bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Classroom Interactions and the Demographic Divide: Evidence From the Measures of Effective Teaching Study
Authors: Osei-Twumasi Olivia , Pinetta Bernardette J.
Published: December 2019

Using data from six urban school districts, we examine the relationship between the quality of interactions in the classroom (measured by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System [CLASS] framework) and the racial match or mismatch between teachers and the students in their classes. We find that White teachers have lower scores on the CLASS framework when they teach classes with higher densities of Black students. Furthermore, in classrooms with high densities of Black students, Black teachers receive higher scores than White teachers. This finding has important implications given the demographics of our nation’s public schools and the underrepresentation of Black teachers.
Tangling With Race and Racism in Teacher Education: Designs for Counterstory-Based Parent Teacher Conferences
Authors: Goldin Simona , Khasnabis Debi , O’Connor Carla , Hearn Kendra
Published: December 2019

Our research is guided by the aim to use counterstories pedagogically in teacher education. We report on counterstory-based parent teacher conference simulations, where composite case narratives support teacher candidates in taking up asset-based perspectives. Our work rests upon the assertion that asset-based framing must not remain purely conceptual; rather, asset-based frames must infuse teaching practice. We examine how counterstories can be constructed to ensure that they are robust, respectful, and pedagogically useful for teacher education.
Provincial and Age Disparity on Chronic Disease Education Among Migrants in China: The Migrants Population Dynamic Monitoring Survey
Authors: Guo Mengdi , Zhu Zheng , Dong Tingyue , Mi Hong , Wu Bei
Published: December 2019

Chronic diseases have become serious threats to public health in China; the risk is particularly high for internal migrants. Chronic disease education is a key to the prevention and control of chronic diseases for such population. The national population-based Migrants Population Dynamic Monitoring Survey (MPSMA) was used to examine the current status and delivery methods of chronic disease education among internal migrants, from both provincial level and individual’s level. The study population included 402 587 internal migrants. Multilevel logistic regression was used to investigate factors that were related to chronic diseases education. In total, only 33.9% of the participants received chronic disease education. In the final model, parameter estimates on key variables from both individual and provincial level were significant ( P < .001). Participants from provinces with higher level of health care resources and lower density of internal migrants were more likely to receive chronic disease education. The percentage and methods of receiving education varied across different age groups. This study suggests that future chronic disease education in China need to be more focused on areas with high density of internal migrants and younger internal migrants with low level of education and income. Attention should be paid to use tailored education methods to different populations.
Entertainment for Everyone: The Nashville Ryman Auditorium before the Advent of Country Music
Authors: Rempe Martin
Published: December 2019

This article reconsiders the story of Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium from its beginnings in the late nineteenth century to the advent of country music in the early 1950s. Closely scrutinizing the management of Lula C. Naff and her professional network, it argues that the Ryman, thanks to its diversified programming, turned into a music venue for everyone in the course of the first half of the twentieth century, despite ongoing segregation, social cleavages, and cultural parochialism. As such, the Ryman was neither simply the mythical birthplace of a purely local music scene nor a cosmopolitan hotspot of musical special gigs. Rather, the Auditorium developed its distinct aura from the particular mixture of its local religious origin and personal management as well as from its diversified connections into various cultural and social constituencies, on stage as well as in the audience.
Stratified Item Selection Methods in Cognitive Diagnosis Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Yang Jing , Chang Hua-Hua , Tao Jian , Shi Ningzhong
Published: December 2019

Cognitive diagnostic computerized adaptive testing (CD-CAT) aims to obtain more useful diagnostic information by taking advantages of computerized adaptive testing (CAT). Cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs) have been developed to classify examinees into the correct proficiency classes so as to get more efficient remediation, whereas CAT tailors optimal items to the examinee’s mastery profile. The item selection method is the key factor of the CD-CAT procedure. In recent years, a large number of parametric/nonparametric item selection methods have been proposed. In this article, the authors proposed a series of stratified item selection methods in CD-CAT, which are combined with posterior-weighted Kullback–Leibler (PWKL), nonparametric item selection (NPS), and weighted nonparametric item selection (WNPS) methods, and named S-PWKL, S-NPS, and S-WNPS, respectively. Two different types of stratification indices were used: original versus novel. The performances of the proposed item selection methods were evaluated via simulation studies and compared with the PWKL, NPS, and WNPS methods without stratification. Manipulated conditions included calibration sample size, item quality, number of attributes, number of strata, and data generation models. Results indicated that the S-WNPS and S-NPS methods performed similarly, and both outperformed the S-PWKL method. And item selection methods with novel stratification indices performed slightly better than the ones with original stratification indices, and those without stratification performed the worst.
Consumers Attitude Towards Controversial Television Commercials and Its Impact on Purchase Intentions
Authors: Singh Parvinder Pal , Chahal Harpreet Singh
Published: December 2019

