bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial mediators of dietary change among Hispanic/Latina breast cancer survivors in a culturally tailored dietary intervention
Authors: Shi Zaixing , Richardson John M. , Aycinena Ana Corina , Gray Heewon L. , Paul Rachel , Koch Pam , Contento Isobel , Gaffney Ann Ogden , Greenlee Heather
Published: June 2018

Objective

To examine psychosocial mediators of the effect of a culturally tailored dietary intervention on dietary change among Hispanic/Latina breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Hispanic/Latina breast cancer survivors (n = 70) were randomized to receive either a 12‐week theory‐based and culturally tailored dietary change program (intervention group, n = 34), or standard‐of‐care printed recommendations (control group, n = 36) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01414062). Fruit/vegetable intake (F/V), % calories from fat, and hypothesized psychosocial mediators were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Analysis of covariance assessed intervention effects on psychosocial mediators at 6 and 12 months. Mediation analysis using the bootstrap method evaluated the indirect intervention effects on dietary intake at 6 and 12 months through changes in psychosocial mediators at 6 and 12 months.

Results

Compared with controls, at 6 and 12 months, the intervention group reported greater improvements in stages of change (P < .001, P < .001, respectively), self‐efficacy (P = .009, P = .002, respectively), snack preference for F/snack preference for F/V (P = .045, P = .002, respectively); at 12 months, the intervention group reported a decrease in chance‐oriented external locus of control (P = .02). At 6 months, mediation analysis showed that the intervention effect was associated with an increase of 1.0 (95% CI, −0.1‐2.4) serving/day of F/V, compared with the control group, although no indirect effect through the hypothesized psychosocial mediators was observed. At 12 months, the intervention was associated with an increase in 0.5 serving/day F/V through improved taste/snack preference for F/V at 6 and 12 months (95% CIs, 0.1‐1.3, 0.0‐1.4, respectively).

Conclusions

Future programs can target improving taste/snack preference for F/V to promote dietary change in Hispanic/Latina breast cancer survivors.
Writing in the Disciplines: How Math Fits Into the Equation
Authors: Colonnese Madelyn W. , Amspaugh Christina M. , LeMay Steven , Evans Kyle , Field Kathryn
Published: June 2018

Writing is an important mode of thinking and learning for elementary students. Consistent efforts have been made to encourage discipline‐specific writing, yet defining qualities of elementary mathematical writing have historically been underdeveloped. This article offers educators a new framework that conceptualizes mathematical writing as writing to reason and to communicate mathematically. Specifically, the framework defines four types of elementary mathematical writing: exploratory, informative/explanatory, argumentative, and mathematically creative. The authors explain and explore these types and their associated purposes through classroom vignettes. Informed by existing practices in mathematics and writing, strategies are offered to support teachers in the implementation of mathematical writing.
Extracting the angle of attack on rotor blades from CFD simulations
Authors: Jost Eva , Klein Levin , Leipprand Hagen , Lutz Thorsten , Krämer Ewald
Published: June 2018

In today's wind energy research, comparisons of low‐fidelity aerodynamic models with CFD simulations are common practice. While the approach for loads with respect to the rotor‐plane coordinate system such as distributed driving force or thrust is straightforward, a comparison of aerodynamic characteristics is more challenging. The radial distributions of lift, drag, and moment coefficient depend on the local angle of attack and inflow velocity, which cannot be directly determined from the flow field. It requires the elimination of the influence of the rotor blade's bound circulation and also involves the step from a three‐dimensional flow field to quantities, which depend on the blade radius. The present investigation analyzes 4 different approaches to determine the angle of attack and inflow velocity from three‐dimensional rotor simulations. In addition to 3 existing methods, a new line average technique is presented. It eliminates the effect of bound circulation by averaging along a closed shape, which is symmetric to the quarter‐chord point. All methods are assessed in cases with successively increasing complexity. The observed discrepancies are assigned to a different consideration of trailing and shed vortices. The line average approach was found to be a valuable alternative to existing approaches especially in unsteady cases and regarding the outer or tip sections of the rotor blade.
Beyond Brainwashing
Authors: Moore Rebecca
Published: June 2018

