bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic constraints on the petrogenesis of the Goesan monzodiorite pluton in the central Okcheon belt, Korea
Authors: Cheong Chang‐Sik , Jo Hui Je , Jeong Youn‐Joong , Park Chan‐Soo , Cho Moonsup
Published: January 2016

The Permian–Triassic high pressure metamorphism and potassic magmatism in central Korea attest to the extension of the Dabie‐Sulu collision belt in central‐eastern China towards the Korean Peninsula and possibly the Japanese Islands. We present major and trace element and Sr–Nd isotope data for a ca. 230 Ma monzodiorite pluton emplaced in the Goesan area, central Okcheon belt, Korea. This pluton shows geochemical features comparable with those of the coeval monzonite–syenite–gabbro–mangerite suite documented recently in the Gyeonggi massif. The metaluminous and alkali–calcic signatures of the Goesan intrusives correspond to the Caledonian‐type post‐orogenic granitoids. The K2O/Na2O ratios of all analyzed samples are greater than 1, and are not correlative with their SiO2 contents. The enrichment of both large‐ion‐lithophile elements and highly compatible elements in the Goesan pluton is probably indicative of metasomatized mantle origin. The elemental fractionation in the source region must have occurred in the distant past, possibly the Paleoproterozoic, to generate significantly negative εNd(t) values (< –16). Chondrite‐normalized rare earth element patterns as well as Rb/Sr and Ba/Rb ranges suggest that the source consists of amphibole‐bearing rocks. Progressive decreases in negative Eu anomaly and Ba, Sr, Ni, Cr and V contents with increasing SiO2 contents reflect an important role of plagioclase, biotite and hornblende for the fractionation process. Zr is undersaturated in the potassic, metaluminous melt. The initial Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of the samples are correlated with their SiO2 contents, substantiating a role of crustal assimilation during the magmatic differentiation. The Sr–Nd elemental and isotopic modeling suggests that the Goesan pluton was initially slightly heterogeneous in its isotopic composition, and underwent concurrent assimilation and fractional crystallization. The occurrence of the Goesan pluton provides further evidence corroborating the amalgamation of allochthonous terranes within the Okcheon belt during the Permian–Triassic collisional orogeny.
Influence of oestrogen deficiency on the development of apical periodontitis
Authors: Brasil S. C. , Santos R. M. M. , Fernandes A. , Alves F. R. F. , Pires F. R. , Siqueira J. F. , Armada L.
Published: January 2016

Aim

To evaluate the effects of a long period of oestrogen deficiency on the development of apical periodontitis in rats.

Methodology

Wistar rats (n = 24), 3 months old, evaluated by vaginal cytology, were included in the study. Twelve animals were ovariectomized (OVX group) and the other 12 were sham operated (control group). One hundred and twenty days after castration, the pulps of the left mandibular first molars were exposed to induce the development of apical periodontitis. Body mass was verified on a weekly basis. Following 21 and 40 days of lesion induction, the animals were sacrificed. Blood was collected for biochemical analysis, and mandibles were removed for radiographic analysis. Comparative analysis of the data was performed by the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's multiple‐comparisons tests. The t‐test was applied to compare the oestrogen levels between control and OVX groups.

Results

Radiographs revealed that apical periodontitis lesions were significantly larger in the 40‐day OVX group when compared with both 40‐day (P < 0.05) and 21‐day (P < 0.001) control groups. Serum oestrogen levels were significantly lower in the OVX group (P < 0.01), confirming the efficacy of castration. Oestrogen deficiency resulted in significantly greater body mass gain (P < 0.01) in 40‐day OVX group when compared with 40‐day control group. Serum concentrations of calcium were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Alkaline phosphatase levels, although higher in the OVX groups (21 and 40 days), were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Ovariectomized rats had significantly larger apical periodontitis lesions after 40 days of pulp exposure when compared with controls. These findings suggest that bone alterations as a result of long periods of oestrogen deficiency can influence the progression of apical periodontitis.
Physiological Response to Heat Stress During Seedling and Anthesis Stage in Tomato Genotypes Differing in Heat Tolerance
Authors: Zhou R. , Kjær K. H. , Rosenqvist E. , Yu X. , Wu Z. , Ottosen C.‐O.
Published: January 2016

