bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Biotechnology 2020; microbiology of fossil fuel resources
Authors: Head Ian M. , Gray Neil D.
Published: August 2016

This roadmap examines the future of microbiology research and technology in fossil fuel energy recovery. Globally, the human population will be reliant on fossil fuels for energy and chemical feedstocks for at least the medium term. Microbiology is already important in many areas relevant to both upstream and downstream activities in the oil industry. However, the discipline has struggled for recognition in a world dominated by geophysicists and engineers despite widely known but still poorly understood microbially mediated processes e.g. reservoir biodegradation, reservoir souring and control, microbial enhanced oil recovery. The role of microbiology is even less understood in developing industries such as shale gas recovery by fracking or carbon capture by geological storage. In the future, innovative biotechnologies may offer new routes to reduced emissions pathways especially when applied to the vast unconventional heavy oil resources formed, paradoxically, from microbial activities in the geological past. However, despite this potential, recent low oil prices may make industry funding hard to come by and recruitment of microbiologists by the oil and gas industry may not be a high priority. With regards to public funded research and the imperative for cheap secure energy for economic growth in a growing world population, there are signs of inherent conflicts between policies aimed at a low carbon future using renewable technologies and policies which encourage technologies which maximize recovery from our conventional and unconventional fossil fuel assets.
Extracting DNA from ‘jaws’: high yield and quality from archived tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) skeletal material
Authors: Nielsen E. E. , Morgan J. A. T. , Maher S. L. , Edson J. , Gauthier M. , Pepperell J. , Holmes B. J. , Bennett M. B. , Ovenden J. R.
Published: August 2016

Archived specimens are highly valuable sources of DNA for retrospective genetic/genomic analysis. However, often limited effort has been made to evaluate and optimize extraction methods, which may be crucial for downstream applications. Here, we assessed and optimized the usefulness of abundant archived skeletal material from sharks as a source of DNA for temporal genomic studies. Six different methods for DNA extraction, encompassing two different commercial kits and three different protocols, were applied to material, so‐called bio‐swarf, from contemporary and archived jaws and vertebrae of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier). Protocols were compared for DNA yield and quality using a qPCR approach. For jaw swarf, all methods provided relatively high DNA yield and quality, while large differences in yield between protocols were observed for vertebrae. Similar results were obtained from samples of white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). Application of the optimized methods to 38 museum and private angler trophy specimens dating back to 1912 yielded sufficient DNA for downstream genomic analysis for 68% of the samples. No clear relationships between age of samples, DNA quality and quantity were observed, likely reflecting different preparation and storage methods for the trophies. Trial sequencing of DNA capture genomic libraries using 20 000 baits revealed that a significant proportion of captured sequences were derived from tiger sharks. This study demonstrates that archived shark jaws and vertebrae are potential high‐yield sources of DNA for genomic‐scale analysis. It also highlights that even for similar tissue types, a careful evaluation of extraction protocols can vastly improve DNA yield.
Discuss the role of microorganisms in the aetiology and pathogenesis of periapical disease
Authors: Aw Vincent
Published: August 2016

The literature indicates that microorganisms have a critical role in the aetiology and pathogenesis of apical periodontitis. The advancement in microbiological study methods has allowed for the identification of newer species associated with the disease process. At our current understanding, however, the exact roles of specific microorganisms in apical periodontitis are not fully understood but the poly‐microbial aetiology of the disease appears to be supported by the literature. The endodontic microbiota is comprised of a subset of microbiota present in the oral cavity, consisting of predominantly anaerobic bacterial species, some fungal and viral species. The pathogenesis of apical periodontitis is essentially the result of a complex interplay between bacterial and host factors, giving rise to a range of presentations depending on the balance of the interaction. The role of endodontic microbiota in the initiation and persistence of apical periodontitis means that the mainstay of endodontic treatment is the elimination of such bacteria. A challenge to the resolution of apical periodontitis after treatment lies in the inadequacy of treatment protocol in completely eradicating the pathogenic species and the inherent ability of certain species to survive the treatment. This issue should be the focus of future research as we continually search for more predictable treatment methods of achieving the resolution of apical periodontitis.
Effect of temperature on the reproductive success, developmental rate and brood characteristics of Ips sexdentatus (Boern.)
Authors: Pineau Xavier , David Guillaume , Peter Zsuzsanna , Sallé Aurélien , Baude Mathilde , Lieutier François , Jactel Hervé
Published: August 2016

Global warming is predicted to enhance the development rate and increase the number of generations in multivoltine insects. For secondary forest pests, such as the pine bark beetle Ips sexdentatus, the resulting increase in population level could trigger more frequent outbreaks. However, this positive effect could be outweighed by a temperature‐dependent decrease in offspring quality.

To test these hypotheses, we carried out a laboratory rearing experiment with maritime pine logs at six temperature regimes reproducing hourly fluctuations and averaging 12–25.5 °C. We estimated the thermal requirements for a complete development of the beetle and the number of offspring per female. The offspring quality was estimated using three traits: dry body weight, elytra length and lipid content.

