bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Genetics of Aortopathies in Clinical Cardiology
Authors: Goyal Amit , Keramati Ali R , Czarny Matthew J , Resar Jon R , Mani Arya
Published: May 2017

Aortopathies pose a significant healthcare burden due to excess early mortality, increasing incidence, and underdiagnosis. Understanding the underlying genetic causes, early diagnosis, timely surveillance, prophylactic repair, and family screening are keys to addressing these diseases. Next-generation sequencing continues to expand our understanding of the genetic causes of heritable aortopathies, rapidly clarifying their underlying molecular pathophysiology and suggesting new potential therapeutic targets. This review will summarize the pathogenetic mechanisms and management of heritable genetic aortopathies with attention to specific forms of both syndromic and nonsyndromic disorders, including Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection.
Post-acute Care for Children and Youth in Texas, 2011-2014
Authors: Phillips Charles D , Truong Chau , Kum Hye-Chung , Nwaiwu Obioma , Ohsfeldt Robert
Published: May 2017

Little is known about services provided to children and youth (C/Y) discharged from an acute care facility. Recent research has provided a foundation for efforts to supplement or complement that early work. This research investigates post-acute care (PAC) in Texas. It focuses on what differentiates those discharges that receive PAC from those that do not and on what differentiates those C/Y who receive PAC in a health care facility from those who receive home health services. The results show that only 6.4% of discharges involving C/Y receive PAC and that many factors affected the 2 issues under investigation quite differently. These results clearly demonstrate the low prevalence of PAC use for C/Y and the clear preference of using PAC home health in this population.
Targeting rents: Global taxes on natural resources
Authors: Reitberger Magnus
Published: May 2017

In the debate on global justice, proposals to tax natural resources in order to reduce global poverty and fund other worthwhile objectives have attracted scholarly attention and controversy. In this article, I argue that this debate can be advanced by more clearly focusing on natural resource rents rather than resources themselves or the undifferentiated stream of benefits they generate. I argue that taxes on natural resource rents cannot be reasonably rejected by either side in this debate, and that the arguments typically used to resist distributive claims to natural resources either have no relevance when it comes to rents, or actually support such taxes.
MAP-IT: A Practical Tool for Planning Complex Behavior Modification Interventions
Authors: Hansen Sylvia , Kanning Martina , Lauer Romy , Steinacker Jürgen M. , Schlicht Wolfgang
Published: May 2017

Health research often aims to prevent noncommunicable diseases and to improve individual and public health by discovering intervention strategies that are effective in changing behavior and/or environments that are detrimental to one’s health. Ideally, findings from original research support practitioners in planning and implementing effective interventions. Unfortunately, interventions often fail to overcome the translational block between science and practice. They often ignore theoretical knowledge, overlook empirical evidence, and underrate the impact of the environment. Accordingly, sustainable changes in individual behavior and/or the environment are difficult to achieve. Developing theory-driven and evidence-based interventions in the real world is a complex task. Existing implementation frameworks and theories often do not meet the needs of health practitioners. The purpose of this article is to synthesize existing frameworks and to provide a tool, the Matrix Assisting Practitioner’s Intervention Planning Tool (MAP-IT), that links research to practice and helps practitioners to design multicomponent interventions. In this article, we use physical activity of older adults as an example to explain the rationale of MAP-IT. In MAP-IT, individual as well as environmental mechanisms are listed and behavior change techniques are linked to these mechanisms and to intervention components. MAP-IT is theory-driven and evidence-based. It is time-saving and helpful for practitioners when planning complex interventions.
Feeling alive: Voices of incarcerated youth in We Are Alive
Authors: Tang Denise Tse-Shang
Published: May 2017

This article presents a case study of a documentary film to demonstrate the need to look beyond conventions for insight into youth incarceration. Yau Ching’s (2010) We Are Alive documents a series of media production workshops conducted in juvenile correctional centres and training centres in Hong Kong, Macao and Sapporo, Japan. We Are Alive is a significant media text for analysis for two reasons. First, it is a youth-led documentary that offers a glimpse into settings that are often inaccessible to researchers, and second, it adopts a comparative perspective on three East Asian societies. The film offers rich data for sociological analysis as a point of access to understanding the lives of young people detained in correctional institutions in Asia. In analysing it, this article engages the contesting issues of social conformity, criminal justice, youth resistance and teenage masculinities and femininities through a close reading informed by a theoretical matrix comprising queer theory and cultural studies in an inter-Asian context.
Changes in journalism in two post-authoritarian non-Western countries
Authors: Obijiofor Levi , Murray Richard , Singh Shailendra B.
Published: May 2017

