bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Trigger CoCos: Contingent Debt Without Death Spiral Risk
Authors: De Spiegeleer Jan , Schoutens Wim
Published: April 2013

This paper starts with the observation that the average issue size during 2012 of contingent convertible (CoCo) bonds was more than $1 bn. Typically a CoCo is converted into shares when a pre‐defined capital ratio such as the core tier 1 ratio (CT1) drops below a minimum level. In some other cases, the contingent convertibles investors will suffer from a pre‐defined haircut instead of a conversion into shares. Investors could dynamically hedge the equity exposure embedded within a contingent convertible by taking an offsetting short position in the underlying shares. This dynamic hedging can in some circumstances have a negative impact on the share price of the bank. It could indeed lead to a spiral of falling share prices. This so‐called death spiral effect can only be avoided if the size of the contingent convertible is moderate compared to the amount of outstanding public traded shares. In this contribution we advocate the use of contingent debt where there is more than one conversion trigger. Banks should move away from one large single CoCo issue towards issues with multiple accounting triggers spread across an extended range. This will alleviate the death spiral risk. The expected dynamic behavior of a CoCo bond has been modeled using a credit derivates approach. From these models we then quantify the equity sensitivity and the negative gamma resulting from the design of a contingent convertible and illustrate the possible pitfalls of a death spiral on the share price.
Cilostazol attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation and protects mice against carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver fibrosis
Authors: Saito Shunichi , Hata Koichiro , Iwaisako Keiko , Yanagida Atsuko , Takeiri Masatoshi , Tanaka Hirokazu , Kageyama Shoichi , Hirao Hirofumi , Ikeda Kazuo , Asagiri Masataka , Uemoto Shinji
Published: April 2013

Aim

Liver fibrosis is a common pathway leading to cirrhosis. Cilostazol, a clinically available oral phosphodiesterase‐3 inhibitor, has been shown to have antifibrotic potential in experimental non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the detailed mechanisms of the antifibrotic effect and its efficacy in a different experimental model remain elusive.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to five groups: mice fed a normal diet (groups 1 and 2); 0.1% or 0.3% cilostazol‐containing diet (groups 3 and 4, respectively); and 0.125% clopidogrel‐containing diet (group 5). Two weeks after feeding, groups 2–5 were intraperitoneally administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) twice a week for 6 weeks, while group 1 was treated with the vehicle alone. To investigate the effects of cilostazol on hepatic cells, in vitro studies were conducted using primary hepatic stellate cells (HSC), Kupffer cells and hepatocytes with cilostazol supplementation.

Results

Sirius red staining revealed that groups 3 and 4 exhibited a lesser fibrotic area (2.49 ± 0.43% and 2.31 ± 0.30%, respectively) than group 2 (3.17 ± 0.67%, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). In vitro studies showed cilostazol dose‐dependently suppressed HSC activation (assessed by morphological change, cell proliferation, and the expression of HSC activation markers), suggesting the therapeutic effect of cilostazol is mediated by its direct action on HSC.

Conclusion

Cilostazol could alleviate CCl4‐induced hepatic fibrogenesis in vivo, presumably due, at least partly, to its direct effect to suppress HSC activation. Given its clinical availability and safety, it may be a novel therapeutic intervention for chronic liver diseases.
Limitations to the identification of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders in clinical practice
Authors: Morley D , McNamara P , Kennelly S , McMahon G , Bergin C
Published: April 2013

Objectives

The objective of this study was to establish the level of awareness of HAND among healthcare providers, the screening tools that are currently used in its detection and factors that limit cognitive assessments.

Methods

We distributed a 12‐item questionnaire to doctors and nurses who work in the Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Infectious Disease (GUIDE) service and also to doctors who work in the emergency department (ED) at St James Hospital.

Results

35 surveys were collected, 54% (n = 19) from the GUIDE service and 46% (n = 16) from the ED. 82% (n = 29) of participants were doctors from interns to consultants. There was reasonable appreciation among participants with regards the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment (estimated at 29.1% among patients on HAART, and 39.3% among patients not on HAART). Screening tools were rarely used by GUIDE and ED clinicians (25% vs. 15% of the time). The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was previously used by 37% (n = 13) of the group. Very few people had used the HIV Dementia Scale (HIVDS) 6% (n = 2). 34% of respondents felt that ‘Orientation in Person, Place and Time was a sufficient screening tool for cognitive assessment’. Lack of time, exposed environment and lack of availability of screening tool were cited as limitations to cognitive screening in the ED environment.

Conclusions

This study examines awareness of HAND among healthcare providers and also reasons for inadequate assessment. There is a need for consensus on screening guidelines. A quick, easy to use and readily available screening tool may have a role in the acute setting in identifying high‐risk patients.
Dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) diversity and seasonality in response to use of macrocyclic lactones at cattle ranches in the mexican neotropics
Authors: Basto‐Estrella Gertrudis S. , Rodríguez‐Vivas Roger I. , Delfín‐González Hugo , Reyes‐Novelo Enrique
Published: April 2013

Dung beetles provide recognised environmental services in cattle production systems, but can be negatively affected by the pharmaceutical residues found in excreta, particularly macrocyclic lactones (ML).

