bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is there still a role for UV therapy in itch treatment?
Authors: Legat Franz J.
Published: July 2019

Itching is a frequent and greatly distressing symptom related to many skin and systemic diseases. New insights into the pathophysiology of itchy skin and potentially involved mediators have increased the interest in and development of new treatments that specifically act on targets involved in the transmission and perception of itching. Phototherapy has long been known and used as an effective treatment for various kinds of chronic itching. However, despite its well‐known beneficial effects, the mechanisms behind the antipruritic effect of phototherapy are less well‐known. In addition, phototherapy requires the use of expensive equipment in dermatology offices, patients must undergo repeated treatments and no large, randomized, controlled trials have yet supported the antipruritic effect of UV. Therefore, phototherapy is rarely recommended as a treatment method for chronic pruritic diseases or only used as a last recourse. However, the wide range of pruritic conditions that can be successfully treated with phototherapy, together with its low acute side effects, extremely low frequency of interactions with other medications, possibilities to combine phototherapy with other treatment modalities and the fact that patients of almost all ages—from childhood to old age, including women during pregnancy or lactation—can be treated make UV therapy advantageous over other treatments of chronic pruritus. Thus, despite the development of new targeted therapies against pruritus, UV therapy is neither outdated nor the ‘last recourse’, but should be considered early on in the treatment of chronic pruritus.
Effects of irrigation system alterations on the trophic position of a threatened top predator in rice‐field ecosystems
Authors: Ohba Shin‐ya , Suzuki Kodai , Sakai Yoichiro , Shibata Jun‐ya , Okuda Noboru
Published: July 2019

Rice fields serve as alternative habitats for wetland species, and their recent reduction in area due to land conversion is considered one of the main human drivers of wetland biodiversity loss. Even for existing rice fields, physico‐chemical disturbances, such as farmland consolidation and agrochemical application, also have negative effects on wetland biodiversity. For fish that inhabit rice fields for at least part of their life history, differences in water level between rice fields and irrigation ditches caused by irrigation system improvements are critical to their abundance by preventing their access.

The ecological impact of differences in water level may extend to the foraging habits and trophic positions of the top predators in rice fields, resulting in the alteration of wetland food webs. Here, we investigated how physical disruptions to habitat networks affect food‐web properties in rice‐field ecosystems.

We conducted stable nitrogen and carbon isotope analysis on a threatened giant water bug, Kirkaldyia deyrolli, to estimate its trophic position as an indicator of food‐chain length. Based on field observations, we found that fish that were at a high trophic position were only available to K. deyrolli in rice fields where there were no physical barriers blocking access to the network of habitats, and the diets of K. deyrolli included fish prey (18%, based on visual observation). The stable isotope analysis revealed that the trophic position of K. deyrolli was significantly lower in rice fields with physical barriers (no fish/10 dips by a dip net) than in those without physical barriers (5.6 fish) due to the absence of fish in locations with barriers.

In conclusion, our study demonstrates that physical alterations are important to community composition and food‐web properties in rice‐field ecosystems because they can act as barriers to fish.
Understanding and predicting frost‐induced tropical tree mortality patterns
Authors: Bojórquez Adrián , Álvarez‐Yépiz Juan C. , Búrquez Alberto , Martínez‐Yrízar Angelina
Published: July 2019

Extreme climatic and weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity across the world causing episodes of widespread tree mortality in many forested ecosystems. However, we have a limited understanding about which local factors influence tree mortality patterns, restricting our ability to predict tree mortality, especially within topographically complex tropical landscapes with a matrix of mature and secondary forests. We investigated the effects of two major local factors, topography and forest successional type, on climate‐induced tropical tree mortality patterns using an observational and modeling approach. The northernmost Neotropical dry forest endured an unprecedented episode of frost‐induced tree mortality after the historic February 2011 cold wave hit northwestern Mexico. In a moderately hilly landscape covering mature and secondary tropical dry forests, we surveyed 454 sites for the presence or absence of frost‐induced tree mortality. In addition, across forty‐eight 1 ha plots equally split into the two forest types, we examined 6,981 woody plants to estimate a frost‐disturbance severity metric using the density of frost‐killed trees. Elevation is the main factor modulating frost effects regardless of forest type. Higher occurrence probabilities of frost‐induced tree mortality at lowland forests can be explained by the strong influence of elevation on temperature distribution since heavier cold air masses move downhill during advective frosts. Holding elevation constant, the probability of frost‐induced tree mortality in mature forests was twice that of secondary forests but severity showed the opposite pattern, suggesting a cautious use of occurrence probabilities of tree mortality to infer severity of climate‐driven disturbances. Extreme frost events, in addition to altering forest successional pathways and ecosystem services, likely maintain and could ultimately shift latitudinal and altitudinal range margins of Neotropical dry forests.
Development and Evaluation of an Optimal Composite Estimator in Spatial Microsimulation Small Area Estimation
Authors: Moretti Angelo , Whitworth Adam
Published: July 2019

