bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of pressure changes on endodontically treated teeth during simulated dives
Authors: von See C. , Rücker M. , Koch A. , Kokemueller H. , Schumann P. , Ziebolz D. , Gellrich N.‐C.
Published: September 2011

von See C, Rücker M, Koch A, Kokemueller H, Schumann P, Ziebolz D, Gellrich N‐C. The influence of pressure changes on endodontically treated teeth during simulated dives. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 57–62, 2012.

Aim  To measure and evaluate pressure changes in the pulp chambers of extracted teeth exposed to hyperbaric conditions during root canal treatment.

Methodology  A pressure sensor was inserted and sealed into the pulp chambers of extracted human molars (n = 6). The teeth were subjected to simulated dives to 4.5 bar in a diving chamber. During the simulated ascents and descents, the pressure within the pulp chamber was measured, and the difference between the pressure inside the pulp chamber and the pressure in the diving chamber was calculated. Each tooth underwent two dives with an intact pulp chamber, with a calcium hydroxide dressing, after root canal filling, and after adhesive sealing of the pulp chamber floor with a composite. Differences were analyzed statistically (P < 0.05) using one‐way analysis of variance (anova).

Results  There were no significant pressure differences in teeth with an intact pulp chamber and teeth with a calcium hydroxide dressing. After root filling, however, the increase in pressure inside the pulp chamber was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in the diving chamber. After adhesive sealing of the pulp chamber floor with a composite, the pressure inside the pulp chamber was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the pressure in the diving chamber.

Conclusions  In root canal treatment, canal orifices should be sealed with an adhesively bonded composite filling before a dive. The use of a calcium hydroxide dressing after root canal preparation does not disqualify patients from diving.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants in Dutch hospitals: their role, extent of substitution and facilitators and barriers experienced in the reallocation of tasks
Authors: Zwijnenberg Nicolien C. , Bours Gerrie J. J. W.
Published: September 2011

zwijnenberg n.c. & bours g.j.j.w. (2012) Nurse practitioners and physician assistants in Dutch hospitals: their role, extent of substitution and facilitators and barriers experienced in the reallocation of tasks. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(6), 1235–1246.

Aims.  This paper is a report of a study exploring the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, the extent of substitution and the barriers and facilitators experienced by them as a consequence of substitution in public hospitals.

Background.  Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are emerging worldwide. However, despite the large amount of evidence showing the added value of these professionals, little evidence is available concerning the role, extent of substitution and facilitators and barriers experienced by them as a consequence of substitution.

Methods.  Interviews were conducted and a questionnaire was completed by 43 nurse practitioners and 13 physician assistants employed in public hospitals in the south of the Netherlands in 2007.

Results.  Nurse practitioners and physician assistants performed a broad spectrum of tasks, but differed significantly in the time spent and the kind of tasks performed. Nurse practitioners spent 25% (10·4 hours; sd = 5·5) and physician assistants 40% (18·7 hours; sd = 7·6) of their time on medical procedures. They both also performed new tasks or tasks for which there previously was insufficient capacity. Many of them experienced policy/organizational, legal, financial or facility problems in the reallocation of tasks.

Conclusion.  Nurse practitioners and physician assistants have wide ranging but different responsibilities in public hospitals. By performing medical procedures and new tasks or tasks for which there was not enough capacity, they function as substitutes and supplements for doctors. However, barriers are affecting the extent of substitution. The challenge ahead is to remove the barriers experienced by nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
The past, present and future of nursing education in the People’s Republic of China: a discussion paper
Authors: Gao Ling‐Ling , Chan Sally Wai‐Chi , Cheng Bing‐Shu
Published: September 2011

Gao L.‐L., Chan S.W.‐C. & Cheng B.‐S. (2012) The past, present and future of nursing Education in the People’s Republic of China: a discussion paper. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(6), 1429–1438.

Aim.  This article presents a discussion of nursing education development in the People’s Republic of China in its historical, economic and sociopolitical contexts.

Background.  China has a population of 1·3 billion with about 2·18 million nurses. With the recent surging economic and social development in China, nursing education has undergone transformation changes in the past two decades.

Data sources.  Online bibliographical databases from 1990 to 2010 were searched including CINAHL, MEDLINE, Wan Fang Data and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. Search terms included nursing education, China and development.

Methods.  Thematic analysis and narrative synthesis were used to identify and report themes from literature.

Results.  Database searches yielded 1674 papers, and 34 met the inclusion criteria for review. The standard of nursing education varies greatly in different parts of China, because of its huge size and population, with pre‐registration programmes offered at the secondary, associate degree and baccalaureate level. Multi‐level nursing education is one of the major barriers for professional development. There is a need to upgrade the pre‐registration education to at least associate degree level. There is also a need to enhance graduate nursing education at master and doctoral level to prepare advanced practice nurses, nurse scientists and nursing faculty.

