bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventing pressure injuries in the emergency department: Current evidence and practice considerations
Authors: Santamaria Nick , Creehan Sue , Fletcher Jacqui , Alves Paulo , Gefen Amit
Published: February 2019

The emergency department (ED) is at the front line of hospital pressure injury (PI) prevention, yet ED clinicians must balance many competing clinical priorities in the care of seriously ill patients. This paper presents the current biomechanical and clinical evidence and management considerations to assist EDs to continue to develop and implement evidence‐based PI prevention protocols for the high‐risk emergency/trauma patient. The prevention of hospital‐acquired pressure injuries has received significant focus internationally over many years because of the additional burden that these injuries place on the patient, the additional costs and impact to the efficiency of the hospital, and the potential for litigation. The development of a PI is the result of a complex number of biomechanical, physiological, and environmental interactions. Our understanding of the interaction of these factors has improved significantly over the past 10 years. We have demonstrated that large reductions in PI incidence rates can be achieved in critical care and general hospital wards through the application of advanced evidence‐based prevention protocols and believe that further improvement can be achieved through the application of these approaches in the ED.
Transitions from child to adult health care for young people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: Brown Michael , Macarthur Juliet , Higgins Anna , Chouliara Zoë
Published: February 2019

Aims

To examine the experiences of health transitions for young people with intellectual disabilities and their carers and identify the implications for nursing practice.

Design

A systematic review and critical appraisal of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies.

Data sources

A search of the relevant literature published 2007–2017 was carried out in AMED, ASSIA, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Science Direct Sociological Abstracts databases.

Review methods

A total of 12 of 637 papers identified in the search met the inclusion criteria for this review. A narrative review of the papers was undertaken by synthesizing the key findings and grouping them into concepts and emergent themes.

Results

Four main themes were identified: (a) becoming an adult; (b) fragmented transition process and care; (c) parents as advocates in emotional turmoil; and (d) making transitions happen.

Conclusion

The range of issues that have an impact on the transition from child to adult health services for young people with intellectual disabilities and their carers raise important implications for policy development, nursing practice, and education.
A constructivist grounded theory study to explore compassion through the perceptions of individuals who have experienced nursing care
Authors: Straughair Collette , Clarke Amanda , Machin Alison
Published: February 2019

Aim

To explore compassion from the perceptions of individuals with personal experience of nursing care.

Background

Although compassion is considered integral to professional nursing, increasing reports of care experiences illustrating a lack of compassion have challenged this. Despite political and professional guidance to reaffirm compassion as an underpinning philosophy of contemporary nursing practice, this provides limited insight into what compassion may involve. Contemporary evidence to inform understanding of compassion predominately arises from the professional perspective. This knowledge gap supported the rationale to explore compassion from the individual perspective.

Design

Constructivist grounded theory, underpinned by the theoretical perspectives of symbolic interactionism and social constructionism.

Methods

Data were collected via 11 individual interviews, a focus group discussion and three additional individual interviews during 2013–2015. Initial and focused coding, constant comparative analysis, conceptual mapping, theoretical memos and diagrams supported data analysis until theoretical sufficiency was determined.

Findings

Inter‐related data categories emerged: Self‐Propensity for Compassion, Attributes for Compassion, Socialising for Compassion, Conditions for Compassion; and Humanising for Compassion (core category).

Conclusion

Compassion is a complex phenomenon, constructed by individuals through their personal experiences of nursing care and life experiences in the social world. In this study, participants perceived that compassion was fundamentally embodied by experiences of a humanising approach to nursing care. These humanising experiences were thought to be influenced by biological, psychological and socio‐contextual factors. The study provides additional insight into compassion that requires further investigation with individuals in other care contexts, nurses and healthcare professionals.
Technique for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator extraction
Authors: Ip James E
Published: February 2019

There are no established methods for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) extraction other than simple manual traction for devices with short dwell time. However, as more chronic indwelling S‐ICDs need removal for various reasons, understanding the S‐ICD lead design and methods for its removal are essential. A case of a chronic indwelling S‐ICD extraction is described, and a technique utilizing a modified mechanical polypropylene sheath to safely remove the lead is outlined in detail.
Life cycle assessment of industrial symbiosis: A critical review of relevant reference scenarios
Authors: Aissani Lynda , Lacassagne Antoine , Bahers Jean‐Baptiste , Féon Samuel Le
Published: February 2019