Tomato cultivars differ in their sensitivity to heat stress, and the sensitivity depends on the developmental stage of the plants. It is less known how heat stress affects tomato at the anthesis stage in terms of leaf physiology and fruit set and whether the ability of tomato to tolerate heat at different developmental stages is linked. To investigate photosynthetic gas exchange characteristics, carbohydrate content and fruit set during heat stress, a thermo‐tolerant cultivar (‘LA1994’) and a thermo‐sensitive cultivar (‘Aromata’) were studied at the seedling and anthesis stage. The photosynthetic parameters, maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll content, carbohydrate content and fruit set were determined in plants grown at 26/18 °C (control) and 36/28 °C (heat stress). The physiological responses including net photosynthetic rate (PN), chlorophyll content and Fv/Fm decreased in ‘Aromata’ at both developmental stages during heat stress, whereas they were unaltered in ‘LA1994’ during heat stress as compared to the respective control. This was accompanied by lower contents of glucose and fructose in mature leaves of ‘Aromata’ at the seedling stage under heat stress. In contrast, the glucose content increased while the fructose content was unaltered in mature leaves of ‘LA1994’ at the seedling stage under heat stress. High temperature induced a similar change in carbohydrate content in the young leaves of both cultivars at anthesis. The fructose and sucrose content were unaffected in the mature leaves of ‘Aromata’ but significantly increased in ‘LA1994’ under heat stress at anthesis. The heat stress treatment decreased pollen viability and inhibited fruit set due to flower wilting and abnormal abscission in ‘Aromata’, whereas fruit set was not inhibited in ‘LA1994’. A decrease in chlorophyll content, photosynthesis and carbohydrate content in the mature leaves of tomato could be related to fruit set failure at high temperature. The results show that physiological responses to heat stress at the seedling stage correspond with the responses at the anthesis stage, demonstrating that screening for heat stress sensitivity can be carried out in young plants.
Lysosomal cholesterol accumulation in macrophages leading to coronary atherosclerosis in CD38−/− mice
Authors: Xu Xiaoyang , Yuan Xinxu , Li Ningjun , Dewey William L. , Li Pin‐Lan , Zhang Fan
Published: January 2016

The disruption in transportation of oxLDL‐derived cholesterol and the subsequent lipid accumulation in macrophages are the hallmark events in atherogenesis. Our recent studies demonstrated that lysosomal Ca2+ messenger of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), an enzymatic product of CD38 ADP‐ribosylcyclase (CD38), promoted lipid endocytic trafficking in human fibroblast cells. The current studies are designed to examine the functional role of CD38/NAADP pathway in the regulation of lysosomal cholesterol efflux in atherosclerosis. Oil red O staining showed that oxLDL concentration‐dependently increased lipid buildup in bone marrow‐derived macrophages from both wild type and CD38−/−, but to a significant higher extent with CD38 gene deletion. Bodipy 493/503 fluorescence staining found that the deposited lipid in macrophages was mainly enclosed in lysosomal organelles and largely enhanced with the blockade of CD38/NAADP pathway. Filipin staining and direct measurement of lysosome fraction further revealed that the free cholesterol constituted a major portion of the total cholesterol segregated in lysosomes. Moreover, in situ assay disclosed that both lysosomal lumen acidity and the acid lipase activity were reduced upon cholesterol buildup in lysosomes. In CD38−/− mice, treatment with Western diet (12 weeks) produced atherosclerotic damage in coronary artery with striking lysosomal cholesterol sequestration in macrophages. These data provide the first experimental evidence that the proper function of CD38/NAADP pathway plays an essential role in promoting free cholesterol efflux from lysosomes and that a defection of this signalling leads to lysosomal cholesterol accumulation in macrophages and results in coronary atherosclerosis in CD38−/− mice.
TGF‐β1 improves mucosal IgA dysfunction and dysbiosis following intestinal ischaemia–reperfusion in mice
Authors: Zhang Xu‐Yu , Liu Zi‐Meng , Zhang Hu‐Fei , Li Yun‐Sheng , Wen Shi‐Hong , Shen Jian‐Tong , Huang Wen‐Qi , Liu Ke‐Xuan
Published: January 2016

Intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) severely disrupts gut barriers and leads to high mortality in the critical care setting. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 plays a pivotal role in intestinal cellular and immune regulation. However, the effects of TGF‐β1 on intestinal I/R injury remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of TGF‐β1 on gut barriers after intestinal I/R and the molecular mechanisms. Intestinal I/R model was produced in mice by clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 1 hr followed by reperfusion. Recombinant TGF‐β1 was intravenously infused at 15 min. before ischaemia. The results showed that within 2 hrs after reperfusion, intestinal I/R disturbed intestinal immunoglobulin A class switch recombination (IgA CSR), the key process of mucosal IgA synthesis, and resulted in IgA dysfunction, as evidenced by decreased production and bacteria‐binding capacity of IgA. Meanwhile, the disruptions of intestinal microflora and mucosal structure were exhibited. Transforming growth factor‐β1 activated IgA CSR as evidenced by the increased activation molecules and IgA precursors. Strikingly, TGF‐β1 improved intestinal mucosal IgA dysfunction, dysbiosis and epithelial damage at the early stage after reperfusion. In addition, SB‐431542, a specific inhibitor of activating mothers against decapentaplegic homologue (SMAD) 2/3, totally blocked the inductive effect of TGF‐β1 on IgA CSR and almost abrogated the above protective effects on intestinal barriers. Taken together, our study demonstrates that TGF‐β1 protects intestinal mucosal IgA immunity, microbiota and epithelial integrity against I/R injury mainly through TGF‐β receptor 1/SMAD 2/3 pathway. Induction of IgA CSR may be involved in the protection conferred by TGF‐β1.
Tracking of Mycobacterium Avium Paratuberculosis Load in Milk Production Chain: A Real‐Time qPCR And Culture Assay
Authors: Hanifian Shahram , Khani Sajjad
Published: January 2016

