bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual differences in decisiveness: ERP correlates of response inhibition and error monitoring
Authors: Senderecka Magdalena , Szewczyk Jakub , Wichary Szymon , Kossowska Małgorzata 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe aim of the current study was to examine whether and how self‐reported decisiveness is associated with response inhibition and performance monitoring. We hypothesized that these two cognitive control mechanisms, both of which are often associated with decision making, would differ in individuals varying in decisiveness. We focused on ERP correlates and behavioral measures of inhibition and error processing in the stop‐signal task. We expected a negative relationship between decisiveness and behavioral measures of inhibitory control. We also hypothesized that stop‐signal‐locked N1 and P3 components and response‐locked error‐related negativity (ERN) would be less pronounced when participants self‐reported higher levels of decisiveness. Correlation analysis identified an association between high decisiveness, long stop‐signal reaction time, and low inhibition rate. Analysis with mixed‐effects linear models revealed that stop signals evoked less pronounced N1 and P3 in individuals scoring higher on decisiveness in both successfully and unsuccessfully inhibited trials. Additionally, high decisiveness was linked to reduced error monitoring, as indicated by decreased ERNs. Importantly, we also found positive association between P3 onset latency and decisiveness, suggesting that individuals scoring higher on this measure have relatively less ability to rapidly engage the stopping process. Thus, our findings primarily indicate that decisiveness is negatively associated with the efficiency of both response inhibition and error monitoring. They also suggest that highly decisive people may share some characteristics of diminished cognitive control with impulsive individuals.
Testicular histomorphometry and the proliferative and apoptotic activities of the seminiferous epithelium in Syrian hamster during spontaneous recrudescence after exposure to short photoperiod
Authors: Martínez‐Hernández Jesús , Seco‐Rovira Vicente , Beltrán‐Frutos Ester , Ferrer Concepción , Canteras Manuel , Sánchez‐Huertas María del Mar , Pastor Luis Miguel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSyrian hamsters are photoperiodic rodents in which reproduction, including testicular function, is stimulated by long photoperiod exposure and curtailed by exposure to a short photoperiod. The objectives of this study were to characterize the testis histomorphometrically and to determine the role of the proliferation and apoptosis phenomena in the recovery of the seminiferous epithelium during spontaneous recrudescence after exposure to short photoperiod. The study was performed using conventional light microscopy, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated dUTP in situ nick end labelling staining, image analysis software, and transmission electron microscopy in three recrudescence groups: initial recrudescence (IR), advanced recrudescence (AR) and total recrudescence (TR). The results morphometrically pointed to the gradual recovery of the testicular and tubular volumes, as well as of the seminiferous epithelium. Among the IR and AR groups, the increase in testicular and tubular volumes was accompanied by an increase in tubular diameter and length, with an increase in interstitial volume. From AR to TR, there was an increase in the tubular and total volumes, but, in this case, with a gradual increase in tubular diameter. Recovery of the seminiferous epithelium was accompanied by changes in apoptosis and proliferation activities. The first decreased halfway through the process, and the second remained higher than the control levels throughout the recrudescence stage. Alterations in the spermatozoa were ultrastructurally observed, which indicated that spermiogenesis was not yet completely normal. In conclusion, spontaneous testicular recrudescence in Syrian hamster comprises two histomorphometrical phases: the first related to an increase in tubular length and diameter and interstitial volume and the second depending principally on the gradual increase in tubular diameter. The restoration of the seminiferous epithelium is due to apoptosis reaching normal values in the AR group accompanied by higher proliferative activity than that observed in the Control group.
