bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital muscular dystrophies in China
Authors: Ge Lin , Zhang Cheng , Wang Zhaoxia , Chan Sophelia H.S. , Zhu Wenhua , Han Chunxi , Zhang Xiaoli , Zheng Hong , Wu Liwen , Jin Bo , Shan Jingli , Mao Bing , Zhong Jianmin , Peng Xiaoyin , Cheng Yaying , Hu Jun , Sun Yan , Lu Junlan , Hua Ying , Zhu Sainan , Wei Cuijie , Wang Shuo , Jiao Hui , Yang Haipo , Fu Xiaona , Fan Yanbin , Chang Xingzhi , Wang Shuang , Bao Xinhua , Zhang Yuehua , Wang Jingmin , Wu Ye , Jiang Yuwu , Yuan Yun , Rutkowski Anne , Bönnemann Carsten G. , Wei Wei , Wu Xiru , Xiong Hui
Published: May 2019

Congenital muscular dystrophies (CMDs) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous conditions. We launched a nationwide study to determine the frequency of CMD in the Chinese population and assess the status of diagnosis and disease management for CMD in China. Cases were chosen from databases in 34 tertiary academic hospitals from 29 first‐level administrative divisions (provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions, and special administrative regions), and medical records were reviewed to confirm the diagnoses. The study included 409 patients, of those patients who consented to genetic testing (n = 340), mutations were identified in 286 of them. The most common forms identified were LAMA2‐related CMD (36.4%), followed by COL6‐related CMD (23.2%) and α‐dystroglycanopathy (21.0%). The forms of CMD related to mutations in LMNA and SEPN1 were less frequent (12.5% and 2.4%, respectively). We also recorded a significant difference in the diagnostic capabilities and disease management of CMD, with this being relatively backward in research centers from less developed regions. We provide, for the first time, comprehensive epidemiologic information of CMD in a large cohort of Chinese people. To our knowledge, this is the largest sample size of its kind so far highlighting the prevalence of CMD in China.
Optimal response to dimethyl fumarate is mediated by a reduction of Th1‐like Th17 cells after 3 months of treatment
Authors: Mansilla María José , Navarro‐Barriuso Juan , Presas‐Rodríguez Silvia , Teniente‐Serra Aina , Quirant‐Sánchez Bibiana , Ramo‐Tello Cristina , Martínez‐Cáceres Eva María
Published: May 2019

Aim

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is one of the most promising therapies for relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients since it has shown immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. However, a percentage of RRMS patients do not exhibit an optimal response to DMF. The objective of this study was to identify early biomarkers of treatment response by analyzing changes in peripheral leukocyte subpopulations directly in whole blood samples.

Methods

A longitudinal and prospective study analyzing peripheral blood leukocyte subpopulations in 22 RRMS patients before initiating DMF treatment (baseline) and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow‐up was performed. Differences between no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) and ongoing disease activity (ODA) patients were analyzed.

Results

The beneficial effect of DMF was associated with a specific depletion of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and B cells. Importantly, only NEDA patients showed (a) a shift from a pro‐ to an antiinflammatory profile, with an increase of Th2 cells and a decrease of Th1‐like Th17 lymphocytes; and (b) an increase of regulatory CD56bright NK cells.

Conclusion

The optimal response to DMF is mediated by a shift to antiinflammatory and immunoregulatory profile, which puts forward Th1‐like Th17 lymphocytes as a potential early biomarker of treatment response.
Patch testing children with aluminium chloride hexahydrate in petrolatum: A review and a recommendation
Authors: Bergfors Elisabet , Inerot Annica , Falk Lars , Nyström Ulla , Trollfors Birger
Published: May 2019

Background

According to studies on adults, patch testing with aluminium chloride hexahydrate 2% pet. is insufficient to detect aluminium allergy, and a 10% preparation is recommended. Other studies suggest that a 2% preparation is sufficient for testing children.

Objectives

To review three previously published Swedish studies on patch testing children with aluminium chloride hexahydrate 2% pet.

Patients/Methods

Altogether, 601 children with persistent itching subcutaneous nodules (granulomas) induced by aluminium‐adsorbed vaccines were patch tested with aluminium chloride hexahydrate 2% pet. and metallic aluminium in (a) a pertussis vaccine trial, (b) clinical practice, and (c) a prospective study.

Results

Overall, 459 children had positive reactions to the 2% pet. preparation. Another 10 reacted positively only to metallic aluminium. An extreme positive reaction (+++) was seen in 65% of children aged 1 to 2 years as compared with 22% of children aged 7 years. From 8 years onwards, extreme positive reactions were scarce.

Conclusions

Aluminium chloride hexahydrate 2% pet. is sufficient to trace aluminium allergy in children. Small children are at risk of extreme reactions. We thus suggest that aluminium chloride hexahydrate 10% pet. should not be used routinely in children before the age of 7 to 8 years.
Occupational contact dermatitis caused by opioids: A case series
Authors: Flury Ursula , Cahill Jennifer L. , Nixon Rosemary L.
Published: May 2019

Background

Opioid‐manufacturing facility workers are at risk of developing occupational contact dermatitis.

