bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurses working in intellectual disability‐specific settings talk about the uniqueness of their role: A qualitative study
Authors: Wilson Nathan J. , Wiese Michele , Lewis Peter , Jaques Hayden , O'Reilly Kate
Published: October 2018

Aims

To explore the perceptions of Australian nurses working in disability‐specific settings and/or roles, about: (a) nursing people with intellectual and developmental disability living in Sydney; and (b) the utility and applicability of professional practice standards designed specifically for intellectual and developmental disability nursing.

Design

A qualitative research design was used to guide the study and our analysis utilized the constant comparative approach to thematic data analyses.

Methods

Individual in‐person interviews were conducted with 18 nurses working in intellectual and developmental disability‐specific settings and/or roles across the state of New South Wales between July – December, 2017. Participants described what it is that sets intellectual and developmental disability nursing apart from other nursing specialties, and the rewards and challenges of their role. Questions were also asked about professional practice standards in general and more specifically intellectual and developmental disability professional practice standards. Data were analysed thematically.

Findings

Three themes reflected intellectual and developmental disability nurses’ perceptions: (a) a unique investment in the nurse/patient dyad; (b) a bridge between disparate systems; and (c) an ambiguous future. Nurses reported variable understanding of professional practice standards designed for intellectual and developmental disability nursing, but also a belief in their importance.

Conclusion

The intellectual and developmental disability nurses’ experience of care accounts for the specific needs of patients with intellectual and developmental disability and suggests the importance of professional practice standards which acknowledge the changing landscape of care in Australia prompted by the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Factors influencing patient delay in individuals with haemorrhoids: A study based on theory of planned behavior and common sense model
Authors: Shi Ying , Yang Dongliang , Chen Si , Wang Shouqi , Li Huanhuan , Ying Jie , Zhang Meiling , Li Yuan , Xing Zhuangjie , Sun Jiao
Published: October 2018

Aims

This study aimed to describe the status of patient delay and examine related factors affecting patient delay in individuals with haemorrhoids in mainland China, based on theory of planned behaviour and common sense model.

Background

Studies on patient delay have mainly focused on cancer, tuberculosis and myocardial infarction, but studies on patient delay in individuals with haemorrhoids have yet to be conducted. Compared with other diseases, haemorrhoids are initially considered benign. However, if patients with haemorrhoids seek delayed medical assistance, they pay a large cost for worse symptoms because they fail to seek timely treatments compared with those who receive appropriate treatments at early stages.

Design

A cross‐sectional study design was used.

Methods

The current study was performed on 306 patients with haemorrhoids from June ‐ October 2017. Data were collected via a self‐administered pencil‐and‐paper survey that consisted of a multi‐item questionnaire. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors of patient delay.

Results

Middle‐aged participants were more than twice more likely to report patient delay than participants in other age groups. A high level of perceived self‐efficacy, a high level of illness perceptions and perceived social impact were associated with prolonged delay.

Conclusion

This study showed that patient delay is common among patients with haemorrhoids in China. The influencing factors of patient delay were middle‐aged, illness perceptions, perceived self‐efficacy, and perceived social impact.
Is adenosine useful for the identification of atrial fibrillation triggers?
Authors: Tutuianu Cristina , Pap Robert , Riesz Tamas , Bencsik Gabor , Makai Attila , Saghy Laszlo
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Both isoproterenol (Iso) and adenosine (Ado) are used to induce atrial fibrillation (AF) in the electrophysiology lab. However, the utility of Ado has not been systematically established.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare Ado to Iso for the induction of paroxysmal AF.

Methods

Forty patients (16 women; mean age, 60 ± 12 years) with paroxysmal AF, presenting for ablation were prospectively included of whom 36 (90%) received Ado (18‐36 mg) and/or Iso (3‐20 µg/min incremental dose) in a randomized order (26 [72%] received both drugs).

Results

AF was induced with Iso in 15 of 32 (47%) and with Ado in 12 of 30 (40%) patients (P = 0.9). Iso‐triggered AF started from the left pulmonary veins (PVs) in 11 of 15 (73%), from the right PVs in 3 of 15 (20%), and from the coronary sinus (CS) in 1 of 15 (7%) cases. Ado‐induced AF episodes originated from the left PVs in 6 of 12 (50%), from the right atrium (RA) in 4 of 12 (33%), and from the CS in 2 of 12 (17%) cases. Altogether, Iso‐induced AF was more likely initiated from the PVs (93%) compared with Ado (50%) (
P = 0.02). Ado‐induced non‐PV triggers were not predictive of arrhythmia recurrence after PV isolation.

Conclusion

Ado much more frequently induces non‐PV triggers, especially from the RA. The clinical significance of these foci, however, is questionable.
Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in obese patients: Results from the Cardioversion‐BMI randomized controlled trial
Authors: Voskoboinik Aleksandr , Moskovitch Jeremy , Plunkett George , Bloom Jason , Wong Geoffrey , Nalliah Chrishan , Prabhu Sandeep , Sugumar Hariharan , Paramasweran Ramanathan , McLellan Alex , Ling Liang‐Han , Goh Cheng‐Yee , Noaman Samer , Fernando Himawan , Wong Michael , Taylor Andrew J. , Kalman Jonathan M. , Kistler Peter M.
Published: October 2018

Aims

Obesity is associated with higher electrical cardioversion (ECV) failure in persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF). For ease‐of‐use, many centers prefer patches over paddles. We assessed the optimum modality and shock vector, as well as the safety and efficacy of the Manual Pressure Augmentation (MPA) technique.

