bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framing a promotional offer as free-with-purchase or as a bundle? The perspective of information salience
Authors: Ku Hsuan-Hsuan , Wang Szu-Han , Chiang Hao-Wei
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Based on the concept of information salience, the research investigates the factors that might drive potential differences in consumers' preferences between offers framed as free with purchase or as a bundle.

Design/methodology/approach

Four experiments examined how participants' preferences for bundled offers or free-with-purchase offers varied as a function of the perceived benefits to be obtained from the supplementary products (studies 1a and 1b) and identified participants' sensitivity to the price of the supplementary component as a mediator of the framing effect of a promotional offer (study 2) and the provision of information facilitating the drawing of comparisons as the boundary condition constraining the effectiveness of a free-with-purchase offer (study 3).

Findings

Results show that a bundled offer is preferable to a free-with-purchase offer when the supplementary product provides a high-level rather than a low-level benefit and identify price sensitivity as an underlying mechanism behind the observed effect. Furthermore, consumers' sensitivity to the value of the focal product in the deal brought to their attention by comparative information makes a fair charge for a relatively unattractive component the preferable offer.

Originality/value

While much of the existing published research on bundled offers focuses on the assigning of discounts to individual products in the bundle, this study adds to the body of knowledge by showing that variation in perceived benefits is the key driver of different responses to a free-with-purchase offer versus a bundled offer.
The fourth industrial revolution: a game-changer for the tourism and maritime industries
Authors: Armoo A. Kobina , Franklyn-Green Lanna-Gaye , Braham Atneil J.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the floating dry dock and 3D printing technologies in relation to the ways in which they have the potential to complement each other. This relates to how the tourism and maritime industries in Jamaica could become more robust and competitive.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative approach through the application of personal interviews and data from secondary sources.

Findings

Although Jamaica is positioning itself to become one of the leading maritime and logistics centres in the world, the government has not fully taken advantage of the fourth industrial revolution and its enabling factors. The integration of the floating dry dock with 3D printing technology has the ability to advance Jamaica from its current position to become a more economically viable country.

Research limitations/implications

Time was a limitation for the researchers in conducting this study. As a result, a more robust field study is needed to fully understand the impact of the fourth industrial revolution technologies on the maritime and tourism industries.

Practical implications

An investment in a floating dry dock and 3D printing technology will spur job creation. The researchers expect improved economic activity in Jamaica resulting from many businesses being created and/or improved.

Social implications

The quality of life is expected to increase because of the greater economic yields the country will receive from such investments.

Originality/value

This paper explored the combination of the floating dry dock and 3D printing technologies and their impact on the tourism and maritime industries in relation to increasing service value and economic yields.
Accounting for flow intermittency in environmental flows design
Authors: Acuña Vicenç , Jorda‐Capdevila Dídac , Vezza Paolo , De Girolamo Anna Maria , McClain Michael E. , Stubbington Rachel , Pastor Amandine V. , Lamouroux Nicolas , von Schiller Daniel , Munné Antoni , Datry Thibault
Published: February 2020

River ecosystems world‐wide are affected by altered flow regimes, and advanced science and practice of environmental flows have been developed to understand and reduce these impacts. But most environmental flows approaches ignore flow intermittency, which is a natural feature of 30% of the global river network length. Ignoring flow intermittency when setting environmental flows in naturally intermittent rivers might lead to deleterious ecological effects.

We review evidence of the ecological effects of flow intermittency and provide guidance to incorporate intermittency (non‐flow events) into existing methods judged as suitable for application in temporary waterways.

To better integrate non‐flow events into hydrological methods, we propose a suite of new indicators to be used in the range of variability approach. These indicators reflect dry periods and the unpredictable nature of temporary waterways. We develop a predictability index for protecting those species adapted to temporary conditions.

For hydraulic‐habitat models, we find that mesohabitat methods are particularly effective for describing complex habitat dynamics during dry phases. We present an example of the European eel to show the relationship between discharge and non‐flow days and wet area, habitat suitability and connectivity.

We find that existing holistic approaches may be applied to temporary waterways without significant structural alteration to their stepwise frameworks, but new component methods are needed to address flow‐related aspects across both flow and non‐flow periods of the flow regime.

Synthesis and applications. Setting environmental flow requirements for temporary waterways requires modification and enhancement of existing approaches and methodologies, most notably the explicit consideration of non‐flow events and greater integration of specific geomorphic, hydrogeologic and hydraulic elements. Temporary waterways are among the freshwater ecosystems most vulnerable to alterations in flow regimes, and they are also under great pressure. The methodological modifications recommended in this paper will aid water managers in protecting key components of temporary flow regimes, thereby preserving their unique ecology and associated services.
The community‐level scaling relationship between leaf nitrogen and phosphorus changes with plant growth, climate and nutrient limitation
Authors: Guo Yanpei , Yan Zhengbing , Gheyret Gheyur , Zhou Guoyi , Xie Zongqiang , Tang Zhiyao
Published: February 2020

The scaling relationship between the concentrations of leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), which can be formulated as [N] = α[P]β, shows the relative investment of plants in nutrient uptake. Most of the current knowledge on this topic is based on studies at the individual or species level. However, patterns at these levels can hardly reflect the response of vegetation or ecosystems along environmental gradients.

