bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benthic ctenophores (Platyctenida: Coeloplanidae) in south Florida: environmental conditions, habitats, abundances, and behaviors
Authors: Glynn Peter W. , Coffman Brian , Fuller Michael P. C. , Moorhead Shannon G. , Williams Megan K. , Primov Karim D. , Fortson Tayla N. , Barrales Rachel N. , Glynn Peter J.
Published: July 2017

Two benthic ctenophores, Coeloplana waltoni and Vallicula multiformis, are contrasted in terms of their coastal environments, habitats, abundances, seasonal occurrences, and behavior in south Florida. Coeloplana waltoni occurs as an epibiont on octocorals in open water settings, and V. multiformis is present in bio‐fouling communities, associated with macroalgae, bryozoans, and inanimate substrates in protected, back‐water habitats. In our study, individuals of C. waltoni were found under moderate to strong current flow and relatively constant temperature and salinity (T/S) conditions, whereas individuals of V. multiformis occurred at sites of low current flow and more variable T/S conditions. In C. waltoni, individuals generally adhered tightly to host colony surfaces, whereas in V. multiformis, individuals often disassociated from substrates and floated free. Mean population densities of C. waltoni ranged ~500–850 individuals 100 mL−1 (measured as the displacement volume of the octocoral habitat), and densities of V. multiformis ranged 5–360 individuals 100 mL−1 (measured as the displacement volume of the biofouling habitat). Abundance of C. waltoni was significantly highest in the 2014 warm season (June–October) when numerous minute (≤0.5 mm body length) juveniles were present. Vallicula multiformis was abundant in the 2015 and 2016 warm seasons (July–October), and also relatively abundant in the 2016 cool season (March–April). Ctenophore abundance and surface seawater temperature indicate a significant positive response to warm‐season conditions in C. waltoni, whereas numbers of V. multiformis did not show any effect of seawater temperature. Recently settled individuals of V. multiformis (≤1.0 mm) occurred throughout the year. Individuals of V. multiformis recruited to fiber‐coated sponges during warm and cool periods, with mean body sizes increasing in one cohort from 1.41 to 6.46 mm over a 39‐d period, suggesting a growth rate of ~4% d−1. Feeding in both species involves tentacle capture of water‐borne zooplankton and particulate organic matter. Individuals of C. waltoni were also observed inserting tentacles into octocoral polyps, possibly pilfering food. Chlorophyll a was detected in extracts of both ctenophore species. The high abundances and feeding behavior of benthic ctenophores could have a strong influence on octocoral and biofouling communities.
Initial validation of a healthcare needs scale for young people with congenital heart disease
Authors: Chen Chi‐Wen , Ho Ciao‐Lin , Su Wen‐Jen , Wang Jou‐Kou , Chung Hung‐Tao , Lee Pi‐Chang , Lu Chun‐Wei , Hwang Be‐Tau
Published: July 2017

Aim

To validate the initial psychometric properties of a Healthcare Needs Scale for Youth with Congenital Heart Disease.

Background

As the number of patients with congenital heart disease surviving to adulthood increases, the transitional healthcare needs for adolescents and young adults with congenital heart disease require investigation. However, few tools comprehensively identify the healthcare needs of youth with congenital heart disease.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was employed to examine the psychometric properties of the Healthcare Needs Scale for Youth with Congenital Heart Disease.

Methods

The sample consisted of 500 patients with congenital heart disease, aged 15–24 years, from paediatric cardiology departments and covered the period from March–August 2015. The patients completed the 25‐item Healthcare Needs Scale for Youth with Congenital Heart Disease, the questionnaire on health needs for adolescents and the WHO Quality of Life‐BREF. Reliability and construct, concurrent, predictive and known‐group validity were examined.

Results

The Healthcare Needs Scale for Youth with Congenital Heart Disease includes three dimensions, namely health management, health policy and individual and interpersonal relationships, which consist of 25 items. It demonstrated excellent internal consistency and sound construct, concurrent, predictive and known‐group validity.

Conclusion

The Healthcare Needs Scale for Youth with Congenital Heart Disease is a psychometrically robust measure of the healthcare needs of youth with congenital heart disease. It has the potential to provide nurses with a means to assess and identify the concerns of youth with congenital heart disease and to help them achieve a successful transition to adult care.
Recognizing European cancer nursing: Protocol for a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the evidence of effectiveness and value of cancer nursing
Authors: Campbell Pauline , Torrens Claire , Kelly Daniel , Charalambous Andreas , Domenech‐Climent Nuria , Nohavova Iveta , Östlund Ulrika , Patiraki Elisabeth , Salisbury David , Sharp Lena , Wiseman Theresa , Oldenmenger Wendy , Wells Mary
Published: July 2017

Aim

To identify, appraise and synthesize the available evidence relating to the value and impact of cancer nursing on patient experience and outcomes.

Background

There is a growing body of literature that recognizes the importance and contribution of cancer nurses, however, a comprehensive review examining how cancer nurses have an impact on care quality, patient outcomes and overall experience of cancer, as well as cost of services across the entire cancer spectrum is lacking.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis using Cochrane methods.

