bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional survey of patients’ need for information and support with medicines after discharge from hospital
Authors: Mackridge Adam J , Rodgers Ruth , Lee Dan , Morecroft Charles W , Krska Janet
Published: November 2017

Background

Most patients experience changes to prescribed medicines during a hospital stay. Ensuring they understand such changes is important for preventing adverse events post-discharge and optimising patient understanding. However, little work has explored the information that patients receive about medicines or their perceived needs for information and support after discharge.

Objectives

To determine information that hospital inpatients who experience medicine changes receive about their medicines during admission and their needs and preferences for, and use of, post-discharge support.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey with adult medical inpatients experiencing medicine changes in six English hospitals, with telephone follow-up 2–3 weeks post-discharge.

Key findings

A total of 444 inpatients completed surveys, and 99 of these were followed up post-discharge. Of the 444, 44 (10%) were unaware of changes to medicines and 65 (16%) did not recall discussing them with a health professional, but 305 (77%) reported understanding the changes. Type of information provided and patients’ perceived need for post-discharge support differed between hospitals. Information about changes was most frequently provided by consultant medical staff (157; 39%) with pharmacists providing information least often (71; 17%). One third of patients surveyed considered community pharmacists as potential sources of information about medicines and associated support post-discharge. Post-discharge, just 5% had spoken to a pharmacist, although 35% reported medicine-related problems.

Conclusion

In north-west England, patient inclusion in treatment decisions could be improved, but provision of information prior to discharge is reasonable. There is scope to develop hospital and community pharmacists’ role in medicine optimisation to maximise safety and effectiveness of care.
Rapid risk assessment during the early weeks of the 2015‐2016 influenza season in Ukraine
Authors: Newitt Sophie , Mironenko Alla , Holubka Olha , Zaika Oleksandr , Gubar Olga , Jalava Katri , Brown Caroline , Demchyshyna Iryna , Dykhanovska Tetiana
Published: November 2017

Background

Several eastern European countries reported a severe influenza season to the World Health Organization (WHO) during late 2015. A country‐specific rapid risk assessment for Ukraine was conducted to assess the season's severity and inform public health action.

Methods

The exposure and hazard were assessed using acute respiratory infection (ARI), severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), laboratory surveillance, virological and vaccine data from weeks 40/2015 to 7/2016 with comparison to 4 previous seasons to describe the influenza season start (5‐week consecutive increase in ARI or SARI), predominant virus types, geographical spread and affected age groups.

Results

The exposure was characterised by an earlier and steeper increase in SARI (week 1/2016) and ARI (week 2/2016) compared to the previous 4 seasons. Transmission was across Ukraine with an increase in ARI and SARI cases aged 30‐64 years compared to 2014/15. Laboratory‐confirmed deaths increased from 11 in 2014/2015 to 342 in 2015/2016; the majority were 30‐64 years old and unvaccinated; and 63.5% had underlying conditions. Total population vaccination coverage was 0.3%. The hazard assessment found influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09 accounted for >95% of viruses detected. Ukrainian virus strains (n = 62) were antigenically similar to vaccine strains and susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors.

Conclusions

The first weeks of the 2015/16 influenza season were more severe than previous seasons, with an earlier and steeper increase in severe cases and deaths, particularly in younger adults. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was the predominant strain and was closely related to the seasonal vaccine strain with no evidence of resistance to antiviral drugs.
Influenza‐associated severe acute respiratory infections in 2 sentinel sites in Lebanon—September 2015 to August 2016
Authors: Saleh Majd , Bazzi Lara , Ismail Ebstissam , Mroueh Lina , Jammal Nisrine , Elkholy Amgad , Mrad Pamela , Samadi Ahmad Al , Hijazi Ahmad , Abiad Firass , Nsouli Ghazi , Rady Alissar , Khan Wasiq , Malik Mamunur , Zalloua Pierre , Ammar Walid , Ghosn Nada
Published: November 2017

Background

Given the sparse information on the burden of influenza in Lebanon, the Ministry of Public Health established a sentinel surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) to identify the attribution of influenza to reported cases. We aim to highlight the proportion of influenza‐associated SARI from September 1st, 2015 to August 31st, 2016 in 2 Lebanese hospitals.

Methods

The study was conducted in 2 sentinel sites located in Beirut suburbs and southern province of Lebanon. WHO's 2011 standardized SARI case definition was used. Data from September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016 were reviewed, and all‐cause hospital admission numbers were obtained. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and tested by RT‐PCR. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted using STATA 13.

Results

The 2 sentinel sites reported 746 SARI cases during the studied time frame: 467 from the southern province site and 279 from the Beirut suburbs site. SARI reports peaked between January and March 2016. All, except 4, cases were sampled, and a co‐dominance of influenza B (43%) and influenza A (H1N1) (41%) was evident. A high proportion of cases was reported in children <2 years 274 (37%). The proportional contribution of influenza‐associated SARI to all‐cause hospital admissions was high in children <2 years in the south (4.5% [95% CI: 3.1‐6.5]) and in children <5 years in Beirut (0.7% [95% CI: 0.6‐0.8]).

