μm), resin restoration group (19.63 ± 6.73 μm) and the sound enamel group (17.00 ± 5.66 μm). The damage depth was significantly deeper in the enamel cracks and early caries groups than in the sound enamel group (P < .05). SEM clearly revealed enamel loss in the enamel cracks, early caries and resin restoration groups.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that ultrasonic scaling can cause further damage to teeth with enamel cracks, early caries and resin restorations. Therefore, accurate identification of tooth conditions and calculus before the initiation of ultrasonic scaling is necessary to minimize damage.
Origin of molecular oxygen formation in irradiated borosilicate glasses studied by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Yuan Wei , Peng Hai‐bo , Du Xin , Lv Peng , Sun Meng‐li , Chen Liang , Wang Tie‐shan
Published: March 2018

Formation of molecular oxygen was observed in borosilicate glasses irradiated with energetic ions and electrons, which has significant effects on mechanical properties of glasses and evaluation of High Level nuclear Waste (HLW) immobilization. Though O2 was considered from the broken of X‐O‐Na (X is Si or B) in borosilicate glass, what was X species remained unclear. To find out the original source of molecular oxygen O2 in irradiated borosilicate glasses, several oxygen atoms were artificial randomly removed from the pristine glasses by molecular dynamics simulation (MD). The simulation results suggested that the formation of O2 firstly came from [BO4] units by the conversion of [BO4] to [BO3] units. When the conversion reached saturation, the [SiO4] units acted as the secondary source. Sodium phase separation was also derived after oxygen atoms reduced, which was well‐agreed with electron irradiated glasses. After the oxygen was removed, average Si‐O‐Si angle decreased and the small size rings increased. These simulation results were in good agreement with experiments.
Murine neutrophils treated with alphaB‐crystallin reduce IL‐12p40 production by dendritic cells
Authors: Finlay Trisha M. , Palmer Alexandra L. , Ousman Shalina S.
Published: March 2018

Neutrophils are essential in the fight against invading pathogens. They utilize antimicrobial effector mechanisms, such as phagocytosis, release of proteases and other antimicrobial products, robust oxidative bursts and neutrophil extracellular traps to combat infections. Neutrophils also modulate immune responses through the production of eicosanoids, cytokines and chemokines, as well as via direct communication with other immune cells. This system of high‐intensity offense against pathogens is exquisitely balanced through regulation to limit damage to host tissue. Unfortunately, the control of neutrophils is not failproof. In cases of sterile injury, autoimmunity and even during an infection, neutrophils can cause tissue destruction and become detrimental to the host. For that reason, there is a need to find means to regulate the aberrant activation of these cells. We found that alphaB‐crystallin (αBC), a heat‐shock protein known to have anti‐inflammatory abilities, affects certain properties of mouse neutrophils that subsequently influence the pro‐inflammatory state of antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). More specifically, αBC mediated small but significant increases in the levels of IL‐10 and matrix metalloproteinase 8, and altered hydrogen peroxide secretion by stimulated neutrophils. Further, the heat‐shock protein influenced the communication between neutrophils and dendritic cells by decreasing the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, specifically IL‐12p40, by the APCs. αBC could thus contribute to dampening neutrophil inflammatory responses by impacting the effect of neutrophils on other immune cells.
Combination of resveratrol‐containing collagen with adipose stem cells for craniofacial tissue‐engineering applications
Authors: Wang Chih‐Chien , Wang Chih‐Hsin , Chen Hsiang‐Cheng , Cherng Juin‐Hong , Chang Shu‐Jen , Wang Yi‐Wen , Chang Adrienne , Yeh Jue‐Zong , Huang Yi‐Huei , Liu Cheng‐Che
Published: March 2018

Repair and regeneration of craniofacial tissues is particularly challenging because they comprise a complex structure of hard and soft tissues involved in intricate functions. This study combined collagen scaffolds and human adipose stem cells (hASCs) for oral mucosal and calvarial bone regeneration by using resveratrol (RSV), which affects the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. We have evaluated the effect of collagen scaffold‐containing RSV (collagen/RSV) scaffolds both in vitro and in vivo for their wound healing and bone regeneration potential. Scanning electron microscopy and immunostaining results reveal that hASCs adhere well to and proliferate on both collagen scaffolds and collagen/RSV scaffolds. Oral mucosal lesion experiments demonstrated that the collagen/RSV scaffold is more effective in wound closure and contraction than the collagen scaffold. The micro‐computed tomography (μCT) images of calvarial bone display regenerating bone in defects covered with hASCs on collagen/RSV scaffolds that are more visible than that in defects covered with hASCs on a collagen scaffolds. RSV was more effective at inducing hASC differentiation on the collagen scaffold, suggesting that collagen/RSV scaffolds can provide useful biological cues that stimulate craniofacial tissue formation.
Building relationships: how zoos and other partners can contribute to the conservation of wild orangutans Pongo spp
Authors: Ancrenaz M. , Barton C. , Riger P. , Wich S.
Published: March 2018

With three species of orangutan now listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, orangutan conservation needs some critical rethinking. Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation, and hunting are continuing to push orangutan populations towards further decline. Conservation efforts focusing on rehabilitation and habitat protection are in place but are insufficient unless we move towards a landscape approach that will aim at protecting and connecting areas rather than retaining isolated patches of forest. Conservationists need to engage with communities and industry to protect the species at a truly landscape level. This paper explores the current efforts in orangutan conservation on the ground and from the zoo community, and describes new areas emerging to contribute to these new approaches needed to impact positively wild orangutan populations.
Thermal conductivity analysis using three‐dimensional microstructures of gelation freezing derived cellular mullite
Authors: Fukushima Manabu , Hyuga Hideki , Matsunaga Chika , Yoshizawa Yu‐Ichi
Published: March 2018

The relationship between thermal conductivity and unidirectional cellular mullite microstructures created with the freeze casting route is discussed using actual three‐dimensional (3D) images, in which a homogenization method was conducted with microscopic models created from 3D images, the temperature variation in macroscopic models by the finite element method (FEM), and local heat conduction in microscopic models. The simulation results were consistent with the experimental results. This image‐based modeling technique was thus confirmed to be a strong tool for the prediction of various thermal properties of porous ceramics.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the family‐centred practices scale for use with families of young children receiving early childhood intervention
Authors: Mas Joana M. , Cañadas Marga , Balcells‐Balcells Anna , Giné Climent , Serrano Ana M. , Dunst Carl J.
Published: March 2018

Background

Early childhood intervention (ECI) centres in Spain recently initiated a process of change towards the adoption of family‐centred practices (FCPs). Knowledge about the extent to which practitioners' use FCPs is needed. The psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the FCPs scale were examined.

Method

A convenience sample of 105 families of children with developmental delays attending three different ECI centres in Spain completed the FCPs scale and provided information about the ECI centre characteristics and practices, caregiver self‐efficacy beliefs, and family and child demographic information.

Results

The Spanish version of the FCP scale was found to be both reliable and valid. FCPs were correlated with self‐efficacy beliefs, parents' involvement in their child's ECI program and family decision making.

Conclusion

The FCP scale provides practitioners with useful information about their practices, but also has capacity‐building consequences for families. The study is a first step for examining the use of FCPs in Spain.