bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time biases: exploring the work–life balance of single Nigerian managers and professionals
Authors: Akanji Babatunde , Mordi Chima , Simpson Ruth , Adisa Toyin Ajibade , Oruh Emeka Smart
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study investigates the overarching ideology of work–life balance (WLB) or conflict as predominantly being a work–family affair. Based on a Nigerian study, and using organisational justice as a theoretical lens, it explores perceived fairness in accessing family-friendly policies by managers and professionals who are single and do not have children – a workgroup conventionally ignored in research on WLB.

Design/methodology/approach

Relying on an interpretivist approach, the data set comprises of interviews with 24 bank managers and 20 medical doctors working in Nigeria.

Findings

The authors’ findings highlight employers' misconceptions concerning the non-work preferences and commitments of singles as well as an undervaluation by employers of their non-work time. Conceptualised as “time biases”, such time is routinely invaded by the organisation, with profound implications for perceptions of fairness. This fosters backlash behaviours with potential detrimental effects in terms of organisational effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to investigating the WLB of singles in high-status roles, namely banking and medical careers. Future research may examine the experiences of a more diverse range of occupations. The sample comprises heterosexual, never-married professionals, whose experiences may differ from other categories of single workers, such as childless divorced people, widows, non-heterosexual singles and partners who have no children.

Practical implications

In order to avoid counterproductive behaviours in the workplace, WLB policies should not only focus on those with childcare concerns. Inclusive work–life policies for other household structures, such as single-persons, are necessary for improving overall organisational well-being.

Originality/value

The majority of WLB studies have been undertaken in Western and Asian contexts, to the neglect of the Sub-Saharan African experience. Additionally, research tends to focus on WLB issues on the part of working parents, overlooking the difficulties faced by singles.
Stability-based fire resistance duration of unbraced steel frames
Authors: Ma Terence , Xu Lei
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The collapse of a structure resulting from the instability of steel frames due to fire is the worst failure mode to consider in fire-structural engineering, and should be avoided. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method for estimating the minimum possible duration of a fire event that could result in the instability of an unbraced steel frame.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method is in the form of a constrained minimization problem that determines the worst case fire scenario that can cause instability of a structure, and is solved using nonlinear constrained mathematical programming algorithms. The formulation is demonstrated via a numerical example.

Findings

For frames subjected to fire events modelled with monotonically increasing fire curves, the worst case fire causing instability of a frame is always one where all of the compartments catch fire at the same time. For frames subjected to fire events where fire curves decay, the minimization problem must be solved rigorously. The results are significantly affected by the fire curves and amount of insulation applied to each member.

Originality/value

The proposed method is an extension of a method previously established by Xuet al.(2018) to assess the stability of unbraced steel frames subjected to elevated member temperatures. The previous method does not consider fire duration and heat transfer mechanics, which are included in the proposed method. The proposed method is potentially useful for designers in conducting fire scenario analysis in the performance-based design of structures.
Hydrodistillation and antimicrobial properties of lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus, Stapf): An undergraduate laboratory exercise bridging chemistry and microbiology
Authors: Dangkulwanich Manchuta , Charaslertrangsi Tumnoon
Published: February 2020

A traditional classroom usually focuses on concepts from a specific discipline. However, solving complex real‐world problems requires integration and application of knowledge from various fields. Here, we describe a 4‐hr undergraduate‐level laboratory exercise that utilizes concepts of extraction and biological property, bridging between chemistry and microbiology courses. In the first half of this exercise, students performed hydrodistillation to extract essential oil from a locally available herb, lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus, Stapf). In the second half, students investigated the potential antimicrobial activity of the extracted oil against various microorganisms using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Students also developed their own experimental questions based on the extracted oil and the antimicrobial testing technique. Self‐assessment questionnaire shows students’ appreciation of the experiments and substantial learning gains in the extraction process, properties of the extracts, and antimicrobial activity testing. This laboratory exercise prompts students to formulate their own experimental questions and engages students in interdisciplinary experimentation.
Application of electrochemical biosensors in tumor cell detection
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Li Qingchao , Du Xin , Liu Min
Published: February 2020

Conventional methods for detecting tumors, such as immunological methods and histopathological diagnostic techniques, often request high analytical costs, complex operation, long turnaround time, experienced personnel and high false‐positive rates. In addition, these assays are difficult to obtain an early diagnosis and prognosis quickly for malignant tumors. Compared with traditional technology, electrochemical technology has realized the study of interface charge transfer behavior at the atomic and molecular levels, which has become an important analytical and detection tool in contemporary analytical science. Electrochemical technique has the advantages of rapid detection, high sensitivity (single cell) and specificity in the detection of tumor cells, which has not only been successful in differentiating tumor cells from normal cells, but has also achieved targeted detection of localized tumor cells and circulating tumor cells. Electrochemical biosensors provide powerful tools for early diagnosis, staging and prognosis of tumors in clinical medicine. Therefore, this review mainly discusses the development and application of electrochemical biosensors in tumor cell detection in recent years.
Letter: increased risk of caesarean section for women with IBD—more questions than answers
Authors: Selinger Christian P.
Published: February 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Tandon et al and Tandon and Huang papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15587 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15655.
A Critical Look into the Beuk Standard‐Setting Method
Authors: Wyse Adam E.
Published: February 2020

