bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anhedonia in depression and schizophrenia: A transdiagnostic challenge
Authors: Lambert Clare , Da Silva Susana , Ceniti Amanda K. , Rizvi Sakina J. , Foussias George , Kennedy Sidney H.
Published: April 2018

Background

Anhedonia, as a dysregulation of the reward circuit, is present in both Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SZ).

Aims

To elucidate the clinical and neurobiological differences between schizophrenia (SZ) and depression (MDD) in regard to anhedonia, while reconciling the challenges and benefits of assessing anhedonia as a transdiagnostic feature under the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework.

Methods

In this review, we summarize data from publications examining anhedonia or its underlying reward deficits in SZ and MDD. A literature search was conducted in OVID Medline, PsycINFO and EMBASE databases between 2000 and 2017.

Results

While certain subgroups share commonalities, there are also important differences. SZ may be characterized by a disorganization, rather than a deficiency, in reward processing and cognitive function, including inappropriate energy expenditure and focus on irrelevant cues. In contrast, MDD has been characterized by deficits in anticipatory pleasure, development of reward associations, and integration of information from past experience. Understanding the roles of neurotransmitters and aberrant brain circuitry is necessary to appreciate differences in reward function in SZ and MDD.

Conclusion

Anhedonia as a clinical presentation of reward circuit dysregulation is an important and relatively undertreated symptom of both SZ and MDD. In order to improve patient outcomes and quality of life, it is important to consider how anhedonia fits into both diagnoses.
Understanding jugular venous outflow disturbance
Authors: Zhou Da , Ding Jia‐Yue , Ya Jing‐Yuan , Pan Li‐Qun , Yan Feng , Yang Qi , Ding Yu‐Chuan , Ji Xun‐Ming , Meng Ran
Published: April 2018

Extracranial venous abnormalities, especially jugular venous outflow disturbance, were originally viewed as nonpathological phenomena due to a lack of realization and exploration of their feature and clinical significance. The etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear, whereas a couple of causal factors have been conjectured. The clinical presentation of this condition is highly variable, ranging from insidious to symptomatic, such as headaches, dizziness, pulsatile tinnitus, visual impairment, sleep disturbance, and neck discomfort or pain. Standard diagnostic criteria are not available, and current diagnosis largely depends on a combinatory use of imaging modalities. Although few researches have been conducted to gain evidence‐based therapeutic approach, several recent advances indicate that intravenous angioplasty in combination with stenting implantation may be a safe and efficient way to restore normal blood circulation, alleviate the discomfort symptoms, and enhance patients’ quality of life. In addition, surgical removal of structures that constrain the internal jugular vein may serve as an alternative or adjunctive management when endovascular intervention is not feasible. Notably, discussion on every aspect of this newly recognized disease entity is in the infant stage and efforts with more rigorous designed, randomized controlled studies in attempt to identify the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and effective approaches to its treatment will provide a profound insight into this issue.
Stable Causal Relationships Are Better Causal Relationships
Authors: Vasilyeva Nadya , Blanchard Thomas , Lombrozo Tania
Published: April 2018

We report three experiments investigating whether people's judgments about causal relationships are sensitive to the robustness orstabilityof such relationships across a range of background circumstances. In Experiment 1, we demonstrate that people are more willing to endorse causal and explanatory claims based on stable (as opposed to unstable) relationships, even when the overall causal strength of the relationship is held constant. In Experiment 2, we show that this effect is not driven by a causal generalization's actual scope of application. In Experiment 3, we offer evidence that stable causal relationships may be seen as better guides to action. Collectively, these experiments document a previously underappreciated factor that shapes people's causal reasoning: the stability of the causal relationship.
The Reference of Proper Names: Testing Usage and Intuitions
Authors: Devitt Michael , Porot Nicolas
Published: April 2018

Experiments on theories of reference have mostly tested referential intuitions. We think that experiments should rather be testing linguistic usage. Substantive Aim (I): to test classical description theories of proper names against usage by “elicited production.” Our results count decisively against those theories. Methodological Aim (I): Machery, Olivola, and de Blanc () claim that truth‐value judgment experiments test usage. Martí () disagrees. We argue that Machery et al. are right and offer some results that are consistent with that conclusion. Substantive Aim (II): Machery et al. provide evidence that the usage of a name varies, being sometimes descriptive, sometimes not. In seven out of eight tests of usage, we did not replicate this variation. Methodological Aim (II): to test the reliability of referential intuitions by comparing them with linguistic usage. Earlier studies led us to predict that we would find those intuitions unreliable, but we did not. Our results add to evidence that tests of referential intuition are susceptible to unpredictable wording effects.
Empathy for Animals: A Review of the Existing Literature
Authors: Young Ashley , Khalil Kathayoon A. , Wharton Jim
Published: April 2018

