bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with pain severity, pain interference, and perception of functional abilities independent of joint status in US adults with hemophilia: Multivariable analysis of the Pain, Functional Impairment, and Quality of Life (P‐FiQ) study
Authors: Kempton Christine L. , Buckner Tyler W. , Fridman Moshe , Iyer Neeraj N. , Cooper David L.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Levels of pain and dysfunction appear to differ among people with hemophilia despite similar levels of joint disease.

Objective

To determine patient characteristics that influence pain and function independent of joint status.

Methods

US adults with hemophilia completed a survey that included information on clinical characteristics, demographics, and patient‐reported outcome instruments assessing pain (Brief Pain Inventory v2 Short Form [BPI]), functional impairment (Hemophilia Activities List [HAL]), and health status (EQ‐5D‐5L). Additionally, physiotherapists optionally completed a clinical joint evaluation (Hemophilia Joint Health Score [HJHS]). Associations were examined using simple and multiple regression models.

Results

Of 381 adults enrolled, 240 had complete HJHS scores (median age, 32 years). After controlling for HJHS and opiate use, anxiety/anxiolytic use was significantly associated with worse pain severity and interference scores. After controlling for HJHS, the most significant predictors of functional impairment were older age, unemployment, more severe hemophilia, and greater pain. EQ‐5D‐5L pain/discomfort was associated with worse outcomes on most HAL scores.

Conclusion

Unemployment, anxiety, and depression were each associated with both greater pain and functional disability after controlling for joint status. Continued attention to pain and psychosocial issues will be important in improving clinical care and research efforts in the hemophilia population.
Patient‐reported outcomes and joint status across subgroups of US adults with hemophilia with varying characteristics: Results from the Pain, Functional Impairment, and Quality of Life (P‐FiQ) study
Authors: Batt Katharine , Boggio Lisa , Neff Anne , Buckner Tyler W. , Wang Michael , Quon Doris , Witkop Michelle , Recht Michael , Kessler Craig , Iyer Neeraj N. , Cooper David L.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Pain and functional impairment associated with joint disease are major problems for people with hemophilia, and impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) may vary across groups defined by demographic and treatment‐related characteristics.

Objective

To evaluate differences in overall HRQoL, pain, function, and joint status between P‐FiQ study subgroups.

Methods

Adult males with hemophilia and a history of joint pain/bleeding completed a pain history and the patient‐reported outcome instruments EQ‐5D‐5L, Brief Pain Inventory v2 Short Form (BPI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Hemophilia Activities List (HAL); optionally, joint status was assessed (Hemophilia Joint Health Score v2.1 [HJHS]). Scores were analyzed between subgroups across sets of participant characteristics.

Results

A total of 381 adult males with hemophilia were enrolled, with median age of 34 years. Worse scores on EQ‐5D‐5L index, BPI pain severity/interference, HAL overall score, and HJHS were generally associated with being college educated, unemployment, self‐reporting both acute and chronic pain, and self‐reporting anxiety/depression.

Conclusions

Measures of joint status and HRQoL were consistently lower in participants who had higher educational levels, were unemployed, self‐reported having both acute and chronic pain, and self‐reported having anxiety/depression. A greater understanding of the association of these factors with disease outcomes may improve individualized patient management.
The breakdown of the Simon effect in cross‐modal contexts: EEG evidence
Authors: Castro Leonor , Soto‐Faraco Salvador , Morís Fernández Luis , Ruzzoli Manuela
Published: March 2018

In everyday life, we often must coordinate information across spatial locations and different senses for action. It is well known, for example, that reactions are faster when an imperative stimulus and its required response are congruent than when they are not, even if stimulus location itself is completely irrelevant for the task (the so‐called Simon effect). However, because these effects have been frequently investigated in single‐modality scenarios, the consequences of spatial congruence when more than one sensory modality is at play are less well known. Interestingly, at a behavioral level, the visual Simon effect vanishes in mixed (visual and tactile) modality scenarios, suggesting that irrelevant spatial information ceases to exert influence on vision. To shed some light on this surprising result, here we address the expression of irrelevant spatial information in EEG markers typical of the visual Simon effect (P300, theta power modulation, LRP) in mixed‐modality contexts. Our results show no evidence for the visual‐spatial information to affect performance at behavioral and neurophysiological levels. The absence of evidence of the neural markers of visual S‐R conflict in the mixed‐modality scenario implies that some aspects of spatial representations that are strongly expressed in single‐modality scenarios might be bypassed.
The role of skin biopsy in differentiating small‐fiber neuropathy from ganglionopathy
Authors: Provitera V. , Gibbons C. H. , Wendelschafer‐Crabb G. , Donadio V. , Vitale D. F. , Loavenbruck A. , Stancanelli A. , Caporaso G. , Liguori R. , Wang N. , Santoro L. , Kennedy W. R. , Nolano M.
Published: March 2018

Background and purpose

We aimed to test the clinical utility of the leg:thigh intraepidermal nerve‐fiber (IENF) density ratio as a parameter to discriminate between length‐dependent small‐fiber neuropathy (SFN) and small‐fiber sensory ganglionopathy (SFSG) in subjects with signs and symptoms of small‐fiber pathology.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated thigh and leg IENF density in 314 subjects with small‐fiber pathology (173 with distal symmetrical length‐dependent SFN and 141 with non‐length‐dependent SFSG). A group of 288 healthy subjects was included as a control group. The leg:thigh IENF density ratio was calculated for all subjects. We used receiver operating characteristic curve analyses to assess the ability of this parameter to discriminate between length‐dependent SFN and SFSG, and the decision curve analysis to estimate its net clinical benefit.

