bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
English vocabulary learning through recommender system based on sentence complexity and vocabulary difficulty
Authors: Okhdar Mahboub , Ghaffari Ali
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Based on consideration of learner needs for expanding vocabulary and the complexity of educational content, this paper introduces a model aimed at facilitating English vocabulary learning.

Design/methodology/approach

By measuring a set of effective variables regarding simplicity of English sentences, a ranking algorithm is presented in the proposed model. According to this ranking, the simplest sentence in the recommender system (RS) is selected and recommended to the user. Furthermore, Pearson correlation coefficient was used for checking the degree of correlation among the respective parameters on sentence simplicity. For evaluating the efficiency of the recommended algorithm, a prototype was designed by programming using Embarcadero Delphi XE2.

Findings

The results of the study indicated that the correlation among the parameters of word frequency, sentence length and average dependency distance were 0.723, 0.683 and 0.589, respectively. The computed final score is considered to be more accurate.

Practical implications

The application of RS in language learning and education sheds light on the theoretical validity of system thinking by highlighting its key features: its multidisciplinary nature, complexity, dynamicity and the interdependence and relation of micro and macro levels in a system.

Social implications

The proposed method has significant pedagogical implications; it can be used by second language teachers and learners for checking the degree of complexity/learnability of discourse and text.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an alternate model with a significantly higher speed for computing final sentence score.
“Well it is for their sake we are here”: meaningful work tasks from care workers’ view
Authors: Vidman Åsa , Strömberg Annika
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Employees in elderly care have a high rate of sick leave. One explanation is that employees that experience a low level of meaning of work are at a higher risk for long-term sick leave. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative interview study aims to examine what employees in residential care facilities experience as the meaningful aspects of their work tasks. Interviews with 14 persons employed in residential care facilities were conducted.

Findings

The findings show that meaningful work tasks are about organizing the work to make use of the creativity and knowledge of the staff in order to support relations with older people.

Originality/value

The knowledge about what constitutes a healthy work environment is not as comprehensive as it is about what constitutes health risks. Furthermore, these issues have been considered by only a few qualitative studies about social care in the field of sick leave. Therefore, this qualitative interview study examines what employees in residential care facilities experience as meaningful aspects of their work tasks.
Peptides Derived from Foods as Supportive Diet Components in the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Iwaniak Anna , Darewicz Małgorzata , Minkiewicz Piotr
Published: November 2017

Metabolic syndrome (MSyn) includes physiological, biochemical, clinical, and metabolic abnormalities, leading to an increase in health problems like obesity, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, which contribute to an increase in mortality rate. One of the main factors having a key impact on our health is the food we consume. Thus, scientists work towards the discovery of novel bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential to address MSyn. According to scientific reports, peptides derived from food proteins exhibit bioactivities important for the prevention of MSyn diseases; that is, they regulate blood pressure and glycemia; reduce cholesterol level and body mass; and scavenge free radicals. The aim of this review is to study the potential role of peptides in the prevention of MSyn. Particularly peptides which exhibit the following activities: antihypertensive [angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition (EC 3.4.15.1)], antidiabetic [dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) (EC 3.4.14.5)/α‐glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.20)/α‐amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) inhibition)], cholesterol level reduction, antioxidative, and obesity prevention, were studied. If possible, special attention is paid in the review to the bioactivities of peptides that were measured in vivo. Some examples of peptides showing dual or multiple action against MSyn targets are presented. Moreover, using the database of bioactive peptide sequences (BIOPEP) we made a list of peptides serving simultaneous functions in counteracting MSyn dysfunctions. Such an approach may simplify the discovery of MSyn preventive peptides, as well as highlight some of them as potent bioactive ingredients that may be incorporated into foods. Moreover, the research strategy involving the in silico and in vitro/in vivo methodologies may be useful in the production of food protein hydrolysates supporting the treatment of MSyn dysfunctions.
Shelf‐Life of Boiled Salted Duck Meat Stored Under Normal and Modified Atmosphere
Authors: Zhai Yang , Huang Jichao , Khan Iftikhar Ali , Guo Yuchen , Huang Ming , Zhou Guanghong
Published: November 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties and changes in the microbial counts of boiled salted duck (BSD) meat packed under various conditions. BSD meat was stored under normal atmosphere (C) and two modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions: M1 (N2, 100%) and M2 (CO2/N2, 30%/70%) at 4 °C. Microbiological quality, pH, redness, lipid oxidation, headspace gas composition, and water activity of BSD meat were measured. The results showed that the time to reach the maximum acceptable total viable counts (TVC, 4.9 log CFU/g) was 12, 18, and 21 d in C, M1, and M2 samples, respectively. Significant difference in the redness values was observed in all treatments during storage. The redness value of C group was significantly lower than that in M1 and M2 groups at the end of storage. The thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) values under MAP were 0.24 to 0.26 mg MDA/kg meat at the end of storage, lower (P < 0.05) than that in C group (0.78 mg MDA/kg meat). The water activity in M2 group was the lowest among all 3 groups. The CO2 concentration in M2 decreased significantly during storage. Our study demonstrates that packaging with 30% CO2 and 70% N2 (M2) could extend the shelf‐life of BSD meat to 21 d during storage at 4 °C, suggesting that MAP can be a practical approach to extend the shelf‐life and maintain the quality of BSD products.

