bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migraine is associated with better cognition in the middle‐aged and elderly: the Rotterdam Study
Authors: Wen K. , Nguyen N. T. , Hofman A. , Ikram M. A. , Franco O. H.
Published: June 2016

Background and purpose

Converging evidence suggests that migraine has, in part, a vascular basis. In turn, vascular pathology is a strong risk factor for cognitive decline. In this population‐based study, we studied cognition amongst individuals with and without migraine.

Methods

In 6708 participants of the Rotterdam Study, migraine was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Cognition was assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a dedicated cognitive test battery. Participants were classified as non‐migraineurs (n = 5399), migraineurs (n = 1021) or probable migraineurs (n = 288). Multivariable linear regression was used to cross‐sectionally evaluate the association between migraine and cognition, adjusting for age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors. Additionally, we stratified the analysis by sex and by migraine subtype.

Results

Migraineurs had higher mean MMSE scores [unstandardized regression coefficient 0.21, (95% confidence interval, 0.08; 0.34)] and global cognition [0.10 (0.04; 0.15)] than non‐migraineurs. This difference was particularly marked for migraineurs with aura [MMSE: 0.39 (0.13; 0.66); global cognition: 0.13 (0.01; 0.24)]. Migraineurs performed better on tests of executive function and fine motor skills amongst specific cognitive domains. The difference in MMSE between migraineurs and non‐migraineurs was greater in women [0.25 (0.10; 0.40)] than in men [0.13 (−0.15; 0.40)], whereas the difference in global cognition was similar in men and women [0.15 (0.04; 0.27) and 0.09 (0.02; 0.15), respectively].

Conclusions

Migraineurs, particularly migraineurs with aura, tend to score higher in cognition tests than non‐migraineurs. More studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
Cortical sensorimotor alterations classify clinical phenotype and putative genotype of spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Battistella G. , Fuertinger S. , Fleysher L. , Ozelius L. J. , Simonyan K.
Published: June 2016

Background and purpose

Spasmodic dysphonia (SD), or laryngeal dystonia, is a task‐specific isolated focal dystonia of unknown causes and pathophysiology. Although functional and structural abnormalities have been described in this disorder, the influence of its different clinical phenotypes and genotypes remains scant, making it difficult to explain SD pathophysiology and to identify potential biomarkers.

Methods

We used a combination of independent component analysis and linear discriminant analysis of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data to investigate brain organization in different SD phenotypes (abductor versus adductor type) and putative genotypes (familial versus sporadic cases) and to characterize neural markers for genotype/phenotype categorization.

Results

We found abnormal functional connectivity within sensorimotor and frontoparietal networks in patients with SD compared with healthy individuals as well as phenotype‐ and genotype‐distinct alterations of these networks, involving primary somatosensory, premotor and parietal cortices. The linear discriminant analysis achieved 71% accuracy classifying SD and healthy individuals using connectivity measures in the left inferior parietal and sensorimotor cortices. When categorizing between different forms of SD, the combination of measures from the left inferior parietal, premotor and right sensorimotor cortices achieved 81% discriminatory power between familial and sporadic SD cases, whereas the combination of measures from the right superior parietal, primary somatosensory and premotor cortices led to 71% accuracy in the classification of adductor and abductor SD forms.

Conclusions

Our findings present the first effort to identify and categorize isolated focal dystonia based on its brain functional connectivity profile, which may have a potential impact on the future development of biomarkers for this rare disorder.
Bioavailability and bioequivalence comparison of brivaracetam 10, 50, 75, and 100 mg tablets and 100 mg intravenous bolus
Authors: Stockis Armel , Hartstra Jan , Mollet Muriel , Hadi Salah
Published: June 2016

Objective

To determine the bioequivalence of brivaracetam oral tablet formulations (10, 75, and 100 mg) versus 50 mg oral tablet and to compare the bioavailability of brivaracetam 100 mg intravenous (i.v.) bolus versus 50 and 100 mg tablets, in healthy participants.

Methods

Phase 1, randomized, open‐label, five‐period crossover study. Participants received five single doses of brivaracetam: 10, 50 (reference), 75, and 100 mg oral tablets; 100 mg, i.v., bolus injection. Pharmacokinetic parameters (maximum plasma concentration [Cmax], area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time zero to the time of last quantifiable concentration [AUCt], area under the plasma concentration‐time curve extrapolated to infinity [AUCinf]) were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) following dose normalization and logarithmic transformation. Bioavailability comparisons were based on the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) around the geometric least squares mean ratios (test: reference).

Results

Twenty‐five participants were randomized. The 90% CIs around Cmax, AUCt, and AUCinf ratios for brivaracetam 10, 75, and 100 mg tablets versus 50 mg tablet were entirely contained within the bioequivalence limits (0.8000–1.2500). For brivaracetam 100 mg, i.v., bolus, bioequivalence versus 50 and 100 mg tablets was met for AUCt and AUCinf, but Cmax was partly outside the limits (90% CI: 1.1867–1.3863 and 1.1222–1.3136, respectively).