There have been significant changes in journalistic practices in various countries over the years. Yet little is known about the nature of changes in journalism in transitional developing countries following military rule. Drawing on email surveys of journalists in Nigeria and Fiji, two countries with recent histories of military dictatorship that are rarely examined in the research literature, this comparative study investigates journalistic practices in the two countries. Results show that in Nigeria, the transition from military rule to democratic system of government in May 1999 and the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act in 2011 have ushered in significant changes in the way journalism is practised. However, there remains an adversarial relationship between the government and journalists. In Fiji, the 2006 coup, the fourth in the country’s history, led to a more restrictive environment for journalists, despite democratic elections in 2014. Under pressure, journalists are rethinking their roles, with some now considering ‘development journalism’ as a legitimate journalistic genre. These findings contribute to our understanding of journalistic practices in non-Western cultures following transition from military rule to democracy.
An Alternative ‘Roman Spectacle’: Fragmentation, Invocations of Theatre, and Audience Engagement Strategy in Kalem’s 1907 Ben-Hur
Authors: Chow-Kambitsch Emily
Published: May 2017

This article addresses the dual function of early twentieth-century film adaptations as both ‘fragmented’ narrative derivations of nineteenth-century literary and theatrical sources, and as complete, alternative narratives in themselves. This idea will be explored in a case study of the Kalem Company’s 1907 film adaptation of Lew Wallace’s historical novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880), read against the simultaneously circulating Klaw and Erlanger melodrama Ben-Hur (1899–1920). The thematic structure of the Kalem film as pure spectacle resisted the Christian moral initiative central to Wallace’s novel and the Klaw and Erlanger drama, inviting audiences to experience new patterns of emotional engagement with the story. Yet, compositional aspects of the Kalem film (chiefly in staging and acting style) appear to be clear invocations of theatre, demonstrating a fragmentation of expressive techniques in their adaptation from stage to screen, from one story version to another, and from one century to another.
Efficacy of direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column (PMX-DHP) in rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonias: results of a historical control study and a review of previous studies
Authors: Ichiyasu Hidenori , Horio Yuko , Masunaga Aiko , Migiyama Yohei , Sakamoto Yasumiko , Jodai Takayuki , Ideguchi Hideharu , Okabayashi Hiroko , Hamada Shohei , Yoshida Chieko , Hirosako Susumu , Okamoto Shinichiro , Kohrogi Hirotsugu
Published: May 2017

Background:

Direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column (PMX-DHP) therapy has been approved for sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome, but its efficacy for other rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonias (RPIPs) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of PMX-DHP therapy for acute respiratory failure in patients with RPIPs, when compared with a historical control receiving conventional treatment without PMX-DHP.

Methods:

This study comprised 77 patients with RPIPs in our institute between January 2002 and December 2015. The initial 36 patients between January 2002 and March 2007 were treated without PMX-DHP (historical control group), and the following 41 patients between April 2007 and December 2015 were treated with PMX-DHP (PMX-DHP group) once daily for two successive days concurrently with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive agents. The 90-day mortality and clinical factors were compared between the groups. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to analyze 90-day mortality and identify predictors.

Results:

The 90-day mortality rate was significantly lower in the PMX-DHP group than in the controls (41.5% versus 66.7%, p = 0.019). PMX-DHP therapy was significantly associated with mortality (hazard ratio 0.505; 95% confidence interval, 0.270–0.904; p = 0.032). There were significant differences in the serial changes in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, SOFA score, and blood neutrophil counts from days 0–5 after PMX-DHP between the survivor and non-survivor groups ( p = 0.015, p < 0.001, p = 0.035, respectively). The improved PaO2/FiO2 ratio on day 3 significantly correlated with the change in blood neutrophil counts (rs = −0.431, p = 0.006).

Conclusions:

PMX-DHP therapy may be effective in RPIPs patients accompanied by acute respiratory failure and is expected to reduce mortality rates.
Epidemiology of Shoulder Dislocations in High School and Collegiate Athletics in the United States: 2004/2005 Through 2013/2014
Authors: Kraeutler Matthew J. , Currie Dustin W. , Kerr Zachary Y. , Roos Karen G. , McCarty Eric C. , Comstock R. Dawn
Published: May 2017

Background:

Shoulder dislocations occur frequently in athletes across a variety of sports. This study provides an updated descriptive epidemiological analysis of shoulder dislocations among high school and college athletes and compares injury rates and patterns across these age groups.

Hypothesis:

There would be no difference in injury rates/patterns between high school and college athletes.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Shoulder dislocation data from the High School Reporting Information Online (RIO) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance Program (ISP) databases were analyzed from the 2004/2005 through 2013/2014 (NCAA) or 2005/2006 through 2013/2014 (RIO) academic years in 11 different sports. Rate ratios (RRs) and injury proportion ratios (IPRs) were calculated to make comparisons between age groups.

Results:

During the study period, 598 shoulder dislocations were reported during 29,249,482 athlete-exposures (AEs) among high school athletes, for an overall shoulder dislocation rate of 2.04 per 100,000 AEs; 352 shoulder dislocations were reported during 13,629,533 AEs among college athletes, for an overall injury rate of 2.58 per 100,000 AEs. College athletes had a higher rate of shoulder dislocation than high school athletes (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.11-1.44). However, the injury rate in football was lower in collegiate than high school athletes (RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.43-0.62). Surgery was performed to correct 28.0% of high school and 29.6% of college shoulder dislocations. Shoulder dislocations resulted in longer return-to-play times than other shoulder injuries.

