bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relational Aspect to High Reliability Organization
Authors: Busby Jerry , Iszatt‐White Marian
Published: March 2014

The literature on ‘high reliability organizations’ demonstrates how central reliability is to organizing in certain highly demanding settings. In more mundane settings, however, where there may not be a dominant type of catastrophic failure, the meaning attributed to reliability is less likely to be unambiguous and consensual. It is more likely to be explicitly relational: a quality of the relationship between an entity that is being relied on and an entity that is relying on it. This draws attention to the importance of the relying process in contributing to how a system performs and whether it meets expectations. A field study was carried out in a highway construction and maintenance organization to analyse the various understandings of reliability that organizational members had in different contexts. It found that there were multiple understandings – involving a capacity not only to achieve particular outcomes but also comply with norms, fit behaviour to situations, and communicate about what could and could not be achieved. It also found that reliability problems were not solved in some simple sense. Instead they were transformed into other reliability problems that then had to be managed by further effort or by other organizations. We suggest that recognizing the multiple meanings of reliability, the importance of relying, and the way in which reliability problems are transformed from one form to another all have important practical implications.
The Impact of Tiered Physician Networks on Patient Choices
Authors: Sinaiko Anna D. , Rosenthal Meredith B.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To assess whether patient choice of physician or health plan was affected by physician tier‐rankings.

Data Sources

Administrative claims and enrollment data on 171,581 nonelderly beneficiaries enrolled in Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission health plans that include a tiered physician network and who had an office visit with a tiered physician.

Study Design

We estimate the impact of tier‐rankings on physician market share within a plan of new patients and on the percent of a physician's patients who switch to other physicians with fixed effects regression models. The effect of tiering on consumer plan choice is estimated using logistic regression and a pre–post study design.

Principal Findings

Physicians in the bottom (least‐preferred) tier, particularly certain specialist physicians, had lower market share of new patient visits than physicians with higher tier‐rankings. Patients whose physician was in the bottom tier were more likely to switch health plans. There was no effect of tier‐ranking on patients switching away from physicians whom they have seen previously.

Conclusions

The effect of tiering appears to be among patients who choose new physicians and at the lower end of the distribution of tiered physicians, rather than moving patients to the “best” performers. These findings suggest strong loyalty of patients to physicians more likely to be considered their personal doctor.
Retrospective study of surgery versus non‐surgical management in limited‐disease small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Jie , Li Shaolei , Chen Xiaoling , Han Jindi , Nie Jun , Dai Ling , Hu Weiheng , Tian Guangming , Ma Xiangjuan , Han Sen , Wu Di , Zheng Qingfeng , Yang Yue , Fang Jian
Published: March 2014

Background

The role of surgery in limited small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is still controversial. To assess the role of surgery in SCLC we performed a retrospective analysis of survival in a group of limited stage patients, who were managed with trimodal therapy including surgery, or with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective survival analysis in a series of 153 limited stage SCLC patients treated between 1995 and 2013. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to calculate the overall survival of the surgical and non‐surgical groups.

Results

Median survival in all patients was 21.5 months. Median survival for surgical and non‐surgical patients was 30.5 months and 16.9 months, respectively. The survival curves for the two arms are significantly different (P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, the benefit of surgical treatment and thoracic radiotherapy varied in a time‐dependent fashion.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that surgery added to chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be associated with a therapeutic benefit in limited SCLC.
Reproductive prognosis in endometriosis. A national cohort study
Authors: Hjordt Hansen Maj V. , Dalsgaard Torur , Hartwell Dorthe , Skovlund Charlotte W. , Lidegaard Øjvind
Published: March 2014

Objective

To assess the reproductive long‐term prognosis of women with and without endometriosis, to explore changes over time, and to quantify the contribution of artificial reproductive techniques.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Denmark 1977–2009.

Sample

Data retrieved from four national registries. Among 15–49‐year‐old women during the period 1977–82, 24 667 were diagnosed with endometriosis and 98 668 (1:4) women without endometriosis were age‐matched.

Methods

To assess long‐term reproductive prognosis, all pregnancy outcomes were identified among the women with and without endometriosis until the end of 2009. To explore changes over time, the endometriosis cohorts were followed for 15 years from the years 1980, 1986, 1992 and 1998, with the corresponding control cohorts. All pregnancy outcomes were categorized into naturally or artificially conceived pregnancies.

Main outcome measures

Births, miscarriages, induced abortions, ectopic pregnancies and hydatidiform moles.

Results

Compared with women without endometriosis, women with endometriosis had a lowered relative risk for childbirth of 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.92–0.95), for miscarriages the relative risk was 1.2 (95% confidence interval 1.2–1.3), ectopic pregnancies were almost twice as many (relative risk 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.8–2.1), while frequencies of induced abortions were equivalent. The chances for childbirth increased over time from 0.82 to 0.92 (p < 0.001) with successive cohorts, but this was restricted to pregnancies from assisted reproduction.

