bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of oral health literacy with oral health behaviors, perception, knowledge, and dental treatment related outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Firmino Ramon Targino , Martins Carolina Castro , Faria Larissa dos Santos , Martins Paiva Saul , Granville‐Garcia Ana Flávia , Fraiz Fabian Calixto , Ferreira Fernanda Morais
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis regarding the association of oral health literacy (OHL) with oral health behaviors, perception, knowledge, and dental treatment related outcomes.

Methods

Eight electronic databases were searched up until June 2017. Studies regarding the aforementioned outcomes measuring OHL through a validated instrument and in which OHL was an explanatory variable were included. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and analyzed the risk of bias of the studies. Meta‐analysis using random effect modeling was undertaken. Pooled estimates were calculated with 95 percent confidence interval (CI) and odds ratios (OR).

Results

Twenty‐five studies were included in the systematic review and three in the meta‐analysis. Most studies were cross‐sectional (n = 21) and had a high risk of bias (n = 17). The meta‐analysis showed no association between OHL and frequency of visit to the dentist for adults, either through bivariate analysis (OR = 1.25; 95 percent CI: 0.95‐1.63) or multivariate analysis (OR = 1.90; 95 percent CI: 0.77‐4.84). Dental anxiety and night bottle‐feeding were associated with low OHL (P < 0.05). Most studies regarding tooth brushing frequency found no association with OHL. Most studies regarding oral health knowledge related outcomes reported an association with higher OHL. The literature was inconclusive regarding the association between OHL and dental treatment outcomes, oral health behaviors, and oral health perception.

Conclusions

The current scientific evidence suggests that no association exists between OHL and any of the outcomes investigated. Further prospective studies with a higher methodological quality are necessary to confirm the evidence.
On Local Trigonometric Regression Under Dependence
Authors: Beran Jan , Steffens Britta , Ghosh Sucharita
Published: March 2018

We consider nonparametric estimation of an additive time series decomposition into a long‐term trendμand a smoothly changing seasonal componentSunder general assumptions on the dependence structure of the residual process. The rate of convergence of local trigonometric regression estimators ofSturns out to be unaffected by the dependence, even though the spectral density of the residual process has a pole at the origin. In contrast, the rate of convergence of nonparametric estimators ofμdepends on the long‐memory parameterd. Therefore, in the presence of long‐range dependence, different bandwidths for estimatingμandSshould be used. A data adaptive algorithm for optimal bandwidth choice is proposed. Simulations and data examples illustrate the results.
Evaluation of individual low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test patterns in naturally occurring hyperadrenocorticism in dogs
Authors: Bennaim Michael , Shiel Robert E. , Forde Christopher , Mooney Carmel T.
Published: March 2018

Background

Dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) may be more mildly affected at the time of diagnosis today, which could influence the prevalence of associated clinical and clinicopathological abnormalities and diagnostic test performance. Different low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) result patterns have not been evaluated individually.

Objectives

To assess the current features of HAC and evaluate if the diagnostic test performance of individual LDDST result patterns differ.

Animals

One hundred and twenty‐three dogs undergoing investigation for HAC.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of dogs in which a LDDST was performed and HAC confirmed or excluded by alternative means. Cases with basal cortisol concentrations (t0) < 1 μg/dL were excluded. Each LDDST result was classified as (a) complete suppression (t3andt8 < 1 μg/dL), (b) lack of suppression (t3andt8 > 1 μg/dL and both > 50%t0), (c) partial suppression (t3andt8 > 1 μg/dL but either < 50%t0), (d) escape (t8 > 1 μg/dL andt3 < 1 μg/dL) or (e) inverse (t3 > 1 μg/dL andt8 < 1 μg/dL) pattern.

Results

Fifty‐nine (48%) dogs were diagnosed with HAC and 64 (52%) with non‐adrenal illness. Hyperadrenocorticism cases had similar clinicopathological abnormalities compared to previous reports. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of the LDDST for diagnosing HAC were 96.6 (91.9‐100)%, 67.2 (55.7‐78.7)%, 73.1 (63.2‐82.9)%, and 95.6 (89.5‐100)%, respectively. Lack of suppression pattern had the highest PPV (93.9 [85.8‐100]%) followed by the partial suppression pattern (67.9 [50.6–85.2]%) and escape or inverse pattern (36.8 [15.1–58.5]%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A lack of suppression LDDST pattern has the highest PPV for diagnosing HAC followed by a partial suppression pattern. By contrast, the escape or inverse pattern provided limited support of HAC.
Essential oils: effects of application rate and modality on potential for combating northern fowl mite infestations
Authors: Abdelfattah E. M. , Vezzoli G. , Buczkowski G. , Makagon M. M.
Published: March 2018