Conclusion:

Overall, shoulder dislocation rates were higher among collegiate than high school athletes. This may be due to greater contact forces involved in sports at higher levels of play, although the increased rate in high school football warrants additional research.

Clinical Relevance:

Higher shoulder dislocation rates within collegiate athletics are likely due to the higher level of intensity at this level of play, with stronger and faster athletes resulting in more forceful collisions.
School Nurses on the Front Lines of Medicine: Uppers and Downers: The Approach to the Student With Altered Mental Status
Authors: Patterson Kelly , Brady Jodi , Olympia Robert P.
Published: May 2017

Although a student presenting with altered mental status due to substance use may occur infrequently in the school setting, it is of utmost importance to develop a differential diagnosis and to initiate stabilization of the student. This article describes the initial assessment and management of a student presenting with altered mental status, focusing on the differential diagnosis of altered mental status, on the varying presentations associated with common intoxications and ingestions, and on the screening tools available for the detection of depression and substance use.
Seeing ‘the unseen hand’: Celebrity, promotion and public relations
Authors: Fitch Kate
Published: May 2017

Public relations scholars have largely neglected celebrity public relations. The aim of this article is to explore public relations activity associated with celebrity, in order to better understand day-to-day public relations work and its influence on contemporary culture. Positioning public relations in terms of its cultural intermediary role, this article considers the work of celebrity publicists and public relations agencies that work closely with celebrities. It identifies the increased visibility of public relations in contemporary society, the links between public relations and promotional culture, and public relations’ role in media production and consumption. The findings point to the need to reconceptualise public relations as a promotional practice and call for a renewed focus on the societal impact of public relations activity.
Cardiac Rehabilitation for the Elderly: Qi Gong and Group Discussions
Authors: Stenlund Therese , Lindström Britta , Granlund Marie , Burell Gunilla
Published: May 2017

Background

Over the last decade several studies have shown that patients with coronary artery disease even above the age of 70 can be successfully treated with advanced medical and surgical methods. Unfortunately, rehabilitation programmes for this group are rarely offered. It is important to develop forms of rehabilitation that are adapted to the specific needs of this increasing group of elderly patients. The aim of this randomized study was to investigate whether the combination of Qi Gong and group discussions would increase physical ability for elderly patients ≥ 73 years with coronary artery disease.

Methods

A total of 95 patients (66 men and 29 women), with documented coronary artery disease, were randomized to an intervention group (n = 48) mean age 77 ± 3 (73-82) or to a control group (n = 47) mean age 78 ± 3 (73-84). The intervention groups met weekly over 3 months. The control group got usual care. Physical ability was assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Results

Patients in the intervention group increased their self-estimated level of physical activity (P = 0.011), and their performance in the one-leg stance test for the right leg (P = 0.029), co-ordination (P = 0.021) and the box-climbing test for right leg (P = 0.035).

Conclusion

A combination of Qi Gong and group discussions appear to be a promising rehabilitation for elderly cardiac patients in terms of improving self-reported physical activity, balance and co-ordination. This could be an option for elderly patients who do not participate in the ordinary cardiac rehabilitation. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 12:5-11 © 2005 The European Society of Cardiology
Rosuvastatin is Cost-Effective in Treating Patients to Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Goals Compared with Atorvastatin, Pravastatin and Simvastatin: Analysis of the Stellar Trial
Authors: Hirsch Mark , O'donnell John C. , Jones Peter
Published: May 2017

Background

Rosuvastatin calcium (CRESTOR®) has demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, healthcare providers and authorities require information on its cost-effectiveness in the treatment of dyslipidaemia.

Design

A retrospective pharmacoeconomic analysis was performed using data from the Statin Therapies for Elevated Lipid Levels compared Across doses to Rosuvastatin (STELLAR) trial. The cost-effectiveness of rosuvastatin 10-40 mg was compared with atorvastatin 10-80 mg, pravastatin 10-40 mg and both branded and generic simvastatin 10-80 mg in achieving Third Joint European Task Force LDL-C goals in patients with hypercholesterolaemia.

Methods

The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the UK National Health Service, using clinical data from the STELLAR trial and drug acquisition costs. Cost-effectiveness was compared using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), with sensitivity analyses applied to both efficacy and cost parameters.

Results

In terms of patients achieving goal, rosuvastatin 10 mg dominated (was more effective at equal or lower cost) atorvastatin 10 and 20 mg, pravastatin 20 and 40 mg, branded simvastatin 10-80 mg and generic simvastatin 40 and 80 mg. Where rosuvastatin 10 mg did not dominate, ICERs ranged from £36 to £162 per extra patient to goal. Rosuvastatin 20 and 40 mg were cost-effective compared with milligram-equivalent and higher doses of other branded statins. Sensitivity analyses showed that the results were robust to variations in both statin efficacy and price.

