bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State‐wide outcomes in elective rectal cancer resection: is there a case for centralization in Victoria?
Authors: Hong Michael K.‐Y. , Yeung Justin M. C. , Watters David A. K. , Faragher Ian G.
Published: December 2019

Background

The role of service centralization in rectal cancer surgery is controversial. Recent studies suggest centralization to high‐volume centres may improve postoperative mortality. We used a state‐wide administrative data set to determine the inpatient mortality for patients undergoing elective rectal cancer surgery and to compare individual hospital volumes.

Methods

The Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset was explored using the Dr Foster Quality Investigator tool. The inpatient mortality rate, 30‐day readmission rate and the proportion of patients with increased length of stay were measured for all elective admissions for rectal cancer resections between 2012 and 2016. A peer group of 14 hospitals were studied using funnel plots to determine inter‐hospital variation in mortality. Procedure types were compared between the groups.

Results

There were 2241 elective resections performed for rectal cancer in Victoria over 4 years. The crude inpatient mortality rate was 1.1%. There were no significant differences in mortality among 14 hospitals within the peer group. The number of elective resections over 4 years ranged from 14 to 136 (median 65) within these institutions. Ultralow anterior resection was the commonest procedure performed.

Conclusion

Inpatient mortality after elective rectal cancer surgery in Victoria is rare and compares favourably internationally. Based on inpatient mortality alone, there is no compelling evidence to further centralize elective rectal cancer surgery in Victoria. More work is needed to develop data sets with oncological information capable of providing accurate complete state‐wide data which will be essential for future service planning, training and innovation.
Economic Issues Are Moral Issues 2: Attributing Blame for Inequality Occurring in the United States versus Foreign Countries
Authors: Franks Andrew S.
Published: December 2019

Moral appeals consistent with an individual's values affect their propensity to take action against inequality and its deleterious effects. Accordingly, moral foundations such as harm, fairness, loyalty, authority, or purity concerns could also affect perceptions of inequality and attributions regarding who is to blame for it. For instance, individuals high in loyalty concerns, who are typically more conservative, may show in‐group favoritism toward their own country by expressing less moral judgment of inequality in their own country versus other countries. Further, research germane to the belief in a just world has shown that conservatives are more likely to blame the poor for their poverty. The current research investigated the degree to which participants’ moral reactions to a high degree of economic inequality are influenced by the country in which that inequality exists as well as the degree to which liberals (Democrats) versus conservatives (Republicans) blame inequality on different target groups. A mixed‐design experiment tested participants’ degree of blame for equality across all targets (the poor, the rich, corporations, the government) for one of three randomly assigned countries (the United States, Australia, or China). Results were consistent with predictions related to moral concerns and ideological differences in attributions.
Antibiotic exposure and the risk of colorectal adenoma and carcinoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Sanyaolu L. N. , Oakley N. J. , Nurmatov U. , Dolwani S. , Ahmed H.
Published: December 2019

Aim

The Incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing, and evidence suggests that maladaptation of the bowel microbiome may be associated with colorectal carcinogenesis. Consumption of antibiotics may cause imbalance of the bowel microbiome but research assessing an association between antibiotic exposure and CRC is inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to appraise and synthesize the available evidence.

Method

The MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched for published observational studies. We included eight studies of 3 408 312 patients. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the odds of CRC following antibiotic exposure were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were performed according to exposure definition, study design and risk of bias.

Results

A weak association between antibiotic exposure and CRC was demonstrated when exposure was assessed cumulatively by the number of prescriptions (OR 1.204, 95% CI 1.097–1.322, P < 0.001) or duration of antibiotic exposure (OR 1.168, 95% CI 1.087–1.256, P < 0.001). Antibiotic exposure assessed as a binary variable demonstrated no association with CRC.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a weak association between cumulative antibiotic consumption and risk of CRC but no causal conclusions can be made. Limitations include the heterogeneity and quality of the available research, particularly with regard to measurement of antibiotic exposure.
A PATHWAY TO HOMEOWNERSHIP? EVIDENCE FROM THE IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986
Authors: Sharpe Jamie
Published: December 2019

The impact of legal status on economic outcomes has been well documented in the literature with most research focused on labor market outcomes such as wages and occupational mobility. In this paper, I utilize the exogenous variation created the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 to estimate the effect of amnesty polices on homeownership among undocumented immigrants. Using a regression discontinuity framework, the results suggest that the IRCA increased homeownership rates of eligible immigrants by around 4 percentage points relative to ineligible immigrants. Moreover, an extension to the main analysis suggests that immigrants ineligible for the IRCA adjusted their household formation by increasing the rates of coresidency. (JEL J61, R23, R31)
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MOBILE PHONES AND THE RISK OF BRAIN CANCER MORTALITY: A 25‐YEAR CROSS‐COUNTRY ANALYSIS
Authors: Mialon Hugo M. , Nesson Erik T.
Published: December 2019