Practical Application

This study evaluated the application of MAP for a cooked duck product. Our results showed that MAP can be utilized to extend the shelf‐life. This technology may be used for preservation of other cooked meat products.
Towards a Kieselguhr‐ and PVPP‐Free Clarification and Stabilization Process of Rough Beer at Room‐Temperature Conditions
Authors: Cimini Alessio , Moresi Mauro
Published: November 2017

In this work, the main constraint (that is, beer chilling and chill haze removing) of the current beer conditioning techniques using Kieselguhr filtration and Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) treatment was overcome by developing a novel higher‐throughput conditioning process, operating at room temperatures with no use of filter aids. The effect of filtration temperature (TF) in the range of 0 to 40 °C on the hydraulic permeability of ceramic hollow‐fiber (HF) membranes with nominal pore size of 0.2 to 1.4 μm, as well as on their limiting permeation flux (J*) when feeding precentrifuged rough beer, was preliminarily assessed. When using the 1.4‐μm HF membrane operating at TF ≥ 20 °C, it was possible to enhance the average permeation flux at values (676 to 1844 L/m2/h), noticeably higher than those (250 to 500 L/m2/h) characteristics of conventional powder filtration. Despite its acceptable permanent haze, the resulting beer permeate still exhibited colloidal instability. By resorting to the commercial enzyme preparation Brewers Clarex® before beer clarification, it was possible to significantly improve its colloidal stability as measured using a number of European Brewing Convention forcing tests, especially with respect to that of precentrifuged rough beer by itself. By combining the above enzymatic treatment with membrane clarification at 30 °C across the ceramic 1.4‐μm HF membrane module, it was possible to limit the haze development due to chilling, sensitive proteins, and alcohol addition to as low as 0.78, 4.1, and 4.0 EBC‐U, respectively, the enzymatic treatment being by far more effective than that using PVPP.

Practical Application

A novel Kieselguhr‐ and PVPP‐free rough beer conditioning process at room temperatures was set up. By submitting precentrifuged rough beer to commercial preparation Brewers Clarex ® and then to membrane clarification at 30 °C across a ceramic 1.4‐μm hollow‐fiber membrane module, it was possible to obtain a clear and stable beer with a throughput (1306 ± 72 L/m2/h) by far higher than that (250 to 500 L/m2/h) characterizing the current powder filters. The haze development due to chilling, sensitive proteins, and alcohol adding was by far lower than that observed when microfiltering PVPP‐pretreated rough beer.
A comparison between McGrath MAC videolaryngoscopy and Macintosh laryngoscopy in children
Authors: Kim J. E. , Kwak H. J. , Jung W. S. , Chang M. Y. , Lee S. Y. , Kim J. Y.
Published: November 2017

Background

This prospective, randomised, controlled study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of the McGrath VL compared with Macintosh laryngoscopy in children with expected normal airway during endotracheal intubation, by comparing the time to intubation and difficulty of intubation.

Methods

Eighty‐four patients aged 1–10 years who underwent endotracheal intubation for elective surgery were randomly assigned to the McGrath group (n = 42) or the Macintosh group (n = 42). Anaesthesia was induced with 2.5–3.0 mg/kg of propofol and sevoflurane 5–8 vol%. Orotracheal intubation was performed 2 min after injection of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg with McGrath VL or Macintosh laryngoscope; the primary outcome was the time to intubation. The Cormack and Lehane glottic grade, intubation difficulty score (IDS), and success rate on intubation were assessed. Haemodynamic changes were also recorded.

Results

As the primary outcome, median time to intubation [interquartile range] did not differ between the McGrath group and the Macintosh group (25.0 [22.8–28.3] s vs. 26.0 [24.0–29.0] s, P = 0.301). The incidence of grade I glottic view was significantly higher in the McGrath group than in the Macintosh group (95% vs. 74%, P = 0.013). Median IDS was lower in the McGrath group than in the Macintosh group (0 [0–0] vs. 0 [0–1], P = 0.018). There were no significant differences in success rate on intubation or haemodynamics between the two groups.

Conclusions

McGrath VL provides better laryngeal views and lower IDS but similar intubation times and success rates compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope in children with normal airway.
Abdominal girth and dorso‐sacral distance can be used to estimate lumbosacral cerebral fluid volume
Authors: Zhou Q. H. , Shen C. , Chen G.
Published: November 2017

Background

Patients’ abdominal girth and vertebral column length are highly correlated with the spread of local anaesthetics after spinal anaesthesia. Lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid volume is the primary determinant for spinal spread. Thus, we attempted to verify the hypothesis that abdominal girth and dorso‐sacral distance are correlated with lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid volume.

Methods

Forty‐five healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study to measure lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid volume using magnetic resonance imaging. The age, height, weight, abdominal girth, dorso‐sacral distance and lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid volume of the volunteers were recorded. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyse the correlation between age, height, weight, abdominal girth, dorso‐sacral distance and lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid volume.

