bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the influence of assemblies on knitted materials hand
Authors: Daukantienė Virginija , Mikalauskaitė Gerda
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of assembly type on the hand property of the polyester-knitted materials containing different amounts of elastane fibre.

Design/methodology/approach

The hand property of control textile materials specimens as well as assembled ones applying both adhesive bonding and sewing was evaluated analysing the typical pulling curves as well as the individual hand parameters, which were determined using the device KTU-Griff-Tester. The complex hand criterion Q was calculated for the complete assessment of both textiles and their assemblies’ hand by one numeral value.

Findings

It was shown that the fabric structure and assembly type have a significant influence on the knitted materials hand property. The complex hand criterion Q varied from 0.068 to 0.186, depending on the material structure, and it was decreased up to 42.6 per cent due to textile assemblies.

Practical implications

The determined research results are significant not only for clothing science but also leads to the improvement in clothing quality in fashion industry suggesting more ergonomic and original constructional decisions for clothes’ design, selection of most suitable assembly type and its place in overall garment area, which is very important for the development process of the slim fitted sportswear featuring with a very complicated construction, usually worn under intensive body movements causing rubbing effect to the skin.

Originality/value

Knitted fabrics should not only be elastic but also have perfect hand, thus making them to feel comfortable. But hand property of assembled textiles had not been investigated previously. Novelty and originality of this research was the objective and simple evaluation of the hand property for both knitted materials and their assemblies taking into account the overall skin sensorial comfort of a garment.
Achieving productive reliability through applying statistical distribution functions
Authors: Karbasian Mahdi , Rostamkhani Ramin
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the proper statistical distribution function, which can cover the failure time of a single machine or a group of machines. To this end, an innovative program is written in an Excel software, capable of assessing at least six statistical distribution functions. This research study intends to show the advantages of applying statistical distribution functions in an integrated model format to create or increase productive reliability machines. Productive reliability is a simultaneous combination of efficiency and effectiveness in reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of theoretical research methodology comprises data collection tools, reference books and articles in addition to exploiting written reports of the Iranian Center for Defence’s Standards. The practical research method includes deploying and assessing the proposed model for a selected machine (in this case a computerized numerical control machine).

Findings

A comprehensive program in an Excel software having the capability of assessing at least six statistical distribution functions was developed to find the most efficient option for covering the failure times of each machine in the shortest time with the highest precision. This is regarded as the most important achievement of the present study. Furthermore, the advantages of applying the developed model are discussed and a large group of which have direct influences on the productivity of equipment reliability.

Originality/value

The originality of the research was ascertained by managers and experts working in maintenance issues at the different levels of the Defense Industries Organization.
The impact of brand experience on the memory formation
Authors: Legendre Tiffany S. , Cartier Elizabeth A. , Warnick Rodney B.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of brand experiences on visitors’ memory formation and their revisit intention to a special event.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected survey data from the Great New England Air Show to examine the soundness of the proposed theoretical model. Data were analyzed with partial least squares–structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate an individual’s brand experience in the context of a special event can assist him/her in becoming more involved and finding meaningfulness in the experience, and form greater readiness to store memory of the event. Memory formation triggered by brand experience can help event practitioners anticipate positive behaviors of visitors after the experience.

Practical implications

The results suggest that event marketing managers and decision makers should create strong brand experiences focused on a mix of sensory, affective, intellectual and behavioral messages linked to the larger brand knowledge and memory formation.

Originality/value

The development of a theoretical model explaining brand experience with the purpose of explaining the internalization of brand experience in memory formation was documented and the study validated the brand experience concept in a non-monetary setting.
Update on recommendations for eligibility of government subsidization of biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs for the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis in Singapore
Authors: Phang Kee Fong , Lahiri Manjari , Fong Warren Weng Seng , Leong Keng Hong , Leung Ying Ying , Lim Anita Yee Nah , Lui Nai Lee , Manghani Mona , Tan Teck Choon , Santosa Amelia , Sriranganathan Melonie Kannamma , Suresh Ernest , Teng Gim Gee , Cheung Peter P.
Published: November 2019

Aims

The field of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) has undergone significant changes recently in particular with disease classification, assessment of disease activity and increased treatment options for biologics. In order to reflect these developments, we aimed to update the local consensus recommendations for subsidization of biologics.

Methods

A modified Delphi approach was used. Six published guidelines from major rheumatology societies and healthcare authorities on axSpA were reviewed. Findings were synthesized and used in formulating updated recommendation statements. Recommendations were rated by 10 practicing rheumatologists in Singapore. Consensus was reached if there was more than 70% agreement or disagreement.

Results

Ten statements achieved consensus. Patients may be considered for subsidization of biologic therapy if they fulfill the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society or modified New York criteria, with persistently active disease (defined either by Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score ≥ 2.1 or Bath Spondylitis Disease Activity Index ≥ 4), despite 4 weeks of full‐dose non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and regular exercise. Either tumor necrosis factor inhibitors or interleukin 17 inhibitors may be used as first‐line therapy, and should be continued if adequate response is achieved at 6 months.

