bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic features of post−transcatheter aortic valve implantation thrombosis and endocarditis
Authors: Spartera Marco , Ancona Francesco , Barletta Marta , Rosa Isabella , Stella Stefano , Marini Claudia , Italia Leonardo , Montorfano Matteo , Latib Azeem , Alfieri Ottavio , Margonato Alberto , Colombo Antonio , Agricola Eustachio
Published: December 2017

Background

Transcatheter heart valve thrombosis (THV‐t) and endocarditis (THV‐e) are relevant complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Transcatheter heart valve (THV) dysfunction definition is mostly based on Doppler (stenosis/regurgitation) without considering leaflets characteristics.

Purpose

To evaluate the additional diagnostic value of leaflets echocardiographic features over Doppler when prosthetic valve complication is suspected.

Methods

Among 621 post‐TAVI patients, 128 cases with probable valve complication were identified. THV‐t was finally diagnosed in 13 patients (10%) and THV‐e in 8 (6%), while the remaining 107 (84%) had no definitive diagnosis of thrombosis/endocarditis (THV‐no). We analyzed at 2 time points (baseline and follow‐up) both traditional Doppler parameters and leaflets morpho‐functional features.

Results

Both Doppler and leaflets parameters showed high sensitivity (sensitivity 92%) and low specificity (ranging from specificity 32% to 74%) in detecting THV‐t. Interestingly, the combination of mean aortic pressure gradient ≥20 mm Hg and leaflet thickening significantly improved the specificity of echocardiography for diagnosis of THV thrombosis (specificity 94%). On the other hand, echocardiographic diagnosis of THV endocarditis remained limited by very low sensitivity despite showing high specificity.

Conclusions

The combination of Doppler and leaflets parameters can improve the echocardiographic diagnosis of THV thrombosis in post‐TAVI patients with suspicious symptoms, via a significant increase in the overall test specificity. This would potentially allow more rational gatekeeping to more expensive/invasive diagnostic examinations (eg, CT scan) or therapeutic trials (eg, unnecessary anticoagulation).
Antioxidant plant metabolites affect leaching of mineral elements from Callovo‐Oxfordian clays
Authors: Ubersfeld D. , Leyval C. , Redon P. O. , Mustin C.
Published: December 2017

Minerals excavated during industrial activities are stored on the soil surface, exposed to weathering, which leads to the initial development of soil. Plants contribute to soil mineral weathering, mainly by producing acidic or complexing root exudates. In addition, many plants produce antioxidant compounds and phenolic substances that could also contribute to mineral transformation processes, but have rarely been considered in relation to mineral weathering. An incubation experiment was carried out for 2 months under controlled conditions to assess the effects of antioxidant plant metabolites on the weathering processes of a clay mineral. A freshly excavated, sulphur‐rich Callovo‐Oxfordian argillite (COx) sample was artificially leached with three concentrations of three antioxidant compounds (linalool, thymol and carvacrol) or water as a control. The weathering of COx was followed by the analysis of amounts of anions and cations in the leachates. Chlorine, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate, calcium, magnesium and potassium were found in the leachates, whereas iron and aluminium were close to the detection limits. Sulphate leaching reflected oxidation of the pyritic matter contained in COx (mainly fine pyrite particles) by air. Water alone was enough to cause notable leaching of elements such as S and P, but the percentage of leached sulphate increased in the presence of two antioxidant compounds, carvacrol and thymol, and increased to 38% with thymol at 2 mg l−1 compared with the antioxidant‐free control. Thus, antioxidant compounds could contribute to the leaching of elements from COx, depending on their nature and concentration.

Highlights

We assessed the effects of leaching with antioxidant plant metabolites on COx clay weathering

Sulphate leaching reflected the oxidation of pyritic matter (mainly fine pyrite particles) by air

Percentage of sulphate leaching increased to 38% with thymol at 2 mg l−1

Antioxidant compounds contribute to the leaching of elements from COx
Historical cropland expansion and abandonment in the continental U.S. during 1850 to 2016
Authors: Yu Zhen , Lu Chaoqun
Published: December 2017

Aim

Land use and land cover changes (LCLUC) are among the most important driving forces that alter terrestrial ecosystem functions and their feedbacks to climate systems, but reliable, spatially explicit datasets over century‐long periods are still lacking for fine‐scale earth system modeling. We aimed to combine multiple data sources and reconstruct long‐term land use history in the continental U.S., examining cropland expansion and abandonment since 1850.

Location

Conterminous U.S.

Time period

1850 to 2016.

Major taxa studied

Cropland.

Methods

Cropland density maps, displaying the distribution and percentage of cultivated land each year (excluding summer idle/fallow, cropland pasture), were reconstructed by harmonizing multiple sources of inventory data and high‐resolution satellite images. The cropland data are freely available to the public.