Methods

Patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) and PeAF undergoing ECV using a biphasic defibrillator were randomized into one of four arms by modality (adhesive patches or handheld paddles) and shock vector (anteroposterior [AP] or anteroapical [AA]). If the first two shocks (100 and 200 J) failed, then patients received a 200‐J shock using the alternative modality (patch or paddle). Shock vector remained unchanged. In an observational substudy, 20 patients with BMI of 35 or more, and who failed ECV at 200 J using both patches/paddles underwent a trial of MPA.

Results

In total, 125 patients were randomized between July 2016 and March 2018. First or second shock success was 43 of 63 (68.2%) for patches and 56 of 62 (90.3%) for paddles (P = 0.002). There were 20 crossovers from patches to paddles (12 of 20 third shock success with paddles) and six crossovers from paddles to patches (three of six third shock success with patches). Paddles successfully cardioverted 68 of 82 patients compared with 46 of 69 using patches (82.9% vs 66.7%;
P = 0.02). Shock vector did not influence first or second shock success rates (82.0% AP vs 76.6% AA;
P = 0.46). MPA was successful in 16 of 20 (80%) who failed in both (patches/paddles), with 360 J required in six of seven cases.

Conclusion

Routine use of adhesive patches at 200 J is inadequate in obesity. Strategies that improve success include the use of paddles, MPA, and escalation to 360 J.
Methyl eugenol effects on Bactrocera dorsalis male total body protein, reproductive organs and ejaculate
Authors: Reyes‐Hernández Martha , Thimmappa Raghava , Abraham Solana , Pagadala Damodaram Kamala Jayanthi , Pérez‐Staples Diana
Published: October 2018

Methyl eugenol (ME) and inclusion of protein into the adult diet increase the mating competitiveness of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). Exposing males to ME or protein is a promising post‐teneral treatment for males being released in the sterile insect technique (SIT). However, the effect of this post‐teneral treatment on male reproductive organs or the male ejaculate is unknown. During mating, males transfer sperm and accessory gland products (AGPs) to females and these compounds are reported to modulate female sexual inhibition. We studied the impact of male exposure to ME and a yeast hydrolysate (YH) diet on the protein reserves of males, male reproductive organ size, and the male ejaculate through sperm and AGPs. We show that males exposed to ME regardless of access to YH accumulated a greater amount of whole body protein. Males fed on YH also had increased total body protein and had bigger reproductive organs than YH‐deprived males, but no apparent effect of ME exposure was observed on reproductive organ size. Females stored less sperm when mated with males fed on YH and ME compared to males not fed on ME. YH and ME had no effect on male AGPs. Females injected with AGPs of males fed on YH and exposed to ME were just as likely to mate as females injected with AGPs of non‐treated males. However, females injected with AGPs of males exposed to ME mated faster than females injected with AGPs of non‐exposed males. We conclude that while exposure to ME increases male copulatory success and protein reserves in the male body, there seem to be some potential trade‐offs such as lower sperm stored by females. We discuss our results in terms of pre‐release protocols that may be used for B. dorsalis in SIT application.
Depth of cure of bulk fill resin composites: A systematic review
Authors: Lima Renally Bezerra Wanderley , Troconis Cristhian Camilo Madrid , Moreno Marina Barrêto Pereira , Murillo‐Gómez Fabián , De Goes Mario Fernando
Published: October 2018

Objective

To evaluate scientific evidence regarding depth of cure of bulk‐fill resin composites (BFRCs) and related factors.

Material and Methods

PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases were accessed from October 2016 to May 2017. Investigations published in English language, assessing depth of cure of BFRCs by microhardness test and/or degree of conversion (DC) were included. Studies using exclusively ISO 4049, employing specimens deepness less than 4 mm, as well as those not reporting exposure time and/or irradiance from light curing units (LCUs) were excluded.

Results

In total, 742 studies were found from which 33 were included. From 21 studies evaluating BFRCs microhardness, 10 showed acceptable bottom/top ratios (≥0.8) for all tested materials. However, material‐dependent results and non‐satisfactory bottom/top microhardness ratios (<0.8) were reported in 9 and 2 investigations, respectively. From 19 studies that assessed DC, 11 showed acceptable results (≥50%) for all tested BFRCs, while 8 studies reported material‐dependent outcomes. Overall, irradiance from LCUs ranged from 650 to 1330 mW/cm2 and exposure time from 5 to 60 seconds. Favorable depth of cure results were observed with the use of LCUs emitting irradiance ≥1000 mW/cm2 and exposure times ≥20 seconds.

Conclusions

High depth of cure rates by BFRCs, depends on some factors as material, irradiance and exposure time. Polywave LCUs were useful but not essential on polymerizing alternative photoinitiator‐containing BFRC.