Conclusion

Recommendation statements were formulated through a formal consensus process by local experts with a view to assist relevant authorities in funding considerations and for use in clinical practice.
Identifying damage clusters in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ahn Ga Young , Lee Jiyoung , Won Soyoung , Ha Eunji , Kim Hyoungyoung , Nam Bora , Kim Ji Soong , Kang Juyeon , Kim Jae‐Hoon , Song Gwan Gyu , Kim Kwangwoo , Bae Sang‐Cheol
Published: November 2019

Aim

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) causes irreversible damage to organ systems. Recently, evidence has been obtained for subphenotypes of SLE. This study aimed to identify damage clusters and compare the associated clinical manifestations, SLE disease activity, mortality, and genetic risk scores (GRS).

Methods

The study was conducted on the Hanyang BAE lupus cohort. Patients with disease duration <5 years were excluded to minimize confounding effects of disease duration. They were grouped into 3 clusters based on the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index using k‐means cluster analysis.

Results

Among the 1130 analyzed patients, musculoskeletal damage was most prevalent (20.2%), followed by ocular (11.4%), renal (10.5%), and neuropsychiatric damage (10.2%). Three significantly different damage clusters were identified. Patients in cluster 1 (n = 824) showed the least damage. Cluster 2 (n = 195) was characterized by frequent renal (55.4%) and ocular (58.0%) damage, and cluster 3 (n = 111) was dominated by neuropsychiatric (100%) and musculoskeletal damage (35.1%). Cluster 2 had the highest adjusted mean AMS (adjusted mean SLE Disease Activity Index score; mean ± SD: 5.4 ± 2.9), while cluster 3 had the highest mortality (14.4%). Weighted GRS did not differ significantly between the clusters.

Conclusion

Patients in prevalent renal and ocular damage cluster had the highest AMS scores, while the cluster with frequent neuropsychiatric damage had the highest mortality.
Singapore chapter of rheumatologists' updated consensus statement on the eligibility for government subsidization of biologic and targeted therapy for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Chua Cheryl K. T. , Teng Gim Gee , Cheung Peter P. , Fong Warren Weng Seng , Leong Keng Hong , Leung Ying Ying , Lim Anita Y. N. , Lui Nai Lee , Manghani Mona , Santosa Amelia , Sriranganathan Melonie Kannamma , Suresh Ernest , Tan Teck Choon , Lahiri Manjari
Published: November 2019

Aim

There have been major advances in biologic treatment options for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) since the publication of the 2015 consensus recommendations by the Chapter of Rheumatologists, College of Physicians, Academy of Medicine, Singapore, for government‐assisted funding, thus warranting a revision of this guideline.

Methods

Recent trials and nine published guidelines on the use of biologic therapy for PsA were reviewed. Based on the synthesized evidence, a task force panel (TFP), consisting of 10 practicing rheumatologists in Singapore, rated the statements pertaining to the use of biologic therapy, using a modified Delphi approach. Consensus was obtained if >70% agreed on a statement.

Results

The TFP agreed on 10 recommendations pertaining to the initiation, choice and continuation of biologic therapy. A biologic is indicated in patients with PsA: (a) with at least three swollen and tender joints, digits or entheses; and (b) who have failed at least two conventional synthetic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug (csDMARD) strategies for a minimum of 3 months each. Any approved drug class including tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, interleukin‐17 inhibitors (IL‐17i), IL‐12/23i or targeted synthetic DMARDs may be considered as first‐line treatment, and continued only if a response is achieved by 6 months.

Conclusion

These recommendations developed through a formal consensus method may be useful to guide funding considerations for appropriate and equitable use of biologic therapy for eligible patients with PsA.
Peripheral neuropathies in rheumatic diseases: More diverse and frequent than expected. A cross‐sectional study
Authors: López‐López Carlos Omar , Montes Castillo Maria de la Luz , Soto‐Fajardo Rosa Carina , Sandoval‐García León Felipe , Loyola‐Sánchez Adalberto , Burgos‐Vargas Rubén , Peláez‐Ballestas Ingris , Álvarez Hernández Everardo , Vázquez‐Mellado Janitzia
Published: November 2019

Background/objective

Peripheral neuropathies (PN) are heterogeneous nerve disorders; frequently rheumatic patients have neuropathic symptoms. In some rheumatic diseases (RD) PN are secondary to nerve compression while others are related to metabolic abnormalities, inflammation or vasculitis. Our aim was to explore the frequency of neuropathic symptoms with three neuropathy questionnaires (NQ) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) in RD.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study in patients with any RD attending for the first time to a rheumatology outpatient clinic. We included all patients who accepted to participate and who answered three NQ and received a physical evaluation. Twenty patients were randomly selected to perform NCS and 10 healthy subjects were included as controls. The topographic diagnoses were: mononeuropathy, multiplex mononeuropathy, and/or polyneuropathy. Statistical analysis: descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard deviation, interquartile range and frequency, odds ratios and Pearson correlation test).

