bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐year follow‐up of sacral nerve stimulation for patients with diarrhoea‐predominant and mixed irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Fassov J. , Lundby L. , Laurberg S. , Buntzen S. , Krogh K.
Published: June 2016

Aim

Our unit has recently shown that sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has a significantly positive short‐term effect on selected patients with diarrhoea‐predominant or mixed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the medium‐term efficacy of SNS for IBS to establish whether SNS could have a future role in the treatment of IBS.

Method

Patients with IBS who had previously been implanted with a permanent neurostimulator as part of a randomized, controlled, crossover study, were assessed for medium‐term follow‐up. The primary end‐point was change in the IBS‐specific symptom score (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale–Irritable Bowel Syndrome version questionnaire) from baseline to 3‐year follow‐up. The secondary end‐point was a change in the IBS‐specific quality of life score (Irritable Bowel Syndrome–Impact Scale questionnaire) from baseline to 3‐year follow‐up.

Results

Of 26 patients, 20 were eligible for 3‐year follow‐up. The median IBS‐specific symptom score was significantly lower at 3‐year follow‐up (30, range 13–71) than at baseline (62, 45–80) (P = 0.0001). The effect was observed in all symptom clusters within the score. Also, the median IBS‐specific quality of life score was significantly improved at 3‐year follow‐up (52, 26–169) compared with baseline (135, 82–180, P = 0.0002). The effect was observed in all domains of the score. As per the protocol, 75% of patients were judged therapeutic successes. Seventy per cent of patients had a more than 50% reduction in daily IBS symptoms.

Conclusion

At medium‐term follow‐up, SNS continues to be an effective treatment for highly selected patients with diarrhoea‐predominant or mixed IBS.
Association of eNOS and ACE gene polymorphisms and plasma nitric oxide with risk of non‐small cell lung cancer in South India
Authors: Peddireddy Vidyullatha , Badabagni Siva Prasad , Gundimeda Sandhya Devi , Mundluru Hema Prasad
Published: June 2016

Introduction

The role of ACE and eNOS gene polymorphisms and their association with various cancers were reported. However, their role in the lung cancer is unclear.

Objectives

In this study, we analyzed eNOS and ACE gene polymorphisms and the risk of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in South Indian population.

Results

For the eNOS gene, the homozygous “AA” genotypic frequency was significantly associated with NSCLC with an overall risk of 3.6‐fold (P = 0.006, odds ratio = 3.58, 95% confidence interval = 1.66, 7.723). The heterozygous “I/D” genotypic frequency of ACE gene was significantly higher in NSCLC patients when compared to the controls with a 2.29‐fold risk for NSCLC. Multiple regression analyses indicated that gender, smoking status, and polymorphisms in eNOS and ACE genes as the strongest predicting factors for an increased susceptibility to NSCLC.

Conclusions

We report for the first time that polymorphisms in the eNOS “A/A” (homozygous mutant) and ACE “I/D” genotypes might contribute to the increased risk of NSCLC in the South Indian population.
Response of exhaled nitric oxide to inhaled corticosteroids in patients with stable COPD: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lim Chor‐Shen , Rani Fauzi Abdul , Tan Lan‐Eng
Published: June 2016

Introduction

To our knowledge, no meta‐analysis has investigated the response of FeNO levels to corticosteroid treatment in ex‐smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Objectives

This meta‐analysis assessed the potential role of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) as a biomarker for corticosteroid response in ex‐smokers with stable COPD.

Methods

Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, Google Scholar databases were searched until November 5, 2014 using the following terms: corticosteroid, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, nitric oxide, NO, exhaled nitric oxide. Only randomized controlled trials (RCT) or two‐arm prospective studies were included. The primary outcome measure was FeNO before and after treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in ex‐smokers with COPD. Sensitivity analysis was also performed.

Results

Five studies were included in the analysis with a total of 171 COPD patients. All five studies included 125 ex‐smokers and two of these also included 46 current smokers. There was a significant decrease of FeNO in ex‐smoking COPD patients following inhaled corticosteroid treatment (−7.51, 95% CI: −11.51 to −3.51; P =0.003); and in a population of subjects that included both smokers and ex‐smokers (−1.99, 95% CI: −3.41 to −0.56; P =0.006).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that FeNO levels significantly decreased with corticosteroid treatment in ex‐smokers with COPD. Additional studies are required to evaluate whether concurrent smoking has significant effect on FeNO response to ICS.
Exclusion criteria in treatment research on alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use disorders: A review and critical analysis
Authors: Moberg Christine A. , Humphreys Keith
Published: June 2016

Issues

High rates of exclusion in substance use disorder treatment studies reduce the external validity and clinical utility of research findings to an unknown extent. Accordingly, the current review examined commonly used exclusion criteria and their effect on study samples and outcomes.

