bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot-wave theory and quantum fields
Authors: Struyve Ward
Published: September 2010

Pilot-wave theories provide possible solutions to the measurement problem. In such theories, quantum systems are not only described by the state vector but also by some additional variables. These additional variables, also called beables, can be particle positions, field configurations, strings, etc. In this paper we focus our attention on pilot-wave theories in which the additional variables are field configurations. The first such theory was proposed by Bohm for the free electromagnetic field. Since Bohm, similar pilot-wave theories have been proposed for other quantum fields. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview and further development of these proposals. We discuss various bosonic quantum field theories such as the Schrödinger field, the free electromagnetic field, scalar quantum electrodynamics and the Abelian Higgs model. In particular, we compare the pilot-wave theories proposed by Bohm and by Valentini for the electromagnetic field, finding that they are equivalent. We further discuss the proposals for fermionic fields by Holland and Valentini. In the case of Holland's model we indicate that further work is required in order to show that the model is capable of reproducing the standard quantum predictions. We also consider a similar model, which does not seem to reproduce the standard quantum predictions. In the case of Valentini's model we point out a problem that seems hard to overcome.
An Outer Arm Dynein Conformational Switch Is Required for Metachronal Synchrony of Motile Cilia in Planaria
Authors: Rompolas Panteleimon , Patel-King Ramila S. , King Stephen M.
Published: September 2010

Motile cilia mediate the flow of mucus and other fluids across the surface of specialized epithelia in metazoans. Efficient clearance of peri-ciliary fluids depends on the precise coordination of ciliary beating to produce metachronal waves. The role of individual dynein motors and the mechanical feedback mechanisms required for this process are not well understood. Here we used the ciliated epithelium of the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea to dissect the role of outer arm dynein motors in the metachronal synchrony of motile cilia. We demonstrate that animals that completely lack outer dynein arms display a significant decline in beat frequency and an inability of cilia to coordinate their oscillations and form metachronal waves. Furthermore, lack of a key mechanosensitive regulatory component (LC1) yields a similar phenotype even though outer arms still assemble in the axoneme. The lack of metachrony was not due simply to a decrease in ciliary beat frequency, as reducing this parameter by altering medium viscosity did not affect ciliary coordination. In addition, we did not observe a significant temporal variability in the beat cycle of impaired cilia. We propose that this conformational switch provides a mechanical feedback system within outer arm dynein that is necessary to entrain metachronal synchrony.
First Report of Pathogenicity of Fusarium sporotrichioides and Fusarium acuminatum on Sunflowers in the United States
Authors: Mathew F. , Kirkeide B. , Gulya T. , Markell S.
Published: September 2010

Widespread infection of charcoal rot was observed in a commercial sunflower field in Minnesota in September 2009. Based on morphology, isolates were identified as F. sporotrichioides and F. acuminatum. Koch's postulates demonstrated pathogencity of both species. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. sporotrichoides and F. acuminatum causing disease on Helianthus annuus L. in the United States.

Accepted for publication 23 August 2010. Published 15 September 2010.
Observational learning in orangutan cultural transmission chains
Authors: Dindo Marietta , Stoinski Tara , Whiten Andrew
Published: September 2010

Field reports suggest that orangutans acquire local traditions by observing neighbouring conspecifics. However, there is little direct evidence of social learning to support this conclusion. The present study investigated whether orangutans would learn a novel foraging method through observation of a conspecific in a diffusion-chain paradigm testing for the spread of the behaviour. A foraging box with two possible methods for extracting food was used to investigate the transmission of a foraging tradition among zoo-living subjects. In a socially housed group of five orangutans, the dominant male was trained to use one technique exclusively to retrieve food. He then performed this technique in the presence of another group member, who was then allowed to forage. After several trials, the observer became the model for the next individual. A second experimental group of six individuals was introduced to the alternative method. The model-seeded technique was successfully transmitted along both experimental chains, with significant preferences for the model method. These results are consistent with claims for social transmission of foraging methods in wild orangutans.
Human endothelial stem/progenitor cells, angiogenic factors and vascular repair
Authors: Watt Suzanne M. , Athanassopoulos Athanasios , Harris Adrian L. , Tsaknakis Grigorios
Published: September 2010

