bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the introduction and spread of non‐native species: international trade and climate change drive ragweed invasion
Authors: Chapman Daniel S. , Makra László , Albertini Roberto , Bonini Maira , Páldy Anna , Rodinkova Victoria , Šikoparija Branko , Weryszko‐Chmielewska Elżbieta , Bullock James M.
Published: January 2016

Biological invasions are a major driver of global change, for which models can attribute causes, assess impacts and guide management. However, invasion models typically focus on spread from known introduction points or non‐native distributions and ignore the transport processes by which species arrive. Here, we developed a simulation model to understand and describe plant invasion at a continental scale, integrating repeated transport through trade pathways, unintentional release events and the population dynamics and local anthropogenic dispersal that drive subsequent spread. We used the model to simulate the invasion of Europe by common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), a globally invasive plant that causes serious harm as an aeroallergen and crop weed. Simulations starting in 1950 accurately reproduced ragweed's current distribution, including the presence of records in climatically unsuitable areas as a result of repeated introduction. Furthermore, the model outputs were strongly correlated with spatial and temporal patterns of ragweed pollen concentrations, which are fully independent of the calibration data. The model suggests that recent trends for warmer summers and increased volumes of international trade have accelerated the ragweed invasion. For the latter, long distance dispersal because of trade within the invaded continent is highlighted as a key invasion process, in addition to import from the native range. Biosecurity simulations, whereby transport through trade pathways is halted, showed that effective control is only achieved by early action targeting all relevant pathways. We conclude that invasion models would benefit from integrating introduction processes (transport and release) with spread dynamics, to better represent propagule pressure from native sources as well as mechanisms for long‐distance dispersal within invaded continents. Ultimately, such integration may facilitate better prediction of spatial and temporal variation in invasion risk and provide useful guidance for management strategies to reduce the impacts of invasion.
Water for small‐scale biogas digesters in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Bansal Vamini , Tumwesige Vianney , Smith Jo U.
Published: January 2016

Biogas could provide a more sustainable energy source than wood fuels for rural households in sub‐Saharan African. However, functioning of biogas digesters can be limited in areas of low water availability. The water required is approximately 50 dm3 day−1 for each cow and 10 dm3 day−1 for each pig providing manure to the digester, or 25 (±6) dm3 day−1 for each person in the household, using a digester volume of 1.3 (±0.3) m3 capita−1. Here, we consider the potential of domestic water recycling, rainwater harvesting, and aquaculture to supply the water needed for digestion in different countries of sub‐Saharan Africa. Domestic water recycling was found to be important in every country but was usually insufficient to meet the requirements of the digester, with households in 72% of countries need to collect additional water. Rooftop rainwater harvesting also has an important role, iron roofs being more effective than thatched roofs at collecting water. However, even with an iron roof, the size of roof commonly found in sub‐Saharan Africa (15 to 40 m2) is too small to collect sufficient water, requiring an extra area (in m2) for each person of (R/100) (where R is the rainfall in mm). If there is a local market for fish, stocking a pond with tilapia, fed on plankton growing on bioslurry from the digester, could provide an important source of additional income and hold the water required by the digester. In areas where rainfall is low and seasonal, the fishpond might be stocked only in the rainy season, allowing the pond to be covered during the dry period to reduce evaporation. If evaporative losses (E in mm) exceed rainfall, an extra catchment area is needed to maintain the water level in the pond, equivalent to approximately (1.5 × ((E−R)/R)) m2 for each person in the household.
Eomesodermin promotes interferon‐γ expression and binds to multiple conserved noncoding sequences across the Ifng locus in mouse thymoma cell lines
Authors: Fukuoka Natsuki , Harada Misuzu , Nishida Ai , Ito Yuko , Shiota Hideki , Kataoka Takao
Published: January 2016

The T‐box transcription factors T‐bet and eomesodermin (Eomes) have been shown to regulate the lineage‐specific expression of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). However, in contrast to T‐bet, the role of Eomes in the expression of IFN‐γ remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the Eomes‐dependent expression of IFN‐γ in the mouse thymoma BW5147 and EL4 cells, which do not express T‐bet or Eomes. The ectopic expression of Eomes induced BW5147 and EL4 cells to produce IFN‐γ in response to phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) and ionomycin (IM). In BW5147 cells, Eomes augmented luciferase activity driven by the Ifng promoter encoding from –2500 to +113 bp; however, it was not increased by a stimulation with PMA and IM. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that Eomes bound to the Ifng promoter and conserved noncoding sequence (CNS) –22 kb across the Ifng locus with high efficacy in BW5147 cells. Moreover, Eomes increased permissive histone modifications in the Ifng promoter and multiple CNSs. The stimulation with PMA and IM greatly augmented Eomes binding to CNS–54, CNS–34, CNS+19 and CNS+30, which was inhibited by FK506. These results indicated that Eomes bound to the Ifng promoter and multiple CNSs in stimulation‐dependent and stimulation‐independent manners.
Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in a hemodialysis patient through measurement of plasma catecholamines
Authors: Vantomme Bram , Donck Jan , van Hooland Simon , Wauters Anne , De Clippele Marc , Neirynck Valerie , Huysman Frédérique
Published: January 2016

