bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dentists’ practices and patient safety: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Al‐Mahalawy Haytham , El‐Mahallawy Yehia , El Tantawi Maha
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To assess the frequency of dentist‐reported practices to ensure patient safety in the dental office and the impact of training and work environment on this frequency using the framework of the International Patient Safety Goals (IPSGs).

Methods

Dentists attending major conferences in Egypt and Saudi Arabia were recruited in a cross‐sectional study in 2018. They completed a questionnaire assessing professional background and the frequency of practices for the IPSGs. The relationship between explanatory variables: training (postgraduate degrees and continuing education) and work environment (years in profession, working in public sector and performing surgical procedures) and the outcome variable: frequency of practices for 4 IPSGs was assessed using multivariate general linear model, and univariate general linear model was used to assess their relationship to the overall score of safety practices calculated for all goals.

Results

The response rate was 81.1%. Practices related to reducing harm in the office environment were significantly less frequent than practices ensuring medication safety, ensuring safe surgery and controlling infection. The overall frequency of safety practices was significantly higher amongst senior than junior dentists. There were significant differences in safety practices frequency based on postgraduate degrees and receiving safety training. Dentists performing surgical procedures reported less frequent safety practices.

Conclusion

Practices to reduce harm because of the dental office environment were less frequent than other safety practices. Senior dentists, dentists who had postgraduate degrees and who received safety training reported more safety practices whilst those performing surgical procedures reported fewer safety practices.
Does predator abundance influence species diversity of equilibrium macroinvertebrate assemblages in spring fens?
Authors: Zhai Marie , Syrovátka Vít , Bojková Jindřiška , Šorfová Vanda , Polášková Vendula , Schenková Jana , Horsák Michal
Published: February 2020

Predation may significantly control number and density of coexisting species. The effects of predation on species diversity have traditionally been tested in experiments and theoretical models of simple trophic systems. In complex natural ecosystems, however, disentangling multiple sources of variation is difficult. In groundwater‐fed environments, a significant effect of predation can be expected due to the relatively stable environmental conditions; however, it has never been properly examined.

We analysed species diversity and total abundance of macroinvertebrate assemblages in 48 Western Carpathian spring fens, separately for whole sites and mesohabitat/season, and partitioned the effects of predation intensity from those of environmental variables in robust models using a bootstrapping technique. We verified our results by accounting for taxa resistant to predation.

The assumption that predation‐mediated coexistence of species is the main mechanism responsible for the relatively species‐rich assemblages in the Western Carpathian spring fens was not supported. However, predation may significantly influence abundance of non‐predatory species and, under some conditions, it may contribute to explaining patterns in species diversity.

The effect of predation did not differ between the mesohabitats with different stability. However, we found higher environmental control in spring and a stronger effect of predators in autumn, which suggests that different mechanisms influence fen assemblages in different seasons.

Our study provides a new robust approach how to test the effect of predation on natural macroinvertebrate assemblages. The importance of predation was lower than expected in equilibrium assemblages but it may vary in time.
Biofeedback Treatment App for Pediatric Migraine: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Stubberud Anker , Tronvik Erling , Olsen Alexander , Gravdahl Gøril , Linde Mattias
Published: February 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to develop and investigate the usability of a biofeedback treatment smartphone app for adolescent migraine sufferers.

Background

Biofeedback is effective in treating pediatric migraine. However, biofeedback is not widely used due to the necessity of a trained therapist and specialized equipment. Emerging digital technology, including smartphones and wearables, enables new ways of administering biofeedback.

Methods

In a prospective open‐label development and usability study, 10 adolescent migraine sufferers used a newly developed biofeedback app with wearable sensors that measured their muscle tension, finger temperature, and heart rate. Three iterative rounds of usability testing, including a 2‐week home testing period, were completed. A biofeedback algorithm, combining and optimizing the 3 physiological modalities, and several algorithms for sham‐treatment were created. Usability was evaluated statistically and summarized thematically.

Results

Five of ten participants completed all 3 rounds of usability testing. A total of 72 biofeedback sessions were completed. Usability scoring was consistently high, with median scores ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 on a 5‐point scale. The biofeedback optimization algorithm correlated excellently to the raw physiological measurements (r = 0.85, P < .001). The intervention was safe and tolerable.