One commonly used compromise standard‐setting method is the Beuk (1984) method. A key assumption of the Beuk method is that the emphasis given to the pass rate and the percent correct ratings should be proportional to the extent that the panelists agree on their ratings. However, whether the slope of Beuk line reflects the emphasis that panelists believe should be assigned to the pass rate and the percentage correct ratings has not be fully tested. In this article, I evaluate this critical assumption of the Beuk method by asking panelists to assign importance weights to their percentage correct and pass rate judgments. I show that in several cases that the emphasis suggested by the Beuk slope is noticeably different from what one would expect and is inconsistent with importance weight ratings. I also suggest two ways that the importance weights can be used to calculate alternate cut scores, and I show that one of the ways of calculating cut scores using the importance weights leads to larger potential differences in cut score estimates. I suggest that practitioners should consider collecting importance weights when the Beuk method is used for determining cut scores.
Microbial contamination and plaque scores of nanogold‐coated toothbrush
Authors: Durgesh Pavithra , Sridharan Srirangarajan , Prabhu Srikumar K. , Rao Ravi , Rudresh Vinaya , H. Bangalore Durgesh
Published: February 2020

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate the microbial contamination and plaque scores of nanogold‐coated and uncoated toothbrushes.

Methods

This study was designed as a single‐centre, parallel, examiner‐blinded, randomized, two‐group clinical trial. Eighty‐four participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either a nanogold or uncoated toothbrush. Basic periodontal therapy was performed for all the recruited subjects, and plaque scores of zero were considered baseline values. All participants were instructed to follow a twice‐daily brushing regimen without dentifrice and to refrain from other oral hygiene care during the one‐week study period. Plaque levels were assessed after one week using the Turesky modification of the Quigley‐Hein Plaque Index (TMQHPI). The bristles were tested for microbial contamination by viable cell counting. The recorded data were statistically analysed, and a P‐value of <.05 was accepted as statistically significant.

Results

After one week of brushing without using toothpaste, the mean plaque index scores were 0.37 ± 0.07 in the nanogold group and 0.58 ± 0.10 in the uncoated group. A significant difference in the mean plaque scores was observed between the groups (P < .001). The mean colony‐forming unit (CFU) was 21 ± 48.8 for the nanogold‐coated group and 100 ± 128.4 for the uncoated group. The difference in the mean CFUs observed between the groups was significant (P = .014).

Conclusion

The use of a nanogold‐coated toothbrush demonstrated significantly lower bristle contamination and lower plaque scores after one week compared with uncoated toothbrushes without using dentifrice.
Medication adherence in patients with mental illness and recent homelessness: contributing factors and perceptions on mobile technology use
Authors: Watson Tyler , Schindel Theresa J , Simpson Scot H , Hughes Christine A
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The primary objective was to determine medication-taking behaviours and factors influencing adherence in patients with mental illness and recent homelessness. Secondary objectives were to explore patients' perceptions on mobile technology use to support adherence.

Methods

A constructivist approach and qualitative description method was used. The sample population consisted of patients with recent homelessness and mental illness affiliated with a community-based outreach programme in Canada. Participants were purposefully selected; semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit information on medication-taking strategies and mobile technology to support adherence. A standardized questionnaire collected demographic and medical information; the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) was used to evaluate self-reported adherence. Questionnaire data were analysed using summary descriptive statistics. Interview data were subject to qualitative content analysis.

Key findings

Fifteen participants with a mean age of 44 years were included. The mean MARS score ± standard deviation was 7.3 ± 1.5. Themes arising from the data included patient factors (i.e. insight, attitudes towards medications, coping strategies) and external factors (i.e. therapeutic alliance, family support that impacted adherence) and technology use and health. Eight participants (53%) had access to a mobile phone. There was a moderate interest in the use of mobile technology to support adherence, with cost and technology literacy identified as barriers.

Conclusion

External supports and individual medication management strategies were important in supporting medication adherence in this patient group. Perceived need for mobile technology, in addition to existing supports for adherence, was not high. Challenges accessing and maintaining consistent mobile technology and individual preferences should be considered when developing mobile technology-based interventions.
How do pharmacy students select their pre-registration training providers? A mixed methods evaluation of the national recruitment scheme in England and Wales
Authors: McEwen-Smith Laura , Price Malcolm James , Fleming Gail , Swanwick Tim , Hirsch Christine , Yahyouche Asma , Ward Jonathan , Buckley Sharon , Paudyal Vibhu
Published: February 2020

Objectives

A national pre-registration pharmacist recruitment scheme, which replaces the local recruitment models, was introduced in England and Wales in 2017. This study aimed to explore pharmacy students' behaviour and associated factors in their selection of pre-registration training programmes.

