bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental involvement in adolescent depression interventions: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Dardas Latefa Ali , van de Water Brittney , Simmons Leigh Ann
Published: December 2017

Despite the widespread research recommendations for psychiatric nurses and other mental health professionals to include parents in adolescent depression treatment, no systematic reviews have yet synthesized the findings from intervention studies that included parents in the treatment and/or prevention of adolescent depression. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted to (i) identify and describe clinical trials that included parents as an integral component of adolescent depression interventions, (ii) examine the effectiveness of these trials in reducing depressive symptoms, and (iii) evaluate their methodological quality. We systematically searched the databases PubMed and PsycINFO. The search strategy adhered to the PRISMA statement to guide identification and selection of articles. Further, a structured evaluation form was adapted from the CONSORT statement and methodological literature to evaluate the elicited clinical trials. A total of 288 unique articles met criteria for abstract level screening, 45 articles were selected for full‐text review, and 16 articles were included in the final analysis. We found that (i) available approaches to include parents in adolescent depression interventions vary in their theoretical stance, purpose, sample characteristics, and measured outcomes, (ii) the health outcomes of these approaches seemed to be contingent upon the nature of parental involvement, and (iii) effective translation of these approaches into practice needs to be considered in the light of their methodological rigour. Our review revealed a variety of promising approaches to utilize the parental and family contexts as a means of preventing or treating adolescent depression. However, more research is needed to determine which interventions, within what contexts, and using what resources will facilitate the best health outcomes for adolescents with depression and their parents.
Predicting delayed healing: The diagnostic accuracy of a venous leg ulcer risk assessment tool
Authors: Edwards Helen E , Parker Christina N , Miller Charne , Gibb Michelle , Kapp Suzanne , Ogrin Rajna , Anderson Jacinta , Coleman Kerrie , Smith Dianne , Finlayson Kathleen J
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to validate a newly developed tool that can predict the risk of failure to heal of a venous leg ulcer in 24 weeks. The risk assessment tool was validated, and performance of the tool was assessed using Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) analysis. Retrospective and prospective validation was conducted through multi‐site, longitudinal studies. In the retrospective study (n = 318), 30% of ulcers did not heal within 24 weeks, with the tool demonstrating an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.68‐0.93, P < .001) for the total score. In the prospective study across 10 clinical sites (n = 225), 31% (n = 68) of ulcers did not heal within 24 weeks. Participants were classified with the RAT at enrolment as being at low risk (27%), moderate risk (53%) or high risk (20%) of delayed healing; the proportion of wounds unhealed at 24 weeks was 6%, 29% and 59%, respectively. Validation results of the total score indicated good discrimination and goodness of fit with an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.71‐0.85, P < .001). Validation of this risk assessment tool offers assurance that realistic outcomes can be predicted for patients, and scores can guide early decisions on interventions to address specific risk factors for failing to heal, thus promoting timely healing.
Thermal barrier coatings with interface modified by 3D mesh patterns: Failure analysis and design optimization
Authors: Luo Lirong , Shan Xiao , Guo Yi , Zhao Chunshan , Wang Xin , Zhao Xiaofeng , Guo Fangwei , Xiao Ping
Published: December 2017

Surface patterning of the bond coat using a three‐dimensional mesh offers a promising approach to improve the durability of the thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), in which the geometry parameters of the mesh play a vital role. The objective of this work is to investigate the failure behavior of the air‐plasma sprayedTBCs with mesh, and to identify the optimal mesh design. The study revealed that the failure sequence of theTBCs with mesh patterns consisted of (I) initiation of the interfacial and ridge cracks (around the top of the mesh); (II) cracks propagation and buckling of theYSZlayer; (III) interfacial cracks deflection and coalescence with ridge cracks, leading to final spallation. The critical parameters governing each step of the failure sequence were discussed and proposed. For a typicalTBCs withYSZthickness about 200 μm, the critical mesh heighthand spacing lengthLis about 110 μm and 7 mm, respectively, when the mesh widthwis fixed at about 480 μm.
The Design of Stereotype and the Image
Authors: Roxburgh Mark , Caratti Elena
Published: December 2017

Our everyday life is influenced by an overproduction of images and by an iconogenic surplus that is connected to the proliferation of media. These contribute to both the quality and quantity of communication, but simultaneously amplify the knowledge gap between an audience that is able to critically process messages and another that is affected uncritically by prejudices and stereotypes. Bellino argues for a critical media education to address this gap by encouraging the development of students' critical thinking and social awareness. In this article we will discuss the results of a research‐driven design project in which visual communication design students engaged with theories of cultural stereotypes and critiqued the role of media in their perpetuation. We adopted Kolb's model of experiential learning as recent published research demonstrates that art and design students have difficulties in conventional academic approaches to learning theory. In this regard students learned theories of stereotype through doing and making and embodied this learning in their critical project outcomes.
The NSEAD Survey Report 2015–16: Political Reflections from Two Art and Design Educators
Authors: Payne Rachel , Hall Emese
Published: December 2017