Results

One hundred patients and 10 healthy subjects were included. Sixty‐nine were female, mean age 40.6 ± 15.7 years. Rheumatic diagnoses were: systemic lupus erythematosus (26%), rheumatoid arthritis (16%), gout (14%), and osteoarthritis (11%). Fifty‐two patients had neuropathic signs during physical examination and 67% had positive questionnaires with variable scores among several RD. Abnormal NCS was reported in 14 patients (70%): 6 (42.8%) median nerve mononeuropathies, 4 (28.5%) multiplex mononeuropathies and 4 (28.5%) polyneuropathies. None of the healthy subjects had neuropathy (NQ, physical evaluation, or NCS). Risk of being NCS positive is higher when the patients were NQ positive.

Conclusion

PN has variable distribution and high frequency in patients with RD; NQ+ increases the risk of presenting NCS+ for PN.
MiR‐563 restrains cell proliferation via targeting LIN28B in human lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Xuefei , Li Mo , Sun Ge , Bai Yu , Lv Desheng , Liu Changhong
Published: November 2019

Background

Previous investigations have revealed that miR‐563 is associated with a number of diseases including the ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, Parkinson's disease or drug resistance to leukemia. Yet, the role of miR‐563 and its molecular mechanism in the initiation and progression of cancers has not been previously explored. In this study, we aimed to provide clues to the function of miR‐563 and its direct target in lung cancer.

Methods

Online informatics software was applied to predict the target genes of miR‐563. MiR‐563 targeting LIN28B was evaluated through the luciferase reporter gene analysis. The effect of miR‐563 on LIN28B at the level of RNA and protein was detected using RT‐PCR and immunoblotting. The ability of proliferation of human lung cancer A549 was examined by MTT assay. RNA interference targeting LIN28B was examined through immunoblotting. The level of miR‐563 and LIN28B and their correlation were analyzed in 27 cases of lung tumor tissues by real‐time PCR.

Results

Oncogenic LIN28B was identified as one of the target genes of miR‐563 in lung cancer cells. MiR‐563 dose‐dependently decreased the LIN28B RNA level and subsequently its protein level in the cells. Cell proliferation was suppressed by ectopic miR‐563 expression and was accelerated after endogenous miR‐563 was knocked down by its inhibitor. However, silence in LIN28B reversed promotion of cell proliferation by the inhibition of miR‐563. In lung cancer tissues, miR‐563 was decreased and negative correlation of miR‐563 and LIN28B was shown.

Conclusion

MiR‐563 plays a tumor suppressive role in lung cancer progression via targeting oncogenic LIN28B.
First contribution of the excavation and chronostratigraphic study of the Ruways 1 Neolithic shell midden (Oman) in terms of Neolithisation, palaeoeconomy, social‐environmental interactions and site formation processes
Authors: Berger J. F. , Guilbert‐Berger R. , Marrast A. , Munoz O. , Guy H. , Barra A. , López‐Sáez J. A. , Pérez‐Díaz S. , Mashkour M. , Debue K. , Lefèvre C. , Gosselin M. , Mougne C. , Bruniaux G. , Thorin S. , Nisbet R. , Oberlin C. , Mercier N. , Richard M. , Depreux B. , Perret F. , Béarez P.
Published: November 2019

The NeoArabia project tries to understand how environmental, social, economic and technological factors work in concert to influence settlement and abandonment along a latitudinal transect of 1200 km from UAE to southern Oman. This region was affected by wide north–south variations in the Indo‐Arabian monsoon, marine upwelling activity and eustatic variations in the Mid‐Holocene. On the local settlement scale, this transect is based on fine stratigraphic excavations and permits the reconstruction of the site formation processes and site catchment analysis. A large number of studies have been conducted on the Ruways‐1 site, focusing on a deep stratified sequence corresponding to three millennia of occupation. These studies include on‐site climate‐environmental signal analysis, local palaeogeography and environmental reconstruction, reservoir effect studies, typo‐technological studies, palaeoeconomic strategies, anthropological studies, sclerochronological studies and, finally, site formation processes, the understanding of which makes it possible to explain the potential and limits of the archaeological excavation. The first results confirm the richness of these archaeological archives for documenting the socio‐environmental dynamics, but also the richness of its complex sedimentary structure and the importance of conducting fine and multidisciplinary excavations to answer questions about the rhythms and functions of occupations and the causalities of socio‐environmental changes.
A cohort of transperineal electromagnetically tracked magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasonography fusion‐guided biopsy: assessing the impact of inter‐reader variability on cancer detection
Authors: Wajswol Ethan , Winoker Jared S. , Anastos Harry , Falagario Ugo , Okhawere Kennedy , Martini Alberto , Treacy Patrick‐Julien , Voutsinas Nicholas , Knauer Cynthia J , Sfakianos John P. , Lewis Sara C. , Taouli Bachir A. , Rastinehad Ardeshir R.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To evaluate the ability to detect clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) using a novel electromagnetically (EM) tracked transperineal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ultrasonography (US) fusion‐guided targeted biopsy (transperineal TBx) platform and the impact of inter‐reader variability on cancer detection.

