bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Students' perceptions of a blended learning experience in dental education
Authors: Varthis S. , Anderson O. R. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIntroduction“Flipped” instructional sequencing is a new instructional method where online instruction precedes the group meeting, allowing for more sophisticated learning through discussion and critical thinking during the in‐person class session; a novel approach studied in this research.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to document dental students' perceptions of flipped‐based blended learning and to apply a new method of displaying their perceptions based on Likert‐scale data analysis using a network diagramming method known as an item correlation network diagram (ICND). In addition, this article aimed to encourage institutions or course directors to consider self‐regulated learning and social constructivism as a theoretical framework when blended learning is incorporated in dental curricula.Materials and MethodsTwenty (second year) dental students at a Northeastern Regional Dental School in the United States participated in this study. A Likert scale was administered before and after the learning experience to obtain evidence of their perceptions of its quality and educational merits. Item correlation network diagrams, based on the intercorrelations amongst the responses to the Likert‐scale items, were constructed to display students' changes in perceptions before and after the learning experience.ResultsStudents reported positive perceptions of the blended learning, and the ICND analysis of their responses before and after the learning experience provided insights into their social (group‐based) cognition about the learning experience. The ICNDs are considered evidence of social or group‐based cognition, because they are constructed from evidence obtained using intercorrelations of the total group responses to the Likert‐scale items.ConclusionsThe students positively received blended learning in dental education, and the ICND analyses demonstrated marked changes in their social cognition of the learning experience based on the pre‐ and post‐Likert survey data. Self‐regulated learning and social constructivism are encouraged as useful theoretical frameworks for a blended learning approach.
Host‐plant‐based restoration as a potential tool to improve conservation status of odonate specialists
Authors: Khelifa Rassim , Mellal Mohammed Khalil 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Several species worldwide show rapid range retraction due to habitat degradation, and some of them have restricted distribution and specific resource needs. Such cases deserve particular attention and need urgent conservation actions to avoid extinction, and one way is to facilitate colonisation of new habitats by resource supplementation.

Here, we investigate the changes in range distribution, during the last decade (2007–2016), of an endangered endemic damselfly, Calopteryx exul Selys, and assess the importance of its favourite host‐plant (Potamogeton nodosus) in colonisation and population dynamics in the last existing population of Algeria.

We first used dynamic occupancy models to assess range distribution dynamics and we found that both occupancy and colonisation probabilities of the species were positively dependent on the occurrence of P. nodosus. There was also evidence that extinction probability increased with habitat disturbance but decreased with the occurrence of P. nodosus. Our experimental restoration showed that the augmentation of patches of P. nodosus increased the total number of individuals, the number of reproductive events and philopatry.

Our study highlights the importance of insect–plant relationship in the establishment of effective restoration plans because of their implication in colonisation and extinction processes and population dynamics.

Since most insect species from different orders and ecosystems are ecologically dependent on plants, our restoration approach may benefit a large range of threatened species and improve their conservation status.
Navigating the ‘broad freeway’: ocean currents and inland isolation drive diversification in the Pandanus tectorius complex (Pandanaceae)
Authors: Gallaher Timothy , Callmander Martin W. , Buerki Sven , Setsuko Suzuki , Keeley Sterling C. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimTo test for and describe the genetic structure of the Pandanus tectorius complex, a group of closely related ocean‐dispersed plants and members of the Indo‐Pacific coastal strand community.LocationTropical Indo‐Pacific (coastal East Africa to Polynesia).MethodsWe sampled 535 individuals (46 localities) from throughout the range of the complex. Fifteen microsatellite loci were used to detect and characterize population structure and estimate migration rates between island groups and broad regions.ResultsHierarchical population structure was detected. Samples group into an eastern cluster (Hawaii and coastal South‐Central Pacific localities) and a western cluster [Western Pacific (WP) through Indian Ocean]. Within these two clusters, at least six regional subclusters were detected including samples from the Indian Ocean + South China Sea (SCS), Ogasawara Islands, WP, inland South‐Central Pacific, coastal South‐Central Pacific and Hawaii. Migration rates between regions are low leading to isolation and genetic differentiation while within regions, rates are much higher. In most cases, inland populations are genetically differentiated from nearby coastal counterparts.Main conclusionsSubstantial population structure occurs across the range of the P. tectorius complex due to dispersal limitation across stretches of open ocean and patterns of ocean currents. Low levels of asymmetric westward migration, consistent with the direction of ocean currents in the Pacific, links Hawaii and the South‐Central Pacific with populations further to the west preventing complete isolation. SCS + Indian Ocean populations are distinct from those in the Pacific due to limited dispersal between these regions. The isolation of inland populations on several islands also contributes to genetic differentiation. While population clusters have a clear geographical basis they are not completely congruent with previously recognized taxa.