In 2015 the (UK) National Society for Education in Art and Design (NSEAD) conducted their biggest and most comprehensive survey to date with art and design educators. Some 1,191 teachers and lecturers employed in early years to further education settings across England and Wales responded to the survey, which aimed to capture how government policy since 2010 has affected art and design education. Four key areas were examined: curriculum provision; value given to the subject within the school community; professional development opportunities; and well‐being and workload. The results are troubling, indicating a systemic marginalisation of art and design across all sectors, evident in a reduction in choice, provision and curriculum time, and evidence of falling standards in student attainment at primary to secondary transfer. We supported the NSEAD with constructing the survey and writing the report and in this article we utilise the Survey Report to fuel a broader discussion about our concerns regarding the demise of art and design education. Value is identified as an essential theme and we posit that our subject, largely due to neoliberalist policy, is currently perceived as a ‘bimbo’: attractive, but unintelligent and frivolous. In this article we pay particular attention to the value of art and design education from a political perspective, challenging narrow government agendas.
Evaluating Students’ Performance in Responding to Art: The Development and Validation of an Art Criticism Assessment Rubric
Authors: Tam Cheung On
Published: December 2017

This article reports on the development and validation of a rubric for assessing students’ written responses to artworks. Since the implementation of the Hong Kong New Senior Secondary Curriculum in 2009, art educators have seen responding to artworks as increasingly important. In this context, the Art Criticism Assessment Rubric (ACAR) was developed. On the basis of Feldman's and Geahigan's theories of art criticism, eight evaluation criteria were identified. The inter‐rater reliability (IRR) of the ACAR was examined. A preliminary IRR test was conducted and an excellent intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) value of .91 was obtained. For the main study, six independent raters, who were divided into three groups of two, were trained and invited to rate 87 art criticism essays written by students from eight secondary schools. Most dimensions of the ACAR achieved good ICC values. The results show that the ACAR is an acceptable rubric for providing a reliable assessment of students’ written responses to artworks. However, two dimensions, Originality and Balanced Views and Application of Aesthetic and Contextual Knowledge, obtained poor ICC values. This may be owing to the lack of consensus on the definition of originality and the raters' unfamiliarity with the concept of aesthetic knowledge. The researchers suggest that dimension‐specific samples rated from high to low scores should be provided in raters’ training.
Biological characteristics of human menstrual blood‐derived endometrial stem cells
Authors: Liu Yanli , Niu Rongcheng , Yang Fen , Yan Yan , Liang Shengying , Sun Yuliang , Shen Ping , Lin Juntang
Published: December 2017

Successful isolation of human endometrial stem cells from menstrual blood, namely menstrual blood‐derived endometrial stem cells (MenSCs), has provided enticing alternative seed cells for stem cell‐based therapy. MenSCs are enriched in the self‐regenerative tissue, endometrium, which shed along the periodic menstrual blood and thus their acquisition involves no physical invasiveness. However, the impact of the storage duration of menstrual blood prior to stem cell isolation, the age of the donor, the number of passages on the self‐renewing of MenSCs, the paracrine production of biological factors in MenSCs and expression of adhesion molecules on MenSCs remain elusive. In this study, we confirmed that MenSCs reside in shedding endometrium, and documented that up to 3 days of storage at 4°C has little impact on MenSCs, while the age of the donor and the number of passages are negatively associated with proliferation capacity of MenSCs. Moreover, we found that MenSCs were actually immune‐privileged and projected no risk of tumour formation. Also, we documented a lung‐ and liver‐dominated, spleen‐ and kidney‐involved organic distribution profile of MenSC 3 days after intravenous transfer into mice. At last, we suggested that MenSCs may have potentially therapeutic effects on diseases through paracrine effect and immunomodulation.
An update of the evidence on the potential impact of periodontal therapy on diabetes outcomes
Authors: Madianos Phoebus N. , Koromantzos Panagiotis A.
Published: December 2017

Aim

To provide an update of the systematic review by Engebretson and Kocher J Clin Periodontol. 2013 Apr;40 Suppl 14:S153 on the effect of periodontal therapy on glycaemic control of people with diabetes.

Methods

PubMed Literature search restricted to meta‐analyses published from 2013 to the present was conducted. The search resulted in seven meta‐analyses of RCTs.

Results

Reduction in HbA1c at 3–4 months was reported in all reviews for the treatment group ranging from −0.27% (95% CI: −0.46, −0.07, p = .007) to −1.03% (95% CI: 0.36, −1.70, p = 0.003). At 6 months post‐treatment, an HbA1c reduction ranging from −0.02 (95% CI: −0.20, −0.16, p = .84) to −1.18% (95% CI: 0.72%, 1.64%, p < 0.001) was reported.

Clinical relevance

The magnitude of the reduction in HbA1c, which is found to be associated with non‐surgical periodontal treatment in patients with diabetes, seems to have clinically significant effects on systemic health, and thus should have a place in the treatment of diabetic patients.