We report the case of a patient on chronic hemodialysis treatment with paroxysms of severe arterial hypertension accompanied by tachycardia, pallor, sweating and tremor. Measurement of plasma catecholamines revealed norepinephrine level of 4625 pg/mL (reference range 191–225 pg/mL), epinephrine level of 1035 pg/mL (58–76 pg/mL) and dopamine level of 148 pg/mL (50–100 pg/mL). MRI showed a left adrenal mass of 2 cm. After the patient was started on an alpha‐1 adrenergic receptor blocker, she underwent a left adrenalectomy. Anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Although urinary testing is not possible in anuric hemodialysis patients, diagnosis of pheochromocytoma can be made through measurement of plasma free metanephrines and/or plasma catecholamines.
Increased prevalence of eosinophilia in a hemodialysis population: Longitudinal and case control studies
Authors: Hildebrand Sarah , Corbett Richard , Duncan Neill , Ashby Damien
Published: January 2016

Eosinophilia is commonly found in patients with clinical reactions to the hemodialysis circuit. With modern membranes, such reactions have become less common, but they may be under diagnosed in patients with subtle symptoms, in whom the presence of eosinophilia is an important diagnostic feature. Two case reports are presented, along with a hemodialysis study of the frequency and clinical associations of eosinophilia. In three hemodialysis facilities, all current hemodialysis patients with persistent eosinophilia (greater than 1 × 109/L for 3 months) were identified. Control patients without eosinophilia (less than 0.5 × 109/L for 3 months) matched for age, gender, and ethnicity were identified from the same facilities. A historical cohort of patients, dialyzing at the same facilities 5 years ago, was screened for the presence of persistent eosinophilia. From 510 patients, 24 cases of persistent eosinophilia were identified (4.7%). The median eosinophil count was 1.75 × 109/L (range 1.1–7.5 × 109/L). The prevalence in a historical cohort 5 years previously was significantly less at 1.5% (P = 0.046). Compared to controls, patients with eosinophilia were more likely to be on an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (41.7% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.049), had a lower C‐reactive protein (10 vs. 24 mg/L, P = 0.02) and were more likely to be using a fistula for access (P = 0.049). Over the following 12 months, there was no difference in the mean number of hospital admission days between cases and controls (7.6 vs. 11.5 days, P = 0.54), and no difference in mortality over 29 months (25.0% vs. 29.2%, P = 1.00). Eosinophilia remains not uncommon in hemodialysis patients, and in most cases reflects allergy to components of the dialysis circuit, which is usually subclinical. The overall prognosis for asymptomatic patients appears to be favourable.
Current evidence for the diagnostic value of gadoxetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for liver metastasis
Authors: Tsurusaki Masakatsu , Sofue Keitaro , Murakami Takamichi
Published: January 2016

A variety of imaging techniques, including ultrasonography (US), multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography combined with CT scan (PET/CT), are available for diagnosis and treatment planning in liver metastasis. Contrast‐enhanced MDCT is a relatively non‐invasive, widely available and standardized method for hepatic work‐up. Gadoxetic acid (gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid; EOB Primovist®]) is a recently developed liver‐specific hepatobiliary MR contrast agent that offers both dynamic imaging as well as liver‐specific static hepatocyte imaging, referred to as the hepatobiliary phase. Following contrast injection, this technique reveals dynamic vascular phases (arterial, portal venous and delayed phases), in addition to the hepatobiliary phase upon uptake by functional hepatocytes. The overall sensitivity of gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI was significantly higher than that of contrast‐enhanced CT. Specifically, the higher sensitivity of gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI was observed in lesions smaller than 1 cm in diameter. Gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI is considered an extremely useful tool for the diagnosis of liver metastases. Future studies will focus on diagnostic algorithms involving combinations of modalities such as MRI, MDCT and/or 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT, which may impact the treatment plan for these patients.
Caries‐preventive self‐care for children. Consistent oral health messages to the public?
Authors: Løken SY , Wang NJ , Wigen TI
Published: January 2016

Background

Recommendations regarding caries‐preventive self‐care for children are provided by several health authorities.

Objective

To investigate recommendations given to the public regarding children's caries‐preventive self‐care by Norwegian dentists, dental hygienists, dental nurses and public health nurses.

Methods

Questionnaires were sent by e‐mail and answered by 808 of 1132 persons who provide oral preventive promotion to children in dental services and health centres. The preventive advice was obtained through questions about the preferred preventive methods, fluoride recommendations and sources of knowledge on which the personnel based the advice about caries prevention in children. The responses were analysed using logistic regression.

