bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subclinical early posttraumatic seizures detected by continuous EEG monitoring in a consecutive pediatric cohort
Authors: Arndt Daniel H. , Lerner Jason T. , Matsumoto Joyce H. , Madikians Andranik , Yudovin Sue , Valino Hannah , McArthur David L. , Wu Joyce Y. , Leung Michelle , Buxey Farzad , Szeliga Conrad , Van Hirtum‐Das Michele , Sankar Raman , Brooks‐Kayal Amy , Giza Christopher C.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children, and early posttraumatic seizures (EPTS) are a contributing factor to ongoing acute damage. Continuous video‐EEG monitoring (cEEG) was utilized to assess the burden of clinical and electrographic EPTS.

Methods

Eighty‐seven consecutive, unselected (mild – severe), acute TBI patients requiring pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission at two academic centers were monitored prospectively with cEEG per established clinical TBI protocols. Clinical and subclinical seizures and status epilepticus (SE, clinical and subclinical) were assessed for their relation to clinical risk factors and short‐term outcome measures.

Key Findings

Of all patients, 42.5% (37/87) had seizures. Younger age (p = 0.002) and injury mechanism (abusive head trauma – AHT, p < 0.001) were significant risk factors. Subclinical seizures occurred in 16.1% (14/87), while 6.9% (6/87) had only subclinical seizures. Risk factors for subclinical seizures included younger age (p < 0.001), AHT (p < 0.001), and intraaxial bleed (p < 0.001). SE occurred in 18.4% (16/87) with risk factors including younger age (p < 0.001), AHT (p < 0.001), and intraaxial bleed (p = 0.002). Subclinical SE was detected in 13.8% (12/87) with significant risk factors including younger age (p < 0.001), AHT (p = 0.001), and intraaxial bleed (p = 0.004). Subclinical seizures were associated with lower discharge King's Outcome Scale for Childhood Head Injury (KOSCHI) score (p = 0.002). SE and subclinical SE were associated with increased hospital length of stay (p = 0.017 and p = 0.041, respectively) and lower hospital discharge KOSCHI (p = 0.007 and p = 0.040, respectively).

Significance

cEEG monitoring significantly improves detection of seizures/SE and is the only way to detect subclinical seizures/SE. cEEG may be indicated after pediatric TBI, particularly in younger children, AHT cases, and those with intraaxial blood on computerized tomography (CT).
Leukotrienes orchestrating allergic skin inflammation
Authors: Sadik Christian D. , Sezin Tanya , Kim Nancy D.
Published: September 2013

Leukotrienes constitute a group of lipid mediators, which may be subdivided into two groups, with leukotriene B4 on the one hand and cysteinyl leukotrienes on the other. Although leukotrienes are abundantly expressed in skin affected by diverse chronic inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid, their pathological roles in these diseases have remained elusive. Recent data now reveal that both leukotriene B4 and cysteinyl leukotrienes are indispensable in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, with leukotriene B4 initiating the recruitment of inflammatory cells, particularly neutrophils and TH2 cells into the skin, and cysteinyl leukotrienes later inducing characteristic structural alterations of chronically affected skin, specifically skin fibrosis and keratinocyte proliferation. Thus, these results reveal a sequential cooperation of LTB4 and cysteinyl leukotrienes to initiate and perpetuate allergic skin inflammation. These new insights highlight leukotrienes as promising therapeutic targets in allergic skin inflammation and should encourage more research into the role of leukotrienes in other inflammatory skin diseases.
Identification and polymorphism discovery of the cathelicidins, Lf‐CATHs in ranid amphibian (Limnonectes fragilis)
Authors: Yu Haining , Cai Shasha , Gao Jiuxiang , Zhang Songyan , Lu Yiling , Qiao Xue , Yang Hailong , Wang Yipeng
Published: September 2013

To protect themselves against the invasion of microorganisms, amphibians, especially the Rana frogs, are possibly equipped with complex combinations of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The two major AMP families, ranid skin secretion AMPs and cathelicidins might together constitute the host innate immune system of amphibians. Cathelicidins are a group of cationic peptides found in leukocytes and epithelial cells, and they play a central role in the early innate immune defense found in virtually all species of mammals. However, they have rarely been reported from amphibians. Here, we report the identification and discovery of polymorphism cathelicidins in Limnonectes fragilis. The expression profile indicated high cathelicidin transcript levels in frog spleen, liver and kidney, but lower levels in lung, skin and stomach. According to the amphibian's unique proteolytic pattern, R125 and L121 of the prepropeptides are predicted to be the processing positions for protease to generate the mature peptides, Lf‐CATH1 and ‐2, respectively. Both consist of 30 amino acid residues, of which two were cysteines positionally conserved among a few known amphibian cathelicidins. Homology modeling analysis revealed that Lf‐CATH1 and ‐2 adopt a tertiary structure with a mostly α helix that is representative of small cationic cathelicidin family peptides. Recombinant Lf‐CATH1 (rLf‐CATH1) was produced in Escherichia coli. Synthetic Lf‐CATH1 and ‐2 displayed potent antimicrobial activities in vitro against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including standard and clinically isolated drug‐resistant strains, while showing neglectable hemolysis and cytotoxicities.
New types of experimental data shape the use of enzyme kinetics for dynamic network modeling
Authors: Tummler Katja , Lubitz Timo , Schelker Max , Klipp Edda
Published: September 2013