Conclusions

Periodontal treatment (SRP) results in a statistically significant reduction in HbA1C levels at 3 months, with a lower reduction at 6 months.
Role of heat shock factor 1 expression in the microenvironment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas
Authors: Kawashita Yoichiro , Morine Yuji , Saito Yu , Takasu Chie , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Iwahashi Shuichi , Teraoku Hiroki , Yoshikawa Masato , Imura Satoru , Yagi Toshiyuki , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: December 2017

Background and Aim

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), a master regulator of heat shock response, has been shown to play a multifaceted role in cancer progression. However, the clinical significance and biological effect of HSF1 expression in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) remain unknown.

Methods

Forty‐nine patients with IHCC who underwent hepatic resection were enrolled in this study. HSF1 expression in tumor tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry, and patients were divided into two groups, those with high (n = 20) and low (n = 29) HSF1 expression. Clinicopathological factors including prognosis were compared in these two groups.

Results

HSF1 expression was significantly higher in tumors than in normal tissue. The overall survival rate was significantly lower in patients with high than low HSF1. Multivariate analysis showed that high HSF1 expression was a factor independently prognostic of patient survival.

Conclusion

High HSF1 expression in tumor tissues may be a prognostic biomarker in patients with IHCC.
High prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity among persons with a recorded diagnosis of intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Flygare Wallén E. , Ljunggren G. , Carlsson A. C. , Pettersson D. , Wändell P.
Published: December 2017

Background

Obesity and lack of physical activity are frequently reported in persons with intellectual disability (ID) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We hypothesised a higher prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in this population.

Method

We used administrative data for all primary and specialist outpatient and inpatient healthcare consultations for people with at least one recorded diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, hypertension or obesity from 1998 to 2015. Data were drawn from the central administrative database for Stockholm County, Sweden. It was not possible to separate data for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We stratified 26 988 individuals with IDs or ASD into three groups, with Down syndrome treated separately, and compared these groups with 1 996 140 people from the general population.

Results

Compared with the general population, men and women with ID/ASD had 1.6–3.4‐fold higher age‐adjusted odds of having a registered diagnosis of obesity or diabetes mellitus, with the exception of diabetes among men with Down syndrome. A registered diagnosis of hypertension was only more common among men with ID/ASD than in the general population.

Conclusions

Diabetes and blood pressure health screening, along with efforts to prevent development of obesity already in childhood, are necessary for individuals with IDs and ASD. We believe that there is a need for adapted community‐based health promotion programmes to ensure more equitable health for these populations.
Petrogenesis and deformation history of the lawsonite‐bearing blueschist facies metabasalts of the Diamante‐Terranova oceanic unit (southern Italy)
Authors: Fedele L. , Tramparulo F. D'A. , Vitale S. , Cappelletti P. , Prinzi E. P. , Mazzoli S.
Published: December 2017

The Neotethyan oceanic Diamante‐Terranova unit (DIATU; southern Apennines–Calabria–Peloritani Terrane system) includes basic rocks that during the Cenozoic were subducted and metamorphosed to lawsonite‐blueschist facies conditions. Petrological and structural observations (both at the meso‐ and micro‐scale) show that lawsonite growth was continuous during three distinctive ductile deformation stages (D1–D3). These likely occurred close to the metamorphic peak, estimated at 350–390°C and 0.9–1.1 GPa, producing an equilibrium assemblage made of blue Na‐amphibole, lawsonite, chlorite and pumpellyite. Locally, pods dominated by quartz and epidote (plus chlorite, calcite and green Ca‐amphibole) developed at similar conditions (350–370°C, 0.8–0.9 GPa). Post‐peak evolution during the final exhumation of the DIATU along the subduction channel, also consisted of three deformation stages, defined by folding (D4) and normal faulting (D5) and finally by strike‐slip faulting (D6), affecting both the blueschist unit and the unconformably overlying Tortonian conglomerates. Vorticity analysis on syn‐tectonic lawsonite crystals indicates that severe flattening occurred during the D2 stage, with a significant secondary non‐coaxial strain component along the W–E plane. This is associated with an eastward tectonic vergence, consistent with the subsequent D3 and D4 folding stages characterized by a dominant ENE tectonic transport. It is suggested that exhumation started from the D2 stage and continued during D3 at similar HP/LT metamorphic conditions. The widespread occurrence of unreacted lawsonite crystals suggests that exhumation was very fast and supports the idea that concurrent ductile deformation might play a role in its preservation.
Segmentation of clustered cells in negative phase contrast images with integrated light intensity and cell shape information
Authors: WANG Y. , WANG C. , ZHANG Z.
Published: December 2017

