bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse drug reactions of analgesic medicines: analysis of the Romanian pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Cazacu Irina , Stroe Roxana , Dondera Roxana , Mogosan Cristina , Haramburu Françoise , Fourrier‐Réglat Annie , Loghin Felicia
Published: January 2018

The results of national safety studies are essential for decision‐making at the regulatory level and have also educational implications for prescribing patterns. The aim of this study was to analyze the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of analgesic medicines spontaneously reported to Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management Service of the Romanian National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices between 2011 and 2015. For the 71 reports, patients had a mean age of 39.8 years; 60.6% of patients were female, and 38% male and 1.4% were unknown. Reporters were mainly physicians (74.7%), and 52.1% of ADR reports were transmitted through marketing authorization holders. Of the serious ADRs (32.4%), 34.7% led to hospitalization or prolonged hospitalization. The most frequent ADRs reported were skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (25.8%) and general disorders and administration site conditions (19.2%). Metamizole, alone or in combination, was the main analgesic suspected in almost 15.5% of the cases and remains one of the most popular analgesics in Romania. Ten cases were assessed as preventable or potentially preventable (14%), of which two cases were serious. Even if the level of reporting is still low, this study conducted on ADRs of analgesics reported to the national pharmacovigilance center represents an essential step toward promoting the rational use of analgesics in Romania.
A material length scale–based methodology to assess static strength of notched additively manufactured polylactide (PLA)
Authors: Ahmed A.A. , Susmel L.
Published: January 2018

The Theory of Critical Distances (TCD) is the name that has been given to a group of design methodologies that all make use of a material length scale parameter to postprocess the local linear‐elastic stress fields in the vicinity of the crack initiation locations. The aim of the present investigation is to check whether the simple linear‐elastic TCD is successful in predicting static strength of notched components made of 3D‐printed polylactide (PLA). PLA is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester that is produced from renewable biodegradable resources. The accuracy and reliability of the TCD in estimating the static strength of additively manufactured (AM) PLA were assessed against a large number of experimental results generated by testing, under tensile loading as well as under bending, AM notched specimens containing different geometrical features (open notches included). The TCD was seen to be highly accurate, its systematic use resulting in estimates falling mainly within an error interval of about 20%. This result is certainly very relevant since it demonstrates that the linear‐elastic TCD can be used successfully to design against static loading notched components of AM PLA by directly postprocessing the results from simple linear‐elastic Finite Element (FE) models.
Accelerated LCF‐creep experimental methodology for durability life evaluation of turbine blade
Authors: Shi D. , Li Z. , Yang X. , Wang H.
Published: January 2018

This paper proposes an accelerated low cycle fatigue (LCF)‐creep experimental methodology in laboratory to investigate the durability life of turbine blades. A typical mission profile of the turbine blade was obtained by means of rain flow counting method, considering both the actual flight condition and ground test data. Finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to obtain the stress and temperature fields of turbine blade. A test system was constructed to conduct LCF‐creep experiments of turbine blades, simulating the stress and temperature distributions of critical section properly. LCF‐creep experiments of full‐scale turbine blades were performed under a trapezoidal loading spectrum. Experiment results showed that the durability life of turbine blade based on numerical method was longer than that based on this experimental methodology, even an order of magnitude. Furthermore, this experimental methodology helped to extend the service life of this blade safely, and its validity was verified in actual service condition.
Suppression of targeting of Dbf4‐dependent kinase to pre‐replicative complex in G0 nuclei
Authors: Okada Takuya , Okabe Gaku , Tak Yon‐Soo , Mimura Satoru , Takisawa Haruhiko , Kubota Yumiko
Published: January 2018

Intact G0 nuclei isolated from quiescent cells are not capable of DNA replication in interphase Xenopus egg extracts, which allow efficient replication of permeabilized G0 nuclei. Previous studies have shown multiple control mechanisms for maintaining the quiescent state, but DNA replication inhibition of intact G0 nuclei in the extracts remains poorly understood. Here, we showed that pre‐RC is assembled on chromatin, but its activation is inhibited after incubating G0 nuclei isolated from quiescent NIH3T3 cells in the extracts. Concomitant with the inhibition of replication, Mcm4 phosphorylation mediated by Dbf4‐dependent kinase (DDK) as well as chromatin binding of DDK is suppressed in G0 nuclei without affecting the nuclear transport of DDK. We further found that the nuclear extracts of G0 but not proliferating cells inhibit the binding of recombinant DDK to pre‐RC assembled plasmids. In addition, we observed rapid activation of checkpoint kinases after incubating G0 nuclei in the egg extracts. However, specific inhibitors of ATR/ATM are unable to promote DNA replication in G0 nuclei in the egg extracts. We suggest that a novel inhibitory mechanism is functional to prevent the targeting of DDK to pre‐RC in G0 nuclei, thereby suppressing DNA replication in Xenopus egg extracts.
Aggressive natural killer (NK)‐cell leukaemia and extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma are two distinct diseases that differ in their clinical presentation and cytogenetic findings
Authors: Yang Ching‐Fen , Hsu Chih‐Yi , Ho Donald M‐T
Published: January 2018

Aims

Aggressive natural killer (NK)‐cell leukaemia (ANKCL) and extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) with secondary bone marrow involvement are rare bone marrow NK/T‐cell neoplasms and share similar features. This study aimed to distinguish these two entities.

