bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbonyl reductases from Daphnia are regulated by redox cycling compounds
Authors: Ebert Bettina , Ebert Dieter , Koebsch Katrin , Maser Edmund , Kisiela Michael
Published: June 2018

Oxidative stress is a major source of reactive carbonyl compounds that can damage cellular macromolecules, leading to so‐called carbonyl stress. Aside from endogenously formed carbonyls, including highly reactive short‐chain aldehydes and diketones, air pollutants derived from diesel exhaust like 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone (PQ) can amplify oxidative stress by redox cycling, causing tissue damage. Carbonyl reductases (CRs), which are inducible in response to ROS, represent a fundamental enzymatic defense mechanism against oxidative stress. While commonly two carbonyl reductases (CBR1 and CBR3) are found in mammalian genomes, invertebrate model organisms like Drosophila melanogaster express no CR but a functional homolog to human CBR1, termed sniffer. The microcrustacean Daphnia is an ideal model organism to investigate the function of CRs because of its unique equipment with even four copies of the CR gene (CR1, CR2, CR3, CR4) in addition to one sniffer gene. Cloning and catalytic characterization of two carbonyl reductases CR1 and CR3 from D. magna and D. pulex arenata revealed that both proteins reductively metabolize aromatic dicarbonyls (e.g., menadione, PQ) and aliphatic α‐diketones (e.g., 2,3‐hexanedione), while sugar‐derived aldehydes (methylglyoxal, glyoxal) and lipid peroxidation products such as acrolein and butanal were poor substrates, indicating no physiological function in the metabolism of short‐chain aldehydes. Treatment of D. magna with redox cyclers like menadione and the pesticide paraquat led to an upregulation of CR1 and CR3 mRNA, suggesting a role in oxidative stress defense. Further studies are needed to investigate their potential to serve as novel biomarkers for oxidative stress in Daphnia.
SEPHYDRO: A Customizable Online Tool for Hydrograph Separation
Authors: Danielescu Serban , MacQuarrie Kerry T.B. , Popa Alexandru
Published: June 2018

Article impact statement: SEPHYDRO is an open access, customizable web‐based tool, which integrates 11 algorithms to separate and analyze streamflow hydrographs.
T‐cell receptor‐δ expression and γδ+ T‐cell infiltrates in primary cutaneous γδ T‐cell lymphoma and other cutaneous T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Pulitzer Melissa , Geller Shamir , Kumar Erica , Frosina Denise , Moskowitz Alison , Horwitz Steven , Myskowski Patricia , Kheterpal Meenal , Chan Alexander , Dogan Ahmet , Jungbluth Achim
Published: June 2018

Aims

The diagnosis of cutaneous γδ T‐cell lymphoma (GDTCL) requires the identification of γδ chains of the T‐cell receptor (TCR). Our aim in this study was, by using a new monoclonal antibody (mAb) against TCRδ, to evaluate TCRδ expression in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) skin tissue from TCRγ+ cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL), and to assess TCRδ expression within a spectrum of other cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders (CLPDs).

Methods and results

Twelve cases (10 patients) with TCRγ+ CTCL and 132 additional CLPD cases (127 patients) were examined, including mycosis fungoides (MF) (n = 60), cutaneous GDTCL (n = 15), subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma (SPTCL) (n = 11), and CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) (n = 24). Clone H‐41 against TCRδ was used on a Leica Bond‐3 automated stainer to label FFPE slides. H‐41 immunostaining was graded as percentage infiltrate: high (50–100%), moderate (10–49%), and low (0–9%). In TCRγ+ tumours, 12 of 12 (100%) patients showed TCRδ expression comparable to TCRγ expression. No (0%) TCRγ+ cases were negative for TCRδ. In all CLPDs, TCRδ expression was as follows: GDTCL, 16 of 20 cases (14 of 15 patients) high, two moderate, and two low; MF, 0 of 60 cases high, nine moderate, and 51 low; CD30+ LPD, one of 24 cases high, two moderate, and 21 low; and SPTCL, 0 of 11 cases (0 of 9 patients) high, two moderate, and two low. Three MF‐like cases and one SPTCL‐like case showed high expression; the remainder showed low expression.

Conclusions

mAb H‐41 against TCRδ matches TCRγ in immunostaining FFPE tissues from GDTCL, supporting H‐41 as a replacement for mAb γ3.20. TCRδ expression in our study suggests that the true occurrence of γδ+ non‐GDTCL CTCL/CLPD may be lower than suggested by the recent literature.
Crocin, a natural molecule with potentially beneficial effects against skin ageing
Authors: Fagot D. , Pham D. M. , Laboureau J. , Planel E. , Guerin L. , Nègre C. , Donovan M. , Bernard B. A.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Oxidative stress and low‐grade chronic inflammation stand out as key features of physiological skin ageing. The aim of this study was to examine in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) grown in vitro, the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of crocin, a carotenoid glycoside responsible for the colour of saffron. Moreover, considering the newly emerging field of skin glycobiology and the presence of two gentiobiosyl moieties in crocin, the effect of crocin on NHEK glycosylation pathways was for the first time investigated.

