bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between dietary iron intake and bone mineral density: A cross‐sectional study in Chinese population
Authors: Xiong Yilin , Wei Jie , Zeng Chao , Yang Tuo , Li Hui , Deng Zhenhan , Zhang Yi , Ding Xiang , Yang Ye , Lei Guanghua
Published: January 2016

Aim

The incidence of osteoporosis is rising continuously along with the ageing process in the Chinese population. Iron is an important trace element for bone growth, development and maintenance. However, the association of dietary iron with bone mineral density has not been widely investigated. The present study examined the cross‐sectional association between dietary iron intake and phalangeal osteoporosis in the Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 1870 subjects were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Bone mineral density scans were performed at the middle phalanges of the second, third and fourth fingers of the non‐dominant hand. Then, a multivariable logistic analysis model was adopted to test the relationship between dietary iron intake and phalangeal osteoporosis after adjusting a number of potential confounding factors.

Results

A modest inverse association between dietary iron intake and phalangeal osteoporosis was observed in the model adjusted by a set of factors, including sex, age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol drinking status, exercise intensity, waist circumference, total energy intake, calcium intake, fibre intake, nutrient supplementation, history of hypertension and history of diabetes. This association existed both in the total subjects and in the female subgroup, especially in the postmenopausal female subgroup, but not in the male subgroup.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study indicated that proper dietary iron intake may play a positive role in the prevention of osteoporosis in the female subgroup, especially in the postmenopausal female subgroup.
HR and analytics: why HR is set to fail the big data challenge
Authors: Angrave David , Charlwood Andy , Kirkpatrick Ian , Lawrence Mark , Stuart Mark
Published: January 2016

The HR world is abuzz with talk of big data and the transformative potential of HR analytics. This article takes issue with optimistic accounts, which hail HR analytics as a ‘must have’ capability that will ensure HR's future as a strategic management function while transforming organisational performance for the better. It argues that unless the HR profession wises up to both the potential and drawbacks of this emerging field and engages operationally and strategically to develop better methods and approaches, it is unlikely that existing practices of HR analytics will deliver transformational change. Indeed, it is possible that current trends will seal the exclusion of HR from strategic, board‐level influence while doing little to benefit organisations and actively damaging the interests of employees.
Noninvasive prenatal testing in routine clinical practice – An audit of NIPT and combined first‐trimester screening in an unselected Australian population
Authors: McLennan Andrew , Palma‐Dias Ricardo , da Silva Costa Fabricio , Meagher Simon , Nisbet Debbie L. , Scott Fergus
Published: January 2016

Background

There are limited data regarding noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in low‐risk populations, and the ideal aneuploidy screening model for a pregnant population has yet to be established.

Aims

To assess the implementation of NIPT into clinical practice utilising both first‐ and second‐line screening models.

Materials and Methods

Three private practices specialising in obstetric ultrasound and prenatal diagnosis in Australia offered NIPT as a first‐line test, ideally followed by combined first‐trimester screening (cFTS), or as a second‐line test following cFTS, particularly in those with a calculated risk between 1:50 and 1:1000.

Results

NIPT screening was performed in 5267 women and as a first‐line screening method in 3359 (63.8%). Trisomies 21 and 13 detection was 100% and 88% for trisomy 18. Of cases with known karyotypes, the positive predictive value (PPV) of the test was highest for trisomy 21 (97.7%) and lowest for monosomy X (25%). Ultrasound detection of fetal structural abnormality resulted in the detection of five additional chromosome abnormalities, two of which had high‐risk cFTS results. For all chromosomal abnormalities, NIPT alone detected 93.4%, a contingent model detected 81.8% (P = 0.097), and cFTS alone detected 65.9% (P < 0.005).

Conclusions

NIPT achieved 100% T21 detection and had a higher DR of all aneuploidy when used as a first‐line test. Given the false‐positive rate for all aneuploidies, NIPT is an advanced screening test, rather than a diagnostic test. The benefit of additional cFTS was the detection of fetal structural abnormalities and some unusual chromosomal abnormalities.
Effects of Preexcitation Syndrome on Terminal QRS Vector Observed in Spatial Vector
Authors: Wang Qingru , Chen Yang , Liu Renguang , Chang Qinghua
Published: January 2016

Background

Preexcitation syndrome could affect terminal QRS vector, which is not emphasized in clinic. In this study, we made a comparison between vectorcardiogram (VCG) before and after ablation to observe the change of terminal QRS vector. Furthermore, the relationship between the change of terminal QRS vector and accessory pathway (AP) as well as the change of initial QRS vector (delta vector) was analyzed.

Methods

Thirty patients who were proved to have a single AP by ablation were included. All patients were divided into seven groups based on the AP location. Comparison between VCG before and after ablation was made to observe the change of terminal and delta vector. The relationship between the change of terminal QRS vector and AP location as well as delta vector was analyzed.