Conclusion

Women with endometriosis have slightly fewer children, but this lessened over time due to artificially conceived pregnancies. The risk for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies was increased compared with women without the disease.
Pelvic arterial embolization in severe obstetric hemorrhage
Authors: Grönvall Maiju , Tikkanen Minna , Metsätähti Maarika , Loukovaara Mikko , Paavonen Jorma , Stefanovic Vedran
Published: March 2014

Massive postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major life‐threatening complication. When conventional management fails, pelvic arterial embolization (PAE) can be used. The aim of our study was to find out the success rate of PAE in cases of acute PPH, and to study the safety of this procedure in a retrospective case series from a tertiary teaching hospital. Forty‐five women with acute PPH were managed by PAE. Hospital charts were reviewed. The most common causes of PPH in cases treated with PAE were lower genital tract injury (40%), placental retention (36%) and uterine atony (13%). The overall success rate was 89%. Five of the 45 women needed additional procedures. The overall complication rate was 9%. We conclude that PAE is a safe and effective procedure for PPH and may prevent hysterectomy.
Establishment of a validated training programme on the Eyesi cataract simulator. A prospective randomized study
Authors: Bergqvist Joel , Person Anna , Vestergaard Anders , Grauslund Jakob
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To establish and evaluate a systematic training programme to be included into the ophthalmologic resident curriculum.

Methods

Medical students (n = 20) within a year from graduation and with no previous ophthalmic experience were included in this prospective study and randomized into two groups. Group A (n = 10) completed the Eyesi cataract simulator training programme once a week for 4 weeks, while Group B (n = 10) completed it once a week at the first and the last week. Two cataract surgeons were used to determine two different levels of reference scores. Score per analysed module [two different levels of Capsulorhexis (A and B), Hydromaneuver, Phaco divide and conquer], Overall score, Total time, Cornea injury, Capsule rupture and Capsule damage by ultrasound were recorded.

Results

Group A outperformed Group B in several modules, reached a significant higher number of reference scores (p < 0.01) and caused fewer complications with regard to Capsule rupture (p = 0.01) and Capsule damage by ultrasound (p < 0.05). Both Groups A and B improved their performance and also became more time efficient (p < 0.01 for both groups). Group A showed positive learning curves for Overall score (p < 0.01), Capsulorhexis A (p < 0.01), Capsulorhexis B (p < 0.01) and Hydromaneuver (p = 0.01). Group B showed a significant improvement for Overall score (p < 0.01), Hydromaneuver (p = 0.02) and Phaco divide and conquer (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Repetitive training with a systematic training programme, based on validated modules in the Eyesi simulator, was shown to improve simulated cataract surgery skills. Higher level of skills and more reference scores were reached with more training. Furthermore, the programme was optimized to be applied into the standard ophthalmological curriculum for cataract surgery training.
Pitavastatin is a more sensitive and selective organic anion‐transporting polypeptide 1B clinical probe than rosuvastatin
Authors: Prueksaritanont Thomayant , Chu Xiaoyan , Evers Raymond , Klopfer Stephanie O. , Caro Luzelena , Kothare Prajakti A. , Dempsey Cynthia , Rasmussen Scott , Houle Robert , Chan Grace , Cai Xiaoxin , Valesky Robert , Fraser Iain P. , Stoch S. Aubrey
Published: March 2014

Aims

Rosuvastatin and pitavastatin have been proposed as probe substrates for the organic anion‐transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B, but clinical data on their relative sensitivity and selectivity to OATP1B inhibitors are lacking. A clinical study was therefore conducted to determine their relative suitability as OATP1B probes using single oral (PO) and intravenous (IV) doses of the OATP1B inhibitor rifampicin, accompanied by a comprehensive in vitro assessment of rifampicin inhibitory potential on statin transporters.

Methods

The clinical study comprised of two separate panels of eight healthy subjects. In each panel, subjects were randomized to receive a single oral dose of rosuvastatin (5 mg) or pitavastatin (1 mg) administered alone, concomitantly with rifampicin (600 mg) PO or IV. The in vitro transporter studies were performed using hepatocytes and recombinant expression systems.

Results

Rifampicin markedly increased exposures of both statins, with greater differential increases after PO vs. IV rifampicin only for rosuvastatin. The magnitudes of the increases in area under the plasma concentration–time curve were 5.7‐ and 7.6‐fold for pitavastatin and 4.4‐ and 3.3‐fold for rosuvastatin, after PO and IV rifampicin, respectively. In vitro studies showed that rifampicin was an inhibitor of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, breast cancer resistance protein and multidrug resistance protein 2, but not of organic anion transporter 3.

