bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of implant supported mandibular overdentures and conventional dentures on quality of life: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan G , Sridharan K
Published: February 2016

Background

Conventional complete dentures and implant supported overdentures are commonly used by dentists to treat completely edentulous mandibular arches. There have been problems associated with retention and stability while treating completely edentulous mandibular arches compared to maxillary arches. Many factors have been attributed to this, primarily focusing on the decreased area available for support and increased resorption. Implant supported overdentures have increased the treatment options for resorbed ridges, especially the mandible. However, no reports have proved the superiority of one treatment option over the other, especially in terms of patient‐centric outcome measures such as the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). Hence, this meta‐analysis was conducted.

Methods

A literature search of Medline (via PubMed), the Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (CENTRAL) and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) was performed. The reviewers screened titles, abstracts and performed full‐text screening of eligible studies. The references from these studies were further screened for additional relevant studies. A random effects model was applied to measure the significance of the per cent mean difference in OHIP scale improvement between implant and conventional dentures. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was applied to assess the selection, ascertainment and selective reporting biases.

Results

Five studies were reviewed and identified. Results of 441 patients (228 implant and 213 conventional) were pooled for analysis of primary outcome and other secondary outcomes. A forest plot of total OHIP scores and for secondary outcomes were obtained between the interventions. Results of 441 patients (228 implant and 213 conventional) were pooled for analysis of primary outcome with a mean difference [95% confidence interval] in the score of –30.72[–48.39, –13.05]; mean difference [95% confidence interval] in the score of –26.45[–43.56, –9.35] for functional limitation; –29.16[–60.89, 2.56] for physical pain; –77.61[–154.63, –0.60] for psychological discomfort; –33.70[–47.96, –19.44] for physical disability; –41.17[–55.93, –26.40] for psychological disability; –17.27[–29.44, 5.10] for social disability; and –28.45[–33.97, –22.92] for handicap. A statistically significant difference favouring the implant group was obtained except for physical pain.

Conclusions

The implant overdenture group performed better in regard to patient satisfaction as measured using the OHIP questionnaire. Further studies are required to identify superiority between the two treatment options.
Pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, suppurative hidradenitis (PASH) and polycystic ovary syndrome: Coincidentally or aetiologically connected?
Authors: Zivanovic Dubravka , Masirevic Iva , Ruzicka Thomas , Braun‐Falco Markus , Nikolic Milos
Published: February 2016

The clinical triad of pyoderma gangrenosum, acne conglobata and hidradenitis suppurativa has been named PASH syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperandrogenism and inflammation. Hidradenitis suppurativa, like acne vulgaris, may be a feature of hyperandrogenism. Obesity may be associated with both hidradenitis suppurativa and PCOS. We describe a possible association between PASH syndrome and PCOS.
Unstable solar lentigo: A defined separate entity
Authors: Byrom Lisa , Barksdale Sarah , Weedon David , Muir Jim
Published: February 2016

An unstable solar lentigo is a solar lentigo with areas of melanocytic hyperplasia not extending past the margin of the lesion. They are discrete, macular, pigmented lesions arising on sun‐damaged skin and a subset of typical solar lentigos. Clinically they differ from usual solar lentigines in often being solitary or larger and darker than adjacent solar lentigines. These lesions are of clinical importance as they can arise in close proximity to lentigo maligna and in a single lesion there can be demonstrated changes of solar lentigo, unstable solar lentigo and lentigo maligna. These observations led us to conjecture that unstable solar lentigos could be a precursor lesion to lentigo maligna. In this article we examine the possibility that lentigo maligna can arise within a solar lentigo through an intermediate lesion, the unstable solar lentigo. We propose that the histopathological recognition of this entity will allow for future research into its behaviour and thus management. We review difficulties in the diagnosis of single cell predominant melanocytic proliferations and the concept of unstable lentigo in view of the literature and clinical experience supporting the proposal of its recognition as a separate entity.
Sporting injuries, seasonal trend and impact on rural Australian hospitals: Implications and recommendations
Authors: Birdsey Matthew , Islam Md Rafiqul , Barmare Arshad
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of sporting injuries in a regional Australian setting and readiness of the rural health systems to combat the overall impact.

Design, setting and participants

Five years of data between 2008 and 2012 from the Victorian Emergency Minimal Dataset showing sports injuries presenting to Goulburn Valley Base Hospital Emergency Department (ED) were analysed.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of overall sporting injuries including different types and location of injury in the body, seasonal variation for emergency presentation, mechanism of injury and hospital admissions.

Results

We observed a total of 4537 Emergency presentations and 235 hospitalisations between 2008 and 2012 with sporting injuries. About 78% of injuries presented in the winter sporting months; the rate of injury was higher in the month of ‘May’ across the most data reviewing years. Also, there was a higher proportion of hospital admissions recorded in winter sporting months. We reported that those who played sports in winter were significantly younger than those in summer (P < 0.05). Sprains and strains due to different sporting activities were the commonest cause of ED presentations, while falls and collisions were the mostly reported mechanism for sporting injuries.