Significance

Brivaracetam 10, 75, and 100 mg tablets were bioequivalent to the 50 mg tablet. Brivaracetam 100 mg, i.v., bolus had bioavailability similar to that of 50 and 100 mg tablets.
Does status epilepticus induced at early postnatal period change excitability after cortical epileptic afterdischarges?
Authors: Mareš Pavel , Kubová Hana
Published: June 2016

Possible changes of cortical excitability after status epilepticus (SE) elicited in 12‐day‐old rats were studied by means of paired cortical afterdischarges (ADs). Consequences of lithium‐pilocarpine status were studied in animals with implanted electrodes 3, 6, 9, 13, and 26 days after SE. Paired low‐frequency stimulation with a 1‐min interval was repeated after 10 min, and duration of ADs was measured. Control rats received saline instead of pilocarpine; other treatments were the same as in SE group. Postictal refractoriness (i.e., the testing response significantly shorter than the conditioning one) appeared at the age of 18 days in lithium‐paraldehyde controls, whereas SE animals exhibited this phenomenon since postnatal day 21. The only significant difference between SE and lithium‐paraldehyde controls was found in the second conditioning AD in the oldest group studied–it was longer in 38‐day‐old SE animals. Our results demonstrated moderate signs of higher excitability of SE rats in comparison with control ones long before appearance of spontaneous seizures.
Influences of ocean conditions and feeding ecology on the survival of juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: Hertz E. , Trudel M. , Tucker S. , Beacham T.D. , Parken C. , Mackas D. , Mazumder A.
Published: June 2016

Recruitment variability in many fish populations is postulated to be influenced by climatic and oceanographic variability. However, a mechanistic understanding of the influence of specific variables on recruitment is generally lacking. Feeding ecology is one possible mechanism that more directly links ocean conditions and recruitment. We test this mechanism using juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) collected off the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, in 2000–2009. Stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C), an indicator of temperature or primary productivity, and nitrogen (δ15N), an indicator of trophic position, were taken from muscle tissues of genetically stock‐identified salmon. We also collated large‐scale climate indices (e.g., Pacific Decadal Oscillation, North Pacific Gyre Oscillation), local climate variables (e.g., sea surface temperature) and copepod community composition across these years. We used a Bayesian network to determine how ocean conditions influenced feeding ecology, and subsequent survival rates. We found that smolt survival of Chinook Salmon is predicted by their δ13C value, but not their δ15N. In turn, large‐scale climate variability determined the δ13C values of salmon, thus linking climate to survival through feeding ecology, likely through qualities propagated from the base of the food chain.
Care models in the management of haemophilia: a systematic review
Authors: Yeung C. H. T. , Santesso N. , Pai M. , Kessler C. , Key N. S. , Makris M. , Navarro‐Ruan T. , Soucie J. M. , Schünemann H. J. , Iorio A.
Published: June 2016

Background

Haemophilia care is commonly provided via multidisciplinary specialized management. To date, there has been no systematic assessment of the impact of haemophilia care delivery models on patient‐important outcomes.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of published studies assessing the effects of the integrated care model for persons with haemophilia (PWH).

Search methods

We searchedMEDLINE,EMBASEandCINAHLup to April 22, 2015, contacted experts in the field, and reviewed reference lists.

Selection criteria

Randomized and non‐randomized studies ofPWHor carriers, focusing mainly on the assessment of care models on delivery.

Data collection and analysis

Two investigators independently screened title, abstract, and full text of retrieved articles for inclusion. Risk of bias and overall quality of evidence was assessed using Cochrane'sACROBAT‐NRSItool andGRADErespectively. Relative risks, mean differences, proportions, and means and their variability were calculated as appropriate.

Results

27 non‐randomized studies were included: eight comparative and 19 non‐comparative studies. We found low‐ to very low‐quality evidence that in comparison to other models of care, integrated care may reduce mortality, hospitalizations and emergency room visits, may lead to fewer missed days of school and work, and may increase knowledge seeking.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive review found low‐ to very low‐quality evidence from a limited number of non‐randomized studies assessing the impact of haemophilia care models on some patient‐important outcomes. While the available evidence suggests that adoption of the integrated care model may provide benefit toPWH, further high‐quality research in the field is needed.
Understanding stakeholder important outcomes and perceptions of equity, acceptability and feasibility of a care model for haemophilia management in the US: a qualitative study
Authors: Lane S. J. , Sholapur N. S. , Yeung C. H. T. , Iorio A. , Heddle N. M. , Sholzberg M. , Pai M.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Care for persons with haemophilia (PWH) is most commonly delivered through the integrated care model used by Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs). Although this model is widely accepted as the gold standard for the management of haemophilia; there is little evidence comparing different care models.

Aim

We performed a qualitative study to gain insight into issues related to outcomes, acceptability, equity and feasibility of different care models operating in the US.