Television commercials have been the main medium for advertising products/services/ideas to the masses. However, the use of controversial advertisements has shown a manyfold increase in the recent past. Controversial advertisements can be beneficial or harmful for the product; depending on how the target audience perceives them. Even though such advertisements may cause offense to a certain consumer group(s), but advertisers still don’t refrain from using such advertisements to market their or their clients’ product offerings in different segments namely products/services/ideas. Although the majority of research on consumer’s behaviour towards controversial advertisements has been reported from Western countries, very little is known in Asian perspective. In the present study, we attempted to analyze the Indian perspective of consumer’s attitude towards controversial television advertisements based on a survey of 609 respondents (312 males and 297 females). The results obtained indicated ‘political advertisements’ as the most controversial offering to be advertised on television. Consumers were found to be more offended with advertisements where ‘nudity’ was used as the main execution technique. Attitude of consumers towards controversial advertisements and their effect on purchasing behaviour were found clearly correlated to demographic variables including age, education and gender.
Shaking Confidence in Technology: Effects of an Earthquake-Induced Nuclear Disaster on Technology Adoption in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Yoon Jong-Sung , Charness Neil , Kohlbacher Florian
Published: December 2019

Using the coincidental timing of a national survey conducted in Japan before and after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, this study reports a rare natural experiment that explored how the experience of a nuclear disaster influenced technology adoption in middle-aged and older adults. We conducted path analyses assessing how technology or nontechnology adoption intention and behavior changed before and after the nuclear disaster and whether age could moderate the potential change over and above other relevant factors. Our models supported that Japanese middle-aged to older adults reported fewer technology adoption behaviors after experiencing of the earthquake. However, the negative impact of the earthquake was not more pronounced in older adults. Our results suggest that researchers need to pay more attention to the issue of how loss of trust and/or perceived risk affect technology adoption interacting with other relevant factors, particularly, age-related factors and abilities.
Informal and Formal Social Integration Shape Eating and Drinking of Older Black and White Americans
Authors: Hauschildt Katrina , Burgard Sarah A.
Published: December 2019

Objective: Health behaviors are seen as one possible pathway linking race to health outcomes. Social integration has also been consistently linked to important health outcomes but has not been examined as a mechanism accounting for racial differences in health behaviors among older U.S. adults. Method: We use data from the American’s Changing Lives (ACL) Study to explore racial differences in measures of social integration and whether they help account for racial differences in several dietary behaviors and alcohol use. Results: We find differences by race and social integration measures in dietary behaviors and alcohol use. Net of socioeconomic status, health status, and reported discrimination, variation in social integration helps to account for racial differences in some health behaviors. Discussion: Our results highlight the nuanced role of social integration in understanding group differences in health behaviors. Interventions should consider such complexities when including aspects of social integration in their design.
Reciprocal Effects Between Loneliness and Sleep Disturbance in Older Americans
Authors: Griffin Sarah C. , Williams Allison Baylor , Mladen Samantha N. , Perrin Paul B. , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Rybarczyk Bruce D.
Published: December 2019

Objectives: To model the relationship between loneliness and sleep disturbance over time. Method: Data came from the Health and Retirement Study (2006, 2010, 2014 waves; age ≥ 65 years; n = 5,067). Loneliness was measured via the Hughes Loneliness Scale and sleep disturbance via a four-item scale assessing sleep and restedness. Cross-lagged panel modeling (path analysis) was used to jointly examine reciprocal effects between loneliness and sleep disturbance. Results: Higher loneliness correlated with higher sleep disturbance at baseline. There was evidence of reciprocal effects between loneliness and sleep across timepoints. These associations overall remained when accounting for demographics, objective isolation, and depression. Discussion: Although causality cannot be established, the findings indicate that the relationship between loneliness and sleep disturbance is bidirectional. This requires revision to the current theory on sleep disturbance as a mechanism for the relationship between loneliness and health and indicates that effective treatment of sleep disturbance may reduce loneliness.
Contract Comprehension: Prudent Takaful Claim Decision
Authors: Yakob Rubayah , Redzuan Hendon , Janor Hawati , Hafizuddin-Syah B.A.M.
Published: December 2019

Takaful Dinamik Berhad (TDB) is one of the leading takaful companies in Malaysia. Yusof bin Ahmad purchased one of its products, the investment-linked takaful plan, five years ago. He had dutifully paid all his contributions (i.e., premium) since the policy was enforced. Sadly, Yusof was diagnosed with a Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis disease. After the diagnosis, he submitted a claim to TDB under the critical illness benefit. His claim was nonetheless rejected on the basis of not meeting the duration of the illness, nor demonstrating the symptoms of the illness as specified in the policy. The decision to reject the claim was made by Borhan, the claim manager of TDB, after a thorough consideration of the case. After the rejection, Yusof then submitted an appeal through the Central Bank of Malaysia (or Bank Negara Malaysia, BNM). In ensuring fair treatment to all policyholders, BNM requested TDB to promptly re-examine Yusof’s claim. This case presents the challenges of understanding the coverage, the concepts, and the provisions of takaful contract in making a claim decision. The case ends with Borhan pondering on how best to resolve the dispute.
Implementation of a Discharge Education Program to Improve Transitions of Care for Patients at High Risk of Medication Errors
Authors: Crannage Andrew J. , Hennessey Erin K. , Challen Laura M. , Stevens Alison M. , Berry Tricia M.
Published: December 2019

