bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the impact of CITES listing of sharks and rays in Southeast Asian fisheries
Authors: Friedman K , Gabriel S , Abe O , Adnan Nuruddin A , Ali A , Bidin Raja Hassan R , Cadrin S X , Cornish A , De Meulenaer T , Dharmadi  , Fahmi  , Huu Tuan Anh L , Kachelriess D , Kissol L , Krajangdara T , Rahman Wahab A , Tanoue W , Tharith C , Torres F , Wanchana W , Win S , Yokawa K , Ye Y
Published: April 2018

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. However, measuring the effectiveness and impacts of these trade regulations for commercially exploited aquatic species remains challenging. This study highlights observed or documented changes in elasmobranch fisheries in eight Southeast Asian countries before and after the listing of sharks and rays in CITES’ Appendix II, and the influence of CITES across five pillars or sectors of a “fishery assessment framework” developed especially for this purpose. Fisheries experts reported change was most common in the “governance” (e.g., policy, regulation and compliance) and “fisher(y)” sectors (e.g., structure and effort) of the assessment framework. The smallest change was recorded in “markets” (e.g., structures and prices) and “sociocultural” sectors (e.g., consumption, livelihoods and community awareness). Overall, the study demonstrates a measurable, albeit small, mostly positive influence of CITES in five of eight countries, while noting predominantly negative influences across two, and ongoing challenges for all in maintaining legal trade of these CITES‐listed species. The study concludes by offering guidance on future needs: most notably, more effort for long‐term collection of fundamental fisher‐, stock‐ and market‐related data to inform adaptive management and facilitation of legal trade where it is shown to be sustainable. Furthermore, as many of the shark and ray species under CITES provisions are transboundary stocks, increased support for communication and cooperation among regional fishery stakeholders is an ongoing need.
They Persist: Parent and Youth Voice in the Age of Trump
Authors: Spinak Jane M.
Published: April 2018

In recent decades, parents and youth involved in the child welfare and foster care systems have created myriad ways to have their voices heard and their concerns appreciated, including through collective self‐advocacy efforts. New forms of individual and communal advocacy have emerged, including with supportive professionals, that acknowledge the centrality of parents and youth in every decision being made about their lives and about the systems that control their lives. Nevertheless, studies of youth and parent engagement identify the numerous individual and systemic barriers to meaningful participation and self‐advocacy efforts and the challenges to overcoming those barriers. This essay explores how empowered parents and youth can surmount those barriers with the assistance of their professional allies. Ultimately, this individual and communal engagement will strengthen a family‐oriented child welfare system and a more responsive government in these uncertain times.
Oceanographic factors affecting interannual recruitment variability of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) in the central and western North Pacific
Authors: Ichii Taro , Nishikawa Haruka , Mahapatra Kedarnath , Okamura Hiroshi , Igarashi Hiromichi , Sakai Mitsuo , Suyama Satoshi , Nakagami Masayasu , Naya Miyako , Usui Norihisa , Okada Yoshihiro
Published: April 2018

Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) has a short life span of 2 years and tends to exhibit marked population fluctuations. To examine the importance of sea surface temperature (SST) and mixed layer depth (MLD) as oceanographic factors for interannual variability of saury recruitment in early life history, we analyzed the relationship between abundance index (survey CPUE (catch per unit of effort)) of age‐1 fish and the oceanographic factors in the spawning and nursery grounds of the previous year when they were born, for the period of 1979–2006, in the central and western North Pacific. Applying the mixture of two linear regression models, the variability in the survey CPUE was positively correlated with previous year's winter SST in the Kuroshio Recirculation region (KR) throughout the survey period except 1994–2002. In contrast, the survey CPUE was positively correlated with the previous year's spring MLD (a proxy of spring chlorophyll a (Chl‐a) concentration) in the Kuroshio‐Oyashio Transition and Kuroshio Extension (TKE) during 1994–2002. This period is characterized by unusually deep spring MLD during 1994–1997 and anomalous climate conditions during 1998–2002. We suggest that saury recruitment variability was generally driven by the winter SST in the KR (winter spawning/nursery ground), or by the spring Chl‐a concentration (a proxy of prey for saury larvae) in the TKE (spring spawning/nursery ground). These oceanographic factors could be potentially useful to predict abundance trends of age‐1 saury in the future if the conditions leading to the switch between SST and MLD as the key input variable are elucidated further.
Recurrent seascape units identify key ecological processes along the western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Bowman Jeff S. , Kavanaugh Maria T. , Doney Scott C. , Ducklow Hugh W.
Published: April 2018

