bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of F1‐ATPase from Trypanosoma brucei by its regulatory protein inhibitor TbIF1
Authors: Gahura Ondřej , Panicucci Brian , Váchová Hana , Walker John E. , Zíková Alena
Published: October 2018

Hydrolysis of ATP by the mitochondrial F‐ATPase is inhibited by a protein called IF1. In the parasitic flagellate, Trypanosoma brucei, this protein, known as TbIF1, is expressed exclusively in the procyclic stage, where the F‐ATPase is synthesizing ATP. In the bloodstream stage, where TbIF1 is absent, the F‐ATPase hydrolyzes ATP made by glycolysis and compensates for the absence of a proton pumping respiratory chain by translocating protons into the intermembrane space, thereby maintaining the essential mitochondrial membrane potential. We have defined regions and amino acid residues of TbIF1 that are required for its inhibitory activity by analyzing the binding of several modified recombinant inhibitors to F1‐ATPase isolated from the procyclic stage of T. brucei. Kinetic measurements revealed that the C‐terminal portion of TbIF1 facilitates homodimerization, but it is not required for the inhibitory activity, similar to the bovine and yeast orthologs. However, in contrast to bovine IF1, the inhibitory capacity of the C‐terminally truncated TbIF1 diminishes with decreasing pH, similar to full length TbIF1. This effect does not involve the dimerization of active dimers to form inactive tetramers. Over a wide pH range, the full length and C‐terminally truncated TbIF1 form dimers and monomers, respectively. TbIF1 has no effect on bovine F1‐ATPase, and this difference in the mechanism of regulation of the F‐ATPase between the host and the parasite could be exploited in the design of drugs to combat human and animal African trypanosomiases.
Defining specific residue‐to‐residue interactions between the gp120 bridging sheet and the N‐terminal segment of CCR5: applications of transferred NOE NMR
Authors: Srivastava Gautam , Moseri Adi , Kessler Naama , Arshava Boris , Naider Fred , Anglister Jacob
Published: October 2018

Infection by HIV‐1 requires protein–protein interactions involving gp120, CD4 and CCR5. We have previously demonstrated that the transferred nuclear Overhauser effect (TRNOE), in combination with asymmetric deuteration of a protein and a peptide ligand can be used to detect intermolecular interactions in large protein complexes with molecular weights up to ~ 100 kDa. Here, using this approach, we reveal interactions between tyrosine residues of a 27‐residue peptide corresponding to the N‐terminal segment of the CCR5 chemokine receptor, and a dimeric extended core YU2 gp120 envelope protein of HIV‐1 complexed with a CD4‐mimic miniprotein. The TRNOE crosspeaks in the ternary complex were assigned to the specific Tyr protons in the CCR5 peptide and to methyl protons of isoleucine, leucine and/or valine residues of gp120. Site directed mutagenesis combined with selective deuteration and TRNOE resulted in the first discernment by a biophysical method of specific pairwise interactions between gp120 residues in the bridging sheet of gp120 and the N‐terminus of CCR5.
Morphological and isotopic changes of heterocystous cyanobacteria in response to N2 partial pressure
Authors: Silverman Shaelyn N. , Kopf Sebastian H. , Bebout Brad M. , Gordon Richard , Som Sanjoy M.
Published: October 2018

Earth's atmospheric composition has changed significantly over geologic time. Many redox active atmospheric constituents have left evidence of their presence, while inert constituents such as dinitrogen gas (N2) are more elusive. In this study, we examine two potential biological indicators of atmospheric N2: the morphological and isotopic signatures of heterocystous cyanobacteria. Biological nitrogen fixation constitutes the primary source of fixed nitrogen to the global biosphere and is catalyzed by the oxygen‐sensitive enzyme nitrogenase. To protect this enzyme, some filamentous cyanobacteria restrict nitrogen fixation to microoxic cells (heterocysts) while carrying out oxygenic photosynthesis in vegetative cells. Heterocysts terminally differentiate in a pattern that is maintained as the filaments grow, and nitrogen fixation imparts a measurable isotope effect, creating two biosignatures that have previously been interrogated under modern N2 partial pressure (pN2) conditions. Here, we examine the effect of variable pN2 on these biosignatures for two species of the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena. We provide the first in vivo estimate of the intrinsic isotope fractionation factor of Mo‐nitrogenase (εfix = −2.71 ± 0.09‰) and show that, with decreasing pN2, the net nitrogen isotope fractionation decreases for both species, while the heterocyst spacing decreases for Anabaena cylindrica and remains unchanged for Anabaena variabilis. These results are consistent with the nitrogen fixation mechanisms available in the two species. Application of these quantifiable effects to the geologic record may lead to new paleobarometric measurements for pN2, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of Earth's atmospheric evolution.
Soil N2O emissions with different reduced tillage methods during the establishment of Miscanthus in temperate grassland
Authors: Holder Amanda J. , McCalmont Jon P. , Rowe Rebecca , McNamara Niall P. , Elias Dafydd , Donnison Iain S.
Published: October 2018

