bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to evidence‐based pressure injury prevention guidelines in routine clinical practice: a longitudinal study
Authors: Chaboyer Wendy , Bucknall Tracey , Gillespie Brigid , Thalib Lukman , McInnes Elizabeth , Considine Julie , Murray Edel , Duffy Paula , Tuck Michelle , Harbeck Emma
Published: July 2017

The aim of this longitudinal study was to describe adherence to evidence‐based pressure injury (PI) prevention guidelines in routine clinical practice in Australian hospitals. Data were analysed from four control sites of a larger‐cluster randomised trial of a PI intervention. The sample of 799 included 220 (27·5%) Not at risk, 344 (43·1%) At risk and 110 (13·8%) At high risk patients. A total of 84 (10·5%) patients developed a PI during the study: 20 (9·0% of 220) in the Not at risk group, 45 (13·1% of 344) in the At risk group, 15 (13·6% of 110) in the At high risk group and 4 (3·2% of 125) patients who did not have a risk assessment completed. Of all patients, 165 (20·7%) received only one PI prevention strategy, and 494 (61·8%) received ≥2 strategies at some point during the study period. There was no statistical difference in the proportion of time the three risk groups received ≥1 and ≥2 strategies; on average, this was less than half the time they were in the study. Thus, patients were not receiving PI prevention strategies consistently throughout their hospital stay, although it is possible patients' risk changed over the study period.
Enhanced shock performance by disperse porous structure:A case study in PZT95/5 ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Nie Hengchang , Yu Yin , Liu Yusheng , He Hongliang , Wang Genshui , Dong Xianlin
Published: July 2017

The porosity and corresponding microstructural features ultimately determine the properties of the macroporous materials. In this work, porous PZT95/5 ferroelectric ceramics having a common bulk density but with disperse and agglomerated pore distribution were prepared to study their influence on the physical properties. It is experimentally demonstrated that pore distribution exhibits significant influence on the shock compression response behaviors. Porous PZT95/5 ferroelectric ceramics with disperse pores exhibit enhanced shock resistance and thus higher breakdown strengths than its counterparts with agglomerated voids. To explain the underlying physical mechanism, a lattice‐spring model was employed to simulate both macroscopic shock response and mesoscopic evolution of the microstructures under shock compression. Our simulation results are concordant with our experimental observations. The enhanced shock resistance and larger shock plasticity of porous PZT95/5 ferroelectric ceramics with disperse pores under shock compression was found to be responsible for the superior performance.
Tunable negative thermal expansion and structural evolution in antiperovskite Mn3Ga1−xGexN (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0)
Authors: Lu Huiqing , Sun Ying , Deng Sihao , Shi Kewen , Wang Lei , Zhao Wenjun , Han Huimin , Deng Shenghua , Wang Cong
Published: July 2017

The negative thermal expansion (NTE) and structural evolution of antiperovskite compounds Mn3Ga1−xGexN (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) were systematically investigated. Our results indicate the crystal structure of Mn3Ga1−xGexN changes from cubic (C) to tetragonal (T4) with increasing Ge content by X‐ray diffraction (XRD).The negative thermal expansion from x = 0 (operation‐temperature range ▵T = 20 K) to x = 0.4 (▵T = 60 K) becomes broad and shifts to higher temperature, and then it became positive from x = 0.5 in Mn3Ga1−xGexN. Typically, Mn3Ga0.5Ge0.5N shows low thermal expansion behavior between 300 and 450 K (∆T = 150 K), and thermal expansion coefficient α is estimated to be 2 × 10−6 K−1. Furthermore, variable temperature XRD was measured to reveal the origin of NTE. The cubic I ‐ cubic II phases coexistence (x = 0.2) and cubic I ‐ tetragonal coexistence (x = 0.5, 0.6) was observed at low temperature. The tunable NTE is highly valuable for practical applications in precision devices.
Comparative study of Al2O3, HfO2, and HfAlOx for improved self‐compliance bipolar resistive switching
Authors: Sokolov Andrey S. , Son Seok Ki , Lim Donghwan , Han Hoon Hee , Jeon Yu‐Rim , Lee Jae Ho , Choi Changhwan
Published: July 2017

The comparison of resistive switching (RS) storage in the same device architecture is explored for atomic layer deposition (ALD) Al2O3, HfO2 and HfAlOx‐based resistive random access memory (ReRAM) devices. Among them, the deeper high‐ and low‐ resistance states, more uniform VSET‐VRES, persistent ROFF/RON (>102) ratio and endurance up to 105 cycles during both DC and AC measurements were observed for HfAlOx‐based device. This improved behavior is attributed to the intermixing of amorphous Al2O3/HfO2 oxide layers to form amorphous thermally stable HfAlOx thin films by consecutive‐cycled ALD. In addition, the higher oxygen content at Ti/HfAlOx thin films interface was found within the energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis (EDS). We believe this higher oxygen content at the interface could lead to its sufficient storage and supply, leading to the stable filament reduction‐oxidation operation. Further given insight to the RS mechanism, SET/RESET power necessities and scavenging effect shed a light to the enhancement of HfAlOx‐based ReRAM device as well.
The changing nature of relationships between parents and healthcare providers when a child dies in the paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Butler Ashleigh E. , Hall Helen , Copnell Beverley
Published: July 2017

Aim

To explore bereaved parents’ interactions with healthcare providers when a child dies in a paediatric intensive care unit.

