bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring a new Division 1 football program on a university campus
Authors: Greene Amanda , O’Neil Kason , Lhotksy Gary
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper is an account of collaborative action-based research that centered on a new NCAA Division I football program at a regional southeastern university, and the positive impacts the collaboration had on the multiple stakeholders involved in the research, which were the university’s sport management faculty, the athletic department, and sport management students. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

During the action research, these stakeholders moved through a cyclical process that involved reflection, planning, action, and evaluation. Through the action-based cyclical process that was utilized, each of these stakeholders were able to learn, adapt, participate, and make positive change.

Findings

Positive change occurred with the athletic department’s marketing efforts and game day operations, opportunities for sport management students to participate and learn, and development of relationships between two departments.

Research limitations/implications

The cyclical nature of this research model often leads to original hypotheses and research foci to be highly altered during various stages. Another limitation within collaborative action research can be the breakdown in communication among the many parties involved in carrying out this type of research.

Practical implications

While the significance of this study was initially to capture fan information surrounding a new NCAA Division I football program, the stakeholders quickly realized that the action-based research study had more to offer than producing marketing reports for the university athletic department. Inclusion of the students as equal stakeholders in this project proved vital to student learning and involvement. Having the students play such an important role throughout each cycle of the project allowed for additional networking outside the classrooms with potential employers, as well as in-depth discussions and involvement in the classroom when synthesizing and disseminating the marketing information that had been gathered.

Originality/value

The collaboration between two separate departments within a higher education institution was vital to the overall success of the research project. The overall intent of this paper is to provide a practical approach to collaboration among individuals working in different departments of an organization, as the findings from this research project revealed the overall success of the project was only possible through the collaborative effort and joining resources, abilities, areas of expertise, and capabilities.
Aggression supersedes individual oxygen demand to drive group air‐breathing in a social catfish
Authors: Killen Shaun S. , Esbaugh Andrew J. , F. Martins Nicolas , Tadeu Rantin F. , McKenzie David J.
Published: September 2017

Group‐living is widespread among animals and comes with numerous costs and benefits. To date, research examining group‐living has focused on trade‐offs surrounding foraging, while other forms of resource acquisition have been largely overlooked.

Air‐breathing has evolved in many fish lineages, allowing animals to obtain oxygen in hypoxic aquatic environments. Breathing air increases the threat of predation, so some species perform group air‐breathing, to reduce individual risk. Within species, individual air‐breathing can be influenced by metabolic rate as well as personality, but the mechanisms of group air‐breathing remain unexplored. It is conceivable that keystone individuals with high metabolic demand or intrinsic tendency to breathe air may drive social breathing, especially in hypoxia.

We examined social air‐breathing in African sharptooth catfishClarias gariepinus, to determine whether individual physiological traits and spontaneous tendency to breathe air influence the behaviour of entire groups, and whether such influences vary in relation to aquatic oxygen availability.

We studied 11 groups of four catfish in a laboratory arena and recorded air‐breathing behaviour, activity and agonistic interactions at varying levels of hypoxia. Bimodal respirometry was used to estimate individual standard metabolic rate (SMR) and the tendency to utilize aerial oxygen when alone.

Fish took more air breaths in groups as compared to when they were alone, regardless of water oxygen content, and displayed temporally clustered air‐breathing behaviour, consistent with existing definitions of synchronous air‐breathing. However, groups displayed tremendous variability in surfacing behaviour. Aggression by dominant individuals within groups was the main factor influencing air‐breathing of the entire group. There was no association between individualSMR, or the tendency to obtain oxygen from air when in isolation, and group air‐breathing.

ForC. gariepinus, synchronous air‐breathing is strongly influenced by agonistic interactions, which may expose subordinate individuals to risk of predation. Influential individuals exerted an overriding effect on risk‐taking by the entire group, for reasons independent of their physiological oxygen requirements. Overall, this illustrates that social context can obscure interactions between an individual's physiological and behavioural traits and their tendency to take risks to obtain resources.
Review: Allee effects in social species
Authors: Angulo Elena , Luque Gloria M. , Gregory Stephen D. , Wenzel John W. , Bessa‐Gomes Carmen , Berec Ludek , Courchamp Franck
Published: September 2017

Allee effects have important implications for many aspects of basic and applied ecology. The benefits of aggregation of conspecific individuals are central to Allee effects, which have led to the widely held assumption that social species are more prone to Allee effects. Robust evidence for this assumption, however, remains rare. Furthermore, previous research on Allee effects has failed to adequately address the consequences of the different levels of organisation within social species’ populations.

Here, we review available evidence of Allee effects and model the role of demographic and behavioural factors that may combine to dampen or strengthen Allee effects in social species. We use examples across various species with contrasting social structure, including carnivores, bats, primates and eusocial insects. Building on this, we provide a conceptual framework that allows for the integration of different Allee effects in social species.

