bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activities of daily living independence in Iranian blind war survivors: A cross sectional study, 2008
Authors: Amini Reza , Sahaf Robab , Kaldi Alireza , Haghani Hamid , Davatgaran Keyvan , Masoumi Mehdi , Hayatbakhsh Reza , Rassafiani Mehdi
Published: October 2012

Aim

Assessment of activities of daily living (ADL) can be helpful for designing individualized rehabilitation programs for disabled individuals. Measuring and comparing the basic ADL (BADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) independence between middle aged and senior Iranian blind war survivors (IBWS) was the aim of this study.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study assessed BADL and IADL of 312 blind war survivors, using the Barthel Index and the Lawton–Bordy scale. Data collection was carried out in a recreational event for the blind war survivors in Mashhad, Iran, 2008.

Results

The majority of the participants were male (99%), and more than 80% had multiple injuries. None of them were independent in all BADL and IADL. Older groups were more dependent in IADL such as telephone use, drug management, financial management, and BADL such as walking on uneven surfaces, bed/chair transfer and using stairs. The functional status and activities’ level differences between those aged younger than 50 years and those aged older than 50 years were significant (P < 0.05).

Discussion

In the present study, all the IBWS were dependent in at least one ADL. Multiple physical injuries could be one of the main reasons for the dependency in this group. IBWS aged older than 50 years were considerably more dependent in their BADL and IADL than the younger group. It appears that starting the fifth decade of age in IBWS might cause some considerable decrease in their function. Training and individualized rehabilitation programs are warranted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 741–750.
Bilateral parotid duct transposition for keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a Connemara stallion
Authors: Montgomery Keith , Ortved Kyla , DeVries James , Hackett Richard , Kern Tom , Irby Nita , Ducharme Norm
Published: October 2012

A 7‐year‐old Connemara stallion was presented with a 4 month history of blepharospasm, recurrent corneal ulcerations, mucopurulent ocular discharge, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in both eyes unresponsive to medical therapy. Ophthalmic examination revealed lackluster corneas, axial corneal scarring and pigmentation with associated neovascularization, and absolute KCS in both eyes. Computed tomography scan and endoscopic evaluation of the upper airway and guttural pouches revealed no structural abnormalities to indicate neurogenic KCS. The stallion was diagnosed with immune‐mediated dacryoadenitis as all other causes of KCS were excluded. Parotid duct transposition (PDT) was performed in the right eye followed by PDT in the left eye 4 weeks later. The right PDT was functional 2 years post‐operatively with significant improvement in ocular comfort and reduced corneal fibrosis and neovascularization. The left PDT developed a salivary‐cutaneous fistula over the left masseter muscle post‐operatively due to avascular necrosis of the distal parotid duct (PD). Surgical reconstruction of the PDT using an expanded‐polytetrafluoroethylene (e‐PTFE) tube graft, an e‐PTFE tube graft to autogenous caudal auricular vein graft, and an autogenous saphenous vein graft were all unsuccessful. Tear production in the left eye improved at 1 year post‐surgery as a result of long term lacrostimulant therapy, and a permanent PD‐cutaneous fistula was performed on the left PD at the level of the ventral mandible. Bilateral PDT in the horse is effective in resolving clinical signs associated with KCS; however, morbidity associated with avascular necrosis of the transposed PD may be significant and can result in surgical failure.
Correlation between corneal sensitivity and quantity of reflex tearing in cows, horses, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs
Authors: Wieser Barbara , Tichy Alexander , Nell Barbara
Published: October 2012

Objective Guinea pigs have a very low threshold of corneal sensitivity and at the same time nearly no reflex tearing compared to dogs, cats, and horses. The question arose whether there is a general correlation between corneal sensitivity and the quantity of reflex tearing.

Animals studied Totally 160 animals of 8 different species (20 animals per species) were investigated.

Procedures The corneal touch threshold (CTT) was measured with a Cochet–Bonnet esthesiometer. The palpebral fissure length (PFL) was measured with a calliper ruler. The Schirmer tear test (STT) was modified by adapting the width of the STT strip to the PFL of every species. For the STT II, 0.4% oxybuprocaine was applied.

Results Corneal touch threshold:Cows (1.67 g/mm2), horses (1.23 g/mm2), sheep (1.13 g/mm2), goats (1.44 g/mm2), dogs (2.16 g/mm2), and cats (1.33 g/mm2) show similar CTT values. In contrast, rabbits (6.21 g/mm2) and guinea pigs (7.75 g/mm2) show a significantly lower CTT.Tear Production Difference STT I − STT II:Rabbits have the greatest decline in tear production with 38.4%, followed by sheep (33.3%), dogs (31.1%), cats (24.7%), cows (23.7%), horses (18.0%), and goats (14.0%). Guinea pigs have no decline, but a slight increase of −16.0%.Correlation CTT and STT II − STT I Difference:Pearson’s correlation coefficient shows a small, but significant correlation. The coefficient of determination can only forecast a value with 7.1% certainty.