Conclusion

We developed an app for young migraine sufferers to receive therapist‐independent biofeedback. The app underwent a rigorous development process as well as usability and feasibility testing. It is now ready for clinical trials.
Political alignment and audit pricing
Authors: Truong Cameron , Garg Mukesh , Adrian Christofer , Pham Anh Viet , Shane Philip
Published: February 2020

This article investigates the impact of political alignment on the pricing of audit service for U.S. firms. While prior studies have mainly focused on the political connectedness stemming from firms' active political effort, our study is different as we exploit changes in the U.S. political landscape, which are exogenous to firms. We employ a political alignment index (PAI) of each state's leading politicians with the presidential party to proxy for U.S. domestic firms' political alignment. We build upon the policy risk theory, and conjecture that auditors take into account the risk emanating from firms' political geography position and price this risk in their audit service fees. Our empirical results show a positive association between PAI and audit fees. Collectively, our findings suggest that auditors perceive firms whose headquarters are located in more politically aligned states to be riskier, while corporate diversification and managerial ability act as effective mitigating factors.
Expression of melatonin receptors and CD4 in the ovine thymus, lymph node, spleen and liver during early pregnancy
Authors: Bai Jiachen , Zhang Leying , Zhao Zimo , Li Ning , Wang Bin , Yang Ling
Published: February 2020

As a pineal gland hormone, melatonin acts through its receptors to modulate the immune system. The immune system is composed of primary and secondary organs, and immune organs are adapted to the presence of the fetal alloantigen during pregnancy. However, it is unclear whether melatonin affects maternal immune organs during early pregnancy in sheep. In this study, the ovine thymus, lymph node, spleen and liver were sampled at day 16 of the oestrous cycle, and at days 13, 16 and 25 of pregnancy. The expression of melatonin receptor 1A (MT1), melatonin receptor 1B (MT2) and cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry experiments. Our results showed that during early pregnancy there was an upregulation of MT1 mRNA and protein in the thymus, lymph node and liver, and there was a downregulation in the spleen. The expression of MT2 mRNA and protein was increased in the thymus but decreased in the spleen and liver, and there was no significant change in the lymph node during early pregnancy. CD4 protein was upregulated in the thymus, lymph node and liver, but there were no significant changes in the spleen during early pregnancy. In conclusion, early pregnancy induces tissue‐specific expression of MT1, MT2 and CD4, which may be due to the different functions of the thymus, lymph node, spleen and liver. Further, melatonin is involved in immune regulation of the maternal thymus, lymph node, spleen and liver during early pregnancy in sheep.
Self‐Love and Its Forms
Authors: Brewer Talbot
Published: February 2020

Sarah Buss argues that if we are to rise to the challenge of standing up to justice when doing so is costly, we will have to internalise a sense of our own unimportance. That is, we will have to cultivate an attitude that is ‘the opposite of self‐love’. I try to show that what we need is not to eliminate our love of self but to give it a proper and discerning shape, so that it conduces to our goodness rather than to our self‐interest narrowly construed.
Some Musings About the Limits of an Ethics That Can Be Applied – A Response to a Question About Courage and Convictions That Confronted the Author When She Woke Up on November 9, 2016
Authors: Buss Sarah
Published: February 2020

I experienced the 2016 Presidential election as a loss of innocence. For the first time in my life, the prospect of losing my most basic rights and freedoms did not feel so remote. Confronting this possibility prompted the musings in this article. I call them ‘musings' because the article is not a systematic defense of a clearly demarcated position. It is, rather, a somewhat circuitous exploration of the many questions that pressed themselves upon me as I struggled to understand what distinguishes (a) reasonable accommodations to injustice from (b) morally unacceptable accommodations. When is a commitment not really a commitment? When does reasonable fear become shameful cowardice? When does my knowledge that I can do something to resist injustice give me good enough reason to resist? Under what conditions is my reason an enemy of my ideals? What is the proper balance between valuing myself beyond price and appreciating that many, many things matter far more than my own life and security? In grappling with these questions, I have been reminded of the extent to which moral discernment does not involve applying a ‘philosophy' and the extent to which it cannot be secured by prior training.
Work motivation perceptions of students with intellectual disabilities before and after participation in a short‐term vocational rehabilitation summer programme: An exploratory study
Authors: Myers Cassidy , Cox Carol
Published: February 2020

Background

A small group of transition‐aged students with intellectual disabilities participated in a short‐term summer work experience programme under the mentorship of a job coach.

Methods

Dyadic interview technique was used to identify student and mentor participants' perceptions of student participant work motivation pre‐ and post‐programme. Themes were identified and interpreted.

Results

Student participants reported becoming more intrinsically motivated and future‐focused by programme completion. They noted a broader outlook about the meaning of employment; moving from a narrow, financial‐focused, short‐term perception to a longer‐term, more holistic view of work. Although student participants reported high confidence levels for obtaining and keeping employment by programme completion, mentors voiced concerns about realism of their goals due to employment barriers for people with disabilities.