Results

The majority (59–71%) in all professions judged oral hygiene education to be the most important caries‐preventive method. Most personnel (84–98%) recommended all children to use fluoride toothpaste, and half of all personnel (53%) recommended fluoride lozenges for 50% or more of children. Multivariate analysis showed that dental nurses recommended lozenges to more children than dentists (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.7–3.7), while health nurses recommended lozenges to fewer children than dentists (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.8). The most important source of knowledge reported by dental personnel was professional education, while health nurses relied on information from dental personnel.

Conclusions

Health professions’ recommendations regarding caries‐preventive self‐care for children were mainly similar, although variation existed both between and within professions. Collaboration between professions and awareness of the evidence base for preventive oral care may improve the consistency of information given by health professionals to the public.
High prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis in Lebanon: a prospective study
Authors: Itani Salam , Arabi Asma , Harb Dana , Hamzeh Diana , Kibbi Abdul‐Ghani
Published: January 2016

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects not only the skin but also other organs as well. Genetic factors play an important role in individual predisposition. Lately, a positive association has been confirmed between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome (MBS), in western as well as in Middle Eastern countries.

Aim

Assess the prevalence of MBS in Lebanese patients with psoriasis and the differential effect according to types and disease severity.

Methods

This was a case‐control study including 150 psoriasis patients and 150 age‐ and gender‐matched controls admitted to the dermatology clinics at the American University of Beirut‐Medical Center, a tertiary care center in Beirut. Psoriasis severity was assessed by the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). Blood samples were collected from fasting subjects and tested for glucose, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and C‐reactive protein (CRP). Multivariate binary logistic regression models were built to assess the relationship between MBS and psoriasis, after adjustment for smoking as a possible confounding variable.

Results

Patients with psoriasis were two times more likely to have MBS as compared to controls (35.3% vs 18.0%, P < 0.001) with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.4. All components of MBS were more prevalent in psoriasis patients than in controls. PASI score was greater in patients with MBS than those without MBS (10.5 ± 11.5 vs. 7.0 ± 8.1, P = 0.05). MBS prevalence tended to be higher in the inverse type than in others (52.2% versus 32.3%; P = 0.06) and in patients with nail pitting versus those without (45.3% vs. 28.2%; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

This was the first study to assess the prevalence of MBS in Lebanese subjects with psoriasis and, to our knowledge, the first study that showed a higher likelihood of MBS in patients with inverse psoriasis and with nail pitting.
Spectrum of mucocutaneous manifestations in an Asian cohort of patients with leukemia
Authors: Aggarwal Saurabh , Malhotra Pankaj , Dogra Sunil , Vinay Keshavamurthy , Kanwar Amrinder J. , Saikia Uma N.
Published: January 2016

Background

Literature on cutaneous manifestations of leukemia is limited.

Objective

To determine the pattern of mucocutaneous manifestations in adult Asian patients with leukemia and to establish their relation with the leukemia type.

Subjects and methods

After previous consent, 196 consecutively registered patients with leukemia aged ≥18 years were recruited. All patients were prospectively followed for 3 months to evaluate the patterns of mucocutaneous involvement. The mucocutaneous manifestations were categorized into specific lesions with leukemic infiltration and non‐specific lesions.

Results

Seventy‐nine (40.3%) of 196 (males 128 and females 68) recruited patients showed one or more mucocutaneous manifestations. The total number of complaints observed was 87 with mean number of dermatoses per patient being 0.44. Specific manifestations (leukemia cutis) were present in six (3.06%) and nonspecific mucocutaneous manifestations in 73 (37.2%, reactive dermatoses n = 21 and infections n = 52). Cutaneous viral infections were significantly associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (P < 0.005). Antiviral prophylaxis with acyclovir significantly reduced the incidence of varicella‐zoster infection (P = 0.016).

Conclusion

Cutaneous manifestations are common in Asian patients with leukemia, and a thorough cutaneous examination will aid in their management.
Association of diet with acne vulgaris among adolescents in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria
Authors: Okoro Emeka O. , Ogunbiyi Adebola O. , George Adekunle O. , Subulade Mobolaji O.
Published: January 2016

Background

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units that affects 85% of the world's population aged 11–30 years. Diet is believed to affect the severity of acne vulgaris.

Objectives

This study was designed to identify possible associations of diet with acne vulgaris in Nigeria.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among adolescents in Ibadan in 2011. Students were interviewed for demographic data, history of acne, and frequency of intake of specific foods in the previous 12 months. Each participant was examined for facial acne. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each participant.

Results

Data for 464 students were analyzed. The mean ± standard deviation age of all subjects was 13.6 ± 3.6 years, and the mean BMI was 17.8 kg/m2. A total of 299 (64.4%) students were found to have acne vulgaris. Frequencies of intake of various foods varied widely. Prevalences of acne were higher among those who reported an at least daily intake of milk as beverage (72.6% vs. 62.0%; P = 0.035), corn (76.6% vs. 62.3%; P = 0.016), fried beef (75.0% vs. 62.1%; P = 0.042), and cake (77.8% vs. 62.3%; P = 0.012), and less common among those students who reported an at least daily intake of bananas (55.3% vs. 67.6%; P = 0.032).

