bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorine‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography evaluation in metastatic bone lesions in lung cancer: Possible prediction of pain and skeletal‐related events
Authors: Gomi Daisuke , Fukushima Toshirou , Kobayashi Takashi , Sekiguchi Nodoka , Koizumi Tomonobu , Oguchi Kazuhiko
Published: March 2019

Background

Fluorine‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) uptake in primary lesions has been well studied, but little information is available about metastatic bone lesions in patients with lung cancer. The present study was performed to evaluate the relationships between metastatic bone FDG uptake and clinical parameters in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

FDG uptake was evaluated as the maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) value of each targeted bone lesion, and the bone to primary lesion ratio of SUVmax (B/P ratio) was calculated. Forty‐nine patients (27 men and 22 women) with a diagnosis of lung cancer (small cell lung cancer [SCLC], n = 7; non‐small cell lung cancer [NSCLC], n = 42) with bone metastasis, and a total of 185 bone metastatic lesions were evaluated.

Results

The SUVmax in bone and the B/P ratio were significantly higher in patients with pain and subsequent development of skeletal‐related events than in those without pain or skeletal‐related events, respectively. In addition, the SUVmax in metastatic bone lesions and the B/P ratio in SCLC were significantly lower than those in NSCLC, despite similar FDG uptake in the primary tumor.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that FDG‐PET evaluation in metastatic bone lesions could be useful to predict initial pain and subsequent clinical outcomes of local bone status in initially diagnosed lung cancer patients with bone metastasis. In addition, our results suggest that there could be histological differences in the biological activity of bone metastatic lesions in lung cancer, especially between SCLC and NSCLC.
Prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation with manual or mechanical chest compression: A study of compression‐induced injuries
Authors: Milling Louise , Astrup Birgitte Schmidt , Mikkelsen Søren
Published: March 2019

Objective

Concerns for iatrogenic injuries associated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation led us to investigate the extent and the pattern of chest compression‐related injuries in patients subjected to either mechanical and/or manual cardiac compression.

Method

In a retrospective study, we performed a manual review of all prehospital discharge reports, in‐hospital records, and autopsy reports for evidence of injuries related to chest compression. We included all patients receiving physician‐administrated treatment for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest in the Region of Southern Denmark from 2015 to 2017.

Results

Eighty four patients undergoing manual and mechanical chest compression and 353 patients with manual chest compression only were included. Unadjusted, mechanical chest compression as an adjunct was associated with a higher risk of injuries than manual chest compression (P < 0.001, odds ratio, OR 3.10). Adjusted for the duration of compression, this difference waned. Visceral injuries were more frequent in patients receiving mechanical chest compression even when adjusted for the duration of compression, age, sex, body mass index and anticoagulant therapy (P < 0.001, OR 29.84). We found a higher incidence of potentially life‐threatening injuries in patients receiving mechanical chest compression. The occurrence of injuries overall was associated with the duration of chest compression (P = 0.02, OR 1.02).

Conclusion

Mechanical chest compression as an adjunct to manual chest compression was strongly associated with potentially life‐threatening visceral injuries. The duration of chest compression was associated with injury. Our results suggest that mechanical chest compression should only be applied in situations where manual chest compression is unfeasible.
Hospital‐acquired complications in intensive care unit patients with diabetes: A before‐and‐after study of a conventional versus liberal glucose control protocol
Authors: Luethi Nora , Cioccari Luca , Eastwood Glenn , Biesenbach Peter , Morgan Rhys , Sprogis Stephanie , Young Helen , Peck Leah , Knee Chong Christine , Moore Sandra , Moon Kylie , Ekinci Elif I. , Deane Adam M. , Bellomo Rinaldo , Mårtensson Johan
Published: March 2019

Background

Critically ill patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at increased risk of in‐hospital complications and the optimal glycemic target for such patients remains unclear. A more liberal approach to glucose control has recently been suggested for patients with DM, but uncertainty remains regarding its impact on complications.

Methods

We aimed to test the hypothesis that complications would be more common with a liberal glycemic target in ICU patients with DM. Thus, we compared hospital‐acquired complications in the first 400 critically ill patients with DM included in a sequential before‐and‐after trial of liberal (glucose target: 10‐14 mmol/L) vs conventional (glucose target: 6‐10 mmol/L) glucose control.

Results

Of the 400 patients studied, 165 (82.5%) patients in the liberal and 177 (88.5%) in the conventional‐control group were coded for at least one hospital‐acquired complication (P = 0.09). When comparing clinically relevant complications diagnosed between ICU admission and hospital discharge, we found no difference in the odds for infectious (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for liberal‐control: 1.15 [95% CI: 0.68‐1.96], P = 0.60), cardiovascular (aOR 1.40 [95% CI: 0.63‐3.12], P = 0.41) or neurological complications (aOR: 1.07 [95% CI: 0.61‐1.86], P = 0.81), acute kidney injury (aOR 0.83 [95% CI: 0.43‐1.58], P = 0.56) or hospital mortality (aOR: 1.09 [95% CI: 0.59‐2.02], P = 0.77) between the liberal and the conventional‐control group.

