bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘It’s Not a Political Issue!’ The Interaction of Subject and Politics on Professors’ Beliefs in Human-induced Climate Change
Authors: Nussbaum E. Michael , Owens Marissa C. , Cordova Jacqueline R.
Published: February 2016

This study examines the interaction of political orientation with academic discipline on beliefs in anthropogenic climate change (ACC) among higher education faculty. Over 300 faculty members at two research institutions in the United States were surveyed on topics concerning ACC and the results were analyzed with multiple regression. Even among professors, there was a strong relationship between political orientation (liberal versus conservative) and belief in ACC; however, the relationship was substantially attenuated among professors who taught courses in liberal arts and education. On the other hand, the relationship between political orientation and ACC belief was much stronger among faculty teaching business and hotel management, compared to faculty teaching other subjects. Finally, there was a main positive effect for teaching science. The results suggest that outreach efforts to encourage more faculty to include climate change relevant information in their courses might give high priority to faculty in liberal arts and education.
Welfare States, Labor Markets, Political Dynamics, and Population Health
Authors: Ng Edwin , Muntaner Carles , Chung Haejoo
Published: February 2016

Recent scholarship offers different theories on how macrosocial determinants affect the population health of East and Southeast Asian nations. Dominant theories emphasize the effects of welfare regimes, welfare generosity, and labor market institutions. In this article, we conduct exploratory time-series cross-sectional analyses to generate new evidence on these theories while advancing a political explanation. Using unbalanced data of 7 East Asian countries and 11 Southeast Asian nations from 1960 to 2012, primary findings are 3-fold. First, welfare generosity measured as education and health spending has a positive impact on life expectancy, net of GDP. Second, life expectancy varies significantly by labor markets; however, these differences are explained by differences in welfare generosity. Third, as East and Southeast Asian countries become more democratic, welfare generosity increases, and population health improves. This study provides new evidence on the value of considering politics, welfare states, and labor markets within the same conceptual framework.
Internal Medicine Residents’ Beliefs, Attitudes, and Experiences Relating to Palliative Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kawaguchi S. , Mirza R. , Nissim R. , Ridley J.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Internal medicine residents are frequently called upon to provide palliative care to hospitalized patients, but report feeling unprepared to do so effectively. Curricular development to enhance residents’ palliative care skills and competencies requires an understanding of current beliefs, attitudes and learning priorities.

Methods:

We conducted a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews with ten internal medicine residents to explore their understanding of and experiences with palliative care.

Results:

All of the residents interviewed had a sound theoretical understanding of palliative care, but faced many challenges in being able to provide care in practice. The challenges described by residents were system-related, patient-related and provider-related. They identified several priority areas for further learning, and discussed ways in which their current education in palliative care could be enhanced.

Conclusions:

Our findings provide important insights to guide curricular development for internal medicine trainees. The top five learning priorities in palliative care that residents identified in our study were: 1) knowing how and when to initiate a palliative approach, 2) improving communication skills, 3) improving symptom management skills, 4) identifying available resources, and 5) understanding the importance of palliative care. Residents felt that their education in palliative care could be improved by having a mandatory rotation in palliative care, more frequent didactic teaching sessions, more case-based teaching from palliative care providers, opportunities to be directly observed, and increased support from palliative care providers after-hours.
Evaluation of a Heparin-Calibrated Antifactor Xa Assay for Measuring the Anticoagulant Effect of Oral Direct Xa Inhibitors
Authors: Beyer Jacob , Trujillo Toby , Fisher Sheila , Ko Ann , Lind Stuart E. , Kiser Tyree H.
Published: February 2016

The introduction of oral direct anti-Xa anticoagulants apixaban and rivaroxaban has significantly impacted the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic disease. Clinical scenarios exist in which a quantitative assessment for degree of anticoagulation due to these agents would aid management. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the chromogenic antifactor Xa assay calibrated with heparin standards at our institution for assessment of intensity of anticoagulation with rivaroxaban or apixaban in addition to its current use for unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin. We also aimed to propose expected steady state peak and trough antifactor Xa activities for these agents based upon dosing regimens approved for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Antifactor Xa activity correlated very strongly with apixaban and rivaroxaban concentration in both spiked samples and treated patient plasma samples ( r2 = .99, P < .001). This correlation was observed over a broad range (20-500 ng/mL) of drug concentrations, as sample dilution with pooled normal plasma significantly extended the range of quantitative assessment. Based on drug concentrations previously published in pharmacokinetic studies, the expected steady state peak and trough antifactor Xa activity ranges for apixaban are 1.80 to 2.20 IU/mL and 0.70 to 1.10 IU/mL, respectively. For rivaroxaban, these ranges are 3.80 to 6.20 IU/mL and 0.60 to 1.00 IU/mL, respectively. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that heparin-calibrated antifactor Xa activity correlates strongly with apixaban and rivaroxaban concentration. The dilution of samples allowed for this correlation to be extended over the majority of on-therapy drug concentrations.
Evaluation of the torsional mechanism by analytical solution for a hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer–aluminum triangular deck truss beam
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Huang Yaxin , Zhao Qilin , Gao Yifeng , Tao Jie
Published: February 2016

The hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer–aluminum triangular deck truss beam composed of modular structural units has the advantages of lightweight, high-bearing capacity, and faster installation. Although the analysis-oriented studies have been carried out by laboratory tests, numerical simulations, and theoretical analyses, the design-oriented study convenient for the application of the novel structure subjected to pure torsion is still lacking. Based on previous researches, some reasonable assumptions are presented to obtain a simplified analytical model. Analytical solutions of the torsional angle and torsional stiffness for the hybrid triangular deck truss beam subjected to pure torsion are derived. The derivation procedures and formulae are experimentally and numerically calibrated, finding that the formulae can be used to design with a satisfactory accuracy. The accuracy of the torsional stiffness predicted reaches to more than 90%. It is concluded that for the new hybrid triangular deck truss beam, the applied torsional moment is primarily resisted by the bending of its bilateral vierendeel trusses and the torsion of the fiber-reinforced polymer lower chords, which contribute approximately 37% and 62% for the total torsional stiffness, respectively.
An ethico-aesthetic paradigm as an alternative discourse to the quality assurance discourse
Authors: Dahlberg Gunilla
Published: February 2016

This article analyses the discourse and practices of quality assurance and quality control through the lens of neo-liberal governing as expressed in economic rationalities such as new public management, total quality management, public choice and human capital. As an alternative to this form of governing, an ethico-aesthetic paradigm is enacted, inspired by Spinoza’s concept of ‘affect’ and Félix Guattari’s and Gilles Deleuze’s ‘ontology of immanence’. This opens up to a reconstruction of the pragmatic scene of didactics as it border-crosses the discourse and practices of ‘action at a distance’, manipulating the classroom space from outside of the situation by measurements and procedures constructed by others. Moreover, it opens up to another construction of the human subject – a processual and event-centred construction of human subjectivity – which also opens up to leakages, movement, creativity and hope in the present.
Views from health professionals on accessing rehabilitation for people with dementia following a hip fracture
Authors: Isbel Stephen T , Jamieson Maggie I
Published: February 2016

The literature reports that rehabilitation for elderly patients with mild-to-moderate dementia who have a hip fracture improves functional outcomes. However, access to rehabilitation may be difficult due to misconceptions about the ability of these patients to engage in and benefit from rehabilitation. Additionally, people who are admitted from residential care may not have the same options for rehabilitation as those admitted from home. This study sought to understand from expert clinicians how and why decisions are made to accept a person with dementia post-fracture for rehabilitation. In this Australian-based qualitative study, 12 health professionals across a state and territory were interviewed. These clinicians were the primary decision makers in accepting or rejecting elderly patients with dementia post-fracture into rehabilitation. Three key themes emerged from the data: criteria for accessing rehabilitation, what works well and challenges to rehabilitation. The participants were unanimous in the view that access to rehabilitation should be based on the ability of the patient to engage in a rehabilitation programme and not assessed solely on cognition. In terms of clinical care, a coherent rehabilitation pathway with integration of geriatric and ortho-geriatric services was reported as ideal. Challenges remain, importantly, the perception of some health care staff that people with dementia have limited capability to benefit from rehabilitation. Rehabilitation for this growing group of patients requires multiple resources, including skilled practitioners, integrated clinical systems and staff education regarding the capabilities of people with dementia. Future research in this area with patients with moderate-to-severe dementia in residential care is warranted.
Tantalum coating of porous carbon scaffold supplemented with autologous bone marrow stromal stem cells for bone regenerationin vitroandin vivo
Authors: Wei Xiaowei , Zhao Dewei , Wang Benjie , Wang Wei , Kang Kai , Xie Hui , Liu Baoyi , Zhang Xiuzhi , Zhang Jinsong , Yang Zhenming
Published: February 2016

