bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe central sleep apnoea associated with nalmefene: a case report
Authors: Khouri Charles , Arbib François , Revol Bruno , Pepin Jean‐Louis , Tamisier Renaud 
Published: February 2018

Nalmefene, an opioid antagonist, has recently been approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence. We describe here the first case of a 52‐year‐old woman who developed a severe central sleep apnoea (CSA) 5 months after initiation of nalmefene. Scoring of ventilation during sleep recording revealed an apnoea‐hypopnoea index of 67/h with 98.7% of central events and an apnoea index of 65/h. Nalmefene was withdrawn and a new polysomnography was performed which concluded that CSA has disappeared. Pathophysiology is still unclear but could involve the κ‐opioid receptors. Physicians should be aware that CSA might affect patients treated with nalmefene. Further investigations are required to determine the pathophysiology, frequency, and treatment of CSA associated with nalmefene and other therapy for alcohol disorders.
Cardiometabolic risks and omega‐3 index in recent‐onset bipolar I disorder
Authors: Wulsin Lawson R , Blom Thomas J , Durling Michelle , Welge Jeffrey A , DelBello Melissa P , Adler Caleb M , McNamara Robert K , Strakowski Stephen M 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesThe aims of the present study were to characterize cardiometabolic risk factors in a cohort of bipolar disorder patients with limited exposure to psychotropic medications, and to evaluate their associations with mood symptoms and omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) blood levels.MethodsCardiometabolic risk assessments were compared in individuals with bipolar I disorder experiencing a first manic or mixed episode or an early depressive episode (n=117) and healthy subjects (n=56). Patients were medication free at assessment and had no or limited exposure to mood‐stabilizer or antipsychotic medications prior to the current admission. Associations among cardiometabolic parameters and Clinical Global Impression—Severity scale (CGI‐S), manic (Young Mania Rating Scale [YMRS]), and depressive (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS]) symptom ratings were evaluated within the bipolar group.ResultsFollowing adjustment for demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, and parental education), significantly higher fasting triglyceride levels were observed in the bipolar group compared to the healthy group (121.7 mg/dL vs 87.0 mg/dL; P<.01). There were no clear trends for other metabolic indicators, including blood pressure, body mass index, and fasting glucose. Nineteen percent of the bipolar group and 6% of the healthy group met the criteria for metabolic syndrome (P=.23). The omega‐3 index was lower in the bipolar group (3.4% vs 3.9%; P<.01). Within the bipolar group, no associations were found between the cardiometabolic parameters and CGI‐S, YMRS, and HDRS symptom ratings.ConclusionsRecent‐onset medication‐free bipolar disorder is associated with higher triglyceride levels. These findings are suggestive of early metabolic dysregulation prior to long‐term psychotropic medication exposure. Lower omega‐3 PUFA levels in individuals with bipolar I disorder represent a potential therapeutic target for additional investigation.
Agricultural Implications of Unconventional Natural Gas Development: Divergent Perceptions of Sustainable and Conventional Farmers
Authors: Poulsen Melissa N. , Bailey‐Davis Lisa , DeWalle Joseph , Mowery Jacob , Schwartz Brian S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study explored sustainable and conventional farmers’ perceptions of unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) as it relates to agricultural production and distribution. Farmers (n = 200) in Pennsylvania's Marcellus shale region with gas drilling infrastructure on or near their farmland completed questionnaires; a subset (n = 16) of survey respondents participated in semi‐structured interviews. Findings revealed sustainable farmers faced unique negative impacts from UNGD, including greater sensitivity to environmental impacts, risks to organic certification and market participation, declining consumer confidence, and depreciating value of sustainable operations. UNGD‐related income and increased wealth within communities appeared to benefit agricultural production and sales, yet the most cited impact of UNGD on agricultural productivity was a decrease in crop production as farmland was used for UNGD. Findings also highlighted potential impacts on nascent local food markets in areas with UNGD, farmers’ expectations for outside oversight of UNGD, and limited transparency of environmental safety violations.