Empathy is often studied as it relates to humans. However, there is a increasing interest in its relationship, development and impact with non‐human animals. This interest is often driven by a curiosity in empathy's role as an internal motivator for pro‐environmental behavior change. As with many internal affective responses, the link is not always directly clear but growing evidence suggests that empathy towards others can influence the likelihood of pro‐environmental behaviors as they relate to individual animals and potentially their larger communities or species. A hot zone for empathy development; zoos, aquariums, museums, sanctuaries, shelters, nature centers, and other informal environmental education organizations invested in animal conservation are challenged to understand, mitigate or capitalize on the empathy development already occurring in their institutions. These organizations provide opportunities for people to develop close relationships with individual animals, a critical step in the development of empathy. Their ability to facilitate hundreds of up‐close interactions between humans and animals daily establishes these organizations as important venues for the exploration of empathy towards animals and its potential impact on promoting pro‐environmental behavior. In this paper, we review some of the existing literature on empathy in relation to and with non‐human animals, offer a definition as it applies to all species, and discuss key components of empathy development including barriers and promoters.
Histopathological patterns in dermatitis artefacta
Authors: Tittelbach Jörg , Peckruhn Melanie , Elsner Peter
Published: April 2018

Background

Dermatitis artefacta is a relevant and frequently unrecognized clinical condition associated with self‐harming behavior, in which unconscious manipulation causes skin lesions. While atypical lesions and an unusual disease course may give rise to clinical suspicion of a self‐induced disorder, questioning and examining these patients usually fails to confirm or clarify this suspicion. In this setting, the dermatopathologist may be faced with the question whether there are any histological signs corroborating the diagnosis of dermatitis artefacta.

Methods

We conducted a Pubmed search (without time frame) using the terms “dermatitis artefacta“, “factitious/factitial dermatitis“, “artefactual skin“ in combination with “histology“ or “pathology“. Given the low number of hits, we extended the search by adding terms related to certain types of injuries (for example, “burn“ or “cold“) in order to identify specific patterns.

Results

In general, there are only few studies investigating the histological features of factitious skin disorders. Another problem arises from the fact that, even if clinical and histological findings are suggestive of dermatitis artefacta, subsequent confirmation of the exact mechanism of injury is frequently not possible, thus leaving room for speculation. This complicates defining specific histological patterns based on the various types of injuries. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that a factitious disorder should be considered if histological findings include blistering with a mild inflammatory infiltrate, rupture of collagen fibers, multinucleated keratinocytes, or elongated and vertically aligned keratinocytic nuclei.
Should We Formulate an Incentivized Model Facilitating Kidney Donation from Living Donors? A Focus on Turkey's Current System
Authors: Avci Ercan
Published: April 2018

Kidney transplantation is a lifesaving medical treatment. However, very high demand for kidneys with low kidney donation causes a black market that exploits patients’ desperation and donors’ vulnerability. The current kidney donation programs fail to produce promising results to avoid illegal and unethical kidney trafficking and commercialism. Even though the primary goal of kidney donation is to increase the number of deceased organ donations, in some countries, like Turkey, due to religious or cultural concerns, it is impossible to supply adequate deceased kidney donations. In this view, the aim of this paper is to examine kidney trafficking in the scope of Turkey's current organ donation system and propose a new model, named the Incentivized Kidney Donation Model (IKDM), to increase kidney donation from living donors. The model encompasses the following benefits offered to kidney donors; lifetime health insurance, exemptions from copayments/contribution shares, priority when receiving an organ, priority when finding a job, income tax exemptions for salaried employees, and free or discounted public utilities. This normative model has the potential to promote donors’ altruistic acts as well as the solidarity and loyalty among members of a society without violating ethical values and internationally accepted principles.
Fauna as passengers and drivers in vegetation restoration: A synthesis of processes and evidence
Authors: Catterall Carla P.
Published: April 2018

Efforts to restore terrestrial woody ecosystems to former agricultural land are typically based on plant‐focused actions, often neglecting fauna. However, the processes that maintain or restore the health and integrity of these ecosystems involve many animal–plant interactions. Here, I synthesise information about these relationships and the implications for revegetation practice. Fauna have often been viewed as passengers, responding passively to plant‐focused revegetation. This view involves two surrogacy assumptions: first, that vegetation attributes can indicate habitat sufficiency for fauna; second, that animals will be capable of dispersing to the restored habitat and of establishing populations there. Habitat sufficiency depends on how resources such as food and nest sites can be indicated by vegetation attributes and how they interact with an animal's species‐specific requirements. Dispersal and establishment depend on proximity to source populations in habitat elsewhere, the type of intervening habitat and the intrinsic mobility of different species. Evidence about the effects of age, revegetation type and spatial context in relation to animal communities indicates that it can often be invalid to assume vegetation surrogacy. Fauna can also drive the developmental trajectories of floristic diversity and composition during revegetation, because animal–plant interactions frequently mediate life‐history transitions that determine seedling recruitment. Frugivore‐mediated seed dispersal is the best studied, but animals also directly influence early‐stage tree recruitment, especially through their roles in seed predation, seedling herbivory and indirectly through top‐down cascades that include large carnivores. These processes have been insufficiently recognised or studied, although some recent work highlights their significance. Intervening to alter abundances of functionally important animals could be useful in accelerating the redevelopment of woody vegetation. Further research is needed to clarify animals’ roles as both passengers and drivers during revegetation, especially manipulative experiments and innovative restoration trials, in which animals and plants are considered together from the outset.
The complex allosteric and redox regulation of the fumarate hydratase and malate dehydratase reactions of Arabidopsis thaliana Fumarase 1 and 2 gives clues for understanding the massive accumulation of fumarate
Authors: Zubimendi Juan P. , Martinatto Andrea , Valacco Maria P. , Moreno Silvia , Andreo Carlos S. , Drincovich María F. , Tronconi Marcos A.
Published: April 2018

