bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First reported implementation of a German‐language progress test in an undergraduate dental curriculum: A prospective study
Authors: Kirnbauer B. , Avian A. , Jakse N. , Rugani P. , Ithaler D. , Egger R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionProgress testing is a special form of longitudinal and feedback‐oriented assessment. Even though well established in human medical curricula, this is not the case in dental education. The aim was the prospective development and implementation of the first reported German‐language Dental Progress Test (DPT) for the undergraduate dental curriculum at the Medical University of Graz, Austria.Material and methodsParticipation in DPT was compulsory for all dental students in terms 7‐12 (years 4‐6). Three tests, each consisting of 100 items out of a pool of 375, were administered within 3 consecutive terms in 2016 and 2017. Rasch analyses were used to evaluate the questionnaire and identify misfitting items.ResultsIn the item responses, 59.7% were “correct,” 27.0% were “false” and 13.3% were answered with “don't know,” with similar results at all 3 time points. The assumption of parallel ICC was met (T1: χ2 = 51.071, df = 74, P = .981; T2: χ2 = 57.044, df = 67, P = .802; T3: χ2 = 58.443, df = 72, P = .876) and item difficulties for the thematic fields were similarly distributed across the latent dimensions.ConclusionThe newly introduced DPT is appropriate for testing dental students and is well balanced for the tested target group.
Investment Decisions, Debt Renegotiation Friction, and Agency Conflicts
Authors: Kim Hwa‐Sung 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates how investment decisions are influenced by the possibility of debt renegotiation failure and shareholder–debtholder conflicts by extending the Sundaresan and Wang (2007) model. We find that the difference in investment thresholds due to agency conflicts decreases as shareholders’ bargaining power increases. We also show that as the probability of renegotiation friction is lower, the investment threshold is lower, which is consistent with the empirical result of Favara et al. (2017).
Reduction in glucose fluctuations in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes using repaglinide: A randomized controlled trial of repaglinide vs sulfonylurea
Authors: Omori Kazuno , Nomoto Hiroshi , Nakamura Akinobu , Takase Takahiro , Cho Kyu Yong , Ono Kota , Manda Naoki , Kurihara Yoshio , Aoki Shin , Atsumi Tatsuya , Miyoshi Hideaki 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionGlinides are antidiabetic drugs that enhance the early phase of insulin secretion, but have been considered to be less effective at lowering blood glucose than sulfonylureas. However, glinides show a lower risk of hypoglycemia and a greater effect on postprandial hyperglycemia, and are particularly recommended for use in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. We investigated the efficacy and safety of repaglinide compared with sulfonylurea for the treatment of elderly patients.Materials and MethodsIn the present multicenter, prospective, randomized, open‐label, controlled trial, 57 elderly lean patients with type 2 diabetes who were being treated with sulfonylureas were studied. They were either switched to repaglinide (Repa group) or continued a sulfonylurea (SU group) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome comprised the change in glycemic control, and among the secondary outcomes was the presence of hypoglycemia and drug compliance.ResultsAlthough glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was not significantly different between the two groups (SU +0.02% vs Repa −0.07%), greater improvements in the glycated albumin (GA) and GA to HbA1c ratio (GA/HbA1c) were observed in the Repa group (ΔGA, SU +0.12% vs Repa −1.15%; ΔGA/HbA1c, SU +0.01 vs Repa −0.13; each P < 0.01) without increasing hypoglycemia. When the Repa group was subdivided according to whether GA improved, the SU dose before switching to repaglinide was significantly smaller and the homeostatic model assessment of β‐cell function was significantly higher in the GA improvement subgroup.ConclusionsSwitching from SU to Repa improved GA and GA/HbA1c, and had favorable effects on glucose fluctuation in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.
