bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arthritis in childhood human immunodeficiency virus infection predominantly associated with human leukocyte antigen B27
Authors: Suri Deepti , Sharma Avinash , Bhattad Sagar , Rawat Amit , Arora Sunil , Minz Ranjana W. , Singh Surjit
Published: July 2016

Aim

Children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection usually present with recurrent and unusual infections. Although reported among adults, arthritis as a predominant presentation in children with HIV is rare. Reactive arthritis is considered to be the most common musculoskeletal manifestation in adults with HIV infection. However, in children, septic or HIV‐related arthritis has been described. We report four children having arthritis with HIV disease and their long‐term outcome; out of which three had human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27‐related arthritis. It is important to be aware of arthritic presentation of HIV disease in children to prevent delay in diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy.

Methods

Clinical profile of children with HIV infection who presented with arthritis and registered at the Pediatric Immunodeficiency Clinic at PGIMER, Chandigarh were reviewed and analyzed.

Results

A total of 796 children with HIV infection are registered in the Pediatric Immunodeficiency Clinic since January 1994. Among these, four children had arthritis, and it was the presenting manifestation in two of them. HLA‐B27 related arthritis was noted in three children, while one had HIV‐associated arthritis. None of the children had septic arthritis. Arthritis resolved on treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) in two children, while others responded to anti‐inflammatory agents and the joint symptoms remained quiescent on follow‐up with a total follow‐up period of 21.5 patient years.

Conclusions

Clinicians must be aware of the arthritic presentation of childhood HIV infection. High degree of suspicion must be entertained to screen for HIV infection in children with arthritis, especially in those with reactive arthritis.
Sustainable Development Diplomacy: Diagnostics for the Negotiation and Implementation of Sustainable Development
Authors: Moomaw William R. , Bhandary Rishikesh Ram , Kuhl Laura , Verkooijen Patrick
Published: July 2016

Achieving sustainable development and meeting theUNSustainable Development Goals requires that there be an effective process of negotiating and implementing sustainable development policies and practices. This paper characterizes an evolving approach that we define as sustainable development diplomacy. Based on an analysis of the history of climate governance as a case study of sustainable development diplomacy and drawing on a diverse range of literatures including international negotiations, global environmental governance, and socio‐ecological systems, it identifies seven diagnostics that can be used to evaluate the negotiation and implementation of sustainable development goals. We argue for a needs‐based approach that brings together diverse stakeholders to devise flexible solutions that fit the complexity and scale of sustainable development challenges. We illustrate the diagnostic elements with examples from our case study of climate change, as one of the major global sustainable development challenges, but the diagnostics have wider applicability to sustainable development diplomacy and practice more generally.
Humor in Father–Daughter Immigration Narratives of Resistance
Authors: Gallo Sarah
Published: July 2016

This article draws from an ethnography on Mexican immigrant fathers and their children to examine humor in immigration narratives as acts of resistance. The analysis focuses on the devices employed by a father and daughter during their everyday talk and co‐narration of an incident with police officers. Findings illustrate how the form and content of fathers’ pedagogies of the home, including the strategic use of humor, prepare children to combat discrimination based on documentation status.
Discursive Shadowing in Linguistic Ethnography. Situated Practices and Circulating Discourses in Multilingual Schools
Authors: Dewilde Joke , Creese Angela
Published: July 2016

We consider discursive shadowing as methodology in linguistic ethnography and how it refines our analyses of participants’ situated practices. In addition to the constant and extended company the researcher and key participant keep with one another in the field, shadowing in a linguistic ethnographic approach includes the ubiquitous audio‐recording of interactions, which provides opportunities to collect interactional data as they circulate across speech events and sediment into durable teacher identities in multilingual schools.
Caught in Uncertain Futures, Now: A Reflexive Moment
Authors: Reyes III Reynaldo
Published: July 2016

This reflexive vignette reveals the emotional risks of ethnographic work by a Chicano researcher, educator, and advocate doing work in the Texas‐Mexico Borderlands, caught at the intersection of vulnerable Latina/o youth and their possible futures. Data in this creative piece are derived from field notes of one classroom observation from an ethnographic case study on the communal construction and practice of a college‐going culture experienced by marginalized, middle school, Mexican‐American and Central American emergent bilinguals.
The Evolution of Pottery Production During The Late Neolithic Period at Sialk On The Kashan Plain, Central Plateau of Iran
Authors: Marghussian A. K. , Coningham R. A. E. , Fazeli H.
Published: July 2016

The prehistoric sherds recovered from the North Mound of Tepe Sialk were investigated using XRF, XRD and SEM/EDX analyses. These studies showed the occurrence of a gradual evolution in pottery‐making from the Sialk I to Sialk II periods, eventually leading to the production of bulk red pottery at the final phase of Sialk II. The relative similarity of compositions, homogeneous microstructures and the presence of high‐temperature phases demonstrated a high degree of specialization in the selection of raw materials and control of the firing temperature and atmosphere among the potters of Sialk in the sixth millennium bc, peaking at the final phase of Sialk II.
The influence of achievement goals on online help seeking of computer science students
Authors: Hao Qiang , Barnes Brad , Wright Ewan , Branch Robert Maribe
Published: July 2016

