bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Let's talk about sex’ – A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice study among Paediatric Nurses about Teen Sexual Health in Hong Kong
Authors: Yip Benjamin Hon‐Kei , Sheng Xiao‐Tong , Chan Vivian Wai‐Yen , Wong Lilian Hiu‐Lei , Lee Susanna Wai‐Yee , Abraham Anisha Anna 
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectivesTo explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices of paediatric nurses in Hong Kong towards adolescent sexual health issues.BackgroundIn Hong Kong, teens are becoming more sexually permissive. As a result, early sexual activity, Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and unplanned pregnancies among adolescents are increasing. Paediatric nurses are potentially excellent sexual health educators; however, studies in other countries have reported that nurses have inadequate knowledge and skills about sexual health. Little is known about the knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses in Hong Kong related to teen sexual health.DesignThis is a cross‐sectional survey study. The survey was developed after an extensive literature review and partially adapted from previously validated questionnaires on nursing needs, knowledge, attitude and practice.MethodsAn anonymous self‐administered questionnaire in Chinese was distributed to 500 nurses in Hong Kong attending a local paediatric conference. Participants (n = 394) were recruited using convenience sampling methods. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation tests and logistic regression analyses.ResultsThe majority of nurses had a high awareness of the importance of sexual healthcare, but rarely felt knowledgeable or comfortable discussing sexual health issues with adolescents. Higher comfort level was associated with higher frequency of practice with an average adjusted odds ratios of 2·64. Inadequate or lack of training (39·4%) was the most significant barrier in providing adolescent sexual health screening and counselling.ConclusionNurses’ clinical practices towards adolescent's sexual health issues were influenced by their perceived comfort level followed by their self‐ranked knowledge and training experience. Further specific training on communication, counselling and general sexual health should be provided to nurses in Hong Kong.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses’ comfort level was the most important factor influencing their clinical practice with teens. Further specific training should be provided to nurses in Hong Kong to improve adolescent sexual health.
Melting and cataclastic features in shatter cones in basalt from the Vista Alegre impact structure, Brazil
Authors: Pittarello Lidia , Nestola Fabrizio , Viti Cecilia , Crósta Alvaro Penteado , Koeberl Christian 
Published: May 2015

AbstractShatter cones are one of the most widely recognized pieces of evidence for meteorite impact events on Earth, but the process responsible for their formation is still debated. Evidence of melting on shatter cone surfaces has been rarely reported in the literature from terrestrial impact craters but has been recently observed in impact experiments. Although several models for shatter cones formation have been proposed, so far, no one can explain all the observed features. Shatter cones' from the Vista Alegre impact structure, Brazil, formed in fine‐grained basalt of the Jurassic‐Cretaceous Serra Geral Formation (Paraná large igneous province). A continuous quenched melt film, consisting of a crystalline phase, mica, and amorphous material, decorates the striated surface. Ultracataclasites, containing subrounded pyroxene clasts in an ultrafine‐grained matrix, occur subparallel to the striated surface. Several techniques were applied to characterize the crystalline phase in the melt, including Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results are not consistent with any known mineral, but they do suggest a possible rare or new type of clinopyroxene. This peculiar evidence of melting and cataclasis in relation with shatter cone surfaces is interpreted as the result of tensile fracturing at the tip of a fast propagating shock‐induced rupture, which led to the formation of shatter cones at the tail of the shock front, likely during the early stage of the impact events.
