bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between ADH1B*3 and alcohol‐facilitating social environments in alcohol behaviors among college students of african descent
Authors: Desalu Jessica M. , Zaso Michelle J. , Kim Jueun , Belote John M. , Park Aesoon
Published: May 2017

Background and Objectives

Although alcohol‐facilitating social environmental factors, such as alcohol offers and high perceived peer drinking norms, have been extensively studied as determinants of college drinking, their role among college students of African descent remains understudied. Furthermore, gene‐environment interaction research suggests that the effects of alcohol‐facilitating environments may differ as a function of genetic factors. Specifically, the alcohol dehydrogenase gene's ADH1B*3 allele, found almost exclusively in persons of African descent, may modulate the association of risky social environments with alcohol behaviors. The current study examined whether the ADH1B*3 allele attenuated the relationship between alcohol‐facilitating environments (ie, alcohol offers and perceived peer drinking norms) and alcohol behaviors.

Method

Participants were 241 undergraduate students who self‐identified as being of African descent (mean age = 20 years [SD = 4.11]; 66% female).

Results

Significant interaction effects of ADH1B*3 with alcohol offers were found on alcohol use frequency (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.14) and on drinking consequences (IRR = 1.21). ADH1B*3 also interacted with perceived peer norms on drinking consequences (IRR = 1.41). Carriers of the ADH1B*3 allele drank less frequently and experienced fewer negative consequences than non‐carriers when exposed to lower levels of alcohol offers and perceived peer drinking. In contrast, in high alcohol‐facilitating environments, no protective genetic effect was observed.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study demonstrates that ADH1B*3 may protect college students of African descent against alcohol outcomes, although only in low alcohol‐facilitating environments.

Scientific Significance

Findings add to the growing body of knowledge regarding genetic and social determinants of alcohol behaviors among college students of African descent. (Am J Addict 2017;26:349–356)
Reconsidering the Role of Politics in Leaving Religion: The Importance of Affiliation
Authors: Djupe Paul A. , Neiheisel Jacob R. , Sokhey Anand E.
Published: May 2017

Studies have pointed to politics as an important force driving people away from religion—the argument is that the dogmatic politics of the Christian Right have alienated liberals and moderates, effectively threatening organized religion in America. We argue that existing explanations are incomplete; a proper reconsideration necessitates distinguishing processes of affiliation (with specific congregations) from identification (with religious traditions). Using three data sets, we find evidence that qualifies and complements existing narratives of religious exit. Evaluations of congregational political fit drive retention decisions. At the same time, opposition to the Christian Right only bears on retention decisions when it is salient in a congregational context, affecting primarily evangelicals and Republicans. These results help us understand the dynamics of the oft‐observed relationship between the Christian Right and deidentification and urge us to adopt a broader, more pluralistic view of the politicization of American religion.
Allergen immunotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dhami S. , Nurmatov U. , Arasi S. , Khan T. , Asaria M. , Zaman H. , Agarwal Arnav , Netuveli G. , Roberts G. , Pfaar O. , Muraro A. , Ansotegui I. J. , Calderon M. , Cingi C. , Durham S. , van Wijk R. Gerth , Halken S. , Hamelmann E. , Hellings P. , Jacobsen L. , Knol E. , Larenas‐Linnemann D. , Lin S. , Maggina P. , Mösges R. , Oude Elberink H. , Pajno G. , Panwankar R. , Pastorello E. , Penagos M. , Pitsios C. , Rotiroti G. , Timmermans F. , Tsilochristou O. , Varga E.‐M. , Schmidt‐Weber C. , Wilkinson J. , Williams A. , Worm M. , Zhang L. , Sheikh A.
Published: May 2017

Background

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is in the process of developing Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) for Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis. To inform the development of clinical recommendations, we undertook a systematic review to assess the effectiveness, cost‐effectiveness, and safety of AIT in the management of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Methods

We searched nine international biomedical databases for published, in‐progress, and unpublished evidence. Studies were independently screened by two reviewers against predefined eligibility criteria and critically appraised using established instruments. Our primary outcomes of interest were symptom, medication, and combined symptom and medication scores. Secondary outcomes of interest included cost‐effectiveness and safety. Data were descriptively summarized and then quantitatively synthesized using random‐effects meta‐analyses.

Results

We identified 5960 studies of which 160 studies satisfied our eligibility criteria. There was a substantial body of evidence demonstrating significant reductions in standardized mean differences (SMD) of symptom (SMD −0.53, 95% CI −0.63, −0.42), medication (SMD −0.37, 95% CI −0.49, −0.26), and combined symptom and medication (SMD −0.49, 95% CI −0.69, −0.30) scores while on treatment that were robust to prespecified sensitivity analyses. There was in comparison a more modest body of evidence on effectiveness post‐discontinuation of AIT, suggesting a benefit in relation to symptom scores.