Conclusions

The results indicate that pitavastatin is a more sensitive and selective and thus preferred clinical OATP1B probe substrate than rosuvastatin, and that a single IV dose of rifampicin is a more selective OATP1B inhibitor than a PO dose.
Chemical weathering over the last 1200 years recorded in the sediments ofGonghaiLake,LvliangMountains,NorthChina: a high‐resolution proxy of past climate
Authors: Liu Jianbao , Chen Jianhui , Selvaraj Kandasamy , Xu Qinghai , Wang Zongli , Chen Fahu
Published: March 2014

Increasing interest in global climate change has led to attempts to understand and quantify the relationship between chemical weathering processes and environmental conditions, especially climate. This interest necessitates the identification of new climate proxies for the reconstruction of two importantEarth surface processes: physical erosion and chemical weathering. In this study, anAMS14C‐dated 2.8‐m‐long sediment core,GH09B1, fromLakeGonghai in north‐centralChina was subjected to detailed geochemical analyses to evaluate the intensity of chemical weathering conditions in the catchment. Multivariate statistical analysis of major and trace elemental data of 139 subsamples revealed that the first principal component axisPCA1explained ∼53% of the variance in the assemblage of elements/oxides with significant positive correlations betweenPCA1 scores and the separation of mobile and soluble elements/oxides from the immobile and resistant elements/oxides, which is thus able to indicate the chemical weathering in the catchment. These results are supported by the down‐core trends of other major and trace elemental ratios of chemical weathering intensity as well as by pollen data from the same core. Variations inPCA1, chemical index of alteration (CIA),Rb/Sr ratio and other oxides ratios indicate stronger chemical weathering due to a wet climate during the Medieval Warm Period (MWP). However, theMWPwas interrupted by an interval of relatively weaker chemical weathering conditions fromAD940–1070. Weak chemical weathering under a dry climate occurred during theLittleIceAge (LIA), and increased chemical weathering intensity during the Current Warm Period (CWP). Our proxy records of chemical weathering over the last millennium correlate well with the available proxy records of precipitation fromGonghaiLake as well as with the speleothem oxygen isotope record fromWanxiangCave, but do not show a significant correlation with the temperature record inN China, suggesting that the chemical weathering intensity in the study area was mainly controlled by the amount of rainfall rather than by temperature. We conclude that high resolution lacustrine sediment geochemical parameters can be used as reliable proxies for climate variations at centennial‐decadal time scales.
Children's Judgments About Prosocial Decisions and Emotions: Gender of the Helper and Recipient Matters
Authors: Weller Drika , Lagattuta Kristin Hansen
Published: March 2014

Children ages 5–13 years (N = 82) responded to prosocial and prohibitive moral dilemmas featuring characters whose desires conflicted with another person's need for help or ownership rights. The gender of the characters matched for half the trials (in‐group version) and mismatched for the other half (out‐group version). Both boys and girls judged that people would more likely help and not harm the gender in‐group versus out‐group. Only girls exhibited gender bias in emotion attributions, expecting girls to feel happier helping girls and better ignoring the needs of boys. With increasing age, children exhibited greater awareness of the emotional benefits of prosocial sacrifice and made stronger distinctions by need level when evaluating prosocial decisions, obligations, and permissibility.
Integrating Biological and Social Values When Prioritizing Places for Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: WHITEHEAD AMY L. , KUJALA HEINI , IVES CHRISTOPHER D. , GORDON ASCELIN , LENTINI PIA E. , WINTLE BRENDAN A. , NICHOLSON EMILY , RAYMOND CHRISTOPHER M.
Published: March 2014

The consideration of information on social values in conjunction with biological data is critical for achieving both socially acceptable and scientifically defensible conservation planning outcomes. However, the influence of social values on spatial conservation priorities has received limited attention and is poorly understood. We present an approach that incorporates quantitative data on social values for conservation and social preferences for development into spatial conservation planning. We undertook a public participation GIS survey to spatially represent social values and development preferences and used species distribution models for 7 threatened fauna species to represent biological values. These spatially explicit data were simultaneously included in the conservation planning software Zonation to examine how conservation priorities changed with the inclusion of social data. Integrating spatially explicit information about social values and development preferences with biological data produced prioritizations that differed spatially from the solution based on only biological data. However, the integrated solutions protected a similar proportion of the species’ distributions, indicating that Zonation effectively combined the biological and social data to produce socially feasible conservation solutions of approximately equivalent biological value. We were able to identify areas of the landscape where synergies and conflicts between different value sets are likely to occur. Identification of these synergies and conflicts will allow decision makers to target communication strategies to specific areas and ensure effective community engagement and positive conservation outcomes.

Integración de Valores Biológicos y Sociales al Priorizar Sitios para la Conservación de la Biodiversidad
Cobalt skin dose resulting from short and repetitive contact with hard metals
Authors: Midander Klara , Julander Anneli , Skare Lizbet , Lidén Carola
Published: March 2014

Background

Many daily contacts with metallic items are short and repetitive, and result in metal release; material, sweat, friction and wear may all be important.

Objectives

To study cobalt release and skin deposition as a result of many short and repetitive contacts with two cobalt‐containing materials.

Materials/methods

Study participants (n = 5) handled two types of hard metal disc (Co 6% and Co 15% Cr 0.6%) for 30 min. Deposited cobalt skin doses were measured with acid wipe sampling and chemical analysis. Cobalt release from the hard metal discs in artificial sweat was measured under conditions simulating those present during the handling of discs.

Results

Average cobalt skin doses from discs containing 6% Co and 15% Co 0.6% Cr were 1.1 µg/cm2 [standard deviation (SD) 0.4 µg/cm2] and 0.7 µg/cm2 (SD 0.5 µg/cm2), respectively. More cobalt was released from hard metal discs containing 6% Co [11.4 µg/cm2 (SD 1.2 µg/cm2)] than from discs containing 15% Co 0.6% Cr [4.8 µg/cm2 (SD 0.6 µg/cm2)]. 10% to 15% of the potentially available cobalt was deposited on the skin during handling.

