bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori pathogenicity and primary antimicrobial resistance in Northern Spain
Authors: Fernández‐Reyes María , Tamayo Esther , Rojas‐Rengifo Diana , Fischer Wolfgang , Carrasco‐García Estefanía , Alonso Marta , Lizasoain Jacobo , Bujanda Luis , Cosme Ángel , Montes Milagrosa
Published: June 2019

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with chronic gastritis, ulcers and gastric cancer. Antimicrobial resistance has increased worldwide affecting the efficacy of current treatments. Most guidelines recommend implementation of regional surveillance of primary antibiotic resistance of H pylori. Only a fraction of individuals infected with H pylori develop gastric diseases which are related to virulence factors of the bacteria. The aims of the study were to determine the primary antimicrobial resistance rates of H pylori and to know the virulence factors prevalence of strains circulating in Southern Europe.

Materials and Methods

Susceptibility testing by Etest to clarithromycin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, amoxicillin and tetracycline was performed in 102 isolates (99 naïve patients). The prevalence of virulence factors (cagA, vacA, oipA, babA and dupA) was evaluated in 102 H pylori isolates from patients with mild‐disease symptoms and in 22 isolates from patients with severe‐disease symptoms.

Results

Primary resistance rates were 12.1% to clarithromycin, 13.1% to levofloxacin, 24.2% to metronidazole and 0% to amoxicillin and tetracycline. Combined resistance to clarithromycin and levofloxacin was 3% and to clarithromycin and metronidazole 4%. Prevalence of virulence factors in the mild‐ and severe‐disease group was 35.3% and 81.8% for cagA, 20.6% and 54.5% for cagA/vacAs1m1, 94.1% and 95.4% for babA2, 78.4% and 100% for oipA and 30.4% and 18.2% for dupA.

Conclusions

Primary antimicrobial resistance rates were under 15% for clarithromycin and levofloxacin. The prevalence of H pylori carrying the virulent genotype cagA/vacAs1m1 was higher than 20% in the mild‐disease and 54% in the severe‐disease symptom group.
Human activity is altering the world’s zoogeographical regions
Authors: Bernardo‐Madrid Rubén , Calatayud Joaquín , González‐Suárez Manuela , Rosvall Martin , Lucas Pablo M. , Rueda Marta , Antonelli Alexandre , Revilla Eloy
Published: June 2019

Zoogeographical regions, or zooregions, are areas of the Earth defined by species pools that reflect ecological, historical and evolutionary processes acting over millions of years. Consequently, researchers have assumed that zooregions are robust and unlikely to change on a human timescale. However, the increasing number of human‐mediated introductions and extinctions can challenge this assumption. By delineating zooregions with a network‐based algorithm, here we show that introductions and extinctions are altering the zooregions we know today. Introductions are homogenising the Eurasian and African mammal zooregions and also triggering less intuitive effects in birds and amphibians, such as dividing and redefining zooregions representing the Old and New World. Furthermore, these Old and New World amphibian zooregions are no longer detected when considering introductions plus extinctions of the most threatened species. Our findings highlight the profound and far‐reaching impact of human activity and call for identifying and protecting the uniqueness of biotic assemblages.
Effects of crown height on the compensatory growth of Italian ryegrass based on combined effects of stored organic matter and cytokinin
Authors: Qin Rongrong , Wang Xiaoling
Published: June 2019

The interaction between stored organic matters in crowns and leaf cytokinin induced by roots was determined to investigate the compensatory growth of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum. Lam). The experiment comprised five treatments: (a) clipping once with 5 cm crown height, (b) clipping once with 2 cm crown height, (c) clipping twice with 5 cm crown height, (d) clipping twice with 2 cm crown height and (e) no clipping. Results showed that low crowns and single clipping promoted regrowth and the sum total of all previously clipping and final harvest of Italian ryegrass. Super compensatory growth and compensatory growth, which were assessed based in total biomasses, respectively, occurred in Italian ryegrasses with high crowns and single defoliation and those with high crowns only. Increased leaf net photosynthetic rates in Italian ryegrasses with high crown were promoted by stored organic matter in crown and leaf cytokinin in the first and later 7‐day regrowth periods, respectively. Compared with single clipping, frequent clipping decreased the stored organic matter in roots; causing decreases in leaf cytokinin concentration and photosynthetic rate. The delivery rate of cytokinin from the roots to the leaves determined the leaf cytokinin concentration in Italian ryegrass during the regrowth period. Thus, organic matters from crowns and leaf cytokinin induced by roots played a combined effect on aboveground compensatory growth in the Italian ryegrasses.
THE CONTEST OVER CONTEXT IN INTELLECTUAL HISTORY
Authors: HUNTER IAN
Published: June 2019

Recent articles critical of the use of context in contextual intellectual history have identified contextual method with the post‐1960s work of the “Cambridge School,” which is regarded as being grounded in a flawed theory of textual interpretation. Focusing on German cultural and political history, this article shows that a contextual historiography was already fully developed in seventeenth‐century ecclesiastical history, and a parallel version of this approach had developed in the field of constitutional history. The modern critique of context emerged only with the appearance of dialectical philosophical history in the first decades of the nineteenth century. The article argues that rather than representing a scholarly engagement with contextual historiography, the central plank of the dialectical critique of contextualism—the notion that contextual explication of thought is insufficient because context itself has transcendental conditions—is actually a cultural‐political attack on it launched on behalf of a hostile and incommensurable academic culture.
The influence of age, gender and race/ethnicity on the composition of the human axillary microbiome
Authors: Li M. , Budding A. E. , van der Lugt‐Degen M. , Du‐Thumm L. , Vandeven M. , Fan A.
Published: June 2019

