bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How temperature shifts affect parasite production: testing the roles of thermal stress and acclimation
Authors: Paull Sara H. , Raffel Thomas R. , LaFonte Bryan E. , Johnson Pieter T. J. 
Published: December 2014

Summary

Changes in the magnitude and frequency of temperature shifts with climate change will influence species interactions if species have differential acclimation responses. For example, if parasites acclimate to temperature shifts faster than their hosts, as might be expected due to their smaller sizes and faster metabolisms, temperature variability could lead to increased infection. However, this assumption might not hold if benefits of acclimation are counteracted by energetic costs or thermal stress, underscoring the need for empirical efforts to assess how temperature variability will influence host–parasite interactions.

We used an array of replicate incubators to test how temperature shifts from five acclimation temperatures (13–25 °C) to five performance temperatures (16–28 °C) influenced release of infective stages by the trematode parasite Ribeiroia ondatrae from its snail intermediate host (Helisoma trivolvis) at four time‐points after a temperature shift.

Initially, parasite release was higher at warm temperatures and increased temporarily after infected snails were shifted to higher temperatures, particularly for hosts acclimated to cooler temperatures. However, these effects were transient, such that parasite release at warm temperatures declined steadily over the 7 days following the shift. Warmer temperatures also increased snail mortality.

Parasite release was strongly influenced not only by ambient temperature but also by the thermal history of the host. Prior acclimation to warm temperatures reduced parasite release at warm performance temperatures, contrary to the beneficial acclimation hypothesis. Rather, the observed pattern was likely driven by: (i) energetic costs of prolonged exposure to high temperatures (‘thermal stress’) or (ii) parasites' capacity to ‘store’ infectious stages at cooler temperatures.

The time‐dependent nature of thermal effects on parasite performance highlights the importance of considering the amplitude and frequency of temperature variability for understanding future changes to disease dynamics.
Onwards and upwards – aphid flight trends follow climate change
Authors: Leather Simon R. 
Published: December 2014

Two aphid species with contrasting life cycles and responses to climate change. On the right Utamphorophora humboldti, an invasive species from North America (Blackman & Eastop ), where it is host alternating, but in the United Kingdom is almost certainly anholocyclic (continuously parthenogenetic) on grasses. This species has shown the most dramatic advance in flight phenology and has shown the largest population increases. The maple aphid, Periphyllus testudinaceus, on the left, here pictured on horse chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum, is a native non‐host‐alternating ant‐attended species (Blackman & Eastop ) and has a contracting flight season.imageTwo aphid species with contrasting life cycles and responses to climate change. On the right Utamphorophora humboldti, an invasive species from North America (Blackman & Eastop ), where it is host alternating, but in the United Kingdom is almost certainly anholocyclic (continuously parthenogenetic) on grasses. This species has shown the most dramatic advance in flight phenology and has shown the largest population increases. The maple aphid, Periphyllus testudinaceus, on the left, here pictured on horse chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum, is a native non‐host‐alternating ant‐attended species (Blackman & Eastop ) and has a contracting flight season.

