bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University students use fewer protective behavioural strategies on high‐intensity drinking days
Authors: Linden‐Carmichael Ashley N. , Calhoun Brian H. , Patrick Megan E. , Maggs Jennifer L.
Published: February 2019

Introduction and Aims

High‐intensity drinking (HID), or consuming 8+ (10+) drinks in one sitting for women (men), is associated with significant harm. We compared the likelihood of individuals using protective behavioural strategies (PBS) on days with varying levels of drinking (HID, heavy episodic‐only drinking [4‐7/5‐9 drinks for women/men], moderate drinking [1‐3/1‐4 drinks]).

Design and Methods

We used an intensive repeated measures longitudinal design with four 14‐day measurement bursts across 2 years (N = 258 university students [50.0% female, average age of 19.95 (SD = 0.41) years] who provided 3176 daily drinking reports). Each drinking day, participants reported the amount of alcohol consumed and whether they used PBS.

Results

Multilevel models indicated that, relative to heavy episodic drinking‐only days, students were more likely to use strategies of avoiding drinking too quickly on moderate drinking days (odds ratio = 1.90, confidence interval 1.50–2.40) but less likely on HID days (odds ratio = 0.38, confidence interval 0.29–0.48). Relative to heavy episodic drinking‐only days, students were less likely to use strategies to protect themselves from serious harm on moderate days (odds ratio = 0.53, confidence interval 0.41–0.67) and equally likely on HID days (odds ratio = 0.84, confidence interval 0.93–1.41).

Discussion and Conclusions

Despite elevated risk for alcohol‐related harms when drinking most heavily, PBS may be under‐utilised on higher‐risk drinking occasions. In light of prior work supporting the effectiveness of PBS at reducing harms on HID days, increasing PBS should be emphasised in future prevention and intervention efforts.
Patient‐related factors associated with successful cannulation by trainees during hands‐on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography training
Authors: Zheng Liang , Wang Limei , Ren Gui , Zhang Rongchun , Liang Shuhui , Wang Biaoluo , Zhang Linhui , Wang Xiangping , Luo Bing , Pan Yanglin , Guo Xuegang
Published: February 2019

Background and Aim

Hands‐on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) training is essential for trainees to grasp the technique. Cannulation success rate (CSR) is considered one of the main indicators of competency of trainees. We aimed to investigate whether patient‐related factors had an impact on the CSR of trainees.

Methods

A post hoc analysis of data from two multicenter studies (NCT02002650 and NCT03057769) was conducted. Patients aged 18–90 years with native papilla undergoing ERCP were eligible for this study. Only procedures involving trainees in centers strictly following “10‐min criteria” for initial cannulation were enrolled. Primary outcome was CSR by trainees.

Results

From December 2013 to October 2017, 20 trainees in four centers were involved in initial cannulation in 1044 patients with native papilla. Primary CSR by trainees was 61.0% (436/715), 31.5% (70/222) and 44.9% (48/107) in patients with common bile duct stone (CBDS), biliary stricture (BS) and other indications, respectively (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, indication of BS (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.22–0.44; P < 0.001) and presence of type A diverticulum (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.23–2.33; P = 0.001) were both independently associated with cannulation success of trainees. Biliary infection was significantly higher in the BS than in the CBDS group (3.6% vs 0.7%, P = 0.004), whereas other post‐ERCP complications were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions

Indication of BS and the presence of type A diverticulum were independently associated with the success of cannulation by trainees. These findings indicate that greater effort is needed for trainees to improve the ability of cannulation in BS.
Dietary intakes of women with Type 1 diabetes before and during pregnancy: a pre‐specified secondary subgroup analysis among CONCEPTT participants
Authors: Neoh S. L. , Grisoni J. A. , Feig D. S. , Murphy H. R. ,   the CONCEPTT Collaborative Group
Published: February 2019

Aim

To describe the dietary intakes of women with Type 1 diabetes before and during pregnancy.

Methods

This was a pre‐specified subgroup analysis of CONCEPTT involving 63 women planning pregnancy and 93 pregnant women from 14 sites in England, Scotland and Ireland. Two hundred and forty‐six 3‐day food diaries (104 planning pregnancy, 142 pregnant) were matched to data source and food reference codes, and analysed using dietary software. Participants were informed that food diaries would be de‐identified and used only for research purposes.

Results

Mean (sd) daily energy intake was 1588 (346) kcal and 1673 (384) kcal in women planning pregnancy and pregnant women respectively. Total carbohydrate intake was consistent with dietary guideline recommendations [180 (52) g planning pregnancy, 198 (54) g pregnant], but non‐recommended sources (e.g. sugars, preserves, confectionery, biscuits, cakes) contributed to 46% of total daily carbohydrate intake. Fat consumption exceeded guideline recommendations [70 (21) g planning pregnancy, 72 (21) g pregnant]. Fibre [15.5 (5.3) g planning pregnancy, 15.4 (5.1) g pregnant], fruit and vegetable intakes [3.5 (2.2) and 3.1 (1.8) serves/day] were inadequate. Twelve women planning pregnancy (19%) and 24 pregnant women (26%) did not meet micronutrient requirements.

