bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipopolysaccharide‐primed heterotolerant dendritic cells suppress experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis by multiple mechanisms
Authors: Klaska Izabela P. , Muckersie Elizabeth , Martin‐Granados Cristina , Christofi Maria , Forrester John V.
Published: November 2016

Exposure of bone‐marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDC) to high‐dose ultrapure lipopolysaccharide for 24 hr (LPS‐primed BMDC) enhances their potency in preventing inter‐photoreceptor retinoid binding protein: complete Freund's adjuvant‐induced experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). LPS‐primed BMDC are refractory to further exposure to LPS (= endotoxin tolerance), evidenced here by decreased phosphorylation of TANK‐binding kinase 1, interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase as well as impaired nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) and IRF3, resulting in reduced tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐12 and interferon‐β secretion. LPS‐primed BMDC also show reduced surface expression of Toll‐like receptor‐4 and up‐regulation of CD14, followed by increased apoptosis, mediated via nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc)‐2 signalling. LPS‐primed BMDC are not only homotolerant to LPS but are heterotolerant to alternative pathogen‐associated molecular pattern ligands, such as mycobacterial protein extract (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Specifically, while M. tuberculosis protein extract induces secretion of IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐6 in unprimed BMDC, LPS‐primed BMDC fail to secrete these cytokines in response to M. tuberculosis. We propose that LPS priming of BMDC, by exposure to high doses of LPS for 24 hr, stabilizes their tolerogenicity rather than promoting immunogenicity, and does so by multiple mechanisms, namely (i) generation of tolerogenic apoptotic BMDC through CD14:NFATc signalling; (ii) reduction of NF‐κB and IRF3 signalling and downstream pro‐inflammatory cytokine production; and (iii) blockade of inflammasome activation.
Interventions for nurses’ well‐being at work: a quantitative systematic review
Authors: Romppanen Johanna , Häggman‐Laitila Arja
Published: November 2016

Aim

To gather, assess and synthesize current research knowledge on the interventions aiming to improve nurses’ well‐being at work.

Background

Previous reviews describe health care professionals’ well‐being at work from the perspective of burnout. Research on the interventions for and their effectiveness on nurses’ well‐being at work is sporadic.

Design

A quantitative systematic review based on the procedure of the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination.

Methods

CINAHL, Cochrane, EBSCO, PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus databases were sought from 2009–March 2015. The final data consisted of eight studies described in 10 articles. The study design was RCT in three studies, CBA in three and ITS in two studies. The studies were assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were summarised narratively and displayed in a harvest plot.

Results

Two of the six interventions were person‐directed, two combined person‐ and organisation‐directed and two organisation‐directed interventions. Half of them were mainly targeted at stress management while the others aimed at improving interaction with colleagues, work methods and conditions or at supervision of professional skills.

Conclusions

There was a lot variation in the conceptual bases and the use of evaluation measurements in the studies and the interventions were carried out in a heterogeneous way. Moderate evidence was found to support the use of interventions among nurses employed at in‐patient and out‐patient units in four out of the six interventions. The review pointed out a need for research on standardised interventions on nurses’ well‐being at work and their effectiveness with long‐term follow‐ups.
‘Mental health day’ sickness absence amongst nurses and midwives: workplace, workforce, psychosocial and health characteristics
Authors: Lamont Scott , Brunero Scott , Perry Lin , Duffield Christine , Sibbritt David , Gallagher Robyn , Nicholls Rachel
Published: November 2016

Aim

To examine the workforce, workplace, psychosocial and health characteristics of nurses and midwives in relation to their reported use of sickness absence described as ‘mental health days’.

Background

The occupational stress associated with the nursing profession is increasingly recognized and nurse/midwifery absenteeism is a significant global problem. Taking a ‘mental health day’ as sickness absence is a common phenomenon in Australian health care. No previous studies have empirically explored the characteristics of nurses and midwives using such sickness absence.

Design

Online cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Survey comprising validated tools and questions on workplace and health characteristics was distributed to nurses and midwives in New South Wales, Australia, between May 2014 ‐ February 2015. Sample characteristics were reported using descriptive statistics. Factors independently predictive of ‘mental health day’ reportage were determined using logistic regression.

Results

Fifty‐four percentage of the n = 5041 nurse and midwife respondents took ‘mental health days’. Those affected were significantly more likely to be at younger ages, working shifts with less time sitting at work; to report workplace abuse and plans to leave; having been admitted to hospital in previous 12 months; to be current smokers; to report mental health problems, accomplishing less due to emotional problems and current psychotropic medication use.

