bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer patients’ perceptions of factors influencing their decisions on participation in clinical drug trials: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Nielsen Zandra Engelbak , Berthelsen Connie Bøttcher
Published: January 2019

Aims and objectives

To examine cancer patients’ perceptions of factors that may influence their decisions on participating in phase I–III clinical drug trials.

Background

The number of cancer participants in clinical drug trials has increased rapidly in Denmark in recent years. The rights, safety and well‐being of patients considering participation are protected by the international, ethical and scientific principles. A meta‐synthesis was conducted to enable health professionals to support cancer patients who are considering trial participation in accordance with the above principles.

Design

Meta‐synthesis.

Methods

A qualitative meta‐synthesis, as described by Sandelowski and Barroso, was conducted based on a literature search in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO. Nine reports were found eligible and were included. The PRISMA checklist was used.

Results

A framework was developed, and patients’ perceptions of the factors influencing their decisions were identified, namely patients’ perceptions of their relatives, the physician, the hope of therapeutic benefit, altruism, having other options and living with cancer.

Conclusions

This study shows that cancer patients’ decisions on participation in clinical drug trials are influenced by their perceptions of trust towards the physician, their relatives’ attitudes and the consequences participation might have for their families. Patients are motivated to participate due to the hope of therapeutic benefit and for altruistic reasons. The factors influencing their decisions to participate include a cost‐benefit consideration, which in turn may be subject to the patient's perception of having other options available besides participation. This may be related to the patient's attitude towards living with cancer, and the decision can be a way of trying to cope with the psychological aspects of living with cancer.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this meta‐synthesis offer insight into patients’ perceptions of what may influence their decisions, and they enable health professionals to support patients making such decisions.
Teaching nurses to teach: A qualitative study of nurses’ perceptions of the impact of education and skills training to prepare them to teach end‐of‐life care
Authors: Jack Barbara A. , Kinloch Karen , O’Brien Mary R.
Published: January 2019

Aims and objectives

To explore nurses’ perceptions of the impact of a programme designed to train them to teach end‐of‐life care.

Background

Central to national and international policies are the need for generalist healthcare staff to have education in end‐of‐life care. Much end‐of‐life care education is provided by specialist nurses who often have no specific education development to prepare them to teach. To address this gap, an Education Development Programme (EDP) was developed and delivered to specialist nurses. We report on the evaluation of the programme.

Design

A qualitative programme evaluation methodology was adopted.

Methods

Data were collected through focus groups, at three hospice education centres in North West England, with a total of 20 participants. Nurses who had completed the EDP were purposively sampled. Data were digitally audio‐recorded and subjected to thematic analysis to organise, reduce and refine the data. Ethical approval was obtained. COREQ guidelines have been adhered to in the reporting of this study.

Results

Two main themes were identified; learning to teach and building skills to change teaching practice. Participants felt more confident and better prepared to teach.

Conclusions

It cannot be assumed that specialist staff, with teaching in their role, have the skills to facilitate learning. This programme offers a potential method of improving facilitation skills for nurses who have an education element to their role.

Relevance to clinical practice

Quality end‐of‐life care is only possible with a skilled workforce, confident and able to apply the principles of compassionate end‐of‐life care to everyday practice. Appropriately trained, specialist staff are better able to teach others how to deliver good quality end‐of‐life care. Specialist staff with teaching responsibilities should be provided with, or engage in, continuous professional development to develop their skills and improve their efficacy when teaching.
Effectiveness of a community‐based health programme on the blood pressure control, adherence and knowledge of adults with hypertension: A PRECEDE‐PROCEED model approach
Authors: Calano Benedict Jerome D. , Cacal Mary Jane B. , Cal Christian B. , Calletor Klein P. , Guce Frances Irah Crichelle C. , Bongar Maria Victoria V. , Macindo John Rey B.
Published: January 2019

Aims and Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of a community‐based health programme grounded on the PRECEDE‐PROCEED model, on the knowledge, adherence and blood pressure control of community‐dwelling adults with hypertension.

Background

Hypertension has consistently been a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in different countries and has continuously increased in prevalence. Albeit manageable with lifestyle modification and anti‐hypertensive medications, adequate knowledge and poor adherence to these treatment regimens are issues that have led to poor blood pressure control.

Design

Quasi‐experimental, one‐group pretest–post‐test design.

Methods

The PRECEDE‐PROCEED model was used to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the community‐based health programme. From August to October 2017, a total of 50 community‐dwelling adults with hypertension participated in the programme which included blood pressure monitoring, targeted health educations, motivational interviews, individualised lifestyle modification plans and house‐to‐house visits. Knowledge, adherence and blood pressure were assessed at the start and at the end of the 2‐month programme. Gathered data were analysed using descriptive statistics and RM‐MANOVA. The TREND checklist was followed in reporting this study (See Appendix S1).