Automated cell segmentation plays a key role in characterisations of cell behaviours for both biology research and clinical practices. Currently, the segmentation of clustered cells still remains as a challenge and is the main reason for false segmentation. In this study, the emphasis was put on the segmentation of clustered cells in negative phase contrast images. A new method was proposed to combine both light intensity and cell shape information through the construction of grey‐weighted distance transform (GWDT) within preliminarily segmented areas. With the constructed GWDT, the clustered cells can be detected and then separated with a modified region skeleton‐based method. Moreover, a contour expansion operation was applied to get optimised detection of cell boundaries. In this paper, the working principle and detailed procedure of the proposed method are described, followed by the evaluation of the method on clustered cell segmentation. Results show that the proposed method achieves an improved performance in clustered cell segmentation compared with other methods, with 85.8% and 97.16% accuracy rate for clustered cells and all cells, respectively.
The effect of the solution‐focused approach on nutrition–exercise attitudes and behaviours of overweight and obese adolescents: Randomised controlled trial
Authors: Akgul Gundogdu Nurcan , Sevig Emine Umit , Guler Nuran
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To assess the effect of the solution‐focused approach interview technique on overweight/obese adolescents’ nutrition–exercise attitudes and behaviours.

Background

Obesity is a serious health problem for all age groups, particularly adolescents; therefore, it is important for adolescents to develop healthy nutrition habits and acquire exercise behaviours. Unless healthy nutrition–exercise behaviours are acquired, obesity can develop in adolescence, continue in adulthood. Focusing on solutions can be effective for overweight/obese adolescents to develop healthy nutrition–exercise behaviours.

Design

A pretest–post‐test randomised controlled trial design was used.

Methods

The study included 32 overweight/obese adolescents (16 for intervention group, 16 for control group) aged 12–13 years who attended a health centre and met the inclusion criteria. The solution‐focused Approach interview technique was applied to the intervention group. Eight solution‐focused interviews were conducted with each adolescent at 2‐week intervals (interview length 30–45 min). For each group, anthropometric, metabolic measurement follow‐ups were conducted in the first and sixth months. The data were evaluated using independent samples t test, Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon test, respectively, for normally, non‐normally distributed variables. The categorical variables were compared using chi‐square test. The value p < .05 was accepted to be statistically significant.

Results

The study concluded that the intervention group's healthy nutrition–exercise attitude and behaviour scale scores were higher in the sixth month follow‐up; difference between the follow‐ups was significant (p < .001). The study also showed that the intervention group lost 2.6–11 kg, while the control group gained 2.9–9 kg. A significant positive relationship was found between the nutrition–exercise attitude and behaviour scores.

Conclusion

Eight interviews during 6 months were adequate for positive development of their nutrition–exercise attitudes and behaviours; significant decrease in their weight, BMI percentile, BMI‐SDS values; and normal metabolic values.

Relevance to clinical practice

The solution‐focused approach interview technique enabled overweight/obese adolescents’ weight and blood glucose to be controlled against obesity. It helped them acquire healthy nutrition–exercise behaviours. Thus, it can be used as support for treatment of obesity in adolescents.
Towards a standardised definition for fundamental care: A modified Delphi study
Authors: Feo Rebecca , Conroy Tiffany , Jangland Eva , Muntlin Athlin Åsa , Brovall Maria , Parr Jenny , Blomberg Karin , Kitson Alison
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To generate a standardised definition for fundamental care and identify the discrete elements that constitute such care.

Background

There is poor conceptual clarity surrounding fundamental care. The Fundamentals of Care Framework aims to overcome this problem by outlining three core dimensions underpinning such care. Implementing the Framework requires a standardised definition for fundamental care that reflects the Framework's conceptual understanding, as well as agreement on the elements that comprise such care (i.e., patient needs, such as nutrition, and nurse actions, such as empathy). This study sought to achieve this consensus.

Design

Modified Delphi study.

Methods

Three phases: (i) engaging stakeholders via an interactive workshop; (ii) using workshop findings to develop a preliminary definition for, and identify the discrete elements that constitute, fundamental care; and (iii) gaining consensus on the definition and elements via a two‐round Delphi approach (Round 1 n = 38; Round 2 n = 28).

Results

Delphi participants perceived both the definition and elements generated from the workshop as comprehensive, but beyond the scope of fundamental care. Participants questioned whether the definition should focus on patient needs and nurse actions, or more broadly on how fundamental care should be delivered (e.g., through a trusting nurse–patient relationship), and the outcomes of this care delivery. There were also mixed opinions whether the definition should be nursing specific.

Conclusions

This study has initiated crucial dialogue around how fundamental care is conceptualised and defined. Future work should focus on further refinements of the definition and elements with a larger, international group of practising nurses and service users.

Relevance to clinical practice

The definition and elements, through ongoing refinement, will contribute to a robust evidence base that will underpin policy development and the systematic and effective teaching, delivery, measurement and evaluation of fundamental care.
Clinical factors associated with physician choice of femoral versus radial access: A real‐world experience from a single academic center
Authors: Yee Jimmy , Kumar Vishesh , Li Shenjing , Petraskova Terezia , Pham Alex , Stys Julia , Thompson Paul. A , Petrasko Marian , Stys Adam , Stys Tomasz
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To analyze clinical factors associated with operator's preference in selection of femoral versus radial access for angiography and percutaneous intervention (PCI) procedures.

