bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of an educational patient safety campaign on patients' safety behaviours and adverse events
Authors: Schwappach David L.B. , Frank Olga , Buschmann Ute , Babst Reto
Published: February 2012

Rationale, aims and objectives  The study aims to investigate the effects of a patient safety advisory on patients' risk perceptions, perceived behavioural control, performance of safety behaviours and experience of adverse incidents.

Method  Quasi‐experimental intervention study with non‐equivalent group comparison was used. Patients admitted to the surgical department of a Swiss large non‐university hospital were included. Patients in the intervention group received a safety advisory at their first clinical encounter. Outcomes were assessed using a questionnaire at discharge. Odds ratios for control versus intervention group were calculated. Regression analysis was used to model the effects of the intervention and safety behaviours on the experience of safety incidents.

Results  Two hundred eighteen patients in the control and 202 in the intervention group completed the survey (75 and 77% response rates, respectively). Patients in the intervention group were less likely to feel poorly informed about medical errors (OR = 0.55, P = 0.043). There were 73.1% in the intervention and 84.3% in the control group who underestimated the risk for infection (OR = 0.51, CI 0.31–0.84, P = 0.009). Perceived behavioural control was lower in the control group (meanCon = 3.2, meanInt = 3.5, P = 0.010). Performance of safety‐related behaviours was unaffected by the intervention. Patients in the intervention group were less likely to experience any safety‐related incident or unsafe situation (OR for intervention group = 0.57, CI 0.38–0.87, P = 0.009). There were no differences in concerns for errors during hospitalization. There were 96% of patients (intervention) who would recommend other patients to read the advisory.

Conclusions  The results suggest that the safety advisory decreases experiences of adverse events and unsafe situations. It renders awareness and perceived behavioural control without increasing concerns for safety and can thus serve as a useful instrument for communication about safety between health care workers and patients.
A nationwide evaluation on electronic medication‐related information provided by hospital websites
Authors: Lin Hsiang‐Wen , Ku Chung‐Hui , Li Jui‐fen , Tan An Chee , Chou Chia‐Hung
Published: February 2012

Rational, aims and objectives  The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of electronic medication‐related information (e‐MRI) via Internet offered by the hospital settings in Taiwan.

Methods  The structured Internet search and comprehensive review were performed on the most commonly used search engines in Taiwan. The assessment checklists were developed to describe the characteristics of general, e‐MRI in the years 2008 and 2010, and specific digoxin information in 2011 based on the operational definitions derived from other studies. The descriptive analyses and chi‐square tests for the retrieved data were performed.

Results  With approximately 15% of hospital settings providing general, e‐MRI on their websites, their content varied but was not statistically significant, and different among the providers from different levels of hospitals and in different years. More medical centres provided the information with the updated dates and contact approaches than the smaller scale hospitals. Little was found about reference citation and authorships for those general, e‐MRI websites. More medical centres created the accesses to search for the individual prescription in the corresponding settings and the specific information about digoxin storage. However, more district hospitals provided the precaution and dosage form information about digoxin.

Conclusions  The providers to offer the e‐MRI via hospital websites in Taiwan could be more responsible for its update, authorship and evidence. Further, the provision of electronic medication‐related information via the Internet should be regularly examined or audited by the neutral personnel or organizations to ensure its quality.
Current controversies in the use of haemoglobin A1c
Authors: Hare M. J. L. , Shaw J. E. , Zimmet P. Z.
Published: February 2012

Abstract.  Hare MJL, Shaw JE, Zimmet PZ (Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic.; and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic.; Australia). Current controversies in the use of haemoglobin A1c (Review). J Intern Med 2012; 271: 227–236.

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) has recently been adopted by the World Health Organization into its recommended criteria for diabetes diagnosis. Much debate continues regarding the relative benefits and potential disadvantages surrounding the use of HbA1c for this purpose. There is a lack of consensus as to whether this alteration to the definition of diabetes is a step forward or whether it could add further confusion and ambiguity to the debate on the method and criteria for the diagnosis of this globally important disease. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current issues surrounding how HbA1c is measured and reported; and of the evidence for and against its use in diagnosis.
Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis via spleen stiffness measurement using acoustic radiation force impulse sonoelastography in patients with chronic hepatitis B or C
Authors: Chen S.‐H. , Li Y.‐F. , Lai H.‐C. , Kao J.‐T. , Peng C.‐Y. , Chuang P.‐H. , Su W.‐P. , Chiang I.‐P.
Published: February 2012