Clinical Significance

LED curing devices (polywave or monowave) displaying an irradiance ≥1000 mW/cm2 and 20 seconds of exposure time are imperative to accomplish successful polymerization of most BFRCs.
A quantitative research on clinical parameters of gingival contour for anterior teeth esthetic analysis and design
Authors: Ke Xiu‐Ping , Wang Cun‐Wei , Sun Hui‐Qiang , Yang Yun , Luo Xia‐Yan , Liu Ting‐Song
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To provide reference for computer‐aided esthetic analysis and design of the maxillary anterior teeth.

Materials and Methods

Intraoral scanner was used to obtain the maxillary three‐dimensional digital models of subjects with healthy periodontal tissue. In SpaceClaim, the occlusal plane was established as the horizontal reference plane to measure the positional relation between the gingival zenith (GZ) of the maxillary anterior teeth, the angle formed between the gingival line and the maxillary midline (GLA), the distance between the GZ of the lateral incisor and gingival line (LID), and the distance between the GZ and the vertical bisected middle surface along the long axis of the clinical crown (VBMS).

Results

The GLA was 92.7 ± 3.2°. The GZ of the canine, lateral incisor, and left central incisor were located to the GZ of the right central incisor coronally at 0.68 ± 0.91, 0.65 ± 0.66 mm, and apically at 0.12 ± 0.42 mm, respectively. The LID was 0.65 ± 0.92 mm. The GZ of the canine, lateral incisor, and central incisor were located distally to the VBMS at 0.00 ± 0.06, 0.27 ± 0.19, and 0.73 ± 0.21 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

The GZ at different tooth position are in different heights. The direction and degree of the GZ deviation from the VBMS are also related to tooth position.

Clinical Significance

The clinical parameters of the gingival contour obtained in this research can be used for patients with unsound contour of periodontal soft tissue to do the anterior teeth esthetic analysis. Besides, it can also be used to determine the proper position between the GZs of the maxillary anterior teeth in anterior teeth esthetic design.
Infection of Chorthippus loratus (Orthoptera: Acrididae) with Liebermannia sp. (Microsporidia) in South‐Western Russia
Authors: Ignatieva Anastasia N. , Gerus Aleksei V. , Senderskiy Igor V. , Malysh Svetlana M. , Dolzhenko Viktor I. , Tokarev Yuri S.
Published: October 2018

Chorthippus loratus collected in Krasnodar Territory in 2017 was infected at 15% rate with a microsporidium possessing ovocylindrical binucleate spores, 2.6 × 1.2 μm in size. SSU RNA gene typing (Genbank accession # MH396491) showed its allocation to the genus Liebermannia. Degenerate primers based upon largest subunit RNA polymerase II (RPB1) sequences of closest relatives allowed amplifying the respective gene fragment of Liebermannia sp. (# MH396492). The present finding indicates worldwide distribution of the Liebermannia genus and parasitism in hosts with nonoverlapping geographic ranges (representing Neotropical versus Palearctic fauna), while previous observations were restricted to Acridoidea endemic for South America.
Patents and the Success of Venture‐Capital Backed Startups: UsingExaminer Assignment to Estimate Causal Effects
Authors: Gaulé Patrick
Published: October 2018

I study whether patent protection has a causal effect on entrepreneurial firm outcomes using a measure of patent examiner leniency as an instrument for getting patents. The analysis is based on sample of 1,950 U.S. startups applying for patent protection in the two years following their first round of venture capital funding. I find a positive and large effect of patents on firm success but only for life science firms and more important inventions. I interpret these results as reflecting the importance of patents in appropriating returns to invention in the life science industry.
The Impact of Maximum Markup Regulation on Prices
Authors: Genakos Christos , Koutroumpis Pantelis , Pagliero Mario
Published: October 2018

Markup regulation is a common, yet understudied type of regulation. We analyze the repeal of maximum wholesale and retail markup regulation in an oligopolistic and vertically nonintegrated market. By comparing the prices of products affected by regulation before and after the policy change and using unregulated products as a control group, we find that abolishing regulation led to a significant decrease in both retail and wholesale prices. Our analysis provides indirect but consistent evidence that markup ceilings provided a focal point for collusion among wholesalers.
Tongue pressure distribution of individual normal occlusions and exploration of related factors
Authors: Yu Min , Gao Xuemei
Published: October 2018

Background

Tongue plays an important part in oral and maxillofacial system. Measurement of tongue pressure helps to evaluate the performance of tongue movement.

Objectives

To establish a system for measuring tongue pressure against hard palate and to preliminarily explore pressure distribution of individual normal occlusions and the relationship with dental arch form.

Methods

A total of 19 volunteers of individual normal occlusions out of 189 dental students met inclusion criteria (nine males, ten females, aged 25.53 ± 0.96 years). A force‐sensing resistor device was used to measure tongue pressure at rest and functional state (swallowing). We observed tongue pressure of four channel (anterior, posterior and lateral sides of hard palate) in sitting, supine position and swallowing. We analysed pressure differences according to gender and explored correlation relationship between tongue pressure and dental arch width and length using 3D digital maxillary image.