Conclusions The high variance and low reproducibility of results suggest that the measuring devices are inappropriate to assess the evaluated parameters. Therefore, no assured correlation between the corneal sensitivity and the quantity of reflex tearing could be found.
Light microscopic evaluation and scanning electron microscopic analysis of horse eyes following deep anterior lamellar keratectomy
Authors: Martins Bianca C. , Brooks Dennis E. , Plummer Caryn E. , Samuelson Don A. , Mangan Brendan G. , Laus José L.
Published: October 2012

Objective  To describe the technique of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) with Descemet’s membrane (DM) exposure in horse eyes. Also, to compare the efficacy and safety of viscodissection and big‐bubble techniques for DALK.

Animals studied  Thirty‐four ex vivo horse eyes.

Procedure  Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty was performed in 34 ex vivo horse eyes. Two groups (Group V – viscodissection – 2% sodium hyaluronate; Group A – air – big‐bubble) of 17 eyes were studied. Other than the substance used, the surgical technique was similar for both groups. Nonperforated eyes were submitted for light microscopic histologic evaluation and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis.

Results  Group V – Perforations occurred in 18% of the eyes during surgery. Light microscopy revealed exposure of DM in 28% of the eyes with mean thickness of the remaining stroma being 70.4 μm. Group A – Perforations occurred in 42% of the eyes. Light microscopy revealed exposure of DM in 60% of the eyes with mean thickness of the remaining stroma being 23.3 μm. No significant differences in safety, efficacy and thickness of the remaining stroma (including all eyes or excluding those with DM exposure) were observed. SEM of the surgical site revealed a more even surface in those eyes with DM exposure compared to eyes with thicker remaining stroma in both groups.

Conclusions  We describe two DALK techniques (viscodissection and big‐bubble) for use in horses. No significant differences in safety, efficacy and thickness of the remaining stroma were observed. However, a nonsignificant trend toward the big‐bubble technique being more efficacious but less safe was observed.
Why do university students not choose a nursing degree at matriculation? An Italian cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dante A. , Rizzi L. , Ianderca B. , Palese A.
Published: October 2012

Aim

The objectives of this study were to describe (a) the reasons why students about to start university did not choose a nursing degree, (b) the source of information/data on which they based this decision, and (c) the accuracy of this information with regard to the nursing profession in Italy.

Background

Although data are available for students who embark on a degree and the reason(s) why they choose nursing, few data are available for students at the point of matriculation who have not chosen a nursing degree.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design, including six Italian degree programmes randomly selected among the 12 available, was performed. A structured questionnaire was administered to 580 students willing to participate of the 1095 eligible (53%) in their first university lecture in autumn 2011.

Results

Some 507 (87.4%) questionnaires were analysed. The main reason for not having chosen a nursing degree is the lack of interest in nursing (235; 47.2%), followed by not wanting contact with ill or dying people (87; 17.5%), the fear of contact with biological material (71; 14.2%) and the lack of recognition of nursing work (44; 8.8%). Among the participants, personal experience (186; 37.1%) and relatives (124; 24.8%) are the main sources of information on the nursing profession. Moreover, only 340 participants (67.1%) recognized the degree as a necessary qualification for nursing in Italy; the majority know nothing about nursing career opportunities (452; 89.2%) or the initial salary of a nurse (250; 49.3%). Conversely, 447 (88.2%) participants indicated correctly the responsibilities imposed on nurses by the law.

Discussion

A considerable proportion of non‐nursing students are not interested in the nursing profession and the information in their possession regarding nursing profession is incorrect.

Conclusions

Multiple strategies helping potential candidates to make the best career decision on the basis of valid information should be strengthened and offered during the secondary school, through nursing students, families, teachers and networks, and not just the media. In addition, efforts to improve the working conditions of nurses must be undertaken.
The world and its shades of green: a meta‐analysis on trophic cascades across temperature and precipitation gradients
Authors: Rodríguez‐Castañeda G.
Published: October 2012

Aim

To assess effects of current global temperature and precipitation gradients on the trophic function of plant–herbivore–predator interactions. Specifically, I study effects of climatic gradients on factors that control herbivore abundances: top‐down, bottom‐up trophic cascades and plant defences. I include predictions of climate change on shifts in trophic function, under the assumption that temperature and precipitation affect the physiology and performance of plants, herbivores and predators.

Location

Global.

Methods

A search of the relevant experiments on trophic interactions was conducted using the Web of Science and Scielo databases. Strength of trophic interactions from each experiment was studied by the calculation of the log ratio effect size (Ln R) of the control and experimental means. Each study was georeferenced and mean annual temperature (MAT) and total annual precipitation (TAP) were determined for each study location. Effect size of trophic interaction studies across the world were correlated with these environmental variables.