Porous tantalum metal with low elastic modulus is similar to cancellous bone. Reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) can provide three-dimensional pore structure and serves as the ideal scaffold of tantalum coating. In this study, the biocompatibility of domestic porous tantalum was first successfully tested with bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro and for bone tissue repair in vivo. We evaluated cytotoxicity of RVC scaffold and tantalum coating using BMSCs. The morphology, adhesion, and proliferation of BMSCs were observed via laser scanning confocal microscope and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, porous tantalum rods with or without autologous BMSCs were implanted on hind legs in dogs, respectively. The osteogenic potential was observed by hard tissue slice examination. At three weeks and six weeks following implantation, new osteoblasts and new bone were observed at the tantalum–host bone interface and pores. At 12 weeks postporous tantalum with autologous BMSCs implantation, regenerated trabecular equivalent to mature bone was found in the pore of tantalum rods. Our results suggested that domestic porous tantalum had excellent biocompatibility and could promote new bone formation in vivo. Meanwhile, the osteogenesis of porous tantalum associated with autologous BMSCs was more excellent than only tantalum implantation. Future clinical studies are warranted to verify the clinical efficacy of combined implantation of this domestic porous tantalum associated with autologous BMSCs implantation and compare their efficacy with conventional autologous bone grafting carrying blood vessel in patients needing bone repairing.
Stent treatment for basilar artery dissection: A single-center experience of 21 patients
Authors: Li Li , Li Tianxiao , Xue Jiangyu , Wang Ziliang , Bai Weixing , Zhu Liangfu , Feng Guang , Xu Gangqin , Yang Bowen
Published: February 2016

Basilar artery dissection is a rare disease with high morbidity and mortality. No well-established management strategy exists for this lesion. Endovascular reconstructive therapy using stents (with or without coiling) may be the optimum strategy.

We describe our center’s experience for this treatment strategy in 21 patients with basilar artery dissection from January 2009 to July 2014 (17 men, four women; age range, 18–70 years; median age, 56 years). We divided patients into two groups: Group 1 patients received stent-assisted coiling treatment, and Group 2 patients received stent-only treatment. Pre-treatment, peri-operation and follow-up evaluation were investigated for complications, clinical outcome and angiographic results. The median follow-up time was 20 months (range, 3–67 months).

All patients were treated endovascularly by stent-assisted coiling (14 patients) or stent only (seven patients). Immediate angiography showed: in Group 1, five of 14 lesions were completely occluded, five were partially occluded, four revealed retention of contrast media; in Group 2, all patients (seven of seven) had contrast retention. At the follow-up visit (median seven months, 3–29 months), the aneurysms were angiographically improved in five of 13 patients in Group 1 compared with immediately post-operation, while six of sevenimproved in Group 2. Five patients (all in Group 1) had ischemic or hemorrhage peri-operation complications. Long-term good clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) ≤ 2) were achieved in all patients except three death cases (two in Group1, one in Group 2).

In our experience, endovascular reconstructive therapy using stents (with or without coiling) for basilar artery dissection is effective and safe. Stent-only treatment seems have a better safety profile during the peri-operation period.
Planning, tracking and projecting method for testability growth based on in time correction
Authors: Zhao Chenxu , Qiu Jing , Liu Guanjun , Lv Kehong
Published: February 2016

A practical mathematic model for in time correction–based testability growth test is proposed in this article. This model can make up the gap between the testability growth test practice and theory. The process of testability design defects identification and correction is formulated, based on which the testability growth test plan optimization method is given with the minimum test cost criterion. A Bayes approach is studied to track the testability growth from the test data. Then the tracked results are used to learn the system correction skill and to project the subsequent testability growth test. Simulation results show that the models and methods presented in this paper are reasonable and can efficiently manage the in time correction–based testability growth test planning, tracking, and projecting problem.
3D model retrieval scheme based on fuzzy clustering for physical descriptors
Authors: Zou Kuansheng , Zhang Zhaojun , Zhang Jianhua , Liu Jia , Gan Liangzhi
Published: February 2016

With the rapid development of 3D scanners, graphic accelerated hardware and modeling tools, the application of 3D model databases is growing in both numbers and size. There is a pressing need for effective content-based 3D model retrieval methods. In this paper, a novel 3D model retrieval scheme called Fuzzy Clustering for Physical Descriptor is proposed. First, a multi-scale indexing of 3D model database is generated for fast matching by using fuzzy clustering for a concise descriptor named as partial physical descriptor, and then a novel and effectiveness descriptor named as the global physical descriptor is embedded into feature matching with the generated indexing for obtaining more accurate retrieval results. Several retrieval performance measures demonstrate that the proposed approach is superior to other methods and robust to the missing polygons and noise.
The role of idelalisib in the treatment of relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Nair Kruti Sheth , Cheson Bruce
Published: February 2016

Idelalisib is a first in class, delta isoform specific, PI3-kinase inhibitor. Based on its high level of efficacy and acceptable safety profile, this oral drug has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a single agent for the treatment of relapsed or refractory small lymphocytic lymphoma, and follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and in combination with rituximab for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Adverse effects of particular concern include diarrhea, pneumonitis, and transient elevations of hepatic transaminase levels. Efforts to improve on the activity of this drug have included combinations with standard chemotherapy agents, such as bendamustine, and other targeted therapies, including checkpoint inhibitors. However, other combinations have been associated with life-threatening and fatal toxicities. Thus, the development of such regimens should be conducted carefully in the context of a clinical research study. Idelalisib has a vital role as second-line therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, especially for patients with high-risk disease and multiple comorbidities, and studies are exploring the use of this agent as front-line therapy to improve the outcome of patients with indolent B-cell malignancies.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Capurso Gabriele , Signoretti Marianna , Archibugi Livia , Stigliano Serena , Delle Fave Gianfranco
Published: February 2016

Background

Evidence on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is conflicting.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the prevalence of SIBO in CP and to examine the relationship of SIBO with symptoms and nutritional status.

