bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caregiving, ethnicity and gender in Māori and non‐Māori New Zealanders of advanced age: Findings from LiLACS NZ Kaiāwhina (Love and Support) study
Authors: Lapsley Hilary , Hayman Karen J. , Muru‐Lanning Marama Leigh , Moyes Simon A. , Keeling Sally , Edlin Richard , Kerse Ngaire
Published: May 2019

Objective

This study investigates sex and ethnicity in relationships of care using data from Wave 4 of LiLACS NZ, a longitudinal study of Māori and non‐Māori New Zealanders of advanced age.

Methods

Informal primary carers for LiLACS NZ participants were interviewed about aspects of caregiving. Data were analysed by gender and ethnic group of the LiLACS NZ participant.

Results

Carers were mostly adult children or partners, and three‐quarters of them were women. Māori and men received more hours of care with a higher estimated dollar value of care. Māori men received the most personal care and household assistance. Carer employment, self‐rated health, quality of life and impact of caring did not significantly relate to the gender and ethnicity of care recipients.

Conclusions

Gender and ethnicity are interwoven in caregiving and care receiving. Demographic differences and cultural expectations in both areas must be considered in policies for carer support.
Bridge flap repair of the lower limb: A hybrid alternative to the keystone
Authors: Salmon Paul JM , Gunson Todd H , Ong Suyin , Mortimer Neil J
Published: May 2019

Surgery of the lower limb to remove skin cancer often requires the use of skin grafting due to tightness of the surrounding tissues and poor dermal integrity. We present a retrospective case review of our experience with the bridge flap as an alternative for lower leg reconstruction. The techniques of executing this hybrid flap are detailed.
Hypoxaemia during recovery after surgery for colorectal cancer: a prospective observational study
Authors: Bojesen R. D. , Fitzgerald P. , Munk‐Madsen P. , Eriksen J. R. , Kehlet H. , Gögenur I.
Published: May 2019

Episodic and ongoing hypoxaemia are well‐described after surgery, but, to date, no studies have investigated the occurrence of episodic hypoxaemia following minimally‐invasive colorectal surgery performed in an enhanced recovery setting. We aimed to describe the occurrence of postoperative hypoxaemia after minimally‐invasive surgery in an enhanced recovery setting, and the association with morphine use, incision site, fluid intake and troponin increase. We performed a prospective observational study of 85 patients undergoing minimally‐invasive surgery for colorectal cancer between 25 August 2016 and 17 August 2017. We applied a pulse oximeter with a measurement rate of 1 Hz immediately after surgery either until discharge or until two days after surgery, and recorded the oxygen saturation. We measured troponin I during the first four days after surgery, or until discharge. The median (IQR [range]) length of stay was 3 (2–4 [1–38]) days. Thirty‐six percent of patients spent more than 1 h below an oxygen saturation of 90% (4.2% of the day), and with a median (IQR [range]) proportion of 1.3 (0.2–11.1 [0.0–21.4])% of the day spent with an oxygen saturation below 88%. We found no associations between time spent below an oxygen saturation of 88% and morphine use (p = 0.215), fluid intake (p = 0.446), complications (p = 0.808) or extraction site (p = 0.623). Postoperative increases in troponin I were associated both with time spent below an oxygen saturation of 88% (p = 0.026) and hypopnoea episodes (p = 0.003). Even with minimally‐invasive surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery, episodic hypoxaemia and hypopnoea episodes are common, but are not associated with morphine use, fluid intake or incision site. Further studies should investigate the relationship between hypoxaemia and troponin increase.
Effects of maternal subnutrition during early pregnancy on cow hematological profiles and offspring physiology and vitality in two beef breeds
Authors: Noya Agustí , Serrano‐Pérez Beatriz , Villalba Daniel , Casasús Isabel , Molina Ester , López‐Helguera Irene , Sanz Albina
Published: May 2019

This experiment evaluated the effects of subnutrition during early gestation on hematology in cows (Bos Taurus) and on hematological, metabolic, endocrine, and vitality parameters in their calves. Parda de Montaña and Pirenaica dams were inseminated and assigned to either a control (CONTROL, 100% requirements) or a nutrient‐restricted group (SUBNUT, 65%) during the first third of gestation. Dam blood samples were collected on days 20 and 253 of gestation, and calf samples were obtained during the first days of life. Pirenaica dams presented higher red series parameters than Parda de Montaña dams, both in the first and the last months of gestation. During early pregnancy, granulocyte numbers and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were lower in Pirenaica‐SUBNUT than in Pirenaica‐CONTROL cows. Calves from the SUBNUT cows did not show a physiological reduction in red series values in early life, suggesting later maturation of the hematopoietic system. Poor maternal nutrition affected calf endocrine parameters. Newborns from dystocic parturitions showed lower NEFA concentrations and weaker vitality responses. In conclusion, maternal nutrition had short‐term effects on cow hematology, Pirenaica cows showing a higher susceptibility to undernutrition; and a long‐term effect on their offspring endocrinology, SUBNUT newborns showing lower levels of IGF‐1 and higher levels of cortisol.
Long‐term prognostic significance of interleukin‐17‐producing T cells in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Song Li , Ma Shoubao , Chen Longpei , Miao Liyan , Tao Min , Liu Haiyan
Published: May 2019

