bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bias Awareness Predicts Color Conscious Racial Socialization Methods among White Parents
Authors: Perry Sylvia P. , Skinner Allison L. , Abaied Jamie L.
Published: August 2019

The majority of White parents in the United States are uncomfortable discussing race with their children and tend to avoid it. When they do discuss race with their children, they often take a color blind approach—in which they emphasize a belief that race does not matter—instead of a color conscious approach—in which they acknowledge race‐related issues. In the current study, we sought to explore the individual difference factors that may be associated with White American parents’ racial socialization practices. Results indicated that parents’ racial bias awareness was associated with greater willingness to discuss race with their children, increased color consciousness, and decreased color blindness; when statistically controlling for their racial attitudes, motivations to respond without prejudice, and interracial contact. The potential impacts of bias awareness interventions on White parents’ racial socialization behaviors are discussed.
Pelvic fracture triggering symptoms of an underlying primary hypoparathyroidism in an adult spayed bitch: A case report
Authors: Ballocco Isabella , Cappai Maria Grazia , Evangelisti Maria Antonietta , Carta Giovanni , Pirari Elias , Manunta Maria Lucia Gabriella
Published: August 2019

A 7‐year‐old mixed breed spayed bitch (body weight: 10.6 kg) was presented with a history of intermittent episodes of seizures and untreated limb fracture. Appetite loss, nervousness, lateral recumbency, fasciculations, ataxia and poor nutritional condition were found. Venous blood gas analysis highlighted normal acid‐base balance and severe low ionized calcium (0.58 mEq/L [range 1.13–1.32 mEq/L]). Marked total hypocalcaemia (6.4 mg/dL [range 8–10] or 1.6 mM [range: 2–2.5]) associated with hyperphosphoraemia (9.3 mg/dl [range 3.5–6.5 mg/dl]) displayed inverted ratio between minerals. ECG showed sinus arrhythmias. Circulating levels of Mg and Cu were within physiological range (1.97 mg/dl and 128 μg/dl respectively) and effects from interactions were excluded. Oral administration of calcitriol at 40 ng/kg/day led to clinical improvement within 48 hours, but circulating iCa levels were still below the lower limit of the reference range. Baseline levels of circulating parathormone (PTH) were 3 pg/ml, along with normal values of circulating vitamin D. Primary hypoparathyroidism was diagnosed as a chronic underlying condition triggered by pelvic fracture.
A role for auxin signaling in the acquisition of longevity during seed maturation
Authors: Pellizzaro Anthoni , Neveu Martine , Lalanne David , Ly Vu Benoit , Kanno Yuri , Seo Mitsunori , Leprince Olivier , Buitink Julia
Published: August 2019

Seed longevity, the maintenance of viability during dry storage, is a crucial factor to preserve plant genetic resources and seed vigor. Inference of a temporal gene‐regulatory network of seed maturation identified auxin signaling as a putative mechanism to induce longevity‐related genes.

Using auxin‐response sensors and tryptophan‐dependent auxin biosynthesis mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana L., the role of auxin signaling in longevity was studied during seed maturation.

DII and DR5 sensors demonstrated that, concomitant with the acquisition of longevity, auxin signaling input and output increased and underwent a spatiotemporal redistribution, spreading throughout the embryo. Longevity of seeds of single auxin biosynthesis mutants with altered auxin signaling activity was affected in a dose–response manner depending on the level of auxin activity. Longevity‐associated genes with promoters enriched in auxin response elements and the master regulator ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 were induced by auxin in developing embryos and deregulated in auxin biosynthesis mutants. The beneficial effect of exogenous auxin during seed maturation on seed longevity was abolished in abi3‐1 mutants.

These data suggest a role for auxin signaling activity in the acquisition of longevity during seed maturation.
Generating Competitive Intelligence with Limited Information: A Case of the Multimedia Industry
Authors: Kumar V. , Saboo Alok R. , Agarwal Amit , Kumar Binay
Published: August 2019

Competitive intelligence is a critical component of developing and implementing organizational strategies. Although firms may obtain aggregate market‐level competitive information, resource allocation decisions such as inventory management or capacity planning are made at the individual product‐firm‐market level. Acquiring such disaggregated information about competitors across various products and markets poses significant challenges, including integrating data from different (and conflicting) information sources and updating the same continuously to reflect the changes in the market environment. To address such issues, we build on the literature on goal programming and frame the problem of generating competitive intelligence at the product‐market level as a matrix‐balancing problem, where products, firms, and markets represent the dimensions of the market‐sensing matrix. We develop a decision support system for firms to generate and update the market‐sensing matrix over time using weighted integer goal programming. Utilizing data from multiple sources (internal firm data, commercial market data, and secondary data), we create a set of linear restrictions and use goal programming approach to update the market‐sensing matrix. We demonstrate—(i) the proposed approach using data from a large multimedia firm that offers multiple products in various markets with many competitors, and (ii) benefits of implementing our approach. We find that timely recovery of disaggregated information at product‐firm‐market level assists the firm in superior resource allocation.
Diagnostic utility of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination – III (ACE‐III), Mini‐ACE, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised for detecting mild cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Senda Mayuko , Terada Seishi , Takenoshita Shintaro , Hayashi Satoshi , Yabe Mayumi , Imai Nao , Horiuchi Makiko , Yamada Norihito
Published: August 2019

Background

Early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia is important to promptly start appropriate intervention. However, it is difficult to examine a patient using long and thorough cognitive tests in a general clinical setting. In this study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic validity of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination ‐ III (ACE‐III), Mini‐ACE (M‐ACE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised (HDS‐R), and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) to identify MCI and dementia.

