bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have an increased risk of myocardial infarction: a nationwide study
Authors: Choi Yoon Jin , Lee Dong Ho , Shin Dong Woo , Han Kyung‐Do , Yoon Hyuk , Shin Cheol Min , Park Young Soo , Kim Nayoung
Published: August 2019

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is accompanied by various extraintestinal manifestations including systemic inflammation and hypercoagulability, which may increase the risk of atherosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease.

Aim

To investigate whether IBD is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or death

Methods

The International Classification of Disease, 10th edition codes and the claim codes for rare diseases were used to identify candidates from National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) of South Korea. Patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) between 2006 and 2009 were age‐matched 1:3 with NHIS enrolees without IBD. The primary outcomes included newly developed MI, stroke and death. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox regression models.

Results

We identified 10 708 patients diagnosed with CD and 26 769 with UC. MI risk was higher in CD patients than in controls (incidence ratio (IR) 1.64 per 1000 person‐years, HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.47‐2.21), and this trend was more prominent among patients aged <40 years (IR 0.69 per 1000 person‐years, HR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.96‐4.47) and among female patients (IR 2.35 per 1000 person‐years, HR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.61‐2.94). In contrast, only female patients with UC had an increased risk of MI (IR 2.01 per 1000 person‐years, HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13‐1.56).

Conclusions

The risk of MI risk is higher in patients with CD than in the general population, and this trend is stronger in female patients and those aged <40 years.
Should Australia's police‐imposed public area banning powers be subject to independent oversight and review?
Authors: Farmer Clare
Published: August 2019

Introduction and Aims

Jurisdictions across Australia have implemented policies to tackle problems associated with alcohol consumption in and around licensed premises. Patron banning is one measure which has become increasingly popular. Discretionary police‐imposed bans can exclude recipients from expansive public areas for extended periods of time. Concern has been expressed regarding the potential for bans to be imposed inappropriately or unfairly and their capacity to undermine due process. This article examines an aspect of police‐imposed banning that has received little attention, the general absence of options for independent or judicial review of the imposition of a ban.

Design and Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Magistrates in Victoria. Key themes are examined with reference to Victoria's published police banning data, parliamentary debates and other relevant literature.

Results

The findings draw attention to issues of procedural fairness, the risk of misuse and consequential effects for police legitimacy arising from the operation of discretionary police‐imposed bans.

Discussion and Conclusions

The Victorian Parliament dismissed the option of an independent post‐hoc appeal process for police‐imposed bans. The discretionary nature of police bans, the absence of meaningful oversight and the attendant potential for their misuse point to the need for the legislation covering police bans to be revised to introduce an independent process of review. This issue extends beyond Victoria, as six of the eight Australian jurisdictions do not permit any independent review of a police decision to impose a public area ban.
BANKS, DEBT AND RISK: ASSESSING THE SPILLOVERS OF CORPORATE TAXES
Authors: Fatica Serena , Heynderickx Wouter , Pagano Andrea
Published: August 2019

We find evidence of tax‐driven strategic allocation of debt and asset risk across group entities of European banks. We evaluate the effects that establishing tax neutrality between debt and equity finance has on systemic risk, and show that the degree of coordination in implementing the hypothetical tax reform matters. In particular, a coordinated elimination of the tax advantage of debt would significantly reduce systemic losses in the event of a severe banking crisis. By contrast, uncoordinated tax reforms are not equally beneficial precisely because national tax policies generate spillovers through cross‐border bank activities. (JEL G21, G28, H25)
Training‐, muscle‐ and task‐specific up‐ and downregulation of cortical inhibitory processes
Authors: Taube Wolfgang , Gollhofer Albert , Lauber Benedikt
Published: August 2019

Motor cortical contribution was shown to be important for balance control and for ballistic types of movements. However, little is known about the role of cortical inhibitory mechanisms and even less about long(er)‐term adaptations of these inhibitory processes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of intracortical inhibition before and after four weeks of explosive or balance training. Two groups of subjects participated for four weeks either in an explosive training programme of the plantar flexor muscles or in a balance training programme on unstable devices. Adaptations in short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) were assessed by applying paired‐pulse TMS to the soleus muscle during dynamic plantar flexions, balance perturbations and at rest. Furthermore, SICI was assessed for the untrained tibialis anterior muscle. The results show task‐, muscle‐ and group‐specific adaptations in SICI after the training (p = .021) with significantly increased SICI after balance training in the balance task and decreased SICI after explosive training in the ballistic task. The training also caused task‐ and group‐specific behavioural adaptations indicated by improved balance performance after balance training and increased ballistic performance after explosive training. There were no changes in SICI when measured at rest or in the untrained tibialis anterior muscle. This study shows that long(er)‐term training improves the ability to modulate cortical inhibitory processes in a task‐ and muscle‐specific manner.
The role of brand equity and crisis type on corporate brand alliances in crises
Authors: Singh Jaywant , Crisafulli Benedetta , Quamina La Toya , Kottasz Rita
Published: August 2019

