bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between direct interpersonal involvement with a dying family member and discussions regarding advance care planning among Japanese older adults
Authors: Miyashita Jun , Hayashi Shinu , Yamamoto Yosuke 
Published: December 2020

AimThere is growing recognition of the need to hold advance care planning discussions. Older adults who have direct interpersonal involvement with dying family members might begin to consider their own end‐of‐life care. This study examined the associations between experiences of being with a dying family member and advance care planning discussions among Japanese older adults.MethodsThis study examined data from a previous self‐administered questionnaire survey carried out among outpatients aged ≥65 years. All participants were visitors of a community hospital in Japan, with data being collected over a 1‐week period in July 2016. The main exposure was experiences of being with dying family members, while the outcome was advance care planning discussions with the family members and/or their physician. We analyzed the associations between experiences of being with dying family members and advance care planning discussions through log‐binomial regression models adjusted for possible sociodemographic confounders.ResultsOf the 302 respondents included for analysis, 96 (32%) had experiences of being with dying family members, while 179 (59%) held advance care planning discussions. Respondents with said experiences were more likely to have discussions than those without experiences (fully adjusted prevalence ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.65). Subgroup analyses showed no significant interaction effects between experiences of being with dying family members and the covariates.ConclusionsDirect interpersonal involvement with dying family members might facilitate advance care planning discussions among Japanese older adults. Our results should help healthcare providers recognize individuals who are unlikely to have discussions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 197–202.
Erenumab for headaches in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: A prospective open‐label evaluation
Authors: Yiangou Andreas , Mitchell James L. , Fisher Claire , Edwards Julie , Vijay Vivek , Alimajstorovic Zerin , Grech Olivia , Lavery Gareth G. , Mollan Susan P. , Sinclair Alexandra J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of erenumab in treating headaches in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in whom papilledema had resolved.BackgroundDisability in IIH is predominantly driven by debilitating headaches with no evidence for the use of preventative therapies. Headache therapy in IIH is an urgent unmet need.MethodsA prospective, open‐label study in the United Kingdom was conducted. Adult females with confirmed diagnosis of IIH now in ocular remission (papilledema resolved) with chronic headaches (≥15 days a month) and failure of ≥3 preventative medications received erenumab 4‐weekly (assessments were 3‐monthly). The primary end point was change in monthly moderate/severe headache days (MmsHD) from baseline (30‐day pretreatment period) compared to 12 months.ResultsFifty‐five patients, mean (SD) age 35.3 (9) years and mean duration of headaches 10.4 (8.4) years with 3.7 (0.9) preventative treatment failures, were enrolled. Mean baseline MmsHD was 16.1 (4.7) and total monthly headache days (MHD) was (29) 2.3. MmsHD reduced substantially at 12 months by mean (SD) [95% CI] 10.8 (4.0) [9.5, 11.9], p < 0.001 and MHD reduced by 13.0 (9.5) [10.2, 15.7], p < 0.001. Crystal clear days (days without any head pain) increased by 13.1 (9.5) [9.6, 15.3], p < 0.001, headache severity (scale 0–10) fell by 1.3 (1.7) [0.9, 1.9], p < 0.001, and monthly analgesic days reduced by 4.3 (9.2) [1.6, 6.9], p = 0.002. All these measures had improved significantly by 3 months, with a consistent significant response to 12 months. Headache impact test‐6 score and quality of life Short Form‐36 Health Survey significantly improved at 12 months. Sensitivity analysis revealed similar results for patients with and without a prior migraine diagnosis (28/55 (52%) patients) or those with or without medication overuse (27/55 (48%) patients).ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for the effectiveness of erenumab to treat headaches in IIH patients with resolution of papilledema. It provides mechanistic insights suggesting that calcitonin gene‐related peptide is likely a modulator driving headache and a useful therapeutic target.
Effect of applied pressure on microstructure and properties of hot‐pressed Ca‐doped LaCrO3 ceramics
Authors: Cai Zhengkun , Jiang Minjin , Guo Qianqian , Jiang Xiaosong , Chen Song , Sun Hongliang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHigh‐density chromium deficient calcium‐doped lanthanum chromite‐based ceramics (La0.8Ca0.2Cr0.98O3) were prepared by hot pressing (HP) at different sintering pressures, and the highest density can reach 98.8%. The effects of sintering pressure on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity of La0.8Ca0.2Cr0.98O3 materials were studied. The experimental results show that HP can increase the density of lanthanum chromite‐based ceramic materials and significantly inhibit the growth of grain size. As the sintering pressure increases, the strength and hardness gradually increase, but the fracture toughness decreases. When the sintering pressure is greater than 58 MPa, the presence of the second phase CaCr2O4 can be detected in the XRD results of the sintered ceramics. The SEM results showed that CaCr2O4 had two completely different morphologies in the sintered ceramics, and it was initially speculated that the possible causes were due to two different generation pathways. The electrical conductivity decreases with increasing sintering pressure, whereas the maximum electrical conductivity obtained is 18.61 S/cm in vacuum at 800°C for pressureless sintering ceramic.
