bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet diversity and pesticide risk mediate the negative effects of land use change on solitary bee offspring production
Authors: Centrella Mary , Russo Laura , Moreno Ramírez Natalia , Eitzer Brian , van Dyke Maria , Danforth Bryan , Poveda Katja
Published: February 2020

Threats to bee pollinators such as land use change, high pesticide risk and reduced floral diet diversity are usually assessed independently, even though they often co‐occur to impact bees in agroecosystems.

We established populations of the non‐native mason bee Osmia cornifrons at 17 NY apple orchards varying in proportion of surrounding agriculture and measured floral diet diversity and pesticide risk levels in the pollen provisions they produced. We used path analysis to test the direct and indirect effects of different habitats, diet diversity and pesticide risk on emergent female offspring number and weight.

High proportions of agricultural habitat surrounding bee nests indirectly reduced the number of female offspring produced, by reducing floral diet diversity in pollen.

When the proportion of agriculture surrounding bee nests was high, bees collected increased proportions of Rosaceae in their pollen provisions, which marginally (0.05 < p < 0.1) increased fungicide risk levels in pollen. This, in turn, marginally reduced female offspring weight. In contrast, female offspring weight increased as proportions surrounding open habitat (wildflowers, grassland and pasture) increased, but this effect was not influenced by proportion Rosaceae or fungicide risk levels in pollen.

Synthesis and applications. Threats to bee health such as land use change, pesticide exposure and changes in pollen diet composition are often studied in isolation. However, our results suggest that these threats can simultaneously influence one another to impact bee populations in the agroecosystems where we rely on them for pollination. By replacing surrounding agricultural habitats with more natural habitats, such as grasslands and pastures, we can increase floral diet diversity and reduce pesticide exposure in bee‐collected pollen, resulting in healthier mason bee populations in apple orchards.
Does Tax Evasion Affect Economic Crime?*
Authors: Argentiero Amedeo , Chiarini Bruno , Marzano Elisabetta
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the effect of tax evasion on criminal activities in Italy. Specifically, we consider three types of crime that are related to economic determinants: property crimes (including robbery, theft and car theft), fraud and usury. We estimate different econometric models using annual data from the Italian provinces (NUTS‐3 level) for the 2004–12 period. We find that tax evasion positively affects economic crimes, and our results suggest that tax evasion is an incentive to engage in criminal activities, in addition to more standard determinants that we include in the analysis, such as labour market opportunities and deterrence. Moreover, these crimes demonstrate different levels of persistence over time and reflect different adjustment costs.
Evaluation of porcine diamine oxidase for the conversion of histamine in food‐relevant amounts
Authors: Kettner Lucas , Seitl Ines , Fischer Lutz
Published: February 2020

Histamine exists in a multitude of foods and displays an emerging role within food intolerances. Our aim was to identify the activity of porcine diamine oxidase (DAO) required for the in vitro degradation of histamine amounts that are found in typical meals containing histamine (75 mg, equaled 150 mg/L). Furthermore, we investigated an actual dietary supplement that is commercially available for histamine intolerant individuals for its histamine reduction capability. Kinetic investigations of porcine DAO showed a substrate inhibition by histamine concentrations greater than 56 mg/L (0.5 mM). The stability of free porcine DAO was tested in a fed state simulated intestinal fluid and exhibited a half‐life period of around 19 min. A total of 50 nanokatal (nkat) free porcine DAO, which equaled the amount of enzyme isolated from around 100 g pig kidney, were necessary for the in vitro reduction of around 90% of the histamine. The dietary supplement that contains a pig kidney extract did not show DAO activity. Instead, the used histamine (0.75 mg) was apparently reduced due to the adsorption of histamine onto a capsule component by 18.9 ± 2.3% within 5 hr. Although the capsule preparation retained its overall structure and shape for at least 90 min in simulated gastric fluid, the apparent histamine reduction was significantly reduced to 12.1 ± 2.3% (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, an alternative to the pig kidney DAO or an improved capsule preparation is needed to ensure an adequate supplementation for histamine‐intolerant humans.

Practical Application

Histamine intolerance is an emerging issue in our society and the intolerance‐related physiological symptoms are currently not reliably treatable due to a lack of scientific investigation. A commercially available dietary supplement for histamine intolerance does not fulfil the requirements for a satisfactory histamine reduction in intolerant humans. The activity of the histamine degrading enzyme diamine oxidase, required for a satisfactory histamine degradation, is by far higher than the theoretical amount apparently given in the dietary supplement. With this knowledge, it is obvious that improved food supplements must be developed to help histamine intolerant humans.
The fate of myofibroblasts during the development of fibrosis in Crohn's disease
Authors: Li Chao , Kuemmerle John F.
Published: February 2020

