bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐frequency ultrasound imaging of the anal sphincter muscles in normal subjects and patients with fecal incontinence
Authors: Ledgerwood‐Lee Melissa , Zifan Ali , Kunkel David C. , Sah Robert , Mittal Ravinder K. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe current “gold standard” to diagnose anal sphincter morphology and disruptions utilizes low‐frequency (3‐9 MHz) ultrasound (US) imaging techniques that provide a general outline of the sphincter muscles, but not their microstructural details. High‐frequency US transducers (7‐15 MHz) have been used to study the muscle architecture (direction of muscle fascicles) in the limb muscle.AimsThe goal of our study was to visualize the microstructural anatomy of the anal sphincters, specifically the external anal sphincter (EAS), using high‐frequency US imaging.MethodsStudies were conducted in asymptomatic female and male subjects and patients with fecal incontinence. US images were acquired using a low‐frequency US (3‐9 MHz) and high‐frequency (7‐15 MHz) US transducer. The latter was placed intra‐anally to image the anal canal at 12, 9, 3, and 6 o'clock positions.ResultsThe low‐frequency US images revealed the general outline of the anal sphincter muscles. On the other hand, high‐frequency imaging visualized muscle fascicles and connective tissue inside the external anal sphincter (EAS). In FI patients, there was loss of muscle fascicles and alteration in the echo‐intensity pattern in the region of damaged EAS suggestive of muscle fibrosis.ConclusionHigh‐frequency ultrasound imaging is a powerful tool to visualize the microstructural details of the EAS. Our studies show that damage to the EAS muscle results in the alteration of its myoarchitecture, that is, loss of muscle fascicles and increase in the muscle connective tissue.
Distribution of control in the sulfur assimilation in Arabidopsis thaliana depends on environmental conditions
Authors: Feldman‐Salit Anna , Veith Nadine , Wirtz Markus , Hell Rüdiger , Kummer Ursula 
Published: January 2019

Summary

Sulfur assimilation is central to the survival of plants and has been studied under different environmental conditions. Multiple studies have been published trying to determine rate‐limiting or controlling steps in this pathway. However, the picture remains inconclusive with at least two different enzymes proposed to represent such rate‐limiting steps.

Here, we used computational modeling to gain an integrative understanding of the distribution of control in the sulfur assimilation pathway of Arabidopsis thaliana. For this purpose, we set up a new ordinary differential equation (ODE)‐based, kinetic model of sulfur assimilation encompassing all biochemical reactions directly involved in this process. We fitted the model to published experimental data and produced a model ensemble to deal with parameter uncertainties. The ensemble was validated against additional published experimental data.

We used the model ensemble to subsequently analyse the control pattern and robustly identified a set of processes that share the control in this pathway under standard conditions.

Interestingly, the pattern of control is dynamic and not static, that is it changes with changing environmental conditions. Therefore, while adenosine‐5′‐phosphosulfate reductase (APR) and sulfite reductase (SiR) share control under standard laboratory conditions, APR takes over an even more dominant role under sulfur starvation conditions.
A crosswalk between the Omaha System and guiding undergraduate public health nursing education documents
Authors: Stalter Ann M. , Harrington Susan , Eardley Debra L. , DeBlieck Conni J. , Blanchette Lynn P. , Whitten LaDonna 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe Omaha System is the hallmark evidence‐based clinical information management system used in nursing education, research, and practice. Multiple education documents guide public health workforce preparation. This qualitative study identified similarities and gaps between the Omaha System and seven guiding documents commonly used by nurse educators. A crosswalk design was employed. The setting was virtually based using online technology. Recommendations are for public health nurse educators to update their teaching practices using evidence‐based approaches.
Diversity of Meloidogyne incognita populations from cotton and aggressiveness to Gossypium spp. accessions
Authors: Lopes C. M. L. , Cares J. E. , Perina F. J. , Nascimento G. F. , Mendonça J. S. F. , Moita A. W. , Castagnone‐Sereno P. , Carneiro R. M. D. G. 
Published: January 2019