Methods

We will systematically search 10 electronic databases from 2000, with pre‐determined search terms. No language restrictions will be applied. We will include all randomized and controlled before‐and‐after studies that compare cancer nursing interventions to a standard care or no intervention. Two reviewers will independently assess the eligibility of the studies and appraise methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion and may involve a third reviewer if necessary. Data from included studies will be extracted in accordance with the Template for intervention Description and Replication reporting guidelines. Missing data will be actively sought from all trialists. Data will be synthesized in evidence tables and narrative to answer three key questions. If sufficient data are available, we will perform meta‐analyses.

Discussion

This review will allow us to systematically assess the impact of cancer nursing on patient care and experience. This evidence will be used to determine implications for clinical practice and used to inform future programme and policy decisions in Europe.
Low‐Temperature‐ and Phosphate Deficiency‐Responsive Elements Control DGTT3 Expression in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Fei Xiaowen , Li Ping , Li Xinghan , Deng Xiaodong
Published: July 2017

acyl‐CoA:Diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) catalyse the final step of the triacylglycerol biosynthesis. Two major gene families have been shown to encode DGATs, DGAT1, and DGAT2. Abiotic factors such as low temperatures, nitrogen, or phosphorus deficiency was reported to play important roles in the growth and development in green algae. Whether DGATs are induced by low temperatures or phosphorus deficiency, and the corresponding promoter elements are not reported yet. In this study, we found DGTT3 to have a significant response to low temperatures, phosphorus deficiency, and other stresses, such as high concentrations of NaCl, 20 μM GA, and 20 μM abscisic acid. The promoter element of DGTT3 was then studied by deletion and scanning mutagenesis method. Results revealed that the − 319/− 247 region is essential for low‐temperature and phosphate‐deficiency‐mediated induction of DGTT3 expression. The sequence from − 312 to − 299 of the CAATAGACTGCTGCT was the core sequence of the cold responsive element, which facilitated the promoter response to cold induction. Meanwhile, the sequence from − 319 to − 275 was critical to phosphate‐deficiency regulation. Furthermore, the relationship between DNA methylation and transgenic silence in −N condition was analyzed, and results showed that the DNA methylation rate of the transformed insertion region was high. This phenomenon was responsible for the decrease in ARS gene expression in the transgenic algal strain under −N conditions.
Reducing the Primary Cesarean Birth Rate: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Javernick Julie A. , Dempsey Amy
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Research continues to support vaginal birth as the safest mode of childbirth, but despite this, cesarean birth has become the most common surgical procedure performed on women. The rate has increased 500% since the 1970s without a corresponding improvement in maternal or neonatal outcomes. A Colorado community hospital recognized that its primary cesarean birth rate was higher than national and state benchmark levels. To reduce this rate, the hospital collaborated with its largest maternity care provider group to implement a select number of physiologic birth practices and measure improvement in outcomes.

Process

Using a pre‐ and postprocess measure study design, the quality improvement project team identified and implemented 3 physiologic birth parameters over a 12‐month period that have been shown to promote vaginal birth. These included reducing elective induction of labor in women less than 41 weeks’ gestation; standardizing triage to admit women at greater than or equal to 4 cm dilation; and increasing the use of intermittent auscultation as opposed to continuous fetal monitoring for fetal surveillance. The team also calculated each obstetrician‐gynecologist’s primary cesarean birth rate monthly and delivered these rates to the providers.

Outcomes

Outcomes showed that the provider group decreased its primary cesarean birth rate from 28.9% to 12.2% in the 12‐month postprocess measure period. The 57.8% decrease is statistically significant (odds ratio [OR], 0.345; z = 6.52, P < .001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.249‐0.479).

Discussion

While this quality improvement project cannot be translated to other settings, promotion of physiologic birth practices, along with audit and feedback, had a statistically significant impact on the primary cesarean birth rate for this provider group and, consequently, on the community hospital where they attend births.
Association between the vitaminDreceptor gene polymorphisms and diabetic nephropathy risk:Ameta‐analysis
Authors: Yin Fang , Liu Jing , Fan Ming‐Xiu , Zhou Xiao‐Li , Zhang Xiao‐Ling
Published: July 2017

Summary at a Glance

The association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and disease susceptibility for diabetic nephropathy was evaluated from 12 published case‐control studies. The authors found that some of the gene variants of the vitamin D receptor gene could be risk factors for DN.
Regulatory and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in Brazilian living‐related renal transplant recipients according to creatinine plasma levels
Authors: Mota Ana PL , Menezes Cristiane A , Alpoim Patrícia N , Cardoso Carolina N , Martins Suellen R , Alves Lorraine V , de A Martins‐Filho Olindo , Gomes Karina B , Dusse Luci MS
Published: July 2017

Summary at a Glance

This study on living related kidney transplant recipients correlated pro‐inflammatory and regulatory cytokine levels with graft function and provides new insights in biomarkers other than serum creatinine.
The influence of democratic racism in nursing inquiry
Authors: Hilario Carla T. , Browne Annette J. , McFadden Alysha
Published: July 2017