Neovascularization or new blood vessel formation is of utmost importance not only for tissue and organ development and for tissue repair and regeneration, but also for pathological processes, such as tumour development. Despite this, the endothelial lineage, its origin, and the regulation of endothelial development and function either intrinsically from stem cells or extrinsically by proangiogenic supporting cells and other elements within local and specific microenvironmental niches are still not fully understood. There can be no doubt that for most tissues and organs, revascularization represents the holy grail for tissue repair, with autologous endothelial stem/progenitor cells, their proangiogenic counterparts and the products of these cells all being attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Historically, a great deal of controversy has surrounded the identification and origin of cells and factors that contribute to revascularization, the use of such cells or their products as biomarkers to predict and monitor tissue damage and repair or tumour progression and therapeutic responses, and indeed their efficacy in revascularizing and repairing damaged tissues. Here, we will review the role of endothelial progenitor cells and of supporting proangiogenic cells and their products, principally in humans, as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for wound repair and tissue regeneration.
Selective pressures for accurate altruism targeting: evidence from digital evolution for difficult-to-test aspects of inclusive fitness theory
Authors: Clune Jeff , Goldsby Heather J. , Ofria Charles , Pennock Robert T.
Published: September 2010

Inclusive fitness theory predicts that natural selection will favour altruist genes that are more accurate in targeting altruism only to copies of themselves. In this paper, we provide evidence from digital evolution in support of this prediction by competing multiple altruist-targeting mechanisms that vary in their accuracy in determining whether a potential target for altruism carries a copy of the altruist gene. We compete altruism-targeting mechanisms based on (i) kinship (kin targeting), (ii) genetic similarity at a level greater than that expected of kin (similarity targeting), and (iii) perfect knowledge of the presence of an altruist gene (green beard targeting). Natural selection always favoured the most accurate targeting mechanism available. Our investigations also revealed that evolution did not increase the altruism level when all green beard altruists used the same phenotypic marker. The green beard altruism levels stably increased only when mutations that changed the altruism level also changed the marker (e.g. beard colour), such that beard colour reliably indicated the altruism level. For kin- and similarity-targeting mechanisms, we found that evolution was able to stably adjust altruism levels. Our results confirm that natural selection favours altruist genes that are increasingly accurate in targeting altruism to only their copies. Our work also emphasizes that the concept of targeting accuracy must include both the presence of an altruist gene and the level of altruism it produces.
Sharks that pass in the night: using Geographical Information Systems to investigate competition in the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway
Authors: Myers Corinne E. , Lieberman Bruce S.
Published: September 2010

One way the effects of both ecology and environment on species can be observed in the fossil record is as changes in geographical distribution and range size. The prevalence of competitive interactions and species replacements in the fossil record has long been investigated and many evolutionary perspectives, including those of Darwin, have emphasized the importance of competitive interactions that ultimately lead one species to replace another. However, evidence for such phenomena in the fossil record is not always manifest. Here we use new quantitative analytical techniques based on Geographical Information Systems and PaleoGIS tectonic reconstructions to consider this issue in greater detail. The abundant, well-preserved fossil marine vertebrates of the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway of North America provide the component data for this study. Statistical analysis of distributional and range size changes in taxa confirms earlier ideas that the relative frequency of competitive replacement in the fossil record is limited to non-existent. It appears that typically, environmental gradients played the primary role in determining species distributions, with competitive interactions playing a more minor role.
Effects of bacterial secondary symbionts on host plant use in pea aphids
Authors: McLean A. H. C. , van Asch M. , Ferrari J. , Godfray H. C. J.
Published: September 2010

Aphids possess several facultative bacterial symbionts that have important effects on their hosts' biology. These have been most closely studied in the pea aphid (
Acyrthosiphon pisum
), a species that feeds on multiple host plants. Whether secondary symbionts influence host plant utilization is unclear. We report the fitness consequences of introducing different strains of the symbiont
Hamiltonella defensa
into three aphid clones collected on
Lathyrus pratensis
that naturally lack symbionts, and of removing symbionts from 20 natural aphid–bacterial associations. Infection decreased fitness on
Lathyrus
but not on
Vicia faba
, a plant on which most pea aphids readily feed. This may explain the unusually low prevalence of symbionts in aphids collected on
Lathyrus
. There was no effect of presence of symbiont on performance of the aphids on the host plants of the clones from which the
H. defensa
strains were isolated. Removing the symbiont from natural aphid–bacterial associations led to an average approximate 20 per cent reduction in fecundity, both on the natural host plant and on
V. faba
, suggesting general rather than plant-species-specific effects of the symbiont. Throughout, we find significant genetic variation among aphid clones. The results provide no evidence that secondary symbionts have a major direct role in facilitating aphid utilization of particular host plant species.
Evidence for the stress-linked immunocompetence handicap hypothesis in human male faces
Authors: Moore F. R. , Cornwell R. E. , Law Smith M. J. , Al Dujaili E. A. S. , Sharp M. , Perrett D. I.
Published: September 2010