Objectives

To describe the causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by opioids in an opioid‐manufacturing facility.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patients assessed at the Occupational Dermatology Clinic in Melbourne, Australia from 2004 to 2017.

Results

Fifteen workers from an opioid‐manufacturing facility were assessed in our clinic over a period of 14 years. Of these, 11 individuals were diagnosed with occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by opioids, with seven reacting to thebaine, five to morphine, four to norhydroxymorphinone, two to codeine, and two to oripavine. Two people were suspected of having immediate hypersensitivity reactions to opioids, including one who also had allergic contact dermatitis. Two patients were diagnosed with urticaria, aggravated at work. One patient was diagnosed with a non‐occupational rash.

Conclusions

We report a case series of workers with allergic contact dermatitis caused by opioids in a manufacturing facility. With greater awareness, including implementation of an educational programme and improved skin protection, the number of cases declined over time. Interestingly, norhydroxymorphinone had not been reported as an allergen before. Further testing is required to establish optimal patch test concentrations of all opiates.
oSCR: a spatial capture–recapture R package for inference about spatial ecological processes
Authors: Sutherland Chris , Royle J. Andrew , Linden Daniel W.
Published: May 2019

Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) methods have become widely applied in ecology. The immediate adoption of SCR is due to the fact that it resolves some major criticisms of traditional capture–recapture methods related to heterogeneity in detectabililty, and the emergence of new technologies (e.g. camera traps, non‐invasive genetics) that have vastly improved our ability to collection spatially explicit observation data on individuals. However, the utility of SCR methods reaches far beyond simply convenience and data availability. SCR presents a formal statistical framework that can be used to test explicit hypotheses about core elements of population and landscape ecology, and has profound implications for how we study animal populations. In this software note, we describe the technical basis and analytical workflow of oSCR, an R package for analyzing spatial encounter history data using a multi‐session sex‐structured likelihood. The impetus for developing oSCR was to create an accessible and transparent analysis tool that allows users to conveniently and intuitively formulate statistical models that map directly to fundamental processes of interest in spatial population ecology (e.g. space use, resource selection, density and connectivity). We have placed an emphasis on creating a transparent and accessible code base that is coupled with a logical workflow that we hope stimulates active participation in further technical developments.
Spontaneous remission in a patient with very late relapse of acute myeloid leukemia 17 years after allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Rautenberg Christina , Kaivers Jennifer , Germing Ulrich , Haas Rainer , Schroeder Thomas , Kobbe Guido
Published: May 2019

Spontaneous remission (SR) of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents a rare phenomenon and is usually of short duration although long‐term remissions are reported. Indeed, mechanisms underlying SR remain unclear, but it is suggested that immunactivation, e.g. caused by infections, plays an important role. Here we report on a patient who suffered from pneumonia and simultaneously experienced very late hematologic AML relapse seventeen years after allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation (allo‐BSCT). Surprisingly in parallel to recovery from pneumonia peripheral blood count which previously showed pancytopenia, had normalized and bone marrow (BM) aspiration revealed spontaneous remission of AML. To the best of our knowledge we here report on the latest AML relapse after allo‐BSCT experiencing SR.
What determines fund performance persistence? International evidence
Authors: Ferreira Miguel A. , Keswani Aneel , Miguel António F. , Ramos Sofia B.
Published: May 2019

We study performance persistence across a global sample of equity mutual funds from 27 countries. In contrast to the existing U.S.‐based evidence, we find that net performance persistence is present in the majority of fund industries, suggesting that fund manager skill is commonplace rather than a rarity. Consistent with the intuition that more competition in the mutual fund industry makes remaining a winner fund less likely but keeping a loser fund at the bottom of the performance ranks more probable, we show that competitiveness explains the cross‐sectional variation in performance persistence.
Modeling the Impact of Technological Innovation on Environmental Efficiency: A Spatial Panel Data Approach
Authors: Benedetti Roberto , Palma Daniela , Postiglione Paolo
Published: May 2019

Technological progress has widely been acknowledged as a key driver in the achievement of environmental sustainability, and a new concern has recently arisen for assessing the role of differences in regional innovation performances with respect to the pursuit of pollution targets. We investigate the impact of innovative activities on environmental efficiency at the regional level, adopting a spatial panel data approach to account for dependence between geographical observations and to get deeper insights into spatial knowledge spillovers arising from agglomeration economies. The spatial panel analysis covers 103 Italian provinces (equivalent to NUTS3 regions) on four major air pollutants (i.e., CO2, CH4, NMVOC, CO) over the 1995–2010 period. Our findings show that the state of local technology development, proxied by patents, has a positive impact on GDP emission efficiency and that its magnitude is higher for more localized pollutants as a result of larger spillover effects. Finally, to analyze the Italian North‐South dualism of emission levels of pollutants, we offer a spillover effect study to emphasize the remarkable difference among effects in the territory. This calls for closer attention to the local relevance of the pollution damage when environmental impact of innovation strategies is to be evaluated.
DB or not DB: Writing the history of the slave trade to North America in the era of the database
Authors: Kelley Sean M.
Published: May 2019