Summary.  Portal hypertension and splenomegaly are common in patients with cirrhosis. However, there is limited previous in vivo research on the correlation between spleen stiffness and stages of liver fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of spleen stiffness measurement (SSM), using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technology, for liver fibrosis assessment. Eligible patients with chronic hepatitis B or C (n = 163) underwent concurrent liver stiffness measurement (LSM), SSM and percutaneous liver biopsy. Receiver operating characteristic curves estimated the diagnostic performance of SSM, with multiple linear regression models for LSM and SSM determining the significance of explanatory factors. Results indicated significant correlation between LSM and SSM (R2 = 0.574, P < 0.0001). Using SSM to classify METAVIR fibrosis (METAVIR F) scores, the areas under curves were 0.839 (95% CI: 0.780–0.898) for METAVIR F1 vs F2–4, 0.936 (95% CI: 0.898–0.975) for F1–2 vs F3–4 and 0.932 (95% CI: 0.893–0.971) for F1–3 vs F4, all P < 0.001. Multiple linear regression models identified BMI, spleen stiffness, METAVIR F3 and F4, serum alanine aminotransferase, international normalized ratio of prothrombin time, sodium and platelet count as significant independent explanatory factors for liver stiffness (adjusted R2 = 0.724, P < 0.001). Male gender, liver stiffness, METAVIR F2, F3 and F4 also significantly and independently explained spleen stiffness (adjusted R2 = 0.647, P < 0.001). ARFI SSM is potentially useful as a single or adjunct predictor of stages of liver fibrosis.
Evidence of inbreeding depression but not inbreeding avoidance in a natural house sparrow population
Authors: BILLING ANNA M. , LEE ALINE M. , SKJELSETH SIGRUN , BORG ÅSA A. , HALE MATTHEW C. , SLATE JON , PÄRN HENRIK , RINGSBY THOR H. , SÆTHER BERNT‐ERIK , JENSEN HENRIK
Published: February 2012

Inbreeding is common in small and threatened populations and often has a negative effect on individual fitness and genetic diversity. Thus, inbreeding can be an important factor affecting the persistence of small populations. In this study, we investigated the effects of inbreeding on fitness in a small, wild population of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) on the island of Aldra, Norway. The population was founded in 1998 by four individuals (one female and three males). After the founder event, the adult population rapidly increased to about 30 individuals in 2001. At the same time, the mean inbreeding coefficient among adults increased from 0 to 0.04 by 2001 and thereafter fluctuated between 0.06 and 0.10, indicating a highly inbred population. We found a negative effect of inbreeding on lifetime reproductive success, which seemed to be mainly due to an effect of inbreeding on annual reproductive success. This resulted in selection against inbred females. However, the negative effect of inbreeding was less strong in males, suggesting that selection against inbred individuals is at least partly sex specific. To examine whether individuals avoided breeding with close relatives, we compared observed inbreeding and kinship coefficients in the population with those obtained from simulations of random mating. We found no significant differences between the two, indicating weak or absent inbreeding avoidance. We conclude that there was inbreeding depression in our population. Despite this, birds did not seem to actively avoid mating with close relatives, perhaps as a consequence of constraints on mating possibilities in such a small population.
Fig trees at the northern limit of their range: the distributions of cryptic pollinators indicate multiple glacial refugia
Authors: CHEN YAN , COMPTON STEPHEN G. , LIU MIN , CHEN XIAO‐YONG
Published: February 2012

Climatic oscillations during the last few million years had well‐documented effects on the distributions and genomes of temperate plants and animals, but much less is known of their impacts on tropical and subtropical species. In contrast to Europe and North America, ice‐sheets did not cover most of China during glacial periods, and the effects of glacial cycles were less dramatic. Fig trees are a predominantly tropical group pollinated by host‐specific fig wasps. We employed partial mitochondrial COI (918 bp) and nuclear ITS2 (462 bp) gene sequences to investigate the genetic structure and demographic histories of the wasps that pollinate the subtropical Ficus pumila var. pumila in Southeastern China. Deep genetic divergence in both mitochondrial (7.2–11.6%) and nuclear genes (1.6–2.9%) indicates that three pollinator species are present and that they diverged about 4.72 and 6.00 Myr bp. This predates the Quaternary ice ages, but corresponds with the formation of the Taiwan Strait and uplifting of the Wuyi–Xianxia Mountains. The three pollinators have largely allopatric distribution patterns in China and display different postglacial demographic histories. Wiebesia spp. 1 and 2 occupy, respectively, the northern and southern regions of the mainland host range. Their populations both underwent significant postglacial spatial expansions, but at different times and at different rates. Wiebesia sp. 3 is largely restricted to northern islands and shows less evidence of recent population expansion. Their mainly allopatric distributions and different demographic histories are consistent with host plant postglacial expansion from three distinct refugia and suggest one mechanism whereby fig trees gain multiple pollinators.
RNase HIII from Chlamydophila pneumoniae can efficiently cleave double‐stranded DNA carrying a chimeric ribonucleotide in the presence of manganese
Authors: Lu Zheng , Liang Rubing , Liu Xipeng , Hou Jingli , Liu Jianhua
Published: February 2012