Results

(1) All 30 patients had a change in terminal QRS vector (elevation and/or azimuth) in comparison to postablation VCG. (2) The change of terminal QRS vector was related to delta vector and AP location. The agreement and consistency between the change of terminal QRS vector and delta vector were 91.65% and 0.856 (P < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions

(1) Both initial and terminal QRS vector are affected by the antegrade conduction of AP. The change of terminal QRS vector is related to the AP location and delta vector. (2) The effect of preexcitation syndrome on QRS terminal vector is shown as more intuitive and easy in spatial vector by comparison with electrocardiogram, which is helpful for the diagnosis of atypical preexcitation and localization of AP.
Expression and regulation of human endogenous retrovirus W elements
Authors: Li Fang , Karlsson Håkan
Published: January 2016

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) comprise 8% of the human genome and can be classified into at least 31 families. A typicalHERVprovirus consists of internalgag,polandenvgenes, flanked by two long terminal repeats (LTRs). No single provirus is capable of engendering infectious particles.HERVare by nature repetitive and have with few notable exceptions lost their protein‐coding capacity. Therefore,HERVhave consistently been excluded from array‐based expression studies and hence little is known of their expression, regulation, and potential functional significance. An increasing number of studies have, however, observed expression of the W family ofHERVin various human tissues and cells, predominantly in placenta.HERV‐WLTRs act as promoters in directing transcription ofHERV‐W members, contribute to their tissue‐specific and highly diversified expression pattern. Furthermore, leaky transcription originating from adjacent genes plays a role in the transcription initiation ofHERV‐W psudoelements. It has been reported thatHERV‐W elements, includingERVWE1(the so far only knownHERV‐W locus harboring a gene (env) functionally adopted by the human host to critically participate in placenta biogenesis), can become transactivated in a range of human non‐placental cell‐lines during exogenous virus infections. Aberrant expression ofHERV‐W has been associated with human diseases, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia. Based on published reports, transcriptional activities ofHERV‐W appear to be influenced by several mechanisms; binding of transcription factors toLTRpromoters and enhancers outside ofLTRs, genetic variation and alteration inDNAmethylation and histone modification. Emerging mechanistic studies support the notion thatHERV‐Wrepresents a potential marker or mediator of environmental exposures (e.g., virus infection) in the development of chronic complex diseases.
Bone marrow manifestations in multicentric Castleman disease
Authors: Ibrahim Hazem A. H. , Balachandran Kirsty , Bower Mark , Naresh Kikkeri N.
Published: January 2016

This study aimed to document the morphological and immunophenotypic features, and describe the diagnostic features of bone marrow (BM) involvement in human herpes virus 8 Multicentric Castleman disease (HHV8‐MCD). BM trephine biopsy (BMTB) specimens from 28 patients were revisited. Samples were evaluated for expression of CD3, CD20, CD138, CD68R, glycophorin C, CD42b, HHV8‐latency‐associated nuclear antigen (LANA1), Epstein–Barr virus‐encoded small RNA and light chains. Presence of significant numbers of HHV8‐LANA1+ lymphoid/plasmacytic cells, noted in 10/28 cases, was indicative of BM involvement and was associated with low CD4 and CD8 counts in peripheral blood. The characteristic morphological appearance of MCD seen in lymph nodes is a rare finding in BMTB. 4/5 cases with lymphoid aggregates were involved by MCD, whereas 6/23 cases without lymphoid aggregates were involved by MCD (P = 0·023). 9/18 cases with hypercellular marrow were involved by MCD, whilst only 1/8 cases with normo/hypocellular marrow showed involvement by MCD (P = 0·070). While 9/21 cases with increased marrow reticulin were involved by MCD, none of the cases with no increase in reticulin were involved by MCD (P = 0·080). Reactive plasmacytosis is a frequent finding. We conclude that bone marrow is involved in a significant proportion of patients with MCD (36%), and involvement can be identified by HHV8‐LANA1 immunohistochemistry.
Psychoses Without Symptoms and Stabilized Psychoses: Lacanian Suggestions for Treating Fuzzy Contemporary Clinical Phenomena
Authors: Facchin Federica
Published: January 2016

Multiple clinical phenomena cannot be easily classified as either neurotic or psychotic; they may be considered as ‘fuzzy’. Contemporary Lacanian perspectives may offer theoretical and clinical tools to clarify and treat these ‘fuzzy’ clinical phenomena. This article presents two clinical cases, reviews Lacan's classical teaching (1950s) and later conceptualizations (1970s) with a specific focus on foreclosure of the Name‐of‐the‐Father, the jouissance, and notions of triggering and stabilization. The two clinical cases are discussed highlighting limitations of classical Lacanian conceptualizations and advantages of the contemporary theories focused on the notions of jouissance, suppletion and ordinary psychosis. Overall, this article aims at providing an understanding of clinical situations that are no longer ‘rare cases’, but rather require an approach that emphasizes treatment flexibility and uniqueness of the subjective devices that allow one to manage the jouissance.
The Effects of Opposite‐Sex Twinship on the Adult twin
Authors: Shirley Oliver
Published: January 2016

