bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring abundance and phenology in (multivoltine) butterfly species: a novel mixture model
Authors: Matechou Eleni , Dennis Emily B. , Freeman Stephen N. , Brereton Tom
Published: February 2014

Data from ‘citizen science’ surveys are increasingly valuable in identifying declines in widespread species, but require special attention in the case of invertebrates, with considerable variation in number, seasonal flight patterns and, potentially, voltinism. There is a need for reliable and more informative methods of inference in such cases.

We focus on data consisting of sample counts of individuals that are not uniquely identifiable, collected at one or more sites. Arrival or emergence and departure or death of individuals take place during the study. We introduce a new modelling approach, which borrows ideas from the ‘stopover’ capture–recapture literature, that permits the estimation of parameters of interest, such as mean arrival times and relative abundance, or in some cases, absolute abundance, and the comparison of these between sites.

The model is evaluated using an extensive simulation study which demonstrates that the estimates for the parameters of interest obtained by the model are reliable, even when the data sets are sparse, as is often the case in reality.

When applied to data for the common blue butterfly Polyommatus icarus at a large number of sites, the results suggest that mean emergence times, as well as the relative sizes of the broods, are linked to site northing, and confirm field experience that the species is bivoltine in the south of the UK but practically univoltine in the north.

Synthesis and applications. Our proposed ‘stopover’ model is parameterized with biologically informative constituents: times of emergence, survival rate and relative brood sizes. Estimates of absolute or relative abundance that can be obtained alongside these underlying variables are robust to the presence of missing observations and can be compared in a statistically rigorous framework. These estimates are direct indices of abundance, rather than ‘sightings’, implicitly adjusted for the possible presence of repeat sightings during a season. At the same time, they provide indices of change in demographic and phenological parameters that may be of use in identifying the factors underlying population change. The model is widely applicable and this will increase the utility of already valuable and influential long‐standing surveys in monitoring the effects of environmental change on phenology or abundance.
Microbial ecology of chlorinated solvent biodegradation
Authors: David Maude M. , Cecillon Sebastien , Warne Brett M. , Prestat Emmanuel , Jansson Janet K. , Vogel Timothy M.
Published: February 2014

This study focused on the microbial ecology of tetrachloroethene (PCE) degradation to trichloroethene, cis‐1,2‐dichloroethene and vinyl chloride to evaluate the relationship between the microbial community and the potential accumulation or degradation of these toxic metabolites. Multiple soil microcosms supplied with different organic substrates were artificially contaminated with PCE. A thymidine analogue, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), was added to the microcosms and incorporated into the DNA of actively replicating cells. We compared the total and active bacterial communities during the 50‐day incubations by using phylogenic microarrays and 454 pyrosequencing to identify microorganisms and functional genes associated with PCE degradation to ethene. By use of this integrative approach, both the key community members and the ecological functions concomitant with complete PCE degradation could be determined, including the presence and activity of microbial community members responsible for producing hydrogen and acetate, which are critical for Dehalococcoides‐mediated PCE degradation. In addition, by correlation of chemical data and phylogenic microarray data, we identified several bacteria that could potentially oxidize hydrogen. These results demonstrate that PCE degradation is dependent on some microbial community members for production of appropriate metabolites, while other members of the community compete for hydrogen in soil at low redox potentials.
Housing Markets Performing Class: Middle-Class Cultures and Market Professionals in Chile
Authors: Ariztía Tomás
Published: February 2014

This article takes a cultural economy approach to the analysis of housing markets as spaces in which class cultures are performed. The design and marketing of real estate projects are understood as the outcome of the interplay of different narratives, practices and materials involving cultural and economic calculations. I explore one particular type of cultural knowledge used during the production and sale of houses: the meanings of class and social mobility. I argue that housing markets and housing production involve the interrelation of several cultural calculations on class and social mobility. In other words, meanings of class and social mobility are instrumentally produced and used in the design, production and marketing of real estate. I describe how cultural calculations about class are inscribed into house location, house design and real estate advertising and marketing devices. Indeed, it is argued that in designing ‘real estate’ projects, agents and executives work as ‘sociologists at large’: they create and perform new meanings of class and social mobility.
What oral text reading fluency can reveal about reading comprehension
Authors: Veenendaal Nathalie J. , Groen Margriet A. , Verhoeven Ludo
Published: February 2014

Text reading fluency – the ability to read quickly, accurately and with a natural intonation – has been proposed as a predictor of reading comprehension. In the current study, we examined the role of oral text reading fluency, defined as text reading rate and text reading prosody, as a contributor to reading comprehension outcomes in addition to decoding efficiency and language comprehension. One hundred and six Dutch primary school children from fourth grade participated in this study and were assessed on decoding efficiency, vocabulary, syntactic ability, reading fluency performance and reading comprehension skills. Regression analysis showed that text reading prosody, not text reading rate, explained additional variance in reading comprehension performance when decoding efficiency and language comprehension were controlled for. This result suggests that the inclusion of text reading prosody as an aspect of text reading fluency is justified and that a natural intonation is associated with better comprehension of what is read.
Healthcare professional views and experiences of complementary and alternative therapies in obstetric practice in North East Scotland: a prospective questionnaire survey
Authors: Stewart D , Pallivalappila AR , Shetty A , Pande B , McLay JS
Published: February 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) therapy by UK healthcare professionals involved in the care of pregnant women, and to identify key predictors of use.