Background

Although most children admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit will survive, 2–5% will die during their stay. The parents of these children interact and form relationships with numerous healthcare staff during their child's illness and death. Although previous studies have explored the parental experience of child death in intensive care generally, the nature of their relationships with healthcare providers during this time remains unknown.

Design

This study used a constructivist grounded theory approach.

Methods

Data were collected via semi‐structured, audio‐recorded interviews with 26 bereaved parents from four paediatric intensive care units over 18 months in 2015–2016. Constant comparative analysis and theoretical memos were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The theory “Transitional togetherness” demonstrates the changing nature of the parent–healthcare provider relationship across three key phases of the parents’ journey. Phase one, “Welcoming expertise,” focuses on the child's medical needs, with the healthcare provider dominant in the relationship. Phase two, “Becoming a team,” centres around the parents’ need to recreate a parental role and work collaboratively with healthcare providers. Finally, “Gradually disengaging” describes the parents’ desire for the relationship to continue after the child's death as a source of support until no longer needed.

Conclusions

Findings from this study offer valuable insights into the changing nature of the parent–healthcare provider relationship and highlight the key foci of the relationship at each stage of the parental journey.
The emotional impact of errors or adverse events on healthcare providers in the NICU: The protective role of coworker support
Authors: Winning Adrien M. , Merandi Jenna M. , Lewe Dorcas , Stepney Lois M. C. , Liao Nancy N. , Fortney Christine A. , Gerhardt Cynthia A.
Published: July 2017

Aims

To examine the impact of errors or adverse events on emotional distress and professional quality of life in healthcare providers in the neonatal intensive care unit, and the moderating role of coworker support.

Background

Errors or adverse events can result in negative outcomes for healthcare providers. However, the role of coworker support in improving emotional and professional outcomes has not been examined.

Design

A cross‐sectional online survey from a quality improvement initiative to train peer supporters in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods

During 2015, 463 healthcare providers in a neonatal intensive care unit completed a survey assessing their experiences with an error or adverse event, anxiety, depression, professional quality of life and coworker support.

Results

Compared with those who did not experience an error or adverse event (58%), healthcare providers who observed (23%) or were involved (19%) in an incident reported higher levels of anxiety and secondary traumatic stress. Those who were involved in an event reported higher levels of depression and burnout. Differences between the three groups (no event, observation and involvement) for compassion satisfaction were non‐significant. Perceived coworker support moderated the association between experiencing an event and both anxiety and depression. Specifically, experiencing an event was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression when coworkers were perceived as low in supportiveness, but not when they were viewed as highly supportive.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that errors or adverse events can have a harmful impact on healthcare providers and that coworker support may reduce emotional distress.
Utility of high density multielectrode mapping during ablation of scar‐related ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Cano Óscar , Plaza Diego , Saurí Assumpció , Osca Joaquín , Alonso Pau , Andrés Ana , Sancho‐Tello María‐José , Martínez‐Dolz Luis
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Multielectrode mapping catheters (MEMC) allow the performance of high resolution and density maps but the utility of these catheters in ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation procedures has not been yet widely described. We sought to evaluate the utility of a MEMC during scar‐related VT ablation procedures.

Methods

Eighty‐five consecutive scar‐related VT ablation procedures were performed in 81 patients. In the first 26 procedures, a standard 3.5‐mm tip linear catheter was employed for endocardial/epicardial mapping (control group). In the following 59 procedures mapping was performed with a MEMC (study group). Procedural time, LV endocardial and epicardial mapping time, complications and ablation outcomes were compared.

Results

The use of the MEMC resulted in a significant shortening of the endocardial and epicardial mapping times (38 ± 15 minutes vs. 56 ± 24 minutes for endocardial LV mapping in the study and control group, respectively, P = 0.001; and 28 ± 9 minutes vs 41 ± 16 minutes, for epicardial mapping, P = 0.011) as well as the total procedural time (177 ± 53 minutes vs. 206 ± 50 minutes, respectively, P = 0.02). The mapping density was also significantly increased in the study group (mean endocardial LV points: 2,143 ± 1,419 vs. 485 ± 174, for the study and control group, respectively, P < 0.0001), specially within the scar area (49.6 ± 34 points/cm2 vs. 8.4 ± 4.6 points/cm2, P < 0.001). No differences in acute and long‐term follow‐up outcomes were observed.

Conclusions

High‐density multielectrode mapping is associated with a significant reduction of procedural and mapping times and a significant increase of mapping density without affecting outcomes in patients with scar‐related VT.
Predicting appropriate shocks in patients with heart failure: Patient level meta‐analysis from SCD‐HeFT and MADIT II
Authors: Zeitler Emily P. , Al‐Khatib Sana M. , Friedman Daniel J. , Han Joo Yoon , Poole Jeanne E. , Bardy Gust H. , Bigger J. Thomas , Buxton Alfred E. , Moss Arthur J. , Lee Kerry L. , Dorian Paul , Cappato Riccardo , Kadish Alan H. , Kudenchuk Peter J. , Mark Daniel B. , Inoue Lurdes Y. T. , Sanders Gillian D.
Published: July 2017

Background

No precise tools exist to predict appropriate shocks in patients with a primary prevention ICD. We sought to identify characteristics predictive of appropriate shocks in patients with a primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

Methods

Using patient‐level data from the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial II (MADIT II) and the Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial (SCD‐HeFT), we identified patients with any appropriate shock. Clinical and demographic variables were included in a logistic regression model to predict appropriate shocks.