Objective

The microbial community plays an important role in the generation of human axillary odour by transforming odourless natural secretions into volatile odorous molecules. A limited number of traditional culturing methods and molecular based research have been performed to characterize the human axillary microbiome in small collection sample sizes. Moreover, only a few have considered the interpersonal variations across age, gender or race/ethnicity, and none have included all three variables within one single study. The aim of this study was to characterize the axillary microbiome of healthy subjects across different age groups, genders and races/ethnicities in a large sample size.

Methods

The underarm skin swab samples were collected from 169 healthy subjects. The axillary microbiome was analysed by IS‐pro, a clinically validated high‐throughput DNA fingerprinting technique.

Results

The results indicate that the senior subjects (55+) tend to have a higher number of total bacterial than younger adults (of a defined age). The diversity of odour causing bacteria, e.g. corynebacteria, increases with age. Among the three races/ethnicities studied, East Asians have a unique microbial composition compared to Caucasians and Hispanics, which may contribute to the different odour profiles observed among the races/ethnicities studied.

Conclusion

Human axillary microbiome varies by age, gender and race/ethnicity. This study has provided an unprecedented fundamental knowledge about the axillary microbiota as a function of age, gender and race/ethnicity.
Adsorption effect of Zn+2 and Co+2 on the antibacterial properties of SiC‐porcelain ceramics
Authors: Bhattacharjee Arjak , Gupta Anshul , Prem Anand Murugan , Sengupta Pradyut , Pandey Aditi , Bhattacharya Tapas Kumar
Published: June 2019

This investigation reports the adsorption effect of Cobalt and Zinc ions on the antibacterial properties of Silicon Carbide (SiC) added fired Porcelain based ceramics against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Incorporation of SiC in porcelain composition shows decrease in bulk density and increase in apparent porosity gradually upto 15 weight percent addition. The bulk density and apparent porosity of 15 wt% SiC added porcelain are 2.01 g/cm3 and 24.03%, respectively. Phase and microstructural charecterization reveals that fine grained interlocked mullite network with little unconverted quartz and carborandum are uniformly distributed in the microstructure. Co+2 and Zn+2 adsorption on exposed surface is calculated to be ~0.42 mg/cm2 and Inductively coupled mass plasma spectroscopy (ICP‐MS) shows that 1641.41 ppm of Co+2 and 1936.37 ppm of Zn+2 are leached in water from adsorbed surface. This is the first report where, transition metal specific antibacterial efficacy of SiC added porcelain‐based ceramics are investigated. This report reveals that both Co+2 and Zn+2 adsorption results in antibacterial efficacy against E coli and S aureus and Co+2 adsorption is superior to (zone of inhibition is ~1.3 cm more depending on bacteria and sample specifications) Zn+2 adsorption.
Effect of different storage media on the microhardness and wear resistance of resin‐matrix ceramics
Authors: Dayan Süleyman Çağatay , Mumcu Emre
Published: June 2019

This in vitro study evaluated the microhardness and two‐body wear of various computer‐assisted design and computer‐assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin‐matrix ceramic materials stored in different storage media. For each material (Paradigm MZ100, Lava Ultimate, Vita Enamic, and Cerasmart), 40 disk‐shaped specimens (8 mm diameter × 3 mm thickness) were prepared and divided into four subgroups (n = 10) according to storage material (artificial saliva, distilled water, 0.02 mol/L citric acid, 3:1 ethanol/water). Following storage at 37°C for 7 days, microhardness was measured with a Knoop test, and wear was measured using a 3D scanner and surface analysis program before and after loading on a chewing simulator (200 000 cycles). Wear values of Vita Enamic were lower in comparison to the other materials tested (P < 0.001). Storage media were found to have a significant effect on material microhardness (P < 0.001), but not on wear (P = 0.820).
Wolbachia transinfections in Culex quinquefasciatus generate cytoplasmic incompatibility
Authors: Ant T. H. , Herd C. , Louis F. , Failloux A. B. , Sinkins S. P.
Published: June 2019

Culex quinquefasciatus is an important mosquito vector of a number of viral and protozoan pathogens of humans and animals, and naturally carries the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis, strain wPip. Wolbachia are used in two distinct vector control strategies: firstly, population suppression caused by mating incompatibilities between mass‐released transinfected males and wild females; and secondly, the spread of pathogen transmission‐blocking strains through populations. Using embryonic microinjection, two novel Wolbachia transinfections were generated in C. quinquefasciatus using strains native to the mosquito Aedes albopictus: a wAlbB single infection, and a wPip plus wAlbA superinfection. The wAlbB infection showed full bidirectional cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) with wild‐type C. quinquefasciatus in reciprocal crosses. The wPipwAlbA superinfection showed complete unidirectional CI, and therefore population invasion potential. Whereas the wAlbB strain showed comparatively low overall densities, similar to the native wPip, the wPipwAlbA superinfection reached over 400‐fold higher densities in the salivary glands compared to the native wPip, suggesting it may be a candidate for pathogen transmission blocking.
Two dependency constrained spanning tree problems
Authors: Viana Luiz Alberto do Carmo , Campêlo Manoel
Published: June 2019