Design

A prospective survey.

Setting

Maternity services in Grampian, North East Scotland.

Sample

All healthcare professionals (135) involved in the care of pregnant women (midwives, obstetricians, anaesthetists).

Methods

Questionnaire development, piloting, and distribution. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.

Results

A response rate of 87% was achieved. A third of respondents (32.5%) had recommended (prescribed, referred, or advised) the use of CAMs to pregnant women. The most frequently recommended CAMs modalities were: vitamins and minerals (excluding folic acid) (55%); massage (53%); homeopathy (50%); acupuncture (32%); yoga (32%); reflexology (26%); aromatherapy (24%); and herbal medicine (21%). Although univariate analysis identified that those who recommended CAMs were significantly more likely to be midwives who had been in post for more than 5 years, had received training in CAMs, were interested in CAMs, and were themselves users of CAMs, the only variable retained in bivariate logistic regression was ‘personal use of CAM’, with an odds ratio of 8.26 (95% CI 3.09–22.05; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Despite the lack of safety or efficacy data, a wide variety of CAM therapies are recommended to pregnant women by approximately a third of healthcare professionals, with those recommending the use of CAMs being eight times more likely to be personal CAM users.
A personalised eHealth programme reduces the duration until return to work after gynaecological surgery: results of a multicentre randomised trial
Authors: Vonk Noordegraaf A , Anema JR , van Mechelen W , Knol DL , van Baal WM , van Kesteren PJM , Brölmann HAM , Huirne JAF
Published: February 2014

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of an eHealth intervention on recovery and return to work, after gynaecological surgery.

Design

Randomised multicentre trial that ran from March 2010 until September 2011.

Setting

Secondary care in seven general and university hospitals in the Netherlands.

Population

A cohort of 215 women (aged 18–65 years) who had a hysterectomy and/or laparoscopic adnexal surgery for a benign indication.

Methods

The women were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 110) or the control group (n = 105). The intervention group received an eHealth programme that provided personalised tailor‐made pre‐ and postoperative instructions on the resumption of daily activities, including work, and tools to improve self‐empowerment and to identify recovery problems. The control group was provided with access to a control website.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the duration of sick leave until a full sustainable return to work. Secondary outcome measures were quality of life, general recovery, and pain intensity.

Results

In intention‐to‐treat analysis the eHealth intervention was effective on time to return to work (hazard ratio 1.43; 95% confidence interval 1.003–2.040; P = 0.048). The median duration of sick leave until a full sustainable return to work was 39 days (interquartile range 20–67 days) in the intervention group and 48 days (interquartile range 21–69 days) in the control group. After 26 weeks pain intensity was lower (visual analogue scale, cumulative odds ratio 1.84; 95% confidence interval 1.04–3.25; P = 0.035) and quality of life was higher (Rand‐36 health survey, between‐group difference 30, 95% confidence interval 4–57; P = 0.024) in the intervention group, compared with the control group.

Conclusions

The use of the eHealth intervention by women after gynaecological surgery results in a faster return to work, with a higher quality of life and less pain.
Negotiated settlements and peace referendums
Authors: Loizides Neophytos
Published: February 2014

Institutional innovations in conflict management have received considerable academic attention in the past decades. Yet few studies have considered the design of referendums in peace processes and the role of popular mandates in catalysing negotiated settlements. Drawing evidence from divided societies, particularly the contrasting cases ofSouthAfrica andCyprus, the article points to the importance of ratification sequence and early mandate referendums. Specifically, it demonstrates how mandate referendums focusing initially on domestic constituencies enable leaders to pre‐empt ethnic outbidding challenges while concluding a peace agreement. An early ratification process could safeguard the peace process from unavoidable reversals in public opinion, increase flexibility as to the timing of critical decisions and maximise the credibility of leaders aiming for a negotiated settlement. The study of mandate referendums has important implications for broader research on international mediations since it suggests mechanisms by which political actors could ensure the ratification of significant treaties in global or regional politics.
From parliamentary pay to party funding: The acceptability of informal institutions in advanced democracies
Authors: Bolleyer Nicole , Trumm Siim
Published: February 2014

