bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PTSD, Psychotropic Medication Use, and the Risk of Dementia Among US Veterans: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mawanda Francis , Wallace Robert B. , McCoy Kimberly , Abrams Thad E.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To determine the associations between PTSD, psychotropic medication use, and the risk for dementia.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Participants

Nationwide sample of US veterans (N = 417,172) aged ≥56 years during fiscal year (FY) 2003 without a diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment at baseline (FY02‐03) and ≥1 clinical encounter every 2 years during follow‐up (FY04‐12).

Measures

Demographic characteristics; diagnosis of PTSD, dementia, and medical and psychiatric comorbidity (defined by ICD‐9 codes); and psychotropic medication use including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), novel antidepressants (NA), benzodiazepines (BZA), and atypical antipsychotics (AA). Cox proportional hazard models examined for associations between PTSD diagnosis, psychotropic medication use, and risk for a dementia diagnosis.

Results

PTSD diagnosis significantly increased the risk for dementia diagnosis (HR = 1.35; [95% CI = 1.27–1.43]). However, there were significant interactions between PTSD diagnosis and use of SSRIs (P < .001), NAs (P = .014), and AAs (P < .001) on the risk for dementia diagnosis. HR for dementia diagnosis among veterans diagnosed with PTSD and not using psychotropic medications was 1.55 [1.45–1.67]. Among veterans diagnosed with PTSD prescribed SSRI, SNRI, or AA, HR for dementia diagnosis varied by drug class use ranging from 1.99 for SSRI to 4.21 for AA, relative to veterans without a PTSD diagnosis and no psychotropic medication receipt. BZAs or SNRIs use at baseline was associated with a significantly increased risk for dementia diagnosis independent of a PTSD diagnosis.

Conclusion

PTSD diagnosis is associated with an increased risk for dementia diagnosis that varied with receipt of psychotropic medications. Further research would help to delineate if these findings are due to differences in PTSD severity, psychiatric comorbidity, or independent effects of psychotropic medications on cognitive decline.
Prolonged maternal separation attenuates BDNF‐ERK signaling correlated with spine formation in the hippocampus during early brain development
Authors: Ohta Ken‐ichi , Suzuki Shingo , Warita Katsuhiko , Kaji Tomohiro , Kusaka Takashi , Miki Takanori
Published: February 2017

Maternal separation (MS) is known to affect hippocampal function such as learning and memory, yet the molecular mechanism remains unknown. We hypothesized that these impairments are attributed to abnormities of neural circuit formation by MS, and focused on brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as key factor because BDNF signaling has an essential role in synapse formation during early brain development. Using rat offspring exposed to MS for 6 h/day during postnatal days (PD) 2–20, we estimated BDNF signaling in the hippocampus during brain development. Our results show that MS attenuated BDNF expression and activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) around PD 7. Moreover, plasticity‐related immediate early genes, which are transcriptionally regulated by BDNF‐ERK signaling, were also reduced by MS around PD 7. Interestingly, detailed analysis revealed that MS particularly reduced expression of BDNF gene and immediate early genes in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) of hippocampus at PD 7. Considering that BDNF‐ERK signaling is involved in spine formation, we next evaluated spine formation in the hippocampus during the weaning period. Our results show that MS particularly reduced mature spine density in proximal apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons at PD 21. These results suggest that MS could attenuate BDNF‐ERK signaling during primary synaptogenesis with a region‐specific manner, which is likely to lead to decreased spine formation and maturation observed in the hippocampal CA1 region. It is speculated that this incomplete spine formation during early brain development has an influence on learning capabilities throughout adulthood.

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Diabetes mellitus may affect short‐term outcome of Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Peric Stojan , Bozovic Ivo , Bjelica Bogdan , Berisavac Ivana , Stojiljkovic Olivera , Basta Ivana , Beslac‐Bumbasirevic Ljiljana , Rakocevic‐Stojanovic Vidosava , Lavrnic Dragana , Stevic Zorica
Published: February 2017

We sought to determine influence of diabetes mellitus on Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) course and short‐term prognosis. Among the 257 GBS patients included in this retrospective study, diabetes mellitus was present in 17%. The degree of disability at admission and on discharge was assessed according to the GBS Disability Scale (mild disability = 0–3, severe disability = 4–6). Even after correction for age, diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with more severe disability at nadir (odds ratio, OR = 3.4, p < 0.05) and on discharge (OR = 2.0, p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis with multiple factors included showed that age and presence of diabetes were significant predictors of severe disability at nadir (adjusted R2 = 0.21, p < 0.05), and on discharge (adjusted R2 = 0.19, p < 0.05). The presence of diabetes mellitus affects short‐term prognosis of GBS, independent of age.
Intrauterine contraception insertion pain: nursing interventions to improve patient experience
Authors: McCarthy Carmel
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives

To examine factors which contribute to the individual's experience of pain in relation to intrauterine contraception insertion and determine evidence‐based nursing strategies to best assess and manage this pain.