Background: Transitions of care (TOC) points are those where patient outcomes can be affected, especially patients at high risk for medication errors. Pharmacist-led postdischarge telephone counseling positively affects patient outcomes, though challenges exist relating to successful patient contact. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a discharge education service bridging the inpatient and outpatient setting to increase successful patient contact points during the TOC process from hospital to home. Methods: This prospective, single-centered observational study examined the impact of a discharge medication education program on successful telephone follow-up contact. The primary outcome was the percentage of high-risk patients educated at hospital discharge who were successfully reached via follow-up telephone contact within 2 business days of discharge. Secondary end points included hospital readmission rates and patient survey responses. Results: A total of 50 patients were included in the initial evaluation of this service; 78% of patients were successfully contacted within 2 business days after discharge, an increase from a 20% success rate prior to service implementation. At follow-up telephone calls, patients reported taking an average of 16 medications. The 30-day readmission rate was 10% for patients receiving this service, compared with 19% prior to implementation. When asked if they understood the medication component of their care and if they found the TOC service to be satisfactory, 100% and 96% of patients strongly agreed or agreed with these statements, respectively, and none disagreed. Conclusion and Relevance: This service demonstrates how pharmacists can interact with a high-risk population and increase contact points to optimize care at crucial health care transition points.
Integrated vibration isolation and energy harvesting via a bistable piezo-composite plate
Authors: Lu Ze-Qi , Shao Dong , Fang Zhi-Wei , Ding Hu , Chen Li-Qun
Published: December 2019

In passive vibration isolation, a bistable composite plate can be used to generate high-static low-dynamic stiffness, and in vibratory energy harvesting, when used with piezoelectric film flexing, the bistable composite plate can enhance the performance via snap-through motion. In the present work, we designed a bistable piezo-composite plate for both vibration isolation and energy harvesting. The analytical model for performance prediction is derived from the virtual work principle and the composite elasticity. Displacement transmissibility and output voltage generation were analytically determined for different mechanical and electrical parameters. The results illustrate that the bistable piezo-composite plate improves the feasibility and effectiveness of the integration design. Hardening and softening nonlinear phenomena coexist in both the displacement transmissibility and the output voltage plot. Approximate analytical solutions and numerical simulations are in good agreement. Both analytical and numerical results demonstrate that, at a certain frequency bands, enhanced energy harvesting is accompanied by a vibration transmissibility reduction. Compared with a linear system with the bistable piezo-composite plate removed, it achieved a reduction in the displacement transmissibility of about 13 dB at 100 Hz, simultaneously, and produced a considerable output voltage of about 0.05 V.
Differential Parent and Teacher Reports of ADHD Symptoms According to the Child’s Country of Origin: A Quantitative Study From Denmark Exploring the Implication for Diagnosis
Authors: Sahuric Armin , Hohwü Lena , Bang Madsen Kathrine , Christensen Astrid Fyrstenborg , Snefstrup Maria Vandborg , Obel Carsten , Plana-Ripoll Oleguer
Published: December 2019

Objective: This study aimed to investigate differences in parent- and teacher-reported ADHD symptoms according to the child’s country of origin. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 4,207 nonimmigrant (Danish origin) and 233 immigrant (non-Danish origin) children including ratings of phenotypical ADHD symptoms on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires. The association between ADHD symptoms and country of origin, separately for parents and teachers, was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results: Teachers reported similar numbers of ADHD symptoms for immigrant and nonimmigrant children (odds ratio [OR] = 0.95, confidence interval [CI] = [0.58, 1.54]), whereas immigrant parents were less likely than nonimmigrant parents to report ADHD symptoms (OR = 0.42, CI = [0.21, 0.84]). Conclusion: Immigrant parents were less likely than nonimmigrant parents to report ADHD symptoms, whereas the teachers reported similar amount of ADHD symptoms in the two groups of children. Our results emphasize the importance of paying attention to teacher reporting of ADHD symptoms when assessing immigrant children.
Ethical Consistency and Experience: An Attempt to Influence Researcher Attitudes Toward Questionable Research Practices Through Reading Prompts
Authors: Bruton Samuel V. , Brown Mitch , Sacco Donald F.
Published: December 2019

Over the past couple of decades, the apparent widespread occurrence of Questionable Research Practices (QRPs) in scientific research has been widely discussed in the research ethics literature as a source of concern. Various ways of reducing their use have been proposed and implemented, ranging from improved training and incentives for adopting best practices to systematic reforms. This article reports on the results of two studies that investigated the efficacy of simple, psychological interventions aimed at changing researcher attitudes toward QRPs. While the interventions did not significantly modify researchers’ reactions to QRPs, they showed differential efficacy depending on scientists’ experience, suggesting complexities in researcher psychology and the ethics of QRPs that merit further study.
Rising Plasma Beta-Carotene Is Associated With Diminishing C-Reactive Protein in Patients Consuming a Dark Green Leafy Vegetable–Rich, Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) Diet
Authors: Schultz Hannah , Ying Gui-Shuang , Dunaief Joshua L. , Dunaief David M.
Published: December 2019