Two ribonuclease Hs (RNase Hs) have been found in Chlamydophila pneumoniae, CpRNase HII and CpRNase HIII. This work is the first report that CpRNase HIII can efficiently cleave DNA‐rN1‐DNA/DNA (rN1, monoribonucleotide) in vitro in the presence of Mn2+, whereas the enzymatic activity of CpRNase HII on the same substrate was inhibited by Mn2+ and dependent on Mg2+. However, the ability of both CpRNase Hs to cleave other alternative substrates (RNA/DNA hybrids and Okazaki‐like substrates), was insensitive to the divalent ions changes, suggesting that high concentrations of Mn2+ specifically repressed the ability of CpRNase HII to cleave DNA‐rN1‐DNA/DNA but activated this function in CpRNase HIII. Further in vivo experiments showed that the CpRNase HII complementation of Escherichia coli rnh‐ mutations in an Mg2+ environment was suppressed by Mn2+. In contrast, Mn2+ was indispensable for CpRNase HIII to complement the same mutations. Further, the cell growth inhibition and the genomic DNA sensitivity to alkali in the bacterial strain lacking RNase HII activity could be relieved by functional CpRNase HII or HIII with its compatible ion. Therefore, CpRNase HIII can execute cleavage activity on DNA‐rN1‐DNA/DNA under a Mn2+‐rich environment and may function as a substitute for CpRNase HII under special physiological states.
Activity in varicosities within the myenteric plexus between and during the colonic migrating motor complex in the isolated murine large intestine
Authors: Bayguinov P. O. , Broadhead M. J. , Okamoto T. , Hennig G. W. , Smith T. K.
Published: February 2012

Background  Neuronal communication within the myenteric plexus occurs when action potentials along nerve fibers produce Ca2+ transients in varicosities leading to exocytosis of vesicles and neurotransmitters release. We used Ca2+ transients in varicosities to monitor action potential activity in myenteric nerve pathways both between and during the colonic migrating motor complex (CMMC) in the isolated murine colon.

Methods  Strips of longitudinal muscle were removed to reveal the myenteric ganglia, which were then loaded with Fluo‐4.

Key Results  Many varicosities, including synaptotagmin 1 labeled varicosities, exhibited ongoing Ca2+ transients (duration of unitary Ca2+ transient 3.9 s). Between CMMCs, varicosities fired at a frequency of 0.6 Hz, which correlated with spontaneous inhibitory junction potentials in the circular muscle, suggesting they were mainly in inhibitory nerve pathways. During a CMMC other previously quiescent varicosities fired at 1.3 Hz (max. 2.0 Hz) for the duration (24 s) of the CMMC, suggesting they were on excitatory nerve pathways. Activity in varicosities was correlated with Ca2+ transient responses in a number of neurons. Some varicosities appeared to release an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduced activity in nNOS‐positive neurons. Varicosities along the same nerve fiber exhibited identical patterns of activity that allowed nerve fibers to be traced throughout the myenteric plexus and internodal strands. Activity in varicosities was reduced by hexamethonium (100 μmol L−1), and blocked by ω‐conotoxin GVIA (200 nM) and tetrodotoxin (1 μmol L−1; TTX).

Conclusions & Inferences  Ca2+ imaging of varicosities allows for a determination of activity in neural pathways within the enteric nervous system.
Molecular characterization and diagnostics of stubby root and virus vector nematodes of the family Trichodoridae (Nematoda: Triplonchida) using ribosomal RNA genes
Authors: Kumari S. , Subbotin S. A.
Published: February 2012

Plant parasitic nematodes of the family Trichodoridae cause substantial yield losses in many agricultural crops. Rapid and accurate identification of trichodorids to the species level is critical for selection of appropriate measures for control. This study analysed 99 sequences of the D2–D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA gene and 131 sequences of the 18S rRNA gene from the stubby nematodes belonging to the genera Nanidorus, Paratrichodorus and Trichodorus. Species delimiting was based on the integration of morphological identification, which is not provided in the present article, and molecular‐based phylogenetic inference and sequence analysis. Twenty‐two valid species and several species complexes were identified among nematodes included in the analysis. PCR‐RFLPs of the partial 18S rDNA and the D2–D3 expansion segments of the 28S rDNA were tested and proposed for identification of these nematodes. Gel PCR‐RFLP profiles and tables with restriction fragment lengths for several diagnostic enzymes are provided for identification. Some problems of taxonomy and phylogeny of nematodes of the family Trichodoridae are also discussed.
Somatic mosaicism in a mother of two children with Pitt–Hopkins syndrome
Authors: Steinbusch CVM , van Roozendaal KEP , Tserpelis D , Smeets EEJ , Kranenburg‐de Koning TJ , de Waal KH , Zweier C , Rauch A , Hennekam RCM , Blok MJ , Schrander‐Stumpel CTRM
Published: February 2012

Steinbusch CVM, van Roozendaal KEP, Tserpelis D, Smeets EEJ, Kranenburg‐de Koning TJ, de Waal KH, Zweier C, Rauch A, Hennekam RCM, Blok MJ, Schrander‐Stumpel CTRM. Somatic mosaicism in a mother of two children with Pitt–Hopkins syndrome.

