bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenological mismatch and the effectiveness of assisted gene flow
Authors: Wadgymar Susana M. , Weis Arthur E.
Published: December 2016

The persistence of narrowly adapted species under climate change will depend on their ability to migrate apace with their historical climatic envelope or to adapt in place to maintain fitness. This second path to persistence can only occur if there is sufficient genetic variance for response to new selection regimes. Inadequate levels of genetic variation can be remedied through assisted gene flow (AGF), that is the intentional introduction of individuals genetically adapted to localities with historic climates similar to the current or future climate experienced by the resident population. However, the timing of reproduction is frequently adapted to local conditions. Phenological mismatch between residents and migrants can reduce resident × migrant mating frequencies, slowing the introgression of migrant alleles into the resident genetic background and impeding evolutionary rescue efforts. Focusing on plants, we devised a method to estimate the frequency of resident × migrant matings based on flowering schedules and applied it in an experiment that mimicked the first generation of an AGF program with Chamaecrista fasciculata, a prairie annual, under current and expected future temperature regimes. Phenological mismatch reduced the potential for resident × migrant matings by 40–90%, regardless of thermal treatment. The most successful migrant sires were the most resident like in their flowering time, further biasing the genetic admixture between resident and migrant populations. Other loci contributing to local adaptation—heat‐tolerance genes, for instance—may be in linkage disequilibrium with phenology when residents and migrants are combined into a single mating pool. Thus, introgression of potentially adaptive migrant alleles into the resident genetic background is slowed when selection acts against migrant phenology. Successful AGF programs may require sustained high immigration rates or preliminary breeding programs when phenologically matched migrant source populations are unavailable.
Predicting difficulty in extending the ileal pouch to the anus in restorative proctocolectomy: investigation of a simple predictive method using computed tomography
Authors: Ohira G. , Miyauchi H. , Narushima K. , Kagaya A. , Mutou Y. , Saitou H. , Hayano K. , Matsubara H.
Published: December 2016

Aim

This study aimed to assess the ability of preoperative axial computed tomography (CT) to predict surgical difficulty in bringing the ileal pouch to the level of the anus during restorative proctocolectomy (RPC).

Method

Patients who underwent RPC with an ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (or ileal pouch–anal canal anastomosis) in our institution between January 2008 and April 2014 were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups, including those in whom CT indicated potential difficulty in extending the pouch downwards (extension difficult (ED) group) and patients with no CT evidence of potential difficulty (normal group). The groups were compared for clinical factors and the thickness of the slices of CT showing the root of the superior mesenteric artery, the point of communication of the ileocaecal artery with the marginal artery (tICA) and the anal verge (AV). Receiver‐operating characteristic analysis was performed, and a cut‐off value was calculated for predicting the degree of difficulty in bringing the ileal pouch down to the anal canal.

Results

Thirty‐four patients were entered in the study. The ED group included significantly taller patients and more with familial adenomatous polyposis than the normal group. The distance between tICA and AV was significantly longer in the ED group, with a cut‐off of 21 cm giving a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 83.3%.

Conclusion

The distance between tICA and AV measured by axial CT can be a useful predictor for the difficulty in bringing the ileal pouch down to the anus during RPC.
No benefit of ultrasound‐guided transversus abdominis plane blocks over wound infiltration with local anaesthetic in elective laparoscopic colonic surgery: results of a double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rashid A. , Gorissen K. J. , Ris F. , Gosselink M. P. , Shorthouse J. R. , Smith A. D. , Pandit J. J. , Lindsey I. , Crabtree N. A.
Published: December 2016

Aim

Advances in laparoscopic techniques combined with enhanced recovery pathways have led to faster recuperation and discharge after colorectal surgery. Peripheral nerve blockade using transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks reduce opioid requirements and provide better analgesia for laparoscopic colectomies than do inactive controls. This double‐blind randomized study was performed to compare TAP blocks using bupivacaine with standardized wound infiltration with local anaesthetic (LA).

Method

Seventy‐one patients were randomized to receive either TAP block or wound infiltration. The TAP blocks were performed by experienced anaesthetists who used ultrasound guidance to deliver 40 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine post‐induction into the transverse abdominis plane. In the control group, 40 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine was injected around the trocar and the extraction site by the surgeon. Both groups received patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) with intravenous morphine. Patients and nursing staff assessed pain scores 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery. The primary outcome was overall morphine use in the first 48 h.

