bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic leptospiral infections in dogs without obvious renal involvement
Authors: McCallum Katie E. , Constantino‐Casas Fernando , Cullen John M. , Warland James H. , Swales Harry , Linghley Niamh , Kortum Andre J. , Sterritt Alex J. , Cogan Tristan , Watson Penny J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Reports of chronic hepatitis in dogs caused byLeptospiraspp. are confined to small case series. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) allows the identification of spirochetes in liver samples. Consequently, this technique may help elucidate the role ofLeptospiraspp. in cases of chronic hepatitis.

Objectives

To describe cases of hepatic leptospirosis in dogs diagnosed by FISH and subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) speciation, with the absence of clinically relevant renal involvement.

Animals

Ten client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Retrospective case series from the University of Cambridge presented between 2013 and 2016 or cases consulted by telephone advice during this time period. Cases were selected based on histopathologically confirmed granulomatous hepatitis and leptospiral organisms identified by FISH and PCR speciation (Leptospira interrogans/kirschneri).

Results

All cases had increased liver enzyme activities, and FISH in combination with PCR speciation‐confirmed infection withL. interrogans/kirschneri. Four dogs underwent repeat liver biopsy, FISH and PCR speciation 4‐15 months after initial presentation and doxycycline treatment with 1 dog undergoing repeat sampling at necropsy. Three dogs that underwent repeat biopsy remained positive forL. interrogans/kirschneriinfection. Six dogs were alive at the time of manuscript preparation and 4 dogs were euthanized as a result of progressive liver disease.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The presence of hepatic leptospiral organisms may be associated with chronic granulomatous hepatitis without clinical evidence of renal involvement. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the etiological role of these organisms in the disease.
Prevalence of Clostridium perfringens netE and netF toxin genes in the feces of dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome
Authors: Sindern Natalie , Suchodolski Jan S. , Leutenegger Christian M. , Mehdizadeh Gohari Iman , Prescott John F. , Proksch Anna‐Lena , Mueller Ralf S. , Busch Kathrin , Unterer Stefan
Published: November 2018

Background

Recently, novel pore‐forming toxin genes designated netE and netF were identified in a Clostridium perfringens type A strain isolated from a dog with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea.

Objectives

Pore‐forming toxins could play an important role in the disease pattern of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) in dogs. Thus, we aimed to determine the prevalence of C. perfringens genes encoding for netE and netF in the feces of dogs with AHDS and to evaluate any association between selected clinical variables and the presence of these toxin genes.

Animals

In total, 174 dogs were included in the study.

Methods

Fecal samples of all dogs were tested by real‐time polymerase chain reaction for netE and netF genes. Time to recovery, hospitalization time, and selected laboratory variables were compared between dogs with AHDS that were positive or negative for the toxin genes.

Results

A significant difference was found among the 3 groups in the prevalence of the pore‐forming toxin genes netE and netF: dogs with AHDS: 26 of 54 (48.1%); dogs with canine parvovirus (CPV) infection: 0 of 54 (0%); and healthy dogs: 8 of 66 (12.1%; P < .001). In dogs with AHDS, no significant difference was detected in any variables evaluated between netE‐positive and netF‐positive and netE‐negative and netF‐negative dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The prevalence of C. perfringens encoding for netE and netF is significantly higher in dogs with AHDS compared to control dogs. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether these toxins are an inciting cause for AHDS in dogs.
Early HCV viral kinetics under DAAs may optimize duration of therapy in patients with compensated cirrhosis
Authors: Gambato Martina , Canini Laetitia , Lens Sabela , Graw Frederik , Perpiñan Elena , Londoño Maria‐Carlota , Uprichard Susan L. , Mariño Zoe , Reverter Enric , Bartres Concepcio , González Patricia , Pla Anna , Costa Josep , Burra Patrizia , Cotler Scott J. , Forns Xavier , Dahari Harel
Published: November 2018

Background & Aims

Detailed hepatitis C virus (HCV) kinetics modelling is scarce in patients with advanced liver disease receiving direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). Due to budget restrictions, patients and health systems would benefit from the shortest possible treatment course. We investigated whether modelling very early HCV kinetics in cirrhotic patients under DAAs therapy could be used to individualize care and reduce treatment duration to achieve cure.

Methods

We included 74 patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis who received interferon‐free treatments for 12‐24 weeks. HCV genotype, liver disease stage and treatment regimen were recorded. Viral load was determined prospectively at very frequent intervals until target not detected (TND, <15 IU/mL). A viral kinetic model was used to predict time to cure based on HCV clearance in extracellular body fluid (CL‐EF).

Results

Sixty‐eight patients (92%) achieved cure. Thirteen (18%) had MELD ≥15, 35 (47%) were Child‐Pugh (CTP) ≥7. Median time to reach TND was 2 weeks (IQR: 1‐4 weeks). Modelling indicated an average DAAs efficacy in blocking viral production of ε = 99.1%. HCV half‐life (t1/2) was significantly shorter in patients with CTP <7, LSM <21 kPa or MELD <15 (1.5 vs 2.5 hours; P = 0.0057). The overall median CL‐EF was 5.6 weeks (4.1‐7.8). A CTP >7 and a LSM ≥21 kPa were significantly (P = 0.016) associated with longer CL‐EF.

