bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of renal arteriosclerosis and hypertension with renal and cardiovascular outcomes in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Shimizu Miho , Furuichi Kengo , Toyama Tadashi , Funamoto Tomoaki , Kitajima Shinji , Hara Akinori , Iwata Yasunori , Sakai Norihiko , Takamura Toshinari , Kitagawa Kiyoki , Yoshimura Mitsuhiro , Kaneko Shuichi , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Wada Takashi ,   Kanazawa Study Group for Renal Diseases and Hypertension
Published: December 2018

Aims/Introduction

The present retrospective study investigated the impact of renal arteriosclerosis (AS) and hypertension (HT) on long‐term renal and cardiovascular outcomes in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients with biopsy‐proven diabetic nephropathy.

Materials and Methods

A total of 185 patients were enrolled. Patients were divided into four groups stratified by renal AS status and the presence of HT. The outcomes for this study were the first occurrence of renal events (a need for dialysis or a 30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline) and cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, coronary intervention or non‐fatal stroke).

Results

The proportion of renal AS scores ≥1 was 88.3% among patients with normal‐range blood pressure (BP) and 95.4% among patients with HT. During a mean follow‐up period of 7.6 years, 129 episodes of renal composite events and 55 episodes of cardiovascular events were observed. Compared with patients with no renal AS and normal‐range BP, a renal AS score ≥1 increased the risk of renal composite events with a multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio of 3.21 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.27–8.14) in patients with normal‐range BP and 4.99 (95% CI 1.98–12.54) in patients with HT, whereas renal AS score ≥1 increased the risk of cardiovascular events with a multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio of 6.06 (95% CI 1.24–29.61) in patients with normal‐range BP and 10.02 (95% CI 1.92–52.39) in patients with HT.

Conclusions

Renal AS was associated with increasing risks for renal composite events and cardiovascular events in both normal‐range BP and HT. The risks of renal composite events and cardiovascular events were the highest in both renal AS and HT.
Independent links between plasma xanthine oxidoreductase activity and levels of adipokines
Authors: Furuhashi Masato , Matsumoto Megumi , Murase Takayo , Nakamura Takashi , Higashiura Yukimura , Koyama Masayuki , Tanaka Marenao , Moniwa Norihito , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Saitoh Shigeyuki , Shimamoto Kazuaki , Miura Tetsuji
Published: December 2018

Aims/Introduction

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is a rate‐limiting enzyme that catalyzes uric acid formation in the purine metabolism, is involved in an increase in reactive oxygen species. Plasma XOR activity has been shown to be associated with obesity, smoking, liver dysfunction, hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.

Materials and Methods

The association between plasma XOR activity, measured by using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and levels of adipokines, including adiponectin, fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), was investigated in 282 participants (male/female: 126/156) of the Tanno‐Sobetsu Study who were not taking medication.

Results

Women had lower plasma XOR activity than did men. Smoking habit was associated with increased activity. Plasma XOR activity was positively correlated with concentrations of FABP4 (r = 0.192, P < 0.001) and FGF21 (r = 0.208, P < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance as an index of insulin resistance and uric acid, and was negatively correlated with adiponectin level (r = −0.243, P = 0.001). Multivariate regression analyses showed that levels of adiponectin, FABP4 and FGF21 were independent determinants of plasma XOR activity after adjusting age, sex, uric acid and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. With additional adjustment of smoking habit, the level of FABP4, but not that of adiponectin or FGF21, remained as an independent predictor of plasma XOR activity.

Conclusions

Plasma XOR activity was independently associated with levels of adipokines in a general population of individuals not taking medication.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Long‐Term Care Settings: A Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Wu Julie Hui‐Chih , Langford Bradley J. , Daneman Nick , Friedrich Jan O. , Garber Gary
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial stewardship programs have been established in hospitals, but less studied in long‐term care facilities (LTCFs), a setting with unique challenges related to patient populations and available resources. This systematic review sought to provide a comprehensive assessment of antimicrobial stewardship interventions implemented in LTCFs, using meta‐analysis to examine their impact on overall antimicrobial use.

METHODS

Electronic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL (1990 to July 2018) identified any antimicrobial stewardship interventions in LTCFs, with no restriction on patient population, study design, or outcomes. Intervention components were categorized using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care taxonomy on implementation strategies. Random‐effects meta‐analysis used ratio of means to facilitate pooling of different metrics of antimicrobial use.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies (one randomized controlled trial [RCT], four cluster RCTs, four controlled pre/post studies, and nine uncontrolled pre/post studies) met inclusion, using 13 different antimicrobial stewardship intervention strategies; 15 studies used multifaceted (maximum, seven; median, four) interventions. The three most commonly implemented strategies were educational materials, educational meetings, and guideline implementation. Intervention labor intensity and resource requirements varied considerably among interventions. Meta‐analysis of 11 studies demonstrated that antimicrobial stewardship strategies were associated with a 14% reduction in overall antimicrobial use (95% confidence interval = −8% to −20%; P < .0001), with similar results by study design but high heterogeneity (I2 = 86%) for the uncontrolled pre/post study subgroup and no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%) for the cluster RCT and controlled pre/post study subgroups. Funnel plot analysis suggested publication bias, with a lack of publication of smaller studies showing increased antibiotic use.