Methods

A total of 249 subjects (controls = 50, MCI = 94, dementia = 105) at a memory clinic participated in this study, and took the ACE‐III, M‐ACE, MoCA, HDS‐R, and MMSE. After all examinations had been carried out, a conference was held, and the clinical diagnoses were established.

Results

The areas under the curve (AUC) of the ACE‐III, M‐ACE, MoCA, HDS‐R, and MMSE for diagnosing MCI were 0.891, 0.856, 0.831, 0.808, and 0.782. The AUC of the ACE‐III was significantly larger than those of the MoCA, HDS‐R, and MMSE. The AUCs of the ACE‐III, M‐ACE, MoCA, HDS‐R, and MMSE for diagnosing dementia were 0.930, 0.917, 0.854, 0.871, and 0.856. Thus, the AUCs of the ACE‐III and M‐ACE were significantly larger than those of the MoCA, HDS‐R, and MMSE.

Conclusion

The ACE‐III is a useful cognitive instrument to detect MCI. For distinguishing dementia patients from non‐dementia patients, the ACE‐III and M‐ACE are superior to the MoCA, HDS‐R, and MMSE.
Cardiac reactions to emotional words in adolescents and young adults with PTSD after child abuse
Authors: Iffland Benjamin , Klein Fabian , Rosner Rita , Renneberg Babette , Steil Regina , Neuner Frank
Published: August 2019

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with alterations in cardiac reactivity to threat cues. Meta‐analyses have summarized that adults with PTSD have increased heart rates in response to trauma‐related stimuli. However, the opposite effect (i.e., cardiac hyporeactivity) has recently been reported in subgroups of PTSD patients. In children and adolescents with PTSD, reports of cardiac alterations are rare and ambiguous. So far, most studies in adolescents and young adults are restricted to victims of accidents, even though PTSD is highly prevalent in victims of child maltreatment. The present study aimed at investigating cardiac reactions in adolescents and young adults with PTSD after child abuse. Cardiac responses to standardized emotional words were studied in 39 adolescent and young adult PTSD patients after childhood sexual and/or physical abuse as compared to 39 healthy control subjects (age range: 15–20 years). The experimental paradigm consisted of a passive reading task with neutral, positive, physically threatening, and socially threatening (swear) words. Results showed that cardiac reactions to negative stimuli, particularly physically threatening stimuli, were less pronounced in PTSD patients than in controls. Moreover, cardiac reactions in response to socially threatening words were less variable in the PTSD group. No differences between and within groups were present in reaction to neutral or positive stimuli. Findings suggest that a physiologically blunted subtype of PTSD may already manifest during adolescence and young adulthood. Moreover, the results of the present study emphasize the relevance of individual trauma history for physiological reactions.
Antenatal management of singleton pregnancies conceived using assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Richardson Alison , Taylor Myles , Teoh Joo P , Karasu Tulay
Published: August 2019

Key content

Use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to achieve conception is increasing worldwide, and while the majority of resulting pregnancies will have a normal outcome, not all do.

Assisted conceptions are at increased risk of maternal and fetal complications – many of which may be underappreciated or indeed overappreciated by those who go on to look after pregnant women.

Healthcare professionals involved in the antenatal care of women who have conceived using ART must understand the potential risks, their significance and how best to monitor them.

Learning objectives

To understand the maternal complications associated with ART, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy‐induced hypertension, pre‐eclampsia, gestational diabetes and venous thromboembolism.

To understand the fetal complications associated with ART, including genetic and chromosomal disorders, structural abnormalities, growth restriction, stillbirth and preterm labour.

To establish an evidence‐based approach to the antenatal management of singleton pregnancies conceived using ART.
Coca-Cola, by near-ambient pressure XPS
Authors: Shah Dhruv , Cushman Cody V. , Bahr Stephan , Dietrich Paul , Meyer Michael , Thißen Andreas , Linford Matthew R.
Published: August 2019

Near ambient pressure-x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) is a less traditional form of XPS that allows samples to be analyzed at relatively high pressures, i.e., at ca. 2500 Pa, or higher in some cases. With NAP-XPS, XPS can probe moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous materials, and/or polymeric materials that outgas significantly. In this submission, we show an NAP-XPS survey spectrum, and also O 1s and C 1s narrow scans, of a commercial soft drink, Coca-Cola. Clearly this is a material that could not be analyzed at moderate pressures by conventional XPS. The C 1s narrow scan is fit to five synthetic components. The O 1s narrow scan shows strong contributions from both liquid and gas phase water. A small N 1s signal in the survey spectrum is attributed to background nitrogen. The shape of the uniqueness plot corresponding to the C 1s fit suggests that the fit parameters are statistically significant.
A hybrid computational aeroacoustic methodology for broadband noise prediction
Authors: Ricks Nathan , Nixarlidis Christos A. , Kalfas Anestis I. , Ghorbaniasl Ghader
Published: August 2019

