bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robustness of ANCOVA in randomized trials with unequal randomization
Authors: Bartlett Jonathan W.
Published: December 2019

Randomized trials with continuous outcomes are often analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with adjustment for prognostic baseline covariates. The ANCOVA estimator of the treatment effect is consistent under arbitrary model misspecification. In an article recently published in the journal, Wang et al proved the model‐based variance estimator for the treatment effect is also consistent under outcome model misspecification, assuming the probability of randomization to each treatment is 1/2. In this reader reaction, we derive explicit expressions which show that when randomization is unequal, the model‐based variance estimator can be biased upwards or downwards. In contrast, robust sandwich variance estimators can provide asymptotically valid inferences under arbitrary misspecification, even when randomization probabilities are not equal.
Identify old drugs as selective bacterial β‐GUS inhibitors by structural‐based virtual screening and bio‐evaluations
Authors: Chen Zhou , Xu Xiaoshuang , Piao Lianhua , Chang Shan , Liu Jiyong , Kong Ren
Published: December 2019

Irinotecan (CPT‐11) is a cytotoxic drug that has wide applicability and usage in cancer treatment. Despite its success, patients suffer dose‐dependent diarrhea, limiting the drug's efficacy. No effective therapy is available for this unmet medical need. The bacterial β‐glucuronidase (β‐GUS) plays pivotal role in CPT‐11‐induced diarrhea (CID) via activating the non‐toxic SN‐38G to toxic SN‐38 inside intestine. By using structural‐based virtual screening, three old drugs (N‐Desmethylclozapine, Aspartame, and Gemifloxacin) were firstly identified as selective bacterial β‐GUS inhibitors. The IC50 values of the compounds in the enzyme‐based and cell‐based assays range from 0.0389 to 3.6040 and 0.0105 to 5.3730 μM, respectively. The compounds also showed good selectivity against mammalian β‐GUS and no significant cytotoxicity in bacteria. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to further investigate the binding modes of compounds with bacterial β‐GUS. Binding free energy decomposition revealed that the compounds formed strong interactions with E413 in catalytic trail from primary monomer and F365′ on the bacterial loop from the other monomer of bacterial β‐GUS, explaining the selectivity against mammalian β‐GUS. The old drugs identified here may be used as bacterial β‐GUS inhibitors for CID or other bacterial β‐GUS‐related disorders.
Authoritarian Neoliberalism, Radical Conservatism and Social Policy within the European Union: Croatia, Hungary and Poland
Authors: Stubbs Paul , Lendvai‐Bainton Noémi
Published: December 2019

Exploring political and social policy developments in Croatia, Hungary and Poland, three EU member states, this article addresses the hegemonic position of authoritarianism, populism, conservatism and neoliberalism, albeit articulated differently in each state. All three countries are marked by modes of governmentality that combine heteronormative familialism, repatriarchialization, nationalism, ethnicized demographic renewal and anti‐immigrant sentiments. In each, a kind of layered social divestment is occurring, delivering a radical new vision of social reproduction and fundamental differentiations in terms of access to social citizenship between those seen as ‘deserving’ of support and those who are not, who are increasingly subjected to disciplinary measures. Although the degree of welfare retrenchment varies across the cases, the radical nature of restructuring, breaking down traditional notions of left and right on welfare, is suggestive of longer‐term restructurings not reliant on individual politicians or parties.
Sweet dreams or bitter nightmare: a narrative review of 25 years of research on the role of sleep in diabetes and the contributions of behavioural science
Authors: Nefs G.M. , Bazelmans E. , Donga E. , Tack C. J. , de Galan B. E.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this review was to provide an overview of developments, clinical implications and gaps in knowledge regarding the relationship between diabetes and sleep over the past 25 years, with special focus on contributions from the behavioural sciences. Multiple prospective observational and experimental studies have shown a link between suboptimal sleep and impaired glucose tolerance, decreased insulin sensitivity and the development of type 2 diabetes. While prevalence rates of suboptimal sleep vary widely according to definition, assessment and sample, suboptimal subjective sleep quality appears to be a common reality for one‐third of people with type 1 diabetes and over half of people with type 2 diabetes. Both physiological and psychosocial factors may impair sleep in these groups. In turn, suboptimal sleep can negatively affect glycaemic outcomes directly or indirectly via suboptimal daytime functioning (energy, mood, cognition) and self‐care behaviours. Technological devices supporting diabetes self‐care may have both negative and positive effects. Diabetes and its treatment also affect the sleep of significant others. Research on the merits of interventions aimed at improving sleep for people with diabetes is in its infancy. Diabetes and sleep appear to be reciprocally related. Discussion of sleep deserves a central place in regular diabetes care. Multi‐day, multi‐method studies may shed more light on the complex relationship between sleep and diabetes at an individual level. Intervention studies are warranted to examine the potential of sleep interventions in improving outcomes for people with diabetes.
EEG spectral power, but not theta/beta ratio, is a neuromarker for adult ADHD
Authors: Kiiski Hanni , Bennett Marc , Rueda‐Delgado Laura M. , Farina Francesca R. , Knight Rachel , Boyle Rory , Roddy Darren , Grogan Katie , Bramham Jessica , Kelly Clare , Whelan Robert
Published: December 2019

