bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life in Hand Eczema Questionnaire: Validation of the Japanese version of a disease‐specific measure of quality of life for hand eczema patients
Authors: Minamoto Keiko , Diepgen Thomas L. , Sato Keiko , Noguchi Hiromitsu , Yamashita Naoko , Yoshimura Kazuko , Ofenloch Robert F.
Published: September 2018

Hand eczema (HE) is a common skin disease that impairs health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Impairments in HRQOL have already been reported in Japanese HE patients using the Skindex‐16. Recently, an instrument to measure disease‐specific HRQOL in HE patients was developed by an international expert group, consisting of domains for: (i) symptoms; (ii) emotions; (iii) functioning; and (iv) treatment and prevention. The objective of this study is to translate the English‐language version of the Quality of Life Hand Eczema Questionnaire (QOLHEQ) to Japanese and then to validate the Japanese version. The Japanese version of the QOLHEQ, the Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) and a questionnaire regarding basic demographic information, including patient ratings of HE severity, were distributed to Japanese HE patients. Additionally, a dermatologist evaluated patients’ HE severity using the Physician Global Assessment. A total of 124 patients with a mean age of 43.7 years were included in the analysis, and 78% of the sample was female. Cronbach's alphas for the domains symptoms, emotions, functioning, and treatment and prevention were 0.76, 0.89, 0.88 and 0.81, respectively. The total QOLHEQ score showed a strong correlation with the DLQI, a moderate correlation with patient‐rated severity and weak correlations with dermatologist‐rated severity and the number of consultations. The Japanese version of the QOLHEQ showed excellent reliability and high validity. The Japanese version of the QOLHEQ is ready for use in epidemiological studies to evaluate HRQOL impairments in HE patients.
Structural traits dictate abiotic stress amelioration by intertidal oysters
Authors: McAfee Dominic , Bishop Melanie J. , Yu Tai‐Nga , Williams Gray A.
Published: September 2018

Autogenic ecosystem engineers often provide cool microhabitats which are used by associated organisms to reduce thermal extremes. The value of such habitats is, however, dependent on key structural traits of the ecosystem engineer, and the intensity and duration of thermal exposure.

Using an experimental mesocosm that mimicked the rocky intertidal environment, we assessed how the spatial configuration of the habitat formed by an autogenic ecosystem engineer, the oyster, influences its capacity to mitigate heat stress experienced by invertebrates during simulated emersion periods on tropical, Hong Kong rocky shores.

At the average temperature experienced during summer low tides, oyster habitat ameliorated environmental and organismal temperatures, irrespective of the structural configuration of the oyster bed. As temperatures increased, however, vertically orientated oysters provided microclimates that facilitated cooler invertebrate body temperatures than horizontal beds, which no longer conferred any associational benefit as compared to bare rock surfaces.

In the absence of oysters, physiological indicators of stress to associated organisms (i.e., heart rate and osmolality) increased with the intensity and duration of exposure to high temperatures. Such effects were, however, mitigated by association with vertical but not horizontal oyster configurations. In contrast, the osmolality of the oysters was not related to temperature, suggesting they remained in a state of metabolic quiescence throughout emersion.

Structural traits such as the spatial configuration of ecosystem engineers are therefore critical to their effectiveness in environmental amelioration. As such, variations in the morphological traits of ecosystem engineers, which have important implications for their ecological role, need to be incorporated into conservation and restoration projects aimed at climate change adaptation.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Writing on the Wall: Street Art in Graffiti‐free Singapore
Authors: Chang T.C.
Published: September 2018

The legalization of graffiti in many cities has impacted urban landscapes and the way artists and the public view graffiti, street art and the city as well. This article considers the genesis, process and consequences of legal walls programmes firstly by introducing and differentiating the key terms ‘graffiti’, ‘street art’ and ‘legal walls’, then by examining an empirical case, that of Singapore. Renowned as a graffiti‐averse and litter‐free city, Singapore's recent about‐turn in legalizing illicit art forms illustrates changing government perspectives on creativity and legality in the country. Why the government has effected this change, how artists and members of the public have responded to it and the resultant art forms are critically explored. The conclusion reflects on four key lessons from Singapore for cities in general.
Sweet fish: Fish models for the study of hyperglycemia and diabetes
Authors: Krishnan Jaya , Rohner Nicolas
Published: September 2018

Fish are good for your health in more ways than you may expect. For one, eating fish is a common dietary recommendation for a healthy diet. However, fish have much more to provide than omega‐3 fatty acids to your circulatory system. Some fish species now serve as important and innovative model systems for diabetes research, providing novel and unique advantages compared with classical research models. Not surprisingly, the largest share of diabetes research in fish occurs in the laboratory workhorse among fish, the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Established as a genetic model system to study development, these small cyprinid fish have eventually conquered almost every scientific discipline and, over the past decade, have emerged as an important model system for metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus. In this review we highlight the practicability of using zebrafish to study diabetes and hyperglycemia, and summarize some of the recent research and breakthroughs made using this model. Equally exciting is the appearance of another emerging discipline, one that is taking advantage of evolution by studying cases of naturally occurring insulin resistance in fish species. We briefly discuss two such models in this review, namely the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus).
Tumor microenvironmental factors have prognostic significances in advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Ahn Bokyung , Chae Yang‐Seok , Kim Chul Hwan , Lee Youngseok , Lee Jeong Hyeon , Kim Joo Young
Published: September 2018

