bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Appropriate Cutoff Value for Determining the Colonization of Helicobacter pylori by the Pyrosequencing Method: Comparison with Conventional Methods
Authors: Kim Jaeyeon , Kim Nayoung , Jo Hyun Jin , Park Ji Hyun , Nam Ryoung Hee , Seok Yeong‐Jae , Kim Yeon‐Ran , Kim Joo Sung , Kim Jung Mogg , Kim Jung Min , Lee Dong Ho , Jung Hyun Chae
Published: February 2015

Background

Sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene has improved the characterization of microbial communities. It enabled the detection of low abundance gastric Helicobacter pylori sequences even in subjects that were found to be H. pylori negative with conventional methods. The objective of this study was to obtain a cutoff value for H. pylori colonization in gastric mucosa samples by pyrosequencing method.

Materials and Methods

Gastric mucosal biopsies were taken from 63 subjects whose H. pylori status was determined by a combination of serology, rapid urease test, culture, and histology. Microbial DNA from mucosal samples was amplified by PCR using universal bacterial primers. 16S rDNA amplicons were pyrosequenced. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine the cutoff value for H. pylori colonization by pyrosequencing. In addition, temporal changes in the stomach microbiota were observed in eight initially H. pylori‐positive and eight H. pylori‐negative subjects at a single time point 1–8 years later.

Results

Of the 63 subjects, the presence of H. pylori sequences was detected in all (28/28) conventionally H. pylori‐positive samples and in 60% (21/35) of H. pylori‐negative samples. The average percent of H. pylori reads in each sample was 0.67 ± 1.09% in the H. pylori‐negative group. Cutoff value for clinically positive H. pylori status was approximately 1.22% based on ROC curve analysis (AUC = 0.957; p < .001). Helicobacter pylori was successfully eradicated in five of seven treated H. pylori‐positive subjects (71.4%), and the percentage of H. pylori reads in these five subjects dropped from 1.3–95.18% to 0–0.16% after eradication.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the cutoff value of H. pylori sequence percentage for H. pylori colonization by pyrosequencing could be set at approximately 1%. It might be helpful to analyze gastric microbiota related to H. pylori sequence status.
Animal Model Reveals Potential Waterborne Transmission of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Boehnke Kevin F. , Eaton Kathryn A. , Valdivieso Manuel , Baker Laurence H. , Xi Chuanwu
Published: February 2015

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection has been consistently associated with lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation, but no studies have demonstrated that the transmission of H. pylori can occur from drinking contaminated water. In this study, we used a laboratory mouse model to test whether waterborne H. pylori could cause gastric infection.

Materials and Methods

Groups of immunocompetent C57/BL6 Helicobacter‐free mice were exposed to static concentrations (1.29 × 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109 CFU/L) of H. pylori in their drinking water for 4 weeks. One group of Helicobacter‐free mice was exposed to uncontaminated water as a negative control. H. pylori morphology changes in water were examined using microscopy Live/Dead staining. Following exposure, H. pylori infection and inflammation status in the stomach were evaluated using quantitative culture, PCR, the rapid urease test, and histology.

Results

None of the mice in the negative control or 105 groups were infected. One of 20 cages (one of 40 mice) of the 106 group, three of 19 cages (four of 38 mice) of the 107 CFU/L group, 19 of 20 cages (33 of 40 mice) of the 108 group, and 20 of 20 cages (39 of 40 mice) of the 109 CFU/L group were infected. Infected mice had significantly higher gastric inflammation than uninfected mice (27.86% higher inflammation, p < .0001).

Conclusions

We offer proof that H. pylori in water is infectious in mice, suggesting that humans drinking contaminated water may be at risk of contracting H. pylori infection. Much work needs to be performed to better understand the risk of infection from drinking H. pylori‐contaminated water.
Distribution, diversity gradients and Rapoport's elevational rule in the black scavenger flies of the Swiss Alps (Diptera: Sepsidae)
Authors: Rohner Patrick T. , Bächli Gerhard , Pollini Paltrinieri Lucia , Duelli Peter , Obrist Martin K. , Jochmann Ralf , Blanckenhorn Wolf U.
Published: February 2015

Elevational gradients influence the distribution and abundance of species drastically and can lead to variation in community composition. Although coprophagous flies are of ecological and economic importance, their biodiversity and distribution are largely neglected. We studied the impact of steep elevational gradients and geography on the distribution of sepsid flies in the Swiss Alps.

Sepsidae are a family of acalyptrate flies strongly associated with decaying organic matter and vertebrate dung, and characterised by a high extent of sympatry in their breeding substrates. Historical, haphazardly sampled specimens from 116 locations covering an elevational range from 200 to 2000 m were available in ethanol collections of various Swiss museums.

Nineteen species encompassing all native genera (Meroplius, Nemopoda, Saltella, Sepsis and Themira) were recorded. Local species richness increased linearly with elevation, while area‐corrected regional species richness of elevational belts increased asymptotically. Species occurring at higher altitudes had lower wing loadings and greater elevational ranges than lowland species, supporting Rapoport's elevational rule.