Conclusions

The present findings suggest associations between some foods and acne in the Nigerian context. An interventional dietary study will be required to further ascertain the effects of these foods on acne vulgaris.
Intralesional cryosurgery for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma of the lower extremities in elderly subjects: a feasibility study
Authors: Har‐Shai Yaron , Sommer Adir , Gil Tamir , Krausz Judit , Gal‐Or Nir , Mettanes Issa , Lavi Idit , Eyal Nir , Brizgalin Leonid , Taran Amir , Har‐Shai Lior , Elmalach Irit
Published: January 2016

Background

Incidences of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the lower extremities in elderly patients are rising. Surgical approaches to the treatment of BCC are subject to possible difficulties in healing, failure of skin grafts, and wound infection. This study assessed the efficacy of intralesional cryosurgery in the treatment of BCC of the lower limbs in elderly patients.

Methods

This study included eight patients aged >60 years in whom a total of 10 nodular or superficial BCCs of the lower limbs were confirmed by biopsy. The patients' medical histories revealed comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, venous insufficiency, and deep vein thrombosis of the legs, congestive heart failure, chronic renal failure, and ischemic heart disease. Using liquid nitrogen, an intralesional cryosurgery needle (CryoShape) was inserted into the tumor to facilitate its complete freezing. Treatment success was confirmed by biopsy taken approximately 3 months after complete healing of the cryo‐wound.

Results

The average size of the lesions treated was 2.49 cm2 (16.4 × 15.2 mm). Mean recovery time was 79.9 days. Biopsies were obtained at a mean of 85.3 days after the wound had healed. All 10 biopsies verified the complete destruction of the tumor. There was no evidence of wound infection or tumor recurrence over a follow‐up period of 28 months.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that a single intralesional cryosurgery session can completely eradicate BCC on the lower extremities in elderly patients. This technique is associated with relatively minor complications, is well tolerated, and represents a safe and effective therapeutic modality for BCC of the lower limbs.
Expression of pro‐angiogenic genes in mesenchymal stem cells derived from dermis of patients with psoriasis
Authors: Niu Xuping , Chang WenJuan , Liu Ruifeng , Hou Ruixia , Li Junqin , Wang Chunfang , Li Xinhua , Zhang Kaiming
Published: January 2016

Background

Recent experimental studies revealed that angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are closely related to psoriasis. Our microarray analysis suggested that the pro‐angiogenic genes platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM1), facio‐genital dysplasia‐5 (FGD5), prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase‐1 (PTGS1), melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM), vasohibin‐2 (VASH2), and stabilin‐1 (STAB1) are differentially expressed in dermal mesenchymal stem cells in psoriasis.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the mRNA and protein expression of PECAM1, FGD5, PTGS1, MCAM, VASH2, and STAB1 for angiogenesis and the possible mechanisms in psoriasis.

Methods

We studied 12 patients with plaque psoriasis and 14 healthy controls matched for age and sex. Dermal mesenchymal stem cells were expanded, passaged, and identified by cellular morphology, immunophenotyping, and multipotential differentiation. The mRNA and protein expression of the above‐mentioned six genes were confirmed by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.

Results

The significantly decreased expression of PECAM1, PTGS1, FGD5, and MCAM at both mRNA and protein level (except VASH2 and STAB1) were demonstrated in mesenchymal stem cells from psoriatic skin lesions compared with non‐lesional from healthy controls.

Conclusions

We provide the first report that pro‐angiogenic genes PECAM1, PTGS1, FGD5, and MCAM rather than VASH2 and STAB1 may be play a vital role in pathological dermal angiogenesis disorders of psoriasis. Therefore, anti‐angiogenesis is attractive and offers future potential for application in patients with psoriasis.
Quality of life in patients with vitiligo: an analysis of the dermatology life quality index outcome over the past two decades
Authors: Amer Abdulrahman A. A. , Gao Xing‐Hua
Published: January 2016

Vitiligo is one of the most important skin disorders that does not cause much physical impairment, but due to its disfiguring appearance, patients have disturbances in mental health and quality of life (QoL). The dermatology life quality index (DLQI), as one of the most specific QoL instruments, is now used widely for patients with vitiligo. The main objective of this review is to collect and present detailed information about issues and disturbances related to the QoL of patients with vitiligo by reviewing the DLQI studies worldwide in the past 20 years. The impact of vitiligo assessed by the DLQI varies according to the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients. In the majority of our reviewed studies, women showed more QoL impairment than men did, as did young patients compared to elderly ones, married women with vitiligo than singles, and patients with involvement on exposed sites than those on unexposed sites. Dark‐skinned people showed more life quality effects than white people did. Dermatologists should pay particular attention to such patients who experience insufficient QoL, as they require more effort to cure their disease.
Cuticular protein and transcription factor genes expressed during prepupal–pupal transition and by ecdysone pulse treatment in wing discs of Bombyx mori
Authors: Shahin R. , Iwanaga M. , Kawasaki H.
Published: January 2016

