bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appreciating collaborative service improvement – a case study on using appreciative inquiry methodology in co-production in mental health
Authors: Dent Nicholas
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the value of appreciative inquiry (AI) methodology in enabling co-productive work within mental health service development.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of AI is described and observations on its use in mental health service improvement are considered.

Findings

AI is a really helpful tool in supporting service improvement and is particularly applicable in mental health discussions involving service users and carers. Many service users and carers engaging with service development discussions have had adverse past experiences which can inhibit their successful contribution to planning discussions. AI allows a more positive reflection on how services can be improved which can help achieve positive results.

Research limitations/implications

AI methodology is a really useful tool in supporting improvement discussions across health, and other public, services, and is particularly valuable in engaging mental health service users and carers in such activity.

Practical implications

The method is useful across service development needs and could be developed to support mental health service improvement locally, regionally and nationally. Developing the use of this method could make a real contribution to improving relations between service users, carers and health staff and support meaningful and positive change in the delivery of mental health services.

Social implications

Helping to overcome dissonance between service users and carers, and health staff and commissioners; and developing the use of appreciative enquiry could enhance the value of co-production as a key driver for service improvement.

Originality/value

The author is aware of little discussion of the value of appreciative enquiry in the growing literature around co-production in mental health.
Degree of free cash flow leverage
Authors: Aharon David Yecham , Kroll Yoram , Riff Sivan
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to forgo the conventional (degree of operating leverage) risk measure by replacing elasticity of operating profits with respect to output with elasticity of free cash flow (FCF) with respect to optimal output and by considering exogenous random demand shocks for the firm’s products as a source of risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The elasticity risk measure accounts for corporate taxes and the cost of bankruptcy. The methodology is selecting optimal level of production investment and capital structure to generate efficient frontier of expected FCF and its risk in terms of its elasticity with respect to output.

Findings

The risk measure leads to efficient frontier between expected FCF and its idiosyncratic managerial risk. The model also resolves the empirical debate on the tradeoff between operating and financial leverages.

Originality/value

It is the first elasticity risk measure that embodied the impact of future level of capital expenditure, total level of assets and their sensitivity to random shocks in the product market.
Investigations of tribodynamic characteristics of chrome steel pin against plain and textured surface cast iron discs in lubricated conditions
Authors: Lal Roop , Singh R.C.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to carry out an experimental study to investigate tribodynamics at the interface of chrome steel pin with the plain and textured surface cast iron discs in a fully flooded condition.

Design/methodology/approach

A friction and wear tester (tribometer) was used for conducting the experiment at different operating parameters. Lubricating oil used in this experiment was SAE-15W40, which directly supplied at the interface and ensured a fully flooded lubricating condition. Measurements of different parameters, such as friction coefficient, the rate of wear, the amplitude of vibration, rise in temperature and intensity of sound, were considered at different loads. The input parameters were taken in a range viz. Loads from 1.9 MPa to 3.1 MPa, sliding speeds from 2 to 10 m/s and distance travelled ranged from 1000 to 5000 m.

Findings

In the investigation, it was found that there was a decrease in friction coefficient and wear rate at the interface formed by the chrome steel pin with textured surface cast iron disc when compared with friction coefficient and wear rate at the interface formed by the chrome steel pin and the plain surface disc of cast iron.

Originality/value

Also, it was inferred that temperature, vibration and noise level, at the interface formed by the chrome steel pin and plain surface cast iron disc, increased, which governed the interface stability. The novelty of this investigation lies in the identification of the parameters on which interface stability depends.
Long‐Term Safety and Efficacy of JR‐131, a Biosimilar of Darbepoetin Alfa, in Japanese Patients With Renal Anemia Undergoing Hemodialysis: Phase 3 Prospective Study
Authors: Nishi Shinichi , Yamada Masayuki , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Masakane Ikuto , Nakamoto Hidetomo
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of JR‐131, a biosimilar of darbepoetin alfa, for long‐term treatment of renal anemia patients undergoing hemodialysis. In this multicenter, single‐arm, phase 3 study, 159 patients with renal anemia who had been receiving darbepoetin alfa or recombinant human erythropoietins were treated with intravenous JR‐131 for 52 weeks. In patients receiving darbepoetin alfa, JR‐131 was administered at the same dose, while in patients receiving recombinant human erythropoietin the dose was determined based on the 1:200 conversion ratio following the Japanese darbepoetin alfa package insert. No notable adverse drug reactions were reported, and no anti‐JR‐131 antibodies were detected. The hemoglobin levels were maintained in the range of 10.0–12.0 g/dL throughout the study. JR‐131 proved to be a useful and lower‐cost alternative to darbepoetin alfa in the management of renal anemia in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Identifying the spatiotemporal clusters of plague occurrences in China during the Third Pandemic
Authors: SUN Zhe , ZHANG Zhibin , LIU Qiyong , LYU Baolei , FANG Xiye , WANG Shuchun , XU Jianguo , XU Lei , XU Bing
Published: July 2019

