bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National identity premises in Pakistani social media debate over patriotism
Authors: Rizwan Snobra
Published: February 2019

This paper focuses on critical discourse analysis of national identity premises as they enter in Pakistan’s social media debate over patriotism and treason. Drawing on a theoretical framework that calls attention to the embeddedness of religious and nationalistic ideas in identification paradigm of a society, the analysis emphasizes the naturalized link in motivational/inspirational and factual/circumstantial premises and the discursive and non-discursive practices of a culture. It also shows how (supposed) lack of a clear sense of national identity is intrinsically connected to a politicized understanding of national and anti-national identities, since anti-national identity is made salient as an obstacle in path toward national acceptance, and thus as a threat to national security. This, it is argued, is achieved through certain discursive strategies and non-discursive acts which serve to position undesirable anti-nationals as simultaneously in need of proving their patriotism and ineligible for integration into a broader national identification paradigm.
Correlations between linguistic change and linguistic performance among heritage speakers of Danish in Argentina
Authors: Petersen Jan Heegård , Hansen Gert Foget , Thøgersen Jacob
Published: February 2019

The article addresses the issue of an assumed correlation between heritage language speakers’ linguistic system and their fluency. Previous research has shown that heritage language speakers who have grammatical patterns that are divergent from the language spoken in the homeland also have lexical retrieval problems and speak with a slower speech rate. We approach the issue by examining two linguistic features and 11 different fluency features (‘structural’ and ‘performance features’) of 10 speakers of Argentine Heritage Danish. A factor analysis shows that the 11 performance features can be reduced to 2 factors that characterize the speakers ‘lexical retrieval’ and ‘fluency’. A correlation analysis with the two structural features, weakening of a phonological contrast between /oː/ and /ɔː/ and simplification of the gender system, shows that there are no correlations at all between these two measures of the speakers’ language production, in contrast to what previous research has found.
Domain adverbials in the news
Authors: De Cesare Anna-Maria , Albom Ana , Cimmino Doriana , Spagnolo Marta Lupica
Published: February 2019

This article examines the functional category of domain adverbials (DAs), which arose fairly recently in the European languages and is claimed to occur frequently in the written press. In order to better understand this category, we investigate the form, use and meaning of DAs in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish and highlight important intra- and cross-linguistic differences by means of a qualitative and quantitative empirical study based on a corpus of journalistic texts drawn from online daily newspapers. Our results show that cross-linguistically DAs are mainly realized as adverbs formed through a standard word-formation rule. Our results also point to important cross-linguistic differences in the frequency and types of domain adverbs used in the five languages. We explain these differences by taking into account grammatical, sociolinguistic and discourse-related parameters.
Business ethics and spirituality for corporate sustainability: a Buddhism perspective
Authors: Suriyankietkaew Suparak , Kantamara Pornkasem
Published: February 2019

Globally, ethical concerns principally focus on the need for business ethics as well as an emphasis on spiritual leadership to enhance long-term effectiveness and corporate sustainability. This paper responds to a call for further studies of business ethics and spirituality in workplaces
and advances the currently limited knowledge in the realm, in particular, from an Eastern Buddhism perspective. Using a case study research approach, this paper investigates how a modern company can ethically and spiritually lead and manage a successful, sustainable business. A Buddhist-based
philosophy of “Sufficiency Economy,” as advocated by United Nations Development Programme was used as the research framework to examine the philosophy’s ethical and spiritual application. The findings suggest that, to achieve long-term corporate sustainability, a successful
business enterprise should embrace good ethical and spiritual values via ethics/morality, knowledge, moderation, reasonableness, resilience, compassion and care for its stakeholders. Implications, limitations and future research are discussed.
Especial skill vs. quiet eye duration in basketball free throw: Evidence for the inhibition of competing task solutions
Authors: Klostermann André
Published: February 2019

The quiet eye (QE) is a gaze phenomenon that has been studied over more than two decades. However, the underlying mechanisms of the well‐known expertise effect, namely, longer QE durations in experts when compared to less‐skilled athletes remain unclear. Therefore, from a functional perspective, an inhibition hypothesis was proposed that explains long QE durations in experts with increased inhibition requirements over movement parametrisation. This hypothesis was tested by making use of the especial‐skill effect in basketball free throw which refers to the observation of higher actual performance than would be predicted on the basis of performance at the nearby locations. In line with the expectations, from the distance of the free‐throw line, higher actual than predicted shooting accuracy and longer actual than predicted QE duration were revealed. This suggests that when performing free throws prolonged QE durations are required to shield the optimal against alternative task solutions within the very dense sub‐space of this especial skill. These findings suggest an inhibition function of long QE durations in expert athletes.
The RhoGAP SPV-1 regulates calcium signaling to control the contractility of theCaenorhabditis elegansspermatheca during embryo transits
Authors: Bouffard Jeff , Cecchetelli Alyssa D. , Clifford Coleman , Sethi Kriti , Zaidel-Bar Ronen , Cram Erin J.
Published: February 2019