Approach

English‐language literature was identified by PubMed searches and review of identified articles' reference lists. Studies were included if they analysed data on: (i) the prevalence and nature of exclusion criteria in the substance use disorder treatment field; and/or (ii) the impact of exclusion criteria on sample representativeness or study results.

Key findings

The search yielded 22 studies examining different aspects of exclusion criteria, including 15 empirical examinations of the impact of study exclusion criteria across different substance use disorder treatments on enrolment and outcome results. Aggregating across these 15 studies, we estimated that between 64 and 96% of potential study participants are excluded from substance use disorder treatment studies.

Implications

The widespread exclusion of large proportions of people with substance use disorders limits the external validity of the substance use disorder treatment research literature.

Conclusion

Although some eligibility criteria are necessary to protect participant safety and ensure internal validity, researchers conducting studies on substance use disorder treatments should thoughtfully consider the justification for and specific operationalisation of the extensive exclusion criteria they often utilise. [Moberg C, Humphreys K. Exclusion criteria in treatment research on alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use disorders: A review and critical analysis. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:378–388]
Modifiable health risk behaviours and attitudes towards behaviour change of clients attending community‐based substance use treatment services
Authors: Tremain Danika , Freund Megan , Wolfenden Luke , Wye Paula , Bowman Jenny , Dunlop Adrian , Gillham Karen , Bartlem Kate , McElwaine Kathleen , Gow Beth , Wiggers John
Published: June 2016

Introduction and Aims

Health risk behaviours, such as smoking, nutrition and physical inactivity, are significant contributors to chronic disease for people with substance use disorders. This study reports the prevalence of these behaviours amongst substance use treatment clients, their attitudes towards modifying such behaviours and the acceptability of receiving support to do so. Client characteristics associated with risk status and interest in modifying behaviours were examined.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken with clients of 15 community substance use treatment services within in New South Wales, Australia. Data for the study were collected via computer assisted telephone interviews.

Results

Of those contactable and eligible, 386 (71%) clients completed the survey. Clients reported a high prevalence of smoking (80%), insufficient fruit and/or vegetable consumption (89%) and insufficient physical activity (31%). Overall, 51–69% of clients reported considering modifying their health risk behaviours and 88–97% thought it was acceptable to be provided preventive care to address such behaviours. Younger clients were more likely to smoke (18–34 years (odds ratio [OR] = 4.6 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9, 11.3]); 35–54 years (OR = 2.6 [95% CI = 1.2, 5.7])) and be interested in increasing vegetable consumption (18–34 years (OR = 4.4 [95% CI = 1.3, 14.8]); 35–54 years (OR = 8.0 [95% CI = 2.5, 25.4])) than older clients (≥55 years).

Discussion and Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of health risk behaviours amongst clients of community substance use treatment services. However, contrary to commonly cited barriers to care provision, clients are interested in modifying their risk behaviours and report that receiving preventive care to address these behaviours is acceptable. [Tremain D, Freund M, Wolfenden L, Wye P, Bowman J, Dunlop A, Gillham K, Bartlem K, McElwaine K, Gow B, Wiggers J. Modifiable health risk behaviours and attitudes towards behaviour change of clients attending community‐based substance use treatment services.
Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:369–377.]
Community detoxification for alcohol dependence: A systematic review
Authors: Nadkarni Abhijit , Endsley Paige , Bhatia Urvita , Fuhr Daniela C. , Noorani Aneesa , Naik Aresh , Murthy Pratima , Velleman Richard
Published: June 2016

Issues

Despite the potential advantages of community detoxification for alcohol dependence, in many countries the available resources are mostly focused on specialist services that are resource‐intensive, and often difficult to access because of financial or geographical factors. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise the existing literature about the management of alcohol detoxification in the community to examine its effectiveness, safety, acceptability and feasibility.

Approach

The systematic review was guided by an a priori defined protocol consistent with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) statement. Cochrane library, Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health and CINAHL databases were searched using appropriate search terms. A qualitative synthesis of the data was conducted as the heterogeneity of study designs, samples and outcomes measured precluded a meta‐analyses.

Key Findings

Twenty studies with a range of designs were eligible for the review. Community detoxification had high completion rates and was reported to be safe. Compared to patients undergoing facility based detoxification, those who underwent community detoxification had better drinking outcomes. Community detoxification was cheaper than facility based detoxification and generally had good acceptability by various stakeholders.

Implications

For certain patients, community detoxification should be considered as a viable option to increase access to care.

