bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Integrative Approach to Value‐Added Planning: From Community Needs to Local Authority Revenue
Authors: Cilliers Elizelle Juaneé , Timmermans Wim
Published: May 2015

The concept of value‐added planning (as part of the Valuing Attractive Landscapes in the Urban Economy, INTERREG IVB North West Europe Project) is introduced in this paper to facilitate integrative planning, focusing on the benefits that use and non‐use green spaces can provide to an urban area. The aim is to stress the need to plan for, and protect, green spaces in urban areas by determining the economic values connected to the green spaces and relate that values to community benefit and local authority revenue. The paper identifies tools that can be used to determine the economic value of green spaces based on the environmental, social, and economic benefits. The first section (value) refers to the social value of green spaces as determined from the public perspective and introduces the workbench method as a tool to assist with participatory planning and capturing of the social benefits of green spaces. The second section (added) refers to the environmental benefits of green spaces and, by means of the Green Credit Tool, introduces ways to ensure the protection of the green resources in an area. The final section (planning) refers to the economic benefit of green space, bringing use values and non‐use values of green spaces together. The paper concludes with an integrative framework for value‐added planning, incorporating all the tools presented in the paper, capturing the social, environmental, and economic benefits of green spaces and relating it to community benefit and local authority revenue.
Organic cultivation system of corn–triticale rotation using white clover living mulch
Authors: Deguchi Shin , Uozumi Sunao , Kaneko Makoto , Touno Eiko
Published: May 2015

We conducted an on‐farm experiment to establish corn–triticale rotational cropping system for producing organic forage, using white clover living mulch (LM). A 2‐ha experimental field has been managed according to the Japanese Agricultural Standard for organic feed production since 2003, and two cropping systems (LM and tillage cultivation [TC]) combined with two compost application methods (with and without compost application before planting) were tested as four corn cultivation treatments from 2008 to 2009. White clover was sown in the autumn of 2008, and corn was cultivated from June to October 2009 using the four treatments and without any application of chemical herbicides and fertilizers. After the corn harvest, the two treatments of compost application were set up again within each corn cultivation treatment, resulting in a total of eight treatments. Triticale was cultivated in those treatments from October 2009 to June 2010, without chemical herbicides or fertilizers. The results of the treatments showed that LM suppressed weed growth and increased nitrogen (N) uptake and yield of corn compared to the TC treatment. The dry matter yields of corn were the highest and the dry weight of the weeds were the lowest in the LM treatment with compost application before planting. Furthermore, the positive effect of LM on N supply was preserved during the cropping of triticale. Therefore, we concluded that the total dry matter yield of forage crops in corn–triticale rotation could be increased by using white clover LM with compost application to suppress weed growth and to increase the N uptake both of the main and succeeding crops. White clover LM is a useful cultivation technique for organic production of forage crops.
Hepatic flares promote rapid decline of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in patients with HBsAg seroclearance: A long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Nagaoka Shinya , Abiru Seigo , Komori Atsumasa , Sasaki Ryu , Bekki Shigemune , Hashimoto Satoru , Saeki Akira , Yamasaki Kazumi , Migita Kiyoshi , Nakamura Minoru , Ezaki Hironori , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi
Published: May 2015

Aim

Serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is one of the ultimate goals of management of chronic hepatitis B. We investigated the kinetics of serum HBsAg before HBsAg seroclearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 392 Japanese chronic hepatitis B patients who had been followed for 5 years or more between 1980 and 2000. Serum HBsAg levels were measured annually using chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay.

Results

During a median follow up of 14 years, 50 patients demonstrated HBsAg seroclearance (annual incidence rate, 0.91%). Multivariate analysis with baseline characteristics revealed that HBsAg of less than 3.3 log IU/mL (hazard ratio [HR], 2.22; P = 0.008) and treatment with nucleoside/nucleotide analog (HR, 0.12; P = 0.001) were independent predictive factors for seroclearance. The median HBsAg levels at 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 year prior to seroclearance were 3.89, 2.84, 1.84, 0.78 and −1.10 log IU/mL, respectively. The rapid decline group, comprising patients who achieved HBsAg seroclearance within 5 years after confirmed HBsAg levels of 2 log IU/mL, demonstrated: (i) high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels; and (ii) a low frequency of liver cirrhosis progression. A significant reduction in annual HBsAg levels was found in years marked by at least one ALT flare (ALT ≥200 IU/L) (flare [+], n = 62) than in those without (flare [−], n = 323) (0.29 vs 0.17 log IU/mL/year, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Hepatic flares promoted rapid declines and greater annual reductions of HBsAg levels in patients with HBsAg seroclearance.
Prognostic value of chromosomal translocations in small‐bowel diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ikegami Koji , Nakamura Shotaro , Esaki Motohiro , Yanai Shunichi , Hirahashi Minako , Oda Yoshinao , Takeshita Morishige , Matsumoto Takayuki , Kitazono Takanari
Published: May 2015

