bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolonged tropical forest degradation due to compounding disturbances: Implications for CO2and H2O fluxes
Authors: Brando Paulo M. , Silvério Divino , Maracahipes‐Santos Leonardo , Oliveira‐Santos Claudinei , Levick Shaun R. , Coe Michael T. , Migliavacca Mirco , Balch Jennifer K. , Macedo Marcia N. , Nepstad Daniel C. , Maracahipes Leandro , Davidson Eric , Asner Gregory , Kolle Olaf , Trumbore Susan
Published: June 2019

Drought, fire, and windstorms can interact to degrade tropical forests and the ecosystem services they provide, but how these forests recover after catastrophic disturbance events remains relatively unknown. Here, we analyze multi‐year measurements of vegetation dynamics and function (fluxes of CO2and H2O) in forests recovering from 7 years of controlled burns, followed by wind disturbance. Located in southeast Amazonia, the experimental forest consists of three 50‐ha plots burned annually, triennially, or not at all from 2004 to 2010. During the subsequent 6‐year recovery period, postfire tree survivorship and biomass sharply declined, with aboveground C stocks decreasing by 70%–94% along forest edges (0–200 m into the forest) and 36%–40% in the forest interior. Vegetation regrowth in the forest understory triggered partial canopy closure (70%–80%) from 2010 to 2015. The composition and spatial distribution of grasses invading degraded forest evolved rapidly, likely because of the delayed mortality. Four years after the experimental fires ended (2014), the burned plots assimilated 36% less carbon than the Control, but net CO2exchange and evapotranspiration (ET) had fully recovered 7 years after the experimental fires ended (2017). Carbon uptake recovery occurred largely in response to increased light‐use efficiency and reduced postfire respiration, whereas increased water use associated with postfire growth of new recruits and remaining trees explained the recovery in ET. Although the effects of interacting disturbances (e.g., fires, forest fragmentation, and blowdown events) on mortality and biomass persist over many years, the rapid recovery of carbon and water fluxes can help stabilize local climate.
Associations between self‐reported hearing loss and outdoor activity limitations, psychological distress and self‐reported memory loss among older people: Analysis of the 2016 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions in Japan
Authors: Iwagami Masao , Kobayashi Yoko , Tsukazaki Eriko , Watanabe Taeko , Sugiyama Takehiro , Wada Tetsuro , Hara Akira , Tamiya Nanako
Published: June 2019

Aim

To investigate the associations between self‐reported hearing loss and outdoor activity limitations, psychological distress and self‐reported memory loss among older people.

Methods

We carried out a cross‐sectional study using the data from the 2016 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions in Japan. The study population included people aged ≥65 years living at home, without a clinical diagnosis of dementia. The exposure of interest was self‐reported hearing loss, whereas outcomes included outdoor activity limitations (Yes/No), psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale score of ≥5) and self‐reported memory loss (Yes/No). We carried out logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, smoking, alcohol, educational status, number of household members, household expenditure and number of clinical diagnoses requiring outpatient visits.

Results

Among 137 723 older people (mean age 74.5 years [standard deviation 7.4 years], 45.1% men), 12 389 (9.0%) reported hearing loss. People with hearing loss showed a higher prevalence of outdoor activity limitations (28.9% vs 9.5%, P < 0.001), psychological distress (39.7% vs 19.3%, P < 0.001) and memory loss (37.7% vs 5.2%, P < 0.001) than those without. The adjusted odds ratios comparing people with and without hearing loss were 2.0 (95% confidence interval 1.9–2.1), 2.1 (95% confidence interval 2.0–2.1) and 7.1 (95% confidence interval 6.8–7.4) for outdoor activity limitations, psychological distress and self‐reported memory loss.

Conclusions

This nationwide study suggested that older people with hearing loss were more likely to experience outdoor activity limitations, psychological distress and memory loss than those without. Early identification of and intervention in hearing loss might potentially reduce the risk of these poor health outcomes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 747–754.
High‐Precision Measurement of Stable Cr Isotopes in Geological Reference Materials by a Double‐Spike TIMS Method
Authors: Liu Chun‐Yang , Xu Li‐Juan , Liu Chun‐Tao , Liu Jia , Qin Li‐Ping , Zhang Zi‐Da , Liu Sheng‐Ao , Li Shu‐Guang
Published: June 2019

