bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of plan payment rates on the market for Medicare Advantage Dual‐Eligible Special Needs Plans
Authors: McGarry Brian E. , Layton Timothy J. , Grabowski David C.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To determine the effect of higher potential benchmark payment rates on the market for Medicare Advantage (MA) Dual‐Eligible Special Needs Plans (D‐SNPs).

Data Sources/Study Setting

Publicly available county‐level data from 2009 to 2015 regarding the number of D‐SNPs operating within the county, the enrollment in and five‐star quality of score of these plans, and the benchmark amounts used to determine capitated plan payments.

Study Design

This study exploits the introduction of quality bonus payments to the MA program in 2012, and exogenous geographic variation in the potential size of these bonuses to estimate the effect of benchmark payment increases on the availability, quality, and take‐up of D‐SNPs. We use a difference‐in‐difference estimation approach to compare changes in the market for D‐SNPs in counties eligible for a double bonus to those that are not.

Principal Findings

The doubling of bonuses was associated with a relative 29 percent increase in the number of D‐SNPs offered (P = 0.021) and 0.1‐star increase in the average quality of available D‐SNPs (P = 0.034). No relative increase in overall D‐SNP enrollment was detected.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that larger benchmark payment amounts may influence insurers’ decisions of whether to participate in the D‐SNP market but not dual‐eligibles' decision of whether to enroll in these plans. Future research is needed to inform discussions about whether D‐SNPs are a viable mechanism for integrating benefits for dual eligibles and the degree to which Medicare policies should support their continued growth.
The Effect of Heat Processing on Chemical Composition and Antioxidative Activity of Tea Made from Barley Sprouts and Wheat Sprouts
Authors: Islam Mohammad Zahirul , Yu Deok‐Su , Lee Young‐Tack
Published: May 2019

Barley sprouts and wheat sprouts have received much interest as functional foods in many countries. In this study, the effects of heat processing and extraction temperature on the bioactive components and antioxidative properties were examined in barley and wheat sprout teas. Both barley and wheat sprout teas were processed with two different methods (steaming or pan‐roasting). Crude protein was increased, and moisture content was the lowest, in the roasted barley and wheat sprout teas. Total phenolics content and flavonoid contents were significantly higher in the roasted teas than in the steamed teas. Vitamin C content was the highest after an extraction temperature of 55 °C (24.05 mg/mL) in the roasted wheat sprout tea. Both roasted barley and wheat sprout teas exhibited the most antioxidative effects in vitro, demonstrated by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging and nitrite‐scavenging activities. Therefore, the roasting method can be considered an appropriate technique for the production of barley and wheat sprout teas.

Practical Application

Barley and wheat sprouts have received much attention in recent years as functional food materials in many countries and can be consumed as a form of tea. Heat processing methods such as steaming and roasting were applied and compared to increase the bioactive components and antioxidative activity in barley and wheat sprout teas. We found that roasting showed higher bioactive components and antioxidative activity than steaming in both barley and wheat sprout teas. In addition, wheat sprouts tea showed better bioactive components and antioxidative activity compared with the barley sprout tea.
Enzyme‐Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Pomace
Authors: Saad N. , Louvet F. , Tarrade S , Meudec E. , Grenier K. , Landolt C. , Ouk T.S. , Bressollier P.
Published: May 2019

Industrial processing of raspberries into juice and jam results in the production of with high content of lipophilic and hydrophilic phytochemicals. Usually considered as waste, raspberry pomace is occasionally cold‐pressed to recover specialty oil. However, the resulting pomace press‐cake (PPC) still contains 30% to 35% of lipophilic compounds, such as essential fatty acids, tocols, phytosterols, and ellagitannins initially present in pomace. In a perspective of sustainable development, we investigate an eco‐friendly process using an aqueous enzyme‐assisted extraction (AEAE) to simultaneously and effectively recover lipophilic compounds and polyphenols from the PPC. The performance of different combinations of carbohydrases and proteases was compared. After selecting the best enzymatic system, a definitive screening design involving six factors was then implemented to optimize the process. Under optimized conditions, 1.2 units of thermostable alkaline protease/100 g PPC, pH 9, 60 °C, and 2 hr hydrolysis, more than 38% of total PPC lipophilic content were recovered in the aqueous medium. The recovery of polyphenols and antioxidant activity was, respectively, 48% and 25% higher than obtained by extraction with methanol/acetone/water mixture. Such an AEAE extract might prove useful in food and nutraceutical applications.