Conclusions

It is likely that the cobalt deposited as a result of short and repetitive contact with hard metals may cause harm. Research regarding cobalt exposure, metal release and the deposition of skin‐sensitizing metals resulting from short and repetitive contact is needed for a better understanding of the allergy risk.
A REVISION OF PASSIFLORA SECTION DYSOSMIA
Authors: Vanderplank John
Published: March 2014

Revision of Passiflora subgenus Passiflora section Dysosmia DC. (Passifloraceae). The twenty one species and 10 varieties (31 taxa) comprising subgenus Passiflora section Dysosmia DC are described and some are illustrated with photographs and line drawings. Two species, Passiflora vesicaria L. and Passiflora ciliata (Dryand) Mast., are removed from synonymy and reinstated to species rank. Passiflora baraquiniana Lemaire is removed from synonymy and given varietal status. The species Passiflora santiagana (Killip) Borhidi is reduced in rank to varietal status. Of the 38 varieties of Passiflora foetida L. described by E. P. Killip in his 1938 monograph, 28 are reduced to synonymy, four are reassigned as varieties of other species and four remain as varieties of P. foetida. A new variety, Passiflora foetida var. ellisonii Vanderplank, is described with photographs and line drawings.
Quantifying fish avoidance of small acoustic survey vessels in boreal lakes and reservoirs
Authors: Wheeland Laura J. , Rose George A.
Published: March 2014

Mobile hydroacoustic surveys are increasingly used to assess the distribution and abundance of freshwater fish; yet, fish may avoid moving vessels, potentially introducing bias in these assessments. In this study, avoidance in boreal lakes and reservoirs was quantified by developing a simple method based on paired drift:drift (D:D) and drift:motor (D:M) transects. Two systems in eastern Manitoba, Canada were studied: Lac du Bonnet reservoir and Nopiming. Acoustic data were collected using a digital DTX echosounder (BioSonics, Seattle, WA, USA), with a downward facing 200‐kHz split‐beam transducer, deployed from 5.5‐m vessels (Boston Whalers) modified for acoustic research. An avoidance coefficient (Ac) was developed based on comparisons of acoustic fish densities while the vessel moved over the same transects by drifting, and by motoring at survey speeds. Ac did not differ significantly from 1 (no avoidance) at Nopiming (median of 0.81, n = 13), but did at Lac du Bonnet (median of 0.51, n = 31, P < 0.05). Variability in Ac was as high in transect pairs and was unrelated to fish depth (mean 6.9 m at Lac du Bonnet; 13.1 m at Nopiming) or survey speed (up to 3.70 m·s−1, 7 knots). Results indicated that fishes did not dive in the presence of the motoring vessel, nor was avoidance size‐based. We did not detect any evidence of fish attraction to our drifting vessel. Our results suggest that boat avoidance during acoustic surveys of shallow boreal lakes may vary in relatively similar water bodies but can be quantified experimentally.
Monocyte‐derived dendritic cells from chronic myeloid leukaemia have abnormal maturation and cytoskeletal function that is associated with defective localisation and signalling by normal ABL1 protein
Authors: Brown Sarah , Hutchinson Claire V. , Aspinall‐O'Dea Mark , Whetton Anthony D. , Johnson Suzanne M. , Rees‐Unwin Karen , Burthem John
Published: March 2014

Objectives

Mature dendritic cells (DCs) may be derived from the BCR/ABL1 expressing monocytes in chronic myeloid leukaemia. These cells have potential therapeutic applications, but are recognised to have defective function. In normal DCs, activation and maturation depend on ABL1 dependent signals. We therefore tested the hypothesis that in the DCs of chronic myeloid leukaemia, the presence of the BCR/ABL1 molecule disrupts normal ABL1 signal pathways, and contributes to the observed functional defects of the cells.

Methods

We employed in vitro culture of clinical samples, combining microscopic and biochemical techniques with a phosphoproteomic approach to compare and characterise DCs from normal individuals and chronic myeloid leukaemia patients.

Results and conclusions

We identified an altered intracellular localisation for ABL1 within DCs derived from the monocytes of chronic myeloid leukaemia. The protein was found in the perinuclear region co‐distributed with the adapter‐protein CRKL and the BCR/ABL1 protein. This altered distribution was associated with defective generation of ABL1‐dependent maturation signals, and a dislocation of ABL1 from the F‐actin cytoskeleton. We suggest that abnormal ABL1‐dependent signals contribute to the recognised functional defects affecting chronic myeloid leukaemia DCs.
Decanucleotide insertion polymorphism of F7 significantly influences the risk of thrombosis in patients with essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Buxhofer‐Ausch Veronika , Olcaydu Damla , Gisslinger Bettina , Schalling Martin , Frantal Sophie , Thiele Jürgen , Müllauer Leonhard , Kvasnicka Hans‐Michael , Watzke Herbert , Kralovics Robert , Gisslinger Heinz
Published: March 2014

Objective

There is strong evidence that certain thrombophilic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) account for an increased risk of thrombosis. The additive impact of inherited thrombotic risk factors to a certain disease‐ immanent thrombotic risk is vastly unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the influence of three novel, preselectedSNPs on the risk of thrombosis in patients diagnosed with myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN).