Despite compositional similarities, the sepsid communities of the northern lowlands differed significantly from the alpine sepsid fauna. The southern lowlands were particularly differentiated in community composition due to a number of presumably thermophilic species that predominantly occur south of the Alps.

Relative abundances of several species were thus strongly affected by elevation and climatic variables. We illustrate the impact of elevational gradients and geography on a community of closely related, often sympatric species, and discuss potential mechanisms of niche partitioning via temporal succession, thermal adaptation and differential resource use.
Effect of different fixative solutions on eyes with experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Nassar Khaled , Lüke Julia , Lüke Matthias , Kamal Mahmoud , Soliman Mahmoud M. , Grisanti Salvatore , Grisanti Swaantje
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of different fixatives on the reliability of histopathological changes in a rabbit model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Twenty eyes from 10 rabbits were divided into four groups. The right eyes were used in two experimental groups (each n = 5), and the left, in two control groups (each n = 5). Using a newly developed scleral incision marker, an oblique scleral incision was standardized in the experimental groups, followed by intravitreal injection of 0.4 ml autologous blood and the left for wound repair for four weeks. Eyes were enucleated at four weeks. The groups differed in the type of used fixative solution (formaldehyde 4% vs. 1% buffered formaldehyde and 1.25% glutaraldehyde). The eyes were evaluated for the development of fibrosis, retinal detachment (RD), and processed for histopathology. Fibrous ingrowth of a variable degree was present in the experimental groups originating from the trauma site. Experimental eyes fixed with formaldehyde 4% had RD extension that was greater than that fixed in formaldehyde/glutaraldehyde mixture; however, the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.15). This difference was not fully explained by the fibrosis which developed. In addition, in control groups, formaldehyde 4% induced a fixative‐dependent retinal separation that was absent in eyes fixed with formaldehyde/glutaraldehyde mixture (P = 0.03). In conclusion, a mixture of buffered formaldehyde 1% and glutaraldehyde 1.25% combined with standardized scleral incision resulted in consistent pathological changes. A reliable PVR model is a condition sine qua non to evaluate antifibrotic treatment strategies.
Hyperlactataemia and clinical severity of acute metformin overdose
Authors: McNamara K. , Isbister G. K.
Published: February 2015

Background

Although metformin‐associated lactic acidosis is well described, there is less information on metformin overdose and whether it is of similar severity.

Aims

This study aims to describe the clinical features, laboratory investigations and outcome of acute metformin overdoses.

Methods

Retrospective case series of acute metformin overdoses (>3 g) admitted to a toxicology unit over 20 years. Cases were identified from a prospective database and data extracted included demographics, dose, coingestants, clinical effects, investigations, treatment and outcomes.

Results

There were 36 acute metformin overdose cases. Median age 41 years old (15–68 years old); 25 were female. Median ingested dose was 10 g (interquartile range (IQR): 5–16.1 g; range: 3.5–50 g), with coingestants taken in 34 presentations. Gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 12/36, tachycardia in 10, bradycardia in three, hypotension in four and hypoglycaemia in eight. Hypotension and bradycardia were consistent with coingestants taken. Blood pH and lactate levels were available in 25/36. Median lowest pH was 7.35 (IQR: 7.28–7.38) and acidosis (pH < 7.35) occurred in 11/25. Median peak lactate was 3.9 mmol/L (IQR: 2.6–5.2 mmol/L). There was a statistical association between dose and lactate (r = 0.51; P = 0.01) and dose and pH (r = −0.70; P = 0.0001). Hyperlactataemia (lactate >2 mmol/L) without acidosis occurred in 10/25, and hyperlactataemia with acidosis in 11/25; five had lactic acidosis. The median time to peak lactate in 10 presentations with peak lactate >2 was 6 h (2–19 h). There were six intensive care unit admissions, one for lactic acidosis, and five related to coingestants. There were no deaths.

Conclusion

Metformin overdose is characterised by hyperlactataemia and minor gastrointestinal effects, with a few large ingestions progressing to lactic acidosis. Coingestants are common and may dominate toxicity.
Strengthening healthcare delivery in Haiti through nursing continuing education
Authors: Clark M. , Julmisse M. , Marcelin N. , Merry L. , Tuck J. , Gagnon A.J.
Published: February 2015

Aim

The aim of this paper was to (1) highlight nursing continuing education as a key initiative for strengthening healthcare delivery in low‐resource settings, and (2) provide an example of a nursing continuing education programme in Haiti.

Background

Haiti and other low‐resource settings face extreme challenges including severe shortages of healthcare workers, high rates of nurse out‐migration and variations in nurse competency at entry‐to‐practice. Nursing continuing education has the potential to address these challenges and improve healthcare delivery through enhanced nurse performance and retention; however, it is underutilized in low‐resource settings.

Methods

A case study is presented from the Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais in Mirebalais, Haiti of a new nursing continuing education programme called the Beyond Expert Program.

