bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An alternative to confidence intervals constructed after a Hausman pretest in panel data
Authors: Kabaila Paul , Mainzer Rheanna
Published: November 2019

Consider panel data modelled by a linear random intercept model that includes a time‐varying covariate. Suppose that our aim is to construct a confidence interval for the slope parameter. Commonly, a Hausman pretest is used to decide whether this confidence interval is constructed using the random effects model or the fixed effects model. This post‐model‐selection confidence interval has the attractive features that it (a) is relatively short when the random effects model is correct and (b) reduces to the confidence interval based on the fixed effects model when the data and the random effects model are highly discordant. However, this confidence interval has the drawbacks that (i) its endpoints are discontinuous functions of the data and (ii) its minimum coverage can be far below its nominal coverage probability. We construct a new confidence interval that possesses these attractive features, but does not suffer from these drawbacks. This new confidence interval provides an intermediate between the post‐model‐selection confidence interval and the confidence interval obtained by always using the fixed effects model. The endpoints of the new confidence interval are smooth functions of the Hausman test statistic, whereas the endpoints of the post‐model‐selection confidence interval are discontinuous functions of this statistic.
Influence of sucrose level and inoculation of Lactobacillus plantarum on the physicochemical, textural, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of Isan sausage (Thai fermented pork sausage)
Authors: Hongthong Nuttawadee , Chumngoen Wanwisa , Tan Fa‐Jui
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of sucrose levels (0.3% and 1.2%) and inoculation of Lactobacillus plantarum on the quality of Isan sausage. The results show that the inoculation accelerated the pH reduction in fermentation. The inoculated samples had significantly (p < .05) lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and volatile basic nitrogen values. The total microbial counts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts increased rapidly during fermentation and then decreased during storage. The inoculated samples had significantly higher total microflora and LAB counts. The inoculated samples had a higher hardness texture profile as well as more intense flavor and darker color in sensorial evaluation. Less influence on the quality parameters of the samples due to the different sucrose levels was observed. In conclusion, a combination of 0.3% sucrose and inoculation of L. plantarum (7 log cfu/g) is recommended for producing Isan sausages.
Corrections for measurement error due to delayed onset of illness for case‐crossover designs
Authors: Coull Brent A. , Lee Seokho , McGee Glen , Manjourides Justin , Mittleman Murray A. , Wellenius Gregory A.
Published: November 2019

Epidemiologic studies of the short‐term effects of ambient particulate matter (PM) on the risk of acute cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events often use data from administrative databases in which only the date of hospitalization is known. A common study design for analyzing such data is the case‐crossover design, in which exposure at a time when a patient experiences an event is compared to exposure at times when the patient did not experience an event within a case‐control paradigm. However, the time of true event onset may precede hospitalization by hours or days, which can yield attenuated effect estimates. In this article, we consider a marginal likelihood estimator, a regression calibration estimator, and a conditional score estimator, as well as parametric bootstrap versions of each, to correct for this bias. All considered approaches require validation data on the distribution of the delay times. We compare the performance of the approaches in realistic scenarios via simulation, and apply the methods to analyze data from a Boston‐area study of the association between ambient air pollution and acute stroke onset. Based on both simulation and the case study, we conclude that a two‐stage regression calibration estimator with a parametric bootstrap bias correction is an effective method for correcting bias in health effect estimates arising from delayed onset in a case‐crossover study.
From mixed effects modeling to spike and slab variable selection: A Bayesian regression model for group testing data
Authors: Joyner Chase N. , McMahan Christopher S. , Tebbs Joshua M. , Bilder Christopher R.
Published: November 2019

Due to reductions in both time and cost, group testing is a popular alternative to individual‐level testing for disease screening. These reductions are obtained by testing pooled biospecimens (eg, blood, urine, swabs, etc.) for the presence of an infectious agent. However, these reductions come at the expense of data complexity, making the task of conducting disease surveillance more tenuous when compared to using individual‐level data. This is because an individual's disease status may be obscured by a group testing protocol and the effect of imperfect testing. Furthermore, unlike individual‐level testing, a given participant could be involved in multiple testing outcomes and/or may never be tested individually. To circumvent these complexities and to incorporate all available information, we propose a Bayesian generalized linear mixed model that accommodates data arising from any group testing protocol, estimates unknown assay accuracy probabilities and accounts for potential heterogeneity in the covariate effects across population subgroups (eg, clinic sites, etc.); this latter feature is of key interest to practitioners tasked with conducting disease surveillance. To achieve model selection, our proposal uses spike and slab priors for both fixed and random effects. The methodology is illustrated through numerical studies and is applied to chlamydia surveillance data collected in Iowa.
Does public transportation reduce inequalities in access to dental care among older adults? Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study
Authors: Kiuchi Sakura , Aida Jun , Kusama Taro , Yamamoto Takafumi , Hoshi Manami , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Kondo Katsunori , Osaka Ken
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Income inequalities in access to dental care have been reported worldwide. While geographical accessibility may affect inequalities, no study has examined whether the use of public transportation reduces income inequalities in access to dental care. Therefore, we examined whether the use of public transportation is associated with reduced income inequalities in access to dental care.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study conducted in 2016. Self‐reported questionnaires were distributed to 34 567 community‐dwelling independent older adults aged 65 years or over from 39 municipalities. The dependent variable was dental attendance for any treatment. The independent variables were daily public transportation use and household equivalent income. The covariates were age, years of education, marital status, self‐rated health, number of teeth, car use, having bus stops or railway stations nearby for individual level and density of dental clinics for community level. After multiple imputation, a two‐level linear regression analysis was performed and stratified by sex.

