bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research methods and reporting practices in zoo and aquarium conservation‐education evaluation
Authors: Mellish Sarah , Ryan Jillian C. , Pearson Elissa L. , Tuckey Michelle R.
Published: July 2018

Zoos and aquariums are increasingly incorporating conservation education into their mission statements and visitor experiences to address global biodiversity loss. To advance knowledge and practice in the field, research is being conducted to evaluate the effect of zoo conservation‐education experiences on visitor psychosocial outcomes (e.g., knowledge, attitude, emotions, motivations, behavior). Following recent discussions among scholars and practitioners concerning logistical and methodological challenges that likely undermine the conclusions of such research, we identified and reviewed the methods and reporting practices in peer‐reviewed articles published in English from May 1998 to June 2016 that focused on adult visitor samples (47 articles, 48 studies). We examined elements of internal, external, construct, and statistical conclusion validity. Methodological quality of quantitative methods and reporting practices was determined using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool. Each study was coded as either strong (no weak ratings), moderate (1 weak rating), or weak (≥2 weak ratings). The quantitative methods of 83.3% of studies were weak. The remaining 16.7% had methods of moderate quality. Using an existing checklist, we also assessed the quality and rigor of qualitative methods and reporting practices and found that some aspects of these methods were reported more comprehensively than others. For example, 69.6% of articles discussed methods for identifying key themes from the data, whereas only 34.8% reported how data verification was performed. We suggest increased application of intensive longitudinal methods (e.g., daily diary) to strengthen self‐reported data, experimental and repeated‐measures designs, and mixed‐methods approaches. Our findings and recommendations could strengthen and guide the research and evaluation agenda for the field and ultimately enhance the contribution zoos make to global biodiversity conservation.
The role of mean platelet volume in the early detection of acute bronchiolitis: A prospective study
Authors: Gökçe Şule , Kurugöl Zafer , Suner Aslı
Published: July 2018

Introduction and objective

Acute bronchiolitis might be associated with morbidity and mortality in infants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of mean platelet volume (MPV) in the prediction of acute bronchiolitis.

Method

One hundred and eighty‐four of these infants were diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis and 100 were healthy children. The ability of MPV, C‐reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count, and lymphocyte values to predict all bronchiolitis groups and the control group was examined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and their respective areas under the curves (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Patients with acute bronchiolitis had higher MPVs than their healthy counterparts (P < 0.001). However, there was no difference statistically significant in MPVs among all bronchiolitis groups (P = 0.239). ROC curve analysis suggested that MPV level cut‐off point for making the prediction of acute bronchiolitis was 6.0 fL, with a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 28%, respectively. Our results clearly indicated that AUCs for the MPV, CRP, WBC, and lymphocyte were statistically significant for bronchiolitis groups versus the control group. However, AUC values for MPV were the lowest.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the MPV might be a predictive value for the diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis. However, the predictive capacity of the CRP is better than that of others. Observational studies with a larger group to evaluate the clinical significance of MPV are necessary to predict acute bronchiolitis.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA level in plasma and kidney tissue in HCV antibody‐positive donors: Quantitative comparison
Authors: Shike Hiroko , Kadry Zakiyah , Imamura‐Kawasawa Yuka , Greene Wallace , Riley Thomas , Nathan Howard M. , Hasz Rick D. , Jain Ashokkumar
Published: July 2018

Kidney transplant from donors with hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody has been limited to HCV viremic recipients only, due to concern of the HCV transmission. However, the new antiviral medications provide an opportunity to expand the utilization of these donors. To study the risk of HCV transmission in kidney transplantation, we used discarded donor kidneys and determined HCV RNA levels by quantitative real‐time PCR in bilateral (right and left) kidney biopsies and plasma from 14 HCV antibody‐positive donors (sensitivity: 15 international unit (IU)/mL plasma; 1.8 IU/50 nL kidney). In three NAT‐negative donors, HCV RNA was negative in plasma and kidney. In all 11 NAT‐positive donors, HCV RNA was positive in plasma (range: 5807‐19 134 177 IU/mL) but negative in six kidneys from four donors with plasma HCV RNA <1.5 million IU/μL. HCV RNA correlated between right and left kidneys (P = 0.75) and between kidney and plasma (r = 0.86). When normalized by volume, HCV RNA median (range) was 49 (0‐957) IU/50 nL plasma and 1.0 (0‐103) IU/50 nL kidney, significantly lower in kidney (P = 0.005) than in plasma (14‐fold). Plasma HCV RNA can be used to predict the kidney HCV load. Future studies are needed if plasma/kidney HCV levels can be used to stratify donors for transmission risk and recipients for post‐transplant management in extended utilization of HCV antibody‐positive donors.
Divergent geographic patterns of genetic diversity among wild bees: Conservation implications
Authors: Lecocq Thomas , Michez Denis , Gérard Maxence , Vereecken Nicolas J. , Delangre Jessica , Rasmont Pierre , Vray Sarah , Dufrêne Marc , Mardulyn Patrick , Dellicour Simon
Published: July 2018

Aim

Genetic diversity is a key factor to species survival. This diversity is unevenly distributed across the species range, delimiting genetic diversity hotspots (GDH). Focusing conservation efforts on regions whereGDHof several species overlap (i.e., multispeciesGDH) could rationalize conservation efforts by protecting several taxa in one go. However, recent studies suggest the existence of many species‐specificGDH. This would make spatially prioritizing protection even more challenging as it requires the integration of these multipleGDHrather than few hotspots into conservation planning. Here, we characterizeGDHof nine co‐distributed bee species through an original comparative mapping approach to assess the suitability of a spatial prioritization strategy to protect their genetic diversity.

