bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospice Care of Veterans in Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare: A Risk‐Adjusted Analysis
Authors: Gidwani‐Marszowski Risha , Kinosian Bruce , Scott Winifred , Phibbs Ciaran S. , Intrator Orna
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To compare the quality of end‐of‐life care in Medicare Advantage (MA) and traditional Medicare (TM), specifically, receipt and length of hospice care.

Design

Retrospective analysis of administrative data.

Setting

Hospice care.

Participants

Veterans dually enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and MA or TM who died between 2008 and 2013 (N = 1,515,441).

Measurements

Outcomes studied included use and duration of hospice care. Use of a VHA‐enrolled population allowed for risk adjustment that is otherwise challenging when studying MA.

Results

Adjusted analyses revealed that MA beneficiaries were more likely to receive hospice than TM beneficiaries; results corroborate published non‐risk‐adjusted analyses. MA beneficiaries had shorter hospice duration; this is an opposite direction of effect than non‐risk‐adjusted analyses. Results were robust to multiple sensitivity analyses limiting the cohort to individuals in MA and TM who had equal opportunity for their comorbidities to be captured. Removing risk adjustment resulted in results that mirrored those in the existing published literature.

Conclusion

Our work provides two important insights regarding MA that are important to consider as enrollment in this insurance mechanism grows. First, MA beneficiaries received poorer‐quality end‐of‐life care than TM beneficiaries, as ascertained by exposure to hospice. Second, any comparisons made between MA and TM require proper risk adjustment to obtain correct directions of effect. We encourage the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to make comorbidity data specific to MA enrollees available to researchers for these purposes.
Long‐Term Cognitive Prognosis of Profoundly Deaf Older Adults After Hearing Rehabilitation Using Cochlear Implants
Authors: Mosnier Isabelle , Vanier Antoine , Bonnard Damien , Lina‐Granade Geneviève , Truy Eric , Bordure Philippe , Godey Benoit , Marx Mathieu , Lescanne Emmanuel , Venail Frédéric , Poncet Christine , Sterkers Olivier , Belmin Joël
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To analyze long‐term cognitive status and function after cochlear implantation in profoundly deaf individuals.

Design

Prospective observational longitudinal study.

Setting

Ten academic medical centers referent for cochlear implantation.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older who qualified for cochlear implantation (N=70).

Measurements

Cognitive tests were administered before cochlear implantation and 1 and 5 or more years after cochlear implantation. Evaluation consisted of 6 tests assessing attention, memory, orientation, executive function, mental flexibility, and fluency. Cognitive status was determined as normal, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia. Speech perception in quiet and noisy conditions was assessed using disyllabic words, and quality of life was assessed using the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire.

Results

Mean follow‐up was 6.8 years (range 5.5–8.5 years). Speech perception scores and quality of life remained stable from 1 to 7 years after cochlear implantation. Of 31 participants (45%) with MCI before cochlear implantation, 2 (6%) developed dementia during follow‐up, 19 (61%) remained stable, and 10 (32%) returned to normal cognition. None of the 38 with normal cognition developed dementia during follow‐up, although 12 (32%) developed MCI.

Conclusion

MCI is highly prevalent in older adults with profound hearing loss. Nevertheless, we observed a low rate of progression to dementia, and cognitive function improved in some individuals with MCI at baseline. These results highlight that cochlear implantation should be strongly considered in profoundly deaf individuals, even those with MCI, who may have a specific subtype of MCI, with a possible positive effect of hearing rehabilitation on neurocognitive functioning.
N‐glycosylation of the AMPA‐type glutamate receptor regulates cell surface expression and tetramer formation affecting channel function
Authors: Kandel Munal Babu , Yamamoto Saki , Midorikawa Ryosuke , Morise Jyoji , Wakazono Yoshihiko , Oka Shogo , Takamiya Kogo
Published: August 2018

The AMPA‐type glutamate receptor (AMPA‐R) plays a primary role in principal excitatory synaptic transmission and many neuronal functions including synaptic plasticity that underlie learning and memory. N‐glycosylation is one of the major post‐translational modifications of membrane proteins, but its specific roles in neurons remain largely unknown. AMPA‐R subunits are N‐glycosylated at their extracellular domains during their biosynthesis in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi system. Six N‐glycosylation sites are presumed to exist in the extracellular domain of GluA1, which is a member of the AMPA‐R subunits. We observed that the intracellular trafficking and cell surface expression were strongly suppressed in the GluA1 mutants lacking N‐glycans at N63/N363 in HEK293T cells. Multimer analysis using Blue Native‐PAGE displayed the impaired tetramer formation in the glycosylation mutants (N63S and N363S), indicating that the mis‐transport was caused by impaired tetramer formation. N63S and N363S mutants were primarily degraded via the lysosomal pathway. Flag‐tagged N363S GluA1, but not N63S GluA1, expressed in primary cortical neuron cultures prepared from GluA1 knockout mice was observed to localize at the cell surface. Co‐expression of GluA2 partially rescued tetramer formation and the cell surface expression of N363S GluA1 but not N63S GluA1, in HEK293T cells. Electrophysiological analysis also demonstrated functional heteromers of N363S GluA1 with GluA2. These data suggest that site‐specific N‐glycans on GluA1 subunit regulates tetramer formation, intracellular trafficking, and cell surface expression of AMPA‐R.

