bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the relationship between local extinction risk and position in range
Authors: Boakes Elizabeth H. , Isaac Nicholas J.B. , Fuller Richard A. , Mace Georgina M. , McGowan Philip J.K.
Published: July 2017

Over half of globally threatened animal species have experienced rapid geographic range loss. Identifying the parts of species’ distributions most vulnerable to local extinction would benefit conservation planning. However, previous studies give little consensus on whether ranges decline to the core or edge. We built on previous work by using empirical data to examine the position of recent local extinctions within species’ geographic ranges, address range position as a continuum, and explore the influence of environmental factors. We aggregated point‐locality data for 125 Galliform species from across the Palearctic and Indo‐Malaya into equal‐area half‐degree grid cells and used a multispecies dynamic Bayesian occupancy model to estimate rates of local extinctions. Our model provides a novel approach to identify loss of populations from within species ranges. We investigated the relationship between extinction rates and distance from range edge by examining whether patterns were consistent across biogeographic realm and different categories of land use. In the Palearctic, local extinctions occurred closer to the range edge than range core in both unconverted and human‐dominated landscapes. In Indo‐Malaya, no pattern was found for unconverted landscapes, but in human‐dominated landscapes extinctions tended to occur closer to the core than the edge. Our results suggest that local and regional factors override general spatial patterns of recent local extinction within species’ ranges and highlight the difficulty of predicting the parts of a species’ distribution most vulnerable to threat.
Redistribution of benefits but not detection in a fisheries bycatch‐reduction management initiative
Authors: McClanahan T.R. , Kosgei J.K.
Published: July 2017

Reducing the capture of small fish, discarded fish, and bycatch is a primary concern of fisheries managers who propose to maintain high yields, species diversity, and ecosystem functions. Modified fishing gear is one of the primary ways to reduce by‐catch and capture of small fish. The outcomes of gear modification may depend on competition among fishers using other similar resources and other gears in the same fishing grounds and the subsequent adoption or abandonment of modified gears by fishers. We evaluated adoption of modified gear, catch size, catch per unit effort (CPUE), yield, and fisher incomes in a coral reef fishery in which a 3‐cm escape gap was introduced into traditional traps. There were 26.1 (SD 4.9) fishers who used the experimental landing sites and 228(SD 15.7) fishers who used the control landing sites annually over 7 years. The size of fish increased by 10.6% in the modified traps, but the catch of smaller fish increased by 11.2% among the other gears. There was no change in the overall CPUE, yields, or per area incomes; rather, yield benefits were redistributed in favor of the unmodified gears. For example, estimated incomes of fishers who adopted the modified traps remained unchanged but increased for net and spear fishers. Fishers using escape‐gap traps had a high proportion of income from larger fish, which may have led to a perception of benefits, high status, and no abandonment of the modified traps. The commensal rather than competitive outcome may explain the continued use of escape‐gap traps 3 years after their introduction. Trap fishers showed an interest in negotiating other management improvements, such as increased mesh sizes for nets, which could ultimately catalyze community‐level decisions and restrictions that could increase their profits.
Immunological, chemical and clinical aspects of exposure to mixtures of contact allergens
Authors: Bonefeld Charlotte M. , Geisler Carsten , Gimenéz‐Arnau Elena , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre , Uter Wolfgang , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: July 2017

Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most frequent forms of skin inflammation. Very often, we are exposed to mixtures of allergens with varying potencies, doses/areas, and exposure times. Therefore, improved knowledge about immune responses to combinations of contact allergens is highly relevant. In this article, we provide a general introduction to immune responses to contact allergens, and discuss the literature concerning immune responses to mixtures of allergens. According to the existing evidence, increased responses are induced following sensitization with combinations of allergens as compared with single allergens. The response to a mixture of allergens can be both additive and synergistic, depending on the dose and combination of allergens. Importantly, sensitization with combinations of either fragrance allergens or metal salts can result in increased challenge responses to specific allergens within the mixture. Taken together, the immune responses to mixtures of allergens are complex, and further studies are required to obtain the necessary knowledge to improve consumer safety.
Prognostic impact and risk factors of low body mass index in patients undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Lee Jin‐Chiao , Doush Wael M. A. , Wang Yu‐Chao , Cheng Chih‐Hsien , Wu Tsung‐Han , Chen Yi‐Chan , Soong Ruey‐Shyang , Wu Ting‐Jung , Chou Hong‐Shiue , Chan Kun‐Ming , Lee Wei‐Chen , Lee Chen‐Fang
Published: July 2017

We aimed to investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the overall survival rates and to identify the risk factors associated with adverse outcomes. A total of 381 adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantations performed were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were classified according to the BMI categories established by the World Health Organization: The underweight group (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) and the non‐underweight group (BMI≥18.5 kg/m2). The underweight group had significantly worse outcomes, compared with that of the non‐underweight group (5‐year overall survival: 45.6% vs 74.6%, P<.001). Underweight patients with CD4/CD8 ratio <1.4 had a significant worse prognosis, compared with those with CD4/CD8 ratio ≥1.4. (The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year overall patient survival rates in both groups were 71.0% vs 20%, 58.9% vs 0%, and 53.6% vs 0%, respectively, P=.002.) In the multivariate analysis, only CD4/CD8 ratio <1.4 was an independent poor prognostic factor (hazard ratio=7.063, 95% confidence interval=1.329‐37.547, P=.022).