Results

In patients with neuropathy, the mean IENF density was 14.8 ± 6.8/mm at the thigh (14.0 ± 6.9/mm in length‐dependent SFN and 15.9 ± 6.7/mm in patients with SFSG) and 7.5 ± 4.5/mm at the distal leg (5.4 ± 3.2/mm in patients with length‐dependent SFN and 10.1 ± 4.6/mm in patients with SFSG). The leg:thigh IENF density ratio was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in patients with length‐dependent SFN (0.44 ± 0.23) compared with patients with SFSG (0.68 ± 0.28). The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic analysis to discriminate between patients with length‐dependent SFN and SFSG was 0.79. The decision curve analysis demonstrated the clinical utility of this parameter.

Conclusions

The leg:thigh IENF ratio represents a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis between SFSG and length‐dependent SFN.
Protective effect of melatonin in the diabetic rat retina
Authors: Mehrzadi Saeed , Motevalian Manijeh , Rezaei Kanavi Mozhgan , Fatemi Iman , Ghaznavi Habib , Shahriari Mansoor
Published: March 2018

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common and serious microvascular complications of diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of melatonin (MEL) on retinal injury in diabetic rats. In this study, 21 rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, diabetic, and diabetic + MEL. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes at a dose of 50 mg/kg, i.p., and blood glucose was measured to choose the diabetic rats for the study. MEL (20 mg/kg) was given orally for 7 weeks in diabetic rats starting 1 week after induction of diabetes. After 8 weeks, the groups were compared in terms of mean scores of fluorescein leakage, using fluorescein angiography. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated in retina using commercially available assays. Structural changes in retinas were evaluated by light microscopy. Results showed that diabetes significantly increased the mean scores of fluorescein leakage, and MDA and ROS levels compared to control group. Treatment of the diabetic rats with MEL for 7 weeks prevented the alterations induced by diabetes in comparison with the diabetic control group.Based on these findings, it can be concluded that MEL might have beneficial effects in prevention of DR.
Biostimulation and Bioaugmentation to Enhance Reductive Dechlorination of TCE in a Long‐Term Flow Through Column Study
Authors: McLean Joan E. , Ervin Jared , Zhou Jing , Sorensen Darwin L. , Dupont R. Ryan
Published: March 2018

Large laboratory columns (15.2 cm diameter, 183 cm long) were fed with groundwater containing trichloroethylene (TCE), were biostimulated and bioaugmented, and were monitored for over 7.5 years. The objective of the study was to observe how the selection of the carbon and energy source, i.e., whey, Newman Zone® standard surfactant emulsified oil and Newman Zone nonionic surfactant emulsified oil, affected the rate and extent of dechlorination. Column effluent was monitored for TCE and its degradation products, redox indicators (nitrate‐N, Fe(II), sulfate), and changes in iron mineralogy. Total bacteria and Dehalococcoides mccartyi strains were quantified using q‐PCR. Complete dechlorination was only observed in the whey treated columns, occurring 1 year after bioaugmentation with addition of a culture known to dechlorinate TCE to ethene, and 3 years later in the non‐bioaugmented column. The addition of the emulsified oils with or without bioaugmentation resulted in dechlorination only through cis‐DCE and vinyl chloride. While Dehalococcoides mccartyi strains are the only known bacteria that can fully dechlorinate TCE, their presence, either natural or augmented, was not the sole determiner of complete dechlorination. The establishment of a supporting microbial community and biogeochemistry that developed with continuous feeding of whey, in addition to the presence of D. mccartyi, were necessary to support complete reductive dechlorination. Results confirm that careful selection of a biostimulant is critical to the success of TCE dechlorination in complex soil environments.
Visualizations and Optimization of Iron–Sand Mixtures for Permeable Reactive Barriers
Authors: Firdous R. , Devlin J.F.
Published: March 2018