Conclusion

In patients with hypercholesterolaemia, rosuvastatin is a cost-effective statin option in treating to LDL-C goals. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 12:18-28 © 2005 The European Society of Cardiology
Predicting Coronary Risk in UK South Asians: An Adjustment Method for Framingham-Based Tools
Authors: Aarabi Mohsen , Jackson Peter R.
Published: May 2017

Background

Although people of South Asian descent appear to be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to the general population there is no validated tool for predicting risk in this group.

Design

This study was based on an analysis of data from the Health Survey for England (HSE) 1998 and 1999 to identify a simple method for adjusting the Framingham equation to estimate coronary risk in South Asians which could be then applied to existing simple paper-based tools.

Methods

The different adjustments investigated were fixed increments to the age, total cholesterol (TC), and TC: high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio and multipliers for the TC: HDL cholesterol ratio. Framingham risk modified according to a factor derived from an earlier overview of prospective studies was used as a standard to estimate sensitivity and specificity of adjustment methods. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) plot was used to compare the different adjustments in the primary role of identifying individuals above or below a given risk threshold.

Results

All adjustment methods produced a graded monotonic increase of coronary risk in 4497 eligible subjects from the HSE 1998 dataset. Multiplying TC: HDL cholesterol ratio gave the largest area under the ROC curve. However adding 10 years to the age of South Asian people was the simplest way of calculating coronary heart disease risk using paper-based methods and still provided acceptable accuracy.

Conclusion

Our result should be used to achieve the systematic evaluation of each individual for primary prevention of CHD in South Asians in primary care. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 12:46-51 © 2005 The European Society of Cardiology
Can visual assessment of blood flow patterns by dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography distinguish between malignant and benign lung tumors?
Authors: Harders Stefan Walbom , Madsen Hans Henrik , Nellemann Hanne Marie , Rasmussen Torben Riis , Thygesen Jesper , Hager Henrik , Andersen Niels Trolle , Rasmussen Finn
Published: May 2017

Background

Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT) is a tool, which, in theory, can quantify the blood flow and blood volume of tissues. In structured qualitative analysis, parametric color maps yield a visual impression of the blood flow and blood volume within the tissue being studied, allowing for quick identification of the areas with the highest or lowest blood flow and blood volume.

Purpose

To examine whether DCE-CT could be used to distinguish between malignant and benign lung tumors in patients with suspected lung cancer.

Material and Methods

Fifty-nine patients with suspected lung cancer and a lung tumor on their chest radiograph were included for DCE-CT. The tumors were categorized using structured qualitative analysis of tumor blood flow patterns. Histopathology was used as reference standard.

Results

Using structured qualitative analysis of tumor blood flow patterns, it was possible to distinguish between malignant and benign lung tumors (Fisher–Freeman–Halton exact test, P = 0.022). The inter-reader agreement of this method of analysis was slight to moderate (kappa = 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13–0.46).

Conclusion

DCE-CT in suspected lung cancer using structured qualitative analysis of tumor blood flow patterns is accurate as well as somewhat reproducible. However, there are significant limitations to DCE-CT.
Potential factors influencing recovery from concussion in collegiate student-athletes
Authors: Harvey Kayla P , Hall Eric E , Patel Kirtida , Barnes Kenneth P , Ketcham Caroline J
Published: May 2017

Background

Factors including sex, previous diagnosis of migraines, previous diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and a history of concussion may influence the length of recovery from concussion in collegiate student-athletes.

Purpose

To better understand factors that may influence recovery from concussion in collegiate-student athletes.

Methods

A total of 91 student-athletes from a Division I NCAA University who sustained concussions from the fall of 2011 to the spring of 2015 were evaluated. They were considered recovered from their concussion when neurocognitive and symptom scores returned to baseline and they were cleared by their physician. Analyses of variance were conducted to determine if potential factors influenced concussion recovery ( p < .0125).

Results

No significant differences were found for sex (males = 7.4 ± 5.9; females = 8.3 ± 4.8 days; p = 0.417), previous diagnosis of migraines (diagnosis = 8.0 ± 5.7; no diagnosis = 7.8 ± 5.4 days; p = 0.926), or history of concussion (history = 8.3 ± 5.7; no history = 5.6 ± 3.4 days; p = 0.088). However, a significant difference in the length of recovery was found between those with a previous diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and those without (diagnosis = 13.3 ± 7.3; no diagnosis = 7.3 ± 4.9 days; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Student-athletes with Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder show significantly longer recovery from concussions than those without. Further investigation of this and other factors that influence recovery from concussion may help in concussion recovery and return-to-play guidelines that improve student-athlete well-being.
Mentoring in a Cohort Model of Practicum: Mentors and Preservice Teachers’ Experiences in a Rural South African School
Authors: Mukeredzi Tabitha Grace
Published: May 2017

