bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative spatial upscaling of categorical information: The multi‐dimensional grid‐point scaling algorithm
Authors: Gann Daniel
Published: September 2019

Categorical raster datasets often require upscaling to a lower spatial resolution to make them compatible with the scale of ecological analysis. When aggregating categorical data, two critical issues arise: (a) ignoring compositional information present in the high‐resolution grid cells leads to high and uncontrolled loss of information in the scaled dataset; and (b) restricting classes to those present in the high‐resolution dataset assumes validity of the classification scheme at the lower, aggregated resolution.

I introduce a new scaling algorithm that aggregates categorical data while simultaneously controlling for information loss by generating a non‐hierarchical, representative, classification system for the aggregated scale. The Multi‐Dimensional Grid‐Point (MDGP) scaling algorithm acknowledges the statistical constraints of compositional count data. In a neutral‐landscape simulation study implementing a full‐factorial design for landscape characteristics, scale factors and algorithm parameters, I evaluated consistency and sensitivity of the scaling algorithm. Consistency and sensitivity were assessed for compositional information retention (IRcmp) and class‐label fidelity (CLF, the probability of recurring scaled class labels) for neutral random landscapes with the same properties.

The MDGP‐scaling algorithm consistently preserved information at a significantly higher rate than other commonly used algorithms. Consistency of the algorithm was high for IRcmp and CLF, but coefficients of variation of both metrics across landscapes varied most with class‐abundance distribution. A diminishing return for IRcmp was observed with increasing class‐label precision. Mean class‐label recurrence probability was consistently above 75% for all simulated landscape types, scale factors and class‐label precisions.

The MDGP‐scaling algorithm is the first algorithm that generates data‐driven, scale‐specific classification schemes while conducting spatial data aggregation. Consistent gain in IRcmp and the associated reproducibility of classification systems strongly suggest that the increased precision of scaled maps will improve ecological models that rely on upscaling of high‐resolution categorical raster data.
Endotoxin, food allergen sensitization, and food allergy: A complementary epidemiologic and experimental study
Authors: Tsuang Angela , Grishin Alexander , Grishina Galina , Do Anh N. , Sordillo Joanne , Chew Ginger L. , Bunyavanich Supinda
Published: September 2019

Background

Household endotoxin levels have been variably associated with risk for asthma and atopy.

Methods

We studied participants from the 2005‐2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, n = 6963), a large cohort representative of the US population (aged 1‐84 years). We built logistic regression models to test for associations between house dust endotoxin and sensitization to specific foods (milk, egg, and peanut). To experimentally explore the detected epidemiologic associations, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 21 children (aged 1‐19 years) mono‐food allergic (ie, sensitized and clinically reactive) to milk, egg, or peanut and nonallergic controls for stimulation with endotoxin and secreted cytokine measurement. For each food allergy, linear mixed‐effects models were built to test the association between endotoxin stimulation and cytokine level.

Results

Among NHANES subjects, the geometric mean household endotoxin level was 15.5 EU/mg (GSE 0.5). Prevalence of food allergen sensitization (sIgE ≥ 0.35 kUA/L) varied by food: milk 5.7%, egg 4.0%, and peanut 7.9%. In models adjusted for potential confounders (age, race, country of birth, total people per household, US region, and history of wheezing in the past year), household endotoxin level was associated with sensitization to milk (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2‐2.1) and egg (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.01‐1.9), but not peanut (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.8‐1.2). Interferon‐γ levels of endotoxin‐stimulated PBMCs from children allergic to milk or egg, but not peanut, were significantly lower compared to controls in linear mixed‐effects models adjusted for repeated measures, experimental variables, age, and inter‐individual variability (P‐values .007, .018, and .058, respectively).

Conclusion

Higher household endotoxin is associated with increased odds of milk and egg sensitization. Altered cytokine responsiveness to endotoxin is also observed in PBMCs from individuals with milk and egg allergy.
A randomised controlled trial of pectoral nerve‐2 (PECS 2) block vs. serratus plane block for chronic pain after mastectomy
Authors: Fujii T. , Shibata Y. , Akane A. , Aoki W. , Sekiguchi A. , Takahashi K. , Matsui S. , Nishiwaki K.
Published: September 2019

Thoracic interfascial plane blocks are effective for post‐mastectomy acute analgesia. However, their effects on chronic pain are uncertain. We randomly allocated 80 women equally to pectoral nerve‐2 (PECS 2) block or serratus plane block. The pectoral nerve‐2 block reduced the rate of moderate or severe chronic pain from 13/40 (33%) with the serratus plane block to 4/40 (10%), p = 0.03, adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) 0.23 (0.07–0.80), p = 0.02. The rates of pain‐free women at six postoperative months were indeterminate, 10/40 (25%) after serratus plane block vs. 19/40 (48%) after pectoral nerve‐2 block, p = 0.06, adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) 2.9 (1.1–7.5), p = 0.03. Health‐related quality of life at six postoperative months was similar after serratus plane and pectoral nerve‐2 blocks, mean (SD) EQ‐5D‐3L scores 0.87 (0.15) vs. 0.91 (0.14), respectively, p = 0.21. The pectoral nerve‐2 block reduced median (IQR [range]) morphine consumption in the first 24 postoperative hours from 6 (3–9 [1–25]) mg to 4 (2–7 [0–37]) mg, p = 0.04. However, acute pain scores after serratus plane and pectoral nerve‐2 blocks were similar, median (IQR [range]) 23 (11–35 [0–70]) mm vs. 18 (11–27 [0–61]) mm, respectively, p = 0.44. Pectoral nerve‐2 block reduced chronic pain 6 months after mastectomy compared with serratus plane block.
The relationship between anogenital distance and lifelong premature ejaculation
Authors: Toprak T. , Şahin A. , Akgul K. , Kutluhan M. A. , Ramazanoglu M. A. , Yilmaz M. , Sahan A. , Verit A.
Published: September 2019