Background

Nurses are increasingly involved in consultations regarding intrauterine contraception. However, concerns regarding painful or difficult insertion may inhibit uptake and discourage nurses from promoting or inserting intrauterine contraception.

Design

Integrative review.

Methods

Database searches of CINAHL, PubMed, Wiley Online Library and the Cochrane Collaboration for relevant literature. Eight papers met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using an integrative review process.

Results

Physical causes and pharmacological interventions for insertion pain have been thoroughly investigated. Absence of previous vaginal delivery and anxiety may increase the likelihood of procedural pain. The literature fails to conclusively determine any universally effective prophylactic analgesia. Cervical anaesthesia may be beneficial in some cases and oral analgesia may relieve postprocedural pain. Distraction in the form of conversation, music or television can be effective in reducing anxiety.

Conclusions

A combination of physical, psychological and environmental factors contribute to the individual's pain experience. Nurses have the potential to make a significant impact on pain outcomes by demonstrating clinical expertise and creating a trustful environment. Giving reliable information, acknowledging the significance of anxiety and providing reassurance and distraction are effective pain reducing strategies. Research into nonpharmacological approaches is warranted, especially those which reduce anxiety.

Relevance to clinical practice

Increasing uptake of long‐acting reversible contraception is a public health goal. Providing effective pain management strategies to improve patient experience may encourage more nurses to recommend, or enhance their scope of practice to include, intrauterine contraception insertion.
Predictors of occupational burnout among nurses: a dominance analysis of job stressors
Authors: Sun Ji‐Wei , Bai Hua‐Yu , Li Jia‐Huan , Lin Ping‐Zhen , Zhang Hui‐Hui , Cao Feng‐Lin
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives

To quantitatively compare dimensions of job stressors’ effects on nurses’ burnout.

Background

Nurses, a key group of health service providers, often experience stressors at work. Extensive research has examined the relationship between job stressors and burnout; however, less has specifically compared the effects of job stressor domains on nurses’ burnout.

Design

A quantitative cross‐sectional survey examined three general hospitals in Jinan, China.

Method

Participants were 602 nurses. We compared five potential stressors’ ability to predict nurses’ burnout using dominance analysis and assuming that each stressor was intercorrelated.

Results

Strong positive correlations were found between all five job stressors and burnout. Interpersonal relationships and management issues most strongly predicted participants’ burnout (11·3% of average variance).

Conclusion

Job stressors, and particularly interpersonal relationships and management issues, significantly predict nurses’ job burnout.

Relevance to clinical practice

Understanding the relative effect of job stressors may help identify fruitful areas for intervention and improve nurse recruitment and retention.
Factors relating to professional self‐concept among nurse managers
Authors: Kantek Filiz , Şimşek Belkıs
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives

To investigate the self‐concept in nurse managers in Turkey and the effects of certain variables on professional self‐concept.

Background

Professional self‐concept plays a significant role in improving certain professional behaviours. Nursing managers have the potential to influence other members of the profession with their attitudes and behaviours.

Design

The study was designed as a cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Methods

This study was conducted with 159 nurse managers in nine different hospitals. The study data were collected with a Personal Information Form and Professional Self‐concept Nursing Inventory, and the data analysis was accomplished with descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha coefficients and Chi‐squared Automatic Interaction Detector analyses.

Results

The professional self‐concept score of nurse managers was 3·33 (SD = 0·308). Professional competence subdimension had the highest scores, while professional satisfaction subdimension had the lowest. The types of hospital were found to be influential on professional self‐concept.

Conclusion

The types of hospital were reported to influence the professional self‐concept of nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nursing managers are visionaries who can potentially influence nursing practices and decisions. Nursing leaders must monitor and administer strategies to improve their professional self‐concept.
Evaluating a dignity care intervention for palliative care in the community setting: community nurses’ perspectives
Authors: McIlfatrick Sonja , Connolly Michael , Collins Rita , Murphy Tara , Johnston Bridget , Larkin Philip
Published: February 2017

Aims and Objectives

To evaluate a dignity care intervention provided by community nurses seeking to address dignity concerns for people with advanced and life‐limiting conditions.

Background

Evidence would suggest that dying people fear a loss of dignity and a central focus of palliative care is to assist people to die with dignity. Whilst community nurses have a key role to play in the delivery of palliative care, specific interventions for dignity are lacking.

Design

A mixed methods study using online survey and focus group interviews and thematic analysis to examine data.

Methods

Twenty four community nurses implemented the dignity care intervention for people with advanced and life‐limiting conditions were recruited from four pilot sites across Ireland. Four focus group interviews and on line survey were conducted between March–June 2015.

Results

The community nurses found the dignity care intervention useful. It helped the nurses to provide holistic end‐of‐life care and assisted in the overall assessment of palliative care patients, identifying areas that might not otherwise have been noted. Whilst it was a useful tool for communication, they noted that it stimulated some emotionally sensitive conversations for which they felt unprepared.