Conclusion

Specific characteristics of nurses and midwives who report taking ‘mental health day’ sickness absence offer healthcare administrators and managers opportunities for early identification and intervention with workplace measures and support frameworks to promote well‐being, health promotion and safety.
Mastery goal orientation and cognitive ability effects on performance in learner‐guided training
Authors: Guarino Sarah N. , Whitaker Victoria L. , Jundt Dustin K.
Published: November 2016

To conserve resources, organizations are increasingly turning to learner‐guided training methods in which workers are given control over when, how, and what they cover in the learning process. However, the impact of individual differences such as goal orientation and cognitive ability has not been adequately addressed in learner‐guided training. This study seeks to advance our knowledge of how these differences affect performance through previously unexplored pathways. Specifically, we examined the indirect effects of mastery goal orientation and cognitive ability on post‐training performance in a learner‐directed training context. Findings indicate that off‐task thoughts mediate the positive effect of mastery goal orientation on post‐training performance, while declarative knowledge mediates the positive effect of cognitive ability on post‐training performance.
Autophagy activated by tuberin/mTOR/p70S6K suppression is a protective mechanism against local anaesthetics neurotoxicity
Authors: Xiong Jingwei , Kong Qiuyue , Dai Leyang , Ma He , Cao Xiaofei , Liu Li , Ding Zhengnian
Published: November 2016

The local anaesthetics (LAs) are widely used for peripheral nerve blocks, epidural anaesthesia, spinal anaesthesia and pain management. However, exposure to LAs for long duration or at high dosage can provoke potential neuronal damages. Autophagy is an intracellular bulk degradation process for proteins and organelles. However, both the effects of LAs on autophagy in neuronal cells and the effects of autophagy on LAs neurotoxicity are not clear. To answer these questions, both lipid LAs (procaine and tetracaine) and amide LAs (bupivacaine, lidocaine and ropivacaine) were administrated to human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells. Neurotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay, morphological alterations and median death dosage. Autophagic flux was estimated by autolysosome formation (dual fluorescence LC3 assay), LC3‐II generation and p62 protein degradation (immunoblotting). Signalling alterations were examined by immunoblotting analysis. Inhibition of autophagy was achieved by transfection with beclin‐1 siRNA. We observed that LAs decreased cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner. The neurotoxicity of LAs was tetracaine > bupivacaine > ropivacaine > procaine > lidocaine. LAs increased autophagic flux, as reflected by increases in autolysosome formation and LC3‐II generation, and decrease in p62 levels. Moreover, LAs inhibited tuberin/mTOR/p70S6K signalling, a negative regulator of autophagy activation. Most importantly, autophagy inhibition by beclin‐1 knockdown exacerbated the LAs‐provoked cell damage. Our data suggest that autophagic flux was up‐regulated by LAs through inhibition of tuberin/mTOR/p70S6K signalling, and autophagy activation served as a protective mechanism against LAs neurotoxicity. Therefore, autophagy manipulation could be an alternative therapeutic intervention to prevent LAs‐induced neuronal damage.
Tannic acid inhibits EGFR/STAT1/3 and enhances p38/STAT1 signalling axis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Darvin Pramod , Joung Youn Hee , Kang Dong Young , Sp Nipin , Byun Hyo Joo , Hwang Tae Sook , Sasidharakurup Hema , Lee Chi Ho , Cho Kwang Hyun , Park Kyung Do , Lee Hak Kyo , Yang Young Mok
Published: November 2016

Tannic acid (TA), a naturally occurring polyphenol, is a potent anti‐oxidant with anti‐proliferative effects on multiple cancers. However, its ability to modulate gene‐specific expression of tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes has not been assessed. This work investigates the mechanism of TA to regulate canonical and non‐canonical STAT pathways to impose the gene‐specific induction of G1‐arrest and apoptosis. Regardless of the p53 status and membrane receptors, TA induced G1‐arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Tannic acid distinctly modulated both canonical and non‐canonical STAT pathways, each with a specific role in TA‐induced anti‐cancer effects. Tannic acid enhanced STAT1 ser727 phosphorylation via upstream serine kinase p38. This STAT1 ser727 phosphorylation enhanced the DNA‐binding activity of STAT1 and in turn enhanced expression of p21Waf1/Cip1. However, TA binds to EGF‐R and inhibits the tyrosine phosphorylation of both STAT1 and STAT3. This inhibition leads to the inhibition of STAT3/BCL‐2 DNA‐binding activity. As a result, the expression and mitochondrial localization of BCl‐2 are declined. This altered expression and localization of mitochondrial anti‐pore factors resulted in the release of cytochrome c and the activation of intrinsic apoptosis cascade involving caspases. Taken together, our results suggest that TA modulates EGF‐R/Jak2/STAT1/3 and P38/STAT1/p21Waf1/Cip1 pathways and induce G1‐arrest and intrinsic apoptosis in breast carcinomas.
Novel TRPM8 agonist cooling compound against chronic itch: results from a randomized, double‐blind, controlled, pilot study in dry skin
Authors: Ständer S. , Augustin M. , Roggenkamp D. , Blome C. , Heitkemper T. , Worthmann A.C. , Neufang G.
Published: November 2016

Background

Patients suffering from chronic pruritus (CP) due to dry skin with are often applying emollients containing menthol. However, topical menthol may be irritating and of weak potency in severe pruritus. Two TRPM8 agonists, (1R,2S,5R)‐N‐(2‐(2‐pyridinyl)ethyl)‐2‐ispropyl‐5‐methylcyclohexancarboxamide and menthoxypropanediol, combined as cooling compound (CC) have shown stronger activation of TRPM8 than menthol.