Major histocompatibility complex variation and blood parasites in resident and migratory populations of the common yellowthroat
Authors: Whittingham Linda A. , Dunn Peter O. , Freeman‐Gallant Corey R. , Taff Conor C. , Johnson Jeff A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGenes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are a critical part of the adaptive immune response, and the most polymorphic genes in the vertebrate genome, especially in passerine birds. This diversity is thought to be influenced by exposure to pathogens which can vary in relation to numerous factors. Migratory behaviour may be a particularly important trait to consider because migratory birds are exposed to a greater number of different pathogens and parasites at both breeding (i.e. temperate) and overwintering (i.e. tropical and subtropical) areas, as well as at stopover sites during migration. Thus, migrants are predicted to have greater MHC diversity than residents. We compared MHC variation, at both class I and II, and levels of haemosporidian infection between one resident and two migratory populations of the common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). We found that residents were less likely to be infected with haemosporidian parasites and had lower MHC diversity at class I; however, variation at MHC class II was greater in residents than migrants, contrary to our prediction. These patterns were not likely to be caused by differences in population demography as genomewide heterozygosity (based on 9225 single nucleotide polymorphisms) was high in all three populations and not correlated with MHC variation. Our different results for MHC class I and II suggest that studies of immune gene variation in relation to life history need to consider that there could be different selection pressures arising from intracellular (class I) and extracellular (class II) pathogens in different populations.
Media market concentration and pluralism
Authors: Stühmeier Torben 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe study the relationship between market concentration and market variety, and thereby focus on two dimensions of variety, namely on internal variety and on external variety. In our setup, firms can expand their internal variety continuously around their focus point on a Salop‐circle. External variety then refers to the market supply of variety offered by all firms on the circle. We believe that this setting is particularly applicable to media. It turns out that in more concentrated markets, there is an incentive to provide more internal variety in order to compete for consumers. Then, the relationship between market concentration and external variety turns out to be ambiguous. There also exists no clear free market bias with respect to socially optimal internal and external variety.
Millipedes vs. pathogens: Defensive secretions of some julids (Diplopoda: Julida) as potential antimicrobial agents
Authors: Ilić Bojan , Dimkić Ivica , Unković Nikola , Grbić Milica Ljaljević , Vukojević Jelena , Vujisić Ljubodrag , Tešević Vele , Stanković Slaviša , Makarov Slobodan , Lučić Luka 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn the light of growing interest in discovering new sources of natural antimicrobial agents, we extracted and tested the efficiency of julid defensive secretions in comparison with commercially used antibiotic and antimycotics. This work involved chemical characterization of the defensive secretions of Cylindroiulus boleti (C. L. Koch, 1847), Megaphyllum bosniense (Verhoeff, 1897) and M. unilineatum (C. L. Koch, 1838), as well as in vitro evaluation of their antimicrobial activity against 11 bacteria, one yeast and eight filamentous fungi. Compounds of the analysed defensive secretions included p‐benzoquinones, alkyl esters of fatty acids and ketones. Ketones were recorded for the first time in the order Julida, and they were detected in secretions of both Megaphyllum species. All three analysed defensive secretions showed antibacterial and antifungal potential against all of the tested pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus proved to be the most sensitive bacterial strain to all analysed secretions. Also, defensive secretion of M. unilineatum showed significant antibacterial potential against Bacillus subtilis. The most resistant bacterial strains in this study were Escherichia coli, Erwinia persicina and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Analysed defensive secretions achieved the strongest antifungal activity against Aspergillus parasiticus (secretions of all three millipede species), Penicillium griseofulvum (secretions of C. boleti and M. bosniense) and Cladosporium oxysporum (secretion of M. unilineatum). The most resistant mycromycetes were A. niger (to all tested defensive secretions), A. flavus (to secretion of M. unilineatum) and P. lanosum (to secretions of C. boleti and M. bosniense). Our results showed a generally lower level of activity compared to antibiotic and a significantly higher level compared to antimycotics. The results of this study elucidate and open opportunities for further research in the field of millipede chemical ecology.
