bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of left ventricular strain analysis in patients with takotsubo syndrome during acute phase
Authors: Dias Andre , Franco Emiliana , Rubio Manolo , Bhalla Vikas , Pressman Gregg S. , Amanullah Sarah , Hebert Kathy , Figueredo Vincent M.
Published: November 2017

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is peculiar clinical condition often resembling an acute coronary syndrome and mostly affecting postmenopausal women after a stressful trigger. TTS was initially thought to be a relatively benign condition. However, current data have shown it may be associated with considerable inpatient morbidity and carry a small, but important, mortality risk.

Methods

We hypothesized that left ventricular (LV) regional and global longitudinal strain (GLS) assessed with 2D speckle tracking echocardiography could identify early systolic functional impairment and predict in‐hospital cardiovascular events. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study reviewing patients with the discharge diagnosis of TCM between 2003 and 2016 at our institution.

Results

One hundred patients with TSS met the Modified Mayo Clinic criteria. Using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography, two independent cardiologists assessed the LV GLS as well as the longitudinal strain (LS) of 7 individual segments [basal‐septal (BS); mid‐septal (MS), apical‐septal (AS), apex, basal‐lateral (BL), mid‐lateral (ML), and apical‐lateral (AL)]. The inter‐observer variability was <5%. Mean age was 69.1 years, 87% were females, and 53% were African Americans. Mean initial LV EF was 32% ± 9.8%. In univariate analysis, patients with worse BL, ML, and GLS profiles (means: −5.7; −3.3, and −4, respectively) had higher in‐hospital mortality (P < .05). Worse BL and ML profiles (means: −8.6 and −7.3, respectively) were associated with higher prevalence of MACE (major adverse cardiovascular outcomes) (P < .05). In a multivariate analysis, mid‐lateral strain ≥ −7 and basolateral strain ≥ −10 were independent predictors of in‐hospital mortality and MACE + in‐hospital heart failure, respectively.

Conclusions

Assessment of LV global and segmental longitudinal strain by speckle tracking has important prognostic value in the acute phase of TTS. Additional large‐scale studies will be needed to confirm our findings
Decreased platelet inhibition by P2Y12 receptor blockers in anaemia
Authors: Wadowski Patricia P. , Kopp Christoph W. , Koppensteiner Renate , Lang Irene M. , Pultar Joseph , Lee Silvia , Weikert Constantin , Panzer Simon , Gremmel Thomas
Published: November 2017

Background

Anaemic patients undergoing angioplasty and stenting are at an increased risk of ischaemic events, which may be caused by an inadequate response to antiplatelet therapy with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) P2Y12 inhibitors. In the current study, we investigated the associations between anaemia and on‐treatment platelet reactivity in clopidogrel‐treated (group 1, n = 306) and prasugrel‐/ticagrelor‐treated (group 2, n = 109) patients undergoing elective and acute angioplasty with stent implantation, respectively.

Materials and methods

Monocyte‐platelet aggregate (MPA) formation was determined by flow cytometry in both groups. On‐treatment residual platelet reactivity in response to ADP was assessed by light transmission aggregometry (LTA) in both groups, and by the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay and the Impact‐R in group 1. P‐selectin expression was measured by flow cytometry in group 2.

Results

In both groups, anaemia was associated with significantly higher MPA formation in response to ADP (both P ≤ .02). Moreover, by LTA maximal aggregation in response to ADP was significantly higher in patients with anaemia in both groups (both P < .05), and anaemic patients in group 1 had a significantly higher on‐treatment platelet reactivity by the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay and the Impact‐R than those without anaemia (both P < .001). In group 2, significantly higher platelet surface expression of P‐selectin was seen in anaemia after stimulation with ADP (P = .02).

Conclusion

Anaemia is associated with decreased platelet inhibition by ADP P2Y12 receptor antagonists after elective and acute percutaneous interventions with stent implantation. However, due to inconsistencies between different platelet function tests additional data are needed to clarify the role of anaemia for platelet inhibition.
Cytokine responses, microbial aetiology and short‐term outcome in community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Siljan William W. , Holter Jan C. , Nymo Ståle H. , Husebye Einar , Ueland Thor , Aukrust Pål , Mollnes Tom E. , Heggelund Lars
Published: November 2017

Background

The inflammatory response to community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is orchestrated through activation of cytokine networks and the complement system. We examined the association of multiple cytokines and the terminal complement complex (TCC) with microbial aetiology, disease severity and short‐term outcome.

Materials and methods

Plasma levels of 27 cytokines and TCC were analysed in blood samples obtained at hospital admission, clinical stabilization and 6‐week follow‐up from 247 hospitalized adults with CAP. Fourteen mediators were included in final analyses. Adverse short‐term outcome was defined as intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 30‐day mortality.