Results

There were 1,463 patients randomized to an ICD, and 285 (19%) had ≥1 appropriate shock over a median follow‐up of 2.59 years. Compared with patients without appropriate ICD shocks, patients who received any appropriate shock tended to have more severe heart failure. In a multiple logistic regression model, predictors of appropriate shocks included NYHA class (NYHA II vs. I: OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.07–2.55; NYHA III vs. I: OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.10–2.76), lower LVEF (per 1% change) (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06), absence of beta‐blocker therapy (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.23–2.12), and single chamber ICD (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.13–2.45).

Conclusion

In this meta‐analysis of patient level data from MADIT‐II and SCD‐HeFT, higher NYHA class, lower LVEF, no beta‐blocker therapy, and single chamber ICD (vs. dual chamber) were significant predictors of appropriate shocks.
Obestatin regulates cardiovascular function and promotes cardioprotection through the nitric oxide pathway
Authors: Penna Claudia , Tullio Francesca , Femminò Saveria , Rocca Carmine , Angelone Tommaso , Cerra Maria C. , Gallo Maria Pia , Gesmundo Iacopo , Fanciulli Alessandro , Brizzi Maria Felice , Pagliaro Pasquale , Alloatti Giuseppe , Granata Riccarda
Published: July 2017

Patients with ischaemic heart disease or chronic heart failure show altered levels of obestatin, suggesting a role for this peptide in human heart function. We have previously demonstrated that GH secretagogues and the ghrelin gene‐derived peptides, including obestatin, exert cardiovascular effects by modulating cardiac inotropism and vascular tone, and reducing cell death and contractile dysfunction in hearts subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R), through the Akt/nitric oxide (NO) pathway. However, the mechanisms underlying the cardiac actions of obestatin remain largely unknown. Thus, we suggested that obestatin‐induced activation of PI3K/Akt/NO and PKG signalling is implicated in protection of the myocardium when challenged by adrenergic, endothelinergic or I/R stress. We show that obestatin exerts an inhibitory tone on the performance of rat papillary muscle in both basal conditions and under β‐adrenergic overstimulation, through endothelial‐dependent NO/cGMP/PKG signalling. This pathway was also involved in the vasodilator effect of the peptide, used both alone and under stress induced by endothelin‐1. Moreover, when infused during early reperfusion, obestatin reduced infarct size in isolated I/R rat hearts, through an NO/PKG pathway, comprising ROS/PKC signalling, and converging on mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive potassium [mitoK(ATP)] channels. Overall, our results suggest that obestatin regulates cardiovascular function in stress conditions and induces cardioprotection by mechanisms dependent on activation of an NO/soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)/PKG pathway. In fact, obestatin counteracts exaggerated β‐adrenergic and endothelin‐1 activity, relevant factors in heart failure, suggesting multiple positive effects of the peptide, including the lowering of cardiac afterload, thus representing a potential candidate in pharmacological post‐conditioning.
Ocular localization of mycobacterial lesions in tank‐reared juvenile cobia, Rachycentron canadum
Authors: Phillips A C N , Suepaul R , Soto E
Published: July 2017

Severe clinical mycobacteriosis with consistent ocular lesion localization was diagnosed in a population of 800 juvenile tank‐reared Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) which experienced a sudden increase in mortality approximately 5 months after arriving into Trinidad and Tobago from Florida, USA. Moderate daily mortality (15–20 animals per day) persisted for just over 1 month. Moribund fish displayed circling behaviour and had an open‐mouth gape upon death. Fish consistently presented with bilateral exophthalmia, corneal cloudiness and hyphema. Non‐branching acid‐fast rods were detected in aqueous humour touch preparations. Histological analysis revealed severe bilateral intra‐ocular granulomatous responses in all specimens. Mycobacterium sp. was identified using a real‐time PCR assay detecting the RNA polymerase β‐subunit (rpoB) gene in different tissue samples. Specimens did not present with characteristic granulomatous responses usually seen in viscera. To the best of our knowledge, this represents only the third documentation of piscine mycobacterial infection presenting with only localized ocular lesions, and the second documented case of mycobacteriosis in cobia. It is, however, the first documentation of an ocular presentation of mycobacteriosis in a marine species and is the first documentation of such a presentation in cobia.
Comparative pathogenesis of piscirickettsiosis in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) post‐smolt experimentally challenged with LF‐89‐like and EM‐90‐like Piscirickettsia salmonis isolates
Authors: Rozas‐Serri M , Ildefonso R , Peña A , Enríquez R , Barrientos S , Maldonado L
Published: July 2017