Conclusion

In this prospective before‐and‐after study, liberal glucose control was not associated with an increased risk of hospital‐acquired infectious, cardiovascular, renal or neurological complications in critically ill patients with diabetes.
Influence of nonsynaptic α1 glycine receptors on ethanol consumption and place preference
Authors: Muñoz Braulio , Gallegos Scarlet , Peters Christian , Murath Pablo , Lovinger David M. , Homanics Gregg E. , Aguayo Luis G.
Published: March 2019

Alcohol abuse leads to great medical, social, and economic burdens throughout the world. It is believed that the rewarding actions of alcohol are mediated by alterations in the mesolimbic dopaminergic system leading to increased levels of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Little is known about the role that ligand‐gated ion channels (LGICs), such as glycine receptors (GlyRs), have in regulating levels of ethanol intake and place preference. In this study, we used knock‐in (KI) mice that have ethanol‐insensitive α1 GlyRs (KK385/386AA) and a combination of electrophysiological and behavioral approaches to examine how expression of ethanol‐resistant α1 GlyRs in brain neurons might affect binge drinking and conditioned place preference. Data show that tonic α1 GlyR–mediated currents that modulate accumbal excitability were exclusively sensitive to ethanol only in wild‐type (WT) mice. Behavioral studies showed that the KI mice have a higher intake of ethanol upon first exposure to drinking and greater conditioned place preference to ethanol, suggesting that α1 GlyRs in the brain have a protective role against abuse. This study suggests that nonsynaptic α1–containing GlyRs have a role in motivational and early reinforcing effects of ethanol and open a novel opportunity for pharmacotherapy development to treat alcohol use disorders.
Inverted invasions: Native plants can frequently colonise urban and highly disturbed habitats
Authors: Everingham Susan E. , Hemmings Frank , Moles Angela T.
Published: March 2019

There is an enormous body of literature on plant invasions, including many investigations of the types of introduced species that are most likely to invade natural ecosystems. In this study we turn invasion biology upside down, and ask what sort of native species colonise novel anthropogenic habitats such as roadside lawns, infrequently tended road shoulders, railway embankments and fire trails. We quantified species richness and cover in roadside lawns and infrequently tended road shoulders in five regions of New South Wales, Australia. The native vegetation in these regions included sclerophyll forest, fertile and infertile Eucalypt‐dominated woodlands, rainforest, and semi‐arid woodland. We performed a complementary survey of sites spanning five disturbance levels within the region containing sclerophyll forest vegetation. Although many non‐native species were present in disturbed, novel habitats, a total of 136 native species were also found. Most of these native species were in sites with low levels of disturbance (fire trails and railway embankments), but 35 native species were found to colonise roadside lawns, our most highly‐disturbed vegetation type. There was a significant negative relationship between the disturbance level in novel habitats and the number and cover of native species. Native species that colonised novel habitats were disproportionately likely be generalist species whose natural habitat includes both high and low light and high and low disturbance conditions. The native species colonising novel habitats also tended to have traits associated with a fast life‐history, including short stature and small seeds. A surprisingly high number of native plant species are colonising novel, anthropogenic habitats. Our findings highlight the potential importance of urban ecosystems for conservation and restoration biology.
Woody species in resource‐rich microrefugia of granite outcrops display unique functional signatures
Authors: Ottaviani Gianluigi , Keppel Gunnar , Marcantonio Matteo , Mucina Ladislav , Wardell‐Johnson Grant
Published: March 2019

Refugia are key environments in biogeography and conservation. Because of their unique eco‐evolutionary formation and functioning, they should display distinct functional trait signatures. However, comparative trait‐based studies of plants in refugia and non‐refugia are lacking. Here, we provide a comparison between resource‐rich (putative microrefugia for species preferring mesic habitats under increasing aridity) and resource‐impoverished woodlands (non‐refugia) around two granite outcrops in south‐western Australia. We measured and compared six functional traits (bark thickness, foliar δ13C, foliar C:N, leaf dry matter content, plant height, specific leaf area) in four woody species. We performed multiple‐trait, multiple‐species and single‐trait, within‐species analyses to test whether plants in resource‐rich habitats were functionally distinct and more diverse than those in the surrounding resource‐impoverished woodlands. We found that species in resource‐rich woodlands occupied larger and distinct multiple‐trait functional spaces and showed distinct single‐trait values (for specific leaf area and bark thickness). This suggests that plants in resource‐rich woodlands can deploy unique and more diverse ecological strategies, potentially making these putative microrefugia more resilient to environmental changes. These findings suggest that species in microrefugia may be characterised by unique functional signatures, illustrating the utility of comparative trait‐based approaches to improve understanding of the functioning of refugia.
Genetic diversity and population structure in multiple Chinese goat populations using a SNP panel
Authors: Berihulay H. , Li Y. , Liu X. , Gebreselassie G. , Islam R. , Liu W. , Jiang L. , Ma Y.
Published: March 2019

