bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population based study: atopy and autoimmune diseases are associated with functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, independent of psychological distress
Authors: Koloski Natasha , Jones Michael , Walker Marjorie M. , Veysey Martin , Zala Alkesh , Keely Simon , Holtmann Gerald , Talley Nicholas J.
Published: January 2019

Background

The pathogenesis of functional GI disorders (FGIDs) is uncertain. However, underlying immune activation and psychological distress has been documented in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD). Epidemiological data from the UK suggest that FGIDs are linked to atopy and certain autoimmune diseases but this has not been confirmed.

Aim

To test if allergic or autoimmune diseases are independently associated with FGIDs, irrespective of psychological distress in a large population based study.

Methods

A total of 3542 people (mean age 57.9 years and 52.7% females) randomly selected from the Australian population, returned a mail survey (response rate = 43%). The survey asked about a physician diagnosis of autoimmune disease (scleroderma, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus) or allergic conditions (asthma, food, pollen and/or animal allergy). The questionnaire assessed psychological distress and Rome III criteria for FD and IBS.

Results

Asthma, food, pollen and animal allergies, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis were univariately significantly associated with IBS and FD. Food allergy (OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.15‐2.40, P = 0.007), psoriasis (OR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.19‐2.74, P = 0.006) and rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.15‐2.4, P = 0.007) were independent risk factors for IBS, controlling for age, gender and psychological distress. In FD, asthma (OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.04‐1.68, P = 0.025) and food allergy (OR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.28‐2.49, P = 0.001) were independent predictors, controlling for age, sex and psychological distress.

Conclusions

There is evidence that both atopic and autoimmune diseases are risk factors for FGIDs, independent of psychological distress, differing in IBS and FD. This provides evidence that different peripheral pathways may be involved in the pathogenesis of certain FGIDs.
Trends in the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease among Jewish Israeli adolescents: a population‐based study
Authors: Ghersin Itai , Khteeb Neron , Katz Lior H. , Daher Saleh , Shamir Raanan , Assa Amit
Published: January 2019

Background

The incidence and prevalence trends of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) vary between developed and developing countries.

Aim

To investigate the prevalence and associated sociodemographic factors of IBD in Israeli Jewish adolescents

Methods

The files of the army medical corps were reviewed for adolescents recruited in 2002‐2016 with confirmed IBD. Covariate data included birth date, patient and parental country of birth, number of children in the household, age at diagnosis, and socioeconomic status. Findings were compared with the remaining recruits without IBD.

Results

Of the 1,144,213 adolescents recruited, 2372 (0.2%) had IBD (Crohn's disease, 68%). Median age of the cohort was 17.1 years (interquartile range, 16.9‐17.3). Over the study period, the annual point prevalence per 100,000 examinees significantly increased: total IBD, 58 to 373; Crohn's disease, 42 to 425; ulcerative colitis, 16 to 128. Mean age at IBD diagnosis decreased from 15.0 ± 2.8 years in 2002‐2008 to 14.3 ± 3.1 years in 2009‐2016 (P < 0.0001). Significance was maintained on separate analyses of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both diseases were significantly less prevalent in subjects from families with at least one parent born in a developing country and ≥3 children. There was a significant association of lower socioeconomic status with lower prevalence of Crohn's disease (odds ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval, 0.31‐0.54) and ulcerative colitis (odds ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval, 0.15‐0.42).

Conclusions

The point prevalence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in Israeli Jewish adolescents increased six‐fold and eight‐fold, respectively, over 15 years along with a decrease in age at diagnosis.
Initial learning curve for robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy performed by a single experienced robotic surgeon
Authors: Motoyama Daisuke , Matsushita Yuto , Watanabe Hiromitsu , Tamura Keita , Suzuki Takahisa , Ito Toshiki , Sugiyama Takayuki , Otsuka Atsushi , Miyake Hideaki
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the initial learning curve for robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, California).

Methods

This study included the initial 65 consecutive patients with small renal tumors who had undergone RAPN at our institution. A single trained surgeon with extensive experience in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, but not in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, performed RAPN for all patients using the da Vinci Xi. The learning curve was analyzed by examining the perioperative outcomes among five groups each consisting of 13 consecutive patients.

