bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Examination of College Students' Problem‐Solving Self‐Efficacy, Academic Self‐Efficacy, Motivation, Test Performance, and Expected Grade in Introductory‐Level Economics Courses
Authors: Ramos Salazar Leslie , Hayward Stephen L.
Published: July 2018

This study investigated whether self‐efficacy influenced students’ educational outcomes in introductory‐level economics courses. First, this study investigated the correlations between problem‐solving self‐efficacy, academic self‐efficacy, and motivation. Second, this study investigated whether problem‐solving and academic self‐efficacy served as predictors of students’ motivation, test performance, and expected grade. Correlational analyses suggest that problem‐solving and academic self‐efficacy are correlated with student motivation. Results show that problem‐solving self‐efficacy was a predictor of student motivation and test performance. Academic self‐efficacy and problem‐solving self‐efficacy were also predictors of their expected grade. Implications and future directions for economics education are also discussed.
Macaque parvocellular mediodorsal thalamus: dissociable contributions to learning and adaptive decision‐making
Authors: Chakraborty Subhojit , Ouhaz Zakaria , Mason Stuart , Mitchell Anna S.
Published: July 2018

Distributed brain networks govern adaptive decision‐making, new learning and rapid updating of information. However, the functional contribution of the rhesus macaque monkey parvocellular nucleus of the mediodorsal thalamus (MDpc) in these key higher cognitive processes remains unknown. This study investigated the impact of MDpc damage in cognition. Preoperatively, animals were trained on an object‐in‐place scene discrimination task that assesses rapid learning of novel information within each session. Bilateral neurotoxic (NMDA and ibotenic acid) MDpc lesions did not impair new learning unless the monkey had also sustained damage to the magnocellular division of the MD (MDmc). Contralateral unilateral MDpc and MDmc damage also impaired new learning, while selective unilateral MDmc damage produced new learning deficits that eventually resolved with repeated testing. In contrast, during food reward (satiety) devaluation, monkeys with either bilateral MDpc damage or combined MDpc and MDmc damage showed attenuated food reward preferences compared to unoperated control monkeys; the selective unilateral MDmc damage left performance intact. Our preliminary results demonstrate selective dissociable roles for the two adjacent nuclei of the primate MD, namely, MDpc, as part of a frontal cortical network, and the MDmc, as part of a frontal‐temporal cortical network, in learning, memory and the cognitive control of behavioural choices after changes in reward value. Moreover, the functional cognitive deficits produced after differing MD damage show that the different subdivisions of the MD thalamus support distributed neural networks to rapidly and fluidly incorporate task‐relevant information, in order to optimise the animals’ ability to receive rewards.
A review of plasticity induced by auditory and visual tetanic stimulation in humans
Authors: Sanders Philip J. , Thompson Benjamin , Corballis Paul M. , Maslin Michael , Searchfield Grant D.
Published: July 2018

Long‐term potentiation is a form of synaptic plasticity thought to play an important role in learning and memory. Recently noninvasive methods have been developed to induce and measure activity similar to long‐term potentiation in humans. Sensory tetani (trains of quickly repeating auditory or visual stimuli) alter the electroencephalogram in a manner similar to electrical stimulation that results in long‐term potentiation. This review briefly covers the development of long‐term potentiation research before focusing on in vivo human studies that produce long‐term potentiation‐like effects using auditory and visual stimulation. Similarities and differences between traditional (animal and brain tissue) long‐term potentiation studies and human sensory tetanization studies will be discussed, as well as implications for perceptual learning. Although evidence for functional consequences of sensory tetanization remains scarce, studies involving clinical populations indicate that sensory induced plasticity paradigms may be developed into diagnostic and research tools in clinical settings. Individual differences in the effects of sensory tetanization are not well‐understood and provide an interesting avenue for future research. Differences in effects found between research groups that have emerged as the field has progressed are also yet to be resolved.
Advanced mare age impairs the ability of in vitro‐matured oocytes to correctly align chromosomes on the metaphase plate
Authors: Rizzo M. , Ducheyne K. D. , Deelen C. , Beitsma M. , Cristarella S. , Quartuccio M. , Stout T. A. E. , de Ruijter‐Villani M.
Published: July 2018

Background

Advanced mare age is associated with declining fertility and an increased risk of early pregnancy loss. Compromised oocyte quality is probably the primary reason for reduced fertility, but the defects predisposing to embryonic death are unknown. In women, advanced age predisposes to chromosome segregation errors during meiosis, which lead to embryonic aneuploidy and a heightened risk of miscarriage.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of advanced mare age on chromosome alignment and meiotic spindle morphology in in vitro‐matured (IVM) oocytes.

Study design

Morphometric and morphological analysis.

Methods

To investigate differences in spindle organisation and chromosome alignment between young and old mares, oocytes collected from slaughtered mares were divided into two groups depending on mare age (young, ≤14 years and old, ≥16 years), IVM and stained to visualise chromatin and alpha‐tubulin. Spindle morphology, morphometry and chromosome (mis)alignment were evaluated by confocal microscopy and 3D image analysis.