Conclusions

AIT is effective in improving symptom, medication, and combined symptom and medication scores in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis while on treatment, and there is some evidence suggesting that these benefits are maintained in relation to symptom scores after discontinuation of therapy.
Expression and prognostic significance of programmed death protein 1 and programmed death ligand‐1, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated molecule‐4 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chang Hyeyoon , Jung Wonkyung , Kim Aeree , Kim Han Kyeom , Kim Wan Bae , Kim Ji Hoon , Kim Baek‐hui
Published: May 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies and causes of death worldwide. In this study, we assessed the correlation between clinicopathologic factors with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1), and cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated molecule‐4 (CTLA‐4) expressions. Furthermore, we analyzed the prognostic significance of these proteins in a subgroup of patients. We retrospectively evaluated the PD‐1, PD‐L1, and CTLA‐4 expressions in 294 HCC tissue microarray samples using immunohistochemistry. PD‐1 and PD‐L1 expressions were significant related to high CD8+ tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (r = 0.664, p < 0.001 and r = 0.149, p = 0.012). Only high Edmondson–Steiner grade was statistically related to high PD‐1 expression. High PD‐L1 expression was demonstrated as an independent poor prognostic factor for disease‐free survival in addition to previous known factors, size >5 cm and serum albumin ≤3.5 g/dL in high CD8+ TILs group. We have demonstrated that the combined high expression of PD‐L1 and CD8+ TIL is an important prognostic factor related to the immune checkpoint pathway in HCC and furthermore, there is a possibility that it could be used as a predictor of therapeutic response. Also, this result would be helpful in evaluating the applicable group of PD‐1/PD‐L1 blocking agent for HCC patients.
Leaving the field: (de‐)linked lives of the researcher and research assistant
Authors: Caretta Martina Angela , Cheptum Florence Jemutai
Published: May 2017

Leaving the field is a crucial moment that has been examined neither from an emotional point of view nor from a life course perspective. In this co‐authored paper, we, the researcher and the research assistant, analyse through our diaries how this moment was entangled with decisive life events and how our emotions were conditioned by our embodied experience of sickness, separation and incertitude towards the future. Departing from life course and feminist geographical reflexive standpoints, we engage with the complexities of positionality and turning points. Drawing on the duality of our experiences of separation and the individual and collective evolution of our positionalities and identities, this paper reifies the life course principle of linked lives by examining the interdependency of researchers’ and research assistants’ lives.
Everyday experiences of economic change: repositioning geographies of children, youth and families
Authors: Pimlott‐Wilson Helena , Hall Sarah Marie
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we argue for repositioning geographies of children, youth and families at the centre rather than at the periphery of discussions about the economy. This not only reveals what contemporary and lived experiences of economic change feel and look like, but also exposes deeper problematics about the geographically and socially uneven nature of neoliberalism and the austere state. This paper also introduces a collection which, when taken together, explores intersections between everyday life and austerity, with children, youth and families as the focus of inquiry. Adopting a multi‐scalar approach, the collected papers ‘zoom in’ to explore the everyday realities of austere life in the UK in order to refract our understanding of the broader condition of economic change and concomitant austerity measures. Simultaneously, and speaking to a wider political agenda, the collection can be scaled up, or the framing ‘zoomed out’, to question and actively address the injustices of austerity and neoliberal retrenchment.
A path model of different forms of impulsivity with externalizing and internalizing psychopathology: Towards greater specificity
Authors: Johnson Sheri L. , Tharp Jordan A. , Peckham Andrew D. , Carver Charles S. , Haase Claudia M.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

A growing empirical literature indicates that emotion‐related impulsivity (compared to impulsivity that is unrelated to emotion) is particularly relevant for understanding a broad range of psychopathologies. Recent work, however, has differentiated two forms of emotion‐related impulsivity: A factor termed Pervasive Influence of Feelings captures tendencies for emotions (mostly negative emotions) to quickly shape thoughts, and a factor termed Feelings Trigger Action captures tendencies for positive and negative emotions to quickly and reflexively shape behaviour and speech. This study used path modelling to consider links from emotion‐related and non‐emotion‐related impulsivity to a broad range of psychopathologies.

Design and methods

Undergraduates completed self‐report measures of impulsivity, depression, anxiety, aggression, and substance use symptoms.

Results

A path model (N = 261) indicated specificity of these forms of impulsivity. Pervasive Influence of Feelings was related to anxiety and depression, whereas Feelings Trigger Action and non‐emotion‐related impulsivity were related to aggression and substance use.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that emotion‐relevant impulsivity could be a potentially important treatment target for a set of psychopathologies.

Practitioner points

Recent work has differentiated two forms of emotion‐related impulsivity.

This study tests a multivariate path model linking emotion‐related and non‐emotion‐related impulsivity with multiple forms of psychopathology.

Impulsive thoughts in response to negative emotions were related to anxiety and depression.

Impulsive actions in response to emotions were related to aggression and substance use, as did non‐emotion‐related impulsivity.

The study was limited by the reliance on self‐report measures of impulsivity and psychopathology.

