bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive modeling of housing instability and homelessness in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Byrne Thomas , Montgomery Ann Elizabeth , Fargo Jamison D.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To develop and test predictive models of housing instability and homelessness based on responses to a brief screening instrument administered throughout the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Data Sources/Study Setting

Electronic medical record data from 5.8 million Veterans who responded to the VHA's Homelessness Screening Clinical Reminder (HSCR) between October 2012 and September 2015.

Study Design

We randomly selected 80% of Veterans in our sample to develop predictive models. We evaluated the performance of both logistic regression and random forests—a machine learning algorithm—using the remaining 20% of cases.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Data were extracted from two sources: VHA's Corporate Data Warehouse and National Homeless Registry.

Principal Findings

Performance for all models was acceptable or better. Random forests models were more sensitive in predicting housing instability and homelessness than logistic regression, but less specific in predicting housing instability. Rates of positive screens for both outcomes were highest among Veterans in the top strata of model‐predicted risk.

Conclusions

Predictive models based on medical record data can identify Veterans likely to report housing instability and homelessness, making the HSCR screening process more efficient and informing new engagement strategies. Our findings have implications for similar instruments in other health care systems.
Spatial and Scope Effects: Valuations of Coastal Management Practices
Authors: Spencer‐Cotton Alaya , Kragt Marit E. , Burton Michael
Published: September 2018

We explore how values for environmental management in the Kimberley region of Australia respond to changes in spatial scale and attribute scope. A discrete choice experiment was conducted that included the impacts of management on marine no‐take areas, Aboriginal rangers, recreational facilities, and coastal development. A split sample single‐site design was used to estimate values for the Kimberley region as a whole, and for two separate smaller sub‐regions, allowing us to test for spatial preference heterogeneity. Management outcomes for different regions were displayed on a map to show respondents explicitly where outcomes would occur. We show that willingness to pay results are similar between the two smaller sub‐regions, and that willingness to pay for the attributes increased when management occurred at the larger geographical scale. However, respondents were somewhat insensitive to changes in the scope of the two cardinal attributes: area of no‐take and number of rangers. We discuss the implications of this spatial and scope insensitivity for choice experiment research.
Association of Low Serum Potassium Levels and Risk for All‐Cause Mortality in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ying , Chen Ping , Chen Juan , Wang Li , Wei Yong , Xu Dongmei
Published: September 2018

Dyskalemia is a risk factor for mortality in patients without CKD, but the effect of hypokalemia in patients with CKD remains uncertain. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Ovid databases were searched from inception to December 31, 2017 for studies that reported all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality or events in patients with CKD (any stage). Pooled hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% CI were calculated. A total of 11 clinical studies enrolling 57 234 subjects with CKD were included in the meta‐analysis. Compared with control serum potassium (SK) levels, low SK (SK <4.0 mEq/L) was associated with higher risk of all‐cause mortality in a random‐effects model (HR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.25–1.97). Moderate low SK (<3.5 mEq/L) increased risk of all‐cause mortality by 105%. Mild low SK (3.5~4.0 mEq/L) also increased all‐cause mortality risk (HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.11–1.26). Low SK was also associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.22–1.62) and ESRD risk (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.18–1.54). SK <4.0 mEq/L was associated with higher mortality risk in CKD patients, especially in those with SK <3.5 mEq/L. Additional prospective studies will be necessary to explore this relationship, as well as whether correcting hypokalemia decreases mortality in patients with CKD.
Plasma Exchange Downregulates Activated Monocytes and Restores Regulatory T Cells in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Koizumi Keiichi , Hoshiai Minako , Moriguchi Takeshi , Katsumata Nobuyuki , Toda Takako , Kise Hiroaki , Hasebe Yohei , Kono Yosuke , Sunaga Yuto , Yoshizawa Masashi , Watanabe Atsushi , Harii Norikazu , Goto Junko , Kagami Keiko , Abe Masako , Matsuda Kenichi , Sugita Kanji
Published: September 2018

In Kawasaki disease (KD), the effect of plasma exchange (PE) on immune cells has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we examined the changes in the number of CD14+ CD16+ activated monocytes, regulatory T (Treg), and T‐helper type 17 (Th17) cells in KD patients treated with PE. The percentage of total monocytes and subclasses of lymphocytes, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells, showed no significant difference before and after PE. However, the percentage of CD14+ CD16+ monocytes in total leukocytes decreased significantly after PE (1.1% ± 1.5% vs. 2.1% ± 2.3%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, while the percentage of Th17 cells in CD4+ T cells did not change, the percentage of Treg cells in CD4+ T cells increased significantly after PE (11.1% ± 5.1% vs. 8.0% ± 4.4%, P < 0.05). Therefore, PE downregulates activated monocytes and upregulates Treg cells toward normal levels and thus attenuates inflammation in KD.
Byproduct Generated During the Elaboration Process of Isotonic Beverage as a Natural Source of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Gonçalves E.C.B.A. , Lozano‐Sanchez J. , Gomes S. , Ferreira M.S.L. , Cameron L.C. , Segura‐Carretero A.
Published: September 2018