Methods

The anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities of crocin were evaluated by in vitro assays of antioxidation activities, ELISA and microarray analysis. The effect of crocin on keratinocyte glycobiology was evaluated by proprietary GLYcoDiag lectin technologies and microarray analysis.

Results

Crocin is endowed with antioxidant potential against reactive oxygen species, protects squalene against UVA‐induced peroxidation and prevents the release of inflammatory mediators. The expression of NF‐kB‐related genes and glycosylation‐related genes is modulated in the presence of crocin.

Conclusion

Results could designate this molecule as a promising skin ageing prevention cosmetic agent. Of note, some of these effects could be mediated by protein O‐glycosylation and interaction of crocin with osidic receptors of keratinocytes.
PRODUCT CHOICE UNDER GOVERNMENT REGULATION: THE CASE OF CHILE'S PRIVATIZED PENSION SYSTEM
Authors: Krasnokutskaya Elena , Li Yiyang , Todd Petra E.
Published: June 2018

Chile's individual retirement pension accounts system has been a model for many countries. To limit the riskiness of pension investments, Chile required pension fund managers to deliver returns that are not more than 2% below the industry average. We develop and estimate a model of the pension investment market that allows us to study the impact of minimum return regulation. We find that the regulation leads to higher demand for risky investments, creates incentives to offer riskier portfolios, and leads to higher management fees. However, the regulation also stimulates balance accumulation that ultimately reduces the reliance on government support.
Effect of protease inhibitors on proteolytic degradation of rohu (Labeo rohita) gel
Authors: Sutloet Phatthira , Sompongse Warangkana , Morioka Katsuji
Published: June 2018

Endogenous proteases are responsible for gel weakening of fish muscle protein. We investigated inhibitory effect of four selected protease inhibitors: soya bean trypsin inhibitor, leupeptin, E64 and EDTA, to identify the protease groups responsible for gel degradation in both unwashed and washed rohu (Labeo rohita) gel. The protease inhibitory activity was determined by percentage inhibition and SDS‐PAGE pattern. Leupeptin and E64 showed a strong inhibition on the autolysis of unwashed gel, and myosin heavy chain (MHC) band was recovered by the addition of them. The results suggested that cysteine protease was the major endogenous protease involved in the autolysis. In the case of the washed gel, leupeptin and soya bean trypsin inhibitor were shown to have a strong inhibitory effect. Also, the addition of these inhibitors increased the intensity of the MHC band. The results implied that serine protease played an important role in the degradation of the gel network.
IRF1 supports DNA binding of STAT1 by promoting its phosphorylation
Authors: Zenke Kosuke , Muroi Masashi , Tanamoto Ken‐ichi
Published: June 2018

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), a pivotal transcription factor in Janus kinase (JAK)–STAT signaling, regulates the expression of a wide range of immune‐related genes, including interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 1 (IRF1). In this study, we found that IRF1 could induce STAT1 phosphorylation and in turn STAT1 activation. When IRF1 was transiently expressed in HEK293 cells, STAT1 phosphorylated at Y701, dimerized and bound to an oligonucleotide containing a gamma‐activated sequence (GAS) derived from the IRF1 promoter. IRF1 expression also induced GAS‐dependent promoter reporter activity, and phosphorylation of JAK1, a kinase upstream of STAT1. Although no direct interaction between IRF1 and STAT1 was observed, the transactivation domain of IRF1 was required for IRF1‐mediated STAT1 activation, indicating the involvement of gene product(s) regulated by IRF1. Moreover, supernatants from cells expressing IRF1 induced phosphorylation of STAT1 and JAK1, and subsequent GAS binding by STAT1 that could not be blocked by treatment with antibodies against IFN‐β or IFN‐γ. IFN‐γ‐induced STAT1 phosphorylation persisted for up to 30 h following stimulation of HEK293, but declined in IRF1‐deficient HEK293 cells. IRF1‐promoter activity induced by IFN‐γ was also reduced in IRF1‐deficient HEK293 cells, which could be rescued by complementation with IRF1. Together these results indicate that IRF1 promotes DNA binding of STAT1, which can in turn participate in a positive feedback loop of JAK–STAT signaling.
The microbiome of translocated bacterial populations in patients with and without inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kiely Christopher J. , Pavli Paul , O'Brien Claire L.
Published: June 2018

Background

Using culture‐based methods, bacterial translocation from the gut to draining mesenteric lymph nodes is seen in 5% of normal controls and up to 33% of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Many bacteria cannot be cultured, so these methods are unable to capture the full spectrum of bacteria present.

Aims

To detect viable bacteria in lymph nodes of patients with IBD and non‐IBD controls using bacterial RNA as a surrogate for viability and to compare them with the same patient's gut microbiome.

Methods

Bacterial RNA was extracted from lymph nodes and mucosa of 20 patients who had undergone intestinal resection (10 IBD, 10 non‐IBD). A previous study had detected bacterial DNA in these patients’ lymph nodes; 16S rRNA gene high‐throughput sequencing was performed.

