bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using incident reports to inform the prevention of medication administration errors
Authors: Härkänen Marja , Saano Susanna , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectives

To describe ways of preventing medication administration errors based on reporters' views expressed in medication administration incident reports.

Background

Medication administration errors are very common, and nurses play important roles in committing and in preventing such errors. Thus far, incident reporters’ perceptions of how to prevent medication administration errors have rarely been analysed.

Design and Methods

This is a qualitative, descriptive study using an inductive content analysis of the incident reports related to medication administration errors (n = 1012). These free‐text descriptions include reporters’ views on preventing the reoccurrence of medication administration errors. The data were collected from two hospitals in Finland and pertain to incidents that were reported between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2014.

Results

Reporters’ views on preventing medication administration errors were divided into three main categories related to individuals (health professionals), teams and organisations. The following categories related to individuals in preventing medication administration errors were identified: (1) accuracy and preciseness; (2) verification; and (3) following the guidelines, responsibility and attitude towards work. The team categories were as follows: (1) distribution of work; (2) flow of information and cooperation; and (3) documenting and marking the drug information. The categories related to organisation were as follows: (1) work environment; (2) resources; (3) training; (4) guidelines; and (5) development of the work.

Conclusions

Health professionals should administer medication with a high moral awareness and an attempt to concentrate on the task. Nonetheless, the system should support health professionals by providing a reasonable work environment and encouraging collaboration among the providers to facilitate the safe administration of medication.

Relevance to clinical practice

Although there are numerous approaches to supporting medication safety, approaches that support the ability of individual health professionals to manage daily medications should be prioritised.
Postoperative pain: knowledge and beliefs of patients and nurses
Authors: van Dijk Jacqueline FM , Schuurmans Marieke J , Alblas Eva E , Kalkman Cor J , van Wijck Albert JM
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectives

To describe patients' and nurses' knowledge and beliefs regarding pain management. Moreover, to explore the effect of information and education on patients' and nurses’ knowledge and beliefs regarding pain management.

Background

In the treatment of postoperative pain, patients' and nurses' inadequate knowledge and erroneous beliefs may hamper the appropriate use of analgesics.

Design

A randomised controlled trial and a cross‐sectional study.

Methods

In 2013, half of 760 preoperative patients were allocated to the intervention group and received written information about the complications of postoperative pain. The knowledge and beliefs of 1184 nurses were studied in 2014 in a cross‐sectional study. All data were collected with the same questionnaires.

Results

In the intervention group, patients' knowledge level was significant higher than in the control group, while no differences were found in beliefs. Nurses had higher knowledge and more positive beliefs towards pain management compared with both patient groups. Nurses with additional pain education scored better than nurses without additional pain education. Nurses were also asked what percentage of pain scores matched their impression of the patient's pain, and the mean was found to be 63%.

Conclusions

Written information was effective for increasing patients' knowledge. However, it was not effective for changing beliefs about analgesics and patients and nurses had erroneous beliefs about analgesics.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is necessary to continue to inform patients and nurses about the need for analgesics after surgery. Such education could also emphasise that a discrepancy between a patient's reported pain score and the nurse's own assessment of the patient's pain should prompt a discussion with the patient about his/her pain.
The experiences of myocardial infarction patients readmitted within six months of primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Iles‐Smith Heather , Deaton Christi , Campbell Malcolm , Mercer Catherine , McGowan Linda
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the experiences of patients readmitted due to potential ischaemic heart disease symptoms within six months of primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background

Following myocardial infarction and primary percutaneous coronary intervention, some patients experience potential ischaemic heart disease symptoms that may lead to readmission. Symptoms may be related to cardiac ischaemia, reduced psychological health or a comorbid condition.

Design

A qualitative study involving semistructured, in‐depth interviews conducted once, mean 196 (50–384) days following readmission (at least six months following original ST‐elevation myocardial infarction and primary percutaneous coronary intervention). This is the qualitative part of a mixed methods study.

Methods

Participants were purposefully selected, and concurrent sampling, data collection and data analysis were performed. Data were organised using framework analysis; constant comparative analysis involving deduction and induction led to identification of cogent themes and subthemes.

Results

Twenty‐five participants (14 men, 27–79 years) experienced 1–4 readmissions; discharge diagnoses were cardiac, psychological, indeterminate, pulmonary and gastric. Three main themes emerged: (1) anxiety, uncertainty and inability to determine cause of symptoms, (2) fear of experiencing further myocardial infarction and (3) insufficient opportunity to validate self‐construction of illness.

Conclusion

Fear of dying or experiencing a further myocardial infarction led to patients seeking help at the time of potential ischaemic heart disease symptoms. Participants were anxious and lacked understanding regarding symptom attribution at the time of readmission and generally following their heart attack. Additionally, original heart attack symptoms were used as a comparator for future symptoms. Participants reported feeling well immediately after primary percutaneous coronary intervention but later experiencing fatigue and debilitation often linked to potential ischaemic heart disease symptoms.