Chronic inflammation contributes to a number of chronic diseases and can be assessed with C-reactive protein (CRP). In this longitudinal retrospective chart review, we investigate whether patients intensively counseled to eat a specific diet high in dark green leafy vegetables, and thus high beta-carotene, have reductions in plasma high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP). We term this the Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) diet. Forty-three patients in a community practice instructed to eat the LIFE diet met inclusion criteria. The CRP levels were measured at least twice over the course of up to a year. Adherence to the diet was objectively assessed by measurement of plasma beta-carotene, which is abundant in dark green leafy vegetables, and subjectively by serial interviews. The change in beta-carotene was inversely correlated with change in CRP ( r = −0.68, P < .0001). Additionally, patients subjectively classified as adherent had higher beta-carotene ( P < .0001) and lower CRP ( P = .002) as compared with patients who were classified as nonadherent. These longitudinal findings suggest that adherence to the LIFE diet leads to increased beta-carotene and decreased CRP. Thus, this type of diet may reduce risk or severity of chronic diseases involving inflammation.
Hypoglycemia and Glycemic Control in Older Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Baseline Results From the WISDM Study
Authors: Carlson Anders L. , Kanapka Lauren G. , Miller Kellee M. , Ahmann Andrew J. , Chaytor Naomi S. , Fox Steven , Kiblinger Lisa , Kruger Davida , Levy Carol J. , Peters Anne L. , Rickels Michael R. , Salam Maamoun , Shah Viral N. , Young Laura A. , Kudva Yogish C. , Pratley Richard ,   for the WISDM Study Group
Published: December 2019

Background:

Knowledge regarding the burden and predictors of hypoglycemia among older adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is limited.

Methods:

We analyzed baseline data from the Wireless Innovations for Seniors with Diabetes Mellitus (WISDM) study, which enrolled participants at 22 sites in the United States. Eligibility included clinical diagnosis of T1D, age ≥60 years, no real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use in prior three months, and HbA1c <10.0%. Blinded CGM data from 203 participants with at least 240 hours were included in the analyses.

Results:

Median age of the cohort was 68 years (52% female, 93% non-Hispanic white, and 53% used insulin pumps). Mean HbA1c was 7.5%. Median time spent in the glucose range <70 mg/dL was 5.0% (72 min/day) and <54 mg/dL was 1.6% (24 min/day). Among all factors analyzed, only reduced hypoglycemia awareness was associated with greater time spent <54 mg/dL (median time of 2.7% vs 1.3% [39 vs 19 minutes per day] for reduced awareness vs aware/uncertain, respectively, P = .03). Participants spent a mean 56% of total time in target glucose range of 70-180 mg/dL and 37% of time above 180 mg/dL.

Conclusions:

Over half of older T1D participants spent at least an hour a day with glucose levels <70 mg/dL. Those with reduced hypoglycemia awareness spent over twice as much time than those without in a serious hypoglycemia range (glucose levels <54 mg/dL). Interventions to reduce exposure to clinically significant hypoglycemia and increase time in range are urgently needed in this age group.
HemiCAP Knee Implants: Mid- to Long-Term Results
Authors: Laursen Jens Ole , Backer Mogensen Christian , Skjøt-Arkil Helene
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The aim of the study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of the Focal Femoral Condyle Resurfacing Prosthesis (HemiCAP) using clinical and radiographic assessments, and to evaluate the revision and survival rates.

Methods

Clinical evaluation was performed in those not revised and was able to participate. This was a prospective single-center cohort study of HemiCAP patients with 7 to 10 years of clinical and radiographic follow-up. The clinical examination included the Knee Society Score (KSS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The radiographic examination included the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade. Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and potential risk factors for revision was evaluated by a regression analysis.

Results

Of the 62 patients with 64 HemiCAP prostheses, 37 were HemiCAP condyle, 11 HemiCAP PF, and 16 HemiCAP Wave; 27 (42%) were revised—HemiCAP condyle 17 (42%), HemiCAP PF 4 (36%), HemiCAP Wave 6 (37%), and 1 died. Examinations were performed on 31 patients (86%). When compared with the preoperative data, there were significant increases in the KSS objective (mean = 51.5, standard deviation [SD] = 5.9 vs. mean =94.2, SD = 5.0) and function (mean = 51.0, SD = 6.2 vs. mean = 93.7, SD = 4.8) scores, a decrease in the VAS score (mean = 7.1, SD = 0.7 vs. mean = 2.7, SD = 1.7) and a decrease in the KL lateral score (mean = 1.1, SD = 0.3 vs. mean = 0.6, SD = 0.6). The mean follow-up was 7.3 years (SD 1.4) with minimum 4.2 years and maximum 10.2 years. No failures occurred in the series beyond 5 years.