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) is the causative agent of Johne's disease in ruminants and may contribute to Crohn's disease in humans. This study was conducted to track the changes of Map load throughout the milk production chain to decipher potential sources of contamination. For this purpose, individual cow milk, farm‐bulk‐milk and bulk milk of collection center were analyzed using F57‐quantitative real‐time PCR (F57‐qPCR) and culture examination. According to the results, the occurrence and the mean value of Map load was increased significantly (P < 0.01) from the quarter milk toward bulk‐tank milk. Although a positive correlation was found between Map load and number of hygiene indicator bacteria in bulk‐raw milks, no correlation was observed between somatic cells count and presence of Map. It was concluded that fecal contamination during hand‐milking and/or through the farm environmental plays a major role in increasing Map load in bulk milks.

Practical Applications

Having an idea of Map load at each step of milk production and processing chains could be used by food safety organizations to establish regulations for the control of contamination sources. According to the results, Map load was increased from quarter milk en route to the subsequent steps of milk production chain. It was revealed that apart from the primary contamination, a major portion of bulk milk contamination with Map could originate from the farm environment as in nonhygienic practices during teat preparation and hand‐milking. Due to the positive correlation of Map contamination and hygiene indicator bacteria, it seems that in endemic areas, high loads of coliforms and enterococci in bulk milks could be deemed as an indication of Map contamination.
Home nursing care with the self‐care model improves self‐efficacy of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Bal Özkaptan Bilge , Kapucu Sevgisun
Published: January 2016

Aim

This study was carried out as an intervention study to determine the effect of nursing care provided at home with the self‐care model on the self‐efficacy of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in northern Turkey.

Methods

The study sample totaled 106 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease divided into two groups. The intervention group and the control group each included 53 patients. To collect data, the patient data sheet, Orem's self‐care model‐based data collection form, symptom evaluation form, Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, and the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self‐efficacy scale (CSES) were used. The nursing care applied for the intervention group consisted of four visits, two during the first month and two for the next 2 months. An educational guidebook was distributed to the intervention group during the first visit, and at all visits, education, care, and supervision were provided according to the care plan. All data were analyzed with the number, percentage, χ2‐test, Kruskal‐Wallis H test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

The dyspnea level measured at the last visit for the control group was high compared with the intervention group (P < 0.05). The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self‐efficacy scale scores for subscale dimensions at the last visit and the general score for the intervention group were high compared with the first visit scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

According to the study results, home nursing care based on the Orem's self‐care model is effective in improving self‐efficacy of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Thermomechanical evolution of the high‐grade core in the nappe zone of Variscan Sardinia, Italy: the role of shear deformation and granite emplacement
Authors: Cruciani G. , Franceschelli M. , Massonne H.‐J. , Musumeci G. , Spano M. E.
Published: January 2016

In the nappe zone of the Sardinian Variscan chain, the deformation and metamorphic grade increase throughout the tectonic nappe stack from lower greenschist to upper amphibolite facies conditions in the deepest nappe, the Monte Grighini Unit. A synthesis of petrological, structural and radiometric data is presented that allows us to constrain the thermal and mechanical evolution of this unit. Carboniferous subduction under a low geothermal gradient (~490–570 °C GPa−1) was followed by exhumation accompanied by heating and Late Carboniferous magma emplacement at a high apparent geothermal gradient (~1200–1450 °C GPa−1). Exhumation coeval with nappe stacking was closely followed by activity on a ductile strike‐slip shear zone that accommodated magma intrusion and enabled the final exhumation of the Monte Grighini Unit to upper crustal levels. The reconstructed thermo‐mechanical evolution allows a more complete understanding of the Variscan orogenic wedge in central Sardinia. As a result we are able to confirm a diachronous evolution of metamorphic and tectonic events from the inner axial zone to the outer nappe zone, with the Late Variscan low‐P/high‐T metamorphism and crustal anatexis as a common feature across the Sardinian portion of the Variscan orogen.
Ultra‐thin resin embedding method for scanning electron microscopy of individual cells on high and low aspect ratio 3D nanostructures
Authors: BELU A. , SCHNITKER J. , BERTAZZO S. , NEUMANN E. , MAYER D. , OFFENHÄUSSER A. , SANTORO F.
Published: January 2016