Conclusions

Although the current evidence base to some extent supports the case for community detoxification there is a need for more randomised controlled trials testing the cost effectiveness of community detoxification in comparison with inpatient detoxification. [Nadkarni A, Endsley P, Bhatia U, Fuhr DC, Noorani A, Naik A, Murthy P, Velleman R. Community detoxification for alcohol dependence: A systematic review Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:389–399]
Functional trait changes in the floras of 11 cities across the globe in response to urbanization
Authors: Palma Estibaliz , Catford Jane A. , Corlett Richard T. , Duncan Richard P. , Hahs Amy K. , McCarthy Michael A. , McDonnell Mark J. , Thompson Ken , Williams Nicholas S. G. , Vesk Peter A.
Published: June 2016

Urbanization causes major environmental changes globally, which can potentially homogenize biota across cities through the loss and gain of particular types of species. We examine whether urban environments consistently select for plants with particular traits and the implications of such changes on the functional composition of urban floras. We classified plant recorded in 11 cities around the globe as species that have either colonized (arrived and naturalized), persisted or been lost (local extirpation) following urbanization. We analyzed how 10 traits previously linked with plant responses to environmental conditions explained membership of these three groups, by comparing colonisers with persistent and extirpated plants through individual city‐level Bayesian models. Then, we used meta‐analysis to assess consistency of traits across urban areas. Finally, we explored several possible scenarios of functional change using these results.

On average, urban colonizers had heavier seeds, unspecialised nutrient requirements, were taller and were annual species more often, especially when compared to locally extirpated plants. Common trends of functional change in urban plant communities include shifts towards taller and heavier‐seeded plants, and an increased prevalence of the short‐lived species, and plants without mutualistic nutritional strategies. Our results suggest that plant traits influence the species that succeed in urban environments worldwide. Different species use different ecological strategies to live in urban environments, as suggested by the importance of several traits that may appear as trait constellations. Plant height and seed mass were the only traits associated with both colonizer and extirpated plant status in urban environments. Based on our data, predicting colonization in urban environments may be easier than identifying extirpation‐prone plants; albeit some regional variation, colonization seems strongly driven by environmental conditions common to most cities (e.g. altered disturbance regimes), whereas extirpation may depend more on processes that vary across cities.
Feedback and motor skill acquisition using a haptic dental simulator
Authors: Al‐Saud L. M. , Mushtaq F. , Allsop M. J. , Culmer P. C. , Mirghani I. , Yates E. , Keeling A. , Mon‐Williams M. A. , Manogue M.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To investigate the effect of qualitatively different types of pedagogical feedback (FB) on the training, transfer and retention of basic manual dexterity dental skills using a virtual reality (VR) haptic dental simulator.

Methods

Sixty‐three participants (M = 22.7 years; SD = 3.4 years), with no previous dental training, were randomly allocated to one of three groups (n = 21 each). Group 1 received device‐only feedback during the training phase, that is the visual display of the simulator (DFB); Group 2 received verbal feedback from a qualified dental instructor (IFB); and Group 3 received a combination of instructor and device feedback (IDFB). Participants completed four tasks during which feedback was given according to group allocation as well as two skills transfer tests. Skill retention was examined immediately after training, at 1 week and at 1 month post‐test.

Results

Statistically significant differences were found between the groups in overall performance (P < 0.001) and error (P = 0.006). Post hoc comparisons revealed the IDFB group produced substantially better performance and fewer errors in comparison with DFB and IFB training. This difference translated to improved performance in skill retention and generalisation of knowledge to novel tasks.

Conclusion

These data indicate that the acquisition and retention of basic dental motor skills in novice trainees is best optimised through a combination of instructor and visual display (VR)‐driven feedback. The results have implications for the utility and implementation of VR haptic technology in dental education.
Bladder cancer detection using a peptide substrate of the 20S proteasome
Authors: Gruba Natalia , Wysocka Magdalena , Brzezińska Magdalena , Dębowski Dawid , Sieńczyk Marcin , Gorodkiewicz Ewa , Guszcz Tomasz , Czaplewski Cezary , Rolka Krzysztof , Lesner Adam
Published: June 2016

The 20S catalytic core of the human 26S proteasome can be secreted from cells, and high levels of extracellular 20S proteasome have been linked to many types of cancers and autoimmune diseases. Several diagnostic approaches have been developed that detect 20S proteasome activity in plasma, but these suffer from problems with efficiency and sensitivity. In this report, we describe the optimization and synthesis of an internally quenched fluorescent substrate of the 20S proteasome, and investigate its use as a potential diagnostic test in bladder cancer. This peptide, 2‐aminobenzoic acid (ABZ)‐Val‐Val‐Ser‐Tyr‐Ala‐Met‐Gly‐Tyr(3‐NO2)‐NH2, is cleaved by the chymotrypsin 20S proteasome subunit and displays an excellent specificity constant value (9.7 × 105 m−1·s−1) and a high kcat (8 s−1). Using this peptide, we identified chymotrypsin‐like proteasome activity in the majority of urine samples obtained from patients with bladder cancer, whereas the proteasome activity in urine samples from healthy volunteers was below the detection limit (0.5 pm). These findings were confirmed by an inhibitory study and immunochemistry methods.
Does Earnings Management Relieve the Negative Effects of Mandatory Pension Contributions?
Authors: Phan Hieu V. , Khieu Hinh D. , Golec Joseph
Published: June 2016

