bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The health professional experience of using antipsychotic medication for dementia in care homes: A study using grounded theory and focussing on inappropriate prescribing
Authors: Almutairi Saleh , Masters Kate , Donyai Parastou
Published: May 2018

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject

People with dementia can experience symptoms that upset them and upset the people who care for them

To cope, care homes sometimes use strong medicines called antipsychotics but these can make people with dementia become more ill

We do not know just why doctors and nurses caring for people with dementia still use these strong medicines more than they need to

What the paper adds to existing knowledge

Giving antipsychotics can make it easier to care for residents within busy care homes, so people tend to see and remember the benefits of antipsychotics

The harm of antipsychotics is noticed less, meaning carers will use them again, in a “vicious circle”

What are the implications for practice

If these medicines worked before it does not make them the right choice again

It might help to show carers very clearly the harms from using these medicines, to stress the dangers

Introduction

Treating the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia with antipsychotics can cause detrimental side‐effects but their use in care homes remains problematic with the views of professionals not fully explored.

Aim/question

To develop an in‐depth explanatory model about inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotics in dementia within care homes.

Methods

Twenty‐eight participants from eight different professional groups with a role in shaping treatment decisions in dementia care were recruited and interviewed. The audio‐recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using constructivist grounded theory.

Results

When patients with dementia present with behavioural and psychological symptoms, the prescribing of antipsychotics allows the multitude of work in a care home to be managed; the effectiveness of antipsychotics is more perceptible than their side‐effects. This perceived usefulness strengthens beliefs that these medications ought to be prescribed again in future situations, generating a self‐fulfilling prophecy.

Discussion

Our findings may partly explain why the launch of the national dementia strategy in England has been found not to have reduced antipsychotic prescribing in care homes.

Implications for practice

Positive perceptions based on past experiences with antipsychotics should be challenged through future interventions that tackle inappropriate prescribing, for example using behaviour change techniques to better highlight adverse consequences of prescribing.
Collaborative writing with young people with disabilities: raising new questions of authorship and agency
Authors: Satchwell Candice
Published: May 2018

How an author communicates with a reader is a central consideration in the critical examination of any text. When considering the communication of ideas from young people whose voices are seldom heard, the journey from author to audience has particular significance. The construction of children and young people as ‘authors’ is important, especially for those with learning difficulties or who struggle to comply with the current emphasis on spelling, punctuation and grammar. This article relates to a UK Research Council‐funded 3‐year collaborative research project involving the co‐creation of fictional stories with young people with disabilities to represent aspects of their lives. Drawing on frameworks from narratology, I analyse the co‐creation of one of the stories and present an interpretation and elaboration of the discourse structure of narrative fiction to illustrate the complexities of the relationship between the multifaceted ‘author’ and community ‘reader’ of these stories. The combination of qualitative research and fictional prose has particular characteristics and implications for the dissemination and communication of research findings. An extension of feminist critique of Barthes' claim for the death of the author provides new insights for engaging children in writing with their own voice.
Evolution of interspecies unilateral incompatibility in the relatives of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Li Ling , Liu Bo , Deng Xiaomei , Zhao Hainan , Li Hongyan , Xing Shilai , Fetzer Della D. , Li Mengya , Nasrallah Mikhail E. , Nasrallah June B. , Liu Pei
Published: May 2018

The evolutionary concurrence of intraspecies self‐incompatibility (SI) and explosive angiosperm radiation in the Cretaceous have led to the hypothesis that SI was one of the predominant drivers of rapid speciation in angiosperms. Interspecies unilateral incompatibility (UI) usually occurs when pollen from a self‐compatible (SC) species is rejected by the pistils of a SI species, while the reciprocal pollination is compatible (UC). Although this SI × SC type UI is most prevalent and viewed as a prezygotic isolation barrier to promote incipient speciation of angiosperms, comparative evidence to support such a role is lacking. We show that SI × SI type UI in SI species pairs is also common in the well‐characterized accessions representing the four major lineages of the Arabidopsis genus and is developmentally regulated. This allowed us to reveal a strong correlation between UI strength and species divergence in these representative accessions. In addition, analyses of a SC accession and the pseudo‐self‐compatible (psc) spontaneous mutant of Arabidopsis lyrata indicate that UI shares, at least, common pollen rejection pathway with SI. Furthermore, genetic and genomic analyses of SI × SI type UI in A. lyrata × A. arenosa species pair showed that two major‐effect quantitative trait loci are the stigma and pollen‐side determinant of UI, respectively, which could be involved in heterospecies pollen discrimination. By revealing a close link between UI and SI pathway, particularly between UI and species divergence in these representative accessions, our findings establish a connection between SI and speciation. Thus, the pre‐existence of SI system would have facilitated the evolution of UI and accordingly promote speciation.
The Aer2 receptor from Vibrio cholerae is a dual PAS‐heme oxygen sensor
Authors: Greer‐Phillips Suzanne E. , Sukomon Nattakan , Chua Teck Khiang , Johnson Mark S. , Crane Brian R. , Watts Kylie J.
Published: May 2018