Results

Of the 71 patients, 20 underwent a right hemicolectomy and 51 a high anterior resection. The modified intention‐to‐treat analysis showed no significant differences in overall morphine use [47.3 (36.2–58.5) mg vs 46.7 (36.2–57.3) mg; mean (95% CI), P = 0.8663] in the first 48 h. Pain scores were similar at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. No differences were found regarding time to mobilization, resumption of diet and length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

In elective laparoscopic colectomies, standardized wound infiltration with LA has the same analgesic effect as TAP blocks post‐induction using bupivacaine at 48 h.
Evaluation of anatomical and functional results of overlapping anal sphincter repair with or without the injection of bone marrow aspirate concentrate: a case–control study
Authors: Khafagy W. W. , El‐Said M. M. , Thabet W. M. , Aref S. E.‐S. , Omar W. , Emile S. H. , Elfeki H. , El‐Ghonemy M. S. , El‐Shobaky M. T.
Published: December 2016

Aim

Overlapping anal sphincter repair (OASR) is used for treatment of faecal incontinence due to an external anal sphincter (EAS) defect; however, it is not the optimal treatment as its functional results tend to deteriorate significantly with time. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of local injection of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) on the outcome of OASR.

Method

We compared a prospective group of 20 patients with EAS defect who were managed with OASR and BMAC injection (group I) with a historical control group of an equal number of patients managed with OASR alone (group II). Patients were assessed preoperatively and during follow‐up by the Wexner continence score and endoanal ultrasound. The primary end‐points were the improvement of the continence level measured by the Wexner score and the residual EAS defect size measured by endoanal ultrasound.

Results

At the end of follow‐up, group I had significantly lower mean postoperative Wexner score (5.4 ± 7.6 vs 10.6 ± 7.4; P = 0.03) and smaller EAS defect percentage (12.2 ± 17.5 vs 18.3 ± 18.9). These findings were statistically significant in patients with a small preoperative EAS defect equal to or less than one‐third of the anal circumference. Patients with larger preoperative EAS did not show a significant improvement of the continence level after repair in either group.

Conclusion

Augmenting OASR with local injection of BMAC in patients with faecal incontinence caused by an EAS defect, particularly a smaller defect, can improve both functional and anatomical outcomes of OASR.
Factors affecting the incidence of early endoscopic recurrence after ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease: a multicentre observational study
Authors: de Barcelos I. F. , Kotze P. G. , Spinelli A. , Suzuki Y. , Teixeira F. V. , de Albuquerque I. C. , Saad‐Hossne R. , da Silva Kotze L. M. , Yamamoto T.
Published: December 2016

Aim

Early endoscopic recurrence is frequently observed in patients following resection for Crohn's disease (CD). However, factors affecting the incidence of an early postoperative endoscopic recurrence (EPER) have not been fully determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for EPER after ileocolonic resection for CD.

Method

This was a retrospective, international multicentre study, in which 127 patients with a first ileocolonoscopy conducted between 6 and 12 months after ileocolonic resection for CD were included. Endoscopic recurrence was defined as a Rutgeerts score of ≥ i2. The following variables were investigated as potential risk factors for EPER: gender, age at surgery, location and behaviour of CD, smoking, concomitant perianal lesions, preoperative use of steroids, immunomodulators and biologics, previous resection, blood transfusion, surgical procedure (open vs laparoscopic approach), length of resected bowel, type of anastomosis (side‐to‐side vs end‐to‐end), postoperative complications, granuloma and postoperative biological therapy. Variables related to the patient, disease and surgical procedure were investigated as potential risk factors for EPER, with univariate and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses.

Results

43/127 (34%) patients had EPER at the time of the first postoperative ileocolonoscopy. In univariate analysis, only preoperative steroid use was significantly associated with a higher rate of EPER [21/45 patients (47%) on steroids and 22/82 patients (27%) without steroids (P = 0.04)]. In multivariate analysis, only preoperative steroid use was a significant independent risk factor for EPER (odds ratio 3.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.30–8.28; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

This study found that only preoperative steroid use was a significant risk factor for EPER after ileocolonic resection for CD. Prospective studies are necessary to evaluate precisely the impact of perioperative medications on EPER rates.
Damming Fragments Species’ Ranges and Heightens Extinction Risk
Authors: Carvajal‐Quintero Juan D. , Januchowski‐Hartley Stephanie R. , Maldonado‐Ocampo Javier A. , Jézéquel Céline , Delgado Juliana , Tedesco Pablo A.
Published: December 2016

Tropical rivers are experiencing an unprecedented boom in dam construction. Despite rapid dam expansion, knowledge about the ecology of tropical rivers and the implications of existing and planned dams on freshwater‐dependent species remains limited. Here, we evaluate fragmentation of fish species’ ranges, considering current and planned dams of the Magdalena River basin, Colombia. We quantify the relationship between species’ range and body sizes and use a vulnerability limit set by this relationship to explore the influence that fragmentation of species’ ranges has on extinction risk. We find that both existing and planned dams fragment most fish species’ ranges, splitting them into more vulnerable populations. Importantly, we find that migratory species, and those that support fisheries, are most affected by fragmentation. Our results highlight the dramatic impact that dams can have on freshwater fishes and offer insights into species’ extinction risk for data‐limited regions.
Robust GLP‐1 secretion by basic L‐amino acids does not require the GPRC6A receptor
Authors: Clemmensen Christoffer , Jørgensen Christinna V. , Smajilovic Sanela , Bräuner‐Osborne Hans
Published: December 2016