Conclusions

Pre‐operative CD4/CD8 ratio <1.4 is an independent poor prognostic indicator for underweight patients undergoing liver transplantation. Early intervention in replenishing the nutrient deficit and cautious use of immunosuppressive regimens are essential to prepare this high‐risk population for a more successful liver transplantation.
Coagulation profile in patients with chronic kidney disease before and after kidney transplantation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cho Jinbeom , Jun Kang Woong , Kim Mi Hyeong , Hwang Jeong Kye , Moon In Sung , Kim Ji Il
Published: July 2017

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) tend to experience both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications; however, the pathophysiology remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the underlying mechanisms and characteristics of hemostatic problems in patients with CKD and to demonstrate the role of kidney transplantation (KT) in correcting these hemostatic abnormalities.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, 557 KT recipients who did not receive perioperative plasmapheresis and who did not exhibit graft failure within 1 month after KT were included.

Results

KT recipients demonstrated increased levels of homocysteine and D‐dimer. A total of 80.9% of patients exhibited ≥1 thrombophilic factor at pre‐transplantation, and the proportion of these patients decreased to 47% at 28th post‐operative day (P<.001). The renal function of patients with no thrombophilic factors was better than that of patients with ≥1 thrombophilic factor at all post‐operative assessments (P<.001). The duration of pre‐operative dialysis significantly correlated with the thrombotic tendency of patients with CKD before and after KT.

Conclusion

Patients with CKD can exhibit hypercoagulability, which might be caused by reduced renal function per se. Both HD and PD can aggravate the prothrombotic tendency of patients with CKD via different mechanisms. Most thrombophilic factors in patients with CKD were corrected after KT.
Acne
Authors: Degitz Klaus , Ochsendorf Falk
Published: July 2017

Acne is a chronic disease with a high prevalence among adolescents. Key pathogenetic factors (and their clinical correlates) are increased sebum production (seborrhea), follicular hyperkeratosis (comedones), and perifollicular inflammation (papules and pustules). The disease is modulated by a variety of endogenous (androgens, IGF‐1, neuroendocrine factors) and exogenous (Propionibacterium acnes, diet, friction, ingredients of medical or cosmetic topical products) triggers. Acne is associated with high morbidity, and even mild manifestations may potentially cause considerable impairment in quality of life. Effective topical and systemic treatments are available. Optimal therapeutic results require continuous patient management over the course of the entire treatment period as well as adjustment of treatment modalities based on symptoms and disease severity.
Akne
Authors: Degitz Klaus , Ochsendorf Falk
Published: July 2017

Akne ist eine chronische Erkrankung mit hoher Prävalenz unter Jugendlichen. Pathogenetische Hauptfaktoren (und ihre klinischen Korrelate) sind gesteigerte Talgproduktion (Seborrhoe), follikuläre Hyperkeratose (Komedonen) und perifollikuläre Entzündungsvorgänge (Papulopusteln). Die Krankheit wird von endogenen (Androgene, IGF‐1, neuroendokrine Faktoren) und exogenen (Propionibacterium acnes, Diät, mechanische Irritation, Inhaltsstoffe medizinischer oder kosmetischer Externa) Einflüssen moduliert. Akne geht mit zum Teil hoher Morbidität einher und kann bereits bei leichter Ausprägung eine erhebliche Verschlechterung der Lebensqualität bewirken. Zu Therapie stehen wirksame topische und systemische Behandlungsverfahren zur Verfügung. Eine optimale Behandlung erfordert eine stadiengerechtes Management und kontinuierliche ärztliche Begleitung der Patienten über den erforderlichen Behandlungszeitraum.
The roles of history: age and prior exploitation in aquatic container habitats have immediate and carry‐over effects on mosquito life history
Authors: WESTBY KATIE M. , JULIANO STEVEN A.
Published: July 2017

1. Per‐capita resource availability in aquatic habitats is influenced directly by consumer density via resource competition and indirectly via delayed resource competition when temporally non‐overlapping cohorts of larvae exploit the same resources. In detritus‐based systems, resources are likely to be influenced by the age of the aquatic habitat, as detritus changes in quality over time and may be replenished by new inputs.

2. For aquatic insects that exploit detritus‐based habitats, feeding conditions experienced during immature stages can influence fitness directly via effects on development and survivorship, but also indirectly by influencing adult traits such as fecundity and longevity.

3. Larval habitat age and prior resource exploitation were manipulated in a field experiment using the container mosquito Aedes triseriatus.

4. It was found that A. triseriatus from older habitats had greater larval survival, faster development and greater adult longevity. Exploitation of larval habitats by a prior cohort of larvae had a significant negative effect on subsequent cohorts of larvae by delaying development.