Neoliberal ideology and exclusionary policies based on racialized identities characterize the current contexts in North America and Western Europe. Nursing knowledge cannot be abstracted from social, political and historical contexts; the task of examining the influence of race and racial ideologies on disciplinary knowledge and inquiry therefore remains an important task. Contemporary analyses of the role and responsibility of the discipline in addressing race‐based health and social inequities as a focus of nursing inquiry remain underdeveloped. In this article, we examine nursing's engagement with ideas about race and racism and explore the ways in which nursing knowledge and inquiry have been influenced by race‐based ideological discourses. Drawing on Henry and Tator's framework ofdemocratic racism, we consider how strategic discursive responses—the discourses of individualism, multiculturalism, colour‐blindness, political correctness and denial—have been deployed within nursing knowledge and inquiry to reinforce the belief in an essentially fair and just society while avoiding the need to acknowledge the persistence of racist discourses and ideologies. Greater theoretical, conceptual and methodological clarity regarding race, racialization and related concepts in nursing inquiry is needed to address health and social inequities.
Cryoballoon ablation in Chinese patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Ling Tian‐You , Jin Qi , Pan Wen‐Qi , Zhang Ning , Lin Chang‐Jian , Lee Hon‐Chi , Wu Li‐Qun
Published: July 2017

Objectives

We assessed the effectiveness and safety of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) in the Chinese population with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) with a 1‐year follow‐up and determined the association of early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (ERAT) with late recurrence (LR).

Methods

A total of 114 patients (age 61 ± 10 years, 78 males) with paroxysmal AF who underwent CBA were consecutively enrolled. After procedures, patients were observed for 3 days with continuous electrocardiogram monitoring in the hospital with routine follow‐up visits at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Documented atrial tachyarrhythmia >30 seconds was defined as recurrence. ERAT was defined as any recurrence during the first 3 months, and LR was recurrence between 3 and 12 months.

Results

With the first 3 months as blanking period, 76% of patients were free of LR at 12 months. Five patients (4%) experienced complications, including phrenic nerve palsy, stroke, and groin complications. Forty‐five percent of patients had ERAT in the first 3 months and 31% of patients had ERAT in the first 3 days. Patients with ERAT had higher LR rate (LRR) than those without ERAT (43% vs 8%, P < 0.001). The LRR of patients with ERAT only in the first 3 days was lower than those with ERAT both in the first 3 days and in 4–90 days (29% vs 64%, P = 0.036).

Conclusions

CBA was an effective and safe treatment option for paroxysmal AF. Patients with ERAT had higher LRR after CBA of AF. The time when ERAT occurred had an impact on LRR.
AtPDS overexpression in tomato: exposing unique patterns of carotenoid self‐regulation and an alternative strategy for the enhancement of fruit carotenoid content
Authors: McQuinn Ryan P. , Wong Breanna , Giovannoni James J.
Published: July 2017

The regulation of plant carotenogenesis is an active research area for both biological discovery and practical implementation. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), we demonstrate additional bottlenecks exist in the poly‐cis‐transformation of phytoene to lycopene in the context of ripening‐induced PSY1 expression and activity and reveal phytoene desaturase (PDS), as a target for manipulation towards elevated lycopene content in maturing tomato fruit. Overexpression of Arabidopsis PDS, AtPDS, elevated PDS transcript abundance in all aerial tissues resulting in both altered carotenoid accumulation and associated pathway gene expression in a tissue‐specific manner. Significant increases in downstream carotenoids (all‐trans‐lycopene and β‐carotene) and minimal changes in carotenogenic gene expression (carotenoid isomerase‐like 1, CRTIL1) suggest overexpression of heterologous AtPDS in tomato circumvents endogenous regulatory mechanism observed with previous strategies. In transgenic leaves, depletion of the PDS substrate, phytoene, was accompanied by minor, but significant increases in xanthophyll production. Alterations in the leaf carotenogenic transcript profile, including the upstream MEP pathway, were observed revealing unique feedback and feedforward regulatory mechanisms in response to AtPDS overexpression. AtPDS overexpression in the background of the tangerine (carotenoid isomerase, CRTISO) mutant exposes its potential in elevating downstream cis‐lycopene accumulation in ripe tomato fruit, as cis‐lycopene is more bioavailable yet less abundant than all‐trans‐lycopene in the wild‐type control. In summary, we demonstrate the limitation of PDS in ripening fruit, its utility in modifying carotenoid profiles towards improved quality, and reveal novel carotenoid pathway feedback regulation.
ABA signalling manipulation suppresses senescence of a leafy vegetable stored at room temperature
Authors: Miret Javier A. , Munné‐Bosch Sergi , Dijkwel Paul P.
Published: July 2017

