bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine in critically ill patients with cardiac dysfunction: A systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Hiemstra Bart , Koster Geert , Wetterslev Jørn , Gluud Christian , Jakobsen Janus C. , Scheeren Thomas W. L. , Keus Frederik , van der Horst Iwan C. C.
Published: December 2018

Background

Dopamine has been used in patients with cardiac dysfunction for more than five decades. Yet, no systematic review has assessed the effects of dopamine in critically ill patients with cardiac dysfunction.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted following The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We searched for trials including patients with observed cardiac dysfunction published until 19 April 2018. Risk of bias was evaluated and Trial Sequential Analyses were conducted. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality at longest follow‐up. Secondary outcomes were serious adverse events, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and renal replacement therapy. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence.

Results

We identified 17 trials randomising 1218 participants. All trials were at high risk of bias and only one trial used placebo. Dopamine compared with any control treatment was not significantly associated with relative risk of mortality (60/457 [13%] vs 90/581 [15%]; RR 0.91; 95% confidence interval 0.68‐1.21) or any other patient‐centred outcomes. Trial Sequential Analyses of all outcomes showed that there was insufficient information to confirm or reject our anticipated intervention effects. There were also no statistically significant associations for any of the outcomes in subgroup analyses by type of comparator (inactive compared to potentially active), dopamine dose (low compared to moderate dose), or setting (cardiac surgery compared to heart failure).

Conclusion

Evidence for dopamine in critically ill patients with cardiac dysfunction is sparse, of low quality, and inconclusive. The use of dopamine for cardiac dysfunction can neither be recommended nor refuted.
‘Policies that Punish the Powerless’ in a supply‐led illicit fentanyl market
Authors: Wakeman Sarah E.
Published: December 2018

Commentary to: Illicit fentanyls in the opioid street market: desired or imposed?
Improving police conceptual knowledge of Mexico's law on cannabis possession: Findings from an assessment of a police education program
Authors: Mittal Maria L. , Artamonova Irina , Baker Pieter , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Cepeda Javier , Bañuelos Arnulfo , Morales Mario , Arredondo Jaime , Rocha‐Jimenez Teresita , Clairgue Erika , Bustamante Elaine , Patiño Efrain , Gaines Tommi , Beletsky Leo
Published: December 2018

Background and Objectives

Policing practices do not reflect recent decriminalization of drug possession in Mexico. We assessed knowledge of cannabis law as part of a police education program (PEP) post‐drug law reform in Tijuana.

Methods

Officers took pre‐/post‐PEP surveys; random subsample (n = 759) received follow‐up assessments. Longitudinal logistic regression (pre‐, post‐, 3‐months post‐PEP) measured knowledge of cannabis law.

Results

PEP increased conceptual knowledge of cannabis law from baseline to post‐training (AOR = 56.1, CI: 41.0–76.8) and 3 months post‐PEP (AOR = 11.3, CI: 9.0–14.2).

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

PEPs improve police knowledge of cannabis law. Reforms should be bundled with PEPs to improve policy implementation. (Am J Addict 2018;XX:XX–XX).
Efficacy and safety of oral atenolol for the treatment of infantile haemangioma: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Qi , Xiang Bo , Chen Siyuan , Ji Yi
Published: December 2018

Recently, several studies have reported their experience in using oral atenolol in patients with infantile haemangioma (IH), especially as an alternative to propranolol, but the efficacy and safety of oral atenolol has not been evaluated. We searched PubMed (Medline), Central, Embase, Web of Science and EBSCOhost (until May 2018) for the eligible studies reporting more than 10 IH patients who were treated with oral atenolol with detailed original data, including outcomes, regimens and adverse events (AEs). The data was standardised and analysed by using R software with meta‐package. A total of 9 of 141 identified articles, including 341 infantile haemangioma patients treated with oral atenolol therapy, were included. The pooled response rate of atenolol was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85–0.93), and the rebound rate was 0.11 (95% CI: 0.08–0.16). Among the 341 patients, 44 patients were switched to atenolol therapy from propranolol due to adverse events. The response rate of subsequent atenolol treatment was 90.9% (40/44). Regarding AEs, 141 patients reported 177 episodes of AEs, and the pooled rate was 0.26 (95% CI: 0.12–0.47). Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. constipation, diarrhoea and vomiting) were the most frequent AEs (22.6%). Widely known propranolol‐related AEs, including hypoglycaemia, bronchospasm, bradycardia and hypotension, were not recorded. Overall, atenolol appears to be an effective and safe therapy for the treatment of IH and may be a promising alternative to propranolol.
Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) for Follicular Lymphoma achieves long term lymphoma control in first line and at relapse: 8‐year follow‐up data of 281 patients from the international RIT‐registry
Authors: Hohloch Karin , Windemuth‐Kieselbach Christiane , Kolz Julia , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Cacchione Roberto , Jurczak Woijciech , Bischof Delaloye Angelika , Trümper Lorenz , Scholz Christian W.
Published: December 2018