Methods and results

We studied bone marrow NK/T‐cell neoplasms by classifying them into those with no extramedullary mass (group 1, eight cases) and those with extramedullary mass (group 2, 13 cases). The two groups showed similar clinical presentations and pathological features. Fever and cytopenia were the most common clinical presentations in both groups. The neoplastic cells varied from small and relatively monotonous cells to large pleomorphic cells. In six cases (two in group 1, and four in group 2), the neoplastic infiltrate was inconspicuous, consisting of ≤10% of marrow cells in the interstitium, which were hardly identified by haematoxylin and eosin staining alone. Nearly all patients rapidly died, regardless of the neoplastic infiltrate volume. All of the group 1 patients fulfilled the World Health Organisation 2017 diagnostic criteria of ANKCL, and their survival was significantly worse than that of the group 2 patients (P = 0.035). In addition, there was a significant association between being in group 1 and chromosome 7 abnormalities. Chromosome 6q deletion, which is commonly reported in ENKTCL, was seen in two of our group 2 patients, and was not observed in any of our group 1 patients.

Conclusion

ANKCL with no extramedullary mass should be distinguished from ENKTCL with bone marrow involvement, as the former shows distinct outcomes and genetic features.
Preparation of SiC from acid‐leached coal gangue by carbothermal reduction
Authors: Li Fachuang , Guo Zhanyong , Su Guang , Guo Chaobo , Sun Guojin , Zhu Xinlin
Published: January 2018

For the comprehensive utilization of coal gangue, acid‐leached coal gangue was used as silicon source and part of carbon source, low ash anthracite and degreasing cotton were added respectively as supplementary carbon source, SiC and SiC fiber were prepared by carbothermal reduction method accordingly. The results show that the main components in leached coal gangue are amorphous SiO2 and carbon, which are suitable for the synthesis of SiC as raw materials. The synthesis temperature and holding time have important influence on the synthesis of SiC, and the optimum synthesis parameters for SiC are at 1550°C for 4 hours; under this condition, the yield of SiC is 78.27%, and the specific surface area is 6750 cm2/g. The results show that the resulting products are essentially composed of β‐SiC with a minor amount of α‐SiC. Besides, based on the carbon fiber transformation method, SiC fiber was prepared by using leached coal gangue and degreasing cotton as raw materials. Therefore, it can be concluded that leached coal gangue is a very effective and inexpensive source for preparing SiC, and more importantly, this work has important economic and social significance to realize waste recycling and control pollution.
Oral lichen sclerosus: a systematic review of reported cases and two new cases
Authors: Kakko Tuomas , Salo Tuula , Siponen Maria K.
Published: January 2018

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease with uncertain etiology. It occurs as white plaque‐like lesions mostly in the anogenital skin. Oral mucosal involvement is extremely rare. This study aims to summarize the features of published oral lichen sclerosus (OLS) and two new cases.

A systematic search of the English literature from 1955 to 2016 was performed in MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, and cross‐references were searched manually. Search phrases included “lichen sclerosus,” “mouth,” “oral,” “lip,” “palate,” “floor of mouth,” “tongue,” “gingiva,” “buccal mucosa,” and “mouth diseases.” Cases with clinical and histopathological confirmation of diagnosis of OLS were included.

A total of 41 (39 published and 2 new) histologically confirmed OLS cases were available. The median age of OLS patients was 31 years, and 66% of the patients were female. Most of the OLS lesions were asymptomatic. They were located in the labial mucosa (n = 20), lip (n = 15), buccal mucosa (n = 14), gingiva (n = 12), tongue (n = 12), and palate (n = 7).

OLS is rare and typically presents as asymptomatic, white, plaque‐like lesions. Malignant transformation of preexisting OLS has not been reported.
Effects of colorant concentration and ‘natural colour’ or ‘sodium content’ claim on saltiness perception, consumer liking and emotion, and purchase intent of dipping sauces
Authors: Sukkwai Sineenath , Kijroongrojana Kongkarn , Chonpracha Pichayaphat , Pujols Kairy Dharali , Alonso‐Marenco José R. , Ardoin Ryan , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: January 2018

