bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using health insurance administrative data to explore patch testing utilization in Ontario, Canada—An untapped resource
Authors: Arrandale Victoria H. , Holness Dorothy L.
Published: January 2019

Background

Patch testing is the key diagnostic test for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis, but there is limited information on the use of patch testing at the population level.

Objectives

To utilize Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) data to analyse trends in the rate of patch testing in Ontario.

Methods

Patch testing billing data submitted to the OHIP between 1992 and 2014 were analysed. Two patch test billing codes were investigated: one for work‐related testing (G198), and one for non‐work‐related testing (G206). Rates of patch testing overall were calculated, and trends over time were described.

Results

There were 51 576 patch test billings: 48 416 non‐work‐related and 3160 work‐related. The annual rate of non‐work‐related patch testing (G206) ranged from 11.9 per 100 000 people to 25.9 per 100 000 people, increasing over time. The rate of work‐related patch testing (G198) ranged from 0.17 to 2.32 per 1 000 000 people, and was relatively stable. The overall distribution of billing by specialty was 70% dermatology, 19% other medical subspecialties, and 10% paediatrics and family medicine.

Conclusions

Administrative health data can contribute to a more complete understanding of patch test utilization at the population level and, over time, can be used to track patch testing practices.
Predicting Efavirenz Concentrations in the Brain Tissue of HIV‐Infected Individuals and Exploring their Relationship to Neurocognitive Impairment
Authors: Srinivas Nithya , Joseph Sarah Beth , Robertson Kevin , Kincer Laura P. , Menezes Prema , Adamson Lourdes , Schauer Amanda P. , Blake Kimberly H. , White Nicole , Sykes Craig , Luciw Paul , Eron Joseph J. , Forrest Alan , Price Richard W. , Spudich Serena , Swanstrom Ronald , Kashuba Angela D.M.
Published: January 2019

Sparse data exist on the penetration of antiretrovirals into brain tissue. In this work, we present a framework to use efavirenz (EFV) pharmacokinetic (PK) data in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and brain tissue of eight rhesus macaques to predict brain tissue concentrations in HIV‐infected individuals. We then perform exposure‐response analysis with the model‐predicted EFV area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) and neurocognitive scores collected from a group of 24 HIV‐infected participants. Adult rhesus macaques were dosed daily with 200 mg EFV (as part of a four‐drug regimen) for 10 days. Plasma was collected at 8 time points over 10 days and at necropsy, whereas CSF and brain tissue were collected at necropsy. In the clinical study, data were obtained from one paired plasma and CSF sample of participants prescribed EFV, and neuropsychological test evaluations were administered across 15 domains. PK modeling was performed using ADAPT version 5.0 Biomedical Simulation Resource, Los Angeles, CA) with the iterative two‐stage estimation method. An eight‐compartment model best described EFV distribution across the plasma, CSF, and brain tissue of rhesus macaques and humans. Model‐predicted median brain tissue concentrations in humans were 31 and 8,000 ng/mL, respectively. Model‐predicted brain tissue AUC was highly correlated with plasma AUC (γ = 0.99, P < 0.001) but not CSF AUC (γ = 0.34, P = 0.1) and did not show any relationship with neurocognitive scores (γ < 0.05, P > 0.05). This analysis provides an approach to estimate PK the brain tissue in order to perform PK/pharmacodynamic analyses at the target site.
Clinical utility of ultrasonography‐measured visceral adipose tissue depth as a tool in early pregnancy screening for gestational diabetes: a proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Thaware P. K. , Patterson C. C. , Young I. S. , Casey C. , McCance D. R.
Published: January 2019

Aim

To examine, in a proof‐of‐concept study, the ability of visceral adipose tissue depth and subcutaneous fat depth measured in early pregnancy to predict subsequent gestational diabetes, and to assess the performance of these measures as screening tests for gestational diabetes compared with use of the current UK criteria.

Methods

A total of 100 women in early pregnancy were recruited from a maternity hospital in Belfast, UK. Visceral adipose tissue depth and subcutaneous fat depth were measured, and each participant underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test at 28 weeks’ gestation for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes using WHO 2013 criteria.

Results

Eighty women completed the study, of whom 15 (19%) developed gestational diabetes. Increasing visceral adipose tissue depth, but not subcutaneous fat depth, was associated with greater gestational diabetes risk after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio for a 1‐sd rise 2.09, 95% CI 1.06–4.12; P=0.03). Visceral adipose tissue depth ≥4.27 cm had greater sensitivity compared with current National Institute of Health and Care Excellence criteria (87% vs 40%, respectively; P=0.02) and similar specificity (62% vs 74%, respectively; P=0.15) for identifying gestational diabetes.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography‐measured visceral adipose tissue in early pregnancy is a potential clinical tool for improving sensitivity of selective screening for gestational diabetes, which, compared with universal oral glucose tolerance testing, is likely to reduce by half the numbers requiring this test. Further larger studies are now required for confirmation, including investigation into impact on clinical outcomes.
Theory‐based diabetes self‐management education with pre‐selection of participants: a randomized controlled trial with 2.5 years’ follow‐up (ELDES Study)
Authors: Vos R. C. , van Heusden L. , Eikelenboom N. W. D. , Rutten G. E. H. M.
Published: January 2019

Aims

To evaluate the (cost‐)effectiveness of Beyond Good Intentions (BGI), a 12‐week group‐based, nurse‐led self‐management programme, in terms of cardiovascular risk factors, self‐management and quality of life, after 2.5 years of follow‐up in pre‐selected individuals with known Type 2 diabetes of up to 5 years’ duration.