Open science badges

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The study of histological changes of the arterial vascular structure after hyaluronidase exposure
Authors: Wattanakrai Penpun , Jurairattanaporn Natthachat , Rojhirunsakool Salinee , Visessiri Yingluck , Suwanchinda Atchima , Thanasarnaksorn Wilai
Published: August 2018

Background

Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection is commonly used for soft tissue augmentation. Uncommon but serious complication from filler injection is vascular occlusion. Hyaluronidase enzyme can be used to dissolve HA filler. Evidence demonstrates that hyaluronidase can penetrate through vessel wall after incubation. However, studies regarding effects of hyaluronidase on vessel wall after intraluminal injection are limited. The objective of this study is to evaluate histological changes of postmortem arteries after intravascular injection of hyaluronidase enzyme.

Methods

This was an ex vivo experiment including arterial specimens from four cadavers which recently deceased within 24 hours. All vessels were examined at baseline and then were divided into two groups. The first was the control group treated with normal saline and the second hyaluronidase‐treated group was intra‐luminally injected with hyaluronidase enzyme (1500 IU/mL). Gross and histological examination was performed at baseline, 30‐minutes and 4 hours after.

Results

Gross examination of vessels revealed no significant difference at baseline, 30 minutes and 4 hours after injection in both groups. Histological examinations at baseline and 30 minutes after injection revealed viable endothelial cells in both experimental and NSS‐control group. At 4 hours after hyaluronidase injection, two of the four arterial specimens had degeneration of endothelial cell, and one artery showed separation of tunica intima from tunica media.

Conclusion

There were endothelial injuries in the arterial specimens after intravascular concentrated hyaluronidase injection.
Literature review of the adverse events associated with botulinum toxin injection for the masseter muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Yeh Yu‐Ting , Peng Jui‐Hui , Peng Hsien‐Li Peter
Published: August 2018

Background

Masseteric hypertrophy is a benign condition characterized by the enlargement of the masseter muscles. A square‐shaped jawline due to masseter muscle prominence or hypertrophy is one of the general characteristics of the Asian face, making it a frequent target for esthetic treatment requests. While the application of botulinum toxin on the masseter muscle is an off‐label use, it is very popular in Asian countries. However, comprehensive reviews of the complications associated with this procedure remain limited in scope.

Objectives

The goal of this study is to help physicians achieve a comprehensive understanding of the complications associated with neuromodulator injection over the masseter muscle via a thorough literature review.

Methods

A literature search was performed on the PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases using the search terms botulinum toxin, masseter hypertrophy, masseteric hypertrophy, and/or masseter hyperplasia. Literature from January 1994 to February 2018 was deemed to be allegeable for inclusion and analysis. All available prospective and retrospective studies, case series, case reports, and expert reviews were included, with an emphasis on types of complications, incidence rate, onset time, recovery time, and product used. Articles that do not mention side effects, complications, or adverse events were excluded.

Results

Thirty‐six articles were found, covering type, incidence rate, and clinical course of the complications. These studies were summarized into tabular form for easy reference and comparison.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin masseter injections are commonly performed procedures with good results and safety profiles. The majority of complications appeared within 2‐4 weeks of injection and disappeared within 12 weeks. Despite the temporary nature of these complications, they often decrease patient satisfaction and confidence, so physicians should familiarize themselves with the regional anatomy and injection safety zones.
The posterior temporal supraSMAS minimally invasive lifting technique using soft‐tissue fillers
Authors: Suwanchinda Atchima , Webb Katherine L. , Rudolph Christina , Hladik Casey , Custozzo Amanda , Muste Justin , Schalet Grant , Hamade Hassan , Smith Michael P. , Frank Konstantin , Patel Ashit , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: August 2018

Background

To investigate the effectiveness of the posterior temporal supraSMAS minimally invasive lifting technique and compared it to experiments performed in fresh human body donors by applying skin vector displacement measurement technology.

Materials and methods

A total of 15 patients (14 females/1 male) with a mean age of 37.1 ± 9.4 years and a mean body mass index of 21.4 ± 3.3 kg/m2 were included into this observational analysis. The injection procedure was additionally performed in 2 male and 1 female fresh body donors with a mean age of 85.67 ± 9.7 years and a mean body mass index of 23.83 ± 4.7 kg/m2. Different grades of skin laxity, variable amounts of product, and the application with and without subcision were tested and measured via three‐dimensional reconstructions and surface displacement vectors using Vectra software with VAM module.