Results

In total, 387 effect sizes were extracted from the literature. With the exception of bottom‐up trophic cascades, trophic interactions and factors controlling herbivore abundance exhibited significant linear or quadratic relationships with either temperature or precipitation gradients: plant growth, predation and the effect of plant defence on herbivores increased with temperature. In contrast, plant growth and herbivory increased with precipitation across ecosystems. Finally, top‐down trophic cascades increased towards the extremes of MAT and TAP gradients.

Main conclusions

This study shows climatic gradients not only affect species geographic distributions and physiological tolerance but also the strength of their trophic functionality. This is especially true for the main biotic controls of herbivore populations (i.e. predation, top‐down trophic cascades and plant defences). These results suggest future climate change will cause shifts in the strength of trophic interactions, resulting in increased or reduced population control of herbivores across global ecosystems.
Workplace response of companies exposed to the 9/11 World Trade Center attack: a focus‐group study
Authors: North Carol S. , Pfefferbaum Betty , Hong Barry A. , Gordon Mollie R. , Kim You‐Seung , Lind Lisa , Pollio David E.
Published: October 2012

The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 (9/11) left workplaces in pressing need of a mental health response capability. Unaddressed emotional sequelae may be devastating to the productivity and economic stability of a company's workforce. In the second year after the attacks, 85 employees of five highly affected agencies participated in 12 focus groups to discuss workplace mental health issues. Managers felt ill prepared to manage the magnitude and the intensity of employees' emotional responses. Rapid return to work, provision of workplace mental health services, and peer support were viewed as contributory to emotional recovery. Formal mental health services provided were perceived as insufficient. Drawing on their post‐9/11 workplace experience, members of these groups identified practical measures that they found helpful in promoting healing outside of professional mental health services. These measures, consistent with many principles of psychological first aid, may be applied by workplace leaders who are not mental health professionals.
The Case Differential: Syntagmatic Versus Paradigmatic Case – Its Status In Synchrony And Diachrony
Authors: Abraham Werner , Leiss Elisabeth
Published: October 2012

In today’s leading discussions on case and its licensing mechanics there is only one approach: thesyntagmatictype of case assignment. In contrast, the present article describes patterns ofparadigmaticcase assignment. Paradigmatic case assignment means that two different m(orphological)‐cases fill one slot licensed for the same theta role, whereas under the strategy of syntagmatic case assignment there is just one case form assigned for one theta property. By paradigmatic case, we mean that the same case‐assigner/licensor may opt for more than one m‐case, depending on a number of factors among which aspect, nominal reference and animacy. Illustrations will be provided from modern languages, mainly Germanic and some Slavic, as well as their older states. See the following case pair (Accvs.Gen) from Middle High German (c.1100)er azdaz brot.accvn tranc dazvo. /eîns wazzers.gendaz er […] vant‘he ate (up) the bread and drank some water that he found‘. While drinking up the water in the bucket is impossible (forbidding telicaustrinken‘out‐drink’), thus justifying the partitive genitiveeîns wazzers,daz brot‘the (piece of) bread’ expressed by the accusative denotes a bounded, telic event (permitting telicaufessen‘up‐eat’). The deeper reason for paradigmatic case is that the alternates encode covert differences of reference and discourse status in languages, or their diachronic states, where the respective functional equivalents (such as (in)definite articles) have not (yet) emerged or are amiss. We argue that such paradigmatic bare case doubling occurs only when the triggering force is an active and powerful aspect system as in Modern Russian and Polish as well as in early states of Germanic (Gothic, Old High German). There are different kinds of paradigmatic case assignment, among which thedifferentialobjectmarking/DOM) in various modern languages. They may be seen as a fossilized trace of this earlier, far more dominant, case‐encoding strategy. In the present discussion we focus on what we label ‘onetheta roletwo barecase forms’ (OTTC).
Die Europäische Fiskalunion Gedanken zur Entwicklung der Eurozone
Authors: Sinn Hans-Werner
Published: October 2012

This paper argues that the European fiscal union and the measures of the ECB constitute a policy of excessively loose budget constraints in the Eurozone. They will slow down or hold back the real devaluation necessary for the southern countries to regain competitiveness and continue to cause capital flight as long as the printing press underbids the capital markets. The paper shows that Europe has the choice between two models: (i) free access to Target credits and eurobonds and (ii) the US model, with annual Target debt redemption and self-liability for any funds borrowed in the market. It suggests creating the United States of Europe following the US model as closely as possible.
Das deutsche Jugendbeschäftigungswunder
Authors: Neumann Michael
Published: October 2012

The unemployment among young people in Germany is one of the lowest in Europe. Notably, the relation between the unemployment rate among young people and the standard unemployment rate is rather low compared to other EU member states. How can this phenomenon be explained? We show, that the German vocational education system ensures labour market entry for many graduates, but also, that vocational preparation courses are extensively used by low skilled young people. If we reassess youth unemployment by the number of participants in such courses we obtain a “shadow unemployment rate for young people” which is in line with official international data. Therefore, minimum labour market qualification standards are often not met by young people. To ensure labour market entry for these persons, we suggest that apprenticeship pay should allowed to be differentiated by qualification. Furthermore, vocational preparation courses should be constructed in a way which leads the young people directly into vocational training with certified degrees.
Ökonomische Bewertung des Erneuerbare Energien Gesetzes zur Förderung von Biogas
Authors: Delzeit Ruth , Holm-Müller Karin , Britz Wolfgang
Published: October 2012

