bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone and soft tissue outcomes, risk factors, and complications of implant‐supported prostheses: 5‐Years RCT with different abutment types and loading protocols
Authors: Göthberg Catharina , Gröndahl Kerstin , Omar Omar , Thomsen Peter , Slotte Christer
Published: January 2018

Background

Data on risk factors and complications after long‐term implant treatment is limited. The aims were to evaluate the role of various fixation modes and to analyze complications and risks that affect long‐term use of implant‐supported partial fixed dental prostheses.

Materials and Methods

Fifty partially edentulous subjects received three Brånemark TiUnite™ implants. Superstructures were attached directly at implant level (IL) or via abutments: machined surface (AM) and an oxidized surface (AOX, TiUnite™). Implants were immediately loaded (test) or unloaded for 3 months (control). Examinations occurred over a 5‐year period.

Results

Forty‐four subjects were re‐examined after 5 years. Cumulative survival rates in test and control groups were 93.9% and 97.0%, respectively. Marginal bone loss (MBL; Mean [SEM]) was significantly lower at superstructures connected to AM (1.61 [0.25] mm) than at sites with no abutment IL (2.14 [0.17] mm). Peri‐implantitis occurred in 9.1% of subjects and in 4.0% of implants. Multiple linear regression indicated that increased probing pocket depth (PPD), periodontal disease experience, deteriorating health, and light smoking (≤10 cigarettes/day) predict greater MBL, whereas increased buccal soft tissue thickness and higher ISQ predict lower MBL.

Conclusions

The results show that MBL was influenced by the connection type. A machined abutment, instead of connecting the superstructure directly at the implant level, was beneficial. The following factors influenced MBL: PPD, periodontal disease experience, deteriorating health, light smoking, buccal soft tissue thickness, and ISQ. The results on peri‐implantitis underscore the need for long‐term maintenance care. Further, the abutment material surface properties constitute additional target for strategies to minimize MBL.
Should countries be more like shopping malls? A proposal for Service Performance Guarantees
Authors: Gelb Alan , Ramachandran Vijaya , Juden Matthew , Rossignol Alice
Published: January 2018

Through an examination of existing guarantee mechanisms, this article sets out and explains a proposal for the adoption of Service Performance Guarantees (SPGs) by developing countries working to attract foreign investment. The proposed approach is to offer investing firms the opportunity to purchase insurance against a wider range of risks than is currently possible, with highly visible payouts if service delivery standards fall short of those expected from the programme. The SPG contracts would be covered by a “domestic reserve” funded from premiums paid in by the firms and backed up by a further guarantee issued by a development partner. This approach restructures accountability to create a partnership of donors and recipient governments, accountable to their investor clients.
When macroecological transitions are a fiction of sampling: comparing herbarium records to plot‐based species inventory data
Authors: Guerin Greg R. , Andersen Alan N. , Rossetto Maurizio , van Leeuwen Stephen , Byrne Margaret , Sparrow Ben , Rodrigo Michelle , Lowe Andrew J.
Published: January 2018

Natural history collections are alternative data sources to plot‐based species inventories for analysing macroecological species turnover. Herbarium records sample diversity well at regional level and are taxonomically validated. However, they are ad hoc from a sampling perspective, generating spatial and taxonomic biases. The implications of biased sampling on beta diversity (β) estimation, and use of herbarium data to identify macroecological transitions, remain unexplored. We tested sampling influences by comparing herbarium data with systematically collected inventory data from the Mount Lofty–Flinders Ranges region of Australia. We calculated β within moving windows across bioclimatic gradients using metrics varying in sensitivity to richness differences (pairwise/multi‐site Sørensen β; Simpson β; Harrison et al. β‐2), and correlated β to species sampling and between herbarium and plot data. We tested whether generalised dissimilarity modelling (GDM) revealed the same compositional transitions in herbarium and plot data along environmental gradients. Sørensen, Simpson and multi‐site Sørensen β had strong negative correlations with richness (indicating sampling bias) for herbarium data (Pearson's r = –0.85, –0.80, –0.81, respectively) but not plots (r = –0.27, –0.28, –0.11). Harrison et al. β‐2 correlated poorly with richness (herbarium: r = –0.16; plots: r = –0.14) but herbarium and plot data were only weakly correlated (r = 0.18). All other metrics correlated poorly (–0.03 < r < 0.16) between datasets, suggesting biases. GDMs differed in variable importance but revealed similar transition zones for key gradients. We conclude that untransformed herbarium data are unsuitable for detecting macroecological transitions because turnover is linearly related to sampling intensity and correlates poorly with systematic surveys. Herbarium data should be used cautiously for β, even with methods insensitive to richness differences. However, herbarium data can robustly reproduce transition zones when modelled along environment gradients. We recommend this approach for detecting macroecological transitions using natural history data in the absence of plot data.
Unfair incentives: A behavioural note on sharecropping
Authors: Kemper Niels , Czura Kristina , Schumacher Heiner
Published: January 2018