Intestinal fibrosis is a devastating complication in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Its characteristics include the loss of regular peristalsis and nutrition absorption, excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, thickness of intestinal lumen due to the formation of strictures and of scar tissue. As a major cell type involved in fibrogenesis, the myofibroblasts have already been shown to have a plastic and heterogeneous function in producing abundant collagen, fibronectin and connective tissue growth factor. The primary sources of ECM‐producing and vimentin‐positive myofibroblasts come from different precursor cells, including bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal cells, fibrocytes, pericytes, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and endothelial to mesenchymal transition. Recent immunological research findings suggest that numerous cytokines and chemokines made from macrophages, in addition to T cells and other myeloid cell types, are also important drivers of myofibroblast differentiation and hence of the activation of myofibroblast‐mediated transforming growth factor and collagen production. In this review we discuss the origins, roles and cell signaling of myofibroblasts during the development of fibrosis in different organs, particularly in Crohn's disease. Finally, we suggest that the epigenetic and immunological regulation of myofibroblast differentiation may provide a novel antifibrotic strategy in the near future.
Molecular cloning and characterization of Y‐box gene (Rpybx) from Manila clam and its expression analysis in different strains under low‐temperature stress
Authors: Dong S. , Nie H. , Li D. , Cai Z. , Sun X. , Huo Z. , Yan X.
Published: February 2020

Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, is an economically important marine bivalve species. Y‐box proteins are members of the cold shock proteins family and highly conserved from bacteria to humans. In this study, a novel Y‐box gene (Rpybx) was cloned from the Manila clam and gene expression profiling was performed on three shell color strains (white, zebra and white zebra) and two wild populations (Southern and Northern) of R. philippinarum. The complete ORF length of Rpybx is 1367 bp, encoding 253 amino acids residues. Based on the amino acid sequence analysis and phylogenetic analysis, the Rpybx gene was identified as a member of the invertebrate Y‐box proteins family. Rpybx has a similar tertiary structure to human Y‐box protein YB‐1. The Rpybx mRNA levels were analyzed by qPCR under acute and gradually varied cold stress. Under acute low‐temperature stress, the expression of Rpybx mRNA in gills and hepatopancreas was significantly increased in all selected strains and populations (P < 0.05). The Northern population showed the lowest relative expression level of Rpybx. The expressions of Rpybx were greatly upregulated in gills and hepatopancreas of different stains and populations at 5 or −2°C under gradually varied temperature stress (P < 0.05). The results shed light on the biological function of the Rpybx gene in defending against low‐temperature challenge and further exploring the molecular mechanism of cold tolerance and resistance in R. philippinarum.
Mammary neoplasia in common brushtail possums: case report and retrospective identification of additional cases
Authors: Setyo L , Donahoe SL , Rose K , Spielman D
Published: February 2020

Background

Mammary neoplasia in possums have been sporadically reported in the literature.

Case report

An adult common brushtail possum with severe dyspnoea warranting euthanasia was submitted for postmortem examination. Necropsy revealed a firm pale tan multilobulated mammary mass which contained pale tan tissue on section. Mammary carcinoma with metastases to the lungs, pleura, intercostal muscles and reproductive tract was diagnosed microscopically. Spontaneous neoplasms in possums are rarely reported. To provide a comprehensive insight into possum neoplasia, a retrospective evaluation of female reproductive disorders of growth in common brushtail possums from the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health (ARWH), Taronga Zoo, and University of Sydney, Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services (VPDS), was performed to identify additional cases.

Conclusion

The present report describes the first published case report of mammary carcinoma in a common brushtail possum. This article should serve as a valuable reference for the types and relative frequencies of female reproductive disorders of growth that occur in possum species.
First‐line treatment in older patients with Hodgkin lymphoma: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare population‐based study
Authors: Rodday Angie Mae , Hahn Theresa , Kumar Anita J. , Lindenauer Peter K. , Friedberg Jonathan W. , Evens Andrew M. , Parsons Susan K.
Published: February 2020

While Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is highly curable in younger patients, older patients have higher relapse and death rates, which may reflect age‐related factors, distinct disease biology and/or treatment decisions. We described the association between patient, disease and geographic factors and first‐line treatment in older patients (≥65 years) with incident HL using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare data from 1999 to 2014 (n = 2825). First‐line treatment initiated at ≤4 months after diagnosis was categorised as: full chemotherapy regimen (n = 699, 24·7%); partial chemotherapy regimen (n = 1016, 36·0%); single chemotherapy agent or radiotherapy (n = 382, 13·5%); and no treatment (n = 728, 25·8%). Among the fully treated, ABVD [doxorubicin (Adriamycin), bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine]/AVD was most common (n = 635, 90·8%). Adjusted multinomial logistic regression identified factors associated with treatment. Older age, Medicaid dual eligibility, not married, frailty, cardiac comorbidity, prior cancer, earlier diagnosis date, histology, advanced disease Stage, B symptoms and South region were independently associated with increased odds of not receiving full chemotherapy regimens. In conclusion, we found variability in first‐line HL treatment for older patients. Treatment differences by Medicaid and region may indicate disparities. Even after adjusting for frailty and cardiac comorbidity, age was associated with treatment, suggesting factors such as end‐of‐life care or shared decision‐making may influence treatment in older patients.
Songs versus colours versus horns: what explains the diversity of sexually selected traits?
Authors: Wiens John J. , Tuschhoff E.
Published: February 2020

