bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A retrospective study of the characteristics of patients with early‐onset compared to adult‐onset hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Dessinioti Clio , Tzanetakou Vassiliki , Zisimou Chrisa , Kontochristopoulos George , Antoniou Christina
Published: March 2018

Background

The mean age of onset of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is between 20 and 24 years. Very few data about patients with early‐onset HS exist.

Objective

To investigate the association of early‐onset HS with the clinical characteristics: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, family history of HS, Hurley stage, and number of areas affected.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of the reported early age at HS onset (≤17 years old) with clinical characteristics and with the severity of HS at first consultation visit.

Results

In 166 patients, 42 patients (25.3%) reported early‐onset HS. Compared to adult‐onset HS, patients with early‐onset HS were younger (mean age: 37 years vs. 27 years, P < 0.0001), had a significantly younger mean age of onset (28.2 years old vs. 14.5 years old, respectively, P < 0.0001), longer mean disease duration (8.8 years vs. 12.6 years, respectively, P = 0.011) and were less frequently smokers (P < 0.001), whereas there was no association with gender (P = 0.177) or BMI (0.086). Patients with a family history had increased risk for early‐onset HS (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.08–5.56). Early‐onset HS was not associated with Hurley stage (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.33–3.74) or with the number of body areas affected (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.49–4.83).

Conclusion

Early‐onset HS was frequent and associated with a family history of HS. There was no difference in the severity of HS in adult life for patients with an onset of HS at ≤17 years, compared to patients with adult‐onset, which may be reassuring information for these younger patients.
Complex portfolio selection via convex mixed‐integer quadratic programming: a survey
Authors: Mencarelli Luca , D'Ambrosio Claudia
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we review convex mixed‐integer quadratic programming approaches to deal with single‐objective single‐period mean‐variance portfolio selection problems under real‐world financial constraints. In the first part, after describing the original Markowitz's mean‐variance model, we analyze its theoretical and empirical limitations, and summarize the possible improvements by considering robust and probabilistic models, and additional constraints. Moreover, we report some recent theoretical convexity results for the probabilistic portfolio selection problem. In the second part, we overview the exact algorithms proposed to solve the single‐objective single‐period portfolio selection problem with quadratic risk measure.
Plastic deformation and effects of water in room‐temperature cold sintering of NaCl microwave dielectric ceramics
Authors: Hong Wen Bin , Li Lei , Cao Meng , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: March 2018

NaCl ceramics were prepared by room‐temperature cold sintering using moistened NaCl powder with 4 wt% water and dry pressing using dehydrated powder. When the applied uniaxial pressure is low, the relative density of dry‐pressed NaCl ceramic is significantly lower than that of cold‐sintered ceramic, while the former is 98.5%‐99.3% and much higher than the latter (94.3%‐94.6%) for high applied pressure of 200‐300 MPa. The uniaxial pressure‐induced plastic deformation dominates the densification of dry‐pressed NaCl ceramic, and also plays a role during cold sintering as well as the dissolution‐precipitation process. The lower density of cold‐sintered NaCl ceramic under high applied pressure is attributed to the trapped water in ceramic body during cold sintering. Besides, the presence of water always promotes the microstructural homogeneity, which is responsible for the much higher Qf value of cold‐sintered NaCl ceramic. The optimal microwave dielectric properties with εr = 5.55, Qf = 49 600 GHz, and τf = −173 ppm/°C are obtained in cold‐sintered NaCl ceramic under the applied pressure of 300 MPa, indicating that it is a promising candidate as a microwave dielectric material.
Does longer roster lead‐time reduce temporary staff usage? A regression analysis of e‐rostering data from 77 hospital units
Authors: Drake Robert G.
Published: March 2018

Aims

Use of temporary nursing staff is contentious and expensive. Using e‐rostering data from 77 hospital units, this research investigates whether longer roster lead‐times reduce temporary staff usage.

Background

It is commonly assumed that longer roster approval lead‐times, the time from when a roster is approved, to when it is worked, result in better, more cost‐effective rosters. Consequently, many hospitals target lead‐times of 6 weeks, a figure recommended for the UK National Health Service in a recent governmental review. This contrasts with the minimum lead‐time advocated by New South Wales Ministry of Health, which advises a shorter lead‐time of 2 weeks. Using data from 77 hospital units, this paper explores this assumed relationship.

Design

Using data extracted from the e‐rostering system of an NHS Acute Foundation Trust, this study uses linear regression analysis to explore the relationship between roster approval lead‐time and temporary staff usage. The data were captured over a period of 9 months from 15 February 2016–23 October 2016, a total of 693 rosters.

Results/Findings

This research suggests that late roster approval may contribute to as much as 37% of temporary staff usage, while approval 4–6 weeks prior to the roster being worked reduces this to approximately 15%. However, this is only relevant under specific conditions. Importantly, this should be considered before mandating lead‐times across all units.

