bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public involvement in public health research
Authors: Ashton Julian
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the progress in public and patient involvement (PPI) in public health research, and identify the relevant problems and solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the advantages and drawbacks of PPI in health research, drawing on studies which have looked at the barriers to effective PPI, as well as the benefits to all parties.

Findings

Guidelines have emerged from recent research for the process of PPI throughout a project; however different schemes for PPI will apply, depending on the context.

Research limitations/implications

There are not many well-researched studies into PPI in this area. A frequent limitation in research projects is that there is not sufficient provision for PPI. The implication is that more time and funding should be made available for well-planned PPI.

Practical implications

Researchers need to find more ways for involvement, as well as optimising current methods.

Social implications

The growth of PPI has opened up channels of communication and developed new roles for people in research, who would not otherwise be involved.

Originality/value

The paper draws together a range of studies in an original way, as well as using some unpublished material. It is an area of current interest.
Shame and blame and its influence on male gay (chaay rak chaay) quality of life in Bangkok Thailand: a health promotion community nursing perspective
Authors: Pongtriang Praditporn , O’Brien Anthony Paul , Maguire Jane
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore gay male informant experiences of discrimination and stigma in Bangkok from a health promotion community nursing perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 informants and included field work observations at eight entertainment venues. Data analysis utilised an inductive thematic approach.

Findings

Key themes that emerged from the data were related to communication, particularly the use of smart phone applications; lack of privacy in health services; sexual exploitation by entertainment venues; and concerns about coming out safely to protect self-esteem and mental health.

Originality/value

Development of key mental health promotion messages based on a greater understanding and knowledge of discrimination and stigma may help to reduce negative behaviour and stigmatisation towards Thai gay men in Bangkok.
The ability of high performance concrete to resist high temperature
Authors: A.M. Mhamoud Hassan , Yanmin Jia
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the resistance to elevated temperatures of up to 700ºC of high-performance concrete (HPC) compared to ordinary Portland concrete (OPC) with regards to mass loss and residual compressive and flexural strength.

Design/methodology/approach

Two mixtures were developed to test. The first mixture, OPC, was used as the control, and the second mixture was HPC. After 28 days under water (per Chinese standard), the samples were tested for compressive strength and residual strength.

Findings

The test results showed that at elevated temperatures of up to 500ºC, each mixture experienced mass loss. Below this temperature, the strength and the mass loss did not differ greatly.

Originality/value

When adding a 10 per cent silica fume, 25 per cent fly, 25 per cent slag to HPC, the compressive strength increased by 17 per cent and enhanced the residual compressive strength. A sharp decrease was observed in the residual flexural strength of HPC when compared to OPC after exposure to temperatures of 700ºC.
Torix group Rickettsia are widespread in Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), reach high frequency and carry unique genomic features
Authors: Pilgrim Jack , Ander Mats , Garros Claire , Baylis Matthew , Hurst Gregory D. D. , Siozios Stefanos
Published: August 2017

There is increasing interest in the heritable bacteria of invertebrate vectors of disease as they present novel targets for control initiatives. Previous studies on biting midges (Culicoides spp.), known to transmit several RNA viruses of veterinary importance, have revealed infections with the endosymbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia and Cardinium. However, rickettsial symbionts in these vectors are underexplored. Here, we present the genome of a previously uncharacterized Rickettsia endosymbiont from Culicoides newsteadi (RiCNE). This genome presents unique features potentially associated with host invasion and adaptation, including genes for the complete non‐oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway, and others predicted to mediate lipopolysaccharides and cell wall modification. Screening of 414 Culicoides individuals from 29 Palearctic or Afrotropical species revealed that Rickettsia represent a widespread but previously overlooked association, reaching high frequencies in midge populations and present in 38% of the species tested. Sequence typing clusters the Rickettsia within the Torix group of the genus, a group known to infect several aquatic and hematophagous taxa. FISH analysis indicated the presence of Rickettsia bacteria in ovary tissue, indicating their maternal inheritance. Given the importance of biting midges as vectors, a key area of future research is to establish the impact of this endosymbiont on vector competence.
The Role of Human Capital in Manufacturing Plant Growth: Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Chang Ching‐Fu , Lin Cherng‐Shiun
Published: August 2017

In this study, we set out to investigate the potential relationships between plant growth and size, age and human capital using a unique employer–employee matched data set for the Taiwanese manufacturing industry from 1998 to 2005. The general assumption of a reduction in plant growth with increases in plant size and plant age is confirmed by our manufacturing industry data set, while plant growth increases with the stock of human capital, albeit at a diminishing rate, thereby implying a positive concave relationship between plant growth and human capital. Moreover, we find that for plants with higher levels of human capital, the reduction in plant growth is more moderate with regard to size than with regard to age, indicating that differences in the stock of human capital within plants will tend to lead to differences in the patterns of age and size impacts on such plants' growth. Finally, substantial differences were observed among the influences of the various characteristics on plants with high, moderate and low growth in size.
Identifying and assessing strategies for evaluating the impact of mobile eye health units on health outcomes
Authors: Fu Shiwan , Turner Angus , Tan Irene , Muir Josephine
Published: August 2017

Objective

To identify and assess strategies for evaluating the impact of mobile eye health units on health outcomes.

