bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Do Achievement Measures Underpredict Female Academic Performance?
Authors: Mattern Krista , Sanchez Edgar , Ndum Edwin
Published: January 2017

In the context of college admissions, the current study examined whether differential prediction of first‐year grade point average (FYGPA) by gender could be explained by an omitted variable problem—namely, academic discipline, or the amount of effort a student puts into schoolwork and the degree to which a student sees him/herself as hardworking and conscientious. Based on nearly 10,000 college students, the current study found that differences in intercepts by gender were reduced by 45% with the inclusion of academic discipline in a model that already included high school grade point average (HSGPA) and ACT Composite score. Moreover, academic discipline resulted in an additional 4% of variance accounted for in FYGPA. Gender differences in slopes were not statistically significant (p > .001) regardless if academic discipline was included in the model. The findings highlight the utility of taking a more holistic approach when making college admission decisions. Namely, the inclusion of noncognitive measures has benefits that are twofold: increased predictive validity and reduced differential prediction.
Internet and Facebook related images affect the perception of time
Authors: Gonidis Lazaros , Sharma Dinkar
Published: January 2017

Even though there is a wealth of research on addiction and implicit measures, the effects of addiction on time perception are still unclear. Internal clock models separate the effects of attention and arousal which could have important implications for addiction research. This study investigated whether Internet related stimuli can lead to distorted time perception. We found evidence that Internet and Facebook related stimuli can distort time perception due to attention and arousal related mechanisms. This highlights that Facebook related stimuli lead to an overestimation of time compared to Internet related stimuli, and both Facebook and Internet related stimuli were associated with better discriminability of time compared to matched neutral stimuli. Implications of these findings on addiction are discussed.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of oil from macauba pulp using alcoholic solvents
Authors: Rodrigues Giovana de Menezes , Mello Bruna Tais Ferreira de , dos Santos Garcia Vitor Augusto , Silva Camila da
Published: January 2017

Ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) of macauba pulp oil was investigated using ethanol and isopropanol as solvents and compared with the conventional extraction technique. An experimental design was applied to evaluate the influence of the experimental variables (temperature, solvent to pulp ratio, and time) on the oil extraction and to optimize them. The optimum conditions were then evaluated in relation to the extraction kinetics and the effect of the application of ultrasound in the process was determined. For both techniques, higher yields were obtained with the use of ethanol as the solvent. The results showed that increasing the temperature, the amount of solvent used and the extraction time leads to greater oil removal from macauba pulp (p < .05), and the amount of solvent used in the process had the greatest influence. The maximum oil yields obtained by UAE were 49.2 and 38% with ethanol and isopropanol, respectively, obtained at 60 °C, with a 90‐min extraction time and solvent to pulp ratio of 10, which represent ∼86 and ∼77% of the yield obtained by conventional extraction. The UAE provided better yields when compared to the process without ultrasound. The fatty acids composition was not influenced by the extraction method and solvent used; however, UAE provides oils with higher levels of β‐carotene and flavonoids using ethanol and isopropanol, respectively.

Practical applications

The optimization of UAE for macauba pulp oil extraction is presented in the present study and the results demonstrate the efficiency of the method for obtaining this oil in low extraction time and solvent consumption. The oil obtained by this technique has higher levels of β‐carotene and flavonoids. Additionally, macauba pulp oil obtained using ethanol and isopropanol with solvent may be used as a food, because these solvents are considered of food grade.
Effects of whey protein isolate based coating enriched with Zingiber officinale and Matricaria recutita essential oils on the quality of refrigerated rainbow trout
Authors: Oğuzhan Yıldız Pınar , Yangılar Filiz
Published: January 2017

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of whey protein isolate (WPI) coating enriched with essential oils (ginger and chamomile) on rainbow trout fillets during storage at 4°C. Samples were analyzed at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days for microbiological (total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas), chemical analyses (pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances‐TBARS, total volatile base nitrogen‐TVB‐N, peroxide value [PV]) and sensory quality (odor, taste, tissue, appearance). Bacterial growth was inhibited in samples with high concentrations of essential oils due to its antimicrobial activity. During the storage period, TVB‐N, TBARS, and PVs content gradually increased in all groups, and significant differences were found between the groups (p < .05). In conclusion, the addition of of ginger and chamomile essential oils to WPI coatings showed a positive effect on the rainbow trout shelf‐life.