Results

Oocytes from old mares showed a higher incidence of chromosome misalignment (47.4% vs. 4.5%; P<0.001) and a thicker metaphase plate (mean ± s.d.: 5.8 ± 1.0 μm vs. 4.9 ± 0.9 μm; P = 0.04) than oocytes from young mares. Although no differences in spindle morphometry were detected between old and young mares, an increased major spindle axis length was associated with chromosome misalignment (mean ± s.d.: 25.3 ± 6.1 μm vs. 20.8 ± 3.3 μm; P = 0.01) irrespective of age.

Main limitations

The oocytes were IVM and may not exactly reflect chromosome misalignment in vivo.

Conclusions

Advanced mare age predisposes to chromosome misalignment on the metaphase II spindle of IVM oocytes. The compromised ability to correctly align chromosomes presumably predisposes to aneuploidy in resulting embryos and thereby contributes to the age‐related decline in fertility and increased incidence of early pregnancy loss.

The Summary is available in Portuguese – see Supporting Information
Development of psoriasis by continuous neutrophil infiltration into the epidermis
Authors: Katayama Hiroshi
Published: July 2018

Remarkable effects of anti‐IL‐17A and anti‐IL‐23 antibodies on psoriasis indicate deep involvement of IL‐23/Th17 axis in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. According to the current immune theory, activation of dendritic cells initiates the generation of this axis. However, this theory is not enough to explain the mechanism, because the process of this activation is obscure and the antigen that is recognized by antigen‐presenting cells and pathogenic T cells has long been unidentified. Therefore, I thought of another theory as follows. Neutrophils are attracted by LTB4 at subcorneal portion and infiltrate into the epidermis. At the time of neutrophil migration through the basement membrane, basal keratinocytes in G0/G1 phase enter the cell cycle and begin to proliferate, according to the principle, “detachment‐mediated cell proliferation.” This passing is continuously repeated and leads to elongation of rete ridges. The IL‐23/Th17 axis is generated by interactions between infiltrated neutrophils and keratinocytes. Briefly, neutrophils infiltrated into the epidermis secrete IL‐17A, which acts on keratinocytes to express CCL20, a ligand for the chemokine receptor CCR6. Keratinocytes perturbed by neutrophil infiltration produce HSP70, followed by production of IL‐23 via TLR4 using HSP70 as an endogenous ligand for TLR4. Natural Th17 cells expressing CCR6 are recruited to psoriatic epidermis and expand there in the presence of IL‐23 and IL‐1β. In this manner, the framework of the IL‐23/Th17 axis is created, which acts to maintain or exacerbate psoriasis. Noteworthy is the fact that this axis causes positive feedback loop, starting from IL‐17A production by neutrophils and ending in IL‐17A production by nTh17 cells. Therapeutic mechanisms of anti‐IL‐17A and anti‐IL‐23 antibodies, targeting neutrophils, were also described.
Keep off the grass! New directions for geographies of yards and gardens
Authors: Lang Ursula
Published: July 2018

This paper provides a critical assessment of geographic research on yards and private gardens, with a focus on how geographers study people's engagements with more than human organisms and surroundings. Geographies have come alive as assemblages of lively materials, distributed agencies, and animated political and material flows. At the same time, there is renewed interest on the part of geographers to better take into account lived experiences and the embodied politics of difference. Relations between people and their everyday surroundings are central to these critical analyses. This paper examines one such potent realm of these everyday engagements: the yard. These are spaces intimately bound up with uneven geographies of residential development, as well as places of creativity, care, and failure. Contemporary environmental efforts increasingly enroll the yard or garden as a crucial interface through which to refashion relations between water, infrastructure, particular species, chemical inputs, and food systems. This paper identifies two themes within contemporary yard and garden research, as well as ongoing tensions. I argue that the familiarity of such spaces to Anglophone geography challenges and invites further methodological experimentation and analysis. Yards and private gardens also provide purchase on pressing questions of social inequalities, property, and nature. Thus, I identify two directions for future yard research: developing more experimental methodological approaches beyond a focus on lawns and better situating yards within broader geographies of inequity and the production of geographic knowledge.
Association between exposure to antiretroviral drugs and the incidence of hypertension in HIV‐positive persons: the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti‐HIV Drugs (D:A:D) study
Authors: Hatleberg CI , Ryom L , d'Arminio Monforte A , Fontas E , Reiss P , Kirk O , El‐Sadr W , Phillips A , de Wit S , Dabis F , Weber R , Law M , Lundgren JD , Sabin C ,   the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti‐HIV Drugs (D:A:D) Study Group
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Previous studies have suggested that hypertension in HIV‐positive individuals is associated primarily with traditional risk factors such as older age, diabetes and dyslipidaemia. However, controversy remains as to whether exposure to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs poses additional risk, and we investigated this question in the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti‐HIV Drugs (D:A:D) cohort.

Methods

The incidence of hypertension [systolic blood pressure (BP) > 140 and/or diastolic BP > 90 mmHg and/or initiation of antihypertensive treatment] was determined overall and in strata defined by demographic, metabolic and HIV‐related factors, including cumulative exposure to each individual ARV drug. Predictors of hypertension were identified using uni‐ and multivariable Poisson regression models.