Methods

We used a qualitative descriptive approach with semi‐structured interviews. Purposive sampling was used to recruit individuals with experience providing or receiving care for haemophilia in the US through either an integrated care centre, a specialty pharmacy or homecare company, or by a specialist in a non‐specialized centre. Persons with haemophilia, parents of PWH aged ≤18, healthcare providers, insurance company representatives and policy developers were invited to participate.

Results and Conclusions

Twenty‐nine interviews were conducted with participants representing 18 US states. Participants in the study sample had experience receiving or providing care predominantly within an HTC setting. Integrated care at HTCs was highly acceptable to participants, who appreciated the value of specialized, expert care in a multidisciplinary team setting. Equity and feasibility issues were primarily related to health insurance and funding limitations. Additional research is required to document the impact of care on health and psychosocial outcomes and identify effective ways to facilitate equitable access to haemophilia treatment and care.
Patient involvement in rheumatology outpatient service design and delivery: a case study
Authors: de Souza Savia , Galloway James , Simpson Carol , Chura Radka , Dobson Joanne , Gullick Nicola J. , Steer Sophia , Lempp Heidi
Published: June 2016

Background

Patient involvement is increasingly recognized as important within the UK National Health Service to ensure that services delivered are relevant to users’ needs. Organizations are encouraged to work with service users to achieve excellence in care. Patient education can improve health outcomes and reduce health‐care costs. Mobile technologies could play a vital role in this.

Aim

Patient‐centred development of innovative strategies to improve the experience of rheumatology outpatients.

Case study

The Group Rheumatology Initiative Involving Patients (GRIIP) project was set up in 2013 as a joint venture between patients, clinicians, academics and management at a London hospital. The project saw (i) the formation of an independent patient group which provided suggestions for service improvement – outcomes included clearer signs in the outpatient waiting area, extended phlebotomy opening hours and better access to podiatry; (ii) a rolling patient educational evening programme initiated in 2014 with topics chosen by patient experts – feedback has been positive and attendance continues to grow; and (iii) a mobile application (app) co‐designed with patients launched in 2015 which provides relevant information for outpatient clinic attendees and data capture for clinicians – downloads have steadily increased as users adopt this new technology.

Conclusion

Patients can effectively contribute to service improvement provided they are supported, respected as equals, and the organization is willing to undergo a cultural change.
Genetic structure among remnant populations of a migratory passerine, the Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Authors: van Oosten H. Herman , Mueller Jakob C. , Ottenburghs Jente , Both Christiaan , Kempenaers Bart
Published: June 2016

Continuous animal populations often become fragmented due to anthropogenic habitat alterations. These small, fragmented populations are fragile due to demographic and genetic factors, whereas immigration can enhance their long‐term viability. Previously, we showed that high philopatry affected the local dynamics of three small and remnant subpopulations of Northern Wheatears in The Netherlands. Here, we show that these three populations together with an additional larger population in the European lowlands are highly genetically differentiated based on 22 microsatellite markers. In contrast, we found no evidence for differentiation using two mitochondrial DNA markers. An IMa2 analysis indicates that gene flow has occurred regularly among our sampled populations. As immigration of colour‐ringed birds among our sampled populations is rare at best, our results suggest that the populations have recently become isolated from one another. Low dispersal rates in highly mobile birds may occur when suitable habitat becomes highly fragmented, and will accentuate stochastic demographic processes and inbreeding, both reducing population viability. As dispersal rates are low among populations of Northern Wheatears in The Netherlands, there is only a small probability of recolonization of habitat patches where populations have become locally extinct.
Nest‐dwelling ectoparasites reduce begging effort in Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca nestlings
Authors: Moreno‐Rueda Gregorio , Redondo Tomás , Ochoa David , Camacho Carlos , Canal David , Potti Jaime
Published: June 2016

Parasitized nestlings might be expected to increase begging effort to obtain additional resources to compensate for those sequestered by their parasites. However, begging is costly and chicks harbouring parasites may find it more difficult to attain high begging levels. Consequently, we predicted that, for the same level of nutritional need, nestlings that are parasitized will invest less in begging than those that are not parasitized. We tested this prediction by measuring begging in Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca nestlings parasitized with haematophagous mites Dermanyssus gallinoides and Dermanyssus gallinae and blowfly larvae Protocalliphora azurea, and subjected to different levels of food deprivation in order to control for short‐term nutritional need. Nestlings from nests with ectoparasites spent less time begging than those from nests without parasites, especially when very hungry, although there was no association with latency to beg or begging intensity. Our results suggest that time invested in begging may indicate not only the level of need, but also nestling parasitism status.
Structural Control of NiO–YSZ/LSCF–YSZ Dual‐Layer Hollow Fiber Membrane for Potential Syngas Production
Authors: Mohamed Mohd Hilmi , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Abd Mutalib Muhazri , Rahman Mukhlis , Jaafar Juhana , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Mohamed Dzahir Mohd Irfan Hatim
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study was to fabricate dual‐layer hollow fiber as a microreactor for potential syngas production via phase inversion‐based co‐extrusion/cosintering process. As the main challenge of phase inversion is the difficulty to obtain defect‐free fiber, this work focuses on the effect of the fabrication parameters, that is, nonsolvent content, sintering temperature and outer‐layer extrusion rate, on the macrostructure of the produced hollow fiber. SEM images confirm that the addition of nonsolvent has successfully minimized the finger‐like formation. At high sintering temperature, more dense hollow fiber was formed while outer‐layer extrusion rate affects the outer layer thickness.
Cautionary tales in the interpretation of observational studies of effects of clinical interventions
Authors: Scott I. A , Attia J.
Published: June 2016