There is a need for longitudinal work on how these forms of impulsivity predict the onset and course of psychopathology.
Distress, omnipotence, and responsibility beliefs in command hallucinations
Authors: Ellett Lyn , Luzon Olga , Birchwood Max , Abbas Zarina , Harris Abi , Chadwick Paul
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Command hallucinations are considered to be one of the most distressing and disturbing symptoms of schizophrenia. Building on earlier studies, we compare key attributes in the symptomatic, affective, and cognitive profiles of people diagnosed with schizophrenia and hearing voices that do (n = 77) or do not (n = 74) give commands.

Methods

The study employed a cross‐sectional design, in which we assessed voice severity, distress and control (PSYRATs), anxiety and depression (HADS), beliefs about voices (BAVQ‐R), and responsibility beliefs (RIQ). Clinical and demographic variables were also collected.

Results

Command hallucinations were found to be more distressing and controlling, perceived as more omnipotent and malevolent, linked to higher anxiety and depression, and resisted more than hallucinations without commands. Commanding voices were also associated with higher conviction ratings for being personally responsible for preventing harm.

Conclusions

The findings suggest key differences in the affective and cognitive profiles of people who hear commanding voices, which have important implications for theory and psychological interventions.

Practitioner points

Command hallucinations are associated with higher distress, malevolence, and omnipotence.

Command hallucinations are associated with higher responsibility beliefs for preventing harm.

Responsibility beliefs are associated with voice‐related distress.

Future psychological interventions for command hallucinations might benefit from focussing not only on omnipotence, but also on responsibility beliefs, as is done in psychological therapies for obsessive compulsive disorder.

Limitations

The cross‐sectional design does not assess issues of causality.

We did not measure the presence or severity of delusions.
Turf wars: exploring splenomegaly in sickle cell disease in malaria‐endemic regions
Authors: Tubman Venée N. , Makani Julie
Published: May 2017

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of recessively inherited disorders of erythrocyte function that presents an ongoing threat to reducing childhood and adult morbidity and mortality around the world. While decades of research have led to improved survival for SCD patients in wealthy countries, survival remains dismal in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Much of the early mortality associated with SCD is attributed to increased risk of infections due to early loss of splenic function. In the West, bacterial infections with encapsulated organisms are a primary concern. In sub‐Saharan Africa, where the majority of infants with SCD are born, the same is true. However malaria presents an additional threat to survival. The search for factors that define variability in sickle cell phenotypes should include environmental modifiers, such as malaria. Further exploration of this relationship could lead to novel strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality attributable to infections. In this review, we explore the interactions between SCD, malaria and the spleen to better understand how splenomegaly and splenic (dys)function may co‐exist in patients with SCD living in malaria‐endemic areas.
Selective κ receptor partial agonist HS666 produces potent antinociception without inducing aversion after i.c.v. administration in mice
Authors: Spetea Mariana , Eans Shainnel O , Ganno Michelle L , Lantero Aquilino , Mairegger Michael , Toll Lawrence , Schmidhammer Helmut , McLaughlin Jay P
Published: May 2017

Background and purpose

The κ receptor has a central role in modulating neurotransmission in central and peripheral neuronal circuits that subserve pain and other behavioural responses. Although κ receptor agonists do not produce euphoria or lead to respiratory suppression, they induce dysphoria and sedation. We hypothesized that brain‐penetrant κ receptor ligands possessing biased agonism towards G protein signalling over β‐arrestin2 recruitment would produce robust antinociception with fewer associated liabilities.

Experimental approach

Two new diphenethylamines with high κ receptor selectivity, HS665 and HS666, were assessed following i.c.v. administration in mouse assays of antinociception with the 55°C warm‐water tail withdrawal test, locomotor activity in the rotorod and conditioned place preference. The [35S]‐GTPγS binding and β‐arrestin2 recruitment in vitro assays were used to characterize biased agonism.

Key results

HS665 (κ receptor agonist) and HS666 (κ receptor partial agonist) demonstrated dose‐dependent antinociception after i.c.v. administration mediated by the κ receptor. These highly selective κ receptor ligands displayed varying biased signalling towards G protein coupling in vitro, consistent with a reduced liability profile, reflected by reduced sedation and absence of conditioned place aversion for HS666.

Conclusions and implications

HS665 and HS666 activate central κ receptors to produce potent antinociception, with HS666 displaying pharmacological characteristics of a κ receptor analgesic with reduced liability for aversive effects correlating with its low efficacy in the β‐arrestin2 signalling pathway. Our data provide further understanding of the contribution of central κ receptors in pain suppression, and the prospect of dissociating the antinociceptive effects of HS665 and HS666 from κ receptor‐mediated adverse effects.
Response of Htr3a knockout mice to antidepressant treatment and chronic stress
Authors: Martin Vincent , Riffaud Armance , Marday Tevrasamy , Brouillard Charly , Franc Bernard , Tassin Jean‐Pol , Sevoz‐Couche Caroline , Mongeau Raymond , Lanfumey Laurence
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose

It has recently been suggested that 5‐HT3 receptor blockade enhances the efficacy of selective 5‐HT (serotonin) reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants and may reverse stress‐induced deficits in rodents.