Results

Two volunteers were excluded because of lumbar disc herniation, leaving 43 volunteers for analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a strong correlation between abdominal girth, dorso‐sacral distance and lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid volume (both P < 0.01). The adjusted R2 was 0.644. Volunteers with small abdominal girth showed clear images of cerebrospinal fluid in the nerve root cuff at the intervertebral foramen in the three‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging reconstruction of lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid, while the images were vague in volunteers with large abdominal girth. Clearer images implied larger lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid volume, while vaguer images, smaller lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid volume.

Conclusions

Multiple regression analysis revealed that abdominal girth and dorso‐sacral distance were correlated with lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid volume. Smaller abdominal girths and larger dorso‐sacral distances predict larger lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid volume.
Advancing alcohol research and treatment: contentions and debates about treatment intensity, goals and outcomes in the 1970s and 1980s
Authors: Allsop Steve
Published: November 2017

Aims

This narrative exploration of alcohol treatment research focuses on key contentions and advances in alcohol treatment during the critical 1970s and 1980s.

Methods

Papers and books which signal some of the major debates and advances in alcohol treatment research were selected from the 1970s and 1980s. The selection process was based on significant debate during this period, and included those that influenced the field in general and this author in particular.

Results

This was a period where challenges to traditional models and concepts, and the perceived universal need for long‐term treatment, were accompanied by contention but also advances in research and treatment approaches. The debates and advances resonate today. These include the recognition that: intensive and long‐term treatment is not always required; for dependent drinkers, relapse is a common treatment outcome meriting specific treatment approaches to prevent and reduce this risk; controlled drinking is a treatment option, especially for younger and less dependent drinkers; and an important contributor to enduring change is access to, and realization of, improvements in the quality of life.

Conclusions

Pioneering research and publications in the 1970s and 1980s, sometimes conducted and produced in contentious contexts, influenced significantly conceptualizations of alcohol‐related problems, and laid the foundations for treatment hypotheses and research, improving access to a broader range of evidence‐based treatment. These underpinning works influenced the development of stepped‐up care from brief to intensive interventions, relapse prevention and treatment options not limited to abstinence, and they identified the need to include a stronger focus on quality of life.
Addiction research centres and the nurturing of creativity
Authors: Wilkinson Claire , Pennay Amy , MacLean Sarah , Livingston Michael , Room Robin , Hamilton Margaret , Laslett Anne‐Marie , Jiang Heng , Callinan Sarah , Waleewong Orratai
Published: November 2017

Established in 2006, the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research (CAPR) is Australia's only research centre with a primary focus on alcohol policy. CAPR has four main areas of research: alcohol policy impacts; alcohol policy formation and regulatory processes involved in implementing alcohol policies; patterns and trends in drinking and alcohol problems in the population; and the influence of drinking norms, cultural practices and social contexts, particularly in interaction with alcohol policies. In this paper, we give examples of key publications in each area. During the past decade, the number of staff employed at CAPR has increased steadily and now hovers at approximately 10. CAPR has supported the development of independent researchers who collaborate on a number of international projects, such as the Alcohol's Harm to Others study which is now replicated in approximately 30 countries. CAPR receives core funding from the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, and staff have been highly successful in securing additional competitive research funding. In 2016, CAPR moved to a new institutional setting at La Trobe University and celebrated 10 years of operation.
Thyroid hormone upregulates MDM2 in rat type I fibre: Implications for skeletal muscle mass regulation
Authors: Ramos G. V. , Cruz A. , Silva W. J. , Rozanski A. , Baptista I. L. , Silvestre J. G. , Moriscot A. S.
Published: November 2017

Aim

Based upon a microarray assay, we have identified that triiodothyronine (T3) upregulates MDM2 gene expression in the rat skeletal muscle. As MDM2 protein is an E3 ligase, we hypothesized that this enzyme could play a role in T3 effects on skeletal muscle mass control.

Methods

To test our hypothesis, male rats (2 months old) were randomly assigned into the following groups: intact controls, treated with 20 physiological doses of T3 for 0.5, 1 and 7 days, or with 5, 20 and 50 physiological doses of T3 for 7 days. For in vitro experiments, myotubes and C2C12 cells were treated with T3 for 3 days.