Results

Cytokine and TCC levels were dynamic in the clinical course of CAP, with highest levels seen at admission for most mediators. Admission levels of cytokines and TCC did not differ between groups of microbial aetiology. High admission levels of IL‐6 (odds ratio [OR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18‐1.84, P = .001), IL‐8 (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.26‐2.55, P = .001) and MIP‐1β (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.36‐3.81, P = .002) were associated with a CURB‐65 severity score of ≥3, while IL‐6 (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.07‐1.74, P = .011) and MIP‐1β (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.03‐3.36, P = .040) were associated with a high risk of an adverse short‐term outcome.

Conclusions

In this CAP cohort, admission levels of IL‐6, IL‐8 and MIP‐1β were associated with disease severity and/or adverse short‐term outcome. Still, for most mediators, only nonsignificant variations in inflammatory responses were observed for groups of microbial aetiology, disease severity and short‐term outcome.
Lack of genetic population structure of slimy sculpin in a large, fragmented lake
Authors: Euclide Peter T. , Flores Natalie M. , Wargo Matthew J. , Kilpatrick C. William , Marsden J. Ellen
Published: November 2017

Most of what is known about sculpin population structure comes from research in streams; however, slimy sculpins are also a common benthic species in deep lakes. In streams, sculpins are considered to be a relatively inactive species, moving only small distances, and characteristically have high levels of genetic structure. We examined population genetic structure of slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) across multiple barriers and over distances up to 227 km in Lake Champlain (USA, Canada) and Lake Ontario (USA, Canada) to determine whether lake populations of sculpin are also highly structured. We predicted that slimy sculpin populations in Lake Champlain would be structured by six causeways as well as by distance, Lake Ontario populations would be structured only by distance, and differences between the lakes would be large relative to within‐lake differences. We examined microsatellite variation among 200 slimy sculpins from Lake Champlain and 48 slimy sculpins from Lake Ontario to evaluate patterns of population connectivity and structure. There was no indication of population substructuring within either lake but sculpin were genetically distinct between lakes. We conclude that there is a single, panmictic population of sculpin present in Lake Champlain and another potentially panmictic population in Lake Ontario, with no indication of genetic isolation by distance. Our results contrast with data from sculpin in streams, suggesting distance and habitat fragmentation exert little influence on population connectivity of benthic fish in lakes.
Distribution and clinical determinants of time‐to‐positivity of blood cultures in patients with neutropenia
Authors: Lambregts Merel M.C. , Warreman Eva B. , Bernards Alexandra T. , Veelken Hendrik , von dem Borne Peter A. , Dekkers Olaf M. , Visser Leo G. , de Boer Mark G.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Blood cultures (BCs) are essential in the evaluation of neutropenic fever. Modern BC systems have significantly reduced the time‐to‐positivity (TTP) of BC. This study explores the probability of bacteraemia when BCs have remained negative for different periods of time.

Methods

All adult patients with neutropenia and bacteraemia were included (January 2012‐February 2016). Predictive clinical factors for short (≤16 hours) and long (>24 hours) TTP were determined. The residual probability of bacteraemia was estimated for the scenario of negative BC 24 hours after collection.

Results

The cohort consisted of 154 patients, accounting for 190 episodes of bacteraemia. Median age of 61 years, 60.5% were male. In 123 (64.7%) episodes, BC yielded a single Gram‐positive micro‐organism and in 49 (25.8%) a Gram‐negative micro‐organism (median TTP 16.7, 14.5 hours respectively, P < .01). TTP was ≤24 hours in 91.6% of episodes. Central line‐associated bacteraemia was associated with long TTP. The probability of bacteraemia if BC had remained negative for 24 hours was 1%‐3%.

Conclusions

The expected TTP offers guidance in the management of patients with neutropenia and suspected bacteraemia. The knowledge of negative BC can support a change in working diagnosis, and impact clinical decisions as soon as 24 hours after BC collection.
Inhibition of monoacylglycerol lipase terminates diazepam‐resistant status epilepticus in mice and its effects are potentiated by a ketogenic diet
Authors: Terrone Gaetano , Pauletti Alberto , Salamone Alessia , Rizzi Massimo , Villa Bianca R. , Porcu Luca , Sheehan Mark J. , Guilmette Edward , Butler Christopher R. , Piro Justin R. , Samad Tarek A. , Vezzani Annamaria
Published: November 2017

Objective

Status epilepticus (SE) is a life‐threatening and commonly drug‐refractory condition. Novel therapies are needed to rapidly terminate seizures to prevent mortality and morbidity. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is the key enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) and a major contributor to the brain pool of arachidonic acid (AA). Inhibiting of monoacylglycerol lipase modulates synaptic activity and neuroinflammation, 2 mediators of excessive neuronal activation underlying seizures. We studied the effect of a potent and selective irreversible MAGL inhibitor, CPD‐4645, on SE that was refractory to diazepam, its neuropathologic sequelae, and the mechanism underlying the drug's effects.