Conclusions

The study provides insights into HCV dynamics during DAAs therapy in patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. Viral kinetics modelling suggests that treatment duration may be optimized in patients with compensated cirrhosis.
Effectiveness of programmes and interventions to support optimal breastfeeding among children 0–23 months, South Asia: A scoping review
Authors: Benedict Rukundo K. , Craig Hope C. , Torlesse Harriet , Stoltzfus Rebecca J.
Published: November 2018

Most children in South Asia are breastfed at some point in their lives; however, many are not breastfed optimally, including the early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) within 1 hr of birth, avoidance of prelacteal feeds (APF), exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months, and continued breastfeeding (CBF) up to 2 years of age or beyond. This review identifies and collates evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to support optimal breastfeeding in five countries in South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. A scoping review was conducted of peer‐reviewed and grey literature. The 31 eligible studies included randomized trials and quasi‐experimental designs that were conducted between 1990 and 2015. Data were collated regarding intervention design, characteristics, and effectiveness to support EIBF, APF, EBF, and CBF. Most studies reported a positive impact on breastfeeding outcomes, including 21/25 studies that examined EIBF, 15/19 studies that examined EBF, and 10/10 studies that examined APF. The only study that examined CBF reported no effect. Education, counselling, and maternal, newborn, and child health initiatives were common intervention types with positive effects on breastfeeding outcomes. Interventions were delivered in health facility, community, and home/family environments. Programmes and interventions that reached women and their families with repeated exposure and beginning during pregnancy were more likely to improve EIBF and EBF outcomes. Interventions with no impact on breastfeeding were characterized by short duration, irregular frequency, inappropriate timing, poor coverage, and targeting.
Facility size and mortality in hospital‐based and freestanding haemodialysis units: A nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yao Yen‐Hung , Chou Yiing‐Jenq , Huang Nicole
Published: November 2018

Aim

Existing studies on the association between haemodialysis facility size/volume and patient survival are mostly limited to freestanding dialysis units in the United States. This study in Taiwan explored the facility size – mortality association in both hospital‐based and freestanding haemodialysis (HD) units.

Methods

In this nationwide population‐based retrospective cohort study, we used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to include patients who began maintenance (HD) between 2008 and 2012. Facility size was categorized according to the number of stations in the HD unit. The 5 years mortality rate was analyzed using a frailty model for Cox regression. The patients in hospital‐based and freestanding HD units were examined separately.

Results

Among the 39 506 patients, 24 597 (62.3%) and 14 909 (37.7%) patients received HD in hospital‐based and freestanding facilities, respectively. After the 4th month of dialysis initiation, the 5 years survival rates of patients in hospital‐based and freestanding HD units were 50.7% and 52.3%, respectively. When patient and other facility characteristics were adjusted, patients in the smallest facility category (1–15 stations) showed the highest mortality risk (hazard ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.67) among all the patients treated in hospital‐based units. The patients treated in freestanding units with 1–15, 16–30 and 31–45 stations showed 31%, 33% and 36%, respectively, higher mortality risks than those of patients treated in units with more than 45 stations.

Conclusion

A small facility size was associated with an increased mortality risk in HD patients, and the threshold size was higher in freestanding units.
Modeling Epidermal Growth Factor Inhibitor‐mediated Enhancement of Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy Using 3D Mesothelioma Cell Culture
Authors: Cramer Gwendolyn , Shin Michael , Hagan Sarah , Katz Sharyn I , Simone Charles B. , Busch Theresa M. , Cengel Keith A.
Published: November 2018

We have demonstrated that lung‐sparing surgery with intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDT) achieves remarkably extended survival for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Nevertheless, most patients treated using this approach experience local recurrence, so it is essential to identify ways to enhance tumor response. We previously reported that PDT transiently activates EGFR/STAT3 in lung and ovarian cancer cells and inhibiting EGFR via erlotinib can increase PDT sensitivity. Additionally, we have seen higher EGFR expression associating with worse outcomes after Photofrin‐mediated PDT for MPM, and the extensive desmoplastic reaction associated with MPM influences tumor phenotype and therapeutic response. Since extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins accrued during stroma development can alter EGF signaling within tumors, we have characterized novel 3D models of MPM to determine their response to erlotinib combined with Photofrin‐PDT. Our MPM cell lines formed a range of acinar phenotypes when grown on ECM gels, recapitulating the locally invasive phenotype of MPM in pleura and endothoracic fascia. Using these models, we confirmed that EGFR inhibition increases PDT cytotoxicity. Together with emerging evidence that EGFR inhibition may improve survival of lung cancer patients through immunologic and direct cell killing mechanisms, these results suggest erlotinib‐enhanced PDT may significantly improve outcomes for MPM patients.
The mKate fluorescent protein expressed by Leishmania mexicana modifies the parasite immunopathogenicity in BALB/c mice
Authors: Diupotex Mariana , Martínez‐Salazar María Berenice , Escalona‐Montaño Alma Reyna , Zamora‐Chimal Jaime , Salaiza‐Suazo Norma , Ruiz‐Remigio Adriana , Roldán‐Salgado Abigail , Aguirre‐García María Magdalena , Martínez‐Calvillo Santiago , Gaytán Paul , Becker Ingeborg
Published: November 2018

