bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internalized Smoking Stigma in Relation to Quit Intentions, Quit Attempts, and Current E-Cigarette Use
Authors: O'Connor Richard J. , Rees Vaughan W. , Rivard Cheryl , Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Cummings K. Michael
Published: May 2017

Background

Reducing the social acceptability of smoking is associated with lowered smoking prevalence. However, denormalization strategies can also contribute to the stigmatization that some smokers may feel about their smoking. Smoking stigma may be more acute if smokers are also members of other stigmatized groups, such as racial/ethnic minorities. This study examined correlates of smoking self- and felt-stigma and discrimination, among current smokers.

Methods

Participants were recruited in the United States via a national commercial consumer panel to complete a cross-sectional, Web-based survey. Participants were 1528 current cigarette smokers aged 14 and older. Measures included the Internalized Stigma of Smoking Inventory (ISSI), Heaviness of Smoking Index, quit intentions, past-year quit attempts, and current use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).

Results

Self-stigma was significantly associated with higher intent to quit in the next 6 months (odds ratio [OR] = 2.47, P < .01) and in the next 30 days (OR = 4.21, P < .01), relative to no intention to quit, as well as having made 1 or 2 quit attempts in the past year (OR = 1.60, P < .01) or 3 or more quit attempts (OR = 1.74, P < .01) and associated with daily e-cigarette use (OR = 1.73, P < .05). Felt-stigma was positively associated with intent to quit in the next 30 days (OR = 1.54, P < .01), having made 3 or more quit attempts in the past year (OR = 1.35, P < .01), and both daily (OR = 2.05, P < .05) and some-day (OR = 1.30, P < .05) e-cigarette use. Discrimination was associated only with increased odds of daily e-cigarette use (OR = 1.83, P < .05).

Conclusions

Smokers who reported greater feelings of stigmatization about their smoking were more likely to report having made recent quit attempts, report a stronger intention quit smoking in the future, and report use of e-cigarettes, suggesting that feelings of self-and felt-stigmatization are related to greater motivation to stop smoking.
Public debts of Arab countries: selected indicators
Authors: El-Khoury Gabi
Published: May 2017

This statistical file is concerned with the issue of public debts in Arab countries. It assumes that public debt is a key source to fund the budget deficit in most Arab countries, and the rising public debt, particularly external debt, is increasingly becoming a concern for several countries in the region due to the pressure debt servicing might impose on these countries, which basically suffer an uncomfortable primary balance, in addition to the impact of crises in the region.

Table 1 provides indicators on domestic public debts with ratios of debts to GDP, while Table 2 gives figures of external public debts with debt ratios to GDP. Table 3 provides estimates of total public debts with their ratios to GDP, while Tables 4 and 5 show figures of external public debt service, ratios of debt servicing to exports of goods and services and external public debt service ratios to Arab governments’ revenues respectively.
Intrinsic antiproliferative activity of the innate sensor STING in T lymphocytes
Authors: Cerboni Silvia , Jeremiah Nadia , Gentili Matteo , Gehrmann Ulf , Conrad Cécile , Stolzenberg Marie-Claude , Picard Capucine , Neven Bénédicte , Fischer Alain , Amigorena Sébastian , Rieux-Laucat Frédéric , Manel Nicolas
Published: May 2017

Activation of the cyclic dinucleotide sensor stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) is critical for IFN and inflammatory gene expression during innate immune responses. However, the role of STING in adaptive immunity is still unknown. In this study, we show that STING activation reduces the proliferation of T lymphocytes. This activity was independent of TBK1 and IRF3 recruitment and of type I IFN but required a distinct C-terminal domain of STING that activates NF-κB. Inhibition of cell proliferation by STING required its relocalization to the Golgi apparatus and caused mitotic errors. T lymphocytes from patients carrying constitutive active mutations in TMEM173 encoding STING showed impaired proliferation and reduced numbers of memory cells. Endogenous STING inhibited proliferation of mouse T lymphocytes. Therefore, STING, a critical innate sensor, also functions intrinsically in cells of the adaptive immune system to inhibit proliferation.
Androgen signaling negatively controls group 2 innate lymphoid cells
Authors: Laffont Sophie , Blanquart Eve , Savignac Magali , Cénac Claire , Laverny Gilles , Metzger Daniel , Girard Jean-Philippe , Belz Gabrielle T. , Pelletier Lucette , Seillet Cyril , Guéry Jean-Charles
Published: May 2017