Observational studies of the effectiveness of clinical interventions are proliferating as more ‘real‐world’ clinical data (so called ‘big data’) are gathered from clinical registries, administrative datasets and electronic health records. While well‐conducted randomised controlled trials (RCT) remain the scientific standard in assessing the efficacy of clinical interventions, well‐designed observational studies may add to the evidence base of effectiveness in situations where RCT are of limited value or very difficult to perform. Rather than dismissing observational studies, we need to determine what circumstances may justify doing an observational study and when the study is sufficiently rigorous to be considered reasonably trustworthy. This article proposes criteria by which users of the literature might make such determinations.
Impact of transformational leadership on nurse work outcomes
Authors: Brewer Carol S. , Kovner Christine T. , Djukic Maja , Fatehi Farida , Greene William , Chacko Thomas P. , Yang Yulin
Published: June 2016

Aims

To examine the effect of transformational leadership on early career nurses' intent to stay, job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

Background

Lack of leadership support is one of the top reasons staff nurses leave. Current studies reported mixed results about the impact of transformational leadership on key nurse outcomes. However, little is known whether leadership directly or indirectly affects satisfaction, organizational commitment and intent to stay.

Design

This study was a cross‐sectional study of nurses who had been licensed for 7·5‐8·5 years which was part of a 10‐year longitudinal panel design.

Methods

The analytic sample was 1037 nationally representative newly licensed Registered Nurses. Data were collected from January–March 2013. We used a probit model to model the relationship between transformational leadership and intent to stay, organizational commitment and job satisfaction.

Results

Transformational leadership did not have a significant impact on intent to stay and job satisfaction, but significantly associated with organizational commitment. Organizational commitment, job satisfaction, mentor support, promotional opportunities and age were positively associated with intent to stay, while ethnicity, non‐local job opportunities and work settings were negatively associated with intent to stay.

Conclusions

Transformational leadership had no direct relationship with intent to stay and job satisfaction and had a small direct positive effect on organizational commitment. Transformational leadership has potential to slow attrition and retain nurses by creating a positive work environment that supports nurses. Any improvement in job satisfaction and organizational commitment would positively increase the change in probability for intent to stay.
TOX expression and role in CTCL
Authors: McGirt L.Y. , Degesys C.A. , Johnson V.E. , Zic J.A. , Zwerner J.P. , Eischen C.M.
Published: June 2016

Background

Cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCL) are skin malignancies including mycosis fungoides (MF) and CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD). In early disease, CTCL can be difficult to diagnose, especially in MF for which there is no reliable diagnostic marker. MF/CTCL have increased expression of thymocyte selection‐associated HMG box protein (TOX). Although TOX has been proposed to be a diagnostic marker for MF, further validation studies are needed. Moreover, it is unclear what drives TOX expression or its role in MF/CTCL.

Objective

We hypothesize evaluation of TOX levels across a spectrum of CTCL, including MF precursor (large plaque parapsoriasis, LPP), will help elucidate the implications of altered TOX expression.

Materials and Methods

TOX staining was performed in MF, CD30+ LPD, LPP as well as benign inflammatory dermatoses (BID) and normal skin (NS). CTCL cell lines were utilized to evaluate the regulation of TOX.

Results

Positive TOX expression was identified in 73.6% of MF cases and in 31.6% of BID/NS. TOX had a positive predictive value (PPV) for MF of 86.7% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 48.1%. TOX expression in MF was detected more commonly in Black patients (P = 0.015) and less commonly in transformed MF (P = 0.045). LPP had positive TOX staining in 70.0%. In CTCL cells, GATA3 knockdown decreased TOX mRNA and protein expression. TOX expression also decreased in the presence of CTCL therapeutics.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that TOX is useful as a diagnostic marker in MF. Moreover, TOX expression was evident in LPP, indicating it may have a previously unappreciated role in the development of MF. Finally, our data suggest that GATA3 regulates TOX, revealing insight into TOX regulation.
Differential susceptibility and suitability of domestic and wild apple species for a florivorous weevil and its parasitoids
Authors: Knuff A. K. , Obermaier E. , Mody K.
Published: June 2016