Conclusion.  The challenges for nursing education development in China are echoed and encountered in many parts of the world. The experience in China and the lessons learned would be relevant to developing countries. Nursing in China must continue to develop in parallel to international trends. Promoting communication and maintaining international links are important for the global development of nursing practice.
Periapical and endodontic status of permanent teeth in patients with hypophosphatemic rickets
Authors: ANDERSEN M. G. , BECK‐NIELSEN S. S. , HAUBEK D. , HINTZE H. , GJØRUP H. , POULSEN S.
Published: September 2011

Summary  Hypophosphatemic rickets (HR) is a rare hereditary disease in which dental problems in terms of spontaneous periapical infections are frequently reported. Most previous reports have been based on a small number of HR patients and have been published before the disease could be confirmed genetically. The aim of the present study was to describe the periapical and endodontic status of permanent teeth in patients with genetically and/or biochemically confirmed HR. The patients were recruited from a medical study on HR patients. The patients underwent a dental examination including a digital panoramic radiograph, which was scored for endodontically affected teeth (i.e. teeth with periapical radiolucencies and/or endodontically treated teeth). A total of 52 patients (age range: 5·7–74·5 years; 17 males and 35 females) were included. HR patients were characterised by a high number of endodontically affected teeth (mean: 4·2; s.d.: 5·0). The number of affected teeth rose significantly with age (P < 0·01), and no statistically significant gender difference was found. The relative distribution of endodontically affected teeth in the three tooth groups (incisors and canines, premolars, and molars) varied according to age. In the youngest age group, only incisors and canines were affected, while the relative proportion of affected premolars and molars increased with age. Endodontically affected teeth are common in HR patients, and the number of affected teeth increased significantly with age. Hence, the need for endodontic treatment among HR patients is comprehensive.
Tracing the recombination and colonization history of hybrid species in space and time
Authors: LEXER C. , STÖLTING K. N.
Published: September 2011

Hybrid speciation has long fascinated evolutionary biologists and laymen alike, presumably because it challenges our classical view of evolution as a ‘one‐way street’ leading to strictly tree‐like patterns of ancestry and descent. Homoploid hybrid speciation (HHS) has been a particularly interesting puzzle, as it appears to occur extremely rapidly, perhaps within less than 50 generations (McCarthy et al. 1995; Buerkle et al. 2000). Nevertheless, HHS may sometimes involve extended or repeated periods of recombination and gene exchange between populations subject to strong divergent natural selection (Buerkle & Rieseberg 2008). Thus, HHS provides a highly interesting setting for understanding the drivers and tempo of adaptive divergence and speciation in the face of gene flow (Arnold 2006; Rieseberg & Willis 2007; Nolte & Tautz 2009). In the present issue of Molecular Ecology, Wang et al. (2011) explore a particularly challenging issue connected to HHS: they attempt to trace the colonization and recombination history of an ancient (several MYA) hybrid species, from admixture and recombination in the ancestral hybrid zone to subsequent range shifts triggered by tectonic events (uplift of the Tibetan plateau) and climatic shifts (Pleistocene ice ages). This work is important because it addresses key issues related to the origin of the standing genetic variation available for adaptive responses (e.g. to climate change) and speciation in temperate species, which are topics of great current interest (Rieseberg et al. 2003; Barrett & Schluter 2008; de Carvalho et al. 2010).
Interaction between the reductase Tah18 and highly conserved Fe‐S containing Dre2 C‐terminus is essential for yeast viability
Authors: Soler Nicolas , Delagoutte Emmanuelle , Miron Simona , Facca Céline , Baïlle Dorothée , d'Autreaux Benoit , Craescu Gil , Frapart Yves‐Michel , Mansuy Daniel , Baldacci Giuseppe , Huang Meng‐Er , Vernis Laurence
Published: September 2011

Tah18–Dre2 is a recently identified yeast protein complex, which is highly conserved in human and has been implicated in the regulation of oxidative stress induced cell death and in cytosolic Fe‐S proteins synthesis. Tah18 is a diflavin oxido‐reductase with binding sites for flavin mononucleotide, flavin adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, which is able to transfer electrons to Dre2 Fe‐S clusters. In this work we characterized in details the interaction between Tah18 and Dre2, and analysed how it conditions yeast viability. We show that Dre2 C‐terminus interacts in vivo and in vitro with the flavin mononucleotide‐ and flavin adenine dinucleotide‐binding sites of Tah18. Neither the absence of the electron donor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐binding domain in purified Tah18 nor the absence of Fe‐S in aerobically purified Dre2 prevents the binding in vitro. In vivo, when this interaction is affected in a dre2 mutant, yeast viability is reduced. Conversely, enhancing artificially the interaction between mutated Dre2 and Tah18 restores cellular viability despite still reduced cytosolic Fe‐S cluster biosynthesis. We conclude that Tah18–Dre2 interaction in vivo is essential for yeast viability. Our study may provide new insight into the survival/death switch involving this complex in yeast and in human cells.
Arginine catabolic mobile element encoded speG abrogates the unique hypersensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus to exogenous polyamines
Authors: Joshi Gauri S. , Spontak Jeffrey S. , Klapper David G. , Richardson Anthony R.
Published: September 2011

