bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affective cognition in bipolar disorder: A systematic review by the ISBD targeting cognition task force
Authors: Miskowiak Kamilla W. , Seeberg Ida , Kjaerstad Hanne L. , Burdick Katherine E. , Martinez‐Aran Anabel , del Mar Bonnin Caterina , Bowie Christopher R. , Carvalho Andre F. , Gallagher Peter , Hasler Gregor , Lafer Beny , López‐Jaramillo Carlos , Sumiyoshi Tomiki , McIntyre Roger S. , Schaffer Ayal , Porter Richard J. , Purdon Scot , Torres Ivan J. , Yatham Lakshmi N. , Young Allan H. , Kessing Lars V. , Van Rheenen Tamsyn E. , Vieta Eduard
Published: September 2019

Background

Impairments in affective cognition are part of the neurocognitive profile and possible treatment targets in bipolar disorder (BD), but the findings are heterogeneous. The International Society of Bipolar Disorder (ISBD) Targeting Cognition Task Force conducted a systematic review to (i) identify the most consistent findings in affective cognition in BD, and (ii) provide suggestions for affective cognitive domains for future study and meta‐analyses.

Methods

The review included original studies reporting behavioral measures of affective cognition in BD patients vs controls following the procedures of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Searches were conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsychInfo from inception until November 2018.

Results

A total of 106 articles were included (of which nine included data for several affective domains); 41 studies assessed emotional face processing; 23 studies investigated reactivity to emotional words and images; 3 investigated explicit emotion regulation; 17 assessed implicit emotion regulation; 31 assessed reward processing and affective decision making. In general, findings were inconsistent. The most consistent findings were trait‐related difficulties in facial emotion recognition and implicit emotion regulation, and impairments in reward processing and affective decision making during mood episodes. Studies using eye‐tracking and facial emotion analysis revealed subtle trait‐related abnormalities in emotional reactivity.

Conclusion

The ISBD Task Force recommends facial expression recognition, implicit emotion regulation, and reward processing as domains for future research and meta‐analyses. An important step to aid comparability between studies in the field would be to reach consensus on an affective cognition test battery for BD.
Prospective associations between children's depressive symptoms and peer victimization: The role of social helplessness
Authors: Kochel Karen P. , Rafferty Dana
Published: September 2019

Investigating precursors to peer victimization, a particularly damaging form of peer maltreatment, represents an important research objective. This study's purpose was to evaluate the hypothesis that social helplessness is one mechanism underlying the pathway from early depressive symptoms to subsequent peer victimization among preadolescents in the third through fifth grades (N = 230; 126 girls; Mage at recruitment = 9.48; SD = 0.68). We collected self‐reports of depressive symptoms and peer victimization and teacher reports of social helplessness in the fall of 2015 or 2016 (T1) and at two subsequent time points (T2 and T3) separated by 6‐month lags. Results from a random intercepts cross‐lagged panel model provided evidence for our hypothesized model in which T2 social helplessness partially mediated the effect of T1 depressive symptoms on T3 peer victimization. Findings underscore the importance of school‐based prevention and youth development programmes that promote social‐emotional learning for youth who are symptomatic for depression.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on the subject?

Children's depressive symptoms and interpersonal dysfunction are related in a transactional way.

Children who are symptomatic for depression tend to exhibit social‐behavioural deficits.

Depression‐linked, social‐behavioural deficits are associated with relationship disturbances.

What does this study add?

Children's socially helpless behaviour mediated the contribution of depressive symptoms to subsequent peer victimization.

Depressive symptoms predicted, and were predicted by, socially helpless behaviour.

Socially helpless behaviour increased risk for, but did not result from, peer victimization.
Long‐term performance of bicuspid and quadricuspid aortic valves: Similarities and differences
Authors: Sharif Dawod , Azzam Elias , Sharif‐Rasslan Amal
Published: September 2019

While bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital cardiac anomaly, quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is rare. The usual three‐leaflet aortic valve is characterized by engineering advantages with superior long‐term performance, and thus, degenerative changes and significant functional deterioration appear at advanced age. Aim: Evaluation of long‐term performance, similarities, and differences between QAV and BAV. Methods: Screening of 19 000 consecutive echocardiographic studies was performed. Results: BAV was reported in 131 subjects with a prevalence of 0.7%, while QAV was seen in 11 with a prevalence of 0.06%, P < .00001. Age of BAV patients was younger, 45 ± 20 years vs 62 ± 17 years in QAV, P < .05, with higher proportion of females in those with QAV, 40% vs 30%. Chamber diameters were similar in both groups. Higher atrial contraction‐A‐wave mitral peak velocities and longer E‐wave deceleration times were found in subjects with QAV, P < .05 for both. Dilated ascending aorta was found in 25% of patients with BAV and in 18% of those with QAV, P = .2. Moderate and severe aortic valve stenosis were found in 21% of patients with BAV and in 27% of those with QAV, P = ns. More than moderate aortic regurgitation was found in 15.5% of BAV patients and in 9% of QAV, P = ns. Aortic valve infective endocarditis was found in 1.5% of BAV patients and in 9% of those with QAV. Conclusions: BAV is a common congenital anomaly, while QAV is rare. Similar prevalence of significant valve disease and aortopathy was found in both anomalies, though at younger age in BAV patients.
Effects of variable maternal temperature on offspring development and reproduction of Rhopalosiphum padi, a serious global pest of wheat
Authors: Peng Xiong , Zhao Qi , Guo Xin , Su Sha , Liu Lang , Li Yuting , Song Chunman , Chen Maohua
Published: September 2019

1. Global warming is occurring at an unprecedented rate. Information about how variable temperature affects insect life‐history traits is still scarce.