Piscirickettsiosis (SRS) is the most prevalent bacterial disease in Chilean salmon aquaculture and is responsible for high economic losses. The aim of this study was to comparatively characterize the pathogenesis of SRS in post‐smolt Atlantic salmon during the early and late stages of infection with Piscirickettsia salmonis LF‐89‐like (PS‐LF‐89) and EM‐90‐like (PS‐EM‐90) using a cohabitation challenge. The pathogenesis of cohabitant fish infected with the two isolates was relatively different due to cohabitant fish infected with PS‐EM‐90 showing higher cumulative mortality and shorter time until death compared with PS‐LF‐89 fish. PS‐LF‐89 caused an SRS infection characterized by kidney and liver lesions, whereas PS‐EM‐90 caused systemic and haemorrhagic disease characterized by kidney, liver, heart, brain, skeletal muscle and intestine lesions. Decreased serum concentration of total proteins and albumin as well as increased serum ALT, AST and creatinine levels in fish infected with both isolates confirmed that changes in liver and kidney function occurred during infection. Tissue damage, expressed as an SRS histoscore, showed a strong positive correlation with the bacterial load expressed as abundance of P. salmonis 16S rRNA transcripts in the livers and kidneys of fish affected with either isolate, but the correlation was significantly higher in fish infected with PS‐EM‐90. The results contribute to improving the understanding of the bacteria–host interaction.
Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) serotype Sp is prevalent in Turkish rainbow trout farms
Authors: Büyükekiz A G , Altun S , Hansen E F , Satıcıoğlu İ B , Duman M , Markussen T , Rimstad E
Published: July 2017

Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) is a common pathogen of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Turkey. We found that 455 of 1,676 sample pools tested were IPNV positive. Positive samples were found in all geographical regions where sampling was conducted. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of VP2 from 30 isolates representing all regions showed that the viruses were highly similar in sequence and grouped within Genogroup 5 (serotype Sp‐A2). No correlations between sequences, sampling sites or geographical origins were identified. Although clinical disease was evident in several farms, analyses of the amino acid sequence of VP2 showed that all virus strains harboured the P217T221 motif, assumed to be associated with low virulence. We conclude that IPNV is prevalent in Turkish rainbow trout farms and that the viruses are very homogenous and likely to be of European origin. Frequent exchange of eggs and live fish within the farming industry may explain the homogeneity of the IPNV.
Recovery of Bacillus mycoides, B. pseudomycoides and Aeromonas hydrophila from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with gill disease
Authors: Orozova P , Sirakov I , Austin D A , Austin B
Published: July 2017

During a 3‐month period from June to the end of August 2016, ~5% mortalities were observed in a farm with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) and one farm of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) in Bulgaria. The disease was manifested by gill ulcers/rot, asphyxiation and bloody ascites. Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated from the internal organs of all the diseased fish. Bacillus mycoides or B. pseudomycoides were recovered from the gill lesions on diseased carp and rainbow trout, respectively, with identification achieved by conventional phenotyping and by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. In vivo experiments confirmed that all three organisms were pathogenic to rainbow trout.
Genotyping of Tenacibaculum maritimum isolates from farmed Atlantic salmon in Western Canada
Authors: Frisch K , Småge S B , Brevik Ø J , Duesund H , Nylund A
Published: July 2017

Mouthrot infections (bacterial stomatitis) have a significant impact on the Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry in Western Canada due to economic losses and fish welfare. Bacteria isolated from lesions in the field have been identified as Tenacibaculum maritimum. Mouthrot is different to classical tenacibaculosis, which is most commonly associated with ulcerative lesions, frayed fins and tail rot. The marine fish pathogen T. maritimum is found worldwide; however, in Western Canada, the knowledge of the genetic profile of T. maritimum is limited. This study looked at increasing this knowledge by genotyping T. maritimum isolates collected from Atlantic salmon from farms in Western Canada. These genotypes were compared to other species of the genus Tenacibaculum, as well as other known sequence types within the species. The Western Canadian isolates belong to two new sequence types within the T. maritimum species. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the isolates form a distinct branch together with T. maritimum NCIMB 2154T separate from other Tenacibaculum type strains, and they are most closely related to strains from Norway and Chile.
A survey of salmon gill poxvirus (SGPV) in wild salmonids in Norway
Authors: Garseth Å H , Gjessing M C , Moldal T , Gjevre A G
Published: July 2017

In 2016, the Norwegian health monitoring programme for wild salmonids conducted a real‐time PCR‐based screening for salmon gill poxvirus (SGPV) in anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus L.), anadromous and non‐anadromous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and trout (Salmo trutta L.). SGPV was widely distributed in wild Atlantic salmon returning from marine migration. In addition, characteristic gill lesions, including apoptosis, were detected in this species. A low amount of SGPV DNA, as indicated by high Ct‐values, was detected in anadromous trout, but only in fish cohabiting with SGPV‐positive salmon. SGPV was not detected in trout and salmon from non‐anadromous water courses, and thus seems to be primarily linked to the marine environment. This could indicate that trout are not a natural host for the virus. SGPV was not detected in Arctic char but, due to a low sample size, these results are inconclusive. The use of freshwater from anadromous water sources may constitute a risk of introducing SGPV to aquaculture facilities. Moreover, SGPV‐infected Atlantic salmon farms will hold considerable potential for virus propagation and spillback to wild populations. This interaction should therefore be further investigated.
Poor Appetite and Dietary Intake in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: van der Meij Barbara S. , Wijnhoven Hanneke A. H. , Lee Jung S. , Houston Denise K. , Hue Trisha , Harris Tamara B. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Newman Anne B. , Visser Marjolein
Published: July 2017

Background/objectives

Poor appetite in older adults leads to sub‐optimal food intake and increases the risk of undernutrition. The impact of poor appetite on food intake in older adults is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in food intake among older community‐dwelling adults with different reported appetite levels.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of data from a longitudinal prospective study.

