bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary angle‐closure glaucoma: an update
Authors: Wright Carrie , Tawfik Mohammed A. , Waisbourd Michael , Katz Leslie J.
Published: June 2015

Primary angle‐closure glaucoma is potentially a devastating disease, responsible for half of glaucoma‐related blindness worldwide. Angle closure is characterized by appositional approximation or contact between the iris and trabecular meshwork. It tends to develop in eyes with shallow anterior chambers, anteriorly positioned or pushed lenses, and angle crowding. Risk of primary angle‐closure glaucoma is high among women, the elderly and the hyperopic, and it is most prevalent in Asia. Investigation into genetic mechanisms of glaucoma inheritance is underway. Diagnosis relies on gonioscopy and may be aided by anterior segment optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy. Treatment is designed to control intraocular pressure while monitoring changes to the angle and optic nerve head. Treatment typically begins with medical management through pressure‐reducing topical medications. Peripheral iridotomy is often performed to alleviate pupillary block, while laser iridoplasty has been found effective for mechanisms of closure other than pupillary block, such as plateau iris syndrome. Phacoemulsification, with or without goniosynechialysis, both in eyes with existing cataracts and in those with clear lenses, is thus far a viable treatment alternative. Long‐term research currently underway will examine its efficacy in cases of angle closure in early stages of the disease. Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation is another treatment option, which can be combined with cataract surgery. Trabeculectomy remains effective therapy for more advanced cases.
Paediatricians require more information before they routinely co‐administer the meningococcal B vaccine with routine infant vaccines
Authors: Wagner Angelika , Kundi Michael , Zwiauer Karl , Wiedermann Ursula
Published: June 2015

Aim

The four‐component meningococcal serogroup B (4CMenB) vaccine was licensed by the European Medicines Agency in 2013. We evaluated current practice regarding multiple vaccines and the attitudes of paediatricians towards the 4CMenB before it became available in Austria in 2014.

Methods

We sent 1624 Austrian paediatricians an email invitation to participate in our nationwide web‐based survey and 231 responded.

Results

Most participants regarded the 4CMenB vaccine as a long‐needed and necessary tool against meningococcal B disease. However, most participants would not co‐administer this vaccine with other routine infant vaccines. The survey showed that 58.9% of paediatricians already co‐administered the hexavalent vaccine with the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, but most of them would not add a third vaccine at the same visit. This was mainly due to lack of experience with the vaccine and also because they assumed that parents would not consent. Importantly, paediatricians said they wanted an explicit recommendation in the Austrian Immunisation Plan on the timing of the 4CMenB vaccine before they would confidently and routinely use it for infants.

Conclusion

Paediatricians required more information for themselves and for parents before routinely co‐administering the 4CMenB vaccine. They also requested a national recommendation on its timing.
Suspected intramedullary bone infarct subsequent to tibial plateau levelling osteotomy in a dog
Authors: Newman ME , Johnson KA
Published: June 2015

Background

Bone infarction is a syndrome associated with disruption to the medullary blood supply of a long bone and may present as either a cause of lameness or, more commonly, an incidental finding. Bone infarction is a known complication of total hip replacement in the dog and may be associated with several other systemic diseases.

Case Report

A 3‐year‐old female desexed Labrador Retriever presented for acute lameness 4 weeks following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). Subsequent radiographs revealed an increase in medullary bone opacity, radiographically consistent with a medullary bone infarction. The lesion was followed with serial radiographs and appeared to spontaneously resolve.

Conclusion

This is the first reported case of bone infarction following TPLO in the dog. Bone infarction should be considered as an unlikely but potential complication of TPLO.
Concurrent idiopathic vestibular syndrome and facial nerve paralysis in a cat
Authors: Fraser AR , Long SN , le Chevoir MA
Published: June 2015

Case report

A 4‐year‐old male neutered Domestic Medium‐hair cat was referred for right head tilt and ataxia of 2 weeks duration. On examination it was determined that the cat had right facial nerve paralysis and peripheral vestibular signs. Haematology and serum biochemical testing were performed in addition to magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and ears, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. An underlying condition was not identified. A diagnosis of idiopathic vestibular syndrome and concurrent idiopathic right facial nerve paralysis was consequently made. The cat was re‐evaluated over the following weeks and was determined to have complete resolution of clinical signs within 7 weeks.

Conclusion

Vestibular dysfunction and concurrent facial nerve paralysis have previously been reported in the cat, but not of an idiopathic nature.
Susceptibility to antimicrobials of mastitis‐causing Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis and Str. dysgalactiae from New Zealand and the USA as assessed by the disk diffusion test
Authors: Petrovski KR , Grinberg A , Williamson NB , Abdalla ME , Lopez‐Villalobos N , Parkinson TJ , Tucker IG , Rapnicki P
Published: June 2015

Objective

To compare the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of three common mastitis pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis and Str. dysgalactiae) isolated from milk samples from New Zealand and the USA.

Methods

A total of 182 S. aureus, 126 Str. uberis and 89 Str. dysgalactiae isolates from New Zealand (107, 106 and 41, respectively) and the USA (75, 20 and 48, respectively) were assessed using the disk diffusion test.