While direct state funding of political parties has been a prominent theme in cross‐national research over the last decade, we still know little about party strategies to access state resources that are not explicitly earmarked for partisan usage. This article looks at one widespread but often overlooked informal party practice: the ‘taxing’ ofMPsalaries – that is, the regular transfer of fixed salary shares to party coffers. Building on notions of informal institutions developed in work on new democracies, the theoretical approach specifies factors that shape the acceptability of this legally non‐enforceable intra‐organisational practice. It is tested through a selection model applied to a unique dataset covering 124 parties across 19 advanced democracies. Controlling for a range of party‐ and institutional‐level variables, it is found that the presence of a taxing rule and the collection of demanding tax shares are more common in leftist parties (high internal acceptability) and in systems in which the penetration of state institutions by political parties is intense (high external acceptability).
Globalisation, Hegemony and Perspective
Authors: Keaney Michael
Published: February 2014

Globalisation has been treated as a homogenising, even Americanising, process. Its complex nature means that its effects can be observed at various levels of analysis: economic, political, social, cultural and legal. The books under review here tackle different aspects of globalisation, with the overarching theme of US hegemony and how that has been employed in the reconfiguration of the global order. Two titles deal specifically with British decline, albeit without a perspective informed by political economy, the absence of which is argued to weaken their respective analyses. The analytical purchase provided by Marxist political economy is also highlighted.
Between the Waves: Currents in Contemporary Feminist Thought
Authors: Hague Ros
Published: February 2014

With a continuing focus on liberal feminism, Marxist feminism and essentialism, one would be forgiven for thinking that feminist theory is unable to break free from the ‘second wave’. This is not the case. This article reviews three books which take on these feminist issues and offer new readings on the questions at the heart of feminism. Each provides clear links to feminism of the past but also connects to present debate and makes suggestions for future directions for feminism. There is plenty of literature which bemoans the end of feminism and some which triumphantly hails our era as post-feminist: no longer in need of feminist theory. Contrary to such claims, each book tackles the problem of women’s oppression from a different perspective, each presents different solutions and in so doing they demonstrate that feminism is alive and well.

Abbey, R. (2011) The Return of Feminist Liberalism. Durham: Acumen.

Weeks, K. (2011) The Problem with Work: Feminism, Marxism, Antiwork Politics and Postwork Imaginaries. Durham, NC: Duke University Press.

Witt, C. (2011) The Metaphysics of Gender. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Selective Cultivation and Rapid Detection of Staphylococcus aureus by Computer Vision
Authors: Wang Yong , Yin Yongguang , Zhang Chaonan
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we developed a selective growth medium and a more rapid detection method based on computer vision for selective isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus from foods. The selective medium consisted of tryptic soy broth basal medium, 3 inhibitors (NaCl, K2TeO3, and phenethyl alcohol), and 2 accelerators (sodium pyruvate and glycine). After 4 h of selective cultivation, bacterial detection was accomplished using computer vision. The total analysis time was 5 h. Compared to the Baird‐Parker plate count method, which requires 4 to 5 d, this new detection method offers great time savings. Moreover, our novel method had a correlation coefficient of greater than 0.998 when compared with the Baird‐Parker plate count method. The detection range for S. aureus was 10 to 107 CFU/mL.

Practical Application

Our new, rapid detection method for microorganisms in foods has great potential for routine food safety control and microbiological detection applications.
A randomized controlled study of trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole versus norfloxacin for the prevention of infection in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Lontos Steve , Shelton Edward , Angus Peter W , Vaughan Rhys , Roberts Stuart K , Gordon Adam , Gow Paul J
Published: February 2014

Objective

To prospectively compare norfloxacin (N) with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (T‐S) in preventing infection in cirrhotic patients.

Methods

Cirrhotic patients at high risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) were recruited and assigned N (400 mg daily) or T‐S (160/800 mg daily). Patients were followed up for 12 months. The primary end‐point was the incidence of infection. Secondary end‐points included the incidence of SBP, bacteremia, extraperitoneal infection requiring antibiotic treatment, liver transplantation, death, side effects and rate of resistance to N or T‐S.

Results

A total of 80 patients with a mean age of 53.0 ± 9.3 years were prescribed N (n = 40) or T‐S (n = 40). Child–Pugh status, model for end‐stage liver disease and risk factors for SBP were similar between the groups. There were 10 episodes of infections in the N group and 9 in the T‐S group (P = 0.79). Two patients each in the N and T‐S group developed SBP (P = 0.60). There was a difference in the rate of transplantation favoring N (P = 0.03) but not death. The number of adverse events for N (n = 7) and T‐S (n = 10) were similar (P = 0.59), with T‐S being associated with an increased risk of developing a definite or probable adverse event compared to N (22.5% vs 0%, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

This study failed to demonstrate a difference between N and T‐S groups in their effects on preventing infection in patients with liver cirrhosis. T‐S can be considered an alternative first‐line therapy for infection prophylaxis.
GeoChip 4: a functional gene‐array‐based high‐throughput environmental technology for microbial community analysis
Authors: Tu Qichao , Yu Hao , He Zhili , Deng Ye , Wu Liyou , Van Nostrand Joy D. , Zhou Aifen , Voordeckers James , Lee Yong‐Jin , Qin Yujia , Hemme Christopher L. , Shi Zhou , Xue Kai , Yuan Tong , Wang Aijie , Zhou Jizhong
Published: February 2014