Aims

The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and clinical significance of lymphoma‐associated chromosomal translocations, particularly those involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IGH) locus, in patients with small‐bowel diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Methods and results

Translocations involving IGH, bcl‐6, MYC and bcl‐2 were investigated with interphase fluorescence in‐situ hybridization on paraffin‐embedded tissues in 35 patients with primary small‐bowel DLBCL, and the overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were evaluated with the Kaplan–Meier method. Translocations involving IGH, bcl‐6, MYC and bcl‐2 were detected in 23 (70%), 12 (36%), eight (24%) and six (18%) of 33 cases, respectively. The patients with IGH translocations showed less frequent relapse or progression of lymphoma (17%) than those without (60%, P = 0.034). Univariate analyses demonstrated that young age, a low international prognostic index, translocations involving IGH, extra copies of MALT1/bcl‐2 and bcl‐6 immunoexpression were significantly associated with better OS and PFS. Cox multivariate analysis revealed translocations involving IGH to constitute an independent prognostic factor for better PFS, but not better OS.

Conclusions

Translocations involving IGH are frequent in cases of small‐bowel DLBCL. These translocations may be predictive of a favourable clinical course.
The number and ratio of positive lymph nodes affect pancreatic cancer patient survival after neoadjuvant therapy and pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Fischer Laurice K , Katz Matthew H , Lee Sun M , Liu Li , Wang Hua , Varadhachary Gauri R , Wolff Robert A , Lee Jeffrey E , Maitra Anirban , Roland Christina L , Fleming Jason B , Estrella Jeannelyn , Rashid Asif , Wang Huamin
Published: May 2015

Aims

This study is to examine the significance of the number and ratio of positive nodes in post‐neoadjuvant therapy pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods and results

Our study population consisted of 398 consecutive PDAC patients, who completed neoadjuvant therapy and PD between 1999 and 2012. Lymph node status was classified as ypN0 (node‐negative), ypN1 (1–2 positive nodes) and ypN2 (≥3 positive nodes) and correlated with disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The ypN0, ypN1 and ypN2 was present in 183 (46.0%), 117 (29.4%) and 98 (24.6%) patients, respectively. Additionally, 162 (40.7%) had a lymph node ratio (LNR) ≤0.19 and 53 (13.3%) had a LNR >0.19. Patients with ypN1 disease had shorter DFS and OS than those with ypN0 disease, but better DFS and OS than those with ypN2 disease (P < 0.05). Similarly, patients with a LNR ≤ 0.19 had better DFS and OS than those with a LNR > 0.19 (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, both the number of positive nodes and LNR were independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS.

Conclusions

Subclassification of post‐therapy node‐positive group into ypN1 (1–2 positive nodes) and ypN2 (≥3 positive nodes) should be incorporated into the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging of PDAC patients.
CD 30‐positive transformed follicular lymphoma: two case reports and literature review
Authors: Montes‐Moreno Santiago , Climent Fina , González de Villambrosía Sonia , González Barca Eva M , Batlle Ana , Insunza Andrés , Pané‐Foix María , Colorado Mercedes , Martin‐Sánchez Guillermo , Espiga Carlos Richard , Conde Eulogio , Piris Miguel A
Published: May 2015

Aims

Here we report two cases of follicular lymphoma that transformed to CD30 positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma and review the literature on this topic.

Results

The first case represents an example of early transformation of conventional low‐grade follicular lymphoma to CD30‐positive large B cell lymphoma. Immunoglobulin (Ig)H and cytogenetic identity was demonstrated between both components. High‐dose and auto‐stem cell transplant (SCT) was applied and complete response was achieved. The second case represents an example of d'emblee transformation of intrafollicular neoplasia to CD30‐positive large B cell lymphoma. Immunoglobulin K deleting element (IgKde) and cytogenetic identity between both phases was demonstrated. The patient was in partial response after four cycles of rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R‐CHOP).

Conclusions

CD30 expression was found to be associated in these cases to the transformation event and could be considered a therapeutic target to add to conventional immunochemotherapeutic regimens, even in combination with auto‐SCT. We suggest looking for CD30 expression in transformed follicular lymphoma cases.
1. INTRODUCTION: ASSESSING NARRATIVISM
Authors: SIMON ZOLTÁN BOLDIZSÁR , KUUKKANEN JOUNI‐MATTI
Published: May 2015

In this introductory essay we briefly discuss three issues. First, we take stock of and pay tribute to the main achievements of narrativism, on the one hand. On the other hand, we also note its weariness as a scholarly project and argue that the philosophy of history is gradually moving toward a broadly understood postnarrativist stage and a period of renewed theoretical innovation. Next, as a part of this shift, we briefly introduce the forum contributions and discuss how they relate to narrativism. Finally, in place of a conclusion we offer some thoughts on where the philosophy of history might be heading after narrativism has ceased to be the integrative framework of diverging theoretical enterprises.
2. NEVER THE TWAIN SHALL MEET? HOW NARRATIVISM AND EXPERIENCE CAN BE RECONCILED BY DIALOGICAL ETHICS
Authors: FROEYMAN ANTON
Published: May 2015