Conclusion

This is the first study to highlight the proportion of influenza‐associated SARI in 2 hospitals in Lebanon. The findings will be beneficial for supporting respiratory prevention and immunization program policies.
Potency determination of inactivated H7 influenza vaccines using monoclonal antibody‐based ELISA and biolayer interferometry assays
Authors: Vasudevan Anupama , Woerner Amy , Schmeisser Falko , Verma Swati , Williams Ollie , Weir Jerry P.
Published: November 2017

Background

The single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assay, the accepted method for determining potency of inactivated influenza vaccines, measures an immunogenic form of the influenza hemagglutinin. Nevertheless, alternative methods for measuring vaccine potency have been explored to address some of the weaknesses of the SRID assay, including limited sensitivity and the requirement for large amounts of standardized reagents. Monoclonal antibody (mAb)‐based potency assays also have the ability to detect and measure relevant immunogenic forms of HA.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to continue evaluation of mAb‐based alternative methods for measuring the potency of inactivated influenza vaccines, focusing on A(H7N9) pandemic influenza vaccines.

Methods

Several murine mAbs that recognize different epitopes on the H7 hemagglutinin (HA) were identified and characterized. These mAbs were evaluated in both a mAb‐capture ELISA and a mAb‐based biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay.

Results

Results indicated that potency of inactivated A(H7N9) vaccines, including vaccine samples that were stressed by heat treatment, measured by either alternative method correlated well with potency determined by the traditional SRID potency assay.

Conclusions

The availability of multiple H7 mAbs, directed to different HA epitopes, provides needed redundancy in the potency analysis as A(H7N9) viruses continue to evolve antigenically and suggests the importance of having a broad, well‐characterized panel of mAbs available for development of vaccines against influenza strains with pandemic potential. In addition, the results highlight the potential of mAb‐based platform such as ELISA and BLI for development as alternative methods for determining the potency of inactivated influenza vaccines.
Adjusting for heterogeneity of experimental data in genetic evaluation of dry matter intake in dairy cattle
Authors: Uddin M. E. , Meuwissen T. , Veerkamp R. F.
Published: November 2017

The objectives of the present study were (i) to find the best fitted model for repeatedly measured daily dry matter intake (DMI) data obtained from different herds and experiments across lactations and (ii) to get better estimates of the genetic parameters and better genetic evaluations. After editing, there were 572,512 daily DMI records of 3,495 animals (Holstein cows) from 11 different herds across 13 lactations and the animals were under 110 different nutritional experiments. The fitted model for this data set was a univariate repeated‐measure animal model (called model 1) in which additive genetic and permanent environmental (within and across lactations) effects were fitted as random. Model 1 was fitted as two distinct models (called models 2 and 3) based on alternative fixed effect corrections. For unscaled data, each model (models 2 and 3) was fitted as a homoscedastic (HOM) model first and then as a heteroscedastic (HET) model. Then, data were scaled by multiplying with particular herd‐scaling factors, which were calculated by accounting for heterogeneity of phenotypic within‐herd variances. Models were selected based on cross‐validation and prediction accuracy results. Scaling factors were re‐estimated to determine the effectiveness of accounting for herd heterogeneity. Variance components and respective heritability and repeatability were estimated based on a pedigree‐based relationship matrix. Results indicated that the model fitted for scaled data showed better fit than the models (HOM or HET) fitted for unscaled data. The heritability estimates of the models 2 and 3 fitted for scaled data were 0.30 and 0.08, respectively. The repeatability estimates of the model fitted for scaled data ranged from 0.51 to 0.63. The re‐estimated scaling factor after accounting for heterogeneity of residual variances was close to 1.0, indicating the stabilization of residual variances and herd accounted for most of the heterogeneity. The rank correlation of EBVs between scaled and unscaled data ranged from 0.96 to 0.97.
Facilitating application of language skills in authentic environments with a mobile learning system
Authors: Shadiev R. , Hwang W.‐Y. , Huang Y.‐M. , Liu T.‐Y.
Published: November 2017