Results

In total, national cropland expansion was 104 million hectares (Mha) from 1850 to 2016 and peaked at about 127 Mha in 1920. Forests and shrublands were the dominant land cover types that croplands were converted from during 1850 to 1880, which may be primarily attributed to agriculture development in the northeast U.S. Croplands began to expand into grasslands from 1870 onwards and the encroached area dramatically increased, mainly due to cultivation development in the Great Plain and midwestern areas. In comparison, the area of abandoned cropland in the U.S. was 65 Mha during the study period. We found cropland abandonment mostly occurred in the central and southeast U.S., while cropland expansion was centered upon the midwestern states, central California, and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain.

Main conclusions

Nationally, cultivated lands shifted from the eastern to midwestern U.S. during the study period, contributing to the increasingly important role of the Midwest in the rise of food and biofuel production, enhanced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and high nitrogen loads into the Gulf of Mexico. Our cropland database is essential for modeling assessments of LCLUC impacts, crop production estimation and socioeconomic analysis.
Delivering a MOOC for literature searching in health libraries: evaluation of a pilot project
Authors: Young Gil , McLaren Lisa , Maden Michelle
Published: December 2017

In an era when library budgets are being reduced, Massive Online Open Courses (MOOC's) can offer practical and viable alternatives to the delivery of costly face‐to‐face training courses. In this study, guest writers Gil Young from Health Care Libraries Unit ‐ North, Lisa McLaren from Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Liverpool University PhD student Michelle Maden describe the outcomes of a funded project they led to develop a MOOC to deliver literature search training for health librarians. Funded by Health Education England, the MOOC was developed by the Library and Information Health Network North West as a pilot project that ran for six weeks. In particular, the MOOC target audience is discussed, how content was developed for the MOOC, promotion and participation, cost‐effectiveness, evaluation, the impact of the MOOC and recommendations for future development.

H. S.
Assessment of thermo‐oxidative rancidity in sunflower oil and fried potato chips stabilised with oleoresin sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and ascorbyl palmitate by altered triglycerides and electronic nose
Authors: Sehwag Sneha , Upadhyay Rohit , Mishra Hari N.
Published: December 2017

Oleoresin sage (Salvia officinalis) (SAG) (200–1500 mg kg−1), ascorbyl palmitate (AP) (100–300 mg kg−1) and TBHQ (200 mg kg−1) were assessed for delaying the thermo‐oxidation in sunflower oil (SO) during 18 h of frying (180 °C). Electronic nose compared the global aroma fingerprints of potato chips fried in oils. The chemical rancidity indices viz., fatty acids, total polar compounds (TPC), altered triglycerides (dimers, polymers, oxidised monomers, diglycerides), free fatty acids, conjugated dienes and induction periods were monitored along with physical indices viz., viscosity and colour. SOSAG+AP (1309.62 + 270.71 mg kg−1) outperformed SOTBHQ by preserving polyunsaturated fatty acids (60.48% vs. 56.23%), retarding TPCs (28.16% vs. 29.91%), triglyceride dimers (90.24 vs. 95.82 mg g−1) and polymers (25.40 vs. 26.98 mg g−1) concomitantly extending the oil disposal time (basis 25% TPC) (15.9 vs. 14.7 h). The postfrying viscosity, colour values and global aroma fingerprints of fried chips indicate a close match between SOSAG+AP and SOTBHQ.
Improving rates of overweight, obesity and extreme obesity in New Zealand 4‐year‐old children in 2010–2016
Authors: Shackleton N. , Milne B. J. , Audas R. , Derraik J. G. B. , Zhu T. , Taylor R. W. , Morton S. M. B. , Glover M. , Cutfield W. S. , Taylor B.
Published: December 2017

Background

Prevalence of childhood obesity is high in developed countries, and there is a growing concern regarding increasing socio‐economic disparities.

Objectives

To assess trends in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and extreme obesity among New Zealand 4‐year olds, and whether these differ by socio‐economic and ethnic groupings.

Methods

A national screening programme, the B4 School Check, collected height and weight data for 75–92% of New Zealand 4‐year‐old children (n = 317 298) between July 2010 and June 2016. Children at, or above, the 85th, 95th and 99.7th percentile for age and sex adjusted body mass index (according to World Health Organization standards) were classified as overweight, obese and extremely obese, respectively. Prevalence rates across 6 years (2010/11 to 2015/16) were examined by sex, across quintiles of socio‐economic deprivation, and by ethnicity.

Results

The prevalence of overweight, obesity and extreme obesity decreased by 2.2 [95% CI, 1.8–2.5], 2.0 [1.8–2.2] and 0.6 [0.4–0.6] percentage points, respectively, between 2010/2011 and 2015/2016. The downward trends in overweight, obesity and extreme obesity in the population persisted after adjustment for sex, ethnicity, deprivation and urban/rural residence. Downward trends were also observed across sex, ethnicity and deprivation groups.