Engaging the patient: improving dietary intake and meal experience through bedside terminal meal ordering for oncology patients
Authors: Barrington V. , Maunder K. , Kelaart A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to determine changes in patient dietary intake, plate waste and meal experience associated with the implementation of a patient‐directed bedside electronic meal ordering system (BMOS) compared to traditional paper menus (PMs).MethodsThe study evaluated the effect of a BMOS compared to PM at an oncology hospital between 2015 and 2016. Patient dietary intake, plate waste and patient meal experience were the key outcomes measured. Plate waste was determined using a validated seven‐point visual wastage scale. The weight eaten estimates were converted into nutrients consumed in each food item to estimate dietary intake. Patient meal experience was measured via written surveys.ResultsThere was an increase in patient dietary intake and patient meal experience, with BMOS compared to PM. Comparison between BMOS (n = 105) and PM (n = 96) showed statistically significant increases in ordering sufficient energy (8683 kJ day−1 versus 6773 kJ day−1, P = 0.004) and protein (97 g day−1 versus 82 g day−1, P = 0.023), as well as average energy intake (6457 kJ day−1 versus 4805 kJ day−1, P < 0.001) and protein intake (73 g day−1 versus 58 g day−1, P < 0.001). Average plate waste remained the same for both cohorts. Patient meal experience showed that 60% of patients accessed the BMOS independently. The BMOS cohort had significant increases in receiving the food that they ordered (P < 0.001) and in choosing food that they liked (P = 0.006).ConclusionsThe results of the present study demonstrate that a patient‐directed electronic meal ordering system improved patient dietary intake and meal experience. These results are most likely a result of empowering patients to make decisions about their meal selections and nutritional care through accessible meal ordering and improved menu communication.
Tai chi and yoga in residential aged care: Perspectives of participants: A qualitative study
Authors: Saravanakumar Padmapriya , Higgins Isabel J , Van Der Riet Pamela J , Sibbritt David 
Published: July 2018

Aims and objectivesThis qualitative study examined the appropriateness and acceptability of 14‐week modified tai chi and yoga programmes in an Australian residential aged care (RAC) setting by exploring experiences and perspectives of frail older residents and staff participants.BackgroundOlder persons in RAC have limited opportunities for physical activity. Tai chi and yoga are mindfulness‐based exercise interventions that have been used to promote physical and psychological health of older adults in community settings. While research on tai chi and yoga interventions in community settings is promising, there is limited research regarding the interventions’ appropriateness and acceptability for frail older residents in residential care settings in Australia.DesignDescriptive and qualitative component of a mixed‐methods study.MethodsAll residents who participated in the modified yoga and tai chi interventions and staff who supported them were invited. A total of 19 individuals comprising 16 residents and three staff members participated in three focus group interviews. The interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically using a qualitative descriptive approach.ResultsNine themes that reflected the uniqueness of the programmes' mind–body approach are presented: (a) novel, new and exciting; (b) smoothness, rhythm and flow; (c) slow and mindful; (d) gentle but rewarding; (e) moving whole body; (f) perceived benefits; (g) worthwhile; (h) feeling alive; and (i) calming and relaxing.ConclusionsThe modified programmes of tai chi and yoga was acceptable, appropriate, enjoyable and helpful. Both tai chi and yoga appear to provide appropriate physical exercise and opportunities for older persons to enhance their quality of life through interaction of physical, emotional and intellectual wellness domains.Relevance to clinical practiceThe 14‐week modified programmes of tai chi and yoga could be applied to frail older RAC population to promote health and active ageing.
