bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Undergraduate student nurses’ perspectives of an integrated clinical learning model in the mental health environment
Authors: Boardman Gayelene , Lawrence Karen , Polacsek Meg
Published: June 2018

Providing nursing students with appropriate clinical practice during their undergraduate programme is critical to ensuring that graduates meet the competency requirements to gain registration as a nurse. In response to the predicted nursing workforce shortage, universities have been significantly increasing the enrolment of undergraduate nurses into Bachelor of Nursing courses. This has placed a demand on the availability of clinical placements and often universities struggle to find appropriate places. In this study, a Bachelor of Nursing course incorporated an Integrated Clinical Learning Model (ICLM) for the first time during a mental health placement. The model offered students the flexibility of attending their clinical placement over a 16‐week period instead of a traditional block of 4 weeks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the student perspective of this model and whether it prepared them for the nursing workforce. Focus groups were conducted with undergraduate nursing students following their mental health clinical placement at an acute and extended care inpatient unit. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Main themes included preparedness for practice, maintaining a work–life balance, and perceiving they were part of a team. The ICLM deepened students’ knowledge and had a positive impact on their overall clinical learning.
A Statistical Model to Investigate the Reproducibility Rate Based on Replication Experiments
Authors: Pauli Francesco
Published: June 2018

The reproducibility crisis, that is, the fact that many scientific results are difficult to replicate, pointing to their unreliability or falsehood, is a hot topic in the recent scientific literature, and statistical methodologies, testing procedures and p‐values, in particular, are at the centre of the debate. Assessment of the extent of the problem–the reproducibility rate or the false discovery rate–and the role of contributing factors are still an open problem. Replication experiments, that is, systematic replications of existing results, may offer relevant information on these issues. We propose a statistical model to deal with such information, in particular to estimate the reproducibility rate and the effect of some study characteristics on its reliability. We analyse data from a recent replication experiment in psychology finding a reproducibility rate broadly coherent with other assessments from the same experiment. Our results also confirm the expected role of some contributing factor (unexpectedness of the result and room for bias) while they suggest that the similarity between original study and the replica is not so relevant, thus mitigating some criticism directed to replication experiments.
Infant sleep and the influence of a pacifier
Authors: Balaban Raquel , Cruz Câmara Andréa , Barros Ribeiro Dias Filho Edmir , Andrade Pereira Mayara de , Menezes Aguiar Carlos
Published: June 2018

Background

Divergent opinions are found in the literature regarding the use of a pacifier. During the longitudinal follow‐up of children, health professionals must take a position on this issue and offer clear information regarding the pros and cons of pacifier use so that parents/caregivers can feel comfortable enough to make their own decision.

Aim

Evaluate the beneficial effects of pacifier use on the sleep quality of infants.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at public day care centres in the city of Recife, Brazil. Interviews were held with 157 mothers of infants aged five to 13 months. Data were collected on the mother's and child's profiles. Child's sleep quality was determined using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire.

Results

The results demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the group that used a pacifier and the group that did not use a pacifier with regard to sleep variables of the child.

Conclusions

When deciding whether or not to permit pacifier use, the infant's sleep quality should not be considered a critical factor.
Atrial involvement in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy patients referred for ventricular arrhythmias ablation
Authors: Wu Lingmin , Bao Jingru , Liang Erpeng , Fan Siyang , Zheng Lihui , Du Zhongpeng , Chen Gang , Ding Ligang , Zhang Shu , Yao Yan
Published: June 2018

Background

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a heritable myocardium disorder that predominantly affects the ventricle. Little is known about atrial involvement. This study aimed to assess atrial involvement, especially the role of genotype on atrium in ARVC.

Methods

The incidence, characterization and predictors of atrial involvement were investigated. Nine known ARVC‐causing genes were screened and the correlation between genotype and atrial involvement was assessed.

Results

Right atrium (RA) dilation, left atrium (LA) dilation, and sustained atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATa) were found in 45, 16 and 3 patients, respectively. Gene mutations were identified in 64 (64.0%) patients. Mutation carriers showed more RA dilation than noncarriers (54.7% vs. 27.8%,P = 0.009), and no difference in LA dilation and ATa. Multivariate analysis showed tricuspid regurgitation (OR: 18.867; 95% CI: 1.466‐250.000;P = 0.024) increased the risk of RA dilation and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR: 1.134; 95% CI: 1.002‐1.272;P = 0.031) correlated with LA dilation, whereas genotype showed no significant effect.

At a median follow‐up time of 91 months, 7 patients died and 1 patient accepted heart transplantation. New‐onset RA dilation, LA dilation, and sustained ATa were found in 8, 7, and 6 patients, respectively. Atrial involvement was not associated with the long‐term survival. Despite mutation carriers showing more RA dilation, Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed genotype was not associated with atrial involvement.