Relevance to clinical practice

Increased education and information related to symptom attribution post‐primary percutaneous coronary intervention and postreadmission are worthy of exploration and may lead to increased understanding and reassurance for this patient group.
Systematic review describing the effect of early mobilisation after dysvascular major lower limb amputations
Authors: Madsen Ulla Riis , Hommel Ami , Berthelsen Connie Bøttcher , Bååth Carina
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectives

To assess the effect of early mobilisation of patients after dysvascular lower limb amputation and to compare the effectiveness of different mobilisation regimens.

Background

Patients who have undergone dysvascular major lower limb amputations are at high risk of postoperative complications, which include loss of basic functions, and early mobilisation interventions might prevent these complications.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

Systematic searches were performed on PubMed (including MEDLINE), CINAHL and EMBASE databases to identify studies investigating the effects of (early) mobilisation interventions in dysvascular lower limb‐amputated patients. Data collection and quality assessment were performed using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care Review Group data collection checklist and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, respectively.

Results

Five studies were included in the review: four pre‐ to post‐case studies and one randomised controlled study. However, none of these studies were of high quality. Four studies investigated early mobilisation promoted by immediate postoperative prosthesis. One study investigated whether reorganizing care increases mobilisation and thereby functional outcome.

Conclusions

This systematic review reveals a lack of evidence to determine whether early mobilisation interventions are beneficial to this vulnerable patient group. Nevertheless, ambulation from the first postoperative day with temporary prosthesis is possible among the heterogeneous population of dysvascular lower limb‐amputated patients if the necessary interdisciplinary team is dedicated to the task.

Relevance to clinical practice

Mobilisation is a fundamental care task often missed for several reasons. Moreover, mobilisation of the newly amputated patient is complex, and knowledge of effective strategies to promote postoperative mobilisation in this vulnerable population is desired. Nurses are urged to take responsibility for this fundamental care task and to engage the necessary collaborative interdisciplinary team to develop, implement and evaluate ambitious early mobilisation interventions.
Being a close family member of a person with dementia living in a nursing home
Authors: Seiger Cronfalk Berit , Ternestedt Britt‐Marie , Norberg Astrid
Published: January 2017

Aim and objective

To illuminate how family members of persons with dementia describe their own experiences, before and after placing their relative in a nursing home.

Background

In the Western world and with a growing population of older people, the number of persons with dementia increases. Family members often become carers in their own homes creating stressful and exhausting situation that eventually leads to relocating the person to a nursing home. This may lead to troubled conscience among family members.

Method and design

This is a qualitative study with descriptive design based on interviews with ten family members to residents with dementia at one small nursing home ward. Data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Five categories were derived from data: relocating a person with dementia – a responsibility; visiting the resident – a relief or a burden; the participants taking part in and monitoring the residents’ care needs; participants meeting their own needs; and thoughts about the future and resident's death. The result shows both positive and negative aspects of being a family member to persons with dementia. Family members described feeling relief as well as having a troubled conscience when placing a relative in a nursing home. They held themselves responsible for monitoring and evaluating the quality of the care. Family members expressed fearing a slow death for the person with dementia as well as for their own sake. Most felt well treated by the staff.

Conclusion

Family members were responsible for relocating the residents to the nursing home. This in itself was found to cause feelings of moral concerns and generating troubled conscience.

Relevance to clinical practice

Staff at nursing homes needs to exercise family‐centred care to benefit the persons with dementia, their family members and the staff themselves.
Trajectories of depressive symptoms for bereaved family members of chronically ill patients: a systematic review
Authors: Kuo Su Ching , Sun Jia Ling , Tang Siew Tzuh
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectives

To synthesise concepts of distinct depressive‐symptom trajectories in published studies by establishing a measurable standard and estimate the prevalence of recategorised trajectories for bereaved families of chronically ill patients.

Background

Grieving is a dynamic/individualised process. In studies treating depressive‐symptom trajectories as heterogeneous, different criteria were used to identify distinct trajectories, resulting in inconsistent findings.

Design

A systematic review of research guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses criteria.

Methods

Five databases were systematically searched since each one's launch through June 2015. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality using the qualsyst evaluation tool. Distinct depressive‐symptom trajectories were narratively synthesised based on depressive‐symptom level, duration and improvement over time. The prevalence of recategorised depressive‐symptom trajectories was recalculated from published data.

Results

We identified six studies, published in 1994–2012, that followed 56–301 bereaved families from eight months to five years. We synthesised five new distinct trajectories (prevalence in synthesised sample): ‘endurance’ (54·2%), ‘resilience’ (8·8%), ‘transient reaction’ (7·7%), ‘chronic grief’ (19·4%) and ‘chronic depression’ (9·9%). The ‘endurance’ group experienced low depressive symptoms throughout the bereavement process. The ‘resilience’ group had severe depressive symptoms when they first transitioned into bereavement, but quickly recovered. The ‘transient reaction’ group's distress lasted 7–12 months postbereavement, gradually returning to prebereavement levels. After bereavement, the chronic grief and depression groups experienced prolonged periods of depressive symptoms, which improved gradually only in the ‘chronic grief’ group.

