bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does your mindfulness benefit others? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the link between mindfulness and prosocial behaviour
Authors: Donald James N. , Sahdra Baljinder K. , Van Zanden Brooke , Duineveld Jasper J. , Atkins Paul W. B. , Marshall Sarah L. , Ciarrochi Joseph
Published: August 2018

Mindfulness‐based meditation practices have received substantial scientific attention in recent years. Mindfulness has been shown to bring many psychological benefits to the individual, but much less is known about whether these benefits extend to others. This meta‐analysis reviewed the link between mindfulness – as both a personality variable and an intervention – and prosocial behaviour. A literature search produced 31 eligible studies (N = 17,241) and 73 effect sizes. Meta‐analyses were conducted using mixed‐effects structural equation models to examine pooled effects and potential moderators of these effects. We found a positive pooled effect between mindfulness and prosocial behaviour for both correlational (d = .73 CI 95% [0.51 to 0.96]) and intervention studies (d = .51 CI 95% [0.37 to 0.66]). For the latter, medium‐sized effects were obtained across varying meditation types and intensities, and across gender and age categories. Preliminary evidence is presented regarding potential mediators of these effects. Although we found that mindfulness is positively related to prosociality, further research is needed to examine the mediators of this link and the contexts in which it is most pronounced.
“Mostly with White Girls”: Settlement, Spatiality, and Emergent Interracial Sexualities in a Canadian Prairie City
Authors: Frohlick Susan , Migliardi Paula , Mohamed Adey
Published: August 2018

In Winnipeg, a midsize city in the Canadian Prairies undergoing social and demographical transformations, male African newcomer youth face challenges in their settlement experiences relating to conflicting and heterogeneous norms around sexuality, sex, and dating. With its diverse population, the city is a space in which both racialization of blackness occurs and “multicultural” ethno‐racial diversity is imagined. In this spatiality of youths’ everyday lives, interracial sexuality emerges as transgression. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork with heterosexual male youth from sixteen to twenty‐five years of age who have recently emigrated from various African countries, we examine how interracial sexuality was constituted through what our interlocutors said and did. We trace and analyze how sexual transgression associated with the desirability and taboo of white femininity was played out through social‐spatial networks and practices within the changing urban landscape. The formation of sexuality within global, transnational, and urban contexts of settlement is not simply a matter of global forces affecting the local or local affecting the global. By ethnographically situating interracial sexuality in a diverse urban locale where migrant youth are navigating multiple boundaries of race, nation, and sexuality in the transformation of their identities and subjectivities, we offer one story of how interracial sexualities are constituted in a specific time and place. Within Canada, newly arrived immigrant and refugee African young men are mired in the histories of taboo over sexual relations with white women while being key actors in transformations of heterosexuality, masculinity, blackness, and whiteness occurring through immigration and settlement processes. [Sexuality; Race and Space; Interracial Sexuality; Immigrant Youth; African Youth; Urban Youth Subculture; White Femininity]
Contact allergy in Danish children: Current trends
Authors: Simonsen Anne B. , Foss‐Skiftesvik Majken H. , Thyssen Jacob P. , Deleuran Mette , Mortz Charlotte G. , Zachariae Claus , Skov Lone , Osterballe Morten , Funding Anne , Avnstorp Christian , Andersen Bo L. , Vissing Susanne , Danielsen Anne , Dufour Nathalie , Nielsen Niels H. , Thormann Henrik , Sommerlund Mette , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: August 2018

Background

Contact allergy is common in children, but may be underdiagnosed. Importantly, the clinical relevance of specific allergies is subject to constant change, and it is therefore important to continuously monitor the trends and changes of contact allergies in the paediatric population.

Objectives

To identify possible changes in contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis among Danish children referred for patch testing.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed based on patch test data from the Danish National Database of Contact allergy. The current data were compared with previously published data on Danish children referred for patch testing.

Results

Between 2012 and 2016, 1573 children and adolescents were patch tested. Overall, 385 (24.5%) had at least 1 positive patch test reaction. The overall prevalence was similar in boys and girls, across age groups, and in patients with and without atopic dermatitis. Statistically significant increases in contact allergy to fragrances and isothiazoliones were seen, whereas a decrease in nickel allergy was found.

Conclusion

Allergic contact dermatitis continues to be a common disease in children, and is even significantly increasing for some allergens.
CASC2: An emerging tumour‐suppressing long noncoding RNA in human cancers and melanoma
Authors: Yu Xin , Zheng Heyi , Tse Gary , Zhang Lin , Wu William Ka Kei
Published: August 2018