The root‐knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita is the main nematode causing losses to the cotton crop in Brazil. In order to implement control strategies within integrated management, an accurate identification of the nematode populations prevailing in the cotton production areas is necessary. This study aimed to assess the genetic variability and aggressiveness of RKN populations from cotton production areas in Bahia state, Brazil. All populations were characterized biochemically and molecularly and identified as M. incognita. RAPD and AFLP markers detected 44% of polymorphic fragments among the 13 populations of this species. The 10 M. incognita populations collected in Bahia presented 33.7% of diversity when compared to each other, and 25% when the population from Barreiras (the most polymorphic) was excluded. This polymorphism increased when populations from other Brazilian states were included. The aggressiveness and virulence among populations from Bahia towards different cotton accessions (susceptible/resistant) was also studied. None of the populations showed virulence against the moderately resistant (Clevewilt 6, Wild Mexican Jack Jones and LA 887) and highly resistant (CIR1348 and M‐315 RNR) cultivars. Two M. incognita populations from Barreiras were the most aggressive, reaching reproduction factors of 539 and 218, respectively, in the susceptible cultivar FiberMax 966. The most aggressive population (8) was also the most genetically divergent in phylogenetic analyses. These results demonstrate that diversity of M. incognita populations from cotton farms in Bahia is not related to virulence against resistant accessions, which suggests that cultivars containing one or two resistance genes with good agronomic characteristics could be used in infested commercial areas in Bahia state, Brazil.
Evaluating the heterogeneity of street life and homelessness in adolescent research
Authors: Stablein Timothy , Clark Elyse 
Published: January 2019

AbstractResearchers of homelessness have been careful to delineate the heterogeneity of adolescent homelessness and street involvement when defining and differentiating street life experiences around the globe. Understanding these experiences poses challenges to researchers as adolescents across these locations come to the street at various stages of transition and homelessness yet share similarities. In this article, we review homeless research to understand both the heterogeneous characteristics and experiences adolescents have when they become involved in street life and homelessness around the world, as well as the similarities and differences they globally share. We review and compare general definitions of street life and homelessness presented in observations of young people on the street in the developed and developing worlds. We then explore interrelated characteristics outlined by researchers across these studies and locations, namely, the homeless status of street life participants and their socialization to street life as well as their network affiliations. Although this collected body of work reveals a complex heterogeneity of street involvement among all those that participate, it also shows how the young and street involved around the globe share these commonalities with one another which challenges the frameworks and classifications that guide contemporary global research among the homeless.
Evaluating the validity of Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator theory: A teaching tool and window into intuitive psychology
Authors: Stein Randy , Swan Alexander B. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDespite its immense popularity and impressive longevity, the Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) has existed in a parallel universe to social and personality psychology. Here, we seek to increase academic awareness of this incredibly popular idea and provide a novel teaching reference for its conceptual flaws. We focus on examining the validity of the Jungian‐based theory behind MBTI that specifies that people have a “true type” delineated across four dichotomies. We find that the MBTI theory falters on rigorous theoretical criteria in that it lacks agreement with known facts and data, lacks testability, and possesses internal contradictions. We further discuss what MBTI's continued popularity says about how the general public might evaluate scientific theories.
The Role of Dorsal Premotor Cortex in Resolving Abstract Motor Rules: Converging Evidence From Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Cognitive Modeling
Authors: Rice Patrick , Stocco Andrea 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this study, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was applied over left dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) while participants performed a novel task paradigm that required planning of responses in accordance with both instructed rules and present stimuli. rTMS is a noninvasive form of neurostimulation that can interfere with ongoing processing of a targeted cortical region, resulting in a transient “virtual lesion” that can reveal the contribution of the region to ongoing behavior. Increased response times (RTs) were observed specifically when rTMS was applied over PMd while participants were preparing to execute a complex response to an uninstructed stimulus. To further delineate the effect of stimulation, condition‐specific RT distributions were modeled as three‐parameter Weibull distributions through hierarchical Bayesian modeling (HBM). Comparison of the estimated parameters to those of a paired control demonstrated that while PMd‐rTMS slightly decreased nondecision time, it also greatly increased the variability in the RT distribution. This increased variability resulted in an overall increase in predicted mean RT and is consistent with a delay in cognitive processes. In conjunction, an ACT‐R cognitive model of the task was developed in order to systematically test alternative hypotheses on the potential cognitive functions that may be affected by stimulation of PMd. ACT‐R simulations suggested that participant's behavior was due to an effect of TMS on a “re‐planning” process, indicating that PMd may be specifically involved in planning of complex motor responses to specific visual stimuli. In conjunction with the HBM modeling effort, these results suggest that PMd‐rTMS is capable of pausing or slowing the execution of a motor response‐planning process.
Alloimmunogenicity of an isolated MHC allele is affected by the context of MHC mismatch in a murine model
Authors: Hudson Krystalyn E. , Wong Andrea S.L. , Richards Amanda L. , Kapp Linda M. , Zimring James C. 
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUNDHumoral alloimmunization to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) can represent a barrier to solid‐organ transplantation, can lead to a refractory state in patients requiring platelet transfusion, and can also contribute to transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI). While exposure to HLA‐mismatched cells/tissues are generally required for HLA alloimmunization, the effect of the extent of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) mismatch between donor and recipient is poorly understood.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA novel mouse was generated that allows the expression of a single MHC Class I alloantigen, Kd. Alloimmune responses to Kd were studied in C57BL/6 mice transfused with splenocytes from different donor mice, allowing the analysis of responses to Kd as an isolated alloantigen, or in the context of additional mismatched MHC molecules. Advanced tools were utilized to study responses to Kd, including T‐cell receptor transgenic mice that recognize the immunodominant Kd peptide presented by C57BL/6 mice to CD4+ T cells.RESULTSA single MHC Class I alloantigen mismatch is less immunogenic than when the same alloantigen is encountered in the context of additional mismatched MHC alloantigens. This difference is due, at least in part, to induction of CD4+ helper T cells, as the effect is overcome by increasing either mature CD4+ T‐cell help through immunization or by increasing the precursor frequency of naïve CD4+ T cells by adoptive transfer from T‐cell receptor transgenic donors.CONCLUSIONThese findings indicate that the immunogenicity of a single alloantigen can be affected by the context in which it is encountered, demonstrating the potential for cooperative effects between different mismatched MHC alloantigens.
Unmasking of oestrogen‐dependent changes in left ventricular structure and function in aged female rats: a potential model for pre‐heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Bustamante Moises , Garate‐Carrillo Alejandra , R. Ito Bruce , Garcia Ricardo , Carson Nancy , Ceballos Guillermo , Ramirez‐Sanchez Israel , Omens Jeffrey , Villarreal Francisco 
Published: January 2019