To assess efficacy of radioimmunotherapy (RIT) in follicular lymphoma, data from 281 patients collected in the RIT Network, with a median follow‐up of 8·2 years after RIT were analysed. RIT was given at first line in 18·5% and at relapse in 81·5%. Following first line therapy, 76·9% achieved complete remission (CR), 9·6% partial remission (PR), 1·9% stable disease (SD) and 1·9% had progressive disease (PD); response was not documented in 9·7%. At relapse, the rate of CR was 48·5% and that of PR was 16·6%, SD 2·6% and PD 10·5%; response was not documented in 21·8%. After median follow‐up of 8·2 years, median progression‐free survival (PFS) for all was 2·54 years, median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Median PFS and OS (both not reached) were significantly better in first line, compared to RIT at relapse (PFS, 2·11 years; OS, 10·8 years; P = 0·0037 and P = 0·0021, respectively). Overall 8‐year PFS was 33·9%, 53·6% for first line and 29·6% for relapsed individuals. Overall 8‐year OS was 58·8%, 78·1% for first line and 54·5% for relapsed patients. Thirty‐five patients (12·5%) developed secondary malignancy and 16 patients (5·7%) experienced transformation into aggressive lymphoma. RIT is a safe and effective treatment option for follicular lymphoma, both at front line and relapse with an 8‐year PFS of 53·6% and 29·6%, respectively.
Federalism and Governability in Brazil: Oil Royalties in Dispute
Authors: Trojbicz Beni
Published: December 2018

This article discusses the relationship between governability and federalism in Brazil, analysing the dispute among Brazilian states for oil royalties. This conflict features an unusual pattern in federal legislative voting, leading to regional alignment, rather than the usual party political configuration. This study explains the phenomenon by showing how this organisation makes it possible to align the preferences of national party leaders, regional party leaders, parliamentarians, and each state's voters. The political influence of governors and mayors is also underlined, and the Union's role in the process is described in detail.
The combination of metformin and 2‐deoxyglucose significantly inhibits cyst formation in miniature pigs with polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Lian Xiaoying , Wu Xiaoyuan , Li Zhongxin , Zhang Yingjie , Song Kangkang , Cai Guangyan , Li Qinggang , Lin Shupeng , Chen Xiangmei , Bai Xue‐Yuan
Published: December 2018

Background and Purpose

The pathogenic mechanism of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is unclear. Similar to tumour cells, polycystic kidney cells are primarily dependent on aerobic glycolysis for ATP production. Compared with rodents, miniature pigs are more similar to humans. This study is the first time to investigate the effects of the combination of metformin and 2‐deoxyglucose (2DG) in a pig model of chronic progressive ADPKD.

Experimental Approach

A miniature pig ADPKD model was established by inducible deletion of the PKD1 gene. Blood, urine and kidney biopsy specimens were collected for analysis at specific times. The renal vesicle index was analysed by three‐dimensional reconstruction of CT scans. Markers of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ERK signalling pathways and associated metabolism were detected by Western blots and colorimetry.

Key Results

The three‐dimensional reconstruction of CT scans indicated a markedly lower renal vesicle index in the combination therapy group. Each drug intervention group showed a significantly lower serum creatinine and urinary protein/creatinine ratio. This treatment regimen also inhibited the activities of markers of the proliferation‐related mTOR and ERK pathways, and the expression of key enzymes involved in glycolysis, as well as reducing the production of ATP and lactic acid.

Conclusions and Implications

This study showed that the combination of metformin and 2DG blocked the formation of renal cysts and improved the renal function in ADPKD miniature pigs. Our results indicate that the combination of metformin and 2DG may be a promising therapeutic strategy in human ADPKD.
Discontinuity of Reference Hinders Children's Learning of New Words
Authors: Schwab Jessica F. , Lew‐Williams Casey
Published: December 2018

When referring to objects, adults package words, sentences, and gestures in ways that shape children's learning. Here, to understand how continuity of reference shapes word learning, an adult taught new words to 4‐year‐old children (N = 120) using either clusters of references to the same object or no sequential references to each object. In three experiments, the adult used a combination of labels and other object references, which provided informative discourse (e.g., This is small and green), neutral discourse (e.g., This is really great), or no verbal discourse. Switching verbal references from one object to another interfered with learning relative to providing clustered references to a particular object, revealing that discontinuity in discourse hinders children's encoding of new words.
How many fingers am I holding up? The answer depends on children's language background
Authors: Nicoladis Elena , Marentette Paula , Pika Simone
Published: December 2018