Methods

A parallel randomized controlled trial comparing BGI with usual care, based on a self‐management screening questionnaire, was conducted in 43 general practices after pre‐selection of participants. After 2.5 years of follow‐up, the between‐group changes in the abovementioned variables were assessed using analysis of covariance.

Results

A total of 108 participants (BGI group, n =56; control group, n =52) were included. Changes over time in BMI (–0.4 vs –0.5 kg/m2) were similar in the two groups. Median HbA1c [BGI group 47 mmol/mol (6.5%); control group: 49 mmol/mol (6.6%)] and mean systolic blood pressure (BGI group: 132±13 mmHg; control group: 133±14 mmHg) were well controlled at baseline and no intervention effect was found. LDL cholesterol levels decreased from 2.4 to 2.2 mmol/l in the control group and remained stable at 2.6 mmol/l in the intervention group (P=0.032). No intervention effect was found for self‐management or quality of life.

Conclusion

In contrast to the first BGI study, we did not observe significant effects of the BGI intervention, despite pre‐selection of individuals. In diabetes populations with target levels for HbA1c, systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, no further beneficial effects can be expected from self‐management programmes with regard to biomedical factors and quality of life.
Incidence of sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and numbers needed to screen: a systematic review
Authors: Groeneveld Y. , Tavenier D. , Blom J.W. , Polak B.C.P.
Published: January 2019

Aim

To investigate the incidence of sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background

In most countries, yearly or biennial screening intervals for diabetic retinopathy in people with Type 2 diabetes are recommended. Fewer screening sessions reduce the effort required of people with Type 2 diabetes and reduce healthcare costs.

Methods

We conducted a search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the COCHRANE Library for studies published betweeen 1 January 2000 and 1 January 2017. Eligible studies were those that included general populations of >100 people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additional study population criteria were absence of moderate diabetic retinopathy or more severe diabetic retinopathy at last screening session and at least two gradable retinal screening sessions. Outcomes of interest in the included studies were moderate and severe non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (R2), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (R3) or maculopathy (M1), collectively known as sight‐threatening or referable diabetic retinopathy.

Results

A total of 17 studies were included. In people with Type 2 diabetes without or with only mild diabetic retinopathy at baseline, the average incidence rates of sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy were ~1 per 100 person‐years and ~8 per 100 person‐years, respectively. The average numbers needed to screen to detect one case of sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy were 175 and 19 in people without and with mild retinopathy at last screening, respectively.

Conclusion

In people with Type 2 diabetes without retinopathy at last screening, the incidence of severe sight‐threatening retinopathy at the subsequent screening session was low. In people with mild retinopathy, progression to sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy was nearly 10‐fold higher. This review supports lengthening of the screening interval of patients with Type 2 diabetes without retinopathy at last screening session.
Effects of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes on the protective microbiome of insects – a review
Authors: Zytynska Sharon E. , Meyer Sebastian T.
Published: January 2019

Symbiotic bacteria in herbivorous insects can have strong beneficial impacts on their host's survival, including conferring resistance to natural enemies such as parasitoid wasps or pathogens, while also imposing energetic costs on the host, resulting in cost‐benefit trade‐offs. Whether these trade‐offs favour the hosting of symbionts depends on the growth environment of the herbivore. Long‐term experimental grassland studies have shown that increasing plant species richness leads to an increased diversity of associated herbivores and their natural enemies. Such a change in natural enemy diversity, related to changes in plant diversity, could also drive changes in the community of symbionts hosted by the herbivorous insects. Aphids are one model system for studying symbionts in insects, and effects of host‐plant species and diversity on aphid‐symbiont interactions have been documented. Yet, we still understand little of the mechanisms underlying such effects. We review the current state of knowledge of how biodiversity can impact aphid‐symbiont communities and the underlying drivers. Then, we discuss this in the framework of sustainable agriculture, where increased plant biodiversity, in the form of wildflower strips, is used to recruit natural enemies to crop fields for their pest control services. Although aphid symbionts have the potential to reduce biological control effectiveness through conferring protection for the host insect, we discuss how increasing plant and natural enemy biodiversity can mitigate these effects and identify future research opportunities. Understanding how to promote beneficial interactions in ecological systems can help in the development of more sustainable agricultural management strategies.
Diversity indices for ecological networks: a unifying framework using Hill numbers
Authors: Ohlmann Marc , Miele Vincent , Dray Stéphane , Chalmandrier Loïc , O’Connor Louise , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: January 2019