Results

In this series, the median tumor size and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score were 23 mm and 7, respectively, and the median console time and warm ischemia time (WIT) were 116 and 15 minutes, respectively. Fifty‐eight patients (89.2%) achieved trifecta outcomes, meaning that the ischemic time was ≤25 minutes, there was a negative surgical margin, and no major postoperative complications occurred. Although there were no significant changes in R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores over time, increased surgeon experience was significantly associated with a shorter console time and WIT. Drawing logarithmic approximation curves enabled the achievement of a console time ≤150 minutes and WIT ≤20 minutes at the sixth and fourth procedures, respectively. Furthermore, multivariate analysis identified an independent correlation between surgeon experience with WIT, but not with console time.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that regardless of a surgeon's prior experience in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, an experienced robotic surgeon can perform RAPN using the da Vinci Xi with acceptable perioperative outcomes after a small number of procedures.
Vegetation and climate changes in northwestern Russia during the Lateglacial and Holocene inferred from the Lake Ladoga pollen record
Authors: Savelieva Larisa A. , Andreev Andrei A. , Gromig Raphael , Subetto Dmitry A. , Fedorov Grigory B. , Wennrich Volker , Wagner Bernd , Melles Martin
Published: January 2019

The new pollen record from the upper 12.75 m of a sediment core obtained in Lake Ladoga documents regional vegetation and climate changes in northwestern Russia over the last 13.9 cal. ka. The Lateglacial chronostratigraphy is based on varve chronology, while the Holocene stratigraphy is based on AMS 14C and OSL dates, supported by comparison with regional pollen records. During the Lateglacial (c. 13.9–11.2 cal. ka BP), the Lake Ladoga region experienced several climatic fluctuations as reflected in vegetation changes. Shrub and grass communities dominated between c. 13.9 and 13.2 cal. ka BP. The increase in Picea pollen at c. 13.2 cal. ka BP probably reflects the appearance of spruce in the southern Ladoga region at the beginning of the Allerød interstadial. After c. 12.6 cal. ka BP, the Younger Dryas cooling caused a significant decrease in spruce and increase in Artemisia with other herbs, indicative of tundra‐ and steppe‐like vegetation. A sharp transition from tundra‐steppe habitats to sparse birch forests characterizes the onset of Holocene warming c. 11.2 cal. ka BP. Pine forests dominated in the region from c. 9.0 to 8.1 cal. ka BP. The most favourable climatic conditions for deciduous broad‐leaved taxa existed between c. 8.1 and 5.5 cal. ka BP. Alder experiences an abrupt increase in the local vegetation c. 7.8 cal. ka BP. The decrease in tree pollen taxa (especially Picea) and the increase in herbs (mainly Poaceae) probably reflect human activity during the last 2.2 cal. ka. Pine forests have dominated the region since that time. Secale and other Cerealia pollen as well as ruderal herbs are permanently recorded since c. 0.8 cal. ka BP.
Pyrolysis of modern wetland sediment: extracting climate records from fens in the Uinta Mountains and Fish Lake Plateau, Utah, USA
Authors: Hudson Samuel M. , Hillam Samuel A. , Barker Joel , Nelson Stephen T. , Rey Kevin A.
Published: January 2019

Rock‐Eval pyrolysis provides a quick, relatively inexpensive means of characterizing organic‐rich strata, and has been used for decades to understand global petroleum systems. Although designed to characterize ancient kerogens, pyrolysis is increasingly being used to understand Holocene systems as well. The ability of this technique to distinguish between types of preserved organic matter is useful in characterizing climatic evolution, particularly in systems sensitive to climatic fluctuation such as isolated fens and bogs. Cores collected from the Tokewanna and Garden Basin Cattail fens in central/eastern Utah exhibit variability of organic source, with the mixture of terrestrial and algal sources varying through time, as shown through the hydrogen index (HI) and oxygen index pyrolysis parameters. A sediment core was collected at each fen, and 176 samples were taken from the cores at 6‐cm intervals. Total organic carbon (TOC) for all samples ranges from 1.3 to 44.2%, with an average of 18.2% TOC. Samples range from 84 to 687 HI, equivalent to Type I (lacustrine algal) to Type III (terrestrial) organic material (OM). Variability in HI response represents mixing of the two OM sources, and the relative amount of aqueous organic input can be estimated through time based on age‐calibrated HI curves at the two sites. The balance of organic input serves as an accurate, high‐resolution proxy for climate, and calibration with palynological data near both sites confirms patterns shown by pyrolysis, showing the utility of this method in quickly, affordably and accurately characterizing Holocene sediments for use in understanding palaeoclimate.
Debate: Pediatric bipolar disorder – divided by a common language?
Authors: Stringaris Argyris
Published: January 2019

The paediatric bipolar disorder (pBD) debate is seen as a prototypical transatlantic controversy. But this is a Eurocentric view that ignores just how big a country the United States is – it contains multitudes, to paraphrase Walt Whitman writing in the aftermath of the Civil War. Indeed, such are the multitudes that a child can receive a diagnosis of bipolar in one State, but not in a neighbouring one. It was the force of this intra‐American division that swept over the Atlantic. As this has been the case for many other goods imported from the United States, the European high‐brow response was that pBD was just a New World fad. This response was evidently wrong. Of course, there are young children who have full‐blown manic and depressive episodes and who need treatment. And the bitter truth was (and continues to be in parts of the United Kingdom) that often such children are dismissed as having ‘character pathology’ and their families accused of all sorts of inadequacies. Clearly, here was an important problem hidden under layers of Old‐World crustiness.
Synthesis and antitumor activity of 2‐isocamphanyl thiosemicarbazone derivatives via ROS‐enhanced mitochondrial damage
Authors: Wang Yunyun , Wang Zhonglong , Kuang Hongbo , Zhang Yan , Gu Wen , Zhu Yongqiang , Wang Shifa
Published: January 2019