Methods

A mixed-method study using (a) analysis of data from all applicants (n = 2694) of the national recruitment scheme, (b) an online survey and (c) a virtual focus group was undertaken. Survey and focus group questions were developed based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Descriptive and inferential analysis of quantitative data was undertaken using Stata software. Qualitative data from focus groups and responses from the open-ended questions were analysed using framework technique.

Key findings

A vast majority of applicants (n = 2182, 83.9%) selected a hospital training programme as their first ranked preference, with the rest opting for community pharmacy. Urban areas, particularly London, were most popular geographically. A total of 307 survey responses were returned. Long-term career aspirations, followed by geographical factors, were rated most highly in applicants' decision-making. Qualitative data from survey and focus group demonstrated information about programmes/employers, perceived opportunity for skills development and aspiration towards a career path as key contributory factors in their decision-making.

Conclusions

Secondary care was the most desirable destination for pharmacy students to undertake early career training. The clinical roles and career opportunities in community pharmacy needs to be promoted as there is a risk that community pharmacy training programme places may be seen as a ‘left over’ opportunity for less competitive candidates to uptake.
Unusual presentation of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma in Taiwan: Direct comparison from Taiwan‐Japan UTUC Collaboration Cohort
Authors: Luo Hao Lun , Ohyama Chikara , Hatakeyama Shingo , Wang Hung Jen , Yoneyama Tohru , Yang Wen Chou , Chuang Yao Chi , Chen Yen Ta , Lee Wei Chin , Cheng Yuan Tso , Kang Chih Hsiung , Chiang Po Hui
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To carry out a comparison of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma characteristics and behavior between patients in Taiwan and Japan.

Methods

A Taiwan urinary tract urothelial carcinoma cohort was obtained from Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and a Japan urinary tract urothelial carcinoma cohort from Hirosaki University Hospital. The inclusion criteria were urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy. Those who received perioperative chemotherapy were excluded. Finally, 765 patients in the Taiwan cohort and 325 in the Japan cohort were analyzed. The end‐point of this study was to study the natural course of urinary tract urothelial carcinoma within 5 years between these two groups.

Results

The main finding was that urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients in Taiwan were younger (P < 0.001), more were women (P < 0.001), with low‐stage disease (P < 0.001), with more chronic kidney disease (P < 0.001), with less smoking history (P < 0.001), with more bladder cancer history (P = 0.002), with more multifocal (P < 0.001) and less high‐grade disease (P = 0.015), as well as less lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.001) and more squamous differentiation (P < 0.001). However, the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed no racial difference in oncologic outcome, such as intravesical recurrence, systemic recurrence or cancer‐specific death in primary and propensity‐matched cohorts. Bladder cancer history was found to be the most important factor predicting intravesical recurrences, whereas stage was strongly associated with systemic recurrence and cancer specific mortality.

Conclusions

The clinical characteristics of urinary tract urothelial carcinoma in Taiwan are significantly different from those of urinary tract urothelial carcinoma in Japan. However, there is no racial difference in stage‐specific oncologic outcome after standard nephroureterectomy.
The benefits of consumer involvement in nursing handover on acute inpatient unit: Post‐implementation views
Authors: Olasoji Michael , Plummer Virginia , Shanti Michelle , Reed Fiona , Cross Wendy
Published: February 2020

The involvement of consumers in handover with nurses has been identified as reducing miscommunication between transitions in care and associated with reduction in adverse events in generalist nursing settings. The notion of having consumers present in nursing handover on acute mental health inpatient unit remains a relatively new concept. Central to recovery‐focused mental health care is the consumer's active participation in the delivery of their care. The aim of this study was to explore the views of consumers with a mental illness about their experiences of being involved in nursing handover on acute mental health inpatient unit post‐implementation of a new nursing handover involving consumers. Using an exploratory descriptive qualitative design, participants (N = 10) were recruited using purposive convenience sampling. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken, and the data were thematically analysed. Participants’ principal diagnoses were schizophrenia (n = 2), schizoaffective disorder (n = 3), bipolar affective disorder (n = 2), borderline personality disorder (n = 1), and depression (n = 2). Three themes were generated from the interviews: (i) Knowing who, (ii) Shared decision‐making, with subthemes: my voice was heard and not just a meet and greet, and (iii) Having time and space. The delivery of mental health care needs to put the consumer at the centre of such care regardless of the setting. In line with recovery‐focused principles, the consumer's active involvement in the crucial activity of nursing handover on acute mental health inpatient unit is very important. The study has implications for ensuring consumer voices are heard in all aspects of their care delivery.
People with intellectual disabilities and their experience of medication: A narrative literature review
Authors: MacLeod Joan , MacLure Katie
Published: February 2020

Background

People with intellectual disabilities are known to have increased medical needs and are prescribed more medication than the general population. Understanding the reality of incorporating medication into their lives would help healthcare professionals provide care in more meaningful and personalised ways.