The western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is a bellwether of global climate change and natural laboratory for identifying interactions between climate and ecosystems. The Palmer Long‐Term Ecological Research (LTER) project has collected data on key ecological and environmental processes along the WAP since 1993. To better understand how key ecological parameters are changing across space and time, we developed a novel seascape classification approach based on in situ temperature, salinity, chlorophyll a, nitrate + nitrite, phosphate, and silicate. We anticipate that this approach will be broadly applicable to other geographical areas. Through the application of self‐organizing maps (SOMs), we identified eight recurrent seascape units (SUs) in these data. These SUs have strong fidelity to known regional water masses but with an additional layer of biogeochemical detail, allowing us to identify multiple distinct nutrient profiles in several water masses. To identify the temporal and spatial distribution of these SUs, we mapped them across the Palmer LTER sampling grid via objective mapping of the original parameters. Analysis of the abundance and distribution of SUs since 1993 suggests two year types characterized by the partitioning of chlorophyll a into SUs with different spatial characteristics. By developing generalized linear models for correlated, time‐lagged external drivers, we conclude that early spring sea ice conditions exert a strong influence on the distribution of chlorophyll a and nutrients along the WAP, but not necessarily the total chlorophyll a inventory. Because the distribution and density of phytoplankton biomass can have an impact on biomass transfer to the upper trophic levels, these results highlight anticipated links between the WAP marine ecosystem and climate.
The plight of Amazonia's oldest peatland
Authors: Swindles Graeme T.
Published: April 2018

Peatlands are globally important ecosystems in terms of biodiversity, hydrology, and for the role they play in the carbon cycle. They store approximately one‐third of the carbon contained in the terrestrial biosphere, whilst covering only approximately 3% of the land and freshwater surface. Tropical peatlands represent an important component of this carbon store and can be found in Asia, Africa, South and Central America. However, tropical peatlands are also under severe threat of destruction from human activities including deforestation, agricultural expansion and resource exploitation. In South America, the Pastaza–Marañon foreland basin (PMFB) in NW Peru represents the most carbon dense landscape in Amazonia due to an abundance of peatlands, including nutrient‐poor ombrotrophic peat domes and river‐influenced minerotrophic swamps. The Aucayacu peatland in the PMFB is a nutrient‐poor peat dome and represents the oldest peatland yet reported in Amazonia. It is a relatively large peatland—it is estimated that Aucayacu has maximum dimensions of 33 km (NW‐SE) by 15 km (NE‐SW) (Fig. ). The flora of the site is characterized by stunted vegetation due to low nutrient status, known as ‘pole’ and ‘dwarf’ forest, which at Aucayacu grows above a patchy understory of grasses and ferns (Fig. ). Recent research has shown that Aucayacu has laid down peat up to 7.5 m deep in ∼ 8900 years.
The epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection in Europe and the impact of lifestyle on its natural evolution toward stomach cancer after infection: A systematic review
Authors: Venneman Kimberly , Huybrechts Inge , Gunter Marc J. , Vandendaele Lieve , Herrero Rolando , Van Herck Koen
Published: April 2018

Background

Helicobacter pylori is a recognized cause of stomach cancer, but only a fraction of infected subjects develop cancer. This systematic review 1, summarizes the prevalence of infection with this bacterium in Europe; and 2, reviews the possible impact of particular lifestyles in progression from infection to stomach cancer.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in two databases by two independent investigators. Studies describing prevalence of infection among European healthy adult populations and worldwide studies analyzing the impact of lifestyle factors in association with H. pylori on stomach cancer risk were included.

Results

Variable H. pylori infection prevalence was observed depending on region and study period. The lowest infection prevalences were found in Northern Europe, while the highest were in Eastern and Southern Europe, up to 84% in Portugal and Poland. Studies on smoking, salt, and meat consumption demonstrated increased risks of developing stomach cancer among H. pylori‐infected individuals, while studies relating the intake of fruit, vegetables, and vitamins demonstrated decreased risks, but the levels of significance differed importantly between studies. No significant interaction could be found for alcohol consumption or physical activity.

Conclusions

Recent data showed remaining high H. pylori infection rates in several European regions. This systematic review suggests that a number of correctable lifestyle factors could impact the disease progression toward H. pylori‐associated stomach cancer. However, additional research is required to determine the potential role of targeted interventions in reducing stomach cancer development after H. pylori infection.
Augmenter of liver regeneration: A key protein in liver regeneration and pathophysiology
Authors: Gupta Parul , Venugopal Senthil Kumar
Published: April 2018

Liver is constantly exposed to pathogens, viruses, chemicals, and toxins, and several of them cause injury, leading to the loss of liver mass and sometimes resulting in cirrhosis and cancer. Under physiological conditions, liver can regenerate if the loss of cells is less than the proliferation of hepatocytes. If the loss is more than the proliferation, the radical treatment available is liver transplantation. Due to this reason, the search for an alternative therapeutic agent has been the focus of liver research. Liver regeneration is regulated by several growth factors; one of the key factors is augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR). Involvement of ALR has been reported in crucial processes such as oxidative phosphorylation, maintenance of mitochondria and mitochondrial biogenesis, and regulation of autophagy and cell proliferation. Augmenter of liver regeneration has been observed to be involved in liver regeneration by not only overcoming cell cycle inhibition but by maintaining the stem cell pool as well. These observations have created curiosity regarding the possible role of ALR in maintenance of liver health. Thus, this review brings a concise presentation of the work done in areas exploring the role of ALR in normal liver physiology and in liver health maintenance by fighting liver diseases, such as liver failure, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, viral infections, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Labouring out of Adversity: Maconochie, Political Economy and Penal Labour
Authors: MOORE J.M.
Published: April 2018