Tumor microenvironment is important in the progression and survival of cancer cells. We evaluated the prognostic significance of tumor stroma percentage (TSP), Klintrup–Mäkinen (KM) grade, which reflects the density of inflammatory cells of the tumor, and Glasgow microenvironment score (GMS), a combination of TSP and KM grade, in advanced gastric cancers. A total of 196 pT3 and pT4 gastric cancers were histologically evaluated using TSP, KM grade, and GMS. These were correlated with other clinicopathologic factors including patients’ survival. High TSP (78 cases), low KM grade (124 cases), and higher GMS (score 0, 72 cases; 1, 53 cases; and 2, 71 cases) were correlated with poor differentiation, diffuse type, presence of lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and lymph node metastasis. High TSP was significantly correlated with low KM grade (p < 0.001). High TSP (HR, 3.079, 95% CI, 1.612–5.883, p = 0.001), low KM grade (3.201, 1.774–5.776, p < 0.001), and higher GMS (12.274, 3.684–40.895, p < 0.001) were independent poor prognostic factors. TSP, KM grade, and GMS are significantly associated with clinicopathologic behavior and patients’ survival. Assessing these factors is a feasible and cost‐effective way to identify tumor microenvironment with different biological features and prognosis of gastric cancer patients.
An IRS‐facilitated collective issue‐quest approach to enhancing students’ learning achievement, self‐regulation and collective efficacy in flipped classrooms
Authors: Chen Pei‐Ying , Hwang Gwo‐Jen
Published: September 2018

Flipped classrooms have been recognized as a potential approach that enables students to have flexible time to learn before the class as well as more opportunities to apply knowledge and to interact with peers and the teacher in the class. On the other hand, researchers have pointed out the challenge of engaging students in self‐regulated learning and active participation in flipped classrooms. In this study, an Instant Response System (IRS)‐facilitated collective issue‐quest strategy is proposed for engaging students in active and self‐regulated flipped learning. Moreover, a quasi‐experimental design was conducted with undergraduate students in an internet marketing course in northern Taiwan to investigate the impacts of the proposed approach on the students’ learning achievement, self‐regulation, learning satisfaction and collective efficacy. The experimental results revealed that the learning achievement, collective efficacy and satisfaction of the students who learned with the proposed approach were significantly better than those of the students learning with the conventional flipped classroom approach. Moreover, in the “environment,” “task strategies” and “help seeking” dimensions of self‐regulation, the former had significantly higher ratings than the latter. This study contributes analysis results that highlight the benefits of implementing the IRS‐facilitated collective issue‐quest approach in the flipped classroom. The results of this research may provide a valuable reference for future studies and practice in the field.
Recommended practices to organize and deliver school‐based services for children with disabilities: A scoping review
Authors: Anaby Dana R. , Campbell Wenonah N. , Missiuna Cheryl , Shaw Steven R. , Bennett Sheila , Khan Sitara , Tremblay Stephanie , Kalubi‐Lukusa Jean‐Claude , Camden Chantal ,   GOLDs (Group for Optimizing Leadership and Delivering Services)
Published: September 2018

Background

Inclusive educational environments can have a positive effect on the general health and well‐being of children with disabilities. However, their level of academic success and participation remains limited. Considering scarce resources and high needs, identifying efficient methods for providing interdisciplinary services is critical. This scoping review, therefore, aims to (a) synthesize current evidence about principles for organizing and delivering interdisciplinary school‐based support services for students with disabilities and (b) ascertain useful strategies for implementation of principles in the school setting.

Methods

Scholarly and grey literature in rehabilitation and education were reviewed collaboratively with school‐based stakeholders. A search of five databases identified 13,141 references and resulted in 56 relevant articles published from 1998 to 2017. Information (e.g., principles to organize services and strategies for implementation) was extracted, and thematic analysis was used to summarize findings.

Results

Within the documents retained, 65% were scientific and 35% were grey. Services primarily targeted students with behavioral issues, followed by those with cognitive and learning disabilities with a focus on improving social–emotional functioning and academic performance. Thematic analysis revealed 10 common principles to guide service organization (e.g., collaborative interventions and support for teachers) and seven implementation strategies (e.g., training and coordination) for employing these principles.