Information about genetic diversity and population structure among goat breeds is essential for genetic improvement, understanding of environmental adaptation as well as utilization and conservation of goat breeds. Here, we measured genetic diversity and population structure in multiple Chinese goat populations, namely, Nanjiang, Qinggeda, Arbas Cashmere, Jining Grey, Luoping Yellow and Guangfeng goats. A total of 193 individuals were genotyped for about 47 401 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We found a high proportion of informative SNPs, ranging from 69.5% in the Luoping Yellow to 93.9% in the Jining Grey goat breeds with an average mean of 84.7%. Diversity, as measured by expected heterozygosity, ranged from 0.371 in Luoping Yellow to 0.405 in Jining Grey goat populations. The average estimated pair‐wise genetic differentiation (FST) among the populations was 8.6%, ranging from 0.2% to 16% and indicating low to moderate genetic differentiation. Principal component analysis, genetic structure and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed a clustering of six Chinese goat populations according to geographic distribution. The results from this study can contribute valuable genetic information and can properly assist with within‐breed diversity, which provides a good opportunity for sustainable utilization of and maintenance of genetic resource improvements in the Chinese goat populations.
Quality and Safety in Aged Care Virtual Issue: What Australian research published in the Australasian Journal on Ageing tells us
Authors: Wells Yvonne , Brooke Elizabeth , Solly Kane N
Published: March 2019

Objective

To review studies published in the Australasian Journal on Ageing (AJA) about the aged care workforce, and to identify influences on quality of care and potential policy directions.

Methods

Articles in the AJA on the aged care workforce published from 2009 to 2018 were identified, grouped into themes and rated for quality.

Results

Twenty‐eight articles were identified. Articles fell into four themes: (i) staff knowledge, skills and attitudes; (ii) staff well‐being and workforce stability; (iii) environmental factors that influence staff capacity; and (iv) interventions to improve staff capacity. Studies reinforced the importance of staff–consumer, staff–relatives and staff–staff relationships and a supportive workplace culture for staff work ability and capacity to provide high quality care.

Conclusions

It is possible to improve practice in community and residential aged care, given: (i) enough staff; (ii) better training in person‐centred practice; and (iii) a supportive staff culture that encourages staff to put their training into practice.
Computed tomography colonography: a retrospective analysis of outcomes of 2 years experience in a district general hospital
Authors: Lynn William , Vadhwana Bhamini , Bell Daniel J. , Borgstein Rudi , Demetriou George , Nair Manojkumar S. , Meleagros Luke
Published: March 2019

Background

Colonoscopy is the gold‐standard investigation for direct luminal visualization of the large bowel. Studies have shown the efficacy of computed tomography colonography (CTC) is equivalent to colonoscopy in both cancer and polyp detection.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing CTC from January 2013 to October 2014 was performed. Patient demographics, indication for investigation, computed tomography findings, optical colonoscopy findings and histology results were recorded.

Results

Seven hundred and fifty‐eight CTC were performed. Three hundred and seventeen patients were male (42%) and 441 (58%) were female. Endoscopy was advised in 209 cases. One hundred and twenty (16%) were deemed suspicious for cancer of whom 96 (80%) had optical colonoscopy. A total of 12 colorectal cancers were detected. Potential polyps were noted in 58 cases (8%). Forty‐four patients underwent endoscopy (75%) and 17 polyps confirmed (38%). Two patients had foci of invasive cancer histologically. Significant extracolonic findings were identified in 60%, including five cases of gastric carcinomas. The most common other findings were gallstones and hernias.

Conclusion

The rate of colorectal cancer detection in this study was 2%. The rate of biopsy proven cancer was 10% following a suspicious colonogram. Endoscopic correlation was not obtained in 20% of cases of radiological suspicion. CTC is as efficacious as optical colonoscopy for colorectal cancer and polyp detection.
Management of per rectal bleeding is resource intensive
Authors: Fok Kar Yin , Murugesan Jothi R. , Maher Richard , Engel Alexander
Published: March 2019

Background

Haematochezia or per rectal (PR) bleeding is the most common presentation of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. This study analyses the hospital resources used in the management of patients with PR bleeding.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who presented with PR bleeding from June 2012 to December 2013 to a single tertiary centre in Sydney, Australia. Age, gender, comorbidities, use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications, vital signs, and haematological data were recorded. The objective factors available on initial patient assessment were analysed for their relationship with the following outcomes: use of computed tomography mesenteric angiogram, formal angiography and embolization, transfusion of blood products, endoscopy, operative management and length of stay.

Results

There were 523 confirmed presentations of PR bleeding. Four hundred and fifty‐two of these presented directly to emergency department, while 71 were referred from another hospital. One in five patients had blood transfusion (19%), 13% had computed tomography mesenteric angiogram, 4% had embolization and 13% underwent diagnostic and/or therapeutic colonoscopy. Patients referred from other facilities were more comorbid (55% versus 30%), more likely to be on antiplatelet or anticoagulant (69% versus 33%) with a higher rate of embolization (28% versus 4%), more packed cell transfusions (2.1 versus 0.7 units) and longer length of stay (7.9 versus 5.7 days) but mortality was the same (1%).

