bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteogenic differentiation of 3D cultured mesenchymal stem cells induced by bioactive peptides
Authors: Lukasova Vera , Buzgo Matej , Sovkova Vera , Dankova Jana , Rampichova Michala , Amler Evzen
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Bioactive peptides derived from receptor binding motifs of native proteins are a potent source of bioactive molecules that can induce signalling pathways. These peptides could substitute for osteogenesis promoting supplements. The work presented here compares three kinds of bioactive peptides derived from collagen III, bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP‐7) and BMP‐2 with their potential osteogenic activity on the model of porcine mesenchymal stem cells (pMSCs).

Materials and methods

pMSCs were cultured on electrospun polycaprolactone nanofibrous scaffolds with different concentrations of the bioactive peptides without addition of any osteogenic supplement. Analysis of pMSCs cultures included measurement of the metabolic activity and proliferation, immunofluorescence staining and also qPCR.

Results

Results showed no detrimental effect of the bioactive peptides to cultured pMSCs. Based on qPCR analysis, the bioactive peptides are specific for osteogenic differentiation with no detectable expression of collagen II. Our results further indicate that peptide derived from BMP‐2 protein promoted the expression of mRNA for osteocalcin (OCN) and collagen I significantly compared to control groups and also supported deposition of OCN as observed by immunostaining method.

Conclusion

The data suggest that bioactive peptide with an amino acid sequence of KIPKASSVPTELSAISTLYL derived from BMP‐2 protein was the most potent for triggering osteogenic differentiation of pMSCs.
Thyroid nodules classified as atypia or follicular lesions of undetermined significance deserve further research: Analysis of 305 surgically confirmed nodules
Authors: Turkyilmaz S. , Ulusahin M. , Celebi B. , Cekic A. B. , Mungan S. , Kucuktulu U. , Tasdelen A. , Guner A. , Cinel A.
Published: July 2017

Objective

The objective of the present study was to determine the malignancy risk for nodules categorised as atypia or follicular lesions of undetermined significance atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) and to investigate the predictors of malignancy.

Methods

All nodules diagnosed as AUS/FLUS on fine needle aspiration (FNAs) performed between January 2011 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data, ultrasonographic features, follow‐up data and the final pathological results were recorded. After further exclusion, only nodules that underwent surgical excision were included in the final analysis. The malignancy rate and the range of malignancy rates were calculated. Clinical and ultrasound features were examined to determine the predictors of malignancy.

Results

During the study period, FNA was performed on 9938 nodules, and 1019 (10.2%) nodules were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS. After further exclusion, 976 nodules were evaluated. After the initial diagnosis of AUS/FLUS, 139 (14.2%) patients underwent surgery, 518 (53.1%) had repeated FNAs. A total of 305 (31%) had undergone surgical excision at different time points. For surgically confirmed nodules, the malignancy rate after the initial FNA was 34.5% (the lower and upper thresholds for the malignancy rate were 19.3% and 66.3%, respectively), and 37.9% after the repeated FNA. No ultrasound feature was determined as a predictor, whereas age (>55 years) was a predictor for malignancy.

Conclusions

The overall malignancy rate for nodules diagnosed as AUS/FLUS and the malignancy rate for nodules that underwent repeated FNA after AUS/FLUS were higher than the expected malignancy rates of the National Cancer Institute. It is, therefore, suggested that the current recommendations should be reconsidered.
Mathematical model of collective cell migrations based on cell polarity
Authors: Akiyama Masakazu , Sushida Takamichi , Ishida Sumire , Haga Hisashi
Published: July 2017

Individual cells migrate toward the direction of the cell polarity generated by interior or exterior factors. Under situations without guides such as chemoattractants, they migrate randomly. On the other hand, it has been observed that cell groups lead to systematic collective cell migrations. For example, Dictyostelium discoideum and Madin‐Darby canine kidney (epithelial) cells exhibit typical collective cell migration patterns such as uniformly directional migration and rotational migration. In particular, it has been suggested from experimental investigations that rotational migrations are intimately related to morphogenesis of organs and tissues in several species. Thus, it is conjectured that collective cell migrations are controlled by universal mechanisms of cells. In this paper, we review actual experimental data related to collective cell migrations on dishes and show that our self‐propelled particle model based on the cell polarity can accurately represent actual migration behaviors. Furthermore, we show that collective cell migration modes observed in our model are robust.
Chronic pharmacological blockade of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger modulates the growth and development of the Purkinje cell dendritic arbor in mouse cerebellar slice cultures
Authors: Sherkhane Pradeep , Kapfhammer Josef P.
Published: July 2017

