bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to antiepileptic drugs in children with epilepsy in a Scottish population cohort
Authors: Shetty Jayakara , Greene Stephen A , Mesalles‐Naranjo Oscar , Kirkpatrick Martin
Published: November 2015

Aim

To measure the adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AED) in a population cohort of children with epilepsy and to study the relationship between adherence and a series of clinical variables.

Method

A population‐based study of children (<16y) with epilepsy on AED treatment from the Tayside region of Scotland during two epochs of 12 months each. A clinical database was constructed using hospital records and linked to a community dispensing pharmacy database to calculate an Adherence Index. The principal outcome measure was the measurement of population‐based adherence to AEDs. Secondary outcome measures were the association of adherence with the clinical characteristics of the population.

Results

The median age of study group was 10 years and the median duration of epilepsy was 4 years. Only 30.9% of the total 320 children adhered to recommended AED treatment (Adherence Index >90%) across a year of treatment. Twenty‐five percent of children had an Adherence Index of less than 50%. Adherence declined with increasing age. There was no significant correlation between adherence and other clinical characteristics studied (sex, duration of epilepsy, other comorbid health problems, other regular medications, and seizure frequency).

Interpretation

Our data shows adherence to AED treatment is poor in children with epilepsy.
The Delphi consensus technique: oracle of gait analysis
Authors: Chambers Henry
Published: November 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Nieuwenhuys et al. on
pages 306–313 of this issue.
Acute renal haemodynamic effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist exenatide in healthy overweight men
Authors: Muskiet M. H. A. , Tonneijck L. , Smits M. M. , Kramer M. H. H. , Diamant M. , Joles J. A. , van Raalte D. H.
Published: November 2015

Aims

To determine the acute effect of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist exenatide and the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) on renal haemodynamics and tubular function, in healthy overweight men.

Methods

Renal haemodynamics and tubular electrolyte handling were measured in 10 healthy overweight men (aged 20–27 years; BMI 26–31 kg/m2) during intravenous administration of placebo (saline 0.9%), exenatide, and exenatide combined with the NO‐synthase inhibitor L‐NG‐monomethyl arginine (L‐NMMA). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were determined by inulin and para‐aminohippurate clearance techniques, respectively, based on timed urine sampling. Glomerular hydrostatic pressure and vascular resistance of afferent and efferent renal arterioles were calculated using the Gomez formulae. Urinary electrolytes, osmolality and pH were also measured.

Results

GFR increased by a mean of 18 ± 20 (+20%; p = 0.021) and ERPF increased by a median (interquartile range) of 68 (26; 197) ml/min/1.73 m2 (+14%; p = 0.015) during exenatide infusion versus placebo. During L‐NMMA infusion, exenatide increased GFR by mean 8 ± 12 ml/min/1.73 m2 (+9%; p = 0.049). Exenatide increased estimated glomerular pressure by +6% (p = 0.015) and reduced afferent renal vascular resistance by −33% (p = 0.038), whereas these effects were blunted during L‐NMMA infusion. Exenatide increased absolute and fractional sodium excretion, urinary osmolality and urinary pH. The tubular effects of exenatide were not altered by concomitant L‐NMMA infusion.

Conclusions

Exenatide infusion in healthy overweight men acutely increases GFR, ERPF and glomerular pressure, probably by reducing afferent renal vascular resistance, and at least partially in an NO‐dependent manner. As baseline renal haemodynamics in patients with type 2 diabetes differ from those in healthy individuals, clinical studies on the renal effects of GLP‐1 receptor agonists are warranted.
Once‐weekly glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist dulaglutide significantly decreases glycated haemoglobin compared with once‐daily liraglutide in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: 52 weeks of treatment in a randomized phase III study
Authors: Odawara M. , Miyagawa J. , Iwamoto N. , Takita Y. , Imaoka T. , Takamura T.
Published: November 2015

Aims

To examine the efficacy and safety of once‐weekly dulaglutide 0.75 mg monotherapy compared with once‐daily liraglutide 0.9 mg in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) for 52 weeks.

Methods

We conducted a phase III, randomized, 52‐week (26‐week primary endpoint), active‐ and placebo‐controlled trial comparing 492 Japanese patients (dulaglutide, n = 281; liraglutide, n = 141; and placebo, n = 70). Participants and investigators were blinded to treatment assignment for dulaglutide and placebo but not for liraglutide (open‐label comparator); after 26 weeks, patients randomized to placebo were switched to once‐weekly dulaglutide 0.75 mg (open‐label). The present paper reports results for patients treated with dulaglutide and patients treated with liraglutide for 52 weeks.

Results

At week 52, dulaglutide decreased HbA1c significantly from baseline compared with liraglutide [least squares mean difference: −0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.39, −0.01; p = 0.04]. At week 52 (last observation carried forward), dulaglutide significantly decreased pre‐ and post‐dinner blood glucose (BG) levels, the mean of seven‐point self‐monitored BG profiles, the mean of all postprandial BG levels and circadian variation compared with liraglutide. Body weight was generally stable in both groups through 52 weeks. The most frequently reported adverse events were nasopharyngitis, constipation, nausea and diarrhoea. Eight dulaglutide‐treated (2.9%) and four liraglutide‐treated (2.9%) patients reported hypoglycaemia, with no event being severe.