Practical applications

Whey protein is a by‐product of the cheese‐making industry and is already known as an excellent barrier to oxygen, aroma, and oil and can be used as a coating material for improving the oxygen barrier property of food packaging. The use of an essential oil in fresh fish preservation may be considered an alternative “natural” additive, extending the shelf life of the product. Our study has clearly shown that addition of ginger and camolime essential oil and whey protein isolate coating in fish resulted in longer shelf life, and this method could be commercially used.
Up‐regulation of plakophilin‐2 is correlated with the progression of glioma
Authors: Zhang Degeng , Qian Yuxia , Liu Xiaoxing , Yu Hong , Zhao Niangao , Wu Zhengdong
Published: January 2017

Glioma is the most common type of primary brain tumor in the CNS. Due to its poor prognosis and high mortality rates, it is urgent to find out more effective therapies. Plakophilin‐2 (PKP2) is a widespread desmosomal plaque protein. Recently, the important roles of PKP2 in the proliferation and migration of cancer cells and tumor progression has been shown. However, the expression and potential function of PKP2 in glioma was still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that PKP2 protein expression level was increased in glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues, and its level was significantly associated with the Ki‐67 expression and WHO grade by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Clinically, high PKP2 expression was tightly related to poor prognosis of glioma patients. Interestingly, we found that down‐regulated PKP2 expression was shown to inhibit the migration of cells in glioma. Moreover, cell counting kit (CCK)‐8 and colony formation analyses proved that reduced expression of PKP2 could weaken glioma cell proliferation. Taken together, these data uncover a potential role for PKP2 in the pathogenic process of glioma, suggesting that PKP2 may be a promising therapeutic target of glioma.
Patients' experience of thirst while being conscious and mechanically ventilated in the intensive care unit
Authors: Kjeldsen Caroline L. , Hansen Mette S. , Jensen Kamilla , Holm Anna , Haahr Anita , Dreyer Pia
Published: January 2017

Background

Because of changes in sedation strategies, more patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are conscious. Therefore, new and challenging tasks in nursing practice have emerged, which require a focus on the problems that patients experience. Thirst is one such major problem, arising because the mechanical ventilator prevents the patients from drinking when they have the urge to do so. To gain a deeper understanding of the patients' experiences and to contribute new knowledge in nursing care, this study focuses on the patients' experiences of thirst during mechanical ventilation (MV) while being conscious.

Aims

To explore patients' experience of thirst while being conscious and mechanically ventilated.

Design

This hermeneutic study used qualitative interviews of 12 patients.

Method

Data were analyzed based on content analysis. Interviews were conducted between September and October 2014 in two large ICUs in Denmark.

Result

Four themes relating to the patients' experiences of thirst during MV were identified: a paramount thirst, a different sense in the mouth, deprivation of the opportunity to quench thirst and difficulties associated with thirst.

Conclusion

Patients associate feelings of desperation, anxiety and powerlessness with the experience of thirst. These feelings have a negative impact on their psychological well‐being. A strategy in the ICU that includes no sedation for critically ill patients in need of MV introduces new demands on the nurses who must care for patients who are struggling with thirst.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study shows that despite several practical attempts to relieve thirst, it remains a paramount problem for the patients. ICU nurses need to increase their focus on issues of thirst and dry mouth, which are two closely related issues for the patients. Communication may be a way to involve the patients, recognize and draw attention to their problem.
Respecting variations in embodiment as well as gender: Beyond the presumed ‘binary’ of sex
Authors: Saewyc Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2017

Although societies and health care systems are increasingly recognizing gender outside traditional binary categories, the notion persists of two, and only two sexes, ‘naturally’ aligned between chromosomes and phenotypic body. Yet there are more than a dozen documented genetic or phenotypic variations that do not completely fit the two simplistic categories, and together, they may comprise 1%–2% of the population worldwide. In this commentary, I consider how adherence to binary notions of sex has created and maintained social and health care structures that perpetuate health care inequities, and may well violate our nursing codes of ethics. I provide some current examples in law and health care systems that create difficulties for people with variations in sex development. I describe our responsibility to challenge the societally promoted but scientifically inaccurate perspective of sex as a binary. I conclude by briefly suggesting a few implications for action within nursing research, nursing education, nursing practice, and in advocacy as a profession.
Self‐Censorship as a Socio‐Political‐Psychological Phenomenon: Conception and Research
Authors: Bar‐Tal Daniel
Published: January 2017

Self‐censorship of information, defined as an act of intentionally and voluntarily withholding information from others in the absence of formal obstacles, serves as an obstacle to the proper functioning of a democratic society, because it prevents free access to information, freedom of expression, and the flow of information. It is of key importance in societies, as it blocks information that may shed new light on various societal issues. Nevertheless, it is recognized that in certain cases self‐censorship is necessary. The present article provides a comprehensive conceptual framework for self‐censorship and examines it from various angles with empirical examples. It describes its nature and psychological foundations, the motivations that underlie it, the conditions that facilitate its practice, its societal and individual consequences, and, finally, its measurement challenges.
The Nature and Origins of Misperceptions: Understanding False and Unsupported Beliefs About Politics
Authors: Flynn D.J. , Nyhan Brendan , Reifler Jason
Published: January 2017

Political misperceptions can distort public debate and undermine people's ability to form meaningful opinions. Why do people often hold these false or unsupported beliefs, and why is it sometimes so difficult to convince them otherwise? We argue that political misperceptions are typically rooted in directionally motivated reasoning, which limits the effectiveness of corrective information about controversial issues and political figures. We discuss factors known to affect the prevalence of directionally motivated reasoning and assess strategies for accurately measuring misperceptions in surveys. Finally, we address the normative implications of misperceptions for democracy and suggest important topics for future research.
Science Curiosity and Political Information Processing
Authors: Kahan Dan M. , Landrum Asheley , Carpenter Katie , Helft Laura , Hall Jamieson Kathleen
Published: January 2017

