bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational and moral motives to reduce red and processed meat consumption
Authors: Carfora Valentina , Conner Mark , Caso Daniela , Catellani Patrizia
Published: September 2020

This study analyzed the psychosocial aspects that predict intention to reduce red/processed meat consumption, proposing an integration of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Value‐Belief‐Norm (VBN) approaches. Participants (N = 233) filled in a self‐report online questionnaire, measuring the intention to reduce red/processed meat consumption, and both TPB (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and past behavior) and VBN (universalism, general pro‐environmental beliefs, awareness of consequences, ascription of responsibility, and personal norm) variables. Results of structural equation modeling showed the adequacy of the proposed TPB + VBN integrated model to predict consumers’ intention to reduce red/processed meat consumption. Attitude and subjective norm were the strongest predictors of intention, followed by personal norm and past behavior. Mediation analyses showed that the impact of the VBN chain (from universalism to personal norm) on intention was mediated by attitude. Thus, consumers’ intention to reduce red/processed meat consumption was associated with a rational consideration of benefits related to the behavior in question, which in turn was based on moral considerations connected to pro‐environmental motives. Discussion focuses on the opportunity to integrate the (rational) TPB approach with the (normative) VBN approach, highlighting psychosocial aspects that public policy should focus on to promote a reduction of red/processed meat consumption.
Montane forest expansion at high elevations drives rapid reduction in non‐forest area, despite no change in mean forest elevation
Authors: Morley Peter J. , Donoghue Daniel N. M. , Chen Jan‐Chang , Jump Alistair S.
Published: September 2020

Aim

At the elevational limit of forest distribution, montane forests show diverse responses to environmental change with upward shifts, increased tree density and lateral expansion reported. To enable informed analysis of the consequences forest advance will have on montane biodiversity, we quantify changes in the area and elevation of the tree line ecotone and identify how patterns of forest advance are modified by topography and over time.

Location

Central Mountain Range, Taiwan.

Time period

1963–2016.

Major taxa studied

Montane Forests.

Methods

Changes in the area and elevation of montane forest at the tree line ecotone were quantified using a stratified random sample of aerial photography captured in 1963, 1980, 2001 and 2016. Weighted estimates of habitat area and elevation for each time step were used to quantify the influence of slope aspect and inclination on tree line ecotone change and identify how the rate of habitat change varies over time.

Results

Non‐forest area declined by 29% between 1963 and 2016 driven by a 295.0 ha increase in forest area within the study region. Despite no change in mean forest elevation, the mean elevation of establishing forest has increased at a rate of 2.17 m/yr. Changes in forest area and elevation are spatially variable, driven by the complex montane topography. East and south facing slopes show the largest gains in forest area and 0–20° slopes show an increasing rate of forest establishment up to 2016, while slopes facing west or with incline > 46° show negligible change.

Main conclusions

Climate‐linked montane forest expansion in the Central Mountain Range in Taiwan is dominated by infilling rather than increases in forest elevation. Forest expansion has significantly reduced non‐forest habitat area in this endemic species‐rich region. However, considerable terrain‐dependent variation in forest advance occurs, offering the potential that non‐forest species will continue to persist at high elevations with reduced population size.
Leaf functional traits and insular colonization: Subtropical islands as a melting pot of trait diversity in a widespread plant lineage
Authors: García‐Verdugo Carlos , Monroy Pedro , Pugnaire Francisco I. , Jura‐Morawiec Joanna , Moreira Xoaquín , Flexas Jaume
Published: September 2020

Aim

One of the main goals of functional biogeography is to examine distribution patterns of trait diversity, and islands provide excellent study cases for this emerging field. We tested the hypothesis that multiple dispersals from a common mainland pool would promote functional similarity among island systems when environmental conditions are similar, but also novel phenotypic traits related to colonization history and exploitation of new habitats.

Location

Mediterranean Basin and Macaronesian islands.

Taxon

Wolfbane (Periploca laevigata)

Methods

We used the well‐known biogeographical history of a woody plant complex (P. laevigata s.l.) to examine trait variation and how it relates to climatic conditions of mainland and subtropical island settings. In a common garden experiment, we measured a suite of leaf physiological and anatomical traits tightly related to plant performance in 320 seedlings representing 21 populations of five sublineages—the oldest (2.6 my) island colonization (western Canary Islands) as a reference, three sublineages stemming from independent events of island colonization in the last 0.5 my from NW Africa (Cape Verde, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote) and their widespread Mediterranean mainland counterpart.

Results

We observed strong phenotypic divergence between island and mainland sublineages linked to contrasting climatic conditions. Mediterranean mainland populations displayed a very specialized leaf phenotype characteristic of arid plants (i.e. small leaves, amphistomaty, isobilateral mesophyll, high photosynthetic rates). In turn, low seasonality on islands was linked to the recurrent expression of a phenotype characterized by larger leaves and lower photosynthetic rates. Our analyses showed that the high investment in secondary compounds (i.e. tannins) on islands decouples photosynthesis from growth rates. Despite this pattern of parallel differentiation, each island sublineage displayed a distinctive phenotype, with some traits related to colonization time, which resulted in a mosaic of functional variation across island systems.