An increase in renewable energy and the planting of perennial bioenergy crops is expected in order to meet global greenhouse gas (GHG) targets. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas, and this paper addresses a knowledge gap concerning soil N2O emissions over the possible “hot spot” of land use conversion from established pasture to the biofuel crop Miscanthus. The work aims to quantify the impacts of this land use change on N2O fluxes using three different cultivation methods. Three replicates of four treatments were established: Miscanthus x giganteus (Mxg) planted without tillage; Mxg planted with light tillage; a novel seed‐based Miscanthus hybrid planted with light tillage under bio‐degradable mulch film; and a control of uncultivated established grass pasture with sheep grazing. Soil N2O fluxes were recorded every 2 weeks using static chambers starting from preconversion in April 2016 and continuing until the end of October 2017. Monthly soil samples were also taken and analysed for nitrate and ammonium. There was no significant difference in N2O emissions between the different cultivation methods. However, in comparison with the uncultivated pasture, N2O emissions from the cultivated Miscanthus plots were 550%–819% higher in the first year (April to December 2016) and 469%–485% higher in the second year (January to October 2017). When added to an estimated carbon cost for production over a 10 year crop lifetime (including crop management, harvest, and transportation), the measured N2O conversion cost of 4.13 Mg CO2‐eq./ha represents a 44% increase in emission compared to the base case. This paper clearly shows the need to incorporate N2O fluxes during Miscanthus establishment into assessments of GHG balances and life cycle analysis and provides vital knowledge needed for this process. This work therefore also helps to support policy decisions regarding the costs and benefits of land use change to Miscanthus.
The Productivity Effects of Worker Mobility Between Heterogeneous Firms
Authors: Stockinger Bastian , Wolf Katja
Published: October 2018

We analyze the effect of worker inflows on establishments’ productivity, using German data. Previous studies for other countries have found positive effects of hiring workers from superior (more productive or higher paying) firms. Ranking establishments by their median wage, we find that inflows from inferior establishments seem to increase hiring establishments’ productivity. Further empirical analyses suggest our findings are due to a positive selection of such inflows from their sending establishments. These workers might have to find a better job match in order to advance their careers, an interpretation supported by the finding that the effect is driven by workers with short tenure at their previous employer. Our findings reflect the increasingly assortative pattern of worker mobility in Germany found in a related strand of literature.
Factors affecting TST level in patients undergoing dialysis: a multicenter study
Authors: Deniz Sami , Aydemir Yusuf , Şengül Aysun , Emre Jülide Çeldir , Tanrisev Mehmet , Özhan Mustafa Hikmet , Güney İbrahim
Published: October 2018

Introduction: The risk of TB is increased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) when compared with individuals with normal renal function. We aimed to determine tuberculin skin test (TST) response and the factors which might affect the response in patients with CKD undergoing dialysis in this study.

Methods: The purified protein derivative solution was administered to the patients and the diameter of induration was measured. Additionally, the age, gender and smoking status of the patients were interrogated. Comorbidities were recorded both by patients' self‐reports and data from the hospital files. The number of Bacille Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) scars was recorded by checking both shoulders.

Findings: The study was conducted with a total of 371 patients (194 men and 177 women). The mean age was 60.09 ± 15.88, TST was 6.99 ± 6.9, duration of dialysis was 4.44 ± 4.5 (3.8–0.1,24). A total of 229 patients have comorbodities (61.7%, the most frequent was hypertension). Logistic regression model was performed. Gender, vitamin D treatment and high parathormone (PTH) levels remained in the final stage of the analysis and vitamin D intake and PTH levels were detected to be statistically significant (P = 0.002, 0.007, respectively).

Discussion: This study is the first study which showed a correlation between TST negativity and increased PTH levels and receiving vitamin D treatment. Starting from this point, it was concluded that PTH may suppress the immune system and especially cellular immunity.
Prospective monitoring of after‐hours nursing and technologist support calls to a regional Canadian home hemodialysis program
Authors: Reintjes Frances , Herian Nim , Shah Nikhil , Pauly Robert P.
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Increasing renal care providers offer home hemodialysis (HD) as a modality choice. There is considerable variation in the provision of after‐hours on‐call support for self‐dialyzing patients and no literature describing the utility of this service. In this prospective, observational study we sought to monitor and classify the number and nature of interactions between home patients and our on‐call nurses and technologists, and enumerate the number of adverse events averted by the availability of on‐call staff.

Methods: Our home HD unit provided 24‐hour on‐call patient support and during a 4‐month period in 2012, we prospectively monitored all patient calls to this service. The nature of the calls was logged as nursing‐related vs. technical. Call outcomes were classified according to whether patients were able to initiate/resume their treatments or whether additional interventions were required.