Here, we explored how the nutrient demands of vegetation as a whole vary with productivity, climate and soil nutrient availability by generalizing the scaling relationship from the individual to the community level using community‐weighted mean data from shrub communities at 1,080 shrubland sites and tree communities at 2,087 forest sites across China.

By comparing the community‐level leaf N–P scaling exponents under different conditions and using a bootstrapping method to construct continuous environmental gradients, we found that the scaling exponents declined with increased primary productivity (i.e. growth rate at the community level), temperature and water availability, indicating a higher P demand relative to N under these conditions. In addition, the scaling exponent of shrub communities had a declining trend, while that of tree communities had a rising trend, with higher soil N availability, showing a more resistant response of shrub communities to nutrient limitation.

Synthesis. Our study demonstrates that leaf N–P scaling exponents could be used as indicators of plant growth conditions and, more importantly, that communities, as assemblages of plants, exhibits varied nutrient preferences and utilization strategies among different habitat conditions.
MUC15 promotes growth and invasion of glioma cells by activating Raf/MEK/ERK pathway
Authors: Cheng Meixiong , Liu Ling
Published: February 2020

MUC15 is a novel mucin associated with the cell membrane that is overexpressed in human gliomas. Its function in glioma is unclear. In this study, high MUC15 levels were detected in glioma tissues and cells. We found that transfection with MUC15 siRNA in U251 and T98G cells reduced MUC15 expression and decreased cell proliferation, invasion, and migration (P < .05). After transfecting U251 and T98G cells with pcDNA3.1‐myc‐His‐MUC15 plasmid to overexpress MUC15, MUC15 expression was significantly upregulated and cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were increased (P < .05). MUC15 activated the Raf/MEK/ERK signalling pathway and the ERK inhibitor PD98059 partly reversed MUC15‐enhanced proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma cells (P < .05). The results indicate that MUC15 plays a part in glioma tumorigenesis, and the Raf/MEK/ERK signalling is involved in the regulation of MUC15 on glioma cell activity.
Second‐look endoscopy‐guided therapy under sedation prevents early rebleeding after variceal ligation for acute variceal bleeding
Authors: Wang An Jiang , Wang Jian , Zheng Xue Lian , Liao Wang Di , Yu Hui Qiang , Gong Yue , Gan Na , You Yu , Guo Gui Hai , Xie Bu Shan , Zhong Jia Wei , Hong Jun Bo , Liu Li , Shu Xu , Zhu Yin , Li Bi Min , Zhu Xuan
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To investigate whether second‐look endoscopy (SLE)‐guided therapy could be used to prevent post‐endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) early bleeding.

Methods

Consecutive cirrhotic patients with large esophageal varices (EV) receiving successful EVL for acute variceal bleeding (AVB) or secondary prophylaxis were enrolled. The patients were randomized into a SLE group and a non‐SLE group (NSLE) 10 days after EVL. Additional endoscopic interventions as well as proton pump inhibitors and octreotide administration were applied based on the SLE findings. The post‐EVL early rebleeding and mortality rates were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 252 patients were included in the final analysis. Post‐EVL early rebleeding (13.5% vs 4.8%, P = 0.016) and bleeding‐caused mortality (4.8% vs 0%, P = 0.013) were more frequently observed in the NSLE group than in the SLE group. However, post‐EVL early rebleeding and mortality rates were reduced by SLE in patients receiving EVL for AVB only but not in those receiving secondary prophylaxis. Patients with Child‐Pugh classification B to C at randomization (hazard ratio [HR] 8.77, P = 0.034), AVB at index EVL (HR 3.62, P = 0.003), discontinuation of non‐selective β‐blocker after randomization (HR 4.68, P = 0.001) and non‐SLE (HR 2.63, P = 0.046) were more likely to have post‐EVL early rebleeding. No serious adverse events occurred during SLE.

Conclusion

SLE‐guided therapy reduces post‐EVL early rebleeding and mortality rates in cirrhotic patients with large EV receiving EVL for AVB.
ML‐morph: A fast, accurate and general approach for automated detection and landmarking of biological structures in images
Authors: Porto Arthur , Voje Kjetil L.
Published: February 2020

Morphometrics has become an indispensable component of the statistical analysis of size and shape variation in biological structures. Morphometric data have traditionally been gathered through low‐throughput manual landmark annotation, which represents a significant bottleneck for morphometric‐based phenomics. Here we propose a machine‐learning‐based high‐throughput pipeline to collect high‐dimensional morphometric data in two‐dimensional images of semi‐rigid biological structures.

The proposed framework has four main strengths. First, it allows for dense phenotyping with minimal impact on specimens. Second, it presents landmarking accuracy comparable to manual annotators, when applied to standardized datasets. Third, it performs data collection at speeds several orders of magnitude higher than manual annotators. And finally, it is of general applicability (i.e. not tied to a specific study system).

State‐of‐the‐art validation procedures show that the method achieves low error levels when applied to three morphometric datasets of increasing complexity, with error varying from 0.57% to 2.2% of the structure's length in the automated placement of landmarks. As a benchmark for the speed of the entire automated landmarking pipeline, our framework places 23 landmarks on 13,686 objects (zooids) detected in 1,684 pictures of fossil bryozoans in 3.12 min using a personal computer.