Arabidopsis thaliana possesses two fumarase genes (FUM), AtFUM1 (At2g47510) encoding for the mitochondrial Krebs cycle‐associated enzyme and AtFUM2 (At5g50950) for the cytosolic isoform required for fumarate massive accumulation. Here, the comprehensive biochemical studies of AtFUM1 and AtFUM2 shows that they are active enzymes with similar kinetic parameters but differential regulation. For both enzymes, fumarate hydratase (FH) activity is favored over the malate dehydratase (MD) activity; however, MD is the most regulated activity with several allosteric activators. Oxalacetate, glutamine, and/or asparagine are modulators causing the MD reaction to become preferred over the FH reaction. Activity profiles as a function of pH suggest a suboptimal FUM activity in Arabidopsis cells; moreover, the direction of the FUM reaction is sensitive to pH changes. Under mild oxidation conditions, AtFUMs form high mass molecular aggregates, which present both FUM activities decreased to a different extent. The biochemical properties of oxidized AtFUMs (oxAtFUMs) were completely reversed by NADPH‐supplied Arabidopsis leaf extracts, suggesting that the AtFUMs redox regulation can be accomplished in vivo. Mass spectrometry analyses indicate the presence of an active site‐associated intermolecular disulfide bridge in oxAtFUMs. Finally, a phylogenetic approach points out that other plant species may also possess cytosolic FUM2 enzymes mainly encoded by paralogous genes, indicating that the evolutionary history of this trait has been drawn through a process of parallel evolution. Overall, according to our results, a multilevel regulatory pattern of FUM activities emerges, supporting the role of this enzyme as a carbon flow monitoring point through the organic acid metabolism in plants.
Spring photosynthetic onset and net CO2 uptake in Alaska triggered by landscape thawing
Authors: Parazoo Nicholas C. , Arneth Almut , Pugh Thomas A. M. , Smith Ben , Steiner Nicholas , Luus Kristina , Commane Roisin , Benmergui Josh , Stofferahn Eric , Liu Junjie , Rödenbeck Christian , Kawa Randy , Euskirchen Eugenie , Zona Donatella , Arndt Kyle , Oechel Walt , Miller Charles
Published: April 2018

The springtime transition to regional‐scale onset of photosynthesis and net ecosystem carbon uptake in boreal and tundra ecosystems are linked to the soil freeze–thaw state. We present evidence from diagnostic and inversion models constrained by satellite fluorescence and airborne CO2 from 2012 to 2014 indicating the timing and magnitude of spring carbon uptake in Alaska correlates with landscape thaw and ecoregion. Landscape thaw in boreal forests typically occurs in late April (DOY 111 ± 7) with a 29 ± 6 day lag until photosynthetic onset. North Slope tundra thaws 3 weeks later (DOY 133 ± 5) but experiences only a 20 ± 5 day lag until photosynthetic onset. These time lag differences reflect efficient cold season adaptation in tundra shrub and the longer dehardening period for boreal evergreens. Despite the short transition from thaw to photosynthetic onset in tundra, synchrony of tundra respiration with snow melt and landscape thaw delays the transition from net carbon loss (at photosynthetic onset) to net uptake by 13 ± 7 days, thus reducing the tundra net carbon uptake period. Two global CO2 inversions using a CASA‐GFED model prior estimate earlier northern high latitude net carbon uptake compared to our regional inversion, which we attribute to (i) early photosynthetic‐onset model prior bias, (ii) inverse method (scaling factor + optimization window), and (iii) sparsity of available Alaskan CO2 observations. Another global inversion with zero prior estimates the same timing for net carbon uptake as the regional model but smaller seasonal amplitude. The analysis of Alaskan eddy covariance observations confirms regional scale findings for tundra, but indicates that photosynthesis and net carbon uptake occur up to 1 month earlier in evergreens than captured by models or CO2 inversions, with better correlation to above‐freezing air temperature than date of primary thaw. Further collection and analysis of boreal evergreen species over multiple years and at additional subarctic flux towers are critically needed.
Genotype identity has a more important influence than genotype diversity on shoot biomass productivity in willow short‐rotation coppices
Authors: Hoeber Stefanie , Arranz Clara , Nordh Nils‐Erik , Baum Christel , Low Matthew , Nock Charles , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Weih Martin
Published: April 2018