Plague, a devastating infectious disease caused by Yersinia pestis, has killed millions of people in the past and is still active in the natural foci of the world today. Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of plague outbreaks in history is critically important, as it may help to facilitate prevention and control of potential future outbreaks. In this study, we explored spatiotemporal clusters of human plague occurrences in China using a machine‐learning clustering method and reconstructed the potential transmission pattern during the Third Pandemic (1772–1964). We succeeded in identifying 6 clusters in the space domain (2D) and 13 clusters in the spatiotemporal domain (3D). Our results suggest that there were several temporal outbreaks and transmissions of plague in different spatial clusters. Together with the spatiotemporal nearest neighbor approach (ST‐NNA), this method could allow us to have a clearer look at the spatiotemporal patterns of plague.
Adaptive Management and Climate Change Adaptation: Two Mutually Beneficial Areas of Practice
Authors: Marmorek David , Nelitz Marc , Eyzaguirre Jimena , Murray Carol , Alexander Clint
Published: July 2019

Adaptive management (AM) is a rigorous approach to implementing, monitoring, and evaluating actions, so as to learn and adjust those actions. Existing AM projects are at risk from climate change, and current AM guidance does not provide adequate methods to deal with this risk. Climate change adaptation (CCA) is an approach to plan and implement actions to reduce risks from climate variability and climate change, and to exploit beneficial opportunities. AM projects could be made more resilient to extreme climate events by applying the principles and procedures of CCA. To test this idea, we analyze the effects of extreme climatic events on five existing AM projects focused on ecosystem restoration and species recovery, in the Russian, Trinity, Okanagan, Platte, and Missouri River Basins. We examine these five case studies together to generate insights on how integrating CCA principles and practices into their design and implementation could improve their sustainability, despite significant technical and institutional challenges, particularly at larger scales. Although climate change brings substantial risks to AM projects, it may also provide opportunities, including creating new habitats, increasing the ability to quickly test flow‐habitat hypotheses, stimulating improvements in watershed management and water conservation, expanding the use of real‐time tools for flow management, and catalyzing creative application of CCA principles and procedures.
Context and technology use: Opportunities and challenges of the situated perspective in technology acceptance research
Authors: Lemay David John , Doleck Tenzin , Bazelais Paul
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of the situative perspective in understanding technology acceptance. Briefly, this is the position that holds technology acceptance is influenced by the context of use, which determines the situations and activities in which the technology is employed. Specifically, we review the literature studying the relationship between political engagement and social media use. We examine the link between individuals' political beliefs and political engagement on their acceptance and use of social media extending the core factors of the technology acceptance model. Using a sample drawn from a pre‐university college physics program, we test a structural path model, using WarpPLS, and reproduce the oft‐reported link between social media use and political engagement and showing that social media use for political engagement influences individuals' perceptions of social media technology. These results are interpreted with respect to the situative perspective, specifically, we employ the ecological psychology notion of affordances to understand how social media technology is disrupting traditional political discourse and creating new forum for public discourse and political engagement. Our study demonstrates the value of considering the social dimension in understanding individuals' technology acceptance decisions and behaviors. Understanding the social dimension pf technology acceptance is necessary for modeling user technology acceptance and key to successful implementation initiatives and life cycle management of educational technologies.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Using social media varies by individual characteristics and by instrumental use, creating different contexts of use, such as online political engagement.

What this paper adds

Using social media for political engagement influences perceptions of usefulness and ease of use.

A fuller account of technology acceptance must include social and affective determinants in addition to cognitive factors.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Understanding technology acceptance as a social process requires an account of the purposes and functions of technology within spheres of activity.

Thus, understanding the social dimension of technology acceptance appears key area of research for educational technologists working on implementation and life‐cycle management of educational technologies.
Escape from the Skinner Box: The case for contemporary intelligent learning environments
Authors: du Boulay Benedict
Published: July 2019

Intelligent Tutoring systems (ITSs) and Intelligent Learning Environments (ILEs) have been developed and evaluated over the last 40 years. Recent meta‐analyses show that they perform well enough to act as effective classroom assistants under the guidance of a human teacher. Despite this success, they have been criticised as embodying a retrograde behaviourist technology. They have also been caught up in broader controversies about the role of Artificial Intelligence in society and about the entry of big data companies into the education market and the harvesting of learner data. This paper concentrates on rebutting the criticisms of the pedagogy of ITSs and ILEs. It offers examples of how a much wider range of pedagogies are available than their critics claim. These wider pedagogies operate at both the screen level of individual systems, as well as at the classroom level within which the systems are orchestrated by the teacher. It argues that there are many ways that such systems can be integrated by the teacher into the overall experience of a class. Taken together, the screen‐level and orchestration‐level dramatically enlarge the range of pedagogies beyond what was possible with the “Skinner Box.”
Acetaminophen Overdose as a Potential Risk Factor for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Bohler Sacha , Liu Xiaosong , Krauskopf Julian , Caiment Florian , Aubrecht Jiri , Nicolaes Gerry A. F. , Kleinjans Jos C. S. , Briedé Jacco J.
Published: July 2019