The proposed machine‐learning‐based phenotyping pipeline can greatly increase the scale, reproducibility and speed of data collection within biological research. To aid the use of the framework, we have developed a file conversion algorithm that can be used to leverage current morphometric datasets for automation, allowing the entire procedure, from model training all the way to prediction, to be performed in a matter of hours.
Improving the Validity of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Alcohol Measures
Authors: Subbaraman Meenakshi S. , Ye Yu , Martinez Priscilla , Mulia Nina , Kerr William C.
Published: February 2020

Background

Valid measurement of alcohol use can be difficult in surveys, which are subject to biases like underreporting and differential nonresponse. Still, monitoring trends, policy impacts, disparities, and related issues all require valid individual‐ and state‐level drinking data collected over time. Here, we propose a double‐adjustment approach for improving the validity of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) alcohol measures.

Methods

Validity analyses of the 1999 to 2016 BRFSS, a general population survey of U.S. adults. Measures are aggregated to state level for N = 918 observations, single‐adjusted for BRFSS methodologic changes, and double‐adjusted by per capita consumption. Fixed‐effects models: (i) assess predictive validity using adjusted BRFSS drink volume to predict mortality outcomes and (ii) assess outcome validity using state‐level alcohol taxes to predict adjusted BRFSS volume.

Results

Neither the raw nor the single‐adjusted BRFSS drinking measures were related to mortality in the expected direction, while double‐adjusted BRFSS volume and 5+ days were significantly positively related to mortality, as expected. Spirits and beer taxes were not related to single‐adjusted BRFSS drinking in the expected direction. However, spirits and beer taxes were both significantly related to double‐adjusted BRFSS volume in the expected directions.

Conclusions

Future studies should consider using the double‐adjusted BRFSS measures to ensure the validity of drinking survey data in analyses where variation over time is considered.
Double dissociation of inhibitory effects between the hippocampal TET1 and TET3 in the acquisition of morphine self‐administration in rats
Authors: Jiang Feng‐Ze , Zheng Wei , Wu Chao , Li Yonghui , Shen Fang , Liang Jing , Li Ming , Zhang Jian‐Jun , Sui Nan
Published: February 2020

The development of opioid addiction involves DNA methylation. Accordingly, the DNA demethylation, induced by ten‐eleven translocation (Tet) enzymes, may represent a novel approach to prevent opioid addiction. The present study examined the role of TET1 and TET3 in the development of morphine‐seeking behavior in rats. We showed that 1 day of morphine self‐administration (SA) training upregulated TET3 but not TET1 expression in the hippocampal CA1. With 7 days of morphine SA training, the expression of TET3 in the CA1 returned to the baseline level, while the TET1 expression was downregulated. No change of TET1 and TET3 in the nucleus accumbens shell was observed in morphine SA trained rats, or in the yoked morphine rats, or in rats trained for saccharin SA. Furthermore, we found that knocking down TET3 expression in the CA1 accelerated the acquisition of morphine SA, while overexpression of the catalytic domain of TET1 in the CA1 attenuated the acquisition. Together, these findings suggest that TET1 and TET3 in the CA1 are important epigenetic modulators involved in the morphine‐seeking behavior and provide a new strategy in the treatment of opioid addiction.
Generic revision of the Chiromyzinae soldier flies of Australia (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), including the first record of Boreoides Hardy, 1920, from New Zealand
Authors: Lessard Bryan D , Yeates David K , Woodley Norman E
Published: February 2020

We review the generic limits and classification of the little studied Australian fauna of the soldier fly subfamily Chiromyzinae. Among chiromyzines are many species that are confirmed agricultural pests of sugar cane, maize and grasses, including Inopus rubriceps (Macquart, 1847) that has been introduced in New Zealand and the United States. A taxonomic treatment is provided for the genera that occur in Australia, including illustrations and the first robust identification key. Several nomenclatural changes are made. The monotypic genera Archimyza Enderlein, 1921, and Stenimas Enderlein, 1921, are synonymised under Chiromyza Wiedemann, 1820, and the status of four species is revised: Inopus grandicornis (Hardy, 1920a) comb. nov. and Inopus longicornis (Hardy, 1924) comb. nov. are transferred from their previous position in Chiromyza; and Chiromyza australis (Macquart, 1850) stat. rev. and Chiromyza matruelis (Enderlein, 1921) stat. rev. are transferred from their previous position in Hylorops Enderlein, 1921, rendering Hylorops a monotypic genus, endemic to Chile. A total of 13 genera are now recognised in the Chiromyzinae, with four genera and 18 described species known from Australia. We also present the first record for New Zealand of the Australian species Boreoides tasmaniensis Bezzi, 1922, which was most likely accidentally introduced.
Incidental gallbladder cancer after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: incidence, management, and prognosis
Authors: Wu Xin , Li Binglu , Zheng Chaoji , Liu Wei , Hong Tao , He Xiaodong
Published: February 2020

Aims

Although incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC) diagnosed after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is not rare, its incidence, management, and prognosis are still unclear and controversial. The present study aimed to increase the understanding of IGBC after LC in the medical community.