This study investigated the online help‐seeking behaviors of computer science students with a focus on the effect of achievement goals. The online help‐seeking behaviors investigated were online searching, asking teachers online for help, and asking peers or unknown people online for help. One hundred and sixty‐five students studying computer science from a large research university in the south‐eastern United States participated in the study. It was found that students searched online significantly more frequently than they asked people online for help. Contrary to prior findings on face‐to‐face help seeking, no achievement goals were found to be significant in predicting the tendencies of students to seek help online. These findings provide evidence to support the role of online searching as an integral part of online help seeking and demonstrate that research findings on face‐to‐face help seeking should not be assumed to be naturally extendable to online help seeking.
Accuracy of ultrasonography for renal stone detection and size determination: is it good enough for management decisions?
Authors: Ganesan Vishnu , De Shubha , Greene Daniel , Torricelli Fabio Cesar Miranda , Monga Manoj
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography (US) for detecting renal calculi and to assess the accuracy of US for determining the size of calculi and how this can affect counselling decisions.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively identified all patients at our institution with a diagnosis of nephrolithiasis who underwent US followed by non‐contrast computed tomography (CT) within 60 days. Data on patient characteristics, stone size (maximum axial diameter) and stone location were collected. The sensitivity, specificity and size accuracy of US was determined using CT as the standard.

Results

A total of 552 US and CT examinations met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of US was 54 and 91%, respectively. There was a significant association between sensitivity of US and stone size (P < 0.001), but not with stone location (P = 0.58). US significantly overestimated the size of stones in the 0–10 mm range (P < 0.001). Assuming patients with stones 0–4 mm in size will be selected for observation and those with stones ≥5 mm could be counselled on the alternative of intervention, we found that in 14% (54/384) of cases where CT would suggest observation, US would lead to a recommendation for intervention. By contrast, when CT results would suggest intervention as management, US would suggest observation in 39% (65/168) of cases. An average of 22% (119/552) of patients could be inappropriately counselled. Stones classified as 5–10 mm according to US had the highest probability (43% [41/96]) of having their management recommendation changed when CT was performed. The use of plain abdominal film of kidney, ureter and bladder and US increases sensitivity (78%), but 37% (13/35) of patients may still be counselled inappropriately to undergo observation.

Conclusions

Using US to guide clinical decision‐making for residual or asymptomatic calculi is limited by low sensitivity and inability to size the stone accurately. As a result, one in five patients may be inappropriately counselled when using US alone.
IUCN Guidelines for Determining When and How Ex Situ Management Should Be Used in Species Conservation
Authors: McGowan Philip J.K. , Traylor‐Holzer Kathy , Leus Kristin
Published: July 2016

The Convention on Biological Diversity's target of halting extinctions by 2020 is less than a handful of years away. Captive, or ex situ, management has long been cited as having a potential role to play in the recovery of species, although this remains the subject of debate. IUCN's Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC) produced guidelines to assist in identifying when ex situ management may contribute to species recovery in 2002. Since then, there have been considerable developments in a range of areas that may influence the design of such programs (e.g., understanding of constraints on breeding programs, development of new techniques and approaches, and strategic planning approaches to species conservation). IUCN SSC has therefore revised its guidance and proposes a five‐step process: (1) compile a status review; (2) define the role(s) that ex situ management might play; (3) determine the precise nature of the ex situ population in order to meet identified role(s); (4) define resources and expertise, and appraise the feasibility and risks; and (5) make a decision that is informed based on the above analysis and transparent. These guidelines offer an objective process for considering the role of ex situ management in species conservation.
Plasma, subcutaneous tissue and bone concentrations of ceftiofur sodium after regional limb perfusion in horses
Authors: Cox K. S. , Nelson B. B. , Wittenburg L. , Gold J. R.
Published: July 2016

Reasons for performing study

Regional limb perfusion (RLP) is an effective treatment option for injuries and infections of the distal limb in horses. Using ceftiofur sodium inRLPhas been studied due to its superior spectrum of Gram‐positive organisms compared to aminoglycosides, but it is not known if this antimicrobial drug adequately penetrates subcutaneous tissue and bone.

Objective

To determine the concentration of ceftiofur in plasma, subcutaneous tissue and bone in horses afterRLP.

Study design

Experimental prospective study.