This article describes evidence suggesting that science curiosity counteracts politically biased information processing. This finding is in tension with two bodies of research. The first casts doubt on the existence of “curiosity” as a measurable disposition. The other suggests that individual differences in cognition related to science comprehension—of which science curiosity, if it exists, would presumably be one—do not mitigate politically biased information processing but instead aggravate it. The article describes the scale‐development strategy employed to overcome the problems associated with measuring science curiosity. It also reports data, observational and experimental, showing that science curiosity promotes open‐minded engagement with information that is contrary to individuals’ political predispositions. We conclude by identifying a series of concrete research questions posed by these results.
Development of older men's caregiving roles for wives with dementia
Authors: Hellström Ingrid , Håkanson Cecilia , Eriksson Henrik , Sandberg Jonas
Published: January 2017

This secondary analysis of qualitative interviews describes how older Swedish men approach the caregiver role for a wife with dementia, over time. An increasing number of male caregivers will become primary caregivers for partners living with dementia at home, and they will likely be caregivers for an extended period of time. It has been stated that caregiving experiences influence how older men think of themselves. The theoretical starting point is a constructivist position, offering an understanding of older caregiving men's constructions and reconstructions of themselves and their caregiver roles. Seven men, who were cohabiting with their wives, were interviewed on up to five occasions at home during a 5‐ to 6‐year period. The findings comprise three themes; me and it, me despite it, it is me, depict how these men gradually take on and normalise the caregiving tasks, and how they develop and internalise a language based on their caring activities. The results provide understanding about the relationship between men as caregivers and how this influences them as individuals. By careful attention to each caregiving man's individual needs rather than making gendered assumptions about men and caring, the aim of the caregiver support for men might best target men's own meaning to the caring in their the everyday practices.
Prevalence of increased canine pancreas‐specific lipase concentrations in young dogs with parvovirus enteritis
Authors: Kalli Irida V. , Adamama‐Moraitou Katerina K. , Patsikas Michael N. , Pardali Dimitra , Steiner Jörg M. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Menexes George , Brellou Georgia D. , Rallis Timoleon S.
Published: January 2017

Background

Pancreatic abnormalities during canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis have not been studied prospectively.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic significance of canine serum pancreas‐specific lipase (SpeccPL) concentration in dogs withCPVenteritis for the presence of acute pancreatitis (AP). Puppies with naturally occurringCPVenteritis were recruited and prospectively allocated into 2 groups according to normal or increased serum SpeccPLconcentration. Clinical signs, laboratory findings, and pancreas‐associated variables were compared between groups, and the impact of possibleAPon disease course, duration of hospitalization, and outcome was assessed.

Results

Serum SpeccPLconcentration in 35 puppies was above the upper limit of theRIin 17/35 (48.6%) dogs (Group A) and within theRIin 18 dogs (Group B). An increased serum lipase activity was present in 29/35 (82.9%) dogs, and Group A dogs had a higher serum lipase activity than Group B (P= .006). Serum SpeccPLin Group A dogs was positively correlated with serum lipase activity at the day of presentation (r= .667;P =.003) and day of discharge (r= .628;P =.007). No statistically significant difference was found between groups (P= .233) for the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (6/17 or 35.3% dogs Group A, and 8/18 or 44.4% dogs Group B), the disease course, duration of hospitalization, or outcome between groups.

Conclusions

Increased serum SpeccPLis relatively common in dogs withCPVenteritis. However, such increases do not seem to correlate with the outcome of disease.
Acoustic and streaming velocity components in a resonant waveguide at high acoustic levels
Authors: Daru Virginie , Reyt Ida , Bailliet Hélène , Weisman Catherine , Baltean-Carlès Diana
Published: January 2017

Rayleigh streaming is a steady flow generated by the interaction between an acoustic wave and a solid wall, generally assumed to be second order in a Mach number expansion. Acoustic streaming is well known in the case of a stationary plane wave at low amplitude: it has a half-wavelength spatial periodicity and the maximum axial streaming velocity is a quadratic function of the acoustic velocity amplitude at antinode. For higher acoustic levels, additional streaming cells have been observed. Results of laser Doppler velocimetry measurements are here compared to direct numerical simulations. The evolution of axial and radial velocity components for both acoustic and streaming velocities is studied from low to high acoustic amplitudes. Two streaming flow regimes are pointed out, the axial streaming dependency on acoustics going from quadratic to linear. The evolution of streaming flow is different for outer cells and for inner cells. Also, the hypothesis of radial streaming velocity being of second order in a Mach number expansion, is not valid at high amplitudes. The change of regime occurs when the radial streaming velocity amplitude becomes larger than the radial acoustic velocity amplitude, high levels being therefore characterized by nonlinear interaction of the different velocity components.
Experiments on the low frequency barrier characteristics of cellular metamaterial panels in a diffuse sound field
Authors: Varanasi Srinivas , Bolton J. Stuart , Siegmund Thomas
Published: January 2017