Agro‐industrial byproducts are considered good sources of macronutrients and phytochemicals. Fruit and vegetable residues (FVR), obtained after the production of an isotonic beverage, have previously been characterized containing 80% insoluble dietary fibers from total fibers (48.4%), 26% available carbohydrates, 9.5% proteins and 5% lipids. Nevertheless, fruit and vegetables provide phytochemicals which have been related to human health such as phenolic compounds. The loss of specific compounds over the production process is related to their partitioning between fruit and vegetables and byproducts. However, phenolic profile of FVR remains unknown. This work is focused on the evaluation of FVR as a natural source of these bioactive compounds. For this purpose, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) has been proposed as extraction technique for recovering phenolic compounds from FVR. The experimental variables were temperature and percentage of solvent (ethanol and water). Phenolic compounds extracts were characterized by UPLC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS and a discussion about phenolic and macronutrient interactions was established. Globally, 88 compounds were tentatively identified: phenolic acids (28), flavonoids (32), and other polyphenols (28). The PLE conditions applied yielded different breaking matrix‐analyte interactions leading to an increase in the number of compounds. The highest phenolic acids content was achieved with high temperature while lower temperatures were more efficient in extracting flavonoid. By establishing the phenolics profile in food byproducts such as FVR, it is possible to more effectively apply these byproducts as nutraceutical, food or pharmaceutical ingredients.

Practical Application

Flow diagram of bioactive compounds recovering from isotonic beverage byproduct is proposed using pressurized liquid extraction. The plant‐bioactives mechanism relies on fruit and vegetable byproducts changes under different extraction conditions. The obtained extracts can most effectively be applied as nutraceuticals or as ingredients in food or pharmaceutical inputs.
Introducing ribosomal tandem repeat barcoding for fungi
Authors: Wurzbacher Christian , Larsson Ellen , Bengtsson‐Palme Johan , Van den Wyngaert Silke , Svantesson Sten , Kristiansson Erik , Kagami Maiko , Nilsson R. Henrik
Published: September 2018

Sequence comparison and analysis of the various ribosomal genetic markers are the dominant molecular methods for identification and description of fungi. However, new environmental fungal lineages known only from DNA data reveal significant gaps in our sampling of the fungal kingdom in terms of both taxonomy and marker coverage in the reference sequence databases. To facilitate the integration of reference data from all of the ribosomal markers, we present three sets of general primers that allow for amplification of the complete ribosomal operon from the ribosomal tandem repeats. The primers cover all ribosomal markers: ETS, SSU, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, LSU and IGS. We coupled these primers successfully with third‐generation sequencing (PacBio and Nanopore sequencing) to showcase our approach on authentic fungal herbarium specimens (Basidiomycota), aquatic chytrids (Chytridiomycota) and a poorly understood lineage of early diverging fungi (Nephridiophagidae). In particular, we were able to generate high‐quality reference data with Nanopore sequencing in a high‐throughput manner, showing that the generation of reference data can be achieved on a regular desktop computer without the involvement of any large‐scale sequencing facility. The quality of the Nanopore generated sequences was 99.85%, which is comparable with the 99.78% accuracy described for Sanger sequencing. With this work, we hope to stimulate the generation of a new comprehensive standard of ribosomal reference data with the ultimate aim to close the huge gaps in our reference datasets.
A dedicated target capture approach reveals variable genetic markers across micro‐ and macro‐evolutionary time scales in palms
Authors: de La Harpe Marylaure , Hess Jaqueline , Loiseau Oriane , Salamin Nicolas , Lexer Christian , Paris Margot
Published: September 2018

Understanding the genetics of biological diversification across micro‐ and macro‐evolutionary time scales is a vibrant field of research for molecular ecologists as rapid advances in sequencing technologies promise to overcome former limitations. In palms, an emblematic, economically and ecologically important plant family with high diversity in the tropics, studies of diversification at the population and species levels are still hampered by a lack of genomic markers suitable for the genotyping of large numbers of recently diverged taxa. To fill this gap, we used a whole genome sequencing approach to develop target sequencing for molecular markers in 4,184 genome regions, including 4,051 genes and 133 non‐genic putatively neutral regions. These markers were chosen to cover a wide range of evolutionary rates allowing future studies at the family, genus, species and population levels. Special emphasis was given to the avoidance of copy number variation during marker selection. In addition, a set of 149 well‐known sequence regions previously used as phylogenetic markers by the palm biological research community were included in the target regions, to open the possibility to combine and jointly analyse already available data sets with genomic data to be produced with this new toolkit. The bait set was effective for species belonging to all three palm sub‐families tested (Arecoideae, Ceroxyloideae and Coryphoideae), with high mapping rates, specificity and efficiency. The number of high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected at both the sub‐family and population levels facilitates efficient analyses of genomic diversity across micro‐ and macro‐evolutionary time scales.
Applicability and Clinical Validity of Nursing Outcomes Classification in a Nursing Intervention of Nutritional Counseling for Patients With Malnutrition
Authors: Vázquez‐Sánchez María Ángeles , Valero‐Cantero Inmaculada , Carrión‐Velasco Yolanda , Castro‐López Pilar , Suárez‐Cadenas Ernesto , Casals Cristina
Published: September 2018

PURPOSE

To determine the applicability of the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) after nutritional counseling intervention in malnourished patients.