Methods

Six healthy horses were used in this study. Under standing sedation, an Esmarch tourniquet was applied to both proximal metacarpi andRLPwas performed in each forelimb by injecting either ceftiofur sodium (experimental limb) or saline (control limb) i.v. in the lateral palmar digital vein. The experimental limb was injected with 2 g ceftiofur diluted to 60mLwith sterile saline. The control limb was injected with 60mLof sterile saline. The tourniquet was left in place for 30 min post injection. Plasma, subcutaneous tissue and cortical bone samples were collected immediately after tourniquet removal (0.5 h), 12 and 24 h post injection. Ceftiofur concentrations and its active metabolite desfuroylceftiofur were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and the results were compared between control and experimental limbs using a Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

The median plasma concentrations were greater than the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for common pathogens (1 μg/mL) at 0 and 12 h postRLP. The median subcutaneous tissue concentrations were greater thanMIC(1 μg/g) at all 3 time points in the experimental limb. The median bone concentration was aboveMIC(1 μg/g) at time 0 in the experimental limb but was belowMICat 12 and 24 h in the experimental limb.

Conclusions

Ceftiofur administration viaRLPmaintained plasma concentrations aboveMICfor 12 h. Subcutaneous tissue concentrations aboveMICwere maintained for 24 h. Bone concentrations were only aboveMICimmediately after tourniquet removal. Further research is needed to evaluate ceftiofur administration viaRLPand its implications in disease states.
Mechanistic insight into protein modification and sulfur mobilization activities of noncanonical E1 and associated ubiquitin‐like proteins of Archaea
Authors: Hepowit Nathaniel L. , de Vera Ian Mitchelle S. , Cao Shiyun , Fu Xian , Wu Yifei , Uthandi Sivakumar , Chavarria Nikita E. , Englert Markus , Su Dan , Sӧll Dieter , Kojetin Douglas J. , Maupin‐Furlow Julie A.
Published: July 2016

Here we provide the first detailed biochemical study of a noncanonical E1‐like enzyme with broad specificity for cognate ubiquitin‐like (Ubl) proteins that mediates Ubl protein modification and sulfur mobilization to form molybdopterin and thiolated tRNA. Isothermal titration calorimetry and in vivo analyses proved useful in discovering that environmental conditions, ATP binding, and Ubl type controlled the mechanism of association of the Ubl protein with its cognate E1‐like enzyme (SAMP and UbaA of the archaeon Haloferax volcanii, respectively). Further analysis revealed that ATP hydrolysis triggered the formation of thioester and peptide bonds within the Ubl:E1‐like complex. Importantly, the thioester was an apparent precursor to Ubl protein modification but not sulfur mobilization. Comparative modeling to MoeB/ThiF guided the discovery of key residues within the adenylation domain of UbaA that were needed to bind ATP as well as residues that were specifically needed to catalyze the downstream reactions of sulfur mobilization and/or Ubl protein modification. UbaA was also found to be Ubl‐automodified at lysine residues required for early (ATP binding) and late (sulfur mobilization) stages of enzyme activity revealing multiple layers of autoregulation. Cysteine residues, distinct from the canonical E1 ‘active site’ cysteine, were found important in UbaA function supporting a model that this noncanonical E1 is structurally flexible in its active site to allow Ubl~adenylate, Ubl~E1‐like thioester and cysteine persulfide(s) intermediates to form.
Associative and sensorimotor cortico‐basal ganglia circuit roles in effects of abused drugs
Authors: Gremel C. M. , Lovinger D. M.
Published: July 2016

The mammalian forebrain is characterized by the presence of several parallel cortico‐basal ganglia circuits that shape the learning and control of actions. Among these are the associative, limbic and sensorimotor circuits. The function of all of these circuits has now been implicated in responses to drugs of abuse, as well as drug seeking and drug taking. While the limbic circuit has been most widely examined, key roles for the other two circuits in control of goal‐directed and habitual instrumental actions related to drugs of abuse have been shown. In this review we describe the three circuits and effects of acute and chronic drug exposure on circuit physiology. Our main emphasis is on drug actions in dorsal striatal components of the associative and sensorimotor circuits. We then review key findings that have implicated these circuits in drug seeking and taking behaviors, as well as drug use disorders. Finally, we consider different models describing how the three cortico‐basal ganglia circuits become involved in drug‐related behaviors. This topic has implications for drug use disorders and addiction, as treatments that target the balance between the different circuits may be useful for reducing excessive substance use.
The influence of beverages on residual spiciness elicited by eating spicy chicken meat: time‐intensity analysis
Authors: Samant Shilpa S. , Cho Sungeun , Whitmore Andrew D. , Oliveira Syllas B. S. , Mariz Thais B. , Seo Han‐Seok
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to determine whether five types of beverage, milk (3.3% fat), oolong tea, tomato juice, sparkling water and spring water, reduce the residual spiciness elicited by eating spicy chicken over time. After tasting a piece of spicy popcorn chicken, participants were asked to drink one of five beverages one after another and rate the spiciness intensity using the time‐intensity (TI) analysis. Based on theTIparameters, milk was found to be the best beverage to reduce residual spiciness of spicy chicken over time. Participants rated milk the most effective in decreasing residual spiciness of spicy chicken. Partial least squares regression revealed that the threeTIparameters, area under the curve, decreasing area and increasing area, are the best predictors of the self‐reported ratings for spiciness‐reduction effect of individual beverages. In conclusion, this study shows that milk (3.3% fat) can be used as a palate cleanser for spicy chicken.
Validation of the Turkish Cervical Cancer and Human Papilloma Virus Awareness Questionnaire
Authors: Özdemir E. , Kısa S.
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the ‘Cervical Cancer and Human Papilloma Virus Awareness Questionnaire’ among fertility age women by adapting the scale into Turkish.

Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth most commonly form seen among women. Death from cervical cancer ranks third among causes and is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 360 women from three family health centres between January 5 and June 25, 2014.

Results

Internal consistency showed that the Kuder‐Richardson 21 reliability coefficient in the first part was 0.60, Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was 0.61 in the second part. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin value of the items on the scale was 0.712. The Barlett test was significant. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model matched the data adequately.

Conclusion

This study shows that the Turkish version of the instrument is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate knowledge, perceptions and preventive behaviours of women regarding human papilloma virus and cervical cancer.

Implications for nursing and policy makers

Nurses who work in the clinical and primary care settings need to screen, detect and refer women who may be at risk from cervical cancer.
Intellectual Disabilities and Decision Making at End of Life: A Literature Review
Authors: Kirkendall Abbie , Linton Kristen , Farris Saritha
Published: July 2016

Background

Individuals with an intellectual disability are vulnerable to having end‐of‐life decisions made for them merely due to the presence of a disability. As a result, decisions made by others may not reflect the exact wishes of the individual.

Methods

This review examines literature on individuals with an intellectual disability in making end‐of‐life decisions from the years 2000 to 2014. A total of 38 articles were found with 12 articles having a direct focus on end‐of‐life decision making.

Results

The emerging themes include the following: (i) assumption of lack of capacity, (ii) inconsistency in evaluating capacity and communication challenges and (iii) third party decisions.

Conclusions

Earlier discussions about end‐of‐life planning before the diagnosis of a life‐limiting illness would be beneficial. Lacking is a consistent approach to determining capacity for individuals with an intellectual disability. The findings from this review provide a foundation for a decision tree in end‐of‐life decision making for individuals with an intellectual disability.
Geographical clines of body size in terrestrial amphibians: water conservation hypothesis revisited
Authors: Gouveia Sidney F. , Correia Isadora
Published: July 2016

Aim

Faced with the dispute regarding spatial gradients of body size in ectotherms, we build upon their long‐known allometric relationship with water economy, which scales with thermal and hydric regimes, to revisit and refine the water conservation hypothesis (WCH). We provide a brief description of the WCH, including its physiological basis and geographical predictions for body size clines in terrestrial amphibians, and test it against heat‐based hypotheses in four amphibian clades.

Location

The Americas.

Methods

We employ phylogenetic comparative analyses to examine relationships between body size and both temperature, as a descriptor of the effect of heat alone, and potential evapotranspiration, which describes the water constraint along evaporative gradients. We assess these relationships in four amphibian clades: the subfamily of leaf frogs (Phyllomedusinae), genera of gladiator frogs (Hypsiboas), salamanders (Plethodon) and the family of glass frogs (Centrolenidae).

Results

Three clades did not show phylogenetic signals in body size variation. In addition, three clades showed a positive relationship with potential evapotranspiration as predicted, and all of them were unrelated to temperature. When present, however, the explanatory power of evaporative energy on body size variation was relatively weak.

Main conclusions

The conservation of water across evaporative gradients is both a more comprehensive explanation and a more pervasive driver of spatial clines in body size among terrestrial amphibians than is the balance of heat alone. However, the relatively low predictive ability of evaporative energy and its dependence on specific climatic configurations both emphasize and elucidate the non‐universality of the phenomenon.
A new fish cell line derived from the caudal fin of freshwater angelfish Pterophyllum scalare: development and characterization
Authors: Swaminathan T. R. , Kumar Raj , Jency P. M. E. , Charan R. , Syamkrishnan M. U. , Basheer V. S. , Sood N. , Jena J. K.
Published: July 2016

In this study, a new cell line derived from the caudal fin of the freshwater angelfish Pterophyllum scalare was developed and characterized. The cell line was designated angelfish fin (AFF) and subcultured 44 times since its development. These cells grew well in Leibovitz's −15 medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine saline (FBS) at 28° C and the modal chromosome number (2n) was 48. The AFF cell‐line is mainly comprised of epithelial cells as confirmed by immunocytological technique using anti‐cytokeratin antibodies, an epithelial cell marker. This cell line was tested for growth in a temperatures range from 20 to 37° C and at various FBS concentrations of 5–20% at 28° C. The cell line was cryopreserved at different passage levels and revived successfully with 80% survival rate. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of partial mitochondrial 16s rRNA and coI genes confirmed that the AFF cell‐line originated from angelfish. Mycoplasma sp. contamination was not detected in AFF cells and checked by Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining. At the 42nd passage the cells were transfected with 2 μg of pAcGFP1‐N1 expression vector. The AFF cells exhibited cytotoxic effects when exposed to the bacterial extra cellular products from Serratia marcescens and Proteus hauseri. The AFF cells and cells from kidney and brain did not show cytopathic effect when exposed to cyprinid herpes virus2 and viral nervous necrosis virus. The newly developed AFF cell line will be useful for the isolation of viruses affecting angelfishes, such as iridoviruses, in the future.
Aggressiveness of End‐of‐Life Care for Hospitalized Individuals with Cancer with and without Dementia: A Nationwide Matched‐Cohort Study in France
Authors: Morin Lucas , Beaussant Yvan , Aubry Régis , Fastbom Johan , Johnell Kristina
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To compare the aggressiveness of end‐of‐life care in hospitalized individuals with cancer with and without dementia in France.

