bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel recombinant anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor peptide vaccine capable of active immunization and reduction of tumor volume in a mouse model
Authors: Asadi‐Ghalehni Majid , Rasaee Mohamad Javad , RajabiBazl Masoumeh , Khosravani Masood , Motaghinejad Majid , Javanmardi Masoud , Khalili Saeed , Modjtahedi Helmout , Sadroddiny Esmaeil
Published: October 2017

Over‐expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been reported in a number of human malignancies. Strong expression of this receptor has been associated with poor survival in many such patients. Active immunizations that elicit antibodies of the desired type could be an appealing alternative to conventional passive immunization. In this regard, a novel recombinant peptide vaccine capable of prophylactic and therapeutic effects was constructed. A novel fusion recombinant peptide base vaccine consisting of L2 domain of murine extra‐cellular domain–EGFR and EGFR mimotope (EM‐L2) was constructed and its prophylactic and therapeutic effects in a Lewis lung carcinoma mouse (C57/BL6) model evaluated. Constructed recombinant peptide vaccine is capable of reacting with anti‐EGFR antibodies. Immunization of mice with EM‐L2 peptide resulted in antibody production against EM‐L2. The constructed recombinant peptide vaccine reduced tumor growth and increased the survival rate. Designing effective peptide vaccines could be an encouraging strategy in contemporary cancer immunotherapy. Investigating the efficacy of such cancer immunotherapy approaches may open exciting possibilities concerning hyperimmunization, leading to more promising effects on tumor regression and proliferation.
When to choose dynamic vs. static social network analysis
Authors: Farine Damien R.
Published: October 2017

There is increasing interest in using dynamic social networks in the study of animal sociality and its consequences. However, there is a general lack of guidance on the when and how such an approach will be valuable.

The aim of this paper is to provide a guide on when to choose dynamic vs. static social network analysis, and how to choose the appropriate temporal scale for the dynamic network.

I first discuss the motivations for using dynamic animal social networks. I then provide guidance on how to choose between dynamic networks and the “standard” approach of using static networks. I discuss this in the context of the temporal scale of changes observed, of their predictability and of the data availability.

Dynamic networks are important in a number of scenarios. First, if the network data are being compared to independent processes, such as the spread of information or disease or environmental changes, then dynamic networks will provide more accurate estimates of spreading rates. Second, if the network has predictable patterns of change, for example diel cycles or seasonal changes, then dynamic networks should be used to capture the impact of these changes. Third, dynamic networks are important for studies of spread through networks when the relationship between edge weight and transmission probability is nonlinear. Finally, dynamic social networks are also useful in situations where interactions among individuals are dense, such as in studies of captive groups.

The use of static vs. dynamic network requires careful consideration, both from a research question perspective and from a data perspective, and this paper provides a guide on how to evaluate the relative importance of these.
Using host species traits to understand the consequences of resource provisioning for host–parasite interactions
Authors: Becker Daniel J. , Streicker Daniel G. , Altizer Sonia
Published: October 2017

Supplemental food provided to wildlife by human activities can be more abundant and predictable than natural resources, and subsequent changes in wildlife ecology can have profound impacts on host–parasite interactions. Identifying traits of species associated with increases or decreases in infection outcomes with resource provisioning could improve assessments of wildlife most prone to disease risks in changing environments.

We conducted a phylogenetic meta‐analysis of 342 host–parasite interactions across 56 wildlife species and three broad taxonomic groups of parasites to identify host‐level traits that influence whether provisioning is associated with increases or decreases in infection.

We predicted dietary generalists that capitalize on novel food would show greater infection in provisioned habitats owing to population growth and food‐borne exposure to contaminants and parasite infectious stages. Similarly, species with fast life histories could experience stronger demographic and immunological benefits from provisioning that affect parasite transmission. We also predicted that wide‐ranging and migratory behaviours could increase infection risks with provisioning if concentrated and non‐seasonal foods promote dense aggregations that increase exposure to parasites.

We found that provisioning increased infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa (i.e. microparasites) most for wide‐ranging, dietary generalist host species. Effect sizes for ectoparasites were also highest for host species with large home ranges but were instead lowest for dietary generalists. In contrast, the type of provisioning was a stronger correlate of infection outcomes for helminths than host species traits.

Our analysis highlights host traits related to movement and feeding behaviour as important determinants of whether species experience greater infection with supplemental feeding. These results could help prioritize monitoring wildlife with particular trait profiles in anthropogenic habitats to reduce infectious disease risks in provisioned populations.
Migratory animals feel the cost of getting sick: A meta‐analysis across species
Authors: Risely Alice , Klaassen Marcel , Hoye Bethany J.
Published: October 2017

Migratory animals are widely assumed to play an important role in the long‐distance dispersal of parasites, and are frequently implicated in the global spread of zoonotic pathogens such as avian influenzas in birds and Ebola viruses in bats. However, infection imposes physiological and behavioural constraints on hosts that may act to curtail parasite dispersal via changes to migratory timing (“migratory separation”) and survival (“migratory culling”).