Results

The case study highlights eight key dimensions of nursing continuing education in low‐resource settings: (1) involving local stakeholders in planning process, (2) targeting programme to nurse participant level and area of care, (3) basing course content on local context, (4) including diverse range of nursing topics, (5) using participatory teaching methods, (6) addressing resource constraints in time and scheduling, (7) evaluating and monitoring outcomes, and (8) establishing partnerships. The case study provides guidance for others wishing to develop programmes in similar settings.

Conclusion

Creating a nursing continuing education programme in a low‐resource setting is possible when there is commitment and engagement for nursing continuing education at all levels of the organization.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

Our report suggests a need for policy‐makers in resource‐limited settings to make greater investments in nursing continuing education as a focus of human resources for health, as it is an important strategy for promoting nurse retention, building the knowledge and skill of the existing nursing workforce, and raising the image of nursing in low‐resource settings.
Watching Women: What Illustrations of Courtroom Scenes Tell Us about Women and the Public Sphere in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Mulcahy Linda
Published: February 2015

This article provides a revisionist account of the role of women in the legal system in the latter decades of the nineteenth century. Contrary to assertions that women played no role in trials other than as defendants and witnesses for most of our legal history, it suggests that women were much more active in the public sphere of Victorian law courts than previously envisaged. Drawing on depictions of trials in popular visual culture and fine art, it also reveals how images of the active female spectator challenged the emergence of new codes of behaviour which sought to protect the masculine realm of law from corruption by the feminine. It is argued that images have much to reveal about the socio‐legal dynamics of trials and the ways in which fine art has been complicit in the construction and reconstruction of behavioural codes in the courtroom.
Identification and Evaluation of Risk Factors in Patients With Continuously Uncontrolled Hypertension
Authors: Low Kimberly J. , Pelter Mitchell A. , Deamer Robert L. , Burchette Raoul J.
Published: February 2015

An aggressive strategy to manage hypertension in a large integrated healthcare organization achieved blood pressure control in 82% of hypertensive patients, as compared with 52% nationwide. It is unknown why the remaining 18% is uncontrolled. The objective of this study was to identify characteristics associated with patients whose blood pressure remains continuously uncontrolled. This nested case‐control study included 1583 continuously uncontrolled cases and 7901 matched controls. Univariate analysis revealed patients who visited their primary care provider frequently (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.46) were adherent to antihypertensive medications (odds ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.14), and dispensed more medications (odds ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–0.87) were less likely to be continuously uncontrolled. Patient characteristics that were associated with continuously uncontrolled hypertension were the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 score and higher body mass index. Since patients with controlled hypertension visited their provider more often, patients with continuously uncontrolled hypertension may benefit from more interaction with their healthcare system.
The intergenerational impact of war: longitudinal relationships between caregiver and child mental health in postconflict Sierra Leone
Authors: Betancourt Theresa S. , McBain Ryan K. , Newnham Elizabeth A. , Brennan Robert T.
Published: February 2015

Background

Trauma from witnessing events such as bombings and killings as well as direct victimization or participation in violence has been associated with psychosocial distress and poor mental health among war‐exposed children and adolescents. This study examines the relationship between caregiver mental health and child internalizing (anxiety and depression) symptoms over a 4‐year period in postconflict Sierra Leone.

Methods

The sample included 118 adolescent Sierra Leonean youth (73% male; mean age = 16.5 years at Time 1) and their caregivers (40% male; mean age = 39.0 at Time 1). To measure depression and anxiety symptoms, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist–25 was used with adults and the Oxford Measure of Psychosocial Adjustment – previously validated for use with children and adolescents in the region – was used to assess youth. A multivariate hierarchical linear model (HLM) for studying change within dyads was implemented to study covariation in internalizing symptoms among caregivers and youth over time; these models also included covariates at the individual, family and community levels. The relationship of caregiver mental health to child's internalizing was tested in a latent variable extension of the HLM.

Results

The latent variable extension estimated that a one standard deviation (SD) change in caregiver anxiety/depression was associated with a .43 SD change in youth internalizing (p < .01) over the 4‐year period. Family acceptance was negatively related to youth internalizing (p < .001), while community stigma was positively associated (p < .001).

Conclusions

The findings highlight an important interplay between caregiver and child mental health within the postconflict setting and the need for psychosocial interventions to extend beyond the individual to account for family dynamics.
A study of fluid provision and consumption in elderly patients in a long‐stay rehabilitation hospital
Authors: Gaff L. , Jones J. , Davidson I. H. , Bannerman E.
Published: February 2015

Background

Adequate hydration is key to good clinical care and essential for preventing problems in elderly patients such as constipation, pressure sores and confusion. The present study aimed to evaluate fluid provision and consumption in elderly patients against current standards for Scottish hospitals.

Methods

A service evaluation, of fluid provision and consumption over 24 h by elderly orthopaedic rehabilitation patients in a long‐stay hospital in Scotland was conducted. Fluids provided and consumed from trolley services, those at meal times and beverages from jugs of water were measured. The average fluid content of a jug, cup and glass on each ward was determined. Each jug of water provided was recorded, as was the acceptance of hot and cold drinks offered. Intake was determined by measuring the leftover water in each jug when these were refreshed and any leftover liquid in patients' cups deducted from that provided. Observations were made with respect to the presentation and encouragement of fluids.