The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) is a bidirectional plasma membrane antiporter involved in Ca2+ homeostasis in eukaryotes. NCX has three isoforms, NCX1–3, and all of them are expressed in the cerebellum. Immunostaining on cerebellar slice cultures indicates that NCX is widely expressed in the cerebellum, including expression in Purkinje cells. The pharmacological blockade of the forward mode of NCX (Ca2+ efflux mode) by bepridil moderately inhibited growth and development of Purkinje cell dendritic arbor in cerebellar slice cultures. However, the blockade of the reverse mode (Ca2+ influx mode) by KB‐R7943 severely reduced the dendritic arbor and induced a morphological change with thickened distal dendrites. The effect of KB‐R7943 on dendritic growth was unrelated to the activity of voltage‐gated calcium channels and was also apparent in the absence of bioelectrical activity indicating that it was mediated by NCX expressed in Purkinje cells. We have used additional NCX inhibitors including CB‐DMB, ORM‐10103, SEA0400, YM‐244769, and SN‐6 which have higher specificity for NCX isoforms and target either the forward, reverse, or both modes. These inhibitors caused a strong dendritic reduction similar to that seen with KB‐R7943, but did not elicit thickening of distal dendrites. Our findings indicate that disturbance of the NCX‐dependent calcium transport in Purkinje cells induces a reduction of dendritic arbor, which is presumably caused by changes in the calcium handling, and underline the importance of the calcium equilibrium for the dendritic development in cerebellar Purkinje cells.
Lateral prefrontal/orbitofrontal cortex has different roles in norm compliance in gain and loss domains: a transcranial direct current stimulation study
Authors: Yin Yunlu , Yu Hongbo , Su Zhongbin , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Xiaolin
Published: July 2017

Sanction is used by almost all known human societies to enforce fairness norm in resource distribution. Previous studies have consistently shown that the lateral prefrontal cortex (lPFC) and the adjacent orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) play a causal role in mediating the effect of sanction threat on norm compliance. However, most of these studies were conducted in gain domain in which resources are distributed. Little is known about the mechanisms underlying norm compliance in loss domain in which individual sacrifices are needed. Here we employed a modified version of dictator game (DG) and high‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD‐tDCS) to investigate to what extent lPFC/lOFC is involved in norm compliance (with and without sanction threat) in both gain‐ and loss‐sharing contexts. Participants allocated a fixed total amount of monetary gain or loss between themselves and an anonymous partner in multiple rounds of the game. A computer program randomly decided whether a given round involved sanction threat for the participants. Results showed that disruption of the right lPFC/lOFC by tDCS increased the voluntary norm compliance in the gain domain, but not in the loss domain; tDCS on lPFC/lOFC had no effect on compliance under sanction threat in either the gain or loss domain. Our findings reveal a context‐dependent nature of norm compliance and differential roles of lPFC/lOFC in norm compliance in gain and loss domains.
Within‐plant distribution of Phorodon humuli (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and natural enemies on hops with implications for sampling and management
Authors: Lorenzana Alicia , Hermoso De Mendoza Alfonso , Seco M. Victoria , Campelo M. Piedad , Casquero Pedro A.
Published: July 2017

A field trial was performed on a hop yard throughout 2006, 2007 and 2008 in order to analyze the within‐plant distribution of Phorodon humuli (Schrank) and its natural enemies. The aphid population was higher on the leaves of the middle section of the main stem. Specifically, the population was significantly higher at 2 and 3.25 m than at 6 m during the three years. Natural enemies consisted of aphidophagous predators of which Coccinella septempunctata was recorded in the highest number. Its number was greater where the aphid population was higher, with a significantly higher number of eggs, larvae and adults at 2 and 3.25 m than at 6 m. Lacewing eggs were also frequently observed, with a significantly higher population where the number of aphids was higher. The number of winged aphids was higher at 3.25 m than at 2 m within a plant. Understanding hop aphid distribution within the hop canopy is important in developing sampling programs, in evaluating injury and helps the development of sustainable management practices.
An engineered photoswitchable mammalian pyruvate kinase
Authors: Gehrig Stefanie , Macpherson Jamie A. , Driscoll Paul C. , Symon Alastair , Martin Stephen R. , MacRae James I. , Kleinjung Jens , Fraternali Franca , Anastasiou Dimitrios
Published: July 2017

Changes in allosteric regulation of glycolytic enzymes have been linked to metabolic reprogramming involved in cancer. Remarkably, allosteric mechanisms control enzyme function at significantly shorter time‐scales compared to the long‐term effects of metabolic reprogramming on cell proliferation. It remains unclear if and how the speed and reversibility afforded by rapid allosteric control of metabolic enzymes is important for cell proliferation. Tools that allow specific, dynamic modulation of enzymatic activities in mammalian cells would help address this question. Towards this goal, we have used molecular dynamics simulations to guide the design of mPKM2 internal light/oxygen/voltage‐sensitive domain 2 (LOV2) fusion at position D24 (PiL[D24]), an engineered pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) variant that harbours an insertion of the light‐sensing LOV2 domain from Avena Sativa within a region implicated in allosteric regulation by fructose 1,6‐bisphosphate (FBP). The LOV2 photoreaction is preserved in the PiL[D24] chimera and causes secondary structure changes that are associated with a 30% decrease in the Km of the enzyme for phosphoenolpyruvate resulting in increased pyruvate kinase activity after light exposure. Importantly, this change in activity is reversible upon light withdrawal. Expression of PiL[D24] in cells leads to light‐induced increase in labelling of pyruvate from glucose. PiL[D24] therefore could provide a means to modulate cellular glucose metabolism in a remote manner and paves the way for studying the importance of rapid allosteric phenomena in the regulation of metabolism and enzyme control.
Bank‐Owned Life Insurance and Bank Risk
Authors: Davidson Travis R.
Published: July 2017

