bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Providing clarity around ethical discussion: development of a neonatal intervention score
Authors: Prentice Trisha M. , Janvier Annie , Gillam Lynn , Donath Susan , Davis Peter G.
Published: February 2019

Aim

To develop a Neonatal Intervention Score (NIS) to describe the clinical trajectory of a neonate throughout their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.

Methods

The NIS was developed by modifying the Neonatal Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (NTISS) to reflect illness severity, dependency on life‐sustaining interventions and overall life trajectory on a longitudinal basis, rather than illness burden. Validity for longitudinal use within the NICU was tested by calculating the score for 99 preterm babies born less than 28 weeks at predetermined time points throughout their admission to tertiary level care at two institutions.

Results

A total of 1333 NISs were analysed, ranging from 0 to 32.5 (mean 9.77, SD 5.4). Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) reached 0.8. NIS moderately correlated to both SNAPPE‐II and SNAP‐II (Spearman's rho = 0.47, p =< 0.001) within the first 24 hours.

Conclusion

The NIS is a useful and reliable descriptive tool of relative illness severity and degree of medical interventions throughout a baby's admission. Integrating a longitudinal description of medical dependency of a patient may assist both clinical and ethical decision‐making and empirical research by providing an objective account of a baby's clinical trajectory. Establishment of validity within individual institutions is required.
Developments beyond blood group serology in the genomics era
Authors: Hyland Catherine A. , Roulis Eileen V. , Schoeman Elizna M.
Published: February 2019

Blood group serology and single nucleotide polymorphism‐based genotyping platforms are accurate but do not provide a comprehensive cover for all 36 blood group systems and do not cover the antigen diversity observed among population groups. This review examines the extent to which genomics is shaping blood group serology. Resources for genomics include the Human Reference Genome Sequence assembly; curated blood group tables listing variants; public databases providing information on genetic variants from world‐wide studies; and massively parallel sequencing technologies. Blood group genomic studies span the spectrum, from bioinformatic data mining of huge data sets containing whole genome and whole exome information to laboratory investigations utilising targeted sequencing approaches. Blood group predictions based on genome sequencing and genomic studies are proving accurate, and have shown utility in both research and reference settings. Overall, studies confirm the potential for blood group genomics to reshape donor and patient transfusion management strategies to provide more compatible blood transfusions.
Mature (non‐anaplastic, non‐cutaneous) T‐/NK‐cell lymphomas in children, adolescents and young adults: state of the science
Authors: Flower Allyson , Xavier Ana C. , Cairo Mitchell S.
Published: February 2019

Mature (non‐anaplastic) T‐cell and natural killer (NK)‐lymphomas rarely occur in children or adolescents. Due to the low incidence and heterogeneity, information regarding the aetiology, physiopathology and genetics of paediatric mature (non‐anaplastic) T/NK‐cell lymphoma is lacking. In addition, standard treatments have not yet been established. In the absence of randomised clinical trials, anthracycline‐containing regimens are usually considered as the first treatment option, but with discouraging outcomes, especially in patients with advanced disease. The implementation of autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation as upfront consolidation therapy or for chemotherapy‐sensitive relapsed disease have resulted in improved survival for some patient subsets. The recent use of novel targeted molecular and immunotherapeutic agents has also been shown to be promising in small numbers of patients. In this context, we will review the current state of the scientific knowledge on the most common mature (non‐anaplastic, non‐cutaneous) T/NK‐cell lymphomas occurring in children, adolescent and young adults.
Treatment and prognosis of mature (non‐anaplastic) T‐ and NK‐cell lymphomas in childhood, adolescents, and young adults
Authors: Xavier Ana C. , Suzuki Ritsuro
Published: February 2019

Paediatric non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (pNHL) are a diverse group of malignancies characterised by nodal and/or extranodal involvement. Less common pNHL forms include those derived from mature T‐ and natural killer (NK) cells. Much of our current understanding of paediatric mature (non‐anaplastic) T/NK‐cell lymphomas with respect to pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment is extrapolated from adult literature. At the Sixth International Symposium on Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma, convened September 26–29, 2018 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, some important aspects on diagnosis and outcomes of mature (non‐anaplastic) T/NK‐cell lymphoma in children and adolescents were discussed and will be reviewed in here.
Second primary cancers in patients with acute lymphoblastic, chronic lymphocytic and hairy cell leukaemia
Authors: Zheng Guoqiao , Chattopadhyay Subhayan , Sud Amit , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Försti Asta , Houlston Richard , Hemminki Akseli , Hemminki Kari
Published: February 2019

