bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pupil size reveals preparatory processes in the generation of pro‐saccades and anti‐saccades
Authors: Wang Chin‐An , Brien Donald C. , Munoz Douglas P.
Published: March 2015

The ability to generate flexible behaviors to accommodate changing goals in response to identical sensory stimuli is a signature that is inherited in humans and higher‐level animals. In the oculomotor system, this function has often been examined with the anti‐saccade task, in which subjects are instructed, prior to stimulus appearance, to either automatically look at the peripheral stimulus (pro‐saccade) or to suppress the automatic response and voluntarily look in the opposite direction from the stimulus (anti‐saccade). Distinct neural preparatory activity between the pro‐saccade and anti‐saccade conditions has been well documented, particularly in the superior colliculus (SC) and the frontal eye field (FEF), and this has shown higher inhibition‐related fixation activity in preparation for anti‐saccades than in preparation for pro‐saccades. Moreover, the level of preparatory activity related to motor preparation is negatively correlated with reaction times. We hypothesised that preparatory signals may be reflected in pupil size through a link between the SC and the pupil control circuitry. Here, we examined human pupil dynamics during saccade preparation prior to the execution of pro‐saccades and anti‐saccades. Pupil size was larger in preparation for correct anti‐saccades than in preparation for correct pro‐saccades and erroneous pro‐saccades made in the anti‐saccade condition. Furthermore, larger pupil dilation prior to stimulus appearance accompanied saccades with faster reaction times, with a trial‐by‐trial correlation between dilation size and anti‐saccade reaction times. Overall, our results demonstrate that pupil size is modulated by saccade preparation, and neural activity in the SC, together with the FEF, supports these findings, providing unique insights into the neural substrate coordinating cognitive processing and pupil diameter.
BREMSO: a simple score to predict early the natural course of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bergamaschi R. , Montomoli C. , Mallucci G. , Lugaresi A. , Izquierdo G. , Grand'Maison F. , Duquette P. , Shaygannejad V. , Alroughani R. , Grammond P. , Boz C. , Iuliano G. , Zwanikken C. , Petersen T. , Lechner‐Scott J. , Hupperts R. , Butzkueven H. , Pucci E. , Oreja‐Guevara C. , Cristiano E. , Pia Amato M. P. , Havrdova E. , Fernandez‐Bolanos R. , Spelman T. , Trojano M.
Published: March 2015

Background and purpose

Early prediction of long‐term disease evolution is a major challenge in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS). Our aim was to predict the natural course of MS using the Bayesian Risk Estimate for MS at Onset (BREMSO), which gives an individual risk score calculated from demographic and clinical variables collected at disease onset.

Methods

An observational study was carried out collecting data from MS patients included in MSBase, an international registry. Disease impact was studied using the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) and time to secondary progression (SP). To evaluate the natural history of the disease, patients were analysed only if they did not receive immune therapies or only up to the time of starting these therapies.

Results

Data from 14 211 patients were analysed. The median BREMSO score was significantly higher in the subgroups of patients whose disease had a major clinical impact (MSSS≥ third quartile vs. ≤ first quartile, P < 0.00001) and who reached SP (P < 0.00001). The BREMSO showed good specificity (79%) as a tool for predicting the clinical impact of MS.

Conclusions

BREMSO is a simple tool which can be used in the early stages of MS to predict its evolution, supporting therapeutic decisions in an observational setting.
First report of Corythauma ayyari (Drake) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on Arabian and Spanish jasmine in Tunisia
Authors: Haouas D. , Guilbert E. , Halima‐Kamel M. Ben
Published: March 2015

This paper reports for the first time the detection of Corythauma ayyari (Drake) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in Tunisia. This new pest was found on Jasminum grandiflorum (L.) (Spanish jasmine) and Jasminum sambac (L.) (Arabian jasmine) (Oleaceae). A brief description of its morphology, biology and distribution is given.
Report of a pest risk analysis for Platypus parallelus (Fabricus, 1801) for Turkey
Authors: Gümüş E. M. , Ergün A.
Published: March 2015

Invasive bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae) are increasingly responsible for damage to forests, plantations and orchards worldwide. They are usually closely associated with fungi, which may be pathogenic causing tree mortality. Stressed or weakened trees are particularly subject to attack, as is recently felled, non‐treated wood. This PRA report concerns the ambrosia beetle Platypus parallelus (Euplatypus parallelus, Fabricus, 1801) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), which was detected in official controls. The PRA area is Turkey. P. parallelus is not on the A1 or A2 list for Turkey but the Regulation on Plant Quarantine (3 December 2011‐OJ no: 28131) Article 13 (5) indicates that pests which are assessed to pose a risk for Turkey following PRA that are not present in the above lists and plants, wood, plant products and other materials contaminated by these organisms are banned from entry into Turkey. This risk assessment follows the EPPO Standard PM 5/3(5) Decision‐support scheme for quarantine pests and uses the terminology defined in ISPM 5 Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms. This paper addresses the possible risk factors caused by Platypus parallelus (Euplatypus parallelus, Fabricus, 1801) in Turkey.
Carbonate fabrics in the modern microbialites of Pavilion Lake: two suites of microfabrics that reflect variation in microbial community morphology, growth habit, and lithification
Authors: Theisen C. Harwood , Sumner D. Y. , Mackey T. J. , Lim D. S. S. , Brady A. L. , Slater G. F.
Published: March 2015