Conclusions

The diets of pregnant women from England, Scotland and Ireland are characterized by high fat, low fibre and poor‐quality carbohydrate intakes. Fruit and vegetable consumption is inadequate, with one in four women at risk of micronutrient deficiencies. Further research is needed to optimize maternal nutrition for glycaemic control and for maternal and offspring health.
Role of vagal activation in postprandial glucose metabolism after gastric bypass in individuals with and without hypoglycaemia
Authors: Salehi Marzieh , Gastaldelli Amalia , D'Alessio David A.
Published: February 2019

Patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery (GB) have enhanced postprandial hyperinsulinaemia and a greater incretin effect is apparent. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of vagal activation, a neural component of the enteroinsular axis, on postprandial glucose metabolism in patients with and without hypoglycaemia after GB. Seven patients with documented post‐GB hypoglycaemia, seven asymptomatic patients without hypoglycaemia post‐GB, and 10 weight‐matched non‐surgical controls with normal glucose tolerance were recruited. Blood glucose, and islet hormone and incretin secretion were compared during mixed meal tolerance tests (MMTs) with and without prior sham‐feeding on two separate days. Sham feeding preceding the MMT caused a more rapid increase in prandial blood glucose levels but lowered overall glycaemia in all three groups (P < 0.05). Sham feeding had a similar effect to increase early (P < 0.05), but not overall, meal‐induced insulin secretion in the three groups. Prandial glucagon concentrations were significantly greater in the GB groups, and sham feeding accentuated this response (P < 0.05). The effect of vagal activation on prandial glucose and islet‐cell function is preserved in patients who have undergone GB, in those both with and without hypoglycaemia.
High‐definition blood flow imaging in the assessment of left ventricular function: Initial experience and comparison with contrast echocardiography
Authors: Wu Geru , Xie Tianrong , Dimaano Meneleo M. , Alghrouz Mohammad I. , Ahmad Masood
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The study aimed to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of the high‐definition blood flow imaging (HD‐Flow) in evaluation of left ventricular (LV) function by comparison with contrast echocardiography (Contrast).

Background

Contrast improves endocardial border visualization and assists in precise assessment of LV function. HD‐Flow, a novel ultrasound technique that enhances blood flow discrimination in LV, could possibly be used for improving endocardial border definition without contrast.

Methods

Eighty patients with technically limited transthoracic echocardiograms had HD‐Flow, and contrast performed sequentially. LV endocardial visualization, image acquisition time, wall motion, volumes, ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), and stroke volume index (SVI) were compared. Inter‐ and intra‐observer agreements were examined in a randomly selected subgroup.

Results

Both HD‐Flow and contrast significantly improved the percentage of the well‐defined endocardial border segments (71% at baseline vs 94.1% by HD‐Flow vs 94.9% by contrast, X2 = 401, P < 0.001). The acquisition time for HD‐Flow was significantly less when compared to contrast (2.13 ± 1.18 minutes vs 10.96 ± 3.51 minutes, P < 0.001). LV end‐diastolic volume (EDV), end‐systolic volume (ESV), EF, SV, and SVI measured by the two methods correlated well (EDVr = 0.97, ESVr = 0.96, EFr = 0.90, SVr = 0.77, SVIr = 0.74, all P < 0.001). In comparison, HD‐Flow was neither significantly different in detecting LV wall motion abnormality nor in EF, SV, and SVI measurements, but slightly underestimated LV volumes.

Conclusions

HD‐Flow imaging is feasible and user‐friendly in enhancing LV endocardial definition. This technique is useful in both qualitative and quantitative assessment of LV function.
LIFE AFTER DEBT: POSTGRADUATION CONSEQUENCES OF FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS
Authors: Gervais Martin , Ziebarth Nicolas L.
Published: February 2019

We estimate the causal effect of student loans on postgraduation labor market outcomes exploiting a kink in the formula determining eligibility for need‐based student loans. Using a representative sample of students graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1993, we find that student debt has nonnegative effects on earnings. This result holds with differing levels of statistical significance across a battery of different empirical designs: (1) ordinary least squares, (2) partially linear, and (3) regression kink. We find similar results for the 2008 graduating cohort. (JEL I22, I26, J32, J33)
Host preference variation cannot explain microhabitat differentiation among sympatric Pieris napi and Pieris rapae butterflies
Authors: Friberg Magne , Wiklund Christer
Published: February 2019

1. Often, closely related insect species feed on different host plant species, and the tremendous diversity of phytophagous insects is therefore attributed to host plant‐driven speciation. However, for most taxa, host use information comes from field observations of egg‐laying females or feeding caterpillars, which means that the underlying reason for a particular host‐affiliation is not easily determined.

2. Therefore, it is often unclear whether an insect feeds on a certain host because it prefers that plant to alternative hosts, or because the host distribution overlaps with the habitat requirements of the insect.

3. We ask to what extent a divergent host use in the field mirrors the host plant preferences of two closely related butterflies, Pieris napi and Pieris rapae (Pieridae). In nature, P. napi typically occurs in moister habitats than P. rapae.