Materials and Methods

A total of 176 patients with suspicious lesions detected on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) underwent a systematic modified Barzel template biopsy (12‐core) transperineal biopsy (transperineal SBx) and transperineal TBx with EM tracking (UroNav; Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands) in the same setting. Cancer detection rates (CDRs) were stratified by Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) v2 scores and compared with Fisher’s exact test. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), PSA density (PSAD), PI‐RADS score, and subgroup analysis of individual readers' PI‐RADS scores with respect to overall CDR and clinically significant CDR.

Results

The overall CDR was 76.7% (135/176), of which 76.3% (103/135) was clinically significant PCa. Among the 135 patients with PCa, transperineal TBx detected 90.4% of cases (122/135), either alone or in combination with transperineal SBx. The remaining 9.6% of cases (13/135) missed by transperineal TBx were diagnosed by transperineal SBx alone, of which three were clinically significant. Conversely, transperineal SBx missed 14% of cases (19/135), 14 of which were clinically significant PCa. Sensitivities for transperineal TBx and transperineal SBx were 90.4% and 85.9%, respectively. On a per‐lesion basis, PI‐RADS score (AUC 0.74) outperformed both PSA (AUC 0.59) and PSAD (AUC 0.63) in discriminating clinically significant from non‐clinically significant PCa on transperineal TBx. Although not formally statistically tested, AUCs amongst different mpMRI readers appeared to display considerable variability. There were no adverse events, including sepsis.

Conclusions

Electromagnetically tracked transperineal TBx of MRI‐visible lesions enhanced the ability of transperineal SBx to detect PCa, with greater sensitivity for clinically significant disease. These findings suggest transperineal TBx is a safe, alternative fusion platform for patients with a suspicious lesion on prostate MRI. The assessment of inter‐reader variability, in conjunction with prediction of clinically significant PCa and CDR, is an important first step for quality control in implementing an MRI‐based screening programme.
Identification of novel variants in the FZD4 gene associated with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy in Chinese families
Authors: Xu Huijuan , Zhang Shanshan , Huang Lulin , Zhao Peiquan , Zhang Xiang , Yang Zhenglin , Zhang Lin
Published: November 2019

Background

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR, OMIM 133780) is a severe hereditary retinal disease characterized by incomplete retinal vascular development and pathological neovascularization. It has been reported that variants in nine genes are associated with FEVR, but they can only explain approximately 50% of FEVR patients, suggesting that other FEVR‐associated variants or genes remain to be discovered.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was carried out to analyse genomic DNA samples from the probands of 68 families with FEVR. Sanger sequencing was used to verify all identified variants. Western blot analysis was utilized to detect the expression of the variant mutant proteins. A luciferase assay was conducted to test the receptor activity of the mutant FZD4 proteins in Norrin‐β‐catenin signaling.

Results

Seven heterozygous FZD4 variants were found to cause FEVR in seven families, including six missense variants and one deletion variant: c.182C>T (p.T61I), c.205C>T (p.H69Y), c.217_234del (p.73T_78Qdel), c.264C>A (p.Y88X), c.344G>T (p.G115V), c.678G>A (p.W226X) and c.1310T>C (p.I437T). Among these variants, c.205C>T (p.H69Y) and c.678G>A (p.W226X) are known FEVR‐causing variants, while the other five variants are novel pathogenic variants.

Conclusion

Our study revealed the cause of FEVR in seven Chinese families and identified five novel pathogenic variants in FZD4, which expanded the mutation spectrum of FEVR in the Chinese population. These findings also provided further support for using WES in the clinical diagnosis of FEVR.
Clinical impact of Epstein‐Barr virus status on the incidence of lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer
Authors: Osumi Hiroki , Kawachi Hiroshi , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Fujisaki Junko
Published: November 2019

Epstein‐Barr virus‐positive gastric cancer (EBVGC) comprises approximately 9% of all gastric cancers and is associated with a low prevalence of lymph node metastasis (LNM). Given that limited data concerning LNM in EBV‐related early GC are available, EBV status is not considered an indicator for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). In this review, we focused on pT1 EBVGC and on gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma (GCLS), and discuss expanded ESD indications and curative resection criteria. In pT1b EBVGC, the incidence of LNM was low (6/180 patients, 3.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–7.1), especially in lymphovascular invasion‐negative EBVGC (1/109 patients, 0.9%). No patients with pT1a EBVGC had LNM (0/38 patients, 0%; 95% CI 0–7.6), even those who did not meet the current curative ESD criteria. Although the frequency of LNM in GCLS was low (5.0–10.6%), the incidence of LNM in non‐EBV GCLS was relatively high (10.0–20.0%); therefore, EBV status can be considered a more important factor than GCLS. In summary, the clinicopathological characteristics of EBVGC differ from those of conventional GC, and EBV negativity is a risk factor for LNM in early GC. Therefore, patients in this group are likely to be promising candidates for ESD, and we recommend that EBV status evaluation be included in early GC treatment guidelines.
Management of apnea in infants with trisomy 18
Authors: Taira Ryoji , Inoue Hirosuke , Sawano Toru , Fujiyoshi Junko , Ichimiya Yuko , Torio Michiko , Sanefuji Masafumi , Ochiai Masayuki , Sakai Yasunari , Ohga Shouichi
Published: November 2019

