bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Evidence that Melatonin Is not a Biomarker in Children and Adolescents With Episodic Migraine
Authors: Berger Anthony , Litwin Jessica , Allen Isabel Elaine , Qubty William , Irwin Samantha , Waung Maggie , Gelfand Amy A.
Published: May 2019

Background

To date, there have not been reliable biomarkers to identify impending migraine episodes. A prior study in adults with migraine demonstrated a reduction in the urinary metabolic substrate of melatonin (urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin; aMT6s) during a migraine. The aim of this study was to examine whether evening urinary melatonin metabolite levels could predict migraine the next day in children and adolescents with migraine.

Methods

Twenty‐one children and adolescents with migraine (aged 5‐17 years) were recruited to this observational study conducted at UC San Francisco to provide urine samples for 10 days and maintain a prospective headache diary during the same period. Nightly melatonin metabolite 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin in urine was assayed and results from nights preceding migraine were compared to nights preceding a non‐headache day.

Results

Mean (±SD) aMT6s levels the night prior to a migraine attack were 56.2 ± 39.0 vs 55.4 ± 46.6 ng/mL (P = .915), and mean melatonin metabolite levels the night following migraine were 55.5 ± 46.9 vs 57.0 ± 37.7 ng/mL (P = .841). However, in post hoc exploratory analyses, aMT6s levels were lower the night before a migraine in those who experienced aura or premonitory symptoms.

Conclusion

While urinary melatonin metabolites do not predict migraine attacks in children and adolescents overall, they may be predictive in those who experience premonitory phase symptoms as part of their migraine attacks.
Neoplastic cell percentage estimation in tissue samples for molecular oncology: recommendations from a modified Delphi study
Authors: Dufraing Kelly , van Krieken J Henricus , De Hertogh Gert , Hoefler Gerald , Oniscu Anca , Kuhlmann Tine P , Weichert Wilko , Marchiò Caterina , Ristimäki Ari , Ryška Aleš , Scoazec Jean‐Yves , Dequeker Elisabeth
Published: May 2019

Aims

Results from external quality assessment revealed considerable variation in neoplastic cell percentages (NCP) estimation in samples for biomarker testing. As molecular biology tests require a minimal NCP, overestimations may lead to false negative test results. We aimed to develop recommendations to improve the NCP determination in a prototypical entity – colorectal carcinoma – that can be adapted for other cancer types.

Methods and results

A modified Delphi study was conducted to reach consensus by 10 pathologists from 10 countries with experience in determining the NCP for colorectal adenocarcinoma. This study included two online surveys and a decision‐making meeting. Consensus was defined a priori as an agreement of > 80%. All pathologists completed both surveys. Consensus was reached for 8 out of 19 and 2 out of 13 questions in the first and second surveys, respectively. Remaining issues were resolved during the meeting. Twenty‐four recommendations were formulated. Major recommendations resulted as follows: only pathologists should conduct the morphological evaluation; nevertheless molecular biologists/technicians may estimate the NCP, if specific training has been performed and a pathologist is available for feedback. The estimation should be determined in the area with the highest density of viable neoplastic cells and lowest density of inflammatory cells. Other recommendations concerned: the determination protocol itself, needs for micro‐ and macro‐dissection, reporting and interpreting, referral practices and applicability to other cancer types.

Conclusion

We believe these recommendations may lead to more accurate NCP estimates, ensuring the correct interpretation of test results, and might help in validating digital algorithms in the future.
A self‐monitoring urinary salt excretion level measurement device for educating young women about salt reduction: A parallel randomized trial involving two groups
Authors: Yasutake Kenichiro , Umeki Yoko , Horita Noriko , Morita Rieko , Murata Yusuke , Ohe Kenji , Tsuchihashi Takuya , Enjoji Munechika
Published: May 2019

To prevent and treat hypertension, it is important to restrict salt in one's diet since adolescence. However, an effective salt‐reduction education system has yet to be established. Besides accurate evaluation, we believe that the frequent usage of a measurement device may motivate individuals to avoid high salt intake. The present study evaluated the use of a urinary salt excretion measurement device for salt‐reduction education in a parallel randomized trial of two groups. The sample comprised 100 university students who provided consent to participate. A survey with 24‐hour home urine collection and blood pressure measurement was conducted. Participants in the self‐monitoring group measured their own urinary salt excretion level for 4 weeks, using the self‐measurement device. Analyses were conducted on 51 participants in the control group and 49 in the self‐monitoring group. At baseline, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of their characteristics and 24‐hour urinary salt excretion levels. After intervention, 24‐hour urinary sodium/potassium ratio showed no change in the control group [baseline score: 4.1 ± 1.5; endline score: 4.2 ± 2.0; P = 0.723], but it decreased significantly in the self‐monitoring group [baseline score: 4.0 ± 1.7; endline score: 3.5 ± 1.4; P = 0.044]. This change was significant even after adjusting for baseline and endline differences between groups using analysis of covariance (P = 0.045). The self‐monitoring urinary salt excretion measurement device improved the 24‐hour urinary sodium/potassium ratio. The device is a useful and practical tool for educating young individuals about dietary salt reduction.
Understanding Patent “Privateering”: A Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Kesan Jay P. , Layne‐Farrar Anne , Schwartz David L.
Published: May 2019