The preparation of biological cells for either scanning or transmission electron microscopy requires a complex process of fixation, dehydration and drying. Critical point drying is commonly used for samples investigated with a scanning electron beam, whereas resin‐infiltration is typically used for transmission electron microscopy. Critical point drying may cause cracks at the cellular surface and a sponge‐like morphology of nondistinguishable intracellular compartments. Resin‐infiltrated biological samples result in a solid block of resin, which can be further processed by mechanical sectioning, however that does not allow a top view examination of small cell–cell and cell–surface contacts. Here, we propose a method for removing resin excess on biological samples before effective polymerization. In this way the cells result to be embedded in an ultra‐thin layer of epoxy resin. This novel method highlights in contrast to standard methods the imaging of individual cells not only on nanostructured planar surfaces but also on topologically challenging substrates with high aspect ratio three‐dimensional features by scanning electron microscopy.
Photo‐convertible fluorescent proteins as tools for fresh insights on subcellular interactions in plants
Authors: GRIFFITHS N. , JAIPARGAS E.‐A. , WOZNY M.R. , BARTON K.A. , MATHUR N. , DELFOSSE K. , MATHUR J.
Published: January 2016

Optical highlighters comprise photo‐activatable, photo‐switchable and photo‐convertible fluorescent proteins and are relatively recent additions to the toolbox utilized for live cell imaging research. Here, we provide an overview of four photo‐convertible fluorescent proteins (pcFP) that are being used in plant cell research: Eos, Kaede, Maple and Dendra2. Each of these proteins has a significant advantage over other optical highlighters since their green fluorescent nonconverted forms and red fluorescent converted forms are generally clearly visible at expression levels that do not appear to interfere with subcellular dynamics and plant development. These proteins have become increasingly useful for understanding the role of transient and sustained interactions between similar organelles. Tracking of single organelles after green‐to‐red conversion has provided novel insights on plastids and their stroma‐filled extensions and on the formation of mega‐mitochondria. Similarly colour recovery after photo‐conversion has permitted the estimation of nuclear endo‐reduplication events and is being developed further to image protein trafficking within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. We have also applied photo‐convertible proteins to create colour‐differentiation between similar cell types to follow their development. Both the green and red fluorescent forms of these proteins are compatible with other commonly used single coloured FPs. This has allowed us to develop simultaneous visualization schemes for up to five types of organelles and investigate organelle interactivity. The advantages and caveats associated with the use of photo‐convertible fluorescent proteins are discussed.
Systematic review: what interventions improve dignity for older patients in hospital?
Authors: Zahran Zainab , Tauber Marcelle , Watson Holly Howe , Coghlan Phoebe , White Sarah , Procter Sue , Addis Gulen , Norton Christine
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

To review the evidence for interventions to improve dignity for older patients in acute care.

Background

High profile cases have highlighted failure to provide dignified care for older people in hospitals. There is good evidence on what older people consider is important for dignified care and abundant recommendations on improving dignity, but it is unclear which interventions are effective.

Design

Narrative systematic review.

Methods

The Cochrane library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, BNI and HMIC electronic databases were searched for intervention studies of any design aiming to improve inpatients’ dignity. The main population of interest was older patients, but the search included all patients. Studies that focused on ‘dignity therapy’ were excluded.

Results

There were no intervention studies found in any country which aimed to improve patient dignity in hospitals which included evaluation of the effect. A narrative overview of papers that described implementing dignity interventions in practice but included no formal evaluation was, therefore, undertaken. Five papers were identified. Three themes were identified: knowing the person; partnership between older people and health care professionals; and, effective communication and clinical leadership. The effect on dignity of improving these is untested.

Conclusions

There are currently no studies that have tested interventions to improve the dignity of older people (nor anyone else) in hospitals. Further research using well designed trials of interventions is needed. There is also a need to develop and validate outcome measures for interventions to improve dignity.

Relevance to clinical practice

At present nurses lack robust evidence on how to improve dignity. There is ample evidence on what undermines patients’ dignity and there is a need to develop and test interventions designed to improve patient dignity.
The effect of sucrose as pain relief/comfort during immunisation of 15‐month‐old children in health care centres: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Despriee Åshild Wik , Langeland Eva
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

To investigate the effect of 30% sucrose compared with a placebo (water) as pain relief and comfort during immunisation of 15‐month‐old children in health care centres.

Background

Children experience different levels of pain and distress during immunisation. Sweet solutions function as pain relief during immunisation for infants up to one year of age. However, there are few studies of older children.

Design

An experimental design in which the participants (15‐month‐old infants) were randomly assigned to an intervention group that received a 30% sugar solution or a control group that received a placebo (water).

Methods

The study was performed at three health care centres in a large Norwegian municipality. The parents of all 15‐month‐old infants who were recommended for vaccination (for measles, mumps and rubella) between 5 September 2013 and 31 March 2014 were invited to have their infant participate. Duration of crying was the outcome measure.

Results

A total of 114 children were included (59 in the intervention group, 55 in the control group). The intervention group infants’ crying was shorter (18 seconds mean) compared with the control group infants (33 seconds mean). The difference in crying duration between the groups was both statistically and clinically significant.