Background

Many diseases have been associated with anogenital distance, as an indicator of intrauterine androgen exposure.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between lifelong premature ejaculation and anogenital distance.

Materials and methods

The study included 140 participants: 70 with lifelong premature ejaculation (group 1) and 70 without any ejaculatory complaints (group 2). Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool and stopwatch intravaginal ejaculatory latency time were recorded from all participants in order to evaluate ejaculatory function. Two variants of anogenital distance were measured: anogenital distance (from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum) from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum and anogenital distance (from anus to the cephalad insertion of the penis) to the cephalad insertion of the penis. We compared differences between groups and correlations between anogenital distance variants and patients’ characteristics.

Results

The groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, and total testosterone levels. The mean anogenital distance (from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum) scores were 59.45 ± 10.76 vs. 55.02 ± 10.13 (p = 0.01), and anogenital distance (from anus to the cephalad insertion of the penis) scores were 128.37 ± 22.2 vs. 126.78 ± 16.21 (p = 0.63) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Significant correlation was observed between anogenital distance (from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores (r = 0.199, p = 0.019) and intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (r = −0.185, p = 0.028). There were no statistically significant differences between anogenital distance (from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum) scores and total testosterone levels and between anogenital distance (from anus to the cephalad insertion of the penis) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores or intravaginal ejaculatory latency time.

Conclusions

These results suggest that longer anogenital distance is associated with higher possibility of lifelong premature ejaculation. However, further studies are needed to confirm our results.
Using a peer mentorship approach improved the use of neonatal continuous positive airway pressure and related outcomes in Malawi
Authors: Asibon Aba , Lufesi Norman , Choudhury Allysha , Olvera Samantha , Molyneux Elizabeth , Oden Maria , Richards‐Kortum Rebecca , Kawaza Kondwani
Published: September 2019

Aim

This study evaluated whether peer mentorship was an effective and sustainable way of improving and maintaining knowledge and skills on neonatal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in a low‐resource setting with a high turnover of healthcare providers.

Methods

The Malawi Ministry of Health recruited five nurses with considerable CPAP experience and provided them with mentorship training from July to August 2014. The mentors then provided 1‐week on‐site mentorship for 113 colleagues at 10 secondary and one tertiary hospital where gaps in neonatal CPAP use had been identified. CPAP competencies and outcomes were compared 3 months before and after each mentorship.

Results

In the 3 months before and after mentorship, the average CPAP competency score increased from 32 ± 4% to 97 ± 2%, while CPAP usage increased from 7% to 23% among eligible neonates. Survival following CPAP mentorship increased from 23% to 35%, but this was not significant due to the small sample size. Both mentees and mentors reported useful transfers of knowledge and skills when using CPAP.

Conclusion

Mentorship effectively bridged the knowledge and skills gaps among health workers and increased CPAP use, competency scores and survival rates.
Infliximab and its biosimilar produced similar first‐year therapy outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Nikkonen Anne , Kolho Kaija‐Leena
Published: September 2019

Aim

Tumour necrosis factor α inhibitors (anti‐TNFα) are the main therapy for moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children. Biosimilars to the original drug infliximab are now available, but there are few reports on their real‐life use. We compared the outcomes of patients treated with infliximab and its biosimilar, CT‐P13.

Methods

We collected outcome data on anti‐TNFα‐naive patients who started infliximab in the Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland, in 2015‐2016. We studied 51 paediatric patients with IBD at a median age of 12 (range 4‐16): 65% had Crohn disease, 23 received the original infliximab drug and 28 received the biosimilar. During 2015, infliximab was introduced to all treatment‐naïve patients, and during 2016, all treatment‐naïve patients received the biosimilar.

Results

We found no statistically significant differences between the two drug products related to the outcome of the therapy during the first year. There were no significant differences in the trough levels between the treatment groups. Likewise, the proportion of patients with therapy enhancement was comparable between the two treatment groups.