Diluting granular iron with sand is a common practice performed to minimize clogging and to reduce the cost of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) installations. This study used a pore‐scale image analysis technique and a reanalysis of previously published data to test the hypothesis of Bi et al. (2009) that the mixing of 15% by weight sand with a commercial, platy‐grained iron medium opens the pore space between grains, exposes more reactive grain surface to flowing water, and leads to a more reactive medium (i.e., promoting faster transformation rates per unit volume of medium) than 100% by weight granular iron. Four mixing ratios (100, 85, 75 and 50% iron by weight) were compared on the basis of two morphological parameters measured in section: (1) total grain area, which correlates with the total amount of iron present, and (2) grain perimeter, which is governed by both the mobile solution‐available surface and the total amount of iron present. As expected, grain areas exposed in section were highest for 100% iron packings and decreased with increasing sand content. The estimated iron grain effective perimeters (i.e., accessible to mobile water) for 85% iron‐by weight mixtures were similar to 100% iron and decreased in 75 and 50% iron mixtures. The section confirmed that the presence of 15% sand by weight opened up the pore structure, likely improving the mobile‐water to iron contact. The analysis of kinetic column experimental data indicated that the same trend was present in the sorption capacity term in the Kinetic Iron Model (KIM) equation, providing corroborating evidence that the iron surface availability was higher in the 85% iron medium than the 100% iron medium on a per gram of iron basis.
Statistical Analysis of Secondary Water Quality Impacts from Enhanced Reductive Bioremediation
Authors: Tillotson J. M. , Borden R. C.
Published: March 2018

Enhanced reductive bioremediation (ERB) is effective for treating a broad range of groundwater contaminants, but does result in secondary water quality impacts (SWQIs). Monitoring data from 47 ERB projects were analyzed to gain a better understanding of the formation and extent of SWQIs. The database analysis revealed that SWQIs occur at virtually every site, including reduced levels of background aqueous electron acceptors (O2, NO3−, and SO42−), increases in dissolved‐phase metals (Fe and Mn), and the production of CH4. However, the SWQI “plume” that is produced is usually confined within the original contaminant plume. As a result, SWQIs from ERB are unlikely to adversely impact potable water supplies. SWQIs do attenuate with distance downgradient, with concentrations often returning to near background levels. The results of the database analysis were combined with previous research to develop a general conceptual model (CM) of SWQI production, mobilization, and attenuation. This CM can assist in identifying conditions where SWQIs may pose a concern. These can include sites with low iron/high sulfate (H2S mobilization), high groundwater velocity (SWQIs at distances far downgradient), and sites with low CH4 anaerobic oxidation rates (CH4 migration).
How Effective Is Thermal Remediation of DNAPL Source Zones in Reducing Groundwater Concentrations?
Authors: Baker Ralph S. , Nielsen Steffen G. , Heron Gorm , Ploug Niels
Published: March 2018

Dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source areas containing chlorinated volatile organic compounds (cVOCs) such as trichloroethene (TCE) and perchloroethene (PCE) often give rise to significant dissolved plumes in groundwater, leading to the closure of downgradient water supply wells and creating vapor intrusion issues in buildings located above the plume. Hydraulic containment via pump‐and‐treat has often been implemented to limit migration but must continue indefinitely. Removal of the DNAPL source area by means such as in situ thermal remediation (ISTR) offers the potential to diminish or end the need for hydraulic containment if the associated dissolved plume attenuates sufficiently following source removal. A question often raised is whether this occurs or whether the back diffusion of contaminants from secondary sources such as low‐permeability lenses in the dissolved plume precludes it. The authors conducted DNAPL source removal using ISTR at dozens of sites. This paper presents a compilation of cases—10 separate DNAPL source areas at five project sites—where data indicate that the implementation of a thorough ISTR in a DNAPL source area can result in the attenuation of the associated dissolved plume, such that in several cases, long‐standing pump‐and‐treat systems could be turned off. Our findings contrast with recent assertions that aggressive source remediation may not be justifiable because dissolved plume concentrations will not decline sufficiently. We show that the application of ISTR can result in the thorough removal of the DNAPL source, effective diminution of dissolved plume groundwater concentrations, and achievement of drinking water standards.
Accumulation of Pesticides in Anaerobic Clayey Till‐Controls and Implications for Groundwater
Authors: Jørgensen Peter R. , Spliid Niels H.
Published: March 2018