The presence of interleukin (IL)‐17‐producing T cells has recently been reported in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, the long‐term prognostic significance of these populations in NSCLC patients remains unknown. In the present study, we collected peripheral blood from 82 NSCLC patients and 22 normal healthy donors (NC). Percentages of IL‐17‐producing CD4+T (Th17), CD8+T (Tc17) and γδT cells (γδT17) were measured to determine their association with clinical outcomes and overall survival (OS) in NSCLC. All NSCLC patients were followed up until July 2018. Median follow‐up time was 13.5 months (range 1‐87 months). The 3‐ and 5‐year survival rate was 27% and 19.6%, respectively. We found that Th17 cells and γδT17 cells were significantly increased, whereas Tc17 cells were markedly decreased in patients with NSCLC compared with those in NC. In addition, Th17 cells were significantly positively associated with T helper type 1 cells (Th1), whereas γδT17 cells were significantly negatively associated with γδT + interferon (IFN)‐γ+ cells. High percentages of peripheral Tc17 cells were significantly associated with favorable 5‐year OS (P = .025), especially in patients with early TNM stage (P = .016). Furthermore, high percentages of peripheral Th17 cells were positively associated with favorable 5‐year OS in patients with late TNM stage (P = .002). However, no significant association was observed between γδT17 cells and OS, regardless of the TNM stage. In conclusion, our findings suggest that enhanced Th17 and reduced Tc17 cells in the peripheral blood could be a significant predictor of a favorable prognosis for NSCLC patients.
Are Socially Anxious Children Poor or Advanced Mindreaders?
Authors: Nikolić Milica , van der Storm Lisa , Colonnesi Cristina , Brummelman Eddie , Kan Kees Jan , Bögels Susan
Published: May 2019

Why are some children more socially anxious than others? One theory holds that socially anxious children are poor mindreaders, which hampers their social interactions; another that socially anxious children are advanced mindreaders leading to heightened self‐consciousness in social situations. To test these theories simultaneously, this study (N = 105, ages 8–12) assessed children's mindreading (accuracy in detecting mental states from the eye region), self‐consciousness (indexed as physiological blushing during public performance), and social anxiety levels. Results support both theories, showing a quadratic relation between mindreading and social anxiety. Low mindreading was related to clinical levels of social anxiety. High mindreading was related to subclinical levels of social anxiety through blushing. Our findings suggest two social‐cognitive pathways to heightened social anxiety.
Parental Ethnic‐Racial Socialization and Children of Color's Academic Success: A Meta‐Analytic Review
Authors: Wang Ming‐Te , Smith Leann V. , Miller‐Cotto Dana , Huguley James P.
Published: May 2019

Increased attention is being placed on the importance of ethnic‐racial socialization in children of color's academic outcomes. Synthesizing research on the effects of parental ethnic‐racial socialization, this meta‐analysis of 37 studies reveals that overall the relation between ethnic‐racial socialization and academic outcomes was positive, though the strength varied by the specific academic outcome under consideration, dimension of ethnic‐racial socialization utilized, developmental age of the child receiving the socialization, and racial/ethnic group implementing the socialization. Ethnic‐racial socialization was positively related to academic performance, motivation, and engagement, with motivation being the strongest outcome. Most dimensions of ethnic‐racial socialization were positively related to academic outcomes, except for promotion of mistrust. In addition, the link between ethnic‐racial socialization and academic outcomes was strongest for middle school and college students, and when looking across ethnic‐racial groups, this link was strongest for African American youth. The results suggest that different dimensions of ethnic‐racial socialization have distinct relationships with diverse academic outcomes and that the effects of ethnic‐racial socialization vary by both youth developmental levels and racial/ethnic groups.
Monetary Policy, Product Market Competition and Growth
Authors: Aghion Philippe , Farhi Emmanuel , Kharroubi Enisse
Published: May 2019

In this paper we argue that monetary easing fosters growth more in more credit‐constrained environments, and the more so the higher the degree of product market competition. Indeed, when competition is low, large rents allow firms to stay on the market and reinvest optimally, no matter how funding conditions change with aggregate conditions. To test this prediction, we use industry‐level and firm‐level data from the euro area to look at the effects on sectoral growth and firm‐level growth of the unexpected drop in long‐term government bond yields following the announcement of the Outright Monetary Transactions programme (OMT) by the European Central Bank. We find that the monetary policy easing induced by OMT contributed to raising sectoral (firm‐level) growth more in more highly leveraged sectors (firms), and the more so the higher the degree of product market competition in the country (sector).
Longitudinal assessment of autonomic nervous system in patients with first demyelinating event suggestive of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Habek M. , Crnošija L. , Gabelić T. , Barun B. , Adamec I. , Junaković A. , Ruška B. , Pavičić T. , Krbot Skorić M.
Published: May 2019

Background and purpose

As a high proportion of people with clinically isolated syndrome (pwCIS) exhibit sympathetic adrenergic and sudomotor dysfunction, the aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of autonomic nervous system (ANS) abnormalities in pwCIS over a 2‐year follow‐up.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study in which 121 pwCIS were enrolled and followed for 2 years. After 2‐year follow‐up, data were available for 84 pwCIS. ANS symptoms were evaluated with the Composite Autonomic System Score‐31 (COMPASS‐31) and results of the ANS tests were expressed using the Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS) at baseline and visit at month 24. Symptomatic dysautonomia was defined if the patient had a COMPASS‐31 value above the median of the whole cohort at baseline evaluation (COMPASS‐31 > 6.79) and CASS score >0.