The use of bank‐owned life insurance (BOLI) has more than tripled since 2001 and has caught the attention of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. I find increases in BOLI lead to higher levels of liquidity risk, credit risk, and interest rate risk. Robustness tests confirm these results and suggest over‐ and underinvestment in BOLI and use of BOLI as a tax shelter contribute to risk increases. Results indicate that the concerns expressed by regulators are warranted, and suggest insurance may not always have the intended effect of reducing firm risk because of unintended consequences or misuse.
A Reexamination of Real Stock Returns, Real Interest Rates, Real Activity, and Inflation: Evidence from a Large Data Set
Authors: Jones Paul M. , Olson Eric , Wohar Mark E.
Published: July 2017

Using the informational sufficiency procedure from Forni and Gambetti (2014) along with data from McCracken and Ng (2014), we update the results of Lee (1992) and find that his vector autoregression (VAR) is informationally deficient. To correct this problem, we estimate a factor augmented VAR (FAVAR) and analyze the differences once informational deficiency is corrected with an emphasis on the relationship between real stock returns and inflation. In particular, we examine Modigliani and Cohn's (1979) inflation illusion hypothesis, Fama's (1983) proxy hypothesis, and the “anticipated policy hypothesis.”
Increased aggression and lack of maternal behavior in Dio3‐deficient mice are associated with abnormalities in oxytocin and vasopressin systems
Authors: Stohn J. P. , Martinez M. E. , Zafer M. , López‐Espíndola D. , Keyes L. M. , Hernandez A.
Published: July 2017

Thyroid hormones regulate many aspects of brain development and function, and alterations in the levels of thyroid hormone action lead to abnormal anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors. A complement of factors in the brain function independently of circulating levels of hormone to strictly controlled local thyroid hormone signaling. A critical factor is the type 3 deiodinase (DIO3), which is located in neurons and protects the brain from excessive thyroid hormone. Here, we examined whether a local increase in brain thyroid hormone action secondary to DIO3 deficiency is of consequence for social behaviors. Although we did not observe alterations in sociability, Dio3−/− mice of both sexes exhibited a significant increase in aggression‐related behaviors and mild deficits in olfactory function. In addition, 85% of Dio3−/− dams manifested no pup‐retrieval behavior and increased aggression toward the newborns. The abnormal social behaviors of Dio3−/− mice were associated with sexually dimorphic alterations in the physiology of oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), 2 neuropeptides with important roles in determining social interactions. These alterations included low adult serum levels of OXT and AVP, and an abnormal expression of Oxt, Avp and their receptors in the neonatal and adult hypothalamus. Our results demonstrate that DIO3 is essential for normal aggression and maternal behaviors, and indicate that abnormal local regulation of thyroid hormone action in the brain may contribute to the social deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Trade‐offs across productivity, GHG intensity, and pollutant loads from second‐generation sorghum bioenergy
Authors: Fertitta‐Roberts Cara , Spatari Sabrina , Grantz David A. , Jenerette G. Darrel
Published: July 2017

Greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity is frequently used to assess the mitigation potential of biofuels; however, failure to quantify other environmental impacts may result in unintended consequences, effectively shifting the environmental burden of fuel production rather than reducing it. We modeled production of E85, a gasoline/ethanol blend, from forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor cv. photoperiod LS) grown, processed, and consumed in California's Imperial Valley in order to evaluate the influence of nitrogen (N) management on well‐to‐wheel (WTW) environmental impacts from cellulosic ethanol. We simulated 25 N management scenarios varying application rate, application method, and N source. Life cycle environmental impacts were characterized using the EPA's criteria for emissions affecting the environment and human health. Our results suggest efficient use of N is an important pathway for minimizing WTW emissions on an energy yield basis. Simulations in which N was injected had the highest nitrogen use efficiency. Even at rates as high as 450 kg N ha−1, injected N simulations generated a yield response sufficient to outweigh accompanying increases in most N‐induced emissions on an energy yield basis. Thus, within the biofuel life cycle, trade‐offs across productivity, GHG intensity, and pollutant loads may be possible to avoid at regional to global scales. However, trade‐offs were seemingly unavoidable when impacts from E85 were compared to those of conventional gasoline. The GHG intensity of sorghum‐derived E85 ranged from 29 to 44 g CO2 eq MJ−1, roughly 1/3 to 1/2 that of gasoline. Conversely, emissions contributing to local air and water pollution tended to be substantially higher in the E85 life cycle. These adverse impacts were strongly influenced by N management and could be partially mitigated by efficient application of N fertilizers. Together, our results emphasize the importance of minimizing on‐farm emissions in maximizing both the environmental benefits and profitability of biofuels.
Woody biochar's greenhouse gas mitigation potential across fertilized and unfertilized agricultural soils and soil moisture regimes
Authors: Ramlow Matt , Cotrufo M. Francesca
Published: July 2017