Results

Of 33 278 included persons, 7636 (22.9%) developed hypertension over 223 149 person‐years (PY) [incidence rate: 3.42 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.35–3.50) per 100 PY]. In univariable analyses, cumulative exposure to most ARV drugs was associated with an increased risk of hypertension. After adjustment for demographic, metabolic and HIV‐related factors, only associations for nevirapine [rate ratio 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04–1.13) per 5 years] and indinavir/ritonavir [rate ratio 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04–1.20) per 5 years] remained statistically significant, although effects were small. The strongest independent predictors of hypertension were male gender, older age, black African ethnicity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, use of lipid‐lowering drugs, high body mass index (BMI), renal impairment and a low CD4 count.

Conclusions

We did not find evidence for any strong independent association between exposure to any of the individual ARV drugs and the risk of hypertension. Findings provide reassurance that screening policies and preventative measures for hypertension in HIV‐positive persons should follow algorithms used for the general population.
A high‐reliability alumina‐platinum multilayer system for implantable medical devices
Authors: Knudsen Arne , Makino Hiroshi , Morioka Kengo , Otomaru Hidekazu , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Satoh Shingo , Thom Andrew , Munns Gordon , Yamamoto Joyce , Reiterer Markus
Published: July 2018

A new Pt‐Al2O3 multilayer composite system has been developed and validated with an Accelerated Life Test (ALT) to confirm its potential for long‐term use in implantable medical devices (IMD). Panels containing over 100 Pt vias were subjected to highly accelerated immersion testing in deionized water at temperatures ranging from 90 to 175°C. Deionized water was employed as it best represents the IMD use environment. Degradation of individual Pt vias was evaluated using fluorescent dye infiltration into the subsurface of the panels. ALT guided refinement of materials and processing to produce a Pt‐Al2O3 multilayer composite system with promising performance for possible use in implantable devices.
Amateur endurance athletes’ use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Rudgard William E , Hirsch Christine A , Cox Anthony R
Published: July 2018

Objective

To explore amateur endurance athletes’ use and views about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey of amateur athletes at four athletic clubs.

Key findings

Of a sample of 129 of amateur athletes, 68% (n = 88) reported using NSAIDs in the previous 12 months (84.4% in triathletes, 70.9% in runners and 52.5% in cyclists). Overall, ibuprofen was the most popular drug (n = 48). There was a lack of knowledge of adverse drug reactions, with only 26% of use advised by a doctor or pharmacist.

Conclusions

There is high usage of NSAIDs in amateur athletes, including before and during events, largely without professional health advice. Informational needs of amateur athletes are not being met.
Impact of employee development on job satisfaction and organizational commitment: person–organization fit as moderator
Authors: Jehanzeb Khawaja , Mohanty Jagannath
Published: July 2018

Researchers have begun to focus on emerging markets, particularly those in Asia, because of the phenomenal growth in the size of their business sectors and a remarkable increase in their share of global business. Businesses in the developing world are now grappling with people management issues that formerly were the preserve of businesses in the West. This study aims at exploring the role of employee development in job satisfaction and organizational commitment and in particular its moderation by person–organization fit. The context is the telecommunications sector in Pakistan. The results reported show a positive impact of employee development initiatives on employee job satisfaction and later the job satisfaction has significant impact on organizational commitment. The results also revealed, however, an unfavourable relationship between employee development and organizational commitment. The relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment was significantly moderated by person–organization fit.
The ontogeny of the spinning apparatus of Tengella perfuga (Araneae: Zoropsidae)
Authors: Alfaro Rachael E. , Griswold Charles E. , Miller Kelly B.
Published: July 2018

Silk is the most recognizable trait of spiders, and silk use has changed throughout spider evolutionary history. While morphology of the adult silk spigot has been a useful character for systematics, few studies have examined the ontogeny of the spinning apparatus, and none of these included cribellate spiders. Here, we report the first published full ontogeny of the spinning apparatus of a cribellate spider, Tengella perfuga. We found the presence of expected spigots: major ampullate gland and piriform gland spigots on the anterior lateral spinneret, minor ampullate gland and aciniform gland spigots on the posterior median spinneret, and aciniform gland spigots on the posterior lateral spinneret. Females, but not males, possessed cylindrical gland spigots on both the posterior median and lateral spinnerets. Spiderlings did not possess a functioning cribellum until the third instar. The cribellum grew with increasing numbers of spigots, but functionality was lost in adult males. Most intriguingly, second instars possessed a distinct triad of pre‐spigots on the posterior lateral spinneret. From the third instar onward, these structures formed the modified spigot along with two flanking spigots (in females) or formed nubbins (in males). We suggest that the modified spigot serves as the source of axial lines in the cribellate silk produced in T. perfuga. We also compare spigot ontogeny from previous studies of ecribellate spiders. These comparisons warrant further exploration using the recent spider tree of life in a phylogenetic comparative analysis of spigot ontogeny datasets, which could yield evidence for homologous spigots across the Araneomorphae, notably the Araneoidea and the Retrolateral Tibial Apophysis (RTA) clades.
BMSCs and miR‐124a ameliorated diabetic nephropathy via inhibiting notch signalling pathway
Authors: Sun Jiping , Zhao Fei , Zhang Wenjing , Lv Jia , Lv Jing , Yin Aiping
Published: July 2018