Results

In rest, tongue pressure against hard palate increased from front to back in both sitting and supine position, without gender differences. When swallowing saliva, the pressure at lateral sides of females was found significantly higher than that of males. Bivariate correlation analysis revealed duration of swallowing was positively correlated with BMI and weight at posterior region and positively correlated with palatal length at anterior palate. The greater the dental arch width, the smaller the pressure of swallowing in the anterior and lateral region.

Conclusion

In rest, there was consistent pressure of tongue against hard palate. The pressure increased significantly during swallowing, especially in females. Tongue pressure was related to dental arch length, width, BMI and weight.
Strategies for Integrating Stakeholders into Sustainability Innovation: A Configurational Perspective
Authors: Juntunen Jouni K. , Halme Minna , Korsunova Angelina , Rajala Risto
Published: October 2018

Sustainability is a key driver of innovation for products, services, and business models. Sustainability innovations are aimed at improving the environmental, social, and economic performance of the innovated solution. Given the complexity of many sustainability challenges, leading innovators may seek to boost their innovation capacity by tapping into the ideas, knowledge, and expertise of their stakeholders. In doing so they need to consider how many and which stakeholders to integrate into new product development (NPD) processes, and at what stage. This study investigates stakeholder integration strategies associated with high sustainability performance of innovation. Building on the literatures of sustainability innovation and stakeholder integration in the context of NPD, this study developed a configurational model to analyze stakeholder integration strategies. The empirical data consisted of 80 interviews and documents from 13 medium to large companies and their stakeholders in Europe. Using the fsQCA method, it was found that there is not just one effective strategy but three stakeholder integration strategies for high sustainability performance of innovation. The results imply that deep organizational engagement with stakeholders is necessary for the achievement of high performance. Otherwise, the three strategies range from progressive openness, which allows stakeholders to exert a fundamental influence on the sustainability innovation, to limited openness toward stakeholder integration. With the early secondary strategy pointing to progressive openness, companies integrate secondary stakeholders early on and so maximize the influence of different views on the innovation. As to limited openness, companies following the selective strategy limit the number of stakeholder groups in NPD but are indifferent to the timing of these groups’ inputs. Finally, the fine‐tuning strategy is least open to atypical views as it restricts the share of secondary stakeholders and only allows external inputs after the fuzzy front end phase when key decisions regarding the innovation have been made.
Effect of dietary supplementation of recombinant Cry and Cp4 epsps proteins on haematological indices of growing rabbits
Authors: Salisu Ibrahim Bala , Shahid Ahmad Ali , Yaqoob Amina , Rao Abdul Qayyum , Husnain Tayyab
Published: October 2018

Genetically modified (GM) crops expressing insect resistance and herbicide tolerance provide a novel approach for improved crop production but their advent at the same time presents serious challenges in terms of food safety. Although prevailing scientific proof has suggested that transgenic crops are analogous to their conventional counterparts, their use in human and animal diet gave rise to emotional public discussion. A number of studies had been conducted to evaluate the potential unintended effects of transgenic crops expressing single transgene, but very few studies for those with multiple transgenes. As the crops with single and multiple transgenes could impart different effects on non‐target organisms, thus, risk evaluation of transgenic crops expressing more than one transgene is required to declare their biosafety. The present study was therefore designed to assess the effects of different levels of dietary transgenic cottonseed expressing recombinants proteins produced by Cry1Ac, Cry2A and Cp4epsps genes on haematological indices of growing rabbits. A total of 48 rabbits were assigned to four dietary treatments containing different levels of transgenic cottonseeds (i.e., 0% w/w, 20% w/w, 30% w/w and 40% w/w) with 0% w/w serving as control. Haematological parameters were measured at periodic intervals (0, 45, 90, 135 and 180) days. No significant (p > 0.05) dose‐dependent effects were observed in most of the haematological parameters evaluated. Though, significant differences (p < 0.05) were recorded in the level of MCHC, MCH and HCT in some of experimental male and female rabbits, yet, they were not biologically significant, as all the differences were within the normal reference values. Our study suggested that feeding transgenic cottonseed of up to 40% could not adversely affect rabbit's haematological profile. However, further study needs to be conducted with different cotton genotypes expressing both single and polygenic traits before recommending the utilization of transgenic cottonseed in routine livestock feeding.
Using the rapid A‐Ci response (RACiR) in the Li‐Cor 6400 to measure developmental gradients of photosynthetic capacity in poplar
Authors: Lawrence Erica H. , Stinziano Joseph R. , Hanson David T.
Published: October 2018

The rapid A‐Ci response (RACiR) technique alleviates limitations of measuring photosynthetic capacity by reducing the time needed to determine the maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) and electron transport rate (Jmax) in leaves. Photosynthetic capacity and its relationships with leaf development are important for understanding ecological and agricultural productivity; however, our current understanding is incomplete. Here, we show that RACiR can be used in previous generation gas exchange systems (i.e., the LI‐6400) and apply this method to rapidly investigate developmental gradients of photosynthetic capacity in poplar. We compared RACiR‐determined Vcmax and Jmax as well as respiration and stomatal conductance (gs) across four stages of leaf expansion in Populus deltoides and the poplar hybrid 717‐1B4 (Populus tremula × Populus alba). These physiological data were paired with leaf traits including nitrogen concentration, chlorophyll concentrations, and specific leaf area. Several traits displayed developmental trends that differed between the poplar species, demonstrating the utility of RACiR approaches to rapidly generate accurate measures of photosynthetic capacity. By using both new and old machines, we have shown how more investigators will be able to incorporate measurements of important photosynthetic traits in future studies and further our understanding of relationships between development and leaf‐level physiology.
Physiological and molecular mechanisms of heavy metal accumulation in nonmycorrhizal versus mycorrhizal plants
Authors: Shi Wenguang , Zhang Yuhong , Chen Shaoliang , Polle Andrea , Rennenberg Heinz , Luo Zhi‐Bin
Published: October 2018

