bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Firing a CEO Pay Off?
Authors: Alexandridis George , Doukas John A. , Mavis Christos P.
Published: May 2018

We examine whether involuntary chief executive officer (CEO) replacements pay off by improving firm prospects. We find CEO successors’ acquisition investments to be associated with significantly higher shareholder gains relative to their predecessors and the average CEO. This improvement in postturnover acquisition performance appears to be a function of board independence, hedge fund ownership, and the new CEO's relative experience. CEO successors also create sizable shareholder value by reversing prior investments through asset disposals and discontinuing operations and by employing more efficient investment strategies. Our evidence suggests that firing a CEO pays off.
Development of derivational morphological awareness in anglophone learners of Spanish: A relational knowledge study
Authors: Sánchez‐Gutiérrez Claudia H. , Hernández Muñoz Natividad
Published: May 2018

This article investigated the development of morphological awareness (MA) across three groups of students of Spanish as a second language (SSL) with different levels of proficiency. Four morphological assessment tasks on relational knowledge were designed in a simultaneous cross‐sectional study that differed in two dimensions: complexity level (low vs. high) and type (detection vs. production). The results demonstrate that MA in Anglophone students of SSL shows an early development but that detection tasks improve faster than production tasks. Only productive tasks that are procedurally easy to perform improve over time, whereas more difficult productive tasks do not show better results across three consecutive years of Spanish courses. Limitations in the development of MA in SSL are therefore related to the use of morphological knowledge in difficult productive tasks but not in detection tasks or easier productive tasks. Results have implications for MA pedagogy and MA research
Personal oral hygiene and dental caries: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Hujoel Philippe Pierre , Hujoel Margaux Louise A. , Kotsakis Georgios A.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of randomised trials assessing the association between personal oral hygiene and dental caries in the absence of the confounding effects of fluoride.

Background

Dental caries continues to affect close to 100% of the global population. There is a century‐old conflict on whether dental caries is caused by poor oral hygiene or poorly formed teeth (ie, teeth with dental defects). Resolving this conflict is of significant public health importance as these two hypotheses on dental caries aetiology can lead to different prevention strategies.

Methods

A systematic search for randomised trials was conducted using predefined criteria in 3 databases. The impact of personal oral hygiene interventions on coronal dental caries incidence was evaluated using random‐effects models.

Results

Three randomised studies involving a total of 743 participants were included. Personal oral hygiene interventions failed to influence the incidence of dental caries (Δ Decayed, Missing and Filled Surfaces (DFMS) = −0.11; 95% confidence interval: (−0.91, 0.69; P‐value < .79)) despite meticulous deplaquing of teeth. There was no significant heterogeneity in the trial results (heterogeneity chi‐squared = 1.88, P = .39). The findings were robust to sensitivity analyses, including consideration of the results of nonrandomised studies.

Conclusion

Personal oral hygiene in the absence of fluorides has failed to show a benefit in terms of reducing the incidence of dental caries.
Radiotagged fledgling Savannah Sparrows Passerculus sandwichensis at risk of entanglement in vegetation
Authors: van Vliet Heidi E. J. , Stutchbury Bridget J. M.
Published: May 2018

Radiotelemetry is an essential method for studying the movements and survival of cryptic grassland bird fledglings. There is mixed evidence on the effects of wearing radio‐transmitters for passerines, with negative consequences probably under‐reported. In one season of a 2‐year study, we found 23% of radio‐transmitters and/or antennas deployed on fledgling Savannah Sparrows Passerculus sandwichensis had become entangled in vegetation, consequently harming the fledglings in two of seven cases. It is important for researchers to share their information on any negative consequences of attaching radio‐transmitters to songbirds in order to improve methods and to harm fewer individuals in future studies.
Education and wage inequality in the informal sector: The case of Cameroon
Authors: ATANGANA ONDOA Henri
Published: May 2018

This article analyses the effects of education on wage inequality in the informal sector in Cameroon. The author uses quantile regression on data from the Second survey on employment and the informal sector in Cameroon (EESI 2) of 2010. The results indicate that both wages and wage inequality increase with education in the informal sector, with tertiary education creating greatest inequality. These findings point to a number of policy recommendations for a transition to formality, such as the creation of more jobs for a skilled workforce, the development of sites adapted to informal sector activities and the creation of more vocational schools.
Is the Neonatal Tongue Screening Test a valid and reliable tool for detecting ankyloglossia in newborns?
Authors: Brandão Clarissa de Almeida , de Marsillac Mirian de Waele Souchois , Barja‐Fidalgo Fernanda , Oliveira Branca Heloisa
Published: May 2018

Background

Although there is a lack of strong evidence for the association between ankyloglossia in newborns and impaired breastfeeding, screening for ankyloglossia using the Neonatal Tongue Screening Test (NTST) is mandated by law in Brazilian maternities.

Aim

To assess the reliability and validity of the NTST.

Design

cohort study; baseline sample comprised 268 mother‐newborn dyads. At follow‐up, 169 mothers were contacted by telephone. Interviews with the mothers for data collection were performed up to 48 h and at 1–3 months after childbirth. Trained and calibrated personnel performed the oral examinations of the newborns. Thirty newborns were examined for inter‐reproducibility assessment.