Micro‐organisms play critical roles in many important biogeochemical processes in the Earth's biosphere. However, understanding and characterizing the functional capacity of microbial communities are still difficult due to the extremely diverse and often uncultivable nature of most micro‐organisms. In this study, we developed a new functional gene array, GeoChip 4, for analysing the functional diversity, composition, structure, metabolic potential/activity and dynamics of microbial communities. GeoChip 4 contained approximately 82 000 probes covering 141 995 coding sequences from 410 functional gene families related to microbial carbon (C), nitrogen (N), sulphur (S), and phosphorus (P) cycling, energy metabolism, antibiotic resistance, metal resistance/reduction, organic remediation, stress responses, bacteriophage and virulence. A total of 173 archaeal, 4138 bacterial, 404 eukaryotic and 252 viral strains were targeted, providing the ability to analyse targeted functional gene families of micro‐organisms included in all four domains. Experimental assessment using different amounts of DNA suggested that as little as 500 ng environmental DNA was required for good hybridization, and the signal intensities detected were well correlated with the DNA amount used. GeoChip 4 was then applied to study the effect of long‐term warming on soil microbial communities at a Central Oklahoma site, with results indicating that microbial communities respond to long‐term warming by enriching carbon degradation, nutrient cycling (nitrogen and phosphorous) and stress response gene families. To the best of our knowledge, GeoChip 4 is the most comprehensive functional gene array for microbial community analysis.
Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms Interact to Affect ADH7 Transcription
Authors: Jairam Sowmya , Edenberg Howard J.
Published: February 2014

Background

The class IV alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH7, μ‐ADH, σ‐ADH) is important in the metabolism of ethanol and retinol. ADH7 is the only ADH not expressed in liver, instead being expressed mainly in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Genome‐wide studies have identified significant associations between single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in ADH7 and alcoholism and cancer, but the causative variants have not been identified.

Methods

In vitro studies of gene expression by transient transfection into cell lines that express endogenous ADH7 (CP‐A cells) and that do not (HepG2 cells).

Results

We have identified transcriptional regulatory elements of ADH7 and observed differences in the effects of variants on gene expression in CP‐A cells and HepG2 cells. Two haplotypes of the proximal promoter that differ in a single nucleotide at rs2851028, A7P‐G and A7P‐A, have different transcriptional activities. There is an interaction between variants farther upstream and these proximal variants: Upstream regulatory sequences generally showed a greater increase or smaller reduction in activity when combined with the A7P‐A promoter than with the A7P‐G promoter. A sequence located 12.5‐kb upstream (7P10) can function as an enhancer. In CP‐A cells, both haplotypes of 7P10 increased A7P‐A activity by 2.5‐fold while having only 1.2‐fold effect on A7P‐G. In HepG2 cells, the 7P10‐TTT haplotype had no effect on the A7P‐A promoter but decreased A7P‐G promoter activity by 50%, whereas the CTT haplotype increased A7P‐A activity by 50%, but had no effect on A7P‐G.

Conclusions

These complex interactions indicate that the effects of variants in the ADH7 regulatory elements depend on both sequence and cellular context and should be considered in interpretation of the association of variants with alcoholism and cancer.
An Evolutionarily Conserved Mechanism of Calcium‐Dependent Neurotoxicity in a Zebrafish Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Flentke George R. , Klingler Rebekah H. , Tanguay Robert L. , Carvan Michael J. , Smith Susan M.
Published: February 2014

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a leading cause of neurodevelopmental disability. Nonhuman animal models offer novel insights into its underlying mechanisms. Although the developing zebrafish has great promise for FASD research, a significant challenge to its wider adoption is the paucity of clear, mechanistic parallels between its ethanol (EtOH) responses and those of nonpiscine, established models. Inconsistencies in the published pharmacodynamics for EtOH‐exposed zebrafish, alongside the use of comparatively high EtOH doses, challenge the interpretation of this model's clinical relevance.

Methods

To address these limitations, we developed a binge, single‐exposure model of EtOH exposure in the early zebrafish embryo.

Results

Brief (3‐hour) EtOH exposure is sufficient to cause significant neural crest losses and craniofacial alterations, with peak vulnerability during neurogenesis and early somitogenesis. These losses are apoptotic, documented using TUNEL assay and secA5‐YFP‐reporter fish. Apoptosis is dose dependent with an EC50 = 56.2 ± 14.3 mM EtOHint, a clinically relevant value within the range producing apoptosis in chick and mouse neural crest. This apoptosis requires the calcium‐dependent activation of CaMKII and recapitulates the well‐described EtOH signaling mechanism in avian neural crest. Importantly, we resolve the existing confusion regarding zebrafish EtOH kinetics. We show that steady‐state EtOH concentrations within both chorion‐intact and dechorionated embryos are maintained at 35.7 ± 2.8% of EtOHext levels across the range from 50 to 300 mM EtOHext, a value consistent with several published reports. Equilibrium is rapid and complete within 5 minutes of EtOH addition.