Conclusions

Monotherapy with once‐weekly dulaglutide 0.75 mg was effective and safe in Japanese patients with T2D, with better glycaemic control compared with once‐daily liraglutide 0.9 mg.
A Novel 13‐Segment Standardized Model for Assessment of Right Ventricular Function Using Two‐Dimensional iRotate Echocardiography
Authors: McGhie Jackie S. , Menting Myrthe E. , Vletter Wim B. , Frowijn René , Roos‐Hesselink Jolien W. , Soliman Osama I. I. , van der Zwaan Heleen B. , Geleijnse Marcel L. , van den Bosch Annemien E.
Published: November 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of transthoracic two‐dimensional (2D) iRotate, a new echo modality, to assess the whole right ventricle (RV) from a single transducer position based on anatomic landmarks.

Methods and Results

The anatomic landmarks were first defined based on three‐dimensional echocardiographic datasets using multiplane reconstruction analyses. Thereafter, we included 120 healthy subjects (51% male, age range 21–67 years). Using 2D iRotate, four views of the RV could be acquired based on these landmarks. The anterior, lateral, inferior wall (divided into three segments: basal–mid–apical), and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) anterior wall of the RV were determined. The feasibility of visualization of RV segments and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) measurements were assessed. To evaluate this model for diseased RVs, a small pilot study of 20 patients was performed. In 98% of healthy subjects and 100% of patients, iRotate mode was feasible to assess the RV from one single transducer position. In total, 86% and 95%, respectively, of the RV segments could be visualized. The visualization of the RVOT anterior wall was worse 23% and 75%, respectively. TAPSE and TDI measurements on all four views were feasible 93% and 92%, respectively, of the healthy subjects and in 100% of the patients.

Conclusion

With 2D iRotate, a comprehensive evaluation of the entire normal and diseased RV is feasible from a fixed transducer position based on anatomic landmarks. This is less time‐consuming than the multiview approach and enhances accuracy of RV evaluation. Imaging of the RVOT segment remains challenging.
RISK TAKING FOR ONESELF AND OTHERS: A STRUCTURAL MODEL APPROACH
Authors: Vieider Ferdinand M. , Villegas‐Palacio Clara , Martinsson Peter , Mejía Milagros
Published: November 2015

Economic theory makes no predictions about social factors affecting decisions under risk. We examine situations in which a decision maker decides for herself and another person under conditions of payoff equality, and compare them to individual decisions. By estimating a structural model, we find that responsibility leaves utility curvature unaffected, but accentuates the subjective distortion of very small and very large probabilities for both gains and losses. We also find that responsibility reduces loss aversion, but that these results only obtain under some specific definitions of the latter. These results serve to generalize and reconcile some of the still largely contradictory findings in the literature. They also have implications for financial agency, which we discuss.
Changes in Families’ Caregiving Experiences through Involvement as Participants then Facilitators in a Family Peer‐Education Program for Mental Disorders in Japan
Authors: Kageyama Masako , Yokoyama Keiko , Nakamura Yukako , Kobayashi Sayaka
Published: November 2015

A family peer‐education program for mental disorders was developed in Japan, similar to existing programs in the United States and Hong Kong. Families that serve as facilitators in such programs may enhance their caregiving processes and, thereby, their well‐being. This study's aim was to describe how families’ caregiving experiences change, beginning with the onset of a family member's mental illness, through their involvement in a family group or peer‐education program as participants then facilitators. Thus, this study was conducted in a family peer‐education program for mental disorders in Japan. Group interviews were conducted with 27 facilitators from seven program sites about their experiences before, during, and after becoming facilitators. Interview data were coded and categorized into five stages of caregiving processes: (1) withdrawing and suppressing negative experiences with difficulty and regret; (2) finding comfort through being listened to about negative experiences; (3) supporting participants’ sharing as facilitators; (4) understanding and affirming oneself through repeated sharing of experiences; and (5) finding value and social roles in one's experiences. The third, fourth, and fifth stages were experienced by the facilitators. The value that the facilitators placed on their caregiving experiences changed from negative to positive, which participants regarded as helpful and supportive. We conclude that serving as facilitators may improve families’ caregiving processes.
Effects of chronic administration of adipokinetic and hypertrehalosemic hormone on animal behavior, BDNF, and CREB expression in the hippocampus and neurogenesis in mice
Authors: Mutlu Oguz , Gumuslu Esen , Kokturk Sibel , Ulak Guner , Akar Furuzan , Erden Faruk , Kaya Havva , Tanyeri Pelin
Published: November 2015