2. The current study first evaluated the effects of two variable‐temperature treatments [high‐temperature‐variation (HT) treatments and mild‐temperature‐variation (MT) treatments] on the life‐history traits of a maternal generation (F0) of Rhopalosiphum padi, a serious global pest, using a constant normal‐temperature (NT) treatment as a control. Following this, the life‐history traits of the offspring generation (F1) under the NT, MT and HT scenarios were analysed.

3. The total developmental duration of the aphid F0 generation was significantly shortened by MT treatments, while it was significantly increased by HT treatments. Adult longevity and the fecundity of F0 were significantly decreased by HT treatments compared with those in the MT and NT treatments, whereas no significant difference was found between the latter two treatments. The HT treatments applied to the F0 generation significantly prolonged the total developmental duration of the F1 generation. The offspring adult longevity was not affected by the mothers' temperature experience. The offspring fecundity was significantly increased when the F0 generation experienced MT treatments. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was significantly decreased when the F0 generation experienced an HT scenario. However, the MT scenario experienced by the F0 generation did not significantly affect the rm of their offspring.

4. The results will provide new insights into the effects of variable maternal temperature on the individual development and population dynamics of offspring under a global warming scenario.
Abnormalities in FGF family members and their roles in modulating depression‐related molecules
Authors: Xu Yu‐Hao , Zhu Yan , Zhu Yuan‐Yuan , Wei Hong , Zhang Ning‐Ning , Qin Jia‐Sheng , Zhu Xiao‐Lan , Yu Ming , Li Yue‐Feng
Published: September 2019

The role of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) system in depression has received considerable attention in recent years. To understand the role of this system, it is important to identify the specific members of the FGF family that have been implicated and the various mechanisms that they modulated. Here, we review the role of FGFs in depression and integrate evidence from clinical and basic research. These data suggest that changes in the FGF family are involved in depression and possibly in a wider range of psychiatric disorders. We analyse the abnormalities of FGF family members in depression and their roles in modulating depression‐related molecules. The role of the FGF family in depression and related disorders needs to be studied in more detail.
Digital Module 07: Subscores: Evaluation and Reporting https://ncme.elevate.commpartners.com
Authors: Sinharay Sandip
Published: September 2019

Test score users often demand the reporting of subscores due to their potential diagnostic, remedial, and instructional benefits. Therefore, there is substantial pressure on testing programs to report subscores. However, professional standards require that subscores have to satisfy minimum quality standards before they can be reported. In this digital ITEMS module, Dr. Sandip Sinharay reviews the status quo on the reporting of subscores. Specifically, he first provides examples of operationally reported subscores, discusses why subscores are in high demand, and discusses professional quality standards that subscores have to satisfy. He then describes various statistical methods that can be used to evaluate whether subscores satisfy professional standards, which include descriptive statistics, DIMTEST/DETECT, factor analysis, multidimensional item response theory, and the Haberman method. He provides guidance for how to implement these methods on real data using the R package “subscores.” The digital module includes video illustrations using real data, quiz questions with diagnostic feedback, data‐based activities with video solutions, curated resources, and a glossary.
Experimental evidence that winning or losing a fight does not affect sperm quality in a field cricket
Authors: Tuni Cristina , Mizerakis Vangelis‐Loukas , Dingemanse Niels J.
Published: September 2019

Fighting is a powerful social experience that can affect male reproductive behavior, including ejaculatory strategies. Whereas winners may monopolize females, losers may instead perceive high sperm competition and limited future mating opportunities, and accordingly enhance ejaculate quality to maximize their reproductive success. In male field crickets Gryllus bimaculatus that fight aggressively for control of breeding territories, winners are known to possess sperm of lower quality (viability) compared to losers, but it remains unclear whether this is due to short‐term fighting consequences. To test if the fighting experience per se (winning or losing) affects male adjustment of sperm viability, we subjected males to winning and losing experiences by staging fights against size‐matched rivals of known fighting ability. These rivals were males that previously won or lost a fight and, due to “winner‐loser effects” kept winning or losing subsequent contests. We sampled sperm prior and after the fight and twice in control males with no fighting experience and found no differences in sperm viability across measures. We conclude that males do not tailor their ejaculate quality following a single fight, or based on its outcome. Intrinsic differences in other attributes between winners and loser phenotypes may explain differences in sperm quality previously described in this system.
Mechanical properties and metallurgical features of new and ex vivo used Reciproc Blue and Reciproc
Authors: Generali L. , Puddu P. , Borghi A. , Brancolini S. , Lusvarghi L. , Bolelli G. , Consolo U. , Pedullà E.
Published: September 2019

Aim

To compare the mechanical properties and metallurgic features of new and used Reciproc Blue and Reciproc instruments.