Parasites have been engineered to express fluorescent reporter proteins, yet the impact of red fluorescent proteins on Leishmania infections remains largely unknown. We analysed the infection outcome of Leishmania mexicana parasites engineered for the constitutive expression of mKate protein and evaluated their immunogenicity in BALB/c mice. Infection of BALB/c mice with mKate transfected L. mexicana (LmexmKate) parasites caused enlarged lesion sizes, leading to ulceration, and containing more parasites, as compared to LmexWT. The mKate protein showed immunogenic properties inducing antibody production against the mKate protein, as well as enhancing antibody production against the parasite. The augmented lesion sizes and ulcers, together with the more elevated antibody production, were related to an enhanced number of TNF‐α and IL‐1β producing cells in the infected tissues. We conclude that mKate red fluorescent protein is an immunogenic protein, capable of modifying disease evolution of L. mexicana.
Deportation Discretion: Tiered Influence, Minority Threat, and “Secure Communities” Deportations
Authors: Pedroza Juan Manuel
Published: November 2018

As deportations from the United States rose to unprecedented levels, a nationwide immigration enforcement program Secure Communities helped identify deportable noncitizens under arrest in county jails. Examining county‐level variation in deportation activity between 2008 and 2013, this paper contributes to immigration policy research by examining how county officials in some locations facilitated exceptionally restrictive deportation outcomes while others exercised the discretion to turn noncitizens over for deportation sparingly. Consistent with a hypothesized “tiered influence” relationship, but contrary to a “racial threat” hypothesis, Hispanic concentration predicts the highest levels of exercised discretion where Hispanic concentration is neither too small nor too large. Noncitizens under arrest seem to have benefited from above‐average Hispanic concentrations, except in counties where Hispanics exceed about 40 percent of the population.
Paediatric and adult bronchiectasis: Monitoring, cross‐infection, role of multidisciplinary teams and self‐management plans
Authors: Navaratnam Vidya , Forrester Douglas L. , Eg Kah Peng , Chang Anne B.
Published: November 2018

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease associated with structurally abnormal bronchi, clinically manifested by a persistent wet/productive cough, airway infections and recurrent exacerbations. Early identification and treatment of acute exacerbations is an integral part of monitoring and annual review, in both adults and children, to minimize further damage due to infection and inflammation. Common modalities used to monitor disease progression include clinical signs and symptoms, frequency of exacerbations and/or number of hospital admissions, lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)% predicted), imaging (radiological severity of disease) and sputum microbiology (chronic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa). There is good evidence that these monitoring tools can be used to accurately assess severity of disease and predict prognosis in terms of mortality and future hospitalization. Other tools that are currently used in research settings such as health‐related quality of life (QoL) questionnaires, magnetic resonance imaging and lung clearance index can be burdensome and require additional expertise or resource, which limits their use in clinical practice. Studies have demonstrated that cross‐infection, especially with P. aeruginosa between patients with bronchiectasis is possible but infrequent. This should not limit participation of patients in group activities such as pulmonary rehabilitation, and simple infection control measures should be carried out to limit the risk of cross‐transmission. A multidisciplinary approach to care which includes respiratory physicians, chest physiotherapists, nurse specialists and other allied health professionals are vital in providing holistic care. Patient education and personalized self‐management plans are also important despite limited evidence it improves QoL or frequency of exacerbations.
Are We Adapting to Floods? Evidence from Global Flooding Fatalities
Authors: Miao Qing
Published: November 2018

There has been a growing interest in understanding whether and how people adapt to extreme weather events in a changing climate. This article presents one of the first empirical analyses of adaptation to flooding on a global scale. Using a sample of 97 countries between 1985 and 2010, we investigate the extent and pattern of flood adaptation by estimating the effects of a country's climatological risk, recent flood experiences, and socioeconomic characteristics on its flood‐related fatalities. Our results provide mixed evidence on adaptation: countries facing greater long‐term climatological flooding risks do not necessarily adapt better and suffer fewer fatalities; however, after controlling for the cross‐country heterogeneity, we find that more recent flooding shocks have a significant and negative effect on fatalities from subsequent floods. These findings may suggest the short‐term learning dynamics of adaptation and potential inefficacy of earlier flood control measures, particularly those that promote increased exposure in floodplains. Our findings provide important implications for climate adaptation policy making and climate modeling.
Spatiotemporal Auto-regressive Model for Origin–destination Air Passenger Flows
Authors: Kim Keunseo , Kim Vinnam , Kim Heeyoung
Published: November 2018