BMSCs are important in replacement therapy of diabetic nephropathy (DN). MiR‐124a exerts effect on the differentiation capability of pancreatic progenitor cells. The objective of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms, the functions of miR‐124a and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the treatment of DN. Characterizations of BMSCs were identified using the inverted microscope and flow cytometer. The differentiations of BMSCs were analysed by immunofluorescence assay and DTZ staining. The expression levels of islet cell‐specific transcription factors, apoptosis‐related genes, podocytes‐related genes and Notch signalling components were detected using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot assays. The production of insulin secretion was detected by adopting radioimmunoassay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis abilities were detected by CCK‐8, flow cytometry and TUNEL assays. We found that BMSCs was induced into islet‐like cells and that miR‐124a could promote the BMSCs to differentiate into islet‐like cells. BMSCs in combination with miR‐124a regulated islet cell‐specific transcription factors, apoptosis‐related genes, podocytes‐related genes as well as the activity of Notch signalling pathway. However, BMSCs in combination with miR‐124a relieved renal lesion caused by DN and decreased podocyte apoptosis caused by HG. The protective effect of BMSCs in combination with miR‐124a was closely related to the inactivation of Notch signalling pathway. MSCs in combination with miR‐124a protected kidney tissue from impairment and inhibited nephrocyte apoptosis in DN.
Retracted: MircoRNA‐1275 promotes proliferation, invasion and migration of glioma cells via SERPINE1
Authors: Wu Dong‐Mei , Wang Shan , Wen Xin , Han Xin‐Rui , Wang Yong‐Jian , Fan Shao‐Hua , Zhang Zi‐Feng , Shan Qun , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan‐Lin
Published: July 2018

This study was designed to explore the relationship between miR‐1275 and SERPINE1 and its effects on glioma cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in glioma tissues were screened out by bioinformatic analysis. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay was used to validate the targeted relationship between miR‐1275 and SERPINE1. qRT‐PCR was used to detect the expression of miR‐1275 and SERPINE1 in glioma tissues. The expressions of SERPINE1 and p53 pathway‐related proteins in glioma cells were detected by western blot. Glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were respectively detected by CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and transwell assay. Tumour xenograft model was developed to study the influence of miR‐1275 and SERPINE1 on glioma growth in vivo. The results of microarray analysis, qRT‐PCR and western blot showed that miR‐1275 was low‐expressed while SERPINE1 was high‐expressed in glioma. Dual‐luciferase assay showed that miR‐1275 could bind to SERPINE1. Overexpression of miR‐1275 could promote the p53 pathway‐related proteins’ expression. Highly expressed miR‐1275 could repress the migration, proliferation and invasion of glioma cells while highly expressed SERPINE1 had inverse effects. Tumour xenograft showed that up‐regulated miR‐1275 or down‐regulated SERPINE1 could repress glioma growth in vivo. Up‐regulation of miR‐1275 activated p53 signalling pathway via regulating SERPINE1 and therefore suppressed glioma cell proliferation, invasion and migration, whereas promoted cell apoptosis.
A randomized, intraindividual, non‐inferiority, Phase III study comparing daylight photodynamic therapy with BF‐200 ALA gel and MAL cream for the treatment of actinic keratosis
Authors: Dirschka T. , Ekanayake‐Bohlig S. , Dominicus R. , Aschoff R. , Herrera‐Ceballos E. , Botella‐Estrada R. , Hunfeld A. , Kremser M. , Schmitz B. , Lübbert H. , Puig S.
Published: July 2018

Background

The most effective treatment modality for actinic keratosis (AK) is photodynamic therapy (PDT). Major obstacles of PDT are the need of a special illumination device and pain accompanying the illumination. These issues may be overcome by replacing an artificial high‐power light source with natural daylight for more extended illumination at lower light doses.

Objective

To determine whether BF‐200 ALA (a nanoemulsion gel containing 7.8% 5‐aminolaevulinic acid) is non‐inferior to MAL (a cream containing 16% methyl‐aminolaevulinate) in the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate AK with daylight PDT (dPDT). Non‐inferiority of the primary efficacy variable (total lesion clearance rate per patient's side 12 weeks after PDT) is established if the mean response for BF‐200 ALA is no worse than for MAL, within a statistical margin of Δ = −12.5%.

Methods

The study was performed as an intraindividual comparison with 52 patients in seven centres in Germany and Spain. Each patient received one dPDT. Results include clinical endpoints as well as 1‐year follow‐up results.

Results

Twelve weeks after a single dPDT, 79.8% of the AK lesions treated with BF‐200 ALA gel and 76.5% of the lesions treated with MAL cream were completely cleared. The median of differences was 0.0 with a one‐sided 97.5% CI of 0.0, establishing non‐inferiority (P < 0.0001). Results for secondary efficacy parameters were in line with the primary outcome. Recurrence rates 1 year after the treatment were 19.9% for lesions treated with BF‐200 ALA and 31.6% for lesions treated with MAL. Adverse reactions including pain were mostly mild and transient and identical to those previously described for dPDT.

Conclusion

Daylight PDT of AK with BF‐200 ALA is well‐tolerated and non‐inferior to MAL/dPDT. The study demonstrates a trend towards higher efficacies after 3 months and significantly lower recurrence rates after 1 year follow‐up.
Effects of Active Learning on Health Literacy and Behavior in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Uemura Kazuki , Yamada Minoru , Okamoto Hiroshi
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of active learning education on health literacy, cognitive and physical function, physical activity, and dietary habits in older adults.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Rural community in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals aged 65 and older (N=84) randomly assigned to a health education intervention group (n=42) or a control group (n=42).

