bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning and Memory in Adolescent Moderate, Binge, and Extreme‐Binge Drinkers
Authors: Nguyen‐Louie Tam T. , Tracas Ashley , Squeglia Lindsay M. , Matt Georg E. , Eberson‐Shumate Sonja , Tapert Susan F.
Published: July 2016

Background

Binge drinking has been linked to neurocognitive disadvantages in youth, but it is unclear whether drinking at particularly heavy levels uniquely affects neurocognitive performance. This study prospectively examined (1) whether initiating moderate, binge, or extreme‐binge drinking in adolescence differentially influences subsequent learning and memory performances, and (2) whether dosage of alcohol consumption is linearly associated with changes in learning and memory over 6 years of adolescence.

Methods

Participants, who later transitioned into drinking, were administered verbal learning and memory (VLM) assessments at project intake prior to the onset of substance use (age 12 to 16 years), and at follow‐up approximately 6 years later (N = 112). Participants were grouped based on alcohol involvement at follow‐up as follows: moderate (≤4 drinks per occasion), binge (5+ drinks per occasion), or extreme‐binge (10+ drinks per occasion) drinkers.

Results

Despite equivalent performances prior to onset of drinking, extreme‐binge drinkers performed worse than moderate drinkers on verbal learning, and cued and free short delayed recall (ps < 0.05); binge drinkers did not differ from the other groups. No distinct thresholds in alcohol quantity to differentiate the 3 groups were detected, but estimated peak blood alcohol concentrations were linearly associated with verbal learning ( = −0.24), and immediate ( = −0.27), short delay free ( = −0.28) and cued ( = −0.30), and long delay free ( = −0.24) and cued ( = −0.27) recall (ps < 0.05).

Conclusions

Drinking quantity during adolescence appears to adversely affect VLM in a dose‐dependent manner. The acquisition of new verbal information may be particularly affected, notably for those who initiated drinking 10+ drinks in an occasion. Although classification of drinkers into categories remains critical in the study of alcohol, it is important to consider that subtle differences may exist within drinking categories.
Search for an index for the taste of Japanese Black cattle beef by panel testing and chemical composition analysis
Authors: Suzuki Keiichi , Shioura Hiroyuki , Yokota Syoko , Katoh Kazuo , Roh Sang‐gun , Iida Fumiko , Komatsu Tomohiko , Syoji Noriaki , Sakuma Hironori , Yamada Shinichi
Published: July 2016

To search for an index for chemical composition related to superior taste in Japanese Black beef, we conducted panel tests and analyzed the chemical composition of seven beef brands. Thirty‐five sirloin beefs from five heifers were used in this study, sold under seven beef brands graded as more than A4 on the Japanese Meat Grade scale. The chemical composition analyses assessed both raw and roasted meat, the latter of which was roasted under the same conditions as those used for the panel test. Results of the panel test and chemical composition analyses revealed that fatty acid composition, sugar content, adenosine triphosphage (ATP)‐related compounds, amino acid composition and odor composition in the sirloin meat differed among beef brands. Furthermore, the correlations of chemical compositions between roasted and raw meat were significantly high. Sugar content and ATP‐related compounds in roasted meat were significantly correlated with the item ‘overall evaluation’ of the panel test. ATP‐related compounds, such as inosinic acid, carnosine and taurine, in roasted and raw meat were correlated significantly with the item ‘umami intensity’ of the panel test. These results suggest that the composition of these components is important for an index related to the overall evaluation of beef.
Proximal tubular nephropathy in two dogs diagnosed with lead toxicity
Authors: King JB
Published: July 2016

Case report

Lead toxicity was diagnosed in two dogs presenting with vague clinical symptoms. Complete blood count, biochemical testing and imaging changes showed a metarubricytosis in dog 1, but were largely normal in dog 2. Both dogs had glucosuria and proteinuria on urinalysis consistent with damage to the proximal renal tubules. Both animals returned elevated blood lead levels. A history of ingestion of lead was reported by the owner in one dog and elucidated from the second owner once the animal had recorded elevated blood lead levels.

Conclusion

Lead toxicity is rarely reported in the human literature as a cause of proximal tubular dysfunction. To the author's knowledge this is the first case report specifically examining this in the dog. The clinical awareness that lead is a potential cause of proximal renal tubular dysfunction offers another tool to assist the clinician in the diagnostic process. This is particularly important given that the clinical signs and minimum database findings in animals with lead toxicosis are highly variable. Evidence of proximal tubular dysfunction should trigger the clinician to closely examine the history for a potential source of lead exposure and consider submitting samples to test blood lead levels.
Dynamic Models for Estimating the Effect of HAART on CD4 in Observational Studies: Application to the Aquitaine Cohort and the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Authors: Prague Mélanie , Commenges Daniel , Gran Jon Michael , Ledergerber Bruno , Young Jim , Furrer Hansjakob , Thiébaut Rodolphe
Published: July 2016