Social species are characterised by nested levels of organisation. The benefits of cooperation, measured by mean individual fitness, can be observed at both the population and group levels, giving rise to “population level” and “group level” Allee effects respectively. We also speculate on the possibility of a third level, reporting per capita benefits for different individuals within a group (e.g. castes in social insects).

We show that group size heterogeneity and intergroup interactions affect the strength of population‐level demographic Allee effects. Populations with higher group size heterogeneity and in which individual social groups cooperate demonstrate the weakest Allee effects and may thus provide an explanation for why extinctions due to Allee effects are rare in social species.

More adequately accounting for Allee effects in social species will improve our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary implications of cooperation in social species.
A re‐evaluation of hemispheric asymmetries in herbivory: a response to Kozlov & Klemola 2017
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Zhang Yuxin , Ma Keming
Published: September 2017

Kozlov & Klemola (Journal of Ecology, 105, 2017: 000‐000) argued that our conclusion about hemispheric asymmetries in herbivory is not supported after the replacement of data points extracted from Moles & Westoby (Oikos, 90, 2000: 517–524.).

To re‐evaluate the asymmetries in herbivory, we analysed the revised dataset according to Kozlov & Klemola's (2017) suggestion, as well as the dataset used in Kozlov et al. (Global Ecology and Biogeography, 24, 2015: 1126–1135.).

All the analyses showed that herbivory decreased with latitude only in the Northern hemisphere, but in the Southern hemisphere, herbivory showed no relation to latitude. Model selection showed that in both datasets, hemisphere is a key determinant of herbivory, with Southern hemisphere having higher levels of herbivory than the Northern hemisphere.

Synthesis. Based on currently available data collected from publications, we found evidence for hemispheric asymmetries in herbivory. This conclusion is unlikely to change even when the controversial data points are replaced.
On the Islamic authority of the Indonesian state: responsibility, suspicion, and acts of compliance
Authors: Long Nicholas J.
Published: September 2017

This article examines how the Indonesian state's efforts to style itself as an Islamic authority have influenced the behaviour of its Muslim citizens. I present cases in which Muslims in Indonesia's Riau Islands comply with Islamic state directives in order to transfer responsibility for their actions to the state, showing how such a mode of practice can support Islamic governmentality, bolster nationalism, and constrain civic activism. Interestingly, compliance may occur even when citizens harbour deep misgivings towards a directive, leading me to query whether suspicion is necessarily inimical to authority. I conclude that a pronouncement's Islamic authority hinges on how Muslims relate to their suspicions regarding it, and that, for Riau Islanders, suspicion's urgency has been tempered by cultural models of personhood, individual subjectivity, and the moral murk of post‐Suharto Indonesia.
Pentecostal peacefulness: virtue ethics and the reception of theology in Nepal
Authors: Gibson Ian
Published: September 2017

The anthropology of Christianity has struggled to theorize the place of theology in Christian social life. Drawing on Alasdair MacIntyre's account of virtue ethics, in particular his concepts of practice, narrative, and moral tradition, I explore the reception of Pentecostal theology in the Nepali city of Bhaktapur. I show how local Christians have drawn on Pentecostal eschatology to develop a pacifistic ethics, allowing them to negotiate local social and religious conflicts. The belief that Christ has decisively defeated evil spirits allows local Christians to detach themselves from cycles of aggression connected with witchcraft accusations, providing a space of security in which to cultivate distinctive practices of care. Connecting this local theology with a wider tradition in Pentecostal moral thought, I argue that MacIntyre's virtue ethics provides a powerful tool for interpreting the relationship between local circumstance and extra‐local theology, and for studying cross‐cultural patterns of theological reception.
BaitsTools: Software for hybridization capture bait design
Authors: Campana Michael G.
Published: September 2017

Nucleic acid hybridization capture is a principal technology in molecular ecology and genomics. Bait design, however, is a nontrivial task and few resources currently exist to automate the process. Here, I present baitstools, an open‐source, user‐friendly software package to facilitate the design of nucleic acid baits for hybridization capture.
A comparative in vitro study of different techniques for removal of fibre posts from root canals
Authors: Haupt Franziska , Pfitzner Jana , Hülsmann Michael
Published: September 2017