Since the publication of Leonor Michaelis and Maude Menten's paper on the reaction kinetics of the enzyme invertase in 1913, molecular biology has evolved tremendously. New measurement techniques allow in vivo characterization of the whole genome, proteome or transcriptome of cells, whereas the classical enzyme essay only allows determination of the two Michaelis–Menten parameters V and Km. Nevertheless, Michaelis–Menten kinetics are still commonly used, not only in the in vitro context of enzyme characterization but also as a rate law for enzymatic reactions in larger biochemical reaction networks. In this review, we give an overview of the historical development of kinetic rate laws originating from Michaelis–Menten kinetics over the past 100 years. Furthermore, we briefly summarize the experimental techniques used for the characterization of enzymes, and discuss web resources that systematically store kinetic parameters and related information. Finally, describe the novel opportunities that arise from using these data in dynamic mathematical modeling. In this framework, traditional in vitro approaches may be combined with modern genome‐scale measurements to foster thorough understanding of the underlying complex mechanisms.
A new path‐dependent multiaxial fatigue model for metals under different paths
Authors: Li B. C. , Jiang C. , Han X. , Li Y.
Published: September 2013

Based on the critical plane approach, a new path‐dependent multiaxial fatigue model in low‐cycle fatigue is proposed. The proposed model includes damage contribution from four sources: the normal strain amplitude, the shear strain amplitude on the critical plane, the hydrostatic mean strain and a new path‐dependent factor. The effect of mean strain is considered by the hydrostatic mean strain. The experimental data of 11 kinds of materials are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this new model under both zero and non‐zero mean strain multiaxial loading path.
Depth‐specific responses of a chironomid assemblage to contrasting anthropogenic pressures: a palaeolimnological perspective from the last 150 years
Authors: Frossard Victor , Millet Laurent , Verneaux Valérie , Jenny Jean‐Philippe , Arnaud Fabien , Magny Michel , Perga Marie‐Elodie
Published: September 2013

The specific effects of three types of anthropogenic forcing (nutrient concentrations, climate change and fisheries management practices) on the benthic invertebrate community over the last 150 years in a re‐oligotrophicated large, deep subalpine lake were investigated using chironomid remains. The structural changes in the chironomid assemblages in different habitats were assessed based on sub‐fossil remains retrieved from sediment cores sampled along a depth gradient (30, 56 and 65 m) and analysed at a high temporal resolution (2–5 years).

Until the 1940s, the chironomid assemblages were strongly depth specific and were characterised by oxyphilous taxa at all studied depths. Subsequently, the assemblages drifted towards domination by common hypoxia‐tolerant taxa. The scores of the first axis of principal component analyses for each studied depth were used as a proxy for community structure, and the influence of anthropogenic forcings on axis scores was assessed using general additive models. The temporal variability of the contribution of each covariate to our model estimates allowed their specific effects to be clarified.

The sensitivity of the chironomid assemblages to the considered forcings was depth dependent. Profundal chironomid assemblages (65 m) responded mainly to nutrient enrichment, whereas assemblages at shallower depths (56 and 30 m) were mainly affected by top‐down effects of the fish community on the pelagic food web, triggering increasing losses of organic matter from the pelagic to the benthic zone. Since the late 1980s, increased air temperatures have probably been responsible for changes in assemblages at all sampled depths, potentially through their effect on the strength and duration of thermal stratification, possibly coupled with changes in mixing efficiency during winter.

Our results highlight linkages between the pelagic and benthic food webs and identify possible temporal substitutions among anthropogenic forcings that successively drive the chironomid assemblages. These findings provide additional evidence of the multiple environmental controls structuring chironomid assemblages and highlight the associated difficulties in predicting chironomid assemblage trajectories following mitigation efforts.
Soymilk concentration by ultrafiltration: effects of pore size and transmembrane pressure on filtration performance
Authors: Giri Saroj K. , Mangaraj Shukadev
Published: September 2013