Background

There has been an increase in radial access in cardiac catheterization and PCI in the last few decades.

Methods

Data from 11 226 consecutive cardiac catheterization procedures were collected from Sanford University Medical Center (University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine) from 2011 to 2015.

Results

In the overall cases, clinical factors that favored upfront femoral access include patients presenting as ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or emergent, coronary artery bypass graft, body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2 and age ≥70 years, whereas morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥35) and age <70 favored upfront radial access. Radial access in the overall group had lower fluoroscopy time (6.5 vs 8.4 min, P < 0.0001) and lower contrast use (68.8 vs 80.6 cc, P < 0.0001). In the PCI group, efficacy of upfront radial access is less evident with radial fluoroscopy time (10.1 vs 11.0 min, P < 0.0028) and contrast use being higher in radial group (113.8 vs 108.2 cc, P < 0.037). Interventional cardiologists were more efficient in diagnostic cases than non‐interventional cardiologists.

Conclusion

STEMI or emergent cases and elderly patients favor upfront femoral access. As BMI increases and age decreases, radial access is progressively favored. In diagnostic cases, radial access appears to be superior to femoral access in efficacy, but the distinction is less obvious in PCI and STEMI or emergent cases.
Neuroimaging of Dilated Perivascular Spaces: From Benign and Pathologic Causes to Mimics
Authors: Rudie Jeffrey D. , Rauschecker Andreas M. , Nabavizadeh Seyed A. , Mohan Suyash
Published: December 2017

Perivascular spaces (PVSs), also known as Virchow‐Robin spaces, are pial‐lined, fluid‐filled structures found in characteristic locations throughout the brain. They can become abnormally enlarged or dilated and in rare cases can cause hydrocephalus. Dilated PVSs can pose a diagnostic dilemma for radiologists because of their varied appearance, sometimes mimicking more serious entities such as cystic neoplasms, including dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor and multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumor, or cystic infections including toxoplasmosis and neurocysticercosis. In addition, various pathologic processes, including cryptococcosis and chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids, can spread into the brain via PVSs, resulting in characteristic magnetic resonance imaging appearances. This review aims to describe the key imaging characteristics of normal and dilated PVSs, as well as cystic mimics and pathologic processes that directly involve PVSs.
Comparison of the outcomes of dynamic/static tests and palpation tests in TMD‐pain patients
Authors: Osiewicz M.A. , Manfredini D. , Loster B.W. , van Selms M.K.A. , Lobbezoo F.
Published: December 2017

In addition to palpation tests, dynamic/static tests have been proposed to complement temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients’ evaluation in the clinical setting. The aim of this study was to assess the intra‐ and inter‐observer reliability of the palpation tests and of the dynamic/static tests, and to determine whether those tests would yield comparable outcomes in terms of pain diagnoses. Ninety‐eight (N = 98) consecutive adult patients were examined during 2 clinical sessions by 2 independent examiners, based on muscle and joint palpation techniques described in the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). They also underwent dynamic/static tests. The intra‐observer reliability of palpation tests was generally poor, with fair‐to‐good to excellent ICC values only for the superior masseter and intra‐oral sites. The inter‐observer reliability of palpation was fair‐to‐good for muscles, but it was poor for the TMJ lateral pole. Both intra‐ and inter‐observer reliability for the dynamic/static tests varied from fair‐to‐good to excellent. The intra‐observer reliability for muscle pain diagnoses based on palpation tests was between poor and fair‐to‐good, whereas the inter‐observer reliability was excellent. The intra‐observer reliability for pain diagnoses based on dynamic/static tests was fair‐to‐good, and the inter‐observer reliability varied from fair‐to‐good to excellent. Conclusions: Some features of the dynamic/static tests make them potentially more useful than palpation tests for selected clinical purposes, such as discriminating between joint and muscle pain as well as monitoring symptoms course. Thus, findings from this investigation suggest that both tests should be included in the TMD diagnostic algorithms.
Early initiated feeding versus early reached target enteral nutrition in critically ill children: An observational study in paediatric intensive care units in Turkey
Authors: Baǧci Soyhan , Keleş Elif , Girgin Feyza , Yıldızdaş Dinçer R , Horoz Özden Ö , Yalındağ Nilüfer , Tanyıldız Murat , Bayrakçi Benan , Kalkan Gökhan , Akyıldız Başak N , Köker Alper , Köroğlu Tolga , Anıl Ayşe B , Zengin Neslihan , Dinleyici Ener Ç , Kıral Eylem , Dursun Oğuz , Yavuz Süleyman Tolga , Bartmann Peter , Müller Andreas
Published: December 2017

Aim

Although early enteral nutrition (EN) is strongly associated with lower mortality in critically ill children, there is no consensus on the definition of early EN. The aim of this study was to evaluate our current practice supplying EN and to identify factors that affect both the initiation of feeding within 24 h after paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission and the adequate supply of EN in the first 48 h after PICU admission in critically ill children.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, multicentre, observational study in nine PICUs in Turkey. Any kind of tube feeding commenced within 24 h of PICU admission was considered early initiated feeding (EIF). Patients who received more than 25% of the estimated energy requirement via enteral feeding within 48 h of PICU admission were considered to have early reached target EN (ERTEN).