Neurosecretory cells in corpus cardiacum of insects synthesize a set of hormones that are called adipokinetic, hypertrehalosaemic or hyperprolinaemic, depending on insect in question. This study investigated effects of chronic administration of Anax imperator adipokinetic hormone (Ani‐AKH), Libellula auripennis adipokinetic hormone (Lia‐AKH), and Phormia‐Terra hypertrehalosaemic hormone (Pht‐HrTH) on depression, anxiety, analgesy, locomotion in forced swimming (FST), elevated plus‐maze (EPM), hot plate, and locomotor activity tests. Ani‐AKH (1 and 2 mg/kg), Lia‐AKH (1 and 2 mg/kg), and Pht‐HrTH (1 and 2 mg/kg) had antidepressant effects in forced swimming test. Lia‐AKH (2 mg/kg) and Pht‐HrTH (1 and 2 mg/kg) had anxiolytic effects when given chronically in elevated plus‐maze test. Ani‐AKH (1 and 2 mg/kg) and Pht‐HrTH (2 mg/kg) had antinociceptive effects in hot plate test in male balb‐c mice. Ani‐AKH (2 mg/kg), Lia‐AKH (1 and 2 mg/kg), and Pht‐HrTH had locomotion‐enhancing effects in locomotor activity test in male balb‐c mice. Drug treatment significantly increased brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) gene expression levels compared to control levels. Pht‐HrTH and Ani‐AKH groups had significantly increased numbers of BrdU‐labeled cells, while neurodegeneration was lower in the Pht‐HrTH group. Our study showed that AKH/RPCH family peptides may be used in treatment of psychiatric illness such as depression and anxiety, in treatment of pain and in diseases related to locomotion system. AKH/RPCH family peptides increase neurotrophic factors in brain and have potential proliferative and neuroprotective effects in hippocampal neurogenesis and neurodegeneration.
Nerolidol exhibits antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activity: involvement of the GABAergic system and proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Fonsêca Diogo V. , Salgado Paula R. R. , de Carvalho Fabíola L. , Salvadori Mirian Graciela S. S. , Penha Antônia Rosângela S. , Leite Fagner C. , Borges Clóvis José S. , Piuvezam Marcia R. , Pordeus Liana Clébia de Morais , Sousa Damião P. , Almeida Reinaldo N.
Published: November 2015

Nerolidol, an acyclic sesquiterpene found as a major constituent of several essential oils, has several pharmacological activities, but its action in pain processes has never been studied. The purpose of our research was to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activities of nerolidol, as well as possible mechanisms of action, in experimental mouse models of pain. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using the acetic acid‐induced writhing test, the formalin test, and the hot‐plate test. The nerolidol‐treated group showed lesser acetic acid‐induced abdominal contractions than the control group in all of the three doses tested (200, 300, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.). The formalin test doses of 300 and 400 mg/kg p.o. inhibited licking time, in both the first phase and the second phase. In the hot‐plate test, nerolidol did not alter latency at any of the observed time points. Motor coordination, evaluated through the rotarod test, was not hindered in animals treated with nerolidol. Regarding the mechanism of action, the antinociceptive activity of nerolidol is related to the GABAergic system, and not to the opioidergic or ATP‐sensitive K+ channels. Treatment with nerolidol reduced carrageenan‐induced paw edema. In the model of carrageenan‐induced peritonitis, nerolidol decreased the influx of polymorphonuclear cells and also reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) in peritoneal lavage. Nerolidol reduced production of interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β) in LPS‐stimulated, peritoneal macrophages. Thus, these results showed that nerolidol has antinociceptive activity with possible involvement of the GABAergic system, and anti‐inflammatory activity, attributed to the suppression of TNF‐α and IL‐1β proinflammatory cytokines.
Effect of starch‐fortified turmeric bath on psoriasis: a parallel randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shathirapathiy Gunasekaran , Nair Pradeep MK , Hyndavi Salwa
Published: November 2015

Background

Naturopathic medicine uses starch‐fortified turmeric baths (SFTBs) [i.e. a mixture of rice starch and turmeric (Curcuma longa)] to treat psoriasis. This study set out to understand the effects of SFTBs on psoriasis.

Methods

The study used a parallel‐group RCT design. Seventy‐seven patients were screened of which 60 psoriatic patients were recruited. The inclusion criteria were people with psoriasis, aged between 20 and 60 years, not taking any medications and without open lesions. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups of 30. The intervention arm (IA) received SFTBs along with naturopathy interventions whereas the control arm (CA) received naturopathy interventions only (e.g. massage, yoga, hydro, diet therapy). The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index was completed at baseline and post‐intervention (day 10).

Results

A mixed‐ANOVA was conducted to compare scores within and between groups. There was a significant main effect for time [Wilks's λ=0.27, F(1, 58)=153.94, P<0.001, partial η2=0.73], with both groups showing an improvement over time. The difference between groups post‐intervention was also statistically significant [F(1, 58)=10.552, P<0.01, partial η2=0.154].