Conclusions

This research implies that the optimum approval lead‐time lies between 4–6 weeks; however, given other challenges, achieving this in practice may prove difficult.
Association between daily salt intake of 3‐year‐old children and that of their mothers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Takada Toshihiko , Fukuma Shingo , Shimizu Sayaka , Hayashi Michio , Miyashita Jun , Azuma Teruhisa , Fukuhara Shunichi
Published: March 2018

This study investigated the association between the daily salt intake of 3‐year‐old children and that of their mothers. A total of 641 children were studied. The daily salt intake of the children and their mothers was estimated by morning and spot urine methods, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, a 1 g higher maternal daily salt intake was associated with a 0.14 g (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07‐0.22, P < .001) higher salt intake of her children. In the secondary analysis, the odds ratios for excess salt intake of children were 1.61 (95% CI, 1.01‐2.55, P = .045) and 1.81 (95% CI, 1.12‐2.91, P = .015) for 9.7‐11.5 g and 11.5 g or more of maternal daily salt intake, respectively. Our findings could help to convince mothers of the importance of appropriate salt intake, not only for themselves but also for their children.
First interception of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (Q biotype) in Serbia
Authors: Konjević A. , Milovac Ž. , Kontsedalov S. , Kanakala S. , Ghanim M.
Published: March 2018

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a cosmopolitan insect pest and causes great damage to many agricultural crops by direct feeding, and transmitting many plant viruses causing disastrous effects. The global distribution of B. tabaci was previously investigated, but so far, it has not been confirmed in Serbia. Sampling conducted on plants at three localities in Serbia revealed the presence of three whitefly species, one is B. tabaci Mediterranean (MED) species, a quarantine pest. Additionally, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood and an Aleurodes sp. that was not identified to the species level were also confirmed. The last two are common and widespread species in Serbia. Whitefly collections were made from cabbage, kale and oilseed rape plants (Brassica oleracea, B. oleracea var. sabauda, B. napus, respectively) grown in the field, on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) grown in the greenhouse and on potted hibiscus (Hibiscus sp.) and poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) plants grown indoors. DNA sequence analysis from a portion of the Cytochrome Oxidase I gene (COI) revealed the presence of B. tabaci MED species, which is considered to be a very important pest worldwide and has been reported from neighbouring countries, however, not yet from Serbia. Bemisia tabaci MED is recorded here for the first time in Serbia. This first interception suggests its introduction with ornamentals grown indoors, with no outdoor reports and that it is not yet spread. This report is an important alert for local authorities to take the necessary steps in monitoring and preventing its possible expansion.
Translational validity of PASAT and the effect of fatigue and mood in patients with relapsing remitting MS: A functional MRI study
Authors: Iancheva Dessislava , Trenova Anastasiya G. , Terziyski Kiril , Kandilarova Sevdalina , Mantarova Stefka
Published: April 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) is used for assessment of information processing speed, attention, and working memory, which are the most frequently affected cognitive domains in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and may be significantly affected by fatigue.

However, the effect of fatigue and mood on the PASAT performance in MS patients translationally validated by fMRI has not been studied yet.

The aim of this study is to investigate the translational validity of the PASAT, using fMRI during a paced visual serial addition test (PVSAT) paradigm in patients with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and to assess the impact of fatigue and mood on test performance.

Methods

Fourteen patients with RRMS in remission and 14 healthy controls, matched by sex, age, and educational status, were enrolled in the study. The subjects underwent a standard neurological examination, neuropsychological evaluation with the PASAT 3′, fMRI scanning with a PVSAT paradigm, and Beck Depression Inventory. All patients were assessed by the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale.

Results

Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test score was lower in patients (41.4 ± 15.5 vs 51.6 ± 7.5,P = .035). A moderate negative correlation (P = −0.563,P = 0.036) was found between PASAT and MIFS scores. The fMRI scanning showed significant activations in several clusters that differed between patients and controls. The patient group presented wider cluster activation; Brodmann area (BA) 6—bilaterally; left BA7, 8, and 9; and right BA40, while controls presented with activations in left BA6 and BA44. Significant negative correlations between PASAT score and cortical activations in left BA23, right BA32, and left BA7 were observed in patients only.

Conclusion

Our results show that poorer performance on the PASAT is associated with higher activation in areas connected with working memory, attention, and emotional processes during the fMRI assessment with PVSAT paradigm, which provides evidence for the translational validity of the PASAT in patients with RRMS.
Randomized clinical study of alterations in the color and surface roughness of dental enamel brushed with whitening toothpaste
Authors: de Moraes Rego Roselino Lourenço , Tirapelli Camila , de Carvalho Panzeri Pires‐de‐Souza Fernanda
Published: March 2018

Objectives

This clinical study evaluated the influence of whitening toothpaste on color and surface roughness of dental enamel.

Materials and Methods

Initially, the abrasiveness of the toothpastes used (Sorriso Dentes Brancos [SDB]; Colgate Luminous White and Close up White Now) was tested on 30 (n = 10) plexiglass acrylic plates that were submitted to mechanical tooth brushing totalizing 29,200 cycles. Subsequently, 30 participants were selected, and received a toothbrush and nonwhitening toothpaste (SDB). The participants used these products for 7 days and initial color readouts (Spectrophotometer) and surface roughness of one maxillary central incisors was performed after this period of time. For surface roughness readouts, one replica of the maxillary central incisor was obtained by a polyvinyl siloxane impression material (Express) and polyurethane resin. After baseline measurements, participants were separated into three groups (n = 10), according to the toothpaste used. The participants returned after 7, 30, and 90 days when new color readouts and surface roughness were recorded. The measured values were statistically analyzed (2‐way‐ANOVA, repeated measures, Tukey, P < .05).

