bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographical variation in the incidence of childhood leukaemia in Manitoba
Authors: Torabi Mahmoud , Singh Harminder , Galloway Katie , Israels Sara J
Published: June 2015

Background

Identification of geographical areas and ecological factors associated with higher incidence of childhood leukaemias can direct further study for preventable factors and location of health services to manage such individuals.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the geographical variation and the socio‐demographic factors associated with childhood leukaemia in Manitoba.

Methods

Information on childhood leukaemia incidence between 1992 and 2008 was obtained from the Canadian Cancer Registry and the socio‐demographic characteristics for the area of residence from the 2006 Canadian Census. Bayesian spatial Poisson mixed models were used to describe the geographical variation of childhood leukaemia and to determine the association between childhood leukaemia and socio‐demographic factors.

Results

The south‐eastern part of the province had a higher incidence of childhood leukaemia than other parts of the province. In the age and sex‐adjusted Poisson regression models, areas with higher proportions of visible minorities and immigrant residents had higher childhood leukaemia incidence rate ratios. In the saturated Poisson regression model, the childhood leukaemia rates were higher in areas with higher proportions of immigrant residents. Unemployment rates were not a significant factor in leukaemia incidence.

Conclusion

In Manitoba, areas with higher proportions of immigrants experience higher incidence rates of childhood leukaemia. We have identified geographical areas with higher incidence, which require further study and attention.
Sleep concerns in children and young people with cerebral palsy in their home setting
Authors: McCabe Susan M , Blackmore A Marie , Abbiss Chris R , Langdon Katherine , Elliott Catherine
Published: June 2015

Aims

The aims were to identify in‐home concerns about sleep in children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP) across age and Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) levels.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of clinical notes of 154 children and young people with CP, aged 1–18 years (M = 7.8; standard deviation = 5.4) who received a home‐based sleep service. Reported concerns were synthesised, for analysis according to age groups (1–5, 6–13, 14–18) and GMFCS levels.

Results

Sixteen factors of concern were derived from the home‐based assessment reports. Most children and young people had multiple factors of concern. These varied across age groups and GMFCS levels. Body position was of concern across all age groups, for over 90% at GMFCS levels IV and V, and for 10% at GMFCS level I. Settling routines were of concern for more than 90% at GMFCS levels I and II, but for less than 50% at GMFCS levels IV and V. Settling routines were of concern to over 65% of those under 6 years but less than 25% of those over 14 years. Conversely, pain and pressure care concerned less than 10% of children under 6, and more than 35% of those over 14 years.

Conclusions

Concerns about sleep vary across ages and GMFCS levels of children and young people with CP. Concerns relate to impairment of body structure and function, activity, environment, and personal supports. Multi‐disciplinary, home‐based assessment and interventions are recommended to address these concerns.
Visa refusal following compulsory hospital admission under the Mental Health Act 1983 (England and Wales): fact or fiction?
Authors: Ashmore R.
Published: June 2015

Accessible summary

Historically, compulsory hospital admission led to discrimination for service users. For example, until recently detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 (England and Wales) would disqualify a person from being a Member of Parliament.

There is a belief among mental health professionals that compulsory hospital admission will result in service users being refused a tourist visa. However, there is a paucity of literature on this topic, particularly from an international perspective.

Based on the information reviewed in this study, there is no evidence to support this belief. Of 262 travel destinations, 96 (36.6%) require British citizens to obtain a tourist visa. Six (2.3%) destinations require applicants to declare a mental health condition in order to obtain a tourist visa. None of these destinations ask applicants to declare a history of compulsory hospital admission. However, the possibility exists that anyone declaring a mental health problem may be asked to provide further information about their condition before a visa is granted.

Mental health nurses require education to ensure that their knowledge of mental health legislation is up to date. This education should include information on the potential consequences of compulsory hospital admission for the service user's social life following discharge.

Service users and their families should be provided with written information on the potential social impact of detention along with a list of organizations that can provide advice on specific issues.

This study sought to establish whether a history of compulsory hospital admission prevented a person from obtaining a tourist visa. A visa application form and/or other relevant information were obtained for 262 travel destinations visited by British citizens. Ninety‐six (36.6%) destinations require British citizens to obtain a tourist visa. All visas are issued subject to travellers meeting a number of conditions, for example being in possession of travel insurance. Six (2.3%) destinations (Australia, China, Guam, Puerto Rico, Russia and the USA) ask applicants to declare a mental health condition. None of these destinations require applicants to disclose whether they have been admitted to hospital, either informal or under a section of the Mental Health Act 1983. However, the possibility exists that anyone declaring a mental health problem may be asked to provide further information about their condition before a visa is granted. Mental health professionals need to acquire accurate knowledge of the potential consequences of compulsory hospital admission. This will enable them to support service users more effectively. Similarly, service users need to be aware of the implications of detention for their social life following discharge from hospital. Further research is required in this area, particularly from an international perspective.
Attitudes towards mental illness of nursing students in a Baccalaureate programme in Jamaica: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Bennett J. , Stennett R.
Published: June 2015

Accessible summary

Negative attitudes towards people with mental illness exist across all nations and cultures. People with mental illness experience the most discrimination from health professionals. This impacts negatively on the illness experience and results in poorer outcomes. The social and political climate and the culture of countries are strong determinants of tolerance and stigma of people with mental illness. The country in which a nurse practices is the most influential factor in predicting their attitudes to mental illness.

