bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decrease of plasma potassium due to inhalation of beta‐2‐agonists: absence of an additional effect of intravenous theophylline
Authors: DEENSTRA M. , HAALBOOM J. R. E. , STRUYVENBERG A.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The effect on the plasma potassium concentration of inhalation of the beta‐2‐agonists fenoterol, salbutamol (albuterol), and terbutaline from metered‐dose inhalers was studied in normal volunteers. All three drugs caused a significant, dose‐dependent decrease, more pronounced for fenoterol and salbutamol than for terbutaline. Relative to the bronchodilating potency (one puff of fenoterol 0·2 mg is considered to be equivalent to two puffs of salbutamol 2 × 0·1 mg, or two puffs of terbutaline 2 × 0·25 mg), fenoterol had a more pronounced effect on plasma potassium than salbutamol or terbutaline. The systemic effect on plasma potassium seems to be related to the structure of the drugs: the more lipophylic the drug (fenoterol) the sooner the systemic symptoms appear and the more pronounced they are. The effects of theophylline alone, and combined with fenoterol, were also studied. The intravenous infusion of theophylline (after placebo inhalation; maximal mean plasma concentration 14·9 ± 2·2 mg 1−1) caused a small but significant decrease of plasma potassium. There was no additive or synergistic effect when theophylline was added to fenoterol. It is concluded that inhalation of beta‐agonists induces a decrease of plasma potassium, that this effect is relatively more pronounced for fenoterol than either salbutamol or terbutaline, and that it is not enhanced by the concomitant use of theophylline. Theophylline by itself causes a slight decrease in plasma potassium concentration.
Alternative routes for angiotensin‐I conversion: kinetics of the renin‐angiotensin system in mouse plasma
Authors: JACOBSEN J. , POULSEN K. , HUNDING A.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Angiotensin‐I in plasma may be converted to angiotensin‐II or alternatively metabolized through other routes. The aim of the present work has been to quantitate the role of the alternative routes in mouse plasma. A kinetic model for metabolism of the angiotensins through the renin‐angiotensin system is proposed, the model allows for alternative routes and for simultaneous reactions to occur. Exogenously added angiotensin‐I and angiotensin‐II, or endogenously formed angiotensin‐I and angiotensin‐II from the action of exogenously added renin, were measured in plasma with time. The concentrations of angiotensin‐I and angiotensin‐II were measured by radioimmunoassay after separation by Dowex cation exchange and HPLC reverse‐phase chromatography. The rate constants for the enzymatic reactions were experimentally determined and fitted to the kinetic model. The data were incompatible with a quantitative conversion of angiotensin‐I to angiotensin‐II, and indicate that about half of the angiotensin‐I formed in plasma is metabolized in plasma through alternative routes.
Disturbed relationship between urinary prostaglandin E2 excretion, plasma arginine vasopressin and renal water excretion after oral water loading in early hepatic cirrhosis
Authors: JESPERSEN B. , PEDERSEN E. B. , MADSEN M. , CHRISTENSEN P. , EISKJÆR H. , LEYSSAC P. P. , SØRENSEN S. S.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. An oral water load of 20 ml kg−1 body weight was given to 11 patients with early hepatic cirrhosis and to 16 healthy control subjects. Urinary output (V), free water clearance (CH2O), urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and F2α (PGF2α), and plasma concentration of arginine vasopressin (AVP) were determined before and during the first 4 h after loading. During basal conditions, PGE2 excretion was the same in patients (75 pg min−1, median, range 15–569) and controls (78 pg min−1, range 22–262), but during the first hour after water loading, PGE2 increased to a significantly higher level in cirrhotic patients (423 pg min−1, median) than in control subjects (162 pg min−1) (P < 0·05). No difference in PGF2α excretion was found between the two groups. Urinary output and CH2O were significantly lower after water loading in patients than in controls. Arginine vasopressin before water loading did not differ between patients and control subjects, but after loading it was unchanged in the patients, whereas a significant reduction (1·9 to 1·4 pmol l−1, P < 001) was found in the control subjects. In controls, but not in patients, PGE2 was significantly positively correlated to V and CH2O, and negatively correlated to AVP after water loading. Thus, renal PGE2 excretion is increased and CH2O is decreased after water loading in patients with early hepatic cirrhosis, and a disturbed relationship seems to exist between PGE2 on the one hand, and AVP and renal water excretion, on the other, in these patients after water loading. The increase in PGE2 may represent a compensatory phenomenon attempting to overcome the impaired renal ability to eliminate water.
Impact of prescriber’s handwriting style and nurse’s duty duration on the prevalence of transcription errors in public hospitals
Authors: Shawahna Ramzi , Rahman Nisar‐Ur , Ahmad Mahmood , Debray Marcel , Yliperttula Marjo , Declèves Xavier
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives.  To investigate the prevalence of transcription errors in a main public hospital in Pakistan and to test the impact of medication name and dose writing styles and the nurse duty duration on the occurrence of transcription errors.

Background.  Medication errors occur frequently in public hospitals. Errors occurring at the transcription stage have not been sufficiently investigated.