Biochar has been widely researched as an important technology for climate smart agriculture, yet work is still necessary to identify the magnitude of potential greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and mechanisms involved. This study measured slow‐pyrolysis wood‐derived biochar's impact onGHGefflux, mineral N dynamics, and soil organic C in a series of two incubations across fertilized and unfertilized agricultural soils and soil moisture regimes. This research explored the magnitude of biochar's fullGHGmitigation potential and drivers of such impacts. Results of this incubation indicate slow‐pyrolysis wood‐derived biochar has potential to provide annual emission reductions of 0.58–1.72 Mg CO2‐eq ha−1at a 25 Mg ha−1biochar application rate. The greatestGHGmitigation potential was from C sequestration and nitrous oxide (N2O) reduction in mineral N fertilized soils, with minimal impacts on N2O emissions in unfertilized soils, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and methane (CH4) uptake. Analysis of mineral N dynamics in the bulk soil and on biochar isolates indicated that neither biochar impacts on net mineralization and nitrification nor retention of ammonium () on biochar isolates could explain biochar's N2O reduction. Instead, biochar amendments exhibited consistent N2O emission reductions relative to the N2O emission in the control soil regardless of soil type and fertilization. Results across a soil moisture gradient suggest that woody biochar may aerate soils shifting redox conditions and subsequent N2O production. Understanding the magnitude of biochar'sGHGreduction potential and the mechanisms driving these effects can help inform biochar modeling efforts, explain field results and identify agricultural applications that maximize biochar's fullGHGmitigation potential.
Phylogenetic age differences in tree assemblages across the Northern Hemisphere increase with long‐term climate stability in unstable regions
Authors: Feng Gang , Ma Ziyu , Benito Blas M. , Normand Signe , Ordonez Alejandro , Jin Yi , Mao Lingfeng , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: July 2017

Aims

Long‐term climate stability is hypothesized to drive the emergence of species assemblages with large species age differences due to the accumulation of relict species and relatively newly arisen species via reduced extinction and increased speciation. Few studies have addressed these predictions and so far no study has done so for plants across the Northern Hemisphere. Here, we linked Quaternary‐scale climate variability to phylogenetic age differences between the oldest and youngest group of species in tree assemblages in 100 km × 100 km grid cells across the Northern Hemisphere to test these predictions.

Location

Northern Hemisphere.

Methods

Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)‐to‐present shifts in temperature and precipitation were used as proxies for Quaternary‐scale glacial–interglacial climate variability. Simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) models were used to assess the relationships between phylogenetic age differences and Quaternary‐scale climate variability.

Results

We found that phylogenetic age differences overall were largest in China and smallest in Europe, and they declined with increasing temperature instability as predicted, but only in Europe and North America. In China, the relatively mild Quaternary climate changes did not appear to have strongly affected phylogenetic age differences in tree assemblages.

Main conclusions

Our results show that phylogenetically diverse assemblages with large phylogenetic age differences among species are associated with relatively high long‐term climate stability, with intra‐regional links between long‐term climate variability and phylogenetic composition especially strong in the more unstable regions. These findings point to future climate change as a key risk to the preservation of the phylogenetically diverse assemblages in regions characterized by relatively high paleoclimate stability, with China as a key example.
Using Models to Identify the Best Data: An Example from Northern Wisconsin
Authors: Leaf Andrew T.
Published: July 2017

Article impact statement: Linear‐based data‐worth analysis is an efficient and straightforward method for identifying the most important data for model forecasts.
A Bayesian multinomial logistic exposure model for estimating probabilities of competing sources of nest failure
Authors: Darrah Abigail J. , Cohen Jonathan B. , Castelli Paul M.
Published: July 2017

Understanding causes of nest loss is critical for the management of endangered bird populations. Available methods for estimating nest loss probabilities to competing sources do not allow for random effects and covariation among sources, and there are few data simulation methods or goodness‐of‐fit (GOF) tests for such models. We developed a Bayesian multinomial extension of the widely used logistic exposure (LE) nest survival model which can incorporate multiple random effects and fixed‐effect covariates for each nest loss category. We investigated the performance of this model and the accompanyingGOFtest by analysing simulated nest fate datasets with and without age‐biased discovery probability, and by comparing the estimates with those of traditional fixed‐effects estimators. We then exemplify the use of the multinomialLEmodel andGOFtest by analysing Piping PloverCharadrius melodusnest fate data (n = 443) to explore the effects of wire cages (exclosures) constructed around nests, which are used to protect nests from predation but can lead to increased nest abandonment rates. Mean parameter estimates of the random‐effects multinomialLEmodel were all within 1 sd of the true values used to simulate the datasets. Age‐biased discovery probability did not result in biased parameter estimates. Traditional fixed‐effects models provided estimates with a high bias of up to 43% with a mean of 71% smaller standard deviations. TheGOFtest identified models that were a poor fit to the simulated data. For the Piping Plover dataset, the fixed‐effects model was less well‐supported than the random‐effects model and underestimated the risk of exclosure use by 16%. The random‐effects model estimated a range of 1–6% probability of abandonment for nests not protected by exclosures across sites and 5–41% probability of abandonment for nests with exclosures, suggesting that the magnitude of exclosure‐related abandonment is site‐specific. Our results demonstrate that unmodelled heterogeneity can result in biased estimates potentially leading to incorrect management recommendations. The Bayesian multinomialLEmodel offers a flexible method of incorporating random effects into an analysis of nest failure and is robust to age‐biased nest discovery probability. This model can be generalized to other staggered‐entry, time‐to‐hazard situations.
Increased behavioural responses to human disturbance in breeding Burrowing Owls Athene cunicularia
Authors: Moroni Edson , Crivelaro Amanda Zanesco , Soares Tainara Luiza , Guillermo‐Ferreira Rhainer
Published: July 2017