The diarrheal pathogen Vibrio cholerae navigates complex environments using three chemosensory systems and 44–45 chemoreceptors. Chemosensory cluster II modulates chemotaxis, whereas clusters I and III have unknown functions. Ligands have been identified for only five V. cholerae chemoreceptors. Here, we report that the cluster III receptor, VcAer2, binds and responds to O2. VcAer2 is an ortholog of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Aer2 (PaAer2) but differs in that VcAer2 has two, rather than one, N‐terminal PAS domain. We have determined that both PAS1 and PAS2 form homodimers and bind penta‐coordinate b‐type heme via an Eη‐His residue. Heme binding to PAS1 required the entire PAS core, but receptor function also required the N‐terminal cap. PAS2 functioned as an O2‐sensor [
, 19 μM], utilizing the same Iβ Trp (W276) as PaAer2 to stabilize O2. The crystal structure of PAS2‐W276L was similar to that of PaAer2‐PAS but resided in an active conformation mimicking the ligand‐bound state, consistent with its signal‐on phenotype. PAS1 also bound O2 [
, 12 μM], although O2 binding was stabilized by either a Trp residue or Tyr residue. Moreover, PAS1 appeared to function as a signal modulator, regulating O2‐mediated signaling from PAS2 and resulting in activation of the cluster III chemosensory pathway.
The plant‐parasitic cyst nematode effector GLAND4 is a DNA‐binding protein
Authors: Barnes Stacey N. , Wram Catherine L. , Mitchum Melissa G. , Baum Thomas J.
Published: May 2018

Cyst nematodes are plant pathogens that infect a wide range of economically important crops. One parasitic mechanism employed by cyst nematodes is the production and in planta delivery of effector proteins to modify plant cells and suppress defences to favour parasitism. This study focuses on GLAND4, an effector of Heterodera glycines and H. schachtii, the soybean and sugar beet cyst nematodes, respectively. We show that GLAND4 is recognized by the plant cellular machinery and is transported to the plant nucleus, an organelle for which little is known about plant nematode effector functions. We show that GLAND4 has DNA‐binding ability and represses reporter gene expression in a plant transcriptional assay. One DNA fragment that binds to GLAND4 is localized in an Arabidopsis chromosomal region associated with the promoters of two lipid transfer protein genes (LTP). These LTPs have known defence functions and are down‐regulated in the nematode feeding site. When expressed in Arabidopsis, the presence of GLAND4 causes the down‐regulation of the two LTP genes in question, which is also associated with increased susceptibility to the plant‐pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. Furthermore, overexpression of one of the LTP genes reduces plant susceptibility to H. schachtii and P. syringae, confirming that LTP repression probably suppresses plant defences. This study makes GLAND4 one of a small subset of characterized plant nematode nuclear effectors and identifies GLAND4 as the first DNA‐binding, plant‐parasitic nematode effector.
Nephronophthisis: A review of genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Luo Fenglan , Tao Yu‐Hong
Published: May 2018

Nephronophthisis is an autosomal recessive cystic kidney disease and one of the most common genetic disorders causing end‐stage renal disease in children. Nephronophthisis is a genetically heterogenous disorder with more than 25 identified genes. In 10%–20% of cases, there are additional features of a ciliopathy syndrome, such as retinal defects, liver fibrosis, skeletal abnormalities, and brain developmental disorders. This review provides an update of the recent advances in the clinical features and related gene mutations of nephronophthisis, and novel approaches for therapy in nephronophthisis patients may be needed.
LncRNA HOTAIR promotes renal interstitial fibrosis by regulating Notch1 pathway via the modulation of miR‐124
Authors: Zhou Hao , Gao Lin , Yu Zuo‐hua , Hong Shi‐jun , Zhang Zhi‐wei , Qiu Zhen‐zhen
Published: May 2018

Aim

To understand the mechanism of long non‐coding RNA (LncRNA) HOTAIR on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) by regulating Notch1 pathway via the modulation of miR‐124.

Methods

Unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO) was used to construct the RIF rat model. HK‐2 cells induced by TGF‐β1 were used for the in vitro experiment, which were divided into five groups: Vehicle, TGF‐β1, si‐HOTAIR+TGF‐β1, miR‐124 inhibitor+TGF‐β1, and si‐HOTAIR+miR‐124 inhibitor+TGF‐β1 groups. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot were performed to detect the expression of HOTAIR, miR‐124, Notch1‐ and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins.

Results

Significant elevated HOTAIR and reduced miR‐124 were presented in UUO rats and TGF‐β1‐induced HK‐2 cells in a time‐dependent manner, with the increased Jagged1 (JAG1), Notch1, NICD, α‐SMA and FN, as well as the decreased E‐cadherin (all P < 0.05). Compared with the TGF‐β1 group, cells in the si‐HOTAIR+TGF‐β1 group were remarkably declined in cell proliferation and the protein expressions of JAG1, Notch1, NICD, α‐SMA, and FN, but dramatically higher in E‐cadherin expression (all P < 0.05). However, in comparison with the si‐HOTAIR+TGF‐β1 group, cells in the si‐HOTAIR+miR‐124 inhibitor+TGF‐β1 group were apparently improved in proliferation and the protein expression of JAG1, Notch1, NICD, α‐SMA, and FN, but substantially reduced in the level of E‐cadherin protein (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Silencing lncRNA HOTAIR can up‐regulate miR‐124 to block Notch1 pathway, and thereby alleviating EMT and RIF, indicating HOTAIR as a potential target for RIF treatment.
Galaninergic intramural nerve and tissue reaction to antral ulcerations
Authors: Zalecki M. , Pidsudko Z. , Franke‐Radowiecka A. , Wojtkiewicz J. , Kaleczyc J.
Published: May 2018