We aimed to understand the underlying mechanism that regulates successively expressed cuticular protein (CP) genes around pupation in Bombyx mori. Quantitative PCR was conducted to clarify the expression profile of CP genes and ecdysone‐responsive transcription factor (ERTF) genes around pupation. Ecdysone pulse treatment was also conducted to compare the developmental profiles and the ecdysone induction of the CP and ERTF genes. Fifty‐two CP genes (RR‐1 13, RR‐2 18, CPG 8, CPT 3, CPFL 2, CPH 8) in wing discs of B. mori were examined. Different expression profiles were found, which suggests the existence of a mechanism that regulates CP genes. We divided the genes into five groups according to their peak stages of expression. RR‐2 genes were expressed until the day of pupation and RR‐1 genes were expressed before and after pupation and for longer than RR‐2 genes; this suggests different construction of exo‐ and endocuticular layers. CPG, CPT, CPFL and CPH genes were expressed before and after pupation, which implies their involvement in both cuticular layers. Expression profiles of ERTFs corresponded with previous reports. Ecdysone pulse treatment showed that the induction of CP and ERTF genes in vitro reflected developmental expression, from which we speculated that ERTFs regulate CP gene expression around pupation.
Interaction of Lysinibacillus sphaericus Cry48Aa/Cry49Aa toxin with midgut brush‐border membrane fractions from Culex quinquefasciatus larvae
Authors: Guo Q.‐Y. , Hu X.‐M. , Cai Q.‐X. , Yan J.‐P. , Yuan Z.‐M.
Published: January 2016

The Cry48Aa/Cry49Aa mosquitocidal toxin from Lysinibacillus sphaericus was uniquely composed of a three‐domain (Cry) toxin and binary (Bin) toxin‐like protein, with high toxicity against Culex spp. However, its mode of action against the target mosquitoes is still unknown. In this study, Cry48Aa, Cry49Aa and its N‐ and C‐terminal truncated proteins were expressed and purified, and the binding affinities of the purified proteins with midgut brush‐border membrane fractions (BBMFs) from Culex quin‐quefasciatus larvae were performed. The results showed that both Cry48Aa and Cry49Aa have specific and high binding affinity to BBMFs, with dissociation constants of 9.5 ± 1.8 and 25.4 ± 3.8 nM, respectively. Competition assays demonstrated that Cry49Aa C‐terminal derivatives were able to bind to the BBMFs, whereas Far‐Western dot blot analysis revealed that its N‐terminal constructs interacted with Cry48Aa. Nevertheless, larvicidal activity was almost lost when Cry49Aa truncated proteins, either individually or in pairs, combined with Cry48Aa. It is concluded that Cry49Aa is responsible for receptor binding and interaction with Cry48Aa and plays an important role in the mechanism of action of these two‐component toxins.
The transformer genes in the fig wasp Ceratosolen solmsi provide new evidence for duplications independent of complementary sex determination
Authors: Jia L.‐Y. , Xiao J.‐H. , Xiong T.‐L. , Niu L.‐M. , Huang D.‐W.
Published: January 2016

Transformer (tra) is the key gene that turns on the sex‐determination cascade in Drosophila melanogaster and in some other insects. The honeybee Apis mellifera has two duplicates of tra, one of which (complementary sex determiner, csd) is the primary signal for complementary sex‐determination (CSD), regulating the other duplicate (feminizer). Two tra duplicates have been found in some other hymenopteran species, resulting in the assumption that a single ancestral duplication of tra took place in the Hymenoptera. Here, we searched for tra homologues and pseudogenes in the Hymenoptera, focusing on five newly published hymenopteran genomes. We found three tra copies in the fig wasp Ceratosolen solmsi. Further evolutionary and expression analyses also showed that the two duplicates (Csoltra‐B and Csoltra‐C) are under positive selection, and have female‐specific expression, suggesting possible sex‐related functions. Moreover, Aculeata species exhibit many pseudogenes generated by lineage‐specific duplications. We conclude that phylogenetic reconstruction and pseudogene screening provide novel evidence supporting the hypothesis of independent duplications rather an ancestral origin of multiple tra paralogues in the Hymenoptera. The case of C. solmsi is the first example of a non‐CSD species with duplicated tra, contrary to the previous assumption that derived tra paralogues function as the CSD locus.
Associations of demographic and behavioural factors with glycaemic control in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Osan J. K. , Punch J. D. , Watson M. , Chan Y. X. , Barrie P. , Fegan P. G. , Yeap B. B.
Published: January 2016

Background

Despite recognised benefits of optimal glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), good control is still difficult to achieve, particularly for adolescents and young adults. Recognition of factors that may assist early optimisation of glycaemic control is therefore important.

Aims

We explored associations of demographic, social and behavioural factors with glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in participants with T1DM aged 18–25 years.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was performed on young adults attending a dedicated multidisciplinary clinic at Fremantle Hospital, Western Australia from January to August 2014.