Contractility of the nonmuscle and smooth muscle cells that comprise biological tubing is regulated by the Rho-ROCK (Rho-associated protein kinase) and calcium signaling pathways. Although many molecular details about these signaling pathways are known, less is known about how they are coordinated spatiotemporally in biological tubes. The spermatheca of the Caenorhabditis elegans reproductive system enables study of the signaling pathways regulating actomyosin contractility in live adult animals. The RhoGAP (GTPase-­activating protein toward Rho family small GTPases) SPV-1 was previously identified as a negative regulator of RHO-1/Rho and spermathecal contractility. Here, we uncover a role for SPV-1 as a key regulator of calcium signaling. spv-1 mutants expressing the calcium indicator GCaMP in the spermatheca exhibit premature calcium release, elevated calcium levels, and disrupted spatial regulation of calcium signaling during spermathecal contraction. Although RHO-1 is required for spermathecal contractility, RHO-1 does not play a significant role in regulating calcium. In contrast, activation of CDC-42 recapitulates many aspects of spv-1 mutant calcium signaling. Depletion of cdc-42 by RNA interference does not suppress the premature or elevated calcium signal seen in spv-1 mutants, suggesting other targets remain to be identified. Our results suggest that SPV-1 works through both the Rho-ROCK and calcium signaling pathways to coordinate cellular contractility.
Does the Key Task Measure Prospective Memory? Cautionary Findings from Parallel Studies in HIV Disease and Older Adults
Authors: Babicz Michelle A , Sullivan Kelli L , Weinborn Michael , Bucks Romola S , Ng Amanda , Hodgson Erica , Parker Denise , Pushpanathan Maria , Fine Lara , Loft Shayne , Woods Steven Paul
Published: February 2019

Objective

Despite its brevity and face validity, little is known about the construct validity of the naturalistic “Key Task” of prospective memory (PM), in which an examinee is instructed to remind the examiner at a designated time to retrieve keys (or another belonging) placed out of sight.

Method

Study 1 included 162 HIV+ and 52 HIV− comparison participants who completed the Key Task alongside well-validated measures of PM and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery that included everyday functioning measures. Study 2 used broadly parallel methods in 168 older community-dwelling Australians.

Results

Overall, the Key Task was not reliably associated with neurocognitive functioning (including clinical and experimental measures of PM), PM symptoms, or everyday functioning in either sample.

Conclusions

The Key Task did not demonstrate compelling evidence of construct validity among persons living with HIV disease or older adults, which raises doubts regarding its clinical usefulness as a measure of PM.
The Dynamics of Domestic Abuse and Drug and Alcohol Dependency
Authors: Gadd David , Henderson Juliet , Radcliffe Polly , Stephens-Lewis Danielle , Johnson Amy , Gilchrist Gail
Published: February 2019

This article elucidates the dynamics that occur in relationships where there have been both substance use and domestic abuse. It draws interpretively on in-depth qualitative interviews with male perpetrators and their current and former partners. These interviews were undertaken for the National Institute for Health Research-funded ADVANCE programme. The article’s analysis highlights the diverse ways in which domestic abuse by substance-using male partners is compounded for women who have never been substance dependent, women who have formerly been substance dependent and women who are currently substance dependent. The criminological implications of the competing models of change deployed in drug treatment and domestic violence intervention are discussed alongside the policy and practice challenges entailed in reconciling them within intervention contexts where specialist service provision has been scaled back and victims navigate pressures to stay with perpetrators while they undergo treatment alongside the threat of sanction should they seek protection from the police and courts.
Estimating the impact of azimuth-angle variations on photovoltaic annual energy production
Authors: Dhimish Mahmoud , Silvestre Santiago
Published: February 2019

The performance of a photovoltaic (PV) installation is affected by its tilt and azimuth angles, because these parameters change the amount of solar energy absorbed by the surface of the PV modules. Therefore, this paper demonstrates the impact of the azimuth angle on the energy production of PV installations. Two different PV sites were studied, where the first comprises PV systems installed at –13°, –4°, +12° and +21° azimuth angles in different geographical locations, whereas the second PV site included adjacent PV systems installed at –87°, –32°, +2° and +17° azimuth angles. All the investigated PV sites were located in Huddersfield, UK. In summary, the results indicate that PV systems installed between –4° and +2° presented the maximum energy production over the last 4 years, while the worst energy generation were observed for the PV system installed at an azimuth angle of –87°. Finally, the probability projections for all observed azimuth angles datasets have been assessed. Since PV systems are affected by various environmental conditions such as fluctuations in the wind, humidity, solar irradiance and ambient temperature, ultimately, these factors would affect the annual energy generation of the PV installations. For that reason, we have analysed the disparities and the probability of the annual energy production for multiple PV systems installed at different azimuth angles ranging from –90° to +90° degrees, and affected by different environmental conditions. These analyses are based on the cumulative density function modelling technique as well as the normal distribution function.
In vivo ratiometric optical mapping enables high-resolution cardiac electrophysiology in pig models
Authors: Lee Peter , Quintanilla Jorge G , Alfonso-Almazán José M , Galán-Arriola Carlos , Yan Ping , Sánchez-González Javier , Pérez-Castellano Nicasio , Pérez-Villacastín Julián , Ibañez Borja , Loew Leslie M , Filgueiras-Rama David
Published: February 2019

Aims

Cardiac optical mapping is the gold standard for measuring complex electrophysiology in ex vivo heart preparations. However, new methods for optical mapping in vivo have been elusive. We aimed at developing and validating an experimental method for performing in vivo cardiac optical mapping in pig models.