Methods

Patients with IGBC treated at our institution between January 2001 and December 2018 were enrolled. Data collected included demographic characteristics, treatment pattern, pathological information, and prognoses. We compared the characteristics of patients with different prognoses and calculated the cumulative overall survival rate and mean survival period for IGBC.

Results

The cohort comprised 26 patients with a mean age of 66.4 ± 12.5 years. All patients were diagnosed with IGBC via postoperative pathology. Three patients underwent radical reoperation. As of June 2019, 26 patients were followed for a mean of 31.6 ± 29.6 months. Fourteen patients died during the follow‐up period, and 12 survived without recurrence. The mean survival duration was 50.5 months. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year cumulative overall survival rates of the entire cohort were 79.8, 49.0, and 40.8%, respectively. IGBC patients with T1a stage had significantly longer survival than those with T1b or more advanced stages (96.1 vs 32.6 months, P = .006).

Conclusions

IGBC after LC is diagnosed in 0.2% of patients, accounting for 5.4% of all gallbladder cancer cases. IGBC patients with T1a stage had significantly longer survival than those with T1b or more advanced stages. Simple cholecystectomy is probably acceptable only in T1a lesions.
Artemisia annua‐sublingual immunotherapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lou Hongfei , Huang Yanran , Ouyang Yuhui , Zhang Yuan , Xi Lin , Chu Xiaohan , Wang Yang , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo
Published: February 2020

Background

Artemisia annua is an important autumnal pollen allergen for seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in northern China. To date, no study has investigated allergen immunotherapy with A annua. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms underlying A annua‐sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Methods

This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase III clinical trial involving 71 SAR patients, randomized to SLIT with A annua extract (n = 47) or placebo (n = 24) for 32 weeks. Total nasal symptom score (TNSS; primary clinical end point) was evaluated at baseline (peak pollen phase (PPP) in the previous year), initiation of A annua‐SLIT, 1st PPP during SLIT, end of SLIT and 2nd PPP during follow‐up. Blood samples and nasal secretions were collected at beginning and after SLIT for assessment of T cells and inflammatory mediators. Safety was assessed according to adverse events (AEs) reported.

Results

Artemisia annua‐SLIT significantly reduced TNSS to a greater level from baseline (from 9.45 ± 1.68 to 6.16 ± 2.27) than placebo (from 9.29 ± 2.09 to 9.05 ± 2.40) at the 1st PPP (P < .001) and sustained the improvement in symptoms throughout to the 2nd PPP. Preseasonal A annua‐SLIT for 16 weeks significantly decreased Th2 cells, increased nTreg and Tr1 cells in blood; and increased cystatin 1 (CST1) in nasal secretion after 16 and 32 weeks compared with pretreatment. Overall, 17/47 patients experienced mild local AEs and 2 patients mild systemic AEs, after A annua‐SLIT.

Conclusion

Artemisia annua‐SLIT is an efficacious and safe treatment in patients with A annua SAR.
Improving decision making through presentation of viscoelastic tests as a 3D animated blood clot: the Visual Clot
Authors: Rössler J. , Meybohm P. , Spahn D. R. , Zacharowski K. , Braun J. , Nöthiger C. B. , Tscholl D. W.
Published: February 2020

Point‐of‐care viscoelastic coagulation tests are used increasingly and enable physicians to run precise whole blood coagulation diagnostics. However, the somewhat complicated and abstract presentation of results may hinder these advantages. For this reason, we developed the Visual Clot as an alternative mode of presentation for thrombelastometric data. An algorithm takes existing parameters from rotational thromboelastometry and creates a visual representation in the form of an animated blood clot named ‘Visual Clot’. In a prospective international dual‐centre study, 60 physicians were presented with rotational thromboelastometry results in the standard way or as a Visual Clot. They were then asked to make therapeutic decisions based on pathological findings. Overall proportion of correct therapeutic decisions was median (IQR [range] 100 (83–100 [39–100]) % for Visual Clot vs. 44 (25–50 [0–83]) % for standard rotational thromboelastometry presentation of results, p < 0.001. Mixed regression models yielded a mean OR (95%CI) 22.1 (13.4–36.5), p < 0.001 for correct decisions with the Visual Clot compared with standard rotational thromboelastometry, with an 18.7 (16.4–21.1), p < 0.001 second decrease in decision time. Perceived cognitive work‐load was lower, and participants rated their diagnostic confidence to be higher with the Visual Clot, both p < 0.001. Although correct interpretation of standard rotational thromboelastometry results depended on previous rotational thromboelastometry knowledge and experience, Visual Clot interpretation did not. The Visual Clot improved rotational thromboelastometry‐based therapeutic decisions, as pathologies can be recognised more rapidly and accurately. These findings underline the significance of an alternative additional visualisation technique that simplifies the interpretation of abstract standard data.
Validation of ultrasound biomicroscopy for the assessment of xenogeneic testis tissue grafts and cell implants in recipient mice
Authors: Fayaz Mohammad Amin , Awang‐Junaidi Awang Hazmi , Singh Jaswant , Honaramooz Ali
Published: February 2020

Background

Subcutaneous grafting/implantation of neonatal testis tissue/cells from diverse donor species into recipient mice can be used as an in vivo model to study testis development, spermatogenesis, and steroidogenesis. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) allows obtaining high definition cross‐sectional images of tissues at microscopic resolutions.

