bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of mechanical properties of e-glass and aloe vera fiber reinforced with polyester and epoxy resin matrices
Authors: M.P. Jenarthanan , Marappan Karthikeyan , R. Giridharan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The need for seeking alternate materials with increased performance in the field of composites revived this research, to prepare and evaluate the mechanical properties of e-glass and aloe vera fiber-reinforced with polyester and epoxy resin matrices.

Design/methodology/approach

The composites are prepared by hand layup method using E-glass and aloe vera fibers with length 5-6 mm. The resin used in the preparation of composites was epoxy and polyester. Fiber-reinforced composites were synthesized at 18:82 fiber–resin weight percentages. Samples prepared were tested to evaluate its mechanical and physical properties, such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, hardness and scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Findings

SEM analysis revealed the morphological features. E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composite exhibited better mechanical properties than other composite samples. The cross-linking density of monomers of the epoxy resin and addition of the short chopped E-glass fibers enhanced the properties of E-glass epoxy fiber-reinforced composite.

Originality/value

This research work enlists the properties of e-glass and aloe vera fiber-reinforced with polyester and epoxy resin matrices which has not been attempted so far.
Fishing constrains phenotypic responses of marine fish to climate variability
Authors: Morrongiello John R. , Sweetman Philip C. , Thresher Ronald E.
Published: May 2019

Fishing and climate change are profoundly impacting marine biota through unnatural selection and exposure to potentially stressful environmental conditions. Their effects, however, are often considered in isolation, and then only at the population level, despite there being great potential for synergistic selection on the individual.

We explored how fishing and climate variability interact to affect an important driver of fishery productivity and population dynamics: individual growth rate. We projected that average growth rate would increase as waters warm, a harvest‐induced release from density dependence would promote adult growth, and that fishing would increase the sensitivity of somatic growth to temperature.

We measured growth increments from the otoliths of 400 purple wrasse (Notolabrius funicola), a site‐attached temperate marine reef fish inhabiting an ocean warming hotspot. These were used to generate nearly two decades of annually resolved growth estimates from three populations spanning a period before and after the onset of commercial fishing. We used hierarchical models to partition variation in growth within and between individuals and populations, and attribute it to intrinsic (age, individual‐specific) and extrinsic (local and regional climate, fishing) drivers.

At the population scale, we detected predictable additive increases in average growth rate associated with warming and a release from density dependence. A fishing–warming synergy only became apparent at the individual scale where harvest resulted in the 50% reduction of thermal growth reaction norm diversity. This phenotypic change was primarily caused by the loss of larger individuals that showed a strong positive response to temperature change after the onset of size‐selective harvesting.

We speculate that the dramatic loss of individual‐level biocomplexity is caused by either inadvertent fisheries selectivity based on behaviour, or the disruption of social hierarchies resulting from the selective harvesting of large, dominant and resource‐rich individuals. Whatever the cause, the removal of individuals that display a positive growth response to temperature could substantially reduce species’ capacity to adapt to climate change at temperatures well below those previously thought stressful.
Review article: Emergency endotracheal intubation in non‐traumatic brain pathologies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fouche Pieter F , Stein Christopher , Jennings Paul A , Boyle Malcolm , Bernard Stephen , Smith Karen
Published: May 2019

Endotracheal intubation is an advanced airway procedure performed in the ED and the out‐of‐hospital setting for acquired brain injuries that include non‐traumatic brain pathologies such as stroke, encephalopathies, seizures and toxidromes. Controlled trial evidence supports intubation in traumatic brain injuries, but it is not clear that this evidence can be applied to non‐traumatic brain pathologies. We sought to analyse the impact of emergency intubation on survival in non‐traumatic brain pathologies and also to quantify the prevalence of intubation in these pathologies. We conducted a systematic literature search of Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Eligibility, data extraction and assessment of risk of bias were assessed independently by two reviewers. A bias‐adjusted meta‐analysis using a quality‐effects model pooled prevalence of intubation in non‐traumatic brain pathologies. Forty‐six studies were included in this systematic review. No studies were suitable for meta‐analysis the primary outcome of survival. Thirty‐nine studies reported the prevalence of intubation in non‐traumatic brain pathologies and a meta‐analysis showed that emergency intubation was used in 12% (95% CI 0–33) of pathologies. Endotracheal intubation was used commonly in haemorrhagic stroke 79% (95% CI 47–100) and to a lesser extent for seizures 18% (95% CI 10–27) and toxidromes 25% (95% CI 6–48). This systematic review shows that there is no high‐quality clinical evidence to support or refute emergency intubation in non‐traumatic brain pathologies. Our analysis shows that intubation is commonly used in non‐traumatic brain pathologies, and the need for rigorous evidence is apparent.
Linking parental incarceration and family dynamics associated with intergenerational transmission: A life‐course perspective*
Authors: Giordano Peggy C. , Copp Jennifer E. , Manning Wendy D. , Longmore Monica A.
Published: May 2019