Design.  Medications transcripts and dispensed item labels were prospectively reviewed. In the second stage, nurses (n = 25) transcribed medication charts in a double‐blind randomised cross‐over design administered at one, six and 10 hours after the commencement of their duty.

Methods.  Inpatient (n = 1000), discharge patient (n = 1000) medication transcripts and labels of dispensed items for (n = 1000) transcripts were reviewed. On medication charts, orthographically similar medications (n = 20) were written in lowercase and Tall Man, decimal doses were written covered and uncovered, and metric doses were written with and without trailing zeros.

Results.  Of the 6583 and 5329 medications transcribed from inpatient and discharge patient charts, error rates were 16·9 and 13·8%, respectively. Labels for 6734 dispensed items were reviewed, and error rate was 6·1%. Tall Man, covered decimal points and avoiding trailing zeros with decimal units significantly reduced transcription errors.

Conclusion.  Errors increased with increasing nurse duty duration. Highlighting orthographically similar medications and the use of proper decimal and metric units reduce errors.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Transcription errors are highly prevalent in Pakistan public hospitals; therefore, elimination of transcription stage is encouraged.
Family functioning, health and social support assessed by aged home care clients and their family members
Authors: Hautsalo Katja , Rantanen Anja , Astedt‐Kurki Päivi
Published: December 2012

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to describe aged home care clients' and their family members' experiences of their family functioning, family health and social support received. An additional purpose was to determine which factors are connected with social support.

Background

Increasing life expectancy and ageing of the population require consideration of the adequacy of home care services and the role of family members as care providers. The older population is a very heterogeneous group because of their variable needs and several disabilities. To ensure the quality of home care, experimental information is needed from clients and their family members.

Design

A survey design with convenience sampling.

Methods

The home care client and a family member of his/her answered a questionnaire together, including background questions, the Family Functioning, Health and Social Support instrument and an open question about support received from home care. Statistical methods were used to describe quantitative data, and content analysis was used in analysing the replies to the open question.

Results

Family health was noted as good, and family functioning and overall social support fairly good. An older person's higher basic education, higher age of the family member, better family health and male gender were connected with better social support received. The relationship of the older person and the family member as well as the duration of home care service use had an effect on social support received. The content analysis raised expectations related to time, planning of service, organisational factors and caring practise.

Conclusions

Home care clients' and families' needs for support vary, and therefore, the assessment of needs, care planning and updating are important.

Relevance to clinical practice

The variable support needs of older people and their family members require flexible and adaptable home services. Cooperation between all participants involved in care would promote the well‐being of the older person and the entire family.
Medication administration errors by nurses: adherence to guidelines
Authors: Kim Jeongeun , Bates David W
Published: December 2012

Aims & objectives

Medication administration errors represent one of the major concerns in patient safety. We aimed to study the rate using more robust methods for the correct results.

Backgrounds

Very few studies have been carried out on medication administration error frequency. Previous studies of medication error frequency have used mainly surveys of clinical nurses, which may result in substantial undercounts.

Design & Methods

We developed a checklist using basic medication guidelines including the Five Rights, infection recommendations and medication recording rules. After validity and reliability were confirmed, we performed direct observation using a checklist to evaluate the medication activities of clinical nurses.

Results

We observed total 293 cases of medication activities, collected data and calculated adherence ratios per item. Only 45·6% of nurses verified the amount of medication indicated on the vial at least once for at least one‐second. In addition, only 6·5% read the name of the patient from the wristband. Administering the medication at the correct time guideline was observed 41·0% of the time. The guideline regarding hand washing before external and oral medications was followed only 4·5% of the time, although this figure was much higher for intravenous medications at 96·6%. Overall, among 31 categories regarding drug administration, 17·2 (± 3·6) items per person were followed, whereas 5·7 (± 1·2) items per person were violated.

Conclusion

Thus, the results overall showed low rates of adherence to guidelines, suggesting that many medication administration guidelines are not strictly followed. We found key instances in which nurses did not follow the guidelines, including many from the Five Rights. About one in four elements were violated overall.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this study could be adopted to make guidelines of medication administration more practical for the clinical nurses to adhere.
Liberal Chiefs or Illiberal Development? The Challenge of Engaging Chiefs in DFID's Security Sector Reform Programme in Sierra Leone
Authors: Denney Lisa
Published: December 2012

It is increasingly recognised that informal actors, including chiefs, are dominant providers of services and need to be factored into overwhelmingly state‐focused programmes. This article looks at the ability of the UK's Department for International Development to engage with the chieftaincy system in Sierra Leone through its security sector reform programme – a relationship which poses important political challenges.
Electoral Redistribution in Australia: Accommodating 150 Years of Demographic Change
Authors: Juriansz John , Opeskin Brian
Published: December 2012