Results

Complete CASS data at baseline and month 24 were available for 62 patients; in 24 (38.7%) patients there was worsening, in 16 (25.8%) there was improvement and in 22 (35.5%) there was no change in CASS score. In 90% of pwCIS (72 of 80) there was no change in parasympathetic nervous system tests, whereas 47.3% (35 of 74) had either worsening or improvement in sympathetic adrenergic and 28.6% (20 of 70) had either worsening or improvement in sudomotor function. A multivariable regression model identified the total number of T2 lesions as an independent predictor for worsening of symptomatic dysautonomia. No predictors for worsening or improving of CASS score were identified.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of pwCIS experienced worsening of ANS abnormalities during the 2‐year follow‐up and magnetic resonance imaging parameters seemed to predict these abnormalities.
Genome‐wide association study identifies loci associated with liability to alcohol and drug dependence that is associated with variability in reward‐related ventral striatum activity in African‐ and European‐Americans
Authors: Wetherill Leah , Lai Dongbing , Johnson Emma C. , Anokhin Andrey , Bauer Lance , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Dick Danielle M. , Hariri Ahmad R. , Hesselbrock Victor , Kamarajan Chella , Kramer John , Kuperman Samuel , Meyers Jacquelyn L. , Nurnberger John I. , Schuckit Marc , Scott Denise M. , Taylor Robert E. , Tischfield Jay , Porjesz Bernice , Goate Alison M. , Edenberg Howard J. , Foroud Tatiana , Bogdan Ryan , Agrawal Arpana
Published: May 2019

Genetic influences on alcohol and drug dependence partially overlap, however, specific loci underlying this overlap remain unclear. We conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of a phenotype representing alcohol or illicit drug dependence (ANYDEP) among 7291 European‐Americans (EA; 2927 cases) and 3132 African‐Americans (AA: 1315 cases) participating in the family‐based Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism. ANYDEP was heritable (h
2 in EA = 0.60, AA = 0.37). The AA GWAS identified three regions with genome‐wide significant (GWS; P < 5E‐08) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosomes 3 (rs34066662, rs58801820) and 13 (rs75168521, rs78886294), and an insertion‐deletion on chromosome 5 (chr5:141988181). No polymorphisms reached GWS in the EA. One GWS region (chromosome 1: rs1890881) emerged from a trans‐ancestral meta‐analysis (EA + AA) of ANYDEP, and was attributable to alcohol dependence in both samples. Four genes (AA: CRKL, DZIP3, SBK3; EA: P2RX6) and four sets of genes were significantly enriched within biological pathways for hemostasis and signal transduction. GWS signals did not replicate in two independent samples but there was weak evidence for association between rs1890881 and alcohol intake in the UK Biobank. Among 118 AA and 481 EA individuals from the Duke Neurogenetics Study, rs75168521 and rs1890881 genotypes were associated with variability in reward‐related ventral striatum activation. This study identified novel loci for substance dependence and provides preliminary evidence that these variants are also associated with individual differences in neural reward reactivity. Gene discovery efforts in non‐European samples with distinct patterns of substance use may lead to the identification of novel ancestry‐specific genetic markers of risk.
Environment‐ and trait‐mediated scaling of tree occupancy in forests worldwide
Authors: Ren Haibao , Keil Petr , Mi Xiangcheng , Ma Keping , Hao Zhanqing , Ye Wanhui , Lin Luxiang , Valencia Renato , Fletcher Christine Dawn , Thomas Duncan W. , Howe Robert W. , Lutz James , Bourg Norman A. , Su Sheng‐Hsin , Sun I‐Fang , Zhu Li , Chang Li‐Wan , Wang Xihua , Du Xiaojun , Kenfack David , Chuyong George B. , Jetz Walter
Published: May 2019

Aim

The relationship between the proportion of sites occupied by a species and the area of a site [occupancy–area relationship (OAR)] offers key information for biodiversity management and has long fascinated ecologists. We quantified the variation in OAR for 3,157 woody species in 17 forest plots worldwide and tested the relative importance of environment and species traits for explaining this variation and evaluated overall model predictive ability.

Location

Global.

Time period

Early 21st century.

Major taxa studied

Woody plants.

Methods

We used mixed‐effect regression to examine the observed shape of the OAR (its “slope”) against species‐specific and plot‐wide predictors: coarse‐grain occupancy, tree size, plot species richness, energy availability and topographic complexity.

Results

We found large variation in OAR slopes, and the variation was strongest among species within plots. The OAR slopes showed a latitudinal trend and were steeper near the equator. As predicted, coarse‐grain occupancy and tree size negatively affected OAR slopes, whereas species richness had a positive effect and explained most of the variance between plots. Although hypothesized directionalities were broadly confirmed, traits and environment had relatively limited overall predictive power.