Deregulation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been implicated in tumourigenesis. Cancer Susceptibility Candidate 2 (CASC2) is a lncRNA downregulated in multiple cancer types, including endometrial, lung, gastric and colorectal cancers. CASC2 functions as a tumour‐suppressive lncRNA though multiple mechanisms, such as sequestration of oncogenic microRNAs and repression of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling. Pertinent to clinical practice, the use of CASC2 as a prognostic marker has been demonstrated in sporadic studies. These findings suggested that CASC2 might play an important role in human cancers and melanoma. More efforts are warranted to examine the function role of CASC2 in other cancer types. Further validation is also needed to promote its development to be a clinically utilizable prognostic biomarker.
Curating Care: The Design and Feasibility of a Partnership Between an Art Museum and an Academic Pain Center
Authors: Koebner Ian J. , Fishman Scott M. , Paterniti Debora , Sommer Doris , Ward Deborah , Joseph Jill G.
Published: August 2018

This qualitative study describes the design and feasibility of a partnership between an art museum and an academic pain center (Art Rx) to address chronic pain. The research team used semi‐structured stakeholder interviews with participating health care providers and museum staff to develop an understanding of the perceived complexity, risk and opportunity associated with the partnership. Results suggest that it is possible to align the missions of both types of organizations in a partnership felt to be beneficial to individuals with chronic pain. Interviewees identified a number of important factors for success including a collaborative organizational culture, partnership champions in both organizations, and a quality improvement process that incorporates stakeholder feedback into the partnership's continued development. This paper concludes with a recommendation that public health partnerships with museums to address chronic pain may be feasible and of unique value to both health care providers and museum staff in furthering their respective organizations’ missions.
Artificial intelligence and cerebral palsy
Authors: Dan Bernard
Published: August 2018

Video Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3pylJMPIXE&feature=youtu.be
A comprehensive study on evolutionary algorithm‐based multilayer perceptron for real‐world data classification under uncertainty
Authors: Dash Tirtharaj , Behera Himansu Sekhar
Published: August 2018

In the area of neurocognition, classification of data is one of the most important phases. Conventional biologically inspired neural network models such as multilayer perceptrons (MLPs) are capable of learning and generalizing from exemplary patterns and are considered to be a popular choice for many different classification tasks. However, in the area of cognitive research, there lies a certain degree of uncertainty in acquired data. This uncertainty may be regarded as fuzziness. In this work, an attempt has been made to classify data which are associated with certain uncertainty. The resulting model is named as “FMLP.” Further, MLP sometimes suffers from local minima problem during the training phase. To overcome the problem of getting trapped in the local minima in error back propagation, three different population‐based evolutionary metaheuristics (genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimisation, and gravitational search) have been implemented for training the FMLP. The resulting models are evaluated for seven real‐world benchmark datasets, and it has been found that the implemented models could demonstrate exemplary performance for real‐world data classification problems under uncertainty.
Naphthalene diimide‐derivatives G‐quadruplex ligands induce cell proliferation inhibition, mild telomeric dysfunction and cell cycle perturbation in U251MG glioma cells
Authors: Muoio Daniela , Berardinelli Francesco , Leone Stefano , Coluzzi Elisa , di Masi Alessandra , Doria Filippo , Freccero Mauro , Sgura Antonella , Folini Marco , Antoccia Antonio
Published: August 2018

In the present paper, the biological effects of three different naphthalene diimides (NDIs) G‐quadruplex (G4) ligands (H‐NDI‐Tyr, H‐NDI‐NMe2, and tetra‐NDI‐NMe2) were comparatively evaluated to those exerted by RHPS4, a well‐characterized telomeric G4‐ligand, in an in vitro model of glioblastoma. Data indicated that NDIs were very effective in blocking cell proliferation at nanomolar concentrations, although displaying a lower specificity for telomere targeting compared to RHPS4. In addition, differently from RHPS4, NDIs failed to enhance the effect of ionizing radiation, thus suggesting that additional targets other than telomeres could be involved in the strong NDI‐mediated anti‐proliferative effects. In order to test telomeric off‐target action of NDIs, a panel of genes involved in tumor progression, DNA repair, telomere maintenance, and cell‐cycle regulation were evaluated at transcriptional and translational level. Specifically, the compounds were able to cause a marked reduction of TERT and BCL2 amounts as well as to favor the accumulation of proteins involved in cell cycle control. A detailed cytofluorimetric analysis of cell cycle progression by means of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and staining of phospho‐histone H3 indicated that NDIs greatly reduce the progression through S‐phase and lead to G1 accumulation of BrdU‐positive cells. Taken together, these data indicated that, besides effects on telomeres and oncogenes such as Tert and Bcl2, nanomolar concentrations of NDIs determined a sustained block of cell proliferation by slowing down cell cycle progression during S‐phase. In conclusion, our data indicate that NDIs G4‐ligands are powerful antiproliferative agents, which act through mechanisms that ultimately lead to altered cell‐cycle control.
Crystal structure of the VanR transcription factor and the role of its unique α‐helix in effector recognition
Authors: Kwak Yun Mi , Park Sun Cheol , Na Hye‐won , Kang Seung Goo , Lee Geun‐Shik , Ko Hyun‐Jeong , Kim Pyeung‐Hyeun , Oh Byung‐Chul , Yoon Sung‐il
Published: August 2018