The G protein‐coupled receptor GPRC6A (GPCR, Class C, group 6, subtype A) has been proposed to be a sensor for basic L‐amino acids that are hypothesized to translate ingestive behaviour to endocrine information. However, the contribution of the GPRC6A receptor to L‐amino acid‐induced glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) secretion is unclear. Therefore, to discover whether the GPRC6A receptor is indispensible for amino acid‐induced secretion of GLP‐1, we treated, with oral gavage, GPRC6A knock‐out (KO) and wild‐type (WT) littermate mice with GPRC6A ligands (L‐arginine and L‐ornithine) and assessed GLP‐1 levels in circulation. We found that oral administration of both L‐arginine and L‐ornithine significantly increased total plasma GLP‐1 levels to a similar level in GPRC6A KO and WT mice 15 minutes after gavage (both amino acids) and accumulated up to 60 minutes after gavage (L‐arginine). Conversely, GLP‐1 secretion at the 30‐ and 60‐minute time points in the KO mice was attenuated and did not reach statistical significance. In summary, these data confirm that L‐arginine is a potent GLP‐1 secretagogue and show that the main effect occurs independently of GPRC6A. In addition, this is the first study to show that also L‐ornithine powerfully elicits GLP‐1 release in vivo.
Fruit firmness, superficial damage, and location modulate infestation by Drosophila suzukii and Zaprionus indianus: the case of guava in Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Lasa Rodrigo , Tadeo Eduardo , Dinorín Luis A. , Lima Itzel , Williams Trevor
Published: December 2016

The exotic pestiferous flies Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) and Zaprionus indianus Gupta (Diptera: Drosophilidae) were recently identified in traps used for monitoring tephritid pests of guava, Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), in Veracruz, Mexico. To determine whether both drosophilids were infesting guava, a previously unreported host, samples were taken from fruits on trees and fallen fruits on the ground. Overall, 74 and 36% of visually intact fruits attached to the tree were infested by D. suzukii and Z. indianus, respectively. Under laboratory conditions, small artificial punctures on the surface of ripe guavas did not result in increased oviposition by D. suzukii compared to undamaged fruit, whereas Z. indianus almost completely avoided oviposition, or were not capable of developing in fruit. Females of D. suzukii were capable of ovipositing in early ripe guavas in laboratory tests (23% of fruits were used for oviposition), although a high penetration force is required to pierce fruit (mean ± SEM = 89.0 ± 3.0 cN). Fully ripe and overripe guavas were softer (52.2–53.5 cN penetration force) and were more frequently infested (ca. 60% infestation). Numbers of females that developed in guavas were not influenced by ripeness/firmness, whereas male development was reduced in early ripe fruit compared to ripe and overripe fruit. In laboratory choice experiments with crushed fruits, D. suzukii adults were equally attracted to guava and blueberry, independent of gender and age. However, raspberry was more attractive than guava. This study demonstrates that D. suzukii is attracted to guava, is capable of ovipositing in fruit and, under field conditions, is more abundant in fruits still attached to the tree compared to fallen fruit that remain intact. In contrast, Z. indianus was not capable of developing in intact guavas and, although present in fruits attached to the tree, was most abundant in fallen damaged fruits.
Flow cytometry minimal residual disease after allogeneic transplant for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Algrin Caroline , Golmard Jean‐Louis , Michallet Mauricette , Reman Oumedaly , Huynh Anne , Perrot Aurore , Sirvent Anne , Plesa Adriana , Salaun Véronique , Béné Marie‐Christine , Bories Dominique , Tournilhac Olivier , Merle‐Béral Hélène , Leblond Véronique , Le Garff‐Tavernier Magali , Dhedin Nathalie
Published: December 2016

Objectives

This study investigates whether achieving complete remission (CR) with undetectable minimal residual disease (MRD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) affects outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 46 patients transplanted for CLL and evaluated for post‐transplant MRD by flow cytometry.

Results

At transplant time, 43% of the patients were in CR, including one with undetectable MRD, 46% were in partial response, and 11% had refractory disease. After transplant, 61% of the patients achieved CR with undetectable MRD status. By multivariate analysis, reaching CR with undetectable MRD 12 months after transplant was the only factor associated with better progression‐free survival (P = 0.02) and attaining undetectable MRD, independently of the time of negativity, was the only factor that correlated with better overall survival (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Thus, achieving undetectable MRD status after allo‐SCT for CLL is a major goal to improve post‐transplant outcome.
Pretransplant FDG‐PET in aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Adams Hugo J. A. , Kwee Thomas C.
Published: December 2016