Current hybrid computational aeroacoustic methodologies for broadband noise prediction rely on large eddy simulation (LES) for noise source computation, and integral methods for noise propagation. In this paper, LES of a benchmark controlled-diffusion airfoil was conducted, utilizing the rotation rate based Smagorinsky model (RoSM). The RoSM is seen to provide flow results of equal or improved accuracy as compared to the dynamic Smagorinsky model, with 35% less computational cost, with computational benefits of the RoSM increasing with mesh size. Current integral methods for noise propagation, including Formulation 1A of Farassat, require numerical differentiation of highly turbulent input flow data coming from LES, introducing numerical inaccuracies. Here, Formulation 1 of Farassat is modified to entirely avoid the numerical differentiation of flow field data. The ability of the methodology for broadband noise prediction is demonstrated, with the prediction at high frequencies being considerably closer to experimental data than Formulation 1A. For low discrete frequency noise prediction, Formulation 1A is still recommended. The use of two innovative approaches in conjunction for broadband noise prediction is seen to be efficient and easy to implement, without compromising on accuracy.
Analysis of jet oscillations with acoustic radiation in the recorder by direct aeroacoustic simulations
Authors: Onogi Kimie , Yokoyama Hiroshi , Iida Akiyoshi
Published: August 2019

To elucidate the selection mechanism of a predominant mode in acoustic radiation from the recorder, the jet oscillations predicted by direct aeroacoustic simulations are analyzed based on a proposed formula for hydrodynamic and acoustic jet displacements. The displacements are well represented by the formula, taking into account the non-zero initial amplitude around the windway exit and variations of oscillation center with streamwise position for jet displacement. The analysis is applied to the jet oscillations in two different recorders with a straight- and an arch-shaped windway, where the shift of the predominant mode from the first to the second mode occurs for the straight-shaped recorder at a lower jet velocity compared to the arch-shaped recorder. The analytical results present the influence of the recorder shape on the amplification rate of the hydrodynamic jet displacement, the acoustic feedback effects and the phase relation between the hydrodynamic jet displacement and acoustic pressure in the resonator, along with the jet offset to the edge. Compared to the arch-shaped recorder, the convex curve of the amplification rate with the non-dimensional frequency based on the windway height for the straight-shaped recorder is located in the higher-frequency region, which contributes to the predominance of the higher mode.
The role of aseismic slip in hydraulic fracturing–induced seismicity
Authors: Eyre Thomas S. , Eaton David W. , Garagash Dmitry I. , Zecevic Megan , Venieri Marco , Weir Ronald , Lawton Donald C.
Published: August 2019

Hydraulic fracturing accelerates fault creep in stable formations, loading unstable fault regions, resulting in dynamic rupture.
Functional diversification of hybridoma-produced antibodies by CRISPR/HDR genomic engineering
Authors: van der Schoot Johan M. S. , Fennemann Felix L. , Valente Michael , Dolen Yusuf , Hagemans Iris M. , Becker Anouk M. D. , Le Gall Camille M. , van Dalen Duco , Cevirgel Alper , van Bruggen Jaco A. C. , Engelfriet Melanie , Caval Tomislav , Bentlage Arthur E. H. , Fransen Marieke F. , Nederend Maaike , Leusen Jeanette H. W. , Heck Albert J. R. , Vidarsson Gestur , Figdor Carl G. , Verdoes Martijn , Scheeren Ferenc A.
Published: August 2019

We develop a universal platform for CRISPR/HDR-engineering of hybridomas to obtain functionally diverse antibody panels.
Epigenetic signatures of methylated DNA cytosine in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Fetahu Irfete S. , Ma Dingailu , Rabidou Kimberlie , Argueta Christian , Smith Michael , Liu Hang , Wu Feizhen , Shi Yujiang G.
Published: August 2019

The discovery of AD epigenetic signatures lays a molecular basis for new methods to detect early AD using patient blood cells.
Opinion cascades and the unpredictability of partisan polarization
Authors: Macy Michael , Deri Sebastian , Ruch Alexander , Tong Natalie
Published: August 2019

Partisan polarization appears to reflect real ideological differences but two studies show how easily the sides could be switched.
Covalently tethering siRNA to hydrogels for localized, controlled release and gene silencing
Authors: Nguyen Minh Khanh , Huynh Cong Truc , Gilewski Alex , Wilner Samantha E. , Maier Keith E. , Kwon Nicholas , Levy Mathew , Alsberg Eben
Published: August 2019

Covalently tethering RNA to hydrogel provides the prolonged presentation of RNA for locally sustained cellular gene silencing.
Viperin catalyzes methionine oxidation to promote protein expression and function of helicases
Authors: Bai Lei , Dong Jiazhen , Liu Zhenqiu , Rao Youliang , Feng Pinghui , Lan Ke
Published: August 2019