Prevalence of asthma is higher in women than in men, but the mechanisms underlying this sex bias are unknown. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are key regulators of type 2 inflammatory responses. Here, we show that ILC2 development is greatly influenced by male sex hormones. Male mice have reduced numbers of ILC2 progenitors (ILC2Ps) and mature ILC2s in peripheral tissues compared with females. In consequence, males exhibit reduced susceptibility to allergic airway inflammation in response to environmental allergens and less severe IL-33–driven lung inflammation, correlating with an impaired expansion of lung ILC2s. Importantly, orchiectomy, but not ovariectomy, abolishes the sex differences in ILC2 development and restores IL-33–mediated lung inflammation. ILC2Ps express the androgen receptor (AR), and AR signaling inhibits their differentiation into mature ILC2s. Finally, we show that hematopoietic AR expression limits IL-33–driven lung inflammation through a cell-intrinsic inhibition of ILC2 expansion. Thus, androgens play a crucial protective role in type 2 airway inflammation by negatively regulating ILC2 homeostasis, thereby limiting their capacity to expand locally in response to IL-33.
Annotating function to differentially expressed LincRNAs in myelodysplastic syndrome using a network-based method
Authors: Liu Keqin , Beck Dominik , Thoms Julie A I , Liu Liang , Zhao Weiling , Pimanda John E , Zhou Xiaobo
Published: May 2017

Motivation

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the regulation of diverse biological functions. The number of newly identified lncRNAs has increased dramatically in recent years but their expression and function have not yet been described from most diseases. To elucidate lncRNA function in human disease, we have developed a novel network based method (NLCFA) integrating correlations between lncRNA, protein coding genes and noncoding miRNAs. We have also integrated target gene associations and protein-protein interactions and designed our model to provide information on the combined influence of mRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs on cellular signal transduction networks.

Results

We have generated lncRNA expression profiles from the CD34+ haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from patients with Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and healthy donors. We report, for the first time, aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in MDS and further prioritize biologically relevant lncRNAs using the NLCFA. Taken together, our data suggests that aberrant levels of specific lncRNAs are intimately involved in network modules that control multiple cancer-associated signalling pathways and cellular processes. Importantly, our method can be applied to prioritize aberrantly expressed lncRNAs for functional validation in other diseases and biological contexts.

Availability and implementation

The method is implemented in R language and Matlab.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The spike-and-slab lasso Cox model for survival prediction and associated genes detection
Authors: Tang Zaixiang , Shen Yueping , Zhang Xinyan , Yi Nengjun
Published: May 2017

Motivation

Large-scale molecular profiling data have offered extraordinary opportunities to improve survival prediction of cancers and other diseases and to detect disease associated genes. However, there are considerable challenges in analyzing large-scale molecular data.

Results

We propose new Bayesian hierarchical Cox proportional hazards models, called the spike-and-slab lasso Cox, for predicting survival outcomes and detecting associated genes. We also develop an efficient algorithm to fit the proposed models by incorporating Expectation-Maximization steps into the extremely fast cyclic coordinate descent algorithm. The performance of the proposed method is assessed via extensive simulations and compared with the lasso Cox regression. We demonstrate the proposed procedure on two cancer datasets with censored survival outcomes and thousands of molecular features. Our analyses suggest that the proposed procedure can generate powerful prognostic models for predicting cancer survival and can detect associated genes.

Availability and implementation

The methods have been implemented in a freely available R package BhGLM (http://www.ssg.uab.edu/bhglm/).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The probabilistic logic of communication and change
Authors: Achimescu Andreea , Baltag Alexandru , Sack Joshua
Published: May 2017

This article introduces a Probabilistic Logic of Communication and Change , which captures in a unified framework subjective probability, arbitrary levels of mutual knowledge and a mechanism for multi-agent Bayesian updates that can model complex social-epistemic scenarios, such as informational cascades. We show soundness, completeness and decidability of our logic, and apply it to a concrete example of cascade.
Retrolabyrinthine Meatotomy as Part of Retrosigmoid Approach to Expose the Whole Internal Auditory Canal: Rationale, Technique, and Outcome in Hearing Preservation Surgery for Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Mazzoni Antonio , Zanoletti Elisabetta , Denaro Luca , Martini Alessandro , Avella Domenico d’
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

Vestibular schwannoma extending to the fundus of the internal auditory canal is currently considered an unfavorable condition for hearing preservation surgery via a retrosigmoid approach because the lateral end of the canal is hard to view directly during microsurgery.

OBJECTIVE

To present an improved retrolabyrinthine meatotomy (RLM) technique that enables the full length of the cochlear and facial nerves to be inspected up to their orifices on the fundus. Long-term results are briefly reported.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 100 cases with various degrees of fundus involvement underwent surgery via a retrosigmoid approach and RLM. The follow-up ranged from 4 to 14 yr. Outcomes on hearing and facial nerve function were recorded, and preoperative MRI findings of the tumor on the fundus were correlated with the surgical findings and the long-term radicality of the tumor resection.

RESULTS

Residual tumor on the fundus was identified in 3 cases, all belonging to the group with tumors adhering to the fundus. The functional results were in line with the best reported outcomes of this surgery.