Four complementary approaches were used to investigate acetaminophen overdose as a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) serum profiles from acetaminophen‐overdosed patients were compared with patients with terminal PD, revealing four shared miRNAs. Similarities were found among molecular structures of dopamine (DA), acetaminophen, and two known PD inducers indicating affinity for dopaminergic transport. Potential interactions between acetaminophen and the human DA transporter were confirmed by molecular docking modeling and binding free energy calculations. Thus, it is plausible that acetaminophen is taken up by the dopaminergic transport system into the substantia nigra (SN). A ChEMBL query identified proteins that are similarly targeted by DA and acetaminophen. Here, we highlight CYP3A4, present in the SN, a predominant metabolizer of acetaminophen into its toxic metabolite N‐acetyl‐p‐benzoquinone imine and shown to be regulated in PD. Overall, based on our results, we hypothesize that overdosing of acetaminophen is a potential risk factor for parkinsonism.
Round‐knit or flat‐knit compression garments for maintenance therapy of lymphedema of the leg? – Review of the literature and technical data
Authors: Reich‐Schupke Stefanie , Stücker Markus
Published: July 2019

To date, there have been no studies comparing flat‐knit and round‐knit compression garments for maintenance therapy of lymphedema of the leg. According to expert opinion, flat‐knit fabrics are generally recommended for this purpose. Given the differences in the clinical presentation of lymphedema in terms of disease stage and location as well as patient adherence, and, last but not least, for economic reasons, it seems questionable whether all patients with lymphedema of the leg actually do require flat‐knit compression garments.

Considering technical aspects, published data and our own clinical experience, it seems reasonable that the choice of compression stockings be based on clinical findings and not on the diagnosis. Typical indications for flat‐knit garments include significant differences in leg circumference as well as deep skin folds and edema of the toes/forefoot. However, there are also patients with lymphedema who benefit from round‐knit fabrics with a high degree of stiffness. In any case, prior to maintenance therapy, it is essential to adequately decongest the legs using compression bandages and/or adaptive compression systems.
Fatigue and fracture analysis of a seven‐wire stainless steel strand under axial and bending loads
Authors: Erena Diego , Vázquez Valeo Jesús , Navarro Carlos , Domínguez Jaime
Published: July 2019

Fatigue failure of cables and strands is a common and complex problem. Failure is typically caused by different combinations of time‐variable bending and axial forces. In addition to these loads, contact stresses between wires may play an important role in the fatigue failure of cables. The present work aims to provide deep insight into the fatigue failure of a seven‐wire stainless steel strand subjected to a combination of variable axial and bending loads. To avoid side effects in the analysis, fatigue failure of the strand close to the clamps is prevented. Several tests were performed with a new device specifically designed to avoid failure near the clamps. Thus, failure is always produced at the middle length of the specimen. Test simulations were performed by employing the finite element method. The numerical results were validated via comparisons with experimental data. Finally, life prediction curves were obtained.
Back home? Uncertainties for returning seized animals to the source‐areas under climate change
Authors: Destro Guilherme Fernando Gomes , de Fernandes Virgínia , de Andrade André Felipe Alves , De Marco Paulo , Terribile Levi Carina
Published: July 2019

Regardless of the economic, social and environmental impacts caused by wild animal trafficking worldwide, the suitable destination of seized specimens is one of the main challenges faced by environmental managers and authorities. In Brazil, returning seized animals to the wild has been the most frequent path in population restoration programs, and has been carried out, as a priority, in areas where the animals were captured. However, in addition to the difficulty in identifying the locations of illegal captures, little scientific knowledge is available on the future viability of the source‐areas to global climate change. Thus, the current work aims to evaluate the impacts of climate change on the main source‐municipalities for animal trafficking in Brazil, referred to herein as source‐areas. For this, using ecological niche modeling, the environmental suitability of the source‐areas for illegal animal captures was evaluated in two scenarios at two different time horizons: optimistic (RCP 26) and pessimistic (RCP 85) emission scenarios in both 2050 and 2070 projections. Moreover, the source‐areas were compared with the Brazilian Federal protected areas, used here as the control group. According to the results, Brazilian source‐municipalities are not always the best option for maintaining the most seized species in the future simulations, and, therefore, seem not be the best option for projects that aim for the return of these animals to the wild. In this sense, despite the genetic and ecological issues inherent in translocation projects, our results suggest that population restoration programs for seized species need to be rethought, and furthermore other suitable areas could be considered for truly ensuring the survival and maintenance of overexploited populations in the long term.
The clinical meaning of the “indefinite for atrophy” lesions within gastric mucosa biopsy specimens in a region with a high prevalence of gastric cancer
Authors: Kim Hee Jin , Kim Nayoung , Yun Chang Yong , Lee Hye Seung
Published: July 2019

Background

The diagnosis of gastric atrophy is important in the regions where the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is high. The assessment of gastric atrophy is impossible in subjects with severe gastric inflammation or inadequate biopsy samples, leading these cases to be categorized as indefinite for atrophy. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical characteristics of cases reported as indefinite for atrophy.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed 3192 gastric biopsies obtained at a single medical center between 2003 and 2017. Cases categorized as indefinite atrophy (n = 1,292) were compared with three groups, the absent atrophy group (n = 755), Operative Link on Gastric Atrophy (OLGA) I‐II group (n = 925), and OLGA III‐IV group (n = 220), by considering age, sex, smoking, alcohol drinking, salty and spicy food diet, ABO blood type, family history of gastric cancer (GC), and H. pylori infection that are known atrophic gastritis‐associated risk factors.

