bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warm ischemic time as a critical risk factor of graft failure from donors after cardiac death: A single‐center experience over three decades in the Kidney Donor Profile Index/Kidney Donor Risk Index era in Japan
Authors: Kusaka Mamoru , Kubota Yusuke , Takahashi Hiroshi , Sasaki Hitomi , Kawai Akihiro , Takenaka Masashi , Fukami Naohiko , Kenmochi Takashi , Shiroki Ryoichi , Hoshinaga Kiyotaka
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the prognostic value of the warm ischemic time and the validity of the Kidney Donor Profile Index/Kidney Donor Risk Index for predicting the survival of donors after cardiac death grafts.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed 315 kidneys retrieved from donors after cardiac death at Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan. The Kidney Donor Profile Index/Kidney Donor Risk Index was calculated and the grafts were enrolled.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 11.9 years. The Kidney Donor Profile Index had a markedly asymmetric distribution (median 94%), and the Kidney Donor Risk Index had high index rates (0.79–2.94, median 1.70). The overall 5‐, 10‐ and 15‐year graft survival rates were 67.5%, 52.1% and 38.9%, respectively. The Kidney Donor Profile Index correlated with graft survival. The 5‐, 10‐ and 15‐year graft survival rates for the Kidney Donor Profile Index <1.2 were 87.7%, 73.5% and 59.2%; those for the Kidney Donor Risk Index >2.0 were 55.0%, 34.7% and 22.1%, respectively. A Cox multivariate analysis identified the Kidney Donor Risk Index (hazard ratio 2.06, 95% confidence interval 1.48–2.86, P < 0.0001) and warm ischemic time (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.34, P = 0.0010) as independent risk factors for graft loss. The addition of warm ischemic time >30 min had a significant effect, as measured by the C‐index (0.708–0.731, P = 0.032), improving the net reclassification improvement score (0.256, P = 0.0039) and integrated discrimination improvement score (0.042, P = 0.0022).

Conclusions

The Kidney Donor Profile Index/Kidney Donor Risk Index is a good prognostic tool for determining the outcomes of donors after cardiac death grafts. However, the warm ischemic time should also be included in the allocation system for donors after cardiac death grafts.
Reliability and validity of the Dutch Anxiety, Depression And Mood Scale in adults aged <50 years with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hamers Pauline C. M. , van Ool Jans S. , Festen Dederieke A. M. , Hendriksen Jos G. M. , Bindels Patrick J. E. , Hermans Heidi
Published: November 2018

Background

Reliable and valid screening instruments for depression and anxiety are needed for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Methods

Internal consistency (n = 198), inter‐rater reliability (n = 41), test–retest reliability (n = 37) and criterion validity (n = 43) were studied in adults aged between 18 and 49 years. Internal consistency was also studied in a sample with epilepsy (n = 98).

Results

Internal consistencies of the Dutch ADAMS total scale and subscales were satisfactory to good (α = 0.76–0.92), as well as in the subgroup with epilepsy (α = 0.74–0.88). Inter‐rater reliability and test–retest reliability were fair to excellent for the total scale (ICC’s: 0.57–0.84) and subscales (ICC’s: 0.43–0.86). The criterion validity of the Dutch ADAMS Depressive Mood subscale was good with a sensitivity of 88% (95% CI: 53%–98%) and a specificity of 80% (95% CI: 64%–90%).

Conclusions

Our study shows that the Dutch ADAMS is a reliable and valid instrument for adults aged between 18 and 49 years with intellectual disabilities (and comorbid epilepsy).
Genetic association between different criteria to define sexual precocious heifers with growth, carcass, reproductive and feed efficiency indicator traits in Nellore cattle using genomic information
Authors: Bonamy Martin , Kluska Sabrina , Peripolli Elisa , de Lemos Marcos Vinícius Antunes , Amorim Sabrina Thaise , Vaca Roberto Jose , Lôbo Raysildo Barbosa , de Castro Letícia Mendes , de Faria Carina Ubirajara , Borba Ferrari Fabio , Baldi Fernando
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for different precocious calving criteria and their relationship with reproductive, growth, carcass and feed efficiency in Nellore cattle using the single‐step genomicBLUP. The reproductive traits used were probability of precocious calving (PPC) at 24 (PPC24), 26 (PPC26), 28 (PPC28) and 30 (PPC30) months of age, stayability (STAY) and scrotal circumference at 455 days of age (SC455). Growth traits such as weights at 240 (W240) and 455 (W455) days of age and adult weight (AW) were used. Rib eye area (REA), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), rump fat thickness (RFT) and residual feed intake (RFI) were included in the analyses. The estimation of genetic parameters was performed using a bi‐trait threshold model including genomic information in a single‐step approach. Heritability forPPCtraits was moderate to high (0.29–0.56) with highest estimates forPPC24 (0.56) andPPC26 (0.50). Genetic correlation estimates betweenPPCandSTAYweakened as a function of calving age. Correlation withSC455, growth and carcass traits were low (0.25–0.31; −0.22 to 0.04; −0.09 to 0.18, respectively), the same occurs withRFI(−0.09 to 0.08), this suggests independence between female sexual precocity and feed efficiency traits. The results of this study encourage the use ofPPCtraits in Nellore cattle because the selection for such trait would not have a negative impact on reproductive, growth, carcass and feed efficiency indicator traits. Stayability for sexual precocious heifers (PPC24 andPPC26) must be redefined to avoid incorrectly phenotype assignment.
Deciphering the molecular effects of romidepsin on germ cell tumours: DHRS2 is involved in cell cycle arrest but not apoptosis or induction of romidepsin effectors
Authors: Nettersheim Daniel , Berger Daniel , Jostes Sina , Skowron Margaretha , Schorle Hubert
Published: November 2018

Testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs) mostly affect young men at age 17‐40. Although high cure rates can be achieved by orchiectomy and chemotherapy, GCTs can still be a lethal threat to young patients with metastases or therapy resistance. Thus, alternative treatment options are needed. Based on studies utilising GCT cell lines, the histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin is a promising therapeutic option, showing high toxicity at very low doses towards cisplatin‐resistant GCT cells, but not fibroblasts or Sertoli cells. In this study, we extended our analysis of the molecular effects of romidepsin to deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Patients will benefit from these analyses, since detailed knowledge of the romidepsin effects allows for a better risk and side‐effect assessment. We screened for changes in histone acetylation of specific lysine residues and analysed changes in the DNA methylation landscape after romidepsin treatment of the GCT cell lines TCam‐2, 2102EP, NCCIT and JAR, while human fibroblasts were used as controls. In addition, we focused on the role of the dehydrogenase/reductase DHRS2, which was strongly up‐regulated in romidepsin treated cells, by generating DHRS2‐deficient TCam‐2 cells using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. We show that DHRS2 is dispensable for up‐regulation of romidepsin effectors (GADD45B, DUSP1, ZFP36, ATF3, FOS, CDKN1A, ID2) but contributes to induction of cell cycle arrest. Finally, we show that a combinatory treatment of romidepsin plus the gluccocorticoid dexamethasone further boosts expression of the romidepsin effectors and reduces viability of GCT cells more strongly than under single agent treatment. Thus, romidepsin and dexamethasone might represent a new combinatorial approach for treatment of GCT.
Pancreatic fibroblast growth factor 21 protects against type 2 diabetes in mice by promoting insulin expression and secretion in a PI3K/Akt signaling‐dependent manner
Authors: Pan Yingying , Wang Baile , Zheng Jujia , Xiong Rongrong , Fan Zhichao , Ye Yanna , Zhang Saisai , Li Qinyao , Gong Fanghua , Wu Chaoming , Lin Zhuofeng , Li Xiaokun , Pan Xuebo
Published: November 2018

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is important in glucose, lipid homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. However, it remains unknown whether FGF21 is involved in insulin expression and secretion that are dysregulated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, we found that FGF21 was down‐regulated in pancreatic islets of db/db mice, a mouse model of T2DM, along with decreased insulin expression, suggesting the possible involvement of FGF21 in maintaining insulin homeostasis and islet β‐cell function. Importantly, FGF21 knockout exacerbated palmitate‐induced islet β‐cell failure and suppression of glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Pancreatic FGF21 overexpression significantly increased insulin expression, enhanced GSIS, improved islet morphology and reduced β‐cell apoptosis in db/db mice. Mechanistically, FGF21 promoted expression of insulin gene transcription factors and soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins, the major regulators of insulin secretion, as well as activating phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling in islets of db/db mice. In addition, pharmaceutical inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling effectively suppressed FGF21‐induced expression of insulin gene transcription factors and SNARE proteins, suggesting an essential role of PI3K/Akt signaling in FGF21‐induced insulin expression and secretion. Taken together, our results demonstrate a protective role of pancreatic FGF21 in T2DM mice through inducing PI3K/Akt signaling‐dependent insulin expression and secretion.
Targeting PRMT5/Akt signalling axis prevents human lung cancer cell growth
Authors: Zhang Shikui , Ma Yaqiong , Hu Xiaoyan , Zheng Yonghua , Chen Xiaoke
Published: November 2018

The emerging evidence reveals that protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is involved in regulation of tumour cell proliferation and cancer development. Nevertheless, the exact role of PRMT5 in human lung cancer cell proliferation and the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely obscure. Here, we showed that PRMT5 was highly expressed in human lung cancer cells and lung cancer tissues. Furthermore, we generated PRMT5 stable knockdown cell lines (A549 and H1299 cells) and explored the functions of PRMT5 in lung cancer cell proliferation. We found that the down‐regulation of PRMT5 by shRNA or the inhibition of PRMT5 by specific inhibitor GSK591 dramatically suppressed cyclin E1 and cyclin D1 expression and cell proliferation. Moreover, we uncovered that PRMT5 promoted lung cancer cell proliferation via regulation of Akt activation. PRMT5 was directly co‐localized and interacted with Akt, but not PTEN and mTOR. Down‐regulation or inhibition of PRMT5 markedly reduced Akt phosphorylation at Thr308 and Ser473, whereas the expression of PTEN and mTOR phosphorylation was unchanged, indicating that PRMT5 was an important upstream regulator of Akt and induced lung cancer cell proliferation. Altogether, our results indicate that PRMT5 promotes human lung cancer cell proliferation through direct interaction with Akt and regulation of Akt activity. Our findings also suggest that targeting PRMT5 may have therapeutic potential for treatment of human lung cancer.
Negative pressure wound therapy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials from 2000 to 2017
Authors: Peinemann Frank , Labeit Alexander
Published: November 2018