In this small‐scale indicative study I explored the issue of individuation in relation to the life stories of a group of adult opposite‐sex twins, using a psycho‐social approach and a narrative interview methodology (Hollway & Jefferson, 2013). I found that none of the six interviewees reported having had a close relationship with their mother in infancy and childhood but five said they had had a close relationship with their co‐twin, which endured in later life. Cleaving to the co‐twin seemed to complicate and disrupt identity formation and the development of mature adult relationships. I concluded that the respondents in the study had experienced a similar psycho‐social challenge to that of same‐sex twins – how to honour their twinship while at the same time attempting to forge a unique identity – but that they seemed to have faced an additional challenge when it came to developing adult relationships with members of the opposite sex.
Colour matching comparison between spectrophotometric and multispectral imaging measurements
Authors: Luo Lin , Shen Hui‐Liang , Shao Si‐Jie , Xin John H.
Published: January 2016

This paper compares colour matching of yarn‐dyed fabrics by spectrophotometric and multispectral imaging techniques. While it is well known that multispectral imaging systems can measure the colour of fabrics that cannot be acquired by spectrophotometers, comparison of these two types of instrument has not yet been well explored. Colour measurements of 44 pairs of standard and batch solid‐colour yarn‐dyed fabrics by means of a Datacolor 650 spectrophotometer and an imaging colour measurement (ICM) multispectral imaging system were compared. Experimental results show that the ICM system has the capability to measure similar hue a* differences and larger lightness L* and hue b* differences than the Datacolor 650 spectrophotometer. When the tolerance of colour matching is set to 1.0 CMC(2:1) (colour difference) unit, the ICM system can achieve the same colour matching results as the Datacolor 650 spectrophotometer, except for two dark samples.
Dyes based on the azo‐1H‐pyrrole moiety – synthesis, spectroscopic and electrochemical properties, and adsorption on TiO2
Authors: Maruszewska Anna , Podsiadły Radosław
Published: January 2016

A series of novel azo dyes based on the azo‐1H‐pyrrole moiety were synthesised. The dyes were characterised in terms of their spectroscopic, electrochemical, and physicochemical properties. In these dyes, the electron‐rich 1H‐pyrrole moiety was assembled as π‐bridges in donor–acceptor π‐conjugated dye, and aminophenylimine fragments and the carboxyl group were used as donor and anchoring acceptor groups respectively. The dyes had adequate HOMO and LUMO levels that matched the conduction band of TiO2 and the redox potential of the electrolyte. The adsorption of these azo compounds with carboxyl group(s) on TiO2 was investigated. Experimental data showed that the introduction of two carboxyl groups could greatly enhance the adsorption efficiency of the studied dyes on TiO2. The sorption kinetics was measured for selected dyes derived from 5‐aminoisophthalic acid. Results indicate that a pseudo‐second‐order equation can better describe the adsorption kinetics of these dyes on TiO2.
Introducing variations in colour of cotton fabric–reactive dye systems through irradiation with a carbon dioxide laser
Authors: Hung On Na , Chan Chee Kooi , Kan Chi‐Wai
Published: January 2016

The effect of CO2laser treatment before dyeing (LD) and after dyeing (DL) was compared in terms of colour variation. Two reactive dyes, CI Reactive Blue 19 (RB19) and CI Reactive Black 5 (RB5), were used in three concentrations −0.1, 1, and 5% owf. Morphological changes of the fabrics after laser treatment were observed using a scanning electron microscope. Chemical modification of the laser‐treated cotton fabrics was detected using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The difference in colour was evaluated by spectrophotometer; reflectance value, colour yield, CIEL*a*b*, and levelness were determined. The tensile strength of fabrics laser treated before and after dyeing was also measured. The results show that the DL approach has a stronger effect, resembling a fading of colour, yet a higher tensile strength, especially when dye RB5 is used. The LD approach, on the other hand, provides a better colour yield, levelness, and tensile strength when dye RB19 is used.
Differential impact of current diagnosis and clinical stage on attendance at a youth mental health service
Authors: Cross Shane P.M. , Hermens Daniel F. , Scott Jan , Salvador‐Carulla Luis , Hickie Ian B.
Published: January 2016

Aim

To examine whether clinical stage of illness and current diagnosis influence appointment behaviour in a specialized primary‐level youth mental health service.

Methods

Factors associated with attendance at 8697 appointments made by 828 young people (females = 497) aged 12–25 years over a 1‐year period were analysed.

Results

The number of appointments made did not correlate with the rates of attendance. However, those with more severe psychiatric morbidity made significantly more appointments and missed significantly more appointments than those with less severe presentations. Impaired social functioning was the best predictor of female attendance rates, whereas age and clinical stage of illness best predicted male attendance rates. Current diagnosis rather than functional impairment appeared to influence the level of input offered by clinicians.