Banks and Corporate Decisions: Evidence from Business Groups
Authors: Higgins Huong N. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBanks who can influence clients' governance may steer those clients into mergers to reduce the banks' own risk. Empirical evidence based on Japan's mergers and acquisitions (M&As) during the country's 1990s banking crisis indicates that acquirers with stronger bank ties made acquisitions that they would not have normally made. These acquirers lost more shareholder value via mergers than acquirers with weaker bank ties. The banks' risk was reduced, while the banks' shareholders gained significant excess returns from their borrowers' mergers. This paper offers implications for corporate governance of firms with strong bank ties and advances the existing knowledge on business groups.
Dung beetle richness decreases with increasing landscape structural heterogeneity in an African savanna‐agricultural mosaic
Authors: LaScaleia Michael C. , Reynolds Chevonne , Magagula Cebisile N. , Roets Francois , McCleery Robert A. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

The landscape heterogeneity hypothesis posits that increasing variance of land cover types in agricultural landscapes will increase landscape level biodiversity. This hypothesis, however, does not detail which component of landscape structural heterogeneity, compositional (the type and amount) or configurational (the shape and arrangement) has the greatest influence on biodiversity and at what spatial scale(s).

We investigated how dung beetle (Scarabaeidae) alpha‐diversity responded to landscape structural heterogeneity at a variety of spatial scales in an agricultural mosaic‐landscape in north‐eastern Swaziland. We also compared the effect of these components to the effect of variation in the amounts of major land‐cover types in the landscape and plot level vegetation structure.

We used pitfall traps to sample the dung beetle community along a gradient of heterogeneity and used linear mixed effects models to compare the effect of each component on dung beetle richness and Shannon diversity at four separate spatial scales (i.e. 1‐,1.5‐, 2‐ & 3‐km). Land‐cover diversity and number of patches represented compositional and configurational landscape heterogeneity respectively.

Landscape compositional heterogeneity was negatively correlated with dung beetle richness at the 1.5‐km and 2‐km spatial scales. The percentage savanna in the landscape was positively correlated with dung beetle richness at the 3‐km and 2‐km scales.

Landscape level heterogeneity may enhance diversity of some taxonomic groups, but this was not the case for dung beetles in a southern African savanna. The best way to maintain their diversity is to create or maintain large continuous blocks of savanna while limiting intensive agriculture.
Clinical characteristics and management of patients with rosacea in a tertiary dermatology center in Singapore from 2009 to 2013
Authors: Cheong Kah Wai , Yew Yik Weng , Lai Yi Chun , Chan Roy 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionRosacea is a common chronic facial skin disease. A multiethnic society such as Singapore provides an opportunity to evaluate the demographic characteristics and their impact on clinical outcome in rosacea.AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics and outcome of rosacea in a multiracial population in Singapore.MethodsRecords of all rosacea patients between January 2009 and December 2013 were retrospectively retrieved from the electronic medical records (EMR). Descriptive analysis was performed to understand the characteristics of patients with rosacea. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between the various variables and types of rosacea as well as the clinical outcome.ResultsA total of 1340 patients were identified. The mean age at presentation was 42.8 years with a female predominance (65%). Most of the patients had erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) (56.3%) followed by papulopustular rosacea (PPR) (37%). With multinomial logistic regression, controlling for age, gender, and known triggers, Indians and Caucasians were more likely to have PPR compared to ETR (OR: 3.4, P = 0.01 and OR: 2.1, P = 0.01 respectively). Patients who had phymatous rosacea are also more likely to be older males (OR: 3.82 95% CI 1.64–8.92, P = 0.002).ConclusionThe epidemiology and outcome of rosacea among local patients were studied. Rosacea is more common among certain racial groups such as Chinese, Caucasian, and other races. The clinical subtypes also seem to be related to races of certain skin colors and might be related to varied natural intrinsic responses to the sun among different racial groups.