Results

Data from 93 participants were analysed. Mean age was 21.4 ± 2.3 years, and 39.8% of the cohort were female. Longer duration of diabetes was associated with higher HbA1c (r = 0.25, P = 0.04). Men had lower HbA1c than women (8.2 ± 1.6 vs 9.2 ± 2.0%, P = 0.01). Increased frequency of clinic attendance was associated with lower HbA1c (r = −0.27, P = 0.02). Those engaged in work or study had better HbA1c compared with those who were not (8.9 ± 2.1 vs 10.5 ± 2.1%, P = 0.03). Socioeconomic disadvantage, risk‐taking behaviour, insulin pump use and distance travelled to clinic were not associated with differences in HbA1c.

Conclusion

In young adults with T1DM, geographical separation, socioeconomic disadvantage and risk‐taking behaviours did not influence glycaemic control. Longer duration of diabetes identifies young adults at higher risk of poor control, while attendance at a multidisciplinary clinic and engagement in work or study was associated with better glycaemic control. Additional studies are warranted to clarify the role of behavioural interventions to improve diabetes management in young adults.
Presentation of high antigen‐dose by splenic B220lo B cells fosters a feedback loop between T helper type 2 memory and antibody isotype switching
Authors: Ellis Jason S. , Guloglu F. Betul , Zaghouani Habib
Published: January 2016

Effective humoral immunity ensues when antigen presentation by B cells culminates in productive cooperation with T lymphocytes. This collaboration, however, remains ill‐defined because naive antigen‐specific B cells are rare and difficult to track in vivo. Herein, we used a defined transfer model to examine how B lymphocytes, as antigen‐presenting cells, shape the development of T‐cell memory suitable for generation of relevant antibody responses. Specifically, we examined how B cells presenting different doses of antigen during the initial priming phase shape the development of CD4 T‐cell memory and its influence on humoral immunity. The findings indicate that B cells presenting low dose of antigen favour the development of T helper type 1 (Th1) type memory, while those presenting a high antigen dose yielded better Th2 memory cells. The memory Th2 cells supported the production of antibodies by effector B cells and promoted isotype switching to IgG1. Moreover, among the B‐cell subsets tested for induction of Th2 memory, the splenic but not peritoneal B220lo cells were most effective in sustaining Th2 memory development as well as immunoglobulin isotype switching, and this function involved a tight control by programmed death 1–programmed death ligand 2 interactions.
Gfi1, a transcriptional repressor, inhibits the induction of the T helper type 1 programme in activated CD4 T cells
Authors: Suzuki Junpei , Maruyama Saho , Tamauchi Hidekazu , Kuwahara Makoto , Horiuchi Mika , Mizuki Masumi , Ochi Mizuki , Sawasaki Tatsuya , Zhu Jinfang , Yasukawa Masaki , Yamashita Masakatsu
Published: January 2016

A transcriptional repressor Gfi1 promotes T helper type 2 (Th2) cell development and inhibits Th17 and inducible regulatory T‐cell differentiation. However, the role of Gfi1 in regulating Th1 cell differentiation and the Th1‐type immune response remains to be investigated. We herein demonstrate that Gfi1 inhibits the induction of the Th1 programme in activated CD4 T cells. The activated Gfi1‐deficient CD4 T cells spontaneously develop into Th1 cells in an interleukin‐12‐ and interferon‐γ‐independent manner. The increase of Th1‐type immune responses was confirmed in vivo in Gfi1‐deficient mice using a murine model of nickel allergy and delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH). The expression levels of Th1‐related transcription factors were found to increase in Gfi1‐deficient activated CD4 T cells. Tbx21, Eomes and Runx2 were identified as possible direct targets of Gfi1. Gfi1 binds to the Tbx21, Eomes and Runx2 gene loci and reduces the histone H3K4 methylation levels in part by modulating Lsd1 recruitment. Together, these findings demonstrate a novel regulatory role of Gfi1 in the regulation of the Th1‐type immune response.
Mechanisms of autoimmunity in the non‐obese diabetic mouse: effector/regulatory cell equilibrium during peak inflammation
Authors: Askenasy Nadir
Published: January 2016

Immune imbalance in autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes may originate from aberrant activities of effector cells or dysfunction of suppressor cells. All possible defective mechanisms have been proposed for diabetes‐prone species: (i) quantitative dominance of diabetogenic cells and decreased numbers of regulatory T cells, (ii) excessive aggression of effectors and defective function of suppressors, (iii) perturbed interaction between effector and suppressor cells, and (iv) variations in sensitivity to negative regulation. The experimental evidence available to date presents conflicting information on these mechanisms, with identification of perturbed equilibrium on the one hand and negation of critical role of each mechanism in propagation of diabetic autoimmunity on the other hand. In our analysis, there is no evidence that inherent abnormalities in numbers and function of effector and suppressor T cells are responsible for the immune imbalance responsible for propagation of type 1 diabetes as a chronic inflammatory process. Possibly, the experimental tools for investigation of these features of immune activity are still underdeveloped and lack sufficient resolution, in the presence of the extensive biological viability and functional versatility of effector and suppressor elements.
Embedding a physical health nurse consultant within mental health services: Consumers’ perspectives
Authors: Happell Brenda , Ewart Stephanie B. , Platania‐Phung Chris , Bocking Julia , Griffiths Kathleen , Scholz Brett , Stanton Robert
Published: January 2016

