bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Young and the Stressed
Authors: Leppink Eric W. , Odlaug Brian L. , Lust Katherine , Christenson Gary , Grant Jon E.
Published: August 2016

High levels of stress are common among young adults, particularly those enrolled in college. These degrees of stress have shown numerous deleterious effects across both academic and health variables. Findings regarding the role of stress in the presentation of impulse control disorders, particular among college students, are limited. This study examined potential associations between perceived stress, academic achievement, physical/mental health, and impulse control disorders in young adults. A total of 1805 students completed an online survey and were included in the analysis. Responders were grouped by their overall score on the Perceived Stress Scale into mild, moderate, or severe. Severe perceived stress was associated with worse academic achievement and worse physical health, as well as higher rates of psychiatric and impulsive disorders. These findings may suggest associations between stress and numerous aspects of mental/physical health in young adults, which could be an important consideration for individuals working with college students.
Possible association of elevated serum collagen type IV level with skin sclerosis in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Motegi Sei‐ichiro , Sekiguchi Akiko , Fujiwara Chisako , Toki Sayaka , Ishikawa Osamu
Published: August 2016

Collagen type IV is the primary collagen in the basement membranes around blood vessels and in the dermoepidermal junction in the skin. Perivascular collagen type IV is synthesized by endothelial cells and pericytes, and contributes to the homeostasis and remodeling of blood vessels. It has been well recognized that elevated serum collagen type IV levels are associated with the liver fibrosis. The objective was to examine serum collagen type IV levels and their clinical associations in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and to examine the expression of collagen type IV in the fibrotic skin in SSc. Serum collagen type IV levels in SSc patients and diffuse cutaneous type SSc patients were significantly higher than those in healthy individuals. Serum collagen type IV levels were positively correlated with modified Rodnan total skin score. Serum collagen type IV levels in early stage (disease duration ≤3 years) diffuse cutaneous SSc patients were significantly elevated. Serum collagen type IV levels in SSc patients with digital ulcers (DU) were significantly elevated. In immunohistochemical staining, the expression of collagen type IV around dermal small vessels in the affected skin was reduced compared with those of normal individuals. These results suggest that elevated serum collagen type IV levels may be associated with the skin sclerosis in the early stage of SSc. The measurement of serum collagen type IV levels in SSc patients may be useful as a disease activity marker in skin sclerosis and DU.
The changing body work of abortion: a qualitative study of the experiences of health professionals
Authors: Purcell Carrie , Cameron Sharon , Lawton Julia , Glasier Anna , Harden Jeni
Published: August 2016

‘Body work’ has emerged at the nexus of sociologies of work and bodies as a means of conceptualising work focusing on the bodies of others. This article utilises this analytical tool in the context of contemporary abortion work. Abortion provision in Britain has seen significant change in the last 25 years, paralleling developments in medical methods, and the option for women under nine weeks' gestation to complete the abortion at home. These shifts raise questions around how abortion work is experienced by those who do it. We apply the conceptual lens of body work to data drawn from in‐depth interviews with 37 health professionals involved in abortion provision, to draw out the character, constraints and challenges of contemporary abortion work. We explore three key themes: the instrumental role of emotional labour in facilitating body work; the temporality of abortion work; and bodily proximity, co‐presence and changes in provision. By drawing on the conceptual frame of body work, we illuminate the dynamics of contemporary abortion work in Britain and, by introducing the idea of ‘body work‐by‐proxy’, highlight ways in which this context can be used to expand the conceptual boundaries of body work.
Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Alters Functional Connectivity in the Adult Rat Brain
Authors: Rodriguez Carlos I. , Davies Suzy , Calhoun Vince , Savage Daniel D. , Hamilton Derek A.
Published: August 2016

Background

Past studies of moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) have focused on specific brain regions, neurotransmitter systems, and behaviors. However, the effects of PAE on brain function and behavior are complex and not limited to discrete brain regions. Thus, there is a critical need to understand the global effects of moderate PAE on neural function. A primary aim of this research was to explore the functional relationships in neural activity of spatially distinct areas by applying a widely used computational algorithm—group‐independent component analysis (gICA)—to resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from rats exposed to either an alcohol or saccharin control solution via maternal consumption during pregnancy.

Methods

Long–Evans rat dams consumed either 5% (v/v) alcohol or a saccharin control solution throughout gestation. Adult offspring from each prenatal treatment group were anesthetized for functional, structural, and perfusion magnetic resonance‐based image acquisition sequences. gICA was applied to the functional data to extract components. To determine connectivity, component time‐course correlations were computed and compared. Additionally, spectral power analyses were utilized as an additional measure of functional connectivity. Finally, blood perfusion—assessed by arterial spin labeling—and whole‐brain volumetric analyses were evaluated.

Results

Analyses revealed 17 components in several brain regions such as the cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus. PAE was associated with reductions in coordinated activity between components, especially in males. PAE was also associated with reductions in low‐frequency spectral power, an effect that was more robust in females. Brain volumetric analyses revealed sex‐dependent reductions in females while blood flow analyses revealed sex‐dependent reductions in males.