METHODS

Prospective, randomized, open‐label study in 106 hospital patients with malnutrition. The NOC indicators evaluated were 162202 and 180201.

FINDINGS

The intervention group significantly increased both NOC indicator scores compared with the control group, these indicators significantly correlated with body mass index, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, and Barthel's Index.

CONCLUSION

The NOC indicators are sensitive to patients’ changes in clinical practice, and correlate well with other indicators in this context.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The NOC can be used to assess malnourished patients in the clinical setting.
Development of a Novel Computerized Clinical Decision Support System to Improve Adolescent Sexual Health Care Provision
Authors: Miller Melissa K. , Mollen Cynthia , Behr Kelli , Dowd M. Denise , Miller Elizabeth , Satterwhite Catherine L. , Stancil Stephani , Allen Nancy , Michael Jeffery , Inboriboon P. Charles , Park Andrew , Goggin Kathy
Published: September 2018

Objective

The objective was to develop an acceptable clinical decision support (CDS) system to facilitate evidence‐based sexual health care for adolescents in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

In this multiphased iterative process, we engaged an expert group to synthesize evidence on a wide range of sexual health services (e.g., contraception, condoms, identification and treatment of previously diagnosed sexually transmitted infection). We created a computerized questionnaire and embedded our decision tree, utilizing patient‐entered responses to create tailored, evidence‐based recommendations, and embedded links to study‐related resources such as the emergency contraception (EC) quick guide. We utilized mixed methodology to explore perspectives of adolescents aged 14 to 19 years and clinicians at two general and two pediatric EDs after they interacted with the system. Clinicians reported usefulness (Likert scale 1 = not at all, 4 = very); adolescents reported acceptability. We used the chi‐square test to compare responses between subgroups. We collected adolescents’ verbatim responses to open‐ended questions; clinicians self‐entered responses. Four authors independently generated themes from qualitative responses before compiling key findings and achieving consensus on final themes.

Results

Among 57 clinicians (23 physicians, 23 nurses, 11 nurse practitioners; 54% female; 65% aged < 40 years), the mean system usefulness rating was 3.4 ± 0.7. Sex, age, clinician role, or ED type were not associated with rating the system “somewhat/very” useful. Clinicians identified barriers (e.g., time constraints) that could be overcome by implementation considerations (e.g., training) as well as benefits including improved care. For future assessments, providers preferred computer (65%) over face‐to‐face interview (26%). Among 57 adolescents (mean age = 16.2 years; 75% female; 56% sexually experienced), nearly all (95%) reported that it was “very/somewhat easy” to complete the computerized questionnaire and to understand the questions. Most adolescents understood the EC quick guide and correctly identified that ulipristal, compared to levonorgestrel, required a prescription and was more effective. For future assessments, adolescents preferred computer (69%) over face‐to‐face interviews (9%).

Conclusions

We developed a sexual health CDS system that is easy to use and can facilitate evidence‐based care to reduce health outcome gaps. Evaluation of system impact on service delivery and, ultimately, health outcomes is needed.
Identifying a neuroanatomical signature of schizophrenia, reproducible across sites and stages, using machine learning with structured sparsity
Authors: de Pierrefeu A. , Löfstedt T. , Laidi C. , Hadj‐Selem F. , Bourgin J. , Hajek T. , Spaniel F. , Kolenic M. , Ciuciu P. , Hamdani N. , Leboyer M. , Fovet T. , Jardri R. , Houenou J. , Duchesnay E.
Published: September 2018

Objective

Structural MRI (sMRI) increasingly offers insight into abnormalities inherent to schizophrenia. Previous machine learning applications suggest that individual classification is feasible and reliable and, however, is focused on the predictive performance of the clinical status in cross‐sectional designs, which has limited biological perspectives. Moreover, most studies depend on relatively small cohorts or single recruiting site. Finally, no study controlled for disease stage or medication's effect. These elements cast doubt on previous findings’ reproducibility.

Method

We propose a machine learning algorithm that provides an interpretable brain signature. Using large datasets collected from 4 sites (276 schizophrenia patients, 330 controls), we assessed cross‐site prediction reproducibility and associated predictive signature. For the first time, we evaluated the predictive signature regarding medication and illness duration using an independent dataset of first‐episode patients.

Results

Machine learning classifiers based on neuroanatomical features yield significant intersite prediction accuracies (72%) together with an excellent predictive signature stability. This signature provides a neural score significantly correlated with symptom severity and the extent of cognitive impairments. Moreover, this signature demonstrates its efficiency on first‐episode psychosis patients (73% accuracy).