Crop plant domestication can change plant resistance to herbivores leading to differences in pest pressure experienced by crop plants and their wild relatives. To compare resistance to herbivores between domesticated and wild fruit trees, we quantified direct resistance and indirect resistance to a pest insect, the florivorous apple blossom weevil Anthonomus pomorum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), for the cultivated apple Malus domestica and two wild apple species, the European crab apple M. sylvestris and the exotic M. kirghisorum. We measured weevil infestation and performance (weight, sex ratio), and weevil parasitism by parasitoid wasps for different cultivars of M. domestica and for the two wild apple species. To explain weevil and parasitoid responses to different apple species, we quantified tree characteristics including nitrogen content, size of flower buds, bark roughness, tree size, tree phenology and tree position. We found significant differences in susceptibility to weevil infestation between apple species, with lowest infestation (highest apple resistance) in M. domestica and highest infestation in M. kirghisorum. The suitability of apple species also varied significantly: weevils emerging from M. sylvestris were significantly lighter than those from M. kirghisorum. Parasitism of A. pomorum by different parasitoid species was significantly higher in M. sylvestris than in M. domestica. Infestation, weevil weight and parasitism were positively related to tree characteristics: infestation to bud nitrogen content and bark roughness, weevil size to nitrogen content and bud size, and parasitism to tree height and bud density. Our study revealed marked differences between apple species in susceptibility and suitability for the pest herbivore, but also for antagonistic parasitoids. Whereas direct resistance appeared to be higher in cultivated apple, indirect resistance via parasitoids was apparently higher in wild apple trees. Our findings suggest that wild and cultivated apple trees possess different resistance traits that may be combined to optimize resistance in commercial apple cultivars.
Should cell‐free fetal DNA be included in first trimester screening (FTS) for common trisomy? A possible scenario on 6697 women screened over 10 years
Authors: Rosignoli Lucia , Tonni Gabriele
Published: June 2016

Objective

The primary aim was to determine the performance of the first trimester screening (FTS) test in a general obstetrics population. Cost‐benefit analysis of a hypothetic model based on implementation of the FTS test by cell‐free fetal (cff) DNA was calculated.

Methods

A total of 6697 women were screened using FTS test. A two‐step strategy based upon nuchal translucency, serum screening and ultrasound assessment of nasal bone (NB) was applied. Three groups were identified (high‐risk: >1:250; intermediate‐risk: 1:251–1:999 and low‐risk group: <1:1000). Women at intermediate‐risk (1:251–1:999) underwent NB assessment and recalculation of individual risk. All women at high‐risk were offered fetal karyotyping.

Results

A total of 321 women (4.8%) resulted at high‐risk while 480 women (7.1%) with intermediate‐risk underwent assessment of the NB, which was absent in 15 fetuses. Overall, 54 aneuploidies were detected for a 96.4% sensitivity, a 96.1% specificity, a 99.9% negative predictive value and a false positive rate of 4.8%. Audit was conducted on a yearly basis and lost to follow up was 0.47% (32 cases).

Conclusions

Public health system would not be able to cover the cost of including cff DNA in women undergoing first trimester screening on universal basis. However, assuming a possible scenario based on implementation of FTS by cff DNA in women at high‐risk would result in a 6‐fold reduction in the number of invasive procedures while avoiding two false negative results (trisomy 21) that were diagnosed in women with intermediate‐risk using current screening strategy by combined test.
Variability of intravenous medication preparation in Australian and New Zealand intensive care units
Authors: Levkovich Bianca J. , Bui Thuy , Bovell Alastair , Watterson Jason , Egan Annette , Poole Susan G. , Dooley Michael J.
Published: June 2016

Rationale, aim and objective

In Australia and New Zealand, there are no established standards for the final presentations of prepared intravenous medications in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).

Variability has the potential to contribute to deficiencies in safety, efficiency and cost effectiveness. This study aimed to examine the variability in the preparation of intravenous medications in ICUs.

Methods

An electronic survey was distributed to critical care pharmacists in Australia and New Zealand via an established email group. The preparation of vasopressors, inotropes, sedation, analgesia, heparin, insulin and neuromuscular blockers were examined. Respondents were asked about initial presentation, final concentration prepared, who prepared and current safety practices used. Questions also addressed opinions and attitudes to safety practices and responsibility for leading change.

Results

Forty responses to the survey were received, representing 17% of ICUs in Australia and New Zealand. Significant variation in final concentration was observed for all infusions except insulin and esmolol. The final volumes varied significantly for all drugs. The majority of infusions were prepared by nursing staff with only a small number of pre‐prepared presentations currently in use. Labelling was usually hand‐written with some colour‐coding. Most respondents identified safety and efficiency but not cost effectiveness as likely to be improved by the use of pre‐prepared infusions. Most respondents felt ‘government’ or peak clinical bodies should lead practice standardization.