Results

Feeding was initiated in 47.4% of patients within 24 h after PICU admission. In many patients, initiation of feeding seems to have been delayed without an evidence‐based reason. ERTEN was achieved in 43 (45.3%) of 95 patients. Patients with EIF were significantly more likely to reach ERTEN. ERTEN was an independent significant predictor of mortality (P < 0.001), along with reached target enteral caloric intake on day 2 associated with decreased mortality.

Conclusions

There is a substantial variability among clinicians' perceptions regarding indications for delay to initiate enteral feeding in critically ill children, especially after the first 6 h of PICU admission. ERTEN, but not EIF, is associated with a significantly lower mortality rate in critically ill children.
Sevelamer hydrochloride suppresses proliferation of parathyroid cells during the early phase of chronic renal failure in rats
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Liu Yan , Zhong Xiaoshi , Liu Yun , Zhou Daoyuan , Xiong Xuan , Ran Jianmin
Published: December 2017

Aim

We examined the effects of sevelamer on parathyroid cell proliferation and secondary hyperparathyroidism in rats following induction of early‐phase of chronic renal failure (CRF) by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).

Methods

For 5 days, rats in the control group received normal food, rats in the sevelamer group (SH) received control food plus 5% sevelamer, and rats in the low protein group (LP) received low protein food. Five rats of each group were killed at baseline (day 0). All other rats were given UUO, and five rats per group were killed on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after UUO. Changes in body weight, serum phosphorus, calcium, intact‐parathyroid hormone (i‐PTH), creatinine (SCr), creatinine clearance rate (CCR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and 24‐h urinary phosphorus were determined. Parathyroid tissues were removed for histological examination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐positive (PCNA+) cells.

Results

Measurement of body weight, BUN, and SCr in the controls indicated successful establishment of this model of early‐phase CRF. The controls also had remarkable proliferation of PCNA+ cells beginning on day 3, but this did not occur in the SH or LP groups. After 28 days, serum phosphorus had decreased more in the SH and LP groups than in the control group, and phosphorus excretion was much greater in the control group than in the SH and LP groups. The three groups had similar increases in serum i‐PTH.

Conclusion

Sevelamer rapidly lowered the serum phosphorus and inhibited the proliferation of PCNA+ cells in this experimental model of early‐phase CRF.
Impacts of domestication on the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis of 27 crop species
Authors: Martín‐Robles Nieves , Lehmann Anika , Seco Erica , Aroca Ricardo , Rillig Matthias C. , Milla Rubén
Published: December 2017

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is key to plant nutrition, and hence is potentially key in sustainable agriculture. Fertilization and other agricultural practices reduce soil AM fungi and root colonization. Such conditions might promote the evolution of low mycorrhizal responsive crops. Therefore, we ask if and how evolution under domestication has altered AM symbioses of crops.

We measured the effect of domestication on mycorrhizal responsiveness across 27 crop species and their wild progenitors. Additionally, in a subset of 14 crops, we tested if domestication effects differed under contrasting phosphorus (P) availabilities.

The response of AM symbiosis to domestication varied with P availability. On average, wild progenitors benefited from the AM symbiosis irrespective of P availability, while domesticated crops only profited under P‐limited conditions. Magnitudes and directions of response were diverse among the 27 crops, and were unrelated to phylogenetic affinities or to the coordinated evolution with fine root traits.

Our results indicate disruptions in the efficiency of the AM symbiosis linked to domestication. Under high fertilization, domestication could have altered the regulation of resource trafficking between AM fungi and associated plant hosts. Provided that crops are commonly raised under high fertilization, this result has important implications for sustainable agriculture.
Stored root carbohydrates can maintain root respiration for extended periods
Authors: Aubrey Doug P. , Teskey Robert O.
Published: December 2017

Tight coupling between below‐ground autotrophic respiration and the availability of recently assimilated carbon (C) has become a paradigm in the ecophysiological literature. Here, we show that stored carbohydrates can decouple respiration from assimilation for prolonged periods by mobilizing reserves from transport roots to absorptive roots.

We permanently disrupted the below‐ground transfer of recently assimilated C using stem girdling and root trenching and measured soil CO2 efflux for over 1 yr in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), a species that has large reserves of stored carbohydrates in roots.

Soil CO2 efflux was not influenced by girdling or trenching through the 14‐month observation period. Stored carbohydrate concentrations in absorptive roots were not affected by the disrupted supply of current photosynthate for over 1 yr; however, carbohydrate concentrations in transport roots decreased.