Chromium (Cr) isotopes have been widely used in various fields of Earth and planetary sciences. However, high‐precision measurements of Cr stable isotope ratios are still challenged by difficulties in purifying Cr and organic matter interference from resin using double‐spike thermal ionisation mass spectrometry. In this study, an improved and easily operated two‐column chemical separation procedure using AG50W‐X12 (200–400 mesh) resin is introduced. This resin has a higher cross‐linking density than AG50W‐X8, and this higher density generates better separation efficiency and higher saturation. Organic matter from the resin is a common cause of inhibition of the emission of Cr during analysis by TIMS. Here, perchloric and nitric acids were utilised to eliminate organic matter interference. The Cr isotope ratios of samples with lower Cr contents could be measured precisely by TIMS. The long‐term intermediate measurement precision of δ53/52CrNIST SRM 979 for BHVO‐2 is better than ± 0.031‰ (2s) over one year. Replicated digestions and measurements of geological reference materials (OKUM, MUH‐1, JP‐1, BHVO‐1, BHVO‐2, AGV‐2 and GSP‐2) yield δ53/52CrNIST SRM 979 results ranging from −0.129‰ to −0.032‰. The Cr isotope ratios of geological reference materials are consistent with the δ53/52CrNIST SRM 979 values reported by previous studies, and the measurement uncertainty (± 0.031‰, 2s) is significantly improved.
Comparison of new prognostic systems for patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Albumin‐Bilirubin grade and Albumin‐Indocyanine Green Evaluation grade
Authors: Honmyo Naruhiko , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Hamaoka Michinori , Kohashi Toshihiko , Abe Tomoyuki , Oishi Koichi , Tazawa Hirofumi , Imaoka Yasuhiro , Akita Tomoyuki , Tanaka Junko , Ohdan Hideki ,   Hiroshima Surgical study group of Clinical Oncology (HiSCO)
Published: June 2019

Aim

We aimed to compare the prognostic abilities of two novel liver function‐estimating models, Albumin‐Bilirubin (ALBI) and Albumin‐Indocyanine Green Evaluation (ALICE) grades, in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

Data of 1270 patients who underwent initial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma between 1986 and 2016 were retrospectively collected from a multi‐institutional database. The prognostic impact of each system was analyzed according to the results of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, the Cox regression model and the linear trend χ2‐test.

Results

The ALBI and ALICE scores, which were obtained before grading status, were significantly correlated (correlation coefficient 0.930; P < 0.001). Both ALBI and ALICE grades stratified well in terms of overall survival, and were found to be independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis (P < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for 5‐year survival in both groups were equivalent (0.602 vs. 0.614, P = 0.402); however, homogeneity, discriminatory ability, and the Akaike information criterion were superior for the ALICE grade than for the ALBI grade (73.8 vs. 65.7, 43.4 vs. 34.9, and 7204.1 vs. 7212.2, respectively).

Conclusions

Both grading systems could estimate the liver function of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Regarding hepatectomy patients, the ALICE grade was a more suitable model than the ALBI grade.
Assessment of interatomic parameters for the reproduction of borosilicate glass structures via DFT‐GIPAW calculations
Authors: Fortino Mariagrazia , Berselli Alessandro , Stone‐Weiss Nicholas , Deng Lu , Goel Ashutosh , Du Jincheng , Pedone Alfonso
Published: June 2019

Borates and borosilicates are potential candidates for the design and development of glass formulations with important industrial and technological applications. A major challenge that retards the pace of development of borate/borosilicate based glasses using predictive modeling is the lack of reliable computational models to predict the structure‐property relationships in these glasses over a wide compositional space. A major hindrance in this pursuit has been the complexity of boron‐oxygen bonding due to which it has been difficult to develop adequate B–O interatomic potentials. In this article, we have evaluated the performance of three B–O interatomic potential models recently developed by Bauchy et al [J. Non‐Cryst. Solids, 2018, 498, 294–304], Du et al [J. Am. Ceram. Soc. https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.16082] and Edèn et al [Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018, 20, 8192–8209] aiming to reproduce the short‐to‐medium range structures of sodium borosilicate glasses in the system 25 Na2O x B2O3 (75 − x) SiO2 (x = 0‐75 mol%). To evaluate the different force fields, we have computed at the density functional theory level the NMR parameters of 11B, 23Na, and 29Si of the models generated with the three potentials and the simulated MAS NMR spectra compared with the experimental counterparts. It was observed that the rigid ionic models proposed by Bauchy and Du can both reliably reproduce the partitioning between BO3 and BO4 species of the investigated glasses, along with the local environment around sodium in the glass structure. However, they do not accurately reproduce the second coordination sphere of silicon ions and the Si–O–T (T = Si, B) and B‐O‐T distribution angles in the investigated compositional space which strongly affect the NMR parameters and final spectral shape. On the other hand, the core‐shell parameterization model proposed by Edén underestimates the fraction of BO4 species of the glass with composition 25Na2O 18.4B2O3 56.6SiO2 but can accurately reproduce the shape of the 11B and 29Si MAS‐NMR spectra of the glasses investigations due to the narrower B–O–T and Si‐O‐T bond angle distributions. Finally, the effect of the number of boron atoms (also distinguishing the BO3 and BO4 units) in the second coordination sphere of the network former cations on the NMR parameters have been evaluated.
Stakeholder perspectives of compassion in nursing: The development of the compassion strengths model
Authors: Durkin Mark , Gurbutt Russell , Carson Jerome
Published: June 2019

Aims

To explore stakeholder perspectives of compassion in nursing.

Background

Studies show that nurses’ compassion can be characterized by 11 characteristics. A growing body of research illustrates how courses aimed at teaching nursing students about compassion can be effective. Including the views of key stakeholders in the design of these programmes is recommended, yet the number of studies that have explored this are limited.