Methodology

A total of 120 R25 Reciproc Blue and R25 Reciproc instruments were used. The morphological, chemical, mechanical, thermal and phase composition characteristics of new and ex vivo used files were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (FEG‐SEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), focused ion beam analysis (FIB), micro‐Raman spectroscopy, FEG‐SEM metallography, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and indentation tests. Usage‐induce degradation was evaluated. Ten new and ten used instruments per type were run until fracture occurred in a stainless steel artificial canal (60° angle of curvature, 4‐mm radius). Time to fracture and the length of the fractured fragment were recorded. Torque and angle of rotation at failure of ten new and ten used instruments for each type were measured according to ISO 3630‐1. The fracture surface of each fragment was examined. Two‐way analyses of variance was used to analyse the data statistically (α‐level 0.05).

Results

SEM analysis revealed microcracks near the tip on both files after ex vivo usage tests. FIB imaging and micro‐Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of an oxide layer on the Reciproc Blue surface. There was no thinning of the coating after use. XRD revealed a reduction of martensite and R‐phase in Reciproc Blue after use. DSC analysis revealed different transformation temperatures for the instruments analysed. Reciproc Blue was significantly more flexible than Reciproc for both new and used samples (P < 0.05), and they were significantly more resistant to cyclic fatigue than Reciproc (P < 0.05). Ex vivo usage reduced the fatigue resistance of both files. Torsional resistance of Reciproc and Reciproc Blue was not reduced by simulated use (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The thermal treatment of Reciproc Blue was associated with a finer structure with smaller grains than Reciproc, which increased its fracture resistance and was also responsible for its reduced hardness and lower elastic modulus. Both files were safe during ex vivo usage in severely curved canals.
Stabilization of soil by means alternative alkali‐activated cement prepared with spent FCC catalyst
Authors: Cosa Juan , Soriano Lourdes , Borrachero María Victoria , Payá Jordi , Monzó José M.
Published: September 2019

Alkali‐activated cements are widely studied as alternative and sustainable binder in soil stabilization. In this research work, a mold was designed and constructed, which allowed small cubic specimens to be made (40 × 40 × 40 mm3). With the newly designed mold, cubic samples of soil stabilized with portland cement (OPC) and alternative AAC (based on spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst FCC) were prepared from which compressive strength was obtained. Cylindrical specimens were also prepared using the same binders as in the previous case to obtain their compressive strength. The results obtained in both cases were compared. Greater resistances for cubic samples were achieved. The cubic specimens were selected for being better in terms of standard deviation of compressive strength for AAC stabilized soil. The obtained compressive strength and standard deviation results were compared between the soil specimens stabilized with different stabilizers cured at 7, 14, 28, and 90 days. The method allows small‐sized cubic specimens to be prepared. It improves ergonomics. It also facilitates a large number of specimens being obtained with a small amount of sample. Soil stabilized with AAC yielded higher compressive strength after 90 days compared to that with OPC.
Unpacking the Displacement‐Migration Nexus: Evidence from Northern Iraq
Authors: Costantini Irene , Palani Kamaran
Published: September 2019

Recent conflicts have increasingly produced a twofold, forced movement of people: internal displacement and forced migration. While the co‐occurrence of these phenomena is an acknowledged fact, there is not yet an understanding of their relation in terms of either the scale or the process contributing to it. This article seeks to fill this gap by questioning the relation between conflict‐induced displacement and migration in and from Iraq. The analysis is based on survey data (500 questionnaires) and 29 semi‐structured interviews with IraqiIDPs residing in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and national and international key informants. Based on the findings, the study concludes that the aspiration to leave Iraq is primarily attributable to the structural enduring condition of Iraq, rather than an individual condition – a finding that uneasily translates into the new framework for intervention in conflict‐affected and fragile contexts premised on deterring migration.
Peer‐to‐peer financing choice of SME entrepreneurs in the re‐emergence of supply chain localization
Authors: Reza‐Gharehbagh Raziyeh , Hafezalkotob Ashkan , Asian Sobhan , Makui Ahmad , Zhang Allan N.
Published: September 2019

While peer‐to‐peer (P2P) financing mechanisms have recently gained significant popularity, small and medium sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs still harbor a considerable degree of skepticism about the role of governments in promoting alternative supply chain finance (SCF) solutions in the re‐emergence of supply chain (SC) localization. This paper studies the SC financing problem of a capital‐constrained SME entrepreneur under two alternative financing schemes provided by an online P2P lending‐investment platform, namely debt financing (DF) and equity financing (EF). Considering the competition between a local and a foreign SC in a shared market, we investigate the direct (i.e., subsidizing domestic production) and indirect (i.e., subsidizing P2P platform service fee) roles of government intervention toward SC localization. Formulating a three‐level Stackelberg game model, this paper presents a scenario‐based decision‐making framework to jointly evaluate four different SCF scenarios through the lens of local SC, P2P financing platforms, and government. The results reveal that there exist three possible regions (i.e., DF, EF, and Conflict), within which the government and the P2P financing platforms can examine the alternative SCF schemes in order to achieve a mutually agreeable agreement. Our sensitivity analysis on interest rate and exchange ratio suggests that, when financed via an online P2P lending platform (i.e., DF), the local SC always achieves a higher profit under the direct intervention policy. The indirect policy, however, is preferred only when EF is the main source of SCF and the exchange ratio is sufficiently high.
Identification of prognosis‐related alternative splicing events in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Zuo Yongdi , Zhang Liang , Tang Weihao , Tang Wanxin
Published: September 2019