Methods

Case‐control and cross‐sectional studies investigating SIBO in CP patients were analysed. The prevalence of positive tests was pooled across studies, and the rate of positivity between CP cases and controls was calculated.

Results

In nine studies containing 336 CP patients, the pooled prevalence of SIBO was 36% (95% confidence interval (CI) 17–60%) with considerable heterogeneity (I 2  = 91%). A sensitivity analysis excluding studies employing lactulose breath test gave a pooled prevalence of 21.7% (95% CI 12.7–34.5%) with lower heterogeneity (I 2  = 56%). The odds ratio for a positive test in CP vs controls was 4.1 (95% CI 1.6–10.4) (I 2  = 59.7%). The relationship between symptoms and SIBO in CP patients varied across studies, and the treatment of SIBO was associated with clinical improvement.

Conclusions

One‐third of CP patients have SIBO, with a significantly increased risk over controls, although results are heterogeneous, and studies carry several limitations. The impact of SIBO and its treatment in CP patients deserve further investigation.
Uterine prolapse with endometrial eversion in association with an unusual diffuse, polypoid, fibrosing perimetritis and parametritis in a cat
Authors: Valentine Matthew J , Porter Susan , Chapwanya Aspinas , Callanan John J
Published: February 2016

Case summary

This case describes a young non-pregnant cat that presented with uterine prolapse in association with an unusual diffuse, polypoid, fibrosing perimetritis and parametritis. Following ovariohysterectomy the cat recovered fully. No intra-abdominal complications were seen on ultrasound examination 3 months postsurgery. At the time of writing, the cat remains healthy.

Relevance and novel information

Uterine prolapse in the cat is relatively rare and usually associated with the periparturient period. Inflammatory polypoid perimetritis and parametritis have not previously been documented in cats, and in dogs have only been reported in association with the administration of oestrogenic compounds. The polypoid inflammation affecting the uterus and parametrium may have contributed to increased laxity of the uterine ligaments and predisposed to the development of uterine prolapse.
The Comorbid Influence of High Depressive Symptoms and Diabetes on Mortality and Disability in Mexican Americans Aged 75 and Above
Authors: Downer Brian , Rote Sunshine , Markides Kyriakos S. , Al Snih Soham
Published: February 2016

Objective: To examine the individual and combined effects of depression and diabetes on mortality and disability over 6 years among Mexican Americans aged ≥75. Method: The final sample included 1,785 participants from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios for incidence for mortality and disability according to diabetes and depressive symptoms. Results: Diabetics were more likely to become activities of daily living (ADL) disabled Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.18, 1.77]) and deceased (HR = 1.47, 95% CI = [1.24, 1.74]) compared with non-diabetics. Diabetics reporting high depressive symptomatology were more than two times as likely to become ADL disabled and deceased compared with diabetics not reporting high depressive symptoms. Participants with high depressive symptoms and taking insulin alone or both oral medications and insulin were at the greatest risk of disability (HR = 3.83, 95% CI = [1.66, 8.81]). Conclusion: Diabetes increases the risk of disability and mortality, especially among Mexican Americans with high depressive symptoms or who are taking insulin alone or both oral medications and insulin. Interventions that are able to reduce the prevalence of depression and diabetes are needed to limit the future burden of disability and mortality in this population.
Broadwick: a framework for computational epidemiology
Authors: O’Hare Anthony , Lycett Samantha J. , Doherty Thomas , M. Salvador Liliana C. , Kao Rowland R.
Published: February 2016

Background

Modelling disease outbreaks often involves integrating the wealth of data that are gathered during modern outbreaks into complex mathematical or computational models of transmission. Incorporating these data into simple compartmental epidemiological models is often challenging, requiring the use of more complex but also more efficient computational models. In this paper we introduce a new framework that allows for a more systematic and user-friendly way of building and running epidemiological models that efficiently handles disease data and reduces much of the boilerplate code that usually associated to these models. We introduce the framework by developing an SIR model on a simple network as an example.

Results

We develop Broadwick, a modular, object-oriented epidemiological framework that efficiently handles large epidemiological datasets and provides packages for stochastic simulations, parameter inference using Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. Each algorithm used is fully customisable with sensible defaults that are easily overridden by custom algorithms as required.