Conclusion

The first‐year therapy outcomes of infliximab and its biosimilar were comparable. There were no alarming signs of differences in safety.
COOPERATIVE ESSENCE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL QUALITY: A COMPARATIVE CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
Authors: GUZMAN Carmen , SANTOS Francisco J. , BARROSO María de la O
Published: September 2019

This article links two different fields of research, entrepreneurship and cooperatives, and studies whether, depending on the context, differences in terms of the fulfilment of the cooperative philosophy (cooperative essence) and entrepreneurial quality exist. To this aim, a statistical analysis is carried out using data from two Spanish regions: Andalusia and the Basque Country. The results enable us to conclude, firstly, that cooperative essence differs in relation to regional context, but not in relation to entrepreneurial quality. Secondly, cooperative essence and entrepreneurial quality are positively related, suggesting that cooperative essence may be part of the entrepreneurial quality of these kinds of firms.
Reversal of Hartmann's procedure in patients following failed colorectal or coloanal anastomosis: an analysis of 45 consecutive cases
Authors: Caille C. , Collard M. , Moszkowicz D. , Prost à la Denise J. , Maggiori L. , Panis Y.
Published: September 2019

Aim

This study aimed to assess outcomes of Hartmann's reversal (HR) after failure of previous colorectal anastomosis (CRA) or coloanal anastomosis (CAA).

Methods

All patients planned for HR from 1997 to 2018 following the failure of previous CRA or CAA were included.

Results

From 1997 to 2018, 45 HRs were planned following failed CRA or CAA performed for rectal cancer (n = 19, 42%), diverticulitis (n = 16, 36%), colon cancer (n = 4, 9%), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 2, 4%) or other aetiologies (n = 4, 9%). In two (4%) patients, HR could not be performed. HR was performed in 43/45 (96%) patients with stapled CRA (n = 24, 53%), delayed handsewn CAA with colonic pull‐through (n = 11, 24%), standard handsewn CAA (n = 6, 14%) or stapled ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (n = 2, 4%). One (2%) patient died postoperatively. Overall postoperative morbidity rate was 44%, including 27% of patients with severe postoperative complication (Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3). After a mean follow‐up of 38 ± 30 months (range 1–109), 35/45 (78%) patients presented without stoma. Multivariate analysis identified a remnant rectal stump < 7.5 cm in length as the only independent risk factor for long‐term persistent stoma. Among stoma‐free patients, low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score was ≤ 20 (normal) in 43%, between 21 and 29 (minor LARS) in 33% and ≥ 30 (major LARS) in 24% of the patients.

Conclusion

HR can be recommended in patients following a failed CRA or CAA. It permits 78% of patients to be free of stoma. A short length of the remnant rectal stump is the only predictive factor of persistent stoma in these patients.
Trait‐based approach to monitoring marine benthic data along 500 km of coastline
Authors: Boyé Aurélien , Thiébaut Éric , Grall Jacques , Legendre Pierre , Broudin Caroline , Houbin Céline , Le Garrec Vincent , Maguer Marion , Droual Gabin , Gauthier Olivier
Published: September 2019

Aim

β diversity and its linkages with ecosystem functioning remain poorly documented. This impedes our capacity to predict biodiversity changes and how they affect ecosystem functioning at scales relevant for conservation. Here, we address the functional implications of ongoing seafloor changes by characterizing at regional scale the taxonomic and functional α and β diversities of benthic habitats currently threatened by biotic homogenization.

Location

Western Europe.

Methods

Combining a trait‐based approach to benthic community monitoring data covering a 7‐year period and 500 km of coast, we explored the mechanisms governing community assembly in habitats associated with two types of foundation species, intertidal seagrass and subtidal maerl beds, compared to bare sediment at similar tidal level. We assessed their spatial and temporal variability and linked these mechanisms to their repercussions at regional scale through analyses of taxonomic and functional β diversity.

Results

Foundation species locally promote taxonomic and functional diversity. Maerl fine‐scale heterogeneity promotes niche diversity and leads to high functional redundancy for the whole subtidal compartment, providing insurance for seafloor functioning. Seagrass high diversity seems more reliant on transient species and is associated with redundancy of only a few functions. Maintaining the seascapes in which seagrass are embedded seems essential to ensure their long‐term functioning. At regional scale, the locally poorer bare sediment harbour similar functional richness as biogenic habitats because of higher within‐habitat β diversity.

Main conclusions

Our study reinforces the conservation value of biogenic habitats but highlights that different mechanisms underlie their local diversity, which has implications for the vulnerabilities of their associated communities. Accounting for β diversity at regional scale also stressed a potential underrated conservation value of bare sediment for benthic ecosystem functioning. Coupling trait‐based approaches to monitoring data can help link broad‐scale β diversity to its underlying drivers, bringing local mechanistic understanding closer to the scales at which biodiversity loss and management actions occur.
Factors associated with alien plant richness, cover and composition differ in tropical island forests
Authors: Ibanez Thomas , Hart Patrick , Ainsworth Alison , Gross Jacob , Monello Ryan
Published: September 2019

Aim

To examine how native plant native communities, environment and geography are associated with alien plant species invasion in tropical island forests.

Location

Four US national parks in Hawai'i and American Samoa.

Methods

We analysed the richness, coverage and composition of alien plant species communities located across 204 plots, five islands and two archipelagos. We used generalized linear mixed‐effects models and generalized dissimilarity models to determine the relative importance of native plant species communities (richness, structure and composition), environment (temperatures, precipitation, and soil age) and geography (elevation, geographical distance between plots, identity of islands and archipelagos) on alien plant species communities.