Results

Subjects aged ≥65 years (34.9% vs 26.4%, P < 0.001), male (58.9% vs 49.1%, P < 0.001), and H. pylori infected subjects (82.5% vs 63.3%, P < 0.001) were significantly more likely to be categorized into the indefinite atrophy group than absent atrophy group. Subjects with family history of GC (21.9% vs 25.7%, P = 0.031) and positive H. pylori infection (82.5% vs 86.2%, P = 0.019) were significantly less likely to be in the indefinite atrophy group than low‐risk OLGA group. Subjects aged ≥65 years (34.9% vs 52.3%, P < 0.001) and current/past smoker (50.9% vs 70.0%, P < 0.001) were significantly more likely to be in the high‐risk OLGA group than indefinite atrophy group.

Conclusions

The pathological report of indefinite for atrophy suggests a higher plausibility of gastric atrophy than nonassessment due to a simple technical error.
Torsional behaviour of Reciproc and Reciproc blue instruments associated with their martensitic transformation temperatures
Authors: Almeida G. C. , Guimarães L. C. , Resende P. D. , Buono V. T. L. , Peixoto I. F. C. , Viana A. C. D.
Published: July 2019

Aim

To compare the martensitic transformation temperatures and torsional resistance behaviour of classic M‐Wire Reciproc and Reciproc blue files (VDW, Munich, Germany).

Methodology

M‐Wire classic Reciproc R25 and Reciproc blue R25 instruments were used. Transformation temperatures were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC‐DSC 60, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). Three samples with approximately 20 mg of each system were cooled to −120 °C and then heated to 100 °C and then cooled to –100 °C at a rate of 10 °C min−1. The maximum torque values and angular deflection until fracture of new instruments (n = 10) were measured according to ISO 3630‐1. Results were analysed statistically using the Student's t‐test at a significance level of P < 0.05.

Results

DSC results revealed the absence of martensitic transformation for Reciproc instruments in the temperature range analysed. In both systems, the instruments were composed of a mixture of R‐phase and austenite at room temperature. After torsional tests, Reciproc blue had significantly lower values for mean maximum torque at rupture (P < 0.05), although the angular deflection values were significantly higher than the Reciproc classic group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Both Reciproc and Reciproc blue instruments were composed of a mixture of R‐phase and austenite. Reciproc Blue instruments had a greater angle of rotation to fracture but a lower torque to failure than M‐Wire Reciproc instruments.
Effect of magnesium sulphate added to lidocaine on inferior alveolar nerve block success in patients with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis: a prospective, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mousavi S. A. , Sadaghiani L. , Shahnaseri S. , Zandian A. , Farnell D. J. J. , Vianna M. E.
Published: July 2019

Aim

To investigate the effect of magnesium sulphate used as an adjuvant to lidocaine with epinephrine local anaesthetic on the success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) in patients with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis undergoing root canal treatment.

Methodology

In a double‐blind clinical trial, following power calculation, 124 patients with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis in mandibular molar teeth were selected, and initial pain data were collected using a Heft–Parker (Pain, 19, 1984 and 153) visual analogue scale. The first group (control) received IANB with 1.8 mL of a local anaesthetic solution containing 1.8% lidocaine with 1 : 88 000 epinephrine while the second group (test) received IANB with 1.8 mL of an anaesthetic solution containing 1% magnesium sulphate, and 1.8% lidocaine with 1 : 88 000 epinephrine. Pain data were collected after access cavity and penetration of files in the canals using a Heft–Parker visual analogue scale. Two patients were not included in the study as they did not consent, and a further 54 patients were excluded as they did not report lip numbness within 15 min after IANB administration; thus, the data presented in this study are related to 68 patients. The data were analysed using chi‐square and t‐test (α = 0.05).

Results

The success of pulpal anaesthesia with IANB was 82% for the magnesium sulphate group and 53% for the control group. There was a significant difference in the effectiveness of the IANB between the two groups (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the magnesium sulphate and control groups regarding gender (P = 0.598) or age (P = 0.208) or initial pain scores (P = 0.431).