Main conclusions

These results document the variation of the OAR for 3,157 species at near‐global extent. We found a latitudinal gradient in OAR slopes and confirmed key hypothesized predictors. But at this global extent and over the large set of species analysed, the remaining unexplained variation in OAR slopes was substantial. Nevertheless, this large‐scale empirical analysis of the OAR offers an initial step towards a more general use of OARs for the fine‐scale prediction of species distributions and abundance.
Highly efficient induction of primate iPS cells by combining RNA transfection and chemical compounds
Authors: Watanabe Toshiaki , Yamazaki Shun , Yoneda Nao , Shinohara Haruka , Tomioka Ikuo , Higuchi Yuichiro , Yagoto Mika , Ema Masatsugu , Suemizu Hiroshi , Kawai Kenji , Sasaki Erika
Published: May 2019

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells hold great promise for regenerative medicine and the treatment of various diseases. Before proceeding to clinical trials, it is important to test the efficacy and safety of iPS cell‐based treatments using experimental animals. The common marmoset is a new world monkey widely used in biomedical studies. However, efficient methods that could generate iPS cells from a variety of cells have not been established. Here, we report that marmoset cells are efficiently reprogrammed into iPS cells by combining RNA transfection and chemical compounds. Using this novel combination, we generate transgene integration‐free marmoset iPS cells from a variety of cells that are difficult to reprogram using conventional RNA transfection method. Furthermore, we show this is similarly effective for human and cynomolgus monkey iPS cell generation. Thus, the addition of chemical compounds during RNA transfection greatly facilitates reprogramming and efficient generation of completely integration‐free safe iPS cells in primates, particularly from difficult‐to‐reprogram cells.
Planning HIV therapy to prevent future comorbidities: patient years for tenofovir alafenamide
Authors: Shafran SD , Di Perri G , Esser S , Lelièvre J‐D , Parczewski M
Published: May 2019

Since the introduction of suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV has become a chronic disease, with infected people in high‐income countries approaching similar life expectancy to the general population. As this population ages, an increasing number of people with HIV are living with age‐, treatment‐, and disease‐related comorbidities. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and substance misuse have a role in age‐related comorbidity. Some degree of immune dysfunction is suggested by the presence of markers of immune activation/inflammation despite effective suppression of HIV replication. Cumulative exposure to some antiretroviral drugs contributes to HIV‐associated comorbidities, with risk increasing with age. Specifically, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), ritonavir‐boosted atazanavir, and ritonavir‐boosted lopinavir are associated with renal impairment, and TDF is known to cause loss of bone mineral density. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) was developed to improve on the safety profile of TDF, while maintaining its efficacy. TAF has better stability in plasma, and higher intracellular accumulation of tenofovir diphosphate in target cells, which has resulted in improved antiviral activity at lower doses with improved renal and bone safety. TAF has been studied extensively in randomized clinical trials and real‐world studies. TAF‐based regimens are recommended over TDF‐containing regimens for the improved safety profile.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of lumbar sympathectomy for plantar hyperhidrosis
Authors: Lima Sonia O. , Santos Rafael S. , Moura Amanda M. M. , de O. Neto Edinaldo G. , de Andrade Renata L. B. , Valido Arthur D. , dos Santos Vivian F. , Mendonça Ana K. R. H.
Published: May 2019

On July 25, 2017, we conducted an extensive database tracking to identify all studies published from January 1990 to July 2017. Screening updates were performed until December 2017.

Results

There were no deaths, and the resolution of symptoms of primary plantar hyperhidrosis (PPH) occurred in 92% of patients after mechanical sympathectomy. A total of 177 patients (44%) were reported to have mild to severe compensatory sweating after a mean 6 months follow‐up. The preservation of L2 did not interfere with the primary outcome, and it is possible to perform lumbar sympathectomy in men with L2 preservation, achieving satisfactory cure results of PPH, minimizing the risk of sexual dysfunction. There were no deaths, and the resolution of symptoms of PPH occurred in 10% of patients after chemical sympathicolysis after a mean 6 months follow‐up. A total of 13 patients (12.5%) were reported to have mild to severe compensatory sweating using the same technique.

Conclusion

The mechanical lumbar sympathectomy is effective and safe and improves quality of life, evaluated by the high symptom resolution of PPH and low rate of complications. The chemical sympathicolysis in the immediate postoperative period presented satisfactory results; however, it was shown to be significantly less effective than the mechanical approach in a follow‐up of at least 6 months.
Early childhood caries epidemiology, aetiology, risk assessment, societal burden, management, education, and policy: Global perspective
Authors: Tinanoff Norman , Baez Ramon J. , Diaz Guillory Carolina , Donly Kevin J. , Feldens Carlos Alberto , McGrath Colman , Phantumvanit Prathip , Pitts Nigel B. , Seow W. Kim , Sharkov Nikolai , Songpaisan Yupin , Twetman Svante
Published: May 2019

Background

This paper is a summary of the proceedings of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry Bangkok Conference on early childhood caries (ECC) held in 3‐4 November 2018.

Aim

The paper aims to convey a global perspective of ECC definitions, aetiology, risk factors, societal costs, management, educational curriculum, and policy.

Design

This global perspective on ECC is the compilation of the state of science, current concepts, and literature regarding ECC from worldwide experts on ECC.