This paper highlights the methods and parameters used to define and design a reference scenario to be compared with an industrial symbiosis (IS) scenario using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. To this end, a critical review was conducted of 26 peer‐reviewed papers using LCA in the field of IS. The analysis focuses on the definition and design of reference scenarios through five cross‐analyses to determine correlations between the type and the number of reference scenarios and the type of IS scenarios studied and also some LCA characteristics such as the functional unit, the type of data used, and the use of sensitivity analysis. Results show that the definition of reference scenarios depends mainly on the type of IS scenario considered. For a current IS developed at an industrial scale, the suitable reference scenario is mainly a hypothetical nonsymbiotic reference scenario. For a prospective IS, the suitable reference scenario is mainly a current nonsymbiotic reference scenario. Due to this critical review, the problem of variability of reference scenarios emerges. To resolve it, the authors analyze different reference scenarios or use sensitivity analysis. What is more, territorial aspects are rarely taken into account in the design of reference scenarios. It is clearly a gap for LCA of IS because of the influence of territorial factors. The new research challenge is to include the consideration of territorial aspects to define and design the worst‐ and best‐case reference scenarios to assess strict environmental performances of IS.
Workplace incivility and its influence on professional quality of life among nurses from multicultural background: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alshehry Abdualrahman Saeed , Alquwez Nahed , Almazan Joseph , Namis Ibrahim Mohammed , Moreno‐Lacalle Rainier C. , Cruz Jonas Preposi
Published: February 2019

Aims and Objectives

To investigate the workplace incivility of nurses working in two Saudi hospitals and analyse its influence on the nurses’ professional quality of life (ProQOL).

Background

The prevalence and economic impact of workplace incivility cannot be overstated and disregarded. To the current authors’ knowledge, no extensive study on this topic has been conducted in Saudi Arabia. The influence of workplace incivility to ProQOL of nurses from different cultural backgrounds has never been thoroughly investigated.

Design

Descriptive, cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A sample of 378 nurses working in two government hospitals in Saudi Arabia were surveyed using the Nursing Incivility Scale and the ProQOL Scale version 5 from February to May 2018. A multivariate multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyse the multivariate effect of workplace incivility on the nurses’ ProQOL. The study adhered to the STROBE guideline (See Supporting Information File 1).

Results

The nurses perceived a moderate level of workplace incivility from the different sources of uncivil acts measured in this study. Among the five sources of incivility explored in this study, the nurses reported the majority of workplace incivility experienced from patients/visitors (M = 2.44, SD = 0.80), while the lowest was from supervisors (M = 1.90, SD = 0.66). The mean scores of the respondents in the compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress subscales were 36.50 (SD = 6.30), 26.43 (SD = 4.81) and 26.47 (SD = 6.06), respectively. General incivility, supervisor incivility, physician incivility and patient/visitor incivility showed a significant multivariate effect on the three ProQOL subscales.

Conclusions

Nurses’ experience of workplace civility and its sources were associated with ProQOL. Relevance to clinical practice. The findings of this study can be used as guide in establishing human resource policies towards achieving nurses’ needs, reducing workplace incivility and improving ProQOL.
Effects of nursing organisational culture on face‐to‐face bullying and cyberbullying in the workplace
Authors: Choi JeongSil , Park Mijeong
Published: February 2019

Aims and objectives

To investigate the current state of face‐to‐face bullying and cyberbullying among nurses in the workplace and to identify the effects of nursing organisational culture on face‐to‐face bullying and cyberbullying.

Background

It is important to accurately examine the current state of workplace bullying to acknowledge the gravity of the situation faced by nurses and devise prevention strategies. Electronic communication by computer or smartphone is widely used as a prompt and efficient means of facilitating nursing work; however, this leads to the possibility of cyberbullying as well as face‐to‐face bullying among nurses.

Design

Descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 226 staff nurses working in one of five upper tertiary hospitals in Korea with a career of 10 years or shorter were surveyed using a self‐reported questionnaire. The collected data were evaluated using various statistical analyses, including hierarchical regression. Our study was applied to the STROBE checklist of items.

Results

The mean face‐to‐face bullying score was 1.32 ± 0.53 and the cyberbullying score was 1.14 ± 0.37 (possible range: 1–5); most were work‐related negative experiences. The explanatory power of nursing organisational culture for face‐to‐face bullying was 6.3%, and relation‐oriented culture and hierarchy‐oriented culture were major factors affecting face‐to‐face bullying. The explanatory power of nursing organisational culture for cyberbullying was 4.3%, and relation‐oriented culture was a major factor affecting cyberbullying.

Conclusions

Relation‐oriented culture had a significant effect on both face‐to‐face bullying and cyberbullying. Therefore, organisations should strive to foster a relation‐oriented nursing organisational culture in order to prevent and resolve workplace bullying among nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Cyberbullying should be addressed as an important type of workplace bullying in nursing, which occurs via various information and communication devices. To prevent workplace bullying among nurses, various strategies that promote relation‐oriented nursing organisational cultures should be considered.
Self‐efficacy and its influencing factors of breast cancer screening for female college students in China
Authors: Xie Tingting , Sun Weijia , Chen Dandan , Liu Na , Wang Xinbo , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2019

Aim

This investigation aimed to study the general self‐efficacy level and its influential factors of breast cancer screening for the female college students in Changchun city of China.

Methods

A three‐part questionnaire was designed to investigate 220 female college students’ general self‐efficacy for breast cancer screening and its associated factors and knowledge of breast cancer screening. The data were analyzed with spss 23.0 using descriptive statistics, independent sample t‐tests and multiple regression analysis.