Results

After 2 months, the mean adherence, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure significantly improved, attributing more than 25% of the change. Although knowledge scores were significantly higher after the programme, it only accounted 9% of the improvement.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence on the effectiveness of a community‐based health programme grounded on the PRECEDE‐PROCEED model on the knowledge, adherence and blood pressure control of community‐dwelling adults with hypertension.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The community‐based health programme is beneficial to community‐dwelling adults with hypertension in promoting knowledge and adherence to treatment regimen and improving BP control. This study also provides a framework for developing new or enhancing existing programmes on hypertension in the Philippines.
The role of nurse prescribers in memory services and their continuing professional development: A review of the literature
Authors: Emrich‐Mills Luke , Collier Paul , West Juniper
Published: January 2019

Background

Nurse prescribers (NPs) in memory services have a potentially important role in alleviating the burden of dementia on health care, but they require continuing professional development (CPD) specific to their scope of practice.

Aims

To inform development of CPD workshops for mental health NPs working in memory services, a review of the literature was undertaken regarding role and CPD issues of this professional group.

Design and Methods

Healthcare databases were searched using defined search terms alongside lateral searches. Study characteristics were extracted systematically, with results grouped thematically in the style of a narrative review. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses, adapted for current methods (see Supporting Information File S1).

Results and Discussion

Nine articles specifically addressing nurse prescribing in memory services were found. Studies from broader areas were drawn upon. Considerable variation was found for how the role of memory service NPs might be defined, due in part to variation in characteristics of memory services. NPs, other clinical staff and patients have provided positive feedback to the introduction of the role in memory services and elsewhere. However, concerns around prescribing cautiousness of NPs were apparent. Little clinical or economic outcome data were found to compare opinions and experiences to, with none for NPs in memory services. Literature addressing CPD issues for NPs in memory services was nonexistent. Studies from surrounding areas suggest a problem with availability of CPD opportunities for nurse prescribers.

Conclusion

This review highlights the paucity of literature for this area of inquiry, particularly for clinical, economic and other patient outcome data.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Variation in the little existing evidence suggests development of CPD opportunities should spend time understanding issues at the local level. The gap in the literature in this area may impact policy decisions in the UK and elsewhere.
Examining the effects of menstruation on women's helping behaviour in the workplace
Authors: Motro Daphna , Gabriel Allison S. , Ellis Aleksander P. J.
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine how menstruation affects women's well‐being and discretionary helping on a day‐to‐day basis – an important step in understanding how factors tied to women's health affect them daily at work. Using an experience sampling study with 96 women over 20 workdays (Level‐1 n = 1640), results indicated that the pain experienced by women on the days they were menstruating related to increased daily depletion and negative mood. Depletion subsequently decreased helping, whereas negative mood did not. However, the positive effects of pain on depletion and negative mood were attenuated for women who had higher levels of trait‐level approach motivation. Our work speaks to a biological process that is normal and recurring for half of the workforce, helping shed light on this largely ignored topic.

Practitioner points

We identify the effects of menstruation on helping behaviours at work, bringing the discussion of women's health into the organizational spotlight at a time when companies are creating ‘period policies’ to help support women at work.

Our findings suggest that women feel increased pain on days when they menstruate; pain, in turn, relates to increased feelings of depletion and lower helping behaviours.

Scholars and practitioners should consider how these physiological shifts that are unique to women's health affect their work experiences daily.
Methodological quality and risk‐of‐bias assessments in systematic reviews of treatments for peri‐implantitis
Authors: Hasuike Akira , Ueno Daisuke , Nagashima Hidekazu , Kubota Tatsuya , Tsukune Naoya , Watanabe Norihisa , Sato Shuichi
Published: January 2019

Background and Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the methodological quality and risk of bias in systematic reviews (SRs) on the effectiveness of peri‐implantitis treatments.

Material and Methods

We searched four electronic databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and EMBASE. Previous SRs focusing on peri‐implantitis treatment published between 2010 and 2017 were identified. After literature screening, eligible SRs were qualitatively assessed using two validated instruments: Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR2) and Risk Of Bias In Systematic reviews (ROBIS). The characteristics and findings of SRs are also reported.

Results

A total of 23 SRs formed the basis of this study. Of the 23, six included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) only. Overall, the AMSTAR2 assessment revealed three studies with high and six studies with low methodological quality, and all the other SRs were judged as having critically low methodological quality. ROBIS revealed only one Cochrane review with a low risk of bias and the others with a high risk of bias. In particular, the assessment of non‐randomized studies (NRSIs), appropriateness of ROB assessment, and meta‐analysis did not satisfy the criteria in AMSTAR2 assessment. Furthermore, there were a few SRs that interpreted and discussed the results of risk of bias (ROB) and heterogeneity assessment, together with the impact of treatment.

