bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
18F-FDG PET/CT in Diagnostic and Prognostic Evaluation of Patients With Suspected Recurrence of Chondrosarcoma
Authors: Vadi Shelvin Kumar , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Gorla Arun Kumar Reddy , Sood Ashwani , Basher Rajender Kumar , Sood Apurva , Kakkar Nandita , Sen Ramesh K.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The aim of the study was to analyze the diagnostic and prognostic utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT to predict the disease-specific survival (DSS) with FDG uptake and tumor grade in recurrent chondrosarcoma.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of FDG PET/CT findings in 31 previously treated patients (46 studies) with mean follow-up period of 40.7 ± 23.9 months (range, 3–77 months) from the date of first PET/CT study was done. Kaplan-Meier DSS analysis was made with respect to tumor grade, FDG uptake at the recurrent primary sites, and a combination of grade and FDG uptake as parameters.

Results

Recurrence (local and distant) was shown in 28 (60.8%) of 46 FDG PET/CT studies with sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 78.9%, respectively. The median SUVmax at the recurrent primary sites differed significantly (P = 0.008) among 3 tumor grade groups, with higher median SUVmax in higher grades. There was significant difference in median SUVmax among different grade groups except between grade II and grade III. Recurrent primary site SUVmax cutoff at 6.15 derived from the receiver operating characteristic curve yielded significant difference (P < 0.001) in mean DSS time. Significant difference in survival was noted between 3 different tumor grade groups (P = 0.016). The combination of SUVmax and grade improved the survival prediction than with grade alone.

Conclusions

In recurrent chondrosarcoma, the recurrent primary site FDG uptake and grade were found to be reliable prognostic factors with respect to DSS. PET/CT in recurrence setting has the potential to predict tumor grade and survival and may assist in clinical management.
Incidental Detection of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma by 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in a Patient With Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases
Authors: Mahajan Sonia , Shaha Ashok , Grewal Ravinder K.
Published: December 2017

68Ga-DOTATATE, a positron-emitting somatostatin analog, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for imaging neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The presence of a second primary malignancy is common in NETs; however, synchronous primary malignancy in the thyroid has rarely been reported. The value of 68Ga-DOTATATE in medullary thyroid cancer is being investigated and is currently recommended for use when treatment with somatostatin analogs is an option. We present a 55-year-old man with abdominal pain associated with well-differentiated NET liver metastases and incidental medullary thyroid carcinoma demonstrated on a 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT.
A case of Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica bacteremia in continental United States
Authors: Chavez Jesus A. , Alexander Andrew J. , Balada-Llasat Joan M. , Pancholi Preeti
Published: December 2017

Introduction.
Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica has been associated with open wound infections, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and bacteremia.

Case presentation. We report the case of a 41 year old woman with history of congenital myelomeningocele, paraplegia and extensive decubitus ulcers that developed W. chitiniclastica bacteremia secondary to an infected ulcer.

Conclusion.
W. chitiniclastica is an emerging human pathogen that can be readily identified by MALDI-TOF or sequencing.
Comparative genomics of the major parasitic worms
Authors:   International Helminth Genomes Consortium
Published: December 2017

Parasitic nematodes (roundworms) and platyhelminths (flatworms) cause debilitating chronic infections of humans and animals, decimate crop production and are a major impediment to socioeconomic development. Here we compare the genomes of 81 nematode and platyhelminth species, including those of 76 parasites. From 1.4 million genes, we identify gene family births and hundreds of large expanded gene families at key nodes in the phylogeny that are relevant to parasitism. Examples include gene families that modulate host immune responses, enable parasite migration though host tissues or allow the parasite to feed. We use a wide-rangingin silicoscreen to identify and prioritise new potential drug targets and compounds for testing. We also uncover lineage-specific differences in core metabolism and in protein families historically targeted for drug development. This is the broadest comparative study to date of the genomes of parasitic and non-parasitic worms. It provides a transformative new resource for the research community to understand and combat the diseases that parasitic worms cause.
Proteomic and biochemical comparison of the cellular interaction partners of human VPS33A and VPS33B
Authors: Hunter Morag R. , Hesketh Geoffrey G. , Gingras Anne-Claude , Graham Stephen C.
Published: December 2017