CONCLUSION

Antimicrobial stewardship strategies implemented in long‐term care vary considerably in design and resource intensity, but collectively suggest potential to reduce antimicrobial use in this challenging setting. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:392–399, 2019.
Protein Intake and Risk of Falls: A Prospective Analysis in Older Adults
Authors: Sandoval‐Insausti Helena , Pérez‐Tasigchana Raúl F. , López‐García Esther , Banegas José R. , Rodríguez‐Artalejo Fernando , Guallar‐Castillón Pilar
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

The prospective association between protein intake and falls has been little studied. We assessed this association in a Spanish community‐dwelling cohort.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study of 2464 men and women 60 years or older who were recruited in 2008‐2010 and followed up through 2012. At baseline, the habitual protein intake was determined with a validated dietary history. At the end of follow‐up, participants reported the number of falls experienced in the preceding year. Participants were stratified by an unintentional weight loss of 4.5 kg or more. Logistic regression was used after adjustment for the main confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 522 participants (21.2%) experienced at least one fall. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of falling for the three increasing tertiles of total protein intake were 1.00, 0.86 (0.66‐1.11), and 0.93 (0.70‐1.24) (p for trend = 0.14). However, a statistically significant interaction with unintentional weight loss was observed for the association between protein intake and fall risk (p for interaction = 0.004). Among 163 participants (6.6%) who experienced unintentional weight loss, the ORs (95% CI) of falling for the three increasing tertiles of total protein intake were 1.00, 0.68 (0.21‐2.23), and 0.23 (0.05‐1.08) (p for trend = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

No protective association between protein intake and fall risk in older adults was found. However, high total protein intake tended to confer substantial benefits to participants who experienced an unintentional weight loss of 4.5 kg or more in the preceding year. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:329–335, 2019.
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE IMPACT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS ON THE FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT LOCATION (COUNTRY) CHOICE? A REVIEW AND RESEARCH AGENDA
Authors: Noon Paul , De Vita Glauco , Appleyard Lindsey
Published: December 2018

Despite a longstanding debate, at both a theoretical and empirical level, research on the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and intellectual property rights (IPRs) remains scant and ambiguous. As a result, the link between IPR strength and multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) propensity to invest is unproven and seemingly dependent on a number of factors. We critically review the theory and evidence of the influence of IPRs on FDI and MNEs’ investment location (country) decisions both to ‘take stock’ of existing knowledge of this relationship and, by identifying gaps in, and shortcomings of prior work, develop a fruitful research agenda. We find that existing empirical work on the IPR–FDI nexus, though skewed in favour of a positive relationship between IPR protection and FDI, is fragmented, inconclusive and unable to square the conflicting theoretical predictions on how the strength of IPRs can affect MNEs’ FDI location decisions. Several issues and challenges are highlighted to explain the difficulties of the collective body of past empirical work to provide a definite answer to the question of the impact of IPRs on FDI, from which valuable recommendations are proposed to guide future applied research.
Management of post‐myocardial infarction ventricular septal defects: A critical assessment
Authors: Omar Sabry , Morgan Garrison L. , Panchal Hemang B. , Thourani Vinod , Rihal Charanjit S. , Patel Ruchi , Kherada Nisharahmed , Egbe Alexander C. , Beohar Nirat
Published: December 2018

Background

Post‐myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal defects (PIVSD) are an uncommon but life‐threatening complication of acute MI. Although surgical closure has been the standard of care, mortality, and recurrence of VSD remain high even after emergent surgery. Transcatheter VSD closure (TCC) devices have become an alternative or adjunct to surgical closure.

Methods

Online database search was performed for studies that included adults with PIVSD who underwent medical treatment (MT) alone, surgical closure (SC) (early or late), and TCC (early, late, or for post‐surgical residual VSD).

Results

Twenty‐six studies were included with a total of 737 patients who underwent either MT (N = 100), SC (early (n = 167), late (n = 100)), and TCC (early (n = 176), late (n = 115), or post‐surgical residual VSD (n = 79)). The 30‐day mortality among MT group was 92 ± 6.3%, among SC was 61 ± 22.5% (early 56 ± 23%, late 41 ± 30%), and for all TCC patients was 33 ± 24% (early 54 ± 32.7%, late 16 ± 26%), and TCC for post‐surgical residual VSD 11 ± 34.9%. The mortality among overall SC, overall TCC and early TCC groups was significantly lower as compared with the MT (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). The overall mortality among all TCC, and late TCC groups was significantly lower when compared with the late SC (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion

Closure of PIVSD decreases mortality as compared with MT alone and should be attempted as early as possible after diagnosis. Selection of TCC versus SC should be based on factors including complexity of the defect, availability of closure devices, expertise of the operator, and clinical condition of patient.
Finite Element Stress Analysis of Applied Forces to Implants and Supporting Tissues Using the “All‐on‐Four” Concept with Different Occlusal Schemes
Authors: Türker Nurullah , Büyükkaplan Ulviye S. , Sadowsky Steven J. , Özarslan Mehmet M.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate stress distributions on implants and alveolar bone due to occlusal load produced during chewing by prostheses prepared according to the All‐on‐Four concept with different occlusal schemes using a finite element analysis method.