Conclusion

Broadwick is an epidemiological modelling framework developed to increase the productivity of researchers by providing a common framework with which to develop and share complex models. It will appeal to research team leaders as it allows for models to be created prior to a disease outbreak and has the ability to handle large datasets commonly found in epidemiological modelling.
SPARTA: Simple Program for Automated reference-based bacterial RNA-seq Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Johnson Benjamin K. , Scholz Matthew B. , Teal Tracy K. , Abramovitch Robert B.
Published: February 2016

Background

Many tools exist in the analysis of bacterial RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptional profiling experiments to identify differentially expressed genes between experimental conditions. Generally, the workflow includes quality control of reads, mapping to a reference, counting transcript abundance, and statistical tests for differentially expressed genes. In spite of the numerous tools developed for each component of an RNA-seq analysis workflow, easy-to-use bacterially oriented workflow applications to combine multiple tools and automate the process are lacking. With many tools to choose from for each step, the task of identifying a specific tool, adapting the input/output options to the specific use-case, and integrating the tools into a coherent analysis pipeline is not a trivial endeavor, particularly for microbiologists with limited bioinformatics experience.

Results

To make bacterial RNA-seq data analysis more accessible, we developed a Simple Program for Automated reference-based bacterial RNA-seq Transcriptome Analysis (SPARTA). SPARTA is a reference-based bacterial RNA-seq analysis workflow application for single-end Illumina reads. SPARTA is turnkey software that simplifies the process of analyzing RNA-seq data sets, making bacterial RNA-seq analysis a routine process that can be undertaken on a personal computer or in the classroom. The easy-to-install, complete workflow processes whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing data files by trimming reads and removing adapters, mapping reads to a reference, counting gene features, calculating differential gene expression, and, importantly, checking for potential batch effects within the data set. SPARTA outputs quality analysis reports, gene feature counts and differential gene expression tables and scatterplots.

Conclusions

SPARTA provides an easy-to-use bacterial RNA-seq transcriptional profiling workflow to identify differentially expressed genes between experimental conditions. This software will enable microbiologists with limited bioinformatics experience to analyze their data and integrate next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies into the classroom. The SPARTA software and tutorial are available at sparta.readthedocs.org.
Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Rural Rwanda: Promising Early Outcomes
Authors: Tapela Neo , Nzayisenga Ignace , Sethi Roshan , Bigirimana Jean Bosco , Habineza Hamissy , Hategekimana Vedaste , Mantini Nicholas , Mpunga Tharcisse , Shulman Lawrence N. , Lehmann Leslie
Published: February 2016

Purpose

The burden of cancer is rising in low- and middle-income countries, yet cancer treatment requires resources that are often not available in these settings. Although management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has been described in low- and middle-income countries, few programs involve patients treated in rural settings. We describe characteristics and early outcomes of patients treated for CML at rural district hospitals in Rwanda.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients with confirmed BCR-ABL–positive CML who were enrolled between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2014. Types of data included patient demographics, diagnostic work up, treatment, clinical examination, laboratory testing, and death.

Results

Forty-three patients were included, with a maximum follow-up of 58 months. Of 31 patients who were imatinib-naïve at enrollment, 54.8% were men and the median age at diagnosis was 36.9 years (interquartile range: 29-42 years). Approximately two-thirds of patients (67.7%) were on the national public insurance scheme. The imatinib dose was reduced for 16 patients and discontinued for five. Thirty-two of the 43 patients continued to have normal blood counts at last follow-up. Four patients have died and four are lost to follow-up.

Conclusion

Our experience indicates that CML can be effectively managed in a resource-constrained rural setting, despite limited availability of on-site diagnostic resources or specialty oncology personnel. The importance of model public-private partnerships as a strategy to bring high-cost, life-saving treatment to people who do not have the ability to pay is also highlighted.
Gonadal Hormones Rapidly Enhance Spatial Memory and Increase Hippocampal Spine Density in Male Rats
Authors: Jacome Luis F. , Barateli Ketti , Buitrago Dina , Lema Franklin , Frankfurt Maya , Luine Victoria N.
Published: February 2016

17β-estradiol (E2) rapidly, within minutes, activates behaviors and cognition by binding to membrane estrogen receptors, activating cell signaling cascades and increasing dendritic spines. In female rodents, E2 enhances spatial memory within 2–4 hours, and spine density is increased in the CA1 area of the hippocampus within 30–60 minutes. Although chronic gonadal hormone treatments in male rats alter cognition and spines/spine synapses and acute hormone effects occur in hippocampal slices, effects of acute, in vivo hormone administration in males are unknown. Therefore, we assessed rapid effects of E2 (20 μg/kg) and testosterone (T) (750 μg/kg) on spatial memory using the object placement task and on hippocampal spine density using Golgi impregnation. Orchidectomized rats received hormones immediately after the training trial and were tested for retention 2 hours later. Vehicle-injected orchidectomized males spent equal time exploring objects in the old and new locations, but E2- or T-treated subjects spent more time exploring objects at the new location, suggesting enhanced memory. Both hormones also increased spine density in CA1, but not the dentate gyrus, by 20%–40% at 30 minutes and 2 hours after injections. This report is the first, to our knowledge, to show E2 and T enhancements of memory and spine density within such a short time frame in male rats.
Prevalence of Malignancies in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Lang K. , Weber K. , Quinkler M. , Dietz A. S. , Wallaschofski H. , Hannemann A. , Friedrichs N. , Rump L. C. , Heinze B. , Fuss C. T. , Quack I. , Willenberg H. S. , Reincke M. , Allolio B. , Hahner S.
Published: February 2016