Background

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) proposes to provide better wound healing than standard wound management. Evidence quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) varies.

Methods

We included participants with any kind of wounds and commercial as well as the homemade NPWT system. Comparators were any other wound dressing including variant NPWTs. We included RCTs randomizing patients or wounds in parallel or crossover designs. We searched PubMed and Cochrane Library on January 03, 2018. We assessed the risk of bias according to Cochrane and appropriateness of clinical endpoints according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Results

We included 93 RCTs originating in 30 countries, 70 studies on open wounds and 23 studies on closed wounds. With respect to random sequence generation, we judged an unclear or high risk of bias in 50% (47 of 93) studies. With respect to allocation concealment, we judged an unclear or high risk of bias in 90% (84 of 93). We identified 41% (38 of 93) studies that based their conclusion on not appropriate endpoints.

Conclusions

High risk of bias concerning random sequence generation and allocation concealment limited the credibility of the majority of 93 included RCTs on NPWT. A low risk of bias can and should be achieved with both items, and we recommend to align future RCTs to Cochrane. Many primary clinical endpoints were deemed not valid for making inferences on the efficacy of NPWT. We recommend using patient‐centered endpoints as requested by the FDA and suggested in the present systematic review.
Microwave airflow drying of pecans at variable microwave power
Authors: Zhang Jigang , Li Maoye , Ding Zhien , Cheng Jianghua , Yang Song , Liu Xinmin
Published: November 2018

In this study, the dielectric properties of two varieties of pecan nuts at different moistures (10–30% w.b.), temperatures (25–85°C) were determined and the effect of microwave (MW) power density (0.8–2.6 W/g) and exposure time (30–300 s) on moisture content of pecan were approximated by response surface analysis. According to a comprehensive assessment of these results, phased varying power design for MW‐assisted air drying (PPMAD) was appropriate designed to dry pecan nuts. The result indicated that the penetration depths of MW at 2,455 MHz to pecan nuts was distributed in the range of 4.05–10.45 cm in terms of different moisture content and temperature. The moderate output power density (1.7 W/g) is an optimized parameter during the primary stage of MW drying. In PPMAD scheme, 1.7 W/g was delivered in first 150 s, followed by cooling 30 s, and 2.6 W/g was applied in the final 120 s. The results showed that the hybrid drying of PPMAD was efficacious, leading to water losses of 19% in pecan and 16% in hickory without affecting their major compositions and sensory qualities. Further preservation showed that the oxidation degree of PPMAD‐dried nuts was lower than that of the control after 90 days of storage.

Practical applications

Microwave hybrid drying has been reported to process food and provides a significantly increased shelf‐life for fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, oranges, tomatoes, and spinach. There are no literatures focused on the parameter optimization of microwave drying on pecan and hickory during exposure. The present study provide an optimal method of microwave hybrid using a phased varying power design for MW‐assisted air drying which supply a foundation for large‐scale industrial applications of microwave drying.
Solvent‐free mechanical extraction of Opuntia ficus‐indica mucilage
Authors: Reyes‐Ocampo I. , Córdova‐Aguilar M. S. , Guzmán G. , Blancas‐Cabrera A. , Ascanio G.
Published: November 2018

The performance of solvent‐free extraction methods used for obtaining mucilage powder from Opuntia ficus‐indica has been evaluated in terms of yield, energy‐drawn, and the rheological parameters as well as its rheological properties and content of polysaccharides. Three different methods based on mechanical extraction were investigated, namely the simple filtering method (SFM), the filtering‐clarifying‐concentrating method (FCCM), and the filtering‐concentrating method (FCM). The SFM method consisted of obtaining the mucilage powder by spray‐drying the filtered cactus juice. For the second method (FCCM), the mucilage powder was obtained by drying the filtered, clarified, and concentrated (evaporation by boiling for the elimination of part of the water) cactus juices, while for the FCM method the filtered juice was concentrated and dried. The highest mucilage yield was obtained with the SFM method, while the highest consistency, in terms of viscosity combined with the lowest energy requirement was obtained when using the FCM method. The polysaccharide spectrum characterization was carried out by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy. Spectra obtained from the different extraction processes indicate the presence of mixtures of polysaccharides such as unesterified rhamnose, xylose, mannose, and galacturonic acid. Remarkably, rhamnose is the most abundant in two of the three extracts, although almost 50% of the concentration of galacturonic acid present in the three extracts is unesterified.