Results

Alien plant species were found in >90% of plots with on average four species covering ~15% of the understorey. Variation in alien species richness and coverage was primarily explained by archipelago and island identity and elevation. Plots located on younger islands tended to exhibit higher richness and coverage of alien plants. Native tree density and canopy height were negatively correlated with alien species coverage but not with alien species richness. Elevation was negatively correlated with both the richness and coverage of alien species. Differences in elevation, mean annual precipitation and geographical distances explained about 40% of the observed spatial turnover in alien species composition with differences in elevation being the main driver. Turnover in alien species composition was weakly correlated with turnover in native species.

Main conclusions

In the studied islands, higher elevations seem to be relatively spared from alien species invasion so far. However, our results suggest that the negative effect of elevation on alien species coverage may be larger than on alien species richness. Maintenance of tall and dense canopy may limit the coverage of alien species but not the number of alien species. Our results also support that alien species invasion may be particularly high on isolated archipelagos and younger islands.
Is a Minimum Wage an Appropriate Instrument for Redistribution?
Authors: Gerritsen Aart , Jacobs Bas
Published: September 2019

We analyse the redistributional (dis)advantages of a minimum wage over income taxation in competitive labour markets without imposing assumptions on the (in)efficiency of labour rationing. Compared to a distributionally equivalent tax change, a minimum‐wage increase raises involuntary unemployment, but also raises skill formation as some individuals avoid unemployment. A minimum wage is an appropriate instrument for redistribution if and only if the public revenue gains from additional skill formation outweigh both the public revenue losses from additional unemployment and the utility losses of inefficient labour rationing. We show that this critically depends on how labour rationing is distributed among workers. A necessary condition for the desirability of a minimum‐wage increase is that the public revenue gains from higher skill formation outweigh the revenue losses from higher unemployment. We write this condition in terms of measurable sufficient statistics.
Survival outcomes in myelofibrosis patients treated with ruxolitinib: A population‐based cohort study in Sweden and Norway
Authors: Schain Frida , Vago Emese , Song Ci , He Jianming , Liwing Johan , Löfgren Christina , Björkholm Magnus
Published: September 2019

Objective

To estimate survival in Swedish and Norwegian myelofibrosis (MF) patients who received ruxolitinib.

Methods

Swedish and Norwegian patients with MF diagnosis in the National Cancer Registries (Sweden: 2001‐2015; Norway: 2002‐2016) and ≥1 record of ruxolitinib in the Prescribed Drug Registries (2013‐2017) were included. Patients were followed from ruxolitinib initiation until death or end of follow‐up; those who discontinued ruxolitinib were followed from ruxolitinib discontinuation. Relative survival (RS) and excess mortality rate ratios (EMRRs) were calculated vs a matched general population. Average loss in life expectancy (LEL) was predicted using flexible parametric models.

Results

Among patients who initiated ruxolitinib (n = 190), 1‐ and 4‐year RS were 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74, 0.86) and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.64), respectively, and LEL was 11 years. EMRR was greater in patients aged >70 vs <60 years (3.16; 95% CI: 1.34‐7.40). Among patients who discontinued ruxolitinib (n = 71), median RS was 16.0 months (95% CI: 6.3, NE), and LEL was 12 years. After ruxolitinib treatment discontinuation, Swedish patients (n = 37) received glucocorticoids, hydroxyurea, busulfan, danazol and lenalidomide.

Conclusion

Swedish and Norwegian MF patients who discontinued ruxolitinib had dismal survival outcomes and limited subsequent treatment options, highlighting the need for improved therapies.
S‐allyl cysteine inhibits TNF‐α‐induced inflammation in HaCaT keratinocytes by inhibition of NF‐ κB‐dependent gene expression via sustained ERK activation
Authors: Basu Chitra , Chatterjee Abhipriya , Bhattacharya Sampurna , Dutta Naibedya , Sur Runa
Published: September 2019

Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced keratinocyte inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory skin diseases. Here we investigated the anti‐inflammatory effect of S‐allyl cysteine (SAC) on TNF‐α‐induced HaCaT keratinocyte cells and the mechanism behind its anti‐inflammatory potential. SAC was found to inhibit TNF‐α‐stimulated cytokine expression. Further, SAC was found to inhibit TNF‐α‐induced activation of p38, JNK and NF‐κB pathways. Interestingly, SAC was found to differentially regulate ERK MAP kinase in cells. TNF‐α‐induced transient ERK activation and SAC treatment resulted in sustained ERK activation both in the presence and absence of TNF‐α. Additionally, SAC failed to inhibit the TNF‐α‐induced expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐1β when cells were treated with the MEK inhibitor PD98059, suggesting that the anti‐inflammatory effect of SAC is via sustained activation of the ERK pathway. Since ERK activation has been reported to negatively regulate NF‐κB‐driven gene expression and we find that SAC activates ERK and negatively regulates NF‐κB, we investigated whether there existed any crosstalk between the ERK and the NF‐κB pathways. NF‐κB‐dependent reporter assay, visualization of the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB‐p65 subunit and determination of the cellular levels of I‐κB, the inhibitor of NF‐κB, revealed that SAC inhibited TNF‐α‐induced NF‐κB activation, and PD98059 treatment reversed this effect. These results collectively suggest that SAC inhibits TNF‐α‐induced inflammation in HaCaT cells via a combined effect entailing the inhibition of the p38 and the JNK pathways and NF‐κB pathway via the sustained activation of ERK.
Reduced sulphur sources favour HgII reduction during anoxygenic photosynthesis by Heliobacteria
Authors: Lavoie Noémie C. , Grégoire Daniel S. , Stenzler Bejamin R. , Poulain Alexandre J.
Published: September 2019

