bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Common Adulterants in Walnut Beverage Based on Plant DNA Barcode Technology
Authors: Han Qing , Zhang Yan , Shu Ying , Chen Jia , Zhang Yalun , Zhou Wei , Zhang Zhisheng
Published: June 2018

Walnut beverage is a common vegetable protein drink that is rich in proteins and has a wide consumption market. In this study, a plant DNA barcode technology was used to establish a method to identify common adulterated ingredients (peanut and soybean) in walnut beverage. In this experiment, universal primers were designed, and PCR amplification was performed. The universal primers were screened by sequencing and comparing the amplified products. Results showed that the primers rbcL-4 and matK-4 amplified walnut, peanut, sesame, soybean, and hazelnut. Peanut genomic DNA and soybean genomic DNA were added to the genomic DNA of walnut in different proportions. Primer rbcL-4 can detect 10% peanut genome DNA, and primer matK-4 can detect 10% soybean genome DNA. Calculation results of the extraction rate revealed that primer rbcL-4 can detect 8.88% peanut raw materials and primer matK-4 can detect 2.30% soybean raw materials. The combination of these two primers can be used as a universal primer for the identification of adulterated components in walnut beverage. This experiment could serve as a theoretical reference for related research and detection.
RNA tertiary structure energetics predicted by an ensemble model of the RNA double helix
Authors: Yesselman Joseph D. , Denny Sarah K. , Bisaria Namita , Herschlag Daniel , Greenleaf William J. , Das Rhiju
Published: June 2018

Over 50% of residues within functional structured RNAs are base-paired in Watson-Crick helices, but it is not fully understood how these helices’ geometric preferences and flexibility might influence RNA tertiary structure. Here, we show experimentally and computationally that the ensemble fluctuations of RNA helices substantially impact RNA tertiary structure stability. We updated a model for the conformational ensemble of the RNA helix using crystallographic structures of Watson-Crick base pair steps. To test this model, we made blind predictions of the thermodynamic stability of >1500 tertiary assemblies with differing helical sequences and compared calculations to independent measurements from a high-throughput experimental platform. The blind predictions accounted for thermodynamic effects from changing helix sequence and length with unexpectedly tight accuracies (RMSD of 0.34 and 0.77 kcal/mol, respectively). These comparisons lead to a detailed picture of how RNA base pair steps fluctuate within complex assemblies and suggest a new route toward predicting RNA tertiary structure formation and energetics.
A reflective memory based framework for crowd network simulations
Authors: Hongbo Sun , Zhang Mi
Published: June 2018

Purpose

As main mode of modern service industry and future economy society, the research on crowd network can greatly facilitate governances of economy society and make it more efficient, humane, sustainable and at the same time avoid disorders. However, because most results cannot be observed in real world, the research of crowd network cannot follow a traditional way. Simulation is the main means to put forward related research studies. Compared with other large-scale interactive simulations, simulation for crowd network has challenges of dynamic, diversification and massive participants. Fortunately, known as the most famous and widely accepted standard, high level architecture (HLA) has been widely used in large-scale simulations. But when it comes to crowd network, HLA has shortcomings like fixed federation, limited scale and agreement outside the software system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a novel reflective memory-based framework for crowd network simulations. The proposed framework adopts a two-level federation-based architecture, which separates simulation-related environments into physical and logical aspect to enhance the flexibility of simulations. Simulation definition is introduced in this architecture to resolve the problem of outside agreements and share resources pool (constructed by reflective memory) is used to address the systemic emergence and scale problem.

Findings

With reference to HLA, this paper proposes a novel reflective memory-based framework toward crowd network simulations. The proposed framework adopts a two-level federation-based architecture, system-level simulation (system federation) and application-level simulation (application federations), which separates simulation-related environments into physical and logical aspect to enhance the flexibility of simulations. Simulation definition is introduced in this architecture to resolve the problem of outside agreements and share resources pool (constructed by reflective memory) is used to address the systemic emergence and scale problem.

Originality/value

Simulation syntax and semantic are all settled under this framework by templates, especially interface templates, as simulations are separated by two-level federations, physical and logical simulation environment are considered separately; the definition of simulation execution is flexible. When developing new simulations, recompile is not necessary, which can acquire much more reusability, because reflective memory is adopted as share memory within given simulation execution in this framework; population can be perceived by all federates, which greatly enhances the scalability of this kind of simulations; communication efficiency and capability has greatly improved by this share memory-based framework.
Integrating religiosity into fraud triangle theory: findings on Malaysian police officers
Authors: Said Jamaliah , Alam Md. Mahmudul , Karim Zulyanti Abdul , Johari Razana Juhaida
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an empirical analysis of the factors that determine the occupational fraud behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes primary data collected by a questionnaire-based survey on 186 police officials of Malaysia including Sabah and Sarawak. Data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and cross-sectional regression.