Pesticide residuals after point‐source pesticide spills in clay‐rich aquitards may potentially affect underlying groundwater for many decades due to slow release of accumulated pollution in the clayey matrix material of the aquitard. In this study, we evaluated factors behind different degrees of accumulation of phenoxy acids (MCPP, dichlorprop, 2,4‐D MCPA) and triazines (simazine and terbutylazine) observed in an old pesticide pollution described by Jørgensen et al. (2016a, this issue). By using leaching experiments, it was shown that a zone of maximum concentrations of MCPP and dichlorprop (mg/L) observed by Jørgensen et al. (2016a, this issue) represented accumulated potentially mobile pollution in anaerobic, however largely immobile pore water of the clayey matrix in the upper few meters of the unoxidized aquitard zone. By using sorption experiments, we determined 9 to16 times higher mobility by diffusion and flow for the phenoxy acids (R = 1 to 2) than for the triazines (R = 9 to 16) in the clayey matrix material of the aquitard. This indicated that more rapid and greater accumulation could occur for the phenoxy acids in the clayey matrix than for the triazines. In contrast, the relative mobility of the phenoxy acids and triazines was much closer in sand‐filled fractures and thin sand layers/lamina in the clay, suggesting that the migration of the same compounds along these textural preferential flow paths into the underlying aquifer was less different. Despite that a greater mass had originally been spilled of 2,4‐D and MCPA having similar mobility as the accumulated MCPP and dichlorprop, these compounds were not accumulated in the zone of maximum concentrations. It is suggested that the controls, which initially allowed for the observed separate accumulation of MCPP and dichlorprop as a zone of maximum pollution, were due to the combination of high persistence and high mobility for these specific pesticides in the clayey till matrix material of the aquitard. The investigation showed that over time the initial high concentrations of the accumulated phenoxy acids (MCPP, dichlorprop) transformed into high concentrations of related mobile degradation products (e.g., 4‐CPP and 2‐CPP), which extended the total time of groundwater pollution beyond the disappearance of the original phenoxyacids.
An Excel®‐Based Visualization Tool of Two‐Dimensional Soil Gas Concentration Profiles in Petroleum Vapor Intrusion
Authors: Verginelli Iason , Yao Yijun , Suuberg Eric M.
Published: March 2018

In this study, we present a petroleum vapor intrusion (PVI) tool implemented in Microsoft® Excel® using Visual Basic for Applications and integrated within a graphical interface. The latter helps users easily visualize two‐dimensional soil gas concentration profiles and indoor concentrations as a function of site‐specific conditions such as source strength and depth, biodegradation reaction rate constant, soil characteristics and building features. This tool is based on a two‐dimensional explicit analytical model that combines steady‐state diffusion‐dominated vapor transport in a homogeneous soil with a piecewise first‐order aerobic biodegradation model, in which rate is limited by oxygen availability. As recommended in the recently released United States Environmental Protection Agency's final PVI guidance, a sensitivity analysis and a simplified Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis are also included in the spreadsheet.
Using Na/K Ratios to Identify the Potential Impacts of Sewage Effluent on Groundwater Quality in Sohag, Egypt
Authors: Redwan Mostafa , Abdel Moneim Ahmed A.
Published: March 2018

Improper disposal of wastewater is an important source of groundwater contamination, as it poses serious threats to the environment and human health. In this case study, 18 groundwater and 3 sewage effluent samples were collected from the area adjacent to a wastewater treatment plant in Sohag, Egypt. These samples were subjected to detailed chemical and bacteriological analyses to quantify the potential impact of sewage effluent on the groundwater quality using geochemical indicators. The groundwater aquifer in the study area is represented by the highly permeable Qena Sands that are composed of sands and gravels. The bacteriological analyses indicated the presence of fecal coliform in groundwater at wells nearby the wastewater ponds and farm lands. NH4
concentration of the contaminated groundwater samples ranged from 0.36 to 5.70 mg/L (78% of the samples > 1.20 mg/L) and the NH4
in the non‐impacted samples ranged from 0.40 to 2.23 mg/L (22% > 1.20 mg/L). Variations in NH4
concentrations are due to the transformation processes occurring in the aquifer. The groundwater samples were categorized based on the Na/K ratio into two classes. The first class shows the Na/K ratios vary from 2.52 to 12.19 for sewage effluent and contaminated samples, while in the second class they range from 12.85 to 31.60 for non‐impacted samples. As a result, the Na/K ratio in combination with other chemical and microbiological indicators is a useful screening tool for assessing possible sewage influence on shallow groundwater from shallow wells.
Applying theHPT‐GWSfor Hydrostratigraphy, Water Quality and Aquifer Recharge Investigations
Authors: McCall Wesley , Christy Thomas M. , Evald Mateus K.
Published: March 2018

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate use of the hydraulic profiling tool‐groundwater sampler (HPT‐GWS) log data as an indicator of water quality (level of dissolved ionic species) in an alluvial aquifer. TheHPT‐GWSprobe is designed for direct push advancement into unconsolidated formations. The system provides both injection pressure logs and electrical conductivity (EC) logs, and groundwater may be sampled at multiple depths as the probe is advanced (profiling). The combination of these three capabilities in one probe has not previously been available. During field work it was observed that whenHPTcorrected pressure (Pc) indicates a consistent aquifer unit then bulk formationECcan be used as an indicator of water quality. A high correlation coefficient (R2= 0.93) was observed between groundwater specific conductance and bulk formationECin the sands and gravels of the alluvial aquifer studied. These results indicate that groundwater specific conductance is exerting a controlling influence on the bulk formationECof the coarse‐grained unit at this site, and probably many similar sites, consistent with Archie's Law. This simple relationship enables the use of theECand Pclogs, with targeted water samples and a minimum of core samples, to rapidly assess groundwater quality over extended areas at high vertical resolution. This method was used to identify both a brine impacted zone at the base of the aquifer investigated and a groundwater recharge lens developing below storm water holding ponds in the upper portion of the same aquifer. Sample results for trace level, naturally occurring elements (As, Ba, U) further demonstrate the use of this system to sample for low level groundwater contamination.
Data Analysis and Modeling to Optimize Thermal Treatment Cost and Performance
Authors: Parker Jack C. , Kim Ungtae , Fortune Alyson , Griepke Steffen , Galligan James P. , Bonarrigo Amber
Published: March 2018