Methods

Diazepam‐resistant SE was induced in adult mice fed with standard or ketogenic diet or in cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) receptor knock‐out mice. CPD‐4645 (10 mg/kg, subcutaneously) or vehicle was dosed 1 and 7 h after status epilepticus onset in video–electroencephalography (EEG) recorded mice. At the end of SE, mice were examined in the novel object recognition test followed by neuronal cellloss analysis.

Results

CPD‐4645 maximal plasma and brain concentrations were attained 0.5 h postinjection (half‐life = 3.7 h) and elevated brain 2‐AG levels by approximately 4‐fold. CPD‐4645 administered to standard diet–fed mice progressively reduced spike frequency during 3 h postinjection, thereby shortening SE duration by 47%. The drug immediately abrogated SE in ketogenic diet–fed mice. CPD‐4645 rescued neuronal cell loss and cognitive deficit and reduced interleukin (IL)‐1β and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) brain expression resulting from SE. The CPD‐4645 effect on SE was similar in mice lacking CB1 receptors.

Significance

MAGL represents a novel therapeutic target for treating status epilepticus and improving its sequelae. CPD‐4645 therapeutic effects appear to be predominantly mediated by modulation of neuroinflammation.
Impaired permeability and antimicrobial barriers in type 2 diabetes skin are linked to increased serum levels of advanced glycation end‐product
Authors: Kim Jae‐Hong , Yoon Na Young , Kim Dong Hye , Jung Minyoung , Jun Myungsoo , Park Hwa‐Young , Chung Choon Hee , Lee Kyohoon , Kim Sunki , Park Chang Seo , Liu Kwang‐Hyeon , Choi Eung Ho
Published: November 2017

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been increasing rapidly, and the disease has become a serious sociomedical problem. Many skin problems, such as xerosis, pruritus, skin infections and delayed wound healing, that might be related to chronic impairment of skin barrier function decrease the quality of life in patients with DM. However, the status of the permeability and antimicrobial barrier of the skin in DM remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate skin barrier impairment in patients with type 2 DM and its pathomechanisms using classic animal models of type 2 DM. Functional studies of the skin barrier and an analysis of stratum corneum (SC) lipids were compared between patients with type 2 DM and age‐ and sex‐matched non‐diabetes controls. Also, functional studies on the skin barrier, epidermal lipid analyses, and electron microscopy and biomolecular studies were performed using type 2 DM animal models, db/db and ob/ob mice. Patients with type 2 DM presented with epidermal barrier impairments, including SC hydration, which was influenced by blood glucose control (HbA1c level). In the lipid analysis of SC, ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol were significantly decreased in patients with type 2 DM compared with controls. Type 2 DM murine models presented with severe hyperglycaemia, impairment of skin barrier homeostasis, decreases in epidermal proliferation and epidermal lipid synthesis, decreases in lamellar body (LB) and epidermal antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), an increase in receptors for advanced glycation end‐product (AGE) in the epidermis and an increase in serum AGE. Impairment of the skin barrier was observed in type 2 DM, which results in part from a decrease in epidermal proliferation. Serum AGE and its epidermal receptors were increased in type 2 diabetic mice which display impaired skin barrier parameters such as epidermal lipid synthesis, LB production, epidermal AMP and SC lipids.
Mammalian mitophagy – from in vitro molecules to in vivo models
Authors: Rodger Catherine E. , McWilliams Thomas G. , Ganley Ian G.
Published: November 2017

The autophagic turnover of mitochondria, termed mitophagy, is thought to play an essential role in not only maintaining the health of the mitochondrial network but also that of the cell and organism as a whole. We have come a long way in identifying the molecular components required for mitophagy through extensive in vitro work and cell line characterisation, yet the physiological significance and context of these pathways remain largely unexplored. This is highlighted by the recent development of new mouse models that have revealed a striking level of variation in mitophagy, even under normal conditions. Here, we focus on programmed mitophagy and summarise our current understanding of why, how and where this takes place in mammals.
Crystal structure and catalytic characterization of the dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family member 4 (DHRS4) from Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kisiela Michael , Faust Annette , Ebert Bettina , Maser Edmund , Scheidig Axel J.
Published: November 2017

The human dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family member 4 (DHRS4) is a tetrameric protein that is involved in the metabolism of several aromatic carbonyl compounds, steroids, and bile acids. The only invertebrate DHRS4 that has been characterized to date is that from the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. We have previously cloned and initially characterized this protein that was recently annotated as DHRS4_CAEEL in the UniProtKB database. Crystallization and X‐ray diffraction studies of the full‐length DHRS4_CAEEL protein in complex with diacetyl revealed its tetrameric structure and showed that two subunits are connected via an intermolecular disulfide bridge that is formed by N‐terminal cysteine residues (Cys5) of each protein chain, which increases the enzymatic activity. A more detailed biochemical and catalytic characterization shows that DHRS4_CAEEL shares some properties with human DHRS4 such as relatively low substrate affinities with aliphatic α‐diketones and a preference for aromatic dicarbonyls such as isatin, with a 30‐fold lower Km value compared with the human enzyme. Moreover, DHRS4_CAEEL is active with aliphatic aldehydes (e.g. hexanal), while human DHRS4 is not. Dehydrogenase activity with alcohols was only observed with aromatic alcohols. Protein thermal shift assay revealed a stabilizing effect of phosphate buffer that was accompanied by an increase in catalytic activity of more than two‐fold. The study of DHRS4 homologs in simple lineages such as C. elegans may contribute to our understanding of the original function of this protein that has been shaped by evolutionary processes in the course of the development from invertebrates to higher mammalian species.