Main conclusions

Our data suggest that the studied subtropical islands promote expression of traits specific to certain sublineages and other common traits that are no longer adaptive in the original mainland pool due to Pleistocene climatic shifts. These findings ultimately extend the role of islands as biodiversity refugia and hotspots of plant functional diversity.
An estimate of the number of white sharks Carcharodon carcharias interacting with ecotourism in Guadalupe Island
Authors: Becerril‐García Edgar E. , Hoyos‐Padilla Edgar M. , Santana‐Morales Omar , Gutiérrez‐Ortiz Miguel A. , Ayala‐Bocos Arturo , Galván‐Magaña Felipe
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study is to provide an estimate of the number of white sharks Carcharodon carcharias that seasonally interact with ecotourism boats in Guadalupe Island using Schnabel's mark–recapture method and 6316 records of white sharks during 2012–2014. The results of the estimation highlight an abundance of 78 white sharks 95% C.I. (62.1, 105.6) interacting with ecotourism. The regulations regarding the number of tourists, boats and the monitoring of white sharks should be assessed to improve management decisions regarding the conservation and sustainable use of this threatened species.
Improving thawed quality of hot‐pot vegetable balls by a freeze–thaw stability control by adding hydrocolloids
Authors: Jiang Hongyao , Zhang Min , Sun Yanan , Bhandari Bhesh , Wang Xi
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of addition of three different hydrocolloids (guar gum [GG], arabic gum [AG], and carrageenan gum) with the addition amounts of 0.25–1.00% on frozen vegetable balls quality. The qualities of vegetable balls after 0–5 freeze–thaw cycles (FTC) were evaluated in terms of the dehydration rate, thermal property, textural properties, gel strength, and water mobility and distribution. The results showed that the melting property of ice and cross‐linked structure of frozen vegetable balls can be ameliorated and the drip loss or dehydration can be slowed down by the addition hydrocolloids, thus improving the freeze–thaw stability. With an increasing number of FTC, loose structure was formed which resulted in to the poor quality of boiled product. The best cooking quality in terms of textural properties (springiness, hardness, and gel strength values), dehydration, and melting enthalpy change after 5 FTC was in the order of balls added with 0.50% GG, 0.75% AG, and 0.50% carrageenan. In conclusion, the overall results showed that the addition of hydrocolloids can improve the freeze–thaw stability and cooking characteristics of vegetable balls.

Practical applications

Appropriate addition of hydrocolloids could reduce the negative influence of freeze–thaw cycles on vegetable balls quality by improving physical stability, increasing the content of bound water, and maintaining the dense texture of the product. By an in‐depth study of hydrocolloids in food preparation technology, different types hydrocolloids can be used for the improvement of freeze–thaw stability vegetable products, which has potential for a wide application and development prospects.
Effects of an oscillating magnetic field on ice nucleation in aqueous iron‐oxide nanoparticle dispersions during supercooling and preservation of beef as a food application
Authors: Kang Taiyoung , Hoptowit Raymond , Jun Soojin
Published: September 2020

This study was aimed to explore the effects of an oscillating magnetic field (OMF) on the ice nucleation behavior of distilled water (DW) and iron‐oxide nanoparticle dispersion (IND) during supercooling. The magnetic field intensity and distribution of the OMF produced by Helmholtz coils were predicted using COMSOL. It was hypothesized that the ferric nanoparticles in the IND would promote the heterogeneous ice nucleation, and the OMF could inhibit the nucleation process by rotating the particles. The supercooling probability of IND was significantly increased by 36% under the OMF at the ambient temperature of −10°C. However, the OMF also enhanced the supercooling stability of DW by 32%, suggesting that it could induce the dipolar movements of water molecules via water diamagnetism and create the induced electric fields, subsequently suppressing the occurrence of ice nucleation within DW as well. As an extended application, fresh beef was preserved in a supercooled state with the OMF treatment and its supercooled state was effectively extended for a week at the temperature of −4°C. The supercooling preservation potentially prolonged the shelf life of meat with no significant changes in drip loss, color, and bacterial growth for up to a week in this study.