Background

Well‐developed galaninergic gastric intramural nerve system is known to regulate multiple stomach functions in physiological and pathological conditions. Stomach ulcer, a disorder commonly occurring in humans and animals, is accompanied by inflammatory reaction. Inflammation can cause intramural neurons to change their neurochemical profile. Galanin and its receptors are involved in inflammation of many organs, however, their direct participation in stomach reaction to ulcer is not known. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate adaptive changes in the chemical coding of galaninergic intramural neurons and mRNA expression encoding Gal, GalR1, GalR2, GalR3 receptors in the region of the porcine stomach directly adjacent to the ulcer location.

Methods

The experiment was performed on 24 pigs, divided into control and experimental groups. In 12 experimental animals, stomach antrum ulcers were experimentally induced by submucosal injection of acetic acid solution. Stomach wall directly adjacent to the ulcer was examined by: (1) double immunohistochemistry—to verify the changes in the number of galaninergic neurons (submucosal, myenteric) and fibers; (2) real‐time PCR to verify changes in mRNA expression encoding galanin, GalR1, GalR2, GalR3 receptors.

Key Results

In the experimental animals, the number of Gal‐immunoreactive submucosal perikarya was increased, while the number of galaninergic myenteric neurons and fibers (in all the stomach wall layers) remained unchanged. The expression of mRNA encoding all galanin receptors was increased.

Conclusions & Interferences

The results obtained unveiled the participation of galanin and galanin receptors in the stomach tissue response to antral ulcerations.
Cognitive Analytic Therapy for psychosis: A case series
Authors: Taylor Peter J. , Perry Alex , Hutton Paul , Tan Ranil , Fisher Naomi , Focone Chiara , Griffiths Diane , Seddon Claire
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is an effective psychological intervention for several different mental health conditions. However, whether it is acceptable, safe, and beneficial for people with psychosis remains unclear, as is the feasibility of providing and evaluating it within a research context. The aim of this study was to begin to address these questions and to obtain for the first time a rich and detailed understanding of the experience of receiving CAT for psychosis.

Design

A mixed‐methods case series design.

Method

Seven individuals who experienced non‐affective psychosis received CAT. They completed assessments at the start of CAT, 16 weeks, and 28 weeks post‐baseline. Qualitative interviews were completed with four individuals following completion of or withdrawal from therapy.

Results

Six participants attended at least four sessions of therapy and four went on to complete therapy. There were no serious adverse events, and self‐reported adverse experiences were minimal. Qualitative interviews suggested CAT is acceptable and provided a way to understand and work therapeutically with psychosis. There was limited evidence of change in psychotic symptoms, but improvement in perceived recovery and personality integration was observed.

Conclusions

The results suggest that CAT is a safe and acceptable intervention for psychosis. Personality integration, perceived recovery, and functioning are relevant outcomes for future evaluations of CAT for psychosis.

Practitioner points

It is feasible to conduct research evaluating CAT for people with psychosis.

Within this case series, CAT appears acceptable and safe to individuals with psychosis.

Within this case series, clients reported that CAT was a positive and helpful experience.

There is a mixed picture with regard to secondary outcomes, but the design and aims of this case series limit conclusion that can be drawn from this data.
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant following crizotinib monotherapy for relapsed/refractory anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: John Tami D. , Naik Swati , Leung Kathryn , Sasa Ghadir , Martinez Caridad , Krance Robert A.
Published: May 2018

Relapsed ALK‐positive ALCL often is responsive to CRZ monotherapy. The subsequent role of allogeneic HCT after achieving second remission is poorly understood. We report 6 children who underwent allogeneic HCT for relapsed ALCL after CRZ. Age at transplant ranged from 10.7 to 22.6 years. Follow‐up ranged from 0.9 to 4.5 years. All patients engrafted. Three of 4 patients that received a reduced‐toxicity conditioning regimen containing fludarabine, alemtuzumab, and low‐dose irradiation showed progressive mixed chimerism. Five patients remain in remission. One patient developed isolated CNS relapse 3.6 years after HCT despite a lack of previous CNS involvement. No acute transplant‐related complications were experienced. One patient developed chronic renal disease secondary to transplant‐associated microangiopathy and one patient chronic GVHD secondary to DLI. Ultimately, allogeneic HCT appears safe and potentially curative after remission induction with CRZ. The role of conditioning therapy, ablative or reduced intensity, remains uncertain for patients’ post‐CRZ monotherapy, and further studies may be warranted.
An Exploration of How Partisanship Impacts Council‐Manager Systems
Authors: Burnett Craig M. , Prentice Christopher R.
Published: May 2018

We examine whether the promise of the Council‐Manager style of governance achieves the mix of electoral and professional representation that reformers originally envisioned. To explore this question, we analyze the political behavior of all 100 county managers in North Carolina—a position in the bureaucratic structure that requires professional expertise, but one that is subject to partisan oversight. We find two striking patterns. First, when a single party dominates an elected board of commissioners, they appear to prefer co‐partisans as county managers. Second, we find that county managers are more likely to register as politically unaffiliated when they work in a competitive county. Our evidence implies that both partisan boards and county managers are incorporating politics as a part of their decision processes, suggesting that the Council‐Manager form of government is far from apolitical.