Context:

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Aldosterone excess can cause DNA damage in vitro and in vivo. Single case reports have indicated a coincidence of PA with renal cell carcinoma and other tumors. However, the prevalence of benign and malignant neoplasms in patients with PA has not yet been studied.

Patients and Design:

In the multicenter MEPHISTO study, the prevalence of benign and malignant tumors was investigated in 335 patients with confirmed PA. Matched hypertensive subjects from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania cohort served as controls.

Results:

Of the 335 PA patients, 119 (35.5%) had been diagnosed with a tumor at any time, and 30 had two or more neoplasms. Lifetime malignancy occurrence was reported in 9.6% of PA patients compared to 6.0% of hypertensive controls (P = .08). PA patients with a history of malignancy had higher baseline aldosterone levels at diagnosis of PA (P = .009), and a strong association between aldosterone levels and the prevalence of malignancies was observed (P = .03). In total, 157 neoplasms were identified in the PA patients; they were benign in 61% and malignant in 25% of the cases (14% of unknown dignity). Renal cell carcinoma was diagnosed in five patients (13% of all malignancies) and was not reported in controls.

Conclusion:

Compared to hypertensive controls, the prevalence of malignancies was positively correlated with aldosterone levels, tended to be higher in PA patients, but did not differ significantly.
Revaluing Repetition: John Clare’s Verse-Thinking
Authors: Levine Caroline
Published: February 2016

This essay seeks to revalue repetition in literary studies. Critics have often treated repetition—clichés, rules, norms, mechanization, monotony—as the painful or oppressive backdrop against which their best values emerge: originality, distinctiveness, resistance. But this critical tendency has carried its own repressive effects, including wresting our attention from collectivities and solidarities. A reading of John Clare’s 1820 poem “The Harvest Morning” shows that repetition is crucial to the exercise of political and economic power and that poetic forms, especially rhythm and rhyme, are well suited for theorizing the repetitions of political power through their own intrinsic repetitiveness.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Historiographical Poetics
Authors: Levine Naomi
Published: February 2016

Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s imperfect rhymes, criticized since the nineteenth century, strangely resemble her blank verse. This essay argues that her experiments in poetic form should be viewed in relation to her reading and writing of literary history, particularly her intellectual engagement with the work of Henry Hallam. Barrett Browning’s remarks in the margins of Hallam’s books and in a historiographical essay of her own reveal a poet thinking about her craft in the context of a transnational history of poetry. Barrett Browning’s idiosyncratic prosody becomes another means of writing literary history.
Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction: Don Juan and the Truth Claims of Genre
Authors: Felluga Dino Franco
Published: February 2016

This essay examines the ways that Lord Byron’s Don Juan engages both the novel’s and the lyric’s claims to truth and virtue, thus setting up the maneuvers that would later be exploited by the Victorian verse novel.
Superversive Poetics: Browning’s Fifine at the Fair
Authors: Jarvis Simon
Published: February 2016

A superversive line is that line in a given poem which most eminently exploits the play between syntactic and metrical segmentation, between an ordinary and a special phonology; which peculiarizes verse as verse. A superversive poetics places composition and technique, not theme and representation, at the center of the historically material practices of poetry. For superversive poetics, poems are not only representations but also quite singular machines, devices for body modification. Here the verse repertoire of Robert Browning’s Fifine at the Fair, in particular its exploitation of bimetricality, is explored from the point of view of such a poetics.
Competition over guarding in the Arabian babbler (Turdoides squamiceps), a cooperative breeder
Authors: Dattner Arnon , Zahavi Amotz , Zahavi Avishag
Published: February 2016