Children experiencing parental incarceration face numerous additional disadvantages, but researchers have often relied on these other co‐occurring factors primarily as controls. In this article, we focus on the intimate links between crime and incarceration, as well as on the broader family context within which parental incarceration often unfolds. Thus, parents’ drug use and criminal behavior that precedes and may follow incarceration periods may be ongoing stressors that directly affect child well‐being. We also use our analyses to foreground mechanisms associated with social learning theories, including observations and communications that increase the child's risk for criminal involvement and other problem outcomes. These related family experiences often channel the child's own developing network ties (peers, romantic partners) that then serve as proximal influences. We explore these processes by drawing on qualitative and quantitative data from a study of the lives of a sample of respondents followed from adolescence to young adulthood, as well as on records searches of parents’ incarceration histories. Through our analyses, we find evidence that 1) some effects attributed to parental incarceration likely connect to unmeasured features of the broader family context, and b) together parental incarceration and the broader climate often constitute a tightly coupled package of family‐related risks linked to intergenerational continuities in criminal behavior and other forms of social disadvantage.
Bacteriophages engineered to display foreign peptides may become short‐circulating phages
Authors: Hodyra‐Stefaniak Katarzyna , Lahutta Karolina , Majewska Joanna , Kaźmierczak Zuzanna , Lecion Dorota , Harhala Marek , Kęska Weronika , Owczarek Barbara , Jończyk‐Matysiak Ewa , Kłopot Anna , Miernikiewicz Paulina , Kula Dominika , Górski Andrzej , Dąbrowska Krystyna
Published: May 2019

Bacteriophages draw scientific attention in medicine and biotechnology, including phage engineering, widely used to shape biological properties of bacteriophages. We developed engineered T4‐derived bacteriophages presenting seven types of tissue‐homing peptides. We evaluated phage accumulation in targeted tissues, spleen, liver and phage circulation in blood (in mice). Contrary to expectations, accumulation of engineered bacteriophages in targeted organs was not observed, but instead, three engineered phages achieved tissue titres up to 2 orders of magnitude lower than unmodified T4. This correlated with impaired survival of these phages in the circulation. Thus, engineering of T4 phage resulted in the short‐circulating phage phenotype. We found that the complement system inactivated engineered phages significantly more strongly than unmodified T4, while no significant differences in phages’ susceptibility to phagocytosis or immunogenicity were found. The short‐circulating phage phenotype of the engineered phages suggests that natural phages, at least those propagating on commensal bacteria of animals and humans, are naturally optimized to escape rapid neutralization by the immune system. In this way, phages remain active for longer when inside mammalian bodies, thus increasing their chance of propagating on commensal bacteria. The effect of phage engineering on phage pharmacokinetics should be considered in phage design for medical purposes.
Sex Differences in Ethanol Reward Seeking Under Conflict in Mice
Authors: Xie Qiaowei , Buck Lauren A. , Bryant Kathleen G. , Barker Jacqueline M.
Published: May 2019

Background

Alcohol use disorders are characterized by inflexible alcohol seeking that occurs despite adverse consequences. Males and females are differentially sensitive to ethanol (EtOH) reward, but it is unclear whether sex differences in EtOH seeking under reward–aversion conflict are present.

Methods

To investigate sex differences in EtOH seeking under conflict, adult male and female C57BL/6J mice underwent chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) exposure by vapor inhalation or served as air‐exposed controls. After CIE, mice were trained in a modified EtOH conditioned place preference paradigm. During 3 conditioning sessions, 2 g/kg EtOH was administered prior to confinement in the “EtOH‐paired” chamber. On alternating days, saline was injected prior to confinement in the “saline‐paired” chamber. After conditioning, mice experienced a footshock in the EtOH‐paired chamber. EtOH‐seeking behavior was assessed before and after footshock.

Results

Control and CIE‐exposed males reduced the time spent in and increased latency to enter the reward‐paired chamber following footshock. Control females did not alter EtOH‐seeking behavior following footshock. CIE‐exposed females spent more time in the EtOH‐paired chamber at baseline. However, following a footshock, CIE‐exposed females significantly reduced the time spent in and increased latency to enter the EtOH‐paired chamber.