Natural colorant (no colorant, NC = 0%; moderate colorant, MC = 1.2%; high colorant, HC = 3.6% w/w) and salt (regular salt, RS = NaCl; reduced sodium, ReS = KCl; no salt, NS) were added in mayonnaise‐based dipping sauces to evaluate effects of colorant concentration and ‘natural colorant’ or ‘sodium content’ claim on saltiness expectation, consumer liking and emotion, and purchase intent (PI) of these products. Regardless of the salt type and content, increasing colorant concentration decreased colour liking scores while saltiness expectation tentatively increased as indicated by higher % of ‘too much’ responses for saltiness on a JAR (Just‐About‐Right) scale. At a given salt type and content, liking scores of salty taste decreased with increasing colorant concentration, both before and after the ‘sodium content’ claim was given to consumers. Emotion scores elicited by consuming dipping sauces were affected by colorant concentration. Positive emotions (good, interested, satisfied) decreased while negative emotions (guilty, unsafe, worried) increased with increasing colorant concentration. Statements of ‘natural colorant’ and ‘sodium content’ claim had minimal effects on elicited emotions and PI.
Comparative study of antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the edible mushrooms Pleurotus levis, P. ostreatus, P. pulmonarius and P. tuber‐regium
Authors: Adebayo Elijah A. , Martínez‐Carrera Daniel , Morales Porfirio , Sobal Mercedes , Escudero Helios , Meneses María E. , Avila‐Nava Azalia , Castillo Ivan , Bonilla Myrna
Published: January 2018

Comparative studies of functional properties among closely related mushroom species, supported by molecular identification, standard cultivation and extraction protocols, are not well documented. We compared antioxidant and antibacterial properties of standardised hydroalcoholic extracts of four Pleurotus species (P. levis, P. ostreatus, P. pulmonarius and P. tuber‐regium). Antioxidant properties were investigated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacity, total phenolic content, β‐carotene‐linoleic and ORAC assays. Antibacterial effect was assessed using the microplate method. The functional properties of standardised mushroom extracts were different in species studied. β‐carotene–linoleic acid and ORAC assays showed high antioxidant activity, particularly in P. ostreatus. Pleurotus tuber‐regium exhibited the lowest antioxidant activity in the ORAC assay (3316.0 μmol of trolox equivalent mL−1), but exerted the most potent bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity. Bacillus subtilis showed a high degree of susceptibility to a very low concentration (3.33 μg mL−1) of P. levis extract. Remarkable antioxidant and antibacterial properties were found in P. levis and P. tuber‐regium compared to the other species studied that are cultivated commercially.
Influence of crystal promoters on sensory characteristics of heat‐resistant compound chocolate
Authors: Rosales Czarina Kristine , Suwonsichon Suntaree , Klinkesorn Utai
Published: January 2018

Three additives that acted as crystal promoters (CP1, CP2 and CP3), at varying concentrations, were studied to determine their effect on sensory characteristics of heat‐resistant compound chocolates using trained descriptive panellists. The non‐heat‐resistant compound chocolate with no CP added served as a control. CP1 was composed of mono‐ and diglycerides and polyglycerol esters from high oleic sunflower oil. CP2 consisted of mono‐ and diglycerides, lecithin and citric acid esters from blended canola oil and palm stearin. CP3 consisted of triglycerides from fully hydrogenated canola oil. The sample with 0.25% CP1 was most comparable to the control with higher cocoa, dark brown, bitter aromatic and sweet intensities and faster melting rate but lower wax‐coating mouthfeel than the samples with CP2 and CP3 at all concentrations (P ≤ 0.05). Varying the composition and concentration of crystal promoter added to compound chocolate impacts product sensory quality which in turn affects commercial applications.
Food waste as a source of value‐added chemicals and materials: a biorefinery perspective
Authors: Esteban Jesus , Ladero Miguel
Published: January 2018

As the availability of fossil‐based resources declines, there is an impending necessity of finding alternative feedstock able to secure the production of fuels and chemicals. Exploitation of biomass as renewable source of chemicals is an attractive possibility, in particular the one derived from food waste (FW). Every year, large amounts of waste are generated within or at the end of the food supply chain at the consumers use stage and hence its valorisation attracts great attention. FW has proven a valuable feedstock for its exploitation to produce a wide array of intermediates and products with promising applications in industry, owing to their similar performance with respect to established products. These include organic acids and furans (generally used as platform chemicals to further products); polymers like bacterial cellulose, polyhydroxyalkanoates or chitin; biosurfactants; biolubricants; or nanoparticles. This overview covers the latest trends in chemical, enzymatic and biotechnological processes reported in literature on the production of these chemicals and materials, with a focus on the use of FW as raw material.
Validation of reflex testing rules and establishment of a new workflow for body fluid cell analysis using a Sysmex XN‐550 automatic hematology analyzer
Authors: Cho Y.‐U. , You E. , Jang S. , Park C.‐J.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

We developed and validated reflex testing rules for the microscopic examination (ME) of body fluids (BFs) on the Sysmex XN‐550 (Sysmex Corporation) instrument.

Methods

We assessed the detection limits, precision, linearity, and carryover. To develop the reflex testing rules (derivation arm), we tested 515 samples and then validated the rules using another 507 samples (validation arm).

Results

All analytical performances were acceptable, and the carryover was negligible. There was agreement between the automated count and ME of red blood cells (r = .98) and total nucleated cells (TNCs) (r = .98), as well as the differential counts of neutrophils (r = .90) and lymphocytes (r = .84). We developed reflex testing rules: TNCs <10/μL, cell 2/cell 1 ratio ≤0.7, HF‐BF cells >7.9/100 white blood cells, LY‐X ≥85 or LY‐Y ≥90, and eosinophils >2.5%. In the validation arm, implementation of the rules resulted in 126 rule‐negative samples (24.9%) that were well correlated between the 2 methods. We propose a new workflow for BF cell analysis based on automated counting.

