bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social communication between microbes colonizing the social honey bee Apis mellifera
Authors: Miller K.I. , Franklin C.D. , Mattila H. R. , Newton I.L.G. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a charismatic species that plays a critical role in the pollination of agriculturally important crops and native flora. One emerging field of research is that of the host-associated honey bee microbiome: a group of bacterial phylotypes consistently found within the honey bee, which may play critical roles such as protection from pathogens and nutrient acquisition. In other model systems, host-associated microbial communities are known to participate in a form of bacterial communication known as quorum sensing. This type of communication allows bacteria to sense their environment and respond with changes in gene expression, controlling a number of factors including virulence, biofilm formation, and cell motility. Here, we have investigated the production of a specific quorum sensing molecule by honey bee microbes in vivo and in vitro. We specifically focused on the inter-species signaling molecule, autoinducer-2 (AI-2). We identified the production of AI-2 by both the entire community (using honey bee gut homogenates) and by cultured isolates, using a Vibrio harveyi biosensor. By comparing newly emerged and adult bees, we showed this signal is likely coming from the core microbial community. Finally, using honey bee specific bacterial isolates, we identified changes in biofilm production when isolates are exposed to increased levels of exogenous AI-2. Altogether, these data provide multiple lines of evidence for the presence of quorum sensing inside the honey bee host. The effect of AI-2 on biofilm formation by honey bee specific bacteria identifies one potential avenue for quorum sensing to affect host health.Author summaryMicrobial communities associate with every animal on the planet and can have dramatic effects on the health of their host. The honey bee is one such animal, home to a characteristic community of bacteria, which may provide various benefits. Here, we show that these microbes are producing quorum sensing molecules which could support interactions between bacterial members and facilitate host colonization.
Supply chain drivers, partnerships and performance of high-tech SMEs
Authors: Rezaei Jafar , Ortt Roland , Trott Paul 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine high-tech small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) supply chain partnerships. Partnerships are considered at the level of business function rather than the entire organisation. Second, the drivers of SMEs to engage in partnerships are assessed to see whether functions engage in partnerships for different reasons. Third, performance per function is assessed to see the differential effect of partnerships on the function’s performance.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the relationship between the drivers of SMEs to engage in partnerships, four types of partnerships (marketing and sales, research and development (R&D), purchasing and logistics, and production) and four types of functional performances of firms (marketing and sales, R&D, purchasing and logistics, and production) are examined. The data have been collected from 279 SMEs. The proposed hypotheses are tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings
The results indicate that there are considerable differences between business functions in terms of the degree of involvement in partnerships and the effect of partnerships on the performance of these functions. This paper contributes to research by explaining the contradictory results of partnerships on SMEs performance.

Practical implications
This study helps firms understand which type of partnership should be established based on the firm’s drivers to engage in supply chain partnership; and which partnership has a significant effect on which type of business performance of the firm.

Originality/value
The originality of this study is to investigate the relationship between different drivers to engage in supply chain partnership and different types of partnerships and different functional performance of firm in a single model.
Perception and barriers: reporting female genital mutilation
Authors: Gangoli Geetanjali , Gill Aisha , Mulvihill Natasha , Hester Marianne 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of and barriers to reporting female genital mutilation (FGM) by victims and survivors of FGM to the police in England and Wales.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on 14 interviews conducted with adult survivors and victims of FGM. A combination of 1:1 and group interviews were used, based on the preference of the respondents. Respondents were recruited in collaboration with specialist non-governmental organisations and major stakeholders in the area of honour-based violence and black and minority ethnic communities.

Findings
A key finding in this research was that all victims/survivors the authors interviewed stated that they did not support the practice of FGM, and that they would not follow it for younger women in their own family. Second, the authors found that none of the respondents had reported their experience to the police. Third, they identified key barriers to reporting, which included: their belief that reporting their own experience would not serve any purpose because they had experienced FGM as children, and in another country; and that they did not feel able to report new incidents of FGM in the community because of a lack of trust in the police due to previous negative experiences. Finally, they believed that FGM could be prevented only by work within the community, and not through engagement with the criminal justice system.