Findings

The results derived in the study showed a statistically significant positive relationship between three basic variables of the fraud theory – pressure, opportunity, and rationalization with asset misappropriation. Moreover, this study revealed that religiosity is statistically significantly and negatively correlated to asset misappropriation. Therefore, the higher religiosity of an individual correlates with the lower probability involve in asset misappropriation.

Practical implications

The findings will help Anti-Corruption Commission, Enforcement Agency of Integrity Commission, Police Department, and relevant agencies from Malaysia and other countries to design policies for reducing cases of fraudulent behavior.

Originality/value

This study is an original work based on the primary data collection.
Using Lean tools to reduce patient waiting time
Authors: Lot Luciana Teixeira , Sarantopoulos Alice , Min Li Li , Perales Simone Reges , Boin Ilka de Fatima Santana Ferreira , Ataide Elaine Cristina de
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to address problems in patient flow and identify the reasons behind extensive wait time at a public liver transplant outpatient clinic in an education and research hospital through the use of Lean health-care theories.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper opted for the application of Lean thinking and action research strategy. Data were collected through personal observations, interviews with users and team brainstorming. A value stream map was developed, improvement possibilities were identified and non-value-added activities were attempted to be eliminated.

Findings

Significant problems were identified and improvements were implemented and measured. The major remedial measures were: change the scheduling pattern, create a flow chart and a Kanban visual guide for medical students. In addition, an institutional change in the medical appointment scheduling software collaborated in the reduction of time and in the patient’s displacement. The waiting time was reduced by 4.5 h, and the per cent complete and accurate increased by 50 per cent.

Practical implications

The flow was redesigned, and a culture of continuous improvement was introduced. Visiting the place where work was being done, leaders identified and created more value to the process without significant costs. The Gemba Walk was a powerful tool, interacting with people and processes in a Kaizen spirit.

Originality/value

Public health services in developing countries are one of the most deprived social needs of good practice. It will be useful for those who need examples about how to apply Lean tools in health care.
Outbreak of mumps virus genotype G infection in tribal individuals during 2016–17 in India
Authors: Vaidya Sunil R. , Tilavat Siddharth M. , Hamde Venkat S. , Bhattad Divya R.
Published: June 2018

Tribal individuals presented with fever and uni‐ or bi‐lateral parotitis in Galonda and Silli villages (Dadra and Nagar Haveli, India) between 2 October 2016 and 19 March 2017. Consequently, the magnitude and epidemiological characteristics of the outbreak were investigated. Overall, 139 cases of suspected mumps were identified in both the above villages. Most of the suspected cases were 5–15 years old, the exceptions being three adults who had no noticeable complications. Specimens were collected from 42 of the suspected cases and their close contacts (n = 39) for laboratory investigation. Mumps infection was laboratory‐confirmed in 73.8% and 20.5% of the suspected cases and contacts, respectively. Mumps was confirmed in seven adults aged 17–42 years, including three suspected cases and four contacts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a complete virus genome circulating among tribal individuals. Sequencing and phylogenetic studies revealed circulation of mumps virus genotype G in these tribal villages with 99% identity to a mumps virus detected in the UK (1996) and Canada (2009). Comparison with Indian mumps viruses revealed 99% and 98% identity to previously reported isolates from Pune during 2012 and 1986, respectively. Although the outbreak was large, no major complications were reported in the tribal villages. Detection of asymptomatic mumps in numerous close contacts indicates the importance of laboratory investigations in an outbreak setting.
Circadian periodicity in space use by ungulates of temperate regions: How much, when and why?
Authors: Péron Guillaume , Duparc Antoine , Garel Mathieu , Marchand Pascal , Morellet Nicolas , Saïd Sonia , Loison Anne
Published: June 2018

When they visit and revisit specific areas, animals may reveal what they need from their home range and how they acquire information. The temporal dimension of such movement recursions, that is, periodicity, is however rarely studied, yet potentially bears a species, population or individual‐specific signature.

A recent method allows estimating the contribution of periodic patterns to the variance in a movement path. We applied it to 709 individuals from five ungulate species, looking for species signatures in the form of seasonal variation in the intensity of circadian patterns.

Circadian patterns were commonplace in the movement tracks, but the amount of variance they explained was highly variable among individuals. It increased in intensity during spring and summer, when key resources were spatially segregated, and decreased during winter, when food availability was more uniformly low. Other periodicity‐inducing mechanisms supported by our comparison of species‐ and sex‐specific patterns involve young antipredator behaviour, territoriality and behavioural thermoregulation.