Results

Early childhood caries is related to frequent sugar consumption in an environment of enamel adherent, acid‐producing bacteria in a complex biofilm, as well as developmental defects of enamel. The seriousness, societal costs, and impact on quality of life of dental caries in pre‐school children are enormous. Worldwide data show that ECC continues to be highly prevalent, yet infrequently treated. Approaches to reduce the prevalence include interventions that start in the first year of a child's life, evidence‐based and risk‐based management, and reimbursement systems that foster preventive care.

Conclusions

This global perspective on ECC epidemiology, aetiology, risk assessment, global impact, and management is aimed to foster improved worldwide understanding and management of ECC.
Design and magneto‐optical characteristics of Ge–Sb–S–PbI2 chalcogenide glasses with a high Verdet constant
Authors: Xu Yantao , Guo Haitao , Liu Xiaogang , Cui Jian , Xiao Xusheng , Cui Xiaoxia , Guo Junjiang , She Jiangbo , Lu Min , Peng Bo
Published: May 2019

To develop high‐performance magneto‐optical chalcogenide glasses and clarify the mechanisms of the Verdet constant, a series of GeS2–Sb2S3–PbI2 chalcogenide glasses were designed and fabricated, and their Faraday effects were investigated at a wavelength of 980 nm. A new parameter, that is, average polarizability, was proposed, and the results show that the Verdet constant has a good linear relationship with average polarizability, meaning that the Verdet constant of a chalcogenide glass can be directly estimated by its chemical constituents. The Verdet constant is as large as 0.200 min G−1 cm−1 at 980 nm for 22.5GeS2–67.5Sb2S3–10PbI2 composition glass, which is the largest value reported thus far for sulfide glasses; this glass also possesses good thermal and optical properties and therefore might be an attractive candidate for mid‐infrared magneto‐optical device applications.
Design, processing, and characterization of an optical core‐bioactive clad phosphate fiber for biomedical applications
Authors: Lopez‐Iscoa Pablo , Ojha Nirajan , Pugliese Diego , Mishra Ayush , Gumenyuk Regina , Boetti Nadia Giovanna , Janner Davide , Troles Johann , Bureau Bruno , Boussard‐Plédel Catherine , Massera Jonathan , Milanese Daniel , Petit Laeticia
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to fabricate a bioactive optical fiber able to monitor “in situ” its reaction with the body through changes in its optical properties. Core and cladding preforms were prepared with the composition (97.25*(0.50P2O5‐0.40SrO‐0.10Na2O)‐2.5ZnO‐0.25Er2O3) and (98.25*(0.50P2O5‐0.40SrO‐0.10Na2O)‐1.75ZnO) (in mol%), respectively, and successfully drawn into a multimode core/clad optical fiber. Optical and near‐Infrared images assessed the proper light guiding properties of the fiber. The fibers favor the precipitation of a Ca‐P reactive layer at its surface concomitant with a reduction in the fiber diameter, when immersed in SBF, often assigned as a sign of bioactivity. It is clearly shown here that the bio‐response of the fiber upon immersion in SBF can be tracked from the decrease in the intensity of the Er3+ ions emission at 1.5 µm. This confirms that the newly developed optical fiber, which combines good optical properties with a suitable bioactive behavior, is a promising platform for the development of novel biomedical devices for biophotonic and photomedical applications. Finally, the successful splicing of the newly developed fiber with commercial optical fibers was an evidence of the possibility to integrate the newly developed phosphate fiber within existing components used in the field of biomedicine.
Systematic review of measurement properties of instruments assessing nurses’ attitudes towards the importance of involving families in their clinical practice
Authors: Alfaro Díaz Cristina , Esandi Larramendi Nuria , Gutiérrez‐Alemán Teresa , Canga‐Armayor Ana
Published: May 2019

Aims

To identify, appraise and describe the characteristics and measurement properties of instruments assessing nurses’ attitudes towards the importance of involving families in their clinical practice.

Design

Psychometric systematic review.

Data Sources

The PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from their time of inception to June 2018.

Review Methods

Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of studies, extracted data, and appraised the methodological quality of the studies using the COSMIN checklist.

Results

A total of 19 studies representing 5 instruments were included. Two instruments—a revised version of the Families’ Importance in Nursing Care: Nurses’ Attitudes scale (FINC‐NA‐R) and the Family Nurse Practice Scale (FNPS)—obtained higher scores for most of their properties. The instruments used in the remaining eight studies require further assessment of their psychometric properties.

Conclusion

This psychometric review offers a synthesis of the quality of the available instruments and gives a better understanding of nursing theory‐based tools. The FNPS and FINC‐NA‐R instruments seem to be the most suitable measures of nurses’ attitudes towards the importance of involving families in their clinical practice.

Impact

The growing emphasis on improving nurse–family relationships and the quality of care provided makes it necessary to have valid and reliable instruments for assessing nurses’ attitudes towards the importance of involving families in their clinical practice. This paper provides evidence that will help clinicians and researchers make decisions about the most suitable instrument based on a critical appraisal and comparison of the measurement properties according to a rigorous methodology.
Using traits to explain interspecific variation in diatom occupancy and abundance across lakes and streams
Authors: Vilmi Annika , Karjalainen Satu M. , Wang Jianjun , Heino Jani
Published: May 2019

Aim

To discover how biological traits, ecological preferences and taxonomic relatedness are associated with occupancy and abundance of diatom species across lakes and streams.