Uptake, translocation, detoxification, and sequestration of heavy metals (HMs) are key processes in plants to deal with excess amounts of HM. Under natural conditions, plant roots often establish ecto‐ and/or arbuscular‐mycorrhizae with their fungal partners, thereby altering HM accumulation in host plants. This review considers the progress in understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in HM accumulation in nonmycorrhizal versus mycorrhizal plants. In nonmycorrhizal plants, HM ions in the cells can be detoxified with the aid of several chelators. Furthermore, HMs can be sequestered in cell walls, vacuoles, and the Golgi apparatus of plants. The uptake and translocation of HMs are mediated by members of ZIPs, NRAMPs, and HMAs, and HM detoxification and sequestration are mainly modulated by members of ABCs and MTPs in nonmycorrhizal plants. Mycorrhizal‐induced changes in HM accumulation in plants are mainly due to HM sequestration by fungal partners and improvements in the nutritional and antioxidative status of host plants. Furthermore, mycorrhizal fungi can trigger the differential expression of genes involved in HM accumulation in both partners. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie HM accumulation in mycorrhizal plants is crucial for the utilization of fungi and their host plants to remediate HM‐contaminated soils.
Problematic Internet use and its associations with health‐related symptoms and lifestyle habits among rural Japanese adolescents
Authors: Kojima Reiji , Sato Miri , Akiyama Yuka , Shinohara Ryoji , Mizorogi Sonoko , Suzuki Kohta , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Yamagata Zentaro
Published: October 2018

Aim

There have been concerns about the increase in problematic Internet use (PIU) and its impact on lifestyle habits and health‐related symptoms, given the rapid spread of smartphones. This study aimed to clarify PIU prevalence over 3 years in the same area and investigate lifestyle and health‐related factors related to PIU among junior high‐school students in Japan.

Methods

Each year during 2014–2016, a survey was conducted with junior high‐school students from a rural area of Japan (2014, n = 979; 2015, n = 968; 2016, n = 940). Young's Internet Addiction Test was used to assess participants’ PIU. Students scoring 40 or higher on the Internet Addiction Test were classified as showing PIU in this study. The associations between PIU and lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise habits, weekday study time, and sleep time) and health‐related symptoms (depressive symptoms and orthostatic dysregulation [OD] symptoms) were studied by logistic regression analyses.

Results

Over the 3 years, the prevalence of PIU was 19.9% in 2014, 15.9% in 2015, and 17.7% in 2016 without significant change. PIU was significantly associated with skipping breakfast, having a late bedtime (after midnight), and having OD symptoms among students from all grades. Sleepiness after awakening in the morning, less studying time, and depressive symptoms had significant positive associations with PIU, except among 1st grade junior high‐school students.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that PIU is related to decreased time spent sleeping, studying, and exercising and increased symptoms of depression and OD. Further investigations are needed to develop preventive measures for PIU.
Cefepime‐induced encephalopathy: Neural mass modeling of triphasic wave‐like generalized periodic discharges with a high negative component (Tri‐HNC)
Authors: Tamune Hidetaka , Hamamoto Yu , Aso Naofumi , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: October 2018

Aim

Cefepime, a fourth‐generation cephalosporin, acts as a GABAA receptor antagonist. Cefepime‐induced encephalopathy (CIE) is frequently overlooked. We aimed to clarify the clinical features, characteristic electroencephalography (EEG), and mechanisms of CIE to aid in its early recognition.

Methods

CIE cases documented by a single‐center consultation–liaison team between April 2015 and March 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. For further investigation, neural mass modeling was performed in silico.

Results

Three patients with CIE refused medication/examination and showed overt pain, palilalia, and much greater deterioration of eye and verbal response than the motor response, which was possibly related to GABAergic dysfunction. Triphasic wave‐like generalized periodic discharges with a high negative component (Tri‐HNC) were identified on the EEG of all three cases. The simulation reproduced the characteristic feature of 2–3 Hz Tri‐HNC and recovery course on EEG, and a possible involvement of individual differences in pharmacological intervention. It also suggested that auto‐inhibition (synaptic inputs from interneuron to interneuron) dysregulation contributed to generating Tri‐HNC in CIE.