The stress-linked immunocompetence handicap hypothesis (SL-ICHH) of sexual selection incorporates a role of the stress hormone corticosterone (C; cortisol in humans) in relationships between testosterone (T), immunity and secondary sexual trait expression. In support of this, C has been shown to mediate and moderate relationships between T and immune response and to be inversely related to attractiveness in some avian species. We predicted that female preferences for cues to T in human male faces would be contingent upon co-occurring cortisol levels. In study 1, we tested relationships between T and cortisol and attractiveness, masculinity and health ratings of raw male faces. We found cortisol to be inversely related to attractiveness. In study 2, we tested female preferences for male faces that were parametrically manipulated on the basis of cues to naturally co-occurring levels of T and cortisol across the menstrual cycle. Women preferred cues to low cortisol in general and in the fertile phase of the cycle, and there was an interaction between T and cortisol in general and in the non-fertile phase. Results were consistent with the SL-ICHH but not the original immunocompetence handicap model: females expressed preferences for cues to cortisol but not for cues to T, except in interaction with the stress hormone. Results inform the SL-ICHH by demonstrating female preferences for low cortisol and the nature of its interaction with T in humans, as well as indicating the traits that may be signalled by different combinations of the hormones including immune response, current health and resource acquisition characteristics.
Components Acting Downstream of Short Day Perception Regulate Differential Cessation of Cambial Activity and Associated Responses in Early and Late Clones of Hybrid Poplar
Authors: Resman Lars , Howe Glenn , Jonsen David , Englund Madeleine , Druart Nathalie , Schrader Jarmo , Antti Henrik , Skinner Jeff , Sjödin Andreas , Chen Tony , Bhalerao Rishikesh P.
Published: September 2010

Short days (SDs) in autumn induce growth cessation, bud set, cold acclimation, and dormancy in trees of boreal and temperate forests, and these responses occur earlier in northern than in southern genotypes. Nevertheless, we know little about whether this variation results from differential perception of SDs or differential downstream responses to the SD signal or a combination of the two. We compared global patterns of SD-regulated gene expression in the stems of hybrid poplar (Populus trichocarpa × Populus deltoides) clones that differ in their SD-induced growth cessation in order to address this question. The timing of cessation of cambial cell division caused by SDs differed between the clones and was coincident with the change in the pattern of expression of the auxin-regulated genes. The clones also differed in the timing of their SD-regulated changes in the transcript abundance of genes associated with cold tolerance, starch breakdown, and storage protein accumulation. By analyzing the expression of homologs of FLOWERING LOCUS T, we demonstrated that the clones differed little in their perception of SDs under the growth conditions applied but differed substantially in the downstream responses manifested in the timing and magnitude of gene expression after SD treatment. These results demonstrate the existence of factors that act downstream of SD perception and can contribute to variation in SD-regulated adaptive photoperiodic responses in trees.
A Serpent in the Garden: Implications of Highway Development in Canada’s Niagara Fruit Belt
Authors: Hill A. Suzanne
Published: September 2010

This paper examines how long–term residents of the Niagara Fruit Belt of Ontario, Canada interpret the disappearance of prime farming land. The Queen Elizabeth Way, a highway development, is identified as one major initiative which has deeply affected the characteristics of the region and, importantly, has overshadowed perspectives of development and growth. An historical account of the development of the highway is presented to show how the event has become symbolic of urbanization and government interference. Participants in the study expressed little hope for the continuation of fruit farming in the region.
Tight Average Revenue Regulation Can Be Worse Than No Regulation
Authors: Cowan Simon G. B.
Published: September 2010

Price regulation of a multi‐market monopolist, with the cap based on average revenue, can cause welfare to be below the unregulated level. In a model with linear demands and constant but unequal marginal costs, a sufficient condition for this welfare effect is that the cap equals the average revenue that would be earned with marginal cost pricing. Relaxation of the price cap can lower all prices. Welfare with uniform pricing at the level of the price cap can be above or below the average revenue welfare level.
The Learning Curve, Predation, Antitrust, and Welfare
Authors: Cabral Luís M. B. , Riordan Michael H.
Published: September 2010

An economic definition of predation is applied to a dynamic model of duopoly competition with learning curves. It is shown that rational predation occurs in equilibrium, although below‐cost pricing is neither a necessary nor a sufficient indicator of predation. A conceptual framework for antitrust analysis of predation shows that a prohibition of predation might help or harm consumer welfare depending on details of market structure, although the informational requirements of fashioning an effective legal rule against harmful predation are formidable.
The Effects of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency Standards in the US
Authors: Goldberg Pinelopi Koujianou
Published: September 2010

This paper examines the effects of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards (CAFE) on automobile sales, prices, and fuel consumption. First a discrete choice model of automobile demand and a continuous model of vehicle utilization are estimated using micro data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey for 1984–1990. Next, the demand side model is combined with a model of oligopoly and product differentiation on the supply side. With these elements in place, the effects of the CAFE regulation are assessed through simulations, and compared to the effects of alternative policy instruments, such as an increase in gasoline tax.
Intertemporal Price Discrimination in Frictionless Durable Goods Monopolies
Authors: Kühn Kai‐Uwe
Published: September 2010

