bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health risks for ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated heterozygotes: a systematic review, meta‐analysis and evidence‐based guideline
Authors: van Os N.J.H. , Roeleveld N. , Weemaes C.M.R. , Jongmans M.C.J. , Janssens G.O. , Taylor A.M.R. , Hoogerbrugge N. , Willemsen M.A.A.P.
Published: December 2015

Ataxia‐telangiectasia (AT) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder with immunodeficiency and an increased risk of developing cancer, caused by mutations in the ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene. Logically, blood relatives may also carry a pathogenic ATM mutation. Female carriers of such a mutation have an increased risk of breast cancer. Other health risks for carriers are suspected but have never been studied systematically. Consequently, evidence‐based guidelines for carriers are not available yet. We systematically analyzed all literature and found that ATM mutation carriers have a reduced life expectancy because of mortality from cancer and ischemic heart diseases (RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.4) and an increased risk of developing cancer (RR 1.5, 95% CI 0.9–2.4), in particular breast cancer (RRwomen 3.0, 95% CI 2.1–4.5), and cancers of the digestive tract. Associations between ATM heterozygosity and other health risks have been suggested, but clear evidence is lacking. Based on these results, we propose that all female carriers of 40–50 years of age and female ATM c.7271T>G mutation carriers from 25 years of age onwards be offered intensified surveillance programs for breast cancer. Furthermore, all carriers should be made aware of lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
The genetics and pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysm disorder and dissections
Authors: Zhang L. , Wang H.‐H.
Published: December 2015

Major advances have been made over the last 20 years to better elucidate the molecular basis of aortic aneurysmal diseases. Thoracic aortic aneurysm disorder and dissections (TAADs) have a high mortality rate, and one‐fifth of TAADs patients have a high familial prevalence of the disease. Clinical presentations of TAADs are different, from no symptom to aortic insufficiency that may result in sudden death. The identification of the genetic factors associated with familial TAADs is beneficial for screening and early intervention of TAADs and provides a paradigm for the study of inherited blood vessel disorders. Defects in multiple genes have been identified as causing TAADs. Many genes/alleles are associated with clinical presentations of TAADs; however, the roles of these gene defects in the pathogenesis of TAADs remain unclear. Genetic studies are now beginning to shed light on the key molecules that regulate the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton in smooth muscle cells and transforming growth factor‐beta signaling pathways involved in TAADs pathogenesis. Deciphering the molecular basis of TAADs will improve our understanding of the basic physiology of aortic function and will provide knowledge of the causative genes/alleles and typical manifestations, which will benefit clinical decision‐making going forward.
Marginal bone level changes and implant stability after loading are not influenced by baseline microstructural bone characteristics: 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Dias Danilo Rocha , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Lindh Christina , Ribeiro‐Rotta Rejane Faria
Published: December 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different bone tissue characteristics of implant sites on changes in marginal bone level and implant stability over time.

Material and methods

One hundred and one implants were inserted in 41 patients. Cortical bone thickness of the alveolar ridge was measured on computed tomography (CT) images. Histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses (microCT) were performed in bone specimens obtained by using a trephine bur, at first drilling. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) measured by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was registered at implant insertion. Implant stability quotient was measured also at the stages of uncovering, loading and at the 1‐year follow‐up, when standardized periapical radiographs were taken to measure the marginal bone level (MBL). Descriptive statistics, Spearman's rho correlation and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis (P < 0.05).

Results

Comparison between groups of higher and lower values of ISQ changes and between groups of higher and lower values of MBL changes revealed no differences in histomorphometric and microtomographic parameters, according to non‐parametric comparison tests, (P > 0.05). Bivariate correlation also showed no association among these microstructural parameters and the outcomes evaluated. There was no correlation between cortical thickness and MBL changes (r = −0.029; P = 0.832) and between cortical thickness and ISQ changes (r = 0.145; P = 0.292).

Conclusion

Microstructural bone characteristics of implant sites have no effect on changes in marginal bone level and implant stability as measured by RFA. Bone morphology cannot predict implant treatment success over time.
Long‐term radiographic evaluation of risk factors related to implant treatment: suggestion for alternative statistical analysis of marginal bone loss
Authors: Hasegawa Masakazu , Hotta Yasunori , Hoshino Takahiro , Ito Koji , Komatsu Shinichi , Saito Takashi
Published: December 2015

Objective

Secular change in marginal bone loss (MBL), which is the index adopted for implant success criteria, has often been used to evaluate risk factors. However, the need to revise these criteria has recently been indicated due to rapid developments in implant treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors by analyzing MBL with an alternative statistical method.

Material and methods

The analyses were performed on the outcomes of 366 patients with 1,902 implants during an average follow‐up period of 84.8 months (with a maximum follow‐up of 258 months). Instead of evaluating annual MBL, time was calculated as one of the explanatory variables because the correlation between MBL and time was small (correlation coefficient of 0.09010). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for exploratory assessment of each factor, and multiple regression analysis was then utilized to identify risk factors. The multiple regression analysis was performed twice, once among all implants and another in which one implant per patient was randomly selected.