The consumption of rice has become a global food safety issue because rice paddies support the production of high levels of the potent neurotoxin, methylmercury. The production of methylmercury is carried out by chemotrophic anaerobes that rely on a diversity of terminal electron acceptors, namely sulphate. Sulphur can be a limiting nutrient in rice paddies, and sulphate amendments are often used to stimulate crop production, which can increase methylmercury production. Mercury (Hg) redox cycling can affect Hg methylation by controlling the delivery of inorganic Hg substrates to methylators in anoxic habitats. Whereas sulphur is recognized as a key substrate controlling methylmercury production, the controls sulphur exerts on other microbe‐mediated Hg transformations remain poorly understood. To explore the potential coupling between sulphur assimilation and anaerobic HgII reduction to Hg0, we studied Heliobacillus mobilis, a mesophilic anoxygenic phototroph representative from the Heliobacteriacea family originally isolated from a rice paddy. Here, we tested whether the redox state of the sulphur sources available to H. mobilis would affect its ability to reduce HgII. By comparing Hg0 production over a redox gradient of sulphur sources, we demonstrate that phototrophic HgII reduction is favoured in the presence of reduced sulphur sources such as thiosulphate and cysteine. We also show that cysteine exerts dynamic control on Hg cycling by affecting not only Hg's bioavailability but also its abiotic photoreduction under low light conditions. Specifically, in the absence of cells we show that organic matter (as yeast extract) and cysteine are both required for photoreduction to occur. This study offers insights into how one of the most primitive forms of photosynthesis affects Hg redox transformations and frames Heliobacteria as key players in Hg cycling within paddy soils, forming a basis for management strategies to mitigate Hg accumulation in rice.
Effects of Non‐invasive Brain Stimulation on Headache Intensity and Frequency of Headache Attacks in Patients With Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Feng Yali , Zhang Bingbing , Zhang Jiaqi , Yin Ying
Published: September 2019

Background

Non‐invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), as well as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) electrically stimulate the brain and modify brain activity to suppress pain. This method is emerging as a potential clinical intervention against migraine.

Objective

To quantitatively review the efficacy of rTMS and tDCS in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in modifying headache intensity and frequency of headache attacks in patients suffering from migraine.

Methods

We searched 5 databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for articles from January 2000 to September 2018. Any RCT regarding the efficacy on rTMS and tDCS on patients with migraine, was considered to be included. A random effects meta‐analysis was performed to pool effect sizes of outcomes related to headache intensity or frequency of headache attacks. The methodological quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.

Results

Nine RCTs with 276 participants in total (experimental group [EG] = 149; control group [CG] = 127) were included in this review. Five included articles used rTMS (EG = 81; CG = 80), and 4 used tDCS (EG = 68; CG = 47). Meta‐analysis of excitatory primary motor cortex (M1) stimulation showed significant effects on reducing headache intensity in patients with migraine (Hedges' g = −0.94; 95% CI, −1.28 to −0.59; P < .001, I2 = 18.39%) with a large effect size. Meta‐analysis of excitatory M1 stimulation showed significant effects on reducing frequency of headache attacks in patients with migraine, with a large effect size (Hedges' g = −0.88; 95% CI, −1.38 to −0.38; P = .001, I2 = 57.15%). Excitatory dorsolateral prefrontal cortex stimulation showed a significant effect on the headache intensity in patients with migraine (Hedges' g = −1.14; 95% CI, −2.21 to −0.07; P = .04, I2 = 61.86%) with a large effect size. However, reductions of frequency of headache attacks was not significant.

Limitations

Potential differential effects of rTMS and tDCS, various sham methods, and potential overlapping headache disorders among included subjects may affect the estimation of effect sizes.

Conclusion

Excitatory NIBS of the M1 is likely to reduce headache intensity and the frequency of headache attacks in patients with migraine.
Nosocomial transmission of influenza: A retrospective cross‐sectional study using next generation sequencing at a hospital in England (2012‐2014)
Authors: Blackburn Ruth M. , Frampton Dan , Smith Catherine M. , Fragaszy Ellen B. , Watson Simon J. , Ferns R. Bridget , Binter Špela , Coen Pietro G. , Grant Paul , Shallcross Laura J. , Kozlakidis Zisis , Pillay Deenan , Kellam Paul , Hué Stéphane , Nastouli Eleni , Hayward Andrew C. ,   the ICONIC group
Published: September 2019

Background

The extent of transmission of influenza in hospital settings is poorly understood. Next generation sequencing may improve this by providing information on the genetic relatedness of viral strains.