Conclusion

Atrial involvement was common in ARVC. Tricuspid regurgitation and decreased LVEF increased the risk for atrial dilation. Genotype was not associated with atrial involvement.
Hypotensive Drugs and Syncope Due to Orthostatic Hypotension in Older Adults with Dementia (Syncope and Dementia Study)
Authors: Testa Gianluca , Ceccofiglio Alice , Mussi Chiara , Bellelli Giuseppe , Nicosia Franco , Bo Mario , Riccio Daniela , Curcio Francesco , Martone Anna Maria , Noro Gabriele , Landi Francesco , Ungar Andrea , Abete Pasquale
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether hypotensive drugs may play a pivotal role in inducing orthostatic hypotension (OH)‐related syncope.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational, multicenter study.

SETTING

Acute care wards, syncope units, and centers for the diagnosis of dementia.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of dementia and 1 or more episodes of transient loss of consciousness of a suspected syncopal nature or unexplained falls during the previous 3 months

MEASUREMENTS

Blood pressure was measured in the supine position and in the orthostatic position after 1 and 3 minutes. OH was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or more and in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mmHg or more within 3 minutes of standing. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate associations between hypotensive drugs and their combinations with OH‐related syncope.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population (n=522; women, n=324) was 83.5±6.1, and the most frequent comorbidity was arterial hypertension (74.5%); 324 (67.8%) participants had had a syncopal fall and 168 (32.2%) a nonsyncopal fall. The mean number of hypotensive drugs administered (2.9±3.1) did not differ between the two groups. Syncopal falls was OH‐related in 170 participants (48.0%). OH‐related syncopal falls were more frequent in participants receiving nitrates (15.3% vs 9.8%, p=.06), alpha‐blockers (16.5% vs 9.8%, p=.04), or combinations of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐Is) and diuretics (20.6% vs 13.0%, p=.04), alpha‐blockers and diuretics (8.2% vs 3.3%, p=0.036), and ACE‐Is and nitrates (8.2% vs 3.3%, p=.10). Multivariate analysis confirmed a greater risk of OH‐related syncopal fall for nitrates (relative risk (RR)=1.77), combinations of ACE‐Is and diuretics (RR=1.66), and combinations of ACE‐Is and nitrates (RR=2.32).

CONCLUSION

In older adults with dementia, OH‐related syncopal falls are significantly related to treatment with nitrates, combinations of ACE‐Is and diuretics, and combinations of ACE‐Is and nitrates.
Clinical and genetic investigation in Chinese patients with demyelinating Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: He Jin , Guo Lingling , Xu Guorong , Xu Liuqing , Lin Shan , Chen Wanjin , Wang Ning
Published: June 2018

Demyelinating Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common subtype of CMT. It is caused mainly by 17p11.2 heterozygous duplication, but also by mutations in more than 20 genes which affect development and function of Schwann cells. To investigate the profile of genes mutated and clinical features in demyelinating CMT of Chinese descent, we collected a cohort of 44 demyelinating CMT patients and screened them using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology. The MLPA technology revealed that 77.3% demyelinating CMT patients harbored 17p11.2 heterozygous duplication and 6.8% patients harbored heterozygous deletion of exon 6 of MPZ gene, that was further confirmed a novel c.674_675insA mutation in MPZ gene. In the patients with 17p12 heterozygous duplication, 3 sets of independent families were discordant for the CMT phenotype within the same family. The targeted NGS technology revealed that 6 candidate mutations including 1 previously reported mutation (GDAP1: c.571C>T) and 5 novel mutations (SBF2: c.415T>C, c.619G>T, c.1258A>G; GDAP1: c.589delC; PMP22: c.318delT) were found. In conclusion, combined MLPA technique with targeted NGS, the demyelinating CMT genetic diagnostic success rate was increased.
Renal inpatient ward nurse experience and job satisfaction: A qualitative study
Authors: McKenzie Aisha Tamika , Addis Gulen
Published: June 2018

Aims and objectives

To examine the experience of registered nurses working in renal inpatients wards at an acute National Health Service (NHS) hospital Trust. Nurse perceptions of their experience particularly in relation to job satisfaction were analysed.

Background

Increased understanding of workplace organisation and culture can contribute to improved nurse work experience and better patient care. Worldwide many studies conducted on nurse experience and job satisfaction show that job satisfaction level varies across work settings so analysis of job satisfaction at a local level such as in a ward is important for producing useful analysis and recommendations.

Method

Using purposive sampling, semistructured individual interviews were conducted on twelve registered nurses working on renal inpatient wards.

Results

The study identified three themes: safe care, organisational culture and work environment. Although staffing was identified as a key element to providing safe care maintaining adequate staffing levels remained a challenge. Whilst there were opportunities for professional development more support is needed for newly qualified nurses.

Conclusions

Findings highlighted that renal patients were complex. It is important to maintain adequate staffing levels. Good clinical leadership is required to support and develop the positive experience of nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

The high turnover of newly qualified nurses is a particular problem and nurse managers need to develop strategies to retain such nurses. Regular audits on staffing levels as part of improving workforce planning and patient safety need to be conducted.
Tension between freedom and dependence—A challenge for residents who live in nursing homes
Authors: Caspari Synnøve , Råholm Maj‐Britt , Sæteren Berit , Rehnsfeldt Arne , Lillestø Britt , Lohne Vibeke , Slettebø Åshild , Heggestad Anne Kari T. , Høy Bente , Lindwall Lillemor , Nåden Dagfinn
Published: June 2018

Aims and objectives

To present results from interviews of older people living in nursing homes, on how they experience freedom.