5. It is suggested that extended conditioning of detritus probably resulted in conversion of recalcitrant resources to more available forms which improved the quality of the habitat.

6. In a parallel study, evidence was found of carry‐over effects of habitat age and prior exploitation on adult longevity for A. triseriatus and Aedes japonicus collected from unmanipulated aquatic habitats.

7. These results indicate the importance of detritus dynamics and the discontinuous nature of resource competition in these mosquito‐dominated aquatic systems.
The role of environmental filtering in the functional structure of fish communities in tropical wetlands
Authors: Córdova‐Tapia Fernando , Hernández‐Marroquín Víctor , Zambrano Luis
Published: July 2017

Understanding the mechanisms that structure communities has been a major challenge in ecological theory. In wetlands with a clear seasonal hydroperiod (wet and dry seasons), such as Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (SKBR), Mexico, fish communities experience successive habitat contraction/expansion, with a high mortality rate during the dry season. In this study, we tested the role of environmental filtering in structuring fish communities along an environmental gradient in permanent pools, during three consecutive stages of the dry season. We analysed fish communities using a functional dispersion index weighted by the relative abundance compared against a null model. While the concentration of dissolved oxygen remained low throughout the season, depth and temperature showed a gradient as the season progressed. Independently of their starting composition, at the end of the dry season the communities were dominated by a combination of the same three species. For the key function of locomotion, the functional dispersion was significantly lower at the end of the season in three of the five pools. For food acquisition, no significant differences were found. When the overall functional variation was considered, at the beginning of the dry season no single community differed significantly compared to the random models. However, as the season progressed, significant differences were recorded in four of the five pools. Our study supports the hypothesis that environmental filters have a major role in community structure in severe environmental conditions. Furthermore, our results show that the role of environmental filters gain importance as the dry season progresses.
Everyday memory: towards a translationally effective method of modelling the encoding, forgetting and enhancement of memory
Authors: Nonaka Mio , Fitzpatrick Richard , Lapira Jennifer , Wheeler Damian , Spooner Patrick A. , Corcoles‐Parada Marta , Muñoz‐López Mónica , Tully Tim , Peters Marco , Morris Richard G. M.
Published: July 2017

The testing of cognitive enhancers could benefit from the development of novel behavioural tasks that display better translational relevance for daily memory and permit the examination of potential targets in a within‐subjects manner with less variability. We here outline an optimized spatial ‘everyday memory’ task. We calibrate it systematically by interrogating certain well‐established determinants of memory and consider its potential for revealing novel features of encoding‐related gene activation. Rats were trained in an event arena in which food was hidden in sandwells in a different location everyday. They found the food during an initial memory‐encoding trial and were then required to remember the location in six alternative choice or probe trials at various time‐points later. Training continued daily over a period of 4 months, realizing a stable high level of performance and characterized by delay‐dependent forgetting over 24 h. Spaced but not massed access to multiple rewards enhanced the persistence of memory, as did post‐encoding administration of the PDE4 inhibitor Rolipram. Quantitative PCR and then genome‐wide analysis of gene expression led to a new observation – stronger gene‐activation in hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex following spaced than massed training. In a subsidiary study, a separate group of animals replicated aspects of this training profile, going on to show enhanced memory when training was subject to post‐encoding environmental novelty. Distinctive features of this protocol include its potential validity as a model of memory encoding used routinely by human subjects everyday, and the possibility of multiple within‐subject comparisons to speed up assays of novel compounds.
Priority effects are interactively regulated by top‐down and bottom‐up forces: evidence from wood decomposer communities
Authors: Leopold Devin R. , Wilkie J. Paula , Dickie Ian A. , Allen Robert B. , Buchanan Peter K. , Fukami Tadashi
Published: July 2017

Both top‐down (grazing) and bottom‐up (resource availability) forces can determine the strength of priority effects, or the effects of species arrival history on the structure and function of ecological communities, but their combined influences remain unresolved. To test for such influences, we assembled experimental communities of wood‐decomposing fungi using a factorial manipulation of fungivore (Folsomia candida) presence, nitrogen availability, and fungal assembly history. We found interactive effects of all three factors on fungal species composition and wood decomposition 1 year after the fungi were introduced. The strength of priority effects on community structure was affected primarily by nitrogen availability, whereas the strength of priority effects on decomposition rate was interactively regulated by nitrogen and fungivores. These results demonstrate that top‐down and bottom‐up forces jointly determine how strongly assembly history affects community structure and function.
Neurological and psychiatric associations in bullous pemphigoid—more than skin deep?
Authors: Försti Anna‐Kaisa , Huilaja Laura , Schmidt Enno , Tasanen Kaisa
Published: July 2017