Agreement and Predictive Validity Using Less‐Conservative Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project Weakness Cutpoints
Authors: Chiles Shaffer Nancy , Ferrucci Luigi , Shardell Michelle , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Studenski Stephanie 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo derive lean mass cutpoints based on a less‐conservative Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Sarcopenia Project Weakness cutpoint for grip strength (WeakI) and to assess their agreement with European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and prediction of incident slow walking and mortality.DesignLongitudinal analysis.SettingBaltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older (287 men, 258 women) with 2 to 10 years of follow‐up.MeasurementsWeakness was determined according to handgrip strength using a hand dynamometer, appendicular lean mass (ALM) using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and walking speed according to 6‐m usual pace walk speed. Analyses were performed using classification and regression tree analysis, Cohen's kappa, and Cox models.ResultsCutpoints derived from WeakI for ALM (ALMI) were less than 21.4 kg in men and less than 14.1 kg in women and for ALM adjusted for body mass index (ALM/BMII) were less than 0.725 in men and less than 0.591 in women. Kappas with EWGSOP were 0.65 for men and 0.75 for women for ALMI and 0.34 for men and 0.47 for women for ALM/BMII. Men with WeakI + ALMI were twice as likely to develop slow walking as those not weak with normal ALMI (Hazard ratio (HR) = 2.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02‐5.82). Under EWGSOP, men with weakness and low RALM were almost 3 times as likely to develop slow walking as those not weak with normal RALM (HR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.11‐7.62). Neither approach predicted incident slow walking in women.ConclusionThe ALMI cutpoints agree with EWGSOP and predict slow walking in men. Future studies should explore sex differences in the relationship between body composition and physical function and the effect of change in muscle mass on muscle strength and physical function.
The Moral Economy of Money between the Gold Standard and the New Deal
Authors: Feinig Jakob 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn this article, I show that Depression‐era popular opposition to gold standard orthodoxy had an identifiable impact on New Deal policy. Popular pressure was rooted in a political‐economic vision I call the “moral economy of money.” The moral economy of money included a critique of the gold standard and creditor classes and advocated a democratization of control over money and credit to restore social justice. Against many odds, Roosevelt narrowly defeated congressional majorities connected to popular groups bent on mandating Treasury currency issue. At the same time, he pioneered a discourse that became generalized in the following decades and discouraged a reemergence of the moral economy of money.
Factors associated with oral health‐related quality of life among safety‐net clinic patients
Authors: Kamimura Akiko , Gull Bethany , Weaver Shannon , Wright Lindsey , Edwards Alysa , Nourian Kimiya , Ashby Jeanie , Erickson Lea E. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectivesOral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) is an important health indicator not only for individuals but also for oral health care providers to treat a person holistically. Previous studies focused on OHRQoL do not provide comprehensive knowledge regarding low‐income patients in the United States, many of whom have chronic health conditions that can affect their oral health. The purpose of this study is to examine factors associated with OHRQoL among low‐income, uninsured patients of safety‐net providers, which provide free or reduced fee medical and/or dental care to underserved populations.MethodsUninsured patients (N = 584) participated in a self‐administered survey in May and June 2016 at a safety‐net clinic in the United States serving a low‐income uninsured population, which provides limited oral health care services. This study used cross‐sectional design and a nonprobability sample. The dependent variable was OHRQoL measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14. Chi square tests, Analysis of Variance tests, and multiple regression were used for statistical analysis.ResultsHigher levels of dental care neglect and lower frequency of oral hygiene practice were associated with lower levels of OHRQoL (P < 0.01). Participants utilizing a diabetes clinic reported better OHRQoL than those who were not patients of a diabetes clinic (P < 0.05). US born English speakers had worse general health and OHRQoL compared to non‐US born English speakers and Spanish speakers (P < 0.01).ConclusionsAn intervention to remedy dental neglect is recommended to improve OHRQoL among uninsured safety‐net patients.
Effect of the Presence of a Mobile Phone during a Spatial Visual Search
Authors: Ito Motohiro , Kawahara Jun‐Ichiro 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRecent studies suggest that the “mere presence” of a mobile phone impairs social interactions and neuropsychological test performance. The present study examined whether the presence of a mobile phone causes spatial bias toward the device during a visual search task. Participants identified a target among spatially distributed non‐targets. We manipulated three factors: device presence (mobile phone or notepad), target congruency (congruent or incongruent), and attentional load (set size 8 or 24). A mobile phone (or a notepad in the control condition) was placed on the left side of the computer screen. Participants also completed a questionnaire to measure Internet usage and attachment. Participants with high scores on the questionnaire rapidly identified the target at the congruent (same side as the phone) location, but the mere presence effect did not occur in this condition. In contrast, participants with low scores on the questionnaire demonstrated the mere presence effect, but no spatial bias was observed. These results suggest that the mere presence effect can be modulated by individual differences in the degree to which a device is appealing.