Modern microbialites in Pavilion Lake, BC, provide an analog for ancient non‐stromatolitic microbialites that formed from in situ mineralization. Because Pavilion microbialites are mineralizing under the influence of microbial communities, they provide insights into how biological processes influence microbialite microfabrics and mesostructures. Hemispherical nodules and micrite–microbial crusts are two mesostructures within Pavilion microbialites that are directly associated with photosynthetic communities. Both filamentous cyanobacteria in hemispherical nodules and branching filamentous green algae in micrite–microbial crusts were associated with calcite precipitation at microbialite surfaces and with characteristic microfabrics in the lithified microbialite. Hemispherical nodules formed at microbialite surfaces when calcite precipitated around filamentous cyanobacteria with a radial growth habit. The radial filament pattern was preserved within the microbialite to varying degrees. Some subsurface nodules contained well‐defined filaments, whereas others contained only dispersed organic inclusions. Variation in filament preservation is interpreted to reflect differences in timing and amount of carbonate precipitation relative to heterotrophic decay, with more defined filaments reflecting greater lithification prior to degradation than more diffuse filaments. Micrite–microbial crusts produce the second suite of microfabrics and form in association with filamentous green algae oriented perpendicular to the microbialite surface. Some crusts include calcified filaments, whereas others contained voids that reflect the filamentous community in shape, size, and distribution. Pavilion microbialites demonstrate that microfabric variation can reflect differences in lithification processes and microbial metabolisms as well as microbial community morphology and organization. Even when the morphology of individual filaments or cells is not well preserved, the microbial growth habit can be captured in mesoscale microbialite structures. These results suggest that when petrographic preservation is extremely good, ancient microbialite growth structures and microfabrics can be interpreted in the context of variation in community organization, community composition, and lithification history. Even in the absence of distinct microbial microfabrics, mesostructures can capture microbial community morphology.
Insensitivity of soil biological communities to phosphorus fertilization in intensively managed grassland systems
Authors: Massey P. A. , Creamer R. E. , Whelan M. J. , Ritz K.
Published: March 2015

Efficient soil P cycling is essential for promoting optimal and sustainable grassland growth. The soil biological community is regarded as an important source of available P to the plant community. However, the effects of P fertilization on the soil biota are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of P fertilization on plant and soil biological communities in two intensively managed grassland sites that had been receiving mineral‐based P fertilization over a 14‐year period. Both pastures had been frequently cut and harvested for plant material and had received only inorganic fertilizers from the establishment of the trial. Both sites were sampled four times from October 2009 to April 2011 and plant and a range of soil biological parameters were determined at each sampling period. The main findings of this study showed that soil chemical measures, such as labile inorganic P and total P concentrations, and plant yield and P contents responded as expected to P fertilization. However, all soil biological parameters either showed no response or inconsistent responses to P fertilization over the experimental period. This study indicates that intensive management regimes, for example intensive plant harvesting and fertilizer regimes, appear to override the relationship between plant and soil biological communities with respect to their response to P fertilization, and thus their productivity is apparently not predicated upon biotic activity.
Dendritic cell SIRPα regulates homeostasis of dendritic cells in lymphoid organs
Authors: Washio Ken , Kotani Takenori , Saito Yasuyuki , Respatika Datu , Murata Yoji , Kaneko Yoriaki , Okazawa Hideki , Ohnishi Hiroshi , Fukunaga Atsushi , Nishigori Chikako , Matozaki Takashi
Published: March 2015

Signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα), an immunoglobulin superfamily protein that is expressed predominantly in myeloid lineage cells such as dendritic cells (DCs) or macrophages, mediates cell–cell signaling. In the immune system, SIRPα is thought to be important for homeostasis of DCs, but it remains unclear whether SIRPα intrinsic to DCs is indeed indispensable for such functional role. Thus, we here generated the mice, in which SIRPα was specifically ablated in CD11c+ DCs (SirpaΔDC). SirpaΔDC mice manifested a marked reduction of CD4+ CD8α– conventional DCs (cDCs) in the secondary lymphoid organs, as well as of Langerhans cells in the epidermis. Such reduction of cDCs in SirpaΔDC mice was comparable to that apparent with the mice, in which SIRPα was systemically ablated. Expression of SIRPα in DCs was well correlated with that of either endothelial cell‐selective adhesion molecule (ESAM) or Epstein–Barr virus‐induced molecule 2 (EBI2), both of which were also implicated in the regulation of DC homeostasis. Indeed, ESAM+ or EBI2+ cDCs were markedly reduced in the spleen of SirpaΔDC mice. Thus, our results suggest that SIRPα intrinsic to CD11c+ DCs is essential for homeostasis of cDCs in the secondary lymphoid organs and skin.
GPs’ perceptions and experiences of public awareness campaigns for cancer: a qualitative enquiry
Authors: Green Trish , Atkin Karl , Macleod Una
Published: March 2015

Background

Public awareness campaigns for cancer are used to alert the UK population to symptoms which, if experienced, should be discussed with their general practitioner (GP). More timely diagnosis of cancer is assumed possible if patients with the appropriate symptoms present to GPs and GPs recognise the need to act on these symptoms.