Conclusions

Implementing the dignity care intervention in practice was challenging. However, the dignity care intervention facilitated holistic assessment and identified patient dignity‐related concerns that may not have been otherwise identified. Further support is required to overcome barriers and enable dignity‐conserving care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Ensuring dignity is a key aspect of palliative and end‐of‐life care; however, community nurses may not feel equipped to address this aspect of care. Implementing a dignity care intervention can assist in identifying patient dignity‐related concerns and provision of holistic care. Community nurses need more training to assist in difficult conversations relating to dignity and end‐of‐life care.
Barriers and enablers to adherence to anticoagulation in heart failure with atrial fibrillation: patient and provider perspectives
Authors: Ferguson Caleb , Inglis Sally C. , Newton Phillip J. , Middleton Sandy , Macdonald Peter S. , Davidson Patricia M.
Published: February 2017

Aims & Objectives

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the barriers and enablers to adherence to anticoagulation in individuals with chronic heart failure (CHF) with concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) from the perspective of patients and providers.

Background

CHF and AF commonly coexist and are associated with increased stroke risk and mortality. Oral anticoagulation significantly reduces stroke risk and improves outcomes. Yet, in approximately 30% of cases, anticoagulation is not commenced for a variety of reasons.

Design

Qualitative study using narrative inquiry.

Methods

Data from face‐to‐face individual interviews with patients and information retrieved from healthcare file note review documented the clinician perspective. This study is a synthesis of the two data sources, obtained during patient clinical assessments as part of the Atrial Fibrillation And Stroke Thromboprophylaxis in hEart failuRe (AFASTER) Study.

Results

Patient choice and preference were important factors in anticoagulation decisions, including treatment burden, unfavourable or intolerable side effects and patient refusal. Financial barriers included cost of travel, medication cost and reimbursement. Psychological factors included psychiatric illness, cognitive impairment and depression. Social barriers included homelessness and the absence of a caregiver or lack of caregiver assistance. Clinician reticence included fear of falls, frailty, age, fear of bleeding and the challenges of multimorbidity. Facilitators to successful prescription and adherence were caregiver support, reminders and routine, self‐testing and the use of technology.

Conclusions

Many barriers remain to high‐risk individuals being prescribed anticoagulation for stroke prevention. There are a number of enabling factors that facilitate prescription and optimise treatment adherence. Nurses should challenge these treatment barriers and seek enabling factors to optimise therapy.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses can help patients and caregivers to understand complex anticoagulant risk‐benefit information, and act as a patient advocate when making complex stroke prevention decisions.
Surface Coating of Gypsum‐Based Molds for Maxillofacial Prosthetic Silicone Elastomeric Material: Evaluating Different Microbial Adhesion
Authors: Khalaf Salah , Ariffin Zaihan , Husein Adam , Reza Fazal
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To compare the adhesion of three microorganisms on modified and unmodified silicone elastomer surfaces with different surface roughnesses and porosities.

Materials and Methods

Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus aureus were incubated with modified and unmodified silicone groups (N = 35) for 30 days at 37°C. The counts of viable microorganisms in the accumulating biofilm layer were determined and converted to cfu/cm2 unit surface area. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the microbial adhesion. Statistical analysis was performed using t‐test, one‐way ANOVA, and post hoc tests as indicated.

Results

Significant differences in microbial adhesion were observed between modified and unmodified silicone elastomers after the cells were incubated for 30 days (p < 0.001). SEM showed evident differences in microbial adhesion on modified silicone elastomer compared with unmodified silicone elastomer.

Conclusions

Surface modification of silicone elastomer yielding a smoother and less porous surface showed lower adhesion of different microorganisms than observed on unmodified surfaces.
Bell's palsy in children: Current treatment patterns in Australia and New Zealand. A PREDICT study
Authors: Babl Franz E , Gardiner Kaya K , Kochar Amit , Wilson Catherine L , George Shane A , Zhang Michael , Furyk Jeremy , Thosar Deepali , Cheek John A , Krieser David , Rao Arjun S , Borland Meredith L , Cheng Nicholas , Phillips Natalie T , Sinn Kam K , Neutze Jocelyn M , Dalziel Stuart R ,   on behalf of PREDICT (Paediatric Research In Emergency Departments International Collaborative)
Published: February 2017

Aim

The aetiology and clinical course of Bell's palsy may be different in paediatric and adult patients. There is no randomised placebo controlled trial (RCT) to show effectiveness of prednisolone for Bell's palsy in children. The aim of the study was to assess current practice in paediatric Bell's palsy in Australia and New Zealand Emergency Departments (ED) and determine the feasibility of conducting a multicentre RCT within the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of ED medical records of children less than 18 years diagnosed with Bell's palsy between 1 January, 2012 and 31 December, 2013 was performed. Potential participants were identified from ED information systems using Bell's palsy related search terms. Repeat presentations during the same illness were excluded but relapses were not. Data on presentation, diagnosis and management were entered into an online data base (REDCap).

Results

Three hundred and twenty‐three presentations were included from 14 PREDICT sites. Mean age at presentation was 9.0 (SD 5.0) years with 184 (57.0%) females. Most (238, 73.7%) presented to ED within 72 h of symptoms, 168 (52.0%) had seen a doctor prior. In ED, 218 (67.5%) were treated with steroids. Prednisolone was usually prescribed for 9 days at around 1 mg/kg/day, with tapering in 35.7%.