Objectives

Objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CC in alleviating pruritus in patients with dry itchy skin.

Methods

In this vehicle‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized (1 : 1) study, 70 dry skin patients with pruritus intensity measured by Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) ≥3, were treated twice daily over 4 weeks, either with a lotion containing CC or with its vehicle.

Results

At treatment end, pruritus, assessed by a global score, improved significantly more in the CC than in the vehicle group (79.2% vs. 47.1%; P < 0.05; primary endpoint). Also assessed by verbal rating scale (VRS) and percentual improvement, pruritus decreased significantly more in the CC group (P = 0.007/P = 0.015) compared to vehicle arm after treatment. Up to 84% of CC‐treated patients reported a significant, sometimes too strong, long‐lasting cooling effect. The health‐related quality of life improved significantly more in the CC group (P = 0.023). Skin roughness, dryness and hydration improved significantly in both groups without significant differences in‐between them. There were no severe adverse events reported.

Conclusions

Treatment of dry and pruritic skin with a lotion containing the TRPM8 agonist combination ameliorates severe pruritus and represents a possible novel treatment for the burdensome symptom. The most suitable treatment concentration needs still to be identified. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00669708.
On a learning curve for shared decision making: Interviews with clinicians using the knee osteoarthritis Option Grid
Authors: Elwyn Glyn , Rasmussen Julie , Kinsey Katharine , Firth Jill , Marrin Katy , Edwards Adrian , Wood Fiona
Published: November 2016

Rational

Tools used in clinical encounters to illustrate to patients the risks and benefits of treatment options have been shown to increase shared decision making. However, we do not have good information about how these tools are viewed by clinicians and how clinicians think patients would react to their use.

Objective

Our aim was to examine clinicians' views about the possible and actual use of tools designed to support patients and clinicians to collaborate and deliberate about treatment options, namely, Option Grid decision aids.

Method

We conducted a thematic analysis of qualitative interviews embedded in the intervention phase of a trial of an Option Grid decision aid for osteoarthritis of the knee. Interviews were conducted with 6 participating clinicians before they used the tool and again after clinicians had used the tool with 6 patients.

Results

In the first interview, clinicians voiced concerns that the tool would lead to an increase in encounter duration, patient resistance regarding involvement in decision making, and potential information overload. At the second interview, after minimal training, the clinicians reported that the tool had changed their usual way of communicating, and it was generally acceptable and helpful to integrate it into practice.

Discussion and Conclusions

After experiencing the use of Option Grids, clinicians became more willing to use the tools in their clinical encounters with patients. How best to introduce Option Grids to clinicians and adopt their use into practice will need careful consideration of context, workflow, and clinical pathways.
A review of the genus Dysalotus (Percomorphacea: Chiasmodontidae), with the description of Dysalotus pouliulii sp. nov.
Authors: Melo M. R. S.
Published: November 2016

A new species of Dysalotus (family Chiasmodontidae) known only from off the Hawaiian archipelago is described here as Dysalotus pouliulii sp. nov. It differs from all other species of Dysalotus in having a greater number of teeth on the premaxilla (151–198 v. 60–138) and dentary (136–199 v. 76–132) and in a shorter upper jaw [51·9–54·9% of head length (LH) v. 62·4–74·4% LH] and lower jaw (64·8–67·4% in LH v. 75·3–88·1% in LH). A key for the species of Dysalotus and an updated distribution map are provided.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E9B5F1DC‐52E0‐4F53‐9109‐2A8E252AE8CE.
Microwave‐assisted extraction of wild apple fruit dust—production of polyphenol‐rich extracts from filter tea factory by‐products
Authors: Pavlić Branimir , Naffati Abdulhakim , Hojan Tijana , Vladić Jelena , Zeković Zoran , Vidović Senka
Published: November 2016

Wild apple fruit dust, discarded as by‐product from filter tea factory, represents under‐utilized raw material, which contains high amount of bioactive compounds. The aim of present work was utilization of wild apple fruit dust by application of microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) process for recovery of polyphenolic antioxidants. MAE was used for isolation of polyphenolic fraction from this kind of raw material. Box–Behnken experimental design at three levels and three variables was used for process optimization. The influence of extraction time (15–35 min), ethanol concentration (40–80%), and irradiation power (400–800 W) on total extraction yield, total phenols content, total flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity parameters, was evaluated. Experimental results were fitted to a second‐order polynomial model and adequacy of the applied models was evaluated by analysis of variance. Results showed that wild apple fruit dust could be used as good source for recovery of polyphenols and preparation of liquid extracts with increased antioxidant activity.