We conducted a laboratory‐in‐the‐field experiment with real‐life tenants in Ethiopia to test the incentive effects of fixed wage, sharecropping, fixed rent, and ownership contracts. The experimental task resembles a common process in agricultural production. The sharecropping contract is a piece rate scheme framed as a profit‐sharing agreement. Sharecropping output was about 12 percent smaller than the fixed rent output. Surprisingly, it is statistically indistinguishable from the fixed wage output, despite substantial piece rates. This effect is driven by real‐life sharecroppers. Their sharecropping output was smaller than that of non‐sharecroppers, especially in a region where a controversial land reform took place. We argue that our subjects dislike sharecropping contracts because of the unfair profit sharing and the disputed allocation of land. Fairness concerns, therefore, may be another impediment to efficiency under the sharecropping contract.
Use of polyphenols as a strategy to prevent bond degradation in the dentin–resin interface
Authors: Porto Isabel C. C. M. , Nascimento Ticiano G. , Oliveira José M. S. , Freitas Pedro H. , Haimeur Asmaa , França Rodrigo
Published: January 2018

This study evaluated the effect of dentin pretreatment with the polyphenols quercetin and resveratrol on the resin‐dentin microtensile bonding strength (μTBS) and collagen fibrils stability of the adhesive interface. Different concentrations (100, 250, 500, or 1,000 μg ml−1) of quercetin or resveratrol, or a mixture of quercetin and resveratrol (3:1, 1:1, 1:3; vol:vol), as well as distilled water or 2% chlorhexidine digluconate, were applied to etched dentin. Then, a two‐step etch‐and‐rinse adhesive was applied followed by composite restoration. Measurements of resin–dentin μTBS were made after 1 and 120 d. The stability of collagen fibrils in the hybrid layer was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. The Student's t‐test and two‐way factorial anova with Tukey's test were used to analyze the effects of dentin pretreatment and storage time on μTBS values. Comparisons between μTBS measurements made on 1 and 120 d showed that resveratrol had the best performance, with significantly higher μTBS values after 120 d for all concentrations of resveratrol tested. Quercetin pretreatment resulted in a significant rise of μTBS when used at concentrations of 100 and 500 μg ml−1. Quercetin + resveratrol at the ratio of 1:1 performed better than when used at ratios of either 3:1 or 1:3. Resveratrol might represent a potential approach to achieve desirable bonding stability and reduce the frequent replacement of composite restorations.
Critical Review of Research Evidence of Parenting Coordination's Effectiveness
Authors: Deutsch Robin M. , Misca Gabriela , Ajoku Chioma
Published: January 2018

Parenting coordination (PC) has been in use since the mid‐1980s, but research on its effectiveness is sorely lacking. We review the extant research organized by three themes: (1) parenting coordinators’ perceptions of their role and function; (2) professionals’ and parents’ views and perceptions of PC; and (3) outcomes of PC, including some measures of effectiveness of the PC process. While these studies provide some insight into PC effectiveness, there is still a lack of research that uses objective outcome measures of efficacy and that considers characteristics of the co‐parent dyad, personality difficulties, or the professional discipline of the parenting coordinator. Future research recommendations are discussed.
Our Baby, Her Choices: The Need for Enforcement of Gestational Surrogate Contracts
Authors: Lollo Samantha
Published: January 2018

Many women in the Unites States have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a baby to term. As a result, many couples turn to gestational surrogacy. Surrogacy became public in the United States in the late 1970s. In the mid 1980s, disputes began to arise and are still prevalent today. Courts first attempted to resolve these disputes by looking for public policy guidelines. However, the results were inconsistent. Still today, there is no uniform law. Even in states where surrogate contracts are legal, courts have refused to order specific performance to enforce abortion or reduction provisions. However, courts should not shy away from this. This Note proposes a federal statute mandating that gestational surrogate contracts be enforced thus protecting the rights of intended parents.
Creep‐fracture resistance parameters determination based on stress and ductility damage models
Authors: Shlyannikov V. , Tumanov A.
Published: January 2018

The stress, strain rate, and process zone with respect to the creep‐crack growth in pure modes I and II are analysed by using damage‐evolution equations. The damage models for the fracture of the process zone are represented using a stress‐ and ductility‐based formulation. According to the stress‐based model, 2 expressions are proposed to describe the stress‐sensitive nature of a multiaxial rupture behaviour. Following the ductility model, new multiaxial failure strain conditions are derived. Both damage‐free and defective creeping solids have been studied. The variations in the creep stress or strain and crack‐tip governing parameter in terms of the creep In‐integral with respect to time and the evolution of creep damage are analysed using a finite element model. The effect of the introduced creep stress intensity factor as a function of the creep time, loading biaxiality, and creep damage models is discussed in detail.
Critical review of turbulence models for CFD for fatigue analysis in large steel structures
Authors: Lorenzon A. , Antonello M. , Berto F.
Published: January 2018

The determination of wind‐induced fatigue load in large structures and buildings with complex geometries, which do not fall in typical cases of building codes and standards, represents a consuming task, and it is usually evaluated through the aid of wind tunnel tests, while computational approaches do not yet have a large application.