Ichthyosis prematurity syndrome in two Omani siblings, caused by homozygous c.1A > G mutation in the FATP4 gene
Authors: Al Mandhari Hilal , Al‐Musalhi Buthaina , Al Mahroqi Nouh , Hilmarsen Hilde T. , Braathen Geir J. , Khnykin Denis 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIchthyosis prematurity syndrome (IPS) is a rare type of syndromic autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) caused by a mutation in the SLC27A4 gene that encodes the fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4), which is responsible for keratinocyte differentiation and skin barrier function. IPS is characterized by a triad of prematurity, perinatal respiratory asphyxia, and thick vernix caseosa‐like scales. In this report, we present the clinical and molecular characterization of IPS in two Omani siblings.
Performance analysis of batching decisions in waveless order release environments for e‐commerce stock‐to‐picker order fulfillment
Authors: Bansal Vishal , Roy Debjit , Pazour Jennifer A 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWarehouse automation is increasingly adopted to manage throughput fluctuations in e‐commerce order fulfillment. This work develops queuing network models and solution methodologies for performance analysis of a stock‐to‐picker system that connects an upstream automated storage system to a downstream pick station. We focus on the pick station process, quantifying the throughput differences between a pick station that employs a static versus dynamic batching strategy. We consider a waveless order release environment where the item totes are requested from the storage system only when an order arrives. We capture throughput performance in this environment for single as well as multi‐line orders with/without item commonality by developing closed‐queuing network models. The consolidation of multiple product‐lines for a multi‐line order is modeled using fork–join synchronization stations within the closed queuing network. For analyzing such queuing networks, we develop a network‐decomposition based solution methodology. We validate the models using a simulation model of the upstream storage and downstream order‐picking system. We find that in waveless order release environment, dynamic batching always outperforms static batching in terms of system throughput. However, for single‐line orders, the percentage gain in the throughput (by implementing dynamic batching) decreases for smaller item tote inter‐arrival times. For multi‐line orders, dynamic batching increases the system throughput by 37–43%. We also analyze the effect of batch size on the throughput performance. The results indicate that the system throughput increases with an increase in the batch size under both batching policies. But, the marginal benefit reduces as we increase the batch size.
Registered Nurses’ experiences of psychological well‐being and ill‐being in their first year of practice: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Jarden Rebecca J. , Jarden Aaron , Weiland Tracey J. , Taylor Glenn , Brockenshire Naomi , Gerdtz Marie 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo synthesize Registered Nurses’ self‐reported perceptions and experiences of psychological well‐being and ill‐being during their first year of practice.DesignQualitative meta‐synthesis.Data sourcesDatabases included Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica database, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online and Psychological Information. Qualitative studies were considered for inclusion if published in English, from 2009–2019, reporting primary data analysis including psychological well‐being and ill‐being experiences of graduate nurses in first year of practice.Review methodsQualitative studies were systematically identified and critically appraised. A meta‐synthesis was applied using an open card sort technique to organize empirical data into a matrix of graduate nurses’ voices of psychological well‐being and ill‐being.ResultsTwenty‐two studies were included. Analysis revealed patterns of positive experiences and emotions. These included feeling valued and part of the team and learning from and feeling supported by other nurses. Negative experiences and emotions such as feeling overwhelmed, stressed, alone and inadequately prepared were also identified.ConclusionGraduate nurses’ perceptions and experiences of their psychological well‐being and ill‐being revealed both positive and negative dimensions during this transition period. Specific examples of strategies that may promote transition nurses’ well‐being and prevent ill‐being were identified such as social connection and support.ImpactIncreasing the numbers of new nursing graduates world‐wide is required to strengthen health systems. Developing strategies to retain these graduates in the workforce is paramount. This review found some graduate nurses experience the transition period as a time of personal growth and fulfilment, for others this period was a stressor. These findings were illustrated in a model of ‘ways to well‐being’. The potential for knowledge translation of this model extends from graduate nurses as individuals, to nurse entry to practice programs and graduate nurse programs, to organizational policy targeting future health workforce.Systematic review registration numberCRD42020148812.