Results

Of the 268 newborns included, 212 had a lingual frenulum that could be visually inspected and their NTST scores ranged from zero to nine (mean = 2.0, ±2.0). Interexaminer reproducibility was acceptable (Intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.77). Internal consistency of the NTST was poor (Cronbach's alpha = 0.28). Construct validity was investigated through the association between NTST scores and difficulties in breastfeeding at baseline and follow‐up, and infants’ weight gain at follow‐up (mean age 32 ± 6.7 days). No statistically significant associations were found.

Conclusion

NTST is neither reliable nor valid for detecting ankyloglossia that may interfere with breastfeeding in newborns.
Nicorandil‐induced ulcerations: a 10‐year observational study of all cases spontaneously reported to the French pharmacovigilance network
Authors: Babic Valérie , Petitpain Nadine , Guy Claire , Trechot Philippe , Bursztejn Anne Claire , Faillie Jean Luc , Vial Thierry , Schmutz Jean Luc , Gillet Pierre
Published: May 2018

Nicorandil‐induced ulcers remain often poorly recognised, with a late diagnosis and an inadequate management. We aimed to provide a clinical overview of the 148 spontaneously reported cases of nicorandil‐induced ulcers to the French pharmacovigilance network between 2005 and 2014 and to complete this picture with worldwide published cases over the same period.

Spontaneously reported nicorandil‐induced ulcers were mainly mucosal (oral and anal) with a previous trauma in 23·0% of patients, revealed by a severe complication in 12·8% of cases. The mean cumulative dose of nicorandil was higher in serious cases. The median delay between the start of nicorandil use and the onset of the ulcer was 23·4 months, and after the ulcer was diagnosed, the median time to incriminate nicorandil was still 3·3 months, being shorter for mucosal ulcerations than for cutaneous ulcerations (5·2 versus 14·0 months, P = 0·001). The anatomic distribution in the 199 published cases differed slightly, but delays were similar. The hypothesis of mechanism becomes more precise, leaving no doubt about the necessity to discontinue the treatment.

Practitioners need to be aware that nicorandil‐induced ulcers can occur in many locations, possibly multiple and complicated, and should be simply managed by discontinuing treatment with no further reintroduction of nicorandil.
Nondestructive identification of green tea varieties based on hyperspectral imaging technology
Authors: Sun Jun , Tang Kai , Wu Xiaohong , Dai Chunxia , Chen Yong , Shen Jifeng
Published: May 2018

A new method for rapid detection of green tea varieties by hyperspectral imaging technology was proposed in this article. In this experiment, five different varieties of green tea were taken as the research object, and the hyperspectral images of five different varieties of green tea were collected. In order to reduce the impact of noise and spectral scattering, the spectral data were preprocessed using Savitzky–Golay (SG) and multiple scattering correction (MSC) preprocessing. Then iteratively retaining informative variables (IRIV) and variable iterative space shrinkage approach (VISSA) variable selection method were used to make variable selection on the pre‐processed spectral data to select the best variable combination. Since the randomness of support vector machine (SVM) parameters has a certain influence on the model, the firefly algorithm (FA) was used to optimize the parameters of SVM. Finally, the SVM green tea varieties identification models were established based on the total spectral data and the spectral data selected by variables selection, and the different modeling results were compared and analyzed. The results show that the VISSA‐FA‐SVM model has the best identification effect, and the classification accuracies of the calibration set and the prediction set are 100 and 96%, respectively.

Practical applications

The practical application of this article is to identify the different varieties of green tea by using hyperspectral imaging technology. Compared with traditional methods, hyperspectral imaging technology can be used to identify different varieties of green tea quickly, nondestructive and accurately. Optimizing the parameters of the model in appropriate can improve the performance of the model. In this article, firefly algorithm was used to optimize SVM parameters to get the optimal parameters for modeling. In addition, the selection of preferred variables by variables selection can provide a theoretical basis for the identification of portable green tea varieties.
Microbiological survey of field‐grown and retail lettuce in Beijing
Authors: Gao Xiuzhi , Liu Yiqian , Chang Qing , Zhang Zihao , Guo Xu , Yi Xinxin
Published: May 2018

About 108 retail and 101 field‐grown lettuce samples from across Beijing were examined. These samples were analyzed for their aerobic plate counts, coliform counts, fecal flora counts, and presence of pathogenic bacteria. Samples included retail leaf (n = 56), retail head (n = 52), field‐grown leaf (n = 54), and field‐grown head lettuce (n = 47). The number of aerobic colonies of retail leaf lettuce was significantly higher than that of retail head lettuce throughout the year, with the exception of December. The means of retail leaf lettuce aerobic plate counts varied from 4.87 to 7.03 log10 cfu/g. For retail head lettuce, the mean count of aerobic microbiological populations varied from 4.33 to 6.33 log10 cfu/g. The aerobic microbiological populations of field‐grown lettuce were lower than those of retail lettuce in the same month. The mean count of field‐grown head lettuce was 5.53 log10 cfu/g. The mean count of retail head lettuce was 5.92 log10 cfu/g. The mean of the coliform counts ranged from <0.47 to 2.85 log10cfu/g. Leaf and retail lettuce had significantly higher coliform, fecal flora, and Escherichia coli counts than head and field‐grown lettuce. The detection rate of E. coli was directly proportional to that of fecal flora. No E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella spp. were detected in these lettuce samples.

