bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Link between omentin‐1, obesity and insulin resistance in children: Findings from a longitudinal intervention study
Authors: Rothermel Juliane , Lass Nina , Barth Andre , Reinehr Thomas
Published: December 2019

Objective

The adipokine omentin‐1 has been suggested to be inversely associated with obesity and insulin resistance in humans. We studied the relationships between omentin‐1, parameters of fat mass, insulin resistance, lipids and blood pressure in children with obesity in a longitudinal study.

Methods

We analysed omentin‐1 concentrations in 23 normal‐weight children and in 82 children with obesity participating in a one‐year lifestyle intervention. In the children with obesity, omentin‐1, bioactive and conventional leptin, thyroid hormones (thyroid‐stimulating hormone, free thyroxine 4, free triiodothyronine), body mass index, waist circumference, body fat based on skin‐fold measurements and bioimpedance analyses, lipids, insulin resistance as homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and blood pressure were determined at baseline and 1 year later. Furthermore, we measured omentin‐1 concentrations 1 year after the end of the lifestyle intervention.

Results

The omentin‐1 concentrations were significantly (P = .008) lower in children with obesity compared to normal‐weight children (296 ± 108 ng ml−1 vs. 232 ± 99 ng ml−1). Omentin‐1 concentrations increased significantly (P < .001) in children with obesity and substantial weight loss (35 ± 55 ng ml−1), while omentin‐1 concentrations did not change significantly (P = .750) in children with obesity without weight loss (−5 ± 108 ng ml−1) during the intervention. Substantial weight loss after the end of intervention led to a significant (P < .001) increase of omentin‐1 concentrations (+64 ± 14 ng ml−1). Omentin‐1 was significantly and negatively associated with HOMA‐IR both in cross‐sectional (r = −.27, P = .006) and longitudinal analyses (r = −.33, P = .001). Omentin‐1 concentrations were not related to pubertal stage, sex or thyroid hormones.

Conclusions

Our data do support the hypothesis that omentin‐1 is reversibly decreased in obesity and is a link between obesity and insulin resistance.
Man vs machine: Performance of manual vs automated electrocardiogram analysis for predicting the chamber of origin of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmia
Authors: Asatryan Babken , Ebrahimi Ramin , Strebel Ivo , van Dam Peter M. , Kühne Michael , Knecht Sven , Spies Florian , Abächerli Roger , Badertscher Patrick , Kozhuharov Nikola , Zeljkovic Ivan , Schaer Beat , Osswald Stefan , Sticherling Christian , Reichlin Tobias
Published: December 2019

Background

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) is performed to eliminate symptoms and to prevent or reverse arrhythmia‐induced cardiomyopathy. Preprocedural prediction of the chamber of VA origin is critical for patient counseling, procedure planning, and guidance of invasive mapping.

Objective

We aimed to assess the performance of manual expert versus automated 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis in the prediction of VA origin.

Methods

Patients with ablation of idiopathic VA and sustained success were included. The VA origin was defined as the site where ablation caused arrhythmia suppression. Standard baseline 12‐lead ECGs with documentation of the VA were analyzed manually in a blinded fashion by three electrophysiologists and three electrophysiology (EP) fellows. In addition, the same standard 12‐lead ECG was analyzed by an automated computer algorithm using a vectorcardiographic approach.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients (median age, 47 [interquartile range, 37–58]; 68% female) were enrolled. The VA originated from the right ventricle in 24 (63%) and the left ventricle in 14 (37%) patients. The electrophysiologists and EP fellows identified the VA chamber of origin with a similar accuracy of 73% and 72% (P = .72). The automated algorithm showed a higher accuracy of 89% (P = .03 compared with electrophysiologists and EP fellows). This resulted in a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 86%.

Conclusion

While the manual ECG analysis of the standard 12‐lead ECG by both electrophysiologists and EP fellows correctly identified the chamber of VA origin in around 75% of cases, an automated vectorcardiographic computer algorithm achieved an accuracy of 89% with clinically acceptable diagnostic parameters.
Quality of life of patients undergoing conventional vs leadless pacemaker implantation: A multicenter observational study
Authors: Cabanas‐Grandío Pilar , García Campo Enrique , Bisbal Felipe , García‐Seara Javier , Pachón Marta , Juan‐Salvadores Pablo , Paredes Emilio , Molinero Asier , Martínez‐Sande José Luis , Arias Miguel Ángel , Íñiguez Romo Andrés
Published: December 2019

Background

Leadless pacemakers (L‐PM) are an emerging effective and safe technology that offer an alternative to conventional pacemakers (C‐PM) for right ventricular stimulation. However, there is little information about their potential benefits for quality of life (QoL) in patients with L‐PM. We compared QoL between patients with L‐PM and C‐PM.

Methods

The study population comprised patients undergoing single chamber pacemaker implantation from December 2016 to March 2018. The SF‐36 questionnaire was used to evaluate QoL at baseline and at 6 months of followup. We also used a questionnaire consisted of 10 specific questions related to the implant procedure.