Results

Fifty‐eight patients (12 males, 46 female, aged ≥65 years) were monitored, of whom 56 were provided with more than the recommended minimum fluid per day [mean (SEM) = 2379 (82) mL]; however, mean intake was lower than recommended [mean (SEM) = 1302 (60) mL; P = 0.002]. Provision of drinks from a trolley service [mean (SEM) = 956 (44) mL] was less than fluid from jugs [mean (SEM) = 1398 (54) mL; P = 0.002]; however, the consumption of drinks from the trolley was greater [77% consumed, mean (SEM) = 770 (46) mL] than from jugs [41% mean (SEM) = 514 (36) mL; P < 0.001].

Conclusions

Patients consumed significantly more fluid from individual beverages than jugs. Consideration of the method of fluid provision is important with respect to influencing fluid intakes.
Portion‐controlled meals provide increases in diet quality during weight loss and maintenance
Authors: Ptomey L. T. , Willis E. A. , Goetz J. R. , Lee J. , Szabo‐Reed A. N. , Sullivan D. K. , Donnelly J. E.
Published: February 2015

Background

Behavioural weight‐loss interventions utilising portion‐controlled meals (PCMs) produce significant decreases in weight. However, their impact on diet quality during weight maintenance is unknown. The present study aimed to assess the influence of a weight management intervention employing PCMs and increased physical activity on diet quality during weight loss and weight maintenance.

Methods

One hundred and ninety‐seven overweight and obese adults [67% women; mean (SD) BMI = 34.0 (4.6) kg m−2; age = 46.1 (8.9) years] completed an 18‐month trial. The weight‐loss phase (0–6 months) consisted of energy restriction, which was achieved using PCMs plus fruits and vegetables and increased physical activity. During weight maintenance (6–18 months), participants consumed a diet designed to maintain weight loss. Body weight and dietary intake were assessed at baseline, and at 6, 12 and 18 months. The Healthy Eating Index‐2010 (HEI) was calculated using data obtained from 3‐day food records.

Results

Mean (SD) body weight was 14.3% (6.6%) and 8.7% (8.0%) below baseline at 6 and 18 months, respectively. The mean (SD) HEI‐2010 score after weight loss [66.6 (9.4)] was significantly higher than baseline [46.4 (8.9)] and remained significantly higher than baseline at 18 months [57.7 (10.6)] (both P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A weight management intervention using PCMs resulted in both clinically significant weight loss and increased diet quality scores, demonstrating that the use of PCMs during weight loss allows for meaningful changes in diet quality during weight maintenance.
A series of flexible design adaptations to the Nikon E‐C1 and E‐C2 confocal microscope systems for UV, multiphoton and FLIM imaging
Authors: BOTCHWAY STANLEY W. , SCHERER KATHRIN M. , HOOK STEVE , STUBBS CHRISTOPHER D. , WESTON ELEANOR , BISBY ROGER H. , PARKER ANTHONY W.
Published: February 2015

Multiphoton microscopy is widely employed in the life sciences using extrinsic fluorescence of low‐ and high‐molecular weight labels with excitation and emission spectra in the visible and near infrared regions. For imaging of intrinsic and extrinsic fluorophores with excitation spectra in the ultraviolet region, multiphoton excitation with one‐ or two‐colour lasers avoids the need for ultraviolet‐transmitting excitation optics and has advantages in terms of optical penetration in the sample and reduced phototoxicity. Excitation and detection of ultraviolet emission around 300 nm and below in a typical inverted confocal microscope is more difficult and requires the use of expensive quartz optics including the objective. In this technical note we describe the adaptation of a commercial confocal microscope (Nikon, Japan E‐C1 or E‐C2) for versatile use with Ti‐sapphire and OPO laser sources and the addition of a second detection channel that enables detection of ultraviolet fluorescence and increases detection sensitivity in a typical fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy experiment. Results from some experiments with this setup illustrate the resulting capabilities.
Tripchlorolide ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by down‐regulating ERK1/2‐NF‐κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zeng Yu‐qi , Zhang Jing , Pan Xiao‐dong , Kang De‐yong , Huang Tian‐wen , Chen Xiao‐chun
Published: February 2015

Tripchlorolide (T4), an extract of the natural herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been found to possess anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. In the current study, these actions were evaluated in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis by scoring the clinical signs, observing the infiltration of inflammatory cells and myelin sheath in the lumbar spinal cord of EAE mice. The results demonstrated that T4 (at a dose of 40 μg/kg) significantly reduced the severity of EAE and slowed down the ongoing EAE. Further analysis showed that T4 suppressed the mRNA and protein levels of the transcription factors T‐bet and RoRrt and mRNA levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐17 in the spinal cords. Furthermore, T4 down‐regulated the ERK1/2‐NF‐κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. At 40 μg/kg, T4 did not induce side effects on hematological parameters. These findings suggest that T4 ameliorates EAE by immunosuppression, providing a new insight into T4 application in multiple sclerosis treatment.