Results

As a result of multiple regression analysis, smoking habits showed a significant effect on MBL. Age, sex, diabetes mellitus, implant positions, guided bone regeneration, and sinus floor elevation did not affect MBL. IMZ® implants were associated with significantly higher MBL than were ANKYLOS® and SPI® implants. There was no significant difference between Straumann® and other implants.

Conclusion

Our results showed that another statistical process, which eliminated the effect of time rather than comparing annual MBL, could be applied to evaluate MBL because the correlation between MBL and time was small.
Characterization of the Affective Component of Acute Postoperative Pain Associated with a Novel Rat Model of Inguinal Hernia Repair Pain
Authors: Bree Dara , Moriarty Orla , Broom Daniel C. , Kelly John P. , Roche Michelle , Finn David P.
Published: December 2015

Aims

Acute postoperative pain remains a significant healthcare issue. Historically, the assessment of postoperative pain in rodents has relied on evoked withdrawal or reflexive measures. Using a recently developed, anatomically relevant rat model of acute postoperative pain (J Pain, 16, 2015, 421), the present experiments sought to investigate the affective component of acute postoperative pain associated with inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

Male Lister hooded rats underwent surgery to model Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair (without hernia induction), or a sham procedure. Postsurgical characterization involved a modified place escape/avoidance paradigm (mPEAP), as well as home cage and open field locomotor activity monitoring. In pharmacological validation studies, rats received either morphine or carprofen prior to mPEAP testing.

Results

Surgery was associated with a significantly increased proportion of the trial duration in the light compartment of the mPEAP arena, in avoidance of the noxious stimulus, compared with sham animals. When retested in the mPEAP at day 7 postsurgery, there was no difference between sham and surgery animals for time spent in either compartment, but surgery animals displayed a persistent increase in the percentage response to noxious stimulation. Morphine and carprofen treatment in surgery animals reduced escape/avoidance behavior at discrete time points over the trial. Surgery‐induced reductions in home cage and open field locomotor activity were also observed.

Conclusion

The present studies report for the first time the characterization of the affective component of acute postoperative pain using the mPEAP in a rodent model, which may facilitate development of improved understanding and treatment of postoperative pain.
Oxidative stress and inflamatory plasma biomarkers in respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis
Authors: Moreno‐Solís Gloria , dela Torre‐Aguilar María José , Torres‐Borrego Javier , Llorente‐Cantarero Francisco Jesus , Fernández‐Gutiérrez Fernando , Gil‐Campos Mercedes , Túnez‐Fiñana Isaac , Pérez‐Navero Juan Luis
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory lung diseases.

Objectives

(i) We determined whether acute bronchiolitis (AB) caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) induced OS; (ii) assessed whether OS biomarkers correlated with the severity of RSV‐AB; and (iii) studied whether the levels of interleukins are associated with OS biomarkers.

Methods

We performed an observational study by comparing healthy infants (Group 1) with RSV‐AB infants, classified as Group 2 (pulse oximetry (SpO2) >93%), and Group 3 (SpO2 ≤ 92%), which needed oxygen therapy. Blood samples were collected to determine the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products (LPO), total glutathione (TG), oxidised glutathione (GSSG), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), interleukins (ILs) IL‐10, IL‐6, IL‐8, interferon‐gamma (IFNγ), tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα) and macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIP α and MIP β).

Results

Forty‐six RSV‐AB infants (47% needed oxygen therapy) and 27 healthy infants were included. The GSH/GSSG ratio was lower in RSV‐AB infants than in Group 1 (P<0.001). GSSG and GPx were significantly higher in Group 3. GSSG predicted the need for oxygen therapy with an optimal cut‐off point of 15 µM/g for haemoglobin. The GSH/GSSG ratio negatively correlated with IL‐6 (P: 0.014), IL‐8 (P: 0.014) and IL‐10 (P: 0.033). Group 3 exhibited a direct correlation between GPx and IL‐10 levels (P: 0.024) and between LPO and MIP β (P: 0.003).

Conclusions

RSV induced OS in AB. An increase in GSSG correlated with the disease severity in the infants. OS may contribute to the pathogenesis of RSV‐AB.
Emphysema is an independent risk factor for 5‐year mortality in patients with bronchiectasis
Authors: Tang Xinjun , Bi Jing , Yang Dawei , Chen Shujing , Li Zhuozhe , Chen Cuicui , Wang Guifang , Ju Mohan , Wang Jingru , Wang Yanan , Gong Ranxia , Bai Chunxue , Zhuo Hanjing , Jin Xiaoyan , Song Yuanlin
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Bronchiectasis is a common disabling respiratory disease in China. However, the literatures that focused on the long‐term prognosis and the risk factors for mortality are limited.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for 5‐year mortality in patients with bronchiectasis.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted. Patients who were newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis by thoracic conventional CT scans from January 2003 to March 2008 were assessed. Baseline characteristics, symptoms, radiographic extent, pulmonary function tests data and comorbidities were recorded through chart review. The vital status of the patients was obtained by telephone contact and record of hospital admission. Multivariate cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for 5‐year mortality.