The modern prison emerged at broadly the same time as the discourse of political economy and a new understanding of the social meaning of work. This research explores how one penal theorist, Alexander Maconochie (1787–1860), deployed the ideas of political economy to answer key questions central to early‐19th‐Century debates about work's exact role in penal regimes. The reformation of the criminal, Maconochie argued, should be the primary aim of State punishment and this could be achieved through deploying political economy's ‘invisible hand’ to organise penal labour. The final section briefly explores Maconochie's two opportunities to test his theories and shows that, however intellectually coherent they were, in practice they proved impossible to implement.
Organizational socialization of newcomers: the role of professional socialization
Authors: Kowtha Narasimha Rao
Published: April 2018

Organizational socialization is the process through which newcomers learn the requisite social and task knowledge in order to resolve role uncertainty and become organizational insiders. Successful socialization of newcomers implies better retention of employees, higher productivity, and reduced recruitment and training costs. Many organizational newcomers undergo professional socialization through education and related work experience during their schooling. These newcomers may respond differently to an organization's efforts to socialize them when compared with newcomers without any related professional education or work experience. The importance of prior work experience and professional education for organizational socialization of newcomers, however, has received attention only recently. The aim of the research reported in this paper is to investigate the moderating effects of prior related work experience and professional education on the relationship between organizational socialization tactics and newcomer's adjustment. The study was conducted with a sample of new graduates from an Asian university. Findings show that prior related work experience and professional education moderate the effects of socialization tactics on newcomer's role clarity, role conflict and organizational commitment. The moderators have effects on different outcomes and in opposite directions. The paper discusses theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Role of bone scan index in the prognosis and effects of therapy on prostate cancer with bone metastasis: Study design and rationale for the multicenter Prostatic Cancer Registry of Standard Hormonal and Chemotherapy Using Bone Scan Index (PROSTAT‐BSI) study
Authors: Nakajima Kenichi , Kaneko Go , Takahashi Satoru , Matsuyama Hideyasu , Shiina Hiroaki , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Horikoshi Hiroyuki , Hashine Katsuyoshi , Sugiyama Yutaka , Miyao Takeshi , Kamiyama Manabu , Harada Kenichi , Ito Akito , Mizokami Atsushi ,   the PROSTAT‐BSI Investigators
Published: April 2018

Objective

To present the study design and rationale of Prostatic Cancer Registry of Standard Hormonal and Chemotherapy Using Bone Scan Index, a prospective study aiming to determine the role of the bone scan index, the amount of bone metastasis, in the treatment and prognosis of prostate cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 237 patients were recruited at 30 hospitals in Japan. All had prostate cancer with bone metastasis and were scheduled to undergo either hormonal therapy (group H) or chemotherapy (group C). Bone scans were carried out with 99mTc‐methylenediphosphonate. Follow‐up studies are planned to continue for 3 years, and changes in biochemical and tumor markers in response to hormonal therapy and chemotherapy will be recorded in addition to skeletal‐related events, recurrence, disease progression and death.

Results

The basic characteristics of the patients (n = 200) at the time of registration during December 2016 were as follows: mean age 71 ± 8 years; median bone scan index calculated on‐site 1.9% (range 0.02–13.3%); median number of hot spots 18 (range 1–128); median prostate‐specific antigen 155 ng/mL (range 0.04–22 412 ng/mL); and the most frequent Gleason score 9 (47%). The prostate‐specific antigen value was higher in group H than group C (288 vs 33 ng/mL, P < 0.0001), whereas bone scan indexes were comparable (1.7 vs 2.3%, not significant) between the two groups. Liver metastasis was more frequent in group C than group H (6.1% vs 0.8%, P = 0.035).

Conclusions

The baseline characteristics of the Prostatic Cancer Registry of Standard Hormonal and Chemotherapy Using Bone Scan Index database have been established. This collaborative study can now proceed with clarifying the role of the bone scan index for patient management including treatment strategies and prognosis.
Benchmarking working conditions for health and safety in the frontline healthcare industry: Perspectives from Australia and Malaysia
Authors: McLinton Sarven S. , Loh May Young , Dollard Maureen F. , Tuckey Michelle M. R. , Idris Mohd Awang , Morton Sharon
Published: April 2018

Aim

To present benchmarks for working conditions in healthcare industries as an initial effort into international surveillance.

Background

The healthcare industry is fundamental to sustaining the health of Australians, yet it is under immense pressure. Budgets are limited, demands are increasing as are workplace injuries and all of these factors compromise patient care. Urgent attention is needed to reduce strains on workers and costs in health care, however, little work has been done to benchmark psychosocial factors in healthcare working conditions in the Asia‐Pacific. Intercultural comparisons are important to provide an evidence base for public policy.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was used (like other studies of prevalence), including a mixed‐methods approach with qualitative interviews to better contextualize the results.