Conclusion

Treatment of Bell's palsy in children presenting to Australasian EDs is varied. Prednisolone is commonly used in Australasian EDs, despite lack of high‐level paediatric evidence. The study findings confirm the feasibility of an RCT of prednisolone for Bell's palsy in children.
Melatonin promotes sorafenib‐induced apoptosis through synergistic activation of JNK/c‐jun pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lin Shibo , Hoffmann Katrin , Gao Chao , Petrulionis Marius , Herr Ingrid , Schemmer Peter
Published: February 2017

Melatonin has been shown to exert anticancer activity on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through its antiproliferative and pro‐apoptotic effect in both experimental and clinical studies, and sorafenib is the only approved drug for the systemic treatment of HCC. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the combined effect of melatonin and sorafenib on proliferation, apoptosis, and its possible mechanism in human HCC. Here, we found that both melatonin and sorafenib resulted in a dose‐dependent growth inhibition of HuH‐7 cells after 48 hours treatment, and the combination of them enhanced the growth inhibition in a synergistic manner. Colony formation assay indicated that co‐treatment of HuH‐7 cells with melatonin and sorafenib significantly decreased the clonogenicity compared to the treatment with single agent. Furthermore, FACS and TUNEL assay confirmed that melatonin synergistically augmented the sorafenib‐induced apoptosis after 48 hours incubation, which was in accordance with the activation of caspase‐3 and the JNK/c‐jun pathway. Inhibition of JNK/c‐jun pathway with its inhibitor SP600125 reversed the phosphorylation of c‐jun and the activation of caspase‐3 induced by co‐treatment of HuH‐7 cells with melatonin and sorafenib in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, SP600125 exhibited protective effect against apoptosis induced by the combination of melatonin and sorafenib. This study demonstrates that melatonin in combination with sorafenib synergistically inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human HCC cells; therefore, supplementation of sorafenib with melatonin may serve as a potential therapeutic choice for advanced HCC.
The ‘English’ Knight: Creating Medieval Transnationalism in Sir Beves of Hamtoun
Authors: Stoyanoff Jeffery G.
Published: February 2017

The Middle English romance Sir Beves of Hamtoun attempts to portray the heroic deeds and feats of its protagonist, Beves, as signifiers of his ‘English’ identity. In order to do so, the narratorial frame of the poem situates Englishness as a characteristic of birth rather than one of action, yet it is clear within the poem that actions are what define a knight. Beves's actions, then, run counter to the implicit claim of the frame. Beves of Hamtoun presents the potential for medieval transnationalism despite its attempts to assert a definitive Englishness. Beves enacts a transnational identity through his interactions with Saracen culture and his eventual marriage to the daughter of the Saracen King Ermin, which leads to a union of English Christian and Saracen and then, eventually, to two sons who are lineally English and yet culturally Saracen. By its end, the narrative demonstrates that identity cannot be determined by birth, nor can it be contained by political borders. Rather, Beves and his heirs are examples of a medieval transnationalism that exists before the modern conception of nation and political identity.
Daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, for hepatitis C virus genotype 3 in a French early access programme
Authors: Hézode Christophe , Lebray Pascal , De Ledinghen Victor , Zoulim Fabien , Di Martino Vincent , Boyer Nathalie , Larrey Dominique , Botta‐Fridlund Danielle , Silvain Christine , Fontaine Hélène , D'Alteroche Louis , Leroy Vincent , Bourliere Marc , Hubert‐Fouchard Isabelle , Guyader Dominique , Rosa Isabelle , Nguyen‐Khac Eric , Fedchuk Larysa , Akremi Raoudha , Bennai Yacia , Filipovics Anne , Zhao Yue , Bronowicki Jean‐Pierre
Published: February 2017

Background & Aims

Optimally effective treatment for hepatitis C virus genotype 3 (GT3) is urgently needed, particularly in advanced liver disease. Daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir was efficacious in phase 3 studies. Real‐world data for daclatasvir+sofosbuvir in advanced GT3 infection are presented from the French Temporary Authorisation for Use programme, which allowed patients in need without other treatment options access to daclatasvir ahead of its market authorization.

Methods

Patients with F3/F4 fibrosis and/or extrahepatic hepatitis C virus manifestations, post‐liver transplant hepatitis C virus recurrence and/or indication for liver/kidney transplant, were treated with daclatasvir+sofosbuvir (60+400 mg daily) for a recommended duration of 24 weeks. Addition of ribavirin and/or shorter treatment was at physician's discretion. The primary efficacy analysis was sustained virological response at post‐treatment week 12 (SVR12; modified intention‐to‐treat). Safety was assessed by spontaneous adverse event reporting.