I show that small differences in quality and production costs between durables and non‐durables in a product line allow a durable goods monopolist to intertemporally price discriminate even with continuous trading. In particular, a monopolist would want to both sell and rent out a durable to achieve price discrimination. This incentive to price discriminate simultaneously creates inefficient delay in the sale of the durable good, a finite trading period and long run efficiency of the market. The Coase conjecture fails because the non‐durable good acts as an outside option that guarantees a minimum profit in the market for durables.
Informative Externalities and Pricing in Regulated Multiproduct Industries
Authors: Iossa Elisabetta
Published: September 2010

This paper addresses the issue of how to organise a two‐product industry with interdependent demands when the regulator cannot observe the demand level of the goods produced. Two industry structures are compared: a multiproduct monopoly, in which an informed firm produces both goods, and a differentiated duopoly, where two firms control one good each but the level of demand is known by one firm only. Focusing on the informative costs of regulation, the paper shows that, if goods are substitutes, the regulator may achieve a better performance through integration of production. With complements, instead, decentralisation tends to be preferred.
FOB or Uniform Delivered Prices: Strategic Choice and Welfare Effects
Authors: Zhang Mingxia , Sexton Richard J.
Published: September 2010

In spatial markets firms typically use either FOB (mill) or uniform delivered (UD) pricing. What competitive factors motivate this choice and what are the welfare implications of the choice? We study these questions in a duopsony market, where farmers with unit elastic supply curves sell to processing firms. In results that differ considerably from prior work, we show that the equilibrium price policy depends upon the extent of competition in the market, with FOB pricing emerging under very competitive structures and UD pricing emerging under less competition. Mixed FOB‐UD pricing may also emerge in equilibrium. In most cases welfare is higher under UD than FOB pricing.
Adoption of a Process Innovation with Learning‐by‐Doing: Evidence from the Semiconductor Industry
Authors: Cabral Ricardo , Leiblein Michael J.
Published: September 2010

This article analyzes the adoption of a new process technology in the global semiconductor manufacturing industry. The paper extends research on the relationship between learning‐by‐doing and technology adoption by examining the stability of learning effects across technological generations. While the results indicate that production experience with the immediately preceding technological generation is associated with a higher likelihood of adoption, we find no evidence that experience with older technologies or regional knowledge spillovers influence adoption. Finally, the results indicate that large firms and memory manufacturers have a higher likelihood of adoption than small firms and non‐memory manufacturers, respectively.
International Telecom Settlements: Gaming Incentives, Carrier Alliances and Pareto‐Superior Reform
Authors: Malueg David A. , Schwartz Marius
Published: September 2010

Liberalized countries that allow competition in international telecommunications favor traffic re‐routing practices as arbitrage against foreign monopolists. This view is seriously incomplete. Monopolists, allied with carriers in liberalized countries, can use these practices to reduce termination payments to nonalliance carriers??thereby harming also consumers in liberalized countries??by gaming regulations that require equal termination rates at both ends and ‘proportional return’ (the monopolist’s traffic is allocated among carriers in proportion to their shares of traffic to its country). We also present a simple bilateral settlements reform that eliminates gaming incentives and other proportional‐return distortions, yet benefits both countries.
Consumer Decision‐making at an Internet Shopbot: Brand Still Matters
Authors: Smith Michael D. , Brynjolfsson Erik
Published: September 2010

Internet shopbots compare prices and service levels at competing retailers, creating a laboratory for analysing consumer choice. We analyse 20,268 shopbot consumers who select various books from 33 retailers over 69 days. Although each retailer offers a homogeneous product, we find that brand is an important determinant of consumer choice. The three most heavily branded retailers hold a $1.72 price advantage over more generic retailers in head‐to‐head price comparisons. In particular, we find that consumers use brand as a proxy for retailer credibility in non‐contractible aspects of the product and service bundle, such as shipping reliability.
The unravelling of a woman's patronage of Franciscan propaganda in Rome
Authors: Heideman J
Published: September 2010

In the Franciscan church S. Maria in Aracoeli an important Counter‐Reformation vault‐painting was financed in 1565 by a woman, Flaminia Margani. Archival research establishes Flaminia as the widow of Savo Mattei, who bequeathed her his fortune, and by way of recorded lawsuits uncovers the conflicts existing in the Mattei and Margani families. A picture looms of jealousy and rivalry amidst her in‐laws, and of greed and hatred among her own family, eventually leading to her assassination. Hence, the reasons for her donation can be unravelled, based on faith and family pride. This research shows us the intertwining of public and private motivations, to which the Franciscans owe their order propaganda above the high altar, still in situ.
Relationship Characteristics and Risk of HIV Infection: Rusbult's Investment Model and Sexual Risk Behavior of Gay Men in Steady Relationships1
Authors: Davidovich Udi , De Wit John , Strobbe Wolfgang
Published: September 2010