The metamaterial under investigation here consists of a periodic arrangement of unit plates in a grid-like frame such that there is a contrast in the local areal mass between cell interior and cell wall. In the low frequency range and under normal incidence this metamaterial panel exhibits a sound transmission loss significantly larger than the transmission loss of an unstructured panel with the same homogeneous mass per unit area. However, when the incident sound field is diffuse, the relative advantage of the metamaterial barrier is reduced or eliminated. A sequence of experiments is documented to demonstrate that the relative advantage of the metamaterial barrier can be realized even in a diffuse sound field by creating a hybrid barrier system which embeds the metamaterial layer between a normalizing waveguide layer on the incident side and an absorbing layer on the transmitted side. The sound normalizing waveguide layer is a lattice structure, and the absorbing layer is high performance glass fiber mat. By using measurements of the transmission loss of a 1.2 m square panel system the role of each of these components is demonstrated.
Out of bounds
Authors: McCook Alison
Published: January 2017

How a dispute at Harvard led to a grad student's forced mental exam and an extraordinary restraining order against a prominent scientist.
The polluted brain
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: January 2017

The microscopic particles sifting from freeways and power plants don't just harm your heart and lungs. They may also attack your brain.
AAAS urges Trump team to value science and its benefits
Authors: Jarvis Michaela
Published: January 2017

CEO Rush Holt leads multistrategy effort to safeguard scientists' role in good government
Podcast
Bring Back the King The New Science of De-extinction
Helen Pilcher
Bloomsbury, 2017. 304 pp.
Is It All in Your Head? True Stories of Imaginary Illness
Suzanne O'Sullivan
Other Press, 2017. 291 pp.
Authors: Golbeck Jennifer
Published: January 2017

This week on the 
Science 
podcast, Jennifer Golbeck digs into the science of de-extinction with biologist Helen Pilcher and recommends a clinician's compassionate tale of psychosomatic disorders.
Cytokine Profiles in Malawian Children Presenting with Uncomplicated Malaria, Severe Malarial Anemia, and Cerebral Malaria
Authors: Mandala Wilson L. , Msefula Chisomo L. , Gondwe Esther N. , Drayson Mark T. , Molyneux Malcolm E. , MacLennan Calman A.
Published: January 2017

Proinflammatory cytokines are involved in clearance ofPlasmodium falciparum, and very high levels of these cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of severe malaria. In order to determine how cytokines vary with disease severity and syndrome, we enrolled Malawian children presenting with cerebral malaria (CM), severe malarial anemia (SMA), and uncomplicated malaria (UCM) and healthy controls. We analyzed serum cytokine concentrations in acute infection and in convalescence. With the exception of interleukin 5 (IL-5), cytokine concentrations were highest in acute CM, followed by SMA, and were only mildly elevated in UCM. Cytokine concentrations had fallen to control levels when remeasured at 1 month of convalescence in all three clinical malaria groups. Ratios of IL-10 to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and of IL-10 to IL-6 followed a similar pattern. Children presenting with acute CM had significantly higher concentrations of TNF-α (P< 0.001), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) (P= 0.0019), IL-2 (P= 0.0004), IL-6 (P< 0.001), IL-8 (P< 0.001), and IL-10 (P< 0.001) in sera than healthy controls. Patients with acute CM had significantly higher concentrations of IL-6 (P< 0.001) and IL-10 (P= 0.0003) than those presenting with acute SMA. Our findings are consistent with the concept that high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, despite high levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, could contribute to the pathogenesis of CM.
Molecular Analysis of Arthrobacter Myovirus vB_ArtM-ArV1: We Blame It on the Tail
Authors: Kaliniene Laura , Šimoliūnas Eugenijus , Truncaitė Lidija , Zajančkauskaitė Aurelija , Nainys Juozas , Kaupinis Algirdas , Valius Mindaugas , Meškys Rolandas
Published: January 2017

This is the first report on a myophage that infects
Arthrobacter
. A novel virus, vB_ArtM-ArV1 (ArV1), was isolated from soil using
Arthrobacter
sp. strain 68b for phage propagation. Transmission electron microscopy showed its resemblance to members of the family
Myoviridae
: ArV1 has an isometric head (∼74 nm in diameter) and a contractile, nonflexible tail (∼192 nm). Phylogenetic and comparative sequence analyses, however, revealed that ArV1 has more genes in common with phages from the family
Siphoviridae
than it does with any myovirus characterized to date. The genome of ArV1 is a linear, circularly permuted, double-stranded DNA molecule (71,200 bp) with a GC content of 61.6%. The genome includes 101 open reading frames (ORFs) yet contains no tRNA genes. More than 50% of ArV1 genes encode unique proteins that either have no reliable identity to database entries or have homologues only in
Arthrobacter
phages, both sipho- and myoviruses. Using bioinformatics approaches, 13 ArV1 structural genes were identified, including those coding for head, tail, tail fiber, and baseplate proteins. A further 6 ArV1 ORFs were annotated as encoding putative structural proteins based on the results of proteomic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on the alignment of four conserved virion proteins revealed that
Arthrobacter
myophages form a discrete clade that seems to occupy a position somewhat intermediate between myo- and siphoviruses. Thus, the data presented here will help to advance our understanding of genetic diversity and evolution of phages that constitute the order
Caudovirales
.