The diversity and seasonal abundance of dung beetle communities were measured using baited pitfall traps and compared at four cattle ranches in Yucatan, Mexico, to assess the possible effects of ML residues. Cattle parasite control was performed at two of these ranches using ML.

A total of 93 274 dung beetles from 17 species were collected. The dominant species at all four ranches were Onthophagus landolti and Canthon indigaceus chevrolati. Compared to ranches where ML was not used, total abundance was higher but richness, evenness and diversity were lower at ranches where ML was used. Five other species were identified as potential indicator species for determining whether there was an effect of ML use at the studied ranches.

Seasonal patterns differed between beetle communities: those found at non‐ML sites occurred in higher abundances in May and July, while those at ML sites had higher abundances in May and June. This was probably because herds on ML sites were treated with ML to control parasites in early July.

The application of ML for controlling cattle parasites was shown to have a negative effect on the diversity and abundance of dung beetles. These results emphasise the need for timing ML use in order to mitigate the adverse impacts on these insects.
Prostate HistoScanning: A screening tool for prostate cancer?
Authors: De Coninck Vincent , Braeckman Johan , Michielsen Dirk
Published: April 2013

Objective

To evaluate Prostate HistoScanning as a screening tool for prostate cancer in a pilot study.

Methods

During a 6‐month period, 94 men with normal or suspicious digital rectal examination, normal or elevated prostate‐specific antigen, or an increased prostate‐specific antigen velocity were examined with Prostate HistoScanning. Based on these parameters and HistoScanning analysis, 41 men were referred for prostate biopsy under computer‐aided ultrasonographic guidance. The number of random biopsy cores varied depending on the prostate volume. Targeted biopsies were taken in the case of computer‐aided ultrasonographic area suspicious for malignancy. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the probability of resulting in a positive prostate biopsy based on the HistoScanning findings.

Results

Following a logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for age, digital rectal examination, serum prostate‐specific antigen level, prostate volume and tumor lesion volume, every cancer volume increase of 1 mL estimated by HistoScanning was associated with a nearly threefold increase in the probability of resulting in a positive biopsy (odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.2–7.0; P‐value 0.02). Prostate cancer was found in 17 of 41 men (41%). In patients with cancer, computer‐aided ultrasonography‐guided biopsy was 4.5‐fold more likely to detect cancer than random biopsy. The prostate cancer detection rate for random biopsy and directed biopsy was 13% and 58%, respectively. HistoScanning‐guided biopsy significantly decreased the number of biopsies necessary (P‐value <0.0001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that Prostate HistoScanning might be helpful for the selection of patients in whom prostate biopsies are necessary. This imaging technique can be used to direct biopsies in specific regions of the prostate with a higher cancer detection rate.
Migration and Family Happiness in Bolivia: Does Social Disintegration Negate Economic Well‐being?
Authors: Jones Richard C.
Published: April 2013

Various authors have begun to address the social impacts of international migration on families left behind. Family disintegration results from two separate factors: family separation and the loss of traditional values. Findings from this research (based on a random survey of over 400 households in three municipios of the central part of the state of Cochabamba, Bolivia, in the autumn of 2007) indicate that economic well‐being made possible by migration increases levels of professed family happiness. However, family disintegration resulting from migration decreases family happiness even more, with the net result that migrant households are considerably less happy than non‐migrant households. It is suggested that this result can be traced to the dynamic conflict between the traditional, group‐focused image of change prior to migration (engendering feelings of togetherness and security) and the modern, ego‐focused image of change that is a major social remittance of migration (generating competition and role insecurity).
Day Labourers' Work Related Injuries: An Assessment of Risks, Choices, and Policies
Authors: Meléndez Edwin , Anne Visser M. , Valenzuela Abel , Theodore Nik
Published: April 2013

Literature and theory surrounding the informal economy in international contexts suggest that informal work arrangements may entail assuming various levels of risk, and that the higher the level of risk in an employment arrangement, the higher the premium paid to the worker. This study is designed to assess if a wage compensation for risk exists within the United States' day labour job market ‐ the most visible sector of the United States' informal economy. Using data from the 2005 National Day Labour Survey we find a statistically significant wage premium indicating that a risk‐wage tradeoff within the day labour informal economy exists. Ultimately, we argue that current policy interventions facilitated through day labour centres into the day labour market appear to be effective in mitigating the risks associated with this type of employment.

Evidence of a risk‐wage premium in the day labour market suggests there is an incentive to assume higher levels of risk in work arrangements which presents significant concerns for worker safety.

Higher levels of work related risks assumed by day labourers, may be minimized if they receive proper safety training through a formal venue such as a worker centre.

Worker centres only serve 20 per cent of all day labourers in the United States, suggesting a need for the establishment of additional worker centres in other connected or industry based work sites, to help mitigate potential work related risks and injuries in the day labour market.
Parents' reasons for brushing or not brushing their child's teeth: a qualitative study
Authors: Trubey Rob J. , Moore Simon C. , Chestnutt Ivor G.
Published: April 2013

Background

Despite recent improvements in oral health, dental caries remains a significant source of morbidity for young children. Research has shown that regular toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste reduces the risk of dental caries, but the factors that influence parental decisions about whether or not to brush their infant children's teeth at home are poorly understood.