We introduce two spanning tree problems with dependency constraints, where an edge can be chosen only if at least one or all edges in its dependency set are also chosen, respectively. The dependencies on the input graph G are described by a digraph D whose vertices are the edges of G, and the in‐neighbors of a vertex are its dependency set. We show that both problems are NP‐hard even if G is an outerplanar chordal graph with diameter 2 or maximum degree 3, and D is a disjoint union of arborescences of height 2. We also prove that the problems are inapproximable to a factor, unless , and that they are W[2]‐hard. As an attempt to narrow the hardness gap, we present two polynomial cases. We test integer linear programming formulations based on directed cut (DCUT) and Miller–Tucker–Zemlin (MTZ) constraints. Computational experiments are reported.
Elevated temperature electrical resistivity measurements of zirconium diboride using the van der Pauw Method
Authors: Neuman Eric W. , Harrington Gregory J. K. , Hilmas Gregory E. , Fahrenholtz William G.
Published: June 2019

A novel electrical testing assembly was designed, fabricated, and validated to allow elevated temperature electrical resistivity measurements using the van der Pauw method up to 2173 K. The assembly consisted of h‐BN insulators, ZrB2‐based fixture components, and W signal wires. The assembly was installed in a refractory metal element furnace for temperature control and an oxygen gettering system was utilized to control the oxygen activity of the process gas. The system was validated using high‐purity Mo as a reference standard, demonstrating good agreement with accepted electrical resistivity values for Mo. The system was utilized to measure the electrical resistivity of a ZrB2 ceramic that was produced from commercially available ZrB2 powder using C and ZrH2 as sintering aids and densified by hot‐pressing at 2423 K. The resulting ZrB2 ceramic was ~96% dense with ~0.2 wt.% ZrO2 secondary phase and a grain size of ~40 µm. Electrical resistivity of ZrB2 was measured from room temperature to 2133 K. The electrical resistivity of the ZrB2 exhibited distinct linear behavior with respect to temperature, increasing from 7.3 µΩ‐cm at 298 K to 35.7 µΩ‐cm at 1223 K (~0.031 µΩ‐cm/K), and then further increasing to 76.0 µΩ‐cm at 2133 K (~0.044 µΩ‐cm/K). To the knowledge of the authors, these measurements were performed at the highest temperatures ever reported using this method.
Effect of high‐pressure carbon dioxide on thermal conversion process of polydimethylsilane to Si–C backbone polymers
Authors: Narisawa Masaki , Yamada Kouya , Sakura Ukyo , Inoue Hirofumi
Published: June 2019

Polycarbosilane (PCS) is synthesized from polydimethylsilane (PDMS) by thermal condensation reaction in an inert atmosphere. In the new process described in this article, CO2 at high pressure (2–10 bar) was introduced into the system before the condensation reaction of PDMS. Si–C backbone formation process was accelerated at 340‐360ºC, and brown “PCS” liquid was obtained at 380ºC. Polymer recovery increased from 60% (in a pressure vessel with a N2 atmosphere) to >95% in CO2 atmosphere at 10 bar. The apparent viscosity also increased at high CO2 pressures. Spectrum analysis indicates the existence of the Si–CH2–Si, Si–O–Si bridges, and Si–H bonds in the heat‐treated product. The viscous liquid “PCS” obtained at 380ºC is stable up to 200ºC. However, at temperatures of 200–600ºC, the volatilization of macromolecular species proceeded, and the resulting ceramic yield at 1000ºC was 29 mass%. In the CO2 treatment, product solidified at 420ºC and ceramic yield increased to 56%. The volatilization of macromolecules, however, proceeded in two steps at 200–400ºC and 600–800ºC. When the product was heated beyond 400ºC, it probably contained infinite PCS network with shorter chains.
Large enhancement of piezoelectric properties and resistivity in Cu/Ta co‐doped Bi4Ti3O12 high‐temperature piezoceramics
Authors: Li Xudong , Chen Zhenning , Sheng Linsheng , Du Juan , Bai Wangfeng , Li Lili , Wen Fei , Zheng Peng , Wu Wei , Zheng Liang , Zhang Yang
Published: June 2019

In this study, the electrical properties of Bi4Ti3O12‐based Aurivillius‐type ceramics were tailored by a B‐site co‐doping strategy combining high valence Ta5+ and low valence Cu2+. A series of Bi4Ti3−x(Cu1/3Ta2/3)xO12 (BTCT) (x = 0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, and 0.03) ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid‐state reaction method. The effect of Cu/Ta co‐doping on the crystal structure, microstructure, dielectric properties, piezoelectric properties, ferroelectric properties, and electrical conductivity of these ceramics was systematically investigated. Co‐doping significantly enhanced the piezoelectric properties and DC electrical resistivity of the resulting composites. The optimized comprehensive performances were obtained at x = 0.015 with a large piezoelectric coefficient (34 pC/N) and a relatively high resistivity of 9.02 × 106 Ω cm at 500°C. Furthermore, the ceramic also exhibited stable thermal annealing behaviors and excellent fatigue resistance. The results of this study demonstrated great potential of the Cu/Ta co‐doped Bi4Ti3O12 ceramics for high‐temperature piezoelectric device applications.
The flickering connectivity system of the north Andean páramos
Authors: Flantua Suzette G.A. , O'Dea Aaron , Onstein Renske E. , Giraldo Catalina , Hooghiemstra Henry
Published: June 2019

Aim

To quantify the effect of Pleistocene climate fluctuations on habitat connectivity across páramos in the Northern Andes.

