bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservation of the smooth muscular internal (vesical) sphincter and of the proximal urethra for the early recovery of urinary continence after retropubic radical prostatectomy: A prospective case–control study
Authors: Brunocilla Eugenio , Schiavina Riccardo , Pultrone Cristian Vincenzo , Borghesi Marco , Rossi Martina , Cevenini Matteo , Martorana Giuseppe
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of preservation of the muscular internal sphincter and proximal urethra on continence recovery after radical prostatectomy.

Methods

This was a prospective single‐center, case–control study. A total of 40 consecutive patients with organ‐confined prostate cancer were submitted to radical prostatectomy with the preservation of the muscular internal sphincter and the proximal urethra (group 1), and their outcomes were compared with those of 40 patients submitted to a standard procedure (group 2). Continence rates were assessed using a self‐administrated questionnaire at 3, 7 and 30 days, and 3 and 12 months after removal of the catheter.

Results

Group 1 had a faster recovery of early continence than group 2 at day 3 (45% vs 22%; P = 0.029) and at day 7 (75% vs 50%; P = 0.018). Considering the number of pads, group 1 had a faster recovery of continence at 3, 7 and 30 days, and also had less incidence of severe incontinence. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of continence at 3 and 12 months among the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that surgical technique and young age were significantly associated with earlier time to continence at 3 and 7 days. The two groups had no significant differences in terms of surgical margins.

Conclusions

Our modified technique of radical retropubic prostatectomy with preservation of the smooth muscular internal sphincter, as well as of the proximal urethra during bladder neck dissection, results in a significantly increased urinary continence at 3, 7 and 30 days after catheter removal, with a minor incidence of severe incontinence. The technique is also oncologically safe, and it does not increase the operative duration of the procedure.
Fine mapping of a supernumerary proleg mutant (ECs‐l) and comparative expression analysis of the abdominal‐A gene in silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Chen P. , Tong X.‐L. , Li D.‐D. , Liang P.‐F. , Fu M.‐Y. , Li C.‐F. , Hu H. , Xiang Z.‐H. , Lu C. , Dai F.‐Y.
Published: June 2013

Patterning and phenotypic variations of appendages in insects provide important clues on developmental genetics. In the silkworm Bombyx mori, morphological variations associated with the E complex, an analogue of the Drosophila melanogaster bithorax complex, mainly determine the shape and number of prolegs on abdominal segments. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the allele responsible for the supernumerary crescents and legs‐like (ECs‐l) mutant, a model derived from spontaneous mutation of the E complex, with supernumerary legs and extra crescents. Fine mapping with 1605 individuals revealed a ∼68 kb sequence in the upstream intergenic region of B. mori abdominal‐A (Bmabd‐A) clustered with the ECs‐l locus. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and Western blotting analyses disclosed a marked increase in Bmabd‐A expression in the ECs‐l mutant at both the transcriptional and translational levels, compared to wild‐type Dazao. Furthermore, we observed ectopic expression of the Bmabd‐A protein in the second abdominal segment (A2) of the ECs‐l mutant. Our results collectively suggest that the 68 kb region contains important regulatory elements of the Bmabd‐A gene, and provide evidence that the gene is required for limb development in abdominal segments in the silkworm.
Single mothers’ self‐assessment of health: a systematic exploration of the literature
Authors: Rousou E. , Kouta C. , Middleton N. , Karanikola M.
Published: June 2013

Aim

This study aimed to explore single mothers’ self‐assessed level of health status compared to partnered mothers and the relevant factors associated with it.

Background

The number of single‐mother families is increasing worldwide. A large body of international research reveals that single mothers experience poorer physical and mental health than their married counterparts. An important contributory factor for this health disparity appears to be socio‐economic disadvantage.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the keywords ‘lone’ or ‘single’ and ‘mother*’ or ‘parent*’ or ‘family structure’ in combination with ‘health’. EMBASE, CINAHL, COCHRANE and PUBMED databas were searched for quantitative research studies published in the past decade.

Results

Eleven quantitative research articles with self‐assessment of health status in single mothers were identified. Single mothers report lower levels of health status compared to partnered mothers. These inequalities appear to be associated with financial hardship and lack of social support. Both these factors increase single mothers’ susceptibility to stress and illness.

Conclusion

Despite the study limitations (e.g. results based mainly on secondary data from household surveys), it provides evidence that single motherhood places women in an adverse social position that is associated with prolonged stress mainly due to unemployment, economic hardship and social exclusion, which affects negatively their health status. These findings can be seen as a challenge for health professionals, especially those working in the community sector and policy makers too, to establish supportive measures for this vulnerable group focused on socio‐economic factors.
Public health nursing education in Turkey: a national survey
Authors: Kadioglu H. , Albayrak S. , Esin M.N.
Published: June 2013

Aim

To investigate public health nursing content in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Turkey.

Methods

This study included all of the nursing schools in Turkey that provide university level education. The data were collected through a self‐administered questionnaire designed to identify the existing status of undergraduate and postgraduate public health nursing education between February 2011 and June 2011. The questionnaire was completed only by the head of the department of public health nursing in each school. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics using SPSS for Windows 17.0 software.