The practical use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques in civil engineering applications has in fact been rare outside the framework of steady‐state analyses, because of the limitations of RANS approaches and of the higher cost of LES, but with the increase in computing resources and with the introduction of new and more efficient turbulence models, the practical use of CFD to evaluate fluctuating features of wind flow is much more feasible now. With it, it is possible to foresee the possibility for the evaluation of wind‐induced fatigue loads in steel structures by using CFD. This paper has the purpose to discuss the feasibility of a procedure that uses CFD as the first step in a chain of numerical simulations that leads to the fatigue calculation of a large, complex structure.

The state of the art of turbulence models for CFD is here shown by performing literature review, with particular attention to their application to case studies related to large steel structures. A special focus in this paper lies in the use of PANS models, which reduce computational cost and grid sensitivity compared with LES, while providing comparable accuracy.
Sulfur isotope's signal of nanopyrites enclosed in 2.7 Ga stromatolitic organic remains reveal microbial sulfate reduction
Authors: Marin‐Carbonne J. , Remusat L. , Sforna M. C. , Thomazo C. , Cartigny P. , Philippot P.
Published: January 2018

Microbial sulfate reduction (MSR) is thought to have operated very early on Earth and is often invoked to explain the occurrence of sedimentary sulfides in the rock record. Sedimentary sulfides can also form from sulfides produced abiotically during late diagenesis or metamorphism. As both biotic and abiotic processes contribute to the bulk of sedimentary sulfides, tracing back the original microbial signature from the earliest Earth record is challenging. We present in situ sulfur isotope data from nanopyrites occurring in carbonaceous remains lining the domical shape of stromatolite knobs of the 2.7‐Gyr‐old Tumbiana Formation (Western Australia). The analyzed nanopyrites show a large range of δ34S values of about 84‰ (from −33.7‰ to +50.4‰). The recognition that a large δ34S range of 80‰ is found in individual carbonaceous‐rich layers support the interpretation that the nanopyrites were formed in microbial mats through MSR by a Rayleigh distillation process during early diagenesis. An active microbial cycling of sulfur during formation of the stromatolite may have facilitated the mixing of different sulfur pools (atmospheric and hydrothermal) and explain the weak mass independent signature (MIF‐S) recorded in the Tumbiana Formation. These results confirm that MSR participated actively to the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur during the Neoarchean and support previous models suggesting anaerobic oxidation of methane using sulfate in the Tumbiana environment.
Antimicrobial activity of buckwheat starch films containing zinc oxide nanoparticles against Listeria monocytogenes on mushrooms
Authors: Kim Sujin , Song Kyung Bin
Published: January 2018

Buckwheat starch (BS) films containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐N; 0%, 1.5%, 3% and 4.5%) were prepared, and their physical, optical and antimicrobial properties were examined. As ZnO‐N content increased from 0% to 4.5%, TS increased from 14.99 to 19.09 MPa and E decreased from 25.60% to 20.65%. In addition, L* and a* values decreased, whereas b*, ΔE and opacity increased. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the BS/ZnO‐N films had the reductions of 2.96–3.74 log CFU mL−1 against Listeria monocytogenes after 8 h based on viable cell count assay. The BS film containing 3% ZnO‐N, an optimal concentration chosen in this study, was applied to fresh‐cut mushroom packaging, and the film exhibited antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes, resulting in a reduction of 0.86 log CFU g−1 after 6 days of storage. Thus, these results indicate that the BS/ZnO‐N film can be used as a biodegradable packaging material.
Unlicensed medicines use: a UK guideline analysis using AGREE II†
Authors: Donovan Gemma , Parkin Lindsay , Brierley-Jones Lyn , Wilkes Scott
Published: January 2018

Objectives

There is widespread use of unlicensed medicines within primary and secondary care but little information is available around how these medicines are used. This analysis examines and evaluates the content and quality of relevant guidance documentation currently in use within the UK.

Methods

Guidance documents were identified through a literature search as well as email requests to pharmacy organisations throughout the UK. Unlicensed medicine documentation suitable for inclusion in the analysis underwent thematic analysis and quality assessment using the AGREE II tool.

Key findings

Thematic analysis of 52 guidelines revealed four parent themes: (1) Professional responsibility (2) Usage practicalities (3) Risk versus benefit (4) Controlling use. There was variability in scores across the AGREE II domains with areas covering Scope and Purpose and Clarity of Presentation scoring well. Conversely, an area needing attention was Rigour of Development.