Location

We studied bee populations from Europe.

Methods

First, we used a sliding window approach to estimate the nucleotide diversity and its geographic distribution to highlightGDHof each species. Second, we assessed the overlap ofGDHbetween species by generating consensus maps based on the species‐specific maps of nucleotide diversity. Third, we used theGDHdistribution patterns to identify the extent of cost‐effective area network that would be needed to protect genetic diversity of all nine species.

Results

Genetic diversity was unevenly distributed across species ranges, but we found no evidence of a large overlap amongGDHfrom all species. Cost‐effective area network needed to protect genetic diversity of all species spreads over several large geographic areas including regions under high human development pressures.

Main conclusions

Genetic diversity hotspots' location is species‐specific. Therefore, focusing conservation efforts strictly on the few regions harbouringGDHfor many bee species is unlikely to be sufficient to ensure long‐term persistence of all species. Conservation actions should be implemented simultaneously in different regions according to a complementary‐based conservation approach, to optimize the conservation of all bee diversity.
The evolution of female labour force participation in urban China
Authors: Chen Xi
Published: July 2018

Starting from the late 1980s, despite rapid economic growth, female labour force participation in urban China has shown a general declining trend. Using repeated cross‐sections from the Chinese Household Income Project Series (CHIP), this paper attempts to systematically relate the decrease in the labour force participation of married women to the socio‐economic changes happening in urban China during the same period of time. Adopting both linear and nonlinear decomposition techniques, the results indicate that the changes in married women's labour force participation during the periods 1995–2002 and 2007–2013 can be explained by the concurrent changes in the distribution of socio‐economic variables, while the changes during the periods 1988–1995 and 2002–2007 are mostly driven by the leftward shift of married women's participation function.
Investigating an errorless learning approach for developing dental operative technique skills: A pilot study
Authors: Winning Tracey , Malhotra Neha , Masters Rich S.W.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Explicit instruction (conscious knowledge/rules) is generally used for learning dental operative skills; however, recent work has demonstrated advantages of learning skills implicitly with minimal accrual of conscious knowledge and reduced attentional demands. Therefore, this study examined the effects of learning handpiece manipulation skills explicitly (errorful) and implicitly (errorless: limited error detection/correction) under conditions of increased attentional demands (ie multitasking and additional instructions).

Materials and Methods

Non‐dental university students were randomly assigned to errorless (n = 11) or errorful (n = 8) groups. They used pencil lead instead of a bur, with errorless learners shading shapes from simple (small circle) to complex (cross), while errorful learners shaded the shapes in reverse. During testing, they completed simulated cavities in baseline, additional instructions and multitask conditions. Learning performance was calculated as per cent of the shape shaded successfully. Test performance was computed as error in cavity length/depth and was compared with dental students who had completed their operative technique course (n = 14).

Results

Errorless learners were more accurate than errorful learners especially when shading difficult shapes (P = 0.042). With additional instructions, errorless and errorful learners did not differ in cavity depth (P = 0.057) or length (P = 0.540). When multitasking, errorless learners prepared the cavity length (P = 0.048) but not depth (P = 0.920) more accurately than errorful learners. Overall, performance of errorless learners was comparable to dental students.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings suggest handpiece skills can be acquired implicitly via errorless learning, and it is less attentionally demanding than errorful learning, as evident by maintenance of preparation performance when processing additional relevant instructions and multitasking.
Circadian rhythm bifurcation induces flexible phase resetting by reducing circadian amplitude
Authors: Noguchi Takako , Harrison Elizabeth M. , Sun Jonathan , May Deborah , Ng Alan , Welsh David K. , Gorman Michael R.
Published: July 2018