Results

The mean age of the 19 664 participants (response rate: 69.9%) was 73.8 years (standard deviation = 6.1). Among the participants with dental attendance for treatment in the past six months, daily public transportation users represented 45.5% of men and 56.1% of women. These users had higher levels of dental attendance for treatment (β = .109, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.051‐0.166 for men, β = .094, 95% CI = 0.039‐0.149 for women) than nondaily users. Household equivalent income was positively associated with higher dental attendance for treatment (β = .046, 95% CI = 0.029‐0.062 for men, β = .029, 95% CI = 0.013‐0.045 for women). Income inequalities in access to dental care were smaller among the daily public transportation users than in nondaily users, and a statistically significant interaction was observed only in men (P‐value interactions = .025 for men, .188 for women).

Conclusion

Income inequalities in access to dental care were smaller among older daily users of public transportation than in nondaily users. These results suggest that providing environment in which people can conveniently use public transportation is needed for reducing income inequalities in access to dental care, especially for men.
The great mimicker: Phenotypic overlap between constitutional mismatch repair deficiency and Tuberous Sclerosis complex
Authors: Shapira Rootman Mika , Goldberg Yael , Cohen Rony , Kropach Nesia , Keidar Inbal , Friedland Rivka , Dotan Gad , Konen Osnat , Toledano Helen
Published: November 2019

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency is a rare cancer predisposition syndrome caused by biallelic mutations in one of the four mismatch repair genes. Patients are predisposed to various tumors including hematological malignancies, brain tumors and colorectal carcinomas. Phenotypic overlap with Neurofibromatosis‐1 is well known, with most patients presenting with café‐au‐lait macules. Other common features include axillary and/or inguinal freckling and intracranial MRI foci of high T2W/FLAIR signal intensity similar to the typical FASI seen in Neurofibromatosis‐1. In this cohort of eight patients with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency we describe overlapping phenotypical features with Tuberous Sclerosis complex. In addition to “ash‐leaf like” hypomelanotic macules (five patients), we detected intracranial tuber‐like lesions (three patients), renal cysts (three patients) and renal angiomyolipomas (two patients). All our patients also had Neurofibromatosis‐1 like features, mainly café‐au‐lait macules. This study suggests that features of Tuberous sclerosis especially when overlapping with those of Neurofibromatosis 1 or malignancies atypical for these syndromes should raise the possibility of constitutional mismatch repair deficiency. Correct diagnosis is essential for appropriate genetic counseling and pre‐emptive cancer surveillance.
Vertical bone augmentation with simultaneous implantation using deproteinized bovine bone block functionalized with a slow delivery of BMP‐2
Authors: Teng Fei , Wei Lingfei , Yu Dedong , Deng Liquan , Zheng Yuanna , Lin Haiyan , Liu Yuelian
Published: November 2019

Objective

We hypothesized that a biomimetic calcium phosphate (CaP) coating which incorporates morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) on the deproteinized bovine bone (DBB) blocks could be used to enhance the vertical alveolar ridge augmentation for the one‐stage onlay surgery with simultaneous implants insertion. We aimed to test this hypothesis in vivo.

Material and methods

Beagles dogs were used for the study (n = 6 specimens per group). One month after building the edentulous animal model, 4 mm vertical alveolar bone loss were surgically created and four groups of blocks (W × L × H: 7 mm × 10 mm × 4 mm) were randomly fixed onto the reduced alveolar ridge by implants: (a) DBB blocks alone (negative control group); (b) DBB blocks with superficial adsorption of 50 μg BMP‐2 (ad.BMP‐2 group); (c) DBB blocks coated by biomimetic CaP coating which incorporates 50 μg BMP‐2 (inc.BMP‐2 group); and (d) autologous bone blocks (positive control group). After 3 months of healing, samples were harvested for micro‐CT and histomorphometric analyses.

Results

In histomorphometry, the inc.BMP‐2 group showed a significantly thicker (coronal‐apically) and wider (buccal‐lingually) augmented bone area, better bone‐to‐implant contact than the negative control group. In both the micro‐CT and histomorphometry, the inc.BMP‐2 group showed more mineralized tissue than the negative control group and the inc.BMP‐2 group also showed significantly more newly formed bone and residual grafts than the negative control group in the upper half of the blocks. In micro‐CT, the inc.BMP‐2 group showed significantly more bone‐to‐graft contact percentage than the ad.BMP‐2 group. In both micro‐CT and histomorphometry, the inc.BMP‐2 group showed significantly more percentage of mineralized tissue than the ad.BMP‐2 group. No significant differences were found between the inc.BMP‐2 group and the positive control group either in micro‐CT or in histomorphometry.