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has proved efficient in increasing CD4 counts in many randomized clinical trials. Because randomized trials have some limitations (e.g., short duration, highly selected subjects), it is interesting to assess the effect of treatments using observational studies. This is challenging because treatment is started preferentially in subjects with severe conditions. This general problem had been treated using Marginal Structural Models (MSM) relying on the counterfactual formulation. Another approach to causality is based on dynamical models. We present three discrete-time dynamic models based on linear increments models (LIM): the first one based on one difference equation for CD4 counts, the second with an equilibrium point, and the third based on a system of two difference equations, which allows jointly modeling CD4 counts and viral load. We also consider continuous-time models based on ordinary differential equations with non-linear mixed effects (ODE-NLME). These mechanistic models allow incorporating biological knowledge when available, which leads to increased statistical evidence for detecting treatment effect. Because inference in ODE-NLME is numerically challenging and requires specific methods and softwares, LIM are a valuable intermediary option in terms of consistency, precision, and complexity. We compare the different approaches in simulation and in illustration on the ANRS CO3 Aquitaine Cohort and the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.
Clinicopathological features of histological transformation from extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: an analysis of 467 patients
Authors: Maeshima Akiko Miyagi , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Toyoda Kosuke , Yamauchi Nobuhiko , Makita Shinichi , Fukuhara Suguru , Munakata Wataru , Maruyama Dai , Kobayashi Yukio , Tobinai Kensei
Published: July 2016

This study analysed incidence, patient outcome, immunophenotype and prognostic factors of histological transformation (HT) from extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in 467 patients (median age, 61 years). The primary sites of MALT lymphoma were the stomach (43%), ocular adnexa (25%), lung (8%), systemic (8%) and other tissues (16%). HT occurred in 8% of MALT lymphomas. Risk of HT by 15 years was 5%: 4% in limited‐stage diseases (n = 385) and 16% in advanced‐stage diseases (n = 56) (P = 0·02). The median time to HT was 48 months (range, 4–139). Five‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates after HT were 80% and 94%, respectively. Immunohistochemical results of DLBCL were as follows: germinal centre B‐cell (GCB)/non‐GCB, 37%/63%; CD10, 9%; BCL6, 59%; MUM1, 38%; MYC, 42%; BCL2, 35%; Ki67 ≥ 90%, 23%; and CD5, 3%. The majority (75%, 9/12) of GCB‐type DLBCLs exhibited CD10−, BCL6+ and MUM1− immunophenotypes; the remainder had CD10+ immunophenotypes. Multivariate analysis revealed that only advanced stage at HT was a significant adverse factor for PFS (P = 0·037). Thus, overall risk of HT was low and prognosis after HT was favourable; however, in advanced‐stage cases, risk of HT was relatively high and prognosis was unfavourable.
The anti‐inflammatory effects of PGE2 on human lung macrophages are mediated by the EP4 receptor
Authors: Gill Sharonjit K , Yao Yiwen , Kay Linda J , Bewley Martin A , Marriott Helen M , Peachell Peter T
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose

PGE2 inhibits cytokine generation from human lung macrophages. However, the EP receptor that mediates this beneficial anti‐inflammatory effect of PGE2 has not been defined. The aim of this study was to identify the EP receptor by which PGE2 inhibits cytokine generation from human lung macrophages. This was determined by using recently developed EP receptor ligands.

Experimental Approach

The effects of PGE2 and EP‐selective agonists on LPS‐induced generation of TNF‐α and IL‐6 from macrophages were evaluated. The effects of EP2‐selective (PF‐04852946, PF‐04418948) and EP4‐selective (L‐161,982, CJ‐042794) receptor antagonists on PGE2 responses were studied. The expression of EP receptor subtypes by human lung macrophages was determined by RT‐PCR.

Key Results

PGE2 inhibited LPS‐induced and Streptococcus pneumoniae‐induced cytokine generation from human lung macrophages. Analysis of mRNA levels indicated that macrophages expressed EP2 and EP4 receptors. L‐902,688 (EP4 receptor‐selective agonist) was considerably more potent than butaprost (EP2 receptor‐selective agonist) as an inhibitor of TNF‐α generation from macrophages. EP2 receptor‐selective antagonists had marginal effects on the PGE2 inhibition of TNF‐α generation, whereas EP4 receptor‐selective antagonists caused rightward shifts in the PGE2 concentration–response curves.

Conclusions and Implications

These studies demonstrate that the EP4 receptor is the principal receptor that mediates the anti‐inflammatory effects of PGE2 on human lung macrophages. This suggests that EP4 receptor agonists could be effective anti‐inflammatory agents in human lung disease.
Small‐molecule Hedgehog inhibitor attenuates the leukemia‐initiation potential of acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Fukushima Nobuaki , Minami Yosuke , Kakiuchi Seiji , Kuwatsuka Yachiyo , Hayakawa Fumihiko , Jamieson Catoriona , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Naoe Tomoki
Published: July 2016

Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway has been implicated in the maintenance of leukemia stem cell populations in several model systems. PF‐04449913 (PF‐913) is a selective, small‐molecule inhibitor of Smoothened, a membrane protein that regulates the Hedgehog pathway. However, details of the proof‐of‐concept and mechanism of action of PF‐913 following administration to patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are unclear. This study examined the role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in AML cells, and evaluated the in vitro and in vivo effects of the Smoothened inhibitor PF‐913. In primary AML cells, activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway was more pronounced in CD34+ cells than CD34− cells. In vitro treatment with PF‐913 induced a decrease in the quiescent cell population accompanied by minimal cell death. In vivo treatment with PF‐913 attenuated the leukemia‐initiation potential of AML cells in a serial transplantation mouse model, while limiting reduction of tumor burden in a primary xenotransplant system. Comprehensive gene set enrichment analysis revealed that PF‐913 modulated self‐renewal signatures and cell cycle progression. Furthermore, PF‐913 sensitized AML cells to cytosine arabinoside, and abrogated resistance to cytosine arabinoside in AML cells cocultured with HS‐5 stromal cells. These findings imply that pharmacologic inhibition of Hedgehog signaling attenuates the leukemia‐initiation potential, and also enhanced AML therapy by sensitizing dormant leukemia stem cells to chemotherapy and overcoming resistance in the bone marrow microenvironment.
Association between XPA gene rs1800975 polymorphism and susceptibility to lung cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Xin , Lin Qunying , Fu Cuiping , Liu Chengying , Zhu Fen , Liu Zilong , Li Shanqun , Jiang Liyan
Published: July 2016

Background

Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A (XPA) gene is a key member of nucleotide excision repair pathway. It was reported that XPA rs1800975 polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to lung cancer. However, the conclusions were controversial.

Methods

We conducted a computer retrieval of PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, CBM, and WanFang infrastructure platform from 1980 to 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the association strength. Publication bias was detected by means of a funnel plot.

Results

A total of 11 articles (12 studies) involving 4257 cases and 5294 controls were included. Significant associations could be found between rs1800975 and lung cancer risk in these three models (codominant model AG vs. AA, overdominant genetic model AG vs. AA + GG, dominant model AG + GG vs. AA) in overall. In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, we found similar results as above in the Asian population. In the smoking population, the G allele carriers were associated with a significantly reduced risk of lung cancer (AG + GG vs. AA) compared with the AA carriers．Stratified analysis showed the AG genotype and G allele carriers (AG + GG) might be a protective factor compared with the AA gene for squamous carcinoma (AG vs. AA, AG + GG vs. AA).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis suggested that the XPA gene rs1800975 Polymorphism was associated with lung cancer susceptibility. By performing multiple separate pairwise comparisons, carriers with AG genotype under the codominant genetic model (AG vs. AA) might play actually the leading role in associating with lung cancer susceptibility in overall and in Asians.
Radiologic computed tomography features of Mycobacterium abscessus in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Lam Diana L. , Kapnadak Siddhartha G. , Godwin J. David , Kicska Gregory A. , Aitken Moira L. , Pipavath Sudhakar N.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Mycobacterium abscessus infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients can lead to poor outcomes. Early diagnosis is important, but there are no studies outlining specific imaging features of M. abscessus in CF.

Objectives

To describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of early M. abscessus infection in our CF population.

Methods

Thirteen CF patients with sputum cultures positive for M. abscessus from 2006 to 2013 were identified at our institution. Clinical characteristics including culture dates and lung function were reviewed. Positive cultures were classified as “disease” versus “colonization” based on published criteria. Chest CT scans were reviewed at times closest to initial infection, and features including bronchiectasis, mucous plugging, consolidation, ground glass opacities, nodules, and cavitation were evaluated. Brody scores were calculated to evaluate extent of CF lung disease.

Results

All patients had bronchiectasis and mucous plugging, with 10 of 13 (76.9%) in an upper lobe distribution. Consolidation was seen in 12 of 13 (92.3%) patients, 8 (61.5%) patients had nodules, and 5 (38.5%) with cavitation. The average Brody score was 59.5, which was no different than previously described CF cohorts without M. abscessus. There were no significant differences between subjects with disease versus colonization.

Conclusion

The most common CT features of early M. abscessus in our CF population include bronchiectasis, mucus plugging, and consolidation, but the findings did not reveal a unique radiologic signature. CT at this initial time point may not distinguish early M. abscessus infection from background lung disease or mycobacterial colonization in CF patients.
Dabigatran can cause eosinophilic pleural and pericardial effusion with blood eosinophilia
Authors: Voulgaris Thanasis , Anevlavis Stavros , Karpathiou Georgia , Forest Fabien , Koulelidis Andreas , Froudarakis Marios
Published: July 2016

Eosinophilic pleural effusions (EPE) account for 5%–8% of all exudative pleural effusions. A pleural effusion is defined as eosinophilic if it contains 10% or more eosinophils. We present the case of a 70‐year‐old man with EPE, blood eosinophilia and pericardial effusion due to dabigatran, a novel anti‐thrombin agent.
Automated quantification of Ki67/MART1 stains may prevent false‐negative melanoma diagnoses
Authors: Wandler Anne , Spaun Eva , Steiniche Torben , Nielsen Patricia S
Published: July 2016

Background

Inability to distinguish melanomas from benign nevi is the most frequent reason for malpractice lawsuits in surgical pathology. Reliable diagnostic tools to support hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains and induce diagnostic vigilance are thus highly needed. Because high diagnostic performance recently was showed using automated image analysis, the immunohistochemical proliferation marker Ki67 seems a potential candidate. This study aimed to investigate if this previously presented automated algorithm could have prevented 10 false‐negative melanoma diagnoses. In addition, diagnostic utility of another, but narrower, immunohistochemical proliferation marker, phosphohistone H3 (PHH3), was explored.