Electoral redistribution (redistricting) is a process that has the potential to advance the principle of “one vote, one value” in the face of dynamic human populations. Using the Australian federal electoral system as a case study, this article examines the impact of changes in the size, composition and spatial distribution of the population on electoral boundary delimitation over the past 110 years, and analyses the likely impact of future population change over the next forty years. The article concludes that the Australian electoral system has moved progressively towards greater equality of voting power encapsulated by the “one vote, one value” principle. However, the capacity to achieve even greater equality through electoral redistribution is constrained by constitutional and pragmatic considerations.
Centralising Dynamics in Australian Federalism
Authors: Fenna Alan
Published: December 2012

The steady centralisation that is generally held to be a characteristic feature of Australian federalism has occasioned thorough description and regular comment but much less attempt at explanation or theorisation. This paper reviews the way we account for centralisation in federal systems in general and Australian federalism in particular. In doing so, it considers institutional and societal modes of explanation in the context of patterns of difference between the leading federations. It concludes that as far as those broader patterns, or secular trends, are concerned, there is no avoiding a societal explanation — one that highlights the balance between forces of modernisation and the existence of a “federal society”.
The Interracial “Baha'i Movement” and the Black Intelligentsia: The Case of W. E. B. Du Bois
Authors: BUCK CHRISTOPHER
Published: December 2012

This article surveys W. E. B. Du Bois's encounters with the Baha'i religion, from 1910 to 1953. Sections one and two focus on Du Bois and ‘Abdu'l‐Baha (1844–1921), while section three treats Du Bois's indirect connection to the New York Baha'i community through Nina Du Bois's documented affiliation with that group. Section four chronicles the 1937 Nashville incident involving reportedly segregated Baha'i meetings, and section five looks at Du Bois's later Baha'i contacts, completing the trajectory. Originally attracted to Baha'i teachings on interracial unity — with Du Bois prominently featuring ‘Abdu'l‐Baha with full‐page photograph in Du Bois's “Men of the Month” column — Du Bois later waxed indignant, openly criticizing the Baha'i movement in a Pittsburgh Courier editorial. Drawing on press reports, Baha'i records, and archival correspondence between members of the Baha'i community and Du Bois, primary sources establish that Du Bois's righteous indignation was based on misinformation.
‘The whole is always smaller than its parts’ – a digital test ofGabrielTardes' monads
Authors: Latour Bruno , Jensen Pablo , Venturini Tommaso , Grauwin Sébastian , Boullier Dominique
Published: December 2012

In this paper we argue that the new availability of digital data sets allows one to revisitGabrielTarde's (1843–1904) social theory that entirely dispensed with using notions such as individual or society. Our argument is that when it was impossible, cumbersome or simply slow to assemble and to navigate through the masses of information on particular items, it made sense to treat data about social connections by defining two levels: one for the element, the other for the aggregates. But once we have the experience of following individuals through their connections (which is often the case with profiles) it might be more rewarding to begin navigating datasets without making the distinction between the level of individual component and that of aggregated structure. It becomes possible to give some credibility to Tarde's strange notion of ‘monads’. We claim that it is just this sort of navigational practice that is now made possible by digitally available databases and that such a practice could modify social theory if we could visualize this new type of exploration in a coherent way.
Policing native pleasures: a colonial history
Authors: Jabbar Naheem
Published: December 2012

The moral modality of colonial power is still with us when it comes to the recreation of sexual norms of traditional or feudal society. We can examine the emergent properties of colonial knowledge anew by exploring how the colonial regime's strategic attention of regulating brothels in India differed from the analytic of power Foucault described for sexuality in European society. It turns out that amongst other things, public anxieties about the failure of adaptation by South Asians are incapable of leaving sexuality aside as a key interpretive device for their culture. The British preoccupation with reproducing the dynamics of the bourgeois matrimonial market on foreign soil in the mid‐nineteenth century similarly necessitated a sociological pretext for racial purity. However, the kind of knowledge a typical traveller and employee of the East India Company brought to the Victorian public from his own researches in the brothels and streets of colonial India, which revealed how popular prostitution was as a vice amongst the officer class, was also more than a welcome imaginary relief from Christian morality; it was an alternative vision of modernity.
Scar formation and lack of regeneration in adult and neonatal liver after stromal injury
Authors: Masuzaki Ryota , Zhao Sophia R. , Csizmadia Eva , Yannas Ioannis , Karp Seth J.
Published: December 2012

Known as a uniquely regenerative tissue, the liver shows a remarkable capacity to heal without scarring after many types of acute injury. In contrast, during chronic liver disease, the liver responds with fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis and ultimately liver failure. The cause of this shift from a nonfibrotic to a fibrotic response is unknown. We hypothesized that stromal injury is a key event that prevents restoration of normal liver architecture. To test this, we developed a model of stromal injury using a surgical incision through the normal liver in adult and neonatal mice. This injury produces minimal cell death but locally complete stromal (extracellular matrix) disruption. The adult liver responds with inflammation and stellate cell activation, culminating in fibrosis characterized by collagen deposition. This sequence of events is remarkably similar to the fibrotic response leading to cirrhosis. Studies in neonates reveal a similar fibrotic response to a stromal injury. These findings suggest that extracellular matrix disruption leads not to regeneration but rather to scar, similar to other mammalian organs. These findings may shed light on the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease, and suggest therapeutic strategies.
Subjective Response to Alcohol Among Alcohol‐Dependent Individuals: Effects of the Mu‐Opioid Receptor (OPRM1) Gene and Alcoholism Severity
Authors: Ray Lara A. , Bujarski Spencer , MacKillop James , Courtney Kelly E. , Monti Peter M. , Miotto Karen
Published: December 2012