VanR is a negative transcriptional regulator of bacteria that belongs to the PadR family and modulates the expression of vanillate transport and degradation proteins in response to vanillate. Although VanR plays a key role in the utilization of vanillate as a carbon source, it is barely understood how VanR recognizes its effector. Thus, our knowledge concerning the gene regulatory mechanism of VanR is limited. Here, we reveal the vanillate‐binding mode of VanR through structural, biophysical, and mutational studies. Similar to other PadR family members, VanR forms a functional dimer, and each VanR subunit consists of an N‐terminal DNA‐binding domain (NTD) and a C‐terminal dimerization domain (CTD). One VanR dimer simultaneously binds two vanillate molecules using two interdomain cavities, as observed in PadR. In contrast to these common features, VanR contains an additional α‐helix, αi, that has not been found in other PadR family members. The αi helix functions as an interdomain crosslinker that mediates interactions between the NTD and the CTD. In addition, the VanR‐specific αi helix plays a key role in the formation of a unique effector‐binding site. As a result, the effector‐binding mode of VanR is distinguishable from that of PadR in the location and accessibility of the effector‐binding site as well as the orientation of its bound effector. Furthermore, we propose the DNA‐binding mode and vanillate‐mediated transcriptional regulation mechanism of VanR based on comparative structural and mutational analyses.

Databases

The atomic coordinates and the structure factors for VanR (PDB ID 5Z7B) have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank, www.pdb.org.
Honey bee neurogenomic responses to affiliative and agonistic social interactions
Authors: Shpigler Hagai Y. , Saul Michael C. , Murdoch Emma E. , Corona Frida , Cash‐Ahmed Amy C. , Seward Christopher H. , Chandrasekaran Sriram , Stubbs Lisa J. , Robinson Gene E.
Published: August 2018

Social interactions can be divided into two categories, affiliative and agonistic. How neurogenomic responses reflect these opposing valences is a central question in the biological embedding of experience. To address this question, we exposed honey bees to a queen larva, which evokes nursing, an affiliative alloparenting interaction, and measured the transcriptomic response of the mushroom body brain region at different times after exposure. Hundreds of genes were differentially expressed at distinct time points, revealing a dynamic temporal patterning of the response. Comparing these results to our previously published research on agonistic aggressive interactions, we found both shared and unique transcriptomic responses to each interaction. The commonly responding gene set was enriched for nuclear receptor signaling, the set specific to nursing was enriched for olfaction and neuron differentiation, and the set enriched for aggression was enriched for cytoskeleton, metabolism, and chromosome organization. Whole brain histone profiling after the affiliative interaction revealed few changes in chromatin accessibility, suggesting that the transcriptomic changes derive from already accessible areas of the genome. Although only one stimulus of each type was studied, we suggest that elements of the observed transcriptomic responses reflect molecular encoding of stimulus valence, thus priming individuals for future encounters. This hypothesis is supported by behavioral analyses showing that bees responding to either the affiliative or agonistic stimulus exhibited a higher probability of repeating the same behavior but a lower probability of performing the opposite behavior. These findings add to our understanding of the biological embedding at the molecular level.
Physiochemical and nutritional characteristics, bioaccessibility and sensory acceptance of baked crackers containing broccoli co‐products
Authors: Lafarga Tomás , Gallagher Eimear , Bademunt Ariadna , Bobo Gloria , Echeverria Gemma , Viñas Inmaculada , Aguiló‐Aguayo Ingrid
Published: August 2018

The effects of the inclusion of broccoli co‐products into crackers on the bioaccessibility as well as their overall physical and nutritional quality were evaluated. Crackers were formulated using a 12.5 or 15.0% flour substitution level. Broccoli‐containing crackers presented higher specific volume and spread ratio and lower weight and specific volume than control crackers (P < 0.05). Crackers containing broccoli co‐products showed an increased green hue and a higher colour intensity (P < 0.05). Incorporation of broccoli co‐products into crackers significantly increased the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). A simulated gastrointestinal digestion suggested that the amount of phenolic and antioxidant compounds released during digestion might be higher than what could be expected from common water‐organic extracts. The incorporation of broccoli co‐products into baked crackers would not only reduce the amount of food discarded as waste but also promote health and open novel commercial opportunities to food processors.
Screening of different agroindustrial by‐products for industrial enzymes production by fermentation processes
Authors: Taddia Antonela , Boggione María Julia , Tubio Gisela
Published: August 2018

Agroindustrial by‐products are an abundant source of biocompounds that contain valuable nutrients, which are not exploited. In this work, lignocellulosic wastes (LW) were used in submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid‐state fermentation (SSF) by Aspergillus niger NRRL3 to obtain valuable enzymes required in industries. SmF using soya bean hulls (SH), wheat bran (WB) and a by‐product of wheat flour (F) produced the highest activities of endo‐1,4‐β‐xylanase (Xyl) and endo‐1,4‐β‐D‐glucanase (EG) being at least 3 times lower than those obtained by SSF. The highest ratio of Xyl to EG was obtained in SmF with F. Xyl obtained by SmF with WB was the most thermally resistant. The enzymatic extract obtained in SmF using SH presented a high power of saccharification. The production of enzymes for further application such as bioethanol generation process revalue these LW and can help offset growing environmental problems.
Best intentions or best practice? A case study of the nutritional needs and outcomes of a person with dementia living in a residential aged care home
Authors: Lea Emma J. , Goldberg Lynette R. , Price Andrea D. , Tierney Laura T. , McInerney Fran J.
Published: August 2018

Aims

To evaluate the nutritional status and needs of a person with dementia living in an aged care home, including identification of barriers to, and effective strategies for, the provision of person‐centred care.

