bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predator occurrence and perceived predation risk determine grouping behavior in guanaco (Lama guanicoe)
Authors: Iranzo Esperanza C. , Wittmer Heiko U. , Traba Juan , Acebes Pablo , Mata Cristina , Malo Juan E.
Published: March 2018

Grouping behavior of social ungulates may depend on both predator occurrence and perceived predation risk associated with habitat structure, reproductive state, and density of conspecifics. Over 3 years, we studied grouping behavior of guanaco (Lama guanicoe) families in Chilean Patagonia during the birthing season and determined their response to variation in predator occurrence and perceived predation risk (habitat structure, calf/adult rate, and density of conspecifics). We considered the effect of two predators, puma (Puma concolor) and culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus). We measured two common (family group size and vigilance) and one novel (family group cohesion) behavioral responses of guanaco. Our results show that guanaco family groups adapted their grouping behavior to both predator occurrence and perceived predation risk. Larger family groups were found in open habitats and areas with high puma occurrence, while guanacos stayed in small family groups in areas with high shrub cover or low visibility. Group cohesion increased in areas with higher occurrence of pumas and culpeo foxes, and also increased in smaller family groups and in areas with low guanaco density. Vigilance (number of vigilant adults) was mainly related to group size and visibility, increasing in areas with low visibility, while residual vigilance (vigilance after removing the group‐size effect) did not vary with the explanatory variables examined. Our results suggest that a mix of predator occurrence and perceived predation risk influences guanaco grouping behavior and highlights the importance of evaluating different antipredator responses together and considering all predator species in studies aimed at understanding ungulate behavior.
Five classes of geospatial data and the barriers to using them
Authors: Reynard Darcy
Published: March 2018

Geospatial technologies implemented through the World Wide Web (Geoweb) have improved steadily over the last decade. This Geoweb has the potential to allow citizens to collect and use geospatial data in an effort to influence urban planning in a bottom‐up manner—a stark departure from traditional top‐down public consultation in urban planning. This article reviews five classes of geospatial data available to citizens trying to influence urban planning.

These classes have been reviewed in the academic literature before, but not at the same time and not with respect to urban planning. Looking at them together allows for examination of the interconnection as well as the boundaries between them. This paper establishes an understanding of these Geoweb data classes and examines the main barriers citizens face when trying to use geospatial data—with a focus on technological and financial barriers. Despite improvements in the Geoweb that help in reducing these barriers, preliminary evidence suggests that the voices of citizens are still not being fully heard in urban planning.

This article tells the story of a Geoweb project by Paths for People, a biking and walking advocacy group in Edmonton, Canada. Paths for People initiated a Public Participatory Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) project to inform the development of biking infrastructure in Edmonton, but this was largely ignored by city council, which adopted a top‐down cycling plan. This paper highlights the large gap between the promises of the Geoweb, the current practice of urban planning, and grassroots capabilities of this form of community engagement.
Migraine Care Challenges and Strategies in US Uninsured and Underinsured Adults: A Narrative Review, Part 1
Authors: Charleston Larry , Royce Jeffrey , Monteith Teshamae S. , Broner Susan W. , O'Brien Hope L. , Manrriquez Salvador L. , Robbins Matthew S.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To review the scope of the problem facing individuals with migraine who are under‐ or uninsured. In this first of a 2‐part narrative review, we will explore migraine epidemiology and the challenges that face this vulnerable population.

Background

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act has improved access to health care for many individuals who were previously uninsured, but there are many, particularly those of certain demographics, who are at high risk for worse outcomes.

Methods

A narrative review was performed after a series of discussions within the Underserved Populations in Headache Medicine Special Interest Section meetings of the American Headache Society. Literature was reviewed for key concepts underpinning conceptual boundaries and a broad overview of the subject matter. Published guidelines, state‐specific Medicaid websites, headache quality measurement set, literature review, and expert opinion were used to tailor suggested treatment options and therapeutic strategies.

Results

Migraine is common, yet remains underdiagnosed and associated with worse outcomes among those of under‐represented backgrounds and those who are underinsured or uninsured. Low socioeconomics may play an important role in the disease progression, characteristics, outcome, and quality of life of patients with migraine and other headache disorders. Other barriers to optimal care include time constraints, lack of access to specialty providers, transportation, and financial limitations.