There remains little consensus regarding the frequency and extent to which migratory separation and migratory culling may operate, despite a growing recognition of the importance of these mechanisms in regulating transmission dynamics in migratory animals.

We quantitatively reviewed 85 observations extracted from 41 studies to examine how both infection status and infection intensity are related to changes in body stores, refuelling rates, movement capacity, phenology and survival in migratory hosts across taxa.

Overall, host infection status was weakly associated with reduced body stores, delayed migration and lower survival, and more strongly associated with reduced movement. Infection intensity was not associated with changes to host body stores, but was associated with moderate negative effects on movement, phenology and survival.

In conclusion, we found evidence for negative effects of infection on host phenology and survival, but the effects were relatively small. This may have implications for the extent to which migratory separation and migratory culling act to limit parasite dispersal in migratory systems. We propose a number of recommendations for future research that will further advance our understanding of how migratory separation and migratory culling may shape host–parasite dynamics along migratory routes globally.
Sociodemographic factors modulate the spatial response of brown bears to vacancies created by hunting
Authors: Frank Shane C. , Leclerc Martin , Pelletier Fanie , Rosell Frank , Swenson Jon. E. , Bischof Richard , Kindberg Jonas , Eiken Hans Geir , Hagen Snorre B. , Zedrosser Andreas
Published: October 2017

There is a growing recognition of the importance of indirect effects from hunting on wildlife populations, e.g. social and behavioural changes due to harvest, which occur after the initial offtake. Nonetheless, little is known about how the removal of members of a population influences the spatial configuration of the survivors.

We studied how surviving brown bears (Ursus arctos) used former home ranges that had belonged to casualties of the annual bear hunting season in southcentral Sweden (2007–2015). We used resource selection functions to explore the effects of the casualty's and survivor's sex, age and their pairwise genetic relatedness, population density and hunting intensity on survivors' spatial responses to vacated home ranges.

We tested the competitive release hypothesis, whereby survivors that increase their use of a killed bear's home range are presumed to have been released from intraspecific competition. We found strong support for this hypothesis, as survivors of the same sex as the casualty consistently increased their use of its vacant home range. Patterns were less pronounced or absent when the survivor and casualty were of opposite sex.

Genetic relatedness between the survivor and the casualty emerged as the most important factor explaining increased use of vacated male home ranges by males, with a stronger response from survivors of lower relatedness. Relatedness was also important for females, but it did not influence use following removal; female survivors used home ranges of higher related female casualties more, both before and after death. Spatial responses by survivors were further influenced by bear age, population density and hunting intensity.

We have shown that survivors exhibit a spatial response to vacated home ranges caused by hunting casualties, even in nonterritorial species such as the brown bear. This spatial reorganization can have unintended consequences for population dynamics and interfere with management goals. Altogether, our results underscore the need to better understand the short‐ and long‐term indirect effects of hunting on animal social structure and their resulting distribution in space.
Applying a biocomplexity approach to modelling farmer decision‐making and land use impacts on wildlife
Authors: Malawska Anna , Topping Christopher John
Published: October 2017

The biocomplexity approach refers to a fully integrated social‐ecological systems (SES) simulation that represents bidirectional feedbacks between social and ecological components. This method is essential to accurately assess impacts of economy and policy on SES such as agroecosystems, where feedbacks between the drivers and impacts of cropping changes need to be simulated. Here we exemplify the biocomplexity approach using energy maize, which is becoming an important source of bioenergy in Europe, and thus, might cause a significant change in land use with knock on‐effects for wildlife.

The integrated simulation tool consisted of a farmer decision‐making agent‐based model fully coupled to the Animal Landscape and Man Simulatin System (ALMaSS), an agent‐based simulation system for predicting impacts of land use on a range of Danish wildlife species: the brown hare (Lepus europaeus), the grey partridge (Perdix perdix), the skylark (Alauda arvensis), a carabid beetle (Bembidion lampros), a linyphiid spider (Erigone atra) and the field vole (Microtus agrestis). This was used to assess the impacts of increasing demand on energy maize on the six animal species. Two types of experimental scenarios were evaluated, with and without feedback between the social and ecological system. The assessment of species responses was based on changes in population size, abundance and occupancy.

The response to the cultivation of energy maize was negative for three vertebrate species (skylark, hare and field vole) and positive for partridge and the two invertebrate species. The feedback scenarios showed that the incorporation of information from ecological system to the farmer decision‐making affected both a trend in area cultivated with energy maize as well as the animal responses.