Conclusions

Work motivation has been previously associated with positive employment participation. Findings provide some support for assessment of work motivation in school‐to‐work transition planning.
Do You See What I See? A Simulation Analysis of Order Bundling within a Transparent User Network in Geographic Space
Authors: Ambra Tomas , Caris An , Macharis Cathy
Published: February 2020

The Physical Internet (PI) concept presents a radical change with the aim to revert the unsustainable practices that are used for transporting goods. It identifies dedicated freight flows and transforms them into transparent open logistics networks which can be accessed by other users, such as shippers and carriers. In this paper, we test the universal network openness in which the users can tap into the PI network and place orders that will be assigned to the nearest available transport service and consequently delivered to the order sender. The objective of our paper is to investigate the impact of inserting extra service points into existing dedicated freight flows of a service‐driven company. We simulate different transparency levels and routings to new pickup locations and evaluate the impact in terms of altered lead times, covered distances, and fill rates. The novel aspects presented herein are (1) deliveries based on decentralized location detection of the nearest order sender, (2) dynamically changing speed parameters of agents within specific geographic clusters based on their geo‐locations in order to account for congestion levels, (3) more realistic routing strategies that consider the urban layout, and (4) transparent querying of nearest agents in space and time that meet specific conditions such as current ongoing processes, available capacity, and position. Finally, we identify the impact from a general/holistic perspective that emerges once extra orders are assigned to the service‐driven company's fleet.
Quercetin inhibits macrophage polarization through the p‐38α/β signalling pathway and regulates OPG/RANKL balance in a mouse skull model
Authors: Ge Yu‐Wei , Feng Kai , Liu Xiao‐Liang , Zhu Zhen‐An , Chen Hong‐Fang , Chang Yong‐Yun , Sun Zhen‐Yu , Wang Hao‐Wei , Zhang Jing‐Wei , Yu De‐Gang , Mao Yuan‐Qing
Published: February 2020

Aseptic loosening caused by wear particles is a common complication after total hip arthroplasty. We investigated the effect of the quercetin on wear particle‐mediated macrophage polarization, inflammatory response and osteolysis. In vitro, we verified that Ti particles promoted the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into M1 macrophages through p‐38α/β signalling pathway by using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence assay and small interfering p‐38α/β RNA. We used enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays to confirm that the protein expression of M1 macrophages increased in the presence of Ti particles and that these pro‐inflammatory factors further regulated the imbalance of OPG/RANKL and promoted the differentiation of osteoclasts. However, this could be suppressed, and the protein expression of M2 macrophages was increased by the presence of the quercetin. In vivo, we revealed similar results in the mouse skull by μ‐CT, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assay. We obtained samples from patients with osteolytic tissue. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that most of the macrophages surrounding the wear particles were M1 macrophages and that pro‐inflammatory factors were released. Titanium particle‐mediated M1 macrophage polarization, which caused the release of pro‐inflammatory factors through the p‐38α/β signalling pathway, regulated OPG/RANKL balance. Macrophage polarization is expected to become a new clinical drug therapeutic target.
AQP1 suppression by ATF4 triggers trabecular meshwork tissue remodelling in ET‐1‐induced POAG
Authors: Zhao Yingying , Zhu Huazhang , Yang Yangfan , Ye Yiming , Yao Youli , Huang Xiaoyan , Zhang Yixiang , Shu Xingsheng , Chen Xianxiong , Yang Yatao , Ma Junxian , Cheng Le , Wang Xiaomei , Ying Ying
Published: February 2020

Primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Increased endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) has been observed in aqueous humour (AH) of POAG patients, resulting in an increase in the out‐flow resistance of the AH. However, the underlining mechanisms remain elusive. Using established in vivo and in vitro POAG models, we demonstrated that water channel Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) is down‐regulated in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells upon ET‐1 exposure, which causes a series of glaucomatous changes, including actin fibre reorganization, collagen production, extracellular matrix deposition and contractility alteration of TM cells. Ectopic expression of AQP1 can reverse ET‐1‐induced TM tissue remodelling, which requires the presence of β‐catenin. More importantly, we found that ET‐1‐induced AQP1 suppression is mediated by ATF4, a transcription factor of the unfolded protein response, which binds to the promoter of AQP1 and negatively regulates AQP1 transcription. Thus, we discovered a novel function of ATF4 in controlling the process of TM remodelling in ET‐1‐induced POAG through transcription suppression of AQP1. Our findings also detail a novel pathological mechanism and a potential therapeutic target for POAG.
Effect of the use of passive body trunk exercise equipment on oxygen consumption and self‐efficacy for carrying out exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kawae Toshihiro , Iwaki Daisuke , Nakashima Yuki , Fudeyasu Kenichi , Ishiguro Tomoyasu , Kimura Hiroaki , Sekikawa Kiyokazu , Hamada Hironobu , Ohno Haruya , Yoneda Masayasu
Published: February 2020

Aims/Introduction

Considering the difficulty in inculcating the habit of exercise among patients with type 2 diabetes, devising an easily maintained means of exercise is preferable. Passive body trunk exercise equipment (PBTE) developed for home use might solve several problems related to exercise therapy, both for patients and clinical staff involved in diabetes treatment; however, its efficacy as a therapeutic exercise device for patients with diabetes has not been ascertained. The purpose of this study was to measure the exercise intensity and self‐efficacy of PBTE, and to determine whether PBTE is a useful tool for exercise therapy.