Practical applications

It is generally agreed that microbial contamination of lettuce will arise if there is improper operation in the process of its storage, transportation, and shelves sale. As lettuce is usually eaten raw, microbes can cause people to suffer from illnesses. Therefore, it is of critical importance to monitor the presence of microbes closely. In this study, the number of aerobic plate count in lettuce from different sources was examined. It was found that freshly picked lettuce had fewer microorganisms than retail lettuce had; lettuce harvested in low‐temperature seasons has fewer microorganisms than that in hot seasons. The suggestion is that cold chain transport is the best way for lettuce transportation, especially in summer and aseptic packaging is helpful to reduce contact pollution.
Comparative prevalence and characterization of Vibrio spp. isolated from live and frozen white‐leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Korean markets
Authors: De Silva B. C. J. , Hossain Sabrina , Dahanayake P. S. , De Zoysa Mahanama , Heo Gang‐Joon
Published: May 2018

We evaluated the prevalence and characteristics of Vibrio spp. in frozen and live samples of white‐leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) sold in Korea. The mean total bacterial counts of frozen and live white‐leg shrimp meat were approximately 2 ×109 and 1 ×1010 CFU/g, respectively. Eight V. parahaemolyticus isolates were recovered from frozen samples, whereas a total of 40 strains including 30 V. parahaemolyticus, 8 V. alginolyticus, 1 V. harveyi, and 1 V. fluvialis were isolated from live samples. The majority (≥92%) of the Vibrio spp. isolates were positive for six extracellular enzymatic tests, while 50 and 29% of the isolates were positive for hemolysis and slime production, respectively. In virulence gene profile, all V. parahaemolyticus isolates were positive for toxR and tlh genes, but negative for tdh and trh. V. alginolyticus isolates harbored collagenase, toxR, tlh, and VPI genes in 10, 75, 86, and 63%, respectively. Besides, V. fluvialis isolate was positive for toxR, vfh, and hupO genes. Moreover, 100, 91, 50, 45, and 27% of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin, piperacillin, colistin, vancomycin, and amikacin, respectively. These results implied that white‐leg shrimp‐borne Vibrio spp. are indicative of a potential consumer health risk.

Practical applications

Vibrio is a well‐known group of seafoodborne pathogenic bacteria. Since white‐leg shrimp is the most preferred shrimp variety in Korea, we sought to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of Vibrio spp. in both frozen and live white‐leg shrimp from several retail markets. A total of 48 isolates were presumptively identified by biochemical tests. Subsequently, the gyrB gene sequencing and the neighbor‐joining phylogenetic tree confirmed the prevalence of 4 and 1 Vibrio species in live and frozen samples, respectively. Prevalence of Vibrio in frozen samples was much lower than live samples. Putative virulence of the Vibrio spp. was examined by both pathogenicity tests and PCR gene detection. Majority of the isolates were positive for pathogenicity tests and a heterogeneity in virulence gene prevalence was detected among Vibrio spp. Antibiotic susceptibility was examined by disc diffusion test for 25 antibiotics belong to 13 classes. The Vibrio isolates were highly resistant to penicillin group, however, others had different susceptibilities. In addition, we examined the total bacterial count (TBC) of the white‐leg shrimp meat by aerobic plate count method to evaluate their total bacterial prevalence. The obtained TBCs were higher than the recommended value. With regards to the results, it is worth noting that the white‐leg shrimp in Korean markets are indicative of a potential public health risk.
The Legacy and the Tyranny of Time: Exit and Re‐Entry of Sovereigns to International Capital Markets
Authors: AGNELLO LUCA , CASTRO VÍTOR , SOUSA RICARDO M.
Published: May 2018

We use a continuous‐time Weibull model (without and) with a change‐point in duration dependence to investigate the duration of the exit and re‐entry of sovereigns to international markets. We find that, as the reputation of debtor countries as good (bad) borrowers solidifies over time, those episodes are more likely to end—the “legacy of time.” Debtor countries take advantage of the “benefit of doubt” of creditors during short exits. When exits are long and the reputation as a bad borrower emerges, no more “complacency” makes it more difficult to borrow again in international markets—the “tyranny of time.”
A congenic line of the C57BL/6J mouse strain that is proficient in melatonin synthesis
Authors: Zhang Zhijing , Silveyra Eduardo , Jin Nange , Ribelayga Christophe P.
Published: May 2018