Setting

Health, aging, and body composition study performed in the USA.

Participants

2,597 community‐dwelling adults aged 70–79.

Measurements

A semi‐quantitative, interviewer‐administered, 108‐item food frequency questionnaire designed to estimate dietary intake. Poor appetite was defined as the report of a moderate, poor, or very poor appetite in the past month and was compared with good or very good appetite.

Results

The mean age of the study sample was 74.5 ± 2.8 years; 48.2% were men, 37.7% were black, and 21.8% reported a poor appetite. After adjustment for total energy intake and potential confounders (including biting/chewing problems), participants with a poor appetite had a significantly lower consumption of protein and dietary fiber, solid foods, protein rich foods, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, but a higher consumption of dairy foods, fats, oils, sweets, and sodas compared to participants with very good appetite. In addition, they were less likely to report consumption of significant larger portion sizes.

Conclusion

Older adults reporting a poor appetite showed a different dietary intake pattern compared to those with (very) good appetite. Better understanding of the specific dietary intake pattern related to a poor appetite in older adults can be used for nutrition interventions to enhance food intake, diet variety, and diet quality.
Breastfeeding as a public health responsibility: a review of the evidence
Authors: Brown A.
Published: July 2017

Background

Although intention to breastfeed in Western culture is high, many women stop breastfeeding before they are ready. From a physiological perspective, rates of primary milk insufficiency or contraindications to breastfeed should be low. However, numerous women encounter numerous barriers to breastfeeding, many of which occur at the social, cultural and political level and are therefore outside of maternal control. This review identifies and examines the impact of these barriers and considers how public health services should play a central role in creating a supportive breastfeeding environment.

Methods

A narrative review to synthesise themes in the literature was conducted, using Web of Science, PubMed and Science Direct. Barriers to breastfeeding at the societal rather than individual level were identified (e.g. in relation to health services, policies and economic factors). Only English language papers were included.

Results

Many barriers to breastfeeding exist at the societal rather than individual level. These influences are typically outside mothers’ control. Five core themes were identified; the need for investment in (i) health services; (ii) population level health promotion; (iii) supporting maternal legal rights; (iv) protection of maternal wellbeing; and (v) reducing the reach of the breast milk substitute industry.

Conclusions

Although individual support is important, breastfeeding must be considered a public health issue that requires investment at a societal level. Focusing solely on solving individual issues will not lead to the cultural changes needed to normalise breastfeeding. Countries that have adopted a multicomponent public heath strategy to increase breastfeeding levels have had significant success. These strategies must be emulated more widely.
Comparative Energy, Resource and Recycling Lifecycle Analysis of the Industrial Repair Process of Gas Turbine Burners Using Conventional Machining and Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Walachowicz Frank , Bernsdorf Ingo , Papenfuss Ulrike , Zeller Christine , Graichen Andreas , Navrotsky Vladimir , Rajvanshi Noorie , Kiener Christoph
Published: July 2017

Laser beam melting (LBM), also known as selective laser melting, is a powder bed fusion type of additive manufacturing (AM) technology used to fabricate metal parts from metal powder. LBM is a promising technology that offers new opportunities for increasing resource efficiency. The aim of this study was to compare environmental impacts of conventional manufacturing methods with AM for a real industrial application. Analysis was performed on the repair process of a burner used in a Siemens industrial gas turbine. The results of this study show that the repair process based on AM provides significant reduction in material footprint (abiotic depletion potential), primary energy consumption, and carbon footprint compared to conventional machining and welding processes. Even though the AM process has increased power and inert gas consumption on the shop floor, the complete life cycle shows that the conventional processes have a much higher environmental footprint from material use upstream. Different recycling models of nickel‐based alloy and stainless steel scrap strongly influence the cradle‐to‐gate life cycle footprint. The results show that an AM process can have a sustainability advantage if it is designed in a holistic cradle‐to‐gate approach. The study also shows potentials for the LBM machine developers for entry into the industrialization of AM. Energy reduction potentials were identified during the idle mode, during operation mode from the supply of cooling duty, and also related to inert gas consumption. Careful consideration of these potentials can further improve the primary energy footprint of the LBM process.
Mixed cryoglobulinaemia in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Tang Dong‐hong , Ye You‐song , Wang Chen‐yun , Zheng Hong , Li Zhe‐li , Ma Kai‐li
Published: July 2017

We report cryoglobulinaemia (CG) in a rhesus macaque whose serum sample was gel‐like at <37°C and resolubilised upon warming. Mixed CG was diagnosed using serum protein electrophoresis and serum immunofixation electrophoresis. Renal damage and arthrophyma were observed during necropsy. This is the first report of CG in a non‐human primate.
The role of prolactin in the suppression of Crh mRNA expression during pregnancy and lactation in the mouse
Authors: Gustafson P. , Bunn S. J. , Grattan D. R.
Published: July 2017

