bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The health, education, and social care costs of school‐aged children with active epilepsy: A population‐based study
Authors: Hunter Rachael M. , Reilly Colin , Atkinson Patricia , Das Krishna B. , Gillberg Christopher , Chin Richard F. , Scott Rod C. , Neville Brian G. R. , Morris Stephen
Published: June 2015

Objective

To provide data on the health, social care, and education costs of active childhood epilepsy and factors associated with these costs over an 18‐month period in a population‐based sample.

Methods

The Children with Epilepsy in Sussex Schools (CHESS) study is a population‐based study involving school‐aged children (5–15 years) with active epilepsy (taking one or more antiepileptic drug and/or had a seizure in the last year) in a defined geographical area in England. Clinical data were collected on 85 children (74% of eligible population) who underwent comprehensive psychological assessment. Health, education, and social care resource use was collected retrospectively over an 18‐month period. Regression analysis was used to identify variables associated these with costs.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) 18‐month cost of health care for a child with active epilepsy was £3,635 (£5,339), with mean education and social care cost of £11,552 (£8,937) and £1,742 (£8,158), respectively, resulting in total mean costs per participant of £16,931 (£14,764). Health care costs were significantly associated with seizure frequency and etiology (all p‐values < 0.05). Combined health care, social care, and education costs were significantly related to cognitive impairment (intelligence quotient [IQ] <85) and seizure frequency (p < 0.05). The mean cost of health care, social care, and education over 18 months for participants with cognitive impairment was £23,579 (95% confidence interval [CI] £16,489–£30,670) compared to £7,785 (95% CI £4,943–£10,627) for those without impairment.

Significance

Active childhood epilepsy has significant health, social care, and education costs. This is the first study to comprehensively document the economic impact on these sectors as well as factors associated with these costs. When caring for children with epilepsy in England, costs incurred by education and social care sectors are approximately four times the costs incurred by the health care sector. Increased costs were associated with cognitive impairment (IQ <85) and weekly or greater seizure frequency.
Deep brain stimulation of anterior nucleus thalami disrupts sleep in epilepsy patients
Authors: Voges Berthold R. , Schmitt Friedhelm C. , Hamel Wolfgang , House Patrick M. , Kluge Christian , Moll Christian K. E. , Stodieck Stefan R.
Published: June 2015

In view of the regulatory function of the thalamus in the sleep‐wake cycle, the impact of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus thalami (ANT) on sleep was assessed in a small consecutive cohort of epilepsy patients with standardized polysomnography (PSG). In nine patients treated with ANT‐DBS (voltage 5 V, frequency 145 Hz, cyclic mode), the number of arousals during stimulation and nonstimulation periods, neuropsychiatric symptoms (npS), and seizure frequency were determined. Electroclinical arousals were triggered in 14.0 to 67.0% (mean 42.4 ± SD 16.8%) of all deep brain stimuli. Six patients reported npS. Nocturnal DBS voltages were reduced in eight patients (one patient without npS refused) and PSGs were repeated. Electroclinical arousals occurred between 1.4 and 6.7 (mean 3.3 ± 1.7) times more frequently during stimulation periods compared to nonstimulation periods; the number of arousals positively correlated with the level of DBS voltage (range 1 V to 5 V) (Spearman′s rank coefficient 0.53121; p < 0.05). No patient experienced seizure deterioration and four patients reported remission of npS. This case‐cohort study provides evidence that ANT‐DBS interrupts sleep in a voltage‐dependent manner, thus putatively resulting in an increase of npS. Reduction of nocturnal DBS voltage seems to lead to improvement of npS without hampering efficacy of ANT‐DBS.
Epilepsy in children with tuberous sclerosis complex: Chance of remission and response to antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Overwater Iris E. , Bindels‐de Heus Karen , Rietman André B. , ten Hoopen Leontine W. , Vergouwe Yvonne , Moll Henriette A. , de Wit Marie‐Claire Y.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To describe treatment and outcome of epilepsy in children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Methods

Seventy‐one children with TSC and epilepsy treated at the ENCORE TSC Expertise Center between 1988 and 2014 were included. Patient characteristics and duration and effectiveness of antiepileptic treatments were extracted from our clinical database. Correlations were made between recurrence of seizures after response to treatment, and several patient characteristics.

Results

Median age at time of inclusion was 9.4 years (range 0.9–18.0). Seizure history showed that 55 children (77%) of 71 became seizure‐free for longer than 1 month, and 21 (30%) of 71 for longer than 24 months. Remission of seizures was associated with higher IQ, and a trend was observed between seizure remission and age at onset of seizures. A total of 19 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were used. Valproic acid, vigabatrin, levetiracetam, and carbamazepine were used most frequently. Nonpharmacologic therapies (ketogenic diet, epilepsy surgery, and vagus nerve stimulation) were used 13 times. Epilepsy surgery was most effective, with four of five children becoming seizure‐free. AEDs prescribed as first and second treatment were most effective. Valproic acid was prescribed most frequently as first and second treatment, followed by vigabatrin. Thirty‐one children had infantile spasms, preceded by focal seizures in 18 children (58%). Vigabatrin was used by 29 children (94%), and was first treatment in 15 (48%). Vigabatrin was more effective than other AEDs when prescribed as first treatment.