Co‐branding is regarded as a beneficial corporate branding strategy. Corporate crises can, however, result in one or both brands damaging customer‐firm relationships. Research evidence in the area is sparse and shows that the non‐culpable partner is negatively influenced by crises when perceived as being aware of the wrongdoing. Extending prior research, we investigate how brand equity of the non‐culpable partner shapes consumers' post‐crisis attitudes. We also examine boundary conditions to the brand equity effect. Drawing on expectancy violation theory, we show that high‐equity of the non‐culpable partner mitigates the negative effects of accidental crises, whilst low‐equity can mitigate preventable crises. In preventable crises, non‐culpable partner brands enjoying high equity suffer from negative attitudes accruing from the culpable brand in the alliance. The results suggest that managers should use corporate co‐branding with caution, carefully evaluating the partner brand's equity and its effects when planning for and managing crisis situations.
Does snowmelt constrain spring migration progression in sympatric wintering Arctic‐nesting geese? Results from a Far East Asia telemetry study
Authors: Li Hongbin , Fang Lei , Wang Xin , Yi Kunpeng , Cao Lei , Fox Anthony D.
Published: August 2019

Telemetry data from sympatric Eastern Tundra Bean Geese Anser serrirostris captured on their winter quarters in the Yangtze River Floodplain, China, tracked to two discrete breeding areas (the Anadyr Region (AR) at 65°N and Central Russian Arctic (CRA) at 75°N) showed that, despite longer migration distance (6300 vs. 5300 km), AR geese reached their destination 23 days earlier than CRA geese as a result of increasingly delayed date of 50% snow cover along the route of CRA geese (based on satellite imagery data). Both groups arrived at breeding areas 8–9 days prior to the local date of 50% snow cover thaw, suggesting optimal timing of arrival for subsequent reproduction. Despite small sample sizes from one season of tracking, these intra‐specific data are the first to suggest that, in time‐limited Arctic‐nesting geese, snowmelt conditions regulated the individual progress and duration of spring migration along the flyway to coincide with arrival at optimal spring conditions on breeding areas.
Experimental old nest material predicts hoopoe Upupa epops eggshell and uropygial gland microbiota
Authors: Díaz‐Lora Silvia , Martín‐Vivaldi Manuel , Juárez García‐Pelayo Natalia , Azcárate García Manuel , Rodríguez‐Ruano Sonia M. , Martínez‐Bueno Manuel , Soler Juan José
Published: August 2019

Nest re‐use in birds has the potential cost of infection by parasites and pathogens but may also be a source of beneficial symbiotic bacteria transmitted horizontally. Eurasian hoopoes Upupa epops host antibiotic‐producing bacteria in their uropygial gland but only while breeding, which suggests that the nest‐hole may be a source of those symbionts. Interestingly, hoopoes do not build nests, thus might prefer for reproduction nest holes with soft materials from previous reproductions. Here, we tested experimentally this preference by installing in the field new nest boxes that were left empty or filled with either sawdust or a mixture of sawdust and hoopoe's nest material from the previous year. We explored the experimental effect on the composition of the uropygial secretion bacterial community, on eggshell bacterial loads, and on several proxies of reproductive success. Hoopoes bred significantly more often in nest boxes with nest material than in empty ones, but the type of nest material did not affect nest box occupancy. Eggs in nest boxes with old‐soft material harbored higher bacterial density on their shells, and the microbiota of the uropygial secretion of nestlings and females in these nest boxes differed from those in nest boxes without old‐soft material. Moreover, although the experiment did not affect breeding success or related proxies, several operational taxonomic units from female uropygial secretions were positively associated with hatching success. This is the first experimental evidence showing that re‐used nest material affects the bacterial community of the uropygial secretions of hoopoe females. This suggests that the nest material can be a source of strains for their incorporation to both the uropygial gland and eggshell communities, highlighting a possible advantage of nest re‐use previously unconsidered.
A test of a corollary of Allen's rule suggests a role for population density
Authors: Olsen Brian J. , Froehly Jennifer L. , Borowske Alyssa C. , Elphick Chris S. , Field Christopher R. , Kocek Alison R. , Kovach Adrienne I. , Longenecker Rebecca A. , Shriver W. Gregory , Walsh Jennifer , Ruskin Katharine J.
Published: August 2019

A body of research by Russell Greenberg, Glenn Tattersall and their colleagues has proposed a corollary of Allen's Rule: that in freshwater‐limited environments, bill surface area increases with temperature. Increases in both population density and sexual dimorphism, however, could also explain increases in bill surface area. After controlling for the effects of a hybrid zone, we tested whether temperature or population density in the saltmarsh sparrowAmmospiza caudacuta, a sexually monomorphic estuarine specialist, explained greater variance in bill surface area. This allowed us to examine multiple potential selective mechanisms underlying the Greenberg–Tattersall corollary. We found that saltmarsh sparrows follow the general pattern of the corollary (larger bills in warmer summer climates) but only after controlling for population density. The relationship between bill surface area and temperature varied inversely with population density. We discuss the relative abilities of sexual selection and ecological competition to explain these results.
Unusual variants of pre‐excitation: From anatomy to ablation: Part I—Understanding the anatomy of the variants of ventricular pre‐excitation
Authors: Anderson Robert H , Sánchez‐Quintana Damián , Mori Shumpei , Lokhandwala Yash , Correa Frederico Soares , Wellens Hein JJ , Sternick Eduardo Back
Published: August 2019