This study evaluates the effectiveness of different techniques to remove fibre posts from root filled teeth in vitro. One hundred and fifty‐three extracted single‐rooted teeth were decoronated, root‐canal treated and divided into three groups (n = 51). Post spaces were prepared for different types of fibre posts: glass fibre, quartz fibre, carbon fibre. Each group was divided into three subgroups with regard to the post removal technique (n = 17): SonicFlex Endo, long‐shaft round bur, DT‐Post removal kit. Residual material, loss of dentine, working time and procedural errors were assessed using computed tomography. Statistical analysis was performed with a one‐way anova (α = 0.05). The highest effectiveness was achieved with the sonic tip and the round bur. A high prevalence of perforations or severe deviations from the root axis was observed for all groups. No technique presented favourable results in all assessed parameters. There is a high risk of perforations.
Influence of different sized files on the accuracy of two electronic apex locators
Authors: Orosco Fernando A. , da Silva Guilherme F. , Weckwerth Paulo H. , Lopes Maria Thereza M. , Garcia Alan M. R. , Duarte Marco Antônio H. , de Moraes Ivaldo G.
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different file sizes on the accuracy of two electronic apex locators (EALs). Thirty extracted human single‐rooted permanent mandibular incisors were used. A #10 K‐file was inserted in the root canal until its end could be observed (using a light microscope) through the apical foramen. One millimetre was subtracted to establish working length (WL). Electronic readings were performed using MiniApex Locator or Root ZX II, from #10 K‐file to #130 K‐file. Statistical analysis was performed by two‐way anova and Tukey test (P ≤ 0.05). From #60 to #130 K‐file, observed differences were noted between the values obtained with both EALs and WL (P ≤ 0.05). The MiniApex Locator showed increased means when measurements were made with #50 to #70 and with #120 (P = 0.008) and #130 (P = 0.005) K‐files. File sizes influenced the accuracy of EALs – the greater the instrumentation size, the higher mean differences compared to WL.
Proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 blockade inhibits changes seen in a chronic murine asthma model
Authors: Asaduzzaman M. , Davidson C. , Nahirney D. , Fiteih Y. , Puttagunta L. , Vliagoftis H.
Published: September 2017

Background

Proteinase‐Activated Receptor‐2 (PAR2) is a G protein‐coupled receptor activated by serine proteinases. We have shown that PAR2 activation in the airways is involved in the development of allergic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in acute murine models. We hypothesized that functional inhibition of PAR2 prevents allergic inflammation, AHR and airway remodeling in chronic allergic airway inflammation models.

Material and Methods

We developed and used a 12 week model of cockroach extract (CE)‐mediated AHR, airway inflammation and remodeling in BALB/c mice.

Results

Mice sensitized and challenged with CE for 12 weeks exhibit AHR, increased numbers of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and increased collagen content in the lung tissue compared to saline controls. Administration of an anti‐PAR2 antibody, SAM‐11, after the initial development of airway inflammation significantly inhibited all these parameters.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that PAR2 signaling plays a key role in CE‐induced AHR and airway inflammation/remodeling in long term models of allergic airway inflammation. Targeting PAR2 activation may be a successful therapeutic strategy for allergic asthma.
Neonatal BCG vaccination and atopic dermatitis before 13 months of age: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Thøstesen L. M. , Kjærgaard J. , Pihl G. T. , Birk N. M. , Nissen T. N. , Aaby P. , Jensen A. K. G. , Olesen A. W. , Stensballe L. G. , Jeppesen D. L. , Benn C. S. , Kofoed P.‐E.
Published: September 2017

Background

Studies have suggested that Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccination may reduce the risk of allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis.

Methods

The Danish Calmette Study was conducted 2012‐2015. Within 7 days of birth new‐borns were randomised 1:1 to BCG or no BCG. Exclusion criteria were gestational age <32 weeks, birth weight <1000 g, known immunodeficiency or no Danish‐speaking parent. Data were collected through telephone interviews and clinical examinations until 13 months.

Results

Clinical atopic dermatitis was diagnosed in 466/2,052 (22.7%) children in the BCG group and 495/1,952 (25.4%) children in the control group (RR = 0.90 [95% confidence intervals 0.80‐1.00]). The effect of neonatal BCG vaccination differed significantly between children with atopic predisposition (RR 0.84 (0.74‐0.95)) and children without atopic predisposition (RR 1.09 [0.88‐1.37]) (test of no interaction, P = .04).

Conclusion

Among children with atopic predisposition, the number‐needed‐to‐treat with BCG to prevent one case of atopic dermatitis was 21 (12‐76).
Serine protease allergen favours Th2 responses via PAR‐2 and STAT3 activation in murine model
Authors: Agrawal K. , Arora N.
Published: September 2017

Background

Protease activity of Per a 10 favours Th2 responses by differential regulation of IL‐12p70 and IL‐23 cytokine subunits. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of differential regulation of IL‐12p70 and IL‐23.

Methods

PAR‐2 activation was blocked in murine model by administering SAM11 before each sensitization. CD11c+ p‐STAT3+ cells were measured in lungs by flow cytometry. BMDCs were pretreated with SAM11 or isotype control or stattic and stimulated with Per a 10. p‐STAT3 levels were measured using Western blot. Transcript levels of IL‐12p35, IL‐12/23p40 and IL‐23p19 were measured using RT‐PCR. Cytokine levels were analysed using ELISA.

Results

Protease activity of Per a 10 increased p‐STAT3 levels in mouse lungs, which was reduced upon PAR‐2 blockage. Percentage of p‐STAT3+ CD11c+ cells was higher in Per a 10‐administered mice and was reduced upon PAR‐2 blockage. IL‐12p35 and IL‐12p70 levels were higher, and IL‐23p19 and IL‐23 levels were lower in both SAM11‐treated mice and BMDCs indicating a role of PAR‐2‐mediated signalling. IL‐4, TSLP, IL‐17A, EPO activity, total cell count and specific IgE and IgG1 levels were lower in SAM11‐administered mice. Inhibiting STAT3 activation via stattic also leads to lower levels of IL‐23p19 and IL‐23 and higher levels of IL‐12p35.