Results

The mean total score of general self‐efficacy for breast cancer screening was 22.2 ± 5.213 (average ± standard deviation [SD])). About 37.7% of participants had lower level of general self‐efficacy for breast cancer screening. The average score of knowledge about breast cancer and screening was 5.26 ± 3.974 (average ± SD). About half (48.6%) of the students had poor breast cancer screening knowledge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the level of breast cancer knowledge (P = 0.011) and sleep satisfaction (P = 0.008) were two predictive factors of good general self‐efficacy for breast cancer screening in female college students.

Conclusion

Female college students in Changchun did not have enough knowledge and self‐efficacy to cope with the breast cancer screening through this survey. Therefore, primary healthcare professionals have the responsibility to improve their awareness of breast cancer screening by delivering enough breast cancer knowledge and implementing effective health promotion strategies to keep better health status and have satisfied sleep.
Patterns of sociolinguistic variation in teacher classroom speech
Authors: Mougeon Raymond , Rehner Katherine
Published: February 2019

This study investigates sociolinguistic variation in teacher classroom speech. Based on a spoken‐French corpus produced by 59 teachers while teaching secondary school students (aged approximately 14–17 years) in four Ontario localities, it examines five cases of variant alternations. First, the study uses two comparative corpora to establish the social marking of the variants in the wider community. Second, it examines the teachers’ repertoire and frequency of use of variants in light of their social markedness. The study shows that the teachers use the standard variants at rates above even those found in the speech of the highest social strata within the wider community. Despite this normalizing impact of the classroom, the teachers also useallthe non‐standard variants found in the wider community. Further, the study examines the impact on the teachers’ variant choice exerted by their socio‐professional characteristics and the communicative functions they perform in the classroom. It shows that the teachers’ use of variants is influenced by their gender, the subject taught, and the communicative functions performed in the classroom in ways that are in line with the social markedness of the variants in the wider community.
Species‐specific PCR assays for Gambierdiscus excentricus and Gambierdiscus silvae (Gonyaulacales, Dinophyceae)
Authors: Litaker R. Wayne , Tester Patricia A. , Vandersea Mark W.
Published: February 2019

The two most toxic Gambierdiscus species identified from the Caribbean are G. excentricus and G. silvae. These species are the primary causes of ciguatera fish poisoning and likely contribute disproportionately to the toxicity of marine food webs. While Gambierdiscus species are difficult to distinguish using light or scanning electron microscopy, reliable species‐specific molecular identification methods have been developed and used successfully to identify a number of other Gambierdiscus species. Corresponding species‐specific assays are not yet available for G. excentricus and G. silvae, which imposes limitations on species identification and related ecological studies. The following note describes species‐specific polymerase chain reaction assays for G. excentricus and G. silvae that can be used for these purposes.
From physiological neck myoclonus to sleep related head jerk
Authors: Wolfensberger Beat , Ferri Raffaele , Bianco Giovanni , Abbafati Manuel , Miano Silvia , Kaelin‐Lang Alain , Bassetti Claudio L. , Manconi Mauro
Published: February 2019

Neck myoclonus (NM) is a frequent recently described sleep‐related motor phenomenon occurring mainly during REM sleep with uncertain effect on sleep continuity. To better describe this phenomenon we studied 11 consecutive drug‐free patients undergoing a video‐polysomnographic (V‐PSG) study who present at least 5 NM events in one single night of recording. All events were measured and checked for their association with rapid eye and leg movements, EEG arousals, awakenings and Bereitschaftspotential. One hundred and eighty‐two motor events from 11 subjects were analyzed. Motor events were approximately 0.5 s in duration and occurred during REM sleep in 79.7% of the cases. Only 14.8% of the events were associated with rapid eye movements, 52.2% with leg movements, while approximately 80% of them were accompanied by an arousal or awakening. No EEG abnormalities and Bereitschaftspotential were observed. For its duration and its segregation in sleep, NM could be more appropriately named “sleep‐related head jerks” (SRHJ). SRHJ should be recognized and its effect on sleep stability should be re‐considered.
Acute sleep loss induces signs of visual discomfort in young men
Authors: Dyakova Olga , Rångtell Frida H. , Tan Xiao , Nordström Karin , Benedict Christian
Published: February 2019

