bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resuscitation orders in acute hospitals: A point prevalence study
Authors: Mills Amber , Walker Anne , Levinson Michele , Hutchinson Alison M , Stephenson Gemma , Gellie Anthea , Heriot George , Newnham Harvey , Robertson Megan 
Published: October 2016

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of resuscitation orders and Advance Care Plans, and the relationship with Medical Emergency Team (MET) calls.MethodsA point prevalence review of patient records at five Victorian hospital services.ResultsOne thousand nine hundred and thirty‐four patient records were reviewed, and 230 resuscitation orders and 15 Advance Care Plans found. Significantly, more resuscitation orders were found at public hospitals. Patients admitted to private hospitals were older, with shorter admissions. A further 24 orders were written following MET calls for 97 patients. Only 16% of patients aged 80+ years had a resuscitation order written within 24 hours of admission.ConclusionFewer resuscitation orders were written at admission for older adults than might be expected if goals of care and resuscitation outcome are considered. MET continue to have a prominent role in end‐of‐life care. Consideration and documentation about treatment plans are needed early in an admission to avoid burdensome and futile resuscitation events.
Potentially preventable deaths in the Victorian Audit of Surgical Mortality
Authors: Chen Andrew , Retegan Claudia , Vinluan Jessele , Beiles Charles Barry 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundThe Victorian Audit of Surgical Mortality (VASM) seeks to peer‐review all deaths associated with surgical care. This study aimed to examine the mortalities that were determined by the assessor to be potentially preventable, and identify the clinical factors associated with these cases. The assessment of preventability of death and its relationship to management issues at different stages of the admission episode, as opposed to whether the management issue(s) alone were preventable have not been reported previously.MethodsMortality data from the VASM audit since 2007 that completed the peer‐review process were retrospectively analysed. Mortalities identified as being preventable were assessed to determine any treatment errors.ResultsA total of 6155 deaths were assessed. Of these, 14.6% (896/6155) were considered to be potentially preventable. Where a second‐line assessment was requested (1113/6155, 17.5% cases), 48.3% of these deaths were considered potentially preventable. Elective patient deaths were more likely to be potentially preventable (P < 0.001), especially in public patients. Lack of timely involvement of senior staff, inappropriate treatment delay and failure of problem recognition were factors most frequently associated with potentially preventable mortality.ConclusionOverall assessment of the preventability of death is unique to VASM. This allows an additional level of analysis to be applied to the circumstances surrounding each mortality and correlation of preventability of death with clinical management issues provides important feedback to surgeons and health‐care providers to further improve the safety and quality of care.
Regeneration dynamics of woody vegetation in a Mediterranean landscape under different disturbance‐based management treatments
Authors: Bashan Danielle , Bar‐Massada Avi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractQuestionMediterranean landscapes have been affected for millennia by agro‐pastoral disturbances such as grazing and vegetation clearing. Increased levels of fine‐scale habitat heterogeneity that resulted from these disturbances contribute to reduced wildfire risk and increased species diversity. Disturbance‐based management tools utilize disturbances in order to promote biodiversity and reduce fire risk, but are complicated to apply effectively due to the natural regeneration ability of many woody species following disturbances. Therefore, their successful application requires a better understanding of woody regeneration dynamics. Here, we asked how disturbance‐based management treatments affected the spatiotemporal dynamics of woody vegetation across 11 yrs in a Mediterranean landscape.LocationRamat HaNadiv LTER, northern Israel.MethodsWe analysed vegetation dynamics in a field experiment comprising five treatments: cattle grazing, goat grazing, shrub clearing, shrub clearing followed by goat grazing and undisturbed control. We used image analysis of high‐resolution aerial photographs to map woody patches in our study plots. We then quantified the spatial pattern of woody vegetation using multiple landscape indices, and conducted a comparative analysis of woody regeneration rates under different management treatments.ResultsCattle grazing did not inhibit woody regeneration, as regeneration rates were similar to those found in undisturbed control plots. Shrub clearing led to rapid woody regeneration (7% yr−1), while a combination of shrub clearing and intense goat grazing halted woody regeneration completely. Finally, intense goat grazing not only prevented woody regeneration but led to significant decline in woody cover (1% yr−1).ConclusionsOur results highlight the rapid regenerative response of woody vegetation to severe disturbances, and the growth rates we found can serve as guidelines for long‐term management regimes aimed at maintaining low woody cover and biomass in fuel breaks and buffer zones.
The peptide Phα1β, from spider venom, acts as a TRPA1 channel antagonist with antinociceptive effects in mice
Authors: Tonello Raquel , Fusi Camilla , Materazzi Serena , Marone Ilaria M , De Logu Francesco , Benemei Silvia , Gonçalves Muryel C , Coppi Elisabetta , Castro‐Junior Celio J , Gomez Marcus Vinicius , Geppetti Pierangelo , Ferreira Juliano , Nassini Romina 
Published: October 2016