Conclusions

The prevalence of obesity appears to be declining in 4‐year‐old children in New Zealand across all socio‐economic and ethnic groups.
Perilla extract improves frequent urination in spontaneously hypertensive rats with enhancement of the urothelial presence and anti‐inflammatory effects
Authors: Kitamura Naoya , Nishino Machiko , Fujii Akihiko , Hashizume Kohjiro , Nakamura Junji , Kondo Hidehiko , Ohuchi Atsushi , Hase Tadashi , Murase Takatoshi
Published: December 2017

Objective

To investigate the effects of perilla extract on urinary symptoms in spontaneously hypertensive rats as a model of spontaneous overactive bladder.

Methods

Spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into two groups and fed either a control diet or a perilla extract‐containing diet. Cystometry, gene expression and histological analyses were carried out to evaluate the effects of perilla extract after 2‐week feeding of either the control or the perilla extract diet. The expression of inflammation‐related genes in the human urothelial cell line HT‐1376 and the normal human bladder epithelial cell was measured after the treatment with perillaldehyde, the main component of perilla extract, or perillic acid, the final metabolite of perillaldehyde.

Results

A significant 27% increase in the micturition interval and decreased expression of nerve growth factor, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β and transient receptor potential V1 were observed in the perilla group compared with the control group. The level of uroplakin 3A was 40% higher in the perilla group than in the control group. The urothelium in the control group was thin or defective, but it was almost completely intact in the perilla group. Perillaldehyde and perillic acid suppressed the induction of nerve growth factor and tumor necrosis factor‐α by interleukin‐1β in HT‐1376 and normal human bladder epithelial cells.

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that perilla extract improves frequent urination, and this improvement seems to be mediated, at least in part, by enhancement of the urothelial presence and by the anti‐inflammatory effects of perilla.
Human bocavirus and human metapneumovirus in hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract illness in Changsha, China
Authors: Zhou Jie‐ying , Peng Ying , Peng Xiao‐you , Gao Han‐chun , Sun Ya‐ping , Xie Le‐yun , Zhong Li‐li , Duan Zhao‐jun , Xie Zhi‐ping , Cao You‐de
Published: December 2017

Background

Lower respiratory tract illness is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, however, information about the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of LRTIs caused by HMPV and HBoV in China is limited.

Objectives

Human bocavirus (HBoV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) are two important viruses for children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). We aimed to assay the correlation between viral load and clinical characteristics of HBoV and HMPV with LRTI in Changsha, China.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) from children with LRTI were collected. Real‐time PCR was used to screen HBoV and HMPV. Analyses were performed using SPSS 16.0 software.

Results

Pneumonia was the most frequent diagnosis. There was no significant difference between HBoV‐ and HMPV‐positive patients in age (P = .506) or hospitalization duration (P = .280); 24.1% and 18.2% were positive for HBoV and HMPV. HBoV infections peaked in summer (32.2%), and HMPV infections peaked in winter (28.9%). The HBoV‐positive patients had a shorter hospitalization duration than the HBoV‐negative patients (P = .021), and the HMPV‐positive patients had a higher prevalence of fever than the HMPV‐negative patients (P = .002). The HBoV viral load was significantly higher among patients aged <1 year (P = .006). The mean HBoV and HMPV viral loads were not significantly different between patients with single infections and coinfections. Patients infected with HBoV only were older than those coinfected with HBoV and other respiratory viruses (P = .005). No significant difference was found in the clinical characteristics of patients infected with HMPV only and those coinfected with HMPV and other respiratory viruses.

Conclusion

Pneumonia was the most frequent diagnosis caused by HBoV and HMPV. Neither HBoV nor HMPV viral load was correlated with disease severity.
Introduction: Reflecting on the human right to social security
Authors: Hujo Katja , Behrendt Christina , McKinnon Roddy
Published: December 2017

The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 asserts that social security is an inalienable human right. Realizing this human right is often considered, simply, as a matter of political will and of administrative aptitude. In these terms, the progressive realization of the human right to social security may be viewed as the outcome of an appropriately‐resourced political and bureaucratic process. Such a perspective, however, is clearly inadequate. Characteristically, bureaucracies are designed to cater to the needs of all, based on common procedures and common deliverables designed for the “typical” case. Yet such approaches often lack the necessary flexibility and resources to make a distinction between individuals, which acknowledge their respective differences and needs. To meet the international commitment to progressively realize universal social security coverage, social security administrations are key actors. However imperative this role may be, if the pursuit of this commitment fails to respect people's differences this will put at risk the meeting in full of what is envisioned by the human right to social security. To this end, this special issue aims to foster an understanding that the goal of universal coverage must necessarily also respect and respond to the individual needs of each and every person.
Approaches to social protection for informal workers: Aligning productivist and human rights‐based approaches
Authors: Alfers Laura , Lund Francie , Moussié Rachel
Published: December 2017

