bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incident reporting behaviours following the Francis report: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Archer Gareth , Colhoun Alison
Published: November 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Previous studies have shown a lack of engagement in the reporting process. There is limited evidence about whether attitudes and behaviours of doctors in the UK towards incident reporting have changed following the events at Mid Staffordshire National Health Service Foundation Trust and the recommendations that followed. We conducted a relatively large survey of doctors, aiming to assess whether doctors recognised incidents and reported them accordingly, along with their behaviours towards reporting and their suggestions of how incident reporting may be improved.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of doctors was undertaken in 11 hospitals in the north of England. The participants (n = 581) were invited to take part in an electronic questionnaire. Demographics were obtained, and engagement with the incident reporting process was assessed, including an estimate of the number of incidents which were witnessed but not actually reported. Factors which influenced reporting behaviours were recorded. Free‐text comments were encouraged. A mixed method analysis of the responses was performed.

Results

Doctors do not appear to be engaging with the incident reporting process—in particular, junior doctors. The main reason given for not completing forms was not having enough time (38.2% of respondents), primarily due to the length and complexity of forms. Many doctors, 43.7%, witnessed more than 5 incidents, but only 13.3% of doctors submitted more than 5 reports. Free text comments revealed 4 themes which impact upon reporting behaviours: organisational issues, form structure, a culture of blame, and a lack of feedback. Several suggestions for improvement were made.

Conclusions

Little has changed in the attitudes and behaviours of doctors. Improving incident reporting form structure to make it more user‐friendly and improving feedback may engage doctors and lead to an improved safety culture. The way the medical profession reports serious and other incidents still needs to be improved.
Genetic structure and evidence of anthropogenic effects on wild populations of two Neotropical catfishes: baselines for conservation
Authors: Do Prado F. D. , Fernandez‐Cebrián R. , Foresti F. , Oliveira C. , Martínez P. , Porto‐Foresti F.
Published: November 2017

Genetic diversity and structure of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans and P. reticulatum, large migratory South America catfishes, where overfishing and the construction of numerous dams in their feeding and reproducing areas are affecting their migratory processes negatively, were studied using microsatellites in samples from Paraguay (that comprises the Pantanal biome), and the upper and lower Paraná Basins. Genetic diversity was in accordance to that observed for other large migratory fishes, but the most geographically isolated populations of P. reticulatum and those P. corruscans subject to anthropogenic effects (stocking and dams) showed lower genetic diversity and evidences of bottlenecks compatible with low effective population size. Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum presented subtle genetic differentiation within the Paraguay area, especially between the edges of its distribution. Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, in this same area, presented a quite homogeneous but significant genetic break between the Paraguay and upper Paraná populations, apparently resulting from natural and historical isolation between the basins until recently. These data demonstrates that, although these Pseudoplatystoma spp. are abundant in the Pantanal area, anthropogenic events are leading to negative effects on their populations, particularly in the upper Paraná Basin. Genetic differentiation observed along each species distribution demands conservation actions to preserve each population's biodiversity. These results represent important genetic information using new microsatellite markers and the first genetic study of P. reticulatum covering this area of its native distribution. Data may also contribute to a better understanding of species migration patterns and to be used as a baseline for proper management.
Avoiding being dragged away: finding egg cases of Schroederichthys bivius (Chondrichthyes: Scyliorhinidae) associated with benthic invertebrates
Authors: Vazquez D. M. , Belleggia M. , Schejter L. , Mabragaña E.
Published: November 2017

Egg cases of the narrowmouthed catshark Schroederichthys bivius were recorded entangled with sponges, corals and tubeworms at different sites in the south‐west Atlantic Ocean. This work sheds light on the importance of benthic invertebrates in the life cycle of oviparous chondrichthyan species.
Visualization research of moisture content in leaf lettuce leaves based on WT‐PLSR and hyperspectral imaging technology
Authors: Zhou Xin , Sun Jun , Mao Hanping , Wu Xiaohong , Zhang Xiaodong , Yang Ning
Published: November 2017

Fast and effective visualization research of leaf lettuce leaves was particularly important in modern fine agriculture irrigation. Therefore, hyperspectral imaging technology was used to test the moisture content in leaf lettuce sample. A method involving wavelet transform coupled with partial least squares regression (WT‐PLSR) was proposed to extract characteristic wavelengths, build models, and evaluate characteristic wavelengths. Hyperspectral imaging data of 200 leaf lettuce leaves of five moisture gradients were obtained using hyperspectral imaging instrument. The whole region of leaf lettuce sample was selected as region of interest (ROI) to extract the hyperspectral data using sheffield index, image segment, and masking. To reduce noise interference, Savitzky–Golay (SG) algorithm was used to manage spectral data. Besides, WT‐PLSR algorithm was used to select effective feature wavelengths, build detection model, and evaluate characteristic wavelengths. The best prediction model of moisture content in leaf lettuce sample was PLSR model (RMSEP = 0.1688,
=0.8307) building by characteristic wavelength extracted from fourth layers of wavelet decomposition, and it was applied to achieve the distribution of moisture content in leaf lettuce leaves. Hyperspectral imaging technology coupled with WT‐PLSR algorithm can effectively realize the quantitative detection of moisture content in leaf lettuce sample, and visualizing distribution map of moisture content in leaf lettuce leaves offered a more intuitive and comprehensive assessment of moisture contents.