Monolingual English‐speaking preschool children tend to process number gestures as unanalyzed wholes rather than use the one‐to‐one (finger‐to‐quantity) correspondence. By school age, however, children can use the one‐to‐one correspondence. The purpose of the present studies was to test whether children learn one‐to‐one correspondence through exposure to a variety of finger configurations to convey a single quantity. In Study 1, we compared children with exposure to multiple one‐to‐one configurations, that is, French‐English and German‐English bilingual children, to English monolingual children who see consistent representations. As predicted, the bilingual children performed better in interpreting unconventional number gestures. In Study 2, we compared Chinese‐English bilingual children who knew arbitrary one‐handed Chinese numbers gestures for quantities 6–10 to Chinese‐English bilingual children who did not know these gestures, as well as to monolingual English speakers. Chinese‐English bilinguals who knew the arbitrary gestures were more likely to interpret unconventional gestures arbitrarily (i.e., influenced by the written and/or Chinese gesture forms). These children did not differ from English monolinguals in the interpretation of unconventional gestures. These results are consistent with the argument that children can become sensitive to the one‐to‐one correspondence in number gestures with exposure to multiple configurations for the same quantity.
Emergency drills for agricultural drought response: a case study in Guatemala
Authors: Müller Anna , Mora Vesalio , Rojas Edwin , Díaz Jorge , Fuentes Obdulio , Giron Estuardo , Gaytan Ada , van Etten Jacob
Published: December 2018

Drills are an important element of disaster management, helping to increase preparedness and reduce the risk of real‐time failure. Yet, they are not applied systematically to slow‐onset disasters such as a drought, which causes damage that is not instantly apparent and thus does not solicit immediate action. This case study evaluates how drills inform institutional responses to slow‐onset disasters. It spotlights Guatemala, a country where drought has severe impacts on livelihoods and the food security of small farmers. By implementing part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food's institutional response plan for drought, it explores how drills can help to detect issues in emergency response and to foster an institutional focus on improvements in preparedness. The results reveal that drills alone do not trigger institutional improvements if unsupported by a wider strategy that seeks to enhance capacities and protocols. These findings are valuable, however, in making problems transparent and in creating the space for discussion.
Knowledge Protection in Firms: A Conceptual Framework and Evidence from HP Labs
Authors: Elliott Karen , Patacconi Andrea , Swierzbinski Joseph , Williams Julian
Published: December 2018

This paper proposes a simple framework to examine organizational methods of knowledge protection. The framework highlights a basic trade‐off between improving decision‐making and innovation through communication and mitigating security risks by imposing restrictions on communication flows. The trade‐off is mediated by factors such as the sensitivity of information, the degree to which employees can be trusted to handle sensitive information appropriately, and firms’ investments in legal protection mechanisms. Evidence from HP Labs supports the basic predictions of the model, in particular the importance of employee trustworthiness and internalized codes of behavior in promoting open communication. Our interviews also suggest a potential conflict between two of the most important appropriability mechanisms: secrecy and lead‐time advantage.
Incidence and clinical signs of owner‐reported equine laminitis in a cohort of horses and ponies in Great Britain
Authors: Pollard D. , Wylie C. E. , Newton J. R. , Verheyen K. L. P.
Published: December 2018

Background

Previous robust epidemiological studies of equine laminitis have utilised only veterinary‐diagnosed episodes of disease, potentially underestimating true disease frequency.

Objectives

To estimate the incidence of, and describe clinical signs associated with, owner‐reported active laminitis in horses/ponies, using both veterinary‐diagnosed and nonveterinary‐diagnosed episodes.

Study design

Prospective cohort.

Methods

Data were collected from horse/pony owners in Great Britain between August 2014 and December 2016 using a web‐based application. The incidence of owner‐reported laminitis was estimated using both first incident and repeat episodes reported during the study period via a previously validated laminitis reporting form. Owner‐reported clinical signs present in these episodes were recorded.

Results

A total of 1070 horses/ponies contributed 1068 horse‐years at risk (HYAR) and 123 active laminitis episodes were reported in 97 animals. Sixty‐two of these episodes (50.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 41.6, 59.2%) were veterinary‐diagnosed and 75.3% (CI 66.7, 83.8%; n = 73) of horses/ponies reported to have laminitis during the study had a previous laminitis history. Overall owner‐reported first episode incidence was 9.6 episodes (CI 7.8, 11.7)/100 HYAR, whereas incidence including repeat episodes was 11.5 episodes (CI 9.7, 13.7)/100 HYAR. Laminitis occurred throughout the year with no significant differences between seasonal incidence estimates. Incidence was highest in Connemara and New Forest and lowest in Draught and Cob breed categories. The most prevalent owner‐reported clinical signs (≥70%) were difficulty turning and a short/stilted or lame walk. Laminitis was reported in all limbs, however; both forelimbs were most commonly affected (62.9%, CI 54.1, 71.7%; n = 73/116).

Main limitations

Self‐selection enrolment of participants may limit generalisability of the findings.

Conclusions

Laminitis remains a considerable year‐round welfare issue of horses and ponies, with frequency estimates utilising owner‐reported data more representative of the true impact of the disease. The clinical signs reported by horse/pony owners were reflective of those previously described by veterinary surgeons.
Relating beta diversity of birds and butterflies in the Great Basin to spatial resolution, environmental variables and trait‐based groups
Authors: Yen Jian D. L. , Fleishman Erica , Fogarty Frank , Dobkin David S.
Published: December 2018

Aim

We sought to characterize spatial and temporal beta diversity of birds and butterflies in the Great Basin (western U.S.A.) and to determine whether the magnitude of beta diversity was associated with spatial resolution, trait‐based groups or local environmental variables.