Synthesis and applications. Fully coupling agent‐based decision‐making and environmental simulation allows a detailed representation and integration of both social and ecological components of agricultural systems at proper spatial and temporal scales as well as of dynamic feedbacks between the two systems. By employing easy to interpret measures of changes in abundance and spatial occupancy of animal species, the simulation results could inform and simplify decision‐making on expected impacts of economy and policy regulations on wildlife.
The ineluctable constraints of thermodynamics in the aetiology of obesity
Authors: Loiselle Denis S , Barclay Christopher J
Published: October 2017

We exploit the detail‐independence feature of thermodynamics to examine issues related to the development of obesity. We adopt a ‘global’ approach consistent with focus on the first law of thermodynamics – namely that the metabolic energy provided by dietary foodstuffs has only three possible fates: the performance of work (be it microscopic or macroscopic), the generation of heat, or storage – primarily in the form of adipose tissue. Quantification of the energy expended, in the form of fat metabolised, during selected endurance events, reveals the inherent limitation of over‐reliance on exercise as a primary agent of weight loss. This result prompts examination of various (non‐exercise based) possibilities of increasing the rate of heat loss. Since these, too, give little cause for optimism, we are obliged to conclude that obesity can be prevented, or weight loss achieved, only if exercise is supplemented by reduction of food intake.
Adult report of childhood exposure to parental alienation at different developmental time periods
Authors: Verrocchio Maria Christina , Baker Amy J. L. , Marchetti Daniela
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between exposure to Parental Alienation (PA) at different developmental time periods and psychological maltreatment. Three hundred and sixty‐one adults in Chieti, Italy completed an anonymous and confidential paper and pencil survey regarding their childhood exposure to twenty PA behaviours across three developmental time periods as well as a measure of psychological maltreatment by each parent. Results revealed that exposure to PA at each time period was significantly associated with psychological maltreatment. Moreover, the number of time periods of exposure to PA (from 0 to 3) was associated with psychological maltreatment. This was true for PA by mothers and PA by fathers. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

Practitioner points

Mental health professionals can use the results of this study to guide their intervention efforts

Co‐parenting educators can incorporate these results into their routine efforts to help parents be aware of PA and its effects

Targeted parents can use these findings to make the case for timely legal and mental health interventions
Unconscious choice: the dissociation of creative animus among writers and psychotherapists
Authors: Clark Alison
Published: October 2017

The paper argues that writers and psychotherapists are drawn to their work through the desire to remedy an unconscious sense of lack brought about by early relational trauma. Often, because of its origins in psychic pain, the connection between these individuals' beginnings and their profession remains largely dissociated. The theme is developed with reference to the idea of the wounded healer taken up by Jung. It is proposed that the original wound is also the crack that lets the light in: a dissociated tough spirit that can be channelled into discriminating countertransference and strong writing. This paper is implicitly arguing against an objective or neutral analytic stance, and for the therapeutic and creative value of acquaintance with negative affect.
‘Clemency on the way to the gallows’: death, dreams and dissociation
Authors: Kimmel Kenneth
Published: October 2017

The survivor of a decade of childhood sexual trauma and violence, perpetrated by a monstrous father, produced a series of dreams in the final year of a ten‐year analysis. They illuminated the ‘death drive’ beneath a lifelong preoccupation with dying and fantasies of submission to death, perpetuated by the promise of hoped‐for freedom from pain and release from a life of suffering. The initial dream involved the collapse of a team of white horses drawing him in a pillory cart to his own hanging for a crime he did not commit. It signified the collapse of a fragile psychological system based on his role as the ‘sacrificial lamb,’ protecting a (not so) innocent mother. The raw truth was now unconcealed: primal, violent, and terrifying dreams and affects emerged where he was now the murderous aggressor. His dreams would become primary agents for an instinctive, life‐giving authenticity to emerge, offering him clemency from the shattering repetitions of persecution and dissociation.
Treatment of developmental stress disorder: mind, body and brain – analysis and pharmacology coupled
Authors: McFadden Joseph
Published: October 2017

The schism between psychiatry, psychology and analysis, while long present, has widened even more in the past half‐century with the advances in psychopharmacology. With the advances in electronic brain imaging, particularly in developmental and post‐traumatic stress disorders, there has emerged both an understanding of brain changes resulting from severe, chronic stress and an ability to target brain chemistry in ways that can relieve clinical symptomatology. The use of alpha‐1 adrenergic brain receptor antagonists decreases many of the manifestations of PTSD. Additionally, this paper discusses the ways in which dreaming, thinking and the analytic process are facilitated with this concomitant treatment and hypervigilence and hyper‐arousal states are signficiantly decreased.
Assembling attachments to homes under bushfire risk
Authors: Ratnam Charishma , Drozdzewski Danielle
Published: October 2017

This research, conducted in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia, explores attachment to the home in the context of bushfire risk. The paper builds on existing research that has focused both on the home and on emplaced and mobile methods therein and seeks to understand the range of human and non‐human attachments. We situate our examination of attachment in the context of a bushfire‐prone suburban area to consider whether attachments to home may be influenced by an external risk. We use a mix of verbal, visual, and sensory methods (walking and image‐led interviews) to examine both verbal and sensorial articulations in place and in the home. We report on a stepwise analysis of place attachments, home, and bushfire risk. First and while interviewing, we moved with the participants inside and outside of their homes to understand how attachment to those sites was constructed and maintained. Second, we considered those encounters as assemblages of attachments to place. Finally, we studied those assemblages of home‐bound attachments in the context of the risk of bushfire in proximate suburbs.
Working holiday makers in Australia: food security, climate change, and the backpacker tax
Authors: Iaquinto Benjamin Lucca
Published: October 2017