INTERVENTION

The intervention group attended a weekly 90‐minute active learning program on exercise, diet and nutrition, and cognitive activity for health promotion in older age for 24 weeks. Active learning included exploratory learning, group work, and self‐planning for behavioral change, which promoted a healthy lifestyle.

MEASUREMENTS

Outcome measures were obtained at baseline before randomization and at 24 weeks. Comprehensive health literacy was assessed as the primary outcome using the Health Literacy Scale‐14 (HLS‐14) and the 16‐item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS‐EU‐Q16). Cognitive function was evaluated in 4 domains: processing speed, verbal fluency, working memory, and memory. Physical function and amounts of physical activity were also objectively measured.

RESULTS

HLS‐14, the disease prevention domain of the HLS‐EU‐Q16, category verbal fluency test, Scenery Picture Memory Test, and Timed Up and Go test scores; gait speed; number of steps per day; physical activity levels; and dietary variety scores were significantly improved in the intervention group than the control group.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that health education through active learning is effective in enhancing comprehensive health literacy, verbal fluency, memory, gait speed, balance ability, physical activity, and dietary variety in older adults.
A System for Managing Staff and Quality of Dementia Care in Assisted Living Facilities
Authors: Simmons Sandra F. , Coelho Chris S. , Sandler Andrew , Schnelle John F.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To describe a staff management and quality improvement system implemented in an assisted‐living facility (ALF) that provides dementia care.

Design

Prospective quality improvement project over 13 consecutive months.

Setting

One ALF that provides dementia care services.

Participants

ALF residents with dementia (N=57).

Intervention

A staff management and quality improvement system was implemented for 3 aspects of daily care: morning and evening activity of daily living (ADL) care, nutritional care, and activity engagement.

Measurements

Supervisory staff monitored the quality of daily care processes of all residents and direct care staff using standardized observations. Observational data were summarized into quality measures for each of the 3 daily care areas and ranged from 0% to 100%, with a higher score indicative of better quality. These quality measures were shared with direct care staff in weekly huddles at which feedback was provided about areas in need of improvement. The management team also reviewed the data weekly to discuss strategies for improvement.

Results

The quality measures in each of the 3 areas improved or remained consistently high over the 13 study months: morning and evening ADL care (83–96%), quality nutritional of care during meals (74–95%), activity engagement (69–97%).

Conclusion

A staff management and quality improvement system that relies on standardized observations of quality of care, weekly review by managers, and feedback to direct care staff informs areas in need of improvement and supports consistent implementation of quality of care over time for ALF residents receiving dementia care.
Masticatory muscle stretching for the management of sleep bruxism: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gouw Simone , de Wijer Anton , Kalaykova Stanimira I. , Creugers Nico H.J.
Published: July 2018

Background

Sleep bruxism is a phenomenon associated with masticatory muscle hyperactivity. While stretching of limb and trunk muscles has been extensively studied for musculoskeletal disorders, little is known about the effectiveness of stretching of masticatory muscles in the management of bruxism.

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of stretching of the masticatory muscles for sleep bruxism.

Methods

Twenty four pain‐free individuals with sleep bruxism were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Both groups were given sleep hygiene advice and the intervention group additionally received muscle‐stretching exercises for 10 days. Primary outcome measures, bruxism bursts and episodes per hour of sleep, were measured by ambulant polysomnography. Secondary outcome measures were among others pain‐free active maximum mouth opening (MMO) and masseter pressure pain threshold (PPT).

Results

The number of bruxism episodes per hour of sleep increased more in the intervention group than in the control group (by 1.1 episodes, P = 0.066), as did the number of bruxism bursts per hour of sleep (by 8.6 bursts, P = 0.049). MMO and PPT increased significantly more in the intervention group (by 3.2 mm, P = 0.020; and by 1.0 kg/cm2, P = 0.036, respectively).

Conclusion

Static stretching of the masticatory muscles resulted in a minor increase in sleep bruxism episodes (not significant) and bursts (significant). It also led to a significant increase in MMO and PPT. Therefore, masticatory muscle stretching was not effective in reducing sleep bruxism in the absence of pain and/or dysfunction.
Food sales taxes and employment
Authors: Greenhalgh‐Stanley Nadia , Rohlin Shawn , Thompson Jeff
Published: July 2018

We use panel fixed effects estimation with a border approach creating cross‐border county pairs to identify changes in food sales tax rates on employment, payroll, and hiring. Results suggest food sales taxes have a negligible effect on overall employment but adverse effects in the food and beverage stores industry. We find younger workers, who are more likely to work in the food and beverage industry, are more adversely affected when a neighboring state has preferential tax treatment for food. We also determine that omitting food sales tax rates when studying general sales tax effects on employment does not bias estimates.
Social psychology and neoliberalism: A critical commentary on McDonald, Gough, Wearing, and Deville (2017)
Authors: Phelps Joshua M. , White Christopher M.
Published: July 2018