Adults with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been described as having altered resting‐state electroencephalographic (EEG) spectral power and theta/beta ratio (TBR). However, a recent review (Pulini et al. 2018) identified methodological errors in neuroimaging, including EEG, ADHD classification studies. Therefore, the specific EEG neuromarkers of adult ADHD remain to be identified, as do the EEG characteristics that mediate between genes and behaviour (mediational endophenotypes). Resting‐state eyes‐open and eyes‐closed EEG was measured from 38 adults with ADHD, 45 first‐degree relatives of people with ADHD and 51 unrelated controls. A machine learning classification analysis using penalized logistic regression (Elastic Net) examined if EEG spectral power (1–45 Hz) and TBR could classify participants into ADHD, first‐degree relatives and/or control groups. Random‐label permutation was used to quantify any bias in the analysis. Eyes‐open absolute and relative EEG power distinguished ADHD from control participants (area under receiver operating characteristic = 0.71–0.77). The best predictors of ADHD status were increased power in delta, theta and low‐alpha over centro‐parietal regions, and in frontal low‐beta and parietal mid‐beta. TBR did not successfully classify ADHD status. Elevated eyes‐open power in delta, theta, low‐alpha and low‐beta distinguished first‐degree relatives from controls (area under receiver operating characteristic = 0.68–0.72), suggesting that these features may be a mediational endophenotype for adult ADHD. Resting‐state EEG spectral power may be a neuromarker and mediational endophenotype of adult ADHD. These results did not support TBR as a diagnostic neuromarker for ADHD. It is possible that TBR is a characteristic of childhood ADHD.
Inertial effects on fatigue crack growth
Authors: de Almeida C.D. , Moresco R.L. , Bittencourt E.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a cohesive zone model is used to study the influence of inertial effects on crack growth considering cyclic loading in homogenous rate‐independent materials. Quasi‐static and dynamic solutions are compared in order to establish the conditions in which the inertial effects become important in the analysis. It is discussed how speed and frequency of the loading and specimen sizes modify crack growth characteristics. In general, an increase in the loading frequency leads to a higher propagation velocity. Very high loading frequencies may lead to the formation of microcracks ahead of the crack tip and may change the failure mode of the cracked structure from crack propagation to uniform debonding. This work shows that inertial effects are specially noticeable for frequencies in the kHz range. However, applied frequencies close to natural frequencies of the cracked specimen can give rise to strong inertial effects and then a substantial reduction of fatigue life for much lower frequencies. This work also shows that critical frequencies depend on the specimen size.
Assessing the developmental trajectory of mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders: Social and communication deficits in mice with Neurexin 1α deletion
Authors: Armstrong Emily C. , Caruso Angela , Servadio Michela , Andreae Laura C. , Trezza Viviana , Scattoni Maria L. , Fernandes Cathy
Published: December 2019

Neurexin 1α mutations are strongly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia in humans. Studies using the Neurexin 1α knock‐out mouse have showed behavioral abnormalities of relevance to these disorders and baseline deficits in excitatory synaptic function have been described. However, little is known about the effect of Neurexin 1α deletion on behavior during development. This study examined the effects of Neurexin 1α deletion on behavior across a range of developmental time points to determine whether potential abnormalities follow a developmental trajectory. Pups lacking Neurexin 1α emitted a reduced number of ultrasonic vocalizations early in development combined with a restricted repertoire of calls indicative of a loss in complexity in vocal production and showed delays in reaching certain developmental milestones. Behavioral testing showed that juvenile and adult male Neurexin 1α knock‐out mice exhibited social deficits and increased levels of aggression, confirming previous findings. No increases in repetitive behaviors or deficits in motor learning or olfaction were seen. In conclusion, this research showed that Neurexin 1α deletion does result in social and communication deficits that follow a developmental trajectory. These are the first experimental data that associate a deletion of Neurexin 1α with alterations in behaviors relevant to autism spectrum disorder across development and highlight the importance of assessing the developmental trajectory in mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Potential changes to the biology and challenges to the management of invasive sea lampreyPetromyzon marinusin the Laurentian Great Lakes due to climate change
Authors: Lennox Robert J. , Bravener Gale A. , Lin Hsien‐Yung , Madenjian Charles P. , Muir Andrew M. , Remucal Christina K. , Robinson Kelly F. , Rous Andrew M. , Siefkes Michael J. , Wilkie Michael P. , Zielinski Daniel P. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: December 2019