4. We scanned several microhabitats at a field site in Southern Sweden during multiple years, and collected Pieris eggs from three different plants, Cardamine pratensis (wet meadows), Barbarea vulgaris (drier micro‐habitats) and Alliaria petiolata (intermediate areas).

5. As predicted, P. rapae eggs were more common than P. napi eggs on B. vulgaris, whereas all of the 358 individuals collected from C. pratensis were P. napi, indicating a divergence in host use between the Pieris species. However, under controlled laboratory conditions, both species had virtually identical oviposition preferences, laying eggs on all three plants, notably P. rapae also laying eggs on C. pratensis, indicating that habitat use, not plant preference, drives host plant use in nature.
Genomic analyses suggest adaptive differentiation of northern European native cattle breeds
Authors: Stronen Astrid V. , Pertoldi Cino , Iacolina Laura , Kadarmideen Haja N. , Kristensen Torsten N.
Published: February 2019

Native domestic breeds represent important cultural heritage and genetic diversity relevant for production traits, environmental adaptation and food security. However, risks associated with low effective population size, such as inbreeding and genetic drift, have elevated concerns over whether unique within‐breed lineages should be kept separate or managed as one population. As a conservation genomic case study of the genetic diversity represented by native breeds, we examined native and commercial cattle (Bos taurus) breeds including the threatened Danish Jutland cattle. We examined population structure and genetic diversity within breeds and lineages genotyped across 770K single nucleotide polymorphism loci to determine (a) the amount and distribution of genetic diversity in native breeds, and (b) the role of genetic drift versus selection. We further investigated the presence of outlier loci to detect (c) signatures of environmental selection in native versus commercial breeds, and (d) native breed adaptation to various landscapes. Moreover, we included older cryopreserved samples to determine (e) whether cryopreservation allows (re)introduction of original genetic diversity. We investigated a final set of 195 individuals and 677K autosomal loci for genetic diversity within and among breeds, examined population structure with principal component analyses and a maximum‐likelihood approach and searched for outlier loci suggesting artificial or natural selection. Our findings demonstrate the potential of genomics for identifying the uniqueness of native domestic breeds, and for maintaining their genetic diversity and long‐term evolutionary potential through conservation plans balancing inbreeding with carefully designed outcrossing. One promising opportunity is the use of cryopreserved samples, which can provide important genetic diversity for populations with few individuals, while helping to preserve their traditional genetic characteristics. Outlier tests for native versus commercial breeds identified genes associated with climate adaptation, immunity and metabolism, and native breeds may carry genetic variation important for animal health and robustness in a changing climate.
Exploring the behavioral and cognitive phenotype of KBG syndrome
Authors: van Dongen Linde C.M. , Wingbermühle Ellen , van der Veld William M. , Vermeulen Karlijn , Bos‐Roubos Anja G. , Ockeloen Charlotte W. , Kleefstra Tjitske , Egger Jos I.M.
Published: February 2019

KBG syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder, caused by dominant mutations in ANKRD11, that is characterized by developmental delay/intellectual disability, mild craniofacial dysmorphisms, and short stature. Behavior and cognition have hardly been studied, but anecdotal evidence suggests higher frequencies of ADHD‐symptoms and social‐emotional impairments. In this study, the behavioral and cognitive profile of KBG syndrome will be investigated in order to examine if and how cognitive deficits contribute to behavioral difficulties. A total of 18 patients with KBG syndrome and a control group consisting of 17 patients with other genetic disorders with comparable intelligence levels, completed neuropsychological assessment. Age‐appropriate tasks were selected, covering overall intelligence, attention, memory, executive functioning, social cognition and visuoconstruction. Results were compared using Cohen's d effect sizes. As to behavior, fewer difficulties in social functioning and slightly more attentional problems, hyperactivity, oppositional defiant behavior and conduct problems were found in the KBG syndrome group. Regarding cognitive functioning, inspection of the observed differences shows that patients with KBG syndrome showed lower scores on sustained attention, cognitive flexibility, and visuoconstruction. In contrast, the KBG syndrome group demonstrated higher scores on visual memory, social cognition and emotion recognition. The cognitive profile of KBG syndrome in this sample indicates problems in attention and executive functioning that may underlie the behavior profile which primarily comprises impulsive behavior. Contrary to expectations based on previous (case) reports, no deficits were found in social cognitive functioning. These findings are important for counseling purposes, for tailored education planning, and for the development of personalized intervention.
Influence of NKG2C gene deletion and CCR5Δ32 in Pre‐eclampsia—Approaching the effect of innate immune gene variants in pregnancy
Authors: Kaminski Valéria de Lima , Ellwanger Joel Henrique , Sandrim Valeria , Pontillo Alessandra , Chies José Artur Bogo
Published: February 2019