Shift‐work and jet‐lag–related disorders are caused by the limited flexibility of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a master circadian clock in the hypothalamus, to adjust to new light–dark (LD) cycles. Recent findings confirmed here establish that behavioral jet lag after simulated time‐zone travel is virtually eliminated following bifurcated circadian entrainment under a novel and atypical 24‐h light:dark:light:dark (LDLD) cycle. To investigate the mechanisms of this fast resetting, we examined the oscillatory stability of the SCN and peripheral tissues in LDLD‐bifurcated mice employing the dissection procedure as a perturbing resetting stimulus. SCN, lung, liver, and adrenal tissue were extracted at times throughout the day from female and male PER2::Luciferase knock‐in mice entrained to either LDLD or a normal LD cycle. Except for adrenals, the phase of the cultured explants was more strongly set by dissection under LDLD than under normal LD. Acute bioluminescence levels of SCN explants indicate that the rhythm amplitude of PER2 is reduced and phase is altered in LDLD. Real‐time quantitative PCR suggests that amplitude and rhythmicity of canonical clock genes in the lung, liver, and kidney are also significantly reduced in LDLD in vivo. Furthermore, spatiotemporal patterns of PER2 peak time in cultured SCN were altered in LDLD. These results suggest that altered gene expression patterns in the SCN caused by bifurcation likely result in fast resetting of behavior and cultured explants, consistent with previously reported mathematical models. Thus, non‐invasive, simple light manipulations can make circadian rhythms more adaptable to abrupt shifts in the environmental LD cycle.
Progressively analogous evidence of covert face recognition from functional magnetic resonance imaging and skin conductance responses studies involving a patient with dissociative amnesia
Authors: Chechko Natalya , Stickel Susanne , Kellermann Thilo , Kirner Andre , Habel Ute , Fernández Guillén , Schneider Frank , Kohn Nils
Published: July 2018

This is a case study involving a female patient (NN) with complete loss of autobiographical memory and identity despite normal neurological assessment. To test the hypothesis that patients with dissociative amnesia (DA) possess the ability to covertly process facial identities they are unaware of, we conducted functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and assessed skin conductance responses (SCR) to (a) strangers, (b) celebrities, and (c) familiar faces not seen since the onset of DA. We also performed associative face‐name memory tasks to test the patient's ability to learn and recall newly learned face‐name pairs. Although NN did not recognize any of the faces of her friends and relatives, their images triggered a stronger involvement of the left fusiform gyrus, the bilateral hippocampus/amygdala region, the orbitofrontal cortex, the middle temporal regions, and the precuneus, along with higher SCR. During recollection of previously learned face‐name pairs, NN (compared to healthy controls) demonstrated a weaker involvement of the hippocampus. Our findings suggest that, in DA, specific arousal systems remain capable of being activated by familiar faces outside of conscious awareness. The decreased activation observed in the hippocampus demonstrates that the functioning of memory‐sensitive regions may be impaired by trauma.
Self‐awareness and self‐understanding
Authors: Rousse B. Scot
Published: July 2018

In this paper, I critically examine Dan Zahavi's multidimensional account of the self and show how the distinction he makes among “pre‐reflective minimal,” “interpersonal,” and “normative” dimensions of selfhood needs to be refined in order to accommodate what I call “pre‐reflective self‐understanding.” The latter is a normative dimension of selfhood manifest not in reflection and deliberation, but in the habits and style of a person's pre‐reflective absorption in the world. After reviewing Zahavi's multidimensional account and revealing this gap in his explanatory taxonomy, I draw upon Heidegger, Merleau‐Ponty, and Frankfurt in order to sketch an account of pre‐reflective self‐understanding. I end by raising an objection to Zahavi's claim for the primitive and foundational status of pre‐reflective self‐awareness. To carve off self‐awareness from the self's practical immersion in a situation where things and possibilities already matter and draw one to act is to distort the phenomena. A more careful phenomenology of pre‐reflective action shows that pre‐reflective self‐awareness and pre‐reflective self‐understanding are co‐constitutive, both mutually for each other and jointly for everyday experience.
UVB‐inhibited H19 activates melanogenesis by paracrine effects
Authors: Pei Shiyao , Huang Jinhua , Chen Jing , Hu Shuanghai , Lei Li , Fu Chuhan , Jiang Ling , Ding Yufang , Leng Yiming , Huang Lihua , Xiang Hong , Zeng Qinghai
Published: July 2018

The long noncoding RNA H19 was reported to associate with melanogenesis. However, it remains unknown whether H19 expression will be changed by UVB irradiation and whether H19 will regulate melanocytes melanogenesis by paracrine effects. Here, we analysed the expression changes of H19 irradiated by UVB in keratinocytes and explored the mechanism of melanogenesis stimulated by H19 through paracrine effects. First, after keratinocytes were exposed to UVB irradiation, expression of H19 and pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) was measured by qRT‐PCR. Also, α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) contents in cells supernatant were measured by ELISA. Then, H19 siRNAs were designed and transfected into keratinocytes by liposome. The expression changes of H19, POMC and α‐MSH were detected. Besides, expression of p53 was detected by Western blot. After that, supernatant of keratinocytes with H19 siRNAs or negative control siRNA was cocultured with immortalized melanocyte line PIG1. Expression levels of MiTF, TYR, Rab27A, TYRP2, FSCN1 and MYO5A in PIG1 cells were detected by Western blot and qRT‐PCR. We found that H19 expression of keratinocytes cells decreased after UVB irradiation. However, the levels of POMC, α‐MSH and p53 were upregulated in UVB‐irradiated cells. Compared with the negative control, H19 siRNAs could significantly increase the expression of POMC, α‐MSH and p53. After supernatant of keratinocytes transfected with H19 siRNAs was cocultured with PIG1 cells, the levels of MiTF, TYR and Rab27A were upregulated in PIG1 cells. In conclusion, UVB‐inhibited H19 may promote α‐MSH secretion by p53 in keratinocytes and then regulate melanocytes melanogenesis through paracrine effects.
Periodontal disease among older people and its impact on oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Kato Takahiro , Abrahamsson Ingemar , Wide Ulla , Hakeberg Magnus
Published: July 2018

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the associations between degree of periodontal disease and number of teeth on oral health‐related quality of life among older individuals.