Conclusions

Most bereaved families endured their grief and adjusted, returning to prebereavement depressive‐symptom levels within one year postloss (represented by our synthesised ‘endurance’, ‘resilience’ and ‘transient reaction’ groups), with only 9·9% suffering ‘chronic depression’.

Relevance to clinical practice

Guided by the synthesised distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms, clinicians should identify bereaved families’ depressive‐symptom trajectories and provide suitable interventions to facilitate adjustment of those with chronic depressive symptoms.
Screening tools for identification of elder abuse: a systematic review
Authors: Gallione Chiara , Dal Molin Alberto , Cristina Fabio V.B. , Ferns Hilary , Mattioli Mark , Suardi Barbara
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectives

To review the efficacy and accuracy of tools administered to older people, intended to detect and measure elder abuse.

Background

The mistreatment of older people represents a widespread problem, with exponential growth risk, especially considering the progressive ageing of the world population. It could have serious consequences for the victim's health if not recognised early, denounced and stopped. Abuse is often undetected by service providers because there is a lack of awareness surrounding the magnitude of the problem. Education and formal training in the signs of abuse are also generally poorly developed, as are reporting procedures which would lead to further investigation.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

Comprehensive database searches of MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE and Scopus were undertaken. Screening of 695 articles resulted in 11 included. Appraisal and analysis using PRISMA Statement and STROBE checklist were undertaken.

Results

Eleven screening tools have been presented: H‐S/EAST, VASS, EASI, CASE, BASE, E‐IOA, EAI, EPAS, CPEABS, OAPAM and OAFEM, all aimed at healthcare professional or, in some cases, expected to be specifically used by nurses.

Conclusions

The fundamental function of any assessment instrument is to guide through a standardised screening process and to ensure that signs of abuse are not missed. Several tools have been tested; some have demonstrated a moderate to good internal consistency and some have been validated to allow an early identification. None have been evaluated against measurable violence or health outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses and all healthcare providers should screen patients routinely. However, we are not able to recommend a single tool as the selection and implementation has to be appropriate to the setting. Furthermore, the study population and the possibility of using multiple tools in combination should be taken into consideration, to assess all the aspects of violence.
‘Just not for me’ – contributing factors to nonattendance/noncompletion at phase III cardiac rehabilitation in acute coronary syndrome patients: a qualitative enquiry
Authors: Herber Oliver Rudolf , Smith Karen , White Myra , Jones Martyn C.
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore what reasons do nonattenders and noncompleters give for their patterns of participation or nonparticipation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes and how future uptake could be enhanced.

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation is a cost‐effective clinical intervention designed for adults with acute coronary syndrome. Despite evidence from meta‐analyses demonstrating that cardiac rehabilitation programmes facilitate physical and psychological recovery from acute coronary syndrome, only 20–50% of eligible patients attend Phase III outpatient programmes.

Design

A qualitative study using thematic analysis.

Method

Within the context of a larger mixed‐method study, acute coronary syndrome patients were recruited between 2012–2014 from three hospitals in Scotland. Of 214 patients who consented to enrol in the main study, a purposive subsample of 25 participants was recruited. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three major influences of participation were identified: (1) personal factors, (2) programme factors and (3) practical factors. In addition, valuable suggestions for future programme modifications were provided. A significant barrier to attending cardiac rehabilitation programmes is that participants perceived themselves to be unsuitable for the programme alongside a lack of knowledge and/or misconceptions regarding cardiac rehabilitation.

Conclusion

The responses of nonattenders and noncompleters revealed misconceptions related to programme suitability, the intensity of exercise required and the purpose of a cardiac rehabilitation programme. As long as these misconceptions continue to persist in coronary syndrome patients, this will impact upon attendance. The lack of perceived need for cardiac rehabilitation stems from a poor understanding of the programme, especially among nonattenders and noncompleters and subsequently an inability to comprehend possible benefits.

Relevance to clinical practice

The knowledge of common misconceptions puts clinical nurses in a better position to identify and pro‐actively address these erroneous assumptions in their patients in order to improve participation in cardiac rehabilitation.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community composition is altered by long‐term litter removal but not litter addition in a lowland tropical forest
Authors: Sheldrake Merlin , Rosenstock Nicholas P. , Revillini Daniel , Olsson Pål Axel , Mangan Scott , Sayer Emma J. , Wallander Håkan , Turner Benjamin L. , Tanner Edmund V. J.
Published: January 2017

Tropical forest productivity is sustained by the cycling of nutrients through decomposing organic matter. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play a key role in the nutrition of tropical trees, yet there has been little experimental investigation into the role of AM fungi in nutrient cycling via decomposing organic material in tropical forests.