McDonald, Gough, Wearing, and Deville (2017) call for the discipline of social psychology to investigate issues of neoliberalism, consumption and self‐identity more seriously. We make two contributions in relation to their analysis. First, we highlight some current issues associated with neoliberalism as a concept that leave us in doubt regarding the analytical usefulness of the term. Due to its imprecision and over‐extension, predominant association with the left who use it pejoratively, and altered economic circumstances, we are increasingly skeptical of neoliberalism's analytical validity to social psychology. Second, we also stress the importance of interdisciplinarity, but suggest that empirical insights from mainstream social psychology have much to offer social scientists concerned with how current economic developments impact upon self‐identity and social behaviour. We conclude by pointing out that a greater openness to heterodoxy within and between critical and mainstream strands and the wider social sciences are required if social psychologists are going to make more persuasive impacts to the study and resistance of market logic.
Effects of three infusion fluids with different sodium chloride contents on steady‐state serum concentrations of bromide in dogs
Authors: Fukunaga Koya , Matsumoto Hikaru , Wate Michiko , Misawa Karin , Saito Miyoko , Matsuda Hiroshi , Orito Kensuke
Published: July 2018

Potassium bromide overdose (bromism) in the management of canine epilepsy has been known. However, a protocol to reduce bromide concentrations rapidly has not been previously established. The effects of three infusion fluids with different chloride contents on the steady‐state serum concentrations of bromide in beagles were determined. After stabilization of the serum bromide concentrations, seven dogs were infused with saline (Na+154 mmol/L; Cl−154 mmol/L), lactated Ringer's (Na+131 mmol/L; Cl−110 mmol/L), or maintenance solutions (Na+35 mmol/L; Cl−35 mmol/L) at a rate of 2 or 10 ml kg−1 hr−1for 5 hr. Serum and urine were collected hourly, and the bromide concentrations were measured. When saline and lactated Ringer's solutions were infused at a rate of 10 ml kg−1 hr−1for 5 hr, serum bromide concentrations were decreased by 14.24% and urine bromide concentrations by 17.63%, respectively. Of all compositions of infusion fluids, only sodium and chloride contents were associated with the decreased serum concentrations and the increased renal clearance of bromide. In summary, saline and lactated Ringer's solutions reduced serum bromide concentrations in a sodium chloride‐dependent manner in dogs were found when infused at 10 ml kg−1 hr−1for 5 hr.
Impact ofABCB1 genotype in Collies on the pharmacokinetics of R‐ and S‐fexofenadine
Authors: Myers Michael J. , Martinez Marilyn , Li Fei , Howard Karyn , Yancy Haile F. , Troutman Lisa , Sharkey Michele
Published: July 2018

Thirty‐two Collies were used to determine the impact ofABCB1 genotype and phenotype on the plasma pharmacokinetics of fexofenadine's (Fex) R‐ and S‐enantiomers after bolus Fex administration, as human P‐gp exhibits stereoselectivity. Each Collie'sABCB1 genotype and ivermectin (IVM) sensitivity (phenotype) was determined prior to study enrolment. Wild‐type (WT) Collies had lower plasma concentrations of the individual enantiomers as compared to heterozygousIVMnonsensitive (HNS), heterozygousIVM‐sensitive (HS) and homozygous mutant (MUT) Collies. Based on pairwise statistical comparison,WTCollies had statistically significantly lower (AUC0‐last) and peak (Cmax) values compared toHS,HNSandMUTCollies.Tmaxwas not influenced by genotype/phenotype. Inter‐individual variability inPKmetrics tended to be largest forWTCollies. Although the influence of genotype/phenotype on FexPKoccurred with the individual isomers, impairment of S‐Fex absorption, particularly in theMUTdogs, exceeded that associated with R‐Fex. Since Fex elimination occurs primarily via biliary excretion via a transporter other than P‐glycoprotein, and based upon our understanding of Fex absorption kinetics, we attributed these differences primarily to the absorption portion of the profile. These differences are expressed in a stereo‐specific manner. These results demonstrate the potential negative impact on estimates of drug effectiveness and toxicity, especially for P‐gp substrates that do not exhibit Central Nervous System toxicities.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of marbofloxacin after intravenous administration at different ages in llama crias, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis by Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Rubio‐Langre Sonia , Aguilar‐Sola Soledad , Lorenzutti Augusto Matías , San Andrés Manuel I. , De Lucas José J. , Litterio Nicolás J.
Published: July 2018