Practical Application

Raspberry pomace, a food industrial by‐product, is often considered as waste. However, it is a rich source of phytochemicals, such as tocols, polyphenols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. To overcome the drawbacks of organic solvent use, an enzyme‐assisted extraction process was developed as an eco‐friendly alternative to recover these bioactive compounds. Definitive screening design experimental design was used to enhance polyphenols and lipophilics extraction yields while reducing process costs. This extract is an oil‐in‐water emulsion, with high content in antioxidant phytochemicals, which might have potential for use in nutraceutical applications. Therefore, this green process developed for the valorization of raspberry pomace is considered as a perspective of sustainable development.
Immunoglobulin G4‐related sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi
Published: May 2019

Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) is a biliary tract manifestation of IgG4‐related diseases (IgG4‐RD); a subgroup of SC defined as a condition with progressive stenosis and destruction of the bile ducts due to diffuse inflammation and fibrosis. IgG4‐SC is clinically characterized by the (a) chronic elevation of cholestatic enzyme levels, (b) significant elevation of serum IgG4 levels, (c) diffuse or segmental narrowing of intra and/or extra hepatic bile ducts with thickening of the bile duct wall in imaging studies, (d) marked lymphoplasmacytic and IgG4‐positive plasma cell infiltration and fibrosis in histology, (e) presence of IgG4‐RD in other organs, mainly involving autoimmune pancreatitis, and (f) excellent response to corticosteroids. The diagnosis of IgG4‐SC is based on a combination of these findings. Although the IgG4‐SC diagnosis is different from that of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) or biliary and pancreatic malignancies, it is extremely important to diagnose or suspect IgG4‐SC appropriately; as the incorrect diagnosis of PSC or malignant diseases may lead to the progression of fibrosis in patients due to untreated chronic cholestasis, or to unnecessary major surgical resections. Although its etiology remains unclear, recent studies of IgG4‐SC have attempted to clarify the roles of the IgG4 molecule and novel autoantibodies detected in patients with IgG4‐SC.
Who Shapes the Politics of Expertise? Co‐Production and Authoritative Knowledge in Thailand's Political Forests
Authors: Forsyth Tim
Published: May 2019

Expert environmental knowledge has often been described as a governmental rationality that reduces political debate and facilitates state control. In this paper, I argue instead that this line of reasoning simplifies how knowledge gains political authority, especially when expertise is shared and left unchallenged by diverse actors, including those in conflict with each other. Using the framework of co‐production from Science and Technology Studies (STS), I apply this argument to conflicts over the supposed watershed functions of forests in Thailand, where simplified narratives about the impacts of land use on water supply are used as justifications for territorialisation and restrictions on forest land. In particular, I focus on local resistance to the proposed Kaeng Sua Ten dam in northern Thailand in order to demonstrate how protestors have deliberately reproduced formal expertise to empower themselves, but by so doing also reinforcing simplified visions of watershed science and community culture. I argue that exposing the co‐production of authoritative knowledge and visions of social order offer greater opportunities for understanding the role of expertise as a political force than analysing competing assemblages based on oppositions of state‐led expert knowledge and traditional local practices.
Interventions for the prevention of pain associated with the placement of intrauterine contraceptives: An updated review
Authors: Gemzell‐Danielsson Kristina , Jensen Jeffrey T. , Monteiro Ilza , Peers Tina , Rodriguez Maria , Di Spiezio Sardo Attilio , Bahamondes Luis
Published: May 2019

A 2013 review found no evidence to support the routine use of pain relief for intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) placement; however, fear of pain with placement continues to be a barrier to use for some women. This narrative review set out to identify (1) new evidence that may support routine use of pain management strategies for IUC placement; (2) procedure‐related approaches that may have a positive impact on the pain experience; and (3) factors that may help healthcare professionals identify women at increased risk of pain with IUC placement. A literature search of the PubMed and Cochrane library databases revealed 550 citations, from which we identified 43 new and pertinent studies for review. Thirteen randomized clinical trials, published since 2012, described reductions in placement‐related pain with administration of oral and local analgesia (oral ketorolac, local analgesia with different lidocaine formulations) and cervical priming when compared with placebo or controls. Four studies suggested that ultrasound guidance, balloon dilation, and a modified placement device may help to minimize the pain experienced with IUC placement. Eight publications suggested that previous cesarean delivery, timing of insertion relative to menstruation, dysmenorrhea, expected pain, baseline anxiety, and size of insertion tube may affect the pain experienced with IUC placement. Oral and local analgesia and cervical priming can be effective in minimizing IUC placement‐related pain when compared with placebo, but routine use remains subject for debate. Predictive factors may help healthcare professionals to identify women at risk of experiencing pain. Targeted use of effective strategies in these women may be a useful approach while research continues in this area.
Exploring the unknown: The effect of resistance to change and attachment on mobile adoption among secondary pre‐service teachers
Authors: Sánchez‐Prieto José Carlos , Huang Fang , Olmos‐Migueláñez Susana , García‐Peñalvo Francisco J. , Teo Timothy
Published: May 2019

This research work intends to make an innovative contribution to the existing literature by studying the predictive effect of two relatively unexplored constructs on the adoption of an emerging technology, such as mobile devices, among a seldom‐studied population in the European context (secondary education preservice teachers). To achieve this goal, a technology acceptance model (TAM)‐based model was designed including the constructs: behavioural intention, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude towards use, subjective norm, attachment and resistance to change and it was tested using a sample of 222 Spanish secondary education preservice teachers. The results of the factor analysis evidence the significant effect of resistance to change on the four TAM variables, especially on perceived usefulness and attitude, while the attachment only has a small effect on perceived ease of use. Additionally, the analysis confirms attitude towards the use as the main predictor of the behavioural intention, as well as the influence of the subjective norm on both perceived usefulness and behavioural intention. These findings have important ramifications for the design of teacher training programmes, which are addressed in the discussion, and they also suggest the need to continue studying the effect of new factors on the technology adoption process.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

The TAM model is a widespread theory for the study of the technology adoption with unexplored areas in the educational field.