Conclusion

This trial revealed that 30% sucrose orally has a calming and pain‐relieving effect on 15‐month‐old infants during immunisation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Public health nurses should use a 30% sucrose solution for pain relief during immunisation of 15‐month‐old infants.
Tracking the footsteps: a constructivist grounded theory of the clinical reasoning processes that registered nurses use to recognise delirium
Authors: Hussein Mohamed El , Hirst Sandra
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

To construct a grounded theory that explains the clinical reasoning processes that registered nurses use to recognise delirium while caring for older adults in acute care settings.

Background

Delirium is often under‐recognised in acute care settings; this may stem from underdeveloped clinical reasoning processes. Little is known about registered nurses’ clinical reasoning processes in complex situations such as delirium recognition.

Design

Seventeen registered nurses working in acute care settings were interviewed. Concurrent data collection and analysis, constant comparative analysis and theoretical sampling were conducted in 2013–2014.

Methods

A grounded theory approach was used to analyse interview data about the clinical reasoning processes of registered nurse in acute hospital settings.

Results

The core category that emerged from data was ‘Tracking the footsteps’. This refers to the common clinical reasoning processes that registered nurses in this study used to recognise delirium in older adults in acute care settings. It depicted the process of continuously trying to catch the state of delirium in older adults.

Conclusions

Understanding the clinical reasoning processes that contribute to delirium under‐recognition provides a strategy by which this problem can be brought to the forefront of awareness and intervention by registered nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Registered nurses could draw from the various processes identified in this research to develop their clinical reasoning practice to enhance their effective assessment strategies. Delirium recognition by registered nurses will contribute to quality care to older adults.
‘Living with tics’: self‐experience of adolescents with Tourette syndrome during peer interaction
Authors: Lee Mei‐Yin , Mu Pei‐Fan , Wang Wen‐Sheng , Wang Huei‐Shyong
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

To describe the essence of the self‐experience of adolescents with Tourette syndrome in the context of peer interaction.

Background

Tourette syndrome has an adverse impact on adolescents’ physical, psychological and interpersonal interactions. Peers provide adolescents with social interactions that are crucial to the formation of self‐identity. Studies exploring the self‐experience of adolescents with Tourette syndrome in the context of peer relationships are lacking.

Design

A qualitative, phenomenological research design was used.

Methods

A total of 12 adolescents with Tourette syndrome from the Taiwan Tourette Family Association were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected using open‐ended questions in one‐on‐one in‐depth interviews that lasted 60–90 minutes. Giorgi's phenomenological methods were applied to analyse the data obtained. Four criteria were employed to evaluate methodological rigour.

Results

The findings showed that the self‐experience of adolescents with Tourette syndrome during peer interaction reflected their lived experiences of peer identity, social identity and self‐identity. Themes included: (1) the inexplicable onset of tics during encounters with other people, (2) sources inspiring the courage for self‐acceptance and (3) strategies of self‐protection in response to changes in situation.

Conclusions

The self‐experience of peer interaction among adolescents with Tourette syndrome is a dynamic and interactive process characterised by the symbolic meanings conferred on the tics by the interacting adolescents. The adolescents with Tourette syndrome obtain self‐identity through peer responses and recognition, while the tolerance, respect and support of parents and teachers spark the adolescents’ courage for self‐acceptance.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare providers who assist adolescents with Tourette syndrome must understand that tics occur in the context of peer interaction and how this affects the adolescents’ relationships with their peers in various life situations. Furthermore, healthcare providers should provide support, respect and offer coping strategies regarding peer interaction based on an understanding of the social dynamics of such peer interactions.
Experiences of Spanish women undergoing hysterosalpingography as part of the infertility process: a phenomenological study
Authors: Fernández‐Sola Cayetano , Martínez‐Caba María Isabel , Hernández‐Padilla José Manuel , Carmona‐Samper Esther , Granero‐Molina José
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

To describe and understand the experiences and perceptions of women who undergo hysterosalpingography as part of the infertility process.

Background

Nurses and midwives should conduct research into the emotional aspects of caring for patients undergoing infertility treatment. The hysterosalpingography is considered to be the most feared test in the infertility process and the one about which very little is known.

Design

A phenomenological qualitative study.

Methods

Ten Spanish women who had undergone hysterosalpingography participated in this study. In‐depth interviews were carried out between October 2012–May 2013. Data analysis was performed with the help of atlas.ti software to identify emerging themes.

Results

The experience of the participants who underwent hysterosalpingography during the infertility process is represented by the following three themes: (1) becoming a mother to feel complete as a person and as a woman, with the subthemes ‘maternity as a life objective’ and ‘maternity in terms of gender identity’; (2) infertility – an intimate experience which provokes negative feelings, with the subthemes ‘negative feelings regarding own infertility’ and ‘infertility as an experience that is little shared with others’; (3) Undergoing hysterosalpingography, with the subthemes ‘feelings regarding hysterosalpingography’, ‘treatment by medical providers’ and ‘areas for improvement regarding the service given by the providers’.