Conclusion

There are many barriers and challenges that affect people with migraine who are underinsured or uninsured, particularly those of under‐represented racial backgrounds and of lower socioeconomic status.
The associations between psychological stress and psoriasis: a systematic review
Authors: Stewart Thomas J. , Tong Winnie , Whitfeld Margot J.
Published: March 2018

Psoriasis is estimated to affect around 2–3% of the general population. More than one‐third of Australians report having a significant level of distress in their daily lives. Psychological stress has long been shown to play an important role in the natural history of psoriasis, but the details of this relationship remain to be clearly defined. We performed a systematic review of the literature with the aim of determining whether there is a temporal association between psychological stress as the predictor and onset and/or exacerbation of psoriasis as the outcome measure. Our secondary aim was to establish whether there is a relationship between the degree of psychological stress and clinical severity of psoriasis. Our systematic review demonstrates a probable temporal association between different measures of psychological stress and onset, recurrence, and severity of psoriasis. In the light of this, we suggest clinicians include “stress” as a trigger factor in their psoriasis assessment and consider psychological interventions as adjuncts, particularly in those who identify as “stress‐responders”.
Genomic sequences of HLA‐A*68:169, HLA‐B*07:298 and HLA‐B*39:129.
Authors: Balas A. , Planelles D. , Rodríguez‐Cebriá M. , Puig N. , Vicario J. L.
Published: March 2018

Three new HLA class I alleles were described in the Spanish population. HLA‐A*68:169 and ‐B*39:129 show one amino acid replacement at the α1‐domain, compared to A*68:02 (P47 > L47) and ‐B*39:06 (S11 > A11), respectively. HLA‐B*07:298 presents one nucleotide mutation within exon 1, resulting in a new amino acid position −14, L>Q, which has not been previously described in any HLA protein. Prediction of the B*07:298 signal peptide cleavage did not show significant differences in comparison with that obtained for the rest of HLA‐B genes.
The effectiveness of age‐appropriate pre‐operative information session on the anxiety level of school‐age children undergoing elective surgery in Jordan
Authors: Shaheen Abeer , Nassar Omayyah , Khalaf Inaam , Kridli Suha Al‐Oballi , Jarrah Samiha , Halasa Suhaila
Published: March 2018

Background

Undergoing surgery is an anxious experience for children. Applying anxiety reduction age‐appropriate programs by nurses would be beneficial in reducing anxiety to children.

Aim

To test the effectiveness of age‐appropriate preoperative information session in reducing anxiety levels of school‐age children undergoing elective surgery in Jordan.

Design

The study used a quasi‐experimental design.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐six children were recruited from an educational hospital in Amman from January to June 2012 and were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The anxiety levels of children were assessed using the State Anxiety Scale for children, and children's levels of cooperation after surgery were assessed using Children Emotional Manifestation Scale. The heart rate and blood pressure of children were also measured 1 hour before going to operation room.

Results

The study results revealed that children in the intervention group reported lower anxiety levels and more cooperation than children in the control group. Also, they displayed lower heart rate and blood pressure than children in the control group.

Conclusion

The application of age‐appropriate preoperative intervention for children could be beneficial in decreasing anxiety levels and increasing their cooperation post surgery.
Association between demographics and resilience – a cross‐sectional study among nurses in Singapore
Authors: Ang S.Y. , Uthaman T. , Ayre T.C. , Mordiffi S.Z. , Ang E. , Lopez V.
Published: March 2018

Aim

To give an overview of the level of resilience among nurses in Singapore and to examine associations between various demographics variables and resilience level.

Background

The World Health Organization reported a global needs‐based shortage of over 9 million nurses and midwives in 2013. Building resilience among nurses has been postulated as one of the ways to support and retain nurses in the profession.

Method

A self‐reported questionnaire consisting of questions on demographics and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale CD‐RISC 10 was used.

Results

Univariate analysis identified marital status, age group, years of experience in nursing, highest education qualification and job grade to have significant associations with resilience. During multivariate analysis, only marital status, age group, highest educational qualification and job grade remained significant. A strong association was found between highest educational qualification and resilience level; nurses with bachelor's or postgraduate degree were about three times more likely than nurses with only a general nursing certificate to be of moderate/high resilience.

Conclusion

The experience of life events (as exemplified by marital status, age and working experience) was associated with higher resilience levels.

Implications for nursing policy

There is a need for healthcare organizations and nurse leaders to develop programmes focusing on building resilience among younger and less experienced nurses. Nurses should also be supported in their pursuits for higher education, which will in turn lead to higher resilience, and consequently, retention of nurses within the profession and institution.
Proxy decision making and dementia: Using Construal Level Theory to analyse the thoughts of decision makers
Authors: Convey Helen , Holt Janet , Summers Barbara
Published: March 2018

Aims

This study explored the feasibility of using Construal Level Theory to analyse proxy decision maker thinking about a hypothetical ethical dilemma, relating to a person who has dementia.

Background

Proxy decision makers make decisions on behalf of individuals who are living with dementia when dementia affects that individual's decision making ability. Ethical dilemmas arise because there is a need to balance the individual's past and contemporary values and views. Understanding of how proxy decision makers respond is incomplete. Construal Level Theory contends that individuals imagine reactions and make predications about the future by crossing psychological distance. This involves abstract thinking, giving meaning to decisions. There is no empirical evidence of Construal Level Theory being used to analyse proxy decision maker thinking. Exploring the feasibility of using Construal Level Theory to understand dementia carer thinking regarding proxy decisions may provide insights which inform the support given.