Human disturbance may have several negative impacts on bird biology. Although some species may habituate to human presence, other species do not show any signs of habituation, and may even be sensitized or affected by human disturbance. Furthermore, anthropogenic effects on bird behaviour rarely have been explored to address the alteration of frequencies of aggressive and fear‐associated behaviours. Such behavioural approaches may provide substantial data for bird conservation and management. Therefore, we assessed whether human disturbance disrupts the normal behaviour of Burrowing Owls Athene cunicularia. Specifically, we assessed whether guarding parents exhibited aggressive and fearful behaviours differentially in areas where human contact was more common. Burrowing Owls showed increased frequencies of threat displays in sites with more people walking by the nests, but not fear behaviours. These results suggest that different domains of behaviour (aggression vs. fear) may respond differently to human disturbance. We highlight the importance of quantifying a wide range of behavioural acts as indicators of bird stress in studies of anthropogenic impact.
Determination of 4‐ethylcatechol in a Merlot wine using sensory evaluation and the electronic tongue
Authors: Diako Charles , Vixie Beata , Weller Karen M. , Dycus Daniel A. , Ross Carolyn F.
Published: July 2017

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of 4‐ethylcatechol (4‐EC) on the sensory profile ofBrettanomyces‐contaminated Merlot wine and evaluate electronic tongue discrimination. Using sensory evaluation panels, the consumer detection threshold (DT) and the consumer rejection threshold (CRT) of 4‐ECwere determined in Merlot containing 493, 714, 1035 and 1500 μg L−14‐EC. TheDTof 4‐ECin Merlot was 823 μg L−1, while theCRTwas 1323 μg L−1. The electronic tongue discriminated index (DI = 82%) among the samples, with hierarchical clustering showing a clear distinction between the control sample and the spiked samples. The lowest concentration distinguished by the electronic tongue was 493 μg L−1, a lower value than the sensory threshold determined. These findings suggest that for the detection of 4‐ECin Merlot, the e‐tongue may be more sensitive than some consumers and the e‐tongue may be a suitable methodology for detection of subthreshold concentrations of chemical compounds in wine.
Enactors of horizontal violence: The pathological bully, the self‐justified bully and the unprofessional co‐worker
Authors: Taylor Rosemary A. , Taylor Steven S.
Published: July 2017

Aim

To suggest an alternative approach to improving recognition of horizontal violence using enactor types identified in a study exploring nurses’ perceptions of horizontal violence.

Background

Horizontal violence is an umbrella term used to describe a range of aggressive behaviours between nurse colleagues. It is suggested that nurses do not recognize the phenomenon when they witness or experience it, contributing to its perpetuation.

Design

This was a qualitative, descriptive study undertaken to inform theory development and the design of future interventions to address horizontal violence.

Method

Observation, document review and semi‐structured interviews took place in two inpatient hospital units in the Northeastern United States between June ‐ November 2012. Ongoing analysis identified three distinct types of enactors of horizontal violence.

Findings

Nurse participants rarely used terms from hospital policies or nursing literature to describe behaviours associated with horizontal violence but identified behaviours by describing the attributes of the enactor and the situation. Three enactor types were disaggregated from the data: the pathological bully, the self‐justified bully and the unprofessional co‐worker.

Conclusion

Findings support previous research suggesting nurses do not recognize aggressive behaviours when they witness or experience them and do not have a name for those who enact these behaviours. This disaggregation of enactors of horizontal violence into recognizable types introduces an alternative approach to addressing the phenomenon. Development of instruments to identify these enactors, as well as testing of these instruments, is required to establish the utility of this disaggregation in nursing practice and in designing future interventions.
Development and psychometric testing of a new instrument to measure the caring behaviour of nurses in Italian acute care settings
Authors: Piredda Michela , Ghezzi Valerio , Fenizia Elisa , Marchetti Anna , Petitti Tommasangelo , De Marinis Maria Grazia , Sili Alessandro
Published: July 2017

Aim

To develop and psychometrically test the Italian‐language Nurse Caring Behaviours Scale, a short measure of nurse caring behaviour as perceived by inpatients.

Background

Patient perceptions of nurses’ caring behaviours are a predictor of care quality. Caring behaviours are culture‐specific, but no measure of patient perceptions has previously been developed in Italy. Moreover, existing tools show unclear psychometric properties, are burdensome for respondents, or are not widely applicable.

Design

Instrument development and psychometric testing.