Our results indicate that root respiration can be decoupled from recent canopy assimilation and that stored carbohydrates can be mobilized from transport roots to absorptive roots to maintain respiration for over 1 yr. This refines the current paradigm that canopy assimilation and below‐ground respiration are tightly coupled and provides evidence of the mechanism and dynamics responsible for decoupling the above‐ and below‐ground processes.
Comparative effects of aripiprazole and selected antipsychotic drugs on lipid peroxidation in plasma
Authors: Dietrich‐Muszalska Anna , Kolińska‐Łukaszuk Jolanta
Published: December 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the effects of a new antipsychotic, aripiprazole (unique due to its mechanism of action), with the effects of selected antipsychotic drugs, such as quetiapine, olanzapine, clozapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone (at the final concentrations corresponding to clinically effective doses used for the treatment of acute episodes of schizophrenia) on lipid peroxidation in human plasma measured by the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), which is a marker of oxidative stress.

Methods

The levels of TBARS were measured spectrophotometrically, according to the modification of the Rice‐Evans method.

Results

Our results indicate that antipsychotics at doses recommended for the treatment of acute episodes of schizophrenia may induce distinct changes in the levels of lipid peroxidation products (TBARS) in plasma. Aripiprazole had no effect on the level of a lipid peroxidation marker in plasma, although used at lower doses it showed insignificant prooxidative properties similar to clozapine. Quetiapine had the strongest antioxidant properties, contrary to prooxidative action of risperidone, ziprasidone or haloperidol, and clozapine at lower doses. Olanzapine reduced the level of TBARS in plasma only at a lower dose.

Conclusion

Antipsychotics at doses recommended for the treatment of acute episode in schizophrenia may induce the distinct changes in plasma lipid peroxidation. Aripiprazole did not induce significant changes in plasma lipid peroxidation. In further studies, the role of oxidative stress in schizophrenic patients together with their clinical symptomatology and use of antipsychotics should be taken into account.
Gestational Weight Gain‐for‐Gestational Age Z‐Score Charts Applied across U.S. Populations
Authors: Leonard Stephanie A. , Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Bodnar Lisa M. , Petito Lucia C. , Abrams Barbara
Published: December 2017

Background

Gestational weight gain may be a modifiable contributor to infant health outcomes, but the effect of gestational duration on gestational weight gain has limited the identification of optimal weight gain ranges. Recently developed z‐score and percentile charts can be used to classify gestational weight gain independent of gestational duration. However, racial/ethnic variation in gestational weight gain and the possibility that optimal weight gain differs among racial/ethnic groups could affect generalizability of the z‐score charts. The objectives of this study were (1) to apply the weight gain z‐score charts in two different U.S. populations as an assessment of generalisability and (2) to determine whether race/ethnicity modifies the weight gain range associated with minimal risk of preterm birth.

Methods

The study sample included over 4 million live, singleton births in California (2007–2012) and Pennsylvania (2003–2013). We implemented a noninferiority margin approach in stratified subgroups to determine weight gain ranges for which the adjusted predicted marginal risk of preterm birth (gestation <37 weeks) was within 1 or 2 percentage points of the lowest observed risk.

Results

There were minimal differences in the optimal ranges of gestational weight gain between California and Pennsylvania births, and among several racial/ethnic groups in California. The optimal ranges decreased as severity of prepregnancy obesity increased in all groups.

Conclusions

The findings support the use of weight gain z‐score charts for studying gestational age‐dependent outcomes in diverse U.S. populations and do not support weight gain recommendations tailored to race/ethnicity.
Behaviour in the toolbox to outsmart parasites and improve fish welfare in aquaculture
Authors: Bui Samantha , Oppedal Frode , Sievers Michael , Dempster Tim
Published: December 2017

Host behaviour can prevent infection and moderate the fitness of parasites. Antiparasite behaviours are prevalent in many host–parasite systems and occur over fine or broad scales. With global growth in aquaculture production and the associated proliferation of parasites in farming systems, the behaviour of the fish being farmed has seldom been investigated in relation to parasites. Epidemics and outbreaks of parasites are prevalent in most aquaculture systems, and behaviour could be harnessed in concert with current methods to prevent and control parasites and pathogens. However, this requires a systematic understanding of the behaviours of hosts, their capacity for resistance and their interaction with the environment and the parasite. Herein, we present evidence for how behaviour could be used in aquaculture, and discuss the possibility for behaviour to be used in aquaculture as (i) an indicator of welfare status, (ii) a tool in prevention or control and (iii) to maintain or improve welfare. We apply this framework to a case study of a highly problematic parasite, the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis), on farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). We present the current state of the system, and the drawbacks of current control or prevention methods. We synergise current knowledge on host behaviours and show how behaviour could be incorporated into current and new approaches for prevention and control. Through this first evaluation of the possibilities behaviour presents in disease management, we aim to facilitate a shift in the current disease control paradigm from reactive‐based post‐infection control to pre‐infection prevention approaches.
The axiological solution to divine hiddenness
Authors: Lougheed Kirk
Published: December 2017