Results

Susceptibility varied among the bacterial species. All isolates were susceptible to the amoxicillin–clavulanic acid combination. Resistance to lincomycin was most frequent (susceptibility of 8.6%) across all species. Non‐susceptible (i.e. resistant or intermediate) isolates of S. aureus were identified for the three non‐isoxazolyl penicillins (amoxicillin, ampicillin and penicillin: 20.6% and 36.0%) and lincomycin (99.9% and 94.6%) for NZ and the USA, respectively. Resistance to erythromycin (5.3%) and tetracyclines (6.7%) was detected only in isolates from the USA. There were differences in susceptibility between Str. uberis and Str. dysgalactiae; all streptococcal isolates demonstrated resistance to aminoglycosides (neomycin 52.4% and streptomycin 27.9%) and enrofloxacin (28%). Resistance of Str. dysgalactiae to tetracycline was almost 100.0% and to oxytetracycline 89.9%.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Most of the isolates tested were susceptible to most of the antimicrobials commonly used for treatment of bovine mastitis, with the exception of the lincosamides. Susceptibility to a selected class‐representative antimicrobial and at the genus level should be interpreted with caution. Differences between NZ and the USA confirm the value of national surveys to determine the susceptibility patterns of mastitis pathogens.
Cutaneous and systemic mycoses from infection with Lecanicillium spp. in captive Guthega skinks (Liopholis guthega)
Authors: Scheelings TF , Dobson EC , Hooper C , Eden P
Published: June 2015

Background

Guthega skinks have been listed as critically endangered and are considered particularly vulnerable to extinction because of their isolation and restricted distribution. There is no information on their captive husbandry, or the diseases that affect them.

Case report

Cutaneous and systemic mycosis from infection with Lecanicillium spp. was diagnosed in a captive colony of Guthega skinks (Liopholis guthega). Infection resulted in the death of five lizards. Diagnosis of infection was confirmed using a combination of histopathology, fungal culture and DNA sequencing from all affected animals. An additional four similarly affected individuals were successfully treated with a combination of voriconazole (10 mg/kg PO once daily) and shallow baths of benzalkonium chloride and polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (F10) (1 : 250, 20 min once daily). This is the first report of Lecanicillium spp. infection in reptiles.
In vivo characterisation of two Australian isolates of Marek's disease virus including pathology, viral load and neuropathotyping based on clinical signs
Authors: Wajid SJ , Walkden‐Brown SW , Vanselow BA , Islam AFMF , Renz KG
Published: June 2015

Objective

To evaluate the pathogenicity of Australian Marek's disease virus (MDV) isolate MPF23 (1985) against the reference strain MPF57 based on pathology, viral load and neuropathotyping on the basis of clinical signs.

Procedure

Two MDV challenge isolates (MPF57 or MPF23) were administered to unvaccinated specific‐pathogen free (SPF) layer chicks on day 5 after hatch at three challenge doses (500, 2000 or 8000 plaque‐forming units (pfu)/chick). Mortality, body weight, immune organ weights, MDV load in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and clinical signs were measured to 56 days post challenge (dpc).

Results

MPF23 was the more pathogenic of the two viruses, inducing higher mortality (81% vs 62%) and incidence of MD lesions (100% vs 76%). MPF23 induced earlier, more sustained and more severe neurological signs in the period 26–56 dpc. However, there were few differences during the 0–23 dpc used in the neuropathotyping classification under test. The observed pattern during this earlier period classified both viruses as neuropathotype B, consistent with a very virulent pathotype. MDV load in PBL at 7 and 44 dpc did not differ between virus isolates, but the load at 7 dpc was significantly and negatively associated with time to euthanasia or death.

Conclusion

MPF23 appears to be as, or more, virulent than the MDV strains isolated over the subsequent two decades. The neuropathotyping system developed in the USA did not clearly differentiate between the two isolates under test; however, extension of the period of assessment of clinical signs beyond 26 dpc did reveal clear differences.
Association between number of prostate biopsies and patient‐reported functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy: implications for active surveillance protocols
Authors: Anderson Christopher B. , Tin Amy L. , Sjoberg Daniel D. , Mulhall John P. , Sandhu Jaspreet , Touijer Karim , Laudone Vincent P. , Eastham James A. , Scardino Peter T. , Ehdaie Behfar
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To evaluate whether the number of preoperative prostate biopsies affects functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods

We identified patients treated with RP at our institution between 2008 and 2011. At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, the patients completed questionnaires assessing erectile and urinary function. Patients with preoperative incontinence or erectile dysfunction or who did not complete the questionnaire were excluded. Primary outcomes were urinary and erectile function at 12 months postoperatively. We used logistic regression to estimate the impact of number of prostate biopsies on functional outcomes after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors.

Results

We identified 2 712 patients treated with RP between 2008 and 2011. Most of the patients (80%) had one preoperative prostate biopsy, 16% had two, and 4% had at least three. On adjusted analysis, erectile function at 12 months was not significantly different for patients with two (odds ratio [OR] 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90, 1.75) or three or more (OR 1.52; 95% CI 0.84, 2.78) biopsies, compared with those with one biopsy. Similarly, urinary function at 12 months was not significantly different for patients with two (0.84, 95% CI 0.64, 1.10) or three or more (0.99, 95% CI 0.60, 1.61) biopsies compared with those with one.