Papers on sexual selection often highlight the incredible diversity of sexually selected traits across animals. Yet, few studies have tried to explain why this diversity evolved. Animals use many different types of traits to attract mates and outcompete rivals, including colours, songs, and horns, but it remains unclear why, for example, some taxa have songs, others have colours, and others horns. Here, we first conduct a systematic survey of the basic diversity and distribution of different types of sexually selected signals and weapons across the animal Tree of Life. Based on this survey, we describe seven major patterns in trait diversity and distributions. We then discuss 10 unanswered questions raised by these patterns, and how they might be addressed. One major pattern is that most types of sexually selected signals and weapons are apparently absent from most animal phyla (88%), in contrast to the conventional wisdom that a diversity of sexually selected traits is present across animals. Furthermore, most trait diversity is clustered in Arthropoda and Chordata, but only within certain clades. Within these clades, many different types of traits have evolved, and many types appear to have evolved repeatedly. By contrast, other major arthropod and chordate clades appear to lack all or most trait types, and similar patterns are repeated at smaller phylogenetic scales (e.g. within insects). Although most research on sexual selection focuses on female choice, we find similar numbers of traits (among sampled species) are involved in male contests (44%) and female choice (55%). Overall, these patterns are largely unexplained and unexplored, as are many other fundamental questions about the evolution of these traits. We suggest that understanding the diversity of sexually selected traits may require a shift towards macroevolutionary studies at relatively deep timescales (e.g. tens to hundreds of millions of years ago).
Advancing Transparency and Openness in Child Development Research: Opportunities
Authors: Gennetian Lisa A. , Tamis‐LeMonda Catherine S. , Frank Michael C.
Published: February 2020

Transparency and openness are basic scientific values. They lie at the heart of practices that accelerate discovery and broaden access to scientific knowledge. In this article, we argue that these values are essential to ensure the enduring influence of research on child development. They are also critical for the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) to accomplish its mission to benefit diverse global stakeholders and constituents. A companion article in this issue (Gilmore, Cole, Verma, van Aken, & Worthman) discusses the challenges in realizing SRCD’s vision for a science of child development that is open, transparent, robust, impactful, and conducted with the highest integrity. Here, we discuss opportunities for the society to set standards that ensure the full integration of transparency and openness into developmental science.
A randomized controlled trial of a lifestyle intervention with longitudinal follow‐up on ovarian dysmorphology in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Kazemi Maryam , Pierson Roger A. , McBreairty Laura E. , Chilibeck Philip D. , Zello Gordon A. , Chizen Donna R.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Effects of lifestyle modification on reproductive function in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain poorly elucidated. We compared the effects of a pulse‐based diet (lentils, beans, split peas and chickpeas) with Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet on ultrasonographic markers of ovarian morphology, hyperandrogenism and menstrual irregularity in PCOS.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Patients

Women with PCOS (18‐35 years).

Measurements

Thirty women randomized to the pulse‐based and 31 to TLC groups completed a 16‐week intervention without energy restriction. Groups performed aerobic exercise (minimum of 5 days/wk; 45 minutes/d) and received health counselling (monthly) and longitudinal follow‐up. Follicle numbers per ovary (FNPO, 2‐9 mm), ovarian volume (OV), free androgen index (FAI) and menstrual cycle length were measured pre‐ and postintervention.

Results

Follicle numbers per ovary (mean change ± SD, −10 ± 15), OV (−2.7 ± 4.8 mL), FAI (−3 ± 2) and menstrual cycle length (−13 ± 47 days) decreased over time in both groups (All: P < .01), without group‐by‐time interactions (All: P ≥ .13). Attrition rate was 33.7% and comparable between groups (P = .94). Adherence to diet intervention negatively correlated with changes in FNPO (r=−0.54), OV (r=−0.35) and FAI (r = −.29) in pooled groups (All: P ≤ .04). Groups maintained reduced OV, FNPO, FAI and menstrual cycles 6 months postintervention; however, decreased FNPO and FAI at 16 weeks tended to revert to baseline levels 12 months postintervention in both groups (All: P ≤ .05).