IMPORTANCE
Bacteriophages, which likely originated in the early Precambrian Era, represent the most numerous population on the planet. Approximately 95% of known phages are tailed viruses that comprise three families:
Podoviridae
(with short tails),
Siphoviridae
(with long noncontractile tails), and
Myoviridae
(with contractile tails). Based on the current hypothesis, myophages, which may have evolved from siphophages, are thought to have first emerged among Gram-negative bacteria, whereas they emerged only later among Gram-positive bacteria. The results of the molecular characterization of myophage vB_ArtM-ArV1 presented here conform to the aforementioned hypothesis, since, at a glance, bacteriophage vB_ArtM-ArV1 appears to be a siphovirus that possesses a seemingly functional contractile tail. Our work demonstrates that such “chimeric” myophages are of cosmopolitan nature and are likely characteristic of the ecologically important soil bacterial genus
Arthrobacter
.
Socioeconomic disparities in birth weight and body mass index during infancy through age 7 years: a study within the Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Morgen Camilla Schmidt , Andersen Per Kragh , Mortensen Laust Hvas , Howe Laura D , Rasmussen Mette , Due Pernille , Sørensen Thorkild I A , Andersen Anne-Marie Nybo
Published: January 2017

Background

Socioeconomic inequalities in birth weight and in body mass index (BMI) later in childhood are in opposite directions, which raises questions about when during childhood the change in direction happens. We examined how maternal and paternal education and household income were associated with birthweight z-scores and with BMI z-scores at age 5 and 12 months and 7 years, and we examined the socioeconomic differences in the tracking of these z-scores across infancy and childhood.

Methods

The associations were studied in a cohort of children in the Danish National Birth Cohort, single born between 1997 and 2003, for whom information on body size from at least 1 of 4 time points (n=85 062) was recorded.We examined the associations using linear mixed-effects modelling.

Results

Children from families with a low maternal and paternal educational level changed their body size z-scores upwards between birth and age 7 years. At age 5 and 12 months, there were no educational gradient. A low maternal educational level was associated with lower birth weight for gestational age z-scores at birth for boys (−0.199; 95% CI −0.230 to −0.169) and girls (−0.198; 95% CI −0.229 to −0.167) and higher BMI z-scores at age 7 for boys (0.198; 95% CI 0.154 to 0.242) and girls (0.218; 95% CI 0.173 to 0.264). There was not a similarly clear pattern in the tracking between different household income groups. However, a low household income level was associated with higher z-scores of both birth weight and BMI at age 7 years, but with a much weaker gradient at 5 and 12 months.

Conclusions

The educational gradient shifts from positive with birth weight, to none during infancy to inverse with BMI at age 7 years. In contrast, the income gradient was positive at birth and at 7 years and much weaker during infancy.
Prevalence, pattern and sociodemographic differentials in smokeless tobacco consumption in Bangladesh: evidence from a population-based cross-sectional study in Chakaria
Authors: Mia Mohammad Nahid , Hanifi S M A , Rahman M Shafiqur , Sultana Amena , Hoque Shahidul , Bhuiya Abbas
Published: January 2017

Background

The health hazards associated with the use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) are similar to those of smoking. However, unlike smoking, limited initiatives have been taken to control the use of SLT, despite its widespread use in South and Southeast Asian countries including Bangladesh. It is therefore important to examine the prevalence of SLT use and its social determinants for designing appropriate strategies and programmes to control its use.

Objective

To investigate the use of SLT in terms of prevalence, pattern and sociodemographic differentials in a rural area of Bangladesh.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional household survey.

Setting and participants

A total of 6178 individuals aged ≥13 years from 1753 households under the Chakaria HDSS area were interviewed during October–November 2011.

Methods

The current use of SLT, namelysadapatha(dried tobacco leaves) andzarda(industrially processed leaves), was used as the outcome variable. The crude and net associations between the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents and the outcome variables were examined using cross-tabular and multivariable logistic regression analysis, respectively.

Results

23% of the total respondents (men: 27.0%, women: 19.3%) used any form of SLT. Of the respondents, 10.4% used onlysadapatha,13.6% used onlyzardaand 2.2% used both. SLT use was significantly higher among men, older people, illiterate, ever married, day labourers and relatively poorer respondents. The odds of being asadapathauser were 3.5-fold greater for women than for men and the odds of being azardauser were 3.6-fold greater for men than for women.

