The MIMIC model and formative variables:problems and solutions

The use of the multiple indicators, multiple causes model to operationalize formative variables (the formative MIMIC model) is advocated in the methodological literature. Yet, contrary to popular belief, the formative MIMIC model does not provide a valid method of integrating formative variables into empirical studies and we recommend discarding it from formative models. Our arguments rest on the following observations. First, much formative variable literature appears to conceptualize a causal structure between the formative variable and its indicators which can be tested or estimated. We demonstrate that this assumption is illogical, that a formative variable is simply a researcher-defined composite of sub-dimensions, and that such tests and estimates are unnecessary. Second, despite this, researchers often use the formative MIMIC model as a means to include formative variables in their models and to estimate the magnitude of linkages between formative variables and their indicators. However, the formative MIMIC model cannot provide this information since it is simply a model in which a common factor is predicted by some exogenous variables—the model does not integrate within it a formative variable. Empirical results from such studies need reassessing, since their interpretation may lead to inaccurate theoretical insights and the development of untested recommendations to managers. Finally, the use of the formative MIMIC model can foster fuzzy conceptualizations of variables, particularly since it can erroneously encourage the view that a single focal variable is measured with formative and reflective indicators. We explain these interlinked arguments in more detail and provide a set of recommendations for researchers to consider when dealing with formative variables.

Differences between younger and older adults in the structure of suicidal intent and its correlates

OBJECTIVE: To analyze differences in the variables associated with severity of suicidal intent and in the main factors associated with intent when comparing younger and older adults. DESIGN: Observational, descriptive cross-sectional study. SETTING: Four general hospitals in Madrid, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred seventy suicide attempts by 793 subjects split into two groups: 18-54 year olds and subjects older than 55 years. MEASUREMENTS: The authors tested the factorial latent structure of suicidal intent through multigroup confirmatory factor analysis for categorical outcomes and performed statistical tests of invariance across age groups using the DIFFTEST procedure. Then, they tested a multiple indicators-multiple causes (MIMIC) model including different covariates regressed on the latent factor "intent" and performed two separate MIMIC models for younger and older adults to test for differential patterns. RESULTS: Older adults had higher suicidal intent than younger adults (z = 2.63, p = 0.009). The final model for the whole sample showed a relationship of intent with previous attempts, support, mood disorder, personality disorder, substance-related disorder, and schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The model showed an adequate fit (chi²[12] = 22.23, p = 0.035; comparative fit index = 0.986; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.980; root mean square error of approximation = 0.031; weighted root mean square residual = 0.727). All covariates had significant weights in the younger group, but in the older group, only previous attempts and mood disorders were significantly related to intent severity. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of variables associated with suicidal intent varies with age. Recognition, and treatment of geriatric depression may be the most effective measure to prevent suicidal behavior in older adults.

Phosphorus Biogeochemistry and the Impact of Phosphorus Enrichment: Why Is the Everglades so Unique?

The Florida Everglades is extremely oligotrophic and sensitive to small increases in phosphorus (P) concentrations. P enrichment is one of the dominant anthropogenic impacts on the ecosystem and is therefore a main focus of restoration efforts. In this review, we synthesize research on P biogeochemistry and the impact of P enrichment on ecosystem structure and function in the Florida Everglades. There are clear patterns of increased P concentrations and altered structure and processes along nutrient-enrichment gradients in the water, periphyton, soils, macrophytes, and consumers. Periphyton, an assemblage of algae, bacteria, and associated microfauna, is abundant and has a large influence on phosphorus cycling in the Everglades. The oligotrophic Everglades is P-starved, has lower P concentrations and higher nitrogen–phosphorus (N:P) ratios, and has oxidized to only slightly reduced soil profiles compared to other freshwater wetland ecosystems. Possible general causes and indications of P limitation in the Everglades and other wetlands include geology, hydrology, and dominance of oxidative microbial nutrient cycling. The Everglades may be unique with respect to P biogeochemistry because of the multiple causes of P limitation and the resulting high degree of limitation.