Materials and Methods

On standard jaw models, teeth were set in accordance with the basic standards of canine‐guided occlusion, group function occlusion, bilateral balanced occlusion (BBO), lingualized occlusion, and monoplane occlusion schemes. Three‐dimensional (3D) images of these models were obtained using a surface scanner. Implants, superstructures, the maxilla, and mandible were modeled in the All‐on‐Four concept with 3D modeling software. Forces were defined on contacts formed in maximum intercuspation, lateral, and protrusive movement position for all 5 occlusion types. Stress outputs were recorded as maximum and minimum principal stresses (Pmax, Pmin) and von Mises stress values for the implants.

Results

The highest Pmax value for the maxilla was observed in cortical bone in the group function occlusion during lateral movement (15.56 MPa). For the mandible, the highest Pmax value was observed on the cortical bone in maximum intercuspation of lingualized occlusion (72.75 MPa). The highest Pmin value for the maxilla was observed during the lateral movement in group function and for the mandible in BBO (–29.23 and –86.31 MPa, respectively). The lowest stress values were observed with canine‐guided occlusion in all related conditions and on all structures.

Conclusions

With the limitations of this simulation study, considering stresses on alveolar bone and implants in All‐on‐Four applications, the use of canine‐guided occlusion may be suggested.
Quercetin and 3-O-methylquercetin in vitro skin layers permeation/retention from hydrogels: why only a methoxy group difference determines different behaviors?
Authors: Schwingel Liege C , Bianchi Sara E , Zorzi Giovanni K , Gonçalves Paulo , Teixeira Helder F , Bassani Valquiria L
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The present study was designed to verify if quercetin (QCT), a flavonoid with antioxidant and antiviral activity, and 3-O-methylquercetin (3OMQ), a quercetin C3-methoxylated derivative, present differences in their behavior against complexation with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and the corresponding permeation/retention trhough porcine ear skin, when incorporated into hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or chitosan (CS) hydrogels.

Methods

The influence of β-CD on the skin permeation/retention of QCT and 3OMQ from hydrogels is comparatively evaluated for both flavonoids using porcine ear skin in Franz cells model. The properties of the two flavonoids using the semi-empirical method Recife Model was studied.

Key findings

Quercetin presented higher skin retention compared with its C3-methoxy derivative 3OMQ. The best permeation/retention of QCT was observed when it was incorporated into CS hydrogel containing 5% β-CD, whereas, for 3OMQ, the HPMC hydrogel containing 5% β-CD was the best formulation. The flavonoids complexation with β-CD in water occurred preferentially with the insertion of the B ring through the secondary OH rim.

Conclusions

The dynamic molecular modeling revealed that the methyl group at C3 in 3OMQ molecule determined significant difference in its complexation with β-CD, in comparison to its analogous QCT and that difference is coincident with the permeation behavior of these flavonoids, denoting a possible relationship with their molecular dynamics.
How Individuals Engage in the Absorption of New External Knowledge: A Process Model of Absorptive Capacity
Authors: Sjödin David , Frishammar Johan , Thorgren Sara
Published: December 2018

This paper offers a process model of how individuals engage in the absorption of new external knowledge. Data collection is centered on the experiences of knowledge workers in recognizing, assimilating, and applying external knowledge. The process model delineates how individuals engage in the absorptive capacity (AC) process through: (1) valuing knowledge potential by assessing the motivation to assimilate knowledge and by evaluating technological feasibility, which together constitute the recognition of value; (2) corroborating knowledge value by ensuring legitimacy and demonstrating a shared understanding of the business value in achieving knowledge assimilation; and (3) championing knowledge integration by lobbying for support and securing resources in order to integrate and apply the knowledge within the organization, ultimately ensuring that knowledge is exploited. The process model clarifies how an individual’s proficiency in external knowledge absorption activities can result in three possible outcomes: knowledge is exploited, knowledge is terminated, or knowledge gets “stuck” in limbo. These findings contribute to the AC literature by underscoring the pivotal role of individual engagements in recognition, assimilation, and application of external knowledge and add new elements and a process perspective to the understanding of the path from potential to realized AC. The paper also provides insights into how individuals and firms can better manage knowledge absorption in practice.
Sleep characteristics, sources of perceived stress and coping strategies in adolescent athletes
Authors: Skein Melissa , Harrison Tristan , Clarke Deborah
Published: December 2018