Conclusion

For women who undergo hysterosalpingography, maternity may be seen as a life objective that could identify them as women. Results suggest that although infertility is experienced with negative feelings such as anxiety, frustration and sadness, hysterosalpingography seems to be related with both hope and fear when facing the test.

Relevance to clinical practice

Knowing the experiences of these women could help nurses, midwives and physicians to provide better patient‐centred care.
Effects of gum chewing on abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and intake adherence to polyethylene glycol solution of patients in colonoscopy preparation
Authors: Lee Jisun , Lee Eunjin , Kim Yumi , Kim Eun , Lee Yaera
Published: January 2016

Aims and objective

This study aimed to reduce the common discomfort of colonoscopy patients when taking a bowel cleansing solution. Gum chewing, a form of sham feeding, was examined as a possible efficient intervention to reduce the discomfort from consuming polyethylene glycol.

Background

Sham feeding is a method that is similar to food intake, which stimulates the cephalic‐vagal reflex, promotes secretion of gastrointestinal hormones, and stimulates movement of the gastrointestinal tract. Sham feeding with chewing gum has been shown to promote bowel motility.

Design

This was an experimental study utilising a randomised control group post‐test design.

Methods

This study was conducted in Seoul, Korea from August–October 2012. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups; a gum‐chewing group (n = 66) or a control group (n = 65). In the control group, patients drank a polyethylene glycol solution according to the general protocol. For the gum‐chewing group, patients had to chew one stick of sugarless gum during the pause interval of drinking the polyethylene glycol solution. Results were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U‐test, t‐test, Chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test.

Results

The gum‐chewing group reported significantly lower abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting and took a shorter time to ingest the polyethylene glycol solution than the control group.

Conclusion

Gum chewing is efficient in improving abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and the intake adherence of patients in colonoscopy preparation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Gum chewing was demonstrated by this study to be a potentially effective nursing intervention that is easy for patients to perform with simple instructions and is low cost with no side effects.
The experiences of family carers in the delivery of invasive clinical interventions for young people with complex intellectual disabilities: policy disconnect or policy opportunity?
Authors: Brown Michael , Hoyle Louise , Karatzias Thanos
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the experiences of family carers in the delivery of invasive clinical interventions within community settings.

Background

Many young people with intellectual disabilities present with complex health needs and require clinical interventions to sustain life. As the population lives into older age there is growing demand for the delivery of these interventions within the community setting.

Design

An interpretivist qualitative design.

Methods

Ten family carers of children with intellectual disabilities and complex care needs requiring invasive clinical interventions participated in semi‐structured interviews.

Results

There are barriers identified regarding the delivery of invasive clinical interventions in the home setting by social care support workers. These include a reluctance to carry out invasive clinical interventions both for family carers and staff, anxiety, a lack of knowledge and training and difficulties in recruiting appropriate staff.

Conclusions

There needs to be strategic policy developments focusing on this population who are cared for in the community and require invasive clinical interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice

Registered Nurses have a key role in educating and preparing families and social care support workers to safely deliver invasive clinical interventions in community settings for both children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Implementing evidence‐based practices in an emergency department: contradictions exposed when prioritising a flow culture
Authors: Kirk Jeanette W , Nilsen Per
Published: January 2016

Background

An emergency department is typically a place of high activity where practitioners care for unanticipated presentations, which yields a flow culture so that actions that secure available beds are prioritised by the practitioners.

Objectives

How does the flow culture in an emergency department influence nurses’ use of a research‐based clinical guideline and a nutrition screening routine.

Methods

Ethnographic fieldwork was carried out over three months. The first author followed nurses, medical secretaries and doctors in the emergency department. Data were also collected by means of semi‐structured interviews. An activity system analysis, as described in the Cultural Historical Activity Theory, was conducted to identify various contradictions that could exist between different parts of the activity system.

Results

The main contradiction identified was that guidelines and screening routines provided a flow stop. Four associated contradictions were identified: insufficient time to implement guidelines; guilty conscience due to perceived nonadherence to evidence‐based practices; newcomers having different priorities; and conflicting views of what constituted being a professional.

Conclusion

We found that research‐supported guidelines and screening routines were not used if they were perceived to stop the patient flow, suggesting that the practice was not fully evidence based.
Subhaplogroup D4b1 enhances the risk of cervical cancer initiation: A case‐control study in southern China
Authors: Li Yuanyan , Li Ximei , Wang Zhihui , Feng Zejiao , Li Lijiao , Ke Xiaohui
Published: January 2016

Aim

To investigate whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) background (haplogroup) is associated with cervical cancer in patients in southern China.

Methods

A case‐control study of 150 patients with cervical cancer and 217 geographically matched controls was conducted in Wenzhou, a southern Chinese city in the Zhejiang province. DNA from peripheral blood was extracted and sequenced. Sequences were aligned to the mtDNA revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (GenBank number NC_012920) to determine mtDNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplogroups.