This case series aimed to characterize the clinical features, management, and outcomes of apnea in infants with trisomy 18. Participants in this study were infants with trisomy 18 who were born alive and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Kyushu University Hospital from 2000 to 2018. Retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data recorded in our department. Twenty‐seven infants with trisomy 18 were admitted to our hospital during the study period, of which 25 (nine males, 16 females) were enrolled as eligible participants in this study. Among them, 14 started presenting with apnea from median 3.5 days of age (range 0–47d). In these infants with apnea, eight received respiratory support of positive pressure ventilation (PPV). The 1‐year survival rate of infants in the PPV group was higher than that of non‐PPV‐supported infants (5 out of 8 vs 0 out of 6 infants). Five PPV‐supported infants received a diagnosis of epilepsy, which was controlled by antiepileptic drugs. Postnatal respiratory intervention provides better prognosis in infants with trisomy 18. Improved survival leads to accurate diagnosis and treatment of apneic events in association with epilepsy.

What this paper adds

Respiratory support is effective against apnea in infants with trisomy 18.

Intervention with ventilation provides a higher chance of prolonged survival.

Improved survival leads to the accurate diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy‐associated apnea.
The Effect on Annuities Preference of Prompts to Consider Life Expectancy: Evidence from a UK Quota Sample
Authors: Robinson Jenny , Comerford David A.
Published: November 2019

State‐run pensions advice websites in the UK and the USA recommend considering how long the pension needs to last and offer a life expectancy calculator for this purpose. Theories make conflicting predictions regarding the effect on annuities preference of following this recommendation. We asked a quota sample of over 2000 UK residents to choose between an annuity or cashing out their pension. Whereas a control group made this choice without any prompt, three treatment groups were asked prior to choice how long their retirement would last, or what age they would live to, or what age they would die by. Asking about life expectancy reduced preference for annuities relative to the control condition. This research suggests that the reference to life expectancy on the UK's pension advice website exacerbates underannuitization.
Experience with mouthguards and prevalence of orofacial injuries among field hockey players in Catalonia
Authors: Zamora‐Olave Carla , Willaert Eva , Parera Lluis , Riera‐Puñet Nina , Martinez‐Gomis Jordi
Published: November 2019

Background/Aim

Orofacial injuries are a serious problem in field hockey. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of orofacial injuries in field hockey players in Catalonia, the frequency of mouthguard use, the types of mouthguards used and the degree of interference with oral function.

Material and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 325 field hockey players (28% women) from all age categories completed a questionnaire about orofacial injuries occurring during their sporting lives, including dental injuries, oral lacerations and episodes of acute temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain. The questionnaire also asked about the experience of using a mouthguard, the type of mouthguard used and any adverse effects of use. The degree of interference with oral function was compared by type of mouthguard (mouth‐formed, custom‐made and pre‐fabricated mouthguards) using the Kruskal‐Wallis test.

Results

Half of the players (50.2%) reported at least one orofacial injury during their sporting lives. The mean number of oral lacerations, TMD pain episodes and dental injuries were 1.59, 0.24 and 0.18, respectively. In total, 310 players (95.7%) had tried a mouthguard, and of these 269 (86.8%) and 283 (91.3%) still used a mouthguard habitually during training and competition, respectively. Only 11 players (3.5%) had tried all three types of mouthguards, and 71 players (22.9%) had tried two types of mouthguard. By type, 217 players (70.0%) had tried mouth‐formed (boil‐and‐bite) mouthguards, 156 (50.3%) had tried custom‐made mouthguards and 30 (9.7%) had tried pre‐fabricated mouthguards. Custom‐made mouthguards were rated as more comfortable than the mouth‐formed type (P < .05).

Conclusions

The prevalence of orofacial injuries among field hockey players is relatively high. Most players habitually use a mouthguard during training and competition, typically preferring custom‐made or a mouth‐formed types. Custom‐made mouthguards were considered the most comfortable.
Developing oral health risk assessment as routine practice during early stages of clinical careers: A cross‐sectional study of dental students using the NoMAD questionnaire
Authors: Cook Clare , Finch Tracy , Sharma Samridh , Girling Melissa , Rapley Tim , Vernazza Christopher R.
Published: November 2019

Background

Effective implementation of healthcare initiatives is of key importance for ensuring high‐quality clinical and health outcomes. Using Normalization Process Theory, this study investigates the implementation behaviour of dental students in relation to a novel oral health risk assessment tool. It considers the impact of advancing learning on normalisation of innovative healthcare practice.

Methods

Students completed the NoMAD (normalisation of complex interventions‐measure development) questionnaire and an additional scale to assess perceived value of the oral health risk assessment tool, after having used the tool for nearly one academic year. The sample comprised third‐ (n = 75), fourth‐ (n = 77) and fifth‐year (n = 37) students. Differences between groups in relation to the four generative processes of normalisation were analysed using ANOVA. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated between groups. Multiple linear regression was undertaken to investigate the impact of normalisation level on value/utility judgements.