Control programs are implemented to mitigate the damage caused by invasive species worldwide. In the highly invaded Great Lakes, the climate is expected to become warmer with more extreme weather and variable precipitation, resulting in shorter iced‐over periods and variable tributary flows as well as changes to pH and river hydrology and hydrogeomorphology. We review how climate change influences physiology, behavior, and demography of a damaging invasive species, sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), in the Great Lakes, and the consequences for sea lamprey control efforts. Sea lamprey control relies on surveys to monitor abundance of larval sea lamprey in Great Lakes tributaries. The abundance of parasitic, juvenile sea lampreys in the lakes is calculated by surveying wounding rates on lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), and trap surveys are used to enumerate adult spawning runs. Chemical control using lampricides (i.e., lamprey pesticides) to target larval sea lamprey and barriers to prevent adult lamprey from reaching spawning grounds are the most important tools used for sea lamprey population control. We describe how climate change could affect larval survival in rivers, growth and maturation in lakes, phenology and the spawning migration as adults return to rivers, and the overall abundance and distribution of sea lamprey in the Great Lakes. Our review suggests that Great Lakes sea lamprey may benefit from climate change with longer growing seasons, more rapid growth, and greater access to spawning habitat, but uncertainties remain about the future availability and suitability of larval habitats. Consideration of the biology of invasive species and adaptation of the timing, intensity, and frequency of control efforts is critical to the management of biological invasions in a changing world, such as sea lamprey in the Great Lakes.
Spatiotemporal assessment of farm‐gate production costs and economic potential of Miscanthus × giganteus, Panicum virgatum L., and Jatropha grown on marginal land in China
Authors: Zhang Bingquan , Hastings Astley , Clifton‐Brown John C. , Jiang Dong , Faaij André P. C.
Published: December 2019

Spatially explicit farm‐gate production costs and the economic potential of three types of energy crops grown on available marginal land in China for 2017 and 2040 were investigated using a spatial accounting method and construction of cost–supply curves. The average farm‐gate cost from all available marginal land was calculated as 32.9 CNY/GJ for Miscanthus Mode, 27.5 CNY/GJ for Switchgrass Mode, 32.4 CNY/GJ for Miscanthus & Switchgrass Mode, and 909 CNY/GJ for Jatropha Mode in 2017. The costs of Miscanthus and switchgrass were predicted to decrease by approximately 11%‐15%, whereas the cost of Jatropha was expected to increase by 5% in 2040. The cost of Jatropha varies significantly from 193 to 9,477 CNY/GJ across regions because of the huge differences in yield across regions. The economic potential of the marginal land was calculated as 28.7 EJ/year at a cost of less than 25 CNY/GJ for Miscanthus Mode, 4.0 EJ/year at a cost of less than 30 CNY/GJ for Switchgrass Mode, 29.6 EJ/year at a cost of less than 25 CNY/GJ for Miscanthus & Switchgrass Mode, and 0.1 EJ/year at a cost of less than 500 CNY/GJ for Jatropha Mode in 2017. It is not feasible to develop Jatropha production on marginal land based on existing technologies, given its high production costs. Therefore, the Miscanthus & Switchgrass Mode is the most economical way, because it achieves the highest economic potential compared with other modes. The sensitivity analysis showed that the farm‐gate costs of Miscanthus and switchgrass are most sensitive to uncertainties associated with yield reduction and harvesting costs, while, for Jatropha, the unpredictable yield has the greatest impact on its farm‐gate cost. This study can help policymakers and industrial stakeholders make strategic and tactical bioenergy development plans in China (exchange rate in 2017: 1€ = 7.63￥; all the joules in this paper are higher heat value).
Rheological, tribological and sensory attributes of texture‐modified foods for dysphagia patients and the elderly: A review
Authors: Munialo Claire Darizu , Kontogiorgos Vassilis , Euston Stephen R. , Nyambayo Isabella
Published: December 2019

Texture‐modified foods (TMFs) and thickened fluids have been used as a therapeutic strategy in the management of food intake in the elderly and people with dysphagia. Despite recent advances in describing rheological features of TMFs for dysphagia management, there is still paucity of research regarding the sensory attributes, therapeutic thickness levels and swallowing safety of these foods. Additionally, the relationship between mechanical and structural properties of TMFs throughout the oral processing is not yet fully understood. The present review discusses several properties of food boluses that are important during oral processing to allow for safe swallowing. Dynamic changes that occur during oral processing of TMFs will be reviewed. The use of hydrocolloids to improve the cohesiveness of TMFs and how this impacts the sensory properties of TMFs will be also discussed. Additionally, this review will suggest potential new research directions to improve textural and sensory properties of TMFs.
Microbial orchestra in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Sounds of disarray?
Authors: Arvonen Miika , Vänni Petri , Sarangi Aditya Narayan , V Tejesvi Mysore , Vähäsalo Paula , Aggarwal Amita , Stoll Matthew L
Published: December 2019

The role of the microbiota in multiple autoimmune diseases, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has earned substantial attention in the last 10 years. Increasing evidence suggests that the microbiota's link to JIA begins in early childhood, as early life events that influence the nature of the microbiota also appear to influence disease risk. In this review, we discuss these early life events including mode of delivery, infant feeding practice, antibiotics exposure, and other events and their impacts on the microbiota and on disease risk; reported abnormalities of the microbiota in children with JIA; mechanisms by which an altered microbiota at birth and later on in childhood may influence disease risk; and the prospects for therapeutic alteration of the microbiota in children with JIA.
Impact of waterlogging and temperature on autumn growth, hardening and freezing tolerance of timothy (Phleum pratense)
Authors: Jørgensen Marit , Torp Torfinn , Mølmann Jørgen Alexander Barosen
Published: December 2019