This study examined the effects of relationship characteristics, as measured by Rusbult's (1980) investment model, on safer‐sex behavior between steady gay male partners. Analyses showed that low satisfaction with the relationship was associated with more risky unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). High commitment to the relationship was associated with more practice of negotiated safety (i.e., having safe UAI after both partners have tested negative for HIV and have reached sexual safety agreements). High relationship investment was associated with more risky UAI (borderline significant). We conclude that using relationship satisfaction, commitment, and investment as co‐determinants of sexual risk behavior could prove useful in the development of new HIV‐prevention strategies for gay men in relationships.
Direct and Indirect Strategies of Mobilization as Determinants of Social Support Provided for Cancer Patients1
Authors: Winkeler Markus , Filipp Sigrun‐Heide , Aymanns Peter
Published: September 2010

Social support must often be mobilized actively from network members by using communicative strategies. Direct strategies are characterized by communicative clearness and imply an offer of some type of relationship toward the potential support provider. This might be especially important when cancer patients portray their own coping in ruminative ways that cause distress in others. Male and female participants (N=189) read descriptions of an encounter with a cancer patient (protagonist). The directness of mobilization and the protagonist's coping portrayal were manipulated between participants. Action tendencies toward sustained support, short‐term encouragement, and the intensity of specific emotions were dependent variables. In the condition of a coping portrayal with rumination, participants showed higher tendencies toward momentary encouragement than sustained support. Explicit (compared to implicit) requests of support mostly reduced participants' fear of becoming distressed themselves and compensated the deteriorating effects of a ruminative coping portrayal on participants' sustained support.
Recruiters' Assessment and Use of Social Capital in Résumé Screening1
Authors: Nguyen Nhung T. , Allen Charles L. , Lynn Godkin R.
Published: September 2010

An experiment was conducted with undergraduate business students to investigate how human resource (HR) recruiters use social capital conceptualized as friendship between applicants and the recruiter in screening résumés. Results showed that social capital influenced recruiters' assessment of applicants above and beyond human capital. In addition, the influence of friendship ties in applicant assessment was more prominent among female HR recruiters than among male recruiters. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed in the context of employee selection.
NGRI Revisited: Venirepersons' Attitudes Toward the Insanity Defense1
Authors: Butler Brooke
Published: September 2010

Three hundred venirepersons from the 12th Judicial Circuit in Sarasota, Florida completed the following booklet of stimulus materials: one question measuring participants' level of support for insanity defense; a 16‐item measure assessing participants' attitudes toward the myths associated with the insanity defense, the legal definitions of insanity, and mental illness; a case scenario; verdict preference; and standard demographic questions. Level of support for the insanity defense was significantly related to participants' attitudes toward legal standards of insanity, mental illness, and the myths associated with the insanity defense. In addition, results indicated that level of support for the insanity defense, age, educational level, occupation, type of prior jury service, and political views were significantly related to verdict preference. Notably, three factors that have been found to impact verdict preference in previous research failed to do so in the current study: participants' experience with psychological disorders; participants' exposure to psychotropic medications; and participants' experience with psychologists or psychiatrists. The findings both replicate and extend earlier findings by suggesting that attitudes toward the insanity defense are more complex than previously imagined.
Why Don't They Demand More? Entitlement and Work Values of Religious and Secular Women and Men in Israel
Authors: Moore Dahlia
Published: September 2010

For decades researchers have shown that women earn less than men; the wages they feel entitled to are lower than men's; and they are as satisfied as men with their salaries even though they earn less. These studies show that complacency regarding wages is more prevalent among tradition‐oriented women than among “modern” women. The tendency is related to “traditional” women's work behavior: Tradition‐oriented and religious women turn to low status, female‐typed occupations, and prefer to work in part‐time jobs. They also believe that working women are worse mothers and spouses than non‐working women, but they report high work satisfaction. Secular women, on the other hand, believe they should get equal wages when working in the same occupations as men, and they are less satisfied with their pay than religious women, even though they earn more. The findings are explained in terms of Expectations States and Status Value theories.
Meta‐analysis: the effects of Saccharomyces boulardii supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication rates and side effects during treatment
Authors: Szajewska H. , Horvath A. , Piwowarczyk A.
Published: September 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 1069–1079

Background  Problems with currently recommended Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies include unsatisfactory eradication rates and/or therapy‐associated side effects.