Aim

To develop an in‐depth understanding of the issues that parents face from socio‐economically deprived areas when trying to brush their young children's teeth at home.

Design

Fifteen parents of children aged 3–6 years took part in semi‐structured telephone interviews, discussing factors relating to brushing their child's teeth at home. Thematic analysis was used to develop three themes.

Results

Parents discussed the difficulty of brushing their children's teeth in the evening, due to changing day‐to‐day routines, and the subsequent difficulty of forming a toothbrushing habit. Motivating factors for brushing children's teeth were largely short term. Satisfaction with brushing frequency was influenced more by perceptions of how often other parents brushed children's teeth than by the ‘twice a day’ norm or health outcomes.

Conclusion

Results are discussed in relation to research and theories from the psychology and behavioural economics literature, and comparisons are drawn with assumptions inherent in more traditional oral health promotion messages.
OF BUREAUCRATS AND PASSIONATE PUBLIC MANAGERS: INSTITUTIONAL LOGICS, EXECUTIVE IDENTITIES, AND PUBLIC SERVICE MOTIVATION
Authors: MEYER RENATE E. , EGGER‐PEITLER ISABELL , HÖLLERER MARKUS A. , HAMMERSCHMID GERHARD
Published: April 2013

Over recent decades, a number of managerial reform initiatives in continental Europe have aimed at moving away from the traditional Weberian model of public administration. Such shifting bases of legitimacy are brought about by changes in the institutional logics in place, which not only provide frames of reference but also social identities and vocabularies of motive for the actors in the field. In this article, we approach the expanding research on public service motivation (PSM) by employing an institutional prism. Based on an executive survey in a continental European context, we examine the assumption that highPSMis associated with the traditional ethos and social identity in the public sector. What we find is that a Weberian legalistic‐bureaucratic logic supports neither a high attraction to policy‐making nor a high level of compassion. A managerial orientation, on the other hand, entails significantly higher scores on these two dimensions, as well as on overallPSM.
Le travail dans les accords de préférence commerciale: état des lieux et perspectives
Authors: SIROËN Jean‐Marc
Published: April 2013

Alors même que l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) et le Cycle de développement de Doha laissent à l'OIT le soin de traiter les questions relatives au travail, cet article montre que les pays les plus actifs dans la conclusion d'accords de préférence commerciale incluent des dispositions sociales plus ou moins contraignantes. Les sanctions sont peu utilisées et le caractère protectionniste des «clauses sociales» n'est pas avéré. Ces clauses répondent à des objectifs divers et parfois contradictoires qui appellent différentes mesures qui s'orientent vers la promotion du renforcement des pratiques et la promotion du travail décent. L'auteur émet un certain nombre de suggestions à cet égard.
Grassland connectivity by motor vehicles and grazing livestock
Authors: Auffret Alistair G. , Cousins Sara A. O.
Published: April 2013

In addition to habitat loss and fragmentation, agricultural change has led to a change in seed dispersal processes in the rural landscape through a loss of structural and functional connectivity. Here, human‐mediated dispersal vectors are prevalent, and we explored whether the loss of connectivity via free‐ranging livestock could be mitigated by the increase in roads and motor vehicles. We found that structurally, 39% of all valuable semi‐natural grassland habitats in southern Sweden are adjacent to public road verges, which in the rural landscape are often considered to be suitable habitat for grassland species. Additionally, by collecting mud attached to cars and farming machinery and manure from livestock (cattle, horse, sheep) grazing semi‐natural grassland pasture, we found that motor vehicles are also capable seed dispersers. A similar number of species were dispersed by both vectors, although the composition of samples was quite different. Motor vehicles dispersed more grassland specialists than invasive species, although in much lower abundances than did grazing livestock. Despite these differences, motor vehicles were found to be able to disperse species with the same kinds of dispersal traits as livestock. A high number of seeds, species and specialists in manure samples means that greater movement of livestock is desirable to increase functional grassland connectivity. However, effective management could improve the suitability of roadsides as grassland corridors and increase the availability of seeds for long‐distance human‐mediated dispersal via cars and tractors. Our results suggest that in many rural landscapes, connectivity by road networks could help mediate habitat loss and fragmentation of grasslands. However, such effects can be context dependent, and the connectivity provided by roads could have serious negative consequences in other regions.
Testosterone replacement therapy does not promote priapism in hypogonadal men with sickle cell disease: 12‐month safety report
Authors: Morrison B. F. , Reid M. , Madden W. , Burnett A. L.
Published: April 2013