Model‐based continuous‐time movement metrics represent a new avenue for researchers interested in finding individual‐, population‐ or species‐specific signatures in heterogeneous movement databases featuring various study designs and sampling resolutions. However, we observed large amounts of individual variation, so comparative analyses should ideally use both GPS and animal‐borne loggers to augment the discriminatory power and be based on large samples. We briefly outline potential uses of the intensity of circadian patterns as a metric for the study of animal personality and community ecology.
‘I've got to get something out of it. And so do they’: experiences of people with aphasia and university students participating in a communication partner training programme for healthcare professionals
Authors: Cameron Ashley , Hudson Kyla , Finch Emma , Fleming Jennifer , Lethlean Jennifer , McPhail Steven
Published: June 2018

Background

Communication partner training (CPT) has been used to support communication partners to interact successfully with people with aphasia (PWA). Through successful CPT interaction PWA's accessibility to healthcare is notably improved. The present study sought to build on prior studies by investigating the experiences of individuals with aphasia and healthcare providers to ascertain what they deemed to be beneficial from CPT and what could be refined or improved, dependent on the setting and skill set of those participating.

Aims

To gain an understanding of the experiences of PWA involved in the provision of CPT to health professional (HP) students. Also to investigate the experiences of HP students who participated in the CPT programme.

Methods & Procedures

Eight PWA and 77 HP students who had completed a CPT programme participated in a focus group/semi‐structured interview (PWA) and feedback session (HP students) moderated by two speech–language pathologists (SLPs). These sessions were recorded (audio and video), transcribed verbatim, including non‐verbal communication, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Outcomes & Results

Overall, the study sought to understand experiences of the training. Both the PWA and HP students reported positive experiences of CPT. PWA discussed their perception that CPT improved HPs and HP students’ understanding and interactions conversing with them and emphasized the need for training and education for all health related professions. HP students enjoyed the opportunity to experience interacting with PWA, without being ‘assessed’ and felt it consolidated their learning based on lecture content.

Conclusions & Implications

Inclusive and accessible healthcare is paramount to ensure the engagement of patients and providers. Based on the experiences and feedback of the participants in this current study, CPT offers a salient and practical training method with potential to improve practice. Participants perceived CPT to be beneficial and validated the need for the training to support PWA accessing healthcare.
Airport Expansion and the British Planning System: Regime Management
Authors: Marshall Tim
Published: June 2018

The article examines the process whereby government and business elites have driven the expansion of London airports, particularly via the mode of the establishment of an ‘independent’ commission, the Davies Commission (2012–2015). It addresses the strategic framing of airports planning, including the role of National Policy Statements, and the nature of the consideration of the planning applications for consent to develop. Temporal and geographical dimensions are analysed, showing how central to the UK state project is the expansion of the southern English / Greater London core, with associated infrastructure geographies. It concludes that corporate and state power may well achieve the desired expansion of airport capacity in the London region, overriding environmental and other non‐commercial considerations. However, there are tensions in the dominant state and business model, given an apparent commitment to carbon emissions reduction and other air quality goals, as well as to minimising the costs to the public sector which airport expansion is likely to generate.
Changes in the Expression of Circulating microRNAs in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient Blood Plasma After Passing Through a Plasma Adsorption Membrane
Authors: Ishibe Yusuke , Kusaoi Makio , Murayama Go , Nemoto Takuya , Kon Takayuki , Ogasawara Michihiro , Kempe Kazuo , Yamaji Ken , Tamura Naoto
Published: June 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are small non‐coding RNAs that mainly function in the post‐transcriptional regulation of genes. miRNA that is secreted outside of cells, and which circulates in the peripheral blood, is called circulating microRNA. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a typical autoimmune connective tissue disease and is mainly treated with immunosuppressive drugs. Therapeutic apheresis is often used to eliminate autoantibodies and cytokines. We have previously shown that circulating miRNAs in the blood of patients with SLE can be separated and removed from the blood using a plasma separation membrane. In the present study, we further separated circulating miRNA from three SLE patient's blood plasma by passing it through a plasma adsorption membrane, and then measured changes in miRNA levels using miRNAs microarray chip. Although the levels of many miRNAs were unaffected after passage through the plasma adsorption membrane, expression of some miRNAs, including miR‐1246, miR‐4732‐5p, and miR‐6088 are declined.
NOT EVEN OUR OWN FACTS: CRIMINOLOGY IN THE ERA OF BIG DATA
Authors: LYNCH JAMES
Published: June 2018

Criminology is an applied discipline where the findings from the data collected and analyses conducted inform debates about policy and practice. For this to happen, a discipline must have an agreed‐upon set of facts to define the problem and suggest solutions. We can debate the soundness of fundamental data series, but these debates must take place within the confines of scientific inquiry and all data must be subjected to the same scrutiny. Data sources must comprise agreed‐upon standards for collection and be accessible for replication. The increasing use of “big data” has frayed this agreement about quality and accessibility and has made it more difficult for criminology to have its own facts. In this presentation, I define the term “big data” and argue it will be difficult for big data to replace traditional data sources and to live up to their potential for knowledge building. Finally, I suggest a few things that the discipline might do to address these problems of access and quality.
The G20's Reform of Bank Regulation and the Changing Structure of the Global Financial System
Authors: Knight Malcolm D.
Published: June 2018