We uncovered two critical issues in earlier studies: (a) some studies have shown that mobile learning technology is not beneficial for all students due to complexity of learning environments and student prior knowledge, skills, and experience and (b) familiarity of students with the authentic environments in which they learn using mobile technology did not receive much attention in earlier studies. To address these issues, we designed three learning tasks for a class of 26 junior high school students. The students applied language skills by completing the tasks in authentic environments individually in a first task, loosely collaborating with peers in a second task, and tightly collaborating with peers in a third task. A mobile learning system was also designed in this study to support students to accomplish the tasks. The aim of this study was to explore students' learning experiences using the learning system, their perceptions towards the system, and to assess how differently the students perform on the three tasks. According to our design, in the first task, the students took pictures of objects and described them orally or in writing using the mobile learning system. In the second task, after the students completed assignments, each student received comments from a partner through the system. In comments, the partner indicated flaws in student assignments and suggested how to fix them. In the third task, the students completed assignments, shared them using the system, and then exchanged comments with their partners face to face regarding issues related to their completed assignments and suggested how to improve them. Such learning behaviours in the three tasks enabled the students to practise writing and speaking skills. Our results demonstrate that most of the students highly valued our learning system and intend to use it in the future. Furthermore, the results show that the students performed best when they collaborated; namely, student performance was enhanced the most after the third task that required tight collaboration. Based on our results, we learned that students' familiarity with authentic environments is very important and beneficial for their learning. In addition, we learned that even in complex environment, less skilled and experienced students with low prior knowledge can perform well when they tightly collaborate with more skilled and experienced students with high prior knowledge, and our learning system can facilitate such collaboration.
Level of intrinsic motivation of distance education students in e‐learning environments
Authors: Fırat Mehmet , Kılınç Hakan , Yüzer Tevfik Volkan
Published: November 2017

According to researches, motivation that initiates and sustains behaviour is one of the most significant components of learning in any environment. Accordingly, level of intrinsic motivation triggers and sustains the interest of the open and distance education students when it comes to learning on their own in e‐learning environments. Despite a comprehensive literature regarding the motivation of those learning in traditional learning environments, the number of studies addressing the motivation of open and distance education students in e‐learning environments is not sufficient. In this context, this study aims at determining the level of intrinsic motivation of open and distance education students. Thus, data were collected from 1,639 distance education students in 22 programmes, through Intrinsic Motivation in e‐Learning Questionnaire developed and validated to that end. Analyses carried out indicate that the level of intrinsic motivation of open and distance education students is high in e‐learning environments, but there is not a statistically significant difference by gender, programme structure (graduate/undergraduate), instruction type (distance–blended), and academic disciplines.
Identification and analysis of a key long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs)‐associated module reveal functional lncRNAs in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Zhang Jian , Feng Chenchen , Song Chao , Ai Bo , Bai Xuefeng , Liu Yuejuan , Li Xuecang , Zhao Jianmei , Shi Shengshu , Chen Xin , Su Xiaojie , Li Chunquan
Published: November 2017

Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is a common disease that originates from long‐term heart pressure overload and finally leads to heart failure. Recently, long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted attention because they have broad and crucial functions in regulating complex biological processes. Some studies had found that lncRNAs play vital roles in complex cardiovascular diseases. However, the function and mechanism of lncRNAs in CH have not been elucidated. In our study, to investigate the potential roles of lncRNAs in CH, the Cardiac Hypertrophy‐associated LncRNAs‐Protein coding genes Network (CHLPN) was constructed by integrating gene microarray re‐annotation and subpathway enrichment analyses. After performing random walking with restart in CHLPN, we predicted 21 significant risk lncRNAs, of which 7 (Kis2, 1700110K17Rik, Gm17501, E330017L17Rik, C630043F03Rik, Gm9866 and Ube4bos1) formed a close module with their co‐expressed protein‐coding genes (PCGs). We found that the module might play crucial roles in the development of CH. In particular, 44 PCGs that were co‐expressed with six lncRNAs were enriched in CH‐related biological processes and pathways. We also found that some lncRNAs participated in the competitive endogenous RNA cross‐talk that might be involved in CH. These results indicate that the functional lncRNAs are related to post‐transcriptional regulation and could shed light on a new molecular diagnostic target of CH.
The application of systems thinking concepts, methods, and tools to global health practices: An analysis of case studies
Authors: Wilkinson Jessica , Goff Morgan , Rusoja Evan , Hanson Carl , Swanson Robert Chad
Published: November 2017

Objectives

This review of systems thinking (ST) case studies seeks to compile and analyse cases from ST literature and provide practitioners with a reference for ST in health practice. Particular attention was given to (1) reviewing the frequency and use of key ST terms, methods, and tools in the context of health, and (2) extracting and analysing longitudinal themes across cases.

Methods

A systematic search of databases was conducted, and a total of 36 case studies were identified. A combination of integrative and inductive qualitative approaches to analysis was used.

Results

Most cases identified took place in high‐income countries and applied ST retrospectively. The most commonly used ST terms were agent/stakeholder/actor (n = 29), interdependent/interconnected (n = 28), emergence (n = 26), and adaptability/adaptation (n = 26). Common ST methods and tools were largely underutilized. Social network analysis was the most commonly used method (n = 4), and innovation or change management history was the most frequently used tool (n = 11). Four overarching themes were identified; the importance of the interdependent and interconnected nature of a health system, characteristics of leaders in a complex adaptive system, the benefits of using ST, and barriers to implementing ST.