Results

The efficacy population comprised 333 patients, mostly cirrhotic (77%, of whom 18% were decompensated) and treatment experienced (72%). After 24 weeks of daclatasvir+sofosbuvir, SVR12 was 89% (174/196) overall (95% CI 83.6‐92.5%), 98% (43/44) without cirrhosis (95% CI 88.2‐99.6%) and 86% (129/150) with any degree of cirrhosis (95% CI 79.5‐90.7%), without SVR12 increase in those who received additional ribavirin for 24 weeks (SVR12 82% [50/61; 95% CI 70.5‐89.6%]). Among 516 GT3‐infected patients with safety data, 5 discontinued for adverse events and 11 died.

Conclusions

Daclatasvir+sofosbuvir achieved high SVR12 rates and was well tolerated in this large real‐world cohort of GT3‐infected patients with advanced liver disease, without benefit of ribavirin in those treated 24 weeks.
The efficacy and safety of dual oral therapy with daclatasvir and asunaprevir for genotype 1b in Japanese real‐life settings
Authors: Sezaki Hitomi , Suzuki Fumitaka , Hosaka Tetsuya , Akuta Norio , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Kobayashi Masahiro , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kobayashi Mariko , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: February 2017

Background & Aims

It is important to investigate the treatment outcomes in patients excluded from clinical trials (CTR). The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 24‐week daclatasvir (DCV) and asunaprevir (ASV) therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐1b infection.

Methods

A total of 651 HCV‐1b patients started dual oral therapy with DCV and ASV for 24 weeks in Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo. Among them, 276 patients met phase III CTR inclusion criteria. The sustained virological response (SVR) rate after treatment and the adverse events during therapy were compared between CTR‐met (patients who met the inclusion criteria) and CTR‐unmet (patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria) groups.

Results

SVR12 was achieved in 87.0% (240/276) and 86.7% (325/375) in CTR‐met and CTR‐unmet patients respectively. SVR12 rate in simeprevir‐experienced patients was 52.9% (9/17). SVR12 rate in patients without resistance‐associated variant (RAV) of NS3 or NS5A loci was 93.7% (416/444). However, the SVR12 rates in patients with NS3‐D168, NS5A‐L31 and Y93 single RAV at baseline were 55.0% (11/20), 73.9% (17/23) and 65.6% (63/96) respectively. The safety profiles in both CTR‐met and CTR‐unmet patients were similar. The discontinuation rate as a result of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation was only 2.9%. Seven (2.5%) patients in CTR‐met group and 20 (5.3%) in CTR‐unmet group discontinued therapy because of adverse events other than the ALT elevation.

Conclusions

Dual oral therapy with DCV and ASV in real‐life settings was well tolerated with a similar safety profile and achieved similar SVR12 rates as that of CTR.
Army ant invasions reveal phylogeographic processes across the Isthmus of Panama
Authors: Brady Seán G.
Published: February 2017

Female army ants cannot fly, making them very poor dispersers across water barriers. This dependence on terrestrial corridors motivated the investigation by Winston et al. (), published in this issue of Molecular Ecology, into the role of Panamanian isthmus formation in the diversification of Eciton army ants. Complete closure of this isthmus occurred around three million years ago (3 Ma), but it has also been hypothesized that earlier, temporary land connections facilitated additional colonization events between South and Central America over the past 13 million years or more. The phylogenomic and population genomic analyses by Winston et al. () uncovered multiple incursions of Eciton lineages into Central America between 4 and 7 Ma. Their study contributes to a growing body of evidence arguing that transitory land bridges predating 3 Ma supported substantial intercontinental biotic exchange.
A single‐center, prospective, double‐blind, sham‐controlled, randomized study of the effect of a vibrating capsule on colonic transit in patients with chronic constipation
Authors: Nelson A. D. , Camilleri M. , Acosta A. , Boldingh A. , Busciglio I. , Burton D. , Ryks M. , Zinsmeister A. R.
Published: February 2017

Background

In an open‐label study of 26 patients with IBS‐C and chronic constipation, treatment with a vibrating (VIBRANT) capsule twice a week for 7.5 weeks resulted in 88.5% responders. Effects on colonic transit are unclear. We aimed to compare effects of VIBRANT and sham capsule treatment on colonic transit in patients with functional constipation.

Methods

Patients with functional constipation (Rome III criteria) were randomized to VIBRANT or sham capsule treatment for 8 weeks and underwent scintigraphic colonic transit measurements during week 8. We estimated the overall rate of colonic transit from the slope of progression of colonic geometric center over 48 hours. The capsule was activated 8 hours after ingestion, and the vibration sequence included 240 cycles.

Key Results

There were no significant group differences in overall colonic transit [GC48, 2.76 (IQR 2.42‐4.03) for sham group and 3.46 (2.55‐4.61) for active treatment group (P=.13)]. Additionally, the progression of the isotope through the colon was numerically faster, though not significantly different (slope, P=.14) in the VIBRANT capsule group compared to the sham group. Three participants in the VIBRANT capsule group had accelerated colonic transit at 32 hours and faster colonic transit slope compared to the 95th percentile of the sham group.