Polyamines, including spermine (Spm) and spermidine (Spd), are aliphatic cations that are reportedly synthesized by all living organisms. They exert pleiotropic effects on cells and are required for efficient nucleic acid and protein synthesis. Here, we report that the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus lacks identifiable polyamine biosynthetic genes, and consequently produces no Spm/Spd or their precursor compounds putrescine and agmatine. Moreover, while supplementing defined medium with polyamines generally enhances bacterial growth, Spm and Spd exert bactericidal effects on S. aureus at physiological concentrations. Small colony variants specifically lacking menaquinone biosynthesis arose after prolonged Spm exposure and exhibited reduced polyamine sensitivity. However, other respiratory‐defective mutants were no less susceptible to Spm implying menaquinone itself rather than general respiration is required for full Spm toxicity. Polyamine hypersensitivity distinguishes S. aureus from other bacteria and is exhibited by all tested strains save those belonging to the USA‐300 group of community‐associated methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (CA‐MRSA). We identified one gene within the USA‐300‐specific arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) encoding a Spm/Spd N‐acetyltransferase that is necessary and sufficient for polyamine resistance. S. aureus encounters significant polyamine levels during infection; however, the acquisition of ACME encoded speG allows USA‐300 clones to circumvent polyamine hypersensitivity, a peculiar trait of S. aureus.
Two glycosyltransferases involved in anthocyanin modification delineated by transcriptome independent component analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yonekura‐Sakakibara Keiko , Fukushima Atsushi , Nakabayashi Ryo , Hanada Kousuke , Matsuda Fumio , Sugawara Satoko , Inoue Eri , Kuromori Takashi , Ito Takuya , Shinozaki Kazuo , Wangwattana Bunyapa , Yamazaki Mami , Saito Kazuki
Published: September 2011

To identify candidate genes involved in Arabidopsis flavonoid biosynthesis, we applied transcriptome coexpression analysis and independent component analyses with 1388 microarray data from publicly available databases. Two glycosyltransferases, UGT79B1 and UGT84A2 were found to cluster with anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. Anthocyanin was drastically reduced in ugt79b1 knockout mutants. Recombinant UGT79B1 protein converted cyanidin 3‐O‐glucoside to cyanidin 3‐O‐xylosyl(1→2)glucoside. UGT79B1 recognized 3‐O‐glucosylated anthocyanidins/flavonols and uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐xylose, but not 3,5‐O‐diglucosylated anthocyanidins, indicating that UGT79B1 encodes anthocyanin 3‐O‐glucoside: 2′′‐O‐xylosyltransferase. UGT84A2 is known to encode sinapic acid: UDP‐glucosyltransferase. In ugt84a2 knockout mutants, a major sinapoylated anthocyanin was drastically reduced. A comparison of anthocyanin profiles in ugt84a knockout mutants indicated that UGT84A2 plays a major role in sinapoylation of anthocyanin, and that other UGT84As contribute the production of 1‐O‐sinapoylglucose to a lesser extent. These data suggest major routes from cyanidin 3‐O‐glucoside to the most highly modified cyanidin in the potential intricate anthocyanin modification pathways in Arabidopsis.
On the suitability of fast and frugal heuristics for designing values clarification methods in patient decision aids: a critical analysis
Authors: Pieterse Arwen H. , de Vries Marieke
Published: September 2011

Background Increasingly, patient decision aids and values clarification methods (VCMs) are being developed to support patients in making preference‐sensitive health‐care decisions. Many VCMs encourage extensive deliberation about options, without solid theoretical or empirical evidence showing that deliberation is advantageous. Research suggests that simple, fast and frugal heuristic decision strategies sometimes result in better judgments and decisions. Durandet al.have developed two fast and frugal heuristic‐based VCMs.

Objective To critically analyse the suitability of the ‘take the best’ (TTB) and ‘tallying’ fast and frugal heuristics in the context of patient decision making.

Strategy Analysis of the structural similarities between the environments in which the TTB and tallying heuristics have been proven successful and the context of patient decision making and of the potential of these heuristic decision processes to support patient decision making.

Conclusion The specific nature of patient preference‐sensitive decision making does not seem to resemble environments in which the TTB and tallying heuristics have proven successful. Encouraging patients to consider less rather than more relevant information potentially even deteriorates their values clarification process. Values clarification methods promoting the use of more intuitive decision strategies may sometimes be more effective. Nevertheless, we strongly recommend further theoretical thinking about the expected value of such heuristics and of other more intuitive decision strategies in this context, as well as empirical assessments of the mechanisms by which inducing such decision strategies may impact the quality and outcome of values clarification.
The use of formal and informal knowledge sources in patients’ treatment decisions in secondary stroke prevention: qualitative study
Authors: Gibson Josephine M. E. , Watkins Caroline L.
Published: September 2011

Background There is robust empirical evidence to support clinical decision making in secondary stroke prevention after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or recovered stroke. However, little attention has been paid to patients’ utilization of this evidence in coming to decisions about their treatment choices.

Objective To examine the use of formal and informal knowledge by patients in making decisions about carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and medical treatment after TIA/recovered stroke.

Setting and participants Twenty participants were recruited from an outpatient vascular surgical assessment clinic in England. Ten were receiving medical treatment alone, and 10 were undergoing CEA after TIA or recovered stroke.