Practical applications

Well understanding moisture content in leaf lettuce leaves is very important for revelation of novel biological function and calcium (Ca) content. To facilitate more intuitively and comprehensively detect the moisture content in leaf lettuce leaves, a method involving wavelet transform coupled with partial least squares regression (WT‐PLSR) was proposed to extract characteristic wavelengths, build models, and evaluate characteristic wavelengths. It confirms that the WT‐PLSR algorithm is feasible and effective for building models of different moisture contents in leaf lettuce leaves, and visualizing distribution map of leaf lettuce leaves offered a more intuitive and comprehensive assessment of moisture contents.
The role of exosomes on colorectal cancer: A review
Authors: Ruiz‐López Lidia , Blancas Isabel , Garrido José M , Mut‐Salud Nuria , Moya‐Jódar Marta , Osuna Antonio , Rodríguez‐Serrano Fernando
Published: November 2017

Exosomes are extracellular microvesicles released from cells, which are involved in many biological and pathological processes, mainly because of their role in intercellular communication. Exosomes derived from colorectal cancer (CRC) cells are related to oncogenesis, tumor cell survival, chemo‐resistance, and metastasis. The role of the exosomes in these processes involves the transfer of proteins, RNAs, or mutant versions of proto‐oncogenes to the target cells. In recent years, great efforts have been made to identify useful biomarkers in CRC exosomes for diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, and treatment response. This review focuses on recent studies on CRC exosomes, considering isolation, cargo, biomarkers, and the effects of exosomes on the development and progression of CRC, including resistance to antitumor therapy.
Interprofessional Teamwork in Acute Geriatric Care: Where Are the Pharmacists?
Authors: Spinewine Anne , Mouzon Ariane , Dalleur Olivia , de Saint Hubert Marie , Cornette Pascale , Schoevaerdts Didier
Published: November 2017

See the Reply by Piers et al.
Reply to: New Hope for Sarcopenia
Authors: Rooks Daniel , Roubenoff Ronenn
Published: November 2017

This letter comments on the letter by Kwang‐il Kim.
Living with a Spouse or Others: Beneficial or Harmful in the Presence of Depressive Symptoms?
Authors: Yohannes Abebaw Mengistu
Published: November 2017

This letter comments on the article by Nakamura et al.
Identifying Sarcopenia in Female Long‐Term Care Residents: A Comparison of Current Guidelines
Authors: Kotlarczyk Mary P. , Perera Subashan , Nace David A. , Resnick Neil M. , Greenspan Susan L.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To establish the prevalence of sarcopenia in a long‐term care population, assess agreement among different consensus sarcopenia diagnostic criteria, and examine agreement of a self‐reported questionnaire with consensus guidelines.

Design

Cross‐sectional secondary analysis.

Setting

Long‐term care communities in the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area.

Participants

Women aged 65 and older (mean 83.6) undergoing eligibility screening for a fracture reduction trial (N = 141).

Measurements

We measured appendicular lean muscle mass using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Hand grip strength and usual gait speed were also evaluated. Sarcopenia status was determined according to European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Sarcopenia Project criteria and the SARC‐F questionnaire.

Results

Eleven participants were sarcopenic (7.8%) according to the EWGSOP criteria, six (4.3%) according to FNIH conservative cut‐point guidelines, and 32.6% (n = 46) according to FNIH intermediate cut‐points. Only 2 of 141 participants met criteria for sarcopenia according to all three guidelines. Sarcopenia was identified in 30 (21.3%) participants according to the SARC‐F questionnaire. Sensitivity of the SARC‐F with consensus panel definitions ranged from 18.2% to 33.3%. Specificity ranged from 78.7% to 81.1%.

Conclusion

Current consensus criteria from the EWGSOP and FNIH Sarcopenia Project do not agree and have little overlap in older female long‐term care residents. The SARC‐F questionnaire is a simple tool that could be implemented in long‐term care, but it has low sensitivity compared with current consensus guidelines in the identification of sarcopenic individuals.
Treatment‐associated symptoms and coping of postoperative patients with lung cancer in Japan: Development of a model of factors influencing hope
Authors: Bando Takae , Onishi Chiemi , Imai Yoshie
Published: November 2017

Aim

Postoperative patients with lung cancer have a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis; hence, it was aimed to identify the factors affecting hope to develop a care‐oriented perspective that focuses on the levels of hope of postoperative patients with lung cancer.