Conclusions

Per a 10 leads to PAR‐2 activation on BMDCs resulting in downstream activation of STAT3 to regulate the balance between IL‐12/IL‐23 subunits causing a cytokine milieu rich in IL‐23 to favour Th2 polarization.
Weekend‐free scheduled IVF/ICSI procedures and single embryo transfer do not reduce live‐birth rates in a general infertile population
Authors: Feichtinger Michael , Karlström Per O. , Olofsson Jan I. , Rodriguez‐Wallberg Kenny A.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Scheduling of ovum pickup only on weekdays may result in cases of apparently suboptimal timing for human chorionic gonadotropin and ovum pickup. This study aimed to assess whether live‐birth rates were reduced in women with a potentially suboptimal day for human chorionic gonadotropin and ovum pickup to avoid weekend work, according to ultrasonographic data on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin planning.

Material and methods

An evaluation of the optimal human chorionic gonadotropin priming date was performed in treatment protocols of 1000 consecutive patients undergoing their first in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmatic sperm injection with single‐embryo transfer. An ideal ovum pickup day was characterized by human chorionic gonadotropin‐scheduling when three or more follicles reached 17 mm (day 0) or with one day of delay (day +1) (n = 760). A non‐ideal ovum pickup was either early (day −1, −2, −3) (n = 24) or delayed (day +2, +3, +4) (n = 216). Live‐birth rates in the ideal and non‐ideal ovum pickup groups was set as primary outcome measure.

Results

Early‐ovum pickups were excluded as they were infrequent. No differences between ideal and delayed ovum pickup groups were found regarding number of oocytes retrieved (9.87 vs. 9.78, p = 0.990), pregnancy rates (28.3% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.701) or live‐birth rates (26.2% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.939). However, sub analyses indicated that treatment with gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists resulted in significantly lower clinical pregnancy rates in delayed ovum pickups (odds ratio 0.46, p = 0.014), compared with agonist treatments.

Conclusions

Weekend work may not be needed for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmatic sperm injection single‐embryo transfer treatments. However, in gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist cycles, delaying ovum pickup more than one day may result in unfavorable outcomes.
Rho Kinase Inhibitor, Fasudil, Attenuates Contrast‐induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Wang Yiming , Zhang Hao , Yang Zhijian , Miao Dengshun , Zhang Dingguo
Published: September 2017

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that fasudil, a Rho kinase inhibitor, would protect against contrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) in a mouse model and attempted to elucidate the mechanism involved. Mice subjected to unilateral ligation of the left anterior renal pedicle were divided into four groups: (1) control group, (2) CI‐AKI induced by contrast media (CM group), (3) CI‐AKI plus low‐dose fasudil (LD group) and (4) CI‐AKI plus high‐dose fasudil (HD group). Animals from groups 2–4 received iodixanol (4.0 g iodine/kg), and the control group received saline. At 12, 2 hr before iodixanol injection and 4 hr after iodixanol administration, the animals in groups 3–4 received 3 or 10 mg/kg fasudil, respectively. Renal blood flow, renal function parameters, kidney histology and the expression of proteins that regulates apoptosis and inflammation were determined 24 hr later. Fasudil treatment notably ameliorated contrast medium‐induced medullary damage, restored renal function, suppressed renal tubular apoptosis, ameliorated redox imbalance and DNA damage. Fasudil had a nephroprotective effect that was partially attributed to its anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic and antioxidant effects of inhibiting the Rho/ROCK pathway.
Vividness of positive mental imagery predicts positive emotional response to visually presented Project Soothe pictures
Authors: Wilson Alexander C. , Schwannauer Matthias , McLaughlin Angela , Ashworth Fiona , Chan Stella W. Y.
Published: September 2017

Lang's bioinformational theory of mental imagery proposes that mental imagery and external stimuli engage emotional information‐processing systems in similar ways. However, the positive and negative systems are thought to be distinct, so this similarity is likely to show a valence‐specific effect. Therefore, we hypothesized that an individual's ability to construct vivid positive, but not negative, mental imagery would predict positive emotional responding to positive visual stimuli, independently of depressive symptoms. Our stimuli were pictures collected through Project Soothe for possible use in psychotherapy (www.projectsoothe.com); as these pictures were intended to induce soothing emotion, we hypothesized that theoretically linked variables Self‐compassion and Self‐criticism would also predict positive responding to the stimuli. A total of 214 participants completed an online study including validated questionnaire measures, mental imagery tasks, and a picture‐rating exercise. Only Positive Imagery Vividness and Self‐compassion were significant predictors of positive responding to the soothing pictures, even controlling for depressive symptoms, and Negative and General Imagery Vividness. These findings support Lang's theory and provide evidence for individual differences in a positive processing tendency shared across mental imagery‐based and perceptual representations. As this relationship is distinct from depressive symptoms, future imagery‐based psychotherapies might aim to influence this positive processing tendency.
Increased accuracy of a novel mRNA‐based urine test for bladder cancer surveillance
Authors: Pichler Renate , Fritz Josef , Tulchiner Gennadi , Klinglmair Gerald , Soleiman Afschin , Horninger Wolfgang , Klocker Helmut , Heidegger Isabel
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert Bladder Cancer (BC) Monitor, compared with cystoscopy and cytology in the oncological follow‐up of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Material and Methods