In this article, I question the unspoken assumption in historical theory that there is a trade‐off between language or narrative, on the one hand, and experience or presence, on the other. Both critics and proponents of historical experience seem to presuppose that this is indeed the case. I argue that this is not necessarily true, and I analyze how the opposition between language and experience in historical theory can be overcome. More specifically, I identify the necessary conditions for a philosophy of language that can be the basis for this. Second, I will also suggest and present one specific instance of such a solution. I argue that the existential philosophies of language of Martin Buber and Emmanuel Levinas can be exactly the kind of theory we need. For Buber and Levinas, language is not a means for accessing reality, but rather a medium of encounters between human beings. I present Levinas's and Buber's arguments, discuss how their views could be applied to the writing of history, and assess what the resulting picture of the writing of history could look like.
3. THE EXPRESSION OF HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
Authors: SIMON ZOLTÁN BOLDIZSÁR
Published: May 2015

The theory and philosophy of history (just like philosophy in general) has established a dogmatic dilemma regarding the issue of language and experience: either you have an immediate experience separated from language, or you have language without any experiential basis. In other words, either you have an immediate experience that is and must remain mute and ineffable, or you have language and linguistic conceptualization that precedes experience, provides the condition of possibility of it, and thus, in a certain sense, produces it. Either you join forces with the few and opt for such mute experiences, or you go with the flow of narrative philosophy of history and the impossibility of immediacy. Either way, you end up postulating a mutual hostility between the nonlinguistic and language, and, more important, you remain unable to account for new insights and change. Contrary to this and in relation to history, I am going to talk about something nonlinguistic—historical experience—and about how such historical experience could productively interact with language in giving birth to novel historical representations. I am going to suggest that, under a theory of expression, a more friendly relationship can be established between experience and language: a relationship in which they are not hostile to but rather desperately need each other. To explain the occurrence of new insights and historiographical change, I will talk about a process of expression as sense‐formation and meaning‐constitution in history, and condense the theory into a struck‐through “of,” as the expression of historical experience.
ASSESSING (AND NOT ASSESSING) THE ITALIAN CONTRIBUTION TO HISTORIOGRAPHY AND POLITICAL THOUGHT
Authors: Roberts David D.
Published: May 2015

Edited by Giuseppe Galasso, one of Italy's most distinguished historians, this large volume seeks to convey the Italian contribution to historiography and political thought from the dawn of the Middle Ages into the present century, though it is overwhelmingly concentrated on the centuries since 1400. It includes six overview essays, but over 70 percent of its bulk consists of short articles, 108 in all, the vast majority on individual figures, and most of them five to seven pages in length. Whereas the approach, through individual figures, makes the volume especially valuable as a reference work, the approach also entails limitations making it hard to delineate and assess a distinctively Italian contribution. Readers must often connect the dots on their own if they are to discern the strands of a distinctive tradition. In his introductory overview, Galasso suggests a special Italian sensitivity to history, or capacity for the philosophy of history, but the suggestion is left vague and is followed up only in the most ad hoc way in the subsequent essays. The book offers little on how Italian idiosyncrasy might have either compromised or enhanced wider impact. Although the extent of Italian international interaction is well documented, there is little attention to reciprocity and the scope for synergy. Nor is there much assessment of the implications of changes in the valences of that interaction over the centuries, especially in breeding self‐criticism and sometimes compensatory myth‐making that might have further complicated the resonance of Italian offerings. But the volume demonstrates the richness of the Italian contribution and implicitly invites us to better encompass it, perhaps through comparative work and further research on multinational interplay.
Comparison of two different strategies of treatment with zoledronate in HIV‐infected patients with low bone mineral density: single dose versus two doses in 2 years
Authors: Negredo E , Bonjoch A , Pérez‐Álvarez N , Ornelas A , Puig J , Herrero C , Estany C , del Río L , di Gregorio S , Echeverría P , Clotet B
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Given the need for easily managed treatment of osteoporosis in HIV‐infected patients, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of two doses of zoledronate, by comparing three groups of patients: those with annual administration, those with biennial administration (one dose in 2 years) and a control group with no administration of zoledronate.

Methods

We randomized (2:1) 31 patients on antiretroviral therapy with low bone mineral density (BMD) to zoledronate (5 mg administered intravenously; 21 patients) plus diet counselling and to a control group (diet counselling; 10 patients). At week 48, patients treated with zoledronate were randomized again to receive a second dose (two‐dose group; n = 12) or to continue with diet counselling only (single‐dose group; n = 9). Changes in lumbar spine and hip BMD and bone turnover markers were compared.