Aim  To investigate the effects of Saccharomyces boulardii as supplementation to standard triple therapy on H. pylori eradication rates and therapy‐associated side effects.

Methods  The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched in July 2010, with no language restrictions, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs); additional references were obtained from reviewed articles.

Results  Five RCTs involving a total of 1307 participants (among them only 90 children) met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo or no intervention, S. boulardii given along with triple therapy significantly increased the eradication rate [four RCTs, n = 915, relative risk (RR) 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.21] and reduced the risk of overall H. pylori therapy‐related adverse effects (five RCTs, n = 1305, RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.3–0.7), particularly of diarrhoea (four RCTs, n = 1215, RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.32–0.69). There were no significant differences between groups in the risk of other adverse effects.

Conclusion  In patients with H. pylori infection, there is evidence to recommend the use of S. boulardii along with standard triple therapy as an option for increasing the eradication rates and decreasing overall therapy‐related side effects, particularly diarrhoea.
Colon capsule endoscopy vs. colonoscopy in patients at average or increased risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Sacher‐Huvelin S. , Coron E. , Gaudric M. , Planche L. , Benamouzig R. , Maunoury V. , Filoche B. , Frédéric M. , Saurin J.‐C. , Subtil C. , Lecleire S. , Cellier C. , Coumaros D. , Heresbach D. , Galmiche J. P.
Published: September 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 1145–1153

Background  Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a new, non‐invasive technology.

Aim  To conduct a prospective, multicentre trial to compare CCE and colonoscopy in asymptomatic subjects enrolled in screening or surveillance programmes for the detection of colorectal neoplasia.

Methods  Patients underwent CCE on day one and colonoscopy (gold standard) on day two. CCE and colonoscopy were performed by independent endoscopists.

Results  A total of 545 patients were recruited. CCE was safe and well‐tolerated. Colon cleanliness was excellent or good in 52% of cases at CCE. Five patients with cancer were detected by colonoscopy, of whom two were missed by CCE. CCE accuracy for the detection of polyps ≥6 mm was 39% (95% CI 30–48) for sensitivity, 88% (95% CI 85–91) for specificity, 47% (95% CI 37–57) for positive predictive value and 85% (95% CI 82–88) for negative predictive value. CCE accuracy was better for the detection of advanced adenoma, in patients with good or excellent cleanliness and after re‐interpretation of the CCE videos by an independent expert panel.

Conclusions  Although well‐tolerated, CCE cannot replace colonoscopy as a first line investigation for screening and surveillance of patients at risk of cancer. Further studies should pay attention to colonic preparation (Clinicaltrial.gov number NCT00436514).
A novel mutation in the connexin 26 gene (GJB2) in a child with clinical and histological features of keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness (KID) syndrome
Authors: Koppelhus U. , Tranebjærg L. , Esberg G. , Ramsing M. , Lodahl M. , Rendtorff N. D. , Olesen H. V. , Sommerlund M.
Published: September 2010

Background. Keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness (KID) syndrome is a rare congenital ectodermal disorder, caused by heterozygous missense mutation in GJB2, encoding the gap junction protein connexin 26. The commonest mutation is the p.Asp50Asn mutation, and only a few other mutations have been described to date.

Aim. To report the fatal clinical course and characterize the genetic background of a premature male neonate with the clinical and histological features of KID syndrome.

Methods. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and used for PCR amplification of the GJB2 gene. Direct sequencing was used for mutation analysis.

Results. The clinical features included hearing impairment, ichthyosiform erythroderma with hyperkeratotic plaques, palmoplantar keratoderma, alopecia of the scalp and eyelashes, and a thick vernix caseosa-like covering of the scalp. On histological analysis, features characteristic of KID syndrome, such as acanthosis and papillomatosis of the epidermis with basket-weave hyperkeratosis, were seen. The skin symptoms were treated successfully with acitretin 0.5 mg/kg. The boy developed intraventricular and intracerebral haemorrhage, leading to hydrocephalus. His condition was further complicated by septicaemia and meningitis caused by infection with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. Severe respiratory failure followed, and the child died at 46 weeks of gestational age (13 weeks postnatally). Sequencing of the GJB2 gene showed that the child was heterozygous for a novel nucleotide change, c.263C>T, in exon 2, leading to a substitution of alanine for valine at position 88 (p.Ala88Val).

Conclusions. This study has identified a new heterozygous de novo mutation in the Cx26 gene (c.263C>T; p.Ala88Val) leading to KID syndrome.
The influence of secular trend for height on ascertainment and eligibility for growth hormone treatment
Authors: Hughes Ian P. , Choong Catherine S. , Cotterill Andrew , Harris Mark , Davies Peter S. W. ,   on behalf of the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG)
Published: September 2010

Objective Assessment of short stature in many instances is based on a comparison with the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) growth curves. The secular trend for height may limit the utility of CDC data for contemporary populations. We investigate the effect of the secular trend on Australian and US populations.