Conclusion

Healthcare organisations would benefit from agreeing a ‘core content’ for the development of unlicensed medicines guidelines to ensure consistency and the presence of robust operating systems to deliver safe, effective treatment to all NHS patients.
Effectiveness and acceptability of continuous glucose monitoring for type 2 diabetes management: A narrative review
Authors: Taylor Pennie J , Thompson Campbell H , Brinkworth Grant D
Published: January 2018

The present narrative review discusses the role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in glycemic and weight control, and lifestyle behavior adherence in adults with type 2 diabetes. A literature search from January 2001 to November 2017 was carried out (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus). Eligible studies were trials evaluating the use of CGM with the aim of achieving glucose control or lifestyle‐related treatment adherence over a period of ≥8 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes compared with usual care or another comparison intervention, or observational trials reporting CGM user experience. A total of 5,542 participants were recruited into 11 studies (eight randomized controlled trials [n = 5,346] and three observational studies [n = 196]). The sample size ranged 6–4,678 participants, the mean age was 51.7–60.0 years and diabetes duration was 2.1–19.2 years, with high heterogeneity between studies. Overall, the available evidence showed, compared with traditional self‐monitoring of blood glucose levels, CGM promoted greater reductions in glycated hemoglobin, bodyweight and caloric intake; higher adherence rating to a personal eating plan; and increases in physical activity. High compliance to CGM wear‐time and device calibration was reported (>90%). The addition of lifestyle and/or behavioral counseling to CGM appeared to further potentiate these improvements. Preliminary evidence suggests that CGM use promotes glycemic and weight control, and lifestyle behavior adherence in adults with type 2 diabetes. These benefits might be further enhanced with integration of diet, exercise, and glucose excursion education and counseling. However, specific attributes of effective interventions and the application of CGM information for promoting improved outcomes and healthier choices remain unclear.
Fluctuating selection and its (elusive) evolutionary consequences in a wild rodent population
Authors: Bonnet T. , Postma E.
Published: January 2018

Temporal fluctuations in the strength and direction of selection are often proposed as a mechanism that slows down evolution, both over geological and contemporary timescales. Both the prevalence of fluctuating selection and its relevance for evolutionary dynamics remain poorly understood however, especially on contemporary timescales: unbiased empirical estimates of variation in selection are scarce, and the question of how much of the variation in selection translates into variation in genetic change has largely been ignored. Using long‐term individual‐based data for a wild rodent population, we quantify the magnitude of fluctuating selection on body size. Subsequently, we estimate the evolutionary dynamics of size and test for a link between fluctuating selection and evolution. We show that, over the past 11 years, phenotypic selection on body size has fluctuated significantly. However, the strength and direction of genetic change have remained largely constant over the study period; that is, the rate of genetic change was similar in years where selection favoured heavier vs. lighter individuals. This result suggests that over shorter timescales, fluctuating selection does not necessarily translate into fluctuating evolution. Importantly however, individual‐based simulations show that the correlation between fluctuating selection and fluctuating evolution can be obscured by the effect of drift, and that substantially more data are required for a precise and accurate estimate of this correlation. We identify new challenges in measuring the coupling between selection and evolution, and provide methods and guidelines to overcome them.
Dynamic downscaling based on weather types classification: An application to extreme rainfall in south‐east Japan
Authors: Vuillaume J.‐F. , Hearth S.
Published: January 2018

Optimisation physical scheme for weather forecast systems is an essential part of the development of efficient real‐time weather forecasts. This research examines the use of weather type to cluster and to optimise the physical scheme of numerical weather prediction systems in the south‐east coast of Japan in the Tokyo area. In this study, we calibrated and validated physical schemes by the observed rainfall at gauge stations around Tokyo, we have classified these per weather circulation. We used 24 ensemble members and 20 heavy rainfall events classified in 4 weather types to validate the scheme. The physical scheme ensemble construct by the association of micro‐physics, cumulus, planetary boundary and radiative scheme and then, simulated with the weather research and forecasting model. We observed limited physical scheme variability for a pool of station within a weather type cluster. However, it shows large variations among stations. Then, we computed the rainfall Cumulative Probability Distribution Function curves which indicated wide differences. It suggests that clustering presents interesting properties. The results permitted (a) the selection of an optimal physical scheme per weather type, (b) the development of bias correction curve specific to weather type and (c) the evaluation the spatial distribution of regional bias correction.
Serum alanine aminotransferase level and liver‐related mortality in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A large national cohort study
Authors: Shim Jae‐Jun , Kim Jung Wook , Oh Chi Hyuk , Lee Ye‐Rin , Lee Ji Sung , Park So‐Youn , Kim Byung‐Ho , Oh In‐Hwan
Published: January 2018

Background

The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level has been used to identify at‐risk patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who need antiviral therapy. However, the level associated with increased liver‐related mortality requiring active treatment is still unclear.

Methods

We used a Health Examination Cohort of the National Health Insurance Service of Korea that included approximately 0.5 million individuals aged 40‐79 years. In total, 12 486 patients with CHB and no other concurrent liver disease were enrolled, and patients’ liver‐related mortality, including that owing to liver cancer, was investigated over 9 years.

Results

The serum ALT level was correlated positively with liver‐related mortality. The rates in men were 0.14, 0.17, 0.24, 0.57, 0.63 and 0.85 per 100 person‐years (%) for serum ALT levels of <20, 20‐29, 30‐39, 40‐49, 50‐79 and ≥80 U/L, respectively, and the corresponding liver‐related mortality rates in women were 0.03%, 0.09%, 0.12%, 0.63%, 0.65% and 0.32%. In patients with ALT levels of 40‐79 U/L, the liver‐related mortality rates were 0.60% in men and 0.64% in women, which were similar to the overall mortality rate of age‐ and sex‐matched subjects without CHB (0.69%). The best cut‐off values for liver‐related mortality prediction were >34 U/L in men and >30 U/L in women.