Conclusions

The prevalence of SLT use was high in the study area and was higher among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. The limitation of the existing regulatory measures for controlling the use of non-industrial SLT products should be understood and discussion for developing new strategies should be a priority.
Injuries caused by pets in Asian urban households: a cross-sectional telephone survey
Authors: Chan Emily Y Y , Gao Yang , Li Liping , Lee Po Yi
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Little is known about pet-related injuries in Asian populations. This study primarily aimed to investigate the incidence rate of pet-related household injuries in Hong Kong, an urban Chinese setting.

Setting

Cantonese-speaking non-institutionalised population of all ages in Hong Kong accessible by telephone land-line.

Participants

A total of 43 542 telephone numbers were dialled and 6570 residents successfully completed the interviews.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Data of pet-related household injuries in the previous 12 months, pet ownership and socio-demographic characteristics were collected with a questionnaire. Direct standardisation of the incidence rates of pet-related household injuries by gender and age to the 2009 Hong Kong Population Census was estimated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to estimate risks of socio-demographic factors and pet ownership for the injury.

Results

A total of 84 participants experienced pet-related household injuries in the past 12 months, with an overall person-based incidence rate of 1.28%. The majority of the victims were injured once (69.6%). Cats (51.6%) were the most common pets involved. Pet owners were at an extremely higher risk after controlling for other factors (adjusted OR: 52.0, 95% CI 22.1 to 98.7). Females, the unmarried, those with higher monthly household income and those living in lower-density housing were more likely to be injured by pets.

Conclusions

We project a pet-related household injury incidence rate of 1.24% in the general Hong Kong population, with 86 334 residents sustaining pet-related injuries every year. Pet ownership puts people at extremely high risk, especially the unmarried. Further studies should focus on educating pet owners to reduce pet-related injuries in urban Greater China.
Validation of a clinical screening instrument for tumour predisposition syndromes in patients with childhood cancer (TuPS): protocol for a prospective, observational, multicentre study
Authors: Postema Floor A M , Hopman Saskia M J , de Borgie Corianne A J M , Hammond Peter , Hennekam Raoul C , Merks Johannes H M ,   on behalf of the TuPS study group, Aalfs Cora M , Anninga Jakob K , Berger Lieke PV , Bleeker Fonnet E , de Bont Eveline SJM , de Borgie Corianne AJM , Dommering Charlotte J , van Eijkelenburg Natasha KA , Hammond Peter , Hennekam Raoul C , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M , Hopman Saskia MJ , Jongmans Marjolijn CJ , Kors Wijnanda A , Letteboer Tom GW , Loeffen Jan LCM , Merks Johannes HM , Olderode-Berends Maran JW , Postema Floor AM , Wagner Anja
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Recognising a tumour predisposition syndrome (TPS) in patients with childhood cancer is of significant clinical relevance, as it affects treatment, prognosis and facilitates genetic counselling. Previous studies revealed that only half of the known TPSs are recognised during standard paediatric cancer care. In current medical practice it is impossible to refer every patient with childhood cancer to a clinical geneticist, due to limited capacity for routine genetic consultation. Therefore, we have developed a screening instrument to identify patients with childhood cancer with a high probability of having a TPS. The aim of this study is to validate the clinical screening instrument for TPS in patients with childhood cancer.

Methods and analysis

This study is a prospective nationwide cohort study including all newly diagnosed patients with childhood cancer in the Netherlands. The screening instrument consists of a checklist, two- and three-dimensional photographic series of the patient. 2 independent clinical geneticists will assess the content of the screening instrument. If a TPS is suspected based on the instrument data and thus further evaluation is indicated, the patient will be invited for full genetic consultation. A negative control group consists of 20% of the patients in whom a TPS is not suspected based on the instrument; they will be randomly invited for full genetic consultation. Primary outcome measurement will be sensitivity of the instrument.

Ethics and dissemination

The Medical Ethical Committee of the Academic Medical Centre stated that the Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act does not apply to this study and that official approval of this study by the Committee was not required. The results will be offered for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at International Conferences on Oncology and Clinical Genetics. The clinical data gathered in this study will be available for all participating centres.

Trial registration number

NTR5605.
Exploring the role of pain as an early predictor of category 2 pressure ulcers: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Smith Isabelle L , Brown Sarah , McGinnis Elizabeth , Briggs Michelle , Coleman Susanne , Dealey Carol , Muir Delia , Nelson E Andrea , Stevenson Rebecca , Stubbs Nikki , Wilson Lyn , Brown Julia M , Nixon Jane
Published: January 2017

Objective

To explore pressure area related pain as a predictor of category ≥2 pressure ulcer (PU) development.

Design

Multicentre prospective cohort study.

Setting

UK hospital and community settings.

Participants inclusion

Consenting acutely ill patients aged ≥18 years, defined as high risk (Braden bedfast/chairfast AND completely immobile/very limited mobility; pressure area related pain or; category 1 PU).

Exclusion

Patients too unwell, unable to report pain, 2 or more category ≥2 PUs.

Follow-up

Twice weekly for 30 days.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Development and time to development of one or more category ≥2 PUs.