Objective

To investigate GPs’ perceptions and experiences of public awareness campaigns for cancer.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 55 GPs from practices in the North and North East of England and Greater London. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Repeated reading of GP transcripts engendered thematic analysis and co‐coding ensured legitimacy of findings.

Results

Participants supported the underpinning ethos of public health campaigns and articulated a commitment to engaging with patients with respect to cancer warning signs and symptoms despite the common perception that public awareness campaigns increased numbers of consultations. Tensions were evident with regard to increased demands on GP time and primary care resources during a period of major upheaval within the NHS. Concern was raised that some patients remain outwith the reach of campaign messages. The complexity of addressing how public health messages compete with other issues in people's lives was identified as challenging.

Conclusions

General practitioners provided insight into why some members of the general public do not engage with public health messages. Public health/primary care interaction that incorporates GPs' knowledge of their patient populations could advance the search for solutions to a more robust approach to earlier cancer recognition and referral in primary care.
The influence of two reciprocating single‐file and two rotary‐file systems on the apical extrusion of debris and its biological relationship with symptomatic apical periodontitis. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Caviedes‐Bucheli J. , Castellanos F. , Vasquez N. , Ulate E. , Munoz H. R.
Published: March 2015

This systematic review and meta‐analysis investigated the influence of the number of files (full‐sequence rotary‐file versus reciprocating single‐file systems) used during root canal preparation on the apical extrusion of debris and its biological relationship with the occurrence of symptomatic apical periodontitis. An extensive literature research was carried out in the Medline, ISI Web of Science and Cochrane databases, for relevant articles with the keyword search strategy. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers independently rated the quality of each study determining the level of evidence of the articles selected. The primary outcome for the meta‐analysis was determined by the amount of debris extruded into the periapical tissue during root canal preparation with multiple‐ or single‐file systems in four laboratory studies. Analysis of in vivo release of neuropeptides (SP and CGRP) after root canal preparation with single‐ or multiple‐file systems was also carried out. Amongst the 128 articles initially found, 113 were excluded for being nonrelevant or not fulfilling the selection criteria. Another four articles were excluded after methodology evaluation. Finally, nine laboratory studies and two in vivo studies were included in the systematic review. Four of the laboratory studies were further included for meta‐analysis that revealed greater debris extrusion after the use of single‐file techniques when compared to multiple‐file systems. Analysis of in vivo neuropeptide expression in the periodontal ligament suggests that the design of the instrument is more important than the number of files used. Both rotary and reciprocating single‐file systems generate apical extrusion of debris in laboratory studies, or expression of neuropeptides in vivo. Available evidence is limited, but supports the fact that this inflammatory reaction is not influenced by the number of files but the type of movement and the instrument design.
Wild boars from Sweden, Austria, the Czech Republic and Japan possess intact mannose‐binding lectin 2 (MBL2) genes
Authors: Bergman I. M. , Okumura N. , Uenishi H. , Hammer S. E. , Knoll A. , Edfors I. , Juul‐Madsen H. R.
Published: March 2015

The two‐nucleotide deletion recently detected in the mannose‐binding lectin 2 gene in purebred and crossbred domestic pigs was not found among 68 wild boars representing 4 populations from Europe and Asia. This suggests that the deletion is a result of breeding and/or genetic drift/bottle necks.
Identification of reference microRNAs for quantitative expression analysis in porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells treated with polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid
Authors: Wang H. , Wang J. , Sun S. , Wang Y. , Guo J. , Ning C. , Yang K. , Liu J.‐ F.
Published: March 2015