Conclusions

Moderate PAE leads to persistent changes in functional connectivity in the absence of whole‐brain volume or blood flow measures. Future studies will investigate the relationships between alterations in functional network connectivity and behavior.
Antidepressant drug use among adolescents during 2004–2013: a population‐based register linkage study
Authors: Hartz I. , Skurtveit S. , Hjellvik V. , Furu K. , Nesvåg R. , Handal M.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To study trends in use of antidepressants (ADs) by adolescents, and psychiatric morbidity and use of other psychotropic drugs as a measure of psychiatric comorbidity.

Methods

One‐year prevalence of AD drug use was analyzed for 13‐ to 17‐year‐old Norwegians during 2004–2013. Use of other psychotropic drugs and specialist healthcare services was analyzed for incident AD users in 2012, using linked data from the Norwegian Prescription Database and the Norwegian Patient Register.

Results

The 1‐year prevalence of AD drug use increased from 6.4/1000 to 9.1/1000 during 2004–2013, with the steepest increase from 2010, particularly among girls. The highest prevalence was found in 17‐year‐old girls (17.8/1000 in 2010, 27.5/1000 in 2013). Of incident AD drug users in 2012, 84.4% had been in contact with specialist health care. As the first drug, 78.4% were prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The most common types of other psychotropic drugs were melatonin (24.6%), antipsychotic drugs (13.2%), stimulants (8.8%), and anxiolytics (6.0%).

Conclusions

Use of ADs among adolescents has increased over the last 3–4 years, particularly among 16‐ to 17‐year‐old girls. A total of 85% of incident users had been in contact with specialist health care, which may indicate that drug‐therapy is used by adolescents with more severe symptoms.
Effects of polyculture and monoculture farming in oil palm smallholdings on tropical fruit‐feeding butterfly diversity
Authors: Asmah Siti , Ghazali Amal , Syafiq Muhammad , Yahya Muhammad S. , Peng Tan L. , Norhisham Ahmad R. , Puan Chong L. , Azhar Badrul , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: August 2016

In many developing countries, commercial oil palm farming supports the livelihood of millions of small‐scale farmers in the rural areas. However, forest conversion into oil palm monocultures has a major impact on tropical biodiversity. In existing oil palm production landscapes, little is known about how different oil palm agricultural practices affect farmland biodiversity, particularly insect biota.

We quantified fruit‐feeding butterfly species richness and community composition in oil palm areas subject to polyculture and monoculture farming in Peninsular Malaysia. Polyculture smallholdings were predicted to support greater butterfly diversity than monoculture smallholdings because of the greater structural complexity and floristic diversity associated with crop diversity in polyculture smallholdings.

We also identified local‐scale habitat attributes important for maintaining fruit‐feeding butterfly species richness.

We found no significant differences in butterfly species richness, abundance and the composition of butterfly assemblages between polyculture and monoculture smallholdings. Local‐scale habitat quality explained 32.1% of the variation in fruit‐feeding butterfly richness in oil palm smallholdings.

We found that polyculture farming failed to increase fruit‐feeding butterfly diversity as a result of a limited number of crop species in oil palm smallholdings. To improve current agricultural practices and maintain high levels of butterfly diversity, commercial growers should increase the number of crop species planted in oil palm smallholdings.
Intraocular lens dislocation in pseudoexfoliation: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vazquez‐Ferreiro Pedro , Carrera‐Hueso Francisco J. , Fikri‐Benbrahim Narjis , Barreiro‐Rodriguez Lidia , Diaz‐Rey Marta , Ramón Barrios María Auxiliadora
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of pseudoexfoliation syndrome on intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation after phacoemulsification cataract surgery and explore possible associations related to surgical technique.

Methods

We systematically searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Lilacs databases and grey literature sources and identified (on March 1, 2016) 14 cohort and case–control studies comparing IOL dislocation in patients with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome who had undergone phacoemulsification. Study quality was assessed using the STROBE scale. An inverse‐variance fixed‐effects model was used to calculate weighted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The pooled analysis yielded an OR of 6.02 (95% CI: 3.7, 9.79) for IOL dislocation in patients with pseudoexfoliation, and similarly, high ORs were detected for both early and late (3 months after surgery) dislocation (OR 5.26; 95% CI: 1.05; 26.32 versus OR 6.02; 95% CI: 3.67; 10.17). No significant associations were detected when the results were stratified by year, incision size or use of hooks or retractors.

Conclusions

Patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome have a high risk of late IOL dislocation after phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and this risk may be related to the use of large incisions and hooks or retractors.
Post‐weaning growth of beef heifers drenched with long‐ or short‐acting anthelmintics
Authors: Eppleston J , Watt B , van de Ven R
Published: August 2016

Objective

To determine whether (i) the drenching practices of beef producers in the Central Tablelands of NSW utilising short‐acting anthelmintics limit the post‐weaning growth of heifers and (ii) a single weaning treatment of a long‐acting anthelmintic improves post‐weaning growth.