The famous quotation of Winston Churchill, made in his radio broadcast of 1939 regarding Russia's next move, specifically “A riddle wrapped up in a mystery, inside an enigma,” perfectly fits the current understanding of unusual accessory atrioventricular pathways, including the variants producing ventricular pre‐excitation. It was many decades after their original descriptions that we came better to begin to understand most of their structure‐function relationships. Their mysterious pathophysiology was sometimes unveiled after invasive treatments, such as surgical ablation of the atrioventricular conduction axis instead of the accessory pathway itself. Speculations made on this basis have largely been validated by subsequent clinical experience. Most of the names suggested for description of the pathways have stood well the test of time. For some of them, however, this is not the case, with the initial names becoming confusing. In a series of reviews, we re‐visit those accessory pathways producing ventricular pre‐excitation other than classical Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome. To set the scene, in this initial review, we describe the development and anatomy of the normal atrioventricular conduction axis, along with the insulating tissues of the atrioventricular junctions. We have sought to illustrate our explanations by using virtual dissection of computerized tomographic datasets, since they retain the intact heart within the setting of the body. These images illustrate well the value of attitudinally appropriate terminology. Thereafter, we discuss the electrophysiological manifestations of the abnormal anatomical pathways which provide the potential for both accessory atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction.
A comprehensive multi‐index cardiac magnetic resonance‐guided assessment of atrial fibrillation substrate prior to ablation: Prediction of long‐term outcomes
Authors: Chubb Henry , Karim Rashed , Mukherjee Rahul , Williams Steven E. , Whitaker John , Harrison James , Niederer Steven A. , Staab Wieland , Gill Jaspal , Schaeffter Tobias , Wright Matthew , O'Neill Mark , Razavi Reza
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Multiple cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)‐derived indices of atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate have been shown in isolation to predict long‐term outcome following catheter ablation. Left atrial (LA) fibrosis, LA volume, LA ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LA shape (sphericity) and pulmonary vein anatomy have all been shown to correlate with late AF recurrence. This study aimed to validate and assess the relative contribution of multiple indices in a long‐term single‐center study.

Methods and Results

Eighty‐nine patients (53% paroxysmal AF, 73% male) underwent comprehensive CMR study before first‐time AF ablation (median follow‐up 726 days [IQR: 418‐1010 days]). The 3D late gadolinium‐enhanced acquisition (1.5T, 1.3 × 1.3 × 2 mm) was quantified for fibrosis; LA volume and sphericity were assessed on manual segmentation at atrial diastole; LAEF and LVEF were quantified on multislice cine imaging. AF recurred in 43 patients (48%) overall (31 at 1 year). In the recurrence group, LA fibrosis was higher (42% vs 29%; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.032; P = .002), left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) lower (25% vs 34%; HR: 0.063; P = .016) and LVEF lower (57% vs 63%; HR: 0.011; P = .008). LA volume (135 vs 124 mL) and sphericity (0.819 vs 0.822) were similar. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was adjusted for age and sex (Model 1), additionally AF type (Model 2) and combined (Model 3). In Models 1 and 2, LA fibrosis, LAEF, and LVEF were independently associated with outcome, but only LA fibrosis was independent in Model 3 (HR: 1.021; P = .022).

Conclusions

LAEF, LVEF, and LA fibrosis differed significantly in the AF recurrence cohort. However, on combined multivariate analysis only LA fibrosis remained independently associated with outcome.
ST2 blockade mitigates peritoneal fibrosis induced by TGF‐β and high glucose
Authors: Kim Yong Chul , Kim Kyu Hong , Lee Sunhwa , Jo Ji‐won , Park Jae Yoon , Park Mi‐seon , Tsogbadrakh Bodokhsuren , Lee Jung Pyo , Lee Jae Wook , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Kook‐Hwan , Jang In‐Jin , Kim Yon Su , Cha Ran‐hui , Yang Seung Hee
Published: August 2019