Originality/value
This is, to our knowledge, one of the first papers that is based on victims and survivors’ perceptions that explores barriers to reporting cases of FGM to the police, and offers levers for change.
Application of the RAND‐UCLA Appropriateness Methodology to a Large Multidisciplinary Stakeholder Group Evaluating the Validity and Feasibility of Patient‐Centered Standards in Geriatric Surgery
Authors: Berian Julia R. , Baker Tracey L. , Rosenthal Ronnie A. , Coleman JoAnn , Finlayson Emily , Katlic Mark R. , Lagoo‐Deenadayalan Sandhya A. , Tang Victoria L. , Robinson Thomas N. , Ko Clifford Y. , Russell Marcia M. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo explore (1) differences in validity and feasibility ratings for geriatric surgical standards across a diverse stakeholder group (surgeons vs. nonsurgeons, health care providers vs. nonproviders, including patient‐family, advocacy, and regulatory agencies); (2) whether three multidisciplinary discussion subgroups would reach similar conclusions.Data Source/Study SettingPrimary data (ratings) were reported from 58 stakeholder organizations.Study DesignAn adaptation of the RAND‐UCLA Appropriateness Methodology (RAM) process was conducted in May 2016.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsStakeholders self‐administered ratings on paper, returned via mail (Round 1) and in‐person (Round 2).Principal FindingsIn Round 1, surgeons rated standards more critically (91.2 percent valid; 64.9 percent feasible) than nonsurgeons (100 percent valid; 87.0 percent feasible) but increased ratings in Round 2 (98.7 percent valid; 90.6 percent feasible), aligning with nonsurgeons (99.7 percent valid; 96.1 percent feasible). Three parallel subgroups rated validity at 96.8 percent (group 1), 100 percent (group 2), and 97.4 percent (group 3). Feasibility ratings were 76.9 percent (group 1), 96.1 percent (group 2), and 92.2 percent (group 3).ConclusionsThere are differences in validity and feasibility ratings by health professions, with surgeons rating standards more critically than nonsurgeons. However, three separate discussion subgroups rated a high proportion (96–100 percent) of standards as valid, indicating the RAM can be successfully applied to a large stakeholder group.
Using balanced acceptance sampling as a master sample for environmental surveys
Authors: van Dam‐Bates Paul , Gansell Oliver , Robertson Blair 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Well‐designed environmental monitoring programmes for management organisations are important for evidence‐based decision making. However, many environmental problems are not single agency issues that require intervention or monitoring at one spatial scale. A master sample can be used to coordinate and scale monitoring designs to ensure consistency in information gathered and robustness of estimators at the different spatial scales.

We propose using balanced acceptance sampling (BAS) to generate a master sample. In this context, practical applications and justification of BAS as a master sample are addressed. These include sample generation, stratification, unequal probability sampling, rotating panel designs, and regional intensification. A method for incorporating legacy sites is also provided.

Using BAS as a master sample is conceptually simple, gives good spatial balance over different spatial scales, and is computationally efficient to generate. An example for terrestrial biodiversity monitoring in New Zealand is provided.

Environmental monitoring can benefit from increased coordination between agencies. A master sample is an excellent way to incorporate coordination directly into the sample design. BAS improves on methods previously described and provides an effective method to monitor populations at multiple spatial scales.