Conclusions

Both interventions improved ovarian dysmorphology, hyperandrogenism and menstrual irregularity in PCOS, and no diet appeared to be superior at improving reproductive outcomes. Our observations highlight the importance of longitudinal surveillance for sustainable adherence to newly adopted healthy lifestyle behaviours and reproductive health in PCOS (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01288638).
Preliminary assessment of safety and adherence to a once‐daily immunosuppression regimen in kidney transplantation: Results of a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Taber David J. , Posadas‐Salas Aurora , Su Zemin , Rao Vinaya , Rohan Vinayak , Nadig Satish , McGillicuddy John W. , Dubay Derek , Fleming James N.
Published: February 2020

Medication non‐adherence is common after transplant and a major contributor to graft loss. The objective of this pilot study was to obtain preliminary safety and adherence data of a complete once‐daily immunosuppression regimen of Extended‐release‐tacrolimus (LCP‐tac), everolimus, and prednisone vs LCP‐tac, mycophenolate Twice daily (BID), and prednisone through a randomized controlled pilot study of 40 patients (20 in each arm). At 3 ± 2 months post‐transplant, patients were randomized to receive LCP‐tac and everolimus once daily or LCP‐tac and mycophenolate BID (control arm) for 6 months; 80 met eligibility, and 40 were randomized. Mean age was 51 ± 14 years, 33% were female, 45% African American, and 55% had a Calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) >20%. Both regimens were well‐tolerated, and medication side effect burden tended to be less severe in the intervention group. Self‐reported high medication adherence decreased in the control arm from baseline to 6 months (80%‐59%), while remaining the same in the intervention arm throughout the study (45%‐47%). For safety assessment, there was no rejection, graft loss, or death in either arm. These results provide preliminary evidence of the safety of a novel once‐daily immunosuppression regimen. The impact of this once‐daily regimen on medication adherence requires a larger long‐term study.
Cardiovascular and renal benefits of dapagliflozin in patients with short and long‐standing type 2 diabetes: Analysis from the DECLARE‐TIMI 58 trial
Authors: Bajaj Harpreet S. , Raz Itamar , Mosenzon Ofri , Murphy Sabina A. , Rozenberg Aliza , Yanuv Ilan , Bhatt Deepak L. , Leiter Lawrence A. , McGuire Darren K. , Wilding John P. H. , Gause‐Nilsson Ingrid A. M. , Sabatine Marc S. , Wiviott Stephen D. , Cahn Avivit
Published: February 2020

Aim

To investigate whether the cardiovascular and renal benefits observed with dapagliflozin in the DECLARE‐TIMI 58 trial are also observed in patients with short and long‐standing diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This post hoc analysis studied the dual primary efficacy endpoints, a composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (CVD/HHF) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; CVD, myocardial infarction [MI], ischaemic stroke) by diabetes duration.

Results

Of the 17 160 patients, 3836 had diabetes duration of ≤5 years, 4731 >5‐10 years, 3952 >10‐15 years, 2433 >15‐20 years and 2206 >20 years. Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of CVD/HHF by a similar amount across diabetes duration subgroups, ranging from HR 0.79 (0.58‐1.06) in patients with diabetes duration of ≤5 years to 0.75 (0.55‐1.03) in those patients with diabetes duration of >20 years (interaction trend P‐value 0.76). Hazard ratios (HRs) for MACE ranged from 1.08 (0.87‐1.35) in patients with diabetes duration of ≤5 years to 0.67 (0.52‐0.86) in those patients with diabetes duration of >20 years (interaction trend P‐value 0.004). This was driven by greater reductions in the risk of MI and ischaemic stroke with dapagliflozin in patients with long‐standing diabetes (interaction trend P‐values 0.019 and 0.015, respectively). The duration‐based MACE heterogeneity was apparent in those with or without a history of prior MI and in those with multiple risk factors. The renal‐specific outcome was reduced with dapagliflozin with HRs ranging from 0.79 (0.47‐1.34) in patients with diabetes duration of ≤5 years to 0.42 (0.25‐0.72) in those patients with diabetes duration of >20 years (interaction trend P‐value 0.084).

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of CVD/HHF consistently, regardless of diabetes duration, whereas the treatment effect for MACE differed by duration subgroups, with significant reductions with dapagliflozin in patients with long‐standing diabetes.
Life‐history strategy varies with the strength of competition in a food‐limited ungulate population
Authors: Kentie Rosemarie , Clegg Sonya M. , Tuljapurkar Shripad , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Coulson Tim
Published: February 2020

Fluctuating population density in stochastic environments can contribute to maintain life‐history variation within populations via density‐dependent selection. We used individual‐based data from a population of Soay sheep to examine variation in life‐history strategies at high and low population density. We incorporated life‐history trade‐offs among survival, reproduction and body mass growth into structured population models and found support for the prediction that different life‐history strategies are optimal at low and high population densities. Shorter generation times and lower asymptotic body mass were selected for in high‐density environments even though heavier individuals had higher probabilities to survive and reproduce. In contrast, greater asymptotic body mass and longer generation times were optimal at low population density. If populations fluctuate between high density when resources are scarce, and low densities when they are abundant, the variation in density will generate fluctuating selection for different life‐history strategies, that could act to maintain life‐history variation.
Allocating the fixed cost based on data envelopment analysis in view of the Shapley value
Authors: Meng Fanyong , Wu Li , Chu Junfei
Published: February 2020