Despite the didactic potential of mobile devices, they are underused by the teachers which suggest the existence of an adoption problem.

Attachment and resistance to change are two constructs from the second‐order barriers little studied in TAM‐based models applied in the educational field that can provide important information for the development of teacher training initiatives.

What this paper adds

The TAM‐based model developed in this research evidences the influence of the second‐order barriers in the adoption of mobile technologies among secondary preservice teachers.

Resistance to change has an important effect on the intention to use mobile devices in the future teaching practice of secondary preservice teachers.

The effect of the emotional attachment on the adoption of mobile technologies is smaller in utilitarian contexts.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Technology adoption models should pay more attention to unexplored second‐order barriers, especially resistance to change.

The higher education institutions must develop teachers’ training programme more focused on the teaching model built by their students and transmit a new model more positive towards changes emphasizing the possible advantages of incorporating new tools to their future practice.
Drainage reorganization and Laramide tectonics in north‐central New Mexico and downstream effects in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Smith Tyson M. , Sundell Kurt E. , Johnston Shelby N. , Guilherme Andrade Carlos N. , Andrea Ross A. , Dickinson Jordan N. , Liu Yiduo A. , Andrew Murphy Michael , Lapen Tom J. , Saylor Joel E.
Published: May 2019

The El Rito and Galisteo depocenters in north‐central New Mexico archive tectonically‐driven Paleogene drainage reorganization, the effects of which influenced sedimentation along the northwestern margin of the Gulf of Mexico. Although separated by ~100 km and lacking depositional chronology for the El Rito Formation, the two aforementioned New Mexican depocenters are commonly considered remnants of a single basin with coeval deposition and shared accommodation mechanism. Detrital zircon U‐Pb maximum depositional ages indicate that the El Rito and Galisteo formations are not coeval. Moreover, stratigraphic thickness trends and mapping relationships indicate different accommodation mechanisms for the Galisteo and El Rito depocenters; tectonically‐induced subsidence versus infilling of incised topography, respectively. The regional unconformity that bounds the base of both the El Rito and Galisteo formations is a correlative surface induced by local tectonic activity and associated drainage reorganization in the early Eocene, and was diachronously buried by northward onlap of fluvial sediments. Detrital zircon distributions in both depocenters indicate increased recycling of Mesozoic strata above the unconformity, but diverge upsection as topographic prominence of local basement‐involved uplifts waned. Sediment capture in these depocenters is coeval with deposition in other externally‐drained Laramide basins. Further, it corresponds to a period of low Laramide province‐derived sediment input and replacement by Appalachian‐sourced sediment along the northwestern margin of the Gulf of Mexico during a basin‐wide transgression. This illustrates the potential effect that pockets of sediment storage within the catchment of a transcontinental drainage system can have over the sedimentary record in the receiving marine basin.
Potentials of C‐C motif chemokine 2–C‐C chemokine receptor type 2 blockers including propagermanium as anticancer agents
Authors: Yumimoto Kanae , Sugiyama Shigeaki , Mimori Koshi , Nakayama Keiichi I.
Published: May 2019

Inflammation plays an essential role in the development and progression of most cancers. Chemokine C‐C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2) and its receptor C‐C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) constitute a key signaling axis in inflammation that has recently attracted much interest on the basis of evidence showing its association with cancer progression. Propagermanium (3‐oxygermylpropionic acid polymer) is an organogermanium compound that is given for the treatment of hepatitis B in Japan and which inhibits the CCL2‐CCR2 signaling pathway. Herein, we review the importance of the CCL2‐CCR2 axis as a target in cancer treatment as shown by studies in mice and humans with pharmacological agents including propagermanium.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of systemic exposure associated with molar incisor hypomineralization
Authors: Fatturi Aluhe Lopes , Wambier Leticia Maira , Chibinski Ana Claudia , Assunção Luciana Reichert da Silva , Brancher João Armando , Reis Alessandra , Souza Juliana Feltrin
Published: May 2019

Objective

To evaluate systemic exposures associated with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH).

Methods

This systematic review was performed using published observational studies that evaluated the systemic exposures associated with MIH. The sources of articles searched were PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, Cochrane Library and Grey literature. The risk of bias was analysed according to the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale for quality assessment. The meta‐analysis was performed considering the exposures during the prenatal, perinatal and postnatal periods using the CMA software.