Since 2011, several papers and articles have speculated about the motivations, activities, and possible anti‐competitive effects of hybrid patent assertion entities (PAEs) or, more pejoratively, “patent privateers.” Most prior work has assumed that privateers are essentially extorting money from firms by making weak infringement claims employing weak patents. Under a more classical law and economics approach, we would expect patent privateers to acquire valuable patents to reduce litigation risk and justify patent enforcement. However, to date, there has been no quantitative analysis on this form of patent holder to support or disprove either of these theoretical viewpoints. This article takes a first step toward filling that gap in the analysis by conducting an empirical assessment of patent lawsuits filed between 2010 and 2013. Although several studies have provided useful analysis on who litigates patents and which patents are more likely to be litigated, we add new variables and insights to the analysis. First, our dataset identifies the business models of the parties involved, including hybrid PAEs. Second, we include data on patent reassignments, which allows us to identify when a hybrid PAE takes (partial) possession of a patent. Third, for making comparisons between litigated and unlitigated patents, our dataset includes a set of unlitigated patents that match our litigated patent dataset on several key variables. In this work, we explore three interesting questions: (1) What patent characteristics predict a patent's acquisition by a hybrid PAE? (2) Do hybrid PAEs acquire patents that are more likely to be litigated? and (3) Does reassignment to a hybrid PAE affect the time when a patent is first asserted in litigation? We find that hybrid PAEs tend to acquire patents in the information technology, surgery, and medical instrument fields more often than patents in other technology areas. Hybrid PAEs also obtain relatively higher‐quality patents than average, but objective quality metrics generally are on par when compared to patents litigated by firms with other business models. Our analysis also suggests that hybrid PAEs prefer patents with a broader scope of protection. Reassigning a patent to a hybrid PAE is generally associated with higher odds that the patents will be litigated. Finally, patents held by hybrid PAEs at some point in their lifespan experience their first litigation later than those never held by a hybrid PAE. In short, our analysis suggests that patent privateers appear to be focused on improving the possibility of successful patent monetization by focusing on acquiring higher‐quality patents with a broader scope of protection, as value and scope are perceived by economists. This research is consistent with the law and economics theory that hybrid PAEs acquire valuable patents and not the extortion theory that they acquire weak patents.
Magnetoreception in fish
Authors: Formicki Krzysztof , Korzelecka‐Orkisz Agata , Tański Adam
Published: May 2019

Magnetoreception is the ability of organisms to perceive magnetic fields in the surrounding environment and changes in its properties such as field direction, intensity and gradient, where the effect on organisms can manifest as an array of reactions. As the magnetic sense is found in many taxa, both evolutionarily young and old, it can be assumed that magnetoreception came into existence as one of the first sensory systems. Many studies on the effect of magnetic fields on fishes have considered both fishes that migrate for long distances and those that are more or less sedentary. Research has focused on tracing the perception of the geomagnetic field by fishes and understanding magnetic fields that are smaller and larger than the ambient Earth's geomagnetic field. The question of the effect of magnetic fields of values higher than the Earth's is gaining importance with the increasing effect of anthropogenic magnetic and electromagnetic fields in aquatic ecosystems. This review draws together the results of studies on the effect and reception of natural and human‐generated magnetic fields on fishes at various stages of ontogeny, chronologically arranged from gametes, through embryonic development, embryonic and larval motor function, directional reactions of embryos and larvae, orientation of fishes, to the mechanisms of magnetic field reception. The present state of knowledge indicates a common nature of effect on various ontogenetic stages of fishes. However, understanding of the mechanisms of magnetic sense in fishes and its relevance for ecological outcomes highlights that further progress requires more detailed research.
A general data model for socioeconomic metabolism and its implementation in an industrial ecology data commons prototype
Authors: Pauliuk Stefan , Heeren Niko , Hasan Mohammad Mahadi , Müller Daniel B.
Published: May 2019

Until this day, data in industrial ecology (IE) have been commonly seen as existing within the domain of particular methods or models, such as input–output, life cycle assessment, urban metabolism, or material flow analysis data. This artificial division of data into methods contradicts the common phenomena described by those data: the objects and processes in the industrial system, or socioeconomic metabolism (SEM). A consequence of this scattered organization of related data across methods is that IE researchers and consultants spend too much time searching for and reformatting data from diverse and incoherent sources, time that could be invested into quality control and analysis of model results instead. This article outlines a solution to two major barriers to data exchange within IE: (a) the lack of a generic structure for IE data and (b) the lack of a bespoke platform to exchange IE datasets. We present a general data model for SEM that can be used to structure all data that can be located in the industrial system, including process descriptions, product descriptions, stocks, flows, and coefficients of all kind. We describe a relational database built on the general data model and a user interface to it, both of which are open source and can be implemented by individual researchers, groups, institutions, or the entire community. In the latter case, one could speak of an IE data commons (IEDC), and we unveil an IEDC prototype containing a diverse set of datasets from the literature.
Morphometric correlates of anomia in patients with small left temporopolar lesions
Authors: Alemán‐Gómez Yasser , Poch Claudia , Toledano Rafael , Jiménez‐Huete Adolfo , García‐Morales Irene , Gil‐Nagel Antonio , Campo Pablo
Published: May 2019