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder that affects an important number of pregnant women worldwide. The exact causes of PE remain poorly understood. However, inflammation and deregulation of innate immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, contribute to PE pathogenesis. Besides, the mother's genetic background also impacts on PE susceptibility. Thus, genetic variants that potentially modify the behaviour of inflammatory cells may help us to understand the causes of PE. Variants of genes encoding NKG2C (expressed in NK cells) and C–C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) (expressed mainly in leucocytes) are important targets in the study of gestational disorders. In this context, we evaluated the impact of both NKGC2 gene deletion and CCR5Δ32 gene variant on PE susceptibility in a population sample from central‐southeast Brazil composed by 369 women (156 with PE and 213 healthy pregnant women). No statistically significant association between the NKG2C gene deletion and susceptibility to PE was observed. However, taking into consideration the important role of NK cells in pregnancy, the influence of NKG2C gene deletion on PE pathogenesis should not be ruled out and deserves further studies in populations with different genetic/ethnic backgrounds. In addition, our results regarding CCR5Δ32 corroborate previous data from our group approaching a distinct cohort and reinforce CCR5Δ32 as a protective factor against PE development (p < 0.05).
Prevalence of advance care directives in the community: a telephone survey of three Australian States
Authors: White Ben P. , Willmott Lindy , Tilse Cheryl , Wilson Jill , Ferguson Michele , Aitken Joanne , Dunn Jeffrey , Lawson Deborah , Pearce Angela , Feeney Rachel
Published: February 2019

Background

The community prevalence of advance care directives (ACD) is low despite known benefits of advance care planning for patients, families and health professionals.

Aim

To determine the community prevalence of instructional and appointing ACD in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland and factors associated with completion of these documents.

Methods

A telephone survey of adults living in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland (n = 1175) about completion of instructional ACD (making their own decisions about future healthcare) and appointing ACD (appointing another to decide). Quota sampling occurred based on population size by state, gender and age, with oversampling in smaller jurisdictions (Victoria and Queensland).

Results

Overall response rate was 33%. Six per cent of respondents reported completing an instructional ACD while 12% reported completing an appointing ACD. Female gender, higher educational level, personal experience of a major health scare and being widowed were significant predictors of completing an instructional ACD. Older age, higher educational level and being widowed were significant predictors of completing an appointing ACD.

Conclusions

Despite long‐standing efforts to increase advance care planning, community prevalence of ACD remains low, particularly for instructional ACD. This study found some different predictors for instructional ACD compared with appointing ACD, and also a potential role for experiential factors in triggering uptake. These findings suggest supplementing general community awareness campaigns with more nuanced and targeted efforts to improve ACD completion.
Effect of a mHealth programme on coronary heart disease prevention among working population in Singapore: A single group pretest–post‐test design
Authors: Jiang Ying , Jiao Nana , Nguyen Hoang D. , Lopez Violeta , Wu Vivien Xi , Kowitlawakul Yanika , Poo Danny Chiang Choon , Wang Wenru
Published: February 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop and examine the effectiveness of a 4‐week Mobile Health (mHealth) programme using the smartphone app Care4Heart on awareness, knowledge, perceived stress, and a heart‐related lifestyle among working population in Singapore.

Design

A quasi‐experimental single group pretest and repeated post‐test design.

Methods

A total of 160 nonhealth‐related working adults were recruited from February 2016–April 2016. The Care4Heart app was installed on the participants’ phones. Outcome measures, including the Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire‐2, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and the Perceived Stress Scale were collected online at baseline, 4th week, and 6th month from baseline.

Results

Compared with the baseline, the participants had significantly higher total mean scores for awareness and knowledge of coronary heart disease (CHD) after study intervention at 4 weeks and 6 months from baseline. However, there were no significant differences in perceived stress levels and heart‐related lifestyle behaviours before and after the intervention.

Conclusions

The study contributed some evidence that the mHealth app helped to improve awareness and knowledge of CHD.

Impact

Coronary heart disease remains one of the major causes of death and disability. It imposes a heavy financial burden on working adults. However, working adults were less able to identify the risk factors and adopt healthy lifestyles due to gaps in knowledge and awareness. This study demonstrated some effects of a mHealth programme in improving awareness and knowledge of CHD among the working population. mHealth provides a potential avenue for primary prevention of CHD.
Leap‐frog dispersal and mitochondrial introgression: Phylogenomics and biogeography of Limnonectes fanged frogs in the Lesser Sundas Archipelago of Wallacea
Authors: Reilly Sean B. , Stubbs Alexander L. , Karin Benjamin R. , Bi Ke , Arida Evy , Iskandar Djoko T. , McGuire Jimmy A.
Published: February 2019

Aim

The Lesser Sunda Islands are situated between the Sunda and Sahul Shelves, with a linear arrangement that has functioned as a two‐way filter for taxa dispersing between the Asian and Australo‐Papuan biogeographical realms. Distributional patterns of many terrestrial vertebrates suggest a stepping‐stone model of island colonization. Here we investigate the timing and sequence of island colonization in Asian‐origin fanged frogs from the volcanic Sunda Arc islands with the goal of testing the stepping‐stone model of island colonization.

Location

The Indonesian islands of Java, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores and Lembata.