In elderly patients, bullous pemphigoid (BP) is associated with several comorbidities; the strongest association occurs between BP and neurological diseases. Different types of dementia, Parkinson's disease, cerebrovascular disorders and epilepsy all have a significant association with BP, but patients with multiple sclerosis have the highest risk of BP. An existing neurological disorder appears to increase the risk for subsequent BP, but an increased risk for developing some neurological diseases has also been reported following BP diagnosis. BP seems to be associated with several psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia, uni‐ and bipolar disorder, schizotypal and delusional disorders, and personality disorders, but the risk ratios are usually lower than with neurological diseases. In addition to the skin, the BP autoantigens BP180 and BP230 are expressed in the central nervous system. This finding together with the strong epidemiological association between neurological disorders and BP has led to an assumption that neurodegeneration or neuroinflammation could lead to a cross‐reactive immunoresponse between neural and cutaneous antigens and the failure of self‐tolerance. A subpopulation of patients with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease have circulating IgG autoantibodies against BP180, but currently their significance for the development of BP is unclear, because these antineural BP180 antibodies neither bind to the cutaneous basement membrane nor cause BP‐like symptoms. Further studies analysing large and well‐characterized populations of neurological and psychiatric patients are required to understand better the role of autoimmunization against neural BP autoantigens in the pathogenesis of BP.
Ultraviolet radiation and skin mast cells: Effects, mechanisms and relevance for skin diseases
Authors: Siiskonen Hanna , Smorodchenko Anna , Krause Karoline , Maurer Marcus
Published: July 2017

Mast cells (MCs) are well known as versatile effector cells in allergic reactions and several other immune responses. Skin MCs and cutaneous MC responses are subject to the effects of environmental factors including ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Numerous studies have assessed the effects of UVR on MCs, in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, UVR seems to have variable effects on non‐activated and activated mast cells. In general, UV therapy is beneficial in the treatment of urticaria and mastocytosis, but the effects are variable depending on treatment regimen and type of UVR. Here, we review and summarise key reports from the older and current literature on the crosstalk of UVR and skin MCs. Specifically, we present the literature and discuss published reports on the effects of UVR on skin MCs in rodents and humans. In addition, we review the role of MCs in UVR‐driven skin diseases and the influence of UV light on MC‐mediated skin diseases. This summary of our current understanding of the interplay of skin MCs and UVR may help to improve the management of patients with urticaria and other MC disorders, to identify current gaps of knowledge, and to guide further research.
Naloxone prolongs cutaneous nociceptive block by lidocaine in rats
Authors: Chen Yu‐Wen , Shieh Ja‐Ping , Liu Kuo‐Sheng , Wang Jhi‐Joung , Hung Ching‐Hsia
Published: July 2017

We aimed to investigate the local anesthetic properties of naloxone alone or as an adjunct for the local anesthetic lidocaine. After the block of the cutaneous trunci muscle reflex (CTMR) with drugs delivery by subcutaneous infiltration, cutaneous nociceptive block was tested on the ratsꞌ backs. We demonstrated that naloxone, as well as lidocaine, elicited cutaneous analgesia dose‐dependently. The relative potency in inducing cutaneous analgesia was lidocaine [22.6 (20.1 – 25.4) μmol/kg] > naloxone [43.2 (40.3 – 46.4) μmol/kg] (P < 0.05). On an equianesthetic basis [50% effective dose (ED50), ED25, and ED75], naloxone displayed a greater duration of cutaneous analgesic action than lidocaine (P < 0.01). Coadministration of lidocaine (ED95 or ED50) and ineffective‐dose naloxone (13.3 μmol/kg) intensifies sensory block (P < 0.01) with prolonged duration of action (P < 0.001) compared with lidocaine (ED95 or ED50) alone or naloxone (13.3 μmol/kg) alone on infiltrative cutaneous analgesia. The preclinical data showed that naloxone is less potent than lidocaine as an infiltrative anesthetic, but its analgesic duration was longer than that of lidocaine. Furthermore, naloxone prolongs lidocaine analgesia, acting synergistically for nociceptive block.
An Introduction to the Network Weight Matrix
Authors: Ermagun Alireza , Levinson David
Published: July 2017

This study introduces the network weight matrix as a replacement for the spatial weight matrix to measure the spatial dependence between links of a network. This matrix stems from the concepts of betweenness centrality and vulnerability in network science. The elements of the matrix are a function not simply of proximity, but of network topology, network structure, and demand configuration. The network weight matrix has distinctive characteristics, which are capable of reflecting spatial dependence between traffic links: (1) elements are allowed to have negative and positive values capturing the competitive and complementary nature of links, (2) diagonal elements are not fixed to zero, which takes the self‐dependence of a link upon itself into consideration, and (3) elements not only reflect the spatial dependence based on the network structure, but they acknowledge the demand configuration as well. We verify the network weight matrix by modeling traffic flows in a 3 × 3 grid test network with 9 nodes and 24 directed links connecting 72 origin‐destination (OD) pairs. Models encompassing the network weight matrix outperform both models without spatial components and models with the spatial weight matrix. The network weight matrix represents a more accurate and defensible spatial dependency between traffic links, and offers the potential to augment traffic flow prediction.
Using CollaboRATE, a brief patient‐reported measure of shared decision making: Results from three clinical settings in the United States
Authors: Forcino Rachel C. , Barr Paul J. , O'Malley A. James , Arend Roger , Castaldo Molly G. , Ozanne Elissa M. , Percac‐Lima Sanja , Stults Cheryl D. , Tai‐Seale Ming , Thompson Rachel , Elwyn Glyn
Published: July 2017

Introduction

CollaboRATE is a brief patient survey focused on shared decision making. This paper aims to (i) provide insight on facilitators and challenges to implementing a real‐time patient survey and (ii) evaluate CollaboRATE scores and response rates across multiple clinical settings with varied patient populations.