Acute sleep loss influences visual processes in humans, such as recognizing facial emotions. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study till date has examined whether acute sleep loss alters visual comfort when looking at images. One image statistic that can be used to investigate the level of visual comfort experienced under visual encoding is the slope of the amplitude spectrum, also referred to as the slope constant. The slope constant describes the spatial distribution of pixel intensities and deviations from the natural slope constant can induce visual discomfort. In the present counterbalanced crossover design study, 11 young men with normal or corrected‐to‐normal vision participated in two experimental conditions: one night of sleep loss and one night of sleep. In the morning after each intervention, subjects performed a computerized psychophysics task. Specifically, they were required to adjust the slope constant of images depicting natural landscapes and close‐ups with a randomly chosen initial slope constant until they perceived each image as most natural looking. Subjects also rated the pleasantness of each selected image. Our analysis showed that following sleep loss, higher slope constants were perceived as most natural looking when viewing images of natural landscapes. Images with a higher slope constant are generally perceived as blurrier. The selected images were also rated as less pleasant after sleep loss. No such differences between the experimental conditions were noted for images of close‐ups. The results suggest that sleep loss induces signs of visual discomfort in young men. Possible implications of these findings are discussed.
Living Waste and the Labor of Toxic Health on American Factory Farms
Authors: Blanchette Alex
Published: February 2019

In the 1930s, erosion caused storms of dust to hurtle across the American Great Plains and Midwest. While agricultural conservation methods helped remediate this landscape, recent studies suggest the region is contending with a new type of particle cloud: desiccated fecal dust that renders the vitalities of factory farms airborne, potentially exposing those in their surrounds to various forms of illness while spreading antibiotic resistance genes. Thinking alongside these findings, and based on research within corporate hog farms, this article develops an ethnography of excrement by tracing the practices and knowledge of people who live and labor in proximity to late industrial lifeforms, such as confined pigs and resistance genes, and who are tasked with intimately shaping this unruly waste that has the potential to affect broader populations. In so doing, it analyzes the maintenance of American animals’ toxic health alongside the politics of labor with complex anthropogenic materials.
The effects of noise levels on nurses in intensive care units
Authors: Terzi Banu , Azizoğlu Fatma , Polat Şehrinaz , Kaya Nurten , İşsever Halim
Published: February 2019

Background

Intensive care units (ICUs) are noisy environments, which may have negative psychological effects on nurses.

Aims and objectives

To investigate the effects of the noise level of ICUs on nurses' burnout, job satisfaction, anxiety, psychological symptoms and general psychopathology level.

Design

A descriptive and correlational study.

Methods

The study was conducted with 150 intensive care nurses. A Type 2250‐L Brüel & Kjær hand‐held sound level meter was used for noise measurement. A Nurse Information Form, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Minnesora Satisfaction Questionnaire, Self‐Report Inventory and Symptom Checklist‐90 Revised were used for data collection.

Results

The highest levels of noise (71 dB(A) and above) were measured in the neonatal, neurology and cardiovascular surgery ICUs. It was observed that noise level affected extrinsic satisfaction (F = 3·704; p = 0·027) and trait anxiety (F = 3·868; p = 0·023) of nurses.

Conclusions

Noise levels in ICUs are well above the recommended levels, and this affects nurses' job satisfaction and anxiety levels.

Relevance to clinical practice

More studies on the effects of noise levels on the physical and mental states of nurses working in ICUs are needed. Increased quality of patient care can be achieved by providing healthy working conditions for nurses working in special units such as ICUs.
Explorations of disgust: A narrative inquiry into the experiences of nurses working in palliative care
Authors: Kaiser Mara , Kohlen Helen , Caine Vera
Published: February 2019

While feelings of disgust and repulsion are experienced and accepted as part of care practices of nurses who work in palliative care, they are often silenced. Working alongside two palliative care nurses in a hospice setting, we engaged in a narrative inquiry to inquire into their experiences of disgust. The study took place in a palliative care setting in a large urban city in Germany. We understand care practices as actions that follow a logic of care. According to a logic of care, actions are situated within a social context, given by specific relationships including power, and individual needs. Various aspects of disgust are visible in the experiences of the participants and highlighted in the narrative threads of disgust and silence, disgust and protection, and disgust and boundaries. Embedded in the experience of disgust of nurses working in palliative care, we see that there are borderlands of care that challenge who we are and are becoming. Opening discussion about disgust in nursing makes visible the complexity of care.
Conceptualising moral resilience for nursing practice
Authors: Sala Defilippis Tiziana M. L. , Curtis Katherine , Gallagher Ann
Published: February 2019

The term ‘moral resilience’ has been gaining momentum in the nursing ethics literature. This may be due to it representing a potential response to moral problems such as moral distress. Moral resilience has been conceptualised as a factor that inhibits immoral actions, as a favourable outcome and as an ability to bounce back after a morally distressing situation. In this article, the philosophical analysis of moral resilience is developed by challenging these conceptualisations and highlighting the risks of such limiting perspectives. It is argued that moral resilience is best understood as a virtue with two associated vices, faintheartedness and rigidity. The intellectual virtue of practical wisdom is required to express resilience as a virtue. This understanding leads to recommendations for professional education, for practice and for further research.
Sinopodophyllum hexandrum subsp. ramgopalii subsp. nov. (Berberidaceae) from Sikkim Himalaya
Authors: Ghosh Jayanta , Midday Mrinmoy , Maity Debabrata
Published: February 2019