Precipitation has generally increased in Norway during the last century, and climate projections indicate a further increase. The growing season has also become longer with higher temperatures, particularly in autumn. Previous studies have shown negative effects of high temperatures and, depending upon temperature conditions, contrasting effects of waterlogging on hardening capacity of timothy. We studied effects of waterlogging on seedlings of timothy (Phleum pratense, cv. Noreng) under three pre‐acclimation temperatures: 3°C, 7°C, 12°C, and in autumn natural light in a phytotron at Holt, Tromsø (69°N). After temperature treatments, all plants were cold acclimated at 2°C for three weeks under continued waterlogging treatments. Freezing tolerance was determined by intact plants being frozen in pots at incremental temperature decreases in a programmable freezer. Waterlogging resulted in a higher probability of death after freezing, and a significantly reduced regrowth after three weeks at 18°C, 24 hrs light in a greenhouse. Increasing pre‐acclimation temperatures also had a clear negative effect on freezing tolerance, but there was no interaction between temperatures and waterlogging. The results indicate that waterlogging may have negative implications for hardening of timothy and may contribute to reduced winter survival under the projected increase in autumn temperatures and precipitation.
Combined effects of soil silicon and drought stress on host plant chemical and ultrastructural quality for leaf‐chewing and sap‐sucking insects
Authors: Teixeira Natália C. , Valim Janete Oliveira S. , Oliveira Maria Goreti A. , Campos Wellington G.
Published: December 2019

It was postulated that Si‐mediated plant resistance to herbivory changes with soil water status, increasing when plants are under drought stress. We subjected collard (Brassica oleracea) to such soil variables and assessed plant responses and effects on the leaf‐chewing larvae of Plutella xylostella and the sap‐sucking aphid Brevicoryne brassicae. Silicon accumulated in collard leaves independently of soil water conditions, but it influenced mainly drought‐stressed plants. Silicon suppressed harmful effects of drought on leaf and root length and raised leaf water content and stomatal size to the same conditions of well‐watered plants. Drought stress reduced hemicellulose and cellulose, but Si did not influence them or lignin. Combination of drought and Si increased total and soluble leaf nitrogen. Drought decreased total glucosinolates, but Si increased such defence metabolites to similar concentrations that were found in well‐watered plants. Nutritional changes mediated by drought and Si in fibre, leaf water content, soluble nitrogen and glucosinolates did not increase insect performance in any feeding guild. Instead, caterpillars performed worse in drought‐stressed or Si‐treated collards, mainly in plants under combined conditions. Silicon improved plant resistance to drought and herbivore stresses.
How does the executive pay gap influence audit fees? The roles of R&D investment and institutional ownership
Authors: Ge Wenxia , Kim Jeong‐Bon
Published: December 2019

Using a sample of US firms from 2003–2014, this study examines how the executive pay gap affects audit fees for firms with different levels of R&D investment and institutional ownership. Consistent with managerial power theory, we find that the executive pay gap is positively associated with audit fees, and that the positive association is attenuated by intense R&D investment and higher institutional ownership. We also find that the executive pay gap more strongly affects audit fees after the passage of the 2010 Dodd–Frank Act and the PCAOB's 2012 call to identify the audit risk related to executive incentive compensation. Additional analyses show that the moderating effects of R&D investment and institutional ownership on the pay gap–audit fees association are not conditional on auditor tenure, but the moderating effect of institutional ownership is stronger for firms hiring specialist auditors. Collectively, our findings suggest that auditors consider the business context, such as innovation initiative and external monitoring, when assessing audit risk related to the executive pay gap.
Incidence and mortality for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: comparison across three continents
Authors: Stang A. , Khil L. , Kajüter H. , Pandeya N. , Schmults C.D. , Ruiz E.S. , Karia P.S. , Green A.C.
Published: December 2019

Background

Population‐based incidence and mortality studies of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have been few owing to the commonness of the disease, and rare deaths making accurate mortality statistics difficult.

Objectives

Our aim was to summarize SCC incidence and mortality in populations across three continents, exemplified by Australia, the United States (US) and Germany.

Methods

We estimated age‐specific and age‐standardized (Australian Standard 2001 Population) incidence and mortality rates per 100 000 person‐years.

Results

Squamous cell carcinoma incidence is plateauing or falling in Australia, stable in the United States (2013–2015) and rising in Germany (2007–2015). Current incidence estimates in men and women are 341 and 209, 497 and 296, and 54 and 26, respectively, for the three countries. Incidence increases strongly with age in all countries. Mortality of non‐melanoma skin cancer appears to be increasing in Germany and stable in Australia (unavailable for the US population).