This commentary considers an often overlooked contribution to food security in Australia—the labour of working holiday makers. Their ability to act as a flexible and mobile temporary workforce is essential to the maintenance of the Australian agricultural industry. Previously, no tax was payable on income below $18,200, but a 2015 proposal to increase their tax rate sparked a vigorous political debate and so revealed their importance to the agricultural industry. A decline in backpacker numbers would cause agriculture to shrink to cope with smaller workforces. But the effects of climate change are expected to further shrink agricultural areas as extreme events and hotter temperatures impact crops, livestock, and the productivity of agricultural workers. Issues that appear manageable when viewed in isolation, such as increases in the tax rate on working holiday makers, become more problematic when viewed in conjunction with other impacts affecting agriculture. Thus, the ‘backpacker tax’ risks making food security harder to maintain at a time when Australia's agricultural system is already vulnerable to climate change.
Review of appendicectomies over a decade in a tertiary hospital in New Zealand
Authors: de Burlet Kirsten J. , Crane Grant , Cullinane Ruth , Larsen Peter D. , Dennett Elizabeth R.
Published: October 2017

Background

Acute appendicectomy is the most common emergency operation for patients with abdominal pain. In the last decade, computed tomography (CT) scans have increasingly been used to aid in the diagnosis in order to reduce the negative appendicectomy rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate our institution's negative appendicectomy rate and the use of pre‐operative imaging.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken for all adult patients (>16 years), who underwent an appendicectomy on emergency basis in the years 2004, 2009 and 2014. Cases were identified from the hospital electronic theatre record system. Data were also obtained from the patients records and laboratory reports.

Results

A total of 874 patients were included, 227 in 2004, 308 in 2009 and 339 in 2014. The negative appendicectomy rate was 29.1% in 2004, 20.1% in 2009 and 19.5% in 2014 (P = 0.014). Negative appendicectomies were more common in women (P = <0.001), patients between the ages of 16–30 years (P = <0.001) and were associated with low inflammatory markers (median white cell count of 10.2, C‐reactive protein of 8, P = <0.001). The use of CT scan prior to operation increased between 2009 and 2014 (34 (11.0%) versus 64 (18.9%), P = <0.001).

Conclusion

Though the number of appendicectomies being performed in our institution has increased over the last decade, the negative appendicectomy rate remains fairly static and the increased use of CT scans did not further decrease the proportion of negative appendicectomies between 2009 and 2014.
Beta‐blockers in hospitalised patients with cirrhosis and ascites: mortality and factors determining discontinuation and reinitiation
Authors: Bhutta A. Q. , Garcia‐Tsao G. , Reddy K. R. , Tandon P. , Wong F. , O'Leary J. G. , Acharya C. , Banerjee D. , Abraldes J. G. , Jones T. M. , Shaw J. , Deng Y. , Ciarleglio M. , Bajaj J. S.
Published: October 2017

Background

It has been suggested that beta‐blockers may increase mortality in patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites but the effect of beta‐blockers discontinuation or reinitiation has not been examined.

Aims

To compare, in hospitalised patients with cirrhosis and ascites, the effect of BB on survival and to examine the effect/predictors of beta‐blockers discontinuation and reinitiation.

Methods

Sub‐analysis of NACSELD (North American consortium for the study of end‐stage liver disease, database containing prospective data on hospitalised patients with cirrhosis) data from 7 centres enrolling >100 patients with ascites. Data on BB discontinuation and reinitiation were collected by chart review.

Results

Seven hundred and sixteen patients, 307 (43%) on beta‐blockers at admission and 366 (51%) with refractory ascites, were followed to death or hospital discharge. Beta‐blocker use was associated with a lower white blood cell count at admission. Beta‐blocker use in hospitalised patients with ascites was not associated with a higher mortality, even in those with refractory ascites. No significant changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) were observed between groups. Discontinuation of beta‐blockers (49%) was driven by low MAP, infection and acute kidney injury at time of discontinuation but was not associated with a higher mortality. Beta‐blocker reinitiation occurred in 40% prior to discharge and was mainly driven by an increase in MAP.