The aim of the study was to examine sleep characteristics, scheduling of activities, perceived stress and coping strategies between periods of perceived high and low scheduling commitments in adolescent athletes. Twenty adolescents (10 male and 10 female) wore an Actiwatch during two 14‐day testing periods, one in in January (JAN), which was deemed to be a period of low school and sport commitments, and one in March (MAR), during which there was a high volume of school and sport commitments. Actiwatches and sleep diaries assessed sleep quantity and quality, a daily schedule of all activities in 30‐min increments was recorded and questionnaires related to perceived stress and coping strategies were administered. Time in bed and asleep, latency, efficiency and number of awakenings were not different between JAN and MAR (p > 0.05). Sleep durations were lower than their age‐related recommendations (JAN 449 ± 47 min versus MAR 437 ± 31 min). Examination of differences between sexes showed shorter latency and higher sleep efficiency in female participants compared with male participants. Participants spent more time at school, completing homework, and travelling to and competing in sport, with reduced time spent on resting, social activities, physical activity and meal times during MAR compared with JAN (p < 0.05). Finally, stress levels were significantly increased during MAR compared with JAN, with no difference between sexes (p < 0.05). Adolescent athletes not attaining sufficient sleep quantity or quality during periods of low and high school and sport commitments, are experiencing increased perceived stress during these busy times but are using a wider range of coping strategies during this time.
Clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and acceptability of community‐based treatment of hepatitis C virus infection: A mixed method systematic review
Authors: Pourmarzi Davoud , Hall Lisa , Hepworth Julie , Smirnov Andrew , Rahman Tony , FitzGerald Gerrard
Published: December 2018

Several community‐based models for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been implemented to improve treatment accessibility and health outcomes. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how well these models achieve the desired goals. We conducted a mixed‐method systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence about clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and acceptability of community‐based HCV treatment models. Seventeen databases were researched for published and unpublished studies. Methodological quality was assessed using The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. Quantitative findings were synthesized in narrative form and qualitative findings were synthesized using meta‐synthesis. Forty‐two quantitative and six qualitative studies were included. No relevant cost effectiveness studies were found. Five categories of community‐based models were identified: telehealth, integration of HCV and addiction services, integration of HCV and HIV services, integration of HCV and primary care, and implementation by a home care and health care management company. The range of reported outcomes included; end of treatment response: 48.7% to 96%, serious side effects: 3.3% to 27.8%, sustained virological response: 22.3% to 95.5%, relapse: 2.2% to 16.7%, and treatment completion: 33.4% to 100%. Inconsistent measures of uptake and adherence were used; uptake ranged from 8.3% to 92%, and 68.4% to 100% of patients received ≥80% of prescribed doses. Patient reported experiences included trusted and supportive care providers, safe and trusted services, easily accessible care, and positive psychological and behavioural changes. The clinical effectiveness and acceptability reported from the included studies are similar to or better than reported outcomes from systematic reviews of studies in tertiary settings. Studies of the cost effectiveness of community‐based models for treating HCV are needed.
Drug‐induced liver injury with skin reactions: Drugs and host risk factors, clinical phenotypes and prognosis
Authors: Devarbhavi Harshad , Raj Sujata
Published: December 2018

While dermatologic manifestations of adverse drug reactions are frequent, drug‐induced liver injury is rare. Numerous drugs are implicated in either Drug‐Induced Liver Injury or Drug‐Induced Skin Injury. However, concomitant Drug‐Induced Liver Injury and Drug‐Induced Skin Injury are uncommon, not well characterized and appear to be caused by a limited number of drugs. These are often associated with immuno‐allergic or hypersensitivity features such as fever, skin rash, blisters or peeling of skin, eosinophilia, lymphadenopathy and mucositis. Liver injury can range from asymptomatic elevation of liver biochemical tests to severe hepatitis and acute liver failure needing liver transplantation. Severe cutaneous adverse reaction, particularly drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms is commonly associated with internal organ involvement, the liver being the most frequently involved in approximately 90% of the cases. In Stevens‐Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, abnormalities in liver biochemistry tests are common but severe liver disease is rare. There is a strong association of Human Leukocyte Antigen genotype with both drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms and Stevens‐Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. It is likely that the delayed immune‐mediated reaction triggering skin reaction is also responsible for hepatitis. Drug‐specific lymphocytes are found in the organs involved and also in circulating blood, which along with the cytokines and chemokines play a role in pathogenesis. Anti‐epileptic drugs, allopurinol, sulfonamides, antibiotics and nevirapine are the top five causes of concomitant liver and skin injury. This review will focus on drug and host factors causing concomitant Drug‐Induced Skin Injury and Drug‐Induced Liver Injury and discuss the characteristics of liver involvement in patients with severe cutaneous adverse reaction.
Petrography and sedimentology of the ~2490 Ma DS4 impact spherule layer revisited, Brockman Iron Formation (Hamersley Group, Western Australia)
Authors: Hassler Scott , Biller Sandra , Simonson Bruce M.
Published: December 2018