Results

The median percentage change from baseline to week 96 in L1−L4 BMD was −1.74% [interquartile range (IQR) −2.56, 3.60%], 7.90% (IQR 4.20, 16.57%) and 5.22% (IQR 2.02, 7.28%) in the control, two‐dose and single‐dose groups, respectively (P < 0.01, control vs. two doses; P = 0.02, control vs. single dose; P = 0.18, two doses vs. single dose). Hip BMD changed by a median of 2.12% (IQR −0.12, 3.08%), 5.16% (IQR 3.06, 6.74%) and 4.47% (IQR 1, 5.58%), respectively (P = 0.04, control vs. two doses; P = 0.34, two doses vs. single dose). No differences between the two‐dose and single‐dose groups were detected in bone markers at week 96.

Conclusions

The benefits for BMD of a single dose of zoledronate in 2 years may be comparable to those obtained with two doses of the drug after 96 weeks, although this study is insufficiently powered to exclude a real difference. Future studies should explore whether biennial administration of zoledronate is a useful alternative in the treatment of osteoporosis in HIV‐infected patients.
Efficacy of mepivacaine–tramadol combination on the success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rodríguez‐Wong L. , Pozos‐Guillen A. , Silva‐Herzog D. , Chavarría‐Bolaños D.
Published: May 2015

Aim

To compare the success of an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) after injecting a combination of mepivacaine and tramadol or mepivacaine alone in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) in mandibular permanent molars.

Methodology

This study was a double‐blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Two study groups were selected, each consisting of 28 patients who exhibited SIP on the first or second mandibular molars. All included patients presented with moderate‐to‐severe preoperative pain according to the modified Heft‐Parker visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients were anaesthetized using the IANB technique employing identical cartridges that contained either 1.3 mL of 2% mepivacaine with epinephrine 1 : 100 000 plus 0.5 mL of tramadol 50 mg mL−1 (experimental group) or 1.8 mL of 2% mepivacaine with epinephrine 1 : 100 000 (control group). After 15 min, anaesthesia was evaluated by a progressive four‐test examination, that is numbness of the lip, positive or negative cold test, asymptomatic management of dental hard tissues and access to dental pulp. Success of the IANB was defined as the absence of pain during any of these evaluations. The data were analysed with a chi‐square, Fisher's or Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

A total of 74 patients were initially assessed, with 56 patients eventually included and 18 excluded. No significant differences in age (P = 0.384) or gender (P = 1) were found between the two groups. The success rates of anaesthesia with the IANB for the experimental and control groups were 57.1 and 46.4%, respectively. The success rate of anaesthesia in the experimental group was not significantly different (P ˃ 0.05) from that of the control group. The duration of the anaesthetic effect was significantly longer for the experimental group (P = 0.026).

Conclusion

The combination of mepivacaine–tramadol achieved similar success rates for IANB when compared to mepivacaine 2% epinephrine 1 : 100 000. There was no significant difference in the anaesthetic efficacy between the control and experimental solutions, and none of the solutions tested were completely successful.
The origin of endodontic Enterococcus faecalis explored by comparison of virulence factor patterns and antibiotic resistance to that of isolates from stool samples, blood cultures and food
Authors: Vidana R. , Rashid M. U. , Özenci V. , Weintraub A. , Lund B.
Published: May 2015

Aim

To elucidate the origin of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from secondary root canal infections and the possibility for a foodborne transmission by comparing them to strains recovered from food, blood and stool regarding putative virulence factors and antibiotic susceptibility profiles, where strains from common origin were hypothesized to harbour similar characteristics.

Methodology

A total of 108 E. faecalis strains recovered in the county of Stockholm, Sweden, were screened using PCR for putative virulence factors esp, cylA, gelE/gelatinase‐negative phenotype (ef1841/fsrC), efaA, ace and asa1. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for ampicillin, piperacillin–tazobactam, imipenem, gentamicin, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin and linezolid was determined using the agar dilution method.

Results

Next to strains from blood, the food isolates presented the highest average number of virulence determinants and were frequently enriched with asa1 coding for aggregation substance. None of the endodontic strains carried cylA, and the gelatinase‐negative phenotype caused by a deletion dominated the group. Altogether, the most prevalent genes were gelE, efaA and ace, and a combination of them was equally present in approximately 80% of the strains from food, stool and root canals in comparison with 43.3% of the blood isolates. High‐level resistance to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin was observed in 30% of the blood isolates, whereas the isolates from other origins, with single exceptions, were susceptible to all tested antibiotics.

Conclusions

Evidence for a foodborne transmission, explaining the high reported prevalence of E. faecalis in root filled teeth, could not be determined based on the similarities in virulence factor patterns and antibiotic susceptibility. The only linkage between isolates from food and root canals consisted of a shared common combination of the genes gelE, efaA and ace. The high occurrence of putative virulence traits in food isolates questions the safety of E. faecalis in food products.
General psychiatric symptoms, quality of sleep, and coping strategies in patients with psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Balta Ilknur , Karadag Ayse S. , Selek Salih , Onder Sevda , Kanbay Asiye , Burakgazi‐Yilmaz Hatice
Published: May 2015

Background

Psoriasis is a common dermatological disorder with psychiatric comorbidity. Psoriasis is associated with a variety of psychological problems, including poor self‐esteem, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate general psychiatric symptoms, quality of sleep, and coping strategies in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.