Conclusions

Nondependent female mice exhibited aversion‐resistant alcohol seeking to a greater degree than males. Chronic EtOH exposure did not impact EtOH seeking in males. In females, CIE enhanced EtOH seeking in the absence of conflict, but reduced EtOH seeking after an aversive experience. While these sex‐specific effects of CIE are not present when reward seeking is assessed in the absence of an aversive experience, multiple factors may underlie the differences in reward seeking despite adverse consequences, including reward‐ and aversion‐related learning and decision making under conflict. These data highlight the importance of considering sex as a variable influencing EtOH seeking and provide a greater understanding of how sex interacts with EtOH exposure to alter behavior.
Reducing regional flow stasis and improving intraventricular hemodynamics with a tipless inflow cannula design: An in vitro flow visualization study using the EVAHEART LVAD
Authors: May‐Newman Karen , Montes Ricardo , Campos Josue , Marquez‐Maya Nikolas , Vu Vi , Zebrowski Erin , Motomura Tadashi , Benkowski Robert
Published: May 2019

Due to the high stroke rate of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients, reduction of thrombus has emerged as an important target for LVAD support. Left ventricular blood flow patterns with areas of flow stasis and recirculation are associated with platelet aggregation, which is worsened by exposure to high shear stress. Previous reports of intraventricular thrombus in LVAD patients have identified the outside of the LVAD inflow cannula as a nidus for LV thrombus formation. Previous studies of LVAD inflow cannula design have shown a region of low blood velocity and pulsatility at the apex, adjacent to the cannula. One unresolved question is whether the standard practice of inserting the LVAD inflow cannula several mm into the LV could be revised to reduce thrombus formation. To address this, a “tipless” inflow cannula was designed for the EVAHEART LVAS, and assessed in a mock circulatory loop of the LVAD‐supported heart. Customized transparent silicone models of a dilated LV were connected to the EVAHEART LVAS at the apex with a clear polycarbonate inflow cannula for flow visualization using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The “tipless” cannula was inserted flush with the endocardial border and did not protrude into the LV. This condition was compared to the standard cannula position with a 1‐cm insertion into the LV. The Pre‐LVAD condition corresponded to a severe heart failure patient (ejection fraction of 24%) with a dilated LV (180 mL). LVAD support was provided at speeds of 1.8 and 2.3 krpm. At the lower LVAD speed, 63% of the flow passed through the LVAD, with the remainder ejecting through the aortic valve. When LVAD speed was increased, nearly all flow (98%) left the LV through the LVAD. Both LVAD speed conditions produced a vortex ring similar to the Pre‐LVAD condition in diastole. However, the protruding inflow cannula interrupted the growth and restricted the movement of the vortex, and produced areas of low velocity and pulsatility adjacent to the cannula. The tipless cannula exhibited an uninterrupted pattern of the mitral jet toward the LV apex, which allowed the diastolic vortex to grow and aid in the washout of this region. In addition, the tipless cannula increased aortic valve flow, which reduces stasis in the left ventricular outflow tract. The EVAHEART LVAS tipless inflow cannula design improved regional velocity, pulsatility, and vortex formation compared to the standard protruding design, which all reduce the risk of thrombus formation. The clinical significance of the differences observed in the flow field will be dependent on other factors such as the cannula material and surface characteristics, as well as the patients' coagulation status.
Predicting respiratory distress syndrome at birth using a fast test based on spectroscopy of gastric aspirates: 2. Clinical part
Authors: Heiring Christian , Verder Henrik , Schousboe Peter , Jessen Torben E. , Bender Lars , Ebbesen Finn , Dahl Marianne , Eschen Christian , Fenger‐Grøn Jesper , Höskuldsson Agnar , Matthews Morgaine , Reinholdt Jes , Scoutaris Nikolaos , Smedegaard Heidi
Published: May 2019

Aim

To evaluate the accuracy of our new rapid point‐of‐care (POC) test for lung maturity. The method as we describe in an accompanying article was developed with the purpose of improving the outcome from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The test enables the delivery of surfactant in infants with immature lungs already at birth and ensures that infants with mature lungs are not treated unnecessarily.

Methods

Fresh gastric aspirate (GAS) was sampled at birth in a cohort of preterm infants with gestational ages ranging between 24 and 31 completed weeks for lung surfactant measurement as lecithin–sphingomyelin ratio (L/S). L/S was prospectively compared with RDS development. The clinical outcome was blinded for the investigators of L/S. The time for analysis was <15 minutes.

Results

GAS was obtained from 72 infants. Forty‐four (61%) developed RDS. The cut‐off for L/S was 3.05; predicting RDS with a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 79%.

Conclusion

The new improved spectroscopic L/S method of lung maturity on GAS has high sensitivity. The method is designed for use as a POC test at birth, and a spectroscopic prototype has been developed for bedside use. Clinical trials with this new lung maturity test are planned.
The Production of a Cause for Activism in Argentina: Labor Organization in Call Centers
Authors: Wolanski Sandra
Published: May 2019