Improvement of survival in lymphocytic leukaemia has been accompanied by the occurrence of second primary cancer (SPCs). Based on Swedish Family Cancer Database, we applied bi‐directional analyses in which relative risks (RRs) were calculated for any SPCs in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) and the risks of these leukaemias as SPCs. After CLL, RRs were significant for 20 SPCs, and high for skin squamous cell cancer (24·58 for in situ and 7·63 for invasive), Merkel cell carcinoma (14·36), Hodgkin lymphoma (7·16) and Kaposi sarcoma (6·76). Conversely, 15 CLL cancer pairs were reciprocally increased. The increased risks were reciprocal for ALL and four cancers. RR for ALL was 15·35 after myeloid neoplasia. HCL showed reciprocally increased RRs with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and melanoma. The concordance between RRs for bi‐directional associations between CLL and different cancers, and HCL and different cancers was highly significant. For CLL (also for HCL), the bi‐directional risks with skin cancers and other immune‐related cancers suggest the probable involvement of immune dysfunction. For ALL, treatment may contribute to risks of multiple SPCs. Increased risk of ALL after haematological neoplasms may indicate bone marrow dysfunction. These findings may help guide treatment decisions and prognostic assessment.
Opposite effects of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors on antipsychotic clozapine‐induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Li Liliang , Dong Xiaoru , Tu Chunyan , Li Xiaoqing , Peng Zhao , Zhou Yiling , Zhang Dingang , Jiang Jieqing , Burke Allen , Zhao Ziqin , Jin Li , Jiang Yan
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug that is very efficacious in treating psychosis, but the risk of severe cardiotoxicity limits its clinical use. The present study investigated the harmful effects of clozapine on myocardium and assessed the involvement of cannabinoid receptors in its cardiotoxicity.

Experimental Approach

Clozapine alone or in combination with selective cannabinoid receptor antagonists or agonists were used to treat mice and cardiomyocytes.

Key Results

Clozapine induced myocardial inflammation and infiltration 7 days after i.p. injection. Mice survival rate and myocardial infiltration, and fibrotic lesions were dose‐dependently worsened by clozapine. Clozapine decreased major endocannabinoid levels in sera and cultured cardiomyocytes. Cannabinoid CB1 receptors decreased in clozapine‐treated hearts and were translocated from cytomembranes to cytoplasm and nuclei, whereas CB2 receptors increased in clozapine‐treated hearts and inversely translocated from nuclei to the cytomembrane. Selective antagonists of CB1 receptors, rimonabant and AM281, but not its selective agonist arachidonyl‐2′‐chloroethylamide, ameliorated clozapine‐induced myocardial inflammatory infiltration and fibrotic lesions. In contrast, selective agonists of CB2 receptors, AM1241 and JWH‐133, but not its selective antagonist AM630, blunted clozapine‐mediated cardiotoxicity in mice. In cultured cardiomyocytes, clozapine increased the pro‐inflammatory factor IL‐1β and the concentrations of myocardial injury markers (LDH and aspartate aminotransferase); these effects were reversed by either a CB1 antagonist or CB2 agonist and further prevented by combined pretreatments.

Conclusions and Implications

Our data provide evidence that cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors have opposite effects and selective antagonists of CB1 or agonists of CB2 receptors might confer protective effects against clozapine in myocardium.
The assembly of active participation by parents of children subject to a multi‐agency model of early intervention in child and family services
Authors: Lucas Steven
Published: February 2019

The Common Assessment Framework provides a model of early intervention, which is familiar in local authorities throughout England, and asserts a participatory framework of child and family engagement. This paper is based on a qualitative study of parents and children who were subject to a multi‐agency process of early intervention in children's social care in a local authority in the Midlands of England. I advance the concept of assemblage to consider the basis of an active service user participation as rather more a struggle to achieve than something that has been granted by practitioner agencies. Interview extracts are used to show the enrolment and assembly of participation as a process of service users developing their active human agency in a multi‐agency setting. The article explores the assembling of skills in administration and management of meetings and plans, accessing knowledge and expertise through service user networks, and challenging professional expertise and institutional space while developing personal qualities of confidence and voice as a means of marshalling an effective participation in a multi‐agency setting.
An Ontological Turn for Childhood Studies?
Authors: Spyrou Spyros
Published: February 2019

The so‐called ‘ontological turn’ in the social sciences has brought with it yet another layer of theoretical concerns, except that this time the interest is in ontology rather than epistemology. New materialist thinking which has emerged in recent years promises to rethink the task of social theory in ways that circumvent modernist dualisms. In this paper, I explore what this might entail for childhood studies. What might such an ontological shift which emphasises among others relationality, connectedness and materiality mean for the further development of childhood studies? How would a decentring of children and the field's overpowering concerns for studying children's perspectives/voices/standpoints help rethink childhood studies and its remit? How, in short, would a shift from the child as an independent unit of analysis and of childhood as a categorical identity to a new ontology of emerging phenomena which implicate children, adults and non‐human forces affect the field's direction in the future?
Molecular Neuroimaging of the Dopamine Transporter as a Patient Enrichment Biomarker for Clinical Trials for Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Romero Klaus , Conrado Daniela , Burton Jackson , Nicholas Timothy , Sinha Vikram , Macha Sreeraj , Ahamadi Malidi , Cedarbaum Jesse , Seibyl John , Marek Kenneth , Basseches Peter , Hill Derek , Somer Ed , Gallagher Jill , Dexter David T. , Roach Arthur , Stephenson Diane ,   for the Critical Path for Parkinson's (CPP) Consortium,   the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)
Published: February 2019

The Critical Path for Parkinson's (CPP) Imaging Biomarker and Modeling and Simulation working groups aimed to achieve qualification opinion by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Committee for Medical Products for Human Use (CHMP) for the use of baseline dopamine transporter neuroimaging for patient selection in early Parkinson's disease clinical trials. This paper describes the regulatory science strategy to achieve this goal. CPP is an international consortium of three Parkinson's charities and nine pharmaceutical partners, coordinated by the Critical Path Institute.
Cognitive and adaptive functioning in congenital and childhood forms of myotonic dystrophy type 1: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lindeblad Gerda , Kroksmark Anna‐Karin , Ekström Anne‐Berit
Published: February 2019

Aim

To conduct a longitudinal follow‐up of the development of global cognitive abilities and adaptive skills in individuals with congenital and childhood forms of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1).