Conclusions

This review revealed that while much has been written about the potential benefits of applying ST to health, it has yet to completely transition from theory to practice. There is however evidence of the practical use of an ST lens as well as specific methods and tools. With clear examples of ST applications, the global health community will be better equipped to understand and address key health challenges.
Survival prediction system for waterless live Chinese Sturgeon transportation based on temperature related glucose changes
Authors: Zhang Yongjun , Xiao Xinqing , Yan Liu , Thi Tuyet Nga Mai , Zhang Xiaoshuan
Published: November 2017

Chinese consumers prefer to consume fish that have only in the vigorously live state. Therefore, it is not easily and imprecisely for aquatic enterprises to implement effective aquatic survival prediction and maintain a reasonable high survival rate after live transportation. For another, traditional live fish transportation is in water, and it is cost‐prohibitive and managing‐complex. Nevertheless, waterless live fish delivery under cooling condition is considered as an alternative and promising strategy with less complexity and large traffic volume. Chinese Sturgeon had been taken as experimental subjects in our study and worked out the correlation between temperature range and survival rate with minimum stress changes. Moreover, dynamic probing for fish stress changes in term of glucose‐sensor that is a significant survey to get optimum shipment temperature and design survival computing model by over 30 hr delivering experiments, and use the deviation from reasonable temperature variation to accurately predict the final survival result. The result clearly shows the forecasting accuracy of the system is quite enough to content the requirements of aquatic enterprises. As a result, it is meaningful to provide a new management approach to improve transportation efficiency, reduce the losses, and also ensure consumers to eat high‐quality of live aquatic products.

Practical applications

Consumers have recently become more favorite with the live Chinese Sturgeon with respect to its good flavor and nutrition. In the process of live fish delivering, the logistic temperature controlling with minimum stress is the advisable way to improve the survival result for waterless live Sturgeon storage and transportation. Moreover, to fit the optimum temperature series of the real changes, the final survival rate can be estimated in a relatively high level that is quite enough to satisfy the requirement of waterless live aquatic logistics under controlled temperature range 1–3 °C.
Nursing Home Regulations Redefined: Implications for Providers
Authors: Unroe Kathleen T. , Ouslander Joseph G. , Saliba Debra
Published: November 2017

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a comprehensive update to nursing home requirements of participation in October 2016. Nearly 10,000 public comments were received regarding the proposed rule, and CMS made multiple modifications based on comments from providers, advocacy organizations, and others before issuing the final rule. The final rule describing nursing home requirements of participation modernizes nursing home regulation. It is being implemented in three phases—beginning in November 2016, November 2017, and November 2019. There are multiple provisions that have implications for clinicians caring for nursing home residents, particularly in terms of management of infections, medication prescribing and monitoring, and delegation of medical orders.
Reply To: Interprofessional Teamwork in Acute Geriatric Care: Where Are the Pharmacists?
Authors: Piers Ruth D. , Versluys Karen J. J. , Devoghel Johan , Vyt André , Van Den Noortgate Nele
Published: November 2017

This letter comments on the letter by Spinewine et al.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio As a Risk Stratification Tool for Older Adults with Pneumonia
Authors: Karakonstantis Stamatis , Kalemaki Dimitra
Published: November 2017

See the Reply by Cataudella et al.
Does differential visual exploration contribute to visual memory impairments in 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome?
Authors: Bostelmann M. , Glaser B. , Zaharia A. , Eliez S. , Schneider M.
Published: November 2017

Background

Chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a genetic syndrome characterised by a unique cognitive profile. Individuals with the syndrome present several non‐verbal deficits, including visual memory impairments and atypical exploration of visual information. In this study, we seek to understand how visual attention may contribute to memory difficulties in 22q11.2DS by tracking eye movements during the encoding phase of a visual short‐term memory task.

Method

Eye movements were recorded during a computerised version of the multiple‐choice Benton Visual Retention Test, which consisted of exploring and then recognising complex visual stimuli. Seventy‐four participants affected by 22q11.2DS were compared with 70 typically developing participants.

Results

Participants with 22q11.2DS performed less well than healthy controls on the task and spent more time and fixations on the principal (larger central) figures and less time and fixations on the smaller peripheral figures within the stimuli.

Conclusions

This study is the first to investigate visual attention in 22q11.2DS during a memory task. The results delineate impaired processes during encoding that affect visual memory performance. The findings may be especially useful for informing interventions intended to boost visual learning in patients with 22q11.2DS.
Verbal short‐term memory shows a specific association with receptive but not productive vocabulary measures in Down syndrome
Authors: Majerus S. , Barisnikov K.
Published: November 2017

Background

Verbal short‐term memory (STM) capacity has been considered to support vocabulary learning in typical children and adults, but evidence for this link is inconsistent for studies in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The aim of this study was explore the role of processing demands on the association between verbal STM and vocabulary measures in DS, by comparing receptive vocabulary measures with high STM processing demands to productive vocabulary measures with low STM processing demands.