Methods

In the study, postoperative patients with lung cancer were included and data were collected for treatment‐related symptoms, coping, and support‐related factors as the primary variables. The Herth Hope Index, Quality of Life Questionnaire Lung Cancer Module of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Japanese version of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, and Social Support Scale for Cancer Patients were used.

Results

For the 82 patients that were included in this study, 55% of the variance in the level of hope was explained by using a model that included the following: (i) symptoms of dyspnea, sore mouth, and chest pain; (ii) support, including satisfaction with postoperative symptom control by healthcare providers, satisfaction with the amount of information provided by healthcare providers, and the level of trust in the nurses during treatment and recovery; and (iii) task‐oriented and social diversion coping behaviors.

Conclusion

As a result of this study, the support‐related factors had no direct influence on hope, but they did have a significantly negative influence on the treatment‐related symptoms, with improved symptoms also influencing hope.
Comparative study of image contrast in scanning electron microscope and helium ion microscope
Authors: O'CONNELL R. , CHEN Y. , ZHANG H. , ZHOU Y. , FOX D. , MAGUIRE P. , WANG J.J. , RODENBURG C.
Published: November 2017

Images of Ga+‐implanted amorphous silicon layers in a 110 n‐type silicon substrate have been collected by a range of detectors in a scanning electron microscope and a helium ion microscope. The effects of the implantation dose and imaging parameters (beam energy, dwell time, etc.) on the image contrast were investigated. We demonstrate a similar relationship for both the helium ion microscope Everhart‐Thornley and scanning electron microscope Inlens detectors between the contrast of the images and the Ga+ density and imaging parameters. These results also show that dynamic charging effects have a significant impact on the quantification of the helium ion microscope and scanning electron microscope contrast.
Stress and ways of coping among nurse managers: An integrative review
Authors: Labrague Leodoro J , McEnroe‐Petitte Denise M , Leocadio Michael C , Van Bogaert Peter , Cummings Greta G
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To appraise and synthesise empirical studies examining sources of occupational stress and ways of coping utilised by nurse managers when dealing with stress.

Background

The Nurse Manager's role is challenging yet draining and stressful and has adverse consequences on an individual's overall health and well‐being, patients’ outcomes and organisational productivity. Considerable research has been carried out; however, an updated and broader perspective on this critical organisational issue has not been performed.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

Five databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, SCOPUS, PubMed, PsychINFO and MEDLINE) were searched to identify relevant articles. Search terms and MeSH terms included: “charge nurse,” “coping,” “coping strategy,” “coping style,” “psychological adaptation,” “psychological stress,” “stressors,” “nurse manager” and “unit manager.” Twenty‐two articles were included in this review. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement guidelines.

Results

Four themes were identified: moderate stress levels, common sources of stress, ways of coping and the impact of nurses’ characteristics on stress.

Conclusions

Nurse managers experienced moderate levels of stress mainly from heavy workloads, lack of resources and financial responsibilities. Enhancing social support and promoting job control were seen as important in reducing work stress and its related consequences. Additional studies using a more rigorous method and a larger sample size preferably in multicultural settings would shed more light on this topic.

Relevance to clinical practice

Hospital and nurse administrators play an important role in promoting supportive structures for daily professional practice for nurse managers through staffing, organisational resources, support services, leadership and stress management training.
Experiences of nurse case managers within a central discharge planning role of collaboration between physicians, patients and other healthcare professionals: A sociocultural qualitative study
Authors: Thoma Jorun E , Waite Marion A
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To gain knowledge of nurse case managers’ experiences within the German acute care context of collaboration with patients and physicians in a discharge planning role; further to learn about patients’ assignment to the management of the nurse case managers; and explicitly to explore critical incidences of interactions between nurse case managers, patients and healthcare practitioner in discharge planning to understand the factor that contributes to effective collaboration.

Background and purpose

The defined role of nurse case managers in many contexts is a patient‐centred responsibility for a central task of discharge management of patients with complex physical and social needs. Some studies have indicated that the general impact of the role reduces readmission rates. Given the necessity to work interprofessionally to achieve a safe discharge, little is known about how nurse case managers achieve this collaboratively.

Methods

A qualitative case study within a German teaching hospital of nurse case managers (N = 8). Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews prompted by a critical incident technique and rigorously analysed through the lenses of sociocultural theory.

Results

Consistent object being worked upon was a safe and effective discharge from hospital with a focus on patient advocacy. Significant themes were a self‐value or recognition by others of professional expertise, reciprocal value on the capabilities of others thorough relational expertise and negotiation with patients and an identification of case trajectories.

Conclusion

More continuity of nurse case managers’ care and management, clarity of role and transparency to peers, physicians and other professionals would be beneficial in ensuring appropriate referral of complex patients to nurse case managers responsibility.

Relevance to clinical practice

Clearer role description and benefit realisation of the nurse case managers could be achieved by interventions that are interprofessional and focus on the tasks that matter from a collaborative perspective. This could lead to refinement of available indicators and policy developments.
Positive effect on patient experience of video information given prior to cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging: A clinical trial
Authors: Ahlander Britt‐Marie , Engvall Jan , Maret Eva , Ericsson Elisabeth
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the effect of video information given before cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging on patient anxiety and to compare patient experiences of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging versus myocardial perfusion scintigraphy.