Results

After validation of the microarray finding throughout RT‐PCR and confirmation that T3 induces increases in MDM2 protein expression in a dose‐dependent manner, we observed that MDM2 was upregulated by T3 exclusively in fibre type I. Moreover, detailed histological evaluation showed that MDM2 overexpression distributes punctiformily along the cross section of the fibre and also inside nuclei. MDM2 colocalizes with PAX7 in control muscle and T3 downregulates this myogenic factor. Pharmacological inhibition of MDM2 in cultured myotubes caused a severe decrease in their diameter (~35%, P < .001 vs Control), enhancing the effect of T3 (from ~12% to ~35%, P < .001) alone upon myotube diameter and mRNA levels of atrogenes. Finally, we observed that FOXO3 (MDM2 target) is kept outside the nucleus under T3 stimulation.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that MDM2 might be involved in the pro‐trophic effects of T3 in skeletal muscle.
Expression levels of taste‐related genes in palate and tongue tip, and involvement of transient receptor potential subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5) in taste sense in chickens
Authors: Yoshida Yuta , Kawabata Fuminori , Kawabata Yuko , Nishimura Shotaro , Tabata Shoji
Published: November 2017

The elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the taste sense of chickens will contribute to improvements in poultry feeding, because the molecular mechanism of chickens’ taste sense defines the feeding behavior of chickens. Here we focused on the gene expressions in two different oral tissues of chickens – the palate, which contains many taste buds, and the tongue tip, which contains few taste buds. Using the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction method, we found that the molecular markers for taste buds of chickens, that is α‐gustducin and vimentin, were expressed significantly highly in the palate compared to the tongue tip. Our analyses also revealed that transient receptor potential subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5), a cation channel involved in taste transduction in mammals, was also highly expressed in the palate compared to the tongue tip. Our findings demonstrated that the expression patterns of these genes were significantly correlated. We showed that the aversion to bitter solution was alleviated by a TRPM5 inhibitor in behavior of chickens. Taken together, our findings enabled us to develop a simple method for screening taste‐related genes in chickens. The use of this method demonstrated that TRPM5 was involved in chickens’ taste transduction, and that a TRPM5 inhibitor can alleviate chickens’ bitter taste perception of feed ingredients.
Evaluation of modafinil as a perpetrator of metabolic drug–drug interactions using a model informed cocktail reaction phenotyping trial protocol
Authors: Rowland Angela , van Dyk Madelé , Warncken David , Mangoni Arduino A. , Sorich Michael J. , Rowland Andrew
Published: November 2017

Aim

To evaluate the capacity for modafinil to be a perpetrator of metabolic drug–drug interactions by altering cytochrome P450 activity following a single dose and dosing to steady state.

Methods

A single centre, open label, single sequence cocktail drug interaction trial. On days 0, 2 and 8 participants were administered an oral drug cocktail comprising 100 mg caffeine, 30 mg dextromethorphan, 25 mg losartan, 1 mg midazolam and 20 mg enteric‐coated omeprazole. Timed blood samples were collected prior to and for up to 6 h post cocktail dosing. Between days 2 and 8 participants orally self‐administered 200 mg modafinil each morning.

Results

Following a single 200 mg dose of modafinil mean (± 95% CI) AUC ratios for caffeine, dextromethorphan, losartan, midazolam and omeprazole were 0.95 (± 0.08), 1.01 (± 0.35), 0.97 (± 0.10), 0.98 (± 0.10) and 1.36 (± 0.06), respectively. Following dosing of modafinil to steady state (200 mg for 7 days), AUC ratios for caffeine, dextromethorphan, losartan, midazolam and omeprazole were 0.90 (± 0.16), 0.79 (± 0.09), 0.98 (± 0.11), 0.66 (± 0.12) and 1.90 (± 0.53), respectively.

Conclusions

These data support consideration of the risk of clinically relevant metabolic drug–drug interactions perpetrated by modafinil when this drug is co‐administered with drugs that are primarily cleared by CYP2C19 (single modafinil dose or steady state modafinil dosing) or CYP3A4 (steady state modafinil dosing only) catalysed metabolic pathways.
From “Learning disability to intellectual disability”—Perceptions of the increasing use of the term “intellectual disability” in learning disability policy, research and practice
Authors: Cluley Victoria
Published: November 2017

Accessible summary:

“Learning disability” replaced the outdated term, “mentally handicapped” in the UK over 20 years ago. Recently, some services and professionals have been using the term “intellectual disability” instead.

In America, “intellectual disability” has been chosen to replace the old term, “mental retardation.” There has been lots of explanation why this has happened.

In the UK, there has not been much explanation. It is important to know what terms mean and why they are being used because their use affects the lives of people with learning disabilities.

This article looks at what different people in the UK think about term “intellectual disability.”

Background

The term “intellectual disability” is increasingly used to refer to people with learning disabilities in British learning disability policy, practice and research. This change is undoubtedly a reflection of the changing international context. The inclusion of the term “intellectual disability” has been particularly pronounced in countries such as the USA. By contrast, this change has been relatively silent in England.

Methods

In light of this, the paper explores the discussions of 12 focus groups conducted with professional and lay groups working in or influencing learning disability research and practice in England. Each focus group was asked the following two questions: Have you heard of the term “intellectual disability” and how do you feel about the term “intellectual disability?.”