Practical applications

Recently, the application of an oscillating magnetic field (OMF) has attracted considerable interest in the food preservation industry because the OMF is supposed to control ice nucleation during the freezing process. The present study demonstrated that the OMF treatment potentially suppressed ice nucleation in water and aqueous iron‐oxide nanoparticle dispersion. As a case study, beef steaks were preserved at subzero temperatures with the OMF treatment and they were successfully supercooled at −4°C for up to 7 days. The supercooling technology based on the OMF allowed to maintain the meat quality for an extended period while preventing bacterial growth. This novel technology can be integrated into a commercial refrigeration system and ensure the prolonged shelf life of various food products.
Thermal degradation kinetics of bioactive compounds in button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) during tray drying process
Authors: Singhal Somya , Rasane Prasad , Kaur Sawinder , Singh Jyoti , Gupta Neeru
Published: September 2020

The present study examined the degradation of bioactive components (total polyphenol, ascorbic acid, and flavonoids) and antioxidant activity by measuring the free‐radical scavenging activity (% inhibition) in control (microwave blanched at 1,080 W for 30 s followed by osmotic dehydration in 15% sodium chloride solution for 10 min) button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) under the effect of heat treatment. The control button mushrooms were tray dried at a temperature range of (60, 65, and 70°C) until constant weight. Phytochemicals and antioxidant were further analyzed and quantified at every hour. Moreover, kinetic modeling of phytochemicals has been done. The present study shows that free‐radical scavenging activity (% inhibition) and total phenolic content degradation could be better anticipated through first‐order kinetic model, while, flavonoid content and ascorbic acid degradation by a second‐order kinetic model based on the values of coefficient of determination (R2). The decimal reduction time (D value), activation energy, entropy, enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy has been analyzed for all respective parameters in treated mushroom and reported. This finding would be beneficial for designing thermal processing for button mushroom.

Practical Applications

In mushrooms, thermal processing is one of the most common technique employed commercially. Nutritional losses in the mushroom‐based value added product could be reduced extensively through analyzing the best optimized technique. The proposed model could be adopted in mushroom processing to generate desired response in variable conditions.
Comparative Accuracy and Efficiency of Four Delirium Screening Protocols
Authors: Motyl Claire M. , Ngo Long , Zhou Wenxiao , Jung Yoojin , Leslie Douglas , Boltz Marie , Husser Erica , Inouye Sharon K. , Fick Donna , Marcantonio Edward R.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Systematic screening can improve detection of delirium, but lack of time is often cited as why such screening is not performed. We investigated the time required to implement four screening protocols that use the Ultra‐Brief two‐item screener for delirium (UB‐2) and the 3‐Minute Diagnostic Interview for Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)–defined Delirium (3D‐CAM), with and without a skip pattern that can further shorten the assessment. Our objective was to compare the sensitivity, specificity, and time required to complete four protocols: (1) full 3D‐CAM on all patients, (2) 3D‐CAM with skip on all patients, (3) UB‐2, followed by the full 3D‐CAM in “positives,” and (4) UB‐2, followed by the 3D‐CAM with skip in “positives.”

DESIGN

Comparative efficiency simulation study using secondary data.

SETTING

Two studies (3D‐CAM and Researching Efficient Approaches to Delirium Identification (READI)) conducted at a large academic medical center (3D‐CAM and READI) and a small community hospital (READI only).

PARTICIPANTS

General medicine inpatients, aged 70 years and older (3D‐CAM, n = 201; READI, n = 330).

MEASUREMENTS

We used 3D‐CAM data to simulate the items administered under each protocol and READI data to calculate median administration time per item. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and total administration time for each of the four protocols.

RESULTS

The 3D‐CAM and READI samples had similar characteristics, and all four protocols had similar simulated sensitivity and specificity. Mean administration times were 3 minutes 13 seconds for 3D‐CAM, 2 minutes 19 seconds for 3D‐CAM with skip, 1 minute 52 seconds for UB‐2 + 3D‐CAM in positives, and 1 minute 14 seconds for UB‐2 + 3D‐CAM with skip in positives, which was 1 minute 59 seconds faster than the 3D‐CAM (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The UB‐CAM, consisting of the UB‐2, followed in positives by the 3D‐CAM with skip pattern, is a time‐efficient delirium screening protocol that holds promise for increasing systematic screening for delirium in hospitalized older adults.
Internalized stigma: One of the main factors responsible for the psychosocial burden of melasma?
Authors: Özkesici Kurt Birgül , İnan Doğan Esra , Özdemir Mikail , Alpsoy Erkan
Published: September 2020

Background

Internalized stigma is the acceptance of negative stereotypes about the disease created by society and withdrawing self from society with emotions such as worthlessness and shame.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the internalized stigma state of patients with melasma, and to identify the factors affecting the internalized stigma.

Methods

A total of 55 melasma patients were included. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Melasma Severity Index, the Turkish version of the Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MelasQoL‐TR), and Internalized Stigma Scale (ISS) were used. Besides, patients answered the Perceived Health Status (PHS) and the General Health Questionnaire 12 scales (GHQ‐12) surveys.