This analysis reviews the state of the question regarding theories of cultic violence. It introduces definitions and vocabulary and presents relevant historical examples of religious violence. It then discusses the 1960s and 1970s, the period immediately before the Jonestown tragedy. Considerations of the post-Jonestown (1978), and then post-Waco (1993) literature follow. After 9/11 (2001), some of the themes identified in previous decades reappear. The book concludes by examining the current problem of repression and harassment directed at religious believers. Legal discrimination by governments, as well as persecution of religious minorities by non-state actors, has challenged earlier fears about cultic violence.
Item Parameter Drift of the Self-Description Questionnaire	I
Authors: Wei Tianlan , Barnard-Brak Lucy , Stevens Tara , Lan William Y.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Self-Description Questionnaire I (SDQI) with regard to children’s mathematics self-concept based on the item response theory (IRT) framework. The researchers adopted the IRT-based techniques for uncovering item-level characteristics including discrimination ( a parameter) and thresholds ( b parameters). The data for this study were drawn from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–99 (ECLS-K) with a sample of 14,631 children. The IRT-based evaluations suggest that the SDQI items have sufficient discrimination, but insufficient item thresholds in assessing third- and fifth-graders’ mathematics self-concept. Thus, it is recommended that the current SDQI be reconsidered for its age appropriateness. In addition, affective items, which involve enjoyment, liking, and positive emotions, are found to be better indicators of self-concept than cognitive items, which involve perceived competence, ability beliefs, and self-efficacy. Results also indicate the presence of item parameter drift (IPD) in all SDQI items, suggesting beta change of the scale over time – children become more sensitive to the response anchors as they grow older. Findings of this study provide insights into the conceptualization and operationalization of academic self-concept, as well as practical implications for future use and development of self-concept measures.
Ecosystem‐Scale Measurements of Methyl Halide Fluxes From a Brackish Tidal Marsh Invaded With Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium)
Authors: Deventer M. J. , Jiao Y. , Knox S. H. , Anderson F. , Ferner M. C. , Lewis J. A. , Rhew R. C.
Published: June 2018

Natural methyl chloride (CH3Cl) and methyl bromide (CH3Br) emissions from coastal marsh ecosystems may constitute a significant proportion of stratospheric chlorine and bromine, which catalyze ozone depletion. Current inventories involve substantial uncertainties associated with upscaling plot‐scale footprints (i.e., ≤1 m2). Here we present net ecosystem flux measurements of methyl halides from a brackish tidal marsh on the west coast of the United States between April 2016 and June 2017 using the relaxed eddy accumulation method. The measurement footprint encompasses a large part of the studied tidal marsh, including roughly 20 vascular plant species, open water, and soil surfaces. On the annual scale, ecosystem methyl halide emissions showed the strongest relationships to temperature and the growth cycle of halophyte vegetation, whereas on diurnal time scales, fluxes correlated the most with evapotranspiration. The maximum seasonal emissions occurred during the flowering season of Lepidium latifolium (perennial pepperweed), one of the most abundant halophytes on site. The maximum hourly emissions of 111 μg CH3Cl · m−2 s· hr−1 and 38 μg CH3Br · m−2 · hr−1 were observed during a heat wave in early June. Annually integrated emissions were 135 mg/m2 for CH3Cl and 21 mg/m2 for CH3Br, scaling up to 621 and 96 kg over the entire marsh. We provide a global salt marsh emission inventory that takes into account the spatial distribution of salt marshes in different climate zones, yielding a global salt marsh source of 31 Gg/year CH3Cl (range: 10 to 77) and 3 Gg/year CH3Br (range: 1 to 8).
21st century California drought risk linked to model fidelity of the El Niño teleconnection
Authors: Allen Robert J. , Anderson Ray G.
Published: June 2018

Greenhouse gas induced climate change is expected to lead to negative hydrological impacts for southwestern North America, including California (CA). This includes a decrease in the amount and frequency of precipitation, reductions in Sierra snow pack, and an increase in evapotranspiration, all of which imply a decline in surface water availability, and an increase in drought and stress on water resources. However, a recent study showed the importance of tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) warming and an El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-like teleconnection in driving an increase in CA precipitation through the 21st century, particularly during winter (DJF). Here, we extend this prior work and show wetter (drier) CA conditions, based on several drought metrics, are associated with an El Niño (La Niña)-like SST pattern. Models that better simulate the observed ENSO-CA precipitation teleconnection also better simulate the ENSO-CA drought relationships, and yield negligible change in the risk of 21st century CA drought, primarily due to wetting during winter. Seasonally, however, CA drought risk is projected to increase during the non-winter months, particularly in the models that poorly simulate the observed teleconnection. Thus, future projections of CA drought are dependent on model fidelity of the El Niño teleconnection. As opposed to focusing on adapting to less water, models that better simulate the teleconnection imply adaptation measures focused on smoothing seasonal differences for affected agricultural, terrestrial, and aquatic systems, as well as effectively capturing enhanced winter runoff.
Utility of the chromogenic and fluorogenic properties of benzofurazan for the assay of milnacipran in human urine and plasma
Authors: Mostafa Islam M. , Omar Mahmoud A. , Nagy Dalia M. , Derayea Sayed M.
Published: June 2018

Our article presents the development and validation of two simple, very sensitive, and low-cost spectroscopic methods for the assay of milnacipran hydrochloride in bulk form, pharmaceutical tablets and spiked human urine and plasma.
Evaluating the Influence of Polymer Modified Asphalt Binders on Low Temperature Properties
Authors: Abdelaziz Amal , Ho Chun-Hsing , Snyder Matthew
Published: June 2018