Method

Forty‐seven adults with Down syndrome were administered receptive vocabulary and productive vocabulary tasks, as well as measures of verbal STM abilities and intellectual efficiency.

Results

Bayesian regression analyses showed that verbal STM abilities were strongly and specifically associated with receptive vocabulary measures but not productive lexical abilities after controlling for intellectual efficiency, and this is despite the fact that vocabulary abilities as measured by receptive and productive vocabulary tasks were closely associated.

Conclusions

In Down syndrome, verbal STM abilities may be predictive of specific task demands associated with receptive vocabulary tasks rather than of vocabulary development per se.
Cosmeceutical effect of ethyl acetate fraction of Kombucha tea by intradermal administration in the skin of aged mice
Authors: Pakravan Nafiseh , Mahmoudi Elaheh , Hashemi Seyed‐Ali , Kamali Jamal , Hajiaghayi Reza , Rahimzadeh Mitra , Mahmoodi Vajiheh
Published: November 2017

Background/purpose

Natural ingredients have been always an interesting approach to prolong youthful appearance of skin. One of the natural compounds is Kombucha tea (KT), which has been mainly used as an energy drink in Asian countries for a long time. Previous reports indicated that it has pharmaceutical and favorable wound repairing effects. The beneficial properties of KT are thought to be mainly due to the presence of fermentation products such as flavonoids and other polyphenols with inhibition of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes and anti‐inflammatory effects. These properties prompted us to study the anti‐aging potential of KT and investigate its effective fraction in aged mice,

Methods

Kombucha tea was fractionated into chloroform, butanol, and ethyl acetate, and flavonoid content was determined. Young and old mice were used as control. KT ethyl acetate fraction (KEAf), which had the highest flavonoid content, was intradermally administered to old mice.

Results

Administration of KEAf significantly increased the collagen content, NAD+/NADH level, and concomitantly improved skin connective tissue abnormalities in the aged skin. No sensitivity or irritation was observed.

Conclusion

This finding suggested that KEAf can be a suitable candidate as a cosmetic product to improve aging‐related skin abnormalities and regeneration of aged skin.
A COI1 gene in wheat contributes to the early defence response against wheat powdery mildew
Authors: Liu Xiaoying , Wang Junya , Fan Baoli , Shang Yuntao , Sun Yifan , Dang Chen , Xie Chaojie , Wang Zhenying , Peng Yongkang
Published: November 2017

The hormone jasmonate (JA) signalling pathway is involved in diverse developmental processes in plants. COI1 is a key regulator in JA pathway. Although COI1 homologous proteins have been identified in a variety of crops, their regulatory mechanisms in wheat defence responses remain unknown. Here, we cloned COI1 from disease resistant wheat Brock, designated TaCOI1. TaCOI1 cDNA was 1988‐bp long, with an ORF encoding 593 deduced amino acids. The phylogenetic tree showed that TaCOI1 was clustered in the same clade of monocotyledons. The predicted protein possesses an F‐box domain, several LRRs and a conserved AMN1 domain. Its transcription was induced in the compatible and incompatible wheat by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) fungus, with differences observed in response time. Expression pattern analysis in the susceptible wheat variety Jing411 revealed that TaCOI1 was up‐regulated after Bgt inoculation at 12‐hour postinoculation (hpi). While, in Brock its transcription was rapidly induced and reached a first peak at 2 hpi. These results suggest that TaCOI1 may be involved in the early response to powdery mildew. The expression of TaCOI1 was decreased by virus‐induced gene silencing. The rate of successful penetration by Bgt was higher in all TaCOI1‐silenced Brock, while the percentage of macrocephalic appressoria and resistance reactions was lower than control. These results suggest that silencing of the TaCOI1 gene increased Brock susceptibility to infection. Together, these findings indicate that the TaCOI1 gene could be involved in the early defence response against wheat powdery mildew and may play an important role in wheat–Bgt interactions.
Toxic stress and child refugees
Authors: Murray John S.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this article was to describe the phenomenon of toxic stress and its impact on the physical and mental health of child refugees. Almost two decades ago, researchers found that recurring adverse childhood events (ACEs; e.g., physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction such as substance abuse, mental illness, and criminal behavior) were associated with a significant increase in serious illnesses during adulthood. Illnesses include heart, lung, and liver disease, cancer, and bone fractures. The scientists reported that experiencing four or more ACEs during childhood significantly increases the risk for toxic stress. Toxic stress is defined as the exposure to extreme, frequent, and persistent adverse events without the presence of a supportive caretaker. There is a paucity of literature related to toxic stress and child refugees. However, it has been clearly established that the prolonged brutal and traumatizing war in Syria is having a profound impact on the physical and mental health of child refugees at a distressing rate. Prevention of toxic stress should be a primary goal of all pediatric healthcare professionals working with child refugees. While this seems daunting given the population, and the seemingly insurmountable stressors they experience, some basic interventions should be considered. Providing basic anticipatory guidance to parents and caregivers of child refugees, to encourage positive parenting and strengthening support networks, will be highly effective in developing the requisite buffers that mitigate the effects of stress and avoid toxic stress. Efforts should also be focused on addressing caregiver stress and improving their ability to provide safe, reliable, and nurturing care that will help to mitigate any stress response experienced by a child.