The effects of membrane pore size and operating pressure on filtration flux, membrane fouling and solute rejections of soymilk during ultrafiltration were studied. Soymilk was concentrated from an initial level of 6.5% solid content to 20% solid content using ultrafiltration membranes. Hollow fibre cross‐flow type cartridges having molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO) as 1, 10 and 30 kDa were used in the experiments. Filtration data were satisfactorily fitted to De La Garza and Boulton's exponential model to find the exponential fouling coefficient (k) and the membrane resistance (Rm). The permeate fluxes obtained in 10 and 30‐kDa MWCO membranes were found to be approximately four times higher than that of 1‐kDa MWCO membrane, at transmembrane pressure between 100 and 240 kPa. The average flux obtained was 0.7, 3.15 and 2.7 L m−2‐h for 1, 10 and 30‐kDa MWCO membranes, respectively. The Rm value of membranes was found to decrease as the MWCO of membranes increased and transmembrane pressure decreased. The total solid content of permeates obtained by these membranes was between 0.45% and 1.4%. Membrane‐concentrated soymilk was found to have lighter colour and almost half the value of viscosity compared with evaporated milk.
Initial performance evaluation of the UniCel® DxH slide maker/stainer Coulter® cellular analysis system
Authors: Brown W. , Keeney M. , Hedley B. D.
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Despite the advancements in instrumentation within hematology laboratories, there is still a need for review of a peripheral blood film (PBF). For a thorough PBF evaluation, it is critical that a well spread and stained film is available.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated an automatic slide maker/stainer (DxH‐SMS, Beckman Coulter) compared with manually prepared blood films on 124 normal and abnormal samples. The primary goal of the study was to determine whether or not the DxH‐SMS was able to consistently and reproducibly prepare and stain blood films of exemplary quality, without carryover between specimens. Additionally, repeatability of white blood cell distribution, comparability of morphology to reference methodologies, and grading of acceptance criteria outlined in the CLSI document H20‐A2 were assessed.

Results

Carryover was not an issue and repeatability was within expected limits. There was excellent agreement of the 5‐part differential between the automated blood films made by the DxH‐SMS compared with the manually prepared reference blood film. There was no difference in identification and enumeration of blasts, variant lymphocytes, or nucleated red blood cells (P < 0.05). Red cell morphology showed excellent agreement.

Conclusion

Blood films prepared by the DxH‐SMS are of excellent quality, reproducible, and compare well with manually prepared slides. Introduction to our laboratory has improved and standardized slide quality.
The self‐medication hypothesis and psychostimulant treatment of cocaine dependence: An update
Authors: Mariani John J. , Khantzian Edward J. , Levin Frances R.
Published: September 2013

Background

Stimulant medications have shown promise as a treatment for cocaine dependence (CD) for several decades, yet these treatments have not been widely studied and substantial barriers to clinical implementation remain. The “Self‐Medication Hypothesis,” posits that an individual's choice to use a particular substance is to some degree based on the substance's effect on subjective painful affects or unpleasant emotional states which may or may not be associated with a psychiatric disorder.

Objectives

The Self‐Medication Hypothesis remains relevant, particularly when considering the scenario of cocaine dependence, both with and without and co‐occurring attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods

Two case studies (N = 2) and a review of the relevant literature are provided in this clinical update on psychostimulant treatment of cocaine dependence.

Results

Two case studies are presented in which psychostimulant treatment of cocaine dependence was associated with a good clinical outcome.

Discussion

While the use of psychostimulant medication for the treatment of cocaine dependence is controversial, emerging evidence suggests potential utility for this approach.

Conclusions

Cocaine use in individuals with CD may represent self‐medication, and prescribed psychostimulants may have benefit in restoring dopaminergic function.

Scientific Significance

Psychostimulant treatment of cocaine dependence is consistent with the Self‐Meidcation Hypothesis and is deserving of further study. (Am J Addict 2014;23:189–193)
Milk flow obstruction caused by varicose vein of the teat in dairy cattle
Authors: Lardé Hélène , Nichols Sylvain , Desrochers André , Babkine Marie , Francoz David , Mulon Pierre‐Yves , Couture Yvon
Published: September 2013

Objective

To describe varicose vein as a cause of obstruction of the teat cistern in dairy cattle and to report therapeutic options and outcome.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dairy cows (n = 22).

Methods

Medical records (1998–2011) of dairy cows admitted for milking difficulties caused by a teat varicose vein were reviewed. Three treatment approaches were used: sclerotherapy, ligation of the vein associated with sclerotherapy, and phlebectomy. Long‐term outcome was obtained ≥6 months after treatment and defined as a milking improvement. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the population at risk and a chi square test was used to evaluate the relationship between treatments and outcomes.

Results

Twenty‐four teats (22 cows) had a varicose vein. Forequarters were more frequently affected than rear quarters (P < .01). Three sclerotherapies, 12 ligations associated with sclerotherapy and 6 phlebectomies were performed. Five veins were not treated. Overall prognosis with treatment was good (84%) at ≥ 6 months and was not significantly different between treatment types (P = .38). Recurrence of the obstruction by the varicose vein occurred in 3 of 19 teats.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Several surgical options are available for treatment of teat varicose veins. The overall prognosis of return to normal milking is good.
Impact of Dietary Fiber Enrichment on the Sensory Characteristics and Acceptance of French Baguettes
Authors: Martin Christophe , Chiron Hubert , Issanchou Sylvie
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the consequences of dietary fiber (DF) enrichment in standard or superior quality French baguettes. Sensory characteristics of five experimental breads and seven commercial breads were described by a trained panel using a conventional sensory profile. The same set of breads was also evaluated by a panel of consumers who had to rate their expected liking based on the external appearance of a whole bread and then their perceived liking based on the tasting of a sample of that bread. DF enrichment was responsible for deterioration in the expected and perceived liking of breads. However, this deterioration was less substantial when the DF enrichment was realized in superior quality breads, such as baguettes obtained using a traditional French bread‐making process. Indeed, this combination produces baguettes that are well appreciated by consumers upon tasting despite the unconventional sensory characteristics of these baguettes.