Methods

Data on psychosocial factors and other work variables were collected from healthcare workers in three hospitals in Australia (N = 1,258) and Malaysia (N = 1,125). 2015 benchmarks were calculated for each variable and comparison was conducted via independent samples t tests. Healthcare samples were also compared with benchmarks for non‐healthcare general working populations from their respective countries: Australia (N = 973) and Malaysia (N = 225).

Findings

Our study benchmarks healthcare working conditions in Australia and Malaysia against the general working population, identifying trends that indicate the industry is in need of intervention strategies and job redesign initiatives that better support psychological health and safety.

Conclusion

We move toward a better understanding of the precursors of psychosocial safety climate in a broader context, including similarities and differences between Australia and Malaysia in national culture, government occupational health and safety policies and top‐level management practices.
“We're at a watershed”: The positioning of PhD nurses in clinical practice
Authors: Andreassen Pernille , Christensen Mette Krogh
Published: April 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore different perspectives on the positioning (i.e. the perceived rights and duties) of PhD nurses and how they contribute to clinical nursing practice.

Background

The number of PhD nurses is growing worldwide, but we only have little knowledge of what is expected of PhD nurses and what their actual impact is in the clinic.

Design

The findings of this article stem from a qualitative, explorative interview study.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with six PhD nurses, nine nurse colleagues and six clinical nurse leaders. Data collection took place from April ‐ June 2016 in Central Denmark Region. Data were analysed using positioning theory.

Findings

The PhD nurses were positioned as responsible for implementing evidence‐based practice in the clinic and in nursing culture as such. Emphasis was put on the importance of PhD nurses staying close to the clinic to do practice‐based research of immediate effect for patient care.

Conclusion

The study reveals several positive effects of PhD nurses in the clinic but also problematizes the many and diverse duties they are expected to carry out.
Response to ‘Psoriasis patients’ preference for an aerosol foam topical formulation’ by Vender R et al.
Authors: Hong C‐H. , Papp K.A. , Lophaven K.W. , Skallerup P. , Philipp S.
Published: April 2018

Linked article: This article is commented on by R. Vender et al., pp.e400–e401 in this issue. To view this article visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.14993
Clinical and dermoscopic characteristics of congenital melanocytic naevi
Authors: Stefanaki C. , Soura E. , Stergiopoulou A. , Kontochristopoulos G. , Katsarou A. , Potouridou I. , Rigopoulos D. , Antoniou C. , Stratigos A.
Published: April 2018

Background

Prompted by the limited data, we conducted this study to gather more information on dermoscopic features of CN in children, in order to optimize clinical care and management.

Materials and methods

All children with congenital nevi (CN) attending our Pediatric Pigmented Skin Lesion Unit during a 2‐year period were included in the study. Clinical data were collected, and all children underwent clinical and dermoscopic examination. Dermoscopic patterns and specific features were recorded.

Results

Three hundred and thirty CN were examined in a population of 276 children, aged from 6 months to 14 years. The majority (85.14%) had only one congenital naevus, and 43.12% had a family history of congenital nevi. Children with multiple congenital nevi were more likely to have a positive family history of a CN (P = 0.012). Only, in 23 children, neurological/developmental abnormalities were reported.

Small CN were the commonest in our cohort (167) followed by the medium‐sized (160), whereas large CN (>20 cm) were only three. Thirty‐eight CN were located on the volar skin. The globular was the commonest dermoscopic pattern, followed by the reticular, whereas the parallel furrow pattern was the commonest pattern on palms and soles. CN on the trunk were more likely to be globular on the limbs, and reticular and homogeneous on the head and neck (P < 0.001). The commonest dermoscopic findings were haloed and target globules, blotches and perifollicular hypopigmentation, whereas globules and dots around cristae on volar skin. CN located on the limbs were more likely to demonstrate an atypical network (P = 0.001) and a target network with globules (P = 0.020), whereas haloed and target globules (P < 0.001), blotches (P = 0.023) and dots (P = 0.004) were found with an increased frequency in CN on the trunk.

Conclusions

Given that there is much controversy on the management and accurate classification of CN, our findings may provide useful information.
Epidemiology of skin cancer in the German population: impact of socioeconomic and geographic factors
Authors: Augustin J. , Kis A. , Sorbe C. , Schäfer I. , Augustin M.
Published: April 2018

Background

Skin cancer being the most common cancer in Germany has shown increasing incidence in the past decade. Since mostly caused by excessive UV exposure, skin cancer is largely related to behaviour. So far, the impact of regional and sociodemographic factors on the development of skin cancer in Germany is unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the association of potential predictive factors with the prevalence of skin cancers in Germany.

Methods

Nationwide ambulatory care claims data from persons insured in statutory health insurances (SHI) with malignant melanoma (MM, ICD‐10 C43) and non‐melanocytic skin cancer (NMSC, ICD‐10 C44) in the years 2009–2015 were analysed. In addition, sociodemographic population data and satellite‐based UV and solar radiation data were associated. Descriptive and multivariate (spatial) statistical analyses (e.g. Bayes’ smoothing) were conducted on county level.