Aim

A narrative review of the current literature relating to people with intellectual disabilities and their experience of medication/pharmaceutical care.

Method

Electronic databases were searched for articles relating to intellectual disabilities and medication administration or pharmaceutical care. Other relevant papers identified from included article reference lists were also identified. A narrative literature was undertaken due to the heterogeneity of the identified papers.

Results

A total of 29 studies from the literature searches were included alongside other relevant papers.

Conclusions

The published literature noted some aspects of the medication‐related experiences of people with intellectual disabilities. However, a greater understanding of medication‐related experiences is still required.
Collective reflection strategy for moderating conformity tendency and promoting reflective judgment performance
Authors: Chen Ming‐Puu , Lord Asta Y. Z. , Cheng Yu‐Yao , Tai Ku‐Chou , Pan Wen‐Harn
Published: February 2020

Reflective judgement is crucial for medical‐related practitioners in dealing with controversial issues. However, the conformity phenomenon is likely to occur and interfere with reflective judgement learning during interactive activities. Effective strategies are required to moderate the conformity behaviour tendency (CBT) and improve reflective judgement performance (RJP). This study demonstrates two significant results: (a) Compared with the guided self‐reflection learning strategy, the online collective reflection (OCR) learning strategy effectively weakened the learners' general CBT while dealing with professional controversial issues; and (b) a significantly negative correlation between the RJP achieved and the change of CBT in online environment was detected in the OCR group. The implications and potential applications in higher education were discussed. Further studies are needed to confirm the long‐term effects and the extending application to other professional studies.
Association between type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially recently uncontrolled glycemia, and intracranial plaque characteristics: A high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Huang Juan , Jiao Sheng , Song Yan , Chen Yuhui , Zhang Jintao , Zhang Chen , Gong Tao , Chen Min
Published: February 2020

Aims/Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a specific risk factor for intracranial atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially uncontrolled glycemia, and intracranial plaque characteristics using high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging.

Materials and Methods

A total of 263 patients (182 men; mean age 62.6 ± 11.5 years) with intracranial atherosclerotic plaques detected on high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging from December 2017 to March 2019 were included in this study. Patients were divided into different groups: (i) patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus; (ii) diabetes patients with uncontrolled glycemia (glycated hemoglobin level ≥7.0%) and controlled glycemia; and (iii), diabetes patients with diabetes duration of <5, 5–10 and >10 years. Comparisons of plaque features between groups were made, respectively.

Results

Type 2 diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 118 patients (44.9%). Diabetes patients had a significantly greater prevalence of enhanced plaque, greater maximum plaque length, maximum wall thickness and more severe luminal stenosis than non‐diabetes patients. Compared with diabetes patients with controlled glycemia, those with uncontrolled glycemia had a significantly greater prevalence of enhanced plaque and greater maximum plaque length (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in plaque features among patients with different durations of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Uncontrolled glycemia was an independent factor for plaque enhancement after adjustment for potential confounding factors (odds ratio 5.690; 95% confidence interval 1.748–18.526; P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is closely related to intracranial plaque enhancement and burden. Recently uncontrolled glycemia might play an important role in the development of enhanced plaque.
Autonomy‐Supportive Parenting in Adolescence: Cultural Variability in the Contemporary United States
Authors: Benito‐Gomez Marta , Williams Kenneshia N. , McCurdy Amy , Fletcher Anne C.
Published: February 2020

This review focuses on how the expression of parental autonomy support (particularly the promotion of independence and volitional functioning) and its impact on adolescent adjustment varies across cultural groups in the United States. We review history involving the conceptualization of parental autonomy support and its impact on adolescent development, discuss cross‐cultural research focused on the expression and impact of autonomy support, review theoretical perspectives suggesting the importance of studying variability in parental autonomy support across cultural groups, and summarize research conducted in the United States across four racial/ethnic groups: European American, African American, Latinx, and Asian American. Much of this research does not adequately reflect current understanding regarding the forms of autonomy support, nor is it grounded in theoretical perspectives recognizing the role of culture in shaping parental behaviors. We conclude by discussing directions for further research to overcome existing shortcomings in this literature.
Bioactive ingredients in Korean cosmeceuticals: Trends and research evidence
Authors: Nguyen Julie K. , Masub Natasha , Jagdeo Jared
Published: February 2020

Background

Cosmeceuticals are commonly used in skincare regimens to maintain healthy skin and improve visible signs of aging. In recent years, South Korean skincare has gained prominence in the global beauty industry by introducing innovative cosmeceutical products and aesthetic trends.