Location

Northern Andes.

Methods

The unique páramos habitat underwent dynamic shifts in elevation in response to changing climate conditions during the Pleistocene. The lower boundary of the páramos is defined by the upper forest line, which is known to be highly responsive to temperature. Here, we reconstruct the extent and connectivity of páramos over the last 1 million years (Myr) by reconstructing the upper forest line from the long fossil pollen record of Funza09, Colombia, and applying it to spatial mapping on modern topographies across the Northern Andes for 752 time slices. Data provide an estimate of how often and for how long different elevations were occupied by páramos and estimate their connectivity to provide insights into the role of topography in biogeographical patterns of páramos.

Results

Our findings show that connectivity amongst páramos of the Northern Andes was highly dynamic, both within and across mountain ranges. Connectivity amongst páramos peaked during extreme glacial periods but intermediate cool stadials and mild interstadials dominated the climate system. These variable degrees of connectivity through time result in what we term the ‘flickering connectivity system’. We provide a visualization (video) to showcase this phenomenon. Patterns of connectivity in the Northern Andes contradict patterns observed in other mountain ranges of differing topographies.

Main conclusions

Pleistocene climate change was the driver of significant elevational and spatial shifts in páramos causing dynamic changes in habitat connectivity across and within all mountain ranges. Some generalities emerge, including the fact that connectivity was greatest during the most ephemeral of times. However, the timing, duration and degree of connectivity varied substantially among mountain ranges depending on their topographical configuration. The flickering connectivity system of the páramos uncovers the dynamic settings in which evolutionary radiations shaped the most diverse alpine biome on Earth.
Influencing factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding antibiotic use in children with upper respiratory tract infections in Dubai
Authors: Al‐Saleh Samar , Abu Hammour Khawla , Abu Hammour Walid
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The main leading cause of the upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) is viral infection. However, parental attitudes often lead to inappropriate prescription of antibiotics contributing to development of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study is to assess parental knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards the use of antibiotics in Dubai and to reveal the associated factors.

Method

Questionnaires were distributed to 500 parents of children who were visiting Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital in Dubai.

Result

A total of 467 subjects agreed to participate in the study. Family income, educational level, nationality, age of the respondents, and numbers of children were identified as factors that significantly associated with inadequate knowledge, negative attitude, or malpractice.

Conclusion

The study has identified key factors associated with misuse of URTI antibiotics and highlights the importance of targeting those groups with intervention programs and campaigns to increase awareness and decrease misconception of antibiotic use.
Pasteurization of verjuice by UV‐C irradiation and mild heat treatment
Authors: Kaya Zehra , Unluturk Sevcan
Published: June 2019

Verjuice is a highly acidic juice and more prone to yeast spoilage. In this study, the efficacy of individual and combination processes of UV‐C irradiation (UV) and mild heat treatment (MH) for pasteurization of verjuice were assessed. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NRRL Y‐139) was selected as the target microorganism and kinetic parameters for MH, UV, and combined UV + MH inactivation treatments were determined. The UV treatment alone at a UV dose of 0.57 J/cm2 (energy of 2.30 J/mL), provided only 0.54 ± 0.02 log CFU/mL reduction of S. cerevisiae. In contrast, the combined treatment (UV + MH2) substantially reduced the number of S. cerevisiae in verjuice, 5.16 ± 0.24 log CFU/mL reduction was achieved at 0.25 J/cm2 UV dose (energy of 1.01 J/mL) and 51.25 ± 1.47°C. The percentage of synergism for the UV + MH inactivation of S. cerevisiae in verjuice was maximized at 51.25°C (50.79% of synergistic effect). Inactivation kinetics of S. cerevisiae was best described by Weibull model with the smallest RMSE and AIC values. D value was decreased from 13.66 to 1.94 min when UV was combined with mild heating. The results showed that UV‐C light assisted by mild heat treatment can be a potential alternative to thermal pasteurization of verjuice.