Results

Esthetic outcome was rated by an independent professional observer and by the patient immediately after the treatment (76.67% ± 17.6% vs 66.67% ± 18.1%) (P = 0.001) and after 1 month (80.00% ± 14.0% vs 75.00% ± 21.1%) (P = 0.19). Skin laxity, subcision, and the application of more than 1.0 cc per side resulted in our experimental setting in a smaller magnitude of skin displacement vectors indicating a reduced lifting effect.

Conclusion

The posterior temporal supraSMAS minimally invasive lifting procedure seems to be a valid technique to treat temporal volume loss and to reduce the signs of age‐related changes in the middle and lower face, ie “marionett line” and jowl deformity.
Italian consensus report on the aesthetic use of onabotulinum toxin A
Authors: Bertossi Dario , Cavallini Maurizio , Cirillo Pierfrancesco , Piero Fundarò Salvatore , Quartucci Sandro , Sciuto Chantal , Tonini Davide , Trocchi Gloria , Signorini Massimo
Published: August 2018

Background

The aesthetic treatment of facial and neck wrinkles with botulinum toxin is constantly increasing, thus making it necessary to collect procedures guidelines for the use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of wrinkles and/or cosmetic defects.

Methods

A group of nine Italian doctors, plastic and maxillo‐facial surgeons, dermatologists and aesthetic physicians, experts in face and neck aesthetic treatments with onabotulinum toxin A, discussed on procedures used in their clinical practice. From the data collected and discussed by the board, some recommendations on aesthetic treatment with onabotulinum toxin A were developed.

Results

Recommendations have been made on pretreatment, reconstitution of onabotulinum toxin A, as well as on treatment procedures, in terms of injection sites and total dose of onabotulinum toxin A for the following indications: glabellar lines, crown’s feet lines, forehead lines, eyebrow shaping, lower orbicularis oculi hypertrophy, bunny lines, sagging nasal tip, gummy smile, masseter hypertrophy, perioral lines, marionette lines, hypertonic mentalis, and platysma bands.

Conclusions

The use of onabotulinum toxin A in the aesthetic field requires careful initial assessment of the patient in its complexity and individuality. Moreover, this treatment needs the use of standardized procedures to achieve the effectiveness and safety of onabotulinum toxin A in clinical practice.
Care of veterans in a non‐veteran health administration hospital: What is the status of nursing practice after continuing education?
Authors: Maiocco Gina , Stroupe Lya M. , Rhoades Anthea , Vance Billie
Published: August 2018

Aims and objectives

To identify how civilian nurses are caring for military veterans following mandatory continuing education on veterans’ mental health needs and to describe challenges nurses are facing in provision of that care.

Background

Veterans and military personnel experience mental health conditions at a high rate and are increasingly receiving care in civilian healthcare facilities. Nonmilitary providers may not be prepared to address this population's challenging needs. Military culture may influence the presentation of mental health conditions; thus, critical assessment points by nonmilitary medical personnel may be missed. Education is touted internationally as a means to address deficits, but research is lacking to support that statement.

Methods

Adhering to research reporting guidelines, 115 of a proposed 322 civilian nurses in a tertiary hospital volunteered to complete a one‐time online survey that contained quantitative and demographic questions. Forty of 115 nurses went on to complete the qualitative query. Descriptive statistics summarised quantitative results, and constant comparative analysis was applied to qualitative responses for theme identification.

Results

The study was stopped early due to reports of violence from veterans upon nurses. Results showed continuing education did not change documentation of military status. Following mandatory continuing education, civilian nurses continued to describe uncertainty in how to adapt care, on how to interact with veterans and in how to deal with violence.

Conclusion

The status of care to veterans remains insufficient, but nurses are asking critical questions on how to update practice. Additional support and research in the clinical setting is needed to promote a safe caring environment.

Relevance to clinical practice

Continuing education alone may not advance care of the veteran. A multipronged approach to include mandatory documentation of military status and coaching of providers by those experienced with the military way of life may be used to augment staff preparedness.
Medication adherence assessment practices in dialysis settings: A survey of renal nurses’ perceptions
Authors: Ghimire Saurav , Banks Colin , Jose Matthew D. , Castelino Ronald L. , Zaidi Syed Tabish R.
Published: August 2018

Aims and objectives

To measure renal nurses’ perceptions on assessing medication adherence in patients undergoing dialysis.

Background

Renal nurses play a vital role in caring for patients undergoing dialysis. Despite the high prevalence of medication nonadherence in chronic dialysis patients, little is known about renal nurses’ perceptions and current adherence assessment practices.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Participants completed an online survey between March–May 2016. Five psychometric scales were used to measure perception on prevalence and contributors of nonadherence, effective methods of assessment, barriers to assessment and confidence to assess adherence. The survey also captured current adherence assessment practices using a 4‐point graded response (1 = do not practice at all to 4 = practice for every patient).