Objectives

We aimed to apply next generation sequencing to describe transmission in hospital and compare with methods based on routinely‐collected data.

Methods

All influenza samples taken through routine care from patients at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (September 2012 to March 2014) were included. We conducted Illumina sequencing and identified genetic clusters. We compared nosocomial transmission estimates defined using classical methods (based on time from admission to sample) and genetic clustering. We identified pairs of cases with space‐time links and assessed genetic relatedness.

Results

We sequenced influenza sampled from 214 patients. There were 180 unique genetic strains, 16 (8.8%) of which seeded a new transmission chain. Nosocomial transmission was indicated for 32 (15.0%) cases using the classical definition and 34 (15.8%) based on genetic clustering. Of the 50 patients in a genetic cluster, 11 (22.0%) had known space‐time links with other cases in the same cluster. Genetic distances between pairs of cases with space‐time links were lower than for pairs without spatial links (P < .001).

Conclusions

Genetic data confirmed that nosocomial transmission contributes significantly to the hospital burden of influenza and elucidated transmission chains. Prospective next generation sequencing could support outbreak investigations and monitor the impact of infection and control measures.
Longitudinal dissociation and transition in thickness of the His‐Purkinje system cause various QRS waveforms of surface ECG under His bundle pacing: A simulation study based on clinical observations
Authors: Okada Jun‐ichi , Fujiu Katsuhito , Washio Takumi , Sugiura Seiryo , Hisada Toshiaki , Hasumi Eriko , Komuro Issei
Published: September 2019

Aims

His bundle pacing (HBP) is a feasible and reliable alternative to conventional right ventricular pacing (RVP), but associated ECG (electrocardiogram) changes have not been well‐studied. This study aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying ECG changes associated with HBP using patient‐specific multiscale heart simulations.

Methods

ECGs were recorded in two patients who were treated by HBP under a native rhythm and HBP at high and low voltages. We created patient‐specific multiscale simulation heart models of these patients and performed ECG simulation under these conditions. Using these results and detailed information on the electrical field around the pacing lead, we investigated mechanisms underlying the observed ECG changes.

Results

Heart simulations successfully reproduced ECGs under a native rhythm for both cases. In case 1, nonselective HBP produced a left bundle branch (LBB) block pattern, which was reproduced as a selective right bundle branch (RBB) pacing. However, in case 2, ECG under nonselective HBP showed an RBB block pattern, which could not be reproduced by the commonly used framework. Findings on the electrical field and anatomy of the His bundle and its branches suggested that longitudinal dissociation of the His bundle and transition of thickness in the stem of the LBB caused a conduction delay in the RBB to produce these ECG changes in this patient.

Conclusion

Variations in the anatomy of the His bundle and its branches may underlie the diverse ECG responses to HBP. These variations should be taken into account when performing this therapy.
Helicobacter pylori recrudescence and its influencing factors
Authors: Sun Yan , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2019

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is known as one of the most common infectious pathogens, with high infection and recurrence rates worldwide. The prevalence of H pylori is up to 90% in developing countries, while the annual recurrence rate is much higher than that in developed countries. Recurrence can occur either by recrudescence or reinfection. Compared with reinfection, the time window for recrudescence is generally shorter, followed by the recurrence of H pylori–associated diseases in the short‐term. Many factors are involved in the H pylori reinfection, such as the prevalence of H pylori infection, living conditions and economic development, health conditions and so forth. Previous studies focused less on H pylori recrudescence. Therefore, the influencing factors for H pylori recrudescence needed further exploration. This study reviewed the recrudescence of H pylori infection and its influencing factors.
Power Distance and Physician–Nurse Collegial Relations Across 14 European Countries: National Culture is Not Merely a Nuisance Factor in International Comparative Research
Authors: Bruyneel Luk , Lesaffre Emmanuel , Meuleman Bart , Sermeus Walter
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study illustrates the huge untapped potential of quantifying the impact of culture in making meaningful comparisons across groups. Our focus is on cross‐national differences in nurses' reports of their relations with physicians, and how the measurement of this complex construct and the evaluation of true differences are related to dimensions of national culture.

Design

We examine across 14 European countries the association between indices of national culture from the seminal work of Hofstede and 39,435 nurses' ratings of their relations with physicians. Multilevel confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate strong factorial invariance across countries and to examine the influence of power distance and masculinity.

Findings

There was wide variation across countries in nurses' reports of their relations with physicians. Strong factorial invariance was shown for a one‐factor model, which confirmed that across countries the seven survey items measure a common factor of physician‐nurse relations. This model showed no country bias for any of the seven survey items, which suggests that differences across countries reflect true differences. These true differences were significantly associated with variation in country values of power distance, which showed a significant negative correlation with physician–nurse relations.

Conclusions

Continuously pursuing a better understanding of characteristics that impact the studied indicators, such as national culture, is elementary to better understand the construct under study. In this application, country values of power distance negatively impacted nurse‐reported relations with physicians, which strongly varied across countries.