Discussion and Conclusion

Thematic analysis of the discussions identified four dominant themes: dislike and disbelief; ambiguity; tautology; and fear. It is concluded that more explanation is required in order for researchers and practitioners in England to understand this semantic change.
INEQUALITY AND AGGREGATE DEMAND IN THE IS‐LM AND IS‐MP MODELS
Authors: Calvert Jump Robert
Published: November 2017

This paper presents an extension to the textbook IS‐LM and IS‐MP models that allows the short run effects of an increase in household income inequality to be studied in a simple manner. The income distribution is assumed to be log‐normal, and the coefficient of variation of income is assumed to be exogenous. The latter is used as the measure of income inequality, and enters otherwise standard IS and LM curves in a straightforward manner. While the models are highly stylised, they can easily be extended to more complicated variants.
Effects of the antagomiRs 15b and 200b on the altered healing pattern of diabetic mice
Authors: Pizzino Gabriele , Irrera Natasha , Galfo Federica , Pallio Giovanni , Mannino Federica , D'amore Angelica , Pellegrino Enrica , Ieni Antonio , Russo Giuseppina T , Calapai Marco , Altavilla Domenica , Squadrito Francesco , Bitto Alessandra
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose

Diabetic patients with non‐healing ulcers have a reduced expression of VEGF. Genetically diabetic mice have an altered expression pattern of VEGF and its receptor, VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR‐2). In diabetic wounds, the microRNAs, miR15b and miR200b, which respectively inhibit VEGF and VEGF‐R2 mRNAs, are up‐regulated, further affecting the impaired angiogenesis. We investigated whether anti‐miRs directed toward miR15b and miR200b could improve wound repair in genetically diabetic mice.

Experimental Approach

Skin wounds were produced on the backs of female diabetic mice. The anti‐miRs (antimiR15b, antimiR200b or antimiR15b/200b) at 10 mg·kg−1, or vehicle were applied to the wound edge. Mice were killed on days 7, 14 and at time of complete wound closure. Levels of mRNA and protein of angiogenic mediators and their receptors were measured with RT‐qPCR and Western blotting. Wounds were examined by histological and immunochemical methods.

Key Results

mRNA expression of VEGF, VEGFR‐2, angiopoietin‐1 and its receptor TEK were evaluated after 7 and 14 days. Protein levels of VEGF and transglutaminase II were measured at day 7, while VEGFR‐2 and Angiopoietin‐1 were measured at day 14. Histological features and the time to achieve a complete wound closure were also examined. Treatment with the anti‐miRs improved the analysed parameters and the co‐treatment resulted the most effective.

Conclusion and Implications

The results suggest that the inhibition of miR15b and miR200b may have a potential application in diabetes‐related wound disorders.
Early Attachment Network with Mother and Father: An Unsettled Issue
Authors: Dagan Or , Sagi‐Schwartz Abraham
Published: November 2017

Infants’ patterns of attachment to their mothers and fathers influence important developmental outcomes. Studies suggest that infants form discordant attachment patterns to mothers and fathers, and stress the importance of assessing infants’ parental attachment relationships to evaluate their integrative effects on how they function later in life. However, such studies are few, based on small samples, and not well‐designed longitudinally. Moreover, mixed results on how infants’ attachment patterns to mothers and fathers affect important developmental outcomes have resulted in theoretical inconsistencies regarding the model that best describes the organization of multiple attachment relationships and their effect on later development. In this article, we review research on the unsettled issue of infants’ network of attachment to mothers and fathers, and propose explanatory models that can be tested empirically; the methods we suggest are more robust and innovative than those that have been used traditionally.
A retrospective evaluation of 128 socket‐shield cases in the esthetic zone and posterior sites: Partial extraction therapy with up to 4 years follow‐up
Authors: Gluckman Howard , Salama Maurice , Du Toit Jonathan
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Tooth loss results in an inevitable alveolar ridge reduction. This has established a cautionary approach to extract, wait, augment, and insert the implant, in lieu of immediate placement. However, saving the tooth or part of it whenever possible is more conservative and supports the vital periodontal tissue buccofacial to an implant. The purpose of this cases series was to report on implant survival using this technique in a large cohort of patients at mid‐term follow‐up.

Materials and Methods

A private practice patient database was searched for all patients having received socket‐shield treatment in conjunction with immediate implant placement. Of the results returned, 128 met the inclusion criteria of ≥12 months from date of restoration, or failing prior to definitive restoration. These patients were recalled for evaluation of the restored implants up to 4 years post‐treatment.

Results

Seventy immediate implants with socket‐shields were placed in female patients and 58 in males, age range 24‐71 (mean 39 years). The distribution of sites treated were: maxillary incisors (64%), premolars (22%), canines (14%); maxilla (89.9%), mandible (10.1%). 123/128 implants osseointegrated and survived 1‐4 years following restoration (survival rate 96.1%). A combined complication rate of 25/128 implants occurred (19.5%). Five implants failed to osseointegrate and were removed. The remaining 20 complications were all managed or observed without management, with implants surviving at mid‐term follow‐up.