Experimental Approach

To further explore this hypothesis, we used mice lacking the 5‐HT3 receptor (Htr3a KO) and their wild‐type (WT) controls to assess their response in behavioural paradigms relevant to anxiety and depression. Mice were studied under basal, antidepressant treatments and chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) conditions.

Key Results

In basal conditions, Htr3a KO mice displayed anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like behaviours in the elevated plus maze, the social interaction and the forced swim tests (FST), but behaved as WT mice in response to acute citalopram in the FST. However, the effects of fluoxetine were blunted in Htr3a KO mice in these same tests. In an in vitro electrophysiological paradigm, a low‐dose citalopram treatment triggered 5‐HT1A receptor desensitization only in the dorsal raphe nucleus of Htr3a KO, although a high dose desensitized 5‐HT1A autoreceptor function equally in Htr3a KO and WT mice, suggesting that citalopram may become effective at lower doses when 5‐HT3 receptors are inactivated. In addition, Htr3a deletion blocked CSDS‐induced modification in the cortical expression of two genes involved in oxidative stress, CaMKIIa and SOD1.

Conclusions and Implications

Taken together, these data show that Htr3a deletion promotes SSRI efficacy and prevents the occurrence of stress‐induced deleterious effects, suggesting that the 5‐HT3 receptor may represent an interesting target for the treatment of stress‐related disorders.
Final results of a European, multicentre, prospective, observational study of Permacol™ collagen paste injection for the treatment of anal fistula
Authors: Giordano P. , Sileri P. , Buntzen S. , Nunoo‐Mensah J. , Lenisa L. , Singh B. , Thorlacius‐Ussing O. , Griffiths B. , Vujovic Z. , Stuto A.
Published: May 2017

Aim

Permacol™ collagen paste (Permacol™ paste) is an acellular cross‐linked porcine dermal collagen matrix suspension for use in soft‐tissue repair. The use of Permacol™ paste in the filling of anorectal fistula tract is a new sphincter‐preserving method for fistula repair. The MASERATI100 study was a prospective, observational clinical study with the objective to assess the efficacy of Permacol™ collagen paste for anal fistula repair in 100 patients.

Method

Patients (n = 100) with anal fistula were treated, at 10 European surgical sites, with a sphincter‐preserving technique using Permacol™ paste. Fistula healing was assessed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post‐treatment, with the primary end‐point being healing at 6 months. Faecal continence and patient satisfaction were surveyed at each follow‐up; adverse events (AEs) were monitored throughout the follow‐up.

Results

At 6 months postsurgery, 56.7% of patients were healed and the percentage healed was largely maintained, with 53.5% healed at 12 months. Regarding AEs, 29.0% of patients had at least one AE, and 16.0% of patients had one or more procedure‐related AE. Most AEs reported were minor and similar to those commonly observed after fistula treatment, and the incidence of serious adverse events was low (4.0% of patients). Regardless of treatment outcome, 73.0% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure.

Conclusion

Permacol™ paste is a promising sphincter‐preserving treatment for anal fistulae and has minimal adverse side‐effects.
‘It's Fast, It's Quick, It Stops Me Being Sick’: How to influence preparation of opioid tablets for injection
Authors: Lafferty Lise , Treloar Carla , van Breda Nick , Steele Maureen , Hiley Sarah , Flaherty Ian , Salmon Allison
Published: May 2017

Introduction and Aims. Injection of pharmaceutical opioids (PO) among people who inject drugs has increased in many countries. The common method for preparing PO tablets for injection uses heat, resulting in greater particulate matter and therefore increased risk of local infection risk and damage to veins and organs. A cold preparation process has fewer risks, but this preparation method is not commonly used. This study seeks to explore how people who inject PO learn to prepare injections and how health promotion efforts could influence practice. Design and Methods. Between March and December 2013, qualitative interviews were undertaken with 33 clients of Sydney's Medically Supervised Injecting Centre who inject PO tablets regarding sources of knowledge and current preparation methods for injection of POs. Results. Overwhelmingly, the most commonly reported source of knowledge around injection of tablets was others who inject. Most participants reported heating the solution as the quickest way to administer the drug. Attitudes to the use of wheel filters varied, with some participants reporting that they would use the filters if they were shown how, while others reported a number of barriers to using filters, including complexity of use. Discussion and Conclusions. Harnessing the power of social connections may provide avenues for education about safer injecting of tablets, including the use of wheel filters. Further work is required to debunk myths about the relative potencies of cold versus hot drug solution. Collaborations between harm reduction workers and peer workers would assist in knowledge dissemination regarding safer injecting practices.
Fish assemblage production estimates in Appalachian streams across a latitudinal and temperature gradient
Authors: Myers Bonnie J.E. , Dolloff C. Andrew , Webster Jackson R. , Nislow Keith H. , Fair Brandon , Rypel Andrew L.
Published: May 2017