Design

Systematic literature review.

Setting

Worldwide.

Participants

Peer‐reviewed journal articles that included the use of a mobile eye health unit.

Main outcome measure(s)

Journal articles were included if outcome measures reflected an assessment of the impact of a mobile eye health unit on health outcomes.

Results

Six studies were identified with mobile services offering diabetic retinopathy screening (three studies), optometric services (two studies) and orthoptic services (one study).

Conclusion

This review identified and assessed strategies in existing literature used to evaluate the impact of mobile eye health units on health outcomes. Studies included in this review used patient outcomes (i.e. disease detection, vision impairment, treatment compliance) and/or service delivery outcomes (i.e. cost per attendance, hospital transport use, inappropriate referrals, time from diabetic retinopathy photography to treatment) to evaluate the impact of mobile eye health units. Limitations include difficulty proving causation of specific outcome measures and the overall shortage of impact evaluation studies. Variation in geographical location, service population and nature of eye care providers limits broad application.
A Qualitative Analysis of How Anthropologists Interpret the Race Construct
Authors: Ifekwunigwe Jayne O. , Wagner Jennifer K. , Yu Joon‐Ho , Harrell Tanya M. , Bamshad Michael J. , Royal Charmaine D.
Published: August 2017

This article assesses anthropological thinking about the race concept and its applications. Drawn from a broader national survey of geneticists’ and anthropologists’ views on race, in this analysis, we provide a qualitative account of anthropologists’ perspectives. We delve deeper than simply asserting that “race is a social construct.” Instead, we explore the differential ways in which anthropologists describe and interpret how race is constructed. Utilizing the heuristic of constructors, shifters, and reconcilers, we also illustrate the ways in which anthropologists conceptualize their interpretations of race along a broad spectrum as well as what these differential approaches reveal about the ideological and biological consequences of socially defined races, such as racism in general and racialized health disparities in particular. [race concept, social construction, racism, health disparities]
Forum introduction
Authors: YELVINGTON KEVIN A.
Published: August 2017

In a professional career spanning over six decades, Sidney Mintz (1922–2015) had an immense influence on anthropology, history, Caribbean studies, food studies, and the interdisciplinary study of commodity circuits across time and space. In his work, Mintz developed a historical and a Marxist/materialist approach that also bore the mark of his training in US cultural anthropology. The articles in this AE Forum explain Mintz's place in the history of anthropology and suggest influences in the formation of his thought. They also show how Mintz's legacy consists of providing models that inspire future ethnographic and historical investigations. [Sidney Mintz, anthropology, Marxism, history of anthropology, historical approaches to anthropology, Caribbean]

En una carrera profesional que abarcó seis décadas, Sidney Mintz (1922‐2015) ejerció una influencia enorme sobre la antropología, la historia, los estudios caribeños, la ciencia del alimento y el estudio interdisciplinar de la circulación de las mercancías a través del tiempo y del espacio. En su obra, Mintz tuvo un enfoque histórico y marxista/materialista que refleja al mismo tiempo su formación en la antropología estadounidense. Los artículos de este fórum AE explican la posición de Mintz en la historia de la antropología y sugieren influencias sobre el desarrollo de su pensamiento. Muestran también cómo el legado de Mintz fue proporcionar modelos de inspiración para futuras investigaciones etnográficas e históricas. [Sidney W. Mintz, antropología, marxismo, historia de la antropología, abordos históricos a la antropología, Caribe]

Au cours d'une carrière professionnelle qui dura six décennies, Sidney Mintz (1922‐2015) exerça une énorme influence sur l'anthropologie, l'histoire, les études caribéennes, les études sur l'alimentation et l'analyse interdisciplinaire de la circulation des marchandises à travers le temps et l'espace. Dans son œuvre, Mintz développa une démarche historique et marxiste/matérialiste qui porte également l'empreinte de sa formation en sein de l'anthropologie étasunienne. Les articles de ce Forum AE expliquent la position de Mintz dans l'histoire de l'anthropologie et identifient les influences sur le développement de sa pensée. Ils montrent aussi que l'héritage de Mintz offre des modèles pour l'avenir des travaux ethnographiques et historiques. [Sidney Mintz, anthropologie, marxisme, histoire de l'anthropologie, démarches historiques en anthropologie, Antilles]
Insulin resistance in pregnant women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome, and measures of body composition in offspring at birth and three years of age
Authors: Finnbogadóttir Sara K. , Glintborg Dorte , Jensen Tina K. , Kyhl Henriette B. , Nohr Ellen A. , Andersen Marianne
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with obesity and insulin resistance in the non‐pregnant state, but little is known about insulin sensitivity in the pregnant state. Our objective was to compare insulin resistance in pregnant women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome and explore the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on body composition in offspring at birth and at three years of age.