Results

We found that both M and N haplogroups and their diagnostic SNPs (A10398G and C10400T) are not associated with the risk of cervical cancer. However, individuals with haplogroup D4b1/D4b1*, an M subhaplogroup, exhibited an increased risk of cervical cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.034; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.004, 1.066; P = 0.011/OR =1.027; 95% CI 1.001, 1.055; P = 0.027). Individuals with SNPs C10181T/A10136G (OR =1.034; 95% CI 1.004, 1.066; P = 0.011/OR =1.027; 95% CI 1.001, 1.055; P = 0.027) were more susceptible to cervical cancer than individuals without. Furthermore, we determined that mtDNA background is not associated with the progression of cervical cancer.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that mtDNA haplogroups play a role in cervical cancer initiation.
Ruboxistaurin attenuates diabetic nephropathy via modulation of TGF-β1/Smad and GRAP pathways
Authors: AL-Onazi Asma S , AL-Rasheed Nouf M , Attia Hala A , AL-Rasheed Nawal M , Ahmed Raeesa M , AL-Amin Maha A , Poizat Coralie
Published: January 2016

Objective

To investigate whether ruboxistaurin (a selective PKC-β inhibitor) mediates renoprotective effect via interference with TGF-β1/Smad-GRAP cross-signalling.

Method

Diabetes was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Then, the diabetic rats were treated with ruboxistaurin (10 mg/kg, p.o) for 6 weeks. Valsartan (15 mg/kg, p.o) was used as a positive control. After 6 weeks of treatment, diabetic nephropathy biomarkers were assessed. TGF-β1, Smad2, and Smad3 mRNA and protein levels were detected using qPCR and western blot analysis.

Key findings

Data showed that serum creatinine, kidney/body weight ratio and urinary albumin excretion significantly increased in diabetic rats. These changes were significantly attenuated by treatment with ruboxistaurin. A significant up-regulation of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 mRNA expression was observed in diabetic rats, which was alleviated by administration of ruboxistaurin. Furthermore, immunoblotting showed a significant improvement in protein levels of TGF-β1 (P < 0.01), Smad2/3 (P < 0.01) and p-Smad3 (P < 0.001) in diabetic rats treated with ruboxistaurin compared to untreated. Importantly, the reduction in GRAP protein expression in diabetic kidney was prevented by treatment with ruboxistaurin.

Conclusion

These data suggest that the renoprotective effect of ruboxistaurin is possibly due to down-regulation of TGF-β1/Smad pathway and normalization of GRAP protein expression.
Astragalus injection attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via down-regulating Jagged1/Notch1 in lungs
Authors: Zhou Yan , Liao Shiping , Zhang Zhongwei , Wang Bo , Wan Lihong
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Inhibition of Notch signalling is a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis. This study was designed to investigate the antifibrosis effects and possible mechanism of astragalus injection (AI) on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.

Methods

Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (5 mg/kg) in male SD rats. All rats received daily intraperitoneally administration of dexamethasone (DEX, 3 mg/kg), astragalus injection (AI, 8 g/kg) or saline 1 day after bleomycin instillation daily for 28 days. Histological changes in the lung were evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. The expression of α-smooth muscle protein (α-SMA) was assayed by immunohistochemical (IHC). The mRNA and protein level of Jagged1, Notch1 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was analysed by qPCR and Western blot.

Key findings

BLM-induced severe alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis; together with significant elevation of α-SMA, TGF-β1, Jagged1 and Notch1. Astragalus injection (AI, 8 g/kg) administration notably attenuated the degree of alveolitis and lung fibrosis, and markedly reduced the elevated levels of α-SMA, TGF-β1, Jagged1 and Notch1 in lungs.

Conclusions

Astragalus injection (AI, 8 g/kg) may exert protective effects on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via downregulating Jagged1/Notch1 in lung.
A label‐free differential proteomics analysis reveals the effect of melatonin on promoting fruit ripening and anthocyanin accumulation upon postharvest in tomato
Authors: Sun Qianqian , Zhang Na , Wang Jinfang , Cao Yunyun , Li Xingsheng , Zhang Haijun , Zhang Lei , Tan Dun‐Xian , Guo Yang‐Dong
Published: January 2016