Methods

A total of 10 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded melanocytic tumors, initially classified as benign or dysplastic but revised as melanomas at metastatic debut, were dual‐stained for Ki67/MART1 and PHH3/MART1. A Ki67 index was automatically calculated in epidermis, dermis, a combination of such, and a dermal hot spot. Dermal PHH3/MART1 scores were established semi‐automatically.

Results

The dermal Ki67 index identified all 10 melanomas, the hot‐spot index 8 and the epidermal and combined indices only 2 and 5, respectively. Nine melanomas were PHH3 positive and scores correlated with Ki67.

Conclusions

PHH3 added limited information, but supplemental automated Ki67 assessment could possibly have prevented the misdiagnosis of most melanomas had the algorithm been available at the time of diagnosis.
Study of Regional Left Ventricular Longitudinal Function in Fetuses with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus by Velocity Vector Imaging
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Lian Yajun , Wang Xiaofang , Tian Min
Published: July 2016

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical value of velocity vector imaging in the assessment of regional left ventricular longitudinal function in fetuses with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Digital dynamic four‐chamber views of 98 fetuses with gestational diabetes mellitus and 135 normal fetuses were collected and analyzed using velocity vector imaging. The regional tissue velocity, strain, and strain rate of the interventricular septum and left lateral wall were separately measured in systole and diastole.

Results

A total of 207 of 233 cases were analyzed successfully. Vs (systolic velocity) and Vd (diastolic velocity) were age‐dependent and gradually decreased from the basal segment to the apical segment in the left ventricle (P < 0.05). The Vs after 32+0weeks, Vd after 28+0weeks, and S (strain), SRs (systolic strain rate), and SRd (diastolic strain rate) after 24+0weeks in the left ventricle of fetuses with GDM were obviously lower than the corresponding parameters of normal fetuses (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

VVI can evaluate the fetal regional left ventricular longitudinal function.
Investigating social cognition in epilepsy using a naturalistic task
Authors: Bujarski Krzysztof A. , Flashman Laura , Li Zhongze , Tosteson Tor D. , Jobst Barbara C. , Thadani Vijay M. , Kobylarz Erik J. , Roberts David W. , Roth Robert M.
Published: July 2016

Objective

The primary objective for this study was to assess social cognition in patients with focal epilepsy using a naturalistic task, which accurately models complex real‐world social interaction.

Methods

We conducted an observational study of social cognition in 43 patients with focal epilepsy and in 22 controls. Patients and controls completed The Awareness of Social Inference Test, which measures both basic and advanced social cognition in a realistic video‐based format. Patient and controls also completed standard measures of cognitive functioning and measures of depression.

Results

Compared to controls, we found that patients with epilepsy (PWEs) had no difficulty identifying positively valenced emotional states (happiness) yet had difficulty identifying most negatively valenced emotional states (anger, fear, and disgust). In addition, PWEs were able to identify sincere exchanges correctly but could not identify sarcastic and insincere exchanges. We found that basic social cognition significantly correlated with standard generalized cognitive measures, whereas advanced social cognition did not. Finally, age at onset had significant impact on social cognition, whereas other epilepsy characteristics did not.

Significance

PWEs have deficits in social cognition when measured using a naturalistic video‐based task. Advanced social cognition may be an independent cognitive domain in PWEs that is not adequately measured using standard psychometric instruments. Problems with social cognition may arise as a consequence of epilepsy during the periods of robust social development in childhood and adolescence.
Electrocardiographic Abnormalities, Malignant Ventricular Arrhythmias, and Cardiomyopathy Associated With Loperamide Abuse
Authors: VAUGHN PATRICIA , SOLIK MICHELLE M. K. , BAGGA SHIV , PADANILAM BENZY J.
Published: July 2016

Electrocardiographic Abnormalities Associated With Loperamide Abuse

A 20‐year‐old man presented with recurrent syncope and abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG). His evaluation revealed a prolonged QT interval >600 milliseconds, witnessed torsades de pointes (TdP), and dilated cardiomyopathy. At his initial admission, an ICD was implanted and atrial pacing at 80 beats per minute suppressed ventricular arrhythmias. The patient was readmitted with device infection and recurrent TdP leading to intubation. This led to the discovery of a hitherto unrevealed loperamide abuse and his cardiac arrhythmias and LV dysfunction were determined to be related to large doses of loperamide. Following abstinence, his ejection fraction and ECG returned to normal.
Can hair re‐growth be considered an early clinical marker of treatment resistance to Hedgehog inhibitors in patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma? A report of two cases
Authors: Soura E. , Plaka M. , Dessinioti C. , Syrigos K. , Stratigos A.J.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most common skin cancers in the Caucasian population. BCCs are in the majority of cases adequately managed with surgical excision, however a small subset of these tumours exhibit resistance to conventional therapies and progress to become locally advanced or even metastatic. Although Hedgehog inhibitors have been successfully used during the last few years in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic BCCs, resistance to treatment remains an issue. Until this point, no biomarkers or clinical markers of drug resistance for Hedgehog inhibitors have been identified.