Philosophers have recently wondered whether the value impact of the existence of God on the world would be positive, negative, or neutral. Thus far discussions have distinguished between the value God's impact would have overall, in certain respects, and/or for particular individuals. A commonality amongst the various positions that have been taken up is to focus on the goods and drawbacks associated with both theism and atheism. Goods associated with atheism include things like privacy, independence, and autonomy. I argue that it is better overall and for everyone to prefer a hidden God to no God. This is because it is possible to experience many of the goods attributed to atheism if God is hidden even if they do not really obtain, while also gaining many of the additional goods connected to theism. This amounts to a new solution to the problem of divine hiddenness: God might hide in order to increase or maximize the axiological value of the world.
Association analysis of novel polymorphisms in 2′, 5′‐oligoadenylate synthetase gene with reproductive traits in indigenous and cross‐bred cattle of Indian Origin
Authors: Alex R , Ramesha KP , Singh U , Kumar S , Alyethodi RR , Deb R , Rai S , Sharma S , Sengar GS , Kumar A , Prakash B
Published: December 2017

Contents

2′, 5′‐Oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) are important components of an interferon‐mediated antiviral pathway. No polymorphisms in exonic regions of bovine OAS1 gene have been identified and associated with reproduction traits. The objective of the study was to detect and evaluate the effects of mutations in exonic region of bovine OAS1 gene with reproduction traits in cattle. DNA samples collected from 250 individual cows of two Indian dairy breeds (Sahiwal and Frieswal) of cattle were used in the study. The genetic variants of the OAS1 gene were identified with polymerase chain reaction–single‐strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) and sequence analysis using seven set of primer pairs. The PCR‐SSCP analysis revealed polymorphism in the fragments comprising of exon 2, exon 5 and first fragment of exon 6 while the fragments of exons 1, 3, 4 and second fragment of exon 6 were monomorphic in Sahiwal and Frieswal cattle. The mutations in the amplified region comprising of exon 2 were found to have significant association with age at first breeding and calving, service period, dry period and pregnancy rate. Significant associations were found between SNPs in the exon 5 and service and dry periods of the animal, whereas the genetic variants in the first fragment of the exon 6 showed significant association with age at first breeding and calving. To our knowledge, this study demonstrated for the first time that the polymorphisms in OAS1 gene were associated with reproductive traits and it can be chosen as a candidate gene for improvement of reproductive performance of cattle.
Enhanced invertebrate prey production following estuarine restoration supports foraging for multiple species of juvenile salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.)
Authors: Woo Isa , Davis Melanie J. , Ellings Christopher S. , Nakai Glynnis , Takekawa John Y. , De La Cruz Susan
Published: December 2017

Estuaries provide crucial foraging resources and nursery habitat for threatened populations of anadromous salmon. As such, there has been a global undertaking to restore habitat and tidal processes in modified estuaries. The foraging capacity of these ecosystems to support various species of out‐migrating juvenile salmon can be quantified by monitoring benthic, terrestrial, and pelagic invertebrate prey communities. Here, we present notable trends in the availability of invertebrate prey at several sites within a restoring large river delta in Puget Sound, Washington, U.S.A. Three years after the system was returned to tidal influence, we observed substantial additions to amphipod, copepod, and cumacean abundances in newly accessible marsh channels (from 0 to roughly 5,000–75,000 individuals/m2). In the restoration area, terrestrial invertebrate colonization was dependent upon vegetative cover, with dipteran and hymenopteran biomass increasing 3‐fold between 1 and 3 years post‐restoration. While the overall biodiversity within the restoration area was lower than in the reference marsh, estimated biomass was comparable to or greater than that found within the other study sites. This additional prey biomass likely provided foraging benefits for juvenile Chinook, chum, and coho salmon. Primary physical drivers differed for benthic, terrestrial, and pelagic invertebrates, and these invertebrate communities are expected to respond differentially depending on organic matter exchange and vegetative colonization. Restoring estuaries may take decades to meet certain success criteria, but our study demonstrates rapid enhancements in foraging resources understood to be used for estuary‐dependent wildlife.
Empiric antibiotics for community‐acquired pneumonia: A macrolide and a beta‐lactam please!
Authors: Waterer Grant
Published: December 2017

See related Article
They Chose to Go to the Moon: How Birth Cohorts Shape Opinions on Funding for Space Exploration*
Authors: DeSante Christopher D.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Oftentimes, political scientists wish to measure how attitudes or behaviors have changed from one generation to the next. One obstacle to this analysis is that certain attitudinal and behavioral variables (e.g., political participation or policy preferences) correlate with the age of the respondent. In seeking to model both age‐ and cohort‐based changes in attitudes, researchers are left having to impose constraints within the generalized linear model framework to solve problems of underidentification.

Methods

This article uses a method that has been developed to work around this exact problem: the intrinsic estimator.

Results

By using this approach to traditional age‐period‐cohort (APC) models, the IE is one solution to underidentified models of political change.

Conclusions

This article summarizes the identification problem in APC methodology and then illustrates the advantages of the IE to the traditionally used constrained generalized linear modeling (CGLIM) approach with specific applications to trends in American political attitudes regarding spending on space exploration.