Conclusions

Notwithstanding technique sensitivity and the need for randomized control studies, this case series demonstrates that the socket‐shield performs competitively when compared to implant survival rates in both conventional immediate and delayed implant placement.
Outcome measures in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: sensitivity to change, clinical meaningfulness, and implications for clinical trials
Authors: Domingos Joana , Muntoni Francesco
Published: November 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Schreiber et al. on pages 185–191 of this issue.
High‐density lipoprotein from end‐stage renal disease patients exhibits superior cardioprotection and increase in sphingosine‐1‐phosphate
Authors: Brinck Jonas W. , Thomas Aurélien , Brulhart‐Meynet Marie‐Claude , Lauer Estelle , Frej Cecilia , Dahlbäck Björn , Stenvinkel Peter , James Richard W. , Frias Miguel A.
Published: November 2017

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) exacerbates the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Modifications to blood lipid metabolism which manifest as increases in circulating triglycerides and reductions in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are thought to contribute to increased risk. In CKD patients, higher HDL cholesterol levels were not associated with reduced mortality risk. Recent research has revealed numerous mechanisms by which HDL could favourably influence CVD risk. In this study, we compared plasma levels of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), HDL‐associated S1P (HDL‐S1P) and HDL‐mediated protection against oxidative stress between CKD and control patients.

Methods

High‐density lipoprotein was individually isolated from 20 CKD patients and 20 controls. Plasma S1P, apolipoprotein M (apoM) concentrations, HDL‐S1P content and the capacity of HDL to protect cardiomyocytes against doxorubicin‐induced oxidative stress in vitro were measured.

Results

Chronic kidney disease patients showed a typical profile with significant reductions in plasma HDL cholesterol and albumin and an increase in triglycerides and pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐alpha and IL‐6). Unexpectedly, HDL‐S1P content (P = .001) and HDL cardioprotective capacity (P = .034) were increased significantly in CKD patients. Linear regression analysis of which factors could influence HDL‐S1P content showed an independent, negative and positive association with plasma albumin and apoM levels, respectively.

Discussion

The novel and unexpected observation in this study is that uremic HDL is more effective than control HDL for protecting cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress. It is explained by its higher S1P content which we previously demonstrated to be the determinant of HDL‐mediated cardioprotective capacity. Interestingly, lower concentrations of albumin in CKD are associated with higher HDL‐S1P.
NEW EVIDENCE ON NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION AS A SIGNAL OF TEACHER QUALITY
Authors: Horoi Irina , Bhai Moiz
Published: November 2017

Using longitudinal data from North Carolina that contains detailed identifiers, we estimate the effect of having a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) teacher on academic achievement. We identify the effects of an NBPTS teacher exploiting multiple sources of variation including traditional‐lagged achievement models, twin‐ and sibling‐fixed effects, and aggregate grade‐level variation. Our preferred estimates show that students taught by National Board certified teachers have higher math and reading scores by 0.04 and 0.01 of a standard deviation. We find that an NBPTS math teacher increases the present value of students' lifetime income by $48,000. (JEL I20, I21, J2444)
Biodiversity extinction thresholds are modulated by matrix type
Authors: Boesing Andrea Larissa , Nichols Elizabeth , Metzger Jean Paul
Published: November 2017

Biodiversity extinction thresholds are abrupt declines in biological diversity that occur with habitat loss, associated with a decline in habitat connectivity. Matrix quality should influence the location of thresholds along habitat loss gradients through its effects on connectivity; however these relationships have seldom been explored empirically. Using field data from 23 independent 1254 ha landscapes in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, we evaluated how tropical avian biodiversity responds to native forest loss within habitat patches embedded either in homogeneous pasture matrix context (with a high proportion of cattle pastures), and heterogeneous coffee matrix context (with high abundance of sun coffee plantations). We considered taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, and tested if matrix type and choice of diversity metric influenced the location of biodiversity thresholds along the forest cover gradient. We found that matrix type postponed the abrupt loss of taxonomic diversity, from a threshold of 35% of forest cover in homogeneous pasture matrix to 19% in heterogeneous coffee matrix. Phylogenetic diversity responded similarly, with thresholds at 30 and 24% in homogeneous‐pasture and heterogeneous‐coffee matrices, respectively, but no relationship with forest cover was detected when corrected for richness correlation. Despite the absence of a threshold for functional diversity in either matrix types, a strong decline below 20% of habitat amount was detected. Finally, below 20% native habitat loss, all diversity indices demonstrated abrupt declines, indicating that even higher‐quality matrices cannot postpone diversity loss below this critical threshold. These results highlight that taxonomic diversity is a more sensitive index of biodiversity loss in fragmented landscapes, which may be used as a benchmark to prevent subsequent functional and phylogenetic losses. Furthermore, increasing matrix quality appears an efficient conservation strategy to maintain higher biodiversity levels in fragmented landscapes over a larger range of habitat loss.
Comparison between radiography and computed tomography for diagnosis of equine skull fractures
Authors: Crijns C. P. , Weller R. , Vlaminck L. , Verschooten F. , Schauvliege S. , Powell S. E. , van Bree H. J. J. , Gielen I. M. V. L.
Published: November 2017