Design

Descriptive qualitative research with semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

Seven participants were interviewed using a hypothetical dementia care scenario in February 2016. Interview transcripts were analysed for themes. Construal Level Theory was applied to analyse participant responses within themes using the Linguistic Category Model.

Results

Participants travelled across psychological distance, using abstract thinking to clarify goals and provide a basis for decisions. When thinking concretely participants established boundaries regarding the ethical dilemma.

Conclusion

Construal Level Theory gives insight into proxy decision maker thinking and the levels of abstraction used. Understanding what dementia carers think about when making proxy decisions may help nurses to understand their perspectives and to provide appropriate support.
Gender differences for growth in North American Atlantic salmon
Authors: Schaeffer L. , Tosh J. J. , Ang K.P. , Elliott J.A.K. , Herlin M. , Powell F. , Boulding E. G.
Published: March 2018

An assumption in aquaculture of Atlantic salmon is that male and female growth within families is perfectly genetically correlated. That is, families would rank identically if based on male growth only or female growth only. Also, growth in freshwater and sea water is assumed to be highly correlated between males and females within families. However, structural analysis of the DNA of Atlantic salmon has found that the linkage maps of females differ significantly from that of males. Genetic variability for any trait measured on females could be greater or lesser than on males. Thus, male and female growth might be considered as separate traits giving rise to families ranking differently depending on gender. A multiple trait family model for weight and length at 3 years of age in Atlantic salmon according to gender was applied to data on North American Atlantic salmon obtained from the Oak Bay Hatchery in New Brunswick, Canada. Genetic correlations between male and female growth in both freshwater and sea water were estimated by Bayesian methods. The estimates support the possible existence of gender dimorphism in North American Atlantic salmon for growth traits.
Noctural dipping status and left ventricular hypertrophy: A cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Rodrigues Jonathan C. L. , Amadu Antonio Matteo , Ghosh Dastidar Amardeep , Harries Iwan , Burchell Amy E. , Ratcliffe Laura E. K. , Hart Emma C. , Hamilton Mark C. K. , Paton Julian F. R. , Nightingale Angus K. , Manghat Nathan E.
Published: March 2018

We investigate the impact of dipper status on cardiac structure with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and 1.5T CMR were performed in 99 tertiary hypertension clinic patients. Subgroup analysis by extreme dipper (n = 9), dipper (n = 39), non‐dipper (n = 35) and reverse dipper (n = 16) status was performed, matched in age, gender and BMI. Left ventricular (LV) mass was significantly higher for extreme dippers than dippers after correction for covariates (100 ± 6 g/m2 vs 79 ± 3 g/m2, P = .004). Amongst extreme dippers and dippers (n = 48), indexed LV mass correlated positively with the extent of nocturnal blood pressure dipping (R = .403, P = .005). On post‐hoc ANCOVA, the percentage of nocturnal dip had significant effect on indexed LV mass (P = .008), but overall SBP did not (P = .348). In the tertiary setting, we found a larger nocturnal BP drop was associated with more LV hypertrophy. If confirmed in larger studies, this may have implications on nocturnal dosing of anti‐hypertensive medications.
HMQ‐T‐F2 exert antitumour effects by upregulation of Axin in human cervical HeLa cells
Authors: Dai Bingling , Yang Tianfeng , Ma Yujiao , Ma Nan , Shi Xianpeng , Zhang Dongdong , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yanmin
Published: March 2018

Looking for novel, effective and less toxic therapies for cervical cancer is of significant importance. In this study, we reported that HMQ‐T‐F2(F2) significantly inhibited cell proliferation and transplantable tumour growth. Mechanistically, HMQ‐T‐F2 inhibited HeLa cell growth through repressing the expression and nuclear translocation of β‐catenin, enhancing Axin expression, as well as downregulating the Wnt downstream targeted proteins. Knock‐down of a checkpoint β‐catenin by siRNA significantly attenuated HeLa cell proliferation. Furthermore, XAV939, an inhibitor of β‐catenin, was used to treat HeLa cells and the results demonstrated that HMQ‐T‐F2 inhibited proliferation and migration via the inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
WDR79 mediates the proliferation of non‐small cell lung cancer cells by regulating the stability of UHRF1
Authors: Chen Jieying , Sheng Xunan , Ma Hongchang , Tang Zhengshan , Yang Chao , Cao Lanqin , Sun Yang , Deng Tanggang , Feng Peifu , Hu Bin , Wei Dong , Liu Jing , Xiong Wei , Ye Mao
Published: March 2018