Material and methods

A prospective cohort study including 2548 live‐born singleton mother–child pairs residing in Odense municipality, Denmark, during 2010–2013. Of the 2548 women, 241 (9.4%) had polycystic ovary syndrome.

Results

Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance assessments were comparable in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome. However, the subgroup of overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome had significantly higher levels of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance than overweight women without polycystic ovary syndrome (mean ± 2 SD): 4.4 (3.1) vs. 3.6 (3.4), p = 0.004. Maternal polycystic ovary syndrome did not affect offspring birthweight after accounting for age. However, polycystic ovary syndrome, adjusted for maternal body mass index, was associated with increased body mass index at three years of age (mean ± 2 SD): 16.0 (2.2) vs. 15.7 (2.1) kg/m2, p = 0.04.

Conclusion

In our cohort, maternal polycystic ovary syndrome was not associated with insulin resistance after correcting for body mass index and was not an independent predictor of offspring birthweight. However, both polycystic ovary syndrome and high maternal body mass index may increase risk of childhood obesity at three years of age.
Letter: Helicobacter pylori in lean and obese patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kountouras J. , Polyzos S. A. , Katsinelos P. , Doulberis M. , Zavos C. , Kazakos E. , Boziki M. , Tzivras D. , Kotronis G.
Published: August 2017

Linked Content

This article should be linked to Sookoian and Pirola paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14112.
Editorial: probiotics in inflammatory bowel disease—wrong organisms, wrong disease, or flawed concepts? Authors’ reply
Authors: Gracie D. J. , Derwa Y. , Hamlin P. J. , Ford A. C.
Published: August 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Shanahan and Derwa et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14230 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14203.
Editorial: faecal microbiota transplantation for ulcerative colitis—not quite there yet? Authors’ reply
Authors: Costello S. P. , Soo W. , Bryant R. V. , Jairath V. , Hart A. L. , Andrews J. M.
Published: August 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Lim and Radford‐Smith and Costello et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14228 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14173.
Caught in a communicative catch‐22? Translating the notion of CSR as shared value creation in a Danish CSR frontrunner
Authors: Høvring Christiane Marie
Published: August 2017

There is a growing interest in how the notion of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as shared value creation is translated in Scandinavia. However, current research seems to disregard that the specific institutional context is ambiguous, enabling the organization, and its internal stakeholders to translate the institutional logics into contradictory meanings of CSR as shared value creation. Building on the institutional logics perspective and the metaphor of translation, and framed within a case study of a Danish CSR frontrunner, this paper explores how the notion of CSR as shared value creation is translated at both the organizational and individual level through discourse. The study shows that the organization and its internal stakeholders employ different strategies to reconcile the institutional logics of ethics and economy, suggesting that the translation processes are a complex communicative matter of continuously balancing the contradictory institutional logics to maintain legitimacy in the eyes of external stakeholders.
An external perspective on CSR: What matters and what does not?
Authors: Vashchenko Marina
Published: August 2017

The paper aims at investigating external factors influencing organizational corporate social responsibility (CSR)‐related decision making. Two theoretical perspectives—stakeholder theory and institutional theory—have been applied to compile a list of external factors that might affect a company's CSR choices. As a result, a framework built on the government‐related, society‐related, and business‐related groups of external factors is being suggested. This framework is used in the paper to answer (a) to what extent do different external factors influence CSR‐related decisions in large Danish companies and (b) how has that influence changed over the years. The research takes a qualitative approach and is designed as a multiple‐case study. Empirically, the paper relies on data collected from semi‐structured interviews with CSR specialists and managers and presents a dynamic perspective on the pressure exercised by the external factors on CSR decisions and choices.
Protein astrogliopathies in human neurodegenerative diseases and aging
Authors: Kovacs Gabor G. , Lee Virginia M. , Trojanowski John Q.
Published: August 2017

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive dysfunction and loss of neurons associated with depositions of pathologically altered proteins showing hierarchical involvement of brain regions. The role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases is explored as contributors to neuronal degeneration or neuroprotection pathways, and also as potential mediators of the transcellular spreading of disease‐associated proteins. Protein astrogliopathy (PAG), including deposition of amyloid‐β, prion protein, tau, α‐synuclein, and very rarely transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) is not unprecedented or unusual in neurodegenerative diseases. Morphological characterization of PAG is considered, however, only for the neuropathological diagnosis and classification of tauopathies. Astrocytic tau pathology is seen in primary frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) associated with tau pathologies (FTLD‐Tau), and also in the form of aging‐related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG). Importantly, ARTAG shares common features with primary FTLD‐Tau as well as with the astroglial tau pathologies that are thought to be hallmarks of a brain injury‐related tauopathy known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Supported by experimental observations, the morphological variability of PAG might reflect distinct pathogenic involvement of different astrocytic populations. PAG might indicate astrocytic contribution to spreading or clearance of disease‐associated proteins, however, this might lead to astrocytic dysfunction and eventually contribute to the degeneration of neurons. Here, we review recent advances in understanding ARTAG and other related forms of PAG.
Stratification of astrocytes in healthy and diseased brain
Authors: Verkhratsky Alexei , Zorec Robert , Parpura Vladimir
Published: August 2017

