bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compression of Morbidity Is Observed Across Cohorts with Exceptional Longevity
Authors: Ismail Khadija , Nussbaum Lisa , Sebastiani Paola , Andersen Stacy , Perls Thomas , Barzilai Nir , Milman Sofiya
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To determine, in a sample of Ashkenazi Jewish aged 95 and older, whether there is a compression of morbidity similar to what has been reported in other cohorts with exceptional longevity.

Design

Case–control study.

Setting

Longevity Genes Project (LGP) and New England Centenarian Study (NECS).

Participants

LGP (n = 439, mean age 97.8 ± 2.8) and NECS (n = 1,498, mean age 101.4 ± 4.0) participants with exceptional longevity and their respective younger referent cohorts (LGP, n = 696; NECS, n = 302).

Measurements

Self‐ and proxy reports of age of onset of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, and stroke.

Results

Long‐lived individuals from LGP and NECS had later age of onset of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and osteoporosis than their respective younger reference groups. The risk of overall morbidity was lower in participants with exceptional longevity than in younger participants (NECS men: relative risk (RR) = 0.12, women: RR = 0.20; LGP men: RR = 0.18, women: RR = 0.24). The age at which 20% of each of the groups with exceptional longevity experienced specific diseases was between 18 and 24 years later than in the reference groups, stratified according to sex.

Conclusion

The similar extension of health span and compression of morbidity seen in NECS and LGP participants with exceptional longevity further validates the utility of these rare individuals for the study of factors that delay or prevent a broad spectrum of diseases otherwise associated with mortality and disability.
Incorporating Geriatric Assessment into a Nephrology Clinic: Preliminary Data from Two Models of Care
Authors: Hall Rasheeda K. , Haines Carol , Gorbatkin Steven M. , Schlanger Lynn , Shaban Hesham , Schell Jane O. , Gurley Susan B. , Colón‐Emeric Cathleen S. , Bowling C. Barrett
Published: July 2016

Older adults with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience functional impairment that can complicate CKD management. Failure to recognize functional impairment may put these individuals at risk of further functional decline, nursing home placement, and missed opportunities for timely goals‐of‐care conversations. Routine geriatric assessment could be a useful tool for identifying older adults with CKD who are at risk of functional decline and provide contextual information to guide clinical decision‐making. Two innovative programs were implemented in the Veterans Health Administration that incorporate geriatric assessment into a nephrology visit. In one program, a geriatrician embedded in a nephrology clinic used standardized geriatric assessment tools with individuals with CKD aged 70 and older (Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for CKD) (CGA‐4‐CKD). In the second program, a nephrology clinic used comprehensive appointments for individuals aged 75 and older to conduct geriatric assessments and CKD care (Renal Silver). Data on 68 veterans who had geriatric assessments through these programs between November 2013 and May 2015 are reported. In CGA‐4‐CKD, difficulty with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs), history of falls, and cognitive impairment were each found in 27.3% of participants. ADL difficulty was found in 65.7%, falls in 28.6%, and cognitive impairment in 51.6% of participants in Renal Silver. Geriatric assessment guided care processes in 45.4% (n = 15) of veterans in the CGA‐4‐CKD program and 37.1% (n = 13) of those in Renal Silver. Findings suggest there is a significant burden of functional impairment in older adults with CKD. Knowledge of this impairment is applicable to CKD management.
Traumatic brain injury decreases AMP‐activated protein kinase activity and pharmacological enhancement of its activity improves cognitive outcome
Authors: Hill Julia L. , Kobori Nobuhide , Zhao Jing , Rozas Natalia S. , Hylin Michael J. , Moore Anthony N. , Dash Pramod K.
Published: July 2016

Prolonged metabolic suppression in the brain is a well‐characterized secondary pathology of both experimental and clinical traumatic brain injury (TBI). AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK) acts as a cellular energy sensor that, when activated, regulates various metabolic and catabolic pathways to decrease ATP consumption and increase ATP synthesis. As energy availability after TBI is suppressed, we questioned if increasing AMPK activity after TBI would improve cognitive outcome. TBI was delivered using the electromagnetic controlled cortical impact model on male Sprague–Dawley rats (275–300 g) and C57BL/6 mice (20–25 g). AMPK activity within the injured parietal cortex and ipsilateral hippocampus was inferred by western blots using phospho‐specific antibodies. The consequences of acute manipulation of AMPK signaling on cognitive function were assessed using the Morris water maze task. We found that AMPK activity is decreased as a result of injury, as indicated by reduced AMPK phosphorylation and corresponding changes in the phosphorylation of its downstream targets: ribosomal protein S6 and Akt Substrate of 160 kDa (AS160). Increasing AMPK activity after injury using the drugs 5‐amino‐1‐β‐d‐ribofuranosyl‐imidazole‐4‐carboxamide or metformin did not affect spatial learning, but significantly improved spatial memory. Taken together, our results suggest that decreased AMPK activity after TBI may contribute to the cellular energy crisis in the injured brain, and that AMPK activators may have therapeutic utility.