image

Tripchlorolide (T4), a traditional Chinese herbal compound, has been found to possess anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions, but the underlying mechanism is not clear. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that T4 can ameliorate inflammatory infiltrates and demyelination in EAE‐inflicted animals. T4 may work by down‐regulating ERK1/2‐NF‐κВ and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, and altering the expression of cytokines. Our findings suggest that T4 may be a promising novel therapeutic option for the treatment of MS. MOG35‐55, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide; T4, tripchlorolide; NF‐κB, nuclear factor kappa B; ERK1/2, extracelluar regulated kinase1/2; JNK, Jun N‐terminal kinases; JAK, Janus protein‐tyrosine kinases; STAT, signal transducer and activator of transcription; IL‐4, interleukin‐4; IL‐5, interleukin‐5; IL‐17, interleukin‐17; IFN‐γ, and interferon‐γ.
Extracellular α‐synuclein alters synaptic transmission in brain neurons by perforating the neuronal plasma membrane
Authors: Pacheco Carla R. , Morales Camila N. , Ramírez Alejandra E. , Muñoz Francisco J. , Gallegos Scarlet S. , Caviedes Pablo A. , Aguayo Luis G. , Opazo Carlos M.
Published: February 2015

It has been postulated that the accumulation of extracellular α‐synuclein (α‐syn) might alter the neuronal membrane by formation of ‘pore‐like structures’ that will lead to alterations in ionic homeostasis. However, this has never been demonstrated to occur in brain neuronal plasma membranes. In this study, we show that α‐syn oligomers rapidly associate with hippocampal membranes in a punctate fashion, resulting in increased membrane conductance (5 fold over control) and the influx of both calcium and a fluorescent glucose analogue. The enhancement in intracellular calcium (1.7 fold over control) caused a large increase in the frequency of synaptic transmission (2.5 fold over control), calcium transients (3 fold over control), and synaptic vesicle release. Both primary hippocampal and dissociated nigral neurons showed rapid increases in membrane conductance by α‐syn oligomers. In addition, we show here that α‐syn caused synaptotoxic failure associated with a decrease in SV2, a membrane protein of synaptic vesicles associated with neurotransmitter release. In conclusion, extracellular α‐syn oligomers facilitate the perforation of the neuronal plasma membrane, thus explaining, in part, the synaptotoxicity observed in neurodegenerative diseases characterized by its extracellular accumulation.

image

We propose that α‐synuclein (α‐syn) oligomers form pore‐like structures in the plasma membrane of neurons from central nervous system (CNS). We believe that extracellular α‐syn oligomers facilitate the formation of α‐syn membrane pore‐like structures, thus explaining, in part, the synaptotoxicity observed in neurodegenerative diseases characterized by its extracellular accumulation. We think that alterations in ionic homeostasis and synaptic vesicular depletion are key steps that lead to synaptotoxicity promoted by α ‐syn membrane pore‐like structures.
Developing clinical leaders: the impact of an action learning mentoring programme for advanced practice nurses
Authors: Leggat Sandra G. , Balding Cathy , Schiftan Dan
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

To determine whether a formal mentoring programme assists nurse practitioner candidates to develop competence in the clinical leadership competencies required in their advanced practice roles.

Background

Nurse practitioner candidates are required to show evidence of defined clinical leadership competencies when they apply for endorsement within the Australian health care system. Aiming to assist the candidates with the development or enhancement of these leadership skills, 18 nurse practitioner candidates participated in a mentoring programme that matched them with senior nurse mentors.

Design

A pre‐postlongitudinal intervention study.

Method

Eighteen nurse practitioner candidates and 17 senior nurses participated in a voluntary mentoring programme that incorporated coaching and action learning over 18 months in 2012 and 2013. Participants completed a pen and paper questionnaire to document baseline measures of self‐reported leadership practices prior to commencement of the programme and again at the end of the programme.

Results

The mentors and the nurse practitioner candidates qualitatively evaluated the programme as successful and quantitative data illustrated significant improvement in self‐reported leadership practices among the nurse practitioner candidates. In particular, the nurse practitioner candidates reported greater competence in the transformational aspects of leadership, which is directly related to the nurse practitioner candidate clinical leadership standard.

Conclusions

A formal, structured mentoring programme based on principles of action learning was successful in assisting Australian advanced practice nurses enhance their clinical leadership skills in preparation for formal endorsement as a nurse practitioner and for success in their advanced practice role.

Relevance to clinical practice

Mentoring can assist nurses to transition to new roles and develop knowledge and skills in clinical leadership essential for advanced practice roles. Nurse managers should make greater use of mentoring programmes to support nurses in their transition to new roles.
Persons with psychosis perceptions of participating in a lifestyle intervention
Authors: Wärdig Rikard , Bachrach‐Lindström Margareta , Hultsjö Sally , Lindström Torbjörn , Foldemo Anniqa
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

To describe how persons with psychosis perceive participation in a lifestyle intervention, and use these perceptions to present factors to for consideration in future interventions.