The C57BL/6J (B6) is the most common inbred mouse strain used in biomedical research in the United States. Yet, this strain is notoriously known for being deficient in the biosynthesis of melatonin, an important effector of circadian clocks in the brain and in the retina. Melatonin deficiency in this strain results from nonfunctional alleles of the genes coding 2 key enzymes of the melatonin synthesis pathway: arylalkylamine‐N‐acetyltransferase (Aanat) and N‐acetylserotonin‐O‐methyltransferase (Asmt). By introducing functional alleles of the Aanat and Asmt genes from the melatonin‐proficient CBA/CaJ (CBA) mouse strain to B6, we have generated a B6 congenic line that has acquired the capacity of rhythmic melatonin synthesis. In addition, the melatonin‐dependent rhythm of dopamine release in the retina is restored in the B6 congenic line. Finally, we have partially characterized the Aanat and Asmt genes of the CBA strain and have identified multiple differences between CBA and B6 alleles, including single nucleotide polymorphism and deletion/insertion of DNA segments of various sizes. As an improved model organism with functional components of the melatonin synthesis pathway and melatonin‐dependent circadian regulations, the new line will be useful to researchers studying melatonin physiological functions in a variety of fields including, but not limited to, circadian biology and neuroscience. In particular, the congenic line will be useful to speed up introduction of melatonin production capacity into genetically modified mouse lines of interest such as knockout lines, many of which are on B6 or mixed B6 backgrounds. The melatonin‐proficient B6 congenic line will be widely distributed.
Repair of lumbosacral fracture–luxation with bilateral twisted string‐of‐pearls locking plates
Authors: Segal U. , Bar H. , Shani J.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To describe a surgical technique using bilateral twisted string‐of‐pearls locking plates for lumbosacral fracture–luxation in dogs and cats.

Materials and Methods

Twisted string‐of‐pearls locking plates were used to stabilise lumbosacral fracture–luxation between 2013 and 2017. Decompression of thecauda equinawas achieved by dorsal laminectomy through a dorso‐medial approach. Stabilisation was achieved using bilateral string‐of‐pearls plates attached to the lateral aspects of the vertebral body cranial to the fractured vertebra and the iliosacral joints. Reduction of the luxation was assessed under fluoroscopy. Outcome and complications were evaluated 24 hours, 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Six animals (four dogs and two cats) were included. Five animals were presented with non‐ambulatory paraparesis. Tail anaesthesia and severe lumbosacral pain was evident in all cases but one. Six weeks postoperatively, all animals improved to ambulation, and tail sensation recovered. The long‐term clinical outcome was defined as excellent in five and satisfactory in the remaining case.

Clinical Significance

Bilateral twisted string‐of‐pearls locking plates can be associated with a satisfactory result in treating lumbosacral fracture–luxation.
Inside the Buying Firm: Exploring Responses to Paradoxical Tensions in Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Authors: Xiao Chengyong , Wilhelm Miriam , van der Vaart Taco , van Donk Dirk Pieter
Published: May 2018

An instrumental perspective still dominates research on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). As an alternative, this study presents a paradox perspective and argues that sustainability and other business aims are not always compatible, particularly in an emerging market context. Often, paradoxical tensions originate in conflicts between the socioeconomic environment of emerging market suppliers and their Western customers’ demands for both cost competitiveness and sustainability. We argue that Western buying firms can play a key role in moderating such tensions, as experienced by emerging market suppliers. Specifically, we explore how purchasing and sustainability managers within buying firms make sense of and respond to paradoxical tensions in SSCM. We conduct an in‐depth case study of a Western multinational company that sources substantially from Chinese suppliers. While we found strong evidence for a persisting instrumental perspective in the sensemaking and practices of purchasing and sustainability managers, we also observed an alternative response, primarily by sustainability managers that we labeled as “contextualizing.” Contextualizing can alleviate the tensions otherwise present in SSCM by making sustainability standards more workable in an emerging market context, and it can help individual managers to move toward paradoxical sensemaking. We outline the value of paradoxical sensemaking in bringing about changes toward “true sustainability” in SSCM.
In vitro efficacy of pro‐ and anticoagulant strategies in compensated and acutely ill patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Lisman Ton , Kleiss Simone , Patel Vishal C. , Fisher Caleb , Adelmeijer Jelle , Bos Sarah , Singanayagam Arjuna , Stoy Sidsel H. , Shawcross Debbie L. , Bernal William
Published: May 2018

Background & Aims

A simultaneous decline in pro‐ and anticoagulant drivers in patients with liver diseases results in a “rebalanced” haemostatic system, even in acutely ill patients. Nevertheless, both bleeding and thrombotic events are common. Here, we explored efficacy of pro‐ and antihaemostatic strategies in compensated and acutely ill cirrhotics which may be unpredictable given the profound haemostatic changes.

Methods

We tested the effects in vitro of the addition of clinically relevant doses of commonly used pro‐ and antihaemostatic strategies in plasma from healthy individuals (n = 30) and patients with compensated (n = 18) and acutely decompensated cirrhosis (n = 18), and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (n = 10). We used thrombin generation tests and fibrin clot permeability assays to assess potency of various approaches.