Results

The study achieved a response rate of 72.5%. All participants reported offering a course in public health nursing in their undergraduate programmes. Fourteen (24.1%) participants reported offering Master of Science degrees in public health nursing. Seven (12.1%) participants reported offering doctorate degrees in public health nursing. In the responding schools, the public health nursing course was given in one semester (14 weeks) for an average of 5.54 ± 1.43 h/week for theory and an average of 13.48 ± 5.11 h/week for clinical practice. Of the participants, 43 (74%) reported problems related to public health nursing education.

Conclusion

There are problems in Turkey with regard to public health nursing education. The nursing school curriculum must be revised on a national level if public health nursing is to be revived and strengthened.
Movement, impacts and management of plant distributions in response to climate change: insights from invasions
Authors: Caplat P. , Cheptou P.‐O. , Diez J. , Guisan A. , Larson B. M. H. , Macdougall A. S. , Peltzer D. A. , Richardson D. M. , Shea K. , van Kleunen M. , Zhang R. , Buckley Y. M.
Published: June 2013

Synthesis

Prediction and management of species responses to climate change is an urgent but relatively young research field. Therefore, climate change ecology must by necessity borrow from other fields. Invasion ecology is particularly well‐suited to informing climate change ecology because both invasion ecology and climate change ecology address the trajectories of rapidly changing novel systems. Here we outline the broad range of active research questions in climate change ecology where research from invasion ecology can stimulate advances. We present ideas for how concepts, case‐studies and methodology from invasion ecology can be adapted to improve prediction and management of species responses to climate change.

A major challenge in this era of rapid climate change is to predict changes in species distributions and their impacts on ecosystems, and, if necessary, to recommend management strategies for maintenance of biodiversity or ecosystem services. Biological invasions, studied in most biomes of the world, can provide useful analogs for some of the ecological consequences of species distribution shifts in response to climate change. Invasions illustrate the adaptive and interactive responses that can occur when species are confronted with new environmental conditions. Invasion ecology complements climate change research and provides insights into the following questions: 1) how will species distributions respond to climate change? 2) how will species movement affect recipient ecosystems? And 3) should we, and if so how can we, manage species and ecosystems in the face of climate change? Invasion ecology demonstrates that a trait‐based approach can help to predict spread speeds and impacts on ecosystems, and has the potential to predict climate change impacts on species ranges and recipient ecosystems. However, there is a need to analyse traits in the context of life‐history and demography, the stage in the colonisation process (e.g. spread, establishment or impact), the distribution of suitable habitats in the landscape, and the novel abiotic and biotic conditions under which those traits are expressed. As is the case with climate change, invasion ecology is embedded within complex societal goals. Both disciplines converge on similar questions of ‘when to intervene?‘ and ‘what to do?‘ which call for a better understanding of the ecological processes and social values associated with changing ecosystems.
Lay theories of self‐control influence judgments of individuals who have failed at self‐control
Authors: Freeman Nicholas , Shmueli Dikla , Muraven Mark
Published: June 2013

Individuals who have failed at self‐control are often the targets of negative social judgments. We suggest that in some circumstances, individual differences in lay theories regarding self‐control may help account for these reactions. Specifically, people may believe that the ability to exert self‐control is either a fixed quantity (entity theory) or a malleable quantity (incremental theory), and these beliefs may influence their social judgments. In the current investigation, we found that whether lay theories of self‐control were measured or manipulated, entity views of self‐control predicted more negative judgments about a target whose self‐control failure was made salient.
Electromagnetic fields act via activation of voltage‐gated calcium channels to produce beneficial or adverse effects
Authors: Pall Martin L.
Published: June 2013

The direct targets of extremely low and microwave frequency range electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in producing non‐thermal effects have not been clearly established. However, studies in the literature, reviewed here, provide substantial support for such direct targets. Twenty‐three studies have shown that voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs) produce these and other EMF effects, such that the L‐type or other VGCC blockers block or greatly lower diverse EMF effects. Furthermore, the voltage‐gated properties of these channels may provide biophysically plausible mechanisms for EMF biological effects. Downstream responses of such EMF exposures may be mediated through Ca2+/calmodulin stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis. Potentially, physiological/therapeutic responses may be largely as a result of nitric oxide‐cGMP‐protein kinase G pathway stimulation. A well‐studied example of such an apparent therapeutic response, EMF stimulation of bone growth, appears to work along this pathway. However, pathophysiological responses to EMFs may be as a result of nitric oxide‐peroxynitrite‐oxidative stress pathway of action. A single such well‐documented example, EMF induction of DNA single‐strand breaks in cells, as measured by alkaline comet assays, is reviewed here. Such single‐strand breaks are known to be produced through the action of this pathway. Data on the mechanism of EMF induction of such breaks are limited; what data are available support this proposed mechanism. Other Ca2+‐mediated regulatory changes, independent of nitric oxide, may also have roles. This article reviews, then, a substantially supported set of targets, VGCCs, whose stimulation produces non‐thermal EMF responses by humans/higher animals with downstream effects involving Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent nitric oxide increases, which may explain therapeutic and pathophysiological effects.
Interleukin‐6 downregulation with mesenchymal stem cell differentiation results in loss of immunoprivilege
Authors: Li Peng , Li Shu‐Hong , Wu Jun , Zang Wang‐Fu , Dhingra Sanjiv , Sun Lu , Weisel Richard D. , Li Ren‐Ke
Published: June 2013

