bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxyanion induced variations in domain structure for amorphous cobalt oxide oxygen evolving catalysts, resolved by X-ray pair distribution function analysis
Authors: Kwon Gihan , Kokhan Oleksandr , Han Ali , Chapman Karena W. , Chupas Peter J. , Du Pingwu , Tiede David M.
Published: December 2015

Amorphous thin film oxygen evolving catalysts, OECs, of first-row transition metals show promise to serve as self-assembling photoanode materials in solar-driven, photoelectrochemical `artificial leaf' devices. This report demonstrates the ability to use high-energy X-ray scattering and atomic pair distribution function analysis, PDF, to resolve structure in amorphous metal oxide catalyst films. The analysis is applied here to resolve domain structure differences induced by oxyanion substitution during the electrochemical assembly of amorphous cobalt oxide catalyst films, Co-OEC. PDF patterns for Co-OEC films formed using phosphate, Pi, methylphosphate, MPi, and borate, Bi, electrolyte buffers show that the resulting domains vary in size following the sequence Pi < MPi < Bi. The increases in domain size for CoMPi and CoBi were found to be correlated with increases in the contributions from bilayer and trilayer stacked domains having structures intermediate between those of the LiCoOO and CoO(OH) mineral forms. The lattice structures and offset stacking of adjacent layers in the partially stacked CoMPi and CoBi domains were best matched to those in the LiCoOO layered structure. The results demonstrate the ability of PDF analysis to elucidate features of domain size, structure, defect content and mesoscale organization for amorphous metal oxide catalysts that are not readily accessed by other X-ray techniques. PDF structure analysis is shown to provide a way to characterize domain structures in different forms of amorphous oxide catalysts, and hence provide an opportunity to investigate correlations between domain structure and catalytic activity.
Using neutron powder diffraction and first-principles calculations to understand the working mechanisms of porous coordination polymer sorbents
Authors: Chevreau Hubert , Duyker Samuel G. , Peterson Vanessa K.
Published: December 2015

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising solid sorbents, showing gas selectivity and uptake capacities relevant to many important applications, notably in the energy sector. To improve and tailor the sorption properties of these materials for such applications, it is necessary to gain an understanding of their working mechanisms at the atomic and molecular scale. Specifically, it is important to understand how features such as framework porosity, topology, chemical functionality and flexibility underpin sorbent behaviour and performance. Such information is obtained through interrogation of structure–function relationships, with neutron powder diffraction (NPD) being a particularly powerful characterization tool. The combination of NPD with first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations enables a deep understanding of the sorption mechanisms, and the resulting insights can direct the future development of MOF sorbents. In this paper, experimental approaches and investigations of two example MOFs are summarized, which demonstrate the type of information and the understanding into their functional mechanisms that can be gained. Such information is critical to the strategic design of new materials with targeted gas-sorption properties.
Occupational performance: a case for self‐determination
Authors: Ziviani Jenny
Published: December 2015

The term, ‘self‐determination’, implies that individuals have choice and control over aspects of their lives. Individual/family preferences and choices are now core aspects of Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme, underpinning the importance attributed to these concepts in relation to the fostering of wellbeing. As occupational therapists, in collaboration with our clients, we facilitate and enable occupational performance goals which are personally meaningful and self‐endorsed. As such, our professional practice provides us with a powerful motivational tool by which we can harness individuals’ energies in the pursuit of their goals – occupation. Self‐Determination Theory (SDT) is an influential theory of human motivation and is presented as a way of understanding the elements of our occupational therapy transactions, and the way in which we enact them so as to enhance client outcomes. In SDT, it is proposed that individuals engage in, pursue and persist with certain behaviours when three psychological needs are being met. These needs are for autonomy (engaging in behaviour that is self‐endorsed), relatedness (feeling cared for and connected to others) and competence (feeling effective in one's environment). A focus on supporting satisfaction of these basic psychological needs, it will be argued, engenders therapeutic alliance and internalisation of goal pursuits, thus optimising therapy engagement and outcomes. Examples of practice approaches that attend to the psychological needs for autonomy, relatedness and competence will be presented. A case will be made for embedding SDT into our models of practice as a sound way of articulating how we practise.
The complete genome of a viable archaeum isolated from 123‐million‐year‐old rock salt
Authors: Jaakkola Salla T. , Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Ravantti Janne J. , Guo Qinggong , Liu Ying , Chen Xiangdong , Ma Hongling , Yang Chunhe , Oksanen Hanna M. , Bamford Dennis H.
Published: December 2015