There has been increasing recognition of the growth of informal employment in the global South and North. Most informal work is precarious and low paid, with workers having little or no access to social protection. It is sometimes suggested that an approach that moves away from productivism – the idea of work as a pathway to access social protection – and towards a universal human rights‐based approach is important. However, this article argues that a large and growing informal economy does not provide justification for abandoning certain key productivist ideas. Key ideas that should not be abandoned include the focus that this approach has on establishing a link between workers and capital and the importance of social services within a social protection discourse that is presently dominated by cash grants. Also important, productivist ideas emphasize the economic contributions of informal workers as a means by which to complement a human rights‐based argument for the extension of workplace protection to all workers, regardless of employment status. Overall, the hard binary that is sometimes drawn between human rights‐based approaches and productivist (or “instrumentalist”) arguments may not always be as definitively delineated as some might suggest.
Disseminated Penicillium marneffei infection in an HIV‐positive female from Thailand in Germany
Authors: Rimek Dagmar , Zimmermann T. , Hartmann M. , Prariyachatigul C. , Kappe R.
Published: December 2017

We report the case of a 33 year old Thai female, who was married in Germany for eight years and used to travel to Thailand every year for several weeks. She presented with abdominal and back pain, prolonged fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, and a recent history of oral thrush. She was diagnosed HIV positive with initial CD4 counts of 18/μl and an HI virus load of 59.000 copies/ml. Antiviral therapy was installed with zidovudin, lamivudin, and efavirenz. Abdominal CT scans revealed greatly enlarged abdominal lymphnodes. Fine needle aspirates of cervical and retroperitoneal lymphnodes, sputum samples, blood samples, and a bone marrow biopsy were microscopically positive for Penicillium marneffei and grew P. marneffei. The isolates were sensitive to amphotericin B, flucytosine, itraconazole, and fluconazole. Both universal and specific fungal polymerase chain reaction assays were positive in various samples. Serum Aspergillus galactomannan antigen, which is known to crossreact with P. marneffei, was elevated and subsequently used for monitoring of therapy. With antifungal treatment (intravenous amphotericin B 0.6 mg/kg/d for two weeks, oral itraconazole 400 mg/d for 10 weeks and 200 mg/d as maintenance therapy), the fever declined in 6 days, the size of the enlarged lymphnodes gradually decreased in the CT scans, and the initial abdominal and back pain vanished.
Caco‐2 monolayer as a model for transepithelial migration of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Weide M. R. , Ernst J. F.
Published: December 2017

A model for transepithelial migration of human fungal pathogens was established, in which Candida albicans was shown to migrate across a monolayer of Caco‐2 intestinal cells in a two‐chamber system. Electron microscopy revealed typical stages of epithelial penetration by C. albicans including phagocytosis at the apical side, intra‐ and intercellular migration and exit on the basolateral side of the monolayer. Hyphal growth forms appeared particularly involved in penetration of the Caco‐2 monolayer. The model was examined using defined C. albicans mutants defective in hyphal development (efg1/efg1) or growth (ura3/ura3). Transmigration of the efg1/efg1 mutant strain was reduced, while transmigration of the ura3/ura3 strain was blocked completely in the absence of uridine. Because these results parallel virulence characteristics of the mutants the Caco‐2 monolayer system appears a useful model for the study of fungal‐human host cell interactions.
Antimicrobial peptides as potential new antifungals
Authors: Müller F.‐M. C. , Lyman C. A. , Walsh T. J.
Published: December 2017

Ribosomally synthesized natural antimicrobial peptides (AP) and their synthetic derivatives are small, cationic, amphipathic molecules of 12–50 amino acids with unusually broad activity spectra. These peptides kill microorganisms by a common mechanism, which involves binding to the lipid bilayer of biological membranes, forming pores, and ultimately followed by cell lysis. Several AP from mammals, amphibians, insects, plants and their synthetic derivatives demonstrate promising in vitro activity against various pathogenic fungi including azole‐resistant Candida albicans strains. In addition to their antimicrobial activity, some AP such as lactoferrin, interact with a variety of host cells and can increase the activity of natural killer and lymphokine activated killer cells. Pretreatment of polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMN) or monocytes with these AP also may upregulate superoxide release. AP as potential new antifungal agents offer some advantages, such as rapid killing of pathogenic fungi and the difficulty to raise mutants resistant to these peptides. AP are limited by their nonselective toxicity, stability, immunogenicity and their costs of production. Potential clinical applications of AP in the future have to be further explored in preclinical and clinical studies to assess their impact as a new class of antifungals.
Therapeutic experience with fluconazole in the treatment of fungal infections in diabetic patients
Authors: Penk A. , Pittrow L.
Published: December 2017

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a higher incidence of certain infections, including fungal infections like rhinocerebral zygomycosis (RCZ) and cutaneous candidosis. As the pathophysiology of increased susceptibility to infection of diabetic patients is very complex, a general therapeutic approach is not existing yet. Appropriate diabetes control remains as the best preventive measure. Nevertheless, effective drug therapy is very often required.

Fluconazole has proven efficacy in prophylaxis, treatment and suppressive therapy of both systemic and superficial fungal infections, especially in candidosis and cryptococcosis. Therefore it is used routinely against fungal infections in diabetes (FID).