Objectives

The present study was designed to (a) validate the use of UBM for non‐invasive monitoring of grafts/implants overtime and to (b) correlate UBM findings with the morphological attributes of recovered grafts/implants.

Materials and methods

Testis tissue fragments (~14 mm3, each) and cell aggregates (100 × 106 cells, each) obtained from 1‐week‐old donor piglets (n = 30) were grafted/implanted under the back skin of immunodeficient mice (n = 6) in eight analogous sites per mouse. Three‐dimensional transcutaneous Doppler UBM was performed, and a randomly selected graft and its corresponding implant were recovered at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks.

Results

Graft/implant weight (P = .04) and physical height (P = .03) increased overtime. The dynamics of physical length and volume increases over time differed between tissue grafts and cell implants (P = .02 and 0.01 for sample type*time interactions, respectively). UBM‐estimated volume was correlated with the post‐recovery weight and volume of the grafts/implants (r = 0.98 and r = 0.99, respectively; P < .001). Pre‐ and post‐recovery length and height of the grafts/implants were positively and strongly correlated (r = 0.50, P = .01; r = 0.70, P = .001) and so were the areas covered by cordal, non‐cordal, or fluid‐filled cavities between UBM and histology (r = 0.87, P < .001).

Discussion and conclusion

UBM findings correlated with physical attributes of the grafts/implants, validating its use as a non‐invasive high‐fidelity tool to quantify the developmental changes in ectopic testis tissue grafts and cell implants, potentially leading to a reduction in the number of recipient mice needed for similar experiments.
Exploring practices in collaborative innovation: Unpacking dynamics, relations, and enactment in in‐between spaces
Authors: Yström Anna , Agogué Marine
Published: February 2020

In the field of innovation management, the study of collaborative innovation has focused primarily on the type of networks to support innovation, the modularity of the product's architecture required to engage actors in collaboration, the strategies for patenting and knowledge appropriation, and the public policies likely to stimulate collaborative innovation. But given that many efforts to collaborate collapse and fail to generate the desired innovative value, previous research needs to be complemented with perspectives on what individuals and collectives actually do when creating collaborative innovation as they engage in “in‐between spaces”, spaces between actors created by and simultaneously creating social interaction, to understand the practices that both form and constitute the collaboration. Through such studies, new knowledge can be created building on detailed insights about what ensues as different actors engage in interaction to innovate together and contribute to identifying levers to build collaborative spaces that indeed foster innovation. With this special section, we wish to encourage innovation management scholars to rethink their approach to collaborative innovation research by complementing macro‐level insights with an exploration of the micro‐foundations of collaborative innovation to gain a more nuanced understanding of collaborative dynamics, relations and enactment.
Effect of phacoemulsification cataract surgery on intraocular pressure in early glaucoma: A prospective multi‐site study
Authors: Qassim Ayub , Walland Mark J. , Landers John , Awadalla Mona , Nguyen Thi , Loh Jason , Schulz Angela M. , Ridge Bronwyn , Galanopoulos Anna , Agar Ashish , Hewitt Alex W. , Graham Stuart L. , Healey Paul R. , Casson Robert J. , Craig Jamie E.
Published: February 2020

Importance

Cataract and primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) commonly co‐exist, and cataract surgery is thought to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), the major modifiable risk factor of POAG.

Background

Previous studies exploring the effect of cataract surgery on IOP are limited by retrospective design, lack of a control group, medication use and washout and loss to follow up.

Design

Prospective, multicentre, matched case‐control Australian study.

Participants

171 eyes of 108 POAG patients who underwent cataract surgery, matched to 171 control eyes.

Methods

Serial longitudinal IOP measurements were compared before and after cataract surgery, and relative to the controls. A mixed‐effect model was used for the longitudinal data.

Main Outcome Measures

Change in IOP.

Results

The mean follow‐up time was 4.8 (1.4) years. Cataract surgery reduced mean IOP by 2.22 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 1.93‐2.52 mmHg, P < .001) with 59 eyes (34%) achieving at least 3 mmHg reduction. Compared to matched controls, the mean reduction in IOP was 1.75 mmHg (95% confidence interval 1.15‐2.33 mmHg; P < .001). Higher preoperative IOP and being on fewer topical glaucoma medications preoperatively were strongly predictive of a larger IOP reduction in a multivariable model. Anterior chamber depth was not associated with IOP reduction. Eyes with preoperative IOP ≥24 mmHg had a mean IOP reduction of 4.03 mmHg with 81% experiencing at least 3 mmHg reduction. Sub‐analysis of medication naïve and pseudoexfoliation patients showed similar results.