Alternative splicing (AS) contributes to protein diversity by modifying most gene transcriptions. Cancer generation and progression are associated with specific splicing events. However, AS signature in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) remains unknown. In this study, genome‐wide AS profiles were generated in 537 patients with KIRC in the cancer genome atlas. With a total of 42 522 mRNA AS events in 10 600 genes acquired, 8164 AS events were significantly associated with the survival of patients with KIRC. Logistic regression analysis of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was conducted to identify an optimized multivariate prognostic predicting mode containing four predictors. In this model, the receptor‐operator characteristic curves of the training set were built, and the areas under the curves (AUCs) at different times were >0.88, thus indicating a stable and powerful ability in distinguishing patients' outcome. Similarly, the AUCs of the test set at different times were >0.73, verifying the results of the training set. Correlation and gene ontology analyses revealed some potential functions of prognostic AS events. This study provided an optimized survival‐predicting model and promising data resources for future in‐depth studies on AS mechanisms in KIRC.
How Do Frail Medicare Beneficiaries Fare Under Bundled Payments?
Authors: Joynt Maddox Karen E. , Orav Endel John , Zheng Jie , Epstein Arnold M.
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Bundled payments are an alternative payment model in which a hospital takes accountability for the costs of a 90‐day episode of care. Such models are meant to improve care through better coordination across care settings, but could have adverse consequences for frail adults if they lead to inappropriate cuts in necessary post‐acute care.

DESIGN

Retrospective claims‐based analysis of hospitals' first year of participation in Medicare's Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) program.

SETTING

US hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 641 146 Medicare beneficiaries admitted to 688 BPCI programs and 1276 matched control hospitals for myocardial infarction, heart failure, pneumonia, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or major joint replacement of the lower extremity in 2012 to 2016.

INTERVENTION

Participation in BPCI.

MEASUREMENTS

Proportion of patients in each quartile of a validated claims‐based frailty index, total and setting‐specific standardized Medicare payments per episode, days at home, 90‐day readmissions, and 90‐day mortality.

RESULTS

Higher levels of frailty were associated with higher Medicare payments and worse clinical outcomes (for the medical composite, costs per episode were $11 921, $17 348, $22 828, and $29 157 across frailty quartiles; days at home were 70.1, 60.4, 54.3, and 51.5; 90‐day readmission rates were 16.0%, 27.0%, 38.2%, and 50.9%; and 90‐day mortality rates were 15.4%, 22.5%, 25.1%, 21.3%); patterns were similar for joint replacement. Under the BPCI program, there was no differential change in the proportion of highly frail patients at BPCI vs control hospitals. There were also no differential deleterious changes in payments or clinical outcomes for frail relative to nonfrail patients at BPCI vs non‐BPCI hospitals.

CONCLUSION

While frail patients had higher costs and worse outcomes in general, there was no evidence of changes in access or worsening clinical outcomes in BPCI hospitals for frail patients relative to the nonfrail in hospitals' first year of participation in the program. These findings may be reassuring for policy makers and clinical leaders. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2245–2253, 2019
Dietary total antioxidant capacity is positively associated with muscular strength in cirrhotic outpatients: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: de Freitas Lima L. , de Faria Ghetti F. , Hermsdorff H. H. M. , de Oliveira D. G. , Teixeira G. , de Castro Ferreira L. E. V. V. , Moreira A. P. B.
Published: September 2019

Background

Cirrhosis is the end‐stage of progressive fibrosis, in which oxidative stress and inflammation‐related pathways can modulate the cellular and tissue events involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Dietary intake of antioxidants has been suggested to protect against oxidative damage and related clinical complications. The present study aimed to investigate the potential association of the dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) with anthropometric, functional and biochemical markers, as well as the severity of the disease, in cirrhotic outpatients.

Methods

Sixty‐two outpatients (38 men and 24 women) with a mean (SD) age of 59.1 (9.9) years were evaluated. Dietary TAC was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. Aetiology and severity of liver cirrhosis, lifestyle characteristics, occurrence of comorbidities and oedema, and anthropometric, functional and biochemical markers were all assessed.

Results

Cirrhotic outpatients with higher dTAC also had higher values of the hand‐grip strength (P = 0.029) and arm muscle area (P = 0.027). After adjusting by sex, age, smoking and alcohol intake, the addition of 1 mmol day−1 of dTAC contributed to increase 0.552 kg f−1 in hand‐grip strength (P < 0.05). The addition of one mmol day−1 of dTAC contributed to an arm muscle area increase 0.565 cm2 (P < 0.05) on average.