Materials and Methods

The participants were 20 patients with type 2 diabetes, and the duration of exercise using the PBTE was set to 10 min. Oxygen consumption during exercise was measured, and self‐efficacy for continuing to exercise using the PBTE and for walking was evaluated after completion of the study.

Results

The average exercise intensity using the PBTE was 1.7 metabolic equivalents, whereas the maximum exercise intensity was an average of 2.0 metabolic equivalents; the reported self‐efficacy for continuing to exercise using the PBTE was significantly higher than for walking.

Conclusions

Exercise intensity using the PBTE is similar to low‐intensity walking, and thus, it might be a useful therapeutic exercise device for patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it could be an effective exercise device for diabetes patients who do not have regular exercise habits, especially with reduced motor function or lower leg muscle strength.
Biomechanical properties of anuran long bones: correlations with locomotor modes and habitat use
Authors: Vera Miriam Corina , Ferretti José Luis , Abdala Virginia , Cointry Gustavo Roberto
Published: February 2020

Long bones are subjected to mechanical loads during locomotion that will influence their biomechanical properties through a feedback mechanism (the bone mechanostat). This mechanism adapts the spatial distribution of the mineralized tissue to resist compression, bending and torsion. Among vertebrates, anurans represent an excellent group to study long bone properties because they vary widely in locomotor modes and habitat use, which enforce different skeletal loadings. In this study, we hypothesized that (a) the cortical bone mass, density and design of anuran femur and tibiofibula would reflect the mechanical influences of the different locomotor modes and habitat use, and (b) the relationships between the architectural efficiency of cortical design (cross‐sectional moments of inertia) and the intrinsic stiffness of cortical tissue [cortical mineral density; the 'distribution/quality' (d/q) relationship] would describe some inter‐specific differences in the efficiency of the bone mechanostat to improve bone design under different mechanical loads. To test this hypothesis, we determined tomographic (peripheral quantitative computed tomography) indicators of bone mass, mineralization, and design along the femur and tibiofibula of four anuran species with different modes of locomotion and use of habitat. We found inter‐specific differences in all measures between the distal and proximal ends and mid‐diaphysis of the bones. In general, terrestrial‐hopper species had the highest values. Arboreal‐walker species had the lowest values for all variables except for cortical bone mineral density, which was lowest in aquatic‐swimmer species. The d/q relationships showed similar responses of bone modeling as a function of cortical stiffness for aquatic and arboreal species, whereas terrestrial‐hoppers had higher values for moments of inertia regardless of the tissue compliance to be deformed. These results provide new evidence regarding the significant role of movement and habitat use in addition to the biomechanical properties of long bones within a morpho‐functional and comparative context in anuran species.
Different patterns in age‐related morphometric alteration of myelinated fibers and capillaries of the tibial nerve: a longitudinal study in normal rats
Authors: Sakita Masahiro , Murakami Shinichiro , Nonaka Koji , Sakamoto Ryuji , Saito Takafumi , Isobe Wataru , Kumagai Shuzo
Published: February 2020

Age‐related regression of myelinated fibers in peripheral nerves of the lower limbs is strongly influenced by capillaries and results in balance dysfunction and falls. However, the temporal relationships between alteration patterns of myelinated fibers and capillaries have not yet been clarified. This study aimed to investigate age‐related morphological and histological changes of both myelinated fibers and capillaries in peripheral nerves to clarify whether myelinated fibers or capillaries change earlier. Seven male Wistar rats each were randomly selected at 20 weeks (young group), 70 weeks (middle group), and 97 weeks (old group) for histological evaluations. The left and right tibial nerves were removed morphologically and histologically to examine myelinated fibers and capillaries. Axon diameter and myelin thickness were almost unaltered in the middle group compared with the young group but were significantly reduced in the old group when compared with the other two groups. However, the capillary diameter and number of microvascular branch points were substantially reduced in the middle group. The current study demonstrates that myelinated fibers of peripheral nerves show signs of regression in elderly rats, whereas capillaries start to reduce in middle‐aged animals. In normal aging of the tibial nerve, capillaries may regress before myelinated fibers.
Response to Dr Yang and Dr Liang
Authors: Zandanell S. , Aigner E.
Published: February 2020

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Yang and Liang
Melatonin enhances thrombopoiesis through ERK1/2 and Akt activation orchestrated by dual adaptor for phosphotyrosine and 3‐phosphoinositides
Authors: Chen Shilei , Qi Yan , Wang Song , Xu Yang , Shen Mingqiang , Hu Mengjia , Du Changhong , Chen Fang , Chen Mo , Lu Yukai , Zhang Zihao , Quan Yong , Wang Cheng , Wang Fengchao , Wang Junping
Published: February 2020