The northern fowl mite (NFM), Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae), is the primary blood‐feeding ectoparasite found on poultry in the U.S.A. Three experiments were conducted in vitro to test the acaricidal properties of cade, garlic, lavender, lemongrass, pine and thyme essential oils against NFM, and to evaluate whether these effects are altered by adjusting oil application rates and application modality (direct vs. vapour contact). Applied at the rate of 0.21 mg/cm2, the essential oils of cade, thyme, lemongrass and garlic resulted in higher NFM mortality at 24 h post‐application than lavender and pine oils, and the untreated and ethanol‐treated controls. Cade and thyme were the most consistent and fast‐acting of the essential oils in terms of toxicity to NFM. Cade applied at 0.21 mg/cm2 and 0.11 mg/cm2 and thyme applied at 0.21 mg/cm2 were effective in eliminating NFM within 2 h through direct contact. The modality of application did not affect the efficacy of cade and thyme essential oils. The results suggest that essential oils may be utilized as alternatives to chemical pesticides and could be used as fumigants for the control of NFM.
Normal values for assessment of anal sphincter morphology, anorectal motion, and pelvic organ prolapse with MRI in healthy women
Authors: Tirumanisetty P. , Prichard D. , Fletcher J. G. , Chakraborty S. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Bharucha A. E.
Published: March 2018

Background

Endoanal MRI and MR defecography are used to identify anal sphincter injury and disordered defecation. However, few studies have evaluated findings in asymptomatic healthy people. The effects of BMI and parity on rectoanal motion and evacuation are unknown.

Methods

In 113 asymptomatic females (age 50 ± 17 years, Mean ± SD) without risk factors for anorectal trauma, anal sphincter appearance, anorectal motion, and pelvic organ prolapse were evaluated with MRI. The relationship between age, BMI, and parity and structural findings were evaluated with parametric and non‐parametric tests.

Results

The anal sphincters and puborectalis appeared normal in over 90% of women. During dynamic MRI, the anorectal angle was 100 ± 1º (Mean ± SEM) at rest, 70 ± 2° at squeeze, and 120 ± 2° during defecation. The change in anorectal angle during squeeze (r = −.25, P < .005), but not during evacuation (r = .13, P = .25) was associated with age. In the multivariable models, BMI (P < .01) and parity (P < .01) were, respectively, independently associated with the intersubject variation in the anorectal angle at rest and the angle change during squeeze. Ten percent or fewer women had had descent of the bladder base or uterus 4 cm or more below the pubococcygeal line or a rectocele measuring 4 cm or larger. Only 5% had a patulous anal canal.

Conclusions

In addition to age, BMI and parity also affect anorectal motion in asymptomatic women. These findings provide age‐adjusted normal values for rectoanal anatomy and pelvic floor motion.
Rikkunshito simultaneously improves dyspepsia correlated with anxiety in patients with functional dyspepsia: A randomized clinical trial (the DREAM study)
Authors: Tominaga K. , Sakata Y. , Kusunoki H. , Odaka T. , Sakurai K. , Kawamura O. , Nagahara A. , Takeuchi T. , Fujikawa Y. , Oshima T. , Kato M. , Furuta T. , Murakami K. , Chiba T. , Miwa H. , Kinoshita Y. , Higuchi K. , Kusano M. , Iwakiri R. , Fujimoto K. , Tack J. F. , Arakawa T.
Published: March 2018

Background

Functional dyspepsia (FD), a heterogeneous disorder, involves multiple pathogenetic mechanisms. Developing treatments for FD has been challenging. We performed a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial to determine the efficacy of rikkunshito, a Japanese herbal medicine, in FD patients.

Methods

FD patients (n = 192) who met the Rome III criteria without Helicobacter pylori infection, predominant heartburn, and depression were enrolled at 56 hospitals in Japan. After 2 weeks of single‐blind placebo treatment, 128 patients with continuous symptoms were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of rikkunshito (n = 64) or placebo (n = 61). The primary efficacy endpoint was global assessment of overall treatment efficacy (OTE). The secondary efficacy endpoints were improvements in upper gastrointestinal symptoms evaluated by the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders‐Symptom Severity Index (PAGI‐SYM), the Global Overall Symptom scale (GOS), and the modified Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (m‐FSSG), and psychological symptoms evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Key Results

Rikkunshito increased OTE compared to placebo at 8 weeks (P = .019). Rikkunshito improved upper gastrointestinal symptoms (PAGI‐SYM, GOS, and m‐FSSG) at 8 weeks, especially postprandial fullness/early satiety (P = .015 and P = .001) and bloating (P = .007 and P = .002) of the PAGI‐SYM subscales at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Improvement of HADS at 8 weeks (P = .027) correlated with those of PAGI‐SYM (r = .302, P = .001), GOS (r = .186, P = .044), and m‐FSSG (r = .462, P < .001), postprandial fullness/early satiety (r = .226, P = .014), dyspepsia (r = .215, P = .019), and PDS (r = .221, P = .016).

Conclusion & inferences

Rikkunshito may be beneficial for FD patients to simultaneously treat gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms.
Host lignin composition affects haustorium induction in the parasitic plants Phtheirospermum japonicum and Striga hermonthica
Authors: Cui Songkui , Wada Syogo , Tobimatsu Yuki , Takeda Yuri , Saucet Simon B. , Takano Toshiyuki , Umezawa Toshiaki , Shirasu Ken , Yoshida Satoko
Published: March 2018

Parasitic plants in the family Orobanchaceae are destructive weeds of agriculture worldwide. The haustorium, an essential parasitic organ used by these plants to penetrate host tissues, is induced by host‐derived phenolic compounds called haustorium‐inducing factors (HIFs). The origin of HIFs remains unknown, although the structures of lignin monomers resemble that of HIFs. Lignin is a natural phenylpropanoid polymer, commonly found in secondary cell walls of vascular plants. We therefore investigated the possibility that HIFs are derived from host lignin.