Assessing the Competency and Acceptability of Community Health Worker Provision of Standard Days Method® in Family Planning Services in Gisagara District, Rwanda
Authors: VanEnk Lauren , Shelus Victoria , Mugeni Catherine , Mukabatsinda Marie , Cachan Jeannette 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study assesses the competency and acceptability of community‐based provision of Standard Days Method® (SDM) to first‐time users in Rwanda. The national strategy equips community health workers (CHWs) to resupply pills, injectables and condoms to existing clients. With the aim of expanding access, SDM provision to first‐time users was added to the method mix in Gisagara district and assessed with a 12 month prospective, mixed methods study. Thirty percent of SDM clients had never used a method of family planning and 58 percent had not been using a method for at least three months. Eighty‐seven percent of CHWs correctly screened clients to use SDM and 92 percent accurately explained how to use CycleBeads to prevent pregnancy. After being counseled by the CHWs, 89 percent of clients reported knowledge of all key steps required in using SDM to prevent pregnancy. Nearly all SDM clients (99 percent) believed that CHWs were able to counsel them adequately. These results suggest that CHWs were able to offer SDM as part of their family planning responsibilities, and the study adds to the evidence on the role of CHWs in expanding contraceptive access and choice.
Small area estimation of complex parameters under unit‐level models with skew‐normal errors
Authors: Diallo Mamadou S. , Rao J. N. K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe widely used Elbers–Lanjouw–Lanjouw (ELL) method of estimating complex parameters for areas with small sample sizes uses a fitted nested‐error model based on survey data to create simulated censuses of the variable of interest. The complex parameters obtained from each simulated censuses are then averaged to get the estimate. An empirical best (EB) method, under the nested‐error model with normal errors, is significantly more efficient, in terms of mean square error (MSE), than the ELL method when the normality assumption holds. However, it can perform poorly in terms of MSE when the model errors are not normally distributed. We relax normality by assuming skew‐normal errors, derive EB estimators, and study their MSE relative to EB based on normality and ELL. We propose bootstrap methods for MSE estimation. We also study an improvement to ELL by conditioning on the area random effects and without parametric assumptions on the errors.
Soil‐transmitted helminth infections associated with wastewater and sludge reuse: a review of current evidence
Authors: Amoah Isaac Dennis , Adegoke Anthony Ayodeji , Stenström Thor Axel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo review current evidence on infections related to the concentration of soil‐transmitted helminth (STH) eggs in wastewater, sludge and vegetables irrigated with wastewater or grown on sludge‐amended soils.MethodSearch of Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar databases for publications reporting on STH egg concentration in wastewater, sludge and vegetables and for epidemiological studies on wastewater/sludge reuse and STH infections.ResultsSTH egg concentrations were variable but high in wastewater and sludge especially in developing countries. They ranged from 6 to 16 000 eggs/L in wastewater and from 0 to 23 000 eggs/g in sludge and far exceed limits set in the WHO guideline for wastewater/sludge reuse. Numbers of STH eggs on vegetables ranged from 0 to 100 eggs/g. The concentration of STH eggs in wastewater, sludge and vegetables therefore relates to risks of infection through different exposure routes.ConclusionEpidemiological evidence reveals an increased prevalence of STH infections associated with direct exposure to wastewater or sludge (farmers) and consumption of vegetables grown on soil treated with it. This calls for increased efforts to reduce the adverse health impact of wastewater and sludge reuse in line with the WHO multi‐barrier approach.