image

Increased phosphorylation of Thr172 activates AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) under conditions of low cellular energy availability. This leads to inhibition of energy consuming, while activating energy generating, processes. Hill et al., present data to indicate that TBI decreases Thr172 phosphorylation and that its stimulation by pharmacological agents offers neuroprotection and improves memory. These results suggest that decreased AMPK phosphorylation after TBI incorrectly signals the injured brain that excess energy is available, thereby contributing to the cellular energy crisis and memory impairments.
Multiple sequential light and laser sources to activate aminolevulinic acid for rosacea
Authors: Friedmann Daniel P. , Goldman Mitchel P. , Fabi Sabrina G. , Guiha Isabella
Published: July 2016

Background and Aims

The use of multiple, sequential light and laser sources for topical ALA activation in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of rosacea has been largely absent from the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate ALA‐PDT for rosacea using blue light sequentially with red light, pulsed‐dye laser (PDL), and/or intense pulsed light (IPL).

Patients/Methods

Thirty patients (39 treatments) were enrolled in this retrospective, single‐center study. Treatment groups included blue light + PDL, blue light + IPL, blue light + PDL + IPL, or blue light + red light + PDL + IPL. Patient‐reported outcome measures (incidence of adverse events, improvement in rosacea, and improvement in overall skin quality) were obtained via a telephone questionnaire and graded on a 4‐point scale.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in patient‐reported rosacea or overall skin quality improvement. Apart from decreased peeling following blue light + IPL compared to blue light + PDL (P = 0.041) and blue light + IPL + PDL (P = 0.005), there were no other statistically significant differences in postprocedure adverse events.

Conclusions

The use of multiple, sequential light and laser sources with ALA‐PDT for rosacea, while well tolerated, did not lead to statistically significant improvements in patient‐reported efficacy. Although this retrospective study is limited by a small sample size with disparate patient numbers between groups and no physician‐evaluated outcome criteria, it does demonstrate that multiple light sources with PDT can be safely used in a single session.
Open arms, conflicted hearts: nurse‐practitioner's attitudes towards working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients
Authors: Dorsen Caroline , Van Devanter Nancy
Published: July 2016

Aims and Objectives

To explore nurse‐practitioner's attitudes towards working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients.

Background

Literature suggests that lesbians, gay men and bisexuals have significant health disparities compared to heterosexuals. Although the reasons are multifactorial, research suggests that attitudes of healthcare providers (HCPs) may be a contributing factor in both accessing and receiving care. There is currently no literature exploring the attitudes of the approximately 300,000 nurse‐practitioners in the United States. Thus, nurse‐practitioners strengths and challenges in providing care to sexual minorities are unknown.

Design

As part of a larger study, Corbin & Strauss’ grounded theory methodology was used to explore the attitudes towards lesbian, gay and bisexual patients among primary care nurse‐practitioners in NYC.

Methods

Data were collected via individual semi‐structured interviews with nurse‐practitioners currently in practice in primary or outpatient care in NYC (n = 19). Data were evaluated using the three‐step constant comparison method.

Results

Nurse‐practitioners in this study had varied, often overlapping and sometimes conflicting, attitudes about working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients. The main theme identified was ‘open arms, conflicted hearts’ with three major subthemes – feeling at home, struggling to maintain professionalism and finding comfort under the umbrella of diversity.

Conclusions

Nurse‐practitioner participants in this study had varied attitudes about working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients, ranging from open, confident and comfortable to ambivalent, cautious and unsure about working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients generally and specifically regarding the health needs of this population.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study highlights the inadequate didactic and clinical preparation most nurse‐practitioners feel they have to care for lesbian, gay and bisexual patients. There is a need for increased education for registered nurses and nurse‐practitioners regarding lesbian, gay and bisexual culture, their unique healthcare needs, as well as the role of stigma and marginalisation in caring for vulnerable populations.
Health‐related quality of life and its association with self‐esteem and fatigue among children diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Al‐Gamal Ekhlas , Long Tony
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

To identify the links between self‐esteem, fatigue and health‐related quality of life for children and young people during and following treatment for cancer.

Background

Measures to minimise adverse outcomes for survivors of childhood cancer have been developed, but the crucial periods of returning to school and transition to adult life and adult services are not addressed so well. Screening of quality of life, fatigue and self‐esteem in childhood cancer patients during and after treatment is important for optimising the nursing response and improving outcomes for children.

Design

A cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational, comparative survey was designed.

Methods

Validated measures of the attributes being studied were used. This study was conducted in private rooms on the ward and in the outpatient clinic of a major oncology hospital in Jordan in 2015. Seventy children aged 5–16 years were included. Ethical approval was secured.

Results

The age range of the children was 5–16 years (Mean 10·17, SD 3·4 years). Thirty were girls and 40 were boys. The total quality of life scores ranged from 21–100 (M = 65·5; SD = 17·6). The total scores of fatigue range from 12·5–100 (M = 65·79; SD = 22·20). Children with a high level of fatigue experienced lower quality of life.

Conclusion

Continuing education centres at hospitals may find the results of this study helpful to provide professional updates and training events to enhance nurses' understanding of psychosocial distress responses and ability to intervene effectively within the multiprofessional effort.