Willow (Salixspp.) short‐rotation coppice is commercially grown to produce lignocellulosic biomass to meet renewable bioenergy demands. Most commercial willow coppices are grown in stands of a single genotype, but biomass productivity may be greater in mixed communities, and the productivity in mixed communities may depend on the specific genotypes involved. We assessed the biomass production of four differentSalixgenotypes (“Björn,” “Jorr,” “Loden,” “Tora”) grown without additional nutrient fertilization during one cutting cycle at three locations in Europe (Uppsala in Sweden, Rostock and Freiburg in Germany) in plots of pure and mixed communities. We evaluated (i) the effect of genotype diversity on shoot biomass productivity, including the evidence for complementarity and selection effects; (ii) the influence of individual genotypes on mixed community productivity; and (iii) the productivity of individual genotypes in response to pure vs. mixed culture. Mean shoot biomass production after the first cutting cycle decreased in the order Rostock (8.7 Mg ha−1) > Freiburg (6.9 Mg ha−1) > Uppsala (5.7 Mg ha−1), with values similar to those for other nonfertilized willow stands after the first growth cycle. Consistently across all three locations, increasing genotype diversity did not significantly affect shoot biomass production. Using Bayesian statistics, the addition of the genotypes “Jorr” and “Loden” was predicted to enhance shoot biomass production, while “Tora” and “Björn” are more likely to reduce shoot biomass production in mixed communities. In addition, we found evidence for a negative selection effect due to the genotype “Tora” performing better in mixed than in pure communities in two of the sites (Freiburg, Uppsala). In conclusion, our results imply that increasing genetic richness has no negative effect on productivity and that there is a potential to design site‐specific genotype mixtures of short‐rotation coppice promoting both high genetic diversity and high biomass production.
Conceiving of a Realfictional Body: Material Feminisms and Jenny Erpenbeck's Geschichte vom alten Kind (1999)
Authors: Chronister Necia
Published: April 2018

Scholarship on embodied reading has conventionally assumed a one‐way relationship between the fictional world and the body. Bodies respond to representation—affectively, emotionally, and/or sexually—and are not typically considered to have an active role in the construction of the text itself. However, there is an emerging trend in German literary studies toward reexamining the material body and its relationship to language. New material feminist theories insist on understanding the body neither in a metaphoric manner nor as a product of discourse but, instead, as lived material experience. In this article, I propose a way to read from a material‐ feminist standpoint by positioning the material bodies of the reader and the author at the interstices of the material world and the linguistically constructed world of fiction. I then read Jenny Erpenbeck's Geschichte vom alten Kind to illustrate the ways in which the fictional body possesses traces of our materiality as well as its own agency.
Fifth Åland Island conference on von Willebrand disease
Authors: Berntorp E. , Ågren A. , Aledort L. , Blombäck M. , Cnossen M. H. , Croteau S. E. , von Depka M. , Federici A. B. , Goodeve A. , Goudemand J. , Mannucci P. M. , Mourik M. , Önundarson P. T. , Rodeghiero F. , Szántó T. , Windyga J.
Published: April 2018

The fifth Åland Island meeting on von Willebrand disease (VWD) was held on the Åland Islands, Finland, from 22 to 24 September 2016—90 years after the first case of VWD was diagnosed in a patient from the Åland Islands in 1926. This meeting brought together experts in the field of VWD to share knowledge and expertise on current trends and challenges in VWD. Topics included the storage and release of von Willebrand factor (VWF), epidemiology and diagnostics in VWD, treatment of VWD, angiogenesis and VWF inhibitors.
GALT carcinoma: three case reports with glycoprotein 2 immunohistochemistry and electron microscopic observations
Authors: Hayashi Hiroko , Ohtani Masashi , Sada Yuki , Iwasaki Keisuke , Shimokawa Isao
Published: April 2018

Aims

Gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) carcinoma is a rare colorectal tumour that arises in the epithelium covering GALT. GALT carcinoma is a differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma with dense lymphoid tissue with a characteristically well‐demarcated margin. To date, 26 cases of GALT carcinoma, including the three cases discussed here, have been reported. Most (24 of 26) were discovered at early stages and none of the cases have documented any metastases. This suggests that GALT carcinoma may have a favourable prognosis. It is hypothesised that GALT carcinoma originates from M cells in specialised epithelia covering GALT. However, this hypothesis has yet to be confirmed.

Methods and results

In this study, we examined three cases of GALT carcinoma by immunohistochemistry detection of glycoprotein 2, a specific marker for M cells, and electron microscopy. Our findings showed that the tumour cells of GALT carcinoma in all three cases were negative for M cells. We thus concluded that GALT carcinoma may be a tubular adenocarcinoma arising by chance in the GALT. This unique carcinoma is a diferentiated adenocarcinoma that grows slowly with the development of GALT.