Visual object naming is a complex cognitive process that engages an interconnected network of cortical regions moving from occipitotemporal to anterior–inferior temporal cortices, and extending into the inferior frontal cortex. Naming can fail for diverse reasons, and different stages of the naming multi‐step process appear to be reliant upon the integrity of different neuroanatomical locations. While the neural correlates of semantic errors have been extensively studied, the neural basis of omission errors remains relatively unspecified. Although a strong line of evidence supports an association between anterior temporal lobe damage and semantic errors, there are some studies suggesting that the anterior temporal lobe could be also associated with omissions. However, support for this hypothesis comes from studies with patients in whom damage affected extensive brain regions, sometimes bilaterally. Here, we availed of a group of 12 patients with epilepsy associated with a small lesion at the tip of the left temporal pole. Using an unbiased surface‐based morphometry methodology, we correlated two morphological features with errors observed during visual naming. Analyses revealed a correlation between omission errors and reduced local gyrification index in three cortical clusters: one in the left anteromedial temporal lobe region (AMTL) and two in the left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Our findings support the view that regions in ACC and AMTL are critical structures within a network engaged in word selection from semantics.
Adolescent Relationship Quality: Is There an Intergenerational Link?
Authors: Goldberg Rachel E. , Tienda Marta , Eilers Michelle , McLanahan Sara S.
Published: May 2019

Objective

This study examines intergenerational continuities in relationship instability, general relationship quality, and intimate partner violence (IPV) between mothers and adolescents.

Background

A growing body of literature has observed similarities in relationship quality between parents and their adult offspring. Less attention has focused on whether intergenerational continuities are present in adolescent relationships.

Method

Using age 3, 5, 9, and 15 data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing birth cohort study (N = 3,162), the authors examined the associations between maternal reports of relationship instability, general quality, and IPV in early and middle childhood and similar adolescent reports at age 15. Variations based on the timing and persistence of exposures were considered.

Results

In general, exposures to low‐quality maternal relationships were associated with a higher risk of forming adolescent partnerships and lower relationship quality. Intergenerational links in quality were predominantly construct specific, consistent with observational learning processes. Adolescents exposed to maternal relationships of poor general quality in middle childhood were less likely to report high‐quality relationships themselves, and those exposed to any maternal physical IPV victimization during childhood were more likely to perpetrate IPV in their own relationships. Exposure to maternal relationship instability in both early and middle childhood was associated with more adolescent romantic partners.

Conclusion

The study illuminates additional pathways through which healthy and unhealthy relationships are reproduced across generations.
In Vitro Evaluation of Bond Strength between Zirconia Core and CAD/CAM‐Produced Veneers
Authors: Çakırbay Tanış Merve , Kılıçarslan Mehmet Ali , Bellaz İbrahim Berk
Published: May 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the shear bond strength between various CAD/CAM veneer materials and the zirconia ceramic core.

Materials and Methods

Ninety square prism zirconia specimens (10 specimens per each group, n = 10) in dimensions of 10 × 5 × 5 mm were prepared. Eighty square prism veneering specimens (40 feldspathic ceramic [Cerec Bloc] and 40 lithium disilicate [IPS e.max CAD]) in dimensions of 3 × 3 × 1 mm were connected to zirconia specimens. Conventional layering was applied to the remaining zirconia specimens as control group (n = 10). CAD/CAM‐produced veneers were connected to the zirconia specimens using fusion porcelain or resin cement. One of following treatments were applied to the cemented specimens: no surface treatment, HF etching of the veneering material, or HF acid etching of the veneer in combination with the application of a glaze layer to the zirconia surface. Following the veneering procedures, a shear bond strength test was performed at a speed of 1 mm/min using a universal testing machine. Univariate ANOVA (α = 0.05) was performed for statistical analyses of the obtained data.

Results

Statistically significant differences were not found among the materials (F = 0.176, p = 0.656), while statistically significant differences were found amongst the veneering procedures (F = 57.921, p < 0.001). Statistical differences were observed between the groups (F = 13.766, p < 0.001). The highest shear bond strength values were observed in IPS e.max CAD specimens connected to zirconia with low fusion porcelain (27.11 ± 7.7 MPa), and the lowest values were observed in IPS e.max CAD specimens connected to zirconia with resin cement without surface treatment (9.82 ± 2.8 MPa). The application of fusion porcelain with IPS e.max CAD (p = 0.967) and Cerec Blocs (p = 1.00) showed statistically similar results to those with conventional layering.