Practical applications

Fruit juices are prone to spoilage by yeasts, molds, and some acid‐tolerant bacteria. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a heat resistant spoilage microorganism and found in some spoiled juices. Thermal pasteurization is widely used for the preservation of fruit juices but results in losses of essential nutrients and changes in physicochemical and organoleptic properties. This study illustrated that the combined UV‐C light assisted by mild heat treatment can deliver the required microbial reduction in verjuice. The synergistic effect of two processing methods is suggested for controlling the growth of spoilage microflora of fruit juices.
Two‐step drying based on air jet impingement and microwave vacuum for apple slices
Authors: Yin Xu , Jiao Shunshan , Sun Zhongqi , Qiu Gan , Tu Kang , Peng Jing , Pan Leiqing
Published: June 2019

In this study, a novel two‐step drying method using a combination of air jet impingement (AJID) and microwave vacuum drying (MVD) was proposed for drying apple slices. Chemical (vitamin C, total phenolic, soluble solid content, and titratable acid) and physical properties (energy consumption, color, and rehydration ratio) were assessed and compared with those of apples dried solely by hot air drying, freeze‐drying, AJID, and MVD, respectively. Results showed that the optimal conditions for drying apple slices using air jet impingement were 65°C drying temperature, 2.3 m/s air velocity, and 6 mm thickness; the optimal combination was used first for 60 min AJID, followed by 40 min MVD, with final moisture content of 12.65 ± 0.63%. Based on the quality of apple slices and the energy consumption of the drying equipment, combined AJID‐MVD appears to be a promising method for drying apple slices.

Practical applications

In practical production, the enterprise usually buys semidried apple slices for producing apple chips. This study aimed to study the effect of different drying methods such as hot air drying, freeze‐drying, air jet impingement drying, and microwave vacuum drying on the quality of apple slices, and optimize the drying parameters. The results presented can be used for guiding semidry apple slice production using suitable drying methods based on the quality of the apple slices and energy consumption.
Life cycle assessment and socioeconomic evaluation of the illicit crop substitution policy in Colombia
Authors: Barrera‐Ramírez Juanita , Prado Valentina , Solheim Håvar
Published: June 2019

The peace treaty of Colombia contemplates a crop substitution policy seeking to replace coca crops with legal alternatives. Although crop substitution diverts funding of illegal activities and provides an income to farmers, it is important to understand how the change to a variety of legal crops (coffee, sugarcane, and cacao) affects the income of farmers, and whether there is an environmental advantage of a crop over another. This study applies life cycle assessment (LCA) coupled with socioeconomic indicators to two regions, Putumayo and Catatumbo, over different policy scenarios. LCA results show that a policy success does not ensure a lower environmental impact across the board. Legal crops consume less fuel than coca crops, which reduce fuel‐related impacts, but the use of fertilizer in coffee and pesticide use in sugarcane increase toxicity‐related impacts. The results, however, are affected by a lack of characterization factors of agrochemicals, but once these are replaced by proxies, coca crops appear to have greater toxicity impacts. In terms of individual crops, cacao crops have a lower environmental impact than coffee and sugarcane, but it also takes the longest to harvest, which may pose a financial risk to farmers. The socioeconomic analysis reveals that for Catatumbo farmers, a policy success reduces the income, whereas for Putumayo farmers, a policy success increases income and job generation. In general, it was observed that the dynamics of the illegal supply chain vary for each region, influencing the environmental and socioeconomic outcome of the substitution policy.
Early reversal of ketamine/dexmedetomidine chemical immobilization by atipamezole in golden‐headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)
Authors: Ferraro Mario A. R. , Molina Camila V. , Gris Vanessa N. , Kierulff Maria C. M. , Bueno Marina Galvão , Cortopassi Silvia R. G.
Published: June 2019

Background

A smooth and rapid recovery from anesthesia allowing safe release is desirable, especially for wild species. This study describes the clinical effects of the combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine and the partial reversal with atipamezole in golden‐headed lion tamarins.

Methods

Dexmedetomidine 10 μg kg−1 and ketamine 15 mg kg−1 were administered to 45 golden‐headed lion tamarins undergoing vasectomy. Following surgery, animals were assigned to three groups: control (SAL; 0.9% NaCl), atipamezole 20 μg kg−1 (ATI20), and atipamezole 40 μg kg−1 (ATI40).

Results and Conclusions

All animals presented great scores of sedation and muscle relaxation during the procedure. Recovery in the control group was smooth and uneventful. Salivation, muscle tremors, and head movements were observed in ATI 20 and ATI40. The administration of atipamezole did not change total recovery times (ATI20 69 ± 23 minutes; ATI40 72 ± 45 minutes; SAL 57 ± 23 minutes).
Strategies nurses use when caring for patients with moderate‐to‐severe traumatic brain injury who have cognitive impairments
Authors: Oyesanya Tolu O. , Thomas Mitchell A.
Published: June 2019

Aims and objectives

Adults with moderate‐to‐severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) may have immediate and chronic cognitive impairments that require use of specific nursing strategies. Nurses must be knowledgeable about strategies to use to accommodate these impairments. However, available clinical guidelines and research lack information to direct nonacute nursing management of cognition, limiting guidance for nurses when developing their care plans. The purpose of this study was to investigate strategies nurses use when caring for patients with moderate‐to‐severe TBI who have cognitive impairments.

Design

Cross‐sectional, exploratory study.

Methods

A total of 692 nurses from three hospitals answered the following open‐ended question via electronic survey: “Imagine you are caring for a patient with moderate‐to‐severe TBI who has problems with cognition (e.g., issues with memory, attention, and executive function). Please state your typical nursing routine to care for this type of patient.” Data were analysed using summative content analysis. Methods are reported using COREQ guidelines (See File S1).