WD repeat protein 79 (WDR79) is a member of the WD‐repeat protein family characterized by the presence of a series of WD‐repeat domains and is a scaffold protein that participates in telomerase assembly, Cajal body formation and DNA double strand break repair. Although previous studies have revealed that WDR79 is frequently overexpressed in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and promotes the proliferation of NSCLC cells, the underlying mechanism responsible for WDR79‐mediated NSCLC proliferation is not fully understood. In this study, we report a novel molecular function of WDR79 that mediates NSCLC cell proliferation by controlling the stability of UHRF1. In the nucleus, WDR79 colocalized and interacted with UHRF1. As a result, overexpression of WDR79 stabilized UHRF1, whereas ablation of WDR79 decreased the level of UHRF1. Meanwhile, we showed that WDR79 can protect UHRF1 from poly‐ubiquitination‐mediated proteolysis, which facilitated the stabilization of UHRF1. We further demonstrated that WDR79 exerts a proliferation effect on NSCLC cells by stabilizing UHRF1. These findings reveal that WDR79 is a novel UHRF1 regulator by maintaining UHRF1 stability, and they also provide a clue as to how to explore WDR79 for potential therapeutic application in NSCLC.
MicroRNA‐146a and microRNA‐155 as novel crevicular fluid biomarkers for periodontitis in non‐diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Radović Nikola , Nikolić Jakoba Nataša , Petrović Nina , Milosavljević Aleksandra , Brković Božidar , Roganović Jelena
Published: March 2018

Aim

Recent studies point at the crucial role of epigenetic mechanisms in the development of multifactorial diseases such as periodontitis and diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2. In addition, circulatory microRNAs (miRs) have emerged as novel biomarkers for various diseases. Aim of this study was to investigate the levels of miR‐146a and miR‐155 and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontitis patients with (CPDM) and without (CP) DM type 2 as well as in periodontally healthy, control groups (PHDM and PH, respectively).

Material and methods

miR modulation was analysed using quantitative real‐time PCR while SOD activity was measured spectrophotometrically.

Results

The upregulation of miR‐146a and miR‐155 was observed in CP and CPDM patients’ baseline, while the levels decreased after 6 weeks of the non‐surgical therapy to the levels comparable to PH and PHDM, respectively. Expression levels of miRs positively correlated with SOD activity. Levels of miR‐146a were higher in PHDM compared to PH patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that levels of miR‐146a and miR‐155 were significantly associated with periodontitis when adjusting for age and gender.

Conclusions

miR‐146a and miR‐155 may be considered as possible novel biomarkers for periodontitis in non‐diabetic and type 2 diabetic patients.
How fundamental aspects of nursing care are defined in the literature: A scoping review
Authors: Feo Rebecca , Kitson Alison , Conroy Tiffany
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To investigate how fundamental aspects of nursing care have been defined in the literature from 2010–2016.

Background

A 2010 narrative review of nursing texts identified little consensus on what constitutes the fundamental aspects of nursing care. Since then there has been a proliferation of policies, strategic frameworks and research teams dedicated to investigating such care. It is unclear whether this increased activity has led to greater conceptual clarity.

Design

Scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.

Methods

A search of published and grey literature was undertaken using CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed and ProQuest. Documents providing a definition for fundamental aspects of nursing care were included for review. Definitions were identified and mapped.

Results

Forty‐nine documents were included. Two ways of constructing the discourse around fundamental aspects of nursing care were identified: compassionate care (n = 25) and fundamentals of care (n = 24). The literature on compassionate care focused primarily on the moral attributes of nurses and their ability to establish meaningful connections with patients. The literature on fundamentals of care was split between describing such care as a list of nursing activities and describing it as a complex, multidimensional construct.

Conclusions

There appears to be a lack of consensus around how fundamental aspects of nursing care are defined. Compassionate care and fundamentals of care have commonalities in terms of emphasising the nurse–patient relationship; however, only the literature on fundamentals of care addresses patients’ physical care needs. Despite their commonalities, it seems the two bodies of work are being developed largely independent of one another.

Relevance to clinical practice

This scoping review identified areas of convergence and divergence around fundamental aspects of nursing care. An agreed definition for such care is needed to enable the development of a robust evidence base to underpin the coherent and consistent development of nursing practice.
Perceived caring attributes and priorities of preregistration nursing students throughout a nursing curriculum underpinned by person‐centredness
Authors: Cook Neal F. , McCance Tanya , McCormack Brendan , Barr Owen , Slater Paul
Published: March 2018

Aim and objective

To explore preregistration nursing students’ caring attributes development through a person‐centred focused curriculum.

Background

Developing caring attributes in student nurses to the point of registration has historically been challenging. Globally, curricula have not yet demonstrated the ability to sustain and develop caring attributes in this population, despite its centrality to practice.

Design and methods

This longitudinal cohort study tracked how University preregistration nursing students (N = 212) developed their caring attributes over the 3 years of their programme using repeated measures at the end of each year with the same cohort. The Caring Dimensions Inventory (35 item version with 25 caring items under three constructs (technical, intimacy and supporting) and 10 inappropriate or unnecessary construct items) was used and data analysed using Mokken scale analysis to create a hierarchy of actions that students deemed as caring. Repeated measures of analysis of variance enabled evaluation of changes in responses over time.