The Renewable-Energy-Source-Act (EEG) promotes German biogas production in order to substitute fossil fuels, protect the environment and prevent climate change. In this paper we quantitatively analyse the EEG-reform in 2008. Results imply that the reform contributes to an expansion of biogas electricity generation and thus to substitution of fossil fuels. However, subsidies, land and transport emissions per unit of electricity produced increase. An alternative analysis shows that an EEG with tariffs independent from plant-types would provide the highest subsidy-efficiency, lower land requirements and higher transport emissions compared to EEG before its reformation.
Atopic dermatitis in children: management of pruritus
Authors: Blume‐Peytavi U. , Metz M.
Published: October 2012

Children with chronic atopic dermatitis (AD)‐related itch require a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses the underlying cause of pruritus, as well as symptoms and complications that extend beyond the physical domain. In small children and infants, the short‐term complications of quality of life disturbance and sleep dysfunction are closely associated with the course of adolescent development. In addition, the physical damage that results from uncontrolled pruritus and scratching can lead to disease chronification. Therefore, the rapid relief of acute pruritic flares, followed by the long‐term maintenance of symptom‐free skin, should be prioritized in AD treatment, in an effort to avoid the emotional, social and physical chronic manifestations described above. Alleviation of AD symptoms with fourth‐generation topical anti‐inflammatory agents like methylprednisolone aceponate is an appropriate choice of therapy for children and infants, due to its optimized therapeutic index and versatility in formulation. Especially in AD, supplemental disease management education should be considered, to address the psycho‐social needs of children (and their families) suffering from pruritus.
Unlike most vipers, female rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox) continue to hunt and feed throughout pregnancy
Authors: Schuett G. W. , Repp R. A. , Amarello M. , Smith C. F.
Published: October 2012

For various reasons, reduction or cessation of feeding (anorexia) can occur in either sex during periods of reproduction among vertebrates, from cichlids to elephant seals. Anorexia is commonly associated with gestation in snakes. Using radiotelemetry, we investigated the feeding and spatial ecology of a live‐bearing viperid snake, the western diamond‐backed rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox). Specifically, from 2001 to 2010, we determined the feeding frequency and home range size of adult females (n = 27) during the active season (March–October) in a population from the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. We addressed a central hypothesis: Do hunting and feeding occur throughout pregnancy? Also, we tested a corollary hypothesis: Does pregnancy influence home range size? We documented hunting and feeding from March to October and during pregnancy (June to mid‐September). Feeding frequency was significantly greater in late pregnancy, a result that is in sharp contrast to most other large‐bodied vipers. Furthermore, home range sizes in gestating subjects did not differ from those in nonreproductive years. Births occurred from mid‐August to mid‐September and mean litter size was 3.4. Frequent feeding in C. atrox during gestation unquestionably provides energy and nutrients to the mother, which is likely important for survival, but such food consumption does not imply that nutrients are used by the fetuses. There is, however, recent evidence in other snakes, including a pitviper, that amino acids are transferred to fetuses. Feeding during pregnancy in C. atrox may be important for both income and capital mode reproduction. Hunting and feeding throughout gestation might be accomplished by having relatively small litters not burdened by a body cavity filled with fetuses. Reduction in litter size may thus be a life‐history (fecundity) trade‐off that permits females to survive and maintain pregnancy in regions where drought and high temperatures are often extreme and chronic.
Febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is not caused by SCN1A, POLG, PCDH19 mutations or rare copy number variations
Authors: APPENZELLER SILKE , HELBIG INGO , STEPHANI ULRICH , HÄUSLER MARTIN , KLUGER GERHARD , BUNGEROTH MAY , MÜLLER STEFANIE , KUHLENBÄUMER GREGOR , VAN BAALEN ANDREAS
Published: October 2012

Aim  Febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is an enigmatic seizure disorder in childhood with an innocuous febrile infection triggering severe and intractable multifocal epilepsy, mostly with status epilepticus. FIRES shares several phenotypic features with epilepsies seen in patients with protocadherin 19 (PCDH19), sodium channel protein type 1 subunit alpha (SCN1A), and DNA polymerase subunit gamma‐1 (POLG) mutations. The aim of the study was the mutation analysis of these prime candidate genes in a cohort of patients with FIRES. Additionally, given that rare copy number variations (CNVs) have recently been established as important risk factors for epilepsies, we performed a genome‐wide CNV analysis.