Method

Item generation included identifying and adapting items from existing measures of caring behaviours as perceived by patients. A pool of 28 items was evaluated for face validity. Content validity indexes were calculated for the resulting 15‐item scale; acceptability and clarity were pilot tested with 50 patients. To assess construct validity, a sample of 2,001 consecutive adult patients admitted to a hospital in 2014 completed the scale and was split into two groups. Reliability was evaluated using nonlinear structural equation modelling coefficients. Measurement invariance was tested across subsamples.

Results

Item 15 loaded poorly in the exploratory factor analysis (n = 983) and was excluded from the final solution, positing a single latent variable with 14 indicators. This model fitted the data moderately. The confirmatory factor analysis (n = 1018) returned similar results. Internal consistency was excellent in both subsamples. Full scalar invariance was reached, and no significant latent mean differences were detected across subsamples.

Conclusion

The new instrument shows reasonable psychometric properties and is a promising short and widely applicable measure of inpatient perceptions of nurse caring behaviours.
Research Review: The role of obstetric and neonatal complications in childhood attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder – a systematic review
Authors: Serati Marta , Barkin Jennifer L. , Orsenigo Giulia , Altamura Alfredo Carlo , Buoli Massimiliano
Published: July 2017

Background

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by an inability to sustain attention, activity levels and impulse control, and, according to the latest studies, the prevalence is about 8% and in some countries less than 1%. Currently, it is well‐known that complications during the perinatal period have significant implications on child's physical and mental health. Purpose of the present paper is to review the literature about the association between perinatal complications and future risk of an ADHD diagnosis.

Methods

A research in the main database sources has been conducted to obtain a systematic review on the perinatal risk factors of ADHD.

Results

Among perinatal complications, available data indicate low birth weight (LBW) (Cohen's d effect size range: 0.31–1.64‐small effect size) and preterm birth (PB) (range d: 0.41–0.68) as the most important factors associated with a future diagnosis of ADHD.

Conclusions

PB and LBW children should be carefully monitored for an early diagnosis of ADHD limiting the impact of the disease in life span. A systematic review focusing on these risk factors have not been published until now, in the next future preventive strategies should be developed in order to minimize ADHD onset.
Service quality and maturity of health care organizations through the lens of Complexity Leadership Theory
Authors: Horvat Ana , Filipovic Jovan
Published: July 2017

Rationale, aims and objectives

This research focuses on Complexity Leadership Theory and the relationship between leadership—examined through the lens of Complexity Leadership Theory—and organizational maturity as an indicator of the performance of health organizations.

Methods

The research adopts a perspective that conceptualizes organizations as complex adaptive systems and draws upon a survey of opinion of 189 managers working in Serbian health organizations.

Results and Conclusions

As the results indicate a dependency between functions of leadership and levels of the maturity of health organizations, we propose a model that connects the two. The study broadens our understanding of the implications of complexity thinking and its reflection on leadership functions and overall organizational performance. The correlations between leadership functions and maturity could have practical applications in policy processing, thus improving the quality of outcomes and the overall level of service quality.
Environmental Impact Assessment of the Heterogeneity in Consumers’ Usage Behavior: An Agent‐Based Modeling Approach
Authors: Raihanian Mashhadi Ardeshir , Behdad Sara
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study is to develop a framework for understanding the heterogeneity and uncertainties present in the usage phase of the product life cycle through utilizing the capabilities of an agent‐based modeling (ABM) technique. An ABM framework is presented to model consumers’ daily product usage decisions and to assess the corresponding electricity consumption patterns. The theory of planned behavior (TPB), with the addition of the habit construct, is used to model agents’ decision‐making criteria. A case study is presented on the power management behavior of personal computer users and the possible benefits of using smart metering and feedback systems. The results of the simulation demonstrate that the utilization of smart metering and feedback systems can promote the energy conservation behaviors and reduce the total PC electricity consumption of households by 20%.
Optimization of Dietary Manganese for Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Fed a Plant‐based Diet
Authors: Welker Thomas L. , Overturf Ken , Abernathy Jason , Barrows Frederic T. , Gaylord Gibson
Published: July 2017

Juvenile rainbow trout were fed a plant‐based diet supplemented with inorganic Mn added at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 mg/kg diet for 12 wk. Whole‐body Mn concentrations increased with increasing dietary levels. Rainbow trout fed 2–8 mg Mn/kg diet exhibited weight gain that was significantly higher than fish fed 0, 0.5, 1, 16, and 32 mg Mn/kg diet. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a similar trend, where FCR values decreased with increasing dietary Mn until concentrations reached 8 mg Mn/kg, after which they increased. A rational nonlinear model (R2 = 0.84) fit to weight‐gain data showed that the optimal predicted supplementation level for Mn was 4.8 mg/kg diet. The optimal predicted supplementation level for Mn was similar for FCR (5 mg Mn/kg diet). The predicted 5 mg/kg diet of supplemental Mn required for the plant‐based diet formulation examined in this study is lower than the National Research Council–recommended supplementation level of 12 mg/kg. However, due to potential differences in bioavailability or retention of Mn among plant‐protein sources, the level of dietary supplementation for optimal growth could be slightly higher or lower depending on the dietary formulation.
Familiar Kinship? Palaeogenetic and Isotopic Evidence from a Triple Burial of the Cogotas I Archaeological Culture (Bronze Age, Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Esparza Ángel , Palomo‐Díez Sara , Velasco‐Vázquez Javier , Delibes Germán , Arroyo-Pardo Eduardo , Salazar‐García Domingo C.
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the identification of kinship relations in archaeological multiple burials and advocates the application of different methods and lines of research to clarify such issues in relation to funerary practices. Recognizing family relationships – an important task in research on prehistoric societies – is especially complicated and interpretations have often been made without an adequate empirical basis. Bioarchaeological, isotopic and DNA analyses applied to the triple burial of Los Tolmos (Cogotas I archaeological culture, Iberian Bronze Age) have provided direct information on this issue. In this respect, the new results also imply the need to consider gender constructs in greater depth and to be more open‐minded towards other forms of relationship in the past beyond the traditional heteronormative nuclear family.
Variability of Ceramic Production and Consumption on the Greek Mainland During the Middle Stages of the Late Bronze Age: The Waterpots from the Menelaion, Sparta
Authors: Lis Bartłomiej
Published: July 2017