Method

Fifty‐one participants (29 males, 22 females, mean age 19y 5mo, SD 4y 11mo, range 10y 10mo–28y 11mo) were divided into severe congenital (n=16), mild congenital (n=17), and childhood DM1 (n=18) subgroups. The average time between the first and second assessments was 7 years 8 months. Adaptive skills were evaluated using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and global cognitive functioning using Wechsler scales.

Results

There was no statistically significant decline in cognitive abilities and adaptive behaviour. A tendency of decline regarding the level of intellectual disability was found in the congenital DM1 groups but not in the childhood group. In the congenital DM1 groups, the gap in relation to typically developing peers in cognitive and adaptive functioning increased. Predictors of change over time in adaptive skills were age and current level of intellectual disability: individuals with severe intellectual disability and younger individuals deteriorated the most. However, when raw scores were compared, no actual regression in adaptive functioning was found.

Interpretation

The participants had not lost any important adaptive skills. Greater cognitive and adaptive development was found in the childhood group than in the congenital groups.

What this paper adds

There is no absolute decline in cognitive and adaptive abilities in individuals with congenital and childhood myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Pace of development is slow in comparison with normative data.

The childhood group tended to show greater cognitive and adaptive development than the congenital groups.
Environmental effects on flying migrants revealed by radar
Authors: Becciu Paolo , Menz Myles H. M. , Aurbach Annika , Cabrera‐Cruz Sergio A. , Wainwright Charlotte E. , Scacco Martina , Ciach Michał , Pettersson Lars B. , Maggini Ivan , Arroyo Gonzalo M. , Buler Jeffrey J. , Reynolds Don R. , Sapir Nir
Published: February 2019

Migratory animals are affected by various factors during their journeys, and the study of animal movement by radars has been instrumental in revealing key influences of the environment on flying migrants. Radars enable the simultaneous tracking of many individuals of almost all sizes within the radar range during day and night, and under low visibility conditions. We review how atmospheric conditions, geographic features and human development affect the behavior of migrating insects and birds as recorded by radars. We focus on flight initiation and termination, as well as in‐flight behavior that includes changes in animal flight direction, speed and altitude. We have identified several similarities and differences in the behavioral responses of aerial migrants including an overlooked similarity in the use of thermal updrafts by very small (e.g. aphids) and very large (e.g. vultures) migrants. We propose that many aerial migrants modulate their migratory flights in relation to the interaction between atmospheric conditions and geographic features. For example, aerial migrants that encounter crosswind may terminate their flight or continue their migration and may also drift or compensate for lateral displacement depending on their position (over land, near the coast or over sea). We propose several promising directions for future research, including the development and application of algorithms for tracking insects, bats and large aggregations of animals using weather radars. Additionally, an important contribution will be the spatial expansion of aeroecological radar studies to Africa, most of Asia and South America where no such studies have been undertaken. Quantifying the role of migrants in ecosystems and specifically estimating the number of departing birds from stopover sites using low‐elevation radar scans is important for quantifying migrant–habitat relationships. This information, together with estimates of population demographics and migrant abundance, can help resolve the long‐term dynamics of migrant populations facing large‐scale environmental changes.
Effects of socio‐demographic characteristics, premorbid functioning, and insight on duration of untreated psychosis in first‐episode schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder in Northern Malawi
Authors: Kaminga Atipatsa C. , Dai Wenjie , Liu Aizhong , Myaba Japhet , Banda Richard , Wen Shi W.
Published: February 2019

Aim

Long duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is prevalent and has been shown to be associated with poorer prognosis. Thus, knowledge of its determinants may help to target early interventions to reduce DUP on the needed population. Previous studies seeking to understand determinants of DUP have been inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of socio‐demographic characteristics, premorbid functioning, and insight on DUP in patients with first‐episode schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study recruited 110 subjects (aged 18‐65) during a pilot early intervention service for psychosis in Northern Malawi, between June 2009 and September 2012. Short DUP was defined as ≤6 months, whereas long DUP was defined as >6 months. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed to identify determinants of DUP.

Results

Of the 110 subjects, 99 (90%) had schizophrenia. Median DUP was 27.5 months, while mean (SD) DUP was 71.24 (92.32) months. In addition, at least 75% had long DUP, which was associated with lower level of education, poor insight, younger age at onset, and at least one parent deceased.