This paper focuses on activist labor organizing in call centers in Argentina. Following a strong tradition in anthropology that has debated the nature of resistance, it discusses previous explanations for labor organizing in call centers, critiquing the common assumption that labor conditions, work processes, and the relations that take place on the shop floor constitute the seed from which forms of resistance, protest, or activism progressively emerge. Instead, this paper describes the relations, practices, and tensions through which multiple actors came together to turn call center working conditions into a cause for political action in Argentina and the collaborations that made that process possible. Based on fieldwork with call center activists between 2012 and 2013, this paper reconstructs the forms of collective organization that established the problem of poor working conditions in call centers as a cause for political action.
Examination of students' acceptance of and intention to use learning management systems using extended TAM
Authors: Eraslan Yalcin Muyesser , Kutlu Birgul
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study is to examine students’ acceptance of and intention to use Learning Management Systems (LMSs) for university education in Turkey using extended Technology Acceptance Model (e‐TAM). TAM has been widely used in various fields of technology acceptance in the last years and is found to be highly useful for the determination of the factors influencing the intention to use and adopt e‐learning platforms at universities. However, studies in this field have not converged around a uniform version of TAM. Almost all studies used different factors, samples or technologies to study behavioral intention. In this study, the most commonly used factors are compiled in one model. Results show that intention to use a LMS is affected from perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and social norm. At the same time, perceived usefulness is affected from perceived ease of use, social norm and user interface design and perceived ease of use is affected from user interface design and computer self‐efficacy.

Practitioners Notes

What is already known about this topic

E‐TAM is successfully applied to various e‐learning platforms (such as Moodle, Blackboard, IWiLL web‐based learning system, gadgets and etc.) to examine students’ acceptance and intention to use.

According to the literature, the external variables are various, and social norm, user interface design and computer self‐efficacy are most commonly used or suggested factors.

What this paper adds

In this study, most common factors, which were not used altogether in one framework in other studies, are used to discover the behavioral intention to use a learning management System (LMS).

The model is applied to two different sample groups by taking into consideration adoption issues.

The proposed model of this study is analyzed by SEM technique to confirm the path and to find the best model fitting values.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Using this model the learning environment will improve and it will attract students more that will increase their intention to use LMS.

This study would help universities to increase LMS usage by considering social norms, user interface design and computer self‐efficacy.
Is a “Christian America” a More Patriarchal America? Religion, Politics, and Traditionalist Gender Ideology
Authors: Whitehead Andrew L. , Perry Samuel L.
Published: May 2019

Recent research shows that Americans who adhere to Christian nationalism—an ideology that idealizes and advocates a fusion of Christianity and American civic life—tend to hold authoritarian and exclusionary attitudes, particularly regarding ethno‐racial minorities and nontraditional family forms. Such findings suggest a fundamental connection between Christian nationalism and rigid symbolic boundaries, which would likely extend to Americans’ understanding of gender roles. Drawing on notions connecting religious nationalism with defenses of patriarchal norms and utilizing a recent national, random sample of American adults, the current study examines the link between contemporary Christian nationalism and traditionalist gender ideologies. Our analyses reveal that Christian nationalism is the strongest predictor of holding a more traditionalist gender ideology, even after taking into account a host of political and religious characteristics. Moreover, the relationship between Christian nationalism and gender traditionalism holds across religious traditions, including more gender‐egalitarian groups like Mainline Protestants and even the unaffiliated. We conclude by highlighting the implications of these findings for understanding contemporary populist support for Donald Trump, which previous studies have shown is undergirded by both Christian nationalism and sexism.
Canadian Fossil Capitalism, Corporate Strategy, and Post‐Carbon Futures
Authors: Graham Nicolas
Published: May 2019

This study investigates the relationship between the carbon extractive sector in Canada and renewable energy development. Specifically, it examines the strategies employed by Canadian carbon‐capital firms to shape and control alternative energy and considers if we are witnessing signs of “transition capture” as some oil, gas, and coal firms invest in a gradual shift toward “climate capitalism.” I investigate first, investments by large Canada‐based fossil fuel companies in renewable energy and second, interlocking directorate relations between the fossil fuel sector and the renewables industry. Findings suggest the possibility of a long‐term strategic orientation toward a climate capitalist model of development by some carbon‐capital firms; however, this alignment remains highly tentative, with evidence pointing to an industry that is largely without plans for energy transition.
Investigating the participation of children on the autism spectrum across home, school, and community: A longitudinal study
Authors: Simpson Kate , Adams Dawn , Bruck Susan , Keen Deb
Published: May 2019

Background

The World Health Organization recognizes that meaningful participation in one's community empowers individuals. Children and adolescents on the autism spectrum consistently report lower participation than their typical peers in activities, and this appears to continue into adulthood. The aim of this study was to investigate the participation of children on the autism spectrum over a 3‐year period across home, school, and community.

Method

Caregivers of 84 participants aged 9–10 years at Year 1 completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM‐CY) at three annual data collection points. The PEM‐CY is a 25‐question measure of the child's level of involvement in home, school, and community activities. Distribution frequencies were calculated for each time point.

Results

Although participation in the majority of items across home, school, and community remained stable, the longitudinal data suggest that children change the types of socializing activities across time. Over the 3 years, there was a decline in physical activity (both organized and unstructured) and in participation in school activities.