Methods and results

First, we characterized ex vivo the excitation-ratiometric properties during pacing and ventricular fibrillation (VF) of two near-infrared voltage-sensitive dyes (di-4-ANBDQBS/di-4-ANEQ(F)PTEA) optimized for imaging blood-perfused tissue (n = 7). Then, optical-fibre recordings in Langendorff-perfused hearts demonstrated that ratiometry permits the recording of optical action potentials (APs) with minimal motion artefacts during contraction (n = 7). Ratiometric optical mapping ex vivo also showed that optical AP duration (APD) and conduction velocity (CV) measurements can be accurately obtained to test drug effects. Secondly, we developed a percutaneous dye-loading protocol in vivo to perform high-resolution ratiometric optical mapping of VF dynamics (motion minimal) using a high-speed camera system positioned above the epicardial surface of the exposed heart (n = 11). During pacing (motion substantial) we recorded ratiometric optical signals and activation via a 2D fibre array in contact with the epicardial surface (n = 7). Optical APs in vivo under general anaesthesia showed significantly faster CV [120 (63–138) cm/s vs. 51 (41–64) cm/s; P = 0.032] and a statistical trend to longer APD90 [242 (217–254) ms vs. 192 (182–233) ms; P = 0.095] compared with ex vivo measurements in the contracting heart. The average rate of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) decay of di-4-ANEQ(F)PTEA in vivo was 0.0671 ± 0.0090 min−1. However, reloading with di-4-ANEQ(F)PTEA fully recovered the initial SNR. Finally, toxicity studies (n = 12) showed that coronary dye injection did not generate systemic nor cardiac damage, although di-4-ANBDQBS injection induced transient hypotension, which was not observed with di-4-ANEQ(F)PTEA.

Conclusions

In vivo optical mapping using voltage ratiometry of near-infrared dyes enables high-resolution cardiac electrophysiology in translational pig models.
Quality of life after coronary bypass: a multicentre study of routinely collected health data in the Netherlands†
Authors: Blokzijl Fredrike , Houterman Saskia , van Straten Bart H M , Daeter Edgar , Brandon Bravo Bruinsma George J , Dieperink Willem , Reneman Michiel F , Keus Frederik , van der Horst Iwan C C , Mariani Massimo A
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVES

In this study, our aim was to explore how coronary artery bypass grafting affects quality of life, and how this varies with age, particularly with patients at risk of deterioration.

METHODS

In a retrospective, multicentre cohort study, patients with isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and electively operated between January 2011 and January 2015 with pre- and postoperative quality-of-life data were included. Patients were classified into 3 age groups: <65, 65–79 and ≥80 years. Quality of life was measured up to 1-year follow-up using the Short Form-12 or the Short Form-36 health survey. A multivariable, linear regression analysis, with an adjustment for confounders, was used to evaluate the association between age and quality of life.

RESULTS

A total of 2606 patients were included in this study. Upon one-year of follow-up, the mean physical health of patients increased from 54 at baseline to 68, and mental health increased from 60 to 67. We observed decreased mental health in 20% of patients aged <65 years, 20% of patients aged 65–79 years and 29% of patients aged ≥80 years (P = 0.039). In this study, age was not associated with a lower physical or mental component score (P = 0.054 and P = 0.13, respectively). Independent risk factors for a decrease in quality of life consist of a better physical and mental score at baseline (P < 0.001) and a reduced left ventricular function (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients experience a relevant increase in physical and mental quality of life, but a proportion of patients aged ≥80 years undergo significant deterioration in mental health.
Framingham score and work-related variables for predicting cardiovascular disease in the working population
Authors: Zwaard Albert-Jan van der , Geraedts Anna , Norder Giny , Heymans Martijn W , Roelen Corné A M
Published: February 2019

Background

The Framingham score is commonly used to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study investigated whether work-related variables improve Framingham score predictions of sickness absence due to CVD.

Methods

Eleven occupational health survey variables (descent, marital status, education, work type, work pace, cognitive demands, supervisor support, co-worker support, commitment to work, intrinsic work motivation and distress) and the Framingham Point Score (FPS) were combined into a multi-variable logistic regression model for CVD sickness absence during 1-year follow-up of 19 707 survey participants. The Net Reclassification Index (NRI) was used to investigate the added value of work-related variables to the FPS risk classification. Discrimination between participants with and without CVD sickness absence during follow-up was investigated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

A total of 129 (0.7%) occupational health survey participants had CVD sickness absence during 1-year follow-up. Manual work and high cognitive demands, but not the other work-related variables contributed to the FPS predictions of CVD sickness absence. However, work type and cognitive demands did not improve the FPS classification for risk of CVD sickness absence [NRI = 2.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.7 to 9.5%; P = 0.629]. The FPS discriminated well between participants with and without CVD sickness absence (AUC = 0.759; 95% CI 0.724–0.794).