Conclusions

Long DUP is prevalent in Northern Malawi. Thus, early interventions to reduce DUP are warranted in this population. Although having at least one parent deceased predicted long DUP in this study, this remains speculative because factors, such as timing of parents' death and grief reactions of the patients were not assessed. Therefore, further investigations incorporating these factors are needed to ascertain this result.
Myocardial injury in transient global amnesia: a case‐control study
Authors: Erdur H. , Siegerink B. , Ganeshan R. , Audebert H. J. , Endres M. , Nolte C. H. , Scheitz J. F.
Published: February 2019

Background and purpose

Elevation of cardiac troponin (cTn), a sensitive biomarker of myocardial injury, is frequently observed in severe acute neurological disorders. Case reports suggest that cardiac dysfunction may also occur in patients with transient global amnesia (TGA). Until now, no study has systematically assessed this phenomenon.

Methods

We performed a case‐control study using data of consecutive patients presenting with TGA from 2010 to 2015. Multiple logistic regression analysis accounting for age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors was performed to compare the likelihood of myocardial injury [defined as elevation of cTn > 99th percentile (≥14 ng/L); highly sensitive cardiac troponin T assay] in TGA with three reference groups: migraine with aura, vestibular neuritis and transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Results

Cardiac troponin elevation occurred in 28 (25%) of 113 patients with TGA. Patients with TGA with cTn elevation were significantly older, more likely to be female and had higher blood pressure on admission compared with those without. The likelihood of myocardial injury following TGA was at least more than twofold higher compared with all three reference groups [adjusted odds ratio, 5.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2–26.4, compared with migraine with aura; adjusted odds ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2–4.4, compared with vestibular neuritis; adjusted odds ratio, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3–4.2, compared with TIA].

Conclusions

One out of four patients with TGA had evidence of myocardial injury as assessed by highly sensitive cTn assays. The likelihood of myocardial injury associated with TGA was even higher than in TIA patients with a more pronounced cardiovascular risk profile. Our findings suggest the presence of a TGA‐related disturbance of brain–heart interaction that deserves further investigation.
Two aspartate residues close to the lesion binding site of Agrobacterium (6‐4) photolyase are required for Mg2+ stimulation of DNA repair
Authors: Ma Hongju , Holub Daniel , Gillet Natacha , Kaeser Gero , Thoulass Katharina , Elstner Marcus , Krauß Norbert , Lamparter Tilman
Published: February 2019

Prokaryotic (6‐4) photolyases branch at the base of the evolution of cryptochromes and photolyases. Prototypical members contain an iron–sulphur cluster which was lost in the evolution of the other groups. In the Agrobacterium (6‐4) photolyase PhrB, the repair of DNA lesions containing UV‐induced (6‐4) pyrimidine dimers is stimulated by Mg2+. We propose that Mg2+ is required for efficient lesion binding and for charge stabilization after electron transfer from the FADH− chromophore to the DNA lesion. Furthermore, two highly conserved Asp residues close to the DNA‐binding site are essential for the effect of Mg2+. Simulations show that two Mg2+ bind to the region around these residues. On the other hand, DNA repair by eukaryotic (6‐4) photolyases is not increased by Mg2+. In these photolyases, structurally overlapping regions contain no Asp but positively charged Lys or Arg. During the evolution of photolyases, the role of Mg2+ in charge stabilization and enhancement of DNA binding was therefore taken over by a postiviely charged amino acid. Besides PhrB, another prokaryotic (6‐4) photolyase from the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus marinus, PromaPL, which contains no iron–sulphur cluster, was also investigated. This photolyase is stimulated by Mg2+ as well. The evolutionary loss of the iron–sulphur cluster due to limiting iron concentrations can occur in a marine environment as a result of iron deprivation. However, the evolutionary replacement of Mg2+ by a positively charged amino acid is unlikely to occur in a marine environment because the concentration of divalent cations in seawater is always sufficient. We therefore assume that this transition could have occurred in a freshwater environment.
Simple high‐resolution NMR spectroscopy as a tool in molecular biology
Authors: Mureddu Luca , Vuister Geerten W.
Published: February 2019

NMR is one of the major techniques for investigating the structure, dynamics and interactions between biomolecules. However, non‐experts often experience NMR experimentation and data analysis as intimidating. We discuss a simple yet powerful NMR technique, the so‐called chemical shift perturbation (CSP) analysis, as a tool to elucidate macromolecular interactions in small‐ and medium‐sized complexes, including protein‐protein, protein‐drug, and protein‐DNA/RNA interactions. We discuss current software packages for NMR data analysis and present a new interactive graphical tool implemented in CcpNmr AnalysisAssign version‐3, which can drastically reduce the time required for the CSP analysis. Lastly, we illustrate the usefulness of a protein three‐dimensional structure for interpretation of the CSP data.
Self‐assessment: How reliable is it in assessing oral proficiency over time?
Authors: Ma Wenyue , Winke Paula
Published: February 2019