Prevalence and clinical profile of rotavirus A infection among diarrhoeal children and phylogenetic analysis with vaccine strains in Chengdu, West China, 2009–2014
Authors: Chen Yu‐Hang , Chen Fan , Zhou Tao , Chen Jia‐Yi , Zheng Tian‐Li , Xu Xin , Pei Xiao‐Fang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivesRotaviruses are the most common cause of severe diarrhoeal disease in young children. However, little is known about the epidemiological and clinical profile of rotavirus A (RVA) in diarrhoeal children or the efficacy of Lanzhou lamb rotavirus vaccine (LLR) in Chengdu, China. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical profile of RVA in diarrhoeal children and provide gene analysis information for RVA vaccination programmes.MethodsA total of 1121 faecal samples were collected from outpatient children with diarrhoea between 2009 and 2014. RT‐PCR was performed to detect RVA infection and other gastroenteritis viruses. VP4 and VP7 genes of 13 RVA strains were sequenced to compare their similarity with vaccine strains.ResultsThe overall RVA infection rate was 17.48%. G1 (54.72%) and G3 (18.87%) were the predominant G genotypes; P[8] (72.36%) and P[4] (11.38%) were the main P genotypes. Sixteen genotypes were identified; G1P[8] (57.33%) and G9P[8] (12.00%) were the most prevalent. The proportion of coinfection with RVA and other gastroenteritis viruses was 18.88%. RVA was mostly detected in winter and in diarrhoeal children 1–2 years of age. The genotypes of Rotarix and RotaTeq vaccines were consistent with RVA strains prevalent in Sichuan and shared high identity.ConclusionsRVA was one of the major aetiological agents of diarrhoeal children in Chengdu. Genotype distribution differed within each year and the gene analysis implied low efficacy of LLR. Continuous epidemiological monitoring of RVA is essential for the national vaccination programme.
Compliance with follow‐up and adherence to medication in hypertensive patients in an urban informal settlement in Kenya: comparison of three models of care
Authors: Kuria Ng'endo , Reid Anthony , Owiti Philip , Tweya Hannock , Kibet Caleb Kipkurui , Mbau Lilian , Manzi Marcel , Murunga Victor , Namusonge Tecla , Kibachio Joseph 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine and compare, among three models of care, compliance with scheduled clinic appointments and adherence to antihypertensive medication of patients in an informal settlement of Kibera, Kenya.MethodsRoutinely collected patient data were used from three health facilities, six walkway clinics and one weekend/church clinic. Patients were eligible if they had received hypertension care for more than 6 months. Compliance with clinic appointments and self‐reported adherence to medication were determined from clinic records and compared using the chi‐square test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models estimated the odds of overall adherence to medication.ResultsA total of 785 patients received hypertension treatment eligible for analysis, of whom two‐thirds were women. Between them, there were 5879 clinic visits with an overall compliance with appointments of 63%. Compliance was high in the health facilities and walkway clinics, but men were more likely to attend the weekend/church clinics. Self‐reported adherence to medication by those complying with scheduled clinic visits was 94%. Patients in the walkway clinics were two times more likely to adhere to antihypertensive medication than patients at the health facility (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.25–3.10).ConclusionWalkway clinics outperformed health facilities and weekend clinics. The use of multiple sites for the management of hypertensive patients led to good compliance with scheduled clinic visits and very good self‐reported adherence to medication in a low‐resource setting.
Codeinone reductase isoforms with differential stability, efficiency and product selectivity in opium poppy
Authors: Dastmalchi Mehran , Chang Limei , Torres Miguel A. , Ng Kenneth K. S. , Facchini Peter J. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryCodeinone reductase (COR) catalyzes the reversible NADPH‐dependent reduction of codeinone to codeine as the penultimate step of morphine biosynthesis in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). It also irreversibly reduces neopinone, which forms by spontaneous isomerization in aqueous solution from codeinone, to neopine. In a parallel pathway involving 3‐O‐demethylated analogs, COR converts morphinone to morphine, and neomorphinone to neomorphine. Similar to neopine, the formation of neomorphine by COR is irreversible. Neopine is a minor substrate for codeine O‐demethylase (CODM), yielding morphine. In the plant, neopine levels are low and neomorphine has not been detected. Silencing of CODM leads to accumulation of upstream metabolites, such as codeine and thebaine, but does not result in a shift towards higher relative concentrations of neopine, suggesting a mechanism in the plant for limiting neopine production. In yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) engineered to produce opiate alkaloids, the catalytic properties of COR lead to accumulation of neopine and neomorphine as major products. An isoform (COR‐B) was isolated from opium poppy chemotype Bea's Choice that showed higher catalytic activity than previously characterized CORs, and it yielded mostly neopine in vitro and in engineered yeast. Five catalytically distinct COR isoforms (COR1.1–1.4 and COR‐B) were used to determine sequence–function relationships that influence product selectivity. Biochemical characterization and site‐directed mutagenesis of native COR isoforms identified four residues (V25, K41, F129 and W279) that affected protein stability, reaction velocity, and product selectivity and output. Improvement of COR performance coupled with an ability to guide pathway flux is necessary to facilitate commercial production of opiate alkaloids in engineered microorganisms.