Results

The mean ISS total score was found as 49.49 ± 13.15. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole scale was calculated as 0.92 for melasma patients. There was a significant correlation between the ISS total score and MelasQoL‐TR (r = 0.608, P < .001). Besides, statistically significant positive correlations were also found between the overall scores of ISS and GHQ‐12 (r = 0.578, P < .001). Linear regression analysis revealed that the most important determinant of internalized stigma was MelasQoL‐TR (β = 0.313, P < .001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that patients with melasma internalize the negative stereotype judgments of the society about the disease. High levels of internalized stigma are related to poor quality of life and psychological illnesses. Therefore, internalized stigma may be one of the main factors responsible for the psychosocial burden of melasma.
Pyoderma gangrenosum with thymoma and myasthenia gravis: A case report
Authors: Tunçez Akyürek Fatma , Akyurek Mehmet , Zekey Emre , Can Ismail , Saylam Kurtipek Gulcan
Published: September 2020

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, neutrophilic dermatosis which is characterized by painful, necrotic ulcer with violaceous border that heals with cribriform scar. Although the etiopathogenesis of PG is not known exactly, it can be triggered by many factors such as genetics, autoimmune, pathergy phenomenon, drugs, and paraneoplastic. It is frequently associated with autoimmune pathogenesis such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatologic disease. It can also be associated with hematological or solid organ malignancies, and then, it is called paraneoplastic PG. The association of PG with myasthenia gravis and thymoma has not been previously reported. In our case, these three diseases with a common paraneoplastic pathogenesis were seen together and the coexistence of the three diseases is rare. Treatment of PG should be decided according to the severity, spread of the lesions, concomitant disease, medical condition, and tolerance of the patient. The purpose of treatment is to control the lesions and related diseases for a long time with minimal side effects. Mycophenolate mofetil treatment was used safely and successfully for both generalized MG and PG in our case.
Predicting hospital outcomes with the reported edmonton frail scale‐Thai version in orthopaedic older patients
Authors: Roopsawang Inthira , Thompson Hilaire , Zaslavsky Oleg , Belza Basia
Published: September 2020

Aims and objectives

To test the ability of the Reported Edmonton Frail Scale‐Thai version to predict hospital outcomes compared with standard preoperative assessment measures (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification and the Elixhauser Comorbidity Measure) in older Thai orthopaedic patients.

Background

Frailty is a common geriatric condition. No previous studies have assessed frailty among orthopaedic patients in Thailand. Effective frailty screening could enhance quality of care.

Design

Prospective cohort study in a university hospital.

Methods

Two hundred hospitalised patients, aged 60 years or older and scheduled for orthopaedic surgery, participated in the study. Frailty was evaluated using the Reported Edmonton Frail Scale‐Thai version. Multiple Firth logistic regression was used to model the effect of frailty on postoperative complications, postoperative delirium and discharge disposition. Length of stay was examined using Poisson regression. Comparing predictability of the instruments, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and mean squared errors were evaluated. The STROBE guideline was used.

Results

Participants’ mean age was 72 years; mostly were female, frail and underwent knee, spine and/or hip surgery. Poor health outcomes including postoperative complications, postoperative delirium, and not being discharged to the home were commonly identified. The length of stay varied from three days to more than ten weeks. Frailty was significantly associated with postoperative complications, postoperative delirium and prolonged length of stay. The Reported Edmonton Frail Scale‐Thai version revealed good performance for predicting postoperative complications and postoperative delirium and was improved by combining with standard assessments.

Conclusion

The Reported Edmonton Frail Scale‐Thai version, alone or combined with standard assessment, was useful for predicting adverse outcomes in older adults undergoing orthopaedic surgery.

Relevance to clinical practice

These findings indicate that nurse professionals should apply culturally sensitive frailty screening to proactively identify patients’ risk of frailty, improve care quality and prevent adverse outcomes.
Misoprostol vs vasopressin as a single hemostatic agent in laparoscopic myomectomy: Comparable, or just better than nothing?
Authors: Protopapas Athanasios , Kathopoulis Nikolaos , Chatzipapas Ioannis , Athanasiou Stavros , Grigoriadis Themistoklis , Samartzis Konstantinos , Kypriotis Konstantinos , Vlachos Dimitrios‐Eythymios , Zacharakis Dimitrios , Loutradis Dimitrios
Published: September 2020

Aim

Laparoscopic myomectomy may be associated with considerable blood loss, especially in patients in whom no specific hemostatic measures are used. We conducted this retrospective comparative study to investigate whether misoprosol is an effective and safe alternative to vasopressin when used as single hemostatic agent in laparoscopic myomectomy.

Methods

Two hundred cases undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy (‐ies), were included. Of these, 50 pre‐treated with vaginal misoprostol 400mcg 1 h before surgery (group 1), were compared with two historic consecutive groups: 100 patients treated with intraoperative intra‐myometrial injection of dilute vasopressin (20 IU/100 mL normal saline) (group 2), and 50 treated without use of any hemostatic agent (group3).

Results

Mean procedure length did not differ significantly between the three groups (127.9 vs 100.6 vs 130.8 min). Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 179.7 ± 200.0 mL in group 1, compared with 147.8 ± 171.8 mL in group 2 (P = 0.793) and 321.8 ± 246.0 mL in group 3, respectively (P < 0.001). EBL was lower in group 2 in most of the study's subgroups of patients stratified according to size and number of fibroids compared with group 1, with the exception of patients with ≥4 fibroids, and ≥7 cm in size. In these subgroups, misoprostol appeared more effective. Neither agent was associated with serious adverse events.