This study aimed to systematically review and meta‐analyze the value of pretransplant FDG‐PET in predicting outcome after autologous stem cell transplantation in aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. MEDLINE was systematically searched; included studies were methodologically assessed and meta‐analyzed, when possible. Overall methodological quality of included studies (n = 11) was poor, with moderate risk of bias in the domains of study participation (n = 7) and prognostic factor measurement (n = 7), and high risk of bias in the domains of outcome measurement (n = 10), and study confounding (n = 11). In all aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphomas, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 54.0% and 73.1% in predicting treatment failure, and 54.5% and 68.7% in predicting death. Because of interstudy heterogeneity, additional subgroup analyses were performed. In newly diagnosed aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 20.0% and 70.0% in predicting treatment failure, and 8.3% % and 30.5% in predicting death. In refractory/relapsed aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 68.1% and 72.1% in predicting treatment failure, and 77.3% and 69.6% in predicting death. At present, pretransplant FDG‐PET cannot be recommended in aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, because available studies suffer from major methodological flaws, and reported prognostic estimates are low (i.e., poor in newly diagnosed and moderate in refractory/relapsed aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma).
Progression of subcortical atrophy in mild Parkinson's disease and its impact on cognition
Authors: Foo H. , Mak E. , Yong T. T. , Wen M. C. , Chander R. J. , Au W. L. , Sitoh Y. Y. , Tan L. C. S. , Kandiah N.
Published: December 2016

Background and purpose

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated with pronounced grey matter atrophy in various brain regions. However, the association between atrophy patterns and progression from no cognitive impairment (NCI) to Parkinson's disease (PD)‐MCI is not clearly known. We investigated the pattern and progression of atrophy in subcortical structures and its impact on cognition in patients with mild PD.

Methods

Sixty‐five patients with mild PD with baseline and longitudinal clinical and neuropsychological assessments, and structural magnetic resonance imaging scans were studied. Movement Disorder Society Task Force criteria were used to classify patients with PD into PD‐NCI (n = 54) and PD‐MCI (n = 11). Based on progression over time, those who remained without cognitive impairment were classified as PD‐stable (n = 42) and those who converted to MCI over 18 months were classified as PD‐converters (n = 12). FreeSurfer was used to measure cortical thickness and subcortical volumes at baseline and follow‐up.

Results

Parkinson's disease‐MCI showed baseline thalamus atrophy and progressive atrophy in the thalamus, caudate, presubiculum, cornu ammonis 1 and 2–3, and significant memory and executive dysfunction compared with PD‐NCI. PD‐converters had greater accumbens atrophy at baseline and progressive atrophy in the thalamus, caudate and accumbens with dysfunctions in memory and executive domains.

Conclusions

Progression of cognitive impairment in non‐demented PD is associated with a specific pattern of subcortical atrophy. Findings from this study will allow future studies to investigate in the role of subcortical structures as a biomarker for PD dementia.
Development of ZrO2‐MgO nanocomposite powders by the modified sol‐gel method
Authors: Davar Fatemeh , Shayan Nasrin , Hojjati‐Najafabadi Akbar , Sabaghi Vahid , Hasani Saeed
Published: December 2016

The ZrO2‐MgO nanocomposites were synthesized using a new sol‐gel method with sucrose and tartaric acid as a gel agent. The samples were characterized by thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray mapping (EDX mapping), and Ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐vis). The results showed that the cubic phase of ZrO2‐MgO was formed in the presence of both gel agents. The average particle size of the samples synthesized with sucrose was lower (30 nm) than that of tartaric acid (50 nm). Finally, the formation mechanism and the optical properties of zirconia‐magnesia have been discussed.
Determination of silicon carbide fiber electrical resistivity at elevated temperature
Authors: Smith Craig , Morscher Greg
Published: December 2016

The resistance of Sylramic‐iBN and Hi‐Nicalon SiC fiber tows was measured at elevated temperature in air. Resistivity could not be directly measured, since the fibers passed through a furnace with varying temperature along the length. The resistivity of the isothermal section of the fiber tow was modeled by a series circuit of finite elements. Existing data for Hi‐Nicalon resistivity vs temperature was used to verify the model and then extend it to Sylramic‐iBN, for which there is no literature data readily available. The model matched experimental values with low overall error (<±14%). Fiber resistivity decreased by more than two orders of magnitude when heating from 25°C to 1400°C. Sylramic‐iBN tow resistance was also measured during a 500 hour hold at 1315°C. The resistance increased by more than 140% during heat treatment. The resistance change correlated well with the decrease in SiC fiber diameter that resulted from oxidation.
Synthesis of ultrafine WC‐Co composite powders under hydrogen atmosphere with in situ carbon via a one‐step reduction‐carbonization process
Authors: Yang Qiumin , Yang Jiangao , Yang Hailin , Chen Hao , Su Wei , Ruan Jianming
Published: December 2016