Bell, J.R., Alderson, L., Izera, D., Kruger, T., Parker, S., Pickup, J., Shortall, C.R., Taylor, M.S., Verrier, P. & Harrington, R. (2015) . Journal of Animal Ecology, 84, 21–34
The world faces an uncertain future; climate change and the concerns about the security of food production feature prominently on political and scientific agendas world‐wide. In this issue, Bell et al. (), drawing on the unique 50‐year data set amassed by the suction trap network run by the Rothamsted Insect Survey (RIS), elucidate the mechanisms advancing aphid phenology under climate change and show how by using biological traits we can make predictions about emerging crop pests. Here, I discuss their findings in the context of phenological coincidence and host plant availability.
Variability in Early Do Not Attempt Resuscitation Orders Among Patients With Serious Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Dean Dylan , Martinez Michael S. , Newgard Craig D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe objective was describe the use of early do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) orders in patients with serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its association with outcomes.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of all serious TBI patients admitted through the emergency department (ED) to acute care hospitals in California between 2002 and 2010 using ED International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision (ICD‐9), admitting diagnosis codes specifying intracranial hemorrhage. DNAR placement within 24 hours of admission was the primary variable of interest. Outcomes included neurosurgical procedures and in‐hospital mortality. Hospital and patient characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable generalized estimation equation regression models to account for hospital‐level clustering.ResultsOf all 76,962 patients with serious TBI, 71,275 were admitted at 141 hospitals that each cared for at least 10 serious TBI patients annually and formed the primary sample. Early DNAR orders were placed in 7.5% of patients (range = 0 to 36.1% by hospital). Early DNAR use varied by trauma designation: Level I, 4.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.8% to 4.4%); Level II, 6.7% (95% CI = 6.5% to 7.1%); Level III, 9.7% (95% CI = 8.4% to 11.3%); and nontrauma hospitals, 10.8% (95% CI = 10.6% to 11.3%). Early DNAR was also less likely in teaching hospitals (9.3% vs. 4.3%). These results persisted after accounting for age, year, and hospital‐level clustering. In‐hospital mortality (39.4% vs. 8.7%) and neurosurgical interventions (14.5% vs. 19.7%) also differed for patients with versus without early DNAR orders. Patients 65 years of age and older constituted 87.7% of those with early DNAR orders; our findings remained qualitatively unchanged when restricted to older adults.ConclusionsUse of early DNAR orders among patients with serious TBI is highly variable by individual hospital and hospital type, suggesting substantial practice variation. Associations with fewer surgical intervention and higher mortality suggest that such practice variation may be contributing to differences in TBI outcomes, particularly among older adults.
Adolescent Patient Preferences Surrounding Partner Notification and Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Reed Jennifer L. , Huppert Jill S. , Gillespie Gordon L. , Taylor Regina G. , Holland Carolyn K. , Alessandrini Evaline A. , Kahn Jessica A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectivesImportant barriers to addressing the sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemic among adolescents are the inadequate partner notification of positive STI results and insufficient rates of partner testing and treatment. However, adolescent attitudes regarding partner notification and treatment are not well understood. The aim was to qualitatively explore the barriers to and preferences for partner notification and treatment among adolescent males and females tested for STIs in an emergency department (ED) setting and to explore the acceptability of ED personnel notifying their sexual partners.MethodsThis was a descriptive, qualitative study in which a convenience sample of 40 adolescents (18 females, 22 males) 14 to 21 years of age who presented to either adult or pediatric EDs with STI‐related complaints participated. Individualized, semistructured, confidential interviews were administered to each participant. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim by an independent transcriptionist. Data were analyzed using framework analysis.ResultsBarriers to partner notification included fear of retaliation or loss of the relationship, lack of understanding of or concern for the consequences associated with an STI, and social stigma and embarrassment. Participants reported two primary barriers to their partners obtaining STI testing and treatment: lack of transportation to the health care site and the partner's fear of STI positive test results. Most participants preferred to notify their main sexual partners of an STI exposure via a face‐to‐face interaction or a phone call. Most participants were agreeable with a health care provider (HCP) notifying their main sexual partners of STI exposure and preferred that the HCP notify the partner by phone call.ConclusionsThere are several adolescent preferences and barriers for partner notification and treatment. To be most effective, future interventions to prevent adolescent STIs should incorporate these preferences and address the barriers to partner notification. In an ED setting, using HCPs to provide partner notification of STI exposures is acceptable to adolescent patients; however, the feasibility of this type of program needs further exploration.
HIV epidemic among drug users in China: 1995–2011