Conclusion

Starch‐fortified turmeric baths, as applied in this study, appears to improve psoriasis area and severity and can be used as a safe and inexpensive therapy in the management of psoriasis.
A Comparative Study of Key Critical Factors of Waterfront Port Development: Case Studies of the Incheon and Bangkok Ports
Authors: Lee Paul Tae‐Woo , Wu Jei‐Zheng , Suthiwartnarueput Kamonchanok , Hu Kai‐Chieh , Rodjanapradied Rahuth
Published: November 2015

This study explores key critical factors of waterfront port development (WPD) by applying analytic network process (ANP) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to the Incheon and Bangkok ports, drawing certain implications. The major findings of this paper show that the ANP draws more stable, comprehensive, and consistent results than the AHP, and the ANP ranking results of the three cases, showed four common key critical criteria of WPD exist among the top five (i.e., accessibility under community function; connectivity under port function; maritime clustering, and transformation of the port/city interface under economic function).
Citizens' preferences on healthcare expenditure allocation: evidence from Greece
Authors: Xesfingi Sofia , Vozikis Athanassios , Pollalis Yannis
Published: November 2015

Background of context

Priority setting and resource allocation across various healthcare functions are critical issues in health policy and strategic decision making. As health resources are limited while there are so many health challenges to resolve, consumers and payers have to make difficult decisions about expenditure allocation.

Objective

Our research focus on the (dis)agreement between citizens' preferences and actual public health expenditure across broad healthcare functions, on whether this (dis)agreement is persistent, on whether various demographic factors amplify this (dis)agreement and to derive useful implications for public health policies.

Setting and participants

Using survey data of 3029 citizens in Greece for the year 2012 and employing logit estimation techniques, we analysed the effect of demographic and other factors in shaping citizens' (dis)agreement with public health expenditure allocation.

Results

Our results demonstrate the important role of income, family members and residence in shaping citizens' preferences regarding health expenditure priorities in almost all healthcare functions, while other demographic factors such as job, age, gender and marital status do partly associate and play a significant role.

Conclusions

Government should encourage the citizens' participation in the decision‐making process in order to eliminate the unveiled and significant disagreement between citizens' preferences and actual public health expenditure across all healthcare functions.
A population analysis of self‐management and health‐related quality of life for chronic musculoskeletal conditions
Authors: Hoon Elizabeth A. , Gill Tiffany K. , Pham Clarabelle , Gray Jodi , Beilby Justin
Published: November 2015

Background

There is growing policy emphasis on self‐management as an essential component of musculoskeletal chronic care models. Underpinning this drive is the assumption that with correct ‘informational’ framing people will better manage their condition's progression and thereby maintain quality of life.

Objective

To assess associations between self‐management behaviours and health‐related quality of life for people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Design

Using survey data from health census and follow‐up structured telephone interviews, linear regression (cumulatively adjusted for potential confounders) and logistic regression examined associations between use of specific self‐management behaviours and quality of life.

Setting and participants

A total of 885 respondents (2012) who indicated still having a musculoskeletal condition reported in a 2010 health census (Port Lincoln, South Australia).

Variables

Specific self‐management activities, age, sex, education, marital status, smoking, comorbidities and pain.

Outcome measure

EQ‐5D‐5L.

Results

Exercise (63%) and diet (19%) were the most commonly reported self‐management activities used to manage musculoskeletal conditions. About 24% reported not using any specific self‐management activities. Involvement in self‐management showed no association with quality of life, with and without adjustment for confounders. Diet had a negative association with quality of life as did use of formal support (self‐management course or community group support).

Discussion

Taking a real‐world perspective, these findings raise important questions about how people currently engage with self‐management activities and the kinds of outcomes that can be expected from undertaking these activities. The timing of people's uptake of self‐management within the musculoskeletal disease continuum is an issue requiring further attention in both research and practice.
Clinicopathological features and outcomes in patients with late recurrence of renal cell carcinoma after radical surgery
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Saito Toshihiro , Kitamura Yasuo , Bilim Vladimir , Toba Tomotaka , Kawasaki Takashi , Hara Noboru , Tanikawa Toshiki , Tomita Yoshihiko
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To characterize patients experiencing late recurrence after primary radical surgery for renal cell carcinoma and to approach the mechanism of late recurrence.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 657 consecutive patients who underwent radical surgery for pathologically confirmed ≤stage III renal cell carcinoma in a single institution between January 1981 and December 2008. Early or late recurrence was defined as a recurrence occurring before or after 60 months after primary surgery.

Results

Of 657 patients, 96 (14.6%) experienced early recurrence, and 41 (6.2%) developed late recurrence. Patients with late recurrence had smaller diameter of primary tumor (median 5 cm vs 8 cm, P < 0.001), lower pathological stage (P < 0.001) and lower nuclear grade (P = 0.004) at primary surgery than those with early recurrence. On multivariate analysis, vascular invasion (including microscopic and gross invasion) was the predictor of late recurrence (P < 0.01, HR 3.79). Overall survival and disease‐specific survival after recurrence were longer in patients with late recurrence (median 64 and 76 months, respectively) than in those with early recurrence (34.5 and 35 months, respectively; P = 0.008 and 0.002).