Related Articles

French, Edward P. 2003. “” Politics & Policy 31 (): 694‐725. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2003.tb00168.x/full

Wallis, Joe,
Tor Brodtkorb,
Brian Dollery, and
Muiris MacCarthaigh. 2017. “.” Politics & Policy 45 (): 285‐308. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12199/full

Reid, Traciel V., and
Robert S. Moog. 2011. “.” Politics & Policy 39 (): 223‐250. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2011.00289.x/full

Related Media

. 2018. “Data on NC Counties.” https://www.sog.unc.edu/publications/

. n.d. http://www.ncmanagers.org/memberinfo/Pages/memberdir.aspx

. n.d. https://enr.ncsbe.gov/voter_search_public/

. 2015. https://www.ncsbe.gov/ncsbe/voter-turnout
Human Rights: Existential, Not Metaphysical
Authors: La Torre Massimo
Published: May 2018

My paper consists of four sections. The first is concerned with the distinction and connection between fundamental and human rights. Here I shall just introduce a few conceptual notions and definitions that are more or less widely used, but that may help us to frame the issue and better focus on the most relevant question of the foundation or justification of human rights. In the second and third sections I will present what I believe to be the four fundamental normative situations that shape our understanding and use of human rights. In the second section attention will focus on what in my opinion is the most basic of these four normative situations, which I call the “existential” situation. This is intended to offer a strong foundation for human rights as “not metaphysical,” without appealing to or relying on heavy metaphysical assumptions. I will try to stick more or less to an argumentative strategy based on common sense. The third section, dealing with the three other normative situations, will to some extent be an exercise in eclecticism, trying to combine different approaches to (and schools of thought on) the question of normativity. Here eclecticism will not be trivial, or at least I hope not. In the fourth and final section I will briefly conclude with a general overview on the issue of the “existence” of normativity and human rights.
Perceived organizational support‐burnout‐satisfaction relationship in workers with disabilities: The moderation of family support
Authors: Alcover Carlos‐María , Chambel Maria José , Fernández Juan José , Rodríguez Fernando
Published: May 2018

Our study tests the perceived organizational support‐burnout‐satisfaction relationship based on stressor–strain–outcome model of stress (Koeske & Koeske, ) and on the conservation of resources theory (Hobfoll, ) in workers with disabilities employed in ordinary or competitive jobs (open labor market), analyzing the relationship between perceived organizational support, family support, job satisfaction and burnout. We use a sample of 246 workers with physical, motor, sensory and psychological disabilities working in ordinary jobs. To test our proposed model we used a regression‐based path analysis using PROCESS software, which is a computational tool for estimating and probing interactions and the conditional indirect effects of moderated mediation models. We find that the positive relationship between organizational support and job satisfaction was partially mediated by the levels of cynicism and the relationship between burnout and job satisfaction was moderated by family support. Employees with low support from family had identical job satisfaction with high burnout or low burnout, but employees with high support from family when they had high burnout had lower job satisfaction than when they had low burnout, indicating that the support outside work could have a negative effect in workers’ life. Practical implications and future research are discussed and proposed.
Football training improves metabolic and cardiovascular health status in 55‐ to 70‐year‐old women and men with prediabetes
Authors: Skoradal M.‐B. , Weihe P. , Patursson P. , Mortensen J. , Connolly L. , Krustrup P. , Mohr M.
Published: May 2018

We examined the effects of 16 weeks of football training and dietary advice on blood glucose control and health status in 55‐ to 70‐year‐old women and men with prediabetes. Fifty participants with prediabetes (age; 61 ± 6 years, BMI; 29.6 ± 4.7; VO2max 22.3 ± 5.7 mL·min−1·kg−1) were randomized into a football and dietary advice group (F+D; n = 27) and a dietary advice group (D; n = 23). F+D performed football training (twice weekly 30‐ to 60‐minutes sessions) and received dietary advice, while D only received dietary advice. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was completed pre and post the 16‐week period. Body composition, blood pressure, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were additionally measured. Both groups demonstrated a decrement (P < .05) in fasting blood glucose (−0.4 ± 0.5 mmol·L−1) and lowered blood glucose throughout OGTT. F+D displayed lower values than D (P < .05) after 60 minutes (9.0 ± 2.7 vs 10.6 ± 2.9 mmol·L−1) and 120 minutes (5.7 ± 1.6 vs 7.5 ± 2.4 mmol·L−1). VO2max increased by 14% in F+D, with a higher (P < .05) change score than in D (2%). Mean arterial pressure declined more (P < .05) in F+D than in D (−8 ± 9 vs −4 ± 11 mm Hg). Fat loss was greater (P < .05) in F+D than in D (−3.4 ± 2.8 vs −1.2 ± 2.0 kg), and the increase in lean body mass was also greater (P < .05) in F+D than in D (0.7 ± 1.5 vs −0.3 ± 1.6 kg). In conclusion, football training combined with dietary advice has broad‐spectrum effects on metabolic and cardiovascular health profile with greater overall effects than professional dietary advice per se for 55‐ to 70‐year‐old women and men with prediabetes.
Dynamic optical coherence tomography of histamine induced wheals
Authors: Olsen J. , Birch‐Johansen F. H. , Themstrup L. , Holmes J. , Jemec G. B. E.
Published: May 2018

Background

Dynamic optical coherence tomography (D‐OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technique providing images of the skin and detecting movement in the tissue ie, measuring blood flow. The “attenuation coefficient” describes light absorption and scattering abilities of the tissue, while the dynamic signal provides a quantitative measure of the blood flow.