Method  We analysed the protein coding region, including splice sites of the three candidate genes in 15 patients (eight males, seven females) with FIRES (age at onset 3–15y, median 6) using Sanger sequencing. Inclusion criteria were a status epilepticus without identifiable cause and a preceding febrile infection in previously healthy children. In addition, we performed genome‐wide human single‐nucleotide polymorphism 6.0 arrays in a subset of 10 patients to identify pathological CNVs.

Results  We could not identify the most likely pathogenic mutations or CNVs in FIRES.

Interpretation  Mutations in PCDH19, SCN1A, POLG, or CNVs are not responsible for FIRES.
Implementation of a Standardised Health Education in a local context. A case study
Authors: Førland Georg , Ringsberg Karin C.
Published: October 2012

Educational interventions are generally poorly described and the active elements underlying several successful interventions have insufficient descriptions. The aim of the present study was to analyse and discuss the theoretical principles according to which a standardised health education programme originating from a Norwegian Learning and Mastery Centre was performed, and how these principles influence practice at a local Learning and Mastery Centre. A descriptive embedded multiple‐case study, with two cases and three defined units, was chosen for the analysis. Data consisted of observations, documents and relevant theoretical literature. The findings indicate that both cases were organised and practised in a scholastic way. The professionals paid little attention to the participants' beliefs and ideas as part of the learning process. Professional knowledge and user knowledge did not appear to be considered to be of equal value. The professionals did not stress reflection as a main prerequisite for learning, therefore participants' learning potential was not utilised. Attention must be paid to improving the professional's educational competence. The educational competence of the professionals should not only include educational techniques but also knowledge about how to facilitate learning processes and an understanding of the concept of health literacy. The theoretical foundations of the Learning and Mastery Centre, as well as its learning philosophy and approach must be stated more explicitly. To benefit from a Learning and Mastery course, the participants should have a minimum understanding about their medical conditions before attending the course, and the professionals should have knowledge about the participants' pre‐knowledge.
Parental stress in early parenthood among mothers and fathers in Sweden
Authors: Widarsson Margareta , Engström Gabriella , Rosenblad Andreas , Kerstis Birgitta , Edlund Birgitta , Lundberg Pranee
Published: October 2012

Background

Parental stress affects parenting behaviour and the quality of dyadic parent–child interactions. Mothers generally show higher parental stress than fathers.

Aims

Our aims were to assess the perceived level of parental stress in early parenthood and examine the differences between mothers and fathers within couples in relation to their levels of education, parental experience, existence of a parental role model and sense of coherence.

Methods

In total, 307 mothers and 301 fathers of 18‐month‐old children answered the Swedish Parenthood Stress Questionnaire (SPSQ); and 318 mothers and 311 fathers answered the Sense of Coherence (SOC‐3) scale; 283 couples answered both the SPSQ and SOC‐3.

Results

Mothers perceived higher levels of stress than fathers in the sub‐areas incompetence (p < 0.001), role restriction (p < 0.001), spouse relationship problems (p = 0.004) and health problems (p = 0.027), and in total (p = 0.001). In contrast, fathers perceived higher stress than mothers in the sub‐area social isolation (p < 0.001). When the data were stratified with respect to education, parental experience, existence of a parental role model and sense of coherence, significant results were observed in some of these sub‐areas.

Conclusions

Mothers and fathers experience stress in different areas during their early parenthood. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the differences in stress that exist between mothers and fathers, so that parents can be adequately prepared for parenthood and avoid parental stress.
Absence of Recruitment Limitation in Restored Dune Slacks Suggests That Manual Seed Introduction Can Be a Successful Practice for Restoring Orchid Populations
Authors: De hert Koen , Jacquemyn Hans , Provoost Sam , Honnay Olivier
Published: October 2012

Answering the question whether or not to introduce seeds of target species in restored habitats depends on the relative importance of dispersal and recruitment limitation. Especially in orchid species, recruitment limitation is expected to be important because of their dependence on mycorrhiza for germination. Using a large seed introduction experiment we investigated the relative importance of dispersal versus recruitment limitation in the failure of three rare orchid species to colonize restored habitat patches. For all species, seeds developed successfully into protocorms in both occupied and unoccupied habitats, and no significant differences in the number of protocorms per seed packet were found between occupied and unoccupied habitats. These results show that orchid species do not necessarily suffer from recruitment limitation when introduced in restored habitats, and that manual introduction of orchid seeds can be a successful and necessary ecological restoration practice.
Increasing Soil Water Retention with Native‐Sourced Mulch Improves Seedling Establishment in Postmine Mediterranean Sandy Soils
Authors: Benigno Stephen M. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Stevens Jason C.
Published: October 2012