Results

Students developed their caring attributes throughout their programme, ranking 22 of 25 items as caring (with statistical significance) at the end of year 1, 18 at the end of year 2 and all 25 caring items at the end of their final year. No unnecessary or inappropriate construct items were ranked as caring at any data collection point. Participants consistently ranked assisting a person with an activity of living, listening to a patient and involving them in their care as the most caring actions.

Conclusion

This study found caring attributes can not only be sustained, but can also be developed throughout a preregistration nursing education programme grounded in person‐centredness.

Relevance to clinical practice

Internationally, caring attributes are challenging to develop and sustain throughout preregistration education, largely being diminished over time.

Little published evidence evidences how person‐centred frameworks are successfully integrated into preregistration nursing curricula to develop person‐centred nurses.
Marital relationship and health‐related quality of life of patients with prostate cancer and their spouses: A longitudinal clinical study
Authors: Harju Eeva , Rantanen Anja , Helminen Mika , Kaunonen Marja , Isotalo Taina , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To examine changes in the marital relationship 6 months after the diagnosis and the effects of these changes on the health‐related quality of life of the patients with prostate cancer and their spouses.

Background

There is limited knowledge on the impact of a diagnosis of prostate cancer on the marital relationship and health‐related quality of life of patients and their spouses.

Design

Survey with longitudinal descriptive and comparative elements.

Methods

Of 350 recruited couples (N = 700), 186 couples (n = 372) completed the Marital Questionnaire and RAND 36‐Item Health Survey at the two measurement points: time of diagnosis and 6 months later. Changes in the marital relationship were analysed statistically using descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests. The influence of changes in the marital relationship on health‐related quality of life was evaluated using linear regression analyses.

Results

The patients and their spouses reported lower marital satisfaction 6 months after the diagnosis than at the time of diagnosis. The summary score for marital satisfaction of the spouses significantly decreased during the follow‐up period. In contrast, decreasing changes in the marital relationship of the patients were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the marital relationship of the patients and their spouses was not statistically significantly associated with changes in the health‐related quality of life of the patients and their spouses within 6 months.

Conclusions

The results of this study add to current knowledge of the marital relationship of patients with prostate cancer and their spouses. The spouses reported that their marital relationship had suffered, whereas the patients reported that the marital relationship remained unchanged.

Relevance to clinical practice

These findings may be useful when counselling of patients with prostate cancer and their spouses.
Exploring the need for Transition Readiness Scales within cystic fibrosis services: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Bourke Mary , Houghton Catherine
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore healthcare professionals’ and patients’ perceptions of the potential use of a Transition Readiness Scale in cystic fibrosis care. This included an examination of barriers and facilitators to its implementation along with the identification of key items to include in a Transition Readiness Scale.

Background

Due to increasing life expectancy and improved quality of life, more adolescents with cystic fibrosis are transitioning from paediatric to adult health care. To assess and correctly manage this transition, a more structured approach to transition is advocated. This can be achieved using a Transition Readiness Scale to potentially identify or target areas of care in which the adolescent may have poor knowledge. These key items include education, developmental readiness taking into account relationships, reproduction, future plans and self‐management skills. Existing tools to gauge readiness concentrate mainly on education and self‐care needs assessment as their key items. Currently, there is no specific cystic fibrosis Transition Readiness Scale in use in Ireland or internationally.

Design

The study used a descriptive qualitative design.

Methods

Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews (n = 8) and analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

The findings identified the potential benefits of this tool and second the resources which need to be in place before its development and implementation into cystic fibrosis services.

Conclusion

Transition Readiness Scales have substantial relevance with cystic fibrosis services emphasising the importance of establishing the necessary resources prior to its implementation. These were identified as more staff, a dedicated private space and staff training and education.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Significant resources are needed to fully integrate Transition Readiness Scales in practice. The study findings suggest multidisciplinary collaborations, and patient engagement is pivotal in planning and easing the transition process for adolescents with cystic fibrosis.
A literature review of comfort in the paediatric critical care patient
Authors: Bosch‐Alcaraz Alejandro , Falcó‐Pegueroles Anna , Jordan Iolanda
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To investigate the meaning of comfort and to contextualise it within the framework of paediatric critical care.

Background

The concept of comfort is closely linked to care in all health contexts. However, in specific settings such as the paediatric critical care unit, it takes on particular importance.

Design

A literature review was conducted.

Methods

A literature search was performed of articles in English and Spanish in international health science databases, from 1992–March 2017, applying the quality standards established by the PRISMA methodology and the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results

A total of 1,203 publications were identified in the databases. Finally, 59 articles which met the inclusion criteria were entered in this literature review. Almost all were descriptive studies written in English and published in Europe. The concept of comfort was defined as the immediate condition of being strengthened through having the three types of needs (relief, ease and transcendence) addressed in the four contexts of experience (physical, psychospiritual, social and environmental). Only two valid and reliable tools for assessing comfort were found: the Comfort Scale and the Comfort Behavior Scale.