Relevance to clinical practice

The outcomes of this study may enhance the development of guidelines for routine assessment by nurses and others of these factors among children with cancer. The nursing role in ensuring holistic care and attention to the problems of most concern to patients could be strengthened.
Determinants of self‐efficacy and quality of life in patients with temporary enterostomy: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Su Xi , Zhen Li , Zhu Mulan , Kuang Yinyi , Qin Fang , Ye Xinmei , Yin Xuexia , Wang Huizhen
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

To identify determinants of self‐efficacy and quality of life in patients with temporary enterostomy.

Background

Anterior resection with temporary enterostomy is the preferred treatment for patients with rectal cancer, which may impair patients’ quality of life. So far, most studies have focused on quality of life in patients with permanent enterostomy, but few studies have looked at that in those with temporary enterostomy. Self‐efficacy may determine quality of life in these patients, but few studies have identified determinants of self‐efficacy and quality of life.

Design

Multicentre, cross‐sectional survey and regression analysis to identify determinants of self‐efficacy and quality of life.

Methods

A convenience sample of patients undergoing temporary enterostomy at five hospitals in Guangdong Province (China) were surveyed at least four weeks after stoma surgery using validated Chinese versions of internationally recognised questionnaires, including a Stoma Self‐Efficacy Scale and the City of Hope Quality of Life–Ostomy Questionnaire. Backward multiple regression analysis was performed to identify whether quality of life was determined by self‐efficacy and other clinico‐demographic characteristics.

Results

Of the 180 questionnaires distributed, 149 (82·8%) were returned, and 135 (75%) were used in the final analysis. Mean global quality of life was 5·40 ± 1·58, and mean global self‐efficacy was 79·59 ± 20·21. Significant determinants of self‐efficacy and quality of life were identified (β = 0·62, p < 0·01). Quality of life was determined by type of enterostomy (β = 0·18, p = 0·01) and payment method (β = 0·14, p = 0·03).

Conclusions

Quality of life may be determined by self‐efficacy, type of enterostomy and payment method, after temporary enterostomy.

Relevance to clinical practice

Promoting stoma‐related self‐efficacy in patients with temporary enterostomy may improve their quality of life. Healthcare providers should focus on quality of life in those either with temporary loop ileostomy or entirely self‐funded for medicine.
Effects of age and non‐oropharyngeal proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensation on the magnitude of anticipatory mouth opening during eating
Authors: Shune S. E. , Moon J. B.
Published: July 2016

To best prevent and treat eating/swallowing problems, it is essential to understand how components of oral physiology contribute to the preservation and/or degradation of eating/swallowing in healthy ageing. Anticipatory, pre‐swallow motor movements may be critical to safe and efficient eating/swallowing, particularly for older adults. However, the nature of these responses is relatively unknown. This study compared the magnitude of anticipatory mouth opening during eating in healthy older (aged 70–85) and younger (aged 18–30) adults under four eating conditions: typical self‐feeding, typical assisted feeding (being fed by a research assistant resulting in proprioceptive loss), sensory loss self‐feeding (wearing blindfold/headphones resulting in exteroceptive loss) and sensory loss assisted feeding (proprioceptive and exteroceptive loss). Older adults opened their mouths wider than younger adults in anticipation of food intake under both typical and most non‐oropharyngeal sensory loss conditions. Further, the loss of proprioceptive and exteroceptive cues resulted in decreased anticipatory mouth opening for all participants. Greater mouth opening in older adults may be a protective compensation, contributing to the preservation of function associated with healthy ageing. Our finding that the loss of non‐oropharyngeal sensory cues resulted in decreased anticipatory mouth opening highlights how important proprioception, vision, and hearing are in pre‐swallow behaviour. Age‐ and disease‐related changes in vision, hearing, and the ability to self‐feed may reduce the effectiveness of these pre‐swallow strategies.
The therapeutic effects of apigenin and dexamethasone on 5‐fluorouracil‐induced oral mucositis – a pilot study using a Syrian hamster model
Authors: Molina Prats Patricia , Gómez Garcia Francisco , Martinez Diaz Francisco , Amaral Mendes Rui , Lopez‐ Jornet Pia
Published: July 2016

Objective

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common complication of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of treating 5‐fluorouracil‐induced OM with apigenin and dexamethasone.

Methods

Thirty‐six male Syrian hamsters were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control (50% acetic acid + 5‐FU), 50% acetic acid + 5‐FU + potassium Apigenin (KA), and 50% acetic acid + 5‐FU + dexamethasone. The animals from each group were sacrificed 5, 7, 10, and 14 days after inducing the mucositis, and two samples collected from each animal, accounting a total of 72 samples. Macroscopic changes were assessed by histomorphometric analysis, with ulcers being assessed by imaging analysis and the number of inflammatory cells in the ulcerated region quantified in all periods through histomorphometric analysis (H&E). Furthermore, immunohistochemical changes were evaluated by proliferating cell nuclear antigen.