Conclusions and Inferences

Although there were no group differences between VIBRANT and sham capsule treatment on colonic transit, at least one (and possibly three) of 12 patients receiving the VIBRANT capsule had faster colonic transit. The vibration parameters to accelerate colonic transit in patients with functional constipation require further optimization.
Perioperative considerations in infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy
Authors: Sinskey Jina L. , Holzman Robert S.
Published: February 2017

Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy is a rare neurological disorder that is universally fatal with life expectancy under 10 years. A 10‐year‐old boy with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy and severe neuromuscular scoliosis underwent posterior spinal fusion following halo traction. He was successfully extubated to bilevel positive airway pressure on postoperative day 3 and discharged home on postoperative day 11. Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy presents several perioperative challenges including concerns for difficult intubation and respiratory dysfunction.
Infrastructure Reporting and State Bond Ratings
Authors: Benson Earl D. , Marks Barry R.
Published: February 2017

Municipal governments are given the choice of two methods for reporting infrastructure assets, the depreciation approach and the modified approach. Using a model that simultaneously estimates a state's bond rating and a state's choice of the modified approach to reporting infrastructure, empirical tests suggest that bond rating agencies evaluate the government‐wide accounting information differently for states that adopt the modified approach compared to states that use depreciation accounting. The use of the modified approach may lead to either a higher or lower bond rating, depending on the level of other accounting measures.
Association of premorbid personality with behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia with Lewy bodies: Comparison with Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Tabata Kazuki , Saijo Yasuaki , Morikawa Fumiyoshi , Naoe Juichiro , Yoshioka Eiji , Kawanishi Yasuyuki , Nakagi Yoshihiko , Yoshida Takahiko
Published: February 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to elucidate the relation between premorbid personality traits and behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients.

Methods

Forty‐one DLB patients and 98 AD patients were assessed for BPSD using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Each patient's midlife personality traits were rated by a family member using the NEO Five‐Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI) questionnaire.

Results

In multiple regression analyses for DLB patients, NPI total score and anxiety were significantly associated with premorbid openness, delusion with premorbid agreeableness, and agitation with premorbid conscientiousness. In AD patients, depression was significantly associated with premorbid neuroticism, and agitation, apathy, and irritability with premorbid agreeableness.

Conclusion

Premorbid personalities affected BPSD differently in DLB and AD. Given the differences in the effects of premorbid personalities on BPSD, additional studies are needed to develop interventions to reduce these symptoms.
Aesthetic ineffability
Authors: Jonas Silvia
Published: February 2017

This essay provides an overview of the ways in which contemporary philosophers have tried to make sense of ineffability as encountered in aesthetic contexts. Section 1 sets up the problem of aesthetic ineffability by putting it into historical perspective. Section 2 specifies the kinds of questions that may be raised with regard to aesthetic ineffability, as well as the kinds of answer each one of those questions would require. Section 3 investigates arguments that seek to locate aesthetic ineffability within the object of aesthetic experiences, i.e. within aesthetic content. Section 4 discusses arguments that seek to locate aesthetic ineffability within the subject of aesthetic experience.
Concepts of God and Models of the God–world relation
Authors: Göcke Benedikt Paul
Published: February 2017

There is a variety of concepts of the divine in the eastern and western theological and philosophical traditions. There is, however, not enough reflection on the logic behind concepts of God and their justification. I clarify some necessary and sufficient conditions any attempt to explicate a concept of God has to take into account. I argue that each concept of God is a cypher for a particular worldview and distinguishes three types of justification frequently used to bestow content on particular concepts of God: philosophical, theological, and scientific. I turn to four fundamental models of the God–world relation and argue that the most promising concept of God is panentheistic, on which the universe is essentially divine but is not exhaustive of the divine being.
Political realism and international relations
Authors: Bell Duncan
Published: February 2017

In this article, I explore recent work on realist political theory and international politics. I discuss how scholarship on the topic emanates from two different fields—International Relations and political philosophy—and argue that there is a good case for greater engagement between them. I open by delineating various kinds of realism, showing that the term covers a wide variety of methodological and political approaches. In particular, I suggest, it is important to recognize the difference between liberal and radical approaches. The remainder of the essay examines assorted examples of realist international political theorizing, work that ranges from attempts to rewrite the canon of 20th century political thought to contributions to the vibrant global justice debates.
Antigenotoxic Effect Against Ultraviolet Radiation‐induced DNA Damage of the Essential Oils from Lippia Species
Authors: Quintero Ruiz Nathalia , Córdoba Campo Yuri , Stashenko Elena E. , Fuentes Jorge Luis
Published: February 2017