A series of novel 2‐isocamphanyl thiosemicarbazone derivatives were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. In in vitro anticancer activity, most derivatives showed considerable cytotoxic activity against four cancer cell lines (RPMI‐8226, A549, MDA‐MB‐231, and HepG2 cancer cells) and showed low toxicity against human gastric mucosal cells (GES‐1). Among them, compound 4h exhibited excellent antitumor activity against the tested cancer cells with IC50 values of 0.4, 1.1, 1.6, and 1.7 μM for MDA‐MB‐231, RPMI‐8226, A549, and HepG2, respectively. Further, mechanism studies indicated that compound 4h induced apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cells through enhancing reactive oxygen species levels, inducing mitochondrial membrane potential decrease, and influencing the expression of Bax, Bcl‐2, caspase‐3, and caspase‐9.
Topographic characterization of multispecies biofilms growing on dental implant surfaces: An in vitro model
Authors: Bermejo Patricia , Sánchez María Carmen , Llama‐Palacios Arancha , Figuero Elena , Herrera David , Sanz Mariano
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To describe the early biofilm formation over whole dental implants with its micro‐ and macrostructure, using an in vitro multispecies biofilm model.

Material and methods

Six bacterial strains (Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonella parvula, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans) were used to develop in vitro biofilms over whole titanium implants (growth times 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hr). The morphology of biofilms was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and the bacterial dynamics through quantitative polymerase chain reaction. As primary outcome variable, numbers of each species [colony‐forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml)] at different incubation times were compared using the one‐way analysis of variance and post hoc testing with Bonferroni's correction. Furthermore, implants were fixed in methacrylate stents to reproduce the clinical situation and biofilms were developed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Bacteria colonized implants in a short period of time. Biofilms reached a mature state at 96 hr, exhibiting different ratios of live/dead cells depending on their location, being the peaks of the threads the areas harboring more live bacteria. The densities of each bacteria fluctuated in time, reaching its maximum at 96 hr. Even though the coefficients of variation were high, percentages were similar to those published previously using implant surface specimens, rather than whole implants.

Conclusion

Dental implants can be colonized by different bacterial species, developing into a mature and well‐structured biofilm, which depending on the location may exhibit different degree of bacterial vitality.
A positive deviance approach to improve familial authorization for organ donation
Authors: Fico Ashley E. , Feeley Thomas Hugh
Published: January 2019

The current study evaluates the Positive Deviance Donation Collaborative, a communication training program designed to identify and disseminate behaviors of requesters with above‐average rates of familial authorization to organ donation. The program initiated with a cohort of 99 requesters from 11 OPOs. Requesters’ quarterly authorization rates were monitored for 33 months, and their pre‐/post‐intervention skills in active‐empathic listening and self‐efficacy to request donation were assessed. Overall, requesters’ mean quarterly authorization rate was 53.69% (SD = 4.54). Multilevel models were used to examine change in authorization rates and communication skills, as well as associations between skills and authorization. Low intraclass correlation coefficients for authorization rates established that most variance was due to within‐requester variation, rather than OPOs (ρ = 0.0129) or requesters within OPOs (ρ = 0.0221). Models indicated that authorization rates and communication skills failed to improve following intervention and did not identify an association between post‐intervention communication skills and authorization. Results provide a framework to discuss programmatic challenges including extensive requester turnover (ie, ~60%), management of data collection across multi‐site interventions, and program content.
Obstetric management, tests, and technologies that impact childhood development
Authors: Novak Christopher M , Graham Ernest M
Published: January 2019

Childhood brain development begins before birth, and obstetric management, tests, and technologies designed to diagnose and treat fetal conditions can have an impact on development. Preconception counseling for maternal diabetes and hypertension affect the risk of fetal congenital anomalies and growth restriction. Patients with risk factors for pre‐existing maternal diabetes are offered early diabetic screening because earlier diagnosis and treatment can decrease the risk of fetal and neonatal complications. Screening for chromosomal abnormalities in the first or second trimester is offered to all females regardless of age. Cell‐free fetal DNA screening can be used to test for fetal genetic abnormalities as early as 9 weeks of gestation with results available in 10 days. Ultrasound performed around 20 weeks' gestation can identify the 3% of fetuses that have a major congenital malformation. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging can be used to better assess fetal central nervous system abnormalities when neurosonography is inconclusive. Doppler ultrasound can be used to assess blood flow in the umbilical artery and fetal middle cerebral artery to aid in the management of the growth‐restricted fetus. In summary, diagnosis and treatment of maternal and fetal conditions from the preconception period throughout pregnancy are important for optimizing fetal health and provide the best opportunity for optimal child development.