In Jamaica, the most common response to mental illness is fear of dangerousness; however, in recent years, there has been some improvement in tolerance and attitudes. There are no studies that have explored whether these attitudes are held by nursing students.

This paper provides baseline evidence that some student nurses in Jamaica hold negative attitudes towards mental illness, particularly, a perception that people with mental illness are dangerous.

Negative attitudes and staff criticism is known to be associated with poorer patient functioning and overall outcomes. Fewer nurses view mental health nursing as a possible career choice.

There is longstanding evidence of nurses demonstrating negative attitudes towards people with mental illness. Student nurses' fear or discomfort with mentally ill patients results in poorer outcomes for patients and students' dissatisfaction with their experience of mental health nursing. There is evidence of negative attitudes towards mental illness in the Jamaican society; however, no studies have explored whether these attitudes are held by nursing students. The aim of the study was to examine the attitudes of nursing students towards mental illness. A questionnaire survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 143 third‐year nursing students who were enrolled in a baccalaureate programme. Data were collected using the Attitudes Towards Acute Mental Health Scale (ATAMHS). A response rate of 71% was achieved for the survey. The findings indicated that the student nurses held an overall negative attitude towards mental illness, with a general perception that mentally ill people are dangerous. The student nurses were divided in their opinions in a number of areas, suggesting a possible conflict of opinions. Negative attitudes towards mental illness impact client outcomes and the career choices made by nurses. This study provides baseline data within the Jamaican context that adds to the evidence on nursing students' attitude to mental illness. Further research is needed to explore whether nursing education and clinical experience enables student nurses in Jamaica to develop a more positive attitude towards mental illness and mental health nursing and whether cultural factors contribute to negative attitudes.
Subgingival bacterial community profiles in HIV‐infected Brazilian adults with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Ferreira D. C. , Gonçalves L. S. , Siqueira J. F. , Carmo F. L. , Santos H. F. , Feres M. , Figueiredo L. C. , Soares G. M. , Rosado A. S. , dos Santos K. R. N. , Colombo A. P. V.
Published: June 2015

Background and Objective

To compare the subgingival microbial diversity between non‐HIV‐infected and HIV‐infected individuals with chronic periodontitis using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE).

Material and Methods

Thirty‐two patients were selected: 11 were HIV‐infected and 21 were non‐HIV‐infected, and all had chronic periodontitis. Periodontal measurements included probing depth, clinical attachment level, visible supragingival biofilm and bleeding on probing. Subgingival biofilm samples were collected from periodontal sites (50% with probing depth ≤ 4 mm and 50% with probing depth ≥ 5 mm) and whole‐genomic‐amplified DNA was obtained. The DNA samples were subjected to amplification of a 16S rRNA gene fragment using universal bacterial primers, followed by DGGE analysis of the amplified gene sequences.

Results

The non‐HIV‐infected group presented higher mean full‐mouth visible supragingival biofilm (p = 0.004), bleeding on probing (p = 0.006), probing depth (p < 0.001) and clinical attachment level (p = 0.001) in comparison with the HIV‐infected group. DGGE analysis revealed 81 distinct bands from all 33 individuals. Banding profiles revealed a higher diversity of the bacterial communities in the subgingival biofilm of HIV‐infected patients with chronic periodontitis. Moreover, cluster and principal component analyses demonstrated that the bacterial community profiles differed between these two conditions. High interindividual and intra‐individual variability in banding profiles were observed for both groups.

Conclusion

HIV‐infected patients with chronic periodontitis present greater subgingival microbial diversity. In addition, the bacterial communities associated with HIV‐infected and non‐HIV‐infected individuals are different in structure.
Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography of kidneys in healthy adult cats: preliminary results
Authors: Garcia P. H. S. , Feliciano M. A. R. , Carvalho C. F. , Crivellenti L. Z. , Maronezi M. C. , Almeida V. T. , Uscategui R. R. , Vicente W. R. R.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVES

To describe acoustic radiation impulse force elastography in evaluation of kidneys of adult cats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten healthy adult short‐haired cats were included. Echogenicity and texture, cortico‐medullary relationship, size and edges of kidney were assessed by B‐mode and by qualitative elastography to detect the presence of deformities and shear velocities of different portions (cranial, middle and caudal of cortex and medulla).