Objectives

To describe the global impact of Korean skincare and to review the current research evidence for bioactive ingredients commonly found in Korean cosmeceuticals.

Methods

A review of the biomedical literature was conducted using PubMed to identify laboratory, animal, and clinical studies that evaluated the biological properties and potential dermatologic uses of ingredients found in Korean cosmeceuticals.

Results

Bioactive ingredients in Korean cosmeceutical products are increasingly undergoing scientific validation and are derived from various sources including animals (eg, bee venom and snail mucin), plants (eg, dragon’s blood and tiger grass extract), and biotechnology (eg, synthetic snake venom). Their bioactive components and pharmacologic activities have been shown to provide dermatologic benefits with potential applications for skin rejuvenation, photoprotection, wound healing, and more.

Conclusion

Further research studies are warranted to elucidate any biological or therapeutic mechanisms of action of these ingredients, which may translate into clinical practice. With the rising public awareness and interest in Korean cosmeceuticals, patients may seek advice from dermatologists about how to incorporate these bioactive ingredients into their skincare regimens to improve skin health and aesthetics.
What proportion of patients with chronic noncancer pain are prescribed an opioid medicine? Systematic review and meta‐regression of observational studies
Authors: Mathieson S. , Wertheimer G. , Maher C.G. , Christine Lin C.‐W. , McLachlan A.J. , Buchbinder R. , Pearson S.‐A. , Underwood M.
Published: February 2020

Guidelines now discourage opioid analgesics for chronic noncancer pain because the benefits frequently do not outweigh the harms. We aimed to determine the proportion of patients with chronic noncancer pain who are prescribed an opioid, the types prescribed and factors associated with prescribing. Database searches were conducted from inception to 29 October 2018 without language restrictions. We included observational studies of adults with chronic noncancer pain measuring opioid prescribing. Opioids were categorized as weak (e.g. codeine) or strong (e.g. oxycodone). Study quality was assessed using a risk of bias tool designed for observational studies measuring prevalence. Individual study results were pooled using a random‐effects model. Meta‐regression investigated study‐level factors associated with prescribing (e.g. sampling year, geographic region as per World Health Organization). The overall evidence quality was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. Of the 42 studies (5,059,098 participants) identified, the majority (n = 28) were from the United States of America. Eleven studies were at low risk of bias. The pooled estimate of the proportion of patients with chronic noncancer pain prescribed opioids was 30.7% (95% CI 28.7% to 32.7%, n = 42 studies, moderate‐quality evidence). Strong opioids were more frequently prescribed than weak (18.4% (95% CI 16.0–21.0%, n = 15 studies, low‐quality evidence), versus 8.5% (95% CI 7.2–9.9%, n = 15 studies, low‐quality evidence)). Meta‐regression determined that opioid prescribing was associated with year of sampling (more prescribing in recent years) (P = 0.014) and not geographic region (P = 0.056). Opioid prescribing for patients with chronic noncancer pain is common and has increased over time.
Blood glucose and insulin concentrations after alpha‐2‐agonists administration in horses with and without insulin dysregulation
Authors: Kritchevsky Janice E. , Muir Genevieve S. , Leschke Dakota H. Z. , Hodgson Jack K. , Hess Emily K. , Bertin Francois‐Rene
Published: February 2020

Background

In metabolically stable horses, alpha‐2‐agonists suppress insulin secretion with transient hyperglycemia and rebound hyperinsulinemia. In horses with insulin dysregulation (ID), the effect of alpha‐2‐agonists has not been investigated; however, both the alpha‐2‐agonist‐induced suppression of insulin secretion and rebound hyperinsulinemia could have clinical relevance.

Hypothesis/Objectives

In horses with ID, alpha‐2‐agonists will alter insulin and glucose dynamics.

Animals

Seven horses with ID and 7 control horses.

Methods

In this randomized crossover study, xylazine hydrochloride (1.1 mg/kg) or detomidine hydrochloride (30 μg/kg) were administered IV, and blood was collected for glucose and insulin concentrations at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 300 minutes after administration. Horses received each drug in a random order with a 24‐hour washout period between drugs. Percent change in glucose and insulin concentrations was compared between groups, drugs, and over time with P < .05 considered significant.