Hypogonadism, which is highly prevalent in men with sickle cell disease (SCD), affects quality of life and causes great morbidity. The safety of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in SCD in relation to priapism episodes is relatively unknown. Our aim was to monitor the safety of TRT in a cohort of seven hypogonadal men with SCD. Testosterone undecanoate (Nebido) 1 g was administered intramuscularly to adult men with homozygous SCD (Hb SS) having hypogonadism [serum total testosterone ≤12.0 nmol/L (346 ng/dL), reference range 12.5–38.1 nmol/L (360–1098 ng/dL)] for 12 months. Serum total testosterone, haemoglobin, haematocrit, renal and liver function tests, glucose and PSA measurements were done at baseline and 12‐month follow‐up. Trough serum total testosterone, haemoglobin and haematocrit were measured three monthly. Priapism events and adverse drug events were assessed every 3 months. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Androgen Deficiency in the Ageing Male (ADAM) and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaires were administered at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Seven men with a mean age of 34.4 years were treated. Median total testosterone increased from 10.6 to 11.2 nmol/L (p = 0.46). Median serum lactate dehydrogenase levels decreased from 1445 to 1143.5 IU/L (p < 0.05), while all other laboratory indices remained stable. Injection site pain was the most frequently reported adverse event, with no increases in painful crises, hypersensitivity or oedema. After TRT, there was no significant increase in priapism frequency. Median questionnaire scores were increased for the IIEF (46–68, p = 0.018), reduced for ADAM (5.0–2.0, p = 0.016) and unchanged for WHOQOL (98–103, p = 0.086). TRT using testosterone undecanoate with eugonadal intent for hypogonadism appears to be safe in men with SCD. This treatment does not appear to promote priapism occurrences and rather it possibly improves sexual function. Future prospective evaluations in larger groups of hypogonadal men with SCD are necessary to confirm these findings.
Conductivity, Dielectric Loss, and Electrical Heterogeneous Microstructure of Eight‐Layer Twinned Hexagonal Perovskite Ceramics Ba8CuTa6O24−δ
Authors: Yu Xiaodi , Chai Shiqiang , Kuang Xiaojun , Su Congxue , Pan Fengjuan , Fang Liang , Su Qiang
Published: April 2013

Ba8CuTa6O24−δ ceramics possess exceptionally high microwave dielectric loss among the eight‐layer twinned hexagonal perovskite Ba8MTa6O24 (M = Zn, Co, Ni, Mg, Cu) analogs. Impedance spectroscopy measurement demonstrates that the eight‐layer Ba8CuTa6O24−δ ceramics show the electrical heterogeneous microstructure, consisting of leaky insulating grains and more resistive grain boundary regions. This induced internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) effects on Ba8CuTa6O24−δ ceramics. The heterogeneous electrical microstructure is associated with partial reduction of Cu2+ to Cu+ and oxygen loss during the sintering procedure and limited reoxidization along grain boundary regions on cooling. The existence of Cu+ in Ba8CuTa6O24−δ ceramic is confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement. The leaky insulating bulk property for the Ba8CuTa6O24−δ ceramics is compared with the highly insulating bulk behavior of other low dielectric loss analogs, which indicates that the significant defects of Cu+ and oxygen vacancies are responsible for the high microwave dielectric loss of the Ba8CuTa6O24−δ ceramics.
Stories of chronic kidney disease: listening for the unsayable
Authors: Makaroff Kara L. Schick , Sheilds Laurene , Molzahn Anita
Published: April 2013

Aims

To explore individuals' stories of chronic kidney disease, particularly those aspects of experience that are difficult to discuss using language (i.e. unsayable).

Background

Chronic kidney disease is continuous, but it is also life‐threatening and sometimes people ask difficult questions about life and death that can be challenging and for some, impossible to discuss. These ‘unsayables’ are the focus of this article. The unsayable may reside both within and beyond language. Careful analysis of narratives of illness for sayable and unsayable aspects of the experience can help illuminate new areas of concern for people with chronic kidney disease.

Design

Narrative inquiry, located in a social constructionist framework, guided this study.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was conducted with 46 in‐depth interviews (collected between 2008–2011) with 14 people living with chronic kidney disease.

Findings

Through narrative thematic analysis, we identify that the unsayable includes the following five themes: living with death, embodied experiences that were difficult to language, that which was unthinkable, unknowable mystery and that which was untold/unheard. Whereas the first four themes attend to that which is unsayable for people living with chronic kidney disease, the last theme acknowledges that which is unsayable to people living with chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion

Not all experiences of illness can be explicitly articulated in language. Listening for both the sayable and unsayable aspects of life with chronic and life‐threatening illness is an important nursing role.
Re‐examining definitions of spirituality in nursing research
Authors: Reinert Katia Garcia , Koenig Harold G.
Published: April 2013

Aim

To discuss the definition of spirituality and its limitations for nursing research. It proposes a definition that will capture more accurately the role of spirituality in health outcomes.

Background

Studies have increasingly examined spirituality in nursing research as a coping mechanism attenuating the negative impact of traumatic stress on mental health. Existing definitions of spirituality in nursing research include elements of positive emotional states (meaning, purpose, general well‐being) which confound mental health outcomes.

Data sources

Medline andCINAHLdatabases were searched from 2007–2011 for research articles examining spirituality definitions and measures used by nurse researchers.

Discussion

An analysis of the definitions of spirituality in nursing research reveals inconsistencies and confounding mental health concepts. The authors propose defining spirituality in the context of religious involvement when conducting research, while using a broader definition of spirituality when providing spiritual care. They argue such definition provides a more appropriate method of measuring this concept in research aimed at evaluating mental health outcomes while preserving the currently used patient‐defined definition of spirituality when providing spiritual care.