Conclusions

The management of patients with PR bleeding is resource intensive. Better identification and allocation of resources in patients who present with PR bleeding may lead to better efficiency in managing this growing clinical problem.
The emotional entanglements of smartphones in the field: On emotional discomfort, power relations, and research ethics
Authors: Truong Jasmine , Labhart Florian , Santani Darshan , Gatica‐Perez Daniel , Kuntsche Emmanuel , Landolt Sara
Published: March 2019

Despite human geographers’ growing recognition of the need to explore how digital technologies are increasingly co‐producing geographies, the methodological implications of such forms of data production are rarely discussed. This paper explores how smartphones co‐constitute fieldwork when they are used as research instruments. Drawing from a research project on young people's nightlife in Switzerland, we use Ahmed's ideas of emotions to show how smartphones are not inert research tools but emotionally entangled in the field. We argue that doing research with smartphones visibly in fieldwork has an effect on the relationships between the people, practices, and places of the field site. More specifically, we propose that these effects of emotions call for a renewed scrutiny of research ethics, particularly as smartphones increasingly become part of research designs.
Grazing exclusion and vegetation change in an upland grassland with patches of tall herbs
Authors: Watts Sarah H. , Griffith Anna , Mackinlay Lindsay
Published: March 2019

Questions

The hydrophilous tall herb community is an important refuge for grazing‐sensitive broad‐leaved flowering plants. It is distributed throughout upland Europe but overgrazing has contributed to an unfavourable conservation status. To guide tall herb restoration, we asked: (a) Does using grazing exclusion where the tall herb habitat is confined to cliff ledge patches promote an expansion into the grassland below? (b) Does this management negatively affect vascular plant diversity?

Location

Ben Lawers NNR, Scotland.

Methods

Large herbivores have been excluded from a 180‐ha area containing patches of outcrops rich in tall herb habitat. Using 1999 and 2017 surveys of permanent plot transects located in the grassland below (Before–After design), we quantify impacts on community composition and tall herb abundance.

Results

Species diversity remained constant although total species richness declined slightly and tall herb species richness increased significantly. There was a large expansion in tall herb cover (+29.67%) and a corresponding decrease in grass cover (−26.16%), as well as smaller increases in bryophytes and small herbs and a reduction in bare ground. Community composition shifted significantly from species typical of upland calcareous grassland towards those found in tall herb habitats. Seven tall herb species were amongst those showing the greatest increase in cover, along with taller grasses and understory herbs. Grazing tolerant grasses and low‐growing, prostrate and annual herbs decreased. Competition for light, rather than resilience to herbivory, now has a major influence on the vegetation.

Conclusions

Using grazing exclusion where the tall herb habitat is largely confined to patches on cliff ledges facilitates an expansion into the upland grassland below. Although this management favours species tolerant of shadier conditions, there is no evidence of a negative impact on vascular plant community composition. It is therefore an effective strategy for promoting the restoration and favourable condition of this grazing‐sensitive habitat.
Redefining super recognition in the real world: Skilled face or person identity recognizers?
Authors: Bate Sarah , Portch Emma , Mestry Natalie , Bennetts Rachel J.
Published: March 2019

While there has been growing interest in the deployment of superior face recognizers in policing and security settings, it is likely that most real‐world tasks tap person rather than face recognition skills. We suggest that changes in real‐world screening tasks and terminology are required to distinguish these individuals from laboratory‐identified superior face recognizers, who have more potential in developing our theoretical understanding of the face recognition system.
Topography and melting dynamics of ice‐cored ridges: evidence from the geometry, kinematics and sedimentary evolution of collapse structures within kame deposits, eastern Poland
Authors: Włodarski Wojciech , Orłowska Anna
Published: March 2019

In earlier studies, the topography and melting dynamics of ice‐cored ridges within marginal zones of the Pleistocene ice sheets were routinely reconstructed based only on conceptual and qualitative models supported by geomorphological, sedimentological and palaeogeographical studies. Here, a novel approach based on detailed structural analysis of two collapse structures affecting Pleistocene kame deposits is presented. The high regularity of the geometry of synclines and related strain fields as well as the patterns of subsidence of the folded strata are all interpreted as evidence of topography of ice‐cored ridges and their melting dynamics. The topography is described in terms of elongation, orientation and cross‐sectional shape of ice‐cored ridges. In turn, the melting dynamics are assessed based on a semi‐quantitative model of different relative rates of backwasting and downwasting. The topography of ice‐cored ridges, derived independently from the morphology of the related supraglacial landforms, is interpreted as an effect of ablation controlled by debris bands within parent ice. The reconstructed ice‐cored ridges are considered to represent the second‐order topographic features within a wide ice‐cored depression. The sedimentary evolution of collapse structures expressed as migration of their hinges/depocentres provides new semi‐quantitative insight into melting dynamics of ice showing the predominance of backwasting over downwasting. This evolution concerns the final stage of de‐icing, which was probably preceded by lowering of the ice‐cored topography and progressive formation of the ice‐cored ridges.
Slope processes in the High Arctic: a 30‐year‐long record from Spitsbergen
Authors: Dzierżek Jan , Szymanek Marcin , Nitychoruk Jerzy
Published: March 2019