Material and methods

Randomly selected 804 participants aged ≥70 derived from two cohorts were included in the analysis. Dental examinations and evaluation of OHRQL using the OHIP‐14 (Oral Health Impact Profile‐14) were performed. After categorisation of the participants according to the extent of periodontitis in three groups (none, localised with <30% of teeth affected, generalised with ≥30% of teeth affected) and the number of teeth, associations between periodontal status and the number of teeth and the OHIP‐14 scores were analysed. Multivariable regression analyses were used taking into account level of periodontitis, number of teeth, age and sex.

Results

Among 70‐year‐old men and women, generalised periodontitis showed an association with poor OHRQL. However, a multivariable analysis failed to demonstrate this association (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.72‐1.44). In participants with 1‐10 remaining teeth, the OHIP‐14 score was significantly increased indicating poor OHRQL, compared with participants with ≥21 remaining teeth (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.13‐2.19). Similar findings were observed among women aged 70‐92 years.

Conclusions

Periodontitis did not show an association with poor OHRQL, however, a significant association between the number of teeth and poor OHRQL was found.
Anticholinergic drugs use and risk of hip fracture in geriatric patients
Authors: Kose Eiji , Hirai Toshiyuki , Seki Toshiichi
Published: July 2018

Aim

Limited research exists regarding the effect of anticholinergic drugs on fracture in geriatric Japanese patients. The aim of the present study was to establish whether anticholinergic load affects hip fracture and to clarify the risk based on the Anticholinergic Risk Scale score among geriatric patients in a convalescent rehabilitation setting.

Methods

The present nested case–control study included consecutive geriatric patients admitted and discharged from the convalescent rehabilitation ward between 2010 and 2016. Participants were divided based on the presence or absence of hip fracture during hospitalization. Demographic data, laboratory data and the Functional Independence Measure were analyzed between groups. The primary outcome was the presence of hip fracture. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to analyze the relationship between anticholinergic drug use and hip fracture.

Results

In total, 601 participants (210 men, 391 women; interquartile range 73–85 years) were included in the present study. Multiple logistic regression analysis of hip fracture, adjusting for confounding factors, showed that anticholinergic drug use was independently and positively correlated with hip fracture. In particular, an increase in the Anticholinergic Risk Scale score by 2 points correlates with a 2.86‐fold greater risk for hip fracture, and an increase of ≥3 points results in a 4.21‐fold greater risk, both being statistically significant results.

Conclusion

Increased anticholinergic load during hospitalization might be a predictor of increased hip fracture in geriatric patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1340–1344.
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease risks in patients with autoimmune disorders
Authors: Li Xinjun , Sundquist Jan , Zöller Bengt , Sundquist Kristina
Published: July 2018

Aim

To investigate an association between autoimmune disorders (AID) and hospitalization for dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and to study whether the risk is associated with follow‐up time and age.

Methods

We followed up all individuals in Sweden without previous hospital admission for dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and with a primary or secondary diagnosis of an AID between 1 January 1964 and 31 December 2010, in the Swedish National Patient Register for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The Swedish National Patient Register includes both inpatients and outpatients. We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for dementia and Alzheimer's disease, adjusted for individual variables, including age, sex and comorbidities.

Results

A total of 788 103 individuals were admitted to hospital because of an autoimmune disorder without previous dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Among a total of 42 conditions of AID, 9998 dementia and Alzheimer's disease patients were identified with a SIR of 1.28 (95% CI 1.26–1.31). A total of 17 showed an increased risk, and of those the remaining, 14 conditions were still at risk, when dementia and Alzheimer's disease diagnosed in the year of AID diagnosed were excluded. The risks depended on the age at hospitalization for dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusions

The present large study quantified the increased risks of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in patients with many types of AID. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1350–1355.
Moderating effect of emotional support on the relationship between disability and life satisfaction in older adults
Authors: Haron Sharifah A , Foong Hui F , Hamid Tengku A
Published: July 2018

Aim

Disability is strongly linked to poorer life satisfaction among older persons. Such close correlations warrant better understanding of the underlying moderator in which negative effects of the former on the latter can be reduced. More specifically, it is the aim of this study to examine the moderating effect of emotional support on the relationship between disability and life satisfaction.