Live microbes have been isolated from rock salt up to Permian age. Only obligatory cellular functions can be performed in halite‐buried cells. Consequently, their genomic sequences are likely to remain virtually unchanged. However, the available sequence information from these organisms is scarce and consists of mainly ribosomal 16S sequences. Here, live archaea were isolated from early Cretaceous (∼123 million years old) halite from the depth of 2000 m in Qianjiang Depression, Hubei Province, China. The sample was radiologically dated and subjected to rigorous surface sterilization before microbe isolation. The isolates represented a single novel species of Halobacterium, for which we suggest the name Halobacterium hubeiense, type strain Hbt. hubeiense JI20‐1. The species was closely related to a Permian (225–280 million years old) isolate, Halobacterium noricense, originating from Alpine rock salt. This study is the first one to publish the complete genome of an organism originating from surface‐sterilized ancient halite. In the future, genomic data from halite‐buried microbes can become a key factor in understanding the mechanisms by which these organisms are able to survive in harsh conditions deep underground or possibly on other celestial bodies.
Location, location, location: priority effects in wood decay communities may vary between sites
Authors: Hiscox Jennifer , Savoury Melanie , Johnston Sarah R. , Parfitt David , Müller Carsten T. , Rogers Hilary J. , Boddy Lynne
Published: December 2015

Priority effects are known to have a major influence on fungal community development in decomposing wood, but it has not yet been established whether these effects are consistent between different geographical locations. Here, beech (Fagus sylvatica) wood disks that had been pre‐colonized with three wood decay basidiomycetes were placed in seven woodland sites with similar characteristics for 12–24 months, and the successor communities profiled using culture‐based techniques coupled with amplicon sequencing. On the majority of sites, assembly history differed as a result of primary versus secondary resource capture only (i.e. different communities developed in uncolonized control disks compared with those that had been pre‐colonized), but on certain sites distinct successor communities followed each pre‐colonizer species. This study provides preliminary evidence that differences in abiotic factors and species pools between sites can cause spatial variation in how priority effects influence wood decay communities.
Genomic evidence for distinct carbon substrate preferences and ecological niches of Bathyarchaeota in estuarine sediments
Authors: Lazar Cassandre Sara , Baker Brett J. , Seitz Kiley , Hyde Andrew S. , Dick Gregory J. , Hinrichs Kai‐Uwe , Teske Andreas P.
Published: December 2015

Investigations of the biogeochemical roles of benthic Archaea in marine sediments are hampered by the scarcity of cultured representatives. In order to determine their metabolic capacity, we reconstructed the genomic content of four widespread uncultured benthic Archaea recovered from estuary sediments at 48% to 95% completeness. Four genomic bins were found to belong to different subgroups of the former Miscellaneous Crenarcheota Group (MCG) now called Bathyarchaeota: MCG‐6, MCG‐1, MCG‐7/17 and MCG‐15. Metabolic predictions based on gene content of the different genome bins indicate that subgroup 6 has the ability to hydrolyse extracellular plant‐derived carbohydrates, and that all four subgroups can degrade detrital proteins. Genes encoding enzymes involved in acetate production as well as in the reductive acetyl–CoA pathway were detected in all four genomes inferring that these Archaea are organo‐heterotrophic and autotrophic acetogens. Genes involved in nitrite reduction were detected in all Bathyarchaeota subgroups and indicate a potential for dissimilatory nitrite reduction to ammonium. Comparing the genome content of the different Bathyarchaeota subgroups indicated preferences for distinct types of carbohydrate substrates and implicitly, for different niches within the sedimentary environment.
Heterogeneity in phage induction enables the survival of the lysogenic population
Authors: Imamovic Lejla , Ballesté Elisenda , Martínez‐Castillo Alexandre , García‐Aljaro Cristina , Muniesa Maite
Published: December 2015

Lysogeny by temperate phages provides novel functions for bacteria and shelter for phages. However, under conditions that activate the phage lytic cycle, the benefit of lysogeny becomes a paradox that poses a threat for bacterial population survival. Using Escherichia coli lysogens for Shiga toxin (Stx) phages as model, we demonstrate how lysogenic bacterial populations circumvent extinction after phage induction. A fraction of cells maintains lysogeny, allowing population survival, whereas the other fraction of cells lyse, increasing Stx production and spreading Stx phages. The uninduced cells were still lysogenic for the Stx phage and equally able to induce phages as the original cells, suggesting heterogeneity of the E. coli lysogenic population. The bacterial population can modulate phage induction under stress conditions by the stress regulator RpoS. Cells overexpressing RpoS reduce Stx phage induction and compete with and survive better than cells with baseline RpoS levels. Our observations suggest that population heterogeneity in phage induction could be widespread among other bacterial genera and we propose this is a mechanism positively selected to prevent the extinction of the lysogenic population that can be modulated by environmental conditions.
Prophages of the genus Bifidobacterium as modulating agents of the infant gut microbiota
Authors: Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Milani Christian , Turroni Francesca , Tremblay Denise , Ferrario Chiara , Mancabelli Leonardo , Duranti Sabrina , Ward Doyle V. , Ossiprandi Maria Cristina , Moineau Sylvain , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco
Published: December 2015