Conclusion

It might be extrapolated from the data that within a regional setting, there is a need to optimise emergency departments and hospital bed availability with emphasis on orthopaedic involvements during the winter sporting months. Many of these sports injuries are preventable and community risk reduction strategies should be applied to reduce the burden to the regional hospitals.
Prevalence of sensitization to ‘improver’ enzymes in UK supermarket bakers
Authors: Jones M. , Welch J. , Turvey J , Cannon J. , Clark P. , Szram J. , Cullinan P.
Published: February 2016

Background

Supermarket bakers are exposed not only to flour and alpha‐amylase but also to other ‘improver’ enzymes, the nature of which is usually shrouded by commercial sensitivity. We aimed to determine the prevalence of sensitization to ‘improver’ enzymes in UK supermarket bakers.

Methods

We examined the prevalence of sensitization to enzymes in 300 bakers, employed by one of two large supermarket bakeries, who had declared work‐related respiratory symptoms during routine health surveillance. Sensitization was determined using radioallergosorbent assay to eight individual enzymes contained in the specific ‘improver’ mix used by each supermarket.

Results

The prevalence of sensitization to ‘improver’ enzymes ranged from 5% to 15%. Sensitization was far more likely if the baker was sensitized also to either flour or alpha‐amylase. The prevalence of sensitization to an ‘improver’ enzyme did not appear to be related to the concentration of that enzyme in the mix.

Conclusions

We report substantial rates of sensitization to enzymes other than alpha‐amylase in UK supermarket bakers; in only a small proportion of bakers was there evidence of sensitization to ‘improver mix’ enzymes without sensitization to either alpha‐amylase or flour. The clinical significance of these findings needs further investigation, but our findings indicate that specific sensitization in symptomatic bakers may not be identified without consideration of a wide range of workplace antigens.
A model‐based approach to assess the exposure–response relationship of Lorenzo's oil in adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Ahmed Mariam A. , Kartha Reena V. , Brundage Richard C. , Cloyd James , Basu Cynthia , Carlin Bradley P. , Jones Richard O. , Moser Ann B. , Fatemi Ali , Raymond Gerald V.
Published: February 2016

Aims

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is a peroxisomal disorder, most commonly affecting boys, associated with increased very long chain fatty acids (C26:0) in all tissues, causing cerebral demyelination and adrenocortical insufficiency. Certain monounsaturated long chain fatty acids including oleic and erucic acids, known as Lorenzo's oil (LO), lower plasma C26:0 levels. The aims of this study were to characterize the effect of LO administration on plasma C26:0 concentrations and to determine whether there is an association between plasma concentrations of erucic acid or C26:0 and the likelihood of developing brain MRI abnormalities in asymptomatic boys.

Methods

Non‐linear mixed effects modelling was performed on 2384 samples collected during an open label single arm trial. The subjects (n = 104) were administered LO daily at ~2–3 mg kg−1 with a mean follow‐up of 4.88 ± 2.76 years. The effect of erucic acid exposure on plasma C26:0 concentrations was characterized by an inhibitory fractional Emax model. A Weibull model was used to characterize the time‐to‐developing MRI abnormality.

Results

The population estimate for the fractional maximum reduction of C26:0 plasma concentrations was 0.76 (bootstrap 95% CI 0.73, 0.793). Our time‐to‐event analyses showed that every mg l−1 increase in time‐weighted average of erucic acid and C26:0 plasma concentrations was, respectively, associated with a 3.7% reduction and a 753% increase in the hazard of developing MRI abnormality. However, the results were not significant (P = 0.5344, 0.1509, respectively).

Conclusions

LO administration significantly reduces the abnormally high plasma C26:0 concentrations in X‐ALD patients. Further studies to evaluate the effect of LO on the likelihood of developing brain MRI abnormality are warranted.
The impact of event vividness, event severity, and prior paranormal belief on attributions towards a depicted remarkable coincidence experience: Two studies examining the misattribution hypothesis
Authors: Rogers Paul , Qualter Pamela , Wood Dave
Published: February 2016