Results

Eighty‐nine patients newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis were included in our cohort. The mean age of the cohort was 55.29 ± 16.15 and 49.4% of the patients were female. At the end of the study, 12 patients (13.5%) died and the mean survival time was 57.05 ± 1.09 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that long‐term mortality was significantly associated with emphysema (HR, 5.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35–23.46; P = 0.02) and radiographic extent (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.02–2.58; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

The main finding of our study was that emphysema might be a risk factor for mortality in patients with bronchiectasis.
Positive Epstein–Barr virus detection and mortality in respiratory failure patients admitted to the intensive care unit
Authors: He Hangyong , Wang Yajing , Wu Meng , Sun Bing
Published: December 2015

Background

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection may induce immune suppression in several ways, which may influence the proper host response to other pathogens and lead to a bad outcome of critically ill patients.

Methods

This was a single‐center, retrospective, observational study. All patients admitted to an ICU because of respiratory failure were included. EBV detection from lower respiratory tract (LRT) and serum samples were routinely performed.

Results

Twenty‐eight consecutive cases who were admitted to the ICU at high‐risk for an infection or clinical signs of an infection were included in our study. Among the 28 patients, 15 were LRT‐positive for EBV (53.6%), and 8 were seropositive for EBV (28.6%). Among the LRT EBV‐positive patients, pneumonia was the main indication for ICU admission (93.3%), and in LRT EBV‐negative patients, acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) was another indication for ICU admission (46.2%). The CD3+ T cell count (especially the CD3+CD8+ T cell count) was lower than the normal range in LRT‐ and serum EBV‐positive patients; these count were in the normal range in EBV‐negative patients. The ICU mortality was 32.1% for all patients. The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients who were seropositive for EBV than seronegative patients (62.5% vs 20.0%). No differences were shown between any outcome parameters for LRT EBV‐positive and ‐negative patients.

Conclusions

This study showed that EBV DNA is detected in LRT and serum samples of a significant number of ICU patients with respiratory failure, and seropositivity for EBV was associated with mortality. This finding maybe correlated with a low CD3+CD8+ T cell count.
Selection for divergent body size alters rates of embryonic skeletal muscle formation and muscle gene expression patterns
Authors: Lu Yue , Bradley Jennifer S. , Siegel Paul B. , Yang Ning , Johnson Sally E.
Published: December 2015

The impact of divergent selection for body size on embryogenesis is poorly understood. The objective of this experiment was to document skeletal muscle development during embryogenesis in two lines of chickens that display divergent growth as adults. Results reveal that after 54 generations of opposing selection from a common founder population, the embryos from the low weight select (LWS) line develop more rapidly during early embryogenesis than those from the high weight select (HWS) line. Muscle formation during the late embryonic period is more rapid and extensive in the HWS embryo than in the LWS contemporary. Isolated muscle progenitors from embryonic day 10 HWS embryos proliferated more rapidly, forming fibers sooner with a larger size than the LWS cells. The limited myogenic capacity of the LWS progenitor cells is not attributed to altered patterns of expression of Pax7, Pax3 or the myogenic regulatory factor genes. Members of the fibroblast growth factor family are potent mitogens and inhibitors of myoblast differentiation. Transcript abundance of FGF2 and FGF4 was measured in cultures of HWS and LWS progenitors as a function of time. The pattern of expression of FGF4 was similar between HWS and LWS with a large increase between days 1 and 3 followed by a reduction at day 5 of culture. Expression of FGF2 in LWS muscle cells did not change while a significant reduction in FGF2 expression was observed by day 5 in the HWS. Our results indicate that divergent selection for postnatal growth has altered embryonic development.
Do mirror movements relate to hand function and timing of the brain lesion in children with unilateral cerebral palsy?
Authors: Klingels Katrijn , Jaspers Ellen , Staudt Martin , Guzzetta Andrea , Mailleux Lisa , Ortibus Els , Feys Hilde
Published: December 2015

Aim

This study aimed to systematically map the severity of mirror movements in both hands in a prospective cohort of children with unilateral cerebral palsy, and to explore the relationship with hand function and brain lesion type.

Method

Seventy‐eight children were included (41 males, 37 females; age 9y 4mo, SD 3y 1mo, range 5–15y). Mirror movements were scored during three repetitive tasks following Woods and Teuber criteria. Strength, tone, Melbourne Assessment, Jebsen–Taylor test, and Assisting Hand Assessment were evaluated. Lesions were classified into malformations (n=5), periventricular (n=43), cortico–subcortical (n=22), and postnatally acquired lesions (n=8).