Background

We know that freedom is an existential human matter, and research shows that freedom remains important throughout life. Freedom is also important for older people, but further research is needed to determine how these people experience their freedom. The background for this article was a Scandinavian study that occurred in nursing homes; the purpose of the study was to gain knowledge about whether the residents felt that their dignity was maintained and respected.

Design

The design was hermeneutic, with qualitative research interviews.

Method

Twenty‐eight residents living in nursing homes in Denmark, Sweden and Norway were interviewed. Collecting tools used were an interview guide and also a tape recorder. Researchers in the three countries performed the interviews. The data were transcribed and analysed on three levels of hermeneutic interpretation.

Results

To have their freedom was emphasised as very important according to their experience of having their dignity taken care of. The following main themes emerged: (a) Autonomy or paternalism; (b) Inner and outer freedom; and (c) Dependence as an extra burden.

Conclusions

Residents in a nursing home may experience the feeling of having lost their freedom. This conclusion has implications for healthcare professionals and researchers, as it is important for residents in nursing homes to feel that they still have their freedom.

Relevance to clinical practice

In clinical practice, it is important and valuable for the staff to consider how they can help older people feel that they still have their freedom.
Disruption in Platform‐Based Ecosystems
Authors: Ozalp Hakan , Cennamo Carmelo , Gawer Annabelle
Published: June 2018

We study intergenerational platform‐technology transitions as instances of potentially disruptive innovation at the ecosystem level. Examining the launch of 12 platform technologies in the U.S. videogame industry covering three console generations from 1993 until 2010, we show that incumbents introducing next‐generation platform technologies with advanced capabilities increase the challenges of developing complements for the platform technology, steepening complementors’ learning curves and disrupting the very same complementors that platform owners need to thrive in the next‐generation competition. We find that, because of these struggles, platforms with advanced capabilities but high complement‐development challenges show a pattern of defection of complementors toward rival, less challenging platforms. Our study extends mainstream disruptive‐innovation theory to the context of platform‐based ecosystems by offering a systemic view that accounts for disaffection on the part of technology complementors—rather than end users—as the main reason for disruption.
Fatigue Behavior of Different CAD/CAM Materials for Monolithic, Implant‐Supported Molar Crowns
Authors: Sotto‐Maior Bruno Salles , Carneiro Rafael Corrêa , Francischone Carlos Eduardo , Assis Neuza Maria Souza Picorelli , Devito Karina Lopes , Senna Plinio Mendes
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the fracture resistance after the thermal and mechanical fatigue of feldspathic, lithium disilicate, and resin‐modified CAD/CAM monolithic crowns cemented onto a universal post abutment.

Materials and Methods

A right second mandibular molar was designed in CAD/CAM software, and 30 crowns were machined using three different materials (n = 10): feldspathic ceramic, finished only with a glaze cycle (G1); lithium disilicate, sintered and finished with a glaze cycle (G2); and resin, modified by nanoceramic and finished with rubber (G3). All crowns were cemented under a constant 50 N load, the excess cement was removed, and the crowns were light‐cured for 30 seconds. After being immersed in deionized water for 7 days, the crowns were submitted to thermal cycling, which consisted of varying the temperature from 2 to 50°C for 350,000 cycles, and mechanical cycling in a fatigue simulator, where a 250 N load was applied for 1,000,000 cycles at 2 Hz. The resistance of each crown was verified in a compression‐to‐failure test at 1 mm/min in a universal test machine. The groups were compared using one‐way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post hoc test and Weibull statistics.

Results

The resin‐modified group was the least resistant group (1755 ± 124 N), followed by the feldspathic (2147 ± 412 N) and lithium disilicate groups (2804 ± 303 N). The Weibull statistics demonstrated that lithium disilicate is the most reliable material and has the lowest fracture probability.

Conclusions

It was possible to conclude that all of the tested CAD/CAM materials can be used as monolithic, implant‐supported molar crowns.
Clinical parameters to optimize patient selection for subcutaneous and transvenous implantable defibrillator therapy
Authors: Quast Anne‐Floor B.E. , Brouwer Tom F. , Tjong Fleur V.Y. , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Knops Reinoud E.
Published: June 2018

Background

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) lacks the antitachycardia pacing (ATP) capability of tranvenous ICDs (TV‐ICD). S‐ICD patient selection can be challenging as some patients may benefit from ATP. We aim to identify clinical predictors of ATP benefit, in order to improve patient selection for S‐ICD or TV‐ICD therapy.

Methods

De novo single‐ and dual‐chamber TV‐ICD patients implanted between March 2011 and December 2015 were included. Ventricular arrhythmias terminated by ATP and not followed by a shock were considered successful ATP therapy. Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to assess the adjusted effect of multiple predictors for appropriate ATP and shock therapy.