Conclusion

These results highlight the existence of a common neuroanatomical signature for schizophrenia, shared by a majority of patients even from an early stage of the disorder.
A scoping review of caries risk management protocols in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Amarasena N , Haag D , Peres KG
Published: September 2018

To identify and map the caries risk management protocols with multiple strategies, which were used in Australia and New Zealand and reported in the existing literature, a scoping review was carried out by electronically searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and Dentistry and Oral Science. Studies on caries risk management protocols, written in English, limited to Australia and New Zealand and published up to March 2018 were included in the review. There was no restriction on participants’ age. Of 257 studies identified, seven were included in the review. These seven studies were reported in Australia and all but six were based on the caries management system (CMS). There were two descriptive studies, one 3‐year multicentre cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT), one 2 to 4‐year post‐RCT follow‐up and two cost‐effective evaluations based on Markov decision analytic models. While concentrating on assessing individual behavioural risk factors for dental caries, studies indicated that the CMS would be more cost‐effective if its protocol was properly adhered to. Future studies on caries risk management protocols are suggested to consider both the individual characteristics and the social context of different population groups in view of enhancing the effectiveness of oral care.
Negative or positive density‐dependence in movements depends on climatic seasons: The case of a Neotropical marsupial
Authors: Delciellos Ana Cláudia , Prevedello Jayme Augusto , Ribeiro Suzy Emidio , Cerqueira Rui , Vieira Marcus Vinícius
Published: September 2018

One of the major challenges in animal ecology is to understand the factors and processes driving movement behaviour. Although density may influence movement patterns, the occurrence and nature of density‐dependence in animal movements are still unclear, particularly whether it may vary among populations of a species, or across time within a population. Here, we evaluate the occurrence and nature of density‐dependence in the movements of a Neotropical marsupial, the Grey four‐eyed opossum Philander frenatus (Didelphidae, Didelphimorphia). We quantified fine‐scale path tortuosity of individuals inhabiting continuous forest areas and forest fragments, in different climatic seasons (humid vs. super‐humid). We also determined the relative importance of population size compared to sex and body mass on movements, using a model‐selection approach. In forest fragments, path tortuosity increased with population size in the super‐humid season, but decreased in the humid season. In the continuous forest, path tortuosity was affected only by sex and body mass, being slightly higher in males and negatively related to body mass. The occurrence of density‐dependence on movements only in forest fragments is likely to reflect the higher overall density of P. frenatus in small forest fragments. The variation in the nature of density‐dependence between climatic seasons is likely to reflect a trade off between foraging over large areas (humid season, low resource availability) versus avoiding agonistic encounters (super‐humid season, high resource availability). Our results show that (i) density‐dependence in movements may be context‐dependent occurring only in areas of relatively high overall population density; and (ii) density may affect movements in different ways at different climatic seasons.
Changes in resuscitation and end‐of‐life documentation in older patients’ clinical case notes: A comparison of 2011 and 2017 practice
Authors: Dignam Colette , Brown Margaret , Thompson Campbell H
Published: September 2018

Objective

To compare 2011 and 2017 documentation of resuscitation decisions in older patients, including the frequency and clarity of documentation.

Methods

The clinical case notes of 130 patients aged 70 years and over were examined to identify how resuscitation decisions are discussed and documented at a major teaching hospital. Results were compared to 2011 data.

Results

The proportion of patients with a documented order significantly increased, from 34 to 63%, with a concurrent increased number of patients identified as Not For Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Not for CPR). The standardised documentation has also improved rates of documented discussion, legibility and identification of the involved doctor.

Conclusion

The Resuscitation Plan 7‐Step Pathway has markedly improved the frequency of documented discussion, the rate of recorded Not For CPR status and clarity of documentation. There is scope for improvement as this policy is embraced across South Australia.
Different upper airway microbiome and their functional genes associated with asthma in young adults and elderly individuals
Authors: Lee Jin‐Jae , Kim Sae‐Hoon , Lee Min‐Jung , Kim Byung‐Keun , Song Woo‐Jung , Park Heung‐Woo , Cho Sang‐Heon , Hong Soo‐Jong , Chang Yoon‐Seok , Kim Bong‐Soo
Published: September 2018

Background

Microbes in the airway have been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of asthma. The upper airway microbiome influences the dysbiosis of the lower airway microbiome. However, to date, the influence of upper airway microbiome for adult and elderly asthma has not been fully elucidated. Here, the metagenome of upper airway microbiome of young adults and elderly was analyzed to identify their association with adult asthma.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from young adult and elderly asthma patients and non‐asthmatic subjects. The compositions and functional genes of airway microbiome were analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing.

Results

The composition of microbiota differed between young adult and elderly, and it was different between asthmatics and non‐asthmatics in each age group. Different bacteria were related to FEV1% predicted in each age group. Genes related to lysine degradation, N‐glycan biosynthesis, caprolactam degradation, and PPAR signaling pathway, which could be related to the reduction in inflammation and degradation of air pollutants, were higher in non‐asthmatics. Genes related to pentose phosphate pathway, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, flagella assembly, and bacterial chemotaxis—which may all be related to increased inflammation and colonization of pathogenic bacteria—were higher in young adult asthmatic patients. However, the functional genes of airway microbiome in elderly patients were not significantly different according to asthma morbidity.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the composition and function of upper airway microbiome could influence asthma pathogenesis, and the microbiome could play various roles depending on the age group.
Initial intraocular pressure reduction by mono‐ versus multi‐therapy in patients with open‐angle glaucoma: results from the Glaucoma Intensive Treatment Study
Authors: Lindén Christina , Heijl Anders , Jóhannesson Gauti , Aspberg Johan , Andersson Geimer Sabina , Bengtsson Boel
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To study newly diagnosed glaucoma patients given mono‐ or multi‐therapy regarding differences in initial intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, target IOP levels reached and influence of untreated baseline IOP on IOP reduction.