Results

Most respondents were female (89%), middle‐aged (40.3 years), staff registered nurses (77%) practicing on an inpatient unit (51%) with prior experience caring for patients with moderate‐to‐severe TBI (95%). Nurses described 189 strategies used in their care plan when caring for patients with TBI who have cognitive impairments, including the following: (a) cognitive techniques; (b) communication techniques; (c) patient safety techniques; (d) agitation and behaviour management techniques; and (e) education techniques.

Conclusions

Findings have implications for education and training of nurses, direction for future research aimed at determining the effectiveness of nursing strategies with this patient population, and for development of clinical guidelines for nonacute nursing management of patients with moderate‐to‐severe TBI who have cognitive impairments.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings provide foundational knowledge on strategies nurses use when caring for patients with TBI who have cognitive impairments, which could be used to direct evidence‐based nursing care of this patient population.
The influence of mathematics self‐efficacy on numeracy performance in first‐year nursing students: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Gregory Linda , Villarosa Amy R. , Ramjan Lucie M. , Hughes Mitch , O’Reilly Rebecca , Stunden Annette , Daly Miranda , Raymond Debra , Fatayer Mais , Salamonson Yenna
Published: June 2019

Aim and objectives

To examine the factors that influence nursing students’ mathematics self‐efficacy, the effect of numeracy instruction on self‐efficacy, and the association between self‐efficacy and numeracy test performance.

Background

Medication administration errors, including administering incorrect dosages or infusion rates, can result in serious harm to patients. Hence, it is essential that nursing students are adequately prepared with the necessary numeracy skills during their nursing program.

Design

This quasi‐experimental cohort study used a pre‐ and post‐test survey design. The study complied with the STROBE checklist for cohort research.

Methods

In total, n = 715 undergraduate first year nursing students participated in the study from June to October 2017 at a single multi‐campus university in the Western Sydney region of Australia. Data were collected at three time‐points: (a) baseline, including assessing pre‐instruction mathematics self‐efficacy (NSE‐Math scale); (b) 6‐week follow‐up; including assessing post‐instruction mathematics self‐efficacy; and (c) numeracy test performance was collected at 7‐week follow‐up.

Findings

At baseline, those with high NSE‐Math scale scores were more likely to be male and have at least high school advanced mathematics level education. Following structured numeracy instruction, NSE‐Math scale scores increased significantly, and those who obtained a satisfactory grade in their numeracy assessment were more likely to have high NSE‐Math scale scores and high academic performance in the previous semester.

Conclusion

The study shows that structured numeracy instruction improved mathematics self‐efficacy, which in turn influenced numeracy test performance.

Relevance to clinical practice

Using a structured medication numeracy pedagogical approach, to teach skills in nursing undergraduate programs, provides students with the foundations to improve mathematics self‐efficacy and to be successful and safe with medication numeracy calculations and administration in clinical practice.
From Cultural Differences to Identity Politics: A Critical Discursive Approach to National Identity in Multinational Corporations
Authors: Vaara Eero , Tienari Janne , Koveshnikov Alexei
Published: June 2019

There is a paucity of knowledge of one key aspect of diversity in and around international organizations: national identity. This is especially the case with research on multinational corporations (MNC) that has focused on cultural differences instead of processes of national identification or national identity construction. Drawing on a critical discursive approach, this paper offers four perspectives that can help to advance this area of research. First, MNCs can be viewed as sites of identity politics, within which one can study ‘us vs. them’ constructions and the reproduction of inequalities. Second, MNCs can be seen as actors engaged in identity building and legitimation vis‐à‐vis external stakeholders, and the analysis of the discursive dynamics involved illuminates important aspects of identity politics between the organization and its environment. Third, MNCs can be viewed as part of international relations between nations and nationalities, and analysis of discursive dynamics in the media can elucidate key aspects of the international struggles encountered. Fourth, MNCs can be seen as agents of broader issues and changes, which enables us to comprehend how MNCs advance neocolonialism or promote positive change in society.
A review and guide to drug‐associated oral adverse effects—Dental, salivary and neurosensory reactions. Part 1
Authors: Teoh Leanne , Moses Geraldine , McCullough Michael John
Published: June 2019

Numerous adverse drug reactions (ADR) manifest in the oral cavity and orofacial region. Dentists and other health professionals commonly encounter and manage these adverse effects however, due to lack of awareness and training, they are not always recognised as being drug‐induced nor reported to pharmacovigilance agencies. The broad diversity and increasing number of medications for which dental pharmacovigilance is needed can be overwhelming for all health professionals. Thus, the aim of this review and guide was to outline the common medications associated with orofacial side effects so as to improve recognition, management and reporting of ADR. Adverse effects discussed in Part 1 include drug‐induced bruxism, tardive dyskinesia, hairy tongue, gingival enlargement, hypersalivation, xerostomia, tooth discolouration and taste disturbance.
On the value of Medicaid in providing access to long‐term care
Authors: Fels Markus
Published: June 2019