Practical applications

At the present time, several authors focused on obtaining mucilage from Opuntia ficus‐indica for the food and pharmaceutical industries by precipitation with solvents, such as acetone or alcohols, with low yields and high production cost, due to high consumption of the organic solvents and long extraction time. While this kind of mucilage may be suitable for foodstuff processing, it must be demonstrated that do not contain a toxicologically dangerous amount, the process of extraction was under good manufacturing practices as well as it is necessary to verify that this mucilage meets the specific purity criteria provided by the application. This involves conducting quantitative analysis that is usually costly and time‐consuming. Therefore, a study on mechanical extraction process has been performed in order to have a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) cactus mucilage. The process developed is a mechanical extraction of low cost, suitable to obtain mucilage at large‐scale, with high yield, low energy requirements, and no solvents involved. The mucilage obtained is a safe powder useful as additive in food processing such as dispersing agent avoiding sedimentation in vegetable protein suspensions for patients with malnourishment.
Is it good to blame the government for food safety concerns? Attributions of responsibility, new media uses, risk perceptions, and behavioral intentions in South Korea
Authors: Kim Hwalbin , Jang S. Mo , Noh Ghee Young
Published: November 2018

This study tested a mediation model of the relationships among new types of media used to obtain news, attributions of responsibility to individuals or the government, risk perceptions, and behavioral intentions for four food safety concerns: genetically modified organisms, food additives, agrochemical residues, and pesticides in dairy products. A sample from a nationwide online panel survey (N = 1,000) found that use of Internet news services (INS) increased attribution of responsibility to the government, whereas social media use positively related to attributions of responsibility to individuals and to the government. Additionally, attribution of responsibility to the government predicted risk perceptions, which, in turn, positively related to behavioral intentions. Regarding mediation effects, use of INS positively and indirectly influenced behavioral intentions when mediated by attribution of responsibility to the government and risk perceptions. Social media had significant indirect effects on behavioral intentions through attribution of responsibility to individuals and attribution of responsibility to the government; through risk perception; and through attribution of responsibility to the government and risk perception. Thus, attribution of responsibility to the government was important to behavioral intentions, and several unique theoretical and practical contributions to health communication research and practice are discussed.

Practical applications

This study found that attribution of responsibility to the government was a key mediator between INS or social media and behavioral intentions. Thus, journalists should accurately and sufficiently reveal the causes of and solutions to food safety problems. Also, this study showed that the indirect effect of social media on behavioral intentions was stronger than that of INS. Health communication practitioners and policymakers should pay more attention to the influence of social media when they want to change public perceptions and increase perceived risks to prevent risky behaviors. This approach applies to all public health problems, not only those regarding food safety. Indeed, public health officials and agencies usually have SNS accounts, with which they might directly and actively communicate with the public when food safety is at risk and from which they might launch various public health campaigns.
Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Listeria species and subtyping and virulence factors of Listeria monocytogenes from retail meat
Authors: Arslan Seza , Baytur Selin
Published: November 2018

In this study, of 124 samples of ground beef and chicken meat, 101 (81.5%) were positive for Listeria spp. Listeria innocua (35.5%) and Listeria monocytogenes (26.6%) were the most frequently isolated species. All 33 (100%) L. monocytogenes isolates were positive for the virulence genes hlyA, actA, inlA, inlB, inlC, inlJ, prfA, plcA, and iap. Serotype 1/2a, which is one of the listeriosis‐associated serotypes, was the most predominant serotype (57.6%), followed by 1/2c (39.4%) and 3c (3%). In polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis of inlA for subtyping of the L. monocytogenes strains, the AluI and MluCI enzymes generated two different profiles. Almost all chicken strains were grouped in similar PCR‐RFLP profiles with both restriction enzymes. Most Listeria isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone (79.7%), fusidic acid (63.3%), and clindamycin (47.7%). Resistance to penicillin and ampicillin occurred in 1.6 and 17.9% of the isolates, respectively. The percentage of resistance to three or more agents was 48.1%.

Practical application

The presence of Listeria spp., especially L. monocytogenes, in foods is inevitable because of the ubiquitous nature of Listeria spp. Illnesses resulting from the consumption of contaminated food severely affect sensitive groups, especially pregnant women, unborn fetuses and newborns as a result of transmission across the placenta or during delivery. Immunosuppressed adults are also sensitive to infection. Listeria grows well at cold temperatures, so storage of contaminated food in the refrigerator can also increase the risk of infections for consumers. In particular, limiting the exposure of pregnant women and immunosuppressed patients to potential sources of Listeria such as raw and undercooked meats is recommended.
Prevalence, genotyping, serotyping, and antibiotic resistance of isolated Salmonella strains from industrial and local eggs in Iran
Authors: Karimiazar Farshad , Soltanpour Mohammad S. , Aminzare Majid , Hassanzadazar Hassan
Published: November 2018

This present study aimed to evaluate prevalence and characterization of serotypes, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and genotypic profiles of Salmonella isolates in industrial and local eggs from Zanjan province of Iran. A total of 120 egg samples were collected and processed according to bacteriological analytical manual to isolate Salmonella strains from both eggs surface and contents. PCR method and genotyping were used to verify, identification and classification of isolates by screening invA genes and 16 s‐rRNA gene sequencing. Salmonella contamination rate in eggshell and contents of industrial and local eggs were 0% and 1.66%, respectively. High degree of AMR was observed to nalidixic acid and erythromycin. Gene sequencing for each isolates showed more similarity with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium strains.