Since the publication of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Database (now known asVoyages) in 1999, it has occupied an important place the study of the North American slave trade. Some historians, particularly those interested in the African Diaspora and African American culture, have embraced its ability to elucidate the specific connections between Africa and North America over time. While most historians have accepted the validity of the database, some have criticized the database's tendency to privilege quantitative abstraction over a more “human” narrative. A smaller number still have rejected the estimates offered by the database specifically regarding the number of Africans disembarked in the United States after 1808, but most scholars in the field have accepted theVoyagesestimates. There are now plans to link theVoyagesdatabase with a number of other slavery‐related digital history projects, which suggests that the era of the database is here to stay.
Anatomical danger zone reconsidered: a micro‐CT study on dentine thickness in mandibular molars
Authors: De‐Deus G. , Rodrigues E. A. , Belladonna F. G. , Simões‐Carvalho M. , Cavalcante D. M. , Oliveira D. S. , Souza E. M. , Giorgi K. A. , Versiani M. A. , Lopes R. T. , Silva E. J. N. L. , Paciornik S.
Published: May 2019

Aim

To investigate the smallest dentine thickness in mesial canals of mandibular molars along the cervical and middle thirds of the root by means of a micro‐computed tomographic (micro‐CT) technology and digital image analysis.

Methodology

Fifty mesial roots of mandibular molars having two independent canals (mesiobuccal and mesiolingual), in the coronal and middle levels, were selected and scanned in a micro‐CT device. After reconstruction procedures, approximately 468 slices per root covering the 7 mm below the furcation area of the mesial root were analysed to measure the smallest dentine thickness (danger zone [DZ]) in each slice from both distal and mesial regions of the mesial canals by an automatic segmentation process.

Results

The DZ values in the mesiobuccal canals varied from 0.67 to 1.93 mm, with an average of 1.13 ± 0.21 mm. For the mesiolingual canals, the DZ varied from 0.77 to 1.89 mm with an average of 1.10 ± 0.21 mm. There was no correspondence in the DZ between the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals at the same cross‐sectional level in 71% of the specimens. Moreover, the smallest dentine thickness was towards the mesial region of the roots in 22% and 18% of the mesiolingual and mesiobuccal canals, respectively. (Figs 1 and 2

Conclusions

The smallest dentine thickness was on the mesial plane of the roots in about 40% of the canals. The vertical location of the DZ in relation to the furcation area was in the middle third of the root.
Gel casting of mullite for radome applications
Authors: Ecebaş Nazım , Dursun Gülsüm Meryem , Yeşilova Aysu Hande , Duran Cihangir
Published: May 2019

Gel‐casting method was used to fabricate mullite ceramics because this method has not been applied to fabricate dense mullite in literature. Gel‐casting parameters such as monomer types (acrylamide and metyhlenebisacrylamide), effect of initiator (ammonium persulfate), and catalyst (tetramethylenediamine) were studied. All samples reached to relative densities of 97% to 98.2% after sintering at 1540°C for 2 hours. Backscattered SEM images revealed anisotropically grown mullite grains, glassy phase located at triple junctions, hexagonally‐shaped and faceted Al2O3grains, and white‐color grains consisting of ZrO2and undissolved TiO2. A Weibull modulus of 12.33 (ie, indicating tough ceramics) and characteristic strength of 186 MPa were calculated, below which no failure was expected. A critical quenching temperature was found as about 400°C (ΔT ~ 380°C) by indentation‐quench method. In addition, a thermal shock resistance parameter (eg,Rin °C) of 142.4°C was calculated, which was higher than commonly used Al2O3ceramics. Lower dielectric constant and loss are desired for wide frequency band application and shorter signal transmission delay time in radomes. The dielectric constant was found as nearly 7.5 up to 10 GHz and loss tangent was 0.0031 at 5 MHz. Dielectric and thermomechanical results suggest that mullite is a suitable candidate ceramic for radome applications.
Monosomal karyotypes apart from complex karyotypes independently predict the outcome of myelodysplastic syndrome patients using a fluorescence in situ hybridization panel and conventional cytogenetics
Authors: Wang Na , Xu Hongzhi , Li Qing , Liu Jie , Sui Xiaohui , Jiang Yujie , Fang Xiaosheng , Zhen Changqing , Ding Mei , Yuan Dai , Zhang Lingyan , Wang Xin
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The aim of the study was to analyze monosomal karyotype (MK) occurrence and the relationship between MKs and complex karyotypes (CKs) and to determine the prognostic significance of MKs in MDS patients based on conventional cytogenetic (CC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses.

Methods

CC and FISH analyses were conducted for 216 primary MDS patients. Follow‐ups and statistical analysis were conducted.

Results

A total of 25 (11.6%) patients with MKs were identified by FISH and CC analyses, and 23 (92%) of these MKs were also CKs. Only 19 patients (8.8%) with MKs were identified by CC analysis. Patients with MKs had higher bone marrow (BM) blast counts (P = 0.006), incidence of very high risk according to International Prognostic Scoring System‐Revised (IPSS‐R) (P < 0.001), leukemic transformation (P = 0.003,) and death rates (P < 0.001) than those without MKs. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of MK or CK patients which were additionally detected by FISH and CC analyses had no statistical significance with those MK or CK patients detected by CC analyses separately. Multivariate analysis indicated that MK (P < 0.001), blast in BM (P < 0.001) and age (P = 0.028) were inferior independent prognostic factors in OS, whereas CK (P = 0.003) was the inferior independent prognostic factor in PFS.