Results

A total of 106 patients (64 C‐PM; 42 L‐PM) were included. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the groups (C‐PM vs L‐PM), except for age (81.5 vs 77.3 years; P = .012) and diabetes (38% vs 17%; P = .021). Baseline SF‐36 scores did not differ between the groups. At 6 months followup, patients in the L‐PM group scored significantly higher on physical function (63 vs 42; P < .001), physical role (64 vs 36; P = .004), and mental health (75 vs 65; P = .017), even after adjusting for covariates. Pacemaker‐related discomfort and physical restrictions were significantly lower for the L‐PM group.

Conclusion

L‐PM is associated with better QoL than C‐PM in both physical and mental health. Patients undergoing L‐PM implantation reported less procedure‐related discomfort, physical restriction, and preoccupation.
Central blood pressure for the management of hypertension: Is it a practical clinical tool in current practice?
Authors: Cheng Hao‐Min , Chuang Shao‐Yuan , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Kario Kazuomi , Buranakitjaroen Peera , Chia Yook‐Chin , Divinagracia Romeo , Hoshide Satoshi , Minh Huynh Van , Nailes Jennifer , Park Sungha , Shin Jinho , Siddique Saulat , Sison Jorge , Soenarta Arieska Ann , Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Sukonthasarn Apichard , Tay Jam Chin , Teo Boon Wee , Turana Yuda , Verma Narsingh , Zhang Yuqing , Wang Ji‐Guang , Chen Chen‐Huan
Published: December 2019

Since noninvasive central blood pressure (BP) measuring devices are readily available, central BP has gained growing attention regarding its clinical application in the management of hypertension. The disagreement between central and peripheral BP has long been recognized. Some previous studies showed that noninvasive central BP may be better than the conventional brachial BP in association with target organ damages and long‐term cardiovascular outcomes. Recent studies further suggest that the central BP strategy for confirming a diagnosis of hypertension may be more cost‐effective than the conventional strategy, and guidance of hypertension management with central BP may result in less use of medications to achieve BP control. Despite the use of central BP being promising, more randomized controlled studies comparing central BP‐guided therapeutic strategies with conventional care for cardiovascular events reduction are required because noninvasive central and brachial BP measures are conveniently available. In this brief review, the rationale supporting the utility of central BP in clinical practice and relating challenges are summarized.
Randomized controlled trial of family‐focused treatment for child depression compared to individual psychotherapy: one‐year outcomes
Authors: Asarnow Joan Rosenbaum , Tompson Martha C. , Klomhaus Alexandra M. , Babeva Kalina , Langer David A. , Sugar Catherine A.
Published: December 2019

Objective

Childhood‐onset depression is associated with increased risk of recurrent depression and high morbidity extending into adolescence and adulthood. This multisite randomized controlled trial evaluated two active psychosocial treatments for childhood depression: family‐focused treatment for childhood depression (FFT‐CD) and individual supportive psychotherapy (IP). Aims were to describe effects through 52 weeks postrandomization on measures of depression, functioning, nondepressive symptoms, and harm events.

Methods

Children meeting criteria for depressive disorders (N = 134) were randomly assigned to 15 sessions of FFT‐CD or IP and evaluated at mid‐treatment for depressive symptoms and fully at roughly 16 weeks (after acute treatment), 32 weeks, and 52 weeks/one year. See clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01159041.

Results

Analyses using generalized linear mixed models confirmed the previously reported FFT‐CD advantage on rates of acute depression response (≥50% Children's Depression Rating Scale reduction). Improvements in depression and other outcomes were most rapid during the acute treatment period, and leveled off between weeks 16 and 52, with a corresponding attenuation of observed group differences, although both groups showed improved depression and functioning over 52 weeks. Survival analyses indicated that most children recovered from their index depressive episodes by week 52: estimated 76% FFT‐CD, 77% IP. However, by the week 52 assessment, one FFT‐CD child and six IP children had suffered recurrent depressive episodes. Four children attempted suicide, all in the IP group. Other indicators of possible harm were relatively evenly distributed across groups.

Conclusions

Results indicate a quicker depression response in FFT‐CD and hint at greater protection from recurrence and suicide attempts. However, outcomes were similar for both active treatments by week 52/one year. Although community care received after acute treatment may have influenced results, findings suggest the value of a more extended/chronic disease model that includes monitoring and guidance regarding optimal interventions when signs of depression‐risk emerge.
The use of PROMs and shared decision‐making in medical encounters with patients: An opportunity to deliver value‐based health care to patients
Authors: Damman Olga C. , Jani Anant , de Jong Brigit A. , Becker Annemarie , Metz Margot J. , de Bruijne Martine C. , Timmermans Danielle R. , Cornel Martina C. , Ubbink Dirk T. , van der Steen Marije , Gray Muir , van El Carla
Published: December 2019

Background

The recent emphasis on value‐based health care (VBHC) is thought to provide new opportunities for shared decision‐making (SDM) in the Netherlands, especially when using patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) in routine medical encounters. It is still largely unclear about how PROMs could be linked to SDM and what we expect from clinicians in this respect.