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are clinically important cells. Detection of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression in PBMCs can be useful for miRNA biomarker discovery for various diseases. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) has become an important method used for measuring miRNAs expression. However, the reliability of qRT‐PCR data critically depends on proper selection of reference genes. Here, we performed qRT‐PCR to quantify the expression levels of nine miRNAs (Ssc‐miR‐16, Hsa‐miR‐25, Ssc‐miR‐34a, Hsa‐miR‐93, Bta‐miR‐92b, Ssc‐miR‐103, Ssc‐miR‐106a, Ssc‐miR‐128 and Ssc‐miR‐107) and one small nuclear RNA (U6) in PBMCs treated with polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] that widely used for simulating viral infection. We used the four statistical algorithms (GeNorm 3.5, NormFinder, BestKeeper and comparative ∆ Ct method) to evaluate gene expression stability and observed that Ssc‐miR‐34a was the best single reference gene and the pair of Ssc‐miR‐107 and Ssc‐miR‐103 was the best combination of reference miRNAs for porcine PBMCs treated with poly (I:C). Our study shows the first evidence of careful selection of reference miRNAs in porcine PBMCs and maybe helpful for discovering miRNA biomarkers for double‐stranded RNA‐induced disease.
Parents’ perceptions of microneedle-mediated monitoring as an alternative to blood sampling in the monitoring of their infants
Authors: Mooney Karen , McElnay James C , Donnelly Ryan F
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Microneedle (MN) arrays could offer a pain-free, minimally invasive approach to monitoring. This is envisaged to be particularly beneficial for younger patients, but parents’ views to date are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore parental perceptions of MN-mediated ISF monitoring, as an alternative to the use of conventional blood sampling, and to understand the important factors for technique approval.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents with recent experience of a premature birth. Recruitment was through the Northern Ireland premature infant charity, Tinylife. Interviews progressed until data saturation was reached and thematic analysis employed.

Key findings

The study included 16 parents. Parental support for MN-mediated monitoring was evident, alongside the unpopularity of traditional blood sampling in neonates. Factors facilitating MN approval included the opportunity for pain reduction, the simplicity of the procedure, the potential for increased parental involvement and the more favourable appearance, owing to the minute size of MNs and similarities with a sticking plaster. Confirmation of correct application, a pain-free patch removal and endorsement from trusted healthcare professionals were important.

Conclusion

These findings will inform researchers in the field of MN development and enlighten practitioners regarding parental distress resulting from conventional blood sampling. Further work is necessary to understand MN acceptability among practitioners. This work should assist in the development of an acceptable MN device and facilitate the reduction of parental distress.AUTHOR: The abbreviations section has been deleted, and the full forms of the terms mentioned therein have been incorporated in the text. Please confirm if this is okay.
Intravesical hyaluronic acid treatment improves bacterial cystitis and reduces cystitis‐induced hypercontractility in rats
Authors: Yıldız Nurdan , Alpay Harika , Tuğtepe Halil , Özdemir Kumral Zarife Nigar , Akakın Dilek , İlki Arzu , Şener Göksel , Ç Yeğen Berrak
Published: March 2015

Objective

To investigate the effect of intravesical hyaluronic acid on Escherichia coli‐induced cystitis and cystitis‐induced hypercontractility in rats.

Methods

Bacterial cystitis was induced in Wistar female rats by intravesical inoculation of E. coli. Isotonic saline was instilled in the control group (n = 6). The rats were either non‐treated, treated with gentamycin (4 mg/kg, 5 days) or treated intravesically with hyaluronic acid (0.5 mL, 0.5%). On the eighth day, the bladder tissues were excised for histological examination, and the measurements of myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Contraction/relaxation responses to carbachol, isoprotrenol and papaverine were studied.

Results

Tissue myeloperoxidase activity was increased, but superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were decreased in bacterial cystitis, while hyaluronic acid treatment reversed these changes. In the hyaluronic acid‐treated group, healing of the uroepithelium was observed, while decreased inflammatory cell infiltration was obvious in gentamycin‐treated group. E. coli‐induced cystitis in all rats resulted in increased contraction responses to carbachol compared with controls (P < 0.01). Treatment with hyaluronic acid, but not gentamycin, significantly (P < 0.05) depressed hypercontractility at maximum carbachol concentrations. In all rats with cystitis, papaverine‐induced relaxation was increased, whereas isoproterenol‐induced relaxation curves were not different between the studied groups.

Conclusion

Gentamycin treatment, despite its ameliorative effect on inflammation, had no impact on the contractile dysfunction of the injured bladder. Intravesical hyaluronic acid, in addition to its supportive role in the healing of the epithelium, seems to lower the increased threshold for contraction and to reduce oxidative stress. These findings support a potential role for hyaluronic acid in the treatment of bacterial cystitis.
Expanding economic protection to the elderly inLatinAmerica
Authors: Rofman Rafael , Apella Ignacio , Vezza Evelyn
Published: March 2015

This article addresses the reforms introduced inLatinAmerican pension systems that had the aim of increasing coverage beyond formal‐sector workers. For this purpose, fourteen representative regional experiences are analysed using a taxonomy based on features of the cases examined in terms of design, implementation and results. The findings show that, although the reforms share the goal of expanding coverage, there are significant differences deriving from the context in which they were originally designed, their goals, and the capacity available to implement them. The results are not homogeneous, and it is possible to identify some aspects in which policy decisions can lead to better or worse results.
Extending maternity protection to all women: Trends, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Addati Laura
Published: March 2015