Postharvest senescence and associated stresses limit the shelf life and nutritional value of vegetables. Improved understanding of these processes creates options for better management. After harvest, controlled exposure to abiotic stresses and/or exogenous phytohormones can enhance nutraceutical, organoleptic and commercial longevity traits. With leaf senescence, abscisic acid (ABA) contents progressively rise, but the actual biological functions of this hormone through senescence still need to be clarified. Postharvest senescence of detached green cabbage leaves (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) was characterized under cold (4 °C) and room temperature (25 °C) storage conditions. Hormonal profiling of regions of the leaf blade (apical, medial, basal) revealed a decrease in cytokinins contents during the first days under both conditions, while ABA only increased at 25 °C. Treatments with ABA and a partial agonist of ABA (pyrabactin) for 8 days did not lead to significant effects on water and pigment contents, but increased cell integrity and altered 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) and cytokinins contents. Transcriptome analysis showed transcriptional regulation of ABA, cytokinin and ethylene metabolism and signalling; proteasome components; senescence regulation; protection of chloroplast functionality and cell homeostasis; and suppression of defence responses (including glucosinolates and phenylpropanoids metabolism). It is concluded that increasing the concentration of ABA (or its partial agonist pyrabactin) from the start of postharvest suppresses senescence of stored leaves, changes the transcriptional regulation of glucosinolates metabolism and down‐regulates biotic stress defence mechanisms. These results suggest a potential for manipulating ABA signalling for improving postharvest quality of leafy vegetables stored at ambient temperature.
Improvement of drought tolerance by overexpressing MdATG18a is mediated by modified antioxidant system and activated autophagy in transgenic apple
Authors: Sun Xun , Wang Ping , Jia Xin , Huo Liuqing , Che Runmin , Ma Fengwang
Published: July 2017

Autophagy is a major and conserved pathway for delivering and recycling unwanted proteins or damaged organelles to be degraded in the vacuoles. AuTophaGy‐related (ATG) protein 18a has been established as one of the essential components for autophagy occurrence in Arabidopsis thaliana. We previously cloned the ATG18a homolog from Malus domestica (MdATG18a) and monitored its responsiveness to various abiotic stresses at the transcriptional level. However, it is still unclear what its function is under abiotic stress in apple. Here, we found that heterologous expression of MdATG18a in tomato plants markedly enhanced their tolerance to drought. Overexpression (OE) of that gene in apple plants improved their drought tolerance as well. Under drought conditions, the photosynthesis rate and antioxidant capacity were significantly elevated in OE lines when compared with the untransformed wild type (WT). Transcript levels of other important apple ATG genes were more strongly up‐regulated in transgenic MdATG18a OE lines than in the WT. The percentage of insoluble protein in proportion to total protein was lower and less oxidized protein accumulated in the OE lines than in the WT under drought stress. This was probably due to more autophagosomes being formed in the former. These results demonstrate that overexpression of MdATG18a in apple plants enhances their tolerance to drought stress, probably because of greater autophagosome production and a higher frequency of autophagy. Those processes help degrade protein aggregation and limit the oxidation damage, thereby suggesting that autophagy plays important roles in the drought response.
Comparative transcriptome combined with morpho‐physiological analyses revealed key factors for differential cadmium accumulation in two contrasting sweet sorghum genotypes
Authors: Feng Juanjuan , Jia Weitao , Lv Sulian , Bao Hexigeduleng , Miao Fangfang , Zhang Xuan , Wang Jinhui , Li Jihong , Li Dongsheng , Zhu Cheng , Li Shizhong , Li Yinxin
Published: July 2017

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread soil contaminant threatening human health. As an ideal energy plant, sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) has great potential in phytoremediation of Cd‐polluted soils, although the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, key factors responsible for differential Cd accumulation between two contrasting sweet sorghum genotypes (high‐Cd accumulation one H18, and low‐Cd accumulation one L69) were investigated. H18 exhibited a much higher ability of Cd uptake and translocation than L69. Furthermore, Cd uptake through symplasmic pathway and Cd concentrations in xylem sap were both higher in H18 than those in L69. Root anatomy observation found the endodermal apoplasmic barriers were much stronger in L69, which may restrict the Cd loading into xylem. The molecular mechanisms underlying these morpho‐physiological traits were further dissected by comparative transcriptome analysis. Many genes involved in cell wall modification and heavy metal transport were found to be Cd‐responsive DEGs and/or DEGs between these two genotypes. KEGG pathway analysis found phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway was over‐represented, indicating this pathway may play important roles in differential Cd accumulation between two genotypes. Based on these results, a schematic representation of main processes involved in differential Cd uptake and translocation in H18 and L69 is proposed, which suggests that higher Cd accumulation in H18 depends on a multilevel coordination of efficient Cd uptake and transport, including efficient root uptake and xylem loading, less root cell wall binding, and weaker endodermal apoplasmic barriers.
Evaluation of BiliCare™ transcutaneous bilirubin device in Japanese newborns
Authors: Yamana Keiji , Morioka Ichiro , Kurokawa Daisuke , Fukushima Sachiyo , Nishida Kosuke , Ohyama Shohei , Nishimura Noriyuki , Nozu Kandai , Taniguchi‐Ikeda Mariko , Nagase Hiroaki , Fujioka Kazumichi , Iwatani Sota , Nakamura Hajime , Iijima Kazumoto
Published: July 2017

Background

Non‐invasive transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) monitoring has been widely used to screen for hyperbilirubinemia. TcB measured using the recently developed BiliCare™ system, however, has not been fully evaluated.

Methods

One hundred and seven TcB measurements were obtained from 82 Japanese newborns ≥35 weeks’ gestational age within 2 weeks after birth. Measurements were taken at the scaphoid fossa, conchal cavity, and lobe of the ear using BiliCare. BiliCare TcB were compared with total serum bilirubin (TB) and TcB obtained using another bilirubinometer (JM‐105™).