We evaluated the responses of AM fungi in a long‐term leaf litter addition and removal experiment in a tropical forest in Panama. We described AM fungal communities using 454‐pyrosequencing, quantified the proportion of root length colonised by AM fungi using microscopy, and estimated AM fungal biomass using a lipid biomarker.

AM fungal community composition was altered by litter removal but not litter addition. Root colonisation was substantially greater in the superficial organic layer compared with the mineral soil. Overall colonisation was lower in the litter removal treatment, which lacked an organic layer. There was no effect of litter manipulation on the concentration of the AM fungal lipid biomarker in the mineral soil.

We hypothesise that reductions in organic matter brought about by litter removal may lead to AM fungi obtaining nutrients from recalcitrant organic or mineral sources in the soil, besides increasing fungal competition for progressively limited resources.
Spatial variation in soil biota mediates plant adaptation to a foliar pathogen
Authors: Mursinoff Sini , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: January 2017

Theory suggests that below‐ground spatial heterogeneity may mediate host–parasite evolutionary dynamics and patterns of local adaptation, but this has rarely been tested in natural systems.

Here, we test experimentally for the impact of spatial variation in the abiotic and biotic soil environment on the evolutionary outcome of the interaction between the host plant Plantago lanceolata and its specialist foliar pathogen Podosphaera plantaginis.

Plants showed no adaptation to the local soil environment in the absence of natural enemies. However, quantitative, but not qualitative, plant resistance against local pathogens was higher when plants were grown in their local field soil than when they were grown in nonlocal field soil. This pattern was robust when extending the spatial scale beyond a single region, but disappeared with soil sterilization, indicating that soil biota mediated plant adaptation.

We conclude that below‐ground biotic heterogeneity mediates above‐ground patterns of plant adaptation, resulting in increased plant resistance when plants are grown in their local soil environment. From an applied perspective, our findings emphasize the importance of using locally selected seeds in restoration ecology and low‐input agriculture.
The carnivorous Venus flytrap uses prey‐derived amino acid carbon to fuel respiration
Authors: Fasbender Lukas , Maurer Daniel , Kreuzwieser Jürgen , Kreuzer Ines , Schulze Waltraud X. , Kruse Jörg , Becker Dirk , Alfarraj Saleh , Hedrich Rainer , Werner Christiane , Rennenberg Heinz
Published: January 2017

The present study was performed to elucidate the fate of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) derived from protein of prey caught by carnivorous Dionaea muscipula. For this, traps were fed 13C/15N‐glutamine (Gln).

The release of 13CO2 was continuously monitored by isotope ratio infrared spectrometry. After 46 h, the allocation of C and N label into different organs was determined and tissues were subjected to metabolome, proteome and transcriptome analyses.

Nitrogen of Gln fed was already separated from its C skeleton in the decomposing fluid secreted by the traps. Most of the Gln‐C and Gln‐N recovered inside plants were localized in fed traps. Among nonfed organs, traps were a stronger sink for Gln‐C compared to Gln‐N, and roots were a stronger sink for Gln‐N compared to Gln‐C. A significant amount of the Gln‐C was respired as indicated by 13C‐CO2 emission, enhanced levels of metabolites of respiratory Gln degradation and increased abundance of proteins of respiratory processes. Transcription analyses revealed constitutive expression of enzymes involved in Gln metabolism in traps.

It appears that prey not only provides building blocks of cellular constituents of carnivorous Dionaea muscipula, but also is used for energy generation by respiratory amino acid degradation.
Leaf water 18O and 2H enrichment along vertical canopy profiles in a broadleaved and a conifer forest tree
Authors: Bögelein Rebekka , Thomas Frank M. , Kahmen Ansgar
Published: January 2017

Distinguishing meteorological and plant‐mediated drivers of leaf water isotopic enrichment is prerequisite for ecological interpretations of stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in plant tissue. We measured input and leaf water δ2H and δ18O as well as micrometeorological and leaf morpho‐physiological variables along a vertical gradient in a mature angiosperm (European beech) and gymnosperm (Douglas fir) tree. We used these variables and different enrichment models to quantify the influence of Péclet and non‐steady state effects and of the biophysical drivers on leaf water enrichment. The two‐pool model accurately described the diurnal variation of leaf water enrichment. The estimated unenriched water fraction was linked to leaf dry matter content across the canopy heights. Non‐steady state effects and reduced stomatal conductance caused a higher enrichment of Douglas fir compared to beech leaf water. A dynamic effect analyses revealed that the light‐induced vertical gradients of stomatal conductance and leaf temperature outbalanced each other in their effects on evaporative enrichment. We conclude that neither vertical canopy gradients nor the Péclet effect is important for estimates and interpretation of isotopic leaf water enrichment in hypostomatous trees. Contrarily, species‐specific non‐steady state effects and leaf temperatures as well as the water vapour isotope composition need careful consideration.
Contrasting patterns of cytokinins between years in senescing aspen leaves
Authors: Edlund Erik , Novak Ondrej , Karady Michal , Ljung Karin , Jansson Stefan
Published: January 2017