Conclusions

The DBB blocks with coating‐delivered BMP‐2 significantly enhanced the efficacy of vertical alveolar bone augmentation, compared with the unloaded blocks and blocks with adsorbed BMP‐2, in the one‐stage onlay surgery with simultaneous implant insertion.
Favorable survival even with high disease‐specific complication rates in lymphangioleiomyomatosis after lung transplantation—long‐term follow‐up of a Japanese center
Authors: Kurosaki Takeshi , Otani Shinji , Miyoshi Kentaroh , Okazaki Mikio , Sugimoto Seiichiro , Suno Manabu , Yamane Masaomi , Kobayashi Motomu , Oto Takahiro , Toyooka Shinichi
Published: November 2019

Background

Lung transplantation (LT) is a reliable therapeutic option for end‐stage pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Long‐term outcome of LAM recipients after LT remains unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of LT for LAM with a long‐term follow‐up, comparing those for other diseases in the same period.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive 145 LT recipients between 1998 and 2015 at Okayama University Hospital with minimum 3‐year follow‐up.

Results

Twelve LAM recipients including nine sporadic‐LAM and three tuberous sclerosis complex ‐LAM were identified. Nine of 12 underwent bilateral LT including four living‐donor lobar LT. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups. (P = 0.15). Chronic lung allograft dysfunction free survival rate in LAM compared with other diseases tended to be better (P = 0.058). However, the rate of requiring hemodialysis was significantly higher in LAM recipients than in the recipients of other diseases (P = 0.047). Notably, 8 of 12 (67%) LAM patients encountered LAM‐related complication including chylothorax and pneumothorax, seven (58%) had proliferative diseases consisting of renal angiomyolipoma and recurrent LAM. Nine patients required mTOR inhibitors for LAM‐related problems, contributing to improved control of LAM‐related problems. While all nine recipients of bilateral LT have still survived, two patients died of diseases in their native lungs and one required re‐LT among three recipients of single LT.

Conclusion

Although the rates of LAM‐related complications were unexpectedly high in the long term, LT is a feasible therapeutic option for patients with advanced pulmonary LAM.
Renal protection: What have we learnt from ADVANCE about kidney disease in type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Knudsen Søren T. , Cooper Mark E.
Published: November 2019

The Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) factorial trial was a landmark randomized controlled clinical trial in 11 140 type 2 diabetic patients from 215 centers in 20 countries with a two‐by‐two factorial design. In the blood pressure‐lowering arm, patients were treated using a fixed combination of the ACE‐inhibitor, perindopril, and the thiazide‐like diuretic, indapamide, or placebo, whereas in the glucose‐lowering arm, the intervention compared the sulphonylurea gliclazide plus other glucose‐lowering drugs, targeting a glycated hemoglobin value of 6.5% or less, with standard glucose control. Primary end‐points were major macro‐ and microvascular events in both arms. This review gives an overview of the results of the primary randomized trial, results from observational follow‐up studies, and results of several biomarker studies and discusses the perspectives of these data in the context of recent major outcome trials for current medical treatment.
Patterns of intracolumnar size variation inform the heterochronic mechanisms underlying extreme body shape divergence in microcephalic sea snakes
Authors: Sherratt Emma , Sanders Kate L.
Published: November 2019

Sea snakes (Hydrophiinae) that specialize on burrowing eel prey have repeatedly evolved tiny heads and reduced forebody relative to hindbody girths. Previous research has found that these “microcephalic” forms have higher counts of precaudal vertebrae, and postnatal ontogenetic changes cause their hindbodies to reach greater girths relative to their forebodies. We examine variation in vertebral size along the precaudal axis of neonates and adults of three species. In the nonmicrocephalic Hydrophis curtus, these intracolumnar patterns take the form of symmetrical curved profiles, with longer vertebrae in the midbody (50% of body length) relative to distal regions. In contrast, intracolumnar profiles in the microcephalic H. macdowelli and H. obscurus are strongly asymmetrical curves (negative skewness) due to the presence of numerous, smaller‐sized vertebrate in the forebody (anterior to the heart). Neonate and adult H. macdowelli and H. obscurus specimens all exhibit this pattern, implying an onset of fore‐ versus hindbody decoupling in the embryo stage. Based on this, we suggest plausible developmental mechanisms involving the presence and positioning of Hox boundaries and heterochronic changes in segmentation. Tests of our hypotheses would give new insights into the drivers of rapid convergent shifts in evolution, but will ultimately require studies of gene expression in the embryos of relevant taxa.
Subclinical cardiovascular disease in HIV controller and long‐term nonprogressor populations
Authors: Brusca RM , Hanna DB , Wada NI , Blankson JN , Witt MD , Jacobson LP , Kingsley L , Palella FJ , Budoff M , Brown TT , Anastos K , Lazar JM , Mack WJ , Bacchetti P , Tien PC , Golzar Y , Plankey M , Golub E , Kaplan RC , Post WS
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Elite controllers (ECs), viraemic controllers (VCs), and long‐term nonprogressors (LTNPs) control HIV viral replication or maintain CD4 T‐cell counts without antiretroviral therapy, but may have increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk compared to HIV‐uninfected persons. We evaluated subclinical carotid and coronary atherosclerosis and inflammatory biomarker levels among HIV controllers, LTNPs and noncontrollers and HIV‐uninfected individuals in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) and the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS).