CONCLUSION

RLM via a retrosigmoid approach seemed adequate for the purposes of hearing preservation surgery and enabled the full course of the facial and cochlear nerves through the internal auditory canal to be exposed to direct view. Tumors adhering to the vestibular quadrant of the fundus were more difficult to remove, and there were a few cases of local residual tumor.
The Efficacy of Pressure Ulcer Treatment With Cathodal and Cathodal-Anodal High-Voltage Monophasic Pulsed Current: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Polak Anna , Kloth Luther C. , Blaszczak Edward , Taradaj Jakub , Nawrat-Szoltysik Agnieszka , Ickowicz Tomasz , Hordynska Ewa , Franek Andrzej , Kucio Cezary
Published: May 2017

Background. Studies show that anode and cathode electrical stimulation (ES) promotes the healing of wounds, but specific protocols for both electrodes are not available.

Objective. To compare the effectiveness of cathodal versus cathodal+anodal ES in the treatment of Category II-IV pressure ulcers (PrUs).

Design. Prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical study.

Setting. Three nursing and care centers.

Patients. Sixty-three participants with PrUs were randomly formed into a cathodal ES group (CG: N = 23; mean age of 79.35; SD 8.48), a cathodal+anodal ES group (CAG: N = 20; mean age of 79.65; SD 11.44) and a placebo ES group (PG: N = 20; mean age of 76.75; SD 12.24).

Intervention. All patients were treated with standard wound care and high-voltage monophasic pulsed current (HVMPC; twin-peak impulses; 154 μs; 100 pps; 0.25 A; 250 μC/s) for 50 minutes per day, 5 times a week, for 6 weeks. The CG, CAG, and PG received, respectively, cathodal, cathodal+anodal, and sham ES through electrodes placed on a moist gauze pad. The treatment electrode was placed on the wound, and the return electrode was positioned on healthy skin at least 20 cm from the PrU.

Measurements. Measurements were made at baseline, and after each of the 6 weeks of treatment. Primary outcome was percentage wound surface area reduction at week 6.

Results. Wound surface area decreased in the CG by 82.34% (95% confidence interval [CI] 70.06-94.63) and in the CAG by 70.77% (95% CI 53.51-88.04). These reductions were significantly greater than in the PG (40.53%; 95% CI 23.60-57.46). The CG and CAG were not statistically significantly different regarding treatment results.

Limitations. The time of treatment proved insufficient for PrUs to close.

Conclusions. Cathodal and cathodal+anodal HVMPC similarly reduced the area of Category II-IV PrUs.
Torque, Current, and Discomfort During 3 Types of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of Tibialis Anterior
Authors: Wiest Matheus J. , Bergquist Austin J. , Collins David F.
Published: May 2017

Background. The benefits of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for rehabilitation depend on the capacity to generate functionally relevant torque with minimal fatigability and discomfort. Traditionally, NMES is delivered either over a muscle belly (mNMES) or a nerve trunk (nNMES). Recently, a technique that minimizes contraction fatigability by alternating pulses between the mNMES and nNMES sites, termed “interleaved” NMES (iNMES), was developed. However, discomfort and the ability to generate large torque during iNMES have not been explored adequately.

Objective. The study objective was to compare discomfort and maximal torque between mNMES, nNMES, and iNMES.

Methods. Stimulation trains (12 pulses at 40 Hz) were delivered to produce dorsiflexion torque using mNMES, nNMES, and iNMES. Discomfort was assessed using a visual analogue scale for contractions that generated 5–30% of a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and for the maximal tolerable torque.

Results. Discomfort scores were not different between NMES types when torque was ≤20% MVIC. At 30% MVIC, mNMES produced more discomfort than nNMES and iNMES. nNMES produced the most torque (65% MVIC), followed by iNMES (49% MVIC) and mNMES (33% MVIC); in these trials, mNMES produced more discomfort than nNMES, but not iNMES.

Limitations. The present results may be limited to individuals with no history of neuromusculoskeletal impairment.

Conclusions. In terms of discomfort, there were no differences between mNMES, nNMES, or iNMES for contractions between 5–20% MVIC. However, mNMES produced more discomfort than nNMES and iNMES for contractions of 30% MVIC, while for larger contractions, mNMES only produced more discomfort than nNMES. The advantages and disadvantages of each NMES type should be considered prior to implementation in rehabilitation programs.
Organ Support After Death by Neurologic Criteria in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Lewis Ariane , Adams Nellie , Chopra Arun , Kirschen Matthew P.
Published: May 2017

Objectives:

We sought to 1) evaluate how pediatricians approach situations in which families request continuation of organ support after declaration of death by neurologic criteria and 2) explore potential interventions to make these situations less challenging.

Design:

A survey on management and personal experience with death by neurologic criteria was distributed electronically to pediatric intensivists and neurologists. We compared responses from individuals who practice in states with accommodation exceptions (accommodation states where religious or moral beliefs must be taken into consideration when declaring death: California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York) to those from non-accommodation states.

Setting:

United States.

Subjects:

The survey was opened by 254 recipients, with 186 meeting inclusion criteria and providing data about the region in which they practice; of these, 26% were from accommodation states.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

More than half of physicians (61% from both accommodation states and non-accommodation states) reported they cared for a pediatric patient whose family requested continuation of organ support after declaration of death by neurologic criteria (outside of organ donation; range, 1–17 times). Over half of physicians (53%) reported they would not feel comfortable handling a situation in which a pediatric patient’s family requested care be continued after declaration of death by neurologic criteria. Nearly every physician (98%) endorsed that something needs to be done to make situations involving families who object to discontinuation of organ support after declaration of death by neurologic criteria easier to handle. Respondents felt that public education, physician education, and uniform state laws about these situations are warranted.