Method Twenty‐eight in‐depth qualitative interviews were conducted. An iterative approach was used whereby emergent themes were further explored in later interviews. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and coded.

Results Participants gathered and utilized several types of knowledge in the process of making treatment decisions: Empirical knowledge (e.g. clinical trial findings); Pathophysiologic findings (e.g. results of clinical investigations); Experiential knowledge (e.g. personal experience of stroke); Goals and values (e.g. potential impact on family); System features (e.g. apparent urgency of treatment).

Conclusions In addition to formal evidence, patients use other sources of informal or ‘non‐evidentiary’ knowledge to support their decisions about treatment after TIA or recovered stroke. To enable evidence‐based patient choice, health professionals need to appreciate the diverse types of evidence which patients use, to help them to access relevant and high‐quality evidence, to balance evidence from different sources and to make choices which are congruent with their values and expectations.
The impact of patient and public involvement in the work of the Dementias & Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network (DeNDRoN): case studies
Authors: Iliffe Steve , McGrath Terry , Mitchell Douglas
Published: September 2011

Aims  (i) To describe patient and public involvement (PPI) in a network promoting research in dementia and neurodegenerative diseases, in terms of activity at the different stages of the research cycle and within the different levels of the research network. (ii) To use case studies to try and answer the question: what benefits (if any) does PPI in research bring to the research process?

Background  PPI in health research is a central part of government policy, but the evidence base underpinning it needs strengthening. PPI allows exploration of feasibility, acceptability and relevance of hypotheses, assists in the precise definition of research questions and increases accrual to studies. However, the measurement of outcomes is methodologically difficult, because the impact of lay researchers may occur through team interactions and be difficult to untangle from the efforts of professional researchers. Opportunities for PPI in rapidly progressive diseases may be limited, and involvement of people with marked cognitive impairment is particularly challenging.

Design  (i) Description of PPI within the DeNDRoN network. (ii) Case studies of three research projects which asked for extra help from centrally organized PPI.

Results  PPI in research projects on the DeNDRoN portfolio may function at different levels, occurring at project, local research network and national level. Case studies of three research projects show different roles for PPI in research and different functions for centrally organized PPI, including contribution to remedial action in studies that are not recruiting to target, solving problems because of the complexity and sensitivity of the research topic, and linking researchers to PPI resources.

Discussion  The case studies suggest that centrally organized PPI can have ‘diagnostic’ and remedial functions in studies that are struggling to recruit and serve as reinforcement for study‐level PPI in the complex and sensitive research topics that are typical in neurodegenerative diseases research. PPI may be actively sought by researchers, but the infrastructure of PPI is not yet so widespread in the research community that lay researchers are easy to find; a centrally organized PPI resource can assist in this situation.
Cross‐cultural adaptation of the Brazilian–Portuguese version of the chronic urticaria quality‐of‐life questionnaire – CU‐Q2oL
Authors: Dias G. A. C. , Pires G. V. , Valle S. O. R. , França A. T. , Papi J. A. , Dortas S. D. , Levy S. A. P. , Baiardini I. , Canonica G. W.
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Dias GAC, Pires GV, Valle SOR, França AT, Papi JA, Dortas SD Jr, Levy SAP, Baiardini I, Canonica GW. Cross‐cultural adaptation of the Brazilian‐Portuguese version of the chronic urticaria quality‐of‐life questionnaire ‐ CU‐Q2oL. Allergy 2011; 66: 1487–1493

Background:  Chronic urticaria (CU) is a debilitating skin disorder that affects patients’ health related quality of life and the only questionnaire prepared specifically to CU is the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU‐Q2oL).

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to cross‐culturally adapt and validate the CU‐Q2oL Brazilian‐Portuguese version.

Methods:  Forward and back translation by three bilingual translators followed by pre‐test was used to adapt the questionnaire. The CU‐Q2oL was self‐administered along with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in 112 patients with CU. Disease activity was assessed using the Urticaria Activity Score. Factor analysis was used to identify scales of the Brazilian portuguese CU‐Q2oL. Internal consistency, convergent validity and known‐group validity was determined. Reproducibility was evaluated by interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Multiple linear regression was used to determine the predicting factors of CU‐Q2oL results.

Results:  Factor analysis revealed a three‐dimensional structure: sleep/mental status/eating (I), pruritus/impact on life activities (II) and swelling/limits/look (III), which explained 52.49% of the total variance. All scales showed excellent internal consistency. External construct validity was supported by correlations between the CU‐Q2oL and DLQI. The tool was found to be able to differentiate between patients with high and low levels of urticaria activity. Test‐retest reliability was good to excellent (ICC = 0.69–0.86). Disease severity and urticaria type were the only factors predicting results.