Conclusion

Significant variation exists in the preparation of intravenous medications across ICUs in Australia and New Zealand. Nationally or regionally coordinated rationalization and standardization could improve safety and efficiency and potentially reduce the barrier of cost.
Prevalence and clinical significance of IgA anti‐tissue transglutaminase antibodies in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Sood Ajit , Khurana Manbir Singh , Mahajan Ramit , Midha Vandana , Puri Sandeep , Kaur Amandeep , Gupta Nishit , Sharma Suresh
Published: June 2016

Background and Aim

Celiac disease is a multi‐systemic disease, which can affect any organ system including liver. However, the prevalence of celiac disease and the sensitivity and specificity of anti‐tissue transglutaminase (anti‐tTG) in diagnosing celiac disease in patients with cirrhosis of liver is not well established.

Methods

We screened a cohort of patients with chronic liver disease for an associated diagnosis of celiac disease. Anti‐tTG was carried out in all patients, and those with a high value were subjected to duodenal biopsy for histological confirmation. In patients where biopsy was contraindicated or refused, anti‐endomysial antibody (anti‐EMA) was tested.

Results

Of a total of 595 patients with chronic liver disease, high levels of anti‐tTG were noted in 150 (25.2%) patients, and celiac disease was diagnosed in 14 patients (2.4%). Celiac autoimmunity (high levels of both anti‐tTG and anti‐EMA) was noted in seven patients (1.2%).

Conclusions

Although a large number of cirrhotic patients have high levels of anti‐tTG, duodenal histology and/or anti‐EMA is normal in majority of these patients. This suggests high false positivity of anti‐tTG in patients with cirrhosis and highlights the need of duodenal biopsy for histological confirmation of the diagnosis of celiac disease.
Behavior of mineral trioxide aggregate apical plugs and root fillings under cyclic loading
Authors: Wu Morgan , Palamara Joseph , Parashos Peter
Published: June 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to develop a methodology for constant monitoring of the resistance to fluid flow during functional loading and to then compare the efficacy of 4‐mm mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apical plugs and full‐length MTA root fillings.

Methods

The root canals of 24 single‐rooted teeth were instrumented and assigned into two groups: group 1 (filled with a 4‐mm MTA apical plug and gutta percha) and group 2 (filled with MTA to cementoenamel junction level). All teeth were subjected to stepwise cyclic loading with a constant simulated interstitial pressure of 25 cm H2O applied apically. A Flodec machine (De Marco Engineering, Geneva, Switzerland) constantly monitored the rate and direction of fluid flow. Student's t‐test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Fisher's exact test, and Newcombe–Wilson test were used for statistical analysis, with P < 0.05.

Results

Crown fractures occurred in 21 teeth with no change in the rate of fluid flow. Three teeth (filled with full‐length MTA) showed sudden change in the rate of fluid flow through the root canal after cyclic loading.

Conclusions

The methodology reliably monitored fluid flow during cyclic loading. There was no difference between a 4‐mm MTA apical plug and full‐length MTA root filling after cyclic loading using a dynamic fluid‐flow monitoring technique.
Unusual anatomical origins of the coronary arteries in C57BL/6 mice. Are they strain‐specific?
Authors: López‐García Alejandro , Soto‐Navarrete M. Teresa , Fernández M. Carmen , Moncayo‐Arlandi Javier , Durán Ana Carmen , López‐Unzu Miguel A. , Alonso‐Briales Juan Horacio , Fernández Borja
Published: June 2016

A previous manuscript [Fernández B, et al. (2008) J Anat 212, 12] reported on the unusual coronary artery patterns in mice belonging to the C57BL/6 strain. The aim here was to elucidate whether this pattern is unique to C57BL/6 mice or appears in other laboratory mouse strains and in wild‐living mice. Stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy and a corrosion cast technique were used to examine 597 adult mice belonging to three inbred strains (C57BL/6, Balb/c, DBA/2), three outbred stocks (CD1, OF1, NMRI) two hybrid lines (129sv × BL/6, CD2F1) and wild mice. It was shown that lock‐like ostium is an exclusive trait of C57BL/6 mice, whereas left septal artery, accessory ostium, high take‐off, intramural course and solitary ostium in aorta are all present in the different laboratory strains and wild mice included in the present study. However, each mouse population shows a specific incidence of these coronary conditions. Several clinically relevant human coronary artery anomalies are present in healthy mice from different strains that may serve as animal models for humans. These results should be taken into consideration in research concerning the murine coronary system, especially in coronary artery occlusion experiments and in studies on cardiovascular developmental biology using murine mutant lines.
An Interview with Henry Bernstein
Authors: Capps Gavin , Campling Liam
Published: June 2016

Henry Bernstein was co‐editor (with Terence J. Byres) of the Journal of Agrarian Change between 2001 and 2008 and co‐edited The Journal of Peasant Studies (where he joined Byres) between 1985 and 2000. This interview highlights some of Bernstein's major pedagogical and theoretical contributions to the fields of agrarian political economy and development studies. To do so, it traces his intellectual and political trajectory, providing important context for understanding his published work.
In Pursuit of Capitalist Agrarian Transition
Authors: Byres Terence J.
Published: June 2016