Conclusion

Vaginal misoprostol can be effective in reducing blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy. Although rates of EBL are, in general, higher compared with those obtained with vasopressin, they are significantly reduced compared with those observed when no hemostatic agent is used. In extended procedures, vaginal misoprostol, due to its prolonged uterotonic action, may be associated with reduced blood loss compared with vasopressin.
The Strategic Industry Supply Curve*
Authors: Menezes Flavio M. , Quiggin John
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we develop the concept of the strategic industry supply curve, representing the locus of Nash equilibrium outputs and prices arising from additive shocks to demand. We show that the standard analysis of partial equilibrium under perfect competition, including the graphical representation of supply and demand, due to Marshall, can be extended to encompass imperfectly competitive markets. Our approach permits a unified treatment of monopoly, oligopoly and competition in linear supply schedules. Further, our model satisfies the five principles of incidence set out by Weyl and Fabinger [2013].
Losing Portia’s Voice: The Metapragmatic Evaluations of “Quiet” and “Loud” Female Law Students in US Mock Trial Competitions
Authors: Chu Joon‐Beom
Published: September 2020

In US law schools, students not only learn how to “think” like a lawyer (Mertz 2007), but they also learn to “sound” like one using proper voice qualities. This article analyzes the discourses of mock trial judges who admonished female law students for their perceived lack or excess of acoustic amplitude or speech volume. Rather than explicitly comment that female law students sounded too “quiet” or too “loud,” however, the judges used two different discourses to comment on female law students’ voice quality. They employed direct metapragmatic discourse, voicing female law students in their role as attorneys, to negatively evaluate their low speech volume. Alternatively, the judges applied storytelling as an implicit metapragmatic discourse to comment on female law students whom they perceived as speaking too loud, articulating gendered ideologies about courtroom language that suggest that loud women break norms of courtroom speech decorum. An investigation into the metapragmatics of voice quality thus reveals that the mock trial experience can be doubly marginalizing for female law students: direct metapragmatics associates their low volume with weakness, and implicit metapragmatics associates their high volume with negative, unfeminine, and unlawyerly traits.
A Systematic Review of the Literature on Digital Transformation: Insights and Implications for Strategy and Organizational Change
Authors: Hanelt André , Bohnsack René , Marz David , Antunes Marante Cláudia
Published: September 2020

In this article we provide a systematic review of the extensive yet diverse and fragmented literature on digital transformation (DT), with the goal of clarifying boundary conditions to investigate the phenomenon from the perspective of organizational change. On the basis of 279 articles, we provide a multi‐dimensional framework synthesizing what is known about DT and discern two important thematical patterns: DT is moving firms to malleable organizational designs that enable continuous adaptation, and this move is embedded in and driven by digital business ecosystems. From these two patterns, we derive four perspectives on the phenomenon of DT: technology impact, compartmentalized adaptation, systemic shift and holistic co‐evolution. Linking our findings and interpretations to existing work, we find that the nature of DT is only partially covered by conventional frameworks on organizational change. On the basis of this analysis, we derive a research agenda and provide managerial implications for strategy and organizational change.
Urea Cycle Disorders: A Neuroimaging Pattern Approach Using Diffusion and FLAIR MRI
Authors: Ozturk Kerem , McKinney Alexander M. , Nascene David
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess characteristic regions of MRI involvement utilizing diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) at urea cycle disorder (UCD) diagnosis to determine the possible association between initial MRI patterns within 10 days of the first hyperammonemia episode, serum ammonia levels, and severity of neurological outcome based on clinical follow‐up of >30 days.

METHODS

Ten patients with UCDs (4 females; median age: 5.4 years, age range: 6 days‐54 years) were included who underwent MRI during a first episode of hyperammonemia. The topographical distribution of the DWI and FLAIR abnormalities in the cerebral cortex, deep gray matter, white matter, posterior limb of internal capsule, cerebral peduncle, and cerebellum was evaluated. Possible correlations between the brain injury patterns on DWI/FLAIR images, serum ammonia levels, and severity of neurological outcome were investigated by a trend correlation.

RESULTS

The UCD cohort (n = 10) involved four ornithine transcarbamoylase deficiencies, four argininosuccinic aciduria, one carbomoylphosphate synthetase deficiency, and one citrullinemia type‐1. The observed trend in the distribution of DWI abnormalities as the severity of neurological sequela outcome increased was with diffuse cerebral cortex or corpus striatum involvement. Patients with initial peak serum ammonia ≥450 µmol/L had a grade 2 to 4 outcome, and those with peak ammonia <450 µmol/L had a grade 0 or 1 outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of more severe neurological outcome could be associated with diffuse cerebral cortex or corpus striatum involvement on DWI and high serum ammonia levels in patients with UCD.
Are jaw range of motion, muscle function and proprioception impaired in adults with persistent temporomandibular disorders? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dinsdale Alana , Liang Zhiqi , Thomas Lucy , Treleaven Julia
Published: September 2020

Background

The nature of certain musculoskeletal impairments associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is unclear. Understanding impairments within TMD subgroups is important to guide management.