We investigate the relationship between cell phones and brain cancer using brain cancer death rates for 88 countries between 1990 and 2015 from the World Health Organization and country‐level mobile phone subscription rates from the World Bank. We estimate difference‐in‐difference models including country and year fixed effects and time‐varying country covariates. We find that mobile phone subscription rates are positively and statistically significantly associated with death rates from brain cancer 15–20 years later. In falsification tests, we find few positive associations between mobile phone subscription rates and deaths from rectal, pancreatic, stomach, breast or lung cancer or ischemic heart disease. Finally, differential effects models suggest that mobile phone subscription rates are associated with brain cancer deaths 15–19 years later relative to deaths from other causes. (JEL I15, O33)
Evaluation of the MD Anderson tumor score for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in the rituximab era
Authors: Gutierrez Antonio , Bento Leyre , Diaz‐Lopez Antonio , Barranco Gilberto , Garcia‐Recio Marta , Lopez‐Guillermo Armando , Dlouhy Ivan , Rovira Jordina , Rodriguez Mario , Sanchez Pina Jose María , Baile Monica , Martín Alejandro , Novelli Silvana , Sancho Juan‐Manuel , García Olga , Salar Antonio , Bastos‐Oreiro Mariana , Rodriguez‐Salazar Mª José , Fernandez Ruben , de la Cruz Fatima , Queizan Jose Antonio , González de Villambrosia Sonia , Cordoba Raul , López Andres , Luzardo Hugo , García Daniel , Sastre‐Serra Jordi , Garcia Juan Fernando , Montalban Carlos , Cabanillas Fernando , Rodríguez Jose
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive heterogeneous lymphoma with standard treatment. However, 30%‐40% of patients still fail, so we should know which patients are candidates for alternative therapies. IPI is the main prognostic score but, in the rituximab era, it cannot identify a very high‐risk (HR) subset. The MD Anderson Cancer Center reported a score in the prerituximab era exclusively considering tumor‐related variables: Tumor Score (TS). We aim to validate TS in the rituximab era and to analyze its current potential role.

Methods

From GELTAMO DLBCL registry, we selected those patients homogeneously treated with R‐CHOP (n = 1327).

Results

Five‐years PFS and OS were 62% and 74%. All variables retained an independent prognostic role in the revised TS (R‐TS), identifying four different risk groups, with 5‐years PFS of 86%, 71%, 50%, and very HR (28%). With a further categorization of three variables of the original TS (Ann Arbor Stage, LDH and B2M), we generated a new index that allowed an improvement in HR assessment.

Conclusions

(a) All variables of the original TS retain an independent prognostic role, and R‐TS remains predictive in the rituximab era; (b) R‐TS and additional categorization of LDH, B2M, and AA stage (enhanced TS) increased the ability to identify HR subsets.
The spatial patterns of litter turnover time in Chinese terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Cai Andong , Chang Naijie , Zhang Wenju , Liang Guopeng , Zhang Xubo , Hou Enqing , Jiang Lifen , Chen Xianni , Xu Minggang , Luo Yiqi
Published: December 2019

The feedback between plant, soil and climate is partly determined by plant litter turnover time, which is influenced by climate, litter quality and soil properties. However, the spatial patterns of litter turnover time and its interrelation with these variables are rarely quantified. With a database of 1,378 litter turnover times and key associated climate, litter quality and soil properties (total of 20 variables), this study investigated the driving factors and spatial patterns of litter turnover time across Chinese terrestrial ecosystems. The mean litter turnover time was the longest in forest ecosystems, followed by that in grassland and cropland ecosystems. The litter turnover time varied significantly depending on the litter quality and climate zone, and increased exponentially as latitude increased. Mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) could accurately predict litter turnover time via negative exponential equations. Among these variables, MAT had the greatest influence on litter turnover time, which accounted for 37.4% of the variation, followed by litter quality (ecosystem types, litter types, C:N of litter and lignin content; 33.4%) and soil properties (sand content, soil pH and soil organic carbon (SOC); 29.2%) based on a boosted regression tree (BRT) model. Path analysis identified that MAT negatively affected litter turnover time both directly and indirectly through regulating soil properties and litter quality, which positively and directly affected litter turnover time. Finally, the spatial patterns of litter turnover time were obtained with a regional dataset of ecosystem types, MAT, sand content, soil pH and SOC as BRT model drivers. Overall, our results suggest that climate variables have contrasting effects on litter turnover time and could mediate the impact on litter turnover time by litter quality and soil properties. These results highlight important implications for climate‐smart soil management and can be used to create reliable model predictions.