Conclusions and Relevance

Cataract surgery has a confirmed effect in reducing IOP in a “real world” setting of early glaucoma patients.
Direct bridging to cardiac transplantation with the surgically implanted Impella 5.0 device
Authors: Seese Laura , Hickey Gavin , Keebler Mary E. , Mathier Michael A. , Sultan Ibrahim , Gleason Thomas G. , Toma Catalin , Kilic Arman
Published: February 2020

This study evaluated outcomes of direct bridging to orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) with the Impella 5.0 device. Adult recipients in the United Network for Organ Sharing registry bridged to OHT with the Impella 5.0 device between 2010 to 2018 were included. Outcomes included waitlist and post‐transplant survival. A total of 236 patients were wait‐listed with Impella 5.0 support, and 24% (n = 57) underwent bridge to OHT. Early and late post‐transplant survival was excellent at 96.5% at 30 day, 93.8% at 90‐day, and 90.3% at 1‐year follow‐up. Post‐transplant complications were infrequent, but the most common were renal failure requiring dialysis (8.8%, n = 5), cerebrovascular accidents (1.8%, n = 1), and pacemaker implant (1.8%, n = 1). The rate of waitlist removal for death or clinical deterioration was 20.0% (n = 47); however, the majority of patients were bridged to OHT (24%, n = 57) or durable continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device (37.0%, n = 87). The median time supported on the device, while waitlisted was 13 days (Interquartile range [IQR] 7, 20 days). The Impella 5.0 device can be used as a direct bridge to OHT with excellent survival and minimal post‐transplant morbidity. Overall, these data support the utilization of Impella 5.0 as a bridge to OHT in select patients with refractory cardiogenic shock.
SUDEP among young adults in the San Diego County Medical Examiner Office
Authors: Karlovich Esma , Devinsky Orrin , Brandsoy Michael , Friedman Daniel
Published: February 2020

Excess mortality due to epilepsy is greatest among young adults. However, the relative proportions of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and other epilepsy‐related causes of death are not well defined. We prospectively adjudicated cause of death in all 18‐ to 45‐year‐olds with a history of seizure/epilepsy who underwent medicolegal investigation in San Diego County between 2014 and 2017. We identified 108 decedents with definite or probable epilepsy; 62% died from an epilepsy‐related cause. SUDEP accounted for 42.6% (N = 46) of deaths, which were usually unwitnessed deaths, at home in bed. Other frequent causes of death were drug overdose (N = 23), suicide (N = 8), trauma (N = 8), and drowning (N = 6). SUDEP autopsies were similar to those of decedents from other causes. Most deaths in young adults with epilepsy that undergo medico‐legal investigation are epilepsy‐related, and SUDEP is the leading cause. Improved seizure control can potentially save many lives.
The effect of basalt fibres on fracture toughness of asphalt mixture
Authors: Pirmohammad Sadjad , Amani Behzad , Shokorlou Yousef Majd
Published: February 2020

This paper deals with the effect of basalt fibres on fracture toughness of asphalt mixture. For this purpose, basalt fibres with three different contents (i.e., 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% by weight of asphalt mixture) and lengths (ie, 4, 8, and 12 mm) are incorporated into asphalt mixture to prepare fibre‐reinforced asphalt mixtures. Fracture tests are then carried out on these mixtures under four different modes of loading (i.e., pure mode I, pure mode II, and two mixed modes of I/II) using semicircular bend (SCB) specimens. The results exhibit that the fracture toughness increases with the enhancement of the fibre content. In addition, increase in the length of basalt fibre results in reduction of the fracture toughness of asphalt mixture. However, the asphalt mixture containing 0.3% of basalt fibres with the length of 4 mm shows the highest fracture toughness compared with other mixtures. It is also found that the basalt fibre improves mode I fracture toughness of asphalt mixtures more significantly than mode II one. Statistical analysis is also performed on the experimental data. Analysis of ANOVA demonstrates that all the three factors investigated in this study (i.e., length of basalt fibre, content of basalt fibre, and mode of loading) have significant influence on the fracture toughness of asphalt mixtures.
Exploring factors influencing initiation, implementation and discontinuation of medications in adults with ADHD
Authors: Khan Muhammad Umair , Aslani Parisa
Published: February 2020

Background

Adherence to ADHD medication is a complex phenomenon as the decision to adhere is influenced by a range of factors. To design tailored interventions to promote adherence, it is important to understand the factors that influence adherence in the context of its three phases: initiation, implementation and discontinuation.

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the phase‐specific factors that influence adherence to medication in adults who have a diagnosis of ADHD.

Methods

Three focus groups (FGs) were conducted with twenty adults with ADHD in different metropolitan areas of Sydney, Australia. FGs were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

Results

Participants’ decision to initiate medication (the initiation phase) was influenced by their perceived needs (desire to improve academic and social functioning) and concerns (fear of side‐effects) about medication following a similar process as defined by the Necessity‐Concerns Framework (NCF). The balance between benefits of medication (needs) and side‐effects (concerns) continued to determine participants’ daily medication‐taking (the implementation phase) and persistence (or discontinuation) with their medication. Forgetfulness and stigma were reported as concerns negatively impacting the implementation phase, while medication cost and dependence influenced the discontinuation phase of adherence.