Ten monitoring sites were established in 1986 near the Scottbreen and Renardbreen glaciers (Bellsund, Spitsbergen) in order to determine the rates of gelifluction on raised marine terraces and on talus cones, accumulation on talus cones, and movement of the protalus rampart. The measurements were performed in 1987, 2007 and 2016. The results obtained revealed a very slow rate of changes on the surface of the analysed area. During 30 years, only one out of 84 points where the gelifluction rate was measured was displaced by 15 cm down‐slope. The maximal annual and average gelifluction rates were calculated at 0.5 cm and 0.18 cm a−1, respectively. Several measurement points did not change their position over the observation period. As shown by the observations, the gelifluction rate largely does not depend on slope inclination. Studies of talus cones allowed the level of cone increment to be determined as 314.3 kg of scree per square metre. Analysis of factors influencing the rate of mass movement allowed for correlation of the small‐scale gelifluction movement at the analysed sites with the general trends of climate warming. In this part of the Arctic, these trends are manifested by soil desiccation. It appears that slope processes depend on very local topoclimatic factors. Analysis of the obtained data with regard to palaeogeographical and climatic investigations suggests that the ice segregation forms on raised marine terraces developed during the last Holocene cooling, i.e. the Little Ice Age.
The 10Be deglaciation chronology of the Göschenertal, central Swiss Alps, and new insights into the Göschenen Cold Phases
Authors: Boxleitner Max , Ivy‐Ochs Susan , Egli Markus , Brandova Dagmar , Christl Marcus , Dahms Dennis , Maisch Max
Published: March 2019

The Göschenertal (Göschenen valley) is the type locality of the so‐called Göschenen Cold Phases I (~3–2.3 ka) and II (~1.8–1.1 ka). According to earlier studies, these Late Holocene climatic cooling periods were characterized by changes in vegetation and pronounced glacier advances. As a peculiarity, the Göschenen Cold Phase I was thought to be connected to a local surge‐type advance of the Chelengletscher (Chelen glacier) – an exceptional event of unparalleled dimension in the European Alps. Based on cosmogenic 10Be exposure ages from moraine boulders, we investigated the local glacier chronology. In contrast to former research, moraines at different positions within the Göschenen valley (central Swiss Alps) have been dated to the Younger Dryas and the Early Holocene. This questions the applicability of palaeo‐Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) calculations for stadial attributions without additional numerical age constraints. Furthermore, we have found compelling evidence that the proposed non‐climatic glacier advance attributed to the Göschenen Cold Phase I did not occur. The present results, along with a reappraisal of the original study, question the scientific reliability and the glaciological definition of the Göschenen Cold Phases as glacier advances that clearly exceeded the Little Ice Age positions. While our data do not exclude potential changes in climate and vegetation, we nonetheless show that the Göschenen Cold Phases are not suitable as reference stadials in the system of Alpine Holocene glacier fluctuations.
Handling has an anxiolytic effect that is not affected by the inhibition of the protein kinase C pathway in adult prenatal undernourished male rat offspring
Authors: Hino Kodai , Kimura Tomoko , Udagawa Jun
Published: March 2019

Environmental enrichment (EE) after birth has been reported as an intervention improving the anxiety‐like behavior and cognitive deficit due to maternal restraint, foot‐shock, or social stress during pregnancy. However, it remains unclear whether EE after birth could benefit the early prenatal undernourished offspring. In this study, we examined the effect of daily handling as a simple EE intervention on the aberrant behavior of prenatally undernourished rats. The male rat offspring exhibited anxiety‐like behavior at 9 weeks of age due to maternal food restriction in early pregnancy. Our study shows that the daily handling after weaning has an anxiolytic effect in the prenatally undernourished offspring without affecting the behavior of prenatally well‐nourished offspring. Conversely, the concentrations of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and their metabolites were not altered in the prefrontal cortex by prenatal undernutrition or daily handling after weaning. We investigated whether the anxiolytic effect of daily handling was mediated by the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway using the PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine. The anxiolytic effect of the handling was not canceled by chelerythrine injection in prenatally undernourished offspring, whereas chelerythrine induced an anxiety‐like behavior in control rats. Our results suggest that maternal undernutrition in early pregnancy induces an anxiety‐like behavior accompanied with a PKC pathway‐hyporesponsiveness; however, daily handling ameliorates the anxiety‐like behavior through a PKC‐independent pathway.
Delivery of transplant care among Hmong kidney transplant recipients: Outcomes from a single institution
Authors: Odegard Marjorie , Serrano Oscar K. , Peterson Kent , Mongin Steven J. , Berglund Danielle , Vock David M. , Chinnakotla Srinath , Dunn Ty B. , Finger Erik B. , Kandaswamy Raja , Pruett Timothy L. , Matas Arthur J.
Published: March 2019