Methionine oxidation by viperin is critical for the expression and function of helicases.
Dimeric structures of quinol-dependent nitric oxide reductases (qNORs) revealed by cryo–electron microscopy
Authors: Gopalasingam Chai C. , Johnson Rachel M. , Chiduza George N. , Tosha Takehiko , Yamamoto Masaki , Shiro Yoshitsugu , Antonyuk Svetlana V. , Muench Stephen P. , Hasnain S. Samar
Published: August 2019

qNORs that catalyze the reduction of nitric oxide to nitrous oxide are dimeric and obtain their protons from cytoplasmic end.
B cell superantigens in the human intestinal microbiota
Authors: Bunker Jeffrey J. , Drees Christoph , Watson Andrea R. , Plunkett Catherine H. , Nagler Cathryn R. , Schneewind Olaf , Eren A. Murat , Bendelac Albert
Published: August 2019

Bacterial superantigens in the human intestinal microbiota can induce and bind IgA.
Simultaneous transrectal ultrasound and photoacoustic human prostate imaging
Authors: Kothapalli Sri-Rajasekhar , Sonn Geoffrey A. , Choe Jung Woo , Nikoozadeh Amin , Bhuyan Anshuman , Park Kwan Kyu , Cristman Paul , Fan Richard , Moini Azadeh , Lee Byung Chul , Wu Jonathan , Carver Thomas E. , Trivedi Dharati , Shiiba Lillian , Steinberg Idan , Huland David M. , Rasmussen Morten F. , Liao Joseph C. , Brooks James D. , Khuri-Yakub Pierre T. , Gambhir Sanjiv S.
Published: August 2019

Transrectal ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging simultaneously provide structural and molecular contrasts of normal and cancerous human prostates.
Applications of liquid biopsies for cancer
Authors: Mattox Austin K. , Bettegowda Chetan , Zhou Shibin , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Vogelstein Bert
Published: August 2019

Liquid biopsies have the potential to detect, characterize, and monitor cancers earlier than is possible with conventional approaches.
Curcumin Nanoparticles Enhance Mycobacterium bovis BCG Vaccine Efficacy by Modulating Host Immune Responses
Authors: Ahmad Shaheer , Bhattacharya Debapriya , Kar Santosh , Ranganathan Anand , Van Kaer Luc , Das Gobardhan
Published: August 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the deadliest diseases, causing ∼2 million deaths annually worldwide.Mycobacterium bovisbacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the only TB vaccine in common use, is effective against disseminated and meningeal TB in young children but is not effective against adult pulmonary TB.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Bacillus
sp. Strain 007/AIA-02/001, Isolated from the Marine Sponge
Coelocarteria singaporensis
Authors: Ong Ji Fa Marshall , Goh Hui Chin , Tan Lik Tong
Published: August 2019

We report the draft genome sequence of a marine bacterium,
Bacillus
sp. strain 007/AIA-02/001, isolated from the marine sponge
Coelocarteria singaporensis
, obtained from water off the coast of Singapore. The analysis of the bacterial genome using the bioinformatics tool antiSMASH 4.0.2 showed the presence of a number of unique natural product biosynthetic pathways.
Complete Genome Sequence of Subcluster 5.2
Synechococcus
sp. Strain CB0101, Isolated from the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Fucich Daniel , Marsan David , Sosa Ana , Chen Feng
Published: August 2019

Synechococcus
sp. strain CB0101 is a model strain for cyanobacteria living in the estuarine environment. It is also a representative member of marine
Synechococcus
subcluster 5.2. The draft genome sequence of CB0101 was reported in 2014 with 454 sequencing. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of CB0101, obtained with PacBio sequencing. CB0101 contains a specialized array of genes which are involved in sensing, responding to, and persisting in the presence of environmental stress.
TwinBLAST: When Two Is Better than One
Authors: Dunning Hotopp Julie C. , Matsumura James , Bromley Robin E. , Riley David R. , Agrawal Sonia , Sparklin Ben , Mattick John , Crabtree Jonathan , Mahurkar Anup
Published: August 2019

Analysis of sequence read pairs can be essential for characterizing structural variation, including junction-spanning pairs of reads (JSPRs) suggesting recent lateral/horizontal gene transfer. TwinBLAST can be used to facilitate this analysis of JSPRs by enabling the visualization and curation of two BLAST reports side by side in a single interface.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptomyces sp. Strain RKND-216, an Antibiotic Producer Isolated from Marine Sediment in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Authors: Liang Libang , Haltli Bradley A. , Kerr Russell G.
Published: August 2019

Streptomyces
sp. strain RKND-216 was isolated from marine sediment collected in Prince Edward Island, Canada, and produces a putatively novel bioactive natural product with antitubercular activity. The genome assembly consists of two contigs covering 5.61 Mb. Genome annotation identified 4,618 predicted protein-coding sequences and 19 predicted natural product biosynthetic gene clusters.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptomyces sp. Strain SGAir0924, an Actinobacterium Isolated from Outdoor Air in Singapore
Authors: Gupta Anjali Bansal , Uchida Akira , Purbojati Rikky W. , Wong Anthony , Kushwaha Kavita K. , Putra Alexander , Premkrishnan Balakrishnan N. V. , Heinle Cassie E. , Eng Merrilyn , Vettath Vineeth Kodengil , Junqueira Ana Carolina M. , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Schuster Stephan C.
Published: August 2019