To evaluate whether additional information has an impact on motion artefacts.

Background

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy are technically advanced methods for the evaluation of heart diseases. Although cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is considered to be painless, patients may experience anxiety due to the closed environment.

Design

A prospective randomised intervention study, not registered.

Methods

The sample (n = 148) consisted of 97 patients referred for cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, randomised to receive either video information in addition to standard text‐information (CMR‐video/n = 49) or standard text‐information alone (CMR‐standard/n = 48). A third group undergoing myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (n = 51) was compared with the cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging‐standard group. Anxiety was evaluated before, immediately after the procedure and 1 week later. Five questionnaires were used: Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, MRI Fear Survey Schedule and the MRI‐Anxiety Questionnaire. Motion artefacts were evaluated by three observers, blinded to the information given. Data were collected between April 2015–April 2016. The study followed the CONSORT guidelines.

Result

The CMR‐video group scored lower (better) than the cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging‐standard group in the factor Relaxation (p = .039) but not in the factor Anxiety. Anxiety levels were lower during scintigraphic examinations compared to the CMR‐standard group (p < .001). No difference was found regarding motion artefacts between CMR‐video and CMR‐standard.

Conclusion

Patient ability to relax during cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging increased by adding video information prior the exam, which is important in relation to perceived quality in nursing. No effect was seen on motion artefacts.

Relevance to clinical practice

Video information prior to examinations can be an easy and time effective method to help patients cooperate in imaging procedures.
Job strain in nursing homes—Exploring the impact of leadership
Authors: Backman Annica , Sjögren Karin , Lövheim Hugo , Edvardsson David
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the association between nursing home managers' leadership, job strain and social support as perceived by direct care staff in nursing homes.

Background

It is well known that aged care staff experience high levels of job strain, and that aged care staff experiencing job strain are exposed to increased risk for adverse health effects. Leadership styles have been associated with job strain in the literature; however, the impact of perceived leadership on staff job strain and social support has not been clarified within nursing home contexts.

Design

This study had a cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Participating staff (n = 3,605) completed surveys which included questions about staff characteristics, valid and reliable measures of nursing home managers' leadership, perceived job strain and social support. Statistical analyses of correlations and multiple regression analysis with interaction terms were conducted.

Results

Nursing home managers' leadership were significantly associated with lower level of job strain and higher level of social support among direct care staff. A multiple regression analysis including an interaction term indicated individual and joint effects of nursing home managers' leadership and social support on job strain.

Conclusions

Nursing home managers' leadership and social support were both individually and in combination associated with staff perception of lesser job strain. Thus, nursing home managers' leadership are beneficial for the working situation and strain of staff.

Relevance to clinical practice

Promoting a supporting work environment through leadership is an important implication for nursing home managers as it can influence staff perception of job strain and social support within the unit. By providing leadership, offering support and strategies towards a healthy work environment, nursing home managers can buffer adverse health effects among staff.
The impact of a prolonged stay in the ICU on patients’ fundamental care needs
Authors: Minton Claire , Batten Lesley , Huntington Annette
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore patients’, families’ and health professionals’ experiences of a long‐stay patient in an intensive care unit.

Background

The fast‐paced technologically driven intensive care unit environment, designed for a short patient stay, supports the provision of complex physiologically focused care for those with life‐threatening illnesses. Long‐stay patients with pronounced fundamental care needs fall outside predicted patient pathways, and nurses can find caring for these patients challenging.

Design and methods

A longitudinal, qualitative, multicase study of six cases from four New Zealand units. Case participants were patients, family members, nurses and other health professionals. Data collection methods included observation, conversations, interviews and document review. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, vignette development and trajectory mapping.

Results

Challenges and successes of providing fundamental care for long‐stay ICU patients are attributed to two interlinked factors. First, the biomedical model influences ICU nursing practices, resulting in prioritising tasks and technology for patient survival while simultaneously devaluing relational and comfort work. Fundamental psychosocial needs such as family presence, comfort, relationships and communication may be unmet. Second, the unit environment and culture have a significant impact on long‐stay patients’ ICU experiences and form physical and psychological barriers to families being present and involved. Some nurses negotiated these challenges to provide fundamental, patient‐ and family‐centred care by adopting an approach of knowing the patient and these nurses reported satisfaction when seeing patients’ positive responses.