Pitt–Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, unusual face and breathing abnormalities and can be caused by haploinsufficiency of TCF4. The majority of cases are sporadic. Somatic mosaicism was reported infrequently. We report on a proband with typical manifestations of PTHS and his younger brother with a less striking phenotype. In both, a heterozygous frameshift mutation (c.1901_1909delinsA, p.Ala634AspfsX67) was found in exon 19 of TCF4. The same mutation was found at low levels in DNA extracted from the mother's blood, urine and saliva. This report of familial recurrence with somatic mosaicism in a healthy mother has important consequences for genetic counseling. We suggest careful studies in parents of other patients with PTHS to determine the frequency of germline and somatic mosaicism for TCF4 mutations.
Hypoosmotic Swelling Test in Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Epididymal Spermatozoa
Authors: Vásquez J , Florentini EA , Valdivia M
Published: February 2012

Contents

The present study intended to develop the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test in alpaca for its use in epididymal spermatozoa, to evaluate the membrane functional integrity and determine an appropriate hypoosmotic solution and whether the incubation time of 15 or 60 min is sufficient for the execution of the test. Hypoosmotic solutions (HS) with the following concentrations were used: 50, 100, 150, 200 and 275 mOsm/kg of sodium citrate tribasic dihydrate and d‐fructose. Ten microlitres of epididymal sperm sample was mixed in 150 μL of the respective HS and incubated for 15 or 60 min at 38°C. From the proportion of reacted (swollen) spermatozoa, the 150 mOsm/kg HS was the most sensitive (p < 0.05). The exposure times (15 and 60 min) did not have significant differences (p > 0.05) in the proportion of both strong‐ and total‐coiled sperm tails. In conclusion, 150 mOsm/kg HS and 15 min exposure time are optimal to evaluate the plasma membrane functional integrity through the HOS test in alpaca epididymal spermatozoa.
Conversion of Cortisone to Cortisol and Prostaglandin F2α Production by the Reproductive Tract of Cows at the Late Luteal Stage In Vivo
Authors: Duong HT , Skarzynski DJ , Piotrowska‐Tomala KK , Bah MM , Jankowska K , Warmowski P , Łukasik K , Okuda K , Acosta TJ
Published: February 2012

Contents

Previous in vitro studies demonstrated that bovine endometrium has the capacity to convert inactive cortisone to biologically active cortisol (Cr) and that Cr inhibits cytokine‐stimulated prostaglandin F2α (PGF) production. This study was carried out to test the hypothesis that bovine reproductive tract has the capacity to convert cortisone to Cr in vivo and to evaluate the effects of intravaginal application of exogenous cortisone on uterine PGF secretion during the late luteal stage. The temporal relationships between PGF and Cr levels in uterine plasma were also determined. Catheters were inserted into jugular vein (JV), uterine vein (UV), vena cava caudalis (VCC) and aorta abdominalis (AA) of six cows on Day 15 of the oestrous cycle (ovulation = Day 0) for frequent blood collection. On Day 16, the cows were divided randomly into two groups and infused intravaginally with vaseline gel (10 ml; control; n = 3) or cortisone dissolved in vaseline gel (100 mg; n = 3). Blood samples were collected at −2, −1, −0.5, 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h after treatments (0 h). Intravaginal application of cortisone increased plasma concentrations of Cr between 0.5 and 1.5 h in UV, at 0.5 h in VCC, at 1 h in JV and at 1.5 h in AA. The plasma concentrations of PGF in UV and of PGF metabolite in JV were greater at 0.5 and 1 h in the cortisone‐treated animals than in control animals. The levels of PGF in UV blood plasma decreased after Cr reached its highest levels. The overall findings suggest that the female reproductive tract has the capacity to convert cortisone to Cr in vivo. Based on the temporal changes of PGF and Cr levels in the uterine plasma, a biphasic response in PGF secretion was found to be associated to the Cr increase induced by the cortisone treatment at the late luteal stage in non‐pregnant cows.
Diagnostic classification, viral sexually transmitted infections and discourses of femininity: limits of normalisation to erase stigma
Authors: Cook Catherine
Published: February 2012

Clinicians in the field of women’s sexual health typically classify the two most common viral sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the human papilloma virus and the herpes simplex virus, as relatively innocuous infections. Teaching interventions include ‘normalising’ adult sexual activity and the epidemiological ordinariness of infection. Normalising is intended to disarm the potential stigma of the diagnosis. In this study, in‐depth email interviews were conducted with 26 women with a viral STI diagnosis and 12 sexual health clinicians. Data were analysed thematically using a feminist, poststructuralist approach. Normalising is contextualised as an example of the workings of western philosophical thought whereby dualistic classifications privilege certain terms and subordinate other terms. In this instance, the relative medical normalcy of viral STIs is given primacy compared to the social abnormality experienced by women. Although these viral STIs infect women and men, this research concentrates on women’s learning about viral STIs. For women, beliefs about femininity, sexuality, health, morality and responsibility influence effects of a viral STI diagnosis. These discourses are clinically significant because beliefs that specifically link to ideas about how to be a woman are overlooked when clinicians devise educational interventions.
Pulmonary fungal infections
Authors: SMITH JEANNINA A. , KAUFFMAN CAROL A.
Published: February 2012