Prey use and nutritional differences between reproductive states and age classes in Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the Bahamas
Authors: Malinowski Christopher R. , Herzing Denise L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractNutritional quality of prey is a significant driver of predator foraging patterns. In mammals, nutritional needs are known to change across ontogeny and reproductive state; however, little is known about nutrition in marine mammals. For this study, we used observational data of diurnal foraging events, collected annually from 1992 to 2009, to investigate nutrition and prey use in Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) on Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas, between reproductive states (lactating, pregnant, nonreproductively active [NRA]. We also investigated the impact of age class association (various calf age groups [ages 1–6], older “noncalf” juveniles, and adults) on foraging group nutrition and prey use. To obtain representative nutrient values, we measured calories, lipids, proteins, and moisture in common prey. Using nutritional values and observational data, we investigated the influence of nutritional value on prey use. Results indicated that specific nutrients were targeted by different reproductive states and age class groups. Nutritional intake of all nutrients was higher for lactating females than pregnant females, but lower than NRA females. Investigation of age group associations revealed that nutritional intake of all four nutrients was higher for noncalf than calf‐associated groups. This study represents one of the first investigations of intraspecific prey use and nutritional differences in cetaceans.
The Location of Properties
Authors: Effingham Nikk 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper argues that, assuming properties exist and must be located in spacetime, the prevailing view that they are exactly located where their instances are is false. Instead a property is singularly located at just one region, namely the union of its instance's locations. This bears not just on issues in the metaphysics of properties, but also on the debate over whether multi‐location is conceivable and/or possible (and, by proxy, any theory that relies on that e.g. certain formulations of endurantism/perdurantism).
Risks associated with obesity in pregnancy, for the mother and baby: a systematic review of reviews
Authors: Marchi J. , Berg M. , Dencker A. , Olander E. K. , Begley C. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryMaternal obesity is linked with adverse outcomes for mothers and babies. To get an overview of risks related to obesity in pregnant women, a systematic review of reviews was conducted. For inclusion, reviews had to compare pregnant women of healthy weight with women with obesity, and measure a health outcome for mother and/or baby. Authors conducted full‐text screening, quality assurance using the AMSTAR tool and data extraction steps in pairs. Narrative analysis of the 22 reviews included show gestational diabetes, pre‐eclampsia, gestational hypertension, depression, instrumental and caesarean birth, and surgical site infection to be more likely to occur in pregnant women with obesity compared with women with a healthy weight. Maternal obesity is also linked to greater risk of preterm birth, large‐for‐gestational‐age babies, foetal defects, congenital anomalies and perinatal death. Furthermore, breastfeeding initiation rates are lower and there is greater risk of early breastfeeding cessation in women with obesity compared with healthy weight women. These adverse outcomes may result in longer duration of hospital stay, with concomitant resource implications. It is crucial to reduce the burden of adverse maternal and foetal/child outcomes caused by maternal obesity. Women with obesity need support to lose weight before they conceive, and to minimize their weight gain in pregnancy.
Validation of a Comprehensive Early Childhood Allergy Questionnaire
Authors: Minasyan Anna , Babajanyan Arman , Campbell Dianne E. , Nanan Ralph 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundParental questionnaires to assess incidence of pediatric allergic disease have been validated for use in school‐aged children. Currently, there is no validated questionnaire‐based assessment of food allergy, atopic dermatitis (AD), and asthma for infants and young children.MethodsThe Comprehensive Early Childhood Allergy Questionnaire was designed for detecting AD, asthma, and IgE‐mediated food allergies in children aged 1–5 years. A nested case–control design was applied. Parents of 150 children attending pediatric outpatient clinics completed the questionnaire before being clinically assessed by a pediatrician for allergies. Sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of the questionnaire were assessed.ResultsSeventy‐seven children were diagnosed with one or more current allergic diseases. The questionnaire demonstrated high overall sensitivity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.86–0.98) with a specificity of 0.79 (95% CI 0.68–0.88). Questionnaire reproducibility was good with a kappa agreement rate for symptom‐related questions of 0.45–0.90.ConclusionsComprehensive Early Childhood Allergy Questionnaire accurately and reliably reflects the presence of allergies in children aged 1–5 years. Its use is warranted as a tool for determining prevalence of allergies in this pediatric age group.