Results

All groups presented an increased inflammatory infiltrate after 7 days, compared to other evaluation times (P ≥ 0.05). There was significant difference between apigenin and control group in the 10‐days period. Lower quantity of inflammatory cells in the apigenin‐treated group in comparison with control group in the 7‐ and 10‐days periods was observed (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was verified among the groups in 5‐ and 14‐days periods. The healing process of the control group was slower than that of apigenin and dexamethasone‐treated groups, with an overall significant difference between apigenin and the control group in the 10‐days period.

Conclusions

Apigenin treatment may enhance healing of OM induced by 5‐fluorouracil, thus suggesting that more extensive research in this area may be useful to assess the role of agents of natural origin capable of preventing OM. Hence, further studies involving broader samples are need to confirm the therapeutic potential shown by this study.
Certified School Nurse Perspectives on State‐Mandated Hearing Screens
Authors: Sekhar Deepa L. , Beiler Jessica S. , Schaefer Eric W. , Henning Antoinette , Dillon Judith F. , Czarnecki Beth , Zalewski Thomas R.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Approximately 15% of children in the United States 6‐19 years of age have hearing loss. Even mild, unilateral hearing loss may adversely affect educational success. In 2014, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) began updating the 2001 regulations on state‐mandated school hearing screens. To inform the updates, a needs assessment was conducted with PA‐certified school nurses (CSNs) regarding current screening practice and potential barriers to making changes.

METHODS

A 42‐item electronic survey of CSNs developed with pediatricians, audiologists, nurses, and the PA DOH was administered in October 2014.

RESULTS

There were 536 completed surveys. Most CSNs (50.8%) screened 251‐500 students annually. Only 35.8% strictly followed PA DOH protocol, while 51.6% followed protocol and added nonguideline frequencies. Over half of screens (60.2%) were conducted in places where other people were present. Most CSNs (82.5%) reported annual audiometer calibration, but 92.4% were unsure whether the calibration was exhaustive or limited. Reported barriers to change included time, cost, and staffing.

CONCLUSIONS

As most CSNs added frequencies to the PA DOH hearing screen, an update with added frequencies should be well accepted. Clarification regarding test environment and exhaustive audiometer calibration is needed. Adherence to best practice may be optimized by addressing CSN reported barriers to change.
Treatment of canine aural haematoma by UK veterinarians
Authors: Hall J. , Weir S. , Ladlow J.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To survey the current treatment techniques of aural haematomas in dogs and investigate veterinary opinion regarding treatment success.

Methods

Totally 2386 emails were sent to veterinary surgeons and practices inviting them to complete an online survey. Questions investigated treatment selection for initial and repeat presentations of aural haematoma in dogs and their opinion of treatment success to prevent recurrence and for good cosmesis.

Results

Totally 312 email addresses were invalid, 259 questionnaires were completed (12·5% response rate) and 251 were included in analysis. On initial presentation, treatments included needle drainage with local deposition of corticosteroids (43%), surgery (29%) and needle drainage without corticosteroids (16%). Surgical procedures included linear incision with sutures alone (35%) or sutures plus stents (24%) and an S‐shaped incision with sutures (23%). The most common reason to select a particular treatment was previous success (76%). Recurrent haematoma was treated more commonly with surgery (67%) than that of the initial presentation. Cosmetic results with medical management were excellent and with surgical treatment were good.

Clinical Significance

This study describes the relative popularity and perceived success of treatments used for aural haematoma in the dog. Surgery is considered more likely to definitively treat the condition with good cosmetic results.
Measuring Religion in War: A Response
Authors: Barter Shane Joshua , Zatkin‐Osburn Ian
Published: July 2016

We respond to Isak Svensson's reaction to our article titled “Shrouded: Islam, War, and Holy War in Southeast Asia,” which was published in Volume 53 of the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.
Comparative Characterization of Sequence Structure, Gene Expression, and Enzyme Activity of Alpha‐2‐macroglobulin between Stichopus monotuberculatus (Stichopodidae) and Holothuria atra (Holothuriidae)
Authors: Qian Jing , Ren Chunhua , Xia Jianjun , Yu Zonghe , Hu Chaoqun
Published: July 2016

Alpha‐2‐macroglobulin (A2M) is essential for hosts defending against pathogen infections. In this study, two distinct A2Ms were identified from sea cucumbers Stichopus monotuberculatus and Holothuria atra, which belong to different genera in the Phylum Echinodermata, and named StmA2M and HaA2M, respectively. Structural analysis of StmA2M and HaA2M revealed that all contain the bait region domain, thioester domain, and receptor‐binding domain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that StmA2M and HaA2M all belong to the echinoderm A2Ms. The cleavage site RXXR and the catalytic histidine residue for complement component C3 were found in StmA2M and HaA2M. Compared with human A2M, the three‐dimensional structures of StmA2M and HaA2M were more similar to that of common carp A2M. Both StmA2M and HaA2M showed the strongest response at transcriptional levels to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 12 h and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid [Poly (I: C)] at 24 h, respectively. Activity of StmA2M showed the strongest response to Poly (I: C) at 6 h, while the strongest change of HaA2M activity was induced by LPS at 24 h. The differential mRNA expression and enzyme activity levels suggested that A2M in sea cucumbers might be involved in different immune responses to LPS or Poly (I: C) challenge.
Adaptation of the Cutaneous Microcirculation in Preterm Neonates
Authors: van Elteren Hugo A. , de Jonge Rogier C.J. , van Rosmalen Joost , Ince Can , Reiss Irwin K.M.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Transition from fetal to neonatal circulation is characterized by multiple hemodynamic changes. The role of the microcirculation in this process is underexposed. Visualizing the cutaneous microcirculation can help us understand peripheral perfusion in a noninvasive manner.