Aim

The study objective is to describe the dynamic changes of the skin and skin vessels during histamine release using D‐OCT.

Methods

Healthy volunteers had local histamine injections in the skin and D‐OCT‐scans performed at 2‐minute intervals to detect changes in blood flow, attenuation and clinical symptoms.

Results

9/10 participants showed clinical wheals. An increase in blood flow was shown at all depths (P < .001 at 2 minutes). The highest relative increase was seen at 300 μm. The signal at 500 μm decreased to insignificant values and remained low after 4 minutes. A decrease in visualization depth of up to 32.7% as well as a significant increase in the attenuation coefficient was shown (P < .001 at 12 minutes for both tests).

Conclusion

Dynamic optical coherence tomography is able to reliably identify changes in blood flow of histamine induced wheals. Dermal oedema reduces visualization depth and increases the attenuation coefficient.
Life course of place: A longitudinal study of mental health and place
Authors: Pearce Jamie , Cherrie Mark , Shortt Niamh , Deary Ian , Ward Thompson Catharine
Published: May 2018

A multitude of studies have demonstrated that individual circumstances throughout life influence subsequent health and well‐being outcomes. The life‐course perspective emphasises that health is affected by the accumulation of social and economic (dis)advantages over an individual's life but, importantly, also that there can be critical periods where the effects of exposure can be greater. Yet few researchers have applied a life‐course perspective to the study of health and place, which has resulted in a partial understanding of the dynamics of person–health–place relations. By explicitly recognising that places are spatial‐temporal products, and applying a novel longitudinal life‐course approach, this study examines the opportunities for incorporating aspects of place into a life‐course framework. The focus is the influence of neighbourhood social deprivation and provision of local green space on mental health (particularly anxiety and depression). Historical and contemporary place‐based information from the Lothian region of Scotland is combined with data from a cohort of individuals born in 1936 (the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936) to consider the influence of these environmental factors over the life course on mental health outcomes later in life. The results establish the utility of the life course of place approach, and demonstrate how this concept can be operationalised using historical data sources. The findings suggest that, after adjustment, residing in the most socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods in childhood was detrimental to mental health outcomes at age 70. Further, green space provision in early life environments is related to mental health outcomes in later life, but any effect may be restricted to those residing in socially disadvantaged places, and dependent on the specific mental health outcome being considered. The findings emphasise the potential of the life course of place approach for enhancing the evidence base considering the relationships between health and place.
The blood utilization calculator, a target‐based electronic decision support algorithm, increases the use of single‐unit transfusions in a large academic medical center
Authors: Connor Joseph P. , Raife Thomas , Medow Joshua E. , Ehlenfeldt Bradley D. , Sipsma Kristen
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Electronic decision support has been used to reduce use of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. With the goal of reducing transfusions, we modified our RBC orders to default to 1 unit. Next, we created a target‐based algorithm, the blood utilization calculator or BUC, to calculate a dose in units, based on initial hemoglobin or hematocrit and weight.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

RBC orders defaulted to 1 unit in March 2016 and the BUC was implemented in July 2016. This gave three periods to compare old orders (before intervention), new orders (1‐unit default), and the BUC period. A hospital dashboard that tracks blood product orders was queried to determine changes in single‐unit transfusions between periods. Changes in transfusions were compared by analysis of variance. Acceptance of the BUC dosage recommendation was studied in both medical‐based and surgical‐based specialties.

RESULTS

The number of single‐unit transfusions showed significant increases after each of the two interventions studied from 247 ± 19 before interventions to 358 ± 19 and then to 445 ± 141‐unit transfusions/month (p < 0.0001). The ratio of 1‐unit to 2‐unit transfusions increased from 0.72 to 1.67 (p < 0.0001) and we observed a 19% overall reduction in units transfused. The BUC recommendation was accepted in 49% of orders.

CONCLUSIONS

One‐unit default orders and implementation of the BUC resulted in a significant increase in the use of single‐unit transfusions. Improvement in the rate of acceptance of the BUC recommendation should further increase the use of single‐unit transfusions.
Global value chains and inward foreign direct investment in the 2000s
Authors: Martínez‐Galán Enrique , Fontoura Maria Paula
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we make use of recent data published by the World Input‐Output Database to: (i) provide evidence on trade in value added of the major Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) member countries and major emerging economies (designated by OE country group), namely by measuring the degree of participation in global value chains (GVCs) at the country and sectoral levels; and (ii) estimate whether the GVC participation of OE countries has positively influenced foreign direct investment (FDI) inward stocks in the 2000s. The pooled regression model estimated shows that the country′s degree of GVC participation has contributed positively for bilateral FDI inward stocks, after controlling for other possible FDI determinants.
Corruption and the shadow economy: One‐way or two‐way street?
Authors: Berdiev Aziz N. , Goel Rajeev K. , Saunoris James W.
Published: May 2018