Conclusion

Work-related variables did not improve predictions of CVD sickness absence by the FPS. The non-laboratory Framingham score can be used to identify health survey participants at risk of CVD sickness absence.
Walking for Better Outcomes and Recovery: The Effect of WALK-FOR in Preventing Hospital-Associated Functional Decline Among Older Adults
Authors: Cohen Yaniv , Zisberg Anna , Chayat Yehudit , Gur-Yaish Nurit , Gil Efrat , Levin Chedva , Rand Debbie , Agmon Maayan
Published: February 2019

Background

In-hospital immobility of older adults is associated with hospital-associated functional decline (HAFD). This study examined the WALK-FOR program’s effects on HAFD prevention.

Methods

A quasi-experimental pre-post two-group (intervention group [IG] n = 188, control group [CG] n = 189) design was applied in two hospital internal medical units. On admission, patients reported pre-hospitalization functional status, which was assessed again at discharge and 1-month follow-up. Primary outcome was decline in basic activities of daily living (BADL), using the Modified Barthel Index. Secondary outcomes were decline in instrumental ADL (Lawton’s IADL scale) and community mobility (Yale Physical Activity Survey). All participants (75.1 ± 7 years old) were cognitively intact and ambulatory at admission. The WALK-FOR included a unit-tailored mobility program utilizing patient-and-staff education with a specific mobility goal (900 steps per day), measured by accelerometer.

Results

Decline in BADL occurred among 33% of the CG versus 23% of the IG (p = .02) at discharge, and among 43% of the CG versus 30% in the IG (p = .01) at 1-month follow-up. Similarly, 26% of the CG versus 15% of the IG declined in community mobility at 1-month follow-up (p = .01). Adjusted for major covariates, the intervention reduced the odds of decline in BADL by 41% (p = .05) at discharge and by 49% at 1-month follow-up (p = .01), and in community mobility by 63% (p = .02). There was no significant effect of the intervention on IADL decline (p = .19).

Conclusions

The WALK-FOR intervention is effective in reducing HAFD.
Approaches to Assessment of Muscle Mass and Myosteatosis on Computed Tomography: A Systematic Review
Authors: Amini Behrang , Boyle Sean P , Boutin Robert D , Lenchik Leon
Published: February 2019

Background/Objective: There is increasing use of computed tomography (CT) in sarcopenia research using a wide variety of techniques. We performed a systematic review of the CT literature to identify the differences between approaches used. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed from 1983 to 2017 was performed to identify studies that used CT muscle measurements to assess muscle mass and myosteatosis. The CT protocols were evaluated based on anatomic landmark(s), thresholding, muscle(s) segmented, key measurement (ie, muscle attenuation, cross-sectional area, volume), derived variables, and analysis software. From the described search, 657 articles were identified and 388 studies met inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Results: Muscle mass was more commonly assessed than myosteatosis (330 vs. 125). The most commonly assessed muscle or muscle groups were total abdominal wall musculature (142/330 and 49/125 for muscle mass and myosteatosis, respectively) and total thigh musculature (90/330 and 48/125). The most commonly used landmark in the abdomen was the L3 vertebra (123/142 and 45/49 for muscle mass and myosteatosis, respectively). Skeletal muscle index and intermuscular adipose tissue were the most commonly used measures of abdominal wall muscle mass (114/142) and myosteatosis (27/49), respectively. Cut points varied across studies. A significant majority of studies failed to report important CT technical parameters, such as use of intravenous contrast and slice thickness (94% and 63%, respectively). Conclusions: There is considerable variation in the CT approaches used for the assessment of muscle mass and myosteatosis. There is a need to develop consensus for CT-based evaluation of sarcopenia and myosteatosis.
Consumer Movements and Value Regimes: Fighting Food Waste in Germany by Building Alternative Object Pathways
Authors: Gollnhofer Johanna F , Weijo Henri A , Schouten John W
Published: February 2019

Consumer movements strive to change markets when those markets produce value outcomes that conflict with consumers’ higher-order values. Prior studies argue that consumer movements primarily seek to challenge these value outcomes by championing alternative higher-order values or by pressuring institutions to change market governance mechanisms. Building on and refining theorization on value regimes, this study illuminates a new type of consumer movement strategy where consumers collaborate to construct alternative object pathways. The study draws from ethnographic fieldwork in the German retail food sector and shows how building alternative object pathways allowed a consumer movement to mitigate the value regime’s excessive production of food waste. The revised value regime theorization offers a new and more holistic way of understanding and contextualizing how and where consumer movements mobilize for change. It also provides a new tool for understanding systemic value creation and the role of consumers in such processes.
ADAM10 sheddase activation is controlled by cell membrane asymmetry
Authors: Bleibaum Florian , Sommer Anselm , Veit Martin , Rabe Björn , Andrä Jörg , Kunzelmann Karl , Nehls Christian , Correa Wilmar , Gutsmann Thomas , Grötzinger Joachim , Bhakdi Sucharit , Reiss Karina
Published: February 2019