Practical applications

Salmonella contamination in eggs and the role of healthy chickens as reservoir and distributer of Salmonella in poultry farms can be a common food safety concern for public health. Therefore, Continuous monitoring of presence Salmonella and their antimicrobial resistance is of critical importance. Present study gives an insight of the current statues of egg's contamination with Salmonella isolates, their antimicrobial resistance, genotupic profile, and epidemiological relationship in Iran.
Risk of exposure to air pollution among British children with and without intellectual disabilities
Authors: Emerson E. , Robertson J. , Hatton C. , Baines S.
Published: November 2018

Background

Exposure to outdoor air pollution is a well‐established risk factor for a range of adverse health conditions. No previous study has quantified the extent to which children with intellectual disability (ID) may be exposed to outdoor air pollution.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data extracted from the UK's Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative sample of over 18 000 UK children born 2000–2002.

Results

Averaging across ages, children with IDs were 33% more likely to live in areas with high levels of diesel particulate matter, 30% more likely to live in areas with high levels of nitrogen dioxide, 30% more likely to live in areas with high levels of carbon monoxide and 17% more likely to live in areas with high levels of sulphur dioxide.

Conclusions

Levels of exposure to outdoor air pollution among children with ID are significantly higher than those of families of children without ID. Exposure to outdoor air pollution may be one of the pathways that contributes to the health inequities experienced by people with IDs.
Early Phase PIB‐PET as a Surrogate for Global and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Measures
Authors: Ponto Laura L. Boles , Moser David J. , Menda Yusuf , Harlynn Emily L. , DeVries Sean D. , Oleson Jacob J. , Magnotta Vincent A. , Schultz Susan K.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To explore the potential for simplified measures of [11C]PIB uptake to serve as a surrogate for cerebral blood flow (CBF) measures, thereby, providing both pathological and functional information in the same scan.

METHODS

Participants (N = 24, 16 M, 8 F, 57‐87 years) underwent quantitative [15O]water imaging and dynamic [11C]PIB imaging. Time‐activity curves were created for each participant's regional [11C]PIB data scaled in standardized uptake values (SUVs). The frame in which maximal uptake occurred was defined for each subject (ie, “peak”). The concentration (SUV) for each region at the individual's peak, during the 3.5‐4 minute time interval and for the initial 6 minute sum, was determined. R1 (ie, relative delivery using cerebellum as reference tissue) from the simplified reference tissue model 2 was determined for each region. PIB SUVs were compared to the absolute CBF global and regional values (in mL/minute/100 mL) and the R1 values were compared to the cerebellar‐normalized rCBF.

RESULTS

Significant linear relationships were found for all SUV measures with measures of absolute global and regional CBF that were comparable to the relationship between normalized CBF and R1. The individual SUVpeak exhibited the strongest relationship both regionally and globally. All individuals and all regions had highly significant regression slopes. Age, gender, or amyloid burden did not influence the relationship.

CONCLUSION

Early PIB uptake has the potential to effectively serve as a surrogate for global and regional CBF measures. The simple and readily obtainable individual's SUVpeak value was the strongest predictor regionally and globally of CBF.
Overcoming ‘modern slavery’ with a rights‐based labour market for all
Authors: Kenway Emily
Published: November 2018

How a progressive and just state should tackle labour exploitation
Help not hassle: A case for better employment support
Authors: Davies Bill
Published: November 2018

Re‐designed and properly funded, employment services can help people find better work
The Experience Sampling Method—Evaluation of treatment effect of escitalopram in IBS with comorbid panic disorder
Authors: Vork Lisa , Mujagic Zlatan , Drukker Marjan , Keszthelyi Daniel , Conchillo José M. , Hesselink Martine A. M. , van Os Jim , Masclee Ad A. M. , Leue Carsten , Kruimel Joanna W.
Published: November 2018

Background

Confirming treatment response in clinical trials for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is challenging, due to the lack of biomarkers and limitations of the currently available symptom assessment tools. The Experience Sampling Method (ESM) might overcome these limitations by collecting digital assessments randomly and repeatedly during daily life. This study evaluated differences in change in abdominal pain between real‐time (ie, ESM) and retrospective (ie, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale [GSRS] and an end‐of‐day symptom diary) measurements, using data of an RCT on escitalopram vs placebo in patients with IBS and comorbid panic disorder.