Sinopodophyllum hexandrum (Royle) T.S.Ying subsp. ramgopalii D. Maity, J. Ghosh & Midday, a new subspecies from the Sikkim Himalaya is described and illustrated. It is distinguished from S. hexandrum subsp. hexandrum e.g. by densely ciliate petal margins, longer filaments and shorter styles. A detailed description, illustration, field images and information on habitat ecology and phenology are provided.
When transfer‐messenger RNA scars reveal its ancient origins
Authors: Guyomar Charlotte , Gillet Reynald
Published: February 2019

In bacteria, trans‐translation is the primary quality control mechanism for rescuing ribosomes arrested during translation. This key process is universally conserved and plays a crucial role in the viability and virulence of all bacteria. It is performed by transfer‐messenger RNA (tmRNA) and its protein partner small protein B (SmpB). Here, we show that tmRNA is a key molecule that could have given birth to modern protein synthesis. The traces of an ancient RNA world persist in the structure of modern tmRNA, suggesting its old origins. Therefore, since it has both tRNA and mRNA functions, tmRNA could be the missing link that allowed modern genetic code to be read by the ribosome.
Use of secukinumab in a pediatric patient leads to significant improvement in nail psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Wells Leah Ellis , Evans Tyler , Hilton Rachael , Wine Lee Lara , Ruth Natasha
Published: February 2019

Many pediatric psoriasis patients suffer from nail involvement and psoriatic arthritis. In adults, biologic agents have demonstrated success in treating refractory nail psoriasis and arthritis, but studies are limited in children. In this report, we present a pediatric patient with severe, recalcitrant nail and joint psoriasis, successfully treated with secukinumab.
Effects of hypertonic dextrose and paraffin solution as non‐antibiotic treatments of clinical endometritis on reproductive performance of high producing dairy cows
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammad Rahim , Makki Meysam , Mirzaei Abdolah , Gheisari Hamid Reza
Published: February 2019

Contents

The objective of this study was to compare the reproductive performance of cows affected by clinical endometritis (CE) following treatment with an intrauterine infusion of 50% dextrose solutions (DEX) and liquid paraffin (LP) as alternative therapies with routine treatments including PGF2αinjection and intrauterine infusion of oxytetracycline (OTC). Moreover, the reproductive indices of cows treated with endometritis were compared with those of healthy ones. At postpartum reproductive tract examination (28–35 DIM) in one Iranian dairy farm, cows with CE without any selection were assigned to four groups: (a) OTC, a common treatment in Iran, was administered (5 g) to 396 cows, (b) PGF2α (PG) was injected to 496 cows, (c) dextrose solution (DEX): intrauterine infusion of 50% dextrose solution (200 ml) was done in 427 cows, and (d) liquid paraffin (LP) was administered (100 ml) to 423 cows via intrauterine route. We further assigned 2,233 clinically healthy cows to the control group. The incidence of endometritis was 41.6% in this study. Based on the results of reproductive indices including median days to first AI, days open (DO), first service conception rate, conception rate in 2nd and 3rd services, conception rate in all three services, pregnancy rate < 100 days and pregnancy rate < 200 days, except for median days to first AI in other reproductive indexes, reproductive performance was significantly lower in LP group compared with the healthy cows and other treatment groups (p < 0.05). Except for the first service conception rate and proportion of cows pregnant before 100 days in milk (DIM), there existed no significant difference between the DEX group and the control as far as reproductive performance is concerned (p ≥ 0.05). The first service conception rate was recognizably lower in DEX group compared with OTC and PG (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of a non‐antibiotic special solution of dextrose 50% is a good alternative to antibiotic agents concerning the treatment of CE in dairy cows.
What Do We Know About Annuitization Decisions?
Authors: Alexandrova Maria , Gatzert Nadine
Published: February 2019

Against the background of aging societies and increasing life expectancies, the protection of individuals from outliving their savings has become increasingly relevant. Annuities represent insurance against longevity risk and can prevent old‐age poverty. The aim of this article is to present the current state of theoretical, empirical and experimental evidence with regard to annuitization decisions. Toward this end, we conduct a systematic literature review that includes 89 articles. Based on this, we study welfare effects of mandatory annuitization, annuitization rates and the optimal fraction of wealth to be annuitized, as well as determinants of retirees’ choice to annuitize and their impact on annuity demand. Finally, we present possible solutions for overcoming the low uptake of annuities based on its causes. One main result is that behavioral biases in annuitization decisions particularly require considerably more theoretical research and empirical evidence, and that theoretical models already appear to well explain empirically observed annuitization rates.
Roxadustat promotes angiogenesis through HIF‐1α/VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling and accelerates cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rats
Authors: Zhu Yu , Wang Yanmao , Jia Yachao , Xu Jia , Chai Yimin
Published: February 2019