Results

Transcutaneous bilirubin measured at all three sites significantly correlated with TB (r = 0.91, 0.93, and 0.93 at the scaphoid fossa, conchal cavity, and lobe, respectively). The mean differences were 0.1, −0.3, and 3.6 at the scaphoid fossa, conchal cavity, and lobe, respectively. BiliCare TcB at the scaphoid fossa significantly correlated with that using the JM‐105 (r = 0.91). The mean difference was 0.0. BiliCare, however, produced a significantly higher and lower TcB than the JM‐105 for TB <7 and ≥15 mg/dL, respectively.

Conclusions

Transcutaneous bilirubin measurements taken at the scaphoid fossa or conchal cavity using BiliCare were more reliable than those at the earlobe. BiliCare TcB differed from those of the JM‐105, for TB <7 or ≥15 mg/dL.
Mechanisms and prevention of UV‐induced melanoma
Authors: Sample Ashley , He Yu‐Ying
Published: July 2017

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and its incidence is rising, creating a costly and significant clinical problem. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, namely UVA (315‐400 nm) and UVB (280‐315 nm), is a major risk factor for melanoma development. Cumulative UV radiation exposure from sunlight or tanning beds contributes to UV‐induced DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the skin. A number of factors, including hair color, skin type, genetic background, location, and history of tanning, determine the skin's response to UV radiation. In melanocytes, dysregulation of this UV radiation response can lead to melanoma. Given the complex origins of melanoma, it is difficult to develop curative therapies and universally effective preventative strategies. Here, we describe and discuss the mechanisms of UV‐induced skin damage responsible for inducing melanomagenesis, and explore options for therapeutic and preventative interventions.
Crowdsourcing Government: Lessons from Multiple Disciplines
Authors: Liu Helen K.
Published: July 2017

Crowdsourcing has proliferated across disciplines and professional fields. Implementers in the public sector face practical challenges, however, in the execution of crowdsourcing. This review synthesizes prior crowdsourcing research and practices from a variety of disciplines and focuses to identify lessons for meeting the practical challenges of crowdsourcing in the public sector. It identifies three distinct categories of crowdsourcing: organizations, products and services, and holistic systems. Lessons about the fundamental logic of process design—alignment, motivation, and evaluation—identified across the three categories are discussed. Conclusions drawn from past studies and the resulting evidence can help public managers better design and implement crowdsourcing in the public sector.
Small vertebrate granivores reduce seedling emergence in native tallgrass prairie restoration
Authors: Pellish Carmen A. , Sherrard Mark E. , Leytem Paige A. , Jackson Laura L.
Published: July 2017

High seed cost and low rates of establishment make tallgrass prairie restorations challenging and expensive endeavors. Typical seedling emergence rates in prairie restorations are approximately 10% and the causes of seed mortality are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the impact of small vertebrate granivores on prairie restoration by comparison of seedling emergence in open (sham) versus closed exclosures at three newly restored sites. To assess other causes of seed loss, we also tracked seed fates at one prairie restoration site. We coated seeds of four prairie species with fluorescent dye, placed them under closed exclosures, and monitored their fate (emerging seedling, partially germinated, nongerminated/viable, and nongerminated/nonviable) over a 5‐month period. On average, 9.6 more seedlings/m2 emerged in the closed than the opened exclosures, suggesting that small vertebrate granivores reduce seedling emergence in prairie restoration. Granivores influenced the composition of the emerging community but did not preferentially consume large‐seeded species. In the seed‐tracking experiment, we found that greater than 70% of seeds were lost within 30 days of sowing, that seed recovery and viability both decreased with time in soil, and that seed fates differed between species. Collectively, our results indicate that small vertebrate granivores are an important cause of seed loss in prairie restoration, but unidentified belowground (e.g. fungal decomposition, invertebrate predation) and environmental (wind, rain) factors account for a greater proportion of total seed loss. Until these causes of seed loss are better understood, high seed costs will persist and continue to impede prairie restoration.
Bayesian Networks to Compare Pest Control Interventions on Commodities Along Agricultural Production Chains
Authors: Holt J. , Leach A. W. , Johnson S. , Tu D. M. , Nhu D. T. , Anh N. T. , Quinlan M. M. , Whittle P. J. L. , Mengersen K. , Mumford J. D.
Published: July 2017

The production of an agricultural commodity involves a sequence of processes: planting/growing, harvesting, sorting/grading, postharvest treatment, packing, and exporting. A Bayesian network has been developed to represent the level of potential infestation of an agricultural commodity by a specified pest along an agricultural production chain. It reflects the dependency of this infestation on the predicted level of pest challenge, the anticipated susceptibility of the commodity to the pest, the level of impact from pest control measures as designed, and any variation from that due to uncertainty in measure efficacy. The objective of this Bayesian network is to facilitate agreement between national governments of the exporters and importers on a set of phytosanitary measures to meet specific phytosanitary measure requirements to achieve target levels of protection against regulated pests. The model can be used to compare the performance of different combinations of measures under different scenarios of pest challenge, making use of available measure performance data. A case study is presented using a model developed for a fruit fly pest on dragon fruit in Vietnam; the model parameters and results are illustrative and do not imply a particular level of fruit fly infestation of these exports; rather, they provide the most likely, alternative, or worst‐case scenarios of the impact of measures. As a means to facilitate agreement for trade, the model provides a framework to support communication between exporters and importers about any differences in perceptions of the risk reduction achieved by pest control measures deployed during the commodity production chain.
On the Relation Between Marr's Levels: A Response to Blokpoel (2017)
Authors: Cooper Richard P. , Peebles David
Published: July 2017