Protecting maternity at work has been one of the primary concerns of the International Labour Organization since its foundation in 1919. Along with fundamental human rights treaties, the adoption of the Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No. 183) and, more recently, the ILO Recommendation concerning National Floors of Social Protection, 2012 (No. 202), have marked the universalization of the right to maternity protection and call for its extension to all women in line with the principle of equal opportunity and treatment between women and men. In the framework of these historical developments, this article presents evidence of how national legislative provisions on paid maternity leave have improved in the light of the principles of international labour standards, although a large majority of women workers are still not adequately protected in case of maternity. The article then addresses patterns of exclusion from maternity protection in law and practice, and concludes by discussing some social protection programmes that have the potential to extend maternity protection coverage and support to meet the care needs of the most vulnerable and which do so with a gender transformative focus.
The experience and perceptions of men with prostate cancer and their partners of the CONNECT psychosocial intervention: a qualitative exploration
Authors: McCaughan Eilis , McKenna Suzanne , McSorley Oonagh , Parahoo Kader
Published: March 2015

Aim

To explore the experience of prostate cancer survivors and their partners of the CONNECT psychosocial intervention.

Background

There is a scarcity of evidence relating to interventions to help men and their partners cope with the after affects of prostate cancer treatment.

Design

This study employed a qualitative design for in depth exploration through couple interviews. The addition of a short process evaluation questionnaire was used to supplement the qualitative data.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted between January 2012–October 2012 with a purposive sample of 11 couple dyads who had participated in the CONNECT intervention. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyse the findings from the questionnaire data.

Results

Couples perceived benefits of participating in the intervention to include: opportunities to share experiences, gain validation, obtain information and engage in couple care. The expertise of the professional facilitator and group dynamics were highlighted as factors influencing the success of the intervention. Potential areas for improvement of the intervention were identified as being: further development of the sexual dysfunction component; incorporation of a partner specific session to better address their needs; determination of optimal delivery format and timing; and further tailoring of the components of the intervention.

Conclusion

Although there were areas that could be further improved, this psychosocial intervention was valued by the participants. The insight gained from this qualitative exploration can be used to make the necessary changes before the intervention can be tested in a large randomised controlled trial.
A psychometric systematic review of self‐report instruments to identify anxiety in pregnancy
Authors: Evans Kerry , Spiby Helen , Morrell C. Jane
Published: March 2015

Aims

To report a systematic review of the psychometric properties of self‐report instruments to identify the symptoms of anxiety in pregnancy to help clinicians and researchers select the most suitable instrument.

Background

Excessive anxiety in pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes, developmental and behavioural problems in infants and postnatal depression. Despite recommendations for routine psychological assessment in pregnancy, the optimal methods to identify anxiety in pregnancy have not been confirmed.

Design

Psychometric systematic review.

Data sources

A systematic literature search of the multiple databases (1990–September 2014).

Review methods

Identification of self‐report instruments to measure anxiety in pregnancy using COSMIN guidelines to assess studies reporting a psychometric evaluation of validity and reliability.

Results

Thirty‐two studies were included. Studies took place in the UK, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, Spain and the Netherlands. Seventeen different instruments were identified. Measures of validity were reported in 19 papers and reliability in 16. The overall quality of the papers was rated as fair to excellent using the COSMIN checklist. Only one paper scored excellent in more than one category.

Conclusion

Many instruments have been adapted for use in different populations to those for which they were designed. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale have been tested more frequently than other instruments, yet require further assessment to confirm their value for use in pregnancy.
Influence of nursing interventions on adherence to treatment with antituberculosis drugs in children and young people: research protocol
Authors: Guix‐Comellas Eva Maria , Rozas‐Quesada Librada , Force‐Sanmartín Enriqueta , Estrada‐Masllorens Joan Maria , Galimany‐Masclans Jordi , Noguera‐Julian Antoni
Published: March 2015

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of nursing interventions on adherence to antituberculosis medication in a paediatric cohort (aged 0‐18 years) and to identify the risk factors for non‐compliance.

Background

After primary infection, children have a higher risk of developing tuberculosis and the severity of the disease is worse in children. Adherence to treatment is essential to control both latent infection and tuberculosis disease.

Design

Phase 1: retrospective descriptive analysis (n = 270) in children and young people receiving antituberculosis treatment. Phase 2: quasi‐experimental, longitudinal, prospective study (n = 100). The results of the two phases will be compared.

Methods

Phase 1: in children followed up during the period 2011–2013 (non‐intervention group), the level of adherence and its associated epidemiological, sociocultural and clinical risk factors will be analysed. Phase 2: educational (written information in the child's mother tongue and follow‐up telephone calls) and monitoring (Eidus‐Hamilton test and follow‐up questionnaire) nursing interventions will be implemented. The results of the two phases will be compared. The definitive Nurse‐led Follow‐up Programme will then be designed. This project was funded in October 2013.