Results

A total of 4207 articles were identified. Twenty‐nine studies were eligible for inclusion and 27 were included in the meta‐analysis. The studies presented low and moderate risks of bias, except for one that was classified as having a high risk of bias. Maternal illness during pregnancy (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.18‐1.65, P < 0.0001) and psychological stress (OR = 2.65; 95% CI 1.52‐4.63; P = 0.001) was observed to be significantly associated with higher odds of MIH. During the perinatal period, caesarean delivery (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.11‐1.57, P = 0.001) and delivery complications (OR = 2.06; 95% CI 1.47‐2.88, P < 0.0001) were also associated with MIH. In the postnatal period, only respiratory diseases (OR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.45‐2.70, P < 0.0001) and fever (OR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.22‐1.84; P < 0.0001) were associated with higher prevalence of MIH. The evidence was graded as very low quality.

Conclusions

Maternal illness, psychological stress, caesarean delivery, delivery complications, respiratory diseases and fever during the first years of a child's life were significantly associated with a higher odds of MIH. However, this should be interpreted with caution, once the primary studies were observational, with serious limitations according to the risk of bias, imprecision, and inconsistency. Further, well‐designed cohort studies are still required.
Social inequality in tooth loss, the mediating role of smoking and alcohol consumption
Authors: Hach Maria , Christensen Lisa B. , Lange Theis , Hvidtfeldt Ulla A. , Danielsen Bo , Diderichsen Finn , Osler Merete , Prescott Eva , Andersen Ingelise
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The objective of the study was to investigate the mediated proportion of smoking and alcohol consumption in the association between education and tooth loss. Further, the objective was, on the additive scale, to decompose the total effect of education on tooth loss into the direct effect of education, the natural indirect effect through smoking and alcohol consumption (differential exposure) and the mediated interaction between education, smoking and alcohol consumption on tooth loss (differential susceptibility).

Methods

The study was based on data from the Social Inequality in Cancer Cohort (SIC); a cohort constructed by seven pooled cohorts. The total study population comprised of 34 975 participants. With the use of natural effects models, we regarded smoking and alcohol consumption as intermediates; we investigated the role of smoking and alcohol consumption in mediating the effect of education on tooth loss.

Results

In total, 4924 participants had tooth loss defined as <15 teeth present. The results of the analyses, on the additive scale, showed 1202 (95% CI: 623‐1781) additional persons with tooth loss per 10 000 persons among low compared to highly educated men. Among women, the analyses showed 1159 (95% CI: 959‐1359) additional persons with tooth loss per 10 000 persons. The results, on the relative scale, showed that 11% (95% CI: 8%‐15%) of the social inequality in tooth loss was jointly mediated by smoking and alcohol consumption among low‐educated men. Among women with low education, the mediated proportion was 26% (95% CI: 19%‐36%).

Conclusion

Social inequality in tooth loss seems partly explained by differential exposure and differential susceptibility to smoking and alcohol consumption.
Why Poor Families Move (And Where They Go): Reactive Mobility and Residential Decisions
Authors: DeLuca Stefanie , Wood Holly , Rosenblatt Peter
Published: May 2019

Despite frequent moves, low–income black families are more likely than any other group to churn among disadvantaged neighborhoods, and the least likely to escape them. Traditional explanations for neighborhood inequality invoke racial preferences and barriers to living in high–income neighborhoods, but recent work suggests that it is also involuntary mobility—such as eviction—which predicts the neighborhood destinations of poor African American families in urban areas. However, we know little about how individuals actually make residential decisions under such unplanned and constrained conditions. Using longitudinal interviews with low–income African–American families residing in Mobile, AL, and Baltimore, MD, we describe the array of factors that lead poor black families to move, and describe how families secure housing in the wake of unplanned mobility. We observe that moving among the poor is more reactive than it is voluntary: Approximately 70 percent of most recent moves are catalyzed by landlords, housing quality failures, and violence. We show how this reactive mobility both accelerates and hampers residential selection in ways that may reproduce neighborhood context and inequality. Where mobility is characterized by a greater degree of agency, we show that the strategies families use to make decisions often prohibit them from investigating a wider range of residential options.
Climate change likely to reshape vegetation in North America's largest protected areas
Authors: Holsinger Lisa , Parks Sean A. , Parisien Marc‐André , Miller Carol , Batllori Enric , Moritz Max A.
Published: May 2019

Climate change poses a serious threat to biodiversity and unprecedented challenges to the preservation and protection of natural landscapes. We evaluated how climate change might affect vegetation in 22 of the largest and most iconic protected area (PA) complexes across North America. We use a climate analog model to estimate how dominant vegetation types might shift under mid‐ (2041–2070) and late‐century (2071–2100) climate according to the RCP 8.5 scenario. Maps depicting vegetation for each PA and time period are provided. Our analysis suggests that half (11 of 22) of the PAs may have substantially different vegetation by late‐21st century compared with reference period conditions. The overall trend is toward vegetation associated with warmer or drier climates (or both), with near complete losses of alpine communities at the highest elevations and high latitudes. At low elevation and latitudes, vegetation communities associated with novel climate conditions may assemble in PAs. These potential shifts, contractions, and expansions in vegetation portray the possible trends across landscapes that are of great concern for conservation, as such changes imply cascading ecological responses for associated flora and fauna. Overall, our findings highlight the challenges managers may face to maintain and preserve biodiversity in key PAs across North America.
The Emergence of Museum Education in Portugal: Madalena Cabral and the National Museum of Ancient Art
Authors: Fróis João Pedro
Published: May 2019