Findings: During this period, our program cared for 58 home HD patients. Nurses fielded 172 calls and dealt with 239 issues. One hundred nine (46%) were clinical issues including 5 (2%) of a serious nature involving potential harm; 67 (28%) related to machine setup or alarms, 36 (15%) required a technologist to resolve, and 27 (11%) were deemed non‐urgent. One hundred six issues were directed to technologists in 99 calls. Issues pertained to machine malfunction (45 calls—43%), machine set‐up and alarms (25 calls—24%), or the water system (24 calls—23%). Only 12 calls (11.3%) were not of a technical nature. Nursing and technologist support allowed patients to initiate or continue their treatment 75% and 71% of the time, respectively.

Discussion: Home HD on‐call services provide patients support to successfully continue their dialysis treatments by troubleshooting clinical and technical aspects of dialysis and by averting potential adverse events.
User involvement in digital health: Working together to design smart home health technology
Authors: Burrows Alison , Meller Ben , Craddock Ian , Hyland Fiona , Gooberman‐Hill Rachael
Published: October 2018

Background

Public involvement adds value to numerous aspects of health research, yet few studies have attempted to evaluate its impact on research. Evidence of such impact is needed to develop recommendations for best practice and ensure adequate resourcing.

Aim

To evaluate public involvement within a large interdisciplinary Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) research project that focused on digital health.

Methods

The evaluation was conducted with members of the project's Public Advisory Groups (PAG) and with researchers who had participated in involvement activities. Two questionnaires were designed based on a public involvement value systems and clusters framework.

Results

Responses from members of the PAG (n = 10) were mostly positive towards normative values, which include moral, ethical and political aspects of involvement in research, and towards values concerning the conduct of public involvement and best practices. Researchers’ responses (n = 16) indicated they felt that involvement was generally effective and increased the quality, relevance and generalizability of their work. However, their responses about the validity of involvement in research were varied. They also highlighted several challenges including how well public involvement impacted on research, how decisions made in the research might differ from the views generated from public involvement, and barriers to researchers’ participation.

Discussion and conclusion

Our evaluation suggests that members of the public and the researchers value involvement. However, there is a need to consider how to embed public involvement to an even greater extent in STEM contexts and a need to address any barriers for researchers’ own involvement.
Moving between ideologies in self‐management support—A qualitative study
Authors: Bossy Dagmara , Knutsen Ingrid Ruud , Rogers Anne , Foss Christina
Published: October 2018

Background

Reforms in current health policy explicitly endorse health promotion through group‐based self‐management support for people with long‐term conditions. Health promotion and traditional medicine are based on different logics. Accordingly, health professionals in health‐promoting settings demand the adoption of new practices and ways of thinking.

Objectives

The objective of our study was to investigate how health professionals perceive the health‐promoting group‐based self‐management support that is politically initiated for people with long‐term conditions.

Design

This study had a qualitative research design that included focus group interviews and was guided by a social constructivist paradigm in which group‐based self‐management was viewed as a social construction. Different logics at play were analysed through the theoretical lens of institutional logic. Discussions among participants show frames of references seen as logics.

Setting and participants

We recruited health professionals from group‐based health‐promoting measures for people with type 2 diabetes in Norway. Two focus groups comprising four and six participants each were invited to discuss the practices and value of health promotion through group‐based self‐management support.

Results

The analysis resulted in three themes of discussion among participants that contained reflections of logics in movement. Health professionals’ discussions moved between different logics based on the importance of expert‐based knowledge on compliance and on individual lifestyle choices.

Discussion and conclusion

The study indicates that health promotion through self‐management support is still a field “in the making” and that professionals strive to establish new logics and practices that are not considered difficult to manage or do not contain incompatible understandings.
Coproduction and health: Public and clinicians’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators
Authors: Holland‐Hart Daniella M. , Addis Samia M. , Edwards Adrian , Kenkre Joyce E. , Wood Fiona
Published: October 2018

Background

Coproduction is an approach increasingly recognized across public services internationally. However, awareness of the term and the barriers and facilitators to its implementation in the NHS are not widely understood. This study examines clinician and public perceptions of coproduction within the context of the Prudent Healthcare initiative.

Objectives

To provide insights into how coproduction is viewed by clinicians and the public and identify perceived barriers and facilitators to its implementation.

Design

Using qualitative research methods, interviews were conducted with the public (n = 40) and clinicians (n = 40). Five focus groups were also conducted with the public (n = 45) and six focus groups with clinicians (n = 26). The COM‐B model was used to analyse the data; key domains include Capability, Opportunity and Motivation.

Setting

This is an all‐Wales study, involving six Health Boards, an NHS trust and community and patient groups.

Results

Key barriers relating to Capability include lack of awareness of the term coproduction and inadequate communication between clinicians and citizens. Opportunity‐centred barriers include service and time constraints. Conversely, facilitators included utilizing partnerships with community organizations. Motivation‐related barriers included preconceptions about patients’ limitations to coproduce.