A range of data is of geographic interest but is not available at a small area level from existing data sources. Small area estimation (SAE) offers techniques to estimate population parameters of target variables to detailed scales based on relationships between those target variables and relevant auxiliary variables. The resulting indirect small area estimate can deliver a lower mean squared error compared to its direct survey estimate, given that variance can be reduced markedly even if bias increases. Spatial microsimulation SAE approaches are widely utilized but only beginning to engage with the potential of composite estimators that use a weighted combination of indirect and direct estimators to reduce further the mean squared error of the small area estimate compared to an indirect SAE estimator alone. This article advances these approaches by constructing for the first time in the microsimulation literature an optimal composite estimator for such SAE approaches in which the combining weight is calculated from the mean squared errors of the two estimators; thus, optimizing the reduction in MSE of the resulting small area estimates. This optimal composite estimator is demonstrated and evaluated in a model‐based simulation study and application based on the real data.
Value of college athletic programmes in the Korean Higher Education: A contingent valuation study
Authors: Cha Jae Hyuk , Lee Jungmin , Kim Taehee , Chang Kyungro
Published: July 2019

Higher Education institutions in Korea are undergoing restructuring in response to the government reform policy. As one aspect of the restructuring, many colleges are reducing or abolishing the athletic programmes. This study investigated the value of athletic programmes for college students by using the contingent valuation method. The results of a multivariate survival analysis with a convenience sample of 372 undergraduate students indicate that the monetary value of the willingness of a student to pay for athletic programmes was about KRW 116,000 per semester. Students’ level of involvement with and knowledge about intercollegiate athletics, as well as monthly allowance and year in college have positive effects on willingness to pay for athletic programmes.
Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms associated with pemphigus vulgaris: Potent markers for better treatment and personalized medicine
Authors: Mahmoudi HamidReza , Ebrahimi Elaheh , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Balighi Kamran , Mirzazadeh Azin , Elikaei Behjati Somayeh , Tavakolpour Soheil
Published: July 2019

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune blistering disorder, which could affect both skin and mucosal surfaces. There is increasing evidence that genetics plays a critical role in PV development, severity and prognosis. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variation among people and have been widely evaluated in most diseases. However, there are few studies regarding the roles of SNPs in the PV. Here, we reviewed both pathogenic and protective roles of the SNPs in non‐HLA genes regarding the PV. Among the large number of studied SNPs, it was found that several SNPs in different genes might control the susceptibility of PV, including TNFA (rs361525, rs1800629, rs1800629), IL10 (rs1800871, rs1800896, rs1800871, and rs1800872), IL6 (rs1800795), CTLA4 (rs231775), ICOS (rs10932029), CD86 (rs1129055), DSG3 (rs8085532, rs3911655, rs3848485, rs3794925, rs1466379), ST18 (rs2304365, rs17315309) and TAP2 (rs7454108), probably in a population‐specific manner. Moreover, SNPs in glucocorticoid receptor, also known as nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1) gene, including rs11745958, rs17209237, rs33388, rs7701443 as well as rs116855232 at NUDT15, seem to be associated with therapeutic outcomes in PV patients. Additionally, variations in the other genes involved in the drugs' metabolisms, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics such as rs396991 in FCGR3A gene could be used for the prediction of clinical response to drugs and side effects. Taken together, SNPs seem to be valuable tools for better management of PV patients. Further studies need to be conducted to evaluate SNPs in genes that control immune responses and apoptosis.
Migration Governance and Policy in the Global South: Introduction and Overview
Authors: Gisselquist Rachel M. , Tarp Finn
Published: July 2019

Building knowledge about migration governance and policy in the Global South is a priority for research and policy. The studies in this special section offer both new empirical insights and new frameworks for analysis, with key policy implications, that can enrich our discussion of these topics. They focus on issues that relate to national and sub‐national level governance and policy, speaking both to the impact of diverse governance structures and policies on the well‐being of migrants and host communities, and of the policy‐making process itself and the factors influencing that process. In so doing, they point toward promising directions for future work on these topics and underscore the value of multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and cross‐regional analysis. This essay provides an introduction to the studies included in this collection, framing their contributions in the context of research in development and ongoing global discussions on migration policy.
Effect of La2O3 on the oxidation resistance of SiC ceramic at 1973 K: Experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Xie Wei , Fu Qiangang , Cheng Chunyu , Zhang Guangpeng , Yan Ningning , Wang Zhaowei
Published: July 2019