Second language (L2) learners can assess their oral skills with some accuracy. A question is whether learners can reliably use self‐assessment to track their language gains over time. During the spring of two subsequent years, 80 university L2 Chinese learners completed an oral skills self‐assessment based on the NCSSFL‐ACTFL Can‐Do Statements (ACTFL, ) and took the computerized Oral Proficiency Interview (OPIc). Results were compared to see how accurate the self‐assessments were and to determine if the students’ self‐assessment skills improved. Most students’ OPIc gains were reflected in their self‐assessment gains; meanwhile, learners tended to underassess rather than overassess their skills. Students at the Novice and Advanced proficiency levels were more accurate self‐assessors than were Intermediate‐level learners. There was no difference in self‐assessment rating accuracy between Years 1 and 2. The findings suggest that self‐assessment based on the Can‐Do Statements is valuable for low‐stakes assessments: for example, to monitor students’ proficiency gains and to globally track the way in which language programs promote proficiency growth.
Oxidation‐induced crack healing and erosion life assessment of Ni–Mo–Al–Cr7C3–Al2O3 composite coating
Authors: Davis Deepak , Anandhan Vignesh , Singh Sheela
Published: February 2019

The present investigation focuses on the effect of Cr2AlC MAX phase addition on erosion and oxidation‐induced crack healing behavior of Ni–Mo–Al alloy. For this, Ni–Mo–Al and 20 wt% Cr2AlC‐blended Ni–Mo–Al powders were coated by Air Plasma Spray (APS). For oxidation‐induced crack healing studies, the samples were heat treated at 500, 800, and 1100°C in the air for 5 hours. The heat‐treated samples were analyzed by X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) for the phases, morphology, and composition. Erosion behavior studies were carried out at 30, 250, 500, 800, and 1000°C temperatures. The average hardness was obtained to be 400 ± 10 HV for Ni–Mo–Al coating and 580 ± 10 HV for 20 wt% Cr2AlC‐blended Ni–Mo–Al coating. The addition of Cr2AlC MAX into Ni–Mo–Al matrix reduces the overall erosion rate and improved the crack healing ability. This was attributed to the presence of in‐situ‐formed Cr7C3 and Al2O3 phases.
Equity‐based incentives and shareholder say‐on‐pay
Authors: Collins Denton , Marquardt Blair B. , Niu Xu
Published: February 2019

We study the relationship between CEO pay‐performance sensitivity, pay‐risk sensitivity, and shareholder voting outcomes as part of the “say‐on‐pay” provision of the 2010 US Dodd‐Frank Act. Consistent with our hypothesis, we provide evidence that shareholders tend to approve of compensation packages that are more sensitive to changes in stock price (pay‐performance sensitivity). Our findings are consistent with theoretical predictions that outside owners approve of equity incentives as a means of aligning managers' interests with those of shareholders. We also document that future changes to equity‐based incentives are related to voting outcomes and that shareholders incorporate CFO incentives into their votes. Collectively, these results provide evidence of the importance of equity‐based incentives from the perspective of those most concerned with firm value and of the effectiveness of say‐on‐pay as a governance mechanism.
The complexity of exchange: Wheat markets, petty‐commodity producers and the emergence of commercial capital in colonial Punjab
Authors: Jan Muhammad Ali
Published: February 2019

This paper questions the orthodox Marxist view of merchant capital as “unproductive,” by highlighting the importance of traders in subsuming the countryside to the logic of capital. However, it also argues that in order to properly understand the role played by traders in agrarian change, critical Marxist scholarship on merchant capital needs to recognize the complex marketing systems in which traders and farmers operate. These markets have their own internal relations, organizational and institutional logic which in turn is tied to the specificity of the commodity. Using wheat markets in colonial Punjab as a case study, it then utilizes the framework of complex marketing systems to highlight the range of firms and farms that operated in these markets; the importance of personal relations and informal institutions of family, caste, and religion for establishing trust; and the class stratified nature of market participants. It was from within these informally organized markets that commercial capital first emerged in colonial Punjab. By creatively combining the concept of commercial capital with markets as complex systems, it hopes to provide a richer framework for the study of agrarian change in diverse contexts.
“It is two worlds” cross‐sectoral nurse collaboration related to care transitions: A qualitative study
Authors: Petersen Helle Vendel , Foged Signe , Nørholm Vibeke
Published: February 2019

Aims and objectives

To explore how the hospital and home care nurses talk about and experience cross‐sectoral collaboration related to the transitional care of frail older patients.

Background

Effective communication and collaboration between nurses involved in care transition are crucial for a safe patient handover. Organisational systems to support cross‐sectoral collaboration have been developed but do not always promote the intended dialogue and precise and useful exchange of information. Other factors may also be of importance to an effective and constructive cross‐sectoral nurse collaboration.

Design

A qualitative design using thematic analysis.

Methods

Data were extracted from 24 focus group interviews conducted with registered nurses from eight hospital wards and six municipalities and a total of 165 hr of observations conducted in three hospital wards and three municipalities. The study was reported according to the COREQ guidelines.

Results

The perception of nursing and care differed across sectors. The nurses expressed having shared goals for the patients—however, these goals derived from different values, the perception of nursing and approach to the patients. The lack of knowledge of each other's working conditions created assumptions and preconceptions, which affected communication and collaboration related to planning and executing care transition negatively.