Methods

We measured carotid plaque presence and common carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) in 1729 women and 1308 men, and the presence of coronary artery calcium and plaque in a subgroup of men. Associations between HIV control category and carotid and coronary plaque prevalences were assessed by multivariable regression analyses adjusting for demographics and CVD risk factors. Serum inflammatory biomarker concentrations [soluble CD163 (sCD163), soluble CD14 (sCD14), galectin‐3 (Gal‐3), galectin‐3 binding protein (Gal‐3BP) and interleukin (IL)‐6] were measured and associations with HIV control category assessed.

Results

We included 135 HIV controllers (30 ECs) and 135 LTNPs in the study. Carotid plaque prevalence and carotid IMT were similar in HIV controllers, LTNPs and HIV‐uninfected individuals. HIV controllers and LTNPs had lower prevalences of carotid plaque compared to viraemic HIV‐infected individuals. The prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis was similar in HIV controllers/LTNPs compared to HIV‐uninfected and viraemic HIV‐infected men. Controllers and LTNPs had higher concentrations of sCD163 and sCD14 compared to HIV‐uninfected persons.

Conclusions

Subclinical CVD was similar in HIV controllers, LTNPs and HIV‐uninfected individuals despite elevated levels of some inflammatory biomarkers. Future studies of HIV controllers and LTNPs are needed to characterize the risk of CVD among HIV‐infected persons.
Post‐exposure prophylaxis following consented sexual exposure: impact of national recommendations on user profile, drug regimens and estimates of averted HIV infections
Authors: Pereira IO , Pascom ARP , Mosimann G , Barros Perini F , Coelho RA , Rick F , Benzaken A , Avelino‐Silva VI
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics, impact and outreach of post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for sexual exposure in Brazil.

Methods

We used secondary data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health to describe the impact of national guidelines on the frequency of prescription, user profile and antiretroviral regimens. We also estimated the number of potentially averted HIV infections attributable to PEP for consented sexual exposure between 2009 and 2017.

Results

A total of 260 457 PEP regimens were prescribed to individuals ≥ 14 years old; 104 613 (40.2%) were prescribed for consented sexual exposure, with an increasing frequency since 2011. Drugs used in PEP regimens underwent significant modifications during the period, reflecting national recommendations. We estimated that there were up to 3138 potentially averted HIV infections attributable to PEP for consented sexual exposure between 2009 and 2017.

Conclusions

In the context of a combined HIV prevention strategy, PEP is still an essential tool for individuals for whom other methods are contraindicated or fail to be applied.
Epstein–Barr virus reactivation by persistent apical periodontal pathogens
Authors: Himi K. , Takeichi O. , Imai K. , Hatori K. , Tamura T. , Ogiso B.
Published: November 2019

Aim

To assess whether Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation is triggered by persistent apical periodontitis‐related microbes using in vitro and ex vivo methodologies.

Methodology

Surgically removed human periapical granulomas (n = 50) and healthy gingival tissues (n = 10) were analysed to determine the presence of EBV and seven persistent apical periodontitis‐related microbes. In addition, real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression of BZLF‐1, an immediate–early gene of EBV. Expression of latent membrane protein (LMP)‐1 and ZEBRA, an early lytic protein of EBV encoded by BZLF‐1, was also examined using triple‐colour immunofluorescence staining. n‐Butyric acid produced by the microbes was quantified, and luciferase assays were performed in association with bacterial lysates. In addition, Daudi cells were cultured with bacterial lysates, and the expression levels of BZLF‐1 mRNA and ZEBRA protein were determined.

Results

EBV DNA and BZLF‐1 mRNA were detected in 47 out of 50 periapical granulomas, but not in healthy gingival tissues. The EBV DNA copy number and the number of Fusobacterium nucleatum were significantly positively correlated with BZLF‐1 expression in periapical granulomas. The number of Prevotella intermedia was slightly correlated with BZLF‐1 expression; however, the other microbes were not. CD79a‐positive B cells in periapical granulomas, but not those in healthy gingival tissues, expressed both LMP‐1 and ZEBRA. n‐Butyric acid production was the highest in F. nucleatum and the lowest in P. intermedia. Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans and the other tested microbes did not produce n‐butyric acid. An F. nucleatum lysate exhibited significantly increased BZLF‐1‐luciferase activity in the same manner of commercial butyric acid, whereas P. intermedia did not. F. nucleatum also induced the expression of BZLF‐1 mRNA and ZEBRA protein by Daudi cells, indicating that EBV reactivation was induced.