This is a contribution to a long‐standing ‘conversation’ between Henry Bernstein and Terry Byres on capitalist agrarian transition, encompassing the development of capitalist agriculture and capitalist industrialization. Two themes are central: first, the divergence of view with respect to the possible relevance of past transitions for the present (posited by Byres) and the contemporary, pre‐emptive power of globalization (argued by Bernstein); and, second, the basic difference of analytical procedure. There is discussion of how, in India, before 1947, colonialism sought unsuccessfully to replicate an ‘English model’ of transition in eastern India; and how, throughout India, colonialism through surplus appropriation and remittances to Britain prevented the creation of the underlying structural conditions necessary for successful agrarian transition. Aspects of the nature of the Byres treatment of the Scottish experience of agrarian transition in the eighteenth century are considered, to illustrate the nature of the Byres method. The paper seeks to advance the conversation by clarifying the contrast between the two approaches.
Bernstein's Puzzle: Peasants, Accumulation and Class Alliances in Africa
Authors: O'laughlin Bridget
Published: June 2016

To establish the significance of Henry Bernstein's theoretical work on the dynamics of agrarian class struggles in Africa, this paper discusses two important political debates in which he has been both observer and participant, and that have oriented much of the subsequent Marxist work done in Africa on agrarian change. The first was the heated discussion begun over 40 years ago around Nyerere's ‘African socialism’ and the failures of the ujamaa policy of villagization. The second is the still unsettled debate around programmes of redistributive land reform in South Africa. Bernstein's distinction between the peasantry and petty commodity production allowed him to apply Lenin's theory of peasant differentiation to new contexts, and to locate African class struggles within the contradictions between capital and labour. He thus disposed of two competing visions: the harmonic peasant community and the maximizing entrepreneurial peasant hindered by the absence of markets. Yet, this paper argues, his focus on class formation within the peasantry can also limit our understanding of class alliances in the politics of anti‐capitalist struggles in Africa.
Tribal‐Landed Property: The Value of the Chieftaincy in Contemporary Africa
Authors: Capps Gavin
Published: June 2016

This paper develops an explicitly materialist analysis of the ‘rentier chieftaincy’ by drawing on Marx's theory of modern landed property. It argues that the colonial formation of ‘tribal’ land relations may be understood in relation to the subjugation of African labour to colonial capital, which in turn unintentionally created a potential barrier against investment on tribal land, and hence the conditions for the chiefly appropriation of ground rent. However, the extent to which chiefs could exercise an effective land monopoly in relation to capital was at the same time conditional upon the extent of their proprietorial control in relation to both the subject population and the central state. The politically conditional nature of this chiefly monopoly is captured in the formulation ‘tribal‐landed property’, which is illustrated and developed through a case study of the changing economic relationship between the Bafokeng chieftaincy and mining capital on the South African platinum belt. It is concluded that this may have wider application in the context of accelerating investment over ‘communal’ land and intensifying struggles for its exclusive control, since these are potentially also struggles over the distribution of the surplus value produced by land‐based capitals.
Caring for Patients with traumatic brain injury: a survey of nurses' perceptions
Authors: Oyesanya Tolu O , Brown Roger L , Turkstra Lyn S
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine nurses' perceptions about caring for patients with traumatic brain injury.

Background

Annually, it is estimated that over 10 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury around the world. Patients with traumatic brain injury and their families are often concerned with expectations about recovery and seek information from nurses. Nurses' perceptions of care might influence information provided to patients and families, particularly if inaccurate knowledge and perceptions are held. Thus, nurses must be knowledgeable about care of these patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey, the Perceptions of Brain Injury Survey (PBIS), was completed electronically by 513 nurses between October and December 2014. Data were analysed with structural equation modelling, factor analysis, and pairwise comparisons.

Results

Using latent class analysis, authors were able to divide nurses into three homogeneous sub‐groups based on perceived knowledge: low, moderate and high. Findings showed that nurses who care for patients with traumatic brain injury the most have the highest perceived confidence but the lowest perceived knowledge. Nurses also had significant variations in training.

Conclusions

As there is limited literature on nurses' perceptions of caring for patients with traumatic brain injury, these findings have implications for training and educating nurses, including direction for development of nursing educational interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice

As the incidence of traumatic brain injury is growing, it is imperative that nurses be knowledgeable about care of patients with these injuries. The traumatic brain injury PBIS can be used to determine inaccurate perceptions about caring for patients with traumatic brain injury before educating and training nurses.
Attention to nurses’ rewarding – an interview study of registered nurses working in primary and private healthcare in Finland
Authors: Seitovirta Jaana , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Mitronen Lasse , De Gieter Sara , Kvist Tarja
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

To identify meaningful types of rewards and the consequences of rewards as expressed by Finnish registered nurses working in primary and private healthcare.

Background

Previous studies have found significant associations between nurses’ rewards and both their commitment and job satisfaction. Furthermore, appropriate rewards can have beneficial effects on factors including workforce stability and occupational satisfaction that are highly important in times of nurse shortages.

Design

A cross‐sectional, qualitative interview study.