Conclusions

The nurses perceived the hospital and home care as" two worlds". The collaboration between the nurses was characterised by insufficient communication and preconceptions rather than concrete knowledge and different cultures and professional identities. It can be questioned whether cross‐sectoral collaboration between nurses should be characterised as interprofessional rather than intraprofessional collaboration as the features of the nurses' collaboration.

Relevance to clinical practice

Organisational and political systems should recognise that nurses in different sectors are taking care of various aspects of nursing when planning on policies to support cross‐sectoral collaboration. More possibilities for nurses across sectors to meet should be made available.
Nurses’ professional values: Influences of experience and ethics education
Authors: Monroe Heidi A.
Published: February 2019

Aims and objectives

To measure the professional values of registered nurses and determine whether these values are significantly related to postlicensure ethics education and years of experience.

Background

Nursing guilds in many countries reference the American Nurses Association's code of ethics to define expected professional nursing values. Strong professional values contribute to high‐quality patient care and are influenced by complex practice environments.

Design

Causal‐comparative design.

Methods

A convenience sample of actively licensed registered nurses in Washington State, United States of America, participated in an electronically administered survey (N = 2,439). Analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and correlation. Reporting utilised the STROBE checklist.

Results

Results suggested values of highest and lowest importance to nurses. Scores varied significantly based on years of nursing experience; a higher score indicated stronger orientation toward professional nursing values. Nurses with experience of 10 years or more had the highest scores. There was a modest, positive relationship between professional values and amount of time spent in postlicensure ethics education.

Conclusions

Professional values of Washington State nurses are similar to other nurses in national and global workforces. Results suggest key areas of strength in nurses’ professional values and areas needing additional focus and support. Professional values are highest among nurses with longer practice experience and among nurses who have had increased ethics education.

Relevance to clinical practice

Knowledge of nurses’ priority values can assist leaders and educators to identify areas of needed support among nursing staff members. Organisational commitment to support of nurses’ professional values through investment in ethics education may produce positive enduring consequences, such as workplace retention and high‐quality patient care. Healthcare leaders and clinical educators who promote ethics education may help to mitigate negative effects of morally challenging situations, such as moral distress and work leaving.
Contextual factors triggering placebo and nocebo effects in nursing practice: Findings from a national cross‐sectional study
Authors: Palese Alvisa , Cadorin Lucia , Testa Marco , Geri Tommaso , Colloca Luana , Rossettini Giacomo
Published: February 2019

Aims and objectives

To describe contextual factors (CFs) used by nurses to increase placebo and to prevent nocebo effects.

Background

Placebo effects have been studied in the nursing discipline, but nocebo effects still remain unexplored. Recently, a set of CFs functioning as triggers of placebo/nocebo effects has been described; however, its use in daily care has never been documented to date.

Design

A national cross‐sectional survey, according to the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E‐Surveys guidelines and STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE), was performed in 2016.

Methods

A wide sample of Italian nurses belonging to four national associations was involved. A questionnaire based on CFs literature was developed and administered through the SurveyMonkey Software® exploring: (a) CFs definition, (b) beliefs, (c) case‐by‐case frequency of use, (d) circumstances of application, (e) clinical conditions where participants perceived their potential beneficial effects, (f) ethical implications and (g) communication issues with the patient.

Results

Out of 1,411 eligible nurses, 455 answered (32.2%) and 425 questionnaires (30.1%) were valid for the analysis. A total of 211 nurses (49.6%) defined the CFs as an intervention with a possible aspecific effect; participants believed in the CFs (2.91; 95%CI 2.88–2.94), using them >2 times/month, mainly in addition to a nursing intervention to optimise clinical outcomes (n = 79; 18.6%). Psychological and physiological therapeutic effects have been perceived mainly in chronic pain (n = 259; 60.9%) and insomnia (n = 243; 57.2%). According to participants, CFs have been reported as ethically acceptable when exerting beneficial psychological effects (n = 148; 34.8%); however, 103 (24.2%) of nurses did not communicate to the patient when CFs were used.

Conclusions

Nurses are aware of CFs as elements to increase the placebo and prevent the nocebo effects in concomitance with evidence‐based nursing interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice

The CFs valued by nurses and experienced as effective are mainly based upon the internal quality of the nurse and the quality of the relationship between the nurse and the patient. These qualities require a large personal investment; therefore, nurses should be supported in developing these qualities since their nursing graduation.
HBV T1719G mutation reduced HBV replication through mutant Enh II and HBx protein in vitro
Authors: Jiao Fengping , Shen Congle , Ning Jing , Zhang Ting , Chen Xiangmei , Lu Fengmin
Published: February 2019