Results

Whitening toothpastes did not promote significant (P > .05) color alteration and nor increased the surface roughness of the dental enamel in brushing time of the study.

Conclusions

The abrasiveness of whitening toothpaste and the brushing trial period did not affect the surface roughness of dental enamel. However, color changes observed on enamel were above the perceptibility and acceptability thresholds reported in the literature.

Clinical Significance

The over‐the‐counter toothpastes tested had an effect on dental enamel color above the perceptibility and acceptability thresholds but did not change the surface roughness of the teeth.
Clarifying the Relationships between Microsporidia and Cryptomycota
Authors: Bass David , Czech Lucas , Williams Bryony A. P. , Berney Cédric , Dunthorn Micah , Mahé Frederic , Torruella Guifré , Stentiford Grant D. , Williams Tom A.
Published: March 2018

Some protists with microsporidian‐like cell biological characters, including Mitosporidium, Paramicrosporidium, and Nucleophaga, have SSU rRNA gene sequences that are much less divergent than canonical Microsporidia. We analysed the phylogenetic placement and environmental diversity of microsporidian‐like lineages that group near the base of the fungal radiation and show that they group in a clade with metchnikovellids and canonical microsporidians, to the exclusion of the clade including Rozella, in line with what is currently known of their morphology and cell biology. These results show that the phylogenetic scope of Microsporidia has been greatly underestimated. We propose that much of the lineage diversity previously thought to be cryptomycotan/rozellid is actually microsporidian, offering new insights into the evolution of the highly specialized parasitism of canonical Microsporidia. This insight has important implications for our understanding of opisthokont evolution and ecology, and is important for accurate interpretation of environmental diversity. Our analyses also demonstrate that many opisthosporidian (aphelid+rozellid+microsporidian) SSU V4 OTUs from Neotropical forest soils group with the short‐branching Microsporidia, consistent with the abundance of their protist and arthropod hosts in soils. This novel diversity of Microsporidia provides a unique opportunity to investigate the evolutionary origins of a highly specialized clade of major animal parasites.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trials using probiotics in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Ikram Sana , Hassan Nuzhat , Raffat Muhammad A. , Mirza Sana , Akram Zohaib
Published: March 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods

The focused question of the study was: Does adjunctive use of probiotics yield better clinical periodontal outcomes compared to placebo/no treatment group in the treatment of CP? Electronic and manual literature searches were conducted up to December 2017 using the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register. Forest plots were computed reporting weighted mean difference (WMD) of outcomes and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Seven clinical studies were included. Four studies showed additional benefits in reducing periodontal probing depth (PPD) and gaining clinical attachment level (CAL), whereas, three studies showed comparable clinical periodontal outcomes between probiotics and SRP/placebo. Significant heterogeneity was observed for PPD reduction and CAL gain. The overall mean difference for CAL gain between probiotics and placebo/SRP was significant (WMD = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.15‐2.67, P = .028) at follow up.

Conclusion

Adjunctive probiotics could result in additional benefits in CAL gain in CP. Nevertheless, further high‐quality randomized clinical trials with microbiological outcomes are warranted to obtain strong conclusions in this regard.
The non‐human primate kidney transcriptome in fetal development
Authors: Spradling‐Reeves Kimberly D. , Glenn Jeremy P. , Lange Kenneth J. , Kuhn Natalia , Coalson Jacqueline J. , Nijland Mark J. , Li Cun , Nathanielsz Peter W. , Cox Laura A.
Published: March 2018

Background

Little is known about the repertoire of non‐human primate kidney genes expressed throughout development. The present work establishes an understanding of the primate renal transcriptome during fetal development in the context of renal maturation.

Methods

The baboon kidney transcriptome was characterized at 60‐day gestation (DG), 90 DG, 125 DG, 140 DG, 160 DG and adulthood (6‐12 years) using gene arrays and validated by QRT‐PCR. Pathway and cluster analyses were used to characterize gene expression in the context of biological pathways.

Results

Pathway analysis indicated activation of pathways not previously reported as relevant to kidney development. Cluster analysis also revealed gene splice variants with discordant expression profiles during development.

Conclusions

This study provides the first detailed genetic analysis of the developing primate kidney, and our findings of discordant expression of gene splice variants suggest that gene arrays likely provide a simplified view and demonstrate the need to study the fetal renal proteome.
Assessment of pre‐operative maropitant citrate use in macaque (Macaca fasicularis & Macaca mulatta) neurosurgical procedures
Authors: Steinbach Jaclyn R. , MacGuire Jamus , Chang Shu , Dierks Elizabeth , Roble Gordon S.
Published: April 2018

Background

Retrospective analysis of post‐operative vomiting (POV) in non‐human primates at our institution was 11%. Based on this additional risk factor for post‐operative complications, we aimed to eliminate or decrease POV by adding an antiemetic, maropitant citrate, to the pre‐medication protocol.