Conclusions

The calcium/CaMKII mechanism of EtOH's neurotoxicity is shared between an amniote (chick) and teleost fish, indicating that this mechanism is evolutionarily conserved. Our data suggest that EtOHext concentrations >2% (v/v) for chorion‐intact embryos and 1.5% (v/v) for dechorionated embryos have limited clinical relevance. The strong parallels with established models endorse the zebrafish's relevance for mechanistic studies of EtOH's developmental neurotoxicity.
Catecholamine levels and delay discounting forecast drug use among African American youths
Authors: Brody Gene H. , Yu Tianyi , MacKillop James , Miller Gregory E. , Chen Edith , Obasi Ezemenari M. , Beach Steven R. H.
Published: February 2014

Aims

To test hypotheses about the contributions of the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine [which serve as biological markers of life stress through sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation], delay discounting and their interaction to the prediction of drug use among young African American adults.

Design

A 1‐year prospective study that involved assessment of SNS activity and collection of self‐report data involving delay discounting and drug use.

Setting

Rural communities in the southeastern United States.

Participants

A total of 456 African Americans who were 19 years of age at the beginning of the study.

Measurements

At age 19, participants provided overnight urine voids that were assayed for epinephrine and norepinephrine. Participants were also assessed for hyperbolic temporal discounting functions (k) and drug use. At age 20, the participants again reported their drug use.

Findings

Linear regression analyses revealed that (i) catecholamine levels at age 19 forecast increases in drug use [B = 0.087, P < 0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.025, 0.148] and (ii) among young men, catecholamine levels interacted positively with delay discounting to forecast increases in drug use (simple slope = 0.113, P < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.074, 0.152).

Conclusions

Higher urinary catecholamine concentrations in their adulthood predict higher levels of drug use a year later among young African American men in the United States who engage in high, but not low, levels of delay discounting.
The small scale spatial pattern of C3 and C4 grasses depends on shrub distribution
Authors: Fernández Gastón , Texeira Marcos , Altesor Alice
Published: February 2014

At micro‐site scale, the spatial pattern of a plant species depends on several factors including interactions with neighbours. It has been seen that unfavourable effects generate a negative association between plants, while beneficial effects generate a positive association. In grasslands, the presence of shrubby species promotes a particular microenvironment beneath their canopy that could affect differently the spatial distribution of plants with different tolerance to abiotic conditions. We measured photosynthetic active radiation, air temperature and wind speed under shrub canopies and in adjacent open sites and analysed the spatial distribution of four grass species (two C3 and two C4) in relation to shrub canopy in a grazed sub‐humid natural grassland in southern Uruguay. Radiation, air temperature and wind speed were lower under shrubs than in adjacent open sites. The spatial distribution of grasses relative to the shrub canopy varied depending on the photosynthetic metabolism of grasses. C4 grasses showed a negative association or no correlation with the shrubs, whereas C3 grasses showed a positive association. Our results highlight the importance of the photosynthetic metabolism of the grasses in the final outcome of interactions between grasses and shrubs. Micro‐environmental conditions generated underneath shrubs create a more suitable site for the establishment of C3 than for C4 grasses. These results show that facilitation could be more important than previously thought in sub‐humid grasslands.
Coexistence of Wolff–Parkinson–White and Brugada Syndrome: Mere Curiosity?
Authors: Kaiser Elisabeth , Sacilotto Luciana , Darrieux Francisco , Sosa Eduardo
Published: February 2014

The association between Brugada syndrome (BS) and ventricular preexcitation is a rare condition, with sporadic cases already reported. We report the case of a 29‐year‐old man, with palpitation unrelated to physical or emotional stress. The electrocardiogram of the first visit revealed a ventricular preexcitation pattern and an end‐conduction delay, with negative T wave in V1 and intraventricular conduction disturbance in V2 (atypical for BS). The typical aspect of BS occurred after introduction of propafenone for the prevention of atrioventricular tachycardia. We discuss the recognition of this rare association, the proarrhythmic effects of some drugs, treatment options, and prognosis.
Are Australian and New Zealand trauma service resources reflective of the Australasian Trauma Verification Model Resource Criteria?
Authors: Leonard Elizabeth , Curtis Kate
Published: February 2014

Introduction

The Australasian Trauma Verification Program was developed in 2000 to improve the quality of care provided at services in Australia and New Zealand. The programme outlines resources required for differing levels of trauma services. This study compares the human resources in Australia and New Zealand trauma services with those recommended by the Australasian College of Surgeons Trauma Verification Program.

Methods

In September 2011, all trauma nurse coordinators in Australia and New Zealand were invited to participate in an electronic survey endorsed by the Australasian Trauma Society. This study expands on previous bi‐national research and aimed to identify demographic and trauma service human resource levels.