Streptomyces
sp. strain SGAir0924 was isolated from outdoor air collected in Singapore. Its genome was assembled using long reads generated by single-molecule real-time sequencing. The final assembly had one chromosome of 7.65 Mb and three plasmids with an average length of 142 kb. The genome contained 6,825 protein-coding genes, 68 tRNAs, and 18 rRNAs.
Enterovirus, parechovirus, adenovirus and herpes virus type 6 viraemia in fever without source
Authors: L'Huillier Arnaud Gregoire , Mardegan Chiara , Cordey Samuel , Luterbacher Fanny , Papis Sebastien , Hugon Florence , Kaiser Laurent , Gervaix Alain , Posfay-Barbe Klara , Galetto-Lacour Annick
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the potential associations between fever without a source (FWS) in children and detection of human enterovirus (HEV), human parechovirus (HPeV), adenovirus (AdV) and human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6) in the plasma; and to assess whether the detection of viruses in the plasma is associated with a reduced risk of serious bacterial infection (SBI) and antibiotic use.

Design and setting

Between November 2015 and December 2017, this prospective, single-centre, diagnostic study tested the plasma of children <3 years old with FWS. Real-time (reverse-transcription) PCR for HEV, HPeV, AdV and HHV-6 was used in addition to the standardised institutional work-up. A control cohort was also tested for the presence of viruses in their blood.

Results

HEV, HPeV, AdV and HHV-6 were tested for in the plasma of 135 patients of median age 2.4 months old. At least one virus was detected in 47 of 135 (34.8%): HEV in 14.1%, HHV-6 in 11.1%, HPeV in 5.9% and AdV in 5.2%. There was no difference in antibiotic use between patients with or without virus detected, despite a relative risk of 0.2 for an SBI among patients with viraemia. Controls were less frequently viraemic than children with FWS (6.0% vs 34.8%; p<0.001).

Conclusions

HEV, HPeV, AdV and HHV-6 are frequently detected in the plasma of children with FWS. Antibiotic use was similar between viraemic and non-viraemic patients despite a lower risk of SBI among patients with viraemia. Point-of-care viral PCR testing of plasma might reduce antibiotic use and possibly investigations and admission rates in patients with FWS.

Trial registration number

NCT03224026.
Public attitudes towards healthcare policies promoting tobacco cessation in Germany: results from the representative German study on tobacco use (DEBRA study)
Authors: Kastaun Sabrina , Kotz Daniel , Brown Jamie , Shahab Lion , Boeckmann Melanie
Published: August 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess public acceptance of four possible healthcare policies supporting tobacco dependence treatment in line with the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control, Article 14 recommendations in Germany.

Design

Cross-sectional household survey.

Setting

Data were drawn from the German population and collected through computer-assisted, face-to-face interviews.

Participants

Representative random sample of 2087 people (>14 years) from the German population.

Outcome measures

Public acceptance was measured regarding (1) treatment cost reimbursement, (2) standard training for health professionals on offering cessation treatment, and making cessation treatment a standard part of care for smokers with (3) physical or (4) mental disorders. Association characteristics with smoking status and socio-economic status (SES) were assessed.

Results

Support for all policies was high (50%–68%), even among smokers (48%–66%). Ex-smokers and never-smokers were more likely to support standard training on cessation for health professionals than current smokers (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.92; OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.79, respectively). Ex-smokers were also more likely than current smokers to support cessation treatment for smokers with mental disorders (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.73). Men were less likely than women to support cessation treatment for smokers with physical diseases (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.91) and free provision of treatment (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.97). Offering cessation treatment to smokers with physical disorders was generally more accepted than to those with mental health issues.

Conclusions

The majority of the German population supports healthcare policies to improve the availability and affordability of tobacco dependence treatment. Non-smokers were more supportive than current smokers of two of the four policies, but odds of support were only about 40% higher. SES characteristics were not consistently associated with public acceptance.

Trial registration number

DRKS00011322.
Intervention in emotional abilities for adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus in a hospital setting: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ruiz-Aranda Desiree , Resurrección Davinia M , Gutierrez-Colosia Mencia R , Martinez-Brocca Maria Asuncion
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most frequent chronic endocrine diseases in the paediatric population. As a result, this disease has a strong impact on psychological well-being. In line with this, emotional factors play an important role in adaptation. The aim of the present study protocol is to design an emotional abilities programme to improve metabolic control assessed by haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) samples. Specifically, this intervention will be focused on adaptive coping strategies to deal with unpleasant emotions associated with T1DM. The primary aim of this project is to assess whether the employment of this new psychological intervention improves the emotional abilities of adolescents with T1DM.

Methods and analysis

Two focus groups will be carried out for the design and evaluation of the programme following the APEASE criteria (affordability, practicability, effectiveness, acceptability, side effects/safety and equity). Behavioural change will be based on the Behaviour Change Wheel. Sixty-two participants from 12 to 18 years of age will be recruited at a public hospital and randomised to either an intervention or a control group. The intervention group will receive an emotional abilities training programme. The control group will receive usual educational intervention. The primary outcomes are metabolic control and emotional abilities. The secondary outcomes include emotional distress control, positive and negative affect, healthy habits, and quality of life. Data will be collected at baseline, immediately postintervention, and at follow-up visits at 6 and 12 months. A feasibility analysis will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Universidad Loyola Andalucía. Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated across the scientific community.