Methods

Patients newly diagnosed with manifest primary open‐angle glaucoma and included in the Glaucoma Intensive Treatment Study (GITS) were randomized to immediate intensive treatment with any of three different IOP‐lowering substances supplied in two bottles plus 360° laser trabeculoplasty or to conventional stepwise treatment starting with a single‐drug. Intraocular pressure reduction was analysed 1 month after initiation of treatment.

Results

One hundred eighteen patients (143 eyes) received mono‐therapy and 122 patients (152 eyes) multi‐therapy. Median baseline IOP was 24.0 (min: 9.7, max: 56.0) mmHg in mono‐therapy eyes and 24.0 (min: 12.3, max: 48.5) mmHg in multi‐therapy eyes (p = 0.56). After 1 month in the two groups, respectively, values for median IOP reduction were 6.3 (range: −5.3–31.0) and 11.0 (range: 0.7–34.5) mmHg, and for mean relative decline 26.8 (range: −32.0–55.4) and 46.0 (range: 4.6–81.6) % (p = 0.000). A larger proportion of the multi‐therapy patients reached each target IOP level (p = 0.000). The higher the baseline IOP, the larger the observed pressure reduction, considering both absolute and relative figures. The effect was more pronounced in eyes with multi‐therapy than in those with mono‐therapy (p = 0.000). For every mmHg higher IOP at baseline, the IOP was reduced by an additional 0.56 (mono‐therapy) or 0.84 (multi‐therapy) mmHg.

Conclusion

Intensive treatment led to considerably greater IOP reduction than mono‐therapy. Among patients with IOP ≥30 mmHg at diagnosis an IOP of <16 was reached in 2/3 of those with multi‐therapy but in none with mono‐therapy. The IOP reduction was highly dependent on the untreated IOP level.
Optic nerve head morphology in primary open‐angle glaucoma and nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy measured with spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Resch Hemma , Mitsch Christoph , Pereira Ivania , Schwarzhans Florian , Wasserman Lorenz , Hommer Anton , Reitner Andreas , Vass Clemens
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Optic nerve head (ONH) parameters as well as circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness values measured with two different spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) machines (Spectralis® and Cirrus® OCT) have been compared between two patient groups, primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and healthy controls. A comparison of the performance of the two OCT machines was made.

Methods

Twenty healthy controls, 20 POAG and 20 NAION patients with comparable visual field defects were included. Comparison between groups was made using anova and post hoc t‐tests. To evaluate the diagnostic power of OCT to differentiate POAG from NAION, a stepwise linear regression analysis of the rim‐RNFL correlation with adjusting covariates (optic disc area and age) was performed. Based on the regression formula, the area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) was calculated.

Results

Both glaucoma and NAION patients showed significantly smaller global RNFL thickness values compared to healthy subjects in t‐tests (p < 0.001), while only patients with glaucoma showed significantly smaller global ONH parameters for both devices compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.001). Correlation between global ONH parameters was highly statistically significant (r = 0.93), whereas in t‐test a statistically significant difference between the two machines was detected (p < 0.001). Area under the receiver operator characteristic revealed a similarly good discrimination between glaucoma and NAION for Spectralis® (0.980) and Cirrus® OCT (0.945).

Conclusion

NAION patients have similar RNFL thickness values as do glaucomatous eyes, whereas ONH parameters in NAION eyes were similar to those seen in healthy controls. This difference might help discriminating between these two different disease conditions in a chronic disease stadium, and in this regard, none of the two OCT machines performed better.
Levels of oxidative DNA damage are low in ex vivo engineered human limbal epithelial tissue
Authors: Lorenzo Yolanda , Haug Berg Kristiane , Ringvold Amund , Petrovski Goran , Moe Morten C. , Collins Andrew , Nicolaissen Bjørn
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To examine levels of oxidative DNA base damage and expression of selected genes and proteins related to DNA damage repair in human limbal epithelium engineered ex vivo.

Methods

Cells were expanded from limbal tissue on cell culture‐treated inserts in medium containing fetal bovine serum, recombinant growth factors, hormones and cholera toxin (COM) and in medium with human serum as the single growth‐promoting additive (HS). Cells were analysed after two, three and four weeks in culture for DNA strand breaks and oxidized purine bases (Comet assay using the enzyme formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase, Fpg) and for expression of DNA repair enzymes APE1, OGG1 and Polβ by in situ hybridization (ISH) and by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

Levels of strand breaks were substantial while levels of net Fpg‐sensitive sites (8‐oxoguanine and ring‐opened FaPy bases) were relatively low in cells engineered in COM and in HS. Both types of medium were found to support expression of base excision repair (BER) enzymes APE1, OGG1 and Polβ at the gene level. At the protein level, expression of APE1 and OGG1 was noticeable in both conditions while expression of Polβ was low.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate low levels of oxidative stress and/or efficient DNA purine base damage repair in human limbal epithelium engineered in a medium with human serum as the single growth‐promoting additive as well as in traditional medium with xenobiotics.
Pupilloplasty by radiofrequency diathermy
Authors: Xiang Wu , Zhong Xiaojian , Chen Hui , Chen Wan , Chen Weirong
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Several methods have been reported to treat pupil deformities. However, there are some disadvantages to these methods. Here, we introduce the new technique of pupilloplasty.