Aim

To describe approaches and lessons learned in the fields of SDM and VBHC implementation that converge in using PROMs in medical encounters.

Approach

Based on input from three Dutch forerunner case examples and available evidence about SDM and VBHC, we describe barriers and facilitators regarding the use of PROMs and SDM in the medical encounter. Barriers and facilitators were structured according to a conversational model that included monitoring and managing, team talk, option talk, choice talk, and decision talk. Key lessons learned and recommendations were synthesized.

Results

The use of individual, N = 1 PROMs scores in the medical encounter has been largely achieved in the forerunner projects. Conversation on monitoring and managing is relatively well implemented, and option talk to some extent, unlike team talk, and decision talk. Aggregated PROMs information describing outcomes of treatment options seemed to be scarcely used. Experienced barriers largely corresponded to what is known from the literature, eg, perceived lack of time and lack of tools summarizing the options. Some concerns were identified about increasing health care consumption as a result of using PROMs and SDM in the medical encounter.

Conclusion

Successful implementation of SDM within VBHC initiatives may not be self‐evident, even though individual, N = 1 PROMs scores are being used in the medical encounter. Education and staff resources on meso and macro levels may facilitate the more time‐consuming SDM aspects. It seems fruitful to especially target team talk and choice talk in redesigning clinical pathways.
Cultural Orientation Gaps Within a Family Systems Perspective
Authors: Bámaca‐Colbert Mayra Y. , Henry Carolyn S. , Perez‐Brena Norma , Gayles Jochebed G. , Martinez Griselda
Published: December 2019

The intersection of a family's heritage culture and mainstream cultural norms results in person‐to‐person differences in values, beliefs, and behaviors, particularly among immigrant families. These differences often lead to divergent cultural views and patterns of behavior both within and between family members. According to the acculturation‐gap distress hypothesis, cultural orientation gaps between family members have consequences for family functioning, particularly adolescents' adjustment. Studies supporting this notion have primarily focused on processes in parent–adolescent dyads. Although scholarship on family cultural gaps emerged from a systems perspective, applications of key systems tenets are notably limited in existing work. In this article, we review the background and current state of research on family cultural gaps, provide an overview of key principles of systems perspectives, and integrate the literature on cultural gaps with key systems principles to identify future directions in research and theory.
Life cycle sustainability assessment of autonomous heavy‐duty trucks
Authors: Sen Burak , Kucukvar Murat , Onat Nuri C. , Tatari Omer
Published: December 2019

Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are emerging technologies expected to bring important environmental, social, and economic improvements in transportation systems. Given their implications in terms of air quality and sustainable and safer movement of goods, heavy‐duty trucks (HDTs), carrying the majority of U.S. freight, are considered an ideal domain for the application of CAV technology. An input–output (IO) model is developed based on the Eora database—a detailed IO database that consists of national IO tables, covering almost the entire global economy. Using the Eora‐based IO model, this study quantifies and assesses the environmental, economic, and social impacts of automated diesel and battery electric HDTs based on 20 macro‐level indicators. The life cycle sustainability performances of these HDTs are then compared to that of a conventional diesel HDT. The study finds an automated diesel HDT to cause 18% more fatalities than an automated electric HDT. The global warming potential (GWP) of automated diesel HDTs is estimated to be 4.7 thousand metric tons CO2‐eq. higher than that of automated electric HDTs. The health impact costs resulting from an automated diesel HDT are two times higher than that of an automated electric HDT. Overall, the results also show that automation brings important improvements to the selected sustainability indicators of HDTs such as global warming potential, life cycle cost, GDP, decrease in import, and increase in income. The findings also show that there are significant trade‐offs particularly between mineral and fossil resource losses and environmental gains, which are likely to complicate decision‐making processes regarding the further development and commercialization of the technology.
Hyperammonemia alters the mismatch negativity in the auditory evoked potential by altering functional connectivity and neurotransmission
Authors: García‐García Raquel , Guerrero Juan F. , Lavilla‐Miyasato Manuel , Magdalena Jose R. , Ordoño Juan F. , Llansola Marta , Montoliu Carmina , Teruel‐Martí Vicent , Felipo Vicente
Published: December 2019

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome produced by central nervous system dysfunction subsequent to liver disease. Hyperammonemia and inflammation act synergistically to alter neurotransmission, leading to the cognitive and motor alterations in MHE, which are reproduced in rat models of chronic hyperammonemia. Patients with MHE show altered functional connectivity in different neural networks and a reduced response in the cognitive potential mismatch negativity (MMN), which correlates with attention deficits. The mechanisms by which MMN is altered in MHE remain unknown.