The growth of the global airline network has increased the importance of modelling origin–destination air passenger flows for better operational planning and scheduling. Origin–destination air passenger flows are correlated both spatially and temporally because of spatial and temporal relationships of human behaviours and environments. However, most existing studies for modelling air passenger flows have assumed that these relationships are independent; few studies have considered either spatial or temporal dependences. To consider both, we develop a spatiotemporal auto-regressive model for monthly origin–destination air passenger flows. Benefitting from the special structure of a spatiotemporal dependence matrix, the model proposed can be extended to incorporate multi-dimensional auto-regressive coefficients for more flexible modelling. Its application to a real open access aviation data set demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed model in forecasting monthly air passenger flows.
Nonlinear Schrödinger equations and the universal description of dispersive shock wave structure
Authors: Congy T. , El G.A. , Hoefer M.A. , Shearer M.
Published: November 2018

The nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation and the Whitham modulation equations both describe slowly varying, locally periodic nonlinear wavetrains, albeit in differing amplitude‐frequency domains. In this paper, we take advantage of the overlapping asymptotic regime that applies to both the NLS and Whitham modulation descriptions in order to develop a universal analytical description of dispersive shock waves (DSWs) generated in Riemann problems for a broad class of integrable and nonintegrable nonlinear dispersive equations. The proposed method extends DSW fitting theory that prescribes the motion of a DSW's edges into the DSW's interior, that is, this work reveals the DSW structure. Our approach also provides a natural framework in which to analyze DSW stability. We consider several representative, physically relevant examples that illustrate the efficacy of the developed general theory. Comparisons with direct numerical simulations show that inclusion of higher order terms in the NLS equation enables a remarkably accurate description of the DSW structure in a broad region that extends from the harmonic, small amplitude edge.
Preoperative anemia increases the risk of red blood cell transfusion and prolonged hospital length of stay in children undergoing spine arthrodesis surgery
Authors: Fontanals Montserrat , O'Leary James D. , Zaarour Christian , Skelton Teresa , Faraoni David
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Preoperative anemia is an important modifiable risk factor for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in a variety of surgical populations. The primary objective of this study was to examine the association between preoperative anemia and i) transfusion of RBCs within 72 hours of surgery and ii) postoperative clinical outcomes in children undergoing spine arthrodesis surgery.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We assembled a retrospective cohort of children included in the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database who underwent spine arthrodesis surgery from 2012 to 2016. Anemia was defined using age‐ and sex‐specific hematocrit thresholds. Data collected included demographic and surgical characteristics, RBC transfusion within 72 hours, and 30‐day postoperative outcomes (postoperative mechanical ventilation, infection, readmission, hospital length of stay, mortality). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of RBC transfusion and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 9,095 patients in the analysis. Preoperative anemia was present in 14% (n = 1,233) of the population and 67% (n = 6,135) of patients were transfused. Our multivariable logistic regression showed anemia, surgical time > 350 minutes, > 7 vertebral levels fused, neuromuscular disease, and cerebral palsy were all independent predictors of RBC transfusion. Preoperative anemia was also associated with prolonged hospital LOS (adjusted OR: 1.31, 95%CI: 1.11–1.54, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of 9,095 children undergoing spine surgery, preoperative anemia was associated with an increased risk of RBC transfusion and prolonged LOS. Further studies are needed to determine if treatment of preoperative anemia can effectively reduce intraoperative RBC transfusion.
Serum amyloid A concentration in postoperative colic horses and its association with postoperative complications
Authors: Aitken Maia R. , Stefanovski Darko , Southwood Louise L.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To determine serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in the postoperative (PO) colic horse and its association with PO complications and infection.

Study design

Prospective case series.

Animals

Fifty‐one horses after colic surgery.

Methods

Blood samples from horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy were analyzed for quantitative SAA and fibrinogen concentrations and for neutrophil count at days 0, 1, 2, and 4‐6 and at hospital discharge.

Results

Complications developed in 35 (69%) horses and included PO colic (n = 13, 25%), PO reflux (n = 11, 22%), intravenous catheter (IVC) complications (n = 11, 22%), low‐grade fever (n = 11, 22%); surgical site infection (SSI; n = 9, 18%), high‐grade fever (n = 7, 14%), and diarrhea (n = 4, 8%). There was an association between day 2 SAA and PO colic (P = .004), diarrhea (P = .042), IVC complications (P = .008), and PO reflux (P = .008) as well as day 4‐6 SAA and PO colic (P = .004) and diarrhea (P = .018). Discharge SAA concentration was associated with SSI (P = .001). Fibrinogen concentrations at days 4‐6 and at discharge were associated with PO colic (P = .003), diarrhea (P = .004), IVC complications (P = .002), and PO reflux (P = .023). No differences were seen in SAA, fibrinogen, or neutrophils between horses with PO infection vs those with non–infection‐associated complications.

Conclusion

Serum amyloid A was markedly increased in the PO period in all horses but did not differ between PO infection and noninfection complications. The amount of inflammation associated with PO colic and colic surgery was high and may have affected the predictive value of SAA for early PO infection.