Little is known about mentoring student cohorts from largely urban backgrounds doing practicum at one school, living alongside the community, and sharing residential facilities with teacher educators in a rural context. This article reports Bachelor of Education students’ and mentors’ school-based mentoring experiences during a 4-week residential practicum in a rural setting. Data generated through in-depth group discussions with students and mentors were analyzed using content analysis. Experiences revolved around professional support, lesson observations and feedback, collaboration, and modeling. Notwithstanding that mentors were a source of wisdom in practical knowledge for students, they gained valuable professional knowledge around teaching styles and learner engagement from students. Collaborations rejuvenated mentor practices and stimulated their reflection, enthusiasm, and passion for work. Nondevelopmental experiences related to poor mentor communication, lack of modeling lessons, and objectivity in feedback. Although the overall impression from participants was positive, there is evidence of unequal mentor–mentee relationships and failure to construct the mentoring process as a journey of initiation into the preservice teacher’s life role. I illustrate that in-school mentoring in the South African education context may be enhanced, if school-based teacher educators are exposed to mentoring practices and school-based supports through comprehensive ongoing training to better prepare them for supporting not only preservice teachers but also novice teachers.
Situational Factors Associated With Burnout Among Emergency Department Nurses
Authors: Rozo Jose Andres , Olson DaiWai M. , Thu Hlaing (Sue) , Stutzman Sonja E.
Published: May 2017

Emergency departments are high-stress environments for patients and clinicians. As part of the clinical team, nurses experience this stress daily and are subject to high levels of burnout, which has been shown to lead to hypertension, depression, and anxiety. Presence of these diseases may also contribute to burnout, creating a cycle of stress and illness. This prospective qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to better understand factors associated with burnout among emergency department nurses. Burnout manifests itself in multiple modes, can affect nurses’ decisions to leave the profession, and must be addressed to mitigate the phenomenon.
Astroglial-mediated remodeling of the interhemispheric midline during telencephalic development is exclusive to eutherian mammals
Authors: Gobius Ilan , Suárez Rodrigo , Morcom Laura , Paolino Annalisa , Edwards Timothy J. , Kozulin Peter , Richards Linda J.
Published: May 2017

The corpus callosum forms the major interhemispheric connection in the human brain and is unique to eutherian (or placental) mammals. The developmental events associated with the evolutionary emergence of this structure, however, remain poorly understood. A key step in callosal formation is the prior remodeling of the interhemispheric fissure by embryonic astroglial cells, which then subsequently act as a permissive substrate for callosal axons, enabling them to cross the interhemispheric midline. However, whether astroglial-mediated interhemispheric remodeling is unique to eutherian mammals, and thus possibly associated with the phylogenetic origin of the corpus callosum, or instead is a general feature of mammalian brain development, is not yet known. To investigate this, we performed a comparative analysis of interhemispheric remodeling in eutherian and non-eutherian mammals, whose lineages branched off before the evolution of the corpus callosum. Whole brain MRI analyses revealed that the interhemispheric fissure is retained into adulthood in marsupials and monotremes, in contrast to eutherians (mice), in which the fissure is significantly remodeled throughout development. Histological analyses further demonstrated that, while midline astroglia are present in developing marsupials, these cells do not intercalate with one another through the intervening interhemispheric fissure, as they do in developing mice. Thus, developing marsupials do not undergo astroglial-mediated interhemispheric remodeling. As remodeling of the interhemispheric fissure is essential for the subsequent formation of the corpus callosum in eutherians, our data highlight the role of astroglial-mediated interhemispheric remodeling in the evolutionary origin of the corpus callosum.
Escort cells generate a dynamic compartment for germline stem cell differentiation via combined Stat and Erk signalling
Authors: Banisch Torsten U. , Maimon Iris , Dadosh Tali , Gilboa Lilach
Published: May 2017

Two different compartments support germline stem cell (GSC) self-renewal and their timely differentiation: the classical niche provides maintenance cues, while a differentiation compartment, formed by somatic escort cells (ECs), is required for proper GSC differentiation. ECs extend long protrusions that invade between tightly packed germ cells, and alternate between encapsulating and releasing them. How ECs achieve this dynamic balance has not been resolved. By combining live imaging and genetic analyses in Drosophila, we have characterised EC shapes and their dynamic changes. We show that germ cell encapsulation by ECs is a communal phenomenon, whereby EC-EC contacts stabilise an extensive meshwork of protrusions. We further show that Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (Stat) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (Egfr) signalling sustain EC protrusiveness and flexibility by combinatorially affecting the activity of different RhoGTPases. Our results reveal how a complex signalling network can determine the shape of a cell and its dynamic behaviour. It also explains how the differentiation compartment can establish extensive contacts with germ cells, while allowing a continual posterior movement of differentiating GSC daughters.
Human embryo research and the 14-day rule
Authors: Pera Martin F.
Published: May 2017

In many jurisdictions, restrictions prohibit the culture of human embryos beyond 14 days of development. However, recent reports describing the successful maintenance of embryos in vitro to this stage have prompted many in the field to question whether the rule is still appropriate. This Spotlight article looks at the original rationale behind the 14-day rule and its relevance today in light of advances in human embryo culture and in the derivation of embryonic-like structures from human pluripotent stem cells.
Going format-free
Authors: Brown Katherine , Pourquié Olivier
Published: May 2017