Conclusions

The application of fusion porcelain to bond zirconia and digitally produced veneering material can serve as an alternative veneering method to the conventional layering method by accelerating and facilitating clinical and laboratory stages.
Taxation under oligopoly in a general equilibrium setting
Authors: Collie David R.
Published: May 2019

Taxation under oligopoly is analyzed in a general equilibrium setting where the firms are large relative to the size of the economy and maximize the utility of their shareholders. Assuming that preferences are either identical and homothetic or identical and quasi‐linear, then the oligopoly model is an aggregative game, which greatly simplifies the comparative statics for the effects of taxation. This novel analysis of taxation leads to a number of counterintuitive results that challenge conventional wisdom in microeconomics. A lump‐sum tax may increase the price of the oligopolistic good and decrease welfare whereas a profits tax may decrease the price of the oligopolistic good and increase welfare. A profits tax is shown to be superior to a lump‐sum tax. Furthermore, in line with conventional wisdom, total tax revenue is always higher with an ad valorem tax than with a specific tax that leads to the same price for the oligopolistic good.
Evaluation of the SCARF Well‐Being and Suicide Prevention Program for Rural Australian Communities
Authors: Perceval Meg , Reddy Prasuna , Ross Victoria , Joiner Thomas , Kolves Kairi
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Rural communities in Australia have an elevated risk of suicide. The aim of the current study was to evaluate a well‐being and suicide prevention education workshop, SCARF (Suspect, Connect, Ask, Refer, Follow‐Up) developed for Australian farming and rural communities.

Methods

The SCARF program was delivered to 14 groups, a convenience sample including frontline agricultural workers and farmers from New South Wales. The Literacy of Suicide Scale, Stigma of Suicide Scale, and items assessing confidence to assist others were administered immediately before and after the workshop, and at 3‐month follow‐up. The Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale was given immediately before and at 3‐month follow‐up. In total, 255 agreed to participate in the study, with 127 completing 3‐month follow‐up. Data were analyzed using linear mixed‐effects regression.

Findings

There was a significant increase in suicide literacy and confidence to assist others immediately after the workshop, which remained significant at 3‐month follow‐up. Mental well‐being significantly improved at 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

The SCARF program is unique for its brevity, cultural specificity, focus on health, and incorporation of the biopsycho‐ecological model and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. It represents a useful program for Australian farming and rural communities to improve mental well‐being, suicide literacy, and confidence to recognize and respond to suicidality.
Polysynthesis: A review
Authors: Zúñiga Fernando
Published: May 2019

The notion of polysynthesis was introduced two centuries ago and is still widely used in linguistic typology, as well as in linguistic theory and even language description. Nevertheless, several of its features make it unappealing as a technical term. First, there is no consensus as to which of the competing, partially overlapping, definitions is to be preferred. Second, the different structural phenomena covered by the label show variation both across and within languages; the term is in need of qualification to be precise. Third, neither the synchronic distribution nor the diachronic origins of the phenomena involved is well understood. Fourth, even though the term is essentially framed in typological terms, no robust cross‐linguistic generalizations based on it have been hitherto found. The present paper surveys these features and argues that the notion can be used nonimpressionistically only if defined more cogently and more restrictively.
The wicked problem of healthcare student attrition
Authors: Hamshire Claire , Jack Kirsten , Forsyth Rachel , Langan A. Mark , Harris W. Edwin
Published: May 2019

The early withdrawal of students from healthcare education programmes, particularly nursing, is an international concern and, despite considerable investment, retention rates have remained stagnant. Here, a regional study of healthcare student retention is used as an example to frame the challenge of student attrition using a concept from policy development, wicked problem theory. This approach allows the consideration of student attrition as a complex problem derived from the interactions of many interrelated factors, avoiding the pitfalls of small‐scale interventions and over‐simplistic assumptions of cause and effect. A conceptual framework is proposed to provide an approach to developing actions to reduce recurrent investment in interventions that have previously proved ineffective at large scale. We discuss how improvements could be achieved through integrated stakeholder involvement and acceptance of the wicked nature of attrition as a complex and ongoing problem.
Electron tomography of plant organelles and the outlook for correlative microscopic approaches
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Liang Zizhen , Kang Byung‐Ho
Published: May 2019

Structural analyses of organelles and localization of proteins in their confines are essential to investigate inner workings of eukaryotic cells. Electron tomography (ET) is a three‐dimensional electron microscopy method with which we can extract sliced views of organelles from any direction and quantify their structural parameters at nanometer‐level resolution. This advanced electron microscopy tool is suited for characterization of convoluted membrane compartments and of cellular constituents of dimensions smaller than 100 nm. ET studies of plant cells fixed by rapid freezing have expanded our understanding of the biogenesis and functions of plant organelles. Here we describe how the molecular imaging capacity of correlative light and electron microscopy can be integrated with ET in studies of plant organelles.
The LYSIN MOTIF‐CONTAINING RECEPTOR‐LIKE KINASE 1 protein of banana is required for perception of pathogenic and symbiotic signals
Authors: Zhang Lu , Yuan Liangbin , Staehelin Christian , Li Yin , Ruan Jiuxiao , Liang Zhenwei , Xie Zhiping , Wang Wei , Xie Jianghui , Huang Shangzhi
Published: May 2019

How plants can distinguish pathogenic and symbiotic fungi remains largely unknown. Here, we characterized the role of MaLYK1, a lysin motif receptor kinase of banana.