Background

Metabolic syndrome is common in persons with psychosis. A healthy lifestyle is the primary option for preventing and treating metabolic syndrome, which is why the importance of lifestyle interventions has come into focus among health care professionals. Identifying perceptions of participation in a lifestyle intervention can increase the understanding of how to design future interventions.

Design

A qualitative, phenomenographic approach was selected, using semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

The sample consisted of 40 participants with a psychotic disorder, who had undergone a lifestyle intervention focusing on theoretical education in healthy eating and physical activities. The interviews were conducted in 2011 and 2012, six to seven months after the intervention had been completed.

Results

The findings comprise three categories that emphasise the need for a moderate intervention level that facilitates participation and thereby social interactions among group members. The experience of success in the intervention supported the perception of oneself as a capable individual. However, it could also be the opposite, another experience of failure.

Conclusion

Content in moderation can facilitate participation, and participants can thereby achieve health benefits and find social contacts. In addition to physical activity and lifestyle habits, interventions should have a social focus and be continuous. Professional support is a prerequisite and should facilitate the participants' ability to mirror themselves against healthy people in society by introducing activities that ordinary people do.

Relevance for clinical practice

Identifying perceptions of participation in a lifestyle intervention can increase the understanding of how to design and manage future interventions. This is also an aspect that is important to consider in everyday clinical practice.
Atheroprotective immunity and cardiovascular disease: therapeutic opportunities and challenges
Authors: Nilsson J. , Lichtman A. , Tedgui A.
Published: February 2015

Emerging knowledge of the role of atheroprotective immune responses in modulating inflammation and tissue repair in atherosclerotic lesions has provided promising opportunities to develop novel therapies directly targeting the disease process in the artery wall. Regulatory T (Treg) cells have a protective role through release of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and suppression of autoreactive effector T cells. Studies in experimental animals have shown that blocking the generation or action of Treg cells is associated with more aggressive development of atherosclerosis. Conversely, cell transfer and other approaches to expand Treg cell populations in vivo result in reduced atherosclerosis. There have been relatively few clinical studies of Treg cells and cardiovascular disease, but the available evidence also supports a protective function. These observations have raised hope that it may be possible to develop therapies that act by enforcing the suppressive activities of Treg cells in atherosclerotic lesions. One approach to achieve this goal has been through development of vaccines that stimulate immunological tolerance for plaque antigens. Several pilot vaccines based on LDL‐derived antigens have demonstrated promising results in preclinical testing. If such therapies can be shown to be effective also in clinical trials, this could have an important impact on cardiovascular prevention and treatment. Here, we review the current knowledge of the mode of action of atheroprotective immunity and of the ways to stimulate such pathways in experimental settings. The challenges in translating this knowledge into the clinical setting are also discussed within the perspective of the experience of introducing immune‐based therapies for other chronic noninfectious diseases.
Molecular Identification of a 16SrII‐A Group‐Related Phytoplasma Associated with Cinnamon Yellow Leaf Disease in China
Authors: Yang Yi , Jiang Lei , Che Hai‐Yan , Cao Xue‐Ren , Yang Jing‐Yu , Sang Li‐Wei , Liu Ai‐Qin , Luo Da‐Quan
Published: February 2015

Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia Presl), an evergreen tree native to China, is a multifaceted medicinal plant. The stem bark of cinnamon is used worldwide in traditional and modern medicines and is one of the most popular cooking spices. In recent years, cinnamon with pronounced yellow leaf symptoms has been observed in their natural habitat in Hainan, China. Phytoplasmas were detected from symptomatic cinnamon trees via polymerase chain reaction using phytoplasma universal primers P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2. No amplification products were obtained from templates of asymptomatic cinnamon trees. These results indicated a direct association between phytoplasma infection and the cinnamon yellow leaf (CYL) disease. Sequence analysis of the CYL phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene determined that CYL phytoplasma is a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma australasiae’‐related strain. Furthermore, virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern analysis and phylogenetic studies showed that CYL phytoplasma belongs to the peanut witches’‐broom (16SrII) group, subgroup A. This is the first report of a 16SrII group phytoplasma infecting cinnamon under natural conditions.
Sexual Dysfunction in Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Tran Jana K. , Dunckel Gina , Teng Ellen J.
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience high rates of sexual dysfunction. However, the topic of sexual dysfunction is often overlooked clinically and underexamined in the PTSD research literature. Clinician assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunction are particularly important for Veterans, who are at increased risk of exposure to trauma.

Aim

Review the literature regarding sexual dysfunction among Veterans with PTSD.

Method

Review of the literature.

Results

Sexual dysfunction, including erectile difficulties in males and vaginal pain in females, is common among Veterans with PTSD. Several underlying mechanisms may account for the overlap between PTSD and sexual dysfunction. Certain barriers may contribute to the reluctance of providers in addressing problems of sexual dysfunction in Veterans with PTSD.