Conclusions

Squamous cell carcinoma is an important health issue, particularly among older men, with incidence exceeding most other cancers. More precise and uniform population‐based studies of incidence and mortality are needed to better quantify the impact of SCC on healthcare systems worldwide and to gauge the effect of new treatments such as anti‐PD1 therapy on mortality.
Identifying Amsterdam's nutrient hotspots: A new method to map human excreta at building and neighborhood scale
Authors: Wielemaker Rosanne , Stuiver John , Zeeman Grietje , Weijma Jan
Published: December 2019

Recovering nutrients from human excreta and wastewater has been receiving increasing attention as a means to supplement or replace synthetic fertilizer production. Apart from technologies for nutrient recovery at centralized wastewater treatment plants, numerous decentralized, source‐separated sanitation systems, also known as new sanitation systems, have been developed to facilitate recovery. Decision‐making for the planning and implementation of new sanitation systems would benefit from a spatially explicit inventory of nutrient hotspots in urban areas. To provide visual representations of nutrient loads, we developed a methodology that combines spatial‐temporal modeling with geographic information system analysis, and used it for the city of Amsterdam. The methodology is new in the field of nutrient mapping, especially at the smallest geographical scale: building. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium loads and hotspots are mapped at both building and neighborhood scale, drawing attention to the need for multiple scale analyses in decision‐making. This study concludes with a discussion on the potential to further develop the method proposed to include more detailed and verified data and to identify nutrient hotspots that are promising as nutrient recovery sites with new sanitation systems.
The Lived Experience of Ambiguous Marital Separation: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Crabtree Sarah A. , Harris Steven M.
Published: December 2019

Researchers have long treated marital separation as a linear transition that inevitably leads to divorce. Popular sources suggest that some couples separate without clarity about how the separation will end, often to assess whether to divorce or stay married. However, to date, we could not locate any empirical research on this kind of ambiguous separation. With a sample of 20 currently separated persons from around the United States, this study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological design to inquire about the experience of separating from one's spouse when the separation was initiated without clarity about how it would end. Six essential themes emerged: (a) our relationship feels ambiguous, (b) separation is a private experience, (c) separation is a lonely experience, (d) benefits to separating, (e) separation is not sustainable, and (f) the outcome is unclear. The article concludes with a discussion of and implications for the study findings.
Extracellular tau induces microglial phagocytosis of living neurons in cell cultures
Authors: Pampuscenko Katryna , Morkuniene Ramune , Sneideris Tomas , Smirnovas Vytautas , Budvytyte Rima , Valincius Gintaras , Brown Guy C. , Borutaite Vilmante
Published: December 2019

Tau is a microtubule‐associated protein, found at high levels in neurons, and its aggregation is associated with neurodegeneration. Recently, it was found that tau can be actively secreted from neurons, but the effects of extracellular tau on neuronal viability are unclear. In this study, we investigated whether extracellular tau2N4R can cause neurotoxicity in primary cultures of rat brain neurons and glial cells. Cell cultures were examined for neuronal loss, death, and phosphatidylserine exposure, as well as for microglial phagocytosis by fluorescence microscopy. Aggregation of tau2N4R was assessed by atomic force microscopy. We found that extracellular addition of tau induced a gradual loss of neurons over 1–2 days, without neuronal necrosis or apoptosis, but accompanied by proliferation of microglia in the neuronal‐glial co‐cultures. Tau addition caused exposure of the ‘eat‐me’ signal phosphatidylserine on the surface of living neurons, and this was prevented by elimination of the microglia or by inhibition of neutral sphingomyelinase. Tau also increased the phagocytic activity of pure microglia, and this was blocked by inhibitors of neutral sphingomyelinase or protein kinase C. The neuronal loss induced by tau was prevented by inhibitors of neutral sphingomyelinase, protein kinase C or the phagocytic receptor MerTK, or by eliminating microglia from the cultures. The data suggest that extracellular tau induces primary phagocytosis of stressed neurons by activated microglia, and identifies multiple ways in which the neuronal loss induced by tau can be prevented.

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Factors influencing self‐management behaviours among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Solomon Islands
Authors: Bezo Benjamin Harry , Huang Yu‐Tung , Lin Chiu‐Chu
Published: December 2019

Aims and objectives

This study aims to explore the current state of self‐management behaviours among persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Solomon Islands and to discuss the factors influencing these behaviours.

Background

The prevalence of diabetes and diabetes complications is increasing in the Solomon Islands. However, the effective diabetes prevention and care are not provided in the country.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A convenience sample of 150 persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus was recruited from a hospital in the Solomon Islands from August 2017–September 2017. Self‐report questionnaires were used to measure the self‐management behaviours, diabetes knowledge and illness perception. In addition, the study adhered to the EQUATOR checklist, STROBE (see Appendix S1).

Results

The overall score for self‐management was 56.9 ± 13.2 and diabetes knowledge and illness perception, as influencing factors of self‐management, earned total scores of 13.3 ± 4.0 and 55.8 ± 12.0, respectively. Stepwise regression analysis identified illness perception, diabetes knowledge and smoking as significant influencing factors, explaining 20.8% of the total variance in self‐management.