Results

Bacterial RNA was detected in the lymph nodes of five patients with IBD and three controls (volvulus, diverticulitis and bowel obstruction). Lymph nodes had higher alpha (within sample) diversity compared to mucosal samples (Shannon diversity index 2.41 vs 1.81, one‐way ANOVA P = 0.035). Beta diversity (inter‐sample variation: lymph node vs intestine) was similar within individuals and did not differ between groups. Common gene polymorphisms linked with IBD (NOD2, ATG16L1, IRGM and IL23R) were not associated with bacterial translocation.

Conclusions

Metabolically active bacteria mirroring the individual's gut microbiome were commonly found in the lymph nodes of patients with IBD undergoing resection. An increase in lymph node alpha diversity is likely due to the larger drainage area. The presence of viable bacteria in non‐IBD controls is also not unexpected given the underlying pathology in these patients.
The interaction between invariant Natural Killer T cells and the mucosal microbiota
Authors: Hapil Fatma Zehra , Wingender Gerhard
Published: June 2018

The surface of mammalian bodies is colonized by a multitude of microbial organisms, which under normal conditions support the host and are considered beneficial commensals. This requires, however, that the composition of the commensal microbiota is tightly controlled and regulated. The host immune system plays an important role in the maintenance of this microbiota composition. Here we focus on the contribution of one particular immune cell type, invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells, in this process. The iNKT cells are a unique subset of T cells characterized by two main features. First, they express an invariant T‐cell receptor that recognizes glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d, a non‐polymorphic major histocompatibility complex class I‐like molecule. Second, iNKT cells develop as effector/memory cells and swiftly exert effector functions, like cytokine production and cytotoxicity, after activation. We outline the influence that the mucosal microbiota can have on iNKT cells, and how iNKT cells contribute to the maintenance of the microbiota composition.
The wound‐healing effects of a next‐generation anti‐biofilm silver Hydrofiber wound dressing on deep partial‐thickness wounds using a porcine model
Authors: Davis Stephen C. , Li Jie , Gil Joel , Valdes Jose , Solis Michael , Higa Alex , Bowler Philip
Published: June 2018

Topical antimicrobials are widely used to control wound bioburden and facilitate wound healing; however, the fine balance between antimicrobial efficacy and non‐toxicity must be achieved. This study evaluated whether an anti‐biofilm silver‐containing wound dressing interfered with the normal healing process in non‐contaminated deep partial thickness wounds. In an in‐vivo porcine wound model using 2 pigs, 96 wounds were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dressing groups: anti‐biofilm silver Hydrofiber dressing (test), silver Hydrofiber dressing (control), or polyurethane film dressing (control). Wounds were investigated for 8 days, and wound biopsies (n = 4) were taken from each dressing group, per animal, on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 after wounding and evaluated using light microscopy. No statistically significant differences were observed in the rate of reepithelialisation, white blood cell infiltration, angiogenesis, or granulation tissue formation following application of the anti‐biofilm silver Hydrofiber dressing versus the 2 control dressings. Overall, epithelial thickness was similar between groups. Some differences in infiltration of specific cell types were observed between groups. There were no signs of tissue necrosis, fibrosis, or fatty infiltration in any group. An anti‐biofilm silver Hydrofiber wound dressing did not cause any notable interference with normal healing processes.
Cosmopolitan Justice and Criminal States
Authors: Pasternak Avia
Published: June 2018

Cécile Fabre's monumental work Cosmopolitan Peace offers a thorough investigation of the responsibilities that agents incur through their involvement in armed conflict. However, her analysis fails to acknowledge the central role that states play in initiating and orchestrating acts of war. I argue that states are corporate moral agents, who are morally responsible for their own wrongdoings during an unjust war, and that this argument is compatible with Fabre's cosmopolitan premises. I then suggest that a systematic account of criminal liability in the aftermath of a war should acknowledge the role that states play in orchestrating wars and committing war crimes.
High ambient temperatures induce aggregations of chimney swifts Chaetura pelagica inside a roost
Authors: Farquhar Melanie L. , Morin Annie , Nocera Joseph J.
Published: June 2018

One proposed advantage of communal roosting in birds is a reduction in the costs of thermoregulation. As thermoregulatory benefits are directly linked to the distance between roosting birds, we examined whether temperature is related to inter‐bird spacing in roosting chimney swifts Chaetura pelagica. To test the hypothesis that huddling is used to reduce the costs of thermoregulation, we predicted that swifts would cluster more at colder temperatures. We mounted an all‐weather camera atop a 61 m tall industrial masonry chimney, one of the largest swift roosts in the study region. We deployed temperature loggers inside the chimney and obtained ambient air temperature from a nearby weather station. From 16 May–24 July 2013, we captured hourly images of the positions of roosting swifts at night. We used image analysis software to mark the angular positions of all roosting swifts, and calculated mean angles of orientation (preferred direction) inside the roost and the circular variance (i.e. the concentration of swifts around the mean angle). We used a Gamma regression to relate temperature inside and outside the roost to the clustering of swifts around the mean angle for 3 time periods (pre‐nesting, nesting, and post‐nesting). Converse to our prediction, swifts were closer together when ambient air temperatures were warmer in all periods (pre‐nesting (p < 0.001, n = 168), nesting (p < 0.001, n = 224), and post‐nesting (p < 0.001, n = 135)). Our findings suggest that swifts do not increase clustering intensity in response to colder temperatures, but instead they increase clustering intensity in response to the warmest ambient temperatures. This likely a metabolic response to reduced prey availability at higher temperatures and/or an attempt to reduce evaporative water loss. We suggest clustering may be used by chimney swifts as an energy saving mechanism during periods of lowered food availability.
Arrhythmic outcome of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy patients without implantable defibrillators
Authors: Wang Weijia , Cadrin‐Tourigny Julia , Bhonsale Aditya , Tichnell Crystal , Murray Brittney , Monfredi Oliver , Chrispin Jonathan , Crosson Jane , Tandri Harikrishna , James Cynthia A. , Calkins Hugh
Published: June 2018