Practical Applications

Nowadays, there is growing interest for developing economically feasible and environmentally friendly extraction processes for isolation of bioactive compounds from natural resources. At the same time, sustainable and relatively cheap raw material should be utilized in the production. This research provides information about optimization of novel extraction technique (microwave‐assisted extraction), which could be successfully used for polyphenols extraction due to increased yield of target compounds and improved quality of the liquid extracts in terms of antioxidant activity. Therefore, wild apple by‐products from filter‐tea factory, could be used as alternative raw material for production of polyphenols‐rich liquid extracts.
Effects of argon plasma coagulation on human stomach tissue: An ex vivo study
Authors: Gong Eun Jeong , Ahn Ji Yong , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Park Young Soo , Na Hee Kyong , Jung Kee Wook , Kim Do Hoon , Lee Jeong Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Kim Jin‐Ho
Published: November 2016

Background and Aim

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a safe alternative treatment for gastrointestinal neoplasms and precancerous lesions. However, the extent of thermal damage after APC is difficult to predict. We investigated the effects of APC on human stomach tissue.

Methods

Argon plasma coagulation was performed on 10 freshly resected human stomachs that were obtained after total gastrectomy. The effects on tissue were compared across power settings (40, 60, and 80 W), durations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 s), and between injection (submucosal injection of normal saline) and control (without injection) groups. Success was defined as complete mucosal necrosis without damaging the muscularis propria.

Results

Without submucosal injection, the incidence of damaging the muscularis propria increased as the power and duration increased. Tissue damage in the injection group was mostly confined to the submucosa, even when using the high‐power setting. In the injection group, ablations at 40 W for 20 s, 60 W for 15 s, and 80 W for 15 or 20 s produced success rates ≥80%. In the control group, ablations at 60 W for 10 s, and 80 W for 5, or 10 s produced success rates ≥80%. The optimal energy levels to achieve complete mucosal and submucosal necrosis without damaging the muscularis propria were 800–1600 and 600–800 J in the injection and control groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Application of APC produces good results with a low risk of perforation.
Long‐Term Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Associated with Low Coronary Artery Calcium Levels in a Cohort of Older Women: The Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility—Reykjavik Study
Authors: Gudmundsson Adalsteinn , Aspelund Thor , Sigurdsson Gunnar , Harris Tamara , Launer Lenore J. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Jonsson Helgi
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To assess the relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and coronary artery calcium (CAC).

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Established population‐based cohort in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Participants

Women (mean age 76 ± 5) who had completed questionnaires on HRT use (N = 2,867).

Measurements

Coronary artery calcium assessed using computed tomography was the outcome variable and was compared between women with history of HRT and those who had never used HRT and analyzed according to age, length of use, and time after menopause that HRT was initiated.

Results

Eight hundred seventy‐two (30.4%) participants had used HRT, and 312 (10.9%) were current users. After adjustment for age, other late‐life variables, and a propensity score based on midlife data for HRT use as observed in late life, there were significant negative associations between CAC and history and length of HRT use. This association was evident in all age categories. When HRT had been used for longer than 15 years, median CAC level was less than 50% of that observed in never users. The lowest CAC was observed in those who started HRT within 5 years after menopause. The prevalence of coronary events was comparable in both groups.

Conclusion

A strong association was found between long‐term HRT use and low CAC. The negative association between duration of HRT and CAC was evident in all age groups of older women.
How Often Do Clinically Diagnosed Catheter‐Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Nursing Homes Meet Standardized Criteria?
Authors: Armbruster Chelsie E. , Prenovost Katherine , Mobley Harry L.T. , Mody Lona
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To determine the relationship between clinically diagnosed catheter‐associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) and standardized criteria and to assess microorganism‐level differences in symptom burden in a cohort of catheterized nursing home (NH) residents.

Design

Post hoc analysis of a prospective longitudinal study.

Setting

Twelve NHs in southeast Michigan.

Participants

NH residents with indwelling urinary catheters (n = 233; 90% white, 52% male, mean age 73.7).

Measurements

Clinical and demographic data, including CAUTI epidemiology and symptoms, were obtained at study enrollment, 14 days, and monthly thereafter for up to 1 year.

Results

One hundred twenty participants with an indwelling catheter (51%) were prescribed systemic antibiotics for 182 clinically diagnosed CAUTIs. Common signs and symptoms were acute change in mental status (28%), fever (21%), and leukocytosis (13%). Forty percent of clinically diagnosed CAUTIs met Loeb's minimum criteria, 32% met National Health Safety Network (NHSN) criteria, and 50% met Loeb's minimum or NHSN criteria. CAUTIs involving Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. were least likely to meet criteria. CAUTIs involving Klebsiella pneumoniae were most likely to meet Loeb's minimum criteria (odds ratio (OR) = 9.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.3–40.3), possibly because of an association with acute change in mental status (OR = 5.9, 95% CI = 1.8–19.4).