Practical Applications

As demonstrated in the present study, even when enriched in dietary fibers, baguettes produced according to traditional French bread‐making process are well appreciated by consumers. In France, the French baguette is frequently consumed by a large proportion of the population. Thus, this product could be a good medium for increasing dietary fiber intake. Applied to a large scale, this nutritional improvement of French baguette could contribute to satisfy the national and international nutritional recommendations, which encourage the increase of complex carbohydrates in the diet.
Distinctive features of the D101N and D101G variants of superoxide dismutase 1; two mutations that produce rapidly progressing motor neuron disease
Authors: Ayers Jacob , Lelie Herman , Workman Aron , Prudencio Mercedes , Brown Hilda , Fromholt Susan , Valentine Joan , Whitelegge Julian , Borchelt David
Published: September 2013

Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis induce misfolding and aggregation of the protein with the inherent propensity of mutant SOD1 to aggregate generally correlating, with a few exceptions, to the duration of illness in patients with the same mutation. One notable exception was the D101N variant, which has been described as wild‐type‐like. The D101N mutation is associated with rapidly progressing motor neuron degeneration but shows a low propensity to aggregate. By assaying the kinetics of aggregation in a well‐characterized cultured cell model, we show that the D101N mutant is slower to initiate aggregation than the D101G mutant. In this cell system of protein over‐expression, both mutants were equally less able to acquire Zn than WT SOD1. In addition, both of these mutants were equivalently less able to fold into the trypsin‐resistant conformation that characterizes WT SOD1. A second major difference between the two mutants was that the D101N variant more efficiently formed a normal intramolecular disulfide bond. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the D101N and D101G variants exhibit clearly distinctive features, including a different rate of aggregation, and yet both are associated with rapidly progressing disease.

image

We sought to better characterize the biochemical features of two SOD1 mutants associated with rapidly progressing disease, the D101G and wild‐type like D101N mutants. We observed using our cell model that that although similarities were observed when comparing the ability to bind metals and resist trypsin digestion, these mutants differed in their ability to initiate aggregation and to form the normal intramolecular disulfide bond. We conclude that these mutants exhibit distinct properties despite producing similar disease phenotypes in patients.
Bed rest duration after sheath removal following percutaneous coronary interventions: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mohammady Mina , Atoof Fatemeh , Sari Ali Akbari , Zolfaghari Mitra
Published: September 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore the effect of bed rest duration after sheath removal following percutaneous coronary interventions on the incidence of vascular complications, back pain and urinary problems.

Background

According to the literature, the duration of bed rest after sheath removal following percutaneous coronary interventions ranges from 2–24 hours. Several studies have assessed the effect of duration of bed rest on vascular complications, but a clear final conclusion about the exact duration of bed rest has not been reached.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL, IranMedex and IranDoc were searched. No language limitation was applied. RCTs that used two different periods for ambulation were included. Two reviewers separately assessed the quality of each included study and extracted the data. Dichotomous outcomes were recorded as odds ratio with 95% confidence interval.

Results

Five studies involving 1115 participants were included in the review. Among them, two studies had three comparison groups. The studies considered a variety of periods as early and late ambulation, ranging from 2–10 hours. Totally, there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of bleeding, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula and urinary problems between early and late ambulation. There was a statistically significant reduction in the risk of haematoma formation at four to six hours of bed rest compared with eight hours of bed rest (odds ratio = 0·37, 95% CI: 0·15, 0·91). Back pain was reported in one study evaluating three hours of bed rest with an odds ratio of 0·45 (95% confidence interval: 0·28, 0·71) when compared with 10 hours of bed rest.

Conclusions

Early ambulation after percutaneous coronary interventions is safe and feasible; however, the results should be used with caution as the majority of included studies had methodological flaws.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this study suggest that patients could be ambulated three to four hours after sheath removal following percutaneous coronary interventions and early ambulation dose does not increase the risk of vascular complications, but it moderates back pain occurrence.
Outcomes of inpatient mobilization: a literature review
Authors: Kalisch Beatrice J , Lee Soohee , Dabney Beverly W
Published: September 2013

Aims and objectives

To review current research evidence on the outcomes of mobilising hospitalised adults.

Background

Although immobility is known to cause functional decline or complications, inpatient ambulation emerged as the most often missed element of nursing care. This study is designed to review research studies that give evidence as to the consequences of mobilising or not mobilising hospitalised adult patients.

Design

A literature review of published peer‐reviewed empirical research was undertaken.

Methods

The electronic databases of MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL, and PubMed were accessed to search for relevant empirical articles, supplemented by a search of reference lists contained in retrieved articles and citation tracking.