Background

Implantable defibrillators (ICD) are an important therapy for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) patients at high risk of sudden death. Given the high appropriate ICD therapy rate, some have argued that the mere act of implanting an ICD inflates the malignant arrhythmia rate in ARVC.

Objective

To report the arrhythmic course of ARVC patients without ICDs at the fulfillment of the 2010 Task Force Criteria and explore predictors of malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

Methods

We included 131 definite ARVC patients (age 32 ± 15 years, male 39%, proband 50%) either without ICDs (N  =  47) or receiving an ICD at least 6 months after the fulfillment of the diagnostic criteria. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiac arrest (both resuscitated successfully and unsuccessfully) and sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias (cycle length< 600 milliseconds, at least 30 seconds or requiring an intervention for termination).

Results

At the fulfillment of the diagnostic criteria, ICDs were not recommended to 59 (45%) patients and declined by 22 (17%) patients. Forty (31%) patients were not recognized as having ARVC by the treating physicians. Over 8 (interquartile interval: 3–12) years, 38 (29%) patients had primary outcomes (8 cardiac arrests [3 died] and 30 sustained ventricular arrhythmias) while not having ICDs. The 1‐year and 5‐year event‐free survival was 92% and 72%. Spontaneous sustained ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac syncope, men, proband, and inducibility in electrophysiology study were significantly associated with the primary outcome.

Conclusion

In a contemporary cohort, a considerable risk of malignant arrhythmias existed in ARVC when ICDs were not implanted.
Hypertension, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary care physicians in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Authors: Myanganbayar Maral , Baatarsuren Uurtsaikh , Chen Guanmin , Bosurgi Roberta , So Geoffrey , Campbell Norm R.C. , Erdenebileg Nasantogtokh , Ganbaatar Khulan , Magsarjav Purevjargal , Batsukh Manduukhai , Munkherdene Tsatsralgerel , Unurjargal Tsolmon , Dashtseren Myagmartseren , Tserengombo Namkhaidorj , Batsukh Batbold , Bungert Andreas , Dashdorj Naranbaatar , Dashdorj Naranjargal
Published: June 2018

We examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary care doctors in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia using a recently developed World Hypertension League survey. The survey was administered as part of a quality assurance initiative to enhance hypertension control. A total of 577 surveys were distributed and 467 were completed (81% response rate). The respondents had an average age of 35 years and 90.1% were female. Knowledge of hypertension epidemiology was low (13.5% of questions answered correctly); 31% of clinical practice questions had correct answers and confidence in performing specific tasks to improve hypertension control had 63.2% “desirable/correct” answers. Primary care doctors mostly had a positive attitude toward hypertension management (76.5% desirable/correct answers) and highly prioritized hypertension management activities (85.7% desirable/correct answers). Some important highlights included the majority (> 80%) overestimating hypertension awareness, treatment, and control rates; 78.2% used aneroid blood pressure manometers; 15% systematically screened adults for hypertension in their clinics; 21.8% reported 2 or more drugs were required to control hypertension in most people; and 16.1% reported most people could be controlled by lifestyle changes alone. 55% of respondents were not comfortable prescribing more than 1 or 2 antihypertensive drugs in a patient and the percentage of desirable/correct responses to treating various high‐risk patients was low. Most (53%‐74%) supported task shifting to nonphysician health care providers except for drug prescribing, which only 13.9% supported. A hypertension clinical education program is currently being designed based on the specific needs identified in the survey.
Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) and acne vulgaris: a brief look at the latest updates
Authors: Dréno B. , Pécastaings S. , Corvec S. , Veraldi S. , Khammari A. , Roques C.
Published: June 2018