Background

Nutrition and hydration care are integral to quality of life for adults with dementia, but there is little research on whether staff knowledge around effective care strategies for residents is translated into optimal care.

Design

Focused ethnographic single‐case design.

Methods

The perspectives of the resident, her prime family member, and six care staff were triangulated through interviews, observation, document audit, and medical file review to investigate the resident's nutrition and hydration status and needs (October 2014‐April 2015).

Results

During 3 years in care, this resident had lost weight steadily. Staff appeared attentive but did not maintain a systematic record of body mass index. At meals, staff encouraged eating but used ineffective strategies. Food was not served in ways that facilitated active participation. Eating and drinking were structured as tasks to be completed rather than activities to be enjoyed.

Conclusion

This instrumental case study identified a task‐oriented, rather than person‐centred, approach to nutrition and hydration care, adversely affecting the resident's nutritional health and capability to participate actively.
Effects of depression on heart rate variability in elderly patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Luo Ying , Zhang Shaomin , Zheng Rongrong , Xu Lian , Wu Jinhui
Published: August 2018

Background

Depression is an independent risk factor in coronary artery disease (CAD). Our objective was to evaluate the impact of depression on heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with stable CAD.

Methods

This study included patients with a stable CAD who admitted to our hospital in the geriatric medical center from August 2016 to December 2016. All patients agreed to participate in the study and sign informed consent. The study group included 90 CAD patients with a diagnosis of depression and 99 CAD patients without depression. All study population underwent a 24‐hour Holter recording for HRV. The depression was assessed by 5‐Item Geriatric Depression.

Results

There was a linear correlation between age and HRV. There were no significant differences in heart rate variability between male and female patients, married and unmarried/widowed, smoking and nonsmoking, drinking and nondrinking groups. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that there were correlations between depression and HRV. β‐blockers were associated with SDNN, SDANN, SDNN index, and RMSSD in HRV.

Conclusion

Depression is an important risk factor for heart rate variability in elderly patients with CAD. Clinicians should pay attention for evaluation of depressive patients with CAD.
Most probable number technique in Escherichia coli count using ISO 16649‐3, ISO 7251, and rapid test enumeration device (TEMPO EC) methods in milk and dairy products
Authors: Yörük Nuray Gamze
Published: August 2018

The aim of the study was to compare of International Standard Organization (ISO) 7251, ISO 16649‐3 most probable number (MPN) assay for the enumeration of Escherichia coli group to the Tempo EC automated method using a variety of spiked milk and milk product foods. Foods evaluated in this study included wet pasta (crema), milk, ayran, and ice cream. The spiked food samples were diluted at three inoculation levels such as low, medium, and high. A comparison of the results indicated that automated system approximated the inoculation level to an automated system. In this study, TEMPO EC, ISO 16649‐3, and ISO 7251 methods are compliant for MPN E. coli count in high, medium, and low contamination level studies. Nevertheless, for precise results, performing primary validation studies by ISO, Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR), and/or Association Of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) will give more reliable results.

Practical applications

In Turkish Food Codex Microbiological Criteria Communique, it is requested to perform studies of E. coli analysis method in milk and milk products as per ISO 16649‐3. However, in the revised version of ISO 16649‐3, it is stated in the scope of the standard that this method does not provide a full assessment for all products particularly for milk and milk products and that ISO 7251 method should be used in these samples. As it is required in new methods, it has been intended to perform comparative analyses to low, medium, and high inoculation level with rapid the TEMPO EC card and conventional test methods by ISO, AFNOR, and/or AOAC. If the use of TEMPO EC, laboratory response time will improve with automation reducing the time for enumeration of E. coli from 4 days to 24 hr, especially critical for evaluation of perishable foods and outbreak events.
Rational Suicide in Older Adults: Not an Ageist Concept by Default
Authors: Hartmann Christine W.
Published: August 2018

See the Reply by Elizabeth Dzeng et al
Frailty and Resilience as Outcome Measures in Clinical Trials and Geriatric Care: Are We Getting Any Closer?
Authors: Kuchel George A.
Published: August 2018

This editorial comments on the papers by Heather E. Whitson et al, Matthew D.L. O’Connell et al, and Ravi Varadhan et al.
Long‐Term Nursing Home Entry: A Prognostic Model for Older Adults with a Family or Unpaid Caregiver
Authors: Wolff Jennifer L. , Mulcahy John , Roth David L. , Cenzer Irena S. , Kasper Judith D. , Huang Jin , Covinsky Kenneth E.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To comprehensively examine factors associated with long‐term nursing home (NH) entry from 6 domains of older adult and family caregiver risk from nationally representative surveys and develop a prognostic model and a simple scoring system for use in risk stratification.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

National Long‐Term Care Surveys 1999 and 2004 and National Health and Aging Trends Study 2011 and linked caregiver surveys.