Inter‐disciplinary cooperation in a physician‐staffed emergency medical system
Authors: Reid B. O. , Rehn M. , Uleberg O. , Pleym L. E. N. , Krüger A. J. 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundOn‐scene management of pre‐hospital emergencies is often inter‐disciplinary, involving ground‐emergency medical services (EMS), police‐ and fire services, and in Norway general practitioners on‐call. This can also be supplemented by physician‐staffed EMS (P‐EMS), utilizing helicopters or rapid response vehicles. We hypothesized that P‐EMS cooperates extensively with other emergency services, and therefore the primary aim of this study was to investigate the fraction of inter‐disciplinary cooperation between P‐EMS and other emergency services.MethodsRetrospective, observational study of primary pre‐hospital missions with patient contact performed at a Norwegian P‐EMS base from 01.01.06 to 31.12.15. Descriptive statistics, comparisons using Student`s t‐test, and chi‐squared test for trend were applied.ResultsInter‐disciplinary cooperation occurred in 94.3% of the 8580 missions, of which physician‐staffed EMS cooperated with ground EMS in 92.4%, general practitioner 32.9%, police service 11.6% and fire service 11.8%. Trauma constituted 34.4 and cardiac arrest 14.1% of missions. The mean National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics score was 4.21 (95% Confidence Interval 4.18–4.24). There was an overall decrease in cooperation with general practitioners and the police service (P < 0.001). During helicopter missions, we reported a decrease in general practitioner cooperation compared to an increase during rapid response car missions (P < 0.001). In cardiac arrest cases, cooperation with both general practitioners and the fire service increased (P < 0.001).ConclusionPhysician‐staffed EMS cooperates extensively with other professional emergency services, especially ground‐EMS. On‐scene cooperation with general practitioners decreased, whereas there was an increased cooperation with the fire service in a “first‐responder” role during cardiac arrest missions.
Xerostomia, salivary characteristics and gland volumes following intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a two‐year follow up
Authors: Sim CPC , Soong YL , Pang EPP , Lim C , Walker GD , Manton DJ , Reynolds EC , Wee JTS 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate changes in xerostomia status, salivary characteristics and gland volumes 2 years following radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.MethodsXerostomia scores, salivary flow rates, pH and buffering capacity were measured at pre‐radiotherapy, mid‐radiotherapy, 2 weeks, 3 months and 2 years post‐radiotherapy. Salivary gland volumes and their correlation with radiation dose were also assessed.ResultsMean radiation dose to oral cavity, parotid and submandibular glands (SMG) was 44.5, 65.0 and 38.6 Gy respectively. Parotid and SMG volumes decreased 33% at 3 months post‐radiotherapy; volumes at 2 years post‐radiotherapy were 84% and 51% of pre‐radiotherapy levels, respectively. Correlations were observed between parotid gland volume per cent reduction and its radiation dose and between resting salivary flow rate reduction and post‐radiotherapy/pre‐radiotherapy SMG volume ratio. Salivary flow rates and resting saliva pH remained significantly low at 2 years post‐radiotherapy (both flow rates, P = 0.001; resting saliva pH, P = 0.005). Similarly, xerostomia scores remained significantly higher compared with pre‐radiotherapy levels.ConclusionsSubmandibular gland volumetric shrinkage persisted 2 years after radiotherapy. Xerostomia scores remained significantly higher, and salivary flow rates and resting saliva pH remained significantly lower, suggesting that study participants were still at risk for hyposalivation‐related oral diseases.
Identification of differentially expressed small RNAs and prediction of target genes in Italian Large White pigs with divergent backfat deposition
Authors: Davoli R. , Gaffo E. , Zappaterra M. , Bortoluzzi S. , Zambonelli P. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe identification of the molecular mechanisms regulating pathways associated with the potential for fat deposition in pigs can lead to the detection of key genes and markers for the genetic improvement of fat traits. Interactions of microRNAs (miRNAs) with target RNAs regulate gene expression and modulate pathway activation in cells and tissues. In pigs, miRNA discovery is far from saturation, and the knowledge of miRNA expression in backfat tissue and particularly of the impact of miRNA variations is still fragmentary. Using RNA‐seq, we characterized the small RNA (sRNA) expression profiles in Italian Large White pig backfat tissue. Comparing two groups of pigs divergent for backfat deposition, we detected 31 significant differentially expressed (DE) sRNAs: 14 up‐regulated (including ssc‐miR‐132, ssc‐miR‐146b, ssc‐miR‐221‐5p, ssc‐miR‐365‐5p and the moRNA ssc‐moR‐21‐5p) and 17 down‐regulated (including ssc‐miR‐136, ssc‐miR‐195, ssc‐miR‐199a‐5p and ssc‐miR‐335). To understand the biological impact of the observed miRNA expression variations, we used the expression correlation of DE miRNA target transcripts expressed in the same samples to define a regulatory network of 193 interactions between DE miRNAs and 40 DE target transcripts showing opposite expression profiles and being involved in specific pathways. Several miRNAs and mRNAs in the network were found to be expressed from backfat‐related pig QTL. These results are informative for the complex mechanisms influencing fat traits, shed light on a new aspect of the genetic regulation of fat deposition in pigs and facilitate the prospective implementation of innovative strategies of pig genetic improvement based on genomic markers.