Conclusions

The level of diabetes self‐management behaviours demonstrated by persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus in this study was rated as less than ideal. Diabetes knowledge and illness perception were the two main factors influencing patient self‐management in the Solomon Islands.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study addressed the current state of the self‐management behaviours of persons with diabetes and discussed the factors influencing these behaviours. The findings indicated that knowledge and illness perception of diabetes were the two main factors and provided baseline information for policymakers, health planners and healthcare providers highlighting diabetes as an important issue in Solomon Islands.
How Does Credit Supply Expansion Affect the Real Economy? The Productive Capacity and Household Demand Channels
Authors: MIAN ATIF , SUFI AMIR , VERNER EMIL
Published: December 2019

Credit supply expansion can affect an economy by increasing productive capacity or by boosting household demand. In this study, we develop a test to determine if the household demand channel is present, and we implement the test using both a natural experiment in the United States in the 1980s and an international panel of 56 countries over the last several decades. Consistent with the importance of the household demand channel, we find that credit supply expansion boosts nontradable sector employment and the price of nontradable goods, with limited effects on tradable sector employment. Such credit expansions amplify the business cycle and lead to more severe recessions.
Coupling High Self‐Perceived Creativity and Successful Newcomer Adjustment in Organizations: The Role of Supervisor Trust and Support for Authentic Self‐Expression
Authors: Dufour Lucas , Maoret Massimo , Montani Francesco
Published: December 2019

This study addresses how supervisors can facilitate the socialization of newcomers with high self‐perceived creativity into their new jobs. We combine self‐verification theory and current literature on socialization in a dual‐stage moderated mediation model where a) newcomer self‐perceived creativity interacts with supervisor trust in the newcomer to trigger supervisor perception of newcomer creativity; and b) supervisor perception of newcomer creativity, in turn, interacts with supervisor support for newcomer authentic self‐expression to impact newcomer adjustment outcomes (i.e., task performance, job satisfaction, and stress symptoms). A two‐wave, multisource study of 146 newcomer–supervisor dyads provides support for our predictions, suggesting that high levels of supervisor trust and support for authentic self‐expression serve as moderating conditions allowing supervisor perception of newcomer creativity to positively mediate the relationship between newcomer self‐perceived creativity and newcomer adjustment.
Prevalence of erosive tooth wear in Chilean adults, 2016: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Marró María Loreto , Aránguiz Vicente , Ramirez Valeria , Lussi Adrian
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To determine the prevalence, severity and distribution of erosive tooth wear lesions in adult patients at the Universidad de los Andes Health Center in the San Bernardo Metropolitan Region, Chile, during a period of 4 months in 2016.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted. A consecutive sample of patients from 18 to 46 years old who were receiving care at the Universidad de los Andes Health Center during a period from September 2016 to January 2017 was analysed. Basic erosive wear examinations (BEWEs) were performed by two calibrated examiners.

Results

A total of 535 adults were included in this study. An erosive tooth wear prevalence of 97.9% was found in which at least one surface had a BEWE score of 2 or 3 as the highest score (98.56% for females and 95.8% for males). In the sample, 75.70% and 74.77% of individuals had at least one surface with a BEWE score of 3 at the second and fifth sextant, respectively. The median of cumulative BEWE scores was 12. The median by individual of the affected percentage of tooth surfaces with BEWE scores 2 or 3 was 19.70%.

Conclusions

We found a high prevalence of erosive tooth wear, mainly in the anterior group of teeth. No differences were found between the sexes, but a positive correlation with age was found. The percentage of surfaces affected was low or moderate.
Understanding the origins of the ring‐necked parakeet in the UK
Authors: Heald O. J. N. , Fraticelli C. , Cox S. E. , Stevens M. C. A. , Faulkner S. C. , Blackburn T. M. , Le Comber S. C.
Published: December 2019

The ring‐necked parakeet Psittacula krameri is one of the best‐known invasive species in the UK. It is also arguably the species whose origins as an invasive have been the subject of the greatest speculation, with explanations ranging from birds escaping from the set of the film ‘The African Queen’ to animals being released in Carnaby Street in London by Jimi Hendrix in the 1960s. Here, we use geographic profiling – a statistical technique originally developed in criminology to prioritise the large lists of suspects typical in cases of serial crime such as murder, rape and arson, but more recently applied to ecology and conservation biology – to analyse the spatial patterns of the ring‐necked parakeet, from the first detailed records in the 1960s to the 21st century and ask whether spatial analysis supports these hypotheses. We show that, despite the undoubted appeal of the different hypotheses concerning their origin, spatial analysis provides no support for any of them, leading us to conclude that the birds' establishment in Britain is more likely to be a consequence of repeated releases and introductions, a view supported by a detailed search of the British Newspaper Archive. More generally, our study shows how geographic profiling can be used to understand the spatial patterns of biological invasions over time.
Controlled attenuation parameter reflects steatosis in compensated advanced chronic liver disease
Authors: Piccinni Rosangela , Rodrigues Susana G. , Montani Matteo , Murgia Giuseppe , Delgado Maria G. , Casu Stefania , Stirnimann Guido , Semmo Nasser , De Gottardi Andrea , Dufour Jean‐François , Berzigotti Annalisa
Published: December 2019

Background & Aims

Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) for steatosis assessment has not been validated in compensated advanced chronic liver disease compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD). We primarily aimed at assessing the accuracy of CAP for the diagnosis and quantification of steatosis in cACLD. Secondary aim: to assess the validity of non‐invasive criteria for cACLD according to liver stiffness measurement (LSM).