Conclusion

The care environment and culture provide challenges to the provision of patient‐ and family‐centred care for long‐stay patients; however, when nurses prioritise knowing their patient these challenges can be overcome and patient and family distress reduced with the potential to improve patient outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Recognition that patients have fundamental care needs irrespective of the setting where they receive care. Intensive care environments and cultures create challenges for nurses when there is such a heavy burden of physiological needs to be met and technological tasks to be undertaken, with a focus on acuity; however, improving provision fundamental care can result in positive patient outcomes.
Vascular complications after percutaneous mitral valve repair and venous access closure using suture or closure device
Authors: Steppich Birgit , Stegmüller Felix , Rumpf Philipp Moritz , Pache Jürgen , Sonne Carolin , Lesevic Hasema , Braun Daniel , Hausleiter Jörg , Kasel Albert Markus , Ott Ilka
Published: November 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of different access‐site closure strategies, suture or closure device (Proglide, Abbott Vascular), on vascular and bleeding complications after percutaneous mitral valve repair (MitraClip, Abbott Vascular).

Background

Considering the high‐risk profile in patients receiving percutaneous mitral valve repair, complications related to the large 24 Fr access sheath and its relation to the closure technique have not been evaluated so far.

Methods and Results

Between 2009 and 2015, 277 consecutive high‐risk patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR) underwent percutaneous mitral valve repair at our institution using Z‐suture (n = 150) or closure device (n = 127) to close the access‐site. Duplex sonography was performed in all patients. The primary endpoint was access‐site related complications according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC) criteria. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of bleeding complications and mortality. Access‐site related VARC2 major and minor complications were comparable after closure with Z‐suture or closure device (2,7% vs 3.1%, P = 0.81 and 15,3% vs 15.7%, P = 0.92). Three patients (2%) in the suture and four patients (3.1%) in the closure device group experienced unplanned endovascular intervention at the access site. Access‐site related major bleeding was observed in 4 (2.7%) suture and 4 (3.1%) closure device treated patients (P = 0.81). No access site related mortality occurred.

Conclusion

Both Z‐suture and closure device use after percutaneous mitral valve repair are feasible and safe. However, there is no benefit of one strategy over the other according to VARC2 major and minor complications.
Ear, nose and throat surgery: All you need to know about the surgical approach to the management of middle‐ear effusions in Australian Indigenous and non‐Indigenous children
Authors: Kong Kelvin , Lannigan Francis J , Morris Peter S , Leach Amanda J , O'Leary Stephen J
Published: November 2017

Otitis media (OM) is a common condition in Australia. It represents a spectrum of diseases from otitis media with effusion (OME) to chronic suppurative otitis media. For all the OM diagnoses, Australian Indigenous children have higher rates of early onset, severe and persistent disease. OME is the most common form of OM and often occurs after an upper respiratory tract infection. It can be difficult to diagnose (and often goes unrecognised). Hearing loss is the most important complication. The middle‐ear effusion impedes the movement of the tympanic membrane and causes a conductive hearing loss of around 25 dB. Around 20% will have a hearing loss exceeding 35 dB. Children with early onset, persistent, bilateral OME and hearing loss (or speech delay) are most likely to benefit from interventions. However, the impact of all the effective treatment options is modest. Giving advice about effective communication strategies for young children is always appropriate. The best evidence from randomised trials supports not using antihistamines and/or decongestants, considering a trial of antibiotics and referral for tympanostomy tubes. Despite the availability of evidence‐based guidelines, giving advice about treatment is a challenge because recommendations vary according to condition, age, risk of complications and parental preference. While most children with OME can be effectively managed in primary care, we need to get children who meet the criteria for simple ear, nose and throat procedures that improve hearing on to ear, nose and throat surgery waiting lists. Long delays in hearing support may contribute to life‐long social and economic disadvantage.
Midline cervical swellings: What a paediatrician needs to know
Authors: Nightingale Michael
Published: November 2017

Midline cervical swellings are a heterogeneous group of conditions in children. Careful clinical examination will allow a diagnosis to be made in many instances and appropriate investigations to be performed before referral to surgical services. The approach to clinical examination, investigation and management of the most common conditions is described.
Gastrodin protects myocardial cells against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in neonatal rats by inhibiting cell autophagy through the activation of mTOR signals in PI3K-Akt pathway
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhu Qinhui , Liu Yuanyuan , Yang Zhiyong , Li Bin
Published: November 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of gastrodin (GAS) on myocardial cells with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in neonatal rats and explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Myocardial cells were extracted from neonatal rats and divided into six groups: control, H/R, H/R + Low-Concentration GAS, H/R + Middle-Concentration GAS, H/R + High-Concentration GAS and H/R + High-Concentration GAS + AKT Inhibitor groups. After 48-h treatment, cell viability, autophagosome quantity and the expression levels of LC3-II, p62, Akt, pAkt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and uncoordinated 51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) in myocardial cells were made comparisons among each group.