The G20's financial regulatory reform programme, underway since 2008, was designed as an integrated set of strengthened regulatory measures to make the global financial system more robust and less crisis‐prone. However, in practice the G20's stricter regulation of internationally active banks has not been matched by firmer oversight of other financial system participants that also take on large risks. The present article addresses the implications of this situation. Section 1 outlines the role of the banking sector within the broader market‐based financial system. Section 2 considers the dynamics of a crisis in such a system. The measures that the G20 has agreed thus far to strengthen the G‐SIBs, and regulators’ intentions with regard to strengthening other sectors of the financial system are summarized in Section 3. Section 4 describes how stricter bank regulation may affect the resilience of market‐based financial systems in conditions of stress. Section 5 discusses how the focus on strengthening bank regulation, combined with slow progress in extending regulation to other sectors, has accelerated structural change in the financial system and offers some conjectures on how this may alter financial risks, the way the financial system may respond to stress, and the implications for macroprudential regulation.
Three Lines of Defence: A Robust Organising Framework, or Just Lines in the Sand?
Authors: Davies Howard , Zhivitskaya Maria
Published: June 2018

Global regulators agree there is a need to strengthen governance in financial firms. The failure of boards and senior management to consider the risks inherent in their pre‐crisis strategies is widely accepted as a crucial factor in the costly meltdown whose consequences continue to be felt. Regulators have tried to strengthen governance mechanisms and, in particular, have recommended a “three lines of defence” model to embed risk management throughout financial firms. Yet while this model is now in use across the financial sector in many countries, its origins are opaque, and its effectiveness untested. Some argue that diffusing the responsibility for risk management in this way in fact reduces accountability and effectiveness. And there is little external validation of the controls firms put in place. Does the three lines of defence system provide a false sense of security? Does it need to be rethought, or can it be enhanced?
Alcohol Consumption and Bone Mineral Density in People with HIV and Substance Use Disorder: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Saitz Richard , Mesic Aldina , Ventura Alicia S. , Winter Michael R. , Heeren Timothy C. , Sullivan Meg M. , Walley Alexander Y. , Patts Gregory J. , Meli Seville M. , Holick Michael F. , Kim Theresa W. , Bryant Kendall J. , Samet Jeffrey H.
Published: June 2018

Background

People living with HIV (PLWH) commonly have low bone mineral density (BMD) (low bone mass and osteoporosis) and are at high risk for fractures. Fractures and low BMD are significant causes of morbidity and mortality, increasingly relevant as PLWH age. Alcohol use is common among PLWH and known to affect bone health. The association between alcohol use and changes in BMD among PLWH is not well understood.

Methods

We conducted a 3.5‐year prospective cohort study of 250 PLWH with substance use disorder or ever injection drug use. Annual alcohol consumption was measured as a mean of grams per day of alcohol, mean number of heavy drinking days per month, mean number of days abstinent per month, and any heavy drinking, using the 30‐day Timeline Followback method twice each year. The primary outcome was annual change in BMD measured each year by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry in grams per square centimeter (g/cm2) at the femoral neck. Additional dependent variables included annual change in total hip and lumbar spine BMD, >6% annual decrease in BMD at any site, and incident fractures in the past year. Regression models adjusted for relevant covariates.

Results

The median age of participants was 50 years. The median duration of HIV infection was 16.5 years and the mean time since antiretroviral therapy initiation was 12.3 years. At study entry, 67% of participants met criteria for low BMD (46% low bone mass, 21% osteoporosis). Median follow‐up was 24 months. We found no significant associations between any measure of alcohol consumption and changes in BMD (g/cm2) at the femoral neck (adjusted β for g/d of alcohol = −0.0032, p = 0.7487), total hip, or lumbar spine. There was no significant association between any measure of alcohol consumption and >6% annual decrease in BMD at any site, or incident fractures.

Conclusions

In this sample of PLWH and substance use disorders or ever injection drug use, we detected no association between any of the alcohol measures used in the study and changes in BMD or incident fractures.
Variation in malaria infection and immune defence in invasive and endemic house sparrows
Authors: Marzal A. , Møller A. P. , Espinoza K. , Morales S. , Luján‐Vega C. , Cárdenas‐Callirgos J. M. , Mendo L. , Álvarez‐Barrientos A. , González‐Blázquez M. , García‐Longoria L. , de Lope F. , Mendoza C. , Iannacone J. , Magallanes S.
Published: June 2018