Background and PurposePeptides from venomous animals have long been important for understanding pain mechanisms and for the discovery of pain treatments. Here, we hypothesized that Phα1β, a peptide from the venom of the armed spider Phoneutria nigriventer, produces analgesia by blocking the TRPA1 channel.Experimental ApproachCultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, human fetal lung fibroblasts (IMR90) or HEK293 cells expressing the human TRPA1 (hTRPA1‐HEK293), human TRPV1 (hTRPV1‐HEK293) or human TRPV4 channels (hTRPV4‐HEK293), were used for calcium imaging and electrophysiology. Nociceptive responses induced by TRPA1, TRPV1 or TRPV4 agonists or by bortezomib were investigated in mice.Key ResultsPhα1β selectively inhibited calcium responses and currents evoked by the TRPA1 agonist, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), on hTRPA1‐HEK293, IMR90 fibroblasts and DRG neurons. Phα1β did not affect calcium responses evoked by selective TRPV1 (capsaicin) or TRPV4 (GSK 1016790A) agonists on the various cell types. Intrathecal (i.t.) and intraplantar (i.pl.) administration of low doses of Phα1β (up to 300 pmol per paw) attenuated acute nociception and mechanical and cold hyperalgesia evoked by AITC (i.t. or i.pl.), without affecting responses produced by capsaicin or hypotonic solution. Notably, Phα1β abated the TRPA1‐dependent neuropathic pain‐like responses induced by bortezomib. In vitro and in vivo inhibition of TRPA1 by Phα1β was reproduced by a recombinant form of the peptide, CTK 01512‐2.Conclusions and ImplicationsPhα1β and CTK 01512–2 selectively target TRPA1, but not other TRP channels. This specific action underlines the potential of Phα1β and CTK 01512‐2 for pain treatment.
Gender Attitudes in Early Childhood: Behavioral Consequences and Cognitive Antecedents
Authors: Halim May Ling D. , Ruble Diane N. , Tamis‐LeMonda Catherine S. , Shrout Patrick E. , Amodio David M. 
Published: October 2016

This study examined factors that predicted children's gender intergroup attitudes at age 5 and the implications of these attitudes for intergroup behavior. Ethnically diverse children from low‐income backgrounds (N = 246; Mexican‐, Chinese‐, Dominican‐, and African American) were assessed at ages 4 and 5. On average, children reported positive same‐gender and negative other‐gender attitudes. Positive same‐gender attitudes were associated with knowledge of gender stereotypes. In contrast, positive other‐gender attitudes were associated with flexibility in gender cognitions (stereotype flexibility, gender consistency). Other‐gender attitudes predicted gender‐biased behavior. These patterns were observed in all ethnic groups. These findings suggest that early learning about gender categories shape young children's gender attitudes and that these gender attitudes already have consequences for children's intergroup behavior at age 5.
Carving Metacognition at Its Joints: Protracted Development of Component Processes
Authors: O'Leary Allison P. , Sloutsky Vladimir M. 
Published: October 2016