Conclusion

The MDS FISH panel may provide additional information for defining MKs beyond CC analysis. MK was an important indicator of OS in MDS patients, and CK indicated inferior disease progression but did not influence OS according to CC and FISH analyses.
Evolution of the neural sex‐determination system in insects: does fruitless homologue regulate neural sexual dimorphism in basal insects?
Authors: Watanabe T.
Published: May 2019

In the brain of holometabolous insects such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the fruitless gene produces sex‐specific gene products under the control of the sex‐specific splicing cascade and contributes to the formation of the sexually dimorphic circuits. Similar sex‐specific gene products of fruitless homologues have been identified in other holometabolous insects such as mosquitoes and a parasitic wasp, suggesting the fruitless‐dependent neural sex‐determination system is widely conserved amongst holometabolous insects. However, it remains obscure whether the fruitless‐dependent neural sex‐determination system is present in basal hemimetabolous insects. To address this issue, identification, characterization, and expression analyses of the fruitless homologue were conducted in the two‐spotted cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus, as a model hemimetabolous insect. The Gryllus fruitless gene encodes multiple isoforms with a unique zinc finger domain, and does not encode a sex‐specific gene product. The Gryllus Fruitless protein is broadly expressed in the neurones and glial cells in the brain, and there was no prominent sex‐related difference in the expression levels of Gryllus fruitless isoforms. The results suggest that the Gryllus fruitless gene is not involved in the neural sex‐determination in the cricket brain.
The role of prosody in infants’ preference for speech: A comparison between speech and birdsong
Authors: Santolin Chiara , Russo Sofia , Calignano Giulia , Saffran Jenny R. , Valenza Eloisa
Published: May 2019

Speech preferences emerge very early in infancy, pointing to a special status for speech in auditory processing and a crucial role of prosody in driving infant preferences. Recent theoretical models suggest that infant auditory perception may initially encompass a broad range of human and nonhuman vocalizations, then tune in to relevant sounds for the acquisition of species‐specific communication sounds. However, little is known about sound properties eliciting infants’ tuning‐in to speech. To address this issue, we presented a group of 4‐month‐olds with segments of non‐native speech (Mandarin Chinese) and birdsong, a nonhuman vocalization that shares some prosodic components with speech. A second group of infants was presented with the same segment of birdsong paired with Mandarin played in reverse. Infants showed an overall preference for birdsong over non‐native speech. Moreover, infants in the Backward condition preferred birdsong over backward speech whereas infants in the Forward condition did not show clear preference. These results confirm the prominent role of prosody in early auditory processing and suggest that infants’ preferences may privilege communicative vocalizations featured by certain prosodic dimensions regardless of the biological source of the sound, human or nonhuman.
Computational insights into the structure of barium titanosilicate glasses
Authors: Ghardi El Mehdi , Atila Achraf , Badawi Michael , Hasnaoui Abdellatif , Ouaskit Said
Published: May 2019

Understanding the role of TiO2 in BaO‐TiO2‐SiO2 (BTS) glasses is one of the keys to develop new glasses and glass‐ceramics for different technological applications. For the first time, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to get new insights into the atomic structure of the BTS glasses and their elastic moduli. Various compositions are studied where SiO2 have been replaced by TiO2. The calculated mechanical properties of our models are observed to depend linearly on TiO2 content. However, the structure‐induced changes are far from such dependence. The structural results indicate that BTS glasses are mainly built on four types of basic units: SiO4, TiO4, TiO5 and TiO6. This high structural heterogeneity induced by the three coordination states of Ti is found to have an impact on the medium range order by increasing the rings number, the polymerized regions, and by transforming Q3‐Q4 and Q2 without neglecting the increase in Q5 and Q6 species. Those structural modifications of the BTS glass network features have been found to be consistent with available experimental data.
Coexistence mechanism of Eu2+/Eu3+ ions in YAl3(BO3)4: Crystal structure, luminescence property, and substitution defects
Authors: Liu Jinjin , Wang Zhijun , Li Xue , Bao Qi , Meng Xiangyu , Qiu Keliang , Lai Weidong , Yang Zhiping , Li Panlai
Published: May 2019

The coexistence mechanism of Eu2+ and Eu3+ ions in YAl3(BO3)4 host under different reducing conditions is investigated and confirmed in great detail, which can be described by three aspects as following. First, Eu3+ is protected by the layered structure of YAl3(BO3)4. Second, the number of the interstitial defects ((Al)i…,(Y)i…) increases with increasing Eu2+ to maintain the charge balance of the system. And these defects can capture free electrons which are used for the reduction of Eu3+. Finally, free holes become more and more with the number of nonequivalent substitution defects (EuY') increasing, which make the 5d electrons of Eu2+easily escape to the conduction band and Eu2+ convert to Eu3+. This work will be of great significance to research coexistence of multiple valence ions in the structure of borate and defect motion with nonequivalent substitution.
A qualitative analysis of the experience of staff employed within the forensic disability sector in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Coates Bethany , Jones Tim
Published: May 2019

Background

This paper explores the experience of staff employed within forensic disability across Victoria in an attempt to better understand service needs in this field. The complex needs of individuals with disabilities involved in the criminal justice system or presenting with offence‐related behaviours suggest that there is a requirement to improve services directed towards forensic disability.