The effect of La2O3 on the oxidation resistance of SiC ceramic at 1973 K was investigated using isothermal oxidation test and first‐principles calculations. The SiC ceramic with La2O3 shows a better oxidation resistance compared with that without La2O3 due to the in situ formed La2Si2O7 in SiO2 glass layer after oxidation at 1973 K. First‐principles calculations based on density functional theory were applied to analyze the solution behaviors of La atom in the surface of SiO2 and La2Si2O7. The solution energy of La atom in SiO2 (0 1 1) is −19.05 eV, which is far less than −4.19 eV in La2Si2O7 (2 0 1) with a La vacancy, thus resulting in that La atom in La2Si2O7 (2 0 1) diffuses into SiO2 (0 1 1). The SiO2 lattice with an interstitial La atom is more stable than that with a substitutional La atom and the interstitial La breaks the nearest Si–O bond to form La–O and La–Si bonds, which is beneficial to improving the high‐temperature stability of SiO2. Experimental and theoretical results indicate that the formation of refractory La2Si2O7 phase enhances the stability of SiO2 glass layer, so as to protect SiC ceramic from further oxidation at 1973 K.
Improvement of densification and microstructure of HfB2 ceramics by Ta/Ti substitution for Hf
Authors: Zhang Yan , Tan Da‐Wang , Guo Wei‐Ming , Wu Li‐Xiang , Sun Shi‐Kuan , You Yang , Lin Hua‐Tay , Wang Cheng‐Yong
Published: July 2019

Ultrafine HfB2 powders were synthesized by the combination of borothermal reduction of HfO2 and solid solution of 5 mol% TiB2 or 5 mol% TaB2, prototypically, (Hf0.95Ti0.05)B2 and (Hf0.95Ta0.05)B2. The influence of substitution on the particle growth, high‐temperature stability, densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of HfB2 was investigated. Results showed that the particle sizes of HfB2, (Hf0.95Ti0.05)B2 and (Hf0.95Ta0.05)B2 powders prepared by borothermal reduction at 1500°C were 1.73, 0.87, and 0.21 µm, respectively. The substitution of TaB2 led to a greater decrease in particles size than TiB2. After heat treatment at 1800°C, the particle sizes of HfB2, (Hf0.95Ti0.05)B2 and (Hf0.95Ta0.05)B2 powders increased to 2.60, 1.59, and 0.32 µm, respectively, indicative of the good high‐temperature stability of TaB2‐substituted HfB2. The relative densities of HfB2, (Hf0.95Ti0.05)B2 and (Hf0.95Ta0.05)B2 ceramics after spark plasma sintering at 2000°C were 76.1%, 85.2% and 99.8%, respectively. The fully dense (Hf0.95Ta0.05)B2 ceramics with fine microstructure showed comparably high Vickers hardness of 21.1 GPa combined with flexural strength of 521.2 MPa. It was proved that the solid solution of TaB2 could effectively inhibit the grain growth of HfB2 powders, and improve the densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of HfB2 ceramics.
Life cycle assessment of functional materials and devices: Opportunities, challenges, and current and future trends
Authors: Smith Lucy , Ibn‐Mohammed Taofeeq , Koh Lenny , Reaney Ian M.
Published: July 2019

Functional ceramics such as piezoelectrics, thermoelectrics, magnetic materials, ionic conductors, and semiconductors are opening new frontiers that underpin numerous aspects of modern life. This widespread usage comes with a responsibility to understand what impact their mass production has on the environment. Life‐cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool employed for the identification of sustainable materials pathways through the consideration of environmental burdens of materials both during fabrication and as a final product. Although the LCA technique has been widely used for the evaluation of environmental impacts in numerous product supply chains, its application for environmental profiling of functional ceramics is now gaining attention. This paper presents a review of current developments in LCA, including existing and emerging applications with emphasis on the development and fabrication of functional materials and devices (FM&D). Selected published works on LCA of functional ceramics are discussed, highlighting the importance of adopting LCA at the design stage and/or at laboratory stage before expensive investments and resources are committed. Drawing from the extant literature, we show that the integration of environmental and sustainability principles into the overall process of FM&D manufacturing, in a way that anticipates foreseeable harmful consequences while identifying opportunities for improvement, can aid the timely communications of key findings to functional materials developers. This guides the orientation of research, development and deployment, and provides insights toward the prioritization of research activities while potentially averting unintended consequences. It is intended that the review presented will encourage the materials science community to engage with LCA to address important materials design, substitution, and optimization needs.
Carefreeness and Children's Wellbeing
Authors: Ferracioli Luara
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACT

In this article, I investigate the relationship between carefreeness and the valuable goods that constitute a good childhood. I argue that carefreeness is necessary for children to develop positive affective responses to worthwhile projects and relationships, and so is necessary for children to endorse the valuable goods in their lives. One upshot of my discussion is that a child who is allowed to play, who receives an adequate education, and who has loving parents, but who lacks the psychological disposition of carefreeness leads an impoverished life, even if she might lead a good life in adulthood.
Getting Obligations Right: Autonomy and Shared Decision Making
Authors: Lewis Jonathan
Published: July 2019