Conclusion

The Sysmex XN‐550 can be a suitable alternative to ME for BF cell analysis, especially for screening samples and subsequent automatic reporting under the rational use of laboratory‐specific rules.
Transnational comparability of advanced pharmacy practice developmental frameworks: a country-level crossover mapping study
Authors: Udoh Arit , Bruno Andreia , Bates Ian , Galbraith Kirsten
Published: January 2018

Background

Previous work by the International Pharmaceutical Federation Education Initiative (FIPEd) demonstrates that even though some country-specific variations occur in pharmacy practice, there exists a set of practice-related competencies that are globally applicable. This study aimed to evaluate the transnational comparability of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Advanced Pharmacy Framework (RPS-APF, Great Britain) and the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Framework for Australia (APPF). The objective was to obtain preliminary data on the transnational applicability of the developmental competencies contained in the two frameworks.

Method

A crossover mapping study involving 42 advanced-level pharmacists from four countries was conducted. Qualitative interview (n = 17) was also carried out to explore practitioners’ perception of the frameworks.

Result

The average postregistration experience of the practitioners in the crossover study was 19 years. Directly observed within-subject agreement per advanced practice competency ranged from 45% to 86%. This agreement was significant for 87% of the competencies evaluated (k ≥ 0.21; P ≤ 0.05). The lowest agreement was in the ‘governance’ competency (k = 0.13; P = 0.21). Wilcoxon sum rank test showed a statistically significant within-subject difference in the ‘collaborative practice’ cluster (P = 0.043). This was not observed in the other five advanced practice clusters. From the qualitative interviews, practitioners generally perceived the two compared advanced-level frameworks as similar in content and indicated they found the described competencies to be useful for clarifying expectations of practice and identifying skills development needs.

Conclusion

These findings provide preliminary evidence of the comparability and transnational applicability of the advanced pharmacy practice competencies contained in the two national competency development frameworks evaluated.
Effectiveness of using a new polyurethane foam multi‐layer dressing in the sacral area to prevent the onset of pressure ulcer in the elderly with hip fractures: A pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Authors: Forni Cristiana , D'Alessandro Fabio , Gallerani Pina , Genco Rossana , Bolzon Andrea , Bombino Caterina , Mini Sandra , Rocchegiani Laura , Notarnicola Teresa , Vitulli Arianna , Amodeo Alfredo , Celli Guglielmo , Taddia Patrizia
Published: January 2018

Hip fractures in the elderly are a serious problem for the health service due to the high rate of complications. One of these complications is pressure ulcers that, according to the literature, occur in 8.8% to 55% of patients and mainly arise in the sacral area. The present randomised controlled trial tests whether applying a new innovative multi‐layer polyurethane foam dressing (ALLEVYN LIFE™), reduces the onset of pressure ulcers in the sacral area. From March to December 2016, 359 fragility hip fracture patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: 182 in the control group and 177 in the experimental group. Pressure ulcers occurred overall in 36 patients (10%): 8 patients (4.5%) in the experimental group compared to 28 (15.4%) in the control group: P = 0.001, relative risk 0.29 (95% CI 0.14‐0.61) with NNT of 9 (95% CI 6‐21). In the experimental group the onset of pressure ulcers occurred on average on the 6th day compared to the 4th day in the control group (HR 4.4). Using polyurethane foam is effective at reducing the rate of pressure ulcers in the sacrum in elderly patients with hip fracture. The adhesiveness of this device also enables costs to be kept down.
Inorganic polymers made of fayalite slag: On the microstructure and behavior of Fe
Authors: Onisei Silviana , Douvalis Alexios P. , Malfliet Annelies , Peys Arne , Pontikes Yiannis
Published: January 2018

The microstructure of inorganic polymers (IP) formed from fayalite slag was investigated as a function of the composition of different activating solutions. The starting slag was 80 wt% amorphous, and after activation using sodium silicate solutions with varying SiO2/Na2O molar ratios, the amorphous phase dissolved and a binder phase was formed. The morphology of this binder, including the population and size of remnant particles and pores, was dependent on the particular activating solution used, and became denser as the level of silicate rose. 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed that the IP synthesis reaction is combined with the oxidation of Fe2+ from the fayalite slag to Fe3+ in the inorganic polymer binder. The reaction extent varied and could be quantified using the absorption areas of these ions. Data corroborate that the Fe2+ ions in the amorphous part of the fayalite slag and the Fe3+ ions in the new binder phase had an average oxygen‐coordination number of 5.
The spectre of biogeographical regionalization
Authors: Morrone Juan J.
Published: January 2018