Database

Structural data are available in the PDB under the accession numbers 5OJG and 5OJI.
Can bladder preservation therapy come to the center stage?
Authors: Inamoto Teruo , Ibuki Naokazu , Komura Kazumasa , Juri Hiroshi , Yamamoto Kiyohito , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Fujita Kazutoshi , Nonomura Norio , Narumi Yoshifumi , Azuma Haruhito
Published: November 2017

Decision‐making in urological cancer care requires a multidisciplinary approach for refinement, but its impact on urothelial carcinoma of the bladder has not been fully addressed for the past three decades, except for the latest immunological checkpoint inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for metastatic muscle‐invasive bladder cancer that is resistant to platinum‐based chemotherapy. For the time being, radical cystectomy is the gold standard of curative therapy for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer. Trimodal therapy that combines chemotherapy for the purpose of radiation sensitization, external beam radiotherapy and transurethral resection of bladder tumor has emerged as a potential alternative treatment option that preserves the bladder. In lack of randomized studies for bladder preservation therapy compared with surgery, the principles of management of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder have evolved in recent times, with an emphasis on bladder preservation. A number of bladder preservation techniques are available to the surgeon; however, appropriately selected patients with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer should be offered the opportunity to discuss various treatment options, including organ‐sparing trimodal therapy. The aim of the present study was to compare the primary outcomes of the available treatment methods and identify the sources of variance among studies. A review of various bladder preservation techniques in vogue for the management of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder is discussed.
Negative pressure wound therapy in complex cranio‐maxillofacial and cervical wounds
Authors: Novelli Giorgio , Daleffe Francesco , Birra Gisella , Canzi Gabriele , Mazzoleni Fabio , Boni Pietro , Maino Clara , Giussani Carlo , Sozzi Davide , Bozzetti Alberto
Published: November 2017

The care and the management of the healing of difficult wounds at the level of the skull‐facial face many problems related to patient compliance and the need to perform multiple dressings, with long periods of healing and, occasionally, a very long hospitalisation period. The introduction and evolution of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the treatment of difficult wounds has resulted in better healing, with a drastic reduction in terms of time and biological costs to the patient and cost to the health care system. The main aim of this study is to describe and discuss, using out our experience, the usefulness of NPWT in the cranial‐facial‐cervical region. We studied 16 patients with complex wounds of the cranial‐facial‐cervical region treated with NPWT. We divided clinical cases in four groups: cervicofacial infectious disease, healing complications in oncological‐reconstructive surgery, healing complications of injury with exposure of bone and/or internal fixations and healing complications in traumatic injury with loss of substance. We evaluated complete or incomplete wound healing; application time, related also to hospitalisation time; days of intensive care unit (ICU) stay; management of the upper airways; timing of medication renewal; and patient comfort and compliance (on a scale of 1–5). Depression values were always between −75 and −125 mmHg in a continuous aspiration pattern. For every patient, we used the ActiVAC Therapy Unit, derived from the vacuum‐assisted closure system (Kinetic Concepts Inc., San Antonio, TX). Medication renewals were performed every 48–72 hours. The NPWT application time ranged from 4 to 22 days (mean of 11·57 day). Therapy was effective to gain a complete restitutio ad integrum in every patient included in the group of cervicofacial infectious disease. Therapy has, however, been well tolerated in our series; this is probably due to the decreased number of applications, the ease of use and the comfort of the system relative to traditional dressing. Results were satisfactory for most of cases treated; faster and more effective wound healing was achieved. The lower number of NPWT applications, relating to standard dressings, led to an increase in patient comfort and compliance and a decrease in the use of medical, and in some cases economic, resources according to international literature.
Creation of 3D terahertz photonic crystals by the direct writing technique with a TiO2 sol‐gel ink
Authors: Wang Rong , Yang Weiyi , Zhu Pengfei , Gao Shuang , Li Bo , Li Qi
Published: November 2017