Highlights

We explored the driving factors and spatial patterns of litter turnover time in various ecosystems

Accurate estimates of litter turnover time were obtained from dataset from 1,378 experimental sites

Litter turnover time exponentially increased as latitude increased

Climate‐mediated litter quality and soil properties controlled the litter turnover time
Forecasting potato tuber yield using a soil electromagnetic induction method
Authors: Farooque Aitazaz A. , Zare Mahnaz , Abbas Farhat , Bos Melanie , Esau Travis , Zaman Qamar
Published: December 2019

Timely forecasting of crop yield is vital for precision agriculture management practices. This study used on‐the‐go proximal soil sensing using electromagnetic induction (EMI) readings of apparent ground electrical conductivity (ECa) to map ECa and forecast potato tuber yield in four fields across Atlantic Canada. The ECa data, measured in the horizontal co‐planar (HCP) configuration mode of the DualEM‐2 instrument, were segmented to the top 0.30‐m thickness of the soil layer using a standard method to compare mapping/prediction accuracy. Results showed that ECa correlated well (R2= 0.81–0.90) with a 1:5 soil‐to‐water ratio solution's electrical conductivity (EC1:5). The actual tuber yield, which moderately varied (CV = 18.9–27.5%) across the fields and significantly correlated with ECa, explained more than 55% of the yield variability (R2= 0.57–0.66). The forecasted tuber yield calculated from cubic regression models of the actual tuber yield versus ECa was non‐significantly different from the actual tuber yield (RMSE = 12.2–18.3%; R2= 0.57–0.66). Interpolated maps of the predicted and the actual yields, and their correlation analyses, showed similar trends of variations within the study fields (r= 0.69–0.80). The higher values of cation exchange capacity, calcium, phosphate, potash, organic matter and soil moisture content in the New Brunswick soils compared to the Prince Edward Island soils resulted in an overestimation of the predicted tuber yield than the actual yield at the lower ECa values, and an underestimation of the predicted tuber yield at higher ECa values for New Brunswick. The results revealed that the province‐based calibrations produced more accurate predictions when compared with the single calibration by combining all of the data from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The non‐destructive prediction of potato tuber yield can enable the development of precision agricultural techniques and management practices for yield forecasting, in addition to making informed decisions for enhanced potato productivity.

Highlights

Potato cropping is highly important to the economy of Atlantic Canada.

The DualEM‐2 sensor was used to forecast and map tuber yield to advance crop management.

The tuber yields significantly correlated with ground conductivity that explained >55% of variability in yield.

The DualEM‐2 sensor can accurately predict potato yield under agricultural conditions similar to Atlantic Canada.
The 2019 Potato Wart Disease workshop: shared needs and future research directions
Authors: van de Vossenberg B. T. L. H. , van der Lee T. A. J. , Nguyen H. D. T.
Published: December 2019

Potato wart disease is caused by the fungus Synchytrium endobioticum. A workshop on this disease was held in June 2019 at the Dutch National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO‐NL) in Wageningen, the Netherlands. Over 60 participants from 20 countries and 36 organizations came together to share their knowledge via presentations and posters, to strengthen professional networks, and to identify shared needs and future directions for S. endobioticum research. The three major topics of the workshop were disease occurrence and management, understanding the pathogen, and host breeding and resistance. Many aspects of this disease were discussed and summarized in a shared statement. Future directions identified were (1) research initiatives are currently being initiated to develop standardized molecular viability tests and a molecular pathotyping test, (2) coordination is needed to come up with better standardization of the pathotyping bioassays and the set of differential cultivars described in EPPO PM 7/28 needs to be better available for testing, and (3) stacking of resistance genes is strongly recommended but resistance breeding alone is not enough and should be combined with other management strategies to contain potato wart disease. Furthermore, the attendees remarked that organizing a workshop every 2 or 3 years would be of great benefit to the potato wart disease research community.
Leishmania aethiopica cell‐to‐cell spreading involves caspase‐3, AkT, and NF‐κB but not PKC‐δ activation and involves uptake of LAMP‐1‐positive bodies containing parasites
Authors: Ranatunga Medhavi , Rai Rajeev , Richardson Simon C. W. , Dyer Paul , Harbige Laurence , Deacon Andrew , Pecorino Lauren , Getti Giulia T. M.
Published: December 2019

Development of human leishmaniasis is dependent on the ability of intracellular Leishmania parasites to spread and enter macrophages. The mechanism through which free promastigotes and amastigotes bind and enter host macrophages has been previously investigated; however, little is known about intracellular trafficking and cell‐to‐cell spreading. In this study, the mechanism involved in the spreading of Leishmania aethiopica and Leishmania mexicana was investigated. A significant increase in phosphatidylserine (PS) exhibition, cytochrome C release, and active caspase‐3 expression was detected (P < 0.05) during L. aethiopica, but not L. mexicana spreading. A decrease (P < 0.05) of protein kinase B (Akt) protein and BCL2‐associated agonist of cell death (BAD) phosphorylation was also observed. The nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐kB) signaling pathway and pro‐apoptotic protein protein kinase C delta (PKC‐δ) were downregulated while inhibition of caspase‐3 activation prevented L. aethiopica spreading. Overall suggesting that L. aethiopica induces host cell’s apoptosis during spreading in a caspase‐3‐dependent manner. The trafficking of amastigotes within macrophages following cell‐to‐cell spreading differed from that of axenic parasites and involved co‐localization with lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP‐1) within 10 min postinfection. Interestingly, following infection with axenic amastigotes and promastigotes, co‐localization of parasites with LAMP‐1‐positive structures took place at 1 and 4 h, respectively, suggesting that the membrane coat and LAMP‐1 protein were derived from the donor cell. Collectively, these findings indicate that host cell apoptosis, demonstrated by PS exhibition, caspase‐3 activation, cytochrome C release, downregulation of Akt, BAD phosphorylation, NF‐kB activation, and independent of PKC‐δ expression, is involved in L. aethiopica spreading. Moreover, L. aethiopica parasites associate with LAMP‐rich structures when taken up by neighboring macrophages.
Factors associated with preferences for elderly care mode and choice of caregivers among parents who lost their only child in a central China city
Authors: Rong Chao , Wan Duo , Xu Cai‐Ming , Xiao Lu‐Wei , Shen Shu‐Hua , Lin Jin‐Min
Published: December 2019