Methods and results

We report two patients, a female patient with Gorlin syndrome and a male patient with locally advanced BCC, which received treatment with the Hedgehog inhibitor Vismodegib. These patients responded adequately to treatment and they both developed Hedgehog inhibitor‐induced alopecia as an adverse event. However, after 2.5 and 1.5 years of treatment, respectively, the patients exhibited progressive disease that was accompanied by reversal of the Hedgehog inhibitor‐induced alopecia, although still under treatment with Vismodegib.

Conclusion

Although alopecia is a well‐known adverse event associated with the administration of Hh inhibitors, data associated with the appearance and/or clinical severity of alopecia and the treatment efficacy of Hedgehog inhibitors are limited. The Hedgehog pathway plays an important role in the normal cycling of the hair follicles in adults and, therefore, the pathomechanism of Hedgehog inhibitor‐induced alopecia is considered unique for this drug class. Based on the fact that Hh inhibitor resistance is associated with partial reactivation of the Hh pathway, it would not be illogical to suggest that reversal of Hh inhibitor‐induced alopecia in patients under treatment with Hh inhibitors could serve as a clinical marker of drug resistance. However, this observation, as reported in this paper, is only limited in two patients and therefore more information is needed in order to assess its actual clinical importance.
Development and validation of a shared decision‐making instrument for health‐related quality of life one year after total hip replacement based on quality registries data
Authors: Nemes Szilard , Rolfson Ola , Garellick Göran
Published: July 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Clinicians considering improvements in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) after total hip replacement (THR) must account for multiple pieces of information. Evidence‐based decisions are important to best assess the effect of THR on HRQoL. This work aims at constructing a shared decision‐making tool that helps clinicians assessing the future benefits of THR by offering predictions of 1‐year postoperative HRQoL of THR patients.

Methods

We used data from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register. Data from 2008 were used as training set and data from 2009 to 2012 as validation set.

We adopted two approaches. First, we assumed a continuous distribution for the EQ‐5D index and modelled the postoperative EQ‐5D index with regression models. Second, we modelled the five dimensions of the EQ‐5D and weighted together the predictions using the UK Time Trade‐Off value set.

As predictors, we used preoperative EQ‐5D dimensions and the EQ‐5D index, EQ visual analogue scale, visual analogue scale pain, Charnley classification, age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists, surgical approach and prosthesis type. Additionally, the tested algorithms were combined in a single predictive tool by stacking.

Results

Best predictive power was obtained by the multivariate adaptive regression splines (R2 = 0.158). However, this was not significantly better than the predictive power of linear regressions (R2 = 0.157). The stacked model had a predictive power of 17%.

Conclusions

Successful implementation of a shared decision‐making tool that can aid clinicians and patients in understanding expected improvement in HRQoL following THR would require higher predictive power than we achieved. For a shared decision‐making tool to succeed, further variables, such as socioeconomics, need to be considered.
Osteology of the crescent gunnel Pholis laeta and the phylogeny of the family Pholidae (Cottiformes, Zoarcoidei)
Authors: Sweetser P. W. , Hilton E. J.
Published: July 2016

This study provides a complete description of the osteology of the crescent gunnel Pholis laeta based on cleared‐and‐stained specimens and X‐rays to help provide sufficient morphological data to generate a robust phylogeny for the family Pholidae. Pholis laeta exhibits high variation in the structure of its caudal skeleton. The length of the preural (pu)2 neural spine is variably reduced (most common) or elongated (i.e. of similar length to that of pu3). Additionally, the neural spine of pu3 is either bifurcated or single. These results document and describe characters useful for phylogenetic inference of the family, including the insertion pattern of anal‐fin pterygiophores between haemal spines. Pholidae was recovered as monophyletic (synapomorphies: ribs absent, haemonephropophyses present, gill membranes broadly joined, first neural arch fused to centrum, first anal‐fin spine very robust, the dorsal fin comprises only spines and the presence of five branchiostegals), with monophyletic genera Pholis and Apodichthys (Rhodymenichthys is monotypic) and Apodichthys and Rhodymenichthys as sister taxa. The elongation of its pu2 neural spine defines Pholis and synapomorphies for Apodichthys include five infraorbital bones, no pelvic fin, a hypertrophied first anal‐fin spine, the presence of two or three empty interhaemal spaces after the anteriormost anal‐fin spine and having 35–46 abdominal vertebrae. Apodichthys and Rhodymenichthys are sister taxa based on the continuity of the caudal fin with the dorsal and anal fins and uniform colouration. Future study is needed to more fully resolve the interrelationships of species within Pholidae (especially the genus Pholis) and solidify the position of Pholidae within the Zoarcoidei.
Registered nurses' experience of delegating the administration of medicine to unlicensed personnel in residential care homes
Authors: Gransjön Craftman Åsa , Grape Charlotte , Ringnell Katarina , Westerbotn Margareta
Published: July 2016

Aims and objective

The aim was to describe registered nurses' experience in the context of delegating the administration of medication to unlicensed personnel in residential care homes.