Diabetic foot ulcers are a major health‐care burden worldwide. One primary cause of the delayed wound healing in diabetic patients is impaired function of the hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α/vascular endothelial growth factor (HIF‐1α/VEGF) axis, which results in compromised neovascularization in response to hypoxia. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of roxadustat, a novel HIF prolyl‐4‐hydroxylase inhibitor, on angiogenesis and its therapeutic effect on cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rats. In vitro, we found that roxadustat could promote the angiogenic activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, accompanied by up‐regulation of HIF‐1α/VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling. Next, we demonstrated that Ki8751, a VEGFR2‐specific inhibitor, could inhibit the increased angiogenic activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by roxadustat. In vivo, we performed a Matrigel plug assay and demonstrated that roxadustat induced vascularization of the Matrigel plugs, and this effect could be partially inhibited by Ki8751. Finally, we utilized a streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rat model and found that roxadustat could accelerate cutaneous wound healing and promote angiogenesis in the wound sites. In conclusion, roxadustat promotes angiogenesis via activation of the HIF‐1α/VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway and exhibits therapeutic effects on diabetic wound healing by increasing angiogenesis. Our findings suggest that roxadustat can be a promising strategy to promote diabetic cutaneous wound healing.
Endothelial cell–cardiomyocyte crosstalk in heart development and disease
Authors: Colliva Andrea , Braga Luca , Giacca Mauro , Zacchigna Serena
Published: February 2019

The crosstalk between endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes has emerged as a requisite for normal cardiac development, but also a key pathogenic player during the onset and progression of cardiac disease. Endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes are in close proximity and communicate through the secretion of paracrine signals, as well as through direct cell‐to‐cell contact. Here, we provide an overview of the endothelial cell–cardiomyocyte interactions controlling heart development and the main processes affecting the heart in normal and pathological conditions, including ischaemia, remodelling and metabolic dysfunction. We also discuss the possible role of these interactions in cardiac regeneration and encourage the further improvement of in vitro models able to reproduce the complex environment of the cardiac tissue, in order to better define the mechanisms by which endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes interact with a final aim of developing novel therapeutic opportunities.

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Acute high intensity interval exercise reduces colon cancer cell growth
Authors: Devin James L. , Hill Michelle M. , Mourtzakis Marina , Quadrilatero Joe , Jenkins David G. , Skinner Tina L.
Published: February 2019

Key points

Physical activity is associated with reduced mortality rates for survivors of colorectal cancer.

Acute high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) reduced colon cancer cell number in vitro and promoted increases in inflammatory cytokines immediately following exercise.

This acute suppression of colon cancer cell number was transient and not observed at 120 minutes post-acute HIIE.

The acute effects of exercise may constitute an important mechanism by which exercise can influence colorectal cancer outcomes.

Physical activity is associated with significant reductions in colorectal cancer mortality. However, the mechanisms by which exercise mediates this anti‐oncogenic effect are not clear. In the present study, colorectal cancer survivors completed acute (n = 10) or chronic (n = 10) exercise regimes. An acute high intensity interval exercise session (HIIE; 4 × 4 min at 85–95% peak heart rate) was completed with serum samples collected at baseline, as well as 0 and 120 min post‐exercise. For the ‘chronic’ intervention, resting serum was sampled before and after 4 weeks (12 sessions) of HIIE. The effect of serum on colon cancer cell growth was evaluated by incubating cells (CaCo‐2 and LoVo) for up to 72 h and assessing cell number. Serum obtained immediately following HIIE, but not 120 min post‐HIIE, significantly reduced colon cancer cell number. Significant increases in serum interleukin‐6 (P = 0.023), interleukin‐8 (P = 0.036) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (P = 0.003) were found immediately following acute HIIE. At rest, short‐term HIIE training did not promote any changes in cellular growth or cytokine concentrations. The acute effects of HIIE and the cytokine flux may be important mediators of reducing colon cancer cell progression. Repetitive exposure to these acute effects may contribute to the relationship between exercise and improved colorectal cancer survival.
New data on oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) of South Africa, with description of two new species of the family Oppiidae
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Hugo-Coetzee Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

The present study is based on oribatid mite material (Acari, Oribatida) collected from soil of Kaaimansgat estuary, Wilderness, Western Cape, South Africa in 2018. A list of identified taxa, including 41 species from 34 genera and 23 families, is presented; of these, nine species, three genera and one family are recorded in South Africa for the first time. Two new species belonging to the family Oppiidae are described: Kokoppia kaaimansensis sp. nov. differs from Kokoppia dudichi (Balogh, 1982) by the larger body size, the medium sized lamellar and interlamellar setae, the presence of muscle sigillae in the interlamellar region and the distinctly semi-oval epimeral borders IV and the absence of notogastral setae c; Paroppia neethlingi sp. nov. differs from other species of the genus by the localization of adanal lyrifissures in a direct apoanal position and the absence of epimeral borders IV. Revised generic diagnoses and identification keys to the known species of Kokoppia and Paroppia are presented.
A method for degrading sound localization while preserving binaural advantages for speech reception in noise
Authors: Sheffield Sterling W. , Romigh Griffin D. , Zurek Patrick M. , Bernstein Joshua G. W. , Brungart Douglas S.
Published: February 2019