Historically, women's contributions to museology have been long overlooked due to an entrenched patriarchal culture. While the 20th century was characterized by the emergence of women in senior leadership positions, their story is under‐represented in the literature, and that lack of narrative distorts the historical record. This essay addresses the work of Madalena Cabral, a woman and artist who was an influential Portuguese art museum educator of the twentieth century. Over four decades (from 1952 to 1992) she developed a unique and visionary approach at the National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, MNAA) in Lisbon. She was a member of catholic groups interested in the study of religious art, textile design and architecture and was an activist in defense of the professional status of museum educators nationally and internationally. A synthesis of her ideas will be presented alongside a commentary of what can be learnt from her contribution to museum education. This essay focuses on the lasting legacy of Cabral's work based on written records, photographs and oral memories of those who met and worked with her.
Dams have varying impacts on fish communities across latitudes: a quantitative synthesis
Authors: Turgeon Katrine , Turpin Christian , Gregory‐Eaves Irene
Published: May 2019

Dams are recognised to impact aquatic biodiversity, but the effects and conclusions diverge across studies and locations. By using a meta‐analytical approach, we quantified the effects of impoundment on fish communities distributed across three large biomes. The impacts of dams on richness and diversity differed across biomes, with significant declines in the tropics, lower amplitude but similar directional changes in temperate regions, and no changes in boreal regions. Our analyses showed that non‐native species increased significantly in tropical and temperate regulated rivers, but not in boreal rivers. In contrast, temporal trajectories in fish assemblage metrics were common across regions, with all biomes showing an increase in mean trophic level position and in the proportion of generalist species after impoundment. Such changes in fish assemblages may affect food web stability and merit closer study. Across the literature examined, predominant mechanisms that render fish assemblages susceptible to impacts from dams were: (1) the transformation of the lotic environment into a lentic environment; (2) habitat fragmentation and (3) the introduction of non‐native species. Collectively, our results highlight that an understanding of the regional context and a suite of community metrics are needed to make robust predictions about how fish will respond to river impoundments.
Non‐native plants have greater impacts because of differing per‐capita effects and nonlinear abundance–impact curves
Authors: Pearse Ian S. , Sofaer Helen R. , Zaya David N. , Spyreas Greg
Published: May 2019

Invasive, non‐native species can have tremendous impacts on biotic communities, where they reduce the abundance and diversity of local species. However, it remains unclear whether impacts of non‐native species arise from their high abundance or whether each non‐native individual has a disproportionate impact – that is, a higher per‐capita effect – on co‐occurring species compared to impacts by native species. Using a long‐term study of wetlands, we asked how temporal variation in dominant native and non‐native plants impacted the abundance and richness of other plants in the recipient community. Non‐native plants reached higher abundances than natives and had greater per‐capita effects. The abundance–impact relationship between plant abundance and richness was nonlinear. Compared with increasing native abundance, increasing non‐native abundance was associated with steeper declines in richness because of greater per‐capita effects and nonlinearities in the abundance–impact relationship. Our study supports eco‐evolutionary novelty of non‐natives as a driver of their outsized impacts on communities.
Characterizing and Diagnosing Complex Professional Competencies—An Example of Intrapreneurship
Authors: George Ann Cathrice , Bley Sandra , Pellegrino James
Published: May 2019

We describe an approach to characterizing and diagnosing complex professional competencies (CPCs) for the field of Intrapreneurship, i.e. activities of an entrepreneurial nature engaged by employees within their existing organizations. Our approach draws upon prior conceptual, empirical, and analytical efforts by researchers in Germany. Results are presented from an application of a cognitive diagnostic modeling approach to the performance of late stage apprentices on tasks derived from a previously developed competence model of Intrapreneurship. The results are discussed in terms of the type of cognitive diagnosis model (CDM) most appropriate for the domain and task battery, and patterns of performance are presented for seven diagnosable Intrapreneurship skills. By interpreting the assessment task response data in terms of a CDM, diagnostic, skill‐based information is obtained which verifies the strengths and weaknesses of the apprentices at a late stage in their training and has the potential to provide feedback to training programs triggering the improvement of individual apprentice learning and subsequent work‐related performance.
An Evaluative Framework for Reviewing Fairness Standards and Practices in Educational Tests
Authors: Jonson Jessica L. , Trantham Pamela , Usher‐Tate Betty Jean
Published: May 2019