The crowding‐out by Medicaid has been identified as a possible reason for the low demand for private long‐term care (LTC) insurance in the USA. I extend the previous analysis to the case in which budget constraints inhibit access to care. This reduces the role of the implicit tax and fundamentally changes the nature, scope, and welfare implications of crowding‐out. It suggests a large value of Medicaid that a private insurance market is unable to offer due to a dilemma prevalent in—but not exclusive to—the market for LTC insurance: a dilemma between access and affordability.
HIV co‐infection is associated with increased transmission risk in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus
Authors: Ragonnet‐Cronin Manon , Hostager Reilly , Hedskog Charlotte , Osinusi Ana , Svarovskaia Eugenia , Wertheim Joel O.
Published: June 2019

Molecular epidemiological analysis of viral pathogens can identify factors associated with increased transmission risk. We investigated the frequency of genetic clustering in a large data set of NS34A, NS5A, and NS5B viral sequences from patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Within a subset of patients with longitudinal samples, Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied which identified a threshold of 0.02 substitutions/site as most appropriate for clustering. From the 7457 patients with chronic HCV infection included in this analysis, we inferred 256 clusters comprising 541 patients (7.3%). We found that HCV/HIV co‐infection, young age, and high HCV viral load were all associated with increased clustering frequency, an indicator of increased transmission risk. In light of previous work on HCV/HIV co‐infection in acute HCV cohorts, our results suggest that patients with HCV/HIV co‐infection may disproportionately be the source of new HCV infections and treatment efforts should be geared towards viral elimination in this vulnerable population.
Pharmacokinetics of single doses of maropitant citrate in adult horses
Authors: Berryhill Emily H. , Knych Heather , Edman Judy M. , Magdesian K. Gary
Published: June 2019

The neurokinin‐1 (NK) receptor antagonist, maropitant citrate, mitigates nausea and vomiting in dogs and cats. Nausea is poorly understood and likely under‐recognized in horses. Use ofNK‐1 receptor antagonists in horses has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of maropitant in seven adult horses after single intravenous (IV; 1 mg/kg) and intragastric (IG; 2 mg/kg) doses. A randomized, crossover design was performed. Serial blood samples were collected after dosing; maropitant concentrations were measured usingLC‐MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using noncompartmental analysis. The mean plasma maropitant concentration 3 min afterIVadministration was 800 ± 140 ng/ml, elimination half‐life was 10.37 ± 2.07 h, and volume of distribution was 6.54 ± 1.84 L/kg. The maximum concentration followingIGadministration was 80 ± 40 ng/ml, and elimination half‐life was 9.64 ± 1.27 hr. Oral bioavailability was variable at 13.3 ± 5.3%. Maropitant concentrations achieved afterIGadministration were comparable to those in small animals. Concentrations afterIVadministration were lower than in dogs and cats. Elimination half‐life was longer than in dogs and shorter than in cats. This study is the basis for further investigations into using maropitant in horses.
Inhibiting fungus on largemouth bass eggs with copper sulfate and its toxicity to fry and juveniles
Authors: Straus David L. , Ledbetter Cynthia K. , Heikes David L.
Published: June 2019

This study determined the effectiveness of copper sulfate (CuSO4) to inhibit fungal growth (caused by Saprolegnia spp.) on largemouth bass (LMB) eggs spawned on/in fiber mats in very high‐alkalinity/‐hardness waters; experiments also determined the toxicity of CuSO4 to LMB fry and juveniles. An untreated control and three CuSO4 concentrations (10, 20, and 40 mg/L) were tested under a flow‐through scenario in the effectiveness experiment. Eggs were treated daily until hatching began. Fungal load at the time of hatch had a total area > 3.0 cm2 in the untreated controls, total area 1.0 to <2.0 cm2 in the 10 and 20 mg/L CuSO4 treatments, and total area > 1.0 cm2 in the 40 mg/L CuSO4 treatments. Fungus samples were identified as Saprolegnia australis. The 24‐hr median lethal concentration (LC50) values on the LMB yolk‐sac and swim‐up fry were 32.0 and 4.6 mg/L CuSO4, respectively; the No Observed Effect Concentrations (NOEC) were 16.0 and 0.125 mg/L CuSO4, respectively. Juvenile LMB were extremely tolerant to CuSO4, and their 24‐hr LC50 value was 185.5 mg/L; the NOEC was 64 mg/L. This study indicates that CuSO4 can be an important resource for hatcheries to control egg fungus, especially in high‐alkalinity/‐hardness waters.
Road kills of non‐human primates: a global view using a different type of data
Authors: Hetman Mateusz , Kubicka Anna Maria , Sparks Tim H. , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: June 2019

Road infrastructures and collisions with vehicles negatively affect many animal populations globally. However, data on road kills of non‐human primates are very limited, not only due to the rare character of this phenomenon, but also due to the geographical bias of reporting in scientific references.

As an alternative, we used data from social media (YouTube videos, online articles and blogs) in addition to searching the existing scientific information. The reports in scientific papers were published in 1994–2018, and the reports in social media dated from 2010 to 2018.

In total we collated information on 46 non‐human primate species and 368 individual animals that were killed due to collisions with vehicles on four continents. Numbers of observations and numbers of species in each continent were as follows: Africa, 46 and 15; Asia, 247 and 14; South America, 72 and 16; and Europe, 3 and 1.