Conclusions

We propose that GALT carcinoma should be classified separately because of its histological setting and good prognosis.
Studying primate personality in zoos: implications for the management, welfare and conservation of great apes
Authors: Gartner M. C. , Weiss A.
Published: April 2018

As we face the Anthropocene extinction, many species are threatened or becoming so, and great ape species are no exception (all are Endangered or Critically Endangered). As humans work to combat this trend, research on every aspect of the lives of animals is vital. One area of research that has the potential to be particularly useful is the study of personality. Zoological institutions offer a unique opportunity for research on personality in non‐human primates, with knowledgeable staff, consistency in environment, accessibility of a variety of species and the possibility to have large sample sizes to provide generalizability. Here, we offer a perspective on how zoos have contributed to the personality literature, how the personality literature can aid animal management and how much further such research can continue, with implications for both welfare and conservation.
Identifying critical migratory bottlenecks and high‐use areas for an endangered migratory soaring bird across three continents
Authors: Buechley Evan R. , Oppel Steffen , Beatty William S. , Nikolov Stoyan C. , Dobrev Vladimir , Arkumarev Volen , Saravia Victoria , Bougain Clementine , Bounas Anastasios , Kret Elzbieta , Skartsi Theodora , Aktay Lale , Aghababyan Karen , Frehner Ethan , Şekercioğlu Çağan H.
Published: April 2018

Migrant birds face a number of threats throughout their annual cycle, including persecution, collision with energy infrastructure, and habitat and climate change. A key challenge for the conservation of migrants is the identification of important habitat, including migratory concentration areas, because species survival rates may be determined by events in geographically very limited areas. Remote‐tracking technology is facilitating the identification of such critical habitat, although the strategic identification of important sites and incorporation of such knowledge in conservation planning remains limited. We tracked 45 individuals of an endangered, soaring migrant (Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus), over 75 complete migrations that traversed three continents along the Red Sea Flyway. We summarize and contextualize migration statistics by season and age class, including migration start, midpoint, and end dates, as well as linear and cumulative migration distance, migration duration and speed, and route straightness. Then, using dynamic Brownian bridge movement models, we quantified space use to identify the most important migratory bottlenecks and high‐use areas on the flyway. These areas each accounted for < 5% of the overall movement range of the tracked birds, yet > 20% of all tracks passed through bottlenecks, and > 50% of the overall vulture time spent on migration fell within high‐use areas. The most important sites were located at the southeastern Red Sea coast and Bab‐el‐Mandeb Strait (Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Djibouti), the Suez Canal zone (Egypt), and the Gulf of Iskenderun (Turkey). Discouragingly however, none of the area within the major migratory bottlenecks was protected and < 13% of the high‐use areas were protected. This demonstrates a very concerning gap in the protected area network for migratory soaring birds along the Red Sea Flyway. Because reducing threats at migratory concentrations can be a very efficient approach to protect populations, our work provides clear guidelines where conservation investment is urgently needed to benefit as many as 35 migratory soaring‐bird species that regularly use the Red Sea Flyway.
Options for the biological and physical control of Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Hym.: Vespidae) in Europe: A review
Authors: Turchi L. , Derijard B.
Published: April 2018

Recently, the environmental economist J.M. Salles (Salles, ) declared that “the Asian hornet was likely to be the most threatening invader insect in France.” Thirteen years after the accidental introduction in France, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) has invaded most west European countries. Little has been done to date to limit its progression and its economic, ecological and social impact. Although it is illusory to try to eradicate this species, it is known that a targeted control would limit its threatening trend. Current V. velutina control in France is mainly based on (i) high scale volunteer trapping by citizens and (ii) volunteer spotting of the nest. Evaluation of trapping strategies developed so far to control V. velutina expansion has highlighted their failure and has demonstrated the need to optimize nest detection techniques and to investigate on new control strategies. This review describes most of the means aimed to control predation and expansion of V. velutina, whether they have been scientifically assessed or only tested on field with decent success. Published prospective control methods and biological control techniques are also presented.
Concept Analysis and the Advance of Nursing Knowledge: State of the Science
Authors: Rodgers Beth L. , Jacelon Cynthia S. , Knafl Kathleen A.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Despite an overwhelming increase in the number of concept analyses published since the early 1970s, there are significant limitations to the impact of this work in promoting progress in nursing science.

Design

We conducted an extensive review of concept analyses published between 1972 and 2017 to identify patterns in analysis and followed this with exploration of an exemplar related to the concept of normalization to demonstrate the capabilities of analysis for promoting concept development and progress.

Methods

Scoping review of peer‐reviewed literature published in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) in which the terms “concept analysis,” “concept clarification,” and “concept derivation” appeared in any part of the reference. The original search returned 3,489 articles. This initial pool was refined to a final sample of 958 articles published in 223 journals and addressing 604 concepts. A review of citations of the original analysis of the concept of normalization resulted in 75 articles selected for closer examination of the process of concept development.

Findings

Review showed a clear pattern of repetition of analysis of the same concept, growth in number of published analyses, preponderance of first authors with master's degrees, and 43 distinct descriptions of methods. Review of the 75 citations to the normalization analysis identified multiple ways concept analysis can inform subsequent research and theory development.

Conclusions

Conceptual work needs to move beyond the level of “concept analysis” involving clear linkage to the resolution of problems in the discipline. Conceptual work is an important component of progress in the knowledge base of a discipline, and more effective use of concept development activities are needed to maximize the potential of this important work. It is important to the discipline that we facilitate progress in nursing science on a theoretical and conceptual level as a part of cohesive and systematic development of the discipline.