An inexpensive and facile direct method to synthesis ultrafine WC‐Co composite powders was proposed employing soluble starch as an in situ carbon source in a H2 atmosphere via a one‐step reduction‐carbonization process. Influences of processing factors, such as temperature, H2 flow rate, and reaction time have been investigated. The results revealed that the system of synthesis process was dynamic in nature where temperature, H2 flow rate, and reaction time had a suitable value to achieve the desired product phase. Mainly due to the gas reaction and homogeneous in situ carbon, the synthesizing temperature and reaction time were greatly lower than the conventional method. Lowering the reaction temperature and increasing the reaction rate would lead to finer WC‐Co composite powders. Ultrafine WC‐Co composite powders with almost no unwanted phases were obtained under the H2 flow rate of 0.75 m3/h at 950°C for 0.5 hour and the average particle size was 155 nm with good dispersion. Furthermore, the mechanism for the phase transformation was discussed in this study as well.
Temporal cross‐correlation between influenza‐like illnesses and invasive pneumococcal disease in The Netherlands
Authors: Hendriks Wilke , Boshuizen Hendriek , Dekkers Arnold , Knol Mirjam , Donker Ge A. , van der Ende Arie , Korthals Altes Hester
Published: December 2016

Background

While the burden of community‐acquired pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is still considerable, there is little insight in the factors contributing to disease. Previous research on the lagged relationship between respiratory viruses and pneumococcal disease incidence is inconclusive, and studies correcting for temporal autocorrelation are lacking.

Objectives

To investigate the temporal relation between influenza‐like illnesses (ILI) and IPD, correcting for temporal autocorrelation.

Methods

Weekly counts of ILI were obtained from the Sentinel Practices of NIVEL Primary Care Database. IPD data were collected from the Dutch laboratory‐based surveillance system for bacterial meningitis from 2004 to 2014. We analysed the correlation between time series, pre‐whitening the dependent time series with the best‐fit seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model to the independent time series. We performed cross‐correlations between ILI and IPD incidences, and the (pre‐whitened) residuals, in the overall population and in the elderly.

Results

We found significant cross‐correlations between ILI and IPD incidences peaking at lags ‐3 overall and at 1 week in the 65+ population. However, after pre‐whitening, no cross‐correlations were apparent in either population group.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that ILI occurrence does not seem to be the major driver of IPD incidence in The Netherlands.
Frequency and intensity of symptoms and treatment interventions in hospitalized older palliative cancer patients: a multicentre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Van Lancker Aurélie , Beeckman Dimitri , Van Den Noortgate Nele , Verhaeghe Sofie , Van Hecke Ann
Published: December 2016

Aim

To increase the knowledge of the frequency and intensity of symptoms and the treatment interventions in older palliative cancer patients.

Background

Research on symptoms and the treatment modalities in older palliative cancer patients is scarce. Insight into these aspects is needed to enable healthcare professionals to alleviate the burden.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Four hundred hospitalized older palliative cancer patients participated in the study between March 2013 ‐ February 2015. Two validated instruments were used to assess 40 symptoms in multiple domains and collect data on the treatment modalities in older palliative cancer patients.

Results

Patients reported on average approximately 14 symptoms. Dry mouth, physical fatigue, lack of energy, lack of appetite and difficulty moving outside were the most prevalent. Psychological pain, psychological fatigue, lack of willpower, lack of energy and physical fatigue were reported as intensive. On average, 5·15 disciplines were consulted per patient. Few patients were referred to a palliative support team, spiritual consultant or psychologist. Patients received a variety of interventions to increase life expectancy and alleviate symptoms and the side effects of treatment. The occurrence of symptoms was associated with different clinical and treatment variables such as having a geriatric risk profile.

Conclusions

Older patients receiving palliative cancer care are confronted with multiple symptoms. Psychological symptoms are more often reported as intensive. Greater attention should be given to the early referral of patients to palliative care teams, assessment and management of multiple symptoms, particularly psychological symptoms.
Using rapid reviews: an example from a study conducted to inform policy‐making
Authors: O'Leary Denise F. , Casey Mary , O'Connor Laserina , Stokes Diarmuid , Fealy Gerard M. , O'Brien Denise , Smith Rita , McNamara Martin S. , Egan Claire
Published: December 2016

Aim

A discussion of the potential use of rapid review approaches in nursing and midwifery research which presents a worked example from a study conducted to inform policy decision‐making.

Background

Rapid reviews, which can be defined as outputs of a knowledge synthesis approach that involves modifying or omitting elements of a systematic review process due to limited time or resources, are becoming increasingly popular in health research. This paper provides guidance on how a rapid review can be undertaken and discusses the strengths and challenges of the approach.

Design

Data from a rapid review of the literature undertaken in 2015 is used as a worked example to highlight one method of undertaking a rapid review.

Implications for nursing

Seeking evidence to inform health policy‐making or evidence based practice is a process that can be limited by time constraints, making it difficult to conduct comprehensive systematic reviews. Rapid reviews provide a solution as they are a systematic method of synthesizing evidence quickly.