Conclusions

The liver‐related mortality rate increased significantly, even in CHB patients with relatively low serum ALT levels. Careful monitoring or earlier antiviral therapy should be considered for patients aged >40 years with serum ALT levels above the upper limit of normal.
Recommendations for pharmacological clinical trials in children with functional constipation: The Rome foundation pediatric subcommittee on clinical trials
Authors: Koppen I. J. N. , Saps M. , Lavigne J. V. , Nurko S. , Taminiau J. A. J. M. , Di Lorenzo C. , Benninga M. A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Evidence for the efficacy of commonly used drugs in the treatment of childhood functional constipation (FC) is scarce, studies are often of low quality and study designs are heterogeneous. Thus, recommendations for the design of clinical trials in childhood FC are needed.

Purpose

Members of the Rome Foundation and a member of the Pediatric Committee of the European Medicines Agency formed a committee to create recommendations for the design of clinical trials in children with FC.

Key Recommendations

This committee recommends conducting randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group clinical trials to assess the efficacy of new drugs for the treatment of childhood FC. Pediatric study participants should be included based on fulfilling the Rome IV criteria for FC. A treatment free run‐in period for baseline assessment is recommended. The trial duration should be at least 8 weeks. Treatment success is defined as no longer meeting the Rome IV criteria for FC. Stool consistency should be reported based on the Bristol Stool Scale. Endpoints of drug efficacy need to be tailored to the developmental age of the patient population.
Mechanisms underlying B cell immune dysregulation and autoantibody production in MuSK myasthenia gravis
Authors: Stathopoulos Panos , Kumar Aditya , Heiden Jason A. Vander , Pascual‐Goñi Elba , Nowak Richard J. , O'Connor Kevin C.
Published: January 2018

Pathogenic autoantibodies to muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) can be found in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) who do not have detectable antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor. Although the autoantibody‐mediated pathology is well understood, much remains to be learned about the cellular immunology that contributes to autoantibody production. To that end, our laboratory has investigated particular components associated with the cellular immunopathology of MuSK MG. First, we found that B cell tolerance defects contribute to the abnormal development of the naive repertoire, which indicates that dysregulation occurs before the production of autoantibodies. Second, both the naive and antigen‐experienced memory B cell repertoire, which we examined through the application of high‐throughput adaptive immune receptor repertoire sequencing, include abnormalities not found in healthy controls. This highlights a broad immune dysregulation. Third, using complementary approaches, including production of human monoclonal antibodies, we determined that circulating plasmablasts directly contribute to the production of MuSK‐specific autoantibodies in patients experiencing relapse following B cell depletion therapy. These collective findings contribute to defining a mechanistic model that describes MuSK MG immunopathogenesis.
The strength of weight‐bearing bones is similar in amenorrheic and eumenorrheic elite long‐distance runners
Authors: Piasecki J. , Ireland A. , Piasecki M. , Cameron J. , McPhee J. S. , Degens H.
Published: January 2018

Regular intense endurance exercise can lead to amenorrhea with possible adverse consequences for bone health. We compared whole body and regional bone strength and skeletal muscle characteristics between amenorrheic (AA: n = 14) and eumenorrheic (EA: n = 15) elite adult female long‐distance runners and nonathletic controls (C: n = 15). Participants completed 3‐day food diaries, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), and isometric maximal voluntary knee extension contraction (MVC). Both athlete groups had a higher caloric intake than controls, with no significant difference between athlete groups. DXA revealed lower bone mineral density (BMD) at the trunk, rib, pelvis, and lumbar spine in the AA than EA and C. pQCT showed greater bone size in the radius and tibia in EA and AA than C. The radius and tibia of AA had a larger endocortical circumference than C. Tibia bone mass and moments of inertia (Ix and Iy) were greater in AA and EA than C, whereas in the radius, only the proximal Iy was larger in EA than C. Knee extensor MVC did not differ significantly between groups. Amenorrheic adult female elite long‐distance runners had lower BMD in the trunk, lumbar spine, ribs, and pelvis than eumenorrheic athletes and controls. The radius and tibia bone size and strength indicators were similar in amenorrheic and eumenorrheic athletes, suggesting that long bones of the limbs differ in their response to amenorrhea from bones in the trunk.
The Transnational Tilt of the Treadmill and the Role of Trade Openness on Carbon Emissions: A Comparative International Study, 1965–2010
Authors: Thombs Ryan
Published: January 2018