Conclusions

There were broadly positive perceptions among participants regarding coproduction, despite initial unfamiliarity with the term. Despite study limitations including underrepresentation of employed public participants and junior doctors, our analysis may assist researchers and policymakers who are designing, implementing and evaluating interventions to promote coproduction.
“To know or not to know…?” Push and pull in ever smokers lung screening uptake decision‐making intentions
Authors: Tonge Janet E. , Atack Melanie , Crosbie Phil A. , Barber Phil V. , Booton Richard , Colligan Denis
Published: October 2018

Background

In the United States, lung cancer screening aims to detect cancer early in nonsymptomatic current and former smokers. A lung screening pilot service in an area of high lung cancer incidence in the United Kingdom has been designed based on United States trial evidence. However, our understanding of acceptability and reasons for lung screening uptake or decline in a United Kingdom nontrial context are currently limited.

Objective

To explore with ever smokers the acceptability of targeted lung screening and uptake decision‐making intentions.

Design

Qualitative study using semistructured focus groups and inductive thematic analysis to explore acceptability and uptake decision‐making intentions with people of similar characteristics to lung screening eligible individuals.

Setting and participants

Thirty‐three participants (22 ex‐smokers; 11 smokers) men and women, smokers and ex‐smokers, aged 50‐80 were recruited purposively from community and health settings in Manchester, England.

Results

Lung screening was widely acceptable to participants. It was seen as offering reassurance about lung health or opportunity for early detection and treatment. Participant's desire to know about their lung health via screening was impacted by perceived benefits; emotions such as worry about a diagnosis and screening tests; practicalities such as accessibility; and smoking‐related issues including perceptions of individual risk and smoking stigma.

Discussion

Decision making was multifaceted with indications that current smokers faced higher participation barriers than ex‐smokers. Reducing participation barriers through careful service design and provision of decision support information will be important in lung screening programmes to support informed consent and equitable uptake.
Lipid organization in xerosis: the key of the problem?
Authors: Vyumvuhore R. , Michael‐Jubeli R. , Verzeaux L. , Boudier D. , Le Guillou M. , Bordes S. , Libong D. , Tfayli A. , Manfait M. , Closs B.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Although xerosis is a common skin disorder among the population, there is no in vivo global study focusing on xerotic skin. Hence, the objective of this study was to characterize xerotic skin from the surface to the molecular scale with in vivo and non‐invasive approaches.

Methods

For this purpose, 15 healthy volunteers with normal skin and 19 healthy volunteers with xerotic skin were selected by a dermatologist, thanks to a visual scorage. Firstly, the skin surface was characterized with biometric measurements. Then, the state of skin dryness was assessed by in vivo confocal microscopy. The molecular signature of xerotic skin was then determined by in vivo confocal Raman microspectroscopy. Finally, an identification of stratum corneum (SC) lipids was performed using Normal phase liquid chromatography (NP‐LC) coupled to two detectors: Corona and High Resolution/Mass Spectroscopy (HR/MS).

Results

Results obtained at the skin surface displayed an increase in the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and a decrease in the hydration rate in xerotic skin. Confocal microscopy revealed an alteration of the cell shape in xerotic skin. Moreover, confocal Raman microspectroscopy demonstrated directly in vivo and non‐invasively the lack of organization and conformation of lipids in this skin. Finally, HPLC analyses revealed that the three ceramide sub‐classes (NdS, NS and EOP) significantly decrease in xerosis. Altogether, these results identify parameters for the characterization of xerotic skin compared to normal.

Conclusion

This study highlighted discriminative parameters from the surface to the molecular level in vivo and non‐invasively between xerotic and normal skins. These results will be useful for the development of new cosmetic active ingredients dedicated to xerotic skin.
Optically trapped delayed elasticity in germanium selenide glass fibers
Authors: Gueguen Yann , Dergal Asma , Rahmoun Khadidja , Keryvin Vincent , Bureau Bruno , Lucas Pierre , Sangleboeuf Jean‐Christophe
Published: October 2018

Chalcogenide glasses undergo viscosity decrease under light irradiation (“photofluidity”). This effect has been known and investigated for many years now. Nevertheless, what is less well known, is that light irradiation impacts the whole viscoelastic behavior, and especially the delayed elasticity (or “anelasticity”). We investigate here the impact of light irradiation on delayed elastic recovery and compare it to the effect of temperature jumps. We show that photoinduced processes behind the photofluidity superimpose over the “natural” thermally activated processes. They produce their own contribution to the delayed elastic deformation without disturbing, or being disturbed, by the thermally activated processes. This contribution can be trapped by stopping the irradiation. Additionally, this trapping opens new routes to investigate photofluidity, by separating the photoinduced from the thermally activated processes. According to the experimental results, we also specify here the modified equations of linear viscoelasticity giving the evolution of the deformation during cycles of light irradiation.
New insights into socially responsible consumers: The role of personal values
Authors: Lee Jaejin , Cho Moonhee
Published: October 2018