Understanding the lived experiences of short‐ and long‐term consequences on daily life after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest. A focus group study
Authors: Wagner Mette Kirstine , Berg Selina K. , Tang Lars H. , Stenbæk Dea S. , Hassager Christian , Missel Malene 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo explore and gain in‐depth understanding of how out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest survivors experience the short‐ and long‐term consequences on daily life.DesignA qualitative exploratory design.MethodsA purposive sample of 32 survivors of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest. Data from six audiotaped focus group interviews were collected in either November 2018 or in March 2019. Analysis and interpretation of the transcribed texts was performed using a phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach guided by Ricoeur for unfolding lived experiences.ResultsThree narratives were identified. The survivors narrated how they in the early phase after the cardiac arrest experienced: (a) ‘a fragmented memory at the mercy of the system’. The analysis further showed how the participants were: (b) ‘living in the shadow of anxiety and mixed feelings’ and with the: (c) ‘lost sense of self’ up to several years after survival.ConclusionThe participants in our study experienced distinct bodily impairments, suffering, and the lost sense of self in the return to daily life from early on to several years after resuscitation. There seem to be an urgent need for an early initiated post‐arrest transitional care program led by an expert cardiac arrest nurse. In particular, the healthcare professionals need to pay attention to survivors in employment and with children living at home. Facilitated cardiac arrest peer support groups might minimize the long‐term suffering, heighten the self‐image, and install a new hope for the future.ImpactTo ease the post‐arrest return to daily life for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest survivors it seems important that a transitional care program from the inhospital setting to the community consist of: (a) screening for and education on bodily losses at an early stage, (b) provision of support on the often prolonged emotional reactions, and (c) referring for further individual and targeted psychological and neurological follow‐up and rehabilitation if needed.
The evolution of age‐specific choosiness when mating
Authors: Cotto Olivier , Day Troy 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMate choice is a crucial element of many processes in evolutionary biology. Empirical research has shown that mating preference and choosiness often change with age. Understanding the evolutionary causes of patterns of age‐specific choosiness is challenging because different mechanisms can give rise to the same pattern. Instead of focusing on the optimal age‐specific choosiness strategy given fitness trade‐offs, we approach this question from a more general standpoint and ask how the strength of selection on choosiness changes with the age at which it is expressed. We show that the strength of selection on a modifier of choosiness at a given age depends on the relative contribution of this age class to the pool of offspring but does not depend directly on the strength of selection on fitness components at the age affected by the modifier. We illustrate our results by contrasting two life histories from the literature. We further show how mutation–selection balance at the choosiness locus can shape age‐specific choosiness. Our results provide new insights for understanding the evolution of choosiness throughout life, with implications for understanding the evolution of mate choice and reproductive isolation.
First documentation of the otoliths of the species of Gouania (Teleostei: Gobiesocidae) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Charmpila Eleni A. , Wagner Maximilian , Reichenbacher Bettina 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOtolith morphology is a widely accepted tool for species identification in teleost fish, but whether this holds true for very small species remains to be explored. Here, the saccular otoliths of the cryptobenthic Mediterranean clingfish Gouania (Gobiesocidae) are described for the first time. The new data, although preliminary, indicate that otolith morphology and morphometry support the recognition of the recently differentiated five species of Gouania in the Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, otoliths of phylogenetically closely related Gouania species resemble each other more than do those of the more distantly related species.
Positive impacts of a dedicated General Paediatrics “home” ward in a tertiary paediatric Australian hospital
Authors: Venettacci Oliver , Skull Sue 
Published: December 2020

AimsWhilst a centralised model of care intuitively makes sense and is advocated in other subspecialty areas of medicine, there is a paucity of supportive evidence for General Paediatrics. Following ward restructuring at our tertiary paediatric centre in preparation for the COVID‐19 pandemic, a new dedicated General Paediatrics ward was established. We evaluated medical and nursing staff well‐being, morale and perceived impacts on care after the ward's establishment.MethodsExperiences were sought from medical and nursing staff whom had worked across both previous wards caring for General Paediatrics patients, as well as the new dedicated General Paediatrics ward. Mandated responses used the format of much better, better, same, worse and much worse.ResultsA total of 73/82 (89%) medical and nursing staff completed the survey. A greater than 90% improved or neutral response was noted for 31/35 (89%) questions. About 80% of staff reported the new dedicated General Paediatrics ward provided a better or much better team‐based approach, time efficient approach and overall model of care. A much better or better response was reported for communication between medical and nursing staff in 68%, team comradery in 69%, supportive/helpful nursing staff in 74%, job stress level in 66% and staff morale in 60% of respondents.ConclusionsOverwhelmingly positive responses from this study support a centralised or “home” ward model of care for General Paediatrics patients in a tertiary paediatric setting. Our findings may be relevant to General Paediatrics teams in other centres currently using multiple wards to manage their patients.