Clinical significance

Although increases occurred earlier, measurement of SAA with a point‐of‐care analyzer may not be a more sensitive indicator of infection in the early PO colic horse than fibrinogen concentration. Serum amyloid A may help detect SSI in the late PO period.
The Relationship Between Performance Management Practices and Organizational Deviations in Schools
Authors: Toytok Esef Hakan , Yavuz Merve
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this research is to describe how and in which way teachers' behaviors are affected in the organisational context with performance management practices. The sample of the research consists of 350 administrators and teachers working in the schools located in the city of Siirt in 2017-2018 academic year. The study is an example of the descriptive relational screening model. The data of the research were obtained by using "Teacher / Manager Performance Management Rating Scale and "Organizational Deviation Scale" in Public and Private Primary Education Schools" . The obtained data were converted into data sets with statistical program and appropriate analysis procedures were applied and interpreted after being tabulated. According to the results obtained from the research, it was found that there is a significant difference in the overall dimension and organizational dimension of the performance management practices, and in the overall dimension of the performance management practices according to the independent variable of school type. It can also be stated that there is a negative and moderately significant relationship between the performance management practices and the organizational deviation in the schools and that as the performances of the administrators and teachers in the schools increase, the level of organizational deviation behavior may decrease.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: November 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 12Benmarrakchi Fatimaezzahra, Chouaib Doukkali University, MoroccoCagla Atmaca, Pamukkale University, TurkeyDeniz Melanlioğlu, Kırıkkale University, TurkeyEbru Uzunkol, Sakarya University, TurkeyEnisa Mede, Bahcesehir University, TurkeyFatih Kaya, Erzincan University, TurkeyFroilan D. Mobo, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, PhilippineGözde Ersöz, Namık Kemal University, TurkeyHakan Acar, Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University, TurkeyHalil Tanir, Adnan Menderes University, TurkeyHayriye Gül Kuruyer, Ordu Universty, TurkeyHsiu-Fen Lin, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Taiwanİbrahim Erdemir, Balikesir University, TurkeyIntakhab Khan, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi ArabiaJohn Cowan, Edinburgh Napier University, UKLawrence R. Burns, Grand Valley State University, USALinda J. Rappel, Yorkville University/University of Calgary, CanadaLorna T. Enerva, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, PhilippinesMahmoud Radwan, Tanta University, EgyptMaria Pavlis Korres, Hellenic Open University, GreeceMary Sciaraffa, Eastern Kentucky University, USAMassimiliano Barattucci, Ecampus University, ItalyMehmet Fatih Karahüseyinoğlu, Firat University, TurkeyMehmet Inan, Marmara University, TurkeyMeral Seker, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, TurkeyMichael Baron, University of Melbourne, AustraliaNiveen M. Zayed, MENA College of Management, JordanSamad Mirza Suzani, Islamic Azad University, IranSelloane Pitikoe, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South AfricaShu-wen Lin, Sojo University, JapanStamatis Papadakis, University of Crete, GreeceVeronica Rosa, University Rome, ItalyRobert 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
Transformation of health professional/patient caring relationships through information and communication technologies used in telemedicine: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Thorup Charlotte Brun , Bundgaard Karin , Pedersen Preben U.
Published: November 2018

Review objectives/questions

The objectives of this scoping review are to examine and map how telemedicine via information and communication technology (ICT) transforms caring relationships between health professionals and patients and how this transformation is conceptualized.

The questions of this review are:
Why save a minority language? Meänkieli and rationales of language revitalization
Authors: Ridanpää Juha
Published: November 2018

This article examines the rationales for language revitalization and their materialization on a local scale. The starting premise is that, due to specific social, cultural, as well as spatial circumstances, there exists a wide variety of rationalizations for why saving endangered languages is important. The complexity of the matter is discussed with regard to Meänkieli, a minority language spoken in northern Sweden, which has a long and unique history of marginalization. The article bases on group discussions conducted with Meänkieli speaking cultural activists in northern Sweden during the fall of 2015 and the spring of 2016. The present examination of the group discussions reveals how the rationales of saving the language are inherently interrelated with questions concerning identity formation, educational principles and the sovereignty of minority groups. The analysis also reveals how, due to the complex nature of local history, there is no consensus on whether the recent progress in language revitalization is unanimously a positive change or not.
Conditional welcome and the ambivalent self – commentary to Gill
Authors: Laine Jussi P
Published: November 2018

This brief reflection is written from the standpoint that much of the witnessed suppression of welcome derives from either a lack of fully understanding, or misunderstanding, the reasons for and circumstances of the perceived crisis, as well as of the histories and motivations of the people who have arrived in Europe in great numbers. Rather than simply depicting the governmental perspective in opposition to that of the people, the argument put forth here is rather that the reactions to this extraordinary situation have been torn at best, and it is the mounting polarization, rather than the immigrants as such, that are putting Europe’s democracies, social model, cooperation as well as values to the test. The anxieties caused by immigration have become intertwined with deep insecurities triggered by originally unrelated societal changes, whereby the question of the suppression of welcome has a lot to do with the difficulty in finding an appropriate balance with one’s own benefits, preferences of association and responsibilities towards others. Efforts need to be taken to debunk tenacious false narratives about migration, and to provoke debate in a fashion that will lead to a nuanced understanding of the root causes and motivating factors behind the migrant flows, as this would enable us to take proper action in addressing them.
Who welcomes? The geographies of refugee aid as care work – commentary to Gill
Authors: Pascucci Elisa
Published: November 2018