Conclusions

We did not find evidence that a greater number of preoperative prostate biopsies adversely affected erectile or urinary function at 12 months after RP.
A synthesis of two decades of research documenting the effects of noise on wildlife
Authors: Shannon Graeme , McKenna Megan F. , Angeloni Lisa M. , Crooks Kevin R. , Fristrup Kurt M. , Brown Emma , Warner Katy A. , Nelson Misty D. , White Cecilia , Briggs Jessica , McFarland Scott , Wittemyer George
Published: June 2015

Global increases in environmental noise levels – arising from expansion of human populations, transportation networks, and resource extraction – have catalysed a recent surge of research into the effects of noise on wildlife. Synthesising a coherent understanding of the biological consequences of noise from this literature is challenging. Taxonomic groups vary in auditory capabilities. A wide range of noise sources and exposure levels occur, and many kinds of biological responses have been observed, ranging from individual behaviours to changes in ecological communities. Also, noise is one of several environmental effects generated by human activities, so researchers must contend with potentially confounding explanations for biological responses. Nonetheless, it is clear that noise presents diverse threats to species and ecosystems and salient patterns are emerging to help inform future natural resource‐management decisions. We conducted a systematic and standardised review of the scientific literature published from 1990 to 2013 on the effects of anthropogenic noise on wildlife, including both terrestrial and aquatic studies. Research to date has concentrated predominantly on European and North American species that rely on vocal communication, with approximately two‐thirds of the data set focussing on songbirds and marine mammals. The majority of studies documented effects from noise, including altered vocal behaviour to mitigate masking, reduced abundance in noisy habitats, changes in vigilance and foraging behaviour, and impacts on individual fitness and the structure of ecological communities. This literature survey shows that terrestrial wildlife responses begin at noise levels of approximately 40 dBA, and 20% of papers documented impacts below 50 dBA. Our analysis highlights the utility of existing scientific information concerning the effects of anthropogenic noise on wildlife for predicting potential outcomes of noise exposure and implementing meaningful mitigation measures. Future research directions that would support more comprehensive predictions regarding the magnitude and severity of noise impacts include: broadening taxonomic and geographical scope, exploring interacting stressors, conducting larger‐scale studies, testing mitigation approaches, standardising reporting of acoustic metrics, and assessing the biological response to noise‐source removal or mitigation. The broad volume of existing information concerning the effects of anthropogenic noise on wildlife offers a valuable resource to assist scientists, industry, and natural‐resource managers in predicting potential outcomes of noise exposure.
The evolutionary ecology of deception
Authors: Mokkonen Mikael , Lindstedt Carita
Published: June 2015

Through dishonest signals or actions, individuals often misinform others to their own benefit. We review recent literature to explore the evolutionary and ecological conditions for deception to be more likely to evolve and be maintained. We identify four conditions: (1) high misinformation potential through perceptual constraints of perceiver; (2) costs and benefits of responding to deception; (3) asymmetric power relationships between individuals and (4) exploitation of common goods. We discuss behavioural and physiological mechanisms that form a deception continuum from secrecy to overt signals. Deceptive tactics usually succeed by being rare and are often evolving under co‐evolutionary arms races, sometimes leading to the evolution of polymorphism. The degree of deception can also vary depending on the environmental conditions. Finally, we suggest a conceptual framework for studying deception and highlight important questions for future studies.
Effect of testosterone treatment on cardiac biomarkers in a randomized controlled trial of men with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gianatti Emily J. , Hoermann Rudolf , Lam Que , Dupuis Philippe , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Grossmann Mathis
Published: June 2015

Objective

To assess the effect of testosterone treatment on cardiac biomarkers in men with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Design

Randomized double‐blind, parallel, placebo‐controlled trial.

Patients

Men aged 35–70 years with T2D and a total testosterone level ≤12·0 nmol/l (346 ng/dl) at high risk of cardiovascular events, median 10‐year United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) coronary heart disease (CHD) risk 21% (IQR 16%, 27%). Eighty‐eight participants were randomly assigned to 40 weeks of intramuscular testosterone undecanoate (n = 45) or matching placebo (n = 43).

Main Outcome Measures

N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT).

Result

Testosterone treatment reduced NT‐proBNP (mean adjusted difference (MAD) in change over 40 weeks across the testosterone and placebo groups, −17·9 ng/l [95% CI −32·4, −3·5], P = 0·047), but did not change hs‐cTnT (MAD, 0·41 ng/l (95% CI −0·56, 1·39), P = 0·62). Six men, three in each group experienced an adverse cardiac event, displaying already higher baseline NT‐proBNP (P < 0·01) and hs‐cTnT levels (P = 0·01). At baseline, 10‐year UKPDS CHD risk was associated positively with NT‐proBNP (τ = 0·21, P = 0·004) and hs‐cTnT (τ = 0·23, P = 0·003) and inversely with testosterone (total testosterone τ = −0·18, P = 0·02, calculated free testosterone τ = −0·19, P = 0·01), but there was no significant association between testosterone and cardiac biomarkers (P > 0·05).