Kidney transplantation entails well‐coordinated complex care delivery. Patient‐provider cultural and linguistic discordance can lead to healthcare disparities. We analyzed kidney transplantation outcomes among our institution's Hmong recipients using a retrospective cohort study. From 1995 to 2015, 2164 adult (age ≥18) recipients underwent kidney transplantation at our institution; 78 self‐identified as Hmong. Survival rates were analyzed and compared to Caucasian recipients (n = 2086). Fifty (64.1%) Hmong recipients consistently requested interpreters. Mean follow‐up was 9.8 years for both groups. Hmong recipients (N = 78) were on average younger at transplant (45.7 vs 49.7 years; P = 0.02), more likely to be female (56% vs 38%; P = 0.001), and had higher gravidity (5.0 vs 1.9 births; P < 0.001). There were 13 (16.7%) Hmong living donor recipients, who were younger (32.8 vs 42.9 years; P = 0.006) at transplant compared to Caucasians (1429, 68.5%). Hmong 1‐ and 5‐year patient survival was 100%; Caucasians, 97.1% and 88% (P < 0.001). Hmong 1‐ and 5‐year graft survival was 98.7% and 84.9%; Caucasians 94.8% and 80.9% (P = 0.013). One‐ and 5‐year rejection‐free survival showed no difference (88.9% vs 82.4%; 86.7% vs 83.4%, P = 0.996). Despite cultural and linguistic differences between Hmong recipients and providers, we found no evidence of inferiority in KT outcomes in the Hmong population.
What factors contributed to the misconduct of health practitioners? An analysis of Australian cases involving the diversion and supply of pharmaceutical drugs for non‐medical use between 2010 and 2016
Authors: Hulme Shann , Hughes Caitlin Elizabeth , Nielsen Suzanne
Published: March 2019

Introduction and Aims

Increasing quantities of pharmaceutical drugs are used non‐medically around the world, including in Australia, resulting in rising harms. This study examines the role of health practitioners (HP) in diversion and the circumstances surrounding their misconduct in Australia.

Design and Methods

Tribunal decisions were obtained from the Australasian Legal Information Institute for 117 complaints against HPs for inappropriately prescribing/supplying or misappropriating drugs, representing a comprehensive search of cases from 2010 to 2016. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine patterns of misconduct by demographics, drug type, scale and contributors.

Results

Cases involving inappropriate prescribing/supply (73%) had greater odds of involving doctors (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 48.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.63–640.11) and pharmacists (AOR 85.59, 95% CI 5.08–1443.05) and HPs over 50 years (AOR 16.54, 95% CI 2.80–97.60) and lower odds of being attributed to individual circumstances (AOR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01–0.57). Cases involving misappropriation (31%) had greater odds of involving nurses (AOR 19.86, 95% CI 2.50–157.93), HPs under 40 years (AOR 5.08, 95% CI 1.24–20.90) and being attributed to individual circumstances (AOR 7.96, 95% CI 1.52–41.75). Subgroup analyses indicated that doctors were more likely to inappropriately prescribe pharmaceutical opioids, sedatives and Schedule 8 drugs, and their misconduct was attributed to lacking the skills and temperament to manage complex patient groups, while pharmacists were more often involved in pseudoephedrine supply for financial reasons.

Discussion and Conclusions

Strategies to reduce diversion should be multifaceted and may include better supporting HPs to manage complex patient groups and removing barriers to substance use treatment for HPs.
Literacy acquisition in multilingual educational contexts: Evidence from Coastal Kenya
Authors: Jasińska Kaja K. , Wolf Sharon , Jukes Matthew C.H. , Dubeck Margaret M.
Published: March 2019

Literacy is a powerful tool against poverty, leading to further education and vocational success. In sub‐Saharan Africa, schoolchildren commonly learn in two languages—African and European. Multiple early literacy skills (including phonological awareness and receptive language) support literacy acquisition, but this has yet to be empirically tested in sub‐Saharan Africa, where learning contexts are highly multilingual, and children are often learning to read in a language they do not speak at home. We use longitudinal data from 1,100 schoolchildren spanning three groups of native languages [Mijikenda languages (Digo, Duruma, Chonyi, and Giriama), Kiswahili, Kikamba] in coastal Kenya (language of instruction: Kiswahili and English). We find that baseline phonological awareness and receptive language are differentially important in predicting literacy skills in English and in Kiswahili, and these relations are moderated by the degree of shared cross‐linguistic features between home and school languages. Importantly, the relative importance of these factors changes over development. Implications for language development and literacy acquisition in linguistically diverse contexts are discussed.
Design in Decline: Breathing New Life Into an Industry Through Education
Authors: Kelly Rebecca
Published: March 2019

The practice of communications design has undergone extreme and fundamental changes over the past several years to such a degree that it seems that traditional designers may become an endangered species. As technology progresses, certain responsibilities formerly ascribed to designers are now readily available—thanks to online resources—for anyone to access. Simultaneously, other activities are being undertaken by designers that did not exist a mere five years ago. The practice of design is changing and for its practitioners to remain relevant, they must evolve as well. As a result of this paradigm shift, many traditionally trained design educators are struggling with the question of how to teach students to be successful in a profession that is not only different from the one they used to know but also constantly evolving in new directions. Can educators successfully prepare the next generation of designers by merely teaching the latest trends and software while focusing on the same design curriculum they have always taught? Educators will need to attempt to bridge the gap between the traditional and the unknown. Adaptability and entrepreneurship become all‐important, and teaching these invaluable skills will require a curriculum that is responsive, collaborative, and challenging in ways that reach beyond the visual problem‐solving lessons of the past.
Development of guidelines for improving oral health in individuals with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gosnell Roxanne , Lazear Janice , Hemphill Jean Croce , Dotson Deborah
Published: March 2019