Results

Significantly more mirror movements were observed in the non‐paretic versus the paretic hand (p≤0.003). Higher mirror movement scores in the non‐paretic hand significantly correlated with lower distal strength and lower scores on unimanual and bimanual assessments (r=0.29–0.41). In the paretic hand, significant differences were found between lesion types (p=0.03).

Interpretation

The occurrence of mirror movements in the non‐paretic hand seems related to hand function while mirror movements in the paretic hand seem more related to the lesion timing, whereby children with earlier lesions present with more mirror movements.
Effectiveness of decoronation technique in the treatment of ankylosis: A systematic review
Authors: Mohadeb Jhassu Varsha Naveena , Somar Mirinal , He Hong
Published: December 2015

Background

Dentoalveolar ankylosis in growing patients is complex leading to continuing root replacement resorption, tooth infra‐position, or may even affect the development of alveolar ridge and adjacent teeth. While extraction of ankylosed teeth might be associated with bone loss, decoronation of the offending tooth (removal of crown portion and instrumentation of pulp canal to stimulate bleeding) has been suggested as a more conservative approach of bone preservation until definitive implant placement is planned.

Objective

To primarily assess the efficacy of bone width and height preservation around ankylosed permanent teeth following decoronation. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, Ovid Medline, Thomson's ISI Web of Science and Cochrane library were searched from the year 1984 up to May 2015. Two authors conducted the data extraction. To eliminate publication bias, Open Grey literature and Pro‐quest Dissertation Abstracts and Thesis database was also consulted.

Results

Through our strict selection criteria, only 12 articles were considered for eligibility. No randomized controlled trials were identified. Only one retrospective cohort study, four case series and seven case reports, were analyzed.

Conclusions

Following decoronation, preservation of ridge height and ridge width were both noted. To maximize the benefits of decoronation, a timely and wellmonitored intervention is required. Treatment in patients, who have surpassed pubertal growth peaks, may not yield maximum effective treatment outcomes.
Various neurocognitive deficits and conversion risk in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Mourik Kees , Decrescenzo Paula , Brucato Gary , Gill Kelly E. , Arndt Leigh , Kimhy David , Keilp John G. , Girgis Ragy R.
Published: December 2015

Aim

Individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) exhibit neurocognitive deficits in multiple domains. The aim of this study is to investigate whether several components of neurocognition are predictive of conversion to psychosis.

Methods

Fifty‐two CHR individuals were assessed with the Structured Interview for Psychosis Risk Syndromes and completed a battery of neurocognitive tests at baseline including measures of executive functioning, attention, working memory, processing speed and reaction time. Neurocognitive functioning at baseline was scored based on an external normative control group. Most subjects were followed for 2.5 years to determine conversion status.

Results

Significant differences in neurocognitive functioning between CHR individuals and the control group were present in all domains. Twenty‐six per cent of the participants converted to psychosis within 9.8 (standard deviation = 8.0) months on average (median 9 months), but there were no significant differences in neurocognition converters and non‐converters.

Conclusions

Individuals at CHR have deficits in neurocognitive functioning, but such deficits do not appear to be related to conversion risk.
Socio‐demographic and academic correlates of clinical reasoning in a dental school in South Africa
Authors: Postma T. C. , White J. G.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

There are no empirical studies that describe factors that may influence the development of integrated clinical reasoning skills in dental education. Hence, this study examines the association between outcomes of clinical reasoning in relation with differences in instructional design and student factors.

Materials and Methods

Progress test scores, including diagnostic and treatment planning scores, of fourth and fifth year dental students (2009–2011) at the University of Pretoria, South Africa served as the outcome measures in stepwise linear regression analyses. These scores were correlated with the instructional design (lecture‐based teaching and learning (LBTL = 0) or case‐based teaching and learning (CBTL = 1), students' grades in Oral Biology, indicators of socio‐economic status (SES) and gender.

Results

CBTL showed an independent association with progress test scores. Oral Biology scores correlated with diagnostic component scores. Diagnostic component scores correlated with treatment planning scores in the fourth year of study but not in the fifth year of study. ‘SES’ correlated with progress test scores in year five only, while gender showed no correlation.