Conclusions

The addition of 1% magnesium sulphate to 1.8% lidocaine with 1 : 88 000 epinephrine resulted in a positive impact for the success of IANB in patients with a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis related to mandibular molar teeth undergoing root canal treatment. Thus magnesium sulphate may be used as adjuvant for achieving profound pulpal anaesthesia in challenging cases. However, more studies with larger sample size and different concentration doses must be carried out to establish an appropriate conclusion before its routine clinical use.
Association of interarm blood pressure difference with cardio‐cerebral vascular disease: A community‐based, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yu Siyu , Zhou Yi , Wu Kang , Zhou Xianfeng , Yang Yi , Qiu Hua , Liu Xiaolin , Ke Juzhong , Wang Xiaonan , Li Zhitao , Chen Xiaodan , Ruan Xiaonan
Published: July 2019

Interarm blood pressure difference (IAD) is a risk factor for peripheral artery disease and cardio‐cerebral vascular disease (CCVD). The current study examines the association of IAD with stroke and coronary heart disease in a Chinese community. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Pudong New Area in Shanghai, China. A total of 10 657 residents aged 15 years and older were randomly selected through three‐stage sampling. Volunteers had systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) measured in both arms at recruitment, and IAD was defined in both arms as the absolute difference in BP. Medical records of study participants were reviewed by investigators to confirm measurements. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between systolic interarm blood pressure difference (sIAD) and diastolic interarm blood pressure difference (dIAD) with stroke and coronary heart disease. Compared with dIAD <5 mm Hg, the multivariate adjusted odds ratio (OR) of stroke prevalence was 1.357 (95% CI 0.725‐2.542, P = 0.034) for dIAD ≥20 mm Hg and 1.702 (95% CI1.025‐2.828, P = 0.040) for dIAD between 15 and 19 mm Hg, and the multivariate adjusted OR of coronary heart disease prevalence was 1.726 (95% CI 1.093‐2.726, P = 0.019) for dIAD ≥20 mm Hg and 1.498 (95% CI 0.993‐2.261, P = 0.044) for dIAD between 15 and 19 mm Hg. The relationship between cardio‐cerebral vascular disease and dIAD was significant in a Chinese community population. Further cohort studies are needed to investigate the association of different levels of IAD with the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and subsequent mortality.
MEASURING LIMITS OF ARBITRAGE IN FIXED‐INCOME MARKETS
Authors: Fontaine Jean‐Sébastien , Nolin Guillaume
Published: July 2019

An emerging literature relies on an index of limits of arbitrage in fixed‐income markets. We analyze the benefits of an index that is model‐free, robust, and intuitive. This new index strengthens the evidence that limits of arbitrage proxy for risks priced in the cross‐section of returns. Trading simulations show that the new index improves identification of limits of arbitrage because it bypasses a noisy estimation step. Relative value indices in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, and Canada exhibit strong commonality and high correlations with local volatility and funding conditions. The indices are updated regularly and available publicly.
Instant coffee foam: An investigation on factors controlling foamability, foam drainage, coalescence, and disproportionation
Authors: Shankaran Padma Ishwarya , Chinnaswamy Anandharamakrishnan
Published: July 2019

Foamability and foam stability mechanisms of instant coffee foam were elucidated by varying the total solid content (10–40% w/w), gas flow rate (0.2–0.5 L/min) and gas sparging time (30–45 s). Maximum foam volume obtained after gas sparging was used as the measure of foamability. Foam stability was estimated from the rates of foam drainage, bubble coalescence, and disproportionation. Foamability was majorly influenced by the gas flow rate. Coffee foam exhibited three patterns of destabilization: (a) coalescence; (b) coalescence followed by disproportionation; and (c) partial coalescence. Differences in the mode of coffee foam destabilization can be attributed to the variations in initial bubble size and the manner in which the bubble size distribution evolves with time. The optimum conditions to obtain maximum foam volume and stability were 10% solid content of coffee solution, 0.4 L/min of gas flow rate, and 33 s of gas sparging time.

Practical Applications

The results of this study explain the underlying reasons for the metastability of coffee foam. The inferences derived from this research work can be used to improve the stability of coffee foam and produce newer types of aerated coffee‐based beverages.
Cerebral Multishell Diffusion Imaging Parameters are Associated with Blood Biomarkers of Disease Severity in HIV Infection
Authors: Garaci Francesco , Picchi Eliseo , Di Giuliano Francesca , Lanzafame Simona , Minosse Silvia , Manenti Guglielmo , Pistolese Chiara Adriana , Sarmati Loredana , Teti Elisabetta , Andreoni Massimo , Floris Roberto , Toschi Nicola
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

HIV‐positive subjects suffer from neurocognitive deficits and disorder. We employ multishell diffusion imaging to investigate possible white matter microstructural correlates of infection severity, quantified through plasmatic percentage value of CD4 T‐lymphocytes, Nadir‐CD4 count, and plasma concentration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐ribonucleic acid (RNA).

METHODS

A total of 41 HIV patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and blood sampling to evaluate biochemical markers. Diffusion‐weighted imaging was performed at 3 Tesla (b‐values: 1000 s/mm² and 2500 s/mm², 64 gradient directions/b‐value, 8 b0 images). The Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging models were fitted separately after which mean, radial, and axial diffusivity (MD, RD, AD, respectively), fractional anistrotropy (FA), mean and radial kurtosis (MK and RK, respectively), and kurtosis anisotropy (KA) maps were extracted. Associations of each metric with biochemical markers were explored through tract‐based spatial statistics followed by threshold‐free cluster enhancement.