Background

The residents in residential care homes have a need for extensive care and nursing, and large amounts of medicines are common practice. Registered nurses' workload and difficulties in fulfilling their duties, such as administration of medicines, have led to frequent delegation of this task between the registered nurses and unlicensed assisting personnel. It is, of course, a great responsibility to ensure that the care of the older people remains safe while maintaining quality in the prevailing situation.

Design

A qualitative inductive descriptive study.

Methods

Data were collected using audio‐recorded semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of 18 registered nurses and interpreted using manifest content analysis. The study was approved by the ethical research committee.

Results

Registered nurses found the organisation unsupportive with regard to nursing interventions. The delegation context was experienced as a grey zone; the rules and regulations were not in line with the unspoken expectation to delegate the administration of medicine to unlicensed personnel, in order to be able to manage their daily work.

Conclusions

The slimmed organisation of residential care homes relies upon registered nurses' use of delegation of medicine administration to unlicensed assistant personnel. It becomes an inevitable assignment entailing a challenging responsibility for patient safety and the quality of care.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of caring for older people in residential care homes and to improving the work environment of all healthcare personnel.
Racial/ethnic differences in unmet needs for mental health and substance use treatment in a community‐based sample of sexual minority women
Authors: Jeong Yoo Mi , Veldhuis Cindy B , Aranda Frances , Hughes Tonda L
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine the unmet needs for mental health and substance use treatment among a diverse sample of sexual minority women (lesbian, bisexual).

Background

Sexual minority women are more likely than heterosexual women to report depression and hazardous drinking. However, relatively little is known about sexual minority women's use of mental health or substance use treatment services, particularly about whether use varies by race/ethnicity.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of existing data.

Methods

Analyses included data from 699 Latina, African American and white sexual minority women interviewed in wave 3 of the 17‐year Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study. Using logistic regression, we examined the associations among sexual identity, race/ethnicity, use of mental health and substance use treatment, as well as potential unmet need for treatment.

Results

Overall, women in the study reported high levels of depression and alcohol dependence, and these varied by sexual identity and race/ethnicity. Use of mental health and substance use treatment also varied by race/ethnicity, as did potential unmet need for both mental health and substance use treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings that suggest although use of treatment among sexual minority women is high overall, there is a potentially sizable unmet need for mental health and substance use treatment that varies by race/ethnicity, with Latina women showing the greatest unmet need for treatment.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses and other healthcare providers should be aware of the high rates of depression and hazardous drinking among sexual minority women, understand the factors that may increase the risk of these conditions among sexual minority women, the potentially high unmet need for mental health and substance use treatment – perhaps particularly among Latina women and be equipped to provide culturally sensitive care or refer to appropriate treatment services as needed.
Australian primary health care nurses most and least satisfying aspects of work
Authors: Halcomb Elizabeth , Ashley Christine
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

To identify the aspects of working in Australian primary health care that nurses rate as the most and least satisfying.

Background

The nursing workforce in Australian primary health care has grown exponentially to meet the growing demand for health care. To maintain and further growth requires the recruitment and retention of nurses to this setting. Understanding the factors that nurses' rate as the most and least satisfying about their job will inform strategies to enhance nurse retention.

Design

A cross‐sectional online survey.

Method

Nurses employed in primary health care settings across Australia were recruited (n = 1166) to participate in a survey which combined items related to the respondent, their job, type of work, clinical activities, job satisfaction and future intention, with two open‐ended items about the most and least satisfying aspects of their work.

Results

Patient interactions, respect, teamwork, collegiality and autonomy were identified as the most satisfying professional aspects of their role. Personal considerations such as family friendly work arrangements and a satisfactory work–life balance were also important, overriding negative components of the role. The least satisfying aspects were poor financial support and remuneration, lack of a career path, physical work environment and time constraints. National restructuring of the primary health care environment was seen as a barrier to role stability and ability to work to a full scope of practice.

Conclusions

This study has identified a range of positive and negative professional and personal aspects of the primary health care nursing role, which may impact on staff recruitment and retention. Findings from the study should be considered by employers seeking to retain and maximise the skills of their primary health care workforce.

Relevance to clinical practice

Understanding the factors that nurses perceive as being the most and least satisfying aspects of the work is can open up dialogue about how to improve the working experience of nurses in primary health care.
Comparison of placental elasticity in normal and pre‐eclamptic pregnant women by acoustic radiation force impulse elastosonography
Authors: Karaman Erbil , Arslan Harun , Çetin Orkun , Şahin Hanιm Güler , Bora Aydin , Yavuz Alparslan , Elasan Sadi , Akbudak İbrahim
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this research was to study and compare placental elasticity with acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography in pre‐eclamptic and normal pregnancies.

Methods

A total of 107 singleton pregnancies in the third trimester (38 healthy control subjects, 34 patients with gestational hypertension, and 35 pre‐eclampsia patients) were included in the study. ARFI elastography was used to determine the placental elasticity in the three predetermined regions of the placenta (the fetal edge, maternal edge, and central part of the placenta). The obstetrical data regarding grayscale and Doppler ultrasonography and perinatal outcomes were reviewed. A mean placental shear wave velocity cut‐off value that predicts the presence of pre‐eclampsia was determined.