Astrocytes, a subtype of glial cells, come in variety of forms and functions. However, overarching role of these cell is in the homeostasis of the brain, be that regulation of ions, neurotransmitters, metabolism or neuronal synaptic networks. Loss of homeostasis represents the underlying cause of all brain disorders. Thus, astrocytes are likely involved in most if not all of the brain pathologies. We tabulate astroglial homeostatic functions along with pathological condition that arise from dysfunction of these glial cells. Classification of astrocytes is presented with the emphasis on evolutionary trails, morphological appearance and numerical preponderance. We note that, even though astrocytes from a variety of mammalian species share some common features, human astrocytes appear to be the largest and most complex of all astrocytes studied thus far. It is then an imperative to develop humanized models to study the role of astrocytes in brain pathologies, which is perhaps most abundantly clear in the case of glioblastoma multiforme.
Suppression of acute and anticipatory nausea by peripherally restricted fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor in animal models: role of PPARα and CB1 receptors
Authors: Rock Erin M , Moreno‐Sanz Guillermo , Limebeer Cheryl L , Petrie Gavin N , Angelini Roberto , Piomelli Daniele , Parker Linda A
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose

Effective treatments of nausea are limited. In this study we evaluated the ability of the peripherally restricted fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, URB937, to suppress acute and anticipatory nausea in rats and examined the pharmacological mechanism of this effect.

Experimental Approach

We investigated the potential of URB937 (administered i.p.) to reduce the establishment of lithium chloride‐induced conditioned gaping (model of acute nausea) and to reduce the expression of contextually‐elicited conditioned gaping (model of anticipatory nausea) in rats. The role of CB1 receptors, CB2 receptors and PPARα in the anti‐nausea effect of URB937 was examined. The potential of URB937 to suppress FAAH activity in tissue collected from the area postrema (AP), prefrontal cortex (PFC), liver and duodenum and to elevate levels of FAAH substrates – anandamide (AEA), N‐oleoylethanolamide (OEO) and N‐palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) – in the AP was also evaluated.

Key Results

URB937 reduced acute nausea by a PPARα‐dependent mechanism and reduced anticipatory nausea by a CB1 receptor‐dependent mechanism. The PPARα agonist, GW7647, similarly attenuated acute nausea. URB937 reduced FAAH activity in the liver and the duodenum but not in the PFC. In addition, URB937 reduced FAAH activity and elevated levels of fatty‐acid ethanolamides in the AP, a brain region that is not protected by the blood–brain barrier.

Conclusions and Implications

The anti‐nausea action of URB937 may occur in the AP and may involve PPARα to suppress acute nausea and CB1 receptors to suppress anticipatory nausea.
Adjoint Map Representation for Shape Analysis and Matching
Authors: Huang Ruqi , Ovsjanikov Maks
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we propose to consider the adjoint operators of functional maps, and demonstrate their utility in several tasks in geometry processing. Unlike a functional map, which represents a correspondence simply using the pull‐back of function values, the adjoint operator reflects both the map and its distortion with respect to given inner products. We argue that this property of adjoint operators and especially their relation to the map inverse under the choice of different inner products, can be useful in applications including bi‐directional shape matching, shape exploration, and pointwise map recovery among others. In particular, in this paper, we show that the adjoint operators can be used within the cycle‐consistency framework to encode and reveal the presence or lack of consistency between distortions in a collection, in a way that is complementary to the previously used purely map‐based consistency measures. We also show how the adjoint can be used for matching pairs of shapes, by accounting for maps in both directions, can help in recovering point‐to‐point maps from their functional counterparts, and describe how it can shed light on the role of functional basis selection.
Fast Planar Harmonic Deformations with Alternating Tangential Projections
Authors: Hefetz Eden Fedida , Chien Edward , Weber Ofir
Published: August 2017