Taxon

Limnonectes dammermani and L. kadarsani (Family: Dicroglossidae)

Methods

Mitochondrial DNA was sequenced from 153 frogs to identify major lineages and to select samples for an exon‐capture experiment. We designed probes to capture sequence data from 974 exonic loci (1,235,981 bp) from 48 frogs including the outgroup species, L. microdiscus. The resulting data were analysed using phylogenetic, population genetic and biogeographical model testing methods.

Results

The mtDNA phylogeny finds L. kadarsani paraphyletic with respect to L. dammermani, with a pectinate topology consistent with the stepping‐stone model. Phylogenomic analyses of 974 exons recovered the two species as monophyletic sister taxa that diverged ~7.6 Ma with no detectable contemporary gene flow, suggesting introgression of the L. dammermani mitochondrion into L. kadarsani on Lombok resulting from an isolated ancient hybridization event ~4 Ma. Within L. kadarsani, the Lombok lineage diverged first while the Sumbawa and Lembata lineages are nested within a Flores assemblage composed of two parapatrically distributed lineages meeting in central Flores. Biogeographical model comparison found strict stepping‐stone dispersal to be less likely than models involving leap‐frog dispersal events.

Main conclusions

These results suggest that the currently accepted stepping‐stone model of island colonization might not best explain the current patterns of diversity in the archipelago. The high degree of genetic structure, large divergence times, and absent or low levels of migration between lineages suggests that L. kadarsani represents five distinct species.
The pathogenesis of endemic fluorosis: Research progress in the last 5 years
Authors: Wei Wei , Pang Shujuan , Sun Dianjun
Published: February 2019

Fluorine is one of the trace elements necessary for health. It has many physiological functions, and participates in normal metabolism. However, fluorine has paradoxical effects on the body. Many studies have shown that tissues and organs of humans and animals appear to suffer different degrees of damage after long‐term direct or indirect exposure to more fluoride than required to meet the physiological demand. Although the aetiology of endemic fluorosis is clear, its specific pathogenesis is inconclusive. In the past 5 years, many researchers have conducted in‐depth studies into the pathogenesis of endemic fluorosis. Research in the areas of fluoride‐induced stress pathways, signalling pathways and apoptosis has provided further extensive knowledge at the molecular and genetic level. In this article, we summarize the main results.
Long non‐coding RNA MALAT1 regulates angiogenesis following oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation
Authors: Wang Chengya , Qu Youyang , Suo Rui , Zhu Yulan
Published: February 2019

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as playing critical roles in multiple diseases. However, little is known regarding their roles and mechanisms in post‐stroke angiogenesis. Our studies focused on deciphering the functional roles and the underlying mechanisms of the lncRNA metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in the process of angiogenesis following oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). We characterized the up‐regulation of MALAT1 expression in the process of angiogenesis after hypoxic injury in vivo and in vitro. We further showed that compared with the empty vector, MALAT1 knockdown had significantly reduced the capacity for angiogenesis, which was measured by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium (MTT), scratching, cell cycle and immunofluorescent staining. Thus, our findings suggest that MALAT1 may mediate proangiogenic function in OGD/R. To further explore the potential mechanisms, we used lentiviruses expressing shMALAT1 and empty vector; the results revealed that shMALAT1 reduced the expression of 15‐lipoxygenase 1 (15‐LOX1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (pSTAT3). Taken together, our results are the first to propose that MALAT1 may regulate angiogenesis through the 15‐LOX1/STAT3 signalling pathway, and they may provide a critical target for the treatment of hypoxic injury and an avenue for therapeutic angiogenesis.
Associations between stressful life events and diabetes: Findings from the China Kadoorie Biobank study of 500,000 adults
Authors: Wang Meng , Gong Wei‐Wei , Hu Ru‐Ying , Pan Jin , Lv Jun , Guo Yu , Bian Zheng , Chen Zheng‐Ming , Li Li‐Ming , Zhong Jie‐Ming
Published: February 2019

Aims/Introduction

Evidence has shown that stressful life events are associated with the development of diabetes, yet studies in mainland China are scarce. In the present study, we explored the associations between cumulative and specific stressful life events and the prevalence of diabetes in Chinese adults.

Materials and Methods

The cross‐sectional data were from the China Kadoorie Biobank study, which enrolled approximately 500,000 adults aged 30–79 years from 10 diverse regions of China. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Of the 473,607 participants, 25,301 (5.34%) had type 2 diabetes (2.68% clinically‐identified and 2.66% screen‐detected). Participants who experienced one and two or more stressful life events were 1.10‐fold (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.05–1.16) and 1.33‐fold (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.13–1.57) more likely to have type 2 diabetes. Three categories of work‐related events (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01–1.31), as well as family‐related events (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06–1.18) and personal‐related events (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03–1.36), were associated with an increased likelihood of type 2 diabetes. Regarding the specific life events, the ORs of loss of job or retirement, as well as major conflict within family, death or major illness of other close family member and major injury or traffic accident, were 1.24 (95% CI 1.02–1.52), 1.24 (95% CI 1.08–1.43), 1.13 (95% CI 1.06–1.20) and 1.20 (95% CI 1.01–1.43), respectively.