Methods

Four semi‐structured group interviews, determined by geographical location, were completed with employees (n = 14) within the Australian Community Support Organisation, with an average of 5 years of forensic disability experience. Data were analysed based on thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes were revealed. Three pre‐existing themes were emphasized that included client complexity; poor responses from external services; and funding, and two novel themes labelled as staff well‐being and responses to risk.

Conclusions

Recommendations include multiagency collaboration, funding forensic disability services, development of best practice initiatives and advocacy.
Network and pathway‐based analysis of microRNA role in neuropathic pain in rat models
Authors: Guo Jia‐Bao , Zhu Yi , Chen Bing‐Lin , Song Ge , Peng Meng‐Si , Hu Hao‐Yu , Zheng Yi‐Li , Chen Chang‐Cheng , Yang Jing‐Zhao , Chen Pei‐Jie , Wang Xue‐Qiang
Published: May 2019

The molecular mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain (NP) remain poorly understood. Emerging evidence has suggested the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the initiation and development of NP, but the specific effects of miRNAs in NP are largely unknown. Here, we use network‐ and pathway‐based methods to investigate NP‐induced miRNA changes and their biological functions by conducting a systematic search through multiple electronic databases. Thirty‐seven articles meet the inclusion criteria. Venn analysis and target gene forecasting are performed and the results indicate that 167 overlapping target genes are co‐regulated by five down‐regulated miRNAs (rno‐miR‐183, rno‐miR‐96, rno‐miR‐30b, rno‐miR‐150 and rno‐miR‐206). Protein‐protein interaction network analysis shows that 77 genes exhibit interactions, with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit beta (degree = 11) and cAMP‐response element binding protein 1 (degree = 10) having the highest connectivity degree. Gene ontology analysis shows that these target genes are enriched in neuron part, neuron projection, somatodendritic compartment and nervous system development. Moreover, analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes reveals that three pathways, namely, axon guidance, circadian entrainment and insulin secretion, are significantly enriched. In addition, rno‐miR‐183, rno‐miR‐96, rno‐miR‐30b, rno‐miR‐150 and rno‐miR‐206 are consistently down‐regulated in the NP models, thus constituting the potential biomarkers of this disease. Characterizing these miRNAs and their target genes paves way for their future use in clinical practice.
Racial Disparities in Readmission Rates among Patients Discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Rivera‐Hernandez Maricruz , Rahman Momotazur , Mor Vincent , Trivedi Amal N.
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVES

Prior studies have reported mixed findings about the existence of racial disparities in readmission rates among Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, but these studies used data from one state, focused on black‐white disparities, and did not focus on patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The objective of the study was to characterize racial and ethnic disparities in rates of 30‐day rehospitalization directly from SNFs among fee‐for‐service and Medicare Advantage patients.

DESIGN

A cross‐sectional study of admissions to SNFs in 2015 was conducted.

SETTING

SNFs across the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

The sample included 1 500 334 white, 213 848 African American, and 99 781 Hispanic Medicare patients who were admitted to 13 375 SNFs.

MEASUREMENTS

The main outcome of interest was readmission, identified as patients sent back to any hospital directly from the SNF within 30 days of admission, as indicated on the Minimum Data Set discharge assessment.

RESULTS

Overall readmission rates for fee‐for‐service patients were 16.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.7%‐16.8%) for whites, 18.8% (95% CI = 18.7%‐19.0%) for African Americans, and 17.4% (95% CI = 17.1%‐17.7%) for Hispanics. Readmission rates in Medicare Advantage were 14.7% (95% CI = 14.5%‐14.8%) for whites, 16.8% (95% CI = 16.6%‐17.1%) for African Americans, and 15.3% (95% CI = 14.9%‐15.6%) for Hispanics. We also found that African Americans had about 1% higher readmission rates than whites, even when they received care within the same SNF. No statistically significant differences were found in the magnitude of within‐SNF racial disparities in Medicare Advantage compared with Medicare fee‐for‐service.