Methods

Commencing at weaning, 20/100 heifers in each of five herds were injected four times at 90‐day intervals with long‐acting moxidectin to suppress gastrointestinal nematodes. In year 1 the balance was drenched using the owner's usual commercial practice with short‐acting anthelmintics (5 herds) or left undrenched (1 herd). In year 2 the balance was drenched with long‐acting moxidectin within 3 months of weaning (4 herds) or with short‐acting drenches only (2 herds). At each visit live weight (LW) was recorded and a subsample tested for worm egg count (WEC) and plasma pepsinogen.

Results

In year 1 by 3 and 6 months’ post weaning, suppressed heifers were significantly heavier than the undrenched and short‐acting groups, and by 12 months were 40 and 28 kg heavier, respectively. In year 2, the LW of the suppressed and long‐acting heifers was not different, but by 3 and 6 months both groups were significantly heavier than the short‐acting group and by 12 months were 22 kg heavier.

Conclusion

The post‐weaning growth of beef heifers treated with short‐acting drenches as adopted by Tablelands beef producers was slower than heifers drenched suppressively or with a single long‐acting drench at weaning.
Field studies of the detection, persistence and spread of the Rispens CVI988 vaccine virus and the extent of co‐infection with Marek's disease virus
Authors: Ralapanawe S , Renz KG , Burgess SK , Walkden‐Brown SW
Published: August 2016

Objective

To use specific real‐time qPCR to determine (1) the vaccination success of Rispens CVI988 vaccine in feathers and dust; (2) persistence of Rispens infection in vaccinated layer chickens; (3) extent of co‐infection with wild‐type Marek's disease virus (MDV) in vaccinated layers; and (4) presence of Rispens virus in unvaccinated broiler flocks.

Methods

Feather, dust and serum samples were collected from birds aged 3 days to 91 weeks from three layer farms. qPCR was used to detect MDV and Rispens in DNA extracted from dust and feathers. Previously tested MDV‐positive dust samples from 100 broiler flocks were tested for the presence of Rispens using qPCR, while serum samples were used to detect anti‐MDV antibody using ELISA.

Results

Overall, 66% and 93% of feather and dust samples, respectively, from Rispens‐vaccinated layers were Rispens‐positive. Viral load in these samples varied between farms during early life, reaching readily detectable levels at 2–3 weeks of age. Vaccinated chickens maintained a high Rispens load in feathers and dust and high MDV antibody levels until 91 weeks of age. MDV infection was detected in 6.7% of feather samples from vaccinated chickens. Rispens virus was detected in 7% of samples from unvaccinated broiler flocks.

Conclusion

Vaccine take can be measured effectively by Rispens‐specific qPCR of feathers or dust from approximately 3 weeks post vaccination. Infection with Rispens is persistent, with lifelong shedding and serological response. The detectable infection rate of vaccinated chickens with MDV is low and there is preliminary evidence of escape of Rispens virus to unvaccinated flocks.
Modulation of autoimmune arthritis severity in mice by apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and cholesterol
Authors: Alvarez P , Genre F , Iglesias M , Augustin J J , Tamayo E , Escolà-Gil J C , Lavín B , Blanco-Vaca F , Merino R , Merino J
Published: August 2016

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) deficiency promoted an exacerbation of autoimmune arthritis in mice by inducing proinflammatory immune responses. In this study we analysed the contribution of hypercholesterolaemia and/or the absence of ApoE anti-inflammatory properties, unrelated to its function in the control of cholesterol metabolism, towards the acceleration of arthritis in these mutant animals. The induction and severity of collagen type II-induced arthritis (CIA) were compared for B10.RIII wild-type (WT), B10.RIII.ApoE+/–, B10.RIII.ApoE–/– and B10.RIII.low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR–/–) mice with different concentrations of circulating ApoE and cholesterol. A 50–70% reduction in serum levels of ApoE was observed in heterozygous B10.RIII.ApoE+/– mice in comparison to B10.RIII.WT, although both strains of mice exhibited similar circulating lipid profiles. This ApoE reduction was associated with an increased CIA severity that remained lower than in homozygous B10.RIII.ApoE–/– mice. An important rise in circulating ApoE concentration was observed in hypercholesterolaemic B10.RIII.LDLR–/– mice fed with a normal chow diet, and both parameters increased further with an atherogenic hypercholesterolaemic diet. However, the severity of CIA in B10.RIII.LDLR–/– mice was similar to that of B10.RIII.WT controls. In conclusion, by comparing the evolution of CIA between several strains of mutant mice with different levels of serum ApoE and cholesterol, our results demonstrate that both hypercholesterolaemia and ApoE regulate the intensity of in-vivo systemic autoimmune responses.
Peripheral blood T helper type 17 frequency shows an inverse correlation with disease activity and magnetic resonance imaging-based osteitis and erosions in disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug- and steroid-naive established rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Edavalath S , Singh A , Soni N , Mohindra N , Kumar S , Misra R
Published: August 2016