What nurses and midwives want: Findings from the national survey on workplace climate and well‐being
Authors: Holland Peter J. , Tham Tse Leng , Gill Fenella J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimA discussion of the findings from a nationwide study of workplace and well‐being issues of Australian nurses and midwives.BackgroundCurrent discourse only provides a fragmented understanding of a multifaceted nature of working conditions and well‐being, necessitating a more holistic investigation to identify critical workplace issues within these professions.DesignDiscussion paper.Data SourcesA national survey conducted in July 2016 involving Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation members. The literature supporting this paper focuses on the nursing and midwifery workforce and studies on attraction and retention issues.Implications for Nursing and MidwiferyWorkplace policies and practices in place in health care organizations that are within the control of management are key factors in the negative issues associated with the profession from the survey. Proactive and targeted interventions particularly aimed at salient issues of work intensification, declining engagement, and effective voice mechanisms are needed to address these crucial issues if the attrition of individuals from nursing and midwifery occupations is going to be ameliorated.ConclusionTo alleviate workforce issues pushing nurses and midwives to the tipping point of exiting the professions, health care organizations need to take a proactive stance in addressing issues under the control of management.
A system dynamics model for the analysis of clinical laboratory productivity
Authors: Gönül‐Sezer Eylül Damla , Ocak Zeynep 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study describes the initial stages of the development of a system dynamics (SD) model that will be used to simulate the dynamics of various factors that impact the productivity of clinical laboratories. Facing a staff capacity constraint, a clinical laboratory can undertake a number of strategies: (a) hiring new staff, (b) working overtime, or (c) doing both. In this preliminary research, we use a dynamic model to (a) study the impact of these strategies on laboratory productivity, including cost control, and (b) simulate the laboratory human resource utilization process. An SD approach is used for model development because it enables modelers to understand and discuss complex problems by illuminating the relationships among the variables involved. We use a laboratory's test backlog and the test turnaround time as main productivity parameters for this preliminary study. We run the simulation for six months and study laboratory productivity performance behavior over this time period.
Effects of salinity on the growth and morphology of the invasive, euryhaline hydroid Cordylophora (Phylum Cnidaria, Class Hydrozoa)
Authors: Folino‐Rorem Nadine C. , Renken Corbin J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe invasive, euryhaline hydroid Cordylophora sp. is a colonial cnidarian present in both freshwater and brackish water habitats. Individuals contend with osmotic stress at the tissue and cellular level. It has been suggested that this hydroid's ability to expand its range of distribution by invading new habitats is due in large part to an ability to acclimate to new salinities. The purpose of this study was to assess colony growth and morphological changes at various salinities in freshwater and brackish genotypes of Cordylophora sp. Single genotypes from a known freshwater clade (0.5 psu; Des Plaines River) and a known brackish clade (16 psu; Napa River) were cultured and gradually transitioned to 12 different salinities ranging 0.5–22 psu, and we characterized the growth rates and hydranth morphological features at each salinity. Colony growth was optimal at 0.5 psu for the freshwater genotype and 10 psu for the brackish genotype. Changes in hydranth morphology in the freshwater genotype were primarily observed at higher salinities, while morphological changes in the brackish genotype primarily occurred at lower salinities. Our results for the brackish genotype generally concur with previous work, but this study is the first to document the response of a freshwater genotype of Cordylophora sp. to various salinities. Differences in growth between these two genotypes strongly support the previously proposed existence of multiple cryptic species. Furthermore, because this hydroid is quite prevalent in freshwater and brackish systems as a fouling organism, understanding the effects of various salinities on the successful establishment of Cordylophora sp. is an important contribution to the understanding of the ecophysiology and management of this invasive hydroid.