Phage predation is one of the key forces that shape genetic diversity in bacterial genomes. Phages are also believed to act as modulators of the microbiota composition and, consequently, as agents that drive bacterial speciation in complex bacterial communities. Very little is known about the occurrence and genetic variability of (pro)phages within the Bifidobacterium genus, a dominant bacterial group of the human infant microbiota. Here, we performed cataloguing of the predicted prophage sequences from the genomes of all currently recognized bifidobacterial type strains. We analysed their genetic diversity and deduced their evolutionary development, thereby highlighting an intriguing origin. Furthermore, we assessed infant gut microbiomes for the presence of (pro)phage sequences and found compelling evidence that these viral elements influence the composition of bifidobacterial communities in the infant gut microbiota.
Co‐infections and transmission dynamics in a tick‐borne bacterium community exposed to songbirds
Authors: Heylen Dieter , Fonville Manoj , van Leeuwen Arieke Docters , Sprong Hein
Published: December 2015

We investigated the transmission dynamics of a community of tick‐borne pathogenic bacteria in a common European songbird (Parus major). Tick‐naïve birds were infested with three successive batches (spaced 5 days apart) of field‐collected Ixodes ricinus nymphs, carrying the following tick‐borne bacteria: Rickettsia helvetica (16.9%), Borrelia garinii (1.9%), Borrelia miyamotoi (1.6%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.2%) and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis (0.4%). Fed ticks were screened for the pathogens after moulting to the next developmental phase. We found evidence for early transmission (within 2.75 days after exposure) of R. helvetica and B. garinii, and to a lesser extent of A. phagocytophilum based on the increased infection rates of ticks during the first infestation. The proportion of ticks infected with R. helvetica remained constant over the three infestations. In contrast, the infection rate of B. garinii in the ticks increased over the three infestations, indicating a more gradual development of host tissue infection. No interactions were found among the different bacterium species during transmission. Birds did not transmit or amplify the other bacterial species. We show that individual birds can transmit several pathogenic bacterium species at the same time using different mechanisms, and that the transmission facilitation by birds increases the frequency of co‐infections in ticks.
Walking the Line: Navigating Market and Gift Economies of Care in a Consumer‐Directed Home‐Based Care Program for Older Adults
Authors: TORRES JACQUELINE M. , KIETZMAN KATHRYN G. , WALLACE STEVEN P.
Published: December 2015

Policy Points:

Policies that cut or restrict formal long‐term services and supports for older adults can either push caregivers to provide uncompensated care or leave older adults with unmet needs for care.

Increased pressure to provide uncompensated care to older adults in the aftermath of cuts in formal services can have negative economic and health consequences for both related and nonrelated caregivers.

Policies that assume (implicitly or explicitly) that related caregivers can readily fill gaps in care (and that unrelated caregivers will not) should be reassessed. Both related and unrelated caregivers face financial and health‐related barriers to filling gaps in formal services for older adults.

Context

Paid caregivers of low‐income older adults navigate their role at what Hochschild calls the “market frontier”: the fuzzy line between the “world of the market,” in which services are exchanged for monetary compensation, and the “world of the gift,” in which caregiving is uncompensated and motivated by emotional attachment. We examine how political and economic forces, including the reduction of long‐term services and supports, shape the practice of “walking the line” among caregivers of older adults.

Methods

We used data from a longitudinal qualitative study with related and nonrelated caregivers (n = 33) paid through California's In‐Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program and consumers of IHSS care (n = 49). We analyzed the semistructured interviews (n = 330), completed between 2010 and 2014, using a constructivist grounded theory approach.

Findings

Related and nonrelated caregivers are often expected to “gift” hours of care above and beyond what is compensated by formal services. Cuts in formal services and lapses in pay push caregivers to further “walk the line” between market and gift economies of care. Both related and nonrelated caregivers who choose to stay on and provide more care without pay often face adverse economic and health consequences. Some, including related caregivers, opt out of caregiving altogether. While some consumers expect that caregivers would be willing to “walk the line” in order to meet their needs, most expressed sympathy for them and tried to alter their schedules or go without care in order to limit the caregivers’ burden.

Conclusions

Given economic and health constraints, caregivers cannot always compensate for cuts in formal supports by providing uncompensated time and resources. Similarly, low‐income older adults are not competitive in the caregiving marketplace and, given the inadequacy of compensated hours, often depend on unpaid care. Policies that restrict formal long‐term services and supports thus leave the needs of both caregivers and consumers unmet.
How Effective Are Incident‐Reporting Systems for Improving Patient Safety? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: STAVROPOULOU CHARITINI , DOHERTY CAROLE , TOSEY PAUL
Published: December 2015

Policy Points:

Incident‐reporting systems (IRSs) are a method of error reporting to enable organizational learning. Despite their significant cost, however, little is known about their effectiveness for improving patient safety.

Our systematic literature review found no strong evidence that IRSs perform better than other forms of reporting. In addition, although we show that IRSs can improve clinical settings and processes, we found little evidence that they ultimately improve outcomes or enable cultural changes.