Cytokinins are plant hormones that typically block or delay leaf senescence. We profiled 34 different cytokinins/cytokinin metabolites (including precursors, conjugates and degradation products) in leaves of a free‐growing mature aspen (Populus tremula) before and after the initiation of autumnal senescence over three consecutive years. The levels and profiles of individual cytokinin species, or classes/groups, varied greatly between years, despite the fact that the onset of autumn senescence was at the same time each year, and senescence was not associated with depletion of either active or total cytokinin levels. Levels of aromatic cytokinins (topolins) were low and changed little over the autumn period. Diurnal variations and weather‐dependent variations in cytokinin content were relatively limited. We also followed the expression patterns of all aspen genes implicated as having roles in cytokinin metabolism or signalling, but neither the pattern of regulation of any group of genes nor the expression of any particular gene supported the notion that decreased cytokinin signalling could explain the onset of senescence. Based on the results from this tree, we therefore suggest that cytokinin depletion is unlikely to explain the onset of autumn leaf senescence in aspen.
En bloc kidney transplantation from infant donors younger than 10 months into pediatric recipients
Authors: Wang Hong‐yang , Li Jun , Liu Long‐shan , Deng Rong‐hai , Fu Qian , Ko Dicken Shiu‐Chung , Zhang Huan‐xi , Deng Su‐xiong , Wang Chang‐xi
Published: January 2017

Early graft loss and poor graft function limit the use of kidneys from infant donors. Six en bloc kidney transplantations were performed from infant donors younger than 10 months into pediatric recipients between November 2012 and September 2015 at our center. We retrospectively analyzed recipient and donor demographics, surgery procedures, complications, graft function and size, and patient and graft survival with a follow‐up of 6‐39 months (median 15.5 months). Donor age ranged from 1 to 10 months with weight ranging from 3.5 to 10 kg. Recipient age ranged from 10 to 16 years with weight ranging from 30 to 39 kg. One kidney was removed due to arterial thrombosis during surgery, while the other kidney of this en bloc graft remained viable. Urine leak followed by bilateral ureteral obstruction occurred in one recipient. All of the recipients showed immediate graft function. The size of the en bloc kidney increased from 4.2±0.6 cm to 7.6±0.6 cm 6 months after surgery. Patient and graft survival were both 100% at the last follow‐up. Our results show that en bloc kidney transplantation from infant donors younger than 10 months into pediatric recipients is effective under the condition of experienced surgical techniques and perioperative management.
A life table analysis to evaluate biological control of banks grass mite using the predatory mite, Galendromus flumenis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Ganjisaffar Fatemeh , Perring Thomas M.
Published: January 2017

The predatory mite, Galendromus flumenis (Chant) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), has shown promising traits for biological control of Banks grass mite, the major pest of date palms in California. In the present study, reproduction and population growth parameters of G. flumenis on Banks grass mite eggs were studied at 34ºC, 50±10% RH and a photoperiod of 16: 8 (L: D) hours. 100 percent of eggs hatched and 63.5 percent of the emerged larvae survived to adulthood. The total immature developmental time was 5.7 and 5.5 days for females and males, respectively. The sex ratio of G. flumenis was 0.70 (females/ females+ males). Mated females laid on average 1.6 eggs per day and 19.9 eggs during their mean ovipositional period of 12.5 days. The net reproductive rate (R0) was 11.5 females/ female/ generation, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was 0.200 females/ female/ day, the finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.222 population multiplication/ day, the mean generation time (T) was 12.2 days, and the doubling time (DT) was 3.5 days. The lower rm value of G. flumenis than that of its prey (0.24–0.48) explains why Banks grass mite escapes control by G. flumenis in field. These results suggest that augmentative release of this predator would offset the lower rm of the predator, thereby contributing to the control of Banks grass mite. Combined with the benefit of early releases determined in companion studies, future field studies with G. flumenis are being planned.
Zetzellia erzincanica sp. nov., an intermediate species between the genera Zetzellia and Agistemus (Acari, Stigmaeidae)
Authors: Bingül Meryem , Doğan Salih
Published: January 2017

A new species of the genus Zetzellia Oudemans, Z. erzincanica sp. nov. (Stigmaeidae) collected from Erzincan, Turkey, is described. This is a species between the genera Zetzellia Oudemans and Agistemus Summers. The new species has characteristic features of Zetzellia, but some paratypes resemble Agistemus in that setae d2 are partly or completely situated on the central hysterosomal shield. Some variations and abnormalities were observed in this species.
The Ornithodoros capensis group (Acari: Argasidae): a morphological diagnosis and molecular characterization of O. capensis sensu stricto from Queimada Grande Island, Brazil
Authors: Muñoz-Leal Sebastián , Dias Ricardo A. , Abrahão Carlos R. , Labruna Marcelo B.
Published: January 2017