This review details some of the advances that have been made in the recent decade in the diagnosis, treatment and epidemiology of pulmonary fungal infections. These advances have occurred because of increasing knowledge regarding the fungal genome, better understanding of the structures of the fungal cell wall and cell membrane and the use of molecular epidemiological techniques. The clinical implications of these advances are more rapid diagnosis and more effective and less toxic antifungal agents. For example, the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, as well as histoplasmosis and blastomycosis, has improved with the use of easily performed antigen detection systems in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Treatment of angioinvasive moulds has improved with the introduction of the new azoles, voriconazole and posaconazole that have broad antifungal activity. Amphotericin B is less frequently used, and when used is often given as lipid formulation to decrease toxicity. The newest agents, the echinocandins, are especially safe as they interfere with the metabolism of the fungal cell wall, a structure not shared with humans cells. Epidemiological advances include the description of the emergence of Cryptococcus gattii in North America and the increase in pulmonary mucormycosis and pneumonia due to Fusarium and Scedosporium species in transplant recipients and patients with haematological malignancies. The emergence of azole resistance among Aspergillus species is especially worrisome and is likely related to increased azole use for treatment of patients, but also to agricultural use of azoles as fungicides in certain countries.
Synchronized spike waves in immature dentate gyrus networks
Authors: Seki Megumi , Kobayashi Chiaki , Takahashi Naoya , Matsuki Norio , Ikegaya Yuji
Published: February 2012

At early developmental stages, immature neuronal networks of the neocortex and hippocampus spontaneously exhibit synchronously oscillating activities, which are believed to play roles in normal circuit maturation. The tissue development of the dentate gyrus (DG) in the hippocampal formation is exceptionally late compared with other brain regions and persists until postnatal periods. Using patch‐clamp recording and functional multineuron calcium imaging, we found that the DG networks of postnatal day (P)3–7 mice spontaneously generated traveling waves of action potentials, which were initiated at the upper blade of the granule cell layer and propagated to the lower blade. The propagation was dependent on glutamatergic and electrical synapses, but not on GABAergic receptor activity. Remarkably, the DG waves were almost completely abolished in offspring born to female rats exposed to restraint stress during pregnancy. In the prenatally stressed offspring, DG granule cell dendrites developed normally until P3 and showed atrophy by P9. Thus, the DG waves may be required for the maturation of DG granule cells.
Lateral regions of the rodent striatum reveal elevated glutamate decarboxylase 1 mRNA expression in medium‐sized projection neurons
Authors: Trifonov Stefan , Houtani Takeshi , Kase Masahiko , Toida Kazunori , Maruyama Masato , Yamashita Yuji , Shimizu Jun‐Ichi , Sugimoto Tetsuo
Published: February 2012

The GABA‐synthesizing enzymes glutamate decarboxylase (GAD)1 and GAD2 are universally contained in GABAergic neurons in the central nervous system of the mouse and rat. The two isoforms are almost identically expressed throughout the brain and spinal cord. By using in situ hybridization, we found that the mouse lateral striatum concentrates medium‐sized projection neurons with high‐level expression of GAD1, but not of GAD2, mRNA. This was confirmed with several types of riboprobe, including those directed to the 5′‐noncoding, 3′‐noncoding and coding regions. Immunohistochemical localization of GAD1 also revealed predominant localization of the enzyme in the same striatal region. The lateral region of the mouse striatum, harboring such neurons, is ovoid in shape and extends between interaural +4.8 and +2.8, and at lateral 2.8 and dorsoventral 2.0. This intriguing region corresponds to the area that receives afferent inputs from the primary motor and sensory cortex that are presumably related to mouth and forelimb representations. The lateral striatum is included in the basal ganglia‐thalamocortical loop, and is most vulnerable to various noxious stimuli in the neurodegeneration processes involving the basal ganglia. We have confirmed elevated expression of GAD1 mRNA, but not of GAD2 mRNA, also in the rat lateral striatum. Image analysis favored the view that the regional increase is caused by elevated cellular expression, and that the greatest number of medium‐sized spiny neurons were positive for GAD1 mRNA. The GAD1 mRNA distribution in the mouse lateral striatum partially resembled those of GPR155 and cannabinoid receptor type 1 mRNAs, suggesting functional cooperation in some neurons.
Association between hypoglycaemic events and fall‐related fractures in Medicare‐covered patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Johnston S. S. , Conner C. , Aagren M. , Ruiz K. , Bouchard J.
Published: February 2012

Aims: This retrospective observational study examined the association between International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM)‐coded outpatient hypoglycaemic events and fall‐related fractures in Medicare‐covered patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Data were derived from healthcare claims for individuals with employer‐sponsored Medicare supplemental insurance. The study period consisted of two consecutive 1‐year periods; the baseline period (1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009) and the evaluation period (1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010). Patients selected for study were at least 65 years of age with evidence of type 2 diabetes during the baseline period, as identified using a Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set algorithm or by at least two prescription claims for oral antidiabetic drugs. The baseline period was used to collect information on the patients' demographics and clinical characteristics. The evaluation period was used to identify the presence of hypoglycaemic events and fall‐related fractures. Logistic regression was employed to examine the association between hypoglycaemic events and fall‐related fractures occurring during the evaluation period, adjusting for patients' demographics and clinical characteristics.