The article examines pottery groups manufactured in non‐Mycenaean traditions from the site of the Menelaion in Laconia (southern Peloponnese, Greece) during the middle stages of the Late Bronze Age. Pottery traditions are first defined using macroscopic study of surface and break features. Two distinct handmade traditions, and another one employing the wheel but with some links to traditional handmade pottery manufactured on the island of Aegina, were recognized and subjected to petrographic analysis. Its results confirmed that potters’ choices regarding clay preparation were different in the case of each identified tradition, being most distinct for the largest group of handmade undecorated water jars. The study highlights survival of pottery traditions with roots in the Middle Helladic period well into the Late Bronze Age, a fact that has not received appropriate attention in the scholarly discourse. It captures the very last stage of their existence, as just a few decades later the production and consumption are entirely dominated by Mycenaean pottery.
Beyond Iron Age ‘towns’: Examining oppida as examples of low‐density urbanism
Authors: Moore Tom
Published: July 2017

The question of whether Late Iron Age oppida in Europe were truly ‘urban’ has dominated debate over these sites since the nineteenth century. Oppida have been surprisingly absent from comparative urban studies, however, despite increasingly nuanced perspectives on the nature and diversity of the urban phenomenon. In particular, Roland Fletcher's implication that oppida might represent part of a broader alternative form of low‐density urbanism has been largely overlooked, by Iron Age scholars and urbanism specialists alike. With the complex nature of many oppida now becoming increasingly apparent, I suggest it is a pertinent time to assess Fletcher's claim and examine whether oppida can be convincingly compared to low‐density urbanism elsewhere in the world and, if so, what implications this might have for understanding Iron Age societies. This paper argues that oppida do indeed display aspects of low‐density urbanism and that this is likely to be due to the negotiated nature of power in Iron Age societies.
The Relative Influence of Appropriation Subcommittees: Institutional Structure and Program Performance
Authors: Kasdin Stuart
Published: July 2017

Unlike previous analyses that evaluate the influence of the authorization committees on government agency management, we examine the US congressional appropriation subcommittees to see how their structural characteristics affect the performance of the programs that they fund. Specifically, we look at whether the competition for resources and member workload within subcommittees affects the effectiveness and efficiency of the programs under their purview. As part of the Congressional budget process, appropriation subcommittees are annually allocated new budgets from which they must fund a set of government programs. We find that the level of resources in a subcommittee affects program performance. Greater subcommittee resources are negatively correlated with program performance. We also find that workload matters—programs in subcommittees with fewer issue areas and programs per member are more effective and efficient. A subcommittee's capacity to focus on management problems and issue areas leads to better program performance.
Underweight and hypoalbuminemia as risk indicators for mortality among psychiatric patients with medical comorbidities
Authors: Haga Takahiro , Ito Kae , Ono Masahiro , Maruyama Jiro , Iguchi Mari , Suzuki Hitoe , Hayashi Eiji , Sakashita Kentaro , Nagao Tomoko , Ikemoto Shohei , Okaniwa Asuka , Kitami Makiko , Inuo Eriko , Tatsumi Koichiro
Published: July 2017

Aim

Medical comorbidities are a major cause of death among patients with mental illness. The purpose of this study was to clarify the risk factors for mortality among psychiatric patients with medical comorbidities.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical files of patients transferred to Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital from a psychiatric hospital to treat medical comorbidities during the 3‐year period from January 2014 to December 2016. We analyzed the clinical differences between the expired and alive patients.