Conclusions

These results suggest that micrometastasis at the time of surgery associated with vascular invasion at primary tumor site and their relatively lower malignant potential could lead to late recurrence. Further studies are warranted for better understanding and managing late recurrence of renal cell carcinoma.
Nurses' pain assessment practices with critically ill adult patients
Authors: Kizza I.B. , Muliira J.K.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the perceived barriers, enablers and acute pain assessment practices of nurses caring for critically ill adult patients in a resource‐limited setting.

Background

Acute pain is a common problem among critically ill adult patients, and nurses' play a central role in its control. Very few studies have examined nurses' acute pain assessment practices in resource‐limited settings.

Methods

A descriptive and cross‐sectional design was used. A total of 170 nurses working in a Ugandan hospital were enrolled. Data were collected using a questionnaire measuring various aspects of pain assessment for critically ill adult patients.

Results

The majority of nurses had poor pain assessment practices. The most commonly performed pain assessment practices were documenting assessment findings, discussing pain assessment and management during nurse‐to‐nurse reports, and assessing for analgesics need before wound care. The main barriers to pain assessment were workload; lack of education and familiarity with assessment tools; poor documentation and communication of pain assessment priorities. The only reported enabler was physician's prescriptions for analgesia. Pain assessment practices were significantly associated with perceived workload and priority given to pain assessment.

Conclusion

Pain assessment practices of nurses caring for critically ill adult patients in a resource‐limited setting are affected by several barriers.

Implication for nursing and health policy

Interventions to reduce barriers and enhance enablers of acute pain assessment are needed to improve pain management in critically ill adult patients. To be effective, the interventions have to be holistic and implemented by professional bodies and employers of nurses.
Reconciling nuclear risk: the impact of the Fukushima accident on comparative preferences for nuclear power in U.K. electricity generation
Authors: Jones Christopher R. , Elgueta Herman , Eiser J. Richard
Published: November 2015

Polls conducted in the United Kingdom following the Fukushima nuclear accident (March 2011) indicated a fairly muted and temporary shift in public approval of nuclear power. This study investigated how: (a) comparative preferences for nuclear power in the United Kingdom might have been affected by the accident; and (b) how “supporters” of nuclear power reconciled their pro‐nuclear attitude in the wake of the disaster. Between‐subjects comparisons with a pre‐Fukushima sample revealed our post‐Fukushima sample to have comparable preferences for nuclear power. Further analysis suggested that “supporters” retained their pro‐nuclear stance in response to Fukushima by emphasizing the necessity of nuclear power in the U.K. context. The theoretical, practical and methodological implications for these findings are discussed.
Vascular imaging with contrast agent in hard and soft tissues using microcomputed‐tomography
Authors: BLERY P. , PILET P. , VANDEN‐BOSSCHE A. , THERY A. , GUICHEUX J. , AMOURIQ Y. , ESPITALIER F. , MATHIEU N. , WEISS P.
Published: November 2015

Vascularization is essential for many tissues and is a main requisite for various tissue‐engineering strategies. Different techniques are used for highlighting vasculature, in vivo and ex vivo, in 2‐D or 3‐D including histological staining, immunohistochemistry, radiography, angiography, microscopy, computed tomography (CT) or micro‐CT, both stand‐alone and synchrotron system. Vascularization can be studied with or without a contrast agent. This paper presents the results obtained with the latest Skyscan micro‐CT (Skyscan 1272, Bruker, Belgium) following barium sulphate injection replacing the bloodstream in comparison with results obtained with a Skyscan In Vivo 1076. Different hard and soft tissues were perfused with contrast agent and were harvested. Samples were analysed using both forms of micro‐CT, and improved results were shown using this new micro‐CT. This study highlights the vasculature using micro‐CT methods. The results obtained with the Skyscan 1272 are clearly defined compared to results obtained with Skyscan 1076. In particular, this instrument highlights the high number of small vessels, which were not seen before at lower resolution. This new micro‐CT opens broader possibilities in detection and characterization of the 3‐D vascular tree to assess vascular tissue engineering strategies.
Multifractal characterization of morphology of human red blood cells membrane skeleton
Authors: ŢĂLU Ş. , STACH S. , KACZMARSKA M. , FORNAL M. , GRODZICKI T. , POHORECKI W. , BURDA K.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this paper is to show applicability of multifractal analysis in investigations of the morphological changes of ultra‐structures of red blood cells (RBCs) membrane skeleton measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Human RBCs obtained from healthy and hypertensive donors as well as healthy erythrocytes irradiated with neutrons (45 μGy) were studied. The membrane skeleton of the cells was imaged using AFM in a contact mode. Morphological characterization of the three‐dimensional RBC surfaces was realized by a multifractal method. The nanometre scale study of human RBCs surface morphology revealed a multifractal geometry. The generalized dimensions Dq and the singularity spectrum f(α) provided quantitative values that characterize the local scale properties of their membrane skeleton organization. Surface characterization was made using areal ISO 25178‐2: 2012 topography parameters in combination with AFM topography measurement. The surface structure of human RBCs is complex with hierarchical substructures resulting from the organization of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton. The analysed AFM images confirm a multifractal nature of the surface that could be useful in histology to quantify human RBC architectural changes associated with different disease states. In case of very precise measurements when the red cell surface is not wrinkled even very fine differences can be uncovered as was shown for the erythrocytes treated with a very low dose of ionizing radiation.
Microstructure and oxidation behaviour investigation of rhodium modified aluminide coating deposited on CMSX 4 superalloy
Authors: ZAGULA‐YAVORSKA MARYANA , MORGIEL JERZY , ROMANOWSKA JOLANTA , SIENIAWSKI JAN
Published: November 2015