Clinical Relevance

The absence of effective concepts impedes the ability to recognize, discuss, define, and conduct studies important to clinical practice and research. This article reflects the pressing need as well as the potential for concept analysis work to be approached in a way that promotes nursing science and enables conceptually sound research to improve clinical care.
The Variables Associated With Health Promotion Behaviors Among Urban Black Women
Authors: Hepburn Millie
Published: April 2018

Purpose

To improve understanding of variables impacting health promotion behaviors among urban Black women.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was used. Urban Black women (N= 132) between the ages of 30 to 64 years participated.

Setting

The study was conducted in a U.S. metropolitan region in 2015.

Measures

Health literacy (Newest Vital Sign [NVS]), self‐efficacy (New General Self‐Efficacy Scale [NGSE]), and readiness for change (Health Risk Instrument [HRI]) were correlated with health promotion behaviors (Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II [HPLPII]).

Analysis

Univariate statistics addressed demographic characteristics; bivariate/simultaneous linear regression determined the relationships between the NVS, NGSE, and HRI to health promotion behaviors (HPLPII).

Results

Demographics: 72.6% completed high school and 25% completed college, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was >32. Positive correlations existed between each variable to health promotion behaviors: NVS (r= .244,p< .002), NGSE (r= .312,p< .001), HRI (r= .440,p< .001), and accounted for 29.8% of variances in health promotion behaviors. Education and health literacy were also correlated (rs= .414,p= .001).

Conclusions

Although health literacy, self‐efficacy, and readiness for change are associated with health promotion behaviors, readiness for change was the most highly correlated.

Clinical Relevance

The development and incorporation of interventions to promote health promotion behaviors should include readiness for change, health literacy, BMI, and education, especially among urban Black women in order to reduce critical health disparities. Community‐based and culturally relevant strategies in promoting health that are integrated into existing lifestyles and designed to impact readiness for change will have the greatest impact on reducing health disparities both in the United States and in countries experiencing rapid urbanization. For example, healthy eating behaviors or increased physical activity may be best adopted when integrated into existing community‐based spiritual or cultural events via trusted community leaders. Replication of this study in other populations of Black women will improve the generalizability of this study, both in the United States and globally. However, the addition of other demographic variables, such as a history of chronic conditions, military service, domestic or other violence, spirituality, and the availability of community resources, would strengthen the results in future studies.
The Politics of Land Grabbing: State and corporate power and the (trans)nationalization of resistance in Cameroon
Authors: Tafon Ralph , Saunders Fred
Published: April 2018

Approaching land grabbing as a site of politics wherein power functions in the challenge and/or stabilization of agrarian socioecological injustices, we capture agrarian relations in Cameroon in 2 fundamental ways. Drawing on Laclauian insights, we discuss power as a “counter‐hegemonic” practice, to characterize the resistance strategies of local NGOs, in terms of their articulated discourses around the socioecological effects of land grabs, on the one hand, and the political possibilities that this articulatory practice opens, in terms of (trans)nationalizing resistance across social identities and space, on the other hand. Here, the analysis adopts a Foucauldian‐inspired critique with strong commitments towards agrarian socioecological justice, in a context where policies to protect democratic access to land are absent. Second, framed as a hegemonic/governmental “form of rule,” we capture how state and diplomatic actors sought to override dissent and stabilize the contentious land deal. We also show how a moment of presidential “nondecision,” characterized by a hyper‐centralized bureaucracy conjoined with these hegemonic forces to disempower local administrative and judicial leverage, thereby fostering corporate power. The article thus contributes to debates on state and corporate powers, as well as the strategies of, or possibilities and constraints for resistance “from below” to irradiate and structure into a compelling force.
Intralesional bleomycin injection vs microneedling‐assisted topical bleomycin spraying in treatment of plantar warts
Authors: Al‐Naggar Mohamed R. , Al‐Adl Ahmad S. , Rabie Ali R. , Abdelkhalk Mahmoud R. , Elsaie Mohamed L.
Published: April 2018

Background

Warts, or verrucae, are benign epithelial profilerations of skin and mucosa caused by infection with HPV and poses a challenge to treat.

Objective

To compare between single and microneedling‐assisted multipuncture techniques of intralesional application in treatment of plantar warts.

Methods

The study included 60 Patients who were divided into two groups (A&B). Each group consisted of (30) patients. Group (A) subjects received intralesional bleomycin with a single injection using syringe needle. For Group (B) subjects, we combined microneedling with topical spraying of bleomycin (MN + Bleo) and followed by occlusion for 2 hours.

Results

The results revealed complete clearance of warts in 21 patients in group (A) (70%) whom were treated by intralesional (IL) bleomycin vs 25 patients (83.3%) in group (B) whom were treated by spraying of bleomycin following microneedling. Side effects other than pain, erythema, and transient induration were relatively infrequent, and no nail changes or Raynaud's phenomenon was observed in both groups.