Significance

We showed that, although 77% of children with epilepsy due to TSC reached seizure remission, usually after their first or second AED, this was sustained for at least 24 months in only 38%. Almost half of those with 24 months of remission later had relapse of seizures. Our results support vigabatrin as first choice drug, and show the need for better treatment options for these children.
The effect of intravenous fresh frozen plasma administration on fibrinogen and albumin concentrations in sick neonatal foals
Authors: Hollis A. R. , Wilkins P. A. , Tennent‐Brown B. , Palmer J. E. , Boston R. C.
Published: June 2015

This study investigated the immediate (6 h or less) effects of fibrinogen and albumin contained in transfused equine origin fresh frozen plasma on those proteins when measured in sick neonatal foals. Fibrinogen and albumin concentrations were measured in the administered plasma and in 31 sick foals at admission to a referral neonatal intensive care unit. Additional samples were obtained from the foals at 2 and 6 h following transfusion. No changes in albumin concentration were recognised. The main determinant of fibrinogen concentration following transfusion was the concentration of fibrinogen in the foal at admission. Importantly, intravenous transfusion of equine fresh frozen plasma did not result in immediate (6 h or less) increases or decreases in the fibrinogen concentration in the recipient foals. Fibrinogen from the donor contained within transfused plasma will not directly affect fibrinogen concentrations measured at later times.
Methods for ranking college sports coaches based on data envelopment analysis and PageRank
Authors: Hu Zhi‐Hua , Zhou Jing‐Xian , Zhang Meng‐Jun , Zhao Yang
Published: June 2015

Two methods based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) and PageRank are proposed to rank college athletic coaches. The DEA‐based method uses four processes: first, the input factors must undergo the Kendall Consistency Check to ensure the feasibility and consistency of the result; second, the Data Reduction Factor epitomizes the input–output factors; third, the Range Transfer Approach standardizes the parameters and fourth, Efficiency Assessment Values for each coach are computed using a DEA model. The PageRank‐based method involves building a network for matching coaches whose algorithms are used for the ranking. Sensitivity analysis and general analysing methods are applied to examine and analyse the ranking results for baseball, basketball and football coaches. The PageRank‐based method also considers dynamic and diffusion relationships among coaches. The results are analysed to reveal possible features to improve the method.
Shaping of interphase chromosomes by the microtubule network
Authors: Maizels Yael , Gerlitz Gabi
Published: June 2015

It is well established that microtubule dynamics play a major role in chromosome condensation and localization during mitosis. During interphase, however, it is assumed that the metazoan nuclear envelope presents a physical barrier, which inhibits interaction between the microtubules located in the cytoplasm and the chromatin fibers located in the nucleus. In recent years, it has become apparent that microtubule dynamics alter chromatin structure and function during interphase as well. Microtubule motor proteins transport several transcription factors and exogenous DNA (such as plasmid DNA) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Various soluble microtubule components are able to translocate into the nucleus, where they bind various chromatin elements leading to transcriptional alterations. In addition, microtubules may apply force on the nuclear envelope, which is transmitted into the nucleus, leading to changes in chromatin structure. Thus, microtubule dynamics during interphase may affect chromatin spatial organization, as well as transcription, replication and repair.
Lot Size Constraints and Market Quality: Evidence from the Borsa Italiana
Authors: Gozluklu Arie E. , Perotti Pietro , Rindi Barbara , Fredella Roberta
Published: June 2015

Trading venues often impose a minimum lot size (minimum trade unit [MTU]) to facilitate order execution. We document changes in market quality associated with the reduction of the MTU to one share on the Italian stock exchange, the Borsa Italiana. We observe a substantial improvement in liquidity, with an average decrease in the relative spread of 10.2%, and more significant improvements for those firms for which the MTU constraint was more binding. We also show that the improvement in liquidity is mainly driven by a reduction in adverse selection; that informational efficiency is not significantly affected; and there is an increase in retail trading. We interpret our findings in light of a model of asymmetric information in which the MTU affects traders’ choice of order size.
Local variants of mobile sustainable building assessment models: the marketization and constrained mutation of BREEAM ES
Authors: FAULCONBRIDGE JAMES , YALCINER SERCAN
Published: June 2015