While the commensal bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is involved in the maintenance of a healthy skin, it can also act as an opportunistic pathogen in acne vulgaris. The latest findings on P. acnes shed light on the critical role of a tight equilibrium between members of its phylotypes and within the skin microbiota in the development of this skin disease. Indeed, contrary to what was previously thought, proliferation of P. acnes is not the trigger of acne as patients with acne do not harbour more P. acnes in follicles than normal individuals. Instead, the loss of the skin microbial diversity together with the activation of the innate immunity might lead to this chronic inflammatory condition. This review provides results of the most recent biochemical and genomic investigations that led to the new taxonomic classification of P. acnes renamed Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), and to the better characterisation of its phylogenetic cluster groups. Moreover, the latest data on the role of C. acnes and its different phylotypes in acne are presented, providing an overview of the factors that could participate in the virulence and in the antimicrobial resistance of acne‐associated strains. Overall, this emerging key information offers new perspectives in the treatment of acne, with future innovative strategies focusing on C. acnes biofilms and/or on its acne‐associated phylotypes.
Sponsorship Disclosures of Native Advertising: Clarity and Prominence
Authors: An Soontae , Kang Hannah , Koo Sra
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the display of sponsorship disclosures in native advertisements. Based on the native ad guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission, we assessed the clarity and prominence of sponsorship disclosures used by major media outlets. Eighty‐three native ads posted in high‐traffic media Web sites were analyzed. Results revealed problems mostly related to clarity of disclosures. In labeling, various terms were used, including the media's own neologisms, which appear to be very ambiguous. In particular, when republished via social media, the identification of sponsors and the provision of disclosures were more problematic. Results point to the need for more proper and specific guidelines, and active self‐regulation by the industry.
Health literacy of the baby boomer generation and the implications for nursing
Authors: Harbour Peta , Grealish Laurie
Published: June 2018

Aims and objectives

To investigate the health literacy of the baby boomer generation and what this means for nursing care.

Background

Nurses are encouraged to tailor information and education to the individual's level of understanding or health literacy but there may be generational differences in health literacy due to historical, social, and economic contexts. The baby boomer generation, people born between 1946 and 1966, are projected to be high users of health services as they age, therefore nurses’ understanding of their health literacy characteristics is important.

Design

Integrative literature review.

Methods

Database and manual searching for articles occurred in July 2017. Four articles met the criteria. Data were extracted and tabulated, and methodological‐quality was assessed.

Results

Three categories of relevance emerged from the analysis of study findings: social demographics may predict health literacy, navigation of the health care system is challenging with low health literacy, and mechanisms to translate information into action remain unclear.

Conclusions

Although there is limited evidence to guide practice in regard to health literacy for the baby boomer generation, the emergence of the internet may confound nursing assessment of literacy: people from the baby boomer generation may appear to have higher literacy than they actually possess.

Relevance to clinical practice

Sociodemographic information may be used for initial screening for health literacy. Creative questions are recommended to overcome possible stigma associated with individual awareness of low literacy. The mechanisms for translating information into action require further investigation.
Nursing home resident relationship types: What supports close relationships with peers & staff?
Authors: Roberts Tonya J
Published: June 2018

Aims and objectives

To describe from the nursing home resident perspective (a) the types and dimensions of relationships residents develop with others in the nursing home and (b) the conditions that influence the development of close relationships.

Background

Close relationships are considered the fundamental building block of person‐centred care. Prior studies have examined the various types of relationships residents develop with peers and staff, but few have focused specifically on articulating the characteristics and dimensions of a close relationship or the factors that can support or detract from their development.

Design

Grounded theory.

Methods

Fifteen cognitively intact residents from two nursing homes were recruited for one‐on‐one, unstructured interviews. Interview questions started broadly and became more focused as the study progressed. Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding.

Results

Residents described developing a range of relationships with peers and staff (adversarial, utilitarian, and friendly). Residents used “friendly” to describe many different types of relationships including acquaintanceships, casual friendships and close friendships. Few residents had close relationships with peers or staff. Several conditions promoted development of positive and friendly relationships. Physical proximity and access to peers with similar interests, who could communicate clearly, fostered friendly peer relationships. Spending noncare time, providing little extras, treating residents as special and responding positively to care requests fostered friendly staff relationships.

Conclusions

Findings add new evidence regarding nuances in resident relationships and demonstrate how development of close relationships may be limited in practice. Careful assessment of resident relationship needs and goals may be critical to setting appropriate social goals.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses can be intentional about resident placements in the facility to promote social interactions and keep social goals in mind when making medical or staffing decisions to prevent interruption of important relationships.
Understanding the contemporary role of the intellectual disability nurse: A review of the literature
Authors: Jaques Hayden , Lewis Peter , O'Reilly Kate , Wiese Michele , Wilson Nathan J
Published: June 2018

Aims and objectives

To identify the specialist role/s that nurses perform and the specialist skills that nurses use when caring for people with intellectual disability.

Methods

Adhering to the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses: The PRISMA Statement,” various subject headings were used to systematically search six electronic databases for articles published in English between 2000 and 2017. A total of 27 articles were reviewed.

Results

The literature demonstrates that similarities exist between the physical care delivered to people with intellectual disability and that delivered to people without intellectual disability. However, skills in the areas of communication, advocacy and person‐centred care differ between these two groups.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that the skill set of the specialist intellectual disability nurse is not uniquely technical but it is uniquely relational that incorporate increased patience and resilience when developing relationships with the people they care for.

Conclusion

This review has provided insights into the main differences in the skills required when working with people with intellectual disability compared to working with those without. However, minimal literature was identified that adequately describes what is unique about the performance of the role of specialised intellectual disability nurses—especially in Australia.