Conclusion

We established a good safety and efficacy profile for bleomycin in plantar wart treatment and we demonstrated that microneedling followed by bleomycin spraying had a higher clearance and proved less painful as opposed to bleomycin injection.
Ventricular tachycardia in a primigravida with Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Authors: Kochhar Puneet K. , Ghosh Pranay
Published: April 2018

Hyperemesis gravidarum is persistent vomiting, seen more often in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the patient is unable to maintain adequate hydration. Intractable vomiting can lead to severe electrolyte imbalance, which may cause electrocardiogram abnormalities. Occasionally, ventricular tachycardia can complicate a pregnancy. Although its occurrence usually indicates an underlying cardiac structural or arrhythmic abnormality, it may rarely occur in a pregnant patient with structurally normal heart. We report a rare case of ventricular tachycardia, secondary to hyperemesis induced hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia, in a pregnant patient with a structurally normal heart.
Plasma cell‐free DNA and qSOFA score predict 7‐day mortality in 481 emergency department bacteraemia patients
Authors: Rannikko J. , Seiskari T. , Huttunen R. , Tarkiainen I. , Jylhävä J. , Hurme M. , Syrjänen J. , Aittoniemi J.
Published: April 2018

Background

A few studies have shown that both quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score and cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) have potential use as a prognostic marker in patients with infection. We studied these two markers alone and in combination to identify those emergency department (ED) patients with the highest risk of death.

Methods

Plasma cfDNA level was studied on days 0 to 4 after admittance to the ED from 481 culture‐positive bloodstream infection cases. The qSOFA score was evaluated retrospectively according to Sepsis‐3 definitions. The primary outcome was death by day 7.

Results

CfDNA on day 0 was significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (2.02 μg mL−1 vs. 1.35 μg mL−1, P < 0.001). CfDNA level was high (>1.69 μg mL−1) in 134 (28%) of 481 cases, and the qSOFA score was ≥2 in 128 (28%) of 458 cases. High cfDNA and qSOFA score ≥2 had 70% and 77% sensitivity and 76% and 76% specificity in predicting death by day 7, respectively. High cfDNA alone had odds ratio (OR) of 7.7 (95% CI 3.9–15.3) and qSOFA score ≥2 OR of 11.6 (5.5–24.3), but their combination had OR of 20.3 (10.0–41.4) in predicting death by day 7 when compared with those with low cfDNA and qSOFA score <2. Amongst the five cases with the highest cfDNA levels, there were three patients with severe disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Conclusion

CfDNA and qSOFA score can be used independently to identify those bacteraemia patients at high risk of death, and combining these two markers gives additional advantage.
Legal institution and the evolution of moral conduct
Authors: Thompson Jon C. , Wu Jiabin
Published: April 2018

This paper argues that to better understand the relationship between a legal institution and moral conduct, two features of the legal institution need to be jointly considered: It is costly and endogenously determined. We propose a simple cultural transmission model in the context of a legal institution. The strength of the legal institution is determined by majority voting and the cost of implementing the legal institution is shared by the citizens. We find that the legal institution can either “crowd in” or “crowd out” moral conduct in the long run depending on the cost of implementation as well as the initial distribution of moral conduct in a society.
Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in honeybee (Apis mellifera) therapy, to control Nosema ceranae invasions in apiary conditions
Authors: Tlak Gajger I. , Ribarić J. , Smodiš Škerl M. , Vlainić J. , Sikirić P.
Published: April 2018

Nosema ceranae can cause major problems, such as immune suppression, gut epithelial cell degeneration, reduced honeybee lifespan, or suddenly colony collapse. As a novel approach in therapy, we hypothesize the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in honeybee therapy, to control N. ceranae invasions in apiary conditions: BPC 157 treated sugar syrup (0.25 L sugar syrup supplemented with 0.1 μg/ml BPC 157), as well as the pure sugar syrup (0.25 L sugar syrup; control), was administered to honeybee colonies in feeders situated under the roof of the hives, during 21 consecutive days, at the end of beekeeping season. The strength of honeybee colonies was increased 20 and 30 days after initial feeding with BPC 157 supplement (Day 1, 36.100 ± 698; Day 20, 64.860 ± 468; Day 30, 53.214 ± 312 estimated number of honeybees), in field conditions. The similar successful outcome occurs with the N. ceranae spore loads counted in the homogenates of sampled adult honeybees (Day 1, 6.286 ± 2.336; Day 20, 3.753 ± 1.835; Day 30, 2.005 ± 1.534 million spores/bee). Accordingly, with the noted increased strength of the colonies fed with sugar syrup supplemented with BPC 157, the number of N. ceranae spores per honeybee gradually decreased as well. Besides, honeybees infected with N. ceranae fed with sugar syrup exhibited severe damage of midgut wall layers and epithelial cells. By contrast, in honeybees infected with N. ceranae fed with sugar syrup supplemented with BPC 157, all damages were markedly attenuated, damages of the outer muscular coat, in particular. In conclusion, the results of the first field trial on diseased honeybee colonies with BPC 157 indicate significant therapeutic effects with the used oral therapy with BPC 157 supplementation.
Climate change impacts on natural resources and communities: A geospatial approach for management
Authors: Ojha Adikanda , Pattnaik Ajit Kumar , Rout Jajnaseni
Published: April 2018