Location

Finland.

Taxon

Diatoms.

Methods

We studied 288 diatom species from 492 stream sites and 230 diatom species from 290 lake sites. For each species, we calculated logit‐transformed regional occupancy and log‐transformed mean local abundance, and further determined biological traits, ecological preferences and taxonomic levels for each species. Boosted regression tree (BRT) analysis was used to reveal the linear and nonlinear associations of biological, ecological and taxonomic predictors with occupancy or abundance of lake and stream diatoms.

Results

There were strong and positive interspecific occupancy–abundance relationships across both lakes and streams. The BRT models explained more deviances in variation in occupancy and abundance and their relationship for lakes than streams. Biological traits, especially cell size, but also life‐form and guild, were the strongest predictors of diatom occupancy and abundance in lakes and streams when controlling for ecological preferences and taxonomic relatedness.

Main conclusions

In general, biological traits were the strongest predictors of occupancy and abundance in both freshwater systems. Species with similar biological traits thus tended to show similar occupancies and abundances. As indicated by lower explained deviances, occupancy and abundance in streams seemed to be more complexly structured than in lakes, suggesting that these two freshwater system types differ in the formation of biodiversity patterns. This difference may be related to the differences in hydrological connectedness between lakes and streams. Understanding how variations in species’ occupancy and abundance are formed across various waterbodies is important for meaningful biodiversity conservation.
Antihypertensive drug use and blood pressure control among stroke survivors in the United States: NHANES 2003‐2014
Authors: Sonawane Kalyani , Zhu Yenan , Balkrishnan Rajesh , Suk Ryan , Sharrief Anjail , Deshmukh Ashish A. , Aguilar David
Published: May 2019

Understanding the patterns of antihypertensive drug use and blood pressure (BP) control among stroke survivors in the “real‐world” setting is important to identify gaps in treatment and control, if any. The objective of our study was to assess trends and patterns in antihypertensive drug use and BP control among stroke survivors in the United States. We performed a retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of the 2003‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Stroke and hypertension diagnoses were self‐reported. Information regarding the use of antihypertensive drugs was collected during an in‐person interview. Measurement of BP was performed by trained medical professionals in mobile examination centers. A total 1244 adult stroke survivors (equating to 6 232 215 stroke survivors nationwide) were identified, of which 956 had hypertension. Antihypertensive drug use increased from 2003 (79.5%) to 2014 (92.2%; P for trend < 0.001). The prevalence of drug use was lower (52%) among survivors aged 20‐39 years compared with older age groups. Use of ≥2 antihypertensive drugs was prevalent (63.8%), but diuretics alone or in combination with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors were underutilized (22.4%). More than one‐third of the survivors were not at BP goal (ie, BP < 140/90 mm Hg). Males were more likely to attain BP goal than female stroke survivors (odds ratio [OR] = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.34‐3.05). Our findings suggest that despite improvements in antihypertensive drug use in the recent years, BP is not adequately controlled in a significant proportion of stroke survivors. Further research focusing on understanding the reasons for unmet BP goal in stroke survivors is needed.
Implementing an intervention to improve decision making around referral and admission to intensive care: Results of feasibility testing in three NHS hospitals
Authors: Rees Sophie , Bassford Christopher , Dale Jeremy , Fritz Zoe , Griffiths Frances , Parsons Helen , Perkins Gavin D. , Slowther Anne Marie
Published: May 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Decisions about whether to refer or admit a patient to an intensive care unit (ICU) are clinically, organizationally, and ethically challenging. Many explicit and implicit factors influence these decisions, and there is substantial variability in how they are made, leading to concerns about access to appropriate treatment for critically ill patients. There is currently no guidance to support doctors making these decisions. We developed an intervention with the aim of supporting doctors to make more transparent, consistent, patient‐centred, and ethically justified decisions. This paper reports on the implementation of the intervention at three NHS hospitals in England and evaluates its feasibility in terms of usage, acceptability, and perceived impact on decision making.

Methods

A mixed method study including quantitative assessment of usage and qualitative interviews.

Results

There was moderate uptake of the framework (28.2% of referrals to ICU across all sites during the 3‐month study period). Organizational structure and culture affected implementation. Concerns about increased workload in the context of limited resources were obstacles to its use. Doctors who used it reported a positive impact on decision making, with better articulation and communication of reasons for decisions, and greater attention to patient wishes. The intervention made explicit the uncertainty inherent in these decisions, and this was sometimes challenging. The patient and family information leaflets were not used.