Methods

The study included 2322 nationally represented community‐dwelling older persons in Malaysia who participated in the baseline study of Neuroprotective Model for Healthy Longevity. In order to test the moderating effect of emotional support on the association between disability and life satisfaction, a series of hierarchical multiple linear regression models were utilized, after controlling for potential covariates associated with life satisfaction.

Results

Bivariate analyses showed that disability negatively predicted life satisfaction, whereas emotional support positively predicted life satisfaction. Furthermore, the moderated hierarchical regression analysis showed that emotional support moderated the association between disability and life satisfaction, after controlling for potential covariates, such that the negative relationship between disability and life satisfaction was stronger for individuals with lower levels of emotional support.

Conclusions

The presence of emotional support might reduce the negative effects of disability on life satisfaction. These findings have important clinical implications, especially in developing better strategies to help disabled older persons to cope with their disabilities; with the hope that in the long term, a society with healthy longevity can be established. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1361–1365.
Early decision‐making in acute pulmonary embolism: a retrospective clinical audit
Authors: Hepburn‐Brown Morgan , Irving Louis , Hammerschlag Gary
Published: July 2018

Background

There is increasing evidence supporting early discharge of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (aPE) deemed ‘low prognostic risk’ as a safe and viable alternative to admission if identified correctly by guideline algorithms.

Aim

To determine if risk stratification guidelines were followed accurately in an Australian tertiary hospital.

Methods

Patients admitted to the emergency department with a diagnosis of PE were included from December 2012 to December 2017. The 272 patients were retrospectively assessed for prognostic risk prior to and after release of the 2014 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. This included the simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI), and evidence of right heart dysfunction. Thereafter, patients were dichotomised into low (i.e. sPESI = 0) and non‐low (i.e. sPESI ≥1 with or without the evidence of right heart dysfunction) prognostic risk groups.

Results

Prior to ESC guideline release, 52 (65%) of the 80 patients diagnosed with PE were non‐low risk and 12 (23%) of these were discharged home; 11 (91.7%) of the 12 discharges had unrecognised sPESI medical history components. After ESC guideline release, 122 (63.5%) of the 192 patients were non‐low risk and 20 (16.4%) of these were discharged home; 18 (90%) of the 20 discharges had unrecognised sPESI medical history components.

Conclusion

We found that the sPESI score is not adequately applied in determining prognostic risk for acute PE. In cases of non‐low‐risk discharge, both prior to and after ESC guideline release, the medical history components of the sPESI score are under‐recognised as a marker of increased prognostic risk.
Sexual orientation, labour supply and occupational sorting in Canada
Authors: Dilmaghani Maryam
Published: July 2018

Using five consecutive cycles of the Canadian General Social Survey covering 2010–14, the present article examines the differences in the labour supply and occupational sorting of partnered men and women by sexual orientation. Conditional on being gainfully employed, lesbians are found to have a higher labour supply than heterosexual women, even controlling for factors such as the number of children and the characteristics of the spouse. The reverse is true for gay men. The analysis of occupational structure shows that lesbians are more likely to sort into male‐dominated occupations, while the reverse is true for gay men. The findings of this article have implications for the correct interpretation of the sexual orientation related earnings gaps.
The effectiveness of exercise for fall prevention in nursing home residents: A systematic review meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Pei‐ye , Zhao Qing‐hua , Xiao Ming‐zhao , Kong Ling‐na , Xiao Ling
Published: July 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of exercise on fall prevention in nursing home residents.

Background

Nursing home residents have a high risk of falling. No conclusive evidence exists on the effectiveness of exercise on fall prevention in nursing home residents.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Data resources

Databases of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and China Biology Medicine were searched from inception to March 2017, with no language limitation.

Review methods

The review was conducted according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration. Studies on exercise interventions to prevent falls in nursing home residents were eligible. The primary outcome was the odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals of falls.

Results

Nine studies were included in the meta‐analysis where exercise was compared with daily routine, social activities, and other methods in preventing falls. About falls, the pooled effect size of seven studies showed that exercise had no effect on fall prevention in nursing home residents. There was low heterogeneity. No significant publication bias was observed.

Conclusions

The results of the systematic review and meta‐analysis suggested that exercise did not play a role in preventing falls. Further studies with high quality and larger samples are required to support or counter the results.
Collagen regulates the ability of endothelial progenitor cells to protect hypoxic myocardium through a mechanism involving miR‐377/VE‐PTP axis
Authors: Rosca Ana‐Maria , Mitroi Daniel Nicolae , Cismasiu Valeriu , Badea Rodica , Necula‐Petrareanu Georgiana , Preda Mihai Bogdan , Niculite Cristina , Tutuianu Raluca , Szedlacsek Stefan , Burlacu Alexandrina
Published: July 2018