Dysregulation of the disintegrin-metalloproteinase ADAM10 may contribute to the development of diseases including tumorigenesis and Alzheimer’s disease. The mechanisms underlying ADAM10 sheddase activation are incompletely understood. Here, we show that transient exposure of the negatively charged phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) is necessarily required. The soluble PS headgroup was found to act as competitive inhibitor of substrate cleavage. Overexpression of the Ca2+-dependent phospholipid scramblase Anoctamin-6 (ANO6) led to increased PS externalization and substrate release. Transfection with a constitutively active form of ANO6 resulted in maximum sheddase activity in the absence of any stimulus. Calcium-dependent ADAM10 activation could not be induced in lymphocytes of patients with Scott syndrome harbouring a missense mutation in ANO6. A putative PS-binding motif was identified in the conserved stalk region. Replacement of this motif resulted in strong reduction of sheddase activity. In conjunction with the recently described 3D structure of the ADAM10 extracellular domain, a model is advanced to explain how surface-exposed PS triggers ADAM10 sheddase function.
Minimally Invasive Cervical Pedicle Screw Placement With a Freehand Technique Through the Posterolateral Approach Using a Tubular Retractor: A Technical Note
Authors: Lee Subum , Park Jin Hoon
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Although many studies have demonstrated the biomechanical superiority of cervical pedicle screw (CPS) placement with sufficient safety and accuracy, it also has an inevitable major drawback in that an extensive posterior neck muscle dissection results in immediate postoperative neck pain. To avoid this disadvantage and highlight the several biomechanical advantages of CPS, we conducted the first minimally invasive surgery using both a tubular retractor through the posterolateral approach and a freehand placement technique.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 77-yr-old man presented with quadriparesis and neck pain. The diagnosis was infectious discitis with ventral epidural abscess extending from C6 to T1. The surgery was performed in 2 steps. First, CPSs were inserted bilaterally in C6 and C7 with a freehand technique through the tubular retractor, and posterolateral fusion was performed with cancellous iliac bone chips after 2 rod connections. Second, C6–7 discectomy with partial upper bony resection of the C7 body was performed through an anterior approach. Anterior interbody fusion was performed with only iliac bone block, without plate fixation. The patient could sit without serious neck pain immediately postoperatively, and ambulation was possible the next day after surgery. Postoperative magnetic resonance images showed complete bilateral preservation of the semispinalis cervicis muscles. Six months after operation, dynamic radiographs showed stability and the visual analogue scale score for neck pain was 1 point.

CONCLUSION

We report on an advantageous minimally invasive approach combined with the freehand technique for the preservation of the posterior ligamentous complex and muscles during CPS placement.
Minimally Invasive Dual Iliac-Screw and Dual-Rod Construct: A Case Report Describing Optimal Subcrestal Iliac-Screw Entry Points in the Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Lumbosacral Fracture
Authors: Liu Gabriel , Hasan Muhammed Yaser
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Dual iliac-screw and dual-rod fixation provides additional stability to lumbopelvic constructs and can be employed in management of neoplastic disease with extensive osseous involvement. Optimal iliac-screw positioning is vital to achieve the desired dual iliac-screw and dual-rod linkage.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

In this report, we describe our technique with particular focus on subcrestal iliac-screw entry point position using a 4-quadrant teardrop radiological view concept in a case of minimally invasive L3-iliac spinopelvic fixation using dual iliac-screw and dual-rod for a patient with pathological sacral fracture. At the last follow-up 20 mo postsurgery there was minimal axial and radicular pain and no evidence of screw prominence. Radiographs showed no evidence of construct failure.

CONCLUSION

The 4-quadrant teardrop concept provides a good visual reference for optimal subcrestal screw placement when employing a dual iliac-screw and dual-construct.
Understanding Mortgage Spreads
Authors: Boyarchenko Nina , Fuster Andreas , Lucca David O
Published: February 2019

Because most mortgages in the United States are securitized in agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), yield spreads on MBS are a key determinant of homeowners’ funding costs. We study variation in MBS spreads in the time series and across securities and document that MBS spreads show a pronounced cross-sectional smile with respect to the securities’ coupon rates. We present a new pricing model that uses “stripped” MBS prices to identify the contribution of non-interest-rate prepayment risk to spreads and find that this risk explains the smile, whereas the time-series spread variation is mostly accounted for by nonprepayment risk factors.