Conclusions

Comfort is subjective and difficult to assess. It has four facets: physical, emotional, social and environmental. High levels of noise and light are the inputs that cause the most discomfort. Comfort is a holistic, universal concept and an important component of quality nursing care.
Caring for patients on home enteral nutrition: Reported complications by home carers and perspectives of community nurses
Authors: Lim Mei Ling , Yong Bei Yi Paulynn , Mar Mei Qi Maggie , Ang Shin Yuh , Chan Mei Mei , Lam Madeleine , Chong Ngian Choo Janet , Lopez Violeta
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore the experiences of community nurses and home carers, in caring for patients on home enteral nutrition.

Background

The number of patients on home enteral nutrition is on the increase due to advancement in technology and shift in focus of providing care from acute to community care settings.

Methods

A mixed‐method approach was adopted. (i) A face‐to‐face survey design was used to elicit experience of carers of patients on home enteral nutrition. (ii) Focus group interviews were conducted with community nurses.

Results

Ninety‐nine carers (n = 99) were recruited. Patient's mean age that they cared for was aged 77.7 years (SD = 11.2), and they had been on enteral feeding for a mean of 29 months (SD = 23.0). Most were bed‐bound (90%) and required full assistance with their feeding (99%). Most were not on follow‐up with dietitians (91%) and dentists (96%). The three most common reported gastrointestinal complications were constipation (31%), abdominal distension (28%) and vomiting (22%). Twenty community nurses (n = 20) were recruited for the focus group interviews. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: (i) challenge of accessing allied health services in the community; (ii) shorter length of stay in the acute care setting led to challenges in carers' learning and adaptation; (iii) transition gaps between hospital and home care services; and (iv) managing expectations of family.

Conclusion

To facilitate a better transition of care for patients, adequate training for carers, standardising clinical practice in managing patients with home enteral nutrition and improving communication between home care services and the acute care hospitals are needed.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study highlighted the challenges faced by community home care nurses and carers. Results of this study would help to inform future policies and practice changes that would improve the quality of care received by patients on home enteral nutrition.
The prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors in countryside‐dwelling older Chinese patients with hypertension
Authors: Ma Chunhua
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives

To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in older people with hypertension in rural areas of China and to clarify the predictors influencing depressive symptoms in these patients.

Background

Although many studies have described the prevalence of depressive symptoms in older people, these studies mainly focused on those in urban areas. Few studies explicitly clarify the depressive symptoms of older patients with hypertension in rural China.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was adopted for the study.

Methods

A convenience sampling method was used to recruit the participants. The data were collected by questionnaire survey from the medical outpatient department of five rural township hospitals in Jinzhong City of Shanxi Province, northern China. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale‐D, social support by the Social Support Rating Scale and activities of daily living by the Barthel Index.

Results

Nine hundred forty‐two rural older people with hypertension participated in the study. Of those, 560 patients (59.4%) had no depressive symptoms and 382 (40.6%) had depressive symptoms. The total mean scores of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale‐D for the normal group were 8.45 ± 6.47, and 14.18 ± 5.91 for the group with depressive symptoms; the statistical difference was observed by comparing the mean scores of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale‐D between the two groups (t = 2.18, p = .027). The binary logistic regression showed that the presence of depressive symptoms for older rural participants with hypertension was associated with the following factors: female (odds ratio [OR] = 1.19, 95% CI 1.10–1.37), unmarried status (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.19–1.65), low household income (OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.74–0.93), living alone (OR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.45–1.90), the presence of hypertension complications and comorbid chronic diseases (OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.42–0.74; OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.41–0.69), dependent activities of daily living status (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.36–1.64) and low social support (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.57–1.89).

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms are common among older people with hypertension in rural China. The older patients with hypertension who are liable to have depressive symptoms warrant close attention from medical institutions and governments.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study explores the potential factors related to depressive symptoms, understanding of which can contribute to the development of effective measures to ameliorate depressive symptoms and improve the healthcare outcomes for rural older people with hypertension.
PITFALLS IN CROSS‐SECTION STUDIES WITH INTEGRATED REGRESSORS: A SURVEY AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Authors: Bekiros Stelios , Sjö Bo , Sweeney Richard J.
Published: March 2018

In cross‐section studies, if the dependent variable is I(0) but the regressor is I(1), the true slope must be zero in the resulting “unbalanced regression.” A spuriously significant relationship may be found in large cross‐sections, however, if the integrated regressor is related to a stationary variable that enters the DGP but is omitted from the regression. The solution is to search for the related stationary variable, in some cases the first difference of the integrated regressor, in other cases, a categorical variable that can take on limited number of values which depend on the integrated variable. We present an extensive survey, new developments, and applications particularly in finance.
MIMoSA: An Automated Method for Intermodal Segmentation Analysis of Multiple Sclerosis Brain Lesions
Authors: Valcarcel Alessandra M. , Linn Kristin A. , Vandekar Simon N. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Muschelli John , Calabresi Peter A. , Pham Dzung L. , Martin Melissa Lynne , Shinohara Russell T.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for in vivo detection and characterization of white matter lesions (WMLs) in multiple sclerosis. While WMLs have been studied for over two decades using MRI, automated segmentation remains challenging. Although the majority of statistical techniques for the automated segmentation of WMLs are based on single imaging modalities, recent advances have used multimodal techniques for identifying WMLs. Complementary modalities emphasize different tissue properties, which help identify interrelated features of lesions.