Methods

Twenty‐nine IBS patients with comorbid panic disorder were included in a 6‐month RCT. The GSRS, diary, and ESM were completed at baseline (t = 0) and after 3 (t = 3) and 6 months (t = 6). Linear mixed models were used.

Key results

Experience Sampling Method analyses revealed a significant interaction between escitalopram and time, and ESM abdominal pain scores were 1.4 points lower in the escitalopram group compared to placebo at t = 6 (on a 1‐to‐7 scale; P = 0.021). When including the interaction with momentary anxiety, the reduction in abdominal pain scores in escitalopram vs placebo was even more pronounced for higher levels of anxiety. Average GSRS‐ and end‐of‐day abdominal pain scores were not significantly different between escitalopram and placebo at t = 3 and 6.

Conclusions & Inferences

Real‐time ESM has the potential to capture treatment response more sensitively compared to a retrospective end‐of‐day GI symptom diary and the GSRS, by taking into account day‐to‐day symptom variability as well as momentary factors that might moderate treatment effect, such as anxiety.
The Mediating Effect of Sleep Disturbance on the Relationship Between Nonmalignant Chronic Pain and Suicide Death
Authors: Owen‐Smith Ashli A. , Ahmedani Brian K. , Peterson Ed , Simon Gregory E. , Rossom Rebecca C. , Lynch Frances L. , Lu Christine Y. , Waitzfelder Beth E. , Beck Arne , DeBar Lynn L. , Sanon Victoria , Maaz Yousef , Khan Shehryar , Miller‐Matero Lisa R. , Prabhakar Deepak , Frank Cathy , Drake Christopher L. , Braciszewski Jordan M.
Published: November 2018

Importance

Few studies have examined the relationship between nonmalignant chronic pain (NMCP) and suicide death, and even fewer have specifically explored what role sleep disturbance might play in the association between NMCP and suicide death.

Objective

To assess whether sleep disturbance mediates the relationship between NMCP and suicide death.

Design

This case‐control study included 2,674 individuals who died by suicide between 2000 and 2013 (cases) and 267,400 matched individuals (controls).

Setting

Eight Mental Health Research Network (MHRN)‐affiliated healthcare systems.

Participants

All cases and matched controls were health plan members for at least 10 months during the year prior to the index date.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Sociodemographic data and diagnosis codes for NMCP and sleep disorders were extracted from the MHRN's Virtual Data Warehouse. Suicide mortality was identified using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)‐10 codes from official government mortality records matched to health system records.

Results

After accounting for covariates, there was a significant relationship between NMCP and sleep disturbance; those who were diagnosed with NMCP were more likely to develop subsequent sleep disturbance. Similarly, sleep disturbance was significantly associated with suicide death. Finally, a significant indirect effect of NMCP on suicide death, through sleep disturbance, and a nonsignificant direct effect of NMCP on suicide death provide support for a fully mediated model.

Conclusions and Relevance

There is a need for clinicians to screen for both sleep disturbance and suicidal ideation in NMCP patients and for health systems to implement more widespread behavioral treatments that address comorbid sleep problems and NMCP.
Simulation as a learning method in public health nurse education
Authors: Akselbo Iben , Olufsen Vibeke , Ingebrigtsen Oddbjørn , Aune Ingvild
Published: November 2018

Objective

To view simulation as a learning method in the light of learning theories and to describe the student's reflections and experiences of simulating anaphylaxis during vaccination.

Design and Sample

Public health nursing students at a university in Norway simulated scenarios related to anaphylaxis during vaccination of an infant. The aim of the intervention was to facilitate the competence of public health nurses to handle unforeseen events associated with vaccinations. The students wrote reflection notes about their experiences after the simulation. The reflection notes were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The students experienced simulation as a realistic educational method with feelings of stress in an acute situation. They discovered the importance of cooperation and communication to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to serious failure in the treatment. The students emphasized that simulation gave them a preparation for practice to handle anaphylaxis associated with vaccines.

Conclusion

The public health nurse students experienced simulation as a realistic and effective educational method. Simulation made them reflect on the public health nurse's area of responsibility. Kolb's learning theory and Schön's theory of knowledge‐in‐action, may explain how simulation as a didactic method develops competence to act in a concrete situation of anaphylaxis by vaccination of children.
Motivated Innumeracy: Estimating the Size of the Gun Owner Population and Its Consequences for Opposition to Gun Restrictions
Authors: Joslyn Mark R. , Haider‐Markel Donald P.
Published: November 2018

Past research suggests that people substantially overestimate the size of minority populations. Labeled “innumeracy,” inflated estimates of minority populations can have a negative impact on intergroup relations and influence policy attitudes toward minority groups. Our research examines people’s estimates of the gun owner population in the United States. We discover that people vastly overestimate gun ownership and similarly misjudge its future growth. Estimations of size are influenced by several determinants including gun ownership and affective orientations toward gun owners. Gun owners, compared to nongun owners, reported higher estimations of the gun owner population. In addition, positive feelings toward gun owners were associated with increased estimates of gun ownership. Affective orientations toward minority populations are in fact a key predictor neglected by prior innumeracy studies. Finally, estimations of the gun owner population, and judgments about its future growth, were both significant determinants of gun policy preferences.