Key findings

Gastrodin improved the proliferation activity of myocardial cells under H/R injury in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited the level of cell autophagy. However, when AKT inhibitor was added, the effect of GAS was partly inhibited (P < 0.05). Gene and protein expressions showed that GAS made no significant effect on the expression quantity of Akt and mTOR genes (P > 0.05) but could significantly promote the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR (P < 0.05). GAS had significant inhibiting effect on the expression of ULK1 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Gastrodin could protect against H/R injury of myocardial cells in neonatal rats by reducing the level of autophagy through the activation of mTOR signals in PI3K-Akt pathway.
Melatonin alleviates low PS I‐limited carbon assimilation under elevated CO2 and enhances the cold tolerance of offspring in chlorophyll b‐deficient mutant wheat
Authors: Li Xiangnan , Brestic Marian , Tan Dun‐Xian , Zivcak Marek , Zhu Xiancan , Liu Shengqun , Song Fengbin , Reiter Russel J. , Liu Fulai
Published: November 2017

Melatonin is involved in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and induction of cold tolerance in plants. The objective of this study was to investigate the roles of melatonin in modulation of carbon assimilation of wild‐type wheat and the Chl b‐deficient mutant ANK32B in response to elevated CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and the transgenerational effects of application of exogenous melatonin (hereafter identified as melatonin priming) on the cold tolerance in offspring. The results showed that the melatonin priming enhanced the carbon assimilation in ANK32B under elevated [CO2], via boosting the activities of ATPase and sucrose synthesis and maintaining a relatively higher level of total chlorophyll concentration in leaves. In addition, melatonin priming in maternal plants at grain filling promoted the seed germination in offspring by accelerating the starch degradation and improved the cold tolerance of seedlings through activating the antioxidant enzymes and enhancing the photosynthetic electron transport efficiency. These findings suggest the important roles of melatonin in plant response to future climate change, indicating that the melatonin priming at grain filling in maternal plants could be an effective approach to improve cold tolerance of wheat offspring at seedling stage.
Effects of dietary tryptophan levels on performance and biochemical variables of plasma and intestinal mucosa in yellow‐feathered broiler breeders
Authors: Jiang S. Q. , Gou Z. Y. , Lin X. J. , Li L.
Published: November 2017

The effects of dietary tryptophan (Trp) levels on performance and biochemical variables of plasma and intestinal mucosa in broiler breeder hens were investigated in this study. A total of 780 Lingnan yellow‐feathered broiler breeder hens were randomly assigned in one of five dietary treatments with six replicates per treatment (26 birds per replicate). The breeder hens were fed either the basal diet (0.11% Trp) or the basal diet supplemented to 0.15%, 0.19%, 0.23% and 0.27% Trp, from 197 to 259 days of age. Graded levels of Trp from 0.11% to 0.27% in the diet produced quadratic (p < .05) responses in laying rate, average daily egg production, and feed conversion ratio, and quadratic (p < .01) responses in total large follicle weight and average large follicle weight. An increase in fertilization rate of total eggs was observed in breeders fed 0.27% Trp, and hatchability was higher in breeders fed 0.23% and 0.27% Trp than with 0.19% Trp (p < .05). The content of uric acid N decreased with 0.15% and 0.23% dietary Trp (p < .05). The content of GSH and the GSH‐to‐GSSG ratio in plasma were reduced by 0.15%, 0.19% and 0.27% Trp diets (p < .05). A higher activity of GST in plasma was observed with 0.15% Trp in relation to 0.23% and 0.27% Trp (p < .05). The activity of Na+‐K+‐ATPase of plasma in birds fed 0.27% Trp was lower than in those fed 0.15% Trp and the control birds (p < .05). There were significant influences of dietary Trp levels on S6K1, B0AT1, Nrf2, TLR4, TNF‐α and IL‐6 transcripts of ileal mucosa (p < .05). The optimal dietary Trp level was 0.203% or 254 mg per hen per day, for Chinese yellow‐feathered broiler breeder hens aged from 197 to 259 days.
Effectiveness of a virtual reality intervention to minimize pediatric stress and pain intensity during venipuncture
Authors: Piskorz Joanna , Czub Marcin
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Virtual reality (VR) technology is an effective tool in treatment of acute pain. Numerous studies show the effectiveness of this method both in a clinical context and in the laboratory. However, research results on the effectiveness of VR in pediatric venipuncture pain is not conclusive—not all studies report the analgesic effect of VR. In addition to testing effectiveness of VR, we also assess the usability of a novel hands‐free interface.

Design and Methods

Patients of paediatric nephrology clinic (N = 38; mean age 11 years, range 7–17) participated in a posttest only between group quasi‐experimental study. Participants in the treatment group received the venipuncture procedure with VR distraction. They were wearing a head‐mounted Oculus DK2 HMD, and playing a game designed by the authors of the study. The game was based on Multiple Object Tracking (MOT) task, where players have to remember and simultaneously track several moving targets. MOT has been used in many studies on attention and working memory. Participants rated their pain and stress intensity on visual analogue scales (VAS) on a scale of 0 to 100 and answered a short questionnaire.

Results

The VR group reported significantly lower pain intensity than the controls (mean = 15.16 ± 20.51 vs. 37.05 ± 30.66; t = 2.59, df = 36, p < .02, d = 0.863). Similar results were obtained for stress level (11.16 ±18.58 vs 41.89 ± 40.89; t = 2.98, df = 36, p < .01, d = 0.993). There were no correlations with age.