The minimum and maximum developmental threshold were estimated at 10.9 and 36 °C, respectively, and the thermal requirements for complete development were estimated at 517 degree‐days. We predicted a mean of two generations per year in southwestern France, although an additional generation could occur during warmer years. The number of offspring increased exponentially with temperature, although we observed a curvilinear response of offspring traits to temperature, with optima at 15–18 °C.

This suggests that there are trade‐offs between productivity and quality of offspring. Global warming is therefore likely to result in higher number of generations of I. sexdentatus per year, with larger broods but of reduced fitness at high temperatures.
Proactive therapeutic drug monitoring of infliximab: a comparative study of a new point‐of‐care quantitative test with two established ELISA assays
Authors: Afonso J. , Lopes S. , Gonçalves R. , Caldeira P. , Lago P. , Tavares de Sousa H. , Ramos J. , Gonçalves A. R. , Ministro P. , Rosa I. , Vieira A. I. , Dias C. C. , Magro F. ,   Portuguese IBD Study Group (GEDII)
Published: August 2016

Background

Therapeutic drug monitoring is a powerful strategy known to improve the clinical outcomes and to optimise the healthcare resources in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Currently, most of the methods commercially available for the quantification of infliximab (IFX) are ELISA‐based, with a turnaround time of approximately 8 h, and delaying the target dosage adjustment to the following infusion.

Aim

To validate the first point‐of‐care IFX quantification device available in the market – the Quantum Blue Infliximab assay (Buhlmann, Schonenbuch, Switzerland) – by comparing it with two well‐established methods.

Methods

The three methods were used to assay the IFX concentration of spiked samples and of the serum of 299 inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients undergoing IFX therapy.

Results

The point‐of‐care assay had an average IFX recovery of 92%, being the most precise among the tested methods. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficients of the point‐of‐care IFX assay vs. the two ELISA‐based established methods were 0.889 and 0.939. Moreover, the accuracy of the point‐of‐care IFX compared with each of the two reference methods was 77% and 83%, and the kappa statistics revealed a substantial agreement (0.648 and 0.738).

Conclusions

The Quantum Blue IFX assay can successfully replace the commonly used ELISA‐based IFX quantification kits. This point‐of‐care IFX assay is able to deliver the results within 15 min makes it ideal for an immediate target concentration adjusted dosing. Moreover, it is a user‐friendly desktop device that does not require specific laboratory facilities or highly specialised personnel.
The impact of delayed biliary decompression and anti‐microbial therapy in 260 patients with cholangitis‐associated septic shock
Authors: Karvellas C. J. , Abraldes J. G. , Zepeda‐Gomez S. , Moffat D. C. , Mirzanejad Y. , Vazquez‐Grande G. , Esfahani E. K. , Kumar A. ,   the Cooperative Antimicrobial Therapy of Septic Shock (CATSS) Database Research Group
Published: August 2016

Background

Cholangitis‐associated septic shock carries significant mortality. There is uncertainty regarding the most appropriate time to achieve biliary decompression.

Aim

To determine whether the timing of biliary decompression and anti‐microbial therapy affect the survival in cholangitis patients with septic shock.

Methods

Nested retrospective cohort study of all cholangitis‐associated septic shock patients (hypotension requiring vasopressors) from an international, multi‐centre database between 1996 and 2011.

Results

Among 260 patients (mean age 69 years, 57% male), overall mortality was 37%. Compared to nonsurvivors (n = 96), survivors (n = 164) had lower mean admission Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II (22 vs. 28, P < 0.001) and lower median serum lactate on admission (3.4 vs. 4.6 mmol/L, P < 0.001). Survivors were more likely to receive appropriate anti‐microbial therapy earlier (median 2.6 vs. 6.8 h from shock, P < 0.001). Survivors were also more likely to undergo successful biliary decompression earlier (median 8.8 vs. 22 h, P < 0.001). After adjusting for co‐variates, APACHE II (odds ratio, OR 1.21 per increment (1.11–1.32), time delay to appropriate anti‐microbial therapy [OR 1.15 per hour (1.07–1.25)] and delayed biliary decompression >12 h [OR 3.40 (1.12–10.31)] were all significantly associated with increased mortality (P < 0.04 for all; c‐statistic 0.896).

Conclusions

Patients with septic shock secondary to acute cholangitis have significant mortality. Endoscopic biliary decompression >12 h after the onset of shock and delayed receipt of appropriate anti‐microbial therapy were both significantly associated with adverse hospital outcome. This might suggest that early initiation of anti‐microbial therapy and urgent biliary decompression (within 12 h) could potentially improve outcomes in this high‐risk patient population.
The response of sub‐Mediterranean grasslands to rainfall variation is influenced by early season precipitation
Authors: Chelli Stefano , Canullo Roberto , Campetella Giandiego , Schmitt Armin Otto , Bartha Sándor , Cervellini Marco , Wellstein Camilla
Published: August 2016

Question

Climate change will likely modify patterns of precipitation, with an expected increase in intra‐annual variability and increased frequency and magnitude of extreme events. The Mediterranean area is expected to be very sensitive to such events because water availability is already limited. However, the effect of precipitation variability on ecosystem services, such as plant productivity, is little known. What is the short‐term effect of an experimental precipitation gradient on above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) of two contrasting sub‐Mediterranean grassland ecosystems? How does early season precipitation, i.e. dry or wet spring, influence ANPP? Do the functional groups of grasses and forbs differ in their response?