Mandatory pension contributions (MCs) are negative shocks to a firm's liquidity that can unfavorably impact its cost of capital, financing, and investment plans. We examine whether firms faced with MCs use both noncash (NEM) and cash‐generating earnings management (CEM) to partially offset their negative effects. Firms increase CEM, but not NEM, when they experience MCs. We also find that earnings management associated with MCs does not substantially lower the weighted cost of capital or boost external funding and investment. Our findings suggest that MC firms use CEM as it directly generates cash to fund MCs, while NEM does not.
Bivalve aquaculture‐environment interactions in the context of climate change
Authors: Filgueira Ramón , Guyondet Thomas , Comeau Luc A. , Tremblay Réjean
Published: June 2016

Coastal embayments are at risk of impacts by climate change drivers such as ocean warming, sea level rise and alteration in precipitation regimes. The response of the ecosystem to these drivers is highly dependent on their magnitude of change, but also on physical characteristics such as bay morphology and river discharge, which play key roles in water residence time and hence estuarine functioning. These considerations are especially relevant for bivalve aquaculture sites, where the cultured biomass can alter ecosystem dynamics. The combination of climate change, physical and aquaculture drivers can result in synergistic/antagonistic and nonlinear processes. A spatially explicit model was constructed to explore effects of the physical environment (bay geomorphic type, freshwater inputs), climate change drivers (sea level, temperature, precipitation) and aquaculture (bivalve species, stock) on ecosystem functioning. A factorial design led to 336 scenarios (48 hydrodynamic × 7 management). Model outcomes suggest that the physical environment controls estuarine functioning given its influence on primary productivity (bottom‐up control dominated by riverine nutrients) and horizontal advection with the open ocean (dominated by bay geomorphic type). The intensity of bivalve aquaculture ultimately determines the bivalve–phytoplankton trophic interaction, which can range from a bottom‐up control triggered by ammonia excretion to a top‐down control via feeding. Results also suggest that temperature is the strongest climate change driver due to its influence on the metabolism of poikilothermic organisms (e.g. zooplankton and bivalves), which ultimately causes a concomitant increase of top‐down pressure on phytoplankton. Given the different thermal tolerance of cultured species, temperature is also critical to sort winners from losers, benefiting Crassostrea virginica over Mytilus edulis under the specific conditions tested in this numerical exercise. In general, it is predicted that bays with large rivers and high exchange with the open ocean will be more resilient under climate change when bivalve aquaculture is present.
Switchgrass growth and pine–switchgrass interactions in established intercropping systems
Authors: Tian Shiying , Cacho Julian F. , Youssef Mohamed A. , Chescheir George M. , Fischer Milan , Nettles Jami E. , King John S.
Published: June 2016

Intercropping switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) with loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) has been proposed for producing bioenergy feedstock in the southeastern United States. This study investigated switchgrass growth and pine–switchgrass interactions at two established experimental fields (7‐year‐old Lenoir site and 5‐year‐old Carteret site) located on the coastal plain of eastern United States. Position effects (edge and center of switchgrass alley in intercropping plots) and treatment effects (intercropping vs. grass‐only) on aboveground switchgrass growth were evaluated. Interspecific interactions with respect to capturing resources (light, soil water, and nitrogen) were investigated by measuring photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) above grass canopy, soil moisture, and soil mineral nitrogen contents. Switchgrass growth was significantly (P = 0.001) affected by treatments in Lenoir and by position (P < 0.0001) in both study sites. Relative to the center, PAR above grass canopy at edge in both sites was about 48% less during the growing season. Soil water content during the growing season at the edge of grass alley was significantly (P = 0.0001) lower by 23% than at the center in Lenoir, while no significant (P = 0.42) difference was observed in Carteret, in spite of more grass growth at center at both sites. Soil mineral nitrogen content at the center of intercropping plots in Lenoir (no fertilization during 2015) was significantly (P < 0.07) lower than at the edge during the peak of growing season (June, July, and August), but not during early and late parts of growing season (May, September, and November). Position effects on soil water and mineral nitrogen were less evident under conditions with higher external inputs (rainfall and fertilization) and lower plant uptake during nongrowing seasons. Results from this study contributed to a better understanding of above‐ and belowground pine–switchgrass interactions which is necessary to properly manage this new cultivation system for bioenergy production in the southeastern United States.
Seed dormancy and dormancy‐breaking methods in Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. (Poaceae)
Authors: He X. Q. , Wang Y. R. , Hu X. W. , Baskin C. C. , Baskin J. M. , Lv Y. Y.
Published: June 2016

Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. is a perennial grass with high productivity and forage value; however, poor stand establishment, often due to seed dormancy, limits its widespread use for forage production. To investigate the mechanism of seed dormancy and to develop effective methods of improving germination, the contribution of each part of the caryopsis to dormancy was investigated, and a number of single or combined dormancy‐breaking pre‐treatments were conducted using three seed lots. The palea, lemma, pericarp/testa, and endosperm all contributed to seed dormancy. The contribution of each part to dormancy was 23·4%, lemma; 6·2%, palea; 28·4%, pericarp/testa; and 42·0%, endosperm. Hull (palea and lemma) removal, pericarp/testa piercing, and soaking in distilled water or 30% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) significantly decreased the percentage of dormant seeds (i.e. increased germination). Treating hull‐removed and pericarp/testa‐pierced seeds with gibberellic acid (GA3) also significantly decreased the percentage of dormant seeds. Compared with each of the single pre‐treatments, the combined pre‐treatment of pre‐soaking in water for 1 d, then 30% NaOH for 60 min and treating with 300 μm GA3 resulted in the highest germination (89%); and seed viability was 91%.
Canopy characteristics and tillering dynamics of Marandu palisade grass pastures in the rainy–dry transition season
Authors: Santana S. S. , Brito L. F. , Azenha M. V. , Oliveira A. A. , Malheiros E. B. , Ruggieri A. C. , Reis R. A.
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pasture management during the rainy–dry transition season in Jaboticabal, Brazil, on the structural and tillering characteristics of Marandu palisade grass. The treatments were as follows: 15 cm sward height in the rainy season and ungrazed in the rainy–dry transition season (15/0); 25 cm sward height during the rainy season and fixed stocking rate of 2·5 AU ha−1 during the rainy–dry transition season (25/2·5); and 35 cm sward height in the rainy season and fixed stocking rate of 2·5 AU ha−1 in the rainy–dry transition season (35/2·5). There were more herbage mass, stem and dead herbage mass in treatments 25/2·5 and 35/2·5 than 15/0. Tiller appearance rate was greater in treatment 15/0 and tiller mortality rate was higher in treatment 35/2·5 compared to treatment 15/0. Tiller population stability index was 1 in treatment 15/0 and lower in treatment 35/2·5. Although treatment 15/0 showed favourable structural and tillering characteristics, it also has the lowest herbage mass. Treatment 25/2·5 can be regarded as an adequate management strategy for Marandu palisade grass, since it has similar herbage mass and better tillering characteristics than treatment 35/2·5.
Distribution and community structure of chloropid flies (Diptera: Chloropidae) in Nearctic glacial and post‐glacial grasslands
Authors: Solecki Anna M. , Buddle Christopher M. , Wheeler Terry A.
Published: June 2016

Arthropod species inhabiting disjunct xeric grasslands in the Yukon Territory, Canada may be relicts of Pleistocene steppe assemblages widespread in Beringia during glaciation, or they may be recent remnants of northward expansion of southern grassland communities during the early‐Holocene Hypsithermal. To assess the likely origin of the Yukon grassland arthropod community, grassland‐associated Chloropidae (Diptera) were compared from three regions: the Canadian Prairies, the Peace River region of Alberta and the southern Yukon.

If Yukon grassland insect communities, like those in the Peace region, result primarily from northward dispersal during the Hypsithermal, chloropid assemblages in all regions would be similar, except that species richness would decline with increasing latitude. If, however, they are primarily relicts of Pleistocene steppe communities, Yukon chloropid assemblages would be distinct from southern assemblages.

There was a latitudinal gradient of decreasing species richness and Yukon assemblages were distinct from Prairie and Peace region assemblages, based on cluster analysis, non‐metric multidimensional scaling and pairwise comparisons of Morisita similarity indices.

Community‐level analyses suggest that Yukon assemblages have been separated from those in the Prairies and Peace regions since before the Hypsithermal and likely contain a mix of relict populations inhabiting Pleistocene steppe remnants in East Beringia with recent northward post‐glacial dispersal from the southern Prairies. Dispersal from eastern Russia via Beringia appears to have been negligible.
Policy and marketing changes to help curb childhood obesity: government ban vs. industry self‐regulation
Authors: Dumitrescu Claudia , Shaw Hughner Renée , Shultz Clifford J.
Published: June 2016

Childhood obesity has become a public health crisis requiring action from government and food marketers. Building on attribution theory, this study advances understanding of how parents respond to information about policies intended to restrict sales promotion (i.e. toy premiums) paired with children's fast food meals, the consumption of which is often linked to obesity. This research uses experimental design to test the effects of two types of sales promotion restrictions on parents’ attitudes and behavioural intentions: industry self‐regulated restrictions and restrictions arising from government‐mandated policies. The results show that a toy premiums ban may lead to higher satisfaction with, and behavioural intentions toward, less‐healthy food products. These responses are explained by parents’ minimized tendency to blame the food marketers for less‐healthy meals. The contributions of this research have theoretical and practical implications for policy makers, food marketers and consumer researchers.
Children's participation in brand‐based social networks: examining the role of evaluative social identity, self‐esteem and anticipated emotions on commitment and desire to recommend
Authors: Hook Margurite , Baxter Stacey , Kulczynski Alicia
Published: June 2016