Design

Nationwide register‐based matched‐cohort study.

Setting

Hospital facilities in France.

Participants

All individuals with cancer aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of dementia who died between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013, matched one‐to‐one with individuals with cancer without dementia (n = 26,782 matched pairs).

Results

Older individuals with cancer with dementia were less likely to receive aggressive treatment in their last month of life than those who were not diagnosed with dementia. Dementia was associated with significantly greater likelihood of receiving chemotherapy (2.8% vs 8.5%, P < .001, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.31–0.36) in the month before death. Individuals with dementia were also less likely to receive radiation therapy (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.43–0.56), blood transfusions (aOR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.64–0.70), artificial nutrition (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.73–0.85), and invasive ventilation (aOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.57–0.68), although they were more likely to remain hospitalized over their entire last month of life (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.37–1.48) and to have more than one emergency department visit (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.12–1.34).

Conclusion

Older hospitalized adults with cancer with dementia are less likely to receive aggressive cancer treatment near the end of life than those without dementia. This discrepancy raises important ethical questions for clinicians and healthcare policy‐makers.
Increased Ubqln2 expression causes neuron death in transgenic rats
Authors: Huang Bo , Wu Qinxue , Zhou Hongxia , Huang Cao , Xia Xu‐Gang
Published: July 2016

Pathogenic mutation of ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2) causes neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. How UBQLN2 mutations cause the diseases is not clear. While over‐expression of UBQLN2 with pathogenic mutation causes neuron death in rodent models, deletion of the Ubqln2 in rats has no effect on neuronal function. Previous findings in animal models suggest that UBQLN2 mutations cause the diseases mainly through a gain rather than a loss of functions. To examine whether the toxic gain in UBQLN2 mutation is related to the enhancement of UBQLN2 functions, we created new transgenic rats over‐expressing wild‐type human UBQLN2. Considering that human UBQLN2 may not function properly in the rat genome, we also created transgenic rats over‐expressing rat's own Ubqln2. When over‐expressed in rats, both human and rat wild‐type Ubqln2 caused neuronal death and spatial learning deficits, the pathologies that were indistinguishable from those observed in mutant UBQLN2 transgenic rats. Over‐expressed wild‐type UBQLN2 formed protein inclusions attracting the autophagy substrate sequestosome‐1 and the proteasome component 26S proteasome regulatory subunit 7. These findings suggest that excess UBQLN2 is toxic rather than protective to neurons and that the enhancement of UBQLN2 functions is involved in UBQLN2 pathogenesis.

image

Pathogenic mutation in ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2) causes neurodegeneration in ALS and FTLD. Studies in rodent models suggest a gain of toxic function in mutant UBQLN2. We created new transgenic rats as a relevant model and examined whether enhancing wild‐type UBQLN2 expression is implicated in the pathogenesis of mutant UBQLN2. We observed that over‐expression of human or rat wild‐type Ubqln2 caused protein aggregation and neuronal death in transgenic rats. Our findings suggest that excess UBQLN2 is toxic rather than protective to neurons and that uncontrolled enhancement of UBQLN2 function is involved in UBQLN2 pathogenesis.

Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 159.
An Audit of Nursing Documentation at Three Public Hospitals in Jamaica
Authors: Lindo Jascinth , Stennett Rosain , Stephenson‐Wilson Kayon , Barrett Kerry Ann , Bunnaman Donna , Anderson‐Johnson Pauline , Waugh‐Brown Veronica , Wint Yvonne
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Nursing documentation provides an important indicator of the quality of care provided for hospitalized patients. This study assessed the quality of nursing documentation on medical wards at three hospitals in Jamaica.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study audited a multilevel stratified sample of 245 patient records from three type B hospitals. An audit instrument which assessed nursing documentation of client history, biological data, client assessment, nursing standards, discharge planning, and teaching facilitated data collection. Descriptive statistics were conducted using IBM SPSS, Version 19 (IBM Inc., Armonk, NY, USA).