Background

Subjective response to alcohol has been examined as a marker of alcoholism risk. The A118G single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the mu‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene has been previously associated with subjective response to alcohol in heavy drinkers. This study seeks to extend the literature by examining the effect of OPRM1 genotype on responses to alcohol in a sample of alcohol‐dependent individuals. A secondary aim of this study is to examine alcoholism severity as a predictor of subjective responses to alcohol.

Methods

Nontreatment seeking problem drinkers (n = 295) were assessed in the laboratory for clinical dimensions of alcohol dependence. Following prospective genotyping, 43 alcohol‐dependent individuals across the 2 genotype conditions (AA, n = 23 and AG/GG, n = 20) were randomized to 2 intravenous infusion sessions: 1 of alcohol (target breath alcohol concentration = 0.06 g/dl) and 1 of saline. Measures of subjective responses to alcohol were administered in both infusion sessions.

Results

Alcohol‐dependent G‐allele carriers reported greater alcohol‐induced stimulation, vigor, and positive mood, as compared to A‐allele homozygotes. There was no genotype effect on alcohol‐induced sedation or craving. There was a statistical trend‐level severity × alcohol interaction such that individuals at higher levels of severity reported greater alcohol‐induced tension reduction.

Conclusions

These results support the hypothesis that OPRM1 genotype moderates the hedonic effects of alcohol, but not the sedative and unpleasant effects of alcohol, in a sample of alcohol‐dependent patients. Results are discussed in light of a clinical neuroscience framework to alcoholism.
Building Ethical Capital: Perceptions of Ethical Climate in the Public Sector
Authors: Raile Eric D.
Published: December 2012

This article examines influences on public servant perceptions of ethical climate in the public sector. The array of beneficial outcomes produced by perceptions of a positive ethical climate, the existence of government programs aimed at improving ethical climate, and implications for government accountability and trustworthiness all argue for a better understanding of the sources of these perceptions. Empirical analyses of survey responses from employees of the U.S. federal executive branch show that individuals in leadership positions perceive the ethical climate more positively. Conversely, work tenure tends to worsen perceived ethical climate, although supervisory status attenuates this negative effect. Ethics training, interaction with ethics officials, and perceived knowledge about ethics topics consistently influence perceptions of ethical climate and advice‐seeking behavior in a positive way. A set of results related to advice‐seeking behavior serves to reinforce the important role of ethics officials.
Cognitive Impairment and Its Relation to Imaging Measures in Multiple Sclerosis: A Study Using a Computerized Battery
Authors: Pellicano Clelia , Kane Robert L. , Gallo Antonio , Xiaobai Li , Stern Susan K. , Ikonomidou Vasiliki N. , Evangelou Iordanis E. , Ohayon Joan M. , Ehrmantraut Mary , Cantor Fredric K. , Bagnato Francesca
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cognitive impairment (CI) is an important component of multiple sclerosis (MS) disability. A complex biological interplay between white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) disease likely sustains CI. This study aims to address this issue by exploring the association between the extent of normal WM and GM disease and CI.

METHODS

Cognitive function of 24 MS patients and 24 healthy volunteers (HVs) was studied using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) battery. WM focal lesions and normal appearing WM (NAWM) volume in patients, cortical thickness (CTh) and deep GM structure volumes in both patients and HVs were measured by high field strength (3.0‐Tesla; 3T) imaging.

RESULTS

An analysis of covariance showed that patients performed worse than HVs on Code Substitution Delayed Memory (P= .04) and Procedural Reaction Time (P= .05) indicative of reduced performance in memory, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed. A summary score (Index of Cognitive Efficiency) indicating global test battery performance was also lower for the patient group (P= .04). Significant associations, as determined by the Spearman rank correlation tests, were noted between each of these 3 cognitive scores and measures of NAWM volume [CDD‐TP1(r= .609; P= .0035), PRO‐TP1 (r= .456; P= .029) and ICE (r= .489; P= .0129)], CTh (r= .5; P≤ .05) and volume of subcortical normal appearing GM (NAGM) structures (r= .4; P≤ .04), but not WM lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Both NAWM and NAGM volumes are related to CI in MS. The results highlight once again the urgent need to develop pharmacological strategies protecting patients from widespread neurodegeneration as possible preventive strategies of CI development.
Quelle destinée pour la «politique sociale» de l'Union européenne? De la Stratégie de Lisbonne à l'Europe 2020: évolution du discours politique
Authors: BARBIER Jean‐Claude
Published: December 2012