Low temperature cracking is one of the most common distress types in asphalt concrete pavements, particularly in cold regions. Many factors influence the behaviour of asphalt concrete pavements at low temperatures, such as the applied traffic load, environmental conditions and material characteristics. Asphalt binders are one of the primary factors that influence material properties. The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of two types of asphalt binders: styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified asphalt binder and unmodified asphalt binder in resisting low temperature cracking. The study was conducted in Flagstaff, located at the area of Northern Arizona, in the United States. Asphalt samples were collected from the paving sections and were compacted and trimmed into small beams. Bending Beam Rheometer tests were performed, using the trimmed specimens at temperatures of -6°C, -12°C and -18°C. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that, SBS modified asphalt binder performs better in resisting low temperature cracking, compared to the unmodified binder. Based on the study outcomes, it is recommended to use SBS polymer modified polymers in areas subjected to severe cold weather events to maximize the life span of asphalt concrete pavements.
Material properties and the energy balance in standardized fire testing
Authors: Węgrzyński Wojciech , Turkowski Piotr
Published: June 2018

The origins of standardised fire testing can be traced back to 1870’s, and the origin of the standard temperature-time curve to 1917. This approach, based on a 19th-century intuition is still in use up to this day, to design the 21st-century structures. Standardized fire-testing ultimately disregards the conservation of energy in the fire, as in every test the resulting temperature of the test must be the same (precisely as the temp.-time curve). To maintain this, different amount of heat is required in every test, which means that every time a different fire is modelled within the furnace. The differences between furnace fire sizes are ignored in the certification process, but can be interesting for fire researchers to understand how different materials behave in fire conditions. In this paper, Authors explore this topic by investigating the energy balance within the furnace, and comparing different fire tests together.
Percutaneous Image-Guided Biopsy of the Pancreas
Authors: McRae Stephen
Published: June 2018

Percutaneous image-guided biopsy of the pancreas is a safe, effective, efficient, and minimally invasive way to obtain samples for pathological diagnosis of pancreatic mass lesions. The myriad of diseases that can involve the pancreas require different therapies. Therefore, pathological diagnosis is key. With proper imaging resources and techniques, most mass lesions of the pancreas that are visible on cross-sectional imaging can be approached safely and accurately percutaneously under either computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound guidance. These lesions may be accessed through anterior, posterior, and/or lateral approaches depending upon their proximity to the anticipated skin puncture site, and the presence or absence of intervening structures. While the ideal percutaneous route to any pancreatic target lesion is the one that has no vital structures in its path, methods and tools exist to make even the most seemingly obstructed paths to pancreatic targets navigable. Once accessed, the targets may be sampled by either fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsy. The alternatives to percutaneous image-guided biopsy of the pancreas include open (surgical) biopsy and endoscopic ultrasound-guided (EUS) biopsy. Percutaneous image-guided biopsy poses less risk to the patient than open biopsy and has been shown to be as accurate as EUS biopsy with an even lower complication rate.
A stable pulsed power supply for multi-beamline XFEL operations
Authors: Kondo Chikara , Hara Toru , Fukui Toru , Inagaki Takahiro , Takebe Hideki , Nakazawa Shingo , Fukami Kenji , Kawaguchi Yusuke , Kawaguchi Hideaki , Otake Yuji , Tanaka Hitoshi
Published: June 2018

Since an X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) facility is a linac-based single-user machine, a multi-beamline mode of operation, which improves the efficiency of user experiments, is critical for accommodating users’ rapidly increasing demand for beamtime. A key supporting technology is a highly stable pulsed power supply (PS), which enables stable XFEL operations by precisely switching the beam route. We developed a high-power pulsed PS to drive a kicker magnet installed in a SACLA’s beam switching system. SiC MOSFETs were adapted as switching elements to reduce the required size and to increase the electric power efficiency. The PS we developed provides two key capabilities: (i) a high current stability of 20 ppm (peak-to-peak) at a peak power of 0.24 MW and (ii) generation of controllable, bipolar, and trapezoidal current waveforms at 60 Hz. This paper describes the overall concept, the detailed design, the performance achieved, and the initial beam test results.
Entropy per particle spikes in the transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Shubnyi V. O. , Gusynin V. P. , Sharapov S. G. , Varlamov A. A.
Published: June 2018

We derive a general expression for the entropy per particle as a function of chemical potential, temperature and gap magnitude for the single layer transition metal dichalcogenides. The electronic excitations in these materials can be approximately regarded as two species of the massive or gapped fermions. Inside the smaller gap there is a region with zero density of states where the dependence of the entropy per particle on the chemical potential exhibits a huge dip-and-peak structure. The edge of the larger gap is accompanied by the discontinuity of the density of states that results in the peak in the dependence of the entropy per particle on the chemical potential. The specificity of the transition metal dichalcogenides makes possible the observation of these features at rather high temperatures order of 100 K. The influence of the uniaxial strain on the entropy per particle is discussed.
Introduction: local identity and transnational cults.
Authors: Giacalone F. , Griffin K.
Published: June 2018