The globalization of sustainable building assessment models is now a familiar topic, as are related debates about the degrees of local sensitivity of such models. The contribution of this article is to examine empirically the way marketization affects the mutation of models as they travel, and the implications of this for local sensitivity. By marketization, we mean the effects when both a market for models emerges, and the adoption of a model acts as a means for an organization or city to gain competitive advantage over rivals. Using the case of one sustainable building assessment model, the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Model (BREEAM), and its movement from the UK to Spain and transformation into BREEAM ES, the article reveals the important ways that marketization can constrain mutation. Using Callon's ideas about translation, we show that the model was translated in a way designed to minimize adaptations to local context in order to maximize the comparability of buildings assessed using BREEAM ES with buildings assessed using other variants of the BREEAM model. This suggests, we claim, that marketization is a significant reason for the outcomes of the mobility of BREEAM being the opposite of that observed in many previous studies where a model's name stays the same but its content and the practice of implementation varies.
Blood and cloacal swab sampling for avian influenza monitoring has no effect on survival rates of free‐ranging ducks
Authors: Guillemain Matthieu , Champagnon Jocelyn , Gourlay‐Larour Marie‐Lucile , Cavallo Francois , Brochet Anne‐Laure , Hars Jean , Massez Gregoire , George Thierry , Perroi Pierre‐Yves , Jestin Veronique , Caizergues Alain
Published: June 2015

Concerns about the spread of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have led to cloacal swab sampling of hundreds of thousands of birds worldwide as part of AIV surveillance schemes, but the effects of cloacal swabbing have not been adequately evaluated. We tested for differences between swabbed, swabbed and bled, and non‐sampled wild ducks in terms of live re‐encounter and dead recoveries for Common Pochard Aythya ferina and Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, and also determined re‐encounter and recovery rates for Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Common Teal Anas crecca. No effects of sampling methods were detected, except in Teal. Re‐encounter rates were lower in sampled Teal than in controls, with annual re‐encounter probabilities being 25% and 35% lower in males and females, respectively. Teal possibly left or avoided sampling sites, or sought sites where they were less detectable after sampling. In general, no deleterious effects were found, suggesting that cloacal swabbing and blood sampling are suitable methods for conducting AIV surveillance in ducks.
Role of the tumor necrosis factor family member LIGHT in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Seifeldin Neveen Salah , El Sayed Shereen Bendary , Asaad Marwa Kamal , Aly Alaa Ahmed
Published: June 2015

Background

LIGHT (the name of which is derived from “homologous to lymphotoxins, exhibits inducible expression, competes with herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D for herpes simplex virus entry mediator, and expressed by T lymphocytes”), is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily that is involved in various inflammatory diseases.

Objectives

To assess serum LIGHT levels in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) before and after treatment and compare it with controls. To correlate serum LIGHT with the severity scoring of AD (SCORAD) index. Another objective is to compare LIGHT levels between lesional skin in patients with AD and controls.

Methods

Twenty patients with AD and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum LIGHT levels were examined using an enzyme immunoassay technique. Serum total IgE levels, absolute eosinophil count, and eosinophil percentage were also done for both patients and controls. The SCORAD index was done for every patient before and after treatment. Skin LIGHT levels were analyzed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit and compared with control skin.

Results

Serum LIGHT levels in patients with AD were significantly higher than that of healthy controls and correlated positively with SCORAD index. LIGHT concentrations decreased as the symptoms were improved by treatment. A significant correlation was found on comparing the LIGHT serum levels and other established markers of disease severity. LIGHT levels in lesional skin in these patients were markedly higher than LIGHT levels in normal skin.

Conclusion

LIGHT may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. This may presumably have possible future implications on the treatment of this chronic disease.
High‐pressure processing with hot sauce flavouring enhances sensory quality for raw oysters (Crassostrea virginica)
Authors: Kingsley David H. , Duncan Susan E. , Granata Linda A. , Salinas‐Jones Amanda , Flick George J. , Bourne Dianne M. , Fernandez‐Plotka Virginia C.
Published: June 2015

This study evaluated flavouring raw oysters by placing them under pressure in the presence of a commercially available hot sauce. Hand‐shucked raw oysters were processed at high pressure (600 MPa), in the presence or absence of hot sauce flavouring and evaluated by an experienced sensory panel 3 and 10 days after postharvest processing. The sensory panel evaluated high‐pressure‐processed oysters, with and without flavouring, for eleven flavours and three texture characteristics using an 11‐point intensity scale. Oysters were plump and characterised as moderately chewy and firm. Most oyster flavour characteristics were low in intensity with moderate intensity for briny and umami attributes. Flavoured oysters had a moderately intense tangy flavour and aftertaste. Flavouring a raw oyster by high‐pressure processing provides the potential to create a microbiologically safe product with unique sensory characteristics, which may influence consumer acceptance and marketability.
Renewable cellulose source: isolation and characterisation of cellulose from rice stubble residues
Authors: Rodsamran Pattrathip , Sothornvit Rungsinee
Published: June 2015