Given increasing interest in both socially responsible consumption behavior (SRCB) and socially responsible corporate practices in marketing, this study addressed the effects of several personal traits on SRCB (i.e., personal values, collectivism, age, and gender). Findings from an online survey revealed that consumers who valued self‐transcendence (e.g., benevolence and universalism) were more likely to engage in socially responsible consumption (e.g., recycling, avoiding, or reducing usage of products that do long‐term damage to the environment) than those who valued social status and prestige, social power, authority, and wealth. Furthermore, the findings show that older adults and women tended to engage in more SRCB than younger adults and men. Findings also indicate that age and gender were antecedents to the values of self‐transcendence and self‐enhancement.
Photoprotective effect of mycosporine‐like aminoacids extracts on natamycin, saffron carotenoids and epigallocatechin gallate in acidified beverages exposed to different light sources
Authors: Teixeira Gustavo Henrique de Almeida , Morelli Luiza , Ma Sihui , Stewart Amanda , O'Keefe Sean Francis
Published: October 2018

Natamycin has been used as a natural food additive to control the growth of many microorganisms. However, this polyene is very sensitive to light exposure. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the photoprotective effect of mycosporine‐like aminoacids (MAA) in acidified beverages containing natamycin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and saffron carotenoids (SC) stored in three conditions: fluorescent, low and high intensity Light‐Emitting Diode (LED) light. Crude MAA extract addition resulted in faster degradation of natamycin, EGCG, and SG. Even in the presence of EDTA‐Na, there was higher degradation of natamycin in the presence of MAA extracts. Purification of the MAA extracts using solid‐phase extraction (SPE) resulted in slight, but significantly better retention of natamycin under fluorescent and low LED lighting; this was not seen at high LED, however. Therefore, purified MAA extract expressed a potential photoprotective effect on natamycin in acidified beverages.
Supporting the on‐call primary care physician with community paramedicine
Authors: Chellappa Deepa K. , DeCherrie Linda V. , Escobar Christian , Gregoriou Diana , Munjal Kevin G.
Published: October 2018

Prior to being referred to the emergency department (ED), patients such as the frail elderly often call their primary care physician. However, the on‐call primary care physician or covering provider does not always have the tools to make an accurate and safe assessment over the phone or to treat patients remotely. This often results in preventable transport to an ED, avoidable admissions and iatrogenic events. An opportunity exists to reduce unnecessary ED referrals by enhancing the capabilities of the on‐call primary care physician. In this communication, we describe the development of a community paramedicine programme that supports on‐call primary care providers managing a high‐risk patient population with the goal of reducing avoidable ED referrals.
Decompressive hemicraniectomy after malignant middle cerebral artery infarction: does hospital of origin matter?
Authors: Smyth Duncan , Weatherall Mark , Rosemergy Ian , Woon Kelvin , Lanford Jeremy
Published: October 2018

Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) has been shown to reduce mortality in malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. Our primary objective was to compare 1‐year mortality between patients receiving DHC for malignant MCA infarction at our institution based on hospital of origin. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients treated for malignant MCA infarction with DHC at our institution over a 3‐year period. One‐year mortality rates and time to surgery were comparable regardless of whether the patient first attended the tertiary referral centre or a peripheral centre.
Changing landscape of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer germline genetic testing in Australia
Authors: Petelin Lara , James Paul A. , Trainer Alison H.
Published: October 2018

Federal funding for germline genetic testing in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) was recently introduced. Germline testing for HBOC under Medicare Benefits Schedule items 73296/73297 can be requested by any specialist, whereas the previous state‐ and territory‐funded testing was limited to those operating within a familial cancer service. The impact of this decentralisation of HBOC testing on health and economic outcomes is uncertain, primarily as it has potential to significantly disrupt the clinical framework that generated the evidence used to justify clinical implementation of the Medicare Benefits Schedules.
Absence of renal phenotype in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Healy Lachlan , Nicholls Kathleen , Gibson Robert , Stella Damien , Bogwitz Michael , Taylor Jessica , Walsh Maie , Donaldson Liz , Winship Ingrid
Published: October 2018

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia is characterised by abnormal blood vessel formation, producing telangiectasia and arteriovenous malformations in multiple organs. Information regarding possible renal involvement in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia is limited. This study assessed renal structure and function in 11 patients with genetically confirmed diagnosis and known arteriovenous malformations in lung, liver, gastrointestinal tract or brain. All had significant current or past epistaxis. Despite the vascularity of the kidneys, we found no evidence of renal involvement. This observation warrants further consideration.
Never too old for an inherited condition
Authors: Robinson Philip
Published: October 2018

Primary ciliary dyskinesia is an uncommon, inherited condition causing progressive suppurative airway lung disease with subsequent bronchiectasis, chronic rhinitis‐sinusitis, deafness and reduced fertility. Diagnosis is often delayed by lack of awareness of the condition in the medical community and limited access to the few centres in Australia able to do full diagnostic testing. This report details the late diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia in two adults who have had long‐standing interactions with medical services but in whom the diagnosis was never considered or even dismissed. Greater awareness of the condition will reduce time to diagnosis, prevent administration of ineffective therapy and allow earlier institution of targeted therapy.
Low rates of eligibility for lung cancer screening in patients undergoing computed tomography coronary angiography
Authors: Lyne Christopher , Zaw Shane , King Bridget , See Katharine , Manners David , Al‐Kaisey Ahmed , Joshi Subodh , Farouque Omar , Irving Louis , Johnson Douglas , Steinfort Daniel
Published: October 2018