Production of biomass is central to the ecology and sustainability of fish assemblages. The goal of this study was to empirically estimate and compare fish assemblage production, production‐to‐biomass (P/B) ratios and species composition for 25 second‐ to third‐order streams spanning the Appalachian Mountains (from Vermont to North Carolina) that vary in their temperature regimes. Fish assemblage production estimates ranged from 0.15 to 6.79 g m−2 year−1, and P/B ratios ranged from 0.20 to 1.07. There were no significant differences in mean assemblage production across northern cold‐water, southern cold‐water and southern cool‐water streams (p = .35). Two warm‐water streams, not included in these comparisons, had the highest mean production and biomass values. Mean assemblage P/B was significantly higher in northern cold‐water streams relative to southern cold‐water and cool‐water streams (p = .01). Species evenness in production declined with stream temperature and differed significantly across the lower latitude cold‐water, cool‐water and warm‐water streams and the higher latitude (i.e. more northern) cold‐water streams. Our fish assemblage production estimates and P/B ratios were both lower and higher compared to previously published estimates for similar stream habitats. This study provides empirical fish assemblage production estimates to inform future research on southern Appalachian streams and on the potential impacts of varying temperature regimes on cold‐water, cool‐water and warm‐water fish production in the coming decades as climate change continues to threaten fish assemblages.
Direct endovascular treatment: an alternative for bridging therapy in anterior circulation large‐vessel occlusion stroke
Authors: Wang H. , Zi W. , Hao Y. , Yang D. , Shi Z. , Lin M. , Wang S. , Liu W. , Wang Z. , Liu X. , Guo F. , Liu Y. , Xu G. , Xiong Y. , Liu X. ,   the ACTUAL Investigators
Published: May 2017

Background and purpose

Whether intravenous thrombolysis prior to endovascular treatment in patients with anterior circulation large‐vessel occlusion (LVO) is indispensable remains unclear. The aim was to retrospectively compare, in a Chinese population, the effectiveness and safety of direct endovascular treatment (DEVT) initiated within 4.5 h after onset with bridging therapy in acute anterior circulation LVO stroke patients.

Methods

A total of 363 patients, 160 in the bridging therapy group and 203 in the DEVT group, were enrolled between 2014 and 2016. Using propensity score matching analysis, 276 patients were matched. A modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 was considered as good functional outcome.

Results

Good functional outcome at 90 days in the DEVT group [40.6% (56/138)] did not significantly differ from that in the bridging group [44.9% (62/138)] (P = 0.53). Rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage [13.8% (19/138) vs. 13.0% (18/138), P = 1.00] and mortality [25.4% (35/138) vs. 23.9% (33/138), P = 0.88] within 90 days were also not significantly different. Patients in the DEVT group had a lower rate of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage [28.3% (39/138) vs. 44.9% (62/138), P = 0.01] and a higher rate of successful reperfusion [92.0% (127/138) vs. 81.9% (113/138), P = 0.02].

Conclusions

Our results suggest that, in Chinese patients with anterior circulation LVO stroke, direct endovascular mechanical thrombectomy initiated within an intravenous thrombolysis time window carries similar effectiveness to that of bridging therapy and a decreased asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage risk. DEVT may be an alternative for bridging therapy. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted.
PESO: a modelling framework to help improve management strategies for epidemics – application to sharka
Authors: Picard Coralie , Rimbaud Loup , Hendrikx Pascal , Soubeyrand Samuel , Jacquot Emmanuel , Thébaud Gaël
Published: May 2017

The optimization of management strategies for plant diseases is a difficult task because of the complexity and variability of epidemic dynamics. Thanks to their ability to numerically simulate many scenarios, models can be used to estimate epidemiological parameters, assess the effectiveness of different management strategies and optimize them. This article presents the PESO (parameter estimation–simulation–optimization) modelling framework to help improve plant disease management strategies. This framework is based on (i) the characterization of the epidemic dynamics to estimate key epidemiological parameters, (ii) the use of spatially explicit models to simulate epidemic dynamics and disease management, and (iii) the use of numerical optimization methods to identify better management strategies. This approach is generic and can be applied to many diseases. The work presented here focuses on sharka (caused by Plum pox virus), which has a worldwide impact on the Prunus industry, and is associated with huge disease management costs in many countries, especially in France.
Petrography and geochemistry of upper Triassic sandstones from the Tumengela Formation in the Woruo Mountain area, North Qiangtang Basin, Tibet: Implications for provenance, source area weathering, and tectonic setting
Authors: Wang Zhongwei , Wang Jian , Fu Xiugen , Feng Xinglei , Wang Dong , Song Chunyan , Chen Wenbin , Zeng Shengqiang
Published: May 2017