Multiloculated solitary (unicameral) bone cyst in a young dog
Authors: Roode Sarah C. , Shive Heather R. , Hoorntje Willemijn , Bernard Jennifer , Stowe Devorah M. , Pool Roy R. , Grindem Carol B. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA 20‐month‐old female spayed Staffordshire Terrier (22.3 kg) presented to the Orthopedic Surgery Service at North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of a 6‐week history of toe‐touching to nonweight‐bearing lameness in the right hind limb. Radiographs of the right stifle revealed a multiloculated lytic lesion of the distal femur, with a large open lytic zone centrally, numerous osseous septations peripherally, and focal areas of cortical thinning and loss. An aspirate of the right distal femoral lesion yielded mildly cloudy serosanguineous fluid. Cytologic examination of the fluid revealed a pleomorphic population of discrete cells that exhibited marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis and a variable nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic (N:C) ratio, which were interpreted as probable neoplastic cells, with few macrophages, and evidence of hemorrhage. Given the clinical signs of pain, lesion size, and concern for malignant neoplasia, amputation of the right hind limb was performed. Histologically, the lesion had undulating walls 1‐3 mm thick with a continuous outer layer of dense fibrous tissue and an inner layer composed of reactive cancellous bone with no cortical compacta remaining. Remnants of thin fibrous or fibro‐osseous septa projected from the bony wall into the cyst lumen. The final histologic diagnosis was a benign multiloculated solitary (unicameral) bone cyst of the distal right femur. Based on the histopathologic findings, it was speculated that the cells identified on cytology were a mixture of developing osteoclasts, osteoblasts, endothelial, and stromal cells. This is the first report describing the cytologic examination of a solitary bone cyst in veterinary medicine.
The effect of lifelong exercise frequency on arterial stiffness
Authors: Shibata Shigeki , Fujimoto Naoki , Hastings Jeffrey L. , Carrick‐Ranson Graeme , Bhella Paul S. , Hearon Christopher M. , Levine Benjamin D. 
Published: May 2018

Key points
This study examined the effect of different ‘doses’ of lifelong (>25 years) exercise on arterial stiffening (a hallmark of vascular ageing) in older adults.
There are clear dose‐dependent effects of lifelong exercise training on human arterial stiffness that vary according to the site and size of the arteries.
Similar to what we have observed previously with ventricular stiffening, 4–5 days week−1 of committed exercise over a lifetime are necessary to preserve ‘youthful’ vascular compliance, especially of the large central arteries.
Casual exercise training of two to three times per week may be sufficient for middle‐sized arteries like the carotid to minimize arterial stiffening with ageing.
However, there is little effect of exercise training on the small‐sized peripheral arteries at any dose.
AbstractCentral arterial stiffness increases with sedentary ageing. While near‐daily, vigorous lifelong (>25 years) endurance exercise training prevents arterial stiffening with ageing, this rigorous routine of exercise training over a lifetime is impractical for most individuals. The aim was to examine whether a less frequent ‘dose’ of lifelong exercise training (four to five sessions per week for > 30 min) that is consistent with current physical activity recommendations elicits similar benefits on central arterial stiffening with ageing. A cross‐sectional examination of 102 seniors (>60 years old) who had a consistent lifelong exercise history was performed. Subjects were stratified into four groups based on exercise frequency as an index of exercise ‘dose’: sedentary: fewer than two sessions per week; casual exercisers: two to three sessions per week; committed exercisers: four to five sessions per week; and Masters athletes: six to seven sessions per week plus regular competitions. Detailed measurements of arterial stiffness and left ventricular afterload were collected. Biological aortic age and central pulse wave velocity were younger in committed exercisers and Masters athletes compared to sedentary seniors. Total arterial compliance index (TACi) was lower, while carotid β‐stiffness index and effective arterial elastance were higher in sedentary seniors compared to the other groups. There appeared to be a dose–response threshold for carotid β‐stiffness index and TACi. Peripheral arterial stiffness was not significantly different among the groups. These data suggest that four to five weekly exercise sessions over a lifetime is associated with reduced central arterial stiffness in the elderly. A less frequent dose of lifelong exercise (two to three sessions per week) is associated with decreased ventricular afterload and peripheral resistance, while peripheral arterial stiffness is unaffected by any dose of exercise.