Trial registration number

NCT03734367.
Protocol for a case–control diagnostic accuracy study to develop diagnostic criteria for psoriasis in children (DIPSOC study): a multicentre study recruiting in UK paediatric dermatology clinics
Authors: Burden-Teh Esther , Murphy Ruth , Gran Sonia , Nijsten Tamar , Hughes Carolyn , Thomas Kim Suzanne
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Diagnosing psoriasis in children can be challenging. Early and accurate diagnosis is important to ensure patients receive psoriasis specific treatment and monitoring. It is recognised that the physical, psychological, quality of life, financial and comorbid burden of psoriasis are significant. The aim of this study is to develop clinical examination and history-based diagnostic criteria for psoriasis in children to help differentiate psoriasis from other scaly inflammatory rashes. The criteria tested in this study were developed through a consensus study with a group of international psoriasis experts (International Psoriasis Council).

Methods and analysis

Children and young people (<18 years) with psoriasis (cases) and other scaly inflammatory skin diseases (controls) diagnosed by a dermatologist are eligible for recruitment. All participants complete a single research visit including a diagnostic criteria assessment by a trained investigator blinded to the participant’s diagnosis. The reference standard of a dermatologist’s diagnosis is extracted from the medical record. Sensitivity and specificity of the consensus derived diagnostic criteria will be calculated and the best predictive criteria developed using multivariate logistic regression.

Ethics and dissemination

Health Regulatory Authority and National Health Service Research Ethics Committee approvals were granted in February 2017 (REC Ref: 17/EM/0035). Dissemination will be guided by stakeholders; patients, children and young people, dermatologists, primary care and paediatric rheumatologists. The aim is to publish the study results in a high-quality peer-reviewed journal, present the findings at international academic meetings and disseminate more widely through social media and working with patient associations.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN98851260.
Shift work sleep disorders and associated factors among nurses at federal government hospitals in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Haile Kalkidan Kassa , Asnakew Sintayehu , Waja Tsegereda , Kerbih Habtamu Bogale
Published: August 2019

Objective

The current study was conducted to assess the prevalence and associated factors of shift work sleep disorder among nurses working at Ethiopian federal government hospitals in Addis Ababa.

Methods

An institutional-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2018 using self-administered structured questionnaires. Computer-generated simple random sampling technique was used to select a total of 422 nurses as study participants. The International Classification of Sleep Disorders - Third Edition, Bargen Insomnia Scale and/or Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to measure the outcome shift work sleep disorder. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were used. OR with 95% CI was used to measure the strength of association, and a p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant in multivariate analysis.

Results

About a quarter (25.6%) of the study participants have shift work sleep disorder. The average number of nights per month for the last 1 year (adjusted OR=6.3, 95% CI 3.513 to 12.35) and working in three-shift rotation (adjusted OR=3.1, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.83) were significantly associated with shift work sleep disorder.

Conclusion

A quarter of shift worker nurses are suffering from shift work sleep disorder. The number of nights on average per month for the last 1 year and working in three-shift rotation were significantly associated with shift work sleep disorder. Shift working conditions should be improved to provide less stressful conditions for nurses, ensuring at the same time an appropriate quality of care over a 24-hour period. More studies are necessary to better highlight the burden of shift work on the health and well-being of both nurses and patients.
Patient safety incidents in advance care planning for serious illness: a mixed-methods analysis
Authors: Dinnen Toby , Williams Huw , Yardley Sarah , Noble Simon , Edwards Adrian , Hibbert Peter , Kenkre Joyce , Carson-Stevens Andrew
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Advance care planning (ACP) is essential for patient-centred care in the last phase of life. There is little evidence available on the safety of ACP. This study characterises and explores patient safety incidents arising from ACP processes in the last phase of life.

Methods

The National Reporting and Learning System collates patient safety incident reports across England and Wales. We performed a keyword search and manual review to identify relevant reports, April 2005–December 2015. Mixed-methods, combining structured data coding, exploratory and thematic analyses were undertaken to describe incidents, underlying causes and outcomes, and identify areas for improvement.

Results

We identified 70 reports in which ACP caused a patient safety incident across three error categories: (1) ACP not completed despite being appropriate (23%, n=16). (2) ACP completed but not accessible or miscommunicated between professionals (40%, n=28). (3) ACP completed and accessible but not followed (37%, n=26). Themes included staff lacking the knowledge, confidence, competence or belief in trustworthiness of prior documentation to create or enact ACP. Adverse outcomes included cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts contrary to ACP, other inappropriate treatment and/or transfer or admission.