Social networks involving the social interactions and personal relationships of brand devotees (brand‐based social networks) are valuable company and marketing resources, playing a major role in brand and product promotion, and facilitating word‐of‐mouth. This research sought to examine the influence of evaluative social identity on brand‐based social network commitment and network recommendations, specifically for children. The sample for the study comprised 394 Australian children, 6–14 years of age, who participate in an informal offline social network for the brand ‘Minecraft’. This research introduces anticipated emotions (positive and negative) as the mechanisms underlying the influence of evaluative social identity on brand‐based social network commitment and network recommendations. Specifically, when children are unable to participate in the brand network, they will experience negative emotions. When children are allowed to participate positive emotions are experienced. These emotions, both positive and negative, are found to enhance children's commitment to the brand‐based social network and also their desire to refer the network to non‐members. Further, this research provides evidence that the relationship between evaluative social identity, and both network commitment and network recommendations, is only observed for children with low personal self‐esteem. This research provides unique insight into the under‐researched area of children and brand‐based social networks, and introduces new moderating and mediating effects on established relationships, with findings useful for both academics and practitioners.
Preparation of stable microcapsules from disrupted cell of Haematococcus pluvialis by spray drying
Authors: Chen Limei , Liu Xiumin , Li Demao , Chen Wuxi , Zhang Ke , Chen Shulin
Published: June 2016

Haematococcus pluvialis, including astaxanthin, disrupted by high‐pressure homogenisation was microencapsulated with Maillard reaction products as wall materials by spray drying. The microcapsules were characterised by scanning electron microscope, size analysis and also the storage stability. The optimised cell disruption process for H. pluvialis based on response surface optimisation was 70 MPa of pressure, 7.38% of H. pluvialis concentration and homogenisation once with a disruption rate of 98.96 ± 0.12%. The optimised spray drying process consisted of a wall‐to‐core material ratio of 2.4:1, inlet temperature of 180 °C and outlet temperature of 80 °C with a microencapsulation rate and microcapsule production rate of (92.1 ± 0.1)% and (97.7 ± 0.2)%, respectively. Characterisation and stability test showed that this microencapsulation process ensured the stability of astaxanthin.
Depression, caregiver burden and social support among caregivers of retinoblastoma patients in China
Authors: Wang Li‐Juan , Zhong Wen‐Xiang , Ji Xun‐Da , Chen Jiao
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study is to examine the burden of family caregivers of patients with retinoblastoma in China and the relationships between depression, caregiver burden and social support. A descriptive and correlational survey was conducted with 117 Chinese family caregivers of outpatient patients with retinoblastoma from the Department of Ophthalmology of a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. Family caregivers of outpatient patients with retinoblastoma were asked to respond to four questionnaires including sociodemographic questionnaire, Becker Depression Inventory, Caregiver Burden Inventory and Social Support Rating Scale. The incidence of depression in this study was 51.3%; the average score for social support indicated moderate social support available to the caregivers, although their level of caregiver burden was heavy. Depression scores were significantly positively correlated with caregiver burden scores and significantly negatively correlated with the social support scores. Heavy caregiver burden was associated with lower monthly income, low subjective social support and less use of social support.
Strategies to address the nursing shortage in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aboshaiqah A.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To investigate the nursing shortage in Saudi Arabia and specifically the shortage of Saudi nurses in the healthcare workforce and to propose solutions.

Methods

Literature published from 1993 to 2013 providing relevant information on the nursing shortage, cultural traditions and beliefs, and nursing education and policies in Saudi was accessed from multiple sources including Medline, CINAHL Plus and Google Scholar and from official Saudi government document and was reviewed.

Results

Saudi Arabia depends largely on an expatriate workforce, and this applies to nursing. Saudi Arabia is experiencing a nursing shortage in common with most countries in the world and a shortage of Saudi nationals, especially women, in the healthcare workforce. The world shortage of nursing is extrinsic to Saudi, but intrinsic factors include a poor image of the nursing profession in the country that is exacerbated by cultural factors.

Conclusions/implications

With the call for the Saudization of the workforce to replace the imported workforce by Saudi nationals, including nurses, through the 1992 Royal Decree, Saudi Arabia faces a problem in attracting and retaining Saudi nationals in the nursing workforce. Solutions are suggested that are aimed at improving the public image of nursing through education and the use of the media and improvements in the workplace by addressing working processes such as teamwork, ensuring adequate staffing levels and addressing some aspects of culture which may make working in nursing more compatible with being a Saudi national.
An integrative review of pursing policy and political competence
Authors: Benton D.C. , Al Maaitah R. , Gharaibeh M.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

For several decades, there have been repeated calls for nurses to become more involved in policy and political processes.