The objective of in situ thermal treatment is typically to reduce the contaminant mass or average soil concentration below a specified value. Evaluation of whether the objective has been met is usually made by averaging soil concentrations from a limited number of soil samples. Results from several field sites indicate large performance uncertainty using this approach, even when the number of samples is large. We propose a method to estimate average soil concentration by fitting a log normal probability model to thermal mass recovery data. A statistical approach is presented for making termination decisions from mass recovery data, soil sample data, or both for an entire treatment volume or for subregions that explicitly considers estimation uncertainty which is coupled to a stochastic optimization algorithm to identify monitoring strategies to meet objectives with minimum expected cost. Early termination of heating in regions that reach cleanup targets sooner enables operating costs to be reduced while ensuring a high likelihood of meeting remediation objectives. Results for an example problem demonstrate that significant performance improvement and cost reductions can be achieved using this approach.
Remediation Decision‐Making and Behavioral Economics: Results of an Industry Survey
Authors: Clayton Wilson S.
Published: March 2018

Decision methods applied in the remediation industry were evaluated using a survey of industry practitioners, in order to assess the relative roles of quantitative decision analysis and gut intuition. Principals from the disciplines of behavioral economics and decision theory were used as a framework to evaluate remediation decision behaviors revealed by the survey. The survey was completed by 118 respondents representing academia, consultants, clients, and others. Survey questions focused on perceptions and experiences related to inputs to decisions and decision processes, as well as remediation goal setting and outcomes. The most common remediation objective cited was short‐term interim measures and the least common was no further action (NFA) with clean closure. NFA was also sparingly achieved: 33% of respondents reported zero NFA closures in their career, and an overall 15% to 20% NFA closure rate was reported among more experienced respondents. Data inputs were ranked most important to decisions, while the decision process itself was ranked lowest. Intuition‐based decision methods such as asking for a trusted opinion, rules of thumb, and meetings were all used at last twice as often as decision analysis such as discounted cash flow or probabilistic analysis. Analysis of survey responses showed that cognitive biases, including overconfidence effect and intuition bias, are present to some extent in remediation decision‐making. Practitioners are advised to be mindful of the decision‐making processes they apply, and to incorporate elements of both intuition and decision analysis, as appropriate to the decisions being made.
Physiotherapist inter‐rater reliability of the Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound protocol
Authors: Stephensen D. , Classey S. , Harbidge H. , Patel V. , Taylor S. , Wells A.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Prevention of arthropathy is the major goal of haemophilia treatment, and early detection of the first signs of joint damage is important so that prevention strategies can be initiated to limit physical disability and improve quality of life.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the inter‐rater repeatability of the HEAD‐US protocol when performed by haemophilia physiotherapists.

Methods

Sixty‐three joints (21 elbows, 21 knees and 21 ankles) were examined in 21 patients (mean age; 29.14 ± 10.09 years) according to the HEAD‐US protocol by four of six physiotherapists blinded to clinical information. Inter‐rater repeatability was evaluated by comparing the concordance of scores between the different clinicians using weighted Kappa (κw) statistics and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Substantial agreement was found when evaluating synovial hypertrophy (κw = 0.69), articular cartilage (κw = 0.60) and bone (κw = 0.74). Near perfect repeatability (κw > 0.80) was found when scoring synovitis profiles of the elbow joint and bone profiles of the knee joint. Repeatability was moderate for scoring synovitis and articular cartilage profiles of the ankle joint. A moderate correlation between HEAD‐US and HJHS was found for the elbow and ankle joint and a strong correlation for the knee joint. Discordance between clinical and ultrasound examination was 19.30%.

Conclusion

Overall, we found repeatability of the HEAD‐US protocol was good when performed by physiotherapists, and our results support the emerging view that US imaging complements the physical examination when screening and monitoring joint health of people with haemophilia at the point of care.
Factors influencing Manx Shearwater grounding on the west coast of Scotland
Authors: Syposz Martyna , Gonçalves Filipa , Carty Martin , Hoppitt William , Manco Fabrizio
Published: March 2018