What this paper adds

Cell‐free fetal DNA screening can identify fetal genetic abnormalities as early as 9 weeks’ gestation.

Ultrasound performed around 20 weeks’ gestation can detect major fetal congenital malformations.

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging can aid neurosonography in the assessment of fetal central nervous system abnormalities.

Doppler ultrasound to assess fetal blood flow is used to successfully manage the growth‐restricted fetus.
Health literacy in clinical‐high‐risk individuals for psychosis: A systematic mixed‐methods review
Authors: Haidl Theresa K. , Seves Mauro , Eggers Susanne , Rostamzadeh Ayda , Genske Anna , Jünger Saskia , Woopen Christiane , Jessen Frank , Ruhrmann Stephan , Vogeley Kai
Published: January 2019

Objective

Numerous studies suggest that health literacy (HL) plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving individual health. Empirical findings highlight the relation between levels of a person's HL and her/his clinical outcome. To date, the role of HL in persons at‐risk for psychosis has not been systematically reviewed.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review using a mixed‐methods approach to analyse a variety of study types. Peer‐reviewed publications were systematically searched in PUBMED, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Web of Science.

Results

The search string returned 10587 publications. After screening, 15 quantitative, four qualitative studies and two reviews were included. Only one study assessed HL as primary outcome, assessing knowledge and beliefs about psychosis among the general population. In the other studies, sub‐dimensions of HL were investigated. None of the publications operationalized HL or it's sub‐dimensions with a validated measure.

Conclusions

A lack of understanding of their condition, and fear of stigmatization, were associated with a delay in help‐seeking among people with clinical‐high‐risk state for psychosis. Family members, school personnel, general practitioners and the internet play a crucial role in the HL process. Considerable barriers in obtaining adequate specialist support emphasize the urgent need of a “HL environment” for persons at risk for psychosis.
Staging model in psychiatry: Review of the evolution of electroencephalography abnormalities in major psychiatric disorders
Authors: Lavoie Suzie , Polari Andrea R. , Goldstone Sherilyn , Nelson Barnaby , McGorry Patrick D.
Published: January 2019

Aim

Clinical staging in psychiatry aims to classify patients according to the severity of their symptoms, from stage 0 (increased risk, asymptomatic) to stage 4 (severe illness), enabling adapted treatment at each stage of the illness. The staging model would gain specificity if one or more quantifiable biological markers could be identified. Several biomarkers reflecting possible causal mechanisms and/or consequences of the pathophysiology are candidates for integration into the clinical staging model of psychiatric illnesses.

Methods

This review covers the evolution (from stage 0 to stage 4) of the most important brain functioning impairments as measured with electroencephalography (EEG), in psychosis spectrum and in severe mood disorders.

Results

The present review of the literature demonstrates that it is currently not possible to draw any conclusion with regard to the state or trait character of any of the EEG impairments in both major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. As for schizophrenia, the most promising markers of the stage of the illness are the pitch mismatch negativity as well as the p300 event‐related potentials, as these components seem to deteriorate with increasing severity of the illness.

Conclusions

Given the complexity of major psychiatric disorders, and that not a single impairment can be observed in all patients, future research should most likely consider combinations of markers in the quest for a better identification of the stages of the psychiatric illnesses.
Cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics in Huntington's disease evaluated by phase contrast MRI
Authors: Rodrigues Filipe B. , Byrne Lauren M. , De Vita Enrico , Johnson Eileanoir B. , Hobbs Nicola Z. , Thornton John S. , Scahill Rachael I. , Wild Edward J.
Published: January 2019

Multiple targeted therapeutics for Huntington's disease are now in clinical trials, including intrathecally delivered compounds. Previous research suggests that CSF dynamics may be altered in Huntington's disease, which could be of paramount relevance to intrathecal drug delivery to the brain. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a prospective cross‐sectional study comparing people with early stage Huntington's disease with age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. CSF peak velocity, mean velocity and mean flow at the level of the cerebral aqueduct, and sub‐arachnoid space in the upper and lower spine, were quantified using phase contrast MRI. We calculated Spearman's rank correlations, and tested inter‐group differences with Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. Ten people with early Huntington's disease, and 10 controls were included. None of the quantified measures was associated with potential modifiers of CSF dynamics (demographics, osmolality, and brain volumes), or by known modifiers of Huntington's disease (age and HTTCAG repeat length); and no significant differences were found between the two studied groups. While external validation is required, the attained results are sufficient to conclude tentatively that a clinically relevant alteration of CSF dynamics – that is, one that would justify dose‐adjustments of intrathecal drugs – is unlikely to exist in Huntington's disease.
Myocyte enhancer factor‐2 and p300 interact to regulate the expression of homeostatic regulator Pumilio in Drosophila
Authors: Lin Wei‐Hsiang , Baines Richard A.
Published: January 2019