Various lignin‐related phenolics, quinones and lignin polymers, together with nonhost and host plants that have different lignin compositions, were tested for their haustorium‐inducing activity in two Orobanchaceae species, a facultative parasite, Phtheirospermum japonicum, and an obligate parasite, Striga hermonthica.

Lignin‐related compounds induced haustoria in P. japonicum and S. hermonthica with different specificities. High concentrations of lignin polymers induced haustorium formation. Treatment with laccase, a lignin degradation enzyme, promoted haustorium formation at low concentrations. The distinct lignin compositions of the host and nonhost plants affected haustorium induction, correlating with the response of the different parasitic plants to specific types of lignin‐related compounds.

Our study provides valuable insights into the important roles of lignin biosynthesis and degradation in the production of HIFs.
N‐myristoylation and S‐acylation are common modifications of Ca2+‐regulated Arabidopsis kinases and are required for activation of the SLAC1 anion channel
Authors: Saito Shunya , Hamamoto Shin , Moriya Koko , Matsuura Aiko , Sato Yoko , Muto Jun , Noguchi Hiroto , Yamauchi Seiji , Tozawa Yuzuru , Ueda Minoru , Hashimoto Kenji , Köster Philipp , Dong Qiuyan , Held Katrin , Kudla Jörg , Utsumi Toshihiko , Uozumi Nobuyuki
Published: March 2018

N‐myristoylation and S‐acylation promote protein membrane association, allowing regulation of membrane proteins. However, how widespread this targeting mechanism is in plant signaling processes remains unknown.

Through bioinformatics analyses, we determined that among plant protein kinase families, the occurrence of motifs indicative for dual lipidation by N‐myristoylation and S‐acylation is restricted to only five kinase families, including the Ca2+‐regulated CDPK‐SnRK and CBL protein families. We demonstrated N‐myristoylation of CDPK‐SnRKs and CBLs by incorporation of radiolabeled myristic acid. We focused on CPK6 and CBL5 as model cases and examined the impact of dual lipidation on their function by fluorescence microscopy, electrophysiology and functional complementation of Arabidopsis mutants.

We found that both lipid modifications were required for proper targeting of CBL5 and CPK6 to the plasma membrane. Moreover, we identified CBL5–CIPK11 complexes as phosphorylating and activating the guard cell anion channel SLAC1. SLAC1 activation by CPK6 or CBL5–CIPK11 was strictly dependent on dual lipid modification, and loss of CPK6 lipid modification prevented functional complementation of cpk3 cpk6 guard cell mutant phenotypes.

Our findings establish the general importance of dual lipid modification for Ca2+ signaling processes, and demonstrate their requirement for guard cell anion channel regulation.
Somatic hybridization provides segregating populations for the identification of causative mutations in sterile mutants of the moss Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Moody Laura A. , Kelly Steven , Coudert Yoan , Nimchuk Zachary L. , Harrison C. Jill , Langdale Jane A.
Published: March 2018

Forward genetics is now straightforward in the moss Physcomitrella patens, and large mutant populations can be screened relatively easily. However, perturbation of development before the formation of gametes currently leaves no route to gene discovery.

Somatic hybridization has previously been used to rescue sterile mutants and to assign P. patens mutations to complementation groups, but the cellular basis of the fusion process could not be monitored, and there was no tractable way to identify causative mutations.

Here we use fluorescently tagged lines to generate somatic hybrids between Gransden (Gd) and Villersexel (Vx) strains of P. patens, and show that hybridization produces fertile diploid gametophytes that form phenotypically normal tetraploid sporophytes. Quantification of genetic variation between the two parental strains reveals single nucleotide polymorphisms at a frequency of 1/286 bp.

Given that the genetic distinction between Gd and Vx strains exceeds that found between pairs of strains that are commonly used for genetic mapping in other plant species, the spore populations derived from hybrid sporophytes provide suitable material for bulk segregant analysis and gene identification by genome sequencing.
Rice leaf hydrophobicity and gas films are conferred by a wax synthesis gene (LGF1) and contribute to flood tolerance
Authors: Kurokawa Yusuke , Nagai Keisuke , Huan Phung Danh , Shimazaki Kousuke , Qu Huangqi , Mori Yoshinao , Toda Yosuke , Kuroha Takeshi , Hayashi Nagao , Aiga Saori , Itoh Jun‐ichi , Yoshimura Atsushi , Sasaki‐Sekimoto Yuko , Ohta Hiroyuki , Shimojima Mie , Malik Al Imran , Pedersen Ole , Colmer Timothy David , Ashikari Motoyuki
Published: March 2018

Floods impede gas (O2 and CO2) exchange between plants and the environment. A mechanism to enhance plant gas exchange under water comprises gas films on hydrophobic leaves, but the genetic regulation of this mechanism is unknown.

We used a rice mutant (dripping wet leaf 7, drp7) which does not retain gas films on leaves, and its wild‐type (Kinmaze), in gene discovery for this trait. Gene complementation was tested in transgenic lines. Functional properties of leaves as related to gas film retention and underwater photosynthesis were evaluated.