Location

Central and western Great Basin, western U.S.A.

Time period

1995–2014.

Major taxa studied

Birds and butterflies.

Methods

We calculated temporal and spatial beta diversity of birds and butterflies at two spatial resolutions, points (birds) or transects (butterflies) and canyons (birds and butterflies). Points and transects corresponded to the spatial resolution of sampling, whereas canyons might be a more ecologically meaningful resolution. We partitioned beta diversity into turnover and nestedness components, and we calculated these components for entire assemblages and for trait‐based groups within assemblages. We used Bayesian hierarchical models to relate turnover and nestedness to spatial resolution, trait‐based groups and environmental variables.

Results

Variation in the composition of bird and butterfly assemblages was primarily associated with turnover. Species composition was more consistent at the resolution of canyons than at finer spatial resolutions. The species composition of birds changed more through space than through time, and spatial turnover of bird species tended to be higher than that of butterfly species. There were few strong associations of turnover and nestedness with environmental variables, and none with trait‐based groups.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that the identities of bird and butterfly species vary at locations within canyons among years but are less variable among canyons. Decreases in temporal turnover as spatial resolution increases suggest that, at fine spatial resolutions and among years, bird and butterfly species in the Great Basin might acquire resources somewhat opportunistically rather than via strong interspecific competition (birds and butterflies) or site tenacity to breeding territories (birds).
Social problems in daily life of patients with dementia
Authors: Terada Seishi , Nakashima Makoto , Wakutani Yosuke , Nakata Kenji , Kutoku Yumiko , Sunada Yoshihide , Kondo Keiko , Ishizu Hideki , Yokota Osamu , Maki Yohko , Hattori Hideyuki , Yamada Norihito
Published: December 2018

Aim

Most patients with dementia frequently encounter various problems in their daily lives. Those troubles embarrass both the patients and their families, and cause problems for society. However, there have been few scientific reports on the difficulties in the daily life of patients with dementia. Therefore, we tried to clarify the frequency and characteristics of troubles experienced by patients with dementia.

Methods

Seven medical centers treating dementia patients in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, participated in this survey. A total of 737 patients were placed in one of the three groups: a dementia group (n = 478), a mild cognitive impairment group (n = 199) and a control group (n = 60). The frequency of 13 difficulties was scored for each patient.

Results

Among normal participants, no person caused these problems once a year or more frequently. “Massive, recurrent buying” and “acts that risk causing a fire” were reported once a year or more for >10% of mild cognitive impairment patients. “Troubles with wealth management” and “troubles with money management” were the most frequent problems of dementia patients.

Conclusions

Several problems are already sometimes encountered in patients with mild cognitive impairment. It would be useful to know which social difficulties are often seen in dementia patients in order to protect the safety of the patients. It is always difficult to balance respecting the autonomy of dementia patients and ensuring their safely. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 113–118.
Individual differences in foraging site fidelity are not related to time‐activity budgets in Herring Gulls
Authors: Van Donk Susanne , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy , Bouten Willem , Van Der Meer Jaap , Camphuysen Kees C. J.
Published: December 2018

Many populations consist of individuals that differ consistently in their foraging behaviour through resource or foraging site selection. Foraging site fidelity has been reported in several seabird species as a common phenomenon. It is considered especially beneficial in spatially and/or temporally predictable environments in which fidelity is thought to increase energy intake, thereby affecting time‐energy budgets. However, the consequences for activity and energy budget have not been adequately tested. In this paper, we studied the consequences of fine‐scale foraging site fidelity in adult Herring Gulls Larus argentatus in a highly predictable foraging environment with distinct foraging patches. We measured their time‐activity budgets using GPS tracking and tri‐axial acceleration measurements, which also made it possible to estimate energy expenditure. Individual variation in foraging site fidelity was high, some individuals spending most of their time on a single foraging patch and others spending the same amount of time in up to 21 patches. While time and activity budgets differed between individuals, we found no clear relationship with foraging site fidelity. We did find a relationship between the size of the birds and the level of site fidelity; faithful birds tend to have a larger body size. Although differences in foraging time and habitat use between individuals could play a role in the results of the current study, short‐term consequences of variation in foraging site fidelity within a population remain elusive, even when focusing on individuals with a similar foraging specialization (Blue Mussels Mytilus edulis). Studying individuals over multiple years and under varying environmental conditions may provide better insight into the consequences and plasticity of foraging site fidelity.
Breeding habitat and nest‐site selection of Bearded VultureGypaetus barbatusin the Annapurna Himalaya Range of Nepal
Authors: Subedi Tulsi Ram , Anadón José D. , Baral Hem Sagar , Virani Munir Z. , Sah Shahrul Anuar Mohd
Published: December 2018