Conclusion

Among the persistent apical periodontitis‐related bacteria that were tested, F. nucleatum most strongly reactivated latent EBV, whereas E. faecalis and C. albicans as well as the other microbes did not.
Justification of aggression against nurses: The effect of aggressor distress and nurse communication quality
Authors: Yagil Dana , Dayan Hana
Published: November 2019

Aims

To explore the conditions that contribute to justification of aggression against nurses.

Design

A 2 (aggressor distress as reflected in stressful behaviour: high vs. low) × 2 (target nurse's communication quality as reflected in provision of information and expression of caring: high vs. low) factorial design. Communication quality was operationalized as caring for half the respondents and information provision for the other half.

Methods

Data were collected online in 2018. Respondents (N = 305) were presented with one of the eight versions of a hypothetical vignette. Aggressor distress and caring were manipulated for half the participants and aggressor distress and information provision for the other half. After reading the vignette, respondents reported their attitudes towards the aggressor's behaviour and sense of warmth towards the target nurse. Additional data collected included trait empathy (a control variable), demographic variables and responses to a manipulation check. Data were analysed using the analyses of variance.

Findings

The results show the main effects of aggressor distress and nurse communication quality on justification of aggression and sense of warmth towards the nurse. An interaction effect between aggressor distress and (poor) nurse information provision was found on justification of aggression.

Conclusion

The results extend extant research on the causes of aggression against the nurses by highlighting a tendency to view certain circumstances as justifying such behaviour.

Impact

The study explored conditions that increase the justification of aggression against nurses, from the perspective of a third party. The results show that aggressor's distress, as well as the attacked nurse's communication quality affect the justification of aggression. The results contribute to knowledge about the causes of aggression against nurses and highlight the need for healthcare policy and public education activities designed to undermine the view that aggression against nurses can be justified.
A mixed methods study to evaluate the effects of a teamwork enhancement and quality improvement initiative on nurses’ work environment
Authors: Paguio Jenniffer Torralba , Yu Doris Sau Fung
Published: November 2019

Aims

To test the effect of a teamwork enhancement and quality improvement program named ‘Nurturing Effective Teams and Continuous Quality Improvement’ on nurses’ work environments in the hospital setting.

Design

Mixed‐method study with quasi‐experimental controlled trial and focus group interviews.

Methods

Twelve units from two Philippine tertiary government hospitals will be matched and allocated to have 72 nurses receiving the teamwork enhancement and quality improvement program, or no intervention. The program focuses on enhancing the nurse autonomy, leadership and management support, teamwork, and workload management, delivered in two phases: (a) teamwork enhancement training using team strategies and tools to enhance the performance and patient safety; and (b) implementation of quality improvement projects using the model for improvement to identify priority unit issues and change ideas and tested using the Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act cycle. The 6‐month implementation includes two trainings and seven mentoring sessions with a quality improvement facilitator. Primary outcome is the nurses’ work environment and secondary outcomes are job satisfaction, burnout risk, turnover intention, and perceived quality of care provided measured at the nurse‐level using self‐administered survey and measured at 0, 3, and 6 months. Focus group interviews will be conducted among 14–16 nurse subjects to explore their experience during the program, while other stakeholders will be interviewed to reflect the program effects. Generalized equation modelling will be used to identify the program effects on the quantitative outcomes and content analysis will be used for qualitative data.

Discussion

Establishing measures to improve the nurses’ work environments can be used to address poor nurse outcomes in high workload and low‐resource settings.

Impact

A favourable nurse work environment is the cornerstone to sustainable nursing workforce and positive outcomes. This study will provide explicit evidence to inform the effect of a structured evidence‐based protocol in improving nurses’ work environment given resource‐limited context.

Trial Registration: China Clinical Trial Registration Center (CciCTR), Registration number ChiCTR1900021754 (March 8, 2019).
Cognitive fatigability is a quantifiable distinct phenomenon in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tommasin Silvia , De Luca Francesca , Ferrante Ilaria , Gurreri Flavia , Castelli Letizia , Ruggieri Serena , Prosperini Luca , Pantano Patrizia , Pozzilli Carlo , De Giglio Laura
Published: November 2019