Practice Implications

VR can be as an effective tool to minimize pediatric pain and stress due to venipuncture. The MOT‐based VR game was suitable for children at the studied age range. This solution can be easily applied by nurses in their clinical practice.
Phenylbutazone induces equine glandular gastric disease without decreasing prostaglandin E2concentrations
Authors: Pedersen S. K. , Cribb A. E. , Read E. K. , French D. , Banse H. E.
Published: November 2017

In equids, phenylbutazone at high doses induces gastric disease, primarily in the glandular portion of the stomach. However, the mechanism of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)‐induced gastric disease in horses has yet to be determined. While phenylbutazone‐associated ulceration is often attributed to a decrease in basal gastric prostaglandins, this has not been demonstrated in the horse. Twelve horses were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 6; 4.4 mg/kg phenylbutazone PO in 20 ml molasses q 12 hr for 7 days) or placebo (n = 6; 20 ml molasses PO q 12 hr for 7 days) groups. Before treatment and 3 and 7 days after initiation of treatment, gastroscopy was performed and glandular gastric biopsies were collected and frozen at −80°C. Glandular disease was assessed on a scale of 0–4. Prostaglandin E2concentrations in biopsies were measured using a commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. All phenylbutazone‐treated horses developed grade ≥2 glandular disease. Prostaglandin concentrations increased over time (p = .0017), but there was no effect of treatment (p = .49). These findings indicate that despite induction of glandular disease grade ≥2, phenylbutazone did not decrease basal glandular gastric prostaglandin E2concentration.
Ichthyosaurian palaeopathology: evidence of injury and disease in fossil ‘fish lizards’
Authors: Pardo‐Pérez J. M. , Kear B. P. , Gómez M. , Moroni M. , Maxwell E. E.
Published: November 2017

The documented record of ichthyosaurian paleopathologies reveals an array of injury‐related bone modifications and instances of disease evidenced through multiple clades, skeletal regions and body‐size classes from the Middle Triassic to middle Cretaceous. Examples include traumatic injuries, as well as a high incidence of articular diseases, including avascular necrosis. Forelimb pathologies are particularly abundant (65% of total reported), and the glenoid region seems to have been especially prone to articular disease. In contrast, pathologies affecting the vertebral column are comparatively underrepresented (6% of reported pathologies). Also notable is the disproportionate commonality of osteopathologies in ichthyosaurian taxa between 2 and 6 m in length (54%), as opposed to demonstrably larger (31%) or smaller bodied (15%) species. Furthermore, osteopathologies are almost exclusively described from skeletally mature individuals, and are best known from taxa of Jurassic age (78%), versus those from the Triassic (15%) or Cretaceous (7%); this likely reflects biases in the ichthyosaurian fossil record through time. Ichthyosaurs evince remarkable similarities in the types of observed skeletal damage relative to other ecologically similar marine amniotes – especially cetaceans and mosasaurid squamates, all of which potentially exhibited equivalent palaeoecological and/or behavioural adaptations for life in aqueous environments. Notably, however, the unusually low frequency of vertebral pathologies in ichthyosaurs is peculiar, and requires further investigation to establish significance.
Factors related to quality of life among older adults in Bangladesh: A cross sectional survey
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Abbas , Soivong Pratum , Lasuka Duangruedee , Juntasopeepun Phanida
Published: November 2017

This cross‐sectional design study aimed to describe quality of life and examine factors related to quality of life among older adults in Bangladesh. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 280 older adults from ten villages in two southern districts. The results demonstrate that the majority of the participants reported an overall moderate score of quality of life. Moreover, participants' sleep problems, depression, religiosity, and activities of daily living were negatively correlated with quality of life whereas social support and health service availability were positively correlated with quality of life. Implementing intervention programs upon the significant related factors to improve older adults' quality of life is recommended.
Elevated CO2 increases R gene‐dependent resistance of Medicago truncatula against the pea aphid by up‐regulating a heat shock gene
Authors: Sun Yucheng , Guo Huijuan , Yuan Erliang , Ge Feng
Published: November 2017

Resistance against pathogens and herbivorous insects in many plant results from the expression of resistance (R) genes. Few reports, however, have considered the effects of elevated CO2 on R gene‐based resistance in plants.

The current study determined the responses of two near isogenic Medicago truncatula genotypes (Jester has an R gene and A17 does not) to the pea aphid and elevated CO2 in open‐top chambers in the field.

Aphid abundance, mean relative growth rate and feeding efficiency were increased by elevated CO2 on A17 plants but were reduced on Jester plants. According to proteomic and gene expression data, elevated CO2 enhanced pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP)‐triggered immunity (PTI) but decreased the effector‐triggered immunity (ETI) in aphid‐infested A17 plants. For aphid‐infested Jester plants, by contrast, elevated CO2 enhanced the ETI‐related heat shock protein (HSP) 90 and its co‐chaperones, the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway, and ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis. In a loss‐of‐function experiment, silencing of the HSP90 gene in Jester plants impaired the JA signaling pathway and ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis against the aphid under ambient CO2, and negated the increased resistance against the aphid under elevated CO2.