Quantitative studies on nesting habitat selection are important to understand and predict the resource requirements for breeding habitat. In this study, we analysed nest‐site (cliff) and territory selection patterns of the Bearded Vulture in the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas (Nepal). Our study area represents high‐elevation mountain range systems, where information on nest selection is lacking, despite having the largest remaining populations of Bearded Vultures in the world. Our models indicated selection patterns at both nest and territory spatial scales that are consistent with previous studies at lower altitudes (Pyrenees, the Caucasus), such as a preference for landscape patches with greater food availability. However, our models also indicated selection patterns that are probably a response to the higher altitudes and sheer reliefs of the Annapurna massif, such as avoidance of the steepest slopes and selection of cliffs facing south and west for nest‐sites. We did not detect an impact of human activities on the distribution of nests or territories. However, the Annapurna massif is experiencing development of infrastructures (e.g. road construction). Further research efforts will be needed to monitor human impacts on Bearded Vulture populations in the Annapurna Range, as this is a global stronghold for this species.
¿La acción climática destruye empleos? Efectos del objetivo de los 2 °C del Acuerdo de París en el empleo
Authors: MONTT Guillermo , WIEBE Kirsten S. , HARSDORFF Marek , SIMAS Moana , BONNET Antoine , WOOD Richard
Published: December 2018

El Acuerdo de París establece el objetivo de mantener el calentamiento global por debajo de los 2 °C a partir de los niveles preindustriales. Ello puede lograrse aumentando la proporción de energías renovables y la eficiencia energética, lo que implica una transformación del sector energético que tendrá un efecto en cadena en otros sectores. Mediante simulaciones basadas en una matriz insumo‐producto multirregionales se explora el impacto de esta transición en el empleo a escala mundial. En 2030, casi todas las economías experimentarán redistribución de puestos entre sectores económicos y creación neta de empleo, impulsada esta última por la construcción, las manufacturas y las energías renovables.
Cluster of invasive Mycobacteria chimaera infections following cardiac surgery demonstrating novel clinical features and risks of aortic valve replacement
Authors: Overton Kristen , Mennon Vidthyia , Mothobi Nomvuyo , Neild Blake , Martinez Elena , Masters Jeffrey , Grant Peter , Akhunji Zakir , Su Wei‐Yuen , Torda Adrienne , Whyte Claudia M. , Lloyd Andrew , Weatherall Chris , Hofmeyr Ann , Foo Hong , Brookes Kim , Marriott Debbie , Sintchenko Vitali , Clezy Kate , Konecny Pam , Post Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2018

There is a global outbreak of infections due to Mycobacterium chimaera associated with cardiac surgery. The most serious infections involve prosthetic material implantation, and all have followed surgical procedures involving cardiopulmonary bypass. We describe a cluster of four cases following cardiac surgery at a tertiary referral centre in Sydney, Australia. We report novel clinical findings, including haemolysis and kidney rupture possibly related to immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. The positive effect of corticosteroids on haemodynamic function in two cases and the failure of currently recommended antimicrobial therapy to sterilise prosthetic valve material in the absence of surgery despite months of treatment are also critically examined. Positron emission tomography was positive in two cases despite normal transoesophageal echocardiograms. The proportion of cases with M. chimaera infection after aortic valve replacement (4/890, 0.45%; 95% confidence interval 0.18–1.15%) was significantly higher than after all other cardiothoracic surgical procedures (0/2433, 0%; 95% confidence interval 0–0.16%).
Improving service delivery for neuromuscular diseases: a survey of consumers at a tertiary Australian hospital
Authors: Anderson James , Tay George , Denby George , Robinson Jan , Douglas James , Robinson Peter , Curtin Deanne
Published: December 2018

Patients with neuromuscular diseases benefit from coordinated multidisciplinary care to achieve best outcomes. The integration of multi‐specialty healthcare delivered in a single clinic can be challenging for service providers due to cost and resource limitation. Our cross‐sectional survey of 53 adult patients with neuromuscular disease across Queensland revealed only 27% support the introduction of an integrated multidisciplinary clinic. The most cited reason for opposition to a multidisciplinary clinic was a perceived loss of contact with one's usual doctor. Modifying service delivery in neuromuscular disease is a complex undertaking and will need input from numerous stakeholders.
Low frequency drivers of the real interest rate: Empirical evidence for advanced economies
Authors: Busetti Fabio , Caivano Michele
Published: December 2018

This article presents an empirical analysis of the underlying drivers of the real interest rate in advanced economies since 1980. We adopt a band spectrum regression approach, which allows us to study the link between the real interest rate and its determinants only over low frequencies, leaving aside business cycle fluctuations and high frequency noise. Spectral regressions are pooled across countries, allowing for country fixed effects. Our findings indicate that most of the long‐term movements of real interest rates are explained by the evolution of total factor productivity (with a specific role for human capital accumulation) and demographic trends. Monetary policy and credit developments, instead, appear to play a limited part. According to our estimates, over recent years the natural rate of interest has remained positive in the United States and United Kingdom, but fell below zero in the euro area and Japan. Finally, the paper provides an empirical contribution to the debate on secular stagnation, suggesting that supply‐side mechanisms were one of the most significant factors behind the fall in income growth in the advanced economies over the last two decades.
Systematic review of the use of cyanoacrylate glue in addition to standard wound closure in the prevention of surgical site infection
Authors: Machin Matthew , Liu Chen , Coupland Alex , Davies Alun Huw , Thapar Ankur
Published: December 2018