Methods

Cutaneous microcirculation of term and preterm infants born below 32 weeks of GA was measured in the first month of life using IDF imaging. Linear mixed modeling was used to identify clinical variables which influence the cutaneous microcirculation.

Results

Sixty preterm and 33 term infants were included. TVD of preterm infants significantly decreased in the first month of life (31.7 mm/mm2 day 1 vs 27.9 mm/mm2 day 28), but remained significantly higher compared to TVD of term infants on day 1 (25.8 mm/mm2). Besides postnatal age, no clinical variables were associated with TVD. Infants born SGA had significantly higher TVD values directly after birth than those born appropriate for GA (35.4 mm/mm2 vs 31.6 mm/mm2; p = 0.015).

Conclusions

TVD decreases in the first month after birth and is higher in preterm infants compared to those born term. Differences in antenatal oxygen exposure might explain the adaptation of the microcirculation.
MoYcp4 is required for growth, conidiogenesis and pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Chen Yue , Le Xinyi , Sun Yi , Li Mengying , Zhang Haifeng , Tan Xinqiu , Zhang Deyong , Liu Yong , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: July 2016

The transcription factor MoAP1 has been shown previously to be required for pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae via mediation of the oxidative stress response. In the serial analysis gene expression database, it was found that expression of MoYcp4, a homologue of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae flavodoxin‐like protein ScYcp4, was affected by MoAP1. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated that MoYCP4 was significantly up‐regulated during conidiation, appressorium formation and infection. The growth rate of a ΔMoycp4 mutant was reduced slightly, but conidial production was increased significantly (more than 10‐fold), compared with the wild‐type strain. Although the rate of appressorium formation was unaffected, the appressorial turgor was abnormal and the ability to infect rice and barley was reduced, resulting in decreased pathogenicity. In summary, MoYcp4, a target of MoAP1, is involved in the growth, conidiogenesis and pathogenicity of M. oryzae. Our studies provide a comprehensive analysis of flavodoxin‐like proteins and will aid in the study of pathogen‐related molecular mechanisms.
The Poetics of Devotion in ʿĀʾisha al‐Bāʿūniyya's Praise of God and Muḥammad
Authors: Friedman Rachel Anne
Published: July 2016

Recently, there has been an effort within Islamic Studies to reassess the common belief that the so‐called ‘post‐classical’ era of Islamic history was characterized by intellectual stagnation and decline. The Mamluk era is one such period that has suffered from a dearth of scholarly attention resulting from outdated stereotypes. This article contributes to scholarship on this era through examining some poems by a late Mamluk poet, ʿĀʾisha al‐Bāʿūniyya (d. 1517). While much scholarship on al‐Bāʿūniyya focuses on her lyrical mystical verse, the poems studied here incorporate selective allusions to key Islamic sources in order to narrate a history of divine favor as the speaker imagines it. This innovative history expresses a poetics of devotion that focalizes Muḥammad and the poet's own peers. The poems intertextually anchor this narrative in key Islamic sources, reflecting al‐Bāʿūniyya's extensive scholarly training. They constitute an unusual example of a female poet writing beyond the genres with which women's premodern poetry is conventionally associated. This poetry also represents a post‐classical contribution to Islamic literary and religious history. However, the criterion of originality should ultimately be reconsidered in evaluations of scholarly merit, and scholarship should pay more attention to continuities and intertextuality in texts.
Anaplastic and meningothelial meningiomas in a single tumor: A “dedifferentiated meningioma”?
Authors: Shintaku Masayuki , Adachi Yasushi , Arai Atsushi , Koyama Junji
Published: July 2016

The patient was a 74‐year‐old man, who developed progressive cognitive impairment and gait instability. Neuroradiological examination demonstrated a large and predominantly extra‐axial tumor spreading over the bilateral frontal base, indicative of olfactory groove meningioma. The greater part of the resected tumor consisted of a dense, patternless proliferation of large, round or polygonal cells, and compactly fascicular growth of spindle cells. Tumor cells showed markedly anaplastic cytological features. In small areas of the tumor, a typical meningothelial meningioma showing no cellular atypism was found. Both tumor components were closely juxtaposed and no pathological features of an intermediate grade (atypical meningioma) were noted. Shortly after the operation, the patient developed a local recurrence of the tumor and multiple metastases to the cerebrum, bone and skin. Anaplastic meningioma is a rare, highly malignant neoplasm which arisesde novoor as a result of the progressive transformation of a low‐grade meningioma. The coexistence of anaplastic and low‐grade components in a single meningeal tumor has been rarely reported. This dimorphic appearance is reminiscent of “dedifferentiation”, a phenomenon infrequently seen in various mesenchymal and salivary gland neoplasms. We think that the term “dedifferentiated meningioma” can be appropriately applied to tumors such as that reported herein.
Does general anesthesia have a clinical impact on intraocular pressure in children?
Authors: Termühlen Julia , Gottschalk Antje , Eter Nicole , Hoffmann Esther M. , Van Aken Hugo , Grenzebach Ulrike , Prokosch Verena
Published: July 2016

Background

Reliable measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) is crucial in pediatric patients with suspected glaucoma. General anesthesia (GA) is usually needed in infants to allow a thorough examination. However, anesthesia itself may influence IOP, depending on the type used and the depth of sedation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal distribution of IOP during GA in healthy children and to analyze differences in IOP relative to the anesthetics used and the measurement time point.