Methods

A total of 79 subjects (37 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 42 control subjects) were enrolled in the study. Coping strategies were measured using the Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (COPE) Scale. General psychopathological status was assessed using the Symptom Checklist‐90‐R (SCL90R), and sleep quality and disturbances were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results

The mean age of the patients was 39.18 ± 16.85 years. The mean age of control subjects was 39.33 ± 11.61 years. The mean score on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was 7.56 ± 3.66. There were no significant differences in scores on the SCL90R and COPE subscales between the patient and control groups. However, significant differences between the groups emerged on the PSQI subscales for subjective sleep quality and habitual sleep efficiency (Z = −1.964, P = 0.049, and Z = −2.452, P = 0.014, respectively).

Conclusions

The present study found no significant differences in general psychiatric symptoms and coping strategies between the psoriasis patients and the control group, by contrast with findings reported elsewhere in the literature. We think that the low PASI scores of our patients, which indicate the low severity of disease in the present group, is the main reason for this finding. However, sleep quality is lower in psoriasis vulgaris patients than in healthy controls. This may be associated with the itch and pain caused by lesions. Further experimental studies are required to explain these findings.
Cell population data in neonates: differences by age group and associations with perinatal factors
Authors: Lee J. , Kim S. Y. , Lee W. , Han K. , Sung I. K.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Cell population data (CPD) describe physical parameters of white blood cell subpopulations and are reported to be of some value in the diagnosis of sepsis in neonates. Before using the CPD for diagnosing sepsis, the baseline features of the CPD distribution in healthy neonates should be clarified. The aim of this study was to compare the CPD distributions of healthy neonates and other age groups and to identify perinatal factors that are associated with changes in the CPD distribution of healthy neonates.

Methods

The CPD distribution of 69 samples from term neonates was compared with adolescents and adults. The CPD distribution of 163 samples from healthy neonates was analyzed in association with perinatal factors, including gestational age, chronologic age, birthweight, delivery mode, premature rupture of membranes, diabetes, and pregnancy‐induced hypertension.

Results

The CPD distribution for term neonates was significantly different from those in adolescents and adults. The mean lymphocyte volume showed a negative correlation with gestational age at birth (r = −0.305; P < 0.01). The mean neutrophil volume was smaller in the cesarean section group than in the normal delivery group. The small for gestational age (SGA) group had smaller mean neutrophil volume and mean monocyte volume than the appropriate for gestational age group.

Conclusion

The CPD distribution of healthy neonates differed from those of adolescents or adults, and the differences were associated with gestational age, delivery mode, and being SGA.
Stroke unit Nurse Managers' views of individual and organizational factors liable to influence evidence‐based practice: A survey
Authors: Drury Peta , McInnes Elizabeth , Hardy Jennifer , Dale Simeon , Middleton Sandy
Published: May 2015

The uptake of evidence into practice may be impeded or facilitated by individual and organizational factors within the local context. This study investigated Nurse Managers of New South Wales, Australia, stroke units (n = 19) in their views on: leadership ability (measured by the Leadership Practices Inventory), organizational learning (measured by the Organizational Learning Survey), attitudes and beliefs towards evidence‐based practice (EBP) and readiness for change. Overall Nurse Managers reported high‐level leadership skills and a culture of learning. Nurse Managers' attitude towards EBP was positive, although nursing colleague's attitudes were perceived as less positive. Nurse Managers agreed that implementing evidence in practice places additional demands on staff; and almost half (n = 9, 47%) reported that resources were not available for evidence implementation. The findings indicate that key persons responsible for evidence implementation are not allocated sufficient time to coordinate and implement guidelines into practice. The findings suggest that barriers to evidence uptake, including insufficient resources and time constraints, identified by Nurse Managers in this study are not likely to be unique to stroke units. Furthermore, Nurse Managers may be unable to address these organizational barriers (i.e. lack of resources) and thus provide all the components necessary to implement EBP.
Stenting for malignant ureteral obstruction: Tandem, metal or metal‐mesh stents
Authors: Elsamra Sammy E , Leavitt David A , Motato Hector A , Friedlander Justin I , Siev Michael , Keheila Mohamed , Hoenig David M , Smith Arthur D , Okeke Zeph
Published: May 2015