Results

Fifty‐three surveys (78%) were completed and all 27 Level 1 trauma centres represented. Of the Level 1 trauma centres, a trauma director and fellow were available at 16 (51.8%) and 14 (40.7%) centres, respectively. The majority (93%) had a full‐time trauma coordinator although a trauma case manager was only available at 14 (48.1%) of Level 1 trauma centres. Despite the large amount of data collection and extraction required, trauma services had limited access to a data manager (50.9%) or clerical staff (36.9%).

Conclusion

Human resources in Australian and NZ trauma services are not reflective of those recommended by the Australasian Trauma Verification Program. This impacts on the ability to coordinate trauma monitoring and performance improvement. Review of the Australasian Trauma Verification Model Resource Criteria is required. Injury surveillance in Australia and NZ is hampered by insufficient trauma registry resources.
Is distal screw entry point associated with subtrochanteric fracture after intracapsular hip fracture fixation?
Authors: Hickey Ben , Jones Huw M. , Jones Stephen
Published: February 2014

Background

Subtrochanteric fracture is a recognized complication following cannulated screw fixation of intracapsular hip fracture. We investigated the incidence of subtrochanteric fracture in a consecutive series of 304 patients and its association with screw entry point in the lateral femoral cortex.

Methods

A retrospective consecutive case series of patients treated with internal fixation for intracapsular hip fracture by our unit between January 2003 and January 2010 were included. Two authors reviewed radiographs independently to determine distal screw entry point in the lateral femoral cortex. Hickey zone 1 was an entry point above the level of the upper border of the lesser trochanter. Hickey zone 2 was defined as an entry point between the upper and lower borders of the lesser trochanter. Hickey zone 3 was an entry point below the lower border of the lesser trochanter. Clinical notes were reviewed for subsequent subtrochanteric fracture. Association between subtrochanteric fracture and distal screw entry point in the lateral femoral cortex in relation to the upper border of the lesser trochanter was determined.

Results

Two hundred and fifty‐six post‐operative radiographs were available for analysis. Mean patient age was 73 years (30–98), 75% were women. There were 24 patients with screw entry point in Hickey zone 1, 225 in Hickey zone 2, and 7 in Hickey zone 3. Two patients sustained subtrochanteric fracture. No subtrochanteric fractures occurred in patients with Hickey zone two‐screw entry.

Conclusion

Subtrochanteric fracture is rare following cannulated screw fixation of intracapsular neck of femur fracture (0.78%). In this retrospective consecutive case series, no subtrochanteric fractures occurred when the entry point of the lowest screw in the lateral femoral cortex is between the levels of the upper and lower borders of the lesser trochanter.
Evaluating interdiction of oil pipelines at river crossings using Environmental Impact Assessments
Authors: Anifowose Babatunde , Lawler Damian , van der Horst Dan , Chapman Lee
Published: February 2014

The deliberate damaging of oil pipelines (interdiction) is a key problem in the global petroleum industry and tends to have a strong spatial identity. It also has local, national and international implications for energy security and susceptible environmental receptors. This paper specifically focuses on Nigeria, a country often affected by complex environmental problems associated with oil and gas activities. Partly because Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Nigeria was only promulgated in 1992, there has been no specific study of pipeline interdiction and how it could be better addressed in future EIAs, especially at river crossings where oil pollution is usually significant. Therefore through a careful collation of data from different sources, this paper for the first time aims to: (1) evaluate how pipeline interdiction has been addressed in sampled EIAs; (2) assess interdiction trend per unit of pipeline length over a 16‐year period; (3) identify points on pipeline river crossings that are especially sensitive to oil spills. A linearly‐weighted equation was used to estimate interdiction per 1000 pipeline kilometres per year. River network and pipeline shapefiles were geoprocessed in ArcGIS 9.2 to identify river crossing locations and the spatiotemporal trend of interdiction was plotted. Key findings include: (a) high interdiction rates per 1000 pipeline kilometres ranging from 1.4 to 735 per year; (b) at least 115 pipeline river crossing locations exist in Nigeria and constitute potential oil‐spill hazards; (c) these hitherto unavailable pipeline river crossing data unsurprisingly show the majority of such locations are within southern Nigeria. These results should guide future oilfield developments, including oil production and transportation facility projects, through efficient scoping and mitigation strategies. We argue that there is a need for systematic requirements to effectively address the anticipation/mitigation of future pipeline impacts in EIAs to better support oil spill contingency planning and reduce environmental problems.
Integrating demographic and meteorological data in urban ecology: a case study of container‐breeding mosquitoes in temperate Argentina
Authors: Cardo María Victoria , Vezzani Darío , Rubio Alejandra , Carbajo Aníbal E
Published: February 2014