Conclusions

Due to the lack of head‐to‐head comparisons conducted in RCTs, review authors need to use other sources of evidence, such as clinical control trials (CCTs), cohort studies (CS), clinical research (CR), and animal studies. The end result is the presentation of low‐quality evidence, with high ROB. Several SRs conducted network meta‐analysis as an alternative to head‐to‐head conventional meta‐analysis of RCTs. We suggest that the best methods to generate, access, and assess evidence in situations where RCT evidence is lacking should be discussed on an urgent basis.
Extinction and colonisation of habitat specialists drive plant species replacement along a Mediterranean grassland‐forest succession
Authors: Bagaria Guillem , Rodà Ferran , Pino Joan
Published: January 2019

Questions

Land‐use change causes shifts in species richness, which can be delayed. However, beta‐diversity patterns and especially the relative role of species replacement and nestedness in these situations with time‐lagged extinctions and colonisations remain unknown. We aim to (a) quantify beta‐diversity change, species replacement and nestedness for vascular plants along a grassland–forest succession with time‐lagged biodiversity change for more than 50 years; (b) check its consistency between all species, grassland specialists and forest specialists, and (c) identify the role of forest encroachment relative to other drivers.

Study site

Prades Mountains, Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula).

Methods

We sampled 18 sites representing a gradient in past and current grassland area and connectivity, and in forest encroachment intensity, to obtain plant composition of all species, grassland specialists and forest specialists. We quantified overall beta‐diversity and its components at each species classification group along the forest encroachment gradient and other drivers. Then, we used general linear models to study (a) the change rate of beta diversity along the forest encroachment gradient and (b) the relative importance of the drivers in explaining beta diversity.

Results

Following the forest encroachment gradient, we found an overall noticeable species replacement, while nestedness was the main component for habitat specialists. Landscape differences contributed to explaining most compositional differences (both nestedness and replacement), while soil characteristics and geographic distance had a more restricted contribution.

Conclusions

Species replacement due to environmental sorting occurred over the succession, triggered by selective extinctions of grassland specialists and selective colonisations of forest specialists. Nonetheless, historical landscape characteristics, current landscape characteristics and geographic distance modulate plant extinctions and colonisations, suggesting biological inertia, mass effects and habitat isolation, respectively. Partitioning beta‐diversity into nestedness and replacement components and exploring the extinction and colonisation patterns of habitat specialist groups might provide relevant insight into the drivers and processes of community shift after land‐use change.
Portrait of the student as a young writer: some student survey findings about attitudes to writing and self‐efficacy as writers
Authors: Gadd Murray , Parr Judy M. , Robertson James , Carran Lliam , Ali Zeba , Gendall Linda , Watson Kate
Published: January 2019

This New Zealand‐based article reports on an analysis of data gathered over two years from upper primary school students on their attitudes to writing and writing instruction and their beliefs about their self‐efficacy as developing writers. Responses from 449 students in five diverse schools are included. Through an online survey administered at the beginning and end of each of the two years, students responded to a range of mostly closed questions. Conclusions (including student comments) were made about students' likes, dislikes and preferences as developing writers. Levels of association between their attitudes and gender and between their attitudes and proficiency levels were explored. Conclusions were also made about how student attitudes affect teacher practice.
Evaluation of a social network intervention on child feeding practices and caregiver knowledge
Authors: Fiorella Kathryn J. , Gavenus Erika R. , Milner Erin M. , Moore Megan , Wilson‐Anumudu Folasade , Adhiambo Florida , Mattah Brian , Bukusi Elizabeth , Fernald Lia C. H.
Published: January 2019

Food insecurity and poor infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices contribute to undernutrition. The Kanyakla Nutrition Program was developed in rural Kenya to provide knowledge alongside social support for recommended IYCF practices. Utilizing a social network approach, the Kanyakla Nutrition Program trained community health workers (CHWs) to engage mothers, fathers, and grandparents in nutrition education and discussions about strategies to provide instrumental, emotional, and information support within their community. The 12‐week programme included six sessions and was implemented on Mfangano Island, Kenya, in 2014–2015. We analysed intervention effects on (a) nutrition knowledge among community members or CHWs and (2) IYCF practices among children 1–3 years. Nutrition knowledge was assessed using a postintervention comparison among intervention (community,n = 43; CHW,n = 22) and comparison groups (community,n = 149; CHW,n = 64). We used a quasi‐experimental design and difference‐in‐difference to assess IYCF indicators using dietary recall data from an ongoing cohort study among intervention participants (n = 48) with individuals living on Mfangano Island where the intervention was not implemented (n = 178) before the intervention, within 1 month postintervention, and 6 months postintervention. Findings showed no effect of the intervention on IYCF indicators (e.g., dietary diversity and meal frequency), and less than 15% of children met minimum acceptable diet criteria at any time point. However, knowledge and confidence among community members and CHWs were significantly higher 2 years postintervention. Thus, a social network approach had an enduring effect on nutrition knowledge, but no effects on improved IYCF practices.
Icodextrin is associated with a lower risk of atrial fibrillation in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Wang I‐Kuan , Tsai Tsung‐Hsun , Chang Shih‐Shang , Lin Shih‐Yi , Yen Tzung‐Hai , Lin Cheng‐Li , Sung Fung‐Chang
Published: January 2019

Aim

Dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at 1.72‐fold increased mortality risk. This study investigated whether peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients using icodextrin were at a reduced risk of AF.