Method

In 167 patients with a diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia (ET) or prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis (PMF) thrombophilicSNPs in the genes of factorVII(F7), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) and FcɣRIIa (FCGR2A) were determined. Subsequently, the polymorphic variants were correlated with the incidence of major thrombosis after diagnosis.

Results

Decanucleotide insertion polymorphism of F7 emerged as an independent, significant risk factor for total thrombosis and arterial thrombosis in particular in the whole group of patients (P = 0.0007) as well as in the separate analysis of patients withET(P = 0.0002).

Conclusion

Our results illustrate that the risk of thrombosis inMPNis significantly multiplied by inherited thrombophilicSNPs. This result points to the importance of a combined consideration of the inherited and the acquired hypercoagulable state in patients withMPN. Larger studies are needed to confirm and extend these important findings.
Decision and action planning signals in human posterior parietal cortex during delayed perceptual choices
Authors: Tosoni Annalisa , Corbetta Maurizio , Calluso Cinzia , Committeri Giorgia , Pezzulo Giovanni , Romani G. L. , Galati Gaspare
Published: March 2014

During simple perceptual decisions, sensorimotor neurons in monkey fronto‐parietal cortex represent a decision variable that guides the transformation of sensory evidence into a motor response, supporting the view that mechanisms for decision‐making are closely embedded within sensorimotor structures. Within these structures, however, decision signals can be dissociated from motor signals, thus indicating that sensorimotor neurons can play multiple and independent roles in decision‐making and action selection/planning. Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine whether response‐selective human brain areas encode signals for decision‐making or action planning during a task requiring an arbitrary association between face pictures (male vs. female) and specific actions (saccadic eye vs. hand pointing movements). The stimuli were gradually unmasked to stretch the time necessary for decision, thus maximising the temporal separation between decision and action planning. Decision‐related signals were measured in parietal and motor/premotor regions showing a preference for the planning/execution of saccadic or pointing movements. In a parietal reach region, decision‐related signals were specific for the stimulus category associated with its preferred pointing response. By contrast, a saccade‐selective posterior intraparietal sulcus region carried decision‐related signals even when the task required a pointing response. Consistent signals were observed in the motor/premotor cortex. Whole‐brain analyses indicated that, in our task, the most reliable decision signals were found in the same neural regions involved in response selection. However, decision‐ and action‐related signals within these regions can be dissociated. Differences between the parietal reach region and posterior intraparietal sulcus plausibly depend on their functional specificity rather than on the task structure.
Association between cortical volume loss and cognitive impairments in essential tremor
Authors: Bhalsing K. S. , Upadhyay N. , Kumar K. J. , Saini J. , Yadav R. , Gupta A. K. , Pal P. K.
Published: March 2014

Background and purpose

Impairment of cognitive functions occurs in essential tremor (ET) although the mechanism is largely unknown. A possible association between cognitive performance and brain atrophy in ET patients was examined using neuropsychological tests and voxel‐based morphometry (VBM).

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with ET and 25 matched healthy controls were evaluated. ET was diagnosed using the National Institutes of Health collaborative genetic criteria. Severity of tremor was assessed using the Fahn−Tolosa−Marin (FTM) tremor rating scale. Subjects were assessed using a structured neuropsychological battery. Brain images were acquired using a 3T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. VBM analysis was performed using Statistical Parametric Mapping 8.

Results

The age of the patients was 45.0 ± 10.7 years and of controls 45.4 ± 10.7 years. Tremor duration was 9.84 ± 6.63 years and total FTM score was 37.34 ± 17.67. Patients were divided into two groups: ETCI with cognitive impairment (three or more abnormal neuropsychological tests, 1.5 standard deviation criterion) and ETNCI without cognitive impairment. Compared with controls, the ETCI group had significantly impaired performance in neuropsychological tests. One‐way analysis of variance was performed between the three groups (ETCI, ETNCI, controls) followed by the two‐sample t test. Compared with controls, grey matter volume (GMV) loss was observed in ETCI in the cerebellum (anterior and posterior lobes) and medial frontal gyrus. GMV loss was observed in ETCI compared with ETNCI in the medial frontal gyrus, post central gyrus, anterior cingulate and insula. Impairment in neuropsychological tests significantly correlated with GMV of the medial frontal gyrus, superior parietal lobe, middle temporal gyrus, occipital lobe, lentiform nucleus, insular and cingulate cortices and cerebellum posterior lobe in ETCI.