A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of contingency management for treatment of waterpipe tobacco addiction
Authors: Shishani Kawkab , Odom‐Maryon Tamara , Roll John M. 
Published: March 2018

Background and ObjectivesUnlike cigarette smoking cessation, waterpipe tobacco smoking cessation is relatively understudied. The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to examine the efficacy of contingency management (CM) for promoting initial waterpipe smoking abstinence.MethodsThe study used a two‐group, repeated measures design. Participants attended 10 visits (two visits per week, on Mondays and Thursdays) across 5 weeks. Thirty‐nine adult waterpipe tobacco users who did not smoke cigarettes and were not planning on quitting waterpipe tobacco smoking were randomly assigned to either the contingent (n = 19) or non‐contingent (n = 20) groups. Contingent group received monetary rewards based on negative salivary cotinine results. Earning rewards started at $14 and increased by $.50 with each subsequent negative sample for a maximum $192.50. Non‐contingent group earned rewards independent of salivary cotinine results. Prolonged abstinence was defined as having negative salivary cotinine results for eight or more visits (two lapses were allowed); and 7‐day point prevalence was defined as having negative salivary cotinine results at visit 9 and 10 (final week).ResultsThe prolonged abstinence rate in the contingent and non‐contingent groups were 42.1% and 5.0%, respectively, (p = .008). The 7‐day point prevalence in the contingent and non‐contingent were 47.4% and 5.0%, respectively, (p = .003).Discussion and ConclusionsRewards contingent on biochemically verified abstinence promote initial waterpipe tobacco cessation. This is useful information for consideration in future cessation programs for waterpipe smokers.Scientific SignificanceCM strategy may have potential benefit in addressing waterpipe tobacco smoking in non‐treatment seeking adults. (Am J Addict 2018;27:202–209)
Physician characteristics influence the trends in resuscitation decisions at different ages
Authors: Hansen Thor Willy Ruud , Aasland Olaf , Janvier Annie , Førde Reidun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimWe examined how physicians in different medical specialties would evaluate treatment decisions for vulnerable patients in need of resuscitation.MethodsA survey depicting six acutely ill patients from newborn infant to aged, all in need of resuscitation with similar prognoses, was distributed (in 2009) to a representative sample of 1650 members of the Norwegian Medical Association and 676 members of the Norwegian Pediatric Association.ResultsThere were 1335 respondents (57% participation rate). The majority of respondents across all specialties thought resuscitation was in the best interest of a 24 weeks’ gestation preterm infant and would resuscitate the patient, but would also accept palliative care on the family's demand. Accepting a family's refusal of resuscitation was more common for the newborn infants. Specialists were overall similar in their answers, but specialty, age and gender were associated with different answers for the patients at both ends of the age spectrum.ConclusionResuscitation decisions for the very young do not always seem to follow the best interest principle. Specialty and personal characteristics still have an impact on how we consider important ethical issues. We must be cognisant of our own valuations and how they may influence care.