Location

Torricchio Nature Reserve, Central Apennines, Italy.

Methods

We selected two grasslands characterized by contrasting geophysical and soil chemical parameters (north‐ and south‐facing slopes). In both sites, during two climatically different years, mid‐season (summer) precipitation was manipulated in order to obtain a gradient of rainfall availability, comprising additional rainfall, ambient rainfall conditions and rainfall reduction. The above‐ground biomass, subdivided according to the functional groups of forbs and grasses, was collected at the end of each treatment period.

Results

A significant increase in ANPP due to experimental increase in summer rainfall appeared in the year with the wet spring, but only in the mesic north‐facing slope. This response was driven by the increased productivity of perennial forbs, while grasses showed stable above‐ground production. In contrast, in the year with the dry spring, ANPP did not respond to the experimental rainfall gradient, meaning that a dry spring leads to lower ANPP even under increased summer rainfall. The variability of ANPP increased significantly in the xeric south‐facing slope in the year with the wet spring, most likely reflecting indirect effects of small‐scale heterogeneity such as variations in soil depth.

Conclusions

Intra‐annual precipitation variation can have noticeable implications for sub‐Mediterranean montane grassland agriculture: to avoid degradation due to overgrazing, livestock pressure should be limited in years with a spring drought, regardless of summer precipitation, especially in mesic grasslands.
Promoting Healthy Child Development via a Two‐Generation Translational Neuroscience Framework: The Filming Interactions to Nurture Development Video Coaching Program
Authors: Fisher Philip A. , Frenkel Tahl I. , Noll Laura K. , Berry Melanie , Yockelson Melissa
Published: August 2016

In this article, we focus on applying methods of translational neuroscience to two‐generation, family‐based interventions. In recent years, a small but growing body of evidence has documented the reversibility of some of the neurobiological effects of early adversity in the context of environmental early interventions. Some of these interventions are now being implemented at scale, which may help reduce disparities in the face of early life stress. Further progress may occur by extending these efforts to two‐generation models that target caregivers’ capabilities to improve children's outcomes. In this article, we describe the content and processes of the Filming Interactions to Nurture Development (FIND) video coaching intervention. We also discuss the two‐generation, translational neuroscience framework on which FIND is based, and how similar approaches can be developed and scaled to mitigate the effects of adversity.
The Right to Home: Domicide as a Violation of Child and Family Rights in the Context of Political Violence
Authors: Akesson Bree , Basso Andrew R. , Denov Myriam
Published: August 2016

There is limited international recognition that domicide—or intentional destruction of home—is a violation of children's rights. While human rights documents allude to the crime of domicide, it is, however, never explicitly referred to as a human rights violation. Through an analysis of human rights documents and with a focus on the experiences of children, families and communities, we argue that domicide should be explicitly acknowledged as a violation of human rights so that it can effectively be prosecuted as a war crime in contexts of political violence.
S1‐Leitlinie zur UV‐Phototherapie und Photochemotherapie
Authors: Herzinger Thomas , Berneburg Mark , Ghoreschi Kamran , Gollnick Harald , Hölzle Erhard , Hönigsmann Herbert , Lehmann Percy , Peters Thorsten , Röcken Martin , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Schwarz Thomas , Simon Jan , Tanew Adrian , Weichenthal Michael
Published: August 2016

Die heilsame Wirkung des Sonnenlichts war teilweise schon im Altertum bekannt und fand in der zweiten Hälfte des 19. Jahrhunderts wieder zunehmend Beachtung. Den Beginn der modernen Phototherapien markiert die Entwicklung einer Apparatur zur ultravioletten Bestrahlung der Hauttuberkulose durch Finnsen zu Beginn des zwanzigsten Jahrhunderts. Zur Therapie von Hauterkrankungen finden beinahe ausschließlich die spektralen Bereiche unterhalb des sichtbaren Lichtes (ultraviolett) Anwendung. Seit den 1970er Jahren stehen zunehmend leistungsfähige künstliche Strahlenquellen bereit für die Therapie mit UVB, UVA und die Kombination von UVA mit Photosensibilisatoren (Photochemotherapie). Hohe strukturelle und prozedurale Qualitätsstandards sind unabdingbare Voraussetzung für die Durchführung einer gleichermaßen wirkungsvollen wie auch sicheren Phototherapie. Die Leitlinie formuliert den aktuellen Konsens führender Experten auf dem Gebiet der Phototherapie in Bezug auf die Indikationen für die jeweiligen Therapieverfahren, deren Gegenanzeigen und Nebenwirkungen und insbesondere für die Wahl der korrekten Dosis zu Beginn und im Verlauf einer Therapie sowie das Management von Nebenwirkungen.
Retrospective chart analysis of incidental findings detected by 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐PET/CT in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Conrad Franziska , Winkens Thomas , Kaatz Martin , Goetze Steven , Freesmeyer Martin
Published: August 2016

Background and objectives

: 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) frequently reveals incidental findings. The present study focused on incidental FDG‐PET/CT findings in cutaneous melanoma patients, and verified their relevance with respect to further diagnostic measures and interventions.