Aims

The purpose of this article is to conduct an integrative review to identify and assess the current state of the science relating to supporting the pursuit of greater involvement by the nursing profession in policy and political processes.

Design

Standard integrative review procedures were used to identify studies that examined how policy competence could be achieved. A comparative thematic approach to synthesis was used. Both published and grey literature written in English between January 1965 and January 2015 were identified via a structured search of CINAHL, SCOPUS, Science Direct and Google Scholar.

Results

Forty‐five primary studies were identified with literature from North America dominating, but contributions from low‐ and middle‐income countries have recently started to feature. Studies tended to focus on the immediate impact of didactic and action learning–based approaches. The majority of articles were descriptive survey designs utilizing small convenience samples.

Conclusions and policy implication

Many programmes of education have focused on developing an understanding of legislative policy and political processes, but the development of policy and political competencies at team and institutional levels has been ignored. Existing research have looked at the short‐term effects of educational programmes. At this time, there are conflicting reports on the impact of variables such as gender and educational preparation on policy and political competence. There is an urgent need to address these major gaps if nurses at all levels are to play a full role in shaping policy and political process.
Is love in the air or at first sight? Mate finding cues used by sympatric male velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae)
Authors: VanderSal‐Jensen Nicole D. , Crews Sarah C. , Gillespie Rosemary G.
Published: June 2016

Mate finding has been examined in a wide range of hymenopteran families, with the greatest knowledge from social species and parasitoids used in pest management. Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) provide a unique system to study mate finding because short‐lived flying males must find solitary, wingless females that have spatially and temporally dispersed emergence. Based on limited field observations, it is thought that male velvet ants may use visual, chemical, and vibratory cues for mate finding, though there have been no controlled experiments to test these hypotheses. Using choice experiments, this study aims to determine the role of visual and airborne chemical cues used in female detection by three sympatric species of Dasymutilla males. We find that visual cues are not used for initial female detection and that airborne chemicals are sufficient for female detection. We also discover that males readily approach females of different species, indicating airborne chemicals are not used for species recognition. Despite the lack of discrimination by males, we determined that the sympatric, morphologically similar species show no genetic introgression, and therefore some other isolating mechanism must be at play after males make initial contact with the females.
Growth of c‐Axis‐Oriented BiCuSeO Thin Films Directly on Si Wafers
Authors: Wu Xiaolin , Gao Linjie , Roussel Pascal , Dogheche Elhadj , Wang Jianglong , Fu Guangsheng , Wang Shufang
Published: June 2016

Single‐phase, c‐axis‐oriented BiCuSeO thin films have been directly grown on the commercial silicon (001) wafers without any surface pretreatment by using pulsed laser deposition. X‐ray diffraction pole figure confirms that the film does not have any ab‐plane texture, whereas cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy shows good crystallinity of the film even if there exists an amorphous native oxide layer on the wafers surface. At room temperature, the resistivity of the film is about 14 mΩ cm, which is much lower than that reported for corresponding single crystals as well as polycrystalline bulks. This work demonstrates the possibility of using the available state‐of‐the‐art silicon processing techniques to create BiCuSeO‐based thin‐film thermoelectric devices.
Care pathways for organ donation after brain death: guidance from available literature?
Authors: Hoste Pieter , Vanhaecht Kris , Ferdinande Patrick , Rogiers Xavier , Eeckloo Kristof , Blot Stijn , Hoste Eric , Vogelaers Dirk , Vandewoude Koenraad
Published: June 2016

Aims

A discussion of the literature concerning the impact of care pathways in the complex and by definition multidisciplinary process of organ donation following brain death.

Background

Enhancing the quality and safety of organs for transplantation has become a central concern for governmental and professional organizations. At the local hospital level, a donor coordinator can use a range of interventions to improve the donation and procurement process. Care pathways have been proven to represent an effective intervention in several settings for optimizing processes and outcomes.

Design

A discussion paper.

Data sources

A systematic review of the Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases was conducted for articles published until June 2015, using the keywords donation after brain death and care pathways. Each paper was reviewed to investigate the effects of existing care pathways for donation after brain death. An additional search for unpublished information was conducted.

Discussion

Although literature supports care pathways as an effective intervention in several settings, few studies have explored its use and effectiveness for complex care processes such as donation after brain death.

Implications for nursing

Nurses should be aware of their role in the donation process. Care pathways have the potential to support them, but their effectiveness has been insufficiently explored.