The objectives of this work are as follows:

To assess if rats with chronic hyperammonemia reproduce the reduced response in the MMN found in patients with MHE.

Analyze the functional connectivity between the areas (CA1 area of the dorsal hippocampus, prelimbic cortex, primary auditory cortex, and central inferior colliculus) involved in the generation of the MMN and its possible alterations in hyperammonemia. Granger causality analysis has been applied to detect the net flow of information between the population neuronal activities recorded from a local field potential approach.

Analyze if altered MMN response in hyperammonemia is associated with alterations in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. Extracellular levels of the neurotransmitters and/or membrane expression of their receptors have been analyzed after the tissue isolation of the four target sites.

The results show that rats with chronic hyperammonemia show reduced MMN response in hippocampus, mimicking the reduced MMN response of patients with MHE. This is associated with altered functional connectivity between the areas involved in the generation of the MMN. Hyperammonemia also alters membrane expression of glutamate and GABA receptors in hippocampus and reduces the changes in extracellular GABA and glutamate induced by the MMN paradigm of auditory stimulus in hippocampus of control rats. The changes in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission and in functional connectivity between the brain areas analyzed would contribute to the impairment of the MMN response in rats with hyperammonemia and, likely, also in patients with MHE.

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Feeling obligated yet hesitant to speak up: Investigating the curvilinear relationship between LMX and employee promotive voice
Authors: Carnevale Joel B. , Huang Lei , Uhl‐Bien Mary , Harris Stanley
Published: December 2019

Recent LMX research suggests that due to boundary conditions, the benefits of high‐quality LMX relationships may not be as straightforward as previously thought. In the voice domain, meta‐analytic evidence further shows that there is substantial variation in the effect sizes reported for the relationship between LMX and voice behaviour. To develop a more thorough understanding of the nature of the LMX–voice relationship, in the present study we draw from LMX theory and the voice literature to theorize and test the curvilinear indirect effect of LMX on employee promotive voice via employees’ felt obligation for constructive change (FOCC). We suggest that this curvilinear effect is contingent on employees’ perceptions of co‐worker voice behaviours and leader solicitation of voice. Survey data collected from 256 employees and their supervising manager working at a large Chinese Internet finance company largely support our predictions. Our findings show that at low‐to‐moderately high levels, LMX is positively associated with promotive voice via FOCC. However, this positive relationship turns negative at very high level of LMX. Results also show a negative relationship between LMX and FOCC (and a negative indirect effect of LMX on promotive voice via FOCC) in the presence of higher levels of co‐worker voice or lower levels of leader solicitation of voice. Contributions to the LMX and voice literatures are discussed. Limitations and future directions are also discussed.

Practitioner points

High‐quality LMX relationship is not always beneficial to organizations as it may discourage employees from speaking up with new ideas or suggestions at very high levels of LMX.

When co‐workers voice, employees are less likely to speak up with new ideas or suggestions as they feel their obligation to improve the organization may already be fulfilled by others.

Leader solicitation can effectively encourage employee voice in high LMX relationships.
Consumer profiling techniques for cosmetic formulation definition
Authors: Martins Vaniele B. , Bordim Jéssica , Bom Gabrielli A. P. , Carvalho Juliana G. D. S. , Parabocz Cristiane R. B. , Mitterer Daltoé Marina L.
Published: December 2019

The successful development of a novel cosmetic product depends on sensory perceptions. Successful results using consumer‐profiling techniques involving cosmetic samples with different characteristics have been reported. However, the use of sensory descriptive techniques by consumers for similar cosmetic samples requires further research. The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of two consumer‐profiling techniques, Intensity Scale and Flash Profile, as instruments for characterization and/or definition of ingredient concentrations in cosmetic formulations. Intensity scales and flash profiling techniques were evaluated in two groups of female consumers. The results showed behavior for the two methods of low consumer consensus and high discrimination of the samples regarding multidimensional aspects. The results indicated that the application of the two descriptive methods with consumers is valid for guiding the definition of the cosmetic formulation, but less effective at detecting smaller differences among formulations. The results also indicated thickness and absorption as being important descriptors of cosmetic emulsions for consumers.

Practical Applications

The cosmetic industry is expanding and along with this growth, there is a need for ingredients with natural appeal. Since ingredients are developed not only for their perception of effectiveness but for also sensory perception, an alliance between consumers sensory perception and the development of cosmetic products becomes important. Due to a lack of studies of the issue, the present study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of two consumer‐profiling techniques in characterization and/or definition of ingredient concentrations in cosmetic formulations. These results contribute to the advancement of sensory, consumer, and cosmetic science.
Advances in the mechanism of high copper diets in restraining pigs growth
Authors: Gao Yang , Yang Wenyan , Che Dongsheng , Adams Seidu , Yang Lianyu
Published: December 2019