Key points
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is seen more frequently in older women; risk factors include age, hypertension and excess weight.
No female animal models of early stage remodelling (pre‐HFpEF) have examined the effects that the convergence of such factors have on cardiac structure and function.
In this study, we demonstrate that ageing can lead to the development of mild chamber remodelling, diffuse fibrosis and loss of diastolic function.
The loss of oestrogens further aggravates such changes by leading to a notable drop in cardiac output (while preserving normal ejection fraction) in the presence of diffuse fibrosis that is more predominant in endocardium and is accompanied by papillary fibrosis.
Excess weight did not markedly aggravate such findings.
This animal model recapitulates many of the features recognized in older, female HFpEF patients and thus, may serve to examine the effects of candidate therapeutic agents.
AbstractTwo‐thirds of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are older women, and risk factors include hypertension and excess weight/obesity. Pathophysiological factors that drive early disease development (before heart failure ensues) remain obscure and female animal models are lacking. The study evaluated the intersecting roles of ageing, oestrogen depletion and excess weight on altering cardiac structure/function. Female, 18‐month‐old, Fischer F344 rats were divided into an aged group, aged + ovariectomy (OVX) and aged + ovariectomy + 10% fructose (OVF) in drinking water (n = 8–16/group) to induce weight gain. Left ventricular (LV) structure/function was monitored by echocardiography. At 22 months of age, animals were anaesthetized and catheter‐based haemodynamics evaluated, followed by histological measures of chamber morphometry and collagen density. All aged animals developed hypertension. OVF animals increased body weight. Echocardiography only detected mild chamber remodelling with ageing while intraventricular pressure–volume loop analysis showed significant (P < 0.05) decreases vs. ageing in stroke volume (13% OVX and 15% for OVF), stroke work (34% and 52%) and cardiac output (29% and 27%), and increases in relaxation time (10% OVX) with preserved ejection fraction. Histology indicated papillary and interstitial fibrosis with ageing, which was higher in the endocardium of OVX and OVF groups. With ageing, ovariectomy leads to the loss of diastolic and global LV function while preserving ejection fraction. This model recapitulates many cardiovascular features present in HFpEF patients and may help understand the roles that ageing and oestrogen depletion play in early (pre‐HFpEF) disease development.
Report: The University Health Clinic: Definition, educational practices and outcomes
Authors: Moore Keri Marie , Bacon Rachel , Bevitt Thomas , Bialocerkowski Andrea , Ciccone Natalie , Haworth Navine , Horstmanshof Louise , Milne Nikki , Naumann Fiona , Sanderson Brooke , Wells Cherie 
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Increasingly, universities are allocating substantial resources and efforts towards developing their own student-led clinical services (SLCS) within university health clinics (UHCs). For that reason, under the umbrella of the Australian and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators (ANZAPHE), clinical educationalists from 12 Australian universities have come together as a hot topic action group (HTAG) to collaboratively explore and enhance learning outcomes from this setting. Context: SLCS within UHCs increase placement capacity to meet growing demand. Moreover, SLCS within UHCs have the potential to provide an outstanding learning opportunity through high-quality supervision and activities designed to develop clinical competencies. However, the benefits of providing clinical education experiences for health and medical students in this setting has not been formally assessed. Typically, SLCS within UHCs are developed through consultation between universities and local health providers and are purposefully designed clinical placements with a focus on clinical educational activities for pre-registration students. UHCs may be located on or off campus and offer SLCS or other services to university staff, students and/or the wider community. In SLCS, students’ delivery of health services is supervised by university employed health professionals. Scope: The work of the HTAG to date is presented in this paper, which defines the setting and outlines assumptions, aspirations, challenges and enablers. The next phase of work for the HTAG is to formally explore the educational value for health professional students’ of SLCS delivered in UHCs and to develop resources and a quality assurance framework to guide the evaluation of these services.
Can Australian medical students’ predictions of peers’ responses assist with gaining reliable results on course evaluations?
Authors: Bacchi Stephen , Guo Brad , Brown Stuart , Symonds Ian , Hudson Judith (Nicky) 
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Student feedback is integral to continuous improvement of medical programmes. A key challenge with student course evaluations is gaining large enough response rates for results to be reliable. This study investigated whether student predictions of peer, rather than personal, responses could address this challenge. Method: An anonymous paper-based student experience of learning and teaching (SELT) survey was distributed to the Year 1–3 medical student cohorts. Students responded to 20 survey statements, using a 6-option Likert-type scale. Ten statements evaluated students’ personal perspectives of the course, while the other 10 statements asked students to predict the most common response by their year cohort. Mean scores between the individual opinion-based and prediction-based statements were compared. An iterative process involving random subsampling was conducted to enable calculation of the minimum required number of responses for a stable outcome for each statement. Results: Two hundred and fifty-nine students participated (response rate 81.7%). Three out of the 10 paired statements in the prediction-based survey accurately predicted the group opinion-based mean. For the remaining seven statement pairs, there were statistically significant (although small) differences in mean. The calculation of mean number of responses required for a stable outcome found that the prediction-based SELT required significantly fewer (189) responses than the opinion-based SELT (215) (95% CI 15.3–35.7, p < 0.001).Conclusions: A prediction-based style of course evaluation using a 6-option Likert-type scale approximated the results gained when asking for individual opinion and required fewer responses to achieve a stable outcome.
Comparative effectiveness of rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab in adults with rheumatoid arthritis and inadequate response to TNF inhibitors: prospective cohort study
Authors: Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Morel Jacques , Perrodeau Elodie , Bardin Thomas , Combe Bernard , Dougados Maxime , Flipo Rene-Marc , Saraux Alain , Schaeverbeke Thierry , Sibilia Jean , Soubrier Martin , Vittecoq Olivier , Baron Gabriel , Constantin Arnaud , Ravaud Philippe , Mariette Xavier 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective
To compare the effectiveness and safety of three non-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α inhibitors (rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Design
Population based prospective study.