A biogeographical regionalization is a hierarchical system that categorizes geographical areas in terms of their biotas. I provide a general protocol to undertake biogeographical regionalizations, that consists of seven steps: (1) defining the study area; (2) assembling distributional data; (3) identifying natural areas; (4) discovering area relationships; (5) defining boundaries/transition zones; (6) regionalization and (7) area nomenclature. Natural biogeographical units are useful for people undertaking different types of analyses, like macroecologists, evolutionary biologists, systematists and conservationists. Biogeographical regionalizations may help biogeographers communicate more effectively between themselves and discover opportunities to work on common problems, contributing to the development of a truly integrative biogeography.
Attending to structural programming features predicts differences in learning and motivation
Authors: Witherspoon Eben B. , Schunn Christian D. , Higashi Ross M. , Shoop Robin
Published: January 2018

Educational robotics programs offer an engaging opportunity to potentially teach core computer science concepts and practices in K–12 classrooms. Here, we test the effects of units with different programming content within a virtual robotics context on both learning gains and motivational changes in middle school (6th–8th grade) robotics classrooms. Significant learning gains were found overall, particularly for groups introduced to content involving program flow, the structural logic of program execution. Relative gains for these groups were particularly high on items that require the transfer of knowledge to dissimilar contexts. Reaching units that included program flow content was also associated with greater maintenance of programming interest when compared with other units. Therefore, our results suggest that explicit instruction in the structural logic of programming may develop deeper transferrable programming knowledge and prevent declines in some motivational factors.
Cultivating undergraduates' plagiarism avoidance knowledge and skills with an online tutorial system
Authors: Liu Gi‐Zen , Lu Hui‐Ching , Lin Vivien , Hsu Wei‐Chen
Published: January 2018

With the increased use of digital materials, undergraduate writers in English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts have become more susceptible to plagiarism. In this study, the researchers designed a blended English writing course with an online writing tutorial system entitled DWright. The study examined the effectiveness of the online writing tool for helping a group of EFL sophomores in Taiwan develop plagiarism avoidance knowledge, paraphrasing skills, and citation abilities. Mixed‐method data included pretest, posttest, and delayed test, a feedback sheet, writing assignments, interviews, and a post‐course questionnaire, which reported increased awareness on plagiarism avoidance with evidence such as qualitative paraphrasing improvement and positive feedback on the use of DWright for developing plagiarism avoidance knowledge and citation competence. Pedagogical implications for researchers and instructors interested in blending online writing tutorials into their courses for plagiarism avoidance were also discussed.
Ryanodine‐receptor inhibition by dantrolene effectively suppresses ventricular arrhythmias in an ex vivo model of long‐QT syndrome
Authors: Frommeyer Gerrit , Krawczyk Julius , Ellermann Christian , Bögeholz Nils , Kochhäuser Simon , Dechering Dirk G. , Fehr Michael , Eckardt Lars
Published: January 2018

Aims

A significant antiarrhythmic potential of ryanodine receptor inhibition was reported in experimental studies. The aim of the present study was to assess potential antiarrhythmic effects of dantrolene in an experimental whole‐heart model of drug‐induced long‐QT syndrome (LQTS).

Methods

In 12 isolated rabbit hearts, long‐QT‐2‐syndrome was simulated by infusion of erythromycin (300 μM). Twelve rabbit hearts were treated with veratridine (0.5 μM) to mimic long‐QT‐3‐syndrome.

Results

Monophasic action potentials and ECG showed a significant prolongation of QT‐interval (+71 ms, P < 0.01) and action potential duration (APD, +43 ms, P < 0.01) after infusion of erythromycin as compared with baseline. Similar results were obtained in veratridine‐treated hearts (QT‐interval: +43 ms, P < 0.01; APD: +36 ms, P < 0.01). Both erythromycin (+36 ms, P < 0.05) and veratridine (+38 ms) significantly increased dispersion of repolarization.

Additional infusion of dantrolene (20 μM) did not significantly alter QT‐interval and APD but resulted in a significant reduction of dispersion of repolarization (erythromycin group: –33 ms, P < 0.05; veratridine group: –29 ms, P < 0.05).

Lowering of potassium concentration resulted in the occurrence of early afterdepolarizations (EAD) and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 9 of 12 erythromycin‐treated hearts (175 episodes) and 8 of 12 veratridine‐treated hearts (66 episodes). Additional infusion of dantrolene significantly reduced occurrence of polymorphic VT and resulted in occurrence of EAD and polymorphic VT in 1 of 12 erythromycin‐treated hearts (18 episodes) and 1 of 12 veratridine‐treated hearts (3 episodes).

Conclusion

Inhibition of the ryanodine receptor by dantrolene significantly reduced occurrence of polymorphic VT in drug‐induced LQTS. A significant reduction of spatial dispersion of repolarization represents a major antiarrhythmic mechanism. These results imply that dantrolene may represent a promising antiarrhythmic option in drug‐induced LQTS.
Navigating systems ideas for health practice: Towards a common learning device
Authors: Reynolds Martin , Sarriot Eric , Swanson Robert Chad , Rusoja Evan
Published: January 2018