Methods

Retrospective and prospective data were collected over a 5‐year period from 46 macaques of two species during 155 procedures. Additionally, blood was collected from five Macaca mulatta to perform a pharmacokinetic analysis.

Results

A 1 mg/kg subcutaneous dose of maropitant given pre‐operatively significantly decreased POV. Findings indicated post‐neurosurgical emesis in Macaca fasicularis was significantly greater than in Macaca mulatta. Pharmacokinetic analysis of maropitant in Macaca mulatta determined the mean maximum plasma concentration to be 113 ng/mL.

Conclusions

Maropitant administration prior to anesthesia for neurosurgeries decreased our incidence of POV to 1%. The plasma concentration reaches the proposed plasma level for clinical efficacy approximately 20 minutes after administration.
Role of oxytocin in parental behaviour
Authors: Olazábal D. E.
Published: March 2018

Both animal and human studies have provided conclusive evidence that oxytocin (OXT) acts in the brain (eg, medial preoptic area, ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens) to promote parental behaviour under different reproductive and physiological conditions. OXT appears to accelerate and strengthen the neural process that makes newborns attractive or rewarding. Furthermore, OXT reduces stress/anxiety and might improve mood and well being, resulting in indirect benefits for parents. However, OXT also plays a role in the development of species reproductive and social strategies, making some species or individuals more prone to display caring activities in nonreproductive contexts. There are important differences in the development of the OXT system and its regulation by gonadal hormones that can make individuals or species very different. Those intra‐ and interspecific differences in the OXT system have been associated with differences in parental behaviour. For example, differences in OXT levels in body fluids and genetic variants for the OXT and OXT receptor genes have been associated with variability in parental mood and behaviour in humans. Thus, OXT has received much attention as a potential therapeutic agent for affective, emotional and behavioural problems. Despite many preliminary studies indicating promising findings, several unknown aspects of the OXT system remain to be addressed before we can achieve a complete understanding of its function in the brain. The enormous interest that this area of study has attracted in the last decade will likely continually contribute to advancing our understanding of the role of OXT in parental behaviour and other behavioural and physiological functions.
Optimism, proactive coping and quality of life among nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cruz Jonas Preposi , Cabrera Darren Neil C , Hufana Only D , Alquwez Nahed , Almazan Joseph
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To assess the optimism and proactive coping use of nurses and examined their influence on quality of life.

Background

Nurses are often exposed to challenging situations in the clinical area, which may negatively impact the quality of life of nurses. Hence, being optimistic and proactive may assist nurses to develop a positive outlook towards life, improve overall health, achieve high longevity and low stress levels, and acquire effective coping skills.

Design

A descriptive, cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A convenience sample of 227 nurses working in the two hospitals in the northern Philippines was surveyed in this study using the Revised Life Orientation Test, Proactive Coping Subscale and World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF. A multivariate multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the multivariate effect of the demographic characteristics, optimism and proactive coping of respondents on the four dimensions of quality of life.

Results

The findings indicate that the nurses had an above‐average level of optimism and use of proactive coping. Associations between some of the nurses’ demographic and work‐related variables and their optimism and proactive coping were established. The nurses reported that their highest quality of life was in the social relationship domain while physical domain was rated the poorest dimension. Optimism and proactive coping along with gender, marital status and type of hospital showed a statistically significant multivariate effect on the four domains of quality of life.

Conclusions

Optimism and proactive coping when dealing with work‐related stresses have a positive impact on the quality of life of nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study highlights the importance of optimism and proactive coping in ensuring high levels of quality of life among nurses. The findings can inform the creation of policies and interventions to ensure the highest level of well‐being among nurses, thereby allowing them to better perform their duty of providing quality nursing care.
Associations between patient symptoms and falls in an acute care hospital: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lerdal Anners , Sigurdsen Line Wangsvik , Hammerstad Heidi , Granheim Tove Irene ,   Risk Study Research Group, Gay Caryl L
Published: March 2018

Aim and objectives

To describe associations between patient fall risk and common symptoms among hospitalised inpatients.

Background

Predictors of falls have been identified in a variety of populations and settings, but the role of inpatients’ symptom experience has not been adequately evaluated.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

Participants included 614 medical and elective surgical patients in an acute hospital in Norway. Patient falls during hospitalisation were assessed by self‐report and incident reports. Pain intensity and the occurrence and distress of 15 other symptoms were assessed by self‐report.

Results

Patient falls were associated with male sex and having more comorbidities. Medical patients were more likely to fall than elective surgical patients. In logistic regression analyses, higher symptom counts were associated with increased risk of fall, with each additional symptom conferring a 15% increase in fall risk. Symptom distress related to concentration difficulties, lack of energy, sleep problems, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea was associated with increased risk of fall, even after adjusting for the influence of age, sex and comorbidities (odds ratios ranged 2.3–4.8). Severe pain, as well as symptom distress related to drowsiness, itching, dizziness or swelling of arms/legs, was also associated with patient falls, although these associations were attenuated after accounting for age, sex and comorbidities. Overall, symptom distress was more strongly associated with fall risk than symptom occurrence.