Describing how ecological interactions change over space and time and how they are shaped by environmental conditions is crucial to understand and predict ecosystem trajectories. However, it requires having an appropriate framework to measure network diversity locally, regionally and between samples (α‐, γ‐ and β‐diversity). Here, we propose a unifying framework that builds on Hill numbers and accounts both for the probabilistic nature of biotic interactions and the abundances of species or groups. We emphasise the importance of analysing network diversity across different species aggregation levels (e.g. from species to trophic groups) to get a better understanding of network structure. We illustrate our framework with a simulation experiment and an empirical analysis using a global food‐web database. We discuss further usages of the framework and show how it responds to recent calls on comparing ecological networks and analysing their variation across environmental gradients and time.
Oesophageal ectasia as a cause of dysphagia and milk regurgitation in a neonatal foal
Authors: Wong D. M. , Ruby R. E. , Van Eerde E. , Miles K. G.
Published: January 2019

Dysphagia and milk regurgitation are relatively infrequently observed clinical signs in neonatal foals but, when present, can commonly arise from anatomic or functional disorders of the upper airway. Less commonly, milk regurgitation can be caused by anatomic or neuromuscular disorders of the oesophagus. In the report presented here, a neonatal foal was examined for milk regurgitation at 4 days of age and was diagnosed with transient oesophageal ectasia via oesophagoscopy and contrast radiography. Aspiration pneumonia was treated with broad‐spectrum antimicrobials and the owner was instructed to intermittently elevate the forelimbs to facilitate passage of milk out of the dilated oesophagus. The milk regurgitation resolved and reassessment of the foal at 6 weeks of age documented the absence of oesophageal ectasia and resolution of aspiration pneumonia. The foal was reported to be healthy and consuming food normally 6 months after initial examination and was in good body condition. This case is unique in that the oesophageal ectasia improved with time; furthermore, other potential causes of dysphagia and milk regurgitation of oesophageal origin in neonatal foals are discussed.
The non‐glycosylated N‐terminal domain of human thrombopoietin is a molten globule under native conditions
Authors: Arai Shigeki , Shibazaki Chie , Adachi Motoyasu , Maeda Yoshitake , Tahara Tomoyuki , Kato Takashi , Miyazaki Hiroshi , Kuroki Ryota
Published: January 2019

Human thrombopoietin (hTPO) is a primary hematopoietic growth factor that regulates megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production. The non‐glycosylated form of 1–163 residues of hTPO (hTPO163) including the N‐terminal active site domain (1–153 residues) is a candidate for treating thrombocytopenia. However, the autoantigenicity level of hTPO163is higher than that of the full‐length glycosylated hTPO (ghTPO332). In order to clarify the structural and physicochemical properties of hTPO163, circular dichroism (CD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses were performed. CD analysis indicated that hTPO163undergoes an induced‐fit conformational change (+19.0% for helix and −16.7% for β‐strand) upon binding to the neutralizing antibody TN1 in a manner similar to the coupled folding and binding mechanism. Moreover, DSC analysis showed that the thermal transition process of hTPO163is a multistate transition; hTPO163is thermally stabilized upon receptor (c‐Mpl) binding, as indicated with raising the midpoint (Tm) temperature of the transition by at least +9.5 K. The conformational variability and stability of hTPO163indicate that hTPO163exists as a molten globule under native conditions, which may enable the induced‐fit conformational change according to the type of ligands (antibodies and receptor). Additionally, CD and computational analyses indicated that the C‐terminal domain (154–332 residues) and glycosylation assists the folding of the N‐terminal domain. These observations suggest that the antibody affinity and autoantigenicity of hTPO163might be reduced, if the conformational variability of hTPO163is restricted by mutation and/or by the addition of C‐terminal domain with glycosylation to keep its conformation suitable for the c‐Mpl recognition.
Factors associated with improvement in oral fluency when using video‐synchronous mediated communication with native speakers
Authors: Spring Ryan , Kato Fumie , Mori Chikako
Published: January 2019

Computer‐mediated, communication‐based foreign language learning programs are showing great promise. Among these, video‐synchronous mediated communication seems to offer an effective way to provide speaking practice, although research findings have been inconclusive. Furthermore, among studies that have documented the effectiveness of video‐mediated communication, it is not clear why some learners improve more than others. This study reports data from three separate learner groups who engaged in video‐synchronous mediated communication with native speakers. Specifically, the study investigated its effectiveness on learners’ oral fluency and explored the impact of enjoyment, target language speaking time, and instructional level on improvement. The data suggest that participation did not necessarily guarantee greater improvement when compared with students in a control group; that instructional level is associated with improvement; that allocated time is associated with a decrease in pausing; and that students’ reasons for enjoying the program, rather than their overall enjoyment, are related to improvement.
Spatial distribution of grassland soil organic carbon and potential carbon storage on the Qinghai Plateau
Authors: Du Yangong , Zhou Geng , Guo Xiaowei , Cao Guangmin
Published: January 2019