This paper attempts to bring some resolution to the relation between corruption and the shadow economy. While previous research focuses on the static relationship between the two, we account for dynamics using a panel vector autoregression model and consider influences from the official economy and institutional quality. Using cross‐national panel data for 108 countries over the period 1984–2006, results show a bidirectional relationship with initial complementarity, and substitution over time. Thus, the nature of the two‐way street is shown to change over time and our consideration of dynamics reveals the complementarity–substitution switch.
Is the current state of the art of weed monitoring suitable for site‐specific weed management in arable crops?
Authors: Fernández‐Quintanilla C , Peña J M , Andújar D , Dorado J , Ribeiro A , López‐Granados F
Published: May 2018

Weed monitoring is the first step in any site‐specific weed management programme. A relatively large variety of platforms, cameras, sensors and image analysis procedures are available to detect and map weed presence/abundance at various times and spatial scales. Remote sensing from satellites or aircraft can provide accurate weed maps when the images are obtained at late weed phenological stages. Cameras located on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been shown to be adequate for early‐season weed detection in a variety of wide‐row crops, providing images with relatively high spatial resolutions. Alternatively, weed detection/mapping systems from ground‐based platforms can achieve even higher resolutions using a variety of non‐imaging and imaging technologies. These ground systems are suited, in some cases, for real‐time site‐specific weed management. Despite this rich arsenal of technologies, their commercial adoption is, apparently, low. In this study, we describe the state of the art of remotely sensed and ground‐based weed monitoring in arable crops and the current level of adoption of these technologies, exploring major constraints for adoption and trying to identify research gaps and bottlenecks.
Risk factors for hypertrophic burn scar pain, pruritus, and paresthesia development
Authors: Xiao Yongqiang , Sun Yu , Zhu Banghui , Wang Kangan , Liang Pengfei , Liu Wenjun , Fu Jinfeng , Zheng Shiqing , Xiao Shichu , Xia Zhaofan
Published: May 2018

Hypertrophic scar pain, pruritus, and paresthesia symptoms are major and particular concerns for burn patients. However, because no effective and satisfactory methods exist for their alleviation, the clinical treatment for these symptoms is generally considered unsatisfactory. Therefore, their risk factors should be identified and prevented during management. We reviewed the medical records of 129 postburn hypertrophy scar patients and divided them into two groups for each of three different symptoms based on the University of North Carolina “4P” Scar Scale: patients with scar pain requiring occasional or continuous pharmacological intervention (HSc pain, n = 75) vs. patients without such scar pain (No HSc pain, n = 54); patients with scar pruritus requiring occasional or continuous pharmacological intervention (HSc pruritus, n = 63) vs. patients without such scar pruritus (No HSc pruritus, n = 66); patients with scar paresthesia that influenced the patients’ daily activities (HSc paresthesia, n = 31) vs. patients without such scar paresthesia (No HSc paresthesia, n = 98). Three multivariable logistic regression models were built, respectively, to identify the risk factors for hypertrophic burn scar pain, pruritus, and paresthesia development. Multivariable analysis showed that hypertrophic burn scar pain development requiring pharmacological intervention was associated with old age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.046; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.011–1.082, p = 0.009), high body mass index (OR = 1.242; 95%CI, 1.068–1.445, p = 0.005), 2–5‐mm‐thick postburn hypertrophic scars (OR = 3.997; 95%CI, 1.523–10.487, p = 0.005), and 6–12‐month postburn hypertrophic scars (OR = 4.686; 95%CI, 1.318–16.653, p = 0.017). Hypertrophic burn scar pruritus development requiring pharmacological intervention was associated with smoking (OR = 3.239; 95%CI, 1.380–7.603; p = 0.007), having undergone surgical operation (OR = 2.236; 95%CI, 1.001–4.998; p = 0.049), and firm scars (OR = 3.317; 95%CI, 1.237–8.894; p = 0.017). Finally, hypertrophic burn scar paresthesia development which affected the patients’ daily activities was associated with age (OR = 1.038; 95%CI, 1.002–1.075; p = 0.040), fire burns (OR = 0.041; 95%CI, 0.005–0.366; p = 0.004, other burns vs. flame burns), and banding and contracture scars (OR = 4.705; 95%CI, 1.281–17.288, p = 0.020).
Intracellular rupture, exocytosis and actin interaction of endocytic vacuoles in pancreatic acinar cells: initiating events in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Chvanov Michael , De Faveri Francesca , Moore Danielle , Sherwood Mark W. , Awais Muhammad , Voronina Svetlana , Sutton Robert , Criddle David N. , Haynes Lee , Tepikin Alexei V.
Published: May 2018

Key points

Giant trypsin‐containing endocytic vacuoles are formed in pancreatic acinar cells stimulated with inducers of acute pancreatitis.

F‐actin envelops endocytic vacuoles and regulates their properties.

Endocytic vacuoles can rupture and release their content into the cytosol of acinar cells.

Endocytic vacuoles can fuse with the plasma membrane of acinar cells and exocytose their content.