Drawing on my recent research with aid workers in Jordan and Lebanon, as well as on examples from Greece and Italy, in this commentary I propose the concept of care work as one of the possible ways to achieve a grounded critical understanding of welcome, one that goes beyond solidarity versus institutionalization, bureaucracy versus generosity and state versus civil society dichotomies. Framing the issue in such a way means asking three fundamental questions: not only, as Gill poignantly does, what is welcome, but also where is welcome actually located and, most importantly, who welcomes. These questions illuminate the many overlooked forms of affective and physical labour without which state-centred, institutional, and internationally organized aid and “welcome” would not be possible. The task, I contend, is to unearth the labour of care that the governance of migration and refuge requires, labour that is mostly feminized, racialized, and precarious. By illuminating the forms of care and interdependencies upon which the reproduction of our societies depends – in all its aspects, including border regimes – this perspective opens up an emancipatory pathway to the politicization of welcoming and aid to migrants and refugees, alternative to humanitarian discourses.
La cooperación sur-sur de Brasil y Colombia: entre la política exterior y el desarrollo
Authors: Ruiz Camacho Paula Ximena
Published: November 2018

La cooperación Sur-Sur es una modalidad complementaria a la tradicional cooperación Norte-Sur, la cual se ha fortalecido a lo largo de este siglo como un instrumento de soft power ejecutado por los países del Sur global. América del Sur ha sido la región más activa en cuanto a su formulación y ejecución, bien sea para obtener un mayor grado de autonomía política y económica en la definición de sus proyectos de desarrollo, o para mejorar su posicionamiento y visibilidad dentro del sistema internacional de cooperación al desarrollo. Tal es el caso de la implementación de las estrategias adoptadas por Brasil y Colombia en materia de cooperación, la cual será inicialmente definida como la manifestación de los intereses nacionales a través del diseño y puesta en marcha de su política exterior.  Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este artículo es analizar la CSS, tanto de Brasil como de Colombia, como herramienta de política exterior a través de dos factores: la identidad y la expertise institucional.
A dinâmica das relações Estados Unidos-Colômbia-Brasil: cooperação, competição e conflito
Authors: Fuccille Alexandre , Aparecida Marques Adriana
Published: November 2018

O artigo procura explorar as relações colombo-brasileiras em tempos recentes, sem descuidar do papel que os Estados Unidos exercem nesta sua histórica zona de influência. A despeito das diferenças ideológicas entre os presidentes Álvaro Uribe e Lula da Silva, o pragmatismo de ambos pretendeu colocar as relações entre Bogotá e Brasília em um novo patamar, prejudicados por seus afilhados políticos, Juan Manuel Santos e Dilma Rousseff, que não conseguiram fazer avançar as promessas colocadas. Após afastamentos e aproximações e diferentes apostas como o Mercado Comum do Sul/MERCOSUL e a Aliança do Pacífico/AP, o que parece um quadro de desencanto com ambas iniciativas pode vir a abrir um novo período nas relações bilaterais entre estes países sul-americanos, em especial nestes tempos de regionalismo sob estresse e uma América do Sul fraturada.
Automatic intonation classification using temporal patterns in utterance-level pitch contour and perceptually motivated pitch transformation
Authors: Yarra Chiranjeevi , Ghosh Prasanta Kumar
Published: November 2018

Second language learners of British English (BE) are typically trained for four intonation classes: Glide-up, Glide-down, Dive, and Take-off. Automatic four-way intonation classification could be useful to evaluate a learner's pronunciation. However, such automatic classification is challenging without having manually annotated tones, typically considered in intonation analysis and classification tasks. In this, a three-dimensional feature sequence is proposed representing temporal patterns in the utterance-level f0 contour using a perceptually motivated pitch transformation. Hidden Markov model based classification experiments conducted using a training material for teaching BE intonation demonstrate the benefit of the proposed approach over the baseline scheme considered.
Fantasy Breakdown: A Case Study on Organizational Crisis Communication and Stakeholder Reaction During Mass Product Failure
Authors: Ruihley Brody J. , Simmons Jason , Billings Andrew C. , Calabrese Rich
Published: November 2018