Pumilio (Pum), an RNA‐binding protein, is a key component of neuron firing‐rate homeostasis that likely maintains stability of neural circuit activity in all animals, from flies to mammals. While Pum is ubiquitously expressed, we understand little about how synaptic excitation regulates its expression in the CNS. Here, we characterized the Drosophila dpum promoter and identified multiple myocyte enhancer factor‐2 (Mef2)‐binding elements. We cloned 12 dmef2 splice variants and used a luciferase‐based assay to monitor dpum promoter activity. While all 12 dMef2 splice variants enhance dpum promoter activity, exon 10‐containing variants induce greater transactivation. Previous work shows dPum expression increases with synaptic excitation. However, we observe no change in dmef2 transcript in larval CNS, of both sexes, exposed to the proconvulsant picrotoxin. The lack of activity dependence is indicative of additional regulation. We identified p300 as a potential candidate. We show that by binding to dMef2, p300 represses dpum transactivation. Significantly, p300 transcript is downregulated by enhanced synaptic excitation (picrotoxin) which, in turn, increases transcription of dpum through derepression of dMef2. These results advance our understanding of dpum by showing the activity‐dependent expression is regulated by an interaction between p300 and dMef2.
How do climate change experiments alter plot‐scale climate?
Authors: Ettinger A. K. , Chuine I. , Cook B. I. , Dukes J. S. , Ellison A. M. , Johnston M. R. , Panetta A. M. , Rollinson C. R. , Vitasse Y. , Wolkovich E. M.
Published: January 2019

To understand and forecast biological responses to climate change, scientists frequently use field experiments that alter temperature and precipitation. Climate manipulations can manifest in complex ways, however, challenging interpretations of biological responses. We reviewed publications to compile a database of daily plot‐scale climate data from 15 active‐warming experiments. We find that the common practices of analysing treatments as mean or categorical changes (e.g. warmed vs. unwarmed) masks important variation in treatment effects over space and time. Our synthesis showed that measured mean warming, in plots with the same target warming within a study, differed by up to 1.6 C (63% of target), on average, across six studies with blocked designs. Variation was high across sites and designs: for example, plots differed by 1.1 C (47% of target) on average, for infrared studies with feedback control (n = 3) vs. by 2.2 C (80% of target) on average for infrared with constant wattage designs (n = 2). Warming treatments produce non‐temperature effects as well, such as soil drying. The combination of these direct and indirect effects is complex and can have important biological consequences. With a case study of plant phenology across five experiments in our database, we show how accounting for drier soils with warming tripled the estimated sensitivity of budburst to temperature. We provide recommendations for future analyses, experimental design, and data sharing to improve our mechanistic understanding from climate change experiments, and thus their utility to accurately forecast species’ responses.
Adipose‐derived stem cells attenuate atopic dermatitis‐like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice
Authors: Park Hyun‐Sun , Son Hye‐Youn , Choi Min‐Ha , Son Youngsook , Kim Sundong , Hong Hyun‐Sook , Park Ji‐Ung
Published: January 2019

There is an unmet need in novel therapeutics for atopic dermatitis (AD). We examined the effects of autologous adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) on AD‐like skin lesions induced by the application of 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in NC/Nga mice. Autologous ADSCs and ADSC‐conditioned medium (ADSC‐CM) were injected intralesionally three times. Clinical severity and histopathologic findings were compared in sham naïve control, saline‐treated, ADSC‐treated, ADSC‐CM‐treated and 2.5% cortisone lotion‐applied animals. The severity index, skin thickness, mast cell number, as well as expression levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin, CD45, chemoattractant receptor‐homologous molecule, chemokine ligand 9 and chemokine ligand 20 were significantly lower in mice treated with ADSC, ADSC‐CM, or 2.5% cortisone lotion. Tissue levels of interferon‐γ as well as serum levels of interleukin‐33 and immunoglobulin E levels were also decreased in those groups. We conclude that autologous ADSCs improved DNCB‐induced AD‐like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice by reducing inflammation associated with Th2 immune response and interferon‐γ.
Current approaches to pronunciation instruction: A longitudinal case study in French
Authors: Sturm Jessica L.
Published: January 2019

A body of previous work in second‐ and foreign language pronunciation instruction (e.g., Lord, ; Miller, ) has shown that explicit phonetic and pronunciation instruction is beneficial. However, Olson () noted that just a few minutes per week of instruction are devoted to pronunciation in most classrooms. What is the effect of such limited, sporadic attention to this critical aspect of language? This study traced the longitudinal development of four students over the first four semesters of French language study at a large Midwestern university. Analyses focused on a global measure of pronunciation accuracy—the number of incorrectly pronounced syllables (Lappin‐Fortin, ; Sturm, )—and included qualitative analyses of the types of errors participants continued to make. Results indicate that students’ pronunciation does improve to a certain extent but that progress is inconsistent both across phonemes and across students. This baseline study sets the stage for future studies of the impact of systematic, explicit instruction.
Systematic variation in North American tree species abundance distributions along macroecological climatic gradients
Authors: Matthews Thomas J. , Sadler Jon P. , Kubota Yasuhiro , Woodall Christopher W. , Pugh Thomas A. M.
Published: January 2019

Aim

The species abundance distribution (SAD) is a fundamental pattern in macroecology. Understanding how SADs vary spatially, and identifying the variables that drive any change, is important from a theoretical perspective because it enables greater understanding of the factors that underpin the relative abundance of species. However, precise knowledge on how the form of SADs varies across large (continental) scales is limited. Here, we use the shape parameter of the gambin distribution to assess how meta‐community‐scale SAD shape varies spatially as a function of various climatic variables and dataset characteristics.