Objectives

Characterise local musculoskeletal impairments in adults with persistent TMD.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to 12 January 2020. Bibliographies were searched for additional articles, including grey literature. Case‐control and interventional studies reporting temporomandibular range of motion (ROM), muscle function (MF) or proprioception in TMD and control groups were included. Risk of bias was assessed using SIGN checklist for case‐control studies. Results were pooled using random‐effects model. Confidence in cumulative evidence was determined using American Academy of Neurology guidelines.

Results

Sixty‐six studies were included, most rated moderate risk of bias. Twelve primary outcomes were assessed, with partial scope for meta‐analysis. Significant reductions were found for active maximal mouth opening (P < .00001, MD=−4.65 mm), protrusion (P < .0001, MD=−0.76 mm) and maximum bite force (P < .00001) in TMD versus controls. Subgroup analysis scope was limited. Reduced AMMO was found in myogenic TMD subgroups versus controls (P = .001, MD= −3.28 mm). Few studies measured proprioception, with high methodological variability. Confidence in cumulative evidence ranged from high to very low.

Conclusion

ROM and bite force impairments accompany TMD. Insufficient data were available to investigate impairments within TMD subgroups.

Implications

Several musculoskeletal impairments have been identified, which may guide clinical management of TMD. Lack of subgroup data, and data for proprioception and MF, highlights future direction for research.

PROSPERO

CRD42020150734.
Using tactile stimuli to enhance sweet perception in iced tea samples
Authors: Lago Maider , De la Rosa Jose , Vázquez‐Araújo Laura
Published: September 2020

The perception and acceptance of food can be influenced by multiple factors, including the sensations generated by the contact with the food surface or its packaging. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the texture of the cups held when drinking an iced tea sample would have an influence on the perception of its sweetness intensity. Participants tasted four iced tea samples in disposable plastic cups which surface had been modified to elicit different basic tastes, and were asked to rank the drinks depending on their sweetness intensity. Results showed that the texture of the container influenced participants' ranking, and the sweetness perception of the tea could be increased through the cup's surface.

Practical Applications

Results of the present study are useful mainly for the packaging industry, providing information that verifies the idea that some materials could help increase the acceptance of reformulated products (e.g., beverages with a reduction in the sugar content). In general, the results obtained in the study show a strategy for food reformulation, giving a greater importance on the haptic cues of foods, packaging, and cutlery.
The factors of patient‐reported readiness for hospital discharge in patients with depression: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Wang Ya , Meng Na , Li Xiaolin
Published: September 2020

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

The attributes of readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) have been identified to be physical stability, adequate support, psychological ability, and adequate information and knowledge.

Patient‐reported RHD has been regarded as an outcome indicator, and poor RHD leads to unplanned readmission, emergency department visits and even death.

Knowledge regarding patient‐reported RHD and its factors among patients with depression is limited.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

RHD among patients with depression is at a moderate level.

More than a quarter of people with depression had low RHD.

The knowledge dimension of the RHDS among patients with depression should be further strengthened.

The length of stay, content received and delivery dimensions of the QDTS were significantly associated with RHD.

What are the implications for practice?

This study encourages nurses to assess patient‐reported RHD at discharge in mental health settings.

Nurses should pay more attention to patients with hospital stays longer than 20 days.

Nurses could improve RHD by enhancing the quality of discharge teaching, particularly the content received and the skills nurses used to deliver such content.

Nurses’ managers could develop programmes to improve teaching skills via Internet technology, such as simulated patients and online interprofessional discharge planning.

Introduction

Low readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) can be followed by negative healthcare outcomes. However, no studies have investigated RHD among patients with depression.

Aim

This study aimed to examine patient‐reported RHD and its factors among patients with depression.

Method

In total, 367 inpatients with depression were recruited and completed the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) and Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale (QDTS). A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors of RHD among patients with depression.

Results

The total RHDS score was 7.70 ± 1.52. Approximately 28.9% of the participants had low RHD (RHDS score < 7). The results revealed that RHD was significantly associated with the length of stay, content received and delivery.

Discussion

RHD among patients with depression is at a moderate level. More than a quarter of people with depression had low RHD. To improve RHD, enhancing the quality of discharge teaching is imperative for patients with depression.