One of the substantive changes in the 2014 Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing was the elevation of fairness in testing as a foundational element of practice in addition to validity and reliability. Previous research indicates that testing practices often do not align with professional standards and guidelines. Therefore, to raise awareness of fairness concepts and principles from the 2014 Standards, this study aligned those standards with fairness practices, as documented in test manuals and on websites of 18 intelligence and achievement tests from different test publishers. A content analysis indicated that just under half of the fairness standards are frequently or occasionally practiced and those occurrences differed somewhat across tests but did not differ between intelligence and achievement tests or across publishers. To inform and encourage improvements in the future practice of the fairness standards, an evaluative framework along with example practices and related methodological scholarship is discussed.
The rise of China's securitization market
Authors: Tang Ya , Chen Daixi , Chen Jing , Xu Jianguo
Published: May 2019

We study the development of asset securitization markets in China. We manually collect all asset securitization projects and securities data from 2005 to 2015. Inspection of this sample combined with related policy changes reveals distinct characteristics and some potential problems. At the macro level, asset securitization market in China is policy driven, regulation‐segmented, and highly illiquid. At the micro level, the underlying assets are mainly corporate loans or assets, rather than mortgage or consumption loans as in the US and European markets. State owned commercial banks and enterprises enjoy significantly lower interest rates when issuing securitization bonds. Finally, risk‐isolation and credit enhancing techniques significantly improve the rating of asset‐backed securities.
Seeing the system: Systemic gender knowledge to support transformational change towards gender equality in science
Authors: Lansu Monic , Bleijenbergh Inge , Benschop Yvonne
Published: May 2019

Scholars agree that gender inequality is systemic and that participants in gender equality interventions need knowledge on gender inequality processes. However, a detailed view on the specific characteristics of this knowledge is as yet missing. This article aims to contribute to gender equality interventions by conceptualizing and visualizing systemic gender knowledge as an important condition for transformational change. Combining gender and participatory system dynamics literature, this article first introduces the concept of systemic gender knowledge. This concept captures two main characteristics that make gender knowledge systemic: knowledge on the interaction of gender inequality processes and endogenous thinking, here implying a focus on the organization as the relevant level of analysis. In addition to this conceptual contribution, the research contributes methodologically to the gender inequality intervention literature by designing a visualization process, translating written texts into system dynamics models which enable exploration of systemic gender knowledge. Finally, the research contributes empirically by exploring the systemic gender knowledge of participants in two science research institutes of a Dutch university, finding shifts in both characteristics of systemic gender knowledge. This enables researchers to discern whether gender equality interventions lead to increases in systemic gender knowledge, thus supporting transformational change.
Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic consumption in the low‐resource Central America setting
Authors: Ortiz Vivian , Estevez‐Ordonez Dagoberto , Montalvan‐Sanchez Eleazar , Urrutia‐Argueta Samuel , Israel Dawn , Krishna Uma S. , Romero‐Gallo Judith , Wilson Keith T. , Peek Richard M. , Dominguez Ricardo , Morgan Douglas R.
Published: May 2019

Background

Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health problem, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), where antibiotics are often obtained without a prescription. H. pylori antimicrobial resistance patterns are informative for patient care and gastric cancer prevention programs, have been shown to correlate with general antimicrobial consumption, and may guide antimicrobial stewardship programs in LMICs. We report H. pylori resistance and antimicrobial utilization patterns for western Honduras, representative of rural Central America.

Methods

In the context of the western Honduras gastric cancer epidemiology initiative, gastric biopsies from 189 patients were studied for culture and resistance patterns. Antimicrobial utilization was investigated for common H. pylori treatment regimens from regional public (7 antimicrobials) and national private (4 antimicrobials) data, analyzed in accordance with WHO anatomical therapeutic chemical defined daily doses (DDD) method and expressed as DDD/1000 inhabitants per day (DID) and per year (DIY).

Results

H. pylori was successfully cultured from 116 patients (56% males, mean age: 54), and nearly all strains were cagA+ and vacAs1m1+ positive (99% and 90.4%, respectively). Unexpectedly, high resistance was noted for levofloxacin (20.9%) and amoxicillin (10.7%), while metronidazole (67.9%) and clarithromycin (11.2%) were similar to data from Latin America. Significant associations with age, gender, or histology were not noted, with the exception of levofloxacin (28%, P = 0.01) in those with histology limited to non‐atrophic gastritis. Total antimicrobial usage in western Honduras of amoxicillin (17.3 DID) and the quinolones had the highest relative utilizations compared with other representative nations.

Conclusions

We observed significant H. pylori resistance to amoxicillin and levofloxacin in the context of high community antimicrobial utilization. This has implications in Central America for H. pylori treatment guidelines as well as antimicrobial stewardship programs.
CHAC1 overexpression in human gastric parietal cells with Helicobacter pylori infection in the secretory canaliculi
Authors: Ogawa Tomohisa , Wada Yuriko , Takemura Kosuke , Board Philip G. , Uchida Keisuke , Kitagaki Keisuke , Tamura Tomoki , Suzuki Takashige , Tokairin Yutaka , Nakajima Yasuaki , Eishi Yoshinobu
Published: May 2019

Background

Cation transport regulator 1 (CHAC1), a newly discovered enzyme that degrades glutathione, is induced in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐infected gastric epithelial cells in culture. The CHAC1‐induced decrease in glutathione leads to an accumulation of reactive oxygen species and somatic mutations in TP53. We evaluated the possible correlation between H. pylori infection and CHAC1 expression in human gastric mucosa.