Multi-subunit tethering complexes control membrane fusion events in eukaryotic cells. CORVET and HOPS are two such multi-subunit tethering complexes, both containing the Sec1/Munc18 protein subunit VPS33A. Metazoans additionally possess VPS33B, which has considerable sequence similarity to VPS33A but does not integrate into CORVET or HOPS complexes and instead stably interacts with VIPAR. It has been recently suggested that VPS33B and VIPAR comprise two subunits of a novel multi-subunit tethering complex (named ‘CHEVI’), analogous in configuration to CORVET and HOPS. We utilised the BioID proximity biotinylation assay to compare and contrast the interactomes of VPS33A and VPS33B. Overall, few proteins were identified as associating with both VPS33A and VPS33B, suggesting these proteins have distinct sub-cellular localisations. Consistent with previous reports, we observed that VPS33A was co-localised with many components of class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3KC3) complexes: PIK3C3, PIK3R4, NRBF2, UVRAG and RUBICON. Although in this assay VPS33A clearly co-localised with several subunits of CORVET and HOPS, no proteins with the canonical CORVET/HOPS domain architecture were found to co-localise with VPS33B. Instead, we identified two novel VPS33B-interacting proteins, VPS53 and CCDC22. CCDC22 co-immunoprecipitated with VPS33B and VIPAR in over-expression conditions and interacts directly with the VPS33B-VIPAR complex in vitro. However, CCDC22 does not appear to co-fractionate with VPS33B and VIPAR in gel filtration of human cell lysates. We also observed that the protein complex in HEK293T cells which contained VPS33B and VIPAR was considerably smaller than CORVET/HOPS, suggesting that, unlike VPS33A, VPS33B does not assemble into a large stable multi-subunit tethering complex.
Metannot: A succinct data structure for compression of colors in dynamic de Bruijn graphs
Authors: Mustafa Harun , Kahles André , Karasikov Mikhail , Rätsch Gunnar
Published: December 2017

Much of the DNA and RNA sequencing data available is in the form of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) reads and is currently unindexed by established sequence search databases. Recent succinct data structures for indexing both reference sequences and HTS data, along with associated metadata, have been based on either hashing or graph models, but many of these structures are static in nature, and thus, not well-suited as backends for dynamic databases.

We propose a parallel construction method for and novel application of the wavelet trie as a dynamic data structure for compressing and indexing graph metadata. By developing an algorithm for merging wavelet tries, we are able to construct large tries in parallel by merging smaller tries constructed concurrently from batches of data.

When compared against general compression algorithms and those developed specifically for graph colors (VARI and Rainbowfish), our method achieves compression ratios superior to gzip and VARI, converging to compression ratios of 6.5% to 2% on data sets constructed from over 600 virus genomes.

While marginally worse than compression by bzip2 or Rainbowfish, this structure allows for both fast extension and query. We also found that additionally encoding graph topology metadata improved compression ratios, particularly on data sets consisting of several mutually-exclusive reference genomes.

It was also observed that the compression ratio of wavelet tries grew sublinearly with the density of the annotation matrices.

This work is a significant step towards implementing a dynamic data structure for indexing large annotated sequence data sets that supports fast query and update operations. At the time of writing, no established standard tool has filled this niche.
Information Flow in Planar Polarity
Authors: Fisher Katherine H , Strutt David , Fletcher Alexander G
Published: December 2017

In developing tissues, sheets of cells become planar polarised, enabling coordination of cell behaviours. It has been suggested that ‘signalling’ of polarity information between cells may occur either bidirectionally or monodirectionally between the molecules Frizzled (Fz) and Van Gogh (Vang). Using computational modelling we find that both bidirectional and monodirectional signalling models reproduce known non-autonomous phenotypes derived from patches of mutant tissue of key molecules, but predict different phenotypes from double mutant tissue, which have previously given conflicting experimental results. Consequently, we re-examine experimental phenotypes in theDrosophilawing, concluding that signalling is most likely bidirectional. Our modelling suggests that bidirectional signalling can be mediated eitherindirectlyvia bidirectional feedbacks between asymmetric intercellular protein complexes, ordirectlyvia different affinities for protein binding in intercellular complexes, suggesting future avenues for investigation. Our findings offer insight into mechanisms of juxtacrine cell signalling and how tissue-scale properties emerge from individual cell behaviours.
Non-parametric mixture models identify trajectories of childhood immune development relevant to asthma and allergy
Authors: Tang Howard H.F. , Teo Shu Mei , Belgrave Danielle C.M. , Evans Michael D. , Jackson Daniel J. , Brozynska Marta , Kusel Merci M.H. , Johnston Sebastian L. , Gern James E. , Lemanske Robert F. , Simpson Angela , Custovic Adnan , Sly Peter D. , Holt Patrick G. , Holt Kathryn E. , Inouye Michael
Published: December 2017

Events in early life contribute to subsequent risk of asthma; however, the causes and trajectories of childhood wheeze are heterogeneous and do not always result in asthma. Similarly, not all atopic individuals develop wheeze, and vice versa. The reasons for these differences are unclear. Using unsupervised model-based cluster analysis, we identified latent clusters within a prospective birth cohort with deep immunological and respiratory phenotyping. We characterised each cluster in terms of immunological profile and disease risk, and replicated our results in external cohorts from the UK and USA. We discovered three distinct trajectories, one of which is a high-risk “atopic” cluster with increased propensity for allergic diseases throughout childhood. Atopy contributes varyingly to later wheeze depending on cluster membership. Our findings demonstrate the utility of unsupervised analysis in elucidating heterogeneity in asthma pathogenesis and provide a foundation for improving management and prevention of childhood asthma.
Autophagy enhances memory erasure through synaptic destabilization
Authors: Shehata Mohammad , Abdou Kareem , Choko Kiriko , Matsuo Mina , Nishizono Hirofumi , Inokuchi Kaoru
Published: December 2017