Two studies examine the impact event vividness, event severity, and prior paranormal belief has on causal attributions for a depicted remarkable coincidence experience. In Study 1, respondents (n = 179) read a hypothetical vignette in which a fictional character accurately predicts a plane crash 1 day before it occurs. The crash was described in either vivid or pallid terms with the final outcome being either severe (fatal) or non‐severe (non‐fatal). Respondents completed 29 causal attribution items, one attribution confidence item, nine scenario perception items, a popular paranormal belief scale, and a standard demographics questionnaire. Principal axis factoring reduced the 29 attribution items to four attribution factors which were then subjected to a 2 (event vividness) × 2 (event severity) × 2 (paranormal belief)MANCOVAcontrolling for respondent gender. As expected, paranormal believers attributed the accurate crash prediction less to coincidence and more to both paranormal and transcendental knowing than did paranormal sceptics. Furthermore, paranormal (psychokinesis) believers deemed the prediction more reflective of paranormal knowing to both (1) a vivid/non‐fatal and (2) a pallid/fatal crash depiction. Vividness, severity, and paranormal belief types had no impact on attribution confidence. In Study 2, respondents (alson = 179) generated data that were a moderately good fit to the previous factor structure and replicated several differences across attributional pairings albeit for paranormal non‐believers only. Corresponding effects for event severity and paranormal belief were not replicated. Findings are discussed in terms of their support for the paranormal misattribution hypothesis and the impact of availability biases in the form of both vividness and severity effects. Methodological issues and future research ideas are also discussed.
Identifying ligands at orphan GPCRs: current status using structure‐based approaches
Authors: Ngo Tony , Kufareva Irina , Coleman James LJ , Graham Robert M , Abagyan Ruben , Smith Nicola J
Published: February 2016

GPCRs are the most successful pharmaceutical targets in history. Nevertheless, the pharmacology of many GPCRs remains inaccessible as their endogenous or exogenous modulators have not been discovered. Tools that explore the physiological functions and pharmacological potential of these ‘orphan’ GPCRs, whether they are endogenous and/or surrogate ligands, are therefore of paramount importance. Rates of receptor deorphanization determined by traditional reverse pharmacology methods have slowed, indicating a need for the development of more sophisticated and efficient ligand screening approaches. Here, we discuss the use of structure‐based ligand discovery approaches to identify small molecule modulators for exploring the function of orphan GPCRs. These studies have been buoyed by the growing number of GPCR crystal structures solved in the past decade, providing a broad range of template structures for homology modelling of orphans. This review discusses the methods used to establish the appropriate signalling assays to test orphan receptor activity and provides current examples of structure‐based methods used to identify ligands of orphan GPCRs.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v173.20/issuetoc
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Docking of 8‐imino‐2‐oxo‐2H,8H‐pyrano[2,3‐f]chromene Analogs: New Dual AChE Inhibitors as Potential Drugs for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Shaik Jeelan Basha , Palaka Bhagath Kumar , Penumala Mohan , Eadlapalli Siddhartha , Darla Mark Manidhar , Ampasala Dinakara Rao , Vadde Ramakrishna , Amooru Gangaiah Damu
Published: February 2016

Alzheimer's disease onset and progression are associated with the dysregulation of multiple and complex physiological processes, and a successful therapeutic approach should therefore address more than one target. In line with this modern paradigm, a series of 8‐imino‐2‐oxo‐2H,8H‐pyrano[2,3‐f]chromene analogs (4a–q) were synthesized and evaluated for their multitarget‐directed activity on acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), 2,2’‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical, and amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) specific targets for Alzheimer's disease therapy. Most of the synthesized compounds showed remarkable acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities in low nm concentrations and good ABTS radical scavenging activity, however, no evidence of BuChE inhibitory activity. Among them, 3‐bromobenzylamide derivative 4m exhibited the best acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 13 ± 1.4 nm which is 51‐fold superior to galantamine, a reference drug. Kinetic and molecular docking studies indicated 4m as mixed‐type inhibitor, binding simultaneously to catalytic active and peripheral anionic sites of acetylcholinesterase. Five compounds 4e, 4f, 4g, 4j, and 4k have shown 1.4‐ to 2.5‐fold of higher antioxidant activities than trolox. Interestingly, the most active compound 4m demonstrated dosage‐dependent acceleration of Aβ1−42 aggregation, which may reduce toxicity of oligomers. Overall, these results lead to discovery of fused tricyclic coumarins as promising dual binding site inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and afford multifunctional compounds with potential impact for further pharmacological development in Alzheimer's therapy.
A novel HYLS1 homozygous mutation in living siblings with Joubert syndrome
Authors: Oka M. , Shimojima K. , Yamamoto T. , Hanaoka Y. , Sato S. , Yasuhara T. , Yoshinaga H. , Kobayashi K.
Published: February 2016

The p.Asp211Gly homozygous HYLS1 mutation is so far known to cause only hydrolethalus syndrome, a lethal malformation syndrome. We report living sibling patients with a homozygous no‐stop mutation in exon 4 of HYLS1, NM_145014.2:c.900A>C (p.Ter300TyrextTer11) in the second decade of life. The proband has Joubert syndrome (JS). The younger brother also has JS and an enlarged posterior fossa that was initially diagnosed as Dandy–Walker malformation. The present mutation is unique as it affects the stop codon. The product protein HYLS1 plays an essential role in the formation of the primary cilium. This report provides insight into the spectrum of disorders involving midline brain defects closely related to cilium dysfunction or ciliopathy.
Scale dependency in effectiveness, isolation, and social‐ecological spillover of protected areas
Authors: Ament Judith M. , Cumming Graeme S.
Published: February 2016