The possibility to employ stem/progenitor cells in the cardiovascular remodelling after myocardial infarction is one of the main queries of regenerative medicine. To investigate whether endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) participate in the restoration of hypoxia‐affected myocardium, we used a co‐culture model that allowed the intimate interaction between EPCs and myocardial slices, mimicking stem cell transplantation into the ischaemic heart. On this model, we showed that EPCs engrafted to some extent and only transiently survived into the host tissue, yet produced visible protective effects, in terms of angiogenesis and protection against apoptosis and identified miR‐377‐VE‐PTP axis as being involved in the protective effects of EPCs in hypoxic myocardium. We also showed that collagen, the main component of the myocardial scar, was important for these protective effects by preserving VE‐PTP levels, which were otherwise diminished by miR‐377. By this, a good face of the scar is revealed, which was so far perceived as having only detrimental impact on the exogenously delivered stem/progenitor cells by affecting not only the engraftment, but also the general protective effects of stem cells.
The non‐coding RNA OTUB1‐isoform2 promotes ovarian tumour progression and predicts poor prognosis
Authors: Wang Shunni , Ning Yan , Wei Ping , Cai Dongliag , Lu Linghui , Li Jing , Wang Yiqin
Published: July 2018

Ovarian cancer is the leading malignancy of the female reproductive system and is associated with inconspicuous early invasion and metastasis. We have previously reported that the oncogene OTUB1 plays a crucial role in ovarian cancer progression, but the role of its isoform, the non‐coding RNA OTUB1‐isoform2, in ovarian cancer is still elusive. Here, we reported that OTUB1‐isoform2 expression in ovarian cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in the paired paratumorous tissues (P < .01). The patients with high expression of OTUB1‐isoform2 had larger tumours than those with low expression (P < .05). The high expression of OTUB1‐isoform2 was correlated with the involvement of bilateral ovaries (P < .05), lymph node metastasis (P < .05), vascular invasion (P < .05), greater omentum involvement (P < .01), fallopian tube involvement (P < .05), advanced FIGO stages (P < .01) and recurrence (P < .01). Moreover, OTUB1‐isoform2 served as an independent negative prognostic predictor for disease‐free survival (DFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS). Overexpression of OTUB1‐isoform2 in the ovarian cancer cells stimulated cell proliferation, migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, our study suggested that OTUB1‐isoform2 is a novel prognostic biomarker with independent oncogenic functions for ovarian cancer.
The integration of sociality, monoamines and stress neuroendocrinology in fish models: applications in the neurosciences
Authors: Soares Marta C. , Gerlai Robert , Maximino Caio
Published: July 2018

Animal‐focused research has been crucial for scientific advancement, but rodents are still taking a starring role. Starting as merely supporting evidence found in rodents, the use of fish models has slowly taken a more central role and expanded its overall contributions in areas such as social sciences, evolution, physiology and recently in translational medical research. In the neurosciences, zebrafish Danio rerio have been widely adopted, contributing to our understanding of the genetic control of brain processes and the effects of pharmacological manipulations. However, discussion continues regarding the paradox of function versus structure, when fishes and mammals are compared and on the potentially evolutionarily conserved nature of behaviour across fish species. From a behavioural standpoint, we explore aversive–stress and social behaviour in selected fish models and refer to the extensive contributions of stress and monoaminergic systems. We suggest that, in spite of marked neuroanatomical differences between fishes and mammals, stress and sociality are conserved at the behavioural and molecular levels. We also suggest that stress and sociality are mediated by monoamines in predictable and non‐trivial ways and that monoamines could bridge the relationship between stress and social behaviour. To reconcile the level of divergence with the level of similarity, we need neuroanatomical, pharmacological, behavioural and ecological studies conducted in the laboratory and in nature. These areas need to add to each other to enhance our understanding of fish behaviour and ultimately how this all may lead to better model systems for translational studies.
Safety and efficacy of using vascular closure devices for hemostasis on sheath removal after a transfemoral artery percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Su Shu‐Fen , Chang Mei‐Yu , Wu Meng‐Shan , Liao Ying‐Chin
Published: July 2018

Aim

To determine the efficacy of vascular closure devices (VCDs) for hemostasis following transfemoral percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs).

Methods

This two‐group pre–post‐test observational study with purposive sampling enrolled 73 patients between January, 2014 and February, 2015. The patients were allocated to either the intervention (vascular closure devices group, n = 34) or the control group (manual compression [MC] group, n = 39). Questionnaires were used to assess their demographic and clinical characteristics, vascular complications, visual analogue scale score for pain, and discomfort levels. Pain and discomfort were measured before and after the PCI.

Results

Vascular complications were observed in 15 (44.1%) VCD patients and 13 (33.3%) MC patients, with no significant between‐group difference. However, the VCD patients had a higher relative risk of bruising, hematomas, and need for further treatment. After the PCI, the pain scores and discomfort levels increased significantly in both groups, but the VCD patients had more successful hemostasis, less pain, and less physical and psychological discomfort (lower‐limb numbness, shoulder pain, restlessness, and worrying about walking ability, being unable to lift heavy objects in the future, and taking time off from work).