Results

A total of 113 dialysis nurses completed the survey. The majority agreed that patients in their unit are nonadherent to their medicines (74.5%, n = 82; median = 8). Most nurses agreed that having dedicated professionals conducting medication history interviews can be effective in identifying nonadherence (88.9%, n = 96; median = 8). Objective assessment through blood results was the most frequently used method to determine nonadherence (83.2%, n = 89), with little attention being paid to patients’ self‐reports of adherence (55.1%, n = 59). Time constraints, administrative support and patients’ disinterest in discussing medication‐related issues with the nurses were perceived as barriers to assessing adherence.

Conclusions

Patient self‐reported measures to assess adherence were underutilised by the renal nurses, whereas objective blood monitoring was routinely used. Overcoming dialysis nurses’ work‐related barriers may facilitate the effective monitoring and promotion of medication adherence in chronic dialysis patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

Results from this study emphasise the need for proper assessment of dialysis patient's medication‐taking behaviour during routine dialysis to ensure the benefits of prescribed therapies.
Association between comfort and needs of ICU patients’ family members: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Meneguin Silmara , de Souza Matos Ticiane Dionízio , Miot Helio Amante , Pollo Camila Fernandes
Published: August 2018

Aims and objective

To identify the family members’ level of comfort and needs and to analyse the sociodemographic/clinical variables that influence this association.

Background

The needs of family members are important considerations in intensive care units. In this context, the needs will be assessed in five dimensions: information, safety, proximity, support and comfort. This study describes the association between comfort and needs of ICU patients’ family members.

Design

Cross‐sectional study developed at the adult ICU of a hospital within the state of São Paulo, in the period from July–September 2016.

Methods

We used the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (INEFTI) Portuguese version and the comfort scale for critical care patient relatives (ECONF).

Results

In relation to INEFTI, the relatives assigned high importance to the needs (Median = 167), but not all of them satisfied (Median = 151). The comfort was low (Median = 3.6), and support was the most affected domain (Median = 2.78). The multivariate analysis indicated variables that influenced the comfort: marital status (β = 0.80; p < 0.01), disease severity (β = 0.03; p = 0.04), female sex (β = 0.34; p = 0.01), highest educational attainment (β = 0.37; p < 0.01), employment status (β = 0.81; p < 0.01) and kinship (β = 0.34; p < 0.01). Concerning the INEFTI scores, only age was statistically significant for importance (β = 0.16; p < 0.01) and satisfaction (β = −0.29; p = 0.04) of the family members’ needs. In the multiple correspondence analysis, different proximities were identified for the variables comfort and needs. Greater ECONF scores were associated with family members with a higher educational degree, whose patients were stable, who attributed high levels of importance to the needs and who were housewives.

Conclusions

Family members have needs that are considered important but not fully met. No direct correspondence between comfort and family needs was identified.

Relevance to clinical practice

In view of the lack of studies involving family members’ comfort and needs, we believe that these results can guide nursing proposals focused on the family members, in line with the associations found among different variables that influenced the results.
A modified developmental care bundle reduces pain and stress in preterm infants undergoing examinations for retinopathy of prematurity: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chuang Ling‐Ju , Wang Shih‐Hao , Ma Mi‐Chia , Lin Chia‐Ni , Chen Chih‐Ling , Huang Mei‐Chih
Published: August 2018

Aims and objectives

To determine the comparative efficacy of developmental care versus standard care for reducing pain and stress in preterm infants during examinations for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Background

ROP examinations are routinely performed in neonatal intensive care units to detect these lesions. Pain scores recorded during and after eye examinations have revealed physiological and behavioural manifestations of pain and stress.

Design

A randomised crossover trial was conducted.

Methods

Fourteen preterm infants were evaluated. The modified developmental care bundle included environmental modifications, positioning and containment, oxygen supplementation, interaction and approach and cue‐based individual care, which were applied before, during and after the ROP examination. The primary outcomes were obtained from pain and stress scores using the premature infant pain profile‐revised (PIPP‐R) and a behavioural evaluation. The secondary outcomes were recovery time to the baseline of the vital signs and oxygen saturation.

Results

Statistical significances were found in the care type comparison (p = 0.013), time comparison (p < 0.001) and type‐by‐time interaction (p = 0.005) in the PIPP‐R, and also in the care type comparison (p < 0.001), time comparison (p < 0.001) and type‐by‐time interaction (p = 0.001) in the behavioural evaluation scores using a generalised estimating equation (GEE) analysis. Recovery time for the developmental care (N = 13, mean = 8.6 ± 11.5 min, 95% CI = 1.68–15.57) was significantly shorter than for the standard care (N = 11, mean = 25.5 ± 20.8 min, 95% CI = 11.45–39.46), which was found to be statistically significant according to the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test (N = 11, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

A bundled developmental care intervention significantly reduced pain and stress responses and the time needed for infants to recover their physiological status following the procedure.