Use of C‐reactive protein concentration in evaluation of diskospondylitis in dogs
Authors: Trub Sarah A. , Bush William W. , Paek Matthew , Cuff Daniel E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundC‐reactive protein (CRP) is a positive acute phase protein that increases in many inflammatory conditions of dogs. Serum CRP concentration has important diagnostic and prognostic utility in humans with vertebral osteomyelitis.Hypothesis/objectivesTo determine if a correlation exists between serum CRP concentration and clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in dogs with diskospondylitis, and if CRP predicts prognosis.AnimalsEighteen client‐owned dogs with MRI diagnosis of diskospondylitis.MethodsRetrospective study evaluating signalment, clinical signs, neurologic examination findings, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, serum globulin concentration, serum CRP concentration, radiographic findings, MRI findings, bacterial culture results, and outcome in dogs with diskospondylitis.ResultsSerum CRP concentration was significantly more sensitive than were fever and leukocytosis for predicting the presence of diskospondylitis. Serum CRP concentration was more sensitive than neutrophilia and hyperglobulinemia. No difference in serum CRP concentration was found between dogs with single or multiple lesions, nor between dogs with or without empyema, muscular involvement or spinal cord compression. No association was found between serum CRP concentration and positive bacterial culture.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceC‐reactive protein is a sensitive, but nonspecific biomarker for diskospondylitis which may prove useful as an adjunctive diagnostic test in patients with suspicious clinical signs and may help predict prognosis.
Plant taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover increases toward climatic extremes and depends on historical factors in European beech forests
Authors: Padullés Cubino Josep , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Sabatini Francesco Maria , Willner Wolfgang , Lososová Zdeňka , Biurrun Idoia , Brunet Jörg , Campos Juan Antonio , Indreica Adrian , Jansen Florian , Lenoir Jonathan , Škvorc Željko , Vassilev Kiril , Chytrý Milan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsThe effect of biogeographical processes on the spatial turnover component of beta‐diversity over large spatial extents remains scarcely understood. Here, we aim at disentangling the roles of environmental and historical factors on plant taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover, while controlling for the effects of species richness and rarity.LocationEuropean beech (Fagus sylvatica) forests in Europe.MethodsWe aggregated plant species occurrences from vegetation plots in spatial grid cells of 0.25º × 0.25º to calculate the spatial turnover component of taxonomic (TBDturn) and phylogenetic (PBDturn) beta‐diversity for each cell. We also calculated the deviation of PBDturngiven TBDturn(PBDdev‐turn), which measures the importance of phylogenetic turnover after factoring out taxonomic turnover. Beta‐diversity was calculated for each grid cell as the mean pairwise dissimilarity between the focal cell and all other cells. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships between environmental (climate, soil pH, and distance from the geographical distribution limit of beech) and historical (distance from beech glacial refugia) predictors and beta‐diversity metrics.ResultsWe found a geographically consistent variation in taxonomic and phylogenetic turnover. Overall, TBDturnand PBDturnincreased significantly toward more extreme climatic conditions, on more acidic soils, and toward the margins of beech distribution. The effects of environmental variables and the distance from glacial refugia on beta‐diversity metrics were mediated by species richness and rarity. Phylogenetic turnover was low in relation to taxonomic turnover (i.e., high PBDdev‐turn) in areas closer to glacial refugia.ConclusionsContinental‐scale patterns of beta‐diversity in European beech forests are the result of complementary ecological and evolutionary processes. In general, beech forests are taxonomically and phylogenetically more distinct in climatically marginal areas of their European range. However, the spatial variation of beta‐diversity in European beech forest flora is still strongly characterized by the distribution of groups of closely related species that evolved or survived in glacial refugia.
The effect of Lucilia sericata larval excretion/secretion (ES) products on cellular responses in wound healing
Authors: Gazi U. , Taylan‐Ozkan A. , Mumcuoglu K. Y. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractChronic wounds are still regarded as a serious public health concern, which are on the increase mainly due to the changes in life styles and aging of the human population. There are different types of chronic wounds, each of which requires slightly different treatment strategies. Nevertheless, wound bed preparation is included in treatment of all types of chronic wounds and involves tissue debridement, inflammation, and infection control, as well as moisture balance and epithelial edge advancement. Maggot therapy (MT) is a form of biological debridement which involves the application of live medical grade Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae. Whereas it was initially thought to act mainly through debridement, today MT is known to influence all four overlapping physiological phases of wound repair: homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling/maturing. During MT, medical‐grade larvae are applied either freely or enclosed in tea‐bag like devices (biobag) inside the wounds, which suggests that larva excretion/secretion (ES) products can facilitate the healing processes directly without the need of direct contact with the larvae. This review summarizes the relevant literature on ES‐mediated effects on the cellular responses involved in wound healing.