Conclusions

Beta‐blocker use is safe in patients with cirrhosis and ascites (including those with refractory ascites) provided beta‐blockers are discontinued in the presence of a low MAP and reinitiated once MAP reincreases. A potentially beneficial anti‐inflammatory effect of beta‐blockers is suggested.
Vitrification of bovine matured oocytes and blastocysts in a paper container
Authors: Paul Ashit Kumar , Liang Yuanyuan , Srirattana Kanokwan , Nagai Takashi , Parnpai Rangsun
Published: October 2017

In the present study, we aimed to determine the applicability of a paper container for the vitrification of in vitro matured (IVM) bovine oocytes. In experiment 1, IVM oocytes were exposed to vitrification solution (20% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 20% ethylene glycol (EG), and 5 mol/L sucrose), using a two‐step method, for 30 s; loaded onto either a paper container or Cryotop; and stored in liquid nitrogen. No significant difference (P < 0.05) in the survival and blastocyst formation rates after in vitro vitrification was observed between the paper container and Cryotop. In experiment 2, IVM oocytes were exposed to either a two‐ or three‐step vitrification solution. The three‐step vitrification solution was not significantly different from the two‐step solution in terms of oocyte survival, cleavage and blastocyst rates. In experiment 3, in vitro produced blastocysts were graded according to the manual of the International Embryo Transfer Society (grades 1 and 2) and vitrified using the two‐ and three‐step methods. For grade 2 blastocysts, the three‐step method showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) survival and hatched blastocyst rates than the two‐step method, whereas for grade 1 blastocysts, no significant difference was observed. In conclusion, the paper device and three‐step technique are suitable for oocytes and embryo vitrification.
Hair cortisol levels of lactating dairy cows in cold‐ and warm‐temperate regions in Japan
Authors: Uetake Katsuji , Morita Shigeru , Sakagami Nobutada , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Hashimura Shinji , Tanaka Toshio
Published: October 2017

We compared the hair cortisol levels of lactating dairy cows in a cold‐ and a warm‐temperate region out of four climatic zones in Japan. We simultaneously investigated the effects of calving number, lactation period and month of hair sampling. Hair of nine Holstein lactating cows chosen from each region (i.e. 18 cows per sampling) was sampled in March, June, September and December. Number of calvings (1, 2, ≥3) and lactation duration (early: <100, middle: 101–200, and late: >201 days) were balanced between regions. Cortisol was extracted from hair by methanol, and its level was determined with a cortisol immunoassay kit. A multi‐way analysis of variance revealed that the effects of month of hair sampling (P < 0.001) and its combination with region (P < 0.05) were significant. In a multiple comparison test, significant differences (P < 0.01) in hair cortisol level (pg/mg of hair) were found between June (13.0 ± 1.0) and the other 3 months, and between September (1.6 ± 0.2) and December (4.5 ± 0.3). The rise in cortisol level from March to June was more intense in the cold‐temperate region. These results demonstrate the necessity of considering seasonal variations in each climatic region when we use hair cortisol level as an indicator of stress.
Establishment of a dog primary prostate cancer organoid using the urine cancer stem cells
Authors: Usui Tatsuya , Sakurai Masashi , Nishikawa Shimpei , Umata Koji , Nemoto Yuki , Haraguchi Tomoya , Itamoto Kazuhito , Mizuno Takuya , Noguchi Shunsuke , Mori Takashi , Iwai Satomi , Nakagawa Takayuki , Yamawaki Hideyuki , Ohama Takashi , Sato Koichi
Published: October 2017

Dog spontaneously develop prostate cancer (PC) like humans. Because most dogs withPChave a poor prognosis, they could be used as a translational model for advancedPCin humans. Stem cell‐derived 3‐D organoid culture could recapitulate organ structures and physiology. Using patient tissues, a humanPCorganoid culture system was established. Recent study has shown that urine cells also possess the characteristic of stem cells. However, urine cell‐derivedPCorganoids have never been produced. Therefore, we generatedPCorganoids using the dog urine samples. Urine organoids were successfully generated from each dog withPC. Each organoid showed cystic structures and resembled the epithelial structures of original tissues. Expression of an epithelial cell marker, E‐cadherin, and a myofibloblast marker, α‐SMA, was observed in the urine organoids. The organoids also expressed a basal cell marker,CK5, and a luminal cell marker,CK8.CD49f‐sorted basal cell organoids rapidly grew compared withCD24‐sorted luminal cell organoids. The population ofCD44‐positive cells was the highest in both organoids and the original urine cells. Tumors were successfully formed with the injection of the organoids into immunodeficient mice. Treatment with a microtubule inhibitor, docetaxel, but not a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, piroxicam, and anmTORinhibitor, rapamycin, decreased the cell viability of organoids. Treatment with a Hedgehog signal inhibitor,GANT61, increased the radiosensitivity in the organoids. These findings revealed thatPCorganoids using urine might become a useful tool for investigating the mechanisms of the pathogenesis and treatment ofPCin dogs.
Limitations of fluoridation effectiveness studies: Lessons from Alberta, Canada
Authors: Neurath Christopher , Beck James S. , Limeback Hardy , Sprules W. Gary , Connett Michael , Osmunson Bill , Davis Donald R.
Published: October 2017