Results

Fresh frozen plasma and recombinant factor VIIa modestly increased thrombin generation (10%‐20%). Prothrombin complex concentrate increased thrombin generation two‐fold in controls and 2‐4‐fold in patients. Clot permeability decreased after addition of fibrinogen concentrate by 51% in controls and by 50%‐60% in patients. Low molecular weight heparin decreased thrombin generation by 18% in controls and by 23%‐54% in patients. Similarly, dabigatran decreased thrombin generation by 33% in controls and by 47%‐100% in patients. In contrast, rivaroxaban decreased thrombin generation by 55% in controls, but only by 11%‐38% in patients.

Conclusions

These in vitro data suggest little prohaemostatic effect of fresh frozen plasma and recombinant factor VIIa in acutely ill cirrhotics, whereas prothrombin complex concentrate and fibrinogen concentrate clearly improved haemostasis. Furthermore, our data suggest the requirement for dose adjustments of commonly used anticoagulants in these patients.
Sources and spatial distribution of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in saline soils and sediments of Mighan Playa (Iran)
Authors: Safari Sinegani Mahboobeh , Safari Sinegani Ali Akbar , Hadipour Mehrdad
Published: May 2018

Rapid industrialization has led to an extraordinary increase in environmental pollution in Arak, Iran. This study classified the distribution of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in sediments and soils of Mighan Playa (Iran) and analysed the pollution sources using geostatistical methods. Samples were taken from 250 points and the data analysed by means of SPSS, GS+ and ArcGIS. The soils were moderate to considerable polluted with Pb and high to very high polluted with Cd. The comparison of the maps of EF for Pb and Cd with the maps of their total contents indicated they have two different distributions in the region. Lead was enriched near the pollution sources. However, Cd accumulated at the centre of Mighan Playa apart from the pollution sources, meaning Cd was highly mobile in the studied wet and salty soils.
Optimization for Roads' Construction: Selection, Prioritization, and Scheduling
Authors: Bagloee Saeed Asadi , Sarvi Majid , Patriksson Michael , Asadi Mohsen
Published: May 2018

Limited resources (budget, labor, machinery) have a significant toll on the roads' construction. The question of interest is: given variations of resources over a lengthy construction time, what would be the best construction scheduling plan, or how to optimize the Gantt chart while considering two highly challenging features (1) prerequisite conditions and (2) the interdependency of the benefit of the projects’ completions. We formulate it as a bilevel problem where the objective function is to minimize generalized costs and the lower level accounts for the drivers’ route choice. We employ a solution algorithm based on a supervised learning technique (a linear regression model of machine‐learning) and an integer programming problem and it is applied to the datasets of Winnipeg and Chicago. The regression model was found to be a tight approximation which resulted in an efficient algorithm (the CPU time is almost a linear function of the number of iterations). Moreover, the proposed methodology can render promising results (at least locally optimal solutions). This article is the first to formulate the Gantt chart using linear binary constraints and optimize it tailored to real‐life case studies.
Structured radiology reporting on an institutional level—benefit or new administrative burden?
Authors: Pinto dos Santos Daniel , Kotter Elmar
Published: May 2018

Significant technical advances have been made in radiology since the first discovery of X‐rays. Diagnostic techniques have become more and more complex, workflows have been digitized, and data production has increased exponentially. However, the radiology report as the main method for communicating examination results has largely remained unchanged. Growing evidence supports that more structured radiology reports offer various benefits over conventional narrative reports. Various efforts have been made to further develop and promote structured reporting. However, regardless of the potential benefits, structured reporting has still not seen widespread implementation into the clinical routine. With recent technical advances, especially new research topics such as big data and machine learning, structured reporting could prove essential for the future of radiology. New interoperable solutions are needed to facilitate the implementation of template‐based structured reporting into the clinical routine.
Relevance of histology in the diagnosis of reflux esophagitis
Authors: Tripathi Monika , Streutker Catherine J. , Marginean E. Celia
Published: May 2018

Reflux esophagitis is an important clinical diagnosis; however, the histologic findings can be nonspecific and overlap with other entities. Various benign changes can produce diagnostic difficulties for pathologists. In this review, the typical histologic findings of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) of the esophagus are discussed, along with the issues relating to clinical correlation and technical aspects of endoscopic biopsies and specimen processing. The literature has been reviewed to discuss histologic definitions of GERD as well as current and developing controversies in the area of GERD. Histologic features are not entirely sensitive or specific for GERD. Awareness of these problems is essential; clinical and endoscopic information can be very useful in distinguishing GERD from other inflammatory lesions.
The role of electronic health records in clinical reasoning
Authors: Berndt Markus , Fischer Martin R.
Published: May 2018

Electronic health records (eHRs) play an increasingly important role in documentation and exchange of information in multi‐and interdisciplinary patient care. Although eHRs are associated with mixed evidence in terms of effectiveness, they are undeniably the health record form of the future. This poses several learning opportunities and challenges for medical education. This review aims to connect the concept of eHRs to key competencies of physicians and elaborates current learning science perspectives on diagnostic and clinical reasoning based on a theoretical framework of scientific reasoning and argumentation. It concludes with an integrative vision of the use of eHRs, and the special role of the patient, for teaching and learning in medicine.
Tobacco‐induced suppression of the vascular response to dental plaque
Authors: Buduneli N. , Scott D.A.
Published: May 2018