Conclusions

Findings can guide rehabilitation professionals, educators, and policy makers in restructuring well‐coordinated collaborative services involving training and capacity‐building of school‐based service providers. Such knowledge can contribute to the improved provision of care and, consequently, promote children's school participation and inclusion.
Effect of titanium surface functionalization with bioactive glass on osseointegration: An experimental study in dogs
Authors: Soares Priscilla Barbosa Ferreira , Moura Camilla Christian Gomes , Chinaglia Clever Ricardo , Zanotto Edgar Dutra , Zanetta‐Barbosa Darceny , Stavropoulos Andreas
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of surface functionalization with bioactive glass BSF18 on the osseointegration of sandblasted and dual acid‐etched surface (AE) implants.

Methods and Materials

Forty Morse taper implants with an AE surface as controls (C) or with an AE surface functionalized with BSF18 (BF) were placed in the mandibles of 10 beagles. Implants were analyzed after 2 and 4 weeks of healing. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were registered immediately after installation and prior to sacrifice. Samples were analyzed for bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and bone density (BD). The characterization of BF implants included surface roughness analysis with atomic force microscopy and contact angle (CA) analysis to evaluate wettability. Data were analyzed using two‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05).

Results

Surface roughness was not affected by BF treatment. CA was lower in the BF group compared to the C group. No significant difference was observed in ISQ values between surfaces (p = 0,231), irrespective of time. Significantly higher ISQ values were observed for both implants after 4 weeks when compared with baseline (p = 0.04). Significantly higher BIC (p = 0.011) and BD (p = 0.025) values were observed for the BF compared to the C group at 2 weeks. Significantly higher BIC (p = 0.030) and BD (p = 0.015) values for the C group were observed at 4 weeks compared to 2 weeks. No significant difference was observed in the BF group between 2 and 4 weeks.

Conclusions

Implant functionalization with BSF18 improved the wettability of the implant surface; enhancing BIC and BD at 2 weeks.
Losartan reverses impaired osseointegration in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Mulinari-Santos Gabriel , de Souza Batista Fábio Roberto , Kirchweger Franziska , Tangl Stefan , Gruber Reinhard , Okamoto Roberta
Published: September 2018

Objective

Hypertension is not only associated with cardiovascular diseases but also with alterations in bone quality. Hypertension therefore might be a risk factor for osseointegration. Preclinical studies suggest that losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker widely used to treat hypertension, has a beneficial effect in graft consolidation. Here, we determine the effect of hypertension and losartan on osseointegration.

Methods

We used spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar albinus rats receiving losartan (30 mg/kg, p.o.) or left untreated. After 1 week, titanium miniscrews were inserted into the tibia. Sixty days after implantation, implant stability was evaluated by removal torque measurement considered the primary endpoint. Microcomputed tomography and histomorphometric analysis were secondary endpoints.

Results

Losartan increased the removal torque in the hypertensive SHR group to levels of the Wistar controls. While the cortical parameters of osseointegration remained unchanged, losartan increased medullary bone formation. Microcomputed tomography revealed a higher bone volume per tissue volume and trabecular thickness in the SHR rats treated with losartan. Histomorphometric analysis further showed that losartan significantly increased the thickness of newly formed bone in medullary area in hypertensive SHR rats. Losartan did not significantly alter the parameters of osseointegration in normotensive rats.

Conclusions

The data presented suggest that the angiotensin II receptor antagonist losartan increases the medullary parameters of osseointegration in a tibia model of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Considering the study limitations, understanding the impact of hypertension and the respective drugs on osseointegration requires further research.
COUPLING COUPLES WITH COPULAS: ANALYSIS OF ASSORTATIVE MATCHING ON RISK ATTITUDE
Authors: Nikoloulopoulos Aristidis K. , Moffatt Peter G.
Published: September 2018

We investigate patterns of assortative matching on risk attitude, using self‐reported (ordinal) data on risk attitudes for males and females within married couples, from the German Socio‐Economic Panel over the period 2004–2012. We apply a novel copula‐based bivariate panel ordinal model. Estimation is in two steps: first, a copula‐based Markov model is used to relate the marginal distribution of the response in different time periods, separately for males and females; second, another copula is used to couple the males' and females' conditional (on the past) distributions. We find positive dependence, both in the middle of the distribution, and in the joint tails, and we interpret this as positive assortative matching (PAM). Hence we reject standard assortative matching theories based on risk‐sharing assumptions, and favor models based on alternative assumptions such as the ability of agents to control income risk. We also find evidence of “assimilation”; that is, PAM appearing to increase with years of marriage. (JEL C33, C51, D81)
Phylogeography of the highly invasive sugar beet nematode, Heterodera schachtii (Schmidt, 1871), based on microsatellites
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Ni Gang , Kim Taeho , Chun Jae‐Yong , Kern Elizabeth M. A. , Park Joong‐Ki
Published: September 2018