Three‐dimensional TiO2 woodpile terahertz photonic crystals with feature size less than 100 μm were created by the direct writing technique with a TiO2 sol‐gel ink. With proper heat treatment, the rheological properties of the TiO2 sol‐gel ink were modulated to meet the requirement to construct 3D‐TPCs with feature size less than 100 μm by the direct writing technique. Well‐crystallized rutile TiO2 3D‐TPCs were obtained by the calcination process to provide the required high refractive indices, while the lattice periods of these TiO2 3D‐TPCs could be changed to tune their terahertz properties. With the increase of the lattice period, a shift of their THz photonic band gap peaks toward the lower frequency was observed in both the simulated and experimental investigations.
Taxonomic decomposition of the latitudinal gradient in species diversity of North American floras
Authors: Weiser Michael D. , Swenson Nathan G. , Enquist Brian J. , Michaletz Sean T. , Waide Robert B. , Zhou Jizhong , Kaspari Michael
Published: November 2017

Aim

To test the latitudinal gradient in plant species diversity for self‐similarity across taxonomic scales and amongst taxa.

Location

North America.

Methods

We used species richness data from 245 local vascular plant floras to quantify the slope and shape of the latitudinal gradients in species diversity (LGSD) across all plant species as well as within each family and order. We calculated the contribution of each family and order to the empirical LGSD.

Results

We observed the canonical LGSD when all plants were considered with floras at the lowest latitudes having, on average, 451 more species than floras at the highest latitudes. When considering slope alone, most orders and families showed the expected negative slope, but 31.7% of families and 27.7% of orders showed either no significant relationship between latitude and diversity or a reverse LGSD. Latitudinal patterns of family diversity account for at least 14% of this LGSD. Most orders and families did not show the negative slope and concave‐down quadratic shape expected by the pattern for all plant species. A majority of families did not make a significant contribution in species to the LGSD with 53% of plant families contributing little to nothing to the overall gradient. Ten families accounted for more than 70% of the gradient. Two families, the Asteraceae and Fabaceae, contributed a third of the LGSD.

Main Conclusions

The empirical LGSD we describe here is a consequence of a gradient in the number of families and diversification within relative few plant families. Macroecological studies typically aim to generate models that are general across taxa with the implicit assumption that the models are general within taxa. Our results strongly suggest that models of the latitudinal gradient in plant species richness that rely on environmental covariates (e.g. temperature, energy) are likely not general across plant taxa.
Environmental drivers of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity (alpha, beta and gamma components) in estuarine fish communities
Authors: Teichert Nils , Lepage Mario , Chevillot Xavier , Lobry Jérémy
Published: November 2017

Aim

We applied a diversity partitioning approach to identify the influence of multiple environmental factors on taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of estuarine fish assemblages at different spatial scales. Our aim was to determine (1) how variation in γ‐diversity (estuary scale) is supported by changes in α‐ (local scale) and β‐components (dissimilarity between these two scales) for the three diversity facets and (2) how these diversity measures are related to biogeographic, hydroclimatic, marine, estuarine and land cover conditions.

Location

French estuaries, North East Atlantic.

Taxon

Fish communities.

Methods

Fish assemblages were sampled using standardized beam trawl surveys in 32 estuaries during spring and autumn (period 2005–2016). The Rao's quadratic entropy was used to decompose the γ‐diversity into α‐diversity and β‐diversity. For the three diversity facets, we used linear mixed models (LMMs) to determine the strength of the relationships between α‐, β‐ and γ‐diversities. Then, LMMs were applied to identify which environmental factors were the best predictors of diversity patterns.

Results

Variability in γ‐diversity is better explained by β‐diversity than by local (α‐) diversity for the three diversity facets. The relationship between γ‐ and α‐diversity revealed a saturation effect for both taxonomic and phylogenetic indices. The influence of the five categories of explanatory variables differed depending on the diversity facet and component. We found that marine conditions were the primary drivers of phylogenetic and functional α‐diversity, whereas β‐diversity was mainly influenced by estuarine characteristics. LMMs also evidenced a role of biogeographic, hydroclimatic and land cover conditions on β‐diversity.

Main conclusions

Our results support the statement that fish diversity is chiefly supported by changes in species composition along estuarine gradients, while functional dissimilarity is limited in space and time. Although diversity is influenced by numerous environmental factors, the ecological connection with the marine ecosystem appears as a key component to promote local diversity.
Quality of development and reporting of dietetic intervention studies in primary care: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Ball L. E. , Sladdin I. K. , Mitchell L. J. , Barnes K. A. , Ross L. J. , Williams L. T.
Published: November 2017

Background

High‐quality research methodologies and clear reporting of studies are essential to facilitate confidence in research findings. The aim of the present study was to conduct an in‐depth examination of the methodological quality and reporting of studies included in a recent systematic review of dietitians’ effectiveness at providing individualised nutrition care to adult patients.

Methods

The methodological quality and reporting of 27 Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) were appraised using the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) Guidelines for complex interventions and the CONSORT checklist for reporting RCTs. A quality appraisal checklist was developed for each guideline/assessment tool aiming to evaluate the extent to which each study met the designated criteria. Excerpts from studies that best addressed criteria were collated to provide exemplary accounts of how criteria may be achieved in future studies.