Shared Decision Making (‘SDM’) is one of the most significant developments in Western health care practices in recent years. Whereas traditional models of care operate on the basis of the physician as the primary medical decision maker, SDM requires patients to be supported to consider options in order to achieve informed preferences by mutually sharing the best available evidence. According to its proponents, SDM is the right way to interpret the clinician‐patient relationship because it fulfils the ethical imperative of respecting patient autonomy. However, there is no consensus about how decisions in SDM contexts relate to the principle of respect for autonomy. In response, I demonstrate that in order to make decisions about what treatment they will or will not receive, patients will be required to meet different conditions depending on the approach proponents of SDM take to understanding personal autonomy. Due to the fact that different conceptions of autonomy yield different obligations, I argue that if physicians and patients satisfied all the conditions described in standard accounts of SDM, then SDM would undermine patient autonomy.
Urinary exosome miR‐30c‐5p as a biomarker of clear cell renal cell carcinoma that inhibits progression by targeting HSPA5
Authors: Song Shangqing , Long Manmei , Yu Guopeng , Cheng Yajun , Yang Qing , Liu Jiayi , Wang Yiwei , Sheng Jiayan , Wang Linhui , Wang Zhong , Xu Bin
Published: July 2019

Exosome‐derived miRNAs are regarded as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of many human cancers. However, its function in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear. In this study, differentially expressed miRNAs from urinal exosomes were identified using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and verified using urine samples of ccRCC patients and healthy donors. Then, the exosomes were analysed in early‐stage ccRCC patients, healthy individuals and patients suffering from other urinary system cancers. Thereafter, the target gene of the miRNA was detected. Its biological function was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that miR‐30c‐5p could be amplified in a stable manner. Its expression pattern was significantly different only between ccRCC patients and healthy control individuals, but not compared with that of other urinary system cancers, which indicated its specificity for ccRCC. Additionally, the overexpression of miR‐30c‐5p inhibited ccRCC progression in vitro and in vivo. Heat‐shock protein 5 (HSPA5) was found to be a direct target gene of miR‐30c‐5p. The depletion of HSPA5 caused by miR‐30c‐5p inhibition reversed the promoting effect of ccRCC growth. In conclusion, urinary exosomal miR‐30c‐5p acts as a potential diagnostic biomarker of early‐stage ccRCC and may be able to modulate the expression of HSPA5, which is correlated with the progression of ccRCC.
Telehealth in Home‐Based Primary Care: Factors and Challenges Associated With Integration Into Veteran Care
Authors: Dang Stuti , Olsan Tobie , Karuza Jurgis , Cai Xueya , Gao Shan , Intrator Orna , Li Jiejin , Gillespie Suzanne M.
Published: July 2019

OBJECTIVES

To describe the structural characteristics and challenges associated with home telehealth (HT) use in the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home‐Based Primary Care (HBPC) program.

DESIGN

We designed a national survey to collect information about HBPC program structural characteristics. The survey included eight organizational and service domains, one of which was HT. HBPC program directors were surveyed online using REDCap.

PARTICIPANTS

We received 232 surveys from 394 HBPC sites (59% response rate).

METHODS

HBPC structural domains were compared between sites using and not using HT technology. Open‐ended responses were analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 127 sites (76%) used HT, which was more likely when HBPC sites were aligned organizationally with the VA's Geriatrics and Extended Care Services division, when there were more disciplines on the HBPC team, and when primary care providers made home visits. Program directors overwhelmingly viewed HT as contributing to managing veterans' complex chronic conditions (81%), yet HT data were not readily integrated into care planning (24%). Challenges to HT use included veterans' acceptance and adherence, device issues, and collaboration between HBPC teams and HT staff.

CONCLUSION

Corresponding to HBPC's complexity, HT use is primarily a self‐organizing process that shapes the patterns of integration at each site. Although HT technology is compatible with core structures of the HBPC model, usability varies, and overall is low. To optimize HT use in HBPC, there are opportunities to redesign systems to mitigate challenges to adoption. As the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' strives to increase access to both HBPC and telehealth benefits, evidenced by the continuation of its successful Independence at Home demonstration and the final changes in the proposed rule in April 2019 incorporating additional telehealth benefits for beneficiaries, this information will be relevant to VA and non‐VA alike. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1928–1933, 2019
Phosphorylation at Ser28 stabilizes the Arabidopsis nitrate transporter NRT2.1 in response to nitrate limitation
Authors: Zou Xue , Liu Meng‐Yuan , Wu Wei‐Hua , Wang Yang
Published: July 2019

Nitrate is one of the main inorganic nitrogen sources for plants. Nitrate absorption from soils is achieved through the combined activities of specific nitrate transporters. Nitrate transporter 2.1 (NRT2.1) is the major component of the root high‐affinity nitrate transport system in Arabidopsis thaliana. Studies to date have mainly focused on transcriptional control of NRT2.1. Here, we show that NRT2.1 protein stability is also regulated in response to nitrogen nutrition availability. When seedlings were transferred to nitrate‐limited conditions, the apparent half‐life of NRT2.1 in roots increased from 3 to 9 h. This stabilization of NRT2.1 protein occurred rapidly, even prior to the transcriptional stimulation of NRT2.1. Furthermore, we revealed that phosphorylation at serine 28 (Ser28) of NRT2.1 is involved in regulating the stability of this protein. Substitution of Ser28 by alanine resulted in unstable NRT2.1, and this loss‐of‐phosphorylation mutant (NRT2.1S28A) failed to complement the growth‐restricted phenotype of the nrt2.1 mutant when a low concentration of nitrate was the sole nitrogen source. These results demonstrate that phosphorylation at Ser28 is crucial for NRT2.1 protein stabilization and accumulation in response to nitrate limitation.
Are Down syndrome children more vulnerable to tooth wear?
Authors: Hyder M. , Tanboga I. , Kalyoncu I. , Arain H. , Marks L.
Published: July 2019