Seasonal drought and heavily impeded soils reduce restoration success in Mediterranean‐type postmine soils, where up to 90% seedling mortality has been observed after 2 years. To alleviate these barriers, amendments were incorporated into the soil profile of a freshly mined sand quarry. Within the quarry, three 223 m2 replicate sites contained two substrate amendments: 12% v/v native‐sourced mulch or gravel incorporated within the top 50 cm of the soil profile. Three remnant sites provided a “natural” reference system. Seeds of two autochthonous trees, Banksia attenuata (R.Br.) and B. menziesii (R.Br.) were sown across all treatments. Soil impedance, moisture, and seedling stomatal conductance were monitored for 2 years, at which point seedlings were excavated, and nutrient concentration, root morphology, and soil chemical properties were measured. Roots in all restoration treatments were restricted to the top 40 cm of the profile due to increases in soil impedance, regardless of amendment, compared to >70 cm in the natural system. Seedling mortality was greatest after the second summer in the control and inorganic amendment treatments, with stomatal conductance indicating severe drought stress. Survival in the organic treatment was 24–42% greater than the control, with higher soil moisture and stomatal conductance rates 2.5 times that of the control. The increased soil water retention by a native‐sourced mulch was shown to improve postmine restoration success for these native trees.
Local Adaptation of Metallicolous and Non‐Metallicolous Anthyllis vulneraria Populations: Their Utilization in Soil Restoration
Authors: Mahieu Stéphanie , Soussou Souhir , Cleyet‐Marel Jean‐Claude , Brunel Brigitte , Mauré Lucette , Lefèbvre Claude , Escarré José
Published: October 2012

Restoration of metalliferous mine soils requires using plant species tolerant to high metal concentrations and adapted to nutrient‐poor soil. Legumes can increase plant productivity through N2‐fixation, but they are often scarce in metalliferous sites. We examined survival, growth, and tolerance of four populations of a legume, Anthyllis vulneraria, from two metalliferous (MET) Zn‐Pb mine sites, Avinières (AV) ([Zn‐EDTA] = 26,000 mg/kg) and Eylie (EY) ([Zn‐EDTA] = 4,632 mg/kg), and two non‐metalliferous (NMET) sites located in the south of France with the aim to select the most appropriate populations for restoration of mined soils. In a common garden experiment, plants from each population were reciprocally grown in soil from the provenance of each population. The two NMET populations exhibited high mortality and low growth rates in soil from the mined sites. The AV MET exhibited a high growth rate in metalliferous soils, but showed high mortality in non‐metalliferous soils. The growth of the EY MET was very low in the AV‐contaminated soil, but was the highest of all populations in moderately and non‐metalliferous soils. Plants from the AV MET population showed a high growth and survival in metalliferous soil and would be appropriate in the restoration of metal‐contaminated sites (>30,000 mg Zn kg−1). The EY MET population would be adapted to the restoration of moderate metal‐contaminated soils (<30,000 mg Zn kg−1). Taking into account the broad distribution of A. vulneraria, these two populations could be suitable for the restoration of derelict mine sites in mediterranean and temperate regions of Europe and North America.
Mineralization and Decomposition Rates in Restored Pine Fens
Authors: Tarvainen Oili , Laine Anna M. , Peltonen Mari , Tolvanen Anne
Published: October 2012

Growing public interest in conserving peatlands has created a need for restoration and rapid indicators of progress in peat formation. Vegetation and hydrological indicators are commonly assessed, but changes in mineralization and decomposition rates might better indicate when peat formation is underway in restored peatlands. In Finland, we investigated differences in mineralization and decomposition in the upper peat layer of five undrained and eight drained Pinus‐dominated fens from 2006 to 2009. Forestry‐drained fens were restored in 2007 by harvesting either whole trees or only stems, and by damming and filling ditches. Before restoration, net N mineralization rate was slightly higher in the drained than in undrained fens, whereas soil pH and Betula leaf litter decomposition rate were lower. After restoration, net N mineralization rate was similar for the undrained and restored fens, except near ditches after stem harvest. Also, soil pH and decomposition rate of Betula leaf litter became similar for undrained and restored fens. We conclude that whole tree harvest is a more suitable method for peatland restoration than stem harvest and that mineralization and decomposition rates are suitable indicators for peat formation after restoration.
Rapid Partial Regeneration of Brain Volume During the First 14 Days of Abstinence from Alcohol
Authors: van Eijk Julia , Demirakca Traute , Frischknecht Ulrich , Hermann Derik , Mann Karl , Ende Gabriele
Published: October 2012

Background

Chronic alcohol abuse leads to severe damage of the nervous system, including a change in cerebral metabolism and brain morphology. Global volume reductions of gray matter (GM) and white matter and an increase in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occur after severe alcohol consumption, but abstinent alcoholics also demonstrate a brain volume recovery. The aim of this study was to investigate whether volumetric amelioration takes place already within the first 2 weeks of abstinence.

Methods

All 49 alcohol‐dependent patients included in this study were scanned within the first 24 hours of detoxification and after 2 weeks of supervised abstinence. Amelioration of volumetric brain loss in alcohol‐dependent patients has been investigated, and brain volumes have been compared with 55 healthy control subjects using whole‐brain segmentation and a voxel‐based morphometric approach.