Conclusion

This decline in participation as children move into adolescence is concerning. Further, reduced participation at this phase of development may potentially limit future participation opportunities throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Further exploration of the participation trajectories of children on the autism spectrum is needed.
Exploring the international uptake of the “F‐words in childhood disability”: A citation analysis
Authors: Soper Alice Kelen , Cross Andrea , Rosenbaum Peter , Gorter Jan Willem
Published: May 2019

Background

The “F‐words in childhood disability” (function, family, fitness, fun, friends, and future) were introduced in a concept paper in 2012 entitled, “The F‐words in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think!”. The “F‐words” are grounded in, and aim to operationalize, the World Health Organization's (World Health Organization, 2001) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. A citation analysis was conducted to explore the extent of research uptake of the “F‐words” concepts.

Methods

Three databases—Google Scholar, Wiley Online, and Web of Science—were searched from July 2012 to December 2018 for sources that cited the original F‐words paper. Dates of publication and countries of first authors were extracted from all cited articles, and a taxonomy was developed to categorize the type of usage.

Results

The search yielded 157 sources from 26 countries, and the number of citations has continued to increase since the paper's publication. Sources were placed into three categories: cited/referenced (n = 109; i.e., the paper was simply cited), integrated/informed (n = 36; i.e., the F‐words were stated within the text), and non‐English (n = 12). Of the 36 integrated/informed sources, 34 (94.4%) applied the F‐words to the ICF framework and five themes emerged with respect to the use of the F‐words: (a) support of a holistic approach to childhood disability, (b) association of the F‐words to physical activity and rehabilitation, (c) application and measurement of quality of life, (d) F‐words research team‐related papers, and (e) “other” category.

Conclusion

This citation analysis shows that the F‐words are mainly being used to operationalize the ICF, support a holistic approach to childhood disability, and inform physical activity and rehabilitation‐based interventions. These perspectives will play an important role in informing the next steps with respect to moving the F‐words into research and practice.
Perceived triggers of asthma impair quality of life in children with asthma
Authors: Kansen Hannah M. , Le Thuy‐My , Meijer Yolanda , Uiterwaal Cuno S. P. M. , Knulst André C. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , van Erp Francine C.
Published: May 2019

Background

Data on the impact of the number and nature of perceived asthma triggers on health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in children are scarce.

Objective

To investigate the impact of perceived asthma triggers on both asthma‐specific and generic HRQL in children.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among children (7‐18 years) with asthma in secondary and tertiary care. Children were screened with electronic questionnaires regarding respiratory and allergic symptoms. Asthma‐specific HRQL was assessed using the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) (score range 1‐7) and generic HRQL using the RAND questionnaire (score range 7‐32). The Kruskal‐Wallis test and one‐way ANOVA were used to test the difference of, respectively, the PAQLQ and RAND scores across the number of perceived asthma triggers (0, 1‐2, 3‐4, or ≥ 5). Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between individual triggers and HRQL.

Results

A total of 527 children with a mean (SD) age of 12.1 (2.9) years were included. Children with a higher number of perceived triggers had significantly lower PAQLQ and RAND scores (ie poorer HRQL). The difference in PAQLQ scores was clinically relevant between children with 0 versus 3‐4 or ≥ 5 triggers and 1‐2 versus ≥ 5 triggers (mean difference 0.66, 1.02 and 0.63, respectively). Especially, non‐allergic triggers (physical exercise, the weather, (cigarette) smoke and emotions) were significantly associated with reduced PAQLQ scores. Emotions and food/drinks were associated with reduced RAND scores.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

A higher number of perceived triggers of asthma were associated with reduced HRQL in children with asthma. Especially, non‐allergic triggers were associated with reduced HRQL.
Real‐world assessment of topical glaucoma medication persistence rates based on national pharmaceutical claim data in a defined population
Authors: Zhu Zhuoting , Jiang Yu , Wang Wei , Scheetz Jane , Shang Xianwen , Zhang Lei , He Mingguang
Published: May 2019

Importance

The rate and determinants of persistence to topical glaucoma medications are important for identifying patients at high risk of discontinuing medications and designing targeted approaches to improve persistence.

Background

To evaluate the rate and determinants of persistence to topical glaucoma medications among middle‐aged and older Australian adults.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Participants

Participants in need of persistent topical glaucoma medications in the 45 and Up Study.

Methods

The 45 and Up Study is a large‐scale population‐based cohort study. Participants were classified as needing persistent topical glaucoma medications if at least three claims with related prescriptions were recorded. Persistence was defined as topical glaucoma medications were filled within 90 days.

Main Outcome Measures

The rates and determinants of medication persistence at 2‐year follow‐up.