Results

Note that 431 patients were included with a median follow‐up of 26 months. Ninety‐nine patients (23%) received appropriate ATP therapy, which terminated the arrhythmia in 67%. A history of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) or monomorphic VT (MVT) was the only predictor of appropriate ATP therapy in the multivariable model (hazard ratio [HR] 2.73, P < 0.001). Sixty‐five of 221 patients with a history of NS (VT) received appropriate ATP (29%) versus 24 patients (11%) without a history NS (VT) (P < 0.001). A secondary prevention indication was the only predictor in the multivariate model for appropriate shock therapy (HR 1.82, P  =  0.05).

Conclusion

A history of NSVT or MVT is a significant predictor for appropriate and successful ATP therapy. One in three patients with NSVT or MVT received appropriate ATP versus one in 10 patients without a history of NSVT or MVT over a 2‐year period of follow‐up.
Ideal Theory and ‘Ought Implies Can’
Authors: Berg Amy
Published: June 2018

When we can’t live up to the ultimate standards of morality, how can moral theory give us guidance? We can distinguish between ideal and non‐ideal theory to see that there are different versions of the voluntarist constraint, ‘ought implies can.’ Ideal moral theory identifies the best standard, so its demands are constrained by one version. Non‐ideal theory tells us what to do given our psychological and motivational shortcomings and so is constrained by others. Moral theory can now both provide an ultimate standard and give us guidance; this view also gives us new insights into demandingness and blame.
Spontaneous outcrossing in tomato depends on cultivar and environment and varies between individual flowers
Authors: Horneburg Bernd , Becker Heiko C.
Published: June 2018

Knowledge about the degree of spontaneous outcrossing of diverse genotypes is essential for breeding programmes, maintenance breeding, and seed production. For tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), very limited scientific evidence for genotypic differences is available and evidence from Europe is scarce. To close this knowledge gap, six cultivars were investigated in three Central European locations as part of the Organic Outdoor Tomato Project. To determine outcrossing rates, the monogenetic “cut‐leaf” trait, which is dominant over the “potato‐leaf” trait, was used as morphological marker. The observed range of outcrossing was 0.0%–5.2%. Outcrossing was significantly influenced by cultivar and environment. The outcrossing rate of individual flowers varied within cultivars ranging from 0% to 37%. The potential of newly opened flowers to accept foreign pollen varied largely with the cultivar. Genotypic differences could partly be linked to flower morphology traits. The potential for recombination between tomato genotypes is generally very low but can be a source for new variation in on‐farm management.
Identification of QTLs controlling low‐temperature tolerance during the germination stage in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Song Zichao , Wang Weiping , Shi Lixue , Zhang Song , Xie Qing , Wei Shuang , Wang Ye , Bo Kailiang , Miao Han , Zhang Shengping , Gu Xingfang
Published: June 2018

Poor seed germination of cucumber at suboptimal temperatures is a great concern for growers wishing to take advantage of the early market. The development of low‐temperature‐tolerant varieties would be aided by understanding the inheritance of the trait and mapping its locus. In this study, a set of 140 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between 65G (low‐temperature‐tolerant) and 02245 (low‐temperature‐sensitive) was used to identify the QTLs linked with low‐temperature tolerance. A linkage map was developed using 135 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and five insertion–deletion (Indel) markers, and three QTLs were identified, qLTG1.1, qLTG2.1 and qLTG4.1. qLTG1.1, the major one for germination rate, germination energy and germination index, explained more than 50% of the observed phenotypic variability. The major QTL for radicle length, qLTG4.1, explained 13.8% of the phenotypic variability. The results showed that qLTG1.1 and qLTG4.1 play an important role in low‐temperature tolerance during seed germination of cucumber and provide a basis for further fine mapping to determine the molecular mechanism for this trait.
Fungal infection causes changes in the number, morphology and spreading ability of Galleria mellonella haemocytes
Authors: Boguś Mieczysława I. , Ligęza‐Żuber Marta , Polańska Marta A. , Mosiewicz Maciej , Włóka Emilia , Sobocińska Martyna
Published: June 2018

The most effective and important strategy in the insect immune response is based on cellular reactions incorporating haemocytes. The present study uses Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) as a host to study the pathogenesis caused by the entomopthoralean fungus Conidiobolus coronatus (Entomophthorales). Five types of haemocytes with different morphologies and behaviour are observed in the haemolymph of G. mellonella: granulocytes (GRs), plasmatocytes (PLs), spherulocytes (SPs), oenocytes (OEs) and prohaemocytes (PRs). During in vitro cultivation, three morphological subtypes of PLs are distinguished: flattened PLs, sun‐like PLs and oval PLs. In fresh smears of haemolymph observed under phase‐contrast microscopy, only flattened PLs are identified. No morphological changes are observed between fresh smears and in vitro cultures for GR, OE, SP and PR. Haemocytes cultured in vitro form a cellular network composed of PLs and GRs. Changes in the numbers, morphology and behaviour of haemocytes induced by fungal infection are compared with those observed in normally‐developing untreated larvae. Infection results in a significant drop in the number of haemocyte types. Fresh smears of haemocytes from mycosed larvae reveal malformed OEs, vacuolized PLs and GRs, as well as PLs with apoptotic blebs. Haemocytes from mycosed larvae incubated in vitro look similar, with degranulated GRs and vacuolized PLs forming microaggregations, as well as deformed OEs; only the SPs remain unharmed. Fungal infection impairs the ability of haemocytes to attach and spread on the culture dish. The actin cytoskeleton of haemocytes from mycosed larvae appear disorganized.
Mitigating Election Violence and Intimidation: A Political Stakeholder Engagement Approach
Authors: Akwei Cynthia
Published: June 2018