Aim

It is forecasted that the figure of families in China who lost their only child will reach 10 million by 2035. Traditional Chinese culture places these families in a particularly disadvantaged position for elderly care. It is quite important to understand the elderly care needs of the parents.

Methods

The cluster sampling method was used to select the parents who lost their only child in Wuhu city, China. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis models were carried out to analyze factors influencing the parents’ preferences for elderly care mode and choice of caregivers.

Results

The Geriatric Depression Scale score (P < 0.001) was significantly associated with the parents’ preferences for elderly care mode. Parents with different sex, marital status and grandchildren status had different preferences for their choice of caregivers. The number of chronic diseases and Geriatric Depression Scale scores were significantly associated with preferences for choice of caregivers.

Conclusions

These parents should have a preferential policy of check in to a nursing home and simplify the check‐in procedure. The parents should receive prompt for depression and stay in the community for elderly care. The government should guarantee that spouseless parents have priority in enjoying nurse/nursing home worker services. The government should support the development of volunteer services. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 112–117.
Japanese older adults’ loneliness, family relationships and mortality: Does one's living arrangement make a difference?
Authors: Takagi Emiko , Saito Yasuhiko
Published: December 2019

Aim

This study examines how the association between older adults’ family relationships and all‐cause mortality differs among different household contexts: living alone, living with only a spouse and living with adult children.

Methods

We carried out a discrete‐time event history analysis on all‐cause mortality with measures of family relationships for each group of older adults. The study analyzed person‐wave data from the Nihon University Japanese Longitudinal Study of Aging, including 11 225 longitudinal episodes between consecutive waves and 555 deaths reported in total.

Results

The family relationship measures were significantly associated with mortality only for older adults who resided with children. While providing support to children was negatively related to mortality, receiving support from children was positively associated with mortality. Feelings of loneliness were associated with higher mortality for older adults in intergenerational coresidence arrangements, but not for those in other living arrangements.

Conclusion

The extent of support exchange between older adults and adult children tends to be associated with older adults’ mortality only within the household context where parents and children live together. In other types of living arrangements (i.e. living alone and living with only a spouse), the association between family relationship measures and mortality is limited. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; ••: ••–••. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 156–160.
Hydraulic‐Head Formulation for Density‐Dependent Flow and Transport
Authors: Langevin Christian D. , Panday Sorab , Provost Alden M.
Published: December 2019

Density‐dependent flow and transport solutions for coastal saltwater intrusion investigations, analyses of fluid injection into deep brines, and studies of convective fingering and instabilities of denser fluids moving through less dense fluids typically formulate the groundwater flow equation in terms of pressure or equivalent freshwater head. A formulation of the flow equation in terms of hydraulic head is presented here as an alternative. The hydraulic‐head formulation can facilitate adaptation of existing constant‐density groundwater flow codes to include density‐driven flow by avoiding the need to convert between freshwater head and hydraulic head within the code and by incorporating density‐dependent terms as a compartmentalized “correction” to constant‐density calculations already performed by the code. The hydraulic‐head formulation also accommodates complexities such as unconfined groundwater flow and Newton‐Raphson solution schemes more readily than the freshwater‐head formulation. Simulation results are presented for four example problems solved using an implementation of the hydraulic‐head formulation in MODFLOW.
Low serum leptin levels are associated with malnutrition status according to malnutrition‐inflammation score in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Ko Yen‐Ting , Lin Yu‐Li , Kuo Chiu‐Huang , Lai Yu‐Hsien , Wang Chih‐Hsien , Hsu Bang‐Gee
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Leptin is an adipokine secreted from adipocytes that mediate lipid metabolism and inflammation. This cross‐sectional study investigated the relationship between serum leptin level and nutrition status evaluated by malnutrition‐inflammation score (MIS) among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).

Methods: This study included 100 patients on HD. Nutritional status was based on MIS (malnutrition ≥7 points). Body composition, biochemistry data, and serum leptin level were evaluated.