Results

The shear wave elasticity values in the pre‐eclampsia group in all three regions were significantly higher than in the gestational hypertension and healthy control groups (P = 0.001). The most significant difference was found in the peripheral edge of the placenta from the fetal surface in the pre‐eclampsia group (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The stiffness of the placenta determined by the ARFI technique is significantly higher in pre‐eclampsia patients. ARFI elastography of the placenta might be used as a non‐invasive and easy method in the diagnosis and evaluation of pre‐eclampsia as a supplement to the already existing methods.
Risk Factors for Equine Gastric Glandular Disease: A Case‐Control Study in a Finnish Referral Hospital Population
Authors: Mönki J. , Hewetson M. , Virtala A.‐M.K.
Published: July 2016

Background

Equine gastric glandular disease (EGGD) is a term used to classify erosive and ulcerative diseases of the glandular mucosa of the equine stomach. Epidemiologic studies of risk factors forEGGDhave not been reported.

Objective

To determine risk factors forEGGD.

Animals

Cases (n = 83) had endoscopic evidence ofEGGD; controls (n = 34) included healthy horses and horses with equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) withoutEGGD.

Methods

Retrospective case‐control study. The data were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression modeling. Analysis was performed on the full dataset. An additional analysis compared horses with glandular lesions (n = 43) against healthy horses (n = 22).

Results

On first analysis, Warmblood breed (OR = 13.9, 95%CI2.2–90.9,P = .005) and an increasing number of caretakers (OR = 7.3, 95%CI0.98–55.6,P = .053) were associated with an increased risk ofEGGD. On analysis of the subset of data, Warmblood breed (OR = 28.6, 95%CI2.96–250.0,P = .004) and increasing number of riders (OR = 12.99, 95%CI0.94–166.7,P = .056) were risk factors. The presence of sand in the colon appeared to have a protective effect againstEGGD(OR = 0.195, 95%CI0.04–1.0,P = .051 for sand versus not having sand).

Conclusions and clinical importance

This study suggests that Warmbloods are predisposed toEGGDand multiple handlers/riders might increase the risk ofEGGD. Identification of risk factors allows speculation on potential pathophysiological mechanisms ofEGGD.
Recent Advances in the Study of Linguistic Relativity in Historical Context: A Critical Assessment
Authors: Lucy John A.
Published: July 2016

This article outlines the history of empirical research on linguistic relativity, surveys current research, and appraises critically the trends of the past decade, highlighting conceptual and methodological issues. Initial research arose in anthropology from an interest in the significance of language differences for thought, but was soon followed by work in psychology targeting the assessment of language and thought connections. During a subsequent period, efforts were made to synthesize these approaches, yielding two dominant lines of research, one structure‐ and one domain‐centered, both shaped by new input from those studying language acquisition. The contemporary period is marked by an expanded focus on varieties of linguistic input (e.g., deaf and multilingual speakers) and by greater effort to understand the conditions and mechanisms shaping cognitive effects. Overall, research continues to be marked by a tension between the requirements for adequate linguistic analysis and the requirements for effective cognitive assessment.
Relationships between types of father breastfeeding support and breastfeeding outcomes
Authors: Rempel Lynn A. , Rempel John K. , Moore Katrina C. J.
Published: July 2016

Fathers' support can influence mothers' breastfeeding decisions and behavior. Potentially supportive behaviors have been reported in previous studies, but no studies have directly examined which, if any, of those actions are actually more likely to result in desired breastfeeding outcomes. The two studies reported in this paper address this gap by examining relationships between fathers' reported breastfeeding support and mothers' perceptions of received support and breastfeeding intentions, satisfaction, and duration. The Partner Breastfeeding Influence Scale (PBIS) was used in an online survey with 64 women and 41 men (34 couples) and a telephone survey with 80 mothers and 65 fathers (63 couples). Fathers' and mothers' reports of how often fathers engage in the types of support measured by the PBIS were used to predict breastfeeding intentions, satisfaction, and duration. In Study 1, responsiveness predicted breastfeeding success and satisfaction for men and satisfaction for women. However, mothers' intended breastfeeding duration was shorter when fathers both wanted them to breastfeed for a long time and were more appreciative and savvy about breastfeeding. In Study 2, when fathers reported being more appreciative and directly involved in breastfeeding, mothers reported shorter breastfeeding duration. In both studies, mothers' perceptions of their partners' responsiveness and fathers' reports of their own responsiveness predicted longer breastfeeding intentions and duration. These findings suggest that the most effective breastfeeding support is delivered using a sensitive, coordinated teamwork approach that is responsive to the mother's needs.
Predictors of vitamin D status in New Zealand preschool children
Authors: Cairncross C.T. , Stonehouse W. , Conlon C.A. , Grant C.C. , McDonald B. , Houghton L.A. , Eyles D. , Camargo C.A. , Coad J. , von Hurst P.R.
Published: July 2016