Conclusion

The empirical evidence gathered in this study provides support for scaffolded inductive teaching and learning methods to develop clinical reasoning skills. Knowledge in Oral Biology and reading skills may be important attributes to develop to ensure that students are able to reason accurately in a clinical setting.
Resurrecting complexity: the interplay of plasticity and rapid evolution in the multiple trait response to strong changes in predation pressure in the water fleaDaphnia magna
Authors: Stoks Robby , Govaert Lynn , Pauwels Kevin , Jansen Bastiaan , De Meester Luc
Published: December 2015

A resurrection ecology reconstruction of 14 morphological, life history and behavioural traits revealed that a naturalDaphnia magnapopulation rapidly tracked changes in fish predation by integrating phenotypic plasticity and widespread evolutionary changes both in mean trait values and in trait plasticity. Increased fish predation mainly generated rapid adaptive evolution of plasticity (especially in the presence of maladaptive ancestral plasticity) resulting in an important change in the magnitude and direction of the multivariate reaction norm. Subsequent relaxation of the fish predation pressure resulted in reversed phenotypic plasticity and mainly caused evolution of the trait means towards the ancestral pre‐fish means. Relaxation from fish predation did, however, not result in a complete reversal to the ancestral fishless multivariate phenotype. Our study emphasises that the study population rapidly tracked environmental changes through a mosaic of plasticity, evolution of trait means and evolution of plasticity to generate integrated phenotypic changes in multiple traits.
Efficacy of the classic ketogenic and the modified Atkins diets in refractory childhood epilepsy
Authors: Kim Jeong A , Yoon Jung‐Rim , Lee Eun Joo , Lee Joon Soo , Kim Jeong Tae , Kim Heung Dong , Kang Hoon‐Chul
Published: December 2015

Objective

We aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a modified Atkins diet (MAD) with the classic ketogenic diet (KD) for the treatment of intractable childhood epilepsy.

Methods

From March 2011 to March 2014, 104 patients aged 1–18 years who had refractory epilepsy were randomly assigned to each diet group (ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT2100501). A seizure diary record was used to compare seizure frequencies with the baseline prediet seizure frequency at the third and sixth months after diet therapy initiation.

Results

Fifty‐one patients were assigned to the KD and 53 patients to the MAD. The KD group had a lower mean percentage of baseline seizures compared with the MAD group at 3 months (38.6% for KD, 47.9% for MAD) and 6 months (33.8% for KD, 44.6% for MAD), but the differences were not statistically significant (95% confidence interval [CI] 24.1–50.8, p = 0.291 for 3 months; 95% CI 17.8–46.1, p = 0.255 for 6 months). Instead, for patients aged 1–2 years, seizure outcomes were consistently much more favorable in patients consuming the KD compared with those consuming the MAD. The rate of seizure freedom at 3 months after diet therapy initiation was significantly higher (53% for KD, 20% for MAD, p = 0.047) in these patients. The MAD had advantages with respect to better tolerability and fewer serious side effects.

Significance

The MAD might be considered as the primary choice for the treatment of intractable epilepsy in children, but the classic KD is more suitable as the first line of diet therapy in patients <2 years of age.
Socializing Positive Emotion: A Qualitative Study of African American Single Mothers and Their Adolescent Youth
Authors: McKee Laura G. , Faro Alyssa L. , O'Leary Jessica L. , Spratt Kelsey H. , Jones Deborah J.
Published: December 2015

This study addressed limitations of emotion socialization (ES) research and is the first to explore socialization of positive emotion (PE) in 20 single African American (AA) mothers and their adolescents. Considering the dearth of research on ES with AA adolescents, an inductive, qualitative approach was warranted. A portion of mothers reported elevated depressive symptoms, which is important given their prevalence in AA women and that very few studies of ES have considered parental mental health. Although PE is gaining warranted attention in the scientific community based on recent data linking it to mental and physical health, PE has traditionally been a cornerstone of AA interactional style. The results suggest that AA mothers use complementary and contradictory responses to youth PE, often sharing and expanding, other times diminishing or teaching lessons. The findings emphasize the importance of racial and cultural considerations in ES practices and highlight the potential impact of elevated maternal depressive symptoms.
Measuring Multidimensional Parental Self‐Efficacy of Mothers and Fathers of Children Ages 1.5 and 3 Years
Authors: Junttila Niina , Aromaa Minna , Rautava Päivi , Piha Jorma , Räihä Hannele
Published: December 2015

This study aimed to analyze the factor structure of Coleman and Karraker's (2003) Self‐Efficacy of the Parenting Task Index Toddlers Scale, which assesses mothers' and fathers' parental self‐efficacy (PSE) at child ages 1.5 and 3 years. A 5‐factor model consisting of Presence, Emotional Support, Routines, Playing, and Teaching was found to have good measurement validity. All PSE dimensions were at least moderately stable between child ages 1.5 and 3 years. Except for Playing, mothers evaluated their PSE stronger than did fathers. Overall, parents evaluated their PSE dimensions stronger while their child was 1.5 than 3 years old. Parents' psychosocial problems during pregnancy predicted lower levels of PSE. Overall, 25% to 34% of parental self‐efficacy was explained by parents' prior psychosocial well‐being, yet parents' levels of PSE were rather independent to each other in the sense that either psychosocial well‐being or PSE of partner did not predict other parent's later PSE.
Do Positive Parenting Practices Moderate Parental Mental Health and Child Behavior Among Homeless Families?
Authors: McNeil Smith Shardé , Holtrop Kendal , Reynolds Jamila
Published: December 2015