Conclusions

There is no single best way to conduct a rapid review but researchers can ensure they are adhering to best practice by being systematic, having subject and methodological expertise on the review team, reporting the details of the approach they took, highlighting the limitations of the approach, engaging in good evidence synthesis and communicating regularly with end users, other team members and experts.
Rapid realist review of the evidence: achieving lasting change when mental health rehabilitation staff undertake recovery‐oriented training
Authors: Gee Melanie , Bhanbhro Sadiq , Cook Sarah , Killaspy Helen
Published: December 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to lasting change in practice following a recovery‐based training intervention for inpatient mental health rehabilitation staff.

Background

Staff training may help nurses and other staff groups in inpatient mental health rehabilitative settings to increase their recovery‐oriented practice. There are no published reviews on the effectiveness of such training and few long‐term evaluations. This review informed a realist evaluation of a specific intervention (GetREAL).

Design

Rapid realist review methodology was used to generate and prioritize programme theories.

Data sources

ASSIA, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and grey literature searches were performed in September 2014–March 2015 with no date restrictions. Stakeholders suggested further documents. GetREAL project documentation was consulted.

Review methods

Programme theory development took place iteratively with literature identification. Stakeholders validated and prioritized emerging programme theories and the prioritized theories were refined using literature case studies.

Results

Fifty‐one relevant documents fed into 49 programme theories articulating seven mechanisms for lasting change. Prioritized mechanisms were: staff receptiveness to change; and staff feeling encouraged, motivated and supported by colleagues and management to change. Seven programme theories were prioritized and refined using data from four case studies.

Conclusion

Lasting change can be facilitated by collaborative action planning, regular collaborative meetings, appointing a change agent, explicit management endorsement and prioritization and modifying organizational structures. Conversely, a challenging organizational climate, or a prevalence of ‘change fatigue’, may block change. Pre‐intervention exploration may help identify any potential barriers to embedding recovery in the organizational culture.
Development and validation of the pro‐environmental behaviour scale for women's health
Authors: Kim HyunKyoung
Published: December 2016

Aim

This study was aimed to develop and test the Pro‐environmental Behavior Scale for Women's Health.

Background

Women adopt sustainable behaviours and alter their life styles to protect the environment and their health from environmental pollution. The conceptual framework of pro‐environmental behaviours was based on Rogers’ protection motivation theory and Weinstein's precaution adoption process model.

Design

The cross‐sectional design was used for instrument development.

Method

The instrument development process consisted of a literature review, personal depth interviews and focus group interviews. The sample comprised 356 adult women recruited in April–May 2012 in South Korea using quota sampling. For construct validity, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine the factor structure, after which convergent and discriminant validity and known‐group comparisons were tested.

Results

Principal component analysis yielded 17 items with four factors, including ‘women's health protection,’ ‘chemical exposure prevention,’ ‘alternative consumption,’ and ‘community‐oriented behaviour’. The Cronbach's α was 0·81. Convergent and discriminant validity were supported by performing correlations with other environmental‐health and health‐behaviour measures.

Conclusion

Nursing professionals can reliably use the instrument to assess women's behaviours, which protect their health and the environment.
Annual Research Review: Digital health interventions for children and young people with mental health problems – a systematic and meta‐review
Authors: Hollis Chris , Falconer Caroline J. , Martin Jennifer L. , Whittington Craig , Stockton Sarah , Glazebrook Cris , Davies E. Bethan
Published: December 2016

Background

Digital health interventions (DHIs), including computer‐assisted therapy, smartphone apps and wearable technologies, are heralded as having enormous potential to improve uptake and accessibility, efficiency, clinical effectiveness and personalisation of mental health interventions. It is generally assumed that DHIs will be preferred by children and young people (CYP) given their ubiquitous digital activity. However, it remains uncertain whether: DHIs for CYP are clinically and cost‐effective, CYP prefer DHIs to traditional services, DHIs widen access and how they should be evaluated and adopted by mental health services. This review evaluates the evidence‐base for DHIs and considers the key research questions and approaches to evaluation and implementation.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐review of scoping, narrative, systematic or meta‐analytical reviews investigating the effectiveness of DHIs for mental health problems in CYP. We also updated a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of DHIs for CYP published in the last 3 years.

Results

Twenty‐one reviews were included in the meta‐review. The findings provide some support for the clinical benefit of DHIs, particularly computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT), for depression and anxiety in adolescents and young adults. The systematic review identified 30 new RCTs evaluating DHIs for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders and PTSD. The benefits of DHIs in managing ADHD, autism, psychosis and eating disorders are uncertain, and evidence is lacking regarding the cost‐effectiveness of DHIs.