Location

Eastern North America (ENA).

Time period

Present day.

Major taxa studied

Trees.

Methods

Using an extensive continental‐scale dataset of 863,930 individual trees in plots across ENA sampled using a standardized method, we use a spatial regression framework to examine the effect of temperature and precipitation on the form of the SAD. We also assess whether the prevalence of multimodality in the SAD varies spatially across ENA as a function of temperature and precipitation, in addition to other sample characteristics.

Results

We found that temperature, precipitation and species richness can explain two‐thirds of the variation in tree SAD form across ENA. Temperature had the largest effect on SAD shape, and it was found that increasing temperature resulted in more logseries‐like SAD shapes (i.e. SADs with a relatively higher proportion of rarer species). We also found spatial variation in SAD multimodality as a function of temperature and species richness.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that temperature is a key environmental driver governing the form of ENA tree meta‐community‐scale SADs. This finding has implications for our understanding of local‐scale variation in tree abundance and suggests that niche factors and environmental filtering are important in the structuring of ENA tree communities at larger scales.
Fleeing the Stadium: Recovering the Conceptual Unity of Evagrius’ Acedia
Authors: Aijian J. L.
Published: January 2019

The definition of acedia presents unique conceptual problems among the eight Evagrian logismoi. Its descriptions are so complex and varied as to render the concept seemingly incoherent. This article argues that the conceptual unity of acedia has been obscured by the translation of Evagrian logismoi into the ‘deadly sins’ tradition, resulting in a category error. Acedia is more properly understood, not as a psychological state or a sin, but rather as an array of demonic temptations with the unifying end‐goal of interrupting the anchoritic ideal of sustained contemplation.
Reproducibility of the peritoneal regression grading score for assessment of response to therapy in peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Solass Wiebke , Sempoux Christine , Carr Norman J , Bibeau Frederic , Neureiter Daniel , Jäger Tarkan , Di Caterino Tina , Brunel Christophe , Klieser Eckhard , Fristrup Claus W , Mortensen Michael B , Detlefsen Sönke
Published: January 2019

Aims

The four‐tiered peritoneal regression grading score (PRGS) assesses the response to chemotherapy in peritoneal metastasis (PM). The PRGS is used, for example, to assess the response to pressurised intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC). However, the reproducibility of the PRGS is currently unknown. We aimed to evaluate the inter‐ and intraobserver variability of the PRGS.

Methods and results

Thirty‐three patients who underwent at least three PIPAC treatments as part of the PIPAC‐OPC1 or PIPAC‐OPC2 clinical trials at Odense University Hospital, Denmark, were included. Prior to each therapy cycle, peritoneal quadrant biopsies were obtained and three haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained step sections were scanned and uploaded to a pseudonymised web library. For determining interobserver variability, eight pathologists assessed the PRGS for each quadrant biopsy, and Krippendorff's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. For determining intraobserver variability, three pathologists repeated their own assessments and Cohen's kappa and ICCs were calculated. A total of 331 peritoneal biopsies were analysed. Interobserver variability for PRGS of each biopsy and for the mean and maximum PRGS per biopsy set was moderate to good/substantial. The intraobserver variability for PRGS of each biopsy and for the mean and maximum PRGS per biopsy set was good to excellent/almost perfect.

Conclusions

Our data support the PRGS as a reproducible and useful tool to assess response to intraperitoneal chemotherapy in PM. Future studies should evaluate the prognostic and predictive role of the PRGS.
One‐step synthesis of in situ nanocarbon‐containing calcium aluminate cement in reducing atmosphere
Authors: Ding Donghai , Yang Shoulei , Xiao Guoqing , Ren Yun , Lv Lihua , Yang Pan , Hou Xing , Gao Jianying
Published: January 2019