Cigarette smoking presents oral health professionals with a clinical and research conundrum: reduced periodontal vascular responsiveness to the oral biofilm accompanied by increased susceptibility to destructive periodontal diseases. This presents a significant problem, hampering diagnosis and complicating treatment planning. The aim of this review is to summarize contemporary hypotheses that help to explain mechanistically the phenomenon of a suppressed bleeding response to dysbiotic plaque in the periodontia of smokers. The influence of smoke exposure on angiogenesis, innate cell function, the production of inflammatory mediators including cytokines and proteases, tobacco‐bacteria interactions, and potential genetic predisposition are discussed.
Prediction of Callus Subsidence in Distraction Osteogenesis Using Callus Formation Scoring System: Preliminary Study
Authors: Tirawanish Panlop , Eamsobhana Perajit
Published: May 2018

Objective

To develop the scoring system which describes both quality and quantity of callus formation to predict the callus subsidence.

Methods

Forty‐seven bony segments with an average lengthening of 5.17 ± 2.83 cm were included. The score was calculated based on the amount of callus classified in five patterns and the summation with the density of the callus classified in four patterns; the total score was 9. Bony subsidence >10% or >10° angulation were considered significant. We analyzed all of the data to find the most appropriate score that would prevent callus subsidence <10% and prevented angulation of the regeneration bone <10 degrees. Data was analyzed by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. An area under the curve of 0.9–1 indicated an excellent test, 0.8–0.9 indicated a good test, 0.7–0.8 indicated a fair test, 0.6–0.7 indicated a poor test, and 0.5–0.6 indicated a fail test. The appropriate score for Ilizarov removal was selected from the highest sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Twenty‐two tibia segments and 25 femur segments were included. The mean of bone lengthening was 5.17 ± 2.83 cm (range, 1.6–13.5 cm) and the mean of percentage lengthening was 16.58% ± 10.03% (range, 4.63%–56.84%). The mean distraction period was 5 months. The average months of follow‐up for measurement of bony subsidence was 4.2 months. Mean subsidence was 21.06% (1.54%–57.44%). The mean of callus subsidence was 1.29 ± 1.17 cm (range, 0.03–4.72 cm). There were 32 segments (68%) with callus subsidence greater than 10% and 15 segments (32%) with subsidence less than 10%. The callus subsidence ranged from 0.3 mm to 4.72 cm, with 68% of bony fragments having significant subsidence. Type 5 callus diameter was statistically significant (P < 0.0001) in preventing callus subsidence compared to the other types. Type 4 callus density was statistically significant in preventing callus subsidence compared to the other types (P < 0.0001). The ROC curve with area under the curve 0.961 and sensitivity 0.933 showed that a callus scoring system score >7.5 was effective in preventing significant callus subsidence. When using score 8 as a result from the ROC curve, 73.3% of bony fragment subsidence was <10% with sensitivity 93.3 and specificity 83.2.

Conclusion

Callus diameter 81%–100% and callus density type 4 could prevent significant callus subsidence. Based on the results of the present study we suggest using callus score > 8 to determine the time of Ilizarov removal.
Mechanical and Biological Properties of a Biodegradable Mg‐Zn‐Ca Porous Alloy
Authors: Zhang Yong‐qiang , Li Yang , Liu Huan , Bai Jing , Bao Ni‐rong , Zhang Yue , He Peng , Zhao Jian‐ning , Tao Li , Xue Feng , Zhou Guang‐xin , Fan Gen‐tao
Published: May 2018

Objectives

As promising alternative to current metallic biomaterials, the porous Mg scaffold with a 3‐D open‐pore framework has drawn much attention in recent years due to its suitable biodegradation, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties for human bones. This experiment's aim is to study the mechanical properties, biosafety, and osteogenesis of porous Mg‐Zn alloy.

Methods

A porous Mg‐2Zn‐0.3Ca (wt%) alloy was successfully prepared by infiltration casting, and the size of NaCl particles was detected by a laser particle size analyzer. The microstructure of the Mg‐2Zn‐0.3Ca alloy was characterized by the stereoscopic microscope and Sirion Field emission scanning electron microscope. X‐ray computerized tomography scanning (x‐CT) was used to create the 3‐D image. The degradation rate was measured using the mass loss method and the pH values were determined together. The engineering stress–strain curve, compressive modulus, and yield strength were tested next. The bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) were cultured in vitro. The CCK‐8 method was used to detect the proliferation of the BMSC. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining were used to reflect the differentiation effects. After co‐culturing, cell growth on the material's surface was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cell adhesion was tested by confocal microscopy.