There is substantial interest in memory reconsolidation as a target for the treatment of anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, its applicability is restricted by reconsolidation-resistant conditions that constrain the initial memory destabilization. In this study, we investigated whether the induction of synaptic protein degradation through autophagy modulation, a major protein degradation pathway, can enhance memory destabilization upon retrieval and whether it can be utilized to overcome these conditions. Here, using male mice in an auditory fear reconsolidation model, we showed that autophagy contributes to memory destabilization and its induction can be utilized to enhance erasure of a reconsolidation-resistant auditory fear memory that depended on α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) endocytosis. Using male mice in a contextual fear reconsolidation model, autophagy induction in the amygdala or in the hippocampus enhanced fear or contextual memory destabilization, respectively. The latter correlated with AMPAR degradation in the spines of the contextual memory-ensemble cells. Using male rats in an in vivo long-term potentiation reconsolidation model, autophagy induction enhanced synaptic destabilization in an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-dependent manner. These data indicate that induction of synaptic protein degradation can enhance both synaptic and memory destabilization upon reactivation and that autophagy inducers have the potential to be used as a therapeutic tool in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Significance Statement

It has been reported that inhibiting synaptic protein degradation prevents memory destabilization. However, whether the reverse relation is true and whether it can be utilized to enhance memory destabilization is still unknown. Here we addressed this question on the behavioral, molecular and synaptic levels, and showed that induction of autophagy, a major protein degradation pathway, can enhance memory and synaptic destabilization upon reactivation. We also show that autophagy induction can be utilized to overcome a reconsolidation-resistant memory, suggesting autophagy inducers as a potential therapeutic tool in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
A simple bioreactor-based method to generate kidney organoids from pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Przepiorski Aneta , Sander Veronika , Tran Tracy , Hollywood Jennifer A. , Sorrenson Brie , Shih Jen-Hsing , Wolvetang Ernst J. , McMahon Andrew P. , Holm Teresa M. , Davidson Alan J.
Published: December 2017

Kidney organoids generated from human pluripotent stem cells have the potential to revolutionize how kidney development and injury are studied. Current protocols are technically complex and suffer from poor reproducibility and high reagent costs restricting scalability. To overcome these issues, we have established a simple, inexpensive and robust method to grow kidney organoids in bulk from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Our organoids develop tubular structures by day (d) 8 and show optimal tissue morphology at d14. A comparison with fetal human kidney suggests that d14 organoid renal structures most closely resemble ‘capillary loop’ stage nephrons. We show that deletion ofHNF1B,a transcription factor linked to congenital kidney defects, interferes with tubulogenesis, validating our experimental system for studying renal developmental biology. Taken together, our protocol provides a fast, efficient and cost-effective method for generating large quantities of human fetal kidney tissue, enabling the study of normal and aberrant human renal development.
A two-dimensional CdII coordination polymer based on naphthalenediimide: synthesis, crystal structure and photochromic properties
Authors: Liu Jian-Jun , Dong Ying , Chen Li-Zhen , Wang Ling , Xia Shu-Biao , Huang Chang-Cang
Published: December 2017

Naphthalenediimides, a class of organic dyes with an expanded π-electron-deficient plane, have attracted considerable interest because of their photoinduced electron transfer from neutral organic moieties to stable anionic radicals. This makes them excellent candidates for organic linkers in the construction of photochromic coordination polymers. Such a photochromic two-dimensional coordination polymer has been prepared using N,N′-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide) (DPMNI). In crystallization tubes, upon slow diffusion of an MeOH solution of cadmium perchlorate into a CHCl3 solution of DPMNI, the complex poly[[bis[μ2-2,7-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)benzo[imn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetrone-κ2
N:N′]bis(perchlorato-κO)cadmium(II)] chloroform tetrasolvate], {[Cd(C26H16N4O4)2(ClO4)2]·4CHCl3}
n
, (I), was obtained. The asymmetric unit contains one Cd2+ cation, two DPMNI ligands, two coordinated ClO4
− anions and four CHCl3 solvent molecules. Each Cd2+ cation is interconnected by four DPMNI linkers to generate a neutral two-dimensional naphthalenediimide coordination network with all the ClO4
− anions above or below this plane. Strong interlaminar anion–π interactions between the coordinated ClO4
− anions and the imide rings of an adjacent layer lead to a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. Compound (I) exhibits reversible photochromic behaviour and photocontrolled tunable luminescence properties, which may originate from the photoinduced electron-transfer generation of radicals in the DPMNI ligand.
Application of combined model with DGM(1,1) and linear regression in grain yield prediction
Authors: Li Bingjun , Yang Weiming , Li Xiaolu
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address and overcome the problem that a single prediction model cannot accurately fit a data sequence with large fluctuations.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the grey linear regression combination model was put forward. The Discrete Grey Model (DGM)(1,1) model and the multiple linear regression model were then combined using the entropy weight method. The grain yield from 2010 to 2015 was forecasted using DGM(1,1), a multiple linear regression model, the combined model and a GM(1,N) model. The predicted values were then compared against the actual values.