Melatonin (MT), endogenously secreted by the pineal gland, is closely related to multiple biological processes; however, its effect on thrombopoiesis is still not well illustrated. Here, we demonstrate that MT administration can elevate peripheral platelet levels. Analysis of different stages in thrombopoiesis reveals that MT has the capacity to promote the expansion of CD34+ and CD41+ cells, and accelerate proplatelet formation (PPF) and platelet production. Furthermore, in vivo experiments show that MT has a potential therapeutic effect on radiation‐induced thrombocytopenia. The underlying mechanism suggests that both extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and Akt signaling are involved in the processes of thrombopoiesis facilitated by MT. Interestingly, in addition to the direct regulation of Akt signaling by its upstream phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), ERK1/2 signaling is also regulated by PI3K via its effector, dual adaptor for phosphotyrosine and 3‐phosphoinositides (DAPP1), in megakaryocytes after MT treatment. Moreover, the expression level of DAPP1 during megakaryocyte differentiation is closely related to the activation of ERK1/2 and Akt at different stages of thrombopoiesis. In conclusion, our data suggest that MT treatment can promote thrombopoiesis, which is modulated by the DAPP1‐orchestrated activation of ERK1/2 and Akt signaling.
Improvement of myofibrillar protein gel strength of Scomberomorus niphonius by riboflavin under UVA irradiation
Authors: He Baoyu , Shi Yixin , Jin Meiran , Pu Yuan , Dong Xiuping , Yu Chenxu , Qi Hang
Published: February 2020

In this study, effects of different concentrations of riboflavin (0, 0.02, and 0.1 μmol/g protein) on myofibrillar protein (MP, Scomberomorus niphonius) gel were characterized. The gel structure and properties were studied with or without Ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation. Electron spin resonance results showed that riboflavin produced ·OH under UVA irradiation, which subsequently oxidized the MP. Compared with the control group, the addition of riboflavin with UVA irradiation increased the strength of the MP gel. The rheological results showed that under UVA irradiation, addition of riboflavin facilitated the sol–gel transition between 45 and 52°C, indicating that oxidation led to significant structural changes which in turn resulted in a more compact and uniform gel network. The presence of riboflavin led to increased carbonyl content and decreased sulfhydryl and free amino groups, which decreased the protein solubility and promoted alpha‐helical conformational loss in the secondary structure of the MP. These results all indicated that the MP has been oxidized. Electrophoresis revealed that myosin heavy chains were aggregated in the UVA‐treated riboflavin‐added MP gel, indicating that protein cross‐linking has been induced. All the results indicated that the ·OH produced by riboflavin under UVA irradiation oxidized the MP, and improved protein crosslinking and gel properties.
Long‐term evolution of hepatitis B virus genotype F: Strong association between viral diversification and the prehistoric settlement of Central and South America
Authors: Mojsiejczuk Laura , Torres Carolina , Flichman Diego , Campos Rodolfo Héctor
Published: February 2020

The genotype F (HBV‐F) is an autochthonous Native American strain of the hepatitis B virus. In this study, we reconstruct the HBV‐F long‐term evolution under a hypothesis of co‐divergence with humans in Central and South America, since their entry into the region 14.5‐16 thousand years ago. The Bayesian phylogeographic reconstruction supported a virus‐host co‐expansion; however, two evolutionary scenarios would have been present. Whereas subgenotype F1 spreads along a Pacific coastal route and would have evolved associated with Central American and Andean cultures from the west of the continent, subgenotypes F2‐F6 spread along the Atlantic coastline and inner pathways associated with communities inhabiting the tropical forest lowlands. Then, we propose a model for HBV‐F evolution in which the selection of differential biological characteristics in these two main groups would be related to their evolution in host populations with different genetic backgrounds and dissimilar demographic conditions.
Population pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin in clinically diseased or injured Eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), yellow‐bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta), and river cooters (Pseudemys concinna)
Authors: Griffioen John A. , Lewbart Gregory A. , Papich Mark G.
Published: February 2020

Enrofloxacin is frequently administered to turtles in wildlife clinics during rehabilitation due to its wide spectrum of antibacterial activity and availability of injectable formulations. However, sufficient pharmacokinetic data to guide dosing are lacking. The objective of this study was to determine pharmacokinetic parameters of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite, ciprofloxacin, in chelonians presenting injured to a wildlife clinic. Thirty‐six Eastern box turtles (EBT, Terrapene carolina carolina), 23 yellow‐bellied sliders (YBS, Trachemys scripta scripta), and 13 river cooters (RC, Pseudemys concinna) received a single subcutaneous injection of enrofloxacin at 10 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected between 0 and 240 hr postinjection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling (NMLE). Overall elimination half‐life (T½) was over 75 hr, and varied among species. T½ was 63 hr in EBT and 79 hr in YBS, which is longer than in previous reports. The volume of distribution (steady‐state) was 1.4 L/kg across turtle species, but highly variable—ranging from 0.4 L/kg in RC to 1.9 L/kg in YBS. Antibiotic concentrations were above a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 0.5 µg/ml for over 200 hr. These results indicate variable pharmacokinetic parameters for enrofloxacin among turtle species, which will help guide appropriate dosing protocols in injured turtles.
Skills, Employment, and Labor Market Institutions: Evidence from PIAAC
Authors: Marius Vaag Iversen Jon , Strøm Bjarne
Published: February 2020