Conclusions

Age, gender, severity of illness, functioning and psychological distress had differential associations with both planned treatment intensity and attendance rates. These differences are likely to have implications for service provision in this youth population.
Quantification of cerivastatin toxicity supports organismal performance assays as an effective tool during pharmaceutical safety assessment
Authors: Gaukler Shannon M. , Ruff James S. , Galland Tessa , Underwood Tristan K. , Kandaris Kirstie A. , Liu Nicole M. , Morrison Linda C. , Veranth John M. , Potts Wayne K.
Published: January 2016

A major problem in pharmaceutical development is that adverse effects remain undetected during preclinical and clinical trials, but are later revealed after market release when prescribed to many patients. We have developed a fitness assay known as the organismal performance assay (OPA), which evaluates individual performance by utilizing outbred wild mice (Mus musculus) that are assigned to an exposed or control group, which compete against each other for resources within semi‐natural enclosures. Performance measurements included reproductive success, survival, and male competitive ability. Our aim was to utilize cerivastatin (Baycol®, Bayer), a pharmaceutical with known adverse effects, as a positive control to assessOPAs as a potential tool for evaluating the safety of compounds during preclinical trials. Mice were exposed to cerivastatin (~4.5 mg/kg/day) into early adulthood. Exposure ceased and animals were released into semi‐natural enclosures. Within enclosures, cerivastatin‐exposed females had 25% fewer offspring and cerivastatin‐exposed males had 10% less body mass, occupied 63% fewer territories, sired 41% fewer offspring, and experienced a threefold increase in mortality when compared to controls.OPAs detected several cerivastatin‐induced adverse effects indicating that fitness assays, commonly used in ecology and evolutionary biology, could be useful as an additional tool in safety testing during pharmaceutical development.
The Geographies of Industrialised Finance: Probing the Global Production Networks of Asset Management
Authors: Dörry Sabine
Published: January 2016

Contemporary finance is highly industrialised in its division of labour and spatial organisation. Using the example of the asset management industry, this article applies the Global Production Network (GPN) framework to the largely disregarded ‘production’ of finance. Whereas acknowledging the GPN's progressive conceptualisation of cross‐boundary relationalities in the organisation of economic globalisation, this article critically engages with three of the concept's core analytical units. First, it challenges the somewhat misleading definition of ‘value’ with regard to speculative financial activities. Second, it argues that the complex, often opaque financial products are outcomes of the increased epistemic nature in the production of finance, which requires a shift in the conceptual and empirical attention of embeddedness towards the defining circuits of knowledge. Third, it contests the neat typology of governance forms by highlighting the proliferation of private contracting in some of the most complex financial GPNs. By probing finance, the article enriches the GPN research portfolio of case studies and interrogates the formulation of some of its core analytical categories. It is further argued that this more holistic approach towards how globalised and financialised finance is organised and coordinated as discussed in this article provides a fruitful alternative to the prevailing neoclassical, econometric understanding in financial studies.
Post‐transcriptionally generated cell heterogeneity regulates biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Ogura Mitsuo
Published: January 2016

Bacillus subtilis forms biofilms in appropriate environments by producing extracellular matrices. Genes required for matrix formation, for example tapA, are regulated by the SinI/SinR/SlrR system. SinR is the repressor for tapA. SinI and SlrR inhibit DNA‐binding of SinR. sinI and sinR constitute two‐gene operon, and sinR has its own promoter. During biofilm formation, a portion of the population differentiates into matrix‐producing cells. This is thought to be caused by Spo0A‐dependent, heterogeneous expression of the PsinI promoter, whereas the PsinR promoter is expressed homogeneously. However, we observed that at its original locus, overall sinI transcription was almost homogeneous, because upstream read‐through transcription from PyqHG would overcome expression of PsinI. When we used translational sinI‐gfp and sinR‐mCherry reporters at their original loci, their fluorescence distribution patterns in the cell population were clearly bimodal. This bimodal expression might be caused by cell‐to‐cell variations of mRNA stability. This study shows that the post‐transcriptionally regulated bimodal expression of SinI and SinR is important for bacterial cell‐fate determination.
Investigating the Role of Helicobacter pylori PriA Protein
Authors: Singh Aparna , Blaskovic Dusan , Joo Jungsoo , Yang Zhen , Jackson Sharon H. , Coleman William G. , Yan Ming
Published: January 2016

Background

In bacteria, PriA protein, a conserved DEXH‐type DNA helicase, plays a central role in replication restart at stalled replication forks. Its unique DNA binding property allows it to recognize and stabilize stalled forks and the structures derived from them. PriA plays a very critical role in replication fork stabilization and DNA repair in E. coli and N. gonorrhoeae. In our in vivo expression technology screen, priA gene was induced in vivo when Helicobacter pylori infects mouse stomach.

Materials and Methods

We decided to elucidate the role of H. pylori PriA protein in survival in mouse stomach, survival in gastric epithelial cells and macrophage cells, DNA repair, acid stress, and oxidative stress.