Conclusions:  The CU‐Q2oL Brazilian portuguese version was easily filled out, well accepted by the patients, demonstrated an acceptable validity and reliability and might be used to evaluate treatment outcomes and in clinical research.
Disseminated Mycobacterium marinum infection in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient
Authors: Jacobs S. , George A. , Papanicolaou G.A. , Lacouture M.E. , Tan B.H. , Jakubowski A.A. , Kaltsas A.
Published: September 2011

Mycobacterium marinum is a photochromogenic mycobacterium that is ubiquitous in the aquatic environment. In the general population, exposure to aquaria is the most common cause of M. marinum infection. Known as “swimmer's granuloma” or “fish tank granuloma,” M. marinum is an occupational hazard for aquarium cleaners and fishermen. There are several reports in the literature of M. marinum infection in immunocompromised hosts, including those with solid organ transplants, but none in patients who have received stem cell transplants (SCTs). To our knowledge, this is a first report of disseminated M. marinum infection in an SCT recipient who continued to develop new skin lesions even after months of targeted therapy. The implications are that elderly patients who receive T‐cell‐depleted SCTs may be at prolonged risk for pathogens dependent on cellular immunity, and the presentation of illness with such pathogens may be more severe and widely disseminated than might otherwise be expected.
Larval dispersal and vertical migration behaviour – a simulation study for short dispersal times
Authors: Sundelöf Andreas , Jonsson Per R.
Published: September 2011

Current speed often varies with depth, so vertical movements of larvae are expected to have profound effects on dispersal velocity and therefore dispersal potential. Systematic behaviours are expected to have strong effects on dispersal. However, reliable information on the presence of vertical migrations in larvae is scarce, but the few well investigated empirical examples justify a detailed simulation study and an analysis of potential effects. We present a spatially explicit 3D hydrodynamic model that incorporates biological information in the form of active particles advected in a Lagrangian fashion. The set‐up is designed to analyze the sensitivity of dispersal distances to variation in vertical behaviour of larvae. We simulated short (4 days) pelagic larval durations (PLDs) to determine whether behaviour might be important over short dispersal periods. We found that sinusoidal behaviours (slow vertical migration) in or out of phase with tides did not significantly change the dispersal patterns compared to those of larvae that remained at the surface. By contrast, a quadratic pattern of behaviour resulting in rapid vertical migration, in or out of phase with tides, had dramatic effects on both distance and direction of dispersal. The resulting dispersal kernels were found to be multimodal due to the interaction between tidal and meteorological components in flow. Incorporating biological information on larval migrations in Lagrangian simulation of dispersal will be important in estimates of connectivity and forecasting marine reserve networks.
Trends in the distribution of donor corneal tissue and indications for corneal transplantation: the New Zealand National Eye Bank Study 2000–2009
Authors: Cunningham William J , Brookes Nigel H , Twohill Helen C , Moffatt S Louise , Pendergrast David GC , Stewart Joanna M , McGhee Charles NJ
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background:  To investigate the indications for corneal transplantation and the distribution of donor corneal tissue in New Zealand.

Design:  Analysis of the prospective database of the New Zealand National Eye Bank.

Participants:  A total of 2205 corneal transplants were assessed.

Methods:  New Zealand National Eye Bank records were analysed for the decade 2000–2009.

Main Outcome Measures:  Variables analysed included donor corneal tissue distribution (including public and private sectors), indications for transplantation, donor corneal tissue recipient demographics (age and gender) and corneal transplantation type.

Results:  An average of 220 corneal transplants were performed each year over the 10‐year period (n = 2205). The median recipient age was 45 years (range 3 to 102 years) and 54.0% of recipients were male. In total 71.8% of transplants were performed in the public health sector. Surgeons in the Auckland metropolitan area performed 47.2% of all corneal transplants. The most common indications for corneal transplantation were: keratoconus (41.1%), repeat transplant (17.0%), aphakic/pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (13.9%), corneal dystrophy (10.7%), keratitis (7.9%) and trauma (3.7%). Overall, penetrating keratoplasty accounted for 90.7% of all corneal transplants, however, during the latter half of the study there was a progressive shift in transplantation type, with deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty combined accounting for 32.3% of all transplants in the final year of the study period.

Conclusions:  This New Zealand National Eye Bank study provides valuable data regarding the indications for corneal transplantation, transplant recipient demographics and changes in transplantation type in New Zealand over the past decade.
Methodology and early findings of the Diabetes Management Project: a cohort study investigating the barriers to optimal diabetes care in diabetic patients with and without diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Lamoureux Ecosse Luc , Fenwick Eva , Xie Jing , Mcauley Annie , Nicolaou Theona , Larizza Melanie , Rees Gwyn , Qureshi Salmaan , Wong Tien Yin , Benarous Rehab , Dirani Mohamed
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background:  The Diabetes Management Project is investigating the clinical, behavioural and psychosocial barriers to optimal diabetes care in individuals with and without diabetic retinopathy.

Design:  Prospective cohort.

Participants:  Two hundred and twenty‐three and 374 patients without and with diabetic retinopathy, respectively.

Methods:  All individuals underwent a comprehensive dilated eye test, anthropometric measurements, blood and urine samples, and psychosocial questionnaires.

Main Outcome Measures:  Good glycaemic control was defined as glycosylated haemoglobin < 7%, good blood pressure control as systolic and diastolic values ≤130 and 80 mmHg, respectively, and good diabetes control as glycosylated haemoglobin < 7% and blood pressure values ≤130 and 80 mmHg.