Conclusion

Further research should focus on the development and standardization of the clinical content of a care pathway for donation after brain death and the identification of quality indicators. These should be used in a prospective effectiveness assessment of the proposed pathway.
The Communitarization of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice: Why Institutional Change does not Translate into Policy Change
Authors: Trauner Florian , Ripoll Servent Ariadna
Published: June 2016

This article proposes an explanation as to why institutional change – understood as more competences for the European Union's supranational institutions – has rarely led to policy change in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ). It draws attention to the constraints that newly empowered actors have faced in the wake of introducing the co‐decision procedure. If the key principles of a given AFSJ sub‐policy – its ‘policy core’ – were defined before institutional change occurred, the Council (as the dominant actor of the early intergovernmental co‐operation) has found it easier to prevail in the altered structural environment and to co‐opt or sideline actors with competing rationales. The article compares the importance of the new decision‐making procedure with two alternative pathways potentially leading to policy change, namely, the power of litigation and the impact of unexpected external events.
Quantitative changes in palatal donor site thickness after free gingival graft harvesting: a pilot study
Authors: Keskiner Ilker , Aydogdu Ahmet , Balli Umut , Kaleli Ayca E.
Published: June 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate how donor sites thickness quantitatively change over time and at different points of donor site in spontaneous palatal wound healing after free gingival graft (FGG) harvesting.

Materials and Methods

Forty individuals were enrolled and divided into the following two groups based on the residual tissue thickness (RTT) after harvesting: Group 1, <2 mm; and Group 2, ≥2 mm. FGGs were standardized according to their dimensions and thickness and then harvested. Tissue filling was measured at three points of the defect area (mesial, central and distal) at various time points (baseline, after harvesting, and at 1, 3 and 6 months).

Results

The thickness of newly formed tissue from the baseline to 1 month after harvesting was greater in Group 2 than in Group 1, whereas the thickness from 1 to 3 months and from 3 to 6 months after harvesting was greater in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.005). RTT was positively correlated with tissue filling in all the groups at all time points (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The palatal mucosal thickness after FGG harvesting might affect the filling of the defect. Within the study period, the periphery of the palatal wounds filled earlier and to a greater extent compared with the centre of the wounds.
Atopic predisposition in cholinergic urticaria patients and its implications
Authors: Altrichter S. , Koch K. , Church M.K. , Maurer M.
Published: June 2016

Background

Cholinergic urticaria (CholU) is a frequent chronic urticaria disorder with itchy weal and flare‐type skin reactions in response to physical exercise or passive warming. A higher frequency of atopy among CholU patients has been reported, but the significance of this observation is unclear.

Objective

To assess the prevalence and relevance of atopy in CholU patients.

Materials and Methods

Thirty CholU patients were assessed for atopic skin diathesis (atopic predisposition) by use of the Erlangen Atopy Score and divided into atopic and non‐atopic predisposed CholU individuals. Both groups were assessed for disease severity (CholUSI) and activity (CholUAS7), quality of life impairment [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and CU‐Q2OL], seasonal exacerbation, total and specific serum IgE and comorbidities.

Results

CholU patients were found to exhibit high rates of atopic predisposition (57%), with higher prevalence and scores in female than in male patients. High Erlangen Atopy Scores were linked to high CholU severity, activity and impact on QoL. Atopic predisposed CholU patients show different seasonal exacerbation patterns, IgE specificity and comorbidity profiles as compared to non‐atopic CholU patients.

Conclusion

Atopic predisposition and cholinergic urticaria appear to be linked more closely than previously thought, which suggests shared pathogenetic mechanisms. Atopic patients with cholinergic urticaria have more severe disease and poorer quality of life than those who do not. Thus, all cholinergic urticaria patients should be assessed for atopic predisposition.
Potential pollination maintenance by an exotic allodapine bee under climate change scenarios in the Indo‐Pacific region
Authors: Silva D. P. , Groom S. V. C. , da Silva C. R. B. , Stevens M. I. , Schwarz M. P.
Published: June 2016

Recent studies suggest an alarming decline in pollinators across many regions of the world due to multiple factors. One potential factor is climate change, which poses both direct and indirect threats to pollinator populations. To help ameliorate the impact of declining populations on the function of ecological and agricultural systems, there is a need to identify species that may adapt to limit the magnitude of this pollination deficit. The South West Pacific has a highly depauperate endemic bee diversity and numerous non‐indigenous species, including honeybees. One allodapine bee, Braunsapis puangensis, has been accidentally introduced to Fiji where it has rapidly spread across multiple islands and become locally abundant. It is a long‐tongued bee, unaffected by honeybee pathogens, and has the potential to become an important crop pollinator. Here, we model the distribution of this species under different climate scenarios to determine how it is likely to respond to future climate change. We show that its distribution is unlikely to contract, but potentially expand with climate warming. These scenarios therefore indicate that the plasticity in B. puangensis populations may allow it to represent an important crop pollinator in this region should honeybee populations decline.