CONCLUSION

We found racial disparities in readmission rates even within the same facility for both Medicare Advantage and fee‐for‐service beneficiaries. Intervention to reduce disparities in readmission rates, as well as more comprehensive quality measures that incorporate outcomes for Medicare Advantage enrollees, are needed. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1672–1679, 2019
Person‐Centered Primary Care and Type 2 Diabetes: Beyond Blood Glucose Control
Authors: Trout Kimberly K. , McCool William F. , Homko Carol J.
Published: May 2019

With an estimated 9% of persons in the United States diagnosed with diabetes, primary care providers such as midwives and nurse practitioners are increasingly working with persons who have diabetes and are seeking primary care services. This article reviews the current literature with regard to the initial evaluation of individuals who are diagnosed with diabetes, and what is entailed in comprehensive continuing management of care. A person‐centered interprofessional approach to care of the person with diabetes is presented. Recommendations are given that address dietary habits, activities of daily living, medication regimens, and potential alternative therapies. Social constructs related to effective care of individuals with diabetes also are addressed. Knowledge of current research that has identified effective care practices for individuals with diabetes is imperative to ensuring their well‐being, and promoting a person‐centered and interprofessional approach is best for offering optimal care to those diagnosed with diabetes.
Glyphosate and glyphosate‐based herbicide exposure during the peripartum period affects maternal brain plasticity, maternal behaviour and microbiome
Authors: Dechartres Julie , Pawluski Jodi L. , Gueguen Marie‐Madeleine , Jablaoui Amin , Maguin Emmanuelle , Rhimi Moez , Charlier Thierry D.
Published: May 2019

Glyphosate is found in a large array of non‐selective herbicides such as Roundup® (Monsanto, Creve Coeur, MO, USA) and is by far the most widely used herbicide. Recent work in rodent models suggests that glyphosate‐based herbicides during development can affect neuronal communication and result in altered behaviours, albeit through undefined mechanisms of action. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the effects glyphosate or its formulation in herbicide on maternal behaviour and physiology. In the present study, relatively low doses of glyphosate (5 mg kg‐1 d‐1), Roundup® (5 mg kg‐1 d‐1 glyphosate equivalent), or vehicle were administered by ingestion to Sprague‐Dawley rats from gestational day (GD) 10 to postpartum day (PD)22. The treatments significantly altered licking behaviour toward pups between PD2 and PD6. We also show in the dams at PD22 that Roundup exposure affected the maturation of doublecortin‐immunoreactive new neurones in the dorsal dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of the mother. In addition, the expression of synaptophysin was up‐regulated by glyphosate in the dorsal and ventral dentate gyrus and CA3 regions of the hippocampus, and down‐regulated in the cingulate gyrus. Although a direct effect of glyphosate alone or its formulation on the central nervous system is currently not clear, we show that gut microbiota is significantly altered by the exposure to the pesticides, with significant alteration of the phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. This is the first study to provide evidence that glyphosate alone or in formulation (Roundup) differentially affects maternal behaviour and modulates neuroplasticity and gut microbiota in the mother.
Excellent response to mesotherapy as adjunctive treatment in male androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Melo Daniel Fernandes , de Mattos Barreto Taynara , Plata Glaura Tinoco , Araujo Leonardo Rotolo , Tortelly Violeta Duarte
Published: May 2019

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of alopecia. Currently, only topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, for men, are approved for its treatment. We report a case of a patient with male pattern AGA treated with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for 2 years, with partial improvement. At this point, we added mesotherapy to the previous treatment. The patient had 20 sessions of sterile mesotherapy blend, containing minoxidil, finasteride, biotin, and D‐panthenol. We did the injections every two weeks and made the response assessment with global clinical photographs at the 10th and the 20th sessions when we noted a significant visible improvement in hair density and thickness. Mesotherapy or intradermotherapy is defined as a technique that involves the use of multiple intradermal injections of a mixture of compounds in low doses, at many points, near/over the affected sites. In our case, the patient had an excellent response to intradermotherapy as an adjunctive treatment, with no side effects. Although we still need additional clinical trials to standardize the therapy and treatment guidelines, mesotherapy seems to be a therapeutic option in the treatment of AGA, especially if the procedure happens in a medical facility, with correct indication and adequate execution of this promising technique.
A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of topical agents used in facial Demodex treatment
Authors: Sarac Gulbahar
Published: May 2019

Background

Demodex spp. is the most common ectoparasite in humans. This parasite is believed to play a role in the etiology of many dermatological and ocular disorders.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of the sulfur‐sodium sulfacetamide combination, crotamiton, and permethrin, which are three topical agents commonly used in Demodex treatment.

Methods

A total of 28 patients with primary demodicosis and 44 patients with Rosacea + Demodex were included in the study. The pretreatment and post‐treatment Demodex spp. counts, patient satisfaction, and erythema decrease rates were compared.

Results

Analysis of the efficacy of these topical agents on Demodex revealed that all three significantly decreased the number of parasites. The patient satisfaction was higher in the sodium acetamide group than the 10% crotamiton and 5% permethrin groups, and clinical evaluation (erythema/ papulopustules and white plugs) was better in the sodium acetamide group than the other groups but no statistically significant difference was found in terms of patient satisfaction and clinical evaluation.