Results

Data from 70.1 million insured persons were analysed. Age‐standardized prevalences per 100 000 SHI insured persons for MM and NMSC were 284.7 and 1126.9 in 2009 and 378.5 and 1708.2 in 2015. Marked regional variations were observed with prevalences between 32.9% and 51.6%. Multivariate analysis shows among others statistically significant positive correlations between higher income and education, and MM/NMSC prevalence.

Conclusion

Prevalence of MM and NMSC in Germany shows spatio‐temporal dynamics. Our results demonstrate that regional UV radiation, sunshine hours and sociodemographic factors have significant impact on skin cancer prevalence in Germany. Individual behaviour obviously is a major determinant which should be subject to preventive interventions.
Volumetric laser endomicroscopy interpretation and feature analysis in dysplastic Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Kamboj Amrit K , Kahn Allon , Wolfsen Herbert C , Trindade Arvind J , Ganguly Eric K , Otaki Fouad , Chan Daniel , Zakko Liam , Visrodia Kavel , Lutzke Lori , Wang Kenneth K , Leggett Cadman L
Published: April 2018

Background and Aim

Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) is used to identify Barrett's esophagus (BE) dysplasia. Selection of a dysplastic region of interest (ROI) can be challenging due to feature variability across a large amount of data. The degree of agreement among VLE users in selecting a ROI has not been studied.

Methods

High‐definition videos that divided a VLE scan from 18 patients with biopsy‐proven BE dysplasia into 1‐cm segments were reviewed using a four‐quadrant grid superimposed for systematic interpretation. VLE scans were selected based on image quality and appropriate visualization of BE epithelium. Four experienced VLE users rated each quadrant as dysplastic or non‐dysplastic. For quadrants rated as dysplastic, reviewers selected a single timeframe with representative features. A high‐degree of agreement among reviewers was defined as ≥75% agreement on the quadrant diagnosis and ≥50% agreement on selected timeframe (±2 s).

Results

Thirty‐one videos, each 32 s in length, comprising 124 quadrants were reviewed. There was high‐agreement among reviewers in 99 (80%) quadrants, of which 68 (69%) were rated as dysplastic. Compared with quadrants rated as non‐dysplastic, ROIs of quadrants rated as dysplastic contained a higher number of epithelial glands (12.7 vs 1.2, P < 0.001) with atypical architecture (54 vs 1, P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was observed between the signal intensity profiles of quadrants rated as dysplastic and quadrants rated as non‐dysplastic (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

This study highlights that experienced VLE users can identify ROIs with high‐degree of agreement. Selected ROIs contained VLE features associated with BE dysplasia.
A qualitative study of older adults’ and family caregivers’ perspectives regarding their preoperative care transitions
Authors: Malley Ann M. , Bourbonniere Mary , Naylor Mary
Published: April 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore how older patients with multiple chronic conditions and their family caregivers perceive their engagement and overall care experience throughout the preoperative phase of elective orthopaedic hip or knee joint replacement.

Background

Patient engagement is a critical component of care necessary for improving patient outcomes. Little is known about how older adults with multiple chronic conditions and their family caregivers engage in preoperative care transitions and the subsequent impact of this experience on postoperative health outcomes.

Design

Prospective qualitative descriptive design was used.

Methods

Semi‐structured telephone interviews with a convenience sample of older adults coping with multiple chronic conditions and their family caregivers. Interviews were conducted prior to surgery and, again 21 days postsurgery, were audio‐recorded and transcribed for qualitative content analysis. The Quality Health Outcomes Model was used to categorise study findings.

Results

Eleven patients and five family caregivers participated. Guided by the Quality Health Outcomes Model, four major themes were identified. (i) Older adults perceive that joint replacement is about quality of life. (ii) Standardised interventions often fail to address the unique needs of complex older adults. (iii) Family caregivers perceive they are the primary care coordinators. (iv) Postoperative outcomes and resource utilisation vary widely in complex older adults.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that current preoperative care interventions are often not designed to effectively engage complex older patients and their family caregivers. Coordinated patient‐centred preoperative care that reflects the needs and goals of complex older patients and their family caregivers may positively influence perioperative care transitions and outcomes beyond this episode of care.

Relevance to clinical practice

The current research documents the need for more in‐depth knowledge about the relationship between older adults’ and their family caregivers’ engagement preoperatively and postoperative outcomes and resource utilisation.
Experiences and informational needs on sexual health in people with epilepsy or multiple sclerosis: A focus group investigation
Authors: Egerod Ingrid , Wulff Kathrine , Petersen Marian C
Published: April 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore experiences and informational needs regarding sexual health in men and women with epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.

Background

Sexual health and well‐being are dependent on access to comprehensive information about sexuality and good‐quality sexual health care in an environment that affirms and promotes sexual health.

Design

The study had a qualitative explorative design using focus group methodology and framework analysis to capture the patient perspective.