High copper feed has been widely used as an inexpensive and highly effective feed additive to promote growth performance of pigs. However, long‐term feeding of high copper feed may reduce the growth‐promoting effects of copper, time‐dependent accumulation of copper in animal tissues and organs, and copper toxicity thereby reducing the growth performance of pigs. Due to the widespread effects of high copper supplementation in animals' diets, the benefits and drawbacks of high copper feeding in pigs have been reported in several studies. Meanwhile, few of these studies have systematically described the mechanism by which high copper diets restrain pig growth. Therefore, to address the concerns and give a better understanding of the mechanism of high copper diet in restraining pig growth in different systems, this paper reviews the research progress of long‐term supplementation of high copper on the growth of pigs and provides some suggestions and further research directions.
The Importance of Place of Residence on Hospitalized Outcomes for Severely Injured Trauma Patients: A Trauma Registry Analysis
Authors: Heathcote Katharine , Wullschleger Martin , Gardiner Ben , Morgan Geoffrey , Barbagello Holly , Sun Jing
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Socioecological factors are understudied in relation to trauma patients’ outcomes. This study investigated the association of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage (SED) and remoteness of residence on acute length of hospital stay days (ALSD) and inpatient mortality.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on adults hospitalized for major trauma in a Level 1 trauma center in southeast Queensland from 2014 to 2017. Neighborhood SED and remoteness indices were linked to individual patient variables. Step‐wise multivariable negative binomial regression and proportional hazards regression analyses were undertaken, adjusting for injury and patient factors. Outcomes were ALSD and inpatient mortality.

Findings

We analyzed 1,025 patients. Statistically significant increased hazard of inpatient mortality was found for older age (HR 3.53, 95% CI: 1.77‐7.11), injury severity (HR 5.27, 95% CI: 2.78‐10.02), remoteness of injury location (HR 1.75, 95% CI: 1.06‐2.09), and mechanisms related to intentional self‐harm or assault (HR 2.72, 95% CI: 1.48‐5.03,). Excess mortality risk was apparent for rural patients sustaining less severe injuries (HR 4.20, 95% CI: 1.35‐13.10). Increased risk for longer ALSD was evident for older age (RR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.07‐1.71), head injury (RR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.19‐1.62), extremity injuries (RR 1.82, 95% CI: 1.55‐2.14), and higher injury severity scores (ISS) (RR 1.51, 95%: CI: 1.29‐1.76).

Conclusions

Severely injured rural trauma patients are more likely to be socioeconomically disadvantaged and sustain injuries predisposing them to worse hospital outcomes. Further research is needed to understand more about care pathways and factors influencing the severity, mechanism and clinical consequences of rural‐based traumatic injuries.
Self‐facilitation and negative species interactions could drive microscale vegetation mosaic in a floating fen
Authors: van Bergen Tamara J. H. M. , Temmink Ralph J. M. , van Tweel‐Groot Loekie , Bakker Wiene J. , Rehlmeyer Katrin , Koks Adam H. W. , Waajen Annemiek C. , Roelofs Jan G. M. , Grootjans Albert P. , van der Heide Tjisse , Lamers Leon P. M.
Published: December 2019

Aim

The formation of a local vegetation mosaic may be attributed to local variation in abiotic environmental conditions. Recent research, however, indicates that self‐facilitating organisms and negative species interactions may be a driving factor. In this study, we explore whether heterogeneous geohydrological conditions or vegetation feedbacks and interactions could be responsible for a vegetation mosaic of rich and poor fen species.

Location

Lake Aturtaun, Roundstone Bog, Ireland.

Methods

In a floating fen, transects were set out to analyze the relation between vegetation type and rock–peat distance and porewater electrical conductivity. Furthermore, three distinct vegetation types were studied: rich fen, poor fen and patches of poor fen within rich fen vegetation. Biogeochemical measurements were conducted in a vertical profile to distinguish abiotic conditions of distinct vegetation types.

Results

Geohydrological conditions may drive the distribution of poor and rich fen species at a larger scale in the floating fen, due to the supply of minerotrophic groundwater. Interestingly, both rich and poor fen vegetation occurred in a mosaic, when electrical conductivity values at 50 cm depth were between 300 µS/cm and 450 µS/cm. Although environmental conditions were homogeneous at 50 cm, they differed markedly between rich and poor fen vegetation at 10 cm depth. Specifically, our measurements indicate that poor fen vegetation lowered porewater alkalinity, bicarbonate concentrations and pH. No effects of rich fen vegetation at 10 cm depth on biogeochemistry was measured. However, rich fen litter had a higher mineralization rate than poor fen litter, which increases the influence of minerotrophic water in rich fen habitat.