Methods

From the Taiwan National Health Insurance database, we identified 4040 icodextrin users and 3517 non‐users among 7557 patients newly diagnosed with end‐stage renal disease undergoing PD from 2005 to 2011. The incidence of AF was compared between PD patients with and without icodextrin treatment by the end of 2011, with the hazard ratio (HR) of AF measured using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

The incidence of AF was 50% lower in icodextrin users than in non‐users (2.14 vs 4.24 per 1000 person‐years) with an adjusted HR of 0.49 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.28–0.85). The protective effect was greater for PD patients with diabetes (adjusted HR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.17–0.86) than those without diabetes (adjusted HR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.28–1.18). The beneficial effect of icodextrin treatment remained after controlling for the competing risk of deaths, with an adjusted sub‐HR of 0.35 (95% CI = 0.16–0.75) for those with diabetes and 0.50 (95% CI = 0.26–0.99) for those without diabetes.

Conclusion

The use of icodextrin solution is associated with a lower risk of new‐onset AF in PD patients. The protective effectiveness was greater for those with diabetes.
Evaluation of the efficiency of hydrolyzed whey formula to prevent cow’s milk allergy in the BALB/c mouse model
Authors: Chikhi Amina , Elmecherfi Kamel‐Eddine , Bernard Hervé , Cortes‐Perez Naima , Kheroua Omar , Saidi Djamel , Adel‐Patient Karine
Published: January 2019

Background

Partially hydrolyzed milk formulas have been proposed for primary prevention in at‐risk infants, but evidence of their efficiency and elucidation of the underlying mechanisms are still lacking. Thanks to a Th2‐biased mouse model mimicking at‐risk patients, we aimed to assess the potency of a partially hydrolyzed whey formula (pHWF) to induce oral tolerance thus preventing further cow's milk (CM) allergy.

Methods

BALB/c mice were gavaged with pHWF, standard milk formula (SF), or vehicle only (PBS+). All mice were then orally sensitized to CM using cholera toxin and further chronically exposed to CM. Humoral (IgE, IgG1, IgG2a) and cellular (Th2/Th1/Th17 cytokine secretion; frequency of CD4+GATA3+ and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in the spleen) responses against β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) and whole caseins (CAS) were assessed, as well as a marker of elicitation of allergic reaction (mMCP‐1) released after an oral challenge with CM.

Results

All markers of sensitization and of allergic reaction were evidenced in the PBS+ mice and were significantly enhanced upon chronic exposure. Gavage with SF totally and durably prevented sensitization and elicitation of the allergic reaction. Conversely, pre‐treatment with pHWF only reduced BLG‐specific sensitization (IgE, Th2 cytokines), with no significant effect on sensitization to caseins. However, pHWF pre‐treatment significantly reduced mMCP‐1 concentration in plasma after CM challenges. CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cell frequency could not be correlated with tolerance efficiency.

Conclusion

Partially hydrolyzed whey formula only partially prevents the further development of CM allergy in this Th2‐biased model. A hydrolysate from both whey and casein fractions may be more efficient.
Factors Predicting Successful Outcomes for Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Patients With Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia: Implications for Surgical Decision Making
Authors: Li Xiuhua , Zheng Shuyue , Yang Liqiang , Cao Zhao , Ni Jiaxiang , Zhang Yuqi
Published: January 2019

Objectives

In this study we aimed to identify specific factors predicting successful outcomes after percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN) and risk factors that were associated with inferior outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our cohort of 1,624 patients who underwent RFT for trigeminal neuralgia between January 2000 and December 2017. Demographic and clinical data including age, gender, disease duration, affected side, baseline pain score, pain distribution, history of previous surgical intervention, and pain characteristics were collected and evaluated for their association with outcome using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

78.1% of patients experienced a successful outcome of RFT for ITN as predefined criteria. Pain characteristics and history of surgical treatment were significant predictors associated with successful outcomes in regression analysis. Multivariate analysis identified provoked episodic pain at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 23.629, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.316 to 34.219, P = 0.010), mixed pain (OR = 8.394, 95% CI: 5.951 to 11.840, P = 0.011), and no history of surgical treatment (OR = 2.189, 95% CI: 1.411 to 3.396, P = 0.019) as independent predictors for successful RFT outcome.

Conclusion

Presence of provoked episodic pain and mixed pain were significantly associated with successful outcome of RFT for ITN. Moreover, patients with ITN who underwent RFT for the first time were more likely to benefit from successful outcome. These findings should be considered when managing ITN with RFT to improve the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Decision‐making and risk in bipolar disorder: A quantitative study using fuzzy trace theory
Authors: Sicilia Anna Chiara , Lukacs Julia Nora , Jones Steven , Perez Algorta Guillermo
Published: January 2019

Objectives

This study characterizes risk‐taking behaviours in a group of people with a self‐reported diagnosis of BD using fuzzy trace theory (FTT). FTT hypothesizes that risk‐taking is a ‘reasoned’ (but sometimes faulty) action, rather than an impulsive act associated with mood fluctuations.

Design

We tested whether measures of FTT (verbatim and gist‐based thinking) were predictive of risk‐taking intentions in BD, after controlling for mood and impulsivity. We hypothesized that FTT scales would be significant predictors of risk‐taking intentions even after accounting for mood and impulsivity.