Relevance to clinical practice

Understanding the skills required of nurses caring for people with intellectual disability provides the opportunity for more nurses to develop these specialised relational skills and for this branch of nursing to attract professional recognition that is currently limited.
Envisioning successful teamwork: An exploratory qualitative study of team processes used by nursing teams in a paediatric hospital unit
Authors: Whitehair Leeann , Hurley John , Provost Steve
Published: June 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore how team processes support nursing teams in hospital units during every day work.

Background

Due to their close proximity to patients, nurses are central to the process of maintaining patient safety. Globally, changes in models of care delivery by nurses, inclusive of team nursing are being considered.

Design and methods

This qualitative study used purposive sampling in a single hospital and participants were nurses employed to work on a paediatric unit. Data were collected using nonparticipant observation. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and code data to create themes.

Results

Three clear themes emerged. Theme 1: “We are a close knit team”; Behaviours building a successful team – outlines expectations regarding how members are to behave when establishing, nurturing and managing a team. Theme 2: “Onto it”; Ways of interacting with each other – Identifies the expected pattern of relating within the team which contribute to shared understanding and actions. Theme 3: “No point in second guessing”; Maintaining a global view of the unit – focuses on the processes for monitoring and reporting signals that team performance is on course or breaking down and includes accepting responsibility to lead the team and team members having a widespread sensitivity to what needs to happen.

Conclusion

Essential to successful teamwork is the interplay and mutuality of team members and team leaders.

Relevance to clinical practice

Leadership behaviours exhibited in this study provide useful insights to how informal and shared or distributed leadership of teams may be achieved. Without buy‐in from team members, teams may not achieve successful desired outcomes. It is not sufficient for teams to rely on current successful outcomes, as they need to be on the look‐out for new ways to ensure that they can anticipate possible risks or threats to the team before harm is done.
Fatalism, faith and fear: A case study of self‐care practice among adults with Type 2 diabetes in urban Malaysia
Authors: Saidi Sanisah , Milnes Linda Jane , Griffiths Jane
Published: June 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore self‐care and self‐care support in patients with Type 2 diabetes in urban Malaysia.

Background

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in Malaysia and associated long‐term and life‐changing complications is increasing. With effective self‐care and self‐care support, severe complications of the condition can be avoided or reduced. Prior to this study, no evidence existed about Malaysian patients’ management of the condition or support for self‐care from the healthcare system.

Design

A single embedded qualitative case study.

Methods

Semistructured interviews with 18 patients with Type 2 diabetes aged 28–69 years, healthcare professionals (n = 19), observations (n = 13) of clinic appointments from two urban settings in Malaysia and a documentary analysis. Recordings were transcribed verbatim, field notes were made during observations and the data analysed and synthesised within and across case using Framework analysis.

Findings

Three main themes explained self‐care and self‐care support in Malaysia: fatalism, faith and fear. Patients were fatalistic about developing diabetes—they perceived it as inevitable because it is so common in Malaysia. However, faith in God, coupled with fear of the consequences of diabetes, motivated them to engage in self‐care practices. The fear was largely induced by diabetes healthcare professionals working in overcrowded clinics, and stretched thinly across the service, who used a direct and uncompromising approach to instil the importance of self‐care to avoid severe long‐term complications.

Conclusion

This study provided important insight on how people in Malaysia developed diabetes, their responses to the disease and the approach of healthcare professionals in supporting them to engage with self‐care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Any future development of self‐care programmes in Malaysia needs to recognise the factors that motivate patients to self‐care and include components that build self‐efficacy.
Dyspnoea and self‐management strategies in patients admitted to the emergency department: A study of patients’ experiences
Authors: Larsen Karoline Stentoft Rybjerg , Petersen Annemette Krintel , Lisby Marianne , Knudsen Marie Veje
Published: June 2018

Aims and objective

To explore patients’ experiences of acute dyspnoea, physical functioning and perspectives on course of illness prior to admission to the emergency department.

Background

Many emergency admissions are considered unnecessary and avoidable. In this perspective, it seems relevant to gain insight into the patients’ perspective on acute dyspnoea and the need for emergency admission. However, only few studies have investigated reasons for emergency admission from a patient perspective.

Design

A qualitative study was conducted with semi‐structured interviews among six patients previously admitted to the emergency department due to dyspnoea. Data collection and analysis were carried out according to Kvale & Brinkmann using meaning condensation.

Findings

Dyspnoea was experienced as an unpleasant breathlessness in the form of pain or suffocation, which limited usual physical activities, negatively impacting on quality of life. Self‐management strategies such as medication, breathing exercises, distraction from breathing, and mental and physical relaxation in general were used to avoid hospital admission. The chronically ill patients saw the following ways to alternate course of disease to avoid admissions to the emergency department: easier access to specialised emergency medical care, medical supplies in the patient's home and making existing physical exercise programmes more accessible and interesting.