Patients and methods

: Medical records of 181 consecutive melanoma patients were retrospectively evaluated to verify the management of incidental findings, with particular emphasis on histological findings.

Results

: Thirty‐three of 181 (18 %) patients showed 39 relevant incidental findings, located in the colorectal tract (n  =  15 patients), thyroid (n  =  8), prostate (n  =  2), locomotor system (n  =  2), lymph nodes (n  =  2), parotid gland (n  =  1), tonsils (n  =  1), kidneys (n  =  1), and gallbladder (n  =  1). Performed in 25 patients, additional diagnostic procedures revealed a clinical correlate in 21 cases. Sixteen of 21 patients had tumoral involvement, including five malignant lesions (four colorectal and one prostate carcinoma). The malignancies were diagnosed at an early stage, and successfully removed in the majority of cases.

Conclusions

: The diagnostic use of FDG‐PET/CT is routinely recommended for stage IIC melanoma and higher, and is widely accepted as indication. This study effectively identified otherwise undetected cancers, especially colorectal malignancies. Early interventions were possible in most cases. Incidental findings on FDG‐PET/CT should be worked up with appropriate diagnostic measures, considering the patient's condition and wishes.
Intraspecific variation in climate‐relevant traits in a tropical rainforest lizard
Authors: Llewelyn John , Macdonald Stewart L. , Hatcher Amberlee , Moritz Craig , Phillips Ben L.
Published: August 2016

Aim

The exceptionally rich biodiversity found in tropical rainforest is under threat from anthropogenic climate change. We recognize the threat, yet we have little knowledge of the capacity of tropical species to adjust their climate sensitivity in response to it. One indicator of a species’ capacity to adjust to different climates is the amount of intraspecific variation observed in its climate‐relevant traits; if a climate‐relevant trait varies, and this variation is correlated with local climates, it suggests the species can adjust the trait to different conditions through either phenotypic plasticity or evolutionary adaptation. Here, we test for intraspecific variation in climate‐relevant traits in a rainforest specialist to shed light on the capacity of such species to adjust to different climates.

Location

The Wet Tropics Bioregion, Australia.

Methods

We studied 12 populations of a lizard that is a tropical rainforest specialist, the rainforest sunskink (Lampropholis coggeri), testing for intraspecific variation in four traits that are potentially important in determining a species’ climate sensitivity. The measured traits were as follows: critical thermal minimum, critical thermal maximum, thermal optimum for sprinting, and desiccation rate.

Results

We found substantial variation both through time and across space in the measured traits, suggesting both strong plasticity and substantial geographic variation. Moreover, trait variation was correlated with local climate variables, suggesting variation reflects adjustment to local conditions.

Main conclusions

If physiological lability similar to that observed in rainforest sunskinks occurs in tropical rainforest species more generally, these taxa may not be as climatically specialized, and so not as vulnerable to climate change, as previously thought.
Situating 1816, the ‘year without summer’, in the UK
Authors: Veale Lucy , Endfield Georgina H
Published: August 2016

The immediate local impacts of the eruption of Mount Tambora, Sumbawa, Indonesia in April 1815 were devastating, resulting in the loss of an estimated 60 000 lives on this and neighbouring islands. However, the longer term effects of the largest known historical eruption on global weather and climate and the related consequences for human health and wellbeing have maintained the prominence of the eruption in public memory. Among the most notable effects were global weather anomalies the following year, which has come to be referred to as ‘the year without summer’. Scholars across the sciences and humanities continue to investigate the eruption, seeking insights into the likely meteorological and societal impacts of future volcanic eruptions. The bicentenary of the ‘year without summer’ in 2016 provides a timely moment to revisit this weather episode. In this paper, we draw on a range of archival materials and contemporary publications to reconstruct the weather year and explore how the summer of 1816 was experienced and recorded across the UK. We also wish to demonstrate the importance of historical contingency in understanding the potential implications of the event at the local level, and of situating events within their appropriate temporal context. We do this by considering the summer of 1816 as set against the wider weather and cultural contexts of the 1810s. Our findings illustrate that in a UK context, summer 1816 was characterised by unusual and extreme weather events. Importantly it also took place within a sequence of years that were similarly replete with anomalous and challenging weather conditions.
Synthesis, Structural and Luminescence Studies of Pyrochlore Phase Free TiO2:Dy3+ Produced by Solid‐state Reaction Method
Authors: Kunti Arup Kumar , Sekhar Koppole Chandra , Pereira Mario , Gomes Maria Jesus Matos , Sharma Shailendra Kumar
Published: August 2016