METHODS

Method for Inter‐Modal Segmentation Analysis (MIMoSA), a fully automatic lesion segmentation algorithm that utilizes novel covariance features from intermodal coupling regression in addition to mean structure to model the probability lesion is contained in each voxel, is proposed. MIMoSA was validated by comparison with both expert manual and other automated segmentation methods in two datasets. The first included 98 subjects imaged at Johns Hopkins Hospital in which bootstrap cross‐validation was used to compare the performance of MIMoSA against OASIS and LesionTOADS, two popular automatic segmentation approaches. For a secondary validation, a publicly available data from a segmentation challenge were used for performance benchmarking.

RESULTS

In the Johns Hopkins study, MIMoSA yielded average Sørensen‐Dice coefficient (DSC) of .57 and partial AUC of .68 calculated with false positive rates up to 1%. This was superior to performance using OASIS and LesionTOADS. The proposed method also performed competitively in the segmentation challenge dataset.

CONCLUSION

MIMoSA resulted in statistically significant improvements in lesion segmentation performance compared with LesionTOADS and OASIS, and performed competitively in an additional validation study.
Effects of personality and gender on self–other agreement in ratings of leadership
Authors: McKee Rob Austin , Lee Yih‐teen , Atwater Leanne , Antonakis John
Published: March 2018

We explore the role of leader personality (i.e., the Big 5 traits: Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Openness, Extraversion, and Neuroticism) and gender in self–other (dis)agreement (SOA) in ratings of leadership. We contend that certain aspects of the leader's persona may be more or less related to self‐ or other‐ratings of the leader's behaviour if those aspects are (1) more or less observable by others, (2) more or less related to internal thoughts versus external behaviours, (3) more or less prone to self‐enhancement or self‐denigrating biases, or (4) more or less socially desirable. We utilize statistical methodologies that capture fully the effects of multiple independent variables on the congruence between two dependent variables (Edwards, , Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 64, 307), which previously have not been applied to this area of research. Our results support hypotheses predicting less SOA as leader Conscientiousness increases and greater SOA as Agreeableness and Neuroticism increase. Additionally, we found gender to be an important factor in SOA; female leaders exhibited greater SOA than did their male counterparts. We discuss the implications of these findings, limitations, and future research directions.

Practitioner points

Popular practices such as 360‐degree feedback may reveal discrepancies between a person's self‐ratings and other's ratings.

Although often attributed to a lack of self‐awareness, these discrepancies also may be explained by factors such as the personality and gender of the focal individual.
Taking on the boss: Informative contests in prosecutor elections
Authors: McCannon Bryan C. , Pruitt Joylynn
Published: March 2018

The United States is unique in that most states select their prosecutors using popular election. An interesting feature of prosecutor elections is that the pool of potential challengers to an incumbent comes primarily from subordinates within the office. We develop a signaling model that analyzes whether entry into the political race by a subordinate provides voters with useful information. We challenge the commonly held presumption that the election mechanism is ineffective. Exploring the decision of an insider to challenge the boss, we demonstrate that a challenger can strategically convey information about the incumbent's quality by entering the race. Anticipating this, poor incumbents exit. Thus, the model matches empirical observations of rare contested elections and rather modest vacancy rates. Compared to the situation where outsiders challenge the incumbent, the election mechanism is effective.
Integrated analysis of long noncoding RNA‐associated competing endogenous RNA network in periodontitis
Authors: Li S. , Liu X. , Li H. , Pan H. , Acharya A. , Deng Y. , Yu Y. , Haak R. , Schmidt J. , Schmalz G. , Ziebolz D.
Published: March 2018

Background and Objectives

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical and complex roles in regulating various biological processes of periodontitis. This bioinformatic study aims to construct a putative competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by integrating lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression, based on high‐throughput RNA sequencing and microarray data about periodontitis.

Material and Methods

Data from 1 miRNA and 3 mRNA expression profiles were obtained to construct the lncRNA‐associated ceRNA network. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and pathway analysis were performed using the Gene Ontology website and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. A protein‐protein interaction network was constructed based on the Search Tool for the retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins. Transcription factors (TFs) of differentially expressed genes were identified based on TRANSFAC database and then a regulatory network was constructed.