Leaf Gas Film 1 (LGF1) was identified as the gene determining leaf gas films. LGF1 regulates C30 primary alcohol synthesis, which is necessary for abundant epicuticular wax platelets, leaf hydrophobicity and gas films on submerged leaves. This trait enhanced underwater photosynthesis 8.2‐fold and contributes to submergence tolerance. Gene function was verified by a complementation test of LGF1 expressed in the drp7 mutant background, which restored C30 primary alcohol synthesis, wax platelet abundance, leaf hydrophobicity, gas film retention, and underwater photosynthesis.

The discovery of LGF1 provides an opportunity to better understand variation amongst rice genotypes for gas film retention ability and to target various alleles in breeding for improved submergence tolerance for yield stability in flood‐prone areas.
Salivary human beta‐defensins affected by oral Candida status in Chinese HIV/AIDS patients undergoing ART
Authors: Liu Z , Yong X , Jiang L , Zhang L , Lin X , Liu W , Peng Y , Tao R
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To observe relationships between oral Candida status and salivary human beta‐defensin 2 and 3 (hBD‐2 and hBD‐3) levels in HIV/AIDS patients of Guangxi, China during the first year of antiretroviral therapy (ART) dynamically, and to understand the influence of ART on oral Candida status and salivary hBDs expressions.

Methods

A prospective self‐controlled study was carried to observe the dynamic changes of CD4+ T cell counts, oral Candida carriages and salivary hBD‐2,3 expressions in HIV/AIDS patients during the first year of ART. A total of 90 HIV/AIDS patients were enrolled and were examined at the baseline, 3rd, 6th, 12th month of ART. Thirty healthy individuals were enrolled as control. Peripheral blood, oral rinse sample, and unstimulated whole saliva were collected to test CD4+ T cell counts, oral Candida carriages, and hBD‐2,3 expressions.

Results

In the first year of ART, CD4+ T cell counts increased significantly. However, oral Candida carriages and oral candidiasis decreased significantly, and salivary hBD‐2 expressions in HIV/AIDS patients decreased gradually, salivary hBD‐3 levels were highly variable. Salivary hBD‐2 concentrations were positively related to oral Candida carriages.

Conclusions

The incidence of oral candidiasis among HIV/AIDS patients gradually decreased due to the immune reconstruction of ART. Salivary defensins might play an important role in Candida‐host interaction in HIV/AIDS patients.
In vivo expression of proteases and protease inhibitor, a serpin, by periodontal pathogens at teeth and implants
Authors: Eckert M. , Mizgalska D. , Sculean A. , Potempa J. , Stavropoulos A. , Eick S.
Published: March 2018

Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia secrete proteases, gingipains and KLIKK‐proteases. In addition, T. forsythia produces a serpin (miropin) with broad inhibitory spectrum. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the level of expression of miropin and individual proteases in vivo in periodontal and peri‐implant health and disease conditions. Biofilm and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)/ peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF) samples were taken from healthy tooth and implant sites (n = 10), gingivitis and mucositis sites (n = 12), and periodontitis and peri‐implantitis sites (n = 10). Concentration of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), IL‐1β and IL‐10 in GCF was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Loads of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia and the presence of proteases and miropin genes were assessed in biofilm by quantitative PCR, whereas gene expression was estimated by quantitative RT‐PCR. The presence of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia, as well as the level of IL‐8 and IL‐1β, were associated with disease severity in the periodontal and peri‐implant tissues. In biofilm samples harboring T. forsythia, genes encoding proteases were found to be present at 72.4% for karilysin and 100% for other KLIKK‐protease genes and miropin. At the same time, detectable mRNA expression of individual genes ranged from 20.7% to 58.6% of samples (for forsylisin and miropsin‐1, respectively). In comparison with the T. forsythia proteases, miropin and the gingipains were highly expressed. The level of expression of gingipains was associated with those of miropin and certain T. forsythia proteases around teeth but not implants. Cumulatively, KLIKK‐proteases and especially miropin, might play a role in pathogenesis of both periodontal and peri‐implant diseases.
Epidemiological observations of Kawasaki disease in Japan, 2013–2014
Authors: Makino Nobuko , Nakamura Yosikazu , Yashiro Mayumi , Sano Takashi , Ae Ryusuke , Kosami Koki , Kojo Takao , Aoyama Yasuko , Kotani Kazuhiko , Yanagawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2018

Background

The etiology of Kawasaki disease (KD) is unknown. In Japan, the number of patients and incidence rate of KD has increased continuously since its discovery. The aim of this report was to analyze the latest nationwide epidemiological survey of KD in Japan.

Methods

The 23rd nationwide survey of KD was conducted in 2015. To report on all patients diagnosed with KD in 2013 and 2014, a questionnaire was sent to hospitals with ≥100 beds containing pediatric departments, as well as specialized pediatric hospitals.

Results

The number of KD patients reported was 15 696 in 2013 and 15 979 in 2014, resulting in an annual incidence rate of 302.5 and 308.0 per 100 000 population aged 0–4 years, respectively. The number of patients and incidence rate of KD in 2014 were the highest ever recorded in Japan. The number of patients diagnosed per month peaked in January, and a gradual increase in summer was also observed. Eight patients died of KD in 2013 and 2014.