Results:  Four hundred and one males (65.4%) and 212 females (34.6%) aged 26–90 years (mean age ± standard deviation = 64.6 ± 11.6) were examined. The median glycosylated haemoglobin for all participants was 7.5% (interquartile range = 1.7%). Average systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were 139.7 mmHg (standard deviation = 18.8) and 92.7 mmHg (standard deviation = 30.9), respectively. Initial data analyses indicate that over two‐thirds of participants with diabetes have poor glycaemic control, which was worse in those with diabetic retinopathy compared with those without (76.3% vs. 49.3%; P < 0.001). Blood pressure control was similar for those with and without diabetic retinopathy, with almost a third (28.5%) of the total sample having poor blood pressure control. Overall, those with diabetic retinopathy had poorer diabetes control than those without (24.3% vs. 13.7%; P = 0.002).

Conclusions:  Our findings substantiate the implementation of the Diabetes Management Project, developed to assess factors associated with suboptimal diabetes care.
Metastatic parathyroid carcinoma initially misdiagnosed as parathyroid adenoma: the role of parafibromin in increasing diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Lim S. , Elston M. S. , Gill A. J. , Marsh D. J. , Conaglen J. V.
Published: September 2011

Parathyroid carcinoma, although a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism, carries a significant morbidity and mortality from severe symptomatic hypercalcaemia and related complications. We report a case where the diagnosis was not considered from the outset and review the current clinical and histopathological markers available to assist in the diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma.
Consequences of Avian Flu for Growth and Poverty: A CGE Analysis for Kenya
Authors: Thurlow James
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Like many African countries, Kenya is vulnerable to avian flu given its position along migratory bird routes and proximity to other high risk countries. This raises concern about the effect of an outbreak on rural livelihoods. We use a dynamic computable general equilibrium model of Kenya to simulate outbreaks of different severities, durations and geographic spreads. Results indicate that even a severe outbreak does not greatly reduce economic growth. It does, however, have larger implications for poverty, since poultry is an income source for many poor farmers and a major food item in poor consumers’ baskets. Reducing an outbreak's duration and spatial transmission substantially reduces economic losses, although losses still occur when poultry demand falls, even without a confirmed outbreak. Continued monitoring of poultry production and trade is therefore needed, even if an outbreak has not yet occurred. Efforts to enhance government capacity to respond rapidly to infections and improve farmers’ and consumers’ awareness of avian flu are also needed.
The Speed of Experience: The Co‐narrative Method in Experience Economy Education
Authors: Kociatkiewicz Jerzy , Kostera Monika
Published: September 2011

This paper proposes a management learning technique called the co‐narrative method. This approach is seen as a useful means of capturing the subtler nuances of experience economy interactions, as well as learning ethics and corporate social responsibility, by nurturing empathy and compassion. A method is presented based on the example of the idea of slow as fast side of organizational and festival experiences, which is explored through autoethnographic studies of participation in experience economy events. It builds upon insights into improving management education through the use of the humanistic approach. The so‐called co‐narrative method is based on a syzygic mode uniting the two oppositions (while preserving their inherent contradictions). It encourages its users to exercise understanding of the experience of the Other, while teaching about concrete cases and events.
That Unwanted Feeling: A Psychodynamic Study of Disappointment in Organizations
Authors: Clancy Annette , Vince Russ , Gabriel Yiannis
Published: September 2011

This paper explores the emotion of disappointment in organizations and develops a new line of theorizing inspired by psychoanalytic object‐relations theory. Existing literature frames disappointment as a threat to organizational effectiveness, as both a response and an anticipation of failure and as an emotion that needs to be managed in order to prevent it from damaging organizational morale and performance. This only captures part of the complexity of disappointment and leaves unexplored its potential contribution to organizational and individual learning and even creativity. The paper develops a theoretical framework which depicts disappointment in three configurations or positions, and it establishes the potential of disappointment acting as an integrative emotion within organizations. The framework accounts for an apparent contradiction in organizational members' experience of disappointment – that it is, at the same time, seen as ‘of little concern’ to individuals, and yet viewed as capable of undermining stability and destroying positive feelings. The paper shows how disappointment is connected to the dynamics of blame in organizations but, when fully appreciated, can offer a way of moving beyond these dynamics by recognizing partial failure within an organization and turning it into the basis for organizational learning.
Pre‐computed Gathering of Multi‐Bounce Glossy Reflections
Authors: Laurijssen Jurgen , Wang Rui , Lagae Ares , Dutré Philip
Published: September 2011

Recent work in interactive global illumination addresses diffuse and moderately glossy indirect lighting effects, but high‐frequency effects such as multi‐bounce reflections on highly glossy surfaces are often ignored. Accurately simulating such effects is important to convey the realistic appearance of materials such as chrome and shiny metal. In this paper, we present an efficient method for visualizing multi‐bounce glossy reflections at interactive rates under environment lighting. Our main contribution is a pre‐computation–based method which efficiently gathers subsequent highly glossy reflection passes modelled with a non‐linear transfer function representation based on the von Mises–Fisher distribution. We show that our gathering method is superior to scattered sampling. To exploit the sparsity of the pre‐computed data, we apply perfect spatial hashing. As a result, we are able to visualize multi‐bounce glossy reflections at interactive rates at a low pre‐computation cost.
KANT'S TRANSCENDENTAL IDEALISM, FREEDOM AND THE DIVINE MIND1
Authors: INSOLE CHRISTOPHER J.
Published: September 2011