Extrinsic malignant compression of the ureter is not uncommon, often refractory to decompression with conventional polymeric ureteral stents, and frequently associated with limited survival. Alternative options for decompression include tandem ureteral stents, metallic stents and metal‐mesh stents, though the preferred method remains controversial. We reviewed and updated our outcomes with tandem ureteral stents for malignant ureteral obstruction, and carried out a PubMed search using the terms “malignant ureteral obstruction,” “tandem ureteral stents,” “ipsilateral ureteral stents,” “metal ureteral stent,” “resonance stent,” “silhouette stent” and “metal mesh stent.” A comprehensive review of the literature and summary of outcomes is provided. The majority of studies encountered were retrospective with small sample sizes. The evidence is most robust for metal stents, whereas only limited data exists for tandem or metal‐mesh stents. Metal and metal‐mesh stents are considerably more expensive than tandem stenting, but the potential for less frequent stent exchanges makes them possibly cost‐effective over time. Urinary tract infections have been associated with all stent types. A wide range of failure rates has been published for all types of stents, limiting direct comparison. Metal and metal‐mesh stents show a high incidence of stent colic, migration and encrustation, whereas tandem stents appear to produce symptoms equivalent to single stents. Comparison is difficult given the limited evidence and heterogeneity of patients with malignant ureteral obstruction. It is clear that prospective, randomized studies are necessary to effectively scrutinize conventional, tandem, metallic ureteral and metal‐mesh stents for their use in malignant ureteral obstruction.
The Fife hormone service for prostate cancer patients: a cost‐effective and patient‐centric model
Authors: Frew Lesley C , Leung Steve KW
Published: May 2015

Injectable hormone therapy is a key element of treatment for many patients with prostate cancer. In the UK, it is typically administered in primary care. In 2003, National Health Service (NHS) Fife rolled out an innovative service for these patients, in which responsibility was moved from primary care to a specialist nurse‐led service in secondary care. The initial rationale was based on cost savings, but a significant number of other advantages have subsequently been demonstrated. These include a simpler patient journey, improved continuity of care and reduced use of consultant time. Standards of care have also improved, with fewer missed appointments, better provision of patient support and rapid access to specialist physician care when needed. An audit of 377 of 542 patients currently treated within the service has provided supportive evidence for many of these advantages. The Fife service offers a cost‐effective model for locally provided nurse‐led care that could be applied to hormone therapy services for prostate cancer elsewhere in the UK, and to services for other cancers with large numbers of patients requiring long‐term management.
Trust and Legal Governance: A Case Study of Ethiopian Criminal Justice
Authors: Wandall Rasmus H.
Published: May 2015

Current empirical research on trust in criminal justice focuses on those who do the trusting. Working from the theoretical position that trust is relational, this article expands that research by showing how trust relationships between the public and criminal justice institutions are shaped by the legal framework governing them. Reporting empirical case studies from the plural legal governance of criminal justice in Ethiopia, the article shows that the country's different legal frameworks produce different constructions of trust relationships between the public and criminal justice institutions. Furthermore, the empirical study shows that the practical organization of daily case handling in criminal justice institutions make for an important mechanism to mediate and link these differently constructed trust relationships.
Lean Atmospheres for Sintering of Chromium Alloyed Powder Metallurgy Steels
Authors: Karamchedu Seshendra , Hryha Eduard , Nyborg Lars
Published: May 2015

Thermodynamic evaluation of the reducing and carburizing activities of N2‐based lean sintering atmospheres containing CO, H2, and small amounts of hydrocarbons with their total content not exceeding 5 vol% was performed with regard to sintering of chromium alloyed PM steels. Based on the thermodynamic evaluation, three sintering atmosphere compositions were chosen for experimental studies. For the chosen sintering atmospheres, the effect of graphite addition, sintering temperature, holding time and cooling rate on the microstructure, and final oxygen and carbon contents was studied. The compacts without admixed graphite exhibited a microstructure with pearlitic, and in some cases bainitic regions, with their content varying according to the temperature profile and increasing with increase in CO concentration in the atmosphere. These results are indicative of the carburizing ability of the atmospheres which was also supported by the results from chemical analysis. Pearlitic–bainitic microstructures were observed in the compacts admixed with graphite after sintering which suggests that the proposed atmospheres provide conditions sufficient for at least partial reduction of the surface iron oxide during sintering. The final oxygen content obtained after sintering in the proposed lean atmospheres was higher than that obtained in the case of nitrogen/hydrogen mix but still was within acceptable limits. The results obtained suggest that the proposed lean CO and H2 containing sintering atmosphere compositions are promising candidates for robust sintering of chromium alloyed PM steels.
Randomized Control Trial of the 3Rs Health Knowledge Training Program for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Feldman Maurice A. , Owen Frances , Andrews Amy E. , Tahir Munazza , Barber Rachel , Griffiths Dorothy
Published: May 2015

Background

Persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience a wide range of health problems. Research is needed on teaching persons with intellectual disabilities about their health to promote self‐advocacy. This study used a RCT to evaluate a health knowledge training program for adults with intellectual disabilities and verbal skills.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to training (n = 12) or no training control (n = 10) groups. Topics included key body organs, systems, functions, health maintenance and illnesses. Participants played a game answering questions (e.g. ‘What does the heart do?’). Instruction involved visuals (e.g. PowerPoint slides), cueing, modelling and feedback. The control group received pre‐, post‐ and follow‐up tests as the training group.