Discussion

The risk factors for poor adherence to antituberculosis therapy need to be identified to optimize treatment success in latent tuberculosis infection and disease in children and young people. Simultaneous application of several educational and monitoring methods in nurse‐led follow‐up shall improve adherence in children and adolescents in our setting. These results may also be applicable in other settings, where tuberculosis is more prevalent and directly observed treatment strategies are not available.
Creating an Inclusive Society… How Close are We in Relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder? A General Population Survey
Authors: Dillenburger Karola , McKerr Lyn , Jordan Julie Ann , Devine Paula , Keenan Mickey
Published: March 2015

Background

Children with autism spectrum disorder are increasingly educated in mainstream classrooms in the United Kingdom (Wilkinson & Twist, Autism and Educational Assessment: UK Policy and Practice. NFER, Slough, 2010), and some employers are now specifically seeking out staff on the autism spectrum. Does that mean that we are living in an ‘inclusive society’ [United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Creating an Inclusive Society: Practical Strategies to Promote Social Integration 2008], in the sense that inequalities are reduced and full economic, social and cultural participation is advanced for individuals with autism?

Methods

A general population survey was conducted to assess how close we, as a society, are to an inclusive society for individuals with autism in Northern Ireland. Public attitudes were examined to (i) visibility and social interaction, (ii) aetiology, needs and interventions, and (iii) rights and resources.

Results

A stratified, representative sample of 1204 adults took part in the survey; of these, 989 were aware of autism and their attitudes and behavioural projections reflected a mix of acceptance and denunciation. The level of confusion with regard to interventions reflected the general uncertainty within UK policy regarding meeting the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum (International Journal of Disability, Development and Education 61, 134, 2014a).

Conclusion

Therefore, it seems that inclusion is working to an extent, but more clarity is needed with regard to adequate education, intervention and support for individuals with autism.
Interleukin‐8 ‐251A/T gene polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Bin , Li Yun‐Song , Li Jie , Han Yi , Liu Zhi‐Dong
Published: March 2015

Many studies have examined the association between the interleukin‐8 ‐251T/A (rs4073) gene polymorphism and lung cancer risk in various populations, but the results have been inconsistent. In this meta‐analysis, PubMed was searched for case–control studies published through 01 December 2013. The data were extracted, and pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. We assessed six published studies on the association between the interleukin‐8 ‐251T/A polymorphism and lung cancer risk. The included studies yielded a total of 3265 lung cancer cases and 3607 controls. For the homozygous A/A and A allele carriers (T/A + A/A), the pooled ORs for all studies combining 3265 cases and 3607 controls were 1.03 (95% CI = 0.92–1.14; P = 0.235 for heterogeneity) and 1.07 (95% CI = 0.96–1.19; P = 0.245 for heterogeneity) when compared with the homozygous wild‐type genotype (T/T). When the analysis was stratified by ethnicity, significant risks were found among Asians for both the A allele carriers and the homozygous A/A individuals. However, no significant associations were found in non‐Asian populations using any of the genetic models. This meta‐analysis suggests that the interleukin‐8 ‐251A allele confer an increased risk for the development of lung cancer among Asians.
PD‐1/PD‐L1 expression on CD4+ T cells and myeloid DCs correlates with the immune pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Liu Li , Zheng Qiangsun , Lee Jun , Ma Zhiqiang , Zhu Qiming , Wang Zhiquan
Published: March 2015

Although immuno‐inflammatory response contributes to pathogenesis of AF, molecular and cellular mechanism in this process remains poorly understood. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that Programmed death‐1 (PD‐1)/PD‐1 ligand (PD‐L) pathway may be a potential pathway participating in AF pathogenesis. In this study, we detected the PD‐1 and PD‐L1, 2 expression on peripheral blood function cells by flow cytometry in 91 atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and 35 healthy volunteers. The expression of PD‐1 on CD4+ T cells and PD‐L1 on myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) in AF patients is significantly down‐regulated compared with healthy volunteers. In addition, the extent of PD‐1/PD‐L1 down‐regulation is closely related with AF burden. More importantly, Allogeneic mixed leukocyte reactions (MLR) shows that the mDCs PD‐L1 down‐regulation is associated with increased T cell (CD4+ and CD8+) proliferation, increased type 1 effector cytokines (IL‐2 and IFN‐γ) secretion, and decreased type 2 effector cytokine (IL‐10) secretion. Then, PD‐L1 up‐regulation by the stimulation of IFN‐α can significantly convert this representation. Collectively, our report suggest that T(CD4+)/mDCs‐associated PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway plays a key role in AF immune regulation. PD‐1/PD‐L1 down‐regulation in AF patients promotes T cells function and may contribute to AF pathogenesis.
Infection by the cestode parasiteSchistocephalussp. and effects on diet, body condition and survival of sculpinsCottus aleuticusandCottus cognatus
Authors: Harmon B. S. , Hilborn R. , Quinn T. P.
Published: March 2015

Sampling in Iliamna Lake, Alaska, U.S.A. revealed that a greater proportion of coastrange sculpinsCottus aleuticuswere infected by the cestodeSchistocephalus solidusthan slimy sculpinsCottus cognatus(52v. 23%), and infectedC. aleuticuscontained more cestodes than didC. cognatus(2·1v. 1·3 per fish). Consumption of sockeye salmonOncorhynchus nerkaeggs (the primary diet item) was lower in fishes with cestodes, and a model based on cestode prevalence and age composition estimated higher rates of infection and parasite‐associated mortality inC. aleuticuscompared withC. cognatus.
Nominal Interest Rates and the News
Authors: BAUER MICHAEL D.
Published: March 2015