This paper considers fixed cost allocation in view of cooperative game theory and proposes an approach based on data envelopment analysis while incorporating the perspectives of coalition efficiency and the Shapley value. To do this, we first build two models to evaluate coalition efficiencies before and after cost allocation, and we prove that all coalitions can be efficient after fixed cost allocation. Then, following the premise that each coalition makes itself efficient without reducing the efficiencies of other decision‐making units' preallocation efficiency, we propose a model that determines the acceptable range of each coalition's allocated fixed cost. Furthermore, a model is constructed to determine the final cost allocation based on three principles: efficiency, monotonicity, and similarity. Moreover, the Shapley value is employed to obtain the cost allocated to each decision‐making unit (DMU). The proposed approach considers the relationships among DMUs across their forming coalitions to determine their interaction types and then generates a fixed cost allocation result that possesses the features of the Shapley value. This process makes the fixed cost allocation more acceptable. Finally, a simple numerical example and an empirical case are provided to illustrate the calculation process of the proposed approach and compare our approach with the traditional methods.
Calcifying fibrous tumour: An IgG4‐related disease or not?
Authors: Hu Yu‐Hsuan , Yu Chen‐Tang , Chen Chih‐Jung , Wen Mei‐Chin
Published: February 2020

Calcifying fibrous tumour (CFT) has some of the histopathological features, such as abundant plasma cells and stromal fibrosis, that are exhibited by IgG4‐related diseases (IgG4‐RD). The possible role of IgG4‐positive plasma cells in calcifying fibrous tumour was investigated. The aim of this study was to determine any potential relationship between IgG4‐RD and CFT. Thirteen cases with a total of 16 CFTs were reviewed. Lesion samples were immunostained with anti‐IgG4 and anti‐IgG antibodies. The number of IgG4‐positive and IgG‐positive plasma cells (IgG + PC) and their ratios were estimated. Plasma cells were found in all tumours. IgG4‐positive plasma cells ranged from 0 to 71 per high‐power field (HPF; mean 17.8/HPF), and IgG + PC ranged from 2 to 93/HPF (mean 42.6/HPF). The IgG4/IgG ratio ranged from 0% to 80% (mean 29%). There were seven tumours with the ratio of IgG4/IgG + PC that exceeded 40%. Various degrees of stromal fibrosis were present in eight tumours. All tumours have variable calcification. The histopathological features of CFT were found to be similar to those of IgG4‐RD. Some CFT also showed a high number of IgG4‐positive plasma cells, and the ratio of IgG4/IgG + PC exceeded 40%, most notably in patients with concomitant inflammatory or autoimmune disease. The long‐term follow‐up showed no evidence of IgG4‐RD in any of these patients. Our findings suggest that while CFT overlaps morphologically with IgG4‐RD, it probably should not be classified as an IgG4‐RD.
A single nucleotide polymorphism within HOX Transcript Antisense RNA (HOTAIR) is associated with risk of psoriasis
Authors: Rakhshan Azadeh , Zarrinpour Nader , Moradi Afshin , Ahadi Mahsa , Omrani Mir Davood , Ghafouri‐Fard Soudeh , Taheri Mohammad
Published: February 2020

Recent studies have shown participation of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Several mechanisms might be involved in the dysregulation of expression of lncRNAs in patients with psoriasis, among them is the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which modulate expression or function of these transcripts. In the present work, we genotyped three SNPs (rs12826786, rs1899663 and rs4759314) of the HOX Transcript Antisense RNA (HOTAIR) in 286 patients with psoriasis and 300 control subjects. The rs12826786 was associated with risk of psoriasis in dominant model (TC + TT vs. CC: OR (95% CI) = 1.59 (0.1.14–2.22), adjusted p‐value = .02). In the allelic model, T allele of this SNP significantly increased the risk of psoriasis compared with the C allele (OR (95% CI) = 1.35 (1.06–1.71), adjusted p‐value = .04). Other SNPs were not associated with risk of psoriasis in any inheritance model. No significant difference was found in haplotype frequencies between cases and controls. The current work shows association between a genomic variant within HOTAIR and risk of psoriasis. The clinical significance of this finding should be assessed in future studies.
Medication use and cognitive impairment among residents of aged care facilities
Authors: Shafiee Hanjani Leila , Hubbard Ruth E. , Freeman Christopher R. , Gray Leonard C. , Scott Ian A. , Peel Nancye M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Potentially inappropriate polypharmacy is common in residential aged care facilities (RACF). This is of particular concern among people with cognitive impairment who, compared with cognitively intact residents, are potentially more sensitive to the adverse effects of medications.

Aim

To compare the patterns of medication prescribing of RACF residents based on cognitive status.