Findings: Of 100 subjects, 33 (33.0%) were categorized as having malnutrition. Compared with subjects in the well‐nourished group, those in the malnutrition group had on average an older age, longer HD duration, and lower height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat mass, serum triglyceride level, and creatinine level. Serum leptin levels were also significantly lower in the malnutrition group (P < 0.001), whereas C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were higher (P = 0.002). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that HD duration (β = 2.06, P = 0.009), serum leptin level (β = −5.16, P < 0.001), CRP level (β = 3.33, P < 0.001), and albumin level (β = −1.95, P = 0.008) were factors independently associated with MIS. The discriminative power of serum leptin level to predict malnutrition was 0.834 (95% confidence interval: 0.747‐0.901, P < 0.001).

Discussion: Low serum leptin level was associated with malnutrition, and serum leptin level may be a valuable marker for nutrition assessment in patients undergoing HD.
Preparation and performance characterization of ceramic/silver nanoparticle composite in water purification
Authors: Mukaratirwa‐Muchanyereyi Netai , Tigere Washington , Hokonya Nicodimus , Gusha Cecilia , Guyo Upenyu , Nyoni Stephen
Published: December 2019

Clean water is expensive to obtain, hence the need for cheaper and effective ways of treating water. This study investigated the preparation and application/performance of affordable and effective ceramic/silver nanocomposites in the purification of water. Ceramic filters were manufactured by combining clay, flour, and broken clay pots on a weight basis. The dry mix was combined with deionized water, molded, fired, and treated with either silver nanoparticles or silver nitrate solution. Both treatments were done by submerging disks in their respective solutions. Analysis of treated water has shown that the pH of raw water was reduced by 1.08% with clay only filter, 5.20% with silver nitrate/clay filter, and finally 12% with silver nanoparticle/clay composite. Hardness decreased by 67% with nanoparticle composite while water from clay had 0.08% decrease in hardness. Biological oxygen demand fell by 50% with the clay only filter while there was 100% decrease with clay/silver composites. Nitrates decreased with clay only filters by 21.5% but increased in water treated with silver nitrate composite (84%) and clay/silver nanoparticle composite (73%). Inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy was used to estimate silver leaching from disks embedded with silver nitrate (0.024 ± 0.002mg/L) and silver nanoparticles (0.013 ± 0.002 mg/L) using 0.001 M dosage. All parameters investigated were dose‐dependent.
m6A facilitates YTHDF‐independent phase separation
Authors: Liu Si‐Yu , Feng Yi , Wu Jun-Jie , Zou Ming-Li , Sun Zi-Li , Li Xia , Yuan Feng‐Lai
Published: December 2019

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most abundant messenger RNA (mRNA) modifications in eukaryotes and is involved in various key processes of RNA metabolism. In this issue of Nature, Ries et al (2019) described the fundamental features of m6A modification of mRNAs in regulating the composition of the phase‐separated transcriptome on the basis of number and distribution, and provide strong evidence that m6A plays a role in regulating phase separation in cells.
Consortium Building for Nurse Scientists Interested in Symptoms Research in the Era of Precision Health
Authors: Hsiao Chao‐Pin , Dickinson Kristin , Gonzalez‐Mercado Velda , Kelly Debra Lynch , Lukkahatai Nada , McCabe Margaret , Mayo Samantha , Musanti Rita , Saligan Leorey N.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This article aims to provide perspectives on the establishment of a consortium for nurse scientists with similar career trajectories interested in cancer‐related symptoms (CRS) research. Hereby, we describe the development of and recent outcomes from the CRS consortium, the lessons learned in establishing the consortium, and future directions to advance the science of CRS.

Model and Methods

New and innovative strategies are needed to address the complexity of CRS research. A CRS consortium was created to allow a mechanism for oncology nurse scientists with varying expertise to collaborate to advance CRS research. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Symptom Science Model (SSM) guides the research of the CRS Consortium.

Discussion and Conclusions

A need for improved CRS assessment and management has been identified. The CRS consortium was created as a collaborative think tank to begin to address this need. Guided by the NIH SSM, CRS consortium members have worked to define symptom phenotypes, enhance understanding of the biologic mechanisms that can contribute to symptom phenotypes, and develop tailored interventions to improve symptom management. Dissemination of the CRS consortium efforts involve publications and presentations.

Clinical Implications

Nurse scientists interested in symptom science and biobehavorial research face many challenges on how to initiate and sustain independent programs of research. Through the formation of a CRS consortium, oncology nurse scientists can work together to address identified issues in symptom measurement and management.
Collusion through Coordination of Announcements
Authors: Harrington Joseph E. , Ye Lixin
Published: December 2019

A theory is developed to explain how sellers can effectively collude by coordinating on list prices (or surcharges), while leaving sellers to set their final prices. List prices are interpreted to be cheap talk announcements about cost information unknown to buyers. Buyers use those announcements to decide whom to invite to their procurement auction and the reserve price to set. By coordinating on a high list price to signal high cost, sellers produce supracompetitive prices by inducing buyers to be less aggressive, as reflected in a higher reserve price. We show that collusion can raise social welfare.
Condemned and Condoned: Polygynous Marriage in Christian Africa
Authors: Agadjanian Victor
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study contributes to a better understanding of the role of Christianity in the persistence of polygyny in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Background

Marital systems and practices are closely connected to religious norms, but these connections are often complex and contradictory. Polygynous marriage remains widespread in sub‐Saharan Africa, including its heavily Christianized parts, where public opposition to it should be strongest.