A total of 140 patients with a history of NMIBC undergoing routine surveillance at our institution were enrolled prospectively in this study (ISRCTN study registry number 37210907). Urine cytology was evaluated according to the Paris classification system. In addition, urinary specimens were analysed using the Xpert BC Monitor, which measures five target mRNAs (ABL1, CRH, IGF2, UPK1B, ANXA10) using real‐time PCR. Descriptive analysis, diagnostic accuracy including sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), receiver‐operating characteristic curve, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated.

Results

The overall sensitivity (0.84) and NPV (0.93) of the Xpert BC Monitor were significantly superior to those of bladder washing cytology (0.33 and 0.76; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses confirmed the high sensitivity of the Xpert BC Monitor even in low‐grade (0.77) and pTa (0.82) disease compared with barbotage cytology (low‐grade: 0.13; pTa: 0.21). The overall specificity of the Xpert BC Monitor and barbotage cytology was similar (0.91 vs 0.94; P = 0.41). Combining the Xpert BC Monitor with barbotage cytology (AUC = 0.85) did not enhance diagnostic performance compared with the performance of the Xpert BC Monitor alone (AUC = 0.87).

Conclusion

In this study, we report for the first time that the Xpert BC Monitor, a new mRNA‐based urine test, outperforms cytology with regard to sensitivity and NPV, even in low‐grade and pTa tumours, with no reduction of specificity.
Adjuvant chemotherapy after radical nephroureterectomy does not improve survival in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a joint study by the European Association of Urology–Young Academic Urologists and the Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Collaboration
Authors: Necchi Andrea , Lo Vullo Salvatore , Mariani Luigi , Moschini Marco , Hendricksen Kees , Rink Michael , Sosnowski Roman , Dobruch Jakub , Raman Jay D. , Wood Christopher G. , Margulis Vitaly , Roupret Morgan , Briganti Alberto , Montorsi Francesco , Xylinas Evanguelos , Shariat Shahrokh F. ,   the European Association of Urology–Young Academic Urologists (EAU–YAU), Urothelial Cancer Group and the Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Collaboration group
Published: September 2017

Objective

To analyse the outcomes of adjuvant chemotherapy vs observation in a multicentre cohort of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) in order to clarify whether such patients benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

Patients and Methods

Data from 15 centres were collected for a total of 1544 patients, treated between 2000 and 2015. Criteria for patient selection included pT2–4N0/x stage, or lymph node‐positive disease, and prior RNU. The standardized difference approach was used to compare subgroup characteristics. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint. The primary analysis used 1:1 propensity score matching, with inverse probability of treatment weighting in addition to this in the secondary analysis. The latter was also performed with the inclusion of covariates, i.e. with ‘doubly robust’ estimation. A 6‐month landmark analysis was performed to exclude early events.

Results

A total of 312 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and 1232 underwent observation. Despite differences between the two groups, the standardized difference was generally <10% after matching. In the matched analysis no difference was observed in OS between adjuvant chemotherapy and observation (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14, 95% confidence inverval [CI] 0.91–1.43; P = 0.268). In the doubly robust estimate‐adjusted comparison, adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly associated with shorter OS (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02–1.54; P = 0.032). Similar findings were confirmed in subgroup analyses stratified by pathological stage, and after landmark analysis. Results should be interpreted with consideration given to the inherent limitations of retrospective studies.

Conclusion

Adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve OS compared with observation in the present study. These results contribute to the uncertainties regarding postoperative chemotherapy in UTUC, and suggest dedicated prospective trials, new more potent therapies, and the identification of enhanced patient selection criteria are required.
Quality of life after brachytherapy or bilateral nerve‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: a prospective cohort
Authors: Blanchard Pierre , Davis John W. , Frank Steven J. , Kim Jeri , Pettaway Curtis A. , Pugh Thomas J. , Pisters Louis L. , Ward John F. , Choi Seungtaek , Chapin Brian F. , Hoffman Karen , Navai Neema , Achim Mary , McGuire Sean E. , Matin Surena F. , Nguyen Quynh , Mahmood Usama , Graber William J. , Chen Hsiang‐Chun , Wang Xuemei , Kuban Deborah A.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To provide comparative data on quality of life (QoL) after prostate cancer treatment to help patients make an informed decision regarding their choice of treatment.