Neuromodulation of Electrically Induced Hyperalgesia in the Trigeminocervical System
Authors: Reindl Caroline , Seifert Frank , Nickel Florian , Maihöfner Christian 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveTrigeminal and cervical afferents converge on neurons of the trigeminocervical complex and may significantly alter the function of these neurons. This interaction may have implications for the pathophysiology and treatment of primary headache disorders. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study pain modulatory mechanisms within the trigeminocervical complex.SubjectsWe used an electrical pain model challenging pro‐ and antinociceptive systems in 19 healthy volunteers.MethodsTranscutaneous supraorbital noxious electrical low‐frequency stimulation (0.5 Hz), known to induce both hyperalgesia due to central sensitization (as a marker of pain facilitation) and habituation (as a marker of pain inhibition), was combined with different noxious stimulation paradigms applied to the innervation territory of upper cervical afferents. We investigated the effects of concurrent stimulation in the cervical/extratrigeminal system on habituation profiles, hyperalgesic area, pain, and detection thresholds in the trigeminal system.ResultsIt was previously shown that conditioning 20‐Hz noxious electrical stimuli may provoke centrally mediated sensory decline that possesses heterotopic antihyperalgesic properties. Occipital and forearm costimulation at a frequency of 20 Hz had no significant modulating effect on supraorbital pain adaptation, hyperalgesic area, or pain perception. Effects for trigeminal stimulation were independent of occipital stimulus intensity. Furthermore, for single occipital stimulation at 0.5 and 20 Hz, no somatosensory changes could be demonstrated within the trigeminal system.ConclusionTrigeminal nociception stayed unchanged despite of occipital costimulation.
Effects of UV‐C and Vacuum‐UV TiO2 Advanced Oxidation Processes on the Acute Mortality of Microalgae
Authors: McGivney Eric , Carlsson Magnus , Gustafsson Jon Petter , Gorokhova Elena 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAdvanced oxidation processes/technologies (AOT) that combine a semiconductor, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), with a UV source have been used to eliminate microorganisms in various water treatment applications. To facilitate the applicability of this technique, the gain in efficiency from the semiconductor compared to the UV source alone with respect to different target organisms requires evaluation. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effects of TiO2 and UV wavelength on a freshwater alga, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and a marine alga, Tetraselmis suecica. For each species, dose–response experiments were conducted to determine the median lethal dose (LC50) of the following treatments: UV light emitted with a peak of 254 nm, UV light emitted with a peak of 254 nm in the presence of TiO2 and UV light emitted with a peak of 254 and 185 nm in the presence of TiO2. In both species, the presence of TiO2 significantly increased mortality. Across all three treatments, P. subcapitata was more sensitive than T. suecica; moreover, the addition of the 185 nm wavelength significantly increased cell mortality in P. subcapitata but not in T. suecica.
A review of genotype‐by‐environment interaction and micro‐environmental sensitivity in aquaculture species
Authors: Sae‐Lim Panya , Gjerde Bjarne , Nielsen Hanne Marie , Mulder Han , Kause Antti 
Published: May 2015

AbstractGenerating breeding programmes that effectively improve farmed fish performance across multiple environments and make fish more uniform within production environments would aid farmers to produce food under diverse environments. We review genotype‐by‐environment interaction leading to re‐ranking of genotypes across environments, that is non‐unity genetic correlation between traits measured in different environments, and micro‐environmental sensitivity leading to a change in environmental variance of a trait. A quantitative review across 38 species showed that (i) genotype‐by‐environment interaction studies are lacking for many economically important traits. (ii) Re‐ranking is moderate for growth (average genetic correlation = 0.72) and survival (average genetic correlation = 0.54). Significant re‐ranking is of concern because selection in a nucleus leads to lower genetic responses in commercial environments compared to a case when re‐ranking does not exist. (iii) Re‐ranking is weak for age‐at‐sexual‐maturity and fish appearance (average genetic correlation = 0.86), implying that genetic improvement in one environment is expected to be effective in the other environments. Future research should provide guidelines for how to account for genotype‐by‐environment interaction when collecting data, estimating breeding values and optimising the structure of the breeding programme. (iv) Coefficient of genetic variation for sensitivity against unknown micro‐environmental factors within a single environment for body weight is high. Hence, genetic improvement towards less sensitive fish, resulting in more uniform production, is possible, but a large number of relatives with phenotypes is needed for obtaining moderate accuracy of selection. This review elucidates needs for further research on genotype‐by‐environment interaction and micro‐environmental sensitivity in economically important traits and species.