Results

On the first day of abstinence, the global CSF volume was larger and the GM volume was smaller in alcohol‐dependent patients compared with healthy controls. The largest clusters with significant volumetric differences were in the cingulate gyrus, precentral and middle frontal gyrus, cerebellum, and insula. Already after 2 weeks of abstinence, a significant albeit partial recovery of GM volume occurred in several brain regions.

Conclusions

Our results show that recovery of GM volume in alcohol‐dependent patients starts within a few days after detoxification but varies between brain regions. This suggests that the general ability to recover and the rate as well as onset of the recovery diverges for different brain regions.
Excess Mortality of Alcohol‐Dependent Individuals After 14 Years and Mortality Predictors Based on Treatment Participation and Severity of Alcohol Dependence
Authors: John Ulrich , Rumpf Hans‐Jürgen , Bischof Gallus , Hapke Ulfert , Hanke Monika , Meyer Christian
Published: October 2012

Background

Little is known about excess mortality and its predictors among alcohol‐dependent individuals in the general population. We sought to estimate excess mortality and to determine whether alcohol dependence treatment utilization, alcohol dependence severity, alcohol‐related problems, and self‐rated health may predict mortality over 14 years.

Methods

A random sample of the general population between the ages of 18 and 64 in 1 region in Germany was drawn. Among 4,070 respondents with valid data, 153 alcohol‐dependent individuals were identified. For 149 of these 153, vital status information was provided 14 years later. Baseline data from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (German version M‐CIDI) included a diagnosis of alcohol dependence according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV) of the American Psychiatric Association, alcohol dependence treatment utilization, alcohol dependence severity based on the number of DSM‐IV alcohol dependence diagnostic criteria fulfilled and a symptom frequency questionnaire, alcohol‐related problems, self‐rated general health, cigarettes smoked per day, and the number of psychiatric disorders according to the DSM‐IV at baseline.

Results

Annualized death rates were 4.6‐fold higher for women and 1.9‐fold higher for men compared to the age‐ and sex‐specific general population. Having participated in inpatient specialized alcohol dependence treatment was not related with longer survival than not having taken part in the treatment. Utilization of inpatient detoxification treatment predicted the hazard rate ratio of mortality (unadjusted: 4.2, 90% confidence interval 1.8 to 9.8). The severity of alcohol dependence was associated with the use of detoxification treatment. Alcohol‐related problems and poor self‐rated health predicted mortality.

Conclusions

According to the high excess mortality, a particular focus should be placed on women. Inpatient specialized alcohol dependence treatment did not seem to have a sufficient protective effect against dying prematurely. Having been in detoxification treatment only, the severity of alcohol dependence, alcohol‐related problems, and self‐rated health may be predictors of time‐to‐death among this general population sample.
Challenges in Synthesizing and Interpreting the Evidence from a Systematic Review of Multifactorial Interventions to Prevent Functional Decline in Older Adults
Authors: Lin Jennifer S. , Whitlock Evelyn P. , Eckstrom Elizabeth , Fu Rongwei , Perdue Leslie A. , Beil Tracy L. , Leipzig Rosanne M.
Published: October 2012

A systematic review of multifactorial assessment and management interventions to prevent functional decline in older adults was undertaken for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. It was not possible to determine net benefit because of heterogeneity of studies, including how older adults were selected and their risk of functional decline; the broad spectrum and multifactorial nature of interventions evaluated; the suboptimal and inconsistent use of outcomes measured; and the inconsistent and inadequate reporting of data that might allow comparison of populations, interventions, and outcomes between studies. This review process illustrated the complexities encountered when synthesizing and interpreting the evidence in geriatric research and methods of reviewing complex interventions and multiple interrelated health outcomes. This article summarizes the review findings, focusing on methodological challenges, and offers suggestions to researchers on the design, reporting, and analysis of trials that would help address these challenges and allow for better interpretation of evidence in the future.
High acceptance rate of hybrid allogeneic–autologous umbilical cord blood banking among actual and potential Swiss donors
Authors: Wagner Anna‐Margaretha , Krenger Werner , Suter Eva , Ben Hassem Dorra , Surbek Daniel V.
Published: October 2012

Background

Two competitive concepts of umbilical cord blood (UCB) banking are currently available: either allogeneic UCB is donated to a public bank or autologous cells are stored in a private bank. Allogeneic–autologous hybrid banking is a new concept that combines these two approaches. However, acceptance of hybrid UCB banking among potential donors is unknown to date.

Study Design and Methods

In a prospective survey, we aimed to establish the acceptance of the hybrid banking model among actual and potential UCB donors in Switzerland. The study groups consisted of parents and pregnant women with or without children. As control group, women at reproductive ages were investigated.

Results

The majority of participants agreed fundamentally with UCB donation, and overall acceptance of private banking was 47%. If a possibility for hybrid banking were to be made available, 49% would opt for such a public–private model and only 13% would choose private banking alone. Among the proponents of hybrid banking, a majority of participants chose donor cell splitting over the sequential banking mode. Fifty‐six percent of responders wished prior notification before the release of their donated UCB to a foreign recipient.