Maternal stress is associated with negative health consequences for both the mother and her offspring. To prevent these adverse outcomes, activity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis is attenuated during pregnancy and lactation. Although the mechanisms generating this adaptive change have not been defined fully, the anterior pituitary hormone prolactin may play a significant role. The present study investigated the role of prolactin in regulating the basal activity of the HPA axis during pregnancy and lactation in the mouse, focussing upon the corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) neurones. Using in situ hybridisation, a decrease in Crh mRNA‐expressing cell number in pregnant (55.6±9.0 cells per section) and lactating (97.4±4.9) mice compared to virgin controls was characterised (186.8±18.7, P<.01 Tukey‐Kramer test; n=6‐7 per group). Removal of the pups (24 hours) and thus the associated suckling‐induced prolactin secretion, restored CRH neurone number (180.1±19.7). To specifically test the role of prolactin in suppressing Crh mRNA expression in lactation, prolactin levels were selectively manipulated in lactating mice. Lactating mice were treated with ovine prolactin (1500 μg day‐1, osmotic minipump, s.c.; n=7) or vehicle (n=6) for 24 hours following pup removal. This was sufficient to suppress Crh mRNA expression from 108.0±13.5 to 53.7±16.7 cells per section (P<.05 Student's t‐test). Additional cohorts of lactating mice were treated with bromocriptine (300 μg over 24 hours, s.c.; n=7) or vehicle (n=5) to suppress endogenous prolactin secretion; however, no change in Crh mRNA expression was detected. Thus, although prolactin was sufficient to suppress Crh mRNA expression in the paraventricular nucleus, it does not appear to be required for the ongoing regulation of the CRH neurones in lactation.
An experimental investigation of the interpersonal ramifications of lateness to workplace meetings
Authors: Mroz Joseph E. , Allen Joseph A.
Published: July 2017

Individuals often attend meetings at work to which at least one person arrives late. Building from attributional theories of interpersonal behaviour, we conducted an experiment to determine the cognitive, affective, and behavioural components of people's reactions to meeting lateness. Participants read one of eight experimental vignettes that described someone arriving 5 or 15 min late to an important or unimportant meeting, after which the person who arrived late offered either a controllable or an uncontrollable reason for being late. Participants reported greater anger and a willingness to punish the late arrival who gave a controllable excuse, whereas sympathy and prosocial intentions followed the late arrival who gave an uncontrollable excuse. To establish generalizability, we replicated the results using a survey of workers who reported on their thoughts and experiences in their last meeting to which someone arrived late. Overall, our findings also indicated that accounting for the severity of the transgression uniquely contributed to emotional and behaviour reactions, which is an improvement on existing attributional models.

Practitioner points

Arriving late to workplace meetings can have negative effects on interpersonal relationships, despite the prevalence of the behaviour.

Organizations and managers should encourage all meeting attendees to arrive to meetings on time – this avoids the negative effects of lateness and also sets the stage for positive meeting interactions.

Managers can take steps to mitigate the effects of lateness if it occurs. Agendas should be flexible to allow the movement of discussion points if someone arrives late.
Echinocandins in antifungal pharmacotherapy
Authors: Patil Akash , Majumdar Soumyajit
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Echinocandins are the newest addition of the last decade to the antifungal armamentarium, which, owing to their unique mechanism of action, selectively target the fungal cells without affecting mammalian cells. Since the time of their introduction, they have come to occupy an important niche in the antifungal pharmacotherapy, due to their efficacy, safety, tolerability and favourable pharmacokinetic profiles. This review deals with the varying facets of echinocandins such as their chemistry, in-vitro and in-vivo evaluations, clinical utility and indications, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, and pharmacoeconomic considerations.

Key findings

Clinical studies have demonstrated that the echinocandins – caspofungin, micafungin and anidulafungin – are equivalent, if not superior, to the mainstay antifungal therapies involving amphotericin B and fluconazole. Moreover, echinocandin regimen has been shown to be more cost-effective and economical. Hence, the echinocandins have found favour in the management of invasive systemic fungal infections.

Conclusions

The subtle differences in echinocandins with respect to their pharmacology, clinical therapy and the mechanisms of resistance are emerging at a rapid pace from the current pool of research which could potentially aid in extending their utility in the fungal infections of the eye, heart and nervous system.
Essential oils and hydrophilic extracts from the leaves and flowers of Succisa pratensis Moench. and their biological activity
Authors: Witkowska-Banaszczak Ewa , Długaszewska Jolanta
Published: July 2017

Objectives

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant activity of methanol and water extracts from Succisa pratensis Moench (Dipsacaceae) leaves and flowers as well as the chemical composition of the essential oils found in them and the antimicrobial activity of the oils and extracts thereof.

Methods

The essential oils from S. pratensis leaves and flowers were analysed by the GC-MS. The total phenolic content was determined with Folin–Ciocalteu, that of flavonoids with aluminium chloride and that of phenolic acids with Arnov's reagent. The antioxidant activity was investigated by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Antimicrobial activity was studied in vitro against G-positive and G-negative bacteria, and fungi using disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods.