Findings

Records from three hospitals (Hospital 1, n = 119, 48.6%; Hospital 2, n = 56, 22.9%; Hospital 3, n = 70, 28.6%) were audited. Documented evidence of the patient's chief complaint (81.6%), history of present illness (78.8%), past health (79.2%), and family health (11.0%) were noted; however, less than a third of the dockets audited recorded adequate assessment data (e.g., occupation or living accommodations of patients). The audit noted 90% of records had a physical assessment completed within 24 hr of admission and entries timed, dated, and signed by a nurse. Less than 5% of dockets had evidence of patient teaching, and 13.5% had documented evidence of discharge planning conducted within 72 hr of admission.

Conclusions

This study highlights the weakness in nursing documentation and the need for increased training and continued monitoring of nursing documentation at the hospitals studied. Additional research regarding the factors that affect nursing documentation practice could prove useful.

Clinical Relevance

The study provides valuable information for the development of strategic risk management programs geared at improving the quality of care delivered to clients and presents an opportunity for nurse leaders to implement structured interventions geared at improving nursing documentation in Jamaica. In light of Jamaica's epidemiologic transition of chronic diseases, gaps in nurses’ documentation of client assessment, patient teaching, and discharge planning should be addressed with urgency. Patient teaching and discharge planning enable the clients to participate more effectively in their health maintenance process.
Assessing the impact of educational intervention in patients with hypertension
Authors: Ho Tai Mooi , Estrada Dolors , Agudo Josep , Arias Piedad , Capillas Raúl , Gibert Elvira , Isnard Mª Mar , Solé Mª José , Salvadó Anna
Published: July 2016

Background

It is accepted that patient education can be beneficial in the treatment of chronic diseases. We conducted an educational intervention (EI) in hypertensive patients seen at Primary Care centres (PCC) and specialised Hypertension Units (SHU).

Objectives

To assess patient's knowledge of hypertension and to verify the impact of this educational initiative.

Methods

A multicentre quasi‐experimental study with the participation of 120 patients with hypertension. EI consisted of oral and written information which included the definition of hypertension, causes, cardiovascular risk factors and means of control. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to assess patient's knowledge before and after EI.

Results

Sixty‐two (52%) patients were from PCC and 58 (48%) from SHU (mean age: 61 ± 13.3 years, 59% were women). There were no differences in baseline characteristics between patients attending at PCC and SHU. The definition of hypertension (blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or ≥90 mmHg was known by 48% and 99% of the participants before and after EI, respectively (p < 0.001). Poor baseline knowledge about the risks of hypertension was related to kidneys (54%) and eyes (58%). After EI this knowledge increased to 100% (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). A significant improvement in knowledge about medication was observed (51% before and 87% after EI; p = 0.004).

Conclusions

This study shows a positive impact of EI to improve patients' knowledge about hypertension. However, further studies are needed to assess if EI produces behaviour changes in the long term, as this might enhance optimal blood pressure control to prevent kidney disease or delay its progression.
Hydroxysafflor yellow A inhibits TGF-β1-induced activation of human fetal lung fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Pan Ruiyan , Zhang Yadan , Zang Baoxia , Tan Li , Jin Ming
Published: July 2016

Objective

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is one of the chemical component isolated from Chinese medicine Carthamus tinctorius L. Our preliminary study confirmed that HSYA attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. In this study, we evaluated the effect of HSYA on TGF-β1-induced activation of human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) and explored the underlying mechanisms of its activity.

Method

MRC-5 cells activated by TGF-β1 were incubated with HSYA and/or the TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor, SB431542. TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation, α-smooth muscle actin, collagen I alpha 1 and fibronectin expression, Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt signalling pathway activation were observed.

Key findings

Hydroxysafflor yellow A significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation and the expression, both mRNA and protein, of α-smooth muscle actin, collagen I alpha 1 and fibronectin. HSYA also suppressed TGF-β1 activation of Smad signal transduction via inhibition of Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation, their nuclear translocation and the binding activity of Smad3 to type I collagen promoter in MRC-5 cells. In addition, HSYA inhibited TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). The inhibitory effects of HSYA were similar to SB431542.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that HSYA inhibits TGF-β1-induced activation of MRC-5 cells associated with TGF-β1/Smad and ERK/MAPK signalling pathways.
Advanced signal analysis for the detection of periodic limb movements from bilateral ankle actigraphy
Authors: Athavale Yashodhan , Krishnan Sridhar , Dopsa Dustin D. , Berneshawi Andrew G. , Nouraei Hirmand , Raissi Afsaneh , Murray Brian J. , Boulos Mark I.
Published: July 2016