Live cell imaging techniques were used in localization studies. RNA interference (RNAi)‐silenced transgenic banana plants were generated to analyze the biological role of MaLYK1. The MaLYK1 ectodomain, chitin beads, chitooligosaccharides (COs) and mycorrhizal lipochitooligosaccharides (Myc‐LCOs) were used in pulldown assays. Ligand‐induced MaLYK1 complex formation was tested in immunoprecipitation experiments. Chimeric receptors were expressed in Lotus japonicus to characterize the function of the MaLYK1 kinase domain.

MaLYK1 was localized to the plasma membrane. MaLYK1 expression was induced by Foc4 (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4) and diverse microbe‐associated molecular patterns. MaLYK1‐silenced banana lines showed reduced chitin‐triggered defense responses, increased Foc4‐induced disease symptoms and reduced mycorrhization. The MaLYK1 ectodomain was pulled down by chitin beads and LCOs or COs impaired this process. Ligand treatments induced MaLYK1 complex formation in planta. The kinase domain of MaLYK1 could functionally replace that of the chitin elicitor receptor kinase 1 (AtCERK1) in Arabidopsis thaliana and of a rhizobial LCO (Nod factor) receptor (LjNFR1) in L. japonicus.

MaLYK1 represents a central molecular switch that controls defense‐ and symbiosis‐related signaling.
Reconceptualizing anorexia nervosa
Authors: Bulik Cynthia M. , Flatt Rachael , Abbaspour Afrouz , Carroll Ian
Published: May 2019

Anorexia nervosa (AN) has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disorder. Treatments are often ineffective and relapse is common. Most research attempting to understand the underlying causes and maintenance factors of AN has focused on environmental contributions, yet there is much to be explored in terms of biological risk and maintenance factors. In this paper, we focus primarily on AN research related to genetics and the complex microbial community in the gut (intestinal microbiota), and how these impact our conceptualization of this disorder. Emerging research identifying significant negative genetic correlations between AN and obesity suggests that the conditions may represent ‘metabolic bookends’. The identification of underlying biological mechanisms may provide both insight into extreme weight dysregulation on both ends of the spectrum and new possible points of entry for AN treatment. Additionally, the reported microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) in the gut microbiota in AN patients, potentially due to a nutrient‐ and energy‐deprived gut environment, implies alterations in functional and metabolic capacity of the gut microbiome. The extent to which AN and obesity can also be considered to be ‘microbiome bookends’ requires further investigation. Finally, we discuss ongoing and future AN projects exploring the interplay between host genomics, the environment, and cumulative microbial genomes (microbiome) as well as interventions at the microbial and gut level.
Effect of environmental factors and changes in the body condition score on the onset of the breeding season in mares
Authors: Dini Pouya , Ducheyne Kaatje , Lemahieu Isabel , Wambacq Wendy , Vandaele Hilde , Daels Peter
Published: May 2019

Several methods have been proposed to advance the onset of the breeding season in horses. Most of them are based on the exposure to an artificial lighting period combined with hormonal treatments. Mares exposed to an artificial photoperiod are most often housed indoors where the ambient temperature is often higher than the outside temperature. Mares held in barns are also exposed to different daylight intensities than horses kept outside, depending on the architecture. In the current study, we evaluated the impact of ambient temperature, daylight intensity and changes in body condition score (BCS) on the timing of first ovulation after winter anestrus in mares exposed to an artificial photoperiod. Mares (n = 211) were housed in barns with different ambient temperature and daylight exposure but with the same artificial photoperiod exposure (except for a natural photoperiod control group). Artificial photoperiod as well as an increase in BCS over the winter significantly advanced the first spring ovulation. The BCS at the start and end of the anestrus period did not have an effect on the interval to first ovulation and neither did the modest increase in ambient temperature in the barn. However, a higher light intensity during the daytime significantly advanced the first spring ovulation. The results of this study suggest that exposure to more sunlight advances the onset of the breeding season. This effect is likely mediated through the biological effect of short wavelength blue light and its impact on melatonin suppression and biological rhythms. We suggest that greater/direct exposure to the blue light component of daylight improves the response to the artificial photoperiod. The results of the present study can further assist to optimize the conditions that lead to an efficient spring transition of breeding mares.
Evaluation of different hormonal treatments on oestral and ovarian responses in Moroccan Beni Arouss goats during anoestrus and breeding season
Authors: El Kadili Sara , Raes Marianne , Bister Jean‐Loup , Beckers Jean‐François , Amzati Gaston , Archa Bouchaib , Chentouf Mouad , Kirschvink Nathalie
Published: May 2019