IRSs could work more effectively if the reportable incidents used are defined more clearly and the IRSs have clinical ownership and integration with wider safety programs.

Context

Incident‐reporting systems (IRSs) are used to gather information about patient safety incidents. Despite the financial burden they imply, however, little is known about their effectiveness. This article systematically reviews the effectiveness of IRSs as a method of improving patient safety through organizational learning.

Methods

Our systematic literature review identified 2 groups of studies: (1) those comparing the effectiveness of IRSs with other methods of error reporting and (2) those examining the effectiveness of IRSs on settings, structures, and outcomes in regard to improving patient safety. We used thematic analysis to compare the effectiveness of IRSs with other methods and to synthesize what was effective, where, and why. Then, to assess the evidence concerning the ability of IRSs to facilitate organizational learning, we analyzed studies using the concepts of single‐loop and double‐loop learning.

Findings

In total, we identified 43 studies, 8 that compared IRSs with other methods and 35 that explored the effectiveness of IRSs on settings, structures, and outcomes. We did not find strong evidence that IRSs performed better than other methods. We did find some evidence of single‐loop learning, that is, changes to clinical settings or processes as a consequence of learning from IRSs, but little evidence of either improvements in outcomes or changes in the latent managerial factors involved in error production. In addition, there was insubstantial evidence of IRSs enabling double‐loop learning, that is, a cultural change or a change in mind‐set.

Conclusions

The results indicate that IRSs could be more effective if the criteria for what counts as an incident were explicit, they were owned and led by clinical teams rather than centralized hospital departments, and they were embedded within organizations as part of wider safety programs.
Interventions to enhance maternal awareness of decreased fetal movement: a systematic review
Authors: Winje BA , Wojcieszek AM , Gonzalez‐Angulo LY , Teoh Z , Norman J , Frøen JF , Flenady V
Published: December 2015

Background

Decreased fetal movement is associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes; timely reporting and appropriate management may prevent stillbirth.

Objectives

Determine effects of interventions to enhance maternal awareness of decreased fetal movement.

Search strategy

Cinahl, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and SCOPUS databases; without limitation on language or publication year.

Selection criteria

Randomised or non‐randomised studies evaluating interventions to enhance maternal awareness of decreased fetal movement.

Data collection and analysis

Two authors independently extracted data and assessed quality.

Main results

We included 23 publications from 16 studies of fair to poor quality. We were unable to pool results due to substantial heterogeneity between studies. Three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and five non‐randomised studies (NRSs), involving 72 888 and 115 435 pregnancies, respectively, assessed effects of interventions on stillbirth and perinatal death. One large cluster RCT (n = 68 654) reported no stillbirth reduction, one RCT (n = 3111) reported significant stillbirth reduction, and one RCT (n = 1123) was small with no deaths. All NRSs favoured intervention over standard care; three studies (n = 31 131) reported significant reduction, whereas two studies (n = 84 304) reported non‐significant reductions in stillbirth or perinatal deaths. Promising results from NRSs warrant further research. We found no evidence of increased maternal concern following interventions. No cost‐effectiveness data were available.

Conclusions

We found no clear evidence of benefit or harm; indirect evidence suggests improved pregnancy and birth outcomes. The optimal approach to support women in monitoring their pregnancies needs to be established. Meanwhile, women need to be informed about the importance of fetal movement for fetal health.

Tweetable abstract

The benefits and risks of interventions to increase pregnant women's awareness of fetal movement are unclear.
Constitutive Effects of Lead on Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Gene Battery and Protection by β‐carotene and Ascorbic Acid in Human HepG2 Cells
Authors: Darwish Wageh S. , Ikenaka Yoshinori , Nakayama Shouta M. M. , Mizukawa Hazuki , Ishizuka Mayumi
Published: December 2015

Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant that can get entry into human body through contaminated foods, drinks, and inhaled air leading to severe biological consequences, and has been responsible for many deaths worldwide. The objectives of this study were 1st to investigate the modulatory effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of Pb on AhR gene battery, which is controlling xenobiotics metabolism. 2nd, trials to reduce Pb‐induced adverse effects were done using some phytochemicals like β‐carotene or ascorbic acid. Human hepatoma (HepG2) cell lines were exposed to a wide range of Pb concentrations varying from physiological to toxic levels (0 to 10 mg/L) for 24 h. High Pb concentrations (1 to 10 mg/L) significantly reduced phase I (CYP1A1 and 1A2) and phase II (UGT1A6 and NQO1) xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme mRNA expression in a mechanistic manner through the AhR regulation pathway. Additionally, these Pb concentrations induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells in terms of production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced heme oxygenase‐1 mRNA expression in a concentration‐dependent phenomenon. Coexposure of HepG2 cells to physiological concentrations of some micronutrients, like β‐carotene (10 μM) or ascorbic acid (0.1 mM), along with Pb (1 mg/L) for 24 h significantly reduced the levels of ROS production and recovered AhR mRNA expression into the normal levels. Thus, consumption of foods rich in these micronutrients may help to reduce the adverse effects of lead in areas with high levels of pollution.
Primary biliary cholangitis associated with warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Authors: Gonzalez‐Moreno Emmanuel I. , Martinez‐Cabriales Sylvia A. , Cruz‐Moreno Miguel A. , Borjas‐Almaguer Omar D. , Cortez‐Hernandez Carlos A. , Bosques‐Padilla Francisco J. , Garza Aldo A. , Gonzalez‐Gonzalez Jose A. , Garcia‐Compean Diego , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge , Maldonado‐Garza Hector J.
Published: December 2015