Conclusions

As hypothesized, we found good clinical and radiographic outcomes, and for those patients who did not require revisions, there were long-term improvements in disability and function. This suggests that patient selection is a key element to successfully applying these devices in clinical practice.
DAMPAned Methotrexate: A Case Report and Review of the Management of Acute Methotrexate Toxicity
Authors: Young Ann , Beriault Daniel , Jung Benjamin , Nikonova Anna , Abosh Dory , Lee Samantha , Zaltzman Jeff , Perl Jeffrey
Published: December 2019

Rationale:

Consensus guidelines on the management of methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity using glucarpidase (Voraxaze) may be relatively unfamiliar to the nephrology community.

Presenting concerns of the patient:

A 61-year-old man with intravascular large B-cell lymphoma was admitted for cycle #1 of high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) following 2 cycles of R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy. On admission, he was clinically euvolemic and had a creatinine clearance of 98 mL/min. He received standard HDMTX toxicity prophylaxis with volume expansion, urinary alkalinization, and leucovorin rescue.

Diagnoses:

Despite prophylactic efforts, he developed a severe acute kidney injury, creatinine 63 to 226 µmol/L (2.56 mg/dL), following HDMTX, impaired methotrexate clearance, and neurotoxicity manifested by status epilepticus.

Interventions:

He was given glucarpidase to convert extracellular methotrexate into its inactive metabolites, glutamate and DAMPA (4-deoxy-4-amino- N10-methylpteroic acid) at 52 hours post-HDMTX. Cross-reactivity between commercial methotrexate immunoassays with DAMPA led to falsely elevated methotrexate concentrations for much longer than expected based on the current guideline (5 days instead of <48 hours). This required ongoing monitoring of methotrexate concentration by mass spectrometry.

Outcomes:

The patient remained nonoliguric and did not develop acute indications for dialysis. Serum creatinine peaked at 608 µmol/L (6.88 mg/dL) 6 days after HDMTX. He ultimately had a full renal and neurologic recovery.

Lessons learned:

Glucarpidase is an effective option for nonrenal elimination of methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity. Timing of methotrexate concentration monitoring to assess for toxicity, how to access the drug, and the need for ongoing monitoring by mass spectrometry beyond the guideline recommendation are highlighted for centers where HDMTX therapy may be used.
Giant Tunable Circular Dichroism of Large-Area Extrinsic Chiral Metal Nanocrescent Arrays
Authors: Cao Liyuan , Qi Jiwei , Wu Qiang , Li Zhixuan , Wang Ride , Chen Junan , Lu Yao , Zhao Wenjuan , Yao Jianghong , Yu Xuanyi , Sun Qian , Xu Jingjun
Published: December 2019

Circular dichroism (CD) is an interesting phenomenon originating from the interaction of light with chiral molecules or other nanostructures lacking mirror symmetries in three-dimensional (3D) or two-dimensional (2D) space. While the observable effects of optical chirality are very weak in most of the natural materials, they can be designed and significantly enhanced in synthetic chiral structures, where the spatial symmetry of their component are broken on a nanoscale. Therefore, fabrication of composites capable of cheap, time-saving, and giant CD is desirable for the advanced optical technologies. Here, the giant CD of large-area metal nanocrescent array structures was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The largest value of the CD spectrum measured was larger than 0.5, and the CD spectrum was tuned effectively and extensively while maintaining a large peak intensity, which can be attributed to the selective excitation of the lattice surface modes (LSMs) by circularly polarized light. The analysis of the extrinsic chiral structure shows potential applications in chiral molecule sensing and polarizing imaging.
Korean consumers’ awareness of the risks of chemicals in daily consumer products
Authors: Sim Seunghye , Lee Jeongsu , Uhm Yoonhee , Kim Soonbok , Han Eun Jeong , Choi KeunOh , Choi Junyeong , Ban Q-man , Cho Taeje , Kim Augustine Yonghwi , Lee Dong Il , Lim Eunkyung , Lee YoungJoo
Published: December 2019

Background

Recent tragic accidents due to the use of humidifier disinfectants have caused severe distrust and anxiety over chemicals in consumer products in Korea. Therefore, a survey was conducted to determine consumer opinions about the risk of everyday chemical products used in Korea to assess what information should be provided to consumers via risk communication systems.

Results

An online survey investigated the awareness of 10,000 Korean people regarding potentially harmful substances in consumer chemical products. Concern about the ingredients of chemical products was greatest for pesticides, air fresheners/deodorants, and cleaning agents. There was comparatively little concern about toiletries and personal care products. Respondents were aware of the presence of harmful substances from information on mass media and consumer/environmental organizations, and they also obtained information from ingredient lists and product packaging. Many participants thought that products made from natural materials and products with eco-friendly labeling did not contain harmful substances. Participants replied that they used potentially harmful products as little as possible to reduce the risk. Half of all respondents said that the manufacturers and retailers of products should take responsibility for reducing harmful substances in consumer products. Most respondents were not aware that they could make information disclosure requests for ingredients information.