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation improves cardiac function, but cellular differentiation results in loss of immunoprivilege and rejection. To explore the mechanism involved in this immune rejection, we investigated the influence of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), a factor secreted by MSCs, on immune privilege after myogenic, endothelial and smooth muscle cell differentiation induced by 5‐azacytidine, VEGF, and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), respectively. Both RT‐PCR and ELISA showed that myogenic differentiation of MSCs was associated with significant downregulation of IL‐6 expression (P < 0.01), which was also observed following endothelial (P < 0.01) and smooth muscle cell differentiation (P < 0.05), indicating that IL‐6 downregulation was dependent on differentiation but not cell phenotype. Flow cytometry demonstrated that IL‐6 downregulation as a result of myogenic differentiation was associated with increased leucocyte‐mediated cell death in an allogeneic leucocyte co‐culture study (P < 0.01). The allogeneic reactivity associated with IL‐6 downregulation was also observed following MSC differentiation to endothelial and smooth muscle cells (P < 0.01), demonstrating that leucocyte‐mediated cytotoxicity was also dependent on differentiation but not cell phenotype. Restoration of IL‐6 partially rescued the differentiated cells from leucocyte‐mediated cell death. These findings suggest that rejection of allogeneic MSCs after implantation may be because of a reduction in cellular IL‐6 levels, and restoration of IL‐6 may be a new target to retain MSC immunoprivilege.
Maternal depression and co‐occurring antisocial behaviour: testing maternal hostility and warmth as mediators of risk for offspring psychopathology
Authors: Sellers Ruth , Harold Gordon T. , Elam Kit , Rhoades Kimberly A. , Potter Robert , Mars Becky , Craddock Nick , Thapar Anita , Collishaw Stephan
Published: June 2013

Background

Disruption in the parent–child relationship is a commonly hypothesized risk factor through which maternal depression may increase risk for offspring psychopathology. However, maternal depression is commonly accompanied by other psychopathology, including antisocial behaviour. Few studies have examined the role of co‐occurring psychopathology in depressed mothers. Using a longitudinal study of offspring of mothers with recurrent depression, we aimed to test whether maternal warmth/hostility mediated links between maternal depression severity and child outcomes, and how far direct and indirect pathways were robust to controls for co‐occurring maternal antisocial behaviour.

Methods

Mothers with a history of recurrent major depressive disorder and their adolescent offspring (9–17 years at baseline) were assessed three times between 2007 and 2010. Mothers completed questionnaires assessing their own depression severity and antisocial behaviour at Time 1 (T1). The parent–child relationship was assessed using parent‐rated questionnaire and interviewer‐rated 5‐min speech sample at Time 2 (T2). Offspring symptoms of depression and disruptive behaviours were assessed using the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment at Time 3 (T3).

Results

Maternal hostility and warmth, respectively, mediated the association between maternal depression severity and risk for offspring psychopathology. However, the effects were attenuated when maternal antisocial behaviour was included in the analysis. In tests of the full theoretical model, maternal antisocial behaviour predicted both maternal hostility and low warmth, maternal hostility predicted offspring disruptive behaviour disorder symptoms, but not depression, and maternal warmth was not associated with either child outcome.

Conclusions

Parenting interventions aimed at reducing hostility may be beneficial for preventing or reducing adolescent disruptive behaviours in offspring of depressed mothers, especially when depressed mothers report co‐occurring antisocial behaviour.
Childhood psychopathology in children of women with eating disorders: understanding risk mechanisms
Authors: Micali Nadia , Stahl Daniel , Treasure Janet , Simonoff Emily
Published: June 2013

Background

Very few studies have investigated psychopathology in children of mothers with eating disorders (ED). We aimed to determine the effect of maternal ED on childhood psychopathology in a large population‐based cohort and investigate relevant risk pathways using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Methods

Data on emotional and behavioral problems at 3½ years were obtained prospectively on 8,622 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Children of exposed women who self‐reported lifetime anorexia nervosa (AN, N = 193) or bulimia nervosa (BN, N = 158) in pregnancy were compared with children of unexposed women (N = 8,271) using linear and logistic regression models. SEM was used to determine best‐fitting risk models by child gender.