Surgical site infection (SSI) is associated with increased morbidity, length of stay, and cost. Cyanoacrylate glue is a low‐cost, fluid‐proof, antimicrobial barrier. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the use of cyanoacrylate glue after standard wound closure versus dressings in the reduction of SSI. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinical trial registries were searched with no restrictions in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Eligibility criteria were prospective studies comparing glue versus dressings after standardised wound closure. Two reviewers independently screened articles and utilised GRADE for quality assessment. Meta‐analysis was not performed because of the heterogeneity of the data. Three articles were included in the review. Study quality was uniformly low. Incidence of SSI was low, between 0% and 4%. No significant differences were reported in the single randomised controlled trial. A single non‐randomised parallel group trial reported a significant reduction in the incidence of SSI in the cyanoacrylate group. There was no consistent evidence demonstrating reduction in SSI as a result of the use of cyanoacrylate glue. Future studies should assess the use of cyanoacrylate in procedures with a higher rate of SSI, for example, lower limb bypass.
Effect of Ti addition on the wetting and brazing of Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu filler on SiC ceramic
Authors: Li Mianmian , Song Xiaoguo , Hu Shengpeng , Chen Zubin , Song Yanyu , Niu Chaonan
Published: December 2018

The wetting behavior of Sn0.3Ag0.7Cu (SAC) filler with the addition of Ti on SiC ceramic was investigated using sessile drop method. SiC/SiC was brazed by SAC‐Ti filler with different Ti content at 1223 K (950°C) for 10 minutes. The wettability of SAC‐Ti filler on SiC was significantly enhanced with the addition of Ti. The contact angle decreased at first and then increased with increasing Ti content. The lowest contact angle of 9° was obtained with SAC‐1.5Ti (wt%) filler. When Ti content further increased to 2.0 wt%, the contact angle increased, due to the intense reaction of Ti–Sn. The reaction between Ti and SiC controlled the wetting behavior of SAC‐Ti on the SiC substrate and the reaction products such as TiC and Ti5Si3 were formed. The wetting of SAC‐Ti on SiC was reaction‐controlled. Interfacial reaction products TiC and Ti5Si3 were observed. The wetting activation energy in spreading stage was calculated to be 129.3 kJ/mol. Completely filled SiC/SiC joints were obtained using the filler with Ti content higher than 0.5 wt%. The fillet height increased firstly then decreased with mounting Ti content. The shear strength of joints increased first with the addition of Ti then decreased with Ti content increasing to 2.0 wt%. The highest shear strength of 35.7 MPa was obtained with SAC‐1.5 Ti (wt%) filler.
Functional phase grading of ζ‐Ta4C3‐x: Kinetics and properties
Authors: Meeks Garrett J. , Cutler Raymond A. , Shetty Dinesh K.
Published: December 2018

Phase‐graded carbides that exhibit high hardness and corrosion resistance on the surface and high fracture toughness in the bulk are useful in severe wear applications. A method for producing hard γ‐TaCy layer on the surface of a tough ζ‐Ta4C3‐x substrate by carburization is described in this study. The γ‐TaCy layer exhibited parabolic growth kinetics in the temperature and gas‐flow regimes investigated in this study. Analyses of the rate constants using a model of mass transport through two phases in equilibrium at the interface indicated diffusion of carbon through the product layer was the rate‐controlling step with diffusivities (1‐5 × 10−15 m2/s in the 1623‐1773K range) and enthalpy (213‐217 kJ/mol) matching those for carbon diffusion in γ‐TaCy. Nanohardness of the transformed γ‐TaCy layer increased as a function of distance from the carburized surface, with a maximum hardness occurring near the γ/ζ interface. Measurements of lattice parameters at different depths in the γ‐TaCy layer indicated that the hardness increase with depth was related to the increasing carbon deficiency of the γ‐TaCy phase through the thickness.
Solvent‐assisted ball milling for synthesizing solid electrolyte Li7P3S11
Authors: Xue Bai , Fan Bo , Li Bin , Chen Lu , Wang Fang , Luo Zhongkuan , Zhang Xianghua , Ma Hongli
Published: December 2018

Solvent‐assisted ball milling is used to prepare the sulfide solid electrolyte Li7P3S11. Comparing with dry ball milling and simple liquid phase synthesis, solvent‐assisted ball milling can significantly promote the reaction of the starting materials from tens of hours to only several hours. When using dimethoxyethane as the assistant solvent, relatively pure Li7P3S11 with ionic conductivity of 1.0 × 10−4 S/cm can be synthesized after 8‐hour ball milling with following 2‐hour 180°C vacuum drying and 4‐hour 230°C heat treatment. It is revealed that the transition from the precursor to Li7P3S11 is a two‐step process, with an intermediate composed of a thio‐LISICON III analogous phase and an amorphous phase. This work not only provides a synthesis route of Li7P3S11 which reduces synthesis duration, but also offers an instructive insight into the phase evolution in solvent‐based synthesis process of sulfide solid electrolytes.
Self‐concept research with school‐aged youth with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: Maïano Christophe , Coutu Sylvain , Morin Alexandre J. S. , Tracey Danielle , Lepage Geneviève , Moullec Grégory
Published: December 2018

Background

Research on the self‐concept of youth with intellectual disabilities has not been summarized in more than four decades. The present systematic review addresses this gap.