Biological invasions by exotic species impose substantial ecological, economic and social costs worldwide, being a major threat to biodiversity conservation. Because not all individuals introduced in the new environments become successful invaders, the identification of factors underlying variation in invasion success would be essential for evaluating invasion risk. Here, we test several host–parasite hypotheses accounting for invasion success of house sparrowsPasser domesticusin Peru. According to theEnemy Release Hypothesis, invasive house sparrows from Peru showed lower prevalence and genetic diversity of haemosporidian parasites than sparrows from their natural range (Spain), indicating that the release from their natural parasites may have favoured the spread of sparrows in the new area of occurrence. We also showed that Peruvian sparrows had larger uropygial glands and higher anti‐bacterial activity in its secretion than sparrows from Spain, suggesting selection in defensive mechanisms driven by pathogens when colonizing new environments. Finally, we showed that uninfected sparrows had larger uropygial glands and higher anti‐bacterial activity than malaria‐infected house sparrows, implying that uropygial gland secretions may act as a defensive mechanism against haemosporidian infections. Alternatively, a condition‐dependent trade‐off exists between synthesis of uropygial secretion and immune response. These outcomes provide essential information for identifying potential invaders and designing interventions.
Positive expectancies mediate the association between sensation seeking and marijuana outcomes in at‐risk young adults: A test of the acquired preparedness model
Authors: Curry Inga , Trim Ryan S. , Brown Sandra A. , Hopfer Christian J. , Stallings Michael C. , Wall Tamara L.
Published: June 2018

Background and Objectives

The acquired preparedness model (APM) integrates personality trait research and psychosocial learning, which are theorized to ultimately increase risk for problematic substance use outcomes.

Methods

The present study uses the APM to examine the potential mediational role of positive and negative expectancies on the relationship between impulsivity and two marijuana outcomes (ie, frequency of use and marijuana use disorder [MUD] symptom count) among an at‐risk sample of young adults with history of antisocial behavior and substance use in adolescence and their siblings (n = 312).

Results

Results suggest a significant indirect effect of sensation seeking on recent marijuana use through positive marijuana expectancies. There also was a significant indirect effect of sensation seeking on past‐year MUD symptoms through positive expectancies. No significant indirect effects through negative expectancies were found for either outcome.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our findings are consistent with the APM and suggest that higher sensation seeking is related to increased positive beliefs about marijuana outcomes, which is related to higher marijuana use and more MUD symptoms.

Scientific Significance

These findings suggest that positive expectancies are an important risk factor for marijuana use and misuse, particularly for at‐risk individuals with elevated rates of sensation seeking. Positive marijuana expectancies may be important to address in interventions for at‐risk individuals. (Am J Addict 2018;27:419–424)
Longitudinal validation and comparison of the Chinese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life‐Chemotherapy‐Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐CIPN20) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer‐Gynecologic Oncology Group‐Neurotoxicity subscale (FACT/GOG‐Ntx)
Authors: Cheng Hui Lin , Molassiotis Alex
Published: June 2018

Aim

To validate and compare the Chinese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life‐Chemotherapy‐Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐CIPN20) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer‐Gynecologic Oncology Group‐Neurotoxicity subscale (FACT/GOG‐Ntx) for measuring chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer patients.

Methods

Patients were assessed with the EORTC QLQ‐CIPN20, FACT/GOG‐Ntx, National Cancer Institute‐Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI‐CTCAE) and World Health Organization criterion of CIPN (WHO‐CIPN) from baseline up to 10 assessment points. Internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity and responsiveness of the EORTC QLQ‐CIPN20 and FACT/GOG‐Ntx were evaluated, respectively. Correlation and regression analysis were used to examine the relationships between these two scales.

Results

Internal reliability coefficients for both scales were above 0.80 across all assessment points. Moderate correlations of the two scales were found with WHO‐CIPN (rs = 0.40–0.44; rs = –0.42 to –0.46, all P < 0.05) and NCI‐CTCAE (rs = 0.46–0.57; rs = –0.44 to –0.55, all P < 0.01) at most assessment points. Older patients reported significantly more CIPN symptoms than younger counterparts did (P < 0.05). The hypothesized factor structures of both scales were not confirmed (χ2/df = 3.70–7.01; χ2/df = 2.14–10.43, all P < 0.001). Both scales demonstrated responsiveness with small‐to‐moderate effect size (r = 0.09–0.46, r = 0.11–0.35). The two scales were highly correlated and were predicted by all domains of each other at specific assessment points (R2 = 0.62–0.87; R2 = 0.76–0.85; respectively, all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the EORTC QLQ‐CIPN20 and FACT/GOG‐Ntx demonstrated acceptable reliability, validity and responsiveness and was found comparable in measuring CIPN among Chinese cancer patients at specific assessment points.
Putting Politics First: The Impact of Politics on American Religious and Secular Orientations
Authors: Campbell David E. , Layman Geoffrey C. , Green John C. , Sumaktoyo Nathanael G.
Published: June 2018

Nearly all research on the political impact of Americans’ religious and secular orientations assumes that such orientations are exogenous to politics. Using multiwave panel and experimental data, we find that religious and secular orientations are endogenous to political orientations. In other words, religion and secularism are a consequence as well as a cause of politics. In showing this, we make three major contributions. First, we conceptualize and measure secular orientations in a new way—not just as the absence of religion, but also as an affirmative secular identity and positive commitment to secular principles. Second, our panel and experimental data allow for the most definitive test to date of whether political orientations exert a causal effect on religious and secular orientations. Third, we isolate the conditions under which politics affects religious–secular perspectives, thus identifying the mechanism that underlies political orientations.
The single nucleotide polymorphism rs700518 is an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome and benign prostatic hyperplasia (MetS‐BPH)
Authors: Chen Z.P. , Yan Y. , Chen C.J. , Li M. , Chen C. , Zhao S.C. , Song T. , Liu T. , Zou C.H. , Xu Q. , Li X.
Published: June 2018