Integration of behavioural feedback in web‐based systems nutrition learning among university students
Authors: Chung L. M. Y. , Fong S. S. M. , Ma A. W. W. , Cheng S. T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study evaluated whether nutrition knowledge and healthy eating patterns can be achieved through web‐based systems, a secondary analysis of learning activities and assessment records. Students used online dietary recording systems to capture food intake data for 2 weeks. The first cohort used a food photo‐upload method and the second cohort used a food text‐searching (TS) method. We compared nutrient intake profiles, nutrition knowledge, and reflective journals of the 2 groups. Interaction effects were tested by 1‐way multivariate ANOVA on outcomes between groups (p < .05). More reflective and action statements in reflective journals were observed in the TS group. The photo‐upload group exhibited significant improvement in saturated fat, sodium, cholesterol, and fat consumption (p < .001), as compared with TS group. Web‐based dietary systems can be adopted in nutrition education to effectively enhance students' nutrition knowledge and help them to reflect on their dietary patterns.
Association between serum total homocysteine and arterial stiffness in adults: a community‐based study
Authors: Chen Lulu , Wang Binyan , Wang Jiancheng , Ban Qianyun , Wu Hongxu , Song Yun , Zhang Jingping , Cao Jingjing , Zhou Ziyi , Liu Lishun , Cao Tianyu , Gao Lan , Guo Huiyuan , Zhang Tao , Tang Genfu , Huang Xiao , Zhang Yan , Li Jianping , Huo Yong , Cheng Xiaoshu , Zang Tonghua , Xu Xiping , Zhang Hao , Qin Xianhui 
Published: February 2018

Both increased arterial stiffness and higher total homocysteine (tHcy) are associated with an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between tHcy and arterial stiffness is still inconclusive. The authors aimed to test the relationship of tHcy with carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and examine the possible effect modifiers in adults. A study was conducted from July to September 2016 in Jiangsu Province, China. A total of 16 644 participants were enrolled in the final analysis. Increased arterial stiffness is defined as a cfPWV ≥10 m/s. Overall, there was a positive association between tHcy and cfPWV levels (per 5‐μmol/L tHcy increase: β = 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08–0.13) and increased arterial stiffness (per 5‐μmol/L tHcy increase: odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07–1.14). Compared with participants with tHcy <10 μmol/L, the significantly higher cfPWV levels were observed in those with tHcy ≥15 μmol/L (β = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.28–0.47). Accordingly, a higher prevalence of increased arterial stiffness was found in patients with tHcy10 to <15 μmol/L (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05–1.33) and tHcy ≥15 μmol/L (odds ratio, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.32–1.71) as compared with participants with tHcy <10 μmol/L. Furthermore, the stronger positive association was found in participants who were older (≥60 years, P for interaction = .008), had low body mass index (<25 kg/m2, P for interaction = .026), high systolic blood pressure levels (≥145 mm Hg [median], P for interaction = .048), or diabetes mellitus (P for interaction = .045). The present study demonstrated that serum tHcy concentrations were positively associated with cfPWV and the prevalence of increased arterial stiffness. These results suggest that the cardiovascular effects of tHcy may partly be mediated through arterial stiffness.
LIM homeobox transcription factor Isl1 is required for melatonin synthesis in the pig pineal gland
Authors: Zhang Jinglin , Qiu Jingtao , Zhou Yewen , Wang Yue , Li Hongjiao , Zhang Taojie , Jiang Ying , Gou Kemian , Cui Sheng 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMelatonin is a key hormone that regulates circadian rhythms, metabolism, and reproduction. However, the mechanisms of melatonin synthesis and secretion have not been fully defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functions of the LIM homeobox transcription factor Isl1 in regulating melatonin synthesis and secretion in porcine pineal gland. We found that Isl1 is highly expressed in the melatonin‐producing cells in the porcine pineal gland. Further functional studies demonstrate that Isl1 knockdown in cultured primary porcine pinealocytes results in the decline of melatonin and arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (AANAT) mRNA levels by 29.2% and 72.2%, respectively, whereas Isl1 overexpression raised by 1.3‐fold and 2.7‐fold. In addition, the enhancing effect of norepinephrine (NE) on melatonin synthesis was abolished by Isl1 knockdown. The in vivo intracerebroventricular NE injections upregulate Isl1 mRNA and protein levels by about threefold and 4.5‐fold in the porcine pineal gland. We then examined the changes in Isl1 expression in the pineal gland and global melatonin levels throughout the day. The results show that Isl1 protein level at 24:00 is 2.5‐fold higher than that at 12:00, which is parallel to melatonin levels. We further found that Isl1 increases the activity of AANAT promoter, and the effect of NE on Isl1 expression was blocked by an ERK inhibitor. Collectively, the results presented here demonstrate that Isl1 positively modulates melatonin synthesis by targeting AANAT, via the ERK signaling pathway of NE. These suggest that Isl1 plays important roles in maintaining the daily circadian rhythm.