Method

A systematic literature search was performed in nine databases and 21 studies, published between 1979 and 2017, met our inclusion criteria.

Results

Significant differences between the self‐concepts of youth with intellectual disabilities and typically developing (TD) youth were found in: (a) cognitive‐academic self‐concept in disfavour of youth with intellectual disabilities; (b) global self‐concept and cognitive‐academic self‐concept in disfavour of children with intellectual disabilities; and (c) global, behavioural, and cognitive‐academic self‐concept in disfavour of youth with intellectual disabilities schooled in a special class. Additionally, except for age, intellectual functioning and school placement, no significant relations were found between the self‐concept dimensions and academic achievement and sex.

Conclusion

Studies on self‐concept research with school‐aged youth with intellectual disabilities have several weaknesses that need to be advanced in future research.
Land mammals form eight functionally and climatically distinct faunas in North America but only one in Europe
Authors: Lintulaakso Kari , Polly P. David , Eronen Jussi T.
Published: December 2018

Aim

We use cluster analysis to delimit climatically and functionally distinct mammalian faunal clusters. These entities form regional species pools and are relevant to community assembly processes. Similar clusters can be differentiated in the fossil record, offering the potential for use as palaeoenvironmental proxies.

Location

North America within W178°, W14°, N83°, N7° and Europe within W32°, E35°, N80°, N35°.

Major taxa studied

575 and 124 land mammal species from North America and Europe.

Methods

K‐means clustering was used to subdivide North America and Europe into distinct faunas ranging in number from 3 (largest scale) to 21 (smallest scale). Each set of faunas was tested for significant differences in climate (mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature) and functional traits (body mass, locomotion and diet).

Results

In North America, climatic differentiation exists at the scale where mammals are divided into 11 or fewer distinct faunas and, in Europe, at the scale where there are five or fewer faunas. Functional trait differentiation in body mass occurs at a larger spatial scale in North America (8 distinct faunas), but locomotor differentiation is present at all spatial scales, and dietary differentiation is not present at any scale. No significant differentiation in any functional trait at any scale was found in Europe.

Main conclusions

Faunal clusters can be constructed at any spatial scale, but clusters are climatically and functionally meaningful only at larger scales. Climatic (and environmental) differences and their associated functional trait specialisations are likely to be barriers to large‐scale mixing. We argue, therefore, that functionally and climatically distinct faunal clusters are the entities that form regional species pools for community assembly processes. In North America, there are eight such mammal pools, but only one in Europe. Since the functional traits in our study are observable in the fossil record, functional trait analysis can potentially be used to diagnose climatically distinct regions in the past.
An TRIM59‐CDK6 axis regulates growth and metastasis of lung cancer
Authors: Geng Biao , Liang Manman , qin Lilong , Zhao Wenying , wang Hanli , wang Lijing , pan Xianhui , Chen Xingwu
Published: December 2018

Lung cancer (LC) is a devastating malignancy with no effective treatments, due to its complex genomic profile. Using bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemical of lung carcinoma tissues, we show that TRIM59 as a critical oncoprotein relating to LC proliferation and metastasis. In this study, high TRIM59 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and tumour stage. Furthermore, up‐regulation of TRIM59 expression correlated with poorer outcomes in LC patients. Mechanistically, TRIM59 play a key role in promoting LC growth and metastasis through regulation of extracellular‐signal regulated protein kinase (ERK) signalling pathway and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐markers, as validated by loss‐of‐function studies. In‐depth bioinformatics analysis showed that there is preliminary evidence of co‐expression of TRIM59 and cyclin dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) in LC. Notably, CDK6 expression significantly decreased when TRIM59 was knocked down in the LC cells. In contrast, exogenous up‐regulation of TRIM59 expression also induced significant increases in the expression of CDK6. Moreover, the expression of CDK6 was also inhibited by the ERK signalling inhibitor, U0126. The results of both loss‐ and gain‐of‐function studies showed that TRIM59 could regulate the expression of CDK6. Collectively, these data provide evidence that TRIM59 is involved in lung carcinoma growth and progression possibly through the induction of CDK6 expression and EMT process by activation of ERK pathway.
Team formation with complementary skills
Authors: Büyükboyaci Mürüvvet , Robbett Andrea
Published: December 2018

One explanation for the prevalence of self‐managed work teams is that they enable workers with complementary skills to specialize in the tasks they do best, a benefit that may be enhanced if workers can sort themselves into teams. To assess this explanation, we design a real‐effort experiment to study the endogenous formation of teams, and its effect on productivity, when specialization either is or is not feasible. We find a strong positive interaction between endogenous team formation and the ability to specialize, indicating that endogenous team formation is a particularly effective mechanism for promoting team output in production environments that enable the exploitation of skill complementarities.
Circulating serum level of retinoic acid and hip fractures among postmenopausal women
Authors: Li Xiao‐Bin , Liu Tao , Fan Lei , Gao Qiang , Peng Qiang , Cai Teng , Wang Li‐Min
Published: December 2018

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of retinoic acid (RA), an active form of vitamin A, in postmenopausal women with hip fractures from Zhengzhou, China.