Cities are unique ecosystems emerging and growing worldwide due to ongoing urbanising trends. The urban–rural gradient is an excellent setting to evaluate the effect of urbanisation on the distribution of species, a matter of public health concern in the case of disease vectors. Despite this, such distributions are affected by other co‐occurring variables, mainly meteorological, that may be confounded by the urbanisation gradient due to the urban heat island effect and maritime climatological conditions in the case of coastal cities. To aid in the design of ecological studies within the urban–rural transition zone, a mapping protocol was designed and applied toBuenosAiresCity and its surroundings. Based on road density and district‐level population counts, a detailed (1 km2pixel) urbanisation map was obtained which, combined with a temperature map, rendered a final urbanisation × temperature product with six classes. The resulting zonation was tested by modelling the distribution of the vector mosquitoesAedes aegyptiandCulex pipiensin artificial containers. The selected model explained the occurrence of mosquitoes 59% better than chance as a function of the urbanisation × temperature categories and the natural lighting condition of the container. This novel zonation approach allows partitioning of environmental heterogeneity prior to the selection of study sites to avoid confounding gradients and provides multiple advantages, such as making comparisons across cities easier, extrapolating the results of site‐scale experiments and identifying priority areas for control measures.
Exploring the causes of junior doctors' prescribing mistakes: a qualitative study
Authors: Lewis Penny J. , Ashcroft Darren M. , Dornan Tim , Taylor David , Wass Val , Tully Mary P.
Published: February 2014

Aims

Prescribing errors are common and can be detrimental to patient care and costly. Junior doctors are more likely than consultants to make a prescribing error, yet there is only limited research into the causes of errors. The aim of this study was to explore the causes of prescribing mistakes made by doctors in their first year post graduation.

Methods

As part of the EQUIP study, interviews using the critical incident technique were carried out with 30 newly qualified doctors. Participants were asked to discuss in detail any prescribing errors they had made. Participants were purposely sampled across a range of medical schools (18) and hospitals (15). A constant comparison approach was taken to analysis and Reason's model of accident causation was used to present the data.

Results

More than half the errors discussed were prescribing mistakes (errors due to the correct execution of an incorrect plan). Knowledge‐based mistakes (KBMs) appeared to arise from poor knowledge of practical aspects of prescribing such as dosing, whereas rule‐based mistakes (RBMs) resulted from inappropriate application of knowledge. Multiple error‐producing and latent conditions were described by participants for RBMs and KBMs. Poor/absent senior support and a fear of appearing incompetent occurred with KBMs. Following erroneous routines or seniors' orders were major contributory factors in RBMs.

Conclusions

Although individual factors such as knowledge and expertise played a role in prescribing mistakes, there were many perceived interrelated factors contributing to error. We conclude that multiple interventions are necessary to address these and further research is essential.
Inhaled corticosteroids in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pro–con perspective
Authors: Babu K. Suresh , Kastelik Jack A. , Morjaria Jaymin B.
Published: February 2014

Current guidelines limit regular use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to a specific subgroup of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in whom the forced expiratory volume in 1 s is <60% of predicted and who have frequent exacerbations. In these patients, there is evidence that ICS reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve lung function and quality of life. However, a review of the literature suggests that the evidence available may be interpreted to favour or contradict these observations. It becomes apparent that COPD is a heterogeneous condition. Clinicians therefore need to be aware of the heterogeneity as well as having an understanding of how ICS may be used in the context of the specific subgroups of patients with COPD. This review argues for and against the use of ICS in COPD by providing an in‐depth analysis of the currently available evidence.
Increased platelet expression of glycoprotein IIIa following aspirin treatment in aspirin‐resistant but not aspirin‐sensitive subjects
Authors: Floyd Christopher N. , Goodman Timothy , Becker Silke , Chen Nan , Mustafa Agnesa , Schofield Emma , Campbell James , Ward Malcolm , Sharma Pankaj , Ferro Albert
Published: February 2014

Aims

Aspirin is widely used as an anti‐platelet agent for cardiovascular prophylaxis. Despite aspirin treatment, many patients experience recurrent thrombotic events, and aspirin resistance may contribute to this. We examined the prevalence of aspirin resistance in a healthy population, and investigated whether the platelet proteome differed in aspirin‐resistant subjects.

Methods

Ninety‐three healthy subjects received aspirin 300 mg daily for 28 days. Before and at the end of treatment, urine was taken to determine 11‐dehydrothromboxane B2, and blood was taken to measure arachidonic acid (AA)‐induced aggregation of platelet‐rich plasma and to interrogate the platelet proteome by mass spectrometric analysis with further confirmation of findings using Western blotting.

Results

In two of the 93 subjects, neither AA‐induced aggregation nor urinary 11‐dehydrothromboxane B2 was effectively suppressed by aspirin, despite measurable plasma salicylate concentrations, suggesting the presence of true aspirin resistance. Despite no detectable differences in the platelet proteome at baseline, following aspirin a marked increase was seen in platelet glycoprotein IIIa expression in the aspirin‐resistant but not aspirin‐sensitive subjects. An increase in platelet glycoprotein IIIa expression with aspirin resistance was confirmed in a separate cohort of 17 patients with stable coronary artery disease on long term aspirin treatment, four of whom exhibited aspirin resistance.