Design

This study used a qualitative exploratory design, applying a directed content and thematic analysis to the data.

Methods

Key stakeholders (N = 34), including nurse educators, nursing students, registered nurses and service user/patients, were recruited between September 2016 ‐ July 2017. Focus groups and semi‐structured one‐to‐one interviews were conducted. Data were transcribed verbatim. Directed content analysis and thematic analysis were applied to transcripts to address two separate research questions.

Results

In relation to question 1, ‘What are the characteristics of a compassionate nurse’? eight themes: (a) character; (b) self‐care; (c) connection; (d) empathy; (e) interpersonal skills; (f) communication; (g) competence; and (h) engagement, emerged from the content analysis. For question 2, ‘How can compassion be taught to nursing students’? there were five separate themes that emerged from the thematic analysis: (a) beliefs about teaching compassion; (b) motivation; (c) the 5 W’s needed to teach compassion to nursing students; (d) barriers to compassion in practice;  and (e) compassion requires strength

Conclusion

The findings of this research support previous research into compassion in nursing. The Compassion Strengths model may serve as a framework for nursing students and nurses’ compassionate practice. This may also assist nurses internationally to develop further research in this vital area.
Comparison of four heterogeneity measures for meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Lifeng
Published: June 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Heterogeneity is a critical issue in meta‐analysis, because it implies the appropriateness of combining the collected studies and impacts the reliability of the synthesized results. The Q test is a traditional method to assess heterogeneity; however, because it does not have an intuitive interpretation for clinicians and often has low statistical power, many meta‐analysts alter to use some measures, such as the I2 statistic, to quantify the extent of heterogeneity. This article aims at providing a summary of available tools to assess heterogeneity and comparing their performance.

Methods

We reviewed four heterogeneity measures (I2,
,
, and
) and illustrated how they could be treated as test statistics like the Q statistic. These measures were compared with respect to statistical power based on simulations driven by three real‐data examples. The pairwise agreement among the four measures was also evaluated using Cohen's κ coefficient.

Results

Generally,
was slightly more powerful than the Q test, while its type I error rate might be slightly inflated. The power of I2 was fairly close to that of Q. The
and
statistics might have low powers in some cases. Because the differences between the powers of I2,
, and Q were often tiny, meta‐analysts might not expect I2 and
to yield significant heterogeneity if the Q test failed to do so. In addition, I2 and
had fairly good agreement based on the simulated meta‐analyses, but all other pairs of heterogeneity measures generally had poor agreement.

Conclusion

The I2 and
statistics are recommended for measuring heterogeneity. Meta‐analysts should use the heterogeneity measures as descriptive statistics which have intuitive interpretations from the clinical perspective, instead of determining the significance of heterogeneity simply based on their magnitudes.
Rolling circle amplification and its application in microfluidic systems for Escherichia coli O157:H7 detections
Authors: Jiang Yuqian , Li Shuying , Qiu Zhenyu , Le Tao , Zou Shan , Cao Xudong
Published: June 2019

Rolling circle amplification (RCA) has been widely used to enhance detection signals as its long single‐stranded RCA products can provide multiple binding sites for signal probes for sensitive detections. In the current study, we employ atomic force microscopy (AFM) to monitor the RCA products during the course of the RCA process over time. Subsequently, the results of the RCA obtained from the AFM study are combined with those from the conventional electrophoresis method to optimize RCA reactions for rapid and sensitive detection. We show that there appears to be an inhomogeneous RCA initiation phase in early to mid‐stage of the RCA reaction where some chains grow faster while others grow slower or remain dormant, an observation that has not been reported in the literature. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the RCA can significantly enhance detection signals by up to 100‐fold. We also show that the Escherichia coli O157:H7 detection with the RCA can be carried out in different food matrices with excellent detection sensitivities and specificities. In conclusion, these results suggest that a microfluidic device in combination with RCA signal enhancement is a simple and robust approach to sensitive whole‐cell detection in food samples.

Practical applications

The current research has exciting potentials for applications in sensitive detections of food samples for food safety inspections.
Advance care planning in the palliative phase of people with intellectual disabilities: analysis of medical files and interviews
Authors: Voss H. , Vogel A. , Wagemans A. M. A. , Francke A. L. , Metsemakers J. F. M. , Courtens A. M. , de Veer A. J. E.
Published: June 2019

Background

Advance care planning (ACP) is a process in which professionals, patients and their relatives discuss wishes and options for future care. ACP in the palliative phase reduces the chance that decisions have to be taken suddenly and can therefore improve the quality of life and death. The primary aim of this study is to explore how ACP takes place in cases of people with intellectual disabilities (ID).

Method

Medical files were analysed, and interviews were held in six care organisations for people with mild to severe ID. The data concerned people with ID (n = 30), 15 in the palliative phase, identified using the ‘surprise question’, and 15 who had died after an identifiable period of illness. Additional pre‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with their relatives (n = 30) and professionals (n = 33).