Two experiments investigated the development of metacognitive monitoring and control, and conditions under which children engage these processes. In Experiment 1, 5‐year‐olds (N = 30) and 7‐year‐olds (N = 30), unlike adults (N = 30), showed little evidence of either monitoring or control. In Experiment 2, 5‐year‐olds (N = 90) were given performance feedback (aimed at improving monitoring), instruction to follow a particular strategy (aimed at improving control), or both. Across conditions, feedback improved children's monitoring, and instruction improved both monitoring and control. Thus, children's poor metacognitive performance likely reflects a difficulty engaging the component processes spontaneously rather than a lack of metacognitive ability. These findings also suggest that the component processes are distinct, with both undergoing protracted development.
Hearing aid fitting for visual and hearing impaired patients with Usher syndrome type IIa
Authors: Hartel B.P. , Agterberg M.J.H. , Snik A.F. , Kunst H.P.M. , van Opstal A.J. , Bosman A.J. , Pennings R.J.E. 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivesUsher syndrome is the leading cause of hereditary deaf‐blindness. Most patients with Usher syndrome type IIa start using hearing aids from a young age. A serious complaint refers to interference between sound localisation abilities and adaptive sound processing (compression), as present in today's hearing aids. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of advanced signal processing on binaural hearing, including sound localisation.Design and participantsIn this prospective study, patients were fitted with hearing aids with a nonlinear (compression) and linear amplification programs. Data logging was used to objectively evaluate the use of either program. Performance was evaluated with a speech‐in‐noise test, a sound localisation test and two questionnaires focussing on self‐reported benefit.ResultsData logging confirmed that the reported use of hearing aids was high. The linear program was used significantly more often (average use: 77%) than the nonlinear program (average use: 17%). The results for speech intelligibility in noise and sound localisation did not show a significant difference between type of amplification. However, the self‐reported outcomes showed higher scores on ‘ease of communication’ and overall benefit, and significant lower scores on disability for the new hearing aids when compared to their previous hearing aids with compression amplification.ConclusionsPatients with Usher syndrome type IIa prefer a linear amplification over nonlinear amplification when fitted with novel hearing aids. Apart from a significantly higher logged use, no difference in speech in noise and sound localisation was observed between linear and nonlinear amplification with the currently used tests. Further research is needed to evaluate the reasons behind the preference for the linear settings.
‘Thinking that somebody's going to delay [a tonsillectomy] for one to two years is quite horrifying really’: a qualitative feasibility study for the NAtional Trial of Tonsillectomy IN Adults (NATTINA Part 2)
Authors: McSweeney L.A. , O'Hara J.T. , Rousseau N.S. , Stocken D.D. , Sullivan F. , Vale L. , Wilkes S. , Wilson J.A. , Haighton C.A. 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivesLevel one evidence on the value of adult tonsillectomy versus non‐surgical management remains scarce. Before embarking on a costly national randomised controlled trial, it is essential to establish its feasibility.DesignFeasibility study with in‐depth qualitative and cognitive interviews.SettingENT staff and patients were recruited from nine hospital centres across England and Scotland.ParticipantsPatients who were referred for tonsillectomy (n = 15), a convenience sample of general practitioners (n = 11) and ear, nose and throat staff (n = 22).Main outcome measures

To ascertain whether ear, nose and throat staff would be willing to randomise patients to the treatment arms.

To assess general practitioners’ willingness to refer patients to the NAtional Trial of Tonsillectomy IN Adults (NATTINA) centres.

To assess patients’ willingness to be randomised and the acceptability of the deferred surgery treatment arm.

To ascertain whether the study could progress to the pilot trial stage.

ResultsEar, nose and throat staff and general practitioners were willing to randomise patients to the proposed NATTINA. Not all ENT staff were in equipoise concerning the treatment pathways. Patients were reluctant to be randomised into the deferred surgery group if they had already waited a substantial time before being referred.ConclusionsFindings suggest that the NATTINA may not be feasible. Proposed methods could not be realistically assessed without a pilot trial. Due to the importance of the question, as evidenced by NATTINA clinicians, and strong support from ENT staff, the pilot trial proceeded, with modifications.
Nitrogen processing by grazers in a headwater stream: riparian connections
Authors: Hill Walter R. , Griffiths Natalie A. 
Published: October 2016