Findings

The results reveal that the combination model used in this paper offers greater simulation precision. The combination model can be applied to the series with fluctuations and the weights of influencing factors in the model can be objectively evaluated. The simulation accuracy of GM(1,N) model fluctuates greatly in this prediction.

Practical implications

The combined model adopted in this paper can be applied to grain forecasting to improve the accuracy of grain prediction. This is important as data on grain yield are typically characterised by large fluctuation and some information is often missed.

Originality/value

This paper puts the grey linear regression combination model which combines the DGM(1,1) model and the multiple linear regression model using the entropy weight method to determine the results weighting of the two models. It is intended that prediction accuracy can be improved through the combination of models used within this paper.
Theoretical and experimental research on the pressure response characteristics of cartridge electromagnetic relief valve
Authors: Dai Kaiyu , Xie Fangwei , Gao Qingsong , Zhang Desheng , Ding Erming , Guo Xinjian
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the pressure response characteristics of the cartridge electromagnetic relief valve, which offers the problems caused by low pressure response and low efficiency in hydraulic plate shearing machines.

Design/methodology/approach

First of all the mathematical model of the cartridge electromagnetic relief valve is deduced to analyze the influence of the relevant parameters on the system pressure response. Then experiments are conducted to research the dynamic characteristics on building and relieving pressure. Through comparison of theoretical and experimental research, the results are found.

Findings

The results show that the input flow, working pressure, diameter of adjacent damping hole, and spring stiffness of the main valve have great influence on building pressure of the system, and have no influence on relieving pressure, while diameter of damping hole of control cover plate has influence on the building and relieving pressure of the system.

Originality/value

The research results provide powerful theoretical support for the parametric design of the cartridge electromagnetic relief valve in the hydraulic system of plate shearing machine.
Methodological challenges of sensitive topic research with adolescents
Authors: Rodriguez Leonor
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the methodological challenges in the design and implementation of an emotionally sensitive topic involving research with adolescents based on a study evaluating the experiences of adolescents and families facing a diagnosis of maternal cancer.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper builds an argument based on experiences from the field of qualitative data collection with adolescents and builds on arguments that were identified in the literature to provide with a detailed argument on the methodological challenges that researchers can face while undertaking sensitive research with young people.

Findings

Carrying out research on sensitive topics is challenging because rigour can be affected by real people experiencing pain, sorrow and other emotions linked to sensitive and difficult moments in their lives. Researchers need to decide how they will deal with the emotional impact that these topics can have on them as people but also continue to carry out high quality research.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the current body of knowledge by describing the challenges faced in the field carrying out data on sensitive issues with adolescents but it also provides alternatives and solutions on how these limitations can be overcome from early stages of the research design until the dissemination of results.
Attenuated accumulation of regulatory T cells and reduced production of interleukin 10 lead to the exacerbation of tissue injury in a mouse model of acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Toyama Masahiko , Kudo Daisuke , Aoyagi Tetsuji , Miyasaka Tomomitsu , Ishii Keiko , Kanno Emi , Kaku Mitsuo , Kushimoto Shigeki , Kawakami Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2017

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a pathological condition that involves diffuse lung injury and severe hypoxemia caused by pulmonary and systemic diseases. We have established a mouse model of severe ARDS, developed by intratracheal injection of α‐galactosylceramide (α‐GalCer), an activator of natural killer T (NKT) cells, followed by LPS. In the present study, we used this model to investigate the regulatory mechanism in the early inflammatory response during acute lung injury. In α‐GalCer/LPS‐treated mice, the number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and the expression of a Treg cell‐tropic chemokine, secondary lymphoid‐tissue chemokine (SLC), in the lungs was significantly lower than in mice treated with LPS alone. Giving recombinant (r)SLC increased the number of Treg cells in α‐GalCer/LPS‐treated mice. Treatment with anti‐IFN‐γ mAb enhanced the expression of SLC and the accumulation of Treg cells in the lungs of α‐GalCer/LPS‐treated mice, whereas giving recombinant (r)IFN‐γ reduced the number of Treg cells in mice treated with LPS alone. IL‐10 production was significantly lower in α‐GalCer/LPS‐treated mice than in mice treated with LPS alone. Giving rIL‐10 prolonged survival and attenuated lung injury as a result of reduced production of inflammatory cytokines (such as IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ) and chemokines (including MCP‐1, RANTES, IP‐10, Mig, MIP‐2, and KC) in α‐GalCer/LPS‐treated mice. Treatment with anti‐IFN‐γ mAb enhanced IL‐10 production in α‐GalCer/LPS‐treated mice. These results suggest that the attenuated accumulation of Treg cells may be involved in the development of severe ARDS through a reduction in the synthesis of IL‐10.
Gender differences in psychiatric comorbidity: a population‐based study of 40 000 adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Solberg B. S. , Halmøy A. , Engeland A. , Igland J. , Haavik J. , Klungsøyr K.
Published: December 2017

Objective

We aimed at determining whether gender modified associations between ADHD and psychiatric comorbidities in adults.