Summary: Development has recently announced a new format-free submission policy – making the process of submitting your paper easier. We have also relaxed our length limits to allow you to describe methods in greater detail.
ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ КОМПЛЕКСНОЙ МЕТОДИКИ РЕАБИЛИТАЦИИ ДЕТЕЙ С ГЕМИПАРЕТИЧЕСКОЙ ФОРМОЙ ДЦП
Authors: Tuchkov Vladimir Evgenievich , Semaeva Galina Nikolaevna , Kiselev Dmitry Anatolyevich
Published: May 2017

Целью исследования явилось научное обоснование эффективности применения комплексной методики реабилитации на основе сочетания методов Войта-терапии и кинезиотейпирования для улучшения координаторных способностей детей с гемипаретической формой ДЦП.Материалы и методы. В исследовании принимали участие 64 ребенка обоего пола в возрастном интервале от 1 до 3 лет с ДЦП гемипаретической формы поражения, которые проходили восстановительное лечение на кафедре реабилитации и спортивной медицины РНИМУ им. Н.И. Пирогова. Пациенты были распределены на две группы по 32 человека. В ходе исследования применялся комплекс измерений объемов движения для оценки показателей объема движений в обеих группах.Результаты исследования. В представленной работе рассматриваются результаты исследования эффективности применения комплексной методики реабилитации на основе улучшения показателей координаторных способностей детей с гемипаретической формой ДЦП.Выводы. Полученные данные в целом демонстрируют положительную динамику применения комплексной методики реабилитации у детей с гемипаретической формой ДЦП на основе сочетания методов Войта-терапии и кинезиотейпирования.
Speculative Equilibrium with Differences in Higher-Order Beliefs
Authors: Han Jungsuk , Kyle Albert S.
Published: May 2017

Modest differences in higher-order beliefs may have large price effects. We generalize a standard rational expectations equilibrium model with different information by allowing differences in higher-order beliefs. Investors have possibly different dogmatic beliefs about the mean, different dogmatic beliefs about other investors’ beliefs, and so on for higher and higher orders of beliefs. Even when every investor’s first-order expectations are unbiased, overvaluation results when investors have inconsistent higher-order beliefs that their own expectations are more optimistic than average. This lack of common knowledge destabilizes prices in an unbounded manner as market liquidity disappears.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
Case report: Dirofilaria repens in a canine castrate incision
Authors: Wright Ian
Published: May 2017

Although not as pathogenic as Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens is nonetheless capable of causing chronic skin and ocular disease in dogs, and is also a significant zoonotic pathogen. Dirofilaria repens is not currently endemic in the UK but its spread across Europe, together with increased pet travel, is putting more UK dogs at risk of this mosquito-borne infection. This case report considers a dog with a D. repens worm found during routine castration. This is the first case of Dirofilaria repens infection to be reported in the UK and demonstrates the need for vigilance for this parasite in dogs with a history of foreign travel.
Building your team
Authors: Armitage Ian
Published: May 2017

The role of the chair of governors and governing body in a school is vital. Ian Armitage looks at the attributes that effective boards – and effective chairs – need to succeed
from Westminster
Authors: Culliford Will
Published: May 2017

What will the general election mean for surgery?
Access to supervised exercise services for peripheral vascular disease patients
Authors: Harwood AE , Smith GE , Broadbent E , Cayton T , Carradice D , Chetter IC
Published: May 2017

Which factors determine the current provision of supervised exercise in the UK?
The one-stop cholecystectomy clinic: a model to adopt for good outcomes?
Authors: Siddique K , Mirza S , Basu S
Published: May 2017

The impact of an OSCC on waiting times, pre-op hospital visits and unplanned admissions.
Evaluation of Motor Changes and Toxicity of Insecticides Fipronil and Imidacloprid in Africanized Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Lunardi Juliana Sartori , Zaluski Rodrigo , Orsi Ricardo De Oliveira
Published: May 2017

Honey bees are important pollinators and are essential in beekeeping. Honey bees get exposed to systemic pesticides while foraging in contaminated fields, and it is important to know the toxicity (LD50) and evaluate the impacts of bees’ exposure to these molecules. Fipronil and imidacloprid are systemic pesticides widely used in Brazil and other countries. The objective of this study was to determine the LD50 (24 hours) and evaluate motor changes in Africanized honey bee foragers exposed to lethal and sublethal doses of fipronil and imidacloprid. To determine the LD50, foraging honey bees were exposed by ingestion and contact to five doses of fipronil (Regent 800WG®) and imidacloprid (Appalus 200SC®) insecticides. After 24 hours of exposure, the number of dead bees was counted, and the results were subjected to probit analysis. The motor activity of bees exposed by ingestion or contact to LD50 and sublethal doses (1/500th of the LD50) of both pesticides was assessed 4 hours after exposure using a behavioral observation box. The ingestion and contact with LD50 of fipronil were 0.0528±0.0090 and 0.0054±0.0041 μg/bee, respectively; the ingestion and contact with LD50 of imidacloprid were 0.0809±0.0135 and 0.0626±0.0080 μg/bee, respectively. Bees exposed to lethal and sublethal doses of both insecticides experienced significant motor alterations compared to the control, except for exposure to sublethal doses of fipronil by contact. Fipronil and imidacloprid are highly toxic and promote motor changes in bees. Thus, it is important to establish management methods to reduce pollinators’ exposure to these pesticides.
Yearlong association of Apis dorsata and Apis florea with flowering plants: planted forest vs. agricultural landscape
Authors: Ali Mudssar , Sajjad Asif , Saeed Shafqat
Published: May 2017