Conclusion

As CIE is iatrogenic and continues unless cefepime is stopped, early recognition is crucial. Physicians should be vigilant about altered mental status, pain, and verbal changes in patients taking cefepime. Tri‐HNC on EEG can expedite the diagnosis of CIE, and the association between Tri‐HNC and CIE suggests that an excitatory and inhibitory imbalance due to the dysfunction of GABAergic interneurons is the underlying mechanism. This modeling may offer a new method of investigating disorders related to GABAergic dysfunction.
Disentangling binaries and the rise of Lamanite studies
Authors: Garrett Matthew
Published: October 2018

The rise of Lamanite studies is a peculiar phenomenon that parallels the decline of the term's usage by the church that forged the very notion. Though created for a people who initially rejected the term in the nineteenth century, many mid‐ and late‐twentieth century converts embraced the Lamanite identity. Just as the ranks of self‐identified Lamanites swelled, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐day Saints' focus spilled over into international prospects, and over the past few decades, it turned away from the once special focus on those people. Nevertheless, the momentum of tens of thousands of indigenous and Latino converts necessitated a controversial discussion and analysis of such people over the past two decades. Recent scholarship increasingly invokes theoretical frameworks to better understand the process by which the Lamanite trope emerged and how it functioned among a living people.
Life satisfaction in association with self‐efficacy and stressor experience in adolescents – self‐efficacy as a potential moderator
Authors: Moksnes Unni K. , Eilertsen Mary‐Elizabeth B. , Ringdal Regine , Bjørnsen Hanne N. , Rannestad Toril
Published: October 2018

Aim

This paper reports associations among socio‐demographic variables, stressor experience, self‐efficacy and life satisfaction among Norwegian adolescents aged 15–21 years and the potential moderating role of self‐efficacy on the association between stressor experience and life satisfaction.

Methods

The cross‐sectional school‐based survey study involved 1816 upper‐secondary school students from Mid‐Norway. Data were analysed with independent samples t test, Pearson's product moment correlation and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Bivariate results showed that boys scored higher than girls on life satisfaction and self‐efficacy, whereas girls scored higher than boys on all stressor domains. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that life satisfaction declined weakly with age, whereas stronger family economy and having parents who work full‐time associated with higher life satisfaction. Stress with teacher interaction, peer pressure, home life, school attendance, school–leisure conflict and school performance were all negatively associated with life satisfaction, whereas self‐efficacy associated positively and strongly with life satisfaction. Self‐efficacy moderated the association between both interpersonal and school‐related stressors and life satisfaction.

Conclusion

The results provide support for the unique role of stressor experience and self‐efficacy in association with adolescents' life satisfaction as well as self‐efficacy as a stress moderator in relation to life satisfaction.
Lignin characterization of rice CONIFERALDEHYDE 5‐HYDROXYLASE loss‐of‐function mutants generated with the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Takeda Yuri , Suzuki Shiro , Tobimatsu Yuki , Osakabe Keishi , Osakabe Yuriko , Ragamustari Safendrri K. , Sakamoto Masahiro , Umezawa Toshiaki
Published: October 2018

The aromatic composition of lignin is an important trait that greatly affects the usability of lignocellulosic biomass. We previously identified a rice (Oryza sativa) gene encoding coniferaldehyde 5‐hydroxylase (OsCAld5H1), which was effective in modulating syringyl (S)/guaiacyl (G) lignin composition ratio in rice, a model grass species. Previously characterized OsCAld5H1‐knockdown rice lines, which were produced via an RNA‐interference approach, showed augmented G lignin units yet contained considerable amounts of residual S lignin units. In this study, to further investigate the effect of suppression of OsCAld5H1 on rice lignin structure, we generated loss‐of‐function mutants of OsCAld5H1 using the CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing system. Homozygous OsCAld5H1‐knockout lines harboring anticipated frame‐shift mutations in OsCAld5H1 were successfully obtained. A series of wet‐chemical and two‐dimensional NMR analyses on cell walls demonstrated that although lignins in the mutant were predictably enriched in G units all the tested mutant lines produced considerable numbers of S units. Intriguingly, lignin γ‐p‐coumaroylation analysis by the derivatization followed by reductive cleavage method revealed that enrichment of G units in lignins of the mutants was limited to the non‐γ‐p‐coumaroylated units, whereas grass‐specific γ‐p‐coumaroylated lignin units were almost unaffected. Gene expression analysis indicated that no homologous genes of OsCAld5H1 were overexpressed in the mutants. These data suggested that CAld5H is mainly involved in the production of non‐γ‐p‐coumaroylated S lignin units, common in both eudicots and grasses, but not in the production of grass‐specific γ‐p‐coumaroylated S units in rice.
Incidence rates of hepatitis C virus infection among blood donors in Japan: a nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Uchida Shigeharu , Satake Masahiro , Kurisu Akemi , Sugiyama Aya , Ko Ko , Akita Tomoyuki , Tanaka Junko
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

The classification of many new cases of hepatitis virus infection as overt hepatitis does not reflect the true incidence of infection because the disease takes an asymptomatic course in some cases. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to estimate the incidence rates of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among the blood donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHOD

A 5‐year retrospective cohort study was conducted to estimate the incidence rates by using the medical records of the blood donors between 2008 and 2013 for HCV infection. HCV seroconversions were investigated using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay and then confirmed by nucleic acid amplification tests.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of HCV infection was 0.40 per 100,000 person‐years (95% confidence interval, 0.27–0.57) for HCV RNA seroconversion only and 7.32 per 100,000 person‐years (95% confidence interval, 6.73–7.95) if either HCV RNA or anti‐HCV seroconversion were taken into consideration. No significant difference of new HCV infections was found between the sexes.