We present a planar harmonic cage‐based deformation method with local injectivity and bounded distortion guarantees, that is significantly faster than state‐of‐the‐art methods with similar guarantees, and allows for real‐time interaction. With a convex proxy for a near‐convex characterization of the bounded distortion harmonic mapping space from [LW16], we utilize a modified alternating projection method (referred to as ATP) to project to this proxy. ATP draws inspiration from [KABL15] and restricts every other projection to lie in a tangential hyperplane. In contrast to [KABL15], our convex setting allows us to show that ATP is provably convergent (and is locally injective). Compared to the standard alternating projection method, it demonstrates superior convergence in fewer iterations, and it is also embarrassingly parallel, allowing for straightforward GPU implementation. Both of these factors combine to result in unprecedented speed. The convergence proof generalizes to arbitrary pairs of intersecting convex sets, suggesting potential use in other applications. Additional theoretical results sharpen the near‐convex characterization that we use and demonstrate that it is homeomorphic to the bounded distortion harmonic mapping space (instead of merely being bijective).
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by isobornyl acrylate in Freestyle® Libre, a newly introduced glucose sensor
Authors: Herman Anne , Aerts Olivier , Baeck Marie , Bruze Magnus , De Block Christophe , Goossens An , Hamnerius Nils , Huygens Sara , Maiter Dominique , Tennstedt Dominique , Vandeleene Bernard , Mowitz Martin
Published: August 2017

Background

Glucose sensors, such as FreeStyle® Libre, are innovative medical devices developed for diabetes patients as a replacement for classic glucose meters, ensuring continuous glucose monitoring without the disadvantage of regular skin finger pricks.

Objectives

To report several cases of allergic contact dermatitis caused by FreeStyle® Libre, and to report on isobornyl acrylate as a culprit allergen.

Patients and Methods

Fifteen patients presented with allergic contact dermatitis caused by FreeStyle® Libre. All but 1 were patch tested with a baseline series, and with pieces and/or ultrasonic bath extracts of (the adhesive part of) the glucose sensor. Isobornyl acrylate was patch tested, in various concentrations and vehicles, in 13 patients. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) of the sensors was performed.

Results

All patients reacted to the adhesive part of the sensor, and 12 patients were shown to be sensitized to isobornyl acrylate. Simultaneous reactions to other allergens were rarely observed. GC‐MS showed the presence of isobornyl acrylate in the sensors.

Conclusions

Cases of allergic contact dermatitis caused by FreeStyle® Libre are increasingly being observed, and isobornyl acrylate is a relevant culprit allergen. Cross‐reactivity to other acrylates was infrequently observed, but other, hitherto unidentified, contact allergens may still be present in the device.
Pregnancy outcomes and impact of pregnancy on graft function in women after kidney transplantation
Authors: Mohammadi F.A. , Borg M. , Gulyani A. , McDonald S.P. , Jesudason S.
Published: August 2017

Background

Kidney transplantation facilitates pregnancy in women with end‐stage kidney disease; however, the impact of pregnancy on short and longer‐term graft function is uncertain.

Methods

Obstetric, fetal, and graft outcomes for pregnancies from a large Australian transplant unit (1976‐2015) were reviewed.

Results

There were 56 pregnancies in 35 women with mean age at conception 30.4 ± 0.6 years and mean transplant‐pregnancy interval 5.5 ± 0.5 years. The live birth rate was 78.9%. Preterm birth (<37 weeks) occurred in 56.5%. Hypertensive disorders affected 76% of women (pre‐eclampsia in 30%). Median prepregnancy serum creatinine (SCr) was 100 μmol/L (interquartile range (IQR), 80, 114 μmol/L). One‐third had deterioration in graft dysfunction during pregnancy; of these, 63.2% did not return to baseline. At 2 years post‐partum, median SCr was 96.4 μmol/L (IQR, 81.5‐124.3). Women with prepregnancy SCr > 110 μmol/L had increased risk of pre‐eclampsia (OR 4.4; 95% CI 1.2‐16.8; P = .03), but not preterm birth (OR 5.4; 95% CI 0.5‐53; P = .04) or low birth‐weight babies (OR 1.2; 95% CI 0.5‐2.9; P = .04). Women with SCr > 140 μmol/L preconception had worst SCr trajectory, including higher rates of graft loss.

Conclusions

Kidney transplantation pregnancies remain at high risk of obstetric complications, particularly pre‐eclampsia. Prepregnancy graft function can be used to predict risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and deterioration in graft function during and after delivery.
Assessing the application of knowledge in clinical problem‐solving: The structured professional reasoning exercise
Authors: Escudier M. P. , Woolford M. J. , Tricio J. A.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Clinical reasoning is a fundamental and core clinical competence of healthcare professionals. The study aimed to investigate the utility of the Structured Professional Reasoning Exercise (SPRE), a new competence assessment method designed to measure dental students’ clinical reasoning in simulated scenarios, covering the clinical areas of Oral Disease, Primary Dental Care and Restorative Dentistry, Child Dental Health and Dental Practice and Clinical Governance.