Conclusions

In this trial of men with T2D and high cardiovascular risk, testosterone treatment reduced NT‐proBNP and did not change hs‐cTnT. Further studies should determine whether men with increased cardiac biomarkers prior to testosterone therapy are at higher risk of testosterone treatment‐associated adverse cardiac events.
Happiness, Equivalent Incomes and Respect for Individual Preferences
Authors: Decancq Koen , Fleurbaey Marc , Schokkaert Erik
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we study interpersonal comparisons of wellbeing. We show that using subjective wellbeing (SWB) levels can be in conflict with individuals' judgments about their own lives. We propose therefore an alternative wellbeing measure in terms of equivalent incomes that respects individual preferences. We show how SWB surveys can be used to derive the ordinal information about preferences needed to calculate equivalent incomes. We illustrate our approach with Russian panel data (RLMS‐HSE) for the period 1995–2003 and compare it to standard wellbeing measures such as expenditures and SWB. We find that different groups are identified as worst off.

For nothing is more certain, than that despair has almost the same effect on us with enjoyment, and that we are no sooner acquainted with the impossibility of satisfying any desire, than the desire itself vanishes. David Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature
Developing integrated clinical reasoning competencies in dental students using scaffolded case‐based learning – empirical evidence
Authors: Postma T. C. , White J. G.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

This study provides empirical evidence of the development of integrated clinical reasoning in the discipline‐based School of Dentistry, University of Pretoria, South Africa. Students were exposed to case‐based learning in comprehensive patient care (CPC) in the preclinical year of study, scaffolded by means of the four‐component instructional design model for complex learning.

Methods

Progress test scores of third‐ to fifth‐year dental students, who received case‐based teaching and learning in the third year (2009–2011), were compared to the scores of preceding fourth‐ and fifth‐year cohorts. These fourth‐ and fifth‐year cohorts received content‐based teaching concurrently with their clinical training in CPC. The progress test consisted of a complex case study and 32 MCQs on tracer conditions. Students had to gather the necessary information and had to make diagnostic and treatment‐planning decisions.

Results

Preclinical students who participated in the case‐based teaching and learning achieved similar scores compared to final‐year students who received lecture‐based teaching and learning. Final‐year students who participated in the case‐based learning made three more correct clinical decisions per student, compared to those who received content‐based teaching. Students struggled more with treatment‐planning than with diagnostic decisions.

Conclusion

The scaffolded case‐based learning appears to contribute to accurate clinical decisions when compared to lecture‐based teaching. It is suggested that the development of integrated reasoning competencies starts as early as possible in a dental curriculum, perhaps even in the preclinical year of study. Treatment‐planning should receive particular attention.
The Art of Reflection: Turning the Strange into the Familiar
Authors: Weingarten Kaethe
Published: June 2015

There are a great many useful articles on the dynamics and pragmatics of reflecting teams but few articles address what constitutes a good or inept reflection and why. I provide a conceptual model for thinking about what a good reflection does, distinguishing it from a nice reflection. With some further refinements in place, I then illustrate how reflections can be part of any relationship, not just clinical ones. We have opportunities to make them and to recognize when others make them to us. By using examples from my personal life—as a grandmother, daughter, radio listener, cancer survivor, and client—I attempt to ease the personal/professional binary, a project of mine for the last 35 years. In the second part of the article, I address how writing can serve reflection. Although best offered at the moment one is called for, it is never too late for a reflection. Writing allows people to offer reflections after the fact to those who have shared their stories. Sometimes, it is to ourselves we offer those reflections, when the reflector has long since dropped the thread of obligation or interest. I provide an example of working with iconic imagery to unpack meaning so that reflection can eventually take place, allowing integration to proceed, facilitating the strange becoming the familiar.
Deep soil carbon dynamics are driven more by soil type than by climate: a worldwide meta‐analysis of radiocarbon profiles
Authors: Mathieu Jordane A. , Hatté Christine , Balesdent Jérôme , Parent Éric
Published: June 2015

The response of soil carbon dynamics to climate and land‐use change will affect both the future climate and the quality of ecosystems. Deep soil carbon (>20 cm) is the primary component of the soil carbon pool, but the dynamics of deep soil carbon remain poorly understood. Therefore, radiocarbon activity (C), which is a function of the age of carbon, may help to understand the rates of soil carbon biodegradation and stabilization. We analyzed the publishedC contents in 122 profiles of mineral soil that were well distributed in most of the large world biomes, except for the boreal zone. With a multivariate extension of a linear mixed‐effects model whose inference was based on the parallel combination of two algorithms, the expectation–maximization (EM) and the Metropolis–Hasting algorithms, we expressed soilC profiles as a four‐parameter function of depth. The four‐parameter model produced insightful predictions of soilC as dependent on depth, soil type, climate, vegetation, land‐use and date of sampling (). Further analysis with the model showed that the age of topsoil carbon was primarily affected by climate and cultivation. By contrast, the age of deep soil carbon was affected more by soil taxa than by climate and thus illustrated the strong dependence of soil carbon dynamics on other pedologic traits such as clay content and mineralogy.
Canopy warming caused photosynthetic acclimation and reduced seed yield in maize grown at ambient and elevated [CO2]
Authors: Ruiz‐Vera Ursula M. , Siebers Matthew H. , Drag David W. , Ort Donald R. , Bernacchi Carl J.
Published: June 2015