Nursing implications

A consistent definition of spirituality in nursing research evaluating mental health outcomes, distinct from ‘spiritual care’ in a clinical setting, is essential to avoid tautological results that are meaningless. Appropriate definitions will enable nursing researchers to more clearly identify resilience mechanisms and improved health outcomes in those exposed to traumatic stress.

Conclusion

A definition of spirituality that focuses on religious involvement provides a more uniform and consistent measure for evaluating mental health outcomes in nursing research.
The challenges of long‐distance relationships: the effects of psychological distance between service provider and consumer on the efforts to recover from service failure
Authors: Lii Yuan‐Shuh , Chien Charles S. , Pant Anurag , Lee Monle
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a model of the effects of recovery level in terms of distributive, procedural, and interactional dimensions on consumer attitudes (satisfaction and trust) and their subsequent effects on behavioral intentions. Service medium (online and offline) is considered as a moderating variable in the perspective of psychological distance. Findings reveal that the effects of recovery levels on satisfaction and trust are greater in the offline medium than in the online medium. Moreover, in both low and high recovery situations, offline customers are more satisfied and have higher levels of trust than do online customers. As expected, satisfaction with service recovery plays a pivotal role in enhancing customer's trust and behavioral intentions.
Dimensional alterations of extraction sites after different alveolar ridge preservation techniques – a volumetric study
Authors: Thalmair Tobias , Fickl Stefan , Schneider David , Hinze Marc , Wachtel Hannes
Published: April 2013

Objectives

The aim of this randomized controlled clinical study was to assess soft tissue contour changes after different alveolar ridge preservation procedures.

Material and Methods

Following tooth extraction, 30 patients were randomly assigned to the following treatments (Tx) ‐ Tx 1: xenogenic bone substitute (pre‐hydrated collagenated cortico‐cancellous porcine bone) and free gingival graft; Tx 2: free gingival graft alone; Tx 3: xenogenic bone substitute; Tx 4: no further treatment (control). Impressions were obtained before tooth extraction (baseline) and 4 months after surgery. Cast models were optically scanned, digitally superimposed and horizontal measurements of the contour alterations between time points were performed using digital imaging analysis.

Results

All groups displayed contour shrinkage at the buccal aspect ranging from a mean horizontal reduction of −0.8 ± 0.5 mm (Tx 1) to −2.3 ± 1.1 mm (control). Statistically significant differences were found between Tx 1 and Tx 4 as well as Tx 2 and Tx 4. A significant positive influence of the free gingival graft on the maintenance of the ridge width was recorded (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In this study, alveolar ridge preservation techniques were not able to entirely compensate for alveolar ridge reduction. Covering the orifice of the extraction socket with a free gingival tissue graft seems to have the potential to limit but not avoid the post‐operative external contour shrinkage based on optical scans.
Do weaver ants affect arthropod diversity and the natural‐enemy‐to‐pest ratio in horticultural systems?
Authors: Peng R. , Christian K.
Published: April 2013

High biodiversity is an important component of sustainable agricultural systems, and previous studies have found that increases in the diversity of the natural enemies of pests are associated with decreases in pest populations. Weaver ants are well known for their highly territorial and aggressive behaviour and for their control efficiency of many insect pests in tropical crop trees. Because of this, the ants have been used as a key component in integrated pest management (IPM) programmes for tropical crop trees. In implementing the IPM programmes, we received a number of enquiries related to whether weaver ants have negative effects on arthropod diversity and other natural enemies in orchard systems due to their aggressive behaviour. To answer these questions, we regularly sampled canopy arthropods in cashew and mango orchards in the Northern Territory of Australia in 1996, 2002 and 2003. We sampled, using a vacuum sampler, orchards with and without weaver ants. Cashew and mango plots with abundant weaver ants had similar or higher canopy arthropod and natural enemy diversity and similar ratios of natural enemies to insect pests, compared with plot where the weaver ant was absent. The study also showed that the application of insecticides reduced arthropod diversity and the ratio of natural enemies to insect pests in a mango orchard. However, insecticide spray did not affect natural enemy diversity and abundance, which may be related to a high immigration rate of natural enemies in small plots surrounded by areas that were not sprayed.
A targeted method for standardized assessment of adverse drug events in surgical patients
Authors: de Boer Monica , Kiewiet Jordy J. S. , Boeker Eveline B. , Ramrattan Maya A. , Dijkgraaf Marcel G. W. , Lie‐A‐Huen Loraine , Boermeester Marja A. ,   SUREPILL Study Group
Published: April 2013

Objectives

This study demonstrates the development, reliability and outcome of a targeted method for standardized assessment of adverse drug events (ADEs) in surgical patients.

Methods

Initial practice evaluation of this ADE assessment method was carried out in a prospective single centre cohort study. In total, 262 electively admitted surgical patients were included. The surgical trigger tool was applied to patients’ medical records by two independent reviewers, and subsequent assessment of causality, severity and preventability of ADEs was carried out by two independent expert panels consisting of a consultant surgeon and a clinical pharmacologist. The surgical trigger tool and causality assessment method were each tested on reliability in a separate group of 50 randomly selected patients using Fleiss and Cohen's kappa statistics and percentages of agreement. Comparison of this method with an existing trigger tool method for ADEs was performed.