Related Articles

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Cagle, M. Christine and J. Michael Martinez. 2004. “.” Politics & Policy 32 (): 278‐310. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2004.tb00185.x

Tucker, Justin A., James W. Stoutenborough, and R. Matthew Beverlin. 2012. “.” Politics & Policy 40 (): 1081‐1105. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2012.00399.x

Related Media

. 2013. “.” https://www.people-press.org/2013/03/12/section-3-gun-ownership-trends-and-demographics/

Smith, Tom W. and Jaesok Son. 2015. “.” NORC at the University of Chicago. https://www.norc.org/PDFs/GSS%20Reports/GSS_Trends%20in%20Gun%20Ownership_US_1972-2014.pdf
Latency of skin conductance responses across stimulus modalities
Authors: Sjouwerman R. , Lonsdorf T. B.
Published: November 2018

Reproducibility and methodological robustness are of major concern in research today, also with respect to autonomic measures. Quantification of skin conductance responses (SCRs), for instance, relies on response characteristics such as response onset (i.e., latency), which were established more than four decades ago by using paper‐pencil methods. Since then, data acquisition has advanced to digital methods, improving sampling rates up to 100,000 samples/second and thereby improving resolution and accuracy. Here, SCR latency as a major characteristic for defining an appropriate response window is revisited by using state‐of‐the‐art equipment. Furthermore, SCR latencies are investigated across different stimulus modalities (tactile, auditory, visual) and with respect to their temporal dynamics over the course of a learning experiment (i.e., fear conditioning). The established response latency criteria were largely confirmed even though results did suggest an even narrower and potential stimulus modality‐specific latency criterion. Exploratory analyses investigating individual differences in SCR latencies provided first evidence for a role of sex and cognitive effects (i.e., contingency awareness) while dispositional negativity as well as other personality traits did not affect SCR latencies. Consequently, SCR latencies might have an informative and discriminative value beyond a solely criterial function for defining response windows. The current findings may help to improve the rigor of using SCRs and suggest that SCR latency as a descriptive measure warrants further investigation.
Elegant Science Narratives and Unintended Influences: An Agenda for the Science of Science Communication
Authors: Blanton Hart , Ikizer Elif G.
Published: November 2018

Scientists must share their work with the public in order to promote science‐based public discourse and policies. These acts of science communication are often evaluated in terms of their ability to inform (i.e., introduce accurate and accessible information) and engage (i.e., capture interest and maintain attention). We focus on a third basis by which science communication might be judged, influence. Science communicators exert influence when they shape public opinions in ways that affect their judgments and decisions, alter social and political discourse and debate, and guide social policy. We describe how the influence of any given science communication should be evaluated independent of its ability to inform or engage. We give particular attention in our analysis to the often unintended influences that well‐meaning science communicators can have. We begin by considering ways that communications from climate scientists might reduce support for climate regulation and communications from health scientists might undermine public health. We then develop two “case studies,” drawn from social psychology. These show how popular media descriptions of the science of racial bias and disadvantage might in some cases exacerbate racial discrimination and reduce concern for the disadvantaged. We close with an agenda for a more vigorous science of science communication; one that engages in two complementary pursuits. Critical studies identify the dominant and consequential effects that popular science communicators are having on public perceptions. Strategic studies advance and empirically test communication strategies that scientists can pursue to reduce—rather than exacerbate—social problems.
The large sample coverage probability of confidence intervals in general regression models after a preliminary hypothesis test
Authors: Kabaila Paul , Kuveke Rupert E. H.
Published: November 2018

We derive a computationally convenient formula for the large sample coverage probability of a confidence interval for a scalar parameter of interest following a preliminary hypothesis test that a specified vector parameter takes a given value in a general regression model. Previously, this large sample coverage probability could only be estimated by simulation. Our formula only requires the evaluation, by numerical integration, of either a double or a triple integral, irrespective of the dimension of this specified vector parameter. We illustrate the application of this formula to a confidence interval for the odds ratio of myocardial infarction when the exposure is recent oral contraceptive use, following a preliminary test where two specified interactions in a logistic regression model are zero. For this real‐life data, we compare this large sample coverage probability with the actual coverage probability of this confidence interval, obtained by simulation.
In vitro invasiveness and intracellular survival of Salmonella strains isolated from the aquatic environment
Authors: Ramírez Karina , Burgueño‐Roman Areli , Castro‐del Campo Nohelia , López‐Moreno Héctor S. , Chaidez Cristobal
Published: November 2018