Relevance to clinical practice

Since the results show the benefits of developmental care in an ROP examination, it can be the practical evidence basis by which to develop a standard of procedure or guideline for clinical practice.
Perceived added value of a decision support App for formal caregivers in community‐based dementia care
Authors: Thoma‐Lürken Theresa , Lexis Monique A. S. , Bleijlevens Michel H. C. , Hamers Jan P. H.
Published: August 2018

Aims and objectives

To gain insight into the perceived added value of a decision support App for district nurses and case managers intended to support a problem assessment and the provision of advices on possible solutions to facilitate ageing in place of people with dementia, and to investigate how they would implement the App in daily practice.

Background

District nurses and case managers play an important role in facilitating ageing in place of people with dementia (PwD). Detecting practical problems preventing PwD from living at home and advising on possible solutions is complex and challenging tasks for nurses and case managers. To support them with these tasks, a decision support App was developed.

Methods

A qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews was conducted. A photo‐elicitation method and an interview guide were used to structure the interviews. The data were analysed according to the principles of content analysis.

Results

In five interviews with seven district nurses and case managers, the added value was described in terms of five themes: (a) providing a broader/better overview of possible solutions; (b) providing a guideline/checklist for problem assessment and advice on solutions; (c) supporting an in‐depth problem assessment; (d) being a support tool for unexperienced case managers/district nurses; and (e) providing up‐to‐date information. The participants regarded the App as complementary to their current work procedure, which they would use in a flexible manner at different stages in the care continuum.

Conclusions

The participants valued both parts, the problem assessment and the overview of possible solutions. An important requisite for the usage would be that the content is continuously updated. Before implementation of the App can be recommended, an evaluation of its effectiveness regarding decision‐making should be conducted.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study underpins the need of nurses and case managers for decision support with regard to problem assessment and providing advices on possible solutions to facilitate ageing in place of PwD. There results also show the importance of listening to users experience and their perceived added value of decision support tools as this helps to explain the lack of statistically significant effects on quantitative outcome measure in contrast to a high willingness to use the App in a previous study.
Anomalies and News
Authors: ENGELBERG JOSEPH , MCLEAN R. DAVID , PONTIFF JEFFREY
Published: August 2018

Using a sample of 97 stock return anomalies, we find that anomaly returns are 50% higher on corporate news days and six times higher on earnings announcement days. These results could be explained by dynamic risk, mispricing due to biased expectations, or data mining. We develop and conduct several unique tests to differentiate between these three explanations. Our results are most consistent with the idea that anomaly returns are driven by biased expectations, which are at least partly corrected upon news arrival.
Currency Risk Factors in a Recursive Multicountry Economy
Authors: COLACITO RIC , CROCE MARIANO M. , GAVAZZONI FEDERICO , READY ROBERT
Published: August 2018

Focusing on the 10 most traded currencies, we provide empirical evidence regarding a significant heterogeneous exposure to global growth news shocks. We incorporate this empirical fact in a frictionless risk‐sharing model with recursive preferences, multiple countries, and multiple consumption goods whose supply features both global and local short‐ and long‐run shocks. Since news shocks are priced, heterogeneous exposure to long‐lasting global growth shocks results in a relevant reallocation of international resources and currency adjustments. Our unified framework replicates the properties of the HML‐FX and HML‐NFA carry‐trade strategies studied by Lustig, Roussanov, and Verdelhan and Della Corte, Riddiough, and Sarno.
Comparison of the Fit of Lithium Disilicate Crowns made from Conventional, Digital, or Conventional/Digital Techniques
Authors: Al Hamad Khaled Q. , Al Rashdan Bashar A. , Al Omari Wael M. , Baba Nadim Z.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the fit of single crowns fabricated using conventional, digital, or cast digitization methods.

Materials and Methods

One subject with a peg‐shaped maxillary lateral incisor was selected in this study. Tooth preparation for an all‐ceramic crown was performed and 10 conventional poly(vinyl siloxane) impressions, and 10 digital impressions using an intraoral scanner were made. Each working cast was scanned using a laboratory scanner and an intraoral scanner. Four groups were tested Group 1: conventional impressions. Group 2: cast laboratory scans. Group 3: cast scans using intraoral scanner. Group 4: direct intraoral scans. For group 1, heat‐pressed glass ceramic crowns (IPS e.max Press) were fabricated using casts produced from the conventional impressions. For groups 2‐4, crowns were milled using ceramic blocks (IPS e.max CAD). Ten crowns were fabricated for each group. Marginal and internal gaps were measured using a replica technique. Replicas were sectioned mesiodistally and buccolingually and were observed under a stereomicroscope. Three measurements were selected for each cut: occlusal, axial, and marginal. Statistical analysis was performed using two‐way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests.