Observations on 12 groups comprised of two adult males and one adult female (some included one or two fledglings), tame, individually marked, Arabian babblers (Turdoides squamiceps)in the rift valley in Israel revealed that the babblers compete to guard. The pattern of guarding and the way by which one sentinel replaces another reflect the dominance relationships within the group. The dominant (alpha) male guarded more than any other individual. It interfered with and replaced the guarding by the adult beta male more than it did with the yearlings. About one-third of the replacements occurred less than one minute after the sentinel had assumed guarding. Whereas the dominant often replaced its subordinates directly; subordinates hardly ever replaced their dominants directly. The alpha male often allofed the beta male during the replacement. Replacements and allofeeding of the beta males by the alpha males increased significantly during courtship, when competition over breeding was maximal, and dropped back to their previous level at the start of incubation, highlighting the competitive basis underlying the act of guarding. Competition over altruistic acts, as shown here for guarding, is not compatible with explanations based on the assumption that altruistic acts reduce the fitness (reproductive success) of the altruist. We suggest, in contrast, that by investing in guarding and by intervening in the guarding of its competitors, a babbler demonstrates and signals its quality and its control over its competitors, thereby increasing its prestige and consequently its direct fitness.
Double-Blinding and Bias in Medication and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Trials for Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Berger Douglas
Published: February 2016

While double-blinding is a crucial aspect of study design in an interventional clinical trial of medication for a disorder with subjective endpoints such as major depressive disorder, psychotherapy clinical trials, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy trials, cannot be double-blinded. This paper highlights the evidence-based medicine problem of double-blinding in the outcome research of a psychotherapy and opines that psychotherapy clinical trials should be called, “partially-controlled clinical data” because they are not double-blinded. The implications for practice are, 1. For practitioners to be clear with patients the level of rigor to which interventions have been studied, 2. For authors of psychotherapy outcome studies to be clear that the problem in the inability to blind a psychotherapy trial severely restricts the validity of any conclusions that can be drawn, and 3. To petition National Health Insurance plans to use caution in approving interventions studied without double-blinded confirmatory trials as they may lead patients to avoid other treatments shown to be effective in double-blinded trials.
GPR21 KO mice demonstrate no resistance to high fat diet induced obesity or improved glucose tolerance
Authors: Wang Jinghong , Pan Zheng , Baribault Helene , Chui Danny , Gundel Caroline , Véniant Murielle
Published: February 2016

Gpr21KO mice generated withGpr21KO ES cells obtained from Deltagen showed improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity when fed a high fat diet. Further mRNA expression analysis revealed changes inRabgap1levels and raised the possibility thatRabgap1gene may have been modified. To assess this hypothesis a newGpr21KO mouse line using TALENS technology was generated.Gpr21gene deletion was confirmed by PCR andGpr21andRabgap1mRNA expression levels were determined by RT-PCR. The newly generatedGpr21KO mice when fed a normal or high fat diet chow did not maintain their improved metabolic phenotype. In conclusion,Rabgap1disturbance mRNA expression levels may have contributed to the phenotype of the originally designedGpr21KO mice.
Publishing confirming and non-confirming data
Authors: Alberts Bruce , Kamb Alexander
Published: February 2016

This editorial introduces the Preclinical Reproducibility and Robustness channel on F1000Research, which has been created to encourage and facilitate open and transparent publication and discussion of confirmatory and non-confirmatory studies in biomedical research.
Effect of LXR/RXR agonism on brain and CSF Aβ40 levels in rats
Authors: Wang Songli , Wen Paul , Wood Stephen
Published: February 2016

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized pathologically by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.  The amyloid hypothesis contends that the abnormal accumulation of Aβ, the principal component of amyloid plaques, plays an essential role in initiating the disease.  Impaired clearance of soluble Aβ from the brain, a process facilitated by apolipoprotein E (APOE), is believed to be a contributing factor in plaque formation.  APOE expression is transcriptionally regulated through the action of a family of nuclear receptors including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and liver X receptors (LXRs) in coordination with retinoid X receptors (RXRs).  It has been previously reported that various agonists of this receptor family can influence brain Aβ levels in rodents.  In this study we investigated the effects of LXR/RXR agonism on brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of Aβ40 in naïve rats.  Treatment of rats for 3 days or 7 days with the LXR agonist, TO901317 or the RXR agonist, Bexarotene did not result in significant changes in brain or CSF Aβ40 levels.
Use of mobile devices in community health care: barriers and solutions to implementation
Authors: Turner Christopher
Published: February 2016

Mobile devices allow clinicians to access electronic clinical systems away from traditional base locations. They have contributed to increased productivity and efficiency, and clinical staff also cite benefits to patient care. A selection of NHS trusts have participated in a national pilot to explore the benefits and drawbacks of this technology. Clinical engagement with frontline staff is essential to ensure the staff feel valued, listened to, and fully involved to ensure any change to existing practice is successful. Moreover, the training needs of the workforce require careful consideration. The provision of information technology (IT) support services is fundamental to ensure that staff receive the necessary assistance with any functionality issues they may experience with mobile devices to minimise the effect on clinical practice. Variability in internet connectivity may present as a challenge to clinical staff, and the benefits of complimentary offline working solutions should be considered. Barriers to the successful use of mobile devices should be reported as this may have a negative clinical effect on the safe delivery of patient care. Clinical staff need to be mindful of their obligations in relation to information governance, and should appreciate that the same consideration needs to be given to both paper and electronic records.
NHSBT consideration to ignore family override of consent to organ donation
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: February 2016