Conclusion

This national analysis identifies priority concerns and questions whether it is possible to develop strong system interventions to ensure safety and quality in ACP without significant improvement in human-dependent issues in social programmes such as ACP. Human-dependent issues (ie, varying patient, carer and professional understanding, and confidence in enacting prior ACP when required) should be explored in local contexts alongside systems development for ACP documentation.
Subcutaneous pantoprazole in an elderly, palliative care patient
Authors: Michelon Hugues , Souchu Hélène , Chauvron-Defilippi Bénédicte , Lecoeur Anne , Villart Maryvonne , Denis Michel
Published: August 2019

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become the agents of choice for acid-related diseases. In some clinical situations, PPI therapy by oral or intravenous route may be difficult especially among elderly and patients in palliative care. Off-label PPI subcutaneous injection could be the last alternative to improve patient relief, despite limited published data. We report a case of linitis plastica, peritoneal carcinomatosis and occlusive syndrome who suffered from painful regurgitations which rapidly improved after subcutaneous pantoprazole. No related adverse effects were observed during PPI therapy. Despite some limitations, this report suggests that off-label subcutaneous pantoprazole could be an interesting alternative route when intravenous infusion may be difficult or harmful for elderly and patients in palliative care. Nevertheless, clinical safety and efficiency data on larger populations are needed to validate this use in such population.
Limited sustained response after stopping nucleos(t)ide analogues in patients with chronic hepatitis B: results from a randomised controlled trial (Toronto STOP study)
Authors: Liem Kin Seng , Fung Scott , Wong David K , Yim Colina , Noureldin Seham , Chen Jiayun , Feld Jordan J , Hansen Bettina E , Janssen Harry L A
Published: August 2019

Objective

Although most patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) reach effective virological suppression with long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) therapy, some might not need to continue treatment for life. In this randomised, controlled, phase IV trial, we evaluated off-therapy outcomes in patients after discontinuing long-term NA therapy.

Design

Patients who had received NA therapy for ≥1 year and achieved virological suppression (hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion combined with undetectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA ≥12 months in HBeAg-positive patients or undetectable HBV DNA ≥36 months in HBeAg-negative patients) were randomised 2:1 to stop or continue NA therapy for 72 weeks. Sustained disease remission (HBeAg negative, HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL and normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) was evaluated at 72 weeks after stopping NA therapy.

Results

Among 67 enrolled patients, sustained disease remission was observed in 13/45 (29%) stop versus 18/22 (82%) continue patients. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss occurred in two patients (one in each group). The median HBsAg decline from randomisation to week 72 was similar in both groups (0.2 (0.0–0.4) vs 0.1 (0.0–0.2) log IU/mL in stop vs continue patients). Among patients who stopped, 15/45 (33%) had virological or biochemical relapse and 17/45 (38%) were retreated according to predefined criteria. A total of 11/18 (61%) pretreatment HBeAg-positive versus 6/27 (22%) HBeAg-negative patients required retreatment (p=0.01). Fourteen (31%) patients developed ALT >10× upper limit of normal (ULN) and another 7 (16%) had ALT >5× ULN. No patients experienced liver decompensation or died.

Conclusion

The findings of this prospective study suggest limited benefit of stopping NA therapy in chronic hepatitis B.

Trial registration number

NCT01911156.
Frequently overlooked realistic moral bioenhancement interventions
Authors: Conan Gregory Mark
Published: August 2019

Many supporters of ‘moral bioenhancement’ (MBE), the use of biomedical interventions for moral improvement, have been criticised for having unrealistic proposals. The interventions they suggest have often been called infeasible and their implementation plans vague or unethical. I dispute these criticisms by showing that various interventions to implement MBE are practically and ethically feasible enough to warrant serious consideration. Such interventions include transcranial direct current stimulation over the medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, as well as supplementation with lithium and omega-3. Considering their efficacy and feasibility, it is strange that these interventions have rarely been proposed or discussed as MBE. I review evidence that each of those interventions can reduce antisocial behaviour, reduce racial bias, increase executive function or increase prosocial traits like fairness and altruism. I then specify and defend realistic, ethically permissible ways to implement these interventions, especially for violent offenders and public servants—the former as rehabilitation and the latter to meet the high standards of their occupations. These interventions could be given to violent offenders in exchange for a reduced sentence or compulsorily in some cases. Potential intervention methods for non-prisoners include increasing the USDA-recommended dose of omega-3, encouraging food companies to supplement their products with omega-3 or trace lithium, requiring MBE for employment as a police officer or political leader, and insurance companies providing discounts for undergoing MBE. In some reasonably limited form, using these interventions may be a good first step to implement the project of MBE.
Communicating about chemicals in cigarette smoke: impact on knowledge and misunderstanding
Authors: Lazard Allison J , Byron M Justin , Peters Ellen , Brewer Noel T
Published: August 2019

Background

The USA must publicly share information about harmful and potentially harmful constituents (chemicals) in tobacco products. We sought to understand whether webpages with chemical information are “understandable and not misleading to a lay person.”

Methods

Participants were a national probability sample of US adults and adolescents (n=1441, 18% smokers). In an online experiment, we randomly assigned participants to view one of the developed webpages (chemical names only, names with quantity ranges, names with visual risk indicators) or no webpage in phase one (between subjects). Participants completed a survey assessing knowledge, misunderstanding, perceived likelihood, perceived severity of health effects from smoking and quit intentions (smokers only). In phase two (within subjects), participants viewed all three webpage formats and reported webpage perceptions (clarity, usability, usefulness) and perceived impact (affect, elaboration, perceived effectiveness).