Results

For half of the people with ID who had died, the first report in their file about palliative care (needs) was less than 1 month before their death. Professionals stated that ACP was started in response to the person's deteriorating health situation. A do‐not‐attempt‐resuscitation order was recorded for nearly all people with ID (93%). A smaller group also had other agreements between professionals and relatives documented in their files, mainly about potentially life‐sustaining treatments (43%) and/or hospitalisation admissions (47%). Relatives and professionals are satisfied with the mutual cooperation in ACP in the palliative phase. Cognitive and communication disabilities were most frequently mentioned by relatives and professionals as reasons for not involving people with ID in ACP.

Conclusions

Advance care planning in the palliative phase of people with ID focuses mainly on medical issues at the end of life. Specific challenges concern a proactive identification of changing needs, fear to initiate ACP discussions, documentation of ACP in medical files and the involvement of people with ID in ACP. It is recommended that relatives and professionals should be informed about the content of ACP and professionals should be trained in communicating in advance about wishes for future care.
On the petrology of brittle precursors of shear zones – An expression of concomitant brittle deformation and fluid–rock interactions in the ‘ductile’ continental crust?
Authors: Leydier Thomas , Goncalves Philippe , Lanari Pierre , Oliot Emilien
Published: June 2019

The inherited localization model for shear zone development suggests that ductile deformation in the middle and lower continental crust is localized on mechanical anisotropies, like fractures, referred to as shear zone brittle precursors. In the Neves area (Western Tauern Window, Eastern Alps), although the structural control of these brittle precursors on ductile strain localization is well established, the relative timing of the brittle deformation and associated localized fluid flow with respect to ductile deformation remains in most cases a matter of debate. The present petrological study, carried out on a brittle precursor of a shear zone affecting the Neves metagranodiorite, aims to determine whether brittle and ductile deformations are concomitant and therefore relate to the same tectonic event. The brittle precursor consists of a 100–500 µm wide recrystallized zone with a host mineral‐controlled stable mineral assemblage composed of plagioclase–garnet–quartz–biotite–zoisite±white mica±pyrite. Plagioclase and garnet preserve an internal compositional zoning interpreted as the fingerprint of Alpine metamorphism and fluid–rock interactions concomitant with the brittle deformation. Phase equilibrium modelling of this garnet‐bearing brittle precursor shows that metamorphic garnet and plagioclase both nucleated at 0.6 ± 0.05 GPa, 500 ± 20°C and then grew along a prograde path to 0.75 ± 0.05 GPa, 530 ± 20°C. These amphibolite facies conditions are similar to those inferred from ductile shear zones from the same area, suggesting that both brittle and ductile deformation were active in the ductile realm above 500°C for a depth range between 17 and 21 km. We speculate that the Neves area fulfils most of the required conditions to have hosted slow earthquakes during Alpine continental collision, that is, coupled frictional and viscous deformation under high‐fluid pressure conditions ~450°C. Further investigation of this potential geological record is required to demonstrate that slow earthquakes may not be restricted to subduction zones but are also very likely to occur in modern continental collision settings.
Obesity after neonatal overfeeding is independent of hypothalamic microgliosis
Authors: Soch Alita , Sominsky Luba , De Luca Simone N. , Spencer Sarah J.
Published: June 2019

The early‐life environment is important in programming brain development, and metabolic disruptions at this time can have long‐lasting effects. Previously, we have shown that rats overfed for the first 3 weeks of their neonatal life maintain obesity into adulthood. Neonatal overfeeding also leads to primed hypothalamic and hippocampal microglia that are hyper‐responsive to an immune challenge in adulthood. However, whether this microglial priming contributes to the obese phenotype and whether it is possible to reverse either the obesity or the microglial priming are not clear. In the present study, we hypothesised that an intervention with minocycline during the juvenile period (postnatal day 21‐42) would normalise both the microglial priming and obesity. To induce obesity in neonatal Wistar rats, we manipulated the litter sizes in which they were suckled, yielding litters of 12 (control‐fed) or four (neonatally overfed). After weaning, we administered minocycline i.p. every second day for a 3‐week period and examined body composition and microglial profiles 24 hours following an immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide. As demonstrated previously, neonatal overfeeding resulted in prolonged weight gain. However, minocycline failed to reverse this effect. Minocycline did reverse microglial priming in feeding‐related regions of the hypothalamus, with minimal effects on pro‐inflammatory cytokines and on microglial number and morphology in the hippocampus. Thus, the programming effect of neonatal overfeeding on microglial priming can be ameliorated by minocycline later in life. However, the persistent obesity seen after neonatal overfeeding is likely not driven by changes in hypothalamic inflammation and microglial activity.
Normal craniovascular variation in two modern European adult populations
Authors: Eisová Stanislava , Píšová Hana , Velemínský Petr , Bruner Emiliano
Published: June 2019