Mapping the soil organic carbon (SOC) properties of terrestrial ecosystems is necessary to mitigate carbon flux. Here, we quantified grassland SOC contents and densities to evaluate the potential for increased storage through recovery on the Qinghai Plateau. The SOC contents of 41 paired soil profiles from areas of nondegraded and degraded grasslands were analyzed in 2012 using a dry oxidation method. The average SOC contents of nondegraded and degraded grasslands were 3.4 ± 0.3% and 2.4 ± 0.4% (p < 0.05). The SOC density changes varied from −5.5 to 13.2 kg/m2 in a future grassland restoration scenario. The predicted main regions of potential increasing SOC density were located in the counties Zhiduo, Qilian, Menyuan, Maduo, Gande and Zeku. Moreover, the potential SOC stock would increase by 0.83 pg due to grassland restoration, suggesting a key role of alpine grassland as carbon sink on the Qinghai Plateau.
If we practice posthumanist research, do we need ‘gender’ any longer?
Authors: Gherardi Silvia
Published: January 2019

This article offers a reflection around the question of ‘do we need ‘gender’ any longer?’ In taking up this problem and inspired by the way in which postqualitative inquiry has opened a conversation with Deleuzian philosophy and formulated a ‘concept as/instead of method’ line of thought, I wonder whether new images of thought might give the concept of gender ‘the forces it needs to return to life’ or the forces to abandon it. I propose four different images that might provoke the desire to experiment with a new image of thought in relation to the problem: a vegetal mode of thought, a musical mode, a fleshy mode as labiaplasty, a nonliving mode. This choice is connected to the dualities they target: the human/vegetal living world, the rational/artistic production of knowledge, the dis‐embodied/corporeal being in the world, the life/nonlife hierarchization. Each way of thinking of ‘gender’ stages, enacts, performs a different material reality of the concept that shifts the focus from linguistic representations to discursive practices. Hence, if gender has become a dominant discourse, it may be that positive repetition of this discourse might become a way of opening a new site inside it, by de‐territorializing it and re‐territorializing it otherwise.
Gender, Work and Organization: A gender–work–organization analysis
Authors: Hearn Jeff
Published: January 2019

This article, celebrating 25 year of Gender, Work and Organization, reflects on some of the events that led to establishing the journal. It proceeds to consider the three central elements that have inspired the journal ‐ gender, work and organization ‐ and how they have become more problematic, perhaps much more problematic, over the lifetime of the journal. Indeed, paradoxically, these shift have occurred at the same time as GWO and the field of which it is part have become more established. Just as the field of gender and organizations has become more legitimate area of study, the concept of ‘gender’ has become more complex, more contested, less certain. This also applies to the notion of ‘organization’, perhaps less so to ‘work’. The latter part of the article considers what happens when one views the GWO itself in terms of gender‐work‐organization analysis, and how such questions may develop in the future.
Gender still at work: Interrogating identity in discourses and practices of masculinity
Authors: Knights David
Published: January 2019

Apart from a few paragraphs reminiscing on how, in response to a publisher contacting us, Jill, Marilyn and I foundedGender, Work and Organizationcombined with a few comments on its evolution as a leading journal in our field, this article largely summarizes and seeks to develop my lifelong interests in discourses and practices of masculinity. It pays tribute to my doctoral students and/or research colleagues with whom many of these ideas concerning masculinities were shaped. The article then surveys the literature on discourses and practices of masculinities through the three waves: the unitarist, the pluralist and, finally, the performativist approach to discourses and practices of masculinity. A central argument of the article is that although each wave has contributed something of importance to the critical examination of masculinities, none of them fully interrogate identity to theorize how our attachment to the security that it promises is illusory. Posthumanist feminists come closest to realizing this and seeking an alternative embodied and ethical engagement with, rather than a competitive elevation of self over, the other. In the conclusion, there is a brief comment on how the global backlash from the political right has made struggles against dominant masculinities all the more urgent.
A comparison of patients’ and dietitians’ perceptions of patient‐centred care: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Sladdin Ishtar , Ball Lauren , Gillespie Brigid M. , Chaboyer Wendy
Published: January 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare patients’ and dietitians’ perceptions of patient‐centred care (PCC) in dietetic practice.

Methods

Participants were as follows: (a) adult patients who had attended ≥1 individual dietetic consultation with an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) working in primary care; and (b) APDs with experience working in primary care. A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken using a patient‐ and dietitian‐reported inventory to measure PCC in dietetic practice. The inventory comprised of five previously validated scales: The Communication Assessment Tool; the 9‐item Shared Decision‐Making Questionnaire; the Patient‐Doctor Depth of Relationship Scale; the Schmidt Perception of Nursing Care Scale‐Seeing the Individual Patient sub‐scale; and the Person‐Centred Practice Inventory—Staff ‐Providing Holistic Care sub‐scale. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse participant characteristics and to compute total scores for the five scales. The Mann‐Whitney U test was used to compare median scores between patients and dietitians.

Results

One‐hundred and thirty‐three patients and 180 dietitians completed the survey. Patients reported significantly higher scores compared to dietitians for “shared decision‐making” (P = 0.004), but significantly lower scores for “providing holistic and individualized care” (P = 0.005), “knowing the patient/dietitian” (P = 0.001) and “caring patient‐dietitian relationships” (P =0.009).