Results

There was evidence that girls of AN women were more likely to have emotional, conduct, and hyperactivity disorders [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.7 (95% Confidence Intervals 1.0–3.0); OR: 2.2 (1.2–4.0); OR: 1.8 (1.1–3.1), respectively] and boys of AN women to have emotional disorders compared with unexposed [OR: 2.0(1.2–3.4)]. Girls of women with BN were more likely to show hyperactivity [OR: 1.7 (1.0–3.1)]; and boys to show emotional and conduct disorders compared with unexposed [OR: 2.2 (1.2–3.9); OR: 2.4 (1.4–4.2), respectively]. SEM models showed that pregnancy anxiety and depression mediated the effect of maternal ED on child psychopathology.

Conclusions

Maternal ED are associated with different childhood psychopathology outcomes in boys and girls. Pregnancy anxiety and depression and active ED symptoms are important mediators of risk and are preventable; the direct effect of maternal lifetime ED was small.
Ceramide inhibitor myriocin restores insulin/insulin growth factor signaling for liver remodeling in experimental alcohol‐related steatohepatitis
Authors: Lizarazo Diana , Zabala Valerie , Tong Ming , Longato Lisa , de la Monte Suzanne M.
Published: June 2013

Background and Aim

Alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) is mediated in part by insulin resistance. Attendant dysregulation of lipid metabolism increases accumulation of hepatic ceramides that worsen insulin resistance and compromise the structural and functional integrity of the liver. Insulin and insulin growth factor (IGF) stimulate aspartyl‐asparaginyl‐β‐hydroxylase (AAH), which promotes cell motility needed for structural maintenance and remodeling of the liver. AAH mediates its effects by activating Notch, and in ALD, insulin/IGF signaling, AAH, and Notch are inhibited.

Method

To test the hypothesis that in ALD, hepatic ceramide load contributes to impairments in insulin, AAH, and Notch signaling, control and chronic ethanol‐fed adult Long–Evans rats were treated with myriocin, an inhibitor of serine palmitoyl transferase. Livers were used to assess steatohepatitis, insulin/IGF pathway activation, and expression of AAH–Notch signaling molecules.

Results

Chronic ethanol‐fed rats had steatohepatitis with increased ceramide levels; impairments in signaling through the insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate, and Akt; and decreased expression of AAH, Notch, Jagged, Hairy–Enhancer of Split‐1, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Myriocin abrogated many of these adverse effects of ethanol, particularly hepatic ceramide accumulation, steatohepatitis, and impairments of insulin signaling through Akt, AAH, and Notch.

Conclusions

In ALD, the histopathology and impairments in insulin/IGF responsiveness can be substantially resolved by ceramide inhibitor treatments, even in the context of continued chronic ethanol exposure.
Probenecid potentiates MPTP/MPP+ toxicity by interference with cellular energy metabolism
Authors: Alvarez‐Fischer Daniel , Noelker Carmen , Grünewald Anne , Vulinović Franca , Guerreiro Serge , Fuchs Julia , Lu Lixia , Lombès Anne , Hirsch Etienne C. , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Michel Patrick P. , Hartmann Andreas
Published: June 2013

The uricosuric agent probenecid is co‐administered with the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPTP to produce a chronic mouse model of Parkinson's disease. It has been proposed that probenecid serves to elevate concentrations of MPTP in the brain by reducing renal elimination of the toxin. However, this mechanism has never been formally demonstrated to date and is questioned by our previous data showing that intracerebral concentrations of MPP+, the active metabolite of MPTP, are not modified by co‐injection of probenecid. In this study, we investigated the potentiating effects of probenecid in vivo and in vitro arguing against the possibility of altered metabolism or impaired renal elimination of MPTP. We find that probenecid (i) is toxic in itself to several neuronal populations apart from dopaminergic neurons, and (ii) that it also potentiates the effects of other mitochondrial complex I inhibitors such as rotenone. On a mechanistic level, we show that probenecid is able to lower intracellular ATP concentrations and that its toxic action on neuronal cells can be reversed by extracellular ATP. Probenecid can potentiate the effect of mitochondrial toxins due to its impact on ATP metabolism and could therefore be useful to model atypical parkinsonian syndromes.
Welfare Effects of Food Miles Labels
Authors: CAPUTO VINCENZINA , VASSILOPOULOS ACHILLEAS , NAYGA RODOLFO M. , CANAVARI MAURIZIO
Published: June 2013

We assessed the consumer welfare effects of two generic food miles labels: “carbon dioxide (CO2) emission” label and “time and number of kilometers” label. Using data from a choice experiment, our results generally suggest that a mandatory labeling policy for either type of label would have a positive welfare effect. However, a label informing consumers about the time and number of kilometers the food product has traveled provides greater positive welfare effects than a label informing consumers about the amount of CO2 emission.
Amniotic fluid urocortin‐1 concentrations for the prediction of preterm delivery
Authors: Karaer Abdullah , Celik Ebru , Celik Onder , Simsek Omer Yavuz , Ozerol İbrahim Halil , Yılmaz Ercan , Turkcuoglu Ilgın , Duz Senem Arda
Published: June 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyze whether urocortin‐1 concentration in midtrimester amniotic fluid could serve as an indicative marker of preterm labor.