Results

Of 3819 screened, 1266 were eligible, 634 patients were recruited, 32 lost to follow-up, providing a 602 analysis population. 152 (25.2%) developed one or more category ≥2 PUs. 464 (77.1%) patients reported pressure area related pain on a healthy, altered or category 1 skin site of whom 130 (28.0%) developed a category ≥2 PU compared with 22 (15.9%) of those without pain. Full stepwise variable selection was used throughout the analyses. (1) Multivariable logistic regression model to assess 9 a priori factors: presence of category 1 PU (OR=3.25, 95% CI (2.17 to 4.86), p<0.0001), alterations to intact skin (OR=1.98, 95% CI (1.30 to 3.00), p=0.0014), pressure area related pain (OR=1.56, 95% CI (0.93 to 2.63), p=0.0931). (2) Multivariable logistic regression model to account for overdispersion: presence of category 1 PU (OR=3.20, 95% CI (2.11 to 4.85), p<0.0001), alterations to intact skin (OR=1.90, 95% CI (1.24 to 2.91), p=0.0032), pressure area related pain (OR=1.85, 95% CI (1.07 to 3.20), p=0.0271), pre-existing category 2 PU (OR=2.09, 95% CI (1.35 to 3.23), p=0.0009), presence of chronic wound (OR=1.66, 95% CI (1.06 to 2.62), p=0.0277), Braden activity (p=0.0476). (3) Accelerated failure time model: presence of category 1 PU (AF=2.32, 95% CI (1.73 to 3.12), p<0.0001), pressure area related pain (AF=2.28, 95% CI (1.59 to 3.27), p<0.0001). (4) 2-level random-intercept logistic regression model: skin status which comprised 2 levels (versus healthy skin); alterations to intact skin (OR=4.65, 95% CI (3.01 to 7.18), p<0.0001), presence of category 1 PU (OR=17.30, 95% CI (11.09 to 27.00), p<0.0001) and pressure area related pain (OR=2.25, 95% CI (1.53 to 3.29), p<0.0001).

Conclusions

This is the first study to assess pain as a predictor of category ≥2 PU development. In all 4 models, pain emerged as a risk factor associated with an increased probability of category ≥2 PU development.
Stick or twist? Career decision-making during contractual uncertainty for NHS junior doctors
Authors: Spooner S , Gibson Jon , Rigby Dan , Sutton Matt , Pearson Emma , Checkland Kath
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To examine the extent, and nature, of impact on junior doctors' career decisions, of a proposed new contract and the uncertainty surrounding it.

Design

Mixed methods. Online survey exploring: doctors' future training intentions; their preferred specialty training (ST) programmes; whether they intended to proceed immediately to ST; and other plans. Linked qualitative interviews to explore more fully how and why decisions were affected.

Setting

Doctors (F2s) in second year of Foundation School (FS) Programmes in England.

Participants

Invitations sent by FSs. Open to all F2s November 2015–February 2016. All FSs represented. Survey completed by 816 F2s. Sample characteristics broadly similar to national F2 cohort.

Main outcome measures

Proportions of doctors intending to proceed to ST posts in the UK, to defer or to exit UK medicine. Proportion of doctors indicating changes in training and career plans as a result of the contract and/or resulting uncertainty. Distribution of changes across training programmes. Explanations of these intentions from interviews and free text comments.

Results

Among the responding junior doctors, 20% indicated that issues related to the contract had prompted them to switch specialty and a further 20% had become uncertain about switching specialty. Switching specialty choice was more prevalent among those now choosing a community-based, rather than hospital-based specialty. 30% selecting general practice had switched choice because of the new contract. Interview data suggests that doctors felt they had become less valued or appreciated in the National Health Service and in society more broadly.

Conclusions

Doctors reported that contract-related issues have affected their career plans. The most notable effect is a move away from acute to community-based specialities, with the former perceived as more negatively affected by the proposed changes. It is concerning that young doctors feel undervalued, and this requires further investigation.
Screening for seemingly healthy newborns with congenital cytomegalovirus infection by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using newborn urine: an observational study
Authors: Yamaguchi Akira , Oh-ishi Tsutomu , Arai Takashi , Sakata Hideaki , Adachi Nodoka , Asanuma Satoshi , Oguma Eiji , Kimoto Hirofumi , Matsumoto Jiro , Fujita Hidetoshi , Uesato Tadashi , Fujita Jutaro , Shirato Ken , Ohno Hideki , Kizaki Takako
Published: January 2017

Objective

Approximately 8–10% of newborns with asymptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection develop sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, the relationship between CMV load, SNHL and central nervous system (CNS) damage in cCMV infection remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between urinary CMV load, SNHL and CNS damage in newborns with cCMV infection.

Study design

The study included 23 368 newborns from two maternity hospitals in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Urine screening for cCMV infection (quantitative real-time PCR) and newborn hearing screening (automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) testing) were conducted within 5 days of birth to examine the incidence of cCMV infection and SNHL, respectively. CNS damage was assessed by MRI of cCMV-infected newborns.