Most studies of election violence focus on post election violence in the general populace during and after elections. Yet political parties and candidates are key stakeholders in the election process. They compete for public office using campaigns through party‐based platforms to convince electorates for their votes. Parties and candidates can thus potentially be destructive in the election process in the run‐up to elections, as well as on election day and afterward. Drawing on stakeholder theory and the stakeholder engagement literature used frequently in business management, this article develops a political stakeholder engagement framework to create, communicate, deliver, and exchange sustainable strategies to political stakeholders to mitigate election violence and intimidation. The study outlines a definition of the process of political stakeholder engagement, and applies the developed framework to the fiercely contested U.S. 2016 presidential election campaign. The analysis and lessons from the U.S. case suggest the importance of the political stakeholder engagement process as an integral part of sustainable election governance.

Related Articles

Caillier, James. 2010. “.” Politics & Policy 38 (): 1015‐1035. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2010.00267.x

Ikeanyibe, Okechukwu. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42 (): 769‐804. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12094

Kostadinova, Tatiana. 2009. “.” Politics & Policy 37 (): 691‐714. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2009.00194.x

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Some reasons why the latent period should not always be considered constant over the course of a plant disease epidemic
Authors: Suffert F. , Thompson R. N.
Published: June 2018

The latent period is a crucial life history trait, particularly for polycyclic plant diseases, because it determines how many complete infection cycles could theoretically occur during an epidemic. Experiments in controlled conditions are generally used to assess pathogenicity and host susceptibility, and also provide the opportunity to measure the distribution of latent periods in epidemiological systems. Once estimated for one or several pairs of host–pathogen genotypes, the mean value of this trait is usually considered to be fixed and is often used ‘as is’ in models. This review contends that the latent period can display non‐negligible variability over the course of a disease epidemic, and that this variability has multiple sources, some of which have complex, antagonistic impacts. Arguments are developed for four sources of variation challenging the assumption that the latent period remains constant: (i) daily fluctuations in host temperature (or other organ–environment factors); (ii) nature of inoculum; (iii) host stage or age of host tissues; and (iv) intrapopulation competition and selection for aggressiveness traits. The review is focused on the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici, making use of empirical datasets collected during the first author's research projects and a targeted literature review. Such empirical epidemiological knowledge is potentially important for epidemiological modellers. While some studies have demonstrated that the distribution of latent periods around the mean value has consequences for epidemiological dynamics, it is shown here that it might also be important for modellers to account for changes in this mean value during an epidemic. These results may be critical for improving epidemic forecasting.
Identification of HLA‐B*15:296 by next‐generation sequencing technology in a Chinese Han individual
Authors: Quan Z.‐R. , Zhong X.‐X. , Gao S.‐Q.
Published: June 2018

HLA‐B*15:296 differs from HLA‐B*15:01:01:01 in exon 3 by a single nucleotide.
Prediction of BK viremia by urine viral load in renal transplant patients: An analysis of BK viral load results in paired urine and plasma samples
Authors: Madden Kathleen , Janitell Charles , Sower Daniel , Yang Shangxin
Published: June 2018

BK virus (BKPyV)‐associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) may affect up to 10% of renal transplant recipients, causing graft failure in the absence of intervention. The dilemma in monitoring BKPyVAN in renal transplant patients has been that only testing urine BK viral load represents higher sensitivity (earlier detection) but lower specificity, while testing plasma BK viral load represents lower sensitivity (later detection) but higher specificity. However, blindly testing both urine and plasma inevitably contributes to unnecessary medical cost. We analyzed 1030 paired urine and plasma BKPyV viral load results and identified a reliable urine BKPyV viral load cutoff (4.0 log IU/mL) that can predict BKPyV viremia with 99.7% negative predictive value (NPV). We propose a cost‐effective screening algorithm to first only monitor the urine BKPyV levels until the viral load reaches 4.0 log IU/mL, and then only monitor plasma with higher frequency. This approach ensures 98.7% sensitivity of catching the earliest BKPyV viremia onset, and 100% sensitivity of detecting the critical BKPyV viremia. In addition, we identified a urine BKPyV viral load cutoff of 6.7 log IU/mL as predictive of critical BKPyV viremia (defined as plasma viral load >4.0 log IU/mL) with 100% sensitivity and 100% NPV.
An outbreak of Pneumocytis jirovecii pneumonia among liver transplant recipients
Authors: Miguel Montanes Romain , Elkrief Laure , Hajage David , Houssel Pauline , Fantin Bruno , Francoz Claire , Dreyfuss Didier , Ricard Jean‐Damien , Durand François
Published: June 2018

Background

An outbreak of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in liver transplant recipients occurred between 2009 and 2011 at the Beaujon University Hospital just after immediate‐release tacrolimus was replaced by extended‐release tacrolimus. We conducted a retrospective study to analyze the transmission mode of Pneumocystis, the role of the change in the immunosuppressive regimen, and the factors associated with PCP.