Results

There were significant group differences for three of the four generative processes of normalisation (coherence, cognitive participation and reflexive monitoring). Third‐ and fourth‐year students were highly similar but these groups showed lower normalisation compared to fifth years. Normalisation assessment predicted perceived value and utility of the oral health risk assessment tool.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that dental students show lower normalisation of novel tools at earlier stages in their course, possibly due to increased cognitive load, and that perceived value and utility of a novel tool is related to increased normalisation.
Decision time modulates social foraging success in wild common ravens, Corvus corax
Authors: Gallego‐Abenza Mario , Loretto Matthias‐Claudio , Bugnyar Thomas
Published: November 2019

Social foraging provides several benefits for individuals but also bears the potential costs of higher competition. In some species, such competition arises through kleptoparasitism, that is when an animal takes food which was caught or collected by a member of its social group. Except in the context of caching, few studies have investigated how individuals avoid kleptoparasitism, which could be based on physical strength/dominance but also cognitive skills. Here, we investigated the foraging success of wild common ravens, Corvus corax, experiencing high levels of kleptoparasitism from conspecifics when snatching food from the daily feedings of captive wild boars in a game park in the Austrian Alps. Success in keeping the food depended mainly on the individuals’ age class and was positively correlated with the time to make a decision in whether to fly off with food or consume it on site. While the effect of age class suggests that dominant and/or experienced individuals are better in avoiding kleptoparasitism, the effect of decision time indicates that individuals benefit from applying cognition to such decision‐making, independently of age class. We discuss our findings in the context of the ecological and social intelligence hypotheses referring to the development of cognitive abilities. We conclude that investigating which factors underline kleptoparasitism avoidance is a promising scenario to test specific predictions derived from these hypotheses.
Grain yield responses to planting density in twin and narrow row cultivation of early cultivars in maize
Authors: Liang Song , Yoshihira Taiki , Sato Chihiro
Published: November 2019

We investigated how the responses of grain yield of maize to planting density depended on planting pattern (twin row, TR; narrow row, NR; narrow twin row, NTR; compared with conventional row (CR) cultivation) over 2 years using cultivars with relative maturity of 93 days. Grain yields were higher in order of NTR ≥ TR ≥ NR ≥ CR in all planting densities. Changes in grain yield and total dry matter yield with planting density followed significant negative quadratic regression curves in all planting patterns, increased with dense planting from 9.7 to 10.4 planting density and decreased thereafter. Changes in number of grains per ear and hundred grain weight with planting density followed significant negative linear regression in all planting pattern, and number of grain per ear, hundred grain weight and harvest index decreased with dense planting. The quadratic coefficient of the quadratic regression model, which indicates the changeability of the planting density response of grain yield, was lowest for NTR, followed by TR, NR and CR. The decline in number of grains per ear in response to increasing planting density for different planting patterns was NTR ≤ TR ≤ NR ≤ CR. The planting density response of total dry matter yield closely follows that of the grain yield in all planting pattern. But decrease in harvest index due to increased planting density for different planting patterns was lowest for NTR, followed by TR, NR and CR. Considering the relationship of grain yield to their related traits, the improved stability of grain yield for the specific planting patterns from the fact that the decline in number of grains per ear for different planting patterns is NTR < TR ≤ NR < CR. The specific planting patterns moderate the decline in harvest index and number of grains per ear with increasing planting density by enabling the maintenance of greater inter‐individual distance a given planting density.
Transcriptional regulation of heat shock protein 70 genes by class I histone deacetylases in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Chen M. , Zhang N. , Jiang H. , Meng X. , Qiang K. , Wang J.
Published: November 2019

The regulatory function of histone acetylation in the expression of genes encoding heat shock proteins (Hsps) has been documented in Drosophila melanogaster; however, knowledge of the role of acetylation in modulating Hsps in other insect pests is limited. In this study, two full‐length cDNAs encoding inducible Hsp70 (designated TcHsp70) and heat shock cognate 70 (TcHsc70) were isolated and characterized in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. TcHsp70 and TcHsc70 cDNAs were 2256 and 2132 bp and encoded 1941‐ and 1893‐bp open reading frames, respectively. The deduced TcHsp70 and TcHsc70 proteins contained 646 and 630 amino acids, respectively, and contained sequences typical of the Hsp70 family, including the EEVD motif for cytoplasmic localization. Expression patterns after heat shock indicated that TcHsp70 was strongly heat‐inducible, whereas the expression level of TcHsc70 remained unchanged under heat shock. RNA interference‐mediated knock‐down of three genes encoding class I histone deacetylases differentially influenced both basal and heat shock inducible expression of TcHsp70 and TcHsc70, suggesting the involvement of histone acetylation in epigenetic regulation of Hsp70 transcription in T. castaneum.
Development of ICNP‐based inpatient falls prevention catalogue
Authors: Cho I. , Kim J. , Chae J.S. , Jung M. , Kim Y.H.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The International Council of Nurses supports the development of International Classification for Nursing Practice® (ICNP®) catalogues to support the construction of electronic health records and evidence‐based practice. Such a catalogue is needed for inpatient falls.