Results

The obtained results showed that by using near‐spherical NaCl filling particles, the porous Mg alloy formed complete open‐cell foam with a very uniform size of pores in the range of 500–600 μm. Benefitting from the small size and uniform distribution of pores, the present porous alloy exhibited a very high porosity, up to 80%, and compressive yield strength up to 6.5 MPa. The degradation test showed that both the pH and the mass loss rate had similar change tendency, with a rapid rise in the early stage for 1–2 day's immersion and subsequently remaining smooth after 3 days. In vitro cytocompatibility trials demonstrated that in comparison with Ti, the porous alloy accelerated proliferation in 1, 3, 5, and 7 days (P < 0.001), and the osteogenic differentiation test showed that the ALP activity in the experimental group was significantly higher (P = 0.017) and has more osteogenesis nodules. Cell adhesion testing showed good osteoconductivity by more BMSC adhesion around the holes. The confocal microscopy results showed that cells in porous Mg‐based alloy had better cytoskeletal morphology and were larger in number than in titanium.

Conclusions

These results indicated that this porous Mg‐based alloy fabricated by infiltration casting shows great mechanical properties and biocompatibilities, and it has potential as an ideal bone tissue engineering scaffold material for bone regeneration.
Therapeutic interventions to lessen the psychosocial effect of vitiligo in children: A review
Authors: Cadmus Simi D. , Lundgren Ashley D. , Ahmed Ammar M.
Published: May 2018

Vitiligo commonly affects children, with half of affected individuals experiencing disease onset before the age of 20. Because childhood is a time of advancement in social and psychological development, understanding the extent of the effect of the disease and means of alleviation is crucial. Vitiligo has been shown to decrease children's quality of life, with greater distress in children with highly visible lesions and darker skin tones. This article reviews the literature regarding interventions that have been analyzed in children. Studies evaluating the effect of camouflage, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychological self‐help tools, and support groups on the psychosocial aspects of vitiligo were included. The review highlights the ongoing need for studies to better understand the modalities described in this article, as well as others, such as skin dyes, bleaching creams, medical tattooing; week‐long camps that cater to children with chronic skin disease; and biofeedback, that might have a role in preventing the psychosocial sequelae of childhood vitiligo.
Risk factors for ocular complications in periocular infantile hemangiomas
Authors: Samuelov Liat , Kinori Michael , Rychlik Karen , Konanur Meghana , Chamlin Sarah L. , Rahmani Bahram , Mancini Anthony J.
Published: May 2018

Background/Objectives

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of childhood. Although some children with periocular infantile hemangiomas do not require treatment, these lesions may result in amblyopia and visual impairment if not properly treated. We have attempted to characterize clinical features of periocular infantile hemangiomas that predict negative ocular outcomes and thus require prompt referral to an ophthalmologist and initiation of therapy.

Methods

This study included children with periocular infantile hemangiomas consecutively seen at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago from January 1994 through December 2014. Only patients evaluated by both a dermatologist and an ophthalmologist were included. Medical records of patients who met inclusion criteria were reviewed. Ocular findings were reviewed for the presence of ptosis, refractive errors, strabismus, proptosis, and amblyopia.

Results

Ninety‐six patients (74% female, median age of onset 0.48 months) were included. Periocular infantile hemangiomas larger than 1 cm in diameter, with a deep component, and with involvement of the upper eyelid were significantly associated with astigmatism (P = .002, P = .02, and P = .003, respectively) and amblyopia (P = .002, P = .02, and P = .04, respectively). Using logistic regression, diameter greater than 1 cm (odds ratio = 14.13, P = .01) and amblyopia (odds ratio = 21.00, P = .04) were the strongest predictors of astigmatism. Lower lid and medial and lateral canthal involvement were not predictive of ocular complications.

Conclusion

Predictive factors for ocular complications in patients with periocular infantile hemangiomas are diameter greater than 1 cm, a deep component, and upper eyelid involvement, with size being the most consistent predictor. These patients should be promptly referred to an ophthalmologist, and treatment should be strongly considered.
Primary cutaneous aspergillosis at the site of cyanoacrylate skin adhesive in a neonate
Authors: Kusari Ayan , Sprague Jessica , Eichenfield Lawrence F. , Matiz Catalina , Barrio Victoria R.
Published: May 2018

Primary cutaneous aspergillosis is a rare but potentially life‐threatening disease. We present the case of a premature infant who developed primary cutaneous aspergillosis with Aspergillus niger at the site of a skin abrasion that had been treated with a purple‐colored cyanoacrylate product. The infection was treated successfully with gentle debridement of the cyanoacrylate product, followed by intravenous voriconazole and topical fluconazole. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of primary cutaneous aspergillosis occurring at the site of cyanoacrylate‐based skin adhesive.
Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Modeling of Amido Black Dye Photodegradation in Water Using Co/TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Ali Imran , Alharbi Omar M. L. , Alothman Zeid A. , Badjah Ahmad Yacine
Published: May 2018