RESULTS

Findings of ultrasonography were normal in all cats. Qualitative elastography demonstrated that the renal cortex was not deformable and had homogeneous dark gray areas; the renal pelvis had lower stiffness (white); and the medulla showed a mosaic pattern. The results of shear wave velocity were different in cranial, middle and caudal regions of cortex and medulla: 2·46 ±0·45, 2·46 ±0·48 and 2·37 ±0·42 (P=0·795) in cortex and 1·61 ±0·69, 1·75 ±0·66 and 2·00 ±0·55 m/s (P=0·156) in medulla, respectively.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Quantitative and qualitative acoustic radiation impulse force elastography of the kidney in adult cats was easily performed and this study provides base line data to allow the use of acoustic radiation impulse force in diseased animals.
Sighs and Groans: Attending to the Passions in Early Modern Prayer
Authors: Tsentourou Naya
Published: June 2015

Studies on early modern passions in the last two decades have focused on the body as the site of subjectivity but they have rarely taken into account the role of the body in the context of private prayer and the sighs and groans it is meant to produce in addressing the divine. Studies on seventeenth‐century prayer, on the other hand, have started to consider gesture and voice in devotion, yet they tend to interpret discussions of physiological expression as purely metaphorical. This article examines the widespread phenomenon of sighing and groaning in prayer as both a cognitive and a sensitive experience in order to demonstrate how early modern writers imagined sighs and groans as symptoms and agents of passions simultaneously, blending in the process anatomical and theological discourses. This new methodology raises questions about the subjectivity of early modern petitioners, their experience of the distance with the divine and finally the soundscape of private prayer.
Translating theRagionamento: Reframing Pietro Aretino as the Castigator of Courtesans
Authors: De Rycker Kate
Published: June 2015

Pietro Aretino (1492–1556) was one of the first Italian writers to make a living from the printing press and had built his fame during his lifetime to such an extent that he had become notorious across Europe as the ‘scourge of princes’. In the century after his death, however, Aretino's reputation as a controversial figure changed until, like Machiavelli, his name had became synonymous with Italian vice in the minds of foreign readers. This article will trace a network of translations which were made of one of Aretino's most popular texts: theSei Giornate, which was reduced to only one third of its original size, and which focused on the lives of whores. I argue that the accumulation of these translations, which all reframed the text as a warning to young men against the dangers of prostitutes, also helped to transform and domesticate the author Aretino from an observer of courtesans into their castigator, through a process of cultural translation.
Nothing is Hidden: Contextualism and the Grammar‐Meaning Interface
Authors: Hinzen Wolfram
Published: June 2015

A defining assumption in the debate on contextual influences on truth‐conditional content is that such content is often incompletely determined by what is specified in linguistic form. The debate then turns on whether this is evidence for positing a more richly articulated logical form or else a pragmatic process of free enrichment that posits truly unarticulated constituents that are unspecified in linguistic form. Questioning this focus on semantics and pragmatics, this article focuses on the independent grammatical dimensions of the problem. Against the background of a principled account of the different ways in which the lexicon and the grammar, respectively, determine aspects of propositional meaning, and an uncontentious notion of content, nothing turns out to be ‘missing’ in grammatical expressions in order for them to encode complete propositional thoughts. As this predicts, when putatively hidden constituents are made overt or are otherwise added, propositions result that are systematically different from the thoughts originally expressed. Context, while potentially affecting lexically specified aspects of meaning, never affects grammar‐determined ones, suggesting a specific role for grammar in the normal cognitive mode.
Quotation and Unquotation in Free Indirect Discourse
Authors: Maier Emar
Published: June 2015

I argue that free indirect discourse should be analyzed as a species of direct discourse rather than indirect discourse. More specifically, I argue against the emerging consensus among semanticists, who analyze it in terms of context shifting. Instead, I apply the semantic mechanisms of mixed quotation and unquotation to offer an alternative analysis where free indirect discourse is essentially a quotation of an utterance or thought, but with unquoted tenses and pronouns.
Review: An update on clinical, genetic and pathological aspects of frontotemporal lobar degenerations
Authors: Lashley Tammaryn , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Mead Simon , Revesz Tamas
Published: June 2015