There are many autoimmune diseases associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), known as primary biliary cirrhosis; however, the association between PBC and warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) has rarely been reported. It is documented that hemolysis is present in over 50% of the patients with chronic liver disease, regardless of the etiologies. Due to the clear and frequent relationship between PBC and many autoimmune diseases, it is reasonable to suppose that wAIHA may be another autoimmune disorder seen in association with PBC. Here we reported a 53‐year‐old female patient diagnosed with wAIHA associated with PBC.
Longitudinal Analysis in Occupational Health Psychology: A Review and Tutorial of Three Longitudinal Modeling Techniques
Authors: Liu Yihao , Mo Shenjiang , Song Yifan , Wang Mo
Published: December 2015

There is an increasing call for the collection of longitudinal data and the use of longitudinal analysis in occupational health psychology research. Some useful and popular longitudinal analysis techniques include the cross‐lagged model, the latent growth model, and the latent change score model. However, previous reviews and discussions on these modeling techniques are quite generic and often overlook the connections among these techniques. Therefore, in the current article, we first reviewed the three modeling techniques as well as their existing applications in occupational health psychology research. We then present a detailed tutorial regarding how to utilise these techniques to analyze a simulated dataset. Finally, we compare the three techniques and discuss their utility for addressing different research questions in occupational health psychology.
A phase II study of cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristine and prednisone (CEOP) Alternating with Pralatrexate (P) as front line therapy for patients with peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL): final results from the T‐ cell consortium trial
Authors: Advani Ranjana H. , Ansell Stephen M. , Lechowicz Mary J. , Beaven Anne W. , Loberiza Fausto , Carson Kenneth R. , Evens Andrew M. , Foss Francine , Horwitz Steven , Pro Barbara , Pinter‐Brown Lauren C. , Smith Sonali M. , Shustov Andrei R. , Savage Kerry J. , M. Vose Julie
Published: December 2015

Peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL) have suboptimal outcomes using conventional CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy. The anti‐folate pralatrexate, the first drug approved for patients with relapsed/refractory PTCL, provided a rationale to incorporate it into the front‐line setting. This phase 2 study evaluated a novel front‐line combination whereby cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristine and prednisone (CEOP) alternated with pralatrexate (CEOP‐P) in PTCL. Patients achieving a complete or partial remission (CR/PR) were eligible for consolidative stem cell transplantation (SCT) after 4 cycles. Thirty‐three stage II‐IV PTCL patients were treated: 21 PTCL‐not otherwise specified (64%), 8 angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (24%) and 4 anaplastic large cell lymphoma (12%). The majority (61%) had stage IV disease and 46% were International Prognostic Index high/intermediate or high risk. Grade 3–4 toxicities included anaemia (27%), thrombocytopenia (12%), febrile neutropenia (18%), mucositis (18%), sepsis (15%), increased creatinine (12%) and liver transaminases (12%). Seventeen patients (52%) achieved a CR. The 2‐year progression‐free survival and overall survial, were 39% (95% confidence interval 21–57) and 60% (95% confidence interval 39–76), respectively. Fifteen patients (45%) (12 CR) received SCT and all remained in CR at a median follow‐up of 21·5 months. CEOP‐P did not improve outcomes compared to historical data using CHOP. Defining optimal front line therapy in PTCL continues to be a challenge and an unmet need.
How I manage Evans Syndrome and AIHA cases in children
Authors: Miano Maurizio
Published: December 2015

The management of Evans Syndrome in children is challenging due to the lack of evidence‐based data on treatment. Steroids, the first‐choice therapy, are successful in about 80% of cases. For children who are resistant, relapse or become steroid‐dependent, rituximab is considered a valid second‐line treatment, with the exception of those with an underlying diagnosis of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome who may benefit from other options such as mycophenolate mofetil and sirolimus. Better knowledge of the immunological mechanisms underlying cytopenias and the availability of new immunosuppressive drugs can be helpful in the choice of more targeted therapies that would enable the reduction of the use of long‐term steroid administration or other more aggressive options, such as splenectomy or stem cell transplantation. This manuscript provides an overview of the pathogenic background of the disease, and suggests a clinical approach to diagnosis and treatment with a particular focus on the management of relapsing/resistant disease.
Semi‐quantitative myocardial perfusion measured by computed tomography in patients with refractory angina: a head‐to‐head comparison with quantitative rubidium‐82 positron emission tomography as reference
Authors: Qayyum Abbas Ali , Kühl Jørgen Tobias , Kjaer Andreas , Hasbak Philip , Kofoed Klaus Fuglsang , Kastrup Jens
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Computed tomography (CT) is a novel method for assessment of myocardial perfusion and has not yet been compared to rubidium‐82 positron emission tomography (PET). We aimed to compare CT measured semi‐quantitative myocardial perfusion with absolute quantified myocardial perfusion using PET and to detect stenotic territories in patients with severe coronary artery disease.