Summary

Primary consumers play important roles in the cycling of nutrients in headwater streams, storing assimilated nutrients in growing tissue and recycling them through excretion. Although environmental conditions in most headwater streams and their surrounding terrestrial ecosystems vary considerably over the course of a year, relatively little is known about the effects of seasonality on consumer nutrient recycling these streams. In this study, we measured nitrogen accumulated through growth and excreted by the grazing snail Elimia clavaeformis (Pleuroceridae) over the course of 12 months in Walker Branch, identifying close connections between in‐stream nitrogen processing and seasonal changes in the surrounding forest.

Nitrogen processing rates were positively correlated with ecosystem respiration, which was driven by leaf phenology on streamside trees. Snail nitrogen assimilation, growth and excretion were relatively high in spring before leaf emergence, low in summer when canopy shade was extensive and high again in autumn after leaf‐fall. During the time that snails grazed primarily on epilithon (winter, spring and summer), growth and excretion rates followed changes in light and epilithon biomass. In autumn, when snails primarily grazed fallen leaves, leaf‐associated microbes provided large subsidies of nitrogen for the snails. Nitrogen accumulation in snail biomass was greater in the 2 months following leaf‐fall than at any other time of the year.

Snails were less important as nitrogen sinks than as sources of recycled nitrogen in Walker Branch. Over the course of the year, snails excreted approximately 12 times more nitrogen than they accumulated in biomass. Nitrogen accrued during growth in spring was subsequently lost in summer when primary production declined and snails underwent tissue loss. Catabolic losses represented >40% of the nitrogen excreted by the snails in summer. Net nitrogen growth efficiency (growth/assimilation), which varied with food availability, was only 8% for the entire year. Neither growth nor excretion was positively correlated with nitrogen concentrations in grazing substrata.

Snails achieved high standing crops and were significant contributors to nitrogen spiralling in Walker Branch. On an areal basis, nitrogen in snail biomass (mgN m−2) was two to five times greater than that in epilithon biomass, depending on the season. Snails assimilated and excreted up to 50% of the nitrogen initially taken up by autotrophs and leaf microbes, and they were likely to have additional effects on nitrogen spiraling through egestion and the cropping of assimilative biomass. Primary consumers like Elimia are important catalysts of nutrient movement through headwater streams, decreasing residence times and facilitating fluxes to downstream waters.
Multi‐wavelength Pulse Amplitude Modulated fluorometry (Phyto‐PAM) reveals differential effects of ultraviolet radiation on the photosynthetic physiology of phytoplankton pigment groups
Authors: Beecraft Laura , Watson Sue B. , Smith Ralph E. H. 
Published: October 2016

Summary

The effects of UV‐B, UV‐A and PAR on the photochemistry of phytoplankton from Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario, were measured to assess how well a multi‐wavelength Pulse Amplitude Modulated fluorometer (Phyto‐PAM) could discriminate among different pigment groups and to test whether bloom‐forming cyanobacteria in this embayment have comparatively high resistance to sunlight stress.

Estimates of abundance for the three groups (blues, greens and browns) identified by the Phyto‐PAM generally agreed with microscope counts, but the maximum quantum efficiency of photochemistry (Fv:Fm) was usually quantified only for the dominant group.

In acute exposure experiments, the average inhibition of Fv:Fm by PAR, UV‐A and UV‐B was <10, 30 and 60% respectively. More inhibition was observed in the cyanobacteria compared to the eukaryotic phytoplankton, due to higher rates of photosystem damage rather than lower rates of recovery based on the Kok model for photoinhibition. Both Fv:Fm and photosynthetic carbon incorporation showed similar patterns of inhibition.