There are various schools of thought regarding the relationship between the environment and economy. Ecological modernization argues that the harmful effects of economic growth and development on the environment decline through time, whereas the treadmill of production and ecologically unequal exchange postulate different perspectives. This study relies on World Bank and World Resources Institute data for the period of 1965–2010. Time‐series cross‐sectional Prais‐Winsten (PW) regression models with panel‐corrected standard errors (PCSE) are employed to examine whether economic growth and trade openness intensified or decoupled in relation to three measures of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during this period. The findings of this study indicate that there has been a “tilt” in the treadmill of production—that is, the most environmentally degrading production processes have moved to less developed countries. Furthermore, integration into the world economy has been associated with an intensification in CO2 emissions for less developed countries. Surprisingly, however, this phenomenon does not seem to be driven by exports sent to high‐income nations, suggesting that there are mechanisms embodied within the global organization of production that require further exploration.
Effects of nutrition and hygiene education on oral health and growth among toddlers in rural Uganda: follow‐up of a cluster‐randomised controlled trial
Authors: Muhoozi Grace K. M. , Atukunda Prudence , Skaare Anne B. , Willumsen Tiril , Diep Lien My , Westerberg Ane C. , Iversen Per Ole
Published: January 2018

Objective

To examine the effect of a nutrition and hygiene education intervention on oral health behaviour and whether early onset of caries was related to child growth in rural Uganda.

Methods

Follow‐up study of a cluster‐randomised controlled trial conducted between October 2013 and January 2015. Data were available from 399 mother/child pairs (203 in the intervention and 198 in the control group) of the original trial (78%) when the children were 36 months old. Oral health behaviour was evaluated using questionnaires. Photographs of the maxillary anterior teeth were examined for unmistakably carious lesions, and 115 water samples from the study area were analysed for fluoride concentration.

Results

The frequency of cleaning of the child's teeth at 36 months was about twice as high in the intervention as in the control group (84.3% vs. 46.6%; P = 0.0001). Cavitated carious lesions occurred more frequently in the control than the intervention group (27.8% vs. 18.2%; P = 0.04). Extraction of ‘false teeth’ (ebiino), a painful and crude traditional operation, was profoundly reduced in the intervention group (8.9% vs. 24.7%; P = 0.001). There was no evidence of association between the occurrence of caries and child growth.

Conclusions

The education intervention improved oral hygiene practices and reduced the development and progression of caries and extraction of ebiino. Early childhood caries was not clearly associated with child growth.
Validation of a model of feline ureteral obstruction as a tool for teaching microsurgery to veterinary surgeons
Authors: Phillips Heidi , Ellison Gary W. , Mathews Kyle G. , Aronson Lillian R. , Schmiedt Chad W. , Robello Gil , Selmic Laura E. , Gregory Clare R.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To assess the content and face validity of a model of an obstructed feline ureter as a tool for teaching ureteral microsurgery.

Study design

Prospective, experimental study.

Sample population

Seven expert and 11 novice microsurgeons.

Methods

The model was created from latex rubber with an inner diameter of 0.8 mm and an outer diameter of 5 mm. The “ureter” was created with an inner compartment, a thin wall, and a soft, outer layer mimicking periureteral fat. A “ureterolith” 0.8‐1.2 mm in diameter was placed inside the inner compartment by using a blunt‐tipped cannula. A standardized “ureterotomy” was performed by 7 expert and 11 novice microsurgeons. Both groups completed questionnaires evaluating the content and face validity of the model using subjective measures and a 5‐point Likert scale. Reliability was analysed by calculation of Cronbach's α for all questions to ensure α ≥ .7. The median responses to each question were compared between groups with a nonparametric independent samples median test.P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

The Cronbach's α for the experts and the novices for content validity questions was .7 and .9, respectively, and for the face validity questions it was .7 and .8, respectively. The model was rated to have excellent content validity and very good face validity.

Conclusion and impact

The model elicited positive responses from expert and novice microsurgeons and can be recommended as a tool for teaching ureteral microsurgery. A model validated by face and content measures should next be scrutinized by determination of construct, concurrent, and predictive validity by using objective measures.
Evaluation of a method to assess digitally recorded surgical skills of novice veterinary students
Authors: Williamson Julie A. , Farrell Robin , Skowron Casey , Brisson Brigitte A. , Anderson Stacy , Spangler Dawn , Johnson Jason
Published: January 2018

Objective

To evaluate a method to assess surgical skills of veterinary students that is based on digital recording of their performance during closure of a celiotomy in canine cadavers.

Sample Population

Second year veterinary students without prior experience with live animal or simulated surgical procedure (n = 19)

Methods

Each student completed a 3‐layer closure of a celiotomy on a canine cadaver. Each procedure was digitally recorded with a single small wide‐angle camera mounted to the overhead surgical light. The performance was scored by 2 of 5 trained raters who were unaware of the identity of the students. Scores were based on an 8‐item rubric that was created to evaluate surgical skills that are required to close a celiotomy. The reliability of scores was tested with Cronbach's α, intraclass correlation, and a generalizability study.

Results

The internal consistency of the grading rubric, as measured by α, was .76. Interrater reliability, as measured by intraclass correlation, was 0.64. The generalizability coefficient was 0.56.