The social interaction learning framework was used to explore whether positive parenting practices (noncoercive discipline, clear expectations, and praise and incentives) mitigated any effects of parent mental health (psychological distress and parenting stress) on child externalizing behaviors in a predominantly African American sample of homeless parents residing in transitional housing (N = 52, 79.6% female). The results showed that the positive relationship between psychological distress and child behavior was attenuated when parents provided high levels of praise and incentives. In addition, a positive relationship between parenting stress and child behavior existed only when parents transmitted low levels of praise and incentives. No significant findings existed for noncoercive discipline and clear expectations. The results suggest the need to further understand the positive aspects of parenting in the context of homelessness that can promote child adjustment even if parental mental health is compromised.
Intraparental Inconsistency: The Influence of Parenting Behaviors on Aggression and Depression in Children
Authors: Carrasco Miguel Á. , Holgado‐Tello Francisco Pablo , RodrÍguez Serrano Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2015

The authors examined several different predictive and mediation models of longitudinal parental inconsistency over a 3‐year time span. They hypothesized that parental behavior (communication/affection, kindness, and positive control) mediated the relationship between parental inconsistency (mother or father) and two emotional problems in children: (a) aggression and (b) depression. Data were obtained from a 3‐wave study (2007, 2008, and 2009) of 523 Spanish families with children ranging from 9–15 years of age at the beginning of Wave 1 (41.3% boys). Structural equation models revealed that multiple dimensions of parenting (mother or father) fully or partially mediated the relationship between longitudinal parental inconsistency and the child's adjustment. Communication/affection and kindness are the main processes through which parental inconsistency affects a child's aggression and depression. These results represent an important contribution to the improvement of parenting models of relationships between parental inconsistency and child adjustment.
Rac1/p21‐activated kinase pathway controls retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation and E2F transcription factor activation in B lymphocytes
Authors: Zaldua Natalia , Llavero Francisco , Artaso Alain , Gálvez Patricia , Lacerda Hadriano M. , Parada Luis A. , Zugaza José L.
Published: December 2015

Small GTPases of the Ras superfamily are capable of activating E2F‐dependent transcription leading to cell proliferation, but the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, using immortalized chicken DT40 B cell lines to investigate the role of the Vav/Rac signalling cascade on B cell proliferation, it is shown that the proliferative response triggered by B cell receptor activation is dramatically reduced in the absence of Vav3 expression. Analysis of this proliferative defect shows that in the absence of Vav3 expression, retinoblastoma protein (RB) phosphorylation and the subsequent E2F activation do not take place. By combining pharmacological and genetic approaches, phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase and phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) were identified as the key regulatory signalling molecules upstream of the Vav3/Rac pathway leading to RB phosphorylation and E2F transcription factor activation. Additionally, vav3−/− and plcγ2−/− DT40 B cells were not able to activate the RB–E2F complex wild‐type phenotype when these genetically modified cells were transfected with constitutively active forms of RhoA or Cdc42. However, when these knockout cells were transfected with different constitutively active versions of PLCγ, Vav or Rac1, not only activation of the RB–E2F complex wild‐type phenotype was recovered but also the cellular proliferation. Furthermore, by evaluating the effect of two known effector mutants of Rac1 (Rac1Q61L/F37A and Rac1Q61L/Y40C), the RB–E2F complex activation dependency on p21‐activated kinase (PAK) and protein kinase Cε (PKCε) activities was established, being independent of both actin cytoskeleton reorganization and Ras activity. These results suggest that PAK1 and PKCε may be potential therapeutic targets to stop uncontrolled B cell proliferation mediated by the Vav/Rac pathway.
Beta diversity of stream diatoms at two hierarchical spatial scales: implications for biomonitoring
Authors: Jyrkänkallio‐Mikkola Jenny , Heino Jani , Soininen Janne
Published: December 2015

Human‐induced loss of environmental heterogeneity may lead to homogenisation of biological communities. However, environmental heterogeneity is important for sustaining current levels of biodiversity. Hence, more ecological research should be directed on understanding the relationships between beta diversity and environmental heterogeneity.

Benthic diatoms are among the most extensively studied taxa of primary producers in streams, yet their beta diversity patterns are not well documented at intermediate spatial scales, that is within and among streams, in a catchment.

We tested how well one sampling site represents the total diatom diversity of a stream using 10 boreal streams, each comprising 10 sampled riffles. We also examined variation in diatom community structure at two hierarchical scales, within and among streams. Relationships between diatom beta diversity and environmental heterogeneity were studied using a combination of species accumulation curves, canonical analysis of principal coordinates, tests of homogeneity of dispersions and distance‐based redundancy analysis.