Incidental findings, including pulmonary nodules, on computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) are common. Previous authors have suggested CTCA could allow opportunistic screening for lung cancer, though the lung cancer risk profile of this patient group has not previously been established. Smoking histories of 229 patients undergoing CTCA at two tertiary hospitals were reviewed and only 25% were current or former smokers aged 55–80 years old. Less than half of this group were eligible for screening based on the PLCOm2012 risk model. We conclude that routine screening in the form of full thoracic field imaging, of individuals undergoing CTCA is not appropriate as it would likely result in net harm.
Three‐dimensional (3D) flexible nanofibrous network knitting on hierarchical porous architecture
Authors: Ren Bo , Liu Jingjing , Huo Wenlong , Gan Ke , Yan Shu , Chen Yugu , Lu Yuju , Yang Jinlong , Huang Yong
Published: October 2018

Hierarchical structured porous ceramics have attracted tremendous research interests because of their numerous excellent properties including robust mechanical strength and large surface area. In this work, silicon carbide (SiC)‐based porous ceramics with three levels of pore hierarchy are fabricated from silicon particle‐stabilized foams and a subsequent one‐step calcination after they were embedded with coke. Three‐dimensional (3D) flexible nanofibrous network is adhered and wrapped on cell walls of porous ceramics, which is readily fine‐tuned and tailored by the temperature to provide optimized pore structure. The resultant SiC‐based porous ceramics present a density of 1.03 g/cm3 at a porosity of 72% with a large quantity of hierarchical micro‐ and macropores. This hierarchical structure leads to robust compressive strength (23.52 MPa) and large surface area (64.32 m2/g). The fabrication method is straightforward and sought‐after, providing a facile technical route for advanced hierarchical porous ceramics used in filtration and catalysis fields.
Transparent red ‐emitting silicone resin for color conversion and encapsulation of NUV light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Chen Hong , Wang Yao , Lin Jianhui , Shuai Minmin , Zhu Haidi , Zhang Wengong , Ling Qidan
Published: October 2018

Herein, a novel transparent phenyl vinyl silicone resin nanocomposite containing exfoliated fluorescent Eu‐containing hydrotalcite‐like compound (EFHSN) is developed to serve as a dual role of color conversion and encapsulation material. Excited by near‐NUV light, the EFHSN emits a strong characteristic red light (614 nm). Meanwhile, the EFHSN shows not only excellent transparency (T > 95%) in the UV‐Vis region and high refractive index (1.46) but also superior thermal stability, which could meet the need of commercial encapsulation materials and optical application. Therefore, the EFHSN is expected to be used in InGaN‐based NUV light‐emitting diodes and flexible optoelectronic device.
Enhancing validity through cognitive interviewing. A methodological example using the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Comfort Questionnaire
Authors: Egger‐Rainer Andrea
Published: October 2018

Aims

To identify problematic items, assess completeness and user‐friendliness, and undertake modifications to enhance face validity of the newly developed Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Comfort Questionnaire.

Design

Qualitative‐descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Five iterative rounds of cognitive interviewing were conducted with members of the target population between July ‐ November 2017. Think‐aloud technique, verbal probing, and observation were used, to assess how respondents understood and answered questions. Data analysis was based on the framework method; an eight‐column framework matrix was created for this purpose.

Results

In 25 interviews, problems regarding completeness of the item pool, comprehension of items, retrieval of information, judgment while finding answers and reporting the appropriate responses could be detected. According to the results, 27 items remained unchanged, 11 items were reworded, and six items were added. Instructions section of the questionnaire was reworked, too.

Conclusion

Although time‐consuming, cognitive interviewing turned out to be a valuable approach for revealing problems in an instrument, which would, otherwise, remain undetected and threaten validity.
Bibliometric analysis of six nursing journals from the Web of Science, 2012–2017
Authors: Giménez‐Espert María del Carmen , Prado‐Gascó Vicente Javier
Published: October 2018

Aim

The purpose of this study was to perform a bibliometric analysis of the six most important nursing journals according to the impact factor of the Science Citation Index through Web of Science®. The following journals were included: International Journal of Nursing Studies, Nurse Education Today, Journal of Nursing Scholarship, Nursing Outlook, Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing and the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

Background

In the nursing field, bibliometric analysis and maps have been used to analyse the production of some journals but not for the comparison of different journals.

Design/Method

Using descriptive bibliometrics, we studied scientific production of different journals and bibliometric maps were used to visualize the content of published articles.