The CMSX 4 superalloy was coated with rhodium 0.5‐μm thick layer and next aluminized by the CVD method. The coating consisted of two layers: the additive and the interdiffusion one. The outward diffusion of nickel from the substrate turned out to be a coating growth dominating factor. The additive layer consists of the β‐NiAl phase, whereas the interdiffusion layer consists of the β‐NiAl phase with precipitates of σ and μ phases. Rhodium has dissolved in the coating up to the same level in the matrix and in the precipitates. The oxidation test proved that the rhodium modified aluminide coating showed about twice better oxidation resistance than the nonmodified one.
Electronic messaging support service programs improve adherence to lipid‐lowering therapy among outpatients with coronary artery disease: an exploratory randomised control study
Authors: Fang Ronghua , Li Xia
Published: November 2015

Aims and objectives

To compare drug adherence to lipid‐lowering therapy among outpatients with coronary artery disease who received information via short message service, via short message service and Micro Letter, or via phone only.

Background

Messaging applications and short message service are commonly used internationally. However, little is known about how coronary artery disease outpatients in China may benefit from receiving health education through these technologies.

Design

Random sampling method.

Methods

Data were collected from March–December 2013. Subjects from Chengdu City, China, were randomised to three groups: short message service, short message service + Micro Letter, and phone (control). Appointment reminders and health information were delivered to patients in accordance with designations. After six months, adherence to statin prescriptions was compared among the groups by using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine those independent variables that were related to adherence.

Results

The short message service and short message service + Micro Letter groups had better cumulative adherence (lower Morisky Medication Adherence Scale scores) after six months than phone group, and the short message service + Micro Letter group had better cumulative adherence (lower Morisky Medication Adherence Scale scores) than the short message service group. Female sex, older age and marriage show positive associations with adherence.

Conclusions

Short message service and messaging applications, such as Micro Letter, are effective means of providing discharged patients with reminders and coronary artery disease‐related health information. Implementation of a short message service + Micro Letter program can improve outpatient adherence to medication.

Relevance to clinical practice

This research offers useful information to help medical staff design effective interventions to improve medication compliance among coronary artery disease patients.
Therapeutic effects of inorganic nitrate and nitrite in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases
Authors: Omar S. A. , Webb A. J. , Lundberg J. O. , Weitzberg E.
Published: November 2015

Nitric oxide (NO) is generated endogenously by NO synthases to regulate a number of physiological processes including cardiovascular and metabolic functions. A decrease in the production and bioavailability of NO is a hallmark of many major chronic diseases including hypertension, ischaemia–reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis and diabetes. This NO deficiency is mainly caused by dysfunctional NO synthases and increased scavenging of NO by the formation of reactive oxygen species. Inorganic nitrate and nitrite are emerging as substrates for in vivo NO synthase‐independent formation of NO bioactivity. These anions are oxidation products of endogenous NO generation and are also present in the diet, with green leafy vegetables having a high nitrate content. The effects of nitrate and nitrite are diverse and include vasodilatation, improved endothelial function, enhanced mitochondrial efficiency and reduced generation of reactive oxygen species. Administration of nitrate or nitrite in animal models of cardiovascular disease shows promising results, and clinical trials are currently ongoing to investigate the therapeutic potential of nitrate and nitrite in hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, peripheral artery disease and myocardial infarction. In addition, the nutritional aspects of the nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway are interesting as diets suggested to protect against cardiovascular disease, such as the Mediterranean diet, are especially high in nitrate. Here, we discuss the potential therapeutic opportunities for nitrate and nitrite in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
K‐12 School Food Service Staff Training Interventions: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Stephens Lacy , Byker Shanks Carmen
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

School food service professionals are vital to implementing national nutrition standards in school meal programs. Appropriate and effective training for these professionals may be one key to producing healthful meals that students are excited to eat and also meet United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient guidelines. A systematic literature review was conducted to understand the scope of interventions conducted with food service staff.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Science Direct databases were searched for articles detailing school food service training interventions in K‐12 school settings within the United States.

RESULTS

Of 2341 articles retrieved, 17 articles describing 14 food service training interventions met the inclusion criteria. While food service staff training was an important component of many comprehensive school health and school meal interventions, there were few studies that specifically addressed school food service staff trainings. Although some best practices can be concluded from the current literature, major gaps in knowledge about effective school food service training interventions and validated research tools remain.