Conclusions

With the high likelihood of sexual dysfunction among Veterans with PTSD, it is important to consider the integration of treatment strategies. Efforts to further the research on this important topic are needed.
Daily Associations Between Partner Responses and Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction in Couples Coping with Provoked Vestibulodynia
Authors: Rosen Natalie O. , Muise Amy , Bergeron Sophie , Delisle Isabelle , Baxter Mary Lou
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Women with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) experience a recurrent vulvo-vaginal pain triggered primarily during sexual intercourse. Although affected couples report adverse effects on their sexual and global romantic relationships, few studies have examined interpersonal factors that may influence their sexual and relationship satisfaction. Cross-sectional studies have shown that greater partner solicitous and negative responses and lower facilitative responses are associated with poorer sexual and relationship satisfaction in women with PVD.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the within-person associations between partner responses to painful intercourse and the sexual and relationship satisfaction of affected couples.

Methods

In a dyadic daily experience study, 69 women (Mage = 28.46, SD = 6.66) diagnosed with PVD and their cohabitating male partners (Mage = 30.29, SD = 8.13) reported on male partner responses, as well as sexual and relationship satisfaction on sexual intercourse days (M = 6.81; SD = 5.40) over 8 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures

Dependent measures were the (i) Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale and (ii) Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction Scale.

Results

On sexual intercourse days when women perceived more facilitative partner responses than usual and on days when they perceived lower negative partner responses than usual, they reported higher sexual and relationship satisfaction. On sexual intercourse days when men reported more solicitous responses than usual, both they and their female partners reported lower sexual satisfaction.

Conclusions

Interventions aimed at improving the day-to-day sexual and relationship satisfaction of couples with PVD should target increasing facilitative and decreasing negative and solicitous partner responses.
A twin and molecular genetics study of sleep paralysis and associated factors
Authors: Denis Dan , French Christopher C. , Rowe Richard , Zavos Helena M. S. , Nolan Patrick M. , Parsons Michael J. , Gregory Alice M.
Published: February 2015

Sleep paralysis is a relatively common but under‐researched phenomenon. In this paper we examine prevalence in a UK sample and associations with candidate risk factors. This is the first study to investigate the heritability of sleep paralysis in a twin sample and to explore genetic associations between sleep paralysis and a number of circadian expressed single nucleotide polymorphisms. Analyses are based on data from the Genesis1219 twin/sibling study, a community sample of twins/siblings from England and Wales. In total, data from 862 participants aged 22–32 years (34% male) were used in the study. This sample consisted of monozygotic and dizygotic twins and siblings. It was found that self‐reports of general sleep quality, anxiety symptoms and exposure to threatening events were all associated independently with sleep paralysis. There was moderate genetic influence on sleep paralysis (53%). Polymorphisms in the PER2 gene were associated with sleep paralysis in additive and dominant models of inheritance—although significance was not reached once a Bonferroni correction was applied. It is concluded that factors associated with disrupted sleep cycles appear to be associated with sleep paralysis. In this sample of young adults, sleep paralysis was moderately heritable. Future work should examine specific polymorphisms associated with differences in circadian rhythms and sleep homeostasis further in association with sleep paralysis.
Paradoxes of Family Immigration Policy: Separation, Reorganization, and Reunification of Families under Current Immigration Laws
Authors: Enchautegui María E. , Menjívar Cecilia
Published: February 2015

It is increasingly recognized that immigration laws affect immigrants' integration. Most recently there has been growing attention to how immigration enforcement affects families through forced separations caused by deportations and long‐term family separations across national borders stemming from unauthorized entry to the United States. However, beyond enforcement, there has been little systematic account of how other provisions of immigration law contribute to family separations. In this article we examine how four key provisions in immigration law, far from creating conditions for immigrant families to reunite, contribute to keeping families apart. As such, these provisions shape, in fundamental ways, the structure and composition of immigrant families. Relying on data from the American Community Survey and ethnographic interviews in Phoenix, Arizona, we find evidence consistent with the premise that immigration laws affect the formation, composition, and structure of immigrant families with potential long‐term consequences.
Post‐transcriptional regulation of gene PA5507 controls Pseudomonas quinolone signal concentration in P. aeruginosa
Authors: Tipton Kyle A. , Coleman James P. , Pesci Everett C.
Published: February 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can sense and respond to a myriad of environmental signals and utilizes a system of small molecules to communicate through intercellular signaling. The small molecule 2‐heptyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4‐quinolone (Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal [PQS]) is one of these signals and its synthesis is important for virulence. Previously, we identified an RpiR‐type transcriptional regulator, QapR, that positively affects PQS production by repressing the qapR operon. An in‐frame deletion of this regulator caused P. aeruginosa to produce a greatly reduced concentration of PQS. Here, we report that QapR translation is linked to the downstream gene PA5507. We found that introduction of a premature stop codon within qapR eliminates transcriptional autorepression of the qapR operon as expected but has no effect on PQS concentration. This was investigated with a series of lacZ reporter fusions which showed that translation of QapR must terminate at, or close to, the native qapR stop codon in order for translation of PA5507 to occur. Also, it was shown that truncation of the 5′ end of the qapR transcript permitted PA5507 translation without translation of QapR. Our findings led us to conclude that PA5507 transcription and translation are both tightly controlled by QapR and this control is important for PQS homeostasis.
A taxonomic revision of Centaurea sect. Microlophus (Asteraceae, Cardueae–Centaureinae) and three new records for the flora of Iran
Authors: Negaresh Kazem , Rahiminejad Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2015