Design Describe CDC‐defined height SDS distributions of contemporary populations for different ages and genders. Compare observed means and standard deviations (SDs) to expected values of 0 and 1. Compare frequency of individuals shorter than the CDC‐1st centile to those shorter than 1st centile defined empirically from the contemporary population.

Subjects Healthy Kids Queensland Survey 2006: 1686 boys, 1822 girls. Australian National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2007: 2415 boys, 2379 girls. US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006: 2160 boys, 2118 girls.

Measurements Means, SDs and normality of CDC‐defined height SDS distributions. Frequency of individuals shorter than the CDC‐1st centile and shorter than an empirically defined 1st centile.

Results In Australia, means of CDC‐defined height SDS distributions are always greater than 0 and the CDC‐1st centile identifies only the shortest 0·5% of children. Means may vary with age and occasionally between genders in contemporary populations. Normality and SDs of 1 are retained.

Conclusions The secular trend has resulted in an underestimate of the number of Australian children eligible for GH treatment using the CDC‐1st centile cut‐off. Contemporary, local data should be used to construct standards. Using the 2nd CDC centile would approximate the 1st local centile until new standards are constructed. The secular trend does not account for the gender bias in GH therapy.
A systematic review of health‐related quality of life instruments used for people with venous ulcers: an assessment of their suitability and psychometric properties
Authors: Palfreyman Simon J , Tod Angela M , Brazier John E , Michaels Jonathan A
Published: September 2010

Aims and objectives. To review the quality of life questionnaires used to measure the impact of venous ulceration and to evaluate their psychometric properties.

Background. Venous leg ulcers have a negative impact on quality of life. Health‐related quality of life can be measured using structured questionnaires. Nurses are the primary care providers for patients with venous ulceration and are ideally placed to assess and develop these types of questionnaires. There may also be an opportunity to use such quality of life instruments to measure the impact of nursing interventions in other areas where nurses are the key care providers.

Design. Systematic review.

Method. Studies were sought that used quality of life instruments to evaluate the impact of venous ulceration. Fourteen electronic bibliographical databases and 11 Internet‐based health services research related resources were searched. In addition, grey literature was sought and the reference lists of relevant articles checked. Data were extracted regarding the type of instrument used, sample, number of items and domains and psychometric performance of the instrument.

Results. The initial search identified a total of 338 potential citations. After review, a total of 31 studies were included: 17 used generic and 14 used disease‐specific instruments. Five different types of generic and seven disease‐specific instruments were identified. There was significant heterogeneity between the studies in terms of study design, aetiology of ulceration and times of assessment. The disease‐specific instruments showed limitations in relation to their applicability to venous ulcer patients because of flaws in design or validation.

Conclusions. The literature on quality of life related to venous ulceration failed to sufficiently distinguish between those with different causes of leg ulceration. There appeared to be problems with the ability of current quality of life instruments to detect changes in quality of life related to ulcer healing.

Relevance to clinical practice. There appears to be an opportunity for nurses to develop a health‐related quality of life health‐related quality of life instruments to evaluate their impact on patient outcomes. Such instruments could potentially allow nursing interventions to be assessed more effectively than the recently proposed nursing metrics.
Perceived levels of satisfaction with the preoperative assessment service experienced by patients undergoing general anaesthesia in a day surgery setting
Authors: Fraczyk Linda , Godfrey Helen
Published: September 2010

Aim and objective.  Primary aim – to explore patient satisfaction with preoperative assessment for day surgery and compare patient satisfaction between two specialties, General Surgery and Urology. Secondary aim – to compare numbers of patients being preoperatively assessed in General Surgery and Urology.

Background.  Patient‐centred care is increasingly gaining significance, and patient satisfaction is an outcome measure assuming greater importance [Department of Health (2005) Creating a Patient Led NHS. Crown Copyright, London]. There is a paucity of literature on patient satisfaction with preoperative assessment. This article reports the findings of a study investigating satisfaction levels in patients undergoing preoperative assessment for general anaesthesia in a day surgery setting.

Design.  Cross‐sectional survey using a questionnaire.

Method.  A questionnaire was distributed to General Surgery and Urology patients on their day of admission in one general hospital. The questionnaire was designed to capture data on the type of preoperative assessment received and satisfaction levels of patients’ experiences of the preoperative assessment service. The questionnaire was completed by 275 patients.