Protected areas are considered vital for the conservation of biodiversity. Given their central role in many conservation strategies, it is important to know whether they adequately protect biodiversity within their boundaries; whether they are becoming more isolated from other natural areas over time; and whether they play a role in facilitating or reducing land‐cover change in their surroundings. We used matching methods and national and local analyses of land‐cover change to evaluate the combined effectiveness (i.e., avoided natural‐cover loss), isolation (i.e., changes in adjacent areas), and spillover effects (i.e., impacts on adjacent areas) of 19 national parks in South Africa from 2000 to 2009. All parks had either similar or lower rates of natural‐cover loss than matched control samples. On a national level, mean net loss of natural cover and mean net gain of cultivation cover decreased with distance from park boundary, but there was considerable variation in trends around individual parks, providing evidence for both increased isolation and buffering of protected areas. Fourteen parks had significant positive spillover and reduced natural‐cover loss in their surroundings, whereas five parks experienced elevated levels of natural‐cover loss. Conclusions about social‐ecological spillover effects from protected areas depended heavily on the measures of land‐cover change used and the scale at which the results were aggregated. Our findings emphasize the need for high‐resolution data when assessing spatially explicit phenomena such as land‐cover change and challenge the usefulness of large‐scale (coarse grain, broad extent) studies for understanding social‐ecological dynamics around protected areas.
Dangers of Decentralisation in Urban Slums: A Comparative Study of Water Supply and Drainage Service Delivery in Kolkata, India
Authors: De Indranil , Nag Tirthankar
Published: February 2016

Clientelism may lead to the underprovision of services which are deemed suitable for decentralisation. Water distribution and drainage services, managed from a lower level of municipal authority, are liable to be affected by clientelism and consequent underprovision. Water quality, maintained from a higher municipal layer, is not likely to be affected by clientelism. Capture by politically influential and dominant social and religious groups is likely to take place for important services like water supply. The article suggests that awareness, measurability, importance and resource intensiveness of service are additional factors to be considered for assessing the suitability of a sector for decentralisation.
The ‘New Approach’ to Public Sector Reforms in Ghana: A Case of Politics as Usual or a Genuine Attempt at Reform?
Authors: Ohemeng Frank L. K. , Ayee Joseph R. A.
Published: February 2016

Public sector reforms continue to preoccupy governments all over the world, compelled by the need to ‘get the state right’ through better policy development and implementation. Developing countries see this as the path to a developmental state. This article examines Ghana's quest to build such a state through its new public sector reforms, originally hailed in hyperbolic terms. We argue that the rejection of a top‐down and bottom‐up synergy in favour of an exclusively top‐down approach dooms this effort to failure.
Employment Conditions in the Senegalese Horticultural Export Industry: A Worker Perspective
Authors: Van den Broeck Goedele , Van Hoyweghen Kaat , Maertens Miet
Published: February 2016

The rapid transformation of the agri‐food sector in developing countries has created rural off‐farm employment opportunities, especially for women. There is growing concern about worker welfare and employment conditions in agri‐food and export sectors, but empirical evidence on this issue is scant. We analyse contractual preferences of female workers in the horticultural export sector in Senegal. We use a discrete choice experiment to assess women's preferences for a labour contract and employ a latent class model to capture preference heterogeneity. We find that women have a high willingness to accept a labour contract in the horticultural export industry, and that differences in preferences for contract attributes can be explained by women's empowerment status.
Facial nerve paralysis grade V managed with combined medical and alternative therapy: a case report with literature review
Authors: Abouzeid Olfat
Published: February 2016

Background

Very few studies are available in the management of facial nerve paralysis with alternative therapies.

Methods

A medical case is reported with facial nerve paralysis grade V (FNPV) managed with combined medical and alternative therapy, a relatively new modality in management options.

Results

A 23‐years old Saudi woman presented with FNPV according to the House–Brackmann grading system. The patient was immediately offered management with combined drug therapy and alternative therapy for 3 months.

Conclusion

In spite of the current debate regarding the application of alternative therapies in treating patients with medical conditions, this 23‐year old woman with FNPV recovered significantly after 3 months’ treatment using a combination of medical and alternative therapies. We conclude that offering alternative therapy, specifically wet cupping, or Hijama, in treating difficult medical conditions like FNPV can aid in the complete recovery of the condition.
Hydropower operations in groundwater‐influenced rivers: implications for Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, early life stage development and survival
Authors: Casas‐Mulet R. , Alfredsen K. , Brabrand Å. , Saltveit S. J.
Published: February 2016