Rising atmosphericCO2concentration ([CO2]) and attendant increases in growing season temperature are expected to be the most important global change factors impacting production agriculture. Although maize is the most highly produced crop worldwide, few studies have evaluated the interactive effects of elevated [CO2] and temperature on its photosynthetic physiology, agronomic traits or biomass, and seed yield under open field conditions. This study investigates the effects of rising [CO2] and warmer temperature, independently and in combination, on maize grown in the field throughout a full growing season. Free‐airCO2enrichment (FACE) technology was used to target atmospheric [CO2] to 200 μmol mol−1above ambient [CO2] and infrared heaters to target a plant canopy increase of 3.5 °C, with actual season mean heating of ~2.7 °C, mimicking conditions predicted by the second half of this century. Photosynthetic gas‐exchange parameters, leaf nitrogen and carbon content, leaf water potential components, and developmental measurements were collected throughout the season, and biomass and yield were measured at the end of the growing season. As predicted for a C4plant, elevated [CO2] did not stimulate photosynthesis, biomass, or yield. Canopy warming caused a large shift in aboveground allocation by stimulating season‐long vegetative biomass and decreasing reproductive biomass accumulation at bothCO2concentrations, resulting in decreased harvest index. Warming caused a reduction in photosynthesis due to down‐regulation of photosynthetic biochemical parameters and the decrease in the electron transport rate. The reduction in seed yield with warming was driven by reduced photosynthetic capacity and by a shift in aboveground carbon allocation away from reproduction. This field study portends that future warming will reduce yield in maize, and this will not be mitigated by higher atmospheric [CO2] unless appropriate adaptation traits can be introduced into future cultivars.
Coral population dynamics across consecutive mass mortality events
Authors: Riegl Bernhard , Purkis Sam
Published: June 2015

Annual coral mortality events due to increased atmospheric heat may occur regularly from the middle of the century and are considered apocalyptic for coral reefs. In the Arabian/Persian Gulf, this situation has already occurred and population dynamics of four widespread corals (Acropora downingi, Porites harrisoni, Dipsastrea pallida, Cyphastrea micropthalma) were examined across the first‐ever occurrence of four back‐to‐back mass mortality events (2009–2012). Mortality was driven by diseases in 2009, bleaching and subsequent diseases in 2010/2011/2012. 2009 reduced P. harrisoni cover and size, the other events increasingly reduced overall cover (2009: −10%; 2010: −20%; 2011: −20%; 2012: −15%) and affected all examined species. Regeneration was only observed after the first disturbance. P. harrisoni and A. downingi severely declined from 2010 due to bleaching and subsequent white syndromes, while D. pallida and P. daedalea declined from 2011 due to bleaching and black‐band disease. C. microphthalma cover was not affected. In all species, most large corals were lost while fission due to partial tissue mortality bolstered small size classes. This general shrinkage led to a decrease of coral cover and a dramatic reduction of fecundity. Transition matrices for disturbed and undisturbed conditions were evaluated as Life Table Response Experiment and showed that C. microphthalma changed the least in size‐class dynamics and fecundity, suggesting they were ‘winners’. In an ordered ‘degradation cascade’, impacts decreased from the most common to the least common species, leading to step‐wise removal of previously dominant species. A potentially permanent shift from high‐ to low‐coral cover with different coral community and size structure can be expected due to the demographic dynamics resultant from the disturbances. Similarities to degradation of other Caribbean and Pacific reefs are discussed. As comparable environmental conditions and mortality patterns must be expected worldwide, demographic collapse of many other coral populations may soon be widespread.
The mediating and moderating effects of sleep hygiene practice on anxiety and insomnia in hospital nurses
Authors: Chou Tsui‐Lan , Chang Lu‐I , Chung Min‐Huey
Published: June 2015

This study aimed to test the mediating and moderating effects of sleep hygiene practice on the relationship between anxiety and insomnia severity in hospital nurses. A cross‐sectional survey was employed, and a convenience sample was recruited from one regional hospital in Taiwan. Participants completed the following self‐report questionnaires over a 3‐month period in 2009: the Insomnia Severity Index, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Sleep Hygiene Awareness and Practice Scale. The results indicated that nurses with more anxiety tended to have higher insomnia severity. Further, nurses with poor sleep hygiene practice had more insomnia. Sleep hygiene practice partially mediated the effects of anxiety on insomnia severity. Also, sleep hygiene practice was a moderator in the relationship between anxiety and insomnia severity with age and work units as covariates. Sleep hygiene practice mediated and moderated the relationship between anxiety and insomnia severity after controlling the variables of age and work units. Continuing to learn and train sleep hygiene practice might promote nurses' sleep hygiene, and thereby ameliorate anxiety and reduce the risk of insomnia.
How do Clostridium difficile infections affect nurses’ everyday hospital work: A qualitative study
Authors: Guillemin Isabelle , Marrel Alexia , Beriot‐Mathiot Axelle , Doucet Carole , Kazoglou Odysseas , Luxemburger Christine , Reygrobellet Camille , Arnould Benoit
Published: June 2015

This qualitative study explored the impact of Clostridium difficile infections on nurses’ everyday work in the hospital.