Method

All adult patients at three United States primary care practices were eligible to complete CollaboRATE post‐visit. To inform key learnings, we aggregated all mentions of unanticipated decisions, problems and administration errors from field notes and email communications. Mixed‐effects logistic regression evaluated the impact of site, clinician, patient age and patient gender on the CollaboRATE score.

Results

While CollaboRATE score increased only slightly with increasing patient age (OR 1.018, 95% CI 1.014‐1.021), female patient gender was associated with significantly higher CollaboRATE scores (OR 1.224, 95% CI 1.073‐1.397). Clinician also predicts CollaboRATE score (random effect variance 0.146). Site‐specific factors such as clinical workflow and checkout procedures play a key role in successful in‐clinic implementation and are significantly related to CollaboRATE scores, with Site 3 scoring significantly higher than Site 1 (OR 1.759, 95% CI 1.216 to 2.545) or Site 2 (z=−2.71, 95% CI −1.114 to −0.178).

Discussion

This study demonstrates that CollaboRATE can be used in diverse primary care settings. A clinic's workflow plays a crucial role in implementation. Patient experience measurement risks becoming a burden to both patients and administrators. Episodic use of short measurement tools could reduce this burden.
Flood avoidance behaviour in Brown Dippers Cinclus pallasii
Authors: Hong Shiao‐Yu , Sharp Stuart P. , Chiu Ming‐Chih , Kuo Mei‐Hwa , Sun Yuan‐Hsun
Published: July 2017

Extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones are becoming more frequent, but efforts to understand their impact on wildlife have focused on population‐level change rather than the behavioural responses of individuals. In this study, we monitored individually marked Brown Dippers Cinclus pallasii in upland Taiwanese streams in order to investigate the movements of these birds following typhoons in 2004, 2012 and 2013. Individuals moved significantly longer distances immediately after floods compared with before, and in typhoon years compared with other years. Most of these movements involved temporary displacement from a major stream to one of its tributaries, where population size and food abundance are typically lower. These results suggest that movements after flooding were not driven by food abundance but that relatively poor quality streams may provide an important refuge for birds following typhoons.
Low and annually variable migratory connectivity in a long‐distance migrant: Whinchats Saxicola rubetra may show a bet‐hedging strategy
Authors: Blackburn Emma , Burgess Malcolm , Freeman Benedictus , Risely Alice , Izang Arin , Ivande Sam , Hewson Chris , Cresswell Will
Published: July 2017

The spatial scale of non‐breeding areas used by long‐distance migrant animals can vary from specific, relatively small non‐breeding areas for each independent breeding population (high connectivity) to a distribution over a large non‐breeding area with mixing of breeding populations (low connectivity). Measuring variation in the degree of connectivity and how it arises is crucial to predict how migratory animals can respond to global habitat and climate change because low connectivity is likely to be an adaptation to environmental uncertainty. Here, we assess whether use of non‐breeding areas in a long‐distance migrant may be stochastic by measuring the degree of connectivity, and whether it is annually variable. Twenty‐nine wintering Whinchats tagged with geolocators over 2 years within 40 km2 in central Nigeria were found to be breeding over 2.55 million km2 (26% of the land area of Europe), without an asymptote being approached in the relationship between area and sample size. Ranges differed in size between years by 1.51 million km2 and only 15% of the total breeding range across both years overlapped (8% overlap between years when only first‐year birds were considered), well above the range size difference and below the proportion of overlap that would be predicted from two equivalent groups breeding at random locations within the observed range. Mean distance between breeding locations (i.e. migratory spread) differed significantly between years (604 ± 18 km in 2013 and 869 ± 33 km in 2014). The results showed very low and variable connectivity that was reasonably robust to the errors and assumptions inherent in the use of geolocators, but with the caveat of having only ranges of 2 years to compare, and the sensitivity of range to the breeding locations of a small number of individuals. However, if representative, the results suggest the scope for between‐year variation (cohort effects) to determine migrant distribution on a large scale. Furthermore, for species with similarly low connectivity, we would predict breeding population trends to reflect average conditions across large non‐breeding areas: thus, as large areas of Africa become subject to habitat loss, migrant populations throughout Europe will decline.
Dusky works upstream of Four‐jointed and Forked in wing morphogenesis in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Li C. , Li B. , Ma S. , Lü P. , Chen K.
Published: July 2017