In order to overcome the problems caused by poor water wettability/dispersion and oxidation resistance of carbons for improving properties of carbon‐containing refractory castables, we prepare in situ nanocarbon‐containing cement through the carbon‐bed sintering method with calcium citrate tetrahydrate (CCT, C12H10Ca3O14·4H2O) and Al2O3 as raw materials, and FeCl3 as a catalyst. In this paper, the carbonization process of CCT was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis coupled with a FTIR. In addition, the synthesized cement was characterized through XRD, Raman spectroscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the in situ carbon was generated through carbonization of calcium aconitic acid which was generated by pyrolysis of CCT, accompanying with overflowing of H2O, CO2, CO, and CH4. Interestingly, as the sintering temperature increases, the freshly generated carbons were transformed into nanofiber and nanoflake carbons under the action of Fe catalyst. After sintering at 1500°C for 4 hours, the phase compositions of the synthesized product approached to that of the commercial cement Secar71, and the in situ carbons with nanofiber and nanoflake morphologies dispersed in calcium aluminate grains.
Characterization of green Al2O3 ceramics surface machined by tools with textures on flank‐face in dry turning
Authors: Liu Yayun , Deng Jianxin , Wang Wei , Duan Ran , Xing Youqiang
Published: January 2019

Green Al2O3 ceramics through cold isostatic pressing were produced. Scratch tests were performed to evaluate the machinability. Texturing was applied on the flank‐face of the WC/Co tools by laser. Tools with textures on the flank‐face were adopted in dry cylindrical turning of the green Al2O3 ceramics. Characterization of green ceramic surfaces machined by flank‐face textured tools was studied. Results revealed that green ceramics had good enough machinability in cutting tests and scratch tests. There were no visible cracks on the surface after machining. Flank‐face textured tools could improve the surface integrity during processing green Al2O3 ceramics. Mechanisms responsible were found that derivative‐cutting behavior by flank‐face textures was able to remove visible hard inclusions on surfaces of green ceramics, which made the surfaces much smoother. More tiny ceramic powders generated by the phenomenon were pressed on the surfaces of green ceramics, which made further efforts on improving surface quality. Machining parameters had significant impacts on surface integrity. Within machining parameters, surface quality became better and compaction area was found on surfaces of green Al2O3 ceramics with the increase of cutting depth, but there were still visible hard inclusions and spalling of materials on the surface after machining.
Value of “haafu” as a Category in Education Research
Authors: Morrison Hanna
Published: January 2019

This paper examines the importance of better recognizing and representing haafu students in Japanese education policies by using Fraser's tripartite theory of social justice. In today's transnational Japan, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of haafu, a term used in reference to children with Japanese and non‐Japanese parents. However, the educational experiences of haafu children have not been adequately investigated by researchers and the government for education policies. Central to these arguments are concerns that haafu children occupy a liminal space, and hence are potentially educationally “at risk.” They are generally viewed as Japanese because of their nationality and are expected to perform like the majority of Japanese students with two Japanese parents due to their familiarity with Japanese culture. Yet, in practice there is a paradox that haafu students might be marginalized as a consequence of being viewed as not Japanese enough. In this context, how should public education respond to an increasingly culturally diverse student body? This paper argues why there is a need for public education, its policy and practices to more effectively recognize, represent and redistribute resources ‐ as Fraser frames the three dimensions of social justice ‐ in support of these students.
A pilot study to introduce a local external quality assurance scheme for D‐dimers in the National Health Laboratory Service, in South Africa
Authors: Aggett Hazel , Dabula Patience , Mayne Elizabeth S. , Louw Susan
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Laboratory quality assurance (QA) includes internal quality control (IQC), external quality assurance (EQA) and quality improvement (QI). EQA identifies quality deviations and training needs. D‐dimers are breakdown products of thrombus and results guide various clinical decisions.

Methods

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) in South Africa performs the pathology tests for more than 80% of the population. The NHLS Quality Assurance Department distributed 301 questionnaires to laboratories enquiring about D‐dimer testing. Two levels of STAGO® and Siemens® commercial D‐dimer assay control material were distributed for analysis and returned results analysed.

Results

A total of 64 (21.2%) completed questionnaires were returned and 26 (40.6%) laboratories were performing D‐dimers with 25 (97%) subscribing to an EQA scheme. All laboratories reported results in D‐dimer units with a negative result cut‐off of ≤0.25 mg/L but various testing platforms were in use. All returned interpretations of analyses on the blinded control material were correct. The results were also within the respective reference ranges of the controls apart from three outliers. One laboratory obtained a result on STAGO® pathological control that was above the cut‐off of the control reference range but the reason for this error could not be identified. Another obtained results on the STAGO® and on the Siemens® normal controls that were both below the cut‐off of the control reference range due to transcription errors.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated the feasibility of a local EQA scheme for D‐dimers based on commercial control material that could mitigate against the cost of international EQA scheme participation.
Formocresol toxicity: is there a suitable alternative for pulpotomy of primary molars?
Authors: KETLEY C. E. , GOODMAN J. R.
Published: January 2019

Some concern has been expressed in recent years about the use of formocresol for vital pulpotomy treatment ofprimary molars. This paper reviews the literature concerning the toxicity of formocresol and considers the evidence for the use of calcium hydroxide and glutaraldehyde. It is concluded that more work is required in this field before an alternative to formocresol can be recommended and that, in the meantime, a 1:5 dilution ofthe standard formocresol solution should be used but not included in the zinc oxide‐eugenol sublining.
Adapting dialectical behaviour therapy in forensic learning disability services: A grounded theory informed study of “what works”
Authors: Browne Claire , Brown Gill , Smith Ian C.
Published: January 2019

Background

Emerging evidence indicates effectiveness of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) in forensic settings; however, little is known about “what works” facilitating engagement and change.