Conclusions

A correlation between neurocognitive deficits in ETCI and GMV was observed suggesting that grey matter atrophy appears to be a correlate of cognitive impairment in ET.
Functional gene diversity of oolitic sands from Great Bahama Bank
Authors: Diaz M. R. , Van Norstrand J. D. , Eberli G. P. , Piggot A. M. , Zhou J. , Klaus J. S.
Published: March 2014

Despite the importance of oolitic depositional systems as indicators of climate and reservoirs of inorganic C, little is known about the microbial functional diversity, structure, composition, and potential metabolic processes leading to precipitation of carbonates. To fill this gap, we assess the metabolic gene carriage and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) development in microbial communities associated with oolitic carbonate sediments from the Bahamas Archipelago. Oolitic sediments ranging from high‐energy ‘active’ to lower energy ‘non‐active’ and ‘microbially stabilized’ environments were examined as they represent contrasting depositional settings, mostly influenced by tidal flows and wave‐generated currents. Functional gene analysis, which employed a microarray‐based gene technology, detected a total of 12 432 of 95 847 distinct gene probes, including a large number of metabolic processes previously linked to mineral precipitation. Among these, gene‐encoding enzymes for denitrification, sulfate reduction, ammonification, and oxygenic/anoxygenic photosynthesis were abundant. In addition, a broad diversity of genes was related to organic carbon degradation, and N2 fixation implying these communities has metabolic plasticity that enables survival under oligotrophic conditions. Differences in functional genes were detected among the environments, with higher diversity associated with non‐active and microbially stabilized environments in comparison with the active environment. EPS showed a gradient increase from active to microbially stabilized communities, and when combined with functional gene analysis, which revealed genes encoding EPS‐degrading enzymes (chitinases, glucoamylase, amylases), supports a putative role of EPS‐mediated microbial calcium carbonate precipitation. We propose that carbonate precipitation in marine oolitic biofilms is spatially and temporally controlled by a complex consortium of microbes with diverse physiologies, including photosynthesizers, heterotrophs, denitrifiers, sulfate reducers, and ammonifiers.
A salt on the bioenergy and biological invasions debate: salinity tolerance of the invasive biomass feedstock Arundo donax
Authors: Nackley Lloyd L. , Kim Soo‐Hyung
Published: March 2014

Arundo donax L., commonly known as giant reed, is promising biomass feedstock that is also a notorious invasive plant in freshwater ecosystems around the world. Heretofore, the salt tolerance of A. donax had not been quantified even though anecdotal evidence suggests halophytic qualities. To test whole‐plant and leaf level responses, we established a pot experiment on 80 scions propagated from an A. donax population that has naturalized on the shore of the San Francisco Bay Estuary. To quantify growth and physiological responses to salinity (NaCl), A. donax scions were divided into eight treatments and grown for 60 days across a range of salinities (0–42 dS m−1). Classic growth analysis showed >80% reduction in overall growth at the highest salinities. Yet, there was zero mortality indicating that A. donax is able to tolerate high levels of salt. Declining photosynthesis rates were strongly correlated (R2 > 0.97) with decreasing stomatal conductance, which was in turn closely related to increasing salinity. Leaf gas exchange revealed that stomata and leaf limitations of carbon dioxide were three times greater at high salinities. Nonetheless, even when salinities were 38–42 dS m−1 A. donax was able to maintain assimilation rates 7–12 μmol m−2 s−1. Further, by maintaining 50% relative growth at salinities ~12 dS m−1 A. donax can now be classified as ‘moderately salt tolerant’. A. donax leaf gas exchange and whole‐plant salt tolerance are greater than many important food crops (i.e. maize, rice), the bioenergy feedstock Miscanthus × giganteus, as well as some uncultivated plant species (i.e. Populus and Salix) that are indigenous in regions A. donax currently invades. The results of this study have implications for both agronomists wishing to expand A. donax to fields dominated by saline soils, and for others who are concerned about the spread of A. donax with altered stream hydrology or sea‐level rise.
Annual net greenhouse gas balance in a halophyte (Helianthus tuberosus) bioenergy cropping system under various soil practices in Southeast China
Authors: Liu Shuwei , Zhao Chun , Zhang Yaojun , Hu Zhiqiang , Wang Cong , Zong Yajie , Zhang Ling , Zou Jianwen
Published: March 2014

A full accounting of net greenhouse gas balance (NGHGB) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) was examined in an annual coastal reclaimed saline Jerusalem artichoke‐fallow cropping system under various soil practices including soil tillage, soil ameliorant, and crop residue amendments. Seasonal fluxes of soil carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) were measured using static chamber method, and the net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE) was determined by the difference between soil heterotrophic respiration (RH) and net primary production (NPP). Relative to no‐tillage, rotary tillage significantly decreased the NPP of Jerusalem artichoke while it had no significant effects on the annual RH. Rotary tillage increased CH4 emissions, while seasonal or annual soil N2O emissions did not statistically differ between the two tillage treatments. Compared with the control plots, soil ameliorant or straw amendment enhanced RH, soil CH4, and N2O emissions under the both tillage regimes. Annual NGHGB was negative for all the field treatments, as a consequence of net ecosystem CO2 sequestration exceeding the CO2‐equivalents released as CH4 and N2O emissions, which indicates that Jerusalem artichoke‐fallow cropping system served as a net sink of GHGs. The annual net NGHGB and GHGI were estimated to be 11–21% and 4–8% lower in the NT than in RT cropping systems, respectively. Soil ameliorant and straw amendments greatly increased NPP and thus significantly decreased the negative annual net NGHGB. Overall, higher NPP but lower climatic impacts of coastal saline bioenergy production would be simultaneously achieved by Jerusalem artichoke cultivation under no‐tillage with improved saline soil conditions in southeast China.
Validation of the Spanish version of the oral health impact profile to assess an association between quality of life and oral health of elderly Chileans
Authors: León Soraya , Bravo‐Cavicchioli Daniel , Giacaman Rodrigo A. , Correa‐Beltrán Gloria , Albala Cecilia
Published: March 2014

Objective

To validate the Spanish version of the OHIP‐49 among elderly population.