Only two of the species found in our social media internet search belonged to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Endangered category, but a higher‐than‐expected number of fatalities was in the Vulnerable category. In scientific papers, seven Endangered species were reported as victims of collisions. Often it was young individuals crossing roads that were killed by vehicles.

Primates are very charismatic species, so collisions are likely to be reported on social media. We believe that the information we have collected can make a valid contribution to the debate on wildlife‐vehicle collisions, and can be used to plan ways to avoid or mitigate road kills of non‐human primates.
Cluster randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a self‐management intervention using the teach‐back method for people with heart failure
Authors: Dinh Ha T. T. , Bonner Ann , Ramsbotham Joanne , Clark Robyn
Published: June 2019

In this study, we examined the effectiveness of a self‐management intervention delivered to people with heart failure in Vietnam. It used teach‐back, a cyclical method of teaching content, checking comprehension, and re‐teaching to improve understanding. A single‐site cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted, and six hospital wards were randomized into two study groups. On the basis of ward allocation, 140 participants received either usual care or the teach‐back heart failure self‐management intervention plus usual care. The intervention involved, prior to discharge, an individual educational session on heart failure self‐care, with understanding reinforced using teach‐back, a heart failure booklet, weighing scales, diary, and a follow‐up phone call 2 weeks post‐discharge. The control group received usual care and the booklet. Outcomes were heart failure knowledge, self‐care (maintenance, management and confidence), and all‐cause hospitalizations assessed at 1 and 3 months (end‐point). Upon completion of the study, the intervention group had significantly greater knowledge and self‐care maintenance than the control group. Other outcomes did not differ between the two groups. The teach‐back self‐management intervention demonstrated promising benefits in promoting self‐care for heart failure patients.
Inflation Volatility with Regime Switching
Authors: Isakin Maksim A. , Ngo Phuong V.
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a new approach to model U.S. inflation dynamics by allowing regime switching in an unobserved components stochastic volatility framework. We use a modified particle filter to construct likelihood and estimate the model using MLE. The number of regimes is determined based on a bootstrap. We find that a model with three regimes and regime‐dependent constant volatilities has superior performance. In addition, we show that since 2000:II, U.S. inflation has entered a regime with moderate volatility where most of the volatility comes from transitory shocks.
Body mass index and risk of inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and dose‐response meta‐analysis of cohort studies of over a million participants
Authors: Rahmani Jamal , Kord‐Varkaneh Hamed , Hekmatdoost Azita , Thompson Jacqueline , Clark Cain , Salehisahlabadi Ammar , Day Andrew S. , Jacobson Kevan
Published: June 2019

The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is controversial. We performed a dose‐response meta‐analysis to investigate the association between BMI and risk of incident ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) using prospective cohort studies. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases from inception to January 2019. DerSimonian and Laird random‐effects model was used to estimate combined hazard ratios (HRs). Overall, 882 articles were screened, and 42 full‐text articles were reviewed for inclusion using the study eligibility criteria. Five studies evaluated the association between BMI and IBD with 1 044 517 participants. Pooled results showed a significant association between participants affected by obesity and risk of CD (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.18‐1.71, I2: 0.00). There was a significant nonlinear association between BMI and risk of CD (P = .01, coeff = 0.5024). Pooled results did not show any significant association between being underweight and risk of UC (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.96‐1.19, I2: 0.00) or CD (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.93‐1.31, I2: 12.8). There was no difference in the risk for UC among participants affected by obesity compared with participants categorized as having normal BMI (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.80‐1.14, I2: 8.0). This systematic review and meta‐analysis identified significant dose‐response relationship between being affected by obesity, as a risk factor, and incidence of CD.
Identification and characterisation of a novel FT orthologous gene in London plane with a distinct expression response to environmental stimuli compared to PaFT
Authors: Cai F. , Shao C. , Zhang Y. , Bao Z. , Li Z. , Shi G. , Bao M. , Zhang J.
Published: June 2019

FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) is a key integrator of environmental signals and internal cues, and codes for florigen‐like activity which regulates the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth in flowering plants. Unlike annual plants, perennial tree species undergo several years of vegetative growth prior to the transition to the reproductive stage, as characterised by the ability to form flower buds. Thereafter, trees in temperate regions typically display an annual growth cycle involving distinct vegetative growth, flowering and dormancy stages.

In London plane (Platanus acerifolia Willd.), a FT‐like gene has previously been identified. Here, we report the isolation of a novel FT orthologous gene, PaFTL, and investigate the functions of PaFT and PaFTL through the analysis of expression profiles and transgenic phenotypes.

PaFT displayed the highest levels of expression during tree dormancy, and similarly elevated expression levels were seen under conditions of low temperature and short days (LT/SD). In contrast, PaFTL transcripts were up‐regulated during the floral transition phase, the early stages of inflorescence development and throughout the main flowering period, whereas expression levels were low and variable during dormancy and in response to LT/SD treatments. Ectopic expression of 35s::PaFTL in tobacco produced a phenotype similar to that with PaFT, namely, advanced floral initiation.

Overall, the results suggest that PaFT and PaFTL have both conserved and diverse functions in floral initiation, floral development and dormancy regulation.
All that wheezes at night is not asthma
Authors: Sunwoo Bernie Y. , Owens Robert L.
Published: June 2019

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