Results

None of the reviewed studies met more than half of the MRC Guidance criteria, indicating that there is clear room for improvement in reporting the methodological underpinnings of these studies. Similarly, no studies met all criteria of the CONSORT checklist, suggesting that there is also room for improvement in the design and reporting of studies in this field.

Conclusions

Dietitians, researchers and journal editors are encouraged to use the results and exemplary accounts from this review to identify key aspects of studies that could be improved in future research. Improving future research will enhance the quality of the evidence‐base that investigates the outcomes of dietary interventions involving dietitians.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in two captive golden‐headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)
Authors: de Carvalho Tatiane Furtado , de Paula Martins Pereira Marianna , Pessanha Angela Tinoco , Tinoco Herlandes Penha , Paixão Tatiane Alves , Santos Renato Lima
Published: November 2017

Two cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 2 female captive golden‐headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) are described. HCC was diagnosed in both, with pulmonary metastasis in one of them. Neoplastic cells were positive for hepatocyte‐specific antigen (HSA) by immunohistochemistry, confirming the diagnosis.
Acute care nurses' views on family participation and collaboration in fundamental care
Authors: Mackie Benjamin R , Marshall Andrea , Mitchell Marion
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To understand the beliefs, attitudes and perceptions of nurses regarding family participation and collaboration in the care of their hospitalized adult relative.

Background

Family participation in care is known to enhance the quality of patient care. Nurses are uniquely placed to support such participation, including the delivery of fundamental care. However, nurses' attitudes and beliefs may help or hinder participation.

Design

A mixed methods approach with an exploratory sequential design was used.

Setting

A regional referral hospital in Australia.

Participants

Nurses were eligible to participate in the study if they were permanent staff of the hospital, and who in their day‐to‐day work had direct contact with adult patients and their families on acute care wards.

Methods

Observer‐as‐participant observation data and semi‐structured interviews were undertaken. 30 hr of observational data were gathered, and 14 nurses were interviewed. Data collection occurred between September and December 2016. Following separate analysis, data were triangulated.

Results

Analysis uncovered two contrasting categories: (i) enacting family participation (four themes); and (ii) hindering family participation (five themes).

Conclusion

The findings of our study demonstrated that the practices of nurses do not always align with healthcare policies, and strategies to support nurses to enact patient‐ and family‐centred practices are needed.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses can use these findings to make informed evidence‐based changes to the way they practice and communicate with families to ensure fundamental care is delivered.
Bidirectional associations between emotions and school adjustment
Authors: Hernández Maciel M. , Eisenberg Nancy , Valiente Carlos , Spinrad Tracy L. , Berger Rebecca H. , VanSchyndel Sarah K. , Silva Kassondra M. , Diaz Anjolii , Thompson Marilyn S. , Gal Diana E. , Southworth Jody
Published: November 2017

Objective

We examined the relations of children's (N = 301) observed expression of negative and positive emotion in classes or nonclassroom school contexts (i.e., lunch and recess) to school adjustment from kindergarten to first grade.

Method

Naturalistic observations of children's emotional expressivity were collected, as were teachers' reports of children's school engagement and relationship quality with teachers and peers.

Results

In longitudinal panel models, greater teacher–student conflict and lower student engagement in kindergarten predicted greater negative expressivity in both school contexts. School engagement and peer acceptance in kindergarten positively predicted first grade positive emotion in the classroom. Suggestive of possible bidirectional relations, there was also small unique prediction (near significant) from negative expressivity at lunch and recess to higher teacher–student conflict, from negative expressivity in the classroom to low peer acceptance, and from positive expressivity in the classroom to higher peer acceptance.

Conclusions

The pattern of findings suggests that the quality of experience at school uniquely predicts children's emotional expressivity at school more consistently than vice versa—a finding that highlights the important role of school context in young children's emotionality at school.
Let it go: Relationship autonomy predicts pro‐relationship responses to partner transgressions
Authors: Hadden Benjamin W. , Baker Zachary G. , Knee C. Raymond
Published: November 2017

Objective

The purpose of the present research is to better understand how relationship autonomy—having more self‐determined reasons for being committed to a relationship—contributes to pro‐relationship responses to transgressions in romantic relationships (e.g., forgiveness and accommodation).

Method

Study 1 employed a cross‐sectional design (N = 350) and Study 2 used a weekly diary (N = 121) to test associations between relationship autonomy and pro‐relationship responses to transgressions. Studies 3 and 4 utilized dyadic designs (Study 3: N = 200 couples, 400 individuals; Study 4: N = 275 couples, 550 individuals) to determine how both partners' relationship autonomy is associated with pro‐relationship responses.

Results

Results revealed that relationship autonomy is robustly associated with pro‐relationship responses to transgressions, both as general tendencies and as responses to idiosyncratic transgressions. Results of actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) analyses in Studies 3 and 4 provide evidence that one's partner's relationship autonomy is important for promoting pro‐relationship responses as well. Study 4 also found that people perceive that partners respond better to transgressions if their partner is high in relationship autonomy.