This chapter contextualizes the book with a reflection on pilgrimage studies and their evolution in European literature. Following this, it outlines the book's overall structure and details the contributions of the various authors.
Continuity from local cult to 'accepted' ritual.
Authors: Spitilli G.
Published: June 2018

This chapter analyses the cult of the Madonna of Alno in Canzano, a rural town in the province of Teramo, Abruzzo (Italy), through an interpretation inspired by European religious ethnology and the anthropology of Christianity. An historical examination of this local cult reveals the complexity of the symbolic procedures and social strategies that govern the progressive definition of devotional practices, translating into ritual language the succession of political struggles and power relations between the urban elites, the local church and the rural population, as well as the continuity between liturgical and folk rituals.
Endovascular Treatment of Stroke
Authors: Binning Mandy J. , Felbaum Daniel R.
Published: June 2018

This chapter will review the main endovascular principles of ischemic stroke treatment. Endovascular therapy has been revolutionized by the advent of modern devices for thrombectomy. Class I evidence in multiple trials has proven that intravenous alteplase plus endovascular thrombectomy is superior to intravenous alteplase alone. The combination of these factors has advanced the standard of care for patients who present with acute ischemic stroke who are also found to have a large vessel occlusion and salvageable brain tissue. The chapter will include information based on recently concluded Class I trials and American Heart Association guidelines. The chapter will review available imaging, current guidelines, controversies surrounding endovascular thrombectomy, recent advances in thrombectomy devices, and recent management principles pertinent to the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Cases will be presented regarding diagnosis, management, and treatment paradigms currently being practiced.
Surgical Treatment of Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Ljubimov Vladimir , Dailey Travis , Agazzi Siviero
Published: June 2018

This chapter describes basic pathophysiology along with evidence-based indications for the decision-making process of medical versus surgical intervention in hemorrhagic strokes. Both the critical care management and surgical treatment of intracerebral and intraventricular hemorrhages, epidural and subdural hematomas, and subarachnoid hemorrhage are examined. The common completed landmark clinical trials, along with ongoing trials, of surgical treatment for intervention of hemorrhagic strokes are reviewed. The chapter concludes with two case-based treatment modalities and patient outcome. The following text is not a comprehensive guideline for the management of cerebral hemorrhages but rather a framework of principles supported through the literature for which to treat hemorrhagic stroke patients.
Sluggish cognitive tempo
Authors: Becker Stephen P. , Barkley Russell A.
Published: June 2018

Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) is characterized by excessive daydreaming, mental confusing and fogginess, and slowed behaviour/thinking. A brief history of the SCT construct is provided, followed by a review of the current research supporting SCT as distinct from ADHD and other psychopathologies. SCT is positively associated with ADHD inattentive symptoms, depression, anxiety, and daytime sleepiness, but is unassociated or negatively associated with externalizing behaviours such as hyperactivity-impulsivity, oppositionality, and aggression. A growing body of research also demonstrates that SCT is uniquely associated with poorer functioning in various domains of major life activities, including academic difficulties (including poor organization, homework problems, and lower grade point average), social problems (especially peer withdrawal and isolation), and emotion dysregulation. SCT is less clearly associated with most neuropsychological performance outcomes with the possible exceptions of sustained attention, processing speed, and motor speed.
Organizing and delivering treatment for ADHD
Authors: Coghill David , Danckaerts Marina
Published: June 2018

Following diagnosis, all children with ADHD will require some form of intervention, and most will require treatment over a relatively prolonged period of time. Whilst there are now several high-quality evidence-based guidelines for the management of ADHD, these are often difficult to operationalize into routine clinical practice and as a consequence studies report considerable variations in care at local, national, and international levels. We describe a structured, but flexible, approach to the organization and delivery of ADHD treatments that aims to optimize care and reduce variation in practice. This pathway pays particular attention to optimizing care through careful consideration of the initial targets for treatment and choice of first treatment, initiation and titration of medication treatments, monitoring ongoing care and identifying adverse events, and the adjustment and switching of treatments when outcomes are not optimal.
Professional nursing values
Authors: Flynn Maria , Mercer Dave
Published: June 2018

Health policy, legislation, and changing health priorities have always impacted on the way adult nursing is organized and delivered, and in the twenty-first century, the dominant discourse of professional nursing practice has shifted from one of ‘delivering nursing care’ to ‘working with people’. Across all service sectors, the way nurses work with people is shaped by professional and legal requirements and ethical principles and by their own personal values and beliefs. This chapter outlines the key features of the statutory framework in which UK nurses operate and also highlights the key values and responsibilities which underpin professional nursing practices.
Values-led nursing research
Authors: Flynn Maria , Mercer Dave
Published: June 2018