Conclusions

In a healthy population, true aspirin resistance is uncommon but exists. Resistance is associated with an increase in platelet glycoprotein IIIa expression in response to aspirin. These data shed new light on the mechanism of aspirin resistance, and provide the potential to identify aspirin‐resistant subjects using a novel biomarker.
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Modelling of the Analgesic and Antihyperalgesic Effects of Morphine after Intravenous Infusion in Human Volunteers
Authors: Ravn Pernille , Foster David J.R. , Kreilgaard Mads , Christrup Lona , Werner Mads U. , Secher Erik L. , Skram Ulrik , Upton Richard
Published: February 2014

Using a modelling approach, this study aimed to (i) examine whether the pharmacodynamics of the analgesic and antihyperalgesic effects of morphine differ; (ii) investigate the influence of demographic, pain sensitivity and genetic (OPRM1) variables on between‐subject variability of morphine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in human experimental pain models. The study was a randomized, double‐blind, 5‐arm, cross‐over, placebo‐controlled study. The psychophysical cutaneous pain tests, electrical pain tolerance (EPTo) and secondary hyperalgesia areas (2HA) were studied in 28 healthy individuals (15 males). The subjects were chosen based on a previous trial where 100 subjects rated (VAS) their pain during a heat injury (47°C, 7 min., 12.5 cm2). The 33% lowest‐ and highest pain‐sensitive subjects were offered participation in the present study. A two‐compartment linear model with allometric scaling for weight provided the best description of the plasma concentration–time profile of morphine. Changes in the EPTo and 2HA responses with time during the placebo treatment were best described by a linear model and a quadratic model, respectively. The model discrimination process showed clear evidence for adding between‐occasion variability (BOV) on baseline and the placebo slope for EPTo and 2HA, respectively. The sensitivity covariate was significant on baseline EPTo values and genetics as a covariate on the placebo slope for 2HA. The analgesic and antihyperalgesic effects of morphine were pharmacologically distinct as the models had different effect site equilibration half‐lives and different covariate effects. Morphine had negligible effect on 2HA, but significant effect on EPTo.
Regression for skewed biomarker outcomes subject to pooling
Authors: Mitchell Emily M. , Lyles Robert H. , Manatunga Amita K. , Danaher Michelle , Perkins Neil J. , Schisterman Enrique F.
Published: February 2014

Epidemiological studies involving biomarkers are often hindered by prohibitively expensive laboratory tests. Strategically pooling specimens prior to performing these lab assays has been shown to effectively reduce cost with minimal information loss in a logistic regression setting. When the goal is to perform regression with a continuous biomarker as the outcome, regression analysis of pooled specimens may not be straightforward, particularly if the outcome is right‐skewed. In such cases, we demonstrate that a slight modification of a standard multiple linear regression model for poolwise data can provide valid and precise coefficient estimates when pools are formed by combining biospecimens from subjects with identical covariate values. When these‐homogeneous pools cannot be formed, we propose a Monte Carlo expectation maximization (MCEM) algorithm to compute maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs). Simulation studies demonstrate that these analytical methods provide essentially unbiased estimates of coefficient parameters as well as their standard errors when appropriate assumptions are met. Furthermore, we show how one can utilize the fully observed covariate data to inform the pooling strategy, yielding a high level of statistical efficiency at a fraction of the total lab cost.
Oncological predictive value of the 2004 World Health Organisation grading classification in primary T1 non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer. A step forward or back?
Authors: Pellucchi Federico , Freschi Massimo , Moschini Marco , Rocchini Lorenzo , Maccagnano Carmen , Nazareno Suardi , Bergamaschi Franco , Montorsi Francesco , Colombo Renzo
Published: February 2014

Objective

To compare the clinical reliability of the 1973 and 2004 World Health Organisation (WHO) classification systems in pT1 bladder cancer.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 291 consecutive patients who had pT1 high grade bladder cancer between 2004 and 2011. All tumours were simultaneously evaluated by a single uro‐pathologist as high grade and G2 or G3. All patients underwent a second transurethral resection (TUR) and those confirmed with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer at second TUR received bacille Calmette‐Guérin. Follow‐up included urine cytology and cystoscopy 3 months after second TUR and then every 6 months for 5 years. Univariate and multivariate analysis to determine recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method with the log‐rank test.

Results

G2 tumours were found in 124 (46.6%) and G3 in 142 (53.4%) patients. The mean (median; range) follow‐up period was 31.1 (19; 1–93) months. The 5‐year RFS rate was 39.1% for the overall high grade population, and 49.1 and 31.8% for G2 and G3 subgroups, respectively. The 5‐year PFS was 82% for the overall high grade population and 89 and 73% for G2 and G3 subgroups, respectively. RFS (P < 0.002) and PFS (P < 0.001) rates were significantly different between the G2 and G3 subgroups. In multivariate analysis, only the grade assessed according to the 1973 WHO significantly correlated with both RFS (P = 0.003) and PFS (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results suggest that the 1973 WHO classification system has higher prognostic reliability for patients with T1 disease. If confirmed, these findings should be carefully taken into account when making treatment decisions for patients with T1 bladder cancer.