Blokpoel reminds us of the importance of consistency of function across Marr's levels, but we argue that the approach to ensuring consistency that he advocates—a strict relation through exact implementation of the higher level function at the lower level—is unnecessarily restrictive. We show that it forces overcomplication of the computational level (by requiring it to incorporate concerns from lower levels) and results in the sacrifice of the distinct responsibilities associated with each level. We propose an alternative, no less rigorous, potential characterization of the relation between levels.
Obstetric hemorrhage and safe blood for transfusion in Ethiopia: the challenges of bridging the gap
Authors: Taye Makuria Addisalem , Gebremichael Daniel , Demoz Habtemariam , Hadush Azmach , Abdella Yetmgeta , Berhane Yemane , Kamani Naynesh
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Obstetric hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death in sub‐Saharan Africa, and the shortage of blood for transfusion is a contributory factor. In Ethiopia, the National Blood Bank Service continues to be confronted with challenges in its efforts to ensure the availability of blood for health care facilities. This paper reviews the available data on the contribution of obstetric hemorrhage to maternal mortality and examines the current status of the blood supply in Ethiopia.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We reviewed the published literature and data from the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health. To assess the status of the current blood supply, we applied the five cornerstones of a safe and effective blood donor service advocated by the World Health Organization.

RESULTS

Our review indicates that there are insufficient national data on the prevalence of obstetric hemorrhage and the contribution of blood supply shortage to maternal death. Also, transfusion safety may be compromised by inadequate testing of donated blood and ineffective hospital transfusion policies.

CONCLUSION

To overcome the shortage of blood to treat obstetric hemorrhage, the first step is to evaluate the demand and supply gap by acquiring comprehensive data on the current status of the blood supply and the prevalence of obstetric hemorrhage in Ethiopia. Subsequent steps would include the implementation of transfusion policies, the optimization of whole blood collection, ensuring quality‐assured testing of donated blood, and the implementation of transfusion guidelines for the appropriate use of blood products. Strategies for long‐term, viable solutions to maintain an adequate blood supply should be simultaneously developed.
Effect of breastfeeding on different features of malocclusions in the primary dentition: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Doğramaci Esma J. , Rossi-Fedele Giampiero , Dreyer Craig W.
Published: July 2017

Review question/objective:

: The objective of this review of association (etiology) is to identify the association of breastfeeding with the development of different features of malocclusions in the primary dentition. The specific review questions are: What is the risk of developing different features of malocclusions in the primary dentition:

In those who have been breastfed compared to those who have not been breastfed?

In those who have been exclusively breastfed compared to those who have not been exclusively breastfed?

In those who have been breastfed for a long duration compared to those who have been breastfed for a short duration?
Strategies that reduce compassion fatigue and increase compassion satisfaction in nurses: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ames Margaret , Salmond Erin , Holly Cheryl , Kamienski Mary
Published: July 2017

Review question/objective:

The objective of this quantitative systematic review is to determine effective strategies to reduce compassion fatigue and improve compassion satisfaction among nurses.
Computed tomography coronary angiography with heart rate control premedication: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Mander Gordon Thomas Waterland
Published: July 2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background

Computed tomography coronary angiography patient preparation with heart rate control premedication is employed in departments across Australia. However, the methods of administration vary widely between institutions and do not always follow best practice.

Objectives

This aim of the study was to identify and promote best practice in the administration of heart rate premedication in computed tomography coronary angiography at a regional hospital in Australia.

Methods

The Joanna Briggs Institute have validated audit and feedback tools to assist with best practice implementation projects. This project used these tools, which involve three phases of activity – a pre-implementation audit, reflecting on results and implementing strategies to address non-compliance, and a post-implementation audit to assess the outcomes.

Results

A baseline audit identified non-compliance in the majority of measured audit criteria. Following implementation of an institution-specific guideline and associated worksheet, improved compliance was shown across all audit criteria.

Conclusions

Following the development and implementation of institution-specific evidence-based resources relating to heart rate control in computed tomography coronary angiography, a high level of compliance consistent with best practice was achieved.
The potential of ultrasonography in the evaluation of foot orthotics therapy
Authors: Petcu Daniel , Mitrea Delia Alexandrina , Bondor Cosmina Ioana , Perciun Elena Rodica
Published: July 2017