Participants

Community‐living older adults receiving help with self‐care disability and their primary family or unpaid caregiver (N=2,676).

Measurements

Prediction of long‐term NH entry (>100 days or ending in death) by 24 months follow up, ascertained from Minimum Data Set assessments and dates of death from Medicare enrollment files. Risk factors were measured from survey responses.

Results

In total, 16.1% of older adults entered a NH. Our final model and risk scoring system includes 7 independent risk factors: older adult age (1 point/5 years), living alone (5 points), dementia (3 points), 3 or more of 6 self‐care activities (2 points), caregiver age (45–64: 1 point, 65–74: 2 points, ≥75: 4 points), caregiver help with money management (2 points), and caregiver report of moderate (2 points) or high (4 points) strain. Using this model, participants were assigned to risk quintiles. Long‐term NH entry was 7.0% in the lowest quintile (0–6 points), 20.4% in the middle 3 quintiles (7–14 points), and 30.9% in the highest quintile (15–22 points). The model was well calibrated and demonstrated moderate discrimination (c‐statistic=0.670 in the original data, c‐statistic=0.647 in bootstrapped samples, c‐statistic=0.652 using the point‐scoring system).

Conclusion

We developed a prognostic model and simple scoring system that may be used to stratify risk of long‐term NH entry of community‐living older adults. Our model may be useful for population health and policy applications.
Comment on: Use of Antiepileptic Drugs and Dementia Risk
Authors: Sarkis Rani A. , Meador Kimford J.
Published: August 2018

See the Reply by Heidi Taipale et al.
Association Between Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Alzheimer's Disease in Older Adults
Authors: Liao Kuan‐Fu , Chuang Hsun‐Yang , Lai Shih‐Wei
Published: August 2018

See the Reply by Felicia C. Goldstein et al.
Improving the ED‐to‐Home Transition: The Community Paramedic–Delivered Care Transitions Intervention—Preliminary Findings
Authors: Shah Manish N. , Hollander Matthew M. , Jones Courtney MC , Caprio Thomas V. , Conwell Yeates , Cushman Jeremy T. , DuGoff Eva H. , Kind Amy J.H. , Lohmeier Michael , Mi Ranran , Coleman Eric A.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To describe a novel model of care that uses community‐based paramedics to deliver a modified version of the evidence‐based hospital‐to‐home Care Transitions Intervention (CTI) to a new context: the emergency department (ED)‐to‐home transition.

Design

Single‐blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Three EDs in 2 cities.

Participants

Through June 2017, 422 individuals discharged home from the EDs who provided consent and were randomized to receive the modified CTI.

Intervention

We modified the hospital‐to‐home CTI, applying it to the ED‐to‐home transition and delivering services through community paramedics, allowing the program to benefit from the unique attributes of paramedics to deliver care.

Measurements

Through surveys of participants, medical record review, and documentation of activities by CTI coaches, we characterize the participants and program, including feasibility and acceptability.

Results

Median age of participants was 70.7, 241 (57.1%) were female, and 385 (91.2%) were white. Coaches successfully completed 354 (83.9%) home visits and 92.7% of planned telephone follow‐up for call 1, 90.9% for call 2, and 85.8% for call 3. We found high levels of acceptability among participants, with most participants (76.2%) and their caregivers (83.1%) reporting themselves likely or extremely likely to choose an ED featuring the CTI program in the future. Coaches reported delivering expected services during contact at least 88% of the time.

Conclusion

Although final conclusions about program effectiveness must await the results of the randomized controlled trial, the findings reported here are promising and provide preliminary support for an ED‐to‐home CTI Program's ability to improve outcomes. The coaches' identity as community paramedics is particularly noteworthy, because this is a unique role for this provider type. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2213–2220, 2018.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Wheeled Mobility for Pressure Injury Prevention and Better Function
Authors: Brienza David M , Karg Patricia E , Bertolet Marnie , Schmeler Mark , Poojary‐Mazzotta Prerna , Vlachos Helen , Wilkinson Debora
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of wheelchair assessment and configuration on pressure injury incidence, mobility, and functioning in a wheelchair.

Design

Randomized controlled trial with participants individually randomized into intervention and control groups.

Setting

Nursing home.

Participants

Nursing home residents aged 60 and older who used wheelchairs and were at risk for pressure injuries (N=258).

Intervention

Treatment and evaluation, individually configured wheelchair and skin protection cushion; control and evaluation, facility‐provided wheelchair and skin protection cushion.

Measurements

Pressure injury incidence, Nursing Home Life Space Diameter score, Functioning Every Day in a Wheelchair—Capacity (FEW‐C) score, and Wheelchair Skills Test (WST) score.