The development of our understanding of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) has gathered pace over the last 10 years. After taking a back seat toAlzheimer's disease for many yearsFTDhas emerged as a significant group of heterogeneous diseases often affecting people under the age of 65.FTDhas also been brought into the spotlight as the major disease entities of the group have clinical, genetic and pathological links to motor neuron disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, indicating that they form a disease spectrum. In this review, we overview how the pathological concept of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and the clinical concept ofFTDevolved and show thatFTLD, once thought of as a single disorder, represents a heterogeneous group of diseases with overlapping clinical symptoms, multiple causative genes and varying underlying pathology. We also provide a brief summary of the clinical manifestations, summarize the major genetic aspects and describe the main pathological features seen in the different subtypes ofFTLD. We also summarize the correlations that exist between clinical presentations and pathological variants. An overview of the main pathogenic mechanisms is also provided.
Time‐varying maximal proteinuria correlates with adverse cardiovascular events and graft failure in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Jeon Hee Jung , Kim Clara Tammy , An Jung Nam , Lee Hajeong , Kim Hyosang , Park Su‐Kil , Joo Kwon Wook , Lim Chun Soo , Jung In Mok , Ahn Curie , Kim Yon Su , Kim Young Hoon , Lee Jung Pyo
Published: June 2015

Aim

In the general population, proteinuria is associated with progression to kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Here, we analyzed the effects of proteinuria on outcomes in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, multi‐centre cohort study involving 2047 recipients to evaluate the effects of post‐transplant proteinuria on adverse cardiovascular events, graft failure, and mortality. Patients were classified into two groups according to their levels of proteinuria: patients without proteinuria (<150 mg/day, n = 1113) and proteinuric patients (≥150 mg/day, n = 934). Multivariate Cox hazard model was conducted with using the maximal proteinuria as time‐varying covariate.

Results

During a median 55.3‐month (range, 0.6–167.1) follow‐up, there were 50 cases of major adverse cardiac events (cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or coronary revascularization), 115 cases of graft failure, and 52 patient deaths. In multivariate Cox regression with time‐varying covariate, proteinuric recipients were significantly associated with major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio [HR] 8.689, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.929–25.774, P < 0.001) compared to those without proteinuria. Recipients with proteinuria showed significantly higher incidences of acute rejection (23.1% vs. 9.4%, P < 0.001) and graft failure rate (HR 6.910, 95% CI 3.270–14.601, P < 0.001). In addition, mortality rate was also significantly higher in patients with proteinuria (HR 6.815, 95% CI 2.164–21.467, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Post‐transplant proteinuria correlates with adverse cardiovascular events, graft failure, and mortality. Therefore, proteinuria should be evaluated and managed to improve the outcomes of renal recipients.
Hermeneutics and pragmatism offer a way of exploring the consequences of advanced assessment
Authors: Zambas Shelaine I. , Smythe Elizabeth A. , Koziol‐McLain Jane
Published: June 2015

Linking specific nursing actions to outcomes in the healthcare setting is challenging. Patient outcomes are varied and influenced by a myriad of factors, and always involve a wider team than any one nurse. It is difficult to control for a single action or set of actions of a particular nurse. Furthermore, practice is seldom about any ‘one’ action, for one thing leads to another, all within a complex interplay of influencing factors. In this article, we outline a research method which combined Dewey's pragmatism with Gadamer's hermeneutics to explore the consequences of the nurse's use of advanced assessment skills in the acute care setting of medical and surgical wards. This pragmatic hermeneutic methodological approach allowed the complex interplay of influences to be revealed in the unfolding story. Reflection of the nurse brought insights that may otherwise have been passed over. The philosophical notions of Dewey drew attention to the play of ‘means’ and ‘ends’. A hermeneutic approach that calls for ‘thinking’ extends understanding and raises insights that can inform education and practice.
Transcriptional profile of glucose‐shocked and acid‐adapted strains of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Baker J.L. , Abranches J. , Faustoferri R.C. , Hubbard C.J. , Lemos J.A. , Courtney M.A. , Quivey R.
Published: June 2015

The aciduricity of Streptococcus mutans is an important virulence factor of the organism, required to both out‐compete commensal oral microorganisms and cause dental caries. In this study, we monitored transcriptional changes that occurred as a continuous culture of either an acid‐tolerant strain (UA159) or an acid‐sensitive strain (fabM::Erm) moved from steady‐state growth at neutral pH, experienced glucose‐shock and acidification of the culture, and transitioned to steady‐state growth at low pH. Hence, the timing of elements of the acid tolerance response (ATR) could be observed and categorized as acute vs. adaptive ATR mechanisms. Modulation of branched chain amino acid biosynthesis, DNA/protein repair mechanisms, reactive oxygen species metabolizers and phosphoenolpyruvate:phosphotransferase systems occurred in the initial acute phase, immediately following glucose‐shock, while upregulation of F1F0‐ATPase did not occur until the adaptive phase, after steady‐state growth had been re‐established. In addition to the archetypal ATR pathways mentioned above, glucose‐shock led to differential expression of genes suggesting a re‐routing of resources away from the synthesis of fatty acids and proteins, and towards synthesis of purines, pyrimidines and amino acids. These adjustments were largely transient, as upon establishment of steady‐state growth at acidic pH, transcripts returned to basal expression levels. During growth at steady‐state pH 7, fabM::Erm had a transcriptional profile analogous to that of UA159 during glucose‐shock, indicating that even during growth in rich media at neutral pH, the cells were stressed. These results, coupled with a recently established collection of deletion strains, provide a starting point for elucidation of the acid tolerance response in S. mutans.
Influence of age on IgE response in peanut‐allergic children and adolescents from the Mediterranean area
Authors: Garcia‐Blanca A. , Aranda A. , Blanca‐Lopez N. , Perez D. , Gomez F. , Mayorga C. , Torres M. J. , Diaz‐Perales A. , Perkins J. R. , Villalba M. , Blanca M. , Canto G.
Published: June 2015