Methods

De‐identified data collected during telehealth‐mediated geriatric consultations with 720 permanent RACF residents were analysed. Residents were categorised into cognitively intact, mild to moderate impairment and severe impairment groups using the interRAI Cognitive Performance Scale. The number of all regular and when‐required medications used in the past 3 days, the level of exposure to anti‐cholinergic/sedative medications and potentially inappropriate medications and the use of preventive and symptom control medications were compared across the groups.

Results

The median number of medications was 10 (interquartile range (IQR) 8–14). Cognitively intact residents were receiving significantly more medications (median (IQR) 13 (10–16)) than those with mild to moderate (10 (7–13)) or severe (9 (7–12)) cognitive impairment (P < 0.001). Overall, 82% of residents received at least one anti‐cholinergic/sedative medication and 26.9% were exposed to one or more potentially inappropriate medications, although the proportions of those receiving such medications were not significantly different across the groups. Of 7658 medications residents were taking daily, 21.3% and 11.7% were classified as symptom control and preventive medications respectively with no significant difference among the groups in their use.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the need for optimising prescribing in RACF residents, with particular attention to medications with anti‐cholinergic effects.
Long‐term follow up of serum pepsinogens in patients with gastric cancer or dysplasia after Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: Noh Gitark , Kim Nayoung , Choi Yonghoon , Lee Hye Seung , Hwang Young Jae , Kim Hee Jin , Yoon Hyuk , Shin Cheol Min , Park Young Soo , Lee Dong Ho
Published: February 2020

Background and Aim

Few studies have evaluated the change in serum pepsinogen (sPG) levels after the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication on sPG levels in patients with gastric cancer/dysplasia in comparison to a control group.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 368 patients with gastric cancer/dysplasia and 610 control subjects. H. pylori status and sPG levels were measured before and after eradication. The follow‐up time points were classified as < 12, 12–23, 24–35, and ≥ 36 months.

Results

In 179 H. pylori‐eradicated patients with gastric cancer/dysplasia and 168 control group subjects, sPG I significantly decreased, and the sPG I/II ratio significantly increased after eradication compared to baseline, and this improvement in sPG values was maintained during all follow‐up time points. Significant differences in sPG I and the sPG I/II ratio were observed between the gastric cancer/dysplasia group and the control group < 24 months after eradication. However, these differences in sPG values disappeared after ≥ 24 months of follow up. Moreover, significant differences in the intestinal metaplasia grade were observed between these two groups before eradication until < 24 months after eradication. However, these differences in the intestinal metaplasia grade disappeared after ≥ 24 months of follow up in the corpus.

Conclusion

The sPG values and intestinal metaplasia grade (corpus) in the gastric cancer/dysplasia group became similar to those in the control group at long‐term follow up after H. pylori eradication. It might be related with the reduction of metachronous gastric neoplasm.
Facial treatment with acoustic wave therapy for improvement of facial skin texture, pores and wrinkles
Authors: Adatto Maurice A. , Adatto‐Neilson Robyn M.
Published: February 2020

Background

A frequent demand among the female and male population is the reduction of facial wrinkles and pores, and additionally, the improvement of the facial skin texture preferentially achieved by noninvasive treatments.

Aims

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of acoustic wave therapy (AWT) and extracorporeal pulse activation therapy (EPAT) technology using mechanical waves in the treatment of facial skin.

Methods

Treatment was performed on the face of 12 patients, with the D‐ACTOR 200 (Storz Medical AG) using radial acoustic wave technology, EPAT. Within 6 weeks, six acoustic wave treatment sessions have been performed. A follow‐up visit was performed 6 weeks after the last treatment.

Results

Measurements with the 3D camera system clearly and objectively demonstrate a significant diminution in facial wrinkles and pores. Additionally, an improvement in skin texture was recognized.

Conclusions

This study, although performed on a small number of patients, tends to show the safety and efficacy of radial AWT in treating facial wrinkles, skin texture, and pores and in a noninvasive way.
Behavioural categories of professionalism of nurses in Poland and Belarus: A comparative survey
Authors: Marcinowicz Ludmila , Shpakou Andrei , Piatrou Siarhei , Fejfer‐Wirbal Ewa , Dudzik Agnieszka , Kalinowska Paulina , Palubinskaya Sviatlana , Wojnar Danuta
Published: February 2020

Aim and objectives

To compare the self‐reported level of professionalism among nurses in Poland and Belarus and to indicate the areas in which differences in professional behaviours of nurses in both countries exist.

Background

Nurses constitute the largest group of healthcare providers, and the term professionalism is closely related to nursing profession.

Design

This investigation is a comparative survey and descriptive analysis of professional behaviours among nurses in Poland (n = 205) and Belarus (n = 236). The study was reported according to the STROBE checklist.

Methods

The Professionalism in Nursing Behaviors’ Inventory Image Survey adapted from Adams and Miller (2001) was used to collect the data. The questionnaire contains 46 questions addressing the following behavioural categories: educational preparation, publications, research, professional organisation, community service, competence, code for nurses, theory and autonomy.