eHealth versus equity: Using a feminist poststructural framework to explore the influence of perinatal eHealth resources on health equity
Authors: Richardson Brianna , Goldberg Lisa , Aston Megan , Campbell‐Yeo Marsha 
Published: July 2018

Aims and objectivesTo explore whether and how eHealth resources targeted to families during the perinatal period effectively reach a diverse population or further oppress marginalised groups.BackgroundeHealth is often intended to reach a broad population, thus health content must be relatively generalised which limits the ability to tailor health education and interventions to individual needs. Generalisation of health information has historically represented a hegemonic depiction of the health consumer, especially within the perinatal period, often disregarding the diversity that exists in the world and perpetuating heteronormative constructs within healthcare systems as a result.DesignA critical review of the literature regarding perinatal eHealth resources was conducted using a feminist poststructuralist approach for analysis. Included literature addresses the development, implementation and/or evaluation of perinatal eHealth resources.DiscussionThis approach uncovered hegemonic discourses related to the current state of perinatal eHealth resources. Nurses and midwives have the unique advantage of interacting and understanding diverse populations. Thus, nurses and midwives are integral to the development, implementation and evaluation of eHealth resources to reduce social health inequity.Relevance to clinical practiceThis paper acts as an exemplar on how to apply feminist poststructuralism to highlight inequities that exist and identifies strategies for nurses and midwives to become involved in the development of eHealth resources or advocate for greater visibility within current resources.
The effectiveness of aromatherapy and massage on stress management in nurses: A systematic review
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Zhao Minghui , Shi Ying , Xing Zhuangjie , Li Yuan , Wang Shouqi , Ying Jie , Zhang Meiling , Sun Jiao 
Published: July 2018

Aims and objectivesTo assess the effectiveness of aromatherapy and massage on relieving stress in nurses.BackgroundNurses face uncommon levels of stress in medical settings. Stress has a negative impact on nurses’ well‐being and the organisation where they work. Aromatherapy and massage are important strategies for stress reduction. However, the effectiveness of aromatherapy and massage on relieving stress in nurses currently lacks understanding.DesignSystematic review.MethodWe performed a quantitative systematic review using Cochrane methods. We searched existing literature in the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library, to examine any experimental design studies published from the earliest date available to August 2017 in English. Risk of bias per outcome was assessed.ResultsA total of 10 articles met the inclusion criteria, including aromatherapy (n = 4), massage (n = 4) and aromatherapy massage (n = 2). Most studies reported that aromatherapy and massage exert a beneficial effect on the stress of nurses. One study showed that the aromatherapy massage with music interventions has no effect on the stress of nurses. However, the number of the studies is limited and has high or unclear risk of bias.ConclusionThis review revealed that the evidence does not sufficiently prove that aromatherapy, massage and aromatherapy massage are effective for reducing job‐related stress of nurses. We need to conduct high‐quality studies to verify the effects of these interventions on nurses’ stress levels in the future. Moreover, we need to integrate outcome measures of stress levels for developing more appropriate tools than the ones used as present.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses’ stress has a negative impact on their own and organisation where they work. All available opportunities should be taken to reduce nurses’ stress. It will be beneficial for nurse shortage.
Factor analysis and validity of the Polish version of the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory in mothers of seriously ill children
Authors: Rybojad Beata , Aftyka Anna , Samardakiewicz Marzena 
Published: July 2018

Aims and objectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate and validate the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) in mothers of severely ill children hospitalised currently or in the past within a paediatric hospital setting.BackgroundSerious illness in a child causes a sense of fear in her parents, which may occur in variously manifested stress.Methods/Setting/ParticipantsThe participants were 135 mothers of children treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Hematology & Oncology Department, and with perinatal history, who filled out Authors’ Questionnaire and the Polish version of the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory. Mothers of all children except those hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit, additionally filled out the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale‐Modified (HADS‐M) and Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R).ResultsStatistical analyses demonstrated a bifactor structure explaining 49.28% of the total variance. The first factor refers to the distress associated with the feeling of threat and somatic reactions, explaining 34.99% of the variance. The second factor, describing negative emotions, explains 14.99% of the variance. Cronbach's α coefficient for the whole scale, eventually consisting of 11 items, is 0.80; for the subscale Feeling of Threat and Somatic Reactions is 0.75, and Negative Emotions is 0.72. The general severity of peritraumatic distress correlates positively with the level of anxiety (ρ = 0.50; p < 0.01) and depression (ρ = 0.49; p < 0.01).ConclusionsPolish adaptation of the PDI appears to be a valuable tool for studying distress in parents of seriously ill children.Relevance to clinical practiceAll parents of hospitalised children are at risk of distress so personnel should pay attention to that and report to a clinical psychologist.