Nursing research is the mechanism by which the profession develops its theoretical knowledge, advances understanding, and tests ideas related to the practice of nursing. The conduct of nursing research always involves people, so all the nursing values, knowledge, and skills relevant to general nursing practice are also central to nursing research. There are large numbers of nurses who work with medical or other research teams, often recruiting people into biomedical studies or collecting samples. There are also academic nurses who focus their work on pushing the boundaries of nursing knowledge. General adult nurses may become involved in research when studies are being conducted in their clinical areas, or they may pursue their own research as part of their professional development. This chapter outlines the key values and principles of nursing research relevant to general adult nurses.
Medicines management
Authors: Flynn Maria , Mercer Dave
Published: June 2018

The administration of medicines, in both hospital and community settings, is a central part of the nursing role. All aspects of medicines management are regulated by international directives and UK law, and healthcare provider organizations all have local policies and procedures to ensure safety. Nursing practice is also bound by the standards for medicines management described by the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This chapter provides a general overview of key aspects of safe medicines management and outlines the NMC standards which frame this aspect of nursing work.
Communication in a healthcare context
Authors: Flynn Maria , Mercer Dave
Published: June 2018

This chapter highlights the centrality of good communication in healthcare generally, and nursing practice in particular. It is proposed that language use needs to be understood as more than just a means of speaking to another person, or a group of people, about some aspect of the care process. Though this is important and essential to effective decision-making and nursing interventions, practitioners need to understand the political dimensions of talk as discourse, of how language plays a performative part in constructing, as well as describing, the social/clinical world. Attention is given to the damaging, as well as productive, attributes of communication—where the euphemistic concept of ‘empowerment’ has to be critically addressed and enacted. The contribution of humanistic psychology to nursing practice is discussed through the core conditions of person-centered working. Verbal and non-verbal skills and behaviours to enact an empathic, genuine, and unconditional foundation for care are outlined. Finally, specialist knowledge and skills, expressed through ‘family intervention’ therapy, locate communication within wider social relations.
Clinical emergencies
Authors: Flynn Maria , Mercer Dave
Published: June 2018

An important part of nurse decision-making is the prompt and appropriate response to clinical emergencies, wherever these occur. In hospital environments, nurses are guided by local policies and protocols and have access to sophisticated medical equipment and facilities and help from other healthcare staff. The situation may be very different for nurses working in community settings or those who are ‘off duty’, yet they too are bound by the NMC Code to offer help in clinical emergencies. This chapter outlines key points relating to a range of life-threatening and more minor clinical emergencies, whether seen in hospital, community, or social settings. It also describes the basic principles of first aid or first-line treatments, and key nursing considerations in the emergency situations are described.
Leadership
Authors: Flynn Maria , Mercer Dave
Published: June 2018

There is an ongoing professional debate about the nature of effective nursing leadership. It is important that general adult nurses have an understanding of definitions and key principles of leadership, and the leadership skills and attributes which are relevant to nursing care delivery. Exploring these issues will support nurses in reflecting on their role and responsibilities, examining how, as a leader of care, they can enhance nursing practice and improve the patient experience. This chapter considers the broad principles of leadership which are relevant to general adult nurses and their practice.
Professional development
Authors: Flynn Maria , Mercer Dave
Published: June 2018

Achieving the highest standards of nursing practice necessitates an active commitment to learning and a continual and critical engagement with ideas about nursing and healthcare. The development of both individual nurses and the nursing profession requires learners and registered nurses to commit to the sharing of knowledge and experience and for all nurses to take opportunities to develop clinical and practical skills. Registered nurses also have a professional responsibility to support and guide learner nurses and colleagues, as they acquire and develop nursing values, knowledge, and skills. This chapter outlines the concepts of mentorship and preceptorship, revalidation, and nursing career development.
An Ethical Claim for Providing Medical Recommendations in Pediatric Intensive Care
Authors: Moynihan Katie M. , Jansen Melanie A. , Liaw Shih-Ning , Alexander Peta M. A. , Truog Robert D.
Published: June 2018

The Declaration of Geneva was recently revised to emphasize patient autonomy and the importance of clinicians sharing medical knowledge. This reflects the welcome evolution of the doctor-patient relationship from one of paternalism to more informed, shared decision-making. Unfortunately, there is an increasing trend for clinicians to avoid making recommendations, instead providing a “menu” of care options from which patients and families must choose. This seems to be underpinned by the belief that it is unacceptably paternalistic to give guidance as to which course of action may be best to take. In this article, we argue that there is an ethical imperative for doctors to provide medical recommendations. This is discussed with particular emphasis on the pediatric critical care setting, where autonomy and shared decision-making are especially complex. We outline how a failure to provide clinical recommendations represents inadequate shared decision-making and erodes the doctor-patient relationship, leading to suboptimal care, paradoxically decreasing respect for autonomy. We describe an approach through which doctors can avoid paternalism without placing an undue burden of decision-making on families. We assert that patients’ interests are best served by clinicians taking an active, relational role in shared decision-making, including exploration of values and giving explicit medical recommendations for care.
Dermatologic Manifestations of Colchicine Intoxication
Authors: Gürkan Asuman , Oğuz Melahat Melek , Boduroğlu Cengiz Esin , Şenel Saliha
Published: June 2018

Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug that has a narrow therapeutic index. Poisoning typically shows 3 phases with systemic symptoms. Gastrointestinal symptoms dominate in the first phase. Dermatologic manifestations usually appear, with skin eruptions in the second phase where multiorgan failure occurs and alopecia in the third phase where organ derangements resolve. Alopecia is a cardinal feature of the third phase, but there is no specifically defined eruption for toxication. Here, we report a case of colchicine intoxication in a 16-year-old girl with maculopapular/purpuric rash and alopecia.
Effects of Glucocorticoids on Hospitalized Children With Anaphylaxis
Authors: Okubo Yusuke , Michihata Nobuaki , Morisaki Naho , Yoshida Koichi , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: June 2018

Background

The benefits of glucocorticoid treatment and recent trends of adjunctive treatments during episodes of anaphylaxis remain unclear.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to investigate the recent practice patterns and compare the effects of glucocorticoid for children hospitalized with anaphylaxis.

Methods

Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database, we compared the length of hospital stay, risk of 10-day readmission, and total hospitalization cost between the steroid and nonsteroid groups. We also evaluated recent trends of adjunctive treatments for anaphylaxis.

Results

From 2010 to 2014, the proportions of H1-receptor antagonist use increased from 65.1% to 71.8% (P
trend = 0.02). The proportions of H2-receptor antagonist use showed an upward trend, ranging from 12.8% to 16.7% (P
trend = 0.01). No significant change in glucocorticoid use was observed (from 86.7% to 82.6%; P
trend = 0.08). Stabilized inverse probability-weighting analyses showed that the total length of hospital stay was 0.39 days longer in the steroid group than in the nonsteroid group (95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.49 days). Total hospitalization cost was greater in the steroid group than in the nonsteroid group (difference, ¥3896; 95% confidence interval, ¥2464–¥5562). No significant difference in risk of 10-day readmission was observed between the groups. Instrumental variable analyses showed similar results to stabilized inverse probability-weighting analyses.

Conclusions

We observed increasing trends of H1- and H2-receptor antagonist use. Length of hospital stay and total hospitalization cost were greater in the steroid group than in the nonsteroid group, whereas readmission risks were similar between the 2 groups.
Isolation of colonization-defective Escherichia coli mutants reveals critical requirement for fatty acids in bacterial colony formation
Authors: Nosho Kazuki , Yasuhara Koji , Ikehata Yuto , Mii Tomohiro , Ishige Taichiro , Yajima Shunsuke , Hidaka Makoto , Ogawa Tetsuhiro , Masaki Haruhiko
Published: June 2018

Most bacterial cells in nature exhibit extremely low colony-forming activity, despite showing various signs of viability, impeding the isolation and utilization of many bacterial resources. However, the general causes responsible for this state of low colony formation are largely unknown. Because liquid cultivation typically yields more bacterial cell cultures than traditional solid cultivation, we hypothesized that colony formation requires one or more specific gene functions that are dispensable or less important for growth in liquid media. To verify our hypothesis and reveal the genetic background limiting colony formation among bacteria in nature, we isolated Escherichia coli mutants that had decreased frequencies of colony formation but could grow in liquid medium from a temperature-sensitive mutant collection. Mutations were identified in fabB, which is essential for the synthesis of long unsaturated fatty acids. We then constructed a fabB deletion mutant in a wild-type background. Detailed behavioural analysis of the mutant revealed that under fatty acid-limited conditions, colony formation on solid media was more sensitively and seriously impaired than growth in liquid media. Furthermore, growth under partial inhibition of fatty acid synthesis with cerulenin or triclosan brought about similar phenotypes, not only in E. coli but also in Bacillus subtilis and Corynebacterium glutamicum. These results indicate that fatty acids have a critical importance in colony formation and that depletion of fatty acids in the environment partly accounts for the low frequency of bacterial colony formation.
Chronic estrus disrupts uterine gland development and homeostasis
Authors: Stewart C. Allison , Stewart M. David , Wang Ying , Liang Rui , Liu Yu , Behringer Richard R.
Published: June 2018