Grounding of thousands of newly fledged petrels and shearwaters (family Procellariidae) in built‐up areas due to artificial light is a global problem. Due to their anatomy these grounded birds find it difficult to take off from built‐up areas and many fall victim to predation, cars, dehydration or starvation. This research investigated a combination of several factors that may influence the number of Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus groundings in a coastal village of Scotland located close to a nesting site for this species. A model was developed that used meteorological variables and moon cycle to predict the daily quantity of birds that were recovered on the ground. The model, explaining 46.32% of the variance of the data, revealed how new moon and strong onshore winds influence grounding. To a lesser extent, visibility conditions can also have an effect on grounding probabilities. The analysis presented in this study can improve rescue campaigns of not only Manx Shearwaters but also other species attracted to the light pollution by predicting conditions leading to an increase in the number of groundings. It could also inform local authorities when artificial light intensity needs to be reduced.
HETEROGENEITY AND THE PUBLIC SECTOR WAGE POLICY
Authors: Gomes Pedro
Published: March 2018

A model with search and matching frictions and heterogeneous workers was established to evaluate a reform of the public sector wage policy in steady state. The model was calibrated to the U.K. economy based on Labour Force Survey data. A review of the pay received by all public sector workers to align the distribution of wages with the private sector reduces steady‐state unemployment by 1.4 percentage points.
An emerging transnational industrial relations? Exploring the prospects for cross‐border labour bargaining
Authors: LUTERBACHER Urs , PROSSER Andrew , PAPADAKIS Konstantinos
Published: March 2018

Global union federations (GUFs) and multinational enterprises (MNEs) have been concluding “international framework agreements” (IFAs) to protect their interests amidst the globalizing economic landscape. By modelling the underlying bargaining processes, the authors show that IFAs can be expected when both sides exhibit risk aversion, although the agreement will favour the less risk‐averse side. Since globalization has created fewer vulnerabilities for MNEs than for GUFs, IFAs have so far typically delivered only minimal benefits for labour. But this should change in the future if strengthened transnational union capacities and abilities to threaten MNEs with reputational costs bring greater equalization of attitudes towards risk.
Beyond trees: Biogeographical regionalization of tropical Africa
Authors: Droissart Vincent , Dauby Gilles , Hardy Olivier J. , Deblauwe Vincent , Harris David J. , Janssens Steven , Mackinder Barbara A. , Blach‐Overgaard Anne , Sonké Bonaventure , Sosef Marc S. M. , Stévart Tariq , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Wieringa Jan J. , Couvreur Thomas L. P.
Published: March 2018

Aim

To delineate bioregions in tropical Africa and determine whether different plant growth forms (trees, terrestrial herbs, lianas and shrubs) display the same pattern of regionalization, diversity and endemism as the whole flora.

Location

Tropical Africa (excl. Madagascar), from 20° N to 25° S.

Taxon

Vascular plants.

Methods

Analyses were based on occurrences of 24,719 vascular plant species distributed across tropical Africa extracted from the RAINBIO database. The majority of species (93%) were classified into four growth forms: terrestrial herbs, trees, shrubs and lianas. Biogeographical regions (bioregions) were delimited using a bipartite network clustering approach on the whole dataset and then separately for each growth form. Relationships among bioregions were investigated using non‐metric multidimensional scaling ordination, flora nestedness and endemism patterns.

Results

Analyses of the whole dataset identified 16 bioregions and 11 transition zones. These were congruent with most of the currently recognized phytogeographical classifications, and also highlighted previously under‐recognized bioregions. Bioregion endemism rates were lower and species richness higher when compared to estimates from the White/Association pour l'Etude Taxonomique de la Flore d'Afrique Tropicale (AETFAT) classification. Analysed separately, plant growth forms showed contrasting geographical patterns. Bioregionalization was better resolved for closed forest types using trees and lianas and for open vegetation types using terrestrial herbs, while shrubs showed good discriminative power in all vegetation types.

Main conclusions

We show that distribution patterns based on solely trees are not sufficient to define floristic bioregions in tropical Africa. Analyses of spatial patterns using different growth forms are complementary, likely reflecting different evolutionary processes and ecological relationships. The contribution of growth forms to delimit geographical floristic patterns across tropical Africa is of critical importance for land use planning and management, and for selecting priority conservation areas.
Automatic Item Generation: A More Efficient Process for Developing Mathematics Achievement Items?
Authors: Embretson Susan E. , Kingston Neal M.
Published: March 2018

The continual supply of new items is crucial to maintaining quality for many tests. Automatic item generation (AIG) has the potential to rapidly increase the number of items that are available. However, the efficiency of AIG will be mitigated if the generated items must be submitted to traditional, time‐consuming review processes. In two studies, generated mathematics achievement items were subjected to multiple stages of qualitative review for measuring the intended skills, followed by empirical tryout in operational testing. High rates of success were found. Further, items generated from the same item structure had predictable psychometric properties. Thus, the feasibility of a more limited and expedient review processes was supported. Additionally, positive results were obtained on measuring the same skills from item structures with reduced cognitive complexity.
The mind‐brain gap and the neuroscience‐psychiatry gap
Authors: Telles‐Correia Diogo
Published: March 2018