Results

For each replica, 6 measurements were made for the mesiodistal and the same for the buccolingual cuts, producing 12 measurement points per crown (4 measurements for marginal, 4 for axial, 4 for occlusal), 120 measurements for each group (40 measurements for marginal, 40 for axial, 40 for occlusal), and 480 measurements in total. Two‐way ANOVA revealed location to be a significant factor (p = 0.001). No significant differences among groups (p = 0.456), and no interactions between groups and locations (p = 0.221) were found. Means for the occlusal site were significantly larger than other sites in most group combinations, while the difference between the marginal and axial sites was not significant. No significant differences among groups were found for each measurement. The marginal gaps ranged from 125.46 ± 25.39 μm for group 3 to 135.59 ± 24.07 μm for group 4. The smallest axial mean was in group 1 (98.10 ± 18.77 μm), and the largest was 127.25 ± 19.79 μm in group 4. The smallest occlusal mean was in group 2 (166.53 ± 36.51 μm), and the largest occlusal mean was in group 3 (203.32 ± 80.24 μm).

Conclusions

Ceramic crowns, which were made using all‐digital approach or cast digitization by a laboratory or intraoral scanner had comparable fit to those produced by conventional approach.
Proteomic analysis of hypothalamus and liver proteins affected by dietary l‐arginine supplementation in laying hens
Authors: Zhang X. Y. , Zhu M. K. , Yuan C. , Zou X. T.
Published: August 2018

The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of l‐arginine (l‐Arg) supplementation on diet‐induced changes in hypothalamus and liver proteome of laying hens. Layers were fed either an isonitrogenous control diet or a l‐Arg diet. The test included a 2‐week acclimation period and a 12‐week experimental period. Eight layers per group were sacrificed at terminal of the experiment underwent 12 fasting. Blood and tissue samples of hypothalamus and liver were collected for further analysis. The levels of serum nitric oxide and hypothalamus neuropeptide Y of layers in l‐Arg group were increased in comparison with those in control group. Quantitative proteomic analyses showed that a total of 3,715 hypothalamus proteins (235 differentially expressed) and 3797 liver proteins (373 differentially expressed) were detected between control and l‐Arg‐fed groups. A further enriched Gene Ontology term analysis of proteins found that 17 hypothalamus proteins (11 upregulated and six downregulated) and 29 liver proteins (14 upregulated and 15 downregulated) were altered differentially between the two groups. Our findings revealed the changes in metabolic and hormonal signals in central nervous system and peripheral tissues by responding to l‐Arg feeding, which provides a possible way to gain a better understanding of l‐Arg function in laying hens.
Effect of sleep deprivation on emotional working memory
Authors: Gerhardsson Andreas , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Axelsson John , Fischer Håkan , Lekander Mats , Schwarz Johanna
Published: August 2018

The emotional dysregulation and impaired working memory found after sleep loss can have severe implications for our daily functioning. Considering the intertwined relationship between emotion and cognition in stimuli processing, there could be further implications of sleep deprivation in high‐complex emotional situations. Although studied separately, this interaction between emotion and cognitive processes has been neglected in sleep research. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 1 night of sleep deprivation on emotional working memory. Sixty‐one healthy participants (mean age: 23.4 years) were either sleep deprived for 1 night (n = 30) or had a normal night’s sleep (n = 31). They performed an N‐back task with two levels of working memory load (1‐back and 3‐back) using positive, neutral and negative picture scenes. Sleep deprivation, compared with full night sleep, impaired emotional working memory accuracy, but not reaction times. The sleep‐deprived participants, but not the controls, responded faster to positive than to negative and neutral pictures. The effect of sleep deprivation was similar for both high and low working memory loads. The results showed that although detrimental in terms of accuracy, sleep deprivation did not impair working memory speed. In fact, our findings indicate that positive stimuli may facilitate working memory processing speed after sleep deprivation.
The effect of dream report collection and dream incorporation on memory consolidation during sleep
Authors: Schoch Sarah F. , Cordi Maren J. , Schredl Michael , Rasch Björn
Published: August 2018