This paper provides new estimates of the impact of monetary policy actions and macroeconomic news on the term structure of nominal interest rates. The key novelty is to parsimoniously capture the impact of news on all interest rates using a simple no‐arbitrage model. The different types of news are analyzed in a common framework by recognizing their heterogeneity, which allows for a systematic comparison of their effects. This approach leads to novel empirical findings. First, monetary policy causes a substantial amount of volatility in both short‐term and long‐term interest rates. Second, macroeconomic data surprises have small and mostly insignificant effects on the long end of the term structure. Third, the term‐structure response to macroeconomic news is consistent with considerable interest‐rate smoothing by the Federal Reserve. Fourth, monetary policy surprises are multidimensional while macroeconomic surprises are one‐dimensional.
Development and Implementation of a Peer Mentoring Program for Early Career Gerontological Faculty
Authors: Bryant Ashley Leak , Aizer Brody Abraham , Perez Adriana , Shillam Casey , Edelman Linda S. , Bond Stewart M. , Foster Victoria , Siegel Elena O.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The Hartford Gerontological Nursing Leaders (HGNL) formerly known as the Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Initiative (BAGNC), in conjunction with the National Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence (NHCGNE), developed and executed a peer mentoring program beginning in 2011 to enhance both (a) the experience of newly selected scholars and fellows to the NHCGNE and (b) the ongoing professional development of HGNL members. The purpose of this article is to describe key strategies used to develop and execute the peer mentoring program and to present formative program evaluation.

Design

The program was launched in January 2011 with seven peer mentor and mentee matches. In June 2012, the peer mentoring committee solicited feedback on the development of the peer mentoring program and changes were made for the subsequent cohorts.

Findings

An additional 12 matches were made in the following 2 years (2012 and 2013), for a total of 31 matches to date. We have learned several key lessons from our three cohorts regarding how to structure, implement, and carefully evaluate a peer mentoring program.

Conclusions

Informal evaluation of our peer mentoring program noted several challenges for both peer mentors and mentees. Having knowledge of and addressing those challenges may increase the overall quality and effectiveness of peer mentoring programs and, in turn, benefit academic nursing by strengthening the faculty workforce.

Clinical Relevance

Findings from development and implementation of a peer mentoring program for gerontological faculty could lead to new and adaptable programs in a variety of clinical and education settings.
Effect of prosthetic restoration on oral health‐related quality of life in patients with shortened dental arches: a multicentre study
Authors: Fueki K. , Igarashi Y. , Maeda Y. , Baba K. , Koyano K. , Sasaki K. , Akagawa Y. , Kuboki T. , Kasugai S. , Garrett N. R.
Published: March 2015

The aim of this multicentre prospective study was to investigate the effect of prosthetic restoration for missing posterior teeth in patients with shortened dental arches (SDAs). SDA patients with 2–12 missing occlusal units (a pair of occluding premolars corresponds to one unit, and a pair of occluding molars corresponds to two units) were consecutively recruited from seven university‐based dental hospitals in Japan. Patients chose no replacement of missing teeth or prosthetic treatment with removable partial dentures (RPDs) or implant‐supported fixed partial dentures (IFPDs). Oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured using the oral health impact profile (Japanese version – OHIP‐J) at baseline and follow‐up/post‐treatment evaluation. Of the 169 subjects who completed baseline evaluation, 125 subjects (mean age; 63·0 years) received follow‐up/post‐treatment evaluation. No‐treatment was chosen by 42% (53/125) of the subjects, and 58% (72/125) chose treatment with a RPD (n = 53) or an IFPD (n = 19). In the no‐treatment (NT) group, the mean OHIP summary score at baseline was similar to that at follow‐up evaluation (P = 0·69). In the treatment (TRT) group, the mean OHIP summary score decreased significantly after the RPD treatment (P = 0·002), and it tended to decrease, though not statistically significant (P = 0·18), after the IFPD treatment. The restoration of one occlusal unit was associated with a 1·2‐point decrease in OHIP summary score (P = 0·034). These results suggest that the replacement of missing posterior teeth with RPDs or IFPDs improved OHRQoL. Prosthetic restoration for SDAs may benefit OHRQoL in patients needing replacement of missing posterior teeth.
Daily Dynamics of Adolescent Mood and Identity
Authors: Klimstra Theo A. , Kuppens Peter , Luyckx Koen , Branje Susan , Hale William W. , Oosterwegel Annerieke , Koot Hans M. , Meeus Wim H. J.
Published: March 2015

Important linkages between daily mood and identity formation have been theorized, but have not been empirically tested as of yet. This study provided a first examination of these linkages within individuals (N = 392; 55.1% boys; Mage at T1 = 13.24, SD = 0.44) across 15 series of 5 days distributed over 5 years. Results revealed negative within‐time associations of educational and relational commitment with negative mood. Negative mood was positively associated with educational in‐depth exploration and educational and interpersonal reconsideration. Additionally, there were some cross‐lagged effects suggesting that identity and mood mutually affect one another across days. These results contribute to the growing knowledge on how identity unfolds in everyday life by revealing important associations with daily mood.
THE HAPPINESS AND SUBJECTIVE WELL‐BEING OF PEOPLE ON HAEMODIALYSIS
Authors: Bennett Paul N. , Weinberg Melissa K. , Bridgman Thea , Cummins Robert A.
Published: March 2015

Background

Happiness is a construct that has been gaining more prominence in both social and health research. The measure of happiness, subjective well‐being, has not been rigorously explored in the end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) population.