Clinical efficacy of fluconazole against cutaeneous candidosis, oropharyngeal candidosis (OPC) and vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) has been confirmed in more than 100 studies, involving more than 10.000 patients (pts). The overall success rate is 90%, with a mean dosage of 100–200 mg/d. In severe cases, e.g. in OPC in late‐stage AIDS pts or in recurrent VVC, higher dosages of up to 800mg/d may be required.

In the treatment of RCZ, therapeutic experience with fluconazole is limited1,2. Four diabetic pts have been treated with dosages of 200–300 mg/d and all of them recovered. Nevertheless, treatment of RCZ should include surgical debridement combined with aggressive antifungal therapy.

In conclusion, proven efficacy and the excellent safety profile justify the routine use of fluconazole in the treatment of FID.
Activity of terbinafine against serious fungal pathogens
Authors: Ryder N. S.
Published: December 2017

Although primarily indicated for dermatophyte infections, the allylamine terbinafine is active in vitro against a broad spectrum of filamentous and dimorphic fungi, in most cases with a primary fungicidal action. Using the standard NCCLS M27‐A assay, recent studies confirmed the high activity of terbinafine against dematiaceous fungi and other medically important moulds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium marneffei. Terbinafine displayed a geometric mean MIC of 1.4 μg/ml against Candida albicans (n = 259) and has significant in vitro activity against other species of Candida, Cryptococcus, Trichosporon and Blastoschizomyces. As an approach to treatment of refractory infections, interactions of terbinafine with azoles and other agents are being investigated. Terbinafine was synergistic with azoles (and in some cases amphotericin B) against Candida species, Trichosporon beigelii, Aspergillus species, Pseudallescheria boydii and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, some of which were unresponsive to any drug used singly. Terbinafine combined with fluconazole showed potent synergy against fluconazole‐ and multidrug‐resistant C. albicans isolates. In conclusion, recent in vitro data suggest that terbinafine, either alone or in combination with other antifungal drugs, has potential in the therapy of a range of more severe fungal infections, in addition to its current widespread use against dermatomycoses.
An oscillatory pressure sintering of zirconia powder: Densification trajectories and mechanical properties
Authors: Han Yao , Li Shuang , Zhu Tianbin , Wu Weiwei , An Di , Hu Feng , Hu Zunlan , Liu Jian , Xu Jingkun , Xie Zhipeng
Published: December 2017

The densification trajectories and mechanical properties of zirconia ceramics obtained by oscillatory pressure sintering (OPS) process were investigated, during the sintering process an oscillatory pressure was applied at three stages. Current results indicated that at intermediate stage the oscillatory pressure revealed a favorable improvement of mechanical properties compared with conventional hot pressing (HP) and pressureless sintering (PS) procedures, while the enhancement was not obvious at initial stage. When the oscillatory pressure was applied at final stage, the OPS specimens exhibited the highest bending strength and hardness of 1455 ± 99MPa and 16.6 ± 0.31GPa compared with the PS and HP specimens. Considering the high elastic modulus and Moiré patterns observed in the OPS specimen, the oscillatory pressure applied at intermediate and final stages was detected to facilitate the sliding of grain boundary, plastic deformation of monolithic grains, the removal of pores and the strengthening of atomic bonds.
Synthesis of group IV and V metal diboride nanocrystals via borothermal reduction with sodium borohydride
Authors: Zoli Luca , Galizia Pietro , Silvestroni Laura , Sciti Diletta
Published: December 2017

The synthesis of early transition nanocrystals using NaBH4 and the respective metal oxides at atmospheric pressure was studied at temperatures between 400 and 1000°C. Reaction products were analyzed by x‐ray diffraction, the crystallite size was determined after Rietveld refinement of diffraction patterns, while the morphology was analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. For all the investigated systems the lowest temperature to complete the synthesis was 700°C and the reaction occurred in three subsequent steps: (i) decomposition of NaBH4, (ii) formation of crystalline ternary species Na–M–O and Na–B–O, (iii) conversion of intermediary species to MB2 and NaBO2. Syntheses carried out at T > 700°C only caused coarsening of the powders. The synthetized boride powders had the morphology of highly agglomerated nanocrystals. TiB2 had a specific surface area of 33.5 m2/g and crystallite diameter of 12 nm. Both ZrB2 and HfB2 had a platelet‐like morphology with crystallite diameter around 45 nm and specific surface area of 25.0 and 36.4 m2/g, respectively. Finally, NbB2 and TaB2 powders had a crystallite diameter around 5 nm with specific surface area of 21.1 and 11.4 m2/g, respectively. The goal of this synthesis is the use of cheap raw materials and moderate temperature conditions.
The Role of Academic Research in Supply Chain Practice: How Much Are We Contributing?
Authors: Zinn Walter , Goldsby Thomas J.
Published: December 2017