Methods

This is a single‐centre retrospective study including patients with cACLD defined as LSM ≥10 kPa, CAP measurement and liver biopsy (reference standard for steatosis and fibrosis) observed in 06/2015‐06/2017. Steatosis was graded as S0 (<5%), S1 (5%‐32%), S2 (33%‐66%) and S3 (>66%). The diagnostic performance of CAP for any grade of steatosis and for high‐grade steatosis (≥S2) was studied.

Results

Among 461 consecutive patients, 111 with LSM‐based diagnosis of cACLD were included (63% male, median age 55 years, median body mass index 28.1 Kg/m2, aetiology: 32% non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, 32% alcohol or viral + metabolic syndrome, 15% viral, 6% autoimmune, 4% alcohol, 11% others). Median LSM and CAP were 16.1 kPa and 277 dB/m respectively. On liver biopsy, steatosis was found in 88/111 patients (79%); 44 patients (43 with metabolic syndrome) had high‐grade steatosis. CAP was accurate in identifying any grade of steatosis (area under the receiving operating characteristic curves 0.847; 95% CI 0.767‐0.926, P < .0001), and ≥S2 steatosis (0.860; 95% CI 0.788‐0.932, P < .0001). CAP performed similarly in patients with CAP‐ interquartile range (IQR) ≥ or <40 dB/m.

Conclusions

Steatosis is frequent in patients with cACLD and metabolic syndrome. CAP diagnostic accuracy for any steatosis and high‐grade steatosis is good in this population. A CAP‐IQR ≥40 dB/m does not impair CAP diagnostic accuracy in cACLD.
Measuring the bioeconomic impacts of prolonged drought on a lake ecosystem: The case of the Great Salt Lake, Utah
Authors: Caplan Arthur J. , Go Dong‐Hun
Published: December 2019

We present a general‐equilibrium (GE) bioeconomic model of Utah's Great Salt Lake (GSL) ecosystem that tightly links the lake's ecosystem with its regional economy and attendant international trading partners, thereby enabling full identification of dynamic feedback effects in the presence of prolonged drought. The drought modeled here mimics a drying climate's impact on the lake's nutrient pool. We demonstrate how prolonged drought affects key bioeconomic variables over time, and how the GSL bioeconomy recovers toward a new steady state. We also consider how two separate fishery‐specific regulatory tools—a temporary harvest moratorium and ad valorum tax on the fishery's factors of production—alter the bioeconomy's recovery path. Our main finding is that a fishery‐specific regulation can induce perverse social‐welfare effects in a GE context by inducing a shift of resources out of the fishery and into a sector of the economy that produces a negative externality, in our case pollution from the mining industry. These welfare effects are appraised with two different measures of equivalent variation—one based on an initial benchmark period and the other on expenditure differences that roll through time. Our model further demonstrates how these perverse‐welfare effects can be mitigated by imposing either an output or input tax on the mining industry.

Recommendations for resource managers

The general‐equilibrium bioeconomic model developed here for Utah's Great Salt Lake demonstrates how key bioeconomic variables can be tracked over time in response to an economic or ecological shock, such as prolonged drought.

This numerical modeling tool provides an integrated perspective on the bioeconomic impacts of public policies that can be adopted to counteract these shocks.

Estimates of the social net benefits associated with the public policies are provided.

The context for assessing the net benefits of alternative fishery regulations is therefore broadened to account for a multispecies, multisector bioeconomy.
Habermas and the therapeutic function of language
Authors: Pezdek Krzysztof , Dobrowolski Robert , Michaluk Tomasz
Published: December 2019

The aim of this article was to interpret Habermas's concept of language in terms of its therapeutic potential which can be effectively realized in nursing practice. Drawing on Habermas's definition, we analyse the components of rational communication which are necessary for the patient and the therapist to achieve understanding. In doing this, we examine not only lifeworld, system and validity claims, which are well‐known notions within Habermas's theory of communicative action, but also less frequently studied elements of this theory, such as everyday world, to which the patient refers in the process of self‐understanding and identity construction. We also address culture and language as a pre‐rational factor which can disturb, or even preclude, communication and understanding. In such circumstances, we propose supplementing the Habermasian therapeutic project with a psychoanalytical interpretations of the utterances of the patients who have difficulty defining the situation within which therapy is possible.
Dynamic Fixation versus Static Fixation in Treatment Effectiveness and Safety for Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Fan Xiao , Zheng Peng , Zhang Ying‐yu , Hou Zeng‐tao
Published: December 2019