Methods

Eleven interviews were conducted with nine service users across two secure inpatient services. Grounded theory was used to develop a model of perceived engagement and change.

Results

The model provides insights into how change occurs during DBT delivered in forensic settings. DBT constitutes a challenging journey, yet provides the motivation and means to address individual's intra‐/interpersonal aggression and progress towards release. Participants experienced engaging with DBT as difficult and coercive, moving from compliance and avoidance to acceptance and change. Key factors included participants’ motivation, beliefs about safety and ability to change, and interactions with staff.

Conclusion

Recommendations are made for increasing intrinsic motivation, reducing perceived coercion and distress, and for future research to address potential aversive elements and enhance effectiveness.
Efficacy of metformin on postprandial plasma triglyceride concentration by administration timing in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized cross‐over pilot study
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Morino Katsutaro , Ogaku Seiichiro , Tsuji Akiko , Nishimura Kimihiro , Sekine Osamu , Ugi Satoshi , Maegawa Hiroshi
Published: January 2019

Aims/Introduction

Preprandial metformin administration significantly reduces postprandial plasma triglyceride levels in animal studies by reducing intestinal absorption through delayed gastric emptying. However, this effect has not been shown in a clinical study. Therefore, we planned to investigate the efficacy of preprandial metformin administration on postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and the related gastrointestinal effects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

A total of 11 patients taking single‐dose metformin at 500–1,000 mg, with non‐fasting plasma triglyceride levels of 150–1,000 mg/dL, were recruited at a single university hospital. The difference between preprandial and postprandial metformin administration on postprandial hypertriglyceridemia was examined by a meal test. The gastrointestinal effects of metformin, including stomach heaviness, heartburn and satiety, were also assessed using a visual analog scale.

Results

The mean bodyweight of patients was 80.6 kg (body mass index 27.9 kg/m2), and the mean non‐fasting plasma triglyceride level was 275.9 ± 57.0 mg/dL. The area under the curve of triglyceride during the meal test was significantly lower in the preprandial protocol than in the postprandial protocol (P < 0.05). Compared with postprandial administration, preprandial administration of metformin increased satiety (P = 0.036) without stomach heaviness or heartburn.

Conclusions

Preprandial metformin administration significantly reduced plasma triglyceride level during meal testing without marked exacerbation of gastrointestinal adverse effects. The present results suggest that a simple change in the timing of metformin administration represents a novel approach for enhancing triglyceride‐lowering strategies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and postprandial hypertriglyceridemia.
Challenges of a Statin Trial in Older People
Authors: Strandberg Timo E.
Published: January 2019

See the Reply by Singh et al.
The Association of Resident Communication Abilities and Antibiotic Use in Long‐Term Care
Authors: Saxena Farah E. , Bronskill Susan E. , Brown Kevin A. , Campitelli Michael A. , Garber Gary , Langford Bradley , Maxwell Colleen J. , McCormack Daniel , Schwartz Kevin L. , Daneman Nick
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether decreased communication ability among long‐term care residents is associated with increased antibiotic exposure.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

All long‐term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

All adults aged 66 years or older residing in long‐term care and undergoing a full assessment between January 1 and December 31, 2016 (N = 87,947).

MEASUREMENTS

Data were obtained from linkable, population‐wide administrative data sets. Residents were identified, and characteristics were abstracted from the Resident Assessment Instrument Minimum Dataset version 2.0. The primary predictors of interest were residents' ability to make themselves understood and ability to understand others. The primary outcome was antibiotic days of treatment per 1000 resident days in the 90 days following assessment (obtained from the Ontario Drug Benefits Database).

RESULTS

Those who were sometimes/rarely/never able to make themselves understood received 50.7 antibiotic days per 1000 person‐days of follow‐up, compared to 62.1 received by those who were able to make themselves understood. Those who were sometimes/rarely/never able to understand others received 50.0 antibiotic days per 1000 person‐days of follow‐up, compared to 61.4 by those who were able to understand others. Multivariable Poisson regression, accounting for resident characteristics, confirmed that compared to those with highest levels of communication ability, those who could sometimes/rarely/never make themselves understood had significantly fewer days on antibiotics (rate ratio [RR] = 0.76; confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.73‐0.79) as did those who could sometimes/rarely/never understand others (RR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.74‐0.79).

CONCLUSION

Poor resident communication ability is not a driver of antibiotic overuse in long‐term care. In fact, lower ability to understand others and/or be understood by others is associated with less antibiotic exposure. Further work is needed to optimize antibiotic use in long‐term care residents across the entire spectrum of communication skills.