Clinical Relevance

Better nurse‐reported relations between nurses and physicians link to higher nurse job satisfaction, lower emotional exhaustion, better nurse‐perceived quality of care, and lower patient mortality. The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index is an excellent instrument to characterize variation in working relations between nurses and physicians as well as physicians' professional posture towards nurses.
Palliative care nurses’ strategies when working in private homes—A photo‐elicitation study
Authors: Alvariza Anette , Mjörnberg Maria , Goliath Ida
Published: September 2019

Aims and objectives

To explore palliative care nurses’ work experiences caring for patients at the end of life in private homes.

Background

The home continues to be a desired place for care and dying; however, professional competence is needed and specialist palliative care nurses play a crucial role, often highly valued by patients and their family members. The private home as a physical work environment for nurses is explored, with both positive and negative aspects being described. To ensure future high‐quality end‐of‐life care, there is a need to describe how palliative care nurses work in private homes.

Design

Interpretative descriptive.

Methods

Participant‐generated photographs were used in conjunction with follow‐up interviews with ten palliative home care nurses. Interpretive description was used for analysis. This study follows the COREQ checklist.

Results

The analysis process resulted in four constructed themes, presented here as strategies used by palliative care nurses: adjusting interactions and actions depending on the environment when entering each unique private home; supporting patients and family members in finding a balance between self‐care, independence and safe care; guiding patients and family members towards and through environmental changes supporting end‐of‐life care at home; and using transitions between homes to reflect, recuperate and prepare.

Conclusion

Working as a palliative care nurse in private homes clearly requires a variety of skills and competences, here operationalised in different strategies used to promote high‐quality care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Palliative care nurses’ considerations, insights and competence when performing end‐of‐life care in the diverse environments of private homes can contribute to the development of clinical practice. Knowledge about strategies can be used in nursing practice during everyday work, in nursing education and in the organisation of care, and can inform policy to ensure future high‐quality palliative home care.
Forging Diversity‐Science‐Informed Guidelines for Research on Race and Racism in Psychological Science
Authors: Miller Andrea L. , Stern Chadly , Neville Helen
Published: September 2019

As race and racism continue to be important subjects of research in psychology, guidelines for scholarship in this domain of inquiry are strongly needed. Drawing from the foundations of previous discussions of diversity science, we propose five principles that can help scholars conduct generative research on race and racism. Specifically, research on race and racism is strengthened when scholars: (1) are mindful of historical patterns of oppression and inequality, (2) adopt a racially diverse team science approach, (3) utilize diverse samples, (4) consider the influence of multiple identity groups on human experience, and (5) promote the translation of knowledge from the laboratory to the field. In outlining our proposed guidelines, we elaborate on why this discussion for research about race and racism is needed at this particular point of the field's history.
Adolescent sleep patterns are associated with the selection of positive and negative emotional situations
Authors: Palmer Cara A. , Alfano Candice A. , Bower Joanne L.
Published: September 2019

Poor sleep in youth is a risk factor for experiencing increased negative emotions and decreased positive emotions, which can contribute to the development of later emotional disorders. Understanding of specific processes that produce sleep‐related alterations in emotion is limited, although preliminary studies suggest changes in the ability to appropriately regulate or control emotions as one mechanism. The current study builds on this research by examining the relationship between adolescent sleep patterns and a previously unexplored emotion regulation strategy: situation selection. Situation selection strategies are implemented prior to the onset of an emotional experience via decisions to approach rewarding/positive situations or avoid unwanted/negative situations. Fifty‐four healthy adolescents (ages 13–17 years) completed 1 week of actigraphy and assessments of situation selection using: (a) trait‐based questionnaires; (b) daily reports; and (c) an experimental lab task where participants were given the option to watch various emotional video clips of their choice. Greater variability in sleep timing was associated with less avoidance of negative emotional situations, and a longer sleep‐onset latency was associated with more avoidance of negative emotional situations. Greater variability in nightly sleep patterns was also associated with decreased tendencies to select positive emotional situations as assessed by trait questionnaires, daily reports, and the lab‐based task, but only for boys. These findings add to a growing body of research on sleep and emotional experience, and provide further support for the importance of intra‐individual variability of sleep patterns in youth.
Michelia sonlaensis Q.N. Vu, sp. nov. (Magnoliaceae) from northern Vietnam
Authors: Vu Quang Nam , Xia Nianhe , Bui Van Thang , Dang Van Ha
Published: September 2019

Michelia sonlaensis Q.N. Vu, a new species of Michelia from Son La province, northern Vietnam is described. The new species is assigned to the genus Michelia (separated from Magnolia), subfamily Magnolioideae based on general morphology. It is closely similar to M. xianianhei and M. mannii, but differs mainly in having a leaf‐lamina that is elliptic, thinly leathery, larger, with lower surface yellowish white villous (easily visible by eyes and feeling by hand), brachyblasts and outside bracts yellowish‐white sericeous, flowers light green to cream white in colour, and nine tepals with the outside of all tepals silky hairy at base.
Stochastic perturbations and fisheries management
Authors: Loisel Patrice
Published: September 2019

As most natural resources, fisheries are affected by random disturbances. The evolution of such resources may be modeled by a succession of deterministic process and random perturbations on biomass and/or growth rate at random times. We analyze the impact of the characteristics of the perturbations on the management of natural resources. We highlight the importance of using a dynamic programming approach to completely characterize the optimal solution, we also present the properties of the controlled model and give the behavior of the optimal harvest for specific jump kernels.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

In the context of updated biomass, for a centrally disturbed biomass and sufficiently high effort, the optimal harvest increases with biomass jump rate.