Authors: Wang Lan , Guo Wei , Li Dongmin , Ding Zhengwei , McGoogan Jennifer M. , Wang Ning , Wu Zunyou , Wang Lu ,   China National HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimTo describe trends in the HIV epidemic among drug users (DUs) in China from 1995 to 2011.Design, Setting and ParticipantsData sets from China's national HIV/AIDS case reporting and sentinel surveillance systems as of December 2011 were used separately for descriptive analysis.MeasuresChanges in the geographic distribution of the number of HIV cases and HIV prevalence among injecting drug users (IDUs) and non‐IDUs were examined. We also analysed changes in HIV prevalence among the broader DU population, and drug use‐related behaviours including types of drugs used, recent injecting and recent needle sharing in the context of the rapid scale‐up of DU sentinel sites and national harm reduction programmes.FindingsThe HIV epidemic among China's DUs is still highly concentrated in five provinces. Here, HIV prevalence peaked at 30.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 28.6, 32.1] among IDUs in 1999, and then gradually decreased to 10.9% (95% CI = 10.6, 11.2) by 2011. We observed a rapid increase in the use of ‘nightclub drugs’ among DUs from 1.3% in 2004 to 24.4% in 2011. A decline in recent needle sharing among current IDU from 19.5% (95% CI = 19.4, 19.6) in 2006 to 11.3% (95% CI = 11.2, 11.4) in 2011 was found to be correlated with the rapid scale‐up of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT; r(4) = −0.94, P = 0.003) harm reduction efforts.ConclusionsWhile HIV prevalence and needle sharing among current injecting drug users in China have declined dramatically and are correlated with the scale‐up of national harm reduction efforts, the recent, rapid increased use of ‘nightclub drugs’ presents a new challenge.
Factors associated with depression and anxiety among patients attending community‐based methadone maintenance treatment in China
Authors: Yin Wenyuan , Pang Lin , Cao Xiaobin , McGoogan Jennifer M. , Liu Michael , Zhang Congbin , Li Zhijun , Li Jianhua , Rou Keming 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimTo estimate the prevalence of, and identify factors associated with, depression and anxiety among community‐based methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clients in China.DesignA cross‐sectional survey.SettingNine MMT clinics, three each from three Chinese provinces (Yunnan, Anhui and Jiangsu) between October 2008 and February 2009.ParticipantsA total of 1301 MMT clients.MeasurementsA questionnaire, including the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Zung Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and on‐site urine drug testing.FindingsThe prevalence of depression (SDS score ≥ 53) and anxiety (SAS score ≥ 50) in our sample was 38.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 35.7, 40.9] and 18.4% (95% CI = 16.3, 20.5), respectively, with 14.2% (95% CI = 12.3, 16.1) displaying symptoms of both. Sample prevalence rates for depression [mean = 49.69, standard deviation (SD) = 10.34] and anxiety (mean = 40.98, SD = 10.66) were higher than the national average for each (t(0.05/2, 1300) = 19.2, P < 0.001 and t(0.05/2, 1300) = 8.0, P < 0.001, respectively). Employing multi‐level modelling techniques, gender (P = 0.03) and employment status (P < 0.001) were found to be associated significantly with depression in a single‐level model; however, in a multi‐level mixed model, only employment status (P < 0.001) was associated with depression. Gender (P = 0.03), education level (P = 0.02), marital status (P = 0.04), employment status (P < 0.001), positive urine drug test results (P = 0.02) and daily methadone dose (P < 0.001) were found to be associated significantly with anxiety in a single‐level model, while only employment status (P < 0.01) and positive results for the urine drug test (P = 0.04) were associated with anxiety in a multi‐level mixed model.ConclusionsA considerable proportion of methadone maintenance treatment clients in China have experienced depression and anxiety during treatment. There is a need to provide tailored mental health interventions for this high‐risk population.
Predictors of accessing antiretroviral therapy among HIV‐positive drug users in China's National Methadone Maintenance Treatment Programme
Authors: Zhao Yan , Shi Cynthia X. , McGoogan Jennifer M. , Rou Keming , Zhang Fujie , Wu Zunyou 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimsThe objective of this study was to examine factors that predict antiretroviral therapy (ART) access among eligible, HIV‐positive methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clients. We also tested the hypothesis that sustained MMT participation increases the likelihood of accessing ART.DesignA nation‐wide cohort study conducted from 1 March 2004 to 31 December 2011.SettingMMT clients were followed from the time of their enrolment in China's national MMT programme until their death or the study end date.ParticipantsOur cohort comprised 7111 ART‐eligible, HIV‐positive MMT clients, 49.2% of whom remained ART‐naive and 50.8% of whom received ART.MeasurementsDemographic variables, drug use history, MMT programme participation and HIV‐related clinical characteristics of study participants who remained naive to ART and those who accessed ART were compared by univariate and multivariable analysis.FindingsPredictors of accessing ART among this cohort included being retained in MMT at the time of first meeting ART eligibility [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.84, confidence interval (CI) = 1.54–2.21, P < 0.001] compared to meeting ART eligibility before entering MMT (AOR = 0.98, CI = 0.80–1.21, P = 0.849) or previously entering MMT and dropping out before meeting ART eligibility. Additional predictors were CD4 ≤200 cells/μl when ART‐eligibility requirement was first met (AOR = 1.81, CI = 1.61–2.05, P < 0.001 compared to CD4 = 201–350 cells/μl), and being in a stable partner relationship (married/cohabitating: AOR = 1.14, CI = 1.01–1.28, P = 0.030).ConclusionsRetained participation in methadone maintenance treatment increases the likelihood that eligible clients will access antiretroviral therapy. These results highlight the potential benefit of colocalization of methadone maintenance treatment and antiretroviral therapy services in a ‘one‐stop‐shop’ model.
Health promotion interventions and policies addressing excessive alcohol use: a systematic review of national and global evidence as a guide to health‐care reform in China