Materials and Methods

Both fresh‐frozen and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue samples of gastric mucosa with or without H. pylori infection were obtained from 41 esophageal cancer patients that underwent esophago‐gastrectomy. Fresh samples were used for real‐time polymerase chain reaction for H. pylori DNA and CHAC1 mRNA, and formalin‐fixed samples were used for immunohistochemistry with anti‐CHAC1 and anti‐H. pylori monoclonal antibodies. Double‐enzyme or fluorescence immunohistochemistry and immuno‐electron microscopy were used for further analysis.

Results

Significant CHAC1 overexpression was detected in H. pylori‐infected parietal cells that expressed the human proton pump/H,K‐ATPase α subunit, whereas a constitutively low level of CHAC1 mRNA expression was observed in the other samples regardless of the H. pylori infection status, reflecting the weak CHAC1 expression detected by immunohistochemistry in the fundic‐gland areas. Immuno‐electron microscopy revealed intact H. pylori cells in the secretory canaliculi of infected parietal cells. Some parietal cells exhibited positive nuclear signals for Ki67 in the neck zone of the gastric fundic‐gland mucosa with H. pylori infection.

Conclusion

Cation transport regulator 1 overexpression in H. pylori‐infected parietal cells may cause the H. pylori‐induced somatic mutations that contribute to the development of gastric cancer.
Francis of Assisi as a Hesychast: Byzantine Conceptions of Sanctity in Bonaventure's Legenda Sancti Francisci1
Authors: Pino Tikhon Alexander
Published: May 2019

This paper seeks to re‐examine the relationship between medieval Latin spirituality and the Byzantine theological tradition by drawing attention to a neglected Life of Francis written by the Scholastic Bonaventure of Bagnoreggio. Though Francis is sometimes presented as the very antithesis of Greek patristic spirituality, Bonaventure's Legenda Sancti Francisci presents a figure devoted to asceticism, repentance, and contemplation. Particularly through the motif of deification, and the utilization of hesychast principles, Bonaventure paints a portrait of Francis that is not nearly as inimical to Byzantine spirituality as is sometimes thought.
Correlation of molecular and morphological features of appendiceal epithelial neoplasms
Authors: Tsai Jia H , Yang Ching‐Yao , Yuan Ray‐Hwang , Jeng Yung‐Ming
Published: May 2019

Aims

The aims of this study were to identify the genetic features of appendiceal epithelial neoplasms and correlate the genetic features with morphology.

Methods and results

We analysed the genetic features of a series of 47 appendiceal epithelial neoplasms of various morphologies by using targeted next‐generation sequencing of 11 genes commonly mutated in gastrointestinal neoplasms. Seven of nine serrated polyps harboured BRAF mutations, which are rare in other types of appendiceal tumours. Most cases of low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs) exhibited GNAS and KRAS mutations. LAMNs with a coexisting serrated polyp were all KRAS mutated. Four LAMNs with mutations in the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, either through inactivating mutations in APC or RNF43 or activating mutations in CTNNB1, had focal proliferation of mucin‐poor low‐grade tumour cells, reminiscent of colorectal adenomas. Mutations in the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway were also identified in high‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms, suggesting that Wnt/β‐catenin pathway activation is the driving force for the progression of LAMN to a higher‐grade lesion. Adenomatous polyps of the appendix frequently had APC, KRAS and TP53 mutations and were morphologically and molecularly similar to adenomatous polyps of the colorectum.

Conclusions

Our results indicate a close association between morphology and genetic events in appendiceal neoplasms and suggest a phylogenetic relationship between different entities.
Genotyping of the C>T allele of rs16906252, predictor of O16‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status, in erosive atrophic lesions of oral lichen planus
Authors: Sánchez‐Siles Mariano , Aliaga‐Sánchez Alfonso , Medina Sonia , Adoamnei Evdochia , Fernández‐Ruiz Juan Alberto , Pelegrín‐Hernández Juan Pablo , Corno‐Caparrós Andres , Rosa‐Salazar Vladimir , Camacho‐Alonso Fabio
Published: May 2019

Background

DNA promoter methylation is usually an early stage in carcinogenesis process, including oral cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between T allele of specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C>T rs 16906252 and O16‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation as prospective biomarkers of malignant transformation in oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic autoimmune mucocutaneous disease.

Methods

This research is an observational, analytical case–control study where a total of 85 subjects (43 control individuals and 42 OLP patients) participated. The samples (mouthwashes) from all volunteers were analyzed, and DNA extraction was carried out. The genotyping of the rs 16906252 SNP in the MGMT gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP). Statistical analyses of Student t test and multiple logistic regressions were used.