Results

The priA null mutant strain was unable to colonize mice stomach mucosa after long‐term infections. Mouse colonization was observed after 1 week of infection, but the levels were much lower than the wild‐type HpSS1 strain. PriA protein was found to be important for intracellular survival of epithelial cell‐/macrophage cell‐ingested H. pylori. Also, a priA null mutant was more sensitive to DNA‐damaging agents and was much more sensitive to acid and oxidative stress as compared to the wild‐type strain.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the PriA protein is needed for survival and persistence of H. pylori in mice stomach mucosa.
Silicate‐oxide mineral chemistry of mafic–ultramafic rocks as an indicator of the roots of an island arc: The Chilas Complex, Kohistan (Pakistan)
Authors: Bilqees Rubina , Qasim Jan M. , Asif Khan M. , Windley Brian F.
Published: January 2016

The Chilas Complex is a major lower crustal component of the Cretaceous Kohistan island arc and one of the largest exposed slices of arc magma chamber in the world. Covering more than 8000 km2, it reaches a current tectonic width of around 40 km. It was emplaced at 85 Ma during rifting of the arc soon after the collision of the arc with the Karakoram plate. Over 85% of the Complex comprises homogeneous, olivine‐free gabbronorite and subordinate orthopyroxene–quartz diorite association (MGNA), which contains bodies of up to 30 km2 of ultramafic–mafic–anorthositic association (UMAA) rocks. Primary cumulate textures, igneous layering, and sedimentary structures are well preserved in layered parts of the UMAA in spite of pervasive granulite facies metamorphism. Mineral analyses show that the UMAA is characterized by more magnesian and more aluminous pyroxene and more calcic plagioclase than those in the MGNA. High modal abundances of orthopyroxene, magnetite and ilmenite (in MGNA), general Mg–Fe–Al spatial variations, and an MFA plot of whole‐rock analyses suggest a calc‐alkaline origin for the Complex. Projection of the pyroxene compositions on the Wo–En–Fs face is akin to those of pyroxenes from island arcs gabbros. The presence of highly calcic plagioclase and hornblende in UMAA is indicative of hydrous parental arc magma. The complex may be a product of two‐stage partial melting of a rising mantle diaper. The MGNA rocks represent the earlier phase melting, whereas the UMAA magma resulted from the melting of the same source depleted by the extraction of the earlier melt phase. Some of the massive peridotites in the UMAA may either be cumulates or represent metasomatized and remobilized upper mantle. The Chilas Complex shows similarities with many other (supra)subduction‐related mafic–ultramafic complexes worldwide.
Genetic algorithm for fitting a mixed Bingham distribution to 3D orientations: a tool for the statistical and paleostress analyses of fracture orientations
Authors: Yamaji Atsushi
Published: January 2016

The clustering of fracture orientations is important for tectonic studies and for geotechnical engineering. In this study, a real‐coded genetic algorithm was adopted to fitting a mixed Bingham distribution to orientation data by maximizing the log‐likelihood function of the distribution. The maximization is a difficult problem, because the function has multimodality and singularity. It was found that the algorithm was effective for this problem. Given the orientations of dilational fractures, the present method determines not only the stress axes and stress ratio of each of the fracture groups but also the maximum non‐dimensionalized fluid pressure at the time of their formation. In addition, the software calculates the 95 % error ellipses of the concentration axes. The present method found that the orientations of ore veins of the Akenobe Mine, SW Japan, should be partitioned into three clusters. It is shown that two of the groups had distinctive Zn and Sn contents, and that the ore fluids had overpressures only slightly greater than the minimum principal stress at the time of the deposition of Zn‐ and Sn‐rich veins.
Response to parenteral iron therapy distinguish unexplained refractory iron deficiency anemia from iron‐refractory iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Akin M. , Sarbay H. , Guler S. , Balci Y. I. , Polat A.
Published: January 2016

Introduction

We evaluated that response to parenteral iron therapy could be helpful in distinguishing the types of iron deficiency anemia.

Patients and Methods

This study analyzed responses to IV iron sucrose therapy of 15 children with unexplained refractory iron deficiency anemia (URIDA). We compared the results at diagnosis, 6 weeks and 6 months after the therapy. Results were compared with responses of 11 patients’ results with iron‐refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) from our previous study.

Result

Six weeks after the start of treatment, ferritin, MCV, MCH and Hb values were in normal range in 10 patients. The increase in Hb, MCH, MCV, and ferritin values ranged 2.6–3.5 g/dL, 1.7–4.2 pg, 2–9 fL, and 13–25 ng/mL, respectively. In five patients, Hb, MCH, and MCV mean (range) values [11.2 g/dL (11–12.2), 24.5 pg (24–25.6), and 67 fL (65–70)] were nearly normal but ferritin mean (range) values [9.8 ng/mL (8–11)] were below normal. Six weeks after the start of treatment, Hb, MCH, MCV and ferritin values of patients with IRIDA were increased. The increase in Hb, MCH, MCV, and ferritin values ranged 0.8–2.7 g/dL, 1.7–4.2 pg, 2–9 fL, and 13–25 ng/mL, respectively. IRIDA is only partially responsive to parenteral iron supplementation. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the response to intravenous iron therapy for the URIDA cases improved blood parameters more effectively than hereditary IRIDA. Response to parenteral iron therapy would be helpful to distinguish unexplained refractory IDA from hereditary IRIDA for clinicians who do not have access to hepcidin or TMPRS6 mutation analysis.
Abortion in modern health care: Considering the issues for health‐care professionals
Authors: Smyth Dawn , Lane Paula
Published: January 2016