The yearlong association of two native honey bee species (Apis dorsata and A. florea) with 49 plant species was recorded in a planted forest and adjacent agricultural landscape at Multan, Pakistan. The study resulted in 588 interactions of A. dorsata with 40 plant species and 454 interactions of A. florea on 38 plant species. The most visited plants species by A. dorsata included Helianthus annuus, Citrus reticulata, Trifolium alexandrinum, Moringa oleifera and Calotropis procera, while the most visited plant species by A. florea included C. procera, Mangifera indica, T. alexandrinum, Coriandrum sativum and H. annuus. The peak abundance of bees and floral resources (i.e. number of plant species in flowering and abundance of floral units) was recorded during early March to late May followed by a gradual decline until December. Monthly abundance of both bee species was positively related to the floral resources, negatively related to relative humidity while it was not significantly related to temperature. The current study may serve as a baseline to track the degradation in ecosystem service of cross pollination and making new conservation strategies at local scale while future research should focus on tempo-spatial variations in foraging preferences, floral constancy and effect of foraging competition on crop pollination in different ecological regions of Pakistan.
Duration of watching TV and child language development in young children
Authors: Perdana Silva Audya , Medise Bernie Endyarni , Purwaningsih Erni Hernawati
Published: May 2017

Background Many factors contribute to language development in children. About 5-8% of children in Indonesia experience delayed language skills. Young children need appropriate stimulation for optimal development. Children who watch television (TV) for long periods of time may receive less two-way interaction, the appropriate stimulation for learning. As such, shorter duration of the appropriate stimulation may impede language development in small children.Objective To assess for an association between duration of watching TV and language development in young children.Methods This cross-sectional study was done with primary data collected from questionnaires. Subjects, aged 18 months to 3 years, were from a Jakarta-area community health center (Puskesmas) Jatinegara and the Pediatric Growth and Development Clinic, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. Their language development was tested using the Developmental Pre-screening Questionnaire (Kuesioner Pra Skrining Perkembangan, KPSP) and the Early Language Milestone (ELM Scale 2) test.Results From a total of 84 subjects, 47 (56%) had normal and 37 (44%) had delayed language development. Duration of watching TV was categorized as <4 hours per day or >4 hours per day. Children who watched TV >4 hours/day (OR 4.4; 95%CI 1.68 to 11.7; P=0.002), and children who watched both Indonesian and English language TV programs (OR 14.7; 95%CI 1.77 to 123.0; P=0.004) had higher risk of language delay. Other variables such as sex, first age exposed to TV, use of gadgets, and TV in the bedroom had no significant associations with delayed language development.Conclusion Children who watch TV >4 hours/day had four times higher risk of developing language delay. In addition, those who watch TV programs in both Indonesian and English, also have a 14.7 higher risk of delayed language development.
Uso de geotecnologias na avaliação da favorabilidade hidrogeológica em aquíferos fraturados
Authors: Ayer Joaquim Ernesto Bernardes , Garofalo Danilo Francisco Trovo , Pereira Sueli Yoshinaga
Published: May 2017

Este artigo trata do mapeamento da favorabilidade hidrogeológica em aquíferos fraturados, na região do Circuito das Águas Paulista. As técnicas de sensoriamento remoto e análise geoespacial foram utilizadas para criação e combinação de mapas geológico, fisiográficos, estrutural, de uso e cobertura do solo e de favorabilidade. Estes dados foram manipulados em sistemas de informação geográfica, visando ao mapeamento da favorabilidade hidrogeológica, utilizando lógica Fuzzy. O mapeamento de favorabilidade se mostrou de acordo com os valores de capacidade específica, e com o padrão de distribuição dos poços. Além disso, a superfície de tendência gerada a partir dos dados de capacidade específica se mostrou em conformidade com o mapa de favorabilidade, corroborando a acurácia do método utilizado e demonstrando uma alta favorabilidade hidrogeológica nos municípios e Águas de Lindóia de Lindóia.
PAVEMENT DISTRESS DETECTION WITH PICUCHA METHODOLOGY FOR AREA-SCAN CAMERAS AND DARK IMAGES
Authors: Salini Reus , Xu Bugao , Paplauskas Paulius
Published: May 2017