Conclusion

The VCDs seem to be superior to the MCs, providing more successful hemostasis, less pain and discomfort, and earlier ambulation after a transfemoral PCI. These findings aid clinical nurses in understanding the risk of vascular complications, discomfort, and pain that are associated with VCD use for improving the quality of clinical care and help clinicians in determining the appropriate hemostatic method for patients undergoing a transfemoral PCI, particularly in the Chinese population.
Why Do We Require Registered Nurses in Nursing Homes? Using Longitudinal Hierarchical Linear Modeling
Authors: Shin Juh Hyun
Published: July 2018

Aims

To examine the relationship between nurse staffing and quality of care of nursing home residents, longitudinally.

Background

Mixed results abound on the relationship between nurse staffing and quality of care of residents in nursing homes. Cross‐sectional designs may underpin bias because the relationship between staffing and quality emerges over time, with latent unobserved variables. To offset this limitation, I used a longitudinal design in this study.

Design

I used repeated quarterly survey methods.

Methods

I measured staffing information with a formula developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Outcome variables were 15 quality indicators and the Korean National Health Insurance Service 2015 nursing home evaluation manual.

Results and Findings

As registered nurse hours per resident day increased by 1, the percentage of residents with depression decreased by 3.88%, and the prevalence of residents with nasogastric tubes increased by 1.17% in 3 months. Prevalence of residents with bed rest decreased by 5.72%, and residents with restraints decreased by 1.092%. More registered nurses and fewer certified nursing assistants or qualified care workers yielded a statistically significant negative influence on aggressive behavior, depression, weight loss, and bed rest. The higher turnover of total nursing staff related to more use of antidepressants.

Conclusions

Results supported registered nurses’ exclusive impact on resident outcomes. More longitudinal research is required to confirm the influence of nurses on nursing home residents’ outcomes.

Clinical Relevance: This study supported about the contributions of increased input of Registered Nurses, additional to previous longitudinal studies. The nursing homes in Korea should have mandatory Registered Nurse placement for optimal quality of care.

Clinical Relevance

This study supported about the contributions of increased input of Registered Nurses, additional to previous longitudinal studies. The nursing homes in Korea should have mandatory Registered Nurse placement for optimal quality of care.
Registered Nurse Perception of Patient Assignment Linking to Working Conditions and Outcomes
Authors: Choi JiSun , Miller Peggy
Published: July 2018

Purpose

To examine nurse working conditions and outcomes (job satisfaction, intent to stay, and RN‐rated quality of care) among registered nurses (RNs) with different perceptions of patient assignments.

Design and Methods

A descriptive study was conducted using data from 106,439 RNs in 751 acute care hospitals that participated in the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators® (NDNQI®) RN Survey. To compare the nurse working conditions and three outcomes by the two RN groups on perceptions of patient assignment, chi‐square and t tests were performed with Stata version 14.

Findings

All comparisons of nurse working conditions and outcomes examined in this study were significantly different between the two RN groups on perceptions of patient assignment. RNs who rated their patient assignments to be appropriate were significantly more likely to report positive working conditions (e.g., fewer assigned patients and appropriate meal break) than those who rated their patient assignments to be inappropriate. RNs who rated their patient assignments as appropriate also reported higher job satisfaction, intent to stay in current positions, and quality of care compared with their counterparts of patient assignment perception.

Conclusions

Positive perceptions of patient assignments among RNs were significantly related to better nurse working conditions as well as positive outcomes.

Clinical Relevance

To create nursing work environments that significantly affect nurse and patient outcomes, nursing administrators or managers should pay attention to ensure not only adequate nurse staffing levels, but also optimal nurse‐to‐patient assignments.
Segmental innervation of the Göttingen minipig hind body. An electrophysiological study
Authors: Meier Kaare , Qerama Erisela , Ettrup Kåre Schmidt , Glud Andreas Nørgaard , Alstrup Aage Kristian Olsen , Sørensen Jens Christian Hedemann
Published: July 2018

The Göttingen minipig is being used increasingly in biomedical research. The anatomical structure of the porcine peripheral nervous system has been extensively characterized, but no equivalent to the dermatome map, which is so valuable in human neurophysiological research, has been created. We characterized the medullar segmental skin and muscle innervations of the minipig hind body, using neurophysiological methodology. Six adult minipigs underwent unilateral laminectomy from L2 to S3, exposing the nerve roots. The skin of the hind part of the body was divided into 36 predefined fields, based on anatomical landmarks for consistent reproducibility. We recorded the evoked potential in each exposed nerve root L2‐S3 for cutaneous stimulation of each skin field, mapping the sensory innervation of the entire hind body. We subsequently recorded the motor response in seven predefined muscles during sequential stimulation of the L2‐S3 nerve roots. We obtained a clear sensory evoked potential in the nerve roots during stimulation of the skin fields, allowing us to map the sensory innervation of the minipig hind body. Neurophysiological data from skin stimulation and muscle recordings enabled us to map the sensory innervation of the Göttingen minipig hind body and provide information about muscular innervation. The skin fields were sensory innervated by more than one root. The muscles each had one dominant root with minor contribution from neighboring roots. This is consistent with experimental data from human studies.
Assessment of the moisturizing properties of a magnetic mask containing iron oxide particles
Authors: Montoya Paula , Henao Kelly , Pérez Gianina , Salazar Carlos A. , Calderón Jorge
Published: July 2018

Background

Moisturizer is an important component of many cosmetic products. It helps to maintain the skin's integrity and its barrier functions. Recently, magnetic masks that seek to improve the properties of the skin have been developed and have become a new cosmetic trend. However, scientific proof of their stated properties is lacking.