Conclusion and relevance to clinical practice

It would be relevant to further investigate whether prehospital interventions may remedy acute dyspnoea among chronically ill patients, and whether such interventions are cost‐effective.
A 5‐step framework to promote nursing community inclusivity: The example of nurses with disabilities
Authors: Zlotnick Cheryl , Shpigelman Carmit‐Noa
Published: June 2018

Aims and objectives

To provide a five‐step conceptual framework to promote community inclusivity among nurses and nursing students, using the example of nursing student with a disability.

Background

The value of cultural diversity, including characteristics such as socioeconomic status, ability/disability, sexual affection and ethnicity and/or race, is integrated into bachelor's nursing programmes. Yet, often the focus centres on patient care rather than to fellow nursing students or registered nurses.

Design

Discursive paper describing a five‐step health promotion course framework to promote inclusion for students with disabilities into the nursing community.

Methods

Using the health promotion course platform, this framework demonstrates the integration of important issues such as well‐being to those of cultural diversity, inclusivity and feeling belonging to a community, which are essential prerequisites towards achieving cultural competence.

Findings

Health promotion courses provide an optimal platform to teach students about the social environment, well‐being and inclusivity, and gives students the opportunity to reflect on the impact of their attitudes and behaviours on social inclusivity in their student community, and later, on their nursing community.

Conclusions

Using the example of nursing students with disabilities, the five‐step framework incorporates the concepts of social well‐being, health and community inclusivity. Nursing students belong to a culturally diverse community including individuals with disabilities. A single course on community inclusivity is insufficient; the approach of inclusivity must be woven throughout the nursing curriculum.

Relevance to clinical practice

As approximately 15% of the world's population has a disability, nurses must possess an understanding of individuals with a disability as an aspect of cultural diversity. It is the responsibility of programmes to instil in nursing students, the ability to appreciate and work with culturally diverse student and registered nurses. Such goals not only reflect nursing goals, but also strengthen the cohesion and inclusivity of the nursing community.
Catholic Commitment Around the Globe: A 52‐ Country Analysis
Authors: Conway Brian , Spruyt Bram
Published: June 2018

This article investigates variation in Catholic religious commitment in different macro world regions. Although sociologists have examined variation in Catholic religiosity, this research has tended to be limited to Western European and Latin American contexts and has not gone beyond employing more than one measure of religiosity. In addition, prior research has rarely examined the effect of several explanatory frameworks together. Drawing on data from the European and World Values Survey as well as national‐level data, we test for the influence of secularization/existential security, religious markets, and historical legacies on self‐rated importance of God, private prayer, and church attendance across 52 countries in five world macro‐regional contexts—Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania—of the church. Our findings provide strong support for the existential security perspective and partial support for the historical legacy perspectives. We conclude with implications for the study of religion and society in general.
Albendazole treatment in laying hens: Egg residues and its effects on fertility and hatchability
Authors: Moreno Laura , Bistoletti Mariana , Fernández Hector , Cantón Lucila , Ceballos Laura , Cantón Candela , Lanusse Carlos , Álvarez Luis I.
Published: June 2018

This work characterized the egg residual concentrations of albendazole (ABZ) and its sulphoxide (ABZSO) and sulphone (ABZSO2) metabolites and evaluated their effect on egg fertility and hatchability afterABZtreatments to laying hens. Seventy hens were allocated in groups: Group‐1 was the control without treatment; Group‐2 received a singleABZoral dose (10 mg/kg); Group‐3, ‐4 and ‐5 were treated withABZin medicated feed over 7 days at 10, 40, or 80 mg kg−1 day−1, respectively. Eggs were analyzed to determine theABZ/metabolite level byHPLCor subjected to incubation to evaluate the fertility and hatchability. OnlyABZSOandABZSO2metabolites were quantified in egg afterABZsingle oral administration with maximum concentrations of 0.47 ± 0.08 and 0.30 ± 0.07 μg/ml, respectively.ABZand its metabolites were found in eggs after 7‐dayABZtreatments. The egg residue exposure estimated asAUCs (areas under the concentrationvs. time curve) were 100.5 (ABZ), 56.3 (ABZSO) and 141.3 μg hr g−1(ABZSO2).ABZadministration did not affect the egg fertility at any dosages. Egg hatchability was not affected byABZtreatment at 10 mg/kg in medicated feed, but it decreased when the dose was 4–8 times higher. These results should be considered whenABZis used for deworming laying hens.
Viral eradication is required for sustained improvement of patient‐reported outcomes in patients with hepatitis C
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Stepanova Maria , Reddy Rajender , Manns Michael P. , Bourliere Marc , Gordon Stuart C. , Schiff Eugene , Tran Tram , Younossi Issah , Racila Andrei
Published: June 2018

Background

Clearance of chronic HCV infection improves quality of life and other patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). Lack of placebo‐controlled data led to concerns about the extent of contribution of viral eradication to PRO improvement.

Aim

To assess PRO changes in HCV patients initially randomized to placebo treatment who received SOF/VEL/VOX in a deferred treatment substudy.

Methods

HCV‐infected direct‐acting antivirals‐experienced patients who received placebo treatment in POLARIS‐1 subsequently received SOF/VEL/VOX (400/100/100 mg) daily for 12 weeks. PROs were prospectively collected using SF‐36v2, CLDQ‐HCV, FACIT‐F, WPAI:SHP.