An increased expansion of T helper type 17 (Th17) cells in the synovium has been shown to play a key role in cartilage and bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Because the correlation of the peripheral blood helper T cell subsets and various inflammatory cytokines with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based parameters have not been studied adequately to date, we sought to look for the same in this study. RA patients with disease duration less than 36 months, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and steroid-naive, were recruited. MRI of the dominant hand and wrist was performed using a 0·2 Tesla MRI machine. Peripheral blood Th1 and Th17 were enumerated by flow cytometry and serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Forty consecutive seropositive RA patients [33 females, mean disease duration 12·2 months, mean disease activity score (DAS)28 = 4·4] were included. MRI revealed erosions in 80% of these subjects. On subgroup analysis, prevalence of erosions (94 versus 68%) as well as mean erosion score (11·5 ± 18·9 versus 3·5 ± 6·0) were significantly higher in established RA (13–36 months' duration) compared to early RA (0–12 months). The median peripheral blood Th17 frequencies were significantly higher in patients (1·4%) compared to healthy controls (0·7%) and had a strong negative correlation with MRI parameters of erosion and osteitis as well as with DAS28 in the established RA subgroup. The frequency of peripheral blood Th17 subset was significantly expanded in established RA which correlated inversely with disease activity as well as MRI based erosions and osteitis.
De novo loss of function mutations in KIAA2022 are associated with epilepsy and neurodevelopmental delay in females
Authors: Webster R. , Cho M.T. , Retterer K. , Millan F. , Nowak C. , Douglas J. , Ahmad A. , Raymond G.V. , Johnson M.R. , Pujol A. , Begtrup A. , McKnight D. , Devinsky O. , Chung W.K.
Published: August 2016

Intellectual disability (ID) affects about 3% of the population and has a male gender bias. Of at least 700 genes currently linked to ID, more than 100 have been identified on the X chromosome, including KIAA2022. KIAA2022 is located on Xq13.3 and is expressed in the developing brain. The protein product of KIAA2022, X‐linked Intellectual Disability Protein Related to Neurite Extension (XPN), is developmentally regulated and is involved in neuronal migration and cell adhesion. The clinical manifestations of loss‐of‐function KIAA2022 mutations have been described previously in 15 males, born from unaffected carrier mothers, but few females. Using whole‐exome sequencing, we identified a cohort of five unrelated female patients with de novo probably gene damaging variants in KIAA2022 and core phenotypic features of ID, developmental delay, epilepsy refractory to treatment, and impaired language, of similar severity as reported for male counterparts. This study supports KIAA2022 as a novel cause of X‐linked dominant ID, and broadens the phenotype for KIAA2022 mutations.
Systemic allergic dermatitis caused by sesquiterpene lactones
Authors: Paulsen Evy
Published: August 2016

Patients with Compositae sensitization are routinely warned against the ingestion of vegetables, spices, teas and herbal remedies from this family of plants. The evidence for the occurrence of systemic allergic dermatitis caused by sesquiterpene lactone‐containing plants is mostly anecdotal and based on statements from patients rather than scientific data. However, a few clinical reports on accidental sensitization and exposure and oral challenge prove the existence of this kind of reaction, most convincingly for strong contact allergens such as costunolide in bay leaves, and less so for weak allergens such as those of lettuce. Other Compositae species suspected of causing systemic reactions are artichoke, mugwort, yarrow, dandelion, feverfew, and elecampane. Some Compositae vegetables and teas, such as lettuce and chamomile tea, may induce systemic reactions through both humoral and cell‐mediated mechanisms. It is difficult to disentangle the contribution of these reactions to both local and systemic symptoms of skin and mucous membranes in, for example, lettuce contact allergy. Further studies are needed to assess the prevalence of systemic allergic dermatitis caused by sesquiterpene lactones, and to clarify the pathogenesis for individual haptens.
Multiscale Genome Modeling for Predicting the Thermal Conductivity of Silicon Carbide Ceramics
Authors: Dong Xiangyang , Shin Yung C.
Published: August 2016

Silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics have been widely used in industry due to its high thermal conductivity. Understanding the relations between the microstructure and the thermal conductivity of SiC ceramics is critical for improving the efficiency of heat removal in heat sink applications. In this paper, a multiscale model is proposed to predict the thermal conductivity of SiC ceramics by bridging atomistic simulations and continuum model via a materials genome model. Interatomic potentials are developed usingab initiocalculations to achieve more accurate molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Interfacial thermal conductivities with various additive compositions are predicted by nonequilibriumMDsimulations. A homogenized materials genome model with the calculated interfacial thermal properties is used in a continuum model to predict the effective thermal conductivity of SiC ceramics. The effects of grain size, additive compositions, and temperature are also studied. The good agreement found between prediction results and experimental measurements validates the capabilities of the proposed multiscale genome model in understanding and improving the thermal transport characteristics of SiC ceramics.
Utilizing the Cold Sintering Process for Flexible–Printable Electroceramic Device Fabrication
Authors: Baker Amanda , Guo Hanzheng , Guo Jing , Randall Clive
Published: August 2016