Conclusions

The present study showed that cumulative and specific stressful life events were significantly associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes.
Methylation and expression analysis of mismatch repair genes in extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Kang Z. , Zhu Y. , Zhang Q.‐A. , Dong L. , Xu F. , Zhang X. , Guan M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare skin cancer with relative high frequencies of germline and somatic mismatch repair (MMR) genes mutations. However, the methylation and expression of these genes have not been validated in EMPD.

Objective

This study aims to confirm the methylation and expression of MMR genes in EMPD.

Methods

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining detection and Methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) were used to analyse MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2 proteins’ expression and promoters’ methylation in 57 EMMD samples, and pyro‐sequence was used to find highly methylated CpG sites in MSH2 promoter.

Results

Immunohistochemical detection displayed reduced expression of MSH2 in 38.6% EMPD cases but normal expression of MLH1, MSH6 and PMS2 in all tumour tissues. Hypermethylation also was found in the promoter of MSH2 but not in other MMR genes. Pyrosequencing of MSH2 promoter showed CpG6 (‐87) and CpG3 (‐98) were the most common two methylated CpG dinucleotides. There is a significant correlation between reduced MSH2 expression and MSH2 methylation.

Conclusion

Reduced MSH2 expression and hypermethylation in this gene promoter were common genetic changes in EMPD, which expands our understanding of the role of MMR function in this skin cancer.
Evidence for dynamic resource partitioning between two sympatric reef shark species within the British Indian Ocean Territory
Authors: Curnick David J. , Carlisle Aaron B. , Gollock Matthew J. , Schallert Robert J. , Hussey Nigel E.
Published: February 2019

Stable‐isotope analyses (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S) of multiple tissues (fin, muscle, red blood cells and plasma), revealed ontogenetic shifts in resource use by grey reef sharks Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos and resource partitioning with silvertip sharks Carcharhinus albimarginatus within the British Indian Ocean Territory marine protected area (MPA). Resource partitioning varied temporally, with C. albimarginatus feeding on more pelagic prey during October to January, potentially attributable to an influx of pelagic prey from outside the MPA at that time. Reef sharks may therefore be affected by processes outside an MPA, even if the sharks do not leave the MPA.
Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption and risk of all‐cause mortality: a dose–response meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Li Q. , Liu Y. , Sun X. , Yin Z. , Li H. , Cheng C. , Liu L. , Zhang R. , Liu F. , Zhou Q. , Wang C. , Li L. , Wang B. , Zhao Y. , Zhang M. , Hu D.
Published: February 2019

Background

Previous meta‐analysis showed an inverse association between coffee consumption and all‐cause mortality. However, the relationship between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption and all‐cause mortality is inconsistent. We aimed to identify and review the published evidence updating the association between coffee consumption and all‐cause mortality and, furthermore, to investigate the association of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption and all‐cause mortality.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science for studies published up to 9 November 2017. Cohort studies in which authors reported relative risks (RRs) of all‐cause mortality for at least three levels of coffee consumption were eligible. Random‐effects models were used to estimate the pooled RR of all‐cause mortality with coffee consumption. Restricted cubic splines were used to model the dose–response association.

Results

We included 21 cohort study articles (10 103 115 study participants and 240 303 deaths). We found a nonlinear association between coffee consumption and all‐cause mortality (Pnonlinearity < 0.001). Compared with no or rare coffee consumption, with a consumption of 3 cups day–1, the risk of all‐cause mortality might reduce 13% (RR = 0.87; 95% confidence interval = 0.84–0.89).

Conclusions

The findings of the present study provide quantitative data suggesting that coffee consumption plays a role in reducing the risk of all‐cause mortality. Similar inverse associations are found for caffeinated coffee and decaffeinated coffee.
Relationship between the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IV in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Saleem M. , Beail N. , Roache S.
Published: February 2019

Background

Diagnoses of intellectual disability (ID) are based on three criteria: significant impairments in intellectual functioning, concurrent deficits in adaptive behaviour, and both being acquired in the developmental period. Adaptive behaviour was formally incorporated into the diagnosis in 1959; the rationale being that IQ and adaptive behaviour were different constructs that independently contribute to the diagnosis. However, there are limited data on the relationship between IQ and adaptive behaviour and especially so for adults who have ID. The aim of this study was to investigate this relationship on two widely used assessment tools: the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – fourth edition (WAIS‐IV) and the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS).

Method

Data were extracted from the case files of 147 adults who had a formal diagnosis of ID based on the WAIS‐IV and VABS. Internal consistency was computed and compared to general population data. Correlations between the WAIS‐IV and the VABS were computed.