Method

We identified adults with ADHD by linking Norwegian national registries and compared them with the remaining adult population (born 1967–1997, ADHD and bipolar during 2004–2015, other psychiatric disorders 2008–2015). Prevalence differences (PDs) and prevalence ratios (PRs) of psychiatric disorders were determined by Poisson regression. Interaction by gender was evaluated on additive (PDs) and multiplicative (PRs) scales. Proportions of psychiatric disorders attributable to ADHD were calculated.

Results

We identified 40 103 adults with ADHD (44% women) and 1 661 103 adults (49% women) in the remaining population. PDs associated with ADHD were significantly larger in women than in men for anxiety, depression, bipolar and personality disorders, for example depression in women: 24.4 (95% CI, 23.8–24.9) vs. in men: 13.1 (12.8–13.4). PDs were significantly larger in men for schizophrenia and substance use disorder (SUD), for example SUD in men: 23.0 (22.5–23.5) vs. in women: 13.7 (13.3–14.0). Between 5.6 and 16.5% of psychiatric disorders in the population were attributable to ADHD.

Conclusion

The association between ADHD and psychiatric comorbidities differed significantly among men and women. Clinicians treating adults with ADHD should be aware of these frequent and gender‐specific comorbidities, such that early treatment can be offered.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by nail acrylates in Europe. An EECDRG study
Authors: Gonçalo Margarida , Pinho André , Agner Tove , Andersen Klaus E. , Bruze Magnus , Diepgen Thomas , Foti Caterina , Giménez‐Arnau Ana , Goossens An , Johanssen Jeanne D. , Paulsen Evy , Svedman Cecilia , Wilkinson Mark , Aalto‐Korte Kristiina
Published: December 2017

Background

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by nail acrylates, also including methacrylates and cyanoacrylates here, is being increasingly reported.

Methods

A retrospective study in 11 European Environmental Contact Dermatitis Research Group (EECDRG) clinics collected information on cases of ACD caused by nail acrylates diagnosed by aimed testing between 2013 and 2015.

Results

Among 18 228 studied patients, 136 had ACD caused by nail acrylates (0.75%; 95%CI: 0.60–0.90), representing 67.3% (95%CI: 60.4–73.7) of ACD cases caused by acrylates. There were 135 females and 1 male, with a mean age ± standard deviation of 36.7 ± 12.2 years; 59 (43.4%) were exposed as consumers, and 77 (56.6%) were occupationally exposed. Occupational cases were more frequent in southern Europe (83.7%), and were younger (mean age of 33.4 ± 8.9 years); most developed ACD during the first year at work (65.0%), and at least 11.7% had to leave their jobs. Skin lesions involved the hands in 121 patients (88.9%) and the face in 50 (36.8%), with the face being the only affected site in 14 (10.3%). Most patients reacted to two or more acrylates on patch testing, mainly to 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) (92.5%), 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (88.6%), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (69.2%), and ethyl cyanoacrylate (9.9%).

Conclusions

Nail cosmetics were responsible for the majority of ACD cases caused by acrylates, affecting nail beauticians and consumers, and therefore calling for stricter regulation and preventive measures. As HEMA detects most cases, and isolated facial lesions may be overlooked, inclusion of this allergen in the baseline series may be warranted.
Association between Australian adolescent alcohol use and alcohol use risk and protective factors in 2011 and 2014
Authors: Hodder Rebecca K. , Campbell Elizabeth , Gilligan Conor , Lee Hopin , Lecathelinais Christophe , Green Sue , MacDonald Meghan , Wiggers John
Published: December 2017

Introduction and Aims

Changes in risk and protective factors of adolescent alcohol use may be contributing to the recent decline in Australian adolescents alcohol use. The study aimed to determine the: (i) prevalence of alcohol use, risk and protective factors in 2011 and 2014; and (ii) association between alcohol use and risk and protective factors in 2011 and 2014.

Design and Methods

A repeat cross‐sectional study was conducted. Grade 9–10 (aged 15–17 years) students from 32 Australian secondary schools were sampled in 2011 and 2014. A self‐report survey collected data regarding alcohol use (ever, recent, ‘binge drinking’), risk factors (e.g. alcohol use/permissive attitude to alcohol by friends/siblings/parents) and protective factors (e.g. self‐efficacy; school/home/community support; peer caring relationships). Descriptive statistics were used to determine differences in alcohol use, risk and protective factors between 2011 and 2014. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between alcohol use, risk and protective factors separately in 2011 and 2014 (six models).