Actigraphy can assist in the detection of periodic limb movements in sleep. Although several actigraphs have been previously reported to accurately detect periodic limb movements, many are no longer available; of the existing actigraphs, most sample too infrequently to accurately detect periodic limb movements. The purpose of this study was to use advanced signal analysis to validate a readily available actigraph that has the capability of sampling at relatively high frequencies. We simultaneously recorded polysomnography and bilateral ankle actigraphy in 96 consecutive patients presenting to our sleep laboratory. After pre‐processing and conditioning, the bilateral ankle actigraphy signals were then analysed for 14 simple time, frequency and morphology‐based features. These features reduced the signal dimensionality and aided in better representation of the periodic limb movement activity in the actigraph signals. These features were then processed by a Naïve‐Bayes binary classifier for distinguishing between normal and abnormal periodic limb movement indices. We trained the Naïve‐Bayes classifier using a training set, and subsequently tested its classification accuracy using a testing set. From our experiments, using a periodic limb movement index cut‐off of 5, we found that the Naïve‐Bayes classifier had a correct classification rate of 78.9%, with a sensitivity of 80.3% and a specificity of 73.7%. The algorithm developed in this study has the potential of facilitating identification of periodic limb movements across a wide spectrum of patient populations via the use of bilateral ankle actigraphy.
Supporting transvisibility and gender diversity in nursing practice and education: embracing cultural safety
Authors: Kellett Peter , Fitton Chantelle
Published: July 2016

Many nursing education programs deserve a failing grade with respect to supporting gender diversity in their interactions with their students and in terms of the curricular content directed toward engaging in the safe and supportive nursing care of transgender clients. This situation contributes to transinvisibility in the nursing profession and lays a foundation for nursing practice that does not recognize the role that gender identity plays in the health and well‐being of trans‐clients and trans‐nurses. This article seeks to raise readers’ awareness about the problems inherent to transinvisibility and to propose several curricular and structural‐level interventions that may serve to gradually increase the recognition of gender diversity in the planning and delivery of nursing education and practice. Contextualized in gender and intersectionality theory, cultural safety is presented as a viable and appropriate framework for engaging in these upstream approaches to addressing gender diversity in nursing education and practice. Among the structural interventions proposed are as follows: inclusive information systems, creation of gender neutral and safe spaces, lobbying for inclusion of competencies that address care of trans‐persons in accreditation standards and licensure examinations and engaging in nursing research in this area.
GABA‐producing Bifidobacterium dentium modulates visceral sensitivity in the intestine
Authors: Pokusaeva K. , Johnson C. , Luk B. , Uribe G. , Fu Y. , Oezguen N. , Matsunami R. K. , Lugo M. , Major A. , Mori‐Akiyama Y. , Hollister E. B. , Dann S. M. , Shi X. Z. , Engler D. A. , Savidge T. , Versalovic J.
Published: July 2016

Background

Recurrent abdominal pain is a common and costly health‐care problem attributed, in part, to visceral hypersensitivity. Increasing evidence suggests that gut bacteria contribute to abdominal pain perception by modulating the microbiome‐gut‐brain axis. However, specific microbial signals remain poorly defined. γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a principal inhibitory neurotransmitter and a key regulator of abdominal and central pain perception from peripheral afferent neurons. Although gut bacteria are reported to produce GABA, it is not known whether the microbial‐derived neurotransmitter modulates abdominal pain.

Methods

To investigate the potential analgesic effects of microbial GABA, we performed daily oral administration of a specific Bifidobacterium strain (B. dentiumATCC 27678) in a rat fecal retention model of visceral hypersensitivity, and subsequently evaluated pain responses.

Key Results

We demonstrate that commensal Bifidobacterium dentium produces GABA via enzymatic decarboxylation of glutamate by GadB. Daily oral administration of this specific Bifidobacterium (but not a gadB deficient) strain modulated sensory neuron activity in a rat fecal retention model of visceral hypersensitivity.

Conclusions & Inferences

The functional significance of microbial‐derived GABA was demonstrated by gadB‐dependent desensitization of colonic afferents in a murine model of visceral hypersensitivity. Visceral pain modulation represents another potential health benefit attributed to bifidobacteria and other GABA‐producing species of the intestinal microbiome. Targeting GABAergic signals along this microbiome‐gut‐brain axis represents a new approach for the treatment of abdominal pain.
Priority Rules for Multi‐Task Due‐Date Scheduling under Varying Processing Costs
Authors: Xu Yunjian , Shi Cong , Duenyas Izak
Published: July 2016

We study the scheduling of multiple tasks under varying processing costs and derive a priority rule for optimal scheduling policies. Each task has a due date, and a non‐completion penalty cost is incurred if the task is not completely processed before its due date. We assume that the task arrival process is stochastic and the processing rate is capacitated. Our work is motivated by both traditional and emerging application domains, such as construction industry and freelance consulting industry. We establish the optimality of Shorter Slack time and Longer remaining Processing time (SSLP) principle that determines the priority among active tasks. Based on the derived structural properties, we also propose an effective cost‐balancing heuristic policy and demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed policy through extensive numerical experiments. We believe our results provide operators/managers valuable insights on how to devise effective service scheduling policies under varying costs.
Explaining White Opposition to Black Political Leadership: The Role of Fear of Racial Favoritism
Authors: Goldman Seth K.
Published: July 2016