It was repeatedly reported that the hepatitis B virus (HBV) T1719G mutation was very common and related to progression and malignancy of liver disease. However, its effect on viral replication efficiency remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the function and mechanisms of the T1719G mutation on viral replication capacity. Wild‐type and T1719G mutation‐bearing HBV1.2× plasmids were transfected into Huh7 and HepG2 cells, respectively, and HBV total RNA, 3.5 kb RNA and supernatant HBV DNA were assessed using real‐time PCR, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) levels were measured by time‐resolved fluoroimmunoassay. In order to assess Enh II activity and the binding capacity of HNF3β to Enh II sequence, dual‐luciferase assay and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐PCR were employed, respectively. Simultaneously, the HBx or HBx‐mut (T1719G) plasmid was co‐transfected to evaluate the effect of HBx on viral replication. Our results showed that the T1719G mutation impaired viral replication efficacy compared with the wild type both by reducing Enh II activity and binding capacity of HNF3β with Enh II. And such reduction caused by T1719G mutation could be rescued by HBx protein. Our results show that the T1719G mutation decreases HBV viral replication capacity possibly by mutant HBx protein and altered Enh II activity.
Bioimpedance spectroscopy‐guided fluid management in peritoneal dialysis patients with residual kidney function: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yoon Hye Eun , Kwon Young Joo , Shin Seok Joon , Lee So‐Young , Lee Sangho , Kim Su‐Hyun , Lee Eun Young , Shin Sug Kyun , Kim Yong‐Soo
Published: February 2019

Aim

Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) allows volume status to be assessed objectively. This study evaluated the effect of BIS‐guided fluid management on residual kidney function (RKF), volume status, and cardiovascular events in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods

A multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted over 12 months in 2013–2017. Non‐anuric PD patients (urine volume ≥ 500 mL/day) were randomized to clinical method‐guided management (n = 98) or BIS‐guided management (n = 103). The volume in the BIS group was controlled with BIS, with the aim of achieving the target overhydration (OH) goal of −2.0 to +2.0 L. The volume in the control group was controlled by clinical assessment alone. The groups were compared in terms of change in RKF and volume status at 12 months relative to baseline and in terms of cardiovascular event rates during a median follow‐up period of 36 months.

Results

Compared with the controls, the BIS group did not show a significant improvement in change in OH, after adjustments were made for covariates (P = 0.191). The two groups did not differ in terms of delta OH, renal creatinine and urea clearance, and 24 h urine volume. The control and BIS groups also did not differ significantly in terms of change in peritoneal ultrafiltration volume, blood pressure, body weight and echocardiographic variables or in cardiovascular event rates (10.2% vs 11.3%; P = 0.953).

Conclusion

Bioimpedance spectroscopy‐guided fluid management did not show an additional benefit to achieve euvolemia, and did not affect the decline in RKF in non‐anuric PD patients.
Accelerated flowering time reduces lifetime water use without penalizing reproductive performance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ferguson John N. , Meyer Rhonda C. , Edwards Kieron D. , Humphry Matt , Brendel Oliver , Bechtold Ulrike
Published: February 2019

Natural selection driven by water availability has resulted in considerable variation for traits associated with drought tolerance and leaf‐level water‐use efficiency (WUE). In Arabidopsis, little is known about the variation of whole‐plant water use (PWU) and whole‐plant WUE (transpiration efficiency). To investigate the genetic basis of PWU, we developed a novel proxy trait by combining flowering time and rosette water use to estimate lifetime PWU. We validated its usefulness for large‐scale screening of mapping populations in a subset of ecotypes. This parameter subsequently facilitated the screening of water use and drought tolerance traits in a recombinant inbred line population derived from two Arabidopsis accessions with distinct water‐use strategies, namely, C24 (low PWU) and Col‐0 (high PWU). Subsequent quantitative trait loci mapping and validation through near‐isogenic lines identified two causal quantitative trait loci, which showed that a combination of weak and nonfunctional alleles of the FRIGIDA (FRI) and FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) genes substantially reduced plant water use due to their control of flowering time. Crucially, we observed that reducing flowering time and consequently water use did not penalize reproductive performance, as such water productivity (seed produced per unit of water transpired) improved. Natural polymorphisms of FRI and FLC have previously been elucidated as key determinants of natural variation in intrinsic WUE (δ13C). However, in the genetic backgrounds tested here, drought tolerance traits, stomatal conductance, δ13C. and rosette water use were independent of allelic variation at FRI and FLC, suggesting that flowering is critical in determining lifetime PWU but not always leaf‐level traits.
Adaptively transformed mixed‐model prediction of general finite‐population parameters
Authors: Sugasawa Shonosuke , Kubokawa Tatsuya
Published: February 2019

For estimating area‐specific parameters (quantities) in a finite population, a mixed‐model prediction approach is attractive. However, this approach strongly depends on the normality assumption of the response values, although we often encounter a non‐normal case in practice. In such a case, transforming observations to make them suitable for normality assumption is a useful tool, but the problem of selecting a suitable transformation still remains open. To overcome the difficulty, we here propose a new empirical best predicting method by using a parametric family of transformations to estimate a suitable transformation based on the data. We suggest a simple estimating method for transformation parameters based on the profile likelihood function, which achieves consistency under some conditions on transformation functions. For measuring the variability of point prediction, we construct an empirical Bayes confidence interval of the population parameter of interest. Through simulation studies, we investigate the numerical performance of the proposed methods. Finally, we apply the proposed method to synthetic income data in Spanish provinces in which the resulting estimates indicate that the commonly used log transformation would not be appropriate.
Bandage contact lens retention in dogs—A pilot study
Authors: Diehl Kathryn A. , Bowden Anna Catherine , Knudsen Dane
Published: February 2019

Objective

To assess and compare retention, application characteristics, and patient tolerance of nine bandage contact lens types from four manufacturers.