TiO2:Dy3+ powders without any secondary phases have been prepared by solid‐state reaction through the optimization of synthesis conditions, doping amount and subsequently through a purification step. The maximum dysprosium solubility was found at 0.43 mol% in the range 800–900°C. The Rietveld refinement was performed to calculate the amount of phases and lattice constants. The effect of synthesis conditions and doping on strain and crystallite size is also discussed. Room temperature photoluminescence of TiO2:Dy3+ shows blue and yellow color emission. It is shown that yellow emission can be enhanced with the reduction of the pyrochlore phase Dy2Ti2O7.
Benefit from cytoreductive nephrectomy and the prognostic role of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Day D. , Kanjanapan Y. , Kwan E. , Yip D. , Lawrentschuk N. , Davis I. D. , Azad A. A. , Wong S. , Rosenthal M. , Gibbs P. , Tran B.
Published: August 2016

Background

The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in the era of targeted therapies is currently undefined. In recent years, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has emerged as a prognostic marker in several cancers, including mRCC. In this multicentre retrospective study, we aim to assess the impact of CN in mRCC and the value of NLR in risk stratification and patient selection.

Methods

Retrospective data from patients with de novo mRCC from four large Australian hospitals were collected. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log‐rank test. Multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards method.

Results

Our study identified 91 de novo mRCC patients. Patients who underwent CN (n = 46, 51%) were more likely to be younger (59.0 years vs 64.6 years, P = 0.019) and to have received systemic therapy (91% vs 76%, P = 0.043). Median overall survival (mOS) was significantly improved in patients who underwent CN (23.0 months vs 10.9 months, hazard ratios (HR) 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20–0.55, P < 0.0001). Patients with NLR ≥ 5 also had inferior mOS (6.2 months vs 16.7 months, HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.14–3.29, P = 0.014). CN was associated with substantially improved survival in patients with both NLR < 5 (mOS 31.1 months vs 7.0 months, HR 0.41, 95% CI, 0.18–0.64, P = 0.0009) and NLR ≥ 5 (mOS 10.9 months vs 2.3 months, HR 0.33, 95% CI, 0.11–0.69, P = 0.009). Significant survival benefits associated with CN were maintained in multivariate analyses (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.22–0.70, P = 0.0014).

Conclusions

CN is associated with significantly improved overall survival in de novo mRCC. The incremental survival benefit associated with CN was seen irrespective of NLR.
Reply to Comment on “The Impact of Composite Effect on Dielectric Constant and Tunability in Ferroelectric‐Dielectric System”
Authors: Lei Ming
Published: August 2016

In the comment on “The Impact of Composite Effect on Dielectric Constant and Tunability in Ferroelectric–Dielectric System”, Padurariu et al. proposed that a 2D system and a 3D system are not exactly similar: with the increase in dielectric content, the tunability of 2D system increases first and the tunability of 3D system decreases gradually. However, in my recent work, an abnormal increase in tunability was observed in the simulation result of 3D ferroelectric–dielectric model: with the increase in dielectric content from 0 to 60 vol%, the tunability increased from 22.8% to 31.4%.
Oxygen Interaction with Hexagonal OsB2 at High Temperature
Authors: Xie Zhilin , Blair Richard G. , Orlovskaya Nina , Cullen David A. , Kata Dariusz , Rutkowski Paweł , Lis Jerzy , Qin Nan , T‐Raissi Ali
Published: August 2016

The stability of ReB2‐type hexagonal OsB2 powder at high temperature with oxygen presence has been studied by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, SEM, EDS, and high‐temperature scanning transmission electron microscopy and XRD. Results of the study revealed that OsB2 ceramics interact readily with oxygen present in reducing atmosphere, especially at high temperature and produces boric acid, which decomposes on the surface of the powder resulting in the formation of boron vacancies in the hexagonal OsB2 lattice as well as changes in the stoichiometry of the compound. It was also found that under low oxygen partial pressure, sintering of OsB2 powders occurred at a relatively low temperature (900°C). Hexagonal OsB2 ceramic is prone to oxidation and it is very sensitive to oxygen partial pressures, especially at high temperatures.
The impact of characteristics of nurses’ relationships with their supervisor, engagement and trust, on performance behaviours and intent to quit
Authors: Rodwell John , McWilliams John , Gulyas Andre
Published: August 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of characteristics of nurses’ relationship quality with their manager on engagement and trust, onto in‐role or discretionary behaviours and intent to quit.

Background

Nurses having a good relationship with their manager are seen as important, yet the mechanisms of how such relationships are beneficial, or which aspects of the relationship are important, is less clear. Two possible mechanisms are through the nurse being more engaged in work, or through building their trust in their employer. In turn, engagement and trust may impact in‐role and discretionary behaviours as well as staff retention.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Method

An online survey in 2013 of 459 nurses across Australia.