Coping styles in farmed fish: consequences for aquaculture
Authors: Castanheira Maria Filipa , Conceição Luís E.C. , Millot Sandie , Rey Sonia , Bégout Marie‐Laure , Damsgård Børge , Kristiansen Tore , Höglund Erik , Øverli Øyvind , Martins Catarina I.M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIndividual differences in physiological and behavioural responses to stressors are increasingly recognised as adaptive variation and thus raw material for evolution and fish farming improvements including selective breeding. Such individual variation has been evolutionarily conserved and is present in all vertebrate taxa including fish. In farmed animals, the interest in consistent trait associations, that is coping styles, has increased dramatically over the last years because many studies have demonstrated links to performance traits, health and disease susceptibility and welfare. This study will review (i) the main behavioural, neuroendocrine, cognitive and emotional differences between reactive and proactive coping styles in farmed fish; (ii) the methodological approaches used to identify coping styles in farmed fish, including individual (group) mass‐screening tests; and (iii) how knowledge on coping styles may contribute to improved sustainability of the aquaculture industry, including welfare and performance of farmed fish. Moreover, we will suggest areas for future research, where genetic basis (heritability/epigenetic) of coping styles, and the neuroendocrine mechanisms behind consistent as well as flexible behavioural patterns are pinpointed as central themes. In addition, the ontogeny of coping styles and the influence of age, social context and environmental change in coping styles will also be discussed.
Gamma Interferon Assays Used in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Authors: Horvat Rebecca T. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient disease that has infected humans for thousands of years. However, despite diagnostic tests that detect the disease and effective therapy, there are still millions of people worldwide who are infected with TB. The first TB test used to detect infected patients was a skin test that identifies individuals actively infected with TB. This test used a mix of proteins from culture filtrates of the bacteria
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Recently, two new diagnostic tests have been introduced; these two new tests can detect TB infection in patients by challenging peripheral blood cells with specific TB proteins. These assays measure the cellular immune response to these proteins. This minireview evaluates the new assays and compares them to the use of the TB skin test. The use of these new assays may have some advantages in detecting individuals with active tuberculosis. However, there is still a role for the use of the skin test, especially in young patients.
Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the Decade following Implementation of an Active Detection and Isolation Program
Authors: Nelson Melissa U. , Bizzarro Matthew J. , Baltimore Robert S. , Dembry Louise M. , Gallagher Patrick G. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a frequent source of infection in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), often associated with significant morbidity. Active detection and isolation (ADI) programs aim to reduce transmission. We describe a comprehensive analysis of the clinical and molecular epidemiology of MRSA in an NICU between 2003 and 2013, in the decade following the implementation of an MRSA ADI program. Molecular analyses included strain typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis,
mec
and accessory gene regulator group genotyping by multiplex PCR, and identification of toxin and potential virulence factor genes via PCR-based assays. Of 8,387 neonates, 115 (1.4%) had MRSA colonization and/or infection. The MRSA colonization rate declined significantly during the study period from 2.2 to 0.5/1,000 patient days (linear time,
P
= 0.0003; quadratic time,
P
= 0.006). There were 19 cases of MRSA infection (16.5%). Few epidemiologic or clinical differences were identified between MRSA-colonized and MRSA-infected infants. Thirty-one different strains of MRSA were identified with a shift from hospital-associated to combined hospital- and community-associated strains over time. Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive USA300 strains caused 5 of the last 11 infections. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
) types II and IVa and
agr
groups 1 and 2 were most predominant. One isolate possessed the gene for toxic shock syndrome toxin; none had genes for exfoliative toxin A or B. These results highlight recent trends in MRSA colonization and infection and the corresponding changes in molecular epidemiology. Continued vigilance for this invasive pathogen remains critical, and specific attention to the unique host, the neonate, and the distinct environment, the NICU, is imperative.