During their early life stages (egg maturation, hatching, alevin development), between late autumn and early spring, young Atlantic salmon are exposed to surface‐groundwater interactions in the hyporheic zone and may depend on influx of subsurface water during periods of regulated low discharge for survival. Two studies, one in a seasonally regulated river and one in a river exposed to hydropeaking, displayed unexpectedly high survival of eggs in surface de‐watered areas because of the influx of oxygen‐rich subsurface water. Field observations of newly hatched alevins in these two rivers showed them to be more sensitive (i.e. suffered higher mortality from) to surface de‐watering than were eggs. Exposure to dry conditions in drawdown areas was highlighted as the main cause for alevin mortality. Therefore, shorter periods of surface de‐watering in the river with hydropeaking resulted in higher alevin survival than the seasonally regulated river when still permanently drained after egg hatching. Greater consideration should be given to all early life‐history stages when implementing discharge release strategies, and the extent of groundwater influence and the potential for flexible hydropower operations should be taken into account.
Experimental warming alters potential function of the fungal community in boreal forest
Authors: Treseder Kathleen K. , Marusenko Yevgeniy , Romero‐Olivares Adriana L. , Maltz Mia R.
Published: February 2016

Fungal community composition often shifts in response to warmer temperatures, which might influence decomposition of recalcitrant carbon (C). We hypothesized that evolutionary trade‐offs would enable recalcitrant C‐using taxa to respond more positively to warming than would labile C‐using taxa. Accordingly, we performed a warming experiment in an Alaskan boreal forest and examined changes in the prevalence of fungal taxa. In a complementary field trial, we characterized the ability of fungal taxa to use labile C (glucose), intermediate C (hemicellulose or cellulose), or recalcitrant C (lignin). We also assigned taxa to functional groups (e.g., free‐living filamentous fungi, ectomycorrhizal fungi, and yeasts) based on taxonomic identity. We found that response to warming varied most among taxa at the order level, compared to other taxonomic ranks. Among orders, ability to use lignin was significantly related to increases in prevalence in response to warming. However, the relationship was weak, given that lignin use explained only 9% of the variability in warming responses. Functional groups also differed in warming responses. Specifically, free‐living filamentous fungi and ectomycorrhizal fungi responded positively to warming, on average, but yeasts responded negatively. Overall, warming‐induced shifts in fungal communities might be accompanied by an increased ability to break down recalcitrant C. This change in potential function may reduce soil C storage under global warming.
The effect of zinc deficiency on salt taste acuity, preference, and dietary sodium intake in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Kim So Mi , Kim Miyeon , Lee Eun kyoung , Kim Soon Bae , Chang Jai Won , Kim Hyun Woo
Published: February 2016

Introduction High sodium intake is the main cause of fluid overload in hemodialysis (HD) patients, leading to increased cardiovascular mortality. High sodium intake is known to be associated with low salt taste acuity and/or high preference. As the zinc status could influence taste acuity, we analyzed the effect of zinc deficiency on salt taste acuity, preference, and dietary sodium intake in HD patients. Methods A total of 77 HD patients was enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Zinc deficiency was defined as serum zinc level with below 70 µg/mL. The patients were divided into two groups based on serum zinc level. Salt taste acuity and preference were determined by a sensory test using varying concentrations of NaCl solution, and dietary sodium intake was estimated using 3‐day dietary recall surveys. Findings The mean salt recognition threshold and salt taste preference were significantly higher in the zinc deficient group than in the non‐zinc deficient group. And there was significant positive correlation between salt taste preference and dietary sodium intake in zinc deficient group (r = 0.43, P = 0.002). Although, the dietary sodium intake showed a high tendency with no significance (P = 0.052), interdialytic weight gain was significantly higher in the zinc deficient group than in the non‐zinc deficient group (2.68 ± 1.02 kg vs. 3.18 ± 1.02 kg; P = 0.047). Discussion Zinc deficiency may be related to low salt taste acuity and high salt preference, leading to high dietary sodium intake in HD patients.
Maximus the Confessor's ‘Aeon’ as a Distinct Mode of Temporality
Authors: Mitralexis Sotiris
Published: February 2016

In this paper, I shall focus on the semantic content of αἰὼν in Maximus the Confessor's works, particularly in the instances in which he employs it as a distinct form of temporality, i.e. not as simply meaning ‘eternity’. I focus on αἰὼν as a Maximian terminus technicus in spite of the diverse meanings that he himself ascribes to the word in certain cases. I will also engage with the status of time as humanity's slavery, as humanity's enemy in Maximus’ thought, for this is integrally connected with the notion of the Aeon and especially with the need to transcend both time as χρóνος and temporality in the form of the Aeon in striving for ever well‐being. The greater context of this investigation is the understanding of Maximus’ conception of temporality as a threefold one, consisting of (a) time as χρóνος, the temporality of the sensible realm and the numbering of motion, (b) αἰὼν i.e. the Aeon, a ‘time without movement’ and the temporality of the intelligible creation, and (c) the transformed temporality of the ever‐moving repose (στάσις ἀεικἰ νητος).
Evaluation of parameters obtained from the Sysmex XN‐2000 for predicting the recovery of the absolute neutrophil count and platelets after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Park S.‐H. , Park C.‐J. , Kim M.‐J. , Han M.‐Y. , Lee B.‐R. , Cho Y.‐U. , Jang S. , Kwon S.‐W. , Kim D.‐Y. , Lee J.‐H. , Lee J.‐H. , Lee K.‐H.
Published: February 2016

Introduction

We analyzed abilities of parameters from Sysmex XN‐2000 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) to predict absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet recovery after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with hematologic malignancies.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed 911 follow‐up peripheral blood samples from 44 HSCT‐performed patients and evaluated the performances of the following parameters: WBC, immature granulocyte (IG), hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HPC), immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), immature platelet fraction (IPF), platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet larger cell ratio (P‐LCR).