The substantial amount of agricultural waste associated with rice stubble is a critical issue in Thailand as it still contains a high amount of cellulose. Thus, the conditions for cellulose isolation from Thai rice stubble were developed. It was found that cellulose at a higher NaOH concentration (10%) or higher isolation temperature provided a higher whiteness index (WI) value and α‐cellulose content after 3 h of isolation process. Extraction using 10% NaOH at 55 °C for 3 h was determined as optimum conditions for the isolation of cellulose from rice stubble. The removal of most hemicelluloses and lignin was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The yield, WI value and α‐cellulose content of rice stubble cellulose were 30.67%, 75.69% and 90.05%, respectively. Cellulose from rice stubble is suitable for use as fibre or for the synthesis of cellulose derivatives that are widely used in food and pharmaceutical products.
Noninvasive sensing of thermal treatments of Japanese seafood products using imaging spectroscopy
Authors: ElMasry Gamal , Nakauchi Shigeki
Published: June 2015

The potential of imaging spectroscopy for noncontact sensing of thermal treatments experienced on Japanese kamaboko was investigated. Samples were thermally treated at 100, 120, 140, 160, 180 and 200 °C to core temperatures of 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80 °C and then promptly cooled and imaged in the short‐wave near infrared spectral range of 900–2500 nm. Partial least square (PLS) regression models were developed using the whole spectral range as well as using the most important wavelengths to predict the core temperature (TC) and thermal history (TH) yielding a reasonable level of accuracy of ( = 0.86 and RMSEP = 3.9 °C) and ( = 0.83 and RMSEP = 0.29 min), respectively. Moreover, a stepwise linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model was developed for identifying samples whose core temperatures reached a threshold of 65 °C. The LDA model yielded overall classification accuracy of 93.75% in both calibration and validation sets. The resulting discrimination function was then applied in a pixel‐wise manner to produce understandable classification maps to exhibit the difference among samples with high accuracy.
Association analysis of −416 G>C polymorphism of T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain‐1 gene with asthma in Iran
Authors: Shirzade H. , Meshkat R. , Ganjalikhani‐Hakemi M. , Mosayebian A. , Ghasemi R. , Deress F. , Parchami barjui S. , Sadri M. , Salehi R.
Published: June 2015

TIM (T‐cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and mucin domain)‐1, one of the members of TIM family, expresses on Th2 cells and promotes the production of Th2 signature cytokines. This can increase a series of responses in these cells which could be one of the causes of asthma or asthma‐related phenotypes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a TIM‐1 promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), −416 G>C, is associated with asthma in Iranian population. In this case–control study, existence of the −416 G>C polymorphism was assessed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in 300 patients with asthma (97 atopic, 203 nonatopic) and 309 healthy volunteers. Additionally, the relationship between these polymorphism genotypes and total serum IgE levels in this Iranian population was evaluated. We discovered a significant association between the −416 G>C polymorphism and atopic asthma susceptibility in the population, but this SNP showed no connection with nonatopic asthma (P < 0.05). However, our results showed significant relation between this polymorphism and serum IgE level (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that −416 G>C polymorphism in TIM‐1 gene could be a predisposing factor for atopic asthma in Iranian population, and CC genotype of this SNP can be associated with increased level of IgE in patients with asthma in the same population.
Detection of chromosomal translocations in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) leukemic specimens by digital expression profiling
Authors: Liew M. , Mao R. , Wittwer C. T. , Salama M. E.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Detection of chromosomal translocations in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) leukemic samples is important for confirmation of histopathological findings, classification, prognostication, and therapeutic decisions. Herein, we aim to determine whether digital expression profiling could detect chromosomal translocations in FFPE leukemic samples identified by RT‐PCR, FISH, and/or karyotyping.

Methods

RNA was extracted from 28 FFPE bone marrow specimens from 19 patients diagnosed with leukemia. Eight patients were translocation t(9;22) positive, three inv(16)/t(16/16) positive, five translocation t(15;17) positive, and one translocation t(8;21) positive. Two patients (four specimens) were normal. The extracted RNA was hybridized to DNA reporter probes overnight at 65 °C, followed by purification of the labeled translocations. Six hundred fields of view were counted to enumerate the number of translocations.

Results

Digital expression profiling had 100% concordance with RT‐PCR, FISH, or karyotyping analysis in the two normal individuals, eight translocation t(9;22) samples, five translocation t(15;17) samples, and one translocation t(8;21) sample. None of the inv(16) positive samples were detected. Digital expression profiling detected translocations with 0.014 p190 allelic burden.