In the context of jointly updated biomass and growth rate, for a centrally disturbed biomass and sufficiently high effort, the optimal harvest increases with the biomass jump rate.

In the context of jointly updated biomass and growth rate, for sufficiently high effort the optimal harvest decreases with the growth jump rate.
Improvement of alfalfa forage quality and management through the down‐regulation of MsFTa1
Authors: Lorenzo Christian D. , García‐Gagliardi Pedro , Antonietti Mariana S. , Sánchez‐Lamas Maximiliano , Mancini Estefanía , Dezar Carlos A. , Vazquez Martin , Watson Gerónimo , Yanovsky Marcelo J. , Cerdán Pablo D.
Published: September 2019

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage crops worldwide. As a perennial, alfalfa is cut several times each year. Farmers face a dilemma: if cut earlier, forage nutritive value is much higher but regrowth is affected and the longevity of the stand is severely compromised. On the other hand, if alfalfa is cut later at full flower, stands persist longer and more biomass may be harvested, but the nutritive value diminishes. Alfalfa is a strict long‐day plant. We reasoned that by manipulating the response to photoperiod, we could delay flowering to improve forage quality and widen each harvesting window, facilitating management. With this aim, we functionally characterized the FLOWERING LOCUS T family of genes, represented by five members: MsFTa1, MsFTa2, MsFTb1, MsFTb2 and MsFTc. The expression of MsFTa1 correlated with photoperiodic flowering and its down‐regulation led to severe delayed flowering. Altogether, with late flowering, low expression of MsFTa1 led to changes in plant architecture resulting in increased leaf to stem biomass ratios and forage digestibility. By manipulating photoperiodic flowering, we were able to improve the quality of alfalfa forage and management, which may allow farmers to cut alfalfa of high nutritive value without compromising stand persistence.
Scaling‐Up Peacebuilding and Social Justice Work: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Ross Karen , Burnett Charla , Raschupkina Yuliya , Kew Darren
Published: September 2019

This article presents the concept of scaling up in relation to the work of peacebuilding and social justice initiatives. We propose a holistic conception of scaling up that emphasizes the need to look at the impact of peacebuilding and nonviolent movements along the processes that those actions involve. Our model proposes broadening scholars’ understanding of the success of nonviolent movements not only by analyzing the size or territorial span of the movements but also by discussing societal changes that the very actions of social movement facilitate, regardless of whether the movement fails or succeeds in achieving its goals. In other words, we propose viewing scaling up as a holistic process where change is inevitable. In addition, our model shifts away from thinking about scaling up as a linear or chronological sequence of steps. Instead, the model views scaling up as impact‐oriented and as an iterative process of social learning, where actions are shaped by reactions (by the government and/or other actors) to previous moves. We suggest that this model can be used to better understand how grassroots peacebuilding and conflict transformation initiatives can broaden impact.
MRI as an alternative to serum ferritin for diagnosis of iron overload in children in the context of immune response after stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wurschi Georg W. , Mentzel Hans‐Joachim , Herrmann Karl‐Heinz , Krumbein Ines , Beck James F. , Reichenbach Juergen R. , Kentouche Karim
Published: September 2019

Multiple blood cell transfusions may cause iron overload or even liver fibrosis, requiring early diagnosis and intervention. SF is the standard for estimating iron levels in the body, but it also increases with inflammation. We hypothesized that T2* magnetic resonance (MR) relaxometry is a more accurate alternative for follow‐up in pediatric patients before and after allogenic SCT. Twenty‐three children (mean age 10.2 years, 10 female, 13 male) were evaluated prospectively before SCT as well as at least 1 year after SCT with T2* relaxometry on a 1.5 T MR‐scanner to estimate liver iron concentrations from the T2* values (“MR‐Fe”). The results were compared with SF, while also considering CRP, and correlated with the number of transfusions. Overall, 24.3 transfusions were administered in average, mainly within 100 days of SCT (mean 10.5 units). Both MR‐Fe and SF increased after SCT and decreased in the absence of new transfusions 1 year later without chelate therapy. This suggests regeneration of LP and iron loss, although the original states were not reached. Additionally, simultaneous peaks of CRP and SF were observed directly after SCT. MR‐Fe did neither reveal these peaks nor was it associated with CRP (P = .39). We postulate that these early CRP and SF peaks after SCT are probably related to inflammatory reactions and not to iron overload. Thus, SF is not reliable for iron overload diagnosis after SCT in every condition. Beside this interaction, SF and MR‐Fe revealed similar accuracy. MRI, however, has practical and economical disadvantages in routine estimation of iron.