Methods

We retrospectively collected five patients who underwent pupilloplasty by radiofrequency diathermy (RFD) in eyes with acorea or a severe pupillary fibrous membrane. The RFD tip was inserted into the anterior chamber after injection of an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD). It was then used to resect the iris and fibrous membrane around the pupillary centre to restore a centred and round pupil.

Results

No obvious bleeding was observed during resection of the iris or fibrous membrane with the RFD technique. All cases were successfully treated, and pupil transparency was restored.

Conclusion

We introduced a new technique of pupilloplasty by RFD that is easily manageable, reduces bleeding, and is suitable for most types of pupillary seclusion, especially for acorea and severe pupillary fibrous membrane.
The CC chemokines CCL8, CCL13 and CCL20 are local inflammatory biomarkers of HLA‐B27‐associated uveitis
Authors: Abu El‐Asrar Ahmed M. , Berghmans Nele , Al‐Obeidan Saleh A. , Gikandi Priscilla W. , Opdenakker Ghislain , Van Damme Jo , Struyf Sofie
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To determine the concentrations of the CC chemokines CCL2, CCL7, CCL8, CCL11, CCL13, CCL20, CCL24 and CCL26 in aqueous humour (AH) samples from patients with specific uveitic entities.

Methods

Aqueous humour samples from patients with active uveitis associated with Behçet's disease (BD) (n = 13), sarcoidosis (n = 8), HLA‐B27‐related inflammation (n = 12), Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease (n = 12) and control patients (n = 9) were assayed with the use of a multiplex assay.

Results

When considering all uveitis patients as one group, all chemokine levels except CCL2 were significantly increased compared to controls. CCL8, CCL13 and CCL20 were the most strongly upregulated, 48‐fold, 118‐fold and 173‐fold, respectively, above control AH levels. CCL8 and CCL13 levels were significantly higher in HLA‐B27‐associated uveitis than in sarcoidosis and VKH disease. CCL20 levels were significantly higher in HLA‐B27‐associated uveitis than in BD, sarcoidosis and VKH disease. In addition, CCL20 levels were significantly higher in BD than in VKH disease. In HLA‐B27‐associated uveitis, CCL8, CCL13 and CCL20 were upregulated 111‐fold, 255‐fold and 465‐fold, respectively, compared with controls. CCL8, CCL13 and CCL20 levels were significantly higher in nongranulomatous uveitis (BD and HLA‐B27‐associated uveitis) than in granulomatous uveitis (sarcoidosis and VKH disease).

Conclusion

Immune responses mediated by CCL8, CCL13 and CCL20 appear to be more potent in nongranulomatous uveitis, particularly in HLA‐B27‐associated uveitis.
Uveitis causes according to immune status of patients
Authors: Rothova Aniki , Hajjaj Anass , de Hoog Joeri , Thiadens Alberta A.H.J. , Dalm Virgil A.S.H.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The advances in medicine have led to an increased number of people living with some form of immunodeficiency. Most ocular infections in immunocompromised patients may lead to irreversible blindness. We identify the causes of uveitis in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 1354 consecutive patients. All patients underwent a standard work‐up for uveitis.

Results

An immunocompromised state was identified in 171/1354 patients (13%), of whom 40 had Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, 52 received immunosuppressive medications, 28 had concurrent malignant disorder and 20 had other causes for their immunosuppression. In addition, 93/1354 patients (7%) had diabetes mellitus (DM). The prevalence of intraocular infections was much higher in immunocompromised patients than in immunocompetent patients and DM (p < 0.001). Causes of uveitis differed between the diverse immunocompromised groups. The non‐HIV immunocompromised patients showed primarily intraocular herpes simplex and varicella zoster virus infections, whilst HIV‐positive patients exhibited frequently cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and syphilis. Patients with generalized malignancies were characterized by a lower prevalence of infections and higher prevalence of sarcoidosis. Patients with DM typically showed sarcoidosis and bacterial intraocular infections. The percentage of undetermined uveitis diagnoses was markedly lower in immunosuppressed patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In immunocompromised patients with uveitis, infections were diagnosed in 46% of cases in contrast to 12% in the immunocompetent patients. The causes of uveitis differed among the various types of immunosuppression. Immunocompromised patients with uveitis require a rapid assessment for the most expected infections.
Primary angle closure and primary angle closure glaucoma in retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Xu Ke , Wu Lingling , Ma Zhizhong , Liu Yuling , Qian Fang
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To investigate the frequency of primary angle closure (PAC) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) based on a hospital population.