Background

Oral health, as a predictor of quality of life, can be evaluated using validated instruments. One of the most commonly used instruments worldwide is the Oral Health Impact Profile‐49 (OHIP‐49). This instrument has not yet been validated in Chilean older adults.

Materials and methods

Interviews and clinical exams were performed in a convenience sample of eighty‐five elderly participants aged 60 or more years (mean 69.02 ± 7.82 years). Socio‐demographic and clinical variables were analysed: number of teeth, caries, periodontal and prosthetic treatment needs and prosthetic functionality.

Results

High internal consistency values were obtained for both the OHIP‐49 Sp instrument (0.990) and all of its dimensions (0.875–0.995). The average score of the OHIP‐49 Sp was 62.54 ± 43.73. Significantly higher OHIP‐49 Sp scores were observed in participants with caries (p = 0.01), in those needing complex periodontal treatment (p = 0.0001) and those in need of dental prostheses (p ≤ 0.0001).

Conclusion

The OHIP‐49 Sp proved to be a valid tool to assess oral health‐related quality of life, when tested in Chilean older adults.
Feasibility of Shortening 14‐day Hybrid Therapy While Maintaining an Excellent Helicobacter pylori Eradication Rate
Authors: Wu Jeng‐Yih , Hsu Ping‐I , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Graham David Y. , Wang Wen‐Ming
Published: March 2014

Background

The need for new effective Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy has focused efforts on the development and optimization of regimens with excellent eradication rates such as 14‐day hybrid therapy. This study evaluated whether the duration of hybrid therapy could be reduced while maintaining a high eradication rate and to examine the effect of antibiotic resistance on outcome.

Materials and Methods

Three separate multicenter pilot studies were carried out concurrently. To reduce selection bias, eligible subjects were randomized to 10‐day, 12‐day, or 14‐day hybrid therapy consisting of esomeprazole 40 mg and amoxicillin 1 gm twice daily for 10, 12, or 14 days plus clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for the final 7 days. The primary outcome was H. pylori eradication per‐protocol assessed at least 8 weeks after therapy.

Results

A total of 220 subjects were entered. The per‐protocol analyses contained 60, 61, 61 subjects in the 10‐, 12‐ and 14‐day therapy studies, respectively. The eradication rates, per‐protocol, were similar: 95% (95% confidence interval (CI); 89.5–100%) for 10‐day, 95.1% (95% CI; 89.7–100%) for 12‐day, and 93.4% (95% CI; 87.2–99.7%) for 14‐day hybrid therapies. Antibiotic resistance was infrequent; however, all metronidazole or clarithromycin resistances were cured with 12‐ and 14‐day therapies.

Conclusion

These results suggest that in regions of moderate to low clarithromycin and/or metronidazole resistance it may be feasible to shorten hybrid therapy to 10 or 12 days. Further study is needed to compare hybrid and concomitant therapy in regions with moderate‐to‐high clarithromycin and/or metronidazole resistance.
Helicobacter pylori Recurrence after First‐ and Second‐Line Eradication Therapy in Korea: The Problem of Recrudescence or Reinfection
Authors: Kim Seung Young , Hyun Jong Jin , Jung Sung Woo , Koo Ja Seol , Yim Hyung Joon , Lee Sang Woo
Published: March 2014

Background

Recurrence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the result of either recrudescence or reinfection. Annual recurrence rates per patient‐year of follow‐up have been reported to vary across countries. The aim of this study was to analyze recurrence rates of H. pylori after first‐line and second‐line eradication therapies in Korea.

Materials and Methods

From 2007 to 2010, 2691 patients with H. pylori infection received first‐line therapy and 573 patients who failed to respond to first‐line therapy received second‐line therapy. H. pylori infection and the success of eradication were assessed by endoscopic biopsy and rapid urease test or 13C‐urea breath test. All patients were advised to undergo 13C‐urea breath test or esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy or rapid urease test 6 months after eradication, with annual follow‐up thereafter.