Evaluation of an intervention programme addressing ability to perform activities of daily living among persons with chronic conditions: study protocol for a feasibility trial (ABLE)
Authors: Guidetti Susanne , Nielsen Kristina Tomra , von Bülow Cecilie , Pilegaard Marc Sampedro , Klokker Louise , Wæhrens Eva Ejlersen 
Published: May 2018

IntroductionThe number of persons living with a chronic condition is increasing worldwide. Conditions are considered chronic when lasting 1 year or more and requiring ongoing medical attention and/or limiting activities of daily living (ADL). Besides medical treatment, physical exercise to improve body functions is recommended and prescribed. However, improvements in body functions do not necessarily improve ability to perform ADL. Thus, it is necessary to develop interventions aiming directly at enhancing ADL ability. As a part of the research programme ‘A Better Everyday Life’, the first version of the ABLE intervention programme was developed.Methods and analysisThis feasibility study examine the perceived value and acceptability of the ABLE programme by evaluating the fidelity, reach, dose and potential outcomes using a pretest and post-test design involving 30 persons living with chronic conditions. Qualitative interviews among occupational therapists delivering and participants receiving the ABLE programme will be conducted to explore aspects affecting the intervention.Ethics and disseminationThe results will form the base for refinement of the ABLE programme and planning of a large-scale randomised controlled trial investigating the effect of the programme on self-reported and observed ADL ability. Dissemination will include peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.Protocol version7 November 2017: v ersion 1.0. 19 February 2018: v ersion 2.0.Trial registration numberNCT03335709; Pre-results.
Public attitudes in England towards the sharing of personal data following a mass casualty incident: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rubin G James , Webster Rebecca , Rubin Antonia N , Amlot Richard , Grey Nick , Greenberg Neil 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo assess public attitudes towards data sharing to facilitate a mental health screening programme for people caught up in a mass casualty incident.DesignTwo, identical, cross-sectional, online surveys, using quotas to ensure demographic representativeness of people aged 18–65 years in England. Participants were randomly allocated to consider a scenario in which they witness a terrorism-related radiation incident or mass shooting, after which a police officer records their contact details.SettingParticipants were drawn from an online panel maintained by a market research company. Surveys were conducted before and immediately after a series of terrorist attacks and a large tower block fire occurred in England.ParticipantsOne thousand people aged 18–65 years participated in each survey.Main outcome measuresThree questions asking participants if it would be acceptable for police to share their contact details, without asking first, with ‘a health-related government organisation, so they can send you a questionnaire to find out if you might benefit from extra care or support’, ‘a specialist NHS team, to provide you with information about ways to get support for any physical or mental health issues’ and ‘your GP, so they can check how you are doing’.ResultsA minority of participants reported that it would be definitely not acceptable for their details to be shared with the government organisation (n=259, 13.0%), the National Health Service (NHS) (n=141, 7.1%) and their general practitioner (GP) (n=166, 8.3%). There was a small, but significant increase in acceptability for the radiation incident compared with the mass shooting. No major differences were observed between the preincident and postincident surveys.ConclusionsAlthough most people believe it is acceptable for their details to be shared in order to facilitate a mental health response to a major incident, care must be taken to communicate with those affected about how their information will be used.