Background

An oral condition that has largely been ignored in the Down syndrome population is pathological tooth wear. This study is aimed to create more awareness of the reasons underlying the tooth wear observed in patients with Down syndrome and to suggest different methods to prevent this condition. This research also potentially serves as a platform for future researchers to perform an in‐depth analysis of the factors we identified. The aim of this study was to determine if children with Down syndrome are more prone to tooth wear than children who do not have Down syndrome.

Methods

Our sample consisted of 120 children with Down syndrome who were compared with 120 children with no disabilities. The parents or guardians were asked to complete a questionnaire and a 3‐day diet chart, while the wear on each tooth was recorded using the standardised Simplified Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index.

Results

Children with Down syndrome experience tooth wear more frequently than non‐Down syndrome children. A history of asthma, mouth breathing and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease as well as the intake of acidic diet and drinks has exerted significant effects on the prevalence of tooth wear.

Conclusions

The early diagnosis and analysis of the underlying aetiology are important for the management of tooth wear in children with Down syndrome who have shown a greater tendency to develop erosive lesions.
Finding the fundamental needs behind resistance to care: Using the Fundamentals of Care Practice Process
Authors: Rey Sylvie , Voyer Philippe , Bouchard Suzanne , Savoie Camille
Published: July 2019

A person living with Alzheimer's disease (PA) can experience difficulty during bodily care and therefore may show resistance to care behaviours (RTCBs). Nurses must take a clinical approach to planning care that meets the person’s needs. Therefore, it is necessary to identify training strategies for bedside nurses and nursing students.

Aims and objectives

To describe and discuss how the FOC practice process (FOC‐PP) can help nurses understand PAs who show RTCBs during bodily care.

Background

Resistance to care behaviour phenomenon and the importance of bodily care as fundamental care are described. The FOC‐PP enables nurses to apply the FOC framework in their practice.

Design

This discursive paper is based on the literature of the FOC framework and PP.

Method

A clinical scenario that develops through the five stages of the FOC‐PP.

Results

The scenario centres on Mrs. Emily Morgan, 81, who lives in a nursing home and is not receiving the bodily care that she needs. Camille, a nursing student, and her supervisor Florence collaborate with Mrs. Morgan’s family to improve the quality of her care. Three particular aspects of nursing practice based on the FOC‐PP are described: the critical thinking process, relational process and pedagogical process.

Conclusion

The FOC‐PP promotes holistic care centred on the person and his or her needs and encourages the nurse to use his or her skills and knowledge. All these dimensions are fundamental for high‐quality nursing care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Mrs. Morgan's scenario enables us to perceive that the FOC‐PP is very useful for nursing students and bedside nurses. However, given the amount of specific and diverse knowledge required by the FOC‐PP, it is necessary to identify avenues for teaching them. Using clinical scenarios could facilitate the integration of the FOC‐PP, with taking into account the specific characteristics of individual clients.
Very useful, but do carefully: Mental health researcher views on establishing a Mental Health Expert Consumer Researcher Group
Authors: Scholz Brett , Platania‐Phung Chris , Gordon Sarah , Ellis Pete , Roper Cath , Bocking Julia , Happell Brenda
Published: July 2019

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Contemporary mental health policy stipulates consumer participation in all aspects of mental health services including service evaluation and other forms of mental health research.

Research is identified as underpinning quality mental health services, and therefore, consumers researchers could enhance the mental health sector by contributing to the quality, credibility and relevance of mental health research.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Non‐consumer researchers generally supported the concept of a consumer expert reference group for researchers at the individual and institutional level.

A consumer expert reference group should reflect diversity and offer expertise relevant to the topic of research and may represent one way to normalize partnerships with consumer researchers and realize the benefits they can bring to research.

What are the implications for practice?

Quality mental health services are underpinned by robust research evidence. It is crucial that consumers are active participants in research activity.

The availability of a consumer expert reference group could facilitate collaborations between consumer and non‐consumer researchers and contribute to a stronger consumer focus embedded in mental health research.

Introduction

Contemporary mental health policy identifies consumers as active participants in all aspects of mental health services from design to evaluation. Consumer researchers should be actively involved in mental health research and contribute to quality service delivery.

Aim

To gain a snapshot of mental health researcher views on strategies for increasing research by or with consumers in mental health through the establishment of an Expert Consumer Researcher Group (ECRG).

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey of 41 non‐consumer mental health researchers from Australia or New Zealand.

Results

The introduction of an ECRG was considered an effective strategy for linking consumer and non‐consumer researchers and providing specialist advice on research design and methodology. The most suitable location for this group was identified as within consumer advocacy agencies (71%), universities (66%) or research funding bodies (66%). Participants rated their likelihood of seeking advice from the ECRG as high.