Results

Thirty‐six studies were identified for inclusion in the review. Four areas (study design, sample size, measurement and statistical analysis) were evaluated for methodological quality, and most studies showed strong quality. A synthesis of the findings generated four themes of the effects of inpatient mobilisation: (1) physical outcomes included pain, deep vein thrombosis, fatigue, etc.; (2) psychological outcomes included anxiety, depressive mood, distress, comfort and satisfaction; (3) social outcomes included quality of life and independence; and (4) organisational outcomes included length of stay, mortality and cost.

Conclusion

Mobilising hospitalised adults brings benefits for not only physical functioning, but also their emotional and social well‐being. Moreover, ambulation yields important organisational benefits. These benefits of mobilisation on four areas required viewing the patient in a holistic manner. Even though each study approached different types of patients, illnesses and procedures, this review showed that most inpatients would benefit from mobilisation and would experience optimal functions.

Relevance to clinical practice

The importance of mobilisation for positive patient outcomes highlights the need to develop methods to ensure that this nursing action is completed on a systematic basis.
An ethnographic study of HIV/AIDS among Ayoreo sex workers: cultural factors and risk perception
Authors: López‐Entrambasaguas Olga M , Granero‐Molina José , Fernández‐Sola Cayetano
Published: September 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe and understand Ayoreo sex workers' perceptions of HIV/AIDS and to identify factors that may affect the prevention of risk behaviours.

Background

According to recent HIV/AIDS incidence reports, being female, indigenous and a sex worker means belonging to a maximum‐risk group, left in the background in terms of strategies for the fight against HIV. Although there has been research into intervention models in these populations, it is important to detail the perceptions of the problem from the perspective of sex workers from the affected ethnic groups.

Design

This study used an ethnographic methodology that included participant observation and semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

The research was conducted in two phases. First, participant observation was chosen to access and observe the behaviour of Ayoreo sex workers. The second phase was a semi‐structured interview with sex workers and key informants. The interviews, together with the field notes, were transcribed and analysed, following inductive strategies to find emerging themes.

Results

Here, we present the results related to four emerging themes: the cultural acceptance of sex work as a useful economic activity; the lack of concern for sexually transmitted illnesses and the stigmatisation of people who are HIV seropositive; external factors that increase vulnerability such as difficulties in using a condom; and conflictive and unbalanced relationships between the Ayoreo people and the health system and health professionals.

Conclusions

The health‐ and sexual reproduction‐related culture, the knowledge and attitudes of sex workers, external factors, and relationships with the health system and health professionals continue to place Ayoreo sex workers in high‐risk conditions in relation to sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

Relevance to clinical practice

Employing cultural care as its base, nursing could develop programmes and interventions culturally adapted for the prevention of disease and the promotion of health in these populations.
Parents' constructions of communication with their children about safer sex
Authors: Hyde Abbey , Drennan Jonathan , Butler Michelle , Howlett Etaoine , Carney Marie , Lohan Maria
Published: September 2013

Aims and objectives

To analyse how a sample of parents reportedly communicated with their adolescent and preadolescent children about safer sex (contraceptive and condom use).

Background

Among the plethora of existing research available on parent–child communication about sexuality (more broadly), very few studies detail the substance and tenor of what parents actually convey specifically about safer sex.

Design

The study adopted a qualitative methodology and involved interviewing 43 parents (32 mothers and 11 fathers). Data were analysed using modified analytical induction.

Results

Findings indicated that although the majority of parents professed to being open about sexuality with their children, only a minority reportedly conveyed direct messages about contraception and condom use. Moreover, these direct messages appeared to be imparted at a superficial level. Parents were more likely to communicate such messages in a tacit manner through innuendo and intimation. The complacency that parents displayed about the need to undertake safer sex education with their adolescents arose from an understanding that this was covered adequately at school and the belief that their teenager was not in a romantic relationship. In addition, some parents expressed concern that discussing safer sex with teenagers might actually encourage sexual activity.

Conclusion

We conclude that some parents may consider themselves to have engaged in sexuality education around safer sex when it appears to be predominantly surface‐level education; that what constitutes ‘doing’ sexuality education is far from clear‐cut may cast some light on why there is little consistency in the literature on the impact of parental communication on sexual health outcomes for young people.

Relevance to clinical practice

For nurses engaged in sexuality health promotion with parents, we caution about presenting unequivocal messages to parents about the impact of parental communication about sexuality on adolescent sexual behaviour without due acknowledgement of the grey areas indicated in the literature.
Turkish translation and adaptation of Champion's Health Belief Model Scales for breast cancer mammography screening
Authors: Yilmaz Meryem , Sayin Yazile Yazici
Published: September 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine the translation and adaptation process from English to Turkish and the validity and reliability of the Champion's Health Belief Model Scales for Mammography Screening. Its aim (1) is to provide data about and (2) to assess Turkish women's attitudes and behaviours towards mammography.

Background

The proportion of women who have mammography is lower in Turkey. The Champion's Health Belief Model Scales for Mammography Screening‐Turkish version can be helpful to determine Turkish women's health beliefs, particularly about mammography.

Design

Cross‐sectional design was used to collect survey data from Turkish women: classical measurement method.