Conclusions

Symptom burden and distress may help identify hospital patients at risk for fall. Additional research is needed to determine whether symptoms are useful for assessing fall risk among hospital patients and other high‐risk populations. If symptoms are useful indicators of fall risk, they should be considered for inclusion in standardised risk assessments.

Relevance to clinical practice

Clinicians ought to pay particular attention to increased fall risk among patients reporting many symptoms and those experiencing distress from concentration difficulties, fatigue, sleep problems, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Prevalence and factors associated with polypharmacy in the older people: 2006–2014
Authors: Carmona‐Torres Juan Manuel , Cobo‐Cuenca Ana Isabel , Recio‐Andrade Beatriz , Laredo‐Aguilera José Alberto , Martins María Manuela , Rodríguez‐Borrego María Aurora
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To analyse the prevalence, risk factors and evolution over time of polypharmacy and self‐medication in the older people in Spain from 2006–2014.

Background

Polypharmacy is a public health problem for older people worldwide which causes different negative effects on their health, increasing health costs and pharmaceutical spending. However, previous studies do not include nationally representative samples and none of them provide updated data.

Design

Cross‐sectional study with community‐dwelling older adults (N = 26,277) who participated in the National Health Survey in Spain in 2006 and 2011/2012 and the European Health Survey in Spain in 2009 and 2014.

Methods

Polypharmacy (defined as use of five or more medications in the last 2 weeks), excessive polypharmacy (defined as use of ten or more medications in the last 2 weeks) and self‐medication (defined as use of medications without a prescription) were evaluated. A logistic regression was used for to know the association between polypharmacy and self‐medication with the sociodemographic characteristic.

Results

The participants were 62% female and 38% male. The mean medication consumption was 2.96 (SD ± 2.11). Prevalence of polypharmacy was present in 21.9%, prevalence of excessive polypharmacy was 0.6%, and prevalence of self‐medication was 10.7%. The most commonly used medications were for blood pressure (51.6%), pain (42.8%) and cholesterol (28.2%). Polypharmacy is associated with sex (females), age, being separated/divorced/widowed, lack of education, higher body mass index, being bedridden during the last 2 weeks and self‐medication.

Conclusions

The prevalence of polypharmacy and prevalence of self‐medication are considerable, and they increased significantly from 2006–2014.

Relevance to clinical practice

To deal with polypharmacy is a big challenge for nurses. These data suggest to establish innovative clinical strategies in which the health professionals and the patients are involved to improve the personal behaviour with medicines and to reduce the risks and costs of polypharmacy and self‐medication.
Does an interdisciplinary outpatient atrial fibrillation (AF) clinic affect the number of acute AF admissions? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Frydensberg Vivi Skibdal , Brandes Axel
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To investigate the impact of a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic for patients with atrial fibrillation‐clinic on the number of acute hospitalisations for atrial fibrillation compared with usual outpatient care for this condition before the establishment of the atrial fibrillation‐clinic.

Background

Guidelines recommend a structured outpatient clinic follow‐up in multidisciplinary teams for patients with atrial fibrillation due to fewer hospitalisations and death. However, the evidence base is weak.

Design

The study is a retrospective cohort study including a total of 129 patients from the cardiac outpatient clinic at a large Danish University Hospital. The study population consisted of two groups: a usual care group before a dedicated atrial fibrillation‐clinic was established (n = 73) and the atrial fibrillation‐clinic group (n = 56). The primary endpoint was acute hospitalisation for atrial fibrillation.

Methods

Cox regression was used to assess the hazard ratio for acute hospitalisations for atrial fibrillation.

Results

When comparing the atrial fibrillation‐clinic with the usual care group, adjusted for age and sex, this study showed a trend towards more frequent acute hospitalisations in the usual care group.

Conclusion

The results of this study are hypothesis‐generating and should lead to larger prospective trials to evaluate the impact of dedicated multidisciplinary atrial fibrillation‐clinics on atrial fibrillation‐related issues as acute hospitalisations for atrial fibrillation, symptoms and quality of life.

Relevance to clinical practice

Follow‐up in a dedicated multidisciplinary AF‐clinic might empower patients better to cope with acute arrhythmia symptoms.
Altruism, honesty and religiosity in nursing students
Authors: Timmins Fiona , King Carole , de Vries Jan MA , Johnson Martin , Cullen John G , Haigh Carol
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To identify, at different stages of nursing education, the extent to which nursing students appreciate altruism, honesty, religiosity and other, sometimes contrasting, values in practice.

Background

Nursing is informed by values that guide care ethos and activities. Embodiment of these core values has become a matter of concern. Reports outlining deficiencies in health care followed by polemics in nursing journals have called into question whether nursing students are sufficiently motivated by values and educated in their application. This study explores these values among undergraduate nursing students in the Republic of Ireland. Considering the strong religious tradition in health care in Ireland, religiosity was also included.

Design

A link to an online survey was distributed via email to all nursing students in the thirteen Schools of Nursing in the Republic of Ireland.

Method

Quantitative data were collected using an adaptation of the Salford‐Scott (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 57(8), 2007, 366) Nursing Values Questionnaire.