Results

A total of 12 899 patients requiring persistent topical glaucoma medications were identified. Among them, 9019 (69.9%) had persisted with their glaucoma medications for at least 2 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis documented significant effects of patient‐related factors (gender, socioeconomic status, language spoken at home, lifestyle and comorbidities) and drug‐related factors (total number and drug class) on the persistence rate. Those most at risk groups of non‐persistence were those patients living in remote areas (odds ratio, OR: 0.59, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.37‐0.92), having family income over 70 000 AUD/year (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.45‐0.62), speaking other languages at home (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.53‐0.68), and using cholinergic classes of medications (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.38‐0.79).

Conclusions and Relevance

Our data has shown a medium level of persistence to topical glaucoma medication among middle‐aged and older Australian adults. However, efforts are still needed to improve the rate of persistence.
Choroidal thickness in thyroid‐associated orbitopathy
Authors: Lai Frank H. P. , Iao Tiara W. U. , Ng Danny S. C. , Young Alvin L. , Leung Joy , Au Alvin , Ko Simon T. C. , Chong Kelvin K. L.
Published: May 2019

Importance

To investigate the choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with thyroid‐associated orbitopathy (TAO).

Background

To compare CT of TAO patients and healthy subjects.

Design

Prospective cross‐sectional study in a public hospital.

Participants

One hundred and four eyes of 52 TAO patients and 52 eyes of 26 healthy subjects.

Methods

CT was measured with enhanced‐depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI‐OCT) at the subfoveal, macular and peripapillary regions. Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate the associations of subfoveal CT with systemic and ocular variables among TAO eyes.

Main Outcome Measures

CT of both groups.

Results

CT of eyes with TAO was significantly increased at the subfoveal region, 1 and 2 mm from the fovea nasally, temporally and superiorly, and 1 mm inferior to the fovea (all P < .05). No significant difference was found in CT at 2 mm inferior to the fovea (P = .094) and all four quadrants of the peripapillary region (superior, P = .096; nasal, P = .732; inferior, P = .179; temporal, P = .052). Among TAO eyes, thinner subfoveal choroid was associated with worsening exophthalmos (P = .043), poorer visual acuity (P = .017), increasing age (P = .040) and axial length (P < .001). There was no association between CT and clinical activity score (P = .239).

Conclusions and Relevance

TAO patients showed thicker choroid than controls over the macula, but not the peripapillary regions. Thinner subfoveal choroid was associated with worsening exophthalmos and poorer vision. EDI‐OCT can monitor choroidal vascular changes associated with TAO and its complications.
Validation of the olfactory disorders questionnaire for English‐speaking patients with olfactory disorders
Authors: Langstaff Lorna , Pradhan Nisha , Clark Allan , Boak Duncan , Salam Mahmoud , Hummel Thomas , Philpott Carl M.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To adapt the existing German language olfactory disorders questionnaire for use with English‐speaking patients. To validate the adapted version for routine clinical use.

Design

The translated version of the original German questionnaire was revised with a patient and a clinician to reflect British language and culture. Patients attending an olfactory dysfunction clinic were recruited to perform the adapted questionnaire on two occasions at least 1 month apart. Additional online participants completed the questionnaire via the charity Fifth Sense.

Main outcome measures

Retest reliability of the English olfactory disorders questionnaire (eODQ) in affected patients including potential for redundancy in any of the included questions. Correlation of eODQ scores with Sniffin’ Sticks scores.

Results

Eighty‐seven patients reporting olfactory dysfunction were recruited and had a mean age of 48 with 35% of them being male; 50 datasets were available for analysis. A total of 957 members of the charity entered responses into the online questionnaire; 699 responses could be scored with participants' mean age of 55 years and with 69% reporting as female. The eODQ score and Sniffin’ Sticks threshold, discrimination and identification score at timepoint 1 were correlated to assess for concurrent validity, (r = −0.15, P = 0.17) and showed no significant correlation. Female participants had a significantly higher mean total eODQ score than men, 55.75 compared to 52.28 (P = 0.001). The average score was 54.7 (SD 13.5) with a range from 26 to 87. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was good with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.90 (confidence intervals 0.89, 0.91).

Conclusions

The results of this study support the use of the eODQ in a native English‐speaking population and highlight the different distinctions between “objective” testing of olfaction with the Sniffin’ Sticks test, and the patient reported impact of olfactory dysfunction on daily life. These two types of assessment can be easily administered in an outpatient setting and used in the assessment and management of olfactory dysfunction.
STILL “SAVING BABIES”? THE IMPACT OF CHILD MEDICAID EXPANSIONS ON HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION RATES
Authors: Groves Lincoln H.
Published: May 2019