Material and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Urocortin‐1 concentrations in midtrimester amniotic fluid were measured in 22 pregnant women with preterm deliveries and 45 women who delivered at term using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The median amniotic fluid urocortin‐1 concentration was significantly lower in the women with preterm birth (40.06 pg/mL; range, 13.77–67.58 pg/mL) than in the women who gave birth at term (49.56 pg/mL; range, 26.25–175.9 pg/mL; P = 0.022). The result of receiver–operator curve analysis indicates that an amniotic fluid urocortin‐1 concentration ≤ 57.88 pg/mL had an area under the curve of 0.673 (95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.78; P = 0.01) with a sensitivity of 81.8%, specificity of 40.0%, positive predictive value of 40%, and a negative predictive value of 82% in identifying which of the patients subsequently delivered prematurely.

Conclusions

These results suggest that low urocortin‐1 concentration in midtrimester amniotic fluid could be used as an indicative marker of preterm birth.
Health‐related quality of life and congenital heart disease in Australia
Authors: Eagleson Karen J , Justo Robert N , Ware Robert S , Johnson Susan G , Boyle Frances M
Published: June 2013

Aim

To determine whether, in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), disease severity is associated with health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and impact on the family.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, single‐centre study comparing HRQOL outcomes of age and sex matched children with hypoplasia of the left ventricle (HLV) (n = 31) and tetralogy of Fallot (n = 29) was performed in Queensland, Australia. HRQOL was assessed using generic and disease‐specific components of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory Measurement Model (PedsQL). Intra‐diagnostic age group comparisons of HRQOL were examined. Impact of CHD on families and parental HRQOL was assessed using the PedsQL Family Impact Scale.

Results

Child and parent‐proxy reporting indicate children with HLV have significantly lower overall HRQOL than children with tetralogy of Fallot across generic domains of HRQOL (P < 0.0001), with significantly lower scores in physical (P < 0.0001) and psychosocial (P < 0.0001) health domains. No significant difference in child reporting across domains of the Cardiac Module is evident. Parent‐proxy reporting indicates significantly lower scores on the symptom scales for children with HLV (P < 0.001), with greater cognitive problems (P < 0.02) and perceived treatment anxiety (P < 0.01). No significant differences in HRQOL were identified between age groups. HLV has a greater overall family impact, with significantly lower parental HRQOL (P = 0.0001) and family functioning (P < 0.0001) summary scores.

Conclusions

The more severe condition of HLV is associated with poorer HRQOL in some domains and has greater impact on parental HRQOL and family functioning.
Body mass index and waist circumference: Relationship to cardiometabolic risk factors in children – Busselton Health Study 2005–2007
Authors: Bell Lana , Hung Joseph , Knuiman Matthew , Divitini Mark , Beilby John , Hunter Michael , Mollison Lindsay , Thompson Peter , McQuillan Brendan , Davis Elizabeth
Published: June 2013

Aim

This study aims to analyse the continuous relationship of each cardiometabolic risk factor with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference percentiles in a population‐based sample of children.

Methods

A cross‐sectional sample of 996 school children aged 6–16.9 years in Busselton, Western Australia, (2005–2007) had anthropometry and fasting blood tests for total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein, liver function tests and adiponectin. Age‐ and menarche (for girls)‐adjusted means of each risk factor were related to BMI and waist circumference centiles across the full normal–overweight–obese range.

Results

The correlations between BMI and waist circumference (boys 0.91 and girls 0.91) and between BMI z‐score and waist z‐score (boys 0.80 and girls 0.82) were high. An increase in insulin across all centile groups (for BMI and waist circumference) was found in both sexes. An increase was found for diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure z‐score, high density lipoprotein, high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein, alanine transaminase and gamma‐glutamyltransferase in only the centile groups >85% for BMI and waist circumference for both sexes. Mixed and sex‐discordant results were found for triglycerides, adiponectin and glucose.

Conclusion

There are important differences in the relationships between increasing BMI/adiposity, and each comorbidity and these relationships can differ between boys and girls. This information has implications for screening and management of adiposity‐related cardiometabolic risk factors in children and for public health initiatives to reduce future burden of cardiovascular disease.
Poractant alfa versus beractant for respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Paul Saritha , Rao Shripada , Kohan Rolland , McMichael Judy , French Noel , Zhang Guicheng , Simmer Karen
Published: June 2013

Aim

Poractant alfa and beractant are the commonly used animal derived surfactants in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Between 2005 and 2007, poractant alfa and beractant were alternated every month in our neonatal intensive care unit for 27 months. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of preterm infants who received poractant alfa versus beractant.

Method

Single‐centre, retrospective cohort study of inborn preterm infants <32 weeks gestation (23–31+6).