Systems thinking and reference to complexity science have gained currency in health sector practice and research. The extent to which such ideas might represent a mere passing fad or might more usefully be mobilized to tackle wicked problems in health systems is a concern underpinning this paper. Developing the usefulness of the systems idea requires appreciating how systems ideas are used essentially as constructs conceptually bounded by practitioners. Systems are used for purposes of understanding and engaging the reality of health issues, with the intent of transforming the reality into one that is more manageable, equitable, and sustainable. We examine some manifestations of the systems idea in health practice and the traditions of systems practice that variously make use of them. This provides a platform for proposing a systems thinking in (health) practice heuristic: a learning device supporting how different tools and methods can address “wicked problems” in health praxis. The device is built on the use of “conversation” as a metaphor to help practitioners use systems ideas in tandem with existing disciplinary and professional skills and methods. We consider how the application of the heuristic requires, and helps to develop, human characteristics of humility, empathy, and recognition of fallibility.
Simple Method of Screening for Frailty in Older Adults Using a Chronometer and Tape Measure in Clinic
Authors: Jung Hee‐Won , Kang Min‐Gu , Choi Jung‐Yeon , Yoon Sol‐Ji , Kim Sun‐wook , Kim Kwang‐il , Kim Cheol‐Ho
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Detecting frailty in older adults scheduled for surgery is important to predict the occurrence of adverse outcomes, but because of its complexity, frailty screening is not commonly performed. The objective of the current study was to assess whether frailty can be screened for using automatically measured usual gait speed (UGS) and mid‐arm circumference (MAC) in the outpatient clinic.

Design

Prospective, cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Geriatric center of a tertiary hospital.

Participants

Outpatients aged 65 and older (N = 113).

Measurements

Frailty status was evaluated according to a multidimensional frailty score (MFS) using a comprehensive geriatric assessment, and participants were classified into 5 categories. UGS was evaluated by having participants walk through the clinic using an automated laser‐gated chronometer. MAC was recorded using a tape measure on a blood pressure cuff. Correlations between these two physical measurements and MFS were assessed.

Results

The mean age of the 93 participants who successfully underwent UGS evaluation was 75.8 ± 4.7; 35 were male. In this population, the mean Charlson Comorbidity Index was 2.2 ± 1.4, mean MFS was 4.1 ± 2.0, and 20 participants were considered to be at high risk of experiencing adverse outcomes. Mean UGS was 0.75 ± 0.16 m/s, and mean MAC was 31.2 ± 1.9 cm); both physical parameters were correlated with MFS (UGS: standardized beta = −0.420, P < .001; MAC: standardized beta = −0.457, P < .001). Using UGS and MFS, the area under curve of receiver operating curve for determining which participants were at high risk of experiencing adverse outcomes was 0.809 (P < .001).

Conclusion

UGS and MAC are viable methods of clinically screening for frailty.
Arabidopsis PWWP domain proteins mediate H3K27 trimethylation on FLC and regulate flowering time
Authors: Zhou Jin‐Xing , Liu Zhang‐Wei , Li Yong‐Qiang , Li Lin , Wang Bangjun , Chen She , He Xin‐Jian
Published: January 2018

LHP1 mediates recruitment of the PRC2 histone methyltransferase complex to chromatin and thereby facilitates maintenance of H3K27me3 on FLC, a key flowering repressor gene. Here, we report that the PWWP domain proteins (PDPs) interact with FVE and MSI5 to suppress FLC expression and thereby promote flowering. We demonstrated that FVE, MSI5, and PDP3 were co‐purified with LHP1. The H3K27me3 level on FLC was decreased in the pdp mutants as well as in the fve/msi5 double mutant. This study suggests that PDPs function together with FVE and MSI5 to regulate the function of the PRC2 complex on FLC.
Current Literature Review of Registered Nurses’ Competency in the Global Community
Authors: Liu Ying , Aungsuroch Yupin
Published: January 2018

Purpose

In order to enhance international standards of nursing service, this article aims to analyze the English full‐text peer‐reviewed published articles from the past 10 years that describe contemporary registered nurses’ (RNs’) competency in the global community.

Design

An integrative review of literature was conducted between June 2016 and January 2017.

Methods

A systematic search was completed using four databases (Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) that covered the years between 2007 and 2017, and used the key words nurs* OR (staff nurs*) OR (register nurs*) AND competenc* AND international OR global. Ultimately, 32 studies meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for analysis.

Findings

Nursing competency trended towards definitions using a holistic lens and behavior statements reflecting the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and judgment required for effective performance in the nursing profession. By using inductive content analysis, 11 components emerged. Additionally, six instruments were found to measure generalist RNs’ competencies across countries. The variables related to generalist nursing competency included sociodemographic variables, professional‐related variables, and work environment variables.

Conclusions

This review provides the research evidence for updating definitions, components, measurements, and variables related to RNs’ competency in the global community. Further research should consider cross‐cultural validation of instruments and influencing factors related to nursing competency.

Clinical Relevance

The components and measurements identified in this review can be used by nursing administrators to select or evaluate qualified nurses. The multivariables related to nursing competency can assistant hospital administrators to recognize and find effective ways to improve nursing competency.
Integrative Review of the Intersection of Green Space and Neighborhood Violence
Authors: Mancus Gibran C. , Campbell Jacquelyn
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To systematically analyze evidence about the impact of green space on the perception and actual safety of residents of urban neighborhoods.