Without denying the importance of a range of independent epistemic and metaphysical considerations, I argue that there is an irreducibly theological dimension to the emergence of Kant's transcendental idealism. Creative tasks carried out by the divine mind in the pre‐critical works become assigned to the human noumenal mind, which is conceived of as the (created) source of space, time and causation. Kant makes this shift in order to protect the possibility of transcendental freedom. I show that Kant has significant theological difficulties ascribing such transcendental freedom to creatures in relation to God, and that he intends transcendental idealism to be a solution to these difficulties. I explain how this provides Kant with a powerful motivation and reason for denying the so‐called “neglected alternative”, and conclude by suggesting that the nature of any theological response to Kant will depend upon some fundamental options about how to conceive of the relationship between the creator and creation.
Max Stirner and the Last Man
Authors: Stepelevich Lawrence S.
Published: September 2011

Alexander Kojève linked two major events that occurred in October of 1806: the first political, Napoleon's victory at Jena; the second philosophical, Hegel's completion of The Phenomenology of Mind. Kojève held these events to be complementary, both completing the initial formation and expression of ‘modernity’. This thesis was accepted by Leo Strauss and later by Strauss' disciple Francis Fukayama. The latter's two works The End of History and The Last Man, both ‘neo‐conservative’ in character, have exercised a powerful influence on the policies of the United States Department of State. Although optimistic in regarding the global advance of democratic societies as the end of history, both Kojève and Fukayama nevertheless conclude that this advance will stop short of its proper end with the appearance of a morally vapid Nietzschean ‘Last Man’. This essay connects the birth of Stirner to the events of 1806; Stirner set his own ‘cause’ before all external ideals or romantic programs, such as a striving to be a Nietzschen Übermensch or joining a revolution of Marxian ‘Lumpen’. Following the signals of both Hegelianism and democratic politics, Stirner can be considered, and would be pleased to present himself, as the ‘Last Man’.
Wind conditions affect stopover decisions and fuel stores of shorebirds migrating through the south Yellow Sea
Authors: MA ZHIJUN , HUA NING , ZHANG XUAN , GUO HAIQIANG , ZHAO BIN , MA QIANG , XUE WENJIE , TANG CHENDONG
Published: September 2011

We assessed the effects of wind conditions on stopover decisions and fuel stores of migratory shorebirds at Chongming Dongtan in the south Yellow Sea along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. In spring and autumn, wind directions differed among altitudes and wind speed generally increased with altitude. Numbers of shorebirds were related to wind effects at low altitudes (on the ground and at 300 and 800 m above the ground), wind effects at 300 m being the best predictor of shorebird numbers. In spring, total number of shorebirds and numbers of the four most abundant shorebird species were negatively related to wind assistance at low altitudes, more birds departing when tailwinds prevailed and more arriving when headwinds prevailed. In autumn, however, total number of shorebirds and numbers of the four most abundant species were positively related to wind assistance at low altitudes, more birds departing and more arriving with tailwinds than with headwinds. When tailwinds prevailed, the number of arriving birds was higher than the number of departing birds. The fuel stores of captured shorebirds, represented by their body mass, was related to wind effects and change in wind conditions between two consecutive days in both spring and autumn, captured birds being heavier when headwinds prevailed than in tailwind conditions, and when the wind conditions became less favourable for flight between two consecutive days. Our results suggest that wind conditions affect stopover decisions and fuel stores, and thus the optimal migration and fuel deposition strategies of migratory shorebirds.
Greater energy stores enable flightless moulting geese to increase resting behaviour
Authors: PORTUGAL STEVEN J. , GREEN JONATHAN A. , PIERSMA THEUNIS , EICHHORN GÖTZ , BUTLER PATRICK J.
Published: September 2011

Many species of waterfowl undergo a post‐breeding simultaneous flight feather moult (wing moult) which renders them flightless and vulnerable to predation for up to 4 weeks. Here we present an analysis of the correlations between individual time‐budgets and body mass states in 13 captive Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis throughout an entire wing moult. The daily percentage of time spent resting was positively correlated with initial body mass at the start of wing moult. Behaviour of individual birds during wing moult is dependent on initial physiological state, which may in turn be dependent on foraging ability; the storage of energy before the start of wing moult will help birds to reduce exposure to the dangers of predation.
TGFBI gene mutation in a Chinese pedigree with Reis‐Bücklers corneal dystrophy
Authors: Liang Qingfeng , Sun Xuguang , Jin Xiuying
Published: September 2011

Citation information: Liang Q, Sun X & Jin X. TGFBI gene mutation in a Chinese pedigree with Reis‐Bücklers corneal dystrophy. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00867.x

Purpose:  To characterize the molecular defects in the TGFBI gene in a Chinese family with Reis‐Bücklers corneal dystrophy (RBCD), and to study the relationship between the gene mutations and the clinical manifestations.