Setting
53 university and 54 non-university clinical centres in France.

Participants
3162 adults (>18 years) with rheumatoid arthritis according to 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria, enrolled in one of the three French Society of Rheumatology registries; who had no severe cardiovascular disease, active or severe infections, or severe immunodeficiency, with follow-up of at least 24 months.

Intervention
Initiation of intravenous rituximab, abatacept, or tocilizumab for rheumatoid arthritis.

Main outcome measure

The primary outcome was drug retention without failure at 24 months. Failure was defined as all cause death; discontinuation of rituximab, abatacept, or tocilizumab; initiation of a new biologic or a combination of conventional disease modifying antirheumatic drugs; or increase in corticosteroid dose >10 mg/d compared with baseline at two successive visits. Because of non-proportional hazards, treatment effects are presented as life expectancy difference without failure (LED
wf
), which measures the difference between average duration of survival without failure.

Results

Average durations of survival without failure were 19.8 months for rituximab, 15.6 months for abatacept, and 19.1 months for tocilizumab. Average durations were greater with rituximab (LED
wf
4.1, 95% confidence interval 3.1 to 5.2) and tocilizumab (3.5, 2.1 to 5.0) than with abatacept, and uncertainty about tocilizumab compared with rituximab was substantial (−0.7, −1.9 to 0.5). No evidence was found of difference between treatments for mean duration of survival without death, presence of cancer or serious infections, or major adverse cardiovascular events.

Conclusion
Among adults with refractory rheumatoid arthritis followed-up in routine practice, rituximab and tocilizumab were associated with greater improvements in outcomes at two years compared with abatacept.