The equine head is a complex structure prone to traumatic injuries. To determine the value and limitations of radiography and (CT) for the diagnosis of skull fracture, the differences between the two modalities were described. Two observers retrospectively reviewed the radiographic andCTimages of 18 horses with a skull fracture. To allow direct comparison between the two modalities, a simplified fracture classification system was used. In 3/18 cases the evaluation of the radiographic examination concluded no injuries visible. In 2/15 cases soft tissue involvement was not detected and in 7/15 cases the extension of the fracture was underestimated with radiography. Radiography classified 4/10 multiple fractures incorrectly as single fracture and 5/15 comminuted fractures onCTwere diagnosed as simple fracture with radiography. The number of fragments was underestimated with radiography in 14/15 cases. In conclusion, radiography is able to diagnose a skull fracture in most cases. Skull fractures however are not similarly classified after radiographic andCTevaluation, which causes a difference in interpretation and perception of the fractures. Therefore,CTshould be the modality of choice for surgical planning and prognosis.
Distress Anomaly and Shareholder Risk: International Evidence
Authors: Eisdorfer Assaf , Goyal Amit , Zhdanov Alexei
Published: November 2017

Financially distressed stocks in the United States earn puzzlingly low returns giving rise to the distress risk anomaly. We provide evidence that the anomaly exists in developed countries, but not in emerging ones. Using cross‐country analyses, we explore several potential drivers of returns to distressed stocks. The distress anomaly is stronger in countries with stronger takeover legislation, lower barriers to arbitrage, and higher information transparency. In contrast, shareholder bargaining power and expected stock return skewness in a country do not affect the anomaly. These findings suggest that various aspects of shareholders’ risk play an important role in shaping distressed stocks returns.
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase delays cellular senescence by upregulating SIRT1 activity and antioxidant gene expression in mouse cells
Authors: Khaidizar Fiqri D. , Nakahata Yasukazu , Kume Akira , Sumizawa Kyosuke , Kohno Kenji , Matsui Takaaki , Bessho Yasumasa
Published: November 2017

Senescent cells accumulate in tissues of aged animals and deteriorate tissue functions. The elimination of senescent cells from aged mice not only attenuates progression of already established age‐related disorders, but also extends median lifespan. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate‐limiting enzyme in mammalian NAD+ salvage pathway, has shown a protective effect on cellular senescence of human primary cells. However, it still remains unclear how NAMPT has a protective impact on aging in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we found that primary mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells undergo progressive decline of NAMPT and NAD+ contents during serial passaging before becoming senescent. Furthermore, we showed that constitutive Nampt over‐expression increases cellular NAD+ content and delays cellular senescence of MEF cells in vitro. We further found that constitutive Nampt over‐expression increases SIRT1 activity, increases the expression of antioxidant genes, superoxide dismutase 2 and catalase and promotes resistance against oxidative stress. These findings suggest that Nampt over‐expression in MEF cells delays cellular senescence by the mitigation of oxidative stress via the upregulation of superoxide dismutase 2 and catalase gene expressions by SIRT1 activation.
Macrolide use in the previous years is associated with failure to eradicate Helicobacter pylori with clarithromycin‐containing regimens
Authors: Muñoz‐Gómez Pablo , Jordán‐Castro Junior Alexander , Abanades‐Tercero María , Blanco‐González José Javier , Andrés Esteban Eva María , Valle‐Muñoz Julio
Published: November 2017

Background

There is some evidence that prior use of macrolide antibiotics is a useful predictor of the likelihood of standard triple therapy failure in Helicobacter pylori eradication. In this study, we have evaluated whether previous intake of macrolides correlates with failure to eradicate H. pylori using two different first‐line clarithromycin‐containing regimens.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective study of 212 patients with H. pylori infection treated with one of two first‐line clarithromycin‐containing regimens: 108 patients treated with triple therapy for 10 days and 104 patients treated with concomitant therapy for 10 days. The intake of macrolides (clarithromycin, azithromycin, and other macrolides) prior to the eradication therapy was obtained from the electronic medical record, which contains information regarding all the medication prescribed to the patients since the year 2004.

Results

One hundred of 212 patients (47.2%) had received at least one treatment with macrolides during the years prior to the eradication therapy. H. pylori eradication rates were significantly lower in patients with previous use compared to patients without previous use of macrolides, both with triple therapy (60.8% vs 92.9%; P < .0001) and with concomitant therapy (85.7% vs 98.2%; P = .024).

Conclusions

Previous use of macrolides correlates with a low H. pylori eradication rate with triple and concomitant clarithromycin‐containing regimens. In addition, our study shows that in patients without previous use of macrolides, triple therapy achieves per‐protocol eradication rates over 90%.
A meta‐analysis of the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Ng Qin Xiang , Venkatanarayanan Nandini , De Deyn Michelle Lee Zhi Qing , Ho Collin Yih Xian , Mo Yin , Yeo Wee‐Song
Published: November 2017

Background

Hyperemesis gravidarum remains a common, distressing, and significant yet poorly understood disorder during pregnancy. The association between maternal Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and hyperemesis gravidarum has been increasingly recognized and investigated. This study thus aimed to provide an updated review and meta‐analysis of the topic.

Methods

Using the search terms (H. pyloriOR Helicobacter ORHelicobacter pyloriOR infection) AND (pregnancy OR emesis OR hyperemesis gravidarum OR nausea OR vomiting), a preliminary search on the PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and WanFang database yielded 372 papers published in English between January 1st, 1960 and June 1st, 2017.