Conclusion

This study highlighted potentially important differences between patients’ and dietitians’ perceptions of PCC and identified key aspects of dietetic care requiring practice improvements. Strategies are needed to bridge gaps between dietitians’ and patients’ perceptions and enhance PCC in dietetic practice. These findings suggest that dietitians should focus on individualizing nutrition care, gaining a holistic understanding of their patients and knowing/understanding each patient.
Are tattoos associated with negative health‐related outcomes and risky behaviors?
Authors: Mortensen Karoline , French Michael T. , Timming Andrew R.
Published: January 2019

Background

Tattoos have reached broadening mainstream acceptance. Medical professional societies have noted that tattoos may co‐occur with high risk behaviors.

Methods

Using a variety of statistical models applied to a sample of 2,008 adults residing in the United States via Amazon's Mechanical Turk, we estimate the associations between tattoo characteristics, three health‐related outcomes (overall health status, ever diagnosed with a mental health issue, sleep problems), and three risky behaviors (current smoking, ever spent time in jail or prison, and number of sex partners).

Results

We find that the presence, number, and specific features of tattoos are positively correlated with two of the health‐related outcomes (ever diagnosed with a mental health issue and trouble sleeping) and all three of the risky behaviors (P < .05). Magnitudes are larger for those with multiple, visible, and offensive tattoos.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that individuals with tattoos are more likely to engage in risky behaviors relative to their non‐tattooed counterparts, which may lead to health consequences. Dermatologists, healthcare providers, and public health advocates should recognize that having a tattoo(s) is a potential marker for mental health issues and risky behaviors.
Alopecia areata in Tunisia: epidemio‐clinical aspects and comorbid conditions. A prospective study of 204 cases
Authors: Arousse Aycha , Boussofara Lobna , Mokni Sana , Gammoudi Rima , Saidi Wafa , Aounallah Amina , Belajouza Colandane , Ghariani Najet , Denguezli Mohamed , Nouira Rafia
Published: January 2019

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition that usually presents as patchy, nonscarring hair loss. Autoimmune disorders and atopy are reported as comorbid conditions. We aimed to investigate the demographics, clinical characteristics, and associations of AA in Tunisian patients.

Methods

Demographic data, pattern of alopecia, age of onset, and associations were evaluated in 204 patients from January 2012 to June 2016.

Results

Two hundred and four cases of AA were seen. The male to female ratio was 0.68. The mean age at presentation was 23 years old. Positive family history was noticed in 22.1% of patients. Personal history of atopy was associated with AA in 18.1%. Associated autoimmune diseases were thyroid disorders (12.7%), vitiligo (1.5%), psoriasis (three cases), type 1 diabetes (two cases), autoimmune polyendocrinopathy‐candidiasis‐ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) syndrome (two cases), lichen sclerosus atrophicus (one case), and pemphigus vulgaris (one case). Patchy AA was the most common manifestation (49.5%) followed by alopecia universalis (27.5%), alopecia ophiasis (12.7%), and alopecia totalis (10.3%). Nail changes consisting of pitting, trachyonychia, and longitudinal ridging were reported in 24.8%. AA patterns were more severe in females (P = 0.049). Severe forms showed more persistent disease duration (P = 0.005), earlier onset (P = 0.001), and more recurring episodes (P = 0.002) and were significantly associated with nail involvement (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study aimed to review epidemio‐clinical characteristics and comorbid conditions of AA in Tunisian patients. More severe cases with a pejorative value of early‐onset AA, long disease duration, and nail involvement were seen in our study.
Can apprenticeships contribute to innovation in SMEs? The case of Catalonia
Authors: Hernández‐Lara Ana Beatriz , Moral‐Martín José David , Brunet‐Icart Ignasi
Published: January 2019

The objective of this study is to analyse the contribution of students of vocational education and training (VET) to the innovation processes of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) during their apprenticeships. Qualitative research was conducted through in‐depth interviews with 97 respondents in Catalonia, including VET teachers and students, SME managers, and social and institutional agents. Our findings reveal that public institutions have a partial view of innovation, mostly influenced by an industrial positioning, which leads to the neglect of other components, such as the social aspects. In addition, regarding public programmes designed to foster innovation through VET, the results show a lack of coordination between VET schools, SMEs and public administrations. Finally, in relation to apprentices, we find a low participation in innovation processes by students during their apprenticeship as a consequence of the bad implementation of innovation public programmes, due to the lack of coordination between VET schools and SMEs.
DDD score for renal tumor: An intuitive and comprehensive anatomical scoring system to access the outcomes of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Zhang Zhong‐Yuan , Pan Xi , Fan Yu , Shen Cheng , Yu Wei , Han Wen‐Ke , Lin Jian , Wang Gang , Song Yi , Zhao Zheng , Hao Jin‐Rui , Li Xue‐Song , Wang He , Wang Xiao‐Ying , Zhang Xiao‐Chun , Zhou Li‐Qun
Published: January 2019

Objective

To present a DDD scoring system in assessing the complexity and outcomes of retroperitoneoscopic nephron‐sparing surgery for kidney tumor.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 232 patients who underwent retroperitoneoscopic nephron‐sparing surgery between January 2013 and September 2017 for a renal tumor. Both the DDD score and RENAL score were used to classify the tumors. The DDD score consisted of the maximal tumor diameter inside the kidney, the maximal tumor depth into the medulla or collecting system and the minimal distance from the tumor to the main renal vessels.