Results

In phase one, viewing any webpage led to more knowledge of chemicals (48%–54% vs 28% no webpage, ps<0.001) and health harms (77% vs 67% no webpage, ps<0.001). When exposed to any webpage, 5%–23% endorsed misunderstandings that some cigarettes are safer than others. Webpage format did not affect knowledge or reduce misunderstandings. Viewing any webpage led to higher perceived likelihood of experiencing health effects from smoking (p<0.001) and, among smokers, greater intentions to quit smoking (p=0.04). In phase two, where participants viewed all formats, a visual risk indicator led to the highest perceived impact.

Conclusions

Knowledge of chemicals and health effects can increase after viewing a website. Yet, websites may not correct the misunderstanding that some cigarettes are safer.
Modelling the impact of menthol sales restrictions and retailer density reduction policies: insights from tobacco town Minnesota
Authors: Combs Todd B , McKay Virginia R , Ornstein Joseph , Mahoney Margaret , Cork Kerry , Brosi Deena , Kasman Matt , Heuberger Benjamin , Hammond Ross A , Luke Douglas
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Tobacco control policies focused on the retail environment have the potential to reduce tobacco use and tobacco-related health disparities through increasing direct and indirect costs. Recently, national and subnational governments have begun to restrict the sale of menthol products and reduce tobacco retailer density.

Methods

We developed an agent-based model to project the impact of menthol cigarette sales restrictions and retailer density reduction policies for six types of communities and three priority populations. During each simulated day, agents smoke cigarettes, travel in the community and make purchase decisions—whether, where and which product type to purchase—based on a combination of their own properties and the current retail environment.

Results

Of the policies tested, restricting all cigarette sales or menthol cigarette sales to tobacco specialty shops may have the largest effect on the total (direct and indirect) costs of purchasing cigarettes. Coupling one of these policies with one that establishes a minimum distance between tobacco retailers may enhance the impact. Combining these policies could also make the costs of acquiring cigarettes more equal across communities and populations.

Discussion

Our simulations revealed the importance of context, for example, lower income communities in urban areas begin with higher retailer density and may need stronger policies to show impact, as well as the need to focus on differential effects for priority populations, for example, combinations of policies may equalise the average distance travelled to purchase. Adapting and combining policies could enhance the sustainability of policy effects and reduce tobacco use.
A discarded cigar package survey in New York City: indicators of non-compliance with local flavoured tobacco restrictions
Authors: Kurti Marin K , Schroth Kevin R J , Delnevo Cristine
Published: August 2019

Introduction

In 2009, New York City (NYC) restricted the sale of flavoured tobacco products. We assessed product availability as a proxy for potential non-compliance by analysing discarded cigar, cigarillo and blunt wrap packages in New York City.

Methods

A discarded cigar package survey was conducted in 2016, in a stratified random sample of 94 block groups in NYC resulting in the collection of 886 discarded cigar packages. Each package was coded for brand name, flavour description (explicit and implicit) and size.

Findings

Overall, 19.2% of the cigar packages were explicitly flavoured. An additional 9.4% of the packages reflected implicit flavours. Explicit flavoured cigar packages were at increased odds of being found in Staten Island (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.96, 95% CI=1.66 to 9.46), in packaging size of two or three (AOR=8.49, 95% CI=4.24 to 17.02) or four or more (AOR=4.26, 95% CI=1.95 to 9.30).

Conclusion

Nearly one out of three cigar packages were flavoured products suggesting a problematic level of non-compliance and continued availability. Potential non-compliance is likely fueled by licensed wholesalers and retailers who continue to sell restricted flavoured products. Some retailers may be unaware that implicitly named cigars are typically flavoured and are, therefore, illegal. This lack of awareness of implicit flavoured cigars may be exacerbated by NYC’s lack of education or enforcement specific to implicitly flavoured tobacco products.
MiR-204 suppresses cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells via targeting TPT1 in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Sun Xueqin , Su Shan , Zhang Guoxiang , Zhang Hong , Yu Xiaohui
Published: August 2019

MicroRNA (miR)-204 is known to be associated with several different diseases. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has the highest incidence rate among the endocrine disorders in females between the ages of 18 and 44. We aimed to illustrate the miR-204 function in PCOS. MiR-204 expression levels in tissue and cell were examined through RT-qPCR. Colony formation assay and MTT assay were applied to detect the cell viability. Flow cytometry was employed to examine the apoptosis and cell cycle in cells. RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase reporter assay were provided to demonstrate the direct interaction between translationally controlled tumor protein (TPT1) and miR-204. The expression of miR-204 was declined in KGN cells and ovarian cortex tissues of PCOS patients. MiR-204 enhanced the colony formation capacity and cell proliferation in KGN cells. Cell cycle and apoptosis were also influenced by miR-204. Since miR-204 has direct interaction with TPT1, TPT1 overexpression suppressed the miR-204-induced apoptosis and cell cycle alteration in KGN cells. MiR-204 inhibits the cell viability and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by directly interacting with TPT1, indicating a role of miR-204 to be a potential target in the PCOS patients.