Conclusions

While it is feasible to implement an intervention to improve decision making around referral and admission to ICU, embedding the intervention into existing organizational culture and practice would likely increase adoption. The doctor‐facing elements of the intervention were generally acceptable and were perceived as making ICU decision making more transparent and patient‐centred. While there remained difficulties in articulating the clinical reasoning behind some decisions, the intervention offers an important step towards establishing a more clinically and ethically sound approach to ICU admission.
Recognition of the storage life of mitten crab by a machine olfactory system with deep learning
Authors: Zhu Peiyi , Zhang Yulin , Chou Yongxin , Gu Ya
Published: May 2019

In recent years, research on the qualitative analysis of aquatic product using ultrasonic or biological impedance has received increasing attention. Unfortunately, aquatic product safety incidents occur now and then, thus new kinds of analytical techniques that are fast, nondestructive, and simple to operate would be advantageous. This article addressed a machine olfactory system for recognition of the storage life of a whole living mitten crab. A type of deep learning algorithm, namely stacked denoising auto‐encoders algorithm (SdA), was applied to extract effective features of the machine olfactory system sensors' responses. The traditional feature extraction methods such as principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis were used for the purposes of comparison. Then the support vector machine (SVM) classifier was implemented for further qualitative classification. In addition, the crabs were analyzed for total volatile basic nitrogen and total viable counts during storage process. Validation experiments showed that the highest recognition rate (96.67%) was achieved by using SdA with SVM. This study may present a promising instruction for the storage life recognition of the living crab.

Practical Application

Evaluation of the freshness of mitten crab is of considerable importance to guarantee mitten crab quality. However, to our best knowledge, few reports on the development of an electronic‐nose for nondestructive evaluation of the quality of whole living crab are available. A machine olfactory system for recognition of the storage life of a whole living mitten crab was present in this study. Validation experiments showed the highest recognition rate based on the system. In summary, the metal‐semiconductor sensor‐based machine olfactory system presents some advantages including fast detecting, repeatability, and nondestructive. In the future, with the improvement of sensor performance and development of pattern recognition, it will be a favorable weapon for protecting the interests of consumers in aquatic market.
Comparative study for the detection of Egyptian buffalo butter adulteration with vegetable oils using conventional and advanced methods
Authors: Hamed Ahmed M. , Aborass Mahmoud , El‐Kafrawy Israa , Safwat Gehan
Published: May 2019

Adulteration of butter can occur when milk fat is replaced with cheaper oils due to the economic advantage of such substitution. With potential health risks on consumers, the issue raises alarming public health concerns. The adulteration of the Egyptian buffalo butter (EBB) with vegetable oils (VOs) was detected by conventional and advanced techniques. EBB was mixed with VOs at different ratios 25, 50, and 75% (w/w). The conventional methods (saponification number, iodine value, polenskee value, and Reichert‐Meissl value) were compared with advanced methods (GC, HPLC, and FTIR). The results indicated that the assurance of conventional methods is not adequate at expansion levels under 50.0% VOs in EBB. In light of the progressions prompted by advanced methods using GC and HPLC, the debasement of EBB with 25.0% VOs can be detected and are more accurate in detecting the sterols and their fractions in butter.
Arabidopsis PEAPODs function with LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1 to regulate lateral organ growth
Authors: Zhu Ying , Luo Xiao , Liu Xuxin , Wu Wenjuan , Cui Xiaofeng , He Yuehui , Huang Jirong
Published: May 2019

In higher plants, lateral organs are usually of determinate growth. It remains largely elusive how the determinate growth is achieved and maintained. Previous reports have shown that Arabidopsis PEAPOD (PPD) proteins suppress proliferation of dispersed meristematic cells partly through a TOPLESS corepressor complex. Here, we identified a new PPD‐interacting partner, LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1 (LHP1), using the yeast two‐hybrid system, and their interaction is mediated by the chromo shadow domain and the Jas domain in LHP1 and PPD2, respectively. Our genetic data demonstrate that the phenotype of ppd2 lhp1 is more similar to lhp1 than to ppd2, indicating epistasis of lhp1 to ppd2. Microarray analysis reveals that PPD2 and LHP1 can regulate expression of a common set of genes directly or indirectly. Consistently, chromatin immunoprecipitation results confirm that PPD2 and LHP1 are coenriched at the promoter region of their targets such as D3‐TYPE CYCLINS and HIGH MOBILITY GROUP A, which are upregulated in ppd2, lhp1 and ppd2 lhp1 mutants, and that PPDs mediate repressive histone 3 lysine‐27 trimethylation at these loci. Taken together, our data provide evidence that PPD and LHP1 form a corepressor complex that regulates lateral organ growth.
In developing mouse kidneys, orientation of loop of Henle growth is adaptive and guided by long‐range cues from medullary collecting ducts
Authors: Chang C‐Hong , Davies Jamie A.
Published: May 2019

The path taken by the loop of Henle, from renal cortex to medulla and back, is critical to the ability of the kidney to concentrate urine and recover water. Unlike most developing tubules, which navigate as blind‐ended cylinders, the loop of Henle extends as a sharply bent loop, the apex of which leads the double tubes behind it in a ‘V’ shape. Here, we show that, in normal kidney development, loops of Henle extend towards the centroid of the kidney with an accuracy that increases the longer they extend. Using cultured kidney rudiments, and manipulations that rotate or remove portions of the organ, we show that loop orientation depends on long‐range cues from the medulla rather than either the orientation of the parent nephron or local cues in the cortex. The loops appear to be attracted to the most mature branch point of the collecting duct system but, if this is removed, they will head towards the most mature collecting duct branch available to them. Our results demonstrate the adaptive nature of guidance of this unusual example of a growing epithelium, and set the stage for later work devoted to understanding the molecules and mechanisms that underlie it.
Fetal heart rate monitoring and neonatal outcome in a population of early‐ and late‐onset intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Esposito Francesca G. , Tagliaferri Salvatore , Giudicepietro Antonia , Giuliano Natascia , Maruotti Giuseppe M. , Saccone Gabriele , Signorini Maria G. , Magenes Giovanni , Campanile Marta , Zullo Fulvio
Published: May 2019

Aim

The early‐onset intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with severe placental insufficiency and Doppler abnormalities. The late‐onset IUGR is associated with mild placental insufficiency and normal Doppler velocimetry. The computerized cardiotocographic (cCTG) monitoring is used to evaluate the fetal well‐being in pregnancies complicated by IUGR. Our aim was to investigate the cardiotocographic characteristics of IUGR fetuses and to identify every cCTG difference between Healthy and IUGR fetuses.