Conclusions:

It is relatively common for pediatricians who care for critically ill patients to encounter families who object to discontinuation of organ support after death by neurologic criteria. Management of these situations is challenging, and guidance for medical professionals and the public is needed.
Search for genetic factor association with cancer-free prostate-specific antigen level elevation on the basis of a genome-wide association study in the Korean population
Authors: Choe Eun Kyung , Lee Young , Cho Jeong Yeon , Choi Seung Ho , Park Boram , Lee Jong-Eun , Cho Eun Young
Published: May 2017

We investigated the genetic markers associated with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (sPSA) levels to improve the predictive power of sPSA in screening for prostate cancer. A genome-wide association study was carried out among 4124 healthy Korean male adults using the Affymetrix Axiom Customized Biobank Genotyping Arrays for sPSA levels. A subgroup analysis for increased sPSA levels who underwent a prostate biopsy (n=64) was also carried out. We detected 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the Solute carrier family 45member 3, AGAP7P, MSMB, LOC101929917, and KLK3 genes associated with sPSA levels. The top SNP associated with the log of the sPSA levels was rs72434280 in the Solute carrier family 45 member 3 gene (P value, discovery set=2.98×10−20, replication set=7.31×10−10). A case–control study utilizing available biopsy reports (49 patients with normal biopsies vs. 15 patients with biopsies indicating cancer) for the sPSA more than 3 ng/ml group was carried out for the respective SNPs after adjusting for age. Only the SNPs near the KLK3 gene were associated with prostate cancer. In the model of the predictive elevation of sPSA level, adding the genetic risk score [area under the curve (AUC)=0.697] to age and BMI (AUC=0.602) significantly improved the results of the AUC (P<0.0001). We found seven SNPs associated with elevated prostate-specific antigen levels in healthy Korean men. Four SNPs were a novel marker in the Korean population. In men with increased prostate-specific antigen levels, genotyping SNP related to cancer-free elevation of sPSA level could be informative to decide the indication of prostate biopsy.
Epidemiology of Nasopharyngeal Carriage by Haemophilus influenzae in Healthy Children
Authors: Ortiz-Romero María del Mar , Espejo-García María Pilar , Alfayate-Miguelez Santiago , Ruiz-López Francisco José , Zapata-Hernandez David , Gonzalez-Pacanowska Ana Josefa
Published: May 2017

Background:

Haemophilus influenzae, a colonizer of the nasopharynx, in children causes mainly otitis and sinusitis. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of pharyngeal colonization by H. influenzae, and the secondary objectives were to identify risk factors associated with H. influenzae colonization and its antibiotic susceptibility.

Methods:

A prospective, multicenter study of nasopharyngeal carriers of H. influenzae was conducted in the pediatric consulting rooms of 10 primary healthcare centers in Murcia (Spain). The study consisted of 404 healthy children less than 5 years of age and was carried out during winter (January–March) and summer (July–September) of 2015. A nasopharyngeal sample was collected from each child, and an epidemiologic survey was completed by a pediatrician.

Results:

In total, 112 (27.7%) children had colonization by H. influenzae, with 73.2% of cases in winter and 26.8% of cases in summer (P < 0.001). The median (interquartile range) age in months of the colonized children (13 months, 12–47.5) was lower than that of the noncolonized children (46 months, 12–49) (P < 0.001). All H. influenzae found were nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi). Among 112 isolates, 20% were ampicillin resistant, of which 10% produced β-lactamase, and 9% were ampicillin resistant and did not produce β-lactamase. A logistic regression analysis showed that young age (odds ratio: 0.98) and the winter period (odds ratio: 3.41; P < 0.001) were risk factors for colonization by NTHi.

Conclusions:

Colonization by NTHi is high in this Mediterranean coast region with remarkable ampicillin resistant. Younger age and the winter period were facilitating factors.
Paclitaxel-induced painful neuropathy is associated with changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics, glycolysis, and an energy deficit in dorsal root ganglia neurons
Authors: Duggett Natalie A. , Griffiths Lisa A. , Flatters Sarah J.L.
Published: May 2017