Discussion

Research participants supported the value of an ECRG. They emphasized the importance of ensuring the group reflected a diversity of views and offered specialized expertise related to the specific topic. The ECRG could benefit both individual researchers and larger research organizations.

Implications for practice

An ECRG could facilitate collaborations with consumer researchers and in turn enhance the quality of mental health research.
Disappearing green: Shrubs decline and bryophytes increase with nine years of increased snow accumulation in the High Arctic
Authors: Cooper Elisabeth J. , Little Chelsea J. , Pilsbacher Anna K. , Mörsdorf Martin A.
Published: July 2019

Question

How does increased snow depth affect plant community composition of High Arctic tundra, and can the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) detect induced changes?

Location

Adventdalen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard (78°10′ N, 16°04′ E).

Methods

We manipulated snow depth on the tundra using fences, resulting in Deep, Medium, and Ambient snow regimes. Increased snow led to warmer winter soil temperatures, a delayed onset of growing season and wetter conditions during the early growing season. Plant community composition of living and dead plant material was recorded after nine years. NDVI was measured at the plot level using a handheld sensor.

Results

Community composition and the abundance of typically dominant shrub species were substantially different in the Deep compared to the Ambient regime. Deep had lower cover of live shrubs (Cassiope tetragona, Dryas octopetala and Salix polaris) and Luzula confusa, and higher cover of dead shrubs (Cassiope and Dryas) compared to the other snow regimes. Bryophyte cover was highest in Medium. NDVI was positively correlated to the cover of living vascular plants and negatively correlated to cover of dead vascular plants. Accordingly, Deep snow regime had reduced NDVI, reflecting the contribution of dead Cassiope and Dryas.

Conclusion

Snow regime strongly influenced community composition in High Arctic plant communities. Enhanced snow regimes had more dead shrubs, reduced Luzula and increased bryophyte cover than ambient conditions. These differences were detectable by handheld NDVI sensors.
Validation of a Complementary Food Frequency Questionnaire to assess infant nutrient intake
Authors: Judd Amy L. , Beck Kathryn L. , McKinlay Christopher , Jackson Ashleigh , Conlon Cathryn A.
Published: July 2019

Dietary assessment in infants is challenging but necessary to understand the relationship between nutrition and growth and development. Currently no simple, validated methods exist to assess nutrient intake in New Zealand (NZ) infants. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relative validity and reproducibility of a Complementary Food Frequency Questionnaire (CFFQ) to determine nutrient intakes of NZ infants. Ninety‐five parent–infant pairs (infant age 10 ± 1 months) completed the CFFQ twice (CFFQ‐1 and CFFQ‐2), 4 weeks apart (to assess reproducibility). A 4‐day weighed food record (4dWFR) was collected between CFFQ administrations (to assess validity). Validity and reproducibility were assessed for intakes of energy and 18 nutrients using Bland–Altman analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficients, cross‐classification, and weighted Kappa (κ). The CFFQ showed acceptable validity: Nutrients from the CFFQ were comparable with the 4dWFR (bias, 9–28%), correlation between methods ranged from r = .18 (saturated fat) to r = .81 (iron; mean r = .52), 54% (mean) of participants were correctly classified (range 39% to 67%), and 7.1% (mean) misclassified into opposite tertiles (range 2.1% to 14.7%). There was acceptable agreement between the CFFQ and 4dWFR (κ = 0.20–0.60). The CFFQ showed good reproducibility: Correlations ranged from r = .34 (folate) to r = .80 (zinc); for 16 nutrients, >50% of participants were correctly classified, and for all nutrients, <10% of participants were grossly misclassified. All nutrients showed acceptable to good agreement (κ > 0.20). The CFFQ has acceptable relative validity and good reproducibility for assessing nutrient intake in NZ infants aged 9–12 months, making it a useful tool for use in future research.
The effectiveness of wearable technologies as physical activity interventions in weight control: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yen Hsin‐Yen , Chiu Huei‐Ling
Published: July 2019

Wearable technologies represent a novel approach in the prevention of obesity and overweight that encourages users to engage in physical activities aided by technological assistance. This is the first meta‐analysis to investigate the effects of wearable technologies as physical activity interventions on weight control. Various electronic databases were searched to select eligible articles, including EBSCO, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, from the first available date to January 9, 2019. All analyses were performed using a random‐effects model. Moderator analyses were conducted to investigate differences in the effect size. This meta‐analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials indicated that wearable technologies as a physical activity intervention achieved a moderate and significant effect size on body weight and waist circumference and large and significant effect sizes on the body mass index. A subgroup analysis confirmed that wearable technologies were more efficient for weight control in individuals with obesity and chronic diseases. A duration of using wearable technologies for a total of more than or equal to 12 weeks was more effective. Meta‐regressions have also revealed that the body weight of individuals who received an additional week of treatment could be reduced by more than 0.37%. Wearable technologies offer innovative platforms of physical activity interventions and an efficient method for weight control.
Perioperative management of esophageal atresia/tracheo‐esophageal fistula: An analysis of data of 101 consecutive patients
Authors: van Hoorn Camille E. , Costerus Sophie A. , Lau Jessica , Wijnen Rene M. H. , Vlot John , Tibboel Dick , de Graaff Jurgen C.
Published: July 2019

Background

The perioperative management of esophageal atresia/tracheo‐esophageal fistula by open or thoracoscopic approach can be complicated by metabolic derangements. Little is known, however, about the severity of derangements of vital and metabolic parameters in the perioperative period.