On the first Sunday of the National Football League’s 2016–17 season, a technical issue caused ESPN’s fantasy-football website and mobile application to fail. ESPN’s product failure is no small problem and represented a major organizational crisis; with 7.1 million unique users, ESPN represents the largest provider of a multi-billion-dollar fantasy-sport industry. This case study examined ESPN’s organizational communication strategy, as well as the stakeholder responses surrounding the failure of ESPN’s fantasy-football website and application on the most anticipated day of the fantasy-sport season. Using content analysis and partnering with a social media data insights company, the study examined social media messages from both the organizational and consumer side of this fantasy-sport product failure. Through ampling 1,542 social media messages from a population of 11,881 unique comments via Twitter, the reactive nature of ESPN’s messages and the direct responses from its consumers was ascertained.
Association(s) Between Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior Patterns and Obesity Among Brazilian Adolescents
Authors: Werneck André O. , Silva Evelyn C.A. , Bueno Maria R.O. , Vignadelli Lidyane Z. , Oyeyemi Adewale L. , Romanzini Catiana L.P. , Ronque Enio R.V. , Romanzini Marcelo
Published: November 2018

Purpose: To investigate the association between patterns of sedentary behavior and obesity indicators among adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 389 adolescents (186 boys) aged 10–14 years. Body mass index, body fat (skinfolds), and waist circumference were adopted as outcomes. Sedentary behavior patterns (total time, bouts, and breaks) measured through accelerometry (GT3X and GT3X+; ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL) were adopted as exposures. Peak height velocity, moderate to vigorous physical activity (accelerometer), cardiorespiratory fitness (Léger test), sex, and chronological age were adopted as covariates. Linear regression models adjusted for covariates were used to determine associations between outcome and exposure variables. Results: The mean age of adolescents was 11.8 (0.7) years. Boys were more active than girls (P < .001). Accumulating shorter bouts (1–4 min) of sedentary behavior was negatively associated with body mass index (β = −0.050; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.098 to −0.003) and waist circumference (β = −0.133; 95% CI, −0.237 to −0.028). Similarly, a higher number of breaks in sedentary behavior were negatively associated with body mass index (β = −0.160; 95% CI, −0.319 to −0.001) and waist circumference (β = −0.412; 95% CI, −0.761 to −0.064). Conclusion: Shorter bouts of sedentary behavior (1–4 min) and a higher number of breaks of sedentary behavior were associated with lower adiposity. Our findings also suggest that breaking up sedentary time to ensure bouts of sedentary behavior are short might contribute to the prevention of obesity in adolescents.
High-Intensity Demands of 6-a-Side Small-Sided Games and 11-a-Side Matches in Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Goto Heita , King James A.
Published: November 2018

Purpose: The purposes of the present study were to examine high-intensity running distance during 6-a-side small-sided games (SSGs) and 11-a-side matches (11M) in youth soccer players using speed and metabolic power approaches and the magnitude of difference between the high-intensity running distance calculated with the 2 approaches. Method: A total of 11 outfield players (age = 16.3 [0.6] y) performed SSGs with 3 pitch sizes (small SSG [SSGS], medium SSG, and large SSG [SSGL]) and 11M. A Global Positioning System (15 Hz) was employed to calculate total distance covered, distance covered at a speed ≥4.3 m·s−1 (TS), and metabolic power of ≥20 W·kg−1 (TP). Results: The total distance covered increased from SSGS through to SSGL (P < .001) and was greater during 11M and SSGL compared with other SSGs (P < .01). TS and TP increased from SSGS (TS vs TP = 98 [55] vs 547 [181] m) through to SSGL (538 [167] vs 1050 [234] m; P < .001). TS and TP during 11M (370 [122] vs 869 [233] m) was greater than SSGS (P < .001 for both) and less than SSGL (P < .05 for both). The magnitude of difference between TS and TP (as a percentage) was lower with an increase in pitch size during SSGs and was greater in SSGS (615% [404%]; P < .001), medium SSG (195% [76%]; P < .05), and smaller in SSGL (102% [33%]; P < .01) compared with 11M (145% [53%]). Conclusion: SSGs can replicate the high-intensity demands of 11M and the speed approach underestimates the high-intensity demands of SSGs and 11M compared with the metabolic power approach.
Migrants and trade spiced up Canaanite metropolis
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: November 2018

In Bronze Age tombs, signs of vanilla, 3000 years early, and elaborate medical care.
European funders detail their open-access plan
Authors: Rabesandratana Tania
Published: November 2018

Plan S will allow researchers to publish in hybrid journals that commit to flip to full open access.
Cultural flies: Conformist social learning in fruitflies predicts long-lasting mate-choice traditions
Authors: Danchin Etienne , Nöbel Sabine , Pocheville Arnaud , Dagaeff Anne-Cecile , Demay Léa , Alphand Mathilde , Ranty-Roby Sarah , van Renssen Lara , Monier Magdalena , Gazagne Eva , Allain Mélanie , Isabel Guillaume
Published: November 2018

Trendsetting flies

Though once believed to be confined to humans, culture has now been demonstrated in many different animal species, from whales to parrots. Most such animals have high levels of cognition, but the basics of transmission and copying could easily occur in less cognitively advanced species. Danchin
et al.
show that mating culture can be passed on in
Drosophila
and model the process by which this occurs (see the Perspective by Whiten). Their results suggest that culture and copying may be much more widespread across the animal kingdom than previously believed.