Hanushek et al (2015, ‘Returns to Skills Around the World: Evidence from PIAAC’, European Economic Review 73: 103) find a weak wage–skill relationship in countries with limited skill reward possibilities due to high union density, strict employment protection, and large public sector. If these factors also restrict employment possibilities and the incentives to join the labor market, a possible mirror image of the weak wage–skill relationship is a steeper employment–skill gradient. We use PIAAC data to estimate the employment–skill association, and the results for the whole sample of individuals give some indication that the employment–skill gradient is steeper in countries with strict employment rules and centralized bargaining. Our results for subgroups show imprecisely estimated employment–skill gradients for immigrants. For individuals with poor health conditions and low formal education, the estimated gradient is somewhat higher than in the whole sample in countries with high bargaining coverage, a large public sector, and centralized collective bargaining systems.
Stressed, depressed, and rank obsessed: Individual differences in compassion and neuroticism predispose towards rank‐based depressive symptomatology
Authors: Kim Jeffrey J. , Gerrish Ruby , Gilbert Paul , Kirby James N.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

As social creatures, we monitor our relative rank and/or status with others via social comparisons. Whilst research has identified perceptions of inferiority or ‘low rank’ relative to others is a robust predictor of depressive, anxious, and stress symptomology, to date individual differences have been ignored. We wish to provide empirical evidence to outline how differences across personality traits may interact with social rank variables to buffer or predispose towards depressive symptomology.

Methods

Across three independent samples (N = 595), we replicated a social rank model of mental health, and with our third sample (N = 200), we sought to investigate attenuating roles for neuroticism versus compassion with multiple moderated regression models.

Results

Neuroticism predicted greater levels of rank‐associated depression, and compassion failed to function as a protective factor for rank‐associated depression. However, a closer inspection of the original Big‐5 factor structure positions this scale as a measure of ‘interpersonal submissiveness’ or ‘conflict appeasement’ rather than genuine compassion.

Conclusions

Whilst it is necessary to delineate the conditions where compassion is appropriate and able to lead to positive mental health outcomes, we argue this cannot be addressed with the Big‐5 measure of trait compassion. We call for future work to consider valid and reliable measures for compassion, such as the self‐compassion scale, submissive compassion scale, and fears of compassion scale, to more fully address how compassion may protect against both rank‐based comparisons and severity of depression.

Practitioner Points

Social rank mechanisms are robustly implicated in depression, anxiety, and stress.

Clients who present as higher in neuroticism, inferiority, or submissiveness may be more prone towards rank‐associated depression symptoms.

Preliminary evidence suggests cultivation of genuine compassion can shift clients from a rank‐focussed to a compassionate‐focussed mentality, which aids mental health and fosters well‐being.
Establishment gaps in species‐poor grasslands: artificial biodiversity hotspots to support the colonization of target species
Authors: Kiss Réka , Deák Balázs , Tóthmérész Béla , Miglécz Tamás , Tóth Katalin , Török Péter , Lukács Katalin , Godó Laura , Körmöczi Zsófia , Radócz Szilvia , Kelemen András , Sonkoly Judit , Kirmer Anita , Tischew Sabine , Švamberková Eva , Valkó Orsolya
Published: February 2020

Sowing of grass seed mixtures is a feasible and cost‐effective method for landscape‐scale grassland restoration. However, sowing only grasses usually leads to species‐poor and dense swards, where the establishment of target forbs is hampered by microsite and propagule limitation. To overcome these limitations and increase the diversity of species‐poor sown grasslands, we developed a novel method by creating “establishment gaps.”. We used tillage to open gaps of 1‐, 4‐, and 16‐m2 size in the dense grass sward of six species‐poor restored grasslands in the Great Hungarian Plain. We sowed high‐diversity seed mixtures of 35 native species into all gaps. We analyzed vegetation development during the first 5 years after setting up the trial. We also studied the colonization dynamics of the sown species along four 20‐m transects around each gap, resulting in a total of 1440 plots of 1‐m2 size that were studied. Our results indicated that most of the sown species were able to establish permanently in the gaps. The total cover and the cover of perennial sown species increased and the cover of short‐lived sown species decreased independent of gap size. There was only a moderate level of weed abundance in the gaps, and weed cover decreased over the years. The sown target species started to colonize the species‐poor grasslands surrounding the gaps within 5 years. The highest number of species and individuals dispersed from the 4‐m2 gaps, as they had a more stable development than smaller gaps and were exposed to lower grazing pressure than large ones.
Mine reclamation enhances habitats for wild ungulates in west‐central Alberta
Authors: Beale Meghan M. , Boyce Mark S.
Published: February 2020