Results

Participants (n = 158) reported positively to statements related to honesty and altruism. Both altruism and religiosity received support, but the latter was to a lesser extent. Students considered their professionalism more important than altruism, and honesty varied according to the situation.

Conclusions

This study adds new information by confirming that students exhibit support for two of the most essential values in nursing: altruism and honesty. The adapted Salford‐Scott instrument has shown reliability and promise in further empirical study in nursing.

Relevance to clinical practice

Priority given to professionalism over altruism reflects concerns highlighted in the international literature around overly task‐oriented care in which compassion gets lost. Also, when loyalty supersedes honesty, problems with accountability in health care may emerge. Uncertainty around religiosity in health care may reflect limitations in competence in nurses to relate to patients with religions or spirituality other than their own.
Metaphylactic effect of minerals on the immune response, biochemical variables and antioxidant status of newborn calves
Authors: Tomasi T. , Volpato A. , Pereira W. A. B. , Debastiani L. H. , Bottari N. B. , Morsch V. M. , Schetinger M. R. C. , Leal M. L. R. , Machado G. , Da Silva A. S.
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether injectable zinc and copper affect host immune responses and antioxidant status of newborn calves. For this study, 19 newborn calves were divided into two groups. The control group consisted of 10 animals; and the treated group consisted of nine animals that received copper edetate (Cu‐ed) and zinc edetate (Zn‐ed) subcutaneously at the first day of life at doses of 0.3 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg respectively. Blood and faecal samples were collected for laboratory analyses (seric biochemistry, proteinogram, antioxidant enzymes and parasitological examination) on days 10, 20 and 30 after birth. On day 10, treated animals showed increased levels of total proteins, as well as increased globulin levels compared to the control group, a finding probably related to the increase in ceruloplasmin and IgG heavy chain. Thirty days after mineral metaphylactic administration, IgG light chain and acid glycoprotein levels significantly increased in treated animals (p < .05). There were no significant differences between groups regarding the biochemical analyses (triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose and urea). On the other hand, the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities increased on day 10 after treatment. In the control group, eight animals showed severe diarrhoea and one died 8 days after birth. Two animals from this group showed mild diarrhoea. Only three treated animals had severe diarrhoea, and six showed signs of mild diarrhoea. All animals that showed severe diarrhoea (control = 8; treated = 3) had hyperthermia (over 39.5°C), and therefore, antibiotic therapy was administered (sulfadiazine and trimethoprim) for five consecutive days. In summary, Zn‐ed and Cu‐ed decreased the frequency and intensity of diarrhoea, modulated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes and also heightened the immune responsiveness of newborn calves, suggesting a new approach to improve cattle performance and minimize the occurrence of diarrhoea.
Tests for Comparing Time‐Invariant and Time‐Varying Spectra Based on the Pearson Statistic
Authors: Zhang Shibin , Tu Xin M.
Published: April 2018

Two tests are proposed in this paper for comparing spectra of two univariate time series. One is a Pearson‐like statistic based only on periodograms of the compared time series and applicable for testing the equality of two time‐invariant spectra of two independent or dependent time series, with an asymptotic chi‐squared distribution under the null hypothesis. The other is based on the maximum of the Pearson‐like statistics. Not only does this test, again, depend only on periodograms but also approximately equals the maximum of a chi‐squared distribution of the same degrees of freedom under the null. It can be used to test the equality of spectra of two locally stationary time series regardless of whether they are dependent or independent. Multiple simulation examples show that both statistics achieve good performance. The proposed approach is illustrated by an application to longitudinal vibration data from a container ship.
We are not walking wave functions. A response to “Quantum Mind and Social Science” by Alexander Wendt
Authors: Donald Matthew J.
Published: March 2018

Alexander Wendt raises many interesting questions in this book, but to get to the answers he wants, he relies on a misunderstanding of the nature of the quantum states of macroscopic objects.
Equine idiopathic hemorrhagic cystitis: Clinical features and comparison with bladder neoplasia
Authors: Smith Fauna L. , Magdesian K. Gary , Michel Adam O. , Vaughan Betsy , Reilly Christopher M.
Published: March 2018

Background

A new syndrome of hematuria in horses has been documented.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Hemorrhagic cystitis is a novel cause of stranguria and hematuria in horses. This syndrome may be difficult to differentiate from bladder neoplasia because they share several clinical features.

Animals

Eleven horses with idiopathic hemorrhagic cystitis and 7 horses with bladder neoplasia.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study.