Results

Internal consistencies for the tests when used with adults who have ID were generally good. The correlations between the WAIS‐IV and VABS composite and subdomain scores were all low and similar to those reported for the general population.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the WAIS‐IV and VABS are measuring different constructs that contribute to the diagnosis of ID. Unfortunately, by the time such data have been collected, tests are being revised. The Vineland has now been revised and is in its third edition, but no data on the relationship between IQ and the VABS were collected during test development. The WAIS‐V is now in development, and so it is recommended that such work be incorporated into this process or shortly thereafter to ensure that the tools continue to access independent constructs.
Raising overlapping litters: Differential activation of rat maternal neural circuitry after interacting with newborn or juvenile pups
Authors: Pose Sabrina , Zuluaga María José , Ferreño Marcela , Agrati Daniella , Bedó Gabriela , Uriarte Natalia
Published: February 2019

The maternal behaviour of a rat dynamically changes during the postpartum period, adjusting to the characteristics and physiological needs of the pups. This adaptation has been attributed to functional modifications in the maternal circuitry. Maternal behaviour can also flexibly adapt according to different litter compositions. Thus, mothers with two overlapping litters can concurrently take care of neonate and juvenile pups, mostly directing their attention to the newborns. We hypothesised that the maternal circuitry of these mothers would show a differential activation pattern after interacting with pups depending on the developmental stage of their offspring. Thus, we evaluated the activation of several areas of the maternal circuitry in mothers of overlapping litters, using c‐Fos immunoreactivity as a marker of neuronal activation, after interacting with newborns or juveniles. The results showed that mothers with overlapping litters display different behavioural responses towards their newborn and their juvenile pups. Interestingly, these behavioural displays co‐occurred with specific patterns of activation of the maternal neural circuitry. Thus, a similar expression of c‐Fos was observed in some key brain areas of mothers that interacted with newborns or juveniles, such as the medial preoptic area and the nucleus accumbens, whereas a differential activation was quantified in the ventral region of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the infralimbic and prelimbic subregions of the medial prefrontal cortex and the basolateral and medial nuclei of the amygdala. We posit that the specific profile of activation of the neural circuitry controlling maternal behaviour in mothers with overlapping litters enables dams to respond adequately to the newborn and the juvenile pups.
Factors affecting the first‐attempt success rate of intravenous cannulation in older people
Authors: Yalçınlı Sercan , Akarca Funda Karbek , Can Özge , Şener Alper , Akbinar Cemile
Published: February 2019

Aims and objectives

To determine the factors affecting the first‐attempt success of peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) placement in older emergency department patients.

Background

In older patients who require intravenous treatment, establishing a PIVC as fast as possible is clinically important.

Design

This is a prospective, observational, descriptive study.

Methods

Using a data collection form, researchers questioned both the patient and the nurse performing the procedure in terms of patient‐ and operator‐related factors. This study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines (See Supporting Information Appendix ).

Results

A total of 472 patients were included in the final analyses. According to the logistic regression analysis, independent factors which affected first‐attempt failure were found to be: choosing a nonupper extremity site for PIVC (OR: 4.72, 95% CI: 1.35–16.45, p‐value: 0.015), history of difficult intravenous access (OR: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.72–5.29, p‐value: <0.001), nurse having less than 2 years of professional experience (OR: 3.45, 95% CI: 2.00–5.97, p‐value: <0.001), nonpalpable veins observed after the application of tourniquet (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.10–4.41, p‐value: 0.025), a moderate degree of difficulty anticipated by the nurse prior to the procedure (OR: 4.32, 95% CI: 2.31–8.08, p‐value: <0.001) and a high degree of difficulty anticipated by the nurse prior to the procedure (OR: 8.41, 95% CI: 4.10–17.24, p‐value: <0.001).

Conclusion

Factors affecting first‐attempt success rates in peripheral intravenous catheter placement in older emergency department patients may be listed as follows: the anticipated difficulty of the procedure rated by the nurse, previous history of a difficult intravenous cannulation, choosing a nonupper extremity site for cannulation, the level of experience of the nurse and the palpability of the vein.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare providers should consider alternative methods in the presence of factors affecting first‐attempt success in older emergency department patients.
Adherence assessment practices in haemodialysis settings: A qualitative exploration of nurses and pharmacists' perspectives
Authors: Ghimire Saurav , Lee Kenneth , Jose Matthew D. , Castelino Ronald L. , Zaidi Syed Tabish R.
Published: February 2019

Aims and objectives

To explore clinician assessment of patient adherence and identify strategies to improve adherence assessment practices in haemodialysis settings.

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis are typically prescribed complex regimens; as such, they are at high risk of medication nonadherence. Current clinical practices focus on prescribing medications; however, little attention is paid to measuring and ensuring patient adherence to their prescribed treatments.

Design

A qualitative study.

Methods

Semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted in November and December 2016, with 12 nurses and 6 pharmacists, working in Australian haemodialysis settings. The study was conducted and reported in accordance with COREQ guidelines.

Results

Participants were 25–60 years old and had 1–27 years of experience in dialysis. Seven themes related to assessing adherence were identified: prioritisation of resources, interplay between workload and available time, awareness of formalised adherence measures and training deficits, concerns about practicality/suitability of adherence measures, communication of assessment services, patient participation and trust. Three themes related to strategies for improving adherence assessment practices were identified: formalisation of adherence assessment process, integration of assessment processes and tools into routine, and use of multidisciplinary support to assess and promote adherence.