Results

Fewer adolescents reported alcohol use in 2014 compared with 2011 (ever: 56.6% vs. 67.9%, recent: 17.3% vs. 21.2%, ‘binge drinking’: 20.0% vs. 23.5%; 2011: n = 4366; 2014: n = 5199). Significant differences between 2014 and 2011 were found for some risk (five lower; one higher) and protective factors (four lower). Risk factors that were significantly lower in 2014 compared to 2011 were amongst variables with the strongest associations with alcohol use.

Discussion and Conclusions

The strength of associations with alcohol use, and decrease in the prevalence of certain risk factors in 2014 compared to 2011, suggests such factors may be contributing to the decline in adolescent alcohol use.
Is conditional reasoning related to mathematical problem solving?
Authors: Wong Terry Tin‐Yau
Published: December 2017

The current study aimed to investigate the relation between conditional reasoning, which is a common type of logical reasoning, and children's mathematical problem solving. A sample of 124 fourth graders was tested for their conditional reasoning skills and their mathematical problem solving skills, as well as a list of control variables (e.g.,IQ, working memory, reading) and potential mediators (number sentence construction and computation). The children's ability to make modus ponens (MP) inferences significantly predicted their mathematical problem solving skills, even after controlling for the potential confounding variables. The relation was mediated by the number sentence construction skills. The findings, in addition to supporting the link between conditional reasoning and mathematics, further indicate that the ability to process relations may be the mechanism underlying the relation. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Bridging technology and clinical practice: innovating inpatient hyperglycaemia management in non‐critical care settings
Authors: Thabit H. , Hovorka R.
Published: December 2017

Emerging evidence shows that suboptimal glycaemic control is associated with increased morbidity and length of stay in hospital. Various guidelines for safe and effective inpatient glycaemic control in the non‐critical care setting have been published. In spite of this, implementation in practice remains limited because of the increasing number of people with diabetes admitted to hospital and staff work burden. The use of technology in the outpatient setting has led to improved glycaemic outcomes and quality of life for people with diabetes. There remains an unmet need for technology utilisation in inpatient hyperglycaemia management in the non‐critical care setting. Novel technologies have the potential to provide benefits in diabetes care in hospital by improving efficacy, safety and efficiency. Rapid analysis of glucose measurements by point‐of‐care devices help facilitate clinical decision‐making and therapy adjustment in the hospital setting. Glucose treatment data integration with computerized glucose management systems underpins the effective use of decision support systems and may streamline clinical staff workflow. Continuous glucose monitoring and automation of insulin delivery through closed‐loop systems may provide a safe and efficacious tool for hospital staff to manage inpatient hyperglycaemia whilst reducing staff workload. This review summarizes the evidence with regard to technological methods to manage inpatient glycaemic control, their limitations and the future outlook, as well as potential strategies by healthcare organizations such as the National Health Service to mediate the adoption, procurement and use of diabetes technologies in the hospital setting.
Temperature is the main correlate of the global biogeography of turtle body size
Authors: Rodrigues João Fabrício Mota , Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel Ángel , Iverson John B. , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre Felizola
Published: December 2017

Aims

Geographical gradients in body size have been extensively studied in endotherms, and general rules exist to describe body size variation in these animals. However, the existence of broad‐scale patterns in body size variation in ectotherms remains largely debated. Turtles (tortoises and freshwater turtles) are ectothermic organisms whose geographical variation in body size has not been examined widely. Here, we test a suite of hypotheses, proposed to explain body size patterns in other animals, for this group of reptiles.

Location

Global.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

Turtles.

Methods

We gathered distribution, phylogenetic and body size data for 235 species of turtles, which were distributed in a global equal area grid of 200 km × 200 km. We also obtained predictor variables [mean annual temperature, actual evapotranspiration, temperature variation since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and human footprint] directly associated with the main hypotheses tested in body size studies. Our analyses followed a cross‐species and an assemblage‐based approach and were performed for all turtles and for terrestrial and aquatic species separately.

Results

Mean annual temperature was the main correlate of body size for the whole group and for terrestrial turtles in both approaches, having a positive correlation with this trait. Body sizes of aquatic turtles were not influenced by any of the tested variables. In the cross‐species approach we also found that temperature variation since the LGM was an important positive correlate of body size in terrestrial turtles.