To compare the effectiveness and safety of dynamic fixation (DF) and static fixation (SF) in distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries (DTSI) by a system review and meta‐analysis. PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE were systematically searched by computer to select clinical randomized controlled trials (RCT) and cohort trials comparing DF and SF in treating patients with DTSI. RCT and cohort trials comparing DF and SF for patients with DTSI were included. Inclusion criteria: (i) prospective or retrospective study of patients with DTSI; (ii) patients were diagnosed as having DTSI by imageology and only received DF treatment or SF treatment; (iii) the study compared DF and SF in DTSI; and (iv) one or more of the following outcomes were reported: ankle joint functional score, surgical complications, malreduction of syndesmosis, and second operations. Exclusion criteria: (i) non‐human studies; (ii) DTSI patients accompanied with other complications or other joints injuries; and (iii) full text unavailable. RevMan V5.3 software was used to perform the statistical analysis. Outcomes analyzed by Revman software showed that there were no statistically significant differences between DF and SF in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle–hindfoot score (MD, 1.90; 95% CI, −0.23 to 4.03; P = 0.08; I2 = 0%), Olerud–Molander (OM) score (MD, 1.92; 95% CI, −7.96 to 11.81; P = 0.70; I2 = 55%), incidence of syndesmotic malreduction (RR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.03 to 1.09; P = 0.06; I2 = 0%), and overall postoperative complication rate (RR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.99; P = 0.05, I2 = 75%) and the rate of second procedure was significantly lower with DF (RR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.43; P = 0.0002, I2 = 54%). Compared to SF, DF has an advantage, with a low rate of second procedures to treat DTSI.
Higher concentration of serum C‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type I collagen is positively related with inflammatory factors in postmenopausal women with H‐type hypertension and osteoporosis
Authors: Chen Yu‐ning , Wei Peng , Yu, BS Jian
Published: December 2019

Objective

To investigate the changes of inflammatory factors and bone metabolism markers in postmenopausal women with H‐type hypertension and to assess the relationship between them.

Methods

Postmenopausal women who were diagnosed with osteoporosis were selected as observation objects. Participants were divided into three groups: only osteoporosis group (osteoporosis group), hypertension combined with osteoporosis group (hypertension group), and H‐type hypertension combined with osteoporosis group (H‐type hypertension group). The changes in bone mineral density and bone metabolic markers (osteocalcin [OC], procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide (PINP), and C‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type I collagen [CTX]) and inflammatory factors (interleukin‐6 [IL‐6] and tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α]) were compared among three groups.

Results

In the hypertension group and the H‐type hypertension group, the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (0.647 ± 0.038 vs 0.638 ± 0.034 vs 0.668 ± 0.047, P < 0.05) and the femoral neck (0.567 ± 0.047 vs 0.552 ± 0.053 vs 0.618 ± 0.059, P < 0.05) was significantly lower than that in the osteoporosis group. The concentrations of CTX (266.61 ± 64.65 vs 293.09 ± 72.34 vs 235.48 ± 62.85, P < 0.05), IL‐6 (44.36 ± 6.45 vs 48.05 ± 8.04 vs 39.06 ± 7.95, P < 0.05) and TNF‐α (30.53 ± 6.28 vs 34.52 ± 7.15 vs 28.66 ± 6.19, P < 0.01) in the hypertension group and in the H‐type hypertension group were significantly higher than those in the osteoporosis group. The concentrations of OC (30.59 ± 6.43 vs 27.10 ± 6.51, P < 0.05) and PINP (36.36 ± 6.16 vs 33.16 ± 6.77, P < 0.05) in the H‐type hypertension group were increased dramatically. The concentration of CTX was positively correlated with the concentration of IL‐6 (r = 0.587, P < 0.01) and TNF‐α (r = 0.474, P < 0.01) and negatively related with the concentration of OC (r = −0.591, P < 0.01) and PINP (r = −0.646, P < 0.01) and the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (r = −0.470, P < 0.01) and the femoral neck (r = −0.509, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Higher concentration of serum CTX is found in postmenopausal women with H‐type hypertension, which is positively correlated with inflammatory factors. Besides, H‐type hypertension could further enhance the activity of osteoclasts and increase the expressions of inflammatory factors, resulting in the aggravation of osteoporosis.
Intramedullary Nailing Versus Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Distal Tibial Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Xiao‐kai , Xu Wen‐nan , Xue Qing‐yun , Liang Qing‐wei
Published: December 2019

To evaluate the application, safety and efficacy of the patients treated with intramedullary nailing (IMN) and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in distal tibia fractures. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched databases PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE and Web of Science from inception of the database up to 10 October 2018, using the keywords “distal tibia fractures”, “plate”, “intramedullary nailing” and “RCT” to identify randomized clinical trials about distal tibia fractures. The included studies were assessed by two researchers according to the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias criteria. The primary outcome of measurement included operation time, malunion rate, nonunion/delayed union rate, and wound complication. Data analysis was conducted with Review Manager 5.3 software. A total of 10 RCTs involving 911 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria with 455 patients in the IMN group and 456 patients in the MIPO group. There were no significant differences in radiation time, nonunion or delayed union rate, union time and operation time between the two groups. Patients treated with MIPO had lower incidence of malunion compared with IMN (RR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.21 to 2.83, P = 1.00), while IMN seemed to have lower surgical incision complications whether in closed or opening fractures (RR = 0.49, 95%CI 0.33 to 0.73, P = 0.43). But in patients classified as 43A, the result of subgroup analysis suggested that there was no significant inwound complication between the two groups. MIPO was superior in preventing malunion compared with IMN, and intramedullary nailing appeared to have lower wound complications. However, in patients with 43A distal tibial fractures, MIPO was more recommended for its prevention of malunion. No matter which method we choose, we should notice and prevent the associated complications.