Results

The mean total score of professionalism was significantly different between the two countries (p < .0001). Significant differences, with higher scores in the group of respondents from Belarus, were also revealed in the following subscales of professionalism: “Professional organisation,” “Community service,” “Competence” and “Publication.” Nurses from Poland had higher levels of “Educational preparation” and “Use of theory.” No statistically significant differences were indicated in the “Autonomy” and “Research” subscales.

Conclusion

Differences in the professionalism level of nurse practitioners in Poland and Belarus are related to nurses’ professional position and the context in which they practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of the present study can help the healthcare management and nursing leaders to support the professional development of nurses and strive for a higher level of professionalism.
Venturing beyond the IPO: Financing of Newly Public Firms by Venture Capitalists
Authors: ILIEV PETER , LOWRY MICHELLE
Published: February 2020

Contrary to conventional wisdom, we document that approximately 15% of venture capitalist (VC)‐backed firms raise additional capital from VCs in the five years after going public. We propose two explanations for why firms revert to VC financing post‐IPO (initial public offering). First, we hypothesize that VC participation in post‐IPO financing represents an efficient solution to informational problems that would otherwise constrain firms’ abilities to exploit value‐increasing investments. Analyses of firm and VC characteristics, together with the finding that these investments are value‐increasing for both VCs and the underlying companies, support this hypothesis. We find no support for the alternative that agency conflicts motivate these investments.
Intellectual Disability in Inclusive Education in South Africa: Curriculum Challenges
Authors: McKenzie Judith
Published: February 2020

The move toward inclusive education is a global one which has been in process for over 25 years since the Salamanca statement in 1994. The approach has been adopted in many countries, both high and low income with varying degrees of policy development and legal frameworks to ensure effective implementation. South Africa, a middle‐income country with high levels of inequality, has engaged seriously in developing enabling policy. In this study, I will examine how inclusive education policy in South Africa considers intellectual disability (ID) as one of many barriers to learning within the related legislation, guidelines, and curriculum. I will then look at two critical and related events in education for ID in South Africa. The first is the legal process whereby the right to education for children with severe‐to‐profound ID was established, and the second is the development of three different curricula in South Africa for children with mild‐to‐moderate, severe, and severe‐to‐profound ID, respectively. I will conclude with some consideration of how inclusion policy deals with the problem of curriculum which is a critical one for ID.
Computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings of abdominal arterial pseudoaneurysms caused by systemic mycosis in dogs
Authors: Morabito S. , Specchi S. , Auriemma E. , Ferro S. , Kuhnert P. , Zini E.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To describe multidetector CT and ultrasonographic characteristics of abdominal arterial pseudoaneurysms (segmental dilatations of an artery with a ruptured tunica intima) arising secondary to systemic mycosis in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective study on dogs with confirmed histological diagnosis of a fungal pseudoaneurysm and the availability of multidetector CT or ultrasound images.

Results

At the time of admission, the three dogs included in this study demonstrated segmental arterial dilation, irregular arterial wall thickening, and increased echogenicity or attenuation within the local perivascular fat on ultrasound and multidetector CT images. Follow‐up examinations revealed progressive increase in arterial wall thickening and saccular dilation with formation of a pseudoaneurysm in affected vessels of two dogs.

Clinical Significance

Multidetector CT and ultrasonography can be useful imaging modalities in the diagnosis and monitoring of abdominal arterial pseudoaneurysms caused by systemic mycosis.
Accuracy of a magnetic resonance imaging‐based 3D printed stereotactic brain biopsy device in dogs
Authors: Gutmann Sarah , Winkler Dirk , Müller Marcel , Möbius Robert , Fischer Jean‐Pierre , Böttcher Peter , Kiefer Ingmar , Grunert Ronny , Flegel Thomas
Published: February 2020

Background

Brain biopsy of intracranial lesions is often necessary to determine specific therapy. The cost of the currently used stereotactic rigid frame and optical tracking systems for brain biopsy in dogs is often prohibitive or accuracy is not sufficient for all types of lesion.

Objectives

To evaluate the application accuracy of an inexpensive magnetic resonance imaging‐based personalized, 3D printed brain biopsy device.

Animals

Twenty‐two dog heads from cadavers were separated into 2 groups according to body weight (<15 kg, >20 kg).

Methods

Experimental study. Two target points in each cadaver head were used (target point 1: caudate nucleus, target point 2: piriform lobe). Comparison between groups was performed using the independent Student's t test or the nonparametric Mann‐Whitney U Test.