Ornithodoros capensis sensu lato (s. l.) is a worldwide-distributed group of soft ticks that parasitize birds in insular and continental lands. It is currently composed of 11 morphologically closely related species. Several viral and bacterial pathogens, and particularly Coxiella-like endosymbiont organisms have been described coexisting with ticks of this group. Since it last report in 1983, the presence of O. capensis s. l. in Brazil has remained undocumented. By a morphological analysis of larvae and a molecular characterization of ticks and Coxiella genes we describe for the first time O. capensis sensu stricto in Brazil from specimens collected on Queimada Grande Island, in São Paulo state.
Fluctuating drowsiness following cardiac catheterisation: artery of Percheron ischaemic stroke causing bilateral thalamic infarcts
Authors: Hammersley Daniel , Arora Ankur , Dissanayake Madhava , Sengupta Nabarun
Published: January 2017

An 81-year-old man underwent cardiac catheterisation to investigate breathlessness and left ventricular impairment of unknown cause. He had unobstructed coronary arteries. Immediately following the procedure, he became suddenly unresponsive with vertical gaze palsy, anisocoria and bilateral upgoing plantar responses. He made a rapid recovery to his premorbid state 25 min later with no residual focal neurological signs. He then had multiple unresponsive episodes, interspaced with complete resolution of symptoms and neurological signs. MRI of the brain identified bilateral medial thalamic infarcts and midbrain infarcts, consistent with an artery of Percheron territory infarction. By the time the diagnosis was reached, the thrombolysis window had elapsed. The unresponsive episodes diminished with time and the patient was discharged to inpatient rehabilitation. At 6-month review after the episode, the patient has a degree of progressive cognitive impairment.
GemellaSpecies Bacteremia and Stroke in an Elderly Patient with Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: Jayananda Sriraksha , Gollol-Raju Narasimha Swamy , Fadul Nada
Published: January 2017

Gemellaspecies are part of normal human flora. They are rarely associated with infections. As opportunistic pathogens, they can cause life-threatening infection in individuals with risk factors. We present an unusual case of an elderly patient, with no predisposing risk factors, who presented with respiratory tract infection andGemellaspecies bacteremia and suffered a stroke in the absence of features of endocarditis.
Effects of Integrated Health Management Intervention on Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Yang Yiting , Ma Chung Wah , Yang Yide , Wang Xiaoling , Lin Xiaoliang , Fu Lianguo , Wang Shuo , Yang Zhongping , Wang Zhenghe , Meng Xiangkun , Ma Dongmei , Ma Rui , Ma Jun
Published: January 2017

Overweight or obese adults aged 20~55 years and living in Beijing more than one year were randomly divided into different management groups. A one‐year integrated health management intervention was applied in the health management groups. The physical indicators and metabolic indicators changed after one‐year intervention on the overweight and obese adults. The annual reduction of the physical indicators was significant in all groups (p < 0.05) except the weight loss in the placebo + general management group. The health management and the dietary supplement have statistically significant (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) effects on the annual reduction of these indicators and interactive effect between them was found on some of these indicators such as bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), body fat ratio (BFR), and hipline (p < 0.05). The dietary supplement + health management group had the best annual reduction effects for the indicators among the groups. Integrated health management interventions including both dietary supplements intervention and health management could improve metabolic indicators in overweight and obese adults together with the physical indicators, suggesting the intermediated role of metabolic indictors in controlling obesity.
Simple Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes Using Polyethylene as Carbon Precursor
Authors: Kure N. , Hamidon M. N. , Azhari S. , Mamat N. S. , Yusoff H. M. , Isa B. M. , Yunusa Z.
Published: January 2017

In this work, a quick and effective method to synthesize carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is reported; a commercial microwave oven of 600 W at 2.45 GHz was utilized to synthesize CNTs from plasma catalytic decomposition of polyethylene. Polyethylene and silicon substrate coated with iron (III) nitrate were placed in the reaction chamber to form the synthesis stock. The CNTs were synthesized at 750°C under atmospheric pressure of 0.81 mbar. Raman spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope revealed the quality and entangled bundles of mixed CNTs from which the diameters of the CNTs were calculated to be between 1.03 and 25.00 nm. High resolution transmission electron microscope further showed that the CNTs obtained by this method are graphitized. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis and thermogravimetric analysis revealed above 98% carbon purity.
Primary Idiopathic Osteoarthropathy: Could It Be Related to Alcoholism?
Authors: Alnimer Yanal , Subedi Suresh , Dawood Thair , Bachuwa Ghassan
Published: January 2017