Conventional thermal sintering of ceramics is generally accomplished at high temperatures in kilns or furnaces. We have recently developed a procedure where the sintering of a ceramic can take place at temperatures below 200°C, using aqueous solutions as transient solvents to control dissolution and precipitation and enable densification (i.e., sintering). We have named this approach as the “Cold Sintering Process” because of the drastic reduction in sintering temperature and time relative to the conventional thermal process. In this study, we fabricate basic monolithic capacitor array structures using a ceramic paste that is printed on nickel foils and polymer sheets, with silver electrodes. The sintered capacitors, using a dielectric Lithium Molybdenum Oxide ceramic, were then cold sintered and tested for capacitance, loss, and microstructural development. Simple structures demonstrate that this approach could provide a cost‐effective strategy to print and densify different materials such as ceramics, polymers, and metals on the same substrate to obtain functional circuitry.
Overly Regulated Thinking and Autism Revisited
Authors: Cashin Andrew , Yorke James
Published: August 2016

PROBLEM

Humans exist within a socially mediated dynamical system. Frequent demands are experienced to respond to change in the environment to adapt and flourish. People with autism have impaired behavioral and thinking flexibility and experience high levels of anxiety, as change and adaptation do not come naturally. The disability inherent in autism is by definition the impaired social and occupational functioning that results from lack of adaptation. The point of the behavioral triad of restricted and repetitive interests, activities, and behaviors has received relatively little attention as compared to the other two points of the triad.

METHODS

A review of the literature related to restricted and repetitive interests and activities and behaviors and autism was conducted to inform this theoretical review.

FINDINGS

This paper considers the overly regulated thought and behavior inherent in autism spectrum disorders through the lens of dynamical systems, and an explanatory model is generated.

CONCLUSION

The mathematical tools applied to understand dynamical systems may be a fruitful basis of further research to enable the movement from a theoretical concept of overly regulated thinking and behavior in autism to an empirically derived understanding.
Distinct Electrocardiographic Form of Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmia Originating From the Left Bundle Branch
Authors: PATHAK RAJEEV K. , BETENSKY BRIAN P. , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , DIXIT SANJAY
Published: August 2016

Distinct Electrocardiographic Form of Idiopathic VA

Most premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) arise from the right or left ventricular outflow tract. Some VPCs originate near the His‐bundle region. However, there remains a paucity of information on PVCs originating directly from the cardiac conduction system. We describe 2 cases with idiopathic frequent PVCs that were mapped directly to the left bundle branch itself. We also provide an anatomic‐based mapping and ablation approach for management of these uncommon and challenging arrhythmias. In both cases we were able to either eliminate or significantly suppress the ectopic source by applying radiofrequency at this location without causing any significant impairment of the atrioventricular conduction.
Association of Left Atrial Function Index With Late Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence after Catheter Ablation
Authors: SARDANA MAYANK , OGUNSUA ADEDOTUN A. , SPRING MATTHEW , SHAIKH AMIR , ASAMOAH OWUSU , STOKKEN GLENN , BROWNING CLIFFORD , ENNIS CYNTHIA , DONAHUE J. KEVIN , ROSENTHAL LAWRENCE S. , FLOYD KEVIN C. , AURIGEMMA GERARD P. , PARIKH NISHA I. , MCMANUS DAVID D.
Published: August 2016

LAFI and AF Recurrence

Introduction

Although catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is commonly used to improve symptoms, AF recurrence is common and new tools are needed to better inform patient selection for CA. Left atrial function index (LAFI), an echocardiographic measure of atrial mechanical function, has shown promise as a noninvasive predictor of AF. We hypothesized that LAFI would relate to AF recurrence after CA.

Methods and Results

All AF patients undergoing index CA were enrolled in a prospective institutional AF Treatment Registry between 2011 and 2014. LAFI was measured post hoc from pre‐ablation clinical echocardiographic images in 168 participants. Participants were mostly male (33% female), middle‐aged (60 ± 10 years), obese and had paroxysmal AF (64%). Mean LAFI was 25.9 ± 17.6. Over 12 months of follow‐up, 78 participants (46%) experienced a late AF recurrence. In logistic regression analyses adjusting for factors known to be associated with AF, lower LAFI remained associated with AF recurrence after CA [OR 0.04 (0.01–0.67), P = 0.02]. LAFI discriminated AF recurrence after CA slightly better than CHADS2 (C‐statistic 0.60 LAFI, 0.57 CHADS2). For participants with persistent AF, LAFI performed significantly better than CHADS2 score (C statistic = 0.79 LAFI, 0.56 CHADS2, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

LAFI, an echocardiographic measure of atrial function, is associated with AF recurrence after CA and has improved ability to discriminate AF recurrence as compared to the CHADS‐2 score, especially among persistent AF patients. Since LAFI can be calculated using standard 2D echocardiographic images, it may be a helpful tool for predicting AF recurrence.
Endodontic status and retention of molars in periodontally treated patients: results after 10 or more years of supportive periodontal therapy
Authors: Pretzl Bernadette , Eickholz Peter , Saure Daniel , Pfefferle Thorsten , Zeidler Anna , Dannewitz Bettina
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To assess the influence of endodontic status on retention of molars in patients under supportive periodontal treatment (SPT).