Aims

To test whether iron oxide contained in a face mask with magnetic properties in an oily matrix with a freeze‐dried aloe‐vera base increases moisturization of the skin and improves skin barrier function.

Methods

Formulations were prepared containing an oil phase (67.3% wt.) and a solid phase (32.7% wt.). The moisturizing properties of the mask were tested by measuring in vivo electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, contact angle, and visual appearance. Meanwhile, human panel tests were performed to evaluate the sensory perception of potential users.

Results

The moisturizing effect of the iron oxide mask is clearly superior to that of the other tested samples. Water retention and low transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were evidenced for the iron oxide magnetic mask. Its occlusive action on the skin resulted in larger water contact angles and enhances the barrier effect. A favorable sensory perception on the part of the users was obtained for the iron oxide magnetic mask.

Conclusion

The presence of iron oxide and the magnetic property of the mask enhance occlusive behavior, diminishing the TEWL. Sensory analysis of the iron oxide magnetic mask performed by human panel tests shows that they possess characteristics including neutral odor, and easy, pleasant‐feeling application.
A successful case of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical hysterectomy during pregnancy for advanced uterine cervical cancer accompanied by neonatal erythroderma
Authors: Kayahashi Kayo , Mizumoto Yasunari , Myojo Subaru , Mitani Yusuke , Tajima Atsushi , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: July 2018

Recent reports showed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been successfully applied to treat advanced uterine cervical cancers during pregnancy. However, its side effects on the fetus remain unclear. Here, we report a 33‐year‐old primipara who underwent four courses of NAC therapy, paclitaxel and cisplatin, from 17 to 27 weeks of gestation due to uterine cervical cancer stage IB2. At 31 weeks of gestation, cesarean section and radical hysterectomy were performed, and a female baby weighing 1446 g was born. Although pre‐ and postnatal courses were uneventful, neonatal erythroderma over the entire body was observed just after delivery. The pathological diagnosis was ichthyosiform erythroderma, which was later demonstrated to be keratitis‐ichthyosis‐deafness syndrome, by exome sequencing analysis. Although her skin disorder was consistent with keratitis‐ichthyosis‐deafness syndrome, the skin condition gradually improved after delivery. These findings suggest that NAC therapy during pregnancy might cause or exacerbate systemic skin lesions in the fetus/neonate.
Effect of Aging and Weathering on the Physical Properties of Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomers: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Rahman Ahmed Mushfiqur , Jamayet Nafij Bin , Nizami Md Minhaz Ul Islam , Johari Yanti , Husein Adam , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This systematic review aims to identify and interpret results of studies that evaluated the changes in the physical properties of maxillofacial prosthetic materials (1) without aging, (2) after natural or artificial accelerated aging, and (3) after outdoor weathering.

Methods

Relevant articles written in English only, before January 15, 2017, were identified using an electronic search in the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Furthermore, a manual search of the related major journals was also conducted to identify more pertinent articles. The relevancy of the articles was verified by screening the title, abstract, and full text if they met the inclusion criteria. A total of 37 articles satisfied the criteria, from which data were extracted for qualitative synthesis.

Results

Among the 37 included articles, 14 were without aging, 15 were natural or artificial accelerated aging, 7 were outdoor weathering, and 1 contained both artificial aging and outdoor weathering. Only 4 studies out of the 14 without aging had significant observations; whereas 9 articles with natural or artificial aging published significant results, and 3 out of 7 outdoor weathering articles showed significant changes in the evaluated silicone elastomers.

Conclusions

Despite the varying research, it seems that the single “ideal” maxillofacial prosthetic material that can provide sufficient resistance against different aging conditions is yet to be identified. Therefore, it is imperative for standardization organizations, the scientific community, and academia to develop modified prosthetic silicones possessing improved physical properties and color stability, limiting the clinical problems regarding degradation of maxillofacial prostheses.
Estimation of Insurance Deductible Demand Under Endogenous Premium Rates
Authors: Woodard Joshua D. , Yi Jing
Published: July 2018

Government‐subsidized insurance is ubiquitous, yet estimation of demand in such markets remains challenging. The premium charged for a given deductible is determined by actuarial construction; thus, observed choice‐pairs are endogenous leading to biased estimation under standard econometric approaches. A theoretical model and simulation study are developed, and a new identification strategy proposed. An empirical application using Federal Crop Insurance Program—a $100 billion/year program—data reveals that demand is quite elastic after accounting for this endogeneity. Mistreatment of such endogeneity is likely partly responsible for pervasive faulty findings of inelastic insurance demand in related applications. Policy implications are also discussed.