CONCLUSION

The incidence rate of HCV infection of this study was lower than that detected in a previous 1994–2004 study in which HCV incidence was 1.86 per 100,000 person‐year, which reflects the presence of an effective blood screening system and health strategies targeting hepatitis control and prevention.
Evaluation of Banks' Interest Rate Risk: An Alternative Approach
Authors: Lichtner Jakob , Riekeberg Marcus , Thiessen Friedrich , Maurer Thomas
Published: October 2018

Interest rate risk is often assessed through parallel yield curve shifts of 100, 200 or 400 basis points. In order to provide a more realistic view, we did simulations based on periods of growing interest rates that actually occurred in the past. These simulations show that non-bank deposits and non-bank loans react more strongly to rising interest rates than certain interbank and security positions. Existing research usually overestimates related risks slightly as it does not take the interest-elastic reactions of non-banks into account. We found three types of effects. Firstly, the direct earnings effect stems from changed market interest rates applied to constant balance sheet positions. This effect is typically measured by straightforward models. Secondly, to increase accuracy, we identified an indirect earnings effect. Customers react to interest rate changes, and therefore balance sheet positions increase or decrease. The size of this effect depends on how strongly they react, i. e. their interest elasticity. Thirdly, the induced earnings effect results from a bank’s reactions in an attempt to compensate for the changed business volume.
Creating a Virtual World for Mathematics
Authors: Kim Young Rae , Park Mi Sun
Published: October 2018

A virtual world was created using the popular sandbox game Minecraft to support the development of preservice teachers’ knowledge for teaching mathematics. Preservice teachers explored the virtual world for a geometry activity involving area and volume problems. They then discussed how this integration of technology could support students’ effective learning of mathematics in a meaningful way. The findings of the study demonstrated that to a certain extent the Minecraft activity supported the transfer of knowledge from preservice teachers’ mathematics content knowledge to their mathematics pedagogical and instructional practice knowledge. Preservice teachers appreciated the usefulness and effectiveness of the Minecraft activity in enhancing the teaching and learning of mathematics by visualizing mathematical concepts in the virtual world. This integration of technology also gave them an opportunity for professional growth. Although this study focuses on preservice teachers’ perspectives on the Minecraft activity, the technology integration using Minecraft will also be beneficial for students because it engages them in active and discovery learning.
The Contributions of Informal Home Literacy Activities to Specific Higher-Level Comprehension Processes
Authors: Hannon Brenda Ann Marie
Published: October 2018

This study shows that home literacy activities contribute to kindergarten children’s higher-level comprehension processes, namely knowledge integration and knowledge access. Kindergarten children completed measures assessing literacy and language skills and then their performances on these measures were correlated with home literacy activities, which were assessed via a parental questionnaire. Consistent with previous research, the results revealed that informal home literacy activities were positively related to language comprehension and vocabulary but not to letter-word decoding and phonemic decoding skills. The results also revealed that home literacy activities were positively related to knowledge integration and knowledge access, two strong predictors of language and reading comprehension. Finally, the present results suggest that the contributions that home literacy activities make to language comprehension are the same contributions that home literacy activities make to higher-level comprehension processes. In other words, the contributions that home literacy activities make to language comprehension are not independent of the contributions that home literacy activities make to higher-level comprehension processes.
New Asian phyllocoptines (Eriophyidae, Phyllocoptinae): descriptions of Namengia latifloris gen. nov. & sp. nov. (Acaricalini) and Petanovicia cathartica sp. nov. (Phyllocoptini) from Northwest Laos
Authors: Zhao Yeyun , Li WeiHai , Wang GuoQuan
Published: October 2018

One new genus and two new species of eriophyoid mites of the subfamily Phyllocoptinae Nalepa from Luang Namtha Province, Northwest Laos are described and illustrated. They are: Namengia latifloris gen. nov. & sp. nov. (Phyllocoptinae, Acaricalini) infesting Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro (Poaceae), Petanovicia cathartica sp. nov. (Phyllocoptinae, Phyllocoptini) infesting Allamanda cathartica L. (Apocynaceae). These new species are vagrant on the leaves of their host plant respectively causing no visible damage.
Ceftobiprole Activity against Gram-Positive and -Negative Pathogens Collected from the United States in 2006 and 2016
Authors: Pfaller Michael A. , Flamm Robert K. , Mendes Rodrigo E. , Streit Jennifer M. , Smart Jennifer I. , Hamed Kamal A. , Duncan Leonard R. , Sader Helio S.
Published: October 2018

Ceftobiprole is an advanced cephalosporin with potent activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that has been approved in many European and non-European countries to treat community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia (excluding ventilator-associated pneumonia). This study reports on the activity of ceftobiprole against a large set of clinical isolates obtained from hospitalized patients in the United States in 2016 that caused serious infections, including pneumonia, bacteremia, and skin and skin structure infections.
Applying Rapid Whole-Genome Sequencing To Predict Phenotypic Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Results among Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates
Authors: Tamma Pranita D. , Fan Yunfan , Bergman Yehudit , Pertea Geo , Kazmi Abida Q. , Lewis Shawna , Carroll Karen C. , Schatz Michael C. , Timp Winston , Simner Patricia J.
Published: October 2018