Scope & nature of young sudden cardiac death in Newfoundland & Labrador

Introduction: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young people (ages 2-40) is a tragedy for families and communities alike. It has multiple causes, one of which is an underlying genetic arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. A study from Ontario (ON) using a 2008 cohort assessed the incidence of SCD in persons aged 2-40 years to be 2.64/100,000 person-years. We hypothesized that Newfoundland & Labrador (NL) may have a higher incidence of early SCD in ages 2-40 due to possible underlying genetic causes given the historical genetic isolation of the population and the founder mutations already identified (ex. PKP2, RYR2, TMEM43). Methods: We ascertained cases of sudden death from the comprehensive Medical Examiners’ provincial database for the years 2008 and 1997; 2008 as a direct comparison to ON, and 1997 as it represented a time when the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was not available in NL. Each case of sudden death was individually analyzed to determine likelihood of SCD. Results: There were 119 cases in 2008 and 157 cases in 1997. The incidence of SCD for ages 2-40 in 2008 was 7.32/100,000 persons. This was significantly higher than the incidence in Ontario. The incidence of SCD was not significantly higher in 1997 than 2008. Coronary artery disease was a major cause of death in all cohorts, similar to Ontario (non-significant difference). Conclusion: In general, there was a trend of more arrhythmogenic deaths in the young and more structural cardiac deaths as age increased. This reflects the cause of SCD in the young is often genetic in nature, while older deaths are often due to coronary artery disease, a disease heavily influenced by environment. To conclude, SCD in NL occurs at a higher incidence than ON, further research is needed on the topic.

Novas tecnologias associadas ao retratamento endodôntico não cirúrgico

Introdução: O trabalho elaborado desenvolve o tema seguinte: Novas tecnologias associadas ao retratamento endodôntico não cirúrgico. Desde o início da medicina dentária que somos deparados com o insucesso nos tratamentos realizados, na endodôntia sendo um acontecimento regular na prática diária. Quando o tratamento Endodontico não cirúrgico não é eficaz na resolução de patologias pulpares e ocorre recidiva da patologia, é necessário a realização do retratamento endodôntico não cirúrgico. Uma vez que o retratamento endodôntico, respeita os mesmos princípios do tratamento Endodontico, sendo estes a desinfeção do sistema de canais radiculares, a sua instrumentação e obturação. Esta prática está indicada por vários motivos, anatómicos, microbiológicos, erros de instrumentação, erros de obturação e as próprias limitações dos materiais. Objetivos: Esta dissertação tem como objetivo analisar, e verificar as razões que levam a necessidade da realização de retratamentos endodônticos não cirúrgicos, aos métodos utilizados na realização de retratamentos comparando-os entre si. Tendo sido realizada uma revisão bibliográfica de modo a verificar: as causas de insucesso, limitações dos materiais, técnicas de obturação, agentes químicos e sistemas de instrumentação. Materiais e Métodos: Para a obtenção da informação necessária para a elaboração da presente dissertação, foi realizada uma pesquiza bibliográfica nas bases de dados da Pubmed, B-on, Scielo, Science Direct e no Google Académico. Através das seguintes palavras-chave: “Root canal treatment”, “Endodontic sucess”, “Endodontic retreatment”, “Endodontic Failure causes”, “Root canal retreatment materials”, “Endodontic retreatment metods”, “Chloroform”, “ProTaper, Reciproc”, “Haloten”, “Orange oil”, “Eucaliptol”, “Ultrassonic instrumentation”, “obturation material”, “root filling”. Conclusão: No trabalho realizado é possível concluir que o insucesso tem múltiplas causas, que hoje em dia existem novos métodos e técnicas que nos permitem a resolução das falhas nos tratamentos primários, sendo que estes novos métodos e técnicas se revelaram mais eficazes que os tradicionais, demonstrando uma maior probabilidade de eliminação dos fatores causais das reinfeções.

Impacto das características e condições de trabalho no absentismo em assistentes operacionais de escolas e jardins de infância