The ~2490 Ma DS4 impact layer in the Dales Gorge Member is the only bed in the Brockman Iron Formation (Hamersley Group, Western Australia) known to contain “splash form” impact spherules. At a newly discovered site in Munjina Gorge (MG), the internal stratigraphy of the DS4 impact layer differs from previously known occurrences; it ranges from 36 to 57 cm in total thickness and consists of two distinct subunits. The lower subunit contains abundant cobble‐ to boulder‐scale intraclasts and spherules supported by a finer matrix. We interpret this subunit as the product of poorly cohesive debris flows. The upper subunit is 11–15 cm of low‐density turbidites. The DS4 layer also consists of two newly recognized subunits at Yampire Gorge (YG). The lower subunit is rich in well‐sorted spherules, 0–22 cm thick, and comprises an unstratified bedform with an irregular or swaley upper surface. This is overlain by 2 dm‐scale, fine‐grained, irregularly laminated beds that we interpret as low density turbidites laterally equivalent to the upper subunit at MG. The bedform at YG could be the lateral equivalent of the debrite at MG, genetically related to the overlying turbidites, or a product of impact tsunami‐induced bottom return flow. Other DS4 layer sites that have debrites similar to the one at MG are geographically separated from one another by sites that both lack debrite facies and feature well‐sorted spherules like YG. These characteristics suggest the DS4 layer had a complex depositional history that generated multiple debrites.
VIII. CONCLUSION: CO‐CONSTRUCTING A SECURE BASE PARTNERSHIP: MOTHER–CHILD INTERACTIONS, COMMUNICATION, AND SCRIPT REPRESENTATIONS
Authors: Posada Germán E. , Waters Harriet S.
Published: December 2018

Using the secure base construct, the evidence presented indicates that interactional experience continues to be a central factor in the organization of mother–child attachment relationships. The parent–child codetermination process that establishes their relationship in infancy expands during the preschool years. Furthermore, with the increasingly relevant role of language, parent–child verbal communication during this time plays an important part in structuring children's attachment behavior and knowledge. Parents help their children construe attachment‐related information, control and regulate emotional experience, and guide behavior during attachment‐related experiences. That is, during early childhood, parent and child continue the process of constructing a secure base partnership through their gradually more complex interactions that take advantage of children's behavioral, emotional, representational, and language advances. Although the studies are interrelated and contribute to a coherent understanding of attachment relationships during this time period, they represent small‐scale studies. Further, some of the effect sizes presented are small. Thus, future research should include tests of replication as well as explorations of links to early and later development and parallel findings in more diverse samples.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry as a useful tool for the rapid identification of wild flea vectors preserved in alcohol
Authors: Zurita A. , Djeghar R. , Callejón R. , Cutillas C. , Parola P. , Laroche M.
Published: December 2018

Flea identification is a significant issue because some species are considered as important vectors of several human pathogens that have emerged or re‐emerged recently, such as Bartonella henselae (Rhizobiales: Bartonellaceae) and Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae). Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) has been evaluated in recent years for the identification of multicellular organisms, including arthropods. A preliminary study corroborated the usefulness of this technique for the rapid identification of fleas, creating a preliminary database containing the spectra of five species of flea. However, longterm flea preservation in ethanol did not appear to be an adequate method of storage in the context of specimen identification by MALDI‐TOF MS profiling. The goal of the present work was to assess the performance of MALDI‐TOF MS in the identification of seven flea species [Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), Ctenocephalides canis, Pulex irritans (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), Archaeopsylla erinacei (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), Leptopsylla taschenbergi (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae), Stenoponia tripectinata (Siphonaptera: Stenoponiidae) and Nosopsyllus fasciatus (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae)] collected in the field and stored in ethanol for different periods of time. The results confirmed that MALDI‐TOF MS can be used for the identification of wild fleas stored in ethanol. Furthermore, this technique was able to discriminate not only different flea genera, but also the two congeneric species C. felis and C. canis.
Nairn's England and the progressive dilemma: reappraising Tom Nairn on English nationalism
Authors: Wellings Ben , Kenny Michael
Published: December 2018

In British political and intellectual circles, there is a longstanding disagreement between those envisaging an opportunity for the development of a radical English patriotism and those resistant to the idea of a progressive English imaginary. Despite their antithetical quality, both divergent frameworks were explored in the work of Scottish nationalist and New Left intellectual Tom Nairn, long before mainstream social science preoccupied itself with the ‘English Question’. Notwithstanding his later espousal of Englishness as a contribution to democratic renewal, Nairn's earlier notion of an inherently regressive nationalism remains the dominant frame for many intellectuals and politicians confronted by the challenges of increasingly politicised English identities. Whilst he has been only one of a number of thinkers and writers who have informed and contested political thinking on this question in the UK, the influence of his early work upon liberal and left circles has been underestimated, an oversight that this article addresses.
A striking new unifoliolate and polycarpellate species of Senna (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae) from Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Ramana Pragada Venkata , Swamy Jetti , Ahmedullah Mohammed
Published: December 2018