Female mice homozygous for an engineered Gnrhr E90K mutation have reduced gonadotropin-releasing hormone signaling, leading to infertility. Their ovaries have numerous antral follicles but no corpora lutea, indicating a block to ovulation. These mutants have high levels of circulating estradiol and low progesterone, indicating a state of persistent estrus. This mouse model provided a unique opportunity to examine the lack of cyclic levels of ovarian hormones on uterine gland biology. Although uterine gland development appeared similar to controls during prepubertal development, it was compromised during adolescence in the mutants. By 20 weeks of age, uterine gland development was comparable to controls, but pathologies, including squamous neoplasia, tubal neoplasia, and cribriform glandular structures, were observed. Induction of ovulations by periodic human chorionic gonadotropin treatment did not rescue post-pubertal uterine gland development. Interestingly, progesterone receptor knockout mice, which lack progesterone signaling, also have defects in post-pubertal uterine gland development. However, progesterone treatment did not rescue post-pubertal uterine gland development. These studies indicate that chronically elevated levels of estradiol with low progesterone and therefore an absence of cyclic ovarian hormone secretion disrupts post-pubertal uterine gland development and homeostasis.
A small single-domain protein folds through the same pathway on- and off- the ribosome
Authors: Guinn Emily J. , Tian Pengfei , Shin Mia , Best Robert B. , Marqusee Susan
Published: June 2018

In vivo, proteins fold and function in a complex environment where they are subject to many stresses that can modulate protein energy landscapes. One aspect of the environment pertinent to protein folding is the ribosome, since proteins have the opportunity to fold while still bound to the ribosome during translation. We use a combination of force and chemical denaturant (chemo-mechanical unfolding), as well as point mutations, to characterize the folding mechanism of the src SH3 domain both as a stalled ribosome nascent chain and free in solution. Our results indicate that src SH3 folds through the same pathway on and off the ribosome. Molecular simulations also indicate that the ribosome does not affect the folding pathway for this small protein. Taken together, we conclude that the ribosome does not alter the folding mechanism of this small protein, which appears to fold at the mouth of the ribosome as the protein emerges from the exit tunnel. These results, if general, suggest the ribosome may exert a bigger influence on the folding of multi-domain proteins or protein domains that can partially fold before the entire domain sequence is outside the ribosome exit tunnel.
Genome-wide analysis of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 modifications throughout the mouse urogenital ridge at E11.5
Authors: Yang Yisheng , Wilson Megan J
Published: June 2018

In mammals, the adrenal gland, testis and ovary arise from a common progenitor tissue known as the urogenital ridge (UGR). This small population of cells will adopt a number of different cell fates following sex determination, including forming the precursors of somatic cells (such as Sertoli and granulosa cells) and steroidogenic cells. In addition, this tissues also contains the Wolffian and Müllerian ducts that later form components of the reproductive tracts. A potential mechanism to maintain developmental plasticity of the UGR until gonad formation is through the epigenetic modification of histone proteins.

In order to provide a resource for future studies, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) for two histone modifications, H3K4me3 and H3K27me3, in the E11.5 mouse UGR. These marks are both known to reflect the active, repressive or a poised chromatin state. We found that enrichment for each histone mark reflected transcriptional activity in precursor cells of the developing gonad. From the analysis of potential enhancer/regulator peak regions for DNA binding motifs, we identified several candidate transcription factors that may contribute to gonadal cell lineage specification. We additionally identified signaling pathway genes that are targeted by both chromatin modifications. Together, these datasets provide a useful resource for investigating gene regulatory networks functioning during UGR development at E11.5.
Cell-Type Selective Markers Represented in Whole-Kidney RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Clark Jevin Z. , Chen Lihe , Chou Chung-Lin , Jung Hyun Jun , Lee Jae Wook , Knepper Mark A.
Published: June 2018

Bulk-tissue RNA-Seq is seeing increasing use in the study of physiological and pathophysiological processes in the kidney. However, the presence of multiple cell types in kidney complicates the data interpretation. Here we address the question, “What cell types are represented in whole-kidney RNA-Seq data?” to identify circumstances in which bulk-kidney RNA-Seq can be successfully interpreted. We carried out RNA-Seq in mouse whole kidneys and microdissected renal tubule segments. To aid in the interpretation of the data, we compiled a database of cell-type selective protein markers for 43 cell types believed to be present in kidney tissue. The whole-kidney RNA-Seq analysis identified transcripts corresponding to 17742 genes, distributed over 5 orders of magnitude of expression level. Markers for all 43 curated cell types were detectable. Analysis of the cellular makeup of mouse and rat kidney, calculated from published literature, suggests that proximal tubule cells account for more than half of the mRNA in a kidney. Comparison of RNA-Seq data from microdissected proximal tubules with whole-kidney data supports this view. RNA-Seq data for cell-type selective markers in bulk-kidney samples provide a valid means to identify changes in minority-cell abundances in kidney tissue. Because proximal tubules make up a substantial fraction of whole-kidney samples, changes in proximal tubule gene expression can be assessed presumptively by bulk-kidney RNA-Seq, although results could potentially be obscured by the presence of mRNA from other cell types. The dominance of proximal tubule cells in whole-kidney samples also has implications for the interpretation of single-cell RNA-Seq data.
A “catch-22”: self-inflicted failure of GCC nationalization policies
Authors: Alfarhan Usamah F. , Al-Busaidi Samir
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain prevalent earnings differentials in Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC’s) private sectors between skilled local and migrant labor and provide estimates of potential price distortions to underlie future market-based corrective policies that increase participation of locals in private employment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an individual-level data set on workers’ earnings and productivity-related characteristics to decompose estimated earnings differentials at the mean level and at various percentiles of the earnings distribution via well-established decomposition approaches.