The life expectancy of people living with mental illness is significantly shorter than that of the rest of the population. Despite the profound impact of physical health issues on both quality of life and life expectancy, the perspectives of mental health consumers have yet to be thoroughly explored. Furthermore, research has focused far more on describing barriers than on identifying solutions. This paper reports on findings from a qualitative exploratory research study, with the aim to examine the potential role of a specialist nurse with advanced physical health‐care skills. Focus groups were conducted with 31 consumers. Data were analysed thematically. The concept of a role like this was supported; however, participants stressed: (i) the importance of integration between health professionals and various components of the health‐care system; and (ii) the need for culture change for nurses to work from a less medically‐dominated approach. Previous research literature suggests that a nursing position dedicated to physical health care and coordination might produce positive outcomes for mental health consumers. The findings from the current research project emphasize the need for consumers to be identified as key stakeholders in a solution‐focused approach to improved physical health care for mental health consumers.
What interventions can improve the mental health nursing practice environment?
Authors: Redknap Robina , Twigg Di , Towell Amanda
Published: January 2016

The nursing practice environment is an important factor for services to consider in the attraction and retention of a skilled workforce during future nursing shortages. Despite the significant number of international studies undertaken to understand the influence of the practice environment on nurse satisfaction and retention, few have been undertaken within the mental health setting. This paper reports on results from a survey conducted in a large Australian public mental health hospital to examine nurses' perceptions of their practice environment, and identifies interventions that could be implemented to improve the practice environment. The hospital is the only remaining, standalone public mental health hospital in Western Australia.
Lived experience of caring for dying patients in emergency room
Authors: Kongsuwan Waraporn , Matchim Yaowarat , Nilmanat Kittikorn , Locsin Rozzano C. , Tanioka Tetsuya , Yasuhara Yuko
Published: January 2016

Background

Dying often occurs in hospitals and frequently in emergency rooms. Understanding caring for critical and dying patients is necessary for quality nursing.

Purpose

This study described the meaning of nurses’ lived experience of caring for critical and dying patients in the emergency rooms.

Methods

This study was conducted in three emergency rooms of tertiary hospitals in southern Thailand. Twelve nurses met the inclusion criteria: nurses working in emergency room for at least 2 years, and experienced caring for critical and dying patients in an emergency department. Data were collected using in‐depth individual interviews. Data transcription and analysis used van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Trustworthiness was established following Lincoln and Guba's criteria.

Findings

Experiences of caring for critical and dying patients revealed four thematic categories: defying death; no time for palliative care; lacking support for family; and privacy for peaceful deaths. These thematic categories reflected van Manen's four lived worlds of body, time, relations and space.

Conclusions

The study described the meaning of the experience of caring for critical and dying patients while supporting the development of nursing knowledge for palliative and end‐of‐life care in emergent settings.

Implications for nursing policy

Findings of the study influence nursing policies toward enhancing education of nurses regarding palliative and end‐of‐life care in emergency settings. These findings can also influence the value of caring‐healing environments for critical and dying patients and their families. Policies can focus on practice and education of families particularly about end‐of‐life care for critical and dying patients.
Comparison of Australian specialty nurse standards with registered nurse standards
Authors: Edmonds Lisa , Cashin Andrew , Heartfield Marie
Published: January 2016

Aim

This study aimed to determine whether registered nurse Australian specialty competency standards identified unique capabilities of nursing practice.

Background

Use of the term specialist in nursing commenced early in the twentieth century with the growth and diversification of postgraduate nursing education. Courses in speciality nursing were associated with the development of specialty competency standards in Australia.

Method

Australian specialty standards were mapped against the current national competency standards for the registered nurse. Content analysis was used to cross‐map the standards to the national standard domains of professional practice, critical thinking and analysis, provision and coordination of care, and collaborative and therapeutic practice.

Findings

Of the 28 sourced speciality standards, only the nursing informatics standards displayed unique elements of nursing practice. Other nursing capabilities such as leadership and person‐centred care were prominent in speciality standards, while more difficult to interpret in the national standards. In addition, developmental and intellectual disability nursing was not evident in the national competency standards.

Discussion

The findings above identified that nursing informatics were the only specialty standards that displayed unique capabilities of nursing practice when compared with the national competency standards. This raises the question of the value add specialty standards have on practice.

Conclusion

Very few unique capabilities of specialty nursing were expressed in these standards. The study identified that they had more potential in assisting registered nurses to interpret their national competency standards into specialist practice contexts.