Objectives

To measure the subjective well‐being of people with ESKD on haemodialysis and to compare their subjective well‐being with a general population cohort.

Design

A cross‐sectional design measuring the subjective well‐being of an Australian haemodialysis cohort compared with a non‐dialysis age‐matched cohort.

Participants

The haemodialysis cohort (N = 172), recruited from eight dialysis centres, had a mean age of 64.04 years (SD = 14.82) and included 104 males (60.5%) and 66 (38.4%) females. The non‐dialysis cohort (N = 200), randomly extracted from the 2012 Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, had a mean age of 63.97 (SD = 14.68) and included 101 males (50.5%) and 99 females (49.5%).

Measurement

Subjective well‐being was measured using the Personal Wellbeing Index. This seven‐item measure rates satisfaction with life in seven domains: standard of living, health, achievements in life, relationships, safety, community and future security.

Results

The haemodialysis cohort reported lower general life satisfaction, life achievements, relationship and personal safety compared to the general population. There were no differences between the two groups for health, community and future security. Standard of living and satisfaction with life achievements carried higher importance in subjective well‐being compared with health satisfaction

Conclusion

Subjective well‐being can be an important indicator of people's life quality to be considered by clinicians and nephrology researchers in future studies.
IgA NEPHROPATHY IN PATIENTS RECEIVING A RENAL TRANSPLANT
Authors: Lemes‐Canuto Ana Paula Pereira Santana , de Sandes‐Freitas Tainá Veras , Medina‐Pestana José Osmar , Mastroianni‐Kirsztajn Gianna
Published: March 2015

Background

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the third most frequent cause of renal graft loss among patients with primary glomerulonephritis.

Objectives

To assess clinical and laboratorial profile of patients with pre and/or post transplant IgAN, in addition to patient and graft survival in both groups.

Design

Data from 146 patients who had received a renal transplant were retrospectively collected and were divided in two groups: group 1‐patients with biopsy‐documented IgAN as the underlying native kidney disease (n = 128); group 2‐patients who developed post‐transplant IgAN independent of the underlying disease (n = 18).

Participants

Patients submitted to renal transplantation (1998–2010) with pre and/or post transplant IgAN.

Measurements

Clinical and laboratorial evaluation of renal function of 146 post transplant IgAN patients.

Results

Recipients and deceased donors exhibited a higher degree of HLA compatibility (1.0 vs. 2.5 mismatches for groups 1 and 2, respectively). The main post‐transplant IgAN presentation was haematuria associated with non‐nephrotic proteinuria (44.4%). A histological pattern of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was observed in 59.2% of biopsy samples. The 10‐year patient survival was 93.5% in group 1 and 100% in group 2, and the graft survival rates were 58.5 and 87.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

The rate of post‐transplant IgA diagnosis in our case series was 11%, and IgAN was diagnosed late in the course of transplantation. In most cases, IgAN manifested as haematuria and non‐nephrotic proteinuria, without renal graft dysfunction, and this picture might explain late indication of graft biopsies. The 10‐year patient survival rates were excellent.
Modeling the Acceptability of Cashew Apple Nectar Brands Using the Proportional Odds Model
Authors: Lemos Tatiana De Oliveira , Rodrigues Maria Do Carmo Passos , De Lara Idemauro Antônio Rodrigues , De Araújo Ana Maria Souza , De Lemos Telma Leda Gomes , Pereira Ana Lúcia Fernandes , De Paula Laura Vicuña Torres
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to use the proportional odds model to verify the acceptability of four cashew apple nectar brands fromBrazil and evaluate the influence of consumer profile in their acceptability. The consumer acceptance was performed by 100 untrained panelists, most ranging from 19 to 25‐year‐old female people. The proportional odds model was used in the acceptability modeling of the cashew apple nectar to evaluate the consumer profile influence in the acceptability. The modeling of the acceptability showed that theAandBcashew apple nectar brands were better accepted, whereas there was rejection to theCbrand. The model showed that the acceptability of the nectars was influenced by consumer profile (to like cashew apple nectar). Thus, the proportional odds model can be an alternative for consumer acceptability modeling and for relation of consumer profile and foods acceptability.

Practical Applications

This paper shows relevant information of the proportional odds model in verifying the cashew apple nectar acceptability by consumers. Moreover, the proportional odds model can be used to relate the consumer profile with the nectars acceptability.