Results

The eradication rate of the first‐line therapy was 79.9% (1283/1605) and that of the second‐line therapy was 90.4% (394/436) by per protocol analysis. Annual recurrence rates sharply declined after 2‐year follow‐up. Annual recurrence rates within and after 2‐year follow‐up were 9.3 and 2.0% after first‐line therapy and those of second‐line therapy were 4.5 and 2.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Annual recurrence rates of H. pylori showed a sharp decline after 2‐year follow‐up after eradication in Korean adults, which is not higher than that of Western countries. Enough time interval after treatment (i.e., 2 years) is necessary to confirm eradication, and it would not be easy to distinguish between recurrence and recrudescence before 2 years without identifying H. pylori strains.
Acculturation and adaptation of first‐ and second‐generation South Asians in Hong Kong
Authors: Tonsing Kareen N.
Published: March 2014

This study investigates the experiences of psychological and sociocultural adaptation among 404 first‐ and second‐generation South Asian immigrants in Hong Kong. Results indicate that for first‐generation immigrants, lack of host language fluency, fewer contacts and friendships with host members, the strategy of marginalisation, and perceived discrimination are all related to higher psychological distress, lower self‐esteem and less competence in sociocultural adaptation. For second‐generation individuals, although they reported higher knowledge of the host language and higher preferences the for assimilation strategy, the levels of psychological distress were higher compared with the first‐generation group. An interesting finding of this study is the preference for the marginalisation strategy as opposed to the assimilation and/or separation strategy. The findings of this study highlight the importance of considering the unique experiences of the second generation in order to further our understanding of immigration and acculturation processes.
How gender influences the effect of age on self‐efficacy and training success
Authors: Bausch Sonja , Michel Alexandra , Sonntag Karlheinz
Published: March 2014

Previous research has shown age and gender differences in training, but the results have been mixed and their combined influence is only rarely examined. We fill those gaps by analysing age and gender effects on self‐efficacy and training success. Study participants were trainees in an e‐learning time‐ and self‐management behaviour modelling training programme. We measured self‐efficacy before and after training and time‐ and self‐management behaviour before and 6 weeks after training. We expected the differences between pre‐ and post‐test results to indicate self‐efficacy development and we expected differences between pre‐ and follow‐up tests to indicate training success. A hierarchical regression analysis showed that age and gender interacted in both self‐efficacy development and training success. A structural equation model confirmed that men and women showed different relationships among age, self‐efficacy and training success. Older women showed more positive development compared with older men. We conclude that age and gender should both be considered in future design and training evaluations.
Students' Perception of Case‐Based Continuous Assessment and Multiple‐Choice Assessment in a Small Animal Surgery Course for Veterinary Medical Students
Authors: Sample Susannah J. , Bleedorn Jason A. , Schaefer Susan L. , Mikla Amy , Olsen Christopher W. , Muir Peter
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine the relationship between students' perceptions of 2 assessment methods and academic performance.

Study Design

A 2‐year prospective survey study in a 4‐year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum.

Sample Population

Year 3 DVM students (n = 44).

Methods

An assessment of learning gain questionnaire was used to investigate students' perceptions regarding multiple‐choice examination (MCE) versus take‐home case‐based continuous assessment (CA) in a 3rd year small animal surgery lecture course. Academic performance and student assessment of learning gain in the 2 course components were compared. Relationships between student perceptions and academic performance were examined. A follow‐up survey was conducted during clinical rotations in 4th year to determine change in student perceptions over time.

Results

Academic performance in 3rd year was significantly enhanced by use of CA, particularly for students with weaker grades. Academic performance in 4th year clinical rotations was not closely related to 3rd year performance. Many students preferred an instructional approach with provision of comprehensive notes and assessment with multiple‐choice questions based on the notes. However, students recognized that feedback on work submitted for CA grading significantly facilitated learning. Student assessment of learning gain was correlated with academic performance in the 3rd year course component examined by CA, but not the component assessed using MCE.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that perceptions of learning gain, academic accomplishment, and clinical performance in 4th year are weakly correlated. Teachers should better explain to veterinary students that learning to be a clinician is more than replication of knowledge.
Investigation of Incidence and Risk Factors for Surgical Glove Perforation in Small Animal Surgery
Authors: Hayes Galina M. , Reynolds Deborah , Moens Noel M.M. , Singh Ameet , Oblak Michelle , Gibson Thomas W.G. , Brisson Brigitte A. , Nazarali Alim , Dewey Cate
Published: March 2014

Objective

To identify incidence and risk factors for surgical glove perforation in small animal surgery.

Study Design

Observational cohort study.

Sample Population

Surgical gloves (n = 2132) worn in 363 surgical procedures.

Methods

All gloves worn by operative personnel were assessed for perforation at end‐procedure using a water leak test. Putative risk factors were recorded by a surgical team member. Associations between risk factors and perforation were assessed using multivariable multi‐level random‐effects logistic regression models to control for hierarchical data structure.

Results

At least 1 glove perforation occurred in 26.2% of procedures. Identified risk factors for glove perforation included increased surgical duration (surgery >1 hour OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.12–2.86), performing orthopedic procedures (OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.23–2.88), any procedure using powered instruments (OR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.21–3.09) or surgical wire (OR = 3.02; 95% CI = 1.50–6.05), use of polyisoprene as a glove material (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.05–2.39), and operative role as primary surgeon (OR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.35–2.98). The ability of the wearer to detect perforations intraoperatively was poor, with a sensitivity of 30.8%.

Conclusions

There is a high incidence of unrecognized glove perforations in small animal surgery.