Results

 Six hundred sixty‐four preterm infants (<32 weeks) were born during the study period, of which 415 received surfactant (poractant alfa: 214; beractant: 201). Infants in the poractant alfa group were 2.8 days younger than beractant (27.0 ± 2.3 vs. 27.4 ± 2.3 weeks; P = 0.03). All other baseline characters including Clinical Risk Index for Babies II scores were similar for both groups. No significant differences were found for the following outcomes: death or chronic lung disease (78/212 vs. 59/200; P = 0.28); death (24/214 vs. 15/201, P = 0.24); moderate to severe chronic lung disease (63/212 vs. 46/200; P = 0.45) and moderate to severe disability (20/163 vs. 19/151, P = 0.98) between poractant alfa and beractant, respectively.

Conclusions

The results of our study do not support the need for preferential use of poractant alfa or beractant.
A Review of Longitudinal Research in the Product Innovation Field, with Discussion of Utility and Conduct of Sequence Analysis
Authors: Perks Helen , Roberts Deborah
Published: June 2013

This paper examines how longitudinality is investigated in innovation research. A review of longitudinal methods in innovation articles, published between 2000 and 2011, is undertaken. Our findings show that longitudinal approaches to data collection are gaining some credence, in line with increased criticism of the overuse of positivist methods to study process‐based phenomena. However, results demonstrate a dearth of systematic longitudinal analytical methods employed in product innovation research. Static analytical methods are prominent. These inevitably lead to static presentation of results, and this is borne out in our findings. Second, the paper discusses the conduct and utility of a specific technique for product innovation research: sequence analysis. By drawing on two studies, which apply sequence analysis in product innovation research, sequence analysis is shown to be a useful technique to achieve rigor in analyzing longitudinal data. The paper concludes by discussing how such systematic methods for analyzing longitudinality in the innovation field demand greater usage and exploration.
Report of Drepanophycus Göppert (Lycopsida) from the Middle Devonian of Xinjiang, China
Authors: Xu Hong‐He , Feng Jing , Jiang Qing , Wang Yi
Published: June 2013

The herbaceous lycopsid Drepanophycus minor sp. nov. is described from the late Mid Devonian Hujiersite Formation of Xinjiang, Northwest China. The new species is characterized by minor sized, falcate microphylls, and kidney‐shaped sporangia, with rhizome, K‐shaped branching, and developed lateral buds. Stomatal apparatuses are observed from the axis surface of the new species. The habit and the rhizome structure of D. minor are discussed.
Restoration of Virginity: Women's Demand and Health Care Providers' Response in Switzerland
Authors: Tschudin Sibil , Schuster Sylvie , dos Santos Denise Dumont , Huang Dorothy , Bitzer Johannes , Leeners Brigitte
Published: June 2013

Introduction

As a result of transnational migration, health institutions are faced with growing demand for “restoration” of virginity. The practice of hymen reconstruction constitutes a challenge for health care providers in medical, ethical, judicial, social, and cultural dimensions, for which they are not well prepared.

Aim

The aim of the presented nationwide survey was to investigate the experience of Swiss gynecologists with women requesting hymen reconstruction.

Methods

A questionnaire specifically designed for this purpose was sent to 100 public hospitals.

Main Outcome Measures

Main outcome measures included demands for (number of requests, origin of women) and attitudes toward hymen reconstruction (requests granted, decision-making for or against intervention, surgical technique applied, problems associated with the requests for hymen repair, cost coverage, need for further information) in Switzerland.

Results

The response rate was 68%. Of the 43 clinics (63.2%) confronted with requests for hymen reconstruction, 38 (90.5%) claimed to see up to five patients per year. The predominantly mentioned countries of origin were Turkey in the German-speaking part and Arab countries in the French-speaking part. More than half of the clinics (27/64.3%) reported that they always (12/28.6%) or mostly (15/35.7%) granted the request. Decision for surgery was made after intensive counseling in 44.2% and on demand of the patient after brief counseling in 32.7%. The so-called approximation method was the most frequently applied surgical technique. A third of the participants (19/35.2%) reported problems with confidentiality. More than half of the clinics expressed their need for further information on this topic.

Conclusions

Hymen reconstruction is rarely performed in Switzerland, even though two-thirds of the responding hospitals are confronted with this issue several times per year. No guidelines exist on how health professionals should deal with these requests. Interdisciplinary research on how to meet the needs of women and health care providers in such cross-cultural encounters is needed.
Childhood Sexual Abuse Moderates the Relationship Between Sexual Functioning and Eating Disorder Psychopathology in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Castellini Giovanni , Lo Sauro Carolina , Lelli Lorenzo , Godini Lucia , Vignozzi Linda , Rellini Alessandra H. , Faravelli Carlo , Maggi Mario , Ricca Valdo
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Sexual dysfunctions that affect all aspects of sexuality are common in patients with eating disorders. However, only few studies have provided longitudinal information on sexual functioning in patients with eating disorders.

Aim

To evaluate the longitudinal course of sexual functioning, and how changes in psychopathology and history of childhood abuse interact with sexual functioning in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN).

Methods

A total of 27 patients with AN and 31 with BN were assessed at baseline and at 1-year follow-up after a standard individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Main Outcome Measures

Subjects were studied by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Spielberg's State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, Symptom Checklist-90, and Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire.