Results

The total median target point deviation was 0.83 mm (range 0.09‐2.76 mm). The separate median target point deviations for target points 1 and 2 in all dogs were 0.57 mm (range: 0.09‐1.25 mm) and 0.85 mm (range: 0.14‐2.76 mm), respectively.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

This magnetic resonance imaging‐based 3D printed stereotactic brain biopsy device achieved an application accuracy that was better than the accuracy of most brain biopsy systems that are currently used in veterinary medicine. The device can be applied to every size and shape of skull and allows precise positioning of brain biopsy needles in dogs.
A multiplex view of leadership structure in management teams
Authors: Song Yifan , Fang Yanran , Wang Mo , Shi Junqi
Published: February 2020

In the hope of complementing the structural perspective in upper echelon research and advancing a fine‐grained understanding of dyadic leadership influence in management teams, the current study combines two types of intrateam structures—leadership network and friendship network—to create a multidimensional conceptualization of leadership structure in management teams. Specifically, we propose that management teams with a denser singular leadership network (i.e., a network consisting of many leadership ties that are not coupled with friendship ties) should have lower management team cohesion, which subsequently renders worse business unit performance. To contrast, management teams with a denser multiplex network (i.e., a network consisting of many leadership ties that are coupled with friendship ties) should have higher management team cohesion, which subsequently renders better business unit performance. Guided by structural contingency perspective, we further propose that management team task interdependence will strengthen team cohesion's positive impact on business unit performance. To test the hypothesized model, we collected team‐level social network data and multiple‐wave survey data from 697 managers nested in 148 hotels (i.e., 148 management teams) owned by a large hospitality company. We also obtained objective performance data for each hotel (i.e., occupancy percentage rate and revenue per available room per day) as the criterion measure. The data supported our hypotheses. The theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
Functional Models for Time-Varying Random Objects
Authors: Dubey Paromita , Müller Hans-Georg
Published: February 2020

Functional data analysis provides a popular toolbox of functional models for the analysis of samples of random functions that are real valued. In recent years, samples of time-varying object data such as time-varying networks that are not in a vector space have been increasingly collected. These data can be viewed as elements of a general metric space that lacks local or global linear structure and therefore common approaches that have been used with great success for the analysis of functional data, such as functional principal component analysis, cannot be applied. We propose metric covariance, a novel association measure for paired object data lying in a metric space (Ω, d) that we use to define a metric autocovariance function for a sample of random Ω-valued curves, where Ω generally will not have a vector space or manifold structure. The proposed metric autocovariance function is non-negative definite when the squared semimetric d2 is of negative type. Then the eigenfunctions of the linear operator with the autocovariance function as kernel can be used as building blocks for an object functional principal component analysis for Ω-valued functional data, including time-varying probability distributions, covariance matrices and time dynamic networks. Analogues of functional principal components for time-varying objects are obtained by applying Fréchet means and projections of distance functions of the random object trajectories in the directions of the eigenfunctions, leading to real-valued Fréchet scores. Using the notion of generalized Fréchet integrals, we construct object functional principal components that lie in the metric space Ω. We establish asymptotic consistency of the sample-based estimators for the corresponding population targets under mild metric entropy conditions on Ω and continuity of the Ω-valued random curves. These concepts are illustrated with samples of time-varying probability distributions for human mortality, time-varying covariance matrices derived from trading patterns and time-varying networks that arise from New York taxi trips.
Family policy and women's employment outcomes in 45 high‐income countries: A systematic qualitative review of 238 comparative and national studies
Authors: Ferragina Emanuele
Published: February 2020

The article reviews the available quantitative evidence on the relationship between explicit family policy and women's employment outcomes in 45 high‐income countries between 1980 and 2016. At the methodological level, we gathered 238 papers through a four‐stage systematic qualitative review. We included articles published in English in international journals or by leading research institutes. Despite the accrued importance of the field, comparative works and national case studies do not sufficiently engage one another for methodological and disciplinary reasons. Our contribution is to integrate the findings from both streams of the literature in two ways. First, we chart systematically the debate describing its evolution over four decades, the disciplines involved (demography, economics, politics, social policy, sociology, and interdisciplinary work), and the geographical and policy breadth of the empirical contributions. Second, we provide a rich guide for scholars in the field by exploring how national case studies fit (or not) the broad trends captured in comparative research and discussing key and controversial debates in the field. In conclusion, we point out also important gaps in the literature and propose new avenues for future research. An exhaustive set of tables provides information on each comparative and national case study and on the databases and variables employed in the literature.
How to … do mixed‐methods research
Authors: Kajamaa Anu , Mattick Karen , de la Croix Anne
Published: February 2020

As a clinician, you will often combine patients’ narratives with test results in order to obtain a coherent picture and then decide on a way forward. As an educator, you are also likely to combine different information from your learners to arrive at the best feedback, judgement or supervision plan. This is what researchers do when undertaking mixed‐methods research: qualitative and quantitative data are typically brought together to provide different insights than could be achieved with a single type of data and analysis. Mixed‐methods research has much to offer the clinical teacher but may involve more complex study designs than other types of research. Therefore, this article aims to highlight the different designs of mixed‐methods research, and the opportunities and challenges that it provides, in order to support researchers who may be undertaking their first mixed‐methods research study.