Conclusions

Adults’ decision to initiate, continue or discontinue medication is influenced by a range of factors; some are unique to each phase while some are common across the phases. Participants balanced the needs for the medication against their concerns in determining whether to adhere to medication at each phase. It appears that the NCF has applicability when decision making about medication is explored at the three phases of adherence.
Avian influenza at animal‐human interface: One‐health challenge in live poultry retail stalls of Chakwal, Pakistan
Authors: Chaudhry Mamoona , Webby Richard , Swayne David , Rashid Hamad Bin , DeBeauchamp Jennifer , Killmaster Lindsay , Criado Miria Ferreira , Lee Dong‐Hun , Webb Ashley , Yousaf Shumaila , Asif Muhammad , Ain Qurat ul , Khan Mirwaise , Ilyas Khan Muhammad , Hasan Saima , Yousaf Arfat , Mushtaque Abida , Bokhari Syeda Fakhra , Hasni Muhammad Sajid
Published: February 2020

Background

Live poultry retail stalls (LPRSs) are believed to be the source of human infection with avian influenza viruses (AIVs); however, little is known about epidemiology of these viruses in LPRSs of Pakistan.

Objectives

The current study was conducted to estimate the virological and serological prevalence of AIVs in humans and poultry and associated risk factors among seropositive butchers.

Methods

A field survey of LPRSs of Chakwal District was conducted between December 2015 and March 2016. In total, 322 samples (sera = 161 and throat swab = 161) from butchers and 130 pooled oropharyngeal swabs and 100 sera from birds were collected. Baseline sera (n = 100) from general population were also tested. Data were collected by structured questionnaires. Sera were tested by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test further confirmed by micro‐neutralization test (MN). Swabs were processed by real‐time RT‐PCR. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors.

Results

In butchers, 15.5% sera were positive for antibodies against H9 virus using a cutoff of ≥40 in HI titer; 6% sera from general population were positive for H9. Seroprevalence in poultry was 89%, and only 2.30% swabs were positive for H9. Presence of another LPRS nearby and the number of cages in the stall were risk factors (OR > 1) for H9 seroprevalence in butchers.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of co‐circulation of H9 virus in poultry and exposure of butchers in the LPRSs, which poses a continued threat to public health. We suggest regular surveillance of AIVs in occupationally exposed butchers and birds in LPRSs.
A novel measurement instrument for pressure‐injury risk assessment competence: Theoretical procedures, simulation, and psychometric quality
Authors: Moura Elaine C. Carvalho , Peres Aida M. , Caliri Maria H. L. , Lopez Violeta , F. Soares Samuel
Published: February 2020

This study developed a measuring instrument of pressure‐injury risk assessment competence for nursing education adopting theoretical procedures based on competence structuration to support the psychometric quality. The objective of this study is testing the psychometric properties of the instrument using simulation strategy and to determine the instrument's standardisation and normalisation. A methodological study was designed. The instrument was developed by a content‐validated theoretical construct administered to 155 undergraduate nursing students from universities in the northeast and south of Brazil using simulation. The instrument was applied over three phases: before the lecture on pressure‐injury risk assessment competence, after scenario of simulation experience, and after debriefing experience. The instrument comprised 32 items. The factorial analysis found that three domains explained 64.6% and 62.18% of the total variance in post‐scenario and debriefing cases. The perfect and very high discrimination index of the instrument indicated minimal differences in measured latent trait levels. It also found that reliability was excellent (0.973 and 0.967). Moreover, an equation applicable to instruments using study's theoretical procedure was proposed. The instrument was found to be a valid, accurate, and reliable educational tool for pressure‐injury risk assessment competence.
Dermoscopy and VISIA imager evaluations of non‐insulated microneedle radiofrequency versus fractional CO2 laser treatments of striae distensae
Authors: Al‐Muriesh M. , Huang C.‐Z. , Ye Z. , Yang J.
Published: February 2020

Backgrounds

Striae distensae (SD) has a known psychological impact due to the resulting cosmetic disfigurement. Many treatment modalities have been used over the years, but no standard interventions or evaluation methods have been proposed to date.

Objective

We compared the efficacy and safety of non‐insulated microneedle radiofrequency (NIMRF) and fractional CO2 laser treatments of SD by objective measurements with dermoscopy and VISIA.

Methods

Fourteen females with severe SD were enrolled. These subjects had been treated three sessions of NIMRF and fractional CO2 laser for the right and left abdomen, respectively. Dermoscopy and VISIA imaging data, and photographs were collected at baseline and 2 months after the last treatment session. The global aesthetic improvement scale (GIAS) was scored by patients, and blinded investigators, pain score and satisfaction score were also documented. Any side effects were recorded.

Results

Ten patients completed the study. The GIAS from investigators and patients showed an overall improvement but without a significant difference (P = 0.18, P = 0.17, respectively). The decreased width measured by dermoscopy was between 5% and 32% (right side) and 6–31% (left side). There was no significant difference between both sides in either the per‐protocol or intention to treat analyses (P = 0.149, P = 0.161, respectively). The mean pain score was 5.35 and 2.35 on the right side and left side, respectively, which was significant (P = 0.0016). Post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) manifested in six patients on their left sides and four patients on their right sides. In most cases, this had resolved by the 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

Non‐insulated microneedle radiofrequency and fractional CO2 laser are both effective and safe treatment options for SD. PIH is a possible side effect but is more likely with fractional CO2 laser treatment. However, it clears up in most cases. Dermoscopy and VISIA are both convenient, digitalized methods of tracking subtle changes and monitoring the efficacy of SD treatments.
Phasic and tonic serotonin modulate alarm reactions and post‐exposure behavior in zebrafish
Authors: Lima‐Maximino Monica , Pyterson Maryana Pereira , do Carmo Silva Rhayra Xavier , Gomes Gabriela Cristini Vidal , Rocha Sueslene Prado , Herculano Anderson Manoel , Rosemberg Denis Broock , Maximino Caio
Published: February 2020