Design and Organizing Construct

Systematic review of green space and violence based on Broome review criteria.

Methods

One landmark study prompted the initial hand search and identification of search terms. Twenty‐three quantitative, five qualitative, and two mixed‐methods studies were found in the urban planning, public health, medical, and psychological literature that met the following criteria: analyzed green space and violence as factors in the perception of safety as an outcome measure, including action taken by being outside for recreation, exercise, or self‐report in the survey.

Findings

Findings were inconsistent regarding the direct relationship between perception of safety and green space when using recreation and exercise as a proxy for perception of safety. Findings regarding perception of safety in surveys were limited but indicated a positive correlation with green space. There is sufficient evidence to conclude that the perception of safety is supported by quality, accessibility, and aesthetic dimensions of neighborhood green space, and the perception of safety is often unrelated to actual crime rates.

Conclusions

The science for understanding mechanisms between green space and violence as part of environmental health has been insufficiently developed and requires further study. Environmental health, including green space, is central to health promotion, and understanding is key to preventing the epidemic of violence.

Clinical Relevance

This article provides a summary of research related to green space, violence in communities, perception of safety, and violent crime in those communities. It identifies gaps in our knowledge where future research is needed. Nurses have the opportunity to lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence‐based interventions and policies addressing the inequality of quality and quantity of green space in the built and natural environment and related co‐benefits.
Polycaprolactone facial volume restoration of a 46‐year‐old Asian women: A case report
Authors: Lin Shang‐Li
Published: January 2018

A 46‐year‐old Asian women was treated with a next‐generation bioresorbable biostimulatory polycaprolactone (PCL)‐based dermal filler to restore facial volume loss. Before‐ and after (12 weeks of follow‐up)‐treatment photographs were analyzed and compared. In addition, before‐ and after‐treatment contour images were recorded using the Vectra®XT 3D imaging system (Canfield Scientific, Inc.). Improvement of facial volume in multiple tissue layers was observed at 4 and 12 weeks of follow‐up. Total facial rejuvenation to correct descending soft tissue with a PCL‐based dermal filler was achieved through volume restoration in multiple tissue layers of the face.
Caregivers’ lived experience in trying to read slight movements in a child with severe brain injury: A phenomenological study
Authors: Kameda Naoko , Suzuki Machiko
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore caregivers’ lived experience of reading slight movements of a child with severe brain injury.

Background

Despite increased need, the development of individual care for children with severe brain injuries has been prevented by their severe physical state and the poor reproducibility of their movements. In addition to a lack of evidence on the motor characteristics of patients with severe brain injury with multiple disabilities, their own development contributes to increasing variability in their states. Thus, caregivers are compelled to rely on their experiences, which have not been academically explored.

Design

A qualitative study based on van Manen's method of hermeneutic phenomenology.

Methods

Data were obtained through twenty‐one 3‐hr observation sessions and five 15‐ to 45‐min group interviews. We observed a child (called AK) with severe brain injury and his 61 caregivers, and conducted group interviews with 28 caregivers. We focused on caregivers’ experiences of reading AK's slight movements. The data were interpreted based on van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological approach.

Results

Four themes emerged as caregivers’ experience in trying to read AK's slight movements. By considering “AK's physical state and his slight movements” and discovering “caregivers’ ‘sense of uncertainty’ about AK's slight movements,” caregivers could decipher “AK's multiple slight movements.” “Sharing” was found as a necessary aspect of these other three themes of reading AK's slight movements.

Conclusions

We presented caregivers’ experiences as related to these four themes in their efforts to read the slight movements of AK. Due to AK's slight movements with poor reproducibility, “sharing” was necessary to read AK's slight movements, as it exposes caregivers’ lived experience to the interpretation of multiple caregivers.

Relevance to clinical practice

These four themes may be useful for assessing, guiding and promoting caregivers’ use of sharing when reading the slight movements of children with severe brain injury.
Production of YY Supermale and XY Physiological Female Common Carp for Potential Eradication of this Invasive Species
Authors: Jiang Mouyan , Wu Xingxing , Chen Kuangxin , Luo Hongrui , Yu Wei , Jia Shaoting , Li Yongming , Wang Yufeng , Yang Pinhong , Zhu Zuoyan , Hu Wei
Published: January 2018

The common carp, Cyprinus carpio, is the third most cultivated freshwater species worldwide, but is also considered an invasive species. The Trojan Y chromosome strategy is one of the most promising methods to eradicate this invasive species. However, obtaining fertile YY supermale (MYY) and YY physiological female (FYY) common carp was thought to be very difficult. The present study focused on the production of androgenetic MYY and XY physiological female (FXY) common carp. We first optimized the conditions for artificially induced androgenesis. The results indicated that the optimum ultraviolet (UV) exposure time was 4 min at an irradiation distance of 26 cm and the optimum initiation time with heat shock (40 ± 0.5 C for 2 min) was 30 min after fertilization. Then, we produced androgenetic MYY Yellow River carp with only paternal inheritance, which were viable and identified by paternity testing and test crossing. Finally, we successfully produced FXY Yellow River carp by feeding 60‐d‐old MXY with commercially available feed mixed with 17β‐estradiol (200 mg/kg) and Flutamide (200 mg/kg) for 3 mo. In conclusion, by combining artificially induced androgenesis with an artificially induced sex reversal technique, we could cost‐effectively produce MYY and FXY common carp.
Epidemiology of dermatophyte infections among school children in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Farag Azza G. A. , Hammam Mostafa A. , Ibrahem Reda A. , Mahfouz Reda Z. , Elnaidany Nada F. , Qutubuddin Masroor , Tolba Rehab R. E.
Published: January 2018