Supply chain academics and practitioners enjoy a unique bond. The applied heritage of logistics and supply chain scholarship motivates researchers to identify problems residing in current and future practice, address them in a conscientious manner, and to provide findings that yield meaningful insights. Yet, this bond is sometimes strained when scholarship loses touch with “real problems” found in industry. Strains in the bond then limit the contribution potential and impact of resultant work. This editorial calls for supply chain researchers to embrace the discipline's applied heritage in the identification of problems and delivery of results, while employing the requisite rigor for valid conclusions. Fortunately, there has never been a better time to work with practitioners in light of the disruptive forces at work in industry and the thirst for meaningful insights.
The effects of age on pulse wave velocity in untreated hypertension
Authors: Diaz Alejandro , Tringler Matías , Wray Sandra , Ramirez Agustín J. , Cabrera Fischer Edmundo I.
Published: December 2017

Increased arterial stiffness is an important determinant of cardiovascular risk, able to predict morbidity and mortality, and closely associated with ageing and blood pressure. The aims of this study were: (1) To determine the age‐dependent reference pulse wave velocity (PWV), and compare it with values from hypertensive patients, and (2) to evaluate the impact of isolated and untreated hypertension on arterial stiffness. A total of 1079 patients were enrolled and divided into a control group (NT) of asymptomatic normotensive patients and a group of asymptomatic hypertensive patients (HT). Blood pressure, carotid‐femoral PWV, and body mass index were measured in each subject, whose blood was drawn for laboratory tests. Aortic mean PWV in the NT group was 6.85 ± 1.66 m/s, which increased linearly (R2 = 0.62; P < .05) with age. In patients over 50 years of age, PWV was significantly higher than in younger patients (8.35 vs 5.92 m/s, respectively, P < .001). This significant difference persisted when observing male and female patients separately. In the hypertensive group, mean PWV value was 8.04 ± 1.8 m/s (range 4.5‐15.8 m/s) and increased (R2 = 0.243; P < .05) with age. The PWV increase in HT was significantly higher (0.93 m/s per decade, P < .001) than in NT (0.44 m/s per decade). Our study provides normal values of PVW per decade, and shows that these values increase with age, especially after 50 years of age, particularly in HT patients. This stiffness growth rate may be responsible for increased cardiovascular risk in both groups.
Unique regulation of Na‐glutamine cotransporter SN2/SNAT5 in rabbit intestinal crypt cells during chronic enteritis
Authors: Singh Soudamani , Arthur Subha , Sundaram Uma
Published: December 2017

The only Na‐nutrient cotransporter described in mammalian small intestinal crypt cells is SN2/SNAT5, which facilitates glutamine uptake. In a rabbit model of chronic intestinal inflammation, SN2 stimulation is secondary to an increase in affinity of the cotransporter for glutamine. However, the immune regulation of SN2 in the crypt cells during chronic intestinal inflammation is unknown. We sought to determine the mechanism of regulation of Na‐nutrient cotransporter SN2 by arachidonic acid metabolites in crypt cells. The small intestines of New Zealand white male rabbits were inflamed via inoculation with Eimeria magna oocytes. After 2‐week incubation, control and inflamed rabbits were subjected to intramuscular injections of arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (ATK), piroxicam and MK886 for 48 hrs. After injections, the rabbits were euthanized and crypt cells from small intestines were harvested and used. Results: Treatment of rabbits with ATK prevented the release of AA and reversed stimulation of SN2. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) with piroxicam did not affect stimulation of SN2. However, inhibition of lipoxygenase (LOX) with MK886, thus reducing leukotriene formation during chronic enteritis, reversed the stimulation of SN2. Kinetic studies showed that the mechanism of restoration of SN2 by ATK or MK886 was secondary to the restoration of the affinity of the cotransporter for glutamine. For all treatment conditions, Western blot analysis revealed no change in SN2 protein levels. COX inhibition proved ineffective at reversing the stimulation of SN2. Thus, this study provides evidence that SN2 stimulation in crypt cells is mediated by the leukotriene pathway during chronic intestinal inflammation.
Embodied GHGs in a Fast Growing City: Looking at the Evolution of a Dwelling Stock using Structural Element Breakdown and Policy Scenarios
Authors: Göswein Verena , Krones Jonathan , Celentano Giulia , Fernández John E. , Habert Guillaume
Published: December 2017

Africa is currently experiencing rapid population growth and accelerated urbanization. This demographic shift will require a large amount of new construction material resulting in substantial environmental impact. For many cities on the continent, data gaps make specific quantification and robust prediction of this impact highly difficult. This article presents a method to assess the stock dynamics and embodied emissions of a rapidly growing urban built environment using a bottom‐up, typological approach. This approach allows for the identification of appropriate engineering solutions for decarbonization by localizing embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the different constructive elements with a revisited Sankey diagram. Different alternatives regarding housing type and construction techniques are compared. The city of Johannesburg is used as a case study to illustrate the relation between building types, technologies, and embodied GHG of its residential building stock. This new visualization uncovers the most material‐ and GHG‐intense dwelling types and building elements. The adapted Sankey represents the building stock and its drivers in a simple way, allowing clear understanding of the consequences of potential alternatives. The business‐as‐usual scenario indicates 100.5 megatons carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2‐eq) for new construction between 2011 and 2040. The results of the dynamic model over time show that only a combination of a densified building stock with multistory buildings and the use of alternative construction materials and techniques show real potential to decelerate GHG emissions (33.0 Mt CO2‐eq until 2040) while aiming to provide adequate and sustainable housing for all.
Measuring the Resource Productivity of Crude Oil: A Chemical Network and its Application
Authors: Ren Yanan , Liu Xiaojie , Liu Litao , Shi Lei
Published: December 2017