Current theories on the role of serotonin (5‐HT) in vertebrate defensive behavior suggest that this monoamine increases anxiety but decreases fear, by acting at different levels of the neuroaxis. This paradoxical, dual role of 5‐HT suggests that a serotonergic tone inhibits fear responses, while an acute increase in 5‐HT would produce anxiety‐like behavior. However, so far no evidence for a serotonergic tone has been found. Using zebrafish alarm responses, we investigate the participation of phasic and tonic 5‐HT levels in fear‐like behavior, as well as in behavior after stimulation. Conspecific alarm substance (CAS) increased bottom‐dwelling and erratic swimming, and animals transferred to a novel environment after CAS exposure (post‐exposure behavior) showed increased bottom‐dwelling and freezing. Clonazepam blocked CAS effects during and after exposure. Acute fluoxetine dose‐dependently decreased fear‐like behavior, but increased post‐exposure freezing. Metergoline had no effect on fear‐like behavior, but blocked the effects of CAS on post‐exposure behavior; similar effects were observed with para‐chlorophenylalanine. Finally, CAS was shown to decrease the activity of monoamine oxidase in the zebrafish brain after exposure. These results suggest that phasic and tonic serotonin encode an aversive expectation value, switching behavior toward cautious exploration/risk assessment/anxiety when the aversive stimulus is no longer present.

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The use of 4% hydroquinone, 0.1% tretinoin, and 0.1% betamethasone creams to prevent hyperpigmentation of split‐thickness skin grafts in Long‐Evans rats
Authors: Ozbey Rafet , Okur Mehmet Ihsan
Published: February 2020

Background

The increase in the pigmentation of skin grafts during the healing process is a cosmetic problem. There are a variety of medical and surgical treatment options for skin graft darkening.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of topical hydroquinone, tretinoin, and betamethasone application on hyperpigmentation of skin grafts.

Methods

A skin defect was created on the backs of 17 Long‐Evans rats, and a 2 × 2 cm split‐thickness skin graft was sutured. After 15 days, eight rats in the treatment group were treated with application of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and betamethasone cream, while nine rats in the control group were not treated. Visual evaluation was performed on days 45 and 75 using the Melasma Severity Scale (MSS), and histological evaluation was performed on day 75 using S100 and Masson Fontana (MF) staining. The Mann‐Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Mean MSS values of the treatment group on days 45 were significantly lower compared to the control group (P = .036). On day 75, the mean MSS score of the treatment group was also lower; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = .302). Histological evaluation of S100 and MF staining scores of the treatment group showed fewer melanocytes and fewer pigments in epidermis (P = .009 and P = .002, respectively).

Conclusions

This study showed that topical application of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and betamethasone reduced the hyperpigmentation, number of melanocytes, and melanin pigment intensity that developed on the rat skin graft models. Clinical studies are needed to assess whether a similar effect could be observed with human skin grafts.
Injectable eprinomectin for cattle: Tick efficacy and pharmacokinetics
Authors: do Nascimento Cristiano Grisi , Bragaglia Gabrielle , Toma Sandra Barioni , de Souza Magalhães Viviane , Cid Yara Peluso , Scott Fabio Barbour
Published: February 2020

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile and efficacy of eprinomectin (EPM) against Rhipicephalus microplus in cattle of a new injectable form of EPM (Voss Performa®). The product was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 200 μg EPM/kg, in a single dose. The efficacy of EPM against R. microplus in cattle was evaluated through field and stall tests. Studies were performed to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters of EPM with the purpose of better understanding the kinetics of the formulation. The formulation was effective in controlling R. microplus in both naturally and artificially infested cattle, providing efficacy greater than 95%. The results of pharmacokinetic study were Cmax of 47.15 ± 22.20 ng/ml, Tmax of 1.33 ± 0.492 days, T1/2 of 2.96 ± 1.212 days, AUC0–t of 228.08 ± 57.30 ng day ml−1, and AUC0‐∞ of 240.50 ± 58.44 ng day ml−1. Therefore, the new injectable EPM formulation becomes an important alternative for the control of cattle tick in Brazil.
Translanguaging in L2 Arabic Study Abroad: Beyond Monolingual Practices in Institutional Talk
Authors: AL MASAEED KHALED
Published: February 2020

Adopting a translanguaging perspective, this article examines interlocutors’ orientations to, and use of, multidialectal and multilingual practices during second language (L2) Arabic conversations‐for‐learning beyond the classroom in a study abroad program. The study argues that participants’ translanguaging practices challenge monolingual ideologies and the program's monodialectal policy of using only Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in institutional talk beyond the classroom. Audio‐recorded dyadic interactions between L2 Arabic learners and their native speaker conversation partners show how multidialectal and multilingual practices can work as a valuable interactional resource that multilinguals draw upon for productive interactions to enhance meaning‐making, identity negotiation, and knowledge construction. In addition, participants seem to give precedence to intersubjectivity over monodialectal and monolingual language policies through their use of these translanguaging practices.