Conclusion

There are numerous concerns about chemicals in consumer products, but many people still do not know exactly what risks they pose. There is a need to communicate information about the risks of chemicals using the media and methods that people can understand.
Implementation of the Minamata Convention to manage mercury pollution in India: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Sharma Brij Mohan , Bharat Girija K. , Šebková Kateřina , Scheringer Martin
Published: December 2019

The Minamata Convention (MC), a multilateral environmental agreement (MEA), aims to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and its compounds. The success of the MC essentially depends on its effective implementation in developing regions especially those where the contribution to global mercury emissions is large. We assess the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of the MC’s implementation in India, which is among the top mercury emitters in the world. We examine the influence of existing Indian regulations on several aspects of the MC and highlight those areas that should be prioritized in future actions combating mercury pollution in India. India has elaborate regulations on several important aspects of the MC, yet their implementation and enforcement remain weak. To change the current situation, it is necessary to develop programs that systematically track mercury consumption, within-country trade, and emissions, monitor environment and human exposure to mercury, and reconcile the mercury management agenda and actions with national development plans in India. India needs to prepare, and timely provide to the secretariat of the convention, the National Action Plan (NAP) with a special focus on managing mercury emissions and releases as described in the Articles 8 and 9 of the MC. Overall, effectively implementing the MC in India will result not only in curbing mercury pollution, but also help in progress towards related Sustainable Development Goals.
Comparison of the transcriptomes of two tardigrades with different hatching coordination
Authors: Yoshida Yuki , Sugiura Kenta , Tomita Masaru , Matsumoto Midori , Arakawa Kazuharu
Published: December 2019

Background

Tardigrades are microscopic organisms, famous for their tolerance against extreme environments. The establishment of rearing systems of multiple species has allowed for comparison of tardigrade physiology, in particular in embryogenesis. Interestingly, in-lab cultures of limnic species showed smaller variation in hatching timing than terrestrial species, suggesting a hatching regulation mechanism acquired by adaptation to their habitat.

Results

To this end, we screened for coordinated gene expression during the development of two species of tardigrades, Hypsibius exemplaris and Ramazzottius varieornatus, and observed induction of the arthropod molting pathway. Exposure of ecdysteroids and juvenile hormone analog affected egg hatching but not embryonic development in only the limnic H. exemplaris.

Conclusion

These observations suggest a hatching regulation mechanism by the molting pathway in H. exemplaris.
The sensor kinase BfmS controls production of outer membrane vesicles in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Kim Se Yeon , Kim Mi Hyun , Kim Seung Il , Son Joo Hee , Kim Shukho , Lee Yoo Chul , Shin Minsang , Oh Man Hwan , Lee Je Chul
Published: December 2019

Background

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important opportunistic pathogen responsible for various nosocomial infections. The BfmRS two-component system plays a role in pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance of A. baumannii via regulation of bacterial envelope structures. This study investigated the role of the sensor kinase, BfmS, in localization of outer membrane protein A (OmpA) in the outer membrane and production of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) using wild-type A. baumannii ATCC 17978, ΔbfmS mutant, and bfmS-complemented strains.

Results

The ΔbfmS mutant showed hypermucoid phenotype in the culture plates, growth retardation under static culture conditions, and reduced susceptibility to aztreonam and colistin compared to the wild-type strain. The ΔbfmS mutant produced less OmpA in the outer membrane but released more OmpA via OMVs than the wild-type strain, even though expression of ompA and its protein production were not different between the two strains. The ΔbfmS mutant produced 2.35 times more OMV particles and 4.46 times more OMV proteins than the wild-type stain. The ΔbfmS mutant OMVs were more cytotoxic towards A549 cells than wild-type strain OMVs.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that BfmS controls production of OMVs in A. baumannii. Moreover, BfmS negatively regulates antimicrobial resistance of A. baumannii and OMV-mediated host cell cytotoxicity. Our results indicate that BfmS negatively controls the pathogenic traits of A. baumannii via cell envelope structures and OMV production.
Amiodarone exacerbates brain injuries after hypoxic–ischemic insult in mice
Authors: Kotoda Masakazu , Hishiyama Sohei , Ishiyama Tadahiko , Mitsui Kazuha , Matsukawa Takashi
Published: December 2019

Background

Sodium ion transportation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hypoxic–ischemic brain injury. Amiodarone, a Vaughan-Williams class III antiarrhythmic drug, has been widely used to treat life-threatening arrhythmia and cardiac arrest worldwide. In addition to its inhibitory effects on the potassium channel, amiodarone also blocks various sodium ion transporters, including the voltage-gated sodium channel, sodium pump, and Na+/Ca+ exchanger. Considering these pharmacological profile, amiodarone may affect the influx–efflux balance of sodium ion in the hypoxic–ischemic brain. Previous studies suggest that the blockade of the voltage-gated sodium channel during hypoxic–ischemic brain injury exerts neuroprotection. On the contrary, the blockade of sodium pump or Na+/Ca+ exchanger during hypoxia–ischemia may cause further intracellular sodium accumulation and consequent osmotic cell death. From these perspectives, the effects of amiodarone on sodium ion balance on the hypoxic–ischemic brain can be both protective and detrimental depending on the clinical and pathophysiological conditions. In this study, we therefore investigated the effect of amiodarone on hypoxic–ischemic brain injury using a murine experimental model.