To better understand the function of melatonin in tomato fruit ripening and quality improvement, a label‐free quantitation method was used to investigate the proteins that differ between the control (CK) and 50 μm melatonin treatment (M50) fruits. Proteomics data identified 241 proteins that were significantly influenced by melatonin. These proteins were involved in several ripening‐related pathways, including cell wall metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, carbohydrate, and fatty acid metabolism. Moreover, the application of exogenous melatonin increased eight proteins that are related to anthocyanin accumulation during fruit ripening. Additionally, the affected protein levels correlated with the corresponding gene transcript levels. Further, the total anthocyanin content from M50 increased by 52%, 48%, and 50% at 5, 8, and 13 DAT (day after melatonin treatment), respectively. The melatonin‐mediated promotion of fruit ripening and quality might be due to the altered proteins involved in processes associated with ripening. In this work, we indicated that a senescence‐related protein was downregulated in the M50 fruit, while a cell apoptosis inhibitor (API5) protein was upregulated. In addition, peroxidases (POD9, POD12, peroxidase p7‐like) and catalase (CAT3) significantly increased in the M50 fruits. Based on the previous studies and our data, we inferred that melatonin might be positively related to fruit ripening but negatively related to fruit senescence. This research provides insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin‐mediated fruit ripening as well as the anthocyanin formation process in tomato fruit at the protein concentration level, and we reveal possible candidates for regulation of anthocyanin formation during fruit ripening.
The ghost of the Cretaceous terrestrial revolution in the evolution of fern–sawfly associations
Authors: Schneider Harald
Published: January 2016

Utilization of ferns by phytophagous insects is widely considered to be less common and less specialized compared to the phytophagous insect community feeding on angiosperms. In this study, this assumption is challenged by exploring the evolution of pteridophagy (fern‐feeding) in the larval stages of sawflies (Symphyta). To achieve this, phylogenetic frameworks were assembled based on published phylogenetic studies and newly reconstructed phylogenies based on cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) barcoding data that allowed the reconstruction of the ancestral feeding preferences by plotting reported host plants of sawflies. Evidence was found for two exclusively pteridophagous lineages of sawflies that probably originated before the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution, whereas the third lineage comprising several exclusively pteridophagous sawfly genera is nested in the derived sawfly clade feeding predominantly on eudicots. Thus, the evolution of pteridophagy in the clade was probably connected with the transformation of terrestrial habitats associated with the rise of angiosperms during the Cretaceous. The observed phylogenetic patterns are consistent with the hypothesis of “larval diet conservatism” resulting in the establishment of genera and lineages that feed exclusively, or at least predominantly, on conifers, eudicots, ferns, and monocots. Only a small percentage of sawfly genera were found to be polyphylophagous. The results suggest a low frequency of switches between host plants belonging to different major plant lineages such as angiosperms, conifers, and ferns. Successful switches between hosts belonging to different major lineages of land plants coincide with the reorganization of the phylogenetic composition of terrestrial vegetation in the late Mesozoic.
Detained: A Study of Immigration Bond Hearings
Authors: Ryo Emily
Published: January 2016

Immigration judges make consequential decisions that fundamentally affect the basic life chances of thousands of noncitizens and their family members every year. Yet, we know very little about how immigration judges make their decisions, including decisions about whether to release or detain noncitizens pending the completion of their immigration cases. Using original data on long-term immigrant detainees, I examine for the first time judicial decision making in immigration bond hearings. I find that there are extremely wide variations in the average bond grant rates and bond amount decisions among judges in the study sample. What are the determinants of these bond decisions? My analysis shows that the odds of being granted bond are more than 3.5 times higher for detainees represented by attorneys than those who appeared pro se, net of other relevant factors. My analysis also shows that the detainees' prior criminal history is the only significant legally relevant factor in both the grant/deny and bond amount decisions, net of other relevant factors. This finding points to the need for further research on whether and how immigration courts might be exercising crime control through administrative proceedings.
Measuring Precedent in a Judicial Hierarchy
Authors: Hitt Matthew P.
Published: January 2016

Identifying the U.S. Supreme Court's most influential precedents is integral to understanding its impact on society. To make these identifications, scholars often analyze the network of citations in Supreme Court opinions. I contend that the broader jurisprudential significance of precedent can be better captured by considering how frequently a precedent is followed across the federal judicial hierarchy. In support of this contention, I present an analysis of original data on the treatment of every Court precedent 1946–2010 in all three levels of the federal judicial hierarchy. I show that a class of complex and ambiguous precedents are followed significantly less at all levels of the hierarchy. Yet these same fractious precedents exhibit high citation rates in Supreme Court opinions. The results show that different methodological choices capture strikingly different theoretical concepts, ones that are easily conflated in the study of legal precedent.
Legitimacy Chains: Legitimation of Compliance with International Courts Across Social Fields
Authors: Conti Joseph A.
Published: January 2016

Political and legal globalization brings into question how to best conceptualize legitimacy and authority in the context of a plurality of potential audiences with distinct standards for evaluating legitimacy. This article proposes legitimacy chains, or the articulation of justifications linked through competitive processes of social evaluation across distinct social fields, as a concept for theorizing supranational authority. The concept is developed through an analysis of World Trade Organization (WTO) disputes over zeroing, a method for calculating import dumping. The article focuses on how the legitimacy work of various interlocutors enabled compliance despite contested legal validity claims, ultimately enhancing the authority of the WTO as final arbiter of legitimate trade practices.