RESULTS

We found significant positive associations between Nadir‐CD4 values and both KA and FA, and significant negative associations between Nadir‐CD4 values and MD. Also, we found significant positive associations among %CD4 and MK, KA, and FA, and significant negative associations among %CD4 values and MD. These associations were bilateral and involved predominantly the long association fibers. Anatomically, these associations were more widespread when using KA as compared to FA. No statistically significant associations with HIV‐RNA concentrations were found.

CONCLUSIONS

In HIV‐positive subjects, associations between biochemical and diffusion‐MRI variables are found along the association fibers, which connect brain areas involved in memory formation, providing a possible interpretation for the neurobiological substrate underlying cognitive disturbances in HIV.
Assessment of the association between diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease in adult cats
Authors: Pérez‐López Laura , Boronat Mauro , Melián Carlos , Saavedra Pedro , Brito‐Casillas Yeray , Wägner Ana M.
Published: July 2019

Background

Diabetes mellitus is the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans. The relationship between the 2 diseases in cats is unclear.

Objective

To assess the association between diabetes and CKD in a population of adult cats.

Animals

Five hundred sixty‐one cats that attended 2 veterinary centers in Gran Canaria, Spain, between 2014 and 2016.

Methods

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Cats aged 3 years or older, with sufficient data to define whether or not they had diabetes and CKD, were selected. Cats in critical condition, with dehydration or potential causes of prerenal azotemia and those treated with nephrotoxic drugs were excluded. Diagnosis of CKD was established when creatinine concentrations were >2 mg/dL, or serum creatinine 1.6‐2 mg/dL and urine specific gravity <1.035, or serum creatinine 1.6‐2 mg/dL and urine protein/creatinine ratio >0.4. Factors associated with CKD were identified through multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Sixty‐seven (11.9%) cats had CKD and 16 (2.9%) cats had diabetes. Sixty cats without diabetes (11%) and 7 with diabetes (44%) had CKD. Among the latter, both conditions were diagnosed simultaneously in 6 cases, whereas diabetes preceded CKD in the other. Multivariate analysis showed that diabetes was significantly associated with CKD (odds ratio = 4.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.51‐13.28; P = .007). Other variables associated with CKD were age and mixed breed.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

After adjusting for age, this study showed an association between diabetes and CKD in adult cats.
Community assembly on extensive green roofs: Effects of dispersal‐, abiotic‐ and biotic filtering on the spontaneous species‐ and functional diversity
Authors: Vanstockem Jan , Bastiaens Amelie , Helsen Kenny , Somers Ben , Hermy Martin
Published: July 2019

Questions

Extensive green roofs (EGRs) are novel ecosystems and essential tools in mitigating the negative effects of urbanization. However, the extent to which traditional community assembly insights apply to spontaneous plant and trait diversity and composition on EGRs and novel ecosystems in general is unclear: (a) is a dispersal filter present because of EGRs’ fragmented nature (e.g., roof height, urban environment); (b) can we confirm the strong abiotic filtering due to extreme EGR conditions (e.g., limited substrate depth); and (c) does the presence of the planted vegetation lead to biotic filtering?

Location

The Flanders and Brussels region of Belgium.

Methods

The vegetation of 129 EGRs was sampled during a field campaign. Information on local (e.g., substrate, roof height) and regional characteristics (e.g., connectivity indices) were collected and species traits were collected from multiple databases. All data were used to construct (generalized) linear mixed models that tested the effects of the dispersal‐, local abiotic‐ and local biotic filters on plant community formation. Redundancy analysis was used to investigate predictor effects on functional composition and null models were constructed to assess trait divergence/convergence.

Results

Our results show that the spontaneous plant species diversity is not affected by their landscape context (dispersal filtering), while their functional composition is. Additionally, the importance of abiotic filtering is confirmed, as substrate depth and exposure have a strong impact on species diversity and decreasing substrate depth negatively impacts functional diversity. Finally, we show that biotic filtering by increased planted species cover leads to trait divergence, changes in functional composition and reduced cover of spontaneous species.