Received March 30, 2015; editorial decision November 21, 2018 by Editor Leonid Kogan. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
African Nightshade and African Spinach Decrease Root-Knot Nematode and Potato Cyst Nematode Soil Infestation in Kenya
Authors: Chitambo Oliver , Haukeland Solveig , Fiaboe Komi K. M. , Grundler Florian M. W.
Published: February 2019

Plant-parasitic nematodes, particularly root-knot nematodes (RKN: Meloidogyne spp.) and cyst nematodes (CN: Globodera and Heterodera spp.) cause severe yield reduction in most cultivated crops and are of high economic importance. African nightshade (Solanum spp.) and African spinach (Amaranthus spp.) are important African indigenous vegetables (AIV) and are rich sources of nutrition and income. However, their host status to plant-parasitic nematodes remains largely speculative. Therefore, a survey was conducted which revealed that S. villosum exhibited high root galling, whereas on S. scabrum, A. cruentus, and A. dubius root galling was rare or very low. Additionally, soil collected from the rhizosphere of S. villosum and S. scabrum contained few cysts of potato cyst nematodes (PCN), and no developing PCN females were observed on the roots of growing plants. Therefore, we studied the dynamics of RKN and PCN on A. dubius, A. cruentus, S. scabrum, and S. villosum over 2 years in a field experiment. The effects of AIV crop species on RKN and PCN soil infestation were evaluated using susceptible S. lycopersicum or S. tuberosum. After first, second, and third cultivation of A. dubius, A. cruentus, and S. scabrum, RKN infestation of the soil decreased by more than 85%, whereas S. scabrum and S. villosum decreased PCN densities by more than 80%. When cropping susceptible crops, after three seasons of successive cultivation of these AIV, galling index and number of developing PCN females measured on susceptible crops decreased by more than 75%. Wilting and RKN-PCN coinfection incidences also decreased significantly. Here, we present data that support the development of a novel cropping system including African spinach and African nightshade, which reveals a high potential to manage RKN and PCN in an environmentally friendly, effective, and productive way.
Cognitive Development: The Scaffold for Critical Thought
Authors: Ippolito Karen O.
Published: February 2019

Critical thinking is valued in nursing education, but few studies have addressed level of cognitive development as a necessary structure for critical thinking. This correlational study uses hierarchical multiple regression analysis to investigate relationships between level of cognitive development and level of critical thinking, holding gender, age, general knowledge, prior education, and language status constant (N = 190). Results indicated 30 percent of beginning nursing students were at a concrete thinking level. Cognitive developmental level accounted for a significant portion of the variance in critical thinking scores. Consideration of cognitive developmental readiness for critical thinking in nursing students is recommended.
Developing Local Evidence About Faculty Written Exam Questions: Asian ESL Nursing Student Perceptions About Linguistic Modification
Authors: Mulready-Shick JoAnn , Edward Jean , Sitthisongkram Somporn
Published: February 2019

Limited studies address perspectives about exam-writing practices of nursing students for whom English is an additional language. The authors conducted a program-level study of perceptions of 26 nursing students of Asian background who identified as nonnative speakers of English regarding faculty-made, multiple-choice exam questions that had been linguistically modified. Linguistic modification promoted readability and comprehensibility; students preferred the linguistically modified versions 60 percent of the time. This inquiry attends to the need for greater responsiveness to student concerns about test-taking practices and for engendering their ongoing participation in creating local evidence for improving program outcomes.
Examining Relationships Between Resilience Protective Factors and Moral Distress Among Nursing Students
Authors: Krautscheid Lorretta , Mood Laura , McLennon Susan M. , Mossman Taylor C. , Wagner Marie , Wode Jessica
Published: February 2019

A correlation pilot study was conducted to examine relationships between resilience protective factors and moral distress associated with clinical practica in nursing students. Aggregate moral distress rating was x = 3.67. Two of four resilience protective factor subcategories demonstrated significant inverse correlations with moral distress rating. Inverse correlations were found between social support and moral distress (r = −.27, p < .05) and between goal efficacy and moral distress (r = −.37, p < .01). The findings should help educators prioritize resilience-enhancing educational strategies.
Severity of Analgesic Dependence and Medication-overuse Headache
Authors: Lundqvist Christofer , Gossop Michael , Russell Michael Bjørn , Straand Jørund , Kristoffersen Espen Saxhaug
Published: February 2019

Background and Aims:

Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is a common chronic headache caused by overuse of headache analgesics. It has similarities with substance dependence disorders. The treatment of choice for MOH is withdrawal of the offending analgesics. Behavioral brief intervention treatment using methods adapted from substance misuse settings is effective. Here we investigate the severity of analgesics dependence in MOH using the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), validate the SDS score against formal substance dependence diagnosis based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) and examine whether the SDS predicts successful withdrawal.

Methods:

Representative recruitment from the general population; 60 MOH patients, 15 chronic headache patients without medication overuse and 25 population controls. Headaches were diagnosed using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, medication use was assessed and substance dependence classified according to the DSM-IV. The SDS was scored by interviewers blinded to patient group. Descriptive statistics were used and validity of the SDS score assessed against a substance dependence diagnosis using ROC analysis.

Results:

Sixty-two percent of MOH patients overused simple analgesics, 38% centrally acting analgesics (codeine, opiates, triptans). Fifty percent of MOH patients were classified as DSM-IV substance dependent. Centrally active medication and high SDS scores were associated with higher proportions of dependence. ROC analysis showed SDS scores accurately identified dependence (area under curve 88%). Lower SDS scores were associated with successful withdrawal (P = 0.004).

Conclusions:

MOH has characteristics of substance dependence which should be taken into account when choosing treatment strategy.