The petrography and major and trace element concentrations of the sandstones from the Tumengela Formation in the Woruo Mountain area, North Qiangtang Basin, are studied to determine their provenance, intensity of weathering and tectonic setting. The detrital compositions of the Tumengela sandstone samples are dominated by quartz (58.0–70.1 %, average 64.7 %) and lithic fragments (21.8–35.9 %, average 27.3 %), but low in feldspar content (4.9–12.9 %, average 8.0 %). The sandstones can be classified as litharenite and feldspathic litharenite according to their detrital compositions, which is consistent with the geochemical data. The detrital modal compositions reflect that these sandstones are probably derived from a recycled orogenic source. The index of chemical variability (ICV) and SiO2/Al2O3 ratio values suggest that the compositional maturity and recycling were moderate. The weathering indices such as the chemical index of alteration (CIA), plagioclase index of alteration (PIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW), and Al2O3–(CaO* + Na2O)–K2O (A–CN–K) diagram indicate that the intensities of weathering in the source area were moderate. The Al2O3/TiO2, Th/Co, La/Sc, La/Co, Th/Sc, Cr/Th ratio values and the discriminant function of the Tumengela sandstones indicate that the sediments were mainly derived from felsic source rocks, while also mixed with intermediate source rocks. The comparison of rare earth element patterns and its Eu anomalies to the probable source rocks infer that the sandstones were derived from the combination of granite, rhyolite, dacite, and gneisses. The proximal central uplift belt was probably the primary provenance area as evidenced by the petrographical and geochemical features of the Tumengela sandstones. The multidimensional tectonic discrimination diagram based on major elements show a collision setting (80 %) combined with a rift setting (20 %) for the Tumengela sandstones, which is consistent with the general geology of the study areas.
Strength and deformation behavior of the Shimanto accretionary complex across the Nobeoka thrust
Authors: Kitajima Hiroko , Takahashi Miki , Otsubo Makoto , Saffer Demian , Kimura Gaku
Published: May 2017

A rapid reduction in sediment porosity from 60 to 70 % at seafloor to less than 10 % at several kilometers depth can play an important role in deformation and seismicity in the shallow portion of subduction zones. We conducted deformation experiments on rocks from an ancient accretionary complex, the Shimanto Belt, across the Nobeoka Thrust to understand the deformation behaviors of rocks along plate boundary faults at seismogenic depth. Our experimental results for phyllites in the hanging wall and shale‐tuff mélanges in the footwall of the Nobeoka Thrust indicate that the Shimanto Belt rocks fail brittlely accompanied by a stress drop at effective pressures < 80 MPa, whereas they exhibit strain hardening at higher effective pressures. The transition from brittle to ductile behavior in the shale–tuff mélanges lies on the same trend in effective stress–porosity space as that for clay‐rich and tuffaceous sediments subducting into the modern Nankai subduction zone. Both the absolute yield strength and the effective pressure at the brittle–ductile transition for the phyllosilicate‐rich materials are much lower than for sandstones. These results suggest that as the clay‐rich or tuffaceous sediments subduct and their porosities are reduced, their deformation behavior gradually transitions from ductile to brittle and their yield strength increases. Our results also suggest that samples of the ancient Shimanto accretionary prism can serve as an analog for underthrust rocks at seismogenic depth in the modern Nankai Trough.
Acoustic properties of deformed rocks in the Nobeoka thrust, in the Shimanto Belt, Kyushu, Southwest Japan
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Abe Shogo , Tano Hiroki , Hamahashi Mari , Saito Saneatsu , Kimura Gaku , Yamaguchi Asuka , Fukuchi Rina , Kameda Jun , Hamada Yohei , Kitamura Yujin , Fujimoto Koichiro , Hina Shoko , Eida Mio
Published: May 2017

Laboratory measurements for compressional and shear wave velocities (Vp and Vs, respectively) and porosity were conducted with core samples from the Nobeoka Thrust Drilling Project (NOBELL) under controlled effective pressure (5–65 MPa at 5 MPa intervals) and wet conditions. Samples were classified according to deformation texture as phyllite, foliated cataclasite, or non‐foliated cataclasite. Measured values of Vp, Vs, and porosity are within a range of 5.17–5.57 km/s, 2.60–2.71 km/s, and 2.75–3.10 %, respectively, for phyllite; 4.89–5.23 km/s, 2.46–2.57 km/s, and 3.58–4.53 %, respectively, for foliated cataclasite; and 4.90–5.32 km/s, 2.51–2.63 km/s, and 3.79–4.60 %, respectively, for non‐foliated cataclasite, which are all consistent with the previous laboratory experiments conducted with outcrop samples under dry conditions. However, our results also indicate higher Vp and Vs and lower porosity than those measured by the previous studies that adopted the wire‐line logging methods. The variations in Vp, Vs, and porosity are controlled by deformation structure and are greater for phyllite and foliated cataclasite than for non‐foliated cataclasite.
Effect of raspberry pomace extracts isolated by high pressure extraction on the quality and shelf‐life of beef burgers
Authors: Kryževičūtė Nora , Jaime Isabel , Diez Ana M. , Rovira Jordi , Venskutonis Petras Rimantas
Published: May 2017