Results

Compared with the control group mice, mice that received amiodarone after induction of 40-min hypoxic–ischemic brain injury exhibited lower survival rates over 7 days and worse neurological function. After 25-min hypoxic–ischemic brain injury, amiodarone treated mice exhibited larger infarct volumes (16.0 ± 6.9 vs. 24.2 ± 6.8 mm3, P < 0.05) and worse neurological function. In addition, the brains harvested from the amiodarone-treated mice contained larger amounts of sodium (194.7 ± 45.1 vs. 253.5 ± 50.9 mEq/kg dry weight, P < 0.01) and water (259.3 ± 8.9 vs. 277.2 ± 12.5 mg, P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in hemodynamic parameters between groups.

Conclusions

Amiodarone exacerbated brain injuries and neurological outcomes after hypoxic–ischemic insults. Severe brain sodium accumulation and brain edema were associated with the detrimental effects of amiodarone. Amiodarone at the clinical dose can exacerbate brain injury after hypoxic–ischemic insult by affecting sodium ion transportation and facilitate intracellular sodium accumulation in the brain.
Phenotypic variation of floral organs in Malus using frequency distribution functions
Authors: Zhou Ting , Fan Junjun , Zhao Mingming , Zhang Donglin , Li Qianhui , Wang Guibin , Zhang Wangxiang , Cao Fuliang
Published: December 2019

Background

Phenotypic diversity of floral organs plays an important role in plant systematic taxonomy and genetic variation studies. Previous research have focused on the direction of variation but disregarded its degree. Phenotypic variation (including directions and degrees) of 17 floral traits from wild to cultivated crabapples were explored by comparing their distributions and deviations in three different dimensions: floral organ number, size, and the shape.

Results

Except for petal number, petal length / petal width, and sepal length / sepal width, the analyzed floral traits of cultivated crabapples all showed downward distributed box bodies in box plot analysis and left deviations of fitted curves in frequency distribution function analysis when compared to the wild, which revealed consistent variation directions of petaloid conversion (pistils or stamens → petals), size miniaturization (large → small), and shape narrowness (petal shape: circular → elliptic; sepal shape: triangular → lanceolate). However, only seven floral traits exhibited significant differences in box plot analysis, while all of the traits in frequency distribution function analysis were obviously offset. The variation degrees were quantitatively characterized by sizing traits > shaping traits > numbering traits and by horizontal dimensions > radial dimensions.

Conclusions

Frequency distribution function analysis was more sensitive than the box plot analysis, which constructed a theoretical basis forMalusflower type breeding and would provide a new quantitative method for future evaluation of floral variation among different groups of angiosperms at large.
Mepiquat chloride promotes cotton lateral root formation by modulating plant hormone homeostasis
Authors: Wu Qian , Du Mingwei , Wu Jie , Wang Ning , Wang Baomin , Li Fangjun , Tian Xiaoli , Li Zhaohu
Published: December 2019

Background

Mepiquat chloride (MC), a plant growth regulator, enhances root growth by promoting lateral root formation in cotton. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon is still unknown.

Methods

In this study, we used 10 cotton (Gossypium hirsutum Linn.) cultivars to perform a seed treatment with MC to investigate lateral root formation, and selected a MC sensitive cotton cultivar for dynamic monitor of root growth and transcriptome analysis during lateral root development upon MC seed treatment.

Results

The results showed that MC treated seeds promotes the lateral root formation in a dosage-depended manner and the effective promotion region is within 5 cm from the base of primary root. MC treated seeds induce endogenous auxin level by altering gene expression of both gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis and signaling and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Meanwhile, MC treated seeds differentially express genes involved in indole acetic acid (IAA) synthesis and transport. Furthermore, MC-induced IAA regulates the expression of genes related to cell cycle and division for lateral root development.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that MC orchestrates GA and ABA metabolism and signaling, which further regulates auxin biosynthesis, transport, and signaling to promote the cell division responsible for lateral root formation.
Exercise capacity and body mass index - important predictors of change in resting heart rate
Authors: Ehrenwald Michal , Wasserman Asaf , Shenhar-Tsarfaty Shani , Zeltser David , Friedensohn Limor , Shapira Itzhak , Berliner Shlomo , Rogowski Ori
Published: December 2019

Background

Resting heart rate (RHR) is an obtainable, inexpensive, non-invasive test, readily available on any medical document. RHR has been established as a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity, is related to other cardiovascular risk factors, and may possibly predict them. Change in RHR over time (∆RHR) has been found to be a potential predictor of mortality.

Methods

In this prospective study, RHR and ∆RHR were evaluated at baseline and over a period of 2.9 years during routine check-ups in 6683 subjects without known cardiovascular disease from the TAMCIS: Tel-Aviv Medical Center Inflammation Survey. Multiple linear regression analysis with three models was used to examine ∆RHR. The first model accounted for possible confounders by adjusting for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). The 2nd model included smoking status, baseline RHR, diastolic blood pressure (BP), dyslipidemia, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and metabolic equivalents of task (MET), and in the last model the change in MET and change in BMI were added.