In llama crias (tekes), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are major pathogens, and marbofloxacin could be a suitable choice. The objectives of this study were (a) to evaluate the serum pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin (5 mg/kg) after intravenous administration in tekes and simulate a multidose regimen; (b) to emulate pharmacokinetic profiles after single dose and steady‐state conditions by Monte Carlo simulation (c) to determine the MIC of regional strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus; (d) to perform a PK/PD analysis by Monte Carlo simulation. Pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin was evaluated in six animals at 3, 10, 24, 50, and 80 days after birth. Marbofloxacin were determined by HPLC. A steady‐state multi‐dose simulation was carried out, and concentration‐time profiles were generated by Monte Carlo simulation. MIC of marbofloxacin against regional E. coli and S. aureus strains were also determined. Finally, a PK/PD analysis was conducted by Monte Carlo simulation. After pharmacokinetic analysis, clearance showed a trend to increase (0.14 and 0.18 L kg−1 hr−1), and AUC (36.74 and 15.21 μg hr−1 ml−1) and Vss (3.06 and 3.37 L/kg) trended to decrease at 3 and 80 days‐old, respectively, showing accumulation ~50% in animals with 3 days. All strains tested of E. coli (MIC90 = 0.06 μg/ml) and S. aureus (MIC90 = 0.25 μg/ml) were susceptible to marbofloxacin. PK/PD analysis suggests that the therapeutic regimen of marbofloxacin could be effective for infections caused by E. coli strains in animals between 3 and 80 days, with a CFR for Cmax/MIC > 10 of 100% and for AUC24/MIC > 125 of 99.99%; and for infections produced by S. aureus in animals between 3 and 24 days old, with a CFR for Cmax/MIC > 10 of 93.08% and for AUC24/MIC > 60 of 97.01%, but a higher dose should be used in older animals, because PK/PD endpoints were not met.
A systematic review of strategies to reduce sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption among 0‐year to 5‐year olds
Authors: Vercammen K. A. , Frelier J. M. , Lowery C. M. , McGlone M. E. , Ebbeling C. B. , Bleich S. N.
Published: July 2018

Objective

The objective of this study is to summarize evidence for strategies designed to reduce sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among children aged 0 to 5 years.

Data sources

PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, Cab Abstracts and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials are the electronic databases searched in this systematic review.

Study selection

Each included study evaluated an intervention to reduce SSB consumption in children aged 0 to 5 years, was conducted in a high‐income country and was published between 1 January 2000 and 15 December 2017.

Data synthesis

Twenty‐seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The primary intervention settings were healthcare (n = 11), preschool/daycare (n = 4), home (n = 3), community venues (n = 3) and other settings (n = 6). Overarching strategies which successfully reduced SSB consumption included (i) in‐person individual education, (ii) in‐person group education, (iii) passive education (e.g. pamphlets), (iv) use of technology, (v) training for childcare/healthcare providers and (vi) changes to the physical access of beverages. Studies were of moderate methodological quality (average score of 20.7/29.0 for randomized studies; 3.1/9.0 for non‐randomized studies).

Conclusions

Evidence suggests that interventions successful at reducing SSB consumption among 0‐year to 5‐year olds often focused on vulnerable populations, were conducted in preschool/daycare settings, specifically targeted only SSBs or only oral hygiene, included multiple intervention strategies and had higher intervention intensity/contact time.
Allometric and trait‐based patterns in parasite stoichiometry
Authors: Paseka Rachel E. , Grunberg Rita L.
Published: July 2018

We measured the elemental content (%C, N and P) and ratios (C:N, C:P, N:P) of a diverse assemblage of parasitic helminths to ask whether taxonomy or traits were related to stoichiometric variation among species. We sampled 27 macroparasite taxa, spanning four phyla, infecting vertebrate and invertebrate hosts from freshwater ecosystems in New Jersey. Macroparasites varied widely in elemental content, exhibiting 4.7‐fold variation in %N, 4.6‐fold variation in %P, and 11.5‐fold variation in N:P. Across all species, parasite %P scaled negatively and C:P scaled positively with body size. Similar relationships between parasite P content and body size occurred at the phylum level and within individual species. The allometric scaling of P across species supports the growth rate hypothesis, which predicts that smaller taxa require more P to support relatively higher growth rates. Life cycle stage was related to %N and C:N, with non‐reproductive parasite stages lower in %N and higher in C:N than actively reproducing parasites. Parasite phylum, functional feeding group, and trophic level did not explain elemental variation among species. Organismal stoichiometry is linked to ecological function, and wide variation in macroparasite stoichiometry likely generates diverse patterns in host–parasite nutrient dynamics and variable relationships between parasitism and nutrient cycling.
Roll Me a Great Stone: A Brief Historiography of Megalithic Construction and the Genesis of the Roller Hypothesis
Authors: Harris Barney
Published: July 2018

The idea that prehistoric, megalith‐building communities used cylindrical, wooden rollers to transport enormous stones – the ‘roller hypothesis’ – is ubiquitous within archaeological literature and public discourse on megalithic architecture. The likelihood that such devices were actually used to transport megaliths during prehistory remains highly questionable, yet the roller hypothesis has now dominated discussions of the subject for some 400 years. At its heart lies the assertion that fewer people were needed to transport large stones with rollers than without them. A review of experimental and ethnographic studies of megalith transport casts doubt on this central claim and suggests that simpler, better‐attested and more reliable methods were probably used. So when and why did the roller hypothesis become so popular? The historiography of the idea reveals how its advocates succeeded in rationalizing it within wider, paradigmatic beliefs about their contemporary worlds and the deep past. The roller hypothesis is bound up in outmoded, even jingoistic perspectives of megalithic construction and the evolution of technology. To advance our understanding of megalithic construction a more critical stance is herein advocated.
Nasolabial cyst: a case report
Authors: Zografos I. , Podaropoulos L. , Malliou E. , Tosios K. I.
Published: July 2018