Conclusions

We find that a broad perspective that includes the regional and local biotic and abiotic environment is needed to assess all factors that influence the vegetation on EGRs. As biotic interactions are present, EGRs should not be considered as static systems.
The holy grail of clinical supervision
Authors: Martin Priya , Kumar Saravana
Published: July 2019

Commenting on Jackson et al.'s review, the authors of this commentary draw attention to the need for better understanding of the impact of clinical supervision on patient outcomes.
“Ought implies can” & missed care
Authors: Kearns Alan J.
Published: July 2019

The concept of missed care refers to an irrefragable truth that required nursing care, which is left undone, occurs in the delivery of health care. As a technical concept, missed care offers nurses the opportunity to articulate a problematic experience. But what are we to make of missed care from an ethical perspective? Can nurses be held morally responsible for missed care? Ethically speaking, it is generally accepted that if a person has a moral obligation to do something, s/he needs to have the capacity to do it. If a person does not have the capacity to fulfil a moral obligation, then s/he cannot be held responsible for failing to do so. This is captured by the “ought implies can” (OIC) principle. This paper brings the OIC principle to the forefront of the discussion on missed care. It is contended that nurses – qua moral agents – may be discharged from a moral obligation to carry out a required caring act because of some inability that is not of their making and therefore may not be morally responsible for missed care. However, the OIC principle may not be applied to all situations of missed care depending on their causes. In addition, following in the thought of Sapontzis (The Southern Journal of Philosophy, 1991, XXIX, 383–393) it is contended that when an original obligation to deliver a required act of care cannot be fulfilled, other obligations may be generated as summed up in the “Principle of Making Amends” and the “Principle of Appropriate Feeling.” It is the view of this paper that these further principles could prevent the OIC principle from being used to simply excuse omissions of care from a normative standard and could support the view that nurses continue to have alternative obligations to make amends and to respond with appropriate feelings to missed care.
TaCER1‐1A is involved in cuticular wax alkane biosynthesis in hexaploid wheat and responds to plant abiotic stresses
Authors: Li Tingting , Sun Yulin , Liu Tianxiang , Wu Hongqi , An Peipei , Shui Zhijie , Wang Jiahuan , Zhu Yidan , Li Chunlian , Wang Yong , Jetter Reinhard , Wang Zhonghua
Published: July 2019

To protect above‐ground plant organs from excessive water loss, their surfaces are coated by waxes. The genes involved in wax formation have been investigated in detail in Arabidopsis but scarcely in crop species. Here, we aimed to isolate and characterize a CER1 enzyme responsible for formation of the very long‐chain alkanes present in high concentrations especially during late stages of wheat development. On the basis of comparative wax and transcriptome analyses of various wheat organs, we selected TaCER1‐1A as a primary candidate and demonstrated that it was located to the endoplasmic reticulum, the subcellular compartment for wax biosynthesis. A wheat nullisomic‐tetrasomic substitution line lacking TaCER1‐1A had significantly reduced amounts of C33 alkane, whereas rice plants overexpressing TaCER1‐1A showed substantial increases of C25–C33 alkanes relative to wild type control. Similarly, heterologous expression of TaCER1‐1A in Arabidopsis wild type and the cer1 mutant resulted in increased levels of unbranched alkanes, iso‐branched alkanes and alkenes. Finally, the expression of TaCER1‐1A was found activated by abiotic stresses and abscisic acid treatment, resulting in increased production of alkanes in wheat. Taken together, our results demonstrate that TaCER1‐1A plays an important role in wheat wax alkane biosynthesis and involved in responding to drought and other environmental stresses.
Systematic review: Self‐rated health of Arab immigrants in the United States
Authors: Alkaid Albqoor Maha , Chen Jyu‐Lin , Weiss Sandra , Waters Catherine , Choi Jiwon
Published: July 2019

Purpose

A systematic review was conducted to understand self‐rated health (SRH) of Arab immigrants in the United States (U.S.).

Background

Arab immigrants are one of the fastest growing populations in the United States. There is some evidence that Arab immigrants face health issues including low SRH. However, no study has been done to synthesize research on SRH of Arab immigrants.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to guide this review. A search was conducted on seven databases.

Results

Six studies met the systematic review criteria. The available evidence indicated that rates of fair/poor SRH among Arab immigrants ranged between 4.66% and 41%. Arabic‐speaking immigrants, women, older immigrants, and socioeconomically disadvantaged immigrants had the highest rates of fair/poor SRH.

Implications

Health care providers need to assess patient's SRH and identify barriers to optimal health and health practices related to SRH of Arab immigrants.
Infinite barbarians
Authors: Nolan Daniel
Published: July 2019

This paper discusses an infinite regress that looms behind a certain kind of historical explanation. The movement of one barbarian group is often explained by the movement of others, but those movements in turn call for an explanation. While their explanation can again be the movement of yet another group of barbarians, if this sort of explanation does not stop somewhere we are left with an infinite regress of barbarians. While that regress would be vicious, it cannot be accommodated by several general views about what viciousness in infinite regresses amounts to. This example is additional evidence that we should prefer a pluralist approach to infinite regresses.
Luteal Blood Flow and progesterone concentration during first and second postpartum estrous cycle in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Iacono Eleonora , Lucci Martina , Mari Gaetano , Merlo Barbara
Published: July 2019