A global taxonomic revision, lectotypifications and neotypifications of Centaurea L. sect. Microlophus (Cass.) DC. (Asteraceae) are presented. The recognized species, the relevant synonyms, type details, examined specimen lists, full descriptions and a taxonomic key are provided for this section. The geographic distribution of all the 9 species recognized is mapped. Centaurea alveicola Rech. f., C. rigida Banks & Sol. and C. polypodiifolia Boiss. var. szovitsiana (Boiss.) Wagenitz are reported as new to the flora of Iran.
Widely distributed hot and cold spots in meiotic recombination as shown by the sequencing of rice F2 plants
Authors: Si Weina , Yuan Yang , Huang Ju , Zhang Xiaohui , Zhang Yanchun , Zhang Yadong , Tian Dacheng , Wang Cailin , Yang Yonghua , Yang Sihai
Published: February 2015

Numerous studies have argued that environmental variations may contribute to evolution through the generation of novel heritable variations via meiotic recombination, which plays a crucial role in crop domestication and improvement. Rice is one of the most important staple crops, but no direct estimate of recombination events has yet been made at a fine scale.

Here, we address this limitation by sequencing 41 rice individuals with high sequencing coverage and c. 900 000 accurate markers.

An average of 33.9 crossover (c. 4.53 cM Mb−1) and 2.47 non‐crossover events were detected per F2 plant, which is similar to the values in Arabidopsis. Although not all samples in the stress treatment group showed an increased number of crossover events, environmental stress increased the recombination rate in c. 28.5% of samples. Interestingly, the crossovers showed a highly uneven distribution among and along chromosomes, with c. 13.9% of the entire genome devoid of crossovers, including 11 of the 12 centromere regions, and c. 0.72% of the genome containing large numbers of crossovers (> 50 cM Mb−1).

The gene ontology (GO) categories showed that genes clustered within the recombination hot spot regions primarily tended to be involved in responses to environmental stimuli, suggesting that recombination plays an important role for adaptive evolution in rapidly changing environments.
Optical edge effects create conjunctival indentation thickness artefacts
Authors: Sorbara Luigina , Simpson Trefford L. , Maram Jyotsna , Song Eun Sun , Bizheva Kostadinka , Hutchings Natalie
Published: February 2015

Purpose

Conjunctival compression observed in ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR‐OCT) images of contact lens edges could be actual tissue alteration, may be an optical artefact arising from the difference between the refractive indexes of the lens material and the conjunctival tissue, or could be a combination of the two. The purpose of this study is to image the artefact with contact lenses on a non‐biological (non‐indentable) medium and to determine the origins of the observed conjunctival compression.

Methods

Two‐dimensional cross‐sectional images of the edges of a selection of marketed silicone hydrogel and hydrogel lenses (refractive index ranging from 1.40 to 1.43) were acquired with a research grade UHR‐OCT system. The lenses were placed on three continuous surfaces, a glass sphere (refractive index n = 1.52), a rigid contact lens (n = 1.376) and the cornea of a healthy human subject (average n = 1.376). The displacement observed was analysed using ImageJ.

Results

The observed optical displacement ranged between 5.39(0.06) μm with Acuvue Advance and 11.99(0.18) μm with Air Optix Night & Day when the lens was imaged on the glass reference sphere. Similarly, on a rigid contact lens displacement ranged between 5.51(0.03) and 9.72(0.12) μm. Displacement was also observed when the lenses were imaged on the human conjunctiva and ranged from 6.49(0.80) μm for the 1‐day Acuvue Moist to 17.4(0.22) μm for the Pure Vision contact lens.

Conclusions

An optical displacement artefact was observed when imaging a contact lens on two rigid continuous surfaces with UHR‐OCT where compression or indentation of the surface could not have been a factor. Contact lenses imaged in situ also exhibited displacement at the intersection of the contact lens edge and the conjunctiva, likely a manifestation of both the artefact and compression of the conjunctiva.
Anesthetic techniques to facilitate lung lavage for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in children—new airway techniques and a review of the literature
Authors: Wilson Caroline A. , Wilmshurst Sally L. , Black Ann E.
Published: February 2015

Pediatric patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis require whole lung lavage to clear the accumulation of lipoproteinaceous material within the alveoli, to maintain respiratory function. Anesthesia for this presents a challenge due to preexisting respiratory failure, and the small diameter and length of the pediatric airway, which is often unable to accommodate existing one‐lung isolation and ventilation equipment. Novel techniques to facilitate lung lavage on seven occasions are described and placed in the context of the existing literature to date.