Methods

A total of 375 consecutive cases newly diagnosed with RVO by fluorescein fundus angiography at a single eye centre in Peking were reviewed. Gonioscopy was performed in all patients. Glaucoma was diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology. Retinal vein occlusion was classified as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), hemicentral retinal vein occlusion (HRVO), or branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), and as arteriovenous crossing RVO (AV‐RVO), optic cup RVO (OC‐RVO), optic nerve RVO without optical nerve head swelling (NONHS‐RVO), or RVO with optical nerve head swelling (ONHS‐RVO) based on the site of venous occlusion. Percentage of PAC or PACG for each type of RVO were calculated.

Results

PACG had a frequency of 4.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2–6.9%] in 317 RVO patients [5.3% (95% CI 2.0–11.2%) in CRVO, 8.8% (95% CI 1.9–23.7%) in HRVO, and 1.9% (95% CI 0.4–5.4%) in BRVO]. Primary angle closure (PAC) had a frequency of 2.9% (95% CI 1.4–5.5%) in RVO. PAC/PACG had a frequency of 11.5% (95% CI 6.3–18.9%) in CRVO, 8.8% (95% CI 1.9–23.7%) in HRVO and 3.1% (95% CI 1.0–7.1%) in BRVO. PAC/PACG was significantly more prevalent in NONHS‐RVO [18.9% (95% CI 9.4–32.0%)] than in ONHS‐RVO [6.5% (95% CI 2.1–14.5%)], AV‐RVO [3.1% (95% CI 0.9–7.8%)], and OC‐RVO [2.3% (95% CI 0.1–12.3%)].

Conclusion

The overall frequency of PAC/PACG was much higher in patients with RVO (especially CRVO) than that in the general population. Eyes with PAC/PACG may undergo mechanical changes in the lamina cribrosa of the optic disc, resulting in RVO. Angle‐closure conditions should be borne in mind when investigating Chinese patients with RVO.
Validation of Catquest‐9SF in Danish: developing a revised form of the Catquest‐9SF – the Danish Catquest‐7SF
Authors: Nielsen Esben , Lundström Mats , Pesudovs Konrad , Hjortdal Jesper
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The primary goal was to validate a Danish translated version of the Catquest‐9SF by Rasch analysis. The secondary goal was to investigate whether preoperative Catquest‐9SF scores, best‐corrected visual acuity, comorbidity, gender, age or corneal astigmatism could predict improvements in subjective outcome.

Methods

In a prospective trial, 250 patients eligible for cataract surgery were included. Patients filled out the translated Catquest‐9SF questionnaire before surgery and again 3 months after surgery. Both preoperative and postoperative questionnaires were included in the Rasch analysis. A multiple reverse stepwise regression model was used to investigate the correlation between preoperative measurements and subjective improvement.

Results

The preliminary Rasch analysis showed misfit of items 4 and 6. These items were removed, and the remaining seven items demonstrated a measurement precision of 2.78, a person reliability coefficient of 0.89, ordered response categories, infit of 0.69–1.22, outfit of 0.73–1.14, observed raw variance explained by measures of 70.4% and an eigenvalue of 1.7. Item 7 showed a mild DIF for gender (0.54 logits), and person mean Rasch score targeting was −1.69 logits. Preoperative Catquest score was the only parameter with a significant correlation to a gain in subjective outcome (p < 0.001). A preoperative Catquest‐9SF score of 0.5 carried a 95% likelihood of an increase in subjective outcome.

Conclusion

The Danish version of the Catquest‐9SF fit the Rasch model. Only preoperative Catquest‐9SF score was correlated to subjective improvement, and a cut‐off value of 0.5 predicted an improvement in subjective outcome with 95% probability.
The prevalence and psychosocial risk factors for psychotic‐like experiences (PLE) among high school students in Jakarta
Authors: Nehemiah Nezza , Turnip Sherly Saragih
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The prevalence of psychotic‐like experiences (PLE) in general population is moderately high (5%‐8%), although the prevalence of psychotic disorder is considerably low (˂1%). Amid the urgency to understand the underlying factors of psychotic disorder and PLE, most research tend to focus on genetic factors. However, numerous recent works suggested increasing importance of non‐genetic factors. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of PLE and any psychosocial variables that contribute to any occurrence of PLE among adolescent in Jakarta.

Methods

This is a school based cross‐sectional study that was carried out in early 2017. A total sample of 623 high school students from five schools in Jakarta were selected by using multistage random sampling. Psychotic experience was measured using Psychotic‐Like Experiences Questionnaire. Multiple psychosocial variables proposed as predictor model for PLE were examined using multivariate regression.

Results

Our final result showed 20.6% prevalence of PLE among high school students in Jakarta. The proposed psychosocial risk model (consisting of violence exposure, parental communication pattern, peer and conduct problems, social comparison, parental attachment, loneliness, and bullying) contributed to explain 16.3% of the occurrence of PLE (R square: .163).