Materials and Methods

A total of 313 year‐5 students sat for the assessment. Students spent 45 minutes assimilating the scenarios, before rotating through four pairs of 39 trained examiners who each independently assessed a single scenario over a ten‐minute period, using a structured marking sheet. After the assessment, all students and examiners were invited to complete an anonymous perception questionnaire of the exercise. These questionnaires and the examination scores were statistically analysed.

Results and Discussion

Oral Disease showed the lowest scores; Dental Practice and Governance the highest. The overall Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was 0.770, whilst examiner training helped to increase the ICC from 0.716 in 2013 to 0.835 in 2014. Exploratory factor analysis revealed one major factor with an eigenvalue of 2.75 (68.8% of total variance). The Generalizability coefficient was consistent at 0.806. A total of 295 students and 32 examiners completed the perception questionnaire. Students’ lowest examination perceptions were an “Unpleasant” and “Unenjoyable” experience, whilst the highest were “Interesting”, “Valuable” and “Important”. The majority of students and examiners reported the assessment as acceptable, fair and valid.

Conclusion

The SPRE offers a reliable, valid and acceptable assessment method, provided it comprises at least four scenarios with two independently marking and trained assessors. 3.
Lacosamide in the treatment of patients with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities: A long‐term study of 136 patients
Authors: Böttcher Stefan , Lutz Martin T. , Mayer Thomas
Published: August 2017

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the retention rate of lacosamide (LCM) in patients with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities (IDs), to identify factors influencing retention rate, and to investigate the LCM retention rate with and without concomitant sodium channel blocker (SCB). We hypothesized that the retention rate of LCM with concomitant SCB would be lower than without SCB.

Methods

Using the Kaplan‐Meier estimator, we conducted a monocentric, retrospective, observational, open‐label study to evaluate LCM retention rates in patients with IDs and drug‐resistant epilepsy. In addition, the impact of therapy‐related variables on the long‐term retention of LCM was evaluated.

Results

One hundred thirty‐six subjects with IDs and drug‐resistant epilepsy were included (age 2–66 years); most patients had focal epilepsy. Long‐term retention rates were 62.0% at 1 year, 43.7% at 2 years, and 29.1% at 3 and 4 years. Reasons for LCM discontinuation included insufficient therapeutic benefits (69%), adverse events (11%), or a combination of both factors (8%). The LCM retention rate was influenced by the number of background antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). An additional and independent influence of concomitant therapy with SCB on retention rate could not be confirmed.

Significance

One of the major challenges in medically caring for patients with epilepsy and IDs is the high rate of drug resistance. However, there is a lack of evidence‐based information about the efficacy and tolerability of AEDs in this population. It has been shown that concomitant SCB use is a key factor in increasing the risk of LCM failure in children with epilepsy. This finding has not been replicated in our predominantly adult sample of patients with IDs.
Detecting the “invisible fraction” bias in resurrection experiments
Authors: Weis Arthur E.
Published: August 2017

The resurrection approach is a powerful tool for estimating phenotypic evolution in response to global change. Ancestral generations, revived from dormant propagules, are grown side by side with descendent generations in the same environment. Phenotypic differences between the generations can be attributed to genetic change over time. Project Baseline was established to capitalize on this potential in flowering plants. Project participants collected, froze, and stored seed from 10 or more natural populations of 61 North American plant species. These will be made available in the future for resurrection experiments. One problem with this approach can arise if nonrandom mortality during storage biases the estimate of ancestral mean phenotype, which in turn would bias the estimate of evolutionary change. This bias—known as the “invisible fraction” problem—can arise if seed traits that affect survival during storage and revival are genetically correlated to postemergence traits of interest. The bias is trivial if seed survival is high. Here, I show that with low seed survival, bias can be either trivial or catastrophic. Serious bias arises when (i) most seeds deaths are selective with regard to the seed traits, and (ii) the genetic correlations between the seed and postemergence traits are strong. An invisible fraction bias can be diagnosed in seed collections that are family structured. A correlation between the family mean survival rate and the family mean of a focal postemergence trait indicates that seed mortality was not random with respect to genes affecting the focal trait, biasing the sample mean. Fortunately, family structure was incorporated into the sampling scheme for the Project Baseline collection, which will allow bias detection. New and developing statistical procedures that can incorporate genealogical information into the analysis of resurrection experiments may enable bias correction.
Dermatographism in a horse, responsive to cetirizine treatment
Authors: van den Brom‐Spierenburg A. J. , Theelen M. J. P. , Sloet van Oldruitenborgh‐Oosterbaan M. M.
Published: August 2017