Conclusions

The number of patients and incidence rate of KD in Japan continue to increase. Continued surveillance of epidemiological trends of KD is therefore required.
HYDROXYL RADICAL QUENCHING AGENTS PROTECT AGAINST DNA BREAKAGE CAUSED BY BOTH 365‐nm UVA AND BY GAMMA RADIATION
Authors: PEAK MEYRICK J. , PEAK JENNIFER G.
Published: March 2018

The ability of hydroxyl radical (.OH) scavengers to reduce DNA breakage in isolated DNA from Bacillus subtilis by either γ radiation or monochromatic radiation in the UVA region (365 nm) was examined by comparing dose reduction factors (the ratio of dose required to induce n DNA breaks in the absence to the presence of quencher). Previous data have demonstrated that acetate, formate, azide, and mannitol protect supercoiled DNA against y‐radiation‐induced ssb (single‐strand breaks—relaxation of supercoil by first nick) in close agreement with the rate at which their solutions quench .OH. Here we show that these quenchers also protect against 365‐nm‐induced ssb. The ratios for protection against 365‐nm induced DNA ssb in isolated B. subtilis DNA by the four quenchers are also in proportion to their ability to quench .OH. In view of the diverse chemical nature of the quenchers and the wide range of concentrations involved, these findings are evidence that both these radiations may induce ssb in DNA via a common step that might involve .OH.
Vitis vinifera berry metabolic composition during maturation: Implications of defoliation
Authors: Rossouw Gerhard C. , Šuklje Katja , Smith Jason P. , Barril Celia , Deloire Alain , Holzapfel Bruno P.
Published: March 2018

Leaves are an important contributor toward berry sugar and nitrogen (N) accumulation, and leaf area, therefore, affects fruit composition during grapevine (Vitis vinifera) berry ripening. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of leaf presence on key berry quality attributes in conjunction with the accumulation of primary berry metabolites. Shortly after the start of véraison (berry ripening), potted grapevines were defoliated (total defoliation and 25% of the control), and the accumulation of berry soluble solids, N and anthocyanins were compared to that of a full leaf area control. An untargeted approach was undertaken to measure the content in primary metabolites by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Partial and full defoliation resulted in reduced berry sugar and anthocyanin accumulation, while total berry N content was unaffected. The juice yeast assimilable N (YAN), however, increased upon partial and full defoliation. Remobilized carbohydrate reserves allowed accumulation of the major berry sugars during the absence of leaf photoassimilation. Berry anthocyanin biosynthesis was strongly inhibited by defoliation, which could relate to the carbon (C) source limitation and/or increased bunch exposure. Arginine accumulation, likely resulting from reserve translocation, contributed to increased YAN upon defoliation. Furthermore, assessing the implications on various products of the shikimate pathway suggests the C flux through this pathway to be largely affected by leaf source limitation during fruit maturation. This study provides a novel investigation of impacts of leaf C and N source presence during berry maturation, on the development of key berry quality parameters as underlined by alterations in primary metabolism.
Patrons against clients: Electoral uncertainty and bureaucratic tenure in politicized states
Authors: Schuster Christian
Published: March 2018

Why would incumbents undertake institutional reforms that constrain their discretion over state resources? Many studies point to electoral competition in response. They argue that incumbents who risk exit from office undertake reform to insure themselves against potentially hostile successors. This paper challenges this line of reasoning, arguing that it confounds two potential implications of electoral competition –potentialandcertainelectoral losses – which yield contrary reform incentives.Certainexits from office may well incentivize reforms as insurance. Where elections are contested, however, incumbents face incentives to resist reforms that constrain discretion over state resources that provide incumbents with electoral advantage. This argument is developed and assessed with an institutional reform the literature has so far neglected: job stability protections (tenure) in politicized bureaucracies. A case analysis of the Dominican Republic and suggestive cross‐country data confirm theoretical predictions: electoral uncertainty dis‐incentivizes tenure reform. Electoral competition may thus be a double‐edged sword for institutional reform.
Agency proliferation and the globalization of the regulatory state: Introducing a data set on the institutional features of regulatory agencies
Authors: Jordana Jacint , Fernández‐i‐Marín Xavier , Bianculli Andrea C.
Published: March 2018