CONCLUSIONS

As new professional standards are mandated by the USDA, a more thorough evaluation and understanding of best practices is vital to maximize the effectiveness of food service staff training.
Association Between Bullying Victimization and Health Risk Behaviors Among High School Students in the United States
Authors: Hertz Marci Feldman , Everett Jones Sherry , Barrios Lisa , David‐Ferdon Corinne , Holt Melissa
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Childhood exposure to adverse experiences has been associated with adult asthma, smoking, sexually transmitted disease, obesity, substance use, depression, and sleep disturbances. Conceptualizing bullying as an adverse childhood experience, 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data were used to examine the relationship between in‐person and electronic bullying victimization among US high school students and health risk behaviors and conditions related to violence, substance use, sexual risk, overweight and physical activity, sleep, and asthma.

METHODS

Data were from the 2011 national YRBS among students who answered questions about in‐person and electronic bullying (N = 13,846). The YRBS is a biennial, nationally representative survey of students in grades 9‐12 (overall response rate = 71%). Logistic regression analyses, stratified by sex and controlling for race/ethnicity and grade, examined the association between bullying victimization and health risk behaviors or conditions.

RESULTS

Rates of victimization varied; 9.4% of students reported being bullied in‐person and electronically, 10.8% only bullied in‐person, 6.8% only electronically bullied, and 73.0% uninvolved. Bullying was associated with nearly all health risk behaviors and conditions studied.

CONCLUSION

Assessing the broad functioning and behaviors of victims of bullying could enable educators and health practitioners to intervene early and promote the long‐term health of youth.
Twelve‐Month Effects of the COPE Healthy Lifestyles TEEN Program on Overweight and Depressive Symptoms in High School Adolescents
Authors: Melnyk Bernadette M. , Jacobson Diana , Kelly Stephanie A. , Belyea Michael J. , Shaibi Gabriel Q. , Small Leigh , O'Haver Judith A. , Marsiglia Flavio F.
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the 12‐month effects of the COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) Healthy Lifestyles TEEN (Thinking, Emotions, Exercise, Nutrition) program versus an attention control program (Healthy Teens) on overweight/obesity and depressive symptoms in high school adolescents.

METHODS

A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants were 779 culturally diverse adolescents in the US Southwest. COPE is a cognitive‐behavioral skills‐building intervention with 20 min of physical activity integrated into a health course and taught by teachers once a week for 15 weeks. Outcome measures included body mass index (BMI) and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

COPE teens had a significantly lower BMI at 12 months (F1,698 = 11.22, p = .001) than Healthy Teens (24.95 versus 25.48). There was a significant decrease in the proportion of overweight and obese COPE teens from baseline to 12 months (χ2 = 5.40, p = .02) as compared with Healthy Teens. For youth who began the study with extremely elevated depressive symptoms, COPE teens had significantly lower depression at 12 months compared with Healthy Teens (COPE M = 42.39; Healthy Teens M = 57.90); (F1,12 = 5.78, p = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

COPE can improve long‐term physical and mental health outcomes in teens.
Promoting multi‐micronutrient powders (MNP) in Peru: acceptance by caregivers and role of health personnel
Authors: Creed‐Kanashiro Hilary , Bartolini Rosario , Abad Melissa , Arevalo Varinia
Published: November 2015

Iron deficiency causes anaemia and other adverse effects on the nutritional status and development of millions of children. Multi‐micronutrient powders (MNP) have been shown to reduce anaemia in young children. In Peru, 50% of children 6–36 months are anaemic. Since 2009, the government has started distributing MNP. This qualitative study explored the acceptability of MNP by caregivers and the role of health personnel (HP) in three regions (Apurimac, Ayacucho and Cajamarca), piloting the MNP programme between 2009 and 2011. Data collection consisted of interviews (35) and observations (13) with caregivers and HP (11). In Cajamarca, 16 families were visited three times in their homes to understand caregivers' use and difficulties. Results showed the critical role HP has in influencing caregiver understanding and use of the MNP, as well as the need for training to avoid confusing messages and provide counselling techniques that consider cultural sensitivity to optimize HP interactions with caregivers and adapt the recommendations for MNP use to local family feeding routines. There was greater acceptance of MNP by caregivers giving semi‐solid foods (e.g. purees) to their children than those who served dilute preparations (e.g. soups). Acceptance was similar across regions, but there were some differences between urban and rural settings. Home visits were shown to be a key in improving the use of MNP by caregivers as misunderstandings on preparation, required consistency and optimum practices were common. These findings can contribute to strategies to enhance acceptability and use.

Key messages

Acceptance and use of multi‐micronutrient powders (MNP) by caregivers greatly depend upon how it is presented, promoted and counselled by health personnel.

Counselling for MNP use needs to consider and adapt to the local cultural context and incorporate family and child feeding routines.