Conclusion

Fifty percent of clinically diagnosed CAUTIs met standardized criteria, which represents an improvement in antibiotic prescribing practices. At the microorganism level, exploratory data indicate that symptom burden may differ between microorganisms. Exploration of CAUTI signs and symptoms associated with specific microorganisms may yield beneficial information to refine existing tools to guide appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Age and gender‐related differences in emotional and behavioural problems and autistic features in children and adolescents with Down syndrome: a survey‐based study of 674 individuals
Authors: Nærland T. , Bakke K. A. , Storvik S. , Warner G. , Howlin P.
Published: November 2016

Background

Recent studies have indicated an increased risk of autism, behavioural and emotional problems and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in individuals with Down syndrome.

Method

In a large‐scale survey‐based study, we examined the rates of these problems and their relationship to age and gender, in a sample of 674 individuals (4–18 years) with Down syndrome. The relationship with IQ level was also explored in a subsample (n = 175). The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Social Communication Questionnaire were used to assess behavioural and emotional problems and autism traits.

Results

On the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, peer problems were the most frequently reported difficulty (48% > cut‐off), followed by hyperactivity/inattention (34% > cut‐off). On the Social Communication Questionnaire, 37% scored at or above cut‐off (≥15) for autism spectrum disorder; 17% were at or above the suggested cut‐off (≥22) for autism. Little association between age and behavioural or emotional problems or with severity of autistic symptomatology was found. However, peer problems were more common in adolescents than in junior school children (P < 0.001); Hyperactivity/inattention was less prevalent among adolescents (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

High rates of autistic features, emotional and behavioural problems are documented. These problems are related to age, gender and degree of intellectual disability.
Accuracy of the prediction equation for the determination of maximum heart rate in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Boer P.‐H.
Published: November 2016

Background

The purpose of the study was to determine if the regression formula developed for the prediction of maximum heart rate (HR) is valid for adults with Down syndrome (DS).

Methods

Thirty‐six adults with DS (31.7 ± 6.8 years; 20 men, 16 women) completed a maximal aerobic test. Maximum HR and VO2 peak were measured directly on a motorised treadmill with a metabolic analyser. Predicted HR was estimated with the regression equation developed for individuals with DS (Fernhall et al. 2001). Differences between measured versus predicted maximum HR were assessed with a dependent T‐test and the relationship with Pearson correlational analyses. Agreement was assessed with Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

There was a significant difference between directly measured maximum HR and predicted maximum HR (P < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between these variables. Bland–Altman analysis indicated that there was measurement bias (+4.7) and large limits of agreement (+26.7 and −17.4) between measured and predicted maximum HR. The Bland–Altman plot also demonstrated the presence of heteroscedasticity.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the regression formula developed for individuals with DS was not accurate in this sample of DS adults aged 19 to 46 years. Future studies should develop different prediction equations for more specific age and body mass index categories for individuals with DS.
Relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors and health locus of control and health‐specific self‐efficacy in university students
Authors: Açıkgöz Çepni Serap , Kitiş Yeter
Published: November 2016

Aim

To investigate the relationship between the healthy lifestyle behaviors and the health locus of control and health‐specific self‐efficacy in university students.

Methods

The study included 572 undergraduate students of a university in the central Anatolia region of Turkey. The data were collected with the General Characteristics Form, the Health‐Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Perceived Health Competence Scale and investigated with the structural equation model.

Results

Health‐specific self‐efficacy was an important predictor of healthy lifestyle behaviors. The Internal health locus of control influenced the healthy lifestyle behaviors through health‐specific self‐efficacy. The other dimension was the Powerful Others health locus of control that affected healthy lifestyle behaviors, both directly and indirectly, through health‐specific self‐efficacy. There was a chance that the health locus of control had a negative effect on healthy lifestyle behaviors through self‐efficacy.

Conclusion

Health‐specific self‐efficacy is an important prerequisite for changes in healthy lifestyle behaviors, which supports Pender's model. The subscales of the health locus of control vary in their effects on healthy lifestyle behaviors, which partly supports Pender's model. Nurses, by using this model, can examine ways of improving these cognitive–perceptual factors and implement health education programs that are directed towards improving them in young persons.
Integrating Social Justice into the Practice of CBFT: A Critical Look at Family Schemas
Authors: Parker Elizabeth O. , McDowell Teresa
Published: November 2016

Many families come to therapy struggling with the negative consequence of social inequity. Family therapy modalities have been developed to address these negative consequences and attend to power and social equity (Transformative family therapy: Just families in a just society. Boston, MA: Pearson Education; Socio‐emotional relationship therapy. New York, NY: Springer). We argue that many family therapy modalities can be adapted to include social equity (Applying critical social theory in family therapy practice. AFTA Springer Series. New York, NY: Springer Publishing). Specifically, cognitive behavioral family therapy can be used to address the inequality in social systems that negatively affect the family system. We focus on schema formation and suggest an emphasis on societal schemas within the therapy milieu as a tool to help families see how societal inequality can affect the problems faced in family life.
Self‐efficacy in the context of heart transplantation – a new perspective
Authors: Almgren Matilda , Lennerling Annette , Lundmark Martina , Forsberg Anna
Published: November 2016

Aims and objectives

An in‐depth exploration of self‐efficacy among heart transplant recipients by means of Bandura's self‐efficacy theory.