The decoupling of child Medicaid from the cash welfare system greatly increased access to public health insurance for low‐income children in the United States. In this paper, I show that the federally mandated public health insurance expansions of the late‐1980s and early‐1990s significantly increased the number of public high school completers in the 2000s. Using the legislated generosity of a state's child Medicaid program as a time‐varying, exogenous source of variation in a quasi‐experimental design, I find substantively large declines in the dropout rate and, importantly, large increases in traditional 4‐year graduation rates. Results for both measures are driven by Hispanic and White students, the two groups experiencing the greatest within‐group increases in eligibility due to the decoupling of child Medicaid from the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program. In addition, I find evidence that increases in the length of childhood years covered (e.g., through age 5 vs. through age 17) leads to greater gains in completion rates. This suggests that public health insurance coverage throughout childhood produces the largest effect. (JEL C23, H51, H52, H75, I21)
CEO power and corporate risk: The impact of market competition and corporate governance
Authors: Sheikh Shahbaz
Published: May 2019

Research Question/Issue

Although there is no unified theory that can explain the relationship between CEO power and corporate risk, the empirical evidence generally finds a positive association. This study argues that market competition and corporate governance play critical roles in influencing this relationship.

Research Findings/Insights

Using a large panel of nonfinancial U.S. corporations for the period 1992–2015, I find that CEO power is positively associated with total and idiosyncratic measures of risk. However, this positive association remains significant only when market competition is high or corporate governance is strong.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The research design of this study combines the predictions of agency theory, the behavioral agency model, and prospect theory to further our understanding of the relationship between CEO power and corporate risk, including consideration of how competition and corporate governance influence this relationship.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The empirical evidence presented in this study can help boards to more accurately gauge when CEO power is most beneficial in terms of optimal levels of corporate risk and to better understand the relationship between power and risk. The results suggest that boards should grant more power to their CEOs when their firms operate in high‐competition markets or have strong corporate governance in place.
Early interstitial macrophage infiltration with mild dysfunction is associated with subsequent kidney graft loss
Authors: Paoletti Ernesto , Bussalino Elisabetta , Bellino Diego , Tagliamacco Augusto , Bruzzone Marco , Ravera Maura , Parodi Angelica , Fontana Iris , Gaggero Gabriele , Garibotto Giacomo , Ravetti Jean Louis
Published: May 2019

Macrophage infiltration is associated with unfavorable kidney graft outcome in protocol biopsies, but few studies have evaluated its impact on clinical practice. We therefore prospectively evaluated 37 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) who underwent kidney biopsy due to slight increases in serum creatinine, or mild proteinuria (>0.3 g/24 hr), in the first post‐transplant year. Banff score, CD68+ count (score 0‐3) by immunohistochemistry, and 1‐year DSA were assessed. DGF was reported in 10 (27%) patients, 6 (16%) had normal biopsy, 7 (19%) borderline lesions, 13 (35%) IFTA, and 11 (30%) other lesions. Fifteen KTRs had grade 3 CD68+ infiltration, and 47% developed de novo DSA. During a 6.2 ± 2.7 year follow‐up, four patients (11%) suffered from biopsy‐proven T‐cell rejection, 17 KTRs (46%) lost their graft (12 in the grade 3 CD68+ group). Graft survival was lower in KTRs with grade 3 CD68+ infiltration (P = 0.0074; log‐rank test). Grade 3 CD68+ infiltrate was an independent predictor of graft loss (HR 5.41, 95% CI 1.74‐16.8; P = 0.003), together with more severe graft dysfunction at biopsy (HR 6.41, 95% CI 2.57‐16; P < 0.001). We conclude that grade 3 CD68+ interstitial infiltration is associated with increased risk of subsequent graft loss independent of other factors.
Outcomes of telehealth care for lung transplant recipients
Authors: Sidhu Aman , Chaparro Cecilia , Chow Chung‐Wai , Davies Meny , Singer Lianne G.
Published: May 2019

Telehealth uses videoconferencing to provide long‐distance clinical care. Experience with telehealth in the setting of organ transplantation is limited. The purpose of this cohort study was to compare the impact of telehealth vs in‐person follow‐up of lung transplant recipients. Telehealth eligible patients were three or more years post‐transplant and resided in Ontario outside the Greater Toronto Area. Patients with initial telehealth visits between July 1, 2009, and Dec 31, 2014, were retrospectively reviewed to assess outcomes of chronic lung allograft dysfunction progression and mortality until December 31, 2016, compared with eligible patients seen in‐person. Of eligible patients (n = 204), 119 (58.3%) were seen via telehealth. Most patients (97%) rated telehealth as equivalent or superior to clinic visits. Telehealth visits resulted in significant out‐of‐pocket cost savings and travel distance savings for patients. There was no significant difference in mortality from the time of first visit (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.49‐1.32, P = 0.4) or from the time of transplant between groups (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.43‐1.17, P = 0.2). Telehealth can safely and effectively be used in select transplant recipients to increase access to care and reduce time and financial burdens for patients residing greater distances from primary transplant centers.
Ascitic fluid cytology in a previously healthy woman
Authors: Martínez‐Girón Rafael , Martínez‐Torre Santiago
Published: May 2019