Cognitive fatigability in multiple sclerosis represents the decrease in cognitive performance over time. It is a frequent symptom that negatively affects quality of life and ability to work. There are no objective measures of cognitive fatigability. This study aimed at quantifying cognitive fatigability despite the learning effect and to clarify whether cognitive fatigability represents a free‐standing phenomenon rather than an aspect of cognitive impairment. We measured information processing speed with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, and the number of right answers was recorded every 30 s for 180 s. We approximated the number of right answers as function of time with two logarithmic models, one including a first‐order term alone and the other adding also a second‐order term. The coefficient of the latter (B) may quantify performance deflection and may represent cognitive fatigability. We tested 173 patients with multiple sclerosis, including 119 cognitively impaired and 54 cognitively preserved patients, and 35 healthy subjects. The performance of cognitively preserved patients showed a deflection at the end of task that was detected neither in controls nor in cognitively impaired patients and needed a second‐order term to be approximated (p < .03, F = 14.02). B was explained neither by depression nor fatigue. We proposed for the first time a method to quantify cognitive fatigue via a second‐order least square fit model, easily usable in the clinical practice. By using this novel approach, cognitive fatigability results to be a free‐standing phenomenon that is more evident in cognitively preserved than in cognitive impaired patients.
Sensory sensitivity to sour and bitter taste among people with Crohn's disease and folic acid supplementation
Authors: Szymandera‐Buszka Krystyna , Jędrusek‐Golińska Anna , Waszkowiak Katarzyna , Hęś Marzanna
Published: November 2019

The aim of the study was to compare differences between healthy young people and young people with Crohn's disease in their sensory sensitivity to basic tastes. The investigations were conducted on a group of 185 people with Crohn's disease and 288 healthy people aged 20–31. The recognition thresholds of sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes were determined. The results showed that the young people with Crohn's disease were more sensitive to sour taste and less sensitive to bitter taste than the healthy subjects. The results also showed a relationship between the young Crohn's disease patients' sensitivity to bitter and sour tastes and the folic acid supplementation of their diet. However, there were no differences between the groups in their sensory sensitivity to salty and sweet tastes.

Practical applications

The sensory properties and perception of foods are very important aspects of food selection and consumption, as they might regulate the nutritional status. Increased or reduced taste sensitivity usually suppresses appetite and results in weight loss, malnutrition, impaired immunity, and deterioration of medical conditions. The knowledge of the taste sensitivity of people with Crohn's disease will help researchers design food products of the right taste intensity. This may improve the nutritional status and quality of life of people suffering from Crohn's disease.
Sinomenine attenuates septic-associated lung injury through the Nrf2-Keap1 and autophagy
Authors: Wang Wanqiu , Yang Xiaoting , Chen Qiuhua , Guo Min , Liu Suzi , Liu Junjun , Wang Jintao , Huang Fengjie
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Our present study focused on assessing whether Sinomenine (SIN) could attenuate sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI).

Methods

The mice were conditioned with SIN 1 h before intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Lung wet/dry (W/D) ratio, inflammatory level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and inflammatory cytokines production were detected. The expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) and autophagy-related proteins were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. In addition, the RAW264.7 cells were treated with SIN 1 h before treatment with LPS. Inflammatory cytokines, iNOS and COX2 were detected. The expression of Nrf2 and autophagy-related proteins were explored by Western blot analysis.

Key findings

Experiments in vivo and in vitro discovered that LPS significantly increased the degree of injury, inflammatory cytokines production and oxidative stress. However, the increase was significantly inhibited by treatment of SIN. In addition, SIN was found to upregulate the expression of Nrf2 and autophagy-related proteins both in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions

Our data suggested that SIN could attenuate septic-associated ALI effectively, probably due to the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress through Nrf2 and autophagy pathways.
Plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration in dogs with acquired portosystemic collaterals
Authors: Sakamoto Yumi , Sakai Manabu , Sato Keita , Watari Toshihiro
Published: November 2019

Background

The renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) is activated in humans with portal hypertension (PH) associated with liver disease. However, involvement of RAAS in dogs with intrahepatic PH is not clear.

Objective

To measure plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) in dogs with PH (chronic hepatitis [CH] and primary hypoplasia of the portal vein [PHPV]), dogs with extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunt (EH‐CPSS), and healthy dogs and to determine whether the RAAS is activated in dogs with PH.

Animals

Twenty‐seven dogs with acquired portosystemic collaterals (APSCs; 15 dogs with CH, 12 dogs with PHPV), 9 dogs with EH‐CPSS, and 10 healthy dogs.

Methods

Retrospective study. Plasma renin activity and PAC were measured by radioimmunoassay.