Climate change causes environmental depletion, with threats to the global economy. The health and productivity of ecosystems underpin agriculture, with stable ecosystems being the foundation for economic livelihoods and food security. This study proposes adaptation measures, using geospatial technology, for conserving natural resources and improving livelihoods of the local community from climate change scenarios. Planning, policy decisions and resultant programmes are required for natural resource management, which must be based on broad citizen participation and the engagement of rural communities. The suggested adaptation measures will help the planning system to regulate development of natural resources and the socio‐economic environment. The major natural resources in the environment are land and water, both of which can be severely degraded by human interventions, as well as climate change. Various thematic maps are prepared with the use of geospatial technology, in order to be helpful for site‐suitability analysis directed to the preparation of land and water management action plans for socio‐economic development. The study area is a micro‐watershed of the catchment of Ansupa Lake in the Cuttack District of Odisha, India. To reduce climate change impacts on natural resources and economic livelihoods, some adaptation measures have been proposed (e.g., 68.9 ha for afforestation.; 13.94 ha for gap plantations and agro‐horticulture; 389.62 ha for farm ponds and renovation of existing ponds for pisciculture and duckery activities, etc.; 11.33 ha for land management, along with five bore wells, eight dug wells, 51 LBS/check dams, and four WHSs, etc., for water management for sustainable use).
Ambient and cold‐temperature infrared spectra and XRD patterns of ammoniated phyllosilicates and carbonaceous chondrite meteorites relevant to Ceres and other solar system bodies
Authors: Ehlmann Bethany L. , Hodyss Robert , Bristow Thomas F. , Rossman George R. , Ammannito Eleonora , De Sanctis M. Cristina , Raymond Carol A.
Published: April 2018

Mg‐phyllosilicate‐bearing, dark surface materials on the dwarf planet Ceres have NH4‐bearing materials, indicated by a distinctive 3.06 μm absorption feature. To constrain the identity of the Ceres NH4‐carrier phase(s), we ammoniated ground particulates of candidate materials to compare their spectral properties to infrared data acquired by Dawn's Visible and Infrared (VIR) imaging spectrometer. We treated Mg‐, Fe‐, and Al‐smectite clay minerals; Mg‐serpentines; Mg‐chlorite; and a suite of carbonaceous meteorites with NH4‐acetate to exchange ammonium. Serpentines and chlorites showed no evidence for ammoniation, as expected due to their lack of exchangeable interlayer sites. Most smectites showed evidence for ammoniation by incorporation of NH4+ into their interlayers, resulting in the appearance of absorptions from 3.02 to 3.08 μm. Meteorite samples tested had weak absorptions between 3.0 and 3.1 μm but showed little clear evidence for enhancement upon ammoniation, likely due to the high proportion of serpentine and other minerals relative to expandable smectite phases or to NH4+ complexing with organics or other constituents. The wavelength position of the smectite NH4 absorption showed no variation between IR spectra acquired under dry‐air purge at 25 °C and under vacuum at 25 °C to −180 °C. Collectively, data from the smectite samples show that the precise center wavelength of the characteristic ~3.05 μm v3 absorption in NH4 is variable and is likely related to the degree of hydrogen bonding of NH4‐H2O complexes. Comparison with Dawn VIR spectra indicates that the hypothesis of Mg‐saponite as the ammonium carrier phase is the simplest explanation for observed data, and that Ceres dark materials may be like Cold Bokkeveld or Tagish Lake but with proportionally more Mg‐smectite.
Hope as a Democratic Civic Virtue
Authors: Snow Nancy E.
Published: April 2018

Against the backdrop of the recent emergence of disturbing currents of populism in several countries, including the United States, this article argues for a conception of hope as a democratic civic virtue. In section 1, it offers a general overview of hope and sketches an initial conception of hope as a democratic civic virtue. In section 2, the stage is set for further theorizing of this conception in the present American context. Drawing on the work of Ghassan Hage, the article makes the point that the United States is in the process of becoming a nation of worriers in part because of the failure of the government to distribute social hope. Section 3 fleshes out what hope as a democratic civic virtue could look like in the United States today. Section 4 concludes with brief comments about theorizing civic hope in the context of a modified pragmatism.
Self‐care management of Thai Buddhists and Muslims with type 2 diabetes after an empowerment education program
Authors: Lundberg Pranee C. , Thrakul Supunnee
Published: April 2018

The aim of the present study was to explore self‐care management of Thai Buddhists and Muslims with type 2 diabetes and inadequate blood glucose levels, after they had been subjected to a 6‐month diabetes empowerment education program. Twenty‐seven participants (male and female) were selected through purposive convenience sampling for an explorative qualitative study. Semistructured focus group interviews with four open‐ended questions were used to study the participants’ self‐care behavior at the beginning and the end of the program, and the data obtained were subjected to content analysis. At the end, one third of the participants had been able to reduce their blood glucose to acceptable levels. Most of the others had achieved reduced but irregular blood glucose levels; however, some did not achieve any reduction. Diet was the most difficult problem, and economic difficulties, incorrect knowledge, and misleading beliefs were barriers. In conclusion, an empowerment education program can substantially improve the outcome of self‐care management for many people with type 2 diabetes. In the planning of such programs, barriers should be taken into account.