Material & Methods

A total of 136 subjects with 1015 molars at baseline were examined retrospectively, including 188 endodontically treated molars in 90 patients. Multilevel Cox regression analysis identified factors contributing to loss of molars.

Results

Root canal treatments contributed significantly to loss of molars during on average 13.2 years of SPT (Hazard ratio: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.74–5.1, p < 0.001). Endodontic treatment was more frequently present in first molars (p < 0.001) and in the maxilla (p = 0.01). In endodontically treated molars, degree III furcation involvement could be detected more often compared to molars without root canal treatment (p < 0.001). Among the root canal‐treated molars, several patient and tooth‐related factors showed an impact on tooth retention, but only molars with a periapical index of 4 and 5 (labelled “diseased”) were significantly more often lost.

Conclusion

The retention of molars in periodontally compromised patients after periodontal treatment is influenced by periodontal as well as endodontal factors. On a long‐term basis, it is feasible to retain these teeth via active periodontal treatment and SPT for more than 10 years.
Deficits in error monitoring are associated with externalizing but not internalizing behaviors among children with a history of institutionalization
Authors: Troller‐Renfree Sonya , Nelson Charles A. , Zeanah Charles H. , Fox Nathan A.
Published: August 2016

Background

Children raised in institutions are at increased risk of developing internalizing and externalizing problems. However, not all children raised in institutions develop psychopathology. Deficits in error monitoring may be one risk pathway for children with a history of institutionalization given that these skills are related to both internalizing and externalizing psychiatric disorders. Error monitoring and the neural circuitry that supports it have a protracted developmental time course and are highly susceptible to the effects of adversity. As such, they may play an important moderating role between a history of institutional rearing and subsequent psychopathology.

Methods

We investigated the impact of psychosocial deprivation on behavioral and neural responses (event‐related potentials: ERPs) to a Flanker task assessing error monitoring and the relations between these measures and psychopathology for 12‐year‐old children in the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP). The BEIP involves two groups of institutionalized children randomly assigned in infancy to receive either a foster care intervention (FCG) or care as usual (CAUG).

Results

Children who experienced institutional care, particularly those in the CAUG, showed perturbed behavioral performance and ERPs on the Flanker task. Additionally, an ERP measure of error monitoring [error‐related negativity (ERN)] moderated the relations between time spent in institutions and externalizing and ADHD behaviors. When the amplitude of the ERN was smaller, time spent in institutional care was positively related to ADHD and externalizing behaviors, whereas time spent in institutions was unrelated to externalizing problems when children evidenced a larger ERN. Neural correlates of error monitoring did not moderate the relations between time spent in institutionalized care and internalizing behaviors.

Conclusions

Exposure to institutional care early in life may affect brain circuitry associated with error monitoring. Perturbations in this neural circuitry in combination with psychosocial deprivation are possibly a risk pathway associated with the development of externalizing and ADHD problems.
Community‐deliverable exercise and depression in adults with arthritis: Confirmatory evidence of a meta‐analysis using the IVhet model
Authors: Kelley George A. , Kelley Kristi S.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Using the traditional random‐effects model, a recently reported standardized effect size (g) reduction of −0.42 (95% CI, −0.58 to −0.27) was observed in depressive symptoms as a result of community‐deliverable exercise in adults with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. However, a recently proposed alternative model (IVhet) has been shown to have superior coverage probability to the random‐effects model. The purpose of this brief report was to compare these previous random‐effects results with the IVhet model.

Methods

Based on a previous meta‐analysis of 35 g's representing 2449 participants, results for depressive symptoms were pooled using the IVhet model. Influence analysis, number needed‐to‐treat, percentile improvement, and gross estimates of the number of inactive adults with arthritis who could benefit from exercise were also calculated.

Results

The IVhet model yielded statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms (g = −0.30, 95% CI, −0.49 to −0.11), a difference that was −0.12 (28.7%) smaller than the random‐effects model. With each study deleted from the model once, results remained statistically significant, ranging from −0.28 to −0.34. The percentile improvement, number needed‐to‐treat, and estimated number of people with arthritis in the United States who could improve their depressive symptoms by participating in a regular exercise program were, respectively, 11.8% (95% CI, 4.5% to 18.8%), 8 (95% CI, 5 to 23), and 2.7 million (95% CI, 1.0 to 4.4 million).