MNP are presented as part of appropriate feeding practices, encouraging caregivers to find simple and acceptable ways of giving semi‐solid or solid foods with which to mix it.

© 2015 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
The aggregate site frequency spectrum for comparative population genomic inference
Authors: Xue Alexander T. , Hickerson Michael J.
Published: November 2015

Understanding how assemblages of species responded to past climate change is a central goal of comparative phylogeography and comparative population genomics, an endeavour that has increasing potential to integrate with community ecology. New sequencing technology now provides the potential to perform complex demographic inference at unprecedented resolution across assemblages of nonmodel species. To this end, we introduce the aggregate site frequency spectrum (aSFS), an expansion of the site frequency spectrum to use single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data sets collected from multiple, co‐distributed species for assemblage‐level demographic inference. We describe how the aSFS is constructed over an arbitrary number of independent population samples and then demonstrate how the aSFS can differentiate various multispecies demographic histories under a wide range of sampling configurations while allowing effective population sizes and expansion magnitudes to vary independently. We subsequently couple the aSFS with a hierarchical approximate Bayesian computation (hABC) framework to estimate degree of temporal synchronicity in expansion times across taxa, including an empirical demonstration with a data set consisting of five populations of the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Corroborating what is generally understood about the recent postglacial origins of these populations, the joint aSFS/hABC analysis strongly suggests that the stickleback data are most consistent with synchronous expansion after the Last Glacial Maximum (posterior probability = 0.99). The aSFS will have general application for multilevel statistical frameworks to test models involving assemblages and/or communities, and as large‐scale SNP data from nonmodel species become routine, the aSFS expands the potential for powerful next‐generation comparative population genomic inference.
Dislocation, Not Dissociation: The Neuroanatomical Argument Against Visual Experience Driving Motor Action
Authors: Kozuch Benjamin
Published: November 2015

Common sense suggests that visual consciousness is essential to skilled motor action, but Andy Clark—inspired by Milner and Goodale's dual visual systems theory—has appealed to a wide range of experimental dissociations to argue that such an assumption is false. Critics of Clark's argument (e.g. Wallhagen, Mole) contend that the content driving motor action is actually within subjects' experience, just not easily discovered. In this article, I argue that even if such content exists, it cannot be guiding motor action, since a review of current visual neuroscience indicates that the visual brain areas producing conscious representations are distinct from those driving motor action.
Influence of carbon dioxide on numbers ofCulicoidesmidges collected with suction light traps in South Africa
Authors: VENTER G. J. , BOIKANYO S. N. B. , MAJATLADI D. M. , MOREY L.
Published: November 2015

To implement risk management against diseases transmitted by species ofCulicoidesLatreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), it is essential to identify all potential vectors. Light traps are the most commonly used tool for the collection ofCulicoidesmidges. Given the indiscriminate artificial attraction of light, traps will collect all night‐flying insects rather than only livestock‐associatedCulicoidesmidges. Factors that may increase the efficacy of traps, especially for livestock‐associatedCulicoidesmidges, require investigation. In the present study, results obtained with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Onderstepoort light traps baited with carbon dioxide (CO2) were compared with those of unbaited controls. Comparisons were made using two replicates of a 4 × 4 randomized Latin square design. With both trap types, the mean numbers ofCulicoidesmidges collected in 16 baited traps were higher than those caught in 16 unbaited traps. Although exceptionally low numbers were collected with theCDCtraps, the increases in the numbers and frequency of collection ofCulicoides imicolaKieffer, 1913 were more pronounced in theCDCtraps compared with the Onderstepoort traps. These results indicate that the addition ofCO2may increase the efficiency of these traps for the collection ofC. imicolaand other livestock‐associatedCulicoidesspecies.
Utility of IgE (total and Aspergillus fumigatus specific) in monitoring for response and exacerbations in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Agarwal Ritesh , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Sehgal Inderpaul S. , Dhooria Sahajal , Behera Digambar , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: November 2015

The role of total and specific IgE in monitoring treatment responses in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) remains poorly studied. Here in, we evaluate the utility of total and Aspergillus fumigatus specific IgE in the follow‐up of ABPA. Eighty‐one consecutive treatment‐naïve patients of ABPA (acute stage) with pulmonary infiltrates and bronchiectasis underwent measurement of total and A. fumigatus specific IgE at baseline, after 8 weeks of glucocorticoid therapy, and during exacerbations. There was clinical and radiological improvement after treatment with median decline of total IgE by 51.9%. The total IgE declined by at least 35%, 25% and 20% in 69 (85.2%), 76 (93.6%) and 78 (96.3%) patients, respectively. On the other hand, the A. fumigatus specific IgE increased in 42 (51.9%) subjects, and the mean increase was 1.4%, after 8 weeks. Among 13 patients with exacerbation, 12 (92.3%) had a rise of total IgE by >50%. The A. fumigatus specific IgE increased in only five (38.5%) subjects during exacerbation. Thus, the total IgE is a useful test in monitoring treatment responses in ABPA while A. fumigatus specific IgE has limited utility.