Dusky (dy) is required for cytoskeletal reorganization during wing morphogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster, but which genes participate together with dy for wing morphogenesis has remained unclear. In Tribolium castaneum, dy is highly expressed at the late embryonic stage. Tissue‐specific expression analysis indicated high expression levels of dy in the epidermis, head and fat body of late‐stage larvae. RNA interference (RNAi) targeting dy significantly decreased adult wing size and caused improper folding of the elytra. Meanwhile, dy knockdown reduced the transcription of four‐jointed (fj) and forked (f). Our results show that fj RNAi reduces adult wing size and that silencing f results in abnormal wing folding in T. castaneum. Interestingly, knocking down fj and f simultaneously phenocopies dy RNAi, suggesting that dy probably acts upstream of fj and f to regulate wing morphogenesis in T. castaneum.
Conflicts of interest in medicine: taking diversity seriously
Authors: Williams Jane , Mayes Christopher , Komesaroff Paul , Kerridge Ian , Lipworth Wendy
Published: July 2017

Conflicts of interest (COI) are considered ubiquitous in many healthcare arrangements,1 but there is disagreement on how COI should be defined, whether non‐financial conflicts deserve attention and the relationship between COI and harm. We conducted a study of Australian healthcare professionals and students to gain a better understanding of the way that COI are understood in practice. In this paper, we outline an empirically derived taxonomy of the understanding of, and attitudes towards, COI. We carried out 25 semistructured interviews with clinicians working in several fields across Australia and held six focus group discussions with medical students in New South Wales. Interviewees and focus groups followed similar question routes investigating participants’ understanding of COI and views of management. All data were compared and analysed using a matrix of pre‐determined questions. There were, broadly, two views of COI: that COI were potentially harmful and morally compromising and another that saw COI as less serious and easily managed through existing structures. Definitions of COI varied widely and were both financial and non‐financial. Causes of COI were, variously, systemic, individual and/or relational. Some participants associated COI with moral wrongdoing, and a variety of potential harms was identified. Views on how COI should be managed were similarly varied. We found considerable heterogeneity in how COI are understood in practice. This has implications for management systems that are currently in place, and we suggest a more sophisticated system for considering and mitigating COI.
A case of disseminated Mycobacterium bovis 2 years post‐intravesicular Bacillus Calmette–Guérin therapy for superficial urinary bladder cancer
Authors: Robinson Alexander R. L. , Radhakrishnan Rajeswari , Horvath Robert , Pandey Sushil
Published: July 2017

Disseminated Mycobacterium bovis is an uncommon side‐effect of intravesical Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) therapy that may be mediated through Mycobacteraemia. This case report, of a 77‐year‐old man with a history of intravesical BCG therapy and recent cardiac surgery, highlights the need for patients with similar features on history, presenting with generalised symptoms, to have mycobacterial cultures included in their workup.
Coping strategies and social support needs of experienced and inexperienced nurses performing shiftwork
Authors: Gifkins Jane , Loudoun Rebecca , Johnston Amy
Published: July 2017

Aim

The aim of this investigation was to compare perceptions of nurses exposed to short or longer term shift work and their experiences working under this type of scheduling.

Background

Shift work is a crucial component of nurses' working lives, ensuring continuous care for patients. This study fills a research gap around the personal experiences of shift working nurses and the strategies used to manage the impacts of shift work.

Design

Qualitative case study design.

Methods

Constructivist methodology, including in‐depth semi‐structured interviews conducted in 2015, was used for the study. Iterative review and inductive analysis of transcripts from nine recently graduated nurses and twelve experienced nurses enabled identification and verification of key themes.

Findings

Three main areas of difference between new and experienced nurses relating to shift work challenges in a nursing environment emerged: perceptions about the utility of working in shifts, coping strategies and social support at home and work. Most experienced nurses found shift work advantageous, especially those with dependents. Coping strategies included flexible shift arrangements in both groups. Experienced nurses detailed the importance of support from family and friends while inexperienced nurses described feeling disconnected from social supports. Experienced nurses cited a lack of support from nursing managers as problematic.

Conclusions

Findings suggest shift selection mitigated challenges of shift work for both inexperienced and experienced nurses, indicating autonomous roster selection is critical. Similarly, social support at work from senior nurses and management and at home played an important role in nurses' coping.
Does age matter? A mixed methods study examining determinants of good recovery and resilience in young and middle‐aged adults following moderate‐to‐severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Arbour Caroline , Gosselin Nadia , Levert Marie‐Josée , Gauvin‐Lepage Jérôme , Michallet Bernard , Lefebvre Hélène
Published: July 2017

Aim

To examine whether age contributes to functional recovery and resilience after moderate‐to‐severe traumatic brain injury.

Background

The ability to recover may change across the lifespan, but the influence of age on brain injury outcome is understudied.

Design

Mixed methods study.

Methods

All adults of working age (18–64 years) discharged from a level I trauma centre between 2010–2013 after sustaining a moderate‐to‐severe traumatic brain injury were considered. Functional recovery was assessed during a telephone interview with the Glasgow Outcome Scale‐Extended 12–36 months postinjury. A subgroup completed the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale and a face‐to‐face interview about resilience.