Key findings

Eighty-six components of the leaf essential oil and 50 of the flower essential oil were identified. The main components of the leaf essential oil were 2-hexyl-1-octanol (5.76%) and heptacosane (5.53%), whereas hexadecanoic acid (16.10%), 8-octadecen-1-ol acetate (9.86%), methyl linolenate (8.58%), pentacosane (6.63%) and heptacosane (5.50%) were found in the flower essential oil. The essential oils exerted high antimicrobial activity (range: 0.11 to >3.44mg/ml) against the following bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and fungi: Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Candida albicans, whereas the methanol and water extracts showed moderate or weak activity. The strongest antioxidant activity was shown by methanol extracts from S. pratensis leaves, IC50 = 0.09 mg/ml. There was a positive correlation between the total phenolic content and the antimicrobial activity, while for the antioxidant effect, it was not observed.

Conclusions

The results suggest great antibacterial activity of the oils and high antioxidant activity of the methanol extract and may justify the application in treating infections.
Chemical composition and diuretic, natriuretic and kaliuretic effects of extracts of Mimosa bimucronata (DC.) Kuntze leaves and its majority constituent methyl gallate in rats
Authors: Schlickmann Fabile , de Souza Priscila , Boeing Thaise , Mariano Luisa N B , Steimbach Viviane M B , Krueger Clarissa de M A , da Silva Luísa M , de Andrade Sérgio F , Cechinel-Filho Valdir
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Some species of the genus Mimosa showed promising results in previous investigations, which include diuretic effect; however, no chemical analyses or animal model has been conducted so far to evaluate the biological properties of M. bimucronata.

Methods

Male Wistar rats received the oral treatment with vehicle; hydrochlorothiazide; methanolic extract from M. bimucronata (MEMB), dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EA) fractions or methyl gallate (MG). The cumulative urine volume, electrolytes excretion, pH and osmolality were determined at the end of the experiment.

Key findings

The chemical studies demonstrated that the phenolic compounds are the majorities in the plant, with the MG being the main substance identified. We showed that MEMB and EA fraction, but not DCM, exhibited diuretic and saluretic effects. Similarly, the MG also revealed diuretic, natriuretic and kaliuretic properties to both normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Atropine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, fully prevented MG-induced diuresis and saluresis. In addition, MG did not alter the viability of A7r5 and L929 cell lines and neither stimulated nitric oxide generation.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that M. bimucronata extracts and its majority compound MG present diuretic, natriuretic and kaliuretic properties, which was dependent on the activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor.
Validation and description of Symbiodinium microadriaticum, the type species of Symbiodinium (Dinophyta)
Authors: LaJeunesse Todd C.
Published: July 2017

It has been 55 years since Hugo Freudenthal described Symbiodinium microadriaticum (Dinophyceae), the type species of this large and important dinoflagellate genus found commonly in mutualistic symbiosis with cnidarians, other invertebrates, and certain protists. However, no type specimen was designated by Freudenthal, thus S. microadriaticum was invalid, as was Symbiodinium and every species subsequently assigned to the genus. The original culture was lost, but since 1979, a different culture, CCMP2464/rt‐061, had been considered to represent S. microadriaticum. From this culture, a preserved specimen is herein designated the holotype of S. microadriaticum, validating the binomial and Symbiodinium. All binary designations previously considered to belong in Symbiodinium also are validated herein.
Do physical activity and body mass index modify the association between chronic musculoskeletal pain and insomnia? Longitudinal data from the HUNT study, Norway
Authors: Skarpsno Eivind S. , Nilsen Tom I. L. , Sand Trond , Hagen Knut , Mork Paul J.
Published: July 2017

We investigated the prospective association between chronic musculoskeletal pain and risk of insomnia, and if leisure‐time physical activity and body mass index modify this association. The study comprised historical data on 11 909 women and 9938 men in the Norwegian HUNT study without sleep problems at baseline in 1995–97 and followed‐up for insomnia in 2006–08. Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Compared to pain‐free participants, any chronic pain was associated with a RR of insomnia of 2.27 (95% CI: 1.93, 2.66) in women and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.28, 1.95) in men, whereas reporting ≥5 chronic pain sites gave RRs of 3.20 (95% CI: 2.60, 3.95) and 2.40 (95% CI: 1.76, 3.27), respectively. Analysis of joint effects showed that: (i) compared to pain‐free physically active people, RRs in people with ≥5 chronic pain sites were 3.77 (95% CI: 2.42–5.85) if they were inactive and 2.76 (95% CI: 2.29, 3.31) if they were active; and (ii) compared to pain‐free people with normal weight, RRs in people with ≥5 chronic pain sites were 3.52 (95% CI: 2.81, 4.40) if they were obese and 2.93 (95% CI: 2.24, 3.84) if they had normal weight. In conclusion, chronic musculoskeletal pain increases the risk of insomnia, particularly among those who report several pain sites. Although there was no clear evidence of modifying effects, our results suggest that a healthy active lifestyle reduces the risk of insomnia in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Integrative body–mind–spirit intervention for concurrent sleep and mood disturbances: sleep‐specific daytime functioning mediates sleep and mood improvements
Authors: Ji Xiao‐Wen , Ng Siu‐Man , Chan Cecilia L. W. , Chan Jessie S. M. , Chan Celia H. Y. , Chung Ka‐Fai
Published: July 2017

Sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms are associated closely with daytime dysfunctions, yet few studies have investigated their temporal relationship in a randomized controlled trial. We investigated the inter‐relationships among sleep, depressive symptoms and daytime functioning following an integrative body–mind–spirit (I‐BMS) intervention. One hundred and eighty‐five participants (mean age 55.28 years, 75.1% female) with co‐existing sleep and depressive symptoms were randomized to I‐BMSor waiting‐list. Daytime functioning variables included the daytime dysfunction items of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI‐day), Somatic Symptom Inventory, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and Short Form Health Survey collected at baseline, post‐treatment and 3‐month follow‐up. Sleep and depressive symptoms were measured by the sleep items of thePSQI(PSQI‐night) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (excluding the sleep item) (CESD‐M). Regression and path analyses were used to understand the role of daytime functioning in sleep and depressive symptoms. We found significant group and time effects on almost all daytime variables and significant group × time interactions onPSQI‐day and somatic symptoms. The adjusted regression model showed thatCESD‐M was associated with all daytime variables. However,PSQI‐night was associated only withPSQI‐day. Path analyses indicated thatPSQI‐day bridgedPSQI‐night andCESD‐M in a two‐way direction after the I‐BMSintervention. The conclusion was that, following I‐BMSintervention, improvement in daytime functioning was related predominantly to improvement in depressive symptoms. Night‐time sleep related only to daytime dysfunction that was specific to sleep disturbances. Therefore, ‘sleep‐specific daytime impairment’ could be regarded as a major link from night‐time sleep to depressive symptoms. More studies are required to understand the concept of ‘sleep‐specific daytime impairment’.
Hepatic farnesoid X receptor protein level and circulating fibroblast growth factor 19 concentration in children with NAFLD
Authors: Nobili Valerio , Alisi Anna , Mosca Antonella , Della Corte Claudia , Veraldi Silvio , De Vito Rita , De Stefanis Cristiano , D'Oria Valentina , Jahnel Joerg , Zohrer Evelyn , Scorletti Eleonora , Byrne Christopher D.
Published: July 2017

Background & Aims

Treatment with the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid is ineffective in some patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) but the explanation is uncertain. We investigated hepatic FXR expression, and measurements of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and bile acids (BAs) in children with NAFLD to investigate relationships with NASH.

Methods

33 children with NAFLD who underwent diagnostic liver biopsy were studied. Hepatic FXR protein levels and circulating FGF19 concentrations were compared with those analysed in five control subjects with proven normal liver histology. NASH was defined by the Paediatric NAFLD Histological Score (PNHS). Binary logistic regression with adjustment for covariates and potential confounders was undertaken to test factors independently associated with: a) NASH and b) hepatic FXR protein levels.

Results

Mean ± SD age was 13.7 ± 1.9 years. Nineteen patients had NASH (PNHS ≥ 85) and 14 did not have NASH (PNHS < 85). Hepatic FXR level and plasma FGF19 concentration varied ~10‐fold and 5‐fold, respectively, between groups, and was highest in control subjects, intermediate in NAFLD without NASH, and lowest in NASH (between group differences P < .001 and P < .01 respectively). NASH was independently associated with both FXR protein levels (OR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.09, 0.38) and FGF19 concentration (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.20, 0.89).

Conclusions

FXR protein levels vary markedly between normal liver, NAFLD without NASH, and NASH. Low levels of FXR are independently associated with NASH.
Early transcriptional response pathways in Daphnia magna are coordinated in networks of crustacean‐specific genes
Authors: Orsini Luisa , Brown James B. , Shams Solari Omid , Li Dong , He Shan , Podicheti Ram , Stoiber Marcus H. , Spanier Katina I. , Gilbert Donald , Jansen Mieke , Rusch Douglas B. , Pfrender Michael E. , Colbourne John K. , Frilander Mikko J. , Kvist Jouni , Decaestecker Ellen , De Schamphelaere Karel A. C. , De Meester Luc
Published: July 2017

Natural habitats are exposed to an increasing number of environmental stressors that cause important ecological consequences. However, the multifarious nature of environmental change, the strength and the relative timing of each stressor largely limit our understanding of biological responses to environmental change. In particular, early response to unpredictable environmental change, critical to survival and fitness in later life stages, is largely uncharacterized. Here, we characterize the early transcriptional response of the keystone species Daphnia magna to twelve environmental perturbations, including biotic and abiotic stressors. We first perform a differential expression analysis aimed at identifying differential regulation of individual genes in response to stress. This preliminary analysis revealed that a few individual genes were responsive to environmental perturbations and they were modulated in a stressor and genotype‐specific manner. Given the limited number of differentially regulated genes, we were unable to identify pathways involved in stress response. Hence, to gain a better understanding of the genetic and functional foundation of tolerance to multiple environmental stressors, we leveraged the correlative nature of networks and performed a weighted gene co‐expression network analysis. We discovered that approximately one‐third of the Daphnia genes, enriched for metabolism, cell signalling and general stress response, drives transcriptional early response to environmental stress and it is shared among genetic backgrounds. This initial response is followed by a genotype‐ and/or condition‐specific transcriptional response with a strong genotype‐by‐environment interaction. Intriguingly, genotype‐ and condition‐specific transcriptional response is found in genes not conserved beyond crustaceans, suggesting niche‐specific adaptation.