Practice Implications

It is critical that greater awareness be placed on the effects of toxic stress on child refugees who are exposed to significant adverse events early in life.
Microwave as a rapid cooking method for beef tenderness evaluation
Authors: Silva Douglas R. G. , Fernandez Ludimila C. , Torres Filho Robledo A. , Fontes Paulo R. , Ramos Alcinéia L. S. , Ramos Eduardo M.
Published: November 2017

Semitendinosus (ST) muscle steaks were grouped according to three locations (proximal, middle, and distal end), grilled to endpoint temperature of 71C or cooked for 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 s in a microwave oven (Mw). The location did not affect (p > .05) the cooking loss (CL) or shear force (SF) values. The CL increased (p < .05) with longer microwave cooking times, but only the Mw40 samples did not differ (p > .05) from the grill samples. None of the microwaves' SF values were different (p > .05) from the grill values, with treatments Mw30 to Mw50 showing moderate repeatability (R = 0.51–0.60) and Mw30 and Mw60 showing higher correlations (r > .71) with grill values. Cooking beef strips with a microwave is a potential method for tenderness evaluation, but requires additional study to evaluate and optimize this application in different muscles and for comparison to sensorial data.

Practical applications

The work was intended to evaluate the possibility of using a microwave oven for cooking meat to be used in objective measurement protocols for meat tenderness and to optimize the conditions for this purpose. The use of a standardized microwave procedure allows a dramatic reduction in analysis time and may reduce error variance due to nonuniform cooking procedures.
Forgotten impacts of European land‐use on riparian and savanna vegetation in northwest Australia
Authors: Connor Simon E. , Schneider Larissa , Trezise Jessica , Rule Susan , Barrett Russell L. , Zawadzki Atun , Haberle Simon G.
Published: November 2017

Questions

Fire and livestock grazing are regarded as current threats to biodiversity and landscape integrity in northern Australia, yet it remains unclear what biodiversity losses and habitat changes occurred in the 19–20th centuries as livestock and novel fire regimes were introduced by Europeans. What baseline is appropriate for assessing current and future environmental change?

Location

Australia's Kimberley region is internationally recognized for its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage. The region is home to some of the world's most extensive and ancient rock art galleries, created by Aboriginal peoples since their arrival on the continent 65,000 years ago. The Kimberley is considered one of Australia's most intact landscapes and its assumed natural vegetation has been mapped in detail.

Methods

Interpretations are based on a continuous sediment record obtained from a waterhole on the Mitchell River floodplain. Sediments were analysed for geochemical and palynological proxies of environmental change and dated using 210Pb and 14C techniques.

Results

We show that the present‐day vegetation in and around the waterhole is very different to its pre‐European counterpart. Pre‐European riparian vegetation was dominated by Antidesma ghaesembilla and Banksia dentata, both of which declined rapidly at the beginning of the 20th century. Soon after, savanna density around the site declined and grasses became more prevalent. These vegetation shifts were accompanied by geochemical and biological evidence for increased grazing, local burning, erosion and eutrophication.

Conclusions

We suggest that the Kimberley region's vegetation, while maintaining a ‘natural’ appearance, has been altered dramatically during the last 100 years through grazing and fire regime changes. Landscape management should consider whether the current (impacted) vegetation is a desirable or realistic baseline target for biodiversity conservation.
A Review of Genetic Advances Related to Sex Control and Manipulation in Tilapia
Authors: Chen Jinlin , Fan Zheng , Tan Dejie , Jiang Dongneng , Wang Deshou
Published: November 2017

Tilapias are the second most farmed fish worldwide. Production of tilapia has quadrupled over the past decade because of the ease with which they are cultured, their marketability, and the stability of market prices. Continued increases in tilapia production must be based on sustainable practices. Excessive reproduction during growout has been a major problem in tilapia aquaculture and has been addressed by culturing monosex (all‐male) populations. The best way to obtain monosex populations is through control of sexual development. To produce genetically male tilapia, researchers can arrange matings using sex‐specific DNA markers, create hybrids between tilapia strains with different sex determination loci, or they can alter the innate genetic traits of a species. Improved varieties have, in many cases, facilitated the development of the aquaculture industry by lowering costs and increasing both quality and yield. In this review, we focus on the application of marker‐assisted breeding, cross‐breeding, and genetic modification technologies to control sexual development in tilapia.
Evaluating the relationship between spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability of larval fish assemblages in a coastal marine ecosystem (Haizhou Bay, China)
Authors: Li Zengguang , Ye Zhenjiang , Wan Rong , Chen Yong , Tian Yongjun , Ren Yiping , Liu Hong , Hu Haisheng , Boenish Robert
Published: November 2017