O trabalho é capaz de proporcionar sentimentos de identificação, permitindo a partilha de experiências, a aquisição de status social e identidade profissional, mas também pode colocar o trabalhador em situações desagradáveis. As condições a que os trabalhadores estão expostos no seu trabalho e os constrangimentos organizacionais podem despoletar riscos para a sua saúde mental, social e física. A exposição a riscos psicossociais no trabalho tem consequências para a saúde dos trabalhadores. Riscos estes que estão relacionados com a organização do trabalho, com o conteúdo das tarefas e com o ambiente vivenciado no local de trabalho. Para além de consequências para a saúde, a exposição a fatores de risco pode ter consequências que prejudicam o trabalhador, a organização e a sociedade em geral, exemplo dessa consequência é o absentismo. O absentismo é caracterizado pela ausência do trabalhador ao seu local de trabalho, podendo ter na sua essência múltiplas causas, sendo, por sua vez, causador de diversos problemas. A insatisfação com as condições e características do trabalho e os problemas de saúde causados e agravados pela exposição aos riscos leva ao elevado absentismo. Esta dissertação tem como intuito compreender a perceção dos assistentes operacionais acerca da exposição a fatores de riscos psicossociais, compreender a que se deve o elevado índice de absentismo laboral e perceber se existe relação entre este e as condições de trabalho e a perceção de exposição a riscos psicossociais. Participaram do estudo 85 assistentes operacionais, entre os 32 e os 65 anos, de escolas e jardins de infância do conselho. A recolha de dados foi realizada através do questionário INSAT2013 e pela técnica de observação não sistematizada, onde se procurou observar, com o intuito de compreender, as atividades, comportamentos, dificuldades, interações/relações e satisfação do trabalhador assistente operacional. Os principais resultados apresentam uma percepção moderada, por parte dos trabalhadores a riscos psicossociais de modo geral e a sua relação com o elevado absentismo. Umas das conclusões que se destaca na dissertação é que a elevada carga de trabalho reforçada com a redução de colaboradores levam ao aumento do absentismo.

Etiologia da recessão gengival

Introdução: A Periodontologia é um ramo da Medicina Dentária que tem como objetivo manter o periodonto saudável. A recessão gengival tem vindo a ser estudada, tanto em populações com pobre controlo de placa bacteriana, quanto naquelas com boa Higiene Oral. Os médicos dentistas desconhecem ainda muitos dos aspetos da etiologia da recessão gengival e como tal, este assunto foi objeto de muitas conjeturas, nomeadamente a causa da mesma, sendo ainda mais importante, o controle deste problema. Sendo assim, persiste a confusão levantada por várias opiniões e pontos de vista contraditórios, sendo alvo desta dissertação. Objetivos: Esta dissertação tem como objetivo analisar, e verificar a Etiologia da Recessão Gengival, mais precisamente, a sua origem e os fatores que predispõem a mesma. Tendo sido assim, realizada uma revisão bibliográfica, de modo a verificar: quais as causas desta patologia e as suas limitações. Materiais e Métodos: Para a obtenção da informação necessária na realização da presente dissertação, foi efetuada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados da Pubmed, Scielo, o livro Tratado de Peridontia Clinica e Implantologia Oral, o Jornal da Associação Dentária Americana, o livro Peridontia Clinica, o livro de Histologia Básica e o livro Anatomia, Embriologia e Histologia Oral. Para tal, foi realizada a investigação através das seguintes palavras-chaves: “Etiology”, Gingival Recession”, “Periodontitis”, “Dental plaque”, e “Prevalence”. Conclusão: No trabalho realizado, é possível concluir que a Etiologia da recessão é multifatorial e raramente leva à perda do elemento dentário, embora, cause muitos danos por provocar a sensibilidade dentária, devido a perda e retração da gengiva. Esta etiologia leva a uma maior incidência de cáries radiculares, sacrificando o aspecto estético do paciente, e consequentemente, leva a um desconforto psicológico. Subsequentemente a recessão gengival e as suas múltiplas causas, existem atualmente métodos e técnicas, que nos permitem a resolução de alguns dos danos provocados por esta, com o objetivo de criar uma maior probabilidade de eliminação dos fatores causais da mesma.

An isolated perfused human placental lobule model for multiple indicator dilution studies

We describe a method for multiple indicator dilution studies in the isolated perfused human placental lobule developed to investigate the relationships between changes in pressure and flow and solute clearance. A peripheral lobule of a human placenta is perfused with a tissue culture-based medium and the perfusate oxygen tension, arterial and venous pressures, pH and perfusion temperature continuously monitored by a computerized system. Flow rates are readily changed. Bolus injections of vascular, extracellular and water space markers, and study compounds can be made into either maternal or fetal circulations, and precisely timed outflow fractions can be collected with computer-controlled fraction collectors, allowing simultaneous determination of concentration-time profiles of each marker. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.