Patients and methods

To analyze transmission, we built a transmission map. Two control groups were built. First, to assess the role of the change from tacIR to tacER, cases were matched to controls transplanted before 2009 (tacIR control group). Tacrolimus trough concentrations were compared between the 2 groups. Then, to assess factors associated with PCP, each PCP case was matched to 2 control patients: the one transplanted just before and the one just after (PCPAsFact control group). No PCP prophylaxis was given to any patient.

Results

Fifteen cases of PCP were recorded. A contact between a case and a patient who developed PCP afterward was identified in 4 occasions. The comparison of tacrolimus trough concentrations did not conclude to a difference in the exposure to the drug. Lymphopenia was the only factor independently associated with the occurrence of PCP (odds ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.61‐0.99, P = .04).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that patient‐to‐patient transmission was not the main mode of transmission of PCP. We found no evidence that the switch from tacIR to tacER led to an overexposure to tacrolimus. Our results suggest the possibility of targeted prophylaxis in immunosuppressed liver transplant recipients.
Transverse distribution of plasma membrane bilayer cholesterol: Picking sides
Authors: Steck Theodore L. , Lange Yvonne
Published: June 2018

The transverse asymmetry (sidedness) of phospholipids in plasma membrane bilayers is well characterized, distinctive, actively maintained and functionally important. In contrast, numerous studies using a variety of techniques have concluded that plasma membrane bilayer cholesterol is either mostly in the outer leaflet or the inner leaflet or is fairly evenly distributed. Sterols might simply partition according to their differing affinities for the asymmetrically disposed phospholipids, but some studies have proposed that it is actively transported to the outer leaflet. Other work suggests that the sterol is enriched in the inner leaflet, driven by either positive interactions with the phosphatidylethanolamine on that side or by its exclusion from the outer leaflet by the long chain sphingomyelin molecules therein. This uncertainty raises three questions: is plasma membrane cholesterol sidedness fixed in a given cell or cell type; is it generally the same among mammalian species; and does it serve specific physiological functions? This review grapples with these issues.
Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization of a waterproof, high‐definition video camera case for intraoperative imaging in veterinary surgery
Authors: Adin Christopher A. , Royal Kenneth D. , Moore Brandon , Jacob Megan
Published: June 2018

Objective

To evaluate the safety and usability of a wearable, waterproof high‐definition camera/case for acquisition of surgical images by sterile personnel.

Study design

An in vitro study to test the efficacy of biodecontamination of camera cases. Usability for intraoperative image acquisition was assessed in clinical procedures.

Methods

Two waterproof GoPro Hero4 Silver camera cases were inoculated by immersion in media containing Staphylococcus pseudointermedius or Escherichia coli at ≥5.50E+07 colony forming units/mL. Cases were biodecontaminated by manual washing and hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization. Cultures were obtained by swab and by immersion in enrichment broth before and after each contamination/decontamination cycle (n = 4). The cameras were then applied by a surgeon in clinical procedures by using either a headband or handheld mode and were assessed for usability according to 5 user characteristics.

Results

Cultures of all poststerilization swabs were negative. One of 8 cultures was positive in enrichment broth, consistent with a low level of contamination in 1 sample. Usability of the camera was considered poor in headband mode, with limited battery life, inability to control camera functions, and lack of zoom function affecting image quality. Handheld operation of the camera by the primary surgeon improved usability, allowing close‐up still and video intraoperative image acquisition.

Conclusion

Vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization of this camera case was considered effective for biodecontamination. Handheld operation improved usability for intraoperative image acquisition.

Clinical significance

Vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization and thorough manual washing of a waterproof camera may provide cost effective intraoperative image acquisition for documentation purposes.
Using quarterly earnings to assess racing performance in 66 thoroughbreds after transendoscopic laser surgery for treatment of epiglottic entrapment
Authors: Kieffer Philip J. , Aceto Helen , Stefanovski Darko , Parente Eric J.
Published: June 2018

Objective

To assess the outcome of transendoscopic laser surgery for the treatment of epiglottic entrapment (EE) and determine the influence of preoperative morphological characteristics on outcomes.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Animals

Thoroughbred racehorses treated with transendoscopic laser surgery (n = 66) and untreated cohorts (n = 132).

Methods

Medical, surgical, and race records of 66 horses treated with transendoscopic laser surgery were compared with untreated cohorts randomly selected from their last race presurgery. Postsurgery data were collated as number of starts and race winnings for each quarter after the date of surgery.

Results

Treated horses performed worse (P = .002) than their untreated cohorts in their last race presurgery. Although treated horses raced fewer times (P < .001) and earned less money (P < .001) in the first quarter after surgery compared with untreated horses, quarterly earnings or starts did not differ between groups after the first quarter. Among variables tested, subepiglottic membrane resection was the only prognostic factor; horses requiring this resection raced fewer times (P = .001) but without a significant difference in earnings.