This study developed and tested a real-time processing algorithm designed to degrade sound localization (LocDeg algorithm) without affecting binaural benefits for speech reception in noise. Input signals were divided into eight frequency channels. The odd-numbered channels were mixed between the ears to confuse the direction of interaural cues while preserving interaural cues in the even-numbered channels. The LocDeg algorithm was evaluated for normal-hearing listeners performing sound localization and speech-reception tasks. Results showed that the LocDeg algorithm successfully degraded sound-localization performance without affecting speech-reception performance or spatial release from masking for speech in noise. The LocDeg algorithm did, however, degrade speech-reception performance in a task involving spatially separated talkers in a multi-talker environment, which is thought to depend on differences in perceived spatial location of concurrent talkers. This LocDeg algorithm could be a valuable tool for isolating the importance of sound-localization ability from other binaural benefits in real-world environments.
An automated hybrid bioelectronic system for autogenous restoration of sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Nyns Emile C. A. , Poelma René H. , Volkers Linda , Plomp Jaap J. , Bart Cindy I. , Kip Annemarie M. , van Brakel Thomas J. , Zeppenfeld Katja , Schalij Martin J. , Zhang Guo Qi , de Vries Antoine A. F. , Pijnappels Daniël A.
Published: February 2019

An implanted light source coupled with local gene therapy generates an automated shock-free system to treat atrial fibrillation in rats.
Phages trump bacteria in immune interactions
Authors: Cohen Louis J.
Published: February 2019

Bacteriophages modulate mouse cancer and colitis models through unexpected immune interactions.
Both sides of the CRISPR coin
Authors: Jay Steven M.
Published: February 2019

Examination of the long-term effects of genome editing reveals potential and perils.
Neuronal connections killed in cold blood
Authors: Abalde-Atristain Leire
Published: February 2019

Loss of neuronal junctions triggered by a clotting factor promotes cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
Revising Pediatric Vancomycin Dosing Accounting for Nephrotoxicity in a Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model
Authors: Kloprogge Frank , Hill Louise F. , Booth John , Klein Nigel , Irwin Adam D. , Dixon Garth , Standing Joseph F.
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to suggest an initial pediatric vancomycin dose regimen through population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling. A population pharmacokinetic approach was used to analyze vancomycin concentration-time data from a large pediatric cohort.
Contribution of Clinically Derived Mutations in the Gene Encoding the Zinc Cluster Transcription Factor Mrr2 to Fluconazole Antifungal Resistance and
CDR1
Expression in
Candida albicans
Authors: Nishimoto Andrew T. , Zhang Qing , Hazlett Brandon , Morschhäuser Joachim , Rogers P. David
Published: February 2019

Mutations in genes encoding zinc cluster transcription factors (ZCFs) such as
TAC1
,
MRR1
, and
UPC2
play a key role in
Candida albicans
azole antifungal resistance. Artificial activation of the ZCF Mrr2 has shown increased expression of the gene encoding the Cdr1 efflux pump and resistance to fluconazole.
External Evaluation of Population Pharmacokinetic Models of Vancomycin in Large Cohorts of Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Guo Tingjie , van Hest Reinier M. , Roggeveen Luca F. , Fleuren Lucas M. , Thoral Patrick J. , Bosman Rob J. , van der Voort Peter H. J. , Girbes Armand R. J. , Mathot Ron A. A. , Elbers Paul W. G.
Published: February 2019

Dosing of vancomycin is often guided by therapeutic drug monitoring and population pharmacokinetic models in the intensive care unit (ICU). The validity of these models is crucial, as ICU patients have marked pharmacokinetic variability.
What triggered the early-stage eruption of the Emeishan large igneous province?
Authors: Zhu Bei , Guo Zhaojie , Zhang Shaonan , Ukstins Ingrid , Du Wei , Liu Runchao
Published: February 2019

The formation of the Emeishan large igneous province is widely regarded as being related to a mantle plume, but plate tectonics may also have played an important role. We analyzed the regional facies architecture of the early-stage subaqueous volcanic rocks of the central Emeishan large igneous province. The results suggest that these rocks were emplaced in a N-S–striking subaqueous rift, which existed immediately before the onset of volcanism and was persistently maintained during the early eruption stage. By linking this conclusion with the background information indicating that (1) the basaltic geochemistry in this section is indicative of a subcontinental lithospheric mantle source rather than a mantle plume source, and (2) the western Yangtze plate, where the Emeishan large igneous province was developed, was located in the back-arc region of the Permian Paleo-Tethys subduction system, we propose a new view that the early-stage eruptions of the Emeishan large igneous province were triggered by back-arc extension. The dominant functioning of the mantle plume occurred shortly after this process and inherited it, as evidenced by the following: (1) The subaqueous volcanic architecture showing back-arc geochemical affinity is laterally restricted in the presumed rift, but the overlying subaerial lavas showing plume-related geochemical features overwhelmingly flooded the whole province; (2) vertically, the source of the basaltic component in these intrarift sequences underwent a gradual transition from lithospheric origin to mantle plume origin along the stratigraphic order, as evidenced by an intercalated basaltic succession showing mixed geochemical features from the two contextual origins.
Discovery of Middle–Late Devonian and Early Permian magmatic events in East Asia and their implication for the Indosinian orogeny in South China: Insights from the sedimentary record
Authors: Zhang Xinchang , Wang Yuejun , Harris Ron , Yan Yi , Zheng Yi
Published: February 2019