In coastal marine ecosystems, spatial patterns of larval fish assemblages (LFAs) tend to exhibit geographic stability because of relatively stable spawning site selection and predictable oceanographic phenomena such as eddies. To evaluate the relationship between spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability of LFAs, we conducted a high spatiotemporal resolution ichthyoplankton survey from April to July in 2013 in the shallow waters (<20 m) of Haizhou Bay, China. Our analysis indicated three distinct assemblages, which were stable geographically but exhibited a gradual and directional change of species composition and abundance over our study period. Sea surface temperature was the most important environmental co‐variate for determining temporal variability of LFAs, likely owing to temperature effects of species composition and spawning period selection of adult fish, along with known temperature‐dependent survival rates of larval fish. Study of LFA spatiotemporal dynamics is essential for improved understanding of adult fish spawning behavior, and has potential to inform design and implementation of conservation and management measures (e.g. marine protected areas) in coastal systems.
Measuring impact crater depth throughout the solar system
Authors: Robbins Stuart J. , Watters Wesley A. , Chappelow John E. , Bray Veronica J. , Daubar Ingrid J. , Craddock Robert A. , Beyer Ross A. , Landis Margaret , Ostrach Lillian R. , Tornabene Livio , Riggs Jamie D. , Weaver Brian P.
Published: November 2017

One important, almost ubiquitous, tool for understanding the surfaces of solid bodies throughout the solar system is the study of impact craters. While measuring a distribution of crater diameters and locations is an important tool for a wide variety of studies, so too is measuring a crater's “depth.” Depth can inform numerous studies including the strength of a surface and modification rates in the local environment. There is, however, no standard data set, definition, or technique to perform this data‐gathering task, and the abundance of different definitions of “depth” and methods for estimating that quantity can lead to misunderstandings in and of the literature. In this review, we describe a wide variety of data sets and methods to analyze those data sets that have been, are currently, or could be used to derive different types of crater depth measurements. We also recommend certain nomenclature in doing so to help standardize practice in the field. We present a review section of all crater depths that have been published on different solar system bodies which shows how the field has evolved through time and how some common assumptions might not be wholly accurate. We conclude with several recommendations for researchers which could help different data sets to be more easily understood and compared.
The impact of mating systems and dispersal on fine‐scale genetic structure at maternally, paternally and biparentally inherited markers
Authors: Shaw Robyn E. , Banks Sam C. , Peakall Rod
Published: November 2017

For decades, studies have focused on how dispersal and mating systems influence genetic structure across populations or social groups. However, we still lack a thorough understanding of how these processes and their interaction shape spatial genetic patterns over a finer scale (tens—hundreds of metres). Using uniparentally inherited markers may help answer these questions, yet their potential has not been fully explored. Here, we use individual‐level simulations to investigate the effects of dispersal and mating system on fine‐scale genetic structure at autosomal, mitochondrial and Y chromosome markers. Using genetic spatial autocorrelation analysis, we found that dispersal was the major driver of fine‐scale genetic structure across maternally, paternally and biparentally inherited markers. However, when dispersal was restricted (mean distance = 100 m), variation in mating behaviour created strong differences in the comparative level of structure detected at maternally and paternally inherited markers. Promiscuity reduced spatial genetic structure at Y chromosome loci (relative to monogamy), whereas structure increased under polygyny. In contrast, mitochondrial and autosomal markers were robust to differences in the specific mating system, although genetic structure increased across all markers when reproductive success was skewed towards fewer individuals. Comparing males and females at Y chromosome vs. mitochondrial markers, respectively, revealed that some mating systems can generate similar patterns to those expected under sex‐biased dispersal. This demonstrates the need for caution when inferring ecological and behavioural processes from genetic results. Comparing patterns between the sexes, across a range of marker types, may help us tease apart the processes shaping fine‐scale genetic structure.
Global impact of nephropathies
Authors: Li Philip Kam‐Tao , Ma Terry King‐Wing
Published: November 2017

Summary at a Glance

This review considers the global health challenge posed by chronic kidney disease, the importance of awareness and early detection, and treatment strategies.
Nurses’ experiences of unprofessional behaviors in the emergency department: A qualitative study
Authors: Parizad Naser , Hassankhani Hadi , Rahmani Azad , Mohammadi Eesa , Lopez Violeta , Cleary Michelle
Published: November 2017