Distribution kinetics of solutes in the isolated in-situ perfused rat head using the multiple indicator dilution technique and a physiological two-barrier model

The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of [C-14]diclofenac, [C-14]salicylate and [H-3]clonidine using a single pass rat head perfusion preparation. The head was perfused with 3-[N-morpholino] propane-sulfonic acid-buffered Ringer's solution. Tc-99m-red blood cells and a drug were injected in a bolus into the internal carotid artery and collected from the posterior facial vein over 28 min. A two-barrier stochastic organ model was used to estimate the statistical moments of the solutes. Plasma, interstitial and cellular distribution volumes for the solutes ranged from 1.0 mL (diclofenac) to 1.6 mL (salicylate), 2.0 mL (diclofenac) to 4.2 mL (water) and 3.9 mL (salicylate) to 20.9 mL (diclofenac), respectively. A comparison of these volumes to water indicated some exclusion of the drugs from the interstitial space and salicylate from the cellular space. Permeability-surface area (PS) products calculated from plasma to interstitial fluid permeation clearances (CLPI) (range 0.02-0.40 mL s(-1)) and fractions of solute unbound in the perfusate were in the order: diclofenac>salicylate >clonidine>sucrose (from 41.8 to 0.10 mL s(-1)). The slow efflux of diclofenac, compared with clonidine and salicylate, may be related to its low average unbound fraction in the cells. This work accounts for the tail of disposition curves in describing pharmacokinetics in the head.

Evolutionary genetics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi - causes and consequences of multiple genomes in Glomus intraradices

Résumé Les champignons endomycorhiziens arbusculaires (CEA) forment des symbioses avec la plupart des plantes terrestres. Les CEA influencent la croissance des plantes et la biodiversité. Ils sont supposés avoir évolué de manière asexuée pendant au moins 400 millions d'années et aucune diversification morphologique majeure n'a été constatée. Pour ces raisons, les CEA sont considérés comme d'anciens asexués. Très peu d'espèces sont connues actuellement. Les individus de ces champignons contiennent des noyaux génétiquement différents dans un cytoplasme continu. La signification évolutive, la variabilité et la maintenance des génomes multiples au sein des individus sont inconnues. Ce travail a démontré qu'une population du CEA Glomus intraradices est génétiquement très variable. Nous avons conclu que les plantes hôtes plutôt que la différenciation géographique devraient être responsables de cette grande diversité. Puis nous avons cherché l'existence de recombinaison entre génotypes dans une population. Nous avons détecté un groupe recombinant au sein de la population, ce qui met en doute l'état d'anciens asexués des CEA. Nous avons également détecté l'occurrence de fusions d'hyphes et l'échange de noyaux entre isolats génétiquement différents. La descendance hybride issue de cet échange était viable et distincte phénotypiquement des isolats parentaux. En résumé, ce travail identifie des événements cruciaux dans le cycle de vie des CEA qui ont le potentiel d'influencer l'évolution de génomes multiples. L'étude des conséquences de ces événements sur les interactions avec les plantes hôtes pourrait éclaircir significativement la compréhension de la symbiose entre plantes et CEA. Abstract Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are important symbionts of most land plants. AMF influence plant growth and biodiversity. Very few extant species are described. AMF are thought to have evolved asexually for at least 400 million years and no major morphological diversification has occurred. Due to these reasons, they were termed `ancient asexuals'. Fungal individuals harbour genetically different nuclei in a continuous cytoplasm. The variability, maintenance and evolutionary significance of multiple genomes within individuals are unknown. This work showed that a population of the AMF Glomus intraradices harbours very high genetic diversity. We concluded that host plants rather than geographic differentiation were responsible for this diversity. Furthermore, we investigated whether recombination occurred among genotypes of a G. intraradices population. The identification of a core group of recombining genotypes in the population refutes the assumption of ancient asexuality in AMF. We found that genetically different isolates can form hyphal fusions and exchange nuclei. The hybrid progeny produced by the exchange was viable and phenotypically distinct from the parental isolates. Taken together, this work provided evidence for key events in the AMF life cycle, that influence the evolution of multiple genomes. Studying the consequences of these events on the interaction with host plants may significantly further the understanding of the AMF-plant symbiosis.

Patterns of split sex ratio in ants have multiple evolutionary causes based on different within-colony conflicts.

Split sex ratio-a pattern where colonies within a population specialize in either male or queen production-is a widespread phenomenon in ants and other social Hymenoptera. It has often been attributed to variation in colony kin structure, which affects the degree of queen-worker conflict over optimal sex allocation. However, recent findings suggest that split sex ratio is a more diverse phenomenon, which can evolve for multiple reasons. Here, we provide an overview of the main conditions favouring split sex ratio. We show that each split sex-ratio type arises due to a different combination of factors determining colony kin structure, queen or worker control over sex ratio and the type of conflict between colony members.