The efficacy of eight combinations of fluorogestone acetate (FGA, 20 or 40 mg as intravaginal device during 11 days), equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG, 300 or 500 UI injected 48 hr before FGA removal) and prostaglandin F2α (cloprostenol, 0 or 50 μg injected 48 hr before FGA removal) aiming at induction and synchronization of oestrus and ovulation was evaluated during the anoestrus season in spring and during the breeding season in autumn in adult Beni Arouss goats. Oestrous behaviour was recorded between 12 and 60 hr after FGA removal. Blood samplings allowing to assess onset of the pre‐ovulatory LH surge and increase of progesterone as sign of an active corpus luteum were performed, respectively, between 20 and 60 hr and 3, 5, 8 and 15 days after FGA removal. No season‐related differences (spring vs. autumn) were observed for oestrous response (95% vs. 93%), pre‐ovulatory LH surge (94% vs. 84%) and luteal response after 3–8 and 11–15 days post‐treatment (respectively 92% vs. 66% and 92% vs. 98%). The onset of oestrus (21 [13–53] vs. 32 [12–54] hr) and LH surge (26 [20–60] vs. 38 [22–60] hr) occurred significantly later in autumn. FGA (40 vs. 20 mg) in autumn significantly delayed the onset of oestrus (36 [16–54] vs. 23 [12–47] hr) and LH surge (44 [26–58] vs. 33 [22–60] hr). Significant treatment‐related differences were recorded for onset of LH surge (earliest for 20 mg FGA, 300 IU eCG, 50 μg PGF2α) and onset of luteal phase (latest for 40 mg FGA, 300 IU eCG, 50 μg PGF2α). In conclusion, the hormone combinations tested appeared equally effective in terms of oestrous and ovulation rates. Season has influenced significantly the onset of oestrus and LH surge, and the high dose regimen of FGA delayed the ovarian response in autumn.
Microbial inoculation influences arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi community structure and nutrient dynamics in temperate tree restoration
Authors: Lance Andrew C. , Burke David J. , Hausman Constance E. , Burns Jean H.
Published: May 2019

Soil microbial communities have a profound influence on soil chemical processes and subsequently influence tree nutrition and growth. This study examined how the addition of a commercial inoculum or forest‐collected soils influenced nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) dynamics, soil microbial community structure, and growth in Liriodendron tulipifera and Prunus serotina tree saplings. Inoculation method was an important determinant of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community structure in both species and altered soil N dynamics in Prunus and soil P dynamics in Liriodendron. Prunus saplings receiving whole forest soil transfers had a higher rhizosphere soil carbon/nitrogen ratio and ammonia content at the end of the first growing season when compared to unmanipulated control saplings. Inoculation with whole forest soil transfers resulted in increased inorganic phosphorus in Liriodendron rhizosphere soils. The number of AMF terminal restriction fragments was significantly greater in rhizosphere soils of Liriodendron saplings inoculated with whole forest soil transfers and Prunus saplings receiving either inoculum source than control saplings. Forest soil inoculation also increased AMF colonization and suppressed stem elongation in Liriodendron after 16 months; conversely, Prunus AMF colonization was unchanged and stem elongation was significantly greater when saplings were inoculated with whole forest soil transfers. Longer term monitoring of tree response to inoculation will be essential to assess whether early costs of AMF colonization may provide long‐term benefits. This study provides insight into how practitioners can use microbial inoculation to alter AMF community structure and functioning, subsequently influencing tree growth and nutrient cycling during the restoration of degraded lands.
Associations between education and need for care among community dwelling older adults in Iceland
Authors: Chang Milan , Geirsdottir Olof G. , Sigurdarsdottir Sigurveig H. , Kåreholt Ingemar , Ramel Alfons
Published: May 2019

Background

Older adults in Iceland have good access to social services that support them in maintaining an independent life, although receiving informal care is common for community living older adults in Iceland. The aim of this study was to examine whether the need for care as well as receiving formal and informal care is associated with education among older adults in Iceland.

Methods

Among a national sample of 782 Icelandic community dwelling old adults (mean age 76.9 ± 7.4 years, 55% women), a telephone survey was conducted. The survey included questions on: socioeconomic status, social network, health status, activities of daily living and formal/informal care.

Results

A full data set was available for 720 subjects and among these, 349 (48.5%) had no need for care, 197 (27.4%) received informal care only, 31 (4.3%) received formal care only, and 143 (19.9%) received both type of care. Participants with higher education were significantly less likely to need care (OR 0.67, 95% CI, 0.47–0.97, p = 0.031) when compared with those who had primary education. Categorisation by age showed that this difference was only significant in participants younger than 80 years. Education was not related to formal care, but adults with higher education were less likely to receive informal care compared with older adults who had primary education (OR: 0.65, 95%CI: 0.46, 0.93, p = 0.018).