Results

A significant time‐dependent effect of both alpha‐2‐agonists on glucose and insulin concentrations in control and ID horses was identified (P = .01 for all comparisons). There was no significant effect of sedative selection and endocrine status on blood glucose concentration in either group; however, in ID horses, xylazine administration resulted in severe rebound hyperinsulinemia whereas detomidine administration did not (P = .02).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Alpha‐2‐agonists have a significant effect on glucose and insulin concentrations in horses. In ID horses, detomidine could minimize hyperinsulinemia when compared to xylazine.
Gradients in richness and turnover of a forest passerine's diet prior to breeding: A mixed model approach applied to faecal metabarcoding data
Authors: Shutt Jack D. , Nicholls James A. , Trivedi Urmi H. , Burgess Malcolm D. , Stone Graham N. , Hadfield Jarrod D. , Phillimore Albert B.
Published: February 2020

Rather little is known about the dietary richness and variation of generalist insectivorous species, including birds, due primarily to difficulties in prey identification. Using faecal metabarcoding, we provide the most comprehensive analysis of a passerine's diet to date, identifying the relative magnitudes of biogeographic, habitat and temporal trends in the richness and turnover in diet of Cyanistes caeruleus (blue tit) along a 39 site and 2° latitudinal transect in Scotland. Faecal samples were collected in 2014–2015 from adult birds roosting in nestboxes prior to nest building. DNA was extracted from 793 samples and we amplified COI and 16S minibarcodes. We identified 432 molecular operational taxonomic units that correspond to putative dietary items. Most dietary items were rare, with Lepidoptera being the most abundant and taxon‐rich prey order. Here, we present a statistical approach for estimation of gradients and intersample variation in taxonomic richness and turnover using a generalised linear mixed model. We discuss the merits of this approach over existing tools and present methods for model‐based estimation of repeatability, taxon richness and Jaccard indices. We found that dietary richness increases significantly as spring advances, but changes little with elevation, latitude or local tree composition. In comparison, dietary composition exhibits significant turnover along temporal and spatial gradients and among sites. Our study shows the promise of faecal metabarcoding for inferring the macroecology of food webs, but we also highlight the challenge posed by contamination and make recommendations of laboratory and statistical practices to minimise its impact on inference.
Pharmacokinetic changes post–bariatric surgery: A scoping review
Authors: McLachlan Liam A. , Chaar Betty B. , Um Irene S.
Published: February 2020

Bariatric surgeries induce structural changes that can alter the absorption of drugs in patients already at risk of polypharmacy. This scoping review aimed to explore pharmacokinetic changes of orally administered drugs in patients post‐bariatric surgery, and assess the quality and level of bias. Electronic databases were searched for articles relating to bariatric surgery and pharmacokinetics published between 1998 and 2019. Pre‐post studies reporting on pharmacokinetic parameters were included, and the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used to assess risk‐of‐bias. A total of 21 studies were included in this review, and changes in absorption were reported in all included studies across 29 drugs. In 11 studies, this change was reported as statistically significant (p<.05), while six reported a nonsignificant change. More drugs exhibited a shorter Tmax and higher Cmax after surgery than otherwise, however changes in AUC were variable. Four studies were assessed as having fair quality while the remainder of the included studies were of good quality and low risk‐of‐bias. Bariatric surgery alters the absorption of drugs and several mechanisms are implicated to be responsible. Short and long‐term monitoring is recommended in patients post‐surgery for clinical changes in response to medications. Future research with a higher number of participants and greater control of variables, such as concurrent medications, malabsorptive disorders, and body composition should be considered.
Relational insecurity heightens sensitivity to limbal rings in partnered women
Authors: Brown Mitch , Keefer Lucas A. , Sacco Donald F.
Published: February 2020

Limbal rings augment perceived facial health and attractiveness. We thus expected sensitivity to their presence would depend on motives to seek alternative relationship partners among those feeling insecure about a current pairbond. Despite partnered women's relative insensitivity to good gene cues, partnered women feeling relationally dissatisfied might heighten acuity toward limbal rings. We primed single and partnered women with secure or insecure attachment before evaluating the health of male and female faces with and without limbal rings. Insecurity‐primed partnered women demonstrated greater perceptual acuity toward limbal rings than security‐primed partnered women; this sensitivity was reduced in single women. Findings contribute to literature implicating limbal rings as a health cue, demonstrating how dissatisfaction of mating goals modulates preferences for facial features.
Decline in local ecological knowledge in the Colombian Andes may constrain silvopastoral tree diversity
Authors: Tarbox Bryan C. , Swisher Marilyn , Calle Zoraida , Wilson Chris H. , Flory S. Luke
Published: February 2020