Standard antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) approaches lead to delays in the selection of optimal antimicrobial therapy. Here, we sought to determine the accuracy of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants identified by Nanopore whole-genome sequencing in predicting AST results.
Vaginal Gel Component Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Significantly Enhances the Infectivity of
Chlamydia trachomatis
Serovars D and E
Authors: Raffai Tímea , Burián Katalin , Janovák László , Bogdanov Anita , Hegemann Johannes H. , Endrész Valéria , Virok Dezső P.
Published: October 2018

The transmission of the urogenital serovars of
Chlamydia trachomatis
can be significantly influenced by vaginal gels. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a commonly used gelling agent that can be found in vaginal gels.
In Vitro
Activity of Plazomicin against Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacterial Pathogens Isolated from Patients in Canadian Hospitals from 2013 to 2017 as Part of the CANWARD Surveillance Study
Authors: Walkty Andrew , Karlowsky James A. , Baxter Melanie R. , Adam Heather J. , Zhanel George G.
Published: October 2018

The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the
in vitro
activities of plazomicin and comparator antimicrobial agents against 7,712 Gram-negative and 4,481 Gram-positive bacterial pathogens obtained from 2013 to 2017 from patients in Canadian hospitals as part of the CANWARD Surveillance Study. Plazomicin demonstrated potent
in vitro
activity against
Enterobacteriaceae
(MIC
90
≤ 1 µg/ml for all species tested except
Proteus mirabilis
and
Morganella morganii
), including aminoglycoside-nonsusceptible, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-positive, and multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates.
Trichoderma atroviride
from Predator to Prey: Role of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Tmk3 in Fungal Chemical Defense against Fungivory by
Drosophila melanogaster
Larvae
Authors: Atriztán-Hernández Karina , Moreno-Pedraza Abigail , Winkler Robert , Markow Therese , Herrera-Estrella Alfredo
Published: October 2018

Fungi, like other organisms, have natural predators, including fungivorous nematodes and arthropods that use them as an important food source. Thus, they require mechanisms to detect and respond to injury.
Trichoderma atroviride
responds to mycelial injury by rapidly regenerating its hyphae and developing asexual reproduction structures. Whether this injury response is associated with attack by fungivorous insects is unknown. Therefore, determining the possible conservation of a defense mechanism to predation in
T. atroviride
and plants and elucidating the mechanisms involved in the establishment of this response is of major interest. Here, we describe the chemical response of
T. atroviride
to mechanical injury and fungivory and the role of a MAPK pathway in the regulation of this response.
Girls’ hidden penalty: analysis of gender inequality in child mortality with data from 195 countries
Authors: Iqbal Neelam , Gkiouleka Anna , Milner Adrienne , Montag Doreen , Gallo Valentina
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Gender inequality has been associated with child mortality; however, sex-specific mortalities have yet to be explored. The aim of this study is to assess the associations between gender inequality and the child mortality sex ratio at country level, worldwide and to infer on possible mechanisms.

Methods

Data on sex-specific under-five mortality rates (U5MR) and the corresponding sex ratio (U5MSR) for the year 2015, by country, were retrieved from the Unicef database. Excess under-five female mortality was derived from previous published work. Gender inequality was measured using the Gender Inequality Index (GII). Additional biological and social variables have been included to explore potential mechanistic pathways.

Results

A total of 195 countries were included in the analysis. In adjusted models, GII was significantly negatively associated with the U5MSR (β=−0.29 (95% CI −0.42 to –0.16), p<0.001) and borderline significantly positively associated with excess under-five female mortality (β = 3.25 (95% CI −0.28 to 6.67, p=0.071). The association between GII and U5MSR was strong and statistically significant only in low-income and middle-income countries and in the Western Pacific area.

Conclusion

The more gender unequal a society is, the more girls are penalised in terms of their survival chances, in particular in low-income and middle-income countries. In order to decrease child mortality and excess girl mortality, global policy should focus on reducing gender inequality surrounding measures of reproductive health, women’s political empowerment, educational attainment and participation in the workforce.
Novel synthesis of 1,5-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazolines catalysed by Zepto magnetic microspheres under the influence of a rotating magnetic field
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Vallabhapurapu Srinivasu V. , Ho Wei H. , Hemmaragala Nanjundaswamy M.
Published: October 2018

The novel reactor has been designed to perform chemical reactions under the influence of a magnetic field generated by alternating magnetic poles as a function of time. The system was successfully employed to synthesize a series of 1,5-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazolines via the regioselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between alkyl/aryl azides and nitroolefins catalysed by Zepto (para magnetic ultra-blue carboxy functionalized) microspheres (bead diameter 2.5 μm). All of the reactions went smoothly without any adverse effect on nitro, cyano, thienyl, hydroxy, halogens, and ether functions at 25 ± 2 °C and afforded 82%–99% pure products at a magnetic field of 18.99 mT and an exposure time of 180–240 min. The influence of the magnetic force exerted on the magnetic materials was found to enhance the catalytic activity of microspheres. The catalyst could easily be separated by simple centrifugation, which could be reused for at least 15 runs with no loss in activity.