Most superficial mycotic infections of human skin are due to dermatophytes. Children are frequently affected due to different predisposing factors, particularly overcrowding in classrooms. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dermatophytes infections and their related risk factors among school children in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Six public primary and preparatory schools were randomly selected and their pupils (n = 3464) were asked to complete a predesigned questionnaire covering both personal data and suspected risk factors for superficial dermatophyte infections. The children were also examined for dermatological diseases. Any suspected lesions were biopsied for mycological examination. The prevalence of clinically suspected dermatophytes infections was 1.41%, whereas the prevalence of culture confirmed cases was 0.98%. The most common clinical type was tinea capitis with a prevalence of 1.01%. Microsporum canis was the only isolated organism from the suspicious lesions with a 69.4% positivity rate. A higher prevalence was observed among boys, low socio‐economic pupils and those with a family history of dermatophyte infections. Pet contact and sharing towels and caps among pupils were significant risk factors. Dermatophyte infection is still prevalent among basic school pupils. Fortunately, it is related to preventable risk factors. We recommend regular screening and use of educational health programmes for kids to control it.
Does asthma affect school performance in adolescents? Results from the Swedish population‐based birth cohort BAMSE
Authors: Nilsson Sara , Ödling Maria , Andersson Niklas , Bergström Anna , Kull Inger
Published: January 2018

Background

Asthma is common among schoolchildren and may influence quality of life and school attendance. However, it is unclear if asthma affects school performance. The aim of this study was to examine whether different phenotypes of asthma affect school performance during adolescence.

Methods

The study population consisted of 1715 adolescents from a population‐based birth cohort, followed up to age 16 with questionnaires and clinical examinations. Asthma was defined as at least 4 wheeze episodes or at least 1 wheeze episode in combination with inhaled steroids in the last 12 months. School grades were obtained from Statistics Sweden, and logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between the final overall grade from secondary school and asthma phenotypes.

Results

Among the adolescents, 20.8% have had ever asthma; 24.2% early transient, 47.2% school‐age onset, and 24.2% persistent asthma. At 16 years, 7.8% had asthma; 71.7% multimorbidity and 73.9% allergic asthma. A statistically significant association for performing less well was seen for ever asthma (ORadj = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.09‐1.88). In analyses of asthma onset, an association was seen for school‐age onset (ORadj = 1.49, CI = 1.02‐2.16) and a tendency for persistent asthma (ORadj = 1.61, CI = 0.98‐2.66), although with overlapping confidence intervals. Further, adolescents with uncontrolled asthma tended to perform less well (ORadj = 2.60, CI = 0.87‐7.80) compared to adolescents with partly controlled (ORadj = 1.12, CI = 0.68‐1.83) and fully controlled (ORadj = 1.29, CI = 0.55‐3.01) asthma.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that asthma impairs school performance in adolescence. Moreover, some evidence suggests the adolescents with asthma during school age and with poorer asthma control to be more likely to perform less well.
Proteaceae from phosphorus‐impoverished habitats preferentially allocate phosphorus to photosynthetic cells: An adaptation improving phosphorus‐use efficiency
Authors: Hayes Patrick E. , Clode Peta L. , Oliveira Rafael S. , Lambers Hans
Published: January 2018

Plants allocate nutrients to specific leaf cell types; eudicots are thought to predominantly allocate phosphorus (P) to epidermal/bundle sheath cells. However, three Proteaceae species have been shown to preferentially allocate P to mesophyll cells instead. These Proteaceae species are highly adapted to P‐impoverished habitats, with exceptionally high photosynthetic P‐use efficiencies (PPUE). We hypothesized that preferential allocation of P to photosynthetic mesophyll cells is an important trait in species adapted to extremely P‐impoverished habitats, contributing to their high PPUE. We used elemental X‐ray mapping to determine leaf cell‐specific nutrient concentrations for 12 Proteaceae species, from habitats of strongly contrasting soil P concentrations, in Australia, Brazil, and Chile. We found that only species from extremely P‐impoverished habitats preferentially allocated P to photosynthetic mesophyll cells, suggesting it has evolved as an adaptation to their extremely P‐impoverished habitat and that it is not a family‐wide trait. Our results highlight the possible role of soil P in driving the evolution of ecologically relevant nutrient allocation patterns and that these patterns cannot be generalized across families. Furthermore, preferential allocation of P to photosynthetic cells may provide new and exciting strategies to improve PPUE in crop species.