Intrapancreatic activation of trypsinogen is an early event in and hallmark of the development of acute pancreatitis. Endocytic vacuoles, which form by disconnection and transport of large post‐exocytic structures, are the only resolvable sites of the trypsin activity in live pancreatic acinar cells. In the present study, we characterized the dynamics of endocytic vacuole formation induced by physiological and pathophysiological stimuli and visualized a prominent actin coat that completely or partially surrounded endocytic vacuoles. An inducer of acute pancreatitis taurolithocholic acid 3‐sulphate and supramaximal concentrations of cholecystokinin triggered the formation of giant (more than 2.5 μm in diameter) endocytic vacuoles. We discovered and characterized the intracellular rupture of endocytic vacuoles and the fusion of endocytic vacuoles with basal and apical regions of the plasma membrane. Experiments with specific protease inhibitors suggest that the rupture of endocytic vacuoles is probably not induced by trypsin or cathepsin B. Perivacuolar filamentous actin (observed on the surface of ∼30% of endocytic vacuoles) may play a stabilizing role by preventing rupture of the vacuoles and fusion of the vacuoles with the plasma membrane. The rupture and fusion of endocytic vacuoles allow trypsin to escape the confinement of a membrane‐limited organelle, gain access to intracellular and extracellular targets, and initiate autodigestion of the pancreas, comprising a crucial pathophysiological event.
miR‐1 is increased in pulmonary hypertension and downregulates Kv1.5 channels in rat pulmonary arteries
Authors: Mondejar‐Parreño Gema , Callejo María , Barreira Bianca , Morales‐Cano Daniel , Esquivel‐Ruiz Sergio , Moreno Laura , Cogolludo Angel , Perez‐Vizcaino Francisco
Published: May 2018

Key points

The expression of miR‐1 is increased in lungs from the Hyp/Su5416 PAH rat model.

Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from this animal model are more depolarized and show decreased expression and activity of voltage‐dependent potassium channel (Kv)1.5.

miR‐1 directly targets Kv1.5 channels, reduces Kv1.5 activity and induces membrane depolarization.

Antagomir‐1 prevents Kv1.5 channel downregulation and the depolarization induced by hypoxia/Su5416 exposition.

Impairment of the voltage‐dependent potassium channel (Kv) plays a central role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). MicroRNAs are non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to the 3′‐untranslated region region of specific mRNAs. The present study aimed to analyse the effects of miR‐1 on Kv channel function in pulmonary arteries (PA). Kv channel activity was studied in PA from healthy animals transfected with miR‐1 or scrambled‐miR. Kv currents were studied using the whole‐cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. The characterization of the Kv1.5 currents was performed with the selective inhibitor DPO‐1. miR‐1 expression was increased and Kv1.5 channels were decreased in lungs from a rat model of PAH induced by hypoxia and Su5416. miR‐1 transfection increased cell capacitance, reduced Kv1.5 currents and induced membrane depolarization in isolated pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. A luciferase reporter assay indicated that KCNA5, which encodes Kv1.5 channels, is a direct target gene of miR‐1. Incubation of PA with Su5416 and hypoxia (3% O2) increased miR‐1 and induced a decline in Kv1.5 currents, which was prevented by antagomiR‐1. In conclusion, these data indicate that miR‐1 induces pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and reduces the activity and expression of Kv channels, suggesting a pathophysiological role in PAH.
Effects of exposure to noise during perceptual training of non-native language sounds
Authors: Cooke Martin , Garcia Lecumberri Maria Luisa
Published: May 2018

Listeners manage to acquire the sounds of their native language in spite of experiencing a range of acoustic conditions during acquisition, including the presence of noise. Is the same true for non-native sound acquisition? This study investigates whether the presence of masking noise during consonant training is a barrier to improvement, or, conversely, whether noise can be beneficial. Spanish learners identified English consonants with and without noise, before and after undergoing one of four extensive training regimes in which they were exposed to either consonants or vowels in the presence or absence of speech-shaped noise. The consonant-trained cohorts showed substantially larger gains than the vowel-trained groups, regardless of whether they were trained in noise or quiet. A small matched-condition benefit was evident, with noise-training resulting in larger improvements when testing in noise, and vice versa for training in quiet. No evidence for habituation to noise was observed: the cohort trained on vowels in noise showed no transference to consonants in noise. These findings demonstrate that noise exposure does not impede the acquisition of second language sounds.
Posttranslational modification of a histone-like protein regulates phenotypic resistance to isoniazid in mycobacteria
Authors: Sakatos Alexandra , Babunovic Gregory H. , Chase Michael R. , Dills Alexander , Leszyk John , Rosebrock Tracy , Bryson Bryan , Fortune Sarah M.
Published: May 2018

A bacterial histone-like protein regulates the formation of privileged, drug-tolerant subpopulations of mycobacteria.
TLR7 agonists induce transient viremia and reduce the viral reservoir in SIV-infected rhesus macaques on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Lim So-Yon , Osuna Christa E. , Hraber Peter T. , Hesselgesser Joe , Gerold Jeffrey M. , Barnes Tiffany L. , Sanisetty Srisowmya , Seaman Michael S. , Lewis Mark G. , Geleziunas Romas , Miller Michael D. , Cihlar Tomas , Lee William A. , Hill Alison L. , Whitney James B.
Published: May 2018

SIV-infected rhesus macaques on antiretroviral therapy experienced a reduction in the SIV reservoir after treatment with TLR7 agonists.
Gene transfer delivers (β-globin)
Authors: Hinrichs Christian S.
Published: May 2018

Transplantation of genetically engineered hematopoietic stem cells eliminates or reduces transfusion dependence in β-thalassemia.
Mother’s inflammation shapes baby’s brain
Authors: Page Kathleen A.
Published: May 2018