Twelve nurses (six in France and six in the United States) were interviewed in depth using a semi‐structured interview guide. Thematic analysis of the interviews was performed.

Managing diarrhoea and taking precautionary measures for infection control were the two most inconvenient aspects nurses reported with C. difficile patient management. Precautions included contact isolation, hand hygiene and reorganization/coordination of nursing care and ward. Precautions were time consuming and significantly increased nurses’ workload when combined with caring for patients with uncontrollable, frequent bouts of diarrhoea.

Management of C. difficile infection is extremely burdensome for nurses in their everyday work and disruptive to hospital organizations as a whole. Prevention of C. difficile infections, together with coordinated team work and communication, would therefore contribute to decreasing nurses’ workload and the burden to health‐care facilities associated with caring for these patients.
Calcium supplementation reducing the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and related problems: A meta‐analysis of multicentre randomized controlled trials
Authors: An Li‐bin , Li Wen‐tao , Xie Tie‐nan , Peng Xin , Li Bo , Xie Shu‐hong , Xu Jing , Zhou Xiao‐hua , Guo Shao‐ning
Published: June 2015

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are closely related to maternal mortality and morbidity. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders. No systematic review on multicentreRCTsof calcium supplementation during pregnancy has been published. The purpose of this study was to report a quantitative systematic review of the effectiveness of calcium supplementation during pregnancy on reducing the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and related problems. Publications over the years of 1991–2012 were searched throughPubMed,ScienceDirect,EMBASE,CINAHLandWeb ofScience. The literatures were selected of the multicentreRCTson calcium supplementation during pregnancy in prevention of hypertensive disorders and related problems. Reference lists from the studies were also examined for additional references. Studies were critically appraised by three independent reviewers, and theCochraneHandbook was used to assess the quality of those included trials. Four studies were included in this systematic review. All included studies were high quality, with low risk of bias. There was an observed risk reduction in hypertension in calcium group. However, there was no reduction in the risk of severe gestational hypertension, pre‐eclampsia, severe pre‐eclampsia, preterm birth and low birthweight. Calcium supplementation appears to reduce the risk of hypertension in pregnancy.
Back massage intervention for relieving lower back pain in puerperal women: A randomized control trial study
Authors: Lee Hsiu‐Jung , Ko Yi‐Li
Published: June 2015

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a back massage (BM) intervention in relieving lower back pain (LBP) in post‐partum women.This is a randomized controlled trial study. Sixty normal spontaneous delivery women (response rate: 96.7%), who gave birth at our hospital, participated in this study from February to May of 2012. We randomly assigned 30 women to the experimental group and 30 women to the control group. During the 1 month post‐partum period, the women in the experimental group received a BM for 5 consecutive days, whereas the women in the control group received routine care only. The LBP score was assessed according to a pain visual analog scale. After 5 days of intervention, the experimental group (n = 30) experienced significantly less LBP than did the control group (n = 30) (2.97 ± 1.71 vs. 4.43 ± 1.77, t = 3.26, P = 0.002). BM therapy can effectively reduce LBP during the first post‐partum month. Additional studies are required to confirm the effects of BM therapy during extended post‐partum periods.
Vital signs monitoring to detect patient deterioration: An integrative literature review
Authors: Mok Wen Qi , Wang Wenru , Liaw Sok Ying
Published: June 2015

Vital signs monitoring is an important nursing assessment. Yet, nurses seem to be doing it as part of a routine and often overlooking their significance in detecting patient deterioration. An integrative literature review was conducted to explore factors surrounding ward nursing practice of vital signs monitoring in detecting and reporting deterioration. Twenty papers were included. The structural component of aNursingRoleEffectivenessModel framework, which comprises of patient, nurse and organizational variables, was used to synthesize the review. Patient variables include signs of deterioration displayed by patients which include physical cues and abnormal vital signs. Nursing variables include clinical knowledge, roles and responsibilities, and reporting of deteriorating vital signs. Organizational variables include heavy workload, technology, and observation chart design. This review has highlighted current nursing practice in vital signs monitoring. A myriad of factors were found to surround ward practice of vital signs monitoring in detecting and reporting deterioration.
Effectiveness of a community‐based diabetes self‐management intervention for Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes: A pilot study
Authors: Fu MinLi , Hu Jie , Cai XiaoLi
Published: June 2015