Results

A total of 38 cross‐sectional and case‐control studies, with a total of 10 289 patients were eligible for review. Meta‐analysis revealed a significant association between H. pylori infection and hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy, with a pooled odds ratio of 1.348 (95% CI: 1.156‐1.539, P < .001). Subgroup analysis found that serologic and stool antigen tests were comparable methods of detecting H. pylori as they yielded similar odds ratios.

Limitations

Although the studies did not have high heterogeneity (I2 = 28%), publication bias was observed, and interstudy discrepancies in the diagnostic criteria adopted for hyperemesis gravidarum limit the reliability of findings. Also, 15 of the included studies were from the same country (Turkey), which could limit the generalizability of current findings. The prevalence of H. pylori infection varies throughout the world, and there may also be pathogenic differences as most strains of H. pylori in East Asia carry the cytotoxin‐associated gene A gene.

Conclusion

H. pylori infection was associated with an increased likelihood of hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy. Given the high prevalence of H. pylori infections worldwide, detecting H. pylori infection and the eradication of maternal H. pylori infection could be part of maternal hyperemesis gravidarum management. Further confirmation with robust longitudinal studies and mechanistic investigations are needed.
Whose curriculum is it anyway? Stakeholder salience in the context of Degree Apprenticeships
Authors: Powell Philip , Walsh Anita
Published: November 2017

A Degree Apprenticeship model has recently been introduced into the United Kingdom (UK) Higher Education system as part of wider changes to vocational training. The system has experienced numerous rapid changes in regulation and funding, and it is now little understood by many stakeholders. Distinguishing different phases in UK Higher Education, and using a salience model as a lens for analysis, this article identifies and examines stakeholders with regards to their influence on the Higher Education curriculum. The new Degree Apprenticeship model is funded by an employer payroll levy and it requires Higher Education institutions to deliver training to specific standards. This research explores the implications of the model for the Higher Education curriculum, concluding that the direct involvement of employers in the design and delivery of vocational Higher Education introduces untried elements into UK Higher Education on the assumption that the funding requirement will lead to a change in employer behaviour. This, coupled with the opening of Higher Education provision to private providers, transfers power over the curriculum to those with potentially no commitment to wider public values, and may offer a threat to the international standing of UK Higher Education. This article contributes to research in understanding how Higher Education systems respond to, and actors cope with, imposed change.
Evaluation of apical transportation and centring ability of five thermally treated NiTi rotary systems
Authors: Pinheiro S. R. , Alcalde M. P. , Vivacqua‐Gomes N. , Bramante C. M. , Vivan R. R. , Duarte M. A. H. , Vasconcelos B. C.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To evaluate apical transportation and centring ability during root canal preparation in mesial root canals of mandibular molars associated with ProTaper Gold (PTG), ProDesign S (PDS), Hyflex CM (HCM), Hyflex EDM and ProDesign Logic (PDL).

Methodology

Sixty mandibular first molars with two separate canals in the mesial root were selected after root anatomy pairing by microcomputed tomography (microCT). The teeth were randomly divided into five groups (n = 24); the root canal volume was calculated to ensure sample homogeneity. All the root canals were prepared up to size 25 in accordance with the instructions of each rotary system manufacturer. After root canal preparation, the teeth were scanned by microCT to analyse apical transportation, root canal centralization and the pre‐ and post‐preparation root canal volume at the apical and cervical levels. Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests were used for comparisons amongst groups for transportation values. For volume changes, the parametric ANOVA and Tukey’s tests were used

Results

There were no significant differences in apical transportation amongst the rotary systems (P > 0.05). All the systems created apical transportation; values ranging from 0.031 mm (PDL) to 0.072 mm (PTG), and enlargements between 39% (HCM) and 91.1% (PDS) were observed. In relative to cervical transportation, significant differences were observed amongst the systems (P < 0.05). Mean transportation values between 0.07 mm (HCM) and 0.172 mm (PTG) were found, with enlargements between 35.4% (HCM) and 51.5% (PDS).

Conclusion

All the thermally treated systems resulted in similar apical transportation. In the cervical region, the Hyflex CM and Prodesign Logic systems were associated with more centred preparations.
SINGLE MOMS AND DEADBEAT DADS: THE ROLE OF EARNINGS, MARRIAGE MARKET CONDITIONS, AND PREFERENCE HETEROGENEITY
Authors: Beauchamp Andrew , Sanzenbacher Geoffrey , Seitz Shannon , Skira Meghan M.
Published: November 2017

Why do some men father children outside of marriage without providing support? Why do some women have children outside of marriage when they receive little support from fathers? Why is this behavior more common among Blacks than Whites? We estimate a dynamic equilibrium model of marriage, employment, fertility, and child support decisions. We consider the extent to which low earnings, marriage market conditions, and preference heterogeneity explain nonmarital childbearing, deadbeat fatherhood, and racial differences in these outcomes. We find the Black–White earnings gap and preference heterogeneity explain a substantial portion of racial differences, whereas marriage market conditions are less important.