Conclusions

This research provides consistent and compelling evidence that the degree of self‐determination underlying commitment is important for understanding how people respond to transgressions in their relationships, beyond their current levels of commitment.
Men, masculinity, and breakups: Resisting the tyranny of “moving on”
Authors: HARTMAN TOVA
Published: November 2017

This article examines heterosexual men's experience of negotiating through hegemonic masculinity after a partner‐initiated breakup. The men in the study learned to navigate the relational demands of the norms of masculinity in a variety of ways, using strategies along a spectrum between resistance and accommodation. Many of the men described their breakup in terms not merely of one psychological trauma but of two: the acute personal psychic and emotional blow of the breakup, followed by the emerging realization that their social status as men had been undermined. This article finds that a majority of the men demonstrated some degree of resistance to socially imposed definitions of their subjective experience concerning what their breakup “should” mean to them.
Teacher’s Views Regarding the Place of Children’s Literature in First Language Education
Authors: Sinan Ahmet Turan , Demir Sezgin , Doğan Fatma Döner
Published: November 2017

Children’s literature is the totality of spoken and written products formed with an aesthetic concern that contribute to the development, interests, needs, pleasure, emotions and ideas of individuals between the ages of 2–15. Defects and deficiencies that can be seen in the works of children’s literature—which directly contribute to the developmental fields and the talents of children regarding understanding and telling, comprehension and interpreting—will cause troubles to emerge when addressing to the aforementioned properties. This research aims to determine the views of Turkish language teachers regarding the power and efficiency of the children’s literature products and the acquisition of these properties. The research was conducted by employing a one-on-one interview according to a qualitative research approach. The study group participating in this research study comprised of 14 Turkish language teachers who work in Elazığ city center. A descriptive content analysis was used to evaluate the views of these Turkish teachers. Frequency and percentage distributions were then determined from these findings. The study findings show that the views of the participators regarding the efficiency of the children’s literature products resembled one another other in terms of different variables. Additionally, some views were determined regarding the need for including original works of art, cultural codes and more concretization.
The mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel: structural features and molecular bases underlying its ion permeation and mechanotransduction
Authors: Wang Yubo , Xiao Bailong
Published: November 2017

The evolutionarily conserved Piezo family of proteins, including Piezo1 and Piezo2, encodes the long‐sought‐after mammalian mechanosensitive cation channels that play critical roles in various mechanotransduction processes such as touch, pain, proprioception, vascular development and blood pressure regulation. Mammalian Piezo proteins contain over 2500 amino acids with numerous predicted transmembrane segments, and do not bear sequence homology with any known class of ion channels. Thus, it is imperative, but challenging, to understand how they serve as effective mechanotransducers for converting mechanical force into electrochemical signals. Here, we review the recent major breakthroughs in determining the three‐bladed, propeller‐shaped structure of mouse Piezo1 using the state‐of‐the‐art cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) and functionally dissecting out the molecular bases that define its ion permeation and mechanotransduction properties, which provide key insights into clarifying its oligomeric status and pore‐forming region. We also discuss the hypothesis that the complex Piezo proteins can be deduced into discrete mechanotransduction and ion‐conducting pore modules, which coordinate to fulfil their specialized function in mechanical sensing and transduction, ion permeation and selection.

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Handling and Conditioning Techniques of Activated Swarfs for the Decommissioning of the E. Fermi Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Di Pietro Massimo , Pistelli Sergio , Garneri Eugenio , Frano Rosa Lo , Ciolini Riccardo
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a new technique to handle solid radioactive materials inside a liquid matrix is presented. The conceptual design of the device profits of the experience and know-how gained in decontamination procedures. The proposed system makes use of an ejector for the suction of a water-highly radioactive swarf mixture from the purifier pool of the Italian E. Fermi nuclear power plant (NPP) and moving it in a suitable container for the subsequent conditioning. A dedicated circuit with an ejector to demonstrate the feasibility of the method was realized. A minimum inlet flow rate was found to have swarf suction. The feasibility of the method was demonstrated, even if it is required to homogenize the inlet mixture to avoid swarf packing conditions inside the ejector.
A Study on Computational Efficiency Improvement of Novel SORM Using the Convolution Integration
Authors: Park Jeong Woo , Lee Ikjin
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes to apply the convolution integral method to the novel second-order reliability method (SORM) to further improve its computational efficiency. The novel SORM showed better accuracy in estimating the probability of failure than conventional SORMs by utilizing a linear combination of noncentral or general chi-squared random variables. However, the novel SORM requires significant computational time when integrating the linear combination to calculate the probability of failure. In particular, when the dimension of performance functions is higher than three, the computational time for full integration increases exponentially. To reduce this computational burden for the novel SORM, we propose to obtain the distribution of the linear combination using the convolution and to use the distribution for the probability of failure estimation. Since it converts an N-dimensional full integration into one-dimensional integration, the proposed method is computationally very efficient. Numerical study illustrates that the accuracy of the proposed method is almost the same as the full integral method and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) with much improved efficiency.
Beyond Mean–Variance: The Mean–Gini Approach to Optimization Under Uncertainty
Authors: Wang Mengyu , Kannan Hanumanthrao , Bloebaum Christina
Published: November 2017