Conclusions

The dTAC was positively associated with hand‐grip strength and arm muscle area in cirrhotic outpatients. The implications of the present study are important in clinical practice because a diet rich in antioxidants may be an ally in the control of excessive reactive oxygen species production in cirrhotic outpatients with repercussion on muscle mass and strength.
Pressure injury risk assessment in intensive care units: Comparison of the reliability and predictive validity of the Braden and Jackson/Cubbin scales
Authors: Adibelli Seyma , Korkmaz Fatos
Published: September 2019

Aims and objectives

To compare the reliability and predictive validity of the Braden and Jackson/Cubbin PI risk assessment scales in intensive care unit patients.

Background

Risk assessment with a standardised tool is the usual intervention for preventing pressure injury. Therefore, tools used to assess pressure injury risk should be valid and reliable for the designated patient population.

Design

A prospective and cross‐sectional study adheres to the STARD guideline.

Methods

This study was conducted between November 2017–April 2018 in the intensive care units of a tertiary level university hospital in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 176 patients admitted to three intensive care units. Risk assessment was performed once daily with the Braden scale, followed immediately with the Jackson/Cubbin scale. Risk assessment was terminated on the day of pressure injury development or upon patient discharge from the intensive care unit. Each patient's final risk assessment was considered in the data analysis.

Results

The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Jackson/Cubbin and Braden scales was .78 and .85, respectively. The predictive validity of the Jackson/Cubbin scale was confirmed by a sensitivity of .87, specificity of .84, positive predictive value of .47 and negative predictive value of .97. These values for the Braden scale were .95, .75, .38 and .99, respectively.

Conclusion

Both the Jackson/Cubbin and Braden scales are reliable and valid scales for pressure injury risk assessment in intensive care unit patients. However, the predictive ability to determine patients at risk and not at risk for pressure injury was better for the Jackson/Cubbin scale than for the Braden scale.

Relevance to clinical practice

Both scales are reliable and valid scales for pressure injury risk assessment. Jackson/Cubbin scale's discriminative ability (between the patients at pressure injury risk and not at pressure injury risk) was better.
Determination of magnetic motor evoked potential latency time cutoff values for detection of spinal cord dysfunction in horses
Authors: Rijckaert Joke , Pardon Bart , Saey Veronique , Raes Els , Van Ham Luc , Ducatelle Richard , van Loon Gunther , Deprez Piet
Published: September 2019

Background

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and recording of magnetic motor evoked potentials (MMEP) can detect neurological dysfunction in horses but cutoff values based on confirmed spinal cord dysfunction are lacking.

Objectives

To determine latency time cutoff for neurological dysfunction.

Animals

Five control horses and 17 horses with proprioceptive ataxia.

Methods

Case‐control study with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, based on diagnostic imaging, TMS, and histopathological findings. Horses were included if all 3 examinations were performed.

Results

Diagnostic imaging and histopathology did not show abnormalities in the control group but confirmed spinal cord compression in 14 of 17 ataxic horses. In the remaining 3 horses, histopathological lesions were mild to severe, but diagnostic imaging did not confirm spinal cord compression. In control horses, latency time values of thoracic and pelvic limbs were significantly lower than in ataxic horses (20 ± 1 vs 34 ± 16 milliseconds,P= .05; and 39 ± 1 vs 78 ± 26 milliseconds,P= .004). Optimal cutoff values to detect spinal cord dysfunction were 22 milliseconds (sensitivity [95% CI interval], 88% [73%‐100%]; specificity, 100% [100%‐100%]) in thoracic and 40 milliseconds (sensitivity, 94% [83%‐100%]; specificity, 100% [100%‐100%]) in pelvic limbs. To detect spinal cord dysfunction caused by compression, the optimal cutoff for thoracic limbs remained 22 milliseconds, while it increased to 43 milliseconds in pelvic limbs (sensitivity, 100% [100%‐100%]; specificity, 100% [100%‐100%] for thoracic and pelvic limbs).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Magnetic motor evoked potential analysis using these cutoff values is a promising diagnostic tool for spinal cord dysfunction diagnosis in horses.
Long‐term survival of dogs treated for gallbladder mucocele by cholecystectomy, medical management, or both
Authors: Parkanzky Max , Grimes Janet , Schmiedt Chad , Secrest Scott , Bugbee Andrew
Published: September 2019

Background

Gallbladder mucoceles (GBM) typically are treated by cholecystectomy. Medical management rarely has been reported and medical and surgical management have not been compared.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare survival of dogs treated for GBM by medical management or cholecystectomy or both.

Animals

Eighty‐nine client‐owned dogs diagnosed with GBM that received cholecystectomy or medical treatment or both from 2011 to 2017.

Methods

Potential cases were identified by searching the medical records database. Data collected included signalment, clinicopathologic results, treatments, and ultrasonographic images and reports. Dogs were grouped according to the treatment received (medical management, surgical treatment, or both) that was chosen at the discretion of the attending veterinarian. Survival analysis was performed and prognostic variables identified and compared between treatment groups.