Results

Hemorrhagic cystitis was detected on cystoscopy of affected horses, with hemorrhagic and thickened apical bladder mucosa. Clinical signs and endoscopic appearance of the bladder resolved within 3‐8 weeks. Histopathology of bladder mucosal biopsy specimens featured neutrophilic and hemorrhagic cystitis. Histopathology was suggestive of dysplasia or neoplasia in 3 horses with hemorrhagic cystitis, yet the horses experienced complete resolution, suggesting that small biopsy specimens obtained by endoscopy can be difficult to interpret. Horses with bladder neoplasia had lower hematocrits, were older, more likely to be female, and more likely to have a mass detected on ultrasonographic examination of the bladder than horses with hemorrhagic cystitis syndrome.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Hemorrhagic cystitis represents a novel differential diagnosis for horses with hematuria, and is associated with a favorable prognosis. Although histopathology may suggest a neoplastic process, affected horses should be monitored cystoscopically, because complete resolution of hemorrhagic cystitis occurs. The cause of this disease is unknown, and warrants investigation.
Glucose concentrations after insulin‐induced hypoglycemia and glycemic variability in healthy and diabetic cats
Authors: Zini Eric , Salesov Elena , Dupont Perrine , Moretto Laura , Contiero Barbara , Lutz Thomas A. , Reusch Claudia E.
Published: March 2018

Background

Little information is available about posthypoglycemic hyperglycemia (PHH) in diabetic cats, and a causal link between hypoglycemia and subsequent hyperglycemia is not clear. Fluctuations in blood glucose concentrations might only represent high glycemic variability.

Hypothesis

Insulin induces PHH in healthy cats, and PHH is associated with poorly regulated diabetes and increased glycemic variability in diabetic cats.

Animals

Six healthy cats, 133 diabetic cats.

Methods

Insulin (protamine‐zinc and degludec; 0.1‐0.3 IU/kg) administered to healthy cats. Blood glucose curves were generated with portable glucose meter to determine the percentage of curves with PHH. Data from insulin‐treated diabetic cats with blood glucose curves showing hypoglycemia included data of cats with and without PHH. Post‐hypoglycemic hyperglycemia was defined as blood glucose concentrations <4 mmol/L followed by blood glucose concentrations >15 mmol/L within 12 hours. Glycemic variability was calculated as the standard deviation of the blood glucose concentrations.

Results

In healthy cats, all insulin doses caused hypoglycemia but PHH was not observed; glycemic variability did not differ between insulin preparations. Among diabetic cats with hypoglycemia, 33 (25%) had PHH. Compared with cats without PHH, their daily insulin dose was higher (1.09 ± 0.55 versus 0.65 ± 0.56 IU/kg; P < .001), serum fructosamine concentration was higher (565 ± 113 versus 430 ± 112 µmol/L; P < .001), remission was less frequent (10% versus 56%; P < .001), and glycemic variability was larger (8.1 ± 2.4 mmol/L versus 2.9 ± 2.2 mmol/L; P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Insulin‐induced hypoglycemia did not cause PHH in healthy cats but it occurred in 25% of diabetic cats with hypoglycemia, particularly when diabetes was poorly controlled. Glycemic variability was increased in cats with PHH.
Pharmacokinetics of fentanyl citrate and norfentanyl in Holstein calves and effect of analytical performances on fentanyl parameter estimation
Authors: Smith J. S. , Coetzee J. F. , Fisher I. W. G. , Borts D. J. , Mochel J. P.
Published: March 2018

This study describes the pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered (i.v.) fentanyl citrate, and its primary metabolite norfentanyl in Holstein calves. Eight calves (58.6 ± 2.2 kg), aged 3–4 weeks, were administered fentanyl citrate at a single dose of 5.0 μg/kg i.v. Blood samples were collected from 0 to 24 hr. Plasma (nor)fentanyl concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry and a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 0.03 ng/ml. To explore the effect of analytical performance on fentanyl parameter estimation, the noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was then repeated with a hypotheticalLLOQvalue of 0.05 ng/ml. Terminal elimination half‐life was estimated at 12.7 and 3.6 hr for fentanyl and norfentanyl, respectively. For fentanyl, systemic clearance was estimated at 2.0 L hr−1 kg−1, volume of distribution at steady‐state was 24.8 L/kg and extraction ratio was 0.42. At a hypotheticalLLOQof 0.05 ng/ml fentanyl half‐life, volume of distribution at steady‐state and clearance were, respectively, of 3.0 hr, 8.8 L/kg and 3.4 L kg−1 hr−1. Fentanyl citrate administered i.v. at 5.0 μg/kg can reach levels associated with analgesia in other species. Pharmacokinetic parameters should be interpreted with respect toLLOQ, as lower limits can influence estimated parameters, such as elimination half‐life or systemic clearance and have significant impact on dosage regimen selection in clinical practice.
Recent work in Victorian studies and the bildungsroman
Authors: Lyons Sara
Published: April 2018

This article evaluates recent work in Victorian studies on the bildungsroman, with particular attention to how scholars negotiate the legacy of Franco Moretti's bravura reading of the form, The Way of the World: The Bildungsroman in European Culture (1987). It concludes by suggesting that Georg Lukács' discussion of the “Novel of Disillusionment” in his Theory of the Novel (1914–1915) offers a means of moving beyond the critical impasse that the bildungsroman has come to represent.
Plant and animal PR1 family members inhibit programmed cell death and suppress bacterial pathogens in plant tissues
Authors: Lincoln James E. , Sanchez Juan P. , Zumstein Kristina , Gilchrist David G.
Published: March 2018