Aim

The aim of this study is to describe the perioperative courses of vital and metabolic parameters in 101 consecutive neonates undergoing surgical repair of esophageal atresia type C.

Method

In a retrospective cohort study, we extracted all data from the electronic anesthetic and medical charts of patients who underwent esophageal atresia type C repair within 30 days of life (2007‐2017). We distinguished three types of surgery: primary open, primary thoracoscopic, and primary thoracoscopic surgery converted to open surgery. Descriptive analysis was applied.

Results

The charts of 117 patients were reviewed: data of 101 were included. The perioperative anesthetic management was not standardized; various methods and medications were used for anesthesia induction and maintenance. Intraoperative blood gas analysis data of 72 patients were available and showed derangements regardless of type of surgery. The median pH‐value decreased to 7.21 [IQR 7.14‐7.30] and a pH‐value below 7.20 was found in 29 patients; in four cases below 7.0, with the lowest value 6.83. The median PaCO2 reached an upper level of 7.5kPa [IQR 5.8‐9.2]; in 13 cases above 10.0kPa, with a peak value of 25.8kPa. These high PaCO2 levels fluctuated with lowest measured PaCO2 of median 5.6 [IQR 4.5‐6.6], with the lowest value 2.8kPa. The median PaO2 level reached an upper level of 16.9kPa [IQR 11.8‐25.7], in 22 cases above 20.0kPa, with a peak value of 50.0kPa. These high levels fluctuated with lowest measured PaO2 levels of median 8.3kPa [IQR 6.73‐10.5]; the lowest PaO2 value was 4.7 kPa.

Conclusion

Open and thoracoscopic correction of esophageal atresia were associated with periods of severe metabolic derangements. These events need to be taken into account for the evaluation of esophageal atresia (surgical) care and in evaluations of short‐ and long‐term outcomes.
Pain Flare‐Effect Prophylaxis With Corticosteroids on Bone Radiotherapy Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fabregat Carles , Almendros Sonia , Navarro‐Martin Arturo , Gonzalez Jesús
Published: July 2019

Background

Radiotherapy for metastatic bone pain can induce a transitory increase in pain known as pain flare. Several studies have described the use of prophylactic corticosteroids to prevent pain flare. However, the role and efficacy of corticosteroids to prevent pain flare remain unclear.

Purpose

To summarize the available evidence with regard to the efficacy and toxicity of prophylactic corticosteroids for the prevention of pain flare.

Methods

This was a systematic review (PROSPERO protocol CRD42018090351) of peer‐reviewed studies published in the Cochrane, Medline, and Scopus databases through September 2018. Studies carried out in adult patients treated with radiotherapy for bone metastases who received prophylactic corticosteroids to prevent pain flare were eligible for inclusion. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess risk of bias. The evidence grade was determined according to the GRADEpro tool.

Results

A total of 4,407 studies were identified. Of these, 4 clinical trials (CT) and 1 prospective cohort study met the inclusion criteria. The overall incidence of pain flare was 28%, and 21% vs. 37% in the prophylaxis vs. non‐prophylaxis groups; the relative risk reduction was 43%. In the 3 studies that compared corticosteroids to placebo, the relative risk reductions were 25%, 67%, and 72%. The most common treatment regimen was oral dexamethasone at 8 mg once daily from the first day of radiotherapy for 5 days. One study administered methylprednisolone. No severe toxicity was reported in any of the studies.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings of this systematic review indicate that glucocorticoids appear to be an effective prophylactic treatment to prevent pain flare in patients undergoing radiotherapy for bone metastases. New CT are needed to confirm these results and to determine the optimal dose of dexamethasone.
Sexual minority status and symptoms of psychosis: The role of bullying, discrimination, social support, and drug use – Findings from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007
Authors: Qi Robert , Palmier‐Claus Jasper , Simpson Juliette , Varese Filippo , Bentall Richard
Published: July 2019

Objective

Sexual minorities have an increased risk of psychosis, potentially explained by experiences of social adversity. Sexual minorities may also have a specific risk of paranoid symptoms. The current study aimed to determine whether sexual minorities have increased risk of psychosis, whether they have a specific increased risk of paranoia when compared to auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs), and whether social adversity such as bullying, recent discrimination, lack of social support, and drug use can explain this risk.

Methods

The study used data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007 (n = 7,403), exploring both sexual identity and past sexual behaviour. Associations between sexual minority status and probable psychosis, paranoia, and AVH were analysed using logistic regression. Mediation analysis was also conducted using the Karlson–Holm–Breen method, with bullying, recent discrimination, social support, and drug use as mediators assessing pathways between sexual minority status and paranoia/AVH. Socio‐demographic confounders were included in analyses.