Results

Of dogs surviving at least 14 days after diagnosis, median survival times were 1802 (95% confidence interval [CI], 855‐not reached) days, 1340 (95% CI, 444‐1340) days, and 203 (95% CI, 18‐525) days, for the surgical, medical, and medical then surgical treatment groups, respectively, and differed significantly (P < .0001). Gallbladder mucocele type (P = .05), serum alkaline phosphatase activity (P = .0001), and serum creatinine (P = .002) and phosphorus (P = .04) concentrations were associated with decreased survival across groups. Suspicion of biliary rupture on abdominal ultrasound (AUS) examination was correlated with increased survival in the surgical group (P = .02).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Cholecystectomy for the treatment of GBM results in the best long‐term survival in dogs surviving the immediate postoperative period (14 days) compared to medical management. Although medical management is associated with shorter survival compared to surgical treatment, it is a reasonable alternative when surgery cannot be pursued.
Sodium hydrosulfide priming improves the response of photosynthesis to overnight frost and day high light in avocado (Persea americana Mill, cv. ‘Hass’)
Authors: Joshi Naveen C. , Yadav Deepanker , Ratner Kira , Kamara Itzhak , Aviv‐Sharon Elinor , Irihimovitch Vered , Charuvi Dana
Published: September 2019

Radiation frost events, which have become more common in the Mediterranean Basin in recent years, inflict extensive damage to tropical/subtropical fruit crops. During radiation frost, sub‐zero temperatures are encountered in the dark, followed by high light during the subsequent clear‐sky day. One of the key processes affected by these conditions is photosynthesis, which, when significantly inhibited, leads to the enhanced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage. The use of ‘chemical priming’ treatments that induce plants' endogenous stress responses is a possible strategy to improve their coping with stress conditions. Herein, we studied the effects of priming with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a donor of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), on the response of photosynthesis to overnight frost and day high‐light conditions in ‘Hass’ avocado (Persea americana Mill). We found that priming with a single foliar application of NaHS had positive effects on the response of grafted ‘Hass’ plants. Primed plants exhibited significantly reduced inhibition of CO2 assimilation, a lower accumulation of hydrogen peroxide as well as lower photoinhibition, as compared to untreated plants. The ability to maintain a high CO2 assimilation capacity after the frost was attained on the background of considerable inhibition in stomatal conductance. Thus, it was likely related to the lower accumulation of ROS and photodamage observed in primed ‘Hass’ plants. This work contributes toward the understanding of the response of photosynthesis in a subtropical crop species to frost conditions and provides a prospect for chemical priming as a potential practice in orchards during cold winters.
Characterization and transcriptional analysis of one carbonic anhydrase gene in the green‐tide‐forming alga Ulva prolifera (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Feng , Wang Mengqiang , Moejes Fiona W. , Bi Yuping
Published: September 2019

Ulva prolifera is a green‐tide‐forming macroalga dominating the green tides in the Yellow Sea from 2007 to 2019. The exponential growth of U. prolifera, and the correlating accumulation of biomass, rely heavily on its carbon fixation capability. Despite the importance of carbon fixation in algal growth, to date none of the genes involved in carbon fixation have undergone molecular characterization in U. prolifera. This study used Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) to characterize one full‐length carbonic anhydrase (CA) gene of U. prolifera (UpαCA1). An activity assay showed that UpαCA1 was an active CA. Real‐time quantitative PCR results showed that temperature, irradiance, salinity and pH could influence the transcriptional level of UpαCA1, indicating that UpαCA1 was sensitive to varying environmental factors. The results of this study provided further insights into our understanding of the influence of environmental factors on carbon fixation in U. prolifera and its subsequent role in the formation of green tides.
Patients with head and neck cancers' oral health knowledge, oral health‐related quality of life, oral health status, and adherence to advice on discharge to primary dental care: A prospective observational study
Authors: Abed Hassan , Reilly Damien , Burke Mary , Daly Blánaid
Published: September 2019

Aims

This prospective observational study set out to assess patients' oral health knowledge, oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) and status immediately posttherapy, and adherence with oral health behaviors posttreatment with radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HaNC).

Methods

A prospective observational study post HaNC therapy. At time one (T1), prior to discharge to primary dental care, oral health knowledge, OHRQoL, and status were assessed and dental health advice was delivered. At time two (T2), four weeks postdischarge, patients' adherence with dental health advice was reassessed.

Results

Thirty people postradiotherapy were recruited (mean age 58.9, SD ± 8.4). Twenty‐three (77%) were men. Thirteen (45%) respondents reported they were not informed about the side effects of radiotherapy. On discharge to primary care, 20 (67%) of the respondents rated their oral health as fair or worse, while 47% were displeased with dental appearance. Respondents reported a mean of 8.6 impacts (SD ± 5.3) on OHRQoL. Five (17%) and two (7%) patients had an established or a new osteoradionecrosis, respectively, and 16 patients (53%) had greater than two new carious teeth. One month postdischarge (T2), adherence with dental advice was high, 93% were registered with a primary care dentist and all brushed their teeth daily.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study in a single‐center, adherence with oral health advice was high. However, participants felt they received little preparatory information about side effects and impacts of radiotherapy on oral and dental health, and how to maintain oral health after radiotherapy.
Plasma PTX3, MCP1 and Ang2 are early biomarkers to evaluate the severity of sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Tian Rui , Wang Xiaoli , Pan Tingting , Li Ranran , Wang Jiahui , Liu Zhaojun , Chen Erzhen , Mao Enqiang , Tan Ruoming , Chen Yang , Liu Jialin , Qu Hongping
Published: September 2019