L'auteur examine une sélection de documents de la Commission européenne et du Conseil européen, pour identifier les constantes et les changements dans le discours de politique sociale de l'UE et rechercher leurs déterminants potentiels. Il distingue trois périodes: la Stratégie de Lisbonne, les réformes qui ont suivi (2005–2009) et l'«Europe 2020». La période la plus récente témoigne d'une marginalisation radicale et de la réduction à des mesures purement symboliques de la politique sociale par rapport aux considérations macroéconomiques et financières. Parallèlement, les institutions de l'UE ont pris le pas sur la compétence nationale en la matière. Une redistribution des rôles entre les acteurs principaux semble expliquer ces changements.
Ecophysiological plasticity and local differentiation help explain the invasion success of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) in South America
Authors: Molina‐Montenegro Marco A. , Palma‐Rojas Claudio , Alcayaga‐Olivares Yulinka , Oses Rómulo , Corcuera Luis J. , Cavieres Lohengrin A. , Gianoli Ernesto
Published: December 2012

Plasticity and local adaptation have been suggested as two main mechanisms that alien species use to successfully tolerate and invade broad geographic areas. In the present study, we try answer the question if the mechanism for the broad distributional range of T. officinale is for phenotypic plasticity, ecotypic adaptation or both. For this, we used individuals of T. officinale originated from seeds collected in five localities along its latitudinal distribution range in the southern‐hemisphere. Seedlings were acclimated at 5 and 25°C for one month. After the acclimation period we evaluated ecophysiological and cytogenetic traits. Additionally, we assessed the fitness at each temperature by recording the seed output of individuals from different localities. Finally, we performed a manipulative experiment in order to assess the tolerance to herbivory and competitive ability between T. officinale from all origins and Hypochaeris scorzonerae a co‐occurring native species. Overall, individuals of T. officinale showed high plasticity and ecotypic adaptation for all traits assessed in this study. Changes both in physiology and morphology observed in T. officinale from different origins were mostly correlated, enhancing their ecophysiological performance in temperatures similar to those of their origin. Additionally, all localities showed the same chromosome number and ploidy level. On the other hand, all individuals showed an increase the seed output at 25°C, but those from northern localities increased more. T. officinale from all origins was not significantly affected by herbivory while native showed a negative effect. On the other hand, T. officinale exerted a strong negative effect on the native species, but this former not effected significantly to the invasive T. officinale. High plasticity and local adaptation in all ecophysiological traits, seed‐set and the low cytogenetic variability in T. officinale suggests that both strategies are present in this invasive plant species and are not mutually exclusive. Finally, higher tolerance to herbivory and competitive ability suggests that T. officinale could perform successfully in environments with different climatic conditions, and thus colonize and invade South‐America.
Principles of periodontology
Authors: Dentino Andrew , Lee Seokwoo , Mailhot Jason , Hefti Arthur F.
Published: December 2012

Periodontal diseases are among the most common diseases affecting humans. Dental biofilm is a contributor to the etiology of most periodontal diseases. It is also widely accepted that immunological and inflammatory responses to biofilm components are manifested by signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. The outcome of such interaction is modulated by risk factors (modifiers), either inherent (genetic) or acquired (environmental), significantly affecting the initiation and progression of different periodontal disease phenotypes. While definitive genetic determinants responsible for either susceptibility or resistance to periodontal disease have yet to be identified, many factors affecting the pathogenesis have been described, including smoking, diabetes, obesity, medications, and nutrition. Currently, periodontal diseases are classified based upon clinical disease traits using radiographs and clinical examination. Advances in genomics, molecular biology, and personalized medicine may result in new guidelines for unambiguous disease definition and diagnosis in the future. Recent studies have implied relationships between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions. Answering critical questions regarding host‐parasite interactions in periodontal diseases may provide new insight in the pathogenesis of other biomedical disorders. Therapeutic efforts have focused on the microbial nature of the infection, as active treatment centers on biofilm disruption by non‐surgical mechanical debridement with antimicrobial and sometimes anti‐inflammatory adjuncts. The surgical treatment aims at gaining access to periodontal lesions and correcting unfavorable gingival/osseous contours to achieve a periodontal architecture that will provide for more effective oral hygiene and periodontal maintenance. In addition, advances in tissue engineering have provided innovative means to regenerate/repair periodontal defects, based upon principles of guided tissue regeneration and utilization of growth factors/biologic mediators. To maintain periodontal stability, these treatments need to be supplemented with long‐term maintenance (supportive periodontal therapy) programs.
EQUILIBRIUM FARM GATE PRICE IN THE CASE OF TWO SUCCESSIVE MARKETS WITH FIXED SUPPLY
Authors: MALAN BENOîT B.
Published: December 2012

This study aims to describe the evolution of the organisational structure of raw agricultural product markets in West African countries (the supply may be regarded as fixed) using microeconomic models to assess the evolution of the farm gate price; and focusing on the impact of the vertical integration of some firms on the producer price. This paper shows that the evolution of the commercial organisational structure of agricultural products has led to a gradual improvement in the producer price. It also shows that whatever the degree of vertical integration on these markets, it has a positive impact on the farm gate price. However, even if vertical integration also improves the price of agricultural input on the intermediary market, the intermediary firms undergo a deteriorating situation.
THE ECONOMICS OF SUICIDE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: BOTHA FERDI
Published: December 2012