State structures have experienced significant transformation with the spread of globalization. This paper examines how to measure one major change that has occurred in recent decades: the worldwide proliferation of public agencies with regulatory tasks. It remains unclear how their configurations vary across countries and sectors, and what can be learned from these variations. To better identify these agencies worldwide, we introduce a new dataset on the institutional features of 799 agencies in 115 countries and 17 policy sectors. The dataset contains variables from their institutional profiles, covering a broad range of formal characteristics. To examine the diverse faces the regulatory state has adopted along its globalization path in depth, our variables are grouped into four blocs: regulatory responsibilities, managerial autonomy, political independence, and public accountability. As such, we depart from the view that a single dimension does capture the actual diversity of institutional forms regulatory agencies may exhibit. We also use factor and cluster analyses to assess their various forms, and suggest a typology of agency institutional models to facilitate more precise studies on the regulatory state. Results confirm that the regulatory state shows greater variety than usually expected.
Acute Alcohol Co‐Ingestion and Hospital‐Treated Deliberate Self‐Poisoning: Is There an Effect on Subsequent Self‐Harm?
Authors: Borruso Luca D. , Buckley Nicholas A. , Kirby Katharine A. , Carter Gregory , Pilgrim Jennifer L. , Chitty Kate M.
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between alcohol co‐ingestion in an index deliberate self‐poisoning (DSP) episode with repeated DSP and subsequent suicide. A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 5,669 consecutive index presentations to a toxicology service following DSP between January 1, 1996, and October 31, 2010. Records were probabilistically matched to National Coronial Information System data to identify subsequent suicide. Index DSPs were categorized on co‐ingestion of alcohol, and primary outcomes analyzed were repetition of any DSP, rates of repeated DSP, time to first repeat DSP, and subsequent suicide. Co‐ingestion of alcohol occurred in 35.9% of index admissions. There was no difference between those who co‐ingested alcohol (ALC+) and those who did not co‐ingest alcohol (ALC−) in terms of proportion of repeat DSP, number of DSP events, or time to first repeat DSP event. Forty‐one (1.0%) cases were probabilistically matched to a suicide death; there was no difference in the proportion of suicide between ALC+ and ALC− at 1 or 3 years. There was no significant relationship between the co‐ingestion of alcohol in an index DSP and subsequent repeated DSP or suicide. Clinically, this highlights the importance of mental health assessment of patients that present after DSP, irrespective of alcohol co‐ingestion at the time of event.
Culture, emotion suppression and disclosure, and health
Authors: Tsai William , Lu Qian
Published: March 2018

Researchers have examined cultural differences in the psychological and physiological health consequences of emotion suppression. The goal of this review is to clarify the state of the science on this growing area of research by summarizing patterns of findings, identifying limitations, and providing recommendations for future research. First, we review the framework that provides the theoretical foundation for explaining cultural differences, and then we present findings on how culture influences the psychological and physiological health consequences of emotion suppression. Next, we review the expressive writing intervention as a culturally sensitive intervention that facilitates emotion disclosure for cultural groups that prioritize emotional restraint. Finally, we end by providing theoretical and methodological recommendations for future research.
Comparison of interpolation models for estimating heavy metals in soils under various spatial characteristics and sampling methods
Authors: Liao Yilan , Li Dongyue , Zhang Ningxu
Published: March 2018

Heavy metal pollution in soils has become increasingly challenging, especially in developing countries. Estimating the spatial distribution of heavy metals in soils is essential to preventing their build‐up. This article aims to identify the effects of spatial scales, spatial autocorrelation, sampling methods, and proportion on interpolation models in estimating the distribution of heavy metals in soils. Six interpolation models (area‐and‐point kriging, AAPK; inverse distance weighting, IDW; local polynomial interpolation, LP; ordinary kriging, OK; simple kriging, SK; and thin plate spline, TPS), three sampling methods (random, stratified, and systematic sampling), and five sampling proportions (1, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) are considered in this study using sets of simulated data, and the real situation was tested for verification. The results show that, in general, with the increase of spatial autocorrelation or the sampling percentage, the accuracy and stability of different interpolation models gradually increase; however, the various interpolation models have their own specific characteristics and application conditions. The best application conditions of the interpolation models compared with other models under the same situation are summarized and explained in theory. These conclusions have implications for future work.
Hacking code/space: Confounding the code of global capitalism
Authors: Zook Matthew , Graham Mark
Published: March 2018

Information‐technologies are essential for global capitalism to function at speed across scale, space and complexity. The importance of software and algorithms in the governance of these systems is reflected in the attention of scholars to the ways digital code and materiality (re)combine to create hybrid digital/material spaces of economic activity, movement and everyday life. This paper extends this work in two key ways: first by emphasising the relational aspect of these code/spaces, and second by showing how the digital algorithms of code/spaces are hackable rather than hegemonic. Using the case study of frequent flyer programmes we demonstrate how networked knowledge‐sharing reshapes code/spaces to provide unintended opportunities such as low‐cost travel and access to spaces normally only frequented by global elites. Although this case highlights vulnerabilities in the code of global capitalism, it is primarily only those with significant lifestyle privilege who are able to fully participate in these subversions. Moreover, while much of the value captured by “airline hackers” comes from airlines’ profit margins, the relationality of code/spaces can impact citizens and consumers not directly connected to or interested in airline travel. Ultimately, this paper demonstrates that in contrast to characterisations of omnipresence and hegemony, the information networks and algorithms of global capitalism contain moments of uneven porousness and selective hackability.
Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability and agreement in determining subcutaneous tumour margins in dogs
Authors: Ranganathan B. , Milovancev M. , Leeper H. , Townsend K. L. , Bracha S. , Curran K.
Published: March 2018