The vascular networks running into the meningeal layers, between the brain and braincase, leave imprints on the endocranial surface. These traces are visible in osteological specimens and skeletal collections, providing indirect evidence of vascular patterns in those cases in which bone remains are the only source of anatomical information, such as in forensic science, bioarchaeology and paleontology. The main vascular elements are associated with the middle meningeal artery, the venous sinuses of the dura mater, and the emissary veins. Most of these vascular systems have been hypothesized to be involved in endocranial thermal regulation. Although these traits deal with macroanatomical features, much information on their variation is still lacking. In this survey, we analyze a set of craniovascular imprints in two European dry skull samples with different neurocranial proportions: a brachycephalic Czech sample (n = 103) and a mesocephalic Italian sample (n = 152). We analyzed variation and distribution, correlation with cranial metrics, and sex differences in the dominance of the branches of the middle meningeal artery, the patterns of confluence of the sinuses, and the size of the emissary foramina. The descriptive statistics provide a reference to compare specimens and samples from different case studies. When compared with the Italian skulls, the Czech skulls display a greater dominance of the anterior branch of the middle meningeal artery and more asymmetric right‐dominance of the confluence of the venous sinuses. There is no sex difference in the middle meningeal vessels, but males show a greater prevalence of the occipito‐marginal draining system. Differences in the middle meningeal vessels or venous sinuses are apparently not influenced by cranial dimensions or proportions. The mastoid foramina are larger in larger and more brachycephalic skulls, which increases the emissary potential flow in the Czech sample and males, when compared with the Italian samples and females, respectively. The number of mastoid foramina increases in wider skulls. This anatomic information is necessary to develop further morphological and functional inferences on the relationships between neurocranial bones and vessels at the genetic, ontogenetic, and phylogenetic levels.
Treatment of alopecia areata with nonablative fractional laser combined with topical minoxidil
Authors: Wang Wuyuntana , Gegentana  , Tonglaga  , Bagenna  , Li Yuanhong
Published: June 2019

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is a relatively common dermatosis with the sudden burst of hair loss on the scalp and other hair‐bearing regions. However, because of high relapse and side effects, no satisfactory therapy has been widely accepted.

Objective

To observe the efficiency and safety of the combination therapy of a nonablative fractional (NAF) laser and topical minoxidil for AA.

Methods

Eight Chinese AA patients were included in this study. These patients received 10 treatments every two weeks. At every time, the subject was given 10 to 15 mJ of energy with a total intensity of 300 spots/cm2. After the laser treatment, a topical 5% minoxidil tincture was immediately applied twice daily and continued until the final laser treatment.

Results

Hair regrowth was observed 1‐2 months after treatment. There was complete regrowth in 2 patients, and the lesions of 2 children with alopecia universalis were covered with 30% and 50% regrowth, respectively. All patients except 1 had no relapse at the 1‐year follow‐up examination.

Conclusion

The combination of nonablative laser and topical minoxidil may be a good alternative therapy for AA patients, including alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis, without systemic and local side effects.
Large fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix: Antenatal sonographic diagnosis and follow‐up
Authors: Gowda Sunil , Chakkalakkoombil Sunitha V. , Bharathi Shree , Barathi Deepak
Published: June 2019

Fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix is an uncommon antenatal finding defined as focal dilatation of umbilical vein >9 mm or more than two standard deviations above the mean for the gestational age. We report the case of a 28‐year‐old gravida 2 diabetic lady, who presented at 35 weeks of gestation, whose antenatal ultrasonography showed a cystic lesion of size 4 × 3.8 cm showing turbulent venous flow in the fetal abdomen in continuity with the umbilical vein, diagnosed as umbilical vein varix without any other anomaly. Postnatal ultrasonography showed size reduction and thrombosis of varix. Isolated umbilical vein varix has a favorable outcome, whereas those associated with other structural anomalies have a variable prognosis. This case was reported because of the unusually large size of varix with a good outcome and also to stress the importance of detailed sonography and close fetal monitoring in the presence of umbilical vein varix.
Current status of percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling in Japan
Authors: Sasahara Jun , Ishii Keisuke , Fujikawa Eri , Mitsuda Nobuaki
Published: June 2019

Aim

The aim of the survey is to investigate current practice and complications of percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (PUBS) in Japan.

Methods

In this retrospective survey, data including perioperative information, indications, details of the procedure and procedure‐related complications were collected for patients who underwent PUBS between 2012 and 2016 in Japanese perinatal care centers.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐three patients underwent PUBS and a total of 223 procedures were analyzed in this study. Fetal anemia was the most common indication for PUBS, representing greater than 70% of all cases. Anemia specific to monochorionic twins, such as acute feto‐fetal hemorrhage subsequent to single intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) and twin anemia‐polycythemia sequence, were the leading causes of suspected fetal anemia. Maternal anesthetics were given during the procedure in 70% of cases. The PTC needle (Hakko, Japan) was most commonly used in the procedure. The most frequent complication was bleeding from the umbilical cord puncture site; however, it did not require immediate delivery during or after the procedure in any case. IUFD occurred in 11 (4.9%) procedures, 7 of which appeared to be related to the underlying fetal disease. The overall completion rate of the procedure was 97%.

Conclusion

Percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling was most commonly performed for the evaluation of fetal anemia, usually due to complications of monochorionic twins, followed by the measurement of fetal thyroid function. The safety and the completion rate of the procedure in Japan appear satisfactory.
Stigma: A linguistic analysis of personality disorder in the UK popular press, 2008–2017
Authors: Bowen Matt
Published: June 2019

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

People with a diagnosis of personality disorder often experience stigma both outside of, and within, mental health services.