Results

The six journals included showed that 3,937 articles were written by 1,1371 authors from 2,980 institutions and 84 countries from 2012 – 2017. Journal of Advanced Nursing had a greater number of publications and citations. The most prolific authors showed a tendency to publish first in Journal of Advanced Nursing and then in International Journal of Nursing Studies and Nurse Education Today. The frequency of citation was higher in International Journal of Nursing Studies followed by Journal of Advanced Nursing. The most collaborative authors and those with the most co‐citations published more than half of their publications in Journal of Advanced Nursing. The topics most commonly researched by these authors were job satisfaction, collaborative practices, and nurse leaders.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis contributes to the understanding of the current state of nursing research and its evolution.
The effectiveness of peer support on self‐efficacy and quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kong Ling‐Na , Hu Ping , Yang Li , Cui Dan
Published: October 2018

Background

Peer support has been suggested as a promising approach for diabetes management. No conclusive evidence exists on the effects of peer support on self‐efficacy and quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of peer support on self‐efficacy and the quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled studies.

Data sources

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Allied Health Literature database guide for relevant literatures from inception to 30 September 2017.

Review methods

The review was conducted according to the guidelines of Cochrane Collaboration. The outcomes were self‐efficacy and quality of life. The standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for pooled results.

Results

A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled results revealed that peer support did not significantly improve self‐efficacy and quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes, but significantly improved self‐efficacy and quality of life in studies with intervention duration ≤6 months. There was no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion

Peer support intervention did not lead to better effects on the improvement in self‐efficacy and quality of life among adults with type 2 diabetes. However, peer support with intervention duration not more than 6 months had positive effects on self‐efficacy and quality of life. More high‐quality studies with large sample size are needed to support or counter the results.
Music intervention for pain and anxiety management of the primiparous women during labour: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chuang Ching‐Hui , Chen Po‐Cheng , Lee ChihChen Sophia , Chen Chung‐Hey , Tu Yu‐Kang , Wu Shih‐Chung
Published: October 2018

Aims

To determine the effect of music on the management of pain and anxiety in primiparous women during labour.

Background

Music is cost‐effective intervention in clinical practice to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety. However, a systematic review with meta‐analysis for investigating its effects during labour is still lacking.

Design

A systematic review with meta‐analysis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases.

Review methods

Randomized controlled trials or quasi‐experimental trials concerning the effects of music among primiparous women who were expected to give normal spontaneous delivery were searched and screened up to 31 July 2017. The recruited trials for this review were compliant with the standards of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

Results

A total of 392 primiparous pregnant women (197 in the music intervention group and 195 in the routine care group) from five studies were included in this review. Music as an intervention seemed to lower the pain scores for primiparous women during labour, but the effect was not statistically significant. However, there was a significant benefit of music intervention compared with routine care for primiparous women during labour. In the sensitivity analysis, music intervention showed significant effect on the improvement of pain and anxiety for primiparous women during labour.

Conclusion

Music intervention may be an effective intervention for the management of pain and anxiety for primiparous women during labour.
Mexican‐American adolescents’ perceptions about causes of perinatal depression, self‐help strategies, and how to obtain mental health information
Authors: Recto Pamela , Dimmitt Champion Jane
Published: October 2018

Problem

Perinatal depression is a public health concern as it is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies have recommended further examination of perinatal depression among Mexican‐American adolescents. Thus, the purpose of this study was to understand pregnant and postpartum Mexican‐American adolescents’ knowledge and beliefs concerning perinatal depression.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study examined perceptions about the causes of perinatal depression, self‐help strategies, and how to obtain mental health information. Data were analyzed using deductive and inductive qualitative content analysis. A convenience sample, consisiting of 20 pregnant and postpartum adolescents, self‐identified as Mexican‐Americans, between the ages of 15 and 19 years was interviewed.

Findings

The quality of relationships with their family and significant other and difficulties in transitioning to motherhood were described as potential causes for depression. Journaling, exercising, and spending time with friends and family were identified as self‐help strategies. Healthcare providers, the internet, and mothers who have experienced depression were stated as helpful sources of mental health information.

Conclusion

An assessment of their psychosocial environment is indicated to identify risk or protective factors for perinatal depression. Its consideration and inclusion in interventions may optimize mental health among perinatal adolescents.
Postablation cerebral embolisms in balloon‐based atrial fibrillation ablation with periprocedural direct oral anticoagulants: A comparison between cryoballoon and HotBalloon ablation
Authors: Nakamura Kohki , Sasaki Takehito , Take Yutaka , Okazaki Yoshinori , Inoue Mitsuho , Motoda Hiroyuki , Miki Yuko , Niijima Katsura , Yamashita Eiji , Koyama Keiko , Funabashi Nobusada , Naito Shigeto
Published: October 2018

Introduction

This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the incidence of symptomatic and silent cerebral embolisms after balloon‐based ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients receiving periprocedural anticoagulation with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), and compare that between cryoballoon and HotBalloon ablation (CBA and HBA).