Methods

Patients with pathologically proven, non‐metastatic, T1–T3bN0 prostate cancer were included in this prospective non‐randomized study if they were to receive treatment with curative intent. Sample size was at least 181 patients per cohort/treatment type. QoL was recorded at baseline and at each follow‐up using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) instrument. The minimal clinically important difference was defined as half of the standard deviation of the baseline score for each domain. A mixed effects model was used to compare the different treatments. Data are presented on the brachytherapy and the bilateral nerve‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) cohorts. Hormonotherapy was not allowed.

Results

Between November 2007 and January 2013, 181 patients who received brachytherapy and 210 patients who underwent RARP were included. Of the patients who underwent RARP, 178 had bilateral nerve‐sparing and were included in the present analysis. Response rate to EPIC questionnaires were higher in the brachytherapy than in the RARP arm: 82% vs 57% at 2 years after treatment and 55% vs 45% at 4 years after treatment. In the mixed effects model, patients in the RARP arm had better QoL with regard to urinary irritation/obstruction or bother and bowel function, and lower QoL regarding sexual function and urinary incontinence. Results were confirmed in a propensity score‐matched model. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the brachytherapy group at 1, 2 and 3 years after treatment.

Conclusion

This prospective non‐randomized study shows long‐term differences in QoL domains after bilateral nerve‐sparing RARP and brachytherapy. Differences in patient satisfaction should be further explored. These results could be used to counsel patients in the decision‐making process.
Real‐world uptake, safety profile and outcomes of docetaxel in newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Rulach Robert J. , McKay Stephen , Neilson Sam , White Lillian , Wallace Jan , Carruthers Ross , Lamb Carolynn , Cascales Almudena , Marashi Husam , Glen Hilary , Venugopal Balaji , Sadoyze Azmat , Sidek Norma , Russell J. Martin , Alhasso Abdulla , Dodds David , Laskey Jennifer , Jones Robert J. , MacLeod Nicholas
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To investigate the uptake, safety and efficacy of docetaxel chemotherapy in hormone‐naïve metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) in the first year of use outside of a clinical trial.

Patients and Methods

Patients in the West of Scotland Cancer Network with newly diagnosed mPC were identified from the regional multidisciplinary team meetings and their treatment details were collected from electronic patient records. The rate of febrile neutropenia, hospitalisations, time to progression, and overall survival were compared between those patients who received docetaxel and androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT), or ADT alone using survival analysis.

Results

Of the 270 eligible patients, 103 received docetaxel (38.1%). 35 patients (34%) were hospitalised and there were 17 episodes of febrile neutropenia (16.5%). Two patients (1.9%) died within 30 days of chemotherapy. Patients who received ADT alone had an increased risk of progression (hazard ratio [HR] 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–3.25; log‐rank test, P = 0.002) and had an increased risk of death (HR 5.88, 95% CI: 2.52–13.72; log‐rank test, P = 0.001) compared to the docetaxel group. The risk of febrile neutropenia was nine‐times greater if chemotherapy was started within 3 weeks of ADT initiation (95% CI: 1.22–77.72; P = 0.032).

Conclusion

Docetaxel chemotherapy in hormone‐naïve mPC has significant toxicities, but has a similar effect on time to progression and overall survival as seen in randomised trials. Chemotherapy should be started at ≥3 weeks after ADT.
The Effectiveness of a Psychoeducation Intervention delivered via WhatsApp for mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hemdi A. , Daley D.
Published: September 2017

Background

Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report high levels of stress and lower levels of well‐being than parents of typically developing children. Current interventions for ASD typically focus on working with the child rather than delivering strategies to help support parents.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducation intervention developed to support mothers of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia.

Method

Sixty‐two mothers (23–52 years) of children (26–78 months) were recruited to a multisite randomized controlled trials of the intervention. The intervention consisted of one face‐to‐face session (60 min) and four virtual sessions (30 min each) delivered using WhatsApp. Parenting stress was the primary outcome, with secondary outcomes focusing on maternal depression, anxiety, and happiness, and child behaviour problems and ASD symptoms. Data were collected at baseline T1, immediately postintervention T2 and 8‐week follow‐up T3.

Results

One‐way analysis of covariance was used at T2 and T3 with T1 scores entered as a covariate. Improvements were found at T2 for stress (F = 234.34, p = .00, and d = −1.52) and depression (F = 195.70, p = .00, and d = −2.14) but not anxiety, and these results were maintained at T3. Changes in child behaviour problems were limited to improvements in hyperactivity at T2 (F = 133.66, p = .00, and d = −1.54). Although changes in stress and depression were statistically significant, change to clinically normal levels was limited to depression. None of the participants had recovered after the intervention (Parent Stress Index Short Form stress scores), whereas 23 mothers (71.87%) in the intervention group had recovered at T2 and 22 (68.75%) at T3 (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depression scores).