Our results suggest that increases in expression of HSP90 are responsible for the enhanced resistance against the aphid under elevated CO2.
Circular RNAs mediated by transposons are associated with transcriptomic and phenotypic variation in maize
Authors: Chen Lu , Zhang Pei , Fan Yuan , Lu Qiong , Li Qing , Yan Jianbing , Muehlbauer Gary J. , Schnable Patrick S. , Dai Mingqiu , Li Lin
Published: November 2017

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed RNA molecules. Recent studies have shown that circRNAs can arise from the transcripts of transposons. Given the prevalence of transposons in the maize genome and dramatic genomic variation driven by transposons, we hypothesize that transposons in maize may be involved in the formation of circRNAs and further modulate phenotypic variation.

We performed circRNA‐Seq on B73 seedling leaves and uncovered 2804 high‐confidence maize circRNAs, which show distinct genomic features.

Comprehensive analyses demonstrated that sequences related to LINE1‐like elements (LLEs) and their Reverse Complementary Pairs (LLERCPs) are significantly enriched in the flanking regions of circRNAs. Interestingly, as the number of LLERCPs increase, the accumulation of circRNAs varies, whereas that of linear transcripts decreases. Furthermore, genes with LLERCP‐mediated circRNAs are enriched among loci that are associated with phenotypic variation. These results suggest that circRNAs are likely to be involved in the modulation of phenotypic variation by LLERCPs.

Further, we showed that the presence/absence variation of LLERCPs was associated with expression variation of circRNA‐circ1690 and was related to ear height, potentially through the interplay between circRNAs and functional linear transcripts. Our first study of maize circRNAs uncovers a potential new way for transposons to modulate transcriptomic and phenotypic variations.
Indirect effects of supportive communication during conversations about coping with relational transgressions
Authors: PEDERSON JOSHUA R. , MCLAREN RACHEL M.
Published: November 2017

Researchers investigating relational transgressions have minimally explored the role of third‐party personal network members in the coping process. It is argued that supportive messages during conversations about coping with relational transgressions are associated with transgressed individuals' perceived stress and feelings about the transgression. Results from a study involving conversations between 50 pairs of personal network members suggest that participants' perceptions of stress and negative emotions decreased from pre‐ to postinteraction. By testing an indirect effects model, it was found that emotion support had a negative indirect association with participants' perceptions of stress, anger, and dejection related to the transgression because of quality of support. The theoretical implications of the findings are discussed, and directions for extending research on communicative coping are provided.
What kind of love is love at first sight? An empirical investigation
Authors: ZSOK FLORIAN , HAUCKE MATTHIAS , DE WIT CORNELIA Y. , BARELDS DICK P. H.
Published: November 2017

Love at first sight (LAFS) is a commonly known phenomenon, but has barely been investigated scientifically. Major psychological theories of love predict that LAFS is marked by high passion. However, it could also be a memory confabulation construed by couples to enhance their relationship. We investigated LAFS empirically by assessing feelings of love at the moment participants met potential partners for the first time. Data were collected from an online study, a laboratory study, and three dating events. Experiences of LAFS were marked neither by high passion, nor by intimacy, nor by commitment. Physical attraction was highly predictive of reporting LAFS. We therefore suggest that LAFS is not a distinct form of love, but rather a strong initial attraction that some label as LAFS, either in the moment of first sight or retrospectively.
Identification and expression profiling of Pht1 phosphate transporters in wheat in controlled environments and in the field
Authors: Grün A. , Buchner P. , Broadley M. R. , Hawkesford M. J.
Published: November 2017

Phosphorus (P) is an important macronutrient with critical functions in plants. Phosphate (Pi) transporters, which mediate Pi acquisition and Pi translocation within the plant, are key factors in Pi deficiency responses. However, their relevance for adaptation to long‐term Pi limitation under agronomic conditions, particularly in wheat, remains unknown.

Here, we describe the identification of the complete Pi transporter gene family (Pht1) in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Gene expression profiles were compared for hydroponic and field‐grown plant tissues of wheat at multiple development stages.Cis‐element analysis of selected Pht1 promoter regions was performed.

A broad range of expression patterns of individualTaPht1genes was observed in relation to tissue specificity and the nutrient supply in the soil or in liquid culture, as well as an influence of the experimental system.

The expression patterns indicate the involvement of specific transporters in Pi uptake, and in Pi transport and remobilisation within the plant, at different growth developmental stages. Specifically, the influence of Pi nutrition indicates a complex regulatory pattern ofTaPht1gene transcript abundances as a response to low Pi availability in different culture systems, correlating with the existence of differentcis‐acting promoter elements.