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is an intractable complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) that leads to peritoneal membrane failure. This study investigated the role of suppression of tumorigenicity (ST)2 in PF using patient samples along with mouse and cell‐based models. Baseline dialysate soluble (s)ST2 level in patients measured 1 month after PD initiation was 2063.4 ± 2457.8 pg/mL; patients who switched to haemodialysis had elevated sST2 levels in peritoneal effluent (1576.2 ± 199.9 pg/mL, P = .03), which was associated with PD failure (P = .04). Baseline sST2 showed good performance in predicting PD failure (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.780, P = .001). In mice with chlorhexidine gluconate‐induced PF, ST2 was expressed in fibroblasts and mesothelial cells within submesothelial zones. In primary cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs), transforming growth factor‐β treatment increased ST2, fibronectin, β‐galactosidase and Snail protein levels and decreased E‐cadherin level. Anti‐ST2 antibody administration reversed the up‐regulation of ST2 and fibronectin expression; it also reduced fibrosis induced by high glucose (100 mmol/L) in HPMCs. Thus, high ST2 level in dialysate is a marker for fibrosis and inflammation during peritoneal injury, and blocking ST2 may be an effective therapeutic strategy for renal preservation.
Effect of Fabrication Technique and Thermal Cycling on the Bond Strength of CAD/CAM Milled Custom Fit Anatomical Post and Cores: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Eid Rita Y. , Koken Serhat , Baba Nadim Z. , Ounsi Hani , Ferrari Marco , Salameh Ziad
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study is to investigate the effect of milling custom fit anatomical post and cores from fiber reinforced composite and high‐density polymer blocks using CAD/CAM technology on the bond strength to root canal dentin compared with prefabricated fiber posts, and to evaluate the influence of thermal cycling on the push out bond strength of the tested materials.

Materials and Methods

Eighty extracted single‐rooted premolars, endodontically treated and prepared to receive the posts, were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20): BLC: Custom‐milled fiber‐reinforced composite posts and cores (Trilor, Bioloren), AMC: Custom‐milled high‐density polymer posts and cores (Ambarino, Creamed), BLP: Prefabricated fiber‐reinforced composite posts and composite core buildups (Bioloren; Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior, 3M). The posts used have the same matrix and fiber composition as BLC, RXP: Prefabricated posts and composite core buildups (RelyX fiber post, 3M; Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior); used as a control group. All of the posts were cemented using a self‐adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200, 3M). Half of the sample was randomly assigned to thermal cycling in distilled water for 6,000 cycles to simulate aging, while the other half was tested for bond strength without thermal cycling. A push‐out test was conducted using a universal testing machine until failure. Bond strength values were calculated in megapascals (MPa). The mode of failure was observed using a stereo microscope. Results were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test for comparison. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Push‐out bond strength was significantly higher (p <0.001) in the CAD/CAM post groups than in the groups with prefabricated posts regardless of the post material, while aging of the teeth did not significantly affect the push‐out strength (p = 0.536). Failures were adhesive between cement and dentin for all groups except for AMC, where adhesive failure between the cement and the post was also observed.

Conclusion

The CAD/CAM manufacturing technique was proved to ameliorate the retention of the post and cores in the root canal. Thermal cycling did not affect the bond strength of the tested groups.
Effect of different protocols on the mitigation of exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage in horses when administered 24 hours before strenuous exercise
Authors: Bayly Warwick , Lopez Carolina , Sides Raymond , Bergsma Gerald , Bergsma Jenyka , Gold Jenifer , Sellon Debra
Published: August 2019

Background

Public pressure exists in the United States to eliminate race‐day furosemide administration despite its efficacy in decreasing the severity of equine exercise pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). No effective alternative prophylaxis strategies have been identified.

Objective

To investigate alternative protocols to race‐day furosemide that might mitigate EIPH.

Animals

Seven fit Thoroughbreds with recent EIPH.

Methods

Double‐blinded placebo‐controlled Latin square crossover using a treadmill followed by a blinded placebo‐controlled crossover study at a racetrack. First, horses exercised supramaximally to fatigue 24 hours after initiating 5 EIPH prophylaxis protocols: 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg furosemide IV 24 hours pre‐exercise with and without controlled access to water, and 24 hour controlled access to water. Effects were compared to those measured after giving a placebo 24 hours pre‐exercise, and 0.5 mg/kg furosemide IV 4 hours pre‐exercise. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) erythrocyte count was determined 45‐60 minutes postexercise after endoscopy to assign an EIPH score. Data were analyzed using linear mixed effects models. The most promising protocol from the treadmill study was further evaluated in 6 horses using endoscopy and BAL after 1100 m simulated races.

Results

Intravenous furosemide (0.5 mg/kg) administered 24 hours pre‐exercise combined with controlled access to water decreased the severity of EIPH on the treadmill and at the racetrack.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Administering 0.5 mg/kg furosemide 24 hours pre‐racing combined with controlling water intake may be a strategy to replace race‐day furosemide administration for the management of EIPH. A larger study is indicated to further evaluate whether this protocol significantly mitigates EIPH severity.
Clinical findings, diagnostic test results, and treatment outcome in cats with hiatal hernia: 31 cases (1995‐2018)
Authors: Phillips Heidi , Corrie Jessica , Engel Danielle M. , Duffy Daniel J. , Holt David E. , Kendall Allison R. , Schmiedt Chad W. , Vetter Autumn , Meren Ilyssa L. , Follette Christelle , Schaeffer David J. , Mayhew Philipp D. , Marks Stanley L.
Published: August 2019

Background

Information regarding clinical signs, assessment, treatment, and outcome in cats with hiatal hernia (HH) is limited.

Objectives

To characterize the clinical presentation of HH and medical and surgical outcomes in a cohort of affected cats.

Animals

Thirty‐one client‐owned cats with HH.