Based on Fv:Fm our results showed no evidence that cyanobacteria are more resistant to UVR stress compared to other groups, however, their success as bloom‐forming species suggests they must have other mechanisms to tolerate if not thrive under high irradiance conditions. These results demonstrate both the utility and limitations of the Phyto‐PAM for the assessment of group‐specific abundance and physiological responses in a natural community: general seasonal and inter‐group variation can be captured, but improved resolution of less abundant groups would enhance its application.
Beating Heart Validation of Safety and Efficacy of a Percutaneous Pericardiotomy Tool
Authors: KILLU AMMAR M. , NAKSUK NIYADA , DESIMONE CHRISTOPHER V. , GABA PRAKRITI , SUDDENDORF SCOTT , POWERS JOANNE , LADEWIG DOROTHY J. , LERMAN LILACH O. , BORLAUG BARRY A. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. 
Published: October 2016

Percutaneous Pericardiotomy ToolIntroductionEpicardial procedures frequently require pericardial manipulation. We aimed to develop a nonsurgical percutaneous pericardial modification tool that may (1) facilitate epicardial‐based procedures by enabling adhesiolysis or (2) attenuate the myocardial constraining effect of the pericardium.MethodsThree novel devices were developed to enable pericardiotomy, all of which can be deployed in over‐the‐wire fashion following percutaneous epicardial access. The grasper permits us to seize the pericardial membrane providing leverage for incision. The scissors enables anterograde cutting maneuvers. The reverse‐slitter allows retrograde incisions; in addition, this device has a deflectable tip that increases the potential cutting area. We optimized these tools for safety by including electrodes to test for phrenic nerve stimulation as well as myocardial stimulation to determine directionality of the cutting devices. The base of the scissors and reverse‐slitter are also blunt ensuring that the cutting element is always away from the myocardium.ResultsFollowing 5 nonbeating heart bench test experiments for prototype development, 11 animal (9 canine, 2 swine) studies were performed. Of these 2 were proof‐of‐concept open chest studies; the remaining 9 were entirely closed‐chest, percutaneous procedures allowing for remodification of the prototypes. The tools successfully permitted incision of the pericardium in all studies. Hemodynamic measurements were assessed postincision and showed no compromise of systolic function. No coronary artery or phrenic nerve damage was seen in any study.ConclusionPercutaneous pericardiotomy is feasible and appears to be safe. It may provide leverage in epicardial‐based procedures and offer treatment options in disease processes characterized by pericardial restraint.
Diversity of Rice yellow mottle virus in Benin and Togo and Screening for Resistant Accessions
Authors: Oludare Aderonke , Tossou Hospice Tamegnon , Kini Kossi , Silué Drissa 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSurveys were conducted in rice fields in Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Nigeria, Togo and Niger to assess the importance of Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV). Diseased leaf samples were collected. In Togo, surveys were made mainly in the southern part of the country, and in Benin, all areas where rice is grown were covered. Leaf samples were serologically confirmed by ACP ELISA as bearing RYMV, propagated and all conserved. One hundred and forty‐eight (148) Beninese and 27 Togolese strains were serotyped. They were also phenotyped on three susceptible accessions including IR 64, four resistant lines with known alleles on RYMV 1 gene namely TOG 5681 (rymv 1‐3), TOG 5672 (rymv 1‐4 and RYMV 2), TOG 5674 (rymv 1.5) and Gigante (rymv 1‐2). RYMV spots with 9–100% incidences were identified. Serotyping by triple antibody sandwich (TAS) ELISA indicated that two main groups S1 and S2 coexisted in Benin with S1 being prevalent. In Togo, 26 strains were S1 and only one was S2. Phenotyping of the 148 Beninese and 27 Togolese indicated that they all attacked the three susceptible accessions, while TOG 5681 (rymv 1‐3), TOG 5672 (rymv 1‐4 and RYMV 2), TOG 5674 (rymv 1‐5) and Gigante (rymv 1‐2) remained symptomless. The use of the genes/alleles above in these countries against the disease is discussed. Three representative Beninese strains were selected to screen 48 accessions for disease resistance. Nine accessions were as susceptible as IR 64 to all strains while six (NERICA 9, NERICA 12, NERICA 13, TOG 7291, WAB56‐50, CG 14 and Moroberekan) were very resistant. Susceptibility of the six ARICA and resistance of some NERICA lines could be explained by the fact that one or both parental lines were, respectively, susceptible or resistant to the strains.