Results: Of 361 210 included patients, 16 936 had hypoglycaemic events during the evaluation period. Patients with hypoglycaemic events had 70% higher regression‐adjusted odds (hypoglycaemic events odds ratio = 1.70; 95% confidence interval = 1.58–1.83) of fall‐related fractures than patients without hypoglycaemic events. Multiple sensitivity analyses also yielded results suggesting increased odds of fall‐related fractures in patients with hypoglycaemic events.

Conclusions: ICD‐9‐CM‐coded outpatient hypoglycaemic events were independently associated with an increased risk of fall‐related fractures. Further studies of the relationship between hypoglycaemia and the risk of fall‐related fractures are warranted.
Quality and Outcomes Framework screening questions for depression in patients with diabetes: effective but non‐efficient
Authors: Abu‐Roomi S. R. , Mallipedhi A. , Bain S. C. , Price D. E. , Stephens J. W.
Published: February 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 957–958 (2012)
Use of metaphors in Chinese family therapy: a qualitative study
Authors: Liu Liang , Zhao Xudong , Miller John K.
Published: February 2012

The use of metaphors in family therapy has been extensively written about in western literature, yet very few studies on this subject have been conducted inChina. The goal of this study was to summarize the metaphors used byChinese family therapists. Transcriptions from 36 hours of video‐recorded family and couple therapy sessions from eighteenChinese family patients were qualitatively analysed to identify categories of therapist‐produced metaphors that are applicable to theChinese context. Two major categories emerged: verbal and non‐verbal metaphors. Verbal metaphors included four subgroups: story, object comparison, sayings and age. Nonverbal metaphors involved two subgroups: gesture and spatialization. The influence of theChinese culture on the use of metaphor is discussed. This study adds to the greater understanding of how to integrate metaphors in therapy in theChinese context.
A comparative study of seed yield parameters in Arabidopsis thaliana mutants and transgenics
Authors: Van Daele Inge , Gonzalez Nathalie , Vercauteren Ilse , de Smet Lien , Inzé Dirk , Roldán‐Ruiz Isabel , Vuylsteke Marnik
Published: February 2012

Because seed yield is the major factor determining the commercial success of grain crop cultivars, there is a large interest to obtain more understanding of the genetic factors underlying this trait. Despite many studies, mainly in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, have reported transgenes and mutants with effects on seed number and/or seed size, knowledge about seed yield parameters remains fragmented. This study investigated the effect of 46 genes, either in gain‐ and/or loss‐of‐function situations, with a total of 64 Arabidopsis lines being examined for seed phenotypes such as seed size, seed number per silique, number of inflorescences, number of branches on the main inflorescence and number of siliques. Sixteen of the 46 genes, examined in 14 Arabidopsis lines, were reported earlier to directly affect in seed size and/or seed number or to indirectly affect seed yield by their involvement in biomass production. Other genes involved in vegetative growth, flower or inflorescence development or cell division were hypothesized to potentially affect the final seed size and seed number. Analysis of this comprehensive data set shows that of the 14 lines previously described to be affected in seed size or seed number, only nine showed a comparable effect. Overall, this study provides the community with a useful resource for identifying genes with effects on seed yield and candidate genes underlying seed QTL. In addition, this study highlights the need for more thorough analysis of genes affecting seed yield.
Egocentrism and Automatic Perspective Taking in Children and Adults
Authors: Surtees Andrew D. R. , Apperly Ian A.
Published: February 2012

Children (aged 6–10) and adults (total N = 136) completed a novel visual perspective‐taking task that allowed quantitative comparisons across age groups. All age groups found it harder to judge the other person’s perspective when it differed from their own. This egocentric interference did not decrease with age, even though, overall, performance improved. In addition, it was more difficult to judge one’s own perspective when it differed from that of the other person, suggesting that the other’s perspective was processed even though it interfered with self‐perspective judgments. In a logically equivalent, nonsocial task, the same degree of interference was not observed. These findings are discussed in relation to recent findings suggesting precocious theory‐of‐mind abilities in infancy.
Adaptive Multiple Importance Sampling
Authors: CORNUET JEAN‐MARIE , MARIN JEAN‐MICHEL , MIRA ANTONIETTA , ROBERT CHRISTIAN P.
Published: February 2012

Abstract.  The Adaptive Multiple Importance Sampling algorithm is aimed at an optimal recycling of past simulations in an iterated importance sampling (IS) scheme. The difference with earlier adaptive IS implementations like Population Monte Carlo is that the importance weights of all simulated values, past as well as present, are recomputed at each iteration, following the technique of the deterministic multiple mixture estimator of Owen & Zhou (J. Amer. Statist. Assoc., 95, 2000, 135). Although the convergence properties of the algorithm cannot be investigated, we demonstrate through a challenging banana shape target distribution and a population genetics example that the improvement brought by this technique is substantial.
High Dimensional Variable Selection via Tilting
Authors: Cho Haeran , Fryzlewicz Piotr
Published: February 2012