Results

Our surgical trigger tool contains 51 triggers. The inter‐ and intra‐rater calculations showed substantial to almost perfect levels of agreement (kappa range 0.71–0.83), with a 97.8–98.5% percentage of agreement. Fair to substantial levels of agreement were calculated for causality, severity and preventability (kappa range 0.38–0.79). The percentages of inter‐ and intra‐rater agreement were 68.9 and 70.5% for causality, 67.0 and 82.0% for severity, and both 98.4% for preventability, respectively. Compared with the existing trigger tool method for ADEs, we found an additional 363 triggers, 18 ADEs (an extra 20%) and 3 preventable ADEs in our surgical cohort.

Conclusions

This targeted trigger tool for standardized assessment of ADEs in surgical patients shows excellent agreement between reviewers. The assessment of medication‐related harm had acceptable agreement. Compared with an existing ADE trigger tool method, the present method found almost 20% extra ADEs. This method can be a useful alternative to existing trigger tool methods, in particular to assess medication safety in surgical patients.
Vitamin D intake and dietary sources in a representative sample of Spanish adults
Authors: González‐Rodríguez L. G. , Estaire P. , Peñas‐Ruiz C. , Ortega R. M. ,   UCM Research Group VALORNUT (920030)
Published: April 2013

Background

Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone mineralisation and its deficiency is associated with several chronic diseases. Some studies have reported a deficient status of vitamin D in Spanish and European population. The present study aimed to assess vitamin D intake, dietary sources of this nutrient and its adequacy with respect to the dietary reference intakes (DRI) in a representative sample of Spanish adults.

Methods

Four hundred and eighteen adults (aged 18–60 years) from 15 Spanish provinces were studied. They constituted a representative sample of the Spanish adult population. Energy and nutrient intake were determined using a 24‐h dietary recall questionnaire for two consecutive days. Vitamin D intake was compared with the DRI for this vitamin.

Results

Mean (SD) vitamin D intake was 3.5 (4.0) μg day–1 (69.5% of the DRI). Of the participants studied, 81.6% had vitamin D intakes below the DRI and 68.7% had intakes below 67% of the DRI. Of the vitamin D, 91.4% came from food sources and 8.6% came from dietary supplements. The main food sources of vitamin D were fish, eggs, dairy products, cereals, oils and meat. In addition, those subjects who met the DRI for vitamin D had a higher consumption of fish, vegetables and fruits and a lower consumption of meats than those subjects who did not meet the DRI.

Conclusions

Vitamin D intake was inadequate in the sample of the adult Spanish population. Therefore, an increase in the consumption of oily fish, as well as fortified dairy products and cereals, might help to improve vitamin D intake.
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) attend typically to faces and objects presented within their picture communication systems
Authors: Gillespie‐Smith K. , Riby D. M. , Hancock P. J. B. , Doherty‐Sneddon G.
Published: April 2013

Background

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may require interventions for communication difficulties. One type of intervention is picture communication symbols which are proposed to improve comprehension of linguistic input for children with ASD. However, atypical attention to faces and objects is widely reported across the autism spectrum for several types of stimuli.

Method

In this study we used eye‐tracking methodology to explore fixation duration and time taken to fixate on the object and face areas within picture communication symbols. Twenty‐one children with ASD were compared with typically developing matched groups.

Results

Children with ASD were shown to have similar fixation patterns on face and object areas compared with typically developing matched groups.

Conclusions

It is proposed that children with ASD attend to the images in a manner that does not differentiate them from typically developing individuals. Therefore children with and without autism have the same opportunity to encode the available information. We discuss what this may imply for interventions using picture symbols.
Commentary on Studying Circular Questioning “In Situ”
Authors: Chenail Ronald J.
Published: April 2013

In their discursive study of circular questioning in a systemic family therapy session, the authors raise some interesting perspectives on the original Milan therapy team's guidelines for the therapist as the conductor of therapy. By emphasizing circularity from a discourse point of view, they suggest these guidelines can be used to help family members hypothesize about their own perspectives on themselves and the other family members in circular terms, and, drawing upon Cecchin's notion of neutrality, by creating a state of curiosity in their talk and maybe in their minds. Their emphasis on circularity also helps us to become more sensitive to ways in which the natural recursion in language can help us to appreciate the new guiding lines circular questions can suggest with previously spoken elements. If we follow this line of argument, then circular questions can be seen as a critical part of a therapy we can call recursive family therapy in which we use the recursive element of all natural living languages to help our clients to recursively change their language and lives naturally.
Application of Fourier transform‐second‐harmonic generation imaging to the rat cervix
Authors: LAU T.Y. , SANGHA H.K. , CHIEN E.K. , MCFARLIN B.L. , WAGONER JOHNSON A.J. , TOUSSAINT K.C.
Published: April 2013