Clinical and Analytical Evaluation of a Single-Vial Stool Collection Device with Formalin-Free Fixative for Improved Processing and Comprehensive Detection of Gastrointestinal Parasites
Authors: Couturier Brianne A. , Jensen Ryan , Arias Nora , Heffron Michael , Gubler Elyse , Case Kristin , Gowans Jason , Couturier Marc Roger 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Microscopic examination of feces is a standard laboratory method for diagnosing gastrointestinal parasite infections. In North America, the ovum and parasite (O&P) examination is typically performed using stool that is chemically fixed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and formalin, after which the stool is concentrated by filtration to enhance sensitivity. Mini Parasep solvent-free (SF) tubes allow collection and concentration within a single collection vial. The goal of the study was to determine whether consolidated processing and concentration with the Parasep tubes using an alcohol-based fixative (Alcorfix) provide O&P examinations equivalent to or better than those done by processing of PVA-formalin-fixed stool using a SpinCon concentration device. Parasep tubes revealed filtration performance equivalent to that of the SpinCon concentration device using PVA-formalin-fixed stool containing protozoa. Specimens cocollected in Parasep tubes containing PVA-formalin and Alcorfix revealed comparable morphology and staining for various protozoa. Alcorfix effectively fixed live
Cryptosporidium
and microsporidia such that morphology and staining were conserved for modified acid-fast and modified trichrome stains. A work flow analysis revealed significant time savings for batches of 10 or 30 O&P specimens in tubes with Alcorfix compared to the amount of time that it took to analyze the same number of specimens in tubes with PVA-formalin. The direct hands-on time savings with Mini Parasep tubes were 17 min and 41 s and 32 min and 1 s for batches of 10 and 30 specimens, respectively. Parasep tubes containing Alcorfix provide significant work flow advantages to laboratories that process medium to high volumes of O&P specimens by streamlining processing and converting to a single tube. These improvements in work flow, reduction of the amount of formalin used in the laboratory, and equivalent microscopy results are attractive advancements in O&P testing for North American diagnostic parasitology laboratories.
Application of Multiplex PCR Coupled with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Analysis for Simultaneous Detection of 21 Common Respiratory Viruses
Authors: Zhang Chi , Xiao Yan , Du Jiang , Ren Lili , Wang Jianwei , Peng Junping , Jin Qi 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
Respiratory infections continue to pose a significant threat to human health. It is important to accurately and rapidly detect respiratory viruses. To compensate for the limits of current respiratory virus detection methods, we developed a 24-plex analysis (common respiratory virus-mass spectrometry [CRV-MS]) that can simultaneously detect and identify 21 common respiratory viruses based on a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry system. To evaluate the efficacy of the CRV-MS method, we used 102 samples that were confirmed positive for these common respiratory viruses. All tests using the CRV-MS method were effective, with no cross-reactivity observed with other common respiratory viruses. To confirm the usefulness of the CRV-MS method, we screened 336 nasal and throat swabs that were collected from adults or children with suspected viral acute respiratory tract infections using the CRV-MS method and consensus PCR/reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) methods. Excluding four RNase P-negative samples, the CRV-MS and consensus PCR/RT-PCR methods detected respiratory viruses in 92.5% (307/332) and 89.5% (297/332) of the samples, respectively. The two methods yielded identical results for 306 (92.2%) samples, including negative results for 25 samples (7.5%) and positive results for 281 samples (84.6%). Differences between the two methods may reflect their different sensitivities. The CRV-MS method proved to be sensitive and robust, and it can be used in large-scale epidemiological studies of common respiratory virus infections.