Methods

Medical records of cats with HH were retrospectively reviewed for signalment, history, results of diagnostic tests, details of surgical and medical treatments, complications, and outcome. Long‐term follow‐up data were obtained by telephone communication. Relationships between clinical variables and outcome were evaluated by regression analysis.

Results

Type I HH was present in 85.7% (24/28) of cats, and 64.5% (20/31) were >3 years of age at diagnosis. Twenty‐one of 31 (67.7%) cats underwent surgical repair including phrenoplasty, esophagopexy, and left‐sided gastropexy, and 10 of 31 cats were treated medically without surgery. Concurrent illness was common, and 77.4% cats had comorbidities. All cats survived to discharge, and median time to death or follow‐up was 959 days (range, 3‐4015 days). Cats treated medically survived longer than cats treated surgically, with median time to death or follow‐up of 2559 and 771 days, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Type I HH is the most common type of HH in cats. A congenital etiology is possible, but many cats with HH were >3 years of age at diagnosis and suffered from comorbidities, including upper airway obstruction. Case selection and the presence of comorbidities likely influenced the outcome. Cats with HH may not be diagnosed until disease is advanced or concurrent illness draws attention to clinical signs.
Efficacy and safety of 25 and 50 μg desmopressin orally disintegrating tablets in Japanese patients with nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria: Results from two phase 3 studies of a multicenter randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled parallel‐group development program
Authors: Yamaguchi Osamu , Juul Kristian V. , Falahati Ali , Yoshimura Toru , Imura Futoshi , Kitamura Mikiya
Published: August 2019

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of desmopressin orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) in Japanese males (50 and 25 μg) and females (25 μg) with nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria (NP). Two Phase 3 randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled studies of 342 males and 190 females with nocturia due to NP were conducted. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in mean number of nocturnal voids. In addition, time to first awakening to void, nocturnal urine volume, NP index (NPI), and quality of life were assessed during a 12‐week treatment period. In males, 50 and 25 μg desmopressin ODTs significantly reduced the number of nocturnal voids by −1.21 (P < .0001) and − 0.96 (P = .0143), respectively, and significantly prolonged the time to first awakening to void by 117.60 minutes (P < .0001) and 93.37 minute (P = .0009), respectively, with no safety concerns. In females, 25 μg desmopressin ODT significantly prolonged the time to first awakening to void by 116.11 minutes (P = .0257), with no safety concerns. The reduction in the number of nocturnal voids (−1.11) was not significantly different compared with placebo (P = .0975). Desmopressin ODTs (50 and 25 μg) were an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for nocturia due to NP in Japanese males, and desmopressin ODT 50 μg is an appropriate dose in these patients. For patients who are likely to experience hyponatremia, such as elderly males, starting with 25 μg desmopressin ODT should be considered.
Cognitive dissonance: how self‐protective distortions can undermine clinical judgement
Authors: Klein Jill , McColl Geoff
Published: August 2019

Context

When errors occur in clinical settings, it is important that they are recognised without defensiveness so that prompt corrective action can be taken and learning can occur. Cognitive dissonance – the uncomfortable tension we experience when we hold two or more inconsistent beliefs – can hinder our ability to respond optimally to error.

Objectives

The aim of this paper is to describe the effects of cognitive dissonance, a construct developed and tested in social psychology. We discuss the circumstances under which dissonance is most likely to occur, provide examples of how it may influence clinical practice, discuss potential remedies and suggest future research to test these remedies in the clinical context.

Methods

We apply research on cognitive dissonance from social psychology to clinical settings. We examine the factors that make dissonance most likely to occur. We illustrate the power of cognitive dissonance through two medical examples: one from history and one that is ongoing. Finally, we explore moderators at various stages of the dissonance process to identify potential remedies.

Results

We show that there is great opportunity for cognitive dissonance to distort judgements, delay optimal responses and hinder learning in clinical settings. We present a model of the phases of cognitive dissonance, and suggestions for preventing dissonance, reducing the distortions that can arise from dissonance and inhibiting dissonance‐induced escalation of commitment.

Conclusions

Cognitive dissonance has been studied for decades in social psychology but has not had much influence on medical education research. We argue that the construct of cognitive dissonance is very relevant to the clinical context and to medical education. Dissonance has the potential to interfere with learning, to hinder the process of coping effectively with error, and to make the accepting of change difficult. Fortunately, there is the potential to reduce the negative impact of cognitive dissonance in clinical practice.
Investigating Effects of Working Memory Training on Foreign Language Development
Authors: HAYASHI YUKO
Published: August 2019