Background

Peanut allergens are common triggers of food allergy. Analyses of sensitization patterns, relationships with other allergens, clinical symptoms, and variation with age are needed. We studied sensitization to Ara h 2, Ara h 9, and Pru p 3 in a peanut allergic children/adolescents and the relationship with peach and pollen.

Methods

Peanut allergic patients aged between 1 and 20 years old were classified into two groups: A) allergic to peanut only and B) allergic to peach and peanut. The IgE response was measured to Ara h 2, Ara h 9, and Pru p 3.

Results

Of 964 subjects evaluated, 28% were allergic to peanut. From this group, 68% were also sensitized to pollen. Urticaria was the most frequent entity followed by anaphylaxis and OAS. Fifty‐eight percent had Ara h 2‐ and/or Ara h 9‐specific IgE. More than half reported symptoms with peanut alone (Group A) and 35% to peanut and peach (Group B). We observed significant differences in sex, age, onset of symptoms, and sensitization to Artemisia between groups. IgE response to Ara h 2 was more frequent in Group A, and Ara h 9 and Pru p 3 in Group B. We observed a decrease in sensitization to Ara h 2 and an increase to Ara h 9 and Pru p 3 with increasing age.

Conclusion

Peanut allergy is frequent in subjects with allergy to plant foods, with Ara h 2 and Ara h 9 being two important allergens. In younger patients, Ara h 2 predominates over Ara h 9. The reverse was observed in older patients.
Long‐term tolerability of capnography and respiratory inductance plethysmography for respiratory monitoring in pediatric patients treated with patient‐controlled analgesia
Authors: Miller Karen M. , Kim Andrew Y. , Yaster Myron , Kudchadkar Sapna R. , White Elizabeth , Fackler James , Monitto Constance L.
Published: June 2015

Background

The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation has advocated the use of continuous electronic monitoring of oxygenation and ventilation to preemptively identify opioid‐induced respiratory depression. In adults, capnography is the gold standard in respiratory monitoring. An alternative technique used in sleep laboratories is respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP). However, it is not known if either monitor is well tolerated by pediatric patients for prolonged periods of time.

Aim

The goal of this study was to determine whether capnography or RIP is better tolerated in nonintubated, spontaneously breathing pediatric patients being treated with intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia (IVPCA).

Methods

Nasal cannula capnography with oral sampling and thoracic and abdominal inductance plethysmography bands were placed along with the routine monitors on pediatric patients being treated for acute pain with IVPCA. Study monitors were left in place for as long as they were tolerated by the patient, up to a maximum of 24 consecutive hours. If the patient did not wear a particular study monitor for any reason, but tolerated the remaining monitor, participation in the study continued. If the patient would not wear either monitor, participation was terminated.

Results

Twenty‐six patients (18 female, eight male, average age 10.1 ± 5.5 years) consented to participate, but only 14 patients attempted to wear one or both the devices. Among those who wore either device, median time to device removal was 8.33 h (range 0.3–23.6 h) for capnography and 23.5 h (range 0.7–24 h) for RIP bands.

Conclusion

Children did not tolerate wearing capnography cannulae for prolonged periods of time, limiting the usefulness of this device as a continuous monitor of ventilation in children. RIP bands were better tolerated; however, they require further assessment of their utility. Until more effective, child‐friendly monitors are developed and their utility is validated, guidelines recommended for adult patients cannot be extended to children.
Genetic variation among cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) families for resistance to cocoa swollen shoot virus disease in relation to total phenolic content
Authors: Ofori Atta , Padi Francis Kwame , Ameyaw George Akumfi , Dadzie Abu Mustapha , Lowor Samuel
Published: June 2015