Senna andhrica P.V. Ramana, J. Swamy and M. Ahmedullah, a new species from Andhra Pradesh, India, is described. The species is remarkable in having unifoliolate, oblong or ovate leaves, 2–3 carpellate gynoecium and reniform seeds. It is the second described species with unifoliolate leaves in the Cassiinae. In most other morphological characters, it is closely allied to Senna occidentalis (L.) Link.
Inappropriate disabling of an ICD noise‐detection algorithm in pacemaker‐dependent patients
Authors: Welte Nicolas , Gang Eli S. , Swerdlow Charles D. , Strik Marc , Bordachar Pierre , Ploux Sylvain
Published: December 2018

SecureSense is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator algorithm that differentiates lead‐related oversensing from ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation by continuous comparison between the near‐field (NF) and the far‐field (FF) electrogram. If lead noise is identified, inappropriate therapy is withheld. Undersensing on the FF channel could result in inappropriate inhibition of life‐saving therapy. Thus, the device automatically switches SecureSense to passive mode if undersensing on the FF channel is suspected. We report here the first cases of inappropriate automatic SecureSense deactivation due to misdiagnosed FF undersensing in pacemaker‐dependent patients. Physicians should be aware that SecureSense does not withhold an inappropriate therapy for sustained oversensing in pacemaker‐dependent patients.
Permanent His bundle pacing in heart failure patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qian Zhiyong , Zou Fengwei , Wang Yao , Qiu Yuanhao , Chen Xing , Jiang Hai , Hou Xiaofeng
Published: December 2018

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is the standard‐of‐care therapy for the patients with heart failure and left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. However, approximately 30% of the patients show no response. Recent studies have shown that His bundle pacing (HBP) could be an alternative for the patients with CRT indications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of HBP in patients with heart failure.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Embase databases for studies evaluating HBP in patients with heart failure and LV dyssynchrony. The successful rate of implantation, QRS duration, pacing threshold, LV function at baseline and follow‐up, and mortality rates were extracted and summarized.

Results

Eleven studies including 494 patients were included in this analysis. The overall successful rate for implantation was 82.4%. The main indications for HBP were CRT candidates and cardiomyopathy with atrial fibrillation undergoing atrioventricular node ablation. Permanent HBP resulted in narrow QRS duration of 116.3 ± 13.9 ms after implantation. LV functions, including echocardiographic parameters and clinical outcomes, significantly improved at follow‐up (P < 0.001). However, there was a trend of increased capture and bundle branch block correction thresholds at follow‐up compared to baseline (P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). During a mean follow‐up of 23.7 months, 5.9% of the patients experienced heart failure‐related hospitalization and the mortality rate was 9.1%.

Conclusion

Permanent HBP has shown promising results for heart failure patients in small observational studies. Randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy of HBP in these patients.
Differential pacing from two sites to diagnose risk of ventricular arrhythmia and death
Authors: Nayyar Sachin , Kuklik Pawel , Tomlinson George , Suszko Adrian , Chauhan Vijay S.
Published: December 2018

Background

QRS abnormalities may not be apparent in sinus rhythm in electrically stable cardiomyopathy patients who can have quiescent but highly arrhythmogenic substrate. Here, we test the hypothesis that differential changes in QRS construction during right‐ventricular apex pacing (RVP) as opposed to atrial pacing (AP) will identify latent substrate for ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and death.

Methods

Forty patients with cardiomyopathy free of VA underwent baseline 114‐electrode body‐surface electrocardiogram during AP (100 beats per minute [bpm]) and RVP (100 and 120 bpm). The filtered‐averaged QRS at each electrode was deconstructed into individual intra‐QRS and post‐QRS ventricular myopotentials (VMP). The primary outcome was VA or death. Prognostic accuracy of VMP was validated using V1 to V6 leads in another prospective cohort of 44‐cardiomyopathy patients.

Results

Twenty‐six patients were eligible for initial analysis. After 5 ± 2 years of follow‐up, eight (31%) patients had VA (VAPos) while rest were uneventful (VANeg). During AP100, VAPos patients expressed more VMP than VANeg patients (16 ± 1 vs 12 ± 1, P = 0.02). RVP100 and RVP120 in VAPos patients introduced an additional 5.5 ± 0.5 and 6.0 ± 0.5 VMP (P < 0.0001 vs AP100). The relative change with RVP120 versus AP100 in VANeg patients exceeded VAPos patients by 1.2 ± 0.5 VMP (P = 0.03). Increment in VMP count of <8 in lead‐V5 with RVP120 compared to AP100 best predicted VA (area under curve 0.81, P = 0.01). In the validation cohort, primary outcome occurred in 13 (33%) patients. Native QRS features and AP100 alone failed to predict primary outcome. Patients with increment in VMP count of <8 in lead‐V5 with RVP120 versus AP100 had 7.9‐fold increased risk of primary outcome (95% confidence interval 1.01, 61.61; P = 0.049).