Salmonella has a life cycle between the host and the external environment where it is exposed to stressful conditions that may affect its virulence. In this study, we compared the capability of two aquatic (S. Oranienburg S76 and Saintpaul S70) and one clinical isolates (S. Oranienburg S347) to adhere and invade epithelial cells, and to survive within macrophages. S76 and S70, were less adherent to Caco‐2 cells than S347, but they were more invasive. The intracellular survival and growth of S76 in macrophages was increased with time, while S347 showed the highest peak value and S70 survived at moderate levels. Induced cell death in infected epithelial cells and macrophages revealed no differences between all strains. In conclusion, the contrasting responses detected between environmental and clinical isolates could indicate the importance of the distinct adaptation conditions of the strains to the isolation environment that could differentially affect their interaction with the host.
EMERSONIAN VIRTUES OF THE ANTHROPOCENE: FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE
Authors: Dumler‐Winckler Emily
Published: November 2018

The natural sciences and religion are two of the primary modern social practices that, for better and worse, shape our relationship to nature. Ralph Waldo Emerson helps us to think about their relation to one another and the virtues needed for the perfection of each. His insights about virtue and the “religious sentiment” shed light on how we moderns might make a home of a world indelibly marked by science, technology, and anthropogenic change. In addition to the quintessentially Emersonian virtue of self‐trust, the virtues of faith, hope, and love are vital for this home‐making endeavor. Emerson, thus, prefigures what prominent environmental ethicists have described as a “turn to virtue in climate ethics,” as well as what some see as a return to religious communities, values, and ideals, as the way forward. By guiding readers through Emerson's early work Nature and his late essay “Worship,” this article provides an account of these three traditionally theological Emersonian virtues of the Anthropocene.
THE POSSIBILITY OF A THEOLOGY‐ENGAGED SCIENCE: A RESPONSE TO PERRY AND RITCHIE
Authors: Torrance Andrew B.
Published: November 2018

This article provides a response to John Perry and Sarah Lane Ritchie's article, “Magnets Magic, and Other Anomalies: In Defense of Methodological Naturalism.” In so doing, it provides a defense of some of the arguments I made in my article, “Should a Christian Adopt Methodological Naturalism?” I begin by addressing some of the confusion about my position. However, it is not simply my intention to address confusions. There remain some fundamental differences between my position and Perry and Ritchie's. It is on these differences that I wish to focus––differences that enable me to maintain my critique of methodological naturalism without falling prey to the problems they raise. Constructively, I advance the argument that the Christian scientist should be open to the possibility of theology‐engaged science, as well as the science‐engaged theology that Perry and Ritchie advocate.
Verification of a Combined Fouling Model to Predict Flux Decline during Ultrafiltration of Organic Solutes
Authors: Amin I. N. H. M. , Mohammad A. W.
Published: November 2018

Studies were conducted to investigate the blocking mechanism and flux decline behavior while treating organic solutes contained in glycerin-water solutions (triglycerides, TG and fatty acid, FA). Two ultrafiltration membranes were tested, polyethersulphone (PES 25 kDa) and polyvinylidenfluoride (PVDF 30 kDa) membranes. Influence of TG and its combination (TG-FA mixtures) as foulant models, pH of feed solutions (3–10) and membrane surface chemistry were investigated. Combined blocking model was applied and the fitting were discriminate that the flux decline of PES membrane was dominated by pore blockage at the early stage and later by cake resistance during the entire filtration time. However, for PVDF membrane, cake formation mechanism was acknowledged as the major contributor to the fouling mechanism for all the parameters tested. On the other hand, the model predicts there are two stages of filtration appeared to occur, involving pore blockage at the early stage followed by cake formation.
Solving Time Complexity Issue in Copy-Move Forgery Detection Thru Pre-processing Techniques
Authors: Md Salleh Siti Fadzlun , Rohani Mohd Foad , Maarof Mohd Aizaini Maarof
Published: November 2018

Copy-move forgery detection (CMFD) has become a popular an important research focus in digital image forensic. Copy-move forgery happens when a region in an image is copied and paste into the same image. Apart from the main problem of detection robustness and accuracy, CMFD is struggle with time complexity issue. One of the options to resolve this problem was by including pre-processing step in CMFD pipeline. This paper reviews on the importance of pre-processing step, and available techniques in reducing time complexity of copy-move forgery detection. An experiment using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) as a pre-processing technique was carried out to evaluate the performance of adopting pre-processing technique in CMFD pipeline. The experimental result has shown a significant reduction in processing time with some trade off to detection accuracy.
Determinants of Tax Revenues: Evidence From a Sample of Lower Middle Income Countries
Authors: Boukbech Rachid , Bousselhami Ahmed , Ezzahid Elhadj
Published: November 2018

Our goal in this paper is to explore the determinants of tax revenues in developing countries. After reviewing the main determinants discussed in economic literature, two models are estimated in a panel including 29 lower middle income countries over the period 2001-2014. The first concerns the tax capacity and the second the tax effort. The results show that per capita GDP and the value added of agriculture are significantly and positively correlated with tax revenues. The degree of openness has a positive but insignificant effect on tax revenues. The impact of population growth rate is negative but not significant. For the determinants of tax effort, the impacts of inflation and public spending are significant and positive. The relationship between the tax effort and the variables "public aid received" and "foreign debt" is significantly negative.