Phenolic compounds have been suggested as one of the defence mechanisms to cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD), but not well studied. Correlation and genetic variation of total phenolic content (TPC) and CSSVD resistance among 53 cocoa families were investigated. Three‐month‐old seedlings of 15 families obtained from an incomplete 6 × 3 NCII mating design, of 24 families from a 3 × 8 NCII mating design and of 14 other families were evaluated for CSSVD and TPC. Plants were inoculated with viruliferous mealybugs carrying the New Juaben CSSV strain (1A) in a gauze house facility. A single seedling randomization within blocks procedure was followed, using the gauze house units as blocks. There were six blocks with five seedlings of each family randomized within each block. Disease severity scores on leaf flushes at the first, second, third and seventh flushes after inoculation were recorded. The TPC before and 3 months after inoculation was also determined. Family effects were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for CSSVD severity scores and TPC. Narrow‐ and broad‐sense heritability estimates were low for CSSVD severity but moderate to high for TPC evaluations. Correlations between severity scores and TPC were weak (r = −0.22 to 0.40) suggesting that the TPC may be of little value in selecting CSSVD resistance varieties in cocoa. Additive effect in terms of significant GCA was important for CSSVD severity scores whereas both additive and non‐additive effects were important for TPC values when the 3 × 8 and 6 × 3 NCII mating designs were analysed. Only clones GU 239/H, GU 290/H and GU 225/V had favourable GCA effects for CSSVD symptom expression indicating their potential for developing progeny with high levels of resistance to CSSVD infection.
National risk factors and estimated costs for redo ureteroneocystostomy after pediatric renal transplant
Authors: Godebu Elana , Palazzi Kerrin , Bush Ruth , Marietti Sarah , Chiang George
Published: June 2015

Approximately 800 pediatric renal transplants are performed annually in the United States. VUR or obstruction may cause graft failure requiring redo ureteroneocystostomy. We examined possible risk factors and cost using the PHIS national database. We examined the PHIS for 8.5 yr to determine the association between redo ureteroneocystostomy following pediatric renal transplant to demographics, comorbidities, GU conditions, insurance status, and hospital characteristics, and looked at relative costs using descriptive and comparative statistics. A total of 2390 pediatric renal transplants were identified, of which 69 (2.3%) underwent redo ureteroneocystostomy (median 11.6 months post‐transplant). Risk factors for redo ureteroneocystostomy are younger age (p = 0.048), PUVs (p < 0.001), female gender (p = 0.005), race (p = 0.014), insurance type (p < 0.027), region (p = 0.045), and transplant surgery volume (p = 0.048). Redo ureteroneocystostomy after transplant does not significantly increase the overall cost of transplant (p = 0.175). We confirmed previous findings that younger age and PUVs increase the risk of post‐transplant redo ureteroneocystostomy, with a five‐yr plateau. We found an association with gender, race, insurance status, and hospital characteristics. Redo ureteroneocystostomy, which increases costs, does not statistically significantly increase overall cost of individual treatment in this database, although costs may be underreported.
Tense Logic
Authors: Meyer Ulrich
Published: June 2015

This article surveys some of the key issues that arise when one tries to use tense logic as a metaphysical theory of the nature of time. Topics discussed include basic tense logic, tense logic and verb tense, the structure of the time series, instants of time, quantified tense logic, and the expressive resources of tense logic.
The development of the TNM classification of gastric cancer
Authors: Wittekind Christian
Published: June 2015

The first tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) classification for stomach tumors was published in the second edition of the TNM classification of malignant tumors in 1974 and was followed by additional editions up to the seventh edition published in 2010. In the Buffalo Meeting 2008 a harmonization between the Eastern (Japanese) and Western stomach tumor classification was achieved with only minor remaing differences. The present TNM classification of stomach tumors has been criticized but it can be considered generally accepted worldwide. For generating data based on this new TNM classification it is important to correctly use TNM and pTNM. The decions on therapy and the estimation of prognosis are based on TNM. New molecular factor studies will be correlated and based on the results of the TNM classification.
Urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma with concurrent plasmacytoid and micropapillary differentiations: A report of two cases with an emphasis on serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9
Authors: Makise Naohiro , Morikawa Teppei , Takeshima Yuta , Fujimura Tetsuya , Homma Yukio , Fukayama Masashi
Published: June 2015

We report two cases of urinary bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC). In both, histological examination of a transurethral resection specimen of the bladder tumor revealed UC with plasmacytoid and micropapillary differentiations. In Case 1, residual plasmacytoid UC deeply invaded the extravesical fat tissue of the radical cystectomy specimen, and metastatic carcinoma was found in almost all the dissected lymph nodes. Despite adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the patient died 25 months postdiagnosis. Elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) returned to near normal levels after radical cystectomy, but they increased shortly before death. In Case 2, no residual carcinoma was found in the radical cystectomy specimen or lymph nodes. Postoperative serum CA19‐9 was maintained at normal levels, and the patient remains alive without recurrence or metastasis. Although plasmacytoid and micropapillary UC are known aggressive variants of UC, plasmacytoid UC may be more aggressive. Serum CA19‐9 could serve as a useful biomarker to monitor progression of plasmacytoid UC.
Improving the Budget Process in Fragile and Conflict‐Ridden States: Two Modest Lessons from Afghanistan
Authors: Guinn David E. , Straussman Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2015