Methods

We strategically selected 26 participants at a neurological clinic at a university hospital in Denmark and conducted four homogeneous focus group interviews: women with epilepsy (n = 8), men with epilepsy (n = 7), women with multiple sclerosis (n = 5) and men with multiple sclerosis (n = 6). We used the framework method for analysis and initially developed a matrix of disease versus gender before the authors triangulated their views and decided on the final themes.

Results

We identified four themes and nine subthemes. Our main findings included insights on the impact of ignorance regarding sexual rehabilitation, demonstrating the importance of information in patients with sexual dysfunction related to chronic neurologic disease. The study expanded our understanding of sexual activity in the unpredictable body of epilepsy and the progressively changing body of multiple sclerosis. The participants agreed that they would have taken a more constructive path to solve their sexual problems if they had been aware of common responses to their disease.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that people with epilepsy or multiple sclerosis might be under‐informed regarding the impact of their disease on their sexual health. We have shown how knowledge deficits put people at risk for symptoms of isolation, guilt, frustration and depression. Patient information is a modifiable factor that, if improved, might increase the quality of life for this group of patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

Implementation of improved patient information at the neurological clinic is recommended.
The provision of nurse‐led follow‐up at Norwegian intensive care units
Authors: Moi Asgjerd Litleré , Storli Sissel Lisa , Gjengedal Eva , Holme Anny Norlemann , Lind Ranveig , Eskerud Ragne , Fenstad Anne Marie , Kvåle Reidar , Halvorsen Kristin
Published: April 2018

Aims and objectives

To describe the prevalence, content and administration of intensive care unit diaries and follow‐up practices offered to patients and their families in Norway.

Background

Intensive care treatment has been associated with risks for new or increased health impairments affecting both patients and their families. These impairments have the potential of continuing beyond the acute phase of treatment. In parallel, preventive actions have gradually become an integrated part of critical care nursing, and in Norway, national recommendations for the use of intensive care unit diaries have been established.

Design and methods

A survey was conducted in Norwegian intensive care units offering care for adult patients, using a questionnaire asking about the frequency, administration and content of the follow‐up offered to patients, their relatives, as well as bereaved family members.

Results

Thirty‐nine of 66 (59.1%) invited intensive care units answered the questionnaire. The majority (n = 33, 84.6%) of the responding units had follow‐up routines. The provision of diaries was the most frequent follow‐up activity (n = 24, 61.5%), and consultations postdischarge formed an integrated part of the diary practice. Consultations with bereaved were conducted in 21 (53.8%) of the intensive care units. About one quarter of the responding intensive care units had positions for follow‐up nursing staff.

Conclusion

Nurse‐led follow‐up after critical care was a common activity in Norwegian intensive care units, comprising diaries and consultations offered to patients and family members. The follow‐up was mainly driven by bottom‐up processes conducted by dedicated nurses motivated by the patients’ and their families’ situation and feedback.

Relevance to clinical practice

Adherence to recommendations, as well as the availability of defined positions for aftercare nurses or teams, may improve the implementation of follow‐up practices and reduce suffering after discharge from Norwegian intensive care units.
POLITICAL BUDGET CYCLES: MANIPULATION BY LEADERS VERSUS MANIPULATION BY RESEARCHERS? EVIDENCE FROM A META‐REGRESSION ANALYSIS
Authors: Mandon Pierre , Cazals Antoine
Published: April 2018

Despite a long history of research on political budget cycles, their existence and magnitude are still in question. By conducting a systematic analysis of the existing literature, we intend to clarify the debate. Based on data collected from 1037 regressions in 46 studies, our meta‐analysis suggests that little, if any, systematic evidence can be found in the research record that national leaders do manipulate fiscal tools in order to be reelected. However, it is much more clear that researchers selectively report that national leaders do manipulate fiscal tools in order to be reelected. The publication selection bias highlighted has nonetheless been reduced during the past 25 years of research. We also show that the incumbents' strategies differ depending on which tools they use. Finally, the nature and quality of political institutions appear to be the factors which most affect the political budget cycles.
Great Middle Eastern instability: Structural roots and uneven modernization 1960‐2012
Authors: Černý Karel
Published: April 2018

The paper deals with the structural roots of political instability in the Middle East that has been manifested by the Arab Spring throughout the region since early 2011. The roots of the instability are seen in cumulative effects of highly uneven long‐term social change in its three main dimensions since 1960s: (1) rapid social and demographic changes, (2) slower and fluctuating economic development, and (3) rigid political subsystem. The Middle Eastern uneven social change is also under way in a specific (4) cultural and (5) international context. The political instability is thus seen as a consequence of multiple and complex interactions among various dimensions of uneven modernisation process, Islamic political imagination and the international context. The paper deals with the interactions on the macro‐level and with its politically destabilizing consequences on micro‐level using selected examples of causal mechanisms. The Middle Eastern uneven modernisation pattern is systematically documented by empirical macro‐indicators and is compared with the modernisation process in other post‐colonial world macro‐regions.
The International from the perspectives of Gezi Protestors
Authors: Akder Derya Göçer , Altunışık Meliha Benli
Published: April 2018