Exposure to maternal inflammation during pregnancy affects newborn brain organization and cognitive abilities during early childhood.
Draft Genome Sequences of Escherichia albertii, Escherichia fergusonii, and Strains Belonging to Six Cryptic Lineages of Escherichia spp
Authors: Gangiredla Jayanthi , Mammel Mark K. , Barnaba Tammy J. , Tartera Carmen , Gebru Solomon T. , Patel Isha R. , Leonard Susan R. , Kotewicz Michael L. , Lampel Keith A. , Elkins Christopher A. , Lacher David W.
Published: May 2018

We report here the genome sequences of 55 strains belonging to the genus
Escherichia
from multiple animal and environmental sources. These strains include representatives of
Escherichia albertii
,
Escherichia fergusonii
, and six additional genetically distinct lineages of
Escherichia
spp., one of which is newly discovered and is being reported for the first time here.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Hydrogenogenic Carboxydotroph Moorella stamsii DSM 26271
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Böer Tim , Steensen Kerrin , Daniel Rolf
Published: May 2018

The spore-forming, thermophilic, and obligate anaerobic bacterium
Moorella stamsii
was isolated from digester sludge. Apart from its ability to use carbon monoxide for growth,
M. stamsii
harbors several enzymes for the use of different sugars. The draft genome has a size of 3,329 Mb and contains 3,306 predicted protein-encoding genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Streptomyces sp. Strains MH60 and 111WW2
Authors: Thatcher Louise F. , Myers Cindy A. , O’Sullivan Cathryn A. , Roper Margaret M.
Published: May 2018

We report here the draft genome sequences, annotations, and predictions of secondary metabolite gene clusters of two endophytic
Streptomyces
species isolated from wheat plants growing in the Western Australian wheat belt. These strains,
Streptomyces
sp. strains MH60 and 111WW2, possess antifungal and/or plant growth-promoting activities.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Related Avian Avulavirus 1 Isolates from Poultry Farmers in Pakistan
Authors: Shabbir M. Zubair , Nissly Ruth Helmus , Ahad Abdul , Rabbani Masood , Chothe Shubhada K. , Sebastian Aswathy , Albert Istvan , Jayarao Bhushan M. , Kuchipudi Suresh V.
Published: May 2018

Avian avulavirus 1 infects multiple avian hosts, and rare reports of human infection have been noted throughout the last century. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of three isolates of avulavirus 1 collected from poultry farmers in Pakistan exhibiting mild respiratory signs.
Draft Genome Sequences of Six Lactobacillus pentosus Strains Isolated from Brines of Traditionally Fermented Spanish-Style Green Table Olives
Authors: Calero-Delgado Beatriz , Martín-Platero Antonio M. , Pérez-Pulido Antonio J. , Benítez-Cabello Antonio , Casimiro-Soriguer Carlos S. , Martínez-Bueno Manuel , Arroyo-López Francisco Noé , Rodríguez-Gómez Francisco , Bautista-Gallego Joaquín , Garrido-Fernández Antonio , Jiménez-Díaz Rufino
Published: May 2018

Here, we report the genome sequences of sixLactobacillus pentosusstrains isolated from traditional noninoculated Spanish-style green table olive brines. The total genome sizes varied between 3.77 and 4.039 Mbp. These genome sequences will assist in revealing the genes responsible for both technological and probiotic properties of these strains.
Complete Genome Sequence of Petrimonas sp. Strain IBARAKI, Assembled from the Metagenome Data of a Culture Containing Dehalococcoides spp
Authors: Ikegami Kentaro , Aita Yuto , Shiroma Akino , Shimoji Makiko , Tamotsu Hinako , Ashimine Noriko , Shinzato Misuzu , Ohki Shun , Nakano Kazuma , Teruya Kuniko , Satou Kazuhito , Hirano Takashi , Yohda Masafumi
Published: May 2018

The complete genome sequence of
Petrimonas
sp. strain IBARAKI in a
Dehalococcoides
-containing culture was determined using the PacBio RS II platform. The genome is a single circular chromosome of 3,693,233 nucleotides (nt), with a GC content of 44%. This is the first genome sequence of a
Petrimonas
species.
Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli AS19, an Antibiotic-Sensitive Variant of E. coli Strain B REL606
Authors: Avalos Mariana , Boetzer Marten , Pirovano Walter , Arenas Nelson E. , Douthwaite Stephen , van Wezel Gilles P.
Published: May 2018

The chemically mutagenized
Escherichia coli
strain AS19 was isolated on the basis of its enhanced sensitivity to different antibiotics, in particular to actinomycin. The strain was later modified to study rRNA modifications that confer antibiotic resistance. Here, we present the genome sequence of the variant
E. coli
AS19-RrmA
-
.
Complete Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Plesiomonas shigelloides Strain MS-17-188
Authors: Abdelhamed Hossam , Ozdemir Ozan , Tekedar Hasan C. , Arick Mark A. , Hsu Chuan-Yu , Karsi Attila , Lawrence Mark L.
Published: May 2018

Plesiomonas shigelloides
is a Gram-negative bacterium isolated from diverse environments. Here, we describe the complete genome sequence of the multidrug-resistant
P. shigelloides
strain MS-17-188, isolated from a diseased catfish. Availability of this genome will be beneficial for characterizing the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in this strain.