The resource productivity (RP) of crude oil is an important indicator to measure the utilization efficiency of a petroleum resource. In this article, we proposed a methodology to calculate the RP of crude oil from a complex network perspective. We constructed a chemical network comprising 578 chemicals and divided all chemicals into six hierarchical levels according to their processing steps. We put forward two indicators to represent two calculation methods: resource productivity based on material flow analysis and resource productivity based on carbon flow analysis (RPCF). To clarify the differences in the meanings of these two indicators, we extracted the para‐xylene (PX) production chain, which is composed of crude oil, PX, pure terephthalic acid, and polyethylene terephthalate, from the network as an example. Finally, we adopted the RPCF indicator. We calculated that the average RPCFs of the six hierarchical levels of crude oil in China from 1992 to 1999 are 145, 219, 601, 929, 1,474, and 4,076 US$/(tonnes carbon). The results show that there is a value‐added effect in the extension of petrochemical industrial chains. Among the derivatives of crude oil, the RPCFs of chemicals are obviously higher than those of oils. Countries, regions, industrial parks, and chemical companies can improve RP by extending and choosing chemical production chains and combinations thereof. We can also use the calculation methodology to compare RP of other sources of carbon like carbon dioxide and biomass with that of crude oil, and promote the development of circular economy in energy and chemical production.
Effects of a simulated emergency airway management education program on the self‐efficacy and clinical performance of intensive care unit nurses
Authors: Han Myong‐Ja , Lee Ju‐Ry , Shin Yu‐Jung , Son Jeong‐Suk , Choi Eun‐Joo , Oh Yun‐Hee , Lee Soon‐Haeng , Choi Hye‐Ran
Published: December 2017

Aim

To examine the effects of a simulated emergency airway management education program on the self‐efficacy and clinical performance among nurses in intensive care units.

Methods

A one‐group, pre‐ and post‐test design was used. Thirty‐five nurses who were working in adult intensive care units participated in this study. The simulation education program included lectures, skill demonstration, skill training, team‐based practice, and debriefing. Self‐efficacy and clinical performance questionnaires were completed before the program and 1 week after its completion. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and the paired t‐test to compare the mean differences between the pre‐test and post‐test. The scores before and after education were compared.

Results

After education, there was a significant improvement in the nurses’ self‐efficacy and clinical performance in emergency airway management situations.

Conclusion

Simulation education effectively improved the self‐efficacy and clinical performance of the nurses who were working in intensive care units. Based on the program for clinical nurses within a hospital, it will provide information that might advance clinical nursing education.
Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction associated with Shifts in Dyadic Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms in German Couples across Four Years
Authors: Morgan Preston C. , Durtschi Jared A. , Kimmes Jonathan G.
Published: December 2017

Depression is a pervasive mental health concern; thus, it is important to identify modifiable factors associated with reducing depressive symptoms across time. Using 1,876 heterosexual couples assessed annually across 4 years from the Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics (Pairfam) study, time‐varying covariate growth models tested if sexual and relationship satisfaction were linked with shifts in trajectories of depressive symptoms across time. For both men and women, higher sexual and relationship satisfaction scores were significantly associated with decreasing their own depressive symptom trajectories, but only relationship satisfaction was linked with their partners’ depressive symptom trajectories. Potential clinical implications include the treatment of depressive symptoms by making changes across time in their own relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction.
Resilience as a Moderator of Psychological Health in Situations of Chronic Stress (Burnout) in a Sample of Hospital Nurses
Authors: García‐Izquierdo Mariano , Meseguer de Pedro Mariano , Ríos‐Risquez Mª Isabel , Sánchez Mª Isabel Soler
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To analyze the role played by resilience in the dimensions that constitute burnout syndrome and, through that, the psychological health of a sample of nurses working at hospital centers.

Methods

Cross‐sectional design, with a questionnaire as the tool. The sample consisted of 537 nurses from three public hospitals in Murcia, Spain. The questionnaire contained measures of the following variables: resilience, the three dimensions of burnout (emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy), and general psychological health, as well as sociodemographic and employment information.

Results

The emotional exhaustion and cynicism dimensions of burnout were significantly linked to psychological health in the manner expected, but this was not the case for professional efficacy. A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed the moderating role of resilience on the emotional exhaustion and cynicism dimensions, as well as on psychological health.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This study highlights the moderating role of resilience on burnout and psychological health. The practical implications of the results are discussed for the implementation of measures to increase resilience as a personal resource in order to improve the health and work performance of these professionals.
Using the trauma patient experience and evaluation of hospital discharge practices to inform practice change: A mixed methods study
Authors: Goldsmith Helen , McCloughen Andrea , Curtis Kate
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the pain management experiences of recently discharged adult trauma patients and the discharge practices of the treating hospital.