Conclusion

The sulfur‐sodium combination, crotamiton, and permethrin are the three agents commonly used in the treatment of Demodex spp. and all significantly decreased the Demodex count. The three agents were similar in terms of tolerability. Our study needs to be supported with others on larger patient series.
Perspective: State‐of‐the‐Art: The Quality of Case Study Research in Innovation Management
Authors: Goffin Keith , Åhlström Pär , Bianchi Mattia , Richtnér Anders
Published: May 2019

The practice of innovation management is developing fast. As new concepts emerge, exploratory studies are needed and case study research is often appropriate. To investigate the usage and quality of case study research in innovation management, all of the articles published in five top journals over 20 years (1997–2016) were reviewed. Case study research accounted for 818 of the published articles in this period (12%) and an evaluation template (termed case study evaluation template: CASET) was developed to objectively assess these articles against 10 quality criteria. It was found that the quality of case study research has often been low, although it has improved over time. Similarly, quality was found to fluctuate both within and between the different innovation journals. This indicates that the peer review process for case study research is not as robust as it should be. The assessment of individual articles using the evaluation template found significant deficiencies. Many articles: did not justify why case study research was appropriate; did not apply theoretical sampling criteria; were not transparent on how conclusions were drawn from the data; did not consider validity and reliability adequately; and did not go beyond description in their interpretation. However, the evaluation template also identified 23 “exemplary studies,” which clearly addressed nearly every criterion. Such exemplary studies provide innovation management researchers with “benchmark” reading, which can help shape their own research. This article makes four contributions to the innovation management discipline. First, the evaluation template and exemplary studies can help innovation researchers improve the quality of their case study research. Second, clear recommendations are given for how reviewers can use the template to make the peer review process more consistent and robust. Third, journal editors are encouraged to consider the implications of the findings for their particular journal. Fourth, the article should stimulate a long overdue debate on methodology in innovation management research, including the use of case study research.
Translating Research Findings in Genetics of Learning Disabilities to Special Education Instruction
Authors: Erbeli Florina
Published: May 2019

Given a shift in the role of genetics in the context of special education, this commentary outlines advances in our understanding of genetic influences on learning disabilities. In particular, it focuses on advances that have implications for instruction and interventions conducted by special educators, and calls for broadening of the scope of professional preparation of special educators to include research findings in genetic underpinnings of learning disabilities.
Facial manifestation of cowpox: case report
Authors: Madahar G. , Prabhu K. , Davies H.T.
Published: May 2019

Cowpox is an extremely rare viral condition with fewer than 150 cases being reported. The name Cowpox is somewhat deceptive as it generally tends to not be enzootic within cattle. The clinical appearance may present similar to other common cutaneous lesions. Here, we present a peculiar case of cowpox affecting the mental region of a young fit and well 8‐year‐old boy. The objective of this case report is to enlighten the audience with regard to reviewing the special investigations required in order to correctly diagnose this condition.
Evaluating depression in cognitively healthy elderly people by using Mini‐Mental State Examination
Authors: Murayama Norio , Ota Kazumi , Matsunaga Yusuke , Ichikura Kanako , Fukase Yuko , Tagaya Hirokuni , Iseki Eizo , Sato Kiyoshi
Published: May 2019

Aim

We examined a method for evaluating depression with the Mini‐Mental State Examination in cognitively healthy elderly people and employed the projective perspective.

Methods

In MMSE three groups—normal, depressed tendency, and depressed—completed the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a Japanese version of the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale. The Mini‐Mental State Examination evaluated individuals’ writing based on a sentence, the number of written words, and sentence content; it also assessed their copying of drawn figures.

Results

In the depressed group, the proportion corresponding to the characteristics of (i) to (iii) was higher than in the other two groups: (i) the calculation score was 0 or 1; (ii) subjects scored above the median in sentence writing relative to similar subjects with the same language and clinical setting; and (iii) subjects expressed feelings in their writing. One point was given for each characteristic, and we calculated the sum. Depressed subjects had a score ≥2.

Conclusions

This evaluation method can differentiate depressed subjects with high accuracy (sensitivity: 77.8%, specificity: 76.4%) without placing an extra burden on the subjects.
Impact of nontariff measures on firms in Tunisia
Authors: Baghdadi Leila , Ben Kheder Sonia , Arouri Hassen
Published: May 2019

This paper analyzes the effect of nontariff measures (NTMs) on firms in Tunisia. It draws a precise picture of NTMs’ effects on firms’ imports. We use firm‐level data to take into account firm heterogeneity. We explore the impact of NTMs on small vs. medium and large firms. We also consider the differentiated impact of NTMs. Some measures have informational content and help reduce information asymmetries. When the endogeneity issue of NTMs is controlled for, results show an overall positive impact of NTMs on imports. They provide evidence that NTMs are more beneficial to the imports of medium and large firms. Moreover, NTMs with informational content have an import enhancing effect. An extended analysis separating importing and exporting firms from those solely importing suggests that both types of firms benefit from the positive effects of NTMs. This result highlights the need to assist small firms facing NTMs. Furthermore, some NTMs with informational content should be addressed carefully and not considered only as barriers to trade to be eliminated. Instead, harmonization efforts between countries can be a better policy.
Spelling Out Focus‐Fronting Chains andWh‐Chains: The Case of Italian
Authors: Bianchi Valentina
Published: May 2019