Oral lorazepam can be substituted for intravenous midazolam when weaning paediatric intensive care patients off sedation
Authors: van der Vossen Anna C. , van Nuland Merel , Ista Erwin G. , de Wildt Saskia N. , Hanff Lidwien M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAimIntravenous sedatives used in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) need to be tapered after prolonged use to prevent iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome (IWS). We evaluated the occurrence of IWS and the levels of sedation before and after conversion from intravenous midazolam to oral lorazepam.MethodsThis was a retrospective, observational, single cohort study of children under the age of 18 admitted to the PICU of the Erasmus MC‐Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, between January 2013 and December 2014. The outcome parameters were the Sophia Observation withdrawal Symptoms (SOS) scale scores and COMFORT Behaviour scale scores before and after conversion.ResultsOf the 79 patients who were weaned, 32 and 39 had before and after SOS scores and 77 had COMFORT‐B scores. IWS was reported in 15 of 79 patients (19.0%) during the 48 hours before the start of lorazepam and 17 of 79 patients (21.5%) during the 48 hours after treatment started. Oversedation was seen in 16 of 79 patients (20.3%) during the 24 hours before substitution and in 30 of 79 patients (38.0%) during the 24 hours after substitution.ConclusionThe weaning protocol was not able to prevent IWS in all patients, but converting from intravenous midazolam to oral lorazepam did not increase the incidence.
Initial series of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐fusion targeted prostate biopsy using the first transperineal targeted platform available in the USA
Authors: Kosarek Christopher D. , Mahmoud Ali M. , Eyzaguirre Eduardo J. , Shan Yong , Walser Eric M. , Horn Gary L. , Williams Stephen B. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo describe a step‐by‐step guide for using the first transperineal targeted prostate biopsy platform available in the USA.Patients and MethodsA total of 32 men with elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels were diagnosed with a region of interest on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) between February 2017 and January 2018. The transperineal targeted prostate biopsy procedure was accomplished via a transperineal approach and used a stepper, combined with advanced mpMRI/transrectal ultrasound fusion software, to perform targeted prostate biopsy. The detection of overall and clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) was assessed as well as the rate of complications.ResultsThe median patient age was 68.0 years and the median PSA was 8.0 ng/mL. Two patients (6%) were active surveillance candidates and 16 (50%) had a prior negative prostate biopsy. The detection rates for overall and clinically significant PCa were 81% and 59%, respectively. The two candidates for active surveillance and eight of the patients with a prior negative prostate biopsy had clinically significant PCa confirmed on targeted biopsy. There were no peri‐operative complications.ConclusionThese results demonstrate the promising potential of the first transperineal targeted prostate biopsy platform in the USA as an alternative diagnostic method for PCa.
The fragility of statistically significant findings from randomised controlled trials in the urological literature
Authors: Narayan Vikram M. , Gandhi Shreyas , Chrouser Kristin , Evaniew Nathan , Dahm Philipp 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo use the Fragility Index to evaluate the robustness of statistically significant findings from urological randomised controlled trials (RCTs).Materials and MethodsThe ‘Fragility Index’ is defined as the minimum number of patients in one arm of a trial whose status would have to change from ‘event’ to ‘non‐event’, such that a statistically significant result becomes non‐significant. We identified all RCTs published in four major urology journals between 2011 and 2015, and we determined the Fragility Index values for those trials reporting statistically significant results of dichotomous outcomes using the Fisher's exact test.ResultsIn all, 332 RCTs were identified, and 41 studies met the inclusion criteria. The median (interquartile range) Fragility Index was 3 (1, 4.5), indicating that an addition of only three alternate events to one arm of a typical trial would have eliminated its statistical significance. In 27/40 cases (67.5% of cases), the number of patients lost to follow‐up was larger than its Fragility Index.ConclusionsThe results of urology RCTs that study dichotomous outcomes and report statistically significant differences between groups are sometimes fragile and depend on few events. Urologists should interpret these RCTs cautiously, particularly when the number of participants lost to follow‐up exceeds the Fragility Index. Routine reporting of Fragility Index values alongside P values may provide additional guidance about the robustness of statistically significant findings.