Methods

The Champion's Health Belief Model Scales for Mammography Screening was translated from English to Turkish. Again, it was back translated into English. Later, the meaning and clarity of the scale items were evaluated by a bilingual group representing the culture of the target population. Finally, the tool was evaluated by two bilingual professional researchers in terms of content validity, translation validity and psychometric estimates of the validity and reliability. The analysis included a total of 209 Turkish women. The validity of the scale was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis and criterion‐related validity testing.

Results

The Champion's Health Belief Model Scales for Mammography Screening aligned to four factors that were coherent and relatively independent of each other. There was a statistically significant relationship among all of the subscale items: the positive and high correlation of the total item test score and high Cronbach's α. The scale has a strong stability over time: the Champion's Health Belief Model Scales for Mammography Screening demonstrated acceptable preliminary values of reliability and validity.

Conclusion

The Champion's Health Belief Model Scales for Mammography Screening is both a reliable and valid instrument that can be useful in measuring the health beliefs of Turkish women.

Relevance to clinical practice

It can be used to provide data about healthcare practices required for mammography screening and breast cancer prevention. This scale will show nurses that nursing intervention planning is essential for increasing Turkish women's participation in mammography screening.
New tool for patient evaluation of nurse practitioner in primary care settings
Authors: Klemenc‐Ketis Zalika , Kravos Andrej , Poplas‐Susič Tonka , Švab Igor , Kersnik Janko
Published: September 2013

Aims and objectives

To validate a tool for patient evaluation of nurse practitioners.

Background

The roles of nurse practitioners in family practice settings are health promotion and routine follow‐up of patients with chronic diseases. So far, several tools for patient evaluation of nurse practitioners have been developed. They revealed several dimensions of nurse practitioners' work and high levels of patient satisfaction with their work. The studies also reported conflicting data on the associations between demographic and other variables and the level of nurse practitioners' evaluation by patients.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study was performed in a sample of seven model family medicine practices in Slovenia. We included 30 consecutive adult patients in each model family practice aiming at the final sample of 210 respondents. Patient evaluation of nurse practitioners was assessed using a Nurse Practitioner Evaluation Scale.

Results

The response rate was 80·9%. Mean total score on Nurse Practitioner Evaluation Scale was 87·9 ± 12·4 points. Cronbach's alpha of Nurse Practitioner Evaluation Scale was 0·941. Factor analyses revealed three factors: clinical approach factor, comprehensive approach factor and patient‐centred approach factor.

Conclusions

Nurse Practitioner Evaluation Scale proved to be a reliable tool for patient evaluations of nurse practitioners in primary care settings. Nurse Practitioner Evaluation Scale can be used in terms of a whole scale as well as in terms of three separate subscales.

Relevance to clinical practice

This newly developed tool can be used to monitor quality performance of nurse practitioners and to plan quality improvement actions in nurse practitioners' performance in primary care settings.
Second‐Generation Everolimus‐Eluting Stents Compared to First‐Generation Drug‐Eluting Stents in Patients Treated for Multivessel Disease
Authors: MINHA SA'AR , BARBASH ISRAEL M. , DVIR DANNY , LOH JOSHUA P. , BADR SALEM , KITABATA HIRONORI , PENDYALA LAKSHMANA K. , PICHARD AUGUSTO D. , TORGUSON REBECCA , WAKSMAN RON
Published: September 2013

Objective

This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of everolimus‐eluting stents (EES) to first‐generation drug‐eluting stents (DES) in multivessel disease (MVD).

Background

Second‐generation EES have demonstrated superiority over first‐generation DES for single‐vessel disease, although the merits of EES in MVD are less established.

Methods

A cohort of 1,285 patients (3,124 lesions) with ≥2 diseased vessels were treated with either first‐generation DES (n = 1,002) or EES (n = 283). The rates of death, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, target vessel revascularization, definite stent thrombosis, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the combined incidence of target vessel revascularization, death, and non‐fatal myocardial infarction, were compared at 1 year.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar except for a lower left ventricular ejection fraction and a lower incidence of stable angina pectoris in the first‐generation DES group (P = 0.001 and 0.013, respectively). At 1 year, the MACE rate was lower in the EES group (9.5P% vs. 15.7%; P = 0.01). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that EES use predicted a higher chance of freedom from MACE at 1 year (hazard ratio 0.58 [0.38–0.87]; P = 0.009; 95% confidence interval).

Conclusions

The use of EES in patients with MVD is safe with signals for improved effectiveness compared to first‐generation DES. Randomized trials comparing new‐generation DES to coronary artery bypass grafting surgery are warranted.
Effects of formulating growing pig diet with increasing levels of wheat‐corn distillers dried grains with solubles on digestible nutrient basis on growth performance and nutrient digestibility
Authors: Agyekum A. K. , Woyengo T. A. , Slominski B. A. , Yin Y. L. , Nyachoti C. M.
Published: September 2013