Methods

Approval for this observational study was received from the local institutional review boards and written informed consent was obtained from the children's parents. A total of 100 pediatric patients with no history of glaucoma scheduled for nonintraocular surgery underwent general anesthesia, induced with sevoflurane (s) or propofol (p) and maintained with either sevoflurane with remifentanil (S) or propofol with remifentanil (P). The patients were grouped to one of four subgroups (sS, sP, pP, pS) depending on the anesthetics used during induction and maintenance. Hemodynamic parameters and IOP were measured in both eyes at four defined time points: before anesthesia induction (M1); in apnea immediately after induction and before insertion of a laryngeal mask airway (M2); in deep anesthesia during mechanical ventilation (M3); and after extubation (M4), using a handheld Perkins applanation tonometer. Differences in IOP in both eyes during the measurement periods were analyzed using multivariate repeated‐measures analysis of variance and Tukey‐HSD as a posthoc test with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to investigate further relationships between heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and IOP.

Results

General anesthesia reduced IOP significantly. The mean IOP was normally distributed, with a mean of 7.4 ± 2.89 mmHg at M1. It decreased significantly to a minimum of 5.6 ± 3.04 mmHg (P < 0.01) at M2 and increased significantly to 7.2 ± 2.51 mmHg (P < 0.01) at M3 and again to 8.4 ± 3.72 mmHg (P = 0.03) at M4. All four subgroups (sS, sP, pP, pS) showed comparable decreases in IOP between M1 and M2. During deep anesthesia (M3) and during reversal (M4), the IOP increased again in all groups. During reversal (M4), however, the sS group had a significantly lower IOP than the pP group (P = 0.001) and sP group (P = 0.02). There were no correlations between changes in IOP and gender, age, or type of surgery.

Conclusions

Sevoflurane and propofol, both in combination with remifentanil, significantly lower IOP in children. Individual IOP levels rise and fall during anesthesia, depending on the time point of measurement. The lowest IOP can be measured immediately after induction of anesthesia. This needs to be taken into account when measuring IOP in children.
Stellate Ganglion Block for Debilitating Photophobia Secondary to Trigeminal, Postherpetic Neuralgia
Authors: Sinofsky Alexander , Sharma Tushar , Wright Thelma
Published: July 2016

Objectives

The primary objective of this case report was to demonstrate the therapeutic benefit of stellate ganglion block in trigeminal postherpetic neuralgia.

Methods

This was a case report on a single patient who presented with debilitating photophobia secondary to left‐sided trigeminal postherpetic neuralgia. A left‐sided stellate ganglion block was performed on the patient under fluoroscopic guidance. The primary endpoints were VAS pain scores and changes in functional capacity.

Results

The patient demonstrated significant reduction in her VAS pain score and improved functional capacity for approximately 6 months after the intervention. This case report provides evidence that sympathectomy via a stellate ganglion block can treat photophobia secondary to postherpetic neuralgia in the V1 distribution.
Effect of cognitive behavioral group therapy for recovery of self‐esteem on community‐living individuals with mental illness: Non‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kunikata Hiroko , Yoshinaga Naoki , Nakajima Kazuo
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine over a 12‐month post‐intervention period whether the participation of community‐living individuals with mental illness in cognitive behavioral group therapy for recovery of self‐esteem (CBGTRS) resulted in improved outcomes.

Methods

This was a non‐randomized controlled trial. The participants were persons with mental illness who resided in communities in the Chugoku region of Japan. In total, 41 were assigned to an experimental group (CBGTRS intervention, 12 group sessions), and 21 to a control group. Outcome indices (self‐esteem, moods, cognition, subjective well‐being, psychiatric symptoms) were measured for the experimental group prior to intervention (T0), immediately post‐intervention (T1), and at 3 (T2) and 12 (T3) months post‐intervention. The control group was measured at the same intervals.

Results

For the experimental group, self‐esteem scores at T1, T2, and T3 were significantly higher than at T0. Moods and cognition scores remained significantly low until T2. Scores for Inadequate Mental Mastery in the subjective well‐being index had not decreased by T3. Confidence in Coping remained significantly high until T2. Psychiatric symptoms scores at T0, T1, T2, and T3 were significantly lower than at T0. The means and standard errors for self‐esteem and Inadequate Mental Mastery increased until T3, and those for Tension‐Anxiety, Depression‐Dejection, and Confusion decreased until T2.