Objective

The purpose of this project was to develop evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the management of oral health (OH) for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background

Individuals with PD have significantly poorer OH than the general population. Poor OH is a risk factor for systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

Materials and Methods

After an extensive literature review was completed, available evidence was evaluated for inclusion in the initial draft of the guidelines. The draft was then reviewed for content validity by experts in the areas of dentistry, dental hygiene and neurology using the Delphi method. After consensus among the content experts, final guidelines were completed. The final CPG was presented to individuals with PD and their caregivers at a support group. Participants were asked to review the information in the guidelines for 2 weeks and then submit a survey regarding the usefulness of the CPG. The CPG was also evaluated by practicing nurse practitioners (NPs) and dental hygienists using the AGREE II tool.

Results

Twenty people from the PD support group participated in the educational intervention, and surveys were received from 14 participants. Overall, participants agreed or strongly agreed with each statement related to the applicability and usefulness of the guidelines. The CPG was evaluated using the AGREE II tool, and scores were >80% in all domains with an overall score of 97.1%.

Conclusion

Development of these guidelines represent an initial step in improving the oral health and overall health of individuals with PD.
Hybrid polymeric systems of mesoporous silica/hydroxyapatite nanoparticles applied as antitumor drug delivery platform
Authors: dos Apostolos Rafaela C. R. , Andrade Gracielle F. , da Silva Wellington M. , de Assis Gomes Dawidson , de Miranda Marcelo C. , de Sousa Edésia M. B.
Published: March 2019

In this study, we report the production of a mesoporous silica/hydroxyapatite‐based nanocomposite containing copper (Cu) functionalized with methacrylic acid (MAA), a pH‐sensitive polymer. The functionalization of the nanoparticles surface was performed using the microwave method in order to anchor the cross‐linking tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), onto the nanoparticles surface followed by MAA polymerization. The materials were characterized by XRD, XRF spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, zeta potential, and elemental analysis. Studies of the incorporation and release of the antitumor methotrexate drug were performed in order to evaluate the potential use of these drug carrier systems in cancer therapy. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the samples in fibroblast and SAOS‐2 cells was investigated, and the activity of the adipose‐derived stem cell alkaline phosphatase on nanocomposites was studied by in vitro assays. The results indicate that the Cu‐containing nanocomposites can be easily produced and that these compositions have beneficial effects in stem cells, maintaining cell viability, and allowing alkaline phosphatase expression. In conclusion, data from this work show that the nanocomposites obtained have adequate characteristic to be used as drug delivery platform. Furthermore, the biomaterial is a promising structure for treatment of bone tumor.
Holy Scripture under the Auspices of the Holy Trinity: On John Webster’s Trinitarian Doctrine of Scripture
Authors: Sanders Fred
Published: March 2019

As he approached the monumental task of writing his own systematic theology, John Webster gave strategic attention to constructing a doctrine of Scripture that was adequate to support such a project. In contrast to some well‐respected modern systematic theologies that got by with less robust bibliologies (those of Pannenberg and Jenson), Webster saw the need to establish from the outset a more fully elaborated doctrine of Holy Scripture. He framed that doctrine of Scripture by appealing above all to his central dogmatic commitment, the doctrine of the Trinity. The trinitarian contours of Webster’s doctrine of Scripture are most conspicuous in his treatment of the missions of the Son and the Spirit. Webster understands the entire Bible as the self‐testimony of the risen Christ (mission of the Son), and explains its cognitive effectiveness in terms of the full range of the work of the Holy Spirit in inspiration and illumination (mission of the Spirit). The trinitarian grounding of his doctrine of Scripture enabled Webster to retrieve the Protestant orthodox doctrine of Scripture’s inspiration.
High‐temperature multilayer actuators based on CuO added BiScO3–PbTiO3 piezoceramics and Ag electrodes
Authors: Qaiser Muhammad Adnan , Ma Xiao‐Zi , Ma Rongtian , Ali Wajid , Xu Xijun , Yuan Guoliang , Chen Lang
Published: March 2019

High‐temperature multilayer actuators based on Cu doping 0.367BiScO3–0.633PbTiO3 ceramic slices and Ag electrodes were prepared by low‐temperature co‐firing technology. The 0.3 wt% CuO addition has effectively reduced the sintering temperature of the ceramic from ~1080 to 930°C, thus the multilayer actuator were sintered at 930°C which is lower than the Ag melting point, that is, 961°C. The 4.3 mm thick multilayer actuator is composed of a series of ~44‐μm‐thick ceramic slices and ~2‐μm‐thick Ag electrodes. As a result, a ≥0.13% strain with nm‐scale preciseness can be produced in the actuator by 200 V driving voltage not only at room temperature but also at a high temperature up to 200°C. This actuator is essential for industrial machinery that requires nm‐scale position control at 20‐200°C.
The effect of intergroup contact on solidarity‐based collective action is mediated by reductions in SDO
Authors: Meleady Rose , Vermue Marieke
Published: March 2019