Gezi Protests that started in Istanbul and spilled over to other cities in the Spring of 2013 has been regarded as an important episode of Turkish politics in the 21st century. Although it happened in congruous with protests movements in different localities in the world as well as significant transformations in Turkey's foreign policy, the question of the influence of the international in these protests has been largely unexplored. This paper presents the empirical findings of a fieldwork on Gezi Protests, asking the following questions: What was the perception of the actors on the neighbouring as well as geographically distant uprisings that were congruous in time? How do they perceive the roles of domestic and international politics in shaping the agenda of their movements?
Distribution of mating‐type alleles and genetic variability in field populations of Leptosphaeria maculans in western Canada
Authors: Zou Zhongwei , Zhang Xuehua , Fernando Wannakuwattewaduge Gerard Dilantha
Published: April 2018

Leptosphaeria maculans is the most important fungal pathogen of canola (Brassica napus, oilseed rape) that causes the devastating stem canker in canola fields of western Canada. The population genetic structure of L. maculans, represented by nine subpopulations from a 6‐year period and three different provinces in western Canada, was determined using ten minisatellite markers. Isolates collected at different locations in six consecutive years had an even distribution of MAT1‐1 and MAT1‐2 across the nine subpopulations. All subpopulations of L. maculans exhibited a moderate gene diversity (H = 0.356–0.585). The majority of the genetic variation occurred within subpopulations. Approximately 8% and 4% of the variations were distributed between sampling year and location, respectively. Genetic distance (FST) results, using analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA), indicated that subpopulation pairing within isolates by year ranged from FST = 0.010 to 0.109, and the location subpopulation ranged from FST = 0.038 to 0.085. Bayesian clustering analyses of multiloci inferred two distinct clusters in all the subpopulations examined. This study indicates a relatively high degree of gene exchange between the different L. maculans isolates. Our results suggest that this can occur in the wide growing areas of canola fields in western Canada. This gene exchange produced different gene allele frequencies and divergence between populations.
Is the demonstration of bioequivalence for clavulanic acid required in amoxicillin–clavulanic acid orally administered immediate-release products?
Authors: Charoo Naseem A , Rahman Ziyaur , Ali Areeg Anwer
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Bioequivalence (BE) criteria for amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (Co-amoxiclav) oral formulations are based on 90% confidence interval for both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. The aim of this work is to explore the relevance of demonstrating BE of clavulanic acid in Co-amoxiclav oral formulations and also to assess the impact on safety and efficacy of product due to bioinequivalent clavulanic acid.

Methods and key findings

The subtherapeutic levels of clavulanic acid would continue to exert their action against β-lactamases due to postβ-lactamase inhibitor effect. Additionally, only minute quantities are required to inhibit β-lactamases. Majority of adverse effects associated with Co-amoxiclav are of less serious nature, therefore, risk due to suprabioavailable clavulanic acid was determined to be low. ‘Very rapid clavulanic acid release’ in in vitro dissolution test would ensure that clinically significant differences between test and reference formulations if any are detected in advance. As an additional risk mitigation strategy, WHO recommends qualitative and quantitative composition similarity between test and reference formulations to ensure excipients do not adversely impact bioavailability.

Conclusions

Co-amoxiclav with non-bioequivalent clavulanic acid, but bioequivalent amoxicillin would still achieve its therapeutic objectives without exposing patients to unwanted adverse effects. Therefore, the current regulatory criterion of demonstrating BE of clavulanic acid appears conservative.
Natural history of serum HBV‐RNA in chronic HBV infection
Authors: Wang J. , Yu Y. , Li G. , Shen C. , Li J. , Chen S. , Zhang X. , Zhu M. , Zheng J. , Song Z. , Wu J. , Shao L. , Meng Z. , Wang X. , Huang Y. , Zhang J. , Qiu C. , Zhang W.
Published: April 2018

Virus‐like particles encapsulating HBV‐RNA represent a serum biomarker for assessing viral replication activity in clinical practice. However, baseline levels of serum HBV‐RNA and their associations with viral replicative intermediates and liver disease in phases of chronic hepatitis B remain unknown. In this cross‐sectional study, 102 patients were categorized into immune‐tolerant (IT), HBeAg‐positive immune active (HBeAg+IA), inactive carrier (IC) and HBeAg‐negative immune active (HBeAg‐IA) phases. HBV‐RNA in serum samples and in 66 paired liver biopsies were quantified and correlated with serum ALT levels, histopathological scores and the levels of other viral replicative intermediates. Mean levels of serum HBV‐RNA differed among phases, with the highest levels among IT (6.78 ± 0.83 log10 copies mL−1) patients, followed by HBeAg+IA (5.73 ± 1.16 log10 copies mL−1), HBeAg‐IA (4.52 ± 1.25 log10 copies mL−1) and IC (2.96 ± 0.40 log10 copies mL−1) patients. Serum HBV‐RNA levels correlated with HBV DNA in all phases, although correlations with other viral replicative intermediates weakened or disappeared when cases were stratified into phases. Distinct compositions of viral products were found among phases: the ratio of HBsAg to serum HBV‐RNA was highest in IC patients, while the ratio of serum HBV‐RNA to intrahepatic HBV‐RNA and the ratio of intrahepatic HBV‐DNA to intrahepatic HBV‐RNA were significantly higher in IT patients. In conclusion, baseline levels of HBV‐RNA and the composition of viral replicative intermediates differ significantly across the natural course of chronic HBV infection. These findings shed light on the nature of viral replication and pathogenesis of disease among different phases of chronic HBV infection.
Mineralogy and temperature of crater Haulani on Ceres
Authors: Tosi F. , Carrozzo F. G. , Raponi A. , De Sanctis M. C. , Thangjam G. , Zambon F. , Ciarniello M. , Nathues A. , Capria M. T. , Rognini E. , Ammannito E. , Hoffmann M. , Krohn K. , Longobardo A. , Palomba E. , Pieters C. M. , Stephan K. , Raymond C. A. , Russell C. T.
Published: April 2018