Foot orthotics prescription is based on the foot functioning paradigms with tissue stress theory being in avant-garde. The main goal of orthotic therapy is to reduce the internal tissue’s pathological stresses in the foot structures. Traditionally, ultrasound scanning technique depicts anatomic related data of both common and uncommon pathology encountered in the clinical practice, helping in diagnosing, treating and evaluating, which are equally important for the practitioners. Its accessibility, compared to biomechanical modelling, makes this technique a valuable tool in the field of foot and ankle disorders. Despite its user-dependent limitation, the ongoing technical progress improves the ability of ultrasonography as a highly advanced procedure in musculoskeletal imaging, being also a valuable searching tool for musculotendinous mechanics or morphological changes as a result of a conservative intervention. The aim of the present work was to perform a review of the state of the art concerning the usefulness of ultrasonography in the study of foot orthotic therapy and to analyze its effectiveness.
Ultrasound-guided bone lesions biopsies - a systematic review
Authors: Chira Romeo Ioan , Chira Alexandra , Manzat-Saplacan Roberta Maria , Nagy Georgiana , Bintintan Adriana , Mircea Petru Adrian , Valean Simona
Published: July 2017

Aims: Ultrasound (US) is a highly valuable imagistic tool used to guide numerous interventional procedures. The US guided bone lesions biopsy has not yet received a consensus or a guideline. We aimed to evaluate the evidence to support the US role in guiding bone lesions biopsies.Material and methods: A computer literature search of PubMed was conducted using the keywords “ultrasound” and “bone biopsy”, in order to detect relevant studies regarding the aim of our analysis. Records were screened for eligible studies and data were extracted and analyzed.Results: We included 23 studies (n=610 patients) in the final analysis. The specificity and diagnostic yield of US guided biopsy were very good (between 78-100%), depending on the type and dimensions of the bone lesions. The type of the biopsy – aspiration or cutting – influenced theresults. The studies which included larger groups showed a better  performance for cutting needles (83.3-100% vs 50-80.5% for aspiration). The size of the bone lesion influences the diagnostic yield of the US guided bone biopsy. Most of the studies reported nil post-procedural complications.Conclusion: Core needle biopsy provided better diagnostic yield compared to fine needle aspiration. The number of the passages of the cutting needle biopsies in order to achieve the best diagnostic yield wasthree. Further studies are needed in order to standardize US-guided bone lesions biopsy and increase its role in the diagnosis algorithm of the bone lesions.
Multilayer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-dexamethasone and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate-carbon nanotubes coatings on glassy carbon microelectrode arrays for controlled drug release
Authors: Castagnola Elisa , Carli Stefano , Vomero Maria , Scarpellini Alice , Prato Mirko , Goshi Noah , Fadiga Luciano , Kassegne Sam , Ricci Davide
Published: July 2017

The authors present an electrochemically controlled, drug releasing neural interface composed of a glassy carbon (GC) microelectrode array combined with a multilayer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) coating. The system integrates the high stability of the GC electrode substrate, ideal for electrical stimulation and electrochemical detection of neurotransmitters, with the on-demand drug-releasing capabilities of PEDOT-dexamethasone compound, through a mechanically stable interlayer of PEDOT-polystyrene sulfonate (PSS)-carbon nanotubes (CNT). The authors demonstrate that such interlayer improves both the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the neural interface, when compared with a single PEDOT-dexamethasone coating. Moreover, the multilayer coating is able to withstand 10 × 106 biphasic pulses and delamination test with negligible change to the impedance spectra. Cross-section scanning electron microscopy images support that the PEDOT-PSS-CNT interlayer significantly improves the adhesion between the GC substrate and PEDOT-dexamethasone coating, showing no discontinuities between the three well-interconnected layers. Furthermore, the multilayer coating has superior electrochemical properties, in terms of impedance and charge transfer capabilities as compared to a single layer of either PEDOT coating or the GC substrate alone. The authors verified the drug releasing capabilities of the PEDOT-dexamethasone layer when integrated into the multilayer interface through repeated stimulation protocols in vitro, and found a pharmacologically relevant release of dexamethasone.
Nanoimprint lithography tone reversal process using poly(methyl methacrylate) and hydrogen silsesquioxane
Authors: Chang Long , Litvinov Dmitri
Published: July 2017

A tone reversal process for nanoimprint lithography utilizing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) is presented. 400 nm period and 800 nm period grating patterns with a 50% duty cycle are produced in PMMA via thermal nanoimprinting. The tone of the pattern is reversed by planarizing the sample with HSQ. Then, a reactive ion etch utilizing C4F8 and O2 is used to etch back the HSQ followed by an O2 etch to transfer through the PMMA. The resulting tone reversed pattern comprises of HSQ on PMMA grating patterns with a duty cycle of approximately 40%–44%. The etch process does not affect the pattern dimensions, but the planarization step appears to swell the PMMA. Nonetheless, a simple model was created to help design the tone reversal process and it accurately predicts the final pattern thickness within 10%.
Radiation damping of, and scattering from, an arbitrarily shaped bubble
Authors: Spratt Kyle S. , Hamilton Mark F. , Lee Kevin M. , Wilson Preston S.
Published: July 2017

The work by Strasberg on small volume oscillations of bubbles with arbitrary shape [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 25, 536–537 (1953)] is here extended to include the effects of radiation damping. An expression for the far-field scattering amplitude from an arbitrarily shaped bubble is given in terms of a quantity that is mathematically equivalent to the electrostatic capacitance of the bubble shape. This general approach is then applied to prolate and oblate spheroidal geometries, for which simple analytic expressions are available for the electrostatic capacitance, and the resulting far-field scattering amplitudes are compared to previous work in the literature.
Primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma presenting as haemoptysis in a 22-year-old patient: an unusual presentation of a rare condition
Authors: Hassan Masroor , Khattak Maria , Abdullah Hafez Mohammad Ammar , Nasib Bushra
Published: July 2017