Conclusion

Digital expression profiling can be used to measure translocation t(9;22), t(15;17), and t(8;21) in FFPE samples and is useful when a confirmatory test from a FFPE sample is necessary.
Police and mental health clinician partnership in response to mental health crisis: A qualitative study
Authors: McKenna Brian , Furness Trentham , Oakes Jane , Brown Steve
Published: June 2015

Police officers as first responders to acute mental health crisis in the community, commonly transport people in mental health crisis to a hospital emergency department. However, emergency departments are not the optimal environments to provide assessment and care to those experiencing mental health crises. In 2012, the Northern Police and Clinician Emergency Response (NPACER) team combining police and mental health clinicians was created to reduce behavioural escalation and provide better outcomes for people with mental health needs through diversion to appropriate mental health and community services. The aim of this study was to describe the perceptions of major stakeholders on the ability of the team to reduce behavioural escalation and improve the service utilization of people in mental health crisis. Responses of a purposive sample of 17 people (carer or consumer advisors, mental health or emergency department staff, and police or ambulance officers) who had knowledge of, or had interfaced with, the NPACER were thematically analyzed after one‐to‐one semistructured interviews. Themes emerged about the challenge created by a stand‐alone police response, with the collaborative strengths of the NPACER (communication, information sharing, and knowledge/skill development) seen as the solution. Themes on improvements in service utilization were revealed at the point of community contact, in police stations, transition through the emergency department, and admission to acute inpatient units. The NPACER enabled emergency department diversion, direct access to inpatient mental health services, reduced police officer ‘down‐time’, improved interagency collaboration and knowledge transfer, and improvements in service utilization and transition.
Risk factors associated with intraoperatively acquired pressure ulcers in the park‐bench position: a retrospective study
Authors: Yoshimura Mine , Iizaka Shinji , Kohno Michihiro , Nagata Osamu , Yamasaki Takashi , Mae Tomoko , Haruyama Naoko , Sanada Hiromi
Published: June 2015

Patients undergoing surgery in the park‐bench position are at high risk of developing intraoperatively acquired pressure ulcers (IAPUs). The purpose was to examine retrospectively risk factors associated with IAPUs in the park‐bench position. This study was conducted at a general hospital during the period of September 2010 to September 2012. Twenty‐one potential risk factors were evaluated using data obtained from the hospital database. IAPUs developed in 30 of 277 patients (11%). Perspiration was statistically found to be independently associated with IAPUs [OR 3·09, 95% confidence interval (Cl) 1.07–8·58, P = 0·037]. A length of surgery of more than 6 hours was identified to be likely associated with IAPUs (OR 2·64, 95% Cl 0·84–9·08, P = 0·095) compared with less than 6 hours. Furthermore, there was an interaction between the length of surgery and the core temperature; that is, when the length of surgery was more than 6 hours, a core temperature of more than 38·1°C at the end of surgery had a higher odds ratio (8·45, 95% Cl 3·04–27·46, P < 0·001) than that at a lower core temperature (3·20, 95% Cl 1·23–8·78, P = 0·017). These results suggest that perspiration and core temperature are preventable causative factors of pressure ulcers, even under conditions of prolonged surgery in the park‐bench position.
Silver‐based wound dressings reduce bacterial burden and promote wound healing
Authors: Lin Yu‐Hsin , Hsu Wei‐Shan , Chung Wan‐Yu , Ko Tse‐Hao , Lin Jui‐Hsiang
Published: June 2015

Various types of wound dressings have been designed for different purposes and functions. Controlling bacterial burden in a wound during the early phase is important for successful wound repair. Once bacterial burden is under control, the active promotion of wound healing is another important factor for efficient wound healing. This study investigated the potential of three silver‐containing dressings, namely KoCarbonAg®, Aquacel® Ag and Acticoat 7, in reducing bacterial survival and promoting wound healing. The ability of these dressings to block the entry of bacteria from external environment and retain intrinsic bacteria was studied in vitro. In addition, the study used a rat model to compare the healing efficiencies of the three dressings and investigate the quantity of collagen synthesis in vivo. In vitro results indicated that the silver‐containing dressings prevented bacterial growth in wounds by blocking the entry of external bacteria and by retaining the bacteria in the dressing. In vivo study indicated that reduction in bacterial burden accelerated wound healing. Wounds treated by the silver‐containing dressings showed better healing than those treated with gauze. Moreover, KoCarbonAg® further accelerated wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis and arrangement.
Anatomy of a Scottish Revolution: The Potential of Postnationalist Scotland and the Future of the United Kingdom
Authors: HASSAN GERRY
Published: June 2015

Scottish politics isn't about some remote northern politics but go to the heart of the nature, character and power dimensions of the UK and British state. Scotland has been dramatically changed by the scale of the SNP landslide victory in the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections. Scottish society, identity and culture along with the politics of unionism and nationalism have all changed and will change further. The old fashioned politics of devolution are dead, but what comes next and what are the consequences for Scottish independence? What has to be challenged are old‐fashioned out‐of‐date views of the SNP, and the unreconstructed nationalism of the British state.
Are patient–nurse relationships in breast cancer linked to adult attachment style?
Authors: Harding Rachel , Beesley Helen , Holcombe Christopher , Fisher Jean , Salmon Peter
Published: June 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to ascertain if patients with breast cancer who have positive attachment models of ‘self’ and ‘other’ perceive higher levels of support from nurses than do patients with negative attachment models.