Background

An essential component of chronic illness management is self‐management, which refers to activities carried out by people to create order, structure and control in their lives. Self‐efficacy is an important aspect of self‐management, which seems to have become the main paradigm for long‐term management after solid organ transplantation.

Design

A directed content analysis using Bandura's self‐efficacy theory.

Methods

Open‐ended, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 14 heart transplant recipients at their 12‐month follow‐up after heart transplantation.

Results

This study generated the hypothesis that from the patients’ perspective, self‐efficacy after heart transplantation concerns balancing expectations to find the optimum level of self‐efficacy. Performance accomplishment was found to have the greatest impact on self‐efficacy, while its absence was the main source of disappointments. It was also revealed that the gap between performance accomplishment and efficacy expectations can be understood as uncertainty.

Conclusions

It is essential to assess both expectations and disappointments from the patient perspective in order to promote an optimum level of self‐efficacy among heart transplant recipients. This includes supporting the heart recipient to adopt mental and physical adjustment strategies to balance her/his expectations as a means of minimising disappointments. The understanding that uncertainty can undermine self‐efficacy is crucial.

Relevance to clinical practice

The merging of the uncertainty in illness and self‐efficacy theories provides an excellent framework for the provision of self‐management support. In addition, focusing on a partnership between the transplant professionals and the recipient is essential because it minimises the use of a behavioural approach.
Isolated thoughts and feelings and unsolved concerns: adolescents’ and parents’ perspectives on living with type 1 diabetes – a qualitative study using visual storytelling
Authors: Castensøe‐Seidenfaden Pernille , Teilmann Grete , Kensing Finn , Hommel Eva , Olsen Birthe Susanne , Husted Gitte Reventlov
Published: November 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore and describe the experiences of adolescents and their parents living with type 1 diabetes, to identify their needs for support to improve adolescents’ self‐management skills in the transition from child‐ to adulthood.

Background

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes often experience deteriorating glycaemic control and distress. Parents are important in adolescents’ ability to self‐manage type 1 diabetes, but they report anxiety and frustrations. A better understanding of the challenges adolescents and parents face, in relation to the daily self‐management of type 1 diabetes, is important to improve clinical practice.

Design

A qualitative explorative study using visual storytelling as part of individual interviews.

Methods

A purposive sample of nine adolescents and their parents (seven mothers, six fathers) took photographs illustrating their experiences living with type 1 diabetes. Subsequently, participants were interviewed individually guided by participants’ photographs and a semistructured interview guide. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four major themes were consistent across adolescents and their parents: (1) striving for safety, (2) striving for normality, (3) striving for independence and (4) worrying about future. Although adolescents and parents had same concerns and challenges living with type 1 diabetes, they were experienced differently. Their thoughts and feelings mostly remained isolated and their concerns and challenges unsolved.

Conclusions

The concerns and challenges adolescents and their parents face in the transition from child‐ to adulthood are still present despite new treatment modalities. Parents are fundamental in supporting the adolescents’ self‐management‐work; however, the parties have unspoken concerns and challenges.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare providers should address the parties’ challenges and concerns living with type 1 diabetes to diminish worries about future including fear of hypoglycaemia, the burden of type 1 diabetes and the feeling of being incompetent in diabetes self‐management. It is important to focus on supporting both adolescents and their parents, and to provide a shared platform for communication.
Even Optimists Get the Blues: Interindividual Consistency in the Tendency to Brace for the Worst
Authors: Sweeny Kate , Falkenstein Angelica
Published: November 2016

Objective

The present research examined whether the tendency to brace for the worst by becoming pessimistic as news approaches varies across people, namely, people who differ in their trait‐like outlooks on the future (dispositional optimism, defensive pessimism).

Method

Across nine studies in laboratory and field settings, we examined the roles of dispositional optimism and defensive pessimism in the propensity to brace for the worst when awaiting uncertain news. The studies used a variety of paradigms, including predictions about performance on the bar exam, peer ratings of attractiveness, and feedback on an intelligence test. Results: Results from these studies consistently failed to support individual differences in the tendency to brace for the worst.