Results

RHR decreased with age, even after adjustment for sex, BMI and MET. The mean change in RHR was − 1.1 beats/min between two consecutive visits, in both men and women. This ∆RHR was strongly correlated with baseline RHR, age, initial MET, and change occurring in MET and BMI (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results highlight the need for examining individual patients’ ∆RHR. Reinforcing that a positive ∆RHR is an indicator of poor adherence to a healthy lifestyle.
Influence of heart rate control on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation
Authors: She Fei , Ma Yuan , Li Yi , Li Lei , Xu Weixian , Wang Hongyan , Cui Ming
Published: December 2019

Background

The optimal level of heart rate (HR) control in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. To assess the effect of rate control on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity and quality of life (QoL) in permanent AF.

Methods

One hundred forty-three patients with permanent AF were enrolled in this study. All patients received rate control medications and were followed up for 1 year. After 1-year therapy, the exercise capacity and QoL were evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, respectively. Data were compared by dividing the patients according to the following criteria: (1) whether the resting HR was ≤80 or > 80 bpm; (2) whether the exercise HR during moderate exercises on CPET was ≤110 or > 110 bpm; and (3) whether the resting HR was ≤80 bpm and exercise HR was ≤110 bpm.

Results

No significant differences in peak oxygen uptake, peak metabolic equivalent, and anaerobic threshold were found between the strict control and lenient control groups. Both physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) were significantly higher for the strict rate control group than for the lenient control group. The single-factor correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between resting HR and both PCS and MCS. The multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that both exercise HR and duration of AF linearly correlated with PCS and MCS.

Conclusions

Therefore, in patients with permanent AF, exercise capacity may not be affected by the stringency of rate control, and strict rate control may be associated with better QoL.
Stakeholder opinion on the proposal to introduce ‘treat and referral’ into the Irish emergency medical service
Authors: Power Brian , Bury Gerard , Ryan John
Published: December 2019

Background

The Irish ambulance services have traditionally transported all patients following an emergency (112/999) call, regardless of acuity, to an emergency department (ED). A proposal to introduce Treat and Referral, an established care pathway in some jurisdictions, is under active consideration in Ireland. This will present a significant change. Stakeholder engagement is recognised as an essential component of management of such change. This study has conducted a multicentre, cross-sectional survey exploring opinions on the introduction of Treat and Referral among key Irish stakeholders; consultants in emergency medicine, paramedics and advanced paramedics.

Methods

Public-sector consultants in emergency medicine (EM), registered paramedics and advanced paramedics, in Ireland at the time of the study, were invited to complete an on-line survey.

Results

A significant finding was that 90% of both cohorts (EM consultants and registered paramedic practitioners) support written after-care instructions being given to referred patients, that > 83% agree that Treat and Referral will reduce unnecessary ambulance journeys and that 70% are in favour of their own family member being offered Treat and Referral. Consensus was reached between respondents that Treat and Referral would improve care and increase clinical judgement of practitioners. Differences were identified in relation to the increased availability of ambulances locally, that only adults should be included, and that research was required to extend Treat and Referral beyond the index conditions. There was no consensus on whether general practitioners (GPs) should be directly informed.

Conclusions

This study identified that the Irish healthcare practitioners surveyed are supportive of the introduction of Treat and Referral into Ireland. It also affords healthcare policymakers the opportunity to address the concerns raised, in particular the clinical level which will be targeted for inclusion in this extended scope of practice.
How older patients prioritise their multiple health problems: a qualitative study
Authors: Junius-Walker Ulrike , Schleef Tanja , Vogelsang Ulrike , Dierks Marie-Luise
Published: December 2019

Background

Patients with multimorbidity often receive diverse treatments; they are subjected to polypharmacy and to a high treatment burden. Hence it is advocated that doctors set individual health and treatment priorities with their patients. In order to apply such a concept, doctors will need a good understanding of what causes patients to prioritise some of their problems over others. This qualitative study explores what underlying reasons patients have when they appraise their health problems as more or less important.

Methods

We undertook semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 34 patients (aged 70 years and over) in German general practices. Initially, patients received a comprehensive geriatric assessment, on the basis of which they rated the importance of their uncovered health problems. Subsequently, they were interviewed as to why they considered some of their problems important and others not. Transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Patients considered their health problems important, if they were severe, constant, uncontrolled, risky or if they restricted daily activities, autonomy and social inclusion. Important problems often correlated with negative feelings. Patients considered problems unimportant, if they were related to a bearable degree of suffering, less restrictions in activities, or psychological adjustment to diseases. Altogether different reasons occurred on the subject of preventive health issues.

Conclusions

Patients assess health problems as important if they interfere with what they want from life (life values and goals). Psychological adjustment, by contrast, facilitates a downgrading of the importance. Asking patients with multimorbidity, which health problems are important, may guide physicians to treatment priorities and health problems in need of empowerment.