Conclusion

Reliability measures of 0.60 and above have been suggested as adequate to assess low‐stakes skills. The task‐specific grading rubric used in this study to evaluate veterinary surgical skills captured by a single wide‐angle camera mounted to an overhead surgical light produced scores with acceptable internal consistency, substantial interrater reliability, and marginal generalizability.

Impact

Evaluation of veterinary students’ surgical skills by using digital recordings with a validated rubric improves flexibility when designing accurate assessments.
Evaluation of inguinal vascular surgical scars treated with closed incisional negative pressure wound therapy using three‐dimensional digital imaging—A randomized controlled trial on bilateral incisions
Authors: Svensson‐Björk Robert , Hasselmann Julien , Acosta Stefan
Published: January 2018

Purpose of the investigation

Scar formation is an important, permanent surrogate marker for wound healing. The main aim of this randomized trial was to evaluate the effects of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) on scar formation in uncomplicated wound healing with 3‐dimensional (3D) digital imaging.

Basic procedures

Patients undergoing bilateral inguinal incisions after vascular surgery were randomized to receive iNPWT and standard dressing on separate sides. The incisional scars were documented at a median time of 808 days (range 394–1194) after surgery with 3D photography, which were objectively evaluated by two plastic surgeons using the Stony Brook scar evaluation scale (SBSES) and a 10‐point graded numeric ranking scale (NRS10). Subjective evaluation was performed with the patient observer scar assessment scale (POSAS). Patients with surgical site infection or other wound complications were excluded to minimize bias. The p‐values were calculated using McNemar's and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test for paired nominal and paired continuous data, respectively.

Main findings

Among 33 patients, 32 patients had undergone endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and 31 patients had transverse inguinal incisions. Objective and subjective scar evaluation showed no difference between iNPWT and standard dressing. In objective scorings, 18.8 and 21.9% received the highest possible SBSES total score in the iNPWT and standard dressing groups, while 43.8 and 37.5% received the highest possible NRS10 score, respectively. The inter‐rater reliability between the two assessors for SBSES total score and NRS10 showed an intra‐class correlation (ICC) of 0.78 and 0.68 for NPWT and 0.70 and 0.77 for traditional dressing, respectively.

Principal conclusion

The present randomized trial showed that iNPWT and standard dressings on closed transverse inguinal incisions after EVAR resulted in equal subtle scar formation. Objective scar evaluation with 3D images showed good inter‐rater agreement.
Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium associated with feeder rodents
Authors: Vrbova L. , Sivanantharajah S. , Walton R. , Whitfield Y. , Lee C. , Picard I. , Chapinal N. , Gaulin C. , Tschetter L. , Tataryn J.
Published: January 2018

In December 2012, an increase in human Salmonella Typhimurium cases was identified in the province of Ontario, Canada launching an outbreak investigation. The outbreak spanned 3 years (2012–2014), with 134 cases reported from five Canadian provinces. There was a substantial burden of illness among children: 45% of cases were children 12 years old or under, and 23% of cases were under 5 years old. Epidemiologic, traceback and laboratory findings linked this outbreak to feeder rodents (used to feed snakes) supplied by a network of rodent breeders in Ontario. Cases likely acquired their illness through either direct or indirect contact with feeder rodents. This investigation not only contributes to the weight of evidence on the risk that feeder rodents pose, but also underscores the importance of investigating indirect animal contact and associated risks, especially for high‐risk individuals.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: January 2018

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 2Ahmed Hassan Hemdan Mohamed, Sultan Qaboos University, OmanBrad Barker-University of Nebraska Lincoln, USACharlotte Alverson, University of Oregon, USADeborah Christine Robinson, University of Derby, UKElena Jerves, University of Cuenca, EcuadorEnisa Mede, Bahcesehir University, TurkeyErica D. Shifflet-Chila, Michigan State University, USAIntakhab Khan, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi ArabiaIoannis Syrmpas, University of Thessaly, GreeceLaima Kyburiene, Kaunas University of Applied Sciences, LithuaniaLisa Marie Portugal, Grand Canyon University, USALorna T. Enerva, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, PhilippinesMarcie Zaharee, The MITRE Corporation, USAMassimiliano Barattucci, Ecampus University, ItalyMehmet Inan, Marmara University, TurkeyMehmet Unlü, TurkeyRichard H. Martin, Mercer University, USARiyadh Tariq Kadhim Al-Ameedi, Babylon University, IraqSadia Batool, Preston University Islamabad, PakistanVedat Sahin, Turkey      Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://jets.redfame.com
Wall Shear Stress Determination in a Small-Scale Parallel Plate Flow Chamber Using Laser Doppler Velocimetry Under Laminar, Pulsatile and Low-Reynolds Number Turbulent Flows
Authors: Avari Hamed , Rogers Kem A. , Savory Eric
Published: January 2018