Results

No differences in pressure injuries (p=.77) were found. Pelvic rotation (odds ratio (OR)=0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.03–0.70, p=.02) and Day 14 WST skill score (OR=0.74, 95% CI=0.60–0.91, p=.004) were significant predictors of pressure injuries. Significant differences were observed between groups in change in FEW‐C independence scores between before randomization and endpoint (p=.03) and before randomization and 14 days (p=.04).

Conclusion

Participants with individually configured wheelchairs improved more in the safe and effective use of their wheelchairs than residents with facility‐provided wheelchairs. The outcomes indicated that nursing home residents functioned safely at a higher level in their wheelchairs if their devices were individually configured using a comprehensive wheelchair and seating assessment process. There was no difference in the incidence of pressure injuries between the two groups.

Trial registration: NCT01275313
Reply to: Association Between Proton Pump Inhibitors and Alzheimer's Disease in Older Adults
Authors: Goldstein Felicia C.
Published: August 2018

This letter comments on the letter by Kuan-Fu Liao et al.
A Composite Measure of Caregiver Burden in Dementia: The Dementia Burden Scale—Caregiver
Authors: Peipert John D. , Jennings Lee A. , Hays Ron D. , Wenger Neil S. , Keeler Emmett , Reuben David B.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To better capture the scope of caregiver burden by creating a composite of 3 existing measures that assess different health domains.

Design

Prospective follow‐up study.

Setting

University‐based dementia care management program.

Participants

Caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) (N=1,091).

Measurements

The composite measure (the Dementia Burden Scale—Caregiver (DBS‐CG)) was based on the Modified Caregiver Strain Index, Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire Distress Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9). Alternative factor structures were evaluated using 2 confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models: a bifactor model and a 3 correlated factors model. Good model fit was defined as a root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of less than 0.06 and comparative fit index (CFI) value greater than 0.95. Coefficient omega was used to estimate scale reliability. Minimally important differences (MIDs) were estimated by anchoring the magnitude of DBS‐CG change to change in caregiver self‐efficacy and functional ability of PWD.

Results

The bifactor CFA model fit best (RMSEA = 0.04, CFI = 0.95). Based on this model, a DBS‐CG scale was created wherein all items were transformed to a possible range of 0 to 100 and then averaged. Higher scores indicate higher burden. Mean DBS‐CG score was 27.3. The reliability was excellent (coefficient omega=0.93). MID estimates ranged from 4 to 5 points (effect sizes: 0.20–0.49).

Conclusion

This study provides support for the reliability and validity of the DBS‐CG. It can be used as an outcome measure to assess the effect of interventions to reduce dementia caregiver burden.
Nutritional quality and organic matter degradability of Brachiaria spp. agronomically biofortified with selenium
Authors: de Abreu Faria Letícia , Karp Felippe Hoffmann Silva , Righeto Patrícia Pimentel , Abdalla Filho Adibe Luiz , Lucas Ronaldo Carlos , Machado Marcos Canto , Natel Andressa Santanna , Graciano Thainá Carolina , Abdalla Adibe Luiz
Published: August 2018

Selenium (Se) fertilisation in grazing systems can improve the quality of animal forage, but there are few studies addressing the influence of Se fertilisation on the chemical composition and ruminal degradability of forage fertilised with Se. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and in vitro assays of truly degraded organic matter (TDOM), short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) total gas (GP) and methane (CH4) production of two harvests of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu fertilised with urea coated with B, Cu and sodium selenate for 0, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 g/ha of Se. Selenium content in forage increased linearly with the different doses at 30 and 60 days after fertilisation. However, doses of 20 and 80 g/ha Se fertilisation yielded positive effects increasing Se content and truly degraded organic matter in vitro of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu.
On Variations of Perfect Equilibria
Authors: KIM JEONG‐YOO
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we examine relations among various refinements of a perfect equilibrium. First, we compare two refinements of a perfect equilibrium, a strictly perfect equilibrium (SPE) and a truly perfect equilibrium (TPE). We show that true perfectness implies strict perfectness and even strict properness. We also introduce the concept of a restrictive perfect equilibrium allowing only some or all sequences of totally mixed strategies satisfying a certain property. A proper equilibrium is an example of a restrictive perfect equilibrium. Then, true perfectness imposing the most severe robustness against perturbations implies any restrictive perfectness. This proves that every TPE is proper.
Nationalism as legitimation: the appeal of ethnicity and the plea for popular sovereignty
Authors: Abulof Uriel
Published: August 2018

Walker Connor is seemingly both a primordialist and a modernist: Nations emanate from basic human sentiments but emerged in late modernity. Is this not an aberration, a contradiction both conceptual and causal? Connor, a champion of academic clarity, obviously thought not, and he was right. What accounts for Connor's unique take on nationalism, and why, for many, does it still seem odd? The answer to both quandaries, I argue, lies in Connor's own unique splice: He effectively delved into, and fused, two thorny matters that most scholars shy away from, let alone try to bring together: human nature and legitimation. Both underpin his remarkable scholarship and its solitude standing. I explore both facets: first, Connor's take on human nature; then, more extensively, his analysis of legitimation – via ‘popular sovereignty’ and ‘self‐determination’.
‘Connor's communist control polities’: why ethno‐federalism does not explain the break‐up of the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia
Authors: McGarry John
Published: August 2018