Conclusions

People with higher education were significantly less likely to need care and this association was mainly present among those aged below 80 years. Further, in participants that needed care, the likelihood of receiving informal care was lower in highly educated participants, but no differences in formal care were observed between educational levels.
Parenting skills after participation in skills‐based training inspired by the New Maudsley Method: a qualitative study in an outpatient eating disorder setting
Authors: Toubøl Annemarie , Koch‐Christensen Helle , Bruun Poul , Nielsen Dorthe S.
Published: May 2019

Background

Eating disorders affect the whole family and it is recommended that parents play an important role in their adolescents’ recovery. Being a parent to an adolescent with an eating disorder is often linked to feelings of guilt and hopelessness and at the same time parents often feel left alone with unmet needs when it comes to handling symptoms in family life. Little is known about parents’ perspectives to skills‐based training in adolescent eating disorder treatment. This knowledge is urgently required, since previous research has focused mainly on adult patients showing positive effects of skills‐based training as a promising adjunct in eating disorder treatment.

Objective

To examine parents’ perception of their new skills after having participated in skills‐based training inspired by the New Maudsley Method.

Methodology

A qualitative study using deductive dominant content analysis.

Methods

In total, 21 parents participated in focus groups.

Findings

Three categories were identified (i) Standing outside oneself and realise that one has become entangled in the illness, (ii) Understanding the daughter's inner life with the illness offers new opportunities in the relationship, (iii) Courage to find new ways of parenting. The parents experienced themselves more calm and confident in their ability to recognise and confront the eating disorder symptoms. They expressed increased communication skills, which improved their relationship with their child and gave access to her inner life.

Conclusion

Skills‐based training serves as an important intervention and it may improve parental skills, reduce high expressed emotions and reduce anxiety, guilt and stress. Skills‐based training may contribute to reinforcing parents to regain parenting authority and enable parents and adolescents to ‘be on the same side’ in the beating the eating disorder.
Insight from focus group interviews: adolescent girls’ well‐being in relation to experiences of winter, nature and seasonal changes in Northern Finland
Authors: Wiens Varpu , Kyngäs Helvi , Pölkki Tarja
Published: May 2019

Background

According to previous studies, gender‐related differences have been found in relation to the experience of well‐being. There are also research results indicating that environment and seasonal variation have an influence on the well‐being.

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe how adolescent girls living in northern Finland experience nature, winter and seasonal changes and meaning of these to their well‐being.

Methods

In this descriptive, qualitative research, 17 girls aged 13–16 who live in northern Finland participated in five focus group interviews where they presented photographs of nature they took themselves. Participation for the girls was voluntary, and the data were analysed by using content analysis.

Findings

Three main categories were found: winter which expresses participative and confrontational meanings, natural environment that provides meaningful stimulus and seasonal variations binding experiences. Winter had a dual effect on girls’ well‐being. Nature's healing elements were described by the girls as invigorating, varying and stimulating of a wide range of senses. Nature offered soothing and revitalising experiences for the girls. On the one hand, seasonal changes were seen as a refreshing change, but on the other hand, the changes were described oppressive and burdensome.

Conclusion

The girls described how they experienced the multiple elements of nature and environment through different senses. These sensations and feelings seem to transport the girls to a larger experience in which nature and seasonal changes were partially elements that fulfilled the girls’ needs but also required adaptation.

Relevance to clinical practice

This experiential description encourages us to develop new means of promotive actions and brings a novel perspective and understanding about how to incorporate and implement these findings to enhance girls’ well‐being. Findings from this study need to be understood in this particular context in northern Finland among adolescent girls.
Family caregivers’ and professionals’ stigmatic experiences with persons with early‐onset dementia: a qualitative study
Authors: Werner Perla , Shpigelman Carmit‐Noa , Raviv Turgeman Lilach
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Recently, research has focused on understanding the needs of persons with early‐onset dementia and their family caregivers who often experience stigmatic beliefs. However, to date, research has not provided a thorough and deep understanding of the stigma formation process and its implications for this population. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the stigma formation process as experienced by family members as informal caregivers of persons with early‐onset dementia, and professionals as formal caregivers who are involved in the development, management and provision of services.

Method

We conducted three focus groups with 16 participants, including spouses of a person with early‐onset dementia and professionals. The focus groups’ transcripts were analysed following a thematic analysis procedure.

Results

Results indicated that both family members and professionals encounter stigmatic experiences because of their association with younger persons with dementia. Lack of knowledge emerged as the main antecedent and emotional burden as the main consequence of stigma.

Conclusion

Stigmatic experiences emerged as a pervasive and complex phenomenon among formal and informal caregivers of persons with early‐onset dementia, suggesting the need to developing a comprehensive and integrated approach to reduce them at the individual, professional and societal levels.
Nurses’ self‐assessments of adherence to guidelines on safe medication preparation and administration in long‐term elderly care
Authors: Karttunen Markus , Sneck Sami , Jokelainen Jari , Elo Satu
Published: May 2019

Background

Medication‐related errors are common in elderly care. Most are detected during the preparation and administration stages of the medication process. Nursing staff have a key role in preventing errors, and it is based on adherence to guidelines.

Aim

The aim was to determine nursing staff's self‐assessments of how they adherence to guidelines on safe medication preparation, administration and asepsis in the medication process in long‐term elderly care and to identify factors affecting this adherence.