A paper published in this journal, “Measuring the short‐term impact of fluoridation cessation on dental caries in Grade 2 children using tooth surface indices,” by McLaren et al had shortcomings in study design and interpretation of results, and did not include important pertinent data. Its pre–post cross‐sectional design relied on comparison of decay rates in two cities: Calgary, which ceased fluoridation, and Edmonton, which maintained fluoridation. Dental health surveys conducted in both cities about 6.5 years prior to fluoridation cessation in Calgary provided the baseline. They were compared to decay rates determined about 2.5 years after cessation in a second set of surveys in both cities. A key shortcoming was the failure to use data from a Calgary dental health survey conducted about 1.5 years prior to cessation. When this third data set is considered, the rate of increase of decay in Calgary is found to be the same before and after cessation of fluoridation, thus contradicting the main conclusion of the paper that cessation was associated with an adverse effect on oral health. Furthermore, the study design is vulnerable to confounding by caries risk factors other than fluoridation: The two cities differed substantially in baseline decay rates, other health indicators, and demographic characteristics associated with caries risk, and these risk factors were not shown to shift in parallel in Edmonton and Calgary through time. An additional weakness was low participation rates in the dental surveys and lack of analysis to check whether this may have resulted in selection biases. Owing to these weaknesses, the study has limited ability to assess whether fluoridation cessation caused an increase in decay. The study's findings, when considered with the additional information from the third Calgary survey, more strongly support the conclusion that cessation of fluoridation had no effect on decay rate. Consideration of the limitations of this study can stimulate improvement in the quality of future fluoridation effectiveness studies.
Child protection systems between professional cooperation and trustful relationships: A comparison of professional practical and ethical dilemmas in England/Wales, Germany, Portugal, and Slovenia
Authors: Meysen Thomas , Kelly Liz
Published: October 2017

This paper explores practical and ethical dilemmas for professionals when securing the protection of children in the complex non‐clinical setting of individual families. It is based on a cross‐country study on cultural encounters in interventions against child physical abuse and neglect in four countries (England/Wales, Germany, Portugal, and Slovenia). Drawing on national reports of legal‐organizational frameworks and socio‐cultural backgrounds of European child protection systems, it also presents the results of a series of focus groups with professionals. Data were analysed to identify implicit and explicit discursive constructions as well as normative representations and from this deriving the key ethical issues and dilemmas. Despite a shared normative framework across Europe, intervention cultures vary across the four countries and between the different stakeholder groups. Although each child protection system faced widespread mistrust, policy approaches differ, some relying on strong and detailed guidance whereas others stress professional skill and judgement. We conclude that despite a shared commitment to the protection of children, deliberations and perceived ethical dilemmas suggest interdependency between differences in system cultures and policy approaches that inform the character of professional interventions in the four countries.
Children's trust in social workers: Scale development and relations to Children's engagement with social workers
Authors: Petrocchi Serena , Rotenberg Ken J. , Levante Annaliza , Lecciso Flavia
Published: October 2017

This research aimed to develop the children's trust in general social workers (CTGSW) scale. Psychometric properties, structural validity, construct, and concurrent validity of the scale were evaluated. Both linear and quadratic patterns between children's trust beliefs in social workers and their engagement with social workers were examined. A sample of 112 Italian vulnerable children (M = 11.4 years, SD = 1 month) were administered the Italian‐Children's Generalized Trust Beliefs scale, the CTGSW scale, and a measure of engagement with social workers. The CTGSW scale demonstrated the expected (a) structure validity; (b) acceptable psychometric properties; (c) construct validity by correlations with trust in significant others; and (d) concurrent validity by associations with children's engagement with social workers. Reliability and honesty bases of trust in social workers were associated with engagement with social workers. In comparison to the middle range, children who held very low trust in social workers demonstrated very low quality of relation with social workers. The pattern was asymmetrical. Children who held high trust beliefs in social workers demonstrated a modest decrease in quality of relation with social workers. The findings demonstrated validity and utility of the CTGSW and yielded support for the basis, domain, and target framework.
One‐year outcomes of youth exiting a residential care facility in South Africa
Authors: Dickens Lisa
Published: October 2017

This article describes the 1‐year outcomes of youth transitioning out of a residential care facility in South Africa. Those outcomes are compared with both national data on youth in the general population and care leavers from the United Kingdom. Analysis of the outcomes of 52 care leavers showed that they had fairly secure accommodation, low levels of homelessness, and low levels of criminal involvement and substance abuse. However, care leavers were particularly vulnerable in their educational attainment and employment outcomes and ran the risk of being not in employment, education or training. This has economic and psychological consequences for youth, who are then forced to rely on others for their livelihood and it can increase their feelings of depression, isolation, and despondency. Results from this study provide insight into the challenges and needs of young people transitioning out of residential care, which provides guidance on what to prioritize for practice. This research has implications not only for improving the understanding of care leaving in South Africa and Africa, but also for the existing knowledge based on research internationally.
First direct evidence of involvement of a homozygous loss‐of‐function variant in the EPS15L1 gene underlying split‐hand/split‐foot malformation
Authors: Umair M. , Ullah A. , Abbas S. , Ahmad F. , Basit S. , Ahmad W.
Published: October 2017

Split‐hand/split‐foot malformation (SHFM) is a severe form of congenital limb deformity characterized by the absence of 1 or more digits and/or variable degree of median clefts of hands and feet. The present study describes an investigation of a consanguineous family of Pakistani origin segregating SHFM in an autosomal recessive manner. Human genome scan using SNP markers followed by whole exome sequencing revealed a frameshift deletion (c.409delA, p.Ser137Alafs*19) in the EPS15L1 gene located on chromosome 19p13.11. This is the first biallelic variant identified in the EPS15L1 gene underlying SHFM. Our findings report the first direct involvement of EPS15L1 gene in the development of human limbs.
Positive experiences related to living with tinnitus: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Beukes E.W. , Manchaiah V. , Valien T.E. , Baguley D.M. , Allen P.M. , Andersson G.
Published: October 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to gain insights related to positive experiences reported by adults with tinnitus living in the United Kingdom.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey design was used in a sample of adults with tinnitus who were interested in undertaking an Internet‐based intervention for tinnitus.