Results

The DDD scoring systems were significantly associated with warm ischemia time (P = 0.007) and estimated blood loss (P = 0.017). There was an insignificant positive correlation between the DDD score and the operative time (P = 0.051). Meanwhile, the RENAL score had a significant correlation with the decreasing value of the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Patients with high or moderate DDD scores had a 13.6‐fold or 8.4‐fold risk of overall complications than those with low DDD scores, respectively (all P < 0.05). As for RENAL score, patients with moderate scores had a 2.9‐fold risk of overall complications compared with patients in the low scores group (P = 0.004). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the DDD score had the greatest area under the curve for overall complications (area under the curve 0.625, P = 0.009), which was more than the RENAL score (area under the curve 0.620, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

The DDD score is an intuitive renal tumor scoring system that is more effective than the RENAL score in complexity assessment, and marginally better in prediction of the risk of overall complications of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephron‐sparing surgery.
Logical rules characterization of online consumer trust
Authors: Andrade Ana A. , Cardoso Margarida G. M. S. , Lopes Vitor V.
Published: January 2019

In this study, we address the discriminant factors of website trust. We specifically build sets of propositional rules that can be used to predict the level of trustworthiness of a site. Focusing on initial trust, a survey was designed to assess site characteristics observed by the respondent and his/her perceptions around appearance, reputation, fulfillment, and security. By exploring data, we look for the most favorable rules classifiers among decision trees as well as classical and dominance‐based rough sets. A heuristic aiming to derive simpler classifiers is also proposed. The experimental setup considers diverse groups of attributes (predictors) for the extraction of rules. Results obtained are compared by taking into account predictive ability and parsimony of rules’ sets. Finally, the selected sets help bring light on how consumers process site information and suggest specific recommendations for e‐commerce vendors.
A multilevel evaluation method for heuristics with an application to the VRPTW
Authors: Corstjens J. , Depaire B. , Caris A. , Sörensen K.
Published: January 2019

The field of combinatorial optimization has inspired the development of a large number of heuristic solution procedures. These methods are commonly assessed using a competitive evaluation methodology that may give an indication of which algorithm has a better performance. A next step in the experimental analysis is to uncover “why” one algorithm performs better. Which elements are responsible for good or bad performance? How does the performance of elements vary across the design space? What is the influence of the specific problem instance that is being solved? We focus on gaining a better understanding of heuristic algorithm performance and demonstrate that the application of a proper statistical methodology can provide researchers insight into how performance is affected by the different algorithm parameters and components. As an example, we apply a multilevel statistical analysis to a large neighborhood search algorithm for the vehicle routing problem with time windows.
Processes structuring macrophyte metacommunities in Mediterranean ponds: Combining novel methods to disentangle the role of dispersal limitation, species sorting and spatial scales
Authors: García‐Girón Jorge , Wilkes Martin , Fernández‐Aláez Margarita , Fernández‐Aláez Camino
Published: January 2019

Aim

Metacommunity ecology is a vibrant area of research that has received increased attention in recent years, since it provides a framework to assess the underlying dispersal‐ and niche‐based processes that create non‐random and ecologically meaningful patterns in species assemblages across the landscape. Here we set out to test for the role of dispersal limitation, species sorting and shared effects in the assembly of pond macrophyte metacommunities across an extensive area within the Iberian Plateau, and to identify which traits, environmental variables and spatial scales are driving local community structure.

Location

North‐western Spain (Iberian Plateau).

Taxon

Pond macrophytes.

Methods

We established a novel combination of robust methods capable of identifying the processes and most important landscape scales involved in the assembly of communities. We used metacommunity assembly modelling and multivariate multi‐scale codependence analysis (mMCA) to first estimate the relative importance of spatial and environmental effects on community structure, and then to identify significant trait–environment relationships and spatial scales.

Results

Analyses showed that the greatest effects were seen for the spatial and mixed spatial and niche‐based scenarios, particularly among wind‐dispersed species. Thus, dispersal limitation interfered with species sorting in determining assemblage structure by hindering species’ tracking of local environmental conditions. After accounting for this, the metacommunity assembly model revealed that species’ traits were involved in determining abundance structure. mMCA identified the main trait–environment relationships (and spatial scales) as fruit size‐nutrient status (~300 km) and growth form‐mean pond depth (~250 km).