This pilot study examined the effects of an intervention on diabetes knowledge and self‐management among adults with type 2 diabetes in Wuhan, China. A convenience sample of 29 adults with type 2 diabetes participated in a 6‐week diabetes intervention in a community health center. Data on diabetes knowledge, diabetes self‐management, fasting blood glucose level, blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference were collected pre‐ and postintervention and at 1‐month follow‐up. The level of diabetes knowledge was significantly greater postintervention, increasing from a score of 12.97 (± 4.04) to 17.14 (± 3.00) and remaining at 17.03 (± 2.23) at 1‐month follow‐up; Significant improvements in self‐monitoring of blood glucose and medication adherence were not found after the intervention. However, fasting blood glucose levels showed a significant decrease from baseline to postintervention and 1‐month follow‐up. Diabetes self‐management education was thus an effective way to improve diabetes self‐care in this Chinese sample.
Mechanical Testing of a Synthetic Canine Gastrocnemius Tendon Implant
Authors: Morton Mark A. , Whitelock Richard G. , Innes John F.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To test a polyethylene terephthalate prosthesis (STIF, Chenove, France) for gastrocnemius tendon repair in dogs (cadaver model).

Study Design

In vitro mechanical study.

Animals

Pelvic limbs (n = 8) from 4 recently euthanatized adult dogs (weighing 30–45 kg).

Methods

Proximally the implant was sutured at the myotendinous junction of the gastrocnemius and distally secured in a 4.5 mm blind ending tunnel in the medullary cavity of the calcaneus using an interference screw (STIF, Chenove, France). Proximal and distal fixation were tested independently using an electrodynamic testing machine (Electropuls 3000, Instron, UK).

Results

Mean ± SD failure loads for the proximal fixation (266.13 ± 43.88 N) was significantly less than for the distal fixation (649.25 ± 210.36 N; P = .042, paired t‐test). Mean stiffness of the proximal and distal constructs were 19.08 ± 8.16 N/mm and 139.76 ± 24.51 N/mm, respectively.

Conclusions

Failure loads exceeded the values reported after experimental repair of chronic gastrocnemius tendon injuries using other methods involving suturing tendon to bone. Failure of this repair method clinically is predicted to occur proximally at the level of the myotendinous junction.
Climate change, genetic markers and species distribution modelling
Authors: Gotelli Nicholas J. , Stanton‐Geddes John
Published: June 2015

Ecologists and biogeographers are currently expending great effort forecasting shifts in species geographical ranges that may result from climate change. However, these efforts are problematic because they have mostly relied on presence‐only data that ignore within‐species genetic diversity. Technological advances in high‐throughput sequencing have now made it cost‐effective to survey the genetic structure of populations sampled throughout the range of a species. These data can be used to delineate two or more genetic clusters within the species range, and to identify admixtures of individuals within genetic clusters that reflect different patterns of ancestry. Species distribution models (SDMs) applied to the presence and absence of genetic clusters should provide more realistic forecasts of geographical range shifts that take account of genetic variability. High‐throughput sequencing and spatially explicit models may be used to further refine these projections.
The circulating transcriptome as a source of non‐invasive cancer biomarkers: concepts and controversies of non‐coding and coding RNA in body fluids
Authors: Fernandez‐Mercado Marta , Manterola Lorea , Larrea Erika , Goicoechea Ibai , Arestin María , Armesto María , Otaegui David , Lawrie Charles H.
Published: June 2015

The gold standard for cancer diagnosis remains the histological examination of affected tissue, obtained either by surgical excision, or radiologically guided biopsy. Such procedures however are expensive, not without risk to the patient, and require consistent evaluation by expert pathologists. Consequently, the search for non‐invasive tools for the diagnosis and management of cancer has led to great interest in the field of circulating nucleic acids in plasma and serum. An additional benefit of blood‐based testing is the ability to carry out screening and repeat sampling on patients undergoing therapy, or monitoring disease progression allowing for the development of a personalized approach to cancer patient management. Despite having been discovered over 60 years ago, the clear clinical potential of circulating nucleic acids, with the notable exception of prenatal diagnostic testing, has yet to translate into the clinic. The recent discovery of non‐coding (nc) RNA (in particular micro(mi)RNAs) in the blood has provided fresh impetuous for the field. In this review, we discuss the potential of the circulating transcriptome (coding and ncRNA), as novel cancer biomarkers, the controversy surrounding their origin and biology, and most importantly the hurdles that remain to be overcome if they are really to become part of future clinical practice.
Chemogenetic ablation of dopaminergic neurons leads to transient locomotor impairments in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Godoy Rafael , Noble Sandra , Yoon Kevin , Anisman Hymie , Ekker Marc
Published: June 2015

To determine the impact of a controlled loss of dopaminergic neurons on locomotor function, we generated transgenic zebrafish, Tg(dat:CFP‐NTR), expressing a cyan fluorescent protein‐nitroreductase fusion protein (CFP‐NTR) under the control of dopamine transporter (dat) cis‐regulatory elements. Embryonic and larval zebrafish express the transgene in several groups of dopaminergic neurons, notably in the olfactory bulb, telencephalon, diencephalon and caudal hypothalamus. Administration of the pro‐drug metronidazole (Mtz) resulted in activation of caspase 3 in CFP‐positive neurons and in a reduction in dat‐positive cells by 5 days post‐fertilization (dpf). Loss of neurons coincided with impairments in global locomotor parameters such as swimming distance, percentage of time spent moving, as well as changes in tail bend parameters such as time to maximal bend and angular velocity. Dopamine levels were transiently decreased following Mtz administration. Recovery of some of the locomotor parameters was observed by 7 dpf. However, the total numbers of dat‐expressing neurons were still decreased at 7, 12, or 14 dpf, even though there was evidence for production of new dat‐expressing cells. Tg(dat:CFP‐NTR) zebrafish provide a model to correlate altered dopaminergic neuron numbers with locomotor function and to investigate factors influencing regeneration of dopaminergic neurons.