Painful neuropathy is the major dose-limiting side effect of paclitaxel chemotherapy. Mitochondrial dysfunction and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) deficit have previously been shown in peripheral nerves of paclitaxel-treated rats, but the effects of paclitaxel in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) have not been explored. The aim of this study was to determine the bioenergetic status of DRG neurons following paclitaxel exposure in vitro and in vivo. Utilising isolated DRG neurons, we measured respiratory function under basal conditions and at maximal capacity, glycolytic function, and Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)/ATP levels at 3 key behavioural timepoints; prior to pain onset (day 7), peak pain severity and pain resolution. At day 7, maximal respiration and spare reserve capacity were significantly decreased in DRG neurons from paclitaxel-treated rats. This was accompanied by decreased basal ATP levels and unaltered ADP levels. At peak pain severity, respiratory function was unaltered, yet glycolytic function was significantly increased. Reduced ATP and unaltered ADP levels were also observed at the peak pain timepoint. All these effects in DRG neurons had dissipated by the pain resolution timepoint. None of these paclitaxel-evoked changes could be replicated from in vitro paclitaxel exposure to naive DRG neurons, demonstrating the impact of in vivo exposure and the importance of in vivo models. These data demonstrate the nature of mitochondrial dysfunction evoked by in vivo paclitaxel in the DRG for the first time. Furthermore, we have identified paclitaxel-evoked changes in the bioenergetics of DRG neurons, which result in a persistent energy deficit that is causal to the development and maintenance of paclitaxel-induced pain.
Chronic comorbidities associated with inflammatory bowel disease: prevalence and impact on healthcare costs in Switzerland
Authors: Bähler Caroline , Schoepfer Alain M. , Vavricka Stephan R. , Brüngger Beat , Reich Oliver
Published: May 2017

Objective

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was shown to be associated with a variety of chronic comorbidities. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of 21 chronic conditions and compared frequencies in IBD and non-IBD populations. Further, healthcare costs of those (additional) chronic conditions were calculated.

Patients and methods

A total of 4791 IBD patients, who were insured at Helsana Insurance Group in 2014, were compared with 1 114 638 individuals without IBD. Entropy balancing was performed to create balanced samples. Chronic conditions were identified by means of the updated Pharmacy-based Cost Group model. Multivariate log-transformed linear regression modeling was performed to estimate the effect of the morbidity status (non-IBD +none, +1, +2, and +3 or more chronic conditions) on the healthcare costs.

Results

Overall, 78% of IBD patients had at least one comorbidity, with a median of three comorbidities. Largest differences between individuals with and without IBD were found for rheumatologic conditions, acid-related disorders, pain, bone diseases, migraines, cancer, and iron-deficiency anemia, whereas no significant differences between the two groups were found for diabetes, dementia, hyperlipidemia, glaucoma, gout, HIV, psychoses, and Parkinson’s disease after adjustments for a variety of covariates. Each increase in the morbidity status led to increased healthcare costs; rheumatologic conditions, acid-related disorders, and pain as the most frequent comorbidities more than doubled total costs in IBD patients.

Conclusion

We found a considerably high prevalence of concomitant chronic diseases in IBD patients. This was associated with considerably higher healthcare costs, especially in the outpatient setting.
Review of existing measurement tools to assess spinal motion during prehospital immobilization
Authors: Weerts Jeronimo O.N. , Schier Lars , Schmidt Hendrik , Kreinest Michael
Published: May 2017

The quantification of spinal movement to investigate the efficacy of prehospital immobilization devices and techniques remains difficult. Therefore, we aim to systematically review the literature on reported measurement tools applicable within this research field. A keyword literature search of relevant articles was performed using the database of PubMed including international literature published in English between January 2010 and December 2015. Only studies describing methods applicable to estimate spinal movement during prehospital immobilization were included. Six measurement tools were found that have either been used (goniometer/inclinometer, imaging modalities, electromagnetic systems, and optoelectronic systems) or have the potential to be used (inertial measurement units and a combination of strain gauge technology and accelerometers) in this research field. Novel devices can assess spinal motion during prehospital care including extrication, application of immobilization devices, and transportation from the site of the accident to the final destination, and therefore can be considered for usage.
Elements of Family-Centered Care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Richards Claire A. , Starks Helene , O'Connor M. Rebecca , Doorenbos Ardith Z.
Published: May 2017

This article reports results from a systematic search and thematic analysis of qualitative literature to identify key issues related to family-centered care, behaviors, and communication skills that support the parental role and improve patient and family outcomes in the pediatric intensive care unit. Five themes were identified: (1) sharing information, (2) hearing parental voices, (3) making decisions for or with parents, (4) negotiating roles, and (5) individualizing communication. These themes highlight several gaps between how parents want to be involved and how they perceive clinicians’ engagement with them in the care of their child. Parental preferences for involvement differ in the domains of information sharing, decision making, and power sharing across a spectrum of parental roles from parents as care provider to care recipient. The pediatric intensive care unit setting may place clinicians in a double bind trying to both engage families and protect them from distress. Asking families of critically ill children about their preferences for participation across these domains may improve clinician-family relationships.
Adolescents' Experiences 7 and 13 Months After the Death of a Brother or Sister
Authors: Brooten Dorothy , Youngblut JoAnne M. , Roche Rosa M.
Published: May 2017