Results

The training group had significantly higher overall post‐test and follow‐up health knowledge test scores than the control group.

Conclusions

Health knowledge training is one step in promoting health self‐advocacy and better health in persons with intellectual disabilities.
Explaining the disjunct distributions of austral plants: the roles of Antarctic and direct dispersal routes
Authors: Winkworth Richard C. , Hennion Françoise , Prinzing Andreas , Wagstaff Steven J.
Published: May 2015

Aim

Dispersal explains the disjunct distributions of many austral plant lineages. However, the role of Antarctica is largely uncertain and the routes of dispersal have remained speculative. Based on niche conservatism we can make predictions about the timing of disjunction establishment, as well as the availability of direct transoceanic, Antarctic stepping‐stone, and out‐of‐Antarctica dispersal routes over time. We evaluate these predictions using molecular divergence time estimates for the establishment of disjunct distributions across multiple plant lineages.

Location

Southern Hemisphere.

Methods

We estimated the timing of disjunction establishment and determined habitat affinities for 72 austral plant groups. We used Wilcoxon rank sum tests to compare the timing of disjunction establishment between cold and temperate climate lineages for the full data set, as well as within several subsets. We compared our results with those from a literature survey.

Results

As niche conservatism predicts, the timing of disjunction establishment in cold and temperate climate austral lineages is consistent with the availability of the corresponding habitats over time. Our results also suggest that disjunction establishment has involved a combination of Antarctic and direct dispersal routes. For cold climate lineages, both out‐of‐Antarctica and direct dispersal routes are required to explain the observed estimates, while stepping stone routes cannot be ruled out. It appears that for these lineages the importance of the three dispersal routes differs with environmental, geographical and temporal context.

Main conclusions

Both direct and Antarctic dispersal routes are necessary to explain the establishment of contemporary austral distributions. Evidence that some taxa were, until recently, restricted to Antarctica changes how we view the evolutionary histories of austral floras and the lineages they contain. Moreover, that we detect differences in the importance of alternative dispersal routes suggests that long‐distance plant dispersal processes can be explicitly incorporated into models of climate change response.
High‐density lipoprotein inhibits mechanical stress‐induced cardiomyocyte autophagy and cardiac hypertrophy through angiotensin II type 1 receptor‐mediated PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Lin Li , Liu Xuebo , Xu Jianfeng , Weng Liqing , Ren Jun , Ge Junbo , Zou Yunzeng
Published: May 2015

Mechanical stress triggers cardiac hypertrophy and autophagy through an angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT1) receptor‐dependent mechanism. Low level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) is an independent risk factor for cardiac hypertrophy. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of HDL on mechanical stress‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and autophagy. A 48‐hr mechanical stretch and a 4‐week transverse aortic constriction were employed to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo, respectively, prior to the assessment of myocardial autophagy using LC3b‐II and beclin‐1. Our results indicated that HDL significantly reduced mechanical stretch‐induced rise in autophagy as demonstrated by LC3b‐II and beclin‐1. In addition, mechanical stress up‐regulated AT1 receptor expression in both cultured cardiomyocytes and in mouse hearts, whereas HDL significantly suppressed the AT1 receptor. Furthermore, the role of Akt phosphorylation in HDL‐mediated action was assessed using MK‐2206, a selective inhibitor for Akt phosphorylation. Our data further revealed that MK‐2206 mitigated HDL‐induced beneficial responses on cardiac remodelling and autophagy. Taken together, our data revealed that HDL inhibited mechanical stress‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and autophagy through downregulation of AT1 receptor, and HDL ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy and autophagy via Akt‐dependent mechanism.
Discovery of a pupping site and nursery for critically endangered green sawfish Pristis zijsron
Authors: Morgan D. L. , Allen M. G. , Ebner B. C. , Whitty J. M. , Beatty S. J.
Published: May 2015

A pilot study targeting sawfishes in the southern Pilbara region of Western Australia, which is undergoing a major expansion in human activity, was conducted using gillnets during April and October 2011 in the Ashburton Estuary and adjacent mangrove creeks. Catch per unit effort was greatest in the Ashburton Estuary in October, due to an influx of green sawfish Pristis zijsron pups, and was orders of magnitude higher than previously reported for any Pristidae; the study sites contained P. zijsron up to almost 3 m total length. This study identified the first pupping site for P. zijsron in Western Australia, and the most southerly known nursery area for the species in Australian waters, and is potentially the most important globally.
Evaluating the resolution power of new microsatellites for species identification and stock delimitation in the Cape hakes Merluccius paradoxus and Merluccius capensis (Teleostei: Merlucciidae)
Authors: Hoareau T. B. , Klopper A. W. , Dos Santos S. M. R. , Oosthuizen C. J. , Bloomer P.
Published: May 2015