Raspberry pomace extracts isolated with supercritical carbon dioxide (SCE) and pressurised ethanol/water (ETE) were tested in beef burgers. Only ETE additives effectively inhibited lipid oxidation and the growth of microorganisms, as it was observed by measuring the changes of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, bacterial counts and the content of O2 and CO2 during storage in the modified atmosphere package. ETE additives also demonstrated some meat colour preservation effects, which were assessed by the intensity of hamburger colour and metmyoglobin concentration. However, ETE additives did not alter burger's taste at the applied concentrations (up to 1%). It may be concluded that the most effective extracts possessing strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activity may be isolated from raspberry pomace by the pressurised liquid extraction with a hydroethanolic solvent; such extracts may be considered as promising additives in meat products for improving their stability and enriching with beneficial to health phytochemicals.
Determinants of user demand for lifelong learning in institutions of higher education
Authors: Sabrià‐Bernadó Betlem , LLinàs‐Audet Xavier , Isus Sofia
Published: May 2017

The main objective of this study is to identify the determinants that influence user demand for lifelong learning in institutions of higher education. Qualitative methodology was used to develop an instrument and a quantitative approach was used for the remainder of the study. After a literature review and in‐depth interviews with experts in lifelong learning, we obtained the dimensions of the study and validated a questionnaire using expert opinion and a pilot test. The results and conclusions drawn from this study indicate the existence of three dimensions in user demand for lifelong learning in institutions of higher education: motivational, conflicts/difficulties and career‐development. The constructs of current‐work, career‐change and personal improvement are linearly related to the motivational dimension; personal‐constructs, external and time‐related constructs are linked to the conflict/difficulties dimension; and working‐environment and professional‐experience constructs are related with the career development dimension. One of the novel contributions of this work is that it obtains empirical evidence on the determinants of demand for lifelong learning from the perspective of people who seek training.
Empathy in paediatric intensive care nurses part 1: Behavioural and psychological correlates
Authors: Latimer Margot , Jackson Philip L. , Eugène Fanny , MacLeod Emily , Hatfield Tara , Vachon‐Presseau Etienne , Michon Pierre‐Emmanuel , Prkachin Kenneth M.
Published: May 2017

Aim

To determine if differences exist between paediatric intensive care nurses and allied health professionals in empathy, secondary trauma, burnout, pain exposure and pain ratings of self and others. Early and late career differences were also examined.

Background

Nurses are routinely exposed to patient pain expression. This work context may make them vulnerable to adverse outcomes such as desensitization to patient pain or a compromise in personal well‐being.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Data were collected from a convenience sample of paediatric intensive care nurses (n = 27) and allied health professionals (n = 24), from September 2014–June 2015, at a Canadian health centre. Both groups completed one demographic and three behavioural scales. Participants underwent fMRI while rating the pain of infant and adult patients in a series of video clips. Data were analyzed using parametric and non‐parametric methods. fMRI results are reported in a second paper.

Results

Nurses were significantly more likely to be exposed to pain at work than allied health professionals and scored significantly higher on dimensions of empathy, secondary trauma and burnout. Nurses scored their own pain and the pain of infant and adult patients, higher than allied health participants. Less experienced nurses had higher secondary trauma and burnout scores than more experienced nurses.

Conclusions

Paediatric intensive care work demands, such as patient pain exposure, may be associated with nurse's higher report of empathy and pain in self and others, but also with higher levels of secondary trauma and burnout, when compared with allied health professionals.
Empathy in paediatric intensive care nurses part 2: Neural correlates
Authors: Jackson Philip L. , Latimer Margot , Eugène Fanny , MacLeod Emily , Hatfield Tara , Vachon‐Presseau Etienne , Michon Pierre‐Emmanuel , Prkachin Kenneth M.
Published: May 2017

Aims

To determine if there are brain activity differences between paediatric intensive care nurses and allied health professionals during pain intensity rating tasks and test whether these differences are related to the population observed (infant or adult) and professional experience.

Background

The underestimation of patients’ pain by healthcare professionals has generally been associated with patterns of change in neural response to vicarious pain, notably reduced activation in regions associated with affective sharing and increased activation in regions associated with regulation, compared with controls. Paediatric nurses, however, have recently been found to provide higher estimates of infants’ pain in comparison to allied health controls, suggesting that changes in neural response of this population might be different than other health professionals.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Functional MRI data were acquired from September 2014–June 2015 and used to compare changes in brain activity in 27 female paediatric care nurses and 24 allied health professionals while rating the pain of infants and adults in a series of video clips.

Results

Paediatric nurses rated infant and adult pain higher than allied health professionals, but the two groups’ neural response only differed during observation of infant pain; paediatric nurses mainly showed significantly less activation in the medial prefrontal cortex (linked to cognitive empathy) and in the left anterior insula and inferior frontal cortex (linked to affective sharing).