Conclusion

This intervention with WhatsApp support is beneficial but may need to be augmented with other forms of support for mothers of children with ASD including more condensed sessions on stress and interventions targeting anxiety.
Clinical features and prognosis of thymic neuroendocrine tumours associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: A single‐centre study, systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ye Lei , Wang Weixi , Ospina Naykky Singh , Jiang Lei , Christakis Ioannis , Lu Jieli , Zhou Yulin , Zhu Wei , Cao Yanan , Wang Shu , Perrier Nancy D. , Young William F. , Ning Guang , Wang Weiqing
Published: September 2017

Objective

Thymic neuroendocrine tumour (TH‐NET) accounts for almost 20% of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)‐associated mortality. Identifying risk factors for the development of these rare tumours and prognostic factors for clinical outcomes will be helpful in clinical practice.

Design and Patients

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients treated for TH‐NET associated with MEN1 in a single institution and meta‐analysis of literature reports. We used a fixed effect model to pool results across studies to evaluate the prevalence, clinical features and prognosis.

Results

TH‐NET was detected in 9 (7.4%) of 121 patients with MEN1 seen in our institution, and 5 (55.6%) were women. Seven additional studies were identified through a systematic review of the literature. The pool estimate of TH‐NET prevalence was 3.7% (n = 99) in MEN1 (n = 2710), sex ratio was 79:20 (male vs female), and the median age at diagnosis was 43.0 years (range, 16.0‐72.0 years). Forty‐three patients died with a median survival time of 8.4 years. Older age at diagnosis (HR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0‐1.8, P = .03), maximum tumour diameter (HR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0‐2.3, P = .04) and presence of metastasis (HR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.0‐2.5, P = .04) were associated with worse outcome. A male predominance (91.9% vs 59.5%, P < .001) and history of smoking (59.0% vs 23.5%, P = .015) were more common in American/European series compared to Asian reports.

Conclusion

TH‐NET is a rare but fatal component of MEN1. Earlier detection of TH‐NET in patients with MEN1 may be recommended which should theoretically result in better outcomes. Different genetic backgrounds (race) appear to result in clinical difference.
Additional diagnostic features of mammary analogue secretory carcinoma on cytology
Authors: Gonzalez M. F. , Akhtar I. , Manucha V.
Published: September 2017

In our article, we report additional cytolorphologic features of MASC. In addition to vacuolated cells/histiocytoid cells and colloid‐like material in the background we noticed nuclear membrane irregularities, nuclear grooving, and hyalinized tissue fragments in the cell block. These additional features can serve as important diagnostic clues in making a diagnosis of MASC on cytology.
Functional traits of indigenous and exotic ground‐dwelling arthropods show contrasting responses to land‐use change in an oceanic island, Terceira, Azores
Authors: Rigal François , Cardoso Pedro , Lobo Jorge M. , Triantis Kostas A. , Whittaker Robert J. , Amorim Isabel R. , Borges Paulo A. V.
Published: September 2017

Aim

Land‐use change typically goes hand in hand with the introduction of exotic species, which mingle with indigenous species to form novel assemblages. Here, we compare the functional structure of indigenous and exotic elements of ground‐dwelling arthropod assemblages across four land‐uses of varying management intensity.

Location

Terceira Island (Azores, North Atlantic).

Methods

We used pitfall traps to sample arthropods in 36 sites across the four land‐uses and collated traits related to dispersal ability, body size and resource use. For both indigenous and exotic species, we examined the impact of land‐uses on trait diversity and tested for the existence of non‐random assembly processes using null models. We analysed differences in trait composition among land‐uses for both indigenous and exotic species with multivariate analyses. We used point–biserial correlations to identity traits significantly correlated with specific land‐uses for each element.

Results

We recorded 86 indigenous and 116 exotic arthropod species. Under high‐intensity land‐use, both indigenous and exotic elements showed significant trait clustering. Trait composition strongly shifted across land‐uses, with indigenous and exotic species being functionally dissimilar in all land‐uses. Large‐bodied herbivores dominated exotic elements in low‐intensity land‐uses, while small‐bodied spiders dominated exotic elements in high‐intensity land‐uses. In contrast, with increasing land‐use intensity, indigenous species changed from functionally diverse to being dominated by piercing and cutting herbivores.

Main conclusions

Our study revealed two main findings: first, in high‐intensity land‐uses, trait clustering characterized both indigenous and exotic elements; second, exotic species differed in their functional profile from indigenous species in all land‐use types. Overall, our results provide new insights into the functional role of exotic species in a land‐use context, suggesting that, in agricultural landscape, exotic species may contribute positively to the maintenance of some ecosystem functions.
Left superior pulmonary vein connected to superior vena cava vein in a patient with situs inversus totalis: A challenging diagnosis
Authors: Rozen Lionel , Debbas Nadia , Damry Nash , David‐Cojocariu Aurelia , de Cannière Didier , Unger Philippe
Published: September 2017