Results

The incidence of cCMV infection was 60/23 368 (0.257%; 95% CI 0.192% to 0.322%). The geometric mean urinary CMV DNA copy number in newborns with cCMV was 1.79×106copies/mL (95% CI 7.97×105to 4.02×106). AABR testing revealed abnormalities in 171 of the 22 229 (0.769%) newborns whose parents approved hearing screening. Of these 171 newborns, 22 had SNHL (12.9%), and 5 of these 22 were infected with cCMV (22.7%). Newborns with both cCMV and SNHL had a higher urinary CMV DNA copy number than newborns with cCMV without SNHL (p=0.036). MRI revealed CNS damage, including white matter abnormalities, in 83.0% of newborns with cCMV. Moreover, newborns with CNS damage had a significantly greater urinary CMV load than newborns without CNS damage (p=0.013).

Conclusions

We determined the incidence of cCMV infection and urinary CMV DNA copy number in seemingly healthy newborns from two hospitals in Saitama Prefecture. SNHL and CNS damage were associated with urinary CMV DNA copy number. Quantification of urinary CMV load may effectively predict the incidence of late-onset SNHL and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Guided and unguided internet-based vestibular rehabilitation versus usual care for dizzy adults of 50 years and older: a protocol for a three-armed randomised trial
Authors: van Vugt Vincent A , van der Wouden Johannes C , Bosmans Judith E , Smalbrugge Martin , van Diest Willianne , Essery Rosie , Yardley Lucy , van der Horst Henriëtte E , Maarsingh Otto R
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Dizziness is a common symptom in general practice with a high prevalence among older adults. The most common cause of dizziness in general practice is peripheral vestibular disease. Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is a safe and effective treatment for peripheral vestibular disease that entails specific exercises to maximise the central nervous system compensation for the effects of vestibular pathology. An internet-based VR intervention has recently been shown to be safe and effective. Online interventions are low cost and easily accessible, but prone to attrition and non-adherence. A combination of online and face-to-face therapy, known as blended care, may balance these advantages and disadvantages.

Methods and analysis

A single-blind, three-arm, randomised controlled trial among patients aged 50 years and over presenting with dizziness of vestibular origin in general practice will be performed. In this study, we will compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of stand-alone internet-based VR and internet-based VR with physiotherapeutic support (‘blended care’) with usual care during 6 months of follow-up. We will use a translated Dutch version of a British online VR intervention. Randomisation will be stratified by dizziness severity. The primary outcome measure is the Vertigo Symptoms Scale—Short Form. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed, adjusting for confounders. The economic evaluation will be conducted from a societal perspective. We will perform an additional analysis on the data to identify predictors of successful treatment in the same population to develop a clinical decision rule for general practitioners.

Ethics and dissemination

The ethical committee of the VU University Medical Center approved ethics and dissemination of the study protocol. The insights and results of this study will be widely disseminated through international peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

Pre-results,NTR5712.
Abstracts from international Emergency Medicine Journals
Authors: Weber Ellen J
Published: January 2017

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication.
Republished: Novel approach for independent control of brain hypothermia and systemic normothermia: cerebral selective deep hypothermia for refractory cardiac arrest
Authors: Wang Chih-Hsien , Lin Yu-Ting , Chou Heng-Wen , Wang Yi-Chih , Hwang Joey-Jen , Gilbert John R , Chen Yih-Sharng
Published: January 2017

A 38-year-old man was found unconscious, alone in the driver's seat of his car. The emergency medical team identified his condition as pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Defibrillation was attempted but failed. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was started in the emergency room 52 min after the estimated arrest following the extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) protocol in our center. The initial prognosis under the standard protocol was <25% chance of survival. A novel adjunctive to our ECPR protocol, cerebral selective deep (<30°C) hypothermia (CSDH), was applied. CSDH adds a second independent femoral access extracorporeal circuit, perfusing cold blood into the patient's common carotid artery. The ECMO and CSDH circuits demonstrated independent control of cerebral and core temperatures. Nasal temperature was lowered to below 30°C for 12 hours while core was maintained at normothermia. The patient was discharged without significant neurological deficit 32 days after the initial arrest.
Is motivation important to brook trout passage through culverts?
Authors: Goerig Elsa , Castro-Santos Theodore
Published: January 2017

Culverts can restrict movement of stream-dwelling fish. Motivation to enter and ascend these structures is an essential precursor for successful passage. However, motivation is challenging to quantify. Here, we use attempt rate to assess motivation of 447 brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) entering three culverts under a range of hydraulic, environmental, and biological conditions. A passive integrated transponder system allowed for the identification of passage attempts and success of individual fish. Attempt rate was quantified using time-to-event analysis allowing for time-varying covariates and recurrent events. Attempt rate was greatest during the spawning period, at elevated discharge, at dusk, and for longer fish. It decreased during the day and with increasing number of conspecifics downstream of the culvert. Results also show a positive correlation between elevated motivation and successful passage. This study enhances understanding of factors influencing brook trout motivation to ascend culverts and shows that attempt rate is a dynamic phenomenon, variable over time and among individuals. It also presents methods that could be used to investigate other species’ motivation to pass natural or anthropogenic barriers.