The parallel plate flow chamber (PPFC) has gained popularity due to its applications in fields such as biological tissue engineering. However, most of the studies using PPFC refer to theoretical relations for estimating the wall shear stress (WSS) and, hence, the accuracy of such quantifications remains elusive for anything other than steady laminar flow. In the current study, a laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) method was used to quantify the flow in a PPFC (H = 1.8 mm × W = 17.5 mm, Dh = 3.26 mm, aspect ratio = 9.72) under steady Re = 990, laminar pulsatile (carotid Re0-mean = 282 as well as a non-zero-mean sinusoidal Re0-mean = 45 pulse) and low-Re turbulent Re = 2750 flow conditions. A mini-LDV probe was applied, and the absolute location of the LDV measuring volume with the respect to the wall was determined using a signal monitoring technique with uncertainties being around ±27 μm. The uniformity of the flow across the span of the channel, as well as the WSS assessment for all the flow conditions, was measured with the uncertainties all being less than 16%. At least two points within the viscous sublayer of the low-Re turbulent flow were measured (with the y+ for the first point < 3) and the WSS was determined using two methods with the differences between the two methods being within 5%. This paper for the first time presents the experimental determination of WSS using LDV in a small-scale PPFC under various flow conditions, the challenges associated with each condition, and a comparison between the cases. The present data will be useful for those conducting biological or numerical modeling studies using such devices.
Modification of Tribolayers of a Titanium Alloy Sliding against a Steel
Authors: Zhou Y. , Jiang W. , Chen W. , Ji X. L. , Jin Y. X. , Wang S. Q.
Published: January 2018

The nonprotective tribolayers of the titanium alloy were modified into additives-containing tribolayers through an artificial addition of multilayer graphene (MLG), Fe2O3 nanomaterials, or their mixtures with various proportions on the titanium alloy/steel sliding interface. The sustainability of the modified tribolayers under a high load was evaluated by the critical sliding distance for a mild-to-severe wear transition. The modified tribolayers were found to significantly improve or deteriorate tribological performance of the titanium alloy, which was decided by their ingredients. The pure MLG- or Fe2O3-containing tribolayers, because of their lacking load-bearing or lubricant capacity, presented poor sustainability and readily lost protection to cause high wear loss or frictional coefficient. However, for the addition of various mixtures of MLG and Fe2O3, the modified tribolayers possessed a double-layer structure consisting of friction-reducing MLG- and wear-resistant Fe2O3-predominated layers. They presented a sustainable protection, thus remarkably improving the tribological performance of the titanium alloy.
New records of water mites from Sri Lanka (Acari: Hydrachnidia) with the description of four new species
Authors: Pešić Vladimir , Zawal Andrzej , Smit Harry , Bańkowska Aleksandra
Published: January 2018

Nine species of water mites (Acari, Hydrachnidia) were collected in 2017 from two rivers in Sri Lanka. One genus, i.e. Srilankurus, and four species, i.e Atractides biesiadkai, Axonopsis srilankensis, Brachypodopsis mirkae and Srilankurus biprojectus are described as new for science; Monatractides pinapalpis (Cook, 1967), a species so far known from India only, is reported as new for the fauna of Sri Lanka. The number of water mites known from Sri Lanka now tallies 60 species.
Archaeal tetraether lipid coatings—A strategy for the development of membrane analog spacer systems for the site-specific functionalization of medical surfaces
Authors: Liefeith Klaus , Frant Marion , Müller Ute , Stenstad Per , Johnsen Heidi , Schmid Ruth
Published: January 2018

The primary goal of our investigation was the development of a versatile immobilization matrix based on archaeal tetraether lipids that meets the most important prerequisites to render an implant surface bioactive by binding specific functional groups or functional polymers with the necessary flexibility and an optimal spatial arrangement to be bioavailable. From this point of view, it appears obvious that numerous efforts made recently to avoid initial bacterial adhesion on catheter surfaces as an important prerequisite of material associated infection episodes have shown only a limited efficiency since the bioactive entities could not be presented in an optimal conformation and a stable density. A significant improvement of this situation can be achieved by highly specific biomimetic modifications of the catheter surfaces. The term “biomimetic” originates from the fact that specific archaeal tetraether lipids were introduced to form a membrane analog monomolecular spacer system, which (1) can be immobilized on nearly all solid surfaces and (2) chemically modified to present a tailor-made functionality in contact with aqueous media either to avoid or inhibit surface fouling or to equip any implant surface with the necessary chemical functionality to enable cell adhesion and tissue integration. Ultrathin films based on tetraether lipids isolated from archaea Thermoplasma acidophilum were used as a special biomimetic immobilization matrix on the surface of commercial medical silicon elastomers. A complete performance control of the membrane analog coatings was realized in addition to biofunctionality tests, including the proof of cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility according to DIN EN ISO 10993. In order to make sure that the developed immobilization matrix including the grafted functional groups are biocompatible under in vivo-conditions, specific animal tests were carried out to examine the in vivo-performance. It can be concluded that the tetraether lipid based coating systems on silicone have shown no signs of cytotoxicity and a good hemocompatibility. Moreover, no mutagenic effects, no irritation effects, and no sensitization effects could be demonstrated. After an implantation period of 28 days, no irregularities were found.