Background. Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a syndrome characterized by abnormal proliferation of the skin and bony structures at the distal extremities resulting in digital clubbing, periosteal bony reaction, and joint effusion. It can be primary (idiopathic) without any clear identifiable etiology as well as secondary to variety of systemic diseases most notably lung pathology.Case Presentation. We describe a rare case of primary idiopathic osteoarthropathy in a male patient who presented with severe pain and tenderness in his legs. His history was significant for long standing alcoholism. Physical examination showed severe fingers and toes clubbing. He reported similar changes in his mother. Clinical and radiological findings were remarkable for distal leg tenderness and diffuse periosteal bony reactions, respectively. Computerized tomography scan failed to show any pathology apart from fatty liver infiltration. In the absence of obesity or diabetes, this was consistent with alcoholic steatosis. He was started on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which dramatically improved his symptoms.Conclusion. Primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy should be considered in a previously healthy person presenting with bony pain and finger clubbing especially after ruling out the common secondary causes. Moreover, alteration of prostaglandin metabolism secondary to alcoholic consumption might be a contributing factor.
Antioxidant Activity and Inhibitory Potential ofCistus salviifolius(L.) andCistus monspeliensis(L.) Aerial Parts Extracts against Key Enzymes Linked to Hyperglycemia
Authors: Sayah Karima , Marmouzi Ilias , Naceiri Mrabti Hanae , Cherrah Yahia , Faouzi My El Abbes
Published: January 2017

Cistusgenus (Cistaceae) comprises several medicinal plants used in traditional medicines to treat several pathological conditions including hyperglycemia. These includeCistus salviifoliusL.(CS) andCistus monspeliensisL.(CM), still not fully explored as a source of metabolites with therapeutic potential for human diseases. In this study, the antioxidantα-amylase andα-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory effects of aqueous and hydromethanolic extracts from the aerial parts of Moroccan CS and CM were investigated. Antioxidant activity has been assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radicals and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. Theα-amylase andα-glucosidase inhibitory activity has been assessed using an in vitro model. Moreover, mineral and phenolic contents of CS and CM were analyzed. The extracts of both species exhibited potent antioxidant activity in all used systems and possess strong inhibitory effect towardsα-glucosidase (IC50:0.95±0.14to14.58±1.26 μg/mL) and significant inhibitory potential againstα-amylase (IC50:217.10±0.15to886.10±0.10 μg/mL). Furthermore, the result showed high levels of phenolic content and unexpectedly some higher levels of mineral content in CS. The results suggest that the phenolic rich extracts of CS and CM may have a therapeutic potential against diseases associated with oxidative stress and may be useful in the management of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.
Sprayed and Spin-Coated Multilayer Antireflection Coating Films for Nonvacuum Processed Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Uzum Abdullah , Kuriyama Masashi , Kanda Hiroyuki , Kimura Yutaka , Tanimoto Kenji , Fukui Hidehito , Izumi Taichiro , Harada Tomitaro , Ito Seigo
Published: January 2017

Using the simple and cost-effective methods, spin-coated ZrO2-polymer composite/spray-deposited TiO2-compact multilayer antireflection coating film was introduced. With a single TiO2-compact film on the surface of a crystalline silicon wafer, 5.3% average reflectance (the reflectance average between the wavelengths of 300 nm and 1100 nm) was observed. Reflectance decreased further down to 3.3% after forming spin-coated ZrO2on the spray-deposited TiO2-compact film. Silicon solar cells were fabricated using CZ-Si p-type wafers in three sets: (1) without antireflection coating (ARC) layer, (2) with TiO2-compact ARC film, and (3) with ZrO2-polymer composite/TiO2-compact multilayer ARC film. Conversion efficiency of the cells improved by a factor of 0.8% (from 15.19% to 15.88%) owing to the multilayer ARC.Jscwas improved further by 2 mA cm−2(from 35.3 mA cm−2to 37.2 mA cm−2) when compared with a single TiO2-compact ARC.
Drought Hazard Evaluation in Boro Paddy Cultivated Areas of Western Bangladesh at Current and Future Climate Change Conditions
Authors: Islam Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Shen Shuanghe , Hu Zhenghua , Rahman M. Atiqur
Published: January 2017

Drought hazard is one of the main hindrances for sustaining food security in Bangladesh, and climate change may exacerbate it in the next several decades. This study aims to evaluate drought hazard at current and future climate change conditions in theBoropaddy cultivated areas of western Bangladesh using simulated climate data from the outputs of three global climate models (GCMs) based on the SRES A1B scenario for the period between 2041 and 2070. The threshold level of Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) was employed to identify drought events and its probability distribution function (PDF) was applied to create the drought hazard index. The study demonstrates that enhancement of potential evapotranspiration (PET) will surpass that of precipitation, resulting in intensified drought events in future. In addition, the PDFs of drought events will move the upper tail in future period compared to the baseline. The results showed that the southwestern region was more severe to the drought hazard than the northwestern region during the period of 1984 to 2013. From the results of three GCMs, in the mid-century period, drought hazard will slightly increase in the northwestern region and flatten with a decrease in the southwestern region. The outcomes will help to allocate agricultural adaptation plans under climate change condition in Bangladesh.
Separation of Transformers for Class 1E Systems in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Lee Sang-Hyun , Chang Choong-Koo
Published: January 2017