Asynchronous rhythms of circulating conjugated and unconjugated bile acids in the modulation of human metabolism
Authors: Al‐Khaifi A. , Straniero S. , Voronova V. , Chernikova D. , Sokolov V. , Kumar C. , Angelin B. , Rudling M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesBile acids (BAs) traversing the enterohepatic circulation (EHC) influence important metabolic pathways. By determining individual serum BAs in relation to markers of metabolic activity, we explored how diurnal variations in their EHC relate to hepatic metabolism in normal humans.MethodsSerum BAs, fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), lipoproteins, glucose/insulin and markers of cholesterol and BA syntheses were monitored for 32 h in 8 healthy males. Studies were conducted at basal state and during initiation of cholestyramine treatment, with and without atorvastatin pretreatment. Time series cross‐correlation analysis, Bayesian structural model and Granger causality test were applied.ResultsBile acids synthesis dominated daytime, and cholesterol production at night. Conjugated BAs peaked after food intake, with subsequent FGF19 elevations. BA synthesis was reduced following conjugated BA and FGF19 peaks. Cholestyramine reduced conjugated BAs and FGF19, and increased BA and cholesterol production; the latter effects attenuated by atorvastatin. The relative importance of FGF19 vs. conjugated BAs in this feedback inhibition could not be discriminated. Unconjugated BAs displayed one major peak late at night/early morning that was unrelated to FGF19 and BA synthesis, and abolished by cholestyramine. The normal suppression of serum triglycerides, glucose and insulin observed at night was attenuated by cholestyramine.ConclusionsConjugated and unconjugated BAs have asynchronous rhythms of EHC in humans. Postprandial transintestinal flux of conjugated BAs increases circulating FGF19 levels and suppresses BA synthesis. Unconjugated BAs peak late at night, indicating a non‐postprandial diurnal change in human gut microflora, the physiological implications of which warrants further study.
Investigating the Effect of Different Surface Treatments on Vickers Hardness and Flexural Strength of Zirconium and Lithium Disilicate Ceramics
Authors: Ozdogan Alper , Yesil Duymus Zeynep 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the effect of different surface treatments on Vickers hardness and flexural strength of zirconia and lithium disilicate ceramics.Materials and Methods50 zirconia and 50 lithium disilicate ceramic specimens were used. After identifying one group as the control, grinding, sandblasting, CoJet, and Er:YAG laser were applied on the surface of specimens (n = 10). After applying Vickers hardness test to specimens, flexural strength test was performed. The data were analyzed with two‐way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple comparisons tests.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences found between surface treatment groups in terms of Vickers hardness of zirconia and lithium disilicate ceramics (p < 0.001), but there were no statistically significant differences found between surface treatment groups in terms of flexural strength (p > 0.05).ConclusionsSurface treatments could affect the hardness of ceramics. Therefore, was zirconia found to be harder and more durable than lithium disilicate ceramics.
On the Role of Input in Second Language Acquisition: The Case of French Strong Pronouns
Authors: Shimanskaya Elena 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study examined the acquisition of a linguistic property that is underrepresented in the input available to second language (L2) learners, namely, interpretation of French strong pronouns as [–animate]. To understand how pronouns are used and interpreted and how this topic is treated in pedagogical grammars, three types of analyses were conducted: corpus analysis, review of pedagogical materials, and experimental study with native and L2 speakers of French. Corpus data suggested that French strong pronouns were not inherently specified as [+animate] and that native speakers used these forms to refer to inanimate objects, at least when strong pronouns were used as objects of prepositions. Additionally, experimental data revealed that advanced L2 speakers also accepted inanimate interpretations. Taken together, the findings suggested that targetlike interpretation of pronouns can be acquired despite the scarcity of input, negative transfer from learners’ first language, and lack of explicit instruction of the target property.