METHODS

This was a case‐control study from the Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Serum samples were drawn from 375 postmenopausal women who were diagnosed as having hip fracture and 750 matched controls without fracture. Serum RA levels were evaluated as both a continuous variable and a categorical variable in quintiles.

RESULTS

The results showed that the serum levels of RA were significantly (P = .039) higher in patients with hip fracture compared with controls. In univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, for each 1 ng/mL increase of serum level of RA, the unadjusted and adjusted risk of hip fracture would be increased by 5% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00‐1.10; P = .035) and 2% (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.95‐1.11; P = .096), respectively. In multivariate models comparing the fifth with the third quintiles of RA, the RA was associated with hip fracture, and adjusted risk of hip fracture would be increased by 52% (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.13‐1.42; P = .011).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest that subclinical higher levels of RA may increase the risk of hip fracture in postmenopausal women, particularly among the top quintile of serum RA. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:336–341, 2019.
Towards an understanding of compassion from an Islamic perspective
Authors: Alharbi Jalal , Al Hadid Lourance
Published: December 2018

Aims

To explore the concept of compassion as represented in Islamic virtues and how it influences the practice of nurses.

Background

Islam is one of the world's major religions. Yet, an Islamic perspective of compassion is not well understood in the Western nursing literature. Current understandings of compassion are largely drawn from a Western or Buddhist perspective.

Design

Discursive paper.

Methods

This is a review of literature and Islamic texts on the presence, meaning and practices of compassion that are relevant to our understanding of compassion in the contemporary nursing practice.

Conclusions

A compassionate Muslim nurse is a person who gives without asking for something in return, a person who cares without conditions and a person who seeks to achieve the happiness of others. Therefore, Islam, like many other religions, endorses compassionate care in all aspects, and this is particularly emphasised in nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

This paper also provides an insight into how a Muslim patient perceives different experiences of health and illness, supported by quotes from the Islamic contextual heritage, and how a nurse within this culture is expected to behave.
Effect of DNA damage of cumulus oophorus cells and lymphocytes analyzed by alkaline comet assay on oocyte quality and intracytoplasmic sperm injection success among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Tola Esra N. , Koşar Pınar A. , Karatopuk Dilek U. , Sancer Okan , Oral Baha
Published: December 2018

Aim

Cumulus oophorus cells (COC) exhibit a close relationship with the oocytes. We aimed to determine the role of the DNA integrity of COC and lymphocytes on the oocyte and embryo quality and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) success.

Methods

The COC obtained with the mechanical denudation of each oocyte and the lymphocytes obtained on oocyte retrieval day from 69 infertile polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients were used. The tail length, tail moment and tail DNA percentage were evaluated using an alkaline comet assay. The oocytes and embryos were graded. Clinical pregnancy was defined as the presence of a gestational sac with a beating heart.

Results

All of the DNA integrity parameters of the COC and lymphocytes were similar between the good and poor quality oocytes and between the good and poor quality embryos. There was no relationship between the DNA damage parameters and the fertilization and clinical pregnancy. The day 2 hormone levels, body mass index and age were negatively correlated with the DNA integrity parameters. No links were found between the embryo and oocyte scores and the DNA damage parameters.

Conclusion

The DNA integrity of the COC and lymphocytes did not seem to be related to the oocyte and embryo quality and ICSI success.
Impact of endometrial thickness during menstruation and endometrial scratching on the pregnancy in frozen–thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Liu Wen‐juan , Nong Ying‐qi , Ruan Jian‐xing , Chen Ye , Fan Lin , Huang Qian‐wen , Liu Feng‐hua
Published: December 2018

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the impact of endometrial thickness (EMT) during menstruation and endometrial scratching on the pregnancy in frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET).

Methods

About 1298 patients receiving FET were retrospectively analyzed and divided according to EMT on the 4th or 5th day of menstruation. Group A: EMT ≤ 3.0 mm; Group B: EMT 3.1–5.0 mm; Group C: EMT 5.1–7.0 mm and Group D: EMT > 7.0 mm. Patients in Group D were further divided to scratching group and nonscratching group. Endometrial growth was defined as the change in EMT from 4th or 5th day of menstruation to the day of embryo transferred.

Results

We found no significant differences in general conditions among four groups (P > 0.05). The average EMT during menstruation and differences in inter‐group endometrial growth of four groups had statistical significance (P < 0.05). The pregnancy rate and implantation rate of Group D were significantly lower than other groups (P < 0.001). Pregnancy rate (68.29% vs 53.26%) and implantation rate (52.67% vs 36.34%) in endometrial scratching group were higher than those in nonscratching group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Higher EMT during menstruation adversely affects pregnancy outcomes following FET. Endometrial scratching may improve the receptivity of endometrium and increase the rate of embryo implantation and pregnancy.