Science
, this issue p.
1025
; see also p.
998
Prolonged milk provisioning in a jumping spider
Authors: Chen Zhanqi , Corlett Richard T. , Jiao Xiaoguo , Liu Sheng-Jie , Charles-Dominique Tristan , Zhang Shichang , Li Huan , Lai Ren , Long Chengbo , Quan Rui-Chang
Published: November 2018

Spider nursery

Mammals produce milk to feed their offspring, and maternal care often continues well after the young can forage for themselves. Though other cases of milk-like secretions have been found, this combination of ongoing maternal care has largely been considered a uniquely mammalian trait. Chen
et al.
describe an ant-mimicking jumping spider that secretes a nutritious milk-like substance on which its young offspring are entirely dependent. The spider also continues to care for the spiderlings as they mature and become independent. Thus, this type of maternal care may be more widespread than has been assumed.

Science
, this issue p.
1052
The myth of apolitical science
Freedom's Laboratory: The Cold War Struggle for the Soul of Science
Audra J. Wolfe
Johns Hopkins University Press, 2018. 312 pp.
Authors: Wellerstein Alex
Published: November 2018

Denouncing state-controlled research, U.S. investigators advanced the American agenda during the Cold War
Playing with particle physics
Subatomic: An Atom Building Game
John Coveyou
Genius Games, 2018.
Authors: Chuang Angela
Published: November 2018

The quantum realm comes to life in a fast-paced new board game
Define the human right to science
Authors: Wyndham Jessica M. , Vitullo Margaret Weigers
Published: November 2018

The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly will mark its 70th anniversary on 10 December. One right enshrined in the UDHR is the right of everyone to “share in scientific advancement and its benefits.” In 1966, this right was incorporated into the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, a treaty to which 169 countries have voluntarily agreed to be bound. Unlike most other human rights, however, the right to science has never been legally defined and is often ignored in practice by the governments bound to implement it. An essential first step toward giving life to the right to science is for the UN to legally define it.
Sex differences in the developmental origins of cardiometabolic disease following exposure to maternal obesity and gestational diabetes
Authors: Talbot Charlotte Pauline Joëlle , Dolinsky Vernon Wayne
Published: November 2018

Over the past 30 years, the worldwide prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled. In addition, more and more women in their child-bearing years are overweight or obese, which increases the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). It is increasingly accepted by the scientific community that early life exposure to environmental stress influences the long-term health of an individual, which has been termed the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease theory. Evidence from human cohorts and epidemiological and animal studies has shown that maternal obesity and GDM condition the offspring for cardiometabolic disease development. These effects are most likely regulated by epigenetic mechanisms; however, biological sex is an important factor in defining the risk of the development of several metabolic health disorders. The aim of this review is to describe the current evidence from human cohort and animal model studies that implicates sex differences in the developmental origins of cardiometabolic disease following exposure to maternal obesity and GDM. In addition, this review addresses the potential mechanisms involved in these sex differences. In many studies, sex is ignored as an important variable in disease development; however, the results presented in this review highlight important differences between sexes in the developmental programming of biological responses to exposures during the fetal stage. This knowledge will ultimately help in the development of effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases that exhibit sexual dimorphism.
Marker-assisted breeding of hexaploid spring wheat in the Canadian prairies
Authors: Toth J. , Pandurangan S. , Burt A. , Mitchell Fetch J. , Kumar S.
Published: November 2018

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important crop and export commodity for Canada. Increased global population, demand for superior quality grains, and rapidly evolving pathogens have necessitated the breeding of high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat cultivars. Significant improvements in breeding efficiency can be made through advances in wheat genetics and genomics to develop tools that accelerate genetic gains in wheat. The identification of genes and quantitative trait loci for economically important traits and the development of associated molecular markers have the potential to improve selection efficiency. Marker-assisted selection enriches desirable allelic frequency, complements phenotypic data, and facilitates gene stacking. Molecular markers have been developed for various genes and quantitative trait loci conferring resistance to leaf rust, stripe rust, stem rust, Fusarium head blight, loose smut, common bunt, leaf spot, wheat blossom midge, and wheat stem sawfly. Markers are available for wheat grain and flour characteristics as well. Agronomic traits such as vernalization requirement, day-length sensitivity, and plant height can also be selected using molecular markers. Validated single nucleotide polymorphism based markers are a useful tool in breeding new wheat varieties for the Canadian prairies. In the current review, we present a compilation of validated molecular markers that are polymorphic and potentially useful for Canadian wheat breeding.
AAC Comfort field pea
Authors: Bing Deng-Jin , Beauchesne Don , McLaren Debra , Gan Yantai , Cuthbert Richard
Published: November 2018

AAC Comfort is a high-yielding, semi-leafless, green cotyledon field pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivar developed at the Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in Lacombe, AB. It is adapted to all field pea growing regions in western Canada. AAC Comfort has late maturity, medium lodging resistance, medium seed size, round seed shape, and good bleach resistance and green colour intensity. It is resistant to powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe pisi DC., moderately susceptible to mycosphaerella blight caused by Mycosphaerella pinodes (Berk. & Blox.) Vestergr., and susceptible to fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. pisi (Linford) Snyd. & Hans.