Methods

Fifty‐eight participants with BD (age range 21–78, 68% female) completed a series of online questionnaires assessing risk intentions, mood, impulsivity, and FTT.

Results

Fuzzy trace theory scales significantly predicted risk‐taking intentions (medium effect sizes), after controlling for mood and impulsivity consistent with FTT (part range .26 to .49). Participants with BD did not show any statistically significant tendency towards verbatim‐based thinking.

Conclusions

Fuzzy trace theory gist and verbatim representations were both independent predictors of risk‐taking intentions, even after controlling for mood and impulsivity. The results offer an innovative conceptualization of the mechanisms behind risk‐taking in BD.

Practitioner points

Risk‐taking behaviour in bipolar disorder is not just a consequence of impulsivity.

Measures of fuzzy trace theory help to understand risk‐taking in bipolar disorder.

FTT measures predict risk‐taking intentions, after controlling for mood and impulsivity.
Grape berry position affects the diurnal dynamics of its metabolic profile
Authors: Reshef Noam , Fait Aaron , Agam Nurit
Published: January 2019

Solar irradiance and air temperature are characterized by dramatic circadian fluctuations and are known to significantly modulate fruit composition. To date, it remains unclear whether the abrupt, yet predictive, diurnal changes in radiation and temperature prompt direct metabolic turn‐over in the fruit. We assessed the role of fruit insolation, air temperature, and source‐tissue CO2 assimilation in the diurnal compositional changes in ripening grape berries. This was performed by comparing the diurnal changes in metabolite profiles of berries positioned such that they experienced (a) contrasting diurnal solar irradiance patterns, and (b) similar irradiance but contrasting diurnal CO2 assimilation patterns of adjacent leaves. Grape carbon levels increased during the morning and decreased thereafter. Sucrose levels decreased throughout the day and were correlated with air temperature, but not with the diurnal pattern of leaf CO2 assimilation. Tight correlation between sucrose and glucose‐6‐phosphate indicated the involvement of photorespiration/glycolysis in sucrose depletion. Amino acids, polyamines, and phenylpropanoids fluctuated diurnally, and were highly responsive to the diurnal insolation pattern of the fruit. Our results fill the knowledge gap regarding the circadian pattern of source‐sink assimilate‐translocation in grapevine. In addition, they suggest that short‐term direct solar exposure of the fruit impacts both its diurnal and nocturnal metabolism.
Donor mucosal immunocytes perpetuate refractory GVHD after intestinal transplantation without engrafting in recipient bone marrow: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Stanley Kaitlin , Ranganathan Sarangarajan , Mazariegos George , Bond Geoffrey , Soltys Kyle , Ganoza Armando , Jones Katie , Cieply Kathleen , Sindhi Rakesh
Published: January 2019

GVHD as a complication of SOT presents both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Typically affecting the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and liver, GVHD occurs when donor lymphocytes engrafted in recipient tissues are activated by host antigen‐presenting cells resulting in cytokine release and donor cell‐mediated cytotoxicity to host tissue. Here, we describe a 5‐year‐old girl who developed fatal, refractory GVHD after isolated intestinal transplantation when recipient immune cells failed to repopulate the allograft in the setting of CMV viremia. Persistence of the donor immune cells in the allograft mucosa, rather than engraftment in the recipient bone marrow, likely perpetuated this refractory GVHD. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to reduce morbidity and mortality. Thus, periodic monitoring of peripheral blood and allograft mucosal chimerism with sensitive detection methods may allow early detection and potentially curative enterectomy in similar cases of refractory GVHD.
Intravascular large B‐cell lymphoma involving large blood vessels, three autopsy cases
Authors: Sato Shuku , Teshima Shinichi , Nakamura Naoya , Ohtake Takayasu , Kikuchi Jun , Kishi Hirohisa , Nomura Kyoichi , Kurose Nozomu , Masaki Yasufumi , Tamaru Jun‐ichi
Published: January 2019

Although intravascular large B‐cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is an extranodal lymphoma characterized by the selective growth of lymphoma cells within the lumina of small vessels, we here report three autopsy cases of IVLBCL characterized by the proliferation within large blood vessels. These three cases were diagnosed as IVLBCL of the bone marrow or skin biopsy. Two cases died suddenly before treatment, whereas the other died during treatment. Autopsies showed a large embolus of dense lymphoma cells extending from the truncus pulmonalis to the pulmonary arteries in Case 1, emboli of lymphoma cells in the aorta and carotis in Case 2, and a mass of lymphoma cells blocking the lumen of the aortic arch in Case 3. This is the first report of IVLBCL involving large blood vessels, and it is essential to note that this type of IVLBCL might cause sudden death because of tumor emboli within large blood vessels.
Comparative analyses of albumin/globulin grain proteome fraction in differentially salt‐tolerant Tunisian barley landraces reveals genotype‐specific and defined abundant proteins
Authors: Riahi J. , Amri B. , Chibani F. , Azri W. , Mejri S. , Bennani L. , Zoghlami N. , Matros A. , Mock H. P. , Ghorbel A. , Jardak R.
Published: January 2019

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses threatening crop production and yield worldwide. Breeding programmes are therefore needed to improve yield under cultivation in soil. Traits from locally adopted landraces provide a resource to assist breeding of novel elite genotypes. Here, we examine differentially expressed proteins by performing comparative proteomic profiling of the albumin/globulin grain fraction of Tunisian barley genotype landraces with contrasting salinity tolerance.