Results

Plasma renin activity was significantly higher in the CH group (median, 4.4 ng/mL/h) than in the EH‐CPSS (median, 1.0 ng/mL/h; P < .01) and the healthy (median, 1.1 ng/mL/h; P < .01) groups. No significant differences were found between the PHPV group (median, 2.2 ng/mL/h) and other groups. Plasma aldosterone concentration was significantly higher in the CH (median, 111.0 pg/mL) and PHPV (median, 89.5 pg/mL) groups than in the EH‐CPSS (median, 1.0 pg/mL; P < .001, P < .01, respectively) and healthy (median, 14.5 pg/mL; P < .001, P < .05, respectively) groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Activation of the RAAS contributes to the pathophysiology of intrahepatic PH in dogs, suggesting that spironolactone may not only be effective for the treatment of ascites but also for the suppression of intrahepatic PH.
School nurses' self‐assessed cultural competence when encountering children of foreign origin: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wahlström Emmie , Harder Maria , Granlund Mats , Holmström Inger K. , Larm Peter , Golsäter Marie
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between school nurses' self‐assessed cultural competence in health visits with children of foreign origin and demographic variables, by using a cross‐sectional design. A Web‐based questionnaire assessing cultural competence and demographic variables was distributed to a nationally representative sample (n = 816) of school nurses in Sweden. Data were analyzed using regression analysis. School nurses assessed themselves as culturally aware and moderately culturally competent, but not as culturally knowledgeable, culturally skilled, or comfortable in cultural encounters. Cultural competence was related to education in cultural diversity, how often nurses encounter children of foreign origin, and nurses' country of origin. In total, these variables explained 23.6% of the variation in school nurses' cultural competence. Because school nurses regard themselves as moderately culturally competent, a foundation for promoting children's health on equal terms in school health care exists. However, education in cultural diversity combined with other additional strategies is needed to further strengthen school nurses' cultural knowledge, skills, and comfort level in encounters with children of foreign origin.
Exploring a hermeneutic perspective of nursing through revisiting nursing health history
Authors: Frechette Julie , Carnevale Franco A.
Published: November 2019

In this article, the nursing health history is revisited with a hermeneutic lens to uncover means by which this tool can better serve nursing practice. It is argued that further distanciation from the developmental and medical model is necessary to accurately uncover health and history in the nurse–client encounter. Based on the works of prominent hermeneutic philosophers, such as Heidegger, Gadamer, Merleau‐Ponty, Ricoeur, and Taylor, four orientations to health history and nursing are explored: orientation to caring, orientation to narrative, orientation to time, and orientation to the body. The nursing health history is used as a vehicle for illuminating the usefulness of a hermeneutic perspective in everyday nursing practice. This article reveals views of health, history, and health history that are already known to nurses and the nursing milieu but are concealed by more dominant outlooks. The hermeneutical perspective presented in this article can help to reveal the important dimensions of everyday nursing practice and foster a richer attunement with the complex health experiences of individuals.
Insights from past and present social science literature on the (unequal) development of New Zealand's rural communities
Authors: Pomeroy Ann
Published: November 2019

A review of social research on rural New Zealand undertaken as part of the National Science Challenge (NSC 11) “Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities” allows a fresh look at rural development within the context of New Zealand's colonial history. The research suggests that government development programmes and legislation privileged those responsible for producing the bulk of New Zealand's export income. Cultural attitudes, structural inequalities and a failure to understand how the character of, and social relations in, rural areas have changed has impeded particularly Māori economic growth, the participation of women, and non‐farm sectors of rural society, to the detriment of all.
Vertical relief facilitates spatial segregation of a high density large carnivore population
Authors: Farhadinia Mohammad S. , Heit David R. , Montgomery Robert A. , Johnson Paul J. , Hobeali Kaveh , Hunter Luke T. B. , Macdonald David W.
Published: November 2019

Quantifying the distribution and size of home ranges is critical for understanding animal spatial dynamics. This is particularly important for large carnivores in fragmented landscapes. Most studies that estimate home range consider only a bivariate frequency distribution represented by a two‐dimensional planimetric surface. The underlying assumption of these approaches is that the animals inhabit landscapes that are completely flat. Of course, this is rarely the case. Here we investigated the influence of vertical relief and three‐dimensional landscape features on the home range patterns of a high density carnivore. Via GPS telemetry‐tracking of a population of Persian leopards Panthera pardus saxicolor (n = 6), and globally‐available digital elevation models (DEMs), we calculated the surface area of home ranges in comparison to traditional planimetric estimates. We also investigated predation patterns of leopards across elevation gradients using GPS location data and kill site analysis. The topographic measurements exceeded planimetric estimates by up to 38% which suggests that planimetric modeling underestimates home range size, particularly when animals inhabit variable terrain. We also observed that resident leopards exhibit significant altitudinal partitioning of predation, suggesting that leopards that have overlapping home ranges may still utilize exclusive hunting territories. We discuss the ways in which planimetric approaches may be underestimating aspects of animal ranging behavior and ecology. We conclude that topography should be considered, not as an ancillary metric, but as an important aspect of home range calculation. Our approach can enhance understanding of spatial requirements, population density, intra‐guild sympatric competition and conflict management of large felids inhabiting rugged landscapes.
Early plant development depends on embryo damage location: the role of seed size in partial seed predation
Authors: Perea Ramón , Fernandes G. Wilson , Dirzo Rodolfo
Published: November 2019

Seed predators sometimes inflict non‐lethal seed damage. We asked whether seed size modulates the location of insect seed damage and examined whether location‐specific damage on the embryo influences early plant development (embryo survival, germination, seedling emergence and performance). We used intact and weevil‐infested seeds of a prevalent California oak tree Quercus agrifolia as study model. We conducted observational and manipulative studies (simulate partial embryo damage).