Multiple small "imaging" branch-duct type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) in familial pancreatic cancer: indicator for concomitant high grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia?

Most screening programs for familial pancreatic cancer are currently based on endoscopic ultrasonography and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cystic lesions, especially those suspicious for small intraductal pancreatic mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the branch ducts, can be visualized in up to 40 % of individuals at risk, but their pathological importance in the setting of FPC is yet not well established. Individuals at risk from a prospective screening program for familial pancreatic cancer with small "imaging" IPMNs of the branch-duct type (BD-IPMN) who underwent pancreatic resection were analysed regarding clinico-pathological data and the locations of pancreatic lesions. Five of 125 individuals at risk who underwent screening had multiple small (size 2-10 mm) unicystic lesions and/or multicystic single lesions in the pancreatic body and tail suspicious for BD-IPMNs upon MRI imaging and decided to undergo surgical resection after interdisciplinary counselling, although none fulfilled the consensus criteria for IPMN resection. Histological examination revealed BD-IPMNs with low or moderate dysplasia of the gastric type in combination with multifocal PanIN2 and PanIN3 lesions in 4 individuals. The remaining patient had only tiny ductectasias in the pancreatic tail with multifocal PanIN 2 lesions in the entire gland and one PanIN3 lesion in the pancreatic head. Intriguingly, the location of the most dysplastic histological lesions (PanIN3) did not correspond to the preoperatively detected lesions and were not visible in preoperative imaging. In the setting of FPC, the presence of multiple small "imaging" BD-IPMNs may indicate the presence of high-grade PanIN lesions elsewhere in the pancreas.

Deletion of exon 8 from the EXT1 gene causes multiple osteochondromas (MO) in a family with three affected members.

Multiple osteochondromas (also called hereditary multiple exostoses) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple cartilaginous tumors, which are caused by mutations in the genes for exostosin-1 (EXT1) and exostosin-2 (EXT2). The goal of this study was to elucidate the genetic alterations in a family with three affected members. Isolation of RNA from the patients' blood followed by reverse transcription and PCR amplification of selected fragments showed that the three patients lack a specific region of 90 bp from their EXT1 mRNA. This region corresponds to the sequence of exon 8 from the EXT1 gene. No splice site mutation was found around exon 8. However, long-range PCR amplification of the region from intron 7 to intron 8 indicated that the three patients contain a deletion of 4318 bp, which includes exon 8 and part of the flanking introns. There is evidence that the deletion was caused by non-homologous end joining because the breakpoints are not located within a repetitive element, but contain multiple copies of the deletion hotspot sequence TGRRKM. Exon 8 encodes part of the active site of the EXT1 enzyme, including the DXD signature of all UDP-sugar glycosyltransferases. It is conceivable that the mutant protein exerts a dominant negative effect on the activity of the EXT glycosyltransferase since it might interact with normal copies of the enzyme to form an inactive hetero-oligomeric complex. We suggest that sequencing of RNA might be superior to exome sequencing to detect short deletions of a single exon.

Operator's manual for Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) indicator, simulator system, laser target interface device (LTID) (NSN 1265-01-221-9438).

"December 1989."

Multiple Desmoid Tumors In A Patient With Gardner's Syndrome - Report Of A Case.

Desmoid tumor (DT) is a common manifestation of Gardner's Syndrome (GS), although it is a rare condition in the general population. DT in patients with GS is usually located in the abdominal wall and/or intra-abdominal cavity. We report a case of a 32 years-old female patient with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), who was already submitted to total colectomy and developed multiple DT, located in the abdominal wall and in the left breast. The patient underwent several surgical procedures, with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons. Wide surgical resections of the left breast and the abdominal wall tumors were performed in separate steps. Polypropylene mesh reconstruction and muscle flaps were needed to cover the defects of the thoracic and abdominal walls. After partial necrosis of the adipose-cutaneous flap in the abdomen that required a new skin graft, she had a satisfactory outcome with complete healing of the surgical incisions. DT is frequent in GS, however, breast localization is very rare, with few cases reported in the literature. Recurrence of DT is not negligible, even after a wide surgical resection. GS patients must be followed up closely, and clinical examination, associated with imaging studies, should be performed to detect any signs of tumor. DT represents one of the most significant causes of the morbidity and mortality that affects FAP patients following colectomy. In general, the surgical procedures to excise DT are highly complex, requiring a multidisciplinary team.