Dermatographism is a common condition in man that occurs when pressure is applied to the skin and mast cells are triggered to release histamine, causing local urticarial lesions. This case report concerns a 4‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding that was presented with pressure induced urticaria. Moderate pressure on the skin induced nonpruritic urticaria‐like swelling after approximately 3–5 min, which lasted for approximately 2–3 h. Initial treatment with cyproheptadine gave an incomplete response and unacceptable sedation as a side effect. On the second generation antihistamine cetirizine (0.2 mg/kg bwt twice daily), dermatographism was no longer present and no side effects occurred. Treatment was continued for 4 months, with at least three attempts to discontinue therapy resulting in recurrence of lesions within 24 h. Lesions resolved each time within 24 h of recommencing therapy. Dermatographism did not recur after the horse was moved to another location despite discontinuation of therapy. This report describes a case of equine dermatographism responsive to cetirizine.
Improving predictions of tropical forest response to climate change through integration of field studies and ecosystem modeling
Authors: Feng Xiaohui , Uriarte María , González Grizelle , Reed Sasha , Thompson Jill , Zimmerman Jess K. , Murphy Lora
Published: August 2017

Tropical forests play a critical role in carbon and water cycles at a global scale. Rapid climate change is anticipated in tropical regions over the coming decades and, under a warmer and drier climate, tropical forests are likely to be net sources of carbon rather than sinks. However, our understanding of tropical forest response and feedback to climate change is very limited. Efforts to model climate change impacts on carbon fluxes in tropical forests have not reached a consensus. Here, we use the Ecosystem Demography model (ED2) to predict carbon fluxes of a Puerto Rican tropical forest under realistic climate change scenarios. We parameterized ED2 with species‐specific tree physiological data using the Predictive Ecosystem Analyzer workflow and projected the fate of this ecosystem under five future climate scenarios. The model successfully captured interannual variability in the dynamics of this tropical forest. Model predictions closely followed observed values across a wide range of metrics including aboveground biomass, tree diameter growth, tree size class distributions, and leaf area index. Under a future warming and drying climate scenario, the model predicted reductions in carbon storage and tree growth, together with large shifts in forest community composition and structure. Such rapid changes in climate led the forest to transition from a sink to a source of carbon. Growth respiration and root allocation parameters were responsible for the highest fraction of predictive uncertainty in modeled biomass, highlighting the need to target these processes in future data collection. Our study is the first effort to rely on Bayesian model calibration and synthesis to elucidate the key physiological parameters that drive uncertainty in tropical forests responses to climatic change. We propose a new path forward for model‐data synthesis that can substantially reduce uncertainty in our ability to model tropical forest responses to future climate.
Suburban commuting and activity spaces: using smartphone tracking data to understand the spatial extent of travel behaviour
Authors: Vich Guillem , Marquet Oriol , Miralles‐Guasch Carme
Published: August 2017

This study explores the spatial extent of daily mobility by analysing the activity spaces of suburban commuters. It deepens knowledge of the transport‐related consequences of functionally segregated areas within metropolitan regions, detecting the most significant factors (personal and environmental) affecting the size of activity spaces of people with a suburban commute. Additionally, a comparison between new and traditional calculation methods of activity spaces has been carried out. To enable this, an app was developed for smartphones enabled with a global positioning system (GPS) in order to obtain accurate tracking data for 233 members of the Autonomous University of Barcelona in the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona, Spain. Results show that spatio‐temporal factors together with socioeconomic factors, such as the professional role, are strong determinants of the size of activity spaces. Moreover, differences between public and private transport modes of commuting were minimal, proving the potential of public transport as a non‐restricting means of transport even in suburban environments. Finally, the comparative analysis between calculation methods highlight that new methods produce more realistic representations of the spatial extent of everyday life, and different sets of explanatory factors emerge for activity spaces measured in different ways.
The impact of supplementation with Rhagodia preissii and Atriplex nummularia on wool production, mineral balance and enteric methane emissions of Merino sheep
Authors: Li X. , Norman H. C. , Hendry J. K. , Hulm E. , Young P. , Speijers J. , Wilmot M. G.
Published: August 2017

The Australian perennial shrubs, oldman saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) and rhagodia (Rhagodia preissii), can complement the diets of sheep grazing moderate‐quality cereal residues. We compared liveweight change, organic matter digestibility, nitrogen and mineral balance, wool growth and methane emissions of Merino wethers offered oaten hay (OMD 622 g kg−1 DM; N 9.74 g kg−1 DM) with and without shrub biomass (substituted at 25% of OM). Diets were fed at restricted levels for 1 month. Substituting hay with shrub biomass significantly decreased liveweight loss, increased clean wool growth and increased apparent absorption of phosphorus compared to the hay alone. Substitution of hay with both saltbush and rhagodia led to over 23% greater clean wool growth. Nitrogen balance and apparent digestion of organic matter, calcium and magnesium did not vary significantly between animals on the diets. Wethers on the rhagodia and hay diets had similar enteric methane emissions, while animals offered the saltbush diet had significantly higher emissions (L/OM intake). When methane is expressed in terms of wool growth, animals on the rhagodia diet produced 26% less methane for every gram of wool.
Nongenetically modified Lactococcus lactis‐adjuvanted vaccination enhanced innate immunity against Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Liu Wei , Tan Zhoulin , Liu Hai , Zeng Zhiqin , Luo Shuanghui , Yang Huimin , Zheng Lufeng , Xi Tao , Xing Yingying
Published: August 2017

Background

Gram‐positive enhancer matrix particles (GEM) produced by Lactococcus lactis can enhance vaccine‐induced immune response. However, the mechanism under which this adjuvant mounts the efficacy of orally administered vaccines remains unexplored.