Conclusions

Patterns of neural activity to vicarious pain may vary across healthcare professions and patient populations and the amount of professional experience might explain part of these differences.
Core elements to understand and improve coping with Parkinson's disease in patients and family carers: A focus group study
Authors: Navarta‐Sánchez M. Victoria , Caparrós Neus , Riverol Fernández Mario , Díaz De Cerio Ayesa Sara , Ursúa Sesma M. Eugenia , Portillo Mari Carmen
Published: May 2017

Aims

The aim of this study were: (1) To explore the meaning that coping with Parkinson's disease has for patients and family carers; (2) To suggest the components of an intervention focused on enhancing their coping with the disease.

Background

Adapting to Parkinson's disease involves going through many difficult changes; however, it may improve quality of life in patients and family carers. One of the key aspects for facilitating the psychosocial adjustment to Parkinson's disease is the strengthening of coping skills.

Design

A sequential explanatory mixed methods study was carried out. Findings from the qualitative phase are presented.

Methods

Data were collected in May 2014 through three focus groups: one of people with Parkinson's disease (n = 9), one of family carers (n = 7) and one of healthcare professionals (n = 5). All focus groups were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim and content analysis was independently carried out by two researchers.

Findings

The participants coincided in highlighting that coping with Parkinson's disease helped the patient and the family carer in their search for balance; and it implied a transformation in their lives. To aid the process of coping with Parkinson's disease, a multifaceted intervention is proposed.

Conclusion

Coping with Parkinson's disease is a complex process for both patients and family carers and it should therefore be considered a standard service in healthcare policies aimed at this group. The proposed intervention constitutes a nursing tool which has great potential to improve the quality of life in Parkinson's disease and in other long‐term conditions.
Kidnapped: The Ethics of Paying Ransoms
Authors: Howard Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2017

Should governments pay ransoms to terrorist organisations that unjustly kidnap their citizens? The United Kingdom and the United States refuse to negotiate with terrorist groups that kidnap and threaten to kill their people. In contrast, continental European countries, such as France and Germany, have regularly paid ransoms to rescue hostages. Who is right? This debate has raged in the public domain in recent years, but no sustained attempt has been made to subject the matter to philosophical scrutiny. This article explores this issue, focusing on the case of ransom payments to terrorist organisations. It contends that the state's duty to protect its citizens from murder grounds a defeasible obligation to pay ransoms. It considers the objection that a policy of paying ransoms endangers citizens abroad by increasing the likelihood of future kidnappings, and it explains why this objection is not sufficiently weighty. It then identifies a more powerful objection: namely, that a state's payment of ransoms makes the state complicit in the serious injustices that its ransom payments fund. It concludes that unless states can offset their contributions to such injustices, paying ransoms is wrong.
Peasants, bandits, and state intervention: The consolidation of authority in the Ottoman Balkans and Southern Italy
Authors: Cayli Baris
Published: May 2017

This paper explores the role of bandits and state intervention in the Ottoman Balkans and Southern Italy in the 19th century by using archival documents. I argue that the states may react similarly and radically when their authority is challenged in the periphery. The Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Italy developed the same forms of state intervention to fight against the bandits, even though these two states had fundamentally different political, cultural, and socio‐legal structures. I present three different forms of state intervention: (i) victim‐centred state intervention; (ii) security‐centred state intervention; and (iii) authority‐centred state intervention. These three forms consolidated the state's authority while making the two states both fragile and dependent on other social agencies in the long term. I further claim that consolidation of the state's authority manifests the paradox of state intervention and creates more vulnerabilities in traumatic geographies.
The liminality of the patient with dementia in hospital
Authors: Digby Robin , Lee Susan , Williams Allison
Published: May 2017

Aims and objectives

The aim was to explore the experiences of people with dementia in subacute geriatric rehabilitation hospitals to critically evaluate the care received by such patients.

Background

Globally, the number of people with dementia is growing and is expected to impact progressively more on health systems. People with dementia can become deconditioned and deteriorate in cognitive function while in hospital. The unfamiliar environment and people can cause the person to become disorientated, which then leads to behavioural symptoms which complicate care.

Design

Critical ethnography.

Methods

Methods included observation with field notes and 30 audio‐recorded conversational interviews with patients with dementia in an Australian subacute care setting. Data were collected in May–December 2014, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The central theme identified that patients with dementia described a liminal experience and felt like outsiders in the hospital environment. This was supported by the subthemes of not understanding why they were being kept in hospital, feeling lost in the space, bored, anxious about discharge plans and lacking intersubjective relationships. Many felt imprisoned by the locked wards. There was little evidence of nursing care delivered in an empathetic person‐centred way. Nurses were busy and engaged with the patients only superficially.

Conclusions

People with dementia can have a liminal experience and feel like outsiders in this environment, which does not cater for the specific needs of this patient group. It should be acknowledged that people with dementia require additional resources. A caring nurse–patient relationship is fundamental to the patient experience. Nurses require further support and education about dementia in order to deliver quality care to this patient group.

Relevance to clinical practice

These findings will influence nurse leaders to advocate for improved resources for nurses to provide appropriate care for patients with dementia in subacute geriatric hospitals. The clinical practice of nurses needs to be supported with education, pyschological and material support to improve the therapeutic environment for patients with cognitive impairment resulting from dementia.