Results

After treatment, both patients with AN and BN showed a significant improvement in the FSFI total score (P <0.01 for both AN and BN) and all FSFI subscales, without significant between groups differences. Patients reporting childhood sexual abuse did not show a significant improvement in sexual functioning (β=0.05; P =0.58). Reduction in eating disorder severity was directly associated with FSFI improvement, but only in those subjects with no history of sexual abuse (β=0.28; P =0.01).

Conclusions

Eating disorder-specific psychopathology could be considered as a specific maintaining factor for sexual dysfunction in eating disorders subjects. Subjects reporting a history of childhood sexual abuse represent a subpopulation of patients with a profound uneasiness, involving body perception, as well as sexual functioning, which appeared not to be adequately challenged during standard CBT intervention. The results, though original, should be considered as preliminary, given the relatively small sample size.
The endocannabinoid system in advanced liver cirrhosis: pathophysiological implication and future perspectives
Authors: Baldassarre Maurizio , Giannone Ferdinando A. , Napoli Lucia , Tovoli Alessandra , Ricci Carmen S. , Tufoni Manuel , Caraceni Paolo
Published: June 2013

Endogenous cannabinoids (EC) are ubiquitous lipid signalling molecules providing different central and peripheral effects that are mediated mostly by the specific receptors CB1 and CB2. The EC system is highly upregulated during chronic liver disease and consistent experimental and clinical findings indicate that it plays a role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and fatty liver disease associated with obesity, alcohol abuse and hepatitis C. Furthermore, a considerable number of studies have shown that EC and their receptors contribute to the pathogenesis of the cardio‐circulatory disturbances occurring in advanced cirrhosis, such as portal hypertension, hyperdynamic circulatory syndrome and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. More recently, the EC system has been implicated in the development of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and the inflammatory response related to bacterial infection. Rimonabant, a selective CB1 antagonist, was the first drug acting on the EC system approved for the treatment of obesity. Unfortunately, it has been withdrawn from the market because of its neuropsychiatric side effects. Compounds able to target selectively the peripheral CB1 receptors are under evaluation. In addition, molecules stimulating CB2 receptor or modulating the activity of enzymes implicated in EC metabolism are promising areas of pharmacological research. Liver cirrhosis and the related complications represent an important target for the clinical application of these compounds.
The Evolution of the Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Connector
Authors: MOND HARRY G. , HELLAND JOHN R. , FISCHER AVI
Published: June 2013

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) play a vital role in the management of cardiac rhythm disturbances. The devices are comprised of two primary components: a generator and lead joined by a connector. Original pacemaker lead connectors were created de novo at the time of implantation or replacement and were very unreliable. With the development of new lead designs, creation of a standard connector configuration, the IS‐1 connector became mandatory. Similar connector development also occurred with the advent of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), resulting in creation of the high voltage standard: the DF‐1 connector. Differing from a pacemaker lead, the ICD lead connector requires one IS‐1 connector and one or two DF‐1 connectors, resulting in a large cumbersome lead connector and generator header block. Recently, a revolutionary quad pole single plug connector standard has been approved for market release. These are the single‐pin DF4 and IS4 lead connectors that carry low‐ and high‐voltage poles or all low‐voltage poles, respectively. These connectors, together with new labeling guidelines, have simplified operative procedures and reduced errors, when mating lead connectors into the generator's connector block.
Outcomes of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for inherited metabolic disorders: A report from the Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology Oncology Group and the Australasian Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient Registry
Authors: Mitchell R. , Nivison‐Smith I. , Anazodo A. , Tiedemann K. , Shaw P. J. , Teague L. , Fraser C. J. , Carter T. L. , Tapp H. , Alvaro F. , O'Brien T. A.
Published: June 2013

We report a retrospective analysis of 53 haematopoietic stem cell transplants for inherited metabolic disorders performed at ANZCHOG transplant centres between 1992 and 2008. Indications for transplant included Hurler syndrome, ALD, and MLD. The majority of transplants utilized unrelated donor stem cells (66%) with 65% of those being unrelated cord blood. Conditioning therapy was largely myeloablative, with Bu plus another cytotoxic agent used in 89% of recipients. Primary graft failure was rare, occurring in three patients, all of whom remain long‐term survivors following the second transplant. The CI of grade II‐IV and grade III‐IV acute GVHD at day +100 was 39% and 14%, respectively. Chronic GVHD occurred in 17% of recipients. TRM was 12% at day +100 and 19% at one yr post‐transplant. OS at five yr was 78% for the cohort, 73% for patients with ALD and 83% for patients with Hurler syndrome. There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival between unrelated marrow and unrelated cord blood donor groups. The development of interstitial pneumonitis was an independent variable shown to significantly impact on TRM and OS. In summary, we report a large cohort of patients with inherited metabolic disorders with excellent survival post‐allogeneic transplant.
The category‐sensitive and orientation‐sensitive N170 adaptation in faces revealed by comparison with Chinese characters
Authors: Feng Chunliang , Luo Yuejia , Fu Shimin
Published: June 2013