Plant‐parasitic nematodes (PPNs) threaten crop production worldwide. Yet few studies have examined their intraspecific genetic diversity or patterns of invasion, critical data for managing the spread of these cryptic pests. The sugar beet nematode Heterodera schachtii, a global invader that parasitizes over 200 plant species, represents a model for addressing important questions about the invasion genetics of PPNs. Here, a phylogeographic study using 15 microsatellite markers was conducted on 231 H. schachtii individuals sampled from four continents, and invasion history was reconstructed through an approximate Bayesian computation approach, with emphasis on the origin of newly discovered populations in Korea. Multiple analyses confirmed the existence of cryptic lineages within this species, with the Korean populations comprising one group (group 1) and the populations from Europe, Australia, North America, and western Asia comprising another (group 2). No multilocus genotypes were shared between the two groups, and large genetic distance was inferred between them. Population subdivision was also revealed among the populations of group 2 in both population comparison and STRUCTURE analyses, mostly due to different divergent times between invasive and source populations. The Korean populations showed substantial genetic homogeneity and likely originated from a single invasion event. However, none of the other studied populations were implicated as the source. Further studies with additional populations are needed to better describe the distribution of the potential source population for the East Asian lineage.
The effect of adherent thickness on fatigue life of adhesively bonded joints
Authors: Shahani Amir Reza , Pourhosseini Seyed Majid
Published: September 2018

The effect of adherent thickness on the fatigue performance, fatigue limit, and failure mode of adhesively bonded thin aluminum single lap joint (SLJ) was experimentally and numerically investigated. High‐cycle fatigue tests were performed, and fatigue life was estimated using various fatigue criteria and finite element modeling. Based on the experimental results, increase in adherent thickness leads to increase in fatigue limit. In addition, failure location changes from adhesive to adherent by increasing the adherent thickness. It seems that in adherent failure, selecting a sheet with higher fatigue strength is required to achieve higher fatigue life. Also, based on the analysis of different fatigue criteria, Smith‐Watson‐Topper criterion could predict the joint fatigue life more accurately by considering the mean stress effect and the plastic strain. Finally, as an important result, an unsymmetrical SLJ specimen was evaluated as an industrial case study, and the empirical estimated life was consistent with the experimental results.
Energy dynamics of subyearling Chinook salmon reveal the importance of piscivory to short‐term growth during early marine residence
Authors: Litz Marisa N. C. , Miller Jessica A. , Brodeur Richard D. , Daly Elizabeth A. , Weitkamp Laurie A. , Hansen Adam G. , Claiborne Andrew M.
Published: September 2018

Variation in prey quantity and quality can influence growth and survival of marine predators, including anadromous fish that migrate from freshwater systems. The objective of this study was to examine the energy dynamics of subyearling Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) following freshwater emigration. To address this objective, a population of Chinook salmon and their marine prey were repeatedly sampled from June to September over 2 years in coastal waters off Oregon and Washington. Subyearlings from the same population were also reared under laboratory conditions. Using a bioenergetics model evaluated in the laboratory, we found that growth rate variability in the field was associated more with differences in northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) consumption and less with variation in diet energy density or ocean temperature. Highest growth rates (2.43–3.22% body weight/day) occurred in months when anchovy biomass peaked, and the timing of peak anchovy biomass varied by year. Our results support a general pattern among subyearling Chinook salmon occurring from Alaska to California that feeding rates contribute most to growth rate variability during early marine residence, although dominant prey types can differ seasonally, annually, or by ecosystem. In the northern California Current, faster growth appears to be associated with the availability of age‐0 anchovy. Identifying factors that influence the seasonal development of the prey field and regulate prey quantity and quality will improve understanding of salmon growth and survival during early marine residence.
Preadmission frailty status as a powerful predictor of dependency after discharge among hospitalized older patients: A clinical‐based prospective study
Authors: Koyama Shingo , Katata Hironobu , Ishiyama Daisuke , Komatsu Takuma , Fujimoto Junko , Suzuki Mizue , Yamada Minoru , Yamatoku Masato
Published: September 2018

Aim

Frailty is a predictor of several adverse health outcomes in older adults. However, the relationship between preadmission frailty status and the incidence of dependency after discharge in hospitalized older patients remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine whether preadmission frailty status can predict dependency after discharge among hospitalized older patients.

Methods

We analyzed the cohort data for hospitalized older patients (aged ≥65 years) with internal medical problems obtained from a prospective study. The main outcome was the incidence of dependency from admission to a month after discharge. The frailty status was assessed using the Kihon Checklist. We defined scores of ≥8 as frail, 4–7 as pre‐frail and 0–3 as robust. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratios and confidence intervals of the relationships between preadmission frailty status and the incidence of dependency.

Results

A total of 151 participants who completed follow ups were analyzed (mean age 77.2 years [SD 6.9 years]). The prevalence of frailty, pre‐frailty and robust was 22.5%, 37.8% and 39.7%, respectively. During the follow‐up period, 39 participants (25.8%) had an incidence of dependency. Participants with frailty (adjusted hazard ratio 4.29, 95% confidence interval 1.72–10.69) had a significantly elevated incidence of dependency compared with that of robust participants. Participants with pre‐frailty (adjusted hazard ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval 0.51–10.69) had no significantly elevated incidence of dependency compared with robust participants.