The antigenotoxicity against ultraviolet radiation (UV)‐induced DNA damage of essential oils (EO) from Lippia species was studied using SOS Chromotest. Based on the minimum concentration that significantly inhibits genotoxicity, the genoprotective potential of EO from highest to lowest was Lippia graveolens, thymol‐RC ≈ Lippia origanoides, carvacrol‐RC ≈ L. origanoides, thymol‐RC > Lippia alba, citral‐RC ≈ Lippia citriodora, citral‐RC ≈ Lippia micromera, thymol‐RC > L. alba, myrcenone‐RC. EO from L. alba, carvone/limonene‐RC, L. origanoides, α‐phellandrene‐RC and L. dulcis, trans‐β‐caryophyllene‐RC did not reduce the UV genotoxicity at any of the doses tested. A gas chromatography with flame ionization detection analysis (GC‐FID) was conducted to evaluate the solubility of the major EO constituents under our experimental conditions. GC‐FID analysis showed that, at least partially, major EO constituents were water‐soluble and therefore, they were related with the antigenotoxicity detected for EO. Constituents such as p‐cymene, geraniol, carvacrol, thymol, citral and 1,8‐cineole showed antigenotoxicity. The antioxidant activity of EO constituents was also determined using the oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) assay. The results showed that the antigenotoxicity of the EO constituents was unconnected with their antioxidant activity. The antigenotoxicity to different constituent binary mixtures suggests that synergistic effects can occur in some of the studied EO.
The effect of some cryoprotectants on dromedary camel frozen‐thawed semen
Authors: El‐Badry DA , Mohamed RH , EL‐Metwally HA , Abo Al‐Naga TR
Published: February 2017

Contents

The cryopreserved camel semen is often associated with poor quality and fertility. This study aimed to improve the dromedary frozen semen quality by comparing the efficiency of four cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) on sperm freezability. Semen samples were collected from seven male Maghrabi camels, diluted with Shotor diluent supplemented with glycerol (Sh‐G), dimethyl formamide (DMF, Sh‐DF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, Sh‐DS) or ethylene glycol (EG, Sh‐EG), all at 6% final concentration, and the samples were subjected to cryopreservation. The results revealed the superiority of Sh‐DF over Sh‐G and Sh‐DS in terms of post‐thaw motility (55.83 ± 2.20 vs. 47.50 ± 4.33 and 45.00 ± 2.89%, respectively), sperm membrane (49.00 ± 0.58, 39.33 ± 3.33 and 42.67 ± 1.45%, respectively) and acrosomal integrities (53.00 ± 0.58, 57.33 ± 0.88 and 52.33 ± 1.45%, respectively). Sh‐EG group showed the lowest post‐thaw motility, plasma membrane and acrosome integrities (12.50 ± 1.44, 22.67 ± 1.45 and 30.67 ± 1.45, respectively). In conclusion, the protocols of dromedary camel semen cryopreservation could be enhanced using 6% DMF as a cryoprotectant agent.
Uterine serpin (SERPINA 14) correlates negatively with cytokine production at the foetal–maternal interface but not in the corpus luteum in pregnant dairy heifers experimentally infected with Neospora caninum
Authors: Serrano‐Pérez B , Almería S , Mur‐Novales R , López‐Helguera I , Garcia‐Ispierto I , Alabart JL , Darwich L , López‐Gatius F
Published: February 2017

Contents

This study examines gene expression patterns in dairy heifers experimentally infected with N. caninum during on Day 110 of pregnancy with live foetuses at euthanasia, 42 days later. The study population was constituted of four non‐infected controls and three infected dams. Gene expression was determined on gamma interferon (IFNγ), (Th1 pro‐inflammatory cytokine), interleukin‐4 (IL4) (Th2 pro‐gestation cytokine) or interleukin‐10 (IL10) (T regulatory cytokine) and the serine peptidase inhibitor SERPINA14 in intercaruncular, placental, uterine lymph node (UTLN) and luteal tissue samples. Intercaruncular SERPINA14 expression was negatively correlated with IFNγ expression in cotyledon samples and with IL4 expression in UTLN. No relationships were detected between cytokine gene expression at the foetal–maternal interface and SERPINA14 expression in the luteal samples. Our findings suggest that gene expression of the uterine serpin SERPINA14 correlates negatively with the expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines at the foetal–maternal interface but not in the corpus luteum.
A Bayesian Information Criterion for Singular Models
Authors: Drton Mathias , Plummer Martyn
Published: February 2017

We consider approximate Bayesian model choice for model selection problems that involve models whose Fisher information matrices may fail to be invertible along other competing submodels. Such singular models do not obey the regularity conditions underlying the derivation of Schwarz's Bayesian information criterion BIC and the penalty structure in BIC generally does not reflect the frequentist large sample behaviour of the marginal likelihood. Although large sample theory for the marginal likelihood of singular models has been developed recently, the resulting approximations depend on the true parameter value and lead to a paradox of circular reasoning. Guided by examples such as determining the number of components in mixture models, the number of factors in latent factor models or the rank in reduced rank regression, we propose a resolution to this paradox and give a practical extension of BIC for singular model selection problems.
Structure Learning of Contextual Markov Networks using Marginal Pseudo‐likelihood
Authors: Pensar Johan , Nyman Henrik , Corander Jukka
Published: February 2017