Methods and Results

We enrolled 123 consecutive AF patients who underwent a balloon‐based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging after the ablation procedure (CBA, n = 65; HBA,
n = 58). The DOACs were continued in 62 patients throughout the periprocedural period and discontinued in 61 on the procedural day. Intravenous heparin was infused to maintain an activated clotting time of 300 to 400 seconds during the procedure. No symptomatic embolisms occurred in this series. Silent cerebral ischemic lesions (SCILs) were observed on MR imaging in 22 patients (17.9%), and the incidence of SCILs did not significantly differ between the CBA and HBA groups (21.5 vs 13.8%;
P = 0.263). According to a multivariate logistic regression analysis, an older age was an independent positive predictor of SCILs (odds ratio, 1.062; 95% CI, 1.001‐1.126;
P = 0.046), but neither the balloon catheter type nor periprocedural continuation or discontinuation of the DOACs were significant predictors. The incidence of major and minor bleeding complications was comparable between the CBA and HBA groups (1.5 vs 0%,
P = 0.528; 7.7 vs 5.2%,
P = 0.424).

Conclusions

Both CBA and HBA of AF revealed a similar incidence of postablation cerebral embolisms. Elderly patients may be at a risk of SCILs after a balloon‐based PVI with periprocedural DOAC treatment.
Targeted ablation of specific electrogram patterns in low‐voltage areas after pulmonary vein antral isolation in persistent atrial fibrillation: Termination to an organized rhythm reduces atrial fibrillation recurrence
Authors: Efremidis Michael , Vlachos Konstantinos , Letsas Konstantinos P. , Bazoukis George , Martin Ruairidh , Frontera Antonio , Asvestas Dimitrios , Saplaouras Athanasios , Kitamura Τakeshi , Georgopoulos Stamatios , Valkanas Kosmas , Karamichalakis Nikolaos , Takigawa Masateru , Sideris Antonios , Derval Nicolas , Sacher Frederic , Jais Pierre
Published: October 2018

Background

Ablation strategies have been developed to improve outcomes in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF). However, the impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) termination on late AF recurrence is not well known. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of AF termination to atrial tachycardia (AT) or sinus rhythm (SR) during catheter ablation on late AF recurrence after the 3‐month blanking period.

Methods and Results

We prospectively recruited 140 patients (mean age: 58.5 ± 12.3 years old, 74.3% males) with uninterrupted PsAF of a mean duration of 3.7 months. Pulmonary vein antral isolation (PVAI) was the first ablation step, and if AF did not terminate (to SR or AT), we ablated low‐voltage areas less than 0.4 mV with specific electrogram characteristics. We successfully converted AF to AT or SR in 56 patients (40%) during PVAI (n = 24) or low‐voltage ablation (
n = 32). The remaining 84 patients (60%) were electrically cardioverted to SR at the end of the procedure. One hundred patients (71.4%) maintained SR after a single procedure during a mean follow‐up of 21.1 ± 0.8 months. Of the 56 patients with AF termination, 46 (82.1%) had no recurrence, while in the group of 84 patients without AF termination, 54 patients (64.3%) remained in SR (
P < 0.02).

Conclusion

Ablation of PVAI and specific electrograms in low‐voltage areas less than 0.4 mV can lead to encouraging outcomes with a low recurrence rate as well as a lower need for redo procedures.
Interesting case of dual tachycardia in a patient with surgical closure of atrial septal defect
Authors: Mohanan Nair Krishna Kumar , Namboodiri Narayanan , Kevadiya Hiren , Valaparambil Ajitkumar
Published: October 2018

A 34‐year‐old gentleman, who had undergone pericardial patch closure of ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) at 8 years of age, was evaluated for shortness of breath. Electrocardiogram revealed typical atrial flutter with varying atrioventricular conduction. Echocardiogram showed no residual ASD or pulmonary hypertension and good biventricular function. He was taken for an electrophysiological study with the intention of radiofrequency ablation of the typical flutter.
The antidepressant drug, sertraline, hinders bone healing and osseointegration in rats’ tibiae
Authors: Abu Nada Lina , Al Subaie Ahmed , Mansour Alaa , Wu Xixi , Abdallah Mohamed‐Nur , Al‐Waeli Haider , Ersheidat Ala’ , Stone Laura S. , Murshed Monzur , Tamimi Faleh
Published: October 2018

Aim

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one of the most common antidepressant drugs. SSRI use is associated with increased risk of bone fracture and titanium implant failure. The aim of this in vivo study was to investigate the effect of SSRIs on osseointegration and bone healing.

Materials and Methods

On a total of 24 Sprague‐Dawley rats, a custom‐made titanium implant was placed in the left tibia, while a unicortical defect was created in the right tibia. Rats were assigned randomly into two groups and received a daily dose of either sertraline (5 mg/kg) or saline. After two weeks, they were euthanized and bone healing and osseointegration were assessed by micro‐CT and histology.

Results

Bone formation in bone defects was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in sertraline‐treated rats (BV/TV = 20.67 ± 11.98%) compared to the controls (BV/TV = 37.87 ± 9.56%). Furthermore, the percentage of osseointegration was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in sertraline‐treated rats (34.40 ± 7.17%) compared to the controls (54.37 ± 8.58%).

Conclusion

Sertraline hinders bone healing and implant osseointegration.