Animals studied

Six research Beagles were used in this pilot study.

Procedure

Five bandage contact lens types from two veterinary brands and four bandage contact lens types from two human brands were evaluated in six research Beagles. Placement ease, the dogs’ contact lens tolerance, and contact lens retention time for up to 14 days were recorded. Statistical analysis with a linear mixed model was performed.

Results

Veterinary contact lenses had an average retention time of 0.4 days (range 0‐7 days, with an average of 10% and 3% retained ≥1 and ≥7 days, respectively), while human contact lenses had a significantly (P < 0.0001) longer average retention time of 5.2 days (range 0‐14 days, with an average of 83% and 37.5% retained ≥1 and ≥7 days, respectively). Specifically, Johnson and Johnson Vision Care Acuvue® Oasys™ with Hydraclear™ Plus lenses were retained significantly longer than all veterinary lenses, and Bausch and Lomb PureVision® 2 lenses were retained significantly longer than Keragenix HydroBlues™ 18 and AnimaLens™ HRT 78 18 mm lenses.

Conclusion

Although all bandage contact lenses were easy to use and well tolerated by the dogs, the human lenses were retained significantly better and longer than the veterinary lenses. Additionally, human lenses were retained significantly better and longer than veterinary lenses of similar measurements. This suggests factors other than measurement and associated fit may determine contact lens retention time.
Frontiers in molecular p-block chemistry: From structure to reactivity
Authors: Melen Rebecca L.
Published: February 2019

This year marks the 350th anniversary of the discovery of phosphorus by the alchemist Hennig Brand. However, this element was not included in the p-block of the periodic table until more recently. 2019 also marks the 150th anniversary of the preliminary tabular arrangement of the elements into the periodic system by Mendeleev. Of the 63 elements known in 1869, almost one-third of them belonged to what ultimately became the p-block, and Mendeleev predicted the existence of both gallium and germanium as well. The elements of the p-block have a disparate and varied history. Their chemical structure, reactivity, and properties vary widely. Nevertheless, in recent years, a better understanding of trends in p-block reactivity, particularly the behavior of those elements not typically found in biological systems, has led to a promising array of emerging applications, highlighted herein.
Opposing reactions in coenzyme A metabolism sensitize
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to enzyme inhibition
Authors: Ballinger Elaine , Mosior John , Hartman Travis , Burns-Huang Kristin , Gold Ben , Morris Roxanne , Goullieux Laurent , Blanc Isabelle , Vaubourgeix Julien , Lagrange Sophie , Fraisse Laurent , Sans Stéphanie , Couturier Cedric , Bacqué Eric , Rhee Kyu , Scarry Sarah M. , Aubé Jeffrey , Yang Guangbin , Ouerfelli Ouathek , Schnappinger Dirk , Ioerger Thomas R. , Engelhart Curtis A. , McConnell Jennifer A. , McAulay Kathrine , Fay Allison , Roubert Christine , Sacchettini James , Nathan Carl
Published: February 2019

A wrench in the gears of life

Tuberculosis is a global health crisis that threatens to become worse as resistance to existing drugs emerges. Identifying ideal targets for drug development requires knowledge of weak points in biochemical pathways that are specific for the pathogen but are absent in hosts. Ballinger
et al.
identified a small molecule that inhibits the enzyme phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PptT), which is crucial for biosynthesis of mycobacterial structural and virulence lipids (see the Perspective by Mizrahi and Warner). Treatment resulted in selective killing of the bacteria in vitro and in a mouse model. The target pathways were made sensitive to PptT inhibition by a second enzyme, phosphopantetheine hydrolase, whose activity opposes that of the transferase.

Science
, this issue p.
eaau8959
; see also p.
457
Linking a mutation to survival in wild mice
Authors: Barrett Rowan D. H. , Laurent Stefan , Mallarino Ricardo , Pfeifer Susanne P. , Xu Charles C. Y. , Foll Matthieu , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Duke-Cohan Jonathan S. , Jensen Jeffrey D. , Hoekstra Hopi E.
Published: February 2019

How natural selection affects mouse coat color

Evolution, at its core, involves changes in the frequency of alleles subject to natural selection. But identifying the target of selection can be difficult. Barrett
et al.
investigated how allele frequencies affecting pigmentation change over time (see the Perspective by Pelletier). Wild-caught mice (
Peromyscus maniculatus
) were exposed to avian predators against naturally occurring dark or light backgrounds. Natural selection yielded shifts in coloration owing to genetic variants in the mouse coat color
Agouti
gene.

Science
, this issue p.
499
; see also p.
452
Shadow health records meet new data privacy laws
Authors: Price W. Nicholson , Kaminski Margot E. , Minssen Timo , Spector-Bagdady Kayte
Published: February 2019

How will research respond to a changing regulatory space?