The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate agreement and reliability of calliper‐based measurements of locally invasive subcutaneous malignant tumours in dogs. Four raters measured the longest diameter of 12 subcutaneous tumours (7 soft tissue sarcomas and 5 mast cell tumours) from 11 client‐owned dogs during 3 randomized, blinded measurement trials, both pre‐ and post‐sedation. Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability was evaluated using intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) and agreement was evaluated using Bland‐Altman plots. Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability was good (ICC range of 0.8694‐0.89520) and excellent (ICC range of 0.9720‐0.9966), respectively. For agreement calculations, an a priori clinically relevant limit of agreement of 10 mm was set. Inter‐ and intra‐rater agreement was unacceptable with inter‐rater limits of agreement ranging from 15.9 to 55.6 mm and intra‐rater limit of agreement ranging from 11.9 to 28.1 mm. Review of the measurement trial photographs revealed that calliper orientation changes were frequent, occurring in 9/12 (75%) and 8/12 (67%) pre‐ and post‐sedation cases. No significant correlation was found between inter‐rater measurement standard deviations and calliper orientation changes or dog body condition score. These findings suggest veterinarians may have poor agreement in determining the gross edge of tumours, which is expected to introduce bias and inconsistency in tumour staging, assessing response to therapy, and surgical margin planning. Due to the potential consequences for veterinary cancer patients, future studies are needed to validate the present findings.
Expression of IL‐33 in chronic lesional skin of canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Asahina Ryota , Nishida Hidetaka , Kamishina Hiroaki , Maeda Sadatoshi
Published: March 2018

Background

In humans, interleukin (IL)‐33 plays a critical role in the enhancement of allergic skin inflammation. However, it currently remains unclear whether IL‐33 is involved in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD).

Objectives

To examine the expression of IL‐33 in chronic lesional skin of cAD.

Animals

Eight dogs with spontaneous cAD and five healthy dogs were used.

Methods

The transcription of il‐33 in chronic lesional skin of cAD was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The expression of IL‐33 was evaluated immunohistochemically using an anti‐human IL‐33 monoclonal antibody with cross‐reactivity to canine IL‐33.

Results

The transcription levels of il‐33 in chronic lesional skin of cAD were significantly higher than those in normal skin of healthy dogs. Keratinocytes were a major cellular source of IL‐33 production in chronic lesional skin of cAD.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The results indicate that IL‐33 is involved in chronic lesional skin of cAD.
B‐mode and power Doppler ultrasonography of the equine suspensory ligament branches: A descriptive study on 13 horses
Authors: Rabba Silvia , Grulke Sigrid , Verwilghen Denis , Evrard Laurence , Busoni Valeria
Published: March 2018

Ultrasonography is routinely used to achieve the diagnosis of equine suspensory ligament desmopathy. In human medicine, power Doppler ultrasonography has also been found to be useful for the diagnosis of tendon/ligament injuries. The aim of this prospective, pilot study was to assess the presence or absence of power Doppler signal in suspensory ligament branches and compare B‐mode findings with power Doppler findings in suspensory ligament branches of lame and non‐lame limbs. Thirteen horses were used (eight lame horses, with lameness related to pain in the suspensory ligament branches, and five non‐lame horses). Ten lame limbs and 24 sound limbs were assessed by B‐mode and power Doppler ultrasonography. The severity of power Doppler signal was scored by two independent readers. The B‐mode ultrasonographic examination revealed abnormalities in branches of lame limbs and in branches of sound limbs. Suspensory ligament branches that were considered normal in B‐mode showed no power Doppler signal. However, power Doppler signal was detected in suspensory ligament branches that were abnormal in B‐mode, both in lame and sound limbs. Power Doppler scores were subjectively higher in suspensory ligament branches of lame limbs and in branches with more severe B‐mode changes. Findings supported the use of power Doppler as an adjunctive diagnostic test for lame horses with suspected suspensory desmopathy.
Framing the Game: An Architectonic Analogue for Meta-Theorizing Academic Activities
Authors: Spitzberg Brian H
Published: March 2018

A radical reformulation is proposed for explaining paradigm fragmentation. The broader topography of academic activities is conceptualized according to an academic game-theoretic analogue (GTA). According to this analogue, scholarly and academic activities reflect a competitive field of play and of plays. Criteria such as attention, compensation, awards, publications, tenure, and mobility become the scarce valued resources distributed in the game based on the plays that players enact. In an effort to reveal the heuristic potential of the theoretical analogy, these threads are traced across a broad array of humanistic and scientific theories and scholarship, including connections among Wittgenstein, Popper, Kuhn, Feyerabend, Goffman, Foucault, Bourdieu and Lyotard.
Localization of adventitious respiratory sounds
Authors: Henry Brian , Royston Thomas J.
Published: March 2018

In a recent publication by Henry and Royston [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 142, 1774–1783 (2017)], an algorithm was introduced to calculate the acoustic response to externally introduced and endogenous respiratory sounds within a realistic, patient-specific subglottal airway tree. This work is extended using an efficient numerical boundary element (BE) approach to calculate the resulting radiated sound field from the airway tree into the lung parenchyma taking into account the surrounding chest wall. Within the BE model of the left lung parenchyma, comprised of more than 6000 triangular surface elements, more than 30 000 monopoles are used to approximate complex airway-originated acoustic sources. The chest wall is modeled as a boundary condition on the parenchymal surface. Several cases were simulated, including a bronchoconstricted lung that had an internal acoustic source introduced in a bronchiole, approximating a wheeze. An acoustic source localization algorithm coupled to the BE model estimated the wheeze source location to within a few millimeters based solely on the acoustic field at the surface. Improved noninvasive means of locating adventitious respiratory sounds may enhance an understanding of acoustic changes correlated to pathology, and potentially provide improved noninvasive tools for the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases that uniquely alter acoustics.
Delivery of positive end-expiratory pressure to preterm lambs using common resuscitation devices
Authors: Thio Marta , Dawson Jennifer A , Crossley Kelly J , Moss Timothy J , Roehr Charles C , Polglase Graeme R , Davis Peter G , Hooper Stuart B
Published: March 2018

Background

In neonatal resuscitation, a ventilation device providing positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is recommended. There is limited information about PEEP delivery in vivo, using different models of self-inflating bag (SIB) at different inflation rates and PEEP settings.