Results

Through constructing the dysregulated ceRNA network, 6 genes (HSPA4L, PANK3, YOD1, CTNNBIP1, EVI2B, ITGAL) and 3 miRNAs (miR‐125a‐3p, miR‐200a, miR‐142‐3p) were detected. Three lncRNAs (MALAT1, TUG1, FGD5‐AS1) were found to target both miR‐125a‐3p and miR‐142‐3p in this ceRNA network. Protein‐protein interaction network analysis identified several hub genes, including VCAM1, ITGA4, UBC, LYN and SSX2IP. Three pathways (cytokine‐cytokine receptor, cell adhesion molecules, chemokine signaling pathway) were identified to be overlapping results with the previous bioinformatics studies in periodontitis. Moreover, 2 TFs including FOS and EGR were identified to be involved in the regulatory network of the differentially expressed genes‐TFs in periodontitis.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that 6 mRNAs (HSPA4L, PANK3, YOD1, CTNNBIP1, EVI2B, ITGAL), 3 miRNAs (hsa‐miR‐125a‐3p, hsa‐miR‐200a, hsa‐miR‐142‐3p) and 3 lncRNAs (MALAT1, TUG1, FGD5‐AS1) might be involved in the lncRNA‐associated ceRNA network of periodontitis. This study sought to illuminate further the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of periodontitis through constructing an lncRNA‐associated ceRNA network.
Isochorismate‐based salicylic acid biosynthesis confers basal resistance to Fusarium graminearum in barley
Authors: Hao Qunqun , Wang Wenqiang , Han Xiuli , Wu Jingzheng , Lyu Bo , Chen Fengjuan , Caplan Allan , Li Caixia , Wu Jiajie , Wang Wei , Xu Qian , Fu Daolin
Published: March 2018

Salicylic acid (SA) plays an important role in signal transduction and disease resistance. In Arabidopsis, SA can be made by either of two biosynthetic branches, one involving isochorismate synthase (ICS) and the other involving phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL). However, the biosynthetic pathway and the importance of SA remain largely unknown in Triticeae. Here, we cloned one ICS and seven PAL genes from barley, and studied their functions by their overexpression and suppression in that plant. Suppression of the ICS gene significantly delayed plant growth, whereas PAL genes, both overexpressed and suppressed, had no significant effect on plant growth. Similarly, suppression of ICS compromised plant resistance to Fusarium graminearum, whereas similar suppression of PAL genes had no significant effect. We then focused on transgenic plants with ICS. In a leaf‐based test with F. graminearum, transgenic plants with an up‐regulated ICS were comparable with wild‐type control plants. By contrast, transgenic plants with a suppressed ICS lost the ability to accumulate SA during pathogen infection and were also more susceptible to Fusarium than the wild‐type controls. This suggests that ICS plays a unique role in SA biosynthesis in barley, which, in turn, confers a basal resistance to F. graminearum by modulating the accumulation of H2O2,
and reactive oxygen‐associated enzymatic activities. Although SA mediates systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in dicots, there was no comparable SAR response to F. graminearum in barley. This study expands our knowledge about SA biosynthesis in barley and proves that SA confers basal resistance to fungal pathogens.
Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes: Diagnosis on intra‐operative squash smear
Authors: Gupta Kirti , Singh Vikram , Aggarwal Ashish , Salunke Pravin
Published: March 2018

We describe a rare example of infratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor categorized as embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes diagnosed on intra‐operative squash smear and frozen section and discuss its key diagnostic features, pitfalls and differentials. Correct interpretation at the time of frozen section is crucial as it helps in deciding the further course of surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such report in the literature.
In vivo quantification of plant starch reserves at micrometer resolution using X‐ray microCT imaging and machine learning
Authors: Earles J. Mason , Knipfer Thorsten , Tixier Aude , Orozco Jessica , Reyes Clarissa , Zwieniecki Maciej A. , Brodersen Craig R. , McElrone Andrew J.
Published: March 2018

Starch is the primary energy storage molecule used by most terrestrial plants to fuel respiration and growth during periods of limited to no photosynthesis, and its depletion can drive plant mortality. Destructive techniques at coarse spatial scales exist to quantify starch, but these techniques face methodological challenges that can lead to uncertainty about the lability of tissue‐specific starch pools and their role in plant survival.

Here, we demonstrate how X‐ray microcomputed tomography (microCT) and a machine learning algorithm can be coupled to quantify plant starch content in vivo, repeatedly and nondestructively over time in grapevine stems (Vitis spp.).

Starch content estimated for xylem axial and ray parenchyma cells from microCT images was correlated strongly with enzymatically measured bulk‐tissue starch concentration on the same stems. After validating our machine learning algorithm, we then characterized the spatial distribution of starch concentration in living stems at micrometer resolution, and identified starch depletion in live plants under experimental conditions designed to halt photosynthesis and starch production, initiating the drawdown of stored starch pools.

Using X‐ray microCT technology for in vivo starch monitoring should enable novel research directed at resolving the spatial and temporal patterns of starch accumulation and depletion in woody plant species.