Conclusions

These results strengthen our hypothesis that species can drive formation of vegetation mosaics under environmentally homogeneous conditions in a floating fen. Positive intraspecific self‐facilitating mechanisms and negative species interactions could be responsible for a stable coexistence of species, even leading to local ecosystem engineering by the species, explaining the local vegetation mosaic at the microscale level in a floating fen.
Validation of Edwardsiella ictaluri oral vaccination platform in experimental pond trials
Authors: Wise David J. , Greenway Terrence E. , Byars Todd S. , Kumar Ganesh , Griffin Matt J. , Khoo Lester H. , Chesser Gary , Lowe John
Published: December 2019

Since its recognition in the early 1980s, enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), caused by the gram‐negative enteric Edwardsiella ictaluri, is one of the most significant pathogens affecting catfish aquaculture. In efforts to improve disease management in U.S. catfish aquaculture, a live‐attenuated ESC vaccine and method of in‐pond oral vaccine delivery was developed. This work evaluated the efficacy of the oral delivery platform using a live‐attenuated E. ictaluri vaccine under simulated commercial conditions. Channel catfish fingerlings were orally vaccinated approximately 40–50 days poststocking by mixing the attenuated vaccine with feed using a patent‐pending mechanized delivery system. Across three discrete years under varying evaluation methods, vaccination resulted in significant improvements in survival, feed conversion ratio, feed fed, and total yield. An economic analysis of experimental data suggests a significant positive net economic benefit from vaccination. After accounting for a projected cost of vaccination, the realized improvements in survival and yield resulted in an estimated benefit exceeding $3,500/ha ($1,400/acre) on fingerling operations. These results suggest vaccinating channel catfish fingerlings against ESC is an effective strategy to mitigate ESC‐related losses and can significantly improve production efficiency and profitability on catfish operations.
Could land cover influence Aedes aegypti mosquito populations?
Authors: Benitez E. M. , Ludueña‐Almeida F. , Frías‐Céspedes M. , Almirón W. R. , Estallo E. L.
Published: December 2019

Aedes aegypti is mainly found in urban environments, where human activity guarantees the permanent availability of potential larval habitats. The present study aimed to test for a possible association between Ae. aegypti infestation and land cover classes. From 23 February to 22 May 2015, immature mosquitoes (except eggs) were sampled in artificial containers identified in dwellings in Córdoba city, Argentina. The proportion of each land cover class was determined by SPOT‐5 (Satellites Pour 1'Observation de la Terre or Earth‐observing Satellites) image classification. Generalized linear models were developed to assess a suite of predetermined hypotheses and identified cover class variables associated with Ae. aegypti infestation. Arboreal vegetation was identified as the land cover with the greatest relative importance, negatively associated with Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. More infestation was find in areas with less arboreal vegetation, which corresponds to more urbanized areas.
Stress management interventions for intensive and critical care nurses: A systematic review
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Ja'far Mohammad Aqeel , Soh Kim Lam , Mukhtar Firdaus Binti Mamat , Peng Ooi Cheow , Anshasi Huda A.
Published: December 2019

Background

The level of occupational stress of nurses working in intensive and critical care units is high. Although many studies have assessed the effectiveness of stress management interventions among intensive and critical care nurses, the methodological quality of these studies remains unclear.

Purpose

The purpose of this review was to summarize and appraise the methodological quality of primary studies on interventions for management of occupational stress among intensive and critical care nurses.

Methods

This review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify primary studies that assessed the effectiveness of interventions in managing occupational stress among intensive and critical care nurses using multiple databases from January 2009 to June 2019.

Results

Twelve studies published between 2011 and 2019 were eligible for inclusion. These included studies were classified as being of good or fair quality. The consensus across the included studies was that, compared with control condition, cognitive‐behavioural skills training and mindfulness‐based intervention were more effective in reducing occupational stress among intensive and critical care unit nurses.

Conclusion

Further research should focus on methodologically strong studies by blinding the outcome assessors, using Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design with an active control group, using standardized assessment tools, and reporting enough details about the stress management intervention‐related adverse events.

Relevance to clinical practice

This review demonstrates the need for high methodological quality studies to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of stress management interventions before it can be recommended for use in clinical practice to reduce stress in intensive and critical care unit nurses. In addition, attention should be given to developing research protocols that place more emphasis on interventions aimed at the organization level to address the growing problem of occupational stress among intensive and critical care nurses.
How social capital shapes citizen willingness to co‐invest in public service: The case of flood control
Authors: Zhang Youlang , Liu Xinsheng , Vedlitz Arnold
Published: December 2019

Why are citizens in some communities more willing to co‐invest in public services than citizens in other communities? Citizen co‐investment has become an important policy tool for governments to finance public services, yet little research has theorized and empirically examined the impacts of community contexts on citizens' willingness to invest their personal resources in public services. As social capital is often viewed as an important determinant of citizen behaviours, we propose two competing hypotheses explaining the relationship between social capital and citizen co‐investment: the facilitation effect hypothesis and the inhibition effect hypothesis. Based on three data sources, our statistical analyses consistently show that citizens living in counties with more social capital are less willing to co‐invest in local flood control. This finding provides empirical evidence to support the inhibition effect hypothesis. Key implications of our research and suggestions for future research are discussed in the conclusion.
Anesthetic management of pediatric patients diagnosed with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy: A single‐center experience
Authors: Kloesel Benjamin , Dua Nupur , Eskuri Ryan , Hall Jason , Cohen Melissa , Richtsfeld Martina , Belani Kumar
Published: December 2019

Background

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy is a progressive demyelinating disease that primarily affects males with an incidence of 1:20 000‐30 000. The disease has a wide spectrum of phenotypic expression and may include adrenal insufficiency, cerebral X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy and adrenomyeloneuropathy. The condition has implications for the administration of anesthesia and reports of anesthetic management in those patients are limited at this point.