A problem underlying the mind brain gap is the complex integration among the disciplines involved in it: neurosciences, clinical psychiatry and psychology, and philosophy of science. Research in neurosciences and clinical psychiatry requires a positioning in relation to some conceptual/philosophical aspects. These are related to the models of interrelationship of the brain and the mind, to explanatory approaches in psychiatry, and to conceptual issues such as dimensionality versus categories, symptoms versus disorders, and neurobiological correlates versus clinical determination of mental disorder. In this article, we try to address some of these issues that, if taken into account, could reduce the gap between psychiatrists and neuroscientists and turn the research in this area more profitable.
Somatoform disorder in primary care: The influence of co‐morbidity with anxiety and depression on health care utilization
Authors: Hüsing Paul , Löwe Bernd , Piontek Katharina , Shedden‐Mora Meike
Published: March 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Patients with somatoform disorders are frequent attenders in primary and secondary care. While co‐morbid mental disorders, especially depression and anxiety, are frequently present, there is controversy on whether mental co‐morbidity leads to higher health care utilization (HCU). The present paper investigates the influence of co‐morbid depressive and anxiety disorders on primary, specialized somatic and mental HCU in primary care patients with somatoform disorders. Additionally, we investigated the predictive value of self‐rated health and illness perception on HCU.

Methods

Patients in 19 primary care practices were screened with the Patient Health Questionnaire, and patients at high risk for somatoform disorders were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. N = 71 patients with somatoform disorders were analysed. We analysed whether having one vs two co‐morbidities (depression and/or anxiety), self‐rated health, and illness perception were predictors for primary, specialized somatic and mental HCU using binominal and hierarchical regression analyses.

Results

Having both co‐morbid depressive and anxiety disorder predicted higher primary HCU (IRR = 1.96, 95% CI, 1.30‐2.93), and increased the odds of being in mental health care (OR = 5.16, 95% CI, 1.10‐24.20), while only one co‐morbidity did not. No differences were found for specialized somatic HCU. Illness perception and self‐rated health did not predict HCU.

Conclusion

Not a single but only the presence of multiple co‐morbidities predicts primary and mental HCU in patients with somatoform disorder. Health care utilization might be essentially influenced by the associated psychological distress, which should be considered in treatment.
Lessons learnt from the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection in Malaysia: JGHF Marshall and Warren Lecture 2017
Authors: Goh Khean‐Lee
Published: March 2018

The study of Helicobacter pylori in Malaysia has given several important insights into the epidemiology of the infection and pathogenesis of disease. Malaysia has a multiracial Asian population with three major Asian races living together—Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Races remain fairly distinct because of a paucity of interracial marriages. The “Racial Cohort Hypothesis” proposes that the infection occurs within racial groups rather than between. As such, the high prevalence among Indians (> 50%) and Chinese (40–50%) reflects the high prevalence in their countries of origin even though migration had taken place more than two generations before. The Malays have a comparatively low prevalence of about 10–20%. Despite the high prevalence of H. pylori, the Indians have a low gastric cancer incidence of less than 10 per 100 000 per year. This is in contrast to the Chinese who has an incidence in excess of 20 per 100 000 per year. We have called this the “Indian Enigma.” The reason for this enigma is unclear and is the result of interaction between bacterial virulence factors, host susceptibility, and environmental factors. Phylogenetically, Chinese bacterial strains are distinct from Indians and Malays and are predominantly hpEastAsia/hsp EAsia. CagA EPIYA motifs among Chinese belong predominantly to the more virulent ABD motif. There is no clear distinguishing profile among host genetic factors. Environmental factors particularly diet may play an important role. Indians consume chilies and curries, which may be gastro protective, whereas Chinese consume more preserved and salted foods, which are thought to be carcinogenic.
Transcriptional co‐repressor SIN3A silencing rescues decline in memory consolidation during scopolamine‐induced amnesia
Authors: Srivas Sweta , Thakur Mahendra K.
Published: March 2018

Epigenetic modifications through methylation of DNA and acetylation of histones modulate neuronal gene expression and regulate long‐term memory. Earlier we demonstrated that scopolamine‐induced decrease in memory consolidation is correlated with enhanced expression of hippocampal DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in mice. DNMT1 and HDAC2 act together by recruiting a co‐repressor complex and deacetylating the chromatin. The catalytic activity of HDACs is mainly dependent on its incorporation into multiprotein co‐repressor complexes, among which SIN3A‐HDAC2 co‐repressor is widely studied to regulate synaptic plasticity. However, the involvement of co‐repressor complex in regulating memory loss or amnesia is unexplored. This study examines the role of co‐repressor SIN3A in scopolamine‐induced amnesia through epigenetic changes in the hippocampus. Scopolamine treatment remarkably enhanced hippocampal SIN3A expression in mice. To prevent such increase in SIN3A expression, we used hippocampal infusion of SIN3A‐siRNA and assessed the effect of SIN3A silencing on scopolamine‐induced amnesia. Silencing of SIN3A in amnesic mice reduced the binding of HDAC2 at neuronal immediate early genes (IEGs) promoter, but did not change the expression of HDAC2. Furthermore, it increased acetylation of H3K9 and H3K14 at neuronal IEGs (Arc, Egr1, Homer1 and Narp) promoter, prevented scopolamine‐induced down‐regulation of IEGs and improved consolidation of memory during novel object recognition task. These findings together suggest that SIN3A has a critical role in regulation of synaptic plasticity and might act as a potential therapeutic target to rescue memory decline during amnesia and other neuropsychiatric pathologies.