The nursing profession is focused on serving others and has high expectations that each member behaves professionally and ethically, as articulated in nursing codes of practice and conduct. Where these are not upheld, inappropriate and unprofessional workplace behaviors follow. Regrettably, unprofessional behavior is neither new nor constrained to the nursing profession, but is known to negatively impact staff and workplace relationships, and importantly, patient safety and care. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore Iranian nurses’ experiences of professional communication between colleagues in the emergency department. Fifteen individual interviews were conducted. The overarching theme to emerge from the data was workplace communication, supported by two subthemes: unprofessional behavior and stressors in the workplace. Individually and collectively, these subthemes demonstrated staff attitudes and behaviors that are inconsistent with expectations of professional behavior and practice. Management proactively addressing unprofessional workplace behaviors is fundamental to establishing and maintaining positive workplace environments and supporting safe, quality patient care.
Toward a comprehensive, theoretical model of compassion fatigue: An integrative literature review
Authors: Coetzee Siedine K. , Laschinger Heather K.S.
Published: November 2017

This study was an integrative literature review in relation to compassion fatigue models, appraising these models, and developing a comprehensive theoretical model of compassion fatigue. A systematic search on PubMed, EbscoHost (Academic Search Premier, E‐Journals, Medline, PsycINFO, Health Source Nursing/Academic Edition, CINAHL, MasterFILE Premier and Health Source Consumer Edition), gray literature, and manual searches of included reference lists was conducted in 2016. The studies (n = 11) were analyzed, and the strengths and limitations of the compassion fatigue models identified. We further built on these models through the application of the conservation of resources theory and the social neuroscience of empathy. The compassion fatigue model shows that it is not empathy that puts nurses at risk of developing compassion fatigue, but rather a lack of resources, inadequate positive feedback, and the nurse’s response to personal distress. By acting on these three aspects, the risk of developing compassion fatigue can be addressed, which could improve the retention of a compassionate and committed nurse workforce.
Depression, young age, chronic marijuana use, and interepisodic symptoms predict psychological distress in patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome
Authors: Taranukha Tatyana , Charan Suresh Kumar Vishnu , Seamon Alex , Sahr Natasha , Szabo Aniko , Venkatesan Thangam
Published: November 2017

Background

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is often triggered by stress. Patients report high degrees of psychological distress due to CVS, but there is limited data on factors associated with psychological distress. We sought to determine the degree of psychological distress and its correlation with clinical characteristics in CVS.

Methods

The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), a validated tool to determine psychological distress, was administered prospectively to patients. The control population consisted of 719 normal subjects. Student's t test was used to compare means, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of a GSI score ≥63, indicating high degrees of psychological distress. Scores for the regression predictors were calculated using the maximum likelihood estimate for the logistic regression model and was called the DAME score (depression, age 25‐35, chronic marijuana use, and interepisodic GI symptoms).

Key Results

Of 87 patients, 60% were female, 92% were caucasian, and mean age was 37 years. Forty‐one percent of patients had high degrees of psychological distress with the highest scores for somatization. Independent predictors of psychological distress included depression, young age (25‐35 years), chronic marijuana use, and interepisodic dyspepsia (called the DAME score). A score of ≥7 accurately predicted psychological distress in >88% of patients.

Conclusions & Inferences

Psychological distress is common in CVS and can be predicted accurately using our proposed DAME score. Whether psychological distress is a cause or an effect of CVS needs to be determined. Addressing psychological distress can potentially improve overall healthcare outcomes in CVS.
Root type and soil phosphate determine the taxonomic landscape of colonizing fungi and the transcriptome of field‐grown maize roots
Authors: Yu Peng , Wang Chao , Baldauf Jutta A. , Tai Huanhuan , Gutjahr Caroline , Hochholdinger Frank , Li Chunjian
Published: November 2017

Different root types of plants are colonized by a myriad of soil microorganisms, including fungi, which influence plant health and performance. The distinct functional and metabolic characteristics of these root types may influence root type‐inhabiting fungal communities.

We performed internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA profiling to determine the composition of fungal communities in field‐grown axial and lateral roots of maize (Zea mays) and in response to two different soil phosphate (P) regimes. In parallel, these root types were subjected to transcriptome profiling by RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq).

We demonstrated that fungal communities were influenced by soil P levels in a manner specific to root types. Moreover, maize transcriptome sequencing revealed root type‐specific shifts in cell wall metabolism and defense gene expression in response to high P. Furthermore, lateral roots specifically accumulated defense‐related transcripts at high P levels. This observation was correlated with a shift in fungal community composition, including a reduction in colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, as observed in ITS sequence data and microscopic evaluation of root colonization.

Our findings suggest soil nutrient‐dependent changes in functional niches within root systems and provide new insights into the interaction of individual root types with soil microbiota.