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), the agency responsible for allocating donated organs and maintaining the organ donor register, is considering proceeding with harvesting organs from a registered donor in spite of objections from the deceased's family, in order to raise the number of available organs. District nurses are witness to the need for an increase in the number of donated organs, given the care they provide to those waiting for transplant, and it is essential that district nurses inform this debate. In this article, the author discusses the NHSBT proposal and reviews the law of consent in relation to organ donation.
Parish nursing: a unique resource for community and district nurses
Authors: Wordsworth Helen , Moore Ros , Woodhouse Daphne
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the effect of parish nursing as a faith community initiative to support the work of district and community nurses and improve health outcomes. It discusses the reasons why faith communities might embark upon health initiatives, and describes the practice of parish nursing and its history and development in the UK. With reference to both quantitative and qualitative outcomes, the relevance of the practice in the UK health scene is assessed. The paper suggests that connecting with the third sector through parish nursing could enhance the work of community and district nurses; this would present additional sources of holistic care and health promotion and can be offered in an optional but complementary manner to the care provided through the NHS.
Factors enabling implementation of integrated health and social care: a systematic review
Authors: Mackie Sue , Darvill Angela
Published: February 2016

Background:

In spite of ongoing UK Government recommendations for integrated health and social care, the implementation has been slow. While there are pockets of integration happening across England, many services remain isolated and fragmented.

Aim:

This review aims to critically review existing evidence to identify if there are any factors enabling successful implementation of integrated health and social care for people with long-term conditions in the community.

Method:

A review was conducted following the principles of a systematic review. Relevant data was extracted from the identified papers and the papers were quality appraised.

Results:

A total of seven studies were included in the review. Data analysis and synthesis identified a number of themes in relation to enablers of integrated care, including co-location of teams, communication, integrated organisations, management and leadership, capacity and resources, and information technology.

Conclusion:

There is a limited amount of evidence regarding integrated health and social care teams. Although there are some consistencies within the findings, further research is needed to enhance the validity of the body of evidence available.
Pregnant and seeking asylum: Exploring women's experiences ‘from booking to baby’
Authors: Lephard Elizabeth , Haith-Cooper Melanie
Published: February 2016

Pregnant women seeking asylum in the UK may be particularly vulnerable, with poor underlying health, more complex pregnancies and an increased risk of maternal and perinatal mortality. Studies have shown that some women seeking asylum have poor experiences of maternity care. This is despite the implementation of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines to improve care for women with complex social factors. This article reports on a phenomenological study undertaken in West Yorkshire, aiming to explore the maternity care experiences of local, pregnant, asylum-seeking women, to inform service development. Six women were interviewed over a 3-month period. The findings focused more broadly on their experiences of living in the UK while being pregnant and seeking asylum, rather than focusing on maternity care, although this was included. Five key themes emerged: pre-booking challenges; inappropriate accommodation; being pregnant and dispersed; being alone and pregnant; and not being asked or listened to. These findings could be used as a basis for training midwives to understand how the difficulties women experience can have an impact on their health and social needs.
Spiritual midwifery
Authors: Sporek Paulina Ewa
Published: February 2016

Paulina Sporek considers the importance of spiritual, as well as physical, care for women.
Supporting young people with body dysmorphic disorder
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: February 2016

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) can have a subtantial impact on young people's wellbeing, and is often accompanied by other comorbid mental health disorders. Stephanie Thornton provides some information on the condition and advice on supporting teenagers with BDD.
Engaging with teenagers who do not want to engage with you
Authors: Forward Catherine
Published: February 2016

It is essential that all children and young people have access to health promotion; however, some may be reluctant to engage with school nursing services. Catherine Forward looks at the reasons behind this reluctance and provides suggestions to help overcome it.
Amphibians: common conditions seen in practice
Authors: Naguib Mark , Reid Liam
Published: February 2016

In the second of two articles on amphibian husbandry and medicine, the authors discuss the basic approach to clinical examination, emergency care and common conditions of amphibians.
Small Animal Review
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: February 2016

Introduction:

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors do not delay the onset of closed-angle glaucoma in the contralateral eye.
Evolution of ectoparasiticide formulations and strategies
Authors: Gorman Carl
Published: February 2016

The history of humans, their companion animals and the struggle to rid them of ectoparasites is a long one. Many agents and strategies have been employed, but it is only in relatively recent times that effective chemical agents for use in pets have been developed. We now have a great variety of effective, safe and easy to use products, yet ectoparasites continue to be a major cause of skin disease, and vectors of systemic diseases. This article follows the development of ectoparasiticides and examines the reasons for failure of control. The future of ectoparasite control is also discussed.