Analysis of School Enrollment in Ghana: A Sequential Approach
Authors: Iddrisu Abdul Malik , Danquah Michael , Quartey Peter 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we depart from the standard way of analyzing school enrollment by accounting explicitly for educational selectivity in order to examine the determinants of child school enrollment in Ghana. Using data from the Ghana Living Standard Survey round 6 (GLSS 6), we estimate a three‐step sequential logit model for the determinants of secondary school enrollment and its dependence on completing primary school. We find that family resources such as parental education, household income and the gender of the head of the household play a role in households' child schooling decisions. Educated parents are relatively more likely to enroll their children in primary school and keep them in school until they complete primary education. As well, we show that educated parents do not promote a gender‐biased investment in the schooling of children at the primary level. While household welfare does not influence children's entry into primary school importantly, their completion of primary school depends on household welfare. The study sheds more light on the pro‐male bias phenomenon regarding entry into primary school and primary school completion. Policies to promote the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 in Ghana must be grade sensitive.
HLA‐DRB3*01:01 is a predictor of immunization against human platelet antigen‐1a but not of the severity of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Wienzek‐Lischka Sandra , König Inke R. , Papenkort Eva‐Maria , Hackstein Holger , Santoso Sentot , Sachs Ulrich J. , Bein Gregor 
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUNDMost cases of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) are caused by maternal alloantibodies against human platelet antigen‐1a (HPA‐1a). Alloimmunization mainly occurs in HPA‐1a–negative mothers who are carriers of the HLA‐DRB3*01:01 allele. Recently, it has been reported that the combined presence of HLA‐DRB3*01:01 and HLA‐DRB4*01:01P was associated with severity of FNAIT. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing a large cohort of cases and controls.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSIn total, 101 mothers with a history of FNAIT caused by anti‐HPA‐1a were investigated. HLA‐DRB1, ‐DRB3, ‐DRB4, and ‐DRB5 genotypes were determined by Luminex technology. Haplotype frequencies were compared between cases and 100 controls. The platelet (PLT) counts of neonates and the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were compared between subgroups defined by genotype.RESULTSOf the HPA‐1a–immunized mothers, 98% (99/101) carried at least one copy of HLA‐DRB3*01:01. Carriage of HLA‐DRB3*01:01 was significantly associated with immune response to HPA‐1a (odds ratio, 92.3; 95% confidence interval, 26.9‐317.1; p = 1.34 × 10−12). No association between HLA‐DRB3*01:01 and HLA‐DRB4*01:01P alone or in combination with the PLT count of the newborns or the incidence of ICH was detected.CONCLUSIONIn contrast to HLA‐DRB4*01:01P, the inheritance of HLA‐DRB3*01:01 is strongly associated with the propensity for mounting a humoral immune response against fetal HPA‐1a antigen. Neither a homozygous nor a compound heterozygous gene dose predicts the severity of the disease. Testing for the presence of HLA‐DRB3*01:01 might be very useful in counseling women at risk of FNAIT due to anti‐HPA‐1a.
Exogenous induction of unphosphorylated PTEN reduces TGFβ‐induced extracellular matrix expressions in lung fibroblasts
Authors: Kimura Motohiro , Hashimoto Naozumi , Kusunose Masaaki , Aoyama Daisuke , Sakamoto Koji , Miyazaki Shinichi , Ando Akira , Omote Norihiro , Imaizumi Kazuyoshi , Kawabe Tsutomu , Hasegawa Yoshinori 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTransforming growth factor β (TGFβ) plays an important role in regulating aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) production from alveolar/epithelial cells (AECs) and fibroblasts in pulmonary fibrosis. Although the tumor suppressor gene phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN) can negatively control many TGFβ‐activated signaling pathways via the phosphatase activity, hyperactivation of the TGFβ‐related signaling pathways is often observed in fibrosis. Loss of PTEN expression might cause TGFβ‐induced ECM production. In addition, TGFβ was recently shown to induce loss of PTEN enzymatic activity by phosphorylating the PTEN C‐terminus. Therefore, we hypothesized that exogenous transfer of unphosphorylated PTEN (PTEN4A) might lead to reduce TGFβ‐induced ECM expression in not only epithelial cells but also fibroblasts. Adenovirus‐based exogenous PTEN4A induction successfully reduced TGFβ‐induced fibronectin expression and retained β‐catenin at the cell membrane in human epithelial cells. Exogenous unphosphorylated PTEN also attenuated TGFβ‐induced ECM production and inhibited TGFβ‐induced β‐catenin translocation in a human fibroblast cell line and in mouse primary isolated lung fibroblasts. Conversely, TGFβ‐induced α‐smooth muscle actin expression did not seem to be inhibited in these fibroblasts. Our data suggest that exogenous administration of unphosphorylated PTEN might be a promising strategy to restore TGFβ‐induced loss of PTEN activity and reduce aberrant TGFβ‐induced ECM production from epithelial cells and fibroblasts in lung fibrosis as compared with wild‐type PTEN induction.