Setting

The study was UK wide and data collection was online.

Participants

Participants consisted of 240 adults (137 males, 103 females), with an average age of 48.16 years and average tinnitus duration of 11.52 years (SD: 11.88).

Main outcome measures

Tinnitus severity was measured by means of the Tinnitus Functional Index. To evaluate the secondary effects of tinnitus, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults‐Screening Version and the Cognitive Failures Questionnaires were administered. Positive experiences related to tinnitus were explored using an open‐ended question format.

Results

Around a third of participants (32.5%) reported positive experiences associated with tinnitus. The number of positive responses ranged from one to eight responses per participant, although there were fewer participants with more than one positive response. The predominant themes concerned for (i) coping; (ii) personal development; (iii) support, and to a lesser extent (iv) outlook. Younger participants, those with a lower hearing disability and those with fewer cognitive failures were more likely to report positive experiences associated with having tinnitus.

Conclusions

This study has identified that personal development and a positive outlook are possible despite experiencing tinnitus. Ways to facilitate positive experiences related to tinnitus should be promoted, as these may reduce the negative consequences associated with tinnitus. The most prevalent positive theme was the ability to cope with tinnitus. Positive experiences were also drawn from having clinical and other support networks. This highlights the importance of providing tinnitus interventions that can assist people in coping with tinnitus, particularly to those less likely to relate tinnitus to any positive experiences. Those most likely to be helped include those who are older with greater cognitive difficulties and a greater hearing disability.
The prevalence problem in the era of human papillomavirus screening
Authors: Evered A.
Published: October 2017

Changes in the prevalence of cytological abnormalities lead to interpretation bias. In cervical cytology the prevalence effect will come to the fore as HPV screening is rolled out.
The Hand Assessment of Infants: a new tool to understand early hand function in children at high risk of unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: Spittle Alicia J
Published: October 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Krumlinde‐Sundholm et al. on pages 1276–1283.
Fetal lung volume and pulmonary artery changes in congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow: Quantitative ultrasound analysis
Authors: Guo Yong , Liu Xiaowei , Gu Xiaoyan , Zhang Ye , Sun Lin , He Yihua
Published: October 2017

Background

It has been reported that congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow (CHD‐DPBF) may affect postnatal lung morphogenesis and function. However, there has been a lack of information regarding the impact of CHD‐DPBF on prenatal fetal lung development.

Methods

Fifty‐four fetuses with CHD‐DPBF were compared with 110 controls. Fetal lung volume (FLV) was estimated using three‐dimensional ultrasonography (3D‐US). Estimated fetal weight (EFW) and McGoon index (MGI) were estimated using two‐dimensional ultrasonography (2D‐US).

Results

FLV/EFW and MGI values measured using sonography for the CHD‐DPBF group were significantly reduced compared to those of the control group (P < .05). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the summed diameter of the right pulmonary artery and left pulmonary artery (RPA + LPA) measured by 2D‐US correlated well with FLV measured by 3D‐US.

Conclusions

In our study, FLV/EFW and MGI values for fetuses with CHD‐DPBF tended to be decreased and FLV was associated with RPA + LPA. We concluded that CHD‐DPBF might delay fetal lung development. The summed diameter of the RPA + LPA measurement could be used as an alternative to FLV for assessing fetal lung development.
Appropriateness, diagnostic value, and outcomes of repeat testing following index echocardiography
Authors: Hua Alina , McCaughan Vincent , Wright Matthew , Zaidi Abbas , Wright Jessica , Azam Aishah , Bhattacharyya Sujata , Stock Lisanne , Lloyd Guy , Bhattacharyya Sanjeev
Published: October 2017

Aims

Emergency admission to hospital is associated with an economic burden and mortality. Echocardiography is often the first‐line cardiovascular imaging investigation. Repeat testing is common; however, there are sparse data on the prevalence, appropriateness, or outcome of repeat testing.

Methods

We performed an electronic database search for patients with emergency admissions to our institution in February 2015. An electronic patient record review of inpatient echocardiograms was undertaken. Indications for echocardiography were classified as appropriate, may be appropriate, or rarely appropriate. One‐year follow‐up for repeat testing and mortality was investigated.