Methods

Four hundred thirty pregnant women were enrolled starting from the 28th week of gestation until the time of delivery: 200 healthy and 230 IUGR fetuses. Fetal heart rate (FHR) baseline (FHR), short‐term variability (STV), long‐term irregularity (LTI), delta, interval index (II), approximate entropy (ApEn), high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), movement frequency (MF), LF/(HF + MF) ratio (LF/(HF + MF)) and number of decelerations were examined. Newborn baby data were also collected.

Results

The parameters of short‐ and medium‐term variability discriminate between IUGR and healthy fetuses before 36 weeks including FHR, STV, LTI and delta discriminate between each subgroup of IUGR were compared to each one of the other two (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

cCTG is a useful tool for the evaluation of chronic hypoxemia, which causes a delay in the maturation of all components of the autonomic and central nervous system. However, cCTG requires integration with fetal ultrasound and Doppler vessels evaluation to improve the ability to predict the neonatal outcome.
Effects of phytoestrogens on the activity and growth of primary breast cancer cells ex vivo
Authors: Chen Fang‐Ping , Chien Mei‐Hua
Published: May 2019

Aim

To explore the ex vivo effects of phytoestrogens on primary human breast cancer cells.

Methods

Breast cancer cells were obtained from patients who underwent primary breast cancer surgery, which were treated with 10−8 M 17β‐estradiol (E2), one of three phytoestrogens (genistein, resveratrol and quercetin, 10−7 M), and a combination of E2 and one of the three phytoestrogens for 48 h. These cells were then extracted for viability and apoptosis assay. The proteins involved in the proliferative and apoptotic pathways were evaluated by western blot analysis.

Results

Human breast cancer cell viability was inhibited by all phytoestrogens but induced by E2 with or without phytoestrogen. Apoptotic cells, as well as the proteins involved in apoptotic pathway and estrogen receptor (ER) β, were significantly increased in the cells treated with phytoestrogen alone. The use of E2 with or without a phytoestrogen revealed completely opposite results. The proteins involved in the proliferative pathway and ER α expression were all increased in the cultures with E2 with or without phytoestrogens.

Conclusion

In the presence of E2, these phytoestrogens lose the effects of suppressing breast cancer cells; contrastingly, induce growth stimulatory effects by inhibiting apoptosis and stimulating proliferation in primary breast cancer cells. Thus, the effects of phytoestrogens on breast cancer should be considered as E2 still present in breast cancer tissue.
Occurrence and management of fungicide resistance in Botrytis cinerea on tomato from greenhouses in Hebei, China
Authors: Zhao Jianjiang , Bi Qiuyan , Wu Jie , Lu Fen , Han Xiuying , Wang Wenqiao
Published: May 2019

Grey mould, caused by the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea, is one of the most devastating tomato diseases, and the control of this disease is mainly by the application of chemicals. In this study, 512 isolates of B. cinerea were collected from tomato grown in greenhouses at 10 locations in 10 cities of Hebei Province from 2011 to 2016 and tested for their sensitivities to carbendazim (Car), diethofencarb (Die), iprodione (Ipr) and pyrimethanil (Pyr). Of these tested isolates, 95.7%, 95.2%, 31.6% and 89.4% were resistant to Car, Die, Ipr and Pyr, respectively. There were nine fungicide‐resistant phenotypes in the tested isolates. CarRPyrRDieRIPRS and CarRPyrRDieRIPRR were the most common phenotypes, accounting for 59.6%, and 31.1% of the tested isolates, respectively. The field trials showed that the control efficacies (CE) of carbendazim + diethofencarb (WP, 25% + 25%), pyrimethanil (EC, 40%) and iprodione (WP, 50%) at the recommended doses were 22.75%–29.23%, 58.44%–64.19% and 61.02%–65.17%, respectively, significantly lower than those of boscalid (WG, 50%) and pyrisoxazole (EC, 25%). The resistance management trial conducted from 2015 to 2017 indicated that the CE of tomato grey mould in the experimental fields was higher than 90% and the sensitivity to carbendazim, diethofencarb and pyrimethanil of B. cinerea isolates from the experimental fields increased on a yearly basis. These results showed that the frequency of resistance to Car, Die, Ipr and Pyr was high, and these four fungicides could not effectively control tomato grey mould. Tomato grey mould could be controlled by using biopesticides and newly synthesized fungicides with different modes of action. Our findings would be useful in designing and implementing fungicide resistance management spray programmes for the control of tomato grey mould.