Conclusions

These findings provide more conservative and accurate evidence that community‐deliverable exercise improves depressive symptoms in adults with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Future meta‐analyses may want to consider using the IVhet versus traditional random‐effects model.
Garnet morphology distribution in the northern part of the Moine Supergroup, Scottish Caledonides
Authors: Ashley K. T. , Law R. D. , Thigpen J. R.
Published: August 2016

Garnet is a versatile and useful indicator mineral exploited in numerous geological studies. Despite its utility in providing thermobarometry and geochronology constraints, many difficulties remain in making meaningful interpretations of such data. In this paper, we characterize garnet grains from over 140 garnet‐bearing metasedimentary rock samples collected from the northern part of the Moine Supergroup (Scottish Caledonides). Large, euhedral garnet grains are interpreted to be indicative of prograde metamorphic growth during the most recent (Scandian, c. 430 Ma) phase of orogenesis. Anhedral garnet is largely restricted to the relatively low‐grade (greenschist – lower amphibolite facies) Moine thrust sheet, with an abrupt change in morphology and grain size when traced across the overlying Ben Hope and Sgurr Beag thrusts into the higher grade, more hinterland‐positioned thrust sheets. Our results suggest that caution should be exercised in using anhedral garnet in the Moine thrust sheet to estimate peak P–T conditions associated with low temperature (< ~500 °C) Scandian metamorphism, because in at least some cases garnet growth may have occurred during an earlier metamorphic event. However, chemical and isotopic data from this structurally lower anhedral garnet may still be useful for deconvolving a possible polymetamorphic history for this thrust sheet. In the immediately overlying Ben Hope thrust sheet, garnet has prograde euhedral (Scandian?) rims, indicating that the Ben Hope thrust must represent a significant thermal and/or chemical break. Inclusion distribution and mineral assemblages in garnet have been used to gain further insight on garnet growth conditions and to distinguish garnet that likely contains multiple generations of growth. Although our results are specific to the Caledonides of northern Scotland, this work highlights the general necessity of a comprehensive petrographic assessment in advance of interpreting large suites of garnet‐derived thermodynamic and geochronological data.
A scoping review of the literature on nursing practices with persons seeking care for sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Bungay Vicky , Handlovsky Ingrid , Phillips J Craig , Prescott Cheryl
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine existing research literature to ascertain what is known about nursing practice in sexually transmitted infection care and identify promising research trends and limitations.

Background

Sexually transmitted infections continue to be a significant public health concern with more than 357 million new cases occurring annually worldwide. Nurses are vital for the prevention and care of those affected by sexually transmitted infections. As nursing scope of practice is evolving, there is an urgent need to develop a baseline understanding of the state of nursing knowledge in sexually transmitted infection care.

Design

Nurse researchers and policy and practice experts conducted a scoping review of primary research using Arksey and O'Malley's five‐step methodological framework.

Methods

Primary research literature published between 2000–2014 was searched. Seventeen full‐text papers were thematically analysed. Electronic charts were created for data coding and extraction.

Results

The research literature in nursing and sexually transmitted infection care is heterogeneous in topic, method and populations investigated. Sexually transmitted infection care is undertaken by nurses in diverse settings and roles including nurse practitioners and public health, school and emergency room nurses. Three themes that illustrate the main focus of current literature were identified: (1) screening, (2) health education and counselling and (3) scope of nursing practice. Inconsistencies in nursing practice activities in sexually transmitted infection care were noted. Many nurses are not working to their full scope of practice.

Conclusions

The research in sexually transmitted infection nursing practice is limited. Further research is needed to investigate the context of practice and patient care experiences; to design and test interventions to support nurses working to full scope of practice; and to improve the conceptualisation of nursing in sexually transmitted infection care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses are effectively improving health outcomes among people affected by sexually transmitted infections; however, not working to the full scope of practice could limit our capacity to fully meet patient care needs.
Intimate partner violence: psychological and verbal abuse during pregnancy
Authors: Debono Christie , Borg Xuereb Rita , Scerri Josianne , Camilleri Liberato
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine the association between sociodemographic, pregnancy‐related variables and psychological and verbal intimate partner abuse, as well as to determine which of these variables are predictors of psychological and verbal intimate partner abuse during pregnancy.

Background

Intimate partner violence is a significant health issue, with severe implications to both mother and foetus. However, much of the research to date focuses on the outcomes of physical abuse. This article addresses the dearth in the literature by examining the association between sociodemographic, pregnancy‐related variables and psychological and verbal intimate partner abuse during pregnancy.

Design

A survey research design was used.

Method

Three hundred postnatal women were recruited by convenience, nonproportional quota sampling technique. The WHO Violence Against Women Instrument was self‐administered by participants. The association between categorical variables was assessed using Pearson's chi‐square test, the strength of association using Cramer's V and the phi coefficient, and the identification of predictor variables for psychological and verbal abuse using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Four predictors were identified for psychological abuse, namely low education level in women, an unplanned pregnancy, experiencing two or more pregnancy‐related health problems and living with an unemployed partner. However, unemployment in women, an unplanned pregnancy, fear of partner and a low education level of partner were identified as the predictors of verbal abuse.