The current 2‐part study investigated the relative contributions of English language training (ELT) and computerized Cogmed working memory training (WMT) to improvements in English‐as‐a‐foreign language (EFL) proficiency and working memory capacity. In Study 1, Japanese undergraduate EFL learners were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 experimental groups (ELT only, WMT only, and both WMT and ELT) and a control group. The dual intervention (WMT + ELT) group, who received 5 weeks of both WMT and ELT, retained the training effects on verbal short‐term memory and working memory at 6 months post‐training. No significant gains were made, however, in a standardized EFL test of vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening comprehension abilities. Addressing the absence of a measure of more productive skills in Study 1, Study 2 was carried out on a new cohort of Japanese undergraduate EFL learners comprising a WMT group and a control group. No significant far‐transfer effects (on the language‐based measures) were identified. Descriptive and correlational analyses revealed that the higher general oral proficiency scores tended to be associated with larger improvements in a verbal working memory task (involving storage and manipulation of letter sequences) completed during the Cogmed WMT program. These analyses indicate the possibility of more specialized WMT programs translating into more tangible gains in second or foreign language performance. Further insights into the limited far‐transfer effects of WMT could be gleaned by exploring a modular approach to studying working memory.
Autophagy–virus interplay in plants: from antiviral recognition to proviral manipulation
Authors: Kushwaha Nirbhay Kumar , Hafrén Anders , Hofius Daniel
Published: August 2019

Autophagy is a conserved self‐cleaning and renewal system required for cellular homeostasis and stress tolerance. Autophagic processes are also implicated in the response to ‘non‐self’ such as viral pathogens, yet the functions and mechanisms of autophagy during plant virus infection have only recently started to be revealed. Compelling evidence now indicates that autophagy is an integral part of antiviral immunity in plants. It can promote the hypersensitive cell death response upon incompatible viral infections or mediate the selective elimination of entire particles and individual proteins from compatible viruses in a pathway similar to xenophagy in animals. Several viruses, however, have evolved measures to antagonize xenophagic degradation or utilize autophagy to suppress disease‐associated cell death and other defence pathways like RNA silencing. Here, we highlight the current advances and gaps in our understanding of the complex autophagy–virus interplay and its consequences for host immunity and viral pathogenesis in plants.
Perspectives regarding what constitutes a “good death” among Thai nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Srinonprasert Varalak , Limpawattana Panita , Manjavong Manchumad , Kuichanuan Thunchanok , Juntararuangtong Thitikorn , Yongrattanakit Kongpob
Published: August 2019

Palliative care is a crucial component in improving peoples' end‐of‐life period. It is important to understand the wishes of people at the end of life and the perceptions of their healthcare providers regarding these wishes. As nurses play a key role in patient care, in this study we set out to determine nurses' perceptions regarding what constitutes a “good death”, comparing what they thought their older patients would prefer to their own preferences for their own end‐of‐life care. Questionnaires asking about various options of end‐of‐life care were distributed to nurses, and they were asked how they thought older people would respond to each of the questions and what their own preferences would be if they were terminally ill. In total, 656 participants were enrolled and they rated relief from suffering as the most important component, both for themselves and for those in their care. More than 80% of nurses agreed with all of the statements on the questionnaire. However, some of the nurses' preferences for their own end of life differed from those they expected their patients to value.
Did we evolve to see reality, or are spacetime and objects just our user interface?
Authors: Hoffman Donald D.
Published: August 2019

We think of spacetime as an ancient stage on which life and consciousness in due course evolved. But the logic of evolution may force us to think again.
The relationship between red blood cell distribution width and atrial fibrillation in Asian population: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Huiping , Gu Yeqing , Liu Mingyue , Wang Xiaona , Chi Vu Thi Quynh , Zhang Qing , Liu Li , Meng Ge , Yao Zhanxin , Wu Hongmei , Bao Xue , Zhang Shunming , Kumari Shubham , Sun Shaomei , Zhou Ming , Jia Qiyu , Song Kun , Wu Yuntang , Liu Tong , Niu Kaijun
Published: August 2019

Background

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) was related with increased risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, it is uncertain whether RDW is related to the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Asian population. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between RDW and AF in a large Chinese population.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study to examine the relationship between RDW and AF among 106 998 subjects who were from the Tianjin Chronic Low‐grade Systemic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study. AF was diagnosed using electrocardiography, and RDW was measured using an automated hematology analyzer. Multiple logistic regression models were conducted to examine the relation between tertiles of RDW and AF.

Results

The overall prevalence of AF was 0.1% (129/106 998). After adjustments for potential confounding factors, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of AF across increasing tertiles of RDW were 1.00 (reference), 1.08 (0.69, 1.67), and 2.65 (1.75, 4.07) (P for trend < .0001), respectively.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that elevated RDW is significantly related to higher prevalence of AF in a general Chinese population. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Cutaneous pharmacologic cAMP induction induces melanization of the skin and improves recovery from ultraviolet injury in melanocortin 1 receptor‐intact or heterozygous skin
Authors: Bautista Robert‐Marlo , Carter Katharine Marie , Jarrett Stuart Gordon , Napier Dana , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Ito Shosuke , D'Orazio John August
Published: August 2019