Main conclusions

Our study suggests that dispersal limitation acted in concert with species sorting to influence the community assembly processes underlying selection for particular traits in functional niche space. Accordingly, we emphasize the need to go beyond the traditional taxonomic‐based analyses of community composition and the predominant thinking of considering spatial and environmental processes as two alternative and mutually exclusive scenarios of community assembly.
Long non‐coding RNA highly up‐regulated in liver cancer promotes epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition process in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Su Wen , Tang Jing , Wang Yufan , Sun Shuai , Shen Yuehong , Yang Hongyu
Published: January 2019

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an oral and maxillofacial malignancy that exhibits high incidence worldwide. In diverse human cancers, the long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) highly up‐regulated in liver cancer (HULC) is aberrantly expressed, but how HULC affects OSCC development and progression has remained mostly unknown. We report that HULC was abnormally up‐regulated in oral cancer tissues and OSCC cell lines, and that suppression of HULC expression in OSCC cells not only inhibited the proliferation, drug tolerance, migration and invasion of the cancer cells, but also increased their apoptosis rate. Notably, in a mouse xenograft model, HULC depletion reduced tumorigenicity and inhibited the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition process. Collectively, our findings reveal a crucial role of the lncRNA HULC in regulating oral cancer carcinogenesis and tumour progression, and thus suggest that HULC could serve as a novel therapeutic target for OSCC.
Efficacy of lateral bone augmentation performed simultaneously with dental implant placement: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Bienz Stefan P. , Figuero Elena , Jung Ronald E. , Sanz‐Martín Ignacio
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To analyse the evidence regarding the efficacy of lateral bone augmentation procedures in terms of defect resolution in cases of horizontal ridge deficiencies after implant placement.

Materials and Methods

Included studies met the following inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs), re‐entry procedure to assess defect resolution, minimum of 10 patients (5 per group). Meta‐analyses were performed whenever possible, including subgroup analysis based on membranes and grafting materials.

Results

Twenty‐eight publications (20 short‐term, 8 follow‐up studies) were included. The most often used type of intervention was a xenogeneic particulated grafting material (XE) and a resorbable collagen membrane (CM). The mean defect height at baseline amounted to 5.1 mm (range 2.4–7.8) and decreased to a mean of 0.9 mm (range 0.2–2.2) at re‐entry, and the mean defect resolution was 81.3% (range 56.4%–97.1%). Defect height reduction was not significantly different using CM+XE as control treatment compared to the combined data of the respective test groups [n = 11; weighted mean difference (WMD) = −0.006 mm; 95% CI, −0.61, 0.60; p = 0.985]. The absence of any lateral bone augmentation was less favourable than the conjunction of a membrane and a bone grafting material (n = 1; MD = −1.96 mm; 95% CI, −3.48, −0.44; p = 0.011). The lack of a grafting material was less favourable than the conjunction of grafting material and membrane (n = 1; MD = −2.44 mm; 95% CI, −4.53, −0.35; p = 0.022), and the addition of a membrane compared to a grafting material alone was more favourable (n = 3; WMD = 0.97 mm; 95% CI, 0.31, 1.64; p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Lateral bone augmentation is a successful treatment modality. For optimal defect height reduction, a barrier membrane and a grafting material should be combined.
Stable isotope analysis reveals ontogenetic feeding shifts in Pacific blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) off eastern Taiwan
Authors: Chang Ching‐Tsun , Chiang Wei‐Chuan , Chang Yun‐Chen , Musyl Michael K. , Sun Chi‐Lu , Madigan Daniel J. , Carlisle Aaron B. , Hsu Hung‐Hung , Chang Qi‐Xuan , Su Nan‐Jay , Ho Yuan‐Shing , Tseng Chen‐Te
Published: January 2019

To gain a better understanding of the trophic ecology of Pacific blue marlin Makaira nigricans off eastern Taiwan, nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes (δ15N and δ13C) and Bayesian mixing models were used to explore trophic dynamics and potential ontogenetic feeding shifts across M. nigricans of different size classes. Makaira nigricans samples from east of Taiwan (n = 213) and Palau (n = 37), as well as their prey (n = 70), were collected during 2012 and 2013. Results indicated increases in δ15N with size, with values of larger size classes (> 200 cm eye‐to‐fork length; LEF) significantly higher than those < 200 cm LEF. Values of δ13C were negatively correlated with size. Makaira nigricans > 200 cm LEF had the highest estimated trophic position (4.44) and also exhibited ontogenetic changes in trophic position. Large M. nigricans fed more on dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus and hairtail Trichiurus lepturus, while smaller M. nigricans consumed smaller forage fish (e.g., moonfish Mene maculata) and cephalopods. These changes may relate to greater swimming speeds and vertical habitat use in larger M. nigricans, allowing capture and consumption of larger prey items at higher trophic positions. The high trophic level of M. nigricans east of Taiwan confirms its important role as an apex predator in marine food webs and how ecological role changes with size.
New record of a sharpnose sevengill shark Heptranchias perlo (Elasmobranchii, Hexanchidae) from the Balearic Sea, western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Guallart Javier , Morey Gabriel , Bartolí Àlex
Published: January 2019