Collecting dream reports typically requires waking subjects up from their sleep—a method that has been used to study the relationship between dreams and memory consolidation. However, it is unclear whether these awakenings influence sleep‐associated memory consolidation processes. Furthermore, it is unclear how the incorporation of the learning task into dreams is related to memory consolidation. In this study we compared memory performance in a word–picture association learning task after a night with and without awakenings in 22 young and healthy participants. We then examined if the stimuli from the learning task are successfully incorporated into dreams, and if this incorporation is related to the task performance the next morning. We show that while the awakenings impaired both subjective and objective sleep quality, they did not affect sleep‐associated memory consolidation. When dreams were collected during the night by awakenings, memories of the learning task were successfully incorporated into dreams. When dreams were collected in the morning, no incorporations were detected. Task incorporation into non‐rapid eye movement sleep dreams, but not rapid eye movement sleep dreams positively predicted memory performance the next morning. We conclude that the method of awakenings to collect dream reports is suitable and necessary for dream and memory studies. Furthermore, our study suggests that dreams in non‐rapid eye movement rather than rapid eye movement sleep might be related to processes of memory consolidation during sleep.
Aging‐related changes in quantity and quality of saliva: Where do we stand in our understanding?
Authors: Xu Feng , Laguna Laura , Sarkar Anwesha
Published: August 2018

Saliva is crucial to oral processing of food and consequently is also related to the sensory and textural experience. It is often assumed that the secretion and properties of saliva change with age, which can result in dry mouth conditions, taste aberrations. Such changes may result in reduced nutrient intake and malnutrition besides adversely affecting the quality of life. Based on some recent research findings, this article reviews our current understandings on age‐dependent changes on quantity (bulk salivary flow rate) as well as quality of saliva (e.g., composition, viscosity, lubrication) in healthy elderly individuals. The review begins with a short introduction to histological changes of salivary glands upon aging. This is followed by covering different aspects of salivary changes with key articles highlighting decreased flow rate, increased ionic concentration, decreased calcium and mucin content in saliva of elderly subjects consequently affecting the oral coating and flavor perception. We also highlight issues in data associated with respect to variance in saliva collection protocols as well as factors influencing such results other than age, such as health conditions and polypharmacy. Clear gaps in literature have been highlighted with respect to lack of quantitative data in viscoelasticity, rheology, and lubrication properties of saliva in healthy elderly population and the potential impact of changes in these material properties on sensory and textural perception of food and consequently food intake. Such insights will not only have clinical implications for maintaining optimal oral health in elderly population but also serve to optimize food for elderly population.

Practical applications

The population has undergone a fundamental change in its age structure globally, with a rapid increase in elderly population. Innovation of tailored foods is still in its early stage to satisfy the needs of growing aging population. One of the biggest challenges in such food product development is lack of adequate understanding and characterization of endogenous factors, that is, age‐related changes in saliva, which may influence oral processing of food and subsequently nutrient intake. Aging affects the salivary glands and alters quantity (flow rate) and quality (e.g., ion and protein composition, rheology, tribology) of saliva. Thus, older adults may suffer from dry mouth, taste aberration, and poor oral hygiene, greatly affecting their quality of life. This review provides insights into how age versus other health conditions influence salivary properties. Understanding of age‐dependent changes in salivary rheology and tribology will be of paramount importance to optimize food for elderly population.
The Bayesian Revolution in Second Language Research: An Applied Approach
Authors: Norouzian Reza , de Miranda Michael , Plonsky Luke
Published: August 2018

Frequentist methods have long dominated data analysis in quantitative second language (L2) research. Recently, however, several empirical fields have begun to embrace alternatives known as Bayesian methods. Using an open‐source approach, we provide an applied, nontechnical rationale for Bayesian methods in L2 research. First, we compare the conceptual underpinning of Bayesian and frequentist methods. Second, using real as well as carefully simulated examples, we introduce and apply Bayesian methods to various research designs. Third, to promote the use of Bayesian methods in L2 research, we introduce a free Web‐accessed point‐and‐click software package (https://rnorouzian.shinyapps.io/bayesian-t-tests) as well as a suite of flexible R functions developed by the first author. Additionally, we demonstrate Bayesian methods for conducting secondary analysis on previously published literature. Finally, we discuss practical and theoretical dimensions of a Bayesian revolution in L2 research.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded Open Materials and Open Data badges. All materials and data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/jxd47, the IRIS Repository at https://www.iris-database.org, and GitHub at https://github.com/rnorouzian/i/blob/master/i.r. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Convolutional Neural Network for Asphalt Pavement Surface Texture Analysis
Authors: Tong Zheng , Gao Jie , Sha Aimin , Hu Liqun , Li Shuai
Published: August 2018