Authors: Li Qing , Babor Thomas F. , Zeigler Donald , Xuan Ziming , Morisky Donald , Hovell Melbourne F. , Nelson Toben F. , Shen Weixing , Li Bing 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimsSteady increases in alcohol consumption and related problems are likely to accompany China's rapid epidemiological transition and profit‐based marketing activities. We reviewed research on health promotion interventions and policies to address excessive drinking and to guide health‐care reform.MethodsWe searched Chinese‐ and English‐language databases and included 21 studies in China published between 1980 and 2013 that covered each policy area from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol. We evaluated and compared preventive interventions to the global alcohol literature for cross‐national applicability.ResultsIn contrast with hundreds of studies in the global literature, 11 of 12 studies from mainland China were published in Chinese; six of 10 in English were on taxation from Taiwan or Hong Kong. Most studies demonstrated effectiveness in reducing excessive drinking, and some reported the reduction of health problems. Seven were randomized controlled trials. Studies targeted schools, drink‐driving, work‐places, the health sector and taxation.ConclusionsChina is the world's largest alcohol market, yet there has been little growth in alcohol policy research related to health promotion interventions over the past decade. Guided by a public health approach, the WHO Global Strategy and health reform experience in Russia, Australia, Mexico and the United States, China could improve its public health response through better coordination and implementation of surveillance and evidence‐based research, and through programmatic and legal responses such as public health law research, screening and early intervention within health systems and the implementation of effective alcohol control strategies.
Predictors of maternal drinking trajectories before and after pregnancy: evidence from a longitudinal study
Authors: Tran Nam T. , Najman Jake M. , Hayatbakhsh Reza 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundLittle is known about patterns of change in alcohol consumption and predictors of these patterns over the prenatal to postnatal period.AimsTo determine trajectories of maternal alcohol consumption before and after pregnancy and predictors of these trajectories.Materials and MethodsA total of 6597 Australian women were sampled from a longitudinal study. Group‐based trajectory modelling was applied to determine drinking trajectories from prepregnancy, early pregnancy, late pregnancy and 6 months after the birth. Predictors associated with drinking trajectories were examined using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsThree trajectories of maternal alcohol consumption were identified: abstainers/minimal consumption (53.2%), light consumption (39.4%) and heavy consumption (7.4%). The heavy consumption group substantially reduced their consumption in pregnancy but increased their consumption once the baby was born. Some 80.0% of this group were breastfeeding their babies. The light consumption group had only minor changes in their drinking pattern. Lower family income, being married, high frequency of church attendance, low level of adversity, poor health lifestyle, remaining married to original partner and having many children predicted membership of the abstaining/minimal consumption trajectory. Being unmarried, having only one child, having unhealthy health lifestyle and never going to church predicted membership of the heavy consumption group.ConclusionWomen who consume higher levels of alcohol prior to their pregnancy reduce their consumption once pregnant, but tend to increase their alcohol consumption shortly after the birth. A public health campaign dealing with predictors associated with heavier alcohol consumption and safe breastfeeding targetted at these women is needed.
Screening for congenital heart defects by transabdominal ultrasound – role of early gestational screening and importance of operator training
Authors: Sarkola Taisto , Ojala Tiina H. , Ulander Veli‐Matti , Jaeggi Edgar , Pitkänen Olli M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe majority of congenital heart defects occur without identifiable risk factors. Detection rates are therefore highly dependent on the experience and expertise of the obstetrical screening operator. In the first trimester, the risk of congenital heart defects increases with increasing nuchal thickness (≥2.5 mm detects 44% of major congenital heart defects), but because of the number of false positives, the positive predictive value is only a few percent. The anatomy of major congenital heart defects may be delineated in less than half of the fetuses during early second trimester. The reported yield of congenital heart defects detection during the mid‐gestational routine obstetrical screening has improved over time and detection rates up to 85% of major congenital heart defects have been reported when outflow tract and three‐vessel views are included in conjunction with the four‐chamber view. Improved detection rates have been achieved following screening operator training interventions combined with a low referral threshold to obtain a detailed fetal echocardiographic study.
Age and weight at final discharge from an early discharge programme for stable but tube‐fed preterm infants
Authors: Ahnfeldt AM , Stanchev H , Jørgensen HL , Greisen G 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimPreterm birth is often associated with prolonged hospitalisation, complicating the parent–child relationship and breastfeeding rates. As a result, an early discharge programme was implemented in the department of neonatology at Rigshospitalet. The infants were stable, but required tube feeding, and during the programme, they received home visits by neonatal nurses. We evaluated the programme, focusing on the infants' well‐being, using weight gain, breastfeeding rates and total duration of hospitalisation as outcomes.MethodsOver an 11‐year period, 500 infants participated in the programme and they constituted the early discharge group. They were compared with 400 infants discharged from the Naestved and Nykoebing Falster hospitals.ResultsThe early discharge group's length of hospitalisation was only three days shorter than the comparison group, but they were eight days younger when they joined the programme (p < 0.0001). Total admission was 21 days longer (p < 0.0001). There was no difference in weight‐for‐age at discharge (p = 0.15), but infants in the early discharge group were more frequently fully or partly breastfed (88% versus 80%, p < 0.005).ConclusionWhile recognising the limited comparability of the two groups, weight‐for‐age at discharge was similar, but the programme appeared to allow better breastfeeding success at the expense of a later final discharge.