The paper considers variable selection in linear regression models where the number of covariates is possibly much larger than the number of observations. High dimensionality of the data brings in many complications, such as (possibly spurious) high correlations between the variables, which result in marginal correlation being unreliable as a measure of association between the variables and the response. We propose a new way of measuring the contribution of each variable to the response which takes into account high correlations between the variables in a data-driven way. The proposed tilting procedure provides an adaptive choice between the use of marginal correlation and tilted correlation for each variable, where the choice is made depending on the values of the hard thresholded sample correlation of the design matrix. We study the conditions under which this measure can successfully discriminate between the relevant and the irrelevant variables and thus be used as a tool for variable selection. Finally, an iterative variable screening algorithm is constructed to exploit the theoretical properties of tilted correlation, and its good practical performance is demonstrated in a comparative simulation study.
Structures, Procedures and Social Capital: The Implementation of EU Cohesion Policies by Subnational Governments in Poland
Authors: Lackowska‐Madurowicz Marta , Swianiewicz Paweł
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the debate on the Europeanization of new member states by discussing the impact of European Union (EU) regional policy on Polish regions. Analysis of the institutional setting connected to the regional policy proves that the general lack of social trust in Poland determines the unjustified complexity of procedures affecting the absorption of structural funds. In this investigation we adopt the social capital perspective to explain regional variation in the capacity to implement EU regional policy. The conclusions contradict the mainstream thesis that it is bridging social capital that correlates positively with regional economic development and administrative capacities. On the contrary, among the case study regions the one with higher bonding social capital proved more efficient in the absorption of EU funds. The following question remains — does the pace of absorption correspond to allocation decisions that would support the development of a region in a long‐term perspective?

Cet article, qui s'inscrit dans le débat sur l'européanisation des nouveaux États membres, s'attache à l'impact de la politique régionale de l'Union européenne (UE) sur les territoires polonais. Une analyse du cadre institutionnel liéà la politique régionale montre que le défaut généralisé de confiance sociale en Pologne amène une complexité injustifiée des procédures qui pèse sur l'absorption des fonds structurels. L'étude adopte l'approche du capital social pour expliquer les variations régionales dans la capacitéà mettre en œuvre la politique régionale de l'UE. Les résultats contredisent la thèse classique selon laquelle c'est un capital social ‘relationnel’ (bridging) qui crée une corrélation positive avec les capacités administrative et de développement économique régionales. Au contraire, parmi les régions étudiées, le cas présentant le capital social le plus ‘affectif’ (bonding) s'est révélé plus efficient dans son utilisation des fonds européens. Il reste une question: le rythme d'absorption correspond‐il à des décisions d'affectation qui favoriseraient le développement d'une région à longue échéance?
Argentine Migrants to Spain and Returnees: A Case for Accumulation of Civic Assets
Authors: Ginieniewicz Jorge
Published: February 2012

Conceptually, this paper relies on the asset accumulation framework and identifies its relevance to work on Argentine migrants to Spain and returnees. The asset accumulation framework represents an innovative approach to understanding the complexities of migratory flows in a transnational context. In order to comprehend and tackle migration, this framework pays particular attention to investment and savings in various domains, including the financial, social, human, civic and political fields. Responding to gaps in current studies, the objective of this paper is twofold. First, it expands the asset accumulation framework by differentiating between civic and political assets. Second, using data drawn from interviews conducted among Argentine migrants and returnees in the cities of Barcelona and Buenos Aires, this paper fleshes out the definition of civic assets. The findings indicate that, for interviewees, moving to Spain implied the accumulation of civic assets that enhanced the development of a more equitable and democratic society. Respondents incorporated new civic capabilities in several areas, including increased environmental awareness and tolerance for minority groups, as well as the acquisition of knowledge about equity and labour rights. In addition, results suggest that, as a result of the migratory experience, many interviewees went through reflective processes that made them question their old presumptions about both the receiving and sending societies.
Turkish Population Structure and Genetic Ancestry Reveal Relatedness among Eurasian Populations
Authors: Hodoğlugil Uğur , Mahley Robert W.
Published: February 2012

Turkey has experienced major population movements. Population structure and genetic relatedness of samples from three regions of Turkey, using over 500,000 SNP genotypes, were compared together with Human Genome Diversity Panel (HGDP) data. To obtain a more representative sampling from Central Asia, Kyrgyz samples (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) were genotyped and analysed. Principal component (PC) analysis reveals a significant overlap between Turks and Middle Easterners and a relationship with Europeans and South and Central Asians; however, the Turkish genetic structure is unique. FRAPPE, STRUCTURE, and phylogenetic analyses support the PC analysis depending upon the number of parental ancestry components chosen. For example, supervised STRUCTURE (K= 3) illustrates a genetic ancestry for the Turks of 45% Middle Eastern (95% CI, 42–49), 40% European (95% CI, 36–44) and 15% Central Asian (95% CI, 13–16), whereas at K= 4 the genetic ancestry of the Turks was 38% European (95% CI, 35–42), 35% Middle Eastern (95% CI, 33–38), 18% South Asian (95% CI, 16–19) and 9% Central Asian (95% CI, 7–11). PC analysis and FRAPPE/STRUCTURE results from three regions in Turkey (Aydin, Istanbul and Kayseri) were superimposed, without clear subpopulation structure, suggesting sample homogeneity. Thus, this study demonstrates admixture of Turkish people reflecting the population migration patterns.
A multi‐modal multiphoton investigation of microstructure in the deep zone and calcified cartilage
Authors: Mansfield Jessica C. , Peter Winlove C.
Published: February 2012