Discussion

The prevalence of PLE in this population was considerably high. Cultural factors such as paranormal beliefs are assumed to contribute to the high prevalence of PLE among high school students. The quite low contribution score of psychosocial model proposed in predicting the phenomenon of PLE shows that further research is needed to explore more variables that can be better predictors of PLE.
An inquiry into pseudo‐legitimations: A framework to investigate the clash of managerial legitimations and employees' unfairness claims
Authors: Kurdoglu Rasim Serdar
Published: September 2018

Based on the argumentation theory of new rhetoric, this paper offers an analytical framework to facilitate empirical investigations on how managers in organizations handle unfairness claims. The proposed framework advocates a rhetorical approach that seeks to understand whether managers absolve themselves of unfairness accusations by pseudo‐legitimations. Pseudo‐legitimation is defined as an attempt to legitimate an action without any genuine reasoning. While the precision of formal deductive reasoning tends not to apply to moral disputes, rhetoric enables rational argumentation and the use of practical reasoning to achieve resolution. Therefore, if managerial judgments are genuine products of reasoning, managers' use of rhetoric to legitimate their actions should be respected in acknowledging value plurality within their boundaries of authority. By contrast, managerial legitimations that are based on irrational grounds should be disrespected, as they can lead to arbitrariness and abuse of power. Institutional dynamics may either permit or inhibit such uses of irrationality. Thus, the proposed framework should be considered alongside the perspective of rhetorical institutionalism.
Managing relational conflict in Korean social enterprises: The role of participatory HRM practices, diversity climate, and perceived social impact
Authors: Lee Jeong Won , Zhang Long , Dallas Matt , Chin Hyun
Published: September 2018

Social enterprises are hybrid organizations that primarily pursue social missions while also seeking economic gains. Drawing on workplace diversity and conflict theories, this article addresses recent calls for further research to explore how employees within social enterprises experience internal conflicts arising from the organizational pursuit of dual, competing missions (i.e., social and economic), and how social enterprises manage, and potentially overcome, these challenges. In the context of Korean social enterprise, we conducted a quantitative study that built on an initial explorative qualitative study. Our research examined whether perceived participatory human resource management practices and diversity climate increase employees’ affective commitment by reducing their relational conflict. We further explored a boundary condition, perceived social impact, which strengthened this mediation relationship. Our results offer significant insights into social enterprise, business ethics, and broader management literature. Implications for future research and practice are also discussed.
Exploring teachers’ needs and the existing barriers to the adoption of Learning Design methods and tools: A literature survey
Authors: Dagnino Francesca Maria , Dimitriadis Yannis A. , Pozzi Francesca , Asensio‐Pérez Juan I. , Rubia‐Avi Bartolomé
Published: September 2018

Learning Design (LD) research is oriented to support teachers in designing their teaching with the aim to provide a sound pedagogical background and to make effective use of resources and technologies. In spite of the significant number of LD approaches and tools proposed so far, their adoption is still very limited and this represents an unsolved challenge in the field of LD. This paper presents a systematic review of the literature about learning design tools, tackling the issue of adoption from two points of view: teachers’ needs in relation to LD tools and methods and possible barriers to their adoption. The review includes only research papers where teachers’ behaviours and opinions are directly explored and not purely theoretical papers. The search included five main academic databases in Technology‐Enhanced Learning (TEL) plus a search on Google about project reports; the resulting corpus included 423 papers: 26 of these, plus 3 reports were included in the final list for the analysis. The review provides a systematic overview of the knowledge developed in the LD field, focusing on a set of research gaps that need further exploration in the future.
The physiological roles of autophagy in the mammalian life cycle
Authors: Wang Liang , Ye Xiongjun , Zhao Tongbiao
Published: September 2018

Autophagy is primarily an efficient intracellular catabolic pathway used for degradation of abnormal cellular protein aggregates and damaged organelles. Although autophagy was initially proposed to be a cellular stress responder, increasing evidence suggests that it carries out normal physiological roles in multiple biological processes. To date, autophagy has been identified in most organs and at many different developmental stages, indicating that it is not only essential for cellular homeostasis and renovation, but is also important for organ development. Herein, we summarize our current understanding of the functions of autophagy (which here refers to macroautophagy) in the mammalian life cycle.
Dynamic Transition Patterns in Acculturation Among Hispanic Adolescents
Authors: Lee Tae Kyoung , Meca Alan , Unger Jennifer B. , Zamboanga Byron L. , Baezconde‐Garbanati Lourdes , Gonzales‐Backen Melinda , Lorenzo‐Blanco Elma I. , Cano Miguel Á. , Des Rosiers Sabrina E. , Soto Daniel W. , Villamar Juan A. , Pattarroyo Monica , Lizzi Karina M. , Szapocznik José , Schwartz Seth J.
Published: September 2018

Acculturation consists of multiple domains (i.e., cultural practices, identifications, and values). However, less is known about how acculturation processes influence each other across multiple domains of acculturation. This study was designed to investigate transition patterns of acculturative processes within and across domains in a sample of 302 recent‐immigrant Hispanic adolescents, Mage (SD) = 14.51 years (0.88) at baseline; male = 53%). Adolescents were assessed six times over a 3‐year period. Latent profile analyses identified two profiles (high [or increasing] vs. low) for each domain at each timepoint. We found largely stable transition patterns in each domain over six timepoints. Importantly, sequential associations among profiles in acculturation domains were also detected. Implication for acculturation theory and research are discussed.