Methods

Data were collected via individual semi‐structured interviews (n = 20) with registered nurses working in Finland's primary and private healthcare, and subjected to qualitative content analysis.

Results

Six meaningful types of rewards were identified by the registered nurses: Financial compensation and benefits, Work‐Life balance, Work content, Professional development, Recognition, and Supportive leadership. Rewards encouraged respondents to perform their work correctly and reinforced occupational satisfaction, but also caused feelings of envy and stress.

Conclusions

It is essential to pay attention to nurses’ preferences for particular rewards and to reward management. When designing effective reward systems for registered nurses, it is not sufficient to provide financial rewards alone, as various kinds of non‐financial rewards are both meaningful and necessary.

Relevance to clinical practice

When trying to improve registered nurses’ commitment and job satisfaction through reward management, it is important to listen to nurses’ opinions to create a reward system that integrates financial and non‐financial rewards and is fair from their perspective. Healthcare organisations that offer registered nurses a holistic reward system are more likely to retain satisfied and committed nurses at a time of increasing nursing shortages.
Associations Between School Connection and Depressive Symptoms From Adolescence Through Early Adulthood: Moderation by Early Adversity
Authors: Markowitz Anna J.
Published: June 2016

Depressive symptomatology is one of the most common and costly threats to American mental health, making the elucidation of environmental influences on depressive symptoms particularly important. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study explores the interaction between environmental risk and protective factors in the etiology of depressive symptoms by asking whether school connection is associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms through early adulthood, and whether connection serves as a protective or promotive factor for youth who experienced early adversity. Findings highlight the importance of school connection in promoting long‐term mental health for all youth and suggest that policies and practice supporting school connection may be effective intervention strategies for youth at risk for depressive symptomatology.
Collophora hispanica, a New Pathogen and Potential Threat to the Almond Industry in Iran
Authors: Arzanlou Mahdi , Ghasemi Saeid , Baradaran Bagheri Maryam
Published: June 2016

Trunk diseases are potential threats for almond productivity and longevity worldwide, including Iran. In a recent survey on fungal species associated with trunk diseases of almonds in north‐western Iran, Collophora isolates (tentatively identified as Collophora hispanica) were recovered with high frequency from wood samples with internal necrosis and brown to black vascular streaking of almond trees showing symptoms of decline. However, the pathogenic potential of Collophora isolates on almond trees in Iran remains unproven. In this study, the identity of the isolates was further confirmed as C. hispanica based on a combination of morphological data and sequence data of ITS‐rDNA region, and pathogenicity of C. hispanica isolates on almond was evaluated using excised shoot method and in greenhouse experiments. Collophora hispanica isolates induced lesions statistically different from the control, in both excised shoot method and greenhouse assays. Significant differences were observed among the isolates in the length of the lesion induced on wood. Collophora hispanica should be considered as the main trunk pathogens of almond trees in north‐western region of Iran. The distribution and host range of this new pathogen on almond remains to be studied.
Hepatitis C viral dynamics during ribavirin priming differ according to prior treatment response and HCV type
Authors: Fülöp B. , Mihm U. , Rohde P. , Buggisch P. , Schlosser B. , Biermer M. , Brodzinski A. , Fischer J. , Böhm S. , van Bömmel F. , Sarrazin C. , Berg T.
Published: June 2016

The mode of action of ribavirin is not completely understood. Ribavirin monotherapy has a measurable antiviral effect, which shows great variability. It might lead to an earlier steady state of plasma concentration and therefore enhance the effect of following combination treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiviral effect of ribavirin priming and its influence on sustained virologic response after combination treatment in a group of patients with different hepatitis C virus (HCV) types with or without prior treatment experience. Retrospective analysis of 75 patients (37 treatment naïve, 20 prior relapse, 16 prior nonresponse, genotype 1 present in 60 patients) from five centres who received ribavirin priming as part of an individual strategy in order to improve treatment outcome. All patients received ribavirin monotherapy with a mean dose of 14.5 mg kg−1 body weight for a mean of 28 days. After ribavirin priming, dual combination treatment with pegylated interferon alfa and ribavirin was started. The mean HCV RNA decline after ribavirin priming was 0.6 log10 IU mL−1 (P<.001). The initial viral decline depended on HCV type and previous treatment status being highest among prior relapsers (0.8 log10 IU mL−1; P=.002) and HCV type 2/3 (1.2 log10 IU mL−1; P=.05) and lowest among those with prior nonresponse (0.3 log10 IU mL−1, P=.01). IFNL4 (formerly IL28B) genotype for rs12979860 and IFNL3 genotype rs8099917 did not influence the initial viral decline. The study demonstrates a significant variability in the viral dynamics and antiviral efficacy of ribavirin monotherapy, which is mainly influenced by prior treatment status. The fact that the lowest response pattern was observed in prior nonresponder patients to pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin combination therapy can be taken as a hint that not only the individual interferon, but also the ribavirin sensitivity contributes significantly to the nonresponsive state.