Both the donor community and scholars have created a cottage industry studying “fragile” states. International nongovernmental organizations that have developed indexes measuring corruption or governance have been unkind to Afghanistan. One index suggests a different and more optimistic story. The International Budget Partnership measures transparency every two years with its Open Budget Index. Afghanistan demonstrated dramatic improvement on this index between 2008 and 2012. The authors use the improvement in Afghanistan's transparency score as an entry point to explore how donors try to intervene and promote transparency as part of broader efforts in public financial management development and how legislative strengthening has also contributed to budget reform. The analysis offers a modest corrective to the overly pessimistic assessments of fragile states by showing that a fragile state can improve its budgetary transparency and enhance governance by strengthening the legislature's involvement in the budget process.
Managing the manufacturing–R&D interface in the process industries
Authors: Storm Per , Lager Thomas , Samuelsson Peter
Published: June 2015

In the perspective of value creation and capture, firms in the future must not only be excellent in developing commodities or innovative functional products; they must also be able to manufacture them in a competitive cost structure within the framework of a proper business model. Deploying a conceptual model of the material transformation system in the process industries, the relationship between firms' manufacturing and innovation activities has been explored in three case studies representing the food, mineral and steel industries. Using the methodology of Quality Function Deployment, each firm's position on the model structure has been condensed into a matrix relating the manufacturing system's characterizing variables to the firm's raw material innovation, innovation of process technology and product innovation. The importance of the area of process innovation stands out in all these firms, and among the individual variables ‘product flexibility’ ranked highest in all of them. It is recommended that in the development of corporate innovation strategies, the product–market perspective ought to be supplemented by a process–manufacturing perspective. Combining the information from both perspectives and striking a proper balance ought to be beneficial in overbridging the manufacturing–R&D interface.
Patent strategies in the process‐related industries: outline of the problems
Authors: Schmidt Martin P.
Published: June 2015

Patents are the only way to obtain a legally enforceable monopoly allowing to exclude others. Building an efficient patent strategy is more difficult in process‐related industries than in product‐oriented industries because the impact of the existence of the monopoly on the market situation is much more difficult to forecast for process‐related inventions than for product innovation. The common distinction between product patents (or product claims) and process patents (or process claims) is of little use for approaching this question. A simple four‐step approach is presented here, based on the operative decisions that need to be taken. Two illustrative examples show how to apply this approach and how to deepen the analysis of real situations.
In the Opponent's Shoes: Increasing the Behavioral Validity of Attackers’ Judgments in Counterterrorism Models
Authors: Sri Bhashyam Sumitra , Montibeller Gilberto
Published: June 2015

A key objective for policymakers and analysts dealing with terrorist threats is trying to predict the actions that malicious agents may take. A recent trend in counterterrorism risk analysis is to model the terrorists’ judgments, as these will guide their choices of such actions. The standard assumptions in most of these models are that terrorists are fully rational, following all the normative desiderata required for rational choices, such as having a set of constant and ordered preferences, being able to perform a cost‐benefit analysis of their alternatives, among many others. However, are such assumptions reasonable from a behavioral perspective? In this article, we analyze the types of assumptions made across various counterterrorism analytical models that represent malicious agents’ judgments and discuss their suitability from a descriptive point of view. We then suggest how some of these assumptions could be modified to describe terrorists’ preferences more accurately, by drawing knowledge from the fields of behavioral decision research, politics, philosophy of choice, public choice, and conflict management in terrorism. Such insight, we hope, might help make the assumptions of these models more behaviorally valid for counterterrorism risk analysis.
The Distributional and Allocative Impacts of Virtual Labor Mobility across Time Zones through Communication Networks
Authors: Nakanishi Noritsugu , Long Ngo Van
Published: June 2015

Using a specific‐factors' model, with two goods (a shift‐working good and a non‐shift‐working good), three factors (capital specific to shift‐working, land specific to non‐shift‐working and labor) and two countries (Home and Foreign), which are located in different time zones, we highlight the impact of trade in labor services via communication networks on factor prices and production patterns. If two countries are identical in size, then under free trade in labor services, all workers work only in their local daytime, and night shift in each country is performed by imported labor services supplied by residents of the other country in their local daytime. Night‐time wage becomes the same as daytime wage (a wage equalization result). Other factor prices are also equalized. In both countries, capital rental rate increases, while land rent decreases. However, if two countries are different in size, trade in labor services does not equalize wages: in the large country, wages for night‐shift workers are higher than daytime wages and some residents work at night; in the small country, daytime wages become higher than night‐time wages and no one works at night, and night‐shift work is done by imported labor services from the large country. Land rent in the small country decreases. Land rent in the large country may or may not decrease, but it is always higher than in the small country. Capital rental rates in both countries are equalized and increase.
Sports and physical activity after cementless total hip arthroplasty with a minimum follow‐up of 10 years
Authors: Innmann M. M. , Weiss S. , Andreas F. , Merle C. , Streit M. R.
Published: June 2015