Implications for nursing and health policy

It is proposed that specific performance indicators of how the registered nurse standards are applied in the specialty context are developed in place of multiple specialty standards.
Improving the safety and quality of nursing care through standardized operating procedures in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Ausserhofer Dietmar , Rakic Severin , Novo Ahmed , Dropic Emira , Fisekovic Eldin , Sredic Ana , Van Malderen Greet
Published: January 2016

Aim

We explored how selected ‘positive deviant’ healthcare facilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina approach the continuous development, adaptation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of nursing‐related standard operating procedures.

Background

Standardized nursing care is internationally recognized as a critical element of safe, high‐quality health care; yet very little research has examined one of its key instruments: nursing‐related standard operating procedures.

Introduction

Despite variability in Bosnia and Herzegovina's healthcare and nursing care quality, we assumed that some healthcare facilities would have developed effective strategies to elevate nursing quality and safety through the use of standard operating procedures.

Methods

Guided by the ‘positive deviance’ approach, we used a multiple‐case study design to examine a criterion sample of four facilities (two primary healthcare centres and two hospitals), collecting data via focus groups and individual interviews.

Findings

In each studied facility, certification/accreditation processes were crucial to the initiation of continuous development, adaptation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of nursing‐related SOPs. In one hospital and one primary healthcare centre, nurses working in advanced roles (i.e. quality coordinators) were responsible for developing and implementing nursing‐related standard operating procedures. Across the four studied institutions, we identified a consistent approach to standard operating procedures‐related processes.

Conclusions

The certification/accreditation process is enabling necessary changes in institutions’ organizational cultures, empowering nurses to take on advanced roles in improving the safety and quality of nursing care.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Standardizing nursing procedures is key to improve the safety and quality of nursing care. Nursing and Health Policy are needed in Bosnia and Herzegovina to establish a functioning institutional framework, including regulatory bodies, educational systems for developing nurses’ capacities or the inclusion of nursing‐related standard operating procedures in certification/accreditation standards.
Perceptions about eating experiences of low‐literate older adults with heart disease: a qualitative study
Authors: Chen Su‐Hui , Shyu Yea‐Ing Lotus , Ko Yu‐Shien , Kung Hsiu Ling , Shao Jung‐Hua
Published: January 2016

Aims

To explore perceptions of low‐literate older adults with heart disease about their eating experiences.

Background

Heart disease has been closely linked with nutrition, and nutritional status is poor in patients with limited education, but no studies have explored the eating experiences of low‐literate adults with heart disease.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Data were collected in tape‐recorded semi‐structured interviews from March ‐ June 2012. A convenience sample of 13 low‐literate older adults with heart disease was recruited from a cardiovascular ward of a medical centre in northern Taiwan. Participants were recruited until findings reached saturation and data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

Analysis of participants' interview data on eating experiences identified three main categories: (1) eating‐related hardships because of low literacy; (2) eating adjustments due to low literacy; and (3) misinformation about dietary modifications for heart disease.

Conclusion

Because of their low literacy, these older adults had difficult life experiences, gained inappropriate or inadequate eating information and held a passive, fatalistic perspective about eating with heart disease. Healthcare practitioners caring for this population need to appreciate their unique eating challenges and respect their eating customs. Nurses could play a greater role in educating and supporting low‐literate older adults in selecting appropriate foods and preparing meals. Strategies to help this population learn to select, prepare and cook their food should be easy and practical, using specific symbols, concrete signs and simple labels.
Family‐centred approaches to healthcare interventions in chronic diseases in adults: a quantitative systematic review
Authors: Deek Hiba , Hamilton Sandra , Brown Nicola , Inglis Sally C. , Digiacomo Michelle , Newton Phillip J. , Noureddine Samar , MacDonald Peter S. , Davidson Patricia M. ,   the FAMILY Project Investigators
Published: January 2016

Background

Increasingly there is a focus on self‐care strategies for both malignant and non‐malignant conditions. Models of self‐care interventions have focussed on the individual and less on the broader context of family and society. In many societies, decision‐making and health seeking behaviours, involve family members.

Objective

To identify elements of effective family‐centred self‐care interventions that are likely to improve outcomes of adults living with chronic conditions.

Design

Review paper.

Data sources

MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, PsychInfo and Scopus between 2000–2014.

Review methods

Quantitative studies targeting patient outcomes through family‐centred interventions in adults were retrieved using systematic methods in January, 2015. Search terms used were: ‘family’, ‘spouse’, ‘carer’, ‘caregiver’, ‘chronic’, ‘chronic disease’, ‘self‐care’, ‘self‐management’ and ‘self‐efficacy’. Reference lists were reviewed. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Data were reported using a narrative summary approach.

Results

Ten studies were identified. Improvements were noted in readmission rates, emergency department presentations, and anxiety levels using family‐centred interventions compared with controls. Elements of effective interventions used were a family‐centred approach, active learning strategy and transitional care with appropriate follow‐up.

Conclusions

Involving the family in self‐care has shown some positive results for patients with chronic conditions. The benefits of family‐centred care may be more likely in specific socio‐cultural contexts.

Limitations

The review has year limits and further research needs to identify support for both the patients and family caregivers.