Conclusion

From within‐group trends and between‐group differences in self‐esteem, we conclude that CBGTRS may have a relatively long‐term effect on self‐esteem recovery. T2 is the turning point for moods and cognition; thus, follow‐up is needed 3 months following the initial program.
Non‐invasive measurement of cardiac output using AESCULON® mini after Fontan operation
Authors: Yoshitake Shuichi , Miyamoto Takashi , Tanaka Yuki , Naito Yuji
Published: July 2016

Background

Electrical velocimetry correlates well with established methods of measuring cardiac output (CO) such as thermodilution and echocardiography. In this study, we compared the cardiac function of children with single right ventricle (SRV) and single left ventricle (SLV) on non‐invasive postoperative measurement of hemodynamic parameters using AESCULON® mini.

Methods

Demographic, preoperative, and perioperative data were obtained from medical records. We retrospectively reviewed the AESCULON mini data of 21 patients with single ventricle who underwent Fontan operation. The patients were divided into two groups according to morphologic diagnosis: SRV (n = 9) and SLV (n = 12). The following hemodynamic parameters were analyzed: stroke volume (SV); CO; cardiac index (CI); stroke volume variation (SVV); and ventricular ejection time (VET).

Results

Hemodynamic parameters were as follows (SRV vs SLV): heart rate (HR), 140.5 beats/min versus 121 beats/min; SV, 14.5 mL vs 19.9 mL; CO, 2 L/min vs 2.3 L/min; CI, 4.3 L/min/m2 versus 4.4 L/min/m2; SVV, 15.5% versus 13.9%; and VET, 167.7 s versus 197.7 s. HR and VET were statistically different between the two groups.

Conclusions

CI does not differ with laterality of the single ventricle. SRV VET, however, was significantly shorter than SLV VET in the acute postoperative period. Conversely, SRV HR was higher than SLV HR, which may mean that SRV compensates for lower VET by increasing HR.
Romantic and dating behaviors among single parents in the United States
Authors: GRAY PETER B. , FRANCO CAROL Y. , GARCIA JUSTIN R. , GESSELMAN AMANDA N. , FISHER HELEN E.
Published: July 2016

Little research has focused on the dating attitudes and behaviors of singles with dependent‐age children. Using data collected from a nationally representative U.S. probability sample of single adults, we provide findings on dating attitudes and behaviors among 747 single parents in the United States, aged 21 years and older, who had one or more children under the age of 18 years. Findings show gender differences between single men and single women concerning how they balance being a single parent and make time for dating. Both single fathers and single mothers considered their child's opinion about their dating life, and most parents involved their child(ren) once they knew they wanted or had established a committed romantic relationship with a new partner.
The green‐eyed monster: Mate value, relational uncertainty, and jealousy in romantic relationships
Authors: REDLICK MADELEINE
Published: July 2016

This study drew on theories of evolutionary psychology to explore whether mate value discrepancy (MVD) would be associated with relational uncertainty (and its subconstructs) and if relative mate value (RMV) would moderate these associations, such that they would only be significant for lower value mates. Additionally, this article sought to examine whether relational uncertainty would partially mediate an association between MVD and jealousy, also moderated by RMV. Participants recruited from a large Southwestern university (N = 334) completed a survey containing measures to establish MVD, relational uncertainty, and jealousy. MVD was significantly positively associated with relational uncertainty and each of its subconstructs. Relational uncertainty partially mediated the association between MVD and jealousy, although moderation was not supported in any hypotheses.
Freshwater population of Ulva flexuosa (Ulvaceae, Chlorophyta) as a food source for great pond snail: Lymnaea stagnalis (Mollusca, Lymnaeidae)
Authors: Rybak Andrzej Stanisław
Published: July 2016

Cosmopolitan species of the genus Ulva (Ulvaceae; Chlorophyta) that populate the littoral zone of marine habitats constitute a staple diet for a variety of organisms, particularly snails, shellfish, polychaetes, and birds. Occurrence of Ulva species (e.g., U. flexuosa and U
. prolifera) has also been observed in freshwater inland ecosystems that have no contact with saline water. However, the influence of the development of macroalgal mats of Ulva on indigenous organisms in limnic ecosystems has not been established. This study investigates the trophic relationships between Ulva flexuosa and one species of snail from freshwater habitats in central Europe. During the summer, the great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) consumed Ulva as a source of nutrition even when other algae and plants were available. Lymnaea stagnalis consumed an average of 100 mg of Ulva thalli per day. This level of biomass exceeded the consumption of an alternative food source, the shoots of Elodea canadensis. Ulva thalli are more actively consumed by great pond snails than Elodea shoots, and this is expressed in terms of the differences of biomass consumption. It was also observed that the interior of the monostromatic tubular thalli of Ulva flexuosa serves as a protective shelter for juvenile great pond snails.
Evaluation of topsoil inversion inU.K.habitat creation and restoration schemes
Authors: Glen Emma , Price Elizabeth A. C. , Caporn Simon J. M. , Carroll Jacky A. , Jones Laurence M. , Scott Richard
Published: July 2016