This qualitative study used semistructured interviews to describe adolescents' responses at 7 and 13 months to siblings' neonatal intensive care unit/pediatric intensive care unit/emergency department death. At 7 months, adolescents were asked about events around the sibling's death; at 7 and 13 months, they were asked about concerns/fears, feelings, and life changes. Seventeen adolescents participated (13-18 years; mean,15 years); 65% were black, 24%, Hispanic, and 11%, white. Themes included death circumstances, burial events, thinking about the deceased sibling, fears, and life changes. Adolescents reported shock and disbelief that the sibling died; 80% knew the reason for the death; many had difficulty getting through burials; all thought about the sibling. From 7 to 13 months, fears increased, including losing someone and thoughts of dying. Adolescents reported more changes in family life and greater life changes in them (more considerate, mature) by 13 months; some felt that friends abandoned them after the sibling's death. Girls had more fears and changes in family life and themselves. Adolescent's responses to sibling death may not be visually apparent. One recommendation from this study is to ask adolescents how they are doing separately from parents because adolescents may hide feelings to protect their parents, especially their mothers. Older adolescents (14-18 years) and girls may have more difficulty after sibling death.
Making Sense of Nursing-Sensitive Quality Indicators
Authors: Mangold Kara , Pearson Jocelyn
Published: May 2017

Developing the capability to interpret nursing-sensitive quality indicators and other outcome data can be a challenge for registered nurses. An interactive, facilitator-led learning activity effectively addressed this issue in one organization. Registered nurses identified solutions to quality measures in an environment that engaged all levels of Benner's novice-to-expert continuum. The activity had positive outcomes, and learning was shown after the activity.
Harnessing the Power of Learning Management Systems
Authors: White Meagan , Shellenbarger Teresa
Published: May 2017

E-learning provides an alternative approach to traditional professional development activities. A learning management system may help nursing professional development practitioners deliver content more efficiently and effectively; however, careful consideration is needed during planning and implementation. This article provides essential information in the selection and use of a learning management system for professional development.
Adapting Cognitive Task Analysis to Investigate Clinical Decision Making and Medication Safety Incidents
Authors: Russ Alissa L. , Militello Laura G. , Glassman Peter A. , Arthur Karen J. , Zillich Alan J. , Weiner Michael
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Cognitive task analysis (CTA) can yield valuable insights into healthcare professionals’ cognition and inform system design to promote safe, quality care. Our objective was to adapt CTA—the critical decision method, specifically—to investigate patient safety incidents, overcome barriers to implementing this method, and facilitate more widespread use of cognitive task analysis in healthcare.

Methods

We adapted CTA to facilitate recruitment of healthcare professionals and developed a data collection tool to capture incidents as they occurred. We also leveraged the electronic health record (EHR) to expand data capture and used EHR-stimulated recall to aid reconstruction of safety incidents. We investigated 3 categories of medication-related incidents: adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, and drug-disease interactions. Healthcare professionals submitted incidents, and a subset of incidents was selected for CTA. We analyzed several outcomes to characterize incident capture and completed CTA interviews.

Results

We captured 101 incidents. Eighty incidents (79%) met eligibility criteria. We completed 60 CTA interviews, 20 for each incident category. Capturing incidents before interviews allowed us to shorten the interview duration and reduced reliance on healthcare professionals’ recall. Incorporating the EHR into CTA enriched data collection.

Conclusions

The adapted CTA technique was successful in capturing specific categories of safety incidents. Our approach may be especially useful for investigating safety incidents that healthcare professionals “fix and forget.” Our innovations to CTA are expected to expand the application of this method in healthcare and inform a wide range of studies on clinical decision making and patient safety.
Dudley Howard Williams. 25 May 1937 — 3 November 2010
Authors: Sanders Jeremy K. M. , Robinson Dame Carol V.
Published: May 2017

Dudley Williams was a pioneer in using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS) to solve important structural problems in Chemistry and Biology. His 35-year quest to understand the structure and mode of action of the vancomycin antibiotics led him to fundamental thinking about the nature and thermodynamics of molecular recognition, in particular the roles of solvation, flexibility, entropy, enthalpy and cooperativity. He was always keen that his expertise be used for practical benefit through his academic research and industrial consulting. His legacy also includes a set of textbooks that transformed the use of spectroscopic methods in organic chemistry, and a school of former PhD students and postdoctoral colleagues who have themselves made major contributions across a broad swathe of science.
Roger Arthur Cowley. 24 February 1939 — 27 January 2015
Authors: Birgeneau Robert J.
Published: May 2017

Roger Cowley was one of the leading solid-state physicists of his generation. He was a highly versatile scientist who made important contributions to the understanding of the motion of atoms in solids and liquids, of the mechanisms of structural phase transitions, and of a range of magnetic phenomena, especially in systems with quenched disorder. Adept at both experiment and theory, he had the rare gift of being able to see through layers of complexity that often cloud real-world materials and capture the essence of their behaviour in simple models. His style was instinctively collaborative so he often worked together with some of the other leading people in his field, both nationally and internationally. His collaborative style also meant that he was frequently called on to serve in administrative roles. He was head of department at the University of Edinburgh for seven years and Chairman of Physics at Oxford for eight years. He played a large role in the administration of Oxford as a whole. Many of his graduate students went on to distinguished careers of their own, both within Britain and abroad.
Golgi anti-apoptotic protein: a tale of camels, calcium, channels and cancer
Authors: Carrara Guia , Parsons Maddy , Saraiva Nuno , Smith Geoffrey L.
Published: May 2017