Conclusions

Trait‐like differences in future outlooks seem to influence only the level and not trajectories of outcome predictions, pointing to relative commonalities in the development of the tendency to brace for the worst.
Paediatrician beliefs and practices around influenza vaccination
Authors: P Newcombe James , Kaur Rajneesh , Wood Nicholas , Seale Holly , Palasanthiran Pamela , Snelling Thomas L
Published: November 2016

Aim

The uptake of influenza vaccination in children with high‐risk medical conditions continues to be low in Australia and internationally. We aimed to determine Australian paediatricians’ beliefs and practices around the influenza vaccination of children.

Methods

This was conducted as a cross sectional survey of paediatricians from two tertiary paediatric hospitals in Sydney.

Results

There were 101 participants. Influenza vaccination was not prioritised compared with other vaccines and clinical issues, with fewer than half of respondents strongly agreeing that influenza vaccination was useful. Paediatricians’ knowledge of guidelines and recommendations in this area was suboptimal. Interventions thought most likely to improve vaccine coverage included better education of doctors, greater vaccine availability in outpatient clinics and automated reminder systems.

Conclusion

The inclusion of influenza vaccine on the standard Australian immunisation schedule may be required to improve vaccine coverage in high‐risk children.
Implementation of dextrose gel in the management of neonatal hypoglycaemia
Authors: Ter Marene , Halibullah Ikhwan , Leung Laura , Jacobs Susan
Published: November 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate dextrose gel in the management of neonatal hypoglycaemia in the postnatal wards at an Australian tertiary level perinatal centre.

Methods

An audit was performed before and after implementation of dextrose gel. Pre‐implementation, neonatal hypoglycaemia was managed with feed supplementation alone, and dextrose gel was used in addition to feed supplementation in the post‐implementation phase. Outcomes included admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for management of hypoglycaemia, proportion of neonates who achieved normoglycaemia (defined as blood glucose ≥2.6 mmol/L, with no clinical signs after one or two treatment attempts) and proportion of neonates with hypoglycaemia recurrence after normoglycaemia and one or two treatment attempts.

Results

NICU admission for treatment of hypoglycaemia reduced significantly post‐implementation of dextrose gel (29/100 (29%) vs. 14/100 (14%), P = 0.01). No significant difference was seen in the proportion of neonates achieving normoglycaemia (71/100 (71%) vs. 75/100 (75%), P = 0.52), but hypoglycaemia recurrence was higher in the post‐implementation group (22/71 (31%) vs. 37/75 (49%), P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Dextrose gel is effective in the management of neonatal hypoglycaemia in the postnatal ward setting, reducing admission to NICU and mother–infant separation.
Drinking frequency effects on the performance of cattle: a systematic review
Authors: Williams L. R. , Jackson E. L. , Bishop‐Hurley G. J. , Swain D. L.
Published: November 2016

This study used a systematic literature review methodology to determine whether there is evidence that drinking frequency has effects on cattle performance, what performance responses to drinking frequency are documented and how performance responses vary according to environmental and animal factors. Electronic databases were searched for English language articles with original data on at least one performance attribute (e.g. water intake, feed intake, live weight) of cattle in response to voluntary drinking frequency or controlled access periods to water. Sixteen experiments on dairy cows and 12 experiments on beef cattle were retrieved from the literature. For beef cattle, all experiments reported reduced water and feed intake with access to water once every second and/or third day compared with once‐daily access. Median reductions of 15% and 25% in water intake and 16% and 9% in feed intake were found across experiments respectively. Live weight responses of beef cattle to access to water were limited and yielded positive, negative and no effects. For dairy cows, most experiments reported reduced water intake, milk yield and milk fat content with access to water twice or once daily compared with controls (ad libitum or ad libitum except at the dairy). Median reductions of 13% and 12% in water intake, 2% and 1% in milk yield and 1% and 2% in milk fat content were found across experiments respectively. Water availability effects on feed intake and live weight were very limited for dairy cows and yielded positive, neutral and negative effects. Season, climate, experiment conditions, animal class and animal genotype were identified to potentially influence intake responses of cattle. The review highlights a number of important gaps in the literature where future work is required to better understand the optimum drinking frequency of cattle and implications of water availability on health, welfare and performance.
Comparison of computed tomographic angiography and intraoperative mesenteric portovenography for extrahepatic portosystemic shunts
Authors: Parry A. T. , White R. N.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Comparison of intra‐operative mesenteric portovenography and computed tomographic angiography for the documentation of the portal vasculature in patients with single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts that underwent preoperative computed tomographic angiography and intra‐operative mesenteric portography. Studies were compared for identification of the intra‐ and extrahepatic portal vasculature.