A 53‐year‐old, previously healthy woman, presented to her primary care physician with a three‐month history of daily non‐productive coughing, accompanied by fatigue, anorexia, abdominal pain and distension. Upon clinical examination, she was afebrile with normal vital signs. An abdominal examination revealed the existence of ascites. A paracentesis was carried out obtaining 60 ml of a blood stained serous fluid.
Morphology quiz: Enigma of a cervical lymph node
Authors: Sharma Sudha
Published: May 2019

Kikuchi disease is an uncommon diagnosis that needs to be looked for in reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of unknown cause. It is characterised by increased histiocytes, crescentic histiocytes and apoptotic debris. A knowledge of the cytologic and clinical features can prevent misdiagnosis.
The residential status of children whose parents are in treatment for methamphetamine use
Authors: Robinson Laura D. , Kelly Peter J. , Deane Frank P. , Townsend Michelle L.
Published: May 2019

Introduction and Aims

Methamphetamine (MA) use has increased markedly over the past decade, during which time there has been an increase in children in out of home care. This study explores whether MA use in parents attending residential treatment services for substance use issues is associated with higher proportions of children living out of the home.

Design and Methods

Data were collected from individuals attending residential treatment centres provided by the Australian Salvation Army between 2009 and 2016. Centres provide residential alcohol and other substance use treatment in a modified therapeutic community. Trained staff administered sections of the Addiction Severity Index measuring substance use, legal and parenting status, and the Mental Health Screening Form‐III at intake. Data were limited to those who had at least one child under 18 years; final sample size was 2964.

Results

Of the 2964 parents, 36.3% nominated MAs use as a primary or secondary substance of use. Between 2011 and 2016, a significantly greater proportion of parents using MAs (86.1%), had at least one child not living at home compared to those using other substances (81.3%; χ2=7.95, P = 0.005). The proportion of female parents increased significantly 14.7% (2009) to 37.9% (2016; χ2 = 51.54, P < 0.001). Also, more males (83.7%) than females (79.6%) had a child living out of home (χ2 = 11.23, P = 0.01).

Discussion and Conclusions

Given that MA use can result in increased risks of violence and neglect the increase in parents using the substance is concerning. The growing number of mothers in treatment warrants further investigation, particularly as women face inherent difficulties in seeking treatment with dependent children.
Children, but not great apes, respect ownership
Authors: Kanngiesser Patricia , Rossano Federico , Frickel Ramona , Tomm Anne , Tomasello Michael
Published: May 2019

Access to and control of resources is a major source of costly conflicts. Animals, under some conditions, respect what others control and use (i.e. possession). Humans not only respect possession of resources, they also respect ownership. Ownership can be viewed as a cooperative arrangement, where individuals inhibit their tendency to take others’ property on the condition that those others will do the same. We investigated to what degree great apes follow this principle, as compared to human children. We conducted two experiments, in which dyads of individuals could access the same food resources. The main test of respect for ownership was whether individuals would refrain from taking their partner's resources even when the partner could not immediately access and control them. Captive apes (N = 14 dyads) failed to respect their partner's claim on food resources and frequently monopolized the resources when given the opportunity. Human children (N = 14 dyads), tested with a similar apparatus and procedure, respected their partner's claim and made spontaneous verbal references to ownership. Such respect for the property of others highlights the uniquely cooperative nature of human ownership arrangements.
Downregulation of microRNA‐431‐5p promotes enteric neural crest cell proliferation via targeting LRSAM1 in Hirschsprung's disease
Authors: Hu Bo , Cao Lei , Wang Xiao‐ye , Li Long
Published: May 2019

Background

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is characterized by missing of enteric neurons in the terminal areas of the whole gut, which is causally related to poor proliferation of enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs). Our aim is to explore how miR‐431‐5p interacts with its target gene in regulation of proliferation of ENCCs in HSCR.

Methods

Mouse model of HSCR was established by Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) treatment. Quantitative Real‐time PCR and western blotting were performed to determine the miR‐431‐5p and the LRSAM1 expression in colon tissues of the HSCR group (n = 8) and the control group (n = 8) and in ENCCs isolated from colon tissues. CCK‐8 assay was performed to detect the proliferation of ENCCs of HSCR. ENCCs after transfection with miR‐431‐5p mimics or miR‐431‐5p inhibitor. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to clarify the connections between miR‐431‐5p and LRSAM1.

Results

Upregulation of miR‐431‐5p and downregulation of LRSAM1 were found in ENCCs of HSCR. Downregulation of miR‐431‐5p could promote cell proliferation of ENCCs. LRSAM1 was proved to be the target gene of miR‐431‐5p by luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, proliferation of ENCCs was increased in the miR‐431‐5p inhibitor group and was suppressed after knocking down LRSAM1.

Conclusion

Downregulation of miR‐431‐5p promoted proliferation of ENCCs via targeting LRSAM1, which provides an innovative and candidate target for treatment of HSCR.