Habitat creation and restoration schemes on former agricultural soils can be constrained by high residual soil fertility, a weedy seed bank, and a lack of suitable species in the seed rain. Topsoil inversion has been trialled across the United Kingdom as a novel technique to address these constraints. We investigated 15 topsoil inversion sites ranging in age (time since inversion) from 6 months to 5 years. We assessed surface soil fertility compared to adjacent noninverted soil, and vegetation composition with respect to the species introduced at each site. Soil organic matter, total and extractable N and P were lower in topsoil inversion surface soils, demonstrating that topsoil inversion can successfully reduce surface soil fertility prior to habitat creation and restoration. This reduction was maintained over the timescale of this study (5 years). Cornfield annual nurse crops provided instant visual appeal and gave way to grassland species over time. Sown species varied widely in their establishment success, and sowings were more successful than plug plantings. Grasses colonized naturally following sowing forb‐only seed mixes, allowing introduced forbs to establish early on with reduced competition from the seed bank. Plant communities did not yet resemble seminatural communities, but all were in the early stages of community development. Results indicate that topsoil inversion can successfully lower surface soil fertility and reduce competition between sown species and agricultural weeds.
Availability and function of arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi during revegetation of dewatered reservoirs left after dam removal
Authors: Cortese Andrew M. , Bunn Rebecca A.
Published: July 2016

Revegetation following dam removal projects may depend on recovery of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal communities, which perform valuable ecosystem functions. This study assessed the availability and function of AM and EM fungi for plants colonizing dewatered reservoirs following a dam removal project on the Elwha River, Olympic Peninsula, Washington, United States. Availability was assessed via AM fungal spore density in soils and EM root tip colonization of Salix sitchensis (Sitka willow) in an observational field study. The effect of mycorrhizal fungi from 4 sources (reservoir soils, commercial inoculum, and 2 mature plant community soils) on growth and nutrient status of S. sitchensis was quantified in a greenhouse study. AM fungal spores and EM root tips were present in all field samples. In the greenhouse, plants receiving reservoir soil inoculum had only incipient mantle formation, while plants receiving inoculum from mature plant communities had fully formed EM root tips. EM formation corresponded with alleviation of phosphorus stress in plants (lower shoot nitrogen:phosphorus). Thus, revegetating plants have access to AM and EM fungi following dam removal, and EM formation may be especially important for plant P uptake in reservoir soils. However, availability of mycorrhizal fungi declines with distance from established plant communities. Furthermore, EM fungal communities in recently dewatered reservoirs may not be as effective at forming beneficial mycorrhizae as those from mature plant communities. Whole soil inoculum from mature plant communities may be important for the success of revegetating plants and recovery of mycorrhizal fungal communities.
Transformation, partitioning and flow–deposit interactions during the run‐out of megaflows
Authors: Fallgatter Claus , Kneller Ben , Paim Paulo S. G. , Milana Juan P.
Published: July 2016

Four megabeds (I to IV) were recognized throughout the Cerro Bola inlier, a glacially influenced depositional area of the Carboniferous Paganzo Basin, south‐western La Rioja Province, Argentina. Such anomalous thick beds are associated with the collapse of an unstable basin margin after periods of large meltwater discharge and sediment accumulation. Failure of these previously deposited sediments triggered mass flows and associated turbidity currents into the basin. Megabed I is up to 188 m thick and was deposited during a transgressive stage by re‐sedimentation of ice‐rafted debris. Also part of the transgressive stage, Megabeds II, III and IV are up to 9 m thick and are associated with a dropstone‐free period of flooding. Megabeds were subdivided into three divisions (1 to 3) that represent a spectrum of flow properties and rheologies, indicative of a wide range of grain support mechanisms. These divisions are proposed as an idealized deposit that may or may not be completely present; the Cerro Bola megabeds thus display bipartite or tripartite organization, each division inferred to reflect a rheologically distinct phase of flow. Division 1 is a basal layer that consists of clast‐supported and matrix‐supported, pebble conglomerate, rarely followed by weak normally graded to ungraded, very coarse‐ to coarse‐grained sandstone. This lower interval is interpreted to be the deposit of a concentrated density flow and is absent in bipartite megabeds. Division 2 is represented by a mud‐rich sandstone matrix with dispersed granule to pebble‐size crystalline and mudstone clasts. It also includes fragments of sandstone up to boulder size, as well as rafts of cohesive muddy material and wood fragments. Division 2 is interpreted to be a result of debris‐flow deposition. A debrite‐related topography, resulting from the freezing of high yield strength material, captures and partially confines the succeeding upper division 3, which fills the topographic lows and pinches out against topographic highs. Division 3 is rich in mudstone chips and consists of very coarse‐grained, dirty sandstones grading upward to siltstones and mudstones. It is interpreted to be a deposit of a co‐genetic turbidity current. Spectral gamma ray and petrographic analyses indicate that both debrite and co‐genetic turbidite have high depositional mud content and are of similar composition. One of the megabeds is correlated with an initial slump‐derived debris flow, which suggests that the mass flow becomes partitioned both at the top, generating a co‐genetic turbidity current and, at the base, segregating into a concentrated density flow that seems to behave as a gravelly traction carpet.