Tunisian barley Boulifa (B, tolerant) and Testour (T, sensitive) mature grains were assessed in 2‐DE profiles. Differentially expressed spots, with an abundance enhanced 1.5‐fold in the grain, were subjected to MALDI TOF/TOF MS for identification.

Distinctiveness between tolerant and sensitive genotypes was proved in the albumin/globulin fraction using PCA; 64 spots showed significant differential abundance. Increased accumulation of 40 spots was confirmed in Boulifa with, interestingly, four genotype‐specific spots. Two of these four spots were sHSP. Proteins with highest abundance were serpin Z7, 16.9 KDa Class I HSP and phosphogluconolactonase 2. Proteins such as expansin, kiwellin, kinesin and succinyl‐CoA ligase were identified for the first time in barley grain. Moreover, ß‐amylase, LEA family and others were identified as abundant in Boulifa. On the other hand, proteins more accumulated in Testour are implicated mainly in ROS scavenging and protease inhibition.

Our results clearly indicate proteomic contrast between the two selected genotypes. With identification of specific HSP, high abundant stress‐protective and other defined proteins, we provide biochemical traits that will support breeding programmes to address the threat of salinity in agricultural production.
Detailed analysis of skin conductance responses during a gambling task: Decision, anticipation, and outcomes
Authors: Agren Thomas , Millroth Philip , Andersson Peter , Ridzén Måns , Björkstrand Johannes
Published: January 2019

Physiological arousal is considered a key factor of gambling behavior. Hence, to understand gambling behavior it is important to study the arousal responses during gambling. Moreover, crucial mechanisms of action could be uncovered by detailing the situations that produce an arousal response. A gamble, or bet, can be partitioned into three distinct phases: (a) decision phase, during which the information concerning the gamble is presented, outcomes are appraised, and a decision is made on how to gamble; (b) anticipation phase, during which the result of the gamble is awaited; (c) outcome phase, during which the outcome of the gamble is presented. Previous research on arousal responses to gambling have mostly measured tonic changes in arousal, and when phasic responses have been measured, analyses have generally concentrated on one of the gamble phases. The aim of the present study was to map the arousal responses during gambling in more detail by measuring skin conductance responses (SCRs) during all three gamble phases of a simple card game. The anticipation phase was found to produce the largest arousal response, suggesting anticipation to be a major contributor to arousal during gambling behavior. Risk behavior during the gambling task was mirrored in self‐reported risk taking in everyday life, and risk‐takers displayed smaller SCRs compared to nonrisk‐takers during decision making, suggesting this as a possible biomarker for risk‐taking individuals.
Neo‐patrimonialism and Corruption: Evidence from 8,436 Firms in 17 Countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Araral Eduardo , Pak Anton , Pelizzo Riccardo , Wu Xun
Published: January 2019

This article introduces four innovations to the literature on administrative corruption. First, it employs a neo‐patrimonialism framework by addressing measurement, identification, and endogeneity issues that beset the literature. Second, unlike cross‐country studies, it uses firms as the unit of analysis. Third, unlike the conventional literature, the article uses large‐n (n = 8,436) panel survey data of key informants in 17 countries in sub‐Saharan Africa. Finally, unlike the conventional literature, the article focuses on a particular type of corruption: the supply and demand for bribery. The authors find that the uncertainty associated with neo‐patrimonialism has a strong, positive, and significant effect on the propensity of civil servants to demand bribes in exchange for services and for firms to supply bribes in exchange for winning government contracts. The results are robust to controls on the characteristics of firms and their regulatory environments. The article concludes with implications for research and practice.
Excuses, exemptions, and derivative norms
Authors: Boult Cameron
Published: January 2019

Distinguishing between excuses and exemptions advances our understanding of a standard range of problem cases in debates about epistemic norms. But it leaves open a problem of accounting for blameless norm violation in ‘prospective agents’. By shifting focus in our theory of excuses from rational excellence to norms governing the dispositions of agents, we can account for a fuller range of normative phenomena at play in debates about epistemic norms.
Clinical Capital and the Risk of Maternal Labor and Delivery Complications: Hospital Scheduling, Timing, and Cohort Turnover Effects
Authors: Zahran Sammy , Mushinski David , Li Hsueh‐Hsiang , Breunig Ian , Mckee Sophie
Published: January 2019