Increased Costs Associated with Bloodstream Infections Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Are Due Primarily to Patients with Hospital-Acquired Infections
Authors: Thaden Joshua T. , Li Yanhong , Ruffin Felicia , Maskarinec Stacey A. , Hill-Rorie Jonathan M. , Wanda Lisa C. , Reed Shelby D. , Fowler Vance G. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

The clinical and economic impacts of bloodstream infections (BSI) due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria are incompletely understood. From 2009 to 2015, all adult inpatients with Gram-negative BSI at our institution were prospectively enrolled. MDR status was defined as resistance to ≥3 antibiotic classes. Clinical outcomes and inpatient costs associated with the MDR phenotype were identified. Among 891 unique patients with Gram-negative BSI, 292 (33%) were infected with MDR bacteria. In an adjusted analysis, only history of Gram-negative infection was associated with MDR BSI versus non-MDR BSI (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 2.16;
P
= 0.002). Patients with MDR BSI had increased BSI recurrence (1.7% [5/292] versus 0.2% [1/599];
P
= 0.02) and longer hospital stay (median, 10.0 versus 8.0 days;
P
= 0.0005). Unadjusted rates of in-hospital mortality did not significantly differ between MDR (26.4% [77/292]) and non-MDR (21.7% [130/599]) groups (
P
= 0.12). Unadjusted mean costs were 1.62 times higher in MDR than in non-MDR BSI ($59,266 versus $36,452;
P
= 0.003). This finding persisted after adjustment for patient factors and appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy (means ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.36;
P
= 0.01). Adjusted analysis of patient subpopulations revealed that the increased cost of MDR BSI occurred primarily among patients with hospital-acquired infections (MDR means ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.82;
P
= 0.008). MDR Gram-negative BSI are associated with recurrent BSI, longer hospital stays, and increased mean inpatient costs. MDR BSI in patients with hospital-acquired infections primarily account for the increased cost.
Simvastatin Attenuates Endothelial Activation through 15-Epi-Lipoxin A4 Production in Murine Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy
Authors: González-Herrera Fabiola , Cramer Allysson , Pimentel Pollyana , Castillo Christian , Liempi Ana , Kemmerling Ulrike , Machado Fabiana S. , Maya Juan D. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Current treatments for chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy, a disease with high mortality rates and caused by the protozoan
Trypanosoma cruzi
, are unsatisfactory. Myocardial inflammation, including endothelial activation, is responsible for the structural and functional damage seen in the chronic phase. The clinical efficacy of benznidazole could be improved by decreasing chronic inflammation. Statins, which have anti-inflammatory properties, may improve the action of benznidazole. Here, the action of simvastatin in a murine model of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy and the link with the production of the proresolving eicosanoid 15-epi-lipoxin A4, produced by 5-lipoxygenase, are evaluated. Simvastatin decreased the expression of the adhesion molecules E-selectin, intracellular adhesion molecule type 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule type 1 (VCAM-1) in
T. cruzi
-infected mice. However, when this drug was administered to 5-lipoxygenase-deficient mice, the anti-inflammatory effect was not observed unless exogenous 15-epi-lipoxin A4 was administered. Thus, in chronic Chagas disease, 5-epi-lipoxin A4 induced by simvastatin treatment could improve the pathophysiological condition of patients by increasing the trypanocidal action of benznidazole.
Establishing Genotypic Cutoff Values To Measure Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella
Authors: Tyson Gregory H. , Zhao Shaohua , Li Cong , Ayers Sherry , Sabo Jonathan L. , Lam Claudia , Miller Ron A. , McDermott Patrick F. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has transformed our understanding of antimicrobial resistance, helping us to better identify and track the genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic resistance. Previous studies have demonstrated high correlations between phenotypic resistance and the presence of known resistance determinants. However, there has never been a large-scale assessment of how well resistance genotypes correspond to specific MICs. We performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing and WGS of 1,738 nontyphoidal
Salmonella
strains to correlate over 20,000 MICs with resistance determinants. Using these data, we established what we term genotypic cutoff values (GCVs) for 13 antimicrobials against
Salmonella
. For the drugs we tested, we define a GCV as the highest MIC of isolates in a population devoid of known acquired resistance mechanisms. This definition of GCV is distinct from epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs or ECOFFs), which currently differentiate wild-type from non-wild-type strains based on MIC distributions alone without regard to genetic information. Due to the large number of isolates involved, we observed distinct MIC distributions for isolates with different resistance gene alleles, including for ciprofloxacin and tetracycline, suggesting the potential to predict MICs based on WGS data alone.