Sepsis is associated with significant mortality. Early diagnosis and prognosis of patients with sepsis is still a difficult clinical challenge. In this study, the ability of plasma PTX3 (pentraxin 3), MCP1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) and Ang (angiopoietin)1/2 was investigated to evaluate the severity of sepsis. Blood samples were obtained from 43 patients with sepsis. A total of 33 post‐surgery patients with infections and 25 healthy individuals served as controls. The results showed that plasma PTX3, MCP1 and Ang2 significantly increased in patients on the first day of septic shock onset, while sepsis patients had significantly higher Ang2 level, compared with controls. Furthermore, PTX3, MCP1 and Ang2 had high AUROC values in patients with septic shock on the first day of sepsis onset. The findings suggest that PTX3, MCP1 and Ang2 maybe early predictors to evaluate the severity of sepsis and septic shock with the latest Sepsis 3.0 definitions.
Clinical coding data algorithm to categorize type of gastrointestinal bleeding as a primary reason for massive transfusion: results from the Australian and New Zealand Massive Transfusion Registry
Authors: Ket Shara N. , Sparrow Rosemary L. , McQuilten Zoe K. , Tacey Mark , Gibson Peter R. , Brown Gregor J. , Wood Erica M.
Published: September 2019

Background

Management of major gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) may require massive transfusion (MT), but limited data are available. Upper and lower GIB have different aetiologies, prognosis, bleeding patterns and outcomes. Better understanding of current transfusion management and outcomes in these patients is important. We sought to define and validate an algorithm based on clinical coding data to distinguish critical upper and lower GIB using data from the Australian and New Zealand Massive Transfusion Registry (ANZ‐MTR).

Study Design and Methods

Australian and New Zealand Massive Transfusion Registry hospital‐source data on adult patients receiving a MT (defined as ≥5 red cell units within 4 h) for any bleeding context were used. An algorithm allocating ICD‐10‐AM codes into ‘probable’ or ‘possible’ causes of GIB was developed and applied to the ANZ‐MTR. Source medical records of 69 randomly selected cases were independently reviewed to validate the algorithm.

Results

Of 5482 MT cases available from 25 hospitals, 716 (13%) were identified as GIB with 538/716 (75%) categorized ‘probable’ and 178/716 ‘possible’ GIB. Upper and lower GIB causes of MT were identified for 455/538 (85%) and 76/538 (14%) ‘probable’ cases, respectively; 7/538 (1·3%) cases had both upper and lower GIB. Allocation by the algorithm into a ‘probable’ GIB category had a 95·7% (CI: 90–100%) positive predictive value when validated against source medical records.

Conclusion

An algorithm based on ICD‐10‐AM codes can be used to accurately categorize patients with luminal GIB as the primary reason for MT, enabling further study of this critically unwell and resource‐intensive cohort of patients.
Cell‐free fetalDNAand fetal blood group genotyping: non‐invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Clausen Frederik Banch
Published: September 2019

In transfusion medicine and clinical immunology, cell‐free fetalDNA(cffDNA) is analysed from maternal plasma of pregnant women to predict fetal blood groups with the purpose of (1) assessing the risk of haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) in immunized women and (2) guiding targeted Rh prophylaxis in non‐immunized RhD‐negative women. National programmes for guiding prophylaxis are now implemented in around 6–7 European countries; assay accuracy is very high, with sensitivities of 99·9%. Sensitivity is challenged by low quantities of cffDNA, especially in early pregnancy. Specificity is challenged by the polymorphic Rh blood group system, where careful attention is needed to navigate among the manyRHDvariants that may complicate cffDNAanalysis and interpretation of results, especially in populations with mixed ethnicities. However, fetalRHDtesting is feasible when implemented with careful attention to these issues. The success of predicting fetal RhD and its successful clinical implementation should encourage widespread implementation. For blood groups that are determined bySNPs, such asKELor Rhc, novel techniques such as next‐generation sequencing and droplet digitalPCRare now providing accurate non‐invasive prediction of these fetal blood groups. Future work on non‐invasive prenatal testing of fetal blood groups determined bySNPs may consolidate the application for cell‐freeDNAtesting for such targets. AtISBT, the newly formed cfDNAsubgroup of the Red Cell Immunogenetics and Blood Group Terminology Working Party will work to facilitate clinical applications, implementation and evaluation of cell‐freeDNAtesting.
Development and Validation of the Dutch EBPAS‐ve and EBPQ‐ve for Nursing Assistants and Nurses with a Vocational Education
Authors: Maessen Kim , van Vught Anneke , Gerritsen Debby L. , Lovink Marleen H. , Vermeulen Hester , Persoon Anke
Published: September 2019

Background

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the role of evidence‐based practice (EBP) to increase the quality and safety of care. However, EBP implementation research has predominantly taken place in hospitals and hardly in nursing homes or home care. In these care settings, patients are attended by nursing assistants and registered vocationally trained nurses. A good EBP starting point is to assess their current attitude toward and use of EBP. However, current questionnaires are not valid for assistants and nurses with vocational education.