Methods

The ICNP®‐Based Inpatient Fall‐Prevention Catalogue (‘The Catalogue’) was developed following the six steps recommended by the International Council of Nurses: (1) identifying inpatient falls as a priority, (2) gathering relevant concepts from 10 international guidelines and comparing locally defined sets of fall‐prevention terms, (3) mapping the concepts to the ICNP® terminology, (4) identifying new concepts, (5) conducting a clinical face validation with a 12‐member panel and finalizing The Catalogue and (6) setting a strategy for dissemination. The high‐level structure of the International Classification for Patient Safety was used as a theoretical framework.

Results

Eighteen nursing care elements and 141 terms were identified. A local vocabulary set had 89 terms (63.1%) that all corresponded to the identified terms. The exact and post‐coordination mapping rates to the ICNP® were 75% and 40.6% for assessment/diagnosis/outcomes and interventions, respectively. The 54 new terms corresponded to 52 primitive concepts. An external review of The Catalogue showed that it had adequate understandability and validity. However, one‐third of assessments/diagnoses/outcomes and one‐fourth of interventions were not found in a tertiary hospital practice.

Conclusion

A fall‐prevention catalogue has been developed based on evidence and a theoretical framework and also clinically validated.

Implication for Nursing and Health Policy

The Catalogue is a standardized interface terminology and content subset in any electronic health records system that can directly deliver evidence on fall prevention. It can also be used as an informatics tool to aggregate, analyse, interpret and compare nursing data worldwide.
The Contribution of Staffing to Medication Administration Errors: A Text Mining Analysis of Incident Report Data
Authors: Härkänen Marja , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Murrells Trevor , Paananen Jussi , Franklin Bryony D. , Rafferty Anne M.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

(a) To describe trigger terms that can be used to identify reports of inadequate staffing contributing to medication administration errors, (b) to identify such reports, (c) to compare the degree of harm within incidents with and without those triggers, and (d) to examine the association between the most commonly reported inadequate staffing trigger terms and the incidence of omission errors and “no harm” terms.

Design and Setting

This was a retrospective study using descriptive statistical analysis, text mining, and manual analysis of free text descriptions of medication administration–related incident reports (N = 72,390) reported to the National Reporting and Learning System for England and Wales in 2016.

Methods

Analysis included identifying terms indicating inadequate staffing (manual analysis), followed by text parsing, filtering, and concept linking (SAS Text Miner tool). IBM SPSS was used to describe the data, compare degree of harm for incidents with and without triggers, and to compare incidence of “omission errors” and “no harm” among the inadequate staffing trigger terms.

Findings

The most effective trigger terms for identifying inadequate staffing were “short staffing” (n = 81), “workload” (n = 80), and “extremely busy” (n = 51). There was significant variation in omission errors across inadequate staffing trigger terms (Fisher’s exact test = 44.11, p < .001), with those related to “workload” most likely to accompany a report of an omission, followed by terms that mention “staffing” and being “busy.” Prevalence of “no harm” did not vary statistically between the trigger terms (Fisher’s exact test = 11.45, p = 0.49), but the triggers “workload,” “staffing level,” “busy night,” and “busy unit” identified incidents with lower levels of “no harm” than for incidents overall.

Conclusions

Inadequate staffing levels, workload, and working in haste may increase the risk for omissions and other types of error, as well as for patient harm.

Clinical Relevance

This work lays the groundwork for creating automated text‐analytical systems that could analyze incident reports in real time and flag or monitor staffing levels and related medication administration errors.
Annona squamosa L. leaves inhibit alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) stimulated melanogenesis via p38 signaling pathway in B16F10 melanoma cells
Authors: Ko Gyeong‐A , Kang Hye Rim , Moon Jeong Yong , Ediriweera Meran Keshawa , Eum Sangmi , Bach Tran The , Cho Somi Kim
Published: November 2019

Background

Annona squamosa L. is a branched shrub, which is believed to be originated from the America and West Indies. Fruits of this plant are commonly known as custard apple, sugar apple, or sweetsops. A number of studies have proven a range of biological activities associated with various parts of A. squamosa.

Aims

The main aim of the present investigation was to evaluate potential inhibitory effects of A. squamosa leaf extract (ALE) on melanogenesis and its underlying mechanisms in B16F10 murine melanoma cells.

Methods

Inhibitory effects of A. squamosa leaf extract (ALE) on melanogenesis were primarily assessed by determining melanin contents. Effects of ALE on tyrosinase activity and the expression of proteins associated with melanogenesis were then determined. GC–MS analysis was carried out to identify the phytochemical profile of A. squamosa leaf extract.