Conclusions

Current adherence assessment practices could be improved through formalisation and integration of the assessment process into dialysis unit policy/procedures. Additionally, as barriers to assessing adherence were identified at organisational, professional and patient levels, there is a need to address barriers from each level in order to improve adherence assessment practices in haemodialysis settings.

Relevance to clinical practice

This qualitative study highlights the challenges and practical ways by which adherence assessment practices could be improved in haemodialysis settings. This would encourage renal clinicians to actively participate in adherence assessment and promotion activities to ensure patients benefit from their therapies.
Bed bath with soap and water or disposable wet wipes: Patients’ experiences and preferences
Authors: Veje Pia L. , Chen Ming , Jensen Christian S. , Sørensen Jan , Primdahl Jette
Published: February 2019

Aims and objectives

To gain an in‐depth understanding of patients’ preferences regarding two bed bath methods: soap and water and disposable wet wipes.

Background

Bed baths allow hospitalised, bedridden patients to stay clean and fresh. They serve a number of purposes: health promotion, social propriety and pure pleasure. Traditionally, soap and water have been used for personal hygiene, but in recent years soap and water have increasingly been replaced by the use of disposable wet wipes.

Design

A qualitative study with a hermeneutical‐phenomenological approach was chosen to explore and understand patients’ experiences of bed bath methods.

Methods

Semi‐structured, individual, in‐depth interviews with 16 bedridden patients from three wards were conducted. The software program nvivo was used to structure the transcribed interviews and assist in the initial data analysis. The data were analysed and interpreted within a phenomenological‐hermeneutical framework. COREQ guidelines were used in the preparation of this paper (See Supporting information Appendix ).

Results

Four overall themes were identified: “Creating a sense of cleanliness,” “Preferences and concerns in different situations,” “Cleanliness of hands and face” and “Clinical decision‐making about bed bath method.”

Conclusions

Overall, patients’ bed bath preference was for soap and water, but disposable wet wipes were considered a convenient alternative and preferred in certain circumstances, for example, when a patient had pain or diarrhoea. Shared decision‐making regarding bed bath method is recommended. Hands and face had specific requirements.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nursing staff should be aware that bedridden patients have varying preferences, and it is important to incorporate the patients’ preferences in the development of standards, health policies and clinical guidelines for bed bath practices.
Brokers versus Retail Investors: Conflicting Interests and Dominated Products
Authors: EGAN MARK
Published: February 2019

I study how brokers distort household investment decisions. Using a novel convertible bond data set, I find that consumers often purchase dominated bonds—cheap and expensive otherwise‐identical bonds coexist in the market. Brokers are incentivized to sell the dominated bonds, typically earning two times greater fees for selling them. I develop and estimate a broker‐intermediated search model that rationalizes this behavior. The estimates indicate that costly search is a key friction in financial markets, but the effects of search costs are compounded when brokers are incentivized to direct the search of consumers toward high‐fee inferior products.
Changes of water state and gel characteristics of Hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) surimi during thermal processing
Authors: Ding Hao‐Chen , Li Xue‐Peng , Li Rui‐Zhi , Yi Shu‐Min , Xu Yong‐Xia , Mi Hong‐Bo , Li Jian‐Rong
Published: February 2019

This study examined the changes of water state and gel characteristics of Hairtail surimi during thermal processing including two steps. The results showed that there were four content of water in Hairtail surimi gels. Water‐holding capacity (WHC) and T23 relaxation time of water and gel strength increased from 47.01 to 78.97% and from 64.23 to 51.52 ms, respectively, and whiteness decreased from 63.87 to 55.22 during the entire thermal processing. Meanwhile, the texture properties including hardness, gumminess, and chewiness declined from 402.42 to 130.41 g, from 294.39 to103.70 g, and from 233.68 to 43.60 g, respectively, during the first step, and then increased markedly during the second step from 130.41 to 2,301.87 g, from 103.70 to 1,250.99 g, and from 43.60 to 978.51 g, respectively. Furthermore, the WHC and textural profile had positive correlation, and changes in protein secondary structure were interesting, with the α‐helices decreasing significantly from 26.40 to 14.12%, while the β‐sheet and the random coil structure increasing significantly from 36.28 to 44.03%, and from 10.89 to 14.31%, respectively, and β‐turn structure increasing form 26.44 to 27.98% during the first step and then declining markedly during the second step, moreover β‐sheet had a fine positive correlation with WHC hardness and chewiness. Overall, dense, porous and compact three‐dimensional network gel structure gradually formed. In a word, during thermal processing. WHC of Hairtail surimi increased, and protein secondary structure of protein became orderly, and a fine, dense gel formed during thermal processing. Water is considered as the highest and most important chemical constituent in surimi products. During surimi gelation, water molecules exist as bulk water and motionally restricted water on the protein surface. In order to gain more insights into the surimi heating‐induced gelation processing, and improve the surimi gel properties, and give same advice to manufacturing enterprise, this work was conducted to study the structural changes of protein and water state during surimi gelation processing and performed along with the monitoring of the texture, WHC and other physical characteristics of surimi gel, as well as the microstructure of surimi gel.