The PICture Unsupervised Classification with Human Analysis (PICUCHA) refers to a hybrid human-artificial intelligence methodology for pavement distresses assessment. It combines the human flexibility to recognize patterns and features in images with the neural network ability to expand such recognition to large volumes of images. In this study, the PICUCHA performance was tested with images taken with area-scan cameras and flash light illumination over a pavement with dark textures. These images are particularly challenging for the analysis because of the lens distortion and non-homogeneous illumination, generating artificial joints that happened at random positions inside the image cells. The chosen images were previously analyzed by other software without success because of the dark coluor. The PICUCHA algorithms could analyze the images with no noticeable problem and without any image pre-processing, such as contrast or brightness adjustments. Because of the special procedure used by the pavement engineer for the key patterns description, the distresses detection accuracy of the PICUCHA for the particular image set could reach 100%.
PAR‐1 promotes microtubule breakdown during dendrite pruning in Drosophila
Authors: Herzmann Svende , Krumkamp Rafael , Rode Sandra , Kintrup Carina , Rumpf Sebastian
Published: May 2017

Pruning of unspecific neurites is an important mechanism during neuronal morphogenesis. Drosophila sensory neurons prune their dendrites during metamorphosis. Pruning dendrites are severed in their proximal regions. Prior to severing, dendritic microtubules undergo local disassembly, and dendrites thin extensively through local endocytosis. Microtubule disassembly requires a katanin homologue, but the signals initiating microtubule breakdown are not known. Here, we show that the kinase PAR‐1 is required for pruning and dendritic microtubule breakdown. Our data show that neurons lacking PAR‐1 fail to break down dendritic microtubules, and PAR‐1 is required for an increase in neuronal microtubule dynamics at the onset of metamorphosis. Mammalian PAR‐1 is a known Tau kinase, and genetic interactions suggest that PAR‐1 promotes microtubule breakdown largely via inhibition of Tau also in Drosophila. Finally, PAR‐1 is also required for dendritic thinning, suggesting that microtubule breakdown might precede ensuing plasma membrane alterations. Our results shed light on the signaling cascades and epistatic relationships involved in neurite destabilization during dendrite pruning.
Prenatal exposure to paracetamol/acetaminophen and precursor aniline impairs masculinisation of male brain and behaviour
Authors: Hay-Schmidt Anders , Finkielman Olivia T Ejlstrup , Jensen Benjamin A H , Høgsbro Christine F , Bak Holm Jacob , Johansen Kristoffer Haurum , Jensen Tina Kold , Andrade Anderson Martino , Swan Shanna H , Bornehag Carl-Gustaf , Brunak Søren , Jegou Bernard , Kristiansen Karsten , Kristensen David Møbjerg
Published: May 2017

Paracetamol/acetaminophen (N-Acetyl-p-Aminophenol; APAP) is the preferred analgesic for pain relief and fever during pregnancy. It has therefore caused concern that several studies have reported that prenatal exposure to APAP results in developmental alterations in both the reproductive tract and the brain. Genitals and nervous system of male mammals are actively masculinised during foetal development and early postnatal life by the combined actions of prostaglandins and androgens, resulting in the male-typical reproductive behaviour seen in adulthood. Both androgens and prostaglandins are known to be inhibited by APAP. Through intrauterine exposure experiments in C57BL/6 mice, we found that exposure to APAP decreased neuronal number in the sexually dimorphic nucleus (SDN) of the preoptic area (POA) in the anterior hypothalamus of male adult offspring. Likewise, exposure to the environmental pollutant and precursor of APAP, aniline, resulted in a similar reduction. Decrease in neuronal number in the SDN-POA is associated with reductions in male sexual behaviour. Consistent with the changes, male mice exposed in uteri to APAP exhibited changes in urinary marking behaviour as adults and had a less aggressive territorial display towards intruders of the same gender. Additionally, exposed males had reduced intromissions and ejaculations during mating with females in oestrus. Together, these data suggest that prenatal exposure to APAP may impair male sexual behaviour in adulthood by disrupting the sexual neurobehavioral programming. These findings add to the growing body of evidence suggesting the need to limit the widespread exposure and use of APAP by pregnant women.
Impact of Class-Wide Peer-Tutoring Strategy on Secondary School Slow Learners’ Performance in Redox Reactions in Funtua, Katsina State- Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Science Education Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Sabitu Abdulmalik , Terver Francis Torpev ,   Department of Educational Foundation Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State
Published: May 2017

The performance of senior secondary school students in chemistry has been very poor over the years in Nigeria. Teachers’ use of inappropriate instructional strategies and students varied abilities has been identified responsible for this problem. This study examined the impact of Class-Wide Peer-Tutoring Strategy on secondary school slow learners’ performance in redox reactions in Funtua Education Zone, Katsina State, Nigeria. Quasi– experimental design was adopted for the study. The study involved a population of 977 SS2 Students. A of sample of 108 slow learners drawn from two secondary schools were used. Three research hypotheses guided the study. Treatment involved teaching experimental group by trained peer tutors using CWPT while the control group was taught by the teacher using lecture method. Redox Performance Test (REPT) duly validated by experts with a reliability coefficient of 0.85 obtained using test retest method was used for data collection. Hypotheses were tested using t-test at 0.05 levels of significance. Results revealed that slow learners taught by peer tutors using CWPT performed significantly better than those taught by the teachers using lecture method. The study recommended that chemistry teachers should be train through workshops, seminars and conferences on the use of class-wide peer-tutoring strategy in teaching and learning of chemistry.