Results

Antimelanogenic effects of ALE were found to exert through the inhibition of melanocyte inducing transcription factor (MITF) and activation of p38. GC‐MS analysis identified ent‐kaur‐16‐en‐19‐ol, 18‐oxokauran‐17‐yl acetate, and β‐sitosterol as major phytochemicals.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study on the antimelanogenic effects of A. squamosa leaves, rationalizing the use A. squamosa leaf extract as a natural depigmentation agent for the treatment of skin diseases and the development of cosmetic products with enhanced skin‐lightening capabilities.
Understanding and treating different patient archetypes in aesthetic medicine
Authors: Liew Steven , Silberberg Michael , Chantrey Jonquille
Published: November 2019

Background

Factors that motivate the treatment goals and expectations of the aesthetic patient reflect evolving social, cultural, and commercial influences. The aesthetic practitioner may often be faced with the challenge of first decoding the underlying motives that drive the patient to pursue their specific goals. The challenge for clinicians is further compounded by an increase in patient diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, age, and gender.

Aims

Simplify the path to patient interpretation with identification of primary patient archetypes.

Methods

The “Going Beyond Beauty” (GBB) initiative, consisting of 27 market research projects, was conducted to survey the primary goals and motives for seeking treatment aesthetic treatment. The results were stratified into predominant patient archetypes using segmentation analysis and then validated through online surveys, 1‐to‐1 interviews, and focus groups conducted with patients. An advisory board of internationally based aesthetic clinicians integrated the data with their own insights to further characterize each archetype.

Results

Data from over 54 000 participants in 17 different countries were distilled into four distinct patient archetypes based on motivating factors, aesthetic goals, initial treatment requests, and treatment opportunities and challenges. These archetypes were named Beautification, Positive Aging, Transformation, and Correction.

Conclusion

The clinician's ability to recognize these four primary archetypes may provide a useful frame of reference to understand patient motives better, anticipate and manage their expectations, and provide the appropriate treatment guidance that best serves the long‐term goals of their patients.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease: Clinical and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow SPECT Outcomes
Authors: Song In‐Uk , Na Seung‐Hee , Im Jooyeon Jamie , Jeong Hyeonseok , Chung Sung‐Woo , Chung Yong‐An
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Over the course of treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD), the clinical effects of dopaminergic medication diminish and side effects emerge. Therefore, searching for new therapeutic alternatives or complementary treatments is required. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could potentially complement the current therapeutic armamentarium, but only a few studies have investigated the therapeutic effects of tDCS in PD. The present pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of repeated tDCS treatment on motor symptoms and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in patients with PD using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

METHODS

Four patients with PD received tDCS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex two times per week (anode F3/cathode F4, 2 mA for 30 minutes) over a period of 12 months. Patients underwent brain SPECT scans and clinical motor evaluation at baseline and 12‐month follow‐up. For SPECT data, voxel‐wise changes in rCBF were analyzed.

RESULTS

There was no significant change of the motor severity scale, but the follow‐up SPECT showed significant hyperperfusion in the left superior frontal gyrus medial segment and left superior parietal lobule compared to baseline (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that tDCS application may improve rCBF in the frontal and parietal lobes in patients with PD, suggesting beneficial effects of tDCS on brain function. Our results are preliminary and further large‐scale studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Dietary fatty acid oxidation is decreased in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A palmitate breath test study
Authors: Naguib Gihan , Morris Nevitt , Yang Shanna , Fryzek Nancy , Haynes‐Williams Vanessa , Huang Wen‐Chun A. , Norman‐Wheeler Jaha , Rotman Yaron
Published: November 2019

Background & Aim

Hepatic fat excess in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) reflects an imbalance between fat accumulation and disposal. Conflicting data exist for the role of fatty acid oxidation (FAO), one of the disposal pathways, and have mostly come from the studies delivering fatty acids (FAs) intravenously. Whether FAO of orally provided FAs is affected in NAFLD is unknown.

Methods

We performed a breath test study to measure FAO in subjects with NAFLD and healthy controls. Subjects ingested [1‐13C] palmitic acid (PA, 10 mg/kg) in a liquid meal and the rate of 13CO2 appearance in expired air was measured over 6 hours by a BreathID device (Exalenz) to obtain the cumulative percent dose recovered (CPDR), the total amount of ingested 13C recovered. CPDR was corrected by the results of a [1‐13C] acetate breath test, performed 1‐4 weeks later, to calculate the rate of PA β‐oxidation.

Results

Palmitic acid oxidation was 27% lower in 43 subjects with NAFLD compared to 11 controls (CPDR 9.5 ± 2.4% vs 13.1 ± 3.7%, P = .0001) and this persisted after correcting for acetate (29.3 ± 10.5 vs 36.6 ± 13.9, P = .03). The decrease in FAO was not because of the delayed transit as the time to peak 13C detection did not differ between groups (4.9 ± 1.2 hours vs 4.7 ± 0.8 hours, P = .7). Rates of PA oxidation were not correlated with obesity, hepatic or adipose insulin resistance, alanine aminotransferase, liver fat content and NAFLD histology.

Conclusion

Fatty acid oxidation of orally delivered FA is decreased in NAFLD compared to healthy controls, likely reflecting decreased β‐oxidation. The use of a breath test offers non‐invasive dynamic assessment of FAO.