Methods:  Four generations of this family with RBCD were enrolled in the study. In addition to ophthalmic and histopathological examinations, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and analysis of nucleotide sequencing of exons 4, 12, 14 of TGFBI were performed.

Results:  The clinical manifestations of the disease were characterized by geographic opacities in the subepithelial layers and anterior stroma of the cornea. Confocal microscopy images of the cornea showed focal hyper‐reflective materials deposited in the subepithelium and anterior stroma. It was confirmed by histopathology that Bowman’s membrane was mainly replaced by extracellular fibril material, which extended downwards into the superficial corneal stroma. Molecular genetic analysis revealed a single heterozygous G>T change at nucleotide 124 in exon 4 of TGFBI in all members (22) of the pedigree affected with RBCD, but not in the unaffected members.

Conclusions:  A p.Arg124Leu mutation of the TGFBI gene was detected in this Chinese pedigree with Reis‐Bücklers corneal dystrophy. The phenotype of Reis‐Bücklers corneal dystrophy in this family belongs to the geographic type. The molecular genetic studies combined with histopathology may be useful for the accurate diagnosis of this type of corneal dystrophy.
SYMPATHETIC POSTGANGLIONIC CHOLINERGIC FIBRES
Authors: BURN J. H. , RAND M. J.
Published: September 2011

When the postganglionic fibres to the nictitating membrane are stimulated in a cat treated with reserpine, the membrane contracts. The contraction is increased after the injection of eserine and is abolished with atropine. Thus the fibres stimulated appear to be cholinergic. When the splenic nerve is stimulated in a cat treated with reserpine there is similar evidence of the presence of cholinergic fibres; the spleen dilates, the dilatation is greater in the presence of eserine and is abolished by atropine. The hypogastric nerves when stimulated cause inhibition of the uterus of the virgin cat. When the cat is treated with reserpine, stimulation then causes contraction which is increased in the presence of eserine and abolished by atropine. There is also evidence of cholinergic fibres in the postganglionic supply to the vessels of the rabbit's ear. From this and other evidence it is suggested that a form of adrenergic mechanism may exist such that cholinergic fibres in the postganglionic sympathetic supply liberate acetylcholine; this in turn liberates noradrenaline from a store around the sympathetic nerve ending.
ACTIONS OF TRIETHYLCHOLINE ON NEUROMUSCULAR TRANSMISSION
Authors: BOWMAN W. C. , RAND M. J.
Published: September 2011

The effects of the triethyl analogue of choline (triethyl 2‐hydroxyethyl ammonium) on muscular activity have been studied in conscious rabbits, chicks, dogs and a cat. The contractions of the tibialis anticus and soleus muscles of cats under chloralose anaesthesia, and of the tibialis anticus muscle of rabbits under urethane anaesthesia and the isolated diaphragm preparation of the rat were also used. In conscious animals, triethylcholine caused a slowly developing muscular weakness which was more severe after exercise and which resembled the symptoms of myasthenia gravis. In nerve‐muscle preparations triethylcholine had a selective action in reducing the contractions of muscles elicited by a high rate of nerve stimulation while leaving unaffected the contractions caused by slower rates of stimulation. During the paralysis of the tibialis muscle of the cat produced by triethylcholine, action potentials recorded from the motor nerve were unaffected and the muscle responded normally to injected acetylcholine and to direct electrical stimulation. The failure of neuromuscular transmission produced by triethylcholine was reversed by injection of choline, but anticholinesterases were ineffective. Choline reduced the toxicity of triethylcholine in mice. It is concluded that triethylcholine produces transmission failure at the neuromuscular junction by interfering with the ability of the nerve endings to synthesize acetylcholine. The possibility that triethylcholine is itself acetylated by the nerve endings and released as an inactive neurohormone is discussed. It was shown that triethylcholine was devoid of depolarizing action and curare‐like blocking action. It possesses a transient ganglion blocking action of the tetraethylammonium‐type as shown in experiments in which it caused a fall in blood pressure and blocked the response of the nictitating membrane to pre‐ but not to post‐ganglionic stimulation of the cervical sympathetic nerve.
The action of acetylcholine and other drugs on the efflux of potassium and rubidium from smooth muscle of the guinea‐pig intestine
Authors: BURGEN A. S. V. , SPERO L.
Published: September 2011

. A method is described for measuring continuously the efflux of potassium or rubidium from smooth muscle of the guinea‐pig.

. Muscarinic drugs cause at maximum a 100‐fold increase in the efflux rate, due to a direct increase in permeability and only to a minor extent secondary to depolarization. With acetylcholine the dose response curve for producing efflux is displaced to 1,000 times higher concentrations than that for contraction.

. The shift varies with different agonists. The efflux and contractile responses to agonists are antagonized to an equivalent extent by atropine and several other reversible antagonists but benzhexol has a relatively greater effect on efflux. An estimate of spare receptors was obtained with benzilylcholine mustard and was similar for both responses. Dibenamine and local anaesthetics led to a parallel shift of the contraction dose response curve but a depression without shift in the efflux response.

. The most satisfactory explanation of these results is that there are two types of the muscarinic receptor in the smooth muscle of the guinea‐pig intestine.