This paper explores the challenging and contentious issue of abortion and its ethical, legal and political significance regarding public health. It is intended as an educational guide for health‐care professionals. A comprehensive search strategy of international health, law and political source materials was undertaken in order to benchmark from international approaches to abortion. Test cases illustrate the application of legislation, ethical, political and cultural issues surrounding abortion. Abortion is a complex contemporary issue where balancing the well‐being of both the mother and the unborn has prompted considerable international discourse. The right to life of the woman and the unborn continues to lie in tension. Ambiguity surrounds the concept of personhood, and the inception of human life prevails across many International jurisdictions. Health‐care professionals must be well informed in order to respond safely and appropriately to a diverse range of clinical scenarios in which decisions regarding abortion are required. Research and evidence of test cases will better inform how abortion issues evolve and are managed. Ultimately, the abortion debate requires a balance between legislation and clinical governance.
Is the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier a coastal species? Expanding its distribution range in the Atlantic Ocean using at‐sea observer data
Authors: Domingo A. , Coelho R. , Cortes E. , Garcia‐Cortes B. , Mas F. , Mejuto J. , Miller P. , Ramos‐Cartelle A. , Santos M. N. , Yokawa K.
Published: January 2016

The occurrence of tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier in the Atlantic Ocean was assessed using at‐sea observer data from multiple pelagic longline fisheries. Geographic positions of 2764 G. cuvier recorded between 1992 and 2013 and covering a wide area of the Atlantic Ocean were compared with the currently accepted distribution ranges of the species. Most records fell outside those ranges in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, which strongly suggests that the distribution range of G. cuvier in the open ocean is considerably larger than previously described
Exploring family‐centered care for children living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria
Authors: Achema Godwin , Ncama Busisiwe P.
Published: January 2016

Aim

To explored the role of family‐centered care in supporting children living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria.

Methods

A qualitative research design was adopted for this study with a grounded theory approach. Children aged between 11 and 14 years living with HIV and AIDS, their caregivers, and nurse practitioners working in the HIV clinic were engaged in separate focus group discussions in two hospitals in Nigeria.

Results

The findings showed that the value African families place on children plays a significant role in identifying their care needs and providing their basic necessities; hence, people around the sick child tend to make him feel better, as attested by nurse practitioners and caregiver participants. Nurse practitioner participants cited unified families as providing care support and love to the children and the support needed to alleviate their sicknesses. Children participants confirmed that family members/relatives were always at their disposal to provide supportive care in terms of administrating antiretroviral medication as well as other psychological care; although a few participants indicated that disruption in family structures in resource‐poor settings, isolation and withdrawal, and deprivation of care due to poverty threatened the care rendered to the children.

Conclusion

The study highlighted the value attached to children in the African context as helping family members to identify the care needs of children living with HIV and AIDS; thereby providing succor to alleviate their sicknesses and enhance their quality of life.
Family members’ lived experiences of everyday life after intensive care treatment of a loved one: a phenomenological hermeneutical study
Authors: Frivold Gro , Slettebø Åshild , Dale Bjørg
Published: January 2016

Aims and Objectives

To illuminate relatives’ experiences of everyday life after a loved one's stay in an intensive care unit.

Background

Relatives of intensive care patients experience considerable stress that can have a long‐lasting effect on their everyday lives. Relatives frequently report anxiety, depression and complicated grief as a result of their experiences in the intensive care unit.

Design

A qualitative design was chosen.

Methods

Thirteen relatives were interviewed 3 months to 1 year after the discharge or death of an intensive care unit patient. A phenomenological hermeneutical method was used to explore family members’ lived experiences upon returning home after their loved ones’ stay in the intensive care unit.

Results

Two themes emerged from the analysis of the data: (1) changes in everyday life and emotional reactions, and (2) managing changes and need of support and follow‐up from the ICU.

Conclusions

Family members experience changes in emotions, roles and responsibilities after returning home. They must maintain control of themselves and adapt to the changes to face the future. They cope by using their personal resources and support from others. Some are in further need of follow‐up from the intensive care unit staff.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nursing education could focus increasingly more on the significance of communication and personal support, which helps family members cope during patients’ stay and experience a sense of personal strength when returning home. Further research should address how to identify and support those with special needs after the intensive care unit stay.
Understanding nurses' decision‐making when managing weaning from mechanical ventilation: a study of novice and experienced critical care nurses in Scotland and Greece
Authors: Kydonaki Kalliopi , Huby Guro , Tocher Jennifer , Aitken Leanne M
Published: January 2016

Aim and objectives

To examine how nurses collect and use cues from respiratory assessment to inform their decisions as they wean patients from ventilatory support.

Background

Prompt and accurate identification of the patient's ability to sustain reduction of ventilatory support has the potential to increase the likelihood of successful weaning. Nurses' information processing during the weaning from mechanical ventilation has not been well‐described.

Design

A descriptive ethnographic study exploring critical care nurses' decision‐making processes when weaning mechanically ventilated patients from ventilatory support in the real setting.

Methods

Novice and expert Scottish and Greek nurses from two tertiary intensive care units were observed in real practice of weaning mechanical ventilation and were invited to participate in reflective interviews near the end of their shift. Data were analysed thematically using concept maps based on information processing theory. Ethics approval and informed consent were obtained.