Conclusions

Key methodological limitations make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions from existing clinical trials of DHIs. Issues include variable uptake and engagement with DHIs, lack of an agreed typology/taxonomy for DHIs, small sample sizes, lack of blinded outcome assessment, combining different comparators, short‐term follow‐up and poor specification of the level of human support. Research and practice recommendations are presented that address the key research questions and methodological issues for the evaluation and clinical implementation of DHIs for CYP.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Medication Intervention Using the Screening Tool of Older Persons Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment Criteria
Authors: Frankenthal Dvora , Israeli Avi , Caraco Yoseph , Lerman Yaffa , Kalendaryev Edward , Zandman‐Goddard Gisele , Lerman Yehuda
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To compare 24‐month outcomes of participants of a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) assigned to undergo a medication intervention of orally communicated recommendations based on Screening Tool of Older Persons potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) and Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment (START) (intervention group) with outcomes of those assigned to undergo written medication review (control group).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Chronic care geriatric facility.

Participants

Of 359 participants from a prospective RCT conducted between April 2012 and September 2013, 306 were evaluable for another 12‐month follow‐up.

Measurements

Outcomes at 24‐month follow‐up included quality of prescribing (assessed according to STOPP/START), hospitalizations, falls, costs of medications, and all‐cause mortality. Outcomes were compared with those reported at the beginning (baseline) and end (12‐month follow‐up) of the RCT.

Results

There was a significant rise in potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) (P = .01) and potentially prescriptions omissions (PPOs) (P < .001) in the intervention group between 12 and 24 months, although the prevalence of PIPs was significantly lower in the intervention group (33.3%) than the control group (48.4%) at 24‐month follow‐up (P = .02). Costs of medications were significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group (P < .001) at 24‐month follow‐up. The average number of falls in both groups dropped significantly between baseline and study closure (P = .04 and P = .008, respectively). There was no significant difference in hospitalizations and mortality between the two groups at 24‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

The effect of an orally communicated medication intervention with the STOPP/START criteria on falls was maintained over time. Direct communication between pharmacists and prescribing physicians is more efficient than written medication review and is recommended every 6 months in geriatric facilities.
Variability of Delirium Motor Subtype Scale–Defined Delirium Motor Subtypes in Elderly Adults with Hip Fracture: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Scholtens Rikie M. , van Munster Barbara C. , Adamis Dimitrios , de Jonghe Annemarieke , Meagher David J. , de Rooij Sophia E. J. A.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To examine changes in motor subtype profile in individuals with delirium.

Design

Observational, longitudinal study; substudy of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Departments of surgery and orthopedics, Academic Medical Center and Tergooi Hospital, the Netherlands.

Participants

Elderly adults acutely admitted for hip fracture surgery who developed delirium according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, for 2 days or longer (n = 76, aged 86.4 ± 6.1, 68.4% female).

Measurements

Delirium Motor Subtype Scale (DMSS), Delirium Rating Scale R98 (DRS‐R98), comorbidity, and function.

Results

Median delirium duration was 3 days (interquartile range 2.0 days). At first assessment, the hyperactive motor subtype was most common (44.7%), followed by hypoactive motor subtype (28.9%), mixed motor subtype (19.7%), and no motor subtype (6.6%). Participants with no motor subtype had lower DRS‐R98 scores than those with the other subtypes (P < .001). The DMSS‐defined motor subtype of 47 (61.8%) participants changed over time. Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living, Charlson Comorbidity Index, cognitive impairment, age, sex, and delirium duration or severity were not associated with change in motor subtype.

Conclusion

Motor subtype profile was variable in the majority of participants, although changes that occurred were often related to changes from or to no motor subtype, suggesting evolving or resolving delirium. Changes appeared not be associated with demographic or clinical characteristics, suggesting that evidence from cross‐sectional studies of motor subtypes could be applied to many individuals with delirium. Further longitudinal studies should be performed to clarify the stability of motor subtypes in different clinical populations.
Disentangling the Influence of Socioeconomic Risks on Children's Early Self‐Control
Authors: Ng‐Knight Terry , Schoon Ingrid
Published: December 2016

Objective

Previous studies have shown that individual differences in self‐control emerge early in childhood and predict a range of important outcomes throughout childhood and adulthood. There is, however, less knowledge about the social origins of self‐control, including the mechanisms by which early socioeconomic adversity may lead to lower levels of self‐control. This study aimed to extend understanding of the link between socioeconomic adversity and self‐control by (a) testing which individual aspects of socioeconomic risk uniquely predict lower self‐control; (b) testing whether objective socioeconomic risk operates independently of, or via, subjective parental stress; and (c) examining the interplay of socioeconomic risk factors and individual differences in children's temperament as predictors of early self‐control.

Method

Data were from a UK population birth cohort of 18,552 children born in 2000 and 2001.

Results

Multiple individual socioeconomic risk factors have independent associations with children's self‐control, including low parental education, income, and occupational class; insecure housing tenure; and younger parenthood. Results point to independent additive effects of exposure to objective and subjective risk. There was evidence of mothers' subjective stress partially mediating objective socioeconomic risks but only weak evidence of hypothesized interaction effects between temperament and socioeconomic risk.