Conclusions

This is the first study which compared the acceptance of allogeneic, autologous, and hybrid allogeneic–autologous UCB banking in different target groups. We demonstrated that hybrid cord blood banking is the preferred model of banking among actual and potential UCB donors. With increasing demand for UCB in the future, health care providers should therefore consider offering hybrid banking as a viable storage option.
Preserved functional and biochemical characteristics of platelet components prepared with amotosalen and ultraviolet A for pathogen inactivation
Authors: Hechler Béatrice , Ohlmann Philippe , Chafey Philippe , Ravanat Catherine , Eckly Anita , Maurer Eric , Mangin Pierre , Isola Hervé , Cazenave Jean‐Pierre , Gachet Christian
Published: October 2012

Background

Platelet concentrate (PC) functionality decreases during storage. This is referred to as the storage lesion. Pathogen inactivation may accelerate or induce lesions, potentially accounting for reduced viability. Our aim was to characterize functional and biochemical properties of platelets (PLTs) from photochemically treated buffy‐coat PCs (PCT‐PCs) compared to those from conventional PCs.

Study Design and Methods

Four PCT‐PCs and four conventional PCs were stored for 6.5 days and PLT function and proteomic profiles were examined at various time points during storage. To evaluate their intrinsic properties, samples of stored PLTs were taken, washed, and suspended in Tyrode's buffer before testing.

Results

PLT counts and morphology were conserved although a slight increase in the PLT volume was observed after PCT. Glycoprotein (GP) IIbIIIa, IaIIa, and VI expression remained stable while GPIbα declined similarly in both types of PCs. A steep decrease (50%) in GPV occurred on Day 1.5 in PCT‐PCs and Day 2.5 in control PCs. For both PCT‐ and control PCs, P‐selectin expression and activated GPIIbIIIa remained low during storage. PCT‐ and control PCs were fully responsive to aggregation agonists up to Day 4.5 and exhibited similar perfusion functionality. Mitochondrial membrane potential and annexin A5 binding of PCT‐PCs and control PCs were comparable. Two‐dimensional differential in‐gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry profiles for 1882 protein spots revealed only three proteins selectively changed in PCT‐PCs compared to control‐PCs.

Conclusion

Washed treated and untreated PCs have similar functional, morphologic, and proteomic characteristics provided that PLTs are suspended in an appropriate medium during testing.
A Study of the Performativity of the “Ambidextrous Organizations” Theory: Neither Lost in nor Lost before Translation
Authors: Durisin Boris , Todorova Gergana
Published: October 2012

Ambidextrous organizations succeed both in incremental and discontinuous innovation. However, there is little direct empirical evidence on how managers implement the principles of the “ambidextrous organizations” theory to dynamically align the structure and culture of ambidextrous organizations. Our study does not focus on analyzing the factors that give rise to organizational ambidexterity but focuses on analyzing whether the factors suggested by prior theorizing on “ambidextrous organizations” are implemented by managers in their daily practice as suggested by prior theorizing. Accordingly, this study does not investigate the traditionally conceptualized gap between academic theorizing and managerial practice since “ambidextrous organizations” theory can be characterized as rigorous and relevant. We investigate whether the “ambidextrous organizations” theory is implemented as suggested by prior theorizing and whether successful implementation is subject to managing in the way that scholars' prior theorizing suggests. Based on qualitative and quantitative data from two longitudinal case studies, we find that managers overlooked the process dimension in evaluating the required degree of ambidexterity. Furthermore, the organizational structure and culture for incremental innovation did not differ from the structure and culture for discontinuous innovation alongside the expected dimensions. Finally, the discontinuous innovation business unit had to be reintegrated to ensure sustained growth. During the reintegration processes, organizational capabilities mutated. We linked our findings on the processes and performativity of ambidextrous organizing to extant theories and developed the rationale for the observed novel phenomena of innovation myopia, second‐order competency traps, and capability mutations.
Administrators’ and Elected Officials’ Collaboration Networks: Selecting Partners to Reduce Risk in Economic Development
Authors: Feiock Richard C. , Lee In Won , Park Hyung Jun
Published: October 2012

Networks play an important role in collaboration, but previous work has not examined the different roles of elected and appointed officials in these networks. This article investigates local economic development policy networks to address (1) the extent to which the structure of relationships reflects the efforts of actors to efficiently collect and process information or to enhance credible commitment; (2) the extent to which differences in incentives and risk aversion lead to differences in politicians’ and administrators’ networks; and (3) how similarities and differences between local governments affect their network relationships. Exponential random graph analysis of local governments in the Orlando, Florida, metropolitan area demonstrate that local government actors forge tightly clustered networks, consistent with the desire to address commitment problems. Although administrators have more expansive networks, there is little evidence of differences in network patterns for administrators and elected officials. Similarity of economic problems and differences in population also promotes collaboration. These findings are linked to the competitive nature of economic development.