Conclusions

The preadmission frailty status using the Kihon Checklist can predict the incidence of dependency after discharge among hospitalized older patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1609–1613.
Reciprocating instrumentation in a maxillary primary central incisor: A protocol tested in a 3D printed prototype
Authors: Moraes Rafael dos Reis , Santos Thaís Maria Pires dos , Marceliano‐Alves Marília Fagury , Pintor Andreá Vaz Braga , Lopes Ricardo Tadeu , Primo Laura Guimarães , Neves Aline de Almeida
Published: September 2018

Background

Efficient endodontic instrumentation of primary teeth is a challenge for paediatric dentists.

Aim

To evaluate biomechanical outcomes of endodontic instrumentation with a reciprocating system in a polymer‐prototyped primary maxillary central incisor.

Design

The specimen was systematically instrumented and micro‐CTscanned before and after each file. The amount of debris, percentage of non‐instrumented areas, removed dentin volume, and lower dentin thickness at specific points along the root canal were analyzed.

Results

A 10% increase in removed dentin volume was observed when R40 was compared to R25 (14.5% vs 4.2%). When comparing R50 with R40, this increase was only 3.4% (17.9% vs 14.5%). In the root cervical third, there was substantial reduction in dentin thickness with R50 (48.8%), followed by R40 (39.5%) and R25 (18.6%). There was no difference between R25 and R40 in the removal of dentin at the apical third (15.8%), while R50 resulted in 39.8% reduction in dentin thickness. Percentage of non‐instrumented areas were the same for all files. Accumulated debris with R40 and R50 was the same (0.19 mm³) while for R25 was 0.11 mm³.

Conclusions

The Reciproc®system was effective for instrumentation of a prototyped primary maxillary central incisor. The most suitable file for apical preparation was R40.
Studying the effects of computer serious games on people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder: A systematic literature review
Authors: Tsikinas Stavros , Xinogalos Stelios
Published: September 2018

This study examines the available literature on the effects of serious games on people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder. The studies were categorized based on the limitations in skills that these people address. Fifty‐four studies were selected, from different data sources. These studies address limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. The results showed that the majority of studies on the effects of serious games for people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder had a positive impact. Also, most studies for people with autism aim to improve social and communicational skills, whereas conceptual and cognitive skills were mainly observed in studies for people with intellectual disabilities. Although this study covers serious games in all platforms or delivery systems, the overwhelming majority of the presented studies include computer serious games. Computer‐assisted learning through serious games is considered quite promising for people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.
Chalk and talk versus flipped learning: A case study
Authors: Maycock Keith W.
Published: September 2018

The case study was carried out at a third‐level college in Ireland to investigate the performance of a student population completing a first year computer architecture module using a flipped learning approach against a traditional chalk and talk approach. The study was completed over a 2‐year period with the same lecturer delivering both approaches to two independent groups. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was performed to understand whether the terminal exam and continuous assessment performance, measured on a continuous scale from 0 to 100, differed based on pedagogy design. The dependent variable was selected as the assessment component, whereas the independent variable was the pedagogy design, with two distinct groups: flipped learning and chalk and talk. The study found that the chalk and talk cohort outperformed the flipped learning cohort in the terminal examination, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05), but observed a small effect size of 3.6% over the population. It was also found that the reverse was true for the continuous assessment instrument, whereby the flipped learning cohort outperformed the chalk and talk cohort. This difference was also found to be statistically significant (p < 0.0005) with a small effect size of 9.6%.
Reply to “Long sleep duration: An epiphenomenon or a risk for dementia?”
Authors: Ohara Tomoyuki , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: September 2018

This letter comments on the letter by Michiaki Nagai et al
Connecting the brain cholesterol and renin–angiotensin systems: potential role of statins and RAS‐modifying medications in dementia
Authors: Petek B. , Villa‐Lopez M. , Loera‐Valencia R. , Gerenu G. , Winblad B. , Kramberger M. G. , Ismail M.‐A.‐M. , Eriksdotter M. , Garcia‐Ptacek S.
Published: September 2018