Results

Sexual minority status did not significantly predict probable psychosis. Findings generally indicated a specific association between sexual minority status and paranoia when contrasted with AVH. However, sexual behaviour remained significantly associated with AVH in logistic regression models. Bullying, lack of social support, and drug use partially mediated the association between sexual minority status and paranoia.

Conclusions

Sexual minority status appears to have a specific association with paranoia symptoms, which may be partially explained by experiences of social adversity. However, the cross‐sectional nature of the study limits direct inference about causality of such symptoms.

Practitioner points

Sexual minority groups may be more likely to experience symptoms of paranoia.

It may be important to consider experiences of social adversity such as bullying, lack of social support, and also history of drug use in the context of paranoia within these groups.
Development of drought‐tolerant breeding lines derived from Helianthus annuus × H. argophyllus interspecific crosses
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Mubashar , Rauf Saeed , Warburton Marilyn L.
Published: July 2019

Helianthus argophyllus is a wild species known as “silver sunflower”, which possesses several traits, including morphological traits that increase drought tolerance. Therefore, introgressions between chosen cultivated lines and two H. argophyllus accessions were made, and segregating generations were established. Important agronomic traits including single heading, high pollen fertility, silver canopy (indicating more cuticular wax), and content of cuticular waxes and oil were selected over six segregating generations. The resulting F6 lines showed introgression of water saving traits, as they had lower excise leaf water loss, with comparable yield to standard checks. However, these F6 lines were late maturing and showed poor flowering synchronization between the cultivated and introgressed lines. Introgressed line “D‐22” was particularly promising as a breeding line, with superior agronomic and drought resistance traits. This line had the potential to be used as an inbred parental line for introgression of drought resistance traits into elite sunflower germplasm. Combining ability analysis of the introgressed lines further showed their potential for heterosis breeding or to be used as parental lines in breeding programme.
Is Iconic Memory Iconic?
Authors: Quilty‐Dunn Jake
Published: July 2019

Short‐term memory in vision is typically thought to divide into at least two memory stores: a short, fragile, high‐capacity store known as iconic memory, and a longer, durable, capacity‐limited store known as visual working memory (VWM). This paper argues that iconic memory stores icons, i.e., image‐like perceptual representations. The iconicity of iconic memory has significant consequences for understanding consciousness, nonconceptual content, and the perception–cognition border. Steven Gross and Jonathan Flombaum have recently challenged the division between iconic memory and VWM by arguing against the idea of capacity limits in favor of a flexible resource‐based model of short‐term memory. I argue that, while VWM capacity is probably governed by flexible resources rather than a sharp limit, the two memory stores should still be distinguished by their representational formats. Iconic memory stores icons, while VWM stores discursive (i.e., language‐like) representations. I conclude by arguing that this format‐based distinction between memory stores entails that prominent views about consciousness and the perception–cognition border will likely have to be revised.
Biological functions of Arabidopsis thaliana MBP‐1‐like protein encoded by ENO2 in the response to drought and salt stresses
Authors: Liu Zi‐Jin , Zhang Yong‐Hua , Ma Xiao‐Feng , Ye Pan , Gao Fei , Li Xiao‐Feng , Zhou Yi‐Jun , Shi Zi‐Han , Cheng Hui‐Mei , Zheng Chao‐Xing , Li Hong‐Jie , Zhang Gen‐Fa
Published: July 2019

Arabidopsis thaliana ENO2 (AtENO2) plays an important role in plant growth and development. It encodes two proteins, a full‐length AtENO2 and a truncated version, AtMBP‐1, alternatively translated from the second start codon of the mRNA. The AtENO2 mutant (eno2−) exhibited reduced leaf size, shortened siliques, a dwarf phenotype and higher sensitivity to abiotic stress. The objectives of this study were to analyze the regulatory network of the ENO2 gene in plant growth development and understand the function of AtENO2/AtMBP‐1 to abiotic stresses. An eno2−/35S:AtENO2‐GFP line and an eno2−/35S:AtMBP‐1‐GFP line of Arabidopsis were obtained. Results of sequencing by 454 GS FLX identified 578 upregulated and 720 downregulated differential expressed genes (DEGs) in a pairwise comparison (WT‐VS‐eno2−). All the high‐quality reads were annotated using the Gene Ontology (GO) terms. The DEGs with KEGG pathway annotations occurred in 110 pathways. The metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites contained more DEGs. Moreover, the eno2−/35S:AtENO2‐GFP line returned to the wild‐type (WT) phenotype and was tolerant to drought and salt stresses. However, the eno2−/35S:AtMBP‐1‐GFP line was not able to recover the WT phenotype but it has a higher tolerance to drought and salt stresses. Results from this study demonstrate that AtENO2 is critical for the growth and development, and the AtMBP‐1 coded by AtENO2 is important in tolerance of Arabidopsis to abiotic stresses.