image

We have generated transgenic zebrafish expressing nitroreductase for the conditional and specific ablation of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the larval zebrafish brain. We are able to induce a persistent reduction in DA neurons with transient locomotor impairments. Our transgenic zebrafish offer a model for understanding the impact of altered DA neuron populations on larval locomotor function and for the study of dopamine neuron regeneration following tissue specific ablation.
Big fish (and a smallish skate) eat small fish: diet variation and trophic level of Sympterygia acuta, a medium‐sized skate high in the food web
Authors: Barbini Santiago A. , Lucifora Luis O.
Published: June 2015

The bignose fanskate, Sympterygia acuta, is a small‐to‐medium‐sized species endemic to shallow coastal waters of the Southwest Atlantic. Sympterygia acuta displays a clear seasonal reproductive cycle, characterized by maximum egg‐laying activity in spring and hatching in summer. We hypothesized that diet and feeding activity change with maturity stage and season and that, given its smallish size, the trophic level is low. Using a multiple‐hypothesis modeling approach, the diet of S. acuta in relation to sex, body size, maturity stage, region (i.e. north and south) and season was analysed; and a potential relationship between feeding activity and the seasonal reproductive cycle was assessed. Sympterygia acuta fed on a broad spectrum of prey, but teleosts were more important (47.97% index of relative importance, %IRI), followed by decapods (39.84%IRI), cumaceans (8.31%IRI) and isopods (1.89%IRI). Maturity stage was a strong determinant of the ontogenetic diet shift of S. acuta, and relationships between number of prey consumed with season and region were found.. Feeding activity was higher in the cold season than in the warm season, and was less important in the south region than in the north region. Unexpectedly, the specific trophic level was high (3.87). Sympterygia acuta shifts its diet with maturity stage, possibly by a combination of an improved ability to capture prey and a change in energy demand of mature individuals. Despite being a small‐to‐medium‐sized skate, S. acuta showed a trophic level similar to that of large‐bodied marine predators. It reduces its feeding activity seasonally because in the warm season this species may experience an increased predation risk from large sharks.
Homomorphic plant sex chromosomes are coming of age
Authors: Filatov Dmitry A.
Published: June 2015

Sex chromosomes are a very peculiar part of the genome that have evolved independently in many groups of animals and plants (Bull ). Major research efforts have so far been focused on large heteromorphic sex chromosomes in a few animal and plant species (Chibalina & Filatov ; Zhou & Bachtrog ; Bellott et al. ; Hough et al. ; Zhou et al. ), while homomorphic (cytologically indistinguishable) sex chromosomes have largely been neglected. However, this situation is starting to change. In this issue, Geraldes et al. () describe a small (~100 kb long) sex‐determining region on the homomorphic sex chromosomes of poplars (Populus trichocarpa and related species, Fig. ). All species in Populus and its sister genus Salix are dioecious, suggesting that dioecy and the sex chromosomes, if any, should be relatively old. Contrary to this expectation, Geraldes et al. () demonstrate that the sex‐determining region in poplars is of very recent origin and probably evolved within the genus Populus only a few million years ago.
Among‐lake reciprocal transplants induce convergent expression of immune genes in threespine stickleback
Authors: Stutz William E. , Schmerer Matthew , Coates Jessica L. , Bolnick Daniel I.
Published: June 2015

Geographic variation in parasite communities can drive evolutionary divergence in host immune genes. However, biotic and abiotic environmental variation can also induce plastic differences in immune function among populations. At present, there is little information concerning the relative magnitudes of heritable vs. induced immune divergence in natural populations. We examined immune gene expression profiles of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from six lakes on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Parasite community composition differs between lake types (large or small, containing limnetic‐ or benthic‐like stickleback) and between watersheds. We observed corresponding differences in immune gene expression profiles among wild‐caught stickleback, using a set of seven immune genes representing distinct branches of the immune system. To evaluate the role of environmental effects on this differentiation, we experimentally transplanted wild‐caught fish into cages in their native lake, or into a nearby foreign lake. Transplanted individuals' immune gene expression converged on patterns typical of their destination lake, deviating from their native expression profile. Transplant individuals' source population had a much smaller effect, suggesting relatively weak genetic underpinning of population differences in immunity, as viewed through gene expression. This strong environmental regulation of immune gene expression provides a counterpoint to the large emerging literature documenting microevolution and genetic diversification of immune function. Our findings illustrate the value of studying immunity in natural environmental settings where the immune system has evolved and actively functions.