Trial registration:

Based on data collected in previously reported randomized BIMOH trial (Kristoffersen et al., 2012
;
Kristoffersen et al., 2015 in the present manuscript, Clinical trials registration number: NCT01314768). The present part, however, represents observational data and is not a treatment trial.
Medication Adherence Monitoring Using Smartphone Video Dosing in an Open-label Pilot Study of Monthly Naltrexone Plus Once-daily Bupropion for Methamphetamine Use Disorder: Feasibility and Acceptability
Authors: Walker Robrina , Hillhouse Maureen , Perrochet Brian , Sparenborg Steven , Mooney Larissa , Ling Walter
Published: February 2019

Objectives:

This article describes how smartphones were used to monitor and encourage medication adherence in a pilot study evaluating the potential efficacy of a combination pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine use disorder. We examine the feasibility, utility, and acceptability of using smartphones to capture dosing videos from the perspectives of participants and staff.

Methods:

The study was an 8-week, open-label evaluation of extended-release injectable naltrexone combined with once-daily oral extended-release bupropion (BRP, Welbutrin XL, 450 mg/day). Participants attended visits twice-weekly for observed BRP dosing, assessments, and medical management. BRP was dispensed once weekly for dosing on nonclinic days. Medication adherence was assessed objectively (by observation in the clinic and smartphone videos for dosing at home) and subjectively (self-reports of dosing). Surveys assessing the smartphone component were completed by participants and study staff.

Results:

Participants (N = 49) reported taking 93.6% of the dispensed BRP doses while 86.6% of dispensed doses were confirmed via dosing video and in-person observations. Most participants who completed the survey agreed that the smartphone was easy to use (92.6%) and that taking the dosing videos helped to remember to take the study medication (80.5%). Staff agreed that the smartphone helped collect accurate dosing data for most (77.5%) participants.

Conclusions:

The use of smartphones for video-based oral medication dosing in this study provided a feasible and acceptable mechanism to encourage, monitor, and confirm medication adherence. Video-confirmed dosing adherence provides an objective numerical indicator of the lowest medication adherence rate participants achieve, allowing investigators to more confidently interpret results.
Psychological Changes and Employment Outcomes After Kyphosis Correction in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Park Jin-Sung , Kim Young-Ho , Yang Jae-Hyuk , Ko Young-Il , Park Ye-Soo
Published: February 2019

Study Design.

A retrospective study.

Objective.

To evaluate the psychological changes and employment outcomes following corrective osteotomy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Summary of Background Data.

To date, no study has investigated the changes in psychological status and subsequent improvement in employment outcome after correction of kyphotic deformities in patients with AS.

Methods.

This study included 48 patients with AS who underwent corrective osteotomy for severe kyphotic deformity. Sagittal alignment was assessed radiographically. Clinical status was evaluated using the Short Form-36 Health Survey, psychological status was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and employment outcomes were assessed using the Lam Employment Absence and Productivity Scale (LEAPS). The degree of postoperative sagittal alignment correction was measured, and changes in clinical and employment outcomes and psychological status were evaluated. The relationship between the degree of sagittal alignment correction and each evaluation item was analyzed.

Results.

Following postoperative sagittal alignment correction, all patients could stand erect and look straight. Significant improvements were observed in the clinical and employment outcomes, as well as in patients’ psychological status. The degree of sagittal vertical axis correction was significantly correlated with the HADS depression and the LEAPS total scores. The degree of correction of the chin-brow vertical angle was significantly correlated with the Short Form-36 mental health score, the HADS depression and anxiety scores, and the LEAPS total and productivity subscores. Notably, the improvement in the HADS depression score was significantly correlated with the LEAPS total score.

Conclusion.

This study demonstrated the psychological changes and subsequent improvement in employment outcomes after corrective osteotomy in patients with AS. The degree of sagittal alignment correction was correlated with improvements in psychological status and employment outcomes.

Level of Evidence: 4
Early life exposure to cortisol in zebrafish (Danio rerio): similarities and differences in behaviour and physiology between larvae of the AB and TL strains
Authors: van den Bos Ruud , Althuizen Joep , Tschigg Katharina , Bomert Maud , Zethof Jan , Filk Gert , Gorissen Marnix
Published: February 2019