Background

Attachment models of ‘self’ and ‘other’ develop in childhood and affect relationships throughout life. People with negative attachment models tend to perceive themselves as unworthy of receiving support and to perceive others as incapable or unwilling to offer support. Attachment processes are activated when individuals feel threatened and seek support from those close to them. Breast cancer may represent such a threat and relationships between patients with breast cancer and nurses may therefore be influenced by patients' attachment models.

Design

A between‐subjects cross‐sectional design was used. Explanatory variables were indicators of patients' attachment models. Response variables were patient ratings of nurse support. Covariates were patient age and patient distress levels.

Method

One hundred and fifty‐three patients with breast cancer, diagnosed 1‐3 years previously, were recruited when attending follow‐up oncology appointments over 51 weeks in 2010–2011. Participants completed questionnaires assessing attachment models, distress and perceived support, from the nurse who was available to support them through their cancer. The hypotheses were tested by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Patients with more positive models of ‘self’ perceived more support from nurses.

Conclusions

Patients' perceptions of nurses when being treated for breast cancer are influenced by patients' own models of attachment. Knowledge of this would help nurses further to individualize the emotional support they give patients.
Inter‐Arm Blood Pressure Difference in Hospitalized Elderly Patients Is Not Associated With Excess Mortality
Authors: Weiss Avraham , Grossman Alon , Beloosesky Yichayaou , Koren‐Morag Nira , Green Hefziba , Grossman Ehud
Published: June 2015

Inter‐arm blood pressure difference (IAD) has been found to be associated with cardiovascular mortality. Its clinical significance and association with mortality in the elderly is not well defined. This study evaluated the association of IAD with mortality in a cohort of hospitalized elderly individuals. Blood pressure (BP) was measured simultaneously in both arms in elderly individuals (older than 65 years) hospitalized in a geriatric ward from October 2012 to July 2014. During the study period, 445 patients, mostly women (54.8%) with a mean age of 85±5 years, were recruited. Systolic and diastolic IAD were >10 mm Hg in 102 (22.9%) and 76 (17.1%) patients, respectively. Patients were followed for an average of 342±201 days. During follow‐up, 102 patients (22.9%) died. Mortality was not associated with systolic or diastolic IAD. It is therefore questionable whether BP should be routinely measured in both arms in the elderly.
Effects of the DASH Diet and Walking on Blood Pressure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Paula Tatiana P. , Viana Luciana V. , Neto Alessandra T. Z. , Leitão Cristiane B. , Gross Jorge L. , Azevedo Mirela J.
Published: June 2015

Data on the potential beneficial effects of combining diet and exercise on blood pressure (BP) are still scarce. A 4‐week randomized controlled clinical trial was undertaken in 40 hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) in office and daytime ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Patients were assigned to follow a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet associated with advice to increase walking using a pedometer (intervention group) or a diet based on the American Diabetes Association recommendations (control group). The lifestyle intervention caused a greater ABPM (mm Hg) reduction in systolic 24‐hour, diastolic 24‐hour, nighttime systolic, daytime systolic, and daytime diastolic measurements than observed in the control group. In the intervention group there was a decrease in urinary sodium and an increase in urinary potassium, plasma aldosterone, and the number of steps per day (P<.05). The DASH diet and increased walking were associated with clinically significant reductions in ABPM values in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes.
Effectiveness of emergency measures for flood prevention
Authors: Lendering K.T. , Jonkman S.N. , Kok M.
Published: June 2015

Emergency measures, such as sandbags, are often used during flood events to prevent breaches in flood defences. However, there is limited insight into their contribution to flood prevention. This paper describes a method to determine the reliability of a system of flood defences including emergency measures. The reliability of the emergency measure depends on the completion of three events: ‘Detection’, ‘placement’ and ‘construction’. Both detection and placement can fail due to human error or insufficient time; construction can fail due to structural failure. The method was applied to a case study in the Netherlands, in which the reliability of a flood defence system including emergency measures was determined. We found that emergency measures can increase the reliability with a factor 1.5–4, depending on the considered failure mode of the dike. Failure of detection and placement, and the underlying human reliability, had the highest contribution to the failure probability. Emergency measures proved to be cost effective, but are still less cost effective as traditional reinforcements. They could play a role as an interim solution to reduce flood risk.
Toward an Overall Analytical Framework for the Integrated Sustainability Assessment of the Production and Supply of Raw Materials and Primary Energy Carriers
Authors: Dewulf Jo , Mancini Lucia , Blengini Gian Andrea , Sala Serenella , Latunussa Cynthia , Pennington David
Published: June 2015