Background

Adult trauma patients are not always able to manage their pain effectively and as a result often experience intense and enduring injury pain at home. They describe their pain experience as unique and debilitating, and report feeling uninformed at hospital discharge. There is a need to understand what is fundamentally required for this population at hospital discharge, to facilitate competent pain management and promote best possible outcomes.

Design

A mixed methods convergent study design.

Methods

The quantitative results (incidence, intensity and impact of injury pain and the barriers to effective pain management) were merged with the qualitative results (patient experiences and beliefs) to produce greater understanding about the reasons behind the pain management practices of participants.

Results

Integration of the quantitative and qualitative data produced four new themes. These themes demonstrate that recently discharged adult trauma patients do not have the knowledge or experience to understand or manage their injury pain effectively at home. Inadequate information and education by clinicians, at hospital discharge, contribute to this insufficiency.

Conclusions

Clinicians need to understand the trauma patient pain experience to appreciate the importance of their discharge practices. Increased understanding and implementation of evidence‐informed discharge processes would improve current discharge practices and ultimately support and improve the trauma patient's injury pain management practices at home.

Relevance to clinical practice

By understanding the patient perspective in the pain management of injuries, clinicians are better able to appreciate what hospital discharge practices and information are genuinely required by the trauma patient to manage their pain effectively at home, potentially preventing the long‐term consequences of injury pain.
Insights on compassion and patient‐centred nursing in intensive care: A constructivist grounded theory
Authors: Jakimowicz Samantha , Perry Lin , Lewis Joanne
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore patient‐centred nursing, compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue from intensive care nurses’ perspectives.

Background

Compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue can influence critical care nurses’ decisions to either continue or leave the profession, and could impact the compassionate patient‐centred nursing care patients receive during their ICU admission.

Design

This qualitative research design was informed by Charmaz's Grounded Theory Constructivist methodology.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 21 critical care nurses of two ICUs in Australia during 2016. Interview data were analysed using grounded theory processes.

Results

Findings reflected positive and negative impacts on critical care nurses’ ability to deal compassionately with their patients. Effects on patient‐centred nursing and critical care nurses’ own well‐being were revealed. A core category of “Expectations” emerged, explaining the tension between critical care nurses’ biomedical, clinical skills and knowledge versus compassionate, patient‐centred nursing care. This tension was clarified and expanded in subcategories of “Life in the Balance,” “Passion and Pressure,” “Understanding and Advocacy” and “Tenacity and Fragility”.

Conclusion

Providing patient‐centred nursing may enhance critical care nurses’ experience of compassion satisfaction, in turn impacting delivery of compassionate patient‐centred nursing to generate a virtuous circle. Critical care nurses who feel respected and supported by their management team and colleagues experience feelings of compassion satisfaction, leading to greater engagement and care towards their patient.

Relevance to clinical practice

Systematically addressing critical care nurses’ needs to successfully balance biomedical with compassionate nursing care may lead to greater well‐being in the critical care nursing workforce and improve patient experience of intensive care.
Paediatric gastrostomy stoma complications and treatments: A rapid scoping review
Authors: Townley Ashleigh , Wincentak Joanne , Krog Kim , Schippke Julia , Kingsnorth Shauna
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To provide a scoping review of the types of treatments used to address paediatric skin‐related stoma complications specific to infection, hypergranulation and gastric leakage, and explore their effectiveness and indications for use.

Background

Stoma‐related complications can be a common occurrence for children with gastrostomy (G) and gastrojejunostomy (GJ) tubes. Nurses require guidance to inform decision‐making of the broad spectrum of treatments used in clinical practice.

Design

A scoping review using a rapid review approach.

Methods

Working with a multidisciplinary health professional team, search terms were generated. A systematic search of CINAHL, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was completed, coupled with an Internet search to identify relevant clinical practice guidelines and hand searching of citation lists. Eligible articles were peer‐reviewed English publications, focused on paediatric populations aged 18 years and under, dating from 2002–2016 and described complications and treatment approaches related to G‐ and GJ‐tube stomas. Pertinent information was extracted using a standardised template, and a narrative synthesis approach was used to analyse the data.

Results

Twenty‐five articles were included in this review. Study designs varied, and complication management was often a secondary focus. A broad spectrum of treatments was used to manage each complication type. There was a lack of consensus on lines of therapy; however, a stepwise approach was often used for complication management, particularly for infections.

Conclusions

The evidence on the comparative effectiveness of different treatment strategies of skin‐related gastrostomy stoma complications in paediatric practice is sparse. Current evidence is generally limited to expert opinions. Future studies examining efficacy of treatments and their indications for use with children are warranted.

Relevance to clinical practice

Effective management of skin‐related stoma complications is important to maintain health and wellness among children who rely on G‐ and GJ‐tubes for nutrition support.