Materials and methods

Eighteen patients with stenosis narrowing coronary arteries ≥70% demonstrated on invasive coronary angiography underwent rest and adenosine stress imaging obtained by 320‐multidetector CT scanner and CT/PET 64‐slice scanner. CT measured myocardial attenuation density (AD) and perfusion index (PI) were correlated to absolute PET myocardial perfusion values.

Results

Rest AD, rest and stress PI did not correlate to PET findings (r = 0·412, P = 0·113; r = 0·300, P = 0·259; and r = 0·508, P = 0·064, respectively). However, there was a significant correlation between stress AD and stress PET values (r = 0·670, P = 0·009) and between stress and rest differences for AD and PI with PET differences (r = 0·620, P = 0·006; and r = 0·639, P = 0·004, respectively). Furthermore, significant differences were observed between remote and stenotic territories for rest and stress AD (48 ± 14HU and 37 ± 16HU, P = 0·002; 76 ± 19HU and 58 ± 13HU, P<0·001, respectively), PI (9·6 ± 2·9 and 7·5 ± 3·1, P = 0·002; 21·6 ± 4·1 and 16·9 ± 3·9, P<0·001, respectively) and PET (0·96 ± 0·37 ml g−1 min−1 and 0·86 ± 0·26 ml g−1 min−1, P = 0·036; 2·07 ± 0·76 ml g−1 min−1 and 1·61 ± 0·76 ml g−1 min−1, P = 0·006, respectively).

Conclusions

Semi‐quantitative CT parameters may be useful in the detection of myocardium subtended by stenotic coronary arteries.
Clinical symptoms predict concurrent social and global functioning in an early psychosis sample
Authors: Cacciotti‐Saija Cristina , Langdon Robyn , Ward Philip B. , Hickie Ian B. , Guastella Adam J.
Published: December 2015

Aim

Although well established in chronic schizophrenia, the key determinants of functioning remain unknown during the early phase of a psychotic disorder. The aim of this study was to comprehensively examine the social cognitive, basic neurocognitive and clinical predictors of concurrent social functioning and global functioning in an early psychosis sample.

Methods

This study examined the relationship between social cognition, basic neurocognition and clinical symptoms with concurrent functioning in 51 early psychosis individuals. Assessments included a range of self‐report, observational and clinician‐rated measures of cognitive, symptom severity and functioning domains.

Results

Results revealed a significant association between self‐reported social function and lower levels of both social interaction anxiety and negative psychotic symptoms. A significant association was also observed between lower levels of negative psychotic symptoms and observed social functioning. Lastly, results demonstrated a significant association between reduced negative psychotic symptoms and clinician‐rated global functioning.

Conclusions

Clinical domains such as negative symptoms and social interaction anxiety significantly contribute to an optimal model predicting outcome during the early phase of a psychotic disorder. These clinical features may also provide useful markers of an individual's capacity for social participation. Clinical implications include the need for early targeted intervention to address social anxiety and negative psychotic symptoms to facilitate optimum patient outcome.
Pride, Shame, and the Trouble with Trying to Be Normal
Authors: Gideonse Theodore K.
Published: December 2015

I performed 14 person‐centered ethnographies with methamphetamine‐using HIV‐positive men who have sex with men in San Diego, California, who were all subjects of the “anti‐meth apparatus,” a collection of government and nongovernment organizations focused on meth use and its sequelae. The apparatus attempts to coerce addicts to develop and perform certain identities and emotions, though addicts are capable of both passive acceptance and active disruption. In my research, those who failed to become the apparatus's ideal subject felt shame, while those who succeeded expressed pride. Those hovering in the middle experienced a perpetual struggle to become normal and rarely, if ever, succeeded.
Promoting a city's core values using evaluative language
Authors: Ho Victor , Suen Amy
Published: December 2015

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government launched the Brand Hong Kong campaign in 2001 to promote Hong Kong as an Asia's world city. Among the various initiatives of the campaign is the promotion of the core values of the city through both the text and images on the Brand Hong Kong website. The present study analyzes specifically the textual components of the website by drawing upon appraisal theory as the analytical framework. The findings indicate that evaluative language has a substantial presence and a key role to play in the government's promotional effort. The types and functions of the evaluative resources used and the implications for the discipline of applied linguistics are discussed.
Correcting Measurement Error in Latent Regression Covariates via the MC‐SIMEX Method
Authors: Rutkowski Leslie , Zhou Yan
Published: December 2015