Materials and Methods

We used a prophylactic mice model to investigate the mechanism of GEM‐adjuvanted vaccination. Helicobacter pylori urease‐specific antibody response was monitored and detected in murine serum by ELISA. Urease‐specific splenic cytokine profile was examined. Gastric inflammatory responses were measured on day 43 or 71 by quantitative real‐time PCR, flow cytometry and histology.

Results

We found that GEM enhanced the efficiency of oral H. pylori vaccine by promoting innate immunity. The vaccine CUE‐GEM composed of GEM particles and recombinant antigen CTB‐UE provided protection of immunized mice against H. pylori insult. The protective response was associated with induction of postimmunization gastritis and local Th1/Th17 cell‐medicated immune response. We showed that innate inflammatory responses including neutrophil chemokines CXCL1‐2, neutrophils, and antimicrobial proteins S100A8 and MUC1 were significantly elevated. Within all infected mice, S100A8 and MUC1 levels were negatively correlated with H. pylori burden. Strikingly, mice receiving GEM also show reduction of colonization, possibly through natural host response pathways to recruit CD4+ T cells and promote S100A8 expression.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that GEM‐based vaccine may impact Th1/Th17 immunity to orchestrate innate immune response against H. pylori infection.
Identifying reasons, gaps and prevalence of diaper usage in an acute hospital
Authors: Tsang Lap Fung , Sham So Yuen Alice , Chan Sau Kuen
Published: August 2017

Are diaper usage overused in acute hospital settings? Are there ways to avoid unnecessary diaper usage? This study aimed to identify the prevalence of diaper usage and the reasons of using diaper as well as to suggest strategies to avoid unnecessary use of diaper. Diaper is widely used for patients in hospitals worldwide but is seldom to be report its prevalence. Some patients with medical issues need to use diaper but some who do not have those problems are still given a diaper to wear once admitted. This is a cross‐sectional prevalence survey study from 24 wards covering 3 major departments between 19 and 26 October 2016. Data were sourced from different means such as documents and interviewing patients/relative, nursing and nursing supporting staff. The study was approved by cluster general manager (nursing) who supported the study to improve patient care. The overall prevalence rate of diaper usage during admission was 37·9%. The top four reasons of diaper usage in all departments were faecal/urinary incontinence, poor patient condition, confusion and poor mobilization which accounted for 38, 15, 10 and 8% respectively. A total of 53 patients of those who had not used diapers before admission but were given diapers to wear, reported reasons as having poor mobilization and lower limb weakness. This is the first study ever to explore the prevalence and reasons of diaper usage in Hong Kong. Different reasons to use diapers after admission but patients did not use diaper upon admission could be identified in various department. A clinical guideline on proper use of diaper that identified some gaps of the prevailing practice and possible solutions was suggested to improve clinical practice.
To stay or to return? Return migration intentions of Moroccans in Italy
Authors: Paparusso Angela , Ambrosetti Elena
Published: August 2017

Using data from the Statistics on Income and living conditions of families with migrants carried out by ISTAT in 2009, we empirically examine the effect of micro level determinants on Moroccans’ return migration intentions. Although Moroccans living in Italy do not have a clear aspiration to return, the socio‐economic and work conditions in Italy determine their migration intentions. Furthermore, our research led us to argue that macro‐level determinants should also be considered. In particular, emigration, immigration and integration policies represent key elements in the analysis of the dilemma between to stay or to return. Therefore, the promotion of long‐term immigration policies, which allow the achievement of a permanent residence in the host country, combined with institutional reforms, which make the origin country socially, economically and politically more attractive for migrants are essential to complete the debate about to stay or to return.
Back Pay for Trafficked Migrant Workers: An Indonesian Case Study
Authors: Palmer Wayne
Published: August 2017

In 2015 the International Organization for Migration (IOM) identified almost 1,200 trafficked migrants working in slave‐like conditions on fishing boats in East Indonesia. The IOM helped the migrants and offered to cover the cost of repatriation to their countries of citizenship. The Indonesian government appreciated the financial support, not least because the victims’ embassies refused to pay. But most victims in one location refused to return to their home country without the wages owed to them by their trafficker‐cum‐employers. IOM policy states that migrants are eligible to use the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) service if they are unable or unwilling to remain in the host country. But another condition is that migrants must use the services voluntarily. The IOM could not force the migrants to leave the country, and national law prevented the Indonesian government from deporting the migrants because the IOM had identified them as victims of trafficking.