Aims

To adapt the Evidence‐Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) and the Evidence‐Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ) to a Dutch questionnaire for nursing assistants and registered vocationally trained nurses European Qualification Framework level 3–4 employed in home care or nursing homes.

Methods

Translation, adaptation through cross‐cultural validation, pretesting, exploratory factor analysis, and evaluation of psychometric properties among a group of nursing assistants and registered vocationally trained nurses.

Results

Cross‐cultural validation led to modified items of EBPQ and EBPAS. The sample comprised 273 nurses. Analysis of both instruments showed a robust factor structure. EBPAS‐ve: internal consistency: α = 0.76; intra‐rater reliability: ICC = 0.52. EBPQ‐ve: α = 0.75; ICC = 0.60. Convergent validity (correlation EBPAS‐ve and EBPQ‐ve's subscale Attitude): r = .300 (p < .01). Construct validity: significantly higher scores (p < .01) in the group with higher education.

Linking Evidence to Action

Psychometric qualities of both instruments were satisfactory, although we recommend refinement of EBPAS‐ve's subscale Divergence and extra instructions for the EBPQ's subscale Attitude. To our knowledge, this is the first adaptation of an EBP measurement instrument for nursing assistants and registered vocationally trained nurses. The questionnaires appeared to be feasible and showed multiple valid and reliable properties, including a satisfactory intra‐rater reliability. Both questionnaires may facilitate the implementation of EBP as they contribute to a richer understanding of the attitude toward and use of EBP in nursing homes and home care.
Novel Transient Liquid Phase Bonding for High-Temperature Automotive Power Electronics Systems
Authors: Liu Yanghe , Joshi Shailesh N. , Dede Ercan M.
Published: September 2019

This paper demonstrates the concept and fabrication process for a novel (copper, nickel)–tin, (Cu, Ni)–Sn, transient liquid phase (TLP) high-temperature bond that exploits the addition of a pure aluminum (Al) core layer for die attachment in a power electronics power card structure. The bond quality and composition of the bond layer are characterized using confocal scanning acoustic microscopy (CSAM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The experimental results indicate that the material composition and established fabrication process enable a crack-free bond that exhibits a void fraction of 2% or less. Compared to a traditional foil-based single-layer TLP bonding system, the proposed foil-based TLP/metal laminated structure displays ∼60% reduction in thermally induced mechanical stress built-in after fabrication, as verified through steady-state thermal stress simulations.
Numerical Simulation of the Transient Flow in a Pump-Turbine During the Load Rejection Process With Special Emphasis on the Cavitation Effect
Authors: Fu Xiaolong , Li Deyou , Wang Hongjie , Zhang Guanghui , Li Zhenggui , Wei Xianzhu
Published: September 2019

At present, pumped-storage power technology is the only available and effective way for the load balancing and energy storage in the grid network scale. During the frequent switch back and forth conditions, there are severe pressure pulsation and cavitation in pump-turbines. However, their generation mechanism has not been determined yet. This work contributes to the numerical simulation of the transient behaviors in a prototype pump-turbine during the load rejection process with special emphasis on cavitation effect. In this study, the two-dimensional dynamic remesh and variable speed slide mesh methodologies were employed to perform the simulation of the transient single-phase flow and cavitation flow in a pump-turbine. The simulation results of single-phase flow and cavitation flow were both consistent with the experimental data except in local regions based on the experimental validation of prototype tests. However, the numerical results considering cavitation effects have a better behavior than those of single-phase flow in the predictions of pressure pulsation and rotational speed. Then, the cavitation flow simulation results were analyzed deeply, especially in pressure pulsation and cavitation flow field. Analysis revealed that three typical complex frequency components of pressure were captured in the cavitation flow, which significantly affect the axial hydraulic thrust on the runner. And it is validated that they are primarily induced by the cavity collapse near the trailing edges of the runner blades in reverse pump mode and the interaction between cavitation and vortex rope in draft-tube in turbine mode.
Multistability in the Centrifugal Governor System Under a Time-Delay Control Strategy
Authors: Deng Shuning , Ji Jinchen , Yin Shan , Wen Guilin
Published: September 2019

The centrifugal governor system plays an indispensable role in maintaining the near-constant speed of engines. Although different arrangements have been developed, the governor systems are still applied in many machines for its simple mechanical structure. Therefore, the large-amplitude vibrations of the governor system which can lead to the function failure of the system should be attenuated to guarantee reliable operation. This paper adopts a time-delay control strategy to suppress the undesirable large-amplitude motions in the centrifugal governor system, which can be regarded as the practical application of the delayed feedback controller in this system. The stability region of the trivial equilibrium of the controlled system is determined by investigating the characteristic equation and generic Hopf bifurcations. It is found that the dynamic behavior of multistability can be induced by the Bautin bifurcation, arising on the stability boundary of the trivial equilibrium with a constant delay. More specifically, a coexistence of two desirable stable motions, i.e., an equilibrium or a small-amplitude periodic motion, can be observed in the controlled centrifugal governor system without changing the physical parameters. This is a new feature of the motion control in the centrifugal governor systems, which has not yet been reported in the existing studies. Finally, the results of theoretical analyses are verified by numerical simulations.