Primary cardiac sarcomas are rare malignant tumours and among them, leiomyosarcoma is extremely rare. They are especially rare in a young age group. We present a case of a 22-year-old male patient with primary leiomyosarcoma of the left atrium involving the pulmonary veins who presented with haemoptysis and shortness of breath. He underwent surgical excision of the tumour along with mitral valve replacement followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. No recurrence was reported on his second 6 monthly follow-ups.
An unconventional valvuloplasty: severe pulmonary stenosis with 'candy cane' inferior vena cava
Authors: Nath Ranjit , Rajvanshi Satyam , Gupta Ankit , Pandit Neeraj
Published: July 2017

Femoral vein is the usual approach to balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV). However, alternative access may be mandated in some peculiar situations. We hereby report a 10-year-old patient with symptomatic severe valvular pulmonary stenosis with interrupted inferior vena cava which was successfully treated with transjugular BPV. Technical considerations for this approach as well as other possible options for such patients are discussed.
Two-year clinical outcomes of patients treated with the dual-therapy stent in a 1000 patient all-comers registry
Authors: Kalkman Deborah N , Woudstra Pier , Menown Ian B A , Heijer Peter den , van't Hof Arnoud WJ , Erglis Andrejs , Suryapranata Harry , Arkenbout Karin E , Iñiguez Andrés , Muller Philippe , Tijssen Jan G , Beijk Marcel A M , Winter Robbert J de
Published: July 2017

Objective

The dual-therapy stent combines an abluminal biodegradable drug-eluting coating, with a ‘pro-healing’ luminal layer. This bioengineered layer attracts circulating endothelial progenitor cells that can differentiate into normal endothelium. Rapid endothelialisation of the stent might allow safe short dual antiplatelet therapy. We aim to assess clinical outcomes in patients treated with this novel device at 2-year follow-up.

Methods

A total of 1000 patients were included in the REMEDEE Registry to evaluate clinical outcomes after treatment with the dual-therapy stent. This prospective, multicentre, European registry included all-comers patients, which resulted in a high-risk patient population. Target lesion failure (TLF), a combined endpoint consisting of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (tv-MI) and target lesion revascularisation (TLR), at 2-year follow-up was the primary focus of this analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed according to diabetes mellitus (DM), gender, age, acute coronary syndrome, smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, previous stroke, peripheral vascular disease and chronic renal failure.

Results

TLF at 2 years was observed in 84 patients (8.5%), with 3.0% cardiac death, 1.2% tv-MI and 5.9% TLR. Definite stent thrombosis at 2 years was 0.6%. In the presence of DM or chronic renal failure, a higher TLF was observed.

Conclusions

The dual-therapy stent shows favourable clinical outcomes from 12 months onwards. Two years after stent placement, low TLF and very low stent thrombosis rates are observed in this large prospective all-comers cohort study.

Trial registration number

NCT01874002; Results.
XEOL spectroscopy of lanthanides in aqueous solution
Authors: Jürgensen Astrid
Published: July 2017

As part of an ongoing study of the electronic interactions between solute and solvent molecules, a method for X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) analysis of aqueous solutions was developed at the double-crystal monochromator beamline (DCM) of the Canadian Synchrotron Radiation Facility (CSRF). It was tested using a series of solutions containing lanthanide ions. The samples were contained in a sample holder for liquids with a 3 μm Mylar window separating them from the vacuum (≤3 × 10−6 torr, 1 torr = 133.3224 Pa) in the solid state absorption chamber of the DCM beamline. Terbium, samarium, and dysprosium have 4 intense and narrow luminescence peaks between 450 and 700 nm, well separated from the luminescence peak of the Mylar window between 300 and 425 nm. The intensity of the rare earth (RE3+) luminescence peaks was lower for the solutions than for solid RECl3·6H2O. In part, this was caused by the lower RE3+ concentration in the solutions than in the solid. In addition, the solvent (water) acts as a quencher. The disorder and the molecular motion in the solution increase the availability of nonradiative de-excitation pathways. A high concentration of SO42− in the solution enhanced the luminescence intensity, probably by inhibiting some nonradiative de-excitation pathways. This study has shown that it is in principle possible to investigate the luminescence of aqueous solutions with XEOL spectroscopy. Furthermore, it is possible to use this technique as a quantitative analytical tool for concentrated luminescent solutions and to study the shielding effects of anions in the solution that increase the luminescence intensity.
Synthesis, characterization, and application of palladium complexes containing bis(aminophosphine) ligands
Authors: Jones Christina , Timm Matthew , Masuda Jason D. , Xia Aibing
Published: July 2017

Two palladium complexes containing bis(aminophosphine) ligands have been prepared and characterized. Their solid structures were determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction studies. They were successfully employed in the Suzuki coupling reactions of phenylboronic acid and various aryl chlorides.