This study investigates the economics of suicide in South Africa using the Mortality and Causes of Death data from death notification as well as regional economic data for the 2006‐2008 period. Using an inflation rate that varies by month and across province of residence as a proxy for economic performance, the results indicate a negative relationship between inflation and suicide, suggesting that suicides are countercyclical. When controlling for month and province fixed effects, however, the inflation coefficient, albeit remaining negative, is no longer significant, except in the female sample. Suicide is more prevalent among younger individuals, while the greatest proportion of suicide is seen among men. Suicides also exhibit a strong seasonal variation, with peaks in spring and summer, with December having the highest suicide prevalence. The overall results indicate a negative but insignificant relationship between economic performance and suicide in South Africa, with socio‐economic differences and individual characteristics accounting for most of the variation in suicide.
The microtubule‐associated protein astrin transgenesis rescues spermatogenesis and renal function in hypogonadic (hgn/hgn) rats
Authors: Katayama K. , Yasuda H. , Tochigi Y. , Suzuki H.
Published: December 2012

Male hypogonadic (hgn/hgn) rats show male sterility, reduced female fertility, progressive renal insufficiency and body growth retardation. These defects are associated with loss‐of‐function mutation of astrin and appear to be related to organ hypoplasia resulting from abnormal cell proliferation and increased cell death during embryonic and early postnatal development. As targeted disruption of mouse spag5 (astrin ortholog) has been reported to show no phenotype, we performed rescue experiments based on the introduction of rat astrin cDNA transgene into hgn/hgn rats to determine whether astrin is actually necessary for the establishment of normal male fertility and renal function. Astrin transgenic (Tg) rats were mated with hgn/+ rats of the HGN strain, and Tg‐hgn/+ rats were then crossed to obtain Tg‐hgn/hgn. Tg‐hgn/hgn males showed recovery of body growth, fertility and renal function. Testis size was smaller in these transgenic animals than normal controls, but showed an increase by 16.5‐fold compared with hgn/hgn males. Spermatogenesis occurred in Tg‐hgn/hgn testes, and their accessory reproductive organs were of approximately normal size. hgn/hgn males show hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Increased testosterone and decreased LH levels in Tg‐hgn/hgn serum indicated the recovery of Leydig cells' function. Tg‐hgn/hgn males showed normal reproductive behaviour, and their mating with Tg‐hgn/hgn females produced pups in normal litter size. Their renal sizes and glomerular numbers showed complete recovery, and renal function assayed by biochemical parameters was normal. These results indicated that the transgene is functional in the testis and kidney development as well as body growth. In conclusion, astrin is necessary for the establishment of normal size (cell number) and function of the testis and kidney in rats.
Herpes simplex virus infection and erectile dysfunction: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Huang C.‐C. , Chan W.‐L. , Chen Y.‐C. , Chen T.‐J. , Chung C.‐M. , Huang P.‐H. , Lin S.‐J. , Chen J.‐W. , Leu H.‐B.
Published: December 2012

Both erectile dysfunction (ED) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are related to cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between ED and HSV infections remains undetermined. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible influence of HSV infections on the development of ED using the Taiwan National Health Insurance database. We identified patients with HSV type 1 or type 2 infections from the 1 000 000 sampling cohort data set. Male patients of age 18 years or older who had been diagnosed as cases of HSV infection since January 1, 2001 were enroled. Patients with previous history of stroke, spinal cord injury or malignancy were excluded. A control group was selected, comprising male patients without HSV infection, stroke, spinal cord injury or malignancy. The age, time of enrolment and comorbidities were matched in the two groups. A total of 1 717 HSV subjects (mean age 43.29 ± 15.97 years) and 6 864 control subjects were enroled. During an average of 3.91 ± 1.93 years' follow‐up, HSV‐infected subjects experienced a higher incidence of ED than control subjects (1.7% vs. 0.7%, respectively). The log‐rank test showed that patients with HSV infections had a significantly higher incidence of ED than those without HSV infections (p < 0.001). After Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis, HSV infections were independently associated with the increased risk of ED (hazard ratio, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.82–4.63, p < 0.001). In conclusion, HSV infections were associated with risk of ED in this cohort.
Images of the EU beyond its Borders: Issue‐Specific and Regional Perceptions of European Union Power and Leadership
Authors: Chaban Natalia , Elgström Ole , Kelly Serena , Yi Lai Suet
Published: December 2012

This article systematically investigates both regional and issue‐specific variation in external perceptions of the European Union (EU) as a global power and an international leader. While most studies on EU external perceptions focus on a one‐dimensional vision of EU leadership and/or great‐powerness, it is argued here that these perceptions are highly issue‐specific, multilayered and differentiating. This study draws on data collected through elite interviews in three regions: the Pacific, Southeast Asia and Africa. The findings make a contribution to the debate on the perception of third states on the international role of the EU.
Hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium phosphate and enamel matrix derivative for treatment of proximal class II furcation defects: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Peres Maria F. S. , Ribeiro Érica D. P. , Casarin Renato C. V. , Ruiz Karina G. S. , Junior Francisco H. N. , Sallum Enilson A. , Casati Márcio Z.
Published: December 2012

Objective

To clinically evaluate proximal furcations treated with hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium phosphate (HA/β‐TCP) isolated or combined with enamel matrix derivative (EMD).