The utility of 15 new and 17 previously published microsatellite markers was evaluated for species identification and stock delimitation in the deep‐water hake Merluccius paradoxus and the shallow‐water hake Merluccius capensis. A total of 14 microsatellites were polymorphic in M. paradoxus and 10 in M. capensis. Two markers could individually discriminate the species using Bayesian clustering methods and a statistical power analysis showed that the set of markers for each species is likely to detect subtle genetic differentiation (FST < 0·006) that will be valuable to delimit and characterize genetic stocks.
Biochemical composition of the ovarian fluid and its effects on the fertilization capacity of turbot Scophthalmus maximus during the spawning season
Authors: Jia Y. D. , Niu H. X. , Meng Z. , Liu X. F. , Lei J. L.
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the biochemical composition of ovarian fluid and its effect on the fertilization capacity of turbot Scophthalmus maximus during the spawning season. The fertilization rate and pH of ovarian fluid varied throughout the spawning season, with the highest values recorded at the mid‐season. Positive correlations were found between the fertilization rate and the ovarian fluid pH. The composition of major inorganic ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Cl−) showed no significant changes during the spawning season. Alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity was significantly higher during mid‐season than other seasons. The lowest levels of protein, acid phosphatase (ACP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) were in the ovarian fluid released at the mid‐season. Moreover, significant relationships were observed between the fertilization rate and the levels of protein, ACP, AKP and AAT. These observations suggest that the biochemical profile of ovarian fluid affects the insemination microenvironment as well as the fertilization capacity of S. maximus eggs. Determination of such profiles may prove to be a useful strategy to improve S. maximus breeding techniques.
Perceptions of single‐visit and multiple‐visit endodontic treatment: a survey of endodontic specialists and general dentists in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Amy Wai‐Yee , Zhang Shinan , Zhang Cheng‐Fei , Chu Chun‐Hung
Published: May 2015

Aim

To study the preference of practice for single‐ and multiple‐visit endodontic treatment by Hong Kong endodontists and general dental practitioners (GDPs), and to investigate their reasons for choosing single‐ or multiple‐visit treatment in their practice.

Method

An anonymous questionnaire was mailed to all 16 registered endodontists and 800 randomly selected GDPs in Hong Kong to explore their preference and reasons for selecting single‐ or multiple‐visit endodontic treatment for their patients. Information on the use of magnifying loupes, microscopes and the number of years they have been in dental practice was also collected.

Results

Eight endodontists and 429 GDPs returned their questionnaires and the response rate was 50% and 53.6% respectively. Among the GDPs, 404 (94.2%) undertook endodontic treatment in their practices. For those performing endodontic treatment, the mean number of years of practice was 23.6 ± 4.8 for endodontists and 15.3 ± 9.1 for GDPs. Seven endodontists (87.5%) used a surgical microscope. For GDPs, only 25 (6.2%) used a surgical microscope and 123 (30.4%) used magnifying loupes during endodontic treatment. Seven endodontists (87.5%) and 375 GDPs (92.8%) predominantly performed multiple‐visit treatment. The commonest reasons for choosing multiple‐visit treatment for both endodontists and GDPs were the positive effects of interappointment medications (n = 3, 37.5%) and that the tooth to be treated had doubtful prognosis (n = 103, 25.5%). The commonest reason for choosing single‐visit treatment for both endodontists and general dentists was that treatment could be completed in one visit (n = 4, 50%) and (n = 127, 31.4%).

Conclusion

Most Hong Kong endodontists and GDPs preferred offering multiple‐visit endodontic treatment.
Innovative Uses of Technology in Online Midwifery Education
Authors: Arbour Megan W. , Nypaver Cynthia F. , Wika Judith C.
Published: May 2015

Women's health care in the United States is at a critical juncture. There is increased demand for primary care providers, including women's health specialists such as certified nurse‐midwives/certified midwives, women's health nurse practitioners, and obstetrician‐gynecologists, yet shortages in numbers of these providers are expected. This deficit in the number of women's health care providers could have adverse consequences for women and their newborns when women have to travel long distances to access maternity health care. Online education using innovative technologies and evidence‐based teaching and learning strategies have the potential to increase the number of health care providers in several disciplines, including midwifery. This article reviews 3 innovative uses of online platforms for midwifery education: virtual classrooms, unfolding case studies, and online return demonstrations of clinical skills. These examples of innovative teaching strategies can promote critical and creative thinking and enhance competence in skills. Their use in online education can help enhance the student experience. More students, including those who live in rural and underserved regions and who otherwise might be unable to attend a traditional onsite campus, are provided the opportunity to complete quality midwifery education through online programs, which in turn may help expand the women's health care provider workforce. This article is part of a special series of articles that address midwifery innovations in clinical practice, education, interprofessional collaboration, health policy, and global health.