The sustainable production and supply of raw materials (“nonenergy raw materials”) and primary energy carriers (“energy raw materials”) is a core element of many policies. The natural resource base for their production and supply, and the access thereto, are limited. Moreover, raw material supply is high on environmental and social impact agendas as well. A broad, quantitative framework that supports decision makers is recommended so as to make use of raw materials and primary energy carriers more sustainably. First, this article proposes a holistic classification of raw materials and primary energy carriers. This is an essential prerequisite for developing an integrated sustainability assessment framework (ISAF). Indeed, frequently, only a subset of raw materials and primary energy carriers are considered in terms of their source, sector, or final application. Here, 85 raw materials and 30 primary energy carriers overall are identified and grouped into seven and five subgroups, respectively. Next, this article proposes a quantitative ISAF for the production and supply of raw materials and primary energy carriers, covering all the sustainability pillars. With the goal of comprehensiveness, the proposed ISAF integrates sustainability issues that have been covered and modeled in quite different quantitative frameworks: ecosystem services; classical life cycle assessment (LCA); social LCA; resource criticality assessment; and particular international concerns (e.g., conflict minerals assessment). The resulting four areas of concerns (i.e., environmental, technical, economic, and social/societal) are grouped into ten specific sustainability concerns. Finally, these concerns are quantified through 15 indicators, enabling the quantitative sustainability assessment of the production and supply of raw materials and primary energy carriers.
Final Energy Requirements of Steam for Use in Environmental Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Nieuwlaar Evert , Roes Alexander L. , Patel Martin K.
Published: June 2015

Steam is an important utility that is required in nearly all industrial process chains and hence needs to be modeled in life cycle assessment studies. Industrial steam systems are often very complex, with different steam flows varying in pressure and temperature and being transported over different distances. This should be accounted for when calculating the energy requirements related to steam supply. In this article, we constructed a generic model that allows estimating final energy requirements (i.e., gate‐to‐gate energy required to generate the steam) of various types of single‐fuel steam systems without turbines (i.e., open and closed cycles) with or without flash steam and expressed per tonne (t) of steam supplied to a process (before heat exchange) or per gigajoule (GJ) heat delivered within the process (after heat exchange, i.e., as useful energy). The model focuses on steam provided for covering process heat requirements and hence excludes cogeneration schemes with steam turbines. Based on the final energy requirements estimated with our generic model, primary energy requirements and environmental impacts can be calculated for various circumstances. Depending on the conditions chosen, final energy requirements for natural gas–fueled systems, as estimated in this study, are 2.71 to 3.44 GJ/t produced steam or 1.33 to 1.78 GJ/GJ delivered heat.
Nursing educator perspectives of overseas qualified nurses' intercultural clinical communication: barriers, enablers and engagement strategies
Authors: Philip Susan , Manias Elizabeth , Woodward‐Kron Robyn
Published: June 2015

Aims and objectives

To understand the intercultural communication experiences and associated communication training needs of overseas qualified nurses in the Australian healthcare system from the unique perspectives of nurse educators teaching in accredited bridging programmes.

Background

Overseas qualified nurses are an integral part of the nursing workforce in migration destination countries. Communication training needs are more complex when there are cultural, ethnic and language differences between nurses, other health professionals and patients.

Design

A qualitative, exploratory research design using semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

All (nine) organisations involved in conducting the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency approved preregistration bridging programmes for overseas qualified nurses within the state of Victoria, Australia, were involved in the study. Participants were 12 nurse educators employed in these organisations. Thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results

Three macro themes emerged about the overseas qualified nurses' intercultural communication: (1) pre‐existing barriers and enablers to intercultural communication, for example, nurses' reluctance to engage in communicative strategies that build rapport with patients, (2) transitional behaviours and impact on communication, including maintenance of perceived cultural hierarchies between health professionals and (3) development of communicative competence, including expanding one's repertoire of conversational gambits.

Conclusions

The findings point to the domains and causes of communication challenges facing overseas qualified nurses in new healthcare settings as well as strategies that the nurse educators and nurses can adopt. Communication cannot be merely regarded as a skill that can be taught in a didactic programme. Comprehensive understanding is needed about the sociocultural dimensions of these nurses' orientation, which can impact on how they communicate in their new healthcare settings.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings can act as triggers for discussion with overseas qualified nurses and other health professionals to raise awareness about the aspects of intercultural communication and to debate alternative viewpoints and explanations. They can also inform changes in the structure and content of the bridging programmes.
Ruling on the Profession: Interior Design in the Courts
Authors: Cunningham Erin
Published: June 2015

This paper uses the legal story of an interior design practitioner, Florence Karasik, as a basis for a broader discussion of the professionalization of interior design. The Karasik case will demonstrate three things: (1) that law, which is largely neglected in histories of professionalism, is an important barometer for shifting opinions about what it means to be a profession; (2) that everyday people, like Florence Karasik, had their own, popular conceptions of interior design as a profession; and (3) that popular and legal conceptions of the professionalization of interior design did not always align. The Karasik case, which disclosed a dynamic legal and popular conversation about what it meant to be a professional interior designer, highlights the increasingly decisive role the state would play in the second half of the twentieth century in determining the professional status of interior design.
Foundation for Interior Design Education Research's Early History: Important Developments from 1970 to 1990
Authors: Harwood Buie , Dohr Joy H.
Published: June 2015

The Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER), founded in 1970 and now the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), was established to administer interior design accreditation processes in higher education across the United States and Canada. It was the first and only regulatory agency professionally recognized and in the public's interest. This paper examines FIDER's early growth from 1970 to 1990 through key actions in its Founding and Governance, Research and Development, and Accreditation Processes. Content of primary and secondary resources from CIDA archives were analyzed, as well as oral histories collected from leaders. Each action is assessed for its importance during the time and in context to FIDER's mission. A content analysis guided by minutes, significant publications, research reports, and press releases helped identify and clarify important and relevant information as it related to the FIDER/CIDA history, capturing the main milestones. Documentation herein clarifies critical issues and changes that FIDER faced and offers insights into its evolution and status as an instrument of change in interior design education with contributions to the field's identity and professionalism. This history provides definitive stages to its growth, and substantiates key actions that afford its landmark status. Numerous goals are achieved and a model for specialized program accreditation matures with strong, professional, and equitable characteristics. A fervent and dedicated commitment to FIDER exists from those in education and the profession, and an international presence and more expansive agenda emerge with many more volunteers.
Three Profiles of “Interior Architects” in Postwar Flanders: The Historic Distinction between Practitioners with a Degree, Domestic Advisors, and Interior Decorators
Authors: De Vos Els , Somers Inge , Eeckhout Bart
Published: June 2015

In Western countries, the discipline of interior design has struggled to define itself from the beginning. One reason is that designing interiors is a multifaceted, layered, even interdisciplinary process. One has to deal with architectural environments as well as objects, with spaces as well as more ephemeral backdrops. Moreover, because designing interiors is not very different from certain everyday activities, interior professionals want to dissociate their activities from everyday decorating. Nomenclature has played an important role in trying to professionalize. By employing the term of “interior architect,” professional practitioners have sought to insist on the distance that separates their work from everyday design practices. However, interior architecture has also wanted to avoid being seen as a subcategory of architecture. As a result, alternative terms have circulated, which have been equally question–begging. By means of a case study of one country's attempt to professionalize the practice of designing interiors, this essay will uncover how professional identities emerged and were labeled in postwar Belgian Flanders. We will show how different profiles, ranging from schooled interior architects to self–made domestic advisors and interior decorators, enabled practitioners to approach interiors differently and sometimes design in different ways. At the same time, we will investigate why the term “Interior architect” was employed by all the profiles of practitioners. The historically and culturally specific case study will be framed against the internationally ongoing process of professionalization. The road toward professionalization in Flanders runs parallel to that in a lot of Western countries. The Flemish case is remarkable, though, in that issues of nomenclature and identity formation were already heavily debated, even taken to court, from the mid–1950s until the mid–1960s. While in North American and Australian educational programs and professional contexts, the gradual adoption of descriptions such as “interior design” and “interior architecture” is of more recent vintage, this process took place in Flanders already in the 1960s. With our historically early case study—the first Flemish interior design program dates back to 1946—we want to contribute to the ongoing international debate about the professionalization of the interior discipline as well as discussions on nomenclature and the complex relationship between professionals and amateurs. Through a historically and culturally specific case study, this article will show how different profiles, ranging from schooled interior architects to self–made interior advisors and interior decorators, enabled practitioners to approach interiors differently and sometimes to design in different ways.
Yield of coeliac screening in abdominal pain‐associated functional gastrointestinal system disorders
Authors: Kansu Aydan , Kuloğlu Zarife , Demir Arzu , Yaman Aytaç ,   the Turkish Celiac Study Group
Published: June 2015

Aim

Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) in childhood is common and in the majority functional. While CAP is one of the complaints of coeliac disease (CD), whether CAP as a sole complaint is indicative of CD is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between CAP and CD.

Methods

The study was conducted on 1047 children (61.1% female, mean age 9.6 ± 4.1 years) with CAP. Patients were evaluated according to the Rome III criteria. Patients with alarm symptoms and conditions known to be associated with CD were excluded. Patients were screened for CD using a rapid tissue transglutaminase (tTG) test; positive cases were tested by tTG ELISA, and duodenal biopsies were obtained if tTG was above the normal limit.

Results

Functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain (FAP) were diagnosed in 384 (36.7%), 274 (26.2%) and 389 (37.2%) patients, respectively. In 13 patients, the tTG rapid test was positive; 10 were also positive for tTG by ELISA and histopathological evaluations diagnosed CD in all 10 patients. The overall prevalence of CD was 0.95% (2.2%, 0.5% and 0.5% in patients with IBS, FD and FAP, respectively). The prevalence of CD in patients with IBS was higher than expected but with borderline statistical significance (P = 0.053).

Conclusions

CD is found as common in children with FD and FAP as in the general population. CD was more commonly diagnosed in IBS patients with borderline statistical significance. We suggest that particular attention be paid to children with IBS.