Formulating swine diets containing fibrous coproducts based on net energy (NE) and standardized ileal digestible amino acid (SID AA) values is recommended for optimizing pig performance. However, the effects of applying this approach to diets with increasing dietary levels of wheat‐corn‐derived distillers dried grains with soluble (wcDDGS) on pig performance have not been evaluated. Thus, 48 pigs with an average body weight [BW] of 25.5 kg were used to determine the effects of increasing wcDDGS (1:1 wheat to corn ratio) content in grower diets on performance and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients. Pigs were housed in pens of either 2 barrows or gilts balanced for BW and fed 4 diets within sex for 42 days. Diets were a nutrient adequate corn–barley–soybean meal‐based diet with 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% wcDDGS, and were similar in calculated NE and SID AA values. Acid insoluble ash was used as the indigestible marker. Final BW and overall average daily gain (ADG) linearly decreased (p < 0.05) and feed efficiency tended to decrease (p = 0.07) with increased dietary wcDDGS. Overall average daily feed intake was not affected (p > 0.10) by dietary treatment. The ATTD of dry matter and energy linearly decreased (p < 0.01), whereas the ATTD of neutral detergent fibre linearly increased (p < 0.01) with increasing dietary level of wcDDGS. Increasing dietary wcDDGS content did not affect (p > 0.10) ATTD of Ca and P. In conclusion, increasing dietary wcDDGS content reduced growth performance and ATTD of energy in growing pigs. Thus, the risks of high dietary wcDGGS content may not be completely alleviated by formulating growing pig diets on the basis of NE and SID AA systems.
Presentation and management of trapped neutrophil syndrome (TNS) in UK border collies
Authors: Mason S. L. , Jepson R. , Maltman M. , Batchelor D. J.
Published: September 2013

Three UK bred Border collie puppies were presented for investigation of pyrexia and severe lameness with associated joint swelling. Investigations revealed neutropenia, radiographic findings suggesting metaphyseal osteopathy, and polyarthritis and all dogs were subsequently confirmed with trapped neutrophil syndrome. Clinical improvement was seen after treatment with prednisolone and antibiotics and the dogs all survived to adulthood with a good short‐ to medium‐term outcome. Trapped neutrophil syndrome is an important differential diagnosis for young Border collie dogs in the UK presenting with pyrexia, neutropenia and musculoskeletal signs.
Geochemical studies of the SUBO 18 (Enkingen) drill core and other impact breccias from the Ries crater, Germany
Authors: Reimold Wolf Uwe , McDonald Iain , Schmitt Ralf‐Thomas , Hansen Birgit , Jacob Juliane , Koeberl Christian
Published: September 2013

Suevite and melt breccia compositions in the boreholes Enkingen and Polsingen are compared with compositions of suevites from other Ries boreholes and surface locations and discussed in terms of implications for impact breccia genesis. No significant differences in average chemical compositions for the various drill cores or surface samples are noted. Compositions of suevite and melt breccia from southern and northeastern sectors of the Ries crater do not significantly differ. This is in stark contrast to the published variations between within‐crater and out‐of‐crater suevites from northern and southern sectors of the Bosumtwi impact structure, Ghana. Locally occurring alteration overprint on drill cores—especially strong on the carbonate‐impregnated suevite specimens of the Enkingen borehole—does affect the average compositions. Overall, the composition of the analyzed impact breccias from Ries are characterized by very little macroscopically or microscopically recognized sediment‐clast component; the clast populations of suevite and impact melt breccia are dominated consistently by granitic and intermediate granitoid components. The Polsingen breccia is significantly enriched in a dioritic clast component. Overall, chemical compositions are of intermediate composition as well, with dioritic‐granodioritic silica contents, and relatively small contributions from mafic target components. Selected suevite samples from the Enkingen core have elevated Ni, Co, Cr, and Ir contents compared with previously analyzed suevites from the Ries crater, which suggest a small meteoritic component. Platinum‐group element (PGE) concentrations for some of the enriched samples indicate somewhat elevated concentrations and near‐chondritic ratios of the most immobile PGE, consistent with an extraterrestrial contribution of 0.1–0.2% chondrite‐equivalent.
Grove Mountains 020090 enriched lherzolitic shergottite: A two‐stage formation model
Authors: Lin Yangting , Hu Sen , Miao Bingkui , Xu Lin , Liu Yu , Xie Liewen , Feng Lu , Yang Jing
Published: September 2013

Grove Mountains (GRV) 020090 is an enriched lherzolitic shergottite, distinct from other lherzolitic shergottites, except RBT 04262/1. Its characteristics include high abundance of plagioclase (24.2 vol% in the nonpoikilitic area), presence of K‐feldspar, common occurrence of baddeleyite, high FeO contents of olivine (bimodal peaks at Fa 33 mol% and Fa 41 mol%) and low‐Ca pyroxenes (bimodal peaks at Fs 23.8–31.7 mol% and Fs 25.7–33.9 mol%), and significant LREE enrichment of phosphates (500–610 × CI). The bulk composition of GRV 020090 suggests derivation from partial melting of an enriched reservoir. However, the REE patterns of the cores of pigeonite oikocrysts and the olivine chadacrysts are indistinguishable from those of GRV 99027 and other moderately depleted lherzolitic shergottites, and reveal a LREE‐depleted pattern of the primordial parent magma. We propose that the primordial parent magma of GRV 020090 was derived from a moderately depleted Martian upper mantle reservoir, and later the residual melt was contaminated by oxidized and enriched Martian crustal materials as it ascended up to the subsurface. GRV 020090 and RBT 04262/1 may have sampled an igneous unit different from other lherzolitic shergottites.
Adapting the Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) approach to explore the acceptability and feasibility of nutrition and parenting recommendations: what works for low‐income families?
Authors: Dickin Katherine L. , Seim Gretchen
Published: September 2013