This article tackles the optionality of focus fronting in Italian in terms of alternative spellout of the highest or lowest link of a movement chain. The two options are equally optimal in that the highest link satisfies Scope Transparency while the lowest link, bearing [focus] and attracting the nuclear pitch accent, satisfies Rightmostness; on the other hand, spellout of intermediate chain links satisfies neither principle, and it is therefore suboptimal. As for interrogativewh‐chains, it is argued that Rightmostness is nonapplicable, because in Italian the lowest link of thewh‐chain does not possess the [focus] feature; consequently, Scope Transparency always selects the highest chain link as the optimal spellout option.
Concentration of extracellular vesicles isolated from blood relative to the clinical pathological status of dogs with mast cell tumours
Authors: Šimundić Metka , Švara Tanja , Štukelj Roman , Krek Judita L. , Gombač Mitja , Kralj‐Iglič Veronika , Tozon Nataša
Published: May 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane‐enclosed fragments shed from all cell types, including tumour cells. EVs contain a wide range of proteins, biolipids and genetic material derived from mother cells and therefore may be potential biomarkers for tumour diagnosis, disease progression and treatment success. We studied the effect of canine mast cell tumours (MCTs) on EV concentrations in blood isolates in association with MCT's histological grade, Ki‐67 proliferative index, KIT‐staining pattern and number of PLT. The average EV concentration in blood isolates from nine dogs with MCTs was considerably higher than that in blood from eight healthy dogs. But there were no statistically significant differences in EVs concentration in the population of dogs with MCT according to a different histological grade of malignancy (Patnaik, Kiupel), KIT‐staining pattern and Ki‐67 proliferation index. The results show that these variables statistically do not significantly predicted EV concentrations in blood isolates (P > .05), except the KIT‐staining pattern I which added statistically significantly to the prediction (P < .05). The results confirmed the impact of neoplasms on the morphological changes to cell membranes, which result in greater vesiculability and higher EV concentrations.
A Non-Accident-Based Spatial Method to Analyse Pedestrian-Vehicular Conflict
Authors: Meetiyagoda Lakshika
Published: May 2019

Due to the tremendous increase in automobile transportation and heavy pedestrian movements in developing countries, roads are becoming deadlier year by year. It is acknowledged that context specific research on pedestrian-vehicular conflict are urgently needed considering the built environment characteristics. Therefore, this paper aims to (1) redefine pedestrian-vehicular conflict that would enable to explain micro- and macro-built environment-related variables in a particular context, and (2) develop a methodology that could be used in a place where comprehensive data are limitedly available for a spatial analysis. This research redefines pedestrian-vehicular conflict as “the pedestrian contact with potentially harmful vehicular traffic”, rather than accidents. Based on this definition devise a methodology. The primary data collection method adopted to collect causal factors related to spatial data was, photographs. The spatial data were analysed by using QGIS platform. The pedestrian volume models are constructed by a space syntax framework and correlated with a composite choropleth map to get the potential conflicting points. A perception survey was carried out to confirm the spatial analysis. The research findings indicate that the methodology developed can be used to identify built environment factors related risk areas spatially. Consequently, it is possible to fill the research gap by introducing a low-cost, widely applicable, impartial, spatial and perception-based methodology that assesses the built environmental characteristics in relation to pedestrian-vehicular conflict. This research would support the urban planners and designers, allowing them to comprehend the risk related nature of pedestrian-vehicular conflict in their urban planning schemes before intervening with plans and designs
Persembahan Hadrah di Sarawak: Pendekatan Etnografi Komunikasi
Authors: Daud Muhammad Zaid , Abd Wahid Mohammad Shahrul Nizam
Published: May 2019

The state of Sarawak is no exception to the Hadrah’s performance which has indeed been received in North Peninsular Malaysia such as in Perlis, Kedah, Perak and Penang. Hadrah performance is a form of public entertainment that is still widely welcomed. The performances are still being presented at weddings as well as in other occasions. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the implicit meaning behind the performance of Hadrah through the ethnography communication approach of S.P.E.A.K.I.N.G (for setting and scene, participants, ends, acts sequence, key, instrumentalities, norms, & genre) by Hymes (1972) as well as to exhibit other cultural elements that permeate in the performances of the state in Sarawak such as involve elements of metapragmatic, language and community as well as metaphors and languages that should not run in a performance. The data collection was carried out through two methods: library research and field research. The study found out that the performance of the Hadrah is not only a feature to entertain guests but rather implicitly because the selection of songs in the performance complements the aspects of advice and irony that should guide listeners especially newly married couples.
Evaluar el reajuste de tierras en Colombia: la distribución equitativa entre actores
Authors: Daza Hoyos Ricardo Andrés
Published: May 2019

El reajuste de tierras o integración inmobiliaria (LR, por su nombre en inglés) 1 existente en Colombia desde 1997 ha presentado dificultades en su proceso de implementación, las cuales no garantizan la equidad. Este artículo examina la capacidad de los actores para compartir el incremento del valor de la tierra en los planes parciales desarrollados con esta herramienta en Colombia. Se concluye que existe una diferencia significativa entre las cargas y los beneficios de cada grupo de actores. La evidencia indica que los proyectos de reajuste de tierras en Colombia difieren de su definición teórica y contradicen sus características fundamentales: el método de englobe, al desplazar los propietarios originales de las tierras y la distribución equitativa, por el liderazgo de los privados, que reciben más beneficios de los que deben.