Nasolabial cysts are rare non‐odontogenic cysts of soft tissue that usually present as asymptomatic swellings beneath the ala of the nose. Their pathogenesis is uncertain. The presence of the lesion is perceived clinically and by the aid of radiological imaging. The usual treatment is surgical excision. Nasolabial cysts, when infected, are painful and mistreated occasionally as odontogenic defects. This article reports a case of a nasolabial cyst that was initially diagnosed and treated as a periapical abscess, which lead to the loss of a tooth. Complete enucleation of the cyst was performed under local anaesthesia and its identity was confirmed by histopathology. Follow‐up over a year revealed no evidence of recurrence.
Simultaneous CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated editing of cassava eIF4E isoforms nCBP‐1 and nCBP‐2 reduces cassava brown streak disease symptom severity and incidence
Authors: Gomez Michael A. , Lin Z. Daniel , Moll Theodore , Chauhan Raj Deepika , Hayden Luke , Renninger Kelley , Beyene Getu , Taylor Nigel J. , Carrington James C. , Staskawicz Brian J. , Bart Rebecca S.
Published: July 2018

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a major constraint on cassava yields in East and Central Africa and threatens production in West Africa. CBSD is caused by two species of positive‐sense RNA viruses belonging to the family Potyviridae, genus Ipomovirus: Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV). Diseases caused by the family Potyviridae require the interaction of viral genome‐linked protein (VPg) and host eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) isoforms. Cassava encodes five eIF4E proteins: eIF4E, eIF(iso)4E‐1, eIF(iso)4E‐2, novel cap‐binding protein‐1 (nCBP‐1), and nCBP‐2. Protein–protein interaction experiments consistently found that VPg proteins associate with cassava nCBPs. CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing was employed to generate ncbp‐1, ncbp‐2, and ncbp‐1/ncbp‐2 mutants in cassava cultivar 60444. Challenge with CBSV showed that ncbp‐1/ncbp‐2 mutants displayed delayed and attenuated CBSD aerial symptoms, as well as reduced severity and incidence of storage root necrosis. Suppressed disease symptoms were correlated with reduced virus titre in storage roots relative to wild‐type controls. Our results demonstrate the ability to modify multiple genes simultaneously in cassava to achieve tolerance to CBSD. Future studies will investigate the contribution of remaining eIF4E isoforms on CBSD and translate this knowledge into an optimized strategy for protecting cassava from disease.
Reduced introduction of Verticillium dahliae through irrigation systems and accumulation in soil by injection of peroxygen‐based disinfectants
Authors: Gómez‐Gálvez F. J. , Hidalgo‐Moya J. C. , Vega‐Macías V. , Hidalgo‐Moya J. J. , Rodríguez‐Jurado D.
Published: July 2018

Controlling Verticillium dahliae through irrigation systems should be an important measure within integrated management of verticillium wilt of olive in Spain. Pathogen content of water infested by V. dahliae conidia and sclerotia can be diminished following in vitro treatments with the disinfectants OX‐VIRIN and OX‐AGUA AL25. Three concentrations per disinfectant were assessed for their effectiveness under operational conditions of modern irrigated olive orchards. Sterilized potted soil was drip‐irrigated with conidia‐ or sclerotia‐containing water that was pumped from a storage tank and disinfected (or not, control) within the pipelines via metering pumps. The trial was carried out in autumn and spring for each type of propagule infesting the water. The inoculum dispensed through drippers and the total inoculum density accumulated in soil were estimated. Furthermore, the treated residual inoculum in soil was assessed for pathogenicity on olive plants. Conidial incorporation in soil was prevented by most disinfectant treatments in spring; while for sclerotia, prevention was observed only at the highest OX‐VIRIN (51.2 mL L−1; in both seasons) and OX‐AGUA AL25 (11.27 mL L−1; in autumn) concentration. The remaining disinfectant treatments reduced conidia and sclerotia accumulation in soil by over 99% and 95%, respectively. Season particularly impacted the efficacy of lower concentrations. Expression of symptoms was not observed in olive plants grown in previously treated soils. The infectivity of the residual inoculum present in some treated soils was prevented, markedly reduced or limited to the roots. These results provide a novel, interesting and feasible approach in the management of the disease.
Advancing a sociology of ignorance in the study of racism and racial non‐knowing
Authors: Mueller Jennifer C.
Published: July 2018

By a wealth of indicators, ignorance appears a bona fide if often vexing social fact. Ignorance is socially constructed, negotiated, and pervasive; ignorance is often socially inevitable, even necessary; and, without a doubt, ignorance is socially consequential. Yet, despite its significance, ignorance has appeared a largely secondary concern among sociologists. Perhaps more perplexing, while sociologists of racism, power, and domination have long focused on the ways racial ideologies distort and mystify racial understanding to sustain White supremacy over time, we have done less to elaborate ignorance than is possible and warranted. Here, I join growing calls for a fully‐fledged “sociology of ignorance” and argue that antiracist and decolonial scholars have much to gain from and contribute to such an endeavor. This article traces the historical forebears of a “sociology of ignorance” and explores ignorance as a social concept before turning to examine precedents and increasing attention to ignorance scholarship on racism, racial domination, and racialized non‐knowing. Drawing from this work, I urge race‐critical scholars take advantage of our unique position to advance theory and methodology surrounding ignorance and the social‐cultural production of non‐knowledge as a broader area of social inquiry.