We herein describe the previously unreported combination of partial anomalous venous connection to the superior vena cava combined with situs inversus totalis. Following peripheral contrast injection, bubbles appeared initially in the left atrium allowing the diagnosis of a supra‐atrial connection to be made using transthoracic echocardiography, but this timing was not anymore reproduced during transesophageal echocardiography performed minutes later. Cardiac computed tomography allowed the final diagnosis to be made. This case emphasizes the importance of performing bubble studies both during transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography.
Review of the role of gut microbiota in mass rearing of the olive fruit fly,Bactrocera oleae, and its parasitoids
Authors: Ras Erica , Beukeboom Leo W. , Cáceres Carlos , Bourtzis Kostas
Published: September 2017

The olive fruit fly,Bactrocera oleae(Rossi) (Diptera:Tephritidae), is the major insect pest in commercial olive (Olea europaeaL.,Oleaceae) production worldwide. Its population management is largely based on the use of insecticides. However, concerns about the impact of insecticides on the environment and human health along with increasing resistance development calls for novel and environment‐friendly approaches for population management. Integrated pest management programmes with a sterile insect technique (SIT) component and parasitoids are currently considered for the control ofB. oleae. A major challenge for the development of such tools is mass rearing of both host and parasitoids. In this review, we consider the role of endogenous microbiota and its potential exploitation for improving the efficacy, quality, and cost effectiveness of mass rearingB. oleaeas well as their parasitoids.
Optimised conditions for handling and transport of male Anopheles arabiensis: effects of low temperature, compaction, and ventilation on male quality
Authors: Culbert Nicole J. , Lees Rosemary S. , Vreysen Marc J.B. , Darby Alistair C. , Gilles Jeremie R.L.
Published: September 2017

Developing optimal conditions for handling and transport of sterile male mosquitoes, prior to their release, is critical for the sterile insect technique (SIT) to be successful. No data currently exist for Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Diptera: Culicidae) concerning the effects of chilling at different temperatures and for different time lengths on subsequent survival. Additionally, it must be determined whether immobile mosquitoes are capable of producing metabolic heat, the maximum packing density in one release cassette during transport, and their toleration level to compaction. Male An. arabiensis were exposed to 2, 4, 6, and 10 °C for 1, 4, 8, or 24 h. Survival was then monitored for 14 days and compared with untreated controls maintained at 25 °C. Short‐term (24 h) survival was assessed following immobilisation at 6 °C for 6 h under compacted and non‐compacted conditions and compared with non‐immobilised controls. The experiment was repeated to assess long‐term (1–14 days) survival with varying levels of ventilation. Metabolic heat was assessed in immobilised males (compacted and non‐compacted) and compared with males maintained at 28 °C for 2 h. The weight and volume of males were determined to guide the design of the release cassette. Male An. arabiensis were maintained at a temperature range of 4–10 °C for 24 h without any significant negative effect on their survival. Compaction did not significantly affect survival; however, it fared better with increased ventilation. Immobile males did not produce any metabolic heat, even when compacted. This study identified initial parameters considered critical for the transport of sterile male An. arabiensis prior to release without any detrimental effect on their survival. Further investigation is required to assess the effects of combining these chosen treatments with irradiation. Additionally, the effect of immobilisation, compaction, and irradiation on the most critical parameter for SIT (male competitiveness) is the subject of future studies.
Measures of learning and teaching material availability and use in sub‐Saharan Africa and other low‐income countries
Authors: Read Nicholas
Published: September 2017

This article reviews the accuracy and relevance of the national monitoring mechanisms currently used to establish national learning and teaching material (LTM) availability indicators. In many countries, only very basic LTM monitoring requirements are provided. These are not updated regularly and are usually not designed specificially to support effective LTM provision. One of the most disturbing conclusions emerging from recent research is the very widespread lack of investment in the provision of reading books and reading materials for use in schools and the equally widespread lack of usable data on the availability of reading books in relevant languages at any levels in the education systems of most developing countries, particularly in lower primary and pre‐school grades. Effective LTM provision requires reliable information on a number of different activities and inputs that must operate efficiently in sequence. This sequence of activities is often referred to as the Book Chain. If one of the links in the chain is dysfunctional, then there is a risk that the whole system will function ineffectively or inefficiently—or both! Most countries aim to collect their EMIS data, including LTM‐related data, on a national basis by drawing information from every school and then consolidating the data gathered on a sub‐district, district, regional and eventually national basis. The combination of large numbers of schools located in different regions, often with radically different facilities and operational environments, with large numbers of titles supplied in differing quantities based on grade level enrolments and supply assumptions and potentially in different languages, is very difficult to manage on a manual basis with non‐specialist managers. Investments in more sophisticated computerised information management systems are recommended to ensure that decisions can be made quickly, based on good information, sound future planning and adequate financial allocations to maintain textbook, teachers’ guides and other essential hard copy LTM supplies equitably at target levels for every school and grade level in the country. Although bespoke, computerised information management systems probably represent the way ahead in terms of reliable annual provision of accurate LTM‐related data they are expensive and there are immediate changes that can be introduced at low cost which will improve the usefulness of the data collected. In most countries, a review needs to take place to ascertain exactly what data need to be collected, how often, and in what formats different MOE departments require this information. This review should be accompanied by a plan for reducing the duplication of work, district/school administration overhead and data collection methodology.