When the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia broke apart, several prominent academics argued that this was because they were federations (or ‘ethno‐federations’ as they put it). This article uses Walker Connor's magnum opus on Marxist–Leninist strategy and practice in communist states to show the flaws in these analyses. Connor's work shows that it is more plausible to link the fate of the three communist states to their anti‐federalist practices than to the fact that they were formally federal.
Etienne Gilson and Fr. Lawrence Dewan O.P.: Christian Philosophy as the Interdisciplinary Pursuit of Wisdom
Authors: Williams Hugh
Published: August 2018

This paper continues as the second part of my study of the relationship of Fr. Lawrence Dewan OP and Etienne Gilson. My first paper explored their metaphysical differences, while this second paper explores their common commitment to Christian philosophy and to St. Thomas Aquinas’ seminal work on the interrelationship of faith and reason as manifest most clearly in the interrelationship of revealed theology and philosophy. This leads us into a closer examination of Gilson's sustained treatment of this topic. However, we must acknowledge that this topic is often susceptible to unproductive philosophical and metaphysical abstraction. In order to avoid this, we depart from the standard method of treatment through an interdisciplinary appeal to the theological, philosophical, and historical implications of the bodily resurrection of Christ.
Christus Victor Motifs and Christ's Temptations in the Soteriology of Thomas Aquinas
Authors: Gallagher Joel R.
Published: August 2018

Gustaf Aulén's Christus Victor soteriological/atonement motif is constituted by the central theme of divine victory over the devil. Few scholars discuss at length the significance of Christ's victory over the devil in Aquinas's soteriology. A comparative analysis of the two treatments of Christ's victory over the devil will unveil the role and significance of that victory in Aquinas's soteriology. According to Aquinas, Christ's humanity and all his human actions are the instrumental efficient causes of salvation and, necessarily, his victory over the devil. Therefore, Christ's life prior to his Passion may be examined for evidence of that victory. The most obvious event for such an analysis is Christ's temptations which will offer a unique insight into Aquinas's presentation of Christ's victory over the devil.
Pope John XXIII, Conciliar and Contemporary Episcopal Pastoral Governance
Authors: Gadie Paul
Published: August 2018

This article will discuss the emergence of an increasingly cogent argument made by Pope John XXIII for a redefined role of episcopal pastoral governance in the (ante) preparatory phase of the Second Vatican Council and during early conciliar debate. Pope John will be presented as encouraging a renewed role for bishops in his public orations preceding the Council. This continued in his support of the conciliar process and encouragement given to senior bishops at critical moments during its first session. As contemporary understandings of episcopal governance were questioned before and at the Council, increasing numbers of bishops saw the possibilities of revitalising their governance role in a pastoral mode. Its contemporary relevance lies in Pope Francis’ call to build a synodal church in which episcopal governance is exercised at the local and universal levels. Today, this requires individual bishops ‘to assume their responsibilities to govern their own diocese, always in consultation with the faithful.’1
Sustainable eating: Opportunities for nutrition professionals
Authors: Pettinger C.
Published: August 2018

Increasing demand for food from a growing human population is leading to adverse environmental and health consequences. The emerging topical issue of sustainable eating and diets might offer new opportunities for the training of nutrition professionals. Ongoing research is uncovering synergies between how dietary patterns can meet both health and environmental goals. Yet this area is a challenge for the nutrition professions, as relevant education often involves politically driven, systems leadership‐style thinking, which is drawn from a less familiar evidence base than traditional nutritional sciences. As pressures mount to achieve sustainability agenda goals, new evidence appraisal and educational input are essential to support the potential role of nutrition professionals. This article appraises sustainable eating and diets, as well as considering the value of better education to be embedded more consistently within nutrition curricula and Continued Professional Development (CPD), to achieve sustainability literacy for nutrition professionals. The importance of stronger advocacy skills and collaborative leadership is also highlighted, as well as the need for more effective high‐level policy involvement. Recommendations for how nutrition professionals can be more effectively equipped for this emerging and dynamic area of professional practice are provided.
Diet, exercise and dementia: The potential impact of a Mediterranean diet pattern and physical activity on cognitive health in a UK population
Authors: Bundy R. , Minihane A. M.
Published: August 2018