Results

Scottish and Greek critical care nurses acquired patient‐centred objective physiological and subjective information from respiratory assessment and previous knowledge of the patient, which they clustered around seven concepts descriptive of the patient's ability to wean. Less experienced nurses required more encounters of cues to attain the concepts with certainty. Subjective criteria were intuitively derived from previous knowledge of patients' responses to changes of ventilatory support. All nurses used focusing decision‐making strategies to select and group cues in order to categorise information with certainty and reduce the mental strain of the decision task.

Conclusions

Nurses used patient‐centred information to make a judgment about the patients' ability to wean. Decision‐making strategies that involve categorisation of patient‐centred information can be taught in bespoke educational programmes for mechanical ventilation and weaning.

Relevance to clinical practice

Advanced clinical reasoning skills and accurate detection of cues in respiratory assessment by critical care nurses will ensure optimum patient management in weaning mechanical ventilation.
Gradual improvement of hyperammonemic hepatic encephalopathy after the extirpation of a large uterine leiomyoma in a woman with constipation and liver cirrhosis resulting from autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Kunitomo Koutaro , Ohkuchi Akihide , Matsumoto Satohiro , Wada Masafumi , Himeno Ryuichi , Sakamoto Tatsuyoshi
Published: January 2016

There have been few reports regarding the improvement of hyperammonemic hepatic encephalopathy after the extirpation of a large uterine leiomyoma. We present a case of a 53‐year‐old postmenopausal woman who experienced a clouding of consciousness. She had been suffering from mild hepatitis and a large uterine leiomyoma. On admission, she had experienced constipation for seven days and exhibited a high serum ammonia level (251 μg/dL). She was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis as a result of autoimmune hepatitis, combined with Sjögren's syndrome. A total hysterectomy was performed 29 days after admission. Severe diarrhea lasted for three days after surgery. By the sixth postoperative day, the patient's consciousness level had normalized and her serum ammonia level had fallen to 47 μg/dL. Although the true mechanism of hyperammonemia in this case is unclear, we speculate that organic constipation following chronic obstruction of the colon might have played a role in the development of the condition.
Mental Health First Aid in Rural Communities: Appropriateness and Outcomes
Authors: Talbot Jean A. , Ziller Erika C. , Szlosek Donald A.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), an early intervention training program for general audiences, has been promoted as a means for improving population‐level behavioral health (BH) in rural communities by encouraging treatment‐seeking. This study examined MHFA's appropriateness and impacts in rural contexts.

Methods

We used a mixed‐methods approach to study MHFA trainings conducted from November 2012 through September 2013 in rural communities across the country. Data Sources: (a) posttraining questionnaires completed by 44,273 MHFA participants at 2,651 rural and urban trainings in 50 US states; (b) administrative data on these trainings; and (c) interviews with 16 key informants who had taught, sponsored, or participated in rural MHFA. Measure of Rurality: Rural‐Urban Commuting Area Codes. Analyses: Chi‐square tests were conducted on questionnaire data. Structural, descriptive, and pattern coding techniques were used to analyze interview data.

Findings

MHFA appears aligned with some key rural needs. MHFA may help to reduce unmet need for BH treatment in rural communities by raising awareness of BH issues and mitigating stigma, thereby promoting appropriate treatment‐seeking. However, rural infrastructure deficits may limit some communities’ ability to meet new demand generated by MHFA. MHFA may help motivate rural communities to develop initiatives for strengthening infrastructure, but additional tools and consultation may be needed.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence that MHFA holds promise for improving rural BH. MHFA alone cannot compensate for weaknesses in rural BH infrastructure.
Serial magnetic resonance angiography in a patient with angioinvasive aspergillosis
Authors: Araki Kunihiko , Ito Mizuki , Atsuta Naoki , Katsuno Masahisa , Sobue Gen
Published: January 2016

Angioinvasive aspergillus can lead to acute infarction. A 74‐year old man complained about mild weakness of the left limbs; based on diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, he was diagnosed with acute infarction in the right caudate and anterior limb of the internal capsule. After admission, he had a fever with disturbance of consciousness. Elevated serum β‐D‐glucan, elevated galactomannan antigen titers in cerebrospinal fluid and histopathological analysis on a biopsy specimen of the right sphenoid sinus enabled a diagnosis of Aspergillus infection. Serial magnetic resonance angiography showed the progressing stenosis of the major cerebral artery by angioinvasive aspergillosis with the spread of the cerebral infarction. Our case suggests that serial magnetic resonance angiography might be useful for monitoring progression of aspergillus vasculopathy.
Associations between conflictual relationships, psychopathology, and the use of psychotropic drugs among older people living in residential facilities
Authors: Scocco Paolo , Toffol Elena , Frasson Alberto , Cavrini Giulia , Argentino Paola , Azzarito Caterina , Federici Stefano , Putzu Paolo F. , de Girolamo Giovanni
Published: January 2016

Background

Psychiatric symptoms and conflictual relationships (CR) may negatively affect the delivery of care in residential facilities (RF). This study aims to analyze neuropsychiatric symptoms, their correlations with CR among older people living in RF, and their associations with the prescription of psychotropic drugs.