The establishment of interventions to maximize maternal health requires the identification of modifiable risk factors. Toward the identification of modifiable hospital‐based factors, we analyze over 2 million births from 2005 to 2010 in Texas, employing a series of quasi‐experimental tests involving hourly, daily, and monthly circumstances where medical service quality (or clinical capital) is known to vary exogenously. Motivated by a clinician's choice model, we investigate whether maternal delivery complications (1) vary by work shift, (2) increase by the hours worked within shifts, (3) increase on weekends and holidays when hospitals are typically understaffed, and (4) are higher in July when a new cohort of residents enter teaching hospitals. We find consistent evidence of a sizable statistical relationship between deliveries during nonstandard schedules and negative patient outcomes. Delivery complications are higher during night shifts (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.18–1.25), and on weekends (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04–1.14) and holidays (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04–1.60), when hospitals are understaffed and less experienced doctors are more likely to work. Within shifts, we show deterioration of occupational performance per additional hour worked (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.02). We observe substantial additional risk at teaching hospitals in July (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.14–1.43), reflecting a cohort‐turnover effect. All results are robust to the exclusion of noninduced births and intuitively falsified with analyses of chromosomal disorders. Results from our multiple‐test strategy indicate that hospitals can meaningfully attenuate harm to maternal health through strategic scheduling of staff.
China’s Development of ETS as a GHG Mitigating Policy Tool: A Case of Policy Diffusion or Domestic Drivers?
Authors: Heggelund Gørild , Stensdal Iselin , Duan Maosheng , Wettestad Jørgen
Published: January 2019

China launched its national emissions trading scheme (ETS) in late 2017. This article examines the key drivers behind China’s 2011 decision to opt for ETS as a GHG mitigating policy tool and what lay behind the choice of the system’s design features. Given the existence of the frontrunner EU ETS and that market mechanisms have spread across the world in recent years, we analyze the role played by policy diffusion in the decision to launch an ETS and in the subsequent design process, seen in relation to domestic drivers. The article investigates policy developments culminating in the 2011 carbon market announcement, and the reasons these design elements were chosen for the pilot schemes and the national market in the period 2011–2017. The article contributes to our understanding of policy diffusion at different stages of policy development in China, by revealing which diffusion mechanism is more prevalent at different stages. We find first that overall domestic conditions and drivers had the most consistent impact on policy decisions to establish a carbon market and on the selected sectors. However, a second key finding is that the role of policy diffusion varied over time, with such diffusion, in the form ofideational impact, playing the most important role early on, providing a powerful inducement for China to go for a carbon market. Third, sophisticated learningfrom international projects took place in the pilots, allowing China to adapt policies and design features to match local conditions.
Regime switching in the reactions of stock markets in Saudi Arabia to oil price variations
Authors: Jouini Jamel , Khallouli Wajih
Published: January 2019

The study revisits the stock–oil nexus by examining the reactions of equity markets to oil price shocks at national and sectoral levels for Saudi Arabia in a time‐varying framework by employing the Markov switching EGARCH model developed by Henry (2009,Journal of Banking and Finance, 33, 405). Based on weekly data, the findings reveal that the behaviour of all stock markets switches between an expansion regime and a recession regime, with more persistence for the expansion state. Additionally, influential international events associated with stock market drops are clearly identified in the recession regime. Furthermore, there is evidence of asymmetric reactions of the equity index returns and the probabilities of transition from one state to another to oil price variations, with heterogeneous impacts across sectors and regimes. The stock markets are more sensitive to oil price decreases than to oil price increases. Although the evidence of relatively slight differences in some findings across weekdays, the study allows investors and policymakers to understand well the interactions of stock sector markets vis‐à‐vis the world oil market in a regime‐switching framework, in order to make the right decision as regards portfolio diversification and regulation of the stock markets.
Measurement of serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and correlation with severity and pruritus scores in client owned dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Gow Debbie J , Jackson Hilary , Forsythe Peter , Gow Adam G , Mellanby Richard J , Hume David A , Nuttall Tim
Published: January 2019

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease of dogs. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) initiates pro‐inflammatory cytokine release in humanADand serum concentrations are correlated with disease severity.

Hypothesis

Canine serumMIFconcentrations are increased in dogs withADand correlate with clinical lesion and pruritus scores.

Animals

Client owned dogs (n = 49) diagnosed withADand 17 healthy, unaffected control dogs were used for the study.

Methods and materials

A commercially availableMIF ELISAwas optimized for the dog and serum from clinical cases used. Information regarding treatment, Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, (CADESI‐4) and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) were recorded for each dog at the time of serum collection.

Results

Dogs withADwhich had not received steroid therapy and those treated with oclacitinib had significantly elevated serumMIFconcentrations compared to controls. Concentrations ofMIFwere not significantly different inADdogs receiving steroids compared to controls. There was no significant correlation betweenMIFconcentrations and clinical scores (CADESI‐4 or pVAS).