We found large variation in community structure within each stream, which indicates thatone sample is not adequate to represent the diatom diversity of an entire stream. The variation in among‐stream diatom community structure was larger than among‐stream habitat heterogeneity. Although no positive relationship between within‐stream diatom beta diversity and environmental heterogeneity was detected, we found that diatom community variation was significantly related to physical habitat structure and, surprisingly, also to grazer abundance.

We recommend that more than one sampling site is included in analyses aiming to cover the diatom diversity of a whole stream. This is especially true for pristine sites with high diatom diversity. In addition, we suggest that researchers incorporate physical and biological factors as explanatory variables when monitoring diatoms both at the within‐ and among‐stream scales.
Robust estimation of survival and contribution of captive‐bred Mallards Anas platyrhynchos to a wild population in a large‐scale release programme
Authors: Champagnon Jocelyn , Legagneux Pierre , Souchay Guillaume , Inchausti Pablo , Bretagnolle Vincent , Bourguemestre François , Van Ingen Laura , Guillemain Matthieu
Published: December 2015

The survival of captive‐bred individuals from release into the wild to their first breeding season is crucial to assess the success of reintroduction or translocation programmes, and to assess their potential impact of wild populations. However, assessing the survival of captive‐bred individuals following their release is often complicated by immediate dispersal once in the wild. Here, we apply Lindberg's robust design model, a method that incorporates emigration from the study site, to obtain true estimates of survival of captive‐bred Mallards Anas platyrhynchos, a common duck species released on a large scale in Europe since the 1970s. Overall survival rate from release in July until the onset of the next breeding season in April was low (0.18 ± 0.07 se) and equivalent to half the first‐year survival of local wild Mallards. Higher overall detectability and temporary emigration during the hunting period revealed movements in response to hunting pressure. Such low survival of released Mallards during their first year may help prevent large‐scale genetic mixing with the wild population. Nevertheless, by combining our results with regional waterfowl counts, we estimated that a minimum of 34% of the Mallards in the region were of captive origin at the onset of the breeding season. Although most released birds quickly die, restocking for hunting may be of sufficient magnitude to affect the wild population through genetic homogenization or loss of local adaptation. Robust design protocols allow for the estimation of true survival estimates by controlling for permanent and temporary emigration and may require only a moderate increase in fieldwork effort.
Cross‐sectional correlations between the toe brachial index and lower limb complications in older people
Authors: Sonter Jennifer A , Chuter Vivienne H
Published: December 2015

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the toe brachial index (TBI) and foot ulceration and amputation in older people. Two hundred and sixty‐one participants meeting guidelines for lower limb vascular assessment had their toe and brachial blood pressure measured, medical records audited and signs and symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) recorded. Pearson's correlation and linear regression analyses were performed to determine the strength of relationships between variables. Significant correlations were found between the TBI and painful symptoms (r = −0·35, P < 0·05) and foot complications (r = −0·31, P < 0·05). After adjusting for traditional risk factors for foot complications, participants with a TBI <0·70 were 19 times more likely to have a history of foot wounds or amputation (odds ratio = 19·20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2·36–155·96, P < 0·001) than those with higher TBI values (>0·70). This preliminary study supports a TBI threshold of 0·70 for PAD diagnosis and indicates that lower values are associated with painful symptoms, history of ulceration and amputation. Future longitudinal investigation of the predictive capacity is now warranted.
The clinical learning environment in nursing education: a concept analysis
Authors: Flott Elizabeth A. , Linden Lois
Published: December 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to report an analysis of the clinical learning environment concept.

Background

Nursing students are evaluated in clinical learning environments where skills and knowledge are applied to patient care. These environments affect achievement of learning outcomes, and have an impact on preparation for practice and student satisfaction with the nursing profession. Providing clarity of this concept for nursing education will assist in identifying antecedents, attributes and consequences affecting student transition to practice.

Design

The clinical learning environment was investigated using Walker and Avant's concept analysis method.

Data sources

A literature search was conducted using WorldCat, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases using the keywords clinical learning environment, clinical environment and clinical education. Articles reviewed were written in English and published in peer‐reviewed journals between 1995–2014.

Methods

All data were analysed for recurring themes and terms to determine possible antecedents, attributes and consequences of this concept.

Results

The clinical learning environment contains four attribute characteristics affecting student learning experiences. These include: (1) the physical space; (2) psychosocial and interaction factors; (3) the organizational culture and (4) teaching and learning components. These attributes often determine achievement of learning outcomes and student self‐confidence.

Conclusion

With better understanding of attributes comprising the clinical learning environment, nursing education programmes and healthcare agencies can collaborate to create meaningful clinical experiences and enhance student preparation for the professional nurse role.
The Mental Health of British Adults with Intellectual Impairments Living in General Households
Authors: Hatton Chris , Emerson Eric , Robertson Janet , Baines Susannah
Published: December 2015

Background

People with intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning may have poorer mental health than their peers. The present authors sought to (i) estimate the risk of poorer mental health among British adults with and without intellectual impairments and (ii) estimate the extent to which any between‐group differences in mental health may reflect between‐group differences in rates of exposure to common social determinants of poorer health.