A role for programmed cell death (PCD) has been established as the basis for plant–microbe interactions. A functional plant‐based cDNA library screen identified possible anti‐PCD genes, including one member of the PR1 family, designated P14a, from tomato. Members of the PR1 family have been subject to extensive research in view of their possible role in resistance against pathogens. The PR1 family is represented in every plant species studied to date and homologues have been found in animals, fungi and insects. However, the biological function of the PR1 protein from plants has remained elusive in spite of extensive research regarding a role in the response of plants to disease. Constitutive expression of P14a in transgenic tomato roots protected the roots against PCD triggered by Fumonisin B1, as did the human orthologue GLIPR1, indicating a kingdom crossing function for PR1. Tobacco plants transformed with a P14a‐GFP fusion construct and inoculated with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci revealed that the mRNA was abundant throughout the leaves, but the fusion protein was restricted to the lesion margins, where cell death and bacterial spread were arrested. Vitus vinifera grapes expressing the PR1 homologue P14a as a transgene were protected against the cell death symptoms of Pierce's disease. A pull‐down assay identified putative PR1‐interacting proteins, including members of the Rac1 immune complex, known to function in innate immunity in rice and animal systems. The findings herein are consistent with a role of PR1 in the suppression of cell death‐dependent disease symptoms and a possible mode of action.
Isavuconazole for treatment of invasive fungal diseases caused by more than one fungal species
Authors: Marty Francisco M. , Cornely Oliver A. , Mullane Kathleen M. , Ostrosky‐Zeichner Luis , Maher Rochelle M. , Croos‐Dabrera Rodney , Lu Qiaoyang , Lademacher Christopher , Oren Ilana , Schmitt‐Hoffmann Anne‐Hortense , Giladi Michael , Rahav Galia , Perfect John R.
Published: April 2018

The optimal approach to treat invasive fungal disease (IFD) caused by more than one fungal species is unknown. We documented the efficacy and safety of isavuconazole for treatment of IFDs caused by more than one fungal species. VITAL was a single‐arm, international, open‐label study evaluating the efficacy and safety of isavuconazole (200 mg orally or intravenously every 8 hours for 48 hours, then once daily) for treatment of rare IFDs. The primary outcome was the overall response at Day 42; key secondary outcomes were overall responses at Day 84 and end of treatment (EOT), mortality at Days 42 and 84, and safety. This analysis includes patients with IFD caused by multiple fungal species. Fifteen patients were included in this analysis (including Aspergillus spp., n = 11; without Aspergillus spp., n = 4); median treatment duration was 97 days [range, 6‐544] days). Overall treatment success was observed in 2/15 patients (13.3%) at Days 42 and 84, and 2/14 (14.3%) at EOT. All‐cause mortality was 2/15 (13.3%) at Day 42 and 4/15 (26.7%) at Day 84. All patients had ≥1 treatment‐emergent adverse event (TEAE); 12 patients (80.0%) had serious TEAEs; TEAEs led to discontinuation of isavuconazole in two patients (13.3%). Isavuconazole may be useful to treat some IFDs caused by multiple fungal species.
In vitro activities of antifungal drugs against environmental Exophiala isolates and review of the literature
Authors: Gülmez Dolunay , Doğan Özlem , Boral Barış , Döğen Aylin , İlkit Macit , de Hoog G. Sybren , Arikan‐Akdagli Sevtap
Published: April 2018

Exophiala is a genus of black fungi isolated worldwide from environmental and clinical specimens. Data on antifungal susceptibility of Exophiala isolates are limited and the methodology on susceptibility testing is not yet standardised. In this study, we investigated in vitro antifungal susceptibilities of environmental Exophiala isolates. A total of 87 Exophiala isolated from dishwashers or railway ties were included. A CLSI M38‐A2 microdilution method with modifications was used to determine antifungal susceptibility for fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B and terbinafine. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined visually at 48 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours. MIC‐0 endpoint (complete inhibition of growth) was used for amphotericin B and azoles, except fluconazole, for which MIC‐2 endpoint (~50% inhibition compared to growth control) was used. Both MIC‐0 and MIC‐1 (~80% inhibition compared to growth control) results were analysed for terbinafine to enable comparison with previous studies. Fungal growth was sufficient for determination of MICs at 48 hours for all isolates except two Exophiala dermatitidis strains. At 72 hours, most active antifungal agents according to GM MIC were voriconazole and terbinafine, followed by posaconazole, itraconazole and amphotericin B in rank order of decreasing activity. While amphotericin B displayed adequate in vitro activity despite relatively high MICs, fluconazole showed no meaningful antifungal activity against Exophiala.
A Feminist Approach to the Marian Temple Type
Authors: O'Donnell Karen
Published: March 2018

The opening chapter of the Gospel of Luke establishes a connection between the Temple and Mary, the mother of Jesus. This connection is developed over the centuries by theologians, often in connection to Marian doctrines, but also in service of Christology. This research considers what the theological implications of such a typology might be—what are theologians saying about Mary, and often Jesus, when they draw a typological connection between the Temple and Mary? Furthermore, what is a feminist theologian to make of such a theological statement? Is Mary a monolithic, bland symbol or does a typological connection between the Temple and Mary make for a powerfully feminist Marian theology?