Homozygous loss of function of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is associated with a pheomelanotic pigment phenotype and increased melanoma risk. MC1R heterozygosity is less well studied, although individuals inheriting one loss‐of‐function MC1R allele are also melanoma‐prone. Using the K14‐Scf C57BL/6J animal model whose skin is characterized by lifelong retention of interfollicular epidermal melanocytes like that of the human, we studied pigmentary, UV responses, and DNA repair capacity in the skin of variant Mc1r background. Topical application of forskolin, a skin‐permeable pharmacologic activator of cAMP induction to mimic native Mc1r signaling, increased epidermal eumelanin levels, increased the capacity of Mc1r‐heterozygous skin to resist UV‐mediated inflammation, and enhanced the skin's ability to clear UV photolesions from DNA. Interestingly, topical cAMP induction also promoted melanin accumulation, UV resistance, and accelerated clearance in Mc1r fully intact skin. Together, our findings suggest that heterozygous Mc1r loss is associated with an intermediately melanized and DNA repair‐proficient epidermal phenotype and that topical cAMP induction enhances UV resistance in Mc1r‐heterozygous or Mc1r‐wild‐type individuals by increasing eumelanin deposition and by improving nucleotide excision repair.
A reverse temperature‐size rule associated with a negative relationship between larval development time and pupal weight in a tropical population of Ostrinia furnacalis
Authors: Xia Qin‐Wen , Chen Chao , Tang Jian‐Jun , He Hai‐Min , Xue Fang‐Sen
Published: August 2019

Empirical studies demonstrate a negative relationship between body size and temperature [i.e. the temperature‐size rule (TSR)] and a positive relationship between body size and development time (a trade‐off). However, many exceptions are also reported. The present study tests the two relationships in a tropical population of the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis under a wide range of temperatures from 18 to 31 °C. The results show that larval time is decreased significantly and pupal weight is increased significantly with an increasing rearing temperature, exhibiting the reverse‐TSR. Growth rate is positively correlated with temperature. The relationships between body size and development time among individuals show a negative slope (i.e. pupal weight tends to decrease with increases in development time). Females are significantly larger than males at all temperatures, showing a female‐biased sex size dimorphism. It is also found that development time and pupal weight vary greatly among individuals, particularly at lower temperatures. The results of the present study demonstrate a reverse‐TSR associated with a negative relationship between larval development time and pupal weight in a tropical population of O. furnacalis.
Personal Bonds: Directed Obligations without Rights
Authors: Martin Adrienne M.
Published: August 2019

I argue for adopting a conception of obligation that is broader than the conception commonly adopted by moral philosophers. According to this broader conception, the crucial marks of an obligatory action are, first, that the reasons for the obliged party to perform the action include an exclusionary reason and, second, that the obliged party is the appropriate target of blaming reactive attitudes, if they inexcusably fail to perform the obligatory action. An obligation is directed if the exclusionary reason depends on the relationship between the obliged person and the person to whom they owe the obligatory action, and the latter person is positioned to personally blame the obligated person for inexcusably failing to perform the obligatory action. Some directed obligations are not owed as a matter of right, and the person to whom the obligatory action is owed is the only person positioned to blame nonperformance. Other directed obligations are owed as a matter of right, and people who are not part of the relationship grounding the obligation nevertheless are also positioned to (impersonally) blame non‐performance. Only the rights‐based form of directed obligation has received significant attention from moral philosophers, yet the former—which is at the heart of what I call “personal bonds”—is a pervasive and significant theme of our ordinary interpersonal lives.
Retracted: A novel HLA‐C null allele, HLA‐C*12:299N, identified by next‐generation sequencing in a Saudi individual
Authors: Alblaihed Asma , Alburaq Mohammed , AlSebaiheen Farrah , Alshubaili Abdullah , Hajeer Ali H.
Published: August 2019

A single nucleotide deletion in HLA‐C*12:03:01:01 results in a novel null allele, HLA‐C*12:299N.
Depression and hopelessness in pre‐clinical medical students
Authors: Coskun Ozlem , Ocalan Ali Ozgurcan , Ocbe Cetin Batuhan , Semiz Huseyin Omer , Budakoglu Irem
Published: August 2019

Background

Mental distress seriously affects the quality of life of medical students. Medical students face mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and hopelessness. The pre‐clinical years include substantial changes in a student's life, such as moving cities and losing friends, which can complicate an already stressful life, leading to depression and hopelessness. This study aims to determine the levels of depression and hopelessness, and the habits that can affect these levels, among pre‐clinical medical students.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted using anonymous questionnaires composed of the Beck Depression Scale (BDS), the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and questions about sociodemographic and perceived reasons for happiness or unhappiness. We invited pre‐clinical medical students to join the study.

Particularly during the pre‐clinical years, medical students face the adverse effects of changing cities, social circles co‐workers

Results

A total of 1015 (70.5%) students participated in the study. The prevalence of depression among pre‐clinical students was found to be 27.7 per cent and mild levels of hopelessness were found in 54.4 per cent. A meaningful positive correlation was found between the BDS scores and BHS scores of medical students (r = 0.535; p < 0.0001). The BDS scores of students who were ex‐smokers, daily consumers of fizzy beverages and energy drinks, and students with chronic diseases were significantly higher (p < 0.05). The BHS scores of the students who were ex‐smokers and daily consumers of fizzy drinks, as well as intersex students, had significantly higher scores than the other groups (p < 0.05).