The present retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare sporting activity levels before and a minimum of 10 years after primary cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). A consecutive series of 86 patients with a mean age at surgery of 52 years (range, 21–60 years) was evaluated 11 years after surgery (range, 10–12 years). Pre‐ and post‐operative sporting activities were assessed at routine follow‐up using the University of California, Los Angeles activity score and the Schulthess Clinic sports and activity questionnaire. Post‐operative health‐related quality of life was measured using the Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire and compared with age‐matched reference populations from the SF‐36 database. Eleven years after THA, 89% of preoperatively active patients had returned to sport. Comparing sports activity preoperatively (before the onset of symptoms) and 11 years after THA, no significant difference was found for the mean number of disciplines or session length. A significant decline in high‐impact activities was observed, while participation in low‐impact activities significantly increased. Health‐related quality of life compared well against a healthy age‐matched reference population and was significantly higher than in a reference group of patients with osteoarthritis. The majority of patients were able to maintain their physical activity level in the long term after primary cementless THA, compared with the activity level before the onset of restricting osteoarthritis symptoms. However, a change in disciplines toward low‐impact activities was observed.
Genetic testing and human subjectivity
Authors: Arribas‐Ayllon Michael
Published: June 2015

This article offers a brief overview of how methods of DNA testing are reframing what it means to be a living being in a living world. It is no longer the case that genetic technologies objectify life in such a way as to deny something essential to human subjectivity. The style of reasoning of the life sciences today is characterised by complexity, dynamism and emergence. This requires rethinking the relationship between technology, society and subjectivity. Genetic testing is a social and symbolic practice through which notions of identity and relatedness are reconfigured in terms of being genetically at risk. Far from reducing subjectivity to one's biological destiny, genetic technologies have consequences in terms of not only governing others to govern their risk wisely, but also aligning conduct with Western liberal values of autonomy, responsibility and choice. New pastors and gatekeepers of genetic information have assembled around these technologies where psychology plays a key role in facilitating autonomy and instilling a sense of genetic responsibility. Nevertheless, the increasing capitalization of genomics is moving genetic testing beyond these clinical enclosures of control into the domain of consumer choice, creating new forms of subjectification, citizenship and community.
Effect of potassium present in stratum corneum during non‐invasive measurement of potassium in human subjects using reverse iontophoresis
Authors: Varadharaj E. K. , Jampana N.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Reverse iontophoresis (RI) is one of the potential techniques used to monitor the concentration of various analytes in body fluids non‐invasively. Transdermal extraction of potassium is investigated using RI. In the present work, the effect of potassium on stratum corneum (SC) during RI, feasibility of RI for continuous monitoring of potassium, and use of potassium as internal standard in RI, are investigated.

Methods

Tape stripping experiment is carried out to find potassium concentration in SC. RI is carried out continuously for 180 min without passive diffusion and after passive diffusion for 60 min. Skin impedance measurements are done at 20 Hz and 20 kHz.

Results

Potassium is found to be in the range 300–650 nmol/cm2 on SC by tape stripping experiment. Correlation coefficient between blood potassium and extracted potassium through RI after passive diffusion (R2 = 0.5870) is more than without passive diffusion (R2 = 0.5117). The skin impedance measurement shows that RI has more effect on SC than superficial layer of SC during RI.

Conclusion

The present investigations conclude that it is possible to monitor potassium continuously through RI and using potassium as internal standard in RI.
Four decades of National Blood Service in Iran: outreach, prospect and challenges
Authors: Pourfathollah A. A. , Hosseini Divkolaye N. S. , Seighali F.
Published: June 2015

Objective

This study aims to compare the changes and progress made to Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) during 1974–2014 in order to identify the shortcomings.

Background

The History of Blood transfusion in Iran can be traced back to the 1940s. IBTO was established in 1974 as a national centralised organisation, supported by Iranian government for its budget and supplies and provides its products free of charge to both public and private hospitals.

Methods

The statistics have been derived from IBTO Statistical Center. Also related literature has been reviewed.

Results

From 1974 to 2014, donation per population has been increased about eight times. IBTO reached 100% voluntary blood donation in 2007, but the number of female blood donors in Iran is six times lower than average global rate. On one hand, the prevalence rate of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in blood donors was dropped in to one fifth and one third, respectively during past 8 years. On the other hand, irrational blood usage and lack of integrated blood stock management systems and non self‐sufficiency on plasma‐derivedmedicines are considered as main challenges of IBTO.

Conclusion

Forty years since the establishment, IBTO managed to achieve considerable improvements in different fields but many challenges still remain, which need to be addressed urgently. Great gap between the number of male and female blood donors in Iran has to be filled. The improvement of knowledge and practice on patient blood management and use of alternatives are on the agenda of IBTO in next coming years.