Results

Ninety‐seven young (mean age: 27 years; 75% male) and 47 middle‐aged brain trauma survivors (mean age: 53 years; 75% male) completed the telephone interview. Eight young and five middle‐aged adults were also assessed for resilience. Overall, young participants experienced more severe head injuries. Yet, they achieved slightly higher levels of functional recovery compared with middle‐aged ones as per the Glasgow Outcome Scale‐Extended. Controlling for CT scan findings and posttraumatic amnesia duration, age was not found to be associated to functional recovery in adults of working age. Although both groups showed similar levels of resilience, young participants discussed the challenges related to “having more time on their hands” and “being a changed person”, two elements perceived positively by middle‐aged ones.

Conclusion

While age does not appear to interfere with functional recovery in adults of working age, younger brain trauma survivors could benefit from nursing interventions to strengthen their resilience process related to re‐employment orientation and identity.
Handing over patients from the ICU to the general ward: A focused ethnographical study of nurses' communication practice
Authors: Bunkenborg Gitte , Bitsch Hansen Tina , Hølge‐Hazelton Bibi
Published: July 2017

Aim

To explore nursing practice and perception of engaging in communicative interaction when handing over multi‐morbid patients from the ICU to general medical or surgical wards.

Background

Communication failures impose risks to patient safety. ICU and general ward nurses communicate in writing and verbally when handing over patients from one setting to another. A deeper understanding of nurses' communicative interaction and of nurses' perception of their interaction is crucial to facilitate clinical interventions focusing to improve patient safety.

Design

An explorative, qualitative design using focused ethnography was applied to the study.

Methods

Participant observation of 22 clinical situations of handing over patients from the ICU to general wards was conducted in November and December 2015, followed by five focus group interviews, three interviews with general ward nurses and two with ICU nurses in January–February 2016. Observation notes and interview transcripts were analysed using content analysis.

Findings

The theme “Communicative interaction as a process of sharing and adopting ownership” and the subtheme “Communicative interaction influenced by nurses individual expectations towards patient status and the handing over process” emerged from observation notes. From transcribed focus group interviews, the theme “Balancing and negotiating when passing on, consuming and adapting knowledge” was identified.

Conclusion

A lack of shared goals regarding handing over patients from a high monitoring unit to general wards causes communicative and collaborative difficulties, loss of information and potential risks to patients. Organizational attention in relation to ICU discharge is crucial to improve collaboration, communication and patient safety.
Child‐care quality moderates the association between maternal depression and children's behavioural outcome
Authors: Charrois Justine , Côté Sylvana M. , Japel Christa , Séguin Jean R. , Paquin Stéphane , Tremblay Richard E. , Herba Catherine M.
Published: July 2017

Background

Maternal depression is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in the child, including emotional and behavioural difficulties. There is evidence that child care attendance during the preschool years may moderate associations between familial risk factors and child outcome. However, the possibility that high‐quality child care provides protection for children exposed to maternal depression or that low‐quality child care provides additional risk has not been investigated. We study whether child‐care quality moderates the association between probable history of maternal depression (PMD) and child behavioural and emotional outcomes over the preschool period.

Methods

Within a longitudinal study, we examined PMD (no depression; clinical PMD before the child's birth; subclinical PMD from 0 to 5 years; clinical PMD from 0 to 5 years), child‐care quality and child emotional and behavioural difficulties at the ages of 2, 3 and 4 years. Child‐care quality was evaluated in settings, and trajectories were calculated to reflect (a) global quality and (b) two quality subfactors: ‘Teaching and interactions’ and ‘Provision for learning’. Data were analysed for 264 families.

Results

Significant interactions emerged between clinical PMD and global quality of child care for children's externalising behaviour (b = −.185, p = .008), more specifically hyperactivity/inattention (b = −.237, p = .002). In the context of clinical PMD, children attending high‐quality child care presented fewer difficulties than those attending a low‐quality care. Child‐care quality was not associated with outcomes for children whose mothers did not report a PMD or a PMD before their birth.

Conclusions

In the context of PMD, high‐quality child care was associated with fewer behavioural problems and may thus constitute a protective factor.
Cannabis use and psychotic‐like experiences trajectories during early adolescence: the coevolution and potential mediators
Authors: Bourque Josiane , Afzali Mohammad H. , O'Leary‐Barrett Maeve , Conrod Patricia
Published: July 2017

Background

The authors sought to model the different trajectories of psychotic‐like experiences (PLE) during adolescence and to examine whether the longitudinal relationship between cannabis use and PLE is mediated by changes in cognitive development and/or change in anxiety or depression symptoms.

Methods

A total of 2,566 youths were assessed every year for 4‐years (from 13‐ to 16‐years of age) on clinical, substance use and cognitive development outcomes. Latent class growth models identified three trajectories of PLE: low decreasing (83.9%), high decreasing (7.9%), and moderate increasing class (8.2%). We conducted logistic regressions to investigate whether baseline levels and growth in cannabis use were associated with PLE trajectory membership. Then, we examined the effects of potential mediators (growth in cognition and anxiety/depression) on the relationship between growth in cannabis use and PLE trajectory.