The aim of the present study was to determine the differences in corpus luteum (CL) functionality between the first postpartum estrous cycle and the following cycle in lactating dairy cows. Luteal blood flow (LBF), luteal size and blood progesterone (P4) concentration were monitored during the first and second postpartum estrous cycle. During the first and second postpartum estrous cycle, the mean LBF value increased (p < .05) from early to late dioestrus, while it decreased rapidly in proestrus, resulting statistically lower (p < .05) than those registered in all previous phases. Statistically significant differences were not observed between overall LBF during first and second postpartum estrous cycle (p > .05). During the first postpartum estrous cycle, P4 blood concentrations showed a significant reduction (p < .05) from dioestrus to proestrus. A different trend of P4 concentrations was observed during the second postpartum estrous cycle, where mean P4 value registered in proestrus resulted statistically lower than those registered in the previous cycle phases (p < .05). The mean P4 concentration registered over the first postpartum estrous cycle resulted statistically lower (p < .05) than that registered during the second one. A significant correlation between P4 concentrations and LBF was registered only during the second postpartum estrous cycle. Results indicate that during the first postpartum estrous cycle, P4 concentration was independent of luteal blood flow and luteal size.
Risk preferences estimation of exporting firms under exchange rate uncertainty
Authors: Broll Udo , Mukherjee Soumyatanu , Sensarma Rudra
Published: July 2019

This note empirically analyses how exchange rate fluctuations affects firms’ optimal production and exporting decisions. A firm’s elasticity of risk aversion determines the direction of the impact of exchange rate risk on exports. Based on a flexible utility function that incorporates all possible risk preferences, a unique structurally estimable equation is derived. Quantile regression method is used to estimate this equation and compute the risk aversion elasticities for a panel of Indian firms. This approach allows us to demonstrate how characteristics of exporters at the intensive margin varies with the level of elasticities across the conditional exchange rate distribution.
Mycobacterium abscessus bloodstream infection: Unexpected catheter tunnel infection localized by PET/CT
Authors: Xie Ouli , Khan Sadid , Globan Maria , Lea Kerrie , Bajel Ashish , Slavin Monica
Published: July 2019

Mycobacterium abscessus is an emerging cause of invasive infection in the immunosuppressed population. We report a case of M. abscessus bloodstream and catheter tunnel infection localized by positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) in an allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient. This case highlights the difficulties in treating invasive M. abscessus infection and the potential role of PET/CT in localizing infection and guiding therapy in this population.
Prevalence and genetic characterization of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Julien Danielle A. , Sargeant Jan M. , Guy Rebecca A. , Shapiro Karen , Imai Rachel K. , Bunce Anna , Sudlovenick Enooyaq , Chen Shu , Li Jiping , Harper Sherilee L.
Published: July 2019

There are few epidemiologic studies on the role of dogs in zoonotic parasitic transmission in the Circumpolar North. The objectives of this study were to: (a) estimate the faecal prevalence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs; (b) investigate potential associations between the type of dog population and the faecal presence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.; and (c) describe the molecular characteristics of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs in Iqaluit, Nunavut. We conducted two cross‐sectional studies in July and September 2016. In July, the team collected daily faecal samples for 3 days from each of 20 sled dogs. In September, the team collected three faecal samples from each of 59 sled dogs, 111 samples from shelter dogs and 104 from community dogs. We analysed faecal samples for the presence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. using rapid immunoassay and flotation techniques. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of target genes were performed on positive faecal samples. Overall, the faecal prevalence of at least one of the target parasites, when one faecal sample was chosen at random for all dogs, was 8.16% (CI: 5.52–11.92), and for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp., prevalence was 4.42% (CI: 2.58–7.49) and 6.12% (CI: 3.88–9.53), respectively. The odds of faecal Giardia spp. in sled dogs were significantly higher than those in shelter and community dogs (OR 10.19 [CI: 1.16–89.35]). Sequence analysis revealed that 6 faecal samples were Giardia intestinalis, zoonotic assemblage B (n = 2) and species‐specific assemblages D (n = 3) and E (n = 1), and five faecal samples were Cryptosporidium canis. Giardia intestinalis is zoonotic; however, Cryptosporidium canis is rare in humans and, when present, usually occurs in immunosuppressed individuals. Dogs may be a potential source of zoonotic Giardia intestinalis assemblage B infections in residents in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada; however, the direction of transmission is unclear.
Synthesis and Characterization of Photocrosslinked Biobased Polyester Membrane
Authors: Jamaludin F. H. , Rangasamy K. , Wong T. W. , Li T. , Razak S. I. A.
Published: July 2019

A series of bio-based photocrosslinked polyester membranes, poly(1,8-octanediol-itaconate-citrate-dodecandioate), (POSCI) were synthesized through polycondensation followed by photocrosslinking under UV irradiation in the presence of 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA) as photoinitiator (PI). Upon varied UV exposure time and DMPA content, the corresponding changes in chemical, structural, and mechanical properties of the polymer were studied. The transmission peak of FTIR spectrum centred at 1725 cm-1 indicates the formation of ester structure. Contact angle results suggested all of the synthesized POSCI membranes had hydrophilic properties as their contact angle is less than 90 °.  Sol-gel analysis shows that the swelling ratio of POSCI decreases while the gel fraction increases with increasing in photocrosslinking time. The tensile strength of POSCI, thus, increased correspondingly with longer UV exposure. Excess DMPA, however, proved otherwise.