Markov networks are popular models for discrete multivariate systems where the dependence structure of the variables is specified by an undirected graph. To allow for more expressive dependence structures, several generalizations of Markov networks have been proposed. Here, we consider the class of contextual Markov networks which takes into account possible context‐specific independences among pairs of variables. Structure learning of contextual Markov networks is very challenging due to the extremely large number of possible structures. One of the main challenges has been to design a score, by which a structure can be assessed in terms of model fit related to complexity, without assuming chordality. Here, we introduce the marginal pseudo‐likelihood as an analytically tractable criterion for general contextual Markov networks. Our criterion is shown to yield a consistent structure estimator. Experiments demonstrate the favourable properties of our method in terms of predictive accuracy of the inferred models.
Using Video Game Telemetry Data to Research Motor Chunking, Action Latencies, and Complex Cognitive‐Motor Skill Learning
Authors: Thompson Joseph J. , McColeman C. M. , Stepanova Ekaterina R. , Blair Mark R.
Published: February 2017

Many theories of complex cognitive‐motor skill learning are built on the notion that basic cognitive processes group actions into easy‐to‐perform sequences. The present work examines predictions derived from laboratory‐based studies of motor chunking and motor preparation using data collected from the real‐time strategy video game StarCraft 2. We examined 996,163 action sequences in the telemetry data of 3,317 players across seven levels of skill. As predicted, the latency to the first action (thought to be the beginning of a chunked sequence) is delayed relative to the other actions in the group. Other predictions, inspired by the memory drum theory of Henry and Rogers, received only weak support.
What Has the Study of Digital Games Contributed to the Science of Expert Behavior?
Authors: Charness Neil
Published: February 2017

I review the historical context for modeling skilled performance in games. Using Newell's (1990) concept of time bands for explaining cognitive behavior, I categorize the current papers in terms of time scales, type of data, and analysis methodologies. I discuss strengths and weaknesses of these approaches for describing skill acquisition and why the study of digital games can address the challenges of replication and generalizability. Cognitive science needs to pay closer attention to population representativeness to enhance generalizability of findings, and to the social band of explanation, in order to explain why so few individuals reach expert levels of performance.
Serosurvey ofCoxiella burnetii(Q fever) in Dromedary Camels(Camelus dromedarius)in Laikipia County, Kenya
Authors: Browne A. S. , Fèvre E. M. , Kinnaird M. , Muloi D. M. , Wang C. A. , Larsen P. S. , O'Brien T. , Deem S. L.
Published: February 2017

Dromedary camels(Camelus dromedarius)are an important protein source for people in semi‐arid and arid regions of Africa. In Kenya, camel populations have grown dramatically in the past few decades resulting in the potential for increased disease transmission between humans and camels. An estimated four million Kenyans drink unpasteurized camel milk, which poses a disease risk. We evaluated the seroprevalence of a significant zoonotic pathogen,Coxiella burnetii(Q fever), among 334 camels from nine herds in Laikipia County, Kenya. Serum testing revealed 18.6% positive seroprevalence ofCoxiella burnetii(n = 344). Increasing camel age was positively associated withC. burnetiiseroprevalence (OR = 5.36). Our study confirmed that camels living in Laikipia County, Kenya, have been exposed to the zoonotic pathogen,C. burnetii. Further research to evaluate the role of camels in disease transmission to other livestock, wildlife and humans in Kenya should be conducted.
Interculturalism and Teaching Music in Grammar Schools
Authors: Begić Amir , Begić Jasna Šulentić , Pušić Ivana
Published: February 2017

The concept of intercultural education should be aimed at better understanding of ourselves and others, discovering similarities and differences, recognizing preconceptions, and cooperation in accomplishing our common goals. Intercultural education can be very useful in resolving the issues that arise when different groups live together. Also, intercultural education may benefit the process of getting to know and better understand other cultures and the development of successful communication between cultures. Music courses in grammar schools may contribute to students’ intercultural education, because music is an area in which cultural competence can develop significantly. During the December of 2014, for the purposes of this paper, a research study was conducted in a Croatian general programme grammar school. The goal of the study was to determine the students’ attitudes toward interculturalism, their attitudes on music courses with regard to interculturalism, and are there any differences in the attitudes and intercultural awareness between first grade students and fourth grade students at the grammar school. A survey questionnaire was used to conduct an anonymous survey among first and fourth grade students. The results of the study have shown that both the first and fourth grade students are aware that they are living in a multicultural environment, as well as that there are examples of certain forms of intolerance towards members of other cultures who share their living surroundings. When compared to fourth grade students, first grade students generally have more positive attitudes toward interculturalism. According to the students’ opinions, music courses at the grammar school could be more focused on getting to know the music and musical traditions of the people from other continents. Complementing the syllabus with music from different cultures and from all the continents would contribute to the development of more positive students’ attitudes toward interculturalism and help with the realization of goals set by the premise of intercultural education.
The extremal secant conjecture for curves of arbitrary gonality
Authors: Kemeny Michael
Published: February 2017

We prove the Green–Lazarsfeld secant conjecture [Green and Lazarsfeld, On the projective normality of complete linear series on an algebraic curve, Invent. Math. 83 (1986), 73–90; Conjecture (3.4)] for extremal line bundles on curves of arbitrary gonality, subject to explicit genericity assumptions.