The media contribute to people's understanding of mental health issues, and negative portrayals appear to lead to increased negative attitudes in readers.

Relatively little is known about how the press represent personality disorder, and the types of messages that people with this disorder may be receiving, which may impact on their understanding of themselves and emotional well‐being.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

The key findings indicate that in a 10‐year period, the representation of personality disorder in the popular tabloid press in the UK was characterized by the frequent use of language of violence.

The research approach enabled the study to identify significant patterns in the language used, rather than only using a checklist of words that the press are directed to avoid.

This adds to our understanding about the images repeatedly presented that may affect how readers treat people with a diagnosis of personality disorder and affect the self‐esteem of those with the diagnosis.

What are the implications for practice?

Mental health nurses are well placed to address issues of stigma both in terms of the general public's beliefs and the impact it has on those who use mental health services.

A greater understanding of the messages in the press can help nurses to support service users who are vulnerable to believing that their lives will start to reflect the negative messages they have read.

Introduction

Many people with a diagnosis of personality disorder experience stigma, and the press’ representations may contribute to those processes. To date, little is known about how the press write about people with personality disorder and analysis of language used is often limited to checklists of words to avoid.

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore the linguistic characteristics of press articles about personality disorder in popular tabloids in the UK and consider the implications for stigmatization.

Method

Corpus linguistics was used to examine a 50% sample of all articles published by the popular press in the UK, from 2008 to 2017, that referred to personality disorder (n = 260).

Results

The findings identified a range of words that constructed narratives of violence.

Discussion

The method enabled the findings to expand the current level of knowledge in the field, identifying patterns in the use of the language of violence, which may contribute to the processes of self‐stigma.

Implications for practice

Greater understanding of the messages in the press can sensitize nurses to common misconceptions about the disorder, how these may have become internalised and the need for psycho‐social interventions to address the impact of self‐stigma on self‐esteem.
Nurses' satisfaction with barcode medication‐administration technology: Results of a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Darawad Muhammad W. , Othman Elham H. , Alosta Mohammed R.
Published: June 2019

Medication administration is a critical task of nurses that, if not done appropriately, can lead to fatal errors. New technologies, including barcode medication administration, are intended to decrease medication errors and enhance verification of medication‐administration rights. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effect of introducing barcode medication administration on nurses' satisfaction and identified correlates of nurses' satisfaction with barcode medication administration. A descriptive, cross‐sectional design using self‐reported questionnaires was utilized to recruit 207 nurses from three public hospitals. Participants reported being moderately satisfied with barcode medication administration, especially with its efficacy and safety aspects. Their satisfaction had a significant negative correlation with their age, nursing experience, and experience using barcode medication administration, and a significant positive correlation with barcode medication‐administration training satisfaction, computer competence, comfort with using barcode medication administration, and perceived job productivity using barcode medication administration. This study provides important information about Jordanian nurses' satisfaction with barcode medication‐administration technology and provides greater understanding of different clinical correlates to barcode medication‐administration satisfaction. It is recommended that effective barcode medication‐administration training and computer skills training be provided prior to establishing barcode medication administration in hospitals and that the safety features of barcode medication administration be integrated in clinical education and training.
Rhythm in speech and animal vocalizations: a cross‐species perspective
Authors: Ravignani Andrea , Dalla Bella Simone , Falk Simone , Kello Christopher T. , Noriega Florencia , Kotz Sonja A.
Published: June 2019

Why does human speech have rhythm? As we cannot travel back in time to witness how speech developed its rhythmic properties and why humans have the cognitive skills to process them, we rely on alternative methods to find out. One powerful tool is the comparative approach: studying the presence or absence of cognitive/behavioral traits in other species to determine which traits are shared between species and which are recent human inventions. Vocalizations of many species exhibit temporal structure, but little is known about how these rhythmic structures evolved, are perceived and produced, their biological and developmental bases, and communicative functions. We review the literature on rhythm in speech and animal vocalizations as a first step toward understanding similarities and differences across species. We extend this review to quantitative techniques that are useful for computing rhythmic structure in acoustic sequences and hence facilitate cross‐species research. We report links between vocal perception and motor coordination and the differentiation of rhythm based on hierarchical temporal structure. While still far from a complete cross‐species perspective of speech rhythm, our review puts some pieces of the puzzle together.
Diagnostic test accuracy of Spot and Plusoptix photoscreeners in detecting amblyogenic risk factors in children: a systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Xian , Wang Jiaxing , Li Ying , Jiang Bing
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Amblyopia is a permanent visual impairment developed in early childhood. Recently, instrument‐based photoscreeners have been widely used for vision screening to detect amblyopia risk factors, which is key for the prevention and treatment of amblyopia. This meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic test accuracy of Spot and Plusoptix photoscreeners in detecting risk factors for amblyopia in children.