Conclusions

Results were consistent with additive risk and bioecological perspectives.
The effects of soil compactness on the burrowing performance of sympatric eastern and hairy‐tailed moles
Authors: Lin Y.‐F. , Chappuis A. , Rice S. , Dumont E. R.
Published: December 2016

Burrowing is an energetically costly form of locomotion that has evolved multiple times in mammals. Burrowing performance is associated with varying degrees of morphological specialization and is also affected by the characteristics of the substrate that animals burrow in. Moles (Talpidae) are well known for their specialized forelimbs and extreme dedication to life underground. In this study, we investigated how soil compactness affects burrowing performance in two sympatric mole species, eastern moles (Scalopus aquaticus) and hairy‐tailed moles (Parascalops breweri). We measured burrowing speed, the amount of soil moved, rate of soil transport, tunnel length, activity level and the tendency to burrow over long distances, and tested how these variables changed in response to loose, intermediate and compact soils. We found that increasing soil compactness impedes tunneling performance as evidenced by reduced burrowing speed, increased soil transport, shorter tunnels, shorter activity time and less time spent burrowing continuously. Eastern moles built longer tunnels than hairy‐tailed moles as soil compactness increased. This difference is linked to burrowing for longer times and distances, not higher burrowing speeds or rates of soil transport. Differences in performance between the two species may be associated with differences in the structure and extent of their burrow systems or the morphology of their forelimbs. They may also reflect preferences for loose (hairy‐tailed moles) or compact soils (eastern moles).
Identifying factors that influence stress physiology of the woylie, a critically endangered marsupial
Authors: Hing S. , Narayan E. J. , Thompson R. C. A. , Godfrey S. S.
Published: December 2016

Faecal glucocorticoid metabolites are minimally invasive stress physiology indices that can be used to understand how animals respond to physical and/or psychological challenges (stressors) and inform how to optimize conservation management in view of these stressors. We investigated contextual biological, environmental and parasitological factors influencing variation in baseline faecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) concentration in a critically endangered marsupial, the woylie (syn. brush‐tailed bettong, Bettongia penicillata). Woylies have undergone a rapid and significant population decline, with environmental stressors exacerbating disease suggested to contribute to these ongoing declines. We conducted a longitudinal field study of 15 adult woylies (9 females, 6 males) in a captive, naturalistic facility. FCM concentration in faecal samples (n = 269) collected monthly over 20 months was quantified by enzyme immunoassay in parallel with measures of body condition, sex, season, female reproductive status and the presence of endoparasites and ectoparasites. Linear mixed effect modelling revealed a significant effect of season, sex, body condition index and nematode parasite status on FCM. Overall, mean FCM was lowest in summer and highest in autumn and winter, and females had higher mean FCM than males. There was a significant but weak negative association between body condition and FCM. When woylies were shedding oxyurid nematode eggs they had higher mean FCM compared to when they were not shedding. In future, knowledge of factors that influence FCM fluctuations in woylies may be considered when carrying out potentially stressful conservation interventions that may influence the future survival of this unique and threatened species.
Efficacy and safety of direct‐acting antivirals‐based antiviral therapies for hepatitis C virus patients with stage 4‐5 chronic kidney disease: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Tao , Qu Yundong , Guo Ying , Wang Yan , Wang Lei
Published: December 2016

Background & Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of direct‐acting antivirals (DAA)‐based antiviral therapies for HCV patients with stage 4‐5 chronic kidney disease.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL on the Cochrane Library without time and language limitations. The search strategy used was “(End stage renal disease OR chronic kidney failure OR severe renal impairment OR chronic kidney disease OR dialysis) AND (sofosbuvir OR simeprevir OR grazoprevir OR elbasvir OR ombitasvir OR paritaprevir OR ritonavir OR dasabuvir OR daclatasvir OR asuparevir OR direct‐acting antiviral OR DAA)”. Sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12), adverse events (AEs) and/or serious adverse events (SAEs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled.

Results

Eleven studies, comprising a total of 264 patients were included for our meta‐analysis. The pooled SVR12 rate were 93.2% (95% CI 89.9%‐95.9%, I2=0.0%), 89.4% (95% CI 82.0%‐95.0%, I2=0.0%) and 94.7% (95% CI 91.0%‐97.5%, I2=0.0%) in total population, patients with sofosbuvir‐based therapies and patients with non‐sofosbuvir‐based therapies respectively. For HCV genotype 1 patients, the pooled SVR12 rate was 93.1% (95% CI 88.3%‐96.7%, I2=20.0%). The pooled incidence of SAEs was 12.1% (95% CI 6.2%‐19.7%, I2=55.0%). The pooled discontinuation rate because of AEs or SAEs in our meta‐analysis was 2.2% (95% CI 0.8%‐4.4%, I2=0.0%).

Conclusions

DAA‐based antiviral therapies are effective and well‐tolerated for HCV patients with stage 4‐5 chronic kidney disease.