In March 2018, an immature female sharpnose sevengill shark Heptranchias perlo was caught by a commercial bottom trawler in the Ibiza Channel. This represents the first substantiated record of the species around the Balearic Islands (GSA05) and the second record from off the Spanish Levantine coasts. This paper includes a review of the records of H. perlo in the Mediterranean as an aid to future conservation assessments.
Efficacy and safety of IVIG in CIDP: Combined data of the PRIMA and PATH studies
Authors: Merkies Ingemar S.J. , van Schaik Ivo N. , Léger Jean‐Marc , Bril Vera , van Geloven Nan , Hartung Hans‐Peter , Lewis Richard A. , Sobue Gen , Lawo John‐Philip , Durn Billie L. , Cornblath David R. , De Bleecker Jan L. , Sommer Claudia , Robberecht Wim , Saarela Mika , Kamienowski Jerzy , Stelmasiak Zbigniew , Tackenberg Björn , Mielke Orell ,   on Behalf of the PRIMA Trial Investigators and the PATH Study Group
Published: January 2019

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a potential therapy for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). To investigate the efficacy and safety of the IVIG IgPro10 (Privigen) for treatment of CIDP, results from Privigen Impact on Mobility and Autonomy (PRIMA), a prospective, open‐label, single‐arm study of IVIG in immunoglobulin (Ig)‐naïve or IVIG pre‐treated subjects (NCT01184846, n = 28) and Polyneuropathy And Treatment with Hizentra (PATH), a double‐blind, randomized study including an open‐label, single‐arm IVIG phase in IVIG pre‐treated subjects (NCT01545076, IVIG restabilization phase n = 207) were analyzed separately and together (n = 235). Efficacy assessments included change in adjusted inflammatory neuropathy cause and treatment (INCAT) score, grip strength and Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and ADRs/infusion were recorded. Adjusted INCAT response rate was 60.7% in all PRIMA subjects at Week 25 (76.9% in IVIG pre‐treated subjects) and 72.9% in PATH. In the pooled cohort (n = 235), INCAT response rate was 71.5%; median time to INCAT improvement was 4.3 weeks. No clear demographic differences were noticed between early (responding before Week 7, n = 148) and late responders (n = 21). In the pooled cohort, median change from baseline to last observation was −1.0 (interquartile range −2.0; 0.0) point for INCAT score; +8.0 (0.0; 20.0) kPa for maximum grip strength; +3.0 (1.0; 7.0) points for MRC sum score. In the pooled cohort, 271 ADRs were reported in 105 subjects (44.7%), a rate of 0.144 ADRs per infusion. This analysis confirms the efficacy and safety of IgPro10, a recently FDA‐approved IVIG for CIDP, in a population of mainly pre‐treated subjects with CIDP [Correction added on 14 March 2019 after first online publication: the INCAT response rate has been corrected.].
Intermediate progenitors and Tbr2 in cortical development
Authors: Hevner Robert F.
Published: January 2019

In developing cerebral cortex, intermediate progenitors (IPs) are transit amplifying cells that specifically express Tbr2 (gene: Eomes), a T‐box transcription factor. IPs are derived from radial glia (RG) progenitors, the neural stem cells of developing cortex. In turn, IPs generate glutamatergic projection neurons (PNs) exclusively. IPs are found in ventricular and subventricular zones, where they differentiate as distinct ventricular IP (vIP) and outer IP (oIP) subtypes. Morphologically, IPs have short processes, resembling filopodia or neurites, that transiently contact other cells, most importantly dividing RG cells to mediate Delta‐Notch signaling. Also, IPs secrete a chemokine, Cxcl12, which guides interneuron and microglia migrations and promotes thalamocortical axon growth. In mice, IPs produce clones of 1–12 PNs, sometimes spanning multiple layers. After mitosis, IP daughter cells undergo asymmetric cell death in the majority of instances. In mice, Tbr2 is necessary for PN differentiation and subtype specification, and to repress IP‐genic transcription factors. Tbr2 directly represses Insm1, an IP‐genic transcription factor gene, as well as Pax6, a key activator of Tbr2 transcription. Without Tbr2, abnormal IPs transiently accumulate in elevated numbers. More broadly, Tbr2 regulates the transcriptome by activating or repressing hundreds of direct target genes. Notably, Tbr2 ‘unlocks’ and activates PN‐specific genes, such as Tbr1, by recruiting Jmjd3, a histone H3K27me3 demethylase that removes repressive epigenetic marks placed by polycomb repressive complex 2. IPs have played an important role in the evolution and gyrification of mammalian cerebral cortex, and TBR2 is essential for human brain development.
Impact of Financial Education Mandates on Younger Consumers' Use of Alternative Financial Services
Authors: Harvey Melody
Published: January 2019

Over one‐quarter of American adults used credit‐based alternative financial services (AFS) in the past five years, which carry a typical APR of 300%. Young adults are especially more likely to use AFS yet are also more likely to be exposed to personal finance education in schools. In this study, I use data from pooled 2012 and 2015 waves of National Financial Capability Study to examine whether state‐mandated financial education impacts young adults' use of AFS. I find that financial education mandates significantly reduced the likelihood and frequency of payday borrowing in particular. Additionally, I show that exposure to required personal finance courses could affect payday borrowing through increased financial literacy and improved financial planning practices. These findings suggest that policymakers and other stakeholders need to understand the full benefits of financial education when making cost–benefit analysis comparisons as to whether or not to implement.