Results

A total of 409 of 2306 (17.7%) unplanned/emergency admissions underwent inpatient echocardiography. Abnormalities were identified in 165/409 (40.3%) of these patients; 154 of 409 (37.7%) had a repeat echocardiogram within the next year. Rarely appropriate indications for echocardiography occurred in 51 (33%) of repeat vs 53 (16%) of index echocardiograms, P < .0001. Repeat testing was associated with a change in findings in 17/154 (11%) patients overall. All of whom had an abnormal index echocardiogram and had an appropriate indication. There was no difference in mean survival time between patients who underwent repeat and those who only underwent a single index echocardiogram (310 days vs 327 days), P = .34.

Conclusion

Inpatient echocardiography in emergency hospital admissions identifies clinically important pathology. Repeated testing is common within 1 year of hospital admission. New diagnostic findings occurred in 11% of patients and only in patients with appropriate studies and an abnormal index echocardiogram. Identification of methods to reduce repeat testing and implement appropriateness criteria is warranted.
Can we meet the sustainability challenges? The role of education and lifelong learning
Authors: Wals Arjen E. J. , Benavot Aaron
Published: October 2017

Education and lifelong learning are increasingly being mobilised to address the global environmental crisis and accompanying sustainability challenges. This article discusses the many roles of education about and for sustainable development, drawing on evidence and arguments put forward in the 2016 Global Education Monitoring Report, Education for People and Planet. It highlights specific viewpoints, values and ways of thinking that best characterize effective learning for sustainability. It also emphasises the importance of a ‘whole school’ or ‘whole institutional’ approach to education for sustainability.
Plasticity in native perennial grass populations: Implications for restoration
Authors: Espeland Erin K. , Johnson Richard C. , Horning Matthew E.
Published: October 2017

Increasing the evolutionary potential of restored populations has become a viable objective of restoration activities. Choosing plant materials genetically adapted to the restoration environment is critical for success, and phenotypic plasticity may also contribute to establishment and persistence in disturbed environments. To select seed sources for restoration informed by plasticity, we must answer the question: Do some source environments produce more plastic genotypes than others? Using a dataset of maternal families from 130 western US source populations of the perennial bunchgrass Poa secunda, we used variance components to determine the contribution of source population to phenotypic plasticity in two common gardens over two growing seasons. Compared with the genetic contribution to phenotypes, plasticity explained a large fraction of phenotypic variation and was particularly strong for phenology (timing of reproductive events) traits. Plasticity values among phenology traits were also highly correlated. For the morphological traits (panicle length, leaf size) and survival, the genetic contribution to the phenotype was greater than the plastic contribution, but plasticity values among these traits were not highly correlated. Seeds collected from warm and dry locations produced plants with more plasticity in phenology, panicle number, and biomass; cool and wet locations were associated with more plasticity in leaf size, panicle length, plant habit (prostrate or erect), and survival. Plasticity may complement genetic variation for adaptation in restoration materials in some traits.
Pharmacokinetics and electrophysiological effects of sotalol hydrochloride in horses
Authors: Broux B. , De Clercq D. , Decloedt A. , Vera L. , Devreese M. , Gehring R. , Croubels S. , van Loon G.
Published: October 2017

Background

Arrhythmias in horses may require long‐term anti‐arrhythmic therapy. Unfortunately, oral anti‐arrhythmic drugs for use in horses are currently scarce. In human patients and small animals, sotalol, a β‐blocker with class III anti‐arrhythmic properties, is often used for long‐term treatment.

Objectives

To determine the pharmacokinetics of sotalol at multiple oral dosages in unfasted horses, as well as the effects on electro‐ and echocardiographic measurements, right atrial and ventricular monophasic action potential (MAP) and effective refractory period (ERP).

Study design

Placebo controlled, double‐blinded experiment.

Materials and methods

Six healthy, unfasted Warmblood horses were given either 0, 2, 3 or 4 mg/kg bodyweight (bwt) sotalol orally (PO) twice daily (bid) for 9 days in a randomised cross‐over design. Echocardiography and surface electrocardiography were performed and plasma concentrations of sotalol and right atrial and right ventricular MAPs and ERPs were determined at steady‐state conditions. Statistical analysis was performed using a repeated measures univariate analysis with post hoc Bonferroni corrections.

Results

Calculated mean steady‐state plasma concentrations determined by nonlinear mixed‐effect modelling were 287 (range 234–339), 409 (359–458) and 543 (439–646) ng/mL for 2, 3 and 4 mg/kg bwt sotalol PO bid respectively. Sotalol significantly increased the QT interval and ERPs, but, despite increasing plasma concentrations, higher dosages did not result in a progressive increase in QT interval or ERPs. Echocardiographic and other electrocardiographic measurements did not change significantly. MAP durations at 90% repolarisation were not significantly different during sotalol treatment. Besides transient local sweating, no side effects were noted.

Main limitations

Study size and ad libitum feeding of hay.

Conclusions

Sotalol at a dose of 2, 3 and 4 mg/kg bwt PO bid increases the QT interval and ERP and might be a useful drug for long‐term anti‐arrhythmic therapy in horses.