Interventions to prevent childhood obesity must consider not only how child feeding behaviours are related to child weight status but also which behaviours parents are willing and able to change. This study adapted Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) to assess acceptability and feasibility of nutrition and parenting recommendations, using in‐depth interviews and household trials to explore families’ experiences over time. A diverse sample of 23 low‐income parents of 3–11‐year‐olds was recruited following participation in nutrition and parenting education. Parents chose nutrition and parenting practices to try at home and were interviewed 2 weeks and 4–6 months later about behaviour change efforts. Qualitative analysis identified emergent themes, and acceptability and feasibility were rated based on parents’ willingness and ability to try new practices. The nutrition goal parents chose most frequently was increasing children's vegetable intake, followed by replacing sweetened beverages with water or milk, and limiting energy‐dense foods. Parents were less inclined to reduce serving sizes. The parenting practices most often selected as applicable to nutrition goals were role‐modelling; shaping home environments, often with other adults; involving children in decisions; and providing positive feedback. Most recommendations were viewed as acceptable by meaningful numbers of parents, many of whom tried and sustained new behaviours. Food preferences, habits and time were common barriers; family resistance or food costs also constrained some parents. Despite challenges, TIPs was successfully adapted to evaluate complex nutrition and parenting practices. Information on parents’ willingness and ability to try practices provides valuable guidance for childhood obesity prevention programmes.
Age at first introduction to complementary foods is associated with sociodemographic factors in children with increased genetic risk of developing type 1 diabetes
Authors: Andrén Aronsson Carin , Uusitalo Ulla , Vehik Kendra , Yang Jimin , Silvis Katherine , Hummel Sandra , Virtanen Suvi M. , Norris Jill M. ,   TEDDY Study Group
Published: September 2013

Infant's age at introduction to certain complementary foods (CF) has in previous studies been associated with islet autoimmunity, which is an early marker for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Various maternal sociodemographic factors have been found to be associated with early introduction to CF. The aims of this study were to describe early infant feeding and identify sociodemographic factors associated with early introduction to CF in a multinational cohort of infants with an increased genetic risk for T1D. The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young study is a prospective longitudinal birth cohort study. Infants (N = 6404) screened for T1D high risk human leucocyte antigen‐DQ genotypes (DR3/4, DR4/4, DR4/8, DR3/3, DR4/4, DR4/1, DR4/13, DR4/9 and DR3/9) were followed for 2 years at six clinical research centres: three in the United States (Colorado, Georgia/Florida, Washington) and three in Europe (Sweden, Finland, Germany). Age at first introduction to any food was reported at clinical visits every third month from the age of 3 months. Maternal sociodemographic data were self‐reported through questionnaires. Age at first introduction to CF was primarily associated with country of residence. Root vegetables and fruits were usually the first CF introduced in Finland and Sweden and cereals were usually the first CF introduced in the United States. Between 15% and 20% of the infants were introduced to solid foods before the age of 4 months. Young maternal age (<25 years), low educational level (<12 years) and smoking during pregnancy were significant predictors of early introduction to CF in this cohort. Infants with a relative with T1D were more likely to be introduced to CF later.
MHC class I expression dependent on bacterial infection and parental factors in whitefish embryos (Salmonidae)
Authors: Clark Emily S. , Wilkins Laetitia G. E. , Wedekind Claus
Published: September 2013

Ecological conditions can influence not only the expression of a phenotype, but also the heritability of a trait. As such, heritable variation for a trait needs to be studied across environments. We have investigated how pathogen challenge affects the expression of MHC genes in embryos of the lake whitefish Coregonus palaea. In order to experimentally separate paternal (i.e. genetic) from maternal and environmental effects, and determine whether and how stress affects the heritable variation for MHC expression, embryos were produced in full‐factorial in vitro fertilizations, reared singly, and exposed at 208 degree days (late‐eyed stage) to either one of two strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens that differ in their virulence characteristics (one increased mortality, while both delayed hatching time). Gene expression was assessed 48 h postinoculation, and virulence effects of the bacterial infection were monitored until hatching. We found no evidence of MHC class II expression at this stage of development. MHC class I expression was markedly down‐regulated in reaction to both pseudomonads. While MHC expression could not be linked to embryo survival, the less the gene was expressed, the earlier the embryos hatched within each treatment group, possibly due to trade‐offs between immune function and developmental rate or further factors that affect both hatching timing and MHC expression. We found significant additive genetic variance for MHC class I expression in some treatments. That is, changes in pathogen pressures could induce rapid evolution in MHC class I expression. However, we found no additive genetic variance in reaction norms in our study population.