By comparing faces with Chinese characters, the category‐sensitive and orientation‐sensitive N170 adaptation effects were examined when the stimuli were adapted by category (within vs. between) and orientation (same vs. different). The category‐sensitive N170 adaptation was present for both faces and characters, supporting the assertion that the perception of faces and characters recruits domain‐specific processing rather than general processing of visual expertise. In addition, the orientation‐sensitive N170 adaptation was present only for faces but not for characters, suggesting that only faces recruit orientation‐specific processing. More importantly, the orientation‐sensitive N170 adaptation was not only present for inverted faces but also for upright faces, indicating that there are distinct neuron populations respectively sensitive to upright and inverted faces.
Augmented limb blood flow during neurovascular stress in physically fit women
Authors: Dishman Rod K. , Jackson Erica M. , Nakamura Yoshio , Ray Chester A.
Published: June 2013

The study examined whether cardiorespiratory fitness modifies cardiovascular responses by normotensive men and women during the Stroop color‐word interference test. Independent of age and an estimate of body fatness, fitness level was positively related (R2 = .39 and .51) to increases in limb blood flow and vascular conductance, coherent with cardiac‐vagal withdrawal and a decrease in heart period, among women but not men. Fitness was unrelated to changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and muscle sympathetic nerve activity. The augmented hemodynamic responses among fitter women were not consistent with passive vasodilation via withdrawal of sympathetic neural tone. The results encourage further gender comparisons testing whether fitness augments limb blood flow during mental stress by neurohumoral and flow‐mediated vasodilatory mechanisms or by increased cardiac output.
Hilbert's Inferno: Time Travel for the Damned
Authors: Richmond Alasdair M.
Published: June 2013

Combining time travel with certain kinds of supertask, this paper proposes a novel model for Hell. Temporally‐closed spacetimes allow otherwise impossible opportunities for material kinds of damnation and reveal surprising limitations on metaphysical objections to Hell. Prima facie, eternal damnation requires either infinite amounts of time or time for the damned to speed‐up arbitrarily. However, spatiotemporally finite ‘time travel’ universes can host unending personal torment for infinitely many physical beings, while keeping fixed finite limits on rates of temporal passage. Such ‘Hilbert's Inferno’ spacetimes suggest neither materialism nor the finitude of time and space need forbid Hell. A material Hell can be spatiotemporally finite yet eternal for its inhabitants. Hilbert's Inferno also sheds light on Hell's location and accessibility, and shows that some spacetimes are intrinsically better suited to punishment than reward.
Against Pogge's ‘Cosmopolitanism’
Authors: Steinhoff Uwe
Published: June 2013

Thomas Pogge labels the idea that each person owes each other person equal respect and concern ‘ethical cosmopolitanism’ and correctly states that it is a ‘non‐starter’. He offers as an allegedly more convincing cosmopolitan alternative his ‘social justice cosmopolitanism’. I shall argue that this alternative fails for pretty much the same reasons that ‘ethical cosmopolitanism’ fails. In addition, I will show that Pogge's definition of cosmopolitanism is misleading, since it actually applies to ethical cosmopolitanism and not to social justice cosmopolitanism. This means that cosmopolitanism as defined by Pogge is wrong in the light of his own arguments and that Pogge is not even a cosmopolitan in the sense of his own definition. I will further show that he is also not a cosmopolitan if cosmopolitanism is defined as a philosophical position involving the claim that state borders have no fundamental moral significance.
Effects of Top‐Soil Preparation and Broad‐Leaved Tree Mixture on Carabid Beetles in Afforested Fallow Plots
Authors: Skłodowski Jarosław J.
Published: June 2013

A 2‐year study to evaluate the effect of four soil preparation techniques and four species compositions in a pine plantation with an admixture of broad‐leaved trees on the species diversity and structure of ground beetle assemblages (Carabidae) was conducted. The soil preparation techniques were full shallow agricultural plowing (25 cm deep with three variants—plowing, plowing with ridge formation, and plowing with subsoiling) and full deep plowing (50 cm deep). The plantation species compositions were pine 7000/hectare, pine 5500/hectare + broad‐leaved species 1500/hectare, pine 4000/hectare + broad‐leaved species 3000/hectare, and pine 2000/hectare + broad‐leaved species 5000/hectare. Carabidae were sampled monthly with pitfall traps in the plantation from May to November in 2003 and 2004—the fourth and fifth years after afforestation. Only the soil preparation technique affected species diversity. The mean number of carabid species and the Shannon–Wiener index were higher in the case of the full agriculture plowing with subsoiling treatment and the full agriculture plowing with ridge formation than in the full shallow agriculture plowing. The structure of the assemblages was dependent on the soil preparation technique, but not on tree species composition. In general, deep plowing and shallow plowing with subsoiling were conducive to an increase in the proportion of individuals representing late succession species, whereas shallow plowing favored early succession species. The results suggest that for effective plantation of a managed stand, deep plowing or shallow plowing with subsoiling is more beneficial for afforestation of fallow fields than typical shallow agricultural plowing.