Aim

To review the perioperative care, complications and outcomes of patients diagnosed with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital.

Method

After obtaining IRB approval, we performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients diagnosed with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy who underwent either surgery or diagnostic/therapeutic procedures that included anesthesia services between January 2014 and December 2016. Data included demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, preoperative diagnosis, history of hematopoietic stem cell transplant, anesthetic approaches, airway management, medications used, intra‐ and postoperative complications, and patient disposition.

Results

We identified 38 patients who had a total of 166 anesthetic encounters. The majority of patients underwent procedures in the sedation unit (75.9%) and received a total intravenous anesthetic with spontaneous ventilation via a natural airway (86.1%). Preoperative adrenal insufficiency was documented in 87.3% of the encounters. Stress‐dose steroids were administered in 70.5% of the performed anesthetics. A variety of anesthetic agents were successfully used including sevoflurane, isoflurane, propofol, midazolam, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine. There were few perioperative complications noted (6.6%) and the majority were of low severity. No anesthesia‐related mortality was observed.

Conclusions

With the availability of skilled pediatric anesthesia care, children with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy can undergo procedures under anesthesia in sedation units and regular operating rooms with low overall anesthesia risk.
Preoperative identification of children at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Ohn Mon , Eastwood Peter , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S.
Published: December 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common childhood disorder which can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Enlarged adenoid and tonsils are the commonest causes, and adenotonsillectomy is the recommended first line of treatment. Obstructive sleep apnea poses as an anesthetic challenge, and it is a well‐known risk factor for perioperative adverse events. The presence and severity of an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis will influence anesthesia, pain management, and level of monitoring in recovery period. Preoperative obstructive sleep apnea assessment is necessary, and anesthetists are ideally placed to do so. Currently, there is no standardized approach to the best method of preoperative screening for obstructive sleep apnea. Focused history, clinical assessments, and knowledge regarding the strengths and limitations of available obstructive sleep apnea assessment tools will help recognize a child with obstructive sleep apnea in the preoperative setting.
Emotions naturally and laboriously expressed: Antecedents, consequences, and the role of valence
Authors: Scott Brent A. , Lennard Anna C. , Mitchell Rebecca L. , Johnson Russell E.
Published: December 2019

The emotion regulation literature has focused primarily on comparing the methods of surface acting and deep acting, yet scholars have also noted the importance of naturally felt emotions as a means for achieving a desired emotional display. The literature has also mainly examined positive displays, yet there are many situations that call for the display of negative emotions. To advance theory and research, we draw from theory on central principles of approach/avoidance motivation to understand why an individual would choose a given emotional display method, as well as the extent to which a given method is beneficial versus harmful to individuals. In doing so, we identify the valence of the emotion being displayed as a critical factor influencing the benefits and detriments of emotional display methods. Results of a 3‐week experience‐sampling study of 218 employees revealed that mood was associated with the natural display of positive emotion, promotion focus was associated with deep acting, and prevention focus was associated with surface acting. In positive display contexts, displaying emotion naturally was most beneficial (in terms of effects on emotional exhaustion, job satisfaction, and work withdrawal), whereas surface acting was most detrimental. In negative contexts, this relationship pattern was reversed.
Global EEG coherence as a marker for cognition in older adults at risk for dementia
Authors: Laptinskaya Daria , Fissler Patrick , Küster Olivia Caroline , Wischniowski Jakob , Thurm Franka , Elbert Thomas , von Arnim Christine A. F. , Kolassa Iris‐Tatjana
Published: December 2019

Quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) provides useful information about neurophysiological health of the aging brain. Current studies investigating EEG coherence and power for specific brain areas and frequency bands have yielded inconsistent results. This study assessed EEG coherence and power indices at rest measured over the whole skull and for a wide frequency range as global EEG markers for cognition in a sample at risk for dementia. Since global markers are more reliable and less error‐prone than region‐ and frequency‐specific indices they might help to overcome previous inconsistencies. Global EEG coherence (1–30 Hz) and an EEG slowing score were assessed. The EEG slowing score was calculated by low‐frequency power (1–8 Hz) divided by high‐frequency power (9–30 Hz). In addition, the prognostic value of the two EEG indices for cognition and cognitive decline was assessed in a 5‐year follow‐up pilot study. Baseline global coherence correlated positively with cognition at baseline, but not with cognitive decline or with cognition at the 5‐year follow‐up. The EEG slowing ratio showed no significant association, neither with cognition at baseline or follow‐up, nor with cognitive decline over a period of 5 years. The results indicate that the resting state global EEG coherence might be a useful and easy to assess electrophysiological correlate for neurocognitive health in older adults at risk for dementia. Because of the small statistical power for the follow‐up analyses, the prognostic value of global coherence could not be determined in the present study. Future studies should assess its prognostic value with larger sample sizes.
How mindfulness affects benign and malicious envy from the perspective of the mindfulness reperceiving model
Authors: Dong Xia , Xiang Yanhui , Zhao Jiaxu , Li Qingyin , Zhao Jingjing , Zhang Wenrui
Published: December 2019