Method

Cross‐sectional study was conducted by total sampling at the communal long‐term elderly care wards of one healthcare district in Finland in November 2016. Data were collected from nursing staff by using a previously developed web‐based questionnaire. The response rate was 39.4% (n = 492).

Results

One‐third of the nurses stated that they do not always follow guidelines when preparing medication, and around a half deviate from them occasionally, when administering medication. The most serious deviation on preparation stage was crushing of sustained release and enteric‐coated tablets and mixing of crushed tablets together. On administration stage, the deviation of guidelines of giving medicine in recommended time or in relation to food was common. Associations were detected between the adherence to guidelines and the nurses’ experience about the adequacy of their knowledge of pharmacology and infection control, and their skill at performing medication calculations.

Conclusion

Deviation from guidelines often causes an error. There is a need to review the teaching of pharmacology, infection control and medication calculations during undergraduate and continuing education. In addition, nursing staff must be reminded about the ethical aspects of safe medication processes and the appropriate attitudes to these processes. Nurses must understand why it is important to follow guidelines when preparing and administering medications, in order to avoid errors.
Vitexin alleviates interleukin‐1β‐induced inflammatory responses in chondrocytes from osteoarthritis patients: Involvement of HIF‐1α pathway
Authors: Yang Hongpeng , Huang Jian , Mao Yanfang , Wang Lin , Li Ruodong , Ha Chengzhi
Published: May 2019

It has been reported that vitexin has anti‐inflammatory effects in osteoarthritis (OA) rats. However, the effects of vitexin on interleukins‐1β (IL‐1β)‐stimulated OA patient‐derived chondrocytes have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effects of vitexin on IL‐1β‐stimulated human osteoarthritis chondrocytes and to reveal the involvement of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) pathway. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blotting assays were employed. ELISA results demonstrated that the proinflammatory cytokine levels of interleukins‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) in the serum and synovial fluid and HIF‐1α level in the synovial fluid were significantly elevated in OA patients compared to normal healthy subjects. Moreover, the Western blotting results indicated that the protein expression of HIF‐1α was significantly higher in the cartilage tissues of OA patients. OA patient‐derived chondrocytes were stimulated by IL‐1β and treated with different concentration of vitexin for 24 hours. Vitexin showed no cytotoxicity and increased the survival of chondrocytes under IL‐1β stimulation. Vitexin suppressed IL‐1β‐induced production of NO and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in chondrocytes culture. The treatment of vitexin significantly inhibited IL‐1β‐induced expressions of proinflammatory cytokine levels of IL‐6, TNF‐α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, MMP‐3 and MMP‐13. Furthermore, Western blotting results demonstrated that HIF‐1α is involved in vitexin's protective effects on IL‐1β‐stimulated injuries in OA patient‐derived chondrocytes. Our study demonstrates that vitexin alleviates IL‐1β‐induced inflammatory responses in chondrocytes from osteoarthritis patients, which may be attributed partly to the inhibition of HIF‐1α pathway.
Novel vaccination strategies and approaches against human tuberculosis
Authors: Méndez‐Samperio Patricia
Published: May 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of a major health problem worldwide. Tuberculosis vaccine research has made an extraordinary progress over the past few years. However, there is still no replacement for the Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin vaccine, the only TB vaccine licensed for human use. Therefore, the discovery and development of new TB vaccines remains a priority. This article discusses current strategies used to diversify TB vaccines and includes discussion of the status of efforts to improve protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M tb) infection or TB disease by developing new and safe TB vaccines. This article also highlights the current research efforts in immune‐enhancing approaches to improve vaccination efficacy. The development of more effective TB vaccines might have significant impact on global TB control.
When Partisan Identification and Economic Evaluations Conflict: A Closer Look at Conflicted Partisans in the United States
Authors: de Geus Roosmarijn A.
Published: May 2019

Objective

Most partisan voters in the United States hold biased perceptions of the state of the national economy. Comparatively little is known, however, about voters who hold economic evaluations that conflict with their partisan identification.

Methods

I use the American National Election Studies from 1980 to 2016 to conduct over time regression analyses of the identity and behavior of conflicted partisans.

Results

The share of conflicted partisans is substantial, especially during economic recessions. Conflict is associated with weak levels of party identification, higher levels of nonvoting, and lower levels of in‐party voting.

Conclusion

A closer look at conflicted partisans suggests that partisan bias in economic judgments fluctuates over time and varies among party affiliates. The study further shows that conflict between party affiliation and economic judgments is associated with differential voting and turnout patterns among party identifiers.
HLA‐DQB1*05:115, an HLA‐DQB1*05:01:01:01 variant, identified in a Singaporean Indian individual
Authors: Kaur Ashminder , Cho Louise , Cereb Nezih , Lin Py‐Yu , Yang Kuo‐Liang
Published: May 2019

One nucleotide substitution in codon 46 of HLA‐DQB1*05:01:01:01 results in a new allele, HLA‐DQB1*05:115.