Results

Of 147 patients treated, most were male (79%), white (82%), 33% had cirrhosis, 99% had HCV genotype 1 with SVR‐12 of 97%. During treatment with placebo, there were no significant changes in any PROs from patients’ own baseline (all P > .05) except for the Worry domain of CLDQ‐HCV. However, soon after initiation of treatment with SOF/VEL/VOX, significant PRO improvements were noted: +2.4% to +8.1% of a PRO range size, P < .05 for 6 of the 26 studied PROs, by treatment week 4; +2.0% to +8.3%, P < .05 for 14/26 PROs by treatment week 12. Achieving SVR was associated with similar or greater PRO improvement: +2.5% to +11.9%, P < .05 for 24/26 PROs, by SVR‐12; +3.2% to +14.9%, P < .05 for 23/26 PROs, by SVR‐24. In multivariate regression analysis, being viraemic was associated with PRO impairment: beta from −2.4% to −8.5%, P < .05 for all but one PRO.

Conclusion

Treatment with SOF/VEL/VOX for 12 weeks led to significant and sustainable improvement in patient‐reported outcomes in patients who had previously failed another direct‐acting antiviral regimen.
Predicting evolutionary predictability
Authors: Linnen Catherine R.
Published: June 2018

The observation that phenotypic convergence and genetic convergence are widespread in nature implies that evolution is at least somewhat predictable. But to what extent and under what circumstances? In other words, how predictable is evolutionary predictability? Answering this question requires going beyond documenting examples of repeated evolution to actually quantifying predictability at different hierarchical levels. At present, few such studies exist. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Chaturvedi et al. () quantify the predictability of genomewide changes that accompany shifts to an introduced host plant (alfalfa) in populations of the Melissa blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa). They evaluate predictability in two contexts: (i) overlap in host‐associated loci among populations that have independently colonized alfalfa, and (ii) overlap between host‐associated loci in nature and loci associated with host performance in laboratory experiments. Overall, they find that the genomic changes that accompany host shifts in this system are indeed somewhat predictable. However, the degree of predictability depends on the type of comparison (among natural populations vs. between natural and experimental populations), type of convergence (specific genomic locations vs. direction of allele frequency change), geographic scale (rangewide vs. specific population pairs) and location in the genome (autosomes vs. sex chromosomes). Together with a handful of comparable data sets, Chaturvedi et al.'s () work suggests that the relative contribution of stochastic and deterministic processes to genomewide responses to novel selection pressures may be highly variable, but possibly predictably so.
Cost‐effectiveness of amphotericin B formulations in the treatment of systemic fungal infections
Authors: Borba Helena Hiemisch Lobo , Steimbach Laiza Maria , Riveros Bruno Salgado , Tonin Fernanda Stumpf , Ferreira Vinicius Lins , Bagatim Bruna Aline de Queiros , Balan Gisele , Pontarolo Roberto , Wiens Astrid
Published: June 2018

Amphotericin formulations, indicated for invasive fungal infections (IFIs), vary in effectiveness, safety and costs. In Brazil, only the conventional formulation is provided by the Public Health System. The aim of this study was to perform a cost‐effectiveness analysis comparing conventional amphotericin B (CAB), liposomal amphotericin B (LAB) and amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC). Therefore, a decision tree was developed. The model began with high‐risking patients on suspicion or confirmation of IFI. The analysis was conducted under the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System. Model health states were defined according to medication use and clinical evolution. Clinical efficacy (cure) and transition probabilities were derived from the literature. Resource use was estimated from Brazilian data. Time horizon followed the maximum treatment time determined in the patient information leaflets (3 or 6 weeks). One‐way and probabilistic‐sensitivity analyses were conducted. The conventional formulation was the most cost‐effective. No dominance was observed; however, high incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were obtained for LAB (USD 313 130) and ABLC (USD 1 711 280). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated the robustness of the results. CAB is the most cost‐effective treatment, followed by LAB and ABLC. Although CAB presents critical safety aspects, the high acquisition costs of the other formulations prevent their large‐scale use in Brazil.
Leightoniella zeylanensis belongs to the Pannariaceae
Authors: Weerakoon Gothamie , Aptroot André , Wedin Mats , Ekman Stefan
Published: June 2018

Recent finds of Leightoniella zeylanensis, classified variously in the Collemataceae and Pannariaceae, enabled us to generate DNA sequence data for investigating its phylogenetic affiliation. Newly generated sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrLSU), the small subunit of the mitochondrial ribosomal (mrSSU) DNA, and the largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II gene (RPB1) indicate that L. zeylanensis is a member of the Pannariaceae, belonging to a strongly supported clade together with Physma, Lepidocollema, and Gibbosporina (= the ‘Physma clade’). With the currently available data, however, relationships within this clade are largely impossible to reconstruct with confidence. Leightoniella zeylanensis was found to possess ellipsoid ascospores surrounded by a thick, gelatinous perispore with pointed ends, supporting a previously published hypothesis that such a perispore type is a synapomorphy for the Physma clade. A lectotype is designated for the basionym Pterygium zeylanense Leight.