Surface mining is the most prevalent form of coal extraction in North America. Reclamation aims to transform former surface mines into self‐sustaining ecosystems that support uses similar to predevelopment conditions. Success of reclamation often is determined by assessing the re‐establishment of landscape structure and vegetation communities. However, there is increasing interest in evaluating reclamation success in the context of higher trophic levels. We evaluated response to mining and reclamation by sympatric bighorn sheep (Ovis canadanesis), elk (Cervus elaphus), and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) on reclaimed coal mines in west‐central Alberta. We used direct ground counts on a fixed survey route to obtain data on abundance and distribution of ungulates during 2004 to 2017. We created a grid of 200 × 200 m grid cells and assigned each group of ungulates to a grid cell. We assigned landscape and topographic features to these grid cells to represent changes due to mining and reclamation. We estimated resource selection functions for bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer showing how their use of reclaimed features and landscapes increased access to quality forage and decreased predation risk. Ungulates also responded to mining and reclamation in ways that we did not anticipate, e.g. sheep and elk often selected areas near haul roads. Understanding spatial relationships between reclamation prescriptions and higher trophic levels is important when designing “bottom up” reclamation to restore ecological functions including recruitment of wildlife.
Using consecutive prescribed fires to reduce shrub encroachment in grassland by increasing shrub mortality
Authors: Hopkinson Peter , Hammond Michele , Bartolome James W. , Macaulay Luke
Published: February 2020

Woody plant encroachment into open grasslands occurs worldwide and causes multiple ecological and management impacts. Prescribed fire could be used to conserve grassland habitat but often has limited efficacy because many woody plants resprout after fire and rapidly reestablish abundance. If fire‐induced mortality could be increased, prescribed fire would be a more effective management tool. In California's central coast, shrub encroachment, especially of Baccharis pilularis (coyote brush), is converting coastal prairie into shrub‐dominated communities, with a consequent loss of native herbaceous species and open grassland habitat. B. pilularis has not been successfully controlled with single prescribed fire events because the shrub resprouts and reestablishes cover within a few years. We investigated whether two consecutive annual burns would control B. pilularis by killing resprouting shrubs, without reducing native herbaceous species or encouraging invasive plants. As expected, resprouting did occur; however, 2 years after the second burn, B. pilularis cover on burned plots was only 41% of the cover on unburned plots. Mortality of B. pilularis more than doubled following the second burn, likely maintaining a reduction in B. pilularis cover for longer than a single burn would have. Three native coastal prairie perennial grasses did not appear to be adversely affected by the two burns, nor did the burns result in increased cover of invasive species. Managers wanting to restore coastal prairie following B. pilularis encroachment should consider two consecutive annual burns, especially if moderate fire intensity is achievable.
AVAPS‐AE versus ST mode: A randomized controlled trial in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Patout Maxime , Gagnadoux Frédéric , Rabec Claudio , Trzepizur Wojciech , Georges Marjolaine , Perrin Christophe , Tamisier Renaud , Pépin Jean‐Louis , Llontop Claudia , Attali Valerie , Goutorbe Frederic , Pontier‐Marchandise Sandrine , Cervantes Pierre , Bironneau Vanessa , Portmann Adriana , Delrieu Jacqueline , Cuvelier Antoine , Muir Jean‐François
Published: February 2020

Background and objective

Average volume‐assured pressure support—automated expiratory positive airway pressure (AVAPS‐AE) combines an automated positive expiratory pressure to maintain upper airway patency to an automated pressure support with a targeted tidal volume. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 2‐month AVAPS‐AE ventilation versus pressure support (ST) ventilation on objective sleep quality in stable patients with OHS. Secondary outcomes included arterial blood gases, health‐related quality of life, daytime sleepiness, subjective sleep quality and compliance to NIV.

Methods

This is a prospective multicentric randomized controlled trial. Consecutive OHS patients included had daytime PaCO2 > 6 kPa, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, clinical stability for more than 2 weeks and were naive from home NIV. PSG were analysed centrally by two independent experts. Primary endpoint was sleep quality improvement at 2 months.

Results

Among 69 trial patients, 60 patients had successful NIV setup. Baseline and follow‐up PSG were available for 26 patients randomized in the ST group and 30 in the AVAPS‐AE group. At baseline, PaCO2 was 6.94 ± 0.71 kPa in the ST group and 6.61 ± 0.71 in the AVAPS‐AE group (P = 0.032). No significant between‐group difference was observed for objective sleep quality indices. Improvement in PaCO2 was similar between groups with a mean reduction of −0.87 kPa (95% CI: −1.12 to −0.46) in the ST group versus −0.87 kPa (95% CI: −1.14 to −0.50) in the AVAPS‐AE group (P = 0.984). Mean NIV use was 6.2 h per night in both groups (P = 0.93). NIV setup duration was shorter in the AVAPS‐AE group (P = 0.012).