Conclusion

Horses treated for EE via transendoscopic laser surgery returned to a performance standard comparable to their untreated cohorts by the second quarter postsurgery. Horses with entrapments requiring resection raced fewer times postoperatively than the untreated cohorts.

Clinical significance

Treated horses can be expected to perform equivocally to that of untreated cohorts in all but the first quarter following surgery except in those cases where resection of the entrapping membranes is required.
Detection and phylogenetic characterization of astroviruses in insectivorous bats from Central‐Southern Italy
Authors: Amoroso Maria Grazia , Russo Danilo , Lanave Gianvito , Cistrone Luca , Pratelli Annamaria , Martella Vito , Galiero Giorgio , Decaro Nicola , Fusco Giovanna
Published: June 2018

In recent years, bats have been found to harbour many viruses, raising several questions about their role as reservoirs and potential disseminators of zoonotic viruses. We investigated the presence of six virus families in bats in three regions of Central‐Southern Italy. Astroviruses were identified in seven of 13 bat species. Sequence analysis revealed marked genetic heterogeneity among the astroviruses identified, with nucleotide identity ranging between 60.26% and 87.62%. Astrovirus diversity was not associated with the bat species, the geographic areas or the bat colony, suggesting the circulation of several astrovirus strains in Italian ecosystems. Genetic diversification and interspecies transmission appear common in bat astroviruses and could provide, potentially, the bases for transmission to humans and other mammals. Yet overemphasizing this risk might have detrimental consequences for bat conservation and preservation of the important ecosystem services bats provide.
Homeotropic alignment behavior of liquid crystal molecules on self-assembled monolayers with fluorinated alkyl chain
Authors: Hwang Seok-Gon , Park Hong-Gyu , Park Mu-Hun , Park Sang-Geon
Published: June 2018

This study demonstrates the orientation characteristics of liquid crystals (LCs) on fluorinated self-assembled monolayers (FSAMs) deposited using the gas phase method. The authors confirmed that the FSAMs were properly deposited on indium-doped tin oxide glass substrates using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Compared with conventional polyimide (PI) layers, the authors confirmed that the FSAM is an alternative to the conventional PI layer. Regardless of the positive and negative LC characteristics, the LC molecules were vertically aligned on the FSAMs, with hydrophobic properties. In addition, an LC cell using an FSAM showed faster response times than that with a conventional PI layer when the electro-optical characteristics were examined. Therefore, these results indicate that FSAMs are suitable for LC applications as homeotropic LC alignment layers.
The Learner-Centred Status of a Brazilian University Coach Education Program
Authors: Milistetd Michel , Trudel Pierre , Rynne Steven , Mesquita Isabel Maria Ribeiro , do Nascimento Juarez Vieira
Published: June 2018

Previous research has suggested a shift from instructor-centred to learner-centred approaches in an attempt to improve coach education programs. To implement such crucial change it is essential to master the ‘new language’ and better understand educational contexts. The purposes of this article are to (a) highlight new social factors indicating an urgent need to change, (b) present a learner-centred framework based on the work of a recognized group of researchers (i.e., Blumberg, Cullen, Harris, and Weimer), and (c) analyse the learner-centeredness of a Bachelor in Physical Education program, especially with respect to its sport performance area. Based on the social factors explored throughout the text and the learner centred principles, results showed inconsistencies between the conceptual orientations mentioned in the ‘official documents’ and the teaching processes used in the Bachelor program. Recommendations for higher education leaders and instructors are explored.
Challenge Accepted: Why Women Play Fantasy Football
Authors: Dwyer Brendan , Lupinek Joshua M. , Achen Rebecca M.
Published: June 2018

Women represent the fastest growing demographic for the fantasy sports industry, making up approximately 38% of fantasy football participants. To help understand this growth, this study was an attempt to explore why women play fantasy football. Themes and statements derived from qualitative data collected through open-ended survey responses and face-to-face interviews were tested on two samples of female fantasy football participants. In all, 450 unique individuals were studied, and five distinct motive factors were uncovered: Challenge, Enjoy, Enhance, Socialize, and Connect. The first three dimensions mirror the motives of male participants, and the other two are unique to women. While the factors were correlated, the results provide evidence that the factors impact different outcomes associated with the activity.
Precision medicine in a dish
Authors: Lujambio Amaia
Published: June 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patient–derived organoids might predict treatment response and precision medicine for cancer patients.
Thailandamide, a Fatty Acid Synthesis Antibiotic That Is Coexpressed with a Resistant Target Gene
Authors: Wozniak Christopher E. , Lin Zhenjian , Schmidt Eric W. , Hughes Kelly T. , Liou Theodore G.
Published: June 2018

Microbes encode many uncharacterized gene clusters that may produce antibiotics and other bioactive small molecules. Methods for activating these genes are needed to explore their biosynthetic potential.
Pharmacokinetics of Tedizolid in Plasma and Sputum of Adults with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Park A young J. , Wang Joshua , Jayne Jordanna , Fukushima Lynn , Rao Adupa P. , D'Argenio David Z. , Beringer Paul M.
Published: June 2018