In order to supply electric power to the safety related loads, safety and reliability of onsite power have to be ensured for the safety function performance in nuclear power plants. Even though the existing electric power system of APR1400 meets the requirements of codes regarding Class 1E system, there is a room for improvement in the design margin against the voltage drop and short circuit current. This paper discusses the amount that the voltage drop and short circuit current occur in the existing electric power system of APR1400. Additionally, this paper studies with regard to the improved model that has the extra margin against the high voltage drop and short circuit current by separation of unit auxiliary transformer (UAT) and standby auxiliary transformer (SAT) for the Class 1E loads. The improved model of the electric power system by separation of UAT and SAT has been suggested through this paper. Additionally, effects of reliability and cost caused by the electric power system modification are considered.
Giant Baker’s Cyst Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Adiyeke Levent , Bılgın Emre , Duymus Tahir Mutlu , Ketencı İsmail Emre , Ugurlar Meriç
Published: January 2017

We report a rare case of a “giant Baker’s cyst-related rheumatoid arthritis (RA)” with 95 × 26 mm dimensions originating from the semimembranosus tendon. The patient presented with chronic pain and a palpable mass behind his left calf located between the posteriosuperior aspect of the popliteal fossa and the distal third of the calf. In MRI cystic lesion which was located in soft tissue at the posterior of gastrocnemius, extensive synovial pannus inside and degeneration of medial meniscus posterior horn were observed. Arthroscopic joint debridement and partial excision of the cyst via biomechanical valve excision were performed. The patient continued his follow-up visits at Rheumatology Department and there was no recurrence of cyst-related symptoms in 1-year follow-up. Similar cases were reported in the literature previously. However, as far as we know, a giant Baker’s cyst-related RA, which was treated as described, has not yet been presented.
Endocervical Carcinogenesis and HPV Vaccination: An Occasional Circumstance or a Gap in the Chain?
Authors: Makris Georgios-Marios , Karakitsos Petros , Kotsifa Eugenia , Margari Niki , Poulakaki Nikiforita , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Battista Marco-Johannes , Chrelias Charalampos , Papantoniou Nicolaos
Published: January 2017

As a result of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program, the prevalence of precancerous dysplasia and invasive cervical cancer has substantially decreased. In this brief report, we present a case of a young patient who was diagnosed with in situ adenocarcinoma of the cervix. This 30-year-old female had completed the HPV vaccination after she became sexually active and has been undergoing annual gynecological assessments, including clinical examination and Pap test, all of which had been negative. This year, her Pap test revealed a low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LGSIL) and additionally a colposcopy was performed. Given the extent of the lesion and since the colposcopy was inadequate, the patient underwent a type 3 large loop excision of the transformation zone and a curettage of the endocervix under local anesthesia. The pathological diagnosis from cervical biopsy revealed an in situ adenocarcinoma of the endocervix with negative limits. The HPV subtypes 16 and 83 were detected with PCR. After proper consultation she decided to preserve her fertility and to undergo a regular follow-up, postponing hysterectomy after the completion of her family planning. In conclusion, this case report highlights the need for diagnostic surveillance regarding HPV-related cervical cancer even after vaccination.
Kinetics of the Polyphenolic Content and Radical Scavenging Capacity in Olives through On-Tree Ripening
Authors: Gouvinhas Irene , Domínguez-Perles Raúl , Gironés-Vilaplana Amadeo , Carvalho Teresa , Machado Nelson , Barros Ana
Published: January 2017

Olive fruits, as well as their corresponding oil, represent an interesting source of phytochemicals, mainly phenolic compounds, which arise as secondary metabolites, resulting from the plant’s response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore, olive fruits from three distinct cultivars (“Cobrançosa,” “Galega Vulgar,” and “Picual”) grown in Portugal and displaying different degree of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses have been studied in relation to the concentration of total phenolic compounds, orthodiphenols and flavonoids, besides antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ORACFL), in three maturation stages and two distinct harvest seasons (2012-2013). Generally, a decrease of all phenolic contents throughout the maturation stages has been observed, while, concerning cultivar, green olives of “Cobrançosa” showed the highest values for all contents assessed, denoting a strong influence of the genetic background. The same trend has not been observed regarding antioxidant activity, since Cobrançosa and Galega Vulgar cultivars presented the highest values only for the DPPH and ORACFL assays. Moreover, multivariate analyses pointed to the preponderance of the cultivars’ phenolic composition in the semiripe stage for the resistance to biotic stress, with “Galega” the most susceptible cultivar, presenting the lowest contents at this maturation stage, whereas “Picual” displayed the most pronounced phytochemical response.