We present the application of Fourier transform‐second‐harmonic generation (FT‐SHG) imaging to evaluate the arrangement of collagen fibers in five nonpregnant rat cervices. Tissue slices from the mid‐cervix and near the external orifice of the cervix were analyzed in both two‐dimensions (2D) and three‐dimensions (3D). We validate that the cervical microstructure can be quantitatively assessed in three dimensions using FT‐SHG imaging and observe collagen fibers oriented both in and out‐of‐plane in the outermost and the innermost layers, which cannot be observed using 2D FT‐SHG analysis alone. This approach has the potential to be a clinically applicable method for measuring progressive changes in collagen organization during cervical remodeling in humans.
The role of lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein in innate immunity: a revisit and its relevance to oral/periodontal health
Authors: Ding P.‐H. , Jin L.J.
Published: April 2013

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐binding protein (LBP) functions as an acute phase protein and plays a key role in the innate immune response to bacterial challenge. It is a potential acute‐phase biomarker in monitoring the progress of severe sepsis, infectious endocarditis and cardiovascular disease. LBP is mainly synthesized in hepatocytes and generates binding of bacteria and/or their products such as LPS to cell surface receptors, thereby initiating an innate host response. Interestingly, LBP has a dual role depending on its relatively low or high concentrations, and augments or downregulates the innate host defense accordingly. Emerging evidence indicates that LBP can be produced by non‐hepatocytes, including respiratory type II epithelial cells, intestinal epithelial cells and human gingival epithelia. These findings suggest that LBP formation at extrahepatic cells may be crucial in containing microbial in situ challenge constantly, critically contributing to tissue homeostasis. This review provides an update on the characteristics and novel functions of LBP as well as its gene polymorphisms and potential use as a biomarker in assessing common infectious and inflammatory diseases such as periodontal disease. This paper highlights the expression profiles of LBP in human oral/gingival cells, how its expression could be modulated by periodontopathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, as well as the relevant regulation mechanisms and signaling pathways involved. The critical roles of LBP in periodontal homeostasis and perspectives for its clinical application are discussed.
Comparison of 2 Retrieval Devices for Heartworm Removal in 52 Dogs with Heavy Worm Burden
Authors: Yoon W.K. , Choi R. , Lee S.G. , Hyun C.
Published: April 2013

Background

For treating dogs with heavy heartworm infection, mechanical removal using various retrieval devices is useful. However, the efficacy and safety of retrieval devices have rarely been studied.

Hypothesis

Catheter‐based heartworm removal using 2 retrieval devices (basket and tripod grasping forceps) is efficient and safe for treating dogs with heavy worm burden.

Animals

Fifty‐two client‐owned dogs with heavy (Class III and IV) worm burden.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 52 dogs, using a catheter‐based heartworm removal approach using 2 types of retrieval devices (ie, the basket and the tripod grasping forceps). The efficacy and complications associated with the 2 devices were assessed.

Results

The basket device was used on 22 of the study group dogs, and the tripod grasping forceps was used on 30 of the dogs. The postoperative survival rate was 95.5% for the basket device and 80% for the tripod grasping forceps, but the difference was not statistically significant. The worm number captured per attempt was 3.5 ± 1.7 using the basket device and 1.9 ± 0.85 for the tripod grasping forceps (P < .05). Various complications associated with heartworm removal were noticed with both retrieval devices.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study suggests that catheter‐based heartworm removal is not only a relatively safe and efficient therapeutic method in dogs with heavy worm burden, but more efficient using the basket device. Our data do not indicate a clear safety advantage between the 2 devices evaluated, although the survival rate was numerically higher in dogs undergoing a basket intervention.
Effect of Endoscopic Forceps on Quality of Duodenal Mucosal Biopsy in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Goutal‐Landry C.M. , Mansell J. , Ryan K.A. , Gaschen F.P.
Published: April 2013

Background

Limited data exist regarding influence of endoscopic forceps on duodenal mucosal biopsy quality and adequacy for histologic examination/assessment in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Hypothesizing that larger forceps would procure superior specimens, we evaluated effect of 6 disposable forceps on duodenal biopsy weight, depth, crush artifact, and adequacy for histologic examination/assessment.

Animals

Seventeen healthy adult dogs.

Methods

Prospective study. Two operators each obtained 4 duodenal specimens from each dog with each forceps. Lightest sample discarded. One pathologist evaluated blindly other 3 specimens. A total of 612 specimens evaluated. Results analyzed by one‐way ANOVA of forceps effects with dog as blocking factor. Posthoc pairwise comparisons examined with Tukey's test when indicated.

Results

Biopsies performed with large capacity forceps heavier (10.56 ± 0.90 and 11.6 ± 0.62 mg (mean ± SD) versus 5.55 ± 0.53 to 8.61 ± 0.49; P < .0001) and adequacy for histologic examination/assessment superior to standard oval and ‘pediatric’ (scores 2.52 ± 0.41 and 2.58 ± 0.37 versus 2.08 ± 0.33 and 2.14 ± 0.29; P < .0001). No statistically significant difference in depth scores. Large capacity forceps with spike associated with less crush artifact than all smaller forceps (scores 1.19 ± 0.16 versus 1.38 ± 0.21 to 1.52 ± 0.21; P < .0001). In same size forceps, presence of spike had no effect on crush artifact and adequacy for histologic examination/assessment (P < .0001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Large capacity forceps are superior, providing higher quality and greater numbers of samples achieving adequacy for histologic examination/assessment. Choice of endoscopic biopsy forceps for duodenal samples influences sample volume and diagnostic utility.
Visceral hypersensitivity in female but not in male serotonin transporter knockout rats
Authors: Galligan J. J. , Patel B. A. , Schneider S. P. , Wang H. , Zhao H. , Novotny M. , Bian X. , Kabeer R. , Fried D. , Swain G. M.
Published: April 2013

Background

Visceral hypersensitivity occurs in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly in women. Serotonin signaling, including reduced serotonin transporter (SERT) expression, may be disrupted in IBS patients. We studied SERT gene knockout (KO) rats to determine if they exhibited sex‐related alterations in visceral sensitivity.