Results

Computed tomographic angiography demonstrated all four portal vein tributaries and sub‐tributaries. Intra‐operative mesenteric portography inconsistently demonstrated the cranial mesenteric vein, the gastroduodenal vein (12 of 49 dogs and 0 of 10 cats), splenic vein (46 of 49 dogs and 8 of 10 cats) and caudal mesenteric vein (3 of 49 dogs and 2 of 10 cats). Computed tomographic angiography showed the intrahepatic portal vein with shunts emanating from the left gastric vein, splenocaval shunts or shunts involving the left colic vein. It showed intrahepatic portal branching in 5 of 12 patients with shunts involving the right gastric vein. Intra‐operative mesenteric portography showed the intrahepatic portal vein in 29 of 59 patients but was outperformed by computed tomographic angiography in all cases except those patients with a shunt involving the right gastric vein.

Clinical Significance

In cases that have undergone diagnostic preoperative computed tomographic angiography there is no indication for diagnostic intra‐operative mesenteric portovenography before ligation. In contrast, portovenography performed “after” temporary full ligation of the shunt provides clinical useful information and might be considered an integral investigation during shunt attenuation surgery.
Sediment type rules the response of aquatic plant communities to dewatering in wetlands
Authors: De Wilde Mélissa , Puijalon Sara , Bornette Gudrun
Published: November 2016

Questions

The effect of dewatering on aquatic plant communities may vary with sediment properties, such as particle size and organic matter content, as both control water retention in the sediment during dewatering. No study has tested how sediment type affects the short‐term response of plant communities to dewatering. We hypothesized that for the same dewatering event: (1) organic, silt and coarse sediments rank along a gradient of water deficit, with which community resistance and resilience decrease; (2) species survival during the event depend on their known ecological affinity for water; and (3) a peak in species richness associated with an intermediate water deficit occurs in silty habitats.

Location

Riverine wetlands in the floodplain of the Ain River, France.

Methods

Eighteen sampling units were defined, set over three sediment types: gravel‐dominated coarse sediment, silt and organic matter‐dominated sediment. For each sediment type, three sampling units were permanently aquatic, and three sampling units underwent summer dewatering. A survey of species cover was conducted in each sampling unit at four times: before summer dewatering, at the beginning of the event, at the end of the event and 2 months after rewetting. Community resistance and resilience were assessed, as were changes over time in the proportions of species according their water affinity (hydrophytes, amphiphytes and helophytes, documented from the floras), and the effect of dewatering on species renewal and richness.

Results

The sediment type affected aquatic plant community resistance and resilience, with increasing disturbance intensity for silty, followed by coarse compared with organic sediment. Organic sediment retained water efficiently during dewatering, supporting high community resistance, with the maintenance of amphiphytes and more tolerant hydrophytes. On silty sediment, disturbance was sufficiently high to cause the disappearance of hydrophyte vegetative parts, but propagules rapidly sprouted after rewetting, suggesting their preservation in the sediment and enabling good community resilience. On coarse sediment, a decrease in resident amphiphyte abundance, together with helophyte colonization and maintenance after rewetting were observed. Coarse sediment is not favourable to propagule survival, explaining the low community resilience. Contrary to our hypothesis, a linear positive relationship between disturbance intensity and species richness was observed after dewatering.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that a simple description of sediment type allows prediction of dewatering impact on aquatic plant communities: organic, silt and coarse sediments were ranked along a gradient of water deficit, along which resistance and resilience decreased.
Effects of sampling effort on estimates of the structure of replacement networks
Authors: Pulgar Manuel , Alcántara Julio M. , Rey Pedro J.
Published: November 2016

Aims

Important aspects of plant community dynamics depend on interactions between plant species that affect the processes of recruitment and the replacement of dead individuals by new ones. These interactions blend in the replacement network of the community. The qualitative and functional structure of replacement networks can provide insights on community stability properties. The goal of this study was to analyse how sampling effort affects estimates of different descriptors of replacement networks.

Location

Mixed pine‐oak forests in southern Spain.

Methods

We sampled the replacement networks of nine forest patches. In each forest we surveyed 16 plots of 25 m × 25 m, locating all the saplings of woody species and noting whether they were recruiting under the canopy of some plant species or in open interspaces. Using the replacement networks from the plots of each forest we constructed curves relating network descriptor estimates to sampling effort. Additionally we calculated the completeness of basic network elements (number of species and interactions) using rarefaction and extrapolation techniques.

Results

Number of species (S) and connectance (C) stabilized within our range of sampling effort. The estimates of S reached completeness values above 97%. However, the number of interactions in the network (L) and the mean number or interactions per species (k) did not stabilize, although the estimates of L reached completeness values above 86%. With few exceptions, the parameters describing the functional structure of the network and those related to community stability stabilized within our range of sampling effort.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that most replacement networks descriptors in the studied forests can be reliably estimated from samples of around 1 ha. Since plots used in forest ecology are commonly around that size, replacement network monitoring can be easily incorporated in forest ecology studies as a highly cost‐effective tool to explore community dynamics. The reliability of replacement network estimates will provide both a solid foundation for further developments and also a straightforward comparison of results obtained from multiple communities.