Conclusion

This study identified a number of variables that strongly predict psychological and verbal intimate partner abuse during pregnancy; however, it extends the available literature by identifying a low standard of education in males, unemployment and fear of the intimate partner as the significant predictors of psychological and verbal intimate partner abuse.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the predictors predisposing pregnant women to abuse. This would enable the identification of pregnant women who are susceptible to psychological and verbal intimate partner abuse, thus enabling the provision of adequate support. There is also a need to introduce routine screening for psychological and verbal intimate partner abuse during the antenatal period, following extensive training to all professionals concerned.
Preferences and concerns for care needs in advanced Parkinson's disease: a qualitative study of couples
Authors: Habermann Barbara , Shin Ju Young
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore how couples with Parkinson's disease discuss their needs, concerns and preferences at the advanced stages of illness.

Background

The majority of care for people with Parkinson's disease is provided at home by family members. Parkinson's disease is characterised by a slow progressive decline with care needs often exceeding a decade.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study with 14 couples.

Methods

Data were collected on two occasions over a one‐month period using semi‐structured interviews, with both individual and couple interviews. Data were analysed thematically by the research team.

Results

All participants discussed the strong desire to remain in their homes for as long as possible. For the people with Parkinson's disease, placement to long‐term facilities was not an option to be considered. For spouses, there was an acknowledgement there may come a time when they could no longer continue to provide care. Concerns regarding falls, choking, voice production, financial strain and need for prognostic information from providers were influences on what they believed the future would hold and the decisions they would need to make.

Conclusions

The need for improved communication between providers and Parkinson's disease couples is evident. Interventions to support the couple in their discussions and decision‐making regarding remaining in the home or not, and options to support advanced care needs are required.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses can help support decision‐making by providing tangible information regarding the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease including adequate prognostic information.
Experience and needs of family members of patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Tramm Ralph , Ilic Dragan , Murphy Kerry , Sheldrake Jayne , Pellegrino Vincent , Hodgson Carol
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the experiences of family members of patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background

Sudden onset of an unexpected and severe illness is associated with an increased stress experience of family members. Only one study to date has explored the experience of family members of patients who are at high risk of dying and treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Design

A qualitative descriptive research design was used.

Methods

A total of 10 family members of patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were recruited through a convenient sampling approach. Data were collected using open‐ended semi‐structured interviews. A six‐step process was applied to analyse the data thematically. Four criteria were employed to evaluate methodological rigour.

Results

Family members of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients experienced psychological distress and strain during and after admission. Five main themes (Going Downhill, Intensive Care Unit Stress and Stressors, Carousel of Roles, Today and Advice) were identified. These themes were explored from the four roles of the Carousel of Roles theme (decision‐maker, carer, manager and recorder) that participants experienced.

Conclusion

Nurses and other staff involved in the care of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients must pay attention to individual needs of the family and activate all available support systems to help them cope with stress and strain.

Relevance to clinical practice

An information and recommendation guide for families and staff caring for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients was developed and needs to be applied cautiously to the individual clinical setting.
The lived experiences of acute‐care bedside registered nurses caring for patients and their families with limited English proficiency: A silent shift
Authors: Coleman Jami‐Sue , Angosta Alona D
Published: August 2016

Aims and Objectives

To explore the lived experiences of acute‐care bedside nurses caring for patients and their families with limited English proficiency.

Background

Approximately 8.6% of the total US population is considered limited English proficient. In the hospital setting, registered nurses provide the most direct contact with patients and their families. Effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals is essential when providing quality health care. There are only few published studies about registered nurses' experiences caring for patients with language barriers, but studies among nurses' experiences on patients with limited English proficiency and their families in an acute‐care setting have not been explored.

Design

A qualitative exploratory study was performed.

Methods

The phenomenology research approach provides the most meaningful ways to describe and understand the entirety of the bedside nurses' experiences. A convenience, purposive sample of 40 registered nurses who work in bedside care in a 380‐bed hospital in the western USA were interviewed. Each nurse had a minimum of three years of acute‐care experience. The sample size was determined by data saturation.

Results

Four themes emerged from the data of this research including: Desire to Communicate; Desire to Connect; Desire to Provide Care; and Desire to Provide Cultural Respect and Understanding.

Conclusions

Care of patients with limited English proficiency is a challenge to many nurses and other healthcare providers. This study reinforces the need to give acute‐care nurses a voice to share their experiences and ideas for solutions to the challenges they face in the care they provide. Findings from this study have the potential to identify clinically relevant concerns, barriers to communication, resources for effective communication, and needs or concerns of the bedside nurses when providing care.

Relevance to clinical practice

A look at the process and organisational system may suggest opportunities for improvement in support of the nurses' expressed desires to provide the care needed for patients with limited English proficiency.