Golgi anti-apoptotic protein (GAAP), also known as transmembrane Bax inhibitor-1 motif-containing 4 (TMBIM4) or Lifeguard 4 (Lfg4), shares remarkable amino acid conservation with orthologues throughout eukaryotes, prokaryotes and some orthopoxviruses, suggesting a highly conserved function. GAAPs regulate Ca2+levels and fluxes from the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum, confer resistance to a broad range of apoptotic stimuli, promote cell adhesion and migration via the activation of store-operated Ca2+entry, are essential for the viability of human cells, and affect orthopoxvirus virulence. GAAPs are oligomeric, multi-transmembrane proteins that are resident in Golgi membranes and form cation-selective ion channels that may explain the multiple functions of these proteins. Residues contributing to the ion-conducting pore have been defined and provide the first clues about the mechanistic link between these very different functions of GAAP. Although GAAPs are naturally oligomeric, they can also function as monomers, a feature that distinguishes them from other virus-encoded ion channels that must oligomerize for function. This review summarizes the known functions of GAAPs and discusses their potential importance in disease.
Sex-specific association patterns in bonobos and chimpanzees reflect species differences in cooperation
Authors: Surbeck Martin , Girard-Buttoz Cédric , Boesch Christophe , Crockford Catherine , Fruth Barbara , Hohmann Gottfried , Langergraber Kevin E. , Zuberbühler Klaus , Wittig Roman M. , Mundry Roger
Published: May 2017

In several group-living species, individuals' social preferences are thought to be influenced by cooperation. For some societies with fission–fusion dynamics, sex-specific association patterns reflect sex differences in cooperation in within- and between-group contexts. In our study, we investigated this hypothesis further by comparing sex-specific association patterns in two closely related species, chimpanzees and bonobos, which differ in the level of between-group competition and in the degree to which sex and kinship influence dyadic cooperation. Here, we used long-term party composition data collected on five chimpanzee and two bonobo communities and assessed, for each individual of 10 years and older, the sex of its top associate and of all conspecifics with whom it associated more frequently than expected by chance. We found clear species differences in association patterns. While in all chimpanzee communities males and females associated more with same-sex partners, in bonobos males and females tended to associate preferentially with females, but the female association preference for other females is lower than in chimpanzees. Our results also show that, for bonobos (but not for chimpanzees), association patterns were predominantly driven by mother–offspring relationships. These species differences in association patterns reflect the high levels of male–male cooperation in chimpanzees and of mother–son cooperation in bonobos. Finally, female chimpanzees showed intense association with a few other females, and male chimpanzees showed more uniform association across males. In bonobos, the most differentiated associations were from males towards females. Chimpanzee male association patterns mirror fundamental human male social traits and, as in humans, may have evolved as a response to strong between-group competition. The lack of such a pattern in a closely related species with a lower degree of between-group competition further supports this notion.
Characterizing and quantifying human movement patterns using GPS data loggers in an area approaching malaria elimination in rural southern Zambia
Authors: Searle Kelly M. , Lubinda Jailos , Hamapumbu Harry , Shields Timothy M. , Curriero Frank C. , Smith David L. , Thuma Philip E. , Moss William J.
Published: May 2017

In areas approaching malaria elimination, human mobility patterns are important in determining the proportion of malaria cases that are imported or the result of low-level, endemic transmission. A convenience sample of participants enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study in the catchment area of Macha Hospital in Choma District, Southern Province, Zambia, was selected to carry a GPS data logger for one month from October 2013 to August 2014. Density maps and activity space plots were created to evaluate seasonal movement patterns. Time spent outside the household compound during anopheline biting times, and time spent in malaria high- and low-risk areas, were calculated. There was evidence of seasonal movement patterns, with increased long-distance movement during the dry season. A median of 10.6% (interquartile range (IQR): 5.8–23.8) of time was spent away from the household, which decreased during anopheline biting times to 5.6% (IQR: 1.7–14.9). The per cent of time spent in malaria high-risk areas for participants residing in high-risk areas ranged from 83.2% to 100%, but ranged from only 0.0% to 36.7% for participants residing in low-risk areas. Interventions targeted at the household may be more effective because of restricted movement during the rainy season, with limited movement between high- and low-risk areas.
A CRISPR Cas9 high-throughput genome editing toolkit for kinetoplastids
Authors: Beneke Tom , Madden Ross , Makin Laura , Valli Jessica , Sunter Jack , Gluenz Eva
Published: May 2017