Results

Of the 287 patients included, 29 (10.1%) had expired at the time of hospital discharge, while 258 (89.9%) were living. A multivariable analysis to determine the prognostic factors related to mortality from medical comorbidities showed that body mass index <18.5 had the highest odds ratio among the predictive factors (5.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–17.1; P < 0.05), followed by a serum albumin level < 3.0 mg/dL (3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–8.1; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We found that underweight and hypoalbuminemia were risk factors for mortality among psychiatric patients with medical comorbidities. Physicians at psychiatric hospitals should consider transferring patients with medical comorbidities to a general medical hospital in the presence of underweight and/or hypoalbuminemia.
Everolimus and reduced calcineurin inhibitor therapy in pediatric liver transplant recipients: Results from a multicenter, prospective study
Authors: Ganschow Rainer , Ericzon Bo‐Goran , Dhawan Anil , Sharif Khalid , Martzloff El‐Djouher , Rauer Barbara , Ng Jennifer , Lopez Patricia
Published: July 2017

In a 24‐month, multicenter, single‐arm, prospective study, 56 pediatric liver transplant patients with or without basiliximab induction were converted at 1‐6 months post‐transplant from standard calcineurin inhibitor (CN) therapy (± mycophenolic acid), to everolimus with reduced exposure to CNI (tacrolimus n=50, cyclosporine n=6). Steroid therapy was optional. Recruitment was stopped prematurely due to high rates of PTLD, treatment‐related serious infections leading to hospitalization and premature study drug discontinuation. Subsequently, patients aged <7 years reverted to local standard‐of‐care immunosuppression. Mean tacrolimus concentration was above or near the upper end of the maintenance target range (2‐5 ng/mL) until after month 6 post‐enrollment. The primary variable, mean (SD) change in eGFR from baseline to month 12 (last observation carried forward), was +6.2 (19.5) mL/min/1.73 m2. Two patients experienced treated biopsy‐proven acute rejection. No graft losses or deaths occurred. PTLD occurred in five patients (8.9%) (3/25 [12.0%] patients <2 years, 2/31 aged 2‐18 years [6.5%]). Adverse events, serious adverse events, and discontinuation due to adverse events were reported in 100.0%, 76.8%, and 44.6% of patients, respectively. In conclusion, everolimus with reduced CNI improved renal function while maintaining antirejection potency in pediatric liver transplant patients but safety outcomes suggest that patients were overimmunosuppressed.
Split liver transplantation for retroperitoneal immature teratoma masquerading as hepatoblastoma
Authors: Oh Dongkyu , Yi Nam‐Joon , Song Sanghee , Kim Ok Kyung , Hong Suk Kyun , Yoon Kyung Chul , Ahn Sung Woo , Kim Hyo‐Sin , Kim Hyeyoung , Kim Hyun‐Young , Kang Hyoung Jin , Lee Myungsu , Lee Kyoung Bun , Lee Kwang‐Woong , Suh Kyung Suk
Published: July 2017

Extragonadal teratoma originating from the retroperitoneum represents less than 5% of all teratomas and accounts for less than 10% of all pediatric retroperitoneal neoplasms. To date, there has been no report of teratoma managed with LT. This study reports an infant aged 3 months with retroperitoneal immature teratoma involving the hepatic hilum, refractory to chemotherapy and treated with LT. The patient was referred to our hospital for management of a growing abdominal mass. Histopathology of a fine needle biopsy of the lesion suggested the possibility of a hepatoblastoma with teratoid features. Cisplatin‐based chemotherapy was initiated, but rapid growth of the tumor encasing the hepatic artery proper was detected, even after two cycles of chemotherapy. A split LT was carried out, and pathological examination of the explanted liver revealed the involvement of numerous neuroepithelial components, confirming the diagnosis of a Norris grade 3 immature teratoma. The patient recovered well and was discharged on day 19 post‐LT. As on date, on postoperative day 240, he has completed seven cycles of a 12‐cycle vinblastine and doxorubicin‐based adjuvant chemotherapy.
The Pinocchio effect and the Cold Stress Test: Lies and thermography
Authors: Moliné A. , Gálvez‐García G. , Fernández‐Gómez J. , De la Fuente J. , Iborra O. , Tornay F. , Mata Martín J. L. , Puertollano M. , Gómez Milán E.
Published: July 2017

We applied the use of thermography to cognitive neuropsychology, particularly as an objective marker of subjective experiences, in the context of lying. We conducted three experiments: (a) An important lie was invented by the participants in 3 min, and it was recounted by phone to a significant person while they were recorded by the thermographic camera, obtaining a face and hands map of the lie. (b) A similar methodology was carried out, but adding the Cold Stress Test (CST) of the dominant hand during the phone call, obtaining a second physiologic marker (the percentage of thermal recovery) to detect the lie. Further, it established a control condition where it generated anxiety in the participants using IAPS images with negative valence and high arousal, which were described by phone to a loved one. We obtained results that showed significant correlations between changes in body temperature and mental set. Of particular interest was the temperature of the nose and hand, which tended to decrease during lying (Experiment 1). The participants also showed a lower recovery of the temperature after the CST when they were lying (Experiment 2). (c) Experiment 3 is a replication of Experiment 2 but with a different type of lie (a more ecological task) in a different scenario (following the ACID interview, with the use of the phone eliminated and participants motivated to lie well). The main pattern of results was replicated. We obtained an accuracy of 85% in detection of deception with 25% of false alarms.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*40:238, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Lee H.‐L. , Lai S.‐K. , Chen P.‐L. , Chu C.‐C.
Published: July 2017

The HLA‐B*40:238 allele has one non‐synonymous transversion from HLA‐B*40:01:01 at nucleotide position 484.