Vitamin D deficiency has adverse health effects in young children. Our aims were to determine predictors of vitamin D status and then to use these factors to develop a practical tool to predict low 25(OH)D concentrations in preschool New Zealand children. A cross‐sectional sample of 1329 children aged 2 to <5 years were enrolled from throughout New Zealand in late‐winter to spring 2012. 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured on dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected using finger‐prick sampling. Caregivers completed a questionnaire. Mean (SD) DBS 25(OH)D concentration was 52(19)nmol/L. 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L was present in 86(7%), 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L in 642(48%), 25(OH)D 50‐ < 75 nmol/L in 541(41%) and 25(OH)D > 75 nmol/L in 146(11%) of children. Factors independently associated with the risk of 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L were female gender (OR 1.92,95%CI 1.17–3.14), other non‐European ethnicities (not including Māori or Pacific) (3.51,1.89–6.50), had olive‐dark skin colour (4.52,2.22–9.16), did not take vitamin D supplements (2.56,1.06–6.18), had mothers with less than secondary‐school qualifications (5.00,2.44–10.21) and lived in more deprived households (1.27,1.06–1.53). Children who drank toddler milk (vitamin D fortified cow's milk formula marketed to young children) had a zero risk of 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L. The predictive tool identified children at risk of 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L with sensitivity 42%, specificity 97% and ROC area‐under‐curve 0.76(95%CI 0.67–0.86, p < 0.001). Predictors of low vitamin D status were consistent with those identified in previous studies of New Zealand children. The tool had insufficient predictive ability for use in clinical situations, and suggests a need to promote safe, inexpensive testing to determine vitamin D status in preschool children.
Molecular epidemiology reveals genetic diversity among 363 isolates of the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complex in 61 Ivorian HIV‐positive patients
Authors: Kassi Fulgence K. , Drakulovski Pascal , Bellet Virginie , Krasteva Donika , Gatchitch François , Doumbia Adama , Kouakou Gisèle A. , Delaporte Eric , Reynes Jacques , Mallié Michèle , Menan Hervé I. E. , Bertout Sebastien
Published: July 2016

Cryptococcal meningitis is a severe opportunistic infection in HIV‐infected patients. In Ivory Coast, despite the availability of antiretroviral treatment (ART), this infection is still prevalent. The study investigates the genetic diversity of 363 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus from 61 Ivorian HIV‐positive patients, the occurrence of mixed infections and the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of the isolates. Serotyping was performed via LAC1 and CAP64 gene amplification. Genotyping was performed using the phage M13 core (GACA)4 and (GTG)5 primers and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the URA5 gene. By PCR fingerprinting, the presence of the three serotypes were demonstrated among the 363 isolates in the population studied: A (n=318; 87.6%), AD (n=40; 11%) and B (n=4; 1.1%). Using PCR fingerprinting with primers M13 (GACA)4 and (GTG)5, we grouped the isolates into 56 molecular subtypes. We observed a high frequency (39.3%) of mixed infections, with up to two different genotypes per sample. None of the isolates were resistant to amphotericin B. Only 0.3% and 1.1% of the isolates were resistant to fluconazole and flucytosine respectively. This study revealed the high genetic diversity among Cryptococcus isolates, the occurrence of mixed infections and a high antifungal susceptibility for the majority of Ivorian cryptococcal isolates.
SERVANT LEADERSHIP AND FOLLOWER JOB PERFORMANCE: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF PUBLIC SERVICE MOTIVATION
Authors: SCHWARZ GARY , NEWMAN ALEXANDER , COOPER BRIAN , EVA NATHAN
Published: July 2016

This article advances our understanding of the effects of servant leadership, an employee‐ and community‐focused leadership style, on followers' public service motivation (PSM) and job performance. Based on social learning theory, we argue that by emphasizing to their followers the importance of serving others both inside and outside the organization and by acting as role models by serving others themselves, servant leaders enhance job performance by engendering higher PSM in their followers. A multilevel analysis of three waves of multi‐source data from a Chinese government agency reveals that PSM mediates the influence that servant leadership has on followers' job performance. The results are consistent with theoretical predictions that the altruistic behaviour displayed by servant leaders elicits higher levels of the altruistic behaviours that characterize PSM, which in turn increases job performance. Hence, this study contributes to our understanding of how leadership drives institutional change and performance in the public sector.
Prevalence of abdominal migraine and recurrent abdominal pain in a Japanese clinic
Authors: Hikita Toshiyuki
Published: July 2016

Prevalence of abdominal migraine (AM) and recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) was evaluated in patients who visited Hikita Pediatric Clinic between May 2010 and April 2015. Patient data were collected prospectively using a questionnaire. Out of a total of 3611 cases, observed prevalence was 2.44% for repeated abdominal pain over a period of ≥3 months, 1.47% for RAP, and 0.19% for AM. Duration of abdominal pain was longer for AM than for non‐AM RAP. Certain clinical features were significantly different between AM and non‐AM RAP. No correlations were found among age at onset, frequency of attack, and duration of attack for various types of RAP. It was difficult to determine useful diagnostic criteria for distinguishing between AM and non‐AM RAP. They did not appear to be separate disease entities but, instead, lie on a disease spectrum. The present prevalence of AM (0.19%) was lower than that in many previous studies from countries other than Japan.