Diet and physical activity play key roles in maintaining health and preventing or delaying disease. The global prevalence of dementia, an umbrella term describing a set of symptoms which affect cognitive function, is set to rise dramatically by 2050, with current drug treatments inadequate. Diet and physical activity are modifiable factors in dementia, influencing both disease risk and pathophysiology. It has been known since the 1950s that a Mediterranean diet has positive health benefits. Over the past 25 years, a causal link has been shown between consumption of a Mediterranean diet and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in Mediterranean countries. There have also been indications that a Mediterranean diet and increased physical activity can improve cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. However, causative demonstrations of these effects, as well as the feasibility of implementing such lifestyle changes in a non‐Mediterranean population, are lacking. The new MedEx‐UK programme will attempt to address both these points.
Sm‐p80‐based schistosomiasis vaccine: double‐blind preclinical trial in baboons demonstrates comprehensive prophylactic and parasite transmission‐blocking efficacy
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Molehin Adebayo J. , Rojo Juan U. , Sudduth Justin , Ganapathy Pramodh K. , Kim Eunjee , Siddiqui Arif J. , Freeborn Jasmin , Sennoune Souad R. , May Jordan , Lazarus Samra , Nguyen Catherine , Redman Whitni K. , Ahmad Gul , Torben Workineh , Karmakar Souvik , Le Loc , Kottapalli Kameswara R. , Kottapalli Pratibha , Wolf Roman F. , Papin James F. , Carey David , Gray Sean A. , Bergthold Jenn D. , Damian Raymond T. , Mayer Bryan T. , Marks Florian , Reed Steven G. , Carter Darrick , Siddiqui Afzal A.
Published: August 2018

Schistosomiasis is of public health importance to an estimated one billion people in 79 countries. A vaccine is urgently needed. Here, we report the results of four independent, double‐blind studies of an Sm‐p80‐based vaccine in baboons. The vaccine exhibited potent prophylactic efficacy against transmission of Schistosoma mansoni infection and was associated with significantly less egg‐induced pathology, compared with unvaccinated control animals. Specifically, the vaccine resulted in a 93.45% reduction of pathology‐producing female worms and significantly resolved the major clinical manifestations of hepatic/intestinal schistosomiasis by reducing the tissue egg‐load by 89.95%. A 35‐fold decrease in fecal egg excretion in vaccinated animals, combined with an 81.51% reduction in hatching of eggs into the snail‐infective stage (miracidia), demonstrates the parasite transmission‐blocking potential of the vaccine. Substantially higher Sm‐p80 expression in female worms and Sm‐p80‐specific antibodies in vaccinated baboons appear to play an important role in vaccine‐mediated protection. Preliminary analyses of RNA sequencing revealed distinct molecular signatures of vaccine‐induced effects in baboon immune effector cells. This study provides comprehensive evidence for the effectiveness of an Sm‐p80‐based vaccine for schistosomiasis.
Reducing saccadic artifacts and confounds in brain imaging studies through experimental design
Authors: Tal Noam , Yuval‐Greenberg Shlomit
Published: August 2018

Saccades constitute a major source of artifacts and confounds in brain imaging studies. Whereas some artifacts can be removed by omitting segments of data, saccadic artifacts cannot be typically eliminated by this method because of their high occurrence rate even during fixation (1–3 per second). Some saccadic artifacts can be alleviated by offline‐correction algorithms, but these methods leave nonnegligible residuals and cannot mitigate the saccade‐related visual activity. Here, we propose a novel yet simple approach for diminishing saccadic artifacts and confounds through experimental design. We suggest that specific tasks can lead to substantially less saccade occurrences around the time of stimulus presentation, starting from slightly before its onset and lasting for a few hundred milliseconds. In three experiments, we compared the frequency and size of saccades in a variety of tasks. Results of Experiment 1 showed that a foveal change‐detection task reduced the number and sizes of saccades, relative to a parafoveal orientation‐discrimination task. Experiment 2 replicated this finding with a parafoveal object recognition task. Experiment 3 showed that both foveal and parafoveal continuous change detection tasks induced fewer and smaller saccades than a discrete orientation‐discrimination task. We conclude that adding a foveal or a parafoveal continuous task reduces saccades' number and size. This would lead to better artifact correction and enable the omission of contaminated data segments. This study may be the first step toward developing saccade‐free experimental designs.
Rural Landowners, Energy Leasing, and Patterns of Risk and Inequality in the Shale Gas Industry
Authors: Bugden Dylan , Stedman Richard
Published: August 2018

Landowners who lease property for shale gas development (i.e., “fracking”) face the possibility of procedural disenfranchisement and risk. They also stand to benefit financially from bonus and royalty payments. This article evaluates the frequency with which these experiences occur and how they vary between landowners. Using a mixed‐methods approach, we combine surveys and interviews with northeastern Pennsylvania landowners with a content analysis of energy lease documents. We find that landowners generally experience relatively infrequent environmental harm, receive substantial financial benefits, and leverage their property rights to secure better lease conditions. However, our findings also demonstrate that procedural disenfranchisement does occur, environmental risks are infrequent but real, and outcomes tend to vary by firm‐specific rather than sociostructural factors. Accordingly, the advantages conferred by private property are not a panacea for the alleviation of risk and inequality in energy development. These findings inject considerable nuance into ongoing discussions of risk, inequality, and shale gas development: Rather than perceiving themselves as victims, landowners tend to see themselves as beneficiaries of industry activity, an experience structured directly by their ownership of property and mineral rights.