Conclusion

AVAPS‐AE and ST ventilation for 2 months had similar impact on sleep quality and gas exchange.
Towards a global theory of colorblindness: Comparing colorblind racial ideology in France and the United States
Authors: Beaman Jean , Petts Amy
Published: February 2020

In this article, we apply key tenants of colorblindness, as a racial ideology developed in the United States, to France. In France, colorblindness means more than not seeing how race structures opportunities and outcomes; it also means not acknowledging racial and ethnic categories. Colorblindness arose in a different historical context, for different reasons, and as a product of different mechanisms in France than it did in the United States. We argue that despite variations in the contexts and mechanisms underpinning colorblindness between the United States and France, the consequences are markedly similar in both contexts. Colorblind ideology silences opposition to racial and ethnic inequality and maintains white supremacy in both contexts. Finally, we demonstrate that such a comparison moves us closer towards aglobal theory of colorblindness.
When do stories change our minds? Narrative persuasion about social problems
Authors: Polletta Francesca , Redman Nathan
Published: February 2020

Scholars in a number of disciplines have sought to assess the power of reading or viewing a personal story to modify people's beliefs. However, the research, which has been pursued under diverse programs, has produced conflicting findings. We focus on the persuasiveness of personal stories about problems that are structural (rather than individual) and whose solution requires government action. Overall, the research suggests that although personal stories can overcome people's tendency to resist new information, they often do not do so. People's preexisting beliefs, assumptions, and stereotypes affect their willingness to be absorbed by a story, to empathize with the stories' protagonists, and to endorse the message communicated by the story. We argue also for a sociological perspective on narrative persuasion, one which, unlike the mostly experimental research conducted so far, pays attention to the context in which people encounter stories and to the norms shaping people's assessment of a story as credible, relevant, and important.
Examining abuse in online media
Authors: Sambaraju Rahul , McVittie Chris
Published: February 2020

While online spaces and media offer unique possibilities for participating in critical and mundane communication, these also introduce several problems in the form of abuse such as trolling, flaming, or other anti‐social behavior. Social and personality psychologists offer a range of explanations for abusive behavior online. Here we distinguish between explanations that treat online abuse as readily known and consequently proceed with examining possible causes of such abuse, and those that treat abuse as a situated act of communication worth examining in its own right. The latter examines how abuse is accomplished, treated, and negotiated in specific online settings. A central advantage of doing so is that the specifics and details of instances of abuse become amenable to examination and consequently allow for identification of in situ means by which abuse maybe challenged. In taking this approach, online abuse is examined for how it is produced and situated in specific social and interactional settings.
Effects of lactic acid on the flexibility of the stratum corneum
Authors: Mizukoshi Koji
Published: February 2020

Background

Lactic acid increases the flexibility of the stratum corneum by linking directly to keratin without water. However, another study reported the involvement of water. This study aimed to clarify how lactic acid contributes to the flexibility of the stratum corneum (SC) of the face.

Materials and Methods

A tactile sensor was used to measure the change in shared frequency (Δf) in the cheeks of 88 women of various ages. Amounts of water and lactic acid in the SC were measured during all four seasons, and correlations with Δf evaluated.

Results

Lactic acid and water levels in the SC were not correlated in any season. In the younger subjects only, the lactic acid content correlated with Δf in spring (when at its highest level in the SC), whereas the water content correlated with Δf in summer and autumn (when the water content was high).

Conclusions

The overall lack of correlations between lactic acid and water content across all ages and seasons suggested that each contributes independently to the flexibility of the SC and that lactic acid softens the SC without water.
Prolonged survival after disseminated Rhinocladiella infection treated with surgical excision and posaconazole
Authors: Hardman Nicola , Young Nicola , Hobson Richard , Sandoe Jonathan , Wellberry‐Smith Matthew , Thomson Simon , Barton Richard
Published: February 2020

Cerebral abscess due to pigmented molds is a rare but usually fatal infection occasionally seen in transplant recipients. A 67‐year‐old man of Iraqi origin underwent a deceased donation renal transplant for renal failure and 2 months later was diagnosed with an abscess in the left posterior frontal lobe of his brain. Subsequent biopsy proved this to be due to the mold Rhinocladiella mackenziei. Further interventions included two operations to aspirate the lesion, voriconazole, then liposomal amphotericin B, then a combination of posaconazole and flucytosine which he continued for over 4 years. He also suffered from right ankle pain and was diagnosed with septic arthritis; R mackenziei was isolated from pus aspirated from the ankle joint. He responded well to the treatment and has had little loss of function, and on CT, the cerebral lesion has stabilized. Beta‐D‐glucan, initially at very high levels proved useful to monitor response over the 5 years and the latest sample was negative (38 pg/mL). This case is notable for the first disseminated case of this infection, its favorable outcome on a novel antifungal combination and a new approach to monitoring the course of disease.