Studies have shown that 48.59% of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is combined with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The mainstream view supports the correlation between MetS and BPH, but the pathogenesis of MetS‐BPH is not fully understood. Four hundred and seventy‐four men, aged 47 years or older, were recruited into this study by consecutive routine physical examination programs, and several parameters were obtained from each participant. Based on the diagnosis of BPH, MetS, and MetS‐BPH, the participants were divided into BPH and Non‐BPH groups, MetS and Non‐MetS groups, as well as MetS‐BPH and Non‐MetS‐BPH groups. The values of the obtained parameters were evaluated using Student's t‐test, chi‐square test, and logistic regression analysis. The value of estradiol (E2) was higher in the diseased groups (BPH, MetS, and MetS‐BPH groups) compared with the corresponding control groups (Non‐BPH, Non‐MetS, and Non‐MetS‐BPH groups), and the differences were statistically significant. Also, E2 had an independent association with BPH (OR = 2.286, 95% CI: 1.723–3.593, p < 0.001), MetS (OR = 1.406, 95% CI: 0.585–2.315, p < 0.001), and MetS‐BPH (OR = 1.249, 95% CI: 0.795–1.962, p < 0.001). Regarding SNPs of CYP19A1 gene, both the rs4646 genotypes (CC, CA, and AA) and the rs700518 genotypes (CC, CT, and TT) were present in every group, and all genotypes had statistically significant differences between the diseased and corresponding control groups. However, only the TT genotype of rs700518 was independently associated with BPH, MetS, and MetS‐BPH after adjusting for age. The TT genotype of rs700518 is an independent risk factor for the MetS‐BPH populations, and the CYP19A1 gene regulation of estrogen leads to MetS‐BPH.
The association of maternal country of birth and education with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A population‐based study of 960 516 deliveries in Norway
Authors: Sole Kristina Baker , Staff Anne Cathrine , Laine Katariina
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Previous studies estimating the association of maternal country of birth and education with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) have shown conflicting results. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of HDP and estimate the association of maternal country of birth and education level with preeclampsia/eclampsia and gestational hypertension in Norway.

Material and methods

We performed a population‐based observational cohort study linking two population datasets: The Medical Birth Registry of Norway and Statistics Norway (SSB). Singleton deliveries in Norway between 1999 and 2014 (907 048 deliveries) were stratified by parity. Multiple regression analysis was performed.

Results

In 20% of the deliveries the woman was born outside of Norway. Foreign‐born women had lower risk of preeclampsia/eclampsia and gestational hypertension compared with Norwegian‐born women. High education reduced the risk for preeclampsia/eclampsia by 34% (adjusted odds ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.62‐0.69), compared with women with secondary education among nulliparous women, and by 39% (adjusted odds ratio 0.61, 95% CI 0.57‐0.65) among parous women. Poorly educated women had no increased risk of HDP compared with women with secondary education. Among highly educated nulliparous women the risk of preeclampsia/eclampsia was lower but the risk of gestational hypertension higher compared with women of similar parity with secondary education. Adjustment for confounding variables had minimal effect on these estimates.

Conclusions

Maternal country of birth and education were associated with HDP. Women with higher education had the lowest risk of HDP, and Norwegian‐born women had the highest risk of HDP, regardless of parity and other confounding factors.
Breastfeeding problems should be the only relevant criteria for deciding whether to carry out a frenotomy in infancy
Authors: Hentschel Roland
Published: June 2018

Performing a frenotomy on tongue‐tied infants is controversial, particularly with regard to breastfeeding issues. This paper reviews the literature to bring together clinical experiences and scientific evidence in this field. I found that some tongue‐tied babies may exhibit breastfeeding problems, while others may feed perfectly. The literature suggests that medical breastfeeding‐related problems should be the only relevant criteria to guide the decision‐making for a frenotomy in infancy. The advantages and disadvantages of either a wait and see position or surgical approach are addressed. Conclusion: The cornerstones for best practice are the meticulous examination, correct diagnosis and classification of tongue‐tied infants.
Benefactor facilitation and beneficiary feedback effects drive shrub‐dominated community succession in a semi‐arid dune ecosystem
Authors: Bai Yuxuan , She Weiwei , Michalet Richard , Zheng Jing , Qin Shugao , Zhang Yuqing
Published: June 2018

Questions

(a) How do the facilitative effects of benefactors on understorey species change along a successional gradient; (b) what are the feedback effects of the beneficiary species on the benefactor; and (c) how do these bidirectional interactions drive community dynamics of a shrub‐dominated ecosystem.

Location

A sand‐fixing community, Mu Us Desert, China.