Conclusion

Cardiomyopathy patients at risk of VA or death perturb the QRS less than low‐risk patients with differential pacing. This functional response may be useful to identify arrhythmogenic substrate.
Understanding relationships between public service motivation and involvement in socio‐political organizations: Perspectives of organizational field theory
Authors: Prysmakova Palina
Published: December 2018

The study provides insights about public service motivation values and participation in socio‐political organizations. It applies organizational field theory to a sample of similar public and nonprofit service providers in a border region of two independent states. The results reveal that socio‐political activities bear different meanings for individuals from different sectors and countries. Thus, from an institutional perspective, despite offering similar services, the organizations studied belong to different organizational fields. This validates a recent shift from defining an organizational field as a group of organizations that share products, services, or markets to those that share common meanings. A broader context being a sector of economy or an administrative realm defines the types of socio‐political activities that share institutional infrastructures with public service organizations. Specifically, mutually exclusive associations are found for churches, political parties, and professional and volunteering groups. The study also indicates no value overlap with labour unions.
Medical alert tattoos—A pinch of style along with patient safety
Authors: Lai Emily A. , Nesrsta Eric A. , Bodiford Jason M. , Jain Ranu R.
Published: December 2018

The use of medical tattoos can potentially be life‐saving. We present a 16‐year‐old patient who chose to tattoo a medical condition on her forearm. Her tattoo is more extensive than most medical tattoos and shows the measures a mother will take to ensure her daughter's safety. To our knowledge, there are no published guidelines recommending an ideal location or symbology for a medical tattoo. Such guidelines would be useful to artists, as well as to medical personnel in emergencies if the patient has a tattoo.
Cancer site differences in the health‐related quality of life of Korean cancer survivors: Results from a Population‐based Survey
Authors: Ryu Mikyung , Hwang Jee‐In
Published: December 2018

Objectives

We investigated cancer site differences in the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of cancer survivors.

Design and Sample

A secondary data analysis was conducted using the sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2015). Participants were 15,461 adults (664 cancer survivors) with available EuroQol‐5 Dimensions (EQ5D) information.

Measurements

Constructs from the revised Wilson and Cleary's model were examined. HRQOL status was measured using the EQ5D. EQ5D dimensional problems and indices were compared across cancer sites using multiple linear and quantile regression analyses.

Results

The most common problems across cancer sites were pain/discomfort and mobility. There were differences in EQ5D dimensional problems by cancer site: problems of usual activities in the cervix‐cancer group and anxiety/depression in the thyroid cancer group were prevalent. Those with cervix cancer (vs. stomach) had higher EQ5D index scores; however, no significant differences were observed between other site subgroups. Subjective health perception and socioeconomic factors were significant determinants affecting HRQOL among cancer survivors with low EQ5D index scores.

Conclusions

Subjective health status and socioeconomic characteristics are predicted to have a greater impact on survivors with low (vs. high) HRQOL. Socioeconomic and psychological support is essential to increase cancer survivors’ HRQOL, regardless of cancer site.
Mediated Agency and Funeral Insurance in China
Authors: Kipnis Andrew B.
Published: December 2018

This article examines attempts to set up a market for funerary insurance in China. Anthropologists and sociologists analyzing the insurance industry often emphasize the cultural aspects of the business, suggesting that “visions” or “imaginaries” of what insurance is and how insurance should work play a guiding role in other aspects of the business. In the case of funerary insurance in China, however, the imaginary of how the insurance should work evolved very rapidly in response to other factors. While not denying the role of cultural imaginaries in the insurance business, this article argues for a more mediated vision of the agency of these imaginaries.
ParticiPat: Exploring the Impact of Participatory Governance in the Heritage Field
Authors: Alonso González Pablo , González‐Álvarez David , Roura‐Expósito Joan
Published: December 2018

This Directions piece presents the project ParticiPat: Patrimonio y participación social: propuesta metodológica y revisión crítica (ParticiPat: Heritage and Social Participation: Methodological Proposal and Critical Review). ParticiPat is a multidisciplinary and multisituated research project involving fourteen researchers from different disciplines and institutions that aims to analyze critically the ubiquitous buzzwords and practices of participation—as well as its key institutions and actors—affecting heritage management in Spain, Portugal, or Mexico. This article advances preliminary results derived from the authors’ case study of a natural park and biosphere reserve in Spain. In doing so, it contributes to the anthropological examination of what has recently been described by different authors as the emergence of a new form of governance based on discourses and practices of participation.
Digital Access amongst the Marginalized: Democracy and Internet Governance in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Omari Jeffrey
Published: December 2018

This article examines how new modes of governance and policies intended to expand Internet access unfold in the marginalized communities of Rio de Janeiro. In April 2014, Brazil enacted the Marco Civil da Internet (Civil Rights Framework of the Internet; MCI), an “Internet Bill of Rights” that promotes collaborative, democratic digital governance and regards Internet access as a requisite for civil rights. Rio's favelas (informal, historically low‐income communities) are territories where many of the intended beneficiaries of the access policies live. However, drug gangs often control favela neighborhoods and censor the digital access of residents; this is just one example of how Internet access in disadvantaged communities is tied to a number of broader sociopolitical realities and risks. Because these risks index larger disjunctions in contemporary Brazilian democracy, I propose that violence and informal governance in urban favelas creates a corresponding disjunction in the MCI's pledge of Internet access as a civil right.
“Fighting against Clandestine Migration”: Sub‐Saharan Migrants’ Political Agency and Uncertainty in Morocco
Authors: Bachelet Sébastien
Published: December 2018