Methods

An electronic literature search was performed in October 2018 using the MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Twenty‐one publications with a total of 5022 subjects were included. Subjects given a comprehensive examination were considered to have amblyopia or amblyogenic risk factors based on the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) referral criteria guidelines.

Results

The overall sensitivity for Spot and Plusoptix was 87.7% and 89.4%, respectively (p = 0.38); the specificity was 78.0% and 89.9%, respectively (p = 0.90). For subjects under 7 years old (preschool children), the overall sensitivity for Spot and Plusoptix was 91.7% and 90.2%, respectively (p = 0.81); the specificity was 82.6% and 93.0%, respectively (p = 0.46).

Conclusion

Both Spot and Plusoptix photoscreeners demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity in detecting amblyopia risk factors in children, especially at preschool ages. There was no significant difference in diagnostic test accuracy between them.
Calibration of the PlusOptix PowerRef 3 with change in viewing distance, adult age and refractive error
Authors: Ghahghaei Saeideh , Reed Olivia , Candy T Rowan , Chandna Arvind
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The PowerRef 3 is frequently used in studying the near triad of accommodation, vergence and pupil responses in normal and clinical populations. Within a range, the defocus measurement of the PowerRef 3 is linearly related to the eye's defocus. While the default factory‐calibrated slope of this relation (calibration factor) is 1, it has been shown that the slope can vary across individuals. Here, we addressed the impact of changes in viewing distance, age and defocus of the eye on the calibration factor.

Methods

We manipulated viewing distance (40 cm, 1 m and 6 m) and recruited participants with a range of accommodative capabilities: participants in their 20s, 40s and over 60 years old. To test whether any effect was larger than the range of measurement reliability of the instrument, we collected data for each condition four times: two in the same session, another on the same day, and one on a different day.

Results

The results demonstrated that viewing distance did not affect the calibration factor over the linear range, regardless of age or uncorrected refractive error. The largest proportion of the variance was explained by between‐subject differences.

Conclusions

Calibration data for the PowerRef 3 were not sensitive to changes in viewing distance. Nevertheless, our results re‐emphasise the relevance of calibration for studies of individual participants.
Insects remove more seeds than mammals in first‐year prairie restorations
Authors: Linabury Mary C. , Turley Nash E. , Brudvig Lars A.
Published: June 2019

Seed sowing is a common early step in restoration, but seed consumers can impede plant establishment and alter community structure. Moreover, seed consumers vary in feeding behaviors and the relative importance of different seed consumer groups during restoration are not well understood. At 12 first‐year prairie restorations in Michigan, we studied seed predation using seed removal trays to ask: What is the relative magnitude of seed removal by insects and mammals? Do seed removal rates change over the growing season? Do habitat edges influence seed removal? At what rates are 10 prairie plant species' seeds removed by mammals and insects? Seed removal depended on consumer type, time of year, and seed species. Insects accounted for the majority of seed removal, contrary to previous research in similar systems. In May, insects removed 1.8 times more seeds than mammals, while in August, they removed 5.1 times more. There was greater seed removal in August. During May 28% of seeds were removed, compared to 54% of seeds removed during August, an increase driven by insects. Edge proximity did not influence seed removal. Certain seed species were removed more than others. For example, Lespedeza capitata (round‐headed bush clover) was always removed at high rates, whereas Coreopsis lanceolata (lance‐leaved coreopsis) and Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem) were always removed at low rates. Mammals and insects showed different preferences for several species. This research suggests a prominent role of seed predation, particularly by insects, for early prairie restoration dynamics, with influences varying temporally and among species.
Syn‐sedimentary hydrothermal dolomites in a lacustrine rift basin: Petrographic and geochemical evidence from the lower Cretaceous Erlian Basin, Northern China
Authors: Yang Zhe , Zhong Dakang , Whitaker Fiona , Lu Zhao , Zhang Shuo , Tang Zicheng , Liu Runchao , Li Zhuang
Published: June 2019