Results

C>T genotype in the control and OLP groups was detected in 2.3% and 19.0%, respectively. The presence of this genotype was associated with methylation of the MGMT gene. In fact, taking into account age and gender, subjects with C>T genotype were 10.5 (95% CI 1.03–106; P = 0.047) times more likely to methylate promoter region of the MGMT gene.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that C>T allele of rs 16906252, predictor of MGMT promoter methylation status, may be an important feature in the clinical prognosis of premalignant lesions of OLP, although this finding requires further clinical and laboratory investigation.
Polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid induces innate immune responses via Toll‐like receptor 3 in human ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Yan Keqin , Liang Jing , Zhang Xiao , Deng Lin , Feng Dingqing , Ling Bin
Published: May 2019

The ovary can be infected by a variety of viruses, which may come from the female reproductive tract or the peritoneum. The innate immune responses to viral infection in the human ovary are poorly understood. The present study demonstrated that human ovarian granulosa cells had innate immune activity in response to viral RNA challenge through Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) activation. TLR3 was constitutively expressed in the human ovary and predominantly located in granulosa cells of developmental follicles at all stages. Polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)], a synthetic viral double‐stranded RNA analog, induced innate immune responses in human ovarian granulosa cells and affected endocrine function. Poly (I:C) significantly upregulated proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β and type I interferon (IFN‐α/β), and the innate immune responses were significantly reduced by blocking TLR3 signaling. Furthermore, poly (I:C) induced antiviral genes expression, including 2′‐5′‐oligoadenylate synthetase, Mx GTPase 1, IFN‐stimulating gene 15 and double‐stranded RNA‐activated protein kinase R. In contrast, the expression of P450 aromatase and inhibin was dramatically inhibited by poly (I:C). Both silencing of TLR3 and neutralizing TNF‐α reversed the inhibitory effect of poly (I:C) on P450 aromatase and inhibin expression. Our study demonstrates that granulosa cells play a potential role in innate immune protection against viral infection in the normal human ovary, and the innate immune response perturbs cell endocrine function.
Characteristics and outcomes of rapid response team activations for hypotension in orthopaedic patients
Authors: Ramos João G. R. , Zhang Richard , Maher Brendan , Hardidge Andrew , Weinberg Laurence , Robbins Ray , Peyton Phillip J. , Bellomo Rinaldo , Jones Daryl
Published: May 2019

Background

Hypotension following orthopaedic surgery has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Rapid response teams (RRT) review patients on hospital wards with hypotension.

Aim

To evaluate the epidemiology of hypotensive RRT activations in adult orthopaedic patients to identify contributing factors and areas for future quality improvement.

Methods

Timing of RRT activations, presumed causes of hypotension and associated treatments were assessed.

Results

Among 963 RRT activations in 605 patients over 3 years, the first calls of 226 of 605 patients were due to hypotension, and 213 (94.2%) of 226 had sufficient data for analysis. The median age was 79 (interquartile range 66–87) years; 58 (27.2%) were male, and comorbidities were common. Most (68%) surgery was emergent, and 75.1% received intraoperative vasopressors for hypotension. Most activations occurred within 24 h of surgery, and hypovolaemia, infection and arrhythmias were common presumed causes. Fluid boluses occurred in 173 (81.2%), and the time between surgery and RRT activation was 10 (4.0–26.5) h. in cases where fluid boluses were given, compared with 33 (15.5–61.5) h. where they were not (P < 0.001). Blood transfusion (30, 14.1%) and withholding of medications were also common. Hospital mortality was 8.5% (18), and 13.6% (29) were admitted to critical care at some stage. In‐hospital death was associated with older age, functional dependence, arrhythmia and presumed infection.

Conclusions

Hypotension‐related RRT calls in orthopaedic patients are common. Future interventional studies might focus on perioperative fluid therapy and vaso‐active medications, as well as withholding of anti‐hypertensive medications preoperatively.
Gender norms associated with adolescent sexual behaviours in Uganda
Authors: Nalukwago Judith , Crutzen Rik , van den Borne Bart , Bukuluki Paul Mukisa , Bufumbo Leonard , Burke Holly McClain , Field Samuel , Zikusooka Amos , Fiedler Anne Akia , Alaii Jane
Published: May 2019

The relationship between gendered power relations and sexual behaviours of adolescents has been limitedly explored in Uganda. A 2015 cross‐sectional survey covering 16 purposively selected districts of Uganda assessed perceptions and associations of gender norms measured using the Gender Equitable Men scale and sexual behaviours among adolescents (N = 867). Findings indicate that behavioural intention to use contraception was moderately correlated with a gender equitable norm towards reproductive health and pregnancy and disease prevention among girls, r = .23 (p < .01; 95% CI .14‐.31) and boys, r = .22 (p < .01; 95% CI .12‐.31). A moderate correlation was found between self‐efficacy to use condoms and the norm towards reproductive health and pregnancy and disease prevention among girls, r = .29 (p < .01; 95% CI .20‐.37) and boys, r = .30 (p < .01; 95% CI .21‐.38). This indicates persistent inequitable gender norms that affect health service uptake among adolescents. Addressing inequitable gender norms requires working closely with girls and boys, promoting informed peer and partner discussions, engaging in strategic partnerships with parents, religious, political, and community leaders, and enforcing health information services to address misconceptions.