Methods

We measured serotonin in the colonic mucosa using HPLC and amperometric microelectrode techniques. Visceral sensitivity was assessed using the electromyographic visceromotor response (VMR) in response to colorectal balloon distention (CRD). We studied the electrophysiologic properties of colon projecting sensory neurons in vitro using whole‐cell recordings.

Key Results

Mucosal serotonin levels were not different among male and female WT and SERT KO rats. Serotonin oxidation currents in vitro were larger (P < 0.05) in tissues from male and female SERT KO compared with WT rats. Oxidation currents in male and female WT, but not SERT KO, rats were increased (P < 0.05) by the SERT inhibitor fluoxetine (1 μmol L−1). The VMR to CRD was increased in female but not in male SERT KO rats (P < 0.05); this response varied with the estrous cycle. Colon projecting sensory neurons from female SERT KO rats fired more action potentials compared with neurons from female WT rats. There were no differences in action potential firing in neurons from male WT and SERT KO rats.

Conclusions & Inferences

Increased colonic extracellular serotonin in female SERT KO rats is associated with visceral hypersensitivity and hyperexcitability of colon projecting sensory neurons. The SERT KO rat is a model for studying interactions between serotonin, sex and visceral sensation.
By what mechanism does ondansetron inhibit colonic migrating motor complexes: does it require endogenous serotonin in the gut wall?
Authors: Spencer N. J. , Nicholas S. J. , Sia T. C. , Staikopoulos V. , Kyloh M. , Beckett E. A.
Published: April 2013

Background

5‐HT3 antagonists, such as ondansetron (Zofran), retard colonic transit and provide effective relief of symptoms of chronic diarrhea and diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the mechanism by which ondansetron retards transit is unclear. What is clear is that the frequency of colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) is reduced by ondansetron, which could account for reduced transit. Our aim was to determine whether an acute depletion of 5‐HT from enteric neurons would inhibit spontaneous CMMCs; and determine whether the sensitivity of ondansetron to reduce CMMC frequency would change in a 5‐HT‐depleted preparation.

Methods

Mice were injected with reserpine, 24 h prior to euthanasia to deplete neuronally synthesized 5‐HT. Mechanical recordings were made from proximal and mid‐distal regions of isolated whole mouse colon. Immunohistochemical staining for 5‐HT was used to detect neuronal 5‐HT.

Key Results

Reserpine depleted all detectable 5‐HT from enteric nerves. In whole colons, with mucosa and submucosal plexus removed, the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous CMMCs was not different between groups treated with or without reserpine. Surprisingly, in mucosa and submucosal plexus‐free preparations, ondansetron was equally or significantly more effective at inhibiting CMMC frequency compared with control preparations (containing 5‐HT). Reserpine pretreatment had no effect on the sensitivity of ondansetron to inhibit CMMCs.

Conclusions & Inferences

Endogenous 5‐HT in enteric neurons (or the mucosa) is not required for the spontaneous generation or propagation of CMMCs. Furthermore, the primary mechanism by which ondansetron inhibits CMMC frequency is not mediated via the mucosa, submucosal plexus or 5‐HT in myenteric neurons.
Elevated CO2 spurs reciprocal positive effects between a plant virus and an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus
Authors: Rúa Megan A. , Umbanhowar James , Hu Shuijin , Burkey Kent O. , Mitchell Charles E.
Published: April 2013

Plants form ubiquitous associations with diverse microbes. These interactions range from parasitism to mutualism, depending partly on resource supplies that are being altered by global change. While many studies have considered the separate effects of pathogens and mutualists on their hosts, few studies have investigated interactions among microbial mutualists and pathogens in the context of global change.

Using two wild grass species as model hosts, we grew individual plants under ambient or elevated CO2, and ambient or increased soil phosphorus (P) supply. Additionally, individuals were grown with or without arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculum, and after 2 wk, plants were inoculated or mock‐inoculated with a phloem‐restricted virus.

Under elevated CO2, mycorrhizal association increased the titer of virus infections, and virus infection reciprocally increased the colonization of roots by mycorrhizal fungi. Additionally, virus infection decreased plant allocation to root biomass, increased leaf P, and modulated effects of CO2 and P addition on mycorrhizal root colonization.

These results indicate that plant mutualists and pathogens can alter each other's success, and predict that these interactions will respond to increased resource availability and elevated CO2. Together, our findings highlight the importance of interactions among multiple microorganisms for plant performance under global change.