Results

When compared to four other parameters, the identification of initiation in IG (%)/HPC (%) increase enabled earlier prediction of ANC recovery to >500/μL and >1000/μL with more time benefit of 3.5–6.5 days/2.0–5.0 days and 3.0–6.0 days/2.0–5.0 days, respectively. When compared to IPF (%), the identification of initiation in PDW, MPV, and P‐LCR (%) increase enabled earlier prediction of platelet recovery to >20 000/μL and >50 000/μL with more time benefit of 2.5–3.5 days and 2.0–3.0 days, respectively. However, the standard deviation of time benefit obtained from IG (%)/HPC (%)/PDW/MPV/P‐LCR (%) was consistently large (3.0–4.3 days).

Conclusions

There is a systematic pattern where a rise in most of the studied parameters can be observed in most patients before ANC/platelet recovery. However, the interindividual variation between the time of rise of these parameters and ANC/platelet recovery is large, and therefore, using these parameters to predict recovery in the individual patient is probably not meaningful in the clinical setting.
Labour's interest in corporate governance in the UK: are workers on the board back on the agenda?
Authors: Casey Catherine
Published: February 2016

This article investigates labour's interests in corporate governance in the UK. Contemporary political economy conditions generate a confluence of factors that stimulates new demands and engagement strategies. Labour actors endeavour to forge corporate governance innovation through utilising cultural institutions in the regulation of firms in capitalist markets.
Intra‐European labour migration and low‐wage competition—comparing the Danish and Swedish experiences across three sectors
Authors: Refslund Bjarke , Thörnquist Annette
Published: February 2016

The article compares how low‐wage competition and labour migration from EU11 Member States affect industrial relations and working conditions for natives and migrants in three sectors (transport, cleaning and agriculture) in Denmark and Sweden. The analysis shows how already vulnerable sectors with below‐average union density and collective agreements—especially geographical dispersed sectors—are strongly affected.
The prevalence of skin tears in the acute care setting in Singapore
Authors: Chang Yee Y , Carville Keryln , Tay Ai C
Published: February 2016

Skin tears appear to be a hidden and extensive problem despite an increased focus in the literature on skin tear epidemiology, prevention strategies and management modalities. Currently, there has been no report of skin tear epidemiology published in Singapore. The aim of the present study was to pilot the methodology by WoundWest at one of the tertairy hospitals in Singapore. The secondary objective was to determine the prevalence and current nursing management of skin tears within two selected acute medical wards in the hospital. A point prevalence survey was conducted within the two medical wards. Six registered nurses acted as the surveyors and underwent pre‐survey education. Inter‐rater reliability testing was conducted. Surveyors were paired and performed skin examinations on all available patients in the two wards. Data were collected on age, gender, skin tear anatomical locations, their Skin Tear Audit Research categories, dressings used on identified skin tears and related documentation. A total of 144 (98%) patients consented to skin inspections. Findings demonstrated a skin tear prevalence of 6·2%; all skin tears were found to be hospital‐acquired and located on the extremities. Most (78%) were in the age range of 70–89 years. There was a dearth in nursing documentation of the skin tears identified and their management. The findings suggested that nurses were lacking in the knowledge of skin tears, and documentation, if available, was not consistent. There is an urgent clinical need for the implementation of a validated skin tear classification tool; standardised protocols for skin tear prevention and management; and a comprehensive skin tear educational programme for hospital care staff. Quarterly hospital‐wide skin tear prevalence surveys are also needed to evaluate improvement strategies.
The Impact of Mixed-member Districts on Legislators' Behavior: The Case of Bolivia
Authors: Corral Margarita , Sánchez Francisco , Rivas Pérez Cristina
Published: February 2016

Many studies suggest that mixed-member electoral systems produce different attitudes and behaviors among representatives. This article assesses how this type of electoral system shapes Bolivian legislators' perceptions of their roles as representatives, their district activities, and their relationships with their political parties. It examines these dimensions using elite survey data and interviews with legislators and their personal assistants. The results show that the electoral system does not produce a uniform impact. It shapes how legislators perceive their role as representatives and the nature of the relationship they build with their political parties, but it does not produce differences in the kinds of activities that both types of legislators carry out in their districts.
Clientelism and the Utility of the Left-Right Dimension in Latin America
Authors: Ruth Saskia P.
Published: February 2016