Results.  There were no significant differences in expressed satisfaction between specialties with the preoperative assessment service or the type of preoperative assessment experienced. However, more General Surgery respondents felt preoperative assessment prepared them for hospital admission than Urology respondents, a chi‐square test revealed a significant difference between the specialties (p = 0·046). Although patients expressed overall satisfaction with preoperative assessment, their responses reveal there are key issues. Several themes emerged indicating that exchange of preoperative information, a supportive attitude, anxiety and fearfulness, proceedings and aftercare are significant aspects of preoperative assessment for patients.

Conclusions.  Although there is some satisfaction, this study reveals that various aspects of this preoperative assessment service could be improved. This information will help inform future development of the preoperative assessment service.

Relevance to practice.  If preoperative assessment is to be patient centred, enjoying high levels of patient satisfaction, attention to patients’ individual needs must be a priority.
Routines and rituals: a grounded theory of the pain management of drug users in acute care settings
Authors: McCreaddie May , Lyons Imogen , Watt Debbie , Ewing Elspeth , Croft Jeanette , Smith Marion , Tocher Jennifer
Published: September 2010

Aim.  This study reviewed the perceptions and strategies of drug users and nurses with regard to pain management in acute care settings.

Background.  Drug users present unique challenges in acute care settings with pain management noted to be at best suboptimal, at worst non‐existent. Little is known about why and specifically how therapeutic effectiveness is compromised.

Design.  Qualitative: constructivist grounded theory

Method.  A constructivist grounded theory approach incorporating a constant comparative method of data collection and analysis was applied. The data corpus comprised interviews with drug users (n = 11) and five focus groups (n = 22) of nurses and recovering drug users.

Results.  Moral relativism as the core category both represents the phenomenon and explains the basic social process. Nurses and drug users struggle with moral relativism when addressing the issue of pain management in the acute care setting. Drug users lay claim to expectations of compassionate care and moralise via narration. Paradoxically, nurses report that the caring ideal and mutuality of caring are diminished. Drug users’ individual sensitivities, anxieties and felt stigma in conjunction with opioid‐induced hyperalgesia complicate the processes. Nurses’ and hospitals’ organisational routines challenge drug user rituals and vice versa leading both protagonists to become disaffected. Consequently, key clinical issues such as preventing withdrawal and managing pain are left unaddressed and therapeutic effectiveness is compromised.

Conclusion.  This study provides a robust account of nurses’ and drug users’ struggle with pain management in the acute care setting. Quick technological fixes such as urine screens, checklists or the transient effects of (cognitive‐based) education (or training) are not the answer. This study highlights the need for nurses to engage meaningfully with this perceptibly ‘difficult’ group of patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The key aspects likely to contribute to problematic interactions with this patient cohort are outlined so that they can be prevented and, or addressed.
Non‐nutritive sucking relieves pain for preterm infants during heel stick procedures in Taiwan
Authors: Liaw Jen‐Jiuan , Yang Luke , Ti Yin , Blackburn Susan Tucker , Chang Yue‐Cune , Sun Liang‐Wen
Published: September 2010

Aims. This study examined the effectiveness of non‐nutritive sucking on preterm infant pain, changes in infant behaviour and frequency of abnormal physiological signals during heel stick procedures in Taiwan.

Background. Preterm infants’ repetitive exposure to painful procedures may result in changes to brain organisation. Pain management should be a priority in neonatal care.

Design. Randomised control trial.

Methods. Preterm infants (gestational age 28·9–37 weeks) were randomised to two groups: those receiving (experimental,n = 52) or not receiving non‐nutritive sucking (control,n = 52) during heel stick procedures. Pain was measured before (for three minutes), during and after (during 10‐minute recovery) heel stick procedures by the Premature Infant Pain Profile, changes in infant behaviour and abnormal physiological parameters.

Results. Infants in both groups had similar odds ratios for pain and moderate‐to‐severe pain (0·57 and 0·58, respectively), after adjusting for time effects, postconceptional age, heel stick duration, painful experiences and baseline Premature Infant Pain Profile score. The pain scores of infants with non‐nutritive sucking were significantly lower than those of non‐nutritive sucking infants at all eight phases of the heel stick procedures. Infants undergoing heel stick procedures in the experimental group had lower rates ratios for ‘grimace’ and ‘hand to mouth or face’ behaviours than control infants (0·73 and 0·78, respectively).

Conclusion. Non‐nutritive sucking effectively reduced pain, particularly mild to moderate pain and behavioural responses to pain in infants receiving heel stick procedures, suggesting that nurses can offer this intervention to relieve pain in preterm infants undergoing invasive procedures.

Relevance to clinical practice. Infants should be given an appropriate‐sized pacifier for comfort during painful procedures. Nurses need to be informed about the effectiveness of non‐nutritive sucking, its analgesic mechanisms and how to use and incorporate it into practice.