At present, mindfulness is a hotspot in psychological research. Mindfulness is an effective tool that enables people to effectively inhibit negative emotions. Previous studies have shown that envy is a typical negative emotion; however, envy can be divided into two completely different types: benign envy and malicious envy. The question then arises, how does mindfulness affect both types of envy? Using a mindfulness reperceiving model, we explored the effect of mindfulness on these two different types of envy and on the mediating mechanism of psychological resilience. To accomplish this, we recruited 676 Chinese undergraduates to complete the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale (BEMAS) and the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC). The results we obtained showed that mindfulness and psychological resilience significantly and negatively predicted malicious envy and that psychological resilience played a partially mediating role in the relationship. In addition, the results showed that there was no significant effect between mindfulness and benign envy; however, psychological resilience can significantly and positively predict benign envy and played a completely mediating role between mindfulness and benign envy. These results effectively extend theories based on the mindfulness reperceiving model while also being important for promoting benign envy and inhibiting malicious envy in terms of improving mindfulness and psychological resilience.
The predictive distributions of thinning‐based count processes
Authors: Lu Yang
Published: December 2019

This paper shows that the term structure of conditional (i.e. predictive) distributions allows for closed form expression in a large family of (possibly higher order or infinite order) thinning‐based count processes such as INAR(p), INARCH(p), NBAR(p), and INGARCH(1,1). Such predictive distributions are currently often deemed intractable by the literature and existing approximation methods are usually time consuming and induce approximation errors. In this paper, we propose a Taylor's expansion algorithm for these predictive distributions, which is both exact and fast. Through extensive simulation exercises, we demonstrate its advantages with respect to existing methods in terms of the computational gain and/or precision.
Evaluation of a change in cytomegalovirus prevention strategy following pediatric solid organ transplantation
Authors: Pangonis Scott , Paulsen Grant , Andersen Heidi , Flores Francisco , Miethke Alexander , Peters Anna , Kocoshis Samuel , Lazear Danielle , Garr BreAnn , Schecter Marc , Chin Clifford , Hemmelgarn Trina , Danziger‐Isakov Lara
Published: December 2019

Background

An optimal cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention strategy following solid organ transplantation (SOT) remains uncertain. This study reports on the rates of CMV events following a change in a local prevention guideline involving increased surveillance, earlier transition to oral valganciclovir, and decreased CMV‐immunoglobulin use.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study utilizing historical controls evaluated the rates of CMV invasive disease pre‐ and post‐intervention among pediatric heart, liver, and kidney recipients. Outcomes were recorded for the 4 years pre‐ and post‐intervention, 9/2009‐10/2017. Logistic regression was used to estimate the risk of a CMV event.

Results

There was no difference in the rates of CMV invasive disease between the two study groups (P = 1). An increase in the detection of CMV events occurred (P = .04), predominantly asymptomatic CMV infection. This increase was independently associated with increased surveillance testing among high‐risk heart and liver recipients, aOR 1.08 (1.06‐1.12). Surprisingly, 28.9% of CMV events occurred during antiviral prophylaxis.

Conclusions

Modification of the local CMV prevention guideline did not result in an increase in CMV invasive disease. CMV events occurred while on prophylaxis, highlighting a potential difference from adult solid organ transplant (SOT) and emphasizing the potential need for monitoring on prophylaxis in the pediatric population.
Prediction‐Based Learning and Processing of Event Knowledge
Authors: McRae Ken , Brown Kevin S. , Elman Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2019

Knowledge of common events is central to many aspects of cognition. Intuitively, it seems as though events are linear chains of the activities of which they are comprised. In line with this intuition, a number of theories of the temporal structure of event knowledge have posited mental representations (data structures) consisting of linear chains of activities. Competing theories focus on the hierarchical nature of event knowledge, with representations comprising ordered scenes, and chains of activities within those scenes. We present evidence that the temporal structure of events typically is not well‐defined, but it is much richer and more variable both within and across events than has usually been assumed. We also present evidence that prediction‐based neural network models can learn these rich and variable event structures and produce behaviors that reflect human performance. We conclude that knowledge of the temporal structure of events in the human mind emerges as a consequence of prediction‐based learning.