Millions of people worldwide receive agents targeting the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) to treat hypertension or statins to lower cholesterol. The RAS and cholesterol metabolic pathways in the brain are autonomous from their systemic counterparts and are interrelated through the cholesterol metabolite 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐OHC). These systems contribute to memory and dementia pathogenesis through interference in the amyloid‐beta cascade, vascular mechanisms, glucose metabolism, apoptosis, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Previous studies examining the relationship between these treatments and cognition and dementia risk have produced inconsistent results. Defining the blood–brain barrier penetration of these medications has been challenging, and the mechanisms of action on cognition are not clearly established. Potential biases are apparent in epidemiological and clinical studies, such as reverse epidemiology, indication bias, problems defining medication exposure, uncertain and changing doses, and inappropriate grouping of outcomes and medications. This review summarizes current knowledge of the brain cholesterol and RAS metabolism and the mechanisms by which these pathways affect neurodegeneration. The putative mechanisms of action of statins and medications inhibiting the RAS will be examined, together with prior clinical and animal studies on their effects on cognition. We review prior epidemiological studies, analysing their strengths and biases, and identify areas for future research. Understanding the pathophysiology of the brain cholesterol system and RAS and their links to neurodegeneration has enormous potential. In future, well‐designed epidemiological studies could identify potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) amongst medications that are already in use for other indications.
Fathead minnow reproduction: Implications for commercial culture
Authors: Stone Nathan M. , Roy Luke A. , Park Eric D.
Published: September 2018

The fathead minnow,Pimephales promelas, is widely used as a bait, forage, and research fish in the United States. A hardy and fecund fish, this species has many attributes that are excellent for culture. Unfortunately, despite the widespread use of fathead minnows in toxicity testing and thousands of resulting publications, relatively little aquaculture‐related research has been conducted in support of commercial production. On the surface, current commercial fathead minnow production practices appear much the same as those of a decade ago. However, producers continue to refine culture methods, balancing broodfish stocking rates, spawning substrate quantity, and feeding rates in an attempt to meet both losses to predators and market demand. This review examines relevant reproduction‐related studies in the fields of ecology, behavior, toxicology, and aquaculture with the goal of advancing fathead minnow culture. In fathead minnow production, relative to the culture of food fish species, reproduction is vital, more so than rapid growth or a low feed conversion ratio. Fish numbers may exceed 1 million fish/ha, while feeding rates are relatively low and in feeder fish production, growth is deliberately restrained in order to maintain fish within market sizes year‐round. Underappreciated factors identified as affecting reproduction and with implications for commercial culture include: (a) poor egg adhesion to commonly used spawning substrates, (b) egg and fry cannibalism at high fish densities, and (c) the relatively short breeding period of individual males. Results highlight the importance of selecting an appropriate broodfish stocking rate based on fish size, anticipated pond fertility, and feeding program. New methods to improve reproductive performance will likely increase costs and will need to be accompanied by thorough economic analyses.
Using Incentives to Increase HIV/AIDS Testing by Sex Workers: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment in China
Authors: Boittin Margaret
Published: September 2018

Can incentives increase the use of HIV/AIDS testing in criminalized populations? Lawbreakers engaged in activities that place them at heightened risk of HIV/AIDS infection fear that engaging with the state to request an HIV test could increase their likelihood of incurring sanctions for violating the law. This article reports on a randomized field experiment that evaluates whether material incentives can spur lawbreakers to seek state assistance. Sex workers in Beijing, China, were randomly assigned to receive an in‐kind incentive equivalent to $1 (control group) or $15 (treatment group) for getting an HIV test. Fifteen dollars corresponds to the average amount a sex worker in the study might earn for one sexual transaction, and about 3 percent of her monthly earnings. The larger incentive increased HIV/AIDS testing rates by forty‐two percentage points, on average. Both low‐tier sex workers, who solicit on the streets and in brothels, and those in the middle tier, who work in karaoke bars and clubs, responded strongly to the large incentive. In addition, the large incentive was effective regardless of whether or not respondents were aware that prostitution is against the law. These findings suggest that modest incentives can have important effects among criminalized populations in authoritarian settings.
Effectiveness of an infant mortality prevention home‐visiting program on high‐risk births in Ohio
Authors: Swoboda Christine M. , Benedict Jason A. , Hade Erinn , McAlearney Ann Scheck , Huerta Timothy R.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The Ohio Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative (OIMRI) is a home‐visiting program that aims to reduce infant mortality among infants of high‐risk black women. This study examined birth outcomes among OIMRI participants and compared program participants to matched non‐OIMRI women.

Design

Program data were linked to birth records, death records, and Medicaid claims data. Propensity score matching was used to match program participants with like women in Ohio.

Sample

The sample consisted of 2,837 black mothers from 14 counties in Ohio.

Measurements

Infant mortality, causes of death, and birth weight were examined.

Results

There were 25 deaths among 2,837 OIMRI participants from 2010 to 2015, for an infant mortality rate of 8.8 deaths per 1,000 live births (95% CI 5.4–12.2). Among those women who participated in OIMRI, three fewer deaths per 1,000 births within the first year of life were estimated compared to those not in OIMRI; however, this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The number of infant deaths among women enrolled in the OIMRI program was not significantly different from those who did not participate in OIMRI. Programs like OIMRI cannot singlehandedly address the infant mortality disparity but may help prevent some infant mortality risks.
A mobile video intervention for women’s health of North Korean defectors
Authors: Lee Min Kyeong , Shin Gisoo
Published: September 2018

Background

The prevalence of North Korean female defectors is increasing in South Korea. Women who leave North Korea are exposed to sexual harassments, abuse, and other threats to their survival, which can have a devastating effect on their health.