Multi‐modal multiphoton microscopy was used to investigate tissue microstructure in the zone of calcified cartilage, focussing on the collagen fibre organisation at the tidemark and cement line. Thick, unstained and unfixed sagittal sections were prepared from the equine metacarpophalangeal joint. Second harmonic generation (SHG) provided contrast for collagen, two‐photon fluorescence (TPF) for endogenous fluorophores, and coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) allowed the cells to be visualised. The structure of radial and calcified cartilage was found to vary with location across the joint, with the palma regions showing a more ordered parallel arrangement of collagen fibres than the cortical ridge and dorsal regions. These patterns may be associated with regional variations in joint loading. In addition, the cell lacunae had a greater diameter in the dorsal region than in the palmar region. At the cement line some collagen fibres were observed crossing between the calcified cartilage and the subchondral bone. At the tidemark the fibres were parallel and continuous between the radial and calcified cartilage. Beneath early superficial lesions the structure of the tidemark and calcified cartilage was disrupted with discontinuities and gaps in the fibrillar organisation. Cartilage microstructure varies in the deep zones between regions of different loading. The variations in collagen structure observed may be significant to the local mechanical properties of the cartilage and therefore may be important to its mechanical interactions with the subchondral bone. The calcified cartilage is altered even below early superficial lesions and therefore is important in the understanding of the aetiology of osteoarthritis.
Gender determination of effort and associated cardiovascular responses: When men place greater value on available performance incentives
Authors: Barreto Patricia , Wong Jem , Estes Kaleb , Wright Rex A.
Published: February 2012

Participants were presented an easy or difficult mental addition task and led to believe that they could win a traditionally masculine incentive by meeting a certain performance standard. As expected, blood pressure and heart rate responses during the work period were stronger under difficult conditions than easy ones among men but low under both difficulty conditions among women. Findings support the suggestion from a conceptual analysis grounded in motivation intensity theory that gender differences in cardiovascular response could be partially understood in terms of effort processes that occur where men and women place different value on available performance incentives.
International trends in Health Science Librarianship: Part 1 – the English speaking world
Authors: Browne Ruth , Lasserre Kaye , McTaggart Jill , Bayley Liz , McKibbon Ann , Clark Megan , Perry Gerald J. , Murphy Jeannette
Published: February 2012

This is the second in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship in the first decade of the 21st century. The invited authors were asked to reflect on developments in their country – viz. Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. Future issues will track trends in Northern Europe, the Nordic countries, Southern Europe and Latin America.

JM
Expert searching in health librarianship: a literature review to identify international issues and Australian concerns
Authors: Lasserre Kaye
Published: February 2012

Background:  The traditional role of health librarians as expert searchers is under challenge.

Objectives:  The purpose of this review is to establish health librarians’ views, practices and educational processes on expert searching.

Methods:  The search strategy was developed in LISTA and then customised for ten other databases: ALISA, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. The search terms were (expert search* OR expert retriev* OR mediated search* OR information retriev*) AND librar*. The searches, completed in December 2010 and repeated in May 2011, were limited to English language publications from 2000 to 2011 (unless seminal works).

Results:  Expert searching remains a key role for health librarians, especially for those supporting systematic reviews or employed as clinical librarians answering clinical questions.

Conclusions:  Although clients tend to be satisfied with searches carried out for them, improvements are required to effectively position the profession. Evidence‐based guidelines, adherence to transparent standards, review of entry‐level education requirements and a commitment to accredited, rigorous, ongoing professional development will ensure best practice.
Evaluating educational interventions for information literacy
Authors: Stevenson Paul
Published: February 2012

This article considers how information literacy training initiatives delivered by health library services are evaluated. It presents three validated assessment and evaluation models, and using examples from practice, discusses how these can be used to establish the impact of information literacy training and to improve current evaluation practices. HS
Disseminate your findings
Authors: Grant Maria J.
Published: February 2012

While research training often takes place during every day practice, for the majority of library and information professionals, essential training will have been received as part of the dissertation element of their degree. However, there is a danger that important dissertation study findings are not disseminated if, for example, the student has moved onto a new job. The Health Information and Libraries Journal seek to address this research/practice gap with the introduction of a new feature ‘Dissertations into Practice’ specifically tasked with providing a safe and structured environment for students to disseminate their dissertation project findings.