Methods

A total of 1215 RF residents in five Italian regions were selected for this cross‐sectional study. Psychiatric symptoms and CR were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and the Resident Assessment Instrument, respectively. Associations between Neuropsychiatric Inventory items, CR, and the use of psychotropic drugs were tested via multiple logistic regressions.

Results

About half (52.7%) of the RF residents experienced one or more clinically relevant neuropsychiatric symptoms. At least one category of CR was reported for 223 residents (19%). Although reciprocal associations were found between different categories of CR, only conflictuality with other residents was associated with the use of antipsychotics (odds ratio (OR) = 2.12). Significant associations were found with irritability (with staff: OR = 2.35; with relatives: OR = 3.09), aberrant motor behaviour (with staff: OR = 2.02), and elation (with relatives: OR = 10.55).

Conclusions

Neuropsychiatric symptoms and CR are common among RF residents and are reciprocally associated. Further research with longitudinal design is needed to better understand this relationship.
Successful Cryopreservation of Domestic Cat (Felis catus) Epididymal Sperm after Slow Equilibration to 15 or 10°C
Authors: Klaus C , Eder S , Franz C , Müller K
Published: January 2016

Contents

To support conservation strategies in wild species, simple but highly reproducible procedures of sperm cryopreservation are required for an application under field conditions. We used epididymal sperm of the domestic cat to optimize a sperm freezing procedure for felid species, particularly questioning the demand for sperm cooling to 4°C. We equilibrated sperm during slow cooling to only 15 or 10°C in a Tes–Tris–fructose extender with final concentrations of 4.7% (v/v) glycerol and 10% (v/v) of the water‐soluble fraction of hen's egg yolk (low‐density lipoproteins). Subsequently, sperm were frozen over liquid nitrogen. Total and progressive motility (mean ± SD) after thawing was 60.7 ± 8.6% and 53.9 ± 9.6% in samples cooled to 15°C or 61.6 ± 9.5% and 55.3 ± 9.9% in samples cooled to 10°C. Therefore, a one‐step addition of glycerol to sperm at room temperature together with the freezing extender, the use of cryovials (loaded with diluted sperm aliquots of 300 μl), an equilibration period of 40 min comprising slow cooling to 15°C at a rate of approximately −0.14 K/min before rapid freezing over liquid nitrogen, yielded satisfying results. Cooling, freezing and thawing rates were exactly characterized as a prerequisite for further optimization and to provide a repeatable protocol to other practitioners.
FDI, Industry Heterogeneity and Employment Elasticity in China
Authors: Chen Bo , Li Yao , Yin Yuming
Published: January 2016

We investigate the different impacts of foreign direct investment (FDI) on employment elasticity with China's firm level data from 1998 to 2007. Our analysis shows that the inclusion of FDI does significantly affect firms' employment elasticity when facing wage, capital and output shocks. These effects vary dramatically across industries with different factor intensities and export status. Specifically, we find that non‐exporters with FDI tend to increase employment elasticity more than exporters when wage, capital input or output changes. However, FDI firms that are engaging in labor‐intensive production tend to have larger output and capital input elasticity of employment while smaller wage elasticity of employment. Our findings help to explain the contradicting results in existing literature and provide important references for China's policy makers to design proper industry policies towards FDI.
Local Institutions, Foreign Direct Investment and Productivity of Domestic Firms
Authors: Hong Junjie , Sun Xiaonan , Huang Wei
Published: January 2016

This paper examines the linkage between foreign direct investment (FDI) and the productivity of domestic firms, paying particular attention to local institutions. Using Chinese manufactures from 1998 to 2007, we find strong evidence that FDI negatively affects the productivity of domestic firms. Firm in regions with better institutions suffers more from foreign presence owing to production contraction, labor cost increases and innovation deterrence.
Antidumping under International Fragmentation: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Yi , Deng Jun
Published: January 2016

Applying a negative binomial regression model, this paper investigates how Chinese exports have reshaped the global value chain and the use of antidumping. We use trade in value‐added statistics to distinguish between Chinese exports of intermediate and final products to its main trading partners, including the USA, Mexico, South Korea, the UK, Germany, France and Italy, among others, and find that other countries welcome China as an intermediate producer, although not necessarily as a final good producer. We also find that a higher level of fragmentation reduces the likelihood of antidumping initiation and measures.
On Mergers and Agglomeration
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Oladi Reza
Published: January 2016

We formulate a model of mergers and acquisitions assuming a monopolistic competitive industry that exhibits agglomeration economies. We provide the conditions for the existence of a non‐trivial Nash equilibrium in the acquisition market at which the most productive firm acquires a range of less‐productive firms. Most importantly, we show that domestic merger and acquisition activities are international trade promotionary. We also show that such types of mergers and acquisition will improve the competitive position of foreign firms leading to an increase in their market share. In addition, domestic mergers and acquisitions will increase the number of imported varieties.