Materials and Methods

The present authors undertook secondary analysis of confidentialized unit records collected in Wave 3 of Understanding Society.

Results

British adults with intellectual impairments living in general households are at significantly increased risk of potential mental health problems than their non‐disabled peers (e.g. GHQ Caseness OR = 1.77, 95% CI (1.25–2.52), P < 0.001). Adjusting for between‐group differences in age, gender and indicators of socio‐economic position eliminated this increased risk [GHQ Caseness adjusted OR = 1.06, 95% CI (0.73–1.52), n.s].

Conclusions

Our analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that the increased risk of poor mental health among people with intellectual impairments may be attributable to their poorer living conditions rather than their intellectual impairments per se. Greater attention should be given to understanding and addressing the impact of exposure to common social determinants of mental health among marginalized or vulnerable groups.
(Re)Applying social psychology to organizational work, well‐being, and leadership
Authors: Rast David E. , Axtell Carolyn , McGlynn Stephen
Published: December 2015

Research on organizational behavior is fundamentally an application of social psychology theory and phenomena. While much of organizational psychology is inherently grounded in social psychological research, these two disciplines are largely disconnected from one another. More visibility of the commonalities may encourage discussion, collaboration, and integration between these two fields—an integration that will only benefit each discipline. The present article briefly reviews the historic overlap between these disciplines, the resulting divide between them, and then discusses recent developments demonstrating the potential power of reconnecting social psychology with organizational‐relevant research. We then examine how the six empirical articles in this Special Issue benefit from applying social psychological theory to organizational research. We will conclude by identifying potential areas ripe for future research.
Role of stem cells during diabetic liver injury
Authors: Wan Ying , Garner Jessica , Wu Nan , Phillip Levine , Han Yuyan , McDaniel Kelly , Annable Tami , Zhou Tianhao , Francis Heather , Glaser Shannon , Huang Qiaobing , Alpini Gianfranco , Meng Fanyin
Published: December 2015

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most severe endocrine metabolic disorders in the world that has serious medical consequences with substantial impacts on the quality of life. Type 2 diabetes is one of the main causes of diabetic liver diseases with the most common being non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Several factors that may explain the mechanisms related to pathological and functional changes of diabetic liver injury include: insulin resistance, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The realization that these factors are important in hepatocyte damage and lack of donor livers has led to studies concentrating on the role of stem cells (SCs) in the prevention and treatment of liver injury. Possible avenues that the application of SCs may improve liver injury include but are not limited to: the ability to differentiate into pancreatic β‐cells (insulin producing cells), the contribution for hepatocyte regeneration, regulation of lipogenesis, glucogenesis and anti‐inflammatory actions. Once further studies are performed to explore the underlying protective mechanisms of SCs and the advantages and disadvantages of its application, there will be a greater understand of the mechanism and therapeutic potential. In this review, we summarize the findings regarding the role of SCs in diabetic liver diseases.
Choosing the Quality of the Fit between Complementary Products
Authors: Sinitsyn Maxim
Published: December 2015

In this paper, I examine how firms should position their complementary products. I assume that there are two competing firms, each producing two complementary products. Each firm decides whether to employ strategies that enhance the quality of the fit (the degree of complementarity) between its pair of complementary products before competing in prices. The consumers have heterogeneous tastes for the four possible bundles. They are willing to pay a price premium in order to purchase a bundle from the same firm if this firm chose to make such bundle more attractive. I find that increasing the degree of complementarity between a firm's complementary products intensifies price competition and often leads to smaller profits. Only when complementarity‐enhancing strategies significantly increase the demand for a firm's matching bundle, does the firm benefit from employing them. The highest profits for both firms are obtained when both firms do not employ complementarity‐enhancing strategies. Deteriorating the quality of the fit between one's own and a rival's complementary products is never profitable.
Charity Ratings
Authors: Yörük Barış K.
Published: December 2015

How do charitable donors respond to the third‐party ratings that signal the quality of charities? I investigate this question using a novel data set from Charity Navigator, which provides quality ratings for 5,400 charities. Because Charity Navigator prominently displays a charity's star rating which is assigned based on its overall rating, one can identify the causal impact of a one star increase in ratings on charitable contributions with a regression discontinuity framework that exploits the threshold values of the overall ratings. I find that in general, the third‐party ratings have a minor and often insignificant impact on charitable contributions received by charities. However, for relatively small charities, a higher rating leads to an increase in charitable contributions received. In particular, for these charities, I find that a one star increase in ratings is associated with a 19.5% increase in the amount of charitable contributions received. This result is robust under alternative model specifications and highlights the role of the third‐party ratings in not‐for‐profit markets.