Despite the election of America's first Black president, most non‐Hispanic Whites continue to oppose Black political leadership. The conventional explanation for White opposition is sheer racial prejudice, yet the available empirical evidence for this theory is inconsistent. I test an alternative theory that Whites perceive Black political leaders as a threat to their group's interests. Using a new survey measure and nationally representative panel data covering the 2008, 2010, and 2012 U.S. elections, I find that a majority of Whites perceive Black elected officials as likely to favor Blacks over Whites. Moreover, fear of racial favoritism predicts support for Barack Obama in both cross‐sectional models and fixed‐effects models of within‐person change, controlling for negative racial stereotypes. I replicate these findings using a separate cross‐sectional survey fielded after the 2014 election that controls for racial resentment. Collectively, these results suggest that perceptions of conflicting group interests—and not just prejudice—drive White opposition to Black political leadership.
Meta‐analytic modelling of the incidence–yield and incidence–sclerotial production relationships in soybean white mould epidemics
Authors: Lehner M. S. , Pethybridge S. J. , Meyer M. C. , Del Ponte E. M.
Published: July 2016

White mould (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) is a destructive disease of soybean worldwide. However, little is known of its impact on soybean production in Brazil. A meta‐analytic approach was used to assess the relationship between disease incidence and soybean yield (35 trials) and between incidence and sclerotia production (29 trials) in experiments conducted in 14 locations across four seasons. Region, site elevation and season included as moderators in random‐effects and random‐coefficients models did not significantly explain the variability in the slopes of the incidence–yield relationship. The Pearson'sr, obtained from back‐transforming the Fisher'sZestimated by an overall random‐effects model, showed that incidence of white mould was moderately and negatively correlated with yield (r = −0.76,P < 0.0001). A random‐coefficients model estimated a slope of −17.2 kg ha−1%−1, for a mean attainable yield of 3455 kg ha−1, indicating that a 10% increase in white mould incidence would result in a mean yield reduction of 172 kg ha−1. White mould incidence and production of sclerotia were strongly and positively correlated (r = 0.85,P < 0.0001). For every 10% increase in white mould incidence, 1 kg ha−1of sclerotia was produced. The relationship between disease incidence and production of sclerotia was stronger in southern regions and at higher elevation. In the absence of management, economic losses associated with white mould epidemics, assuming 43% incidence in 22% of the soybean area, were estimated at approximatelyUS$1.47 billion annually within Brazil.
Recipes for Attention: Policy Reforms, Crises, Organizational Characteristics, and the Newspaper Coverage of the LGBT Movement, 1969–2009
Authors: Elliott Thomas Alan , Amenta Edwin , Caren Neal
Published: July 2016

Why do some organizations in a movement seeking social change gain extensive national newspaper coverage? To address the question, we innovate in theoretical and empirical ways. First, we elaborate a theoretical argument that builds from the political mediation theory of movement consequences and incorporates the social organization of newspaper practices. This media and political mediation model integrates political and media contexts and organizations' characteristics and actions. With this model, we hypothesize two main routes to coverage: one that includes changes in public policy and involves policy‐engaged, well‐resourced, and inclusive organizations and a second that combines social crises and protest organizations. Second, we appraise these arguments with the first analysis of the national coverage of all organizations in a social movement over its career: 84 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights and AIDS‐related organizations in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Wall Street Journal from 1969 to 2010. These analyses go beyond previous research that provides either snapshots of many organizations at one point in time or overtime analyses of aggregated groups of organizations or individual organizations. The results of both historical and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analyses support our media and political mediation model.
Technical comparison of four different extracorporeal photopheresis systems
Authors: Brosig Andreas , Hähnel Viola , Orsó Evelyn , Wolff Daniel , Holler Ernst , Ahrens Norbert
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a therapeutic technique that combines leukapheresis and ultraviolet (UV)A irradiation of the leukapheresate after 8‐methoxypsoralen treatment with subsequent retransfusion. It can be achieved with a single device (online) or by combining an apheresis machine with a separate UVA light source (offline). The comparability of both established methods is unknown.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In a prospective setting, four ECP systems were evaluated: one with integrated UVA irradiation for online ECP (Therakos) and three with external UVA irradiation for offline ECP (Amicus, Optia, and Cobe Spectra). Apheresis variables and cell counts were determined by methods including flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The duration of apheresis ranged from 120 minutes (Amicus, Optia) to 275 minutes (Therakos). Mononuclear cell (MNC) counts in the treatment bags were comparable between offline ECP methods (median, 57 × 108 – 66 × 108) and lower for online ECP (14 × 108). CD16+ monocytes were abundant in online ECP (82%) but rarer in offline ECP (median, 14% – 19%). Hematocrit ranged from 0.1% (Therakos) to 8% (Amicus). There were no side effects in any patients.

DISCUSSION

All offline ECP systems studied yielded comparable cellular compositions and highly enriched populations of MNCs. In contrast, white blood cells from online ECP displayed enrichment of nonclassical monocytes. The relevance of these findings is unknown as there is no established biomarker to predict the therapeutic efficacy of these procedures.