Main conclusions

Our study reinforces the importance of environmental temperatures in explaining animal body size patterns. The heat balance hypothesis was not rejected by our data, whereas migration, productivity and human disturbance hypotheses were rejected. Finally, body size of terrestrial and aquatic turtles had different patterns, also suggesting that habitat is an important factor in understanding geographical variation in body size.
Current treatment strategies for advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Komura Kazumasa , Sweeney Christopher J , Inamoto Teruo , Ibuki Naokazu , Azuma Haruhito , Kantoff Philip W
Published: December 2017

During the past decade, treatment strategies for patients with advanced prostate cancer involving stage IV (T4N0M0, N1M0 or M1) hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer and recurrent prostate cancer after treatment with curative intent, as well as castration‐resistant prostate cancer, have extensively evolved with the introduction and approval of several new agents including sipuleucel‐T, radium‐223, abiraterone, enzalutamide and cabazitaxel, all of which have shown significant improvement on overall survival. The appropriate use of these agents and the proper sequencing of these agents are still not optimized. The results of several recently reported randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies could assist in developing a treatment strategy for advanced prostate cancer. In addition, prospective studies and molecular characterization of tumors to address these issues are ongoing.
Nurse‐led primary health care for homeless men: a multimethods descriptive study
Authors: Roche M.A. , Duffield C. , Smith J. , Kelly D. , Cook R. , Bichel‐Findlay J. , Saunders C. , Carter D.J.
Published: December 2017

Aim

To explore the primary healthcare needs and health service use of homeless men in inner Sydney.

Background

People experiencing homelessness have greater health needs than the general population and place high demands on tertiary care, which is expensive and may not be the optimum service for their needs. Accessible, approachable and affordable primary healthcare services could improve the health of homeless persons and potentially decrease costs to the healthcare system.

Methods

A multimethod design using a cross‐sectional survey (n = 40) and administrative data (n = 2 707 daily summaries) collected from a nurse‐led primary healthcare clinic for homeless men in Sydney.

Findings

Survey respondents were aged 27‐76 years. Health problems reflected multimorbidity, with mental health issues present in almost all respondents. The majority had attended the clinic more than 20 times in the past year and said the services, treatments and referrals helped them avoid the emergency department. Administrative data indicated that medication administration was the most frequent service provided. Referrals to other health services doubled over the 7‐year period.

Discussion

Multiple morbidities, particularly mental health issues, are associated with homelessness. A proactive approach by nurses including preventative services appeared to overcome barriers to health service use.

Conclusion

This nurse‐led primary healthcare clinic highlights the importance of providing services to homeless men with multiple comorbidities. Respect and trust in addition to easy access to health services appear to be important facilitators of health service use.

Implications for Nursing, and Implications for Health Policy

A greater number of primary health services that collaborate with specialist services, including nurse‐led clinics, may facilitate health care for persons who are homeless, reducing the burden on acute services.
The influence of personality traits and socio‐demographic characteristics on paediatric nurses' compassion satisfaction and fatigue
Authors: Chen Yi‐Pin , Tsai Jung‐Mei , Lu Ming‐Huei , Lin Li‐Man , Lu Ching‐Hui , Wang Kai‐Wei K.
Published: December 2017

Aims

To explore the level of and the association between, compassion satisfaction and fatigue of paediatric nurses; to determine the association between personality traits and compassion satisfaction and fatigue; to identify the determinants of compassion satisfaction and fatigue.

Background

Paediatric nurses are prone to experiencing compassion fatigue associated with caring for children with illness and their families, yet its connection with nurses' personality traits remains unknown.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive study design was used.

Methods

The data collection used three instruments measuring socio‐demography, responses to the compassion satisfaction and fatigue test and the revised NEO personality inventory. The study used descriptive, correlation and multiple regression analysis for the data collected between April ‐ July 2014.

Results

From 173 female paediatric nurses, two‐thirds worked in critical care units and indicated a satisfactory level of compassion satisfaction and a low level of compassion fatigue, despite a lack of association between the two concepts. Four determinants—agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness and engaging with outdoor activities—were predictive and explained 43.6% of total variance of compassion satisfaction. Two risk factors of compassion fatigue identified were less emotional stability and singlehood (marital status) and these explained 26.1% of total variance of compassion fatigue.

Conclusion

Support for improving agreeableness and emotional stability in paediatric nurses' workplaces including involvement in the outdoor activities and an increase in social connection may enhance compassion satisfaction and prevent exhaustive compassion fatigue.
Floral volatile sesquiterpenes ofElsholtzia rugulosa(Lamiaceae) selectively attract Asian honey bees
Authors: Zhang X.‐M.
Published: December 2017