Conclusions and clinical importance

SerumMIFconcentrations are increased in dogs withADandMIFmight be a target for therapy.
On the Effect of Engine Pulsations on the Performance of a Turbocharger Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Barrera-Medrano Maria Esperanza , Martinez-Botas Ricardo , Tomita Isao , Ibaraki Seiichi
Published: January 2019

In an internal combustion engine, the centrifugal compressor is placed upstream of the inlet manifold and therefore, it is exposed an unsteady flow regime caused by the inlet valves of the cylinder arrangement. This valve motion sets a pulsating state at the compressor exit, having greater influence when the operation is near the surge margin of the compressor. This paper presents the experimental results of the evaluation of the surge dynamics on a compressor with induced downstream pulsating flow. Different pulsation levels are achieved by the variation of three different parameters on the induced pulse: pulse frequency, amplitude, and system storage volume (plenum). Each pulse parameter was evaluated independently in order to assess its effect on the compressor stability limit. The main effect on the surge margin of the compressor was found to be due to the presence of a storage volume in the system for all cases (steady/pulsating condition) and at all frequencies. It was found that the magnitude of the pulse frequency determines the hysteresis behavior of the system that leads to a phase difference between the convected terms and the acoustic dominated terms, and therefore this affects the onset of flow instability, surge, in the compression system under study.
Analytical solution for diverging elliptic shear wave in bounded and unbounded transverse isotropic viscoelastic material with nonhomogeneous inner boundary
Authors: Guidetti Martina , Royston Thomas J.
Published: January 2019

A theoretical approach was recently introduced by Guidetti and Royston [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 144, 2312–2323 (2018)] for the radially converging elliptic shear wave pattern in transverse isotropic materials subjected to axisymmetric excitation normal to the fiber axis at the outer boundary of the material. This approach is enabled via a transformation to an elliptic coordinate system with isotropic properties. The approach is extended to the case of diverging shear waves radiating from a cylindrical rod that is axially oscillating perpendicular to the axis of isotropy and parallel to the plane of isotropy.
The Effect of Consuming a Liquid Diet vs a Solid Diet 24-hr Preexperimental Trials on Adherence in Athletes
Authors: El-Chab Alaaddine , Simpson Charlie , Lightowler Helen
Published: January 2019

Discrepancies in energy and macronutrient intakes between tests are apparent even when a solid prepackaged diet (Sdiet) is used to standardize dietary intake for preexperimental trials. It is unknown whether a liquid prepackaged diet (Ldiet) leads to improved adherence, resulting in lower variability in energy and macronutrient intakes. This study assesses the ability of athletes to replicate a diet when an Ldiet or Sdiet was used as a dietary standardization technique. In a cross-over design, 30 athletes were randomly assigned to either Sdiet or Ldiet. Each diet was consumed for two nonconsecutive days. Participants were instructed to consume all the meals provided and to return any leftovers. The coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated for each nutrient for the two methods and reported as the average CV. The Bland–Altman plots show that differences between Days 1 and 2 in energy and macronutrient intakes for both diets were close to zero, with the exception of some outliers. The %CV for Sdiet was higher than Ldiet (5% and 3% for energy, 5% and 3% for carbohydrate, 5% and 2% for protein, and 5% and 3% for fat, respectively). There was a strong positive correlation for energy and all macronutrients between Days 1 and 2 for both methods (r > .80; p < .05). Ldiet is an effective technique to standardize diet preexperimental trials and could be used as an alternative to Sdiet. Furthermore, Ldiet may lead to additional improvements in the compliance of participants to the diet and also decrease the cost and time of preparation.
Impact of a Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse on Quadriceps Muscle Function and Corticomotor Excitability
Authors: Bailey Stephen P. , Hibbard Julie , La Forge Darrin , Mitchell Madison , Roelands Bart , Harris G. Keith , Folger Stephen
Published: January 2019

Background: Carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinse (MR) before exercise has been shown to improve physical performance and corticospinal motor excitability. Purpose: To determine the effects of different forms of CHO MR on quadriceps muscle performance and corticospinal motor excitability. Methods: 10 subjects (5 female and 5 male; 25 [1] y, 1.71 [0.03] m, 73 [5] kg) completed 4 conditions (placebo [PLA], 6.4% glucose [GLU], 6.4% maltose [MAL], 6.4% maltodextrin [MDX]). Maximal voluntary contraction (MVIC) of the right quadriceps and motor-evoked potential (MEP) of the right rectus femoris was determined pre (10 min), immediately after, and post (10 min) 20-s MR. MEP was precipitated by transcranial magnetic stimulation during muscle contraction (50% MVIC). Results: The relative change in MEP from pre-measures was different across treatments (P = .025) but was not different across time (P = .357). MEP was greater for all CHO conditions immediately after (GLU = 2.58% [5.33%], MAL = 3.92% [3.90%], MDX = 18.28% [5.57%]) and 10 min after (GLU = 14.09% [13.96%], MAL = 8.64% [8.67%], MDX = 31.54% [12.77%]) MR than PLA (immediately after = −2.19% [4.25%], 10 min = −13.41% [7.46%]). MVC was greater for CHO conditions immediately (GLU = 3.98% [2.49%], MAL = 5.89% [2.29%], MDX = 7.66% [1.93%]) and 10 min after (GLU = 7.22% [2.77%], MAL = 10.26% [4.22%], MDX = 10.18% [1.50%]) MR than PLA (immediately after = −3.24% [1.50%], 10 min = −6.46% [2.22%]). Conclusions: CHO MR increased corticospinal motor excitability and quadriceps muscle after application. The form of CHO used did not influence this response.