A case series of lacosamide as adjunctive therapy in refractory sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy (previously nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy)
Authors: Samarasekera Shanika R. , Berkovic Samuel F. , Scheffer Ingrid E. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of open‐label lacosamide in patients with refractory sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy. The study was a case review of eight patients with refractory sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy treated with lacosamide. Seizure diaries compared the mean baseline seizure frequency with the most recent 3 months of follow‐up. Five (62.5%) patients were responders, defined as ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency, over a mean duration of exposure of 21.5 months. The mean maintenance dose of lacosamide was 400 mg/day. No‐one reported worsening of seizures. Lacosamide was well tolerated with initial fatigue being the main side‐effect. Lacosamide is a potentially efficacious adjunctive therapy in patients with refractory sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy. A double‐blind placebo‐controlled study would determine its efficacy.
Evening use of caffeine moderates the relationship between caffeine consumption and subjective sleep quality in students
Authors: Kerpershoek Mirjam L. , Antypa Niki , Van den Berg Julia F. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryCaffeine is often used to reduce sleepiness; however, research suggests that it can also cause poor sleep quality. The timing of caffeine use, amongst other factors, is likely to be important for the effects it has on sleep quality. In addition, individual differences exist in the effect of caffeine on sleep quality. This cross‐sectional study investigated the influence of the timing of caffeine consumption on and a possible moderating role of chronotype in the relationship between caffeine consumption and sleep quality in 880 students (74.9% female, mean age 21.3 years, SD = 3.1). Respondents filled in online questionnaires about chronotype (the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire), sleep quality (the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and caffeine consumption. Mean caffeine consumption was 624 mg per week, and 80.2% of the sample drank caffeine after 18:00 hours. Regression analyses demonstrated that higher total caffeine consumption was only related to poorer sleep quality for people who did not drink caffeine in the evening (β = 0.209, p = .006). We did not find a relationship between caffeine and sleep quality in people who drank caffeine in the evening (β = −0.053, p = .160). Furthermore, we found no evidence for a moderating role of chronotype in the relationship between caffeine consumption and sleep quality. We concluded that a self‐regulating mechanism is likely to play a role, suggesting that students who know that caffeine negatively affects their sleep quality do not drink it in the evening. Caffeine sensitivity and the speed of caffeine metabolism may be confounding variables in our study.
Sociolinguistics of Judeo‐Spanish
Authors: Kirschen Bryan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this paper, I address sociolinguistic concerns related to the Judeo‐Spanish language from prior to the expulsion of the Sephardic Jews from Spain (1492) and Portugal (1497) until the present day. After discussing relevant sociolinguistic models pre‐ and post‐expulsion in order to account for variation across Judeo‐Spanish speech communities worldwide, I discuss the current ethnolinguistic vitality of the language as well as the domains of use whereby speakers continue to utilize their heritage language. I then discuss sociolinguistic variation, noting variables that may condition elements of speech, supported by synchronic and diachronic studies related to the language. Given such factors, I examine two major contact situations: that of code‐switching across communities as well as contact with non‐Sephardic (“Modern”) varieties of Spanish. I conclude by offering ways in which students and scholars of the language can advance Judeo‐Spanish sociolinguistics as a field, including a discussion of current research methodologies and other key considerations of the 21st century.