Methods

We quantified the effects of the shrub Artemisia ordosica on understorey herb abundance, biomass and richness using an observational procedure at four positions along a successional gradient, i.e., semi‐fixed dunes (D1 stage), fixed dunes (D2 stage), fixed dunes covered with biological crusts (D3 stage) and fixed dunes with herbs (D4 stage). The relative interaction index (RII) was used to calculate the effect of the shrub on the herbs. Additionally, we conducted a removal experiment at the latest successional stage to assess the beneficiary feedback effects on the growth of the shrub's vegetative and reproductive twigs.

Results

The response of herbs to the effect of the benefactor shrub showed a humped‐back curve for abundance and biomass along the successional gradient, supporting the collapse of the interaction model, but a linear curve for richness, thus supporting the stress‐gradient hypothesis. This difference could likely be explained by a turnover of life‐history groups of understorey species from annuals to perennials along the successional gradient, with the growth of the latter group being more susceptible to shrub facilitation than the former. The herbs had a negative feedback effect on the growth of the shrub's reproductive twigs.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the relationship between the shrub A. ordosica and the associated herbs was antagonistic, and the absence of shrub seedling recruitment at the end of succession suggests that this antagonistic relationship was a crucial driver of a successional shift from a shrub‐dominated to a herb‐dominated community.
Evaluation of accuracy of IHI Trigger Tool in identifying adverse drug events: a prospective observational study
Authors: Silva Maria das Dores Graciano , Martins Maria Auxiliadora Parreiras , Viana Luciana de Gouvêa , Passaglia Luiz Guilherme , de Menezes Renata Rezende , Oliveira João Antonio de Queiroz , da Silva Jose Luiz Padilha , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz Pinho
Published: June 2018

Aims

Adverse drug events (ADEs) can seriously compromise the safety and quality of care provided to hospitalized patients, requiring the adoption of accurate methods to monitor them. We sought to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of the triggers proposed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) for identifying ADEs.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in a public university hospital in 2015 with patients over the age of 18. Triggers proposed by IHI and clinical alterations suspected to be ADEs were searched daily. The number of days in which the patient was hospitalized was considered as unit of measure to evaluate the accuracy of each trigger.

Results

A total of 300 patients were included in this study. Mean age was 56.3 years (standard deviation (SD) 16.0), and 154 (51.3%) were female. The frequency of patients with ADEs was 24.7% and with at least one trigger was 53.3%. From those patients who had at least one trigger, the most frequent triggers were antiemetics (57.5%) and ‘abrupt medication stop’ (31.8%). The sensitivity of triggers ranged from 0.3 to 11.8% and the positive predictive value ranged from 1.2 to 27.3%. Specificity and negative predictive value were greater than 86%. Most patients identified by the presence of triggers did not have ADEs (64.4%). No triggers were identified in 40 (38.5%) ADEs.

Conclusions

IHI Trigger Tool did not show good accuracy in detecting ADEs in this prospective study. The adoption of combined strategies could enhance effectiveness in identifying patient safety flaws. Further discussion might contribute to improve trigger usefulness in clinical practice.
A scoping review to explore how universal design for learning is described and implemented by rehabilitation health professionals in school settings
Authors: Kennedy J. , Missiuna C. , Pollock N. , Wu S. , Yost J. , Campbell W.
Published: June 2018

Background

Universal design for learning (UDL) is a framework that provides guidelines to support children with diverse needs in the classroom and promotes inclusion of all children. Although UDL is recognized as a promising approach for school‐based rehabilitation health professionals (RHPs), there are no studies that synthesize evidence on the use of UDL by RHPs in the school setting. Therefore, the research question for this study is: How is UDL described and implemented in school settings by RHPs? This study specifically examined literature from occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech‐language pathology.

Methods

A scoping review was completed to (a) summarize how UDL is described in the rehabilitation literature, (b) summarize the recommended and reported role of RHPs in the delivery of UDL, and (c) identify gaps in the evidence base. CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science, and ERIC electronic databases were searched. Numerical summaries and theoretical thematic analysis were used to describe the data both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results

Inclusion criteria were achieved for 45 of the 3,998 screened documents. Most of the included documents lacked a definition of UDL. Analysis suggested that speech‐language pathologists and occupational therapists implement UDL in a variety of ways within the school setting. No physiotherapy literature was found, and limited high‐level empirical research has been conducted within rehabilitation.

Conclusion

This scoping review provides a broad understanding of how RHPs describe and implement UDL‐aligned services in school settings. UDL is a promising framework that provides RHPs with guidance on how to support children with diverse needs in the classroom, with the overall aim to promote inclusion of all children. There is a need for further research to determine the effectiveness of UDL as implemented by RHPs and to examine the role of physiotherapists in using UDL‐type services.
The physical environment in family childcare homes and children's physical activity
Authors: Neshteruk C. D. , Mazzucca S. , Østbye T. , Ward D. S.
Published: June 2018

Background

Family childcare homes (FCCHs) are the second largest provider of childcare in the United States, yet little is known about how this setting influences children's physical activity, particularly related to the physical environment. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine what aspects of the FCCH physical environment facilitate or hinder children's physical activity.