Results

Structural analyses indicated that the affect dimension of relationship quality was negatively related to engagement, whereas contribution and respect were positively related to engagement. The affect and respect aspects were positively related to trust. Engagement positively related to discretionary and in‐role behaviours. Engagement and trust were negatively related to quit intention, as was the loyalty dimension of the nurses’ relationship with their supervisor. However, perceptions of variability in their team's relationship quality with their leader was negatively related to trust and positively related to intent to quit.

Conclusions

Nurse managers with a nuanced understanding of social exchange at work are likely to maintain more engaged, well‐performing and stable nursing teams. In particular, a willingness by the supervisor to come to their nurses’ defence and having a consistent standard of relationship quality across their nurses is likely to improve nurse retention.
A cost utility analysis of the clinical algorithm for nasogastric tube placement confirmation in adult hospital patients
Authors: McFarland Agi
Published: August 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pH paper testing of aspirate and chest x‐ray for determining nasogastric tube (NGT) placement in terms of cost and patient outcome.

Background

Nasogastric tubes are frequently used in clinical practice, however during insertion the practitioner is blinded as to the precise final location. Despite robust checking procedures, recognized patient morbidity and mortality associated with this procedure have resulted in national safety alerts prompting the revision of all NGT care clinical guidelines.

Design

Cost utility analysis using economic modelling.

Methods

A decision tree was built and populated with effectiveness data gathered from a systematic search of the extant literature. Specificity, pooled sensitivity and event probabilities were calculated using statistical software. Patient outcome was measured in terms of quality of life. Health state utilities were gathered from a sample (n = 23) of adult surgical patients using a recognized instrument. Cost data were gathered using published sources. The study adopted a third party payer perspective in a Scottish context and was completed in June 2013.

Results

The results confirm that the current UK algorithm advocated by the National Patient Safety Agency appears to offer the most cost effective approach to NGT confirmation in terms of cost and patient outcome. Sensitivity analyses indicate that these findings may be significantly altered by tube aspiration success and the rates of chest x‐ray interpretation errors.

Conclusion

The results confirm current UK recommendations and have wider policy implications for those areas, whereby chest x‐ray is recommended as the first and only acceptable confirmation approach.
Emotions and multimedia learning: the moderating role of learner characteristics
Authors: Knörzer L. , Brünken R. , Park B.
Published: August 2016

The Cognitive‐Affective Theory of Learning with Media postulates that affective factors as well as individual learner characteristics impact multimedia learning. The present study investigated how experimentally induced positive and negative emotions influence multimedia learning and how learner characteristics moderated this impact. Results showed that the group with the negative emotion induction outperformed the group with the positive emotion induction with regard to learning outcome. Cognitive resources (working memory capacity, prior knowledge) and openness to experience were significant predictors for learning. In addition, learners with highest prior knowledge or working memory capacity could compensate the emotional impact on learning. Neuroticism enhanced the emotional impact on learning outcome as a moderator.

Lay description

What is already known about this topic:

Emotions and learner characteristics are assumed to influence multimedia learning.

There are inconsistent results on emotional impact on multimedia learning.

Cognitive resources were shown to be predictors of learning outcomes.

There are inconsistent results on how much learners' personality predicts learning.

What this paper adds:

Negative emotions can lead to higher learning outcomes than positive emotions.

Cognitive resources are significant predictors for learning outcomes.

Openness to experience predicts learning outcomes.

Neuroticism enhances the emotional impact on multimedia learning.

Implications for practice and/or policy:

Learner characteristics and emotions influence multimedia learning.

A very positive emotional state can be harmful to learning.

Learners' personality can enhance emotional impact on multimedia learning.

Learning environments should be designed to attract learners' curiosity.
Three rDNA Loci‐Based Phylogenies of Tintinnid Ciliates (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea, Choreotrichida)
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Agatha Sabine , Zhang Wuchang , Dong Jun , Yu Ying , Jiao Nianzhi , Gong Jun
Published: August 2016

To improve understanding of diversity, phylogeny and evolution in tintinnid ciliates, it is essential to link multiple molecular markers with properly identified and documented morphospecies. Accordingly, 54 tintinnid morphospecies/isolates mainly from the Yellow and East China Seas were collected and analysed. Using single‐cell approaches, sequences were obtained for three rDNA loci (18S, ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2, D1‐D5 region of 28S). Twenty‐six tintinnid morphospecies (29 isolates) are documented by micrographs, measurements, morphologically described, and compared with the original species description. Three rDNA loci‐based phylogenetic analyses were then performed for these identified isolates. Sequences from 25 unidentified species/isolates were also included in the comparison of the three rDNA loci. Ribosomal DNA genes of the genus Leprotintinnus were analysed for the first time, showing that Leprotintinnus was closely related to Tintinnopsis radix and branched distinctly apart from the family Tintinnidiidae. Four novel clades (VI to IX) of the Tintinnopsis complex emerged in the 18S genealogies. Analyses of the relative variability in the ITS and 28S regions vs. the 18S rDNA showed that the ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 and ITS2 regions well co‐varied with the 18S rDNA when the variations of the latter were less than 3%, whereas at difference of less than 1%, no correlation was found between the compared loci. These findings highlight the difficulties in using variable locus‐based cut‐off divergences in circumscribing tintinnid morphospecies.
Biomass and productivity of fishes in estuaries: a South African case study
Authors: Whitfield A. K.
Published: August 2016