Material and Methods

Thirty patients, presenting at least one proximal class II furcation defect, probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥5 mm and bleeding on probing, were included. The defects were assigned to the HA/β‐TCP group (n = 15); open‐flap debridement (OFD) + HA/β‐TCP filling, or, HA/β‐TCP‐EMD group (n = 15); OFD + HA/β‐TCP + EMD filling. Plaque (PI) and gingival index (GI), PPD, relative gingival margin position (RGMP), vertical and horizontal attachment level (RVAL and RHAL), vertical and horizontal bone level (RVBL and RHBL), and furcation diagnosis were evaluated at baseline and at 6 months.

Results

Both groups presented improvements after therapies (p < 0.05); however, no inter‐group differences could be seen in any single parameter (p > 0.05). At 6 months, the gains in rVCAL in the HA/β‐TCP and HA/β‐TCP‐EMD groups were 1.47 ± 0.99 and 2.10 ± 0.87 mm, while the RHCAL gains were 1.47 ± 1.46 and 1.57 ± 1.58 mm (p > 0.05). The RVBL and RHBL gains for the HA/β‐TCP and HA/β‐TCP‐EMD group were 1.47 ± 1.13 and 1.70 ± 1.26 mm, and 1.90 ± 1.11 and 1.70 ± 1.37 mm respectively (p > 0.05). The HA/β‐TCP‐EMD group showed seven closed furcations versus four in the HA/β‐TCP group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Both treatments lead to improvements in all clinical variables studied in the present trial. However, the closure of proximal class II furcation defects is still unpredictable.
Predictors of developmental dyslexia in European orthographies with varying complexity
Authors: Landerl Karin , Ramus Franck , Moll Kristina , Lyytinen Heikki , Leppänen Paavo H. T. , Lohvansuu Kaisa , O’Donovan Michael , Williams Julie , Bartling Jürgen , Bruder Jennifer , Kunze Sarah , Neuhoff Nina , Tóth Dénes , Honbolygó Ferenc , Csépe Valéria , Bogliotti Caroline , Iannuzzi Stéphanie , Chaix Yves , Démonet Jean‐François , Longeras Emilie , Valdois Sylviane , Chabernaud Camille , Delteil‐Pinton Florence , Billard Catherine , George Florence , Ziegler Johannes C. , Comte‐Gervais Isabelle , Soares‐Boucaud Isabelle , Gérard Christophe‐Loïc , Blomert Leo , Vaessen Anniek , Gerretsen Patty , Ekkebus Michel , Brandeis Daniel , Maurer Urs , Schulz Enrico , van der Mark Sanne , Müller‐Myhsok Bertram , Schulte‐Körne Gerd
Published: December 2012

Background:  The relationship between phoneme awareness, rapid automatized naming (RAN), verbal short‐term/working memory (ST/WM) and diagnostic category is investigated in control and dyslexic children, and the extent to which this depends on orthographic complexity.

Methods:  General cognitive, phonological and literacy skills were tested in 1,138 control and 1,114 dyslexic children speaking six different languages spanning a large range of orthographic complexity (Finnish, Hungarian, German, Dutch, French, English).

Results:  Phoneme deletion and RAN were strong concurrent predictors of developmental dyslexia, while verbal ST/WM and general verbal abilities played a comparatively minor role. In logistic regression models, more participants were classified correctly when orthography was more complex. The impact of phoneme deletion and RAN‐digits was stronger in complex than in less complex orthographies.

Conclusions:  Findings are largely consistent with the literature on predictors of dyslexia and literacy skills, while uniquely demonstrating how orthographic complexity exacerbates some symptoms of dyslexia.
Prevention of Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy in STEMI Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review
Authors: BUSCH SARAH VICTORIA EKELØF , JENSEN SVEND EGGERT , ROSENBERG JACOB , GÖGENUR ISMAIL
Published: December 2012

Objective

To evaluate the current prophylactic strategies against CIN in patients with STEMI treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third leading course of acute renal failure and a recognized complication to cardiac catheterization. CIN is associated with increased risk of cardiac adverse events and mortality, and recent studies point at the risk of developing a transient or persistent renal dysfunction. Patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention have a markedly increased risk of developing CIN. At present no strategy is universally accepted in the prevention of CIN in the acute setting of primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Method

We performed a systematic search in Pubmed and EMBASE and ended up including nine randomised clinical trials; six studies of N‐acetylcysteine, one study of early and late hydration regimens, one study of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide and one study comparing a low‐osmolar contrast agent with an iso‐osmolar contrast agent.

Results

Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide and the regimens of hydration significantly reduced the incidence of CIN and administration of N‐acetylcysteine in one of the six studies significantly reduced the occurrence of CIN. The iso‐osmolar contrast agent was not proven to be superior to the low‐osmolar contrast agent in terms of preventing CIN.