Implications for Practice

Nurses should pay more attention to patients with a hospital stay longer than 20 days. Nurses could improve RHD by enhancing the quality of discharge teaching, particularly the content received and the skills nurses used to deliver such content.
Prospective relations between sleep in preschool years and academic achievement at school entry
Authors: Bernier Annie , Cimon‐Paquet Catherine , Tétreault Émilie , Carrier Julie , Matte‐Gagné Célia
Published: September 2020

It is often assumed that adequate sleep is a key ingredient of children's school success. Research to date, however, suggests modest associations between child sleep and academic achievement. Adopting a developmental perspective, this report investigates the associations between age‐related changes in sleep across the preschool period and academic achievement at school entry. Sleep was assessed by actigraphy at ages 2, 3 and 4 among 128 children from mostly White middle‐class families, and their performance in reading and mathematics was tested in Grade 1. The results revealed that children whose sleep duration decreased more rapidly across the preschool period showed better performance in both reading and mathematics. These results suggest that age‐related developments may be a key characteristic of sleep in the preschool years.
Commentary on Mills’ “toward a theory of myth”
Authors: Segal Robert A.
Published: September 2020

In his provocative article on theorizing about myth, Jon Mills kindly cites my own work on the subject. Let me confine my remarks to his comments on me. I now see, thanks to Mills, how confusing some of my statements have perhaps been.
Principal economic effects of cormorant predation on catfish farms
Authors: Engle Carole R. , Christie Terrel W. , Dorr Brian S. , Kumar Ganesh , Davis Brian , Roy Luke A. , Kelly Anita M.
Published: September 2020

Substantial economic losses of farmed catfish to fish‐eating birds such as the double‐crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus, continue to be reported on U.S. catfish farms. An economic analysis was conducted of the on‐farm effects of both the increased expenditures to scare fish‐eating birds from catfish farms and of the value of the catfish that were consumed by cormorants. A survey was conducted of U.S. catfish farmers in the Delta region of Mississippi and Arkansas, to obtain farm‐level data on expenditures to scare birds. Estimations of the lost revenue from catfish consumed by cormorants were developed from a concurrent study on cormorant distribution, abundance, and diet in the region. The economic effects of bird predation in terms of both fish consumption and management costs were evaluated across three farm sizes and nine catfish production practices. Catfish farmers spent on average $704/ha ± $394/ha to scare birds, making bird‐scaring costs one of the top five costs of raising catfish. The greatest cost components of scaring birds were manpower (39% of all bird‐scaring costs) and the variable and fixed costs of trucks used to scare birds (34% of all bird‐scaring costs). Losses were greater on hybrid than channel catfish fingerling ponds. Industry‐wide, the value of catfish losses averaged $47.2 million (range of $25.8–$65.4 million). Total direct economic effects (including both the increased costs to scare birds and the revenue lost from fish consumed by cormorants despite bird‐scaring attempts) averaged $64.7 million (ranging from $33.5 to $92.6 million). Profitability improved by 4% to 23% across the farm size/production strategies analyzed upon removal of the economic effects from bird predation, with greater effects occurring on smaller‐scale farms. One‐third of the farm size and production scenarios analyzed changed from being unprofitable to showing a profit in the absence of such negative economic effects associated with bird depredation. Overall, the combined effects of increased farm expenditures to scare birds from farms and the value of the catfish lost to predation by cormorants caused substantial negative economic effects on catfish farms.
Carriers of ABCB4 gene variants show a mild clinical course, but impaired quality of life and limited risk for cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: de Vries Elsemieke , Mazzetti Marta , Takkenberg Bart , Mostafavi Nahid , Bikker Hennie , Marzioni Marco , de Veer Rozanne , van der Meer Adriaan , Doukas Michael , Verheij Joanne , Beuers Ulrich
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims

Adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette subfamily B member 4 (ABCB4) deficiency may lead to progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3), biliary cirrhosis, low phospholipid‐associated cholelithiasis (LPAC), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), oral contraceptive‐induced cholestasis (CIC) or may remain asymptomatic. The long‐term course, quality of life and histology were investigated in ABCB4 deficiency.

Methods

Adult carriers of ABCB4 gene variants from two regional academic centres were analysed by history taking, electronic patient files, physical examination, blood analysis, abdominal ultrasound (US) and liver elastography. Patients completed a 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) for quality of life and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pruritus. Available liver specimens were re‐classified according to the Nakanuma scoring system, so far validated for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) only. Quality of life data were compared to published data of patients with PBC, PSC and the general population.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients were identified, 64 (96%) were alive at the time of analysis and 62 (93%) were (at some time) treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Two patients died of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and one of decompensated biliary cirrhosis. Three additional deaths of CCA were reported in first‐degree relatives. Transplant‐free survival was 91% (median follow‐up 14 years). Liver stiffness was normal (<6.3 kPa) in 75%, intrahepatic stones were detected at ultrasound (US) in 33% and microcalcifications in 22% of cases. Quality of life (n = 48) was lower than in the general population particularly in energy/fatigue and general health domains and comparable to that in PSC. Staging according to Nakanuma in 15 specimens reflected the clinical course.

Conclusions

ABCB4 deficiency has a mild clinical course, but impaired quality of life and limited risk of CCA. The Nakanuma scoring system appears feasible for histological evaluation in ABCB4 deficiency.
Impact of clean intermittent catheterization on quality of life of patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction due to radical hysterectomy: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sekido Noritoshi , Takaoka Ei‐ichiro , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Ochi Hiroyuki , Satoh Toyomi
Published: September 2020

Aims

We investigated the quality of life (QOL) of a homogenous group of ambulant patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction without significant comorbidities to elucidate the impact of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) on QOL.