Findings

Results show that the real earnings differential between locals and Asians decreases at higher earnings, while that between locals and non-GCC Arabs are relatively stable. Both are characterized by overpayment of locals, that is, self-inflicted by current nationalization policies. Higher earnings of Westerners are due to their superior productivity-related characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the lack of official individual-level data on workers’ productivity-related characteristics, this paper is compelled to utilize an open-source primary data set. Despite the data set’s ability to reproduce officially published aggregates and produce sound econometric results, findings are not entirely proof against sampling bias.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates that the failure of GCC’s nationalization policies is self-inflicted by the current quota system and by the lack of legislative frameworks that ensure equal pay for equal work. Effective nationalization ought to be market based, rather than by fiat.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to analyze GCC’s private earnings differentials at the individual level and provides micro-econometric evidence on existing price distortions.
Bullying and an unfavourable working environment
Authors: Meriläinen Matti , Kõiv Kristi
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to reveal the relationship between perceived bullying and the features of a favourable working environment; and second, to indicate bullying factors that especially worsen the working environment and working environment factors that contribute to the bullying experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

In Spring 2014, 864 staff members—including teachers, researchers, administrators, project workers and service staff—from nine Estonian universities answered an e-mail questionnaire.

Findings

It was revealed that “professional understating”, “unreasonable work-related demands” and “work-related malpractice” are forms of bullying that negatively affect the working atmosphere. “Appreciation”, “vertical trust”, “predictability” and “quality of leadership” are working environment factors that contribute to the experiences of bullying. Experiences of “professional understating” seem to reduce feelings related to all features of a favourable working atmosphere. A lack of “appreciation” appears to be a key environment feature that also plays a role in workplace bullying.

Research limitations/implications

In Estonian universities, first, “professional understating” negatively affects the feelings of “appreciation”; in contrast, a lack of “appreciation” contributes to feelings of “professional understating”. Second, “unreasonable work-related demands” is a sign of a shortage of “vertical trust” and the opposite of “trust” between management and employees, which obviously decreases perceived “workload”. The present results can be applied in at least three contexts: cultural and institutional studies, leadership practices and personal work control.

Originality/value

The detailed examination showed that it is possible to reveal certain bullying factors that specifically affect certain environment factors and find out particular working environment features that contribute specifically to certain kinds of bullying.
Factors Associated With Patient Involvement in Emergency Care Decisions: A Secondary Analysis of the Chest Pain Choice Multicenter Randomized Trial
Authors: Probst Marc A. , Tschatscher Craig F. , Lohse Christine M. , Fernanda Bellolio M. , Hess Erik P.
Published: June 2018

Background

Shared decision making in the emergency department (ED) can increase patient engagement for patients presenting with chest pain. However, little is known regarding which factors are associated with actual patient involvement in decision making or patients’ desired involvement in emergency care decisions. We examined which factors were associated with patients’ actual and desired involvement in decision making among ED chest pain patients.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized trial of a shared decision‐making intervention in ED patients with low‐risk chest pain. We evaluated the degree to which patients were involved in decision making using the OPTION‐12 (observing patient involvement) scale and patients’ reported desire for involvement in decision making using the Control Preferences Scale (CPS). We measured the associations of patient factors with OPTION‐12 and CPS scores using multivariable regression.

Results

Of the 898 patients enrolled, mean (±SD) age was 51.5 (±11.4) years and 59% were female. Multivariable analysis revealed that only two factors were significantly associated with OPTION‐12 scores: study site and use of the decision aid. OPTION‐12 scores were 10.3 (standard error = 0.6) points higher for patients randomized to the decision aid compared to usual care (p < 0.001). Higher health literacy was associated with lower scores on the CPS, indicating greater desire for involvement (odds ratio = 0.91, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients’ reported desire for involvement in decision making was higher among those with higher health literacy. After study site and other potential confounding factors were adjusted for, only use of the decision aid was associated with observed patient involvement in decision making. As the science and practice of shared decision making in the ED moves toward implementation, high‐fidelity integration of the decision aid into the flow of care will be necessary to realize desired outcomes.