Methods

The study analyzes a rich combination of quantitative and qualitative data from a predominantly Christian district in Mozambique. The data include a household‐based survey, a census of the district's religious congregations, and focus group discussions and individual interviews with leaders and rank‐and‐file members of various churches.

Results

The multivariate statistical tests point to instructive denominational differences in the prevalence and acceptance of polygyny, with the starkest contrast being between two types of African Initiated Churches—one that is more lenient on pre‐Christian practices and the other that is vehemently opposed to them. These tests also show a contrast between church leaders and rank‐and‐file members, the latter being generally more accepting of polygyny, and illustrate variations in acceptability of polygyny across different church membership scenarios. The analysis of the qualitative data complements the statistical tests by highlighting ideological and social mechanisms through which polygynous marriage is both rejected and legitimized in Christian communities.

Conclusion

Both condemnation and toleration of polygyny by Christian churches reflect the complexities of the transformation of sub‐Saharan marital systems and of the role that religion plays in that process.
Supporting People with Intellectual Disability Who Have Experienced Abuse: Clinical Psychologists' Perspectives
Authors: O'Malley Grace , Irwin Lynn , Guerin Suzanne
Published: December 2019

While sexual and other forms of abuse constitute significant problems with people with intellectual disability (ID), there is limited evidence to guide psychologists working with this population. The research involved a qualitative, interview‐based study of six clinical psychologists' views on supporting people with ID who experienced abuse. Four topics relating to service provision were explored using thematic analysis (Braun & Clark, 2006). Five overarching themes were identified. These were (1) therapeutic adaptations and creativity, (2) invalidation and exclusion, (3) too many “catch all” approaches, (4) absence of supports, and (5) mixed attitudes in approaching abuse. In the absence of a sufficient evidence base, there is great variance in therapeutic supports offered to individuals with an abuse history. A number of issues, such as the importance of supervision, the potential for acquiescence, and the need for greater definition of the role of psychologists and staff are discussed.
Seasonal histology and ultrastructure of the urogenital system in two sympatric lizards
Authors: Rheubert J. , Pasternak M. A. , Ely M. , Siegel D. S. , Trauth S. E. , Gribbins K. M. , Sever D. M.
Published: December 2019

The urogenital system of male squamates consists of the testis, testicular ducts, and sexual segment of the kidney. These structures undergo seasonal variation, and their morphology is variable across taxa. Despite multiple studies examining the morphology of the various components of the reproductive system, few studies have examined squamates in sympatry. The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphology and seasonal variation of the reproductive system in two taxa that are sympatric with one another, Anolis carolinensis and Sceloporus undulatus, from southeastern Louisiana. Specimens were collected monthly for an entire year and processed for histological and ultrastructural analysis. Both species have a single rete testis leading from the testis to the ductuli efferentes, which leads into the proximal portion of the epididymis. The rete testis consists of a simple squamous epithelium with irregularly shaped nuclei, the ductuli efferentes consists of a ciliated simple cuboidal epithelium, and the epididymis a pseudostratified columnar epithelium. No differences were observed in the morphology of the urogenital systems between taxa but phenological variation was observed in terms of the tissue development for reproduction. Anolis carolinensis has an extended active period and two separated periods of maximal activity evidenced by two peaks in the ductuli efferentes epithelial height and tubular diameter (March and July) whereas Sceloporus undulatus only had a single peak occurring in June. These results suggest that reproductive morphology may be conserved at taxonomic levels above family level, and reproductive activity may be constrained phylogenetically and is not solely dependent on environmental factors, at least in terms of geographic range, though it is acknowledged that microhabitats may play a major role in cyclicity of reproductive events. Future studies examining species at various taxonomic levels, as well as species in sympatry, will provide additional insight into hypotheses concerning abiotic factors and reproductive biology.
Phenotypic variability and its pathological basis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Takeda Takahiro , Kitagawa Kazuo , Arai Kimihito
Published: December 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by its inherent clinicopathological variability. The concurrence of upper and lower motor neuron signs is a common feature in the majority of patients with ALS. However, some patients manifest an atypical clinical course, with only upper or lower motor neuron signs, or various extra‐motor symptoms including cognitive dysfunction, parkinsonism, autonomic dysfunction, or ophthalmoparesis. This variability indicates different manifestations of ALS and is reflected by ALS pathology spreading into the central nervous system. The presence of cytoplasmic inclusions positive for transactivation response DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa (TDP‐43) is a key feature in ALS. Loss of TDP‐43 from the nucleus and its subsequent aggregation in the cytoplasm may occur in susceptible regions and may be associated with neuronal loss. However, in some regions, there is no apparent neuronal loss while TDP‐43 accumulation is evident; in contrast, in other regions, neuronal loss is apparent without any evidence of TDP‐43 accumulation. Therefore, in addition to TDP‐43 dysfunction, underlying region‐specific cellular vulnerability may exist in the upper and lower motor neurons and frontotemporal system in patients with ALS. The microscopic discrepancy and selective vulnerability may be linked to the macroscopic propensities of the sites of onset, and may also determine the direction and rate of progression of the lesions. Thus, there may be multicentric sites of onset, region‐oriented disease development, and different speeds of disease progression across patients with ALS. ALS lesions occur in motor‐related areas but may spread to neighboring areas. However, since lesions may spread in a discontinuous manner, and the dynamics of disease propagation have not been able to be identified, it remains controversial whether the stepwise appearance of TDP‐43‐positive inclusions is based on direct cell‐to‐cell protein propagation. Further understanding of the phenotypic variability of ALS and its pathological basis may serve as a guide for investigating the underlying pathogenesis of ALS.
Petroclival intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia with psammoma body‐like structures
Authors: Mezmezian Mónica Beatriz , Arakaki Naomi , Fallaza Moya Silvia , Solé Horacio , Olvi Liliana
Published: December 2019