Titanium oxide nanoparticles were doped with copper and characterized by XRD, FT‐IR, TEM, and SEM. The surface morphology was spherical with 15–26 nm as particle size. The doped titanium oxide (Co/TiO2) nanomaterial was used for photodegradation of amido black dye in water. The maximum photodegradation of amido black obtained was 90%. The values of free energy and enthalpy were negative, indicating spontaneous photodegradation of amido black dye. The photodegradation of amido black dye obeyed first‐order kinetic model. The photodegradation mechanism of amido black involved adsorption of the dye on the surface of cobalt doped titanium oxide and its degradation under UV radiation. The electron (e−) and hole (h+) pairs were generated by Co/TiO2, which consequently generated superoxide oxygen anion and hydroxyl free radical. These species degraded amido black dye. The reported method was fast, effective, and economic, which may be utilized to remove amido black in water. The doped TiO2 catalyst was quite stable and can be used up to 5 cycles.
Effect of catalytic subunit phosphorylation on the properties of SnRK1 from Phaseolus vulgaris embryos
Authors: Zúñiga‐Sánchez Esther , Rodríguez‐Sotres Rogelio , Coello Patricia , Martínez‐Barajas Eleazar
Published: May 2018

Legume seed development represents a high demand for energy and metabolic resources to support the massive synthesis of starch and proteins. However, embryo growth occurs in an environment with reduced O2 that forces the plant to adapt its metabolic activities to maximize efficient energy use. SNF1‐related protein kinase1 (SnRK1) is a master metabolic regulator needed for cells adaptation to conditions that reduce energy availability, and its activity is needed for the successful development of seeds. In bean embryo extracts, SnRK1 can be separated by anion exchange chromatography into two pools: one where the catalytic subunit is phosphorylated (SnRK1‐p) and another with reduced phosphorylation (SnRK1‐np). The phosphorylation of the catalytic subunit produces a large increase in SnRK1 activity but has a minor effect in determining its sensitivity to metabolic inhibitors such as trehalose 6‐P (T6P), ADP‐glucose (ADPG), glucose 1‐P (G1P) and glucose 6‐P (G6P). In Arabidopsis thaliana, upstream activating kinases (SnAK) phosphorylate the SnRK1 catalytic subunit at T175/176, promoting and enhancing its activity. Recombinant Phaseolus vulgaris homologous to SnAK proteins (PvSnAK), can phosphorylate and activate the catalytic domains of the α‐subunits of Arabidopsis, as well as the SnRK1‐np pool purified from bean embryos. While the phosphorylation process is extremely efficient for catalytic domains, the phosphorylation of the SnRK1‐np complex was less effective but produced a significant increase in activity. The presence of SnRK1‐np could contribute to a quick response to unexpected adverse conditions. However, in addition to PvSnAK kinases, other factors might contribute to regulating the activation of SnRK1.
The Regulatory Gift: Politics, regulation and governance
Authors: Browne Jude
Published: May 2018

This article introduces the “regulatory gift” as a conceptual framework for understanding a particular form of government‐led deregulation that is presented as central to the public interest. Contra to theories of regulatory capture, government corruption, “insider” personal interest, or profit‐seeking theories of regulation, the regulatory gift describes reform that is overtly designed by government to reduce or reorient regulators’ functions to the advantage of the regulated and in line with market objectives on a potentially macro (rather than industry‐specific) scale. As a conceptual framework, the regulatory gift is intended to be applicable across regulated sectors of democratic states and in this article the empirical sections evidence the practice of regulatory gifting in contemporary United Kingdom (UK) politics. Specifically, this article analyses the 2011 UK Public Bodies Act, affecting some 900 regulatory public bodies and its correlative legislation, the 2014 Regulator's Code, the 2015 Deregulation Act, and the 2016 Enterprise Bill. The article concludes that while in some cases the regulatory gift may be aligned with the public interest – delivering on cost reduction, enhancing efficiency, and stimulating innovation – this will not always be the case. As the case study of the regulatory body, the UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, demonstrates, despite the explicit claims made by legislators, the regulatory gift has the potential to significantly undermine the public interest.
Predicting Cancer‐Prevention Behavior: Disentangling the Effects of Risk Aversion and Risk Perceptions
Authors: Riddel Mary , Hales David
Published: May 2018

Experimental and survey research spanning the last two decades concludes that people who are more risk tolerant are more likely to engage in risky health activities such as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption, and are more likely to be obese. Subjective perceptions of the risk associated with different activities have also been found to be associated with health behaviors. While there are numerous studies that link risk perceptions with risky behavior, it is notable that none of these controls for risk aversion. Similarly, studies that control for risk aversion fail to control for risk misperceptions. We use a survey of 474 men and women to investigate the influence of risk aversion, risk misperceptions, and cognitive ability on the choice to engage in behaviors that either increase or mitigate cancer risk. We measure optimism in two dimensions: baseline optimists are those who inaccurately believe their cancer risk to be below its expert‐assessed level, while control optimists are those who believe they can reduce their risk of cancer (by changing their lifestyle choices) to a greater extent than is actually the case. Our results indicate that baseline optimism is significantly and negatively correlated with subjects′ tendencies to engage in cancer‐risk‐reducing behaviors, and positively correlated with risky behaviors. Subjects’ control misperceptions also appear to play a role in their tendency to engage in risky and prevention behaviors. When controlling for both of these types of risk misperception, risk aversion plays a much smaller role in determining health behaviors than found in past studies.