This paper explores the impact of positive and negative intergroup contact on advantaged group members’ willingness to engage in collective action on behalf of disadvantaged outgroups, and the mediational role of social dominance orientation (SDO) in this process. SDO captures an individual’s ideological support for inequality. If contact is going to promote collective action to reduce inequality among the advantaged group, it must be expected to influence their ideological beliefs about hierarchy. In Study 1, only positive, and not negative contact was found to be associated with Whites’ support for the Black Lives Matter movement, mediated by reductions in SDO. In Study 2, both positive and negative contact were associated, respectively, with more or less support for collective action to protect the rights of European immigrants during Brexit negotiations. While positive contact was associated with reduced SDO and more support for collective action among British nationals, negative contact was associated with increased SDO and lower support for collective action.
The role of NUDT21 in microRNA‐binding sites of EZH2 gene increases the risk of preeclampsia
Authors: Lang Xiao , Zhao Wenxia , Huang Ding , Liu Wei , Shen Hong , Xu Liang , Xu Shan , Huang Yongfang , Cheng Weiwei
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity among pregnant mothers and their fetuses worldwide. Recent studies have shown that several microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial role in pathogenesis of PE patients; however, the mechanisms responsible for differences in miRNA function in PE largely remain to be determined.

Materials and Methods

We studied that NUDT21 expression was markedly increased, whereas EZH2 was decreased in placental samples from patients with PE. We identified NUDT21 as an interaction partner of enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2). NUDT21 co‐localized with EZH2 in the human trophoblast cell line, HTR‐8/SVneo and NUDT21 was shown to bind to EZH2 in RNA immunoprecipitation assays. NUDT21 has previously been reported to be involved in alternative polyadenylation; thus, the interaction between NUDT21 and EZH2 may play an important role in the crosstalk between alternative polyadenylation (APA) and miRNA‐mediated gene silencing in PE.

Results

In the human trophoblast cell line HTR‐8/SVneo, loss‐of‐function assays indicated that knockdown of NUDT21 suppressed cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. Furthermore, functional studies showed that NUDT21 elongated the 3'‐UTR of mRNAs thereby exposing more miRNA binding sites (including miR138 and miR363), which enhanced the efficiency of miRNA‐mediated gene silencing and promoted EZH2 binding.

Conclusions

This is the first report about the relationship of NUDT21 and EZH2. The data indicate that the aberrant expression of NUDT21 contributes to PE by targeting 3'‐UTR of EZH2 mRNA. These findings may provide novel targets for future investigations into therapeutic strategies for PE.
Prevalence of pancreatic cystic lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging in the Chinese population
Authors: Sun Liqi , Wang Yang , Jiang Fei , Qian Wei , Shao Chengwei , Jin Zhendong
Published: March 2019

Background and Aim

Incidental pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are being diagnosed more frequently. However, little is known about the prevalence of PCLs in the Chinese population. The aim of the study was to assess the crude prevalence of PCLs in individuals who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Data from consecutive patients who underwent MRI without pancreatic indications were included. MRI images were reviewed for the presence of pancreatic cysts. The prevalence of PCLs and high‐risk PCLs in different gender and age groups was calculated. To assess the crude prevalence, the prevalence and demographic data were standardized on the basis of Chinese national population data in 2017.

Results

A total of 10 987 individuals were included (7344 men). Incidental PCLs were identified in 212 individual (128 men). The prevalence of PCLs was 1.93%, and PCLs were more often discovered in women (1.74% vs 2.31%, P = 0.043). Prevalence increased with age (r = 0.804, P < 0.001). The prevalence of high‐risk PCLs was 0.12% (n = 13). Gender predominance and age distribution showed no difference between high‐risk PCLs and low‐risk PCLs (P = 0.234 and P = 0.855), but cysts located in the pancreatic head were more likely to develop into high‐risk PCLs (P = 0.001). After data standardization, the crude prevalence of PCLs was 1.31%, and PCLs were more often discovered in women (1.11% vs 1.5%, P < 0.001). The crude prevalence of high‐risk PCLs was 0.07%.

Conclusion

Pancreatic cystic lesions in the Chinese population are not rare. The prevalence of PCLs increased with age and is higher in the female population. The prevalence of high‐risk PCLs should not be ignored.
Mechanisms for the metabolic success of bariatric surgery
Authors: Sandoval Darleen A.
Published: March 2019

To date, bariatric surgery remains the most effective strategy for the treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. However, given the enormity of the obesity epidemic, and sometimes variable results, it is not a feasible strategy for the treatment of all obese patients. A simple PubMed search for ‘bariatric surgery' reveals over 28 000 papers that have been published since the 1940s when the first bariatric surgeries were performed. However, there is still an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms for the weight loss and metabolic success of surgery. An understanding of the mechanisms is important because it may lead to greater understanding of the pathophysiology of obesity and thus surgery‐alternative strategies for the treatment of all obese patients. In this review, the potential mechanisms that underlie the success of surgery are discussed, with a focus on the potential endocrine, neural and other circulatory factors (eg, bile acids) that have been proposed to play a role.