Results

A steeper growth in cannabis use from 13‐ to 16‐years was associated with a higher likelihood of being assigned to the moderate increasing trajectory of PLE [odds ratio, 2.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11–6.03], when controlling for cumulative cigarette use. Growth in depression symptoms, not anxiety or change in cognitive functioning, mediated the relationship between growth in cannabis use and the PLE moderate increasing group (indirect effect: 0.07; 95% CI, 0.03–0.11).

Conclusions

Depression symptoms partially mediated the longitudinal link between cannabis use and PLE in adolescents, suggesting that there may be a preventative effect to be gained from targeting depression symptoms, in addition to attempting to prevent cannabis use in youth presenting increasing psychotic experiences.
Patient involvement in reducing errors during X‐ray imaging in an orthopedic outpatient clinic
Authors: Kim Joon Yub , Jung Myung Gon , Kwon Myung Hee , Noh Seo Ol , Kim Hye Jin
Published: July 2017

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of patient involvement in identifying both patients and the location(s) before X‐ray examinations at orthopedic clinics.

Methods

We analyzed the errors of the X‐ray order in 2014 in our orthopedic outpatient clinic and categorized them into 6 categories. We looked at the errors from April to September 2014 (group I, preintervention), introduced the patient involvement system in March 2015 (intervention), and compared the errors from April to September 2015 (group II, postintervention).

Results

The rate of X‐ray prescription errors declined from 0.58% (group I, 79/13,617) to 0.08% (group II, 10/12,588). The most significant reduction in error rate was found in errors of left to right; there were 58 cases in group I and 5 cases in group II, a reduction rate of approximately 91%. The most common anatomical location of the error was the wrist and hand (27 of 89 cases, 30.3%). There was a significant difference between the ordered anatomical locations and the incidence of error in 2014 (P < .001), and we also obtained the same results for the relationship between the ordered anatomical locations and error types in 2014 (P < .001).

Conclusion

We found that patient involvement was effective in reducing errors in X‐ray imaging in our orthopedic clinic, and we recommend its use in other medical fields with respect to left‐to‐right issues.
Histopathological changes on the gills of asp (Aspius aspius) and European catfish (Silurus glanis) caused by Lamproglena pulchella and a Lamproglena sp. (Copepoda: Lernaeidae), respectively
Authors: Molnár K , Avenant‐Oldewage A , Sellyei B , Varga Á , Székely C
Published: July 2017

In a parasitology survey of Hungarian fishes, heavy infections of parasitic copepods Lamproglena pulchella and a Lamproglena sp. were found in the gills of the asp and the European catfish, respectively. Individuals of both fish species were emaciated and infected with hundreds of Lamproglena. Copepods located close to the tip of gill filaments and formed a depression at the attachment sites. In histological sections, cell degenerations and local haemorrhages were present adjacent to the maxillipeds and where the maxillary claws pierced the gill tissue. Around maxillae and in the midgut of the Lamproglena, damaged piscine blood cells and remains of the gill tissue were observed. Host reaction was expressed by proliferation of epithelioid cells, increase in both number and size of goblet and mast cells and formation of giant cells.
Predictive value of apolipoprotein B and A‐I ratio in severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Huh Ji Hye , Jung Saehyun , Cho Seung Kook , Lee Kyong Joo , Kim Jae Woo
Published: July 2017

Background and Aim

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has considerable mortality and morbidity rates. Although many indices have been developed to classify the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP), an optimal method for predicting SAP has not been identified. The ratio of apolipoprotein B to A‐I (apoB/A‐I) is associated with metabolic syndrome and inflammatory status. This study investigated the association between severity of AP and serum apoB/A‐I ratio.

Methods

Patients with AP were prospectively enrolled at Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine from March 2015 to August 2016. The severity of AP was assessed according to the revised Atlanta classification criteria (Atlanta 2012).

Results

Of 191 patients with AP, 134 (70.2%) had mild AP, 42 (22%) had moderately severe AP, and 15 (7.9%) had SAP; apoB/A‐I ratio was highest in patients with SAP (P = 0.001). The apoB/A‐I ratio was positively correlated with Atlanta classification, computed tomography severity index, and Bedside index for severity of AP. The apoB/A‐I ratio showed the highest predictive value for SAP in patients with AP compared with apolipoprotein B or apolipoprotein A‐I alone.

Conclusion

Serum apoB/A‐I ratio appears to have value for predicting SAP in patients with AP.
Prevention of cognitive impairment: scientific guidance and windows of opportunity
Authors: Gorelick Philip B.
Published: July 2017

Cognitive impairment of later life is an important medical and public health challenge. Worldwide it is estimated that the number of persons with dementia will continue to increase, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries. An important public health challenge relates to the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia. Specifically, is it possible to maintain cognitive vitality or prevent or slow cognitive decline? In this opinion‐based piece, I review United States‐based guidance statements for maintenance of cognition and select single and multidomain trials designed to preserve cognitive function. Guidance statements now recommend that we treat or prevent cardiovascular risks in hopes of preventing cognitive impairment or decline. I discuss potential gaps between guidance statements and interventional studies, and provide comments on where windows of opportunity may exist to close potential gaps in our quest to maintain cognitive vitality.

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This article is part of the Special Issue “Vascular Dementia”.