This article analyzes the relationship between clientelism and citizens' political orientation in Latin America. Consistent political perceptions in the citizenry are central in traditional theories of political competition. This article argues that clientelism hinders the development of consistent political orientation by reducing the utility of information cues, such as left-right labels. More specifically, clientelistic parties generate indifference among their supporters toward the left-right divide by offering them an alternative voting rationale, and increase uncertainty in the political realm by making left-right labels less meaningful. Both arguments are tested with multilevel regression analyses using cross-sectional data covering 18 Latin American countries. The results indicate that clientelistic party supporters are more likely to show indifference toward the left-right dimension and, to a lesser extent, that their left-right orientation corresponds less with their political attitudes.
Modeling Environmental Degradation of SiC‐Based Fibers
Authors: Parthasarathy Triplicane A. , Przybyla Craig P. , Hay Randall S. , Cinibulk Michael K.
Published: February 2016

Experimental data on grain growth and oxidation kinetics of SiC‐based fibers, as well as the accompanying strength degradation, in argon, air, and moist air are interpreted using a mechanistic model. The grain growth from thermal history is modeled using conventional models, and its influence on strength is modeled assuming that the flaw size scales with grain size. The model for fiber oxidation uses available relevant thermodynamic and kinetic data for reactions, vapor pressures, oxygen permeation, and boundary layer effects to capture scale thickness data reported by several prior works, in static or flowing air, moist air, and steam. The effect of the oxide scale on strength was modeled assuming that the flaw size scaled with scale thickness. The resulting model is compared with experimental data and is shown to capture most of the data in the literature on degradation of HiNicalon™ and HiNicalon™ type S fibers.
An Exploratory Study of the Knowledge of Personal Safety Skills Among Children with Developmental Disabilities and Their Parents
Authors: Miller Hannah L. , Pavlik Kathryn M. , Kim Min Ah , Rogers Karen C.
Published: February 2016

Background

This study assessed the knowledge of personal safety skills among children with developmental disabilities and their parents' perceptions of children's knowledge.

Method

This exploratory study examined the mental health records of 37 children with developmental disabilities referred for an abuse risk reduction group in a community mental health setting. Qualitative analysis of children's responses to questions about personal safety skills (knowledge related to physical development and personal safety, an appropriate and inappropriate touch and safety skills to respond to an inappropriate touch) indicated participants' varied and inconsistent levels of knowledge.

Results

Consistent with the literature, the results indicate risk factors for sexual abuse among children with developmental disabilities, including children's difficulty distinguishing between an appropriate and inappropriate touch and the lack of knowledge regarding appropriate venues for disclosing an inappropriate touch. Among parents, a lack of certainty regarding their children's knowledge and the ability to keep themselves safe was identified.

Conclusion

Results support the need for education about personal safety for children with developmental disabilities and their families.
Backlash against male elementary educators
Authors: Moss‐Racusin Corinne A. , Johnson Elizabeth R.
Published: February 2016

We investigated the existence, nature, and processes underscoring backlash (social and economic penalties) against men who violate gender stereotypes by working in education, and whether backlash is exacerbated by internal (vs. external) behavioral attributions. Participants (N = 303) rated one of six applications for an elementary teaching position, identical apart from target gender and behavioral attribution type. Male applicants were rated as more likely to be gay, posing a greater safety threat, and less likeable (but not less hireable) than identical female applicants. Perceived sexuality and threat mediated target gender differences in likeability. Unexpectedly, behavioral attributions did not interact with target gender, suggesting that providing internal attributions may not exacerbate men's backlash. Implications for backlash theory and education gender disparities are discussed.
Association of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults in China
Authors: Ren Yongcheng , Zhang Ming , Zhao Jingzhi , Wang Chongjian , Luo Xinping , Zhang Jiatong , Zhu Tian , Li Xi , Yin Lei , Pang Chao , Feng Tianping , Wang Bingyuan , Zhang Lu , Li Linlin , Yang Xiangyu , Zhang Hongyan , Hu Dongsheng
Published: February 2016

Aims/Introduction

To clarify the association of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults in China.

Materials and Methods

In the present case–control study, we included 1,685 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 7,141 normal glucose‐tolerant controls from the Henan Province of China in 2011. Elevated waist circumference (GW) was defined as ≥90 cm for men and ≥80 cm for women. Hypertriglyceridemia (HT) was defined as >1.7 m mol/L triglycerides (TG) level. The association of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and type 2 diabetes mellitus was investigated by sex, body mass index, physical activity, and family history of diabetes.

Results

Cases and controls differed in age, waist circumference (WC), weight, TG level, fasting glucose, body mass index, smoking status, diabetic family history, physical activity and hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype (P < 0.05), but not alcohol drinking (P = 0.63). In the overall sample, as compared with the phenotype of normal TG level and normal WC (NTNW), normal TG level/enlarged WC (NTGW), elevated TG level/normal WC (HTNW) and elevated TG level/enlarged WC (HTGW) were associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 4.14, 2.42 and 6.23, respectively). Only HTGW was consistently associated with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, with or without adjustment. The strongest relationship between HTGW and type 2 diabetes mellitus was for subjects with body mass index <24.0 kg/m2 (odds ratio 6.54, 95% confidence interval 4.22–10.14) after adjustment for cofounding variables.