Estuaries are well known for their role as nutrient and detrital sinks that stimulate high levels of both primary and secondary production which, in turn, support a large biomass of fishes per unit area. This study reviews available information on coastal fish biomasses (g m−2 wet mass) and productivity (g m−2 wet mass year−1) in order to place South African data on these topics into a global perspective. Using biogeographic fish productivity estimates, together with estuarine water area, the approximate annual teleost production in South African estuaries was calculated at 585, 1706 and 13 904 t in the cool temperate, warm temperate and subtropical regions, respectively. Total annual fish production in estuaries on the subcontinent is conservatively estimated at 16 195 t, but this figure is likely to fluctuate widely, depending on recruitment success and annual environmental conditions pertaining to these systems. Approximately 2000 t of fish are estimated to be harvested by fishing activities in South African estuaries each year, which represents c. 12% of annual fish production. Although this figure may appear sustainable, the reality is that there are a few heavily targeted estuary‐associated marine species at the top of the food chain that are being overexploited by both anglers and subsistence fishermen. Natural mortalities due to piscivorous fish and bird predation has been estimated at c. 3% of total fish biomass per month in the East Kleinemonde Estuary, but this figure will vary considerably depending on bird abundance and foraging patterns along the coast. In contrast to catches made by the fishermen, piscivorous fishes and birds are targeting mainly juvenile marine fish and small estuarine resident species that are very abundant and generally low down in the food web.
Language‐Appropriate Appointment Reminders: Assessing the Communication Preferences of Women With Limited English Proficiency
Authors: Morse Elizabeth , Mitchell Stephanie
Published: August 2016

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to assess the communication preferences and the telephone, text, and e‐mail usage of women with limited English proficiency who attended an outpatient women's health clinic.

Methods

This study surveyed a convenience sample (N = 220) of Spanish‐ and Arabic‐speaking women in an obstetrics and gynecology clinic. The survey instrument was designed to capture the experience of women with limited English proficiency who received automated English‐only telephone appointment reminders. We evaluated how these women currently use short message service (SMS) technology and/or access e‐mail, the costs they incur for these services, and their preferences for and receptiveness to receiving appointment reminders through a variety of modalities including text, e‐mail, phone, or direct mail.

Results

More than half of women surveyed reported either not receiving an appointment reminder or reported difficulty understanding the reminder they did receive. Of all women surveyed, 91% preferred appointment reminders in their primary language regardless of their ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. Significant variation in preferences was found within and between the 2 language groups.

Discussion

The data suggest that the current appointment‐reminder system is both inefficient and linguistically inappropriate for female clients with limited English proficiency. This project offers preliminary data on the preferences of Spanish‐ and Arabic‐speaking women. Creating language‐appropriate appointment reminders in both phone and text formats reflects an institutional commitment to the language preferences of all women, not just those who speak the dominant language, in accordance with accreditation guidelines defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission.
Characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients with primary Budd‐Chiari syndrome
Authors: Sakr Mohammad , Abdelhakam Sara M. , Dabbous Hany , Hamed Amr , Hefny Zeinab , Abdelmoaty Waleed , Shaker Mohamed , El‐Gharib Mohamed , Eldorry Ahmed
Published: August 2016

Background & Aim

Budd‐Chiari syndrome (BCS) is caused by hepatic venous outflow obstruction. This work aimed at analyzing characteristics and factors associated with development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with primary BCS.

Methods

A total of 348 Egyptian BCS patients were included. They were presented to the Budd‐Chiari Study Group of Ain Shams University Hospital. BCS was confirmed using abdominal Doppler US. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MR venography and/or multislice computed tomography (CT) were performed to confirm all diagnoses and to assess vascular anatomy. Hepatic focal lesions detected during the study period (2005–2011) were evaluated using serum alpha foetoprotein (AFP) level, imaging features and histopathological examination.

Results

Diagnosis of HCC was confirmed in 15/348 patients (4.3%). Imaging studies showed that 60% had multiple hepatic focal lesions ranging from 2 to 6.3 cm in size. The median level of serum AFP in BCS with HCC was 300 ng/mL vs 11 ng/mL in those without HCC (P<.001). A cut‐off level >24.5 ng/mL for serum AFP showed sensitivity 80%, specificity 97.9%, positive predictive value 93.18% and negative predictive value 99.1% for detection of HCC in BCS patients. Male gender, older age, cigarette smoking, serum AFP (>24.5 ng/mL) and shrunken liver by ultrasonography were independent factors associated with HCC development.