There are few floral volatiles of compounds that have been properly assessed for attracting pollinators. The intense plant odour ofElsholtzia rugulosa(Lamiaceae) to humans may be attributed to the presence of high concentrations of β‐caryophyllene. In a previous study, Zhang, Yang, and Zhang (Scientific Reports, 6, 2016a, 276161) speculated that the presence of β‐caryophyllene attracts pollinators (e.g., honey bees) to its flowers, an assumption that was assessed through the exploration of the functional significance of specific floral volatile compounds and the evaluation of their effects on the behaviour ofApis cerana(Asian honey bees; a known pollinator) and two non‐pollinators, a hornet (Vespa velutina) and a bumblebee (Bombussp.). The results from these behavioural experiments indicated that both β‐caryophyllene and β‐elemene (both naturally found in flowers ofE. rugulosa) were individually attractive to the Asian honey bees. Moreover, the combination of the two was more effective than either of them separately. In contrast, neither compound, nor a blend of the two at different concentrations, was attractive to the hornet and bumblebee species. These results demonstrate that β‐caryophyllene and β‐elemene play a key signalling role in attracting Asian honey bees toE. rugulosa.
Effectiveness of an innovative self‐management intervention on the physiology, psychology, and management of patients with pre‐end‐stage renal disease in Taiwan: A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Wu Shu F. V. , Lee Mei C. , Hsieh Nan C. , Lu Kuo C. , Tseng Hung L. , Lin Li J.
Published: December 2017

Aim

End‐stage renal disease (ESRD) not only threatens a patient's life expectancy but also burdens the family and society with medical expenses. The mortality and prevalence rates are extremely high in Taiwan. Thus, this articleinvestigated the effectiveness of an innovative self‐management program on the physiology, psychology, and management of patients with pre‐ESRD.

Methods

This study was designed as a randomized, controlled trial and was set in the department of nephrology in a regional teaching hospital in Taiwan. In total, 112 patients with pre‐ESRD were assigned randomly to either an experimental (n = 67) or a control (n = 45) group. The baseline data collection included physiological indicators, psychological factors (depression, anxiety), and measures of self‐efficacy and self‐management. Routine hospital care was provided for the control group after the pretest and an innovative self‐management intervention was used in the experimental group for 4 weeks after the pretest. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated 3 months later.

Results

Improvements in the physiological indicators, such as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, and the psychological indicators, such as depression, self‐efficacy, and self‐management, reached statistical significance.

Conclusion

The innovative self‐management program effectively decreased patients' functional indicators (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine) and level of depression and enhanced their self‐efficacy and self‐management.
The experience of men and women with cystic fibrosis who have become a parent: A qualitative study
Authors: Jessup Melanie , Li Anne , Fulbrook Paul , Bell Scott C
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the experiences of men and women with cystic fibrosis in becoming parents.

Background

As lifespan for people with cystic fibrosis increases, and reproductive technology advances, having a child of their own becomes a possibility.

Design

This study used a phenomenological framework.

Methods

Seven Australian adults with cystic fibrosis were invited to describe their experiences of becoming parents in the context of a semi‐structured interview. Analysis of the data involved highlighting recurrent phrases and isolating emergent themes.

Results

Two overarching themes characterised the participants’ experience: Counting the cost, as they recalled Concentric communication and Pathways to pregnancy; and Living the dream, as they cast a retrospective view over this, their major achievement, in the light of their Reaction: a dream comes true, Coping: a question of balance, Conjecture: the future redefined and Confidence: recalibrating.

Conclusions

While advances in cystic fibrosis care and reproductive technology have increased the possibility of individuals with cystic fibrosis becoming parents, the passage to becoming a parent is a complex process.

Relevance to clinical practice

These findings can inform health professionals to support the adaptive work necessary for families that include members with cystic fibrosis. A contemporary understanding of this phenomenon is necessary for facilitating clinically relevant communication.
Emergency department waiting room nurses in practice: An observational study
Authors: Innes Kelli , Elliott Doug , Plummer Virginia , Jackson Debra
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

To identify the activities and behaviours of waiting room nurses in emergency department settings.

Background

Emergency care has expanded into waiting rooms in some emergency departments. Often viewed as an adjunct to triage, the aim of waiting room nurses is to commence care early, reassess patients and improve communication between patients, families and staff. There is however a paucity of literature relating to waiting room nurses, especially in relation to their current activities and behaviours.

Design and methods

Part of a larger exploratory sequential mixed methods designed study. This phase used a nonparticipant observer role to observe waiting room nurses in their natural setting undertaking normal care and responsibilities. One observer, using a tool and reflective journal, collected data on participant interactions, processes and practices on eight waiting room nurses over 13 episodes of observation (total 65 hr:50 min) in two emergency departments. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

Participants were observed to anticipate and prioritise to deliver holistic, patient‐centred care in emergency department waiting rooms. Waiting room nurses had a varied and unpredictable workload, including facilitating the flow of patients from the waiting room. They contributed to patient safety in the waiting room, primarily by reassessing and detecting clinical deterioration.

Conclusion

Further research into this role is required, including linking efficacy with experience of nurses, impact the role has on patient safety, and patient and family perceptions of the role.

Relevance to clinical practice

Therapeutic engagement allowed waiting room nurses to reassure and calm patients and families, and deliver holistic, patient‐centred care. Waiting room nurses contributed to patient safety in the waiting room, by promptly commencing episodes of care in the waiting room and through close monitoring and assessment to detect patient deterioration.