Given the importance of large‐scale assessments to educational policy conversations, it is critical that subpopulation achievement is estimated reliably and with sufficient precision. Despite this importance, biased subpopulation estimates have been found to occur when variables in the conditioning model side of a latent regression model contain measurement error. As such, this article proposes a method to correct for misclassification in the conditioning model by way of the misclassification simulation extrapolation (MC‐SIMEX) method. Although the proposed method is computationally intensive, results from a simulation study show that the MC‐SIMEX method improves latent regression coefficients and associated subpopulation achievement estimates. The method is demonstrated with PIRLS 2006 data. The importance of collecting high‐priority, policy‐relevant contextual data from at least two sources is emphasized and practical applications are discussed.
Attribute‐Level and Pattern‐Level Classification Consistency and Accuracy Indices for Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment
Authors: Wang Wenyi , Song Lihong , Chen Ping , Meng Yaru , Ding Shuliang
Published: December 2015

Classification consistency and accuracy are viewed as important indicators for evaluating the reliability and validity of classification results in cognitive diagnostic assessment (CDA). Pattern‐level classification consistency and accuracy indices were introduced by Cui, Gierl, and Chang. However, the indices at the attribute level have not yet been constructed. This study puts forward a simple approach to estimating the indices at both the attribute and the pattern level through one single test administration. Detailed elaboration is made on how the upper and lower bounds for the attribute‐level accuracy can be derived from the variance of error of the attribute mastery probability estimate. In addition, based on Cui's pattern‐level indices, an alternative approach to estimating the attribute‐level indices is also proposed. Comparative analysis of simulation results indicate that the new indices are very desirable for evaluating test‐retest consistency and correct classification rate.
Juvenile Transfers to Adult Court: An Examination of the Long‐Term Outcomes of Transferred and Non‐Transferred Juveniles
Authors: Taylor Melanie
Published: December 2015

Juveniles who are transferred to adult court are more likely to recidivate than non‐transferred juveniles, but limited research has examined how transfer can impact other life outcomes like attending college and employment. To examine this issue, data from theNationalLongitudinalSurvey ofYouth (1997) were analyzed from 1998 to 2011. It was found that court involvement during adolescence does not harm educational attainment. However, prosecution of juveniles in adult court significantly impairs earning potential well into adulthood. The current study provides further evidence of the long‐term harms caused by transfer and demonstrates how transfer further disrupts the desistance process.
Incomplete type of intestinal metaplasia has the highest risk to progress to gastric cancer: results of the Spanish follow‐up multicenter study
Authors: González Carlos A. , Sanz‐Anquela José Miguel , Companioni Osmel , Bonet Catalina , Berdasco María , López Consuelo , Mendoza Jorge , Martín‐Arranz Mª Dolores , Rey Enrique , Poves Elvira , Espinosa Laura , Barrio Jesús , Torres Mª Ángeles , Cuatrecasas Miriam , Elizalde Ignasi , Bujanda Luis , Garmendia Maddi , Ferrández Ángel , Muñoz Guillermo , Andreu Victoria , Paules Mª Jose , Lario Sergio , Ramírez Mª Jose ,   Study group, Gisbert Javier P.
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim

In high or moderate risk populations, periodic surveillance of patients at risk of progression from gastric precursor lesions (PL) to gastric cancer (GC) is the most effective strategy for reducing the burden of GC. Incomplete type of intestinal metaplasia (IIM) may be considered as the best candidate, but it is still controversial and more research is needed. To further assess the progression of subtypes of IM as predictors of GC occurrence.

Methods

A follow‐up study was carried‐out including 649 patients, diagnosed with PL between 1995–2004 in 9 participating hospitals from Spain, and who repeated the biopsy during 2011–2013. Medical information and habits were collected through a questionnaire. Based on morphology, IM was sub‐classified as complete (small intestinal type, CIM) and incomplete (colonic type, IIM). Analyses were done using Cox (HR) models.

Results

At baseline, 24% of patients had atrophic gastritis, 38% CIM, 34% IIM, and 4% dysplasia. Mean follow‐up was 12 years. 24 patients (3.7%) developed a gastric adenocarcinoma during follow‐up. The incidence rate of GC was 2.76 and 5.76 per 1,000 person‐years for those with CIM and IIM, respectively. The HR of progression to CG was 2.75 (95% CI 1.06‐6.26) for those with IIM compared with those with CIM at baseline, after adjusting for sex, age, smoking, family history of GC and use of NSAIDs.