Conclusion

Male gender, older age and cigarette smoking are independent risk factors for development of HCC in BCS. Serum AFP is a good screening test in BCS.
Ants exhibit asymmetric hybridization in a mosaic hybrid zone
Authors: Purcell Jessica , Zahnd Sacha , Athanasiades Anouk , Türler Rebecca , Chapuisat Michel , Brelsford Alan
Published: August 2016

Research on hybridization between species provides unparalleled insights into the pre‐ and postzygotic isolating mechanisms that drive speciation. In social organisms, colony‐level incompatibilities may provide additional reproductive barriers not present in solitary species, and hybrid zones offer an opportunity to identify these barriers. Here, we use genotyping‐by‐sequencing to sequence hundreds of markers in a hybrid zone between two socially polymorphic ant species, Formica selysi and Formica cinerea. We characterize the zone, determine the frequency of hybrid workers, infer whether hybrid queens or males are produced and investigate whether hybridization is influenced by colony social organization. We also compare cuticular hydrocarbon profiles and aggression levels between the two species. The hybrid zone exhibits a mosaic structure. The asymmetric distribution of hybrids skewed towards F. cinerea suggests a pattern of unidirectional nuclear gene flow from F. selysi into F. cinerea. The occurrence of backcrossed individuals indicates that hybrid queens and/or males are fertile, and the presence of the F. cinerea mitochondrial haplotype in 97% of hybrids shows that successful F1 hybrids will generally have F. cinerea mothers and F. selysi fathers. We found no evidence that social organization contributes to speciation, because hybrids occur in both single‐queen and multiple‐queen colonies. Strongly differentiated cuticular hydrocarbon profiles and heightened interspecific aggression further reveal that species recognition cues are both present and perceived. The discovery of fertile hybrids and asymmetrical gene flow is unusual in ants, and this hybrid zone will therefore provide an ideal system with which to investigate speciation in social insects.
Ancient DNA reveals differences in behaviour and sociality between brown bears and extinct cave bears
Authors: Fortes Gloria G. , Grandal‐d'Anglade Aurora , Kolbe Ben , Fernandes Daniel , Meleg Ioana N. , García‐Vázquez Ana , Pinto‐Llona Ana C. , Constantin Silviu , de Torres Trino J. , Ortiz Jose E. , Frischauf Christine , Rabeder Gernot , Hofreiter Michael , Barlow Axel
Published: August 2016

Ancient DNA studies have revolutionized the study of extinct species and populations, providing insights on phylogeny, phylogeography, admixture and demographic history. However, inferences on behaviour and sociality have been far less frequent. Here, we investigate the complete mitochondrial genomes of extinct Late Pleistocene cave bears and middle Holocene brown bears that each inhabited multiple geographically proximate caves in northern Spain. In cave bears, we find that, although most caves were occupied simultaneously, each cave almost exclusively contains a unique lineage of closely related haplotypes. This remarkable pattern suggests extreme fidelity to their birth site in cave bears, best described as homing behaviour, and that cave bears formed stable maternal social groups at least for hibernation. In contrast, brown bears do not show any strong association of mitochondrial lineage and cave, suggesting that these two closely related species differed in aspects of their behaviour and sociality. This difference is likely to have contributed to cave bear extinction, which occurred at a time in which competition for caves between bears and humans was likely intense and the ability to rapidly colonize new hibernation sites would have been crucial for the survival of a species so dependent on caves for hibernation as cave bears. Our study demonstrates the potential of ancient DNA to uncover patterns of behaviour and sociality in ancient species and populations, even those that went extinct many tens of thousands of years ago.
Structural basis for Myf and Psa fimbriae‐mediated tropism of pathogenic strains of Yersinia for host tissues
Authors: Pakharukova Natalia , Roy Saumendra , Tuittila Minna , Rahman Mohammad M. , Paavilainen Sari , Ingars Anna‐Karin , Skaldin Maksym , Lamminmäki Urpo , Härd Torleif , Teneberg Susann , Zavialov Anton V.
Published: August 2016

Three pathogenic species of the genus Yersinia assemble adhesive fimbriae via the FGL‐chaperone/usher pathway. Closely related Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis elaborate the pH6 antigen (Psa), which mediates bacterial attachment to alveolar cells of the lung. Y. enterocolitica, instead, assembles the homologous fimbriae Myf of unknown function. Here, we discovered that Myf, like Psa, specifically recognizes β1‐3– or β1‐4–linked galactose in glycosphingolipids, but completely lacks affinity for phosphatidylcholine, the main receptor for Psa in alveolar cells. The crystal structure of a subunit of Psa (PsaA) complexed with choline together with mutagenesis experiments revealed that PsaA has four phosphatidylcholine binding pockets that enable super‐high‐avidity binding of Psa‐fibres to cell membranes. The pockets are arranged as six tyrosine residues, which are all missing in the MyfA subunit of Myf. Conversely, the crystal structure of the MyfA‐galactose complex revealed that the galactose‐binding site is more extended in MyfA, enabling tighter binding to lactosyl moieties. Our results suggest that during evolution, Psa has acquired a tyrosine‐rich surface that enables it to bind to phosphatidylcholine and mediate adhesion of Y. pestis/pseudotuberculosis to alveolar cells, whereas Myf has specialized as a carbohydrate‐binding adhesin, facilitating the attachment of Y. enterocolitica to intestinal cells.