Conclusion

HTGW was stably and significantly associated with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult Chinese.
Self‐Regulation and the Market for Activism
Authors: Baron David P.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a theory of the market for activism where citizens fund activists, campaigning activists pressure firms to change their practices, and firms self‐regulate to forestall or mitigate campaigns. Activists have leverage because firms must self‐regulate before they are targeted, and their self‐regulation must deter the activists conditional on being targeted. Activists anticipate gaining more from campaigns against soft (more vulnerable) firms than hard (less vulnerable) firms, so it is more costly for soft firms to forestall the activists, and some risk a campaign but self‐regulate to mitigate the probability that the campaign succeeds. Campaigns thus can occur in equilibrium. The threat from activism is the probability that a firm is targeted, and the stronger the threat the fewer campaigns there are because more firms self‐regulate to forestall a campaign. Radical activists target harder firms than do moderate activists, and the more radical the activists the more costly it is to forestall them. Some firms are too hard to be threatened by activism and maximize their profits. Firms that are too hard to target directly may be vulnerable to campaigns threatening their supply and distribution chains. Activists and their donors have an incentive to maximize the scope of activism; that is, the breadth of the threat from activism.
Temporal changes in allele frequencies in a small marble trout Salmo marmoratus population threatened by extreme flood events
Authors: Pujolar J. M. , Vincenzi S. , Zane L. , Crivelli A. J.
Published: February 2016

The effect of extreme floods on the genetic composition of marble trout Salmo marmoratus living in Lipovscek, a tributary of the Soca River in Slovenia, which has been affected by multiple destructive flood events for centuries was investigated. By monitoring genetic variability during the period 2004–2011, apparent signatures of genetic erosion including a decline in observed and expected heterozygosities and allelic richness were observed. Contemporary effective population size was estimated between 11 and 55 individuals, which is congruent with census data. The data suggest asymmetric gene flow between the two sections of the river. The existence of substantial downstream migration (15–19%) was confirmed by paternity analysis. A small (1–3%) upstream migration was also suggested, which was confirmed by tagging data. Overall, low genetic diversity has not prevented the survival of the Lipovscek population, which might be a common feature of salmonid freshwater populations.
Effect of Storage Time and Temperature on the Quality of Fruit Nectars: Determination of Nutritional Loss Indicators
Authors: Touati Noureddine , Barba Francisco José , Louaileche Hayette , Frigola Ana , Esteve Maria José
Published: February 2016

In this study, the stability of different physicochemical and nutritional parameters of fruit nectars was monitored during storage for 28 days at 4, 25 and 37C. Moreover, potential indicators for evaluating and predicting the quality deterioration of the nectars were evaluated. For this purpose, kinetics of physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds and total antioxidant capacity modifications were determined. Ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, carotenoids and antioxidant capacity (trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity [TEAC] values) followed a first‐order reaction kinetics, while browning index fitted to zero order reaction kinetics. Conversely, pH, Total soluble solids, total phenolic compounds and oxygen radical absorbance capacity values did not follow a clear trend. Fruit nectars stability was better at 4C than at 25 and 37C storage. The interaction of time‐temperature‐food matrix factor had a significant effect on TEAC. Moreover, TEAC values were well correlated (P < 0.05) with all antioxidants; therefore, it can be concluded that TEAC assay was the best predictor of nectar quality deterioration.

Practical Applications

Antioxidant capacity may be used in food industry as a fast and functional tool to measure and predict nutritional and quality deterioration of fruit‐based beverages after processing and subsequent storage.
A Role for the Placenta in Programming Maternal Mood and Childhood Behavioural Disorders
Authors: Janssen A. B. , Kertes D. A. , McNamara G. I. , Braithwaite E. C. , Creeth H. D. J. , Glover V. I. , John R. M.
Published: February 2016

Substantial data demonstrate that the early‐life environment, including in utero, plays a key role in later life disease. In particular, maternal stress during pregnancy has been linked to adverse behavioural and emotional outcomes in children. Data from human cohort studies and experimental animal models suggest that modulation of the developing epigenome in the foetus by maternal stress may contribute to the foetal programming of disease. Here, we summarise insights gained from recent studies that may advance our understanding of the role of the placenta in mediating the association between maternal mood disorders and offspring outcomes. First, the placenta provides a record of exposures during pregnancy, as indicated by changes in the placental trancriptome and epigenome. Second, prenatal maternal mood may alter placental function to adversely impact foetal and child development. Finally, we discuss the less well established but interesting possibility that altered placental function, more specifically changes in placental hormones, may adversely affect maternal mood and later maternal behaviour, which can also have consequence for offspring well‐being.