Dolomites occur extensively in the lower Cretaceous along syn‐sedimentary fault zones of the Baiyinchagan Sag, westernmost Erlian Basin, within a predominantly fluvial–lacustrine sedimentary sequence. Four types of dolomite are identified, associated with hydrothermal minerals such as natrolite, analcime and Fe‐bearing magnesite. The finely‐crystalline dolomites consist of anhedral to subhedral crystals (2 to 10 μm), evenly commixed with terrigenous sediments that occur either as matrix‐supporting grains (Fd1) or as massive argillaceous dolostone (Fd2). Medium‐crystalline (Md) dolomites are composed of subhedral to euhedral crystals aggregates (50 to 250 μm) and occur in syn‐sedimentary deformation laminae/bands. Coarse‐crystalline (Cd) dolomites consist of non‐planar crystals (mean size >1 mm), and occur as fracture infills cross‐cutting the other dolomite types. The Fd1, Md and Cd dolomites have similar values of δ18O (−20·5 to −11·0‰ Vienna PeeDee Belemnite) and δ13C (+1·4 to +4·5‰ Vienna PeeDee Belemnite), but Fd2 dolomites are isotopically distinct (δ18O −8·5 to −2·3‰ Vienna PeeDee Belemnite; δ13C +1·4 to +8·6‰ Vienna PeeDee Belemnite). Samples define three groups which differ in light rare‐earth elements versus high rare‐earth elements enrichment/depletion and significance of Tb, Yb and Dy anomalies. Medium‐crystalline dolomites have signatures that indicate formation from brines at very high temperature, with salinities of 11·8 to 23·2 eq. wt. % NaCl and Th values of 167 to 283°C. The calculated temperatures of Fd1 and Cd dolomites extend to slightly lower values (141 to 282°C), while Fd2 dolomites are distinctly cooler (81 to 124°C). These results suggest that the dolomites formed from hydrothermal fluid during and/or penecontemporaneous with sediment deposition. Faults and fractures bounding the basin were important conduits through which high‐temperature Mg‐rich fluids discharged, driven by an abnormally high heat flux associated with local volcanism. It is thought that differing amounts of cooling and degassing of these hydrothermal fluids, and of mixing with lake waters, facilitated the precipitation of dolomite and associated minerals, and resulted in the petrographic and geochemical differences between the dolomites.
Effect of dietary supplementation with ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide in maintaining remission in cats with nonflea hypersensitivity dermatitis: a double‐blind, multicentre, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Noli Chiara , della Valle Maria Federica , Miolo Alda , Medori Cristina , Schievano Carlo ,   The Skinalia Clinical Research Group
Published: June 2019

Background

Feline nonflea hypersensitivity dermatitis (NFHD) is a frequent cause of over‐grooming, scratching and skin lesions. Multimodal therapy often is necessary.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA‐um) in maintaining methylprednisolone‐induced remission in NFHD cats.

Animals

Fifty‐seven NFHD cats with nonseasonal pruritus were enrolled originally, of which 25 completed all study requirements to be eligible for analysis.

Methods and materials

Cats were randomly assigned to PEA‐um (15 mg/kg per os, once daily; n = 29) or placebo (n = 28) while receiving a 28 day tapering methylprednisolone course. Cats responding favourably to methylprednisolone were then administered only PEA‐um (n = 21) or placebo (n = 23) for another eight weeks, followed by a four week long treatment‐free period. Cats were maintained in the study until relapse or study end, whichever came first. Primary outcome was time to relapse. Secondary outcomes were pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS), SCORing Feline Allergic Dermatitis scale (SCORFAD) and owner Global Assessment Score (GAS).

Results

Mean relapse time was 40.5 days (±7.8 SE) in PEA‐um treated cats (n = 13) and 22.2 days (±3.7 SE) for placebo (n = 12; P = 0.04). On Day 28, the severity of pruritus was lower in the PEA‐um treated cats compared to placebo (P = 0.03). Mean worsening of pruritus at the final study day was lower in the PEA‐um group compared to placebo (P = 0.04), whereas SCORFAD was not different between groups. Mean owner GAS at the final study day was better in the PEA‐um than the placebo‐treated group (P = 0.05).

Conclusion and clinical importance

Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide could represent an effective and safe option to delay relapse in NFHD cats.
Mental Blocks in Artistic Gymnastics and Cheerleading: Longitudinal Analysis of Flikikammo
Authors: Maaranen Annamari , Van Raalte Judy L. , Brewer Britton W.
Published: June 2019

Flikikammo is a troubling phenomenon in which athletes lose the ability to perform previously automatic backward moving gymnastics skills as a normal part of a routine. To better understand the effects of flikikammo over time, the confidence, perceived pressure, physical well-being, energy, and stress levels of gymnasts (n = 6) and cheerleaders (n = 4) were assessed weekly over 10 weeks. Half of the participants reported experiencing flikikammo at the start of the study, and half served as age, skill level, and sport-matched controls. Athletes with flikikammo indicated that pressure from coaches and higher energy levels were related to more severe flikikammo. For participants under the age of 18, higher levels of life stress positively correlated with flikikammo, but for those over 18, higher life stress was negatively correlated with flikikammo. These findings highlight the complexity of flikikammo and suggest that complex solutions may be needed to address flikikammo issues.
Assessment and the Use of Questionnaires in Sport Psychology Consulting: An Analysis of Practices and Attitudes From 2003 to 2017
Authors: Vealey Robin S. , Cooley Robin , Nilsson Emma , Block Carly , Galli Nick
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the types and perceived usefulness of questionnaires used by consultants in applied intervention work with athletes in 2003 and 2017, as well as to understand consultants’ perceptions of the advantages, limitations, and needs regarding the use of questionnaires in consulting. Sport psychology consultants in 2003 (n = 96) and 2017 (n = 106) completed a questionnaire that included Likert-scale questions as well as open-ended questions. The percentage of consultants who used questionnaires decreased from 83% in 2003 to 67% in 2017. Consultants in 2003 rated questionnaires as more useful than consultants in 2017, although the specific questionnaires used by consultants did not change extensively over the 14-year period. Advantages in using questionnaires included efficiency, structure of assessment, consensual validation, and credibility, while limitations included lack of relevance, undermining of athlete-consultant relationship, interpretive problems, and cost and lack of access.