Methods

The subjects were 71 female patients who underwent radical hysterectomy (RH) without recurrent disease. QOL was cross‐sectionally measured with the Short‐Form 36‐Item Health Survey (SF‐36) and King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ). We divided urinary management into spontaneous voiding (SV) and CIC as well as postoperative elapsed time into the entire period, less than 24 months (<24 months) and 24 months or more (≥24 months).

Results

Patients with CIC showed significantly poorer QOL than patients with SV in some subscale/domain scores on SF‐36 and KHQ for the entire period as well as <24 months after RH. In contrast, significant differences were not revealed between scores on both measures of patients with CIC and SV ≥24 months after RH. Moreover, in patients with CIC ≥24 months, some subscale/domain scores on both measures were significantly better than in those with <24 months. Norm‐based scoring of SF‐36 revealed that all subscales of patients with CIC <24 months were below the average score of healthy Japanese people, while only four subscales of those ≥24 months remained below the average.

Conclusions

QOL in patients with CIC was worse than in patients with SV in the short term, but similar in the long term, which suggests that QOL probably might improve with time in patients with CIC.
The evolution of flight in bats: a novel hypothesis
Authors: Anderson Sophia C. , Ruxton Graeme D.
Published: September 2020

Bats (order Chiroptera) are the only mammals capable of powered flight, and this may be an important factor behind their rapid diversification into the over 1400 species that exist today – around a quarter of all mammalian species. Though flight in bats has been extensively studied, the evolutionary history of the ability to fly in the chiropterans remains unclear.

We provide an updated synthesis of current understanding of the mechanics of flight in bats (from skeleton to metabolism), its relation to echolocation, and where previously articulated evolutionary hypotheses for the development of flight in bats stand following recent empirical advances. We consider the gliding model, and the echolocation‐first, flight‐first, tandem development, and diurnal frugivore hypotheses. In the light of the recently published description of the web‐winged dinosaur Ambopteryx longibrachium, we draw together all the current evidence into a novel hypothesis.

We present the interdigital webbing hypothesis: the ancestral bat exhibited interdigital webbing prior to powered flight ability, and the Yangochiroptera, Pteropodidae, and Rhinolophoidea evolved into their current forms along parallel trajectories from this common ancestor. Thus, we suggest that powered flight may have evolved multiple times within the Chiroptera and that similarity in wing morphology in different lineages is driven by convergence from a common ancestor with interdigital webbing.
Technology transfer in spatial competition when licensees are asymmetric
Authors: Poddar Sougata , Banerjee Swapnendu , Ghosh Monalisa
Published: September 2020

We study technology transfer in a spatial competition with two asymmetric licensees (firms) with an outside innovator who decides how many licenses to offer and the optimal licensing contract. We show the optimal licensing policy is pure royalty contract to both licensees leading to a complete diffusion of the new technology. The result holds irrespective of the cost differentials between the licensees and for innovation of all sizes, that is, drastic or non‐drastic. This robust finding although supports the dominance of royalty licensing in practice; however, consumers may not be necessarily better off. We also throw light on the situation where the innovator sells the patent right to one of the firms. Interestingly, we find that the inefficient firm acquires the new technology and further licenses it to the efficient rival.
The surprising thermal properties of CM carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Opeil C. P. , Britt D. T. , Macke R. J. , Consolmagno G. J.
Published: September 2020

Measurements of the low‐temperature thermodynamic and physical properties of meteorites provide fundamental data for the study and understanding of asteroids and other small bodies. Of particular interest are the CM carbonaceous chondrites, which represent a class of primitive meteorites that record substantial chemical information concerning the evolution of volatile‐rich materials in the early solar system. Most CM chondrites are petrographic type 2 and contain anhydrous minerals such as olivine and pyroxene, along with abundant hydrous phyllosilicates contained in the meteorite matrix interspersed between the chondrules. Using a Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System, we have measured the thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and thermal expansion of five CM2 carbonaceous chondrites (Murchison, Murray, Cold Bokkeveld, Northwest Africa 7309, Jbilet Winselwan) at low temperatures (5–300 K) which span the range of possible surface temperatures in the asteroid belt and outer solar system. The thermal expansion measurements show a substantial and unexpected decrease in CM2 volume as temperature increases from 210 to 240 K followed by a rapid increase in CM2 volume as temperature rises from 240 to 300 K. This transition has not been seen in anhydrous CV or CO carbonaceous chondrites. Thermal diffusivity and thermal inertia as a function of temperature are calculated from measurements of density, thermal conductivity, and heat capacity. Our thermal diffusivity results compare well with previous estimates for similar meteorites, where conductivity was derived from diffusivity measurements and modeled heat capacities; our new values are of higher precision and cover a wider range of temperatures.