We investigate the region of crater Haulani on Ceres with an emphasis on mineralogy as inferred from data obtained by Dawn's Visible InfraRed mapping spectrometer (VIR), combined with multispectral image products from the Dawn Framing Camera (FC) so as to enable a clear correlation with specific geologic features. Haulani, which is one of the youngest craters on Ceres, exhibits a peculiar “blue” visible to near‐infrared spectral slope, and has distinct color properties as seen in multispectral composite images. In this paper, we investigate a number of spectral indices: reflectance; spectral slopes; abundance of Mg‐bearing and NH4‐bearing phyllosilicates; nature and abundance of carbonates, which are diagnostic of the overall crater mineralogy; plus a temperature map that highlights the major thermal anomaly found on Ceres. In addition, for the first time we quantify the abundances of several spectral endmembers by using VIR data obtained at the highest pixel resolution (~0.1 km). The overall picture we get from all these evidences, in particular the abundance of Na‐ and hydrous Na‐carbonates at specific locations, confirms the young age of Haulani from a mineralogical viewpoint, and suggests that the dehydration of Na‐carbonates in the anhydrous form Na2CO3 may be still ongoing.
The frequency of window damage caused by bolide airbursts: A quarter century case study
Authors: Gi Nayeob , Brown Peter , Aftosmis Michael
Published: April 2018

We have empirically estimated how often fireball shocks produce overpressure (∆P) at the ground sufficient to damage windows. Our study used a numerical entry model to estimate the energy deposition and shock production for a suite of 23 energetic fireballs reported by U.S. Government sensors over the last quarter century. For each of these events, we estimated the peak ∆Pon the ground and the ground area above ∆Pthresholds of 200 and 500 Pa where light and heavy window damage, respectively, are expected. Our results suggest that at the highest ∆P, it is the rare, large fireballs (such as the Chelyabinsk fireball) which dominate the long‐term areal ground footprints for heavy window damage. The height at the fireball peak brightness and the fireball entry angle contribute to the variance in ground ∆P, with lower heights and shallower angles producing larger ground footprints and more potential damage. The effective threshold energy for fireballs to produce heavy window damage is ~5–10 kT; such fireballs occur globally once every 1–2 years. These largest annual bolide events, should they occur over a major urban center with large numbers of windows, can be expected to produce economically significant window damage. However, the mean frequency of heavy window damage (∆Pabove 500 Pa) from fireball shock waves occurring over urban areas is estimated to be approximately once every 5000 yr. Light window damage (∆Pabove 200 Pa) is expected every ~600 yr.
Physiological and regulatory underpinnings of geographic variation in reptilian cold tolerance across a latitudinal cline
Authors: Campbell‐Staton Shane C. , Bare Anna , Losos Jonathan B. , Edwards Scott V. , Cheviron Zachary A.
Published: April 2018

Understanding the mechanisms that produce variation in thermal performance is a key component to investigating climatic effects on evolution and adaptation. However, disentangling the effects of local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity in shaping patterns of geographic variation in natural populations can prove challenging. Additionally, the physiological mechanisms that cause organismal dysfunction at extreme temperatures are still largely under debate. Using the green anole,Anolis carolinensis, we integrate measures of cold tolerance (CTmin), standard metabolic rate, heart size, blood lactate concentration andRNAseq data from liver tissue to investigate geographic variation in cold tolerance and its underlying mechanisms along a latitudinal cline. We found significant effects of thermal acclimation and latitude of origin on variation in cold tolerance. Increased cold tolerance correlates with decreased rates of oxygen consumption and blood lactate concentration (a proxy for oxygen limitation), suggesting elevated performance is associated with improved oxygen economy during cold exposure. Consistent with these results, co‐expression modules associated with blood lactate concentration are enriched for functions associated with blood circulation, coagulation and clotting. Expression of these modules correlates with thermal acclimation and latitude of origin. Our findings support the oxygen and capacity‐limited thermal tolerance hypothesis as a potential contributor to variation in reptilian cold tolerance. Moreover, differences in gene expression suggest regulation of the blood coagulation cascade may play an important role in reptilian cold tolerance and may be the target of natural selection in populations inhabiting colder environments.