Aims

In this study, a mobile video intervention program about selected aspects of women`s health was developed specifically for North Korean female defectors; its impact on behavioral change was evaluated.

Methods

A one group pre/posttest design was used with 61 female defectors who participated in the mobile video intervention. The program consisted of eight sessions focusing on the prevention and management of vaginitis and cervical cancer.

Results

The study results showed that knowledge and behavioral confidence on vaginitis and cervical cancer increased significantly among the participants following the intervention.

Conclusions

This mobile video intervention program was effective in improving specific health knowledge and behavioral confidence of the participants. The program can be used to improve women`s health in this population.
Transcriptomics and single‐cell RNA‐sequencing
Authors: Chambers Daniel C. , Carew Alan M. , Lukowski Samuel W. , Powell Joseph E.
Published: September 2018

The past four decades have yielded advances in molecular biology allowing detailed characterization of the cellular genome and the transcriptome: the complete set of RNA species transcribed by a cell or tissue. Through transcriptomics and next‐generation sequencing, we can now attain an unprecedented level of detail in understanding cellular phenotypes through examining the genes expressed in specific physiological and pathological states. In this review, we provide an overview of transcriptomics and RNA‐sequencing in the analysis of whole tissue and single cells. We describe the techniques and pitfalls involved in the isolation and sequencing of single cells, and what additional benefits this application can provide. Finally, we look to how these technologies are being applied in pulmonary research, and how they may translate in the near future into clinical practice.
Inter‐Group Expenditure Gaps In The Arab Region And Their Determinants: Application To Egypt, Jordan, Palestine And Tunisia
Authors: Ramadan Racha , Hlasny Vladimir , Intini Vito
Published: September 2018

Economic inequality across socio‐demographic groups in the Arab region is high and growing. This paper evaluates the differentials in household expenditures across rural/urban areas, female/male‐headed households, non‐educated/educated‐headed households and non‐employed/employed‐headed households, in ten Household Income and Expenditure surveys from four Arab countries: Egypt (2008, 2010 and 2012), Jordan (2006 and 2010), Palestine (2007, 2010 and 2011) and Tunisia (2005 and 2010). Unconditional quantile regressions are used to analyze the differentials across the population distribution and to decompose them by source. Results show that Egypt and Tunisia exhibit relatively high expenditure gaps across rural/urban and non‐educated/educated groups. Expenditure gaps in Jordan and Palestine and those across non‐employed/employed and female/male headed households are more moderate. Overall, education and the return to it, geographic location and household composition play an important role in bringing about, as well as reducing, economic inequality across social groups.
Does the reliability of institutions affect public good contributions? Evidence from a laboratory experiment
Authors: Fochmann Martin , Jahnke Björn , Wagener Andreas
Published: September 2018

Reliable institutions, i.e., institutions that live up to the norms that agents expect them to keep foster cooperative behavior. We experimentally confirm this hypothesis in a public goods game with a salient norm that cooperation was socially demanded and corruption ought not to occur. When nevertheless corruption attempts came up, groups that were told that ‘the system’ had fended off the attempts made considerably higher contributions to the public good than groups that learned that attempts only did not affect their payoffs or that were not exposed to corruption at all.
Handover training in the workplace: having a CHAT
Authors: Moore Malcolm , Roberts Chris
Published: September 2018

Background

Clinical handover is a core skill that needs to be learned by students and junior clinical staff to improve patient safety. Despite this, training is frequently lacking and of poor quality. A user‐friendly assessment tool can assist clinicians to provide training and feedback.

Context

This tool was developed in the context of medical students on short placements in remote health services, supervised by registered nurses, in outback Australia. Students make telephone handover calls to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), which provides generalist and aeromedical retrieval services to its communities.

Methods

Doctors in the RFDS at Broken Hill used a clinical handover assessment tool (CHAT), based on the introduction, situation, background, assessment and recommendation (ISBAR) handover mnemonic, for assessment and training on telephone handovers given by medical students in this remote setting. Medical students were invited to complete surveys and doctors completed interviews about their experience of giving or receiving handovers. Students highly valued the experience of learning handovers in a clinical setting. Doctors in the RFDS found the tool helpful for assessment and for giving feedback in their routine work. We identified no concerns about the safety of patients or students.