Local ecological knowledge (LEK) can play an important role in ecological restoration by guiding landholder decision‐making towards more ecologically oriented land management. Silvopastures are a promising option for restoring ecological function to degraded landscapes because they increase tree cover and diversity, moderating the impacts of cattle production on ecological processes. Some silvopastoralists possess considerable LEK that can shape silvopastoral tree communities, but little is known about the temporal trends of this knowledge base. We followed up on a survey of workers, managers, and owners of silvopastoral farms in the Colombian Andes 6 years later and found that the ability to identify native trees and describe their uses, and interest in tree planting, were significantly lower. Importantly, the likelihood that an individual would plant a species was linked directly to the number of uses they listed for that species. Furthermore, the utility of species became more important for influencing the probability of planting native trees over time, as general interest in planting trees declined. We show that knowledge about the uses of native trees is critical for promoting cultivation of diverse tree species in silvopastoral systems, and that multipurpose trees are most likely to be planted. Moreover, our results suggest that the socio‐economic changes driving declines in ecological knowledge elsewhere, including outmigration and limited transmission of knowledge to younger generations, appear to erode LEK among Colombian silvopastoralists. Preserving LEK is therefore a critical factor for ensuring silvopastoral and other agro‐ecosystems can contribute to efforts to restore ecological integrity to degraded landscapes.
Copula‐based analysis of multivariate dependence patterns between dimensions of poverty in Europe*
Authors: García‐Gómez César , Pérez Ana , Prieto‐Alaiz Mercedes
Published: February 2020

It is widely recognized that poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon involving not only income, but also other aspects such as education or health. In this multidimensional setting, analyzing the dependence between dimensions becomes an important issue, since a high degree of dependence could exacerbate poverty. In this paper, we propose measuring the multivariate dependence between the dimensions of poverty in Europe using copula‐based methods. This approach focuses on the positions of individuals across dimensions, allowing for other types of dependence beyond linear correlation. In particular, we analyze how orthant dependence between the dimensions of the AROPE rate has evolved in the EU‐28 countries between 2008 and 2014 by applying non‐parametric estimates of multivariate copula‐based generalisations of Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. We find a general increase in the dependence between dimensions, regardless of the coefficient used. Moreover, countries with higher AROPE rates also tend to experiment more dependence between its dimensions.
Suicide‐Specific Cognitions, Attentional Fixation, and Worst‐Point Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Moscardini Emma H. , Aboussouan Alix B. , Bryan Craig J. , Tucker Raymond P.
Published: February 2020

Objective

The fluid vulnerability theory of suicide posits that each person has a baseline risk for suicide, which is comprised of both stable and dynamic factors. The current study investigated the unique involvement of suicide‐specific cognitions and attentional fixation on recent suicidal ideation (SI) and SI at its worst.

Method

Data were analyzed from a sample of N = 126 undergraduate students with a history of SI. Path analyses were used to analyze the relationship between suicide‐specific cognitions, attentional fixation, and SI (current and worst point).

Results

Results revealed that suicide‐specific cognitions were directly related to both recent SI and worst‐point SI. Suicide‐specific cognitions had a significant, indirect effect with worst‐point SI through attentional fixation, but this effect was not significant when using recent SI.

Conclusion

These data support the need for interventions to target cognitive contents and contexts (e.g., fixation) to reduce escalation of SI. Future work would benefit from replicating and extending results in studies that include prospective designs and the assessment of suicidal behaviors.
Performance of a Nageotte hemocytometer method and a flow cytometric assay for residual leukocyte quantification in leukoreduced canine packed red blood cells
Authors: Viall Austin K. , LeVine Dana N.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate the performances of a manual Nageotte hemocytometer method and commercial fluorescent bead‐based flow cytometric assay for quantifying [rWBC] in leukoreduced canine packed red blood cell (pRBC) units.

Design

Prospective study. Five, commercially purchased, double leukoreduced canine pRBC units were spiked with canine leukocytes to create 6 pRBC standards with the following [rWBC]: < 0.1, 0.375, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, and 24.0 WBC/µL. [rWBC] of each pRBC standard was measured with the Nageotte hemocytometer and flow cytometric techniques. Limit of detection (LoD), linearity, and bias were determined for each method. For each standard, accuracy and precision were calculated; the cumulative accuracy and mean precision for measurements between the LoD and 24.0 WBC/µL were also determined.

Setting

University veterinary blood bank and clinical pathology laboratory.

Measurements and Main Results

The Nageotte hemocytometer method had an LoD = 1.48 WBC/µL, inadequate linearity (R2 = 0.92), and a significant negative proportional bias (slope best‐fit line = 0.52 ± 0.03). Between [rWBC] 1.5‐24 WBC/µL, the technique demonstrated poor cumulative accuracy (6.7%) but acceptable mean precision (17.3%). Relative to a 2 rWBC/µL threshold, at 1.5 WBC/µL the method was inaccurate (6.7%) with acceptable precision (16.6%). The flow cytometric assay had an LoD = 1.3 WBC/µL, acceptable linearity (R2 = 0.99), and a mild positive proportional bias (slope best‐fit line = 1.11 ± 0.01). The technique had acceptable cumulative accuracy (80%) and mean precision (10.7%) for measuring [rWBC] between 1.5 and 24 WBC/µL. At 1.5 WBC/µL, this method was acceptably accurate (86.7%) and precise (16.0%).