Whether the driver of the Indosinian orogeny in the South China block was related to the evolution of the Paleotethyan Ocean or the Paleo-Pacific Ocean has been a point of much debate. We applied detrital zircon U-Pb dating to Permian–Triassic sedimentary rocks from South China to trace sediment provenance and to further test these models. Our results, combined with other published data from the Pingxiang, Youjiang, Yong’an, and Yongding Basins, show that 400–350 Ma and 300–260 Ma zircon grains are ubiquitous throughout the entirety of southern South China. This indicates regional magmatic events as potential sources. The discovery of Middle–Late Devonian and Early Permian igneous rocks, tuffs, and volcaniclastic rocks in Southeast Asia and Hainan Island implies the presence of two magmatic events (400–350 Ma and 300–260 Ma) within or beyond the southern margin of South China. This information, together with the mostly negative εHf(t) values of 400–350 Ma and 300–260 Ma zircon grains, arc-like geochemical signatures of the possible source rocks, and the regional geology of East Asia, suggests that they originated from sources related to Paleotethyan and even Proto-Tethyan subduction. Thus, Permian–Triassic sedimentation and the Indosinian orogeny in South China were largely controlled by the evolution of the Tethyan Ocean.
Unexplained paraparesis following subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Bressington Morgan J , Zilani Gulam , Shastin Dmitri , Patel Chirag
Published: February 2019

Spinal arachnoid cysts (SAC) are rare in isolation and the exact aetiology is still debated. Primary (congenital) cysts are caused by structural abnormalities in the arachnoid layer and largely affect the thoracic region. Secondary cysts are induced by a multitude of factors, infection, trauma or iatrogenic response, and can affect any level of the spinal cord. While subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a relatively common condition with significant repercussions, it is extremely uncommonly associated with SAC. When present, it may develop in the months and years after the original bleed, giving rise to new neurological symptoms. Prompt treatment is needed to halt or reverse the worsening of symptoms and questions are still being asked about how best to approach this condition. A 42-year-old man presented with chronic back pain, severe worsening ataxia and numbness below the umbilicus, 7 months after treatment for a World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade five (WFNS V) SAH. Imaging revealed a SAC extending from T12 to L4 and causing thecal compression. This was treated with a L3 laminectomy andmarsupialisation. An improvement in neurological function was observed at 6 months. Aetiology of the SAC and its association with SAH are discussed and a review of the relevant literature is provided.
Estimating global trends in total and childhood antibiotic consumption, 2011-2015
Authors: Jackson Charlotte , Hsia Yingfen , Bielicki Julia A , Ellis Sally , Stephens Peter , Wong Ian C K , Sharland Mike
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Understanding patterns of antibiotic consumption is essential to ensure access to appropriate antibiotics when needed and to minimise overuse, which can lead to antibiotic resistance. We aimed to describe changes in global antibiotic consumption between 2011 and 2015.

Methods

We analysed wholesale data on total antibiotic sales and antibiotics sold as child-appropriate formulations (CAFs), stratified by country income level (low/middle-income and high-income countries (LMICs and HICs﻿)). The volume of antibiotics sold per year was recorded for 36 LMICs and 39 HICs, measured in standard units (SU: 1 SU is equivalent to a single tablet, capsule or 5 mL ampoule/vial/oral suspension) and SU per person, overall and as CAFs. Changes over time were quantified as percentage changes and compound annual growth rates in consumption per person. Analyses were conducted separately for total sales, sales of antibiotics in the Access and Watch groups of the WHO’s Essential Medicines List for children 2017, for amoxicillin and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid.

Results

Antibiotic consumption increased slightly between 2011 and 2015, from 6.85×1010SU to 7.44×1010SU overall and from 1.66×1010SU to 1.78×1010SU for CAFs. However, trends differed between countries and for specific antibiotics; for example, consumption of amoxicillin as CAFs changed little in LMICs and HICs, but that of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid increased by 6.8% per year in LMICs and decreased by 1.0% per year in HICs.

Conclusions

As measured in standard units in sales data, the rate of increase in global antibiotic consumption may be slowing. However, the trends appear to differ between countries and drugs. In the absence of routine surveillance of antibiotic use in many countries, these data provide important indicators of trends in consumption which should be confirmed in national and local studies of prescribing.