Maternal stress and early life stress affect development. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are ideally suited to study this, as embryos develop externally into free-feeding larvae. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the effects of increased levels of cortisol, mimicking thereby maternal stress, on larval physiology and behaviour. We studied the effects in two common zebrafish strains, that is, AB and Tupfel long-fin (TL), to assess strain dependency of effects. Fertilized eggs were exposed to a cortisol-containing medium (1.1 μmol/l) or control medium from 0 to 6 h following fertilization, after which at 5-day following fertilization, larval behaviour and baseline hypothalamus–pituitary–interrenal cells axis functioning were measured. The data confirmed earlier observed differences between AB larvae and TL larvae: a lower hypothalamus–pituitary–interrenal axis activity in TL larvae than AB larvae, and slower habituation to repeated acoustic/vibrational stimuli in TL larvae than AB larvae. Following cortisol treatment, increased baseline levels of cortisol were found in AB larvae but not TL larvae. At the behavioural level, increased thigmotaxis or ‘wall hugging’ was found in AB larvae, but decreased thigmotaxis in TL larvae; however, both AB larvae and TL larvae showed decreased habituation to repeated acoustic/vibrational stimuli. The data emphasize that strain is a critical factor in zebrafish research. The habituation data suggest a robust effect of cortisol exposure, which is likely an adaptive response to increase the likelihood of detecting or responding to potentially threatening stimuli. This may enhance early life survival. Along with other studies, our study underlines the notion that zebrafish may be a powerful model animal to study the effects of maternal and early life stress on life history.
Changes in behavioral and neuronal parameters by alcohol, cigarette, or their combined use in rats
Authors: Bandiera Solange , Caletti Greice , Giustina Clara L.D. , Hansen Alana W. , Deniz Bruna F. , Confortim Heloisa D. , Pulcinelli Rianne R. , Nin Mauricio S. , Silva Lenir O.P. , Gomez Rosane
Published: February 2019

Few studies have explored the effects of the combined use of alcohol and cigarette in humans, despite its prevalence. Here we evaluated the effect of isolated and combined use on behaviors and neuronal parameters in rats. Male adult rats were divided into alcohol (AL, 2 g/kg, by oral gavage), cigarette smoke (TB, six cigarettes, by inhalation), combined use (ALTB), or control (CT, water by oral gavage and environmental air) groups, treated twice a day (09.00 and 14.00 h). After 4 weeks, the rats were tested in the open field for behavioral analysis and euthanized for brain volume estimation and counting of neurons in the hippocampus. All treatments increased locomotion, and this behavior was higher in the ALTB than TB group. Latency to exit from the central area was lower in the ALTB than in the AL or CT groups. Rearing behavior increased in TB and decreased in AL and ALTB rats. Combined ALTB rats significantly increased their grooming behavior. Only the AL group showed decreased neuron counts and increased brain volume. Our results show that the isolated and combined uses of alcohol and cigarette smoke have diverse effects on behavioral and neuronal parameters in rats after long-term treatment.
Ethical problems in nursing management: Frequency and difficulty of the problems
Authors: Aitamaa Elina , Suhonen Riitta , Iltanen Silja , Puukka Pauli , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: February 2019

Background

Nurse managers (NMs) lead the biggest personnel group in health care—nurses. They have various responsibilities in clarifying an organization’s values to their staff and overseeing and supporting continuous upholding of ethical standards and nurses’ ethical competence.

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate the frequency and difficulty of the ethical problems NMs encounter in their work and to determine the background factors correlating with the problems.

Methodology

Cross-sectional survey design was used. Ethical problems were approached by five categories related to patients, nursing staff, other professional groups, the organization, and the NMs themselves. The data collected with questionnaires from NMs in ward, middle, and strategic management (n = 214) in Finland from November 2014 to May 2015 were statistically analyzed.

Results

The most frequently encountered ethical problems were related to nursing staff and organization: About half of NMs encountered those problems at least weekly. The most difficult ethical problems were related to the organization—the mean value of the sum score being significantly higher compared to the four other sum scores (p < .0001). When combining information on the frequency and difficulty of the encountered ethical problems, organization-related problems were the most significant. The more positively NMs assessed their work-related background factors, the fewer ethical problems they encountered and the easier they considered them.

Conclusion

Awareness of the frequency and difficulty of ethical problems in nursing, especially those related to organization, needs to be increased in health care organizations to find solutions for dealing with them.

Practice Implications

Strengthening resources for ethics, like ethics experts and multiprofessional committees, may be helpful. Ethical consideration and discussion of prioritization should be routinely used in administrative decision-making. Ethics education and instructions for repetitive situations could increase NMs’ ability to manage with ethical problems. Support mechanisms are needed for situations where difficult value clashes appear.
Chronic Conjunctivitis From a Retained Contact Lens
Authors: Arshad Jawad I. , Saud Asma , White Darrell E. , Afshari Natalie A. , Sayegh Rony R.
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

To help clinicians diagnose and manage unilateral recalcitrant chronic bacterial conjunctivitis secondary to a retained soft contact lens and describe the first report of Gram-negative bacteria causing this condition.

Methods:

Chart review of successive cases presenting with unilateral chronic conjunctivitis with positive cultures and a retained contact lens.

Results:

Three cases were identified and described. Culturing of the retained contact lenses grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the first case, Achromobacter xylosoxidans in the second, and Staphylococcus epidermidis in the third. All three patients were successfully treated with removal of the retained lens and targeted antibiotic eyedrop therapy.

Conclusions:

Unilateral chronic recurrent or recalcitrant purulent papillary conjunctivitis is rare, and a retained contact lens should be suspected in patients with a history of wearing contact lenses. Careful examination with double eversion of the upper eyelid and sweeping of the fornices can recover the offending lens. Although only Gram-positive organisms have been isolated in previous reports, two of our three cultures grew Gram-negative organisms, highlighting the importance of broad-spectrum antibiotic usage for these cases.