Masson's tumor or intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is considered a non‐neoplastic lesion. It is probably an unusual exaggerated reorganization of a thrombus. IPEH may be present as a secondary lesion in hemangiomas. Symptomatic osseous hemangiomas are rare tumors. Few cases of clival and petrous bone hemangiomas have been described. None of them shows secondary IPEH. So far, there are only four reported cases of cranial bone IPEHs in the literature, two in the skull, one in the clivus and one in the petrous apex. The aim of this study is to report an additional case of osseous hemangioma with secondary IPEH of the petroclival region. We review the literature and describe the main clinical features of IPEHs and hemangiomas of the clivus and the petrous bone. Additionally, we report an unusual histological feature observed in our case of IPEH, the presence of psammoma body‐like structures. This feature has been rarely mentioned previously in IPEH. We consider that IPEH should be included in the lesions that may present psammoma bodies to avoid misdiagnosing it as a tumor that commonly shows psammoma bodies, such as intraosseous meningioma or, less frequently, metastasis of thyroid or ovarian carcinoma.
Effects of O‐1602 and CBD on TNBS‐induced colonic disturbances
Authors: Wei DanDan , Wang HuiChao , Yang JingNan , Dai ZhiFeng , Yang RuiLin , Meng ShuangShuang , Li YongYu , Lin XuHong
Published: December 2019

Background

This study attempted to provide the effects and mechanisms of two cannabinoids, O‐1602 and cannabidiol (CBD), on colonic motility of 2,4,6‐trinitro‐benzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis.

Methods

TNBS was used to induce the model of motility disorder. G protein‐coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) expression was detected using real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry in colon. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines and myeloperoxidase were also measured. The colonic motility was measured by upper GI transit in vivo and recorded using electrical stimulation organ bath technique in vitro. Freshly isolated smooth muscle from the rat colon were applied to determine the membrane potential and Ca2+‐ATPase activity, respectively.

Key Results

CBD or O‐1602 separately improved inflammatory conditions significantly in TNBS‐induced colitis rats. However, sole CBD pretreatment reduced GPR55 expression, which was up‐regulated in TNBS colitis. O‐1602 and CBD each lowered MPO and IL‐6 levels remarkably in TNBS colitis, while TNF‐α levels experienced no change. CBD rescued the downward colonic motility in TNBS colitis in vivo; however, it decreased the upward contraction of the smooth muscle strip under electrical stimulation in vitro. Pretreatment with CBD prevented against TNBS‐induced changes of Ca2+‐ATPase activity of smooth muscle cells. However, membrane potential of the smooth muscle cells decreased by TNBS experienced no change after O‐1602 or CBD import.

Conclusions & Inferences

The present study suggested that CBD participated in the regulation of colonic motility in rats, and the mechanisms may be involved in the regulation of inlammatory factors and Ca2+‐ATPase activity through GPR55.
A three‐dimensional analysis of primary failure of eruption in humans and mice
Authors: Tokavanich Nicha , Gupta Aditi , Nagata Mizuki , Takahashi Akira , Matsushita Yuki , Yatabe Marilia , Ruellas Antonio , Cevidanes Lucia , Maki Koutaro , Yamaguchi Tetsutaro , Ono Noriaki , Ono Wanida
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Primary failure of eruption (PFE) is a genetic disorder exhibiting the cessation of tooth eruption. Loss‐of‐function mutations in parathyroid hormone (PTH)/parathyroid hormone‐related peptide (PTHrP) receptor (PTH/PTHrP receptor, PPR) were reported as the underlying cause of this disorder in humans. We showed in a PFE mouse model that PTHrP‐PPR signaling is responsible for normal dental follicle cell differentiation and tooth eruption. However, the mechanism underlying the eruption defect in PFE remains undefined. In this descriptive study, we aim to chronologically observe tooth eruption and root formation of mouse PFE molars through 3D microCT analyses.