Several data processing techniques (DPTs) have been implemented for evaluating pavement surface texture to partially replace onsite inspections by humans. However, the extensively varying real‐world situations have resulted in challenges in the widespread adoption of DPTs. To overcome these challenges, we propose the use of a convolutional neural network (CNN) to calculate the mean texture depth (MTD) without computing the surface texture feature statistics. Because a CNN is capable of automatically learning data features, the proposed method does not require the conjugation of DPTs for extracting features. The proposed CNN was trained and tested using 8,000 and 1,000 3D scan data samples, respectively, and achieved an average error of 0.0024 cm. The stability of the CNN was analyzed based on various test results. Comparative studies were conducted to verify the superiority of the CNN over conventional MTD algorithms. The results demonstrated that the CNN‐based method is significantly more stable in various real‐world situations. Additionally, the CNN‐based method achieved higher accuracy of automatic feature extraction than traditional MTD methods. Finally, the CNN‐based method was applied to evaluate the surface texture statistics of four highways in Shanxi, China, which were different from the training and testing samples; the results establish the transferability of this method to different highways.
Connection between organizational culture and climate and empowerment: The perspective of nurse managers
Authors: Trus Marija , Galdikiene Nijole , Balciunas Sigitas , Green Philip , Helminen Mika , Suominen Tarja
Published: August 2018

Health‐care organizations differ from other institutions due to their unique structure and management. Organizational culture and climate are the key constructs that compose the organizational social context, and might have an impact on employees, such as nurse managers, and the organization itself. The aim of this study was to analyze the connections between organizational culture and climate and work‐related empowerment, and also to present culture and climate profiles at team and organization levels. The research was carried out in Lithuania among 193 nurse managers in seven hospitals using a questionnaire that measured organizational culture and climate (Organizational Social Context instrument), and work‐related empowerment (Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire‐II and Work Empowerment Questionnaire). The findings showed that nurse managers were both structurally and psychologically empowered when the organizational culture was proficient and resistant, and the climate was engaged and functional. These results suggest that nurse managers are more likely to be empowered when there is an appropriate organizational culture and climate in the workplace. Creating an empowering work environment might have a positive impact on individual and organizational outcomes.
The effect of exercise training on intrahepatic triglyceride and hepatic insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sargeant J. A. , Gray L. J. , Bodicoat D. H. , Willis S. A. , Stensel D. J. , Nimmo M. A. , Aithal G. P. , King J. A.
Published: August 2018

This systematic review and meta‐analysis determined the impact of structured exercise training, and the influence of associated weight loss, on intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) in individuals with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It also examined its effect on hepatic insulin sensitivity in individuals with or at increased risk of NAFLD. Analyses were restricted to studies using magnetic resonance spectroscopy or liver biopsy for the measurement of IHTG and isotope‐labelled glucose tracer for assessment of hepatic insulin sensitivity. Pooling data from 17 studies (373 exercising participants), exercise training for one to 24 weeks (mode: 12 weeks) elicits an absolute reduction in IHTG of 3.31% (95% CI: −4.41 to −2.22%). Exercise reduces IHTG independent of significant weight change (−2.16 [−2.87 to −1.44]%), but benefits are substantially greater when weight loss occurs (−4.87 [−6.64 to −3.11]%). Furthermore, meta‐regression identified a positive association between percentage weight loss and absolute reduction in IHTG (β = 0.99 [0.62 to 1.36], P < 0.001). Pooling of six studies (94 participants) suggests that exercise training also improves basal hepatic insulin sensitivity (mean change in hepatic insulin sensitivity index: 0.13 [0.05 to 0.21] mg m−2 min−1 per μU mL−1), but available evidence is limited, and the impact of exercise on insulin‐stimulated hepatic insulin sensitivity remains unclear.
Paradoxical preexcitation during cryoablation of a concealed parahisian accessory pathway
Authors: Akerström Finn , Puchol Alberto , Pachón Marta , Martín‐Sierra Cristina , Rodíguez‐Padial Luis , Arias Miguel A.
Published: August 2018

A 16‐year‐old male presented with an orthodromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia over a concealed parahisian accessory pathway (AP). Cryoablation of the AP resulted in transient manifestation of a fully preexcited sinus rhythm of parahisian AP morphology. Potential causes for the paradoxical preexcitation include inadvertent atrioventricular nodal block, sourse‐sink mismatch, as well as the activation of a dormant AP capable of anterograde conduction.
Hypocrisy as a crisis response? Assessing changes in talk, decisions, and actions of the European Commission in EU environmental policy
Authors: Knill Christoph , Steinebach Yves , Fernández‐i‐Marín Xavier
Published: August 2018

In this article, we assess the changing role of the European Commission in EU environmental policy. In line with organizational theory, we expect organizational hypocrisy, namely a decoupling of talk, decisions, and actions, to characterize the Commission's behaviour in the aftermath of the financial and economic crisis. We analyse the extent to which the Commission (1) promotes environmental matters and concepts in press releases and public statements; (2) proposes new and stricter environmental policy changes; and (3) takes action against member states in cases of non‐compliance between the years 2000 and 2016. Our empirical analysis reveals that the Commission has indeed moved towards a pattern of hypocritical policy entrepreneurship in the post‐crisis period. We argue that the decoupling of talk, decision, and action allows the European Commission to keep up its reputation as an environmental policy entrepreneur while, at the same, satisfying member states’ preference for economic recovery and less environmental regulation.