…we explored the acceptability and educational impact of doctors giving immediate feedback on medical students’ handover skills using CHAT

Conclusions

We suggest that work‐based handover assessment and feedback provided by clinicians are feasible and should be developed further. Students can learn to give handovers safely even in a remote setting. Clinicians may find CHAT helpful in the learning and teaching of structured handovers in other clinical settings.
Impact of changes to donor hemoglobin criteria on the rate of donor deferral
Authors: Perez Gabriela E. , Gammon Richard R. , Whitaker Barbee I. , Vassallo Ralph R. , Stubbs James R.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

The Food and Drug Administration's requirements for “Blood and Blood Components Intended for Transfusion or Further Manufacturing Use” (Final Rule) effective May 2016 changed eligibility criteria for blood donors. A multivariate analysis was performed to measure its impact on donor deferral rates.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Four blood centers submitted data for similar 6‐month periods before and after implementation of the Final Rule. Data included presenting donors, units collected, deferrals, intended products from deferred donors, deferral reasons, presenting donor demographics, donor hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (HCT), pulse, blood pressure (BP), temperature, and other reasons for deferral. Data were aggregated and periods compared.

RESULTS

After Final Rule implementation, successful donations decreased by 1.3% (83.1%‐81.9%), despite a 0.2% increase in presenting donors. The rate of Hgb/HCT, pulse, and deferrals increased, while deferrals for other reasons decreased. Male Hgb/HCT deferral rates increased 1.2% (4213 total). Black male donors' Hgb/HCT deferral rate increased (2.7%‐5.2%) but was counterbalanced by an overall 3.7% decrease in black female Hgb/HCT deferrals. While Hgb/HCT deferrals of black donors remained stable overall (17.0% vs. 16.2%), this trend was not observed by all centers. Deferrals for pulse increased (0.2%), as did BP deferrals (0.2%).

CONCLUSION

Although there was a small increase in presenting donors after implementation of the Final Rule, there was a decrease in successful donations. While it appeared that deferral in black donors was unchanged, this trend was not observed across all centers. Pulse and BP deferrals rose dissimilarly among centers, according to individual procedures.
Factors impairing cell proliferation in the granulation tissue of pressure ulcers: Impact of bacterial burden
Authors: Sato Tomoya , Abe Takahiro , Ichioka Shigeru
Published: September 2018

The authors aimed to assess the factors that impair cell proliferation in the granulation tissue of pressure ulcers using immunohistochemistry for the cell proliferation marker Ki‐67. This was a single center, cross‐sectional study. The study included 86 patients with stage III or IV pressure ulcers. Two granulation tissue biopsy specimens were obtained from 86 patients. The specimens were used for histological examination, Ki‐67 immunohistochemistry, and bacterial count assessment. The % of Ki‐67‐stained cells was considered as the Ki‐67 index. Pearson's product–moment correlation coefficient (r) was used to assess the relationship between the Ki‐67 index and other quantitative variables, including age, body mass index, bacterial count (Log10 CFU/g), serum albumin level, hemoglobin level, white blood cell count, and C‐reactive protein level. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the mean Ki‐67 index according to gender, diabetes, smoking status, and wound culture. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between the Ki‐67 index and other parameters. The Mann–Whitney U test revealed that the bacteria‐positive group had a lower Ki‐67 index (p = 0.045). Bacterial count demonstrated a significant negative correlation with the Ki‐67 index (r = −0.325, p = 0.002). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that bacterial count was a significant predictor of the Ki‐67 index. The adjusted β‐coefficient was −1.34 (95% confidence interval, −2.01 to −0.66, p < 0.001). Among the isolated bacteria, Corynebacterium spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were significantly associated with a low Ki‐67 index, but Pseudomonas aeruginosa was not. These results suggest a negative relationship between bacterial count and cell proliferation in pressure ulcer granulation tissue, as indicated by the Ki‐67 index. Granulation tissue formation in pressure ulcers may be accelerated if high bacterial load is treated appropriately.
Evaluation of the Rapid Weight Loss Practices of Taekwando Athletes and Their Effects
Authors: Seyhan Sinan
Published: September 2018

This study was conducted to determine the physiological and psychological effects of the weight loss by determining the weight loss methods commonly used by taekwondo athletes. Of the questionnaires evaluated, 107 belonged to female taekwondo athletes and 195 belonged to male taekwondo athletes. The arithmetic average, standard deviation and percent frequency (%) distributions of the obtained data were calculated. It was determined that the; first weight loss age for the competition is 15,66±3,84(kg) in males and 15,95±3,16(kg) in females; the highest weight loss rate before the competition is 4,52±2,77 (kg) in males and 4,40±5,36 (kg) in females. It was stated that 30.3% of male athletes and 41.1% of female athletes start to lose weight 3-4 weeks before the competition, that male and female athletes prefer the diet method most frequently as a rapid weight loss method and 21.5% of athletes who use the weight loss method with fluid loss prefer to run with raincoat. The athletes do not use ergogenic aids and the frequency percentage of physiological (muscle cramps, body temperature increase, heart throb, dyspnea, injury) and psychological (excessive nervousness, low performance due to high fatigue, stress) adverse effects of fast weight loss is very low.Conclusion: Unlike other martial athletes, it has been determined that Taekwondo athletes do not start to lose weight at an early age and that the majority of them try to reach the weight they want by applying the diet method among rapid weight loss methods in a very short time before the competition.