Setting and Sample Population

Two individuals with PFE were recruited at Showa University. A mouse PFE model was generated by deleting PPR specifically in PTHrP‐expressing dental follicle and divided into three groups, PPRfl/fl;R26RtdTomato/+(Control), PTHrP‐creER;PPRfl/+;R26RtdTomato/+(cHet), and PTHrP‐creER;PRRfl/fl;R26RtdTomato/+(cKO).

Materials and Methods

Images from human PFE subjects were acquired by CBCT. All groups of mouse samples were studied at postnatal days 14, 25, 91, and 182 after a tamoxifen pulse at P3, and superimposition of 3D microCT images among three groups was rendered.

Results

Mouse and human PFE molars exhibited a similar presentation in the 3D CT analyses. The quantitative analysis in mice demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the eruption height of cKO first and second molars compared to other groups after postnatal day 25. Additionally, cKO molars demonstrated significantly shortened roots with dilacerations associated with the reduced interradicular bone height.

Conclusions

Mouse PFE molars erupt at a much slower rate compared to normal molars, associated with shortened and dilacerated roots and defective interradicular bones.
Paraphoma root rot of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Cao S. , Liang Q. W. , Nzabanita C. , Li Y. Z.
Published: December 2019

Root rot symptoms were observed in fields of alfalfa in Chifeng city, Inner Mongolia, China in 2016. Disease incidences of seven alfalfa varieties planted in 2014 ranged from 56% to 95%, while incidence of Gongnong No. 1 planted in 2016 was 8%, 31% and 76% in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. Paraphoma isolates were consistently recovered from black necrotic root tissues of diseased plants with a frequency of 77.1%. Based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis of rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), elongation factor 1‐α (EF1‐α) and β‐tubulin (TUB), this fungus was identified as Paraphoma radicina. Glasshouse pathogenicity experiments showed that P. radicina significantly reduced above‐ and below‐ground biomass of alfalfa plants 2 months after inoculation. Paraphoma radicina infected 70% of the plants inoculated with a root dip in conidia, and these symptoms were consistent with the symptoms in the field. Paraphoma radicina was successfully reisolated from disease roots of the inoculated alfalfa plants. This is the first report of P. radicina as the causal agent of alfalfa root rot in China.
The Law: “Witch Hunts” and the Rule of Law: Trump, the Special Counsel, and the Department of Justice
Authors: Harriger Katy J.
Published: December 2019

This article summarizes the previous behavior of presidents subjected to independent counsel investigations, and compares President Donald Trump's behavior to theirs. It concludes that while Trump's behavior is part of a larger pattern of presidential use of various executive prerogatives to try to counteract independent counsels, it departs from that pattern in several distinct ways. I conclude that several developments in the broader political environment over the last several decades have contributed to his distinctive behavior, including the highly fragmented media market, the degree of partisan polarization in the electorate, the conservative populist distrust of federal law enforcement, and the mainstreaming of the unitary executive theory in the courts and executive branch.
Does cyberbullying predict internalizing problems and conduct problems when controlled for traditional bullying?
Authors: van Geel Mitch , Vedder Paul
Published: December 2019

In this study, relations between cybervictimization and internalizing and conduct problems were analyzed while controlling for traditional victimization. A sample of 701 emerging adults in secondary vocational education completed self‐reports about cybervictimization, traditional victimization, internalizing problems and conduct problems. Using multiple regression analyses with heteroscedasticity‐consistent estimates, it was found that cybervictimization is related to internalizing and conduct problems while controlling for traditional victimization. The results suggest that cybervictimization is related to both internalizing and conduct problems over and above traditional victimization. The discussion focuses on the need to address bullying and cyberbullying among emerging adults.
Nail StrainStress Meter NM 100: A novel in vivo method to characterize biomechanical properties of nails
Authors: Perugini Paola , Sacchi Stefano , Musitelli Giorgio
Published: December 2019

Background

Nowadays, nail care products are extremely important both in medical and cosmetic fields. Actually, there are only a very few “in vivo” methods to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of nail products.

Methods

The new apparatus, based on a recently patented technology, is developed for the “in vivo” evaluation of nails in terms of thickness, structural firmness, flattening, and bending properties. The device analyzes nails by an “in vivo” non‐invasive methodology in a timely way and with high accuracy. The assessment of the resistance to compression measures the cohesion of the nail matrix (nail firmness), while the evaluation of the resistance to transversal deformation detects the elasticity of the nail plate. Furthermore, the apparatus is able to assess the nail thickness and the flexibility of their distal edge.

Results

The instrument provides nail thickness and several parameters reflecting mechanical properties of nail plate: Viscoelasticity expressed as viscoelasticity index (VI), structural strength/ firmness expressed as Firmness Index (FI), and viscoelasticity of the distal edge expressed as Bending Index (BI).

Conclusions

The instruments described in this work represent an innovative apparatus for the safety and efficacy evaluation of nail products in several fields: cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.