Conclusions

IIM is the PL with highest risk to progress to GC. Sub‐typing of IM is a valid procedure for the identification of high risk patients that require more intensive surveillance.
Person‐Centered Care: A Definition and Essential Elements
Authors:   The American Geriatrics Society Expert Panel on Person‐Centered Care
Published: December 2015

Improving healthcare safety, quality, and coordination, as well as quality of life, are important aims of caring for older adults with multiple chronic conditions and/or functional limitations. Person‐centered care is an approach to meeting these aims, but there are no standardized, agreed‐upon parameters for delivering such care. The SCAN Foundation charged a team from the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) in collaboration with a research and clinical team from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California to provide the evidence base to support a definition of person‐centered care and its essential elements. An interprofessional panel of experts in person‐centered care principles and practices that the AGS convened developed this statement.
Person‐Centered Care for Older Adults with Chronic Conditions and Functional Impairment: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kogan Alexis Coulourides , Wilber Kathleen , Mosqueda Laura
Published: December 2015

Person‐centered care (PCC) shifts focus away from the traditional biomedical model in favor of embracing personal choice and autonomy for people receiving health services. It has become an important avenue for improving primary care, and older adults remain a priority target for PCC because they are more likely to have complex care needs than younger individuals. Nevertheless, despite a growing body of evidence regarding its use, PCC still lacks an agreed‐upon definition. A literature review was conducted to explore extant scholarship on PCC for older adults, assess corresponding definitions of PCC, and identify important elements of quality PCC. Nearly 3,000 articles published between 1990 and 2014 were identified. Excluding search results outside the parameters of this study, the final review comprised 132 nonduplicate sources focused on patient‐centered care or PCC in older adults. Fifteen descriptions of PCC were identified, addressing 17 central principles or values. The six most‐prominent domains of PCC were holistic or whole‐person care, respect and value, choice, dignity, self‐determination, and purposeful living. The body of evidence reviewed suggests that PCC is an important area of growing interest. Although multiple definitions and elements of PCC abound—with many commonalities and some overlap—the field would benefit from a consensus definition and list of essential elements to clarify how to operationalize a PCC approach to health care and services for older adults. This work guided the development of a separate American Geriatrics Society expert panel statement presenting a standardized definition and a list of PCC elements for older adults with chronic conditions or functional impairment.
Moving Toward Implementation of Person‐Centered Care for Older Adults in Community‐Based Medical and Social Service Settings: “You Only Get Things Done When Working in Concert with Clients”
Authors: Coulourides Kogan Alexis , Wilber Kathleen , Mosqueda Laura
Published: December 2015

Specialized, fragmented acute care is not aligned optimally to serve older adults. Person‐centered care (PCC) has emerged as an evidence‐based solution that involves enlisting patients as partners in treatment planning. Although several efforts have captured person‐centered voices in outpatient care, more information is needed at the organizational and provider level to better understand the feasibility, challenges, and effect of PCC in community‐based and social services settings. To assess themes and emerging trends, researchers conducted telephone interviews with leaders at nine organizations providing PCC for older adults. Questions were focused on the legacy of PCC services, whether and how PCC was connected to better quality care, and what tools were used for measuring PCC. Three themes on PCC for older adults emerged. (1) Each organization ascribed to a unique definition and operational structure for PCC. (2) Despite these differences, all organizations specified a strong commitment to PCC. Most noted financial resources and staffing as challenges and opportunities affecting feasibility. (3) Terms such as “patient‐centered” care and other PCC synonyms may warrant greater clarification, because ideological differences set these classifications apart. Results from this analysis indicate the lack of a single, established definition for PCC. As interest in and support for PCC mounts, organizations in outpatient medical and community‐based settings clearly have undertaken individual efforts to interpret what PCC is and how to provide it. Interview responses reflect this inconsistency, highlighting how staff and financing in particular can bolster or burden the PCC paradigm and what a consensus definition could do for the field.
Aggression in fragile X syndrome
Authors: Wheeler A. C. , Raspa M. , Bishop E. , Bailey D. B.
Published: December 2015

Background

Individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS), especially men, have long been described as presenting with significant behavioural challenges. Despite this known aspect of the phenotype, there has been little research exploring the prevalence, frequency, nature or consequences of aggressive behaviour in FXS.

Methods

This study used survey methodology to gather caregiver reports on the types, frequency and severity of aggressive behaviour in 774 individuals with FXS.

Results

Based on caregiver report, nearly all (>90%) male and female individuals were reported to have engaged in some aggression over the previous 12 months, with a third of male cases and slightly fewer than 20% of female cases being described as engaging in moderate to severe aggression or being diagnosed or treated for aggression. Further, aggressive behaviours in male individuals were serious enough that 30% had caused injuries to caregivers and 22% had caused injuries to peers or friends. Sensory issues and hyperactivity were significant predictors of the frequency of aggressive acts, while sensory issues and anxiety were predictive of the severity of aggression. Traditional behaviour management techniques as well as medication was described as the most common and successful treatment options.

Conclusions

Aggressive behaviours are a significant concern for a subsample of both male and female individuals with FXS. Given that sensory concerns were predictive of both the frequency and the severity of aggression suggests these behaviours may be a reactive means of escaping uncomfortable situations.