Drawing on ethnographic research in Morocco among irregular migrants from Central and Western Africa, this article shifts the exploration of what it means to be political by examining how migrants’ political participation is entangled with their attempts to overcome the uncertainty inherent to their lives. Recent scholarship has exposed and decentered boundaries between the citizen and the illegal migrant, placing a prominent focus on migrants’ subjectivity and the radical potential of migrants’ protests. However, studies of migrants’ protests have often been limited to the “West.” Through an examination of the development of a migrants’ association in Morocco, I show how studies of migrants’ movements and protests must account for their multiple, uncertain, and sometimes seemingly contradictory claims and demands. Failing to do so risks curtailing any radical potential for political subjectivization and contributing further to migrants’ marginalization. The article illustrates how migrants’ aspirations cannot be reduced to regularization in a host country and, crucially, how hampered political agency is articulated with constricted mobility in a country closely cooperating with Europe in migration matters.
Phosphorus–zinc interactions in cotton: consequences for biomass production and nutrient‐use efficiency in photosynthesis
Authors: Santos Elcio Ferreira , Pongrac Paula , Reis André Rodrigues , White Philip J. , Lavres José
Published: December 2018

The fragmentary information on phosphorus (P) × zinc (Zn) interactions in plants warrants further study, particularly in plants known for their high P and Zn requirements, such as cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of P × Zn interactions in a modern cultivar of cotton grown hydroponically. Biomass, mineral nutrition and photosynthetic parameters were monitored in plants receiving contrasting combinations of P and Zn supply. Root biomass, length and surface area were similar in plants with low P and/or low Zn supply to those in plants grown with high P and high Zn supply, reflecting an increased root/shoot biomass quotient when plants lack sufficient P or Zn for growth. Increasing P supply and reducing Zn supply increased shoot P concentrations, whilst shoot Zn concentrations were influenced largely by Zn supply. A balanced P × Zn supply (4 mM P × 4 μM Zn) enabled greatest biomass accumulation, while an imbalanced supply of these nutrients led to Zn deficiency, P toxicity or Zn toxicity. Net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency increased as P or Zn supply increased. Although increasing P supply reduced the P‐use efficiency in photosynthesis (PUEP) and increasing Zn supply reduced the Zn‐use efficiency in photosynthesis (ZnUEP), increasing Zn supply at a given P supply increased PUEP and increasing P supply at a given Zn supply increased ZnUEP. These results suggest that agricultural management strategies should seek for balanced mineral nutrition to optimize yields and resource‐use efficiencies.
A Semiparametric Spatiotemporal Hawkes-Type Point Process Model with Periodic Background for Crime Data
Authors: Zhuang Jiancang , Mateu Jorge
Published: December 2018

Past studies have shown that crime events are often clustered. This study proposes a spatiotemporal Hawkes-type point process model, which includes a background component with daily and weekly periodization, and a clustering component that is triggered by previous events. We generalize the non-parametric stochastic reconstruction method so that we can estimate each component in the background rate and the triggering response that appears in the model conditional intensity: the background rate includes a daily and a weekly periodicity, a separable spatial component and a long-term background trend. Two relaxation coefficients are introduced to stabilize and secure the estimation process. This model is used to describe the occurrences of violence or robbery cases in Castellón, Spain, during 2 years. The results show that robbery crime is highly influenced by daily life rhythms, revealed by its daily and weekly periodicity, and that about 3% of such crimes can be explained by clustering. Further diagnostic analysis shows that the model could be improved by considering the following ingredients: the daily occurrence patterns are different between weekends and working days; in the city centre, robbery activity shows different temporal patterns, in both weekly periodicity and long-term trend, from other suburb areas.
Mindful moments: A review of brief, low‐intensity mindfulness meditation and induced mindful states
Authors: Heppner Whitney L. , Shirk Steven D.
Published: December 2018

Popular and empirical interest in mindfulness meditation has increased rapidly over the last decades. In particular, mindfulness meditation has been utilized as the basis of numerous treatments for physical and mental health issues, and many of these meditation‐based treatments have demonstrated empirical evidence of their efficacy. However, less empirical attention has been devoted to how mindfulness meditation impacts non‐clinical populations. One growing area of research that tackles this question is research on mindfulness induction tasks—brief, low‐intensity, meditation activities that people can do in their controlled scientific laboratories or in their daily lives. In this article, we review this small but burgeoning literature, focusing on the benefits of brief mindfulness induction tasks for cognition, emotional, social, and health outcomes. In addition, we describe substantive challenges and future directions for this area of research and discuss how this research may inform the mindfulness literature more broadly.