Over the past decade, the prevalence of infections involving methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased significantly. Tedizolid (TZD) demonstrates excellent activity against MRSA and a favorable safety profile.
External Evaluation of a Gentamicin Infant Population Pharmacokinetic Model Using Data from a National Electronic Health Record Database
Authors: Ge Shufan , Beechinor Ryan J. , Hornik Christoph P. , Standing Joseph F. , Zimmerman Kanecia , Cohen-Wolkowiez Michael , Laughon Matthew M. , Clark Reese , Gonzalez Daniel
Published: June 2018

Gentamicin is a common antibiotic used in neonates and infants. A recently published population pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed using data from multiple studies, and the objective of our analyses was to evaluate the feasibility of using a national electronic health record (EHR) database for further external evaluation of this model.
Molecular Characterization of Nasal Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Showing Increasing Prevalence of Mupirocin Resistance and Associated Multidrug Resistance following Attempted Decolonization
Authors: Poovelikunnel Toney T. , Budri Paulo E. , Shore Anna C. , Coleman David C. , Humphreys Hilary , Fitzgerald-Hughes Deirdre
Published: June 2018

Sequential methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates from patients following attempted mupirocin nasal decolonization showed an increase in mupirocin resistance (MR) from 6.6% to 20%. MR isolates from patients who failed decolonization yielded indistinguishable
spa
types and carried multiple antimicrobial and antiseptic resistance genes, which may guide infection control and prevention.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Cerebrospinal Fluid Penetration of Fluconazole in Adults with Cryptococcal Meningitis
Authors: Stott Katharine E. , Beardsley Justin , Kolamunnage-Dona Ruwanthi , Castelazo Anahi Santoyo , Kibengo Freddie Mukasa , Mai Nguyen Thi Hoang , Tùng Nguyễn Lê Nhu’ , Cuc Ngo Thi Kim , Day Jeremy , Hope William
Published: June 2018

Robust population pharmacokinetic (PK) data for fluconazole are scarce. The variability of fluconazole penetration into the central nervous system (CNS) is not known.
Genetic Diversity and Cooccurrence Patterns of Marine Cyanopodoviruses and Picocyanobacteria
Authors: Sun Yingting , Zhang Si , Long Lijuan , Dong Junde , Chen Feng , Huang Sijun
Published: June 2018

Picocyanobacteria are highly diverse and abundant in the ocean and display remarkable global biogeography and a vertical distribution pattern. However, how the diversity and distribution of picocyanobacteria affect those of the viruses that infect them remains largely unknown. Here we synchronously analyzed the community structures of cyanopodoviruses and picocyanobacteria at spatial and temporal scales. Both spatial and temporal variations of cyanopodoviral communities can be linked to those of picocyanobacteria. The coastal area, upper euphotic zone, and middle-to-lower euphotic zone of the open ocean have distinct cyanopodoviral communities, showing horizontal and vertical variation patterns closely related to those of picocyanobacteria. These findings emphasize the driving force of host community in shaping the biogeographic structure of viruses. Our work provides important information for future assessments of the ecological roles of viruses and hosts for each other.
GlpR Is a Direct Transcriptional Repressor of Fructose Metabolic Genes in Haloferax volcanii
Authors: Martin Jonathan H. , Sherwood Rawls Katherine , Chan Jou Chin , Hwang Sungmin , Martinez-Pastor Mar , McMillan Lana J. , Prunetti Laurence , Schmid Amy K. , Maupin-Furlow Julie A.
Published: June 2018

Many archaea are extremophiles, able to thrive in habitats of extreme salinity, pH and temperature. These biological properties are ideal for applications in biotechnology. However, limited knowledge of archaeal metabolism is a bottleneck that prevents the broad use of archaea as microbial factories for industrial products. Here, we characterize how sugar uptake and use are regulated in a species that lives in high salinity. We demonstrate that a key sugar regulatory protein in this archaeal species functions using molecular mechanisms conserved with distantly related bacterial species.
Elevated Levels of Era GTPase Improve Growth, 16S rRNA Processing, and 70S Ribosome Assembly of Escherichia coli Lacking Highly Conserved Multifunctional YbeY Endoribonuclease
Authors: Ghosal Anubrata , Babu Vignesh M. P. , Walker Graham C.
Published: June 2018

This work provides insight into the critical, but still incompletely understood, mechanism of processing of the
E. coli
16S rRNA 3′ terminus. The highly conserved GTPase Era is known to bind to the precursor of the 16S rRNA near its 3′ end. Both the endoribonuclease YbeY, which binds to Era, and four exoribonucleases have been implicated in this 3′-end processing. The results reported here offer additional insights into the role of Era in 16S rRNA 3′-end maturation and into the relationship between the action of the endoribonuclease YbeY and that of the four exoribonucleases. This study also hints at why YbeY is essential only in some bacteria and suggests that YbeY could be a target for a new class of antibiotics in these bacteria.