Methods

Data were collected from 166 FCCH providers and 496 preschool‐aged children in 2013–2014 as part of the Keys to Healthy FCCHs study. Children's moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured using Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers. Wear data from the childcare day were isolated, and cut‐points were applied in order to calculate children's minutes of MVPA per hour. FCCH‐level estimates of child MVPA per hour were calculated. Indoor and outdoor physical environment characteristics were assessed during a 2‐day observation using the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation modified for FCCHs. General linear models were used to examine the relationship between indoor, portable play equipment, and outdoor FCCH physical environment characteristics and children's MVPA per hour.

Results

Only indoor play space was significantly associated with children's MVPA (β = 0.33; p = .034), indicating that when provided with more indoor space for active play, children were more physically active. No significant associations were noted between portable play equipment or the outdoor environment and children's MVPA.

Conclusions

Indoor space was the only physical environment characteristic associated with children's MVPA, suggesting that teaching FCCH providers how to best utilize their indoor play space for active play may be a way to promote children's physical activity. Futures studies should explore the impact of other environmental characteristics of the FCCH (e.g., provider practices and policies) on children's physical activity.
Secure Base Representations in Children With Asthma: Links With Symptoms, Family Asthma Management, and Cytokine Regulation
Authors: Ehrlich Katherine B. , Miller Gregory E. , Shalowitz Madeleine , Story Rachel , Levine Cynthia , Williams Deanna , Le Van , Chen Edith
Published: June 2018

Children's perceptions of caregivers as a secure base have been linked with socioemotional outcomes, but little is known about connections to physical health. We examined whether secure base representations are associated with children's symptoms, family management strategies, and inflammatory processes in children with asthma. Participants included 308 children (ages 8–17) and one parent. Children completed a blood draw to measure asthma‐related immune functions and reported on perceptions of their mothers as a secure base and their asthma symptoms. Dyads completed interviews about asthma management. Analyses revealed that children's secure base perceptions were associated with better family asthma management and lower Type 2 T‐helper cell cytokine production. These findings suggest that secure base representations may be protective for children with asthma.
Local human activities limit marine protection efficacy on Caribbean coral reefs
Authors: Suchley Adam , Alvarez‐Filip Lorenzo
Published: June 2018

Marine ecosystems globally have suffered habitat, biodiversity and function loss in response to human activity. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can limit extractive activities and enhance ecosystem resilience, but do not directly address external stressors. We surveyed 48 sites within seven MPAs and nearby unprotected areas to evaluate drivers of coral reef condition in the Mexican Caribbean. We found that local human activity limits protection effectiveness. Coral cover was positively related to protection characteristics, but was significantly lower at sites with elevated local human activity. Furthermore, we predict ongoing coastal development will reduce coral cover despite expanded protection within a regionwide MPA if an effective integrated coastal zone management strategy is not implemented. Policy makers must acknowledge the detrimental impact of uncontrolled coastal development and apply stringent construction and wastewater regulations in addition to marine protection.
Assessment of cellular adequacy of fine needle aspiration biopsy for small solid renal tumors
Authors: Wen J. , Li G. , Berremila S. A. , Klein J‐P. , Péoc'h M. , Cottier M. , Mottet N.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate the performance of fine needle aspiration (FNA) as a method for obtaining cellular material for the tissue diagnosis of small solid renal tumours.

Methods

Fifty‐five patients with a small solid renal tumour (4 cm or smaller) underwent a FNA biopsy under computed tomography guidance. Direct smears and rinse of needle with Cytolyt® were prepared. The cellular adequacy was divided into three groups: satisfactory cellular material, scant cellular material and noncellular material.

Results

Postoperative pathological diagnosis showed 35 clear cell carcinomas, 10 papillary carcinomas, four chromophobe carcinomas, four oncocytomas, one adenoma and one metastatic carcinoma. A total of 21 (38.2%) FNA biopsies belonged to noncellular group. For clear cell carcinomas, the cellularity of satisfactory cellular group, scant cellular group and noncellular group was, respectively, seven (20.0%), nine (25.7%) and 19 (54.3%). Of the 10 papillary carcinomas, nine (90%) and all four chromophobe carcinomas (100%) had satisfactory cellular materials. The percentages of noncellular group among clear cell carcinoma, papillary carcinoma and chromophobe carcinoma were significantly different (P = 0.0020). Fifteen tumours were 2 cm or smaller and 40 tumours were larger than 2 cm. No significant difference was found in the percentage of noncellular material for the tumours 2 cm or less (40.0%) and for the tumours larger than 2 cm (37.5%; P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The cellularity of FNA biopsy of small solid renal masses might correlate with the subtype of renal cancers. FNA biopsy was an effective method of tissue sampling for papillary and chromophobe renal carcinomas.