Conclusions

The flow cytometric assay demonstrated acceptable performance for quantification of [rWBC] in leukoreduced canine pRBC units. The Nageotte hemocytometer method should be used cautiously due to poor accuracy and significant negative bias.
Measuring access to high-modulation-rate envelope speech cues in clinically fitted auditory prostheses
Authors: Stone Michael A. , Prendergast Garreth , Canavan Shanelle
Published: February 2020

The signal processing used to increase intelligibility within the hearing-impaired listener introduces distortions in the modulation patterns of a signal. Trade-offs have to be made between improved audibility and the loss of fidelity. Acoustic hearing impairment can cause reduced access to temporal fine structure (TFS), while cochlear implant processing, used to treat profound hearing impairment, has reduced ability to convey TFS, hence forcing greater reliance on modulation cues. Target speech mixed with a competing talker was split into 8–22 frequency channels. From each channel, separate low-rate (EmodL, <16 Hz) and high-rate (EmodH, <300 Hz) versions of the envelope modulation were extracted, which resulted in low or high intelligibility, respectively. The EModL modulations were preserved in channel valleys and cross-faded to EModH in channel peaks. The cross-faded signal modulated a tone carrier in each channel. The modulated carriers were summed across channels and presented to hearing aid (HA) and cochlear implant users. Their ability to access high-rate modulation cues and the dynamic range of this access was assessed. Clinically fitted hearing aids resulted in 10% lower intelligibility than simulated high-quality aids. Encouragingly, cochlear implantees were able to extract high-rate information over a dynamic range similar to that for the HA users.
Effect of Forefoot and Midfoot Bending Stiffness on Agility Performance and Foot Biomechanics in Soccer
Authors: Brinkmann Daniel J. , Koerger Harald , Gollhofer Albert , Gehring Dominic
Published: February 2020

Footwear bending stiffness is known to positively affect performance in agility maneuvers due to improved energy storage and propulsion based on a stiffer foot–shoe complex. However, the functional properties of the forefoot and midfoot differ. Therefore, the present study investigates the effect of the interface of longitudinal bending stiffness and the ratio of forefoot to midfoot bending stiffness on agility performance and foot biomechanics. A total of 18 male soccer players performed 2 agility tasks in footwear conditions that were systematically modified in forefoot and midfoot bending stiffness. Results revealed that higher longitudinal bending stiffness caused more foot exorotation at the initial ground contact (P < .05), less torsion (P < .001), and an anterior shift in the point of force application during push off (P = .01). In addition, the authors observed decreased forefoot bending (P < .05) and increased torsion (P < .01) in footwear with a higher forefoot–midfoot ratio. Finally, the agility performance was significantly impaired by 1.3% in the condition with the highest forefoot–midfoot ratio (P < .01). The high forefoot–midfoot ratio, that is, a stiff forefoot in combination with a soft midfoot, seemed to shift the flex line from anterior to posterior that may explain the performance impairment.
Integrative analysis suggests cell type–specific decoding of NF-κB dynamics
Authors: Martin Erik W. , Pacholewska Alicja , Patel Heta , Dashora Himanshu , Sung Myong-Hee
Published: February 2020

Integrating single-cell imaging and gene expression data illustrates how cells differentially interpret pathogenic stimuli.
Mitotic cell responses to substrate topological cues are independent of the molecular nature of adhesion
Authors: Anastasiou Ouranio , Hadjisavva Rania , Skourides Paris A.
Published: February 2020

Spindle orientation in nonpolarized adherent cells does not depend on specific adhesion signaling mechanisms.
Comparison of Commensal and Clinical Isolates for Diversity of Plasmids in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Rodríguez-Navarro Judith , Miró Elisenda , Brown-Jaque Maryury , Hurtado Juan Carlos , Moreno Albert , Muniesa Maite , González-López Juan José , Vila Jordi , Espinal Paula , Navarro Ferran
Published: February 2020

In this study, the plasmid content of clinical and commensal strains was analyzed and compared. The replicon profile was similar in both populations, except for L, M, A/C, and N (detected only in clinical strains) and HI1 (only in commensal strains). Although I1 and F were the most frequent replicons, only IncI1, sequence type 12 (ST12) was associated with
bla
CMY-2
in both populations. In contrast, the widespread resistant IncF plasmids were not linked to a single epidemic plasmid.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma felis Strain Myco-2, Isolated from an Equine Tracheal Wash Sample in Japan
Authors: Kinoshita Yuta , Niwa Hidekazu , Uchida-Fujii Eri , Nukada Toshio
Published: February 2020

Mycoplasma felis
causes conjunctivitis in cats and respiratory diseases in horses. We report here the complete genome assembly of equine
Mycoplasma felis
strain Myco-2, which was isolated from an ill horse in Japan.