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), CRISPR-associated gene 9 (Cas9) genome editing is set to revolutionize genetic manipulation of pathogens, including kinetoplastids. CRISPR technology provides the opportunity to develop scalable methods for high-throughput production of mutant phenotypes. Here, we report development of a CRISPR-Cas9 toolkit that allows rapid tagging and gene knockout in diverse kinetoplastid species without requiring the user to perform any DNA cloning. We developed a new protocol for single-guide RNA (sgRNA) delivery using PCR-generated DNA templates which are transcribedin vivoby T7 RNA polymerase and an online resource (LeishGEdit.net) for automated primer design. We produced a set of plasmids that allows easy and scalable generation of DNA constructs for transfections in just a few hours. We show how these tools allow knock-in of fluorescent protein tags, modified biotin ligase BirA*, luciferase, HaloTag and small epitope tags, which can be fused to proteins at the N- or C-terminus, for functional studies of proteins and localization screening. These tools enabled generation of null mutants in a single round of transfection in promastigote formLeishmania major,Leishmania mexicanaand bloodstream formTrypanosoma brucei; deleted genes were undetectable in non-clonal populations, enabling for the first time rapid and large-scale knockout screens.
Non-invasive biophysical measurement of travelling waves in the insect inner ear
Authors: Sarria-S Fabio A. , Chivers Benedict D. , Soulsbury Carl D. , Montealegre-Z Fernando
Published: May 2017

Frequency analysis in the mammalian cochlea depends on the propagation of frequency information in the form of a travelling wave (TW) across tonotopically arranged auditory sensilla. TWs have been directly observed in the basilar papilla of birds and the ears of bush-crickets (Insecta: Orthoptera) and have also been indirectly inferred in the hearing organs of some reptiles and frogs. Existing experimental approaches to measure TW function in tetrapods and bush-crickets are inherently invasive, compromising the fine-scale mechanics of each system. Located in the forelegs, the bush-cricket ear exhibits outer, middle and inner components; the inner ear containing tonotopically arranged auditory sensilla within a fluid-filled cavity, and externally protected by the leg cuticle. Here, we report bush-crickets with transparent ear cuticles as potential model species for direct, non-invasive measuring of TWs and tonotopy. Using laser Doppler vibrometry and spectroscopy, we show that increased transmittance of light through the ear cuticle allows for effective non-invasive measurements of TWs and frequency mapping. More transparent cuticles allow several properties of TWs to be precisely recovered and measuredin vivofrom intact specimens. Our approach provides an innovative, non-invasive alternative to measure the natural motion of the sensilla-bearing surface embedded in the intact inner ear fluid.
Biased escorts: offspring sex, not relatedness explains alloparental care patterns in a cooperative breeder
Authors: Vitikainen Emma I. K. , Marshall Harry H. , Thompson Faye J. , Sanderson Jenni L. , Bell Matthew B. V. , Gilchrist Jason S. , Hodge Sarah J. , Nichols Hazel J. , Cant Michael A.
Published: May 2017

Kin selection theory predicts that animals should direct costly care where inclusive fitness gains are highest. Individuals may achieve this by directing care at closer relatives, yet evidence for such discrimination in vertebrates is equivocal. We investigated patterns of cooperative care in banded mongooses, where communal litters are raised by adult ‘escorts’ who form exclusive caring relationships with individual pups. We found no evidence that escorts and pups assort by parentage or relatedness. However, the time males spent escorting increased with increasing relatedness to the other group members, and to the pup they had paired with. Thus, we found no effect of relatedness in partner choice, but (in males) increasing helping effort with relatedness once partner choices had been made. Unexpectedly, the results showed clear assortment by sex, with female carers being more likely to tend to female pups, and male carers to male pups. This sex-specific assortment in helping behaviour has potential lifelong impacts on individual development and may impact the future size and composition of natal groups and dispersing cohorts. Where relatedness between helpers and recipients is already high, individuals may be better off choosing partners using other predictors of the costs and benefits of cooperation, without the need for possibly costly within-group kin discrimination.
The active force–length relationship is invisible during extensive eccentric contractions in skinned skeletal muscle fibres
Authors: Tomalka André , Rode Christian , Schumacher Jens , Siebert Tobias
Published: May 2017

In contrast to experimentally observed progressive forces in eccentric contractions, cross-bridge and sliding-filament theories of muscle contraction predict that varying myofilament overlap will lead to increases and decreases in active force during eccentric contractions. Non-cross-bridge contributions potentially explain the progressive total forces. However, it is not clear whether underlying abrupt changes in the slope of the nonlinear force–length relationship are visible in long isokinetic stretches, and in which proportion cross-bridges and non-cross-bridges contribute to muscle force. Here, we show that maximally activated single skinned rat muscle fibres behave (almost across the entire working range) like linear springs. The force slope is about three times the maximum isometric force per optimal length. Cross-bridge and non-cross-bridge contributions to the muscle force were investigated using an actomyosin inhibitor. The experiments revealed a nonlinear progressive contribution of non-cross-bridge forces and suggest a nonlinear cross-bridge contribution similar to the active force–length relationship (though with increased optimal length and maximum isometric force). The linear muscle behaviour might significantly reduce the control effort. Moreover, the observed slight increase in slope with initial length is in accordance with current models attributing the non-cross-bridge force to titin.