In probabilistic approaches to engineering design, including robust design, mean and variance are commonly used as the optimization objectives. This method, however, has significant limitations. For one, some mean–variance Pareto efficient designs may be stochastically dominated and should not be considered. Stochastic dominance is a mathematically rigorous concept commonly used in risk and decision analysis, based on the cumulative distribution function (CDFs), which establishes that one uncertain prospect is superior to another, while requiring minimal assumptions about the utility function of the outcome. This property makes it applicable to a wide range of engineering problems that ordinarily do not utilize techniques from normative decision analysis. In this work, we present a method to perform optimizations consistent with stochastic dominance: the Mean–Gini method. In macroeconomics, the Gini Index is the de facto metric for economic inequality, but statisticians have also proven a variant of it can be used to establish two conditions that are necessary and sufficient for both first and second-order stochastic dominance . These conditions can be used to reduce the Pareto frontier, eliminating stochastically dominated options. Remarkably, one of the conditions combines both mean and Gini, allowing for both expected outcome and uncertainty to be expressed in a single objective which, when maximized, produces a result that is not stochastically dominated given the Pareto front meets a convexity condition. We also find that, in a multi-objective optimization, the Mean–Gini optimization converges slightly faster than the mean–variance optimization.
Dynamics of Multipoint Thread Turning—Part I: General Formulation
Authors: Khoshdarregi Mohammad R. , Altintas Yusuf
Published: November 2017

This paper formulates the generalized dynamics and stability of thread turning operations with custom multipoint inserts. The closed-loop chip regeneration mechanism is modeled by evaluating the effect of the current vibrations and the vibration marks left from the previous tooth. Using the developed chip discretization method, the dynamic cutting and process damping forces are obtained at each point along the cutting edge by projecting the three-dimensional (3D) vibrations of the tool and workpiece in the direction of local chip thickness. The equation of motion is derived in both physical and modal spaces, and stability is analyzed in frequency domain using Nyquist criterion. An iterative process optimization algorithm has been developed to maximize productivity while respecting machine tool's torque and power limits. Extension of the model to thin-walled workpieces along with the validating experiments on real-scale oil pipes is presented in Part II of this paper.
Dynamics of Multipoint Thread Turning—Part II: Application to Thin-Walled Oil Pipes
Authors: Khoshdarregi Mohammad R. , Altintas Yusuf
Published: November 2017

This paper extends the general threading model developed in Part I to the case of thin-walled workpieces. Structural behavior of a cylindrical shell is dominated by the low-damped flexural modes. Due to the circumferential patterns of the shell modes, the cutting forces result in different instantaneous displacements around the circumference of the workpiece. The residual shell vibrations can affect the chip thickness when the corresponding point arrives at the cutting region. In this paper, the workpiece surface is discretized, and the instantaneous shell deformations due to the cutting forces are evaluated. The dynamic equation of motion for threading thin-walled workpieces is derived, and the stability and surface location errors are analyzed. The proposed threading model is validated experimentally on real-scale oil pipes for different pass numbers and infeed values. Sample approaches for chatter suppression are demonstrated experimentally.
Cellular Automaton Simulation of Microstructure Evolution for Friction Stir Blind Riveting
Authors: Samanta Avik , Shen Ninggang , Ji Haipeng , Wang Weiming , Li Jingjing , Ding Hongtao
Published: November 2017

Friction stir blind riveting (FSBR) process offers the ability to create highly efficient joints for lightweight metal alloys. During the process, a distinctive gradient microstructure can be generated for the work material near the rivet hole surface due to high-gradient plastic deformation and friction. In this work, discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (dDRX) is found to be the major recrystallization mechanism of aluminum alloy 6111 undergoing FSBR. A cellular automaton (CA) model is developed for the first time to simulate the evolution of microstructure of workpiece material during the dynamic FSBR process by incorporating main microstructure evolution mechanisms, including dislocation dynamics during severe plastic deformation, dynamic recovery, dDRX, and subsequent grain growth. Complex thermomechanical loading conditions during FSBR are obtained using a mesh-free Lagrangian particle-based smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method, and are applied in the CA model to predict the microstructure evolution near the rivet hole. The simulation results in grain structure agree well with the experiments, which indicates that the important characteristics of microstructure evolution during the FSBR process are well captured by the CA model. This study presents a novel numerical approach to model and simulate microstructure evolution undergoing severe plastic deformation processes.