Seed size significantly affected the location of insect damage within the seed and, in turn, the probability of embryo damage, with larger seeds showing lower probability of embryo damage. The location of the larva exit hole was strongly associated with the probability of embryo damage, with 0.9 probability when the exit hole is located <5 mm from the embryo.

Partial damage on the embryo was found in ca 11% of the infested seeds (n = 250). Among them, 63% showed damage only on the inner part (plumule) of the embryo. Damage on the plumule (the rudimentary shoot) was more lethal than damage on the radicle, particularly at the emergence phase, when success rate of plumule‐damaged seeds decreased by half as compared to that of radicle‐damaged seeds. Plumule‐damaged seeds also emerged much later and performed more poorly than radicle‐damaged seeds. Furthermore, seedlings that emerged from plumule‐damaged seeds showed poorer physiological parameters (lower chlorophyll and nitrogen content) than those emerged from radicle‐damaged seeds. Overall, intact seeds performed better than both types of damaged seeds.

We highlight that seed size and its associated differential location of seed damage determines the occurrence of embryo damage and the region affected within the embryo (e.g. plumule versus radicle) which, in turn, affects important components of plant fitness. Different selective pressures affecting mostly the plumule (insects) versus the radicle (embryo‐clipping rodents) may contribute to elucidate the co‐evolutionary dynamics of seeds and their predators.
Development of a large population of activation‐tagged mutants in an elite indica rice variety
Authors: Kota Vamsee Raja , Gundra Sivakrishna Rao , Vudem Dashavantha Reddy , Pulugurtha Bharadwaja Kirti , Khareedu Venkateswara Rao
Published: November 2019

In this study, we have generated more than 12,000 activation‐tagged mutants in a high‐yielding indica rice variety, 'BPT 5204', employing maize Ac/Ds system. Different transgenic plants obtained were analysed based on expression patterns of green fluorescence protein (GFP), red fluorescence protein (RFP), herbicide (Basta) tolerance and molecular analyses. T1 seeds of pSQ5 and pSQ5‐bar transgenics, when germinated separately on hygromycin (50 mg/L) and phosphinothricin (5 mg/L) containing medium, revealed a segregation of 3 tolerant : 1 susceptible plants. The germinal transposition frequency of Ds element in different T2 progeny of rice plants was found to be about 18.0%. Different stable tagged mutants exhibited marked increases in plant height, number of tillers, leaf size, panicle size, seed size and number of grains per plant. The overall results indicate that the genes associated with these traits are upregulated by the enhancer element in activation‐tagged mutants. As such, the various tagged mutant lines appear promising and serve as a valuable genetic resource for identification of key genes determining different agronomic traits of rice.
Yes, Eliminative Materialism Is Self‐Defeating
Authors: Slagle Jim
Published: November 2019

Eliminative materialism seeks to replace our familiar categories of mentality, “folk psychology,” with those of cognitive science. One of the objections to this project has been that is self‐defeating. Any attempt to argue for, defend, present, or even contemplate eliminativism in one's own mind can only get started by employing the very categories it decries. Counterarguments to this objection include that to accuse eliminativism of being self‐defeating begs the question (the Churchlands) and that it can be reduced to other objections to eliminativism (Ramsey). I argue that these counterarguments are unsuccessful and that eliminativism is in fact self‐defeating.
When Are Nudges Desirable? Benefit Validity When Preferences Are Not Consistently Revealed
Authors: Weimer David L.
Published: November 2019

Cost‐benefit analysis, as a tool of general use in policy analysis or as a mandated analytical process in some rulemaking, provides protocols for assessing the relative efficiency of policy alternatives. However, inconsistent and apparently irrational decisions by consumers in some situations call into question the validity of inferring the values that consumers place on outcomes from their observed choices. It also opens the door for “nudges” that change the architecture of choice to promote more “rational” consumer choice. Differences between decision utility and experience utility and the willingness of consumers to pay for reductions in temptation provide conceptual bases for thinking about the efficiency of nudges. However, assessment of nudges and their role in behavioral public administration should also recognize that heterogeneous preferences can result in increases in utility for some and decreases for others. Therefore, nudges require systematic assessment like other policy instruments.
Biocrust lichen and moss species most suitable for restoration projects
Authors: Rosentreter Roger
Published: November 2019

Reintroducing lichens and mosses to areas slated for restoration or rehabilitation may prove integral to project success by filling the biocrust component (niche) of arid ecosystems. In doing so, it is important to select appropriate species and genetic source material. Some bryophyte and lichen species are early pioneers and are potentially well‐suited for restoration projects. Species traits such as high reproductive rates, rapid establishment rates, and large asexual reproductive propagules can be beneficial for restoration. For instance, the large number of spores produced by some mosses are beneficial for reproductive success in arid environments. In addition to identifying the benefit of reproductive strategies, it is important to take habitat needs into consideration; lichen and moss species that are wide‐ranging both geographically and ecologically are recommended over geographically and edaphically restricted species that occur only in specific habitats, such as calcareous soils. Biocrusts used in specific restoration areas should have similar genetic source material (local provenance), and harsh environmental conditions should be ameliorated.