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Long‐wave plasma radiofrequency ablation for treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum
Authors: Baroni Adone
Published: March 2018

Xanthelasma palpebrarum is the most common type of xanthoma affecting the eyelids. It is characterized by asymptomatic soft yellowish macules, papules, or plaques over the upper and lower eyelids. Many treatments are available for management of xanthelasma palpebrarum, the most commonly used include surgical excision, ablative CO2 or erbium lasers, nonablative Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser, trichloroacetic acid peeling, and radiofrequency ablation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of RF ablation in the treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum, with D.A.S. Medical portable device (Technolux, Italia), a radiofrequency tool working with long‐wave plasma energy and without anesthesia. Twenty patients, 15 female and 5 male, affected by xanthelasma palpebrarum, were enrolled for long‐wave plasma radiofrequency ablation treatment. The treatment consisted of 3/4 sessions that were carried out at intervals of 30 days. Treatments were well tolerated by all patients with no adverse effects and optimal aesthetic results. The procedure is very fast and can be performed without anesthesia because of the low and tolerable pain stimulation. Long‐wave plasma radiofrequency ablation is an effective option for treatment of xanthelasma palpebrarum and adds an additional tool to the increasing list of medical devices for aesthetic treatments.
Collagen type III and elastin genes polymorphism and the risk of nonsyndromic striae
Authors: Kasielska‐Trojan Anna , Pietrusiński Michał , Borowiec Maciej , Antoszewski Bogusław
Published: March 2018

Background

Striae have been reported to be one of the most common skin lesions and a commonly encountered esthetic problem.

Objectives

The aim of this research was to examine elastin gene polymorphism (rs7787362, ELN) and collagen type III alpha 1 polymorphism (rs1800255, COL3A1) among polish woman population with SD in comparison with women without the lesions and to verify these polymorphisms as risk factors for SD.

Methods

Seventy female students (35 with striae (the mean age 23.9 years, SD 1.2 years) and 35 without these lesions (22.9 years, SD 1.7 years)) were included in the study. The subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire including questions concerning risk factors for SD and had a cheek swabbed for cells for DNA isolation.

Results

Analysis of polymorphisms of elastin gene (rs7787362) and COL3A1 gene (rs1800255) showed that women with SD and without these lesions did not differ in these aspects. Polymorphism rs7787362 was also analyzed in relation to SD in different locations, and showed no differences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found that there are some clinical factors that reduced the risk of SD: history of intended weight loss, negative family history of SD, and lower BMI. Gene polymorphisms analysis in patients with SD may help to establish the etiology of these lesions and to target the therapy. Analysis of polymorphisms of elastin gene (rs7787362) did not show differences in allele distribution between women with and without SD. Polymorphisms of COL3A1 gene (rs1800255) also did not differ between the examined groups.
What are they talking about? Content of the communication exchanges between nurses, patients and relatives in a department of medicine for older people—An ethnographic study
Authors: Johnsson Anette , Wagman Petra , Boman Åse , Pennbrant Sandra
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore and describe the content of the communication exchanges between nurses, patients and their relatives in a department of medicine for older people in western Sweden.

Background

Information, messages and knowledge are constantly being communicated between nurses, older patients and relatives in the healthcare sector. The quality of communication between them has a major influence on patient outcomes. A prerequisite for good care to be given and received is that there is mutual understanding between the parties involved.

Design

An ethnographic study was informed by a sociocultural perspective.

Method

Data were collected through 40 participatory observations of meetings between nurses and older patients and/or relatives which covered 135 hr of nurse‐patient‐relative interaction, field notes, 40 field conversations with 24 nurses and 40 field conversations with patients (n = 40) and relatives (n = 26). Five semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nurses. An ethnographic analysis was performed.

Results

The analysis identified three categories of content of the communication exchanges: medical content focusing on the patient's medical condition, personal content focusing on the patient's life story and explanatory content focusing on the patient's health and nursing needs. The content is influenced by the situation and context.

Conclusions

Nurses would benefit from more awareness and understanding of the importance of the communication content and of the value of asking the didactic questions (how, when, what and why) to improve the patients’ and relatives’ understanding of the information exchanges and to increase patient safety.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses can use the communication content to create conditions enabling them to obtain a holistic view of the patient's life history and to develop an appropriate person‐centred care plan.