Discussion

A healthy social life and effective psychological counselling services are very much needed for mental well‐being among medical students in their pre‐clinical year.
Student belief about the value of challenge
Authors: Rudland JR , Golding C , Jaye C , Tweed M , Wilkinson TJ
Published: August 2019

Background

The undergraduate curriculum tends to focus on how individuals can cope with stress especially when transitioning from the classroom to the clinical workplace environment. Often this carries the message that stress is bad, yet little attention has been paid to the influence of one's belief regarding the value of stress for learning. Because stress is often perceived as bad, we chose to use the term ‘challenge’ in exploring the associations amongst belief of the value of challenge, the challenge experienced, the perceived learning, affect and staff support.

Methods

At the end of each clinical module within a medical curriculum, medical students rated the perceived learning, degree of challenge, affect, support and the value of challenge for learning. The value and associations amongst these variables were analysed.

Results

The challenge for students varied according to the type of module. Students generally considered that challenge promoted rather than hindered learning. The level of challenge experienced may influence the perception of the value of challenge for learning. However, when challenge was regarded as beneficial, this was strongly, positively associated with perceived learning, positive affect and support.

Discussion

Students who believe challenge is positive also perceive that such challenges promote learning. Likewise students who regard challenge as negative are less likely to learn from such challenges. The positive relationship between the belief of the value of challenge with affect and support may have positive implications for well‐being. It is contended that curriculum planners should acknowledge the potential positive influence of stressors in clinical education and that challenge can be seen as valuable when there is student support and measures associated with maintaining a positive affect.
Enhancement of low frequency sound absorption by placing thin plates on surface or between layers of porous materials
Authors: Feng Leping
Published: August 2019

Rigid thin plates can be used, either on the surface or between layers of materials, to improve the sound absorption properties of porous materials at low frequencies, especially for materials with low sound absorption. Measurement results obtained from a 100 mm impedance tube, for different combinations of porous materials and thin plates, are supplied. Possible physical explanations are discussed. The size of the plate, together with the original properties of the porous material, determines the useful frequency region of the method. The technique of surface-placed thin plates can be directly applied to existing structures without making any changes of the original system, and the results are comparable to those with more complicated modifications.
The Development of the Physical Activity and Social Support Scale
Authors: Golaszewski Natalie M. , Bartholomew John B.
Published: August 2019

Research suggests 5 forms of social support: companionship, emotional, informational, instrumental, and validation. Despite this, existing measures of social support for physical activity are limited to emotional, companionship, and instrumental support. The purpose was to develop the Physical Activity and Social Support Scale (PASSS) with subscales that reflected all 5 forms. Participants (N = 506, mean age = 34.3 yr) who were active at least twice per week completed a 235-item questionnaire assessing physical activity behaviors, social support for physical activity, general social support, and other psychosocial questions. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to develop and validate the PASSS. Exploratory factor analysis supported a 5-factor, 20-item model, χ2(100) = 146.22,p < .05, root mean square error of approximation = .05. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good fit, Satorra–Bentler χ2(143) = 199.57,p < .001, root mean square error of approximation = .04, comparative-fit index = .97, standardized root mean square residual = .06. Findings support the PASSS to measure all 5 forms for physical activity.
Structure and dynamics of the active human parathyroid hormone receptor-1
Authors: Zhao Li-Hua , Ma Shanshan , Sutkeviciute Ieva , Shen Dan-Dan , Zhou X. Edward , de Waal Parker W. , Li Chen-Yao , Kang Yanyong , Clark Lisa J. , Jean-Alphonse Frederic G. , White Alex D. , Yang Dehua , Dai Antao , Cai Xiaoqing , Chen Jian , Li Cong , Jiang Yi , Watanabe Tomoyuki , Gardella Thomas J. , Melcher Karsten , Wang Ming-Wei , Vilardaga Jean-Pierre , Xu H. Eric , Zhang Yan
Published: August 2019

Bone-cell regulation, fleshed out

One of many medically relevant G protein–coupled receptors, parathyroid hormone receptor-1 (PTH1R) functions in the control of calcium homeostasis and bone physiology. Zhao
et al.
used cryo–election microscopy to observe the structure of PTH1R in a complex with a modified form of parathyroid hormone and stimulatory G protein. The structural model helps explain how parathyroid hormone interacts with its receptor and the molecular basis for receptor activation.

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A sense of space in postrhinal cortex
Authors: LaChance Patrick A. , Todd Travis P. , Taube Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2019

From local space to higher-order maps

Successful movement depends on an accurate sense of one's location within a particular environment. Neuroscientists distinguish self-centered and world-centered navigation and have been searching for a brain region where all ingredients of navigation come together. As rats foraged in an open field, LaChance
et al.
recorded activity from single neurons in an area called the postrhinal cortex. The authors found a population of cells that transform an animal's immediate sensory perception of its environment into a spatial map. This map is markedly different from the high-level representations observed in hippocampal place cells or entorhinal grid cells, but it is very flexible and is likely to provide the necessary building blocks for creating higher-level representations.

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