Conclusion

Preliminary studies are promising but further studies are needed before any prevention strategy against CIN can be recommended in routine care of patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:97–105)
The effect of spatial frequency and face inversion on facial expression processing in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kikuchi Yukiko , Senju Atsushi , Hasegawa Toshikazu , Tojo Yoshikuni , Osanai Hiroo
Published: December 2012

To investigate whether facial expression processing in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is based on local information of the stimuli, we prepared low spatial frequency (LSF) images with blurred facial features and high spatial frequency (HSF) images with rich facial features from broad (normal) spatial frequency (BSF) images. Eighteen children with ASD (mean age 11.9 years) and 19 typically developing (TD) children (mean age 11.4 years) matched on nonverbal IQ were presented these stimuli in upright and inverted orientations. The children with ASD had difficulty in processing facial expressions from the BSF and LSF images, but not from the HSF images. In addition, the BSF and HSF images elicited the inversion effect in the TD children, but not in the children with ASD. In contrast, the LSF images elicited the inversion effect in both groups of children. These results suggest that children with ASD are biased towards processing facial expression based on local information, even though their capacity to process facial expressions configurally is spared.
A French national survey on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Thevenot Thierry , Degand Thibault , Grelat Natacha , Elkrief Laure , Christol Camille , Moreau Richard , Henrion Jean , Cadranel Jean‐François , Sheppard Frances , Bureau Christophe , di Martino Vincent , Pauwels Arnaud ,   National Association of General Hospital Hepatogastroenterologists
Published: December 2012

Background

Guidelines recommend antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in well‐selected groups of cirrhotic patients, but the impact of these recommendations has not been assessed in France.

Aim

To evaluate AP prescription tendencies for gastrointestinal bleeding, and primary and secondary prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

Methods

Practitioners (n = 1,159) working in general hospitals (GH) or in university hospitals (UH) received a self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

Three hundred and eighty‐nine (33.6%; GH 35% and UH 30.4%) practitioners responded. AP was prescribed by 97.7%, 72.3% and 94.8% of practitioners, without significant differences between UH and GH, respectively, for gastrointestinal bleeding (quinolones 48.2%, third‐generation cephalosporins 27.7% and amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid 22.2%), primary (quinolones 97.2%) and secondary prophylaxis of SBP (quinolones 99%). For gastrointestinal bleeding, ofloxacin (47.6%) and norfloxacin (37.4%) were the main quinolones prescribed, and ceftriaxone (77%) was the main third‐generation cephalosporin prescribed. The principal reasons for prescribing AP were a decrease in bacterial infection (88.9% for gastrointestinal bleeding, 91.3% for primary and 94.3% for secondary prophylaxis of SBP), a recommendation by a consensus conference (83%, 38% and 74.4% respectively) and an improvement in survival (72.8%, 41.3% and 57.7% respectively). Only 31.7% of practitioners (39.6% for UH vs. 28.6% for GH; P = 0.038) believed that AP may reduce the risk of bleeding recurrence. Reported side effects (28%) of AP mainly concerned the risk of quinolone resistance (62% of cases).

Conclusion

Antibiotic prophylaxis is well‐recognized by French practitioners, but its routine use depends on the expertise of practitioners. Quinolones remain the main antibiotic class prescribed irrespective of the type of prophylaxis.
Nutritional assessment of pregnant adolescents: comparison of two popular classification systems
Authors: Amaral Janaina de Fátima Ávila , Vasconcelos Guilherme Miranda , Torloni Maria Regina , Fisberg Mauro , Sampaio Isa de Pádua Cintra , Guazzelli Cristina Aparecida Falbo
Published: December 2012

The objective of this study was to assess the degree of concordance between two popular classification systems [the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)‐2000 and the Institute of Medicine (IOM)‐2009] used to categorise the nutritional status of pregnant adolescents. This cross‐sectional study involved 327 pregnant adolescents (10–19 years) booking for antenatal care at a single public maternity in São Paulo, Brazil. Participants were classified into one of four categories, by both systems according to their pre‐pregnancy body mass index and age. The CDC‐2000 system classified significantly fewer pregnant adolescents as underweight (3.7% vs. 12.5%, P < 0.0001) and significantly more adolescents as normal‐weight (86.8% vs. 75.6%, P = 0.0003) than the IOM‐2009 system. The distribution of the adolescents in the two systems differed significantly. The global rate of discordance was 13.5%. The overall concordance between the two systems was marginally good (K = 0.63), being moderate for younger (<16 years) adolescents (K = 0.52). Approximately one in every seven pregnant adolescent would be classified in a non‐corresponding category if the IOM‐2009 classification was used instead of the CDC‐2000 classification. The IOM‐2009 nutritional classification, which does not take into account age and gender, tends to overestimate the proportion of underweight adolescents, especially in the younger‐age group. The use of this classification system can lead to recommendations of higher gestational weight gain in a substantial proportion of pregnant adolescents, which could predispose to post‐partum weight retention and future obesity.