Methods

We compared PEEP delivery to intubated preterm lambs using four commonly available models of paired SIBs and PEEP valves, with a T-piece, with gas flow of 8 L/min. Peak inspiratory pressure inflations of 30 cmH2O, combined with set PEEP of 5, 7 and 10 cmH2O, were delivered at rates of 20, 40 and 60/min. These combinations were repeated without gas flow. We measured mean PEEP, maximum and minimum PEEP, and its difference (PEEP reduction).

Results

A total of 3288 inflations were analysed. The mean PEEP delivered by all SIBs was lower than set PEEP (P<0.001), although some differences were <0.5 cmH2O. In 55% of combinations, the presence of gas flow resulted in increased PEEP delivery (range difference 0.3–2 cmH2O). The mean PEEP was closer to set PEEP with faster inflation rates and higher set PEEPs. The mean (SD) PEEP reduction was 3.9 (1.6), 8.2 (1.8), 2 (0.6) and 1.1 (0.6) cmH2O with the four SIBs, whereas it was 0.5 (0.2) cmH2O with the T-piece.

Conclusions

PEEP delivery with SIBs depends on the set PEEP, inflation rate, device model and gas flow. At recommended inflation rates of 60/min, some devices can deliver PEEP close to the set level, although the reduction in PEEP makes some SIBs potentially less effective for lung recruitment than a T-piece.
What factors must be considered in ‘return to school’ following concussion and what strategies or accommodations should be followed? A systematic review
Authors: Purcell Laura K , Davis Gavin A , Gioia Gerard A
Published: March 2018

Objective

To evaluate the evidence regarding (1) factors affecting return to school (RTS) and (2) strategies/accommodations for RTS following a sport-related concussion (SRC) in children and adolescents.

Design

A systematic review of original studies specifically addressing RTS following concussion in the paediatric and sporting context.

Data sources

MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycInfo (Ovid) electronic databases and the grey literature OpenGrey, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google Advanced.

Eligibility criteria

Studies were included if they were original research on RTS following SRC in children aged 5–18 years published in English between 1985 and 2017.

Results

A total of 180 articles were identified; 17 articles met inclusion criteria. Several factors should be considered for RTS after concussion, including: symptomatology; rest following injury; age/grade; and course load. On RTS after concussion, 17%–73% of students were provided academic accommodations or experienced difficulty with RTS. Students were more likely to obtain academic accommodations in schools with a concussion policy if they had a medical RTS letter and had regular medical follow-up after concussion.

Conclusions

Schools should have a concussion policy and offer individualised academic accommodations to students recovering from SRC on RTS; a medical letter should be provided to facilitate provision/receipt of academic accommodations; students should have early, regular medical follow-up following SRC to help with RTS and monitor recovery; students may require temporary absence from school after SRC; clinicians should assess risk factors/modifiers that may prolong recovery and require more intensive academic accommodations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016039184.
Linkage of Maternity Hospital Episode Statistics data to birth registration and notification records for births in England 2005–2014: Quality assurance of linkage of routine data for singleton and multiple births
Authors: Harper Gillian
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To quality assure a Trusted Third Party linked data set to prepare it for analysis.

Setting

Birth registration and notification records from the Office for National Statistics for all births in England 2005–2014 linked to Maternity Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) delivery records by NHS Digital using mothers’ identifiers.

Participants

All 6 676 912 births that occurred in England from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2014.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Every link between a registered birth and an HES delivery record for the study period was categorised as either the same baby or a different baby to the same mother, or as a wrong link, by comparing common baby data items and valid values in key fields with stepwise deterministic rules. Rates of preserved and discarded links were calculated and which features were more common in each group were assessed.

Results

Ninety-eight per cent of births originally linked to HES were left with one preserved link. The majority of discarded links were due to duplicate HES delivery records. Of the 4854 discarded links categorised as wrong links, clerical checks found 85% were false-positives links, 13% were quality assurance false negatives and 2% were undeterminable. Births linked using a less reliable stage of the linkage algorithm, births at home and in the London region, and with birth weight or gestational age values missing in HES were more likely to have all links discarded.

Conclusions

Linkage error, data quality issues, and false negatives in the